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HAGA LEUGOBRONGHIALIS, ‘Brewsrer
ADULT MALE
THE
NATURALIST’S GUIDE
IN COLLECTING AND PRESERVING
OBJECTS OF NATURAL HISTORY,
WITH
A COMPLETE CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS
OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 2):
\p n\ | ; Cc.
By C. J. MAYNARD.
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY E, L. WEEKS.
SR AMASONT? —
JUL 22 1987
LIZRARIES
REVISED EDITION.
8. E. CASSINO,
NATURALISTS’ AGENCY, SALEM, MASS.
1877.
Entered according to Act of Congress, In the year 1870, by
FIELDS, OSGOOD, & CO.,
in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
Coryricut, 8S. E. CASSINO, 1877.
INTRODUCTION.
Tue great need of a good illustrated work to guide
young naturalists in collecting and preserving objects of
natural history has induced me to prepare the present
Manual. In this attempt I hope I have been in some
degree successful. I have spared no pains to bring to-
gether, in a comprehensive form, the results of many years
of experience in collecting and preserving objects of natu-
ral history, both for private cabinets and for scientific
museums.
No popular work of this kind has before been published
in America. Throughout the present work I have endeav-
ored to encourage the young to engage in the ennobling
study of Natural History, and to join the band of young
naturalists so rapidly increasing in our land.
I trust the reader will not by any means keep the teach-
ings of this book secret, as some taxidermists are wont to
counsel, but spread it broadcast among those who would
profit by the information I have herein attempted to con-
vey. It is intended for the Narurauist, whoever and
wherever he may be; and as it comes from a colaborer in
the common field, it will, perhaps, be well received.
iv INTRODUCTION.
All of Part First is original. In preparing objects of
natural history I have in a great degree invented methods
of my own, and have not given in this work a single
one that I have not tested and proved equal to all oth-
ers, if not superior. To avoid confusion, I have given
only the method which experience has taught me to be
the best.
In this connection my thanks are due to Mr. E. L.
Weeks, whose excellent illustrations will be found to add
greatly to the value of the work.
In Part. Second I have thought proper to add a cata-
logue of the birds of Eastern Massachusetts, with notes,
as tending to enable the collector to obtain the’ rarer spe-
cies more readily, by specifying the localities and peculiar
haunts in which they have been found by others. The
critical notes may, perhaps, be perused with interest by
the more experienced ornithologist.
CONTENTS.
—
PART: I.
CHARI Reg Le
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING BIRDS,
Scr. Pac
I. How To couLect ; J 5 : “ s . = AaB:
Il. How To PREPARE SPECIMENS.— INSTRUMENTS, MATERIALS, ETC. 10
III. MEASURING, SKINNING, AND PRESERVING BiRDS . . - 18
MEASURING . - é ° 5 7 6 . 18
SKINNING . - ; S . : 6 . ° e « 22
DETERMINING THE SEX - > = . . ° ‘ 27
CONTENTS OF STOMACH, ETC. ° 4 . . e a ok
EXCEPTIONS TO THE USUAL METHOD OF SKINNING ° 81
TABLE OF MEASUREMENTS . 5 : e e e « 32
IV. Mountinc SpecimMENS . : ‘ . . - ; ‘ 84
MountTInG FRESH Brrps 5 7 . e e ° . 384
MountTING DRIED SKINS . 6 E é < 5 e 40
Mounrine BirDs witH THE WINGS EXTENDED . e e 41
CHAPTER If.
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING MAMMALS,
Srcr.
Ph COLLECTING +8 ttn aE on gated Mio chiar en lk Oc eS | eS
II. Mrasurinc MAMMALS . A ; - é “ é - 45
SKINNING . : F ; A : 5 - 5 A . 46
METHOD OF PREPARING A BooK FOR MEASURING MAMMALS 47
TABLE OF MEASUREMENTS . C 3 A - is Gey
II. Mounting Mammats . ; . Sue be . s 50
CHARI Ry hr:
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS FOR THE CABINET,
BEETLES, OR COLEOPTERA . é 5 - : . . ° - 55
Bucs, oR HEMIPTERA “ - : “ : . ° . 57
GRASSHOPPERS, CRICKETS, ETC., OR ORTHOPTERA+ + © « 58
~ oe CONTENTS.
Motus AND BUTTERFLIES, OR LEPIDOPTERA «. ¢ . .
DRAGON-FLIES, ETC., OR NEUROPTERA . . . . ° .
BrErEs, WAspPs, ETC., OR HYMENOPTERA ° . ° . .
Furies, MosquiroEs, ETC., OR DIPTERA 2 e See ae tc
CHAP THR LV
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES AND REPTILES.
Scr.
I. FisHEs . : - . 5 e e e . e . e
If. RepriLes . : - - - 5 ° ° ° e e
CHAPTER V.
MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS.
Secr.
I. CRUSTACEA . - A é ° ° ° e . e .
CoLLEcTING MoLuusks . é A ° e ° ° °
PRESERVING SHELLS . 4 : : A ° ° A
Worms, ANIMAL PARASITES, JELLY-FISHES . ° °
Corats, SEA-ANEMONES, Hyproips AND Bryozoa, STAR-
FisHEs, SEA-Urcuins, HoLoruuriAs, oR SEA-CUCUMBERS,
SPONGES AND SEA-WEEDS : : e ° . 4 °
I. PreparinG SKELETONS . 5 : 5 - A ° >
Mount1InG SKELETONS = * ° . e ° . °
CHAPTER VI.
CoLLECTING AND PRESERVING EGGs < : e 5 5
MeEtTHop OF PREPARING A Book FOR RECORDING THE MEASURE-
MENTS OF EaGGs ° 5 - ° ° ° e ° °
PART ad.
CATALOGUE OF THE BrirDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS . :
INTRODUCTION ° ° 3 - ‘ e > ° A
APPENDIX . The bee . . . . at ise . .
INDEX . . . . . ° . . e . . .
58
60
61
61
63
64
76
78
LIST AND EXPLANATION OF PLATES,
Frontisrrece. Centronyx SBairdii, Baird. —Baird’s Sparrow,
taken at Ipswich, Mass.
Puate I.* Instruments used in preparing birds, ete., and for
blowing eggs. F%g.1, Common Pliers; /%g. 2, Cutting Pliers ; Fig.
8, Tweezers; Fig. 4, Scalpel; Figs. 5 and 6, Egg-drills; Fig. 7,
Blow-pipe; Fig. 8, Hook for removing embryos from eggs.
Pirate II. — Wines, showing the positions of the different feathers,
as follows : —
Fig. 1. Wing of a Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis, Vieill.).—
a indicates the primaries, or quills; b, secondaries; c, tertiaries;
d, scapularies ; g, greater wing-coverts ; f, lesser wing-coverts ; e, spuri-
ous wing, or quills.
Fig. 2. Wing of a Coot, or Mud Hen (Fulica Americana, Gmelin). —
a indicates the primaries, or quills; b, secondaries; c¢, tertiaries ;
d, scapularies; e, spurious wing, or quills.
The tertiaries and scapularies are elongated in most of the aquatic
birds, and in some of the Waders. They are always prominent, if not
elongated, on long-winged birds, such as the Eagles, Hawks, Owls,
Vultures, etc. ; while they are only rudimentary on short-winged birds,
such as the Thrushes, Warblers, Sparrows, etc.
Pruate III. Heap or tue Batp Eactre (Halictus leucocephalus,
Savigny), showing the different parts, as follows: —a, the throat;
b, chin; c, commissure, or the folding edges of the mandibles; d,
under mandible; s, gonys; p, gape; g, upper mandible; h, culmen;
i, tip; j, base of bill; k, cere (naked skin at the base of the upper
mandible, prominent in the rapacious birds); 1, frontal feathers;
m, lores; n, crown; 0, occiput.
* Plates I., IV., V., VI., VIII., IX., X., and the frontispiece will be more fully
explained hereafter.
Viil LIST OF PLATES.
The irides are the colored circles that surround the pupil. The
color of these decides the so-called “color of the eye.”
Prate IV. ILLtusTRATES PREPARING Sxrns.— Figs. 1 and 2.
Corrugated board, used in drying skins; d, skin on the board, in the
proper position. /%g.3. A “skin” prepared for scientific use; gf, la-
bel, on which is marked the number and sex.
Pirate V. Dissectep Sone Sparrow (Melospiza melodia, Baird),
illustrating the sexes in the breeding season, as follows : — Fig. 1. An
adult female (9); 1,1, peculiar yellow glands; 2, ovary; 3, oviduct ;
4,lungs. F%g. 2. An adult male ( @); 1, lungs; 2, peculiar yellow
glands; 3, 3, testicles.
Prats VI. Dissectep Sone Sparrow, illustrating the sexes
of the young-of-the-year, in autumn, as follows :— Fig. 1. A young
male ( #); 1, lungs; 2, 2, yellow glands; 3, 3, testicles. Fig. 2. A
young female (Q); 1, 1, yellow glands; 2, ovary; 3, lungs; 4, ovi-
duct.
Pirate VII. Ovtiine or Grouse, showing the position of the
different parts, as follows:—a, the back; b, rump; ¢, upper tail-
coverts; d, under tail-coverts ; e, vent; f, tibia; g, tarsi; h, breast;
i, side; j, neck; k, hind neck; 1, abdomen ; m, feet ; n, throat.
Prate VIII. In_tusrrates MouNTING Birps. — Figs. 1,2. Arti-
ficial body ; a, bone of leg; b, wire bent; ¢, wire clenched; f, h, tail
wire. vg. 3. Mounted bird; a, perpendicular line, showing the
position of the head compared with the feet and base of the stand ;
b, b, wires for retaining the upper part of the wing in position ; ¢, ¢.
wires for retaining the lower part of the wing in position; e, e, wires
for the tail; d, showing the tail-feathers plaited; f, stand. Fig. 4
Stand for mounting birds with the wings extended ; b, b, parallel
wires ; ¢, wires bent; a, block of wood for the bottom of the stand,
Fig. 5. Head of Cedar-Bird, to illustrate the elevating of the crest;
g, cotton on the pin; b, feathers of the crest in position on the cotton.
Pratre IX. Iniustrates mounting MamMats.— Fig. 1. A,
plank for supporting iron rods; 8, iron rod for supporting head; 14,
cap, nut, and screw for fastening the end of the rod in the skull;
7,7, 7,7, iron rods to support the body ; 5, 6, 5, 6, caps, ete. for fastening
the upper ends of the rods to the plank; 17, 17, 17, 17, caps, ete. for
fastening the lower part of the rods to the stand (10); 15, wire for
supporting the tail; 16, 16,16, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16, artificial sections of
LIST. OF PLATES. 1x
hemp, grass, or plaster used as a substitute for the natural body.
Fig. 2. A, nut; B, cap; C, thread.
Prate X. SKELETON OF A GROUSE, OR PRAIRIE HEN (Cupi-
donia cupido, Baird), showing the different bones, as follows :—
a, the skull; b, vertebra of the neck; c, humerus; d, forearm; f, pha-
langes ; g, furcula; h, sternum; i, marginal indentations; J, thigh;
k, tarsus; y, tibia; m, rump; n, coccygus; A, ribs; B, lower joint of
thigh.
vile % Xt BPE ‘ett ne
J ee ae Bay eb ay
=) ia ‘af bie yea wt
af i : . )
4
3
a :
Locality.| Age. |Sex.| Date. |No. fee| g < Remarks.
a Ss 3 s Cs
4 o > w |
3 E=| a ‘3 s
Sales Sy |i [eter || ee 6
: > 2 na ° =) 3S tp ve) — Ss an | ne)
a fay lee 8 3 eal el | ael/eilsails| & lle
A a H
ala|o|] we Sr aerate | rey etal rey oat ee retell acon ern =
|
|
|
|
1868.
Ipswich |Adult | @ | Aug. 22) 58 | 1.50 | 2.95 | 2.30} 18.00 | 15.00 | 4.98 | 6.00 | 3.10 | 2.10 | .78 | .85}.20; — |—}|—} Light colored.
s os g 20 | 55 | 1.57 | 2.80 | 3.45 | 15.50 | 20.15 | 4.50 | 6.75 | 2.80 | 1.85 | .92].75|—|14.50;—j;—| “ a
13 | 48 | 1.82 | 2.94 | 3.45 | 15.25 | 19.50 | 5.45 | 7.60 | 2.95 | 2.05 | .70 | .65 |.15| 9.75 | —|—| Top of head black.
* This measurement is taken after the animal is skinned; the width of skull is measured on the widest part, the length on the lon-
gest part.
48 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
down towards the head, until the forelegs appear; sever
these at the knee-joint, and clean the bone as before. Draw
the skin over the head, cutting off the ears close to the
skull. Use caution in cutting the skin from the eyelids
and in severing the lips frorn the skull, so as not to in-
jure their outward appearance. The skull is to be detached
entirely. Cover the inside of the skin well with arsenic,
and, if large, rub it in well with the hand; but be sure
that every part is poisoned.
If there is any blood upon the hair, after the skin is
turned into its former position, if it is dry, remove it with
the stiff brush; if wet or very bloody, wash and dry with
plaster, as explained in birds.
Wind the leg-bones with sufficient hemp or cotton to
supply the place of the muscles; then fill out the head,
neck, and the rest of the body to their natural size. Sew
up the orifice through which the body was removed neatly
over and over, drawing the edges of the skin together
nicely.
Label the skin by sewing a bit of card-board upon one
of the feet, or, if the animal is large, upon the ear, with
the number of the specimen and the sex marked upon it.
Clean the skull as much as possible with the scalpel ; if
it is a large animal, the brains may be removed through
the orifice where the spinal cord enters the skull. If this
opening is not large enough to remove them, they should
be left in. Roll the skull in arsenic, then label it with a
number corresponding to the one upon the skin, and lay
it by for future cleaning. The arsenic prevents insects
from attacking it.
Place the skin, if a small one, upon its side, with the
legs bent neatly ; if a large one, upon its breast, with the
Jegs stretched out on each side, the forelegs pointing for-
ward, the hind ones backward. This is what is technically
called a “ mammal’s skin.”
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING MAMMALS. 49
Very large animals, such as Deer or Bears, should not
be filled out in this way, but placed flat. In skinning large
animals, make an incision in the form of a double cross,
by making a longitudinal cut between the hind legs, from
the root of the tail to the breast, between the forelegs ;
then a transverse cut from the knee of the foreleg down
the inside of the leg to the opposite knee. The same
operation is repeated upon the hind legs. Then proceed
as before, only, when the skin has been removed from the
flanks, the animal must be suspended to facilitate the re-
moval of the rest.
In skinning a mammal with horns, make a longitudinal
incision from the back of the neck to the occiput, or back
of the head ; then make a transverse cut across the head,
commencing about four inches beyond the right horn, and
ending about four inches. to the left of the left horn, the
cut passing close to the base of the horns, thus forming a
T. Remove the skin from the body as far as the neck,
which is cut at its junction with the body. The skull, horns,
and neck are drawn through the above-mentioned orifice.
In skinning large animals, it is well to take the diameter
of the eye before it is removed, so that an artificial one
may be inserted of the same size,-if the animal is to be
mounted, as the eyelids shrink very much while drying.
All mammals should be skinned as soon as possible after
they are killed, especially small ones, as in a few hours
decomposition will commence ; then the hair will come out.
While skinning the legs of ruminants, such as Deer, .
Sheep, ete., it will be found that the skin cannot be drawn
over the knee-joint ; then cut longitudinally through the
skin below the knee, and after severing the bone at the
hoof and knee, remove it through this incision. The in-
cision should be about one fourth the length of the dis-
tance from the knee to the hoof.
Bats are to be skinned in the ordinary manner, remoy-
3 D
50 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
ing the skin even to the tip of the phalanges of the wings;
then tie the wing-hones together, as explained in birds.
Place the bat upon a flat board to dry, and pin its wings
in the proper position for flight. When dry, stitch it upon
a piece of card-board.
While skinning mammals, it is sometimes necessary to
use plaster to absorb the blood and other juices that are
apt to flow ; but if care is taken not to cut the inner skin
over the abdomen it will not be needed. It is also some-
times necessary to plug the mouth and nostrils, especially
if blood flows from them.
Srction III. Mounting Mammals. — The art of mount-
ing mammals in lifelike attitudes can only be acquired by.
experience. Hence the learner must practise the utmost
degree of patience and perseverance. As in the first
chapter I earnestly advised those who would be perfect to
study nature, I would here repeat that advice. And if
necessary while endeavoring to mount a bird, where the
feathers cover the minor defects, it is essentially much
more of a necessity to study nature carefully while striv-
ing to imitate the graceful attitudes and delicately formed
limbs of the smaller species of mammalia, or the full
rounded muscles and imposing attitudes of the larger
ones ; for in mammals the thin coat of hair will tend rather
to expose than hide the most minute imperfections.
Perfectly stuffed specimens can only be obtained by care-
ful measurements of all the parts, such as the size of the
legs, body, ete.
In skinning mammals to mount, it is best not to remove
the skull. Open it on the occipital bone, so as to remove
the brains ; clean well; cover with arsenic; then supply
the muscles removed, by using hemp wound tightly on
with thread. As the skin will shrink badly if it is stuffed
loosely, carefully fill out the space occupied by the mus-
cles of the legs in the same manner. Cut wires for the
THE WAY TO MOUNT MAMMALS. 51
feet, head, and tail, sharpen them on one end as directed
in mounting birds ; now roll up grass until it is not quite
as large round as the body, and about one third as long.
Fill the fore part of the skin with bran or cut hemp as far
back as the shoulders, and place the ball of grass against
this filling, inside the skin. Now force the wires through
the soles of the feet and top of the head into this ball;
clinch them firmly. After filling the skin of the tail with
bran, force the wire through the grass ball to the very end ;
then clinch the opposite end in the ball by cutting off the
part that protrudes and turning it in.
Fill the remaining parts of the skin with bran to the
natural size, and sew up the orifice carefully ; place the
animal in the proper position by passing the protruding
wires of the feet through holes in a board, clinching them
firmly on the under side. The skin may now be moulded
into shape with the hands, the hair carefully smoothed,
the eyes set in the head with putty, the protruding wires
cut off, and the specimen set away to dry. There are
but few rules to be followed in placing animals in posi-
tion, because they are almost infinite in variety. The most
imperative rule applies to the positions of the legs, which
are almost always the same ; and it should be studied with
particular care, as a slight deviation from it will impair
the lifelike attitude of the specimen. The rule is: Never
place the bones of the -first joint (Plate IX. No. 1) and
those of the second joint (2) of the hind legs in a straight
line, but always at an dangle, more or less ; while the two
bones of the forelegs (3, 4) should almost always be placed
in a straight line, — always when the animal is standing
upon them.
In imitating that peculiarly graceful attitude assumed
by the squirrels while sitting upon their hind legs feeding,
after imitating the curve of the back, — which not one in
a hundred can do naturally, — place the joints of the hind
52 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
legs so far up, and at such an acute angle, and the joints
of the forelegs down at such an angle, that the two will
almost touch. This rule should always be followed.
The preceding method may be applied when mounting
all animals below the size of a Newfoundland dog. Larger
animals are mounted in the following manner: Fill out
the space occupied by the muscles of the head and legs
in the manner already described. Procure five iron rods,
with a shoulder cut at each end, upon which fit a cap
(Plate IX. Fig. 2, B); on the extreme end have a thread
cut with a nut to fit (A), — the distance between the nut
and cap should be about an inch and a half. Cut a piece
of plank, an inch and a half thick, about two thirds as _ .
long and wide as the body of the mammal to be mounted ;
bore five holes in it, as indicated in Fig. 1, A. Fasten
one rod (8) firmly to the skull by drilling a hole through
the top and placing the cap in the proper position. Screw
the nut on well (14), and place the lower end of the rod in
the hole in the plank prepared for it (11) ; fasten it firmly.
Now stuff the neck out with hemp to the proper size. Drill
a hole through the hoofs, or bottom of the feet, into the
hollow of the bones (2, 4); force the rod (7, 7, 7, 7) up
through this hole, through the stuffing of the legs, and
fasten them into the plank (5, 6). Force a wire into the
tail and clinch it firmly in the wood (15). By winding up
grass or hemp, imitate the various sections of the body
taken out, and place them in the proper positions (16),
making allowance for the plank and rods. Or a better
way is to take casts in plaster of the different parts and
place them in the proper position.
Everything must be solid, to avoid sinkings and depres-
sions in the skin. In this way the student can mount
an animal of any size by increasing the size of the rods and
plank. The ends of the rods must be fastened into a
plank ‘stand (10) by passing them through holes drilled
in it (17, 17, 17, 17).
THE WAY TO MOUNT MAMMALS.
Plate IX.
53
54 _ THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
To mount a dried skin, first soak it in alum-water until
it is perfectly pliable, and then mount as before. The
water should not be too strongly impregnated with alum,
or it will crystallize upon the hair. About a quarter of a
\pound of alum to a gallon of water are the proper propor-
tions. Ifthe skull has been detached, replace it, or make
an artificial one of grass or plaster to take its place. Mam-
mals that have been preserved in alcohol may be skinned
in the usual manner and mounted.
To skin mammals for the fur alone, cut in a straight line
from the inside of the knee of one hind leg to the other.
Skin as before explained, only cut off the feet and detach
the skull. Stretch smoothly on a thin board, with the .
wrong side out. The skin should be lengthened rather than
widened.
————
CUMAP TER: TF.
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS FOR THE CABINET.
Tus interesting class of animals has for a long time
engaged the attention of students, yet it is surprising how
comparatively little has been written about those of Amer-
ica. The almost infinite number of species still affords
the young naturalist a wide field for careful investigation.
In collecting insects, the instruments used are: An msect-
net, made of fine muslin or of silk gauze, and stretched
upon a light steel wire frame, with a light handle, about
four feet long, attached ; several wide-mouthed bottles and
phials filled with strong alcohol; insect-pins of the best
quality, which can be procured at natural-history stores ;
tweezers smaller than those used for birds (Plate I. Fig. 3);
also, a small pair of pliers (Fig. 1) ; several soft-pine boards
about twelve by twenty-four inches, planed perfectly smooth,
will also be needed.
Boxes or drawers are necessary for the reception of the
dried specimens, lined with thick felting or cork to receive
the point of the pin that holds the insect and keeps it
upright. An excellent box lined with paper is sometimes
used to advantage, a description of which may be found in
the “American Naturalist,” Vol. I. p. 156.
I hardly need state that a good microscope is indispensa-
ble in prosecuting the study of insects, although it may be
commenced without one. I shall take each order of insects
“separately, and endeavor to explain how they are collected
and preserved, commencing with the
Beetles, or Coleoptera.—The best way to preserve bee-
tles temporarily is by putting them instantly into strong
56 THE NATURALISI’S GUIDE.
alcohol; and as the collector will meet with specimens
everywhere, he should never be without a phial ready for
instant use. During spring and early summer thousands
of minute species may be captured in the air with the
net, especially just at night. During summer and autumn
a great many nocturnal species may be captured near a
light placed at an open window, or in the open air. Vari-
ous species may be found feeding upon plants during the
summer and autumn. A great many of the so-called car-
rion-beetles may be taken, during the same seasons, by ex-
posing the carcass of an animal. Some species inhabit
decayed wood, where diligent search should be made for
them, especially in the woods, under old stumps or in them.
Numbers of very beautiful beetles may be found in the
excrements of animals, and under them, also under stones
and logs of wood ; they are found beneath the bark of trees
and on sandy places, or in dusty roads. There are also a
few aquatic species to be found in the water or near it.
To mount large beetles, force the pin through the right
wing-covert near the thorax, and place the point in the
cork, with the beetle’s feet resting on it; place the feet
in the attitude of life, with the antenne in the proper
position, with a pin on each side of them to keep them
in place until dry. If the wings are to be extended,
place the beetle on the pin as described; then, with an
awl, bore a hole in the pine board ; lay the insect upon —
its back, with the head of the pin in the hole ; now open
the wing-coverts, and spread the wings; over the latter
lay a piece of card-board, and fasten it by placing pins
through it into the wood on each side. The wing-cov-
erts should not be fastened with a card, as it will flatten
them. When dry, remove the card, and the wings will
retain their position, when the beetle can be put in the
proper position in the insect-box.
Smaller beetles, less than an eighth of an inch long,
BUGS, OR HEMIPTERA. 57
should be fastened to a piece of mica or to a round bit of
card-board with a little gum-arabic, and the pin placed
through the mica or card, or they may be transfixed with
very fine silver wire; this wire must then be inserted in
a bit of cork, through which the common insect-pin is
placed.
Beetles that are collected in remote countries should
always be transported in alcohol. When they are to re-
main long in alcohol it should be changed once, then
they will keep for years uninjured. After they have been
in alcohol for two or three weeks there is no need of its
covering them, as a little in the bottom of the bottle will
keep them sufficiently moist; but they should never be
allowed to dry.
Beetles may be preserved in a weak solution of carbolic
acid as readily as in alcohol. This has the additional ad-
vantage of preserving the specimens that have been im-
mersed in it from the ravages of noxious insects for some
time. Glycerine can be used to advantage in preserving
beetles that have delicate colors which fade in alcohol ;
but they cannot be pinned without cleansing.
Bugs, or Hemiptera, may be found generally upon plants.
The common thistle (Cirs’um lanceolatum) furnishes a pas-
ture for several species. Numerous representatives of this
order may be found on low bushes, and in the grass during
summer and autumn. At least one species may be found
in cheap boarding-houses during the midnight hours. The
almost endless variety of Plant Lice come under this head,
and may be taken everywhere on plants during summer
and autumn.
These insects, like the beetle, are first immersed in
alcohol, and afterwards placed upon pins, with the legs
arranged in natural positions, and the peculiar sucking-
tube, with which they are all provided, brought well for-
ward so as to be more easily examined. The numerous
3%
58 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
aquatic species may be secured with a net ; they should
be carefully handled, however, to avoid the sharp sting, or
piercer, with which some of them are armed.
Grasshoppers, Crickets, ete., or Orthoptera. — Members of
this order may be found everywhere, — the grasshoppers in
the open fields and woods, where they may be caught in
nets. The best way to kill them is to prick them on the
under side of the thorax with the point of a quill that
has been dipped in a solution of oxalic acid. If they
are not to be mounted instantly, wrap them in paper.
Crickets may be found in the ground in holes or burrows,
under stones, and in the grass; a few species may be taken
on the leaves of trees or bushes ; some species of the well-
known Cockroach may be found in houses, and some under
stones and beneath the bark of trees.
All of the above may be mounted by placing the pin
through the thorax, and arranging the legs as before de-
scribed. The wings are also extended in the same man-
ner as the beetles’, with the exception of the wing-coverts,
which are fastened with cards like the wings.
Walking-Sticks are found on low bushes or on trees, some-
times upon the ground. They are to be put into alcohol
to kill them, then mounted like the beetles. These in-
sects, when dry, require delicate manipulation while being
moved, as they are very fragile. When the colors of the
Orthoptera are to be preserved perfectly, place them in
pure glycerine. This is especially necessary in preserving
the larvee of grasshoppers. Grasshoppers may be put into
alcohol if convenient, but it must be very strong. This
method will generally change the colors completely. Cock-
roaches and crickets should always be killed by placing
them in strong alcohol.
Moths and Butterflies, or Lepidoptera. — All butterflies
are diurnal, and are generally caught with the net. They
may be killed by pinching the body just below the wings,
MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES, OR LEPIDOPTERA. 59
or by pricking between the forelegs with the quill and
oxalic acid used in killing grasshoppers. If they are
not to be mounted instantly, they should be packed in
pieces of paper doubled in a triangular shape, with the
edges folded. Butterflies may be reared from the egg by
capturing the impregnated female and confining her in a
box pierced with holes to allow fresh air to enter. In
this box she will deposit her eggs; these are allowed to
hatch, and the larvee fed upon the leaves that they natu-
rally subsist upon. When sufficient time has expired they
will cease to feed, and form a pupa or chrysalis, and either
in a few weeks or the ensuing year come forth perfect
insects, when they should be instantly killed. In this man-
ner the collector will be able to secure fine specimens.
Although some few of the moths are diurnal in their
habits, the greater part are strictly nocturnal. me
(
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 143
RECURVIROSTRIDA, — Tue Avosets AND STILTS.
The American Avoset (Recurvirostra Americana, Gr.)
may perhaps occur; no well-authenticated instance of its
capture in the State is on record.
203. Himantopus nigricollis, Viemu.—Blach-necked
Stilt, “Lawyer.” Occasionally seen along the sandy beaches.
Of this fact I am assured by gunners and others, who
have noticed it on account of its peculiarities, and ironi-
cally named it “ Humility.”
“ARDEIDE, — Tae Herons.
204. Ardea herodias, Linn. — Great Blue Heron,
“Crane.” Common summer resident. Probably breeds.
205. Herodias egretta, Gray. — Great White Hgret.
Accidental. Two specimens in. the Museum of Compara-
tive Zodlogy, taken at or near Hudson, by Mr. 8. Jillson,
in the autumn of 1867; one or two other instances on
record of its capture in this section.
A magnificent mature specimen is in the fine collection
of Mr.-N. Vickery, which was shot at Lynn, near the rail-
road station.
206. Garzetta candidissima, Bon. — Snowy Heron,
or Little White Egret. Bae aiden" Have seen
one that was killed near Boston in 1862.”* One other
instance of its capture is on record. This and the preced-
ing are stragglers from the south.
207. Florida czerulea, Bairp. — Lzttle Blue Heron.
Rare summer visitor. I have met with it but twice in
this section. A few other instances of its capture are on
record.
* J, A. Allen, “ Proceedings of the Essex Institute,” LY 1864. p. 86.
144 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
208. Ardetta exilis, Gray. — Least Bittern. Very
rare in summer. Mr. William Brewster has a specimen in
his cabinet, taken on the Fresh Pond marshes in Belmont,
: i AAAS
August 11, 1868. Ar Ogee.
209. Botaurus lentiginosus, Srepa. — Bittern,
“Meadow Hen,” “ Indian Hen,” ‘ Dunkadoo.” Common
summer resident. Breeds, nesting in inaccessible places
in swamps and fresh marshes. Arrives early in April;
leaves in October. This species is rare on the sea-shore.
210. Butorides virescens, Bon. — ‘Green Heron,”
‘“‘Mud-Hen,” ‘ Poke,” ‘ Chalk-line.” Common summer
resident. Breeds, nesting in thickets and thick woods,
but more commonly on the sea-shore than in the interior.
211. Nyctiardea Gardenii, Bairp.— Night Heron,
** Qua-Bird,” “ Squak,” ‘ Gobly-gossit.” Common summer
resident, breeding abundantly in communities, both on
the coast and in the interior. The young, when able to
fly, congregate on the sea-shore. Although nocturnal in
habit, it sees well by day. Arrives early in April; leaves
in October.
As substantiating the hypothesis concerning the luminous-
ness of the peculiar spot on the breast of this Heron, I give
the following, as related to me by Mrs. H. B. Farley, of
Ipswich. I may state that Mrs. Farley, until after she had
related the story, had no knowledge of any particular in-
terest being attached to the fact she had discovered ; for
this reason she was an unbiased observer, which gives the
discovery additional importance.
“Three or four years ago I was sitting on the banks of
Ipswich River, just at twilight, waiting for my brother to
come for me in a boat to convey me home. I was keeping
very quiet, when I saw a Heron alight within a few feet
of me, on the edge of the water. He was joined by others,
until there were about a dozen, then I observed that every
one of them had a luminous spot on its breast. This
wey
Ae
>
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 145
spot was not very bright, but, as it was quite dark by
this time, plainly perceptible. They presented a peculiar
appearance as they walked about, and I watched them
with interest for some time. This singular light sur-
prised me much, as I had never heard of anything like it
before.”
It was in the autumn when Mrs. Farley observed this
striking and interesting phenomenon.
212. Nyctherodius violaceus, Reicu. — Yellow-
crowned Night Heron. — My. Vickery informs me that he
shot a specimen in Lynn in 1865, The bird was flying
over his head at the time.
213. Falcinellus Ordii, Bon. — Glossy Jbis. Acci-
dental or occasional. Nuttall records one or two instances
of its capture ; Cabot, one or two; none recently, however.
Mr. Vickery also informs me that he has seen a specimen
of this fine bird, that was taken, fifteen years ago, at or
near Stafford Ridge, New Hampshire.
RALLIDA,— Tue Rats,
214. Rallus crepitans, Gu. — Clapper Rail, “ Sait-
marsh Hen.” Accidental. Mr. J. F. Le Baron informed me
that he shot a specimen, some years ago, at Ipswich. Also
one taken by Mr. 8. J. Cabot.
215. Rallus Virginianus, Linn.— Virginia Rail.
Common summer resident. Frequents the bushy swamps.
Breeds early, nesting on some tussock, Have seen the
young running about by the first of June.
216. Porzana Carolina, Viemw1.— Carolina Rail,
“ Sora Rail,” “ Ortolan.” Common summer resident. Fre-
quents the wet, open meadows, where it breeds. Both of
these species are much more common than most collectors
or sportsmen are aware of, 1 have been in a swamp where
7 J
146 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
there were literally thousands of them, yet I was unable to
start more than two or three! Indeed, without a good
dog, trained for the purpose, it is impossible to secure any
number. They leave early for the south.
217. Porzana noveboracensis, Cass. —Yellow Rail.
Very rare during the migrations. Perhaps a few breed.
On September 8, 1868, my young friend, Frank P. Jackson,
was walking with me in the dusk of evening, through a
squash-field, on high land, when he started up and shot a
specimen. There was a meadow twenty or thirty rods
away at the foot of the hill. It is a female, and differs
from any I have ever seen, having a broad white edging
to the secondaries; so broad and prominent is this edging,
that it gave the bird the appearance of having white wings
while flying, in the imperfect light in which it was shot.
218. Fulica Americana, Gu. — Coot, “ Mud-Hen.”
Summer resident. Perhaps breeds. Generally seen dur-
ing the migrations. Frequents the weedy edges of ponds
and rivers.
219. Gallinula galeata, Bon. — Common Gallinule,
Florida Gallinwe. Accidental. A specimen taken on the
Concord River marshes, in the fall of 1867, by Mr. T.
Dewing. “The Florida Gallinule probably breeds in the
Fresh Pond marshes, as I shot a young bird on October 9,
1868, and saw another.” * Citi
220. Gallinula martinica, Lata. — Purple Gallinule.
Like the preceding. Accidental. A few specimens have
been taken in the State.
ANATIDA, — Tut Swans, Geesz, Ducks, ETC.
221. Cygnus Americanus, SHarPLess.— Swan. Very
rare in winter, Mr. J. F. Le Bare informs me that in,
° LA N~O-V 2 CAL AMALIA A
* MS. Notes of Mr. W. Brewster.
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 147
former years this bird was occasionally seen at Ipswich ; but
of late years it has not made its appearance.
The Snow Goose (Anser hyperboreus, Pallas) eat
curs rarely in winter, :
The White-fronted Goose (Anser Gambelir, Hartl.), like
the preceding, perhaps rarely occurs in the State.
The Barnacle Goose (Bernicla leucopsis). This European
species has been attributed to this coast, but apparently
upon insufficient evidence. It may, however, occur, as it
has recently been detected and taken near the southern end
of Hudson’s Bay.*
222. -Bernicla brenta, Srers.— Brant. Common
spring and autumn migrant on the coast.
The Hutchin’s Goose (Bernicla Hutchinsit, Bon.) perhaps
occurs rarely during the migrations, as it has been taken in
Connecticut.
223. Bernicla canadensis, Born. — Wild (Goose.
Abundant spring and autumn migrant. -
224. Anas boschas, Linn. — Mallard. Rare pe Ber
and autumn migrant. Eycetl wil
225. Anas obscura, Gu. — Black Duck. Abundant
winter resident. A few breed.
226. Dafila acuta, Jenyns. — Pin-tail, “Sprig-tail,”
“ Pile-start.” Rare winter resident along the coast.
227. Nettion Carolinensis, Barrp. — G'reen-winged
Leal. Common during the migrations.
228. Nettion crecca, Kaur.— Hnglish Teal. Strag-
gling from Europe ; entirely accidental. “ Has been taken
in the State by Dr. H. Bryant.” f
229. Spatula clypeata, Born. — Shoveller, “ Spoon-
billed” Duck. Rare in spring and autumn:
230. Querquedula discors, Srepx. — Blue-winged
Teal. Common spring and autumn migrant.
* Professor S. F. Baird, in ‘‘ American Naturalist,’ II. 1868, p. 49.
tJ. A. Allen, “ Proceedings of the Essex Institute,” IV. 1864, p. 88.
148 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
231. Chaulelasmus streperus, Gray. — Gadwall,
“Gray Duck.” Rare in spring and autumn.
232. Mareca Penelope, .Bon. — Luropean Widgeon.
Straggler from Europe. Mr, Samuels says it has been
taken in the State.
233. Mareca Americana, STerH.— American Widgeon.
* Baldpate.” Not uncommon during the migrations.
234. Aix sponsa, Swain. — Wood Duck. Common
summer resident.
235. Fulix marila, _Bairp, —Scaup Duck, “ Black-
head, “Blue-bill.” Not Common on the migrations.
236. Pulix affinis, Barrp. — Little Black-head. Rare
during the migrations. Mon Uwe Ur
: Ane,
237.,. Fulix collaris, Bairp. — Ring-necked Duck.
Rare in {pithg and autumn. This and the three pre-
ceding frequent the ponds and rivers of the interior.
238. Aythya Americana, BAN. slits ead, Rare ~
Wr? J
in autumn. n
239. Aythya vallisneria, Bon. ae nS ae
in autumn. Plentiful in Boston markets, but oe
from farther south. Cprrro™ wo Feo
240. Bucephala Americana, Bairp. — Golden-Lye,
* Whistler.” Common during winter. Exceedingly shy.
241. Bucephala albeoia, Bairp. — Bufile-head, “ But-
ter-ball,” “ Dipper.” Not uncommon in autumn and winter.
242. Histrionicus torquatus, Bon. — Harlequin
Duck, “Lord.” Very rare during winter.
243. Harelda glacialis, Leacn. — Long-tailed Duck,
“Old Wife,” “Old Squaw,” ‘South Southerly.” ae an VON
dant spring and autumn migrant; some winter.
244. Camptolemus Labradorius, Gray. — Labra-
dor Duck. Rare during winter. out Cpecms
245. Melanetta velvetina, Bairp. — Velvet Duck,
“ White-winged Coot,” “ Butter-bill.” Common during win-
ter on the coast.
Lal
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 149
_~ 246. Pelionetta perspicillata, Kaur. — Surf-Duck,
“Coot.” Common during autumn and winter.
°° 247. Gademia Americana, Swain. — Scoter, “ Gray-
winged Coot.” Abundant during autumn; common in
winter.* (tia acerdeuto
248. Somateria mollissima, Leacu. — Lider-Duck.
Common during spring and autumn, also on the south
shore in winter. Oce, Sous & Deport,
249. Somateria spectabilis, Leacu.— King Lider.
Rare in winter.
250. Erismatura rubida, Bon. — Ruddy Duck, “ Loo-
by,” “Dumb-Bird.” Common during the migration in
spring and autumn. Seen on ponds in the interior.
251. Mergus Americanus, Cass.— Sheldrake, ‘Goose-
ander,” “ Fish Duck.” Common during the migrations.
Seen on ponds in the interior.
252. Mergus serrator, Linn. —Red-breasted Mergan-
v ser, “Sheldrake,” “ Wheaser.” Abundant during the mi-
erations. ve er peye
253. Lophodytes arate ae — qoded Mer- ea
ganser, ‘ Water-Pheasant.” Not hater eed the whiz
grations. Abundant in Florida in winter.
PELECANIDA, — Tue Peticans.
|» 254. Pelecanus fuscus, Linn.t— Brown Pelican. Mr.
J. F. Le Baron is confident of having seen two of this
species at Ipswich some years ago.
255. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus, Gu. — White
Pelican. Mr. Allen informs me that a specimen was re-
cently taken at Brant Point, Nantucket.
* Mr. E. C. Greenwood informs me that this, with the two preceding
species, is sometimes seen in summer.
¢ Erroneously given by Mr. Allen as the succeeding species, “ Ameri-
can Naturalist,” III. p. 640.
150 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE,
SULIDA, — THE Gannets,
256. Sula bassana, Ross. — Gannet, “‘ Haglett.” Com-
mon in winter off the coast. bce: erty
257. Sula fiber, Linn. — Booby. Given as rare in
Essex County, some years ago, by Mr. Putnam ; no record
of its capture recently.
GRACULID 2, — Tue Cormorants.
258. Graculus dilophus, Gray. — Double-crested Cor-
morant, “Shag.” Not uncommon off the coast in winter.
259. Graculus carbo, Gray. — Common Cormorant,
“Shag.” Common off the coast in autumn and winter.
(ject ge? pA TOS
LARIDA, — Tue Guts, TERNS, ETC.
260. Buphagus Skua, Covers. — Skua Gull. Said
to be rare on the coast ; perhaps doubtful.
261. Stercorarius pomarinus, Temm. — Pomarine
Skua or Jéger. Not uncommon along the coast in autumn
and winter.
262. Stercorarius parasiticus, Gray.— Arctic Jager.
Rare in winter off the coast.
263. Stercorarius Buffonii, Covrs. — Long-tailed
Jiger, “ Marlinspike.” Not uncommon off the coast in
winter.
264. Larus marinus, Linn.— Great Black-backed Gull,
“Saddle-back,” ‘Coffin-carrier.” Common during winter.
265. Larus glaucus, Bruny. — Glaucous Gull, “Ice
Gull.” Rare in winter.
266. Larus leucopterus, FaBer. — Whete-winged Gull.
Not common in winter.
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 151
267. Larus argentatus, Bruny. — Herring Gull.
Common resident ; more abundant in autumn and winter,
Does not now breed anywhere in the State, although it did
formerly ; those remaining in summer are mostly immature
birds.
268. Larus Delawarensis, Orv. — Ring-billed Gull.
Not uncommon along the coast in winter.
The Hutchin’s Gull (Larus Hutchinsii, Richardson). A
specimen taken in Salem harbor, 1856, in the museum of
the Peabody Academy of Science, labelled by Dr. Coues
as above ; it, however, looks very like an albino; perhaps
L. argentatus.
269. Chroecocephalus atricilla, Leacu. — Laughing
Gull. Not uncommon along the whole coast. Have found
it breeding at Muskegat Island, south of the main-land, and
near Nantucket. I should judge that there were a dozen
pairs breeding. Does not breed elsewhere on the coast.
Have seen an egg and bird taken at Tenant’s Harbor,
Maine, by Mr. L. L. Thaxter, of Newton. I have seen the
bird late in November at Ipswich.
270. Chroecocephalus Philadelphia, Lracu. —
Bonaparte’s Gull. Common in autumn and spring, a few
winter. flaye dee sole a
271. Rissa tridactyla, Bon. — Kittiwake. Common
in autumn and winter.
The Marsh Tern (@elochelidon Anglica, Bon.) is said to
occur ; if it does, I have yet to meet with it.
272. Thalasseus Caspius, Bor.— Caspian Tern.
Rare in winter. I have seen it upon one or two occa-
sions; have also seen it in New York harbor in Decem-
ber.
273. Thalasseus acuflavida, Canor. — Cabot’s Tern,
Sandwich Tern. Mr. Vickery has a fine specimen of this
bird in his cabinet, that he took at Cape Cod in the au-
tumn of 1866. He also saw another. This specimen is
$523 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
in immature plumage. Its usual habitat is from Texas to
Florida and the West Indies. :
274. Sterna hirundo, Linn. — Wilson’s Tern. Abun-
dant on the coast in summer. Breeds abundantly on the
sandy beaches and islands. This species, and also S. ma-
croura, are called, by popular writers, “Seamews.” They
are also called “Tide Gulls” and ‘“ Meous.”
275. Sterna macroura, Navum. —=— Arctic Tern. Abun-
dant summer Bea ene neue it winters. Breeds
abundantly along the shore. Found it at Muskegat, breed-
ing apart from the other species. There is no difference
in the note between this and S. hirundo.
‘The descriptions heretofore given of this bird have been
meagre, and in many cases erroneous, tending to produce
doubt as to its validity as a species. But as the specific
characters are well defined, and certain of them so constant
as fully to establish its claim as a species, I purpose to
give here a full description of it, with a table of measure-
ments.
Sterna macroura, Naum.— Arctic Tern, Red-billed Tern.
Sterna macroura. Naum., Isis. 1819, 1847.
“ macrura. Lawr., Birds N. Am. 1858, p. 862.
“ macroura Cours, Proceedings Phil. Acad. N. S., Dec., 1862,
p- 549.
Sterna arctea “Tem , Mar. d’Orn., II., 1820, p. 742.”
aaa Bon., Syn. 1828, No 287, p. 354.
a Sw. & Ricu., F B A., II., 1831, p. 414.
ts wo Notr., Man,, II, 1834, p 275.
o ss Aup., Orn. Biog, III., 1835, p. 296. —Is. Birds
Am. VII. 1844, p. 107; Pl. CCCCXXIV.*
4g Dr H. Bryant, Pro. Boston Soc. of Nat. Hist. VI,
1858, p. 120.
Sp. Ca. — Adult. Bill slender, slightly curved; color,
bright carmine. Top of head and hind neck, black. Neck,
back, wing-coverts, scapularies, secondaries, breast, and
* Figures S. hurundo with black tip to bill.
=
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 153
sides, a beautiful pearl gray, except the inner edge of
the secondaries, with their tips, and those of the scapu-
laries, which are white. Quills, with the upper parts gray,
dusky towards the tips, with the outer web of the outer
feather, and a narrow basal line along the inner web of
the terminal portion of each feather, black. Basal portion
and shaft of each feather, together with the margins of
the inner webs and whole under surface of the wing, white.
Rump, upper tail-coverts, tail-feathers, abdomen, and un-
der tail-coverts, pure white, except the terminal portion
of the outer webs of the two outer tail-feathers on each
side, which are dusky. The chin, upper part of the throat,
and a line running from the base of the bill under the eye
to the occiput, also white ; the chin and throat are some-
times tinged with ashy. The under eyelids are black.
Feet, small; tarsus, short. The transverse scales on the
tarsi and toes are very much ridged; the upper part
of the webs and under surface of the feet are covered
with small, granulous protuberances; both of these facts
give the feet a peculiar appearance. Color, bright ver-
milion.
Young.—-The young-of-the-year, the ensuing spring,
differs from this in having the bill longer, thicker, and more
curved, with a small part of the basal and a spot near
the tip of the upper mandible dusky; the bill is not so
intense in color. There are a few white feathers near the
base of the bill in the black of the head. The upper parts
generally, with the exceptions of the wing-coverts, which
are darker, are lighter. The outer webs of all the tail-
feathers are dusky. The under parts are paler. The feet
are not so intense in color.
Young-of-the-year in autumn* differs from the preceding
* This stage of plumage has been before unknown to authors, at which
I am somewhat surprised. The specimens that I am describing were shot
with the old, who exhibited considerable solicitude.
7*
S GUIDE.
,
THE NATURALIST
154
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in having the forehead quite white; a few white feathers on
the back of the head ; the black is not quite as intense, or
more brownish. The feathers of the back are edged with
rufous. The shoulders are darker. The tail is not as
deeply forked, and the tips of the feathers are rufous. The
whole under parts are pure white. The white line from
the base of the bill is discontinued just in front of the eye,
and the portion occupied by it is quite dusky, almost black /
The feet are dull orange. The bill is black, with the base
of the lower mandible orange.
The S. hirundo differs from this species, in the adult stage,
in having the beak longer and more curved, with the color
bright orange, and the terminal portion always black.
The pearl gray of the upper and under parts is never as
deep, while the lower part of the back is always quite pale,
so that the white of the rump is not as abrupt in its com-
mencement. The throat and chin are always white, with-
out the ashy tinge. The feet are larger, the tarsi much
longer. The tarsi also lack the ridged transverse scales ;
they are smoother; the webs are also smooth; the color
is pale orange, never approaching the carmine of the
other.
In the next stage there is more white on the head of
S. hirundo; the bill is almost black ; the rump tinged with
ashy.
Young-of-the-year birds are readily distinguished by the
rump of hirwndo being ashy, the feet larger, the tarsi longer
with a smoother appearance. The bill is much the same
color, but in dzrundo it is longer. It never has the dusky
appearance below the eye seen in macroura.
276. Sterna paradisea. — Roseate Tern. This, with
the two preceding species, is called the “ Mackerel Gull”
on the more northern sections of the coast, while on the
south shore the two preceding are called “Té-arrs,” from the
note ; this species is called “Hoyt” for the same reason.
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS, | 167
Ce ets Lr
Common at Ipswich m autumn. Abundant on the south
shore during the breeding-season. Breeds on Muskegat
Island abundantly ; generally building a nest of sticks in a
pe among the Sand-hills.
277. Sterna Antillarum, Cours. — yee Tern,
2 Tack knife Gull.” Not as common as the preceding.
Breeds later, not until July ; lays from one to four eggs.
Have found a few breeding at Ipswich. Also breeds on
Nantucket.
Forster’s Tern (Sterna Forster, Nutt). This species
appears to differ from Azrwndo in having the outer web of
the outer tail-feather white. I have never met with it. ~-
278. Hydrochelidon fissipes, Gray. — Short-tailed
Tern. Rare in autumn. Mr. J. F. Le Baron shot a speci-
men at Ipswich, August 11, and saw another.
279. Haliplana fuliginosa, Waci. — Sooty Tern.
Mr. Samuels says he “found it breeding on Muskegat
Island.” I think it occurs rarely.
; PROCELLARID A, — Tue Petrets.
280. Puffinus major, Faser.— Greater Shearwater.
Not uncommon off the coast in winter.
281. Puffinus Anglorum, Temm.— Mank’s Shear-
water. Rare off the coast in winter.
282. Puffinus fuliginosus, Srricky. — Sooty Shear-
water. Common off the coast during spring, autumn, and
winter.
283. Procellaria pelagica,
Rare off the coast.
284. Oceanites oceanica, Cours. — A Petrel.
Common off the coast.
285. Cymochorea leucorrhoa, Covers. — Leach’s
Petrel. Abundant off the coast. This and the two pre-
2 rw y %
Se
158 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
ceding are the “ Mother Carey’s Chickens” of sailors and
others. On September 9, 1869, after a gale, a specimen
was shot on Charles River, twelve miles from the sea!
COLYMBIDA, — Tue Divers anp Loons.
286. Colymbus torquatus, Bruny. — Great North
ern Diver, “Loon.” Common in autumn, winter, and spring:
Breeds in western Massachusetts ; I do not think it does
in this section.
287. Colymbus arcticus, Linn. — Black-throated
Loon, or Diver. Very rare during winter.
288. Colymbus septentrionalis, Linn. — Red-
throated Loon, or Diver. The most common of all the
species during the winter and autumn, called everywhere |
“Cape Race,” or “Scapegrace,” by gunners.
PODICIPIDA, — Tue GReEBEs.
289. Podiceps Holboliii, RetnHarpt. — Ped-necked
Grebe, “ Dipper Duck.” Commén ‘during the migrations.
290. Podiceps cristatus, Laru.— Crested Grebe.
Common during autumn and winter.
291. Podiceps cornutus, Lara.—Horned Grebe. Com-
mon during autumn and winter. This and the two pre-
ceding frequent the salt water exclusively. Are seldom
met with in full plumage. Called by gunners “ Devil
Divers” and “ Water Witches,” on account of their diving
to elude the shot; their power of diving and remaining
under water a long time is certainly marvellous.
292. Podilymbus podiceps, Lawr. — Dabchick,
“Dipper Duck.’ Common during the migrations; fre
quents the fresh waters.
LY’
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 153
ALCID, — Tur AvKs anD GUILLEMOTS.
The Great Auk (Alca impennis, Linn.) must have been
quite common many years ago on the coast north of Cape
Ann. In the autumn of 1867, and in company with Mr.
Allen in June, 1868, I found in the shell-heaps on the
Ipswich Sand-hills, numerous bones of this now extinct
bird; probably dropped there by the Indians,* who must
have killed them with their arrows, or other primitive
weapons, for food.
293. Utamania torda, Leacu.— Razor-billed Au
“Tinker.” Common in winter off the coast.
294. Fratercula arctica, ILuic. — Puffin, “Sea Par-
rot.” Not uncommon in winter off the coast.
295. Uria grylle, Laru.— Black Guillemot, “Sea
Pigeon.” Common in winter.
296. Lomvia troille, Branpr. — foolish Guillemot,
“ Murre.” Common off the coast in winter.
297. Lomvia ringvia, Branpt.— Murre. Notuncom-
mon in winter off the coast.
298. Lomvia Svarbag, Couns. — Briinnich’s Guille-
mot, Thick-billed Guillemot. Common off the coast in
winter.
299. Mergulus alle, Virmu.— Sea Dove, “ Doveke,”
“Little Auk.” Common winter resident. I have seen it
on Indian River, Florida.
* See account of Ipswich Sand-hills, pp. 54, 55.
Lar
i,
V4 p+ :
ty
APPENDIX.
Tue whole number of birds belonging to the fauna of
eastern Massachusetts is two hundred and ninety-nine,*
as will be seen' by the Catalogue. Of these twelve have
been recently added, viz.: the Varied Thrush (Z'urdus
neevius), the Tennessee Warbler (fHelminthophaga pere-
grina), the Baird’s Sparrow (Centronyx Bairdit), the Gray
King-Bird (Tyrannus Dominicensis), the Yellow-headed
Blackbird (Xanthocephalus «cterocephalus), the Barn Owl
(Strix pratincola), the Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula), the Stilt
Sandpiper (fcropalama himantopus), the Yellow-crowned
Night Heron (Vyctherodius violaceus), the Sandwich Tern
(Sterna cantiaca), the White Pelican (Pelecanus erythro-
rhynchus), and the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus fuscus).
In the following tables may be found a classification of
* The whole number of species given by Mr. J. A. Allen, in the “ Pro-
ceedings of the Essex Institute,” Vol. IV. No.2, August, 1864, as occurring
in the State, was two hundred and ninety-six. Of these, three have not
been found in eastern Massachusetts, viz. : Helminthophaga celata, Em-
pidonax Acadicus, and Centurus Carolinus. Those given upon doubtful or
insufficient evidence as birds of eastern Massachusetts, which are not in-
cluded in the present list, are nine, viz.: Parus Hudsonicus, Cardinalis
Virginianus, A gialitis Wilsonius, Anser hyperboreus, Anser Gambelii, Ber-
nicla Hutchinsii, Bernicla leucopsis, Procellaria glacialis, and Sterna ara-
mea. Sixteen species are added in Mr. Allen’s supplement (‘* American
Naturalist,” Vol. III., pp. 505-519, 568-585, 631-648, 1869), after ex-
punging four species from the previous list, — increasing his catalogue to
three hundred and eight. Out of these, three are birds of western Massa-
chusetts, viz.: Nauclerus furcatus, Seiurus Ludovicianus, and Serinus meri-
dionalis. Two of those given in his supplement as birds of eastern Massa-
chusetts are not included in the present Catalogue, viz.: Buteo Coopert (not
included,. for reasons given on page 135) and Cwrduelis elegans, which,
as Mr. Allen justly remarks, was probably an escaped cage-bird.
‘ K
162 APPENDIX.
the birds of eastern Massachusetts, relative to their being
resident, migratory, or straggling species, etc. : —
RESIDENT SPECIES THAT BREED.
1. Ampelis cedrorum. 16. Falco columbarius.f
2. Anas obscura. * 17. Falco sparverius.t
3. Astragalinus tristis.+ 18. Melospiza melodia.t
4, Astur atricapillus. 19. Nyctale Acadica.
5. Bonasa umbellus. 20. Ortyx Virginiana.
6. Brachyotus Cassinii. 21. Otus Wilsonianus.
7. Bubo Virginianus. 22. Parus atricapillus.+
8. Buteo lineatus. _23. Picus pubescens.
_ 9. Buteo borealis. 24. Picus villosus.t
10. Carpodacus purpureus.t 25. Passer domestica,
11. Certhia familiaris.* 26. Scops asio.
12. Colaptes auratus.’t 27, Sturnella magna.{
13. Corvus Americanus.t 28. Syrnium nebulosum.
14. Cupidonia cupido. 29. Turdus migratorius. §
15. Cyanura cristata.t
* The greater part go north in summer, and south in winter.
+ Those marked in this manner are not resident individually; that is,
those species that have passed the summer with us migrate to the south,
and others, who have passed the summer farther north, take their places.
See remarks on page 129 under the head of Picus villosus.
+ Of these species but few remain in winter, the greater part pass south.
’ § Sometimes not to be found all winter.
RESIDENT SPECIES THAT DO NOT BREED.
i. Cymochorea leucorrhoa. 5. Oceanites oceanica.
2. Haliztus leucocephalus. * 6. Cidemia Americana.f
3. Larus argentatus.t 7. Pelionetta perspicillata.f
4. Melanetta velvetina.t
* This eagle is quite frequently seen along our coast, even in Summer,
but as it is not known to breed, and being a bird of strong flight, it is probe
able that it is making daily excursions in search of food.
+ Those that remain during the summer are generally immature birds,
probably the young of the previous year. See remarks on page 151, under
Larus argentatus.
{ These three species are given upon the authority of Mr. E. C. Greene
wood, of Ipswich.
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APPENDIX.
163
REGULAR SUMMER VISITANTS THAT BREED.
. Accipiter Cooperii.
. Accipiter fuscus.
. Actiturus Bartramius.
. Aigialitis melodus.
Agialitis vociferus.
. Agelzeus pheeniceus.
. Aix sponsa.
. Ammodromus caudacutus.
. Antrostomus vociferus.
. Ardea herodias.
. Botaurus lentiginosus.
. Buteo Pennsylvanicus.
. Butorides virescens.
. Ceryle alcyon.
. Cheetura pelasgia.
. Chordeiles popetue.
. Chreecocephalus atricilla.
. Circus Hudsonius.
. Cistotherus palustris.
. Cistothorus stellaris.
. Coceygus Americanus.
. Coccygus erythrophthalmus.
. Contopus borealis.
. Contopus virens.
. Coturniculus Henslowi.
. Coturniculus passerinus,
. Cotyle riparia.
. Cyanospiza cyanea,
. Dendreeca estiva.
- Dendreeca discolor.
. Dendrceeca Pennsylvanica.
. Dendreeca pina.
. Dendreeca virens.
. Dolichonyx oryzivorus,
. Empidonax minimus.
. Geothlypis trichas.
. Guiraca Ludoviciana.
. Harporhynchus rufus.
. Helminthophaga chrysoptera.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44,
45.
46.
47.
48.
49,
50.
51.
52.
53.
54,
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
. Spizella socialis.
. Sterna Antilarum.
. Sterna hirundo.
. Sterna macroura.
. Sterna paradisea.
. Tachycineta bicolor.
. Tringoides macularius,
. Trochilus colubris.
. Troglodytes aédon.
. Turdus fuscescens.
. Turdus mustelinus.
Helminthophaga ruficapilla,
Hirundo horreorum.
Icterus Baltimore.
Icterus spurius. *
Melospiza palustris.
Mimus Carolinensis.
Mniotilta varia.
Molothrus pecoris.
Myiarchus crinitus.*
Nyctiardea Gardenii.
Parula Americana. t
Passerculus savanna.
Petrochelidon lunifrons.
Philohela minor.
Pipilo erythrophthalmus,
Pocecetes gramineus,
Porzana Carolina.
Progne subis.
Pyranga rubra.
Quiscalus versicolor.
Rallus Virginianus.
Sayornis fuscus.
Seiurus aurocapillus.
Setophaga ruticilla.
Sialia sialis.
Sitta Canadensis. t
Sitta Carolinensis.
Spizella pusilla.
164 APPENDIX.
' 79. Turdus Pallasii.+ 83. Vireo noveboracensis.
80. Tyrannus Carolinensis. 84. Vireo olivaceus.
81. Vireo flavifrons. 85. Vireo solitarius. +
82. Vireo gilvus. 86. Zenedura Carolinensis.
* These species breed only in small numbers. Massachusetts is about
their extreme northern limit.
+ These breed sparsely; the greater part go north.
REGULAR SUMMER VISITORS THAT DO NOT BREED.*
1. Ereunetes pusillus. 3. Pelidna Americana,
2. Gambetta flavipes.
* But few remain; the greater part go north. See remarks upon page
' 140, under the head of the preceding names.
IRREGULAR SUMMER VISITORS OR STRAGGLERS THAT
HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO BREED.
1. Euspiza Americana. 2. Gallinula galeata
IRREGULAR SUMMER VISITORS OR STRAGGLERS THAT
NEVER HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO BREED.
1. Ardetta exilis. 14. Melanerpes erythrocephalus,
2. Argyria maculata. 15. Micropalama himantopus.
3. Cathartes atratus. 16. Mimus polyglottus.
4, Cathartes aura. - 17. Nyctherodius violaceus.
5. Chondestes grammacus. 18. Pelecanus fuscus.*
6. Falcinellus Ordii. 19. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus.*
7. Florida cerulea. 20. Pyranga estiva.
8. Gallinula martinica. 21. Rallus crepitans.
9. Garzetta candidissima, 22. Symphemia semipalmata.
10. Halipana fulignosa, 23. Strix pratincola.t
11. Herodias egretta. 24, Thalasseus acuflavida.t
12. Himantopus nigricollis. 25. Tyrannus Dominicensis.
13. Icteria viridis. 26. Xanthocephalus icterocephalus, *
* Generally immature specimens, commonly taken in early autumn.
¢ One specimen captured in autumn.
APPENDIX. 165
That so many of these stragglers have been recently
added to the catalogue must be attributed to the in-
creased numbers of observers, rather than to the increase
of specimens. Numerous instances like the preceding
have undoubtedly occurred in the past, but from the
scarcity of observers they have passed unnoticed, or at
least unrecorded.
REGULAR SPRING AND AUTUMN MIGRANTS.
1. Actodromus Bonapartii. 31. Gambetta melanoleuca,
2. Actodromus maculata. 82. Geothlypis Philadelphia.
3. Actodromus minutella, 33. Harelda glacialis.
4, Aigialitis semipalmatus. 34. Helminthophaga peregrina.t
5. Ammodromus maritimus, 35. Hydrochelidon fissipes. §
6. Anas boschas. 36. Limosa fedoa.
7. Anorthura hyemalis, 37. Limosa Hudsonica.
8. Anthus Ludovicianus, 38. Lophodytes cucullatus.
9. Arquatella maritima, 39. Macrorhamphus griseus.
10. Aythya Americana. 40. Mareca Americana.
11. Aythya vallisneria, 41. Myiodioctes Canadensis. ||
12. Bernicla brenta. 42. Myiodioctes pusillus.
13. Bernicla Canadensis, * 43. Nettion Carolinensis.
14. Calidris arenaria. 44. Numenius borealis.
15. Charadrius Virginicus, 45. Numenius Hudsonicus.
16. Dafila acuta. 46. Numenius longirostris.
17. Dendreeca Blackburniz.} 47. Oporornis agilis.§
18. Dendreeca castanea. 48. Pandion Carolinensis,
19. Dendrceca ecerulescens. 49. Passerella iliaca.
20. Dendrceca coronata. 50. Perissoglossa tigrina.
21.- Dendrceca maculosa. 51. Podilymbus podiceps.
22. Dendrceca palmarum. 52. Querquedula discors.
23. Dendreeca striata. 53. Regulus calendulus.
24. Empidonax flaviventris, 54. Rhyacophilus solitarius.
25. Erismatura rubida. 55. Scolecophagus ferrugineus.
26. Fulica Americana. 56. Seiurus noveboracensis.’t
27. Fulix affinis. 57. Sphyrapicus varius.
28. Fulix collaris. 58. Squatarola helvetica,
29. Fulix marila. 59. Strepsilas interpres.
30. Gallinago Wilsonii. 60. Tringa canutus.
166 3 APPENDIX.
61. Troglodytes hyemalis. 64. Zonotrichia leucophrys.
62. Tryngites rufescens. 65. Zonotrichia albicollis.
63. Turdus Swainsonii.
* Probably breeds occasionally, as it certainly did in former years,
+ Stragglers may remain and breed.
t+ Seen only in spring.
§ More common in autumn.
|| Has been known to breed in the State.
OCCASIONAL OR IRREGULAR SPRING AND AUTUMN
MIGRANTS.
1. Ancylocheilus subarquatus. 8. Melospiza Lincolnii.
2. Chaulelasmus streperus. 9. Nettion crecca.+
3. Empidonax Traillii. 10. Phalaropus fulicarius. *
4. Heematopus palliatus. 11. Porzana noveboracensis.
5. Helminthophaga pina. 12. Procellaria pelagica.*
6. Lobipes hyperboreus. * 138. Spatula clypeata.
7. Mareca Penelope.t 14. Steganopus Wilsonii.*
* These probably pass outside regularly, but seldom alight upon the
shore.
¢ Accidental in autumn.
REGULAR WINTER VISITANTS.
1. Archibuteo logopus. 18, Larus glaucus.
2. Archibuteo Sancti-Johannis. 19. Larus marinus.
3. Bucephala albeola.* 20. Larus leucopterus.
4. Bucephala Americana. 21. Lomvia ringvia.
5. Camptolemus Labradorius. 22. Lomvia Svarbag.
6. Chreecocephalus Philadelphia. 23. Lomvia troille.
7. Collurio borealis. 24. Mergulus alle.
8. Colymbus septentrionalis. 25. Mergus Americana,
9. Colymbus torquatus. * 26. Mergus serrator.
10. Ectopistes migratorius.t 27. Nyctea nivea.
11. Eremophila alpestus. 28. Plectrophanes Lapponicus.
12. Fratercula arctica. 29. ° Plectrophanes nivalis.
13. Graculus carbo.t 30. Podiceps cornutus.
14. Graculus dilophus.t 31. Podiceps cristatus.
15. Histrionicus torquatus, 32. Podiceps Holbollii.
16. Junco hyemalis.* 33. Puffinus Anglorum.}
17. Larus Delawarensis. 34. Puffinus fuliginosus.t
APPENDIX.
85. Puffinus major.+ 41.
36. Regulus satrapus. 42.
87. Rissa tridactyla. 43.
38. Somateria mollissima, 44.
39. Spizella monticola. * 45,
40.
Stercorarius Buffonii.
167
Stercorarius pomarinus.
Sula bassana.
Thalasseus Caspius,
Uria grylle.
Utamania torda.
* A few winter, but the greater part pass south.
+ Generally seen in autumn, but a few winter.
t Seldom seen on the shore, but common off the coast.
WINTER VISITORS WHOSE OCCURRENCE MAY BE EX.
PECTED AT IRREGULAR PERIODS.
. Agiothus linarius.
i
2. Chrysomitris pinus.
3
. Curvirostra Americana,
4,
5.
Curvirostra leucoptera.
Pinicola Canadensis.
IRREGULAR AND STRAGGLING WINTER VISITORS.
* Occasionally seen in autumn.
. Ampelis garrulus.*
. Aquila Canadensis.
. Buphagus skua.
. Centronyx Bairdii.t
Colymbus arcticus.
. Cygnus Americanus,
. Falco anatum.
. Falco Sacer.
. Nyctale Richardsonii.
10.
idle
12:
13.
. Sula fiba.
. Surnia ulula.
. Syrnium cinereum,
. Tetrao Canadensis.
. Turdus nevius.t
Picoides arcticus.
Picoides hirsutus.
Somateria spectabilis.
Stercorarius parasiticus,
+ But one specimen taken.
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INDEX TO PART II.
Alaudide,, 121.
Alcedinidz, 126.
Alcide, 159.
Ampelidz, 107.
Anatidz, 146.
Appendix, 161.
Ardeide, 143.
Auks, 159.
Avosets, 143.
Blackbirds, 121.
Caprimulgide, 127.
Certhiide, 93.
Charadriidz, 138.
Columbidz, 137.
Colymbide, 158.
Cormorants, 150.
Corvide, 124.
Creepers, 93.
Crows, 124.
Cuckoos, 128.
Cuculide, 128.
Cypselidee, 127.
Divers, 158.
Doves, 137.
Ducks, 147.
Eagles, 133.
«Falconide, 183.
Falcons, 133.
Finches, 109.
Flycatchers, 124.
Fringillide, 109.
Gannets, 150.
Geese, 147.
Goatsuckers, 127.
Graculide, 150.
Grebes, 158.
Grouse, 188.
Guillemots, 159.
Gulls, 150.
Hematopodide, 139.
Hawks, 133.
Herons, 143.
Hirundinide, 105.
Humming-Birds, 128.
Icteridz, 121.
Ibis, 145.
Introduction, 83.
Jiigers, 150.
Jays, 124.
Kingfishers, 126.
Kites, 133.
Laniide, 108.
Laride, 150.
Larks, 121.
Loons, 158.
Motacillide, 98.
Nuthatches, 93.
Orioles, 121.
Owls, 130.
Oyster-catchers, 139.
Paride, 93.
Partridges, 138.
Pelecanide, 149.
Pelicans, 149.
Perdicidz, 188.
Petrels, 157.
Phalaropes, 142.
Phalaropodide, 142.
Picide, 129.
Pigeons, 137.
Plovers, 138.
Podicipide, 158.
Procellaridz, 157.
Rails, 145.
Rallida, 145.
170
Recurvirostride, 148.
Rock-Inhabiters, 92. .
Sandpipers, 140.
Saxicolide, 92.
Scolopacide, 139.
Sheldrakes, 149.
Shrikes, 108.
Sittide, 94.
Snipes, 139.
Sparrows, 109.
Starlings, 121.
Stilts, 143.
Strigidz, 180.
Sulidee, 150.
Swallows, 105.
Swans, 146.
Swifts, 127.
Sylvicolidz, 98.
Sylviide, 93.
Tanagride, 108,
INDEX.
Tanagers, 108.
Terns, 151.
Tetraonide, 138.
Thrushes, 89.
Titmice, 93.
Trochilidz, 128.
Troglodytide, 94.
Turdide, 89.
Tyrannide, 124.
Tyrant Flycatchers, 124.
Vireonide, 106.
Vireos, 106.
Vultures, 137.
Wagtails, 98. ;
Warblers, 93.
Waxwings, 107.
Woodpeckers, 129.
Wood-Warblers, 98.
Wrens, 94.
THE END.
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APPENDIX.
CHAPTER I.
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING BIRDS.
Section I. How to collect.— First, let me say a few
words to the young Naturalist. When I last appeared
before him as an adviser, I rather intimated, that
members of our brotherhood were looked upon by the
world at large as slightly insane, or at best, as very
foolish. This was much more the case then, than it
is to-day. Now, the tables are turned, as it were; the
scientist need no longer dread the scoffs of the “ prac-
tical men,” for the knowledge which he possesses is the
“open sesame ” for him to all ranks of society. The
tide of popular opinion now flows strongly towards
the gate of learning opened by modern zodlogical
science, and all are eager to listen to what may fall
from the lips of our eminent professors.
Thus, many obstacles which were formerly thrown in
the path of the young and enthusiastic collector, are
removed. A word to parents or guardians, however,
may not come amiss just here. I have often been
asked, “Do you think the study of Natural History
will prove beneficial to my son?” My answer is,
“Most certainly it is beneficial; but, aside from direct
benefits, which are, perhaps, too numerous to mention,
- there is one important point which ought to be kept
in mind. While your son is engaged in this enchant-
ing study, his mind will be so fully occupied with the
173
174 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
multiplicity of objects which are constantly inviting
his earnest attention, that he will find but little time
to devote to mischief. Young and active brains will
find occupation; the old hymn wisely says, ‘Satan
finds some mischief still for idle hands to do.’ Leay-
ing his Satanic Majesty out of the question, it is best,
as all will agree, to allow our children to occupy them-
selves, during leisure hours, in some amusing recrea-
tion. What can be better than the enjoyable and
health-giving exercise connected with the study of
Natural History?”
So much for moralizing; now for the subject. I
want to reiterate what I have said in the latter portion
of the third paragraph, page 4. No matter how com-
mon a desirable species may be, when you meet with it
in a locality with which you are unacquainted, proceed
at once to collect ail you want. I have known of many
Instances where delay, in such cases, was dangerous,
the birds having disappeared in a single night.
I have somewhere seen a remark made by a distin-
guished Naturalist to the effect, that any one could
collect birds after a short experience. This I deny,
and will further state, that not one person in fifty will
ever make a good collector, for the gathering together
of birds isa high art, In order to become an emi-
nently successful collector, many acquirements are
necessary. A quick eye, a good ear, perfect coolness,
accompanied with ready action in emergency, pa-_
tience in an extreme degree, a tenacious memory, and
an utter disregard of such minor troubles as wet feet,
scratches from thorns, stings from insects, etc., are
among the requisites in the make-up of a first-class
collector. ;
But the tyro must not become discouraged by read-
ing this array, for many of these attributes, if not all
APPENDIX. 175
of them, can be acquired by practice. Study well the
habits of each and every species which comes under
your eye. Note carefully song or motion, and learn to
even distinguish the various Sparrows and Warblers by
the chirp alone. Although this is somewhat difficult,
it can be done, for I know of several who do it.
No two species possess habits which are exactly alike
in every respect,.and the nicer points of distinction
can be learned so that the flirt of a tail or the droop
of a wing will often betray a rare bird, even if it be sur-
rounded by hundreds of more common species which
are quite similar in appearance.
This art may be carried to such perfection, that it
appears like something marvelous, to one who is not
skilled in it, to see how readily certain obscurely-col-
ored species may be detected, even at a long distance,
from among others having similar form and markings.
I have frequently known two experts, when collecting
in company, to shoot, both at one instant, at the same
bird the moment it appeared, although neither was
aware that the other sawit. By learning to distinguish
all species instantly, the ornithologist is spared the
trouble and pain of shooting birds which are too com-
mon to be of any value to him.
In addition to the young, in all stages of plumage,
moulting birds should also be taken, as many valuable
‘facts can be learned by studying the various changes
undergone at this stage.
More recent improvements in breach-loading guns,
now render them desirable ; in fact, a muzzle-loader is
scarcely to be thought of for a collector. I do not
here recommend any particular make, but will simply
state, that I am at present using a Parker gun, and
find that it works like a charm. In collecting little
birds, however, I use a gun of an exceedingly small
176 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
| calibre, thirty-eight hundredths of an inch being large
enough. Witha proper charge, which can be ascer-
tained by experiment, using equal bulk of powder and
shot, birds as large as Blue-birds can be killed at twenty
yards. Besides being more economical, the specimens
collected with this gun are better shot than with a
heavier one. The report is lighter, and does not
frighten the birds as much.
I do not now recommend Ely’s wire cartridges.
For large birds, use a rifle with a small calibre. This
will kill farther, and will usually insure good speci-
mens.
In addition to the advice given on page 7, first par-
agraph, I would remark, that unless the shot-holes in
the abdomen are found and carefully plugged, the es-
caping fluids, being often exceedingly acrid, are quite
apt to soften the skin in a short time. I have known
the epidermis to slip on the abdomen before the spec-
imen was cold, from this cause. .
In picking up a Heron, Duck, or Wader which has
fallen into muddy water or ooze, care should be used
to take it by the bill, as then a greater portion of the
filth will slide off the oily feathers, which process may
be facilitated by gently shaking the bird. I have
seen white herons completely ruined by collectors who
took them out of the mud by the feet, thereby allow-
ing the dirt to slip under the immaculate feathers.
Allow me once more to repeat the caution about
handling guns. A good breach-loader, if properly
handled, is perfectly safe; but never point your gun at
a human being (there is no necessity of getting in front
of the muzzle yourself when it is loaded), and there
is no danger to any one. In shooting, the gun should
never be brought to a full cock until you are about to
fire. Practice will make perfect in this respect. I can
APPENDIX. 177
cock my gun, even when Snipe shooting, after the bird
rises, and kill; further, I can shoot two Quail which
both jump at once and fly in opposite directions, cock-
ing each barrel for each bird after they are a-wing.
Almost any one can do this with practice.
Birdlime may be used to advantage in securing
birds, especially during the breeding season. A small
twig is covered with a thin layer of this exceedingly
viscid substance, and placed in such a position that
the bird will alight on it when she goes to the nest.
The limed twig should be lightly poised, so that it will
fall a short distance, as this will cause the bird to
stretch out its wings, and thus become entangled more
firmly. The lime should be spread with the fingers,
which should be first wet, to prevent its sticking to
them. I have also used various traps, snares, etc., to
advantage in capturing birds. The blow-gun is also
very good, although it is somewhat uncertain, as pro-
jectiles fired from it are apt to glance from twigs,
leaves, etc.
Section II. How to prepare Specimens, Instru-
ments, Materials, etc.
To the instruments mentioned add three or four >
sizes of awls, made long for boring the feet and tarsi
of dried skins.
I have now given up the use of arsenic, as being
very poisonous, for I am convinced that’ my health
has suffered from using it. I have, however, discoy-
ered another substance which I think far superior to
arsenic. This isa product of coal-tar, and resembles
éarbolic acid in its effect as a preservative. The odor
is also disagreeable to insects, and specimens preserved
with it are free from their attacks. This new preserv-
ative is in the form of a powder, and is not a danger-
ous poison.
178 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
I will once again refer to the poisonous gases engen-
dered by birds in progress of decay. I have been
surprised to learn from competent physicians, that
little or nothing is known of the baneful effects of
this gas. Several years ago, when suffering from the
effects of it, I visited an old physician, and described
the symptoms to him. I was then ignorant of the
cause of my illness, so was not surprised when he in-
formed me that I had been poisoned with ivy (Rhus
toxicodendron). His treatment of the difficuity, while
laboring under this mistake, had little or no effect. I
then consulted another doctor, who, although well
acquainted with my pursuits, also decided that I was
poisoned with some vegetable substance. His treat-
ment also failing, and being then convinced that both
were wrong, I discovered the cause for myself, and the
remedy, which is as stated on page 14.
IT now recommend the wide, thick shoes called army
shoes for collectors; they are doubtless, the best in
summer; in winter either leather or rubber boots, ac-
cording to the season,
I now use forms slightly different from those men-
tioned on page 18 ; these are strips of tin, rolled up in
half-cylinders, resembling a single section of those
figured in Plate IX., Figs. 1 and 2.
Section III. Measuring, Skinning, and Preserv-
ing Birds.~-In skinning small birds, time may be
saved by breaking off the end of the tibia; then, by
stripping downwards and twisting, the muscles may
be all cut at once. The brains may be removed
much more easily by three cuts; one down through
the base of the skull, as described, and two on each
side, beneath the skull; these last meet under the eye
sockets; thus a'triangular piece is removed, to which
the brains adhere. :
. APPENDIX. 179
In large birds, like Eagles, I now skin over the met-
acarpus (beyond the carpal joint). This may readily
be accomplished with practice. Indeed, every bone in
the wing, including the phalanges, may be removed
from the inside. I have, also, frequently performed
the somewhat difficult feat of removing every bone in
the body, including those of the bill and claws, leav-
ing only the horny covering ; thus securing a perfect
skeleton, as well as a mounted specimen.
I do not now tie the bones, as mentioned on page 23,
but simply place the wings. in position.
When placing the cotton in the neck, as described
on page 24, be sure that the end of the roll enters
the cavity of the skull; this will make the neck more
solid.
I now sew through a pinch of skin from the out-
side, when fastening the wings in position, by the sides
and over the quill, not through it. Thus the thread
is tied owtside.
In filling small birds, I now first sew the wings, and
then place neck and body in together. This saves time,
and makes a better skin, it being stronger.
Too much care cannot be exercised in placing the
skin in the form. To makea perfect specimen, every
feather should be carefully put in place, and smoothly
arranged. For drying, place the skin in a closet, or
some place where it will not be disturbed by the slight
est breath of wind. I now recommend writing date,
locality, and sex, on labels attached to the skin; also,
in case of rare birds, color of feet, bill, eyes, etc.
In preparing the wings of large birds, like Hawks,
first fill the neck and body, using grass or excelsior for
the latter. Then, after placing the wing in position
without drawing the forearm within the skin, sew at
180 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
the sides as in small birds; and also at the carpal
joints.
Ducks are treated in the same manner ; but always
turn the head on the back, and stitch the feet together.
Open on the back of the head, instead of on the throat,
when skinning.
I do not now bend the necks of Herons, but simply
lay the head on the back, stitch the legs together at
the tarsal joint, bend the legs forward outwardly, then
fasten the toes to the wing. This gives the skin a
compact form.
Some three or four summers since, I was accident-
ally left on a small islet lying in the midst of the Gulf .
of St. Lawrence. As this lonely rock was swarming
with birds, all of which were desirable, I soon collected
a large quantity; but, unfortunately, when I visited the
rock I only intended remaining a few hours, so did
not go provided with arsenic for making skins. This
omission, although I then considered it a misfortune,
proved of great benefit to me, as it resulted in a dis-
covery which has since become invaluable. Having
skinned a large quantity of birds, and as the vessel
which was to take me off did not arrive, I was at loss
to know what to do with them. But, as necessity is
the mother of invention, it occurred to me that I
might salt them, and thus carry them home. There
was a light-house on the rock, and the keeper had a
supply of salt; I procured some, and rubbed it on the
skins. ‘These were afterwards simply packed in bar-
rels, and sent to Massachusetts. When I came to use
them, I found them in perfect condition, only requir-
ing to be washed, when they came out like fresh skins.
I have since applied this method to al! large skins,
and find that it proves effective, even in Florida. The
skin is removed as usual, and simply salted; the salt
’
APPENDIX. 181
being‘applied as if it were arsenic or any other pre-
servative. The skin is then folded neatly, and wrapped
in paper. When ready for use, it is put into the damp-
ing box for a day or two; then the inside is care-
fully washed, the preservative is applied, and the
bird is mounted.
SEcTION IV. Mounting Specimens.—I do not now
fill the neck with any loose substance. The body is
made as before; then a wire is pushed through it
lengthwise, firmly clinched behind, and protruding in
front as long as the neck, skull, and one half the bill.
This is wound with hemp or cotton as far as the skull,
care being taken to make it somewhat smaller than
the neck. This is coated with a layer of clay, mixed
to the consistency of putty, well kneaded, making it
the size of the natural neck, excepting that it should be
larger at the base. The brain and eye cavities, as well
as the space occupied by the tongue, should also be
filled with clay; by using this pliable substance, the
neck and head can be placed in any position. Well-
kneaded clay becomes as hard as stone, when dry; it
also possesses the advantage of not shrinking. Clay is
especially useful in mounting dried skins. I also fill
the tibize of Hawks, Herons, etc., with it.
Instead of pinning up the wings, as described on
-page 39, they should be wired. Cut wires of a suitable
length, of a smaller size than is used for the legs, and
pass them through the wings, entering them just below
the carpal joint, on the under side; thus on through
the body, clinching as described for the legs. The
‘outer end of the wire is now passed through a small
opening which occurs in the carpus (seen near F, Plate
X.), brought out above, and bent firmly down. This
wire will always be concealed from above by the spu-
rious wing which lies over it.
182 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
Care should be taken to find this opening in the
carpus, for if it be passed between the phalanges it
will separate them and the quills.
In raising the wings, this method of wiring will be
found of great advantage; the secondaries, etc., should,
however, be kept in place by supplementary wires, un-
til dry, as before described. In large birds, supply the
place of the wing muscles with clay.
I do not now recommend opening Ducks, or any
other birds, under the wings; but if any grease re-
mains on the skin, coat it with soapstone dust, and it
will never give trouble. %
CHAPTER II.
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING MAMMALS.
Section I. Collecting— A good way to capture
small Mammals in an unsettled section of the coun-
try, is, to dig a pit, which may be partly filled with
water. A great many of the smaller Rodents, as well
as Shrews, Moles, etc., will fall into this during the
night. I have practiced this with success while in
Florida.
~. Sxcrion II. Skinning.—I now say that the tails
of both skunks and musk-rats may be skinned in the
ordinary way: 7.¢., stripped out.
My method of skinning Mammals has changed
somewhat. Only small Mammals are to be skinned as
described, and the following exceptions are to be made:
Do not leave any bones in the skin; I even remove
the bones of the claws, if I wish to mount the skel-
eton. This can easily be accomplished, with practice,
for the horny covering of the claws will come off read-
ily, especially if they be split on the under side. Al-
ways remove the skull.
To make a skin of small Mammals, fill it with cot-
ton, and proceed as directed. Label the skull, or, what
is better, attach it to the skin. This filling should
only be used when a permanent skin is needed for the
cabinet. If it is to be mounted at some future time,
simply coat the skin with salt, and either wrap it in
paper, or pack in a box by itself.
. In skinning large Mammals, the crosscut should be
continued to the foot, and all the bones removed.
= 183
184 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
Section II. Mounting Mammais.—There is no
part of this work wherein I haye made so much im-
provement as in the present section.
For many years I have endeavored to find some
method by which Mammals could be mounted, and
still retain the life-like fullness of the muscles, espe-
cially those in the region of the head. In order to ac-
complish this, I knew that I must fill the parts with
some substance which would not shrink upon drying,
and yet be readily moulded. Happily I have found
two materials which admirably answer the purpose,
viz., clay and plaster.
In mounting very small Mammals, either supply the
place of the muscles of the skull with plaster, or make —
a cast of the entire head, taking care in both cases to
insert a wire so that it shall protrude out of the back
of the occiput. Fill the legs with clay, place the
skull or cast in position, then fill the neck with clay,
and proceed as before directed, only using clay in place
of bran. It must be remembered that Mammal mount-
ing is extremely difficult, and that it requires long prac-
tice to acquire anything like perfection; yet, if com-
plete measurements have been taken, and the pupil is
familiar with the subject, he will learn, although nec-
essarily more slowly than in mounting birds.
I have made this subject a life-study, and have yet
to learn a better method, although I think Iam famil-
iar with all the various styles of Mammal mounting
practised by others. At the risk of being considered
egotistical, I willsay, that, with very few exceptions, I
have never seen a Mammal mounted well that was
done in any other way.
The preceding will only answer for Mammals smaller
than a Mink. In large specimens, when the recent
animal is at hand, I arrange the rods as directed, with-
APPENDIX. 185
out fastening them to the stand. Then, after making
a mould in plaster of the entire body, head, legs,
and all, taking care to place the body in some life-like
attitude, I place the frame within the mould, and run
plaster around it, thus completing the cast. I would
advise those who wish to arrive at early perfection in
this art, to take a few lessons in plaster-casting. The
ears of Mammals should be skinned, and the mem-
brane supplied with thin sheet-lead, fastened to the
cast or skull with wire.
Dried skins of large Mammals are mounted upon
models made of plaster and clay.
CHAPTER III.
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS FOR THE
CABINET.
/ Beetles, or Ooleoptera.— If Beetles are put into alco-
_ hol, they should not remain in it long, but should be
either pinned or packed carefully into cotton-wool,
‘when they may be transported in this way.
I have given general directions for collecting Bee- .
tles, but will now mention each family in detail.
CICINDELID&, Tiger Beetles, are found in dusty roads,
on sand-beaches, in rocky pastures,—in fact I have
collected them in nearly all places which were devoid
of vegetation, from the rocks of Grand Menan, to
the barren salt-marshes of Florida. They are very
agile insects, but may be caught in nets quite readily,
The larvz live in holes, in sections inhabited by the
Beetles. They should be preserved in alcohol. |
CaRABIDE, Ground Beetles— This is a very large
family. They are found upon the ground, under
stones, chips, and other débris. I have also found
some species washed ashore by the sea, often in great
numbers. I have taken many of the species of the
genius Lebia from the flowers of the Golden Rod. All
these Beetles prey upon other insects, or feed upon
dead animal matter. The larve are found in similar
situations with the adults.
AMPHIZOID#.—Is a subaquatic family, and is re-
stricted, in its distribution, to California.
Dytiscip2, Diving-Beetles, are found very common
186
APPENDIX. 187
in the water, and with the larve, which are known
as Water-Tigers, may be captured with a net.
GYRINIDZ, Whirligigs— These well-known Beetles
are found upon the surface of the water; but the
larve live beneath it. Both may be taken with the
net.
HyYpDRoPHILID®, Vrater-Beetles.—These are small
insects, found in ponds and other bodies of fresh
water, and, with the larve, may be taken with the
net.
PLATYPSYLLID, Parasitical Beetles.—The only
species which represents this family is found as a par-
asite, on the American Beaver. I have never found
them common, however. Indeed, many Beavers do
not have them at all.
SILPHIDA, Carrion Beetles Members of this family
are usually large and showy Beetles. They may be
captured by exposing the carcass of an animal during
the summer. They may be found crawling over it at
night, or beneath it in daytime.
PSELAPHID&.— I have captured species of this fam-
ily flying at twilight. Some are found beneath stones
and some in the nests of ants. They are all small in
sects.
SLAPHYLINID&, Rose-Beetles— These long-bodied
singular-looking Beetles are found beneath stones,
leaves, bits of wood, ete.
Mr. Henry Hubbard, of Cambridge, informs me that
he has captured a great many of this family, and mem-
bers of other families having similar habits, by gath-
ering leaves and other débris in the woods, and sift-
ing it through a rather coarse sieve over a wnite cloth.
The insects will then fall through. I have found
them in large numbers, with species haviny similar
habits, beneath stones, during a dry season in sutumn.
188 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
Some species are found on flowers, and some in the
dry sand of sea-beaches. One, at least, occurs in fun-
gus, and a few species under the excrements of ani-
mals.
Hisrrripa.—I have found many of these Beetles
beneath the excrement of cows, especially in Florida.
A great many also occur in carcasses, while one is only
found in ants’ nests in early spring.
SCAPHIDIIDA.— These small insects are found only
in fungi.
TRICHOPTERYGID&.— These are the smallest Beetles
known, and are found beneath the bark of trees, or in
ants’ nests.
PHALACRID&. — These small Beetles are found both
under bark and on flowers.
NITIDULARIA. — These small, flat insects are found
beneath the surface of the ground, under bark and
stones.
Monotomip# are found under bark of trees.
TROGOSITID occur in grain, and under bark.
CoLypi1p may be found in fungi, or under bark.
DERMESTIDH, Skin-Beetles.— This is the family
which gives so much trouble to collectors.
Dermestes lardarius is a dark-colored Beetle, with
greyish buff markings on the base of the wing coverts.
The perfect insect gives but little trouble; but the lar-
ve, Which is long, and cylindrical, and covered with
red hairs, is particularly destructive. J have known
these larve to destroy small skins in a few hours.
Anthrenus varius is another museum pest. Both
the Beetles and the larve attack the skin of the feet,
and bills of birds.
The best way to rid skins of both these species is, to
saturate them with benzine. This will not injure the
APPENDIX. 189
feathers in the least. All skins should be kept in in-
sect-proof cases, which I now furnish.
ScaARABHID, Horn-Beetles, are found in decaying
wood, animal excrement, on flowers, beneath stones,
on sandy beaches, flying at twilight, and in the night.
They are mainly large and showy insects. Some are
found feeding on the flowing sap of newly-cut trees,
The larve are found in decayed wood and beneath
the surface of the ground.
BuPRESTIDA, are found on trees, flowers, and in de-
cayed wood. These are very beautiful Beetles.
ELATERIDE, Snap-Beetles, occur in decaying wood
and beneath stones. The larve are called Wire-Worms,
and live in the ground.
LAMPYRID&, Fire-Flies— These well-known insect,
are found on grass and flowers. The larve are called
Glow- Worms.
CLERIDA, Flower-Beetles, are, as the name implies,
found on plants and flowers.
TENEBRIONID®, Meal-Beetles— The larve are called
Meal-Worms, and are, with the Beetles, found about
mills, and in grain, flour, ete.
ME Lop, Blister-Beetles, are found in the nests of
bees, and on flowers, especially on the golden-rod,
CURCULIONID&, Weevils—— This is an extensive fam-
ily. I have captured members in many and various
situations. During the early summer months I have
taken several from along the seashore, where they were
washed ashore. The large Palm-Weevil of the South
may be captured in palmetto groves in the evening, or
they congregate about the freshly-cut trees, to feed upon
the flowing sap. Many species are found in the bark
of trees and in fruit, They also occur on flowers and
in the stalks of plants.
CERAMBYCID, Long-Horneed Beetles—I have cap-
190 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
tured many species in wooded districts during the even-
ing, when they were flying from one piece of woodland
to another. They occur in various species of trees, to
which the larve do much damage by boring into them.
Many species are also found on flowers in autumn.
CHRYSOMELID, Leaf-Beetles—'These Beetles are
found on leaves and flowers of plants. They may be
collected by beating with a stout net. The infamous
Potato-Beetle is an example. The larve occur on
plants.
CoccrnELLID@, Lady-Birds.— These well-known
Beetles are found on plants and trees.
Hemiptera, Bugs.— The well-known Ciccadia be-
longs to this order. They may be captured with the
- net. Many species of this order may be taken by
beating shrubbery with a stout net.
Orthoptera, Grasshoppers, etc.—I now kill mem-
bers of this order with the fumes of benzine. They
should be placed in a close box which is partly filled
with cotton cloth which has been saturated with ben-
zine. In pinning, I now double up the legs of the larger
species.
GRYLLID&, Crickets — They may be found under
stones, pieces of wood, etc., or in open fields. The
Mole-Cricket occurs beneath the ground, in damp lo-
calities. Its hiding-place may be detected by its song-
notes.
Locustralm, Grasshoppers.— The collector should
learn to distinguish members of this family by the
song. Some sing only at night, and may thus be cap-
tured with a light. ‘They are always found on grass,
trees, or plants, and by carefully approaching them,
they may be taken in a net or with the hand. Some
species which inhabit high trees, like the Katy-did
(Cyrtophyllus concavus) are difficult to procure. The
APPENDIX. 191
various species of the genus Ceuthophilus and allied
genera, called Cave-Crickets, are found under stones, -
logs, in cellars, and in caves. .
Acrypu, Locusts, are found in the grass, on barren
_ rocks and hills, on sandy beaches, on marshes, in
meadows, and often in the pine woods, especially in
the South. They are best taken with the net. As
many of the species have colored wings, the rarer ones
are quite easily detected. They are often exceedingly
local in their distribution, and members .of certain
species may be found, year after year, in the same lo-
cality.
PHAsMIDA, Walking-Sticks, may be found on bushes,
generally in rocky pastures. Some of the species are
found in Florida quite abundantly, on the trunks of
trees, or on the grass in the pine-barrens.
Mantip&, Walking-Leaves, are found on leaves of
plants and shrubs.
BLATTARIA, Cockroaches, are found in houses, ships,
etc.; but some species are found under bark and stones.
ForRFICULARIA, Harwigs.—I have found these. in-
sects in great numbers, beneath stones, in southern
Florida. Large flights occasionally occur at night, in
the north, and as they are attracted by light, they are
easily taken.
I do not now recommend placing even the larvae of
Oithoptera in glycerine, as it will not preserve the >
color for any length of time.
Lepidoptera, Moths and Butterflies.— Especial care
should be taken to collect the larve of the various
species; notes should also be taken as to the food-
plants of the larve. Mr. Scudder recommends opening
the iarger species of larvae behind, and removing the
contents of the skin by compression. Then the skin
is inflated by means of a straw, and while in this con-
192 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
dition it is subjected to the heat of a small oven, be-
neath which is an alcohol-lamp. ‘The specimen is
thus dried slowdy, and moulded into a natural form.
Then by inserting a copper wire it can be mounted.
The smaller larve, as well as the pupa, should be placed
in alcohol. The latter, if covered with a hard shell
may be removed after a few days, and dried.
Casts may be taken of the larger larve, and colored
as describe dunder “ Reptiles and Fishes.”
CHAPTER IV.
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES AND REPTILES.
Section I. Fishes—I now make casts of Fishes, —
proceeding as follows: Place the Fish side down, on
a plate of glass or other smooth surface, and cover it
with plaster. When this is set, remove the Fish from
the under side, and varnish the inside of the mould
thus formed, and put in cream-plaster; then lay a slab
of freshly-cast plaster over the whole, and after the
cast has set, chip away the mould. The cast thus
made can be colored to represent life. Reptiles may
be modeled in a similar manner.
Salamanders may be found under logs and stones
in damp woods, and also in the water.
193
CHAPTER V.
MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS.
Section I. Crustacra.— Many crabs are found
under stones, logs, etc., in the South. Some in-
habit holes on the shore or in the woods, and a few
climb trees. Some can only be obtained by dredging
in deep water, while others always inhabit the shallow
margins of bays, etc. Many interesting species are
found clinging to seaweed picked up floating in deep
water, while others are taken from the shells of living
Mollusks. A few species occur in fresh water far from
the sea, and at least one has been taken from the
caves of Kentucky.
A good way to preserve the smaller species is, to
stitch them to cardboard. In transporting Crusta-
ceans, they may be packed in salt; then, afterwards,
washed and dried.
COLLECTING MOLLUSKS.
SonIGINIDH AND SoLicopsipa Squid and Cutéle-
fishes, may be found floating in the open ocean, or
drifted ashore on beaches. , They may be taken in nets,
or by dredging. They should be preserved in alco-
hol, or custs taken of them.
PuoLapip&, Boring-Shells.— The species of Teredo
and Xylotrya are found in timber that has been be-
neath the surface of the water for some time. Some
of them should be preserved in alcohol, and the shells
of others saved, care being taken to keep the parts of
individual shells together. Members of Pholus and
194
APPENDIX. 195
Zirfea are to be found burrowing in clay, mud, or
rock. Care should be taken in extracting them, as
the shells are fragile. If the shell be immersed in hot
water for a moment, the animal can be removed with
the help of a knife.
SOLENIDA, Razor-Shells, may be found burrowing
in the sand between tide-marks. They may be col-
lected and treated as above, care being taken to tie the
valves together, in both cases.
Myap, Clams, are found both in mud and sand,
usually between tide-marks. They should be treated
as other bivalves.
CoRBULID, PANDORID#, ANATINID&, MACTRAD,
are found either by dredging, or thrown on sandy
beaches.
GASTROCH ZNID# are found adhering to marine ob-
jects, or embedded in marsh or clay.
TELLINID#& may be collected along sandy beaches,
between tide-marks.
LUCINID& are inhabitants of deep water, or mud-
flats which are seldom left dry by the tide.
CYCLADID# are all small, fresh-water bivalves, with
quite fragile shells. They should be carefully cleaned
and packed in cotton.
CYPRINIDA, VENERIDZ, CARDIAD, and ARCAD”,
are all salt-water bivalves, and are generally only to be
collected by dredging, often in deep water.
UNIONID&, Fresh-water Mussels— These may be
collected in large numbers on river-bars when the
water is low, or by dredging in lakes or ponds. I do.
not recommend boiling them, but they should be ex-
posed to the sun for a short time; then, when dead,
they may be cleaned with a knife. Care should be_
taken to tie the valves together. The outer surface —
should be oiled slightly.
196 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
Mytiuipm, Salt-water Mussels, may be found on
banks left exposed by the tide, or adhering to posts,
etc., which stand in the water, or embedded in salt
marshes. They may be scalded and cleaned ; \but care.
should be taken to preserve the byssus, that is, the
ligament by which the shell fastens itself to rocks, ete.
PECTENID, Scallops.— These are found on grassy
mud-flats that are not left exposed by the tide. ‘They
may be scalded and cleaned.
OsTREID&, Oysters, are found on bars, at the mouths
of rivers, where the fresh and salt water mingles.
They may be scalded and cleaned. Some, however,
are found in salt water, clinging to other shells, stones,
etc.
TEREBRATULIDZ.— Found usually in deep water,
off the coast.
BuLiip#.— These are fragile, univalve shells, found
on mud-flats, at low water. They should be boiled,
cleaned, and wrapped in cotton.
Doripip#&, TRITONIID®, AlOLIDIDA, ETC.— These
are shell-less Mollusks, found adhering to seaweeds.
They are to be preserved in alcohol. ‘They form fine
objects for the aquarium.
Curronip®, Chitons.— This interesting class of Mol-
lusks which are covered with armadillo-like bands, are
found clinging closely to the rocks between tide-marks.
The animal should be removed with a knife, and the
shells laid flat on a plain surface; then, a board laid
over them, to keep them from curling when they dry.
DENTALID, Tooth-Shells, are dredged from great
depths. They are cleaned by boiling.
PATELLIDZ AND CALYPTRHIDZ, Cap-Shells, cling
to rocks, shells, etc. They must be taken unawares
from the surface to which they cling, or it will be
THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE. 197
difficult to remove them, as the animals will contract
and adhere very firmly.
ZANTHINID&.— These are thin little shells, highly
colored, which float on the open ocean by means of a
mass of vesicles. They are quite frequently driven
ashore during gales. I have seen vast quantities of
them on the Florida Keys.
TROCHID# are found in deep water, but, being small,
are frequently washed ashore on sand beaches.
PALUDINID#& are fresh-water shells, and are pro-
vided with an operculum, which appendage should be
preserved and kept with the shell, either by gluing
in place after the specimen is cleaned, or by wrapping
the shell in paper. The same remarks apply to all
operculated shells. :
LITTORINID#&.— Small shells, found either in salt
water or near it, adhering to plants or shrubs. They
often occur in great numbers. I have seen the man-
groves of the Florida Keys covered with the Litorina
scabia, and the grass of the salt marshes at Cedar
Keys was covered with millions of Litorina litorea.
TURRITELLID&.— The so-called Worm-Shells occur
in great numbers on the Keys of Florida, growing
quite frequently in sponges. Other members of the
family are found in, deep water.
CERITHIID# are found both in the salt water, often
at great depths, and also on salt marshes, near the
water. I have seen the ground absolutely covered
with some species. Others are found clinging to sea-
weeds.
PYRAMIDELLID&.— These are all small shells, and
are either found clinging to seaweeds or sheltered by
other larger shells.
Naricip2.— Members of this family are quite fre-
quently found on sandy beaches, or in shallow water,
198 APPENDIX.
near the shore. The animals may be removed by
boiling.
TURRITIDZ AND COLUMBELLID&.— Found on
beaches, and also in mud-flats and in deep water.
PurpuRID&.— Found on ocean rocks in muddy
creeks, along sandy shores, and in deep water. Pur-
pura capillus is very abundant on the rocks, and
countless numbers of Nassa obsoleta are found in the
creeks, from Maine to North Carolina.
Mouricip# are found in deep water, and along shores
and flats which are not exposed by the tide; while
some are found on mud-flats.
Henicipa, Land-Shells— “and-Shells are found
beneath stones, logs, etc., in cellars, and clinging to
trees and plants. They are very abundant in some
localities. Some are also found in fresh water, es-
pecially in springs, where they are sometimes very nu-
merous. They should be carefully cleaned, as much
of their beauty and value depends upon this.
ARIoONID#Z.— This is a family of Land-Shells, some
of which have little or no shells. They may be found
on trees and plants, and should be preserved in alcohol.
Others, like the genus Zonites, have.shells.
PHILOMYCID# are shell-less, and should be preserved
in alcohol.
AURICULID#.— Members of this family are found
on the land, and also near the salt water, and occa-
sionally in it, as in some species of Melampus.
Limn “1D ®.— These genera are all represented by
species which live in fresh water, often in rivers and
lakes.
SPIRULID# are found in the open ocean, and occa-
sionally drift on shore.
All shells should be carefully labeled with date and
APPENDIX. 199
locality in which they are collected. Notes as to the
relative abundance, etc., should be made.
\ Many species of the deep-water species may be ob-
ta
\
ined from the stomachs of such fishes as the Cod.
Others may be found in the gizzards of Ducks.
Small shells which cannot be cleaned should be
placed in alcohol, and allowed to lie for at least twen-
_ ty-four hours, then taken out and dried in the shade.
Some shells, like the thin-shelled Unioes, are liable
_ to crack when dry; if the fresh shell be dipped into a
solution of chloride of calcium, this will be prevented.
CORALS.
GorGontas, Sea-Fans, Sea-Pens, frequently grow
in comparatively shoal water. I have often seen them
left exposed by the falling tide; at such time, they
may be gathered in large quantities, for they are
almost always abundant. They may be dried care-|
fully in the shade; then they will not lose their brill:
iant colors.
MILLeporAS and other branching Corals.— Some
species are found on reefs that are exposed at low tide,
but some must be obtained by dredging. A good ma-
chine for collecting is made in the following manner:
Procure a bar of iron five feet long, one inch thick,
and three inches wide; have holes one inch in diam-
eter drilled, one inch apart, for the entire length.
Next, have two eye-bolts fastened in near each end.
Now, pass ropes, one inch in diameter and five feet in
length, through the holes, taking care to knot them
at the ends, to prevent their going entirely through.
Then, unravel the ropes and fasten stout lines or
chains to the eye-bolts. This is thrown over-board,
and dredged over the bottom, when the Coral will
200 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
become entangled in the trailing-ropes, and brought
up.
ASTR&CEA, FUNGACEA, ETC., Brain and Mushroom
Coral.— This form of Coral is, perhaps, the hardest to
collect. ‘They may be procured by expert divers, who
break them loose with hammer and chisel, or they
may be broken off with a sponging-hook, and thus
brought to the surface.
PRESERVING CORAL, BLEACHING, ETC.
CorAL that is to be preserved with the natural color
should be carefully dried in the shade; but all Corals
may be bleached nicely, by dipping in salt water once
a day, and exposing to the sun. They should be first
killed by exposing them for a few hours to the heat of
the sun; then allowed to lie for twenty-four hours
in water, when the gelatinous animals will be dis-
solved, and will run out of the cells. Then they
should be rinsed and exposed to the sun.
Actin, Sea-Anemones, may be looked for at low
tide on rocks, or found by dredging (as the deep-water
species adhere to shells, stones, etc.). They may be re-
moved from a smooth surface by carefully sliding
along until some is introduced beneath the sucking
disk, when they will become loosened; or they may be
taken off by means of the blunt edge of a spoon or
some similar instrument. These objects, which are so
beautiful while living, possessing colors which vie with
the flowers, are exceedingly difficult to preserve. They
change very much in alcohol; but Prof. A. Hyatt in-
forms me that he has found picric acid the best me-
dium by which the colors may be kept.
Hyproips AND Bryozoa.—I have found -quanti-
APPENDIX. 201
ties of these in shoal water. ' They are very delicate,
and should be carefully handled. |
Star-Fishes—I have at times, found the beaches i
covered with some of the common species, but the
best way to find them is to visit the rocks where they
occur at low tide; in favorable localities they may be ©
collected by thousands. The larger species occur on
flats, while some are only to be obtained by dredging.
Some species shed their arms quite easily ; these should
either be kept in salt water, or thrown at once into al-
cohol. Indeed, all species are best kept in water until
they assume a form in which they are to be dried;
then they should be instantly plunged into strong
alcohol, where they must remain for at least twenty-
four hours. Then they may be removed and dried in
the shade. When quite dry, I have found it advan-
tageous to dip them into a solution of hot paraffine,
as this prevents their disintegrating, as they are sub-
ject to this trouble.
Ecuinoperms, Sea-Urchins, cling to rocks, and
may be found at low water or dredged in deep water.
In killing them, observe the same precaution as prac-
tised in Star-fishes, and then treat them in the same
way.
Sponges.— Those who are only familiar with the
dried and prepared skeletons of the sponges of com-
merce would be surprised. to see one of these animals
in its native state; indeed, I scarcely think the un-
initiated collector would recognize the accustomed
sponge in the gelatinous mass which grows on the
banks of the Florida Keys. Sponges are of various
forms, some of which are very beautiful. They are
also of varying colors. Some are exceedingly fragile,
while others are, when dry, as hard as wood. Some
are largely made up of siliceous matter; indeed, long,
202 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.
needle-like crystals of silica are to be found in greater
or less quantities in almost all species.
They grow in various situations; some few occur in
fresh water, but they mainly inhabit the sea. I have
found them encrusting rocks, pieces of shells, growing
on submerged posts, and one or two species I have
taken from the backs of the more sluggish species of
Crabs. A few float, or rather roll, about on the bot-
tom; these usually occur in secluded bays or sounds,
where there is but little sea. The greater portion are
found attached to the bottom, often in great depths
of water; but many are found growing on banks, in
from three to four fathoms. I have also collected a
great many in exceedingly shoal water, near the shore.
I have seen thousands of the deep-water species, washed
ashore by the actions of the waves, during hurricanes.
The sponges which occur in shoal water may be re-
moved by help of a knife; but the deep-water species
are gathered with a sponge-hook, which is simply a
two-pronged fork, bent into a hook. The spongers of
the Bahama Islands and the Florida Keys use what is
called a water-glass, to discover the sponges on the
bottom. This is a cylinder of wood or metal, of about
_ ten inches in diameter, having a glass bottom. This
is placed in the water, bottom down, and thus the
operator can see the sponges quite easily through the
glass, even if there is a ripple on the water, which
would otherwise prevent his seeing to any depth.
Sponges should be dried in the shade, without ex-
posing to the sun, care being taken that they do not
absorb dampness from the atmosphere, as then they
are apt to decay.
The skeletons are procured in the following way:
The sponges are first exposed for a day or two to the
influence of the sun, then are thrown into what is ©
APPENDIX. 203
known as a “sponge crawl,” which is simply a large
pen with slatted sides, placed in some swift tide-way.
They are kept here until thoroughly macerated, which
process occupies about amonth. They are then stirred
about, and beaten until all the animal matter is re-
moved, when they are dried. Many of the sponges of
commerce are bleached with chloride of lime, which,
although it improves their looks, is at the expense of
the durability of the tissues.
Secrion II. Preparing Skeletons.—I do not now
recommend using chloride of lime. The bones should
remain under water, in some glass or wooden vessel;
until every particle of fleshy matter is dissolved. If
the bones are oily after they are bleached, they should
be once more immersed in water, and kept there until
clean. Skeletons of large Mammals often require
more than a year to macerate them properly. I now
remove all horny portions, even of the feet and bill.
In articulating small bones, I now make use of a very
strong cement, which is advertised in my catalogue of
taxidermists’ supplies.
CHAPTER VI.
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING EGGS.
Too much care cannot be taken to clean eggs. The
contents must be thoroughly removed, to accomplish
this, and all eggs should be rinsed. Eggs of all spe-
cies should be kept in sets; and, where it is possible,
the nest should be collected with them. In packing
eggs for transportation, wrap each one separately in
cotton, and place in a box lined with the same ma-
terial. Capt. Chas. Bendike, who is the most careful
egg-collector that I ever met, and his beautifully-
prepared and extensive collections bear ample testi-
mony to this statement, packs-eggs in the following
manner: The box is first lined with cotton-batting ;
then the eggs are placed, side by side, in partitions
made of the same material, which is cut in strips for
this purpose; then a layer of cotton is placed over
them, more eggs packed, and so on until the box is
filled.
204
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