FOR THE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY THE OOLOGIST; FOR THE STUDENT or BIRDS TMEIR NESTS AND EGGS. VOLUME X. ALBION, N. Y. I'. H. LATTIN & CO., I'UIiLISHERS. 1893. A. M. EDDY, PRINTER AND BINDER, ALBION, N. Y. 1893- INDEX TO VOL. X. Advise Wanted 30,73, lOR ^^pj'ornis. An Egg of 23(5 Albatross. At Long Beach, California, An ... 88 Albatross. Sooty 88 Albinoes 57 Anhinga 148 Auld Lang Syne 275 Baldamus, August Karl Edward 333 Balliet, Letson 58 Birds As Hets 23, 199 Bird Nesting in an Illinois Swamp 31 Birds. Hints on Skinning and Mounting 86 Birds of Henry Count}'.' Iowa, Notes on the. .335 Birds. Queer Myths About 113 Bird's Sliin. How to Prepare a 80, 235 Bird Wit and the Lack of It 383 Bittei-n, American 43, 7.5,83,347 Bittern, Croaking of the 153 Bittern. Least 22,24, 43, 76, 349 Bitterns, Among the Least 310 Bitterns in Henrv Co.. Illinois. The Ameri- can and Least 347 Blackbii'd. A Tricolored 115 Blackbird, Bicolored ...lit) Blackbird Red-winged 116 Blickbird, Yellow-headed IH Black List .58 Bluebird 48 Bluebird, Mountain .301 Bluebird, Western 301 Boat Suitable for Colled ors 351 Bob-white 307 Bob-white, Florida 117 Bog Bull 83 Bog Trotter 8.3 Bunting. Black-throated 3,34 Bunting, Indigo 29 Bunting, Lazuli 119 Butcher Bird 79 Buzzard, European 273 Buzzard, Ked-shouldered 373 Buzzard, Red-tailed 103, 1,39 Buzzard, Turkey 83, 355 California, Another Day with the Birds o f Southern '. 77 California, Bluebirds of 301 California, The White-tailed Kite and Prairie Falcon in 8,58 California Trip, Another 116 Camping, A Few Hints on 140 Canadian Birds j^g Canvas-back, A Nest of the 300 Cardinal 21 38 376 Catbird ^g Vat hart es Aura, Notes on 88 Chat and Cliff Swallow "71 Chat. Yellow-breasted 45,71 Chewink gj Chicago, Collecting in 43 Chickadee, A Friendly J53 Chickadee, Carolina 47 Chickadee, Oregon 004 333 Chicken-hawk '3-3 Climbing, A Few Hints about 333 Clothing, Collectors jg Collecting at Night— Poetry . . : 317 Coot, American 21 Cowbird 36, 71, 110, 198, .325, 326 Cowbirds Eggs ' 3, Cowbird Egg, The History of a 330 Crane '.^3 Crane, Sandhill 57 334 Creeper, Brown ' 47 Creeper, Nesting of the Brown .sgO C^riticism, A ^^y•^ ^^ Criticism, Not a ' Z\Q Crow, American ogg Crow, A Trick of the ."g^ Crow, Florida " J77 Cruising and Science 319,285 Cuckoo, Black-blUed 335 Cuckoo, Yellow-billed .58, 37c 326 Dab-chick 235 Data Blanks 1^3 Day, A Lucky gj Day in the Woods, A 333 Die-dapper 335 Diijper, American ,57 J17 333 Dove, Mourning '157 Duck, Black 303 Duck, Gray ^^ Eagle, Bald 39, 140, 295 Eagle, Bald-headed ^ ..... .39 Eagle, Golden 140, 295 Eagle, White-headed '.395 Egg, A Mammoth 33g Eggs, How to Blow 335 THE OOLOGIST. Egps. r^eavinj? Nest 2M EgjT*. Prepare More Carefully 1^3 EfTgs. Runt 234 Kbks. to Dry Wheu BlOWTi 1"'4 Egret. Amei"ic;m "•• '•'•' Egret, Greater '^ Egret. Lesser "^ Embryology of a Bird, The 178 Errata ^'' Escape. A Narrow 255 Exchanges, Instructions for 138 Exchanging. Courtesy and Business in 136 Falcon, Prairie 140, 260 Falcon, Taking the Eggs of the Peregrine ... 169 Finch, Larit 41 Finch, Texas Seaside 301 Flat-head 79 Flicker a,5(), 2>U, 331 Flicker, elided 30 Flicker, Red-shafted 78, 2.54, 2&3 Flicker, Yellow-shafted 331 Florida and Other Notes. The Osprey in .....23 Florida. The Loggerhead Shrike of 79 Floridlan Races 176 Flycatcher, Notes on the Nesting Habits of the Scissor-tailed 224 FlycaU'her, Traill's 235 Flycatcher. Western 79, 117 Flyup-thecreek 74 Gallinule. Florida 21.24, 43 Galliuule. Purple 24 Game Bird of the Prairie, The 303 Geese, Remarkable Flight of 171 ( Jnatcatcher. Blue-gray 47, 325 (i.)ldllnch, American 254, ;iOO, 326 (;oldtlnch, Arkansas 22,116, 118.204 Goldlinch. Green-backed 22 Goldfinch. Lawrence's 118 Goshawk, American 139 Go*hawk in Illinois, Ai"" erican 54. 107 Goss, Death of Benjamin F 281 Grebe, Carolina 226 GrelH". Pl-bllled 43.226, 302 Gro.Hl)eak at Home, The Rose-breasted 2.53 (Jmsbeak, Black-headed 118 (inisheak. Evening a5 Ori>s»M-ak, Migrated? How Far South Has the Evening 91 GroHl>eak, Rose-breasted 807 r, (JroUSe, The Sooty 48, 254 (;ull, American Herring 114 Gull. (,J ravel — 114 (Jull, Ring-hilled 1 14 4 Hawk. American Rough-legged 2\M Hawk, American Sparrow 101, Hawk and Its Eggs, The Marsh Hawk, Broad -winged 140, Hawk, Cooper's 138, Hawk, Duck 101, 140, Hawk, Fish 23, 39 Hawk, Krider's Hawk, Marsh 25, Hawk, Mouse Hawk, Pigeon Hawk, Red-shouldered 104, 139,273, Hawk, Red-tailed 57, 102, 139,201, Hawk, Sharp-shinned 138, Hawk, Swainson's 1.39, Hawk, Unusual Nesting of the Sparrow Hawks. The Sagacity of Fish Hell Diver Hen-hawk Heron, Black-crowned Night 22, 75, 203, Herou, Great Blue 22, 73, 77, 103, Heron, Green 74, Heron, Little Bhie Heron, Louisiana Heron, Snowy Heron, White 74, Herons of Michigan Herouy, A •■Hooter" Hummingbird, Anna's 1 18, 157, Hummingba'd, Black-chinned 118, Hummingbird, Costa's 184, Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbirds, A Flock of Hummiugbird.s Nests, Twice Used 183, 140 277 272 325 169 , 53 139 138 138 101 325 325 300 272 306 .53 226 273 302 302 302 151 151 .74 151 .73 202 140 223 184 224 .78 183 223. Illinois River Valley, From an Ornitholog- ical Standpoint 119 Illinois Swamp, Bird Nesting in an 21 Illinois, The American and Least Bittern in Henry Co 247 Illinois, The Whip-poor-will in Stai-k Co 307 Indian Hen 75, 83- Informaticm Wanted, In Relation to the Nest and Eggs of a List of Rare Species.. 92 Iowa, Great Horned Owl in. 87 Iowa. Notes on the Birds of Henry Co 325 Jay, Blue 3&3 Jay, Blue-fronted 282 Jay, Florida Blue 177 Jay in Colorado, The Long-crested 232 Jay, Oregon 283 Jay Steller's 283 Junco, Oregon 204 J unco, Slate-cr)lored 57 Kestrel 375 Killdeer 303 Klugtlsher, Belted 303 Kite, Mississippi 101 Kite, Swallow-tailed 138 Kite, White-tailed 2.58 Lark, Prairie Horned Lark, Varieties of the Horned. ..143, 236,326 .56. THE OOLOGIST. Lattiu & Co.. F. H 158 Lattiu & Co.. F. H., Plans for 1893 \n3 Loads (Gun) for Collectors 18 Loggerhead". tS Loon's Eggs. A Trip for 171 Loons Eggs. Something More about 229 Magpie. The American 211 Maine. Notes from 306 Maryland. Some Shore Birds of< Baltimore County 303 Mangrove Trees 149 Martin. Cuban 2i Martin, Purple '.i9 Meadowlark 'M Merlin, Richardson's 101 Michigan. Notes from Isabella Co 24 Michigan. Kaptores of 101. 272. 294. 337 Michigan, The Birds of 229 Michigan. The Herons of 73 Migration 298,333 Minnesota, Some Sparrows in 41 Moccasin, Bite of a Water 149 Mockingbird 46 Mockingbird, False '. 79 Mss . Desirable .58, .¥J Naturalist's Association. Western New York 262, 3;32 Naturalist's Outfit. A Field 17, 10.5. 109 Nehrling's "North American Birds" 1.54 Nesting. Early 1.57 Nest (Plum) Full, A 300 Nesting. Rare 205 Nesting Site. A Peculiar 331 New York City. The Birds Which Breed in Central Park 26 New York City, The Winter Vi«itors of Cen- tral Park 77 New Zealand, Habits of the California Quail in 135 Nighthawk 176 Nighthawk'S Nest.The 254 Nomenclature, Trinomial 155 North Carolina Birds Eggs, A Collection of.. 28 Nuthatch. Brown-headed 47 Nuthatch, White- breasted 47 Obituary 281, .^33 Ooi.oGlsT, A Poem to the .59 Ooi-oGisT's, The Handbook 59 Ooi,OGisT, The, Its Popularity .57 OoLOGisT, The, Contents of 91 Back Num- bers 185 Oology 318 Orange and Black, A Study in 197 Oregon Item. An 1.54 Oregon. Notes from Yamhill Co 203 Oriole, Baltimore 284. 331 Oriole. Bullock's 119 Oriole. Orchard .331 Ornithological Club. The Cooper : 2.30 Ornithologist's Association 23 0.sprey. American 23, 39, 53, 140, 303 Osprey in Florida and Other Notes 23 Osteology for Amateurs, Scientific 44,183 • Our Birds in Their Haunts". 31 Outfit. A Field Naturalist's 17 Outtit, Camping and Collecting 18 Oiittit, Taxidermist's 18 Ouzel, Water 117 Oven-bird 45 Oven-birds Nest Building 307 Owl. Acadian 205, a^O Owl, A Captive Screech 331 Owl, American Barn. ,53, 108, 140, 154, 396, 319. 339 Owl, Barred .52, 81, 140. 201, 3:?0, 328 Owl, Burrowing 140, 334 Owl, Cat 140 Owl, Elf 30 Owl, Florida Barred 177 Owl, Florida Screech 177 Owl, Great Gray 32S> Owl, Great Horned .53,87,140,201 Owl. Hoot 140 Owl, Large Set of Burrowing S04 Owl, Long-eared 140, 396 Owl. Marsh 140 Owl, Pigmy 330 Owl, Richardson's 330 Owl, Saw-whet 35, 53, 30.5, 3'0 Owl, Screech 53, 140 Owl. Short-eared 140, 337 Owl. Sparrow 330 Cwl, Spotted 236 Owl, Wood 309 Owls, Winter Collecting or Something about. 52 Paradise Bird 234 Park, Death of Austin P 332^ Partridge, California 254 Partridge, Mountain ggg Partridge, Red-legged 375, Partridge. The Plumed 033 Pertinacious Pernicious (S) Parrow 122 Pewee, Western Wood 134 Phalarope. Wilson's 43 Pheasant, Mongolian ogg Pheasant, Ring ^88 Phu-be, A Peculiar Nesting Freak of the. . .18.^ Plicebe, Black jj^ Pigeon, Band-tailed j J3 Pintail Duck, The 394 Plover. Field 335, Plover. Nesting of the Mountain 230 Plover, Semipalmated 303 Plumage 144 Plum Pudden 75 g;j Postal Card Articles gg Prairie Hen 303 Prize Contests, November (92) 33 December ('92) 59 .lanuary 90 February 121 March 152 April 184 May 312 June 837 July 3fii THE OOLOCilST PiuzE Contests. August 2^^ September 309 October 309 November 333 Prolilein, A. .3:;o 135 QuiiHlrd QU-.111 In Npw Zealand, On the Habits of the C;ilifornia Quail. New ZtnilaaJ 136 Rail in Califorma. Virginia 1-1 Kail. King 21 ^3, 57 Kail, Sora ^^^ Kail. Virginia 154, S06 Kail. Water 306 Kails. Sora and Virginia 305 Kanible. A Summer ^0 Kaptores of Michigan 101, ii73, 294, 327 Kaptores of Omaha and Vicinity 138 Kaven, American 2(30, 30() ••l{ed Nose" 21 Redstart. American 197 Red-tail. VVe.stern 78, 117, 139 Robin. A]neri(-an 48 Round-head 389 Sandpiper. Bartramian 236,-303 Sandpiper. Lea.st 303 Sandpiper. Semipalinated 303 Sandpiper. Solitary - 303 Sandpiper. Spotted 303 Sapsucker. The .'.. 256 Supsucker. Yellow-bellied 256 Scheme, A New 89 Scheme, Another 90, 154 Scls»t>r-tail 824 Sets, How to List 235 Shore Birds of Lake Roland and Loch Rav- en. Baltimore Co.. Maryland 308 Shrike of Florida, The Loggerhead 79 Shyte-poke .• 74 Siskin, Pine 22,307 Skeleton. To Prepare a 44. 188 Snake Birds. Among the US Snakes In Florida. Poisonous 1.50 Snowbird. Black 57 Snownlrd. Oregon 204 Sparrow, Clay-colored _48 Sparrow, Kield 28 Sparrow. Fox 43 Sparrow. Harris's 41 Sparrow, Heermann's Song .78, 116 S|)arrow. Lark 41 Sparrow. Leconte's 41 Sparrow. Song 26, 108 Sparrow, Swamp 42, los Sparrow. Texan Seaside 301 Sparrow. Varieties of Song 56 Si)arrow. White-crowned 41 Sparrow. White-throated 41 Sparrows In Minnesota, Some 4i Spirit Duck 286 "Stage Driver" 21 Stake Driver 7(5 g3 Swallow. Bank 106 Swallow. Cliff 73, 184 Swallow. Rougli-wineed .•.-... 29 Swallow. The Rough-winged 106 Swallow, Violet -green 23 Swift. The Ciimney 208, 284 Tanager. Louisiana 184 Tanager, Scarlet 29, 53, 307, 330 Tauager, Summer 29,330 Taxidermy" "Davie's Methods in the Art of. 58 Tern. Black 44, 231 Tern. Caspain or Imperial 114 Tern, Least 302 Texas. Ne.stins Habits of the Baird's and Carolina Wrens in Travis Co _280 Thrasher. Brown 46 Thru*h. Hermit 25 Thrush. Russet-backed 204 Thrush. Song 52 Thrush. Wilson's 48 Thrush. Wood 48, 53, 107, 154. 386 Thunder. Pumper 75, 83 Titmouse, Tuftel ; 47 Towhee 28, 51, 325 Towhee. Californiin 78 Towhee, Oregon 203 Towhee, Spurred 79 Towhee, White-eyed 177 Tribulations of the Oologist— Poetry 123 Turkey, Some Notes on the Wild 293 Turkey, Water 148 Vireo, Mountain Solitary 29 Vireo. Red-eyed 30 Vireo, Warbling 119, 184 Vireo, White-eyed 30 Vireo, Yellow-throated 29 Vulture, California 49 Vulture Eggs. Collecting Black 55 Vulture, Turkey 88, 255 Warbler, Black and White 51 ■Warbler, Black-thi-oated Green 52 Warbler. Blue-winged 325 Warbler. Blue Yellow-backed 51 Warbler. Canadian 51 Warblor. Golden-winged i83 Warbler. Hooded 46 Warbler, Nesttng of the Blue-winged YellowllO Warbler. Parula 27. 51 Warbler. Pine 30 Warbler. Prairie 26, 28, 45 Warbler, Prothonotary 19, 119 Warbler, The Golden Swamp 19 Warbler, With the Prairie 297 Warbler, Worm-eating 30, 32,5 Warbler. Yellow Palm ;>4 Warbler, Yellow-throated 30 Warbler's Two 37 Water-Thrush, Louisiana 25 45 Webb, Walter P. in Partnership with "Lat- tin 1.53 Whip-poor-will ....51, 176 Whip-poor-will in Stark Co., IlUnois, The 307 THE OOLOGIST. "Wilson, Scenks FRo>r the Life ofAlexandek His Early American Career U7 His Southern Snbscribtion Tour 321 Journey to the Falls of Niagara 221 The First Volume of the American Or- nithology 269 The Planning of his American Ornithology208 The Progress Of His Undertaking ,.245 Wilson and Bartram the Naturalist 175 Wilson in Scotland HO Woodcock. Peculiar Habit of the 232 Woodcock. The American 378 Woodpecker, American Three-toed 356 Woodpecker. Arct'c. Three-toed 256 Woodpecker, Black 256 Woodpecker, Calif oratan 79 Woodpecker, Downy 1,S4, 256 Woodpecker, Gaii'dner's 79 Woodpecker, Gila 30 Woodpecker, Golden-winged 284 Woodpecker. Hairy 35, 356 Woodpecker. Ivory-billed 324 Woodpecker, Pileated 24, 2.56 Woodpecker, Red-headed 2.56 Woodpecker, Southern Hairy 177 World's Pair Notes. C ilifornia Redwood Tree 16 Columbian Halt Dollars 16 Eggs Collected on World's Fair Grounds ..15;? Jottings and Advice from Our Special Cor- respondent 179 Lattin's Exhibit 89 Mineral Cabin 16 Natural History Notes 262 OOLOGi.ST's Exhibit of Eggs 90, 154 Public Information 157 Snyder. Fred D 157 Wren, Baird's 280 Wren, Bewick's 47 Wren. Carolina 46, 238, 3S0 Wren, Florida 177 Wren Had Revenge, How a Canon 225 Wren, House 143 Wren, Long-billed Marsh 82, 43, 108, H3 Wren, Parkman's 78 Wren, Rock 184 Wren, Short-billed Marsh 141 Wren, Winter .58 Yellow-throat, Maryland 45 Yellow-legs 302 Yellow-legs, Greater 303 ^- f s THF % t-. 4|r'^ Monthly. ^f J^ 50c. per Year, "^^g VOL. X. ALBIOX, ^\ Y., JAN., 18'J3. KO. 1 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special annoniicemeiils, 'Wants,' "Exclianffes" "For Sales." Inserted In this denartmenf for 5UC per y.'> words. Notices over ;i.5 words, ciiar<;ed at the rate of one cent per each additional word. No notice Inseru-d for less tli;in .5uc. Terms, casn wlrU order Strictly Kiist-class spuciincus will be accepted In i):iytnent at one-lialf list rales '■DeAi-EKS''cau use tliese columns at Uegtdar AdrxrtiNiitij rates, only. Exclian!,'e cards and coupons i,sui).scriptlon) will be accepted for '-Wants'" and "] and according to conditions stated tliereon To saj'' that I am pleased with the Exchange Department of the Ooix)uis-j- is putting it rath- er light. By meifins of my recent exchange notice I have enlarged my collection by exactly $80.55 worth of eggs. "Let the uood Vork g(j on." Respectfully, A. MOWBRAY SEMPLE. Poynette, Wis. TO EXCHANGE.— Al Bird Skins for same or sets not in mv collection. Send list and receive mine. J. CLAIRE WOOD, 104 Abbott St., Detroit, Michigan. WANTED.— Some choice minerals. Parties having large nice specimens for exchange, send list. I have to oiler, rare, clutches of Birds eggs. WALTER, E. WEBB, (ieneva, N. Y. WANTED.- A young greyhound. Offer for same, Birds Eggs and .Skins, Mammal Skins and Skulls, etc. and if necessary will give ;i lew $s. Write at once to A. MOWBRAY SEMPLE, Poynette, Wis. WANTED. Vols. I nnd 11 of the "Auk" in ^ood i-ouditlon. Will g ve part cash and part exchange in desirable sees of eggs. THOMAS H. JAClvSON, Westchester, Pa. J-.it WANTED.— One large Ostrich egg and one .setof4^« n--'. Parties wishing to dispose of their eggs or mouuted 'jirds will please .send list with lowest ca.sh pri !e. W. C. PICKENS. Livingston, Ala. TO EXCHAN(ili^.— f'- "/-opia coccoons. in large or small quantities, and 1.") .specimens of woods, also a few MC'ts. for sets, skins, insects, relics, fos.slls. etc. E. DWICHT SANDERSON. ;W4 W. Warren Ave., Detroit. Mi(;h. NOTICE.— Minerals. stami>s, a few single eggs, and insects, to e.vi-liinge for eggs In sets. Insects, minerals, stufii-.l birds, traps, or ho >ks on woodcraft. C. W1,^L BEEBE, 73 Ashland Ave.. Eiist Orange. N. J. TO EXCH \NGE.— Books, magazines. 3 vols. Youth's Compani'ms. Golden Argosys, and blrd« eggs, to exchange for birds eggs! Indian relics, cuinliitig irons or Ornithological books. E. J. llOrSKOitD. Medina, N. I . Exchanges" only WANTED.— Breech loading rifle. Double bar- rel shot gun, Smith & Wesson. Colt or Reming- ton revolver. telesco])e. field glass, carpenter or painters tools. Will give good exchange in tirst-cldss eggs, silvereue watch, bool.-s papers coins, etc. C. BYRON VANDERCOck, Odin" ^}}^ jat LOOK! .5x8 camera value *20, 8,50 stamps value $3.5, 1,50 varieties of eggs ^20. S:;,' S & W perfectly new value *».,5u, Shortwiud Water- bury value $i. Any of the above at a b.mjgain for cash or extra strong field glasses. Address for particulars ERNEST E. LEE, Covington FOR SALE. A Safety Bicycle in good con- dition, solid tire, cash value to.5 or will sell for part cash and uny of the following articles Camera. Coues' Key. Books on Zoology, Orni- thology, Oology or Birds Eggs and Skins. NATHAN L. DAVIS, 314 University Ave Rochester, N. Y, FOR EXCHANGE,-.Some fine clutches of Cha'^halaca. St. Domingo Grebe, Amer. White Pelican, Texas Sparrow, Bainl's Woodpecker Texas Thrasher, Curi'e bill Tiirasher,aiid many others. Wanted Hue bird skins, and minerals. Will also take a few large snowy shells and corals. WAIVrER F, WKBB, (Jeueva, N Y TO EXCHANGE. A Puzzle Key Ring and a beautiful Check, with your name and address engraved thereon, attached for,-j.5c worth of 1st class sets, or singles listed at loc or over. Ist class eggs to *ix. for toy machinery, ERWIN, KEITH, Ottawa, Kansas. FOR EXCHANGE. -Cacti and other plants for cacti or rare plants or bulbs native or fi>r- eign. Write tiist staling what you Ir.ve. AR- THUR STALEY, Fullerlou, oiauge Co., Cala. A NEW 44 cal. model 1873 Winchester Rifle for a Smith & Wesson revolver [ii or ;is calibre .J. R. CRAIGUE, Mlimewaukan, N. Dak. TO EXCHAN(;E.-A few tlrstclass skins, an I mounted specimens of Lai)and Longspur. MakeolTers. WHIT HAl.'Rl.-^ON, LaCreHceut. THE OOLOGIST TO EXCHANGE.— About three thousand tiu tobacco uiRs. to exchange lor auy kinds of bird eggs, m shingles or sets. (The party sending Ex. did not give address.— Eu.) TO EXCHANGE— 85 Youth's Companions and 10() cigarette pictures tor best offer of tirst- dass egg's in sets with data. JAMES Mc- CRACivE.V, -J U Kendall St., West Chicago. Ills. W.^NTED.— Buttertlies, relics, curios for museum. SEEBACH. Pern. Ills. WANTED.— Any species of Aricularia. Elo- flea. Vullixiierkt. t'otunroyeton. and Linna; also fresh water gasteropois. Will give shells', plants and other specimens JOHN BKiU- vVEEL, Lapeer. Kan. TO EXCHANGE. -Fine fossils for fossils, sea shells. Indian implements, or curios. J. S. KNOa, Sliver Creek, N. Y TO EXCHANGE —Tobacco tags and foreign stamps ior eggsor Ooi,ogist, Oologist prefer- red. Send lists and receive mine. LAWRENCE, APPLETUN. Haddouiield. N. J. PICCOLO, (cash value $i.50) to exchange for best offer of eggs in sets. Also a uuuiuer of good novels. Write for li.st WILFRED H.OS- GOOD, S in Jose. Cal. TO EXCHANGE.— -Davie's Nests and Eggs" last edition, cloth bound. iten\ for best offer of other works on Natural Histoi-y, botany and ornithologv preferred. State binding, date, condition, etc. A. O. GARRETT, 1425, Ky. St., Lawrence, Kansas. WANTED.— Back volumes of papers and standard books on Ornithology and Oology. Also pocket cases of instruments, Taxidermical an 1 Oological. C ish or exchange given. ROB- ERT A. CAMPBELL. Hanover, N. H. WISH to exchange old United States and foreign .-,taiiips, fragments of Indian pottery, curios, etc. for Indian arrows and stamps not in mv collection. ARTHUR LUHMAN, Two Rivers, Wis. ALLIGATOR EGCJS wanted in hundred or thousand lots. Must be Krst-class, side blown. Write staling quantity you can furnish, with cash or exchange price. I would also like a few hi.nrirfOGISTS WANTKD.— I want conies of Jan -Feb.. 1>H7 or Dec. lS.St> nilh Jan.-Feb.. l.ShT (iftut/inl. and June. l.'-HS Ooi.nciisTS. I 'also want <'opies of my l.ssf) '•OoloijiKt lland-lluok". For eacli copy of the above three publications you will send me before Feb. 1st I will give ;i copy of the -New .Standard Catalogue'' or a White Metal Blowoipe or an Embryo Hook or a copv of ••Insect Collecting"' or Mh cents worth of 1M»(I-1891 or 1W2 OoLucasTs. FRANK H. LATTIN. Albion, N. Y. DEAR SIR:— I enclose hei-ewith "copy" for an exchange notice which 1 would like to have inserted iu iie.xt issue of the Ooi.ouiST. 1 en- close herewith iu payment for same "iOc. In. stamps. I tiud that an exchange or want no- tice in your magazine always brings more re- plies than from any paper I've ever tried. Very truly. THAD. oUKBER, 'White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Tu EXCHANGE. - Thirty varieties foieign stamps, catalogue value thirty cents, and dime jlbum. for an egg of California Murre. WALLACE LEE, So." Otselic, Chenango Co,. N. Y. $I50. Rire Sets and singles iijcluding Eagles. Ha'wks. Hummers. &c.. and a small stock of Calif, ciirio^ities. to exc'.iange for Bi- cvcle. Revolvers. Guns. Stamps, etc. Allans'd. C. TURTO.N. Los Ai.geles. Cal. WANTED.— Strictly tlrst-class singles (large- eggs preferred), a pair of strapped climb ng ir(jns aiewi and a '2'2cal. rifle tor iiAH) U. S. and foreign po-^tage stamps, value -J'io Addre.-,s R. SANVorD. U Cottage street. Ruth-iud, Vt. WANTED. -Bird- in the meat. Ha-nks. Owls.. Shrikes. Buntings. Jays. etc. in exchange lor.st cla-,s sets with full dat i. E. B. PECK, 15 Park St., Canandaigita. N. Y. YOUR JUDGEMENT is wanted. On March 1st I shall issue a few supplementary pages to the New ••Standard Catalogue of N. A. Birds". If you pose s a copy and in your honest opin- ion you are convinced that the prices should either be changed or added to certain specie-'. I .shall consider it a per.'^onal favor if you will give m- the benefit of your opinion at an earlv date, not later than Feb. loth. Your opinion \v ill be most c:u'efully considered and ■whether adopted or not a complimentary set of these pages ^\\\ be mailed vou cjratis. Faithlullv, FRANK H. LaTIIN. Albion. N. Y. "Nature's Serial Story." As told in the monthly "California Traveller and N.ituralist." is inieresting and vaiaUe. All branches of Geography. Natural Science,, and Ol)servatioa. our specialty. One year for a silver dime. Samjjles Free. A specimen free to the .■■'.00 new subscribers enclosing a stamp. X!I6 South First St . San Jose. Calilornia. .TVt. MARLIN^AH RIFLES Made In all styles and sizes. Lightest, I I strongest, easiest ■working, safest, simplest, I I most accurate, most compact, and most | 1 modern. For sale by all dealers In arms. Catalogues mailed free by The Marlin Tire Arms Co. New Haven, Conn., TJ. S. A. ALL )UL .le I aui-'actions in Birds Kggaii/ioulU be and with "La tin" vtust he based on the pric- es given in the Ntw "btaiiuaiu Catalogue." THE OOLOGIST. Our Annual Offer We quote the following Liberal Offers until Feb. 1st, ON EGGS OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIES. Orders of 50c. or over sent prepaid, under that anionnt "ic. must be added ior postage and packing. For $1.00 von can select Eggs to the amonnt of $1 .50 2.00 3.50 B.OO ■ 6.00 5.00 11.25 10.00 ■ 25.00 ■ 25.00 ■ 75.00 This oiTer will hold good until Feb. 1st and is doubtless the only chance to obtain eggs at so low a rate of us during 1^03. All specimens will be carefully packed in .strong tin or wooden boxes and sent at purchaser's^ risk bv mail, or at our risk and'purchaser"s expense by express. SECOND-CLASS SPECIMENS can be furnished of most of the species at one-half the price of a tirst-class one. Parties ordering second-class Eggs must name a list of extra Eggs to be nsed as substitutes. SETS. We can furnish sets of species preceded by *. A POINTER.— Collectors well know how readily they can exchange some cheap egg, not found in their locality with local collectors for specimens worth many times as much. Muny wide- awake collectors will doubtless lay in a large supply for this purpose. I might add that if your collections are in need of any species included in offer, an opportunity to purchase at .so low "a rate may never occur again. Horned Grebe $ ?0 •American Eared Grebe 15 •St. Domingo Grebe 50 •Pied-billed Grebe 10 *Black-throated Loon 1 m *Red-throated Loon 75 Murre 20 ♦California Murre ao Skua 5() Parasitic Jaeger .5!i Kittiwake 40 HerringGuU -20 American Herring Gull 20 Mew Gull 25 Franklin's Gull 35 Caspain Tern 50 Royal Tern -10 Cabot's Tern 40 Forster's Tern 10 Common Tern 08 Arctic Tcra 10 *LeastTeru 08 ".SootvTern 'JS *BrldiedTern 1 00 Black Tern 10 •Noddy :i) ♦Fulmar 75 Manx Shearwater 1 fK) •AudulKm's Shearwater. . l 5i) Stormy Petrel Mj •Yellow-billed Tropic Bird 2 50 •Booby 1 75 Gannet 35 Cormorant .'J0;25 •Double crested Cormor'nt 25 Faralloue Cormorant U> •American White Pel.can .35 •Man-o'-war Hlr.1 100 American Merganser . 1 .tO Red-breasted Merganser 75 European Teal '-'0 Green- winged Teal . .'lO •Blue winged Teal --A) Canvas-back 1 a.'> Barrow'.s Ciolden-e^ e I i«i Ruddy Duck " Hr. •American Flamingo I no American Bittern 75 ♦Least Bittern 20 Gi-eat Blue Heron 25 Snowy Heron 15 Reddish Egi-et 35 Louisiana Heron V-i Little Blue Heron 12 Green Heron 12 •B'k-crowned Night Heron 12 Y'w-crowned Night Heron 20 •Lirapkin 75 Virginia Rail ~o Sora K) ♦Florida Gallinule 10 •American Coot 08 Wilson's Phalarope 75 European Snipe 25 •Bartramian Sandpiper 35 •.Spotted Sandpiper 15 L(mg-billedCuilew 1 00 Whimbrel 30 ♦Lapwing b') Golden Plover -10 •Killdper 20 King Plf)ver 20 Bob-white 10 "Floriila Bob-white 15 Texan Bob-white 10 •Chestnut bellied Scaled Partriilge 35 c:alifornia Partridge 10 Valley Partridge -M ♦Kuffed Grouse 15 Willow Htarmigan 1 00 Kock Ptarmigan 1 00 ♦C'liachalac i 75 "White-crowned Pigeon 1 00 "Mourning Dove 03 White-fronted Dove 35 'White-winged Dove. • ~'0 Ground Dove .'0 Mexican (Jround Dove 5 > Codpcr's Hawk SO Ilairis's Hawk CO Ked-tailed Hawk .50 Western Ked-iuil K) Red shouldered Hawk :i5 Florida Ked-shoul d er ed Hawk e5 Bald Eagle 3 50 •American Sparrow Hawk 20 •American Osprey .% American Barn Owl 30 American Long-eared Owl a5 Barred Owl 1 00. Florida Barred Owl 1 25 Screech Owl 50 Florida Screech Owl 50 Texan Sci-eech Owl 50 California Screech Owl ... .5a Great Horned Owl 1 OO Western Horned Owl 1 Oft •Burrowing Owl )& Groove-billed Ani 1 Oo Road-runner 2.5, •Yellow-billed Cuckoo l.^i Black-billed Cuckoo 15 Belted Kingtisher 2a Hairy Woodpe(;ker .50 Southern Hairy Wood- pecker 1 oa Harris's Woodpecker 75 Downy Woodpecker' 20 Gairdner's Woodpecker .50 Red-cockadedWoodpecker 1 .50. •Baird's Woodpecker 1 OO Wh te headedWoodpecker 1 OO ^'ellow-lieUied Sai)siicker.. 50 Williamson's Saj)sucker 1 CO Pileated Woodi)ecUer 1 OO Red-headed Woodpecker. . 08 Calilornian WoodixTker . 40 T.,ewls's Woodpet'Uer 35 Ked-bellied W(jo ipecker 2.5, (iolden-fronted Woodpec'r .''.a •Flicker oa Red-shafted Flicker 10 Chuck-will's-widow 1 50 Nlghthawk 40 Western Nighthawk 40 Texan Nighthawk 40 Chimnev Swift 12 •Ruby-throated Humming- bird SO •Black-chinned Hummlng- r.lrd ;>0 ♦Costa's Hummingbird 'i\ THE OOLOGIST. •Anna's Hummingbird Scissoi'-tailed Flycatcher. Kiu.i;t)ii"d Arkansas Kin;;blrd Crested Flycatcher... Phuebe .. Say's Phoebe HlacU Phcebe Wood I'ewee VVestorn Wood Pewee Western Flycatcher Acadian Flycatcher l.ittle Flvcarcher Trains Flycatcher Prairie Homed Lark Desert Horned L irk Texan Horned Lark Am'^rican Magpie Yellow-billed Magpie *Bliie.Iay Florida Blue Jay California Jay •American Crow Florida Crow Northwest Crow Fish Crow ♦Starling Bobolink ^ "Cowbird •Dwarf Cowbird •Hedeyed Cowbird •Yellow-headed Blackbird •Ked-winged Blaciparrow iiO Desert .-jong :^paJ'row 15 Heermaun's Si>ngSparrovv 35 Samuel's -So'-g Spariow 04 Swamp Sparrow ?5 'Texas Sparrow 20 Towhee 05 *Spurred Towhee 35 *Oregou To » hee 35 California Towhee 35 *Cardinal 10 *Texan Cardinal 25 *Rosebreasted Grosbeak. 03 *Black-headed Grosbeak. 10 Blue Grosbeak 40 Western Blue Grosbeak 03 Indigo Bunting 02 Lazuli Bunting 10 Painted Bunting 15 Dickcissel 10 Lark Bunting 10 Louisiana Tanager Ot) Scarlet Tanager Otj Summer Tanager ? 10 Purple Martin Oi *Cliff Swallow 05 Barn Swallow 10 Tree Swallow O'i *Bank Swallow 15 Cedar Waxwing 15 *Phainopepla 05 *Loggerhead Shrike 35 *Whiterumped Shrike 05 *California Shrike 10 Red-eyed Vireo 10 Warbling Vii-eo '^0 Yellow-throated Vireo Frank H. Lattin 35 White-eyed Vireo 15 05 Bell's Vireo 15 15 Prothonotary Warbler 25 1.0 Blue-winged War'oler 1 50 10 Yellow Warbler 05 20 Magnolia Warbler 50 Black Poll Warbler 75 20 Prairie Waabler io 05 Water-Tbrush 50 05 Louisiana Water-Thrush 50 15 Maryland Yellow-throat 1~ 02 *Yello\v-breasted Chat 0« 03 Long-tHiled Chat 15 20 Am.erican Redstart 15 35 American Dipper 100 03 *Mockingbird 05 Sr> *Catbird 02 10 * Brown Thrasher O-i (.';) *Sennett's Thrasher 15 li *Curve-billed Thrasher 15 :0 *C'alifoi-n1 a Thrasher 20 10 *Cac usWren 1"- •.0 Bewick's ^' ren ~5 25 Vigor'- Wren 35 10 Baird'sWreu 35 05 House Wren 05 "5 West -rn House Wren . 08 10' Long-billed Marsh Wren.. 05 15 Tule Wren .. 13 20 White breasted Nuthatch 35 25 Slender-lnlled Nuthatch" 75 08 Brown-headed Nuthatch.. 35 M Tufted Titmouse 35 10 Texan Tufted Titmouse 75 05 Plain Titmouse 50 25 Chickadee 13 75 Oregon Chickadee 35_ 25 Carolina Chickadee 15' '25 Californian Bush-Tit 15 12 Verdin 35 03 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ... 30 05 Western Gnatcatcher 50 15 Wood Thrush 06 03 Wilson's Thrush 1'^ 10 *Russet-backed Thrush 15 35 Olive-backed Thrush 35 OH Hermit Thrush 30 OS *American Robin 03 08 Western Robin 10 10 "Bluebrd 03 15 Western Bluebird 12 25 Mountain Bluebird 13 English Sparrow 02 , Albion, N. Y. CURED ASTHMA Instead of flying to the door gasp- ■■ ^^ ■ ■IHHflLH ing for breath, seeming as if each HIm^ I ffB BM ^ft B one would be your last, you have ■B^^ I B BIwIbbBH only totaic. 8U • •• June 1892 86 '• win expire Dec. 92 •• • June 1893 98 '• '■ Dec. We are desirous of stral^htenln'j our subscrip- tion 1)0 Jks at once and tru.sc our subscrlb'^is will send In their subscilpilous for 'F8 including all arrearages, at their earliest coovenlf*nces. the amouufs necessary to accomplish this are as follows: •'o6"—$\.7->. "6-J'— $1.50. "CS'— 11.25. ■•74"— $1.00 ••80'"-T.-)cts. ■•.><()••— r)Octs. Shoulil you de.ilre tri til.soontlnue your subscrip- tion to the ooi.ouist .your Indebtedness to us Is oO cents less than the above amoun is. YOU Can coin big money. Bran new plan. Great craze. Just out. Goo 1 side line." Biggest chance ever offei-ed agents, salary or com- mission. Be quick. Goods on credit. Samples, etc . Free MUL- TIPLEX CO., No. 171 8th and Locust,Phila..Pa. Department No. 171, Philadelphia. Pa. THE RIPAXS TABCLES regiilate the stomach, liver and bowels, purify the blood, are pleaa- ant to take, safe and alwayaetfectual. Areliable remedy for Uiliousness, Blotches on the Face, Bright'a Disease, Catarrh, Colic, Constipation, Chionic Diarrhoea. Chronic Ijver Trouble, Dia- betes, Disordered Stomach, Dizziness, Dysentery, Dyspepsia, Eczema, I'latulence, Female Com- plaints, Foul Breath, Ileadaiche, Heartburn, Hives, Jaundice. Kidney Complaints, Liver Troubles, Loss of Appetite, Mental Dcpres.sion, Nausea, Nettle Hash.i | Tainful Diges- Kush of Blood Sallow Com- Kheum, Scald ula, Sick Head- cases, Sour Feeling.Torpid Water Bra.sh er symptom r esults from ,,j-operpprform- if their functions by the stomach. liver and ln'<-tiiifs. Persons pnvch to over-eatingare ben- efited by tnkinir one tubule after each meal. A continued use of the liipansTabulcs is the surest cure for obstinate constipation. They contain nothing that cnn be injurious to the most deli- cate. 1 gross »2, 1-2 gross ^1.2.5, 1-4 gross i&c, ]-.'4 gross l.'i cents. Sent bv mad postage paid. Address THK KIPANS CHElllCAL COilPANY, P. O. Box 671!, New York. tion. Pimples. to the Head, Slezion, Salt tead, Scrof- ache, Skin Dis- Btomach.Tired Liver, Ulcers, and every oth- er ili-'.i-e that inii.ure hloud or a failure in the proper perform- »oooo««««*«« 2d Hand Books.— I will give at all times good exchange for second-h md copie.-i of any book I offer for sale. I desire iif oitc^ good cop- ies of -A. O. U. Cbeck-List." and Maird. Brewer and Hidgeway's -History of N. A. Birds"— both ■Land" and "VV^ater Birds." Will pav cash. FRANK a. LATTIN. Albion. N. Y. Fossils, Agates, Shells, Corals and Curiosities. Cretaceous Fossils of Eastern Monta- na a Specialty. x^^ SCAi'HiTES NoDUsus, M. and H. Aporrhals blangulafa . .i> Actaeon atienuata I'l Anisomvon natiellitormls so Baculltes ovatus 10 to$l.00 (;alllsta Deweyl 15 to .25 Dentalium gracile ,15 Hamlnea minor 15 Volsella Meeki .15 Veniella subtumtda 15 Inoceramus convexus .20 to .75 crispil . . .15 to .75 Lunatlaconclnna 15 Luclna subundata 15 Margarita Nebrasensls 15 Nucuhi canc'llara 15 scaphltes nodusus 10 to $2.00 Marteslacuneaia 15 Turnus Slimpsoni 15 Fossil wood, containing Martesla, or Turnus . 25 to .75 Hock contalnli'ga variety of small fossils 25 to .50 Tregonucarpus nuts (lossll) size ot lllckorv nut 2 Lava, has been melted, and run like molasses candy .''■ to ..mi Antelope horns, on upper part of fkull. jicr pair $i..'ii 10 .$■!.! II liuffalo horns, per pair "d io.iii..5(» Katilts irom Ualtlesnake in to .25 (orals from IJahainis. Florida and Sl'.gapore 25 to $2.0M Small mixed sui-ils troin West Tndcs. per [Int .50 Large Assortment ol showy Amenciin and Korlegn Shells in io$..on each 10 per cent (lisrt)>tiit on cash ox/crs of $10.00 or more. Semi for priee li.fLx. lIoiiHT S and we will mail you 4 Free Samples and full particulars, which will enable you to commence work at once. Circulars free. SMITH MFG. CO.. No. 171 Pepper Bldg., Phila., Pa. CARR'S NATURAL HISTORY STORE Sea Shells. Corals. Minerals. Bird Skins and Eggs. Ciu'ios, Supplies for Taxidermists. Ento- mologests, Botanists and Oologists. Taxid- ermy in all Branches ot the art. Gold fish and aquarums. 40 page Illustrated Catalogue for 2c stamp- C. F. CARR, Madison, Wis. 400 $1.00 ViRIETlES OF STAMPS Duplicates can be rettirned. AN UNUSUAL. OFFER W. K. OREL ANY, *?7 BRANNAN St. SAN FRANSISCO, CAL. Catalogue for stamp. THE OOLOGIST. 15 A New Beam or Sliding Caliper For Outside and Inside Measurements. For Naturalists, Ojlogists, Taxidermists, Mineralogists, Drawing Schools, &c- ijjll rii|-ii|i:lLM, ,i;ibh!.lM:|f|;|.i:|:| |:i!liiili.tfci;yi.i;i;iEi.itiii;i-i-|ii;!j i'liiiliLl.lilti;l,l: ]mti\ \Am\\ I ;r:uUKited into 6tths of an inc>» on oae side, and lOOths on the ofher- F-RIOES. Length of Jaws. 4 inch— Pocket Size Vi inch 6inoh— •• IM, ■• 8inch 81^ " . lOirich 2% ■• 1^ inch 378 " Price 8.00 3f)0 -1.(0 .. 5.10 Killing Sent bv mail postpaid to any part of the United State on rereipt of price. These Ca'ipers are made eritirely out of Steel, c-ireluny finished throiiKhont. and the end ot the jaws an'l scale hardened. The tifxhteni- g scew acts in conjiinrtion with a spring slide, so Itcannot injure the scale. For Oologisfs use. this new 4 inch Caliper in kx.vcti.y as good in EVEfSY p.\nTiciTi..ir{ as tlie $t..")0 one. "ifered in our regular catalogue— In fact, as the jaws are KONOEK it is rcaDv of gue.vtek value. The many uses tha-. Sliding Cal'pers can be put to are no^ as well known as they mieht or should be. among Naturalists or those working to sizes or standards. This is mostly owing to the hiih prices, for which they have hereto "ore been sold, and in presenting the above style of BLaIOING GALIPB.RS to my p trons. it is the intention to furnish them with an instrument that is Accurate. Reliable. and of convenient and Xeat Size, for a Moderate Price, which will bring them in the reach of all. OOLOfilSTS will find 'he 4 inch, or at larcesf. the 0 inch size the most convenient for their use. As snecimens of all kinds are usually measured in 100th- inch. The utility of this valuable instrument, can only be appreciated by giving it a ti'ial. Send for one and be convinced. Address Frank H. Lattin, Albion, N. Y- CAVEATS, tADE MARKS, DESIGN PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, etc. For information and free Handbook write to ML'N.V >t CO.. :;r,i Bkoadwav, .\kw Yokk. Oldest Ijiiri^aii for securing patents in America. Kverjr patent taken out by us is broii^'iit before the public by a nc^iioe (.'iveii free of charge in the Largest circulation of any scientific paper in the world. Sniendidly illustrated. No intellipent man shoiild be without it. Weekly, !S3.00 a jear; $l..TOsix months Address MUNN & CO., F(;blisu£H6, 3(>1 Broadway, Mew York City. STRAWBERRY PLANTS, ASPARAGUS ROOTS, SEED POTATOES. I have clioiee plants of twenty lead- ing varietie.'; of Straw berrie.'i, Tip.s of ttie Oiiio Kasi)l)orry. Extra Fine 2 year old roots of Harr's Mammoth, i'alnietto, and Conover's Colossal Asi)aragiis and Fifty seleeted varieties of Seed Potatoes. VVlli sell at low rates, or will exchang- ed for dcsiral)l(^ Kggs. specimens or Hooks in Natural History. FRANK H. LATTIN, ALBION. N. Y. ALL future transactions in Birds Eggs shoiiU lie aLid with "Lattin" munt be based on the pric- es given ia the New ••Stdndard Catalogue.' 16 THE OOLOGIST. WORLD'S PAIR SOUVENIRS. How you can get one of the Columbian Half Dollars. Tlie Woiiil's Fair som euir coins avo "going like liot cakes," aud those uho Avaiil to get one or more of them will liave to bestir themselves or they will be too late. Ihe desire for one of these nicincntos of the Exposition seems to be almost as nni\ei>al as is the interest in tile Exposition itself, and orders for thcni have been sent in from all parts of the United Statts and also from for- eign (!ouulries On the obverse side of the Colum- bian half dollar appears thehead of Col- nmbns, designed from the Lotto por- trait,, and snrronnding it the words, "World's Coinmbian Exposition, Chica- go, 18i)'J." On the reverse side appears a caravel, representing Columbus' tlag- shi]). and beneath it two hemispheres. Aijove theearavel will be"Uuited States of America," and beneath the hemis pheres, •'Columbian Half Dollar."There is no donbt thatthis coin will be regard- ed as the most distinctive and highest prized cheap souvenir of the World's Fair. All of these souvenir coin!-, except five, are being sold at a uniform price of one dollar each. For the tirst coin struck otf $10,000 has already been of- fered, and various prices have been bid for the 400th, 1492d, 1892d and the last coin. I)e.»iring that these souvenirs l)e disti'il)uted as widely as possible among the people, and that all irre- spective of localit.y, have an equal chance to obtain them, the Exposition authorities have sought to prevent syndicates and others from purchasing large (juantities and thus "conering" the sale. On the contrary, tlie_y have arranged to supply banks, bu.siness houses and individuals in all parts of the counlry witli as many as they desire to distribute among their patrons, custoiners or friends They recjuiie only that the oiders must be for tifty coins, or some multiple of fift^, and that tlie order be aceomi.ianied by the cash, at the rate of one dollar for each coin. A great many banks and business tirnis have gladly comi)lied with these condilif>ns aud ordered each from aO to 20,000 of thi' coins. Notwithstanding these conditions have i)een widely piddished. stdl a vast nundier of imjuiries liy letter has been received :il Exposition headquarters asking how the coins ni;iv be obtained. The be- 1 way is to get th'^ni through local banks, all of wliich are no doubt willing to accommodate in that Avay their patrons and the residents of the city or town in which they are doing business. If, however, for any reason it is desired to obtain them otherwise, the proper method is to form a club of subscriber.s. for lifty coins, or some njultipieof fifty, and select some one member of the clubto send on theorder and money and to distribute the coins wiieii received. Orders should be ad- dressed to A. F. Seeberger, Treasurer World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago. World's Fair Notes. Ohio will erect a mineral cabin in the Mines building at the World's Fair to illustrate its mineral resources. The cabin will be 32x61 feet iu dimensions and twenty-three feet high and be con- structed entirely of Ohio mineral pro- ducts. The section from one of the big Cali- fornia redwood trees, which the govern- ment will exhibit in its buildings at the W^orld'sFair. has arrived at the Fair grounds. Eleven freight ears were re- quired to convey it aci'oss the continent. It measures thirty feet long b^' twenty- three feet in diameter. The section is hollowed out and when placed on end, tlivided into two stories and lighted, as it will i)e, it will form a rustic house large enough for a family to live in. Excursion Olub to Attend the World's Fair- If you have any desire to visit the World's Fair at Chicago, bear in mind that the United World's Fair Excursion Co. is a sound organization, with ample cai)ital to fulfil their promises. The com])any sells tickets on the installment plan, relundingall but tirst payment if you fail to go, api)ly to United World's Fair Exposition Co., N. E. Dep't, 406 Exchange B'ld'g, Boston, Mass. BIRDS EGGS; smus. .,-w^ - . -5TAMP f^off ^^nilusTraTedCaklog.a;-^ «^ XHAS.K.REED. ^^<^ ^MainSt. WORCESTER. MASS^^ VOL. X. The Oologist. ALBION, N. Y., JAN., 1893. NO. 1 A Field Naturalist's Outfit As many of the veailurs of this inter- estiug niagaziue devote a good part of their time to colleetiDg bird's skius as well as eggs. I've uo doubt what I may here say may be of considerable interest to many of my readers. During ten years experience in the field, as a collector, I"ve handled a large number of specimtms, and used in the same length of tinie several different outfits; but I can truthful Ij^ say I have never received so much benefit from any of them as the one I now possess. But before describing nij'outtit I would like to say a few words to the collector in a general way- First of all you will want to secure the specimens on which to use the tools I shall hereafter describe, Should the collector reside in a part of the country where big game, as well as small, abounds lie will no dc)nl)t like to secure a few specimens of such animals as Deer, Bear, Panther, etc., and if he .should have the luck to meet up with such animals ami only liave a small "collecting gun,' such as is recom- mended by tlic ;j,ciicral writer, the chances are thi- "big bird' (V) makes his escape and leaves you to mourn a trophy worthy luoiitlis of labor to pre- serve. It is ti'ue some collectors, so situaled, carry along a rifle as well as a collecting gun, i)ut a rifle is very de- structive to small gjiuie rendering them totally unlit for mounting, and on the other hand the general "collecting gun" is too small for aiiyihing larger tiian a robin. The question then is, what is the best gun I can get for collecting both large and small specimens, with- out being loaded down with two guns or having to carry along a heavy three- barrel combined shot gun and rille^as I've seen some collectors do? This was a (luestion which had bothered me for a long time, till about a year ago I found just what I wanted in a single shot combined shot gun and ritle. I had known of such an arm in the Ma^'nard, but it was rather too ex- pensive for me. • Looking over a gun catalogue one day, I came across the following de- scription, i. e., "Merwin, Hulbert & Co's Rifles, with Interchangeable Shot Barrels." Now I have it! And the piice, Great Scott! only $13.75, At once I sat down and wrote an order for the above gun and in a short time I had it in hand. Ah! what a little beauty. The rifle barrel is 28 inches in length, using the regular 38 calibre Winchester Model 1873 cartridge, which carries 40 grains of powder and 180 grains of lead. The shot barrel is 30 inches in length, using the regular 16 gauge paper or brass shot shells. For penetration or accuracy it equals anything I've ever shot. With shells properly loaded I've killed, with the shot barrel, birds and aninnils from the Hummer up to the Red Lynx and Gray Fox . The rifle barrel has great pene- tration when used with regular Win- chesler factory ammunition, which I Avould always recommend, and when properly used never fails to bring down the Deer and Bear. When out collect- ing I carry in my shooting coat — of many and large pockets — ammunition for l)oth rifle and shot i)arrels. I near- ly always start out with the shot barrel in the frame and the rifle barrel in a canvas case slung by a strap over my shoulder. I can quickly and easily change, by the .screw attachment hold- ing the barrel to the stock, from the 18 THE OOLOGIST shot gun to the riHe, and changed from the bird hunter of a few seconds before into a mighty nimrod armed for the liercest denizens of the woods, The weight of the gun with the shot l)arrel attached is but oA pounds, and with rirte barrel on j^our back the whole ai'm does not exceed 10 pounds in weight. In collecting various speci- mens with the shot barrel I use the following loads, * For Birds (Hummer to R()l)iQ)U dr. powder, A oz. dust shot. For Birds (Robin to Grouse,) 2* dr. powder, |oz. No. 8 shot For Hawks, Owls, Eagles, Ducks, 2f dr. powder 1 oz No. G shot. For Rabbits, Crows. Fo.xes, etc., ;} dr. powder. 1 oz. No. 2 shot. For all game exceeding the Fox' in size I use the rifle barrel and lind it does spl-udid work. ' By following above directions for loading and using two felt wads over the powder and one pastel)oaril wad over the shot, the col- lector need never have any fear of losing his specimens if he can shoot at all. Parties residing in the west, can ol)- tain the "M. II. & Co's." Combined Shot Gun and Rille from the E. C. Meacham Arms Co., St. Louis, Mo. Those residing in the east can obtain itofJno.P. Lovell Arms Co. Boston, Mass., or any lirst class dealer in sports- mens supplies. To Collectors conlemplaling pur- chasing an all-around collecting gun I can cainestly recommend the above arm. It is handsomely finished, a strong, safe and hard shootei", and in every w.iy a much desired weapon. Should any of my readers be of the wandering, campout style of collector and often get too far away from a house in which to lodge at night he should obtain a good Army Knapsack which should be lilled out with the following outfit for camping and collecting, i. e. 2(;ray Woolen Blanket.s( light weight). 1 Army Poucho, or Rubber Blanket^ which is a combined blanket, tent and coat. 1 Sharp Hunters Axe, or Hatchet. 1 Tin dish and tin cup, the latter for making coffee in out of Avhich same may be di'ank. 1 Knife and Fork. 1 Frying pan (smallest size) Matches. And for use in above utensils 3 lbs. Hour, ready sifted and mi.xed with bak- ing powder, which with the addition of water is ready for baking in the frying pna, 2 lbs. Fat Bacon. i lb. Butter. 4 Tablespooufuls ground Coffee. , Pepper and Salt, and for a luxury a small quantity of sugar may be taken along. The above, with the addition of any game he may kill, will plentifully pro- vision a most hearty eater for a 3 daj's hunt. With an outfit of the above description, provided of course the hunter is properly clothed, one need never have any fear of the weather, which is such a hinderance to too many. One can lay out in the stormiest weather of either rain or snow, in summer or M'inter, Avith the addition of a good log fire in a properly selected camping place and feel no discomfort. As to ammunition for a three daj's tramp, I generally take along 25 rifle cartridges for large game and about 35 shot cartridges loaded with various sized shot for smaller specimens. After packing all thr'se articles away in your knapsack you will fiml you still have room for the follow ing. Skinning outfit: 2 Scalpels, of sizes 1 pair Shears, lieav}'. 1 " Scissors. 1 ■' Spring ForcejJS. 1 Brain Spoon. 1 Set Chains and Hooks. Needles and Thread, } lb. Cotton THE OOLOGIST. ll> Wool for making bird's aud small mammal skins. 1 lb. Arsenical Soap (Hard) With the addition of a good hunting knife j of saj' 7 inch blade for skin- ning large mammals; anil killing them too when too closely quartered by such a ''varmint" as an old she Bear; an oilstone and oil for sharpening knives and our skin-making outfit is complete enough for all practical purposes Such an outfit as I have here describ- ed will, Avith gim. and everything com plete, weigh about 40 pounds, a weight whicli any medium sized, iiealthy man may carry from morn till night without much fatigue. A few words in regard to the proper clothing for a collector who contemp- lates spending the long wintry nights in camping out and I am through. My outfit consists of good heavy under- clothing of wool, with heavj^ overshirt and drawers of the same material; a ])air of iieavy bi'ovvn Knglisli corduroy l)ants and vest aud a heavy 10 oz. Duck shooting co^at with large game po';kets. For foot wear I use extra heavy Wool- en Stockings reaching above the knee, and a pair of Land Hunting Shoes, lacing from instej) to knee, the legs Ije- ing made of soft leather and foot of heavy leather, with heavy, well nailed soles.. Shoes answering this odescrip- lion can be bought for about $4.00 of Montgomery, Ward & Co., Chicago, 111.. Shoes of this description are in I very wa^' a most s^rvicable and easy, yet retaining strength and lightness toa remarkable degree. Clothing of above description will stand almost any amount of wear and tear and still come out all right. Such an outlit may cost a right good sum in the beginning, but will well repay the collector who pro- vides liimself wit'.', one like it. The foregoing, from beginning to end, is a faithful description of my outfit as it now lies before me. Willi it I have spent many delightful or over. Send stamp tor Premium List tor obtaining new subscribers. subscriptions must begin witli either January or July Issues. Baclc numbers of the Oologist can be furnished at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descriptions and prices. ff2'~Hemember that the publisher must be no- tified by letter when a subscriber wishes his pa- per stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. NEW ADVERTISING RATES- 20 CENTS PEK NONPAREIL LI>'E EACH INSERTION. Twelve lines In every inch. Special Hates, for advertisements continued Three months or more, per line 1.5c Six months or more, per line I2>ic Twelve months or more, per line lOc For advertisements occupying any one Issue One-half column (4J lines) or more, per line l-'c One column (S4 lines) or more, per line I2>^c One page (16« lines) or more, per line lOc Cash must accompany all orders. Remittances should be made by Draft, E.xpress or Post Ortlce Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. L'nused U. 8. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted lor sums un- der one dollar. .Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to F1{.\NK U. LA.TTIN, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y. *,* .Vrticles. Items of Interest and Queries tor publleaH(iu should be forwarded as early in the mouth us possible. ftNTEREO AT THE POST 0=PirF. *T ALRION. H. V., AS SECONO-CLASS MATTER. Two Warblers. Ouly rt 8ft. up iu pine busli. 2 eggs. incul)atioii four-teiitlis, l-04x.72, .'.iSs.70. Set (1. Kaleigii, N. C , May 16, 1890. Nest 4ft. liigh in briars. 3 eggs, incub- ution sliglit, .97X.73. .97x.78, r98x.72. Set e. Raleigh. N. C, July 2, 1888. Nest 8ft. high in ahler l)nslv. 8 eggs, incubation slight, .9r)x.78, .98'c.78. ,9Cx ,72. Set f. Ashe\-ilh\ N. C. on French Broad River, April 8, 1890. Nest of grasses anil lined with tine roots. Gft. high in pine sapling. 8 egg«;. incul)a- tion well along, .87x.GS, .9G< Gti, .88x.G7. 8."). luiligo Bunting. 528. Seta. Walke, N. C, June 1, 1891. Nest of leaves, rwed shucks, weed stents, etc., lined with fine grass. placed iu forks of small oak bush 2 ft. up. ■8 eggs, small embryos, .70.x. 49, .lixryi, .70.\r)2. Set b. Raleigh, N C , June 18, 1890. JNest 6 ft. higli in small ironwood. 3 ■eggs, inuubaeion slight, .G9x.o8, .70.\.58 ,72x..J4. Set c. Raleigh, N. C, May 21. 1891. Nest 1 ft. high in thorn bush, of dead leaves and weed stems. liued with grass. 3 eggs.iucuijation slight, .67x57, .()6x.54 .67X.57. Set d. Weaverville, N. C . June 5, 1891. Nest 3 ft. from ground in small bush. 4 egg'i, incubation begun. .75x .54, .V6x.54. .79X.55, .78x58. Set e. Weaverville, N. C, June 25, 1899. Nest of leaves, lined with grass, 18 in. from ground in small bush. 4 •eggs, incubation begun, .70x.53, .78x55, .71X.54, .69x52. 36. Scarlet Tanager. 608. Set a. Craggy Mountain, N. C, June 8. 1891. Nest 25 ft. fn^m ground, and 15 ft. from body of tree. 4 eggs, 1 broken, incubation well along, .8Gx.64, .92x60, .89X.60. 37. Summer Tanager. 610.- Set a. Sans Souci, N. C, May 9, 189i. Nest of weed stems and grass, linetl with finer grass, 15 ft. up on hor- izontal limb of oak. 8 fresh eggs, .89x .64, .98x64, .91x65. 38. Purple Martin. 611. Set a. Walke, N. ('., May 20, 1892. .Nest of small sticks and leaves, 12 ft. up in bird box made in side of house. 4x.70, .91X.71, .94X.71. Set 1). Walke, N. C , May 20, 1892. Nest in bird box in side of house. 6 eggs, incubation slight, .98x.70, .95x.67, .96X.68, .99x,70, .98x.67, .98x.6G. 39. Roughvvinged Swallow. GI7. Set a. Walke, N. C, May 19, 1892. Nest of grasses and dried green leaves, in hole two feet long in hank over water, (Albemarle Sound), 7 fresh eggs, .77X.58, .73x51, .71x,52, .72x.52, .74x.53, .74X.52, .72X.52. 40. Red-e.yed Vireo. 624. Set a. Raleigh, N. C, May 31. 1890. Nsst 10 ft. up in fork at end of sweet gum limb. 8 eggs, small soft embyros, .76X.57, .80X.58, .80x.58. Set b. Walke, N. C, June 4, 1892. NQSt of bark, rotten wood, moss and spider "wei)s, lined with line grape vine bark, suspended 7 ft. up below forks at end of dogwood limb. 8 eggs, small emoyros, .80x.57, .79x.56, .79x.56. Setc. Weaverville, N. C, May 30, 1891. Nest in fork of oak bush, 6 ft. from ground. 4 frash eggs, .83x.57, .83X.56, .84X.59, .85x 59. Setd. Walke, N. C, May 12, 1891. Nest of strips of bark, spider webs, etc., lined with hair and line grass, fastenetl below twigs of small maple 9 ft. from ground. 8 fresh eggs,. .79x.55, .78x.54 .74x.E)4. Set e. Raleigh, N. C,. June 4. 1890. Nest 6 ft. high in sweet gum. 3 fresh eggs, .82x 56, .83x.56, .86x.57. Set f . Raleigh, N. C, June 2, 1890. Nest 9 ft high in sweet gum at end of limb. 8 eggs, medium embyros. .74x.53 .79X.58, .77X.58. Set g. Raleigh, N. C, May 19, 1892. Nest 5 ft. high at end of maple limb. 8 fresh eggs, .80x.54, .78x.54. .79x.54. Set h Weaverville, N. C, May 25, 1892. Nest in oak tree 6 ft.from ground. 4 eggs, incubation well along, .78x.o9, .89X.58, .84X.59, .78x.59. 41. Yellow-throated Virco. 6:8. Seta. Walke, N. C, May 21, 1890. Nest suspended between fork at end of iieech limb, made of cotton, rotten wood, reed leaves, etc , lined with ])ine needles. 2 fresh eggs, .78x.58, .80x.57. 42. Mountain Solitary' Vireo. Seta. Craggv Mountain, N. C, June 8, 1891. Nest in beech tre(% 20 ft. u|) and 15 ft.from body of tree, compos- ed of libres and lined with tine grass, outside covereil with white spider webs and moss. 2 eggs, incul)ation begun, .82x58. .80X.55. Set b. Snow Ball Mountain, N. C.^ 30 THE OOLOGIST. May 29, 189:2 Nest in maple tree 15 ft. up "and li ft. from body of tree. 2 fresh eggs, .86.^.59, .84x.58. 43. White-eyed Vireo. 631. Seta. Walke, N. C, June 22, 1891. Nest of l)its of green moss, rotten wood and line strips of l)ark, lined with fine grass. 8 ft. up suspended beiow limb of a bush. 8 fresh eggs, .71x.55, ..Tlx-oS, .67x.r)4. 44. Worm-eating Warbler. 639. Set a. Walke, N. C, May 4, 1891. Nest loosely made of leaves and piue straw, linecl with hairlike moss, placed in slight depression of the ground, sheltered by a fallen limb covered with leaves, on gently sloping hillside about 6 ft. from small run of water. 5 fresh eggs, .73x 55. .7ox.54, .73x.57. .72x.54, .72X.55, 45. Yellow-throated Warbler. 663. Seta. Raleigh, N. C, May 5, 1892. Nest on iiorizontal limb of pine, 35 ft. high. 4 fresh eggs, .67x 52, .68x.51, .08X.52, .«8.\.51. Set b. Raleigh, N. C, May 4, 1891. Nest of grape vine bark, leaf stems, weeil leaves, cocoons and other fibres, lined with cattail llulT and some hairs, 43 ft. up on horizontal limb of pine. 4 fresh egg.s, .68x.48, .70x.51, .68x 49, .68X.50. 46. Pine Warbler. 671. Seta. Walke! N. C. April 29, 1891. Nest of weeil stems, pine stems, feath- ers, spider webs anil other fibres, lined inside with hair and feathers, placed on hori/.oiitu! limb of pine al)out 50 ft. from gronnil and 5 ft. from body of tree. 4 eggs, small, soft embyros, .71 x .54, .73X.54. .73x53, .72x.53. Set I). Raleigh, N. C, April 28, 1891. Nest 31 ft. iiigh on horizontal pine limb. 4 eggs, small, .soft embyros, .71x 53, .73x53. .73x. 53, .72x53. Set c. Walke. N. C, May 4, 1891. Nest of grapevine Ijark, spider webs and otlu-r fibres, lined with hair and feathers, 35 ft. up on horizontal limb of pine. 4 fresh eggs. .70x.54, .70x.54, .73 X.56, .73X.54. Set d. Raleigh, N. C, April 28. 1890. Nest 39 ft. up near end of horizontal limb of pine. 4 eggs, small, soft em- Ijyros, .72X.54, .71x.54, .72x.53, .73x.54. Set e. Raleigh, N. C, May 7. 1890. Nest 64 ft. high in pine. 4 eggs, one broken, medium embyros, .63x.54, Mix .54, .65X.54. Wanted -Advice- Having arrived a few weeks ago ia Arizona with the prospects of remain ~ ing during the breeding season, I have Aery naturally intei'ested myself in the birds, and also in the various old nests which are to be found in the brush and trees, with a view to getting ideys. which would be of use when nesting season begins. Now we are all aAA'are that a number" of desirable species in this locality, nest in the giant cactus; such as the Elf Owl> Gila Woodpecker, and Gilded Flicker; and finding all these species more or less abundant here, I made it the object of one of my first excursions to exam- ine these cacti. Well I have seen them in their native Avilds, and also plenty of Woodpecker holes of all ages. , But right here comes the pinch, and the point where I want advice. How in the name of common sense does any one ever reach those holesV Probably 3'ou all know what a giant cactus is like; if not imagine a young asparagus stalk magnified abont fifty times, and covei"ed from top ta bottom as thick as they can comfor- tably grow Avith exceeding]^' sharp, stiff and tough spines, each about an inch long, and you haA'e a fair representa- tion of a giant cactus. I have had some of the experience which falls to the lot of an oiilogist; have climbed tall trees, and slim trees, and slippery trees, and rotten trees; sus- pended myself over cliffs, and from the ends of di'oopiiig branches at varying distances from the ground; waded iu mud and water, and dug in the ground^ but I never faced just such a problem as this. J^vidcntly climbers are of no use, even should they hold in the soft sub- stance, I think the thorns would pre- clude their use. Even a rope does not seem to help the uuitter, as the croAvns. of the shafts ofter no hold. True somii THE OOLOGIST. 31 of the cicti are branched, but these braiu-hes are themselves almost always so high that even if one got into the t-rotch, he would still have to make a further ascent. Of course it haabeen done and can be done again; Davie speaks of certain col- lectors taking sets of eggs from those cacti, and what I want io know is how they did it. If locomotion on a pair of tifteeen foot stilts was practicable on the desert sands of Arizona, obviously the prob- lem wo.ild be solved to perfection, but unhappily it is not. Now I want some of those sets this season, and any hints from the readers of this paper would be received with gratitude. H. H. D., iMuruix, Ariz. You are a Judge. You have been selected to act as one of the Judges in this month's Prize article contest, and your de.isiim must be primiptly and fairly given. Your (lei-ision must be mailed us not later than Feb. lUth. Write on back of a postal card the live articles which you have decided to be the most, valuable, instruclicc and interesting in this num- ber of (JoLOGiST antl mail to us. Num- ber the articles in the order which you tiiink the prizes shonkl l)e awarded. We also give our Judges five special prizes, one to each of ihe live whose decisions are nearest the linal award of pi-izes and in this month's competition the Juilges whose list of five articles is the nearest the awarded list, we will give a part of Maynard's "Birds of Eastern North America", eacli of these parts contain in the average, "i plates and 2(54 ])age3 strongly bound in heavy manilla covers and at pui)lisher's origi- nal price are worth at li:ast $.").(J0. 2d A hanrize- winning articles but not m their exact order autl not winning one of the five special prizes w e will give a copy of that elegant new Columbus or World's Fair Almanac. Address your decision ;o Frank H.Lattix, Albion, N. Y. "Our Birds in Their Haunts." My Dear Sir:'' Please say through the 0()L0GIST that, the cause of the great detention of my work, the printing of "Our Birds in Their Haunts." is this: The printers promising to put on it extra hands and work it olV in a hurry, lia\e simply worked it off at their leisure. Mean- while they have gained time by telling me falsehoods, which I have un- wittingly lepeated to my subscribers. The work once })artly done and largely paid for, it could not well l>e 'put into other hands. The printing is now about done, and as the binding is to be done elseAvhere, I trust 1 shall soon have it Yours truly. J. H. Langille. Dec. 3 'i)2. Kensington, Md. away. Latkh. My Dear Friend Lull in: After the greatest efforts I have been able to inake continously since last May, I tiually got the folded sheets of "Our Birds in their Haunts" into the hands of the binder last week. I shall hurry the binder all I can. He is a reliable man. I have positivc^ly snffei-ed with anxiety over the matter. Can you say anything iu the next issue of the Oolo- GIST to explain? Yours most truly J. H. Langile, Dec. 2i, 1892. Kensington, Md. HAVE YOU RHEUMATISM? Or do you know any friend or neighbor atHicteil wilii any form of Rheumatism; if so send his or her address on a Postal Card to the PARISH CHEMICAL CO., Parish, N. Y. RlxMiniatisni lias been coiniucred by them and they will |)rove it to you. It will cost but one ct'nt to ir.- vi'Stigate this. J3t. 32 THE OOLOGIST. LOO WORTH OF PRIZES Will be PiesoiitL-(l tluring 1898 to The Patrons, Contributors and Readers of THE OOLOGIST. Oiu- prize scheme during '92 has proved highly satisfactory to both our- selves and the pariieipants, and Ave might also add lo the readers of the Ooi-0(iisT. Taking these facts into consideration we have decided to not only continue making monthly awards during '!j3 but to almost, if not quite, treble their value. P^aeh month during 1893 we shall give live prizes. These prizes are to be awarded to the five best articles ap- pearing in each mouth's Oologist. The prizes throughout the year will remain the same, except the first one which. wMl be the winner's choice from the unawarded articles and publications named in the following list: Cones' '"Key to 2\orth American Birds" .. $7 50 Ridgway's "iManual of North American Bird-;'" 7 50 Chamberlain's Nultal's Ornithol- ogy" (2 vols ) 8 00 Goss's "Birds of Kansas" 7 50 Wilson's (and I'onaparle's) Amer- ica' Ornithology" 7 50 Maynard's-t Biids ofKasternNorth Amei'ica" (text complete). 15 00 Webster's " 'international Diction- ary" (Merriams latest edi tion) 10 00 Washington Irviug's Works (10 vols) 7 50 \Ym. I\l. Thackerav's Works, 10 vols ' 10 00 Chas. Dickens' Works. 15 vols... 11 25 Jeuk's "Comprehensive Commen- tary of the Holy Bii)Ie." 5 large 900 paged Volumes.. 25 00 Sir Walter Scott's Works, 12 vols 12 00 $10 worth of Phonographic Books anil Publications 10 00 An 8-(|(. Jack Frost Ice Cream Kreezer ... G 50 A Due-Bill good for$31.50towards a new $40.50 MarlinRepeat- iiifl Bille 31 ',() A Due-Bill good for$33.00 towards a new$45.(l()Ami'ricanrnion (same as New Home)* Sew- ing Machine 33 00 A Due-Bill good for$15.0!itowards a new $2<< douiilecase Odell 'J'ype writer 15 ( 0 2nd Piize each month will be a part of "Maynard's Birds of Ea^t in North America" each containing an average of 8 plates and 340 pages strongly Ijountl in strong nianilla and cloth and worth at publisher's original price not far from *7.50. 3d Prize — Brewer's "North American Oology'' unl)ound, no plates, original price about $3.00 4th Prize — Baird's "Review of Ameri- can Birds" originally sold at $2.00. 5th Prize — Mrs. St John's" Audubon the Naturalist.'' $1.00. Each article receiving at least as many credits as there are number of Judges and not winning one ot the leading prizes will be awarded a dupli- cate of the 5th prize. Each article receiving at least one- half as many credits as the number of Judges will be awarded a year's sub- scription to the Oologist. New standard Catalogue OF ISjorih /\merican 3"'ds f^ggs ( OMPILED BV FRANK H. LATTIN, Assisted by Capt. Chas. E. Bciidirc, J. Parker JS' orris, Esq., ayid Capt. B. F. Ooss. It gives the Common and Scientific name of every Mortli American Bird according to the A. O. U. NonieucIatiU'e. It al.so gives tre A. O. U. Nuiubeis as well as those ot bolli Coues' and Kidgeway, and last Irat not least it gives thr value of eggs of we-rtr/*/ eeery species, oyer oiw hundred of which never appeared on any print ed list befoi'e. It is not a personal catalogTie of any one Dealer orCollector, as there is not a Collector in the entire World who has or could furnish all the species whose values are given, and there is not a Dealer who could furnish over from 50 to 1.") per cent of the s-pecies priced. The Catalogue is printed on extra t.uality of paper and contains 53 pages, size aj.ix;^; A m. Price 35 cents per copy, 3 copies for $1.00. Collectors.^— g-^,y Should send two cent stamp to James P. Bab- bitt. 10 Hodges Ave., Taimton. Mass., for a sau pie of skin tanned withBabbitt's Glove Kid Tan, the cheapest. (lUicUestand best Tan on the market. A large Catalogue of Naturalists' Supplies. Tools, Eyes and price list ot Stuffed Birds and Eggs— L' cents. James P. Babbitt, DEALER, 10 E(?dgf s Ave., Taunton. Iklass. VOL. X. ALBION, N. Y., FEB., 1893. NO. 2 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements. "VViints,' "Exchanges" "For Sales." Inserted In this department Tor .1(10 per 3.5 words. Notices over 3.5 words, cliarged at the rate o( one cent per eacli additional word. No notice Inserted for less than .")UC. Terms, casli with order. Strictly Klrst-cla.ss specimens will be accepted In payment at oue-lialt list rates. "•Dealeks" can use tlie.se columns at Regular Adverlising rates, only, ,. Exchange Cards and Coupons (subscription) will be accepted for -Wants" and "Exchanges" only iand according to conditions stated thereon. DEAR SIR:— I enclose herewith "copy" for an exchange notice which I would like to have inserted in next issue of the Ooi.ogi.«t. I en- ■close herewith in payment for same 70c. in stamps. I find that an exchange or want no- tice in your magazine always brings more re- plies than from auv paper I've ever tried. Very truly. TH AD. riURBER, White Sulphur Springs, \V. Va. "The exchanges have made me J'J.t in cush "during \mi " F. B. WELLS. Grinnell. la. look: I.tO Youth's Companions, Vol. 8 and 9 copies. Vol. 9 Ooi.ocasx. for best offer Bird's Eggs, first-class or Curios. R. W. STRICK- JL.AxVD, Forestville, N. Y. 3'2 CaL. revolver, nearly hew, to exchange for THinerals or Indian relics. J. T. FITCHETT, iJeaver Dam, Wis. FOR EXCHANGE. -Kggs and skins of East- ■em birds, and 20 numbers of Oologist for eggs insets! W. L. DUNBAR, care Public Library, Bridgeport. Ct. . "By advertising in the Ooi.OGi.sT I have sold my collection of eggs." O. H. BRAUGHLER, Santa Rosa, Calif. CASH PAID for ; collections of Hrst-class «gg.s. PROCTOR & CAMPBELL, Box 441. Hanover, N. H. FOR SALE for best olTer.— 28 different eggs all O. K.. worth *n.;.0. w th data. All letters answered. Arldrcss RUFL'S J. BRISCOE, 1217 Hawthorne. Minneapolis. Minn. NOTICE.— First class -ingles of 521. 701, V^J. 73, 1.52, 2.'7, worth .?1 i.(M),for tir.st-class sets with 4X4 in. 15 cts. A .501't. drab line on winder to use with either, 8 cts. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion. N. Y. -HEET PEAT.- An important article used largely by "Bug Hunters" as a substite for cork. Size 4xl2>c-';i in. Sample sheet be, 12 for 75c , prepaid, FRANK H. LATTIN. Albion, N. Y. FO.SSILS, arrowhead.s. shells and curiosities to exchange fur same. GEO. H. DIXON, Wat- ertown. So. Dak , Lock Box 381. THE FOLLOWING eggs in sets (Ridgw.Nos) for otiiers not in my coliecticni. No's '2^2 1-4. 315 1-5. 2tila 1-2. 378 If.. -^2 1--2. 2;.l 1-). 7 1-4. 2';0 1-2, 211 1-4. 1.1 1-3. 12 1 I. 304 1-3, tiH 1-4, 107 1-3, 154 1-2, 214 1-4, E. S. 1-4. CH.ARLES A. ELY. Perrinyiile, N. J. THE OOLOGIST. 35 NOTICK.— I have a number of old coins for sale or exchuuge. Address W. DELONG, 916 Olive St., St. Louis. Mo. FOR EXCHANGE.— Several 1st class sets of 219. (■>. 77. :ind;-;iiO'(A. O. U. No's) for best offer in rubber sUuup.s. Send list. H. S. DAY, Fre- mont, Ohio. INDIAN RELICS to exchange for telegraph instrument. Fine war relics to exchange for sets. luaian relics, coins. F. L. ENGLEBERT, Nicetovvn, Phila.. Penn. TO EXCHANGE. Well polished specimens of Mich, and Fla. Woods for tii-st-class sets with data or Hrst class Indian relics. MORSE HUME, Dearborn. Mich. WANTED. —Used postage stamps of the p^e^eut " Columbian" Issue. Will give eggs in sing)i"< ;nid sef'; for same No postals answer- ed. DR. MARTIN. Welli'ngto . Kansas. NAPHALINE CAMPHOR MARBLES. A large box of -10 marblts The neatest and hand- iest article ever made, to lay around in Speci- men Tr;i vs. Cases and Cibiuets. Said to be a sure prcveut itive against Moths and Insects, Price pnjxii'l only 15 cts. FRANK H. LAT- TIN. Albion. N. Y. TO EXCHANGE. - For first-class singles with data. Part of Maynard's "Birds of E. N. Am." 1st MSS. Premium. March, 1893. ERNEST H. SHORT. Chili, N. Y. WANTED. -In the meat or fresh skins of Herons. White Ibis, Hooded ^^erganser, Blue- winged Teal. Will give 1st class sets or part cash if necessary. F. M. RICHARDS, Farm- Ington. Maine. $150. Rare Sets and singles including Eagles. Hawks Hummers. &'•.. and a small stocli of Calif, curiosities, to exchange for Bi- cycle. RevolV"^rs. Guns. Stamps, etc. Allans'd. C. TURTON. Los Angeles, Cal. TO EXCHANGE.— Four volumes of Youths Companion. August '82 to '86. complete un- bound: Pviir style No. 2 climbing irons. A 1 con- dition, with straps: Davie's Key first edition, paper. Will exchange all or part for first-class sets with data. F. C. WAITE. Sta. B., Cleve- land. O. FOR SALE or EXCHANGE.- Birds Eggs in sets or single^-, climbing irons, views of Niaga- ra F.ills. sum mer and winter) Autoharp, Type- writer, a large Magic Lantern (with views). Air rifle. Hue jiolished and impcjlished minerals Indian relics and mocca-ins. for first-class eggs in sets. Parties having same for sale please send list .Sets of American and Northern Ravens specially de.sired. H. W. ISAACS, Prospect Honse. Niagara Falls. N. Y. NOTICE. --Will be pleased to receive orders for the following llrst-dass eggs well identifi- ed, with complete data, i'l sets or singles, to be collect»-. 4IJ.^ r,, .to. 41.S (ii .()<), 4:i.S (T/ .4.5. 4;-!W/il.2r>. 474g(?r .-\{i.*'XC<, .1(1. 4i«»(?/ ().-). .^)00 (ri .W. 5(JIb fffj. .OH, .=>.'«) f!' .()*'..."> II IbfT, .15. 5«7a Ti' .;*). .T81e Gh .25. .Vi>., 1.5. 7:ila 0i .0'^. 7avar« .ro. 7;i">bft .yo, 74:^ fti .1.5. 7.58a Oi .Oi5. Mongolian Pheasant («-, .40. 2.»7a 1-5 a-7 now on hand. Sf'nti>repaid on receipt f)f price. W.VL- TO.V MITCHELL. .5.S4. Summit Ave.. .St. Paul. Mlnnest NNOUNCEMENT TO COLLECTORS. I take this method of reaching my many pat- rons, to inform vou I have .iust added to 7nv large stock of UIKDS EGGS and SKINS a tine lot of CORALS, MINERALS. FOSSILS and CURIO.SITIES. In each Branch 1 have a tine assortment and those who have dealt with me in the past. Itnow by experience that my prices are the lowest and stock equal to the best. The Corals oiTerel for sale are mostly flue Bahama Species The Fossils from all over the U. S. Some 0 3.00 ■ '■ •• ■ 6.00 5.00 •' •• •• U.-^5 ■■ 10.00 •■ " •' 25.00 This offer will hold good until March 1st and is doubtless the only chance t) obtain e^^s at so low a rate of us during 1893. All specimeus will be carefully packed in strong tin or wooden boxes and sent at purchaser's risk by mail, or at our risk and purchaser's expense by express. SECOND-CLASS SPECIMENS can be furnished of most of the species at one-half the price of a first-class one. Parties ordering second-class Eggs must name a list of extra Eggs to be used as substitutes. SETS. We can furnish sets of species preceded by *. A POIXTER.— CoUectt^rs well know how readily they can exchange some cheap egg, not found In their locality with local collectors for specimens worth many times as much. Many wlde-^ awake collectors will doubtless lay in a large supply for this purpose. I might add that if your collections are in need of any species included in offer, an opportunity to purchase at so low a rate may never occur again. Address Frank H. Lattin, Albion, N. Y. •American Eared Grebe f •St. Domingo Grebe •Pied-billed Grebe Murre ♦California Murre Skua Parasitic Jaeger HerringGuU American Hen'ing Gull Mew Gull Franklin's Gull Royal Tern Cabot's Tern Forster's Tern Common Tern Arctic Tern *LeastT»»rn * Soot V Tern ♦Bridled Tern Black Tern •Noddy ♦Fulmar :. Stormy Petrel •Yellow-billed Tropic Bird •Booby Gannet Cormorant •Doulilecrested Cormor'nt ♦American White PeLcan . •Man-o'-w;ir Bird American Merganser . . Red-breasted Merganser European Teal Green-winged Teal •Blue winged Teal Canvas-back Barrow's Golden-eye Ruddy Duck American Flamingo American Bitt»*m ♦Least Bittern Great Bine Heron Reddish Egret Little Bine Heron Green Heron •B'k-crowned Night Heron •Limpkin Virginia Rail Sora ♦Florida Galllnule •American Coot 5 1.5 50 10 30 20 50 50 20 20 25 S5 •)0 ■K) 10 08 10 08 25 1 00 10 50 7.5 FO 2 50 1 75 a5 .50 25 35 1 ed-l)ellied VV'oo jjecker Golden-fronted Woodpec'r 75 •Flicker 03 'A5 Red-shafted Flicker 10 35 Nighthawk 40 15 Texan Nighthawk 40 00 Chimney Swift 12 \h •Ruby -throated Humming- 20 bird 50 10 Costa's Hiimmingbird 75 1,5 Anna's Hummingbird .50 10 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. 10 Kingbird 03 35 Arkansas Kingbird Oft 10 Crested Flycatcher 12 20 Phcebe (U 15 Say's Pbcebe 1,5 00 Black Phcebe 15 IK) Wood Pewee 12 75 Western Wood Pewee 20 00 Westei-n B'lycatcher L-(» 03 Acadian F.ycalcLer 15 •Ai) Little Flvca'cher '.^5 5> Traill's Flycatcher 1.5 :-iO Prairie Horned Lark 15 .50 Desert Horned L irk 20 35 Texan Horned Lark 30 75 American Magpie 15 20 Yellow-billed Magpie 35 50 •Blue Jay 04 35 Florida Blue Jay f<5 M California Jay SO ,50 •American Crow 05 TiO FloridaCrow 35 .50 Fish Crow 35 (K) ♦Starling ..... 10 I.-i Cowbir 1 03 0() Dwarf Cownird 10 15 Red-eved Cowbird 40 15 •Yel low-headed Blackbird 03 20 •Red-winged Blar'kbird .. 03 M) ♦Bicolored Blackbird 10 IK) •Tricolored Blackbird 15 75 •Meadowlark 10 20 •Western Meadowlark 10 f>0 •Orchard Oriole Oft ,">() •Hal: imor*' Oriole Oft 00 ♦Bullo.k.s Oriole 10 (18 •Brewei's Blackbird 03 40 Purp'e (Jrackle 05 35 Floiida Crackle 10 25 ♦Bronzed Grackl- 05 .50 Great-tailed Crackle 15 38 THE OOLOGIST. Boat-tailed Grackle l-^ •House Finch [^ Redpoll *? ♦American Goldfluch 0.> Western Goldffnch ju ♦Arkansas Goldfinch W Lawrence's Goldfinch M Ch'stn't-collaredLongspur 35 Vesper Sparrow (J? Western Vesper Sparrow.. lo Oregon Vesper Sparrow -'d Savanna Spa'-row w Grasshopper Sparrow iO W. Grasshopper Sparrow.. M Lark Sparrow "-^ Western Lark Sparrow 05 *Gambers Sparrow lo Chipping Sparrow "- Field Sparrow ^J Slate-colored Junco ^^ Black-throated Sparrow. . 3o Song Sparrow "^ Desert Song Sparrow 35 Heermann's SongSparrow 10 Sauniel's Song Sparrow.. 0^ Swamp Sparrow J-j Towhee .. - }^ Spurred Towhee ^y Orego'i To'vhee ^o California Towhee 10 ♦Cardinal "^ Texan Cardinal .— 35 *Rosebreasted Grosheak ... ii> *Black-headed Grosbeak . lii Blue Grosl)eak 30 Western Blue Grosbeak ^5 Indigo Bunting OH LazAili Hunting 'f> Painted Bunting 10 Dickcissel 0? Lark Bunting ^2 Scarlet Tanager 25 Summer Tanager So Purple Martin l'' *ClitT Swallow Ho Barn Swallow O.t Tree Swallow 1J> *Bank Swallow 03 Cedar Waxwing 10 *Phainopepia -^ Loggerhead Shrike .... 08 White-nimped Shrike OS California Shrike 08 Red-L-ved Vireo 10 Warbling Vireo 15 Yellow-throated Vireo 25 White-eyed Vii'eo 15 Bell's vireo IS Prothouotarv Warbler 25 Blue-winged Warbler 1 50 Yellow Warbler 05 Magnolia Warbler 50 Black Poll Warbler 75 Prairie Waahler 30 Louisiana Water-Thrush 5'1 Marvhuid Yellow-throat 13 ♦Vel'low-bn-asted Chat 08 Long-tiiled Chat 15 American Redstart li Dipper: Ouzel 1 00 *Mockingoird 05 ♦Catbird OS ♦Brown Thrasher 03 ♦Sennett's Thrasher 15 ♦Curve-V)illed Thrasher 15 ^California Thrasher 20 'Cactus Wren 13 Bewick's Wren 25 \'ig(ir's Wren 85 Haird's Wren 25 House Wren 05 We.steni Bouse Wren 08 Long-billed Marsh Wren . 05 White breasted Nuthatch 35 Brown-headed Nuthatch... 25 Tufted Titmouse 35 Texan Tufted Titmouse 75 Chickadee - 13 Oregon Chickadee 35 Carolina Chickadee 15 Calif oruiau Bush-Tit 15 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 20 Western Gnatcatcher 50 Wood Thrush 06 Wilson's Thrush 13 ♦Russet-backed Thrush 15 Olive-backed Thrush 35 Hermit Thrush 30 ♦American Robin 03 Western Robin 10 •Bluebird 03 Western Bluebird 13 Moixntain Bluebird 13 English Sparrow 20 FOREIGN EGGS. Lesser Kestrel $ 40 Redshanks 50 Common Sandpiper 25 Great Snipe 1 50 Common Snipe 40 Water Rail 50 White-fronted Goose 1 00 •Moorhen 15 Sheldrake 25 Black-headed Gull 20 PHILLIPINE EGGS. Black-headed Weaver-bird 50 2nd class 15 Bul-hul .75 " 2nd class 25 Sun Bird .* 2 00 Chinese Oriole - I 00 MISCELLANEOUS. Gopher. 35 Skate 05 Sh«-k Sparrow Haw_k 25 Devii-Fish:;:;:::;::: ;:::;::;;;; ;. lo Marsh Harrier 50 Hen " 50 Montague's'- 100 Swallow 10 Nuthatch 30 Wren 20 Fire-crested Wren 50 Hammerhead Shark 15 Nurse Shark 75 Egg case of Periwinkle 25 Fossil Fish Eggs, per 12 ... 10 Crocodile 1 00 Mud Turtle 10 Musk Turtle 15 Se^ge Warbler 15 snapping Turtle.:.;::.:::::::.:: 15 White-throat 10 Golden-crested Kinglet 30 Whinchat 10 Wh'te-spotted Blue-throat 1 25 B -ambling 4> Missel Thrush 15 ♦Song Thrush 05 ♦Blackbird 05 ♦Dipper 50 Golden Oriole 40 Pied Fl.-catcher 15 Red-breasted Flycatcher .. 1 50 Red-b4cked Shrike 25 ♦Jay 15 •Magpie 15 •Jackdaw 15 * ireenfiuch 15 House Sparrow .. 05 Bullfinch 20 Siskin 1 00 Lesser Redpoll 35 Crossbill 3 00 White-winged Lark 50 Calundra -- 75 Short-toed Lark 20 Ostrich I Hole in end) 2 00 (If sent ;y/'f7;«/(f 25c. must be included to pay charg- es on last two eggs.) Hummingbird nests 10 to 50c each according to condition .and beauty. Can also furnish nests of about .'lO species at from 10c. to SI p'r-r nest. ENGLISH BIRD SKINS. We have on hand a few En- glish Bird Skins and have con- cluded to include them in our 'Annual Offer " to Close them ovit. AVe have only one or two skins of a species, so alwayi name substitutes. Sparrow Hawk 1 00 English Jay 1 00 Dove 1 00 Starling 50 Green Woodpecker '20 Kingfisher 100 Gt-B'k backed " 125 Nightingale <5 Cuckoo 125 Bullflnch .. 40 Cirl Bunting 25 Yellow Hammer Yellow Bunting 35 Red-wing Thrush Black-headed Bunting 30 Skylar' •Chaffinch 05 Hedge Sparrow 10 Willow Wai-bler 10 Italian Sparrow 25 ♦IJed-hreast 10 ♦White-throat 10 Common Bunting 15 •Ring Dove 10 Turtle Dove 25 Peacock (wild) 1 3.5 Guine I. Fowl 15 Partridge .• 15 Quail 15 •Red legged Partridge ..... 35 •Barbary Partridge 35 Capercaillie 75 Rock Ptarmigan 60 Bartramian Sandpiper 1 00 Buff-backed Heron(3 small holes in side) 1 00 Bittern 1 00 Sparro\\ Robin swift Chaffinch Goldfinch .... Greenfinch Liunet Great Tit .. Wren Black-cap Warbler Whinchat Wheatear. . Stonechat Pied Wagtail Tree Pipit Lark 45 Hedge Sparrow 35 Sedge Warbler 35 Willow Warbler 35 Simg Thrush 50 Blue Tit •. 35 Gt-White Heron 125 Ring Plorer M Spotted Redshank 2 50 Fieldfare oO Curlew .... 50 Blackbird 5o VOL. X, The Oologist. ALBION, N. Y., FEB., 1893. NO. 2 The American Osprey. BY DK. MOUUIS GIBBS. "Soon as the sun. great ruler of the year. Bends to our northern clime his bright career, And from the caves of ocean calls from sleep The tiuny shoals, and myriads of the deep. When freezing tempests back to Gi'eenland ride. And day ani night the equal hours divide : True to the sea.sou oVr our sea beat shore. The sailing Osprej' high is seen to soar." These true aud expressive lines are credited to Alexaiidei- Wilson, the great ornithologist, aud are ample evidence of true poetic thought, and -of the na- turalist. Tlie Osprey or Fisli-Iiawk is known ihroughout the length of our eastern seaboard, and lio.v much further north I am unable to say. I have observed it, apparently as much at home in southern Florida as on the shores of New England. It uf)t rarely spends its summers in the interior, and in widel.v »separated localities, being unknown in intervening regions, of vast territory. The Mississippi evidently offers an in- e seen eight or ten days after they arrive. The White-crowned Sparrow is not a very common migrant and can be found in company with llie White- throated Sparrow though lie arrives somewhat later. The White thrnalcd Sjiarrow come.S 42 THE OOLOGIST through in a regular tide. You will find him an3nvhere aud everywhere, ia brush-piles, hedges or groves. Ho re- mains long but does not breed. I have often heard his well-defined but tremu- lous whistle on a clear Spring morning from the top of some tree in the midst of the city. The Cla,v-c()lored .Sparrow is not so well known about here as it might be, though quite common. Il resembles very much the Chipping Sparrow. It lacks the chestnut on the head and has a little longer tail, but when one has once taken a specimen he will not fail to recognize it at some distance. Un- like the Chipping Sparrow he does not show that confidence in humanity, but inhabits the fields such as contain weeds, as milk weed and muUen, or he may often be found about brush-piles. A nest that I found was placed in a tussock of grass and raised about half a foot from the ground. It was compos- ed of grass, but did not contain, as a Chipping Sparrovv's does, a lining of hair. The Swamp Sparrow can be found in large nrmbers in the bushes, flags and grass that skirt the edge of our marsh- es, and I have even seen it in high dry woods in the migraitons. I would list them as being as abundant as the .Song Sparrow, but not so veil known on ac- count of their habits. Although on long acquaintance with them I have never yet heard a song that I positively knew was a Swamp Sparrow. Their nests are built in the long grass and weeds, generally where it is damp or on that line where the water begins to creep up in the grass. It is placed in some tussock and raised a few inches from the ground and is composed of grass and weeds. The birds do not often fly from the nest, but jump down aud creep along for some distance, and so swiftly do they go that at first glance at one running through the grass in this UKunun- I often get the impression that it is a mouse. Sometimes several nests are found within a few yards of each other. The Fox Sparrow, that handsomest of Sparrows, is a tolerably common migrant here. You will find him in the thickest of groves, and you may see him on some April day flitting across the road, here and there, from thicket to thicket. He is not so sociable as ocher birds and although he may come North with a few companions he loves solitude better. No song that I have yet heard from au}' bird throat has given me so entrancing an etfect. He sings but seldom aud then, from the top of some tree, with head thrown back and swelling throat, as if for his own happiness alone. He gives utter- ance to notes, remarkable for their sweetness, harmony and variety. H. M. Guilford, Minneapolis, Minn. Collecting in Chioago. When an oologist sets out for a trip, when he finds himself face to face with nature, I doubt whether there is room in his heart for ought but the purest feelings. He is filled with exultant hope his step is buoyant, and life seems a pleasant song. He strays through shady depth, over sun-kissed fields, he stoops to drink from whispering brook.s or cool springs, and again he waddles through mud cheerfully. And his time is well spent. Whenever I pick up theOoLOGiST and follow the writers through the various scenes and events a host of pleasant memoi'ies crowd upon me, and I always feel like joining the circle and take my turn, so here it goes. In the Calumet reigon, within the limits of the World's Fair City there is a stretch of wet prairie j'ou might call it, bounded by railroads, woody ridges and manufacturing suburbs. There are patches of rushes connected by THE OOLOGIST. 4S; narrow necks of the same growth the rest is wild prairie grass, while here and there are clumps of willows to break the monotony of the waving ex- panse. This year the tlood had made its way ever^'where and the feathei'3' tribes were safe here, save from the ocilogist. In spite of a section hand's warning call, "ye'll, dthrown," I made ray way in water to my hips. I knew that in muddy places I would only sink so far. My experience g(jes to prove that the whole Calumet reigon is under- laid with hard sand which except in Mud Lake and the vicinity of Calumet river is at most only three feet down, in most places not that. The shell in this strata goes to prove that this was once a shallow from Lake Michigan. This gave a feeling of security which was not without importance. In the rushes the Least Bittern fairly swarmed this year. I am sure that I found more than tifty of their nests in the few times I was there. Only a lim- ited number of sets however, were fresh enough to collect, the tri])s were made during the first half of July. The nests were platforms of rushes and grass, and sometimes scouring rushes; the great majority measured .seven inches across, in fact, this was almost invari- able; aud they were placed all the way from the water to three feet above it. The favorite location did not seem to be in the most tangled places in the rushes but near the grass where it was tolerably open; here they would often nest within a few yards of each other. The Ijirds would rise and lly off a short tlistance a.s 1 neared the nest in no iustance did one "sit close." Often the two were near the nest together, indeed, quite regularly. When a bird rose with ruffled neck and croakii^g I was sure to tiud young ones, downy little fellows with large round, scared eyes, llu-ir long hills open for iight. The com|»leuicnt of liglit blue eggs ranged from llircc to live, I'ommonly four, and I found one set of six. Oc- casionaly the big lazy cousin of the Least Bittern, the American Bittern, could be seen. 1 took one set of live fresh drab colored eggs of this latter bird; it sat close and tlew f.r when it rose. The nest was a bulky platform of rushes on the water and placed rather openly. I need hardly state that this tind made me feel good all over. As a coincidence, I might -say that near this nest was one of the Least Bittern, and that the verj'^ next day I found another nest of the American Bittern containing one egg within three rods of the first. The second was like the first and they both measured ahont one foot across. There were many other birds repre- sented on these grounds. It goes Avith- out saying that the Long-billed Marsh Wren was even more abundant than the Bitterns, the whole reigon teems, with them, and they raise a ceaseless chatter wherever you turn, aud you- may stick your finger into the opening at the side of their little house and feel the little lumps of chocolate. I found two deserted nests of Albinos. There is poor chance for seeing the bird leave its nest, nay, when you see him he is eyeing you sharply first with one eye and then with the other, tail, perpendicular, scolding with all his might. Who blames him? I also found belated nests of Pied-billed Grebe, King Rail, and Florida (iallinule. The fiood was to blame for these. Antl at one end of my ground the female Wilson's Phalarope followed me in circles quawkiug and craning her neck. Here the grass was short as a result of pastu- rage; yet the fiood was there too. I found no nest. I know Irom for- mer experience that you might as. well say that the nest is within a circle of a half a mile and arrange your plans, accordingly; if you fool the biid to give tlie nest away you must be very sharp. Evei'ywhere I waded I was followed 44 THE OOOLGIST by the Black Terus uttering their shrill angry note which they emphasized as thej' dove at 1113" head. Their young were swiuiuiing about iu the grass. I canght oue dowuy little fellow which I of course had to examine before I let him go, and there was a corresponding anxiety in I he angry notes overhead. At first those fellows vexed me, but soon it seemed to blend with the scene- ry. It was entirely too late for eggs yet I found oue set of two fresh ones, proljabi^- the flood had succored me by destroying the tii'st nest of tliis pair. The ground color is yellowish green; they are thickly spotted with dark brown and some lilac. The brown forms a broad wreath near the larger end of one. The nest was a slight de- pression at the top of a semi-floating mound of dead rushes and mud openly situated. There was a slight attempt to line the resting cavity with some grass. In my experience of a former year I found that the nests are all open- ly situated, sometimes they are of the above description and sometimes they are broken down Musk Rat houses. I found that the ground-color of the eggs varies from brownish to quite greenjand that there is liable to be a wreath at the larger end of a good many of the eggs, rather lower than is common in smaller eggs. In the majority of cases I found but two eggs in a nest, only once or twice did I tind three. John L.\hsex. Scientific Osteology for Amatures. Being interested in the study of osteology I read with much interest the article in Nov. '92 Oologist relating to this !)ranch of science. Having noticed a few points that I think can be greatly improved upon I will en- deavor to give the process used by xscientitic workmen. Now let us sui)pi)Si' lh:it we have just returned from a liiial ilirough the wood lauds and among our game we have a tine Blue Jay. We Avill not preserve the skin, but the skeleton. The tirst thing an amatuer would be likely to do would be to strip off the skin and rough flesh, dump the bird in a kettle and boil it until the flesh would all come oft'. Ah, but this is wromg, vastlj' wrong for by so doing you boil the grease and fat into the bone and no human agency can ever remove it — Not even the hot rays of the tropical sun would bleach it, and forever after your skele- ton is of a dark greasy color. The only true way is to lay the specimen before you on a table and with a sharp scalpel or knife remove the skin and all the flesh possible, then lay the skeleton away until it becomes thoroughly dry and hard. Meanwhile lake a small wooden box, fill it half fxill of fine sand, this we will lay away for future use. Now if the flesh has become dry and hard put the skeleton in a dish and pour on water enough to cover it all over. Let it remain in this until it is softened and the muscles and ligaments are as pliable ns when fresh. You will find by drying and soaking that the blood has coagulated thus making the flesh more compact so that when we, come to scraping we can remove large pieces at a time and can clear the skeleton much quicker. Now comes the hardest part of all; little by little we must scrape away until every particle of the flesh is re- moved, taking gi-eat care not to injure the ligaments that connect the liones, for we must keep them all connected just as they originally were so as to know the exact location of the different parts iu life. Doubtless the average amatetir could not clean the entire skeleton at one time so we will lay it aside but it must not be allowed to drj' • again until finished so we will take the box before described and pour water on the sand THE OOLOGIST. 45 until it is thorouglily ilampeaecl. Oii this lay the skeleton until time can be found to complete the scraping process. Supposing the bones now to be all nicely scraped and cleaned we will proceed to bleach anil mount them, for no skeleton is fit for a cabinet until every I)one is as white as chalk. The best known method for bleaching is to take an earthen dish pour in i gal. of boiling water and to this add i lb. of chloride of lime and i lb. of common washing soda, allow this to stand in a dark ruom until cold and then jjlace 3'our skeleton in it being sure that every part is covered, after live or ten minutes take it out and brush in cold water. At first the bones will not look much whiter than befoi'e but A^hen Nature has performed her part you will be satisfied. As soon as the water has dried off the skeleton is ready to mount on a temporary perch. In the base of the pei-ch drill a small hole and in this fasten a wii-e of sutH- cient size to firmlj' hold the skeleton in place. With one hand hold the skele- ton on the perch to just the height you think it should come and fasten the other end of the wire securely to the back bone then bring the feet down on the pfrch and pin them in place, bring the wings in shape and tie them, crook the neck in the right position and set the specimen in the sun to dry. In a few days you will find the bones all firmly dried together and bleached white as snow. Now it is ready to i)e fastened on its stationary perch and be placed in tlie cabinet. All small birds and animals are cleaned in this way. It is a slow pro- cess but when you have your first specimen nicely finished you are not ready to stop. A fine skeleton is of more scientific value than a dozen skins. Let us study first bones and muscles, then feather.". KiUK B. Mathk.'^. A Collection of North Carolina Birds Eggs. Tiios. A. Smithwick. 47. Prairie Warbler. (573. Seta. Walke, N.C., May 10, 189-2. Nest of grass, reed leaves, bits of spider webs, etc., lined with hair and feathers, placed 2i ft. up in forks of small maple bush. 4 fresh eggs, .70x.48, .(57x 49, .67 X.48, .66X.51. Set b. Raleigh, N. C, June 10, 1892. Nest 2 ft. up in sweet gum. 4 eggs, medium erabyros, .61x,4y, .62x.48, .62x .50, .65X.49. 48. Oven-bird. 674. Seta. Walke, N. C, May 19, 1892. Nest of skeleton leaves, pine straw and fine grass, lined with hair and fine leaves, placed in shallow hole in the ground on hill near swamp. 4 fresh eggs, .75X.63, .74x63, .73x.61, .74x.61. Set b. Weaverville, N, C , May 15, 1882. Nest oven shaped, of leaves and grasses, on hillside. 4 fresh eggs, .76x .59, .78X.60. .78X.60, .77x.60. Set c. Weaverville, N. C, May 20, 1891, Nest at root of small sapling, composed of grasses, leaves, etc. 4 eggs, incubation begun, .80x.61, .77x.62, .77X.61, .76x:59. Set d. Weaverville, N. C, May 10, 1892. Nest of leaves and lined with finegras,';. 3 fresh eggs, .81x.60, .78x .59, .77X.59. 49. Louisiana^ Water-Thrush. 676. Seta. Walke, N. C. April 22, 1892. Nest of leaves taken from mud and coarse grass, lined with finer giiiss, a little moss and a few very fine black roots, imliedded in side of a mossy bank, 1 ft. above small stream of water in a swampv ])]ace. 3 fresh eggs, .78x 58, .77X.58. '.7Sx 60, .77x.59. Set 1). Raleigh, N. C , May 27, 1892. Nest 1 ft. high in side of branch. 5 etrgs, 78X.59, .79x.58, .77x.5y, .82x.5U. .79x..')8. 50. Maryland Yellow Throat. 681. Seta, Weaverville, N. C, June 1, 1891. Nest in meadow, jtlaced in branch of goldenrod and •oniposed of leaves and grasses. 3 fresh eggs, .71 x ..53, .67X..53, .66X..50. 51. Yellow-l)rea.sted Chat. 683. Seta. Ral. igh, N. C. May 2H, 1891. Nest 3 ft. higli in briars, of dead leaves, lined with grass. 3 ficsli eggs, .86x.63, .87X.64, .8H\,(;(). Set b. Kaleigh, N. C, June 6, 1892, -46 THE OOLOGIST. Nest 2 ft. high iu hushes. 3 eggs, small, soft embyros, .87x.67, .89x.67, .88 X.67. Set c. Weaverville, N. C, May 30, 1892. Nest in small bush 4 ft. up, of grasses and lined with tine rootlets. 4 eggs, incubation slight, .84x.64, .79x.63, .85X.66, .82X.64. Set d. Foot of Craggy Mountain, N. C, May 23, 1893. Nest "in briar patch 2 ft. from ground. 3 fresh eggs, .87x .64, .82X.63, .84X.62. 52. Hooded Warbler. 684. Set a. Waike, N. C, May 18, 1891. Nest of reed shucks, leaves, etc., fasten- ed with spider webs, lined with fine grass and a line black moss, 3 ft. up in forks of small bush. 4 eggs, i-ather large embyros, .72x.49, .71x.49, .70x.49, .70X.49. Set 1). Walke, N. C, May IG, 1892. Nest of strips of bark, grass and a few leaves and pine straws fastened togeth- I'r with spider webs, lined with a line black moss, placed 2 ft. up in forks of a small, bent mvrtle bush, 3 fresh eggs. .G7x.r)2, .70X.53, .71x.53. Setc. Walke, N.C., May 11, 1891. Nest 2i ft. up in clump of alder bushes. 4 fresh eggs, .67x.o3, .70x.53, .66x.53, .66 X.53. Setd. Walke, N. C, June 2, 1891. Nest H ft. high in small bush, 3 fresh eggs, .66X.53, .6r)x.!i2, .67x.52. Sete. Walke, N. C, May 23, 1891. Nest of leaves, strij^s of bark, straw, -etc., fastened with spider webs, lined with line grass and hog hair, placed 2 ft. up in crotch of beech bush. 3 eggs, incubation slight, .66x.53. .65x.53, .68x .53. Setf. Walke, N. C, May 10, 1891. Nest fastened 2 ft. high in twigs of small beech bush. 3 fresh eggs, .67x.52 .68X.52, .68X.52. Set g. Bertie Co., N. C, May 9,1891. Nest in small clump of oak sprouts, 2 ft. high. 4 fresh eggs, .65x.52, .65x.51, .66X.52, .64X.51. 53. Mockingbird, 703. Seta. Walke, N. C, May 28, 1892. Nest of sticks, cotton, moss, rags, etc., lined with tine weed stems, 7 ft. up in grapevine. 4 eggs, small, .soft embyros .97X.73, 1.02X.76, .98x.74, .98x.74. Set b. Walke, N. C, June 13, 1892. Nest of coarse w^'cd roots and grass, lined with liner roots and horse tail hairs, 10 ft. up in apple tree. 4 eggs, small, soft eml)yros, .99x.74, l.OOx.74, .93X.74, 1.02X.75- Setc. Walke, N. C, June 23, 1892. Nest of sticks, roots, grass, rags, etc., lined with tine weed stems, 8 ft. up in grapevine. 4 fresh eggs, 1.06x.77, 1.03 X.76, 1.03X.76, l.OOx.74. This and the two preceding sets came from one pair of birds. Setd. Plymouth, N. C, June 6, 1890. Nest 8 ft. up in apple tree. 4 eggs, incubation begun, .96x.73, .93x.71 .92X.70, .94X.72. 54. Catbird. 704. Seta. Walke, N.C.. May 12, 1892. Nest in bunch of briars, composed of sticks, leaves, etc. .lined with fine roots. 4 fresh eggs, .97x.71, .96.x72, .98x.71,.95 X.71. Setb. Walke, N. C, May 26, 1891. Nest 9 ft. up iu bunch of vines in gum bush. 4 eggs, rather large embyros, .86X.66, .87X.67, .87x.67, .90x.07. Set c. Walke, N. C,, May 21, 1892. Nest 5 ft. up iu bunch of bushes. 4 eggs, very small embyros, .90x.67, .90x .67, .89X.66, .91X.67. Setd. Walke, N. C, May 12, 1890. Nest 2^ ft. up in clump of holly bushes. 4 fresh eggs, .91x.70, .97x.67, .92x.71, .92X.71. Sete. Bertie Co., N. C. August 26, 1890. Nest in beecn tree, 13 ft. up. 3 eggs, incubation commenced," .88x.67, .86X.66, .91X.69. 55. Brown Thrasher. 705. Seta. Raleigh, N. C, June 1, 1888. Nest 2 ft. high in briars. 4 eggs, .98x .74 .l.Olx.74, 1.0-2X.75, l.OOx.66. Set b. Raleigh, N. C, April 27,1889. Nest 2 ft. high in bush. 4 fresh eggs, 1.09X.79, 1.08X.78, 1.16x.82, 1.12x.79. 56. Carolina Wren. 718. Seta. Walke, N.C., May 5. 1891. Nest of leaves, moss, bark, etc., lined with hair, placed in boat la3ing on shore of Albemarle Sound. 5 eggs, small embyros, .76x.59, .77x.60, .77x .59, .76x.r)9, .77X.59. Set b. Weaverville. N. C, June 15, 1892. Nest in crack of old log house, composed of rubbish, very bulky. 5 fresh eggs, .76x.58, .75x'59, .74x.58 .75X.58, .75X.59. • Setd. Weaverville, N. C. May 31. 1892. Nest on beam in old house. 5 eggs, incubation well along, .72x.56, .73X.54, .71X.57, .71x.56, .73x.57. Sete. Weaverville, N. C, May 5, 1892. Nest of leaves, rootlets and grasses, placed in hollow stump. 5 eggs, incubation well along, .71x.56, .73X.59, .68X.58, .72x.59, .71x.57. Setf. Weaverville, N . C, June 8, 1891. Nest placed in stable loft, com- THE OOLOGIST. 47 posed of liay aucl feathers. 0 eggs, in- cubation begun, .72x.o5, .67x.54, .70x o5, .71x.o6, .72X.56, .71x.56. Setg. Weaverville, N. C, June 7, 1892. Nest of grasses, leaves, feathers, etc., lined with line grass and rootlets, placed on the ground at side of stump. 5 fresh eggs, .72x. 57, .73x.58, .72x.58, .70X.55, .t59x.M. Seth. Weaverville, N. C. April 10, 1893. Nest of grasses, leaves, feathers, etc., in crevice of log house. 5 eggs, incubation begun, .77x.54, .77x.55, .72 X.57, .74X.57. .73x.57. Set i. Bernardo, Madison Co., N. C, Near Hot Springs, May 4, 1892. Nest in hollow log, composed of leaves, grasses, feathers, moss, hair, etc. 5 eggs, incubation begun, .7()x.57, .70x .55, .73X.57, .71X.5G, .69x.55. 57. Bewick's Wren. 719. Set a. Weaverville, JN . C, April 24, 1890. Nest of rootlets and grasses, lin- ed with feathers and soft material, placed in end of hollow log. 3 fresh eggs, .GTx.Sl. .04x.50, .65x.51. 58. Brown Creeper. 72(5. Set a. Craggy Mountain. Buncombe Co., N. C, May 1. 1890. Nest of hair, feathers, mosses, etc., placed in knot- hole in beech tree, 20 ft. up. 0 eggs, incubation well along, .G3x.48, .62x.47 .IJ3x.47, .65X.47, .62x.48, 03x.47. 59. White-breasted Nuthatch. 727. Set a. Weaverville, N. C, April 15, 1891. Nest 50 ft. up in large white oak tree, composed of wool, hair, feathers, etc. 5 young birds and 2 addled eggs, .70x.53, .67x.53. GO. Brown-headed Nuthatch. 729. Set a. Walke, N. C, April 29, 1891 . Nest composed of cedai- bark, pine seed leaves, wool, rotten wood, etc., placed in hole picked by the birds in rlead pine stump 1 ft. from ground. 5 fresh eggs, .G()x.4G, .o8x.4G, .60x.45, r)8x.4G, .57X.4G. Set 1). Walke, N . C., April 26, 1891 . Nest of I'otten wood, etc., jjlaced in cavity picked by the birds in dead ])iiie stumjj 5 ft. up. 4 fresh eggs, .59x.4G, .59X.46, .54X.41. .59x.4G. This nesl also contained 1 Bluebird's egg, .79x.G5. Gl. Tufted Titmouse. 731. Set a. Weaverville. N. C, May G, 1891, Nestinho'low apple tree 10 ft. from ground, coruposed of moss, loaves, feathers, etc. 5 eggs, incubation begun .GGx 52, .G9x,5G, ,09x54, .G8x,52, ,G5x:53, Set b. Weaverville, N. C., May 5, 1891. Nest in hollow apple tree 4 ft. from ground, composed of leaves, moss, hair feathers, etc. 5 eggs, incubation well along, .71x.54, .71x.55, .70x.55, .72x.57, .67x.52. G2. Carolina Chickadee. 73G. Seta. Kaleigh, N. C, April 2G, 1891. Nest 7 ft. high in willow stub standing in water. 5 eggs. incul)ation slight, .60X.46, .59x.46, .GOx.45, .58x.44 .58X.46. Setb. Walke, N. C, May 4, 1892. Nest of moss and line shreds of bark, lined with a cottony iibre, placed in hole 4 in. deep picked by the birds in dead ash stub 8 ft. up over water. 5 eggs, incubati(m slight, .58x.47, .57x.48 .57X.47, .5Gx.4d, .57x.48. Setc. Weaverville, N. C, May 10, 1892. Nest in ^pine i)ole 8 ft. up. 6 eggs, incubatio^ begim, .58x,44., .58x .45, .54X.44, .5^x.45, .58x.45, .59x.46. Setd. Weaverville, N. C., May 10, 1892. Nest in jjine stump 4 ft. up; composed of mosses, hair and feathers. 5 fresh eggs, .58x40, .57x.4G, .59x.4G, .59X.47, .59X.44. Sete. Weaverville, N. C, May 20, 1892. Ne.st in wilhnv stump G ft! up, G eggs, incubation advanced, .5ox.45, .54X.4G, .58x.4G, .55x.45, .58x.4G, .57x .48. Setf. Weaverville, N. C, May 20, 1891. Nest in oak stub 3 ft. up com- posed of hair, feathers, etc. 5 eggs incubation well along, .55x.4G, ,55x.4G, .53X.45, .53X.4G, .55x.4G. Setg. Weavervibe, N. C, May 6, 1892. Nest in stump 18 in. from ground, composed of hair, feathers, mosses, etc. 4 eggs, incubation ad- vanced, .57X.45, .55X.45, .58x.4G, .55x .45. Set h. Weaverville, N. C, April 15, 1892. Nest in j)ine stunij) 20 in. from the ground, composed of wool, liair and featliers. 7 eggs, incubation well along, .58x.4G, .59x.4(i, .G0x.4G, .59x .40, .58x.47, .59X.46, .59x.47. Scti. Near Hot Spring.s, Madison (Jo., N. C, April 28, 1892. Nest 4 ft. from ground in gate post. 4 fresh eggs, .61x,4G, .G2X.4G, .59x.4C, .GOx.46. Setj. Weaverville, N. C, Mav 10, 1892. Nest in fence slake; G ft. "from ground, composed of ral)I)it fnr, feath- ers, etc. 5 eggs, incul)ati()n l)egun, .58X.45, .53X.42, .G0x,47, .59x.4G, .59x .47. 63. Blue-gray (inatcalcher. 751. Seta. Raleigh, N. (',. May 4, 1889. Ne.st8ft. high in fork of sweet gum. 48 THE OOLOGIST. 4 fresh eggs, .60x.4(5, .58x.44, .58x.45, .59X.45. Set b. Weaverville, N. C, Nest in willow sapling 25 ft. from ground. 4 fresh eggs, .GUx.40, .60x.46, .60x.47, .60X.46. Set c . Raleigh, N . C . , May 24, 1890 . Nest 7 ft. high in small pine on hori- zontal limb. 5 fresh eggs, .55x.43, .58X.42, .57x43, .57x.43, .58x.41. Setd. Weaverville, N. C, May 30, 1891. Nest 20 ft. fiom ground in wil- low tree. 4 eggs, incubation begun, .55X.46, .57X.44, .5Gx.44, .57x.43. 64. Wood Thrush. 755. Seta. Walke, N. C, June 6, 1891. Nest of leaves, straw and a layer of mu(l, lined with line roots, placed in beech tree 10 ft. up. 3 eggs, small embryos, .92x.71, .94x.71, .96x.72. Set b. Raleigh, N. C, May 16. 1888. Nest 5 ft. high in thick bushes. 4 eggs, .y7x.72, .99X.72, .96x.72, .97x.73. Setc. Sans:Souci, N. C, May 15, 1888. Nest 20 ft. up in horizontal beech limb, made of leaves with a layer of mud. 4 fresh eggs, .91x.68, .94x.72, .92X.70, 90X.69. 65. Wilson's Thrush. 756. Seta. Craggy Mountain, N. C, June 3, 1892. Nest of weed stalks and leaf stems, lined with rootlets, placed in a bush 18 in. from ground. 3 fresh eggs, .89X.64, .91x.65, .87x.65. 66. American Robin. 761. Seta. Craggv Mountain, N. C, May 20, 1892. S^'st in fork of beech tree 20 ft. up. 3 eggs, incubation well along, l.llx.82, 1.14x.81, 1.12x.98. Set b. Craggy Mountain, N. C. June 2,1890. Nest in sapling 20 ft. up. B eggs, incuinition well along, 1.10x.70, 1.09X.77, .1.13X.79. 67. Bluebird. 766. Seta. Walke, N. C, April 24, 1891. Nest of pine straw, coarse grass and chicken feathers, lined with line grass, placed in a cigar box nailed 7 ft. up in an apple tree. 6 eggs, incubation slight. .8(;x.66, .85X.65, .84x.64, .86x.65, .85X.64, H4X.65. Setb. Sans Souci, N. C, May 3, 1889. Nest in top of decayed gate post. 4 eggs, iticubalion conmienced, .80x.65, .81X.64, .84x.t)l. .83X.62. 'i'tlOMA.S SMITHWICK, Walke, Bertie Co., N. C. (( J J is the puldication number of this OoLOGiST, and it was mailed to subscribers Feb. 3. The Sooty Grouse- Dendragapus obscurus fiiliginosus. This large and handsome game bird is a favorite with sportsmen, but it is difficult to get a good shot at one as I have found by experience, for It keeps well hidden in the thick foliage of the tir tree, and is said to keep on the op- posite side of the tree from the hunter as he walks around it. The males are not often seen outside of the woods, as they feed on the fir buds near the tops of the trees a great deal of the time, or scratch under the moss and fir needles under the shelter of the forest. His hooting, which Davie likens to the booming of the Prairie Hen, is somewhat like the following woids accented on the last syllable; wo-oo, wo-oo, wo-oo, 00-00, gradually de- creasing in force. It is a familiar sound from about the first of March until about the first of July, and from this they are frequently called '-Hooters." The females are moi'e often seen in the open, scratching in the leaves among the brush or feeding in he grain fields. They begin nesting in the forepart of April and probably rear only one brood in a season as I have not found fresh eggs later than May 10th. From five to nine eggs constitute the complement. The nest is generally in, or at the edge of woods at the butt of a fir tree or stump, under a little brush, or in a fence corner and is merely a depression among (he leaves and fir needles that are naturally there. The nests measure about 7 25 inches across and from 2.87 inches to 4.37 inches deep, according to the number of eggs they contain. The eggs vary greatly in size and coloration as descriptions of the follow- ing sets will show. No 1. Set of eight eggs, collected April 18, 1892. Incubaticu fresh. Two of these are !>utr cream groundcolor, THE OOLOGIST. 49 with reddish browu spots SL-attered over entire surface; another is dark buff cream with very few specks; an- other is dark butf cream unmarked at large end; the remaining four have a delicate pink ground color, spotted with tine reil doti. Average size 1.90x1.36. No. 2. Set of nine eggs, collected April 30 1893. Incubation begun. These have a dirty cream groun I color; four are spot ed over entire surface rather]heavily withchestnut;one hasvery few fine specks at large end but heavi- ly spotted at small end; the remaining four are spotted, not thickly at large end, but heavily spotted and blotched at small end, some spots being .Qi inches across. Eggs about same size as No. 1. No. 3. Set of seven eggs, collected May 30, 1832. Incubation begun. These have dirty cream ground color, and nearly all are marked sparingly at large end but spotted rather heavily at small end with light brown. This set is larger than usual. Sizes as follows: 2.00x1,38,2.02x1.40, 1.89x1.40, 1.98x1.39, 1.88x1.42, 1.80x1.38 and 1.86x1.37. No. 4. Set of six eggs, collected May 10. 1892. Incubation fresh. These have a rich cream ground color with pinkish tint,(except one which is a dull l)ulf cream very sparingly mark- ed) spotted and dotted over entire sur- face with reddish brown. Sizes about the same as No. 1. No. 4 is a beautiful set and probai)ly as near a typical one as can be found, although some lack the pinkish tint. AirriiuR L Poim;, McMinnville, Ore. California Vulture. Psc u dog rypliuii California us . The monarch of North American birds, the California Vulture, shares with the Condor of the Andes the dis- linclion of being the largest bird indig- enous to the western world. According to early travelers the Con- dor was a bird of iinequaled propor- tions; a monster to whose powers of llight distance was no impediment, and whose united strength and swiftness rendered it the lord of creation. Near- ly all travellers indulged in wild theor- ies concerning the Condor, deduced from the popular tales and supersti- tions connected with the legends and traditions of the diisky-huetl natives of those distant lands. Later naturalists, like Humboldt, more observant and less credulous than their predecessors, have shown the fals- ities of these pretensions and have proven the Condor nothing more than a large Vulture, rivaled in size, strength and powers of Might by a bird of our own clime, the California Vulture. Thus have the romantic and extravagent tales related of the marvelous Condor long since passed into the realms of fic- tion. The California Vulture is the only species of its genus. It has the most restricted habitat of any of the large rapacious birds, being confined almost exclusively to the state of California. In autumn it is accustomed to visit the banks of the Columbia where in com- pany with other birds and various an- imals it feasts upon the dead fish abounding there at that season. These visits are only temporary; when the food supply diminishes the Vultures re- turn to their more southern homes. The oftice in nature of this S2)ecies like that of tlie other Vultures is to re- move carrion wherever found, that the evil consequences of it may l)e prevent- ed. The Vidture seldom if ever at- tacks living animals, when it discovers a wounded i creature it lingers n'y no- ticable ring of confluent marks encir- cled their larger ends. Later in the season I discovered a second nest in this same pasture, but in another tree. It contained young, and it was proljab- ]y built l)y the same birds, as the struct- ure described above. My last nest that dny, was a j)rize to me, as it was my lirst of the kind. It was discovered on the upper side of an oak lim'>. wliich grew horizontally over a cart path. M3' eyes fell on it acciden- tally, and at lirst I was uncertain to what species it belonged, but upon climbing the tree, the female bird flew off, and I recognized the Scarlet Tana- ger. The nest was very loosely made of dead twigs, and lined with fibrous roots and pine needles. It contained three greenish-blue eggs dotted with puri)lish-brown, the marks being thick- er at the larger ends. I arrived home tired, but well pleased with the birds and eggs collected, the more common kinds, of which, I have not taken space to describe. Charles L. Phillips, Taunton, Mass. Winter Collecting or Something About Owls. The near approach of the collecting season, reminds me, that it is time to inquire, "Mr. Farmer, did you ever find an Owl's nest, or did you ever see on the ground at the base of a tree, little balls of hair and bones?" and not infre- quentlv do I receive from the one to whom I have propounded this query, a reply in the affirmitive, then, if you were to see my note book you Avould read, "Jan. 16, '93, go 21 miles on new pike to Moaf Turner's, then down through the lane, and follow the path to a big rock at the bend of the creek, a beach tree 25 or 30 yards to the south- east, an owl's nest," or a nest of my own discovery, reads: "Dec. 22, '92, flushed a Barred Owl from a l)each tree 582 steps from south .side of old gravel pit, Elliott's woods." I have 6 nests spot- ted so far this season, and of the 13 nests heard of last season I took 4 sets and found one nest of 5 young screeeh- ers, in a sugar tree one side of which had a hole large enough for me to easily insert mj' hand, but I immediately re- moved the afore said egg grabber. Fiualy mustering up courage I tried it again, with the above result. THE OOLOGIST. 53 0QFeb.2l, '92, I took :i set of the Great Horned Owl, from what I think was an old hawk's nest, although it may have been the nest of the Ameri- can Crow, as it was only 21 feet from the ground in a large spreading oak tree, the complement of eggs was two, almost round, and pure white, 2.26x1.82 and 2.30x1.80. I secured the old bird and now ^lie occupies a prominent })lace among the house flowers, Avhile the littie white gem^ grace my cabinet, as set No. 1. March 5, '93, was a fruit- less hunt, sa^'e a specimen I have label- ed "Ni/ctala ac^idica." Saw- whet Owl, Female, I examined this bird for eggs, bnt found no signs of any, although, I think they breed here. Mirch 14th was a good d ly for owls, or rather a rough day on ovvls and a good day for me, for on that eventful day after a tramp of over 8 miles, we came home with two beautiful specimens of "Mr^gascops asio" one of the mottled gray variety, and the other a pretty brownish red, these birds were caught by putting a sack over the hole and beating on the side of the tree, we also took a set of six white eggs; nearly round, two of which were badly incu- bated, the others apparently fresh. In this same dark lonesome woods, we shot a Great Horned Owl, but the shot tore him to much for a cabinet speci- men. Next we took a set of IJarn Oa'I's from an old apple tree in an orchard near the house, these eggs are more oval in shape than those of the other species, the average measurement of the six eggs is 1.75x1.30 in this nest as is characteristic of all the owls was a scanty bed of feathers plucked from the i)reast of the jKirent bird, and a few but some I get make me tired. A. C. M., Kewauee, Ills. The Yellow Palm Warbler. Dendroica palmarum hyjiochrysea. This warbler is very common here during the spring and fall migration bat I had always supposed that it bred north of this State. On June 1st a friend of mine found a nest with 4 young of this warbler in a nest on the ground in a bog between Orono and Bangor. June 4th my friend and I started for the bog in hopes of getting a set of thier eggs. We had been there a short time when we scared up a female and I was delighted tolind a nest with 5 fresh eggs. The female staid within a few feet of us and tlie iudeutilication was certain. Shortly afterward I found another THE OOLOGIST. 55 nest wit J 4 yoimg ati d in the course of the afternoon my friend secured a set of 5 eggs in whicli incubation was ad- vanced. Altogether there must have been ten pairs of these warljlers i) reed- ing in an area of 1 square mile as I saw at least that n .mber feeding young birds in trees in the bog about June 19. This is the ouly place hereabouts that I know of where the bird breeds and possible the only place in the State as I can tind no authentic record of the nest and eggs having been taken in the State. If any one else knows of in- stances of its breeding in Maine I woulii be i)leased to hear from them Ora. W. Knight. Bangor, Maine. Collecting Black Vulture Eggs. The Black Vulture (Cathnrles atratus) is much more abundant in this vicinity, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, than its first cousin, the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura.) In fact, I have rarely observed the latter, while there is scarcely a day passes in which I do not notice the former. This county is crossed by the Cum- berland river which has formed numer- ous and large limestone bluffsa long its course. The most of these blufts have "caves" or holes running back into them, some only two or three feet deep others deeper. It is in these "caves" that the Black Vulture usually deposits its eggs, though some times they are found under an overhanging ledge of rock. As a general rule they do noX go far into the Ijluff, but lay near the entrance of the hole, just far enough inside to be sheltered ijy the rock. Audubon, in his "Birds of America," states that a "prostrate log or excava- tion in a bank of earth, suffices the Black Vulture as a nesting place," Davie, in his "Nests and P^ggs of North American Birds," states its breed- ing place to be "in hollow log.s, decay- ed trunks of trees, ptunips, and on the ground." Audubon's statement agrees with this locality better than Davie's, though neither mention caves or rockj^ bluffs. In this part of the country they are never known to ' nest in any other place. I have never found a nest nor heard of one being found away from the river. There is a bluff five miles below this city, Clarksville, on the river Avhich is said to be the breeding place of a regular colony of the birds. It is call- ed the "Retl Rocks" and is a tremen- dous bluff literally tilled with caves. I have never been there during the breed- ing season but have passed the place in a boat later in tlie summer and from the large flocks of young Vultures seen on the banks of the river in that vicinity, I am inclined to believe it the breeding place of many birds. It is a very hard bluff to climb, but, nevertheless, I in- tend to try it, with the assistances of a good rope, during the coming season. The coUectingof V^ulture eggs on these bluff's is quite dangerous. A slip of the foot, or any other slight mishap is liable to be attended by serious consequences. I will describe some my trips after their eggs. With us the Vulture nests from the middle of March to the first of Ma^-. By reference to my note book for 1892, I see that my first set for the year was taken April 5th. I had noticed a pair of birds about this bluff, which was just across the river and not more than a third of a mile fron; town, for some time, and had decided that they had a nest there. My belief was strengthened by knowing that one of my fellow col- lectors found a nest there the previous year, and in this region, the birds fre- (juently occupy the same caves fi-om one year to another. So on the after- noon of the above mentioned day, I went with a companion to investigate this Ijluff. After walking about the foot of it some time, the old bird Hew 56 THE OOLOGIST. off from above my head. There were several holes in that part of the bluff and I explored, without success, all I could see. Plually I went on top the bluff" and ray companion went oft' some distance fiom the foot, in order to get a better view of the situation. He called to me that he saw something that look- ed like another hole just above a small ledge which obscured the view. I went above the place he indicated and find- ing a small tree growing up from the shelf just where he located the hole. I climbed down it, and was rewaixled by finding a beautiful set of two eggs in the entrance of a large hole which ran sideways into the bluff and out of which the tree tliat I had climbed down, was growing. I had quite a hard climb getting back with those eggs, but l)y hard scrambling and making use of both the tree :vrd the face of the bluff, I reached the top safely, and in due time Avas at home, and my eggs were safelj' blown and put away in my cal)inet. On the 15th of the same mouth, I foimd my third set for the year. I went in my boat to a bluif three miles above town. As I approached the bluff, half a dozen or more "buzzards," as the are called about here, flew out and .settled on the trees. This was a worse 1:^1 ff for climbing than the last men- tioned. It consisted of three parallel ledges, from ten to seventy-five feet apart, running its whole length, with ))ut few 1)laces where a person could get from one to another. I went over the lower two without finding anything. The third and highest one was almost at the top of the bluff but not quite high enough to get on from above and out of reach from the ledge below. This bothered me a good deal but final- ly I "got there" in a risky and danger- ous way by puUingmy self up by means of some rather slender roots which hung down from above. After getting on the ledge. I saw it was a risky busi- ness to go along it. It was fnllv 100 feet al)ove the water and in many places not more than a foot wide. I crawled along almost to the end with- out finding the object of my quest, in one place having to get down flat on my stomach and crawl under an overhang- ing ledge. Truly, "the way of the col- lector is hard," nevertheless, if he keeps going, he usually accomplishes his end in the course of time, which was what I did. After rounding another corner or two, I came to a place where there was another overhanging ledge, and far back against the bluff' was the finest set of Vulture eggs I have ever seen. Perfectly clean, as if just laid, unusual- ly large, with pale blue back ground, sparsely marked with dark brown splotches, one egg having only six spots on it As it was getting dark and I was ihree miles from home, I had to leave that bluff, though I must confess, I left very reluctantly for I felt certain of be- ing able to tind more. Of all the Black Vulture eggs I have handled — probably flfteen or more sets last year alone, — not one have I nf)ticed which had the "pure white back- ground" \\ hich Audubon sajs the eggs of this species have. In ever?/ instance the ground color was distinctly bluish, which agrees wifh Davie's statement as to this point. I would like to hear from some other collectors Avho hold an opinion on this subject, through the columns of this highly esteemed paper, the OoLOGiST. May it have a long and prosperous extistsuce. Jas. a. Lyon, Jr., Clai'ksville, Tennessee. WillYou JoinUs? But a few tickets left to complete the club to atteiul the World's Fair on the United World's Fair Excursion Co. plan. Payments monthly or weekly; this is the strongest company in x\nu^rica, ap- ])ly to Local Agent or write United World's Fair Excursion Co., N. E. Dep't, 406 Exchange B'ld'g, Boston, Mass. THE OOLOGIST. 57 The Oologist. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN. ALBION. N. Y. Editor and Publisher. Correspondence and items of Interest to the student of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited from all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Single Subscription - - 50c per annum Sample Copies - _ _ _ _ 5c each The above rates Include payment of postage by us. £:ach subscriber is given two coupons, one good lor an Exchange Notice and the other tor 2.5c. when presented with an order of $1.:.*5 or over. Send stamp ror Premium List tor obtaining new subscribers. Subscriptions must begin with either January or July issues. Back numbers of the Oologist caji be furnished at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descriptions and prices. lS'~Kemember that the publisher must be no- tified by letter when a subscriber wishes his pa- per stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. NEW ADVERTISING RATES- 20 CENTS PEK N0NP.4KEIL LINE EACH INSERTION. Twelve lines tn every inch. Special Kates, lor advertisements continued Three months or more, per Hue I5c Six months or more, per line i2>ic Twelve months or more, per line lOc For advertisements occupying any one Issue One-half column (42 lines) or more, per line l'>c One column (S4 lines) or more, per line I2;<;c One page (168 lines) or more, per line lOc Cash must accompany all orders. Remittances should be made by Draft, E.xpress or Post Office Money Order. Kegistered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U. 8. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for sums un- der one dollar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all suhscrlptlons and com- munications to FK.\NK U. LATTIN, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y. •»• .Articles. Items of Interest and Queries for publication should be forwarded as early in the month as possible. ■nreRES at TMF post 0*Firc at ALPiON, N, y,, AS SeCOND-ClAS*- MATTFft. A. M. Farmer say.s he fouud the King Kail quite common iu Boone Co., Liwa. The new edition of Langille'.s, "Our Birds in Their Haunts" i.s now Ijeing deliver.sil to abvance .sub,scriljer.s. Friend Jlviljbe, of MayviUe. N. Y., >ays: — "I took sets of Red-taih^d Hawk- eggs, 18!)0, 1891 and \H\)2 out of the same nest." Ekkata — On page 44 of this OiiLOGiST somebody made a bad mess of the word "amateur," we think that both Mr. Mathes and the Editor can spell the word . E. L. Haley, of Phillips, Me., writes: "June 6, in coming from Redington to Saunders, down the railroad track, a distance of six miles, I fouud twenty- seven nests of the Black Snowbird, (t/es. 2ii p 10c Commercial and other Sponges, 43 p., 31 ill 20c Corals and EchiU'^dprms. 32 p.,60 111.200 Mollusca, 82 p., 55 Ills 25c Worms and Crusta ea. as p.. 40 ill*..25c Agassiz's First Lessons in Natural History 64 p., 46 ills 20c Richards' First Lessons in ISIiiierals. 4^i p 10c Lattiu's Oolofjists Hand-Hook. l.S,S5. 86 p.. (coil tains Rid^way's Nomenclatui'e) 1.5c Ran, Aboriginal Tra^e. 47 p 15c Knight. Savage Weapons at Centennial, 90 p.. 147 ills 35c Wilson. Preh'storic Anthropology (a Haud- Book on Indian Relics for beginnei's). 75 p.. 287 ills 35c Ran. Articles on Anthropological Subjects, 180 p.. ills. 35c FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. thp: oolugist. 61 SEND FOR Fl RTULR INFOHMAIIOX. The McMullen Woven Wire Fence Co., 118 and ISO IX. Market St., Chicaeo. ONLYDIRECTORY""^"^^ Dills' 111 tents 1 leKiilnr jjrite •I'lits. I your name, if ic- I'civtfl witliin next ai cl cys, will lie moldi.y printed (/ii giimnieil riper, and from Pub- fisliers, Manufaclur- I ers and others, you 1 will receive hundreds probably thousands. ' of valuable Books, .Samples, Papers, Slaga- 'ziiies, etc. All free and each parcel with one of your boldly printed ad. Uie-vses pasted thereon. EXTRA! We will also print and prepay nosiage on 500 of your gummed addresses to you, for your personal use : which are valuable to .stick on your envelopes, books, etc., to firevent their being lost. Rki dsville, X. C, Dec. «, H9I. Dkak Siks — My .500 addresses received. From my 25 cent address in your Lightning Directory I have received over .".(XX) parcels of mail. My .\ddres.ses you scattered among publishers,nianufac- t irers, etc. are arriving dailv.on val.iable parcels o( Vaull, H'om all l>arts of the World. .1 .A. WAUE. THE LIGHTNING DIRECTORY CO.. Tlenartnient No. IT', Philadelphia, Pa. ALL future transactions in Birds Eggs should be aua with "Lattin'' 7nuxl be ba.sed on the pric- es given in the New • Standard Catalague." PIANOS For Over Forty Years have enjoyed a high reputation. Bril- liant and musical; tone of rare sympa- thetic quality; beautiful for vocal ac- companiment. Durably constructed of finest material by most skillful work- men. Exceptional in retaining original richness an 1 fullness of tone. Require tuning less often than any othey piano. PRICES MODERATE. REASONABLE TERMS. SEND FOR CATALOGUE. MADii AND IN USE. Emerson Piano Co., 174 Tremont Street, BOSTON, MASS. Branch ( 92 Fifth Avenue, New York, Stores (218 Wabash Ave-, Chicago CURED DR.TAFTT „ ^_ _ »««„ ^ , ., , Instead of flving to the door gasp- M ^ ■ ■■ WUm fr\ f i " "^ ing for breath, seeming as if each H^pfll ■ ■■Hfv^fp.A] 11 '..^ \^ one would bavour last, you have taea ^3^ ■ H EJ H t' M W \^1-^J i— .- ^-^ -J -an only to take a few d3ses Asthmalone when the spasm is broken, the breathing becomes casv and yo-i feel as if an aiTcl of mercy had unloosed 1'ie iron grasp of the hngers of death The hnnpie<:t moment of your life will be when vnu have used a frw bottic3 of Dr Taft'8 ASTHMALE?JE and it has cured you of VB^^ ^ B^-f"'' mT - Asthma. We mail to any Asthma sufferer a trial bottle ■■ W^ |p^ B" Jf^^' '' ^oe^ Sold by druggists. Dp. Taft Bfos. M. Co., Roche8ter,N.Y I ■ A ■■ fcwf '^^ "-"'"^'' «3 THE OOLOGIST. New Standard Catalogue OF {Sjorth /\merican ]^irds ^ggs COM PILED BY FRANK H. LATTIN, Jssided hy Capt. Chas. E. Bendire, J. Parker Norris, Esq., and Vajit. B. F. Goss. It gives the Common and Scientific name of every North American Bird according to the A. O. U. Nomenclature. It also gives the A. O. U. Numbers as well as those of both Coues' and Ridgeway, and last but not least it gives the value of eggs of neartu ev(nj species, over one hundred of which never appeared on any print ed list before. It is not a personal catalogue of any one Dealer or Collector, as thei"e is nut a Collector in the entire World who has or could furnish all the s.iecies whose vaUies are given, and there is not a Dealer who could turni.^h over from 5() to 75 per cent of the spec'es priced. The Catalogue is printed on extra quality of paper and contains 5.^ pages, size SiiXD'i in. Price .S5 cents per copy. .S copies for Jl.OO. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. CARR'S NATURAL HISTORY STORE Sea Shells. Corals. Minerals, Bird Skins and Eggs, Curios. Supplies for Taxidermists, Ento- mologesls. Botanists and Oologlsts. Taxid- ermy in all Branches of the art. Gold fish and aquarums. 40 page Illustrated Catalogue for 2c stamp. C. F. CARR, Madison, Wis. CAVEATS, TRADE MARKS, DESIGN PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, etc. For information and free Handbook write to MU.N.N .\: CO.. ;;t;i Bkoauwat, new yokk. Oldest t)iireau for securins patents in America. Every patt-nt taken out bv ns is brougln liefore the public by a notice given free of cliarge in the Largest circulation of any scientific paper in the world, t^plonciidly illustrated. No intelligent man stimiia bu wiiliom it. Weelily, SS.'i.oif a year; *l..^l six ni.Miths Audress itUNN & CO., ruBUsHEsa, abl Broadway, Wew ¥ork City. CIRCULAR DISTRIBUTERS WAIiTEI> Publishers. Patentees, Manufacturers, etc., are daily requesting us to supply ti e addresses, or reliable circular distribtitors, bill posters, etc. Bruim's success is marvelous, and will open up in aoo.OUO Agents Heralds next issue, to be mailed to business men. new. profitable- and permanent emplo\menttof nemau. woman or youth in every town and hamlet in the U. S. and Canada. -The early bird catches the- worm." We want a few such ai*s. as Brunn's (sample below) to start wit'i in this month's Mammoth editioiis of Agent's Herald BEIISI^M ^^''il^ ^U^ signs, distributes circul- nUflll ars. papers, samples, etc , through- otiL Blackhawk and su^-roundiug counties only $3.00 per 1000. Address W.h.BKUNN, Waterloo. la. Brtinn paid ^'J. ^0 to insert above 4 lines. June '90. He began dur ng the summer. That ad. paid then: /< jtinjing y(t. H^' has been keptcon- constantly busy, eni] do- s three men to assist him. clearina o/? /^'i/* labor fi'om $10 to $15 a day distributing circulars at !f:'.c:o per 10(i) for many firms who saw his ad. in The Herald. It costs every firm at least $10 in pf)stagfc alone- to mail 10(10 circulars. A saving to each firm who employ you of $7 t er 1000. T^n firms may each send you 1000 at the same time, making- 1000 packages of 10 each, for distriltuting which you would promptly rec>^ive J30. i?l.'> in advance and Jlf) when work is done. Pareits make your boys a p esent. Start them in this growing business. Beuin this neat busne^s before some one in your county gets the st-irt of yoti. "'Come in on the ground floor."' Inst-uct'ons How to Conduct the Business. Free, to each distributor only, who sends us $'3.-10 cash or postage stamps for a 4 line "ad"'. AGENTS HERALD. No, 171 South 8th Street, Philada', Pa. 400 VARIETIES OF STAKPS $1^00 Duplicates can be rettirned. AN UNUSUAL OFFER W. F. GREIANV, 827 BRANNAN St. SAN FRANSISCO. CAL, Catalogue for stamp. MARLINIaf^ Made in all styles and. sizes. Lightest,! I strongest, easiest working, safest, simplest, 1 most accurate, most compact, and most | I modern. For sale by all dealers In arms. Catalogues mailed free by The Marlin Fire Arms Co. New Haven, Conn., U. S. A, THE OOLOGIST. 63 PORCUPINES. Do you want a -porky"? A curio, fi'oni northern Wiscoiisin. No cabinet is complete without t>ne. Can send Ihem in meat or skins. Also, can furnish skulls and skele- tons Other Wisconsin Mammals can be ob- taiaed on short notice. Write at once to A. MOWBRAY SEMPLE. Poynette, Wis. EGGS From the Orient and Asaain (Malahka) cor- rectly named at moderate price. HERMANN ROLLE,: Emdener. St. 4. Berlin. N. W., Germany. "Nature's Serial Story." As told in the monthly ■•California Traveller and Naturalist." is interesting and variahle. All branches of Geography. Natural Science, and Oliservation. our specialty. One year for a silver dime. Samples Free. A speciinea free to the .'^ot new subscribers enclosing a stamp. 'J16 South First St.. San Jose. Caliiornia. J2t. Examine the little rose-colorpd address label on the wrapper of the Oologist. The number following name deaores the rime wh^n your sub- scription e.xplres or has expired. The figures are accordiDg to our books Jan 1.5. Is93 and renewals sent since that date have been credited on our books, but not on rhe label, ."ie slgulfles vour subscription expired June 1890. 62 " " " •• Dec. •' 68 •• " " " June 1891 74 •• •■ '• •* Dec. 80 " ■• " " June 1892 S6 •• " Dec. 92 •• •' •• will e.xplre June 1893 98 •• •• ' Dec. We are desirous of straighienlng our subscrip- tion hooks at once and trust our subscribers will send In their subscriptions for '93 Including all arrearages, at their earliest convenience, the amounts necessary to accomplish this are as lollowa: "56"— *1.7-.. ■•62"'— $1.50. "68"— fLS.--.. '•74"— $1.00 "80"— ".=)Cts. "Si)"- oOcts. Should you desire to discontinue your subscrip- tion to the Ooi.ogist your Indebtedness to us is 50 cents less than the above araoums. HAVE YOU RHEUMATISM? Or do yon know any friend or neighbor afflicted with any form of Kh(Miniatisni;. if so send his or her address on a Postal Card to the PARISH CHEMICAL CO., Parish, N. Y. Khennialisni has been conquered l»y tiiein and tiiey will prove it to you. It will cost i)ut one cent to in- vestigate this. J3t. Can coin big mKToNS. an unique toy 10c, CHICKENS, an Easter novelty 10c FROGS Large is genuine croakers 10c JINKO BASKETS ]<)C MINATURE LANTERN 4 in ^ ...10c BIRDS ON WBISTLES, Museum Sped- mens ■ JfJ"^ TOOTH PICKS. .500 (K)0 Straw box 10c Any of above sent postpaid upon receipt of price, or to close out. tie entire lot for 11.10— only "about 211 lots in iill. FRANK H. LATTIN, ALBION, N.Y. «4 THE OOLOGIST. 1,00 WORTH OF PRIZES Will 1)6 Presented duriug 1893 to The Patrons (Contributors and Readers) of THE OOLOGIST. Each month during 1893 we shall give live prizes. These prizes are to be awarded to the tive best articles ap- pearing in each month's Oologist. The prizes throughout the year will remain the same, except the first one which will be the winner's choice from the unawarded articles and publications named in the following list: Coues' "Key to North American Birds" $7 50 Ridgway's "Manual of North American Birds" 7 50 Chamberlain's "Nuttal's Ornithol- ogy" (2 vols.) 8 00 Goss's "Birds of Kansas" 7 50 Wilson's(and Bonaparte's) "Amer- ican Ornithology" 7 50 Maynard's" Birds of EasternNorth America" (text complete). 15 00 Webster' s"lnternational Diction- ary" latest edition 10 00 Washington Irving's Works, 10 vols 7 50 Wm. M. Thackeray's Works, 10 vols 10 00 Chas. Dickens' Works, 15 vols. .. 11 25 Jenk's "ComprehensiveCommen- tary of the Holy Bible " 5 large 900 paged Volumes. . 25 00 Sir Walter Scott's Works, 12 vols 12 00 $10 worth of Phonographic Books and Publications 10 00 An 8-qt. Jack Frost Ice Cream Freezer 6 50 A Due-Bill good for$31.50towards a new $46.50 MarlinRepeat- ing Ritle ;. 31 50 A Due-Rill good ^or$33.00towards a nevv$45.0bAmericanUnion (same as New Home) Sew- ing Machine 33 OU A Due-Bill good for.$12.00to\vards a new $20 double case Odell Type writer 12 00 2nd Pi'ize each month will l)e a part of "Maynard's Birds of Eastern North America," each containing an average of 8 plates and 340 pages strongly i)ound in strong manilla and cloth anil worth at ])ublislier's original price not far from $7 50 3d Prize— Brewer's "North American Oology'" unbound, no plates, original price about $3.()(). 4th Prize— Baiid's Review of Ameri- can Birds" originally sold at $2.00. 5th Prize — Mrs. St John's "Audubon the Naturalist." $1.00. Each article receiving at least as many credits as there are number of Judges and not winning one of the leading prizes will be awarded a dupli- cate of the 5th prize. Each article receiving at least one- half as man} credits as the number of Judges and not winning any other prize will be awarded a year's subscrip- tion to the Oologist. All Mss. prizes are sent by' mail or express prepaid, except the lirst, which is shipped at winner's expense. You are a Judge. You have been selected to act as on» of the Judges in this month's Prize article contest, and your decision must be promptly and fairly given. Your decision must be mailed us not later than Mch. 10th. Write on back of a postal card the live articles which you have decided to be the mofit valuable, instructive and iiiteresling in this num- ber of Oologist and mail to us. Num- ber the articles in the order which you think the prizes should be awarded. We give our Judges five si^ecial prizes, one to each of the five whose decisions are nearest the final award of prizes and in this month's competition the Judge whose list of tive articles is the nearest the awarded list, we will give a part of Maynard's "Birds of Eastern North America", each of these parts contain an average, of 2 plates and 264 pages, strongly bound in heavy manilla covers and at publisher's origi- nal price are worth at least $5.00. 2d A handsomely bound book "Small Talk about Business." 3d A collection of 20 common eggs. 4th A collection of 16 good minerals. 5th A 50 cent pkg. of Novelties. To each Judge naming the five urize- winning articles in theirexact orderand not winning one of the five special prizes we will give a copy of the "Stand- ard Catalogue of North America Birds Eggs." To each Judge naming the prize- winning articles but not in their exact order and not winning one of the five special i)rizes we will give v. copy of that elegant new Columlms or World's Fair Aluumac, (value 25 cts.). All .Judges' prizes are sent by mail prepaid. Address your decision to Frank H. Lattin, Allnon, N. Y. Monthly. m r(5^Yrs; 50c. per Year. ^$i) VOL. X. ALBION, is. y., MAK., Ib93. NO. Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special aanoniicemei;ts. '-VVant-s,' 'E.xclianpres" "For Sales." Inserted In tills department, for .■> »c per :-<.') words. Notices uver 35 words, cliarged at the rale ot one ceut per each additional word. No notice Inseried tor lesstli m sue. Terms, casn wit li order. Strictly Kli st-cla.ss sp-'cimens will be accepted In payment at one-half list rates. ••L)KAi,EKS"can use the.se coluiri is at Itnjular Adrfrlifiinu rates, unly, E.xchanse cards and i-'onpons (suD.scrlptioii) will be accepted for "vVaats" ami ••E.'icUanges" only and according to conditions stated thereon. WANTED. -Stamps. U. S. Fr.ic: Ciivrency, Old Bank bills. I'jdiau relics iu e.Kchauge for fine Minerals. Shells and Inlian pottery. A. C. LUNr, 27 Pie.isant St. Beverly, Mass, WANTED.— Bird skins in large or small lots. Rare sets ;to exchange tor same. WALTER F. WEBB. Geneva. N. Y. SIX CANDLE PUectric Lamp, with socket. and3o^ roll white adhesive tape 'good for cuts), for cl tubers. Davie's "Nests and Egi.«.'" or best offer. BERTO.">J G V-KUliTT. B.iUsion Spa.. N. V. WANTED.— A Standard work on Taxidermy, also a good Mandolin. Desirable sets of egjis to ofler in exchange. WALTER TKUITT. Chanute. Kans. FOR EXCHANGE. -A Collection of a7ti stamps. M.iny Vdry desi able For best offer of eggs in sets. C. C CAMTWELL. Sterling, Kan -.as. EXCHANGE NOTICE. -Eggs, singles. VM. HO. 7:i. 74, ti-.i-.ia, (no dai u for 10 fL'gs. sets with data of 7ai. ::.=. or 70 ;. JJENJAMIN HOAC. Stephentown, New York. FOR Every a.")c. worth of 1st class Bird Eggs sent me 1 vviU send r>o assorted Fish hooks. Send to CHAS. TUCi\KK. Mt. Adams. Gin., Ohio. FOR EXCHANGE. -New trays, books on Natural History and '.id class eggs. Wanted: Eggs in.sets^anl copies of -YouNG Oologist." H. M. HALL. Riveiside, Cal. FOR SALE.— A large number of complete Hies of Ornitholo.^ic il ni i„' izlues for sale che.ip. WALTER F. WEBB. Geneva. N. Y. FOR EXCHANGE -Cal. birds eggs for sev- eral -M ohms telegraph Instrument- : state con- dition, etc. OTTO J. Z.\HN, 427 S. Hope St., Los Angeles, Cal. FOR EXCHANGE -A collection of over two hundred viu-ietie-* of flrst-"l:iss liird skins. Send for list. II. L. CHEVILLON. Richmond. 111. TO EXCHANGE. -Three hundred and fifty (.^."rf)) odd ninnbers of Caicago Am. Field and Forest and Stream for sets not In my collec- tion. ROBERT WARWICK. Fleming, N. Y. EGGS for sale cheap, or will exchange tin*) clutches of Pigeon Hawk. Baldpate, Sharp-tail- e 1 Grouse, Mar-ih Hawk. Snow Bunting. Long- spurs, etc. Seud for price list. F. DIPPIE, 3a4 George St.. Toronto, Can. A PTNE collection of no birds eggs in singles, will exchange for ttrst-class eggs m sets. Write at ouee. All letters answered. V. H. DE- WEIN. 103 Chambers Ave.. Peoria. 111. FI\E SKINS of O d Squaw Duck and Serra- ted Merganser, for exchange. PHILIP LAUR- ENT. 1306 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, Penn. FINE SETS of A. O. U. Nos.. 7.5. 79. 311. 320a, 396. 410. 4','Oa. 19(i. 50;-.. 586. ti02, 707. 7.=i.5 and Others to exchange for same. Lists e.Kchanged. F. L. BUKNS. Berwyn, Penn. TO EXCHANGE.— 1st Vol. "Birds of Eastern North America" and A B C of Carp Culture"" for flrst-rlass eggs, minerals or corals. ELLIS HADLEY. Dayton, Oregon. WANT to exchange Insects; esnecially C'ole- opfern. mo Lepido/ifiTU.) J. O. SNYDEK, ad- dress until June. Leland Standfortor work gaaiMULed. JJ. MKJ.XSELL..PeHiu. ill. EXCHANGE.— War tokens, curio.^, etc., for old U S. copper c()iiis. Indian relic-', etc. Al.to one $1^ B Hat Cornet for be.st oiler in Indian rel- ics and ciirio.s. All .aiswered. M.M. sMAKT, Plaintield. Wis. W.vNT TED. — HopaUIs & Aliens li gunge sin- gle b jl.g ) )J li c ii d Jl:'. .i.cUou revolver. Will give cash or slcins, eggs in .sets, mounted bird , etc. li. s. BOWDlSii. 10.1 W. lOJd St. Nev York. N. Y. WAN TE D. —To excliange tirst-class e.^ga and insects especkilly beetles, with Southern and Weste' n collect' u-s tli'- coming seasi >u. lieetles mounte I or unmoniU^-d. determined or unde- termined. D. B. YOJNG. N-jwport. N. Y. WAN rED. -Hooks on Oriiithology. War- ren's Birds of l->emi.. R.direvvay's Manual, etc.. at once. Will give good exi-hauge in anything desired. W l<\ WEiiB. Geneva. N Y. 500 rs'-class eggs t> e.Kchange. Send vour e.-cchange l.st and I will send mine in re- turn. W. E. HEUL,E\'. ."lO) Howard Ave., Buf- falo, N. Y. NOTIOE.— Pine birch Dark canoe, lu ft. long. Made by Indians on north shore of U^ike Hu- ron. Will sell or tride for double barrelled gun. AllaU'Werel. WESLEY WKIGHT. lOii North Fullertou .\ve . Montclair, N. J. NOTICB. For every guaranteeil lii'f. enerf/t-.f- ic Bird Egg. Collector's na'iie Sent me, I will gire a Foreign Postage Stamp. In case of several names will send no duplicates. Ao TxASH. A Noddy for eve '-y Hf) Southern Co!l"c- tor's names. Write for weekly slips, they will surprise you. Address r.AF.A,YETTI'] G. DURK. 171J West Eud Ave.. Nashville, Tenn. TO EKJIAN^E -.Vitoj:r.ip'is of Ex-Pres=- dents. .Staresmen and others, for Indian relics and curi s;ties. F. E. STEARNS, Box 67, Er- mine, Pa. A No. fi Johnsoi 14 K. Gold pen and Holder, which are worth F >ur Doll-irs. Will sell or exchange for best offer. JKSSB G. A. MEEK- ER, (50 Hongh Ave . Bridgeporf, Conn WE WILL ex hange mounte I spec mens of any kind for desir;ible unmounted ones Full p u'ticalai-s for strnp. G[r-!5EHT BRO'S CO., Taxidermists. 41'2 No. Kth St.. Omaha. Neb. TO EXCHANGE —Nice cabinet sx)ecimens of (Catlinite) sa'-re 1 Pipestcme postpaid fiO cts. In quantities exchange rate l5c. per lb. Want- ed sea shells, corals, fossils, arrow and spear heads. polish"d agates. Eggs and Skins. .V. D. BROWN, Box ITti. ^-*ipestone. Minn. TO EX'.'HANGH.-A "-Library of Natural History." 400 Engravings and biO pages, for Books or p ipers (jn Oruithologv. Wood's Na- tural Historv spei^iallv desired. K. W. MERG- LER. 13R MiilberrvSt.. Buffalo. N. Y. DEAR JslR:— 1 enclose herewith -copy" for an exchange notice wnich 1 would like lo have in8ert''d in next issue of the Ooi.ouist. I en- close herewith in payiiieut for same 'Oc. in stamps. 1 find that an exchange or wnut no- nce iti your iiiagiiziur always brings more re- plies tuan from any piiper I've »-vei- tried, very truly. Trt.-\.D. SURLiER. Wh tc Sulphur Springs, \V. Va. FOR SALE —To the highest ca&h bidder, nine fonts of type ; some almost new. Also col- lection of minerals: some rare specimens. For partic-ulars apply lo. R. T. \OuNG, Chestnut Hill, Phlla.. Pa. ON S.\LE.— The v hole remainder of the choice collection of Mr. F. T. Jeucks, late. Soiitbwick and Jeucks, -at lowest pr.ces ever, quoted. Also my duplicates . These are mo.-- 1- Iv Hue spec miens, selected irom a larj^e stock. Send stamp for list, P. B. PKABODY, Owat- oiina. Miiju. WANTED.— For Choice Eggs and Skins; sets (With ue.-ts preferred) of 1, 1.'. 141, 148, 104, lfc4. it-t). iy;(. iiO;J. ^lia. ava. 277. aTTa. yS'Ja, 29i!a, 2i<3, 'iy.i, 300c. t07. ao^h. 3l0ii. o32, 3Ca. 3(>a, 3'.3a, 37f,a. 377, [3s3J, :i8ra. 3i,'3c. 40:!a. 408. 414. 416, 4B4, 44.">. 4.">y. tlo. 474. 474g. 478. 4C0. 482, 4f-6. 45)0, 494a. .""Ola, .'■>:;0b. r)iOa. iiOl. ■.H\:i. f)ti;-'a. .567a. .o81a. 581b. .^Sic. ."8.;, .")',)0. r.'.)7. ^;■J^'. O-.^y. t36. t.5.5. 657. 667. 675. 715, 717a. 71J-a. 7-2f,. 72:a. 728. 7:^5b. 738, 74-^ 743. 751a. Send List«. Procurables. Desiderata. P. B, PEABODY. Owatonna. Minn NAPH ALINE CAMPHdR MARBLES. A large lio.x of -iO marbl- s The ueiitest and hand- iest article ever made, to lay around in Speci- men Trays. Cases and Cibinets. Said to be a sure prevent itlve against Moths and Insects, Price ;;r°/««t< only !;■) cts. FRANK H. LAT- TIN. Albion. N. Y. FORKIGN STAMPS and PUBLICATIONS. Special price- to close out. 50 var. 6c. ; 1(0 var, 10c. : .500 mixed lec. ; KHKJ mixed. :^.:.;\VQ finely niLcd :0C' : :W finely fnixed yOc. Philatelists jilbums. bi)ards find cloth, i6page.«, iJOOo spaces, illu^-tnited 'i^.c. ; Po] ular albt m. lor beg uuers. linen bf)ards. MVO spaces, f 0 patet — illust -ated 10c Merchants J^l ags of the World, per set LfOc f^oitniits of Rulers per set 35c. Co 'ts of arms of the World per set. 35c. Stand- ard Cohn- Caart. per copy. 40c. Scott's Catalog- ue (.5-2d edition) ovt r o.".0 pages, fully illustrated 35c. Gummed Hinpes. per ICWt. 8c. Blank ap- proval sheets, ruled .")G spaces, linen paper, per 10, 8c. Approval sheets each c cts. 8in. 'c. FRANK H. LATTIN. Albion, N. Y. ■^ HEET PEAT.— An important article need. largely, by ■■Bug Hi;uters" as a substite for cork. Size 4xI-Jk-'k in sample sheet 8c.. 12 for 75c . prepaid. FRA.NK H. L.vTTIN. Albion, N. Y. FRENCH MOSS. -We have just received a^ new lut from Germany. Dyed bright green in ■bricks' 4XJX6 in. AH Taxidermists use it aucl pay y.) p-r ceiit more than we charge. Sample package prepaid only 15 cts., 1 doz. prepaid »l.5ij. FRANK H. LaTTIN, Albion, N. Y. THE OOLOGIST. OT WANTS an I FOR SALES.— Shall need dur- ing tiie ctiaiiu^ season tue followiug e^gs, luU sets: Liooii, tSUiuk Guillemot, Mune, Auk, Cas- pian. Kjyal and Cabot's Terus, .Siciniiiiei\-5, Yei-- low-nosed and Sooty Albatrosses, Flamingo, SpoouoiU. Whooping and Sandhill Cranes, Tur- key and iil icii ViilLiuvs. Sharpshiuned Hawk. Golden Jiagle, Sparrov Hawk. Cari.cara, Os- prey. Hofued Owl. Cnuckwjllswidow, VVhip- t)oor-wdl. Paraiiqiie. Kiiby and Anna's Hum- mr;rs. Cre-ted Flycatcher, Wood Pewee, Great- tailed Grackle, Bnattailed Grackle, Fhainope- pla, Maryland Yellow-throat, Cactus Wren, Hrowu-headed Nuthatch. Wren Tit, and Verd- in. Some of above wanted in large quantities: Will excaauge lor same a hue list of American sets, also a full list of desir..ble and very showy foreign ^ets, as: Griffon aud Kgyptian Vul- tures, Duck Hawk. Kough footed, luiperial and Oriental Eagles. Dlack ivite. Kuropeau Kite. Golden crowned Kinglet. Kuby-crowned King- let, lireat T tmousc. Garden. Orphean. Wooa, Baird. Melodias. Black-capped. Willow. Rufous, Keed. Ma -sh. &c. Warblers. Capecaille. Quail. Gre.it anl Little Bustards. TemmiuK's Stint Pi-per. Cinereiis Crane, Nuniidian Crau-^. Black- thro.ue I Uiver. L, irgc'-l).lled Pufflu and a great variety of others. \s ill also purchase for cash it price meets my approval and specimens are go.)d. sets of L.OOI1. any of the Albatrosses. Whooping Crane. Siudbill Crane. Sharp-shin- ned. Hawk, Golden l-^agle. Chuck-wilis-widow. Whlppoir-will. Faraiuiue. White-tailed Kite; also bacu numbers of the Auk aud O and O, By the middle of Apr 1 I will send a very large or- der t'> E'lrope. and any one desiring some line European eggs at bottom pr ces I will be -pleas- ed to give them the beueht of the very cheap rating that I have secured. Following is a -anii)le of the i rice.s per egg. jill in first-class uithentic cl. t3hes or singles: Greenland Gyr- :alcon 4 00. Whit3 Gyrf.ilcon 3 >':■>, Gyrfalc'on ii.'i.'i. Duck Hawk 1 (0. Merlin .:i.'i. Gray iea Eag- le l.Oij. Kurope.in Buzzard .Is. Goshawk .30. Kough-legged Hawk .«.">. Tengni Inis "or Rich- ardsDU's Owl l.U), Short-eared Owl 2.'>. Lapp Owl ri.LT). Creeper .lb. Siberian Tic ..0. Golden- crowned Kinglet .'Sy. Ruby-cr(jwned Kinglet .25, Itohemian Wa.KWing l.U). Nutcracker S.-'iO, Raveu .M. Wheatear .(i.">. Red-winged Thrush. 1.5, Red-s;)f)tted Bluethroat .31). Dipper 2.i. White Wagtail .0.'). Meadow Pipit .Oti, Red throated Pipit .eo Skylark .05, Suowflake .25. Lapland Longspur .:iii, Ho'boeH's Redpole .50. Parrot Crossbill 1.5). Common Crossbill 1. 00, Rock Pt- armigvu .ii. Willow Ptarmigan . 0. Black Grous:e .3.'). Pheasant .13. G >lden Plover .'M. Ring Plover .08. L ttle Ring Plover .1.5, Turn- stone ..s,i. Oyster-catcher .12. Stilt .a.5. Avocet.~'(). Dunlin .1.5. Green shank 1.50. (ireen Sandpiper 1'.^. lOui'iipem Woodcot^k l.OU. Broad-billed Sandptp-r 1 00. Black-tailed Godwit .IH, Whi-n- brol .1.5. Glossy Ibis .'.'5. Rose:ite Spoonbill .10. Spotted Cmke .1.5. Whistling Swan 1.00, Mal- lard .M. Pintail .I-".. (Jidwall .H'). Widgeon 10. Shoveller .'id. Rufi'is (Jreste, I Duck .f>(t. Scaup Duck .2). Gi>lden lOye .-'5. Barrow's Golden Eye .•i5. Harlecjai'i Duck .40. Velvet Scot*ir .30. Gno-fanler .•-'5. Red-breisted Merganser .12. White-Winged Black Te-n . 5. Tdtrle Gull .7.5. (ilaucous G"ll .:;.5. Fulmar .'.'5, Stormy Petrel .'«). Red throated Diver .'^O. Bl ick-thro .ted Diver .m. Large-billed PnlTli .a.'-. Price in- cludes delivery to your address. I have a list of over .5'l() speci-s to choose from. Collectors desiring -nv of the above please oommunicate with raiaoncp. C. W. CRANDALL, Wooa- side. Qu»ens Co . N. Y. OFFER— For the next sixty days. I will sei.d $1.;)U Worth of minerals, lossils, shells, arrow- i^eads aud curios lor *l 00 casu. *1.2:) worth lor every *i.uu worth Oi yood arrow-heads sent me, GEu. W. DLvON, Waieriown, Box Ml, S. D. FORtjALE— A ItiB guage single b.rrel breecu loauing shot gun and uutut in good condiiiun. VV ual am i oilered'f l''or (larticulars, address L. JN. KO»;>ITEU, Lake i<'orest, ills. FOR SALE— A live Goiden Edgle in good healtu. Will sell Cheap, l^'or furtner particu- lars, address R. i\l. HUvVE, Bloomington, ind. FOR EXCaANGE-V'olumes («, M. ti5 of "Youth's Coinpauion" anu volume 8 Oolouxst, also numerous other oological papers, for eggs in sjc.s. Rare or cammou. vValTON MiT- CHEi^L, .5;s-i Mimmit Ave , .-"t. Panl, Minn. TO EXCHANGE— Eggs in sets for. old U «. postage stamps, rings, curiosities, relics, books, aud papers oa urLiitaology and Ool gy. ^end li.-.ts with values ana receive our.-5. C. & W. rSTARK. Buffalo. N. Y. FOR SALE OR EaCHANGE-J ine large fruit plants, (true to name), lor goou detective Camera, 4 x 5, iield glass, new dim be, s (Lattin) hrot-chiss eggs not m collection. I'^xchauge Lists. TOM TLLLOCll, Box 1020. uockforu. Ills. BICi'CLE fo» good books on Ornithology. (50 brass shot-gun shells. l:igige uucrosLoije. sad- dle. Wood's Natural History, stamps lur eggs, skins. Taxidermist tools. W. A. jOHNtON, V-i.i W. Brooks St. , Galesburg, III. PLEASE ^TOP MY EXCHANGE NOTICE AT ONCE. \ on Can talk about your papers, but 1 never saw any that could hold a caiioie to the Ooi.OGIST I have exchanged *t;0.i.O worth of stamps just by putting in that little Ex. no- tice. CiiAS ACE »r WHITE, Omaha, Neb, ERRATA!— Will you please correct amis- take which was m.iue in my notice in OoT.ocasT in your next issue'/ The last No. should have been 75.S and not 75Sa. Through my notice in the March. "M-i. Oologist, J rtceireU iifarlij for- ty rejjlieii. and exchaiiyed over $winiorth o/' k/jk- imens. WALTON MITCHELL, 534 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Mo. NOTICE— Every person sending me .5Uc will receive by return 'mail au adult male and le- iiiale skin of Buff-bellied Hummingbiid. tend for cheap price list of skins. J. CLAiRL- WOOD, 104 Abbott St . Detioit, Mich. WANTED A tlrst-ilass siOe-bhwn t{.g <^ Dusky Horned Owl. Will pay cash for same. E. B. SiCrtRAGE, Poutiac, Mich. WANTED- Standard Color Chart aid '-Dav-^ ie's Key." Can givestam. s. eggs, iiriow-iitaus aud coUectoro pa,per.-<. bAMLKLH. KO. BE, Belleville Wayne, Co , Michigan. WANTED— Wyandotte chickens In exchange for bird eggs, skius. mounted birds, or part cash. I Will also exchange eggs and skins lor same, tlrst-class only. jESSE T. CRAVEN, Box (I, Hulbertou, ui leaus Co., N. Y. WANT RD- Marsh Hawk l-(5. Hr.st-class data c implete identify guaranteed. Will give Flori- d;i tV>riuoraiit S and Mew-Gull. l-i. full data flr-!tcl.ss. F. A. PATTON. Drawer :f.5. Hamil- ton. Canada, TJN COLLECTING CAN.— ;.x4 in. with bale and cover, easily carrieu in the pi,OKet. 1- illed with cotton you will nnd it almost inui.>-pe),sible ill lowering speciiueii^ in.ui tall tru-s. Sam- ple prepaiu ouiy U' '2 'n- Price .'i.') cents per copy. 3 copies for $l.no. FRANK H. LATTIN, ' Albion, N. Y, FLORAL GUjDE For 1893, just issued, contains Colored P/aics v/ Alpine As- ter, Begonia, jJaklias, Can- nas. Clematis, JJtitchman's Pipe, Pansics, Corn andPo- tatoes. Descriptions and pri- ces of the very best Flowers and Vegetables, and many Novelties. Try Ch,-\rmer Pea and Golden Nugget Com, tliey pleased everybody last year. Hundreds of beautiful and appropriate quotations from the best aut'iors makes it The Poets' Number. Ev- < cry lover of a rood garden should send 10 cts. for Guide, which can be deducted from first order, — costs r.othing. James Vick's Sons, Rochester, N. Y. YOU Can coin big money. Bran new plan. Great craze. Just out. o') I side line." Biggest chance -T offered agents, salary or com- luissiDii. Be quicij. Goods c)n dit. Samples, etc.. Free. MUL- TIPLEX CO.. No. 171 8th and L(.cust.Phila..Pa. DepirttueiU No. 171. I'lilhuielphta. I'a. 60,000 Sold. THESE In.striinieuts have »'i)j(\y«Ml a liigh ie|)iiIalion for iiioiu iliaii forty yeai'.s. Tlic.v ate Brilliant and Musical .in tone, ami iitioid a um.sL bt'aiililiil accDiiipaiiiiiuMit In \ocat iiiii.sic — ilie tiiiii- ha\iiiL' 'liif r:iie sympathetic qua i'y w liioli blends ad- iiiirahly wiili ilie human voice- They are Durable, lieiug constriicL- ed of the Best Materials, by the Most Skillful Workmen They have earueil all espeeial reputation for Keeping in Tune, and al.so for retaining in a most remarkable degree their orig- inal fullness of tone — never growing thin or wiry with age. The Com- pany, through their agents, liave re- ceived several First Premiums during the past few years, and their instru- ments have invarial)ly taken high rank wherever exiiibited. PRICES MODERATE. TERMS EASY. SEND FOR CATALOGUE. Emerson Piano Co., 1 74 Tremont Street, BOSTON, MASS. Branch j 92 Fifth Avenue, New York, Stores (218 Wabash Ave., Chicago "Our Annual Offer" Of BIRDS EGGS AND SKINS at low rates as made on pages 37th and 38th of Feb. ()()LOGiST will be extended to April 1.5th at whieh date it will^;o.sj7tt'C- ly be withdrawn. FRANK H. LATITN. Albion, N. Y. THE OOLOGIST. 6» Fossils,Agates, Shells, Corals and Curiosities. Cretaceous Fossils of Eastern Monta- na a Specialty. ScATHiTES NoDUsus, M. and H, Aporrlials blangiilata , i> Actaeoii attenuate 15 AnlsomvoD oalielUtormls ''o Baculltesov.iiiis .lOioSl.OO ('alllsta newe.vl 1510.25 Dentalliini graclle ,15 namlncij minor 15 Volsella Meekl 15 VeniellM subtiimlda is Inocirainus convexug 20 to .75 (Ylspll 15 to .75 Lunaiiaconclnna- ' 15 Luclna s-ubuudaia 1.5 Margarita Netirascnsls .' 15 Nucula cancellata 15 Scapliltes nodusus ,Ui to$2.uo Marte>la fuiipata .15 Turuiis silinpsonl 15 Fossil woud, coutaliilDj Martesla, or Turn us . 25 to ."■> I!ock coutalnii'ga varl^-ty of small fossils 25 to .50 Tregoum-arpus mits (losslD size of lllckorv nut .20 to .25 Fo'sll leHNcs . .15 to .7.5 Agates, n UL'li 10 to ..50 poll.sLl'd 25tO$2.fiO California Onvx. polished .40 to $1.7-1 Petoskfv .^f^atea. •• 25 10.7.5 FO.SSII fiTIiS . .15 10.75 Petrlried wdnd ...lO to .i^o Agallzi-d \vi)U(l H) to .50 Porcelain lt(i Id to .25 Hone.v-nornb lava 10 txi .2". Spong'' lava, will lloat In watpr .15 to .50 Lava, has been taelted. and run like molasses candy 15 to ..50 Antelope horns, on upper p^ri of skull, per pair $l..50 to$.'.(in Buffalo horns, per pair 5oto$i..5u Rattl.s irorn Rattlesnake id to .2:. Corals from Haliamas. Florida and si'.gapore 25 to};2.nii Small mixed shells from West Indes. per pint .50 Large Assortment of showy American and Forlegn Shells in to*'). On each 10 ptT rent (lisoounl on cds/i or'/crs of f 10 (/O or more. Stni'lJ'or prii'c lisls. Homer Sijuyer, MinQ>tsvt/l<\ - ■ Muiil/intt. CIRCULAR DISTRIBUTERS WANTED Publishers. Patentees, Manufacturers, etc., are daily requesting us to supply toe addresses of reliable circular distributors, bill posters, etc. Brunn"s success is marvelous, and will open np in aoO.OOO A(;ents Heualds next issue, to be mailed to business men, new. profitable and permanent emploj ment to one man. woman or'youth in every town and hamlet in the U. S. and Canada. -The early bird catches the worm." We want a few such ads. as Brunn's (.sample below) to start wit'i in this mouth's Mammoth editions of Agent's Heh.\i.u. BRIIMM ^^'il^ "1* «if^ns, distributes clrcul- nUIlM ars. papers, samples, etc . through- out Blackhawk and sxirrounding counties only *.?.Ul) per KXX). Address W.H .BKUNN. Waterloo. la. Bi-unu paid if:.;. 4(1 to insert above 4 lines. June '90. He began during the summer. That ad. paid then: i" payiiuj tjit . He has been kept con- constantly busy, emplo' s three men to assist him, cleaTiuK crt ///<■(/■ Uiliov from $11) to $15 a day distributing circulars at it.'i.OO per 10(K.) for many firms who saw his ad. in The Hkrai-d. It costs every arm at least $10 in postage alone to mail lUOO circulars. A saving to each firm who employ you of J7 j-er lUOO. Ten firms may each send you lUUO at the same time, making lOOCi packages of 10 each, for distributing which you would promptly receive JIM. 115 in advance and $15 when work is done. Pareuts make your boys a p' esent. Start them in this gi-owing business. Begin this neat bus ne^-s before some one in your county gets the start of you. ■"Come in on the ground floor." Instructions How to Conduct the Business. Free, to each distributor oni,y. who sends us .K.40 cash or postage stamps for a 4 line "ad". AGENTS HERALD, No, 171 South 8th Street, Philada', Pa. HAVE YOU R H E II M A T I S M ? Or do you ktiiiw any friend or neighltor afflicted witli any Icn;) >>f Kli(Miniati.sni; if so send lii.s or lu-r- address on a Postal Card to the PARISH CHEMICAL CO.. Parisl), N. Y. Hliciinialisin lias been contiuered by tJH'iii and lliey will prove it to you. It will cost but one cent to in- vcsligate tins. J3t. J^kMainSt. WORCESTER. MASsP 70 THE OOLOGIST, BIRD Nesting in North-west Canada.P^ PRICE $2.00. CLOTH $2.50. Sample plates of Birds Eggs can be had at 10 cents each. They are fully worth 25 cents each; or I will send six plates for 50 cents. All different, figuring eggs of Golden Eagle, Duck, Pigeon and Red-tail Hawks, Merlin, Kestrel, Sparrow Hawks, Gyrfalcons, Raven, Gulls, Plovers, Sandpipers, Cranes, Bohemian Waxwing, Grosbeaks, Long- spars and nearly 70 species of rare Birds Eggs. After you have seen the plates you will not part with then:i for double the price you give for them. Note the price — 50 ce)its for 6 plates. If you want a copy of this work, order at once before they are all sold.' I have received over 100 Testimonials from those who have read this book. Read the following opinions of well known Naturalists, and judge for yourselves whether you had not better se- cure a copy before the price goes up. Dear R.iine : -R-^ceived Bird-Nesting iu North West Ciuada. Tlie exeelleu e of the work atoues lor the dehiy. The eggs figured in gen- eral faith fulne-!s of coloring and design ex.-eed my e.^pt'C-tatiou. The letter-press and plates of birds and nests "in situ'" more than bear out the announcement made in the prospectus. C. L KAVVSON, Norwich, Couu Sing Sing. N. Y. Dear Sir : I have read your booh, and I am free to confess that it has given me a great deal of pleasure, not to speak of the in.urmatiun that I have derived from it. Send me another copy, best edition, and if y ni should ever write another book as good as this, and as reasonable in price, i would thank you to let me know. I wish you mauy kind wishes on your expedition next spring to "the North. REV. A. H. GESNER. St. John. New Brunswick. • Dear Sir: I have just finished reading your book and am delighted with i. . 1 would not liave missed it for iloiilile the orice. The plates alone are worth the price of the book, and some of the pen pu'tures are grand. Every lover of nature and sixtrt should read it. Yours. &c.. J. W. BANKS. Farmingh.\m. M.as.s. Dear Sir:— I received your book O. K.. and after looking it over, am agreeably surprised and more than satisfied. The profusion of illustrations adds greatly to its interest. Yours. C. O. TROWBRIDGE. Peteksbuhg. Michigan. Dear Sir:— Bird-Nesting in North- West Cana- da was dulv received, and I am very much pleased with it. The plates of Birds Eggs are euual to any I have ever seen. JEROME TROMBLEY. Bai.ti.moke. M.vkyi.and. Dear Sir:— I received copy ol iiuil-Nesiiug iQ North- West Canada bouuam cloth in exchaige for the paper copy returned. I am more than pleased with the book, and hojie to soon send for two more cojiies for mj' friends. Ytnirs.&c, WM. H. FIStJl-R. PO^TIAC. MlCHIG;»N. Dear Sir:— 1 am vcy nmch pleased with the book. The plates of Birds tgi^s. and also those of Birds and their Ne.-t-; are exce lent, and the ue^criptions alone are worth double the price of the book. E. B. SCHRAGE. Ply.mocth. Michig.an. Dear Sir :— Bird N-stiug iu N. \V. C. received. I am very much pleased vvith its coments and its tine illustrations. It should be )u ihe hands of every Oologist. as it gives so tine a descrip- tion of the nesting grounds of so many of our migratory land and water birds. Yours Fraternally. JAMES B. PUKDY." NOKWALK. Conn. Dear Sir: -Your l)ook "Hird Nesting In North-West C'lnada" received in good order, and I have almost read it through. I think it the most interesting book on Oology that I luive ever read. I am more than pleased with it. et •. D. W. RAYMOND. Dukha.m. Engi.a.nu. Dear Sir: -The perusal of your book has giv- en me great pleasure. Though I am what might be termed anoruithological veteran in the heiU, Uavnig used the gun a.-^ a sportsman and collector over fio years. I often felt ready to join you in the many rambles > here n you were so successfully rewarded, and you can imagine the effect as I followed the details of vour wor- dy picture, etc. JAMEa SUTTON. g^^'Books mailed on same day of receiving the order. W. RAINE, Bleeker St., Toronto Canada. The OoLOGiST. VOL. X, ALBION. N. y., MAR., 1893. NO. 3 Chat and Cliff Swallow. The llirifty backwoods hoiisewitc, when she has a few apples aud a few curiants, contrives to make a pie by eonibininfT till' two. lic.uler.e. will you liave a slice of Chat-Swallow j'JiV. A late writer in the "O," states: that although tlie Yelhiw-breasted. Chat is very abund;iut in her locality', she has never yet discovered the ne>t. I don't Avonder. For two yung and one handsomely sj)otte(l egg. The nest was found b}' accident, puivly. Nest number two was seated in the sparse top of a scrawny Imsh, six feet up the bush standingquite alone in an open woodland beside the river. « Father Chat was guarding th.'. lui-t and its contents, — a swarm of .ints, — with jealous wrath. Hence the discov- ery., This location was a. \ri-y unusu.il one. Iu IS'.M. I found many iu*-ts. ("on- uerning these. I will let uiy Field Hook tell its raud)ling story. I — May 29, Nest, of sticks and leaves, lined with rootlets. Tn dense copse near water, a low bush. One egg, aiul three Cowbird <'ggs. Incuba- tion advanced. II— June 1, Nest, among black-berry vines in orchard, one foot up, of .stems and gi'asses, lined with line gc.isses. Four eggs, and one of Cowbird. Fresh. Ill — June 1. I. est, iu dense (jSage hedge, border of orchard, three feet up as above. Three eggs and one of Cowbird. Fresh. IV— June 5, nest, in bush and vine, standing alone in clearing, three feet up, a line typical specimen. Four eggs aud one of Cowbird. Fresh V— June 12, N(st, three feet up, in a hazel cop.se. Flim."*}', of leaves and grass.. Deserted. Three eggs and one of Cowbird. One egg in nest, two on ground, one partly eaten, and the Cowbird egg also partly de- stroyed, on the ground. Other nests, found, were deserted. Some contaiuetl an egg or two, but most MCI e eminy. These observations gfve the following data: The typic;il nest of the Yellow-breast- ed Chat is large and broadly cupped, like a Cardinal's nest but deeper. Ma- terials, externally, (joarse stems, leaves, paper, sticks; seeonn layer, leaves, flat- ly laid. Lining sparse, line grasses, in one iuslance a little horsehair. Loca- lion, ofcuerally about thi-ee feet up in a \eiiicai crotch or among dense branch- lets. Almost invariably w;e// concealed. Where available, "vine-tangles'' seem to be |)ieferred to any other location. Locality, the thickest copses to be found ue:i'- wooded streams. Kansas nesting Date, tiist three weeks in June. Eggs uorm:illy dull crystalline white, speckled linelj' with cinnamon. The specks are often assembled about the large end of the egg. One specimen, found on the ground undei' a deserted nest, is rosy tinted. and exquisitely mar- bled with cinnamon . The Chat is an especial victim of the Cowbird. Consitlering the well-hidden location of the nest, is this not strange v 72 THE OOLOGIST. la case i)f the ucsts of the Chat as of other birds that are imposed upon b^' the Cowbirds, au egg or two of the builder of the nest will almost invaria- bly be found on the ground under the uest, after the Cowbird has done her work. These eggs are generally beak-chii)ped and there seems little doubt that the Cowbird not only usurps the nest, but sucks the eggs of the birds whom she chooses as the foster-parents of her young. Though cleverly hidilcii. the Chat's nest is not hard to 11 ud — alter you have found one: Go into a thicket,:— listen; if you h( ar a Chat who s«ems drunk, and w ho al^o becomes. crazy as you approach his f:i\ - urite copse, mark the spot, search well the nest is before you. Now for the Swallow portion of our "pie": During my trip to Kansas, last June, as my host, the genial ranchman and I were galloping across prairie and over hill, en route for the haunts of the Missi.-sippi Kite, I noticed that troops of Cliff Swallows attended us every- where, which I woulleied at, not having noticed any uest upon the baru'^ in the litte town which we had left far behind us; and knowing that in all that wild, broken region of the gypsum hills, there were no barns, worthy tlie dignity of the name. But, the canons reached, there came a solution. My broncho had just land- ed me across a creek, with a few vigor- ous buckings of remonstrance, when I chanced to turn and fasten my eyes up- on a high bank some eighty or one hun- dred feet in altitude, its surface com- posed of t!ie prevalent brick clay c f the Medicine River region, interspersed with thin strata of crystalline gypsum. Just a clay bank, but what was the matter wilh Uv W;irly. honey-comliy in patches! ah, tiiere breed the Ciiff Swallows! One little clustciof two hundred nests or so near the upper left-hand corner of the cliff; another, half waydow n; a lar. ger square one, near the right, and a^ little lower; a little cluster very near the surface line one-third of the way up to the left; and a large colony to the right of the center of the cliff and reach^. iug to within si.x or eight feet of the l)ile of crumbled clay which might be called the b(jttom of the cliff. Jack-knife in hand, I climbed, by niches cut over the gypsum strata until I could barely reach the lower nests. How I ever secured my four handsome sets of eggs will never be told — nor can be. Most of the nests were gourd shap- ed, those that were not being such in the main, as filled up the interstices, All nests Avere of the red clay, and were sparse!}' lined with grass. Occasional-- ly a straw was worked into the masonrj^ and many nests were fastened to the under side of plates of gyjisum from which the clay had dissolved. "How many uestsv" I counted seventy-fiA-'e in one corn r of the larger colony. Aa nearly as I could calculate, there were between iwo thousand and three thous- and nests, in all. All these nests had been built within two weeks, a heav3-rain just preceeding that time having cleared the cliflf. A typical nesl. wilh its gypsum roof and a straw or two inwrought now lies on my mantel. I carried it, cotton swathed in my tin collecting box, on my bron- cho's back, seven miles at a keen gallop through driving rain, n)y beast once bucking forty rods at a stretch, as ray slicker Happed her Hanks. I was dieuch- ed; i)Ut the nest was safe Is it not a treasure among ti'easuresV P. B. Pea BODY. A Hartford, Conn., Collector asks: "Why can't H. U. D., of Plucnix, Ariz, lake a step ladder wit h him in a wag' onv" in reply to the "Wanted Advice" article in January Oologist. THP: OOLOGIST The Herons of Michigan. 'J'liere are seven* .species of fleronS kiiuwu to our slate, as I'ollow: Great liluL^Ai'ilca hei'odius; Anierieau Egret. Ardca egrella; Snowy, A7'clcac'()uli(/issi- )na\ Green, Ardea vircsccns; Black- erowned Night Nyvtiforax nycticorax ua'vius,Amtx'H-iin Bitterni)'o^«?//?/.s leng- ligi7wsn.-i, and Least Bittein. Ardetta t.filis. GHEAr HLUE HEIJON. This is our eoninionest species and is very generally distributed, being found throughout nearly the entire length and breadth of our state and in both penin- suhis. It is not affected by civilization to any great extent, although of necess- ity a bird of thi.s size shuns too well peopled sections. It is not a recluse and yet it is often found feeding in mmon I imag- ine to liud these huge villages than the small ones, if the birds are not disturb- ed. Information has reached me of some immense heronries of a thousand nests, but I have never seen one of them I have visited villages in Van Buren St. Joseph, Barry, and Ottawa counties, and at present there is evidence that the birds formerly colonized in Kalama- zoo county within a few miles of a pop- ulous cit3'. The nests, huge, bulky structures, are invariably placed in the up- per branches of lofty trees, and the syeamore, Flalanus occidentalis, is most often selected, and not rarel.y an entire colowy of nests is built in these trees. However a few nests are gener- ally placed in other trees, and I have found rests in huge elms, in ash trees and once in a timber oak. The number of nests in one tree varies from one to sixteen, yet il is unusual to find a sin- gle nest or more than ten, while the us- ual number in a fair-sized herony is six or seven. The average height at which they are placed in the s^'camore is sev- enty feet. The nearest to the ground l)eing rather over fifty feef, while the highest was quite ninety feet up. To .secure the eggs is a skillful matter not unattended with danger, for the great trunks of the sycamore often as- cend lifty feet without a limb and are nearly as smooth as a board The work of crimi)iiig out to the nests on the long smooth limbs, is not the least p.irt of the undertaking. The limbs twenty or thirty feet in length, and exceedingly uncertain footing, even for the mostex- jjcrt climber Willi the sharpest of spurs are covered wii II the limey excrement of thtM)ird<, which renders them doui)- THE OOLOGJST. ly treacherous, espec'i;illy on a rainy (lay. It was on sucli a day, the 9th of May when K. R. Willhelin and I proceeded t(j hiy in a supply of C^gs of this species after camping out in the woods on the Itanks of the St. Joseph river. Thougli something of a climber myself for high nests in my day, 1 went on this exi-nr- sion simply as a helper, yet with the prospect of taking notes and sharing in the eggs. It was simply marvelous to sec this man ascend those smooth boles and go out on the long slippery liml)s. All this too with celerityand without a fail- ure to secure all the full sets, [n one instance he spurred up a smooth .syca- more, ten feet and seven, inches in cir- cumference at three feet from the ground made a personal inspection of each of the sixteen modern nests, colh;ctcd ele- ven con)plete sets of eggs, a:^gre.^ating forty-Hve eggs, which he lowered to me in two hand-baskelfuls and returned to the ground in one hour and twenty min- utes. In this way he collected nearly two himdred eggs out of six trees, all of which were .sycamores excepting one giant elm about eleven feet in circum- ference. Four eggs seems to be the us- ual number, though theie were several sets of five, and two sets of six. It is a singular fact that the eggs are consider- al)iy smaller than those of the same spe- cies found in Florida, while a set of eggs from that state embraces but three. Many nests visited on May 0th con- tained j'oung birils of quite three weeks which raisetl considerable clatter when the old Hnrons hove in sight with food, while tidly one-fourth the nests wei'e either empty or contained one to three eggs. The very young ijirds were fed l)y disgorging, l)nt the larger young were fed entire lish, a change according to requirements which agrees with the habits of the young pelicans which I luive oljserved in Florida. The old birds often lish in the night, at least when rearing young. When camped near a large heronry we cmld he.ir the old ones arriving as late as 10 p. m., and the young birds would immediately rais(4 their clatter for food. The Great Blue generally arrives from the South about the middle of March, but is sometimeaa little later, and again in advanced seasons in the early part of the month, or late Februaiy. It does not take its departure till late October, and may sometimes be seen in Decem- ber. It is undoul)tedly a very destructive species to our fishing interests, as it feeds largely on small fry, and neces- sarily (toes incalculal)le damage. It al- so feeds on craw Hsh !\s I have proved l)y dissection. I fried to eat the eggs boiled, but found them strong and en- tirely unpalatable. The Great Blue Heron has an extremely gutteral note, but the young ones have a monotonous clatter which would make ahorseliddle turn green with envy. American egi^kt Also called White Heron and Greater Egret. I know very Uttio comparitively about this species. I do not recall having seen it in the months of May and April or in September and October. However, it is not uncommon occasionally in summer. Twice during the month of July I have known it to be quite common. Have also seen it repeatedly in August. Whether it is ii straggler to our state from the south after the nesting season, or a regular nester to the north of us I cannot saj'. It is a beautiful bird, and is indeed a grand sight when seen stalking along the marshy edge of lake or river, or in- tently watching for its ])re3-, its snowy coat glistening in the sun's rays. SNOWY HERON; LESSER EGKET. Much rarer than the last. It is re- corded by several lists in the state, but personally 1 know nothing of it. It probably may l)e considei'ed an occa- sional straggler from the south. CREEN HERtJN; Also called Shyte-poke and Fly-up- THE OOLOGIST. the-c-reek. A demure aud interesting little bird which it is pleasing to watch. Arrives about April 15th and remains till October. Generally gregarious to the extent of two or three pairs, but sometimes six or more pairs may l)e found associating; this more often dur- ing the breeding season. However sin- gle pairs are not rarely found breeding. I have never found the eggs but I iiave had the colonies of nests shown to me. These heronries are never far re- moved from water, and are not rarely found on the banks of small streams in rather retired situations. The birds seem to prefer streams to standing wa- ter and I do not know of an instance where the nests were built far from river or brook The nests are quite bulky structures, composed of twigs, and are geneiaily built in thick l)ushy shrubs or small trees, and never at any great height. I have never seen a nest at a greater elevation than fifteen feet, while one nest found in a willow, was not above four feet u\). The eggs are greenish blue in color much resemUiug the eggs of the other Herons, antl may be fairly described as enlarged editions of the Cuckoo's egg, both as to form and col- or. The Green Heron is very retired and as he is usually silent he is not general- ly seen. It is only by accident, as we are tronting, i)otanizing or more likely egging, that we meet with him, and then true to his name, he will most al- ways lly up the creek. Sometimes they mak(! a great hullal)ul()o and can easily convince us that tliey are far from be- ing a silt iil l)ird. Tlie note is gulteral and something like tlie ravens crnr/,- '■ruck. The most grotesque scene I ever wil nessed in birddom was an instance where a love-struck, galla-it shy te- poke was making avowals to his inamorata perched on a rail fence along side of a pond. It was a comical sight to see these long-legged ungainly birds prane iiig along the top rail, and often scram- bling in a most ludicrous manner when liuble to lose his footing. If they are not picturesque in appearance when at- tempting tostrut about on a rail or limb they make amends for the deficiency when wading about the streams. In this situation they are at home and pre- sent a very pleasing sight as they sol- emnly wade about in search of their |)rey. BLACK CROWNED NIGHT HERON; QUA HIUD. J^ot rai'eiy found in certain j)arts of Michigan, south of 44 degrees, north latitude, according to several state au- thorities. However I have lailed to tiud it in my researches and therefore must consider it a locally distributed bii'd, and not of general dispersion like the Great Blue. It breeds in colonies in our state as it does further east and south. AMERK AN BITTERN; INDIAN HEN; I'LU.'M FUUDEN; THUNDER PU5IPEK. This species is universally known to collectors in Michigan and is only sec- ond in abundance to the Great Blue. It breeds in our marshes and its eggs may frecpiently be found by watching the old birds, where their presence was not looked for. The nest is always placed in a mar.sh, generally near the edge of a lake or pond, the species unlike the Green Heron, preferring sluggish water courses or swampy ponds to I'apid streams. The structure is of coarse rushes and sedges and lined with grass, and is built up from the usually partially inun- dated marsh surfaci; to a height of eight inches or more. The eggs, lour in inimber usually, occasionall.y live, are colTee colored aud ai(! radically differ- ent from the eggs of ail Michigan birds with which I have met. 'I'lie nest is luiill in late Ai)ril or May and the young ai'i' founil in early June. re. THE OOLOGIST. Mr. Ijouis Kellogg foaud lliree nests containing eggs near Kalamazoo in May \mi. These nests were not far apart, showing eonelusively that the species, as with other members of its family, is at times gregarions. The song of the Indian Hen is decid- edly peculiar, although it certainly can- not be called melodious. However it uniloubtediy answers the; purpose (»f the })erformer, in charming the lady in the case, during early courlshiu, or in cheering her while engaged in the con- fining duties of incubation. Sometimes one can hear an irregular gutteral sound issuing from the throat of the bird, and this is undoubtedly its effort at social conversation, as ii, like the call note, is common to both sexes. The regula- tion vernal ditty \s plum piidden uttereil in a loud resonant key, and which can be heard for nearly a mile on a clear, quiet morning. These notes, so plainly uttered, and from which the bird re- ceives one of his characteristic names, are repeated from f>ur to eight times, generally six or seven. Another sound produced by this singular marsh inhab- itant, so nearly resembles the noise made bj^ pounding with a maul, ka whack, that our friend has added to his list of names that of Stake-driver. These sounds are issued with appar- ent effort, the bird going through gro- lesqut! contortions as an accompani- ment, and from the peculiar motions this lK)g-trottei' has been called Thunder Pumper. The Bittern does not wade as much as the other Herons but stalks along the banks like a sentinel. It is a great destroyer of fish, but also feeds largely on frogs. As the chilly nights of Octo- i)er come on tlie Stake-driver seeks soutiiern resorts and is rarely seen af- ter Nov. 10. I-KAST BITTEKN. This silent, retiring littli' binl is but little known lo anv but enthusiastic col- lectors and close observers. It is the smallest of the group in Michigan and the most handsome in appearance if we except the Egrets. 'I'he Least Bittern is very retiring and unless search is made for it in the marshy tracts about the lakes and ponds its presence will never l)e recognized. It arrives in April or earlj- May a id Itegins nest building oftentimes by the niiddh^ of the month. The proper tiun^ to hunt for the full sets of eggs is aljout June tenth, yet 1 have secured incubat- ed eggs in ^lay. 'J he ;i\ i r:ige ni .-t holds live eggs while se\eial lu-.sis cout.iine.l si.x eggs of a pale blue color, and one complete set only heh! four The color is much lighter tliau in the eggs of any other Hermj liere and the eggs are very nearly, often perfectly, el- liptical. The nest is sometimes built on a tus- sock of grass, the support being furnish- ed by the coarse grass which is bent down by tlie birds, but much oftener the frail structure is entwined at its sides with the uprights of rushes, the stalks of tlM? cat-tail flag, typha being frequently selected. The nest is com- ])Ofeed of coarse grass woven together in a very shiftless manner. It is nine or ten inches across and is nearly Bat, in fact barely enough of a hollow to se- cure the eggs. Almost invariably the structure is ])artiall.y covered by a Himsily construct ed canopy for concealment, and at tim- es this makes it rather difficult to tind, esi)ecially if the oUI bird is not at home. When the bin! is on the nest it is an easy matter to secure her and thcMinding of the eggs is no trouble at all, as she riies away in plain sight generally. Oc- casionally an attempt is nnide to escape in tlie grass, but this is usually clumsily done and 1 have known the bird to be cai:ght in the act. .■^o far as I know the Least Bittern is silent and has uiot been known to utter a sound even n'licii capl ured. It THK O0LUG18T is imdoulittHliy a feeder on small niiu- no\v.s. I know nothinj ol' tlie autumnal movements of this little species, but have seen specimens still here in Sep- tember. ScOLOl'AX. The Wintsr Visitors of Central Park, N. Y. Ceulial Park is situated iu the eenlre of New York Citj' and appears to the birds on their , fall migration as an oasis does to thirsty men in the desert. Here our little feathered friends stop on their long tiip towards the sunny south for a few dajs recreation and pleasure before the}' again take up their .ong and tedious journey. Mauj- of our birds after stopping with us for a few days tind such an alnin- dance of food and so many sunny little nooks in which to make themselves comfortable upon a cold morning, that they decide to stay with us during the long winter months. A person while walking in the Park upon a cold morning is sure to meet with some of these cheerful little \i.*it- ors. He cannot certainly go very far with- out seeing our bright little friend, the Chickadee who seems to be ever pres- ent uttering his shrill little call, and if he takes the trouble to look sharply among the branches of the surrounding trees he will probablj' see the VVhite- breasled Nuthatch, Brown Creeper or Dcnviiy Woodpecker diligently search- ing for his bre;ikfast. Here also are found large Hocks of Whitelhroateii and l"ox Sparrows who seem to take great delight in scratching among the dead leaves. Flocks of Cardinal (Grosbeak's are of- ten seen Hitting among the leafless branches, iheir scarlet pluniag(! show- ing to great advantagi; against the lead- en sky. If one looks sharply enough along some frozen water course, or among some pile of stones he will per- haps see the little Winter Wren silent- ly hunting for his breakfast and looking \*ery contented in spite of the cold. A few Rol)ins, Thrushes, Song Spar- rows, English (ioldfinehes, and one lonely Mockingbird make tlie Park their winter home. One cold winter morning as 1 was ob- serving my little friends I saw a Thrush pluming himself upon a small bush and stopped to watch liim. I had not been there very long before tlie little fellow darted oil" and Hew at a branch of a small red berry tree nearby knocking the snow otf in showers and with it a few of the berries, but before these dainty little morsels had time to l)ury themselves in the snow the Thrush caught them in his bill and quickly dis- posed of them. Then returning to his perch he went on with his morning toilet seeming sat- isfied with his frugal breakfast. Very often of an evening when the thermometer stands at a few degrees above zero I wonder how my little friends can stand the cold, but the ne\t morning as I take my daily walk in the Park I find them as cheerful and con- tented as ever. William Y. Ha\\ i.kv. New York City. • Another Day with the Birds of Southern California- One evening early in iMay last my friend came around to see me concern- ing a trip down the coast; about sixteen miles, after (Jreat Hlue Herons" eggs, which birds he had been informed had a rooker^' in that locality. Although I had some misgivings that it was too late to find Herons' eggs, yet it was a favoivnble s|)ot for various of our small- (•!• birds to ])iicd, it was decided to give it a ti iai. A\'i' concluded also, to (lri\ e down the next Saturday evening 78 THE OOLOGIST. aad stay over niglit, in order to have more time to devote to our searcli. Accordingly the latter part of the fol- lowing Saturday afternoon fouutl us on our road, provided with a corpulent- lunch basket and a blanket apiece, which were stored away under the seat. We arrived after a long, dark and not over warm drive as near our destination as it was possible to take a team, and with considerable trouble succeeded in tinding a suitable place to camp. After building a small tire to warm our feet and selecting as smooth a;spot as Avas possible in the dark, we rolled ourselves in our blank- ets and prepared for sleep. As this Avas our first night of camping out for the season, our rest as might be expect- ed, was neither profound nor I'efresh- ing; but after waking up and turning over a score or so of times to ease the salient points of our anatomy, we were at length gladdened by the break of day. As I lay on my back in a semi-con- scious state, trying to get the knots out of my shoulders, and dreamily watch- ing the sun creeping down the moun- tain side opposite, I became suddenly aware that a Rufous Hummer was greatly excited about something, and Hying nervously about some blackberry vines not six feet from my head. This effectually waked me, and we were soon up. I found the nest after a short sejrch and it contained two fresh eggs. After swallowing a hasty breakfast we started down the canon following the stream. The canon was well wooded with oaks and sycamores, with a variety of underbrush, and as small birds were plentiful we were in high spirits. After going a few luuulretl yards my attention was attracted to a fresh looking Woodpecker's hole in a dead sycamore stub, and scrambling through a thick tangle of underbrush I reached it in time to see a California Woodpecker leave the hole. With considerable exertion the ascent was accomplished, and five beautiful, fresh eggs secured. Shortly after my friend flushed a Red-shafted Flicker from a hole in a sycamore stub, and took seven perfectly fresh eggs, and not far away a set of three of Heermanu's Song Spar- row, and three of California Towhee. About this time ■ we sighted our Herons' nests in some tall sycamores on the opposite of the canon. We im- mediately started across, taking a set of seven of Pai'kman's Wren on the way. Soon after, while passing through a patch of blackbeiry vines I heard a rustle at my feet and immediately com- menced a search, but not being sure of the precise spot, although I sejirched diligently, I was obliged to retire van- quished. When we reached our rookery we found the ground under the trees cover- ed with a tangle of pines, nettles, poison oak and weeds which almost delied our efforts to penetrate. We soon saw our nests; there were eight of them, and all in the tops of the trees. We lost no lime but each took a tree and started up. After an extremely laborious climb, urged on by the tremendous noise made by the old birds, we finally reached our nests and peered into them. Young birds! I can't say I was exact- ly disappointed for 1 hail half expected as much, but still it was rather dis- heartening; though the sight of those extraordinarily awkward and homely squawkers, with their very evident astonishment at our sudden appear- •anfee, was enough to highly excite one's sense of the ludicrous. From our elevated positions we could see into several of the other nests and all contained young. In a near- by tree, and probably occupying one of the old Heron nests, was a family of young Red-tail Hawks, and while we were looking about us the old Hawk came swooping down with a defiant THE OOLOGIST, stream, and iii.'^taiitly fvciy mother Heroa set up a deafuuiug racket, and leaving their perches began tiding wild- ly al)out, nor did ihey settle down again until the old Hawk had left her nest. I presume tiiis show of activity was for the purpose of intimitlation, but they must have been continually disturbed as she would return every few minutes. After watching the birds for a time we descended ai;d made our wp.y back across the canon. When passing near where I thought I had flushed the bird ou our way to the Hercns' nests I thought I would see if she had returned to her nest. So slow- ly, and cautiously I approached the spot and was fortunate enough to see a 8i)urred Towlne slip silently from her nest, and I took four line eggs. Tiie nest was placed in the vines about a foot from the ground and was vei'y well concealeil. A little later my companion took a set of eight of Parkman's Wren from a (leserted Woodpecker's hole, and al- so found a nest of young Red-tails. Shortly after I took four fresh eggs of ihe Western Flycatcher, whose nest was built in the opening of a Wood- pecker's hole, and directly over a stream of water. The nest was loxered e.\t(;nially with green moss. A line set t»f four of California Wood- ]>ecktM's rggs next fell lo the lot of my compaiMon. (^nr last tiiid for the day wa-i a (T.'irduer's Woodpecrers nt.>-(, wliii-li was in the op of a rotten cotton- wood tree and about thirty feet from the crcfk i)ottom. Although we made the ath-mpt we found it was clearly iinpos>ibl<; to make it without ;i mis- hap, and were f)bliged t(^ leave it nu- dist urbcd. nru.'h to our regret. This ended i>ur tinds tm- the day. and \vc, soon li'fl for lionii". Although so larasflu! priuiirv o'lj 'ct of our trip was eonc(!rned, ii .\as an entire failure, yet we felt uii»r.- than repaid for our Iroulilivaud I •'••t came bird with us at some seasons ot L - \'V:r. The Dove while •'skating" was set upon by a Shrike, who started to pick out the eyes of the unfortunate dove. The pitiful hxtk of the Dove and the audacity of the Shrike so moved the hunter that he shot the Shrike putting an rcy. The breeding season starts in May, the same bird often raising two liroods in one season. The nest is a bulky structure somewhat larger tliau that of the American Robin, composed of grasses, sticks, rags and i^aper lined with feathers, (usually small chicken feathers.) I have often found the lining of feathers so thick and loose as to al- most or quite conceal the eggs from view. A favorite material used in the construction of the nest in Volusia Co., Fla., is the small stalks of the Dog-fen- nell. I have taken most of my eggs from nests built in orange trees, the uest be- ing on some branch where the leaves were very thick and from six to ten feet from the ground. A thorny tree is preferred as the male gathers food and impales it ou tliorns near the nest while the female is setting, thus the fe- male is not long olf her nest after the full number of eggs have been deposit- ed. 1 have also found nests in small pine saplings, li.e oak trees and saw one in tlie top of a very high pine tree. A full complement of eggs is from four to six; usually six. From one nest how- ever 1 took ten eggs by leaving a uest egg. The nest was in a large bushy orange tree and whe:i found contained two eggs. 1 took out one and on leturuing two daj's later found two. By watching the nest I found that an egg was laid ev ry other day, which I continued to take until the tenth, when the bird refused to lay any more but started to set ou the one remaining egg. I have tried this on other nests but never succeeded except in the above case. Some of the birds whould leave the uest ou the first eggs being taken, others after the taking of tli" -■■■■■-"•! or t])ird. The Loggerhead is very uoisj- on the iil)proach ol persons to its nest ani\ often betrays its location by its fear of discovery. When you disturb the uest the bii'd will dart savagely at. you, and afterwards follow you for some distance from the nest scolding all the time. The eggs are of a dull white or gray with pale purple or light brown ir- regular sized spots chietiy around the larger end. The average size of the eggs collected by me and m)W in my caliinet is .I3x.70. F. Adee Hulst, Brooklyn, N. Y. Form( ijy of.De Land, Florida. How to Prepare a Birdskiiiv After the desired specimen is shot, carefully lill all shot holes and wounds with batting to i)revent the blood Hew- ing. Then, when ready for operations,, place the bird on its back, and by pass^ ing a narrowsti'ip of plain paper around the body ovei- the wings, take its girth so that the natural si e may be retain- eil after lininshiug. Pin the paper iu this i)osition and slide off over the wings. Make the first . incisions about two-thirds the way down the breast^ bone, to the tail, iieing careful not to cut any of the aluhjminal muscles. Then push, not pi 11. the skin off the spec- imen to the knee joint, here separate leaving the leg attached to the skin, and in the same manner operate with THK oouxjisr 81 ihe wiugs separating at the elbou-joiut. Ha\ iiig iVuished lhi^, skin over the lieail to the bill, pull out tiie ears, take ou-t the eyes, ami after cleauiug well, sprinkle thoroughly with a mixture of arsenie and alum, equal parts by weight. Remove the brain by making a small hole in the back of the skull, after powdering, amputate the head from the body. As a general thing the heads of weij-footed birds are too large to \)v. skinned in this manner. In this case, skin the neek as far as possible, amputate and then an ineision must be maile below the throat or at the back of the head, which ma}' now be readily worked upon. After this, proceed as with other birds, sewing up the incision carefully, and i)lacing the feathers back, iu their natural position. Powder the skin well, being jjart'cular to work it in, about the roots of the tail, wings and legs. When the bird is large a slit shouhl be made on the under side of the wing below the elbow, so that all mu.scles and libers may be removed. After slufT- ing the wings with batting, previously well powdered, and tying the Ijones in their ordinary position, sew up theslit, smoothe and place the feathers, stuff the neck, legs and bod^' with cotton and sew up the first incision. The bird should then be placed in the paper with a label attached, which should contain the srieutitic and local names of the bird, its length from tip of the tail to the end of the l)eak, its girth, food found in the stomach, its se.x, d^ite of procuring, locality and name of the collector and any other data he might see lit to put in. If the feathers have become soiled by blood, freely apply warm water to the spot.>f, and dry by sprinkling plaster- paris or chalk over them. Oily spots maj' be removed by the use of a solution of potash or soda, say one. half a teaspoonfuU to a glass of water. and afterwards washing with pin-e warm water and drying as before. Where the feathers to b(! cleaned are colored, ox or sheep gall should be used, diluted al>out one-half with water. If any feathers are bent, they may be straightened by holding them in steam for a moment or two. Since our bird is liiiisiiedit would not be out of place to tell you why we have prepared it. A earnest student of binis and their ways will tind it of great advantage to promre a good set of bird skins; for by them he may readily iden- tify birds and tlieir eggs and also learn the usefulness or ilestructiveness of dif- ferent birds. J AKriiiH \ViLi,i.\>is, (rait. Out. A Trick of the Crow. I have heard many stories of the tricks and thefts of crows but none I think are more extraordinary than the following true story. It happened several years ago and was like this: M3' brother, then about seven years old, was sent with a dollar to pay the washwoman. She was not at home so he started to return. There was a Crow sitting on the low roof of the house and as it seemed to be- watching him he thought he would try to catch it. He tapped on the fence Avith the money and the Ci'ow began to walk along the edge of the roof and linally jumped down to the fence and slowly walked toward him. He wasn't thinking of the monciy but of catching the bird. The Crow approached t<» within perhaps a foot of his hand and then suddenly jumped toward him and Hew up on the house again,— taking with him the dollar. It sal there a minute ga/ing »lown upon him and then sailed away across the fields with the shinning coin in his mouth. JNl}- brothel- came lioiuc ci-ying and 82 THE OOLOGIST said Reaser's Ciow, ifor that was the mau's name to whom it belonged,) had stolen the money and Hown away with it So much for the Crow — but now comes the fimuiest part of it. My mother thought it was a queer story and, when father came home, told him about it. The next day he met the owner of the Crow and jokingly told him about it. It was perhaps a week later when tlie man who owned the Crow stopped my father on the street and saying he liad something for liim handed him a silver dolhir. The Crow had carried it two miles acro.ss the fields to its home and had ilropped it in a rain bariel that stood near the house. Tiie man found it in the morning when he. went to wash. R. Paul Hughes, Lima, Ohio. Notes on Cathartes Aura. The Turkey Vulture, or Turke3^ Buz- zard, as it is commonly called, is an abundant resident here, and seems about as numerous at one season as an- other In this locality I think it has a, decid- ed prefei'ence for Ciirrion, but in cold weather, when food is scarce it will cat fresli meat. They will sometimes, in company with (Jrows, devour the remainder of a chicken or r?bbit killed l)y a Hawk, as snon as the latter has made his meal and left. \Vh n a large animal dies, a iuindred a niDre imlividuals will collect, i\i .iig their lime during the day, between eat- ing and silting on tiie nearest trees and fences; and at night loosting in an ad- ,jacr fresh meat, I tliink they will sonie- tinuis collect and w.iil for it to putrefy. I once found inic, in winter that from some cause was unable to fly, and on being caught it vomited something that /ooA'trf like wheat or timoth}' heads and clay. (I was not anxious to examine it closely.) I suppose extreme hunger was the cause of its having recoursed to this unnaiural diet. When captured in a steel trap, a Buz- zard, if approached will never show tight, but will stick his head under his b(Kly or wing and lie as if dead. The oul}' vocal sound I have heard them ut- ter is a blow, sounding like that made by a sitting Turkey hen when she is dis- turbed. On May 22, 1890, Prof. J. H. Langille and I made an excursion to the Patux- ent river in scare h of a Buzzard's nest. We found it on the ground in a large Chestnut stump, on a steep hillside a short distance from the river, where there was a little oak timber and a ilense growth of laurel brush. It con- taineil two youijg, apparently about four days old, covered with white down, but wiih the fore parts of their heads naked and black, and a bare strip down the breast exposing a coal-black skin. The old bird would not leave her 3'oung, sull'ering herself to be ])ushed aside with a slick While we wire there slit; disgorged something which one of ihem commenced eating. I visited the i)lai-e again June 1, and fouml tiicm i-onsidcr- ably larger, and partly coveri-d with black feathers On July 22, they were still in the nest, and did not look as if they would leave it bu-a week or two. The parent Ijird was not found (ui the nest when these subsequent visits were made. Visiiing the place onApi'ill!), "Dl, I took a set of two <'ggs, \ e)y .>-liolit- ly incubated. On May ?'(). '!•!, my usual compai'ion on C(dlecting excursions, and I lo(d\ a set of two eggs from a wooded hillside .near the banks of ihc Patuxent, aliont a quarter of a mile below the liist nest. They had been dc[)osited on the ground under an oxerhanging rock, and were THE OOLOGIST. 83 \slightly iucubated. Oue of them was peculiar iu shape, being equally thick at l)Oth ends. This set was probably laid by the bird whose nest I had robbed on April li). We took another set of two eggs on April 17, 't)"2, near tlie Patuxent, about half a mile below nest No. 2. They were on the ground in a little cave un- der a rock, about six feet from its en- trance. Incubation seemed to have been commenced, but the eggs "Were cold when found. I have alluded to the "nest" of tiie Turkey Vulture, but iu every case tiie eggs and the young- were found on the leaves, rottten wood, etc., that nature had provided. Sometimes, but not al- waj'S, a very sligiit depression had been made in the ground. Hakold B. Stablp:k, Sandy S])ring, Maryland. The American Bittern. Botfi>i7'us lenlig'ao.'in --. 'J'here is probably no bird sf) noted and famous, and yet, whose liahi's ami appearance are so litth- known to thi^ general ].nb]ic, :ks this i;i;coi;th l)ii'il I have under a bell-glass, besides a niunber of the smaller w.-iders, a speci- men of the Least Hittern and one of the American Bittern. The leiiiaiks made by (hose of u.y \isitors lu^t eoniucted with our hobby. y(t snflicii nlly iniei. ested to pay a little attention to l)iiils are usually something to \\ns elTect. "What country did \ougit that i)ird frouiV" " You never got it around heic," 'What kind of a crane is tliatV "Did you get the old one and young one togetherV" and art of an almost im- pa.ssil)le swamji, is com])osed of reeds, grasses, and a few leaves, and is, from ils sitinition, usually damp and soggy. The nest is rather large, sometimes as much as fourteen inches deep, but usu- ally not more than half that depth and has a cavity about as large as a saucer. 84 THE OOLOGIS'J'. it is built iipou |^lo\v bushes, or iu thick tufts of grass, iu which latter case the \veeiis aud grass are sometimes drawu together above the uest almost conceal- ing it. In this viciuity the eggs are as a rule deposited during the third week of May, although I liud records in my note book of a set of three, partly incubated, which I took from a Ijog near here, on- June 9 ISyu, aud my friend J S. Square has a set of four — incubation fresh, which he took June 15th of the same year,— and within thirty yards of the precise spot where I took mine. This seems a strange occurrence, consider- ing the solitary aud unsociable habits of the bird. They measure l.liO to 2.00 long by 1.50 broad. and are usually four in number, but sets of 5 ai"e very often, aud sets of 3 sometimes taken. The sets of three, I might add, can usually be traced to the hands of a collector, who was unfortunate iu not having dis- covered the nest a day or two later, or who had au accident before he got his set safely lodged iu his cabinet. A set also frequently show's great differences in incubation, the last de- posited blowing fresh, while the first will give some trouble in saving it. The female sets very close, and will almost allow herself to be trod upon before rising. I have one iu my col- lection which I pulled olf the nest Aviih my hands, and carried home uuder my arm It sliowed consul.erable pugnacity while on the nest, ruffling its feahers. like a setting hen. aud hissing after. the manner of a vulgar barnyard goose, but unlike them she used her strong hard beak so elt'ectively. that I don't care to capture any more Thunder Pumps, that are not liors-de-combut. F. Baker. Stratford, Out. Barred Owl in a neighboring woods,. anuu«iiig himself, apparently at your expense, with his laughing, mocking, inquisitive ''who, who"} ivho. whoi who. The Barred Owl. Who has not been startled on a sum- mer night by the unexpected cry of a (ire i/onV At nightfall and early davvu these owls can be heard, during the breediug season, in nearly every deep woods iu the United States, east of the Rocky mountains. From the amount of noise which they make, one thinks them very common and wonder why he so seldom, sees one of them. The reason is plain. The bird is one of the shyest of the large owls, and keeps him.seif well out of the sight of man. .At the approach of day he betakes himself to some hol- low ti'ee, there to remain in a half stu- por until night's giay mantle etfecf- ually conceals his noiseless tiight. If one climbs to his retreat, as I h ave frequently done, he will blink his big dark eyes, aud snap his bill in a way which defies further intrusion. This bird is "often mistaken hy the casual observer for the Great Horned Owl, Yet the distinction between the two is very marked. The Barred Owl is not quite so large as the Great Horn- ed, has a much lighter plumage aud a round head iu counter distinction to the large tufts or horns of his relative. But in flight the two are very similar aud can scarcely be distinguished un- less very near the observer. It is during the breeding season that we have the best opportunity for study- ing the habits of the Barred Owl. The nesting habits of the bird are simiia,!' to. those of many of his relatives. For his. hoiiie he generally selects a cavity in some secluded tree, although he is said to occasionally appropriate a deserted hawk's nest. I am inclined to think that only the want of a suitable cavity forces hnu to occupy au artiricial well- ing. I have found him nesting in trees of every description, always in cavities ranging from ten to sixty feet from the ground. The only requisites. I I THE OOLOGIST 85 sei'ui to Ix' ;i rensoiialjly large cavitj- in an out of the way tret^ Yet the liirds are very sly about their nest which is often <|uile hard to liml. The very roughness of the occupied cavity- fre- (juently serves to draw away attention from the object of search. A rap on the trunk of the tree, although it will generally bring out the Ijird, is not to be depended upon' as a sure means of discovering the nest. In my experience, tlu; bird will often retain her seat until you have quite reach'-d the cavity. Ag:iin, she will oc- casionally hear your a pi)roach and silent- ly slip from the nrst ixfure 3011 are iu .c of the woodsman's ax, a paii' of owls will stay in the same neighborhood for many years, witlnnd any :f|»parent tlnnight of einigi'aliiig from tln-ir nali\e woods. WaI/PKH 1 lU ITT, Channte, Kans. 86 'rilE OOLOCilST Hints on Skinning and Mounting Birds. Of course I do not intend to enrich the minds of all the readers of this ar- ticle with rare and new ideas, but I think many can read, and learn some- thing by it that will help them a great deal in making up line specimens, both of skins and mounted birds. Before [ entered Wards Natural Science Estal)- lishment I had the impression I knew how to mount birds but I soon found I knew but comparatively little about the art. However I took carefal observa- tions and soon learned points which I Avish others that are still following in my old path to know. If j'ou have col- lected a bird and intend to make a skin of it, never let it enter your cabinet un- til every particle of blood stain is wash- ed from it. This can be easily done with clean water. If the bird is fat be sure and scrape it well to prevent the grease from entire- ly destroying your specimen. In skinning a bird never cut the ends of the secondary quills loose from the Ulna; l)ut», by cutting through under- neath the wing, you can easily remove the Hesh around the radius and idna. In all large birds it is an excellent plan to I'emove the tendons from the leg Always poison j-our specimens well and fill the bodies as near as possil)le to the natural size. In nearly all cases I think it is a poor plan to sew the bodies up, as a great many of our collectors do for when you come to open them you are very liable to damage them b^' the thread tearing out. Always fold the wings and let them dry as near as possible in their natural position. Skins of Owls should never be laid ou the back to dry, as the .soft llutt'y leath- ers on the head are sure to get out of place. If the bird has a long neck always in- sert a wire or slick the whole length to. prevent its getting broken. If wire is. used always choose zinc or copper, nev- er iron, for it will rust and color your specimen if it comes in contact with the skin. If these points are observed and carried out I trust each one of us can escape the ever criticizing eye of our brother ornithologists. In mounting a bird always use a solid body. This is easily made by winding^ excelsior with strong thread or string. Make each body as near as possible the some shape and size of the natural one. If the feathers are badly covered with grease and dirt (as is generally the case with all water birds) wash them in naph- tha thoroughly, and then dry in a box of plaster paris. With a small brush continually beat the skin, turning it over as you do so, as this will shake off' the damp plaster and prevent it from setting to the feathers, which otherwise would be the case. Keep adding dry plaster until the feathers are all dry. Then with a small bellows you can blow nearly all the plaster fi'om the bird. Always use as large wire as you can conveniently. Be sure and have the ej-es of all your specimens directly opposite each other and looking at the same point. If the body is not just the right sizo^ cut a slit through the skin under the wing and with a wire you can build out the body with cotton or tow to suit youi-self. After the wings are folded in place nobody luit yourself would ever know the cuts were there. Do not mount all of j'our birds in one position as is generally the case. Have a variety fud you will feel proud of them . If you have a skin of a rare and hand- some bird that has been torn and bro- ken no matter how bad, never throw it away; but make your body and with glue you can stick each section in place If the feathers are all there, and the job skillfully performed, I will defy any THE OOJ.OGIST 87 inaii to pick out this specimen from your collection. Never lay iiside ;i mounted specimen simply because it has lost some feathers from different parts of the body, but take your tweezers and some l)ric-a- brac skin and glue (liquiil glue prefer- red) set feathers in the vacant spots. Be careful and get feathers that match in color and markings. I hope this will help at least a few, and in the near future hear from others who have any suggestions to offer. N.\TH,\N L. Davls. Rochester. N. Y. Great Horned Owl in Iowa. As I was looking across the eold, bleak fields to-day (Jan. 28) toward the timber, my attention was attracted l)y the clatter of crows. They seemed to be finding fault with a large dark-color- ed bird which v\ assitting with apparent indiliVrence in the top of a tall cotton- wood tree. I listened intently and soon heard the low but distinct hoo-hoo of what I felt certain was a male Gt. Horned Owl. This not only reminds me that the nesting .season of this bird is here, but that I had intiM-esting ex- periences with Jii/ho last winter which I could relate to the OciLOGiST readers, the powers that be permitting. My collecting notes for 1892 show that I collected six sct'sof the Gt. Horned Owl in the vicinity of Norway, Benton Co., Iowa. It is the points of interest in connection with the collection of these sets, and also in connection with two other sets which 1 might l»ave col- lected but (/m/«7, thai I wish 10 give. The size, shape, color, measurements etc., of the eggs themselves are prob- al)ly tot) well kuMwn toi-er|uire m»Mition here. RIy long hunting trips were all fruit- less until F.:'b. 13 which will be remem- bered as the warm clear day on which occurred our most brilliant display of auroi-.i borealis. 1 had Iraveletl eight miles through patches of timlnn" lap- ping with a stout stick on hollow trees or the trunks of others containing old nesls. One large bass-wood contained an old nest jibout sixty- five feet from the ground which from appearances had not been used for years. After giving the trunk of the tree two or three raps with no rcisult. I was about to pass on; but. as the snow was soft and wet, I concluded to lay siege to the nest for a minute in another way. Taking a position wiieie the nest could bi; plain- ly seen, I was encouraged at seeing what looke the nest again, Init i>y a route fniiii which I could get a view of the nest at adislaiiceof two or thre(! hundrnl yards. 'J'his time I was just cpiick <'iiough to see the bird sliji lioni the nest, drop 88 THE OOLOGIST. .down beneath the brauches and fly uoiselessly away. Tlu^ nest Avas in a white oak forty feet up. aud lewariled me with a set of two egg.s in which the incubation was far advanced. The nest .vas within two hundred aud fifty yards ofaho;isj, which may aecouat for the shyness of the birds. Sets four auast several miles below hei"e. We succeeded in partially domesticating him and dubed him 'Peter 'J'he Great" Sad to say lie did not long .survive his capture. I would like to hear from anyone who is bimiliar witli any of the species of Albatross. M". L. Wkeks. Los Angeles. Cal. THE OOLOGIST. 89 The Oologist. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, ALBION, N. Y. Editor and Publisher. Correspondence and items of Interest to tlie student ot Birds, tlielr Nests and Kggs, solicited Crom all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. 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ANEW SCHEME.— The Publisher of the Oologist de.sire.s ;i lot of sliort, pithy, boiled y of our new, 35 ct., "Stan(hini Catalogue of North American Birds Kggs." The following clipped from an article in the Buffalo Courier, of Jan. 81, may prove of interest to the readers of the Oologlst: "Secretary (icorge T. Smitli of the World's Fair Commission of this, the Eighth Judicial District, concurred in saying that it is most dillieult to secure space for e.\hil)its. As far as New Yoi'k State, is concerned, Mr. Smith says, the Fair is a success, and though tin; space for exhil)its is far short of the demand, the room allotted thus far to th s district insures a good showing. Mr. Smith gave to the Courier some of the more important exhii)its that probal)ly will goto tiie World's Fair from Western New York. One of the largest local exhibits, and one that it woulil be hard to duplicate outside of the Smith.sonian Insliliilion, will Ije made by Frank H. Lattin of Al- bion. Mr. Latti : is a naturalist in everytliing that the word implies, and hiscollection of ornithological specimens are world-famed.. He ijropo.scs to take to Chicago an ext.Misivc! collcctioi of birds eggs, sea sludls, stnlVcd aniiuais, and natuaiists and taxidermists' siip- plie.s. Space; has l;een given to him to the extent thai he will be al)Ie to exhi- bit a pair of l)irdsof every species known to North America and show I heir man- ner of iicsliDtr, whether on tree. bush, ground, clitV, bench, or marsh. This in some ways will lie ihe nu)st interesting as well as valuable exhibit cdiuing from the liulV.iIo district." We will hasten to plead "not guiltj'" to all that is said or implied in the above interview and at thl.s date, (Feb. 24th,) 90 THE OOl.OGiS'J' we fail make no jiofilifc stalenitMit either pro or c-ou. However, we woiilil uot be at all sur- prised if we were there with a modest Jittle disphiy aud furthermore if Mich •should be" we are rather inclined to ihink our friends might find a modest little 'Branch" of our establishment near the business part of the city. We expect to be able to say something both positive and definite regarding each, our exhibit and ■Branch," in April OoI.O(JIST. ANOTHEll SCHLEMK:— At the World's Fair wc have been iiileudiug to make a good display of the eggs of North American Birds. A few weeks since while planning and mapping out, in our mind, the exhibit — this thonglit came to us "How nice it would lie if every realer of tiie OiiLOGiST could be represented in the exhibit by a "gem" set of their own collecting or at least from their. coUectio i" This thought has proven a "sticker" and is still with us, apparently more tenacious than ever, in our quandary as to how we shall rid ourselves of it. We open a book in which the names of the subscribers of the Oologist have just been recoided. We liud that there is over two-thousand of them, distribu- ted almost evci'vwhere from Alberta and Manitoba in the North, to the southern most jiart of Texas in the ^^outh, from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in I lie imrih east, to Catilina Isle in tnc south-west. From Vancou- ver's Island in the north-west to one of the Isles of Florida in the south-east. As wc close the bonk we think wiuit a magnilii-eiit exhibit such a collection would make. As we caniH)t dispel these thoughts from our nund we have concluded to let the readers of the OotOGiST share th?m. What do ?/o// think aoout them? If favoiably, lei us hear from you at once by simply staling what "A No. 1," '•XXX," "Star," •gem," (or whatever you may call them) sets you are willing to add to the exhibit. If you all take hold of the matter it will most surelj' be a "howling success." The more ad- vanced collectors should avoid naming too common species — let the boys do that. H we comrlude to adopt this "scheme" with our exhiliit, hundreds must take hold of the matter — for should there be any quest ion wlyiteter in our mind as to its not i)roviug a Big Si'( ce.ss it will not be undertaken. All we want noiv is your list and this we want at onne for avc must decide uot later than March 20lh as to whether this exhibit is to be made by "Lattin" individualh' or whether it is to be com- jiosed of sets furnished I)}' the oolo- gists of America for that purpose. Should we go ahead with the scheme we will be I'esponsible for every set fur- nished and at the close of the Fair will return them })repaid or their \aluein cash. We will also mail as early as possible to collectors desiring to con- tribute to the exhibit, full particulars and instructions with l)lanks to be filled and printed labels which miist be used on the packages, etc. Each set when placed in the exhibit will be labeled with A. O. U. No , com- mon aud scientific name, date -of col- lecting, name of collector, locality, and name of exhibitor. Let us hear from 3'ou at once. Any sugge.>-tions as to manner of displaying and arranging the collection, labels, etc., will be most gratefull^v received. We of course have our ideas but yours may be better or at least an improvement. Address the Publisher of the Oia.o- GiST, Albion, N. Y. JANUARY CONTEST. One Hundred and Thirty -four Judges. Prize winners and credit.s received by each were as follows: THE OOLOGIST. 9t 1. A Field Natuialist'sOuttit. 557 •J. Tlie (ioldeu Swaiup Warbler. 480 3. Bird Nostiug iu au Illinois ': Swamp. 236 ' 4. Notes from Isabella Co., Mich. 284 5. Two Warblers. 215 The following articles were each f 5iwarded one year's subsciiption to the OoLOGIST: — The Osprey iu Florida. 119 A Collection of N. C. Birds Kggs. 84 Birds as Pets 13 I The Judicial Bench of 134 Judges "was a "record breaker" — coming from thirty (30) States and Provinces, New York leading with 2G, Kansas following with 9, then Minnesota, 8; Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, and Ontario 7 each; Penna, Calif, and Mich., G; Mass. 5, Indiana, Wisconsin and New Jersey 4; Vermont ' Maryland, Missouri and Oregon, 3; Elaine, Texas, Virginia and Conn., 2; lud one each frou S. Car., N. H., Neb., I). C, Wash., La., Tenn. and Alijerta. From this large number of Judges only twenty-three (23) named the win- ning articles, and not a single one their |^>cact order. The Judges' prizes were awarded as . illows: — r 1. No. 2.— Garrett Pier, Fifth Ave., New York Cit3-, who named the win- ners in the following ordt-r. 1, 2, 4, 3, 5. 2. No. 71 — Willard N. Clutc, Biiig- hamton.N. Y. 1, 2, 3, a, 4. 3. No. 79— A. W. Pai-sli:ill, Obcrlin. Kans., 1, 2, 3, 5, 4. 4. No. 49— Dana C. Gillett, Bane Centre, N. Y., 1, 2, 5. 4. 3. 5. No. 9— J. S. Square, Stratford, Ont., 1, 2, 5, 3, 4. The following were each awarded a fopy of the World's Fair Almanac. The lists of the first !=cven were exactly as near correct as the winner of the ^5th prize — as this was a case of tie we ■awarded the prize to earliest list. No. 11— Wait C. Johnson, Vt. No. 50— H. and A. Lafler, N. Y. :So. 68— A. W. Baylis, Iowa. No. 69- Chas. A. Ely, N. J. No.80— H. L. Ilcatou, Kans. No. 92— Walton Mitchell, Minn. No. 12G-Hcnry R. Buck. Conn. C. S. Buttcns, Mass; A,M. Cassel, Va; M. V. Stewart, Ills; 1. H. Stratton, Ills; E. F. Hadley, Oregon; W- Truitt, Kans; J. S. Gritling, N. Y.; A. R. Ogden, N. Y.; L. Appleton, N. J.; N. F. Posson, N. Y.;G. W. Damon, Tenn. All prizes were mailed on Feb. 22d. How Far South Has the Pine Grosbeak Migrated? The llight of Pine Grosbeaks this winter has exceeded anything of the kind for the past twenty years in this vicinity, and as such an event is of 7'are occurrence and as the cold throughout the South has been .so extreme results of great ornithological interest ought to be obtained. If all persons interested and who have unmistakably idc.ntijied the Pine Grosbeak will put themselves to a little trouble a list will be prepared for some future number of the OoLO- GIST. The object aimed at is to lind out how far South they have gone, and iu wluit localities they have not been seen be- fore Let us bear liom all and have the woi k couiplclc. Addicts all commun- if.itions to C. (). Ti{-2 Surf Bird 281.1 Frazar's Oystercatc.her '.W^ Welch's Ptarmigan 337d Harlan's Hi,wk [35 ] Harpy Eagle 3.5fia Peale's Falcon 360b St I.,ucas Sparrow Hawk :-f63 G\iailalaiJ- (Jaracara 374a Dwarf Screech Owl 3751:) Arctic Horned Owl 379.1 Hoskins Pygmy Owl 386 Mangrove Cuckoo 386a Mayuard's Cuckoo [.389] Coppery-tailed Trogon Sfl.'^d Cahanis's Woodpecker 394b Batcbelder's Woodpecker :WFa St. Lucas Woodpecker 398 Arizona Woodpecker 401 a Alaskan Three-toed do 401b Alpine Three-toed do 40ra Narrow-fronted do 4l3a Northwestern Flicker 414 Gilded Flicker 417a Stephen's Whip-poor-will 425 Whie-throsted Swift. 426 Rivoli Huiumiugbird ATi Blue-throated do 429.1 Violet-throated do 431.1 Fl resi's Hummingbird 437 Lucifer's Hiunmingbird 438 Reiffer's Hummingbird 4;i9 Buff-bellied Hummingbird 441 Broad-billedHummingbird 441.1 Xantus's Becard 442 Fork-tailed Flycatcher 14.50] Giraud's Flycatcher 451 Sulphur-belliedFlycatcher 4.5.5c Olivaceous Flycatcher 460 Coues's Flycatcher 462c Large-billed Wood Pewee 464.1 St. Lucas Flycatcher 499.1 Gray Flvcatcher [470] Fulvous Flvcatcher 4T0a Buff-brea-ted Flycatcher 472 Beardless Flvcatcher 472a Ridgway's Flycatcher 474h Scorched Hoi'ned Lark 4741 Dusky Horned Lark 474.1 SoQoran Horned Lark 47f^c Black-headed Jay 481 a Xantus's Jay 481b Beldings Jay 481.1 Santa Cruz Jav I84b Alaskan Jay 4S4c L . :)rador Jay 49Sa Soiioran Redwing 4!i8b Bahaman Redwing 514 Evening Grosbeak 5l4a W-esternEveningGrosbeak [516] Ccissin's Bullfinch 519b St. Lu!;as House Finch .521a Mexican Crossbill .524 Gray-crowned Leucosticte 5'.'4a Hepburn's Leucosticte .5'>5 Black Leucosticte .5-^6 Brown-capped Leucosticte .5'27 Greenland Redpoll 52Sb Gi-eater Redpoll .5301) Mexican Goklf1n''h [532] Rlack-headed Goldfinch .535 McKay's SnowHake 54'i Sandwich Sparrow 544 Large-billed Sparrow 5Ma St. LucMS Sparrow .5.5()a Scott's Seaside Sparrow 5.50b Texas Seaside .Sjiarrow 551 Dusky Seaside Spari'ow .5tv4 Worthen's Sr> irrow 566 White-winged Junco .567b Shufeldfs Junco .567c Thurber'.'- Junco .568.1 Ridgeway's Junco. 5.71 Baird's Junco 571.1 Town-end's Junco 574b Gray Sage Sparrow .5Sjb Sooty Song Sparrow .581g Brovvn's Song Sparrow 5Slh Santa Barbara Song do, .5811 San Clemeuse Song do .5S3a Forbushs Sparrow .')S9 Guadalupe Towhee 5P4a Arizona P.\rrliuloxla .594b St. Lucas Pyrrhuloxla 60'. 1 Melodious Grassquit 606 IJlue-headed Euphonia [60T.1] Gray's Tanager 609 Heratic Tanager ena Western Mariin [611.1] Cuban Mnriin 1612.1] Cuban Cliff swallow [615.1] Pahaman Swallow «2.'i "^ ellow-green Vireff 6-29d St. Lucas solitary Vlrea 63ia Ke.y West Vlreo 64'a Calaveras Warbler 646b Dusky Warbler 651 Olive Warbler 652a Sonora Yellow Warbler 653 Mangrove Warbler 672 Palm Warbler 6^ib Florida Yellow-tnroat 652 Kelding's Y'ellovv-tliroat. 6S2.1 MIrador Yellow-throat [6S9] Red-bellied Redstart f.9(» Ked-f )ced Warbler [691] Red Warbler [692] Brasher's Warbler [69;'.] Bell's Warbler [695] Swinlioe's Wagtail 1699] Red throated Pipit [717] White-throated Wren 71Tb Dotted canon Wren Ti-a Florida Wreu 7isb I>omira Wren 720 (juadaliipe Wren 'i-i'A Alaska Wren 72.'i.l Marian's Marsh Wren 726a Mexican Creeper 727b Florida Wlilte-b r e a st e (J Nuthatch 73na Wlilce-naped Nutliatoh 7.3Ha Gray Titmouse 7.R3b As)iy Titmouse "ST Me.\lc;. All prepaid. FRANK R. LATTIN Albion, N. Y'. THE OOLOGIST. i)a 1'irst-Cliiss Skins of Hirds and Miininiiils at lo>v rates — all Prepaid. Oainbers Qiuiil f\ TO Texiiu Uobwliite W Wilsim's Sulpe W) Says Phoebe , ;:u Baird's VV do ipecker 50 Gri'ca-Tailfd Towliee 85 Harns's Sparrows 45 Hlac <-tlirc)ateil Sparrow Id \'er(Uu (.Veil >w-Tit) ."x( Hooded Warbler ;,0 Oraiiijrfcro wued Warbler 50 Mouiuing Warblfer GO KlifUer a5 Red-bellied \Vof)dpecker S5 Hairy Woodpecker 25 Dowiiv Woodpecker '25 Ked-bellie 1 Nutliuch 3U Wtiite-Dellied Nuthatch 25 Aiueri(Mii C o.s.sbill -Ji Hlack-biUed Cuckoo -10 Wood Pewee .' 20 I'rairie Horue J Lark M MlacU-uecked St;U I -J) Louisiada Jieron 1 oo Bohemia a WaxWiUg 1 00 •Suo wrl ike .'^O •Old Sqiiaw. fe nab! 1 0) Great lioraea OaI -^ Uo Bla k-cro .vu -tl. Niur.it Herou 1 '25 Blue Macaw (poor; I 00 BIRDS IX PAIRS. Price per p lir. Blue-winged Teal 1 50 Flicker 6iJ Red-bellied Woodpecker dO RustyGrackle (50 EveiiioiT < Irosbeak 1 50 Scarlet Taiiager WO American Cro.sbill G.) ■Meadow Lark 75 Blue Jay 50 MAMMALS. ■Chimpanzee $1-2 OO Bonnet Monkev ( Borneo ) 4 00 Rhesus Monkey (Old Calabar) 4 (K) Sootv Monkey (West Africa) 4 00 Egpptian Bat 1 00 Bat (S'lcliile Mertro) 75 Kangarf)0 Mouse (S. Russia^ 1 00 Black Squirrel 1 50 ■<75\ Ik L TV >T ^^'^ what you pocket lvj(3.p5-ey«,-j! ^ons c ^^lpai^cll• The fonowmg are a Job I>ot which we will close out at less than one- half regular price. We give i^ublisher's price a-j well as clearance one. Arkan-as. Itand M ;Nally & Co.. Pub.Pricr. Our Pf, indexed, flexible covers 50c iJOc ■Colorado, Cram, ind., cloth covers — .50c l.'w ■Coanecticut, R. McN.& Co. .ind. clothBOc aoc Florida, do. ind. Hex.cov 40c aOc Illinois, do. flex, cov 35c I5c do. ind . do .50c yx- do. Cram & Co.. ind. cloth 50c i!0c do. «sp'40/ta/ cloth 75c .■•'5c indlana. R. McN. &. Co.. tlex. cov....t,'5c I c do, ind. do 5)c 20c do. Cram. ind. cloth 50c lOc do. Colton. cloth :iic l.^c In. Ter'y, R. McN. &Co.. flex. Cov.. H)c aac Kansas, do ind. do 50c 'Mi; do, Cram, ind . cloti 50c lOc do. Colton. section at cloth *I..5o 40c •vianitoba. R. McN. &Co,. ind. tlev.. .tOc :iJc Massachusetts, do, ind , cloth COc 30c Michigan. Colton. cloth :',m: \:.c do. Cram, ind . cloth :*h- '21 c Minnesota, Cram, do 40c 2.'c do, Colton, A'^c/jortir; cloth 75c 2.5c do, R. McC. &Co.. ind cloth (iOc a5c do. do, flex, cov '25c 15c New Hampshire, do, ind .do ; Oc a5c do. do. ind. cloth (50c HOc New York. Petingale and Behn,cloth 5(Jc 10c Ohio, R. McN. & Co.. flex, cov 2.5c 15c do. do, ind. do :>i, 149i. '2i)4, 237. 2.)4, 244, 2t;o. 204. 2rsl), ;(0iib. am",, (jia aud 41H). 7.')C. No. 2">-3") name I smmII sliells 7.0. .\diress FRANK II. LATTIN, Albion. N. . ONLY DIRECTORY o-'^""- •^^ -^^^ ^^J^;!,li;u:oam.MMnK.'>0,«MM>. I'-or -^ — J«Bj^ r****?! ' ""'y 10 cents (resiiliir price W\/r''>w4! ' -."1 criils. > your name, if re- V04j^.pi^v y^j^ ccived within ne.xt :«! «k/'"\ il.iys, will be nor.ni.v JJJjO |iriiili(l (.11 k'liiiimi-d -JVTl jiapcr, anil from Piih- lisluTs, Maiuifactur- I Ts unJ otiicrs, yon will receive Inindreds priihahiy [liiiusniids. of vuluul)le Hooks, Samples, I'nneis, Mukh- m •; >-f;_-_-:r^ /i lies, etc. All ii-rounil iKJ , // IliiET.,,, |.j,.|, |,.,|-,.,>1 wllh on,, of your Ijoldiy piiiited ad. arls.,f ilie World. .1 , A. WAKE. THE LIGHTNING DIRECTORY CO.. Deiiartiuent .No 1<1. l^hiladi ipu ... Pa. 94 THE OOLOGIST. 4G0 VARIETIES OF STAMPS $1.00 Duplicates can be retui-ned. AN UNUSUAL. OFFER W. K. GREIANY, S>7 BRANNAN St. SAN FRANSISCO. CAL. Catalogue for stamp. CARR'S NATURAL HISTORY STORE Sea Shells. C^u-als. Minerals. Bird Skins and Eggs. Curios. Supplies for Taxidermists. Ento- niologests. Botanists and Oologists. Tasid- enny in all Branches of the art. Gold fish and aquarums. 40 page Illustrated Catalogue for 2c stamp. C. F. CARR, Madison, Wis. Bullinger's Postal & Shippers Guide An Invalu ible Guide for every Collector, Na- turalist Shipper and Merchant. • It contains Every Post Office in the United States and Canada, designating the Money Or- der Orlices. County Seats &c, &c. Over 100.000 plac"s. Ev 'ry Railroad starion in the United States and Canada. It gives the name of the Railroad. River, Lake or Canal on which every place Is lo'-atel. It gives the Neirest .Rai roail St'iti(ra to all places not on a Railroad. It gives the Express Comp my for every place. It gives all Te'egraph offices. It gives all Counties, with thel'- geographical location, and 'roper places for Eilais; Liens. Mortgages. &c. It gives a complete table of Domestic and Foreign Rates of Post ige. It has been used for years by all of the larger Express and Railroad Com- panies in the country, in quantit es of from .tO to lOiX) copies by etch of the Companies, and ther ' cannot be a moie evactina: test of its ac- curacy and usefulness. The IS93 edition is now ready. Nearly tiO.ooO changes. It will pay you to buy a copv and use it. Pr'ce— cloth covers $3.00. Paper cover. ?-2.nO.— (750 page?). Deliv- ery to he paid by bu.ver (Pi-epaid chaj-ges are, Papt^r cover -20 cent- : Cloth cover ■ h cents, > The only book of the kind ill the World. Address R. W. BULf.INGER. 75 Fulton St , New York. Yr,n CAN Co MAKE $4 ^"'^ DAY HandliuLT tlic I'WSTKSt -^ei.i.ing article on record OVER A fv'fLLION SuLL» 11^1 PHllADFLPHIA! No maitcr where > on reside: everybody wants them. Write to-dav. enclosing L'c s^amp and we will mail you i Free Samples and full particul irs. whiili will enable you tocoinmeuce work at once. Circulars fr^'e. SMITH MFG. CO.. No. ITI Pepper bldg., Phila., Pa. COLLECTORS. Have you seen njy lists of I'.irds Eggs, Birds Skins. Corals, Minerals. Fossils and cur osit,es? They inc udr- everything desirable in these branches. I can tui-nish eveiything desired by the Naturalist Wr le for prices on anything you need. Notice my ad. in Feb. Ooi.ixiiS'i . A dress WALTER F. WEBB, Geneva, N. Y. Climbing Irons. 1^" There is. scarcely a month n the year but. what a pair oi fooil C 1 i 111 b i n g runs come.s handy Do not let a low piice lure .you into purchasing an infCr- i(ir article. Every linvj you \ se a clioa]) pair of iron.', it is wcW to renicntlier, that the 1 Isk you run i.s a hundreil- toltl greater llian with a reli- able pair. Our iioiis are the 6esi niatle and are manufact- ured from the liest and .•.^ti ongest material obtainable 'J he straps are wide ar,d made- liom the very be.st of lealiier. Our climbers are the easiest, safest and mosl durable on jLlie mar ket and cannot be soUl at a living prolit. for less money by any- one. Dining the pa.st Live years we have iiiltl lumdreds of ])airs of elinil)ers-, hiivo sent them to nearly every stat* a>id leiritory in the Union and jiiiveyel. to hear of tlie iirst dissati.'^lied pur( ha -er. , From many testimonials, we sJect the following: ••The climbers that you sent give entire satlsfac tlon and are well made In every paitlcular." T, V. W,. Aiisiin. Ills. "Received mv climbers nil itgUt on the 21st oIj last month. Have deferred wrliiiig te you Mil ' naa used them. Tliey are ;i'; .good a sinirasl, ever tried and I think I am saf • In saying that ilt you buy your spura ol Lattiii. ^ on get g;joit ones/ J. F. J,, Kelton. Pa. ■•AUthe supplies ordered came duly lo hand, all O. K. Am more than iilea.sed nilli ilnin alL The cllmpliig Irons are just uha! 1 vviinied; the book of datas Is Immense ami 'he Naiurallsfs Guide Is well worth tlie price, t u i^h to c<>in|ill- ment you on your ineihod oi pacl in/. The gixids that I received conld liardly luive be>-ii iiultui' fixed for transportailon. Am more liupressedj with vonr prom)>tness everv uuio 1 order; and In, future, let me say. If there Is anyihing In ,vour- line that I need, you may be sure that I shalJ' give you thepreference." U. C. O., Shelburne Falls. Mass. Our prices are as follows-: Strapped, ready for use, by express, at ptirclias er's expense, $2.50, or prepaiil to any part of the United States, $3.25. ClimlV. ers without straps by express, $1,505;, piop:iid, $2.00. FRANK H. LATTIIM, ALBIOI-L IM. *• TUK OOLOGIbT. •DAT AS' IN iBool^ porm. We have Just is.sucii a ticw lot, of tlie haiuliest and best artie-lc in tlie Data line ever sent out — ? >3 ft ? 2 9 95 ►^ IT CONSISTS OF 100 OP OUR No. 10 Data Blanks With Stub Attachment lu'i't'oi aled, so as Data can easily l)e toi'ti from stui), nieeh' and stronffly l)onnd in board covers (cheek-book form). When Data is torn from book, there remains a 2-in. stnii, with blank i'or writ ioo; the essential i)arts of the da- ta— also for wrilin«r, how, when, to wlioni, and for what dispost-d If you wish to c-0|)y the Data in full, you can do so by writinjj de- scripiion on back of the stub. W»; fjive an exact facsimile of a sample Data, with stub on this page. C^-'^If yon have once triet sample book, other. yon will use Sample, 35 cents; 3 for Sl.OO; 10 for 53.00. Set of Three Note I5o<»ks in Case i:(irli i-ontaiiis 7"J |).if>:es. hound in llu.xibit! cloth and set comes in a nice colored cloth coverwl case. Will send the .set prcptiirj. for oidy 8 cis. For any of the al)o\e, addrtss, Frank Ei. Lattin, Albion, N. Y. ^ o ^ D ^ ^ ft ? THE OOLOGIST. m WORTH OF PRIZES Will be Pi esfuted during 1893 to The Patrons (Contributors and Readars) of THE OOLOGIST. Each mouth (luring 1893 we shall give tive jjrizes. These prizes are to l)e awarded to the tive best articles ap- pearing in each month's Ooi.oGiST. The pri'/es througliout the year -will remain the same, except the tirst one whicii will be tlie winner's choice from the unavvarded articles and publications named in the following list: Coues' 'Key to North American Birds". $7 50 Ridgway's "Manual of North American Birds" 7 50 Chamberlain's" 'Nuttal's Ornithol- ogy" (2 vols.) 8 00 Gops's "Birds of Kansas" 7 50 Wilson's(ai)d Bonaparte's)"Amer- icau Ornithology" 7 50 Maynard's-"Birds of EasternNorlh Aiiierica" (text complete). 15 00 Webster's "111 I (MMi at ional Diction- ary" latest eililion 10 00 Washington Irving's Works, 10 vols 7 50 Wm. M. Thackeray's Works, 10 vols .' 10 00 Chas. Dickens' Works, 15 vols... 11 25 Jeuk's "ComprehensiveCommen- tary of the Holy Bible " 5 large 900 )):iged Volumes. . 25 00 Sir Walt.'r Scott's Works, 12 vols 12 00 $10 worth of riionographic Books and Publications 10 00 An 8-qt. Jack Frost Ice Cream Frec/.er 6 50 A Due-Bill good for$31.50towards a new $4(5.50 MarlinRepeat- ing Rille 31 50 A Due-Kill good jor$83 OOtowards a nevv$45.00AmericauUuion (same as New Home) Sew- ing Machine 33 00 A Due-Bill good f()r$l2.00towards a new $20 double case Odell Type writer 12 00 2nd Prize each month will be a part of "Maynard's Birds of Eastern North America," eacli containing an average of 8 plates and 340 pages strongly bound in strong inanilla and cloth and worth at ))ul)lisliers original price not far from $7 50. 3d Prize — Brewer's "North American Oology" unbound, no j)latcs, original price about $3 00. 4'h Prize — Baird's R«'\ irw of Ameri- can Birds" originally ■'oUl at $2.00. 5th Prize — Mrs. St John's "Audubon the NalmaUst." $1.00. Each article receiving at least as many credits as there are number of Judges and not winning one of the leading prizes Avill be awarded a dupli- cate ot the 5th prize. Each article receiving at least one- half as iuan\ credits as the number of Judges and not winning any other prize will be avvardeil a year's subscrip- tion to the OoLOGlST. All Mss. prizes are sent by mail or express prepaid, except the tirst, which is shipped at winner's expense. You are a Judge. Ynu have been selected to act as one of the Judges in this month's Prize article contest, and your dei-ision must be promptly and fairly given. Your decision must be mailed us not later than April 1st. Write ou back of a postal card the tive articles which yoit have decided to be the viont valuable, instructive and interesting in this num- ber of OoLOGiST and mail to us. Num- ber the articles in the order which you think the prizes should be awarded. We give our Judges five special prizes, one to each of the tive whose decisions are nearest the final award of prizes and in this month's competition the Judge whose list of tive articles is the nearest the awarded list, we will give a part of Maynard's "Birds of Eastern North America", each of these parts contain an average, of 2 plates and 2(54 pages, strongly bound in heavy manilla covers and at ])ublisher's origi- nal price are worth at least $5.00. 2d A handsomely bound book "Small Talk about Business." 3(1 A collection of 20 common eggs. 4th A collection of IG good minerals. 5th A 50 cent pkg. of Novelties. To eacli .ludge naming the five pi'ize- w^inning articles in theirexact orderand not winning one of the five special prizes we will give a copy of the "Stand- ard Catalogue of North America Birds Eggs." To each* Jiulge namin^ij the prize- winning articles but not in their exact order and not winning one Of the live special prizes we will give v. copy of that elegant new Columbus or World's Fair Almanac, (value 25 ets.). All Judges' prizes are sent by mail prepaid. Address your decision to Fhank H. I>.\ttix, Aliiion, N. V.' VOL. X. ALBION, N. Y., AFKIL. 1893. JSO. 4 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. RrlPf special announcemer.rs. 'Wants,' ■Exchanfres" "For Sales." Inserted In this department ror Sdc per :f5 words. Notices over 3.5 words, charged at the rat« ot one cent per each additional word. No notice Inserted for less th.xn .5uc. Terms, ca,sh with order. Strictly l-'lrst-class specimens will be accepted In payment at one-half list rates. 'Dk.^i.eks'" can use the.se columns at Rprjnhir Advfrtiain'j rates, anly, E.xchunge cai-ds and t'onpons (snuscrlptiou) will be accepted for -Wants" and "ExcUanees" only and according to conditions stated thereon. DISCONTINUE my Ex. Adv. as I have more Birds than I know what to do with. The Ooi.- OGiST is the best Adv. r'aper a goins. Loni? inay It live. E. B. PECK. C mandaigua, N. Y. TO FXCHANGE.— A set of 5 Hairy Wood- f)eckers. with data, for sets or singles of other of>aIities. write soon. B.WAKD RHODES. Toulon. Ill.s. WANTED.— Sets on44. 201. a)0. 310. 31.=j. 40.5' 417. 4W0 Wil' eive Sets. Books. Papers, etc. C- BYRON VANDERCOOK, Odin. Ills. STAMPS.— Send for best approval sheets at a3»3 per cent com. Addre>s, FRANK H. JACKSON. Box I •, Medina. N. Y. WANTED.— A light, \2 bore collecting gun. Will give in exchani^e a few books on Natural History or will pay cash. FRANK D. WEEKS. iJustin Square, Haverhill, Mass. FOR every .SOc. worth of first class .singles not in my collection I will give 100 best quali' y datHS. C. W. WELI.S. Atlanta. 111. TO EXCHANGa.-Eggs in sets for old U. S. postajie fttanips. ngs. curitjsities, lelics, 1 < oks and papers on Oruiihology and Oology. Send Ilsis with values and receive ours. C. & W. STARK. Buffalo. N Y. WANTED.— Eggs in .sets with full data, can Rive l."«0 v:irieties sta7nps and Wood's Illustra- ted Natural Hist .rv. (uewj. GARTH EVER- .SOX, Lake Mills. Wi- BOTANISTS ATTK.NTION.— I wish to cor- respond with a few collect u-'s In the south with reg.iril to exchnngintr specimens the com Jij; sea.son. O. B. COOPKR. CotTeyville, Kansas. FOSSILS. L. and 1-' VV. Shells, marine cur- ios to exchange for same and stamps, papers (Philatelic and Natural History), and V(»r.N(; 0.)i,o(;isT D. H. EATON, 8 Cleveland Ave., Woiiurn, Mass. FOR EXCHANGE. -I have 20 coi.ies of the OuMXJiST and tine sets of Hawk's Eggs to ex- change for Davie's Kev (la'est editifmi. All lett'-r-' answerfd. Address, H. O. TROUNCE. l4,Collier St.. Tor'mto, Canada. EXCHANGE. -Four Black Tern skins for Ccmimon. Arctic. Roseate and Least. First class with data given and wanted. E S. MaC- GOWAN. 4'.:!0 Holly Ave., St. Paul. Minn. COLLECTORS.— I would like to exchange sets with collectors in different parts of Amer- ica during the coining sea.son. CLARENCE NORTON. New Carlisle. Ind. BICYCLE —I will buy or exchange an ordin- ary Vicior for a saety or sell ordinary cheap or I will pay cash difference in exchange. W. E. BRAUI^^OKD. Maytield. Ky. TO EXCHANGE.— Prtt Racoon, young, full grown: Back numbers of the Youths: Compan- ion as far as '«.■>; ^Settings of pure;bi-ed'Brahajna eggs. Letters answereil. LEVERITT SMITH, Box 3.-.3, Wheaton, 111. WANTED.— A ritle or collecting gun in good condition. Will give for same fir>t-class sets, domestic or foreign first class singles or books. J. W. HITT, liVJ Broadway, Indianapolis, Ind. A NICELY MOUNTED Red Squirrel for a Davie's Key. 3d ed. Also want deer antlers and little gator skins. A. B. FARNHAM, Bennings. D. C. A FLINT ARROW and fragment of pottery from the Indian Mounds in the Scioto Valley, ten cents. Relics and Curios. s<^nd list of wants BARTON WALTERS, Box yyf). Circle- ville. Ohio. SO. CAIi. birds eu'gs in sets and singles to ex- ch-inge for :i shot g"n. rifle, or fox traps; state all particulars. OTTO J. ZAHN. 427 So. Hope St.. Los Angeles. Cal. SETS OF Tufted Pultln .'M, Cas.sins Auklet lO-l, Fai'allone 4-i;.'> :i a^ul Brandt's Cormorant .'I'J, 4-3, Cala .Screech Owl 1-'.i l-I.UurrowlngOwl l-."> IS. Ann .'s Humm-' .'{n-l. Yellow-billed Mag- pie :i-.\. Little Flyc;it-K. Black-headed Grosbeak 3-3 and Uusset-backed Thrush ^15-3. FRED A. SCHNLIUKK. College Park, Cala. LOOK : LOOK : A collection of Stamps con- taining .M3 varieties cataloRued at over -tlO, price onlv ■f I '.'."i. Minerals to exchange f<»reggs, (JEO. D. FRENCH. IvoryUtn. Conn. £8 THE OOLOGIST. FOR EXCHANGE.— An eight ;Ueyed ebony flute in tine conditiqn (cost eiuht dollars). Wanted ; Strictly tirst-class eastern bird skins in pairs. Make an offer. EDW. G . MERWIN, li62 Franklin St.. Oakland, Cal. TO EXCHANGE.— Guitar worth $6.50. 13 numbers of Wide Awake and 800 stamps In In- ternational album, lor climbers or best ofter of eggs. Write, CARL H. PLUMB, 1351 Wash- ington Ave., Sprmgfleld, Mo. FOR SALE.— First-class mounted birds and animals of Ohio, Mayu ird in te' changeable shot gun and riae. Iv5 gauge shot and -10 rihe. 2-J tar- get rifle; :i2. 5 shot revolver; Bui war's complete W volumes elegintly bcnind: Polliser's Modern Cottage Homes, with details: Dantes In^ei'no; all ill 1st class condition. Ask for price list. M. M.COOM, Jeffer.son. Ashtabula Co.. Ohio. TO EXCHANGE.— An im model, solid tire. Singer safety bicycle in gcjor! condition. Cost $135. For tirst-cl.iss eggs, skins, ornithological works, taxidermist in>truments or cash. Will tak»'$35. GEORGE B. HATCH, 12\ Elm St., New Haven. Ct. WANTED.— Postage stamps. South or Cen- tral American or any not in my collection. Will give stamps, old U. S. postal cards or a photograph of eclipse on sun last November for every 2h cts. worth. WALTER G. MANSUR, Pittstield, Maine. TO EXCHANGE— 3U0 cigarette pictures, shark's teeth (very rare), piece of Indian pot- tery and miscellnneou-' relics, for tir.st-class eggs, singles. Lists exchang-^d. C. M. GARY. 181 W. 135 St., New York City. CECROPIA coccoons. cash price 2c. a piece. Exchange price 8 cts. a piece, for clirnb^rs.eggs. printing press, back Ool' g\sts, fishing pol«, books on Oology or Taxidermy, tishing tackle, Oologist's tools, flield glass. taxiderm st's tools, microscope, good books, etc. Have also a few telea and •■romethea. LEROY KING 301 Forest West, Detroit. Mich. TO EXCHANGE. -A few specimens of the Goniafifus cornatus and Spirifer rhucronatus of fossils of the Carboniferous period. I will give one specimen of either Coke, Quartzite, Milky Quartz Qunrtz Crystals. Pet. Moss, or con- glomerate (siliceous or calcareous), for every perfect arrow head sent me. LESLIE V. CASE, Naples, N. V. I HAVE a quantity of duplicate singles on hand to close them out this month I will sell very cheap, if you want anything in this line it will pay you to send for list. Tanning liquid $1.00 per quart. J. E. HOUSEMAN, Aylmer, Ont. A WORKING MODEL of a high speed steam engine, 1 in. bore; a I'^i gauge Dickermau ham- merless. single bbl. shot gun ; set of taxider- mist tools; a 31 cal. Colt powder and ball revol- ver; an iu'luctive coil: Z electric bells; a set of boxing gloves and a box of tine water colors. All in good (•(inrlition For a double barrelled breech loMtliiig shot gun in good condition. .]. HARMANUS FISHER, JR., Viin N.Calvert St.. Baltimore, Md. CIGARS.— Want you to try my celebrated cigars. Send Stamp for price list of samples Address. G. W. WALTON, Postmaster. F,il- mouth. Pa, " A3t. J HAVE disnosed of a fine lot of eergs through the ex. notice in the Oot.ogist. THEO MIL- LER, Lancaster. C. H.. Va. WANTED.— "Davie's E^gs." for stamps an4 standard books and magazines. STEPHEN J. ADAMS. Courish. Maine. I WANT skins of Carolina Parakeet and Pas- Sanger Pigeon, also a fine pair of antelope (A. nmfvicann) horns attached to skull, and head of American Bison. vVrite, state lowest cash or exchange price. FRANK H. LATTIN, Al. bion, N. Y. WANTED —Fossils and Minerals, only fine cabinet specimens desii'ed. Have to ex hange for the above a fine 22 cal. Marlin rifle, fine ebony piccolo German silver trimmed, old vio- lin ail fitted up ready to play on, Clark's Lon. don flute and a number of tirst-class eggs of the more common species in complete sets with full dnta. will possibly pay some cash for very dexirahle specimens. Full description of any of the above for 2c. stamp. P. P. NORRIS, L, Box 5)9. North Topeka. Kans. 1 HAVE a few tine clutches of the following, I wish to clear out before I leave for a seasons collecting in Northwest Canada: Red-breasted Merganser 15 cts. per egg. Ri;ddv Duck 25, Red- headed 18c.. Eider Duck 18c., Mallard lOc, En- glish T^al r~c.. Harlequin Duck nOc , Booby 65c., Man-of-war Bird 'Sc. Ring-billed Gull 15c.. Arctic Tern Pc. Gannet20c., "Fulmar 2.5c., Ave- cet a5c.. Curlew 25c.. Skylark 5c.. Lapland Long- spur 30c.. McCown's Longspur 50c.. Bartram's Sandpiper SOc. Spoonbill SOc. Red-throated Diver 25c.. Golden Kinglet 18c. &c. Order at once as I le^ve May 1st for Northwest Canada, W. RAINE. 181 Bleeker St. Toronto, Canada. THE MARYLAND Academy of Sciences through the ornithological section is desirous of getting up an annotated list of the birds of the State of Maryland. To make this perfect correspondence is solicited srom every bird ob- server in the state. F. C. KIRKWOOD. Chair- man Ornithological Section. Md. Acadamy of Science. P. O. Box 364. Baltimore. Md. LOOK.— I wish to obtain flrst-class sets of Hawks, Warblers. Scarlet, Gray's. Cooper's and Summer Tanagers, American and Northern Ravens, Fish Crow, Northern Phalarope and Cranes. I will pay cash for a''ove or give good exchange in Indian relics, polished and unpol- ished agates, gypsum, tiger eye, etc.. spar jew- elry, moccasins, small steam engine, scroll saw and lathe with or without water motor and desirable sets. I also have two cameras for sale, one size 6'4 hj2}4 with tripod and outfit, and 'a detective ramera with fine lens plate holders and outfit, will sell cheap, write for prices. I will pay good cash prices for sets of Wandering and Yellow-nosed Albatrosses. Parties ha> ing any of above for sale or ex- change please send list to H. W ISAACS, Prospect House. Niagara Falls. N. Y. EXCHANGE.— First-class eggs original seta and full data (A. O. U. No's). Bridled T^rn 1-1, Noddy Tern l-I. Sootv Tern M. Arctic Tern 1-3. Black Tun 1 2 13. Ccn^mi n Tun 1-2. Gt. Blue Heron;i-3. Red-tailed Hawk 1-2 1-3. Red-shr,uld. ered Hawk 1-2 I-:- 1-1, Am. Sparrow Hawk 1-4, Turkey Buzzard 1-2. Am. Lorg-eared Owl 1-4 1-5. Texas Screech Owl 1-2. Barred Owl 1-2. 1-3. T-impkin 1-6. Soia Rail 1-8 1-6. Virginia Rail 1-6, Am. Coot 1-6 1-8, Florida Gallinule1-6 1-7 1-8 1-0. Least Bittern 1-4 1-5 1-6. Leach's Petrel 1-1. Cactus Wren 1-4. Long-billed Marsh Wren 1-4 1-5 1-6. Bicolored Blackbird 14. Yellow-headed Blackbird 1-4 ; -5'-]. Cliff Swallow 1-' 1-5 1-6. Meadow Lirk 1-4 1-.5. Bob White 1-8 1-10. Willow Ptarmigan 1-8. Murre 1-1. Mocking Bird 1-3 Pied-billed Grebe 1-6. CHAS M. ELDREDGE' 314 Chamber of Commerce. Chicago. 1 THE OOLOGIST. 99 FOR SA.LE.— A tice collection of tirst-clas eggs in sets with data. Both common and rare. Will sell for half price. Send for mv list. CHAS. H. GULP, Gilroy, Santa Clara Co".. Cal- ifornia. COCOONS and chrysalides alive and healthy for mounted Linednpteri or I will give mount- ed specimens of foreign or domestic for good cocoons. Correspondence with collectors sol- icited. K. P. FROELICH. 143r Lex. Ave., New York City. FOR SALE CHEAP. A few hrst-class sUins of Avocet. \Vilnon"s Phalarope. Sanderling, Franklin's Gull. Longspur. Snow Bunting.s. Pine and Eveuiug Grosueaks. Redpole, Marbled Godw.lt Woodpeckers. Rare Warblers.&c.send for list. \V'. RAINE, Bleeker St., Toronto. Can. WILL COLLECT eggs of Cal. Murre in quantity this season. Can fui-nish A No. 1 well selected series at a very low cash price. Eggs shipped bv expi'ess prepaid. WILFRED H. OSGOOD. "San Jose. Cal. COLLECTORS who wish any live striped or graj- Gophers. Franklin's Ifosv Gull skins, write card for particulars. Catliniie or Pipe- stem exchanged for any specimens 1.5c. per lb. Want Hummingbird skins, first-class shells cor- als, fossils, polished agates. eggs, skins, arrow and spear heads. A. D. BROWN, Pipestone, Minu. TO EXCHANGE. Mandol n value «11. set of 3 oz. bftxing gloves, most new. value $.V for tax- idermist's tools and sets of eggj not in my col- lection. HARRY SMITH, 'iVi Capitol "Ave., Lan.slng. Mich. WANTED.— Complete flies of periodical pub- lications on oology and ornithology, especially amateur journals. EDGAR A. MEARNS. Fort Clark, Brackettsville. Tex. ,HAVE VOU GOT TIIEM'r I want many common water and western birds eggs in Hrst- class sets with full data. G.jod opera aud Held glasses, linen bound trays and Indiana correspondents. I Will give O and O papers, eggs in sets and cash In exchange. FOSTER Maris. Bloomlngdale. Indiana. I HAVK a collection '>f eggs in sets and sin- gles with data valued at *40. Sell for $1.5. cash acccrapanies order; 90 varieties. C. E. JAMES, Monterey, Calif. WANTED.— A good collecting gun, dectective camera and hunting knife. canotTer rare birds egas. skins, txjoks and part cash. W. RAINE, Toronto. Out. TO EXCHa.VGE.— Good datas >it 1.5c. per luO for any 1st class eggs, except most common. Sets with data preferre i : at Standard prices. CHAS. A. WILLI.-VMi. Coralville. Johnson Co.. Iowa. EXCHANGE NOTICE.— Have one tennis net' two balls and one racket, together with direc- tions. Win exchange for single barrel shot gim. 16or2iJ guage w'ith s»t of loading tools. Will sell forr>. R. C. KLINE. .5 Standlsh St., Dorche.ster, Mass. FOR EXCHANGE.— I wUl collect ttne Cal. sets with nests if desired. Collected by myself and posit vely idenlitled. Thurber's Jiii co, Lonisiani Tanager. Swaiiison's Hawk. Costas. Black-i'liinufd. Anna's Hummers Least Vireo. Cal '.Sireech Owl and maiiv i>lliers. Desirable sets wanted. RALPH .VR.VOLI). Pa.sadena. Cal. A.it NOVELTY PRINTING PRESS. Chase in- side 7xlU in., hand inker and foot pressure, cost %-ti, in good order, price *H. Also one Model Press, hand inker and press, 5x7 '» In., if 10, it ia perfect. C. S. CURTIS. Kane, Pa. WANTED.- To exchange, eggs in sets, min- erals, fossils, land and fresh water shells and bird skins for mounted birds and mammals. THOS. s. HILL, Knoxville, Iowa. CURIOSITIES, 'Birds Through an Opera Glass," 3 vols. OoLogist and Fox Hound Pup, for Bird or Mammal skins. GEO. F. (JUELF, Brockport, N. Y. EXCHANGE. -289 stamps and album for best offer. C. F. WESTMAN. 175 King St., E. Tor- onto. Out. COINS WANTED. -If you have any rare coins of the United States or c>ins of any de- scription of other countries, address BRICK PIERCE, Pipestone. Mi m., stating pi'ices, etc. Correspondence si>licited. TO EXCHANGE.— Richmond tennis racket, lvalue a..50) and small block plane (value 1.00>, both are in good condition, for climbers with straps. All answered BRACE & HUNTER, 9;i3 Bayless Ave., St. Anthony Pk., Minnesota. WANTED.- Smith & Wesson 3'.J Cal. Revol- ver, Double Action, Loading Tools and pair of Climbers. Have to exchange Tenor Horn, al- most new. cost $18, Back No's of Ooi.OGiST, a few seis and several other articles, to exchange for.seth. HAWLEY HALL. Lewisville, Ind. TO EXCHANGE.— First-class .singles. No's (Ridgeway's) 115 (two). l'J8 (two), 135, a-l:J, '.i78b, :{8a, a'<5, -lU-i. 4:^6 ; worth at Standard catalogue rates $i..'i5. will take tl..50 wortli of sets lOsprey preferred) with full data. H. (.JORDON BALL, Niagara. Ont. SPECIMENS of fossil coral (acerleama)) geodes containing quartz crystals (light and dark) ti> exchange for Indian relics and miner- als. HERBERT DUNN. Hooposton. Vermil- lion Co., Ills. LOOK —I have a new pair of bicycle pants, a good lancewo id rod aud multiplying reel, a good collecting gun and a large lot of bird skins that I will exchange for old U. S. coins and foreign coins of any date. I would also like dealers to send me their catalogues of coins. W. R. BIRD, Mason City. lowa. I AM GLAD to see the Ooi.ocJiST impi'oving- Would try to get more subscrioers but almost every collect()r 1 know already takes it. From /»}/■ luHt (lit. ill the. fxrimixit rohimii I exrhaiujed over lor) /(^//<, besides a number of singles. With best wishes for the future I remain, EDWARD WALL. San Bernardino. Call'. WANTED.— Fine skins of Warblers in any quantity. Have for exchange, eggs, minerals, shells or curios. WALTER F. WEBB, Geneva, N. Y. WANTED.— Copies of PaclfTo li. R. Survey Vol. TX. Cones' Key. Ridgway's Manual or anv Gf)vernment Report concerning birds » tc. Write terms. E. F. MURCH, Box um Klls- worth. Me. TO KXCHANGE. l'-'.'^ different U. S. .2.50 for- eign stamps, and 175 cigarette plcturei- (his- tories, coins, ••ic. » for best offer of eggs in sin- gles. Pi-fer birge ones. CURTIS WRIGHT Jr.. CaMhage. Mo. ^00 THE OOLOGIST. WANTED.— Skins of birds or mammals in any quantity, liave to offer, fine specimens of eggs, or most auything desired. Send full lists. WALTER F. WEBB, Geneva, N. Y. WANTED.— Tlie one, two, three, four and five dollar used Columbian Stamps present is- sue. Will give Fractional Currency, C lumbian Half Dollars or pay i^asii for same. A'so other valueseKcept the rirst dve. PERRY MARKS. Corn Excliauge Bank, N. Y. City. WANTED.— Taxidermist tools, in exchange for which I have back numbers of the Ooi.OGtsx, •Mauton's Taxidermy "' and a few eggs in sets. CADIN BURDICK, Lake City, Minn. WANTED.— Books on American Fungi state condition, description and lowest cash and ex- change price. Priiiting Press 6x-t with type. magazines hand scroll saw. and a few eggs for sale or exchange, all answered. D. T. KlsiSAM, hi Sterling Place, Brooklyn, N. Y. WANTED.— Mag izines and books on Nat- ural HistDry. The c irrespondeuce of all intere- sted in Natural Histor>, send lists and receive niin«. A. A. McDOLE, Howard, Kans, FOR S.ALE.— One collection old coins, paper mone.y, &c. ; one < oUeCtion postage stamps : one collection of arrow points, celts hammers, drills ornaments, a fine assortment; one collec- tion of odds and ends, gathered from all over the world, mounted birds, rare woods, relics of famous places and disasters, war relics, Indian bows, buckskin coats, hats, horns, bones, shells, ores, &c. Will sell any one line or all th udi ion cost new SiS.OO will sell for a^ia.OO. a 3S Wmchesif^r repeating rifle, 16 shots cost new $16 50 will sell for >i''lU.OO. Is in perfect condition: will throw in lUO shells cost h.ftO. A. H. PHiLLieS, Lawrenceville, N. J. DEAR SIR:— I enclose herewith "copy" for an exchange notice which I would like to have inserted in next issue of the Ooi.ogist. I en- close herewith in payment for same 70c. in stamps. I find that an exchange or want no- tice in your magazine always brings more re- plies than from any paper I've ever tried. Very truly, T HAD. SURBER, White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Great Removal Sale! Collectors here Is your chance to get eggs at a low figure- I have made arrangements whereby I shall move into larger and more commodious quarters, and in order to reduce my stock to the lowest possible notch, would request that all collectors send for my April list, which will contain nearly 600 species. I have also added largely to my stock since March list was issued, and am already receiving nice invoices of 1893 collected eggs, such as Caracaras, Harris Hawks, White-tailed Hawks, Western Great Horned Owls, etc., etc. I can present the largest assortment of single eggs of any dealer in the country. Send for list and you will be convinced. Address, WALTER r. WEBB. Geneva. NY, THE OOLOGIST. 101 VOL. X. The Oologist. ALBION, N. y.. APRIL, 1893. KO. 4 The Raptores of Michigan. BY SCOLOPAX. Perhaps some of the regular reailers of the Or)LOGiST may recall that I began au annotated catalogue of the rapacious birds of Michigan. At that time March 1889,1 wrote of six species of hawks, the list being discontinued the follow- ing month. It is now my intention to go on with this list of Michigan Rap- tores and complete my notes. Duck Ha.wk, Falco peregrinns (ma- lum. This darling falcon was first recorded as a Michigan species, by Sager in his pioneer list of 1839. It has since been listed b}^ Dr. Miles in tbe State Geological Survey, 18G0; Cabot's Birds of Lake Superior, 18."30; Boies's list of birds of Southern Michigan, 1875; and by all of the more recent lists. Steere in his list, 'Migration of Michigan Birds,' gives this bird as breeding in the state but does not substantiate it with any notes what- ever. The best supposition regarding this species, is probably to embrace it as an occasional straggler, but it may even- tually prove to breed iu some sections as it is a great wanderer. The Mississippi Kite. lotinia viiss- i.-( ii])tion. Length 8 inches, boied to receive 32 calibre win<-heslcr cartridges, is not chambered but taper.s gradually from breech to muz/le, the latter being the same diameter as liu? wads which snug- ly lit the shells. A ban re;isonal)le, I have lived and collected ihrough ten generations or ages of egg-cranks, and yet my love holds fast to (he subject, and I feel a deepening interest in the subject because I have studied my friends the birds and their nests and eggs. To be sure I do not feel that thi'ill of joy, indescribable, which once enthralled me, when my hand stole into a nest and felt the treasures there but thei-e is a higher and better feeling, which is an outcome of love of tlie study, intensified by years of devotion to the subject or service if you will. I am not trying to discourage j'ou boys. On the contrary, I want to in- spire you with a rock bottom enthu- siasm, a lasting love for the study and all associated with it. I sincerely hope that those old writers to the Oologist will read my lines and therel)y secure a new lease of life — that is a revivifi- cation. I feel t!iat intense longing each and every spring for the woods, and fields, and birds that I had when a boy, and I am trusting to always re- tain it. ''The child is father of the man. And I could wish my days might be Bound each to each by natural piety." But to return to the subject of criti- cism, and I presume that you are all inclined to berate my authority to talk as I have done. THE OOLOGIST. 10J> A list in Feb. No. gives eighteeii nests of .species described as couiposed of "etc." To be sure if only one or two species of birds built their nests of "etc." we might comprehend it, but when the Prairie Warblers nest is composed of grass, reed leaves, spider webs and "etc." while the Brown headed Nut- hatch hys a nest of bark, avooI. rotten wood "etc." we are certainly in need of iufoi'raation. This waj' of describing nest structures is common and censurable. Describe a nest's ma- terials and there stop. In the January No. appeared aii article which, as the boys say, yanks the fruit-cake from the baker's empo- rium, This article means well, I doubt not, but it is so incongruous that it is enough to make a man laugh. Un- doubtedly it reads well to boys, but to mature collectors it appears ridiculous in the extreme. To a bo}' of big ideas it may seem essential to carry a com- bined gun, with interchangable barrels; 25 ritle cartridges, 35 shot gun car- tridges, skinning oultit, 1 lb. of ai'seni- cal soap, 3 blankets with the rubber.axo, cooking utensils, dishes etc , and a big knife in case you met an old "she bear." Great Livius, I'd like to see the poor boy start out on a trip. And think of it, 2 lbs. of bacon and only four spoon- fuls of coffee. If I had to lug it all, I would mix the i pound of butter with a pound of arsenic and take on start- ing. No one so handicapped, can travel and observe with pleasure and protit. No wonder the writer did not say a word about a pencil and note- book. He had no room. ■; Boys the way to observe and collect is to go light. Remember and sleep in the house if yon can. The seven-inch knife i.s all nonsense, and the axe hardly ever necessary. It is far better to carry your birds home to skin, for afield .^k;i?is are never good; never! never ! However if you are out for three or four days it is well to have a half ounce of arsenic powder, to apply if you shoot a rare specimen the lirst day and can hardly save otherwise. Leave your pound of arsenical soap, the soothing pipe and the -long-bladed knife and much other useless dutlle at home. Take instead, a good note book two pencils, a clear head, two slices of bacon, shot gun and ten rounds, if needed, one blanket, a pair of good eyes and ears. Let the old "she bear" have a rest, you have no use for her. Apply yourself to your observations, and when you lie down to sleep at night feel sure that you have accomp- lished something in the way of dis- covery, even if you have not robbed some bird's nest. Boys m:ike it a point when you are out to exert your own powers and not feel that you are rely- ing on some other man's knowledge. Search out something new, learn of some peculiar habits unknown to others- The woods and fields are full of oppor- tunities for discovery, as the woods, and fields are also full of col'ectors who go aimlessly' wandering about learning nothing wortii remembering and final- ly give up the foolishness, as they often call it. Your egg-collecting is just tho very starting point and in time you will be a thoughtful man ami a natural- ist. You will look back and think that the little monthly ()i)Logist was tlie.pro- motor of your deep interest and inien.so pleasure in all that is connected with nature. Another point; study the ai-tieles written from month to month. Writ«» articles, and good ones too, writo compositions at school as required — spend lime and much pains on them and after reading at school send to the Ooi.ociisT. Don't !)(■ liuit or angry if they are not published. Try againlTlio effort did not hurt yon, but strengthen- ed you. The I103' who is Ijoiiiul to succeed will do so either at school or in the woods. I would call attention lit tin- article ou 110 THE OOLOGIST. Osteology in February No. It is a sub- ject which will furnish much interest to the observer, "Notes from Isabella Co," and 'Birds as Pets,' in January No. show thought and observation and something outside of the common run. Trusting that I may be forgiven for my expressions I will subside. G. SlRROM. iNesting of the Blue-winged Yellow Warbler. Helminthophila x>iniis. Although this bird seems to be com- mon in this vicinity, I see very little in OoLOGiST as regards him. He might be called rare by those- not acquainted with his song. After, learning the song and thus having my attention fur- ther called to him, I was surprised to tind how many were in the woods which otherwise I should never have noticed. The nest however is hard to find. On May 30, 1893, I found a nest which was betrayed by tlie birds, after they had been watched for sometime, the female bird had disappeared and I had given up finding the nest. I gave a .sharp whistle as a signal to my com- panion, who had become lost to my view, that it was time to move on. At once a bird flew up from the tall grass a few feet distant to a neighboring ti'ee, I recognized my Blue-winged Warbler. In a few minutes I had found the nest which was about completed, but con- tained no eggs. June 7th I paid it another visit. The nest had been crushed by a Cow- hiM{Molothrus atcr) who had left be- hind her complement of one egg. The birds were not to be seen, the nest ap- peared to be deserted. However I re- moved the Cowbird's egg. June 9th happening to pass the nest I looked in and was surprised to find two eggs of the warbler. Birds not seen. June 12th I paid it another visit and found 3 eggs which was all the bird laved in the nest unless one or two were thrown out by the Covvbird. The ex- perience of others in this locality give the common number laid as five. The ^nest was composed wholly of leaves on the outside. The inner parts were composed of strips of bark and grass, the material growing finer as it neared the interior. It was narrow and deep, not inA'erfed cone shape. It was placed in a plot of high grass between some stalks :of Golden Rod and barely touched the ground. There were no leaves on the ground near the nest. It was supported by the grass and Golden Rod on which it depended for concealment. The plot of grass abounded with various vines and briers. It was next to a pine grove on one of the banks of the Housatonic river. W. L. Dunbar. Bridgeport, Conn. SCENES PROM THE LIFE OF ALEXANDER WILSON. Wilson in Scotland. G. Vrooman Smith. I wha stand here, in this brae scowry coat. Was once a packman, worth mony a groat ; I've carried packs as big's your mekele table, I've scarted pats, and sleepit in a stable : Sax pounds I wadna for my pack ance taen. And I could bauldly brag 'twas a mine ain. (A Pedlar's Stoky.) On the 6th day of July, 1766, in the town of Paisley, Scotland, was born the author of the above Scottish rhj'me and one who was destined to attain a pure and enduring fame in the country of his adoption. His parents though not of royal birth, were by no means ordinary pei'sonages. His mother died when Alexander had scarcely reached the age of ten. The death of his mother and the unhappi- ness caused bv his father's second mar- THE OOLOGIST. Ill viage, early iadiiced the youth to leave the paternal roof. At the age of thir- teen he bound himself to his brother-in- law, William Duncan, who resided at Queen's Ferry, on the Frith of Forth, as an apprentice in liie weaver's trade. Up to this period young Wilson had re- ceived only the rudiu)ei)ts of a common education at a grammar school in his native place. At an early period of his life he evinced a strong desire for learn- ing; so much that his father proposed to educate him for the ministry; but his worthy' intentions failed to materialize. The occupation to which he had bound himself was not in the least adapted to his free indepiMulcnt nature. Long hours of gloom and despondency, soft- ened only by poetical musing, marked the three years of his apprenticeship. His leisure hours were employed in the perusal of magazines and trying his skill in the composition of verses. Be- coming weary of the sedentary employ- ment of weaver he procured a pack and travelled through Scotland as a peddler. On these journeys he carried with him a prospectus of a volume of poems which he intended to pui^lish. We can scarcely imagine a more peculiar com- bination than that of peddler and poet. He speaks of his occupation in such language as this: If the pedler should fail to be favored with sale, Then I hope you'll encourage the poet. Burns was now at the zenith of his glory. His verses were eagerly read by all the English speaking race. The sweet cadence of his lines became the admiration of every Scotchman. Wil- son was alike moved. Burns had ever been his ideal. To attain success equal to Burns was the high goal of his am- bition. Little did he realize that time and circumstances would favor his rise; and thai he would lead a life more ex- cellent a:.d honored, and hand down to posterity a name of ecjual renown. Soon after Burns had published his poems, Wilsoi addres.sed a letter to him, objecting to the moral tendency of some of the pieces. Burns perceiving the writer of the letter to be a man of no ordinary ability invited Wilson to vi.--it him at his home in Ayx-shire. This interview was extremely pleasant to Wilson, and he repeatedly referred to it in after life in terms of great delight. Not long subsequent to his conversa- tion with 'Burns he wrote an anony- mous poem called "Natty and Megg," which brought high praise from all who read it, and which was acknowledged to have proceeded from the pen of Burns. The cause of his emigrating to Amer- ica was the outcome of a dispute be- tween the manufacturers and weavei'S of Paisley. Wilson sided with the weavers and wrote a personal satire against an individual in the opponent faction. It was published anonymous- ly, but public opinion ascribed it to Wilson ; On returning from the printers one evening he was seized by spies who found upon his person certain papers which testified to the author of the se- vere satire. He was tried and sentenced to a short imprisonment and compelled to burn the libel at the public cross of Paisley with his own hand. Not long after he decidedto emigrate to America and there engage in the merchantile business. He applied himself assidous- ly to weaving and thus procured the necessary funds to defray the expenses of the passage. He set sail fronj Bel- fast for the land of his future fame in the summer of 1794. The vessel had its full number of passengers, but rather than give up the opportunity he con- .sented to sle6p on the deck throiighout the passage. He landed at New Castle, Delaware on the 14th of July, 1794. Such are, in brief the important events of the first twenty-eight years of the great ornithologist's life. Years of depressiqg circumstances indeed; yet he rose in the face of great opposition 112 THE OOLOGIST. to the high piuoacle of fame. He spread a lustre over his chosen occupation which has been brightened by the long line of venerable followers. Wilson may justly be regarded as the pioneer of American ornithology; and the place which his chosen science now holds in the public favor, must be considered as principally owing to his exertions. He paved the way for the science which has numbered in its ranks some of the greatest educators of the nation; some of the giants of the land. Audubon was scarcely more than a boy when the first volume of his American Ornithology was published, and he was travelling the country from north to soutii solicit- ing subscribers for his efforts. It may seem a little strange to us that Wilson failed to succeed in his poetical efforts. The great difficulty In his poet- ry is the lack of that grace and freedom of experience which characterizes the verses of his superiors in the art. He was a man of strong feeling and had a great abhorrence of anything base or mean; but was deficient in language. But these early poetical inspirations were not without their effect upon his writings in later days. As we read his description of bii'ds we can not fail to discern touches and passages of great poetical beauty. He published in 1789 a small volume of his poems called "Poems, Humorous, Satirical, and Serious by Alexander Wilson." Two editions were published; but he realized no profit from the sale. Many years after, when he became en- gaged m the science which has made his name honored among men; he wrote on the lly-leaf of a copy .of his poems, "I published these poems when only twenty-two, an age more abundant in sail than l)allast. Reader, let this soft- en the rigoi- of criticism a little. Dated Gray's Ferry, July 6, 180 1." At another time he said, "There were the sins of my youth; and, if I had tak- en ray good old father's advice, they would never have seen the light." Queer Myths About Birds. From the earliest period of time from which we have any knowledge about the myths and omens of the various races, the bird has always been the oc- casion of many superstitions, the follow- ing of which are only a few. One of the oddities of the Egyptian religion was the homage paid to birds, the penalty for killing a Hawk or au Ibis, was immediate death. The feath- er of an ostrich was to the Egyptian an emblem of justice, the same of the eagle is among some North American tribes the sign of truth and among others of bi-avery, and in Cairo, Egypt the* Hoo- doc, which is common there, is held in reverence as the bird of Solomon, and some Egyptian gods are pictured with the heads of birds. In China the Crow was formerly thought an evil omen. The Romans too, held many queer ideas and fancies about the different species of birds, in the feeding of birds, if the bird dropped from its bill the grain that was thrown to it, they considered it a sign that the gckls were pleased with the subject in question, and had taken this means of showing their ap- proval, and the flight of birds was thought a demonstration of the will of Jupiter and while the Hawk and Eagle both 'ueaut victory the Eagle was con- sidered the stronger omen of the two, but an Owl was very unlucky, and a bird seen upon the left side of a person was an evil omen, while one on the right side was thought good. In Australia the nati ves believe that the cry of a Hawk in the night means the death of a child, and that the bird is taking off with it the childs soul. The Syrians in ancient times ate all birds except pigeons, which they looked upon as holy. One of the birds in The Talmud, when it spreads its wings, it covers the sun, and what is still more queer is the idea that the egg of one of these bii'ds fell out of the nest and the white of it I THE OOLUGIST. 113 broke aucl uxeiMowed a village, and not only that, but stuck together three hun- dred cellar trees. The famed Hiutzil- opochtli, a Mexican deity, was thought to be changed into a Hummingbird. The Zulus attribute thunder to the "thunder bird," while there have been many minor superstitions, some of which were so common that they were not recorded l)y the ancient writers, the above will give the reader some idea of them. D. T. KissAM, Brooklyn, N. Y. Band-tailed Pigeon. Cohimbidce fasciata. The range of this species of the family Columbidce is the entire Pacitic coast region of North America. Their time of arrival in this locality is in May, when they put in an appearance in tlocks numbering from a dozen up to hundreds, but in the past few years it has been rare to see large numbers to- gether. They seem to be diminishing in num- bers, as less and less, seem to frequent their usual haunts each year, and per- haps the day is not far distant, w^hen they will have disappeared, as did the Pigeons, {Ec/apistes migrator inn) which were so abuudant in New York and Pennsylvania, onlj* fifteen j'ears ago. Now one hardly sees a pair, where then they could be found by the thousands. Where have they gone? True many were killed, but not all. Have they found new fields, not yet found by our naturalists, where they breed in peace? And so i- is with the Band-tailed Pig- eon of this coast. Five years ago, the farmers tell me, that this species was so abundant in this vicinity, as to be de- structive to the grain. That at early morning and evening the air seemed fairlv black with them as they flew back ami forth from their feeding ground to their roosts. Now they have dwindled down so that where thousands visited this locality then, only a few tlocks of fifty or one hundred each are seen now. What is the cause for this? They have not been slaughtered here, like those of the Eastern States were. Tjey seem to be receeding back in the mountainous dLstricts, and higher altitudes, and perliaps this is why we see less of them. In my observations I find that they prefer the higher altitudes. The foot hills of the Ca.«cade range and up to an elevation of 2000 to 3000 feet .seem to be their favored localities. Generally preferring to follow up some river or creek. The localities especiall3' frequented are the Mineral Springs, which exist in this range. The Avaters of these springs contain soda, iron, sulphur, salt and a few le.ss- er elements, and are generally known as Soda Springs. Several such springs exist within the town limits of this place (Sodaville) from which it receives its name. Some element in these waters attract the Pigeons in large numbers, and they can be seen at all times of the day, fly- ing to and from the.se springs and visit- ing adjoining .springs. The time they remain at the .spring is generally short, ten or lifteen minutes, but they visit them many times during the day. What prui)crlies it is in these waters which they fancy I have not l)eea able to determine delinitely, but a.s their principal element is gen rally soda, I judge it is this which they are after. However thiiy visit these s|>rings in large numbers, ;ui4'c One page (168 lines) or more, per line lOc Cash must accompany all orders. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Post Office Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U. S. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for sums un- der one dollar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK U. LA.TTIN, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y. *»* Articles, Items of Interest and Queries for publication should be forwarded as early in the month as possible. tHTESEO AT THE POST O-riPf "''^s Egg^ COMPILED BY FRANK H. LATTIN, Assisted by Capt. Chas. E. Bendire, J. Parker Norris, Esq., and Capt. B. F. Goss. It gives the Common and Scientific name of every Nortii American Bird according to the A. O. U. Nomenclatui'e. It also gives the A. O. U. Numbers as well as those of both Coues' and Ridgeway, and last but not least it gives the value of eggs of nearhj every species, over one hundred of which never appeared on any print ed list before. It is not a personal catalogue of any one Dealer or Collector, as there is not a Collector in the entire World who has or could furnish all the species whose values are given, and there is not a Dealer who could furnish over from H) to T.T per cent of the species priced. The Catalogue is printed on extra quality of paper and contains 53 pages, size 3Jf xSVz In. Price .35 cents per copy, 3 copies for $1.00. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion. N. Y. ONLYDIRECTORYo°E"*» (.iiaiamtt'iriK.'iO.OOO. For 111 ceiit^ (regular prict Its ) jour name, if re- ( eived within next W (1 l\ s, will be BOLDLY printed on gummed paper, and from Pub- lishers, Manufactur- ers and others, you u 111 receive hundreds probably thousands, ot \aluable Books, isamples. Papers. Maga- zines, etc. All free aiid each pircel with one of your boldly printed ml. dieaseb pasted thereon. EXTRA! We will also print and prepay postage on 5tt0 of your gummed addresses to you, for your personal use : which are valuable to stick on .vour envelopes, books, etc., to prevent their being lost. Pki dsville, N. C, Dec. 6, l«yi. Ukak Sirs— My 5IHI addresses received. From my 2.5 cent address in your Lightning Directory I have received over .3,000 parcels or mail. My .■Addresses you .scattered among publishers,manufac- ( irers, etc. are arriving dailv.on valuable parcels of Liail, from .all imrts of the World. .1 .A. WARE. THE LIGHTNING DIRECTORY CO.. Department iNo. lil, ir-uiladelpuia, Pa. WANTKD. — LM-haud copies of either -'Coue.s' Key" or "Ridgways Manual." Will give cash or exchange Write stating nonditions, edition and best terms. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. I will give specimens of any kind, advertis- ing space in the Oor.OGiST. and for extra good offers ain/lhiiiii I offer for sale or poss bly tash for lirst-i-lass Indian l-Ielics. or for new or 2d hand hool^ x*n«S.K.REED. fW.. ^zMainSt. WORCESTER. MASS.\^^ HAVE YOU 9 RHEUMATISM Or do you know any friend or neighl)or afflicted witli any form of Rlu'uniatisni; if so send Ids or lier address on a Postal Card to the PARISH CHEMICAL CO , Parish, N. Y. Khenniatisni lias been concjiiered by them and lliey will prove it to you. It will cost but one cent to in- \ litigate this. J3t. YOU CAN MAKE PER DAY Handling the KASTt;sT -iKi-LiNO article on record OVER A MILLION SOLD IN PHILADELPHIA! No matter where you reside: everybody wants them. Write to-day. emlosiiig lv sjamp and we will mail you 4 Free Samples and full particulars, whiih will enable you to commence work at once. Oinnilaivs free. SMITH MFG. CO.. No. 171 Pepper bldg.. Phila.. Pa. Our Birds in their Haunts A POPULAK TItKATISE ON THE ir.IiDS OK E\STEK\ NOKTIl AMERICA. BV UEV. .1. U. LANUII.I.B, M. A. Hi-lof floscrloMons. anft for the most part FULL LIKE IlISTOHIKs a--'" '-Mven ot all llie speclea c'liiiinoii eam of ih« Mtssl.sslpo'. wUh soeclal at- !'in to rii" ao'irs ainl nesfin<.,' and t'\e curlons I lascuiatlng, of wiilcli mere Is so mucb In the s or these woadfrful C'-eatures. The narra- toll )Ws for Mie most p.) rr. the order of the - iQ-t) and uroii|)'< lts"lf ahout certa n Interest- - localities as NIatrara KU-er and st. Clair I'lats. Mlifrallon. Iii.stliict. rh ■ aa ilofjy of niflltl- catlon. the specialized f 'rms aii llliisi rations, handsomely bound In clotii CHce reduced from «3.oj to u^L\ $-'.2r) per eofy, prepaid. EMERSON PIANOS 60,000 Sold For Over Forty Years have enjoyed a iiigli reputation. Bril- liant and musical; tone of rare sympa- thetic quality; beautiful for vocal ac- companiment. Durably constructed of tinest material by most skillful work- men. E.\c-eptional iu retaining original richness and fullness of tone. Rctjuire tuning less often than any other piano. PRICES MODERATE. TERMS EASY. SEND FOR CATALOGUE. Emerson Piano Co., 174 Tremont Street, BOSTON, MASS. Branch (92 Fifth Avenue, New York, Stores ]218 Wabash Ave., Chicago JAPANESE CURIOS. COIN. LarKe OUIcjuk Teiu;)o l^T ENVKLUPKS. PkKof i;4 Inc LOOFAH or Vegetable Sponge, l.'i to 18 inch long, unexcclliiil for bath or llesh brush use 2Sc BOOKS on varied sub,iects, about 100 pages in folded \l ce Paper 'i^>c VK(;ET.\1{LK tooth powder. bo.>c lOc NAPKl.XS. per doz lOf SKl^LKTONS. an uni(iue toy luc CHICKKNS. au Easter novelty l"c FRO iS Lirge ts genuine croakers lOc JINKO HASKKTS I»>i' MINATCKK LA.NTKRV 4in U)c BIRDS ON WHISTLE!^. Museum Speci- mens 'Oc TOOTH PICKS. r)tX) in straw box 10c Any of above sent p)sli)iid upon receipt of price, or t'l iliise OIK. t le eiitire lot for $1.10— only aliuul '.'11 lots in :ill. FRANK H. LATTIN, ALBION, N.Y. ALL future transa'-ti<«ns iu Birds Eggs nhoutfi he and with -Lattin" ;/""'' '"" based on thepric- es given la the New -'SLindard Catalague. 126 THE OOLOGIST. Fossils,Agates, Shells, Corals and Curiosities. Cretaceous Fossils of Eastern Monta- na a Specialty. ScAPHiTES NoDUsus, M. and H. Aporrhals blacgulata i'' ActaeoD attenuata 15 AnlsomvoD 'latielUformls ''o Baculltes ovatus .10 to $1.00 OalUsta Deweyl 15 to .25 Dentalluin gracUe ,15 Hamlnea minor .15 Volsella Mepkl 15 Veniella subtumida I5 Inoceramus convexus 20 to .75 crispli 15 to .75 Lunatlaconclnna 15 Lucina subundata 15 Margarita Nebrasensls 15 Nucula cancellata .15 Scaphites nodusus .in to$2.(i0 Martehia cuueata .15 Turnus Stlmpsunl .15 Fossil wood, containing Martesla, or Turnus . 25 to .7.1 Rock contaln1]iga variety of small fossils. 25 to .50 Tregonucarpus nuts (lossll) size of lllckorv nut 20 to .25 Fo-isil leaves It to .75 Agates, lough lO to ..5() polislied .25 to $2.00 California Oriv.x. polished 40 to$l.7i Petoske.v Agates, " 25 to .7.') FossUferns .i5 to .75 Petritied wood lO to ..50 Agatlzed wood 10 to .50 Porcelainlte 10 to .25 Honey-comb l!)va lO to .a') Sponge lava, will float in water !■"> to ..'lO Lava, has been melted, and run like molasses candv .15 to ..'■.0 Antelope horns, on upper pan of skull, per pair Si.'iO to $2.oo Buffalo horns, per pair .50 to $1.50 Rattles troin Hattlesnake lo to .25 Corals from I'.;Uiamas, li'lorldaand Si- gapore 25 to $2.00 Small mixed shells from West Indes. per pint ..50 Large Assortment of showy American and Forlegii Shells lo to$'>.0o each 10 per cent discount on cash orders of $10.00 or more. Send for price lists. Homer Sqviyer, Mingusville, - - Montana. B RUNN CIRCULAR DISTRIBUTERS WANTED Publishers, Patentees, Manufacturers, etc., are daily requesting us to supply t^e addresses or reliable circular distributors, bill posters, etc. Bruun's success is marvelous, and will open np in 200.000 Agents Heralds next issue, to be mailed to business men, new, profitable and permanent employment to one man, woman or youth in every town and hamlet in the U. S. and Canada. '-The early bird catches the worm." We want a few such aiis. as Bninn's (sample belovs') to start with in this month's Mammoth editions of Agent's Hekai.d Nails up signs, distributes circtil- ars, papers, samples, etc , throtigh- out Bl.-.ckhawk and sufrounding counties only $:^.U0 per 1000. Address W.H.BRUNN. Waterloo. la. Brunn paid $3. -10 to insert above 4 lines, June '90. He began during the summer. That ad. paid then; f.s paying yet. He h?.s been kept con- ■ constantly busy, employs three men to assist, him, clearing c« ^Af«;- labor fiom !H0 to $15 a day distributing circulars at $•' .00 per lOCK^i for many firms who saw his ad. in The Herald. It costs every firm at least $10 in postage alone to mail 1000 circulars. A saving to each firm who employ you of $7 rer 1000. Ten firms may- each send you 1000 at the same time, making- 1000 packages of 10 each, for distributing which you would promptly receive $30, ll.'') in advance and $15 when work is done. Parents make your boys a p esent. Start them inthis growing business. Begin this neat bus'ne^s before some one in your county gets the stiirt of you. "Come in on" the ground floor." Insti notions. How to Conduct the Business. Free, to each distributor only, who sends us $-3.40 cash or postage stamps for a 4 line "ad". AGENTS HERALD, No, 171 South 8th Street, Philada', Pa. "It is worth the price to ever.v pFrson ivho even reads a newspaper."— Dai li-guu . ournal. THE JOUBNAL REFERS TO A Pocket Primer for the use of Reporters^ Correspondents and Copy Choppers. Short, simple »>nd practical rules for making and eoitinp newspaper copy» and of equal value to all who wish to write correct Englis-h. Sent on receipt of price. Pi ice, 10 cents pr copy. ALLAN KdRMAN, Publisher^ 117 Nassai Street, New York. CARR'S NATURAL HISTORY STORE Sea Shells, Corals. Minerals, Bird Skins and Eggs. Curios. Supplies for Taxidermists, Ent«- mologests. Botanists and Oologists. Taxid- ermy in all Branches of the art. Gold fish and aquarums. 40 page Illustrated Catalogue for 2c stamp- C. F. CARR, Madison, Wis. THE OOLOGrST. 137 Excursion Club to Attend the World's Fair. If you have anj- desire to visit the Workls Fair at Chicago, bear in mind that the Uuited World's Fair F^xciu'sion Co. is a soutid organization, with ample capital to fulfil their promises. The company sells tickets on the installment plan, rehinding all but tirst payment if you fail to go, ai)ply to United World's Fair Exposition Co', N. E. Dep't, 406 Exchange H'ld'g, Boston, Mass. PR EM If MS offered with the Oologist Iq '8S '89. "9 I and 'ill. We have a lew of tlie toUuwlng left.— all wrapped ready tor mailiog aud as long as they last will send prep:nd at prices quoted— which are about >.. usual oaes. No. i— ''hilce- dony Oieode 8c. No. 2— call Bell 20C. No. 3— Lar^'e .\corn Marnacle 8C. No. 4—1 eg:; ot each. R'd'w'g. yea. 2:2. 312 aud 3'0. 2«ic. No. -i— 1 egg each. No. l. 63. 135. I49a, 237 and 271, 2iic. No. 6 —Egg ot Noddy. 2()c. No 7—9 in. BiaFs Bulb Blo.volpB 2:ic. "N). S-Eijg case of Periwinkle and Lucky Tooth of Cod 2iic. No. 9— .5 In. Horse- shoe .Magnet f.")C. No. 10— P'k'gor African Coral- Ine .'ic. NO. 11- A Hue spec, ol ea. Sfvila aud Chaina Sc. No. 12-2 N. Z. Beetle Nuts 8c. No. 13 2 liesurrectlou Plants lOc No. 14— Fosll Sea' Urcuins 6c. No. i."i— • Kid couch'" 8c., Sea Kan 9c. No 16 2 Bn.xes Pharaoh Serpent Eggs sc. No. IT— Large Alligator Tooth 7c. No. IS— Egg of Hammerhead shark lOc. No. 19— 11am shell fc. No. 2ii-Phillipli)e Sea Urchin 6c. No. 2i— A Carved Bra/lllau Ivory Nut lOc. No. 2^— spec. Polished Atrate9c. No. 23-One eyg of each, NOS. 1. 12. 13, 22 231,214, E. S. 211, 25S 2iU. 378, 278, 2S9. 304, 460 63. 1.3. l.'ir. 320 282 and 69.).55ctS. No. 24— One PUg of ea. 123. 14'), 149a, 204. 237, 2.54, 244. 260. 264. 2rsb. 3fX)b, 306. (i.ia and 496. 7.'5C. Xo. 2>— 3-'> named Small shells, 7')C. Address, FRANK H. LATTIN. Albloa, N. .. PLEASE STOP MY EXCHANGE NOTICE AT ONCE. You can talk about your papers, but I never saw any that could hold a candle to the Ooi.oGi.sT I have e.KChauged *i)(i.UU worth of stamps just by putting in that little Ex. no- tice. CHAS. ACE f WHITE. Omaha. Neb. 9 ISea Shc'Isin neat cabinet, named •J^isciciitiru) iuid illustrated cala- lou'iie <>' Nat. Hist, specinicns, post paid, 30c. C.F. CARR, Madison, Wis. CAVEATS, TRADE MARKS, DESIGN PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, etc. For information and free Handbook wnte to MUNX * CO.. StU Bkoauwat. New York. Oldest bureau for securin-; patents in America. Every patent taken out by us is brnu^lit before the public by a notice given free of charge in the f cictttific ^lucvian Largest circulation of any scientific paper In the world. Splendidly illustrated. No intollipent man should be without it. Weekly, iSS.Otf a year; $1.50 six months. Aiidress MUNN & CO.. ruBLisHBBS, 361 Broadway, Mew York City. 100 Varieties of Eggs, ^■z.oo. The above offer holtls gooil the year around. All et)liei'lors and leailem of this paper should send stamp for my new priee list.s of Birds Kj^Ks. Addrt'.ss at once, WALTER F.WEBB, GENEVA, N.Y. Woven CCilPIIIC WIRE rcnuinui •kt;^ RABBIT AND POULTRY ^ ^'' "SETTING. SEND FOR H inmU I.NrOiiM.MION. rhe McMullen Woven Wire Fence Co., lis and ISO N. Market Ht., CbicuBo. Taxidermists, Collectors, Trappers- I am pleased to annouiK'c that 1 have i)ur- chased the secret bv which the Freuch tauuer.s manufa'ture their klove kid aud havesochanK- ed it as tu meet the wautsof taxidennlsts and trappers. 1 will be pleased tn send a lar^e sam- ple of Panther skin, prepared with this tati.Muy catalotrue and directions for Ktc. Tiie I'anther skin cost me a larKc sum and I ran only «•'"<' to those that enclose luc. in their letter. The sTiniple mav be returned aud will be accepted MS l(ic. toward a Ixittlc of Habbilfs Clove Kid Tan. BABBITT'S GLOVE KID TAN Is the (lUickest and l"'sl tan on the market and is warranl.'d to do a IMie gr.nW of work. Price ■tl per bottle, postpalil isiitll-iejit to tan twelve Fox skins). A lar^e c talonue of supplies used by Taxidermists and Naturalists in general a<-. James P. Babbitt. lO Hodges Ave ITaunton. Mass. ViS THE OOLOGIST. $300,00 WORTH OF PRIZES Will be Piesented during 1893 to The Patrons (Contributors and Readers) of THE OOLOGIST. Each month during 1893 we shall give live prizes. These prizes are to he awarded to the tive best articles ap- pearing ill each month's OoloGist. The prizes throughout the year will remain the same, except the tirst one which will be the winner's choice from the unawarded articles and publications named in the following list: Coues' "Key to North American Birds" $7 50 Ridgway's "Manual of North American Birds" 7 50 Chamber Iain's "Nuttal's Ornithol- ogy" (2 vols.) 8 GO Goss's "Birds of Kansas" 7 50 Wilsou's(aml Bonaparte's)"Amer- ican Ornithology" 7 50 Maynard's"Bii'ds ofEasternNorth America" (text complete). 15 00 Washington living's Works, 10 vols •. 7 50 Wm. M. Thackerav's VN'orks, 10 vols .' 10 00 Chas. Dickens' Works, 15 vols... 11 25 Jenk's "ConipreheiisiveCommen- tary of the Holy Bible " 5 large 5)00 paged Volumes.. 25 00 Sir W^alter Si-ott's Work.s, 12 vols 12 00 $10 worth of Phonographic Books and riibiieatioiis 10 00 An 8-qt. -Jack Frost Ice Cream Fieezer 6 50 A Due-Bill good for$31.50towaids a new $4(5.f.OMarlinRepeat- ing Ritlc 31 50 A Due-Rill good jor$33 OOtowards a ne\v$45.()()AnieiicaijUnioa (.•-ame as New Home) Sew- ing Machine 33 00 A Due-Bill good for$12. OOtowards a new $20 double case Odell Type writer 12 00 2ud Prize each mouth will be a part of "Mayuard's Birds of Eastern North America," each containing an average of 8 plates and 340 pages strongly' l)ouiid in strong maiiilla and cloth and worth at publisher's original price not far from $7 50. 3d I'rize — Langille's "Our Birds in Their Haunts". $3.00 4th Prize— Brewers "North American Oology" unbound, no plates, original price about $:'. 00. 5th Prize— Baird's Ke\ iew of Ameri- can Birds'" oii<;iiiaIlv M)ld ;il $2.00. Each article receiving at least as many credits as there are number of Judges and not winning one of the leading prizes will be awarded the OoLOGiM" for 1893 bound ii cloth and gilt- Each article receiving at least one- half as man^ credits as the number of Judges and not winning any other prize will be awarded a year's subscrip- tion to the OoLOGisT. All Mss. prizes are sent by mail or express prepaid, exce2)t the hrst, which is shipped at winner's expense. You are a Judge. Yon have been selected to act as one of the Judges in this month's Prize article contest, and your decision must be promptly and fairly given. Your clecisiou must be mailed us not later than May 1st. Write on back of a postal card the tive articles which yoti have decided to be the mo.'"? VOL. X. - ALBION, N. Y., MAY. 1893. NO. r, Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special aniiouuceinorits. "Wiints,- "Exchanfres" "For Sales." Inserted in this department ror 50C per H5 words. Notices over 3.5 words, charged at the rate of one cent per each additional word. No notice inserted fur less than ."jOc. Terms, ca.sh with order. Strictly First-class spi-cimens will he accepted in payment at one-half list rates. ••l)EAi,EKS"can use these columns at Uerjular AdrertisiiKj rates, only, Exchange cards and ( Y)Ui)ons (subscription) wUl be accepted for '-Wants'" and "Exchanges" onlv and according to conditions stated thereon. VALUABLE BIRDS EGGS for sale very cheap. Send stamp for lists. R. FIELD, Box ■J46, Brockville, Ontario. Canada WANTED.— Collectors who hav6 sets of Hummers for sale or exchange, to send their lists to H. \V. ISAACS, Prospect House, Niag- ,ira Falls. N. Y. TO EXCHANGE.— Two parts Maynard's Birds of Eastern North America, one in leather and boards, other in luanllla. H. C. LILLIE. Ann ^Jbor, Mich. EGGS of the Raptores of Nebraska to ex- change for Sea birds eggs. ordJ'r Longii)ennes preferred. J. ELLIS McLELLAN. Nebrxska City. Nebraska WANTED.— Eggs in sets and North Araeri ■ an postage stamps. Can offer in exchange American and English singles, printing-press. --chf>ol books, novels and man}' magazines. ■lOH.V B. SEYMOUR. Clinton, OniedaCo..N.Y. EGGS in .Sets to Exchange for same. Send lists. Have also several specimens Indian Pot- tery to exchange for Eggs. W. A. OLDFIELD, Port Sanilic. Mich. FOR EXCHANGE.— 18 in. special Star Bicy- cle for lower Star or Safety. Vol. VI Golden Days and rt'3 numbers of Volumes III. V and VII for best offer. All answered. W. P. PRATT. Chatham. N. Y. TO EXCHANGE.— Deer and Antelope heads, skins of Western birds and egcs for etrtrs. skins or mounted bird.s. W. H. PARKER. P. O. B >x l.^9«. Salt Lake City. Utah. ODKLL Tj-pe Wrlter.Smith & Wesson Revol- ver 3-i cal. Glass lilow Gun .5 ft. long. All in good order. For l>est offers. No eggs wanted. FRANK STUART. Ritzville, Wash. TO EXCHANGE.— The model book of Natur- al History unsoiled, with ii.iper cover, contain- iner over WiO pages and ."lOi lUiistratious. for bf-st offer in flr.st -class sets. ARTHUR i P'>''K. Box 348. McMlnnNnUe. Oregon. TO EXCHANGE. -A new double action. nlck- le plated, .S2 cal. centre tire American Bulldog revolver, and 25 carti'idges. for best olTer of boxing gloves. I.OREN D. A. SNYDER. Manchester, Iowa. WANTED.— .S. 4. 5, P. «. 10, 1.5, 30, .50 cts.. one. two. thi-ee, four, five dollars cancelled Colum- bian stamps, present issue. Will give "Davie's Eggs." Climbers. Papers. ARTHUR M. LINS- LEY. Northford, Conn. TO EXCHANGE.— Manton's Taxidenny.new cloth bound, for first eight numbers of Vol. 6 (IJ'SH) Ooi.OGisT. Must be in good condition. ED DOOLITTLE. Paiuesville. Ohio. WANTED.- First class sets of eggs not in mycollec.tion:have for exchange sett ngs of pure Hurricane Pit flumes also Pit Game bantams, ii^-i.Oii tier I.S. Will s' nil settings at same price. Send for particulars. BURTON H. JOHNSON. Box fO;?. Orauce, Mass. T HAVE a few choice sets of the American Magpie that ^ will sell ;it rate of 12 cents an egg. If more than one set is desired to show varia- tion will sell at 10c. jier egg. Sets range from five to eight eggs. F. M. DILLE, KW Boston Building. Denver. Colo. ENGLISH or Chinese Pheasants. The moat beaut ful birds in this country We are now booking orders for .'gu's ,'it JM.dO for i;i. Can he set under doinestif liens. Address. H. A. BRUSH & SON. Milt say that I have on hand a full stork of those 'n.'-i'rtii n barrels mentioned by .lohn A. Morden. V~<\.. in last l.ssue of tl.ls pap- er. iMiidetolit IV I. r Hi v^auge shot puns and takinga-ior .'JHciil C. F. shells. Price only \.H\ e;icli. Every collector of small birds should have one. .TJJ shell- i'*H-. per box: ."S, KOc. per box : decapper atnf lo:uler W^-. : primers ^(\c ner box: wad cutter .-J I' .lAMES P. BABI-ITT, Taunton Mass. 130 THE OOLOGIST. WANTED.— Good compound microscope: to exchange with insect's colled ors preferably in South and West. Have insects, species, most- ly unnamed will take such, fresh unmounted preferred. PERCY A. SMITH. Lyndonville, Orleans Co.. N. Y. WANTED. -First-class Skins and Birds in the meat (cash) especially desire Tufted Puffin. Gannet, Crested Auklet, Terns. Gulls, Ducks. G-ese. etc. Send lists. EDGAR A. FERO. IIB Ontario St Cohoes. N. \^. WANTED.— An old style powder-ball-and- caps revolver. Colts with lai-ge calibre prefer- red. Can offer Am. Bittern 1-4 1-5. Wilson's Phalarope '-4. R. T. Hummer nl-2. J. V. CRONE. Indianola. Iov\-a. EXCHANGE NOTICE.— Every one sending me *1. 25 in money or $2.00 worth of Indian re- lics or desirable sets. (Write first) I will send them a pair of my new climbers. Have worked for years on climbers and have at last got a pair that works to perfection on trees. Made from the best steel and warranted to hold any weight. The best climber out. CLARENCE H. M'^ATRONS. Chester, Conn. MICROSCOPE.— Will sell ataboiit half-price a Gundlach Students Microscope with two eye- pieces and 3 incn. 2-3 inch and 1-5 inch best ob- jectives. Perfect order. List $75. Rare bar- gain, w-aut Ladv's Sat>ty Bicycle. F. D. PHINNEY. 8 Brighton Ave.. Rochester, N. Y. TO EXCHANGE. Eggs, relics, minerals, stamps, curiosit'es. coins etc. for same. 30 foreign stamp* for every perfect arrow head or mineral sent me. Co'respondence solicited. W. G. STUTZMAN. Kent, Ohi.-.. EXCHANGE NOTICE.— Corresp o n d e n c e with naturalists d--sired. particularly in Suf- folk Co., N. Y. Have Books, Papers. Marine Curiosities, et<^. to exchange for eggs in sets with data, or skins. A good collector's gun wanted for Cash or exchange. F. TUTTLE STERLING, Eastport. L. I.. N. Y. COLLECTORS haviug Air-guns, revolvers, telescopes, telegraph instumeuts. musical in- struments and other articles to e.vchange for A 1 eggs and skins. Send description for offers to TliOS, STAN., EY. Banner, San Diego Co., Calif. FOR SALF] or I'^XCHANGE. —Electrical Re- views. Scientific Am'^ricans, Popular Science Monthly's. Harris's Insects Injurious to Vege- tation (With colored platesi, 4x5 camera and outfit, .Hx5 printing press and outfit, insect case, and ningic lantern and outfit. Want Smith & Wesson's or oit's revolver or Stevens" rifle. All letters answered. HAROLD SANDERS, Davenport, Iowa. 6 O story ])apers. novels, etc., half of three volumes Golden Days, Manton's Taxidermy, set 2-4 Red-shouldered Hawk, for ornithopgi- cal literature. Cones' Key preferred. MIL- LARD VAN WAGNER, Gretna. N Y. WANTED.— Vol. I CoUec-ors and first five vols. 0(ji-or,iST. Foreign newspaper stamp or twenty varieties stamps for fach number, or for aiiv Ornithological or Philatelic papers. RALPH H. ROCKWOOD, Waterville, Maine. TO EXCHANGE.— V nickels without the Word "Cents'", also back numbers of ornithol- ogical papers and magazines: lor fir.st-class eggs. Sets with data preferred NEIL F. POSSON. Daws. Gene.see Co.. N. V. CALIF. MURES" EGGS.-I can collect a very handsome series for you at bed-rock rates. Send for mv circular of prices. Even 10 egg.'? will show great diversity of color and will cost you only a trifle or you can sectire a large utim- ber. They make the best show of any eggs. "Will exchange for common sets books as fol- lows: ""Phonographic Instructor" at $1: ""Left on Labrador" at Si : ""Off to the Geysers" at $1. Offer any sets you have iiad get som° Cal. Mur- res' eggs and be happy. Address, C. BARLOW, San Jose, Cal. EACH MONTH, for a year, I shall offer three stuffed birds at .50c. each, postage 6c. each. Every bird is warranted my best work and can be returned if not as rei«re.sented This m(mth I offer till mv stock is exhau-ted. Black-capped Chiclcadee. Black Junco, Song Sparrow. The three species! .50. postpaid. JAMES P. BAB- BITT. Taunton. Mass. FOR SALE.— A collection of mounted birds, 100 varieties all highly pltnnaged.case is of oak, glass doors, with brass trimmings. The above will be sold at a bargiin. For full information address LOCK BOX 851. St. Johnsbury. Vt. REMINGTON RIFLE. 4x5 camera and Davie's Eggs, for sale or t^xchauge for stami)s. All answered A. B BLAKEMORE. 280 St. Andrew St., New Orlean.i, La, EXCHANGE.— Singles and sets for sets Send vour list and receive mine. FRANK B. JEVVETT, Lamanda Park. California. TO EXCHANGE. -Fine 1st Class singles and a few sets for common northern sets or skins. Send lists. A H. W.NORTON, Box ill 8, San Antonio. Texas. COINS WAN'rED.— If you have any old U.S. Coins, please send list stating prices. Old U. S. and C in federate st:unps wanted. CHAS. G. COLLINS, Box4:!l, Gardeu City Kas EXCHANGE —Egg for hatching of thorough- bred Black Minoreas for sale, or exchange motinted birds, eggs or d,nything I can use Head of pen scores !t5. Send lists. VERUl BURTCH. BranchporD. N. Y. FOR EXCHANGE.— I will collect fine Cal. sets with nests if desired. Collected by myself and posit vely identified. Thurber's Jui co, Louisiana Taiiager. Swainson"s Hawk, Costas, Black-chinned, Anna's Hummers. Least Vireo. Cal 'Screech Owl and many others. Desirable sets" wanted. RALPH ARNOLD. Pasadena, C il. A;it WE \V.\NT skinsot Carolina Parakeet and Passenger Pigeon and head of American Bison. Write, state lowest cash or exchange price F. H. LATTIN & CO.. Albion N. Y. WANTED.— "Davie's Eggs." for stamps and standard books and magazines. STEPHEN J. ADAMS. Cornish. Maine. WANTED.— Winchester or Marliu Repeat- ing Rilie .1J or ,38 cal. or Coues' Key. To offer, skin of Whooping Crane. ll-J ga. Winchester Shot-gun. sets of this localitv :xnd perhans c^sh. FREDDIE NttRDlN. Mountain Lake. Mmn. FOR SALK CHEAP.— A collection of Choice relic -i. minerals, curios, bracket saw, type, in- sects, in cork lined cases, taxidermist's tools, moas, sttift'ed specimens, books. book case, ool- ogisfs. 8 drawer cabinet, other artiiles. Send stamp, ail answered, failing health the cause of this sale. Address, TAXIDERMIST, Box 30. Baker, O. THE OOLOGIST. 131 ITvEASE STOP MV EXOfANCK NOTICE rONCE. You c;in talk about youi" papers, \X I uever saw any that coukl hdld ;i candle to . iheOoLOGiST I have exchaiiiced .■f!M).00 worth of stamps just hy puttiui:: in that little Ex. no- tice. ClIA«. ACEl' WHITE. Omaha. Neb. lOACH MONTH, for a year I shall offer three iiCfetl birds at fOe. each, postasre fie. each: ery bird is warranted my best Work and can returned it not as represente J. This mouth liter, till my stock is exhausted Black-capped 'lickadee. Slate-colored Jauco and Song Spar- ■ \v. The three for only $\.:*). postpaid. \MES P. BAHIJITT. Tauntcm. Mass. I HA VjE sets of each of the following eggs to \ -hange: Red-tailed. Red-shouldei-ed and '(iper"s Hawks; Great Horned and Barred ' aIs. Will give a good trade for Cone's Key t)r II trade for good Indian relics. JASPER, ■ i;OVVN, Norway. Benton Co.. Iowa. I'OR SALEor EXCHANGE.— 3 live Screech .\ls. pair of horse clippers, microscope. Will :\e foreigQ stamps for m.'-x/ Columbian stamps, -rj). Send .St imp for particulars. W. A, ' iHNSON. \2.i \V. Brooks St.. Galesburg. 111. WANTED.— We can use a large number of 'ra.ti/if Warbler skins and eggs at once, also ~,%ins of other desirable birds: for which we ■ iTer Hne Birds Eggs, Shells. Curios, etc. F. II. LATTIN & CO.. Albion. N. Y. W^ANTED.— A flrsb-class camera will ex- lange my coUectioa and Duplicate Eggs, ad for list and what you have tt) oifer. H. ROGERS, Howells, N. Y. FOR EXCHANGE.— A 'i-i cal. Flobert rille. - 'If shell extractor, nearly new: for Davie's -N • -it and ICggs. and eggs not in niv collection. !1 letters answered. FRANK HARTLEY, ; .X -1.t6. Castile. N. Y. 1 AM GLAD to see the 0oi.ogi.st improving Would try to get more sub.scrioers but almcst .■very collector 1 know already takes it. Fruin my '■. M, II. I'l. .')i,a, '.A. .v.). fit. Cn, 77. ll'i. no. 141. IS-i, IHl. liH. ISJl. 20'). :. -Jbi!. ii)?, aO-!. -iVi. SIR. 'i>\. -Hi. 'ti.\. 231, '."iti, •-'-'-!, ; :. 3*) I. 26 {. ar:). t'^, -jhi. im -jsiia. 2'.i4, anTa. ;J, 40!(, .'. ii;i. •4KI. 417. 41S. 41!». 4-A). Vi'A. 4','K. 414. 417, .'. 4ril. 4.'>*!. 4<)1. IHI. 415.=). 4(j;'.i, 1117, 474c, 47:"). 47ti, >. 47Sa, 4HI. 4S.=.. 4S7, 4KS. 490. 4'.li. 497. 4ilS. .T()lb, ■.. ryi7. .-lOy, .Ml. .Tiia. .")iib, ryjy. 5:«. h-:», 510, .'VJti, lb, .=)*K). .5«:i .5H:ia. .5fi7. .Trt7a, .=iH1, .Wl. .W?. .TS7a. -^1). .=)!»;{. .'ilkV .".'.tM. (V) ,fi05. (i07. fiOS. 1110. fill, fil'l. ; I, Bit). 017. mil. (•.)!. rtL'ti. 0:.'2;i. iV-'Jb, i\-iA. e27, fi^lic. I . fi'Mt. 64 1 . .M). m'i. fits.:!. :, 671, 673, 674. 671), 077, Ii7«. f'.Hl, ('.S,'i, O.S.'t;i. OHI. -:. 701. 702. 70.'!. 7(H. 70.V. 71.S. 71!l. 7ai. 7~'l, '.. 7J6. 7L*7. 72.S. 729, 7:!l. TX). 7:^»i. 74:Ha, 7.n4, 7.56. '>a, 7.V.»a, 7r)«b. 761. 766. 768. .\uy party having M".'ies .\<)T in this list, in full .sets with data. iio would like to place them on exhibition. <•(• of expen.se. is requested to 8«nil us a full I. Notice our editorial in this Goi-ouiST also 11 page .SU and 5*0 of March. DISCONTINUE my Ex. Adv. as I have more Birds than I know what to do with. The Ooi,- ouiST is the best Adv. .--aper a going. Long may it live. E. B. PECK, Canandaigua. N. \ CIGARS.— Want you to try my celebrated cigars. Send Stamp for price list of samples. Address. G. W. WALTON, Postmaster. Fal- mouth. Pa, A3t. FOR SALE or EXCHANGE. -A copy of the Naturalist's Guide by C. J. Maynard. •fL.'iO: A copy of the Canoe and Boat Builder. ifS: A Bflat coi-net with extra mouth piece and mute. All iu nice case. varieties of Brst-class American eggs, in- cluding Black-billed M;igpie. an. White Peli- can and Cal. Murie. will hM sen' p st-paid to any address in U. S. lyr $1.0(i. Also 100 varie- ties of Am. eggs for #5.00. Send youroraers at once. Address SHELLEY \V. l>EXTON, W'elleslev, Mass. YOU CAN MAKE QJ PER •j)^ DAY Handling the fasikst «eli,inu article oni-ecord OVER A MILLION SOLD IN PHILADELPHIA! No matter where you reside: everybody wants them. Write to-day. enclosing 2c siamp and we will mail you 4 Free Samples and full particulars, whii-h will enable you tocomineuce work at once. Circulars free. SMITH MFG. CO.. No. 171 Pepper bldg.. Phila.. Pa. New Standard Catalogue OF [\Jorth ^^merican ^\r6s f^ggs COJIPILEl) BY FRANK H. LATTIN, Assisted by Capt. Chas. E. Bendire, J. Pdrker N orris, Esq., and t'aijt. B. F (loss. It gives the Common and Scientiflc name of every North American Bird according to the A. O. U. Nomenclature. It also gives tf e A. O. U. Nn -libers us well as those of both Coues' and Ridjjewiiy, and last but not least it gives the value of eggs of nearly every species, over one hundred of which never appeared on any print ed list before. It is not a personal catalogue of any one Dealer or Collector, as there is n.it a Collector in the entii'e World who has or could furnish all the sjiecies whose values are given, and there is not a Dealer who could furnish over froui Hi to 7.") per cent of the species priced. The Catalogue is printed on e.xtra qiuility of paper and contains .58 pages, size .S'.fxn'j In. Price a"> cents per copy. .S copies for $1.00. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. Fossils,Agates, Shells, Corals and Curiosities. Cretaceous Fossils of Eastern Monta- na a Specialty. SCAPIIITES NoDUsi's, M. ami H. Aporrhals blangiilata. . . -I'l Actaeon atleuuuta .15 Auiso'.nyon natieilitonols ^0 Baculites ovarns lO to $1.00 Callista Oeweyi lo to .25 Dentaliurn graclle ,15 liamlnea nvinor . .15 Volsella Meeki 15 Veniellfi subtumWa . I5 luoccranius coDve.xus .. . .20 to .75 crispii . .15 to .75 LunatiaconciDUa .15 luclna Rubtiridatii 15 Margarita Nebrastnsls.. 15 Nucula caiicellata. .15 Scaphltes nodusus .10 to $2.1 0 Martesia cuiieaia . .15 Turnus Stimpsonl .. \?> Fossil wood, coniaiuiug Martesia. or Turnus.. 25 to .7^ Rock contalQlng a variety of small fossils 25 to .5tt TregoDucarpus nuts (lossU) size of Illckorv nut .20 to .25 Fossil leaves 15 to .7". Agates, rough . .into.;'' polished . .25 to $2,111 Callforiila Ouvx. pol1siiH,i .40 to $1 7 Petoskcy .\gates, .25 to 7-. Fossil ferns .15 to .7.i Petriilert wood lO to ..50 Agalizedwood .. 10 to .50 Porcelainite in to 25 Honey-comb lava lO to .^5 Sponge lava, will flout in water .15 to .5(i Lava, has heen melted, and run like molasses candy .15 to .5(i Antelope horns, on upper pan of skull, per pair $1 .^O io.fJ.tii' Buffalo horns, per pair 50 to $i.5(t L'attles trom RatilesnaKe .lo to .25 Corals from Bahamas. Florida and Singapore 25 to $2. (Ml Small mixed shells from West Indes. per pint .50 Large Assortnipnt of .^howy American and Foriegn Shells i(i to $5.00 each 10 per cod discount on cask orders of ^10 to ONLY $i.2.") per copv. prepaid. F. H. LATTIN & CO.. Albion. N. Y. ^ BUY THE ^K. llGHT I^UMMIHG ii^' WOODWORK -;-:-^^?^:-:-' ATrACJlMEKisi THE BEST IS THE'CHEAPEST. Send TEN cents to ?R Union Sq.,N« Y., for our prize game, "Blind Luck," and win a New Home Sewing Machine. The New Home Sewing Maciiine Co. ORAMCE, MASS. CHICAGO ILL. RABBIT AND POULTRY NETTING. 'f.LooM^' FOR SALE BY "^UA^.itt-. 8^^ SEM) FOR FIRTHEB INFORMATION. The McMullen Woven Wire Fence Co., 118 and ISO N. Market St., Chicairo. CARR'S NATURAL HISTORY STORE Sea Shells, Corals, Minerals, Bird Skins and Eggs. Curios, Supplies for Taxidermists, Ento- mologests, liotanists and Oologists. Taxid- ermy in all Branches ot the art. Gold fish and aquarums. 40 page Illustrated Catalogue for 2o stamp. C. F. CARR, Madison, Wis. CIRCULAR- DISTRIBUTERS WANTED Publishers, Patentees. Mauu:'ai'turers, etc., are dailv requesting u-i to supply t.'ie addresses or reliable, circular distributors, hill posters, etc. Bnnin's success is marvelous, and will open np in !i()O.OtX) Acknts Heralds next issue, to be mailed to business men. new. prolitable aud permanent empK).^ menttooneman. woman or youth m every town and hamlet in the U. S. anil Canai when work is done. Parents make vour boys a p esent. Stiirt them In this growing rniHlne.ss. Bepin this neat busniess before some oiie in .vour CI Miuty gets the stHrt of you. •Come in on" the ground floor." Instructhms How to (Nmduct ilie Business, Free, to each distritutor ONLY, who sends us fi.M) cash (»r Dostaue stamps for .i 1 Hue ■jvd". ' *^ ' AGENTS HERALD, No, 171 South 8th Street, Philada", Pa. 134 THE OOLOGlST. EMERSON PIANOS 60,000 Sold For Over Forty Years THESE Instruments liave cnjojed a high re])utatiou for more than forty years. They are Brilliant and Musical in tone, and aii'ord a ariost l)eautiful aceompauimeut to vocal music — the toue having that rare sympathetic quality whicli blends ad- mirably with the human voice- They are Durable, l)eiug construct- ed of the est Materials, Ijy the Most Skillful Workmen. They liave earned an especial reputation for Keeping in Tune, and also for I'etaiuing in a most remarkable degree their orig- inal fullness of toue — never growing thin or wiry with age. The Com- pany, through their agents, have re- ceived sevei'al First Premiums during the past few years, and their instru- ments have invariably taken high rank wherever exhibited. PRICES MODERATE. TERMS EASY. SEND FOR CATALOGUE. Emerson Piano Co., 1 74 Tremont Street, BOSTON, MASS. Branch ( 92 Fifth Avenue, New York, Stores (218 Wabash"Ave., Chicago IllusTraTed Catalog. A ■ V tS.K.REED, -^VS inst. WORCESTER. Mass Improved Pocket Gun or Snip Snap. The new improved Pocket Gun requires no powder, no caps, Is neatly finished, durable and :an be carried In the pocket, as It welgns only three ounces. Will shoot shot or bullets with accuracy and force and with a little practice will klU birds on the wing or bring them down from the hlgliest tree. , ir i& just the thing Tor taxidermists, as It will Idll without spoiling the game and makes no report. Sample prepaid 15 cts.. 4 for 50 cts. Iron Iiame, straps of best kind of rubber. Send for sample at once and practice on the Sparrows Adda-ess, FRANK H. LAHIN. ALBION, N. Y. ONLY DIRECTORY on Earto 1,11 u iiiK ( 111^ '>4>,tMMt. For lo 1 1 iit^ I uvular price It- ) \rjiit name, if re- ( I i\( il \M'liin next 3(1 (1 l\-- will be BOLDLY liriMlKl (111 gummed 1> i|)( r, and from Pub- I lisliti^,, 'M [inufactur- ( 1- and (jthers, j'ou \\illr((ii%t hundreds probabh thousands, ot ^ iluable Books, I nplP'~ J'aix-rs, Maga- II c> tic Allfroeand ic li p irppl w ith one of our DoUllj printed ad- dresses pasted thereon. EXTRA! We will also print and pre])ay po.stuge ou 500 of your gummed addresses to yon, for .vour personal use : which are valuable to stick on your envelopes, books, etc., to prevent their being lost. Reidsville, N. C., Dec. 6, 1891. Dear 8iks— My 500 addresses received. From my 25 cent address in your Liglitning Directory I have received over .'{.(kX) parcels of mail. My .Vddresses you scattered among publisher.s.manufac- iirors, etc. are arriving dailv.on vaKiahle parcels of tuail, from all parts of the World. .1 .A. WARE. THE LIGHTNING DIRECTORY CO.. Department No. 171. Philadelphia, Pa. m VARIETIES OF STAMPS $1.00 Duplicates can be returned. AN UNUSUAL OFFER W. F\ GK.E1ANY, 837 BRANNAN St. SAN FRANSISCO, CAL. Catalogue for stamp. Ojitu toiic .J in iieaicaL»iiiei,iiaiiicu ^^( scientific) and illustrated cata- Io,triie of Mat. Hist, .six'cimens, post paid, 30c. C.F. CARR, Madison, Wis. The Oologist. VOL. X. ALBION, N: Y., MAY, 1893. NO. On the Habits of the California Quail in New Zealand. By Joshua Kltl.^no. Tlie many foreign animals intention- ally and accidentl}' iutroduced into New Zealand fui'nish excellent opportuuity of observing the action of instinct when a ."^pecies is suddenly exposed to new conditions, and of ascertaining how lung inherited habits will persist, after their utility has ceased, or after they luive become injurious rather than l)en- rlicial. Of this displacement or aberration of instinct as it may be termed, the Cali- fornia Quails [Ortyx cdUfomiGa) now abundant throughout these islands fur- nish two. good examples Befoi-e de- •i-ibing these it will be necessary to jive some account of the locality where- in they have been observed. The narrow valley of the Pelorus that drains into the head of the Pelorus Sound and inlet on the s uthern shores '>f Cook's Straits, is walled in by steep mountain ranges from two to three thousand feet in elevation. Towards its mouth or for the first eight miles the average width between the l)ases of the mountains is about ninety chains; after which the valley contracts rapidly un- lil it becomes a mere gorge, the mount- • lins constituting the banks of the river. The level land consists of terraces formed while the valley was a portion of the Sound and of low alluvial Hats formed by the Pelorus River. Though tliese flats are all subjeet to inundation, portions of them are only covered by the very higliest floods, which occur at long intervals, while other portions are low and swampy, being in many places raised only a few inches above the or- dinary level of the river. Except where lire or artilicial clear- ing has made room for fern and giass, the mountains are clothed from base to summit with dense evergreen bush. The greater portion of the level land is now either in grass or imder cultiva- tion, the low parts referred to being however still covered with scrub, rushes and the native flax {Pliarmium tcnax). Cover indeed is every where abundant, the vegetation of the valley lieing particularj'^ rank. It can l)e seen from this description that there is a wide choice of situations for ground nesting birds, yet the favor- ite building place pf the California Quail, is amongst the rushes and l!ax in the low, swampy parts of the valley. The climate of the Pelorus being ex- tremely uncertain, — heavy rains and Hoods occurring at all seasons of the year, and the river frequently rising Ave or six feet in a few hours — the dan- ger theQuails incur in selecting the low ground for their nesting places is ob- vious. In this respect they present a marked contrast to the indigenous Gray Duck [Anaa supcrcilio.ia) which almost invariably places its nest above the highest lloodmark, though it brings its young ones to the water immediate- I}' after they are out of the shell. I am only aware of one exception to this, a Gray Duck having made its nest in a drained swamp, out of sight of the Pel- orus River but not high above it. The indigenous vegetation (consisting of various species ol Carex,Typha antjusti- folia and Plutrinhim tcnax) bciing des- troyed and grass substituted, tiie bird referred to may iiave been deceived by the altered appearance of the place; in- digenous grass in this part of the coun- try always denoting dry ground. We have here an example of aberration, in stand back and let them till it. 136 THE OOLOGIST. an iudigeuous species, due to local causes. The second peculiarity in the habits of the Quail will be best descril^ed by giving an instance. In a low lying por- tion of the bush, near to the swamp re- ferred to, one of these birds had made its nest and laid fourteen eggs close to where a tree was felled to be converted into shingles. When the work of con- version commenced the Ijird was sitting despite the noise of cross cutting and splitting the timber, and the removal of scrub close to her nest. She sat on in full sight of the workers until she brought out her brood. When suddenly come upon the Cali- fornia Quails escape detection by crouching low. and keeping quiet, un- til the intruder has passed when they immediately fly off in an opposite direc- tion. From this it seems possible that the sitting bird not being interfered with by the shingle-splitters, acted in- stinctively on the principle that unat- tacked was unperceived. The nesting in flooded ground with safer situations close at hand, seems at first sight like a want of sagacity, but probablj both this and the other peculiarity might be sat- isfactorily explained by I'eference to the original habitat of the species. Being unacquainted with that portion of the world whence the Ortyx californica has been imported, I must leave this matter to others better informed than myself, my object being merely to di- rect attention to the subject. While these foreign quails are in- creasing i-apidly the indigenous sp€«.'ies (Coturnix Nova' Zelandia') is fast be- coming extinct. From the northern portion of the Middle Island where they were foi-merly abundant they have now entirely disappeared Several causes have led to their extinction. First they inhabited the dry grass land, where tires became freiiucnt after the colonization of the country, and second- ly, being birds of short and weak flight, they fell an easy prey to the dogs. Thus it can be seen that the introduc- tion of a new element into the ancient habitat of a species, may be more fatal than the removal of a species to an en- tirely new envii'onraent. The California Quail belonging to a country where foxes, wolves and other predatory quadrupeds are found, is able to lioki its place even against the most destructive of all animals — man. In places like the Peloi'us some un- doubtedly perish by floods, but the large broods from fourteen to twenty in number, they annually bring out more than compensate for this loss. From the unusually great number of eggs these birds lay it seems probable that even in their orginal habitat a lai'ge proportion of the eggs or young get destroyed. Joshua Rutland, New Zealand. Courtesy and Business in Exchanging. I have often wondered that someone did not write an article on the matter of courtesy between collectoi's; those engaged in exchanging, and in general correspondence. But as mnch as there is a need of an article on the subject no one has, it seems, found time to de- vote an hour to the subject and write about what we need in this line. Having been a sufl'erer, n;yself, for nearly a quarter of a centiiry, as -a crank on the subject of eggs, birds, and various other matters pretaining to crankism, it is fair to say that my re- marks are at least worthy of consider- ation. Boys — and 1 reason from my know- ledge of our interests, that we are near- ly a^l boys — are too ai)t to think only of themselves in all matters of exchange and selling of specimens. It therefore follows that some, yes, a large number, offer specimens in exchange that they have not in their collections and per- haps never had. THE OOLOGIST. 137 If au exchange (piospeL-tive) is con- sidered by letter; then each sends the other a list of eggs. This list is (almost invariably I am soi'iy to say) stuffed, so to speak, with high priced eggs or skins, which the exchangers do not possess. After the exchange is eti'ected each of the parties to the deal, ten to one, are in the possession of specimens of skins or eggs which are'out of sight,' in the eyes of their latest pos&essors,and each feels sure that he has the best of the other. The next exchange, in which one of these fortunate (?) collectors tries to exchange his specimens to a knowing oiilogist, results in a fiasco, owing to the fact that the knowing one knows what's what. Then follow letters of recrimination, or that is, in boy's talk, sdss, and the ultimate result, that both of the last exchangers think the other a swindle, and a suide. I have had this tried on me an hundred times. Every collector knows what it means well enough. And it will be tried again 1,000,000 times among the collectors of the United States in years to come. Then there are the whiners who are always the ones who complain to the receiver of damaged eggs, that the specimens sent, were in good condition when .sent, and who reallj' sent the eggs in a paste-board box. They wonder why the eggs could not go 1,000 miles safely by mail in a paste-board box. They kick and stew until a good col- lector will send them something tokeep them (piiet. Then there is the jjostal card fiend, who sends postal cards indiscriniinafely all over the United States and Canada for price lists. Ten to one he has not a cent, and in nine cases out of ten he is a beginner, with everything to gain and nothing to lose — including reputa- tion. He writes to everyone, and wants eggs, skins, shells, insects, corals, reptiles, etc. He has no money and no specimens to exchange, and will write perhaps six mouths, twice a week, and never show up a cent, or anything else, but conceit and back talk. No one ever knew him to enclose a stamp for reply, or to do as he agreed. Perhaps he is not at fault, and probably too young to know better — but I advise all sensible collectors to let him alone. Next follows the young chap who sponges his paper and envelope of his sister or mother, and two to one places the stamp in the left band corner. It is not best to answer his letters either, unless he encloses a stamp for replj', and then only to say no, to his (juestion of exchange. The boy or girl, man or woman, who shows his or her own independence and therefore individuality as a business person, by writing on proper paper, according to sex and person, and talk- ing on paper like a business per.son, will command respect. Provided that a stamp is inclosed, an answer is assur- ed. But the boy or man who writes like a baby-boy, and with no more style or individuality than is possessed by little school-girls of ten years, cannot expect to succeed. I have letters that are from boys of twelve or so, which are models of business system. Then again letters come to me from grown men, that are the indicative of the slouch and non-])rogre.ssive clas.s My aim is to stimulate you to improve- ment and to cause you to attempt a hip her plane. In order to do this you nuLst not remain simply ocilogist alone. Do not think that you have the world by the coattailsbecauseyou havt; more eggs or species than your chum. Oology is only the beginning, or at least one notch above stamp collecting. No one needs to be above it. There is much to learn in it as in all other things but you must not get into the rut of think- ing that it is alou(\ and pre-eminent But with oolngry oT any other science,' there is a good oppoitnnity to inform one's self.and as well l)e upright among 138 THE OOLOGIST. your fellow uieu. There are a few rules in your intercourse with birds and men which it will be well to bear in mind, and which 1 will place here for your guidance, believing that all will agi'ee with me upon reading them over. 1. Identify your specimens fully at the time of capture. Don't call your sparrows eggs swamp sparrows, be- cause you found them on the low land. One-hundred to one they are song spar- rows. Never send or receive an egg or anything else without perfect identi- ty. Never buy specimens except from reputable dealers. 2. When you write a letter requiring information, or a list, enclose a stamp. The editor of the Oologist will tell you that he is out many dollars each year, for postage on account of these delinquencies. Think of your own case if every one should expect you to write. 3. Pack your eggs properly in cotton and enclose in wooden box. Cigar box is good if properly fortified in cen- ter with strong fastened partition or properly end liued. Don't .send letter by the same box, it is against postal laws. 4. Don't buy from, or exchange with the person who advertises eggs for less than one half what other dealers sell for. You may rest assured that he is a swindler. 5. Don't send out so-called sets of eggs with eggs from different clutches in it. A good collector knows your little game at once and you soon get a name for dishonesty. 6. When you correspond with any collector, in fact any one — make an effort to improve in writing, punctua- tion, spelling and general make up of letter. And above all be punctual and polite as well as punctilious. 7. Get good «tyle of propex'-sized paper and write like a business man. Jiemember that in my judgment, the boy or man who writes a neat letter, punctuating pi'operly and filling out his hues fairly, is much more liable to pi'epare his specimens well, than a per- son is who scrawls all over his sheet and makes his writing look like fly- tracks in ink. G. SiKKOM. The Raptores of Omaha and Vicinity. BY CHARLES ACEY WHITE. Swallow-tailed Kite, Eianoides forjicatus. Accidental visitor around Omaha, but more common through the country. Marsh Hawk, Circus hudsonius. The Harrier or Mouse Hawk as more com- monly called arrives here the last of March, when pairs may be seen sailing along the ground and chasing each other like children at play. Nidification begins al)Out the first or second week in May and if not disturb- ed will resort to the same old site for years. The nest is situated on the ground near water in tall grass or on a slight hillock in a marsh, composed of coarse grasses, old weeds and sun flower stalks, if growing near. The nest is very loosely constructed and liued with coarse grass. The eggs are greenish white, either immaculate or faintly spotted with brown or lilac, rather oval in shape, three to six in number. Sharp-shinned Hawk, AccCpitei- ve/ox. Found breeding here and north of Florence, Neb. It feeds principal'j' on small birds. The eggs are subject to great varia- tion. The ground color varies from bluish-white to grayish-white, spotted, l)lotched, speckled and clouded with fawn color, burnt amber, chestnut, chocolate, lavender-gray and dark brown, spherical in form. Cooper's Hawk, Accipiter cooperi. THE OOLUGIST. 131) The commonest of our Hawks, arrives iu the latter part of March. It is a - beautiful and daring bird and quite well known to the country people. He is not such a free-booter as some would imagine, although I will admit he loves ''chicken". Like the darkey his mouth waters when he hears the cackle of a I hen. He also feeds greatly on small birds, squirrels and ra »bits. He may often be seen sailing along close to the ground, eagerlj' lookiu •■ for his prey. When one is spied he quickens his ; flight until almo.st upon it. Then like an arrow he swoops down and bears it away. It is remarkable how one of these birds can sail so swiftly among the heavy timber and never strike against some tree trunk. One day while out hunting I saw a >" Cooper's hovering over Florence Lake, and thinking it rather strange conclud- ed to watch hiin,. After twenty niia- ntos had lapsed he slowly began to de- •cnd until within ten yards of a patch of rushes. I then arose and fired at him but missed. Just then a Mallard flew up from the si)ot where he was watching, but Cooper's did not give chase for he concluded to get out of gun range. I firmly believe he was ' watching the duck ( The nest of Coopei^'s is geneially ! situated very high up, and composed of small twigs. Crows' nests are often oc- 1 II pied. A pair nested in the same iiist two years near Scotland. Laying commences about the second week in May, sometimes the first. The t'ggs are of a pale bluish or greenish- white, fi'equently spotted with pale liiownish red. The numl)er in a set is irom four to six. American Goshawk, Arripihr arti- ■ iipi/lus. This large and l)oautiful hawk is only a winter visitor to our wood. Rkd-tailed Hawk, But eo boreal is^. The Red-tailed Buzzard is a very com- mon breeder in our woods. Like ''ooperi it is also a lover of the barn- yard friends, but lacks the nerve of his little cousin.. Here they feed princi- pally upon- squirrels, gophers, chip- munks and small birds. The remains of the rodents are genei'ally found in the nests The nests ai'e situated iu very tall trees and composed of sticks, twigs and bark, lined with Ixirk. The only feathers found in the nest are off the breast of the bird. L. Skow took a very tine set of these eggs, April 7, 1893 near Scotland, Neb., four miles north of Omaha. Kridek's Hawk, Buleo borealis. Ac- cidental visitor; very rare. Took a fine specimen near Florence, Neb., three miles north of On)aha. WEgTERX Red-tail, Buico borealis cnlurus. Accidental visitor; have only seen one since 1890. Red-shouldered Hawk, Butco line- atu.t. This Hawk is largely distributed over the state and is abundant in win- ter. A great manj' call it "Chicken Hawk," but it seldom visits the barn yard. Its food is usually frogs, rats, mice and sometimes small snakes. The nesting of the Red-shoulilered is almost the same as the Red- tail, but here it seems to like small woods. The ..umber of eggs deposited is three or four, sometimes only two. The back- ground is bluish or yellowish-white; sometimes brownish, spotted and blotched irregularly vTith many shades of reddish-brown. A set in my col- lection is exceedingly heavily marked with dark brown. Swain>on's Hawk, linlcn awainffojii. This beautiful l)ir(l may also be classed as a common breeder here. I have never heard of this species visiting the barn yaids. They feed principally up- on gophers, grasshojjpers, mi«-e and large black crickcl.s. The nests of this si)ecies are situated in trees, from 30 t«> 50 feet from the ground. Old nests of Hawks and Crows are also filled up. A set of eggs taken April '^0, 1891 140 THE OOLOGIST. consisted of two. The backgrouud was of a greenish-white tint, spotted, stain- ed and blotched with reddish-brown. BROAD-w^mGED Hawk, Buteo latissi- mus. The Broad-winged Hawk is also a common breeder, but not so common as B swainsoni. A set of two, taken May 15, 1892, answers to the following description: ground color yellowish- white, variously marked with spots, blotches and clouds of umber-brown, chestnut and fawn color. The nest was situated in a high tree, old Crow's. Golden Eagle, Aquila chrysaeios. Transient visitor. Not common. A pair nested near here in 1884. Bald Eagle, Halicretus leueoceph"!- us. Transient visitor. Rare. Of late years they have become verj' rare. Prairie Falcon, Faico mexCcanus. Winter visitor; not common. Took a tine specimen near Hardwood Lake. Duck Hawk, Falco peregrinus anal- urn. • Summer visitor; not common. Took two very fine specimens near Florence Lake. American Sparrow Hawk, Falco sparverius. This handsome little Fal- con is a very common visitor to our woods, but I have never found them breeding here. American Osprey, Pandion haliaetus carolinensi.t Visitor; not uncommon. Six specimens were taken last year near Florence, Neb. Barn Owl, Sirix prntinrola. Visitor; not common. Took seven specimens near East Omaha last year. American Long-eared Owl, Asia tvilsonianuf! . This bird is a common breeder. Its notes are like the "rae-ow" of a cat, but when heard in the distance sound more like "hoo, hoo ow." The nests of this species are generally old ("row's or Hawk's, which they repair with a few sticks. The eggs are from three to six and some- times seven in number. Short-eared Owl, .4.s?o nrcii-ifrinvs. The Marsh or Short-cared Owl. is a common visitor. Barred Owl, Syrnium nelmlossum. This Owl is found among our bottom woods near the river. They commence to breed here in the latter pai't of Feb- ruary. The nests aio in hollows of trees, in old Crow's and Hawk's nests. The eggs are two or three in num- ber, very rarely four, globulai", white. Screech Owl, Megascops asio. I have never found a nest here but sever- al collectors say they have taken eggs, so I will call it a summer resident; common. Great Horned OwL,Bubo virginian- us. Gem of our Owl visitors, it is known as the "Hooter," Hoot and Cat Owl and is the largest of all Owls with ear tufts. It is a lover of the barn yard inhabitants, as well as rabbits, raccoons, weasles, minks, etc. They commence to breed in Febru- ary, and eggs are common until April. B . virginiamis hree^s ?iYao\: g our deej) woods near the bluffs, also on the bot- tom lands. Old Red tail Hawk's nests are usually occupied after being relin- ed. The eggs are two or three in nuuj- ber; white in color; globular in form. Five eggs in my collection measure 2.15x1.70, 2.18x1.73, 2.31x1.85, 2 28x 1.80, 2.29x1.82. Burrowing Owl, iS^jeo^r/to enuicu- lariii hypognea. Many of this species are found here but I have nevei taken their eggs. They breed in the state, but not here. A Few Hints on Camping. I know that when I grew large enough to *hink about going camping, I engei"ly sought for any points on that subject. To the initialed, this article will not appear of much interest, but I hope that some of the readers will pro- fit by it. We will suppose that we are going out in the warm summer months. The THE OOLOGIST. 141 teat should be large euoiigh to accomo- date the party comfortably, so that in case of rain, you will not be packed in like sardines, which is often the case. One word about the place to pitch tlie tent. We always want to be near a .stream of water, but the lowlands are very often unhealthy, so pitch the tent, if possible on a bluff, near a group of medium sized ti'ees Large ones are very apt to blow down, in case of a heavy wind storm. In digging the trench around the tent, throw the dirt up against the sides, so that you not only have a protection against the rain, but a protection against reptiles. Each person should be sure to take the following outfit; An empty tick (to be filled after you reach your destina- tion if convenient) or a cot, a camp stool, two blankets, two tin cups, two knives and forks, and two spoons, be- sides the necessary cooking utensils, there should be a good tight box for the provisions. Of course you are to decide the provisions tliat you want to take but be sure to take enough grease to fry game witii. The last time that I was out camping I ran out of lard but I happened to have a lot of breakfast Inicon with me, so I rendered the lard from it and founil that it was a very good sub- stitute. You will probably want to get bird skins and eggs, so be sure to take the necessary instruments, for there is nothing so aggravating, as to secure a fine specimen and then not be al)le to s;ive it. Vou can hang tht; hooks from the ridgepole, and have almost as conven- ient a place as if you were in your room at home. Of all tilings do not touch the top o'f the tent if it is i-ainiug. unless you want to get a ducking. One of the first times that I slept in a tent, was a night when the rain was pouring down and as things werenewto me, I could not go to sleep. Not thinking what I was doing (for I had been warned before hand) I reached up and rubbed the tent, direct- ly over my head. In a minute or two the water commenced to splash in my face and .finally I liad to get up and move my l)ed but I had to go to sleep on a water-soaked ])iIlow. On a pleasant night I prefer to sleep in a hammock, but I think that those who have been camping near a piece of woods, will agree with me when I say that the beginner will find the tent more comfortable, when the owls, especially the screech owls, begin to hoot. I used to think that I never would get u.sed to the shi'ill cry of the screech owl. I don't • think that you will need a revolver with you. I have camped out several times in the woods, andi have never seen the time when I need- ed one. My collecting gun is the only arm that I ever take with me, except a strong hunting knife, that I use for every thing that you can tliink of, from cutting off a limb of a tree that has a birds nest on it and skinning game to splitting kindling. Curtis Wright Jr. Carthage, Mo. Short-billed Marsh Wren. Culothorus slellari.t. This very peculiar, somewhat rare, and extremely interesting species of the Wren family is an abundant summer resident of North Western Iowa. Its ar- rival and departure are both little notic- ed and little oknown. It must arrive t|Uite early as will be seen b}' some of the breeding dates which will occur in thisskelch. For the same rea.son it must depart rather late. It is a bird that tins casual observer will never distinguish from the common, "sparrow", "grass bird," etc , with which he imagines him.self to be ac