en ee dee ope Sem fae y . “ : a Mee SES he, < ‘ “ : oh ~ ue Cate ee Ae ets NE ae RR 2 . ~ Fe ASR aa nee A et a eT SRST AT pee te Pe Oe aed eae Se ee potibadigaiie amperes Ore a at at ne PRE A PTE 0 ae Oe BAER LOE LEA Dia OG A: SM AAA earn ee APTI Te ee ee ee eer iad nine CD a od an att Ae act te TRAE A BN A an MT Te Fitnet ON A GEE AF eee Parte Mad feet tee tr a Fe Rt on, Pe ee eae ne ee Ce ed eee dao ene Bee le Rie Ta aan Pr en 9 ht Pe One Latte tee Poe ht PL ted Bote Fe Ae am. nee RO, Red ede EEE Lge A eT rane Na SEDO, SRN eet cag Neh ES SN LO A me a ae et ON ek a Ie HN RS a arte A aT ae Se RE Rone SR GPR AS ta TE ETERS Te Seem Se RINT eng eae N One RT A AE NE Rabe Tah ON aS gy Soe ea ate Bo Neate Oe ty eae ng teeth Aa ee hag Say Meee ZA Sm? ae Ne LS et ETS ET Sgn wg RS DAR the enn AAU PEN 9 Re Se ae the Spa tage SA NEN pabieencer See Soe reac oA STN tn tn et is pet een NE AY SS eT Ua LD tar en a Anca he AE RSA EER I Sieh ee Fas mem TE AUR pemeeaen Merges SS AE ae tS cay Spas teen er BE NS eh Be Rt ROA Fe sho aa a tay ate Mee en EN, Ee The a elet one rete EO te tt eB On Spates nee eee pe Raaekerbes yong TA oR aa at ee es Ria ee ea i ee ee Foohinee reer eae 3 NE yg tote Pe ee Sore ren sarc trrae 5a Si 08 tre de Sat Start PES ceo machete area Mae an = iacaeiiataenelinin’ to OT ie Gir es ia cane tee AAR win oe BSN saa ag PERS TE oth eR TO : TOES eee RT ye dT TR hae TR eee ENE HELENE ET TSE Faded A BE gen tte Bol nnd Deak eee en need BAK fe Pat AE ttn bt OF aie oO Cees: emcee : otyenn rn ene oe Soe fete ae at Pe ee OR - BA RN Sat AON ET SES Se, ee Po Be RS RS te tet Se EEN ne Bg NE RT SE RS yen, FRSA ee Rare Mie at at ee se ANAS eR RAR te ee Tae Lo ee TEE ‘ eee OL te Siam ne ahaa gee Mee SR a he eae eT a RE CE ne nkale at ghey ee Wo ean nn Pee Se - oR I Mag ee IK oe Re ee ORL we RE EE EMS ES ee a gene he ne ee ree A eee eet tet cnet IER, for Agee A I eo FN A EA ery thg a FA, Nene, nen ane Et ae ee Tint an eat eRe aOR NN SEE FT eit ee RE te en eet NT IS Sheet as Sane ar amen pnane ee Sond 2 Sp heen net eat Bear S31uYVHYSaIIT LIBRARIES NWINOSHLIWS NOILNLILSNI RARIES SMITHSONIAN SMITHSONIAN S SAIYVUaITI_LIBRARIE SRARIES SMITHSONIAN OSHLIWS INSTITUTION 2 Ww i! — (ex ras az NVINOSHLIWS _ i S) Ya 2 YS} XN — oe SMITHSONIAN BS le lip NVINOSHLINS S aM = + Cc a “a (@) Fa NVINOSHLINS : fe) \ = = STITYy Ww 7% IN DCS ISONIAN LIBRARIES Ne S3iuy¥vugdi1t LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. NOILALILSNI S31uVN@IT LIBRARIES S3luyvudl INSTITUTION NVINOSHLIINNS NVINOSHLIWS SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN NOILALILSNI NOILALILS INSTITUTION” NOILALILSNI~ NYINOSHLIWS INSTITUTION S3JIUVUSIT LIBRA SMITHSONIAN NVINOSHLINS S3IuV¥gIT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN NVINOSHLINS S3luYVdall_ LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILALIL saiuvuald 17 LIBRARIES S3IYvustit LIBRARIES INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI saiuvug NVINOSHLINS SAluVv JSHLINS ISONIAN ISHLIWS INSTITUT NYINOSHLIWS INSTITUTI Ni Saiuvugd | ., INSTITUTION SMITHSONIAN NVINOSHLINS S3IYWud e : f i 4 UY); Z Ae wy. 2. ness 8 oS aS Cea = ° on ss eects a7, \ ud : ace & boa a = a. % = o =| oc < A, ug ra luvya Tl BRAR!I ESS SMITHSONIAN SINS TTD TIO! 3 a = oo = j o ee) 5 9) 5 aw > Ke > t= .> 2 = 2 oe 2 aie i Z 7 ARI ES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILMLILSNI_ NVINOSHLIWS, Sa fuvusdl = ah = we. = = VW); 2 a: a # SS = ra = = = VLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S3IYVYEIT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN _INSTITUTIO! S SX ARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NOILMLILSNI NOILALILSNI LIBRARIE S3INYVUGIT LIBRARIES SMITHSON! INSTITUTION NOILALILSNI S S = 5 5 2 ey Mey Ee 2 - “Gy, i= Ze ee 3 eee UN ALILSNI NVINOSHLINS S3IYVYGIT_ LIBRARIES, SMITHSONIAN ra, (¢7) Zz wee (77) = 2 4 SS \ =1 S = Bip SD Ce" = S iE 2 “yp = “XN 2 E an = id a 2 ab ARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI Ne Sy “ & ALILSNI_NVINOSHLINS LIBRARIES LIBRARIES S3luvugdil LIBRARIES INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI SIIMVYGIT LIBRARIES saiuvaugi Salavyugl MARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S3luvadl n w z 7) , = Keston z = by <= K3aKND> = Ys SW AS AV ee =| = fs Not v2 ; ) \ hy S 4 4 Wu LAM 2 WS = ZF7G SL \ 5 Lf fA 7 THE OGLOGIST. STUDENT OF BIRDS Pile NESTS AND EGGS. VOW MIE Xl, INDEX TO VOL. XII. Academy of Sciences, The Michigan........... 19, 72 AM DGIPT (Ch CR ee aI Ne mee td _19 Association, The Northwestern Ornithol- ULC cH emma SER 1 5 RMN ae ic UR TNS UU 38 Association, The Western New York Nat- uralists.. =e ... 145, 156 Audubon, J: inal aa ames « Halt- ORD). NEI tae eRe a 60 Audubon, The Portrait of, ete_.....-.....-.. 2... 61 Audubon’s Biography, Notes From................. 11 J Naw. VEe cepa! MBytes AM OVE) (Cp eee Wo nee ee 126 Auk, Skin and Eggs of Great...........0.0.00...2. 165 PANOCC PAINE IGAM. «2... .: - -eyereeane sen ee ee HS TYE GU ONS): So Ae ee REE or ee eae a ax deter Barlow. Chester (Half-tone) HS AOS RO li Cree Nays 2c) eter eee Se 19 Birds; Accidental Death-ofe.---2--2: 22 seller Binds weAMenbble! ChiatiOnm Peis eee ee 1S * JBiraeGlS) yavel SMOvROO IS) oe nee, 5-5s55 sess ceases Sa A ee 45 IPG Sw Des tele lOO fe. -: seeeeeenan pee tee ene 31 Birds in the Extreme Part of Western New York. Breeding Time of Our _........ 43 Birds of America, Audubon’s.................02....... 165 Binds, of Heron Wake, \Wraber..------22. ee 14 Birds of the Orange Mountains in ssex (CLO Io diag MAb aNie ome a. Rea eae eee EAS) Birdsiok Pennsylvania: ee. 54 Birds, Some Notes on Two California...._. _..186 Birds Who Sing on the Wing......... ........... 5d, 182 ‘Bittern, American. .b, 24, 44, 55, 152 HEM OAS Ue eo... see ee 14, 45, 47 Bittern for 1895, Notes on the Least... ee9 48, 128 16, 22, 45, 161 Blackbird, Brewer’s.. Blackbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-headed..... Soe _,22, 48, 129 TEN US| On NGL: me Ae ao Rees ee 16, 54, 55, 79 WTO DINGMIVVIES CELI -- 2... 2: Ser ate e ee 48, 127 Bluebird, Albino Eggs of tHe. eit IB ODOM keeeees SoU DEE BoE eae 32, 45, 5d Bobolinks. Dragging for. SNS ya Ete ee OSS TEYOIDENW AUN HS). 2A dees ee MRE - Cocca 5d, €0, 188 Bob-white, Experience w ith the Young of. 6 TEYOLOV-\vlentiney, INNES) Opa jslalejee eee by) Bonasa wnbellus, A Family of... 114 Breeders of Western New York, Spring...___. 16 Breeding Dates for Southern Michigan... .54 TEIOD DOPAC WO ene cna eR 112 168 TEAUROVE OSE YON, cas lee ee re CU ee ea Re Ui PES UIT fain mu IO CL @ eee tao eer eee ene 17 @abinetally, Oologicall:: ere a4 Canvas-back............- beret BU A SUNS 23, 151, 161 Garptivatyap ails imc... eer Sri CAt OIG eae. SRN Fos OU Ache My 17, 54 Chat, Yellow-breasted........ -..2...... We 155 Chickadee. Black-capped... Secu aE Lew 79 128 Chickadee, California.................. Chickadee, Chestnut-backed... 49 Chickadee, Oregon Coot eAmmenicanies» sia aananl ae enn 22, 151 Cormorant, Double-crested....__.___3, 156, 168 Chon Rovio sy See y NainameeA LS) Nicer PU a Od Dra 38, 60 Chine, Seno ayy 55 Ciaosis-lonill, Amaeraer ya. 80 Cross-bill, White-winged. 48 Crow, A Talkative... z BenieeeUaestyil Crow, American... 28, re “46. GA, 89, 184, 188 Crow, Northwest... SESS h oe aes Se Sea 48 ID BUEN, SWE NAO 70 IDSC HUOVaL OW WINS 31 DAP PCL AMELICAN uuew eau Nun som Peltiny ile 48 Dodge Harold ey (Halt-tone) kia fp) ID LON Alle) al snehe eee BC ETM ane iW ao Zee 15 IDYony{Es, WMiKoybaeatieyen 36, 44, 55, 126, 188 IO) WOE: VANIGDLENRCEROWSYCRY DD) 151, 161 TED © Yes SE UC Ly eo Ce Nase en Oe Ns a cu 15 AD BVA OKO Lie emmmpeais ooeeON o N ea eb aca Nive 15 IOnolere, Asam ereoe oleate eet Ne NS Sas ly 67 IE Mey ee Mola Seema dN Ul LO Re 48, 156 TENS), (CxONlera ooze 27, 128 Mactse Three yess). \:sMainmates Field Days in the Foothills HinghCalitornla, Pun) ewes. san eeuee eens Lmao, JE we OVS) Meee ee a ee Es IGISHEeTs AVE. El (ElahT—hO1e) ee eae nn GG Iihgelal, InKony(Cr (leleMbe ora) é BEPC LTEIEC Oy Grae F241!) 1 Yer MAES Nias ce eon LA TOTO). _..10, 17, 45, 69, 80, 119, 188 IMO. Aaa eymp ge ae IMG Ceye, IRVSLOLSNaWAReOh 48, 127 Hy Cabeher yt CECSt CC easement sle mane 21, 36, 44 My catcher Olive-Siclediemess sau elem enan nua GS TM eeu ergy MMe UNS as oe 156 Flycatcher, A Few Notes on the Nesting Ole Ways) Ormersymetol 0 137 Flycatcher, Notes on the Nesting of the FNS OG WOE HT a el (Creo bi GEN Whee see een 8 URS ee i oy Oe Grebawoe.: WMO 15, 45, 153 Geothlypis macgilllivrayi, Nest and Eggs of_.37 Gibbs, M. D., Morris (Half-tone)...---- 3 Gnateatcher, Blue-gray.............. 139, 151 Godwat; Eudsonlanyeseee ae sen nee Lenn are 169 Godwit, Marbled... BASES Lie UT NR SL 169 Goldfinchy Americans es nen 80 Chowel ANMpavop eyes ee 76 Gooser Canadian. Suman wamnena uy ural eames 23, 161 Goshawk, Western... Ber sicsill SNS HUA 151 (GHeEVOl dey MERON ASO IA oo) ee 16, 44 THE OOLOGIST. Grebe, Hared........0 0 ---------------------- 3, 22, 24, 163 Grebe, Holbcell’s............-----.------------------22- 3, 23 Grebe, Horned..........-.-.-.---------- ------ 8, 22, 24, 162 Grebe, Pied-billed...............-----.-----------------++----- 22 Grebe, WesStern..........----------------2--2 222 seer 15 Grosbeak, Rose-breasted_..... -.......... 17, 34, 45, 55 Grouse, Experience .With the Young of GVO WER UIC Clee eae 6 Grouse, Notes on the Ruffed............ _...-...--. 172 Grouse, Oregon Ruffed.............-. -........---------- 48 Grouse, Prairie Sharp-tailed..... .......____. 22, 168 G€rouse, Rufiedes-------- Be 17, 39, 44, 80, 114 Grouse, Sooty.-.......----.-..---)2::-25 48 Guilford, H. M. (Half-tone).-............- aera ec 33 Gull, American Herring..............--.--.-- -.------. 3 Gull, Mranklin’s..._.......-..---—---22s2- 14 Gull, Kittawake............--....-2----------2-2 2s 48 Hanging and the Lesson in Jt, A.______.. 143, 147 Hawks and Their Nests...........-.-.--.-..-..-..----.-- 175 Hawk, American Rough-legged...... -..........._... 9 Hawk, American Sparrow 9, 34, 44, 49, 80, 177, 187 Hawi, Cooper’s...-.------------------2-—- 22, 29, 44, 55, 80 Hawk, Desert Sparrow...--.----2- === —---—- 101, 127 Hawk. Marsh....-....------ ace ape 45, 55, 80, 125, 168 Hawk Notes from California...____.... --...- 101 IBieyyake, TerhexetoVal 5 oe eee eo Bubs 1386 Hawk, Red- shou! der ea 1 se Rene 16, 44, 54) dD, &0 Hawk, Red-tailed............ ....-..-..--£ 34, 80, 176, 185 Hawk, Sharp-shinned..._._..... -...---...._ 80, 101, 175 Hawk, Swainson’s.......... seep ely OG WGI, aia) Hawk, Western Red- tailed. sb) ae 48, 101, 126, 127 JBWerayy IEA i heae\ tees eats ee DS EEN Aaa Oo), Heron, Green. .:...----...-.-----22.------------------- 17, 30, 45 Heron, Nesting of the Great Blue...............- A179 Hummingbird, Ruby-throated__.__.......30. 45, 165 Ibis, White-faced Glossy...........--..----------- --.-.-126 Jay. A Few Notes on the Arizona.. 1386 Jay, Blue.. “GU BLY ae apa 2 Bae 32, aa &0 Jay, Blue- fr onted.. wy. ...48 Jay and Three- toed Ww ooapecker, “My tn. troduction to the Canada... eR eae) Jay, Oregon... -22-2--2 ee 49 Jiely5 Ve riovoval ees a eee 178 Jay, Steller’s....--........-.--2--csceeee ees cco Junco hyemalis danbyt TMMCOMOTE LOW) ye ee eee ane 4g Junco, Slate-colored............--..-------.------ 29); Kent Ornithological Club.........-..-.---.-.------------- 58 IESGHMCL@ eres oe aee tee NTS eee eee 44, 49, 55, 151 TeGb ake b{8\iaseees eee ruares eee eee -cabieicaae

—< > + NOTES FROM AUDUBON’S BIOGRAPHY. Fred W. Parkhurst. PART VIII. After anabsence otf four years Dr. Townsend returned to Philadelphia, and with a second collection, which contained many rare birds, of which he sent specimens to Audubon. Audubon did not receive them until but a few weeks before the work was to be closed, and a few were not received until sev- eral days after, Audubon decided to publish them even if every suoscriber in Europe refused to take them. He would not hear of the work of his life- time being closed when new species were in his hands, and in spite of threats from first one subscriber and then an- other that they would discontinue their subscription (which, indeed, several did, and refused to take the few numbers that would make their copies complete) Audubon’s wish to make itas thorough and complete as possible was accom- plished. All Dr. Townsend’s species as well as some received through different channels were published. At London Audubon bad the gratification of receiv- ing a diploma from the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec. And now at last the great work iscom- pleted. How often had Audubon longed for this happy momentto arrive! Many had been the time, when, resting in the deepest recesses of the western forest, he had been awakened by dreams of the dismal prospects before him and it had seemed as though it was useless to pur- sue his task longer: that it could never be completed. Now sickness would overtake him in the midst of his labors, and hurry him off to the settlements. 12 THE OOLOGIST. Nest of Parkman’s Wren in Tin Can. Next, grim penury would stare him in the face, and he would be forced to abandon his pencil and note-book and return once more to thecojd, money- getting world to provide for the wants of himself and his family. At other times his dreams would be only of bliss and happiness, and the joy that would be his upon the presentation of his work to the world, and the hearty con- gratulations of his friends and well- wishers both in the Old World and the New. Audubon’s deepest regret in re- gard to his life was that he was unable to give to the world ail the knowledge of which he was the owner. Audubon sums up his advice to zeal- ous naturalists in the following words: “Leave nothing to memory, but note down all your observations with ink, not with a lead-pencil; and keep in mind that the more particulars you write atthe time, the more you will afterwards recollect. Work not at night, but anticipate the morning dawn, and never think tor an instant about the difficulties of ransacking the woods, the shores or the barren grounds.’’ Audubon had always been desirous of visiting the Highlands of Scotland, with its lakes and isolated crags so beautifully described by Scott; and in September Audubon and his family, accompanied by Mr. William MeGilli- vray, set out early one morning, with a journey thither in view. At the Chain- Pier at Newhaven they embarked in a little steamer bound for Stirling. The water was smooth and the weather fair, while shoals of young herring were to be seen nearly everywhere, over which gulls of various species were hovering. ] THE OOLOGIST 13 MORRIS GIBBS, M. D., Kalamazoo, Mich. After passing many beautiful and pic- turesque spots the little steamer enter- ed the narrow passage of the ‘‘Queen’s Ferry,’’ and they presently obtained a view of the distant hills. At Stirling they stopped long enough for lunch, and soon after were packed into a large postchaise, bound for the hills. It was nearly nine o’clock before they reached Callender. There they found a good house and spent the night. The follow- ing day wasspent in viewing the scenery in the neighborhood of Callender. Af- ter leaving Callender they visited Loch Lomond Loch Katrine and the famous retreat of Rob Roy, and after a delight- ful trip returned very reluctantly to Edinburgh. Audubon closes his Biography in the following words; “T have pleasure in saying that my enemies have been few and my friends numerous.May the God who granted me life, industry, and perseverance to ac- complish my task, forgive the former and forever bless the latter! Now, Reader, farewell! May you be success- ful in all your undertakings! May you be happy abroad and at home; and may the study of the admirable productions of Nature ever prove as agreeable to you as it has to me.” Mr. Audubon returned to America in 1839, after which he resided onthe Hud- son River near the city of New York. In 1844 he published a cheaper edition ab 14 THE OOLOGIST. cf his “Birds of America,’’? and was associated with Dr. Bachman in the pre- paration ofa work on ‘‘The Quadrupeds of North America,” with plates, the drawings for which were executed by Audubon’s accomplished sons, Victor Gifford and John Woodhouse Audubon. Audubon himself taught his sons to draw, and instilled in them the love of Nature which had always pervaded his own soul. How well he taught them can be seen by referring to the work in question. Mr. Audubon lived in comfort and happiness with his family on the Hud- son, until the time of his death, which took place in January, 1851, on the 27th day ofthe month. Audubon was seven- ty nine years of age at the time of his death, and his. constitution was always i. perfect condition, which was one great result of his outdoor life. [THE END.| > <+—<> > ~< Water Birds of Heron Lake. Though writing distinctively on Wat- er Birds, Icannot forbear to speak an enthusiastic word about the Golden Plovers, the ‘Prairie Pigeons’. Arriv- ing en masse, the first of May, they flew in crowded flocks, morning and evening, skirmishing in deployed col- umns, in search of food, wherever a strip of prairie had been newly burned. Hearing suddenly the clear and mellow tulee, (as Mr. Nelson graphically calls it), one might look up and see here and there a small black cloud of them seud- ding before the wind, wheeling sharply with quick precision and dropping sud- denly on the blackened slopes. They spent three weeks with us. I watched eagerly for the coming of the Night Herons. The third of May an awkward squad of eight appeared. Before the middle of the month, they were present at the Lake in hundreds, going out by day to fish or grub, in every slough and prairie hollow, but gathering back at night with many a hoarse explosive kowk! Not until May 19th did we see the full van of the great army of aquatic birds. Rowing from island to island, among the rushes, through the tall cane brakes. amid the coarse rank grass, hoping for a sight of the ten majestic White Peli- cans that were seen a week before, we,. wife, baby and I,came suddenly upon a long, low mud flat against which the waves were sweepiig myriads of lus- cious animalcule. And there we saw a sight never to be forgotten. The waves had quickly dashed us half unheeding on the shalluws close in to the rooty, mucky beach, and there and on the flats adjoining, what myriads of waders! Not ten feet away, quietly gazed at us a Semi-palmated Plover, so near that we could see the orange of his corrugated eyelids. Near by were a few White Rumps, yonder, deep wading, a solit- ary Wilson’s Phalarope, his daintiness. appearing in every motion; beyond were gnat-like squadrons of Peeps, Semi-palmates, Minwtillas, impulsiveiy coming and going and everywhere were Red-backed Sandpipers, outnum- bering all others, five to one. (This numerical predominance has persisted, ever since, in both migrations). Jump- ing excitedly ashore for a close view I flushed a pair of Least Bitterns from the near-by grass. Singling outa bird of unfamiliar garb, after one shot had had brought me enough Pelidnas for to- morrow’s (delicious) dinner, I soon had in my hand the first Stilt Sandpiper I had ever seen. (Later in the day, a flock of five whizzed by me swiftly, not four yards away). And the Terns and the Gulls; Black Terns were darting, rocket like, into the water, for minnows, every where about us, unconcerned. The Franklin Gulls, with their somewhat labored flight, winged endlessly by in twos and tens and twenties, in search of insects, THE OOLOGIST. 15 just above our heads like the scattered, white-sailed, black-prowed ships of a mighty fleet, which, with marvellous unanimity, then and always, morning, noonday or evening, in calm, or cloud, or furiously driving storm, move ever toward the same unknown harbor, and the Forster Terns: who shall ade- quately describe their half sociable, half ill natured way, their noisy, eager pilfering of fish and craws, from one another, their semipiternal hatred of and fierce diving at, the clumsy, luck- less Herons! Another week passes. April 26th, at the Lake, alone, with murderous intent, I scared a Florida Gallinule from her partial set of eggs, among the rushes; aroused from their nap a trio of Ruddy Ducks, one a_ bril- liant male; sighted, for the second time a large Gull of unknown name; flushed to my surprise, a Wood Duck, (but they breed here on the ground); and vented my vexation for a fruitless day in a quick snap-shot at a solitary Godwit winging by, which proved a fwda and a male, (a barren runt at that!) There was a broad, fire-swept shal- low, far back from the apparent shore, the haunt of countless Waders, the hid- den nook wherein the Gulls, by dozens, came at mid-afternoon to rest and sun themselves. A cemetery it was too; for in the very center lay the body of one of those ten Pelicans, whom, by his lagging I had known to be doomed to death. This spot I sought, June 2. Among the flags near by, I found two nests of the Western Grebe that after- noon, besides a rudimentary and two- egged one of Podiceps. I had passed the dead body of a young Red-breasted Merganser, victim of some wanton gun- ner; had peered into many a nest of Coots,among the flags; and started a few Soras and Virginias from their canopied and egg-ballasted lairs,and was creeping cautiously toward my well-known flat, to see what I could see, when among the pigmy Pelidnas, | saw four greater birds, with the ‘‘gray of the sky and the black of the soil upon their garbs, and with very large heads, whose poise of wary intentions contrasted sharply with the surrounding Pelidnic unconcern. ‘‘Black-bellied Plovers!” I ejaculated as a frantic guess, Away went discretion anda wild charge of shot, together; tangible result, feathers and one little peep! ‘‘They’ll come back!” I muttered; and, drawing my boat among the rushes I seated myself on the bow, lunch be- fore me and gun behind me. I had caught the Plover’s note; and, before the lunch had vanished, (I, the while, intently watching the mud flat before me), I suddenly heard the note behind me, wheeling :quickly I caught up the gun, and the swift flying Plover fell in a maze of rushes, winged of course! and find him I could not! Disgusted I drew out the boat and began to row away. But soon looking back I saw in a bare shallow just athwart the maze where my bird had fallen, my bird himself up to his knees in the water and eyeing me with the most profound astonishment. And so, have you an elegant skin of the Black-bellied Ployer in your cabinet? Well then I pity you! This fall I have added the Dowitcher and Wilson’s Snipe to my list of Heron Lake waders. Pelidnas have been sup- erabundant, and the Yellow-legs in both varieties fairly represented. But no period of abundance for the Yellow- legs has been so marked or so puzzling as that which prevailed from June 15th until midsummer. After a month’s ab- sence, less than that if anything, they re-appeared in flocks of ten to fifty swarming noisily and fearlessly every- where, on the great wastes of mud-tat that were daily growing larger with the prolonged drought. The Lesser out- numbered the Greater, at this period, about four or five to one. Many causes prevented my taking and dissecting a sufficient number of birds to prove any- 16 | THE OOLOGIST. thing whatever, conclusively, as to the local breeding conditions. Oh, the mystery, the tantalizing de- light, of these eccentric movements, at the greater centers of bird-life! Though the Franklin Gulls were pres nt by the hundred all summer long, increasing greatly in number during the autumn not a nest was found. And I am told by one who collects in the Devil’s Lake region of N. Dakota, (where by the way many water birds nested this year, two weeks earlier than last) that, although the Franklin’s Gull is abundant in that region all the summer long, not a soul has ever found their nesting place, the Iudians, however, having a tradition that they breed farther north in Mani- toba. These are the features of bird life and bird history that hold and fascinate us, with each year of more and more de- lighted and absorbing study. Shall we ever find Eagle wings I wonder, and learn where lurk all the rarer birds that leave us wistfully gazing, in the spring for northern homes? P. B. PEABODY. ~— Spring Breeders of Western New York. In looking over some of my notes, taken since March 1st, 1889, with the intention of noting the comparative dates of the breeding of our earlier birds, I have noticed a decided seasonal variation in the earliest dates for many species. The earliest breeder we have is Bubo virginianus, Gt. Horned Owl, but it is not common enough here to afford any good opportunities for ob- servation, and as I have never found but one nest, I do not think I can draw any important conclusions from that. Next comes Ortocoris alpestris pratt- cola.Prairie Horned Lark: My earliest record of this species is March 23, 1889. Next April 10, 1889, which seems to be the right time to look for the eggs of this species in this locality. My next species isCorvus americanus, American Crow: Earliest date April 22, 1889, next April 27, 1893, while the first dates for ’90, ’91, 92 are May 7, 2, 20 re- spectively, notice 1892 shows the latest date. Next we have Szalis sialis, Bluebird, with an earliest date of April 27, 1890, and a set or eight eggs April 30, 1898, part of which were frozen. Next we have Melospiza fasciata,Song Sparrow, first record April 28, 1890; dates for ’91, 92,93 are May 6, 28, 17, respectively, 1892 last again. Merula migratoria, American Robin, comes next with a record of April 27, 1890. Next comes Lantus ludovicianus ex- cubttorides, White-rumped Shrike, May ist and 3d, 1891. ‘These are the only sets I have taken during the spring months as this species breeds plentiful- ly here the last of June. Buteo lineatus, Red-shoulder2d Hawk, comes in here with a set May 2, 1891. Most of my sets of the Buteo’s have been taken between May 10th and 22d showing a later breeding season than many writers give for this latitude. Next earliest comes Agelius pheni- ceus, Red-winged Blackbird.First record May 8, 1889, next May 16, 1891, and the 28th, 1893, lastly June 16, 1892. Crowding this closely comes Sturnella magna, Meadowlark, on May 6, 1891; 13th, 1890 and 238d, 1893. Even closer yet comes Sayornis pheebe, Phoebe. First record May 7, 1890, next earliest May 18, 1891. Poocetes gramineus, Vesper Spar- row, shows first sets on May 15, 1890 and 1891; 23, 1893, and 28, 1892. Quisculus quiscula cneus, Bronzed Grackle, can show a like record as fol- lows: May 15, 19, 21, 23 im 791, ’90, 792 and ’93 respectively. Next come three birds, properly classed as summer breeders, most of them nest- ing in June here. First, Actitis macu- laria, Spotted Sandpiper, May 18, 1891; THE OOLOGIST. 17 second, Carpodacus purpureuws, Purple Finch, May 20, 1891; and third, Ardea virescens, Green Heron, May 22, 1890. Between May 22 and June 10, 1890, I found seven nests of the Green Heron. Since then they have been fewer each year until last year when I only saw one nest and would not be surprised if there were none here next summer as some boys robbed the last nest. Next comes Chelidon erythrogaster, Barn Swallow, on May 22,1890 and1893. Most of my sets of this species were taken in the first ten days of June. On May 25, 1890, I found a set + of Pipilo erythropthalmus, Towhee; but this bird is too rare here to be consid- ered in this connection. Lalso finda record for Turdus fuces- cens, Wilson’s Thursh, on May 25, 1890, and 28, 1892. First set in ’93 on June 3d. This is the best time for their eggs. My next is an even rarer species than the Towhee, Jcteria virens, Yellow- breasted Chat. I took my oniy set of this bird on May 26, 1890. Galeoscoptes carolinensis, Catbird, comes next on May 27, 1891 and ’92. Also my only set of Melospiza georgt- ana, Swamp Sparrow, on the same date. Habia ludovicians, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, comes in here on May 28, 29 in ’91 and ’92 respectively. Most of these birds lay their eggs about this time. Then come Zurdus mustelinws, Wood Thrush, on the 28th, 29th of May, ’91, woz My first set of Dendroica westiva. Yel- low Warbler, was also taken on May 28, 1891. Closely following comes Selophaga ruticilla, American Redstart. First records on May 29, 1891 and May 30, 1890. Very few sets of this species will be taken here in May as most of their eggs are laid about June 12th. Bringing up the rear comes the fol- lowing on the 3lst of May, Spizella socialis, Chipping Sparrow; Passerina cyanea, Indigo Bunting; Colaptes au- ratus, Flicker; and Bonasa wmbellus, Rufted Grouse. The last, however, with the Bob-white lays its eggs about the 20th of May. This set was far advanced in incubation. You will notice also that I have left out one of our earliest breeders, the: American Woodcock. The reason for this is my inexperieace in this line. All the early broods I have found have been young birds from one to six or seven days old. You don’t get your eyes on the young Woodcock from this time until they grow large enough to fly. From the date of finding such broods, I think they must lay their eggs. about April 5th in this vicinity. I found one set of three eggs the first week in June, but this was either the result of an accident to the first set, or more likely a second brood. Notice the comparatively early dates of ’91 agaiust those of ’92. Did the heavy rains of the spring of 1892 delay the birds? If not what else was it? I notice a like condition among the summer breeders. Ernest H. SHort, Chiliy Ne ye > + The Washinton correspondent of the Chicago Record is responsible for the following:— “ The department of agriculture is ad- vertising for an ornithologist who is ex- pected to pass an examination in French, German, camera lucida, drawing, mi- croscopic work, geography and practical ornithology, and for the use of all these accomplishments for eight hours a day the government of the United States will pay hima salary of $660 per annum. At the same time ordinary messengers, colored and white, are paid $720 and $840 a year, typewriters and copyists $1,000, stenographers $1,200 and so on. This position has been open for some time, and there is no immediate proba- bility of its being filled at that salary.” 18 LHE GCOLUG.SI” THE OOLocIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher. . ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the ponder of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited om all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Single Subscription - - 75¢ per annum Sample Copies - - - - - 10ceach “The above rates include payment ot postage by us. Each subscriber is given two coupons, one good sfor an Exchange Notice and the other for 25c. “when presented with an order of $1.25 or over. _. Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLocisT can be furnish “ed at reasonable rates. Send stamp tor descrip- ‘tions and prices. t-Remember that the publisher must be no- ‘tified by letter when a subscriber wishes his pa- per stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES- 10 GENTS PER NONPAREIL LINE EACH INSERTION. Twelve lines in every inch. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Post Office Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U. 8. Postage Stamps of any denomination wiil be accepted for Sums un- der one dollar. Make Money Orders and Dretts payable and address all subscriptions and com- murisations to FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, Orleans Co., N.Y. *,* Articles, Items of Interest and Queries for publication should be forwarded as early in the month as possible. ERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER. oe ee ear 01am cre (How See oT eee At Grand Rapids, Mich., the Kent Ornithological Club was organized Dee. 12th with 14 members: Pres ,H.Stuart; V. Pres., R. G. Pitch; Sec. and Treas , W.E. Mulliken: Cor-See, C. C. Cor bin; Lib., R. R. Newton. H. Sayles, Jr., of Abilene, Texas, re- cently sent us sets of Krider's, Zone-éail- ed and Ferruginous Rough-leg Hawks. In the same lot was a set of Mocking bird’s positively identified as Saze Thrasher’s, a set of Orchard Oriole’s equally as well identified as Painted Bunting’s. The Hawks were,of course, equally as far from the mark, in spite of the fact that one of datas read, ‘‘Bird Shot.”? This valuable lot of eggs was returned with thanks. (?). For “95 our advertising rates will be reduced from 20¢ to 10e per line—liberal discounts will be given to users of a Jarge amount of space. We are indebted to the Natwratist for our half-tone of the Nest of Parkman’s Wren in Tin Can: The Naturalist is one of ovr most valued ornithological exchanges. “NaTuRAL SCIENCE NEws”’—You may be one of the favored ones whom its publisher wishes to count among the 500,” —Better accept the offer it will neither be repeated or extended An unsolicited testimonial from two and one-half miles out in the country: “My Dear Webb:—I have carefully and critically—very—examined the first two numbers of ‘Lhe Museum.’ I am well pleased with them, and shall advise all the readers of the OoLoGistT to subscribe. Fraternally, LATTIN.” We have the pleasure of presenting to our readers the faces of two Orni- thologists whose names are familiar to all who have readithe pages of the O6- LOGIST during the past year. Dr. Gibbs is recognized as one of the most prolific ornithological writers of the day. Prof. Silloway is the Principal of the Collegiatic Institute of his city. Ex-banker J. L. Davison of Lockport, who by the way is recognized as the leading Ornithologist of Western New York, apparently owes the Editor of the OdLOGIsT a grudge as the following note will explain. - ‘Come on New Year’s day and have a turkey dinner with us. I will meet you at the depot, and in case I do not hear from you, I will be at the depot anyway.” Owing to a previous engagement we were obliged to deny ourself a possible op- portunity for bagging Nyctegwus No. 2. THE OOLOGISTS 19 More faces of well kuown odlogical and. ornithological writers next month. Nathan L. Davis of Brockport, N. Y., {one of Prof. Ward’s World’s Fair Taxi- dermists) is now the chief taxidermist of Webb’s Natural Science Establishment. With this issue we advance the sub- seription price of the O6LOGIsST to 75c per annum, until Feb. 15th, however, subscriptions and rennewals will be ac- espted at the old rate—50c. To the Nidiologist we are indebted for the finely executed half-tone of Dr. Gibbs. It might be well to mention in this connection that the enterprising publisher of the Nidiologist is not con- tent with sending out the leading illus- trated ornithological magazine but is making ita work of art as well. High grade heavy weight glazed paper and colored plates are among the latest wrinkles. In a letter of recent date, Dr. Selah Merrill of Andover, Mass., writes:—‘‘ I have resided in the Kast chiefly in Pal- estine and my collection of birds, ani- mals, and curiosities from the Holy Land is the largest ever yet made. In the Theological Seminary in this town there is a fine Oriental Museum which is large- ly my own collecting. My field issome- what out of the way stillitisa field of great interest to maay persons and it may be that some of your readers will be glad to correspond with me: respect- ing my specimens.” Among the 86 charter members of the new Michigan Academy of Science, which held its first meeting in the cap- tol building at Lansing on Dec. 26 and 27°94, we find eight active ornitholo- gists of that state?. e.-—Walter B. Bar- rows, Agricultural College; Oscar B. Warren, Palmer; Morris Gibbs, Kala- mazoo; L. Whitney Watkins, Manches- ter; Newell A. Eddy, Bay City; Robt. H. Wolcott, Grand Rapids; Dr. J. B. Steere, Ann Arbor; and Jerome Tromb- ley, Petersburg. The aim of this so- ciety is to carry forward systematic study in all and any branch of science. With above members we have little to fear for the proper recognizance vf our favorite branches of Ornithology and Oology. Prof. Geo. L. Bates left on Jan. 1st for a two years collecting trip in West Africa. We take the following extract from aletter dated Dec. 25th. ‘The region to which I propose going is that about the ‘‘Cameroon Mountains,’’ on the ‘Bight of Biafra.” The region it. self is now called ‘‘Cameroons.”’ or ‘“‘Kameruns,’’ and belongs to Germany. In the southern part of the German territory the American Presbyterians have misson stations and it is to one of these that I shall probably go. There is a forest belt also along the coast 100 miles wide, and back of that grassy high- lands. The Cameroons Mountains ap- proach the sea to the north, however, and narrow the forest belt toa point. The mountains at one place reach a height of 13,000 feet. This diversity of topographical features ought to make a rich fauna and flora.’’ The birds and eggs as well as the bulk of the miscell- anous material secured by Prof. Bates is to be placed in the hands of ‘‘Lattin” for disposal. Special commissions for anything in the Natural History line native to that country will receive care- ful attention and be procured if among the procurables. Necrology. E. G. Sours, Rochester, N. Y. Charley G. Albery, the only child of Dr. Thos. W. Albery, of Ovid, Ohio. Charley was instantly killed on Dee. 15 by the accidental discharge of his gun while out collecting. 20 THE OOLOGIST. DECEMBER CONTEST. Forty-four Judges. 1. A Few Notes on the Tufted Putt- Tals Igy) 2. Water Birds of Heron Lake, 145. 3. The Scarlet Tanager, 143. 4. Some Queer Habits of Urinator amber, 74. 5. Some Experience With the Young of the Ruffed Grouse and Bob-white, 59. The Judges’ prizes were awarded as follows: ; 1. No.4. E.H. Short, Chili, N. Y. who named the winners in the follow- ing order; 2, 1, 3, 4, 5. 2. No. 40. H.S. Day, Fremont, O., DQ We Aw, 3. No. 7 C. Will Beebe, East Orange, N. J., 2, 1, 3, 5, 4. 4. No. 15. Harold Holland, Gales- burg, Ils., 3, 1, 2, 5, 4. 5. No. 18. Reginald G. Pape, Leansboro, I[lls., 3, 1, 2, 5, 4. All prizes were mailed on Jan. 15th. Me You Are a Judge. Your decision must be mailed us not later than the jirst day of February. Write on back of a postal card the five articles which you have decided to be the most valuable, instructive and inter- esting in this number of O6LOGIST and mail to us. Number the articles in the order which you think the prizes should be awarded. We give our Judges five prizes hav- ing an aggregate value of over $5, one to each of the five whose decisions are nearest the final award of Mss. prizes. RUDY’S PILE SUPPOSITORY is guaran- teed to cure Piles and Constipation, or money refunded. 50centsper box. Send two stamps for circulars and Free Sample to MARTIN RU- DY, Registered Pharmacist, Lancaster, Pa. No Postals Answered. For sale by all first- class druggists everwhere, and ,in Albion, N. Y. by George W. Barrell. EDWARD W. CURRIER, 120 Sutter St., Room 17, San Francisco, Cal. Taxidermist and dealer in Birds Eyes, Taxid- ermist supplies, etc. Skins and eggs of Cali- fornia Birds, also Cal: curiosities. Correspon- dence solicited. : Figures of Importance. Examine the number following your name on the wrapper of this OoLoGisT. This number denotes the time when your subscription expires or has expir- ed. 56 signifies your subscription expired June, 1890 62 ec. 68 or a o wee June, 1891 74 oe oe oe oe Dec. oe SO a 23 ey Janes 1892 86 oe ec os “ce Dec. OB. Re oe ey June, 1893 98 ae oe sO cé Dec. “ce 104 ** AS y oo June 1894 110. ** He i Willexpire Dec. ‘ We are desirous of straightening our subscription books at once and trust our subscribers will send in their sub- seriptions for 94 including all arrear- ages, at their earliest conveniences, the amounts necessary to accomplish this are as follows: ‘567 — $2.95, “62"—82,00. “6881.75. ““74"—$1,50 “80"—$1,25. “86"—$1.00. “92"—75e. “*98"—50c. 104250. Should you desire to discontinue your subscription to the OGLOGIST your indebtedness to us is 5 cents more than the above amount. The figures are according to our books Dec. 15, 1894, and many renewals received since that date have been credited on our books but not on the wrapper. To Whom tt may Concern: Notice is hereby given that the part- nership formerly existing betweenFrank H. Lattin and Walter F. the firm name of F. H. Lattin & Co.. was dissolved on the 31st day of July, A. D., 1894, by mutual consent. FranK H. LATTIN. WALTER F. WEBB. Important: Your letters must never be address- ed to FE. H. Lat- tin & Co., but to either FRANK H. LATTIN or WALTER F. WEBB, which ever you may wish to receive the same. All matters pertaining to the OoLogisr must be addressed ‘‘LATTIN”. By heeding this ‘‘pointer” you may save yourself and the party you may wish your letter to reach both delay and possible unpleasantness. WANTED! Agents to sell our new Gage pts y of U Inited States Histor y, by Prof. J. Franklin Jameson. Needed by every teacher, pupil and family; indorsed by press and public. Agents selling fifty books per week. Success- ful agents will be made general agents. Big pay. PURITAN PUBLISHING CO, Boston,,. ass. — Webb under ae ee = @, “ENV, Monthly. VOL. XII. NO. 2. o\ CARI REI EV TRIED aly ee Oe tear, & ALBION, N. Y., FEB., 1895. fy oe eit woddcenencbuc sien anmnasaun dave ieee ee ed Re RD RA See ‘ é 28 66 é OKOGIBS, < () S) i “ey, ¢, p WHOLE No. 112 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘‘Wants,’ ‘‘“Hxchanges” ‘For Sales,” inserted in this department for 50¢ per 35 words. Notices over 35 words, charged at the rate of one cent per each additional ‘word. No notice inserted for, less than 50c. Terms, cash with order. f “DEALERS” Can use these columns at Regular Advertising rates, only, Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-halt list rates. f Exchange Cards and Coupons (subscription) will be accepted for Wants” and ‘‘Exchanges’’ only ‘and according to conditions stated thereon. EXCHANGE,—Lattin’s strapped climbers, few first class single eggs and Indian relics. Want Hornaday’s Taxidermy, eggsin sets and Davie’s Key. All letters answered. E. S. ‘CRAFTON, Plattsburg, Clinton Co., Mo. SPLENDID Opportunity.—The following finely mounted birds for only $3.00 or best offer in coins. Scarlet Tanager. Great Crested Fly- catcher, Redstart, Black and White Creeper. Lincoln’s Finch and two Cedar Waxwings, all males. Address, C. IRWIN SALTER, 1218 S. 8th St., Springfield, Ill. FOR SALE or EXCHANGE.—One. pair ‘Climbers; violin, with Coe’s instruction book; case and bow; Florida sea beans and pictures Pou A Auten ata Co. L. R. RYCKMAN, Broc- ‘ton, N. Y. TO EXCHANGE.—Birds skins for eggs in ‘sets with data or marine shells. Send list and receive mine. MRS. H. K. SEDGWICK, Dex- ter, Mich. A FINELY Mounted Deer’s Head with three prongs, 8 points for $8.00. A Fox or Raccoon Mat for $7.00. A mounted Fox for $7.00 caSh or will exchange for A 1 sets with data at half cat- alogue rates. JOHN CLAYTON, Taxidermist, Lincoln, Maine. I HAVE several fine sets of Birds Eggs. some good Skins and specimens of Indian Pot- tery to exchange for Birds Eggs in sets and Mounted Birds. Send lists. W-. A. OLD- FIELD, Port Sanilac, Mich. HOW to write on iron, for 10c silver or stamps I will send the receipe. You can write or engrave your name indelibly on your knife blade, gun, watch Case, any iron tools or metal. A.B. ROBERTS, Weymouth. Medina Co, O. HUMAN SKULL for best live offer in Nat. History. Will exchange for 4, 10 inch alliga- tors, or cash offer. Also old violin, good, cost $40. R.G. PAINE, 57 Charlotte St., Charles- TOn;.5-.0. H. MYER’S, 611 Halsey St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Taxidermist and Dealer in Bird and Animal Skins. Correspondence solicited. WANTED.—Microscope and medical works, ‘to exchange for eggs. fancy pigeons and human bones. V. KF. MUELLER, 201, Baltic St., Brook- lyn,N. Y. From Aprilto October at Milwau- kee, Wis. WANTED.—Fossils, Sea Curios and Birds Eggs, for which I can give fine fossils and pet. moss. All answered. J. M. KILVINGTON, Mason City, Lowa. TO EXCHANGE.—‘‘Bonanza’’ printing press, US. and Foreign stamps, for taxidermist tools. shot-gun. or rifle, write soon. Address J. A. Ford, Box 123 Kent, Orleans Co., N Y. FOR EXCHANGE.—Fine perfect fossil fish from Tennessee, for sets With data or will sell cheap for cash. WALTON MITCHELL, 534 Summit Ave.. St., Paul, Minn. _ ASET of drawing instruments, 12 pieces in leather case, never been used, cost $12, to ex- change for an uncancelled $2 and $5 Columbian ‘stamps in good candition, original gum on back and evenly centered. G. C. ROBERTS, 1517 ‘Christian St., Phila , Pa. FOR SALE or EXCHANGE.—Minerals and ‘Curiosities, old Books, Letters, Receipts, Legal - Papers. All genuine. No reprints. Dates 1828-40. Write and make known your wants if ee ane cofecting: GEO. WALTHER, Rush- ville, N. Y. highest bidder. * MAKE a cash offer on a first-class 4x5 cam- era adaptable to instanteous and time expos- ures, carrying case, tripod and 3 plate holders. They cost me over $30. All sent express paid to For further description of camera addresS EARL HARRISON, Barnes- ville, Ohio. If you don’t want to get inquiries from all over Creation even tO the ends of the earth, dont advertise in the OoLoGIstT. I advertised only a small card in the query page a year ago and answers are still coming in. With the last mail I received a fine catalogue from Eng- gland and a short time ago queries from the Carlos National Museum, Hungary; also from Madagascar and many More, too numerous to mention. FE. Theo. Miller, Fredericksburg. Va. ii (2 PAE OOLOGIST. INDIANA Collectors Only. I would like to exchange notes and specimens with collectors of this state. IthinkI can make our corres- pondence mutually beneficial. FOSTER MAR- IS, Annapolis, Indiana. WANTED.—TO correspond with collectors or those that have collections of Indian Relics from the following states and _ territor es: Wash , Idaho, Col., New Mexico. Okla., La., Ver. and Mass. D. A. KINNEY, Box 73, Was- eca, Minn. STAMPS.—50 all different, 6c; 100 : 11 different 10c;3 var. unused Azores, 8c; 3 var. unused Constantinople, 5c; 100 asst. N. and S. Ameri- can 10c; Try our fine approval sheets at 40 per cent discount. MEEKER-TOWH STAMP CO., Bridgeport, Conn. WANTED.—A good set of Moose horns with or without head skin, will give good exchange in mounted specimens or skins. JOHN CLAY- TON, Lincoln. Me. FOR EXCHANGE.—16 nickels without cents, 2 beauty Red-tailed Hawk eggs, U. S. copper cent 1820, New 38 cal. Revolver. 5 chambers cost $6. For best offer Indian relics. H. W. MITCHELL, 488 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, I have always received good results from my ads. in OOLoGIsT. Any naturalist who does not patronize it is behind the times. A. D. Brown. Pipestone, Minn. NOTICE.—40 good forelgn stamps for every perfect arrow head, or 50 stamps for every spear head sent me. HERBERT DAY. Mt. Vernon, Iowa. FOR EXCHANGE.—Collection of 250 stamps and four 10c and three 5c novels for 15c and 30¢ Columbian stamps and 100 different tin-tags. R. W. McMICHAEL, Rockland, Maine. A RARE lot of Confederate Stamps. 20c¢ green and 10c blue, also all kinds of U. S. Stamps and Columbias to ex. for birds eggs. W. E. McLAIN, New Vineyard, Me. TO EXCHANGE.—First class sets of Black- chined Hummingbird, with nest and complete data; for other Ist class sets. Address EDW. SIMMONS, Box 175, Pasadena, California. WANTED.—U. S. fractional currency and Confederate Bills. Will give Ist class sets of eggs with data, A 1 Bird Skins and a few can- celled Stamps, some good Columbians. E. H. SHORT, Gaines, Orleans Co., N. Y. " FOR SALE.—One Confederate stamp, one canceled U.S. envelope of 1864 and one Con- federate bill; all for ten cents. Also have some fine fossils to sell or exchange. JASPER WOOLDRIDGE, Austin, Texas. FOR EXCHANGE —In sets with data A. O. U. No’s 293a, 311, 313 319, 335, 362, 368, 384, 387, 410. 419, 421, 512, 593c, 594, 706, 707, 7382, 759a. THOMAS H. JACKSON; 343 E. Biddle St., West Chester, Pa. TO EXCHANGE.—I offer stamps of domes- tic and foreign countries in exchange for En- tomological literature or specimens. Lepidop- tera preferred, C. V. BINGHAM, Stayner, Ont. Canada. TAXIDERMISTS.—DO you want blrdsin+the meat. Ducks for your game pieces, etc., etc.? If you do send stamp for price list to W. R. BROWN, Milton, Rock Co., Wis. TO EXCHANGE.- Fresh Marbled Murrelet skin and Birds Eggs for Confederate, U. S..and Foreign Stamps. Papers on Stamps and Jatest. catalogues GEORGE L. ALVERSON, Lock Box 232, Fairhaven, Whatcom Co.,Washington. WANTED.—Skins of 755 to 760. Also 47, 326, 328, 334, 362. Offer split bamboo fiy rod. reel, collecting tube outfit, fiy book, landing net, ete. PHIL. K. GILMAN, 170 9th St., Oakland, Cal. Eggs all gone. and letters still comingin. TI should advise all collectors touse the columns. of the OOLOGIST in exchange. FREDERICK HILL, Lyme, Conn. I get more returns from my ad. in the OoLo-- GIST than any other paper. Howard M. Gillett,. Lebanon Springs, N. Y. i READING matter, including Golden Honrs-. Good News worth $2.00 to exchange for birds: evgs with datas, western pre. R. HARTFING-- ER, 924 Snyder Ave., Phila., Pa. WANTED.— Ancient Indian or Mound-build-- ers’ Stone mortars} pipes, spades, large hoes,. large spear heads. Must be in fine condition. and cheap, Will pay cash or exchange for good stamps. REV. ). C. MITCHELL, 534 Summit Ave., Saint Paul, Minnesota. STAMPS Wanted.—For every 10 U. S. or li: Foreign stamps catalogued above 1 ct sent me I will send post paid a complete novel in book form. THOS. H. BLODGETT, Galesburg, Tll_ TO EXCHANGE.—About $1000 worth of var-- ious kinds of Jewelry mounted and settings. The above was left over from the World’s Fair and will be exchanged in lots to suit, for first- class Natural History specimens, shells pre -- ferred. Address, J. M. WIERS, 3857 W. Van Buren St.. Chicago, Ml. F3t My advertisement in the March OoLoGistT: proved very Satisfactory, as I received several hundred replies from same, more than from any other two publications put together. Her-- bert, Sterzing, Austin, Texas. I have received splendid satisfaction from my noticesin the OOLOGIST. Will probably send: you a good many this year. Geo. W. Dixon, Watertown, S. D. WANTED.—Cheap, Central Fire, Skeleton. Rifle. Will give in exchange Sets, Skins, Stamps. Climbing [vons, Drills, &c. CLAR-- ENCE H. WATROUS. Chester, Conn. YOU want a pair of climbers that will climb any tree, ‘I’ve gotum.” What will you give for them. R. C. ALEXANDER, Plymouth. Mich. LIVE OWLS WANTED.—A Friend desires aiew live Owls. Barred or Acadian, in pairs- preferred. Write what you have. stating con-- dition and price. Address, PUBLISHER: OOLOGIST, Albion, N. Y. FOR SALE.—Arsenic and Shell sand, 5c Ib.. Not less than 10 lbs to a party, ALVAH G. DORR. Taxidermist and Fur Dealer, Bucks- port, Me. COLLECTORS.—I have a method by which you can clean your own watches and those of your friends at buta few cents expense. For 7 cents cash or #2.00in exchange I will send method and you will be relieved of the expense: of a watCh-cleaner hereafter. Warranted satis- factory or money refunded. H. L. HEATON, Parkville, Mo. : THE OOLOGIST. — WOL. XII. NO. 2. ALBION, N. Y., FEB., 1895. WHOLE No. 112 "Notes on the Blue-headed Vireo in Massa- chusetts. The Blue-headed, or Solitary Vireo «( Vireo solitarius) may safely be placed among the first of our woodland song- -sters, for his note is far richer and ful- ler in tone than any of our other Vireos, -once heard it can neyer be mistaken. The larger number go to the northern New England states to breed where, in New Hampshire for example, the nest’ is by no means a rarity. In Massa- -chusetts it is a common migrant and is found most often in pine and oak woods ‘where it spends its time in spasmodic bursts of song, occasionally eating an ‘insect if it happens upon one, but sel- dom making a systematic search for food. It breeds in Massachusetts much more commonly than is generally sup- posed, being, unlike the other Vireos, always extremely partial to a secluded ‘pine grove for the purpose of nidifica- tion, and is, I think, one of those birds ‘that, like the Crested Flycatcher, is yearly becoming more common in Mass- achusetts, although it is probable that ‘the distribution of both birds is some- what local. It is the earliest of our Vireos to com- ‘mence house-keeping, almost always having itsnest nearly finished by the -end of the third week in May, in fact I took one of their nests on May 19th which contained four fresh eggs. Des- -pite its habit of early breeding, I feel convinced that it seldom, or never, has -a second set unless the first is taken, when it at once builds another nest, ‘close to the old spot, and rears another brood. How oftenthis would be repeat- ed I do not know, as I am not an advo- ate of unlimited collecting. I consider it to be the tamest of our birds, as it will never leave the nest without being tilted off by ones finger or a stick, and even then it does not ex- hibit the slightest fear, either by its ac- tions or in those surest of tale-tellers its eyes. The nest, which is pensile, is placed in the crotch of a pine, oak or walnut limb, usually about eight feet from the ground, but varying from seven feet to twenty. It could scarcely be mistaken for that of one of the other Vireos, be- ing much less neatly constructed than the Red-eyed, larger than the White- eyed or the Warbling (besides being in a very different situation), and resem- bling only those of the Yellow-throated which does not, at least in my exper- ience, make aruleof nesting in a pine grove. It is usually built of pine-needles and grass, being roughly lined with pine-needles or fine grass, and is patched on the outside with almost any- thing it can find, but particularly with a kind of dark brown plant down that I find in no other nests. I once found its nest by seeing some six inches of a broad strip of white cotton cloth which, waving from the bottom of it, made a strong contrast to its dark pine-wood background, and also made it very easy to find. This nest was ruthlessly car- ried away, probably by some cruel boy, before the eggs were laid, but, hap- pening to pass the place two weeks later, I saw the bird sitting on a new nest that was placed on the same branch as the first. It is the equal, and super- ior in point of beauty, to the first, being thickly patched with long green moss and suspended from the crotch by the same material: the walls are from half an inch to an inch in diameter, and the lining is of pine-needles, all pointing the same way, with the small ends all 22 THE OOLOGIST. protruding over the edge of the nest. A more beautiful nest, being so roughly built, I have never seen. Its comple- ment of eggs, four in number, are also particularly handsome. In New Hamp- shire the nests are very artistic, being patched with streamers of the outer bark of the white birch. — ‘The number of eggs which make up a “full set” is, I believe, always four, and, like the nest, they vary from those of other Vireos, being white in ground- color (not the dead white of the Red- eye’s egg. nor the creamy white of the Yellow-throats’) and marked with rather fine red spots, most thickly at the larger end. Like most other eggs, they are subject to considerable varia- tion in size, the largest of a good series (all taken by myself from first sets) measuring .80 x .60 inches, the smallest .76 x .53 inches. In conelusion I will add, as a hint to brother scientists, that this bird has a seemingly unwarranted liking for the society of the Cooper’s Hawk. Of all the nests of the latter that have come under my notice, there has invariably been a pair of Blue-heads nesting in the immediate vicinity. In one case; while sitting at the foot of a pine from which my brother was taking a set of Cooper’s eggs (Iam famous for my aversion for high climbs), I found myself under the curious inspection of a female Solitary Vireo who was sitting on her nest, in a small hickory, not twenty feet from where I sat. J. H. BOWLEs. >t = p< A Few Notes from Shoal Lake, Manitoba. The winter of 1893 Mr. Walter Raine and myself arranged to spend a few days at Shoal Lake, Manitoba, in the month of June, 1894, in hopes of find- ing something new in the line of birds and eggs. Early in June I arrived at Reaburn, a station onthe line of the C. P. Ry., about 38d miles west of Winnipeg, and. spent a few days at Long Lake await- ing Mr. Raine’s arrival when we were to drive to Shoal Lake. : The few days at Long Lake were profitably spent collecting sets of Gad- walls, Shovellers, Pintail, Mallards, Red-heads, Teal (Blue-winged and Green-winged), Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse, Prairie Chickens, Bratram’s. Plover, Western Meadow Larks, West- ern Savanna Sparrows, Leconte’s Spar- row, Grebe’s, (Horned, Eared and Pied- billed) Sora Rails, Coots, Red-winged Blackbirds, Yellow-headed- Black- birds. -Of some of the above named birds: I collected several sets; of others I could find but one nest. All of the above named birds were plentiful around Long Lake, and if I could have remained a week or more, no doubt I would have discovered many more: nests. Mr. Raine arrived at Long Lake the: afternoon of June 7th. The morning’ of June 8th we were up bright and early. After several hours of preparation Mr. Raine and myself accompanied by two boys started with ateam and wagon for Shoal Lake, a distance of about. twenty miles from Reaburn. We hada canvas canoe and tent and several boxes. of provisions and a camera. ‘The: weather wasrather warm, nevertheless, we enjoyed the drive very much. On” the way we saw an old deserted house, the eaves of which were filled with nests of the Cliff Swallow, (Petrochelidon lunifrons) most of the nests were empty, several contained single eggs. The season was evidently a little early and I succeeded in getting but one set of three eggs. A little further on a Blue- winged Teal flew out of the grass on the side of the ditch close to the road Sie, no doubt, had a nest close by, but: we were unable to find it. We arrived at Shoal Lake about six o'clock, as we: left Reaburn about ten o’clock a. m. THE OOLOGIST. 23; REV. P. B. PEABODY, Wilder, Minn. The time we made was quite satisfac- tory. We drove across the marsh to a point of elevated ground near the edge of the Lake and close to Rock Island, where a huge colony of Forster’s Terns (Sterna forsterit) had hundreds of their nests and eggs lying around in the gravei and weeds, a great many of the nests contained one, two, or three eggs and a few had as many as four eggs. I collected about sixty fresh eggs and could have taken five hundred had If wished so many. The eggs are very handsome and show quite a variation, the ground color varying from white to a dark olive, some are blotched, vthers highly colored with brown, black and violet spots. Mr, Raine shot two rare Sandpipers and took their nests and eggs, but unfortunately broke the four fresh eggs and allowed theskins to spoil from lack of time to skin the birds. On the edge of the marsh I found a nest of the Canvas-back (Aythya vallisneria) containing seven eggs almost incubated. I lett the eggs in the nest and the next day the young ducks ap-- peared. The nest was a beauty and was built in the tall flags on the ground and was entirely surrounded by water. The bird flew around in great distress. while I was examining the nest and eggs. While we were driving across the marsh the horses almost stepped on a. Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus ameri-- canus) and her nest of six eggs, lightly incubated. The nest was simply a hole seratched in the ground and was sur- rounded by short prairie grass. I also found near the edge of the marsh a nest of the Red-head. (Aythya americana) containing one egg. It was now getting dark and we re- turned to our tent, which we had pitched near the edge of the marsh. The mosquitoes bothered usa great. deal and our sleep was broken by the pests. We had to drink the bog water which was very dirty and at last I was. driven in desperation to partake of the alkaline water from Shoal Lake. I found the taste not unpleasant and drank quite alot of it whenever I felt thirsty. I have since suffered a good deal from the effects of it. Shoal Lake is a large body of water and is so shal-- low in many places that one can wade three-fourths of a mile from shore. The locality is wild and very sparsely inhabited, making ‘t a fine place for wild game to bring forth their young unmolested. On Rock Island I found a nest of the Canada Goose, (Branta canadensis) the young birds had evidently been hatched in it before our arrival. June 9th, 1 was out early on the look- out for Grebes nests. [soon found a nest of MHolbell’s Grebe (Colymbus nolbellii), containing five fresh eggs. The nest was built near the edge of the marsh grass in about 3 feet of water, and was composed of dead vegetation with a few flags and a little grass mixed in. The eggs were covered. I after- “24 THE OOLOGIST. ‘wards found three more sets of five ‘eggs, one set of four, and one set of three eggs of the same bird, also one set of four eggs and one set of six eggs ‘of the Horned Grebe (Colymbus auri- ‘tus, one set of ten eggs of the American 'Eared Grebe (Colymbus nigricollis cali- Jfornicus. Mr. Raine also found a num- ber of sets of the same birds. I brought the Grebe’s eggs bac to camp and after an hours’ work blowing them, I set out to find a few sets of “American Bittern’s (Botuurus lentigin- -osus) I soon returned with a set of five ‘eggs. I flushed the bird off the nest at ‘my feet, not 100 yards from our tent. _After blowing this set I started out .again and in five minutes I was back -again with a set of six fresh eggs of the ‘same bird and soon after returned with -a set of four more eggs. The three nests were within a radius -of 100 yards, and there appeared to be -a colony of them nesting close together. The nests were all similar, simply a ifew pieces of flags and gvass flattened ‘into a platform and all placed in dry situations. The bird is a very close sitter -and will let you almost catch her before leaving the nest. I started a Wilson’s Phalarope (Pha- laropus tricolor) out of the grass. The bird feigned lameness and evidently ‘had a nest close by. I searched care- fully for it but I was unable to find the -eggs. This bird is almost as wary -about the nest as the Killdeer. E. ARNOLD, Battle Creek, Mich. > Rails in Captivity. Upon entering the conservatory of ‘Lincoln Park at Chicago one is con- ‘fronted by a pool of water the banks of which are of a porous rock on which ‘run trailing plants. In the pool is a «species of floating plant and on the banks grow ferns and other vegetation. {Back of this is a mound of rich mold, covered by a sparse growth of a moss of the genus Seluginella of the Club- moss family, on which grow banana trees and various palms and other trop- ical plants. There is a dirt walk around and between this and another mound bordered on the outside, against the glass wall by a narrow strip of soil thickly planted with the denizens of the green-house. But for the glass roof overhead one might imagine himself in a tropical garden. Amid these surroundings dwell two Virginia Rails and at least a half-dozen Soras or Carolina Rails. It is intensely interesting to observe these usually very retiring birds which here have become accustomed to man and will go on with their various doings in full view and often scarcely two yards away from the vulgar gaze of the bird-crank vouch- safing now and then a glance accom- panied by a curious little nod anda twinkle of the eye. Their main care seems to be to fill their little. stomachs and to keep up a respectable appear- anee. A vain little fellow will stand upon a slightly submerged rock jutting out from the bank and dipping its head and breast deep, send a spray of water over its back all the while ruffling its feathers and flapping its wings in ap- parent eestacy. The bath ends with a preening and adjusting of feathers. They run about in search of food, they Swim in the pool, the feet moving rap- idly are held close together as are the toes;except, when the bird stops, the toes spread and feet extended apart as if to balance the owner; occasionally they will make a short, straight flight. There is a well marked difference in the manner of the two species. The Sora is very active and seems constant- ly on the move. Itruns about over the whole space that is available picking up amorsel here and there varying the diet with an occasional mouthful of greens from the leaves of some plant. Over the mound, amongst the smaller THE OOLOGIST. 25. G. VROOMAN SMITH,Schenectady,N.Y. plants, along the walk, across the pool they go. Now and then tbere is a swift chase ard a low enatter of voices when some individual asserts his power or when one has caught an unwary worm that has ventured too near the surface of the protecting mold. A rich source of food are the bread crumbs cast into the pool for the gold-fishes. And in the morning when the attendant lets in the water, which is pumped directly from the lake at the park, minnows fall on the stones and are devoured by the birds. The statlier Virginia Rail is more sedate in its demeanor than its cousin, the Sora. From some rock at the sur- face of the water it makes occasional sallies to again return to its favorite nook. Nor does it seem to wander far. While it has much the same bill of fare as the Sora. and takes it wherever found, the long bill comes into conven- ient use. It may be seen on the mound back of the pool probing the soft mold especially around the bases of plants.. As it walks along it runs its bill straight: down or pries away some clod, and when an earth worm is discovered it is. speedily brought too light and is swal- lowed with a series of sharp backward and forward jerks of the head, much in the manner of a chicken. The probing is an interesting process; as the bill de-. scends into the ground it is opened! slightly, probably to allow the tongue- to feel for worms; the effort causes a. convulsive shudder of the bird’s head and entire body. Whenever some Sora makes itself too noticeable by its. presence the Virginia immediately pro- eeeds to. scatter the individual, and there is a short, sharp chase, two streaks. of bird; they run as never chicken ran. ‘Although they pay little attention to the gold-fishes all of the birds keep ata respectful distance from a _bull-frog, the monarch of the pool. Whenever a bird unwittingly gets close to this fel~ low there is. a craning of the neck, a jerking and twisting of the head in order- to get each:eye alternately focused di- rectly on the horrible beast. Then there is a strutting away and a last inquisi- tive look. Suchactions are usually ac- companied by a bobbing of the tail, a trait less noticeable in the Virginia than in the Sora. ; Our friends roost above the ground; if they did not the rats would make short work of them. That was the case with some birds last year; only one of each species survived. ‘These had their regular roosts. One spent the night in a Love-tree, Philodendron deliciosum, a specimen of which rests against an iron column for the support at the roof at either side and just back of the pool; the other took up sleeping quarters in 2 palm on the other side of the conser- vatory. The excrement onthe Love- trees shows where some of the birds roost this year. At dusk one may see them flying up there with rather labori- ous flight. I saw a Sora fly from one 26 THE OOLOGIST. -of the Love-trees into a wire basket sus- spended by a wire from above in which grew a species of fern. ‘This basket hangs midway between thetwo columns and directly over the rear bank of the pool and forms the safest kind of a re- treat. It is a matter of conjecture whether or not this entered into the thoughts of the Rail. The birds are caught while they are stopping for the day during migration. They are easily caught,when diseovered. A man told me that he caught one in his back yard; it simply ran into a cor- ner and hid. Thus they are not cage bred; you may have a set for which one of these birds is partly responsible. JOHN LARSEN. Harry R. Taylor! Golden Eagle eggs! The two terms are synonymous! No doubt more than -one collector has asked himself ‘‘Where -do all the sets of Golden Eagle come from?” He might go the rounds of a ‘majority of collectors who sorrowfully would plead ‘not guilty.” And it is “with a sense of pleasure that we are en- Published withcut pe missicn. abled to present the readers of the OoLo- Gist a half-tone of Harry R. Taylor, one of the few ‘‘guilty’’ ones in this connec- tion. To a large majority of North Amer- ican collectors Mr. Taylor needs little introduction. He isa son of the illus- trious missionary of Africa, Bishop Wil- liam Taylor, and it was beneath Africa’s tropical sun that he first saw the light. THE OOLOGIST. 27 Mr. Taylor came to California with his parents when he was buta year old and has remained in the Golden State ever since seeking out the nesting sites of Aquila chrysaetos, among other things. He attended the University of ‘the Pacific at San Jose, and afterwards took-a course in law at a prominent Law College. He has the make-up of a journalist and has done excellent ser- vice on several of the prominent San Francisco dailies, and for some time was editor and proprietor of the Ala- meda ‘“‘Lantern,” whose rays reflected the scintillations from his pen. In September 1893 he began the pub- . lieation of the Nidiologist, which has gained for itself a reputation of which any one might feel proud. Mr. Taylor has contributed many articles to scien- tific papers in years past, among them The OodLoetst, Ornithologist and Oologist and others. Several months since a valuable and entertaining article from his pen on the California Condor ap- peared in the San Hrancisco Chronicle. But amid his literary labors Mr. Tay- Jor finds time for recreating himself in his ‘‘Kagle country” and elsewhere. At the present day there is probably no collector in America who annually col- lects as many sets of Golden Eagles’ eggs as does the subject of this sketch. While other and less fortunate collectors hie themselves weekly around the cir- cuit of Eagles’ nests, some of which have withstood the storms of years, and re- turn emptier than before going, this lucky personage spends a week collecting his annual “rents,’’ his tenants awaiting his visits with resigned fate! Other eq- ually desireable species have come un- der the hand of his ‘‘searching gaze,’’ —among them the White-tailed Kite. In 1893 Mr. Taylor with complete parapher- nalia made a journey into the mountains inhabited by the California Condor but his efforts were unrewarded as the rug- ged cliffs and precipices made ‘‘naviga- tion’’ a diflicult matter. Still he lives in hopes! To those who have had the pleasure of his friendship Mr. Taylor is one of those genial, whole-souled, ever-pleas- ant bodies who gladdens the nature of any who may cross his path, and the most interesting and homelike places in his hospitable house is his ‘‘den,’’ and in whose home is not this mysterious room the same? But the curios of his “den” are supplemented by the many odd, interesting things which drift the way of the editor. The suggestive cabinet in one corner holds a wealth of those gems which sparkle beneath the eye of the ardent collector and several cases of mounted birds invite inspec- tion. Mr. Taylor is;a member of the Cooper Ornithological Club and was recently elected President of that organization for 1895. The accompanying photo- graph which the subject permitted to be taken at an unguarded moment is be- fore us, wearing perhaps a little more serious an expression than is natural, which may be ascribed to the fact that it was made on the morning succeeding a 3:30 a. m. session of ‘‘egg-trading,” a very commendable thing in itself! Mr. Taylor is no ‘‘closet” naturalist and will no doubt acknowledge that ‘‘trading”’ eggs is a perfectly legitimate and enjoyable diversion. And to which we will all respond “Correct!” But as the Editor of the Nidiologist has gone East you will know the rest,so we desist and subscribe ourselves. XYZ. <> >_< Wise and Otherwise. At this season of the year it is emi- nently proper to review the experiences of the past campaign, and to take an invoice of stock preparatory to the ap- proaching season. In recalling the var- ious adventures incident to last year’s collecting, the thought most forcibly 28 , THE OOLOGIST. FRED W. PARKHURST, Bath, N. Y. impressed on my mind was that it makes a vast difference from what standpoint a thing is viewed. On a bright morning of last March, I dis- covered a Screech Owl cosily domiciled in a cavity apparently about eighteen feet from the ground in a silver maple in a neighbor’s dooryard. As I stood at the foot of the tree, after I had buckled on my new climbers and was prepared to ascend to the cavity, the distance seemed comparatively nothing and I congratulated myself on having found a nest of the Sereech Owl so easily reached. After 1 had set both spurs firmly in the bark. however, and was clasping the trunk with both hands and had the caudal portion of my body bent out from the tree so that I resem- bled a letter V with the opening toward the trunk, I was positive that it was at least thirty feet to the nest. When [ reached the coveted position at last, _and had sunk the spurs their full length into the wood to guard against falling: while I explored the empty recess, as I ventured to glance to the ground I won- dered how I could have been so de- ceived as to the distance, which was: now not less than fifty feet and rapidly increasing. I enjoyed the descent, however, more than enough to counter- balance the depressing effects of the as— cent. Oécasionally the spurs would re- fuse to give up their deep-seated at- tachment to the trunk, and I would hang with my knees in the pits of my arms, vainly tugging at my firmly an- chored feet. Gradually I worked my way down until within a few feet of the ground, when I concluded to slide: down the remaining short distance. I had not yet learned the perversity of a. pair of spurs on the feet of an inexper- ienced climber, for they took hold of the uneven bark, and before I could grasp the tree with my hands, my up- per parts were describing the cirecum- ference of a circle of which my feet formed the center. Having: begun to form a collection of birds’ eggs only last season, though I have been an observer of bird-ways for many years, I made several visits to a. grove northeast of town to secure a set of Crow’s eggs, and as this was after the experience recorded above, I took along with me a venturesome fellow- crank to do the climbing. We went. after working hours and darkness be- gan to settle over the grove when he made his last ascent, the objective point being a nest about forty feet from the ground and about ten feet out on an obliquely ascending limb. As his first. few climbs had not resulted to our sat- isfaction, his expectations were not at the highest when he reached the nest. He slid his hand up into the structure: and called out exultantly, ‘‘seven eggs!”’ Our collecting box was.a pasteboard baking-powder box, and into this he packed the set while I offered numerous bits of advice and congratulated myself on thus securing a set which would be: THE OOLOGIST; the prize of my infant collection. I “had read that Crows sometimes lay seven eggs, but I knew if it was true it | was in Florida, Michigan, or California, ‘ while I lived in Illinois and hence never _expected. to find so large a set, but "here were the eggs being lowered to me ‘by my companion. my treasure: I stretched up to receive the box, fearing lest some ac- cident might happen to deprive me of How much to be pitied are you veteran collectors who can no longer rejoice in the finding of a fine _set of eggs so common as those of the ‘rope by which the eggs Crow. At last the box swung into my hands and I gently untied the small had been _ lowered, and then ¢arefully placed the ‘box on the ground in front of me, tell- . to me before he began his descent. ing my friend to drop the ball of rope He ' dropped the ball fairly into my hands, but though I have been the catcher of the Virden Reliables, the crack team of the county for several seasons, I muffed the ball, which bounded out of my hands and dropped fairly on the box with a dead thud which thrilled through my entire being. Two eggs survived the catastrophe, and J am still on the search for a set of seven eggs of one Crow’s laying, though I am satisfied that Illinois Crows do sometimes lay that large a complement. Later in the season I had a piece of good luck in connection with the nest last mentioned. While rambling in the grove in May, asI approached the tree containing the nest, a Cooper's Hawk made an angry dash at me, ut- tering the clacking notes characteristic ofthe species, and I immediately as- cended the tree to ascertain the cause of his demonstration. Finding only one egg I left it and awaited developments or rather wndevelopedments, returning a week later with my climbing friend, he found three eggs, and at my sugges- tion began to pack them in another box similar to the one previously used. 29 These boxes open at both ends, but’ my friend forgot this fact in his eagerness to lower our first set of Cooper’s for the season, and having packed two eggs he was pressing the cotton down more firmly, when the bottom fell from the box, and to my horror the egg nearest the bottom came down through the air with incalculable rapidity. I instinc- tively leaped backward to escape be- ing spattered with the contents of the egg and uttered a ery of anguish at the seemingly inevitable disaster, but the egg struck a deep bed of dead leaves, rebounded into the air and then sank unharmed upon the soft cushion where it had fallen. If William Henry de- sires it, I will. forward an affidavit to: support the foregoing story. I now congratulate myself that I de- ferred the formation of a collection of eggs until last season, or until I reached the mature years of my present age. I can still have the pleasure of finding all the common species and to me everything is still a prize, for as a col- lector I am only an unlearned beginner. To many of those whom I am boring by this production, most of the species , catalogued by the A. O. U. have ceased to be rareties, and nothing short of a large series of the eggs of the Golden- toed Haskaree, A. O. U. No. 1001 or re- lated species can satisfy the unresting soul. Our ornithological and oologieal journals receive with disdain the arti- cles of us amateurs on common everyday birds, and yearn for communications upon some hitherto unknown sub-sub- species hovering on some 0n-come-at- ebus crags of the uninhabited waste. I, however, shall spend some of my time during the ensuing season in searching for a nest of the Chipping Sparrow, which I have not found in the last ten years of my rambles about this neigh- borhood, though formerly they were to be found in every piece of low, young hedge. Thus I feel that I am fortunate in having the best of my oological life 30 THE OOLOGIsT. before me and the familiar birds*of my Native region can yet yield me a Store of delightful experiences. One of these occurred in last June, while I was rambling along the bank of the Illinois river near Havana. A sudden shower came up unobserved by me as I searched the dense undergrowth for the nest of a Vireo which I heard singing in the tan- gle. I took refuge under a large, spreading sycamore whose long droop- ing boughs almost touched the ground, and crouching against the trunk while the rain dashed upon the foliage over- head and soon came dripping through upon me, I swept my eyes around to survey my shelter. Ten feet in front of me, glued to the side of a drooping twig, was a bit of moss-covered materi- al which caught my gaze and jauntily riding on this swaying craft was a Hummingbird, not the least disturbed by the watery dash, for directly above her and not three inches from the nest was a leaf larger than my hand com- pletely roofing the structure. She eyed me closely and inquiringly during the twenty minutes I remained imprisoned by the shower, and I assure you that it was a pleasure to watch her behavior, as she evidently wanted to leave the nest because of my proximity but dread- ed to venture out into the pelting rain. After the shower had passed, when I approached the nest, she left with a whirr of her tiny wings which quite startled me, and while I examined the cottony fabrication she came humming about my head in a really pugnacious manner. The nest was only six feet from the ground and was placed: ob- liquely against the side of a perpendic- ularly hanging twig about twelve inches from its extremity. It would be in order here for me to ask if this nest was not situatedin a peculiar manner, but I have concluded that my experiences are not much un- like those of other observers, and there- fore I refrain from this threadbare query CHESTER BARLOW, Santa Clara, Cal. It is acommon fault of inexperienced observers to imagine that their disccy- eries are quite out of the usual line. [ recall the elation I felt many years ago over the discovery of-anest of the Green Heron in the woods near my home and how I seriously considered the advisa- bility of writing up an account of the nest and eggs for the Nuttall Bulletin, which I had seen mentioned as the leading magazine on ornithology. I had never heard of the species, but on consulting the pages of a cyclopedia and identifying my tind I was surprised to learn that I had found only the nest of a ‘‘Shitepoke.” And while [I am in the mood for confession, I remember that no later than two summers ago, while in the vicinity of Quiver Lake, Illinois, I found my first nest of the Hummingbird. It was placed far out on the end of a branch of a small ‘birch _tree, but by means devised only by us egg cranks I[ secured the treasure, THE OOLOGIST 31 though I was not forming a collection at the time. I had not then become a reader of the OGLOGIsT,and I only knew that I had made a great find, and could now furnish to some famous institution a veritable nest and set of eggs of the far-famed Ruby-throat. I had previous- ly corresponded with the Smithsonian Institution concerning the Reports which are frequently sent out, but had been informed that back reports could not be furnished me. I now felt that I held the key to the situation, for I would immediately write them propos- ing the exchange of the nest and eggs for the reports I wanted. No joke in- tended, Mr. Editor, for such was my lamentable ignorance two years ago in regard to desiderata. However, I am happy to say that I received light on the subject before the learned gentle- men of the Institution heard from me. Before beginning this article, I wrote my subject, Wise and Otherwise, in- fending to give the most of my atten- tion to the first division. of the topic, but I feel assured that long ere this most of my kind friends of the O6LOGIST have decided it to be largely otherwise. P. M. SILLoWAyY. +t <> > Destruction of Birds. The life of the birds is constantly ex- posed to many dangers. Very few of them die a natural death, or even live out half of their allotted days. ‘These perils are especially numerous during the life of the birds as unhatched em- bryos or helpless fledglings. The in- fancy of the birds is cradled in danger; nota day nor night elapses, from the time the eggs are laid until the young are flown, but that the chances are in favor of the nest being pillaged and its contents destroyed. The households ofthe birds are exposed to many ene- mies, cats, squirrels, skunks, crows, jays and other predaceous birds and™ animals against which the helpless feathered creatures can offer no defense except concealment. When at length the nestling launches upon the ethereal depths, sustained by their own pinions - and dependent upon their own exer- tions for sustenance and safety, then it may be said that they have paried fully half of the dangers incident to the life of a bird. We know very little of avian epidem- ics; what proportion of the deaths of | birds may be ascribed to disease it would be impossible to tell. There must be. plagues and diseases among bird-kind, as well as among the other forms of animal life, but the mortality caused by disease is, I believe, compar- atively slight. We must look to other destructive agencies to see the means whereby nature maintains its balance. If these destructive agencies were re- moved we would witness a phenominal increase in the number of birds, as we have seen in the instance of that avian pest, the English Sparrow. About a quarter of a century ago the English Sparrow was introduced into this country, their numbers have multiplied until now they overrun almost the whole country east of the Mississippi and are quite extensively distributed in localities west of that limit. If the Passenger Pigeons had been permitted to increase as they did prior to the advent of civilized man, the flocks of the days of Audubon and Wilson would be much smaller than the mighty aggre- gations which in these later days would infest the land. ‘Travelling in such incomprehensible numbers their track would be ascene of desolation: But they waned before the advance of civilization; the forests in which they were accustomed to lodge and breed have been Jaid low, busy marts and populous cities line the thoroughfares they followed in their bi-annual migra- tions; on the vast prairies, over which they held their stately pilgrimages, now bows the farmer’s harvest and grazes 32 THE OOLOGIST. the ranger’s herds; where once their mournful love-notes murmured on the breeze, now the school-bell’s peal or the ’ whistle’s clarion reverberates in the air. These changes alone have decimated the numbers of the Passenger Pigeons, as draining the swamps will drive to other spots the Heron or the Egret, or felling the forest will destroy the home of the woodland songsters. ‘These are the inexorable demands of civilization, man’s pleasure and man’s comfort are paramount. What mishaps and calamities would be revealed in the chronicles of asingle nesting season if the same were in print. The nest of this Prothonotary Warbler, built too low in the stub, is over-flooded and the eggs destroyed; the Black Tern building by the side of the neighboring pond has its young swept away by the flood. The Blue Jay skulks through the trees and, in the absence of the parent birds, devours the contents of the nests it finds. A skunk, squirrel, weasel, or darkest tragedy of all, a snake, searching for the dainties the nests afford, discovers the secreted treasures and feasts upon them; or perhaps that mid-night marauder, the owl, snatches the parent bird from the nest, or devours the eggs or young. Has any one ever seen a Blue Jay robbing the nest of another Jay? Al- though I have never witnessed such an act, yet I will venture to say that there is no honor among thieves even among bird-kind, that the Jay will rob the nest of its fellow just as well as that of the Robin or the Thrush. Many species of birds when their nests are robbed will endeavor to rear a second brood, but their time is limited to the few short months of spring and summer. The Chimney Swift, a bird so devoted to its young that it will dash into a blazing building where its nest is placed and perish with its offspring, in response to that mysterious instinct ° which impels migration of birds, will abandon its half-fledged young to de- part for its southern home when the time for migration arrives. To me it seems that the safest-place for a nest would be where the Bobolink or Meadow-lark builds, in the broad fields where neither bush nor weed nor other growth. unlike the general mass could mark the site, where all is uni- form and monotonous, where the only concealment is the concealment the great affords the little, as the desert hides the pebble. Let the simple struc- ture be placed in the midst of this vast- ness and harmonize in color with the surroundings and chances of detection are very slight. The trees are searched by rats, weasels, squirrels, jays, crows, hawks and owls, and other predaceous birds and animals In the field most of these dangers would be avoided. An occasional skunk or squirrel, prowling about in the grass could possibly find the nest,or perhaps some sharp-eyed urchin, whose aimless rambles would’ lead him across the nest, would see-the silent brown bird slip from her nest, but all in all the chances cf the nest be- ing discovered by anenemy are small. The Larks of our western plains main- tain their numbers, while the Bobolinks of the north, although multitudes are killed during their migrations, prosper and hold their own, and their sweet music does not diminish in our northern meadows. Yet many of these nests are destroyed by the cattle trampling upon them as they feed on the grass among which the nests are placeed, or the mow- ers may come along earlier than the parent birds anticipated and wreck the: humble household. The Pewee and the Chimney Swift | are subject to peculiar dangers. Their nests being fastened to the side ofa wall or chimney when wet by the rains loose their adhesive qualities and are dashed to the ground below destroying: the eggs or young. Many of the birds which secret their THE OOLOGIST. BB H. M. GUILFORD, Minneapolis, Minn. nests in the low foliage and thus es- cape the squirrels, rats, snakes, owls and jays, ete., have yet another enemy to contend with. It is the parasitical Cowbird. The Cowbird finds these nests which have escaped the eyes of the other enemies. It may be seen searching anxiously through the foliage for a suitable nest in which to deposit its egg. Some birds when they discover the presence of the parasitical egg will abandon the nest or build another nest over the one coutaining the illegitimate ege. Every Cow bird is reared at the cost of at least two song-birds. Itisa large price to pay. The Cowbird us- nally selects the nest of a bird smaller than itself so that when the young ones are hatched the young Cowbird either consumes all the food the old birds can gather, or elseit eventually jostles its smaller companions from the nest to starve or freeze to death. One day I was wandering along the out-skirts of a Michigan wood when my course lead across the nest of an American Red- start. The beautiful little birds were busily engaged in carrying food for the young. Inthe nest was a young Cow- bird which over-reached and over-rode the young Redstarts and monopolized the attentions of the parent birds. As I approached it opened wide its mouth and cried for food, but I grabbed the squaking intruder by the head and hurled it far into the depths of the tan- glel wood, and if it was not killed by coming in sudden contact with a limb it certainly did not survive long its pre- cipitous flight through the air. The dangers of the nesting period on- ly exceed in number those of the migra- tion season. The young birds of the season usually lead the flight to the south. Wonderful, indeed, is that in- stinct which guides a young bird, with- out either experience or the help of its parents, across vast expanses of land and water to its winter home; or, stronger than the devotion of mother- hood, impells the older birds to abandon their callow brood totake part in this mysterious pilgrimage. ‘The diminu- tion of the supply of proper food is one, but not the only cause o' migration, for in the spring when the journey north- ward begins the birds not infrequently leave a sunny southern land teeming with desirable food. Perchance these sensitive creatures are unable to with- stand the intense heat of the southern summers or the vigors of the northern winters, and hence come and go with the seasons, living in a clime of perpet- ual spring. Storms not infrequently over take the birds in their migrations and sweep them from their course. The little creatures waste their strength in bat- tling with the elements until they be- come so feeble that, when the wind sub- sides, they are dashed to death upon the earth below. When the birds pursue 34 THE OOLOGIST. the coast line in their migrations a severe storm may drive them from their course and far out over the water so that they are unable to return to the land and perish by thousands in the depths. This too oceurs on the Great Lakes, where great numbers of birés loose their lives by being over-whelmed by the storms. In the Spring, an early warm wave will awaken the insect life and attract northward mu!titudes of birds. A sud- den fall in the temperature will destroy the supply of food and the’ birds, weak- ened by loss of food, chilled by the cold winds and rains, and without the pro- tection of the foliage, will perish in great numbers. The birds which feed upon the fish that frequent the shallow waters of the shores of the Great Lakes or the Ocean, often perish on account of the storms driving the fish upon which they prey to deeper waters where the birds are unable to reach them. The following incidents illustrate the peculiar manner: in which birds may meet their death. A young Bobolink lit upon the back of a turtle thinking possibly it was a stone, and was caught by the turtle and would doubtiessly have been killed except for the interference of the observer. A Screech Owl in pur- suit of a mouse had its foot caught be- neath a batten on the side of a barn and both were frozen to death. <> + Nest and Eggs of Geothlypis macgilliorayi- Loeality, Northern Idaho, on an east- ern mountain slope. Ina pine forest. The trees, in some places were too thick for underbrush. In other places dense clumps of brush thrived. Then again the woods would be open and the ground carpeted with coarse grass. The nest was located in a little canyon that cut through such a part of the woods as the last mentioned. The nest was placed in the fork of a bush. It was about twenty inches from the ground. The nest was composed of light colored grasses. The dead stems and blades were loosely woven together. The structure was lined with fine black roots. Among these were a few black-hairs. The outside diameter of the nest was 3.8 in.; the outside depth, 3.3in.; the inside diameter, 2 in.: the in- side depth 1.9 in. The nest contained four fresh eggs. In color they are creamy white, with an inclination to pinkish (they were de- cidedly pinkish before preparation for: the cabinet), everywhere spotted with pale lilac; the spots being larger and grouped ina ring about the larger end: also everywhere spotted with reddish brown, lighter or darker: in a few places the brown is more thickly ap- plied and the result is a brownish black blotch or scrawl. The eggs measure in inches, .77x.58, .78x,57, .74x.58° and .76x.56. The bird was taken and her identity carefully determined. J. O. SNYDER. 38 YHE OOLOGIST. ' THE OOLOGIST, A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher. ALBION, N. Y. Corresyondence and items of interest to the student of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited from all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Single Subscription - - 75¢ per annum Sample Copies - - - - - 10ceach The above rates include payment of postage by us. Each subscriber is given two coupons, one good for an Exchange Notice and the other for 25c. when presented with an order of $1.25 or over. Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLogist can be furnish ed at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. "Remember that the publisher must be no- tified by letter when a subscriber wishes his pa- per stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES. 10 CENTS PER NONPAREIL LINE EACH INSERTION. Twelve lines in every inch. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Post Office Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U. 8. Postage Stamps of any denomination wiil be accepted tor sums un- der one dollar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- rmaurications to FRANK dH. LATTIN, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y. -,* Articles, Items of Interest and Queries for publication should be forwarded as early in the month as possible. ENTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER. SSS... aaa Guilford College, N. C. has one of the finest Museums in the State. T. Gilbert Pearson is Curator. A Friend asks—Where cau I get a high grade camera with rapid Rectilin- ear Lens for exacting work? Remember that the OOLOGIST is now 75 cts. a year and that subscriptions and renewals will be accepted at the old rate (50c.) until Feb. 15th only. Blenn R. Bales, Wilson, Alabama, re- ports killing an albino Robin on Jan. 2d. Pure white except a few red feath- ers on breast. ‘““NATUKAL SCIENCE NEws’”’ is the name of our new weekly Jovrnal devoted to Natural History in allits various branch- es. You have heard of it. You have doubtless received «sample copy, and may have already sent in your subscrip- tion for it—if not we trust you will do so by return mail. Should you receive an extra copy, place it where it will do us the most good. A boomerang in the hands of an American has never yet proven an ef- fectiveinstrument forkilling ‘big game.” It might answer on ‘‘a review” or dress parade but even then it would be advis- able for the ‘‘boys’’ to keep away from behind the source whence it emanates. The publisher of the OdLoGIsT has on two or three occasions during the past ten years been made the object of un- warranted attacks by journals having an “immense circulation” and which assured the public they had ‘‘come to stay.’’ Correct. By reference to our copious notes bearing on the subject. we find that a// have ‘‘staid.” The Northwestern Ornithological Association . The Northwestern Ornithological As- sociation was organized at Portland, Oregon, Dec. 28, 1894. The following officers were elected: Pres., Arthur L. Pope; ist vice pres., Wm. L. Finley; 2nd vice pres., G. B. Cheney; See., D. Franklin Weeks; Treas., A. B. Averill. All persons in the Northwest who are interested in our birds are cordially in- vited to correspond with the Secretary, 720 Front St., Portland Oregon. As there has been comparatively little work done in ornithogical science in the Northwest it is expected the new asso- ciation will bring to light some inter- esting facts regarding the birds of that section. THE OOLOGIST 39 My Introduction to the Canada Jay and Three- toed Woodpscker. We have all met with disappoint- ments, haven’t we? I know I have, but one of the worst is contained in the fol- lowing: Some of my readers will rec- ognize as ‘‘just their case exactly.” It wasa light day in fall, about thirty- ~ six miles back from Georgian Bay. I was slowly wandering along ostensibly for Ruffed Grouse, but keeping my eye open for other of our bird friends. It was along an old lumber road, such is are common ina new district just left by the lumbermen and still showing the fierce ravages of the axe and fire. To the right and left of me was a wall of second growth birch and poplar well guarded by chevaux de fuse of dead tree-tops and bre»st-works of fallen logs. I had tried to force these de- fenses and, wearily came to the conclu- sion that there was no game along the road. As I paused a moment to watch some Slate-colored Juncoes 1 heard, away over somewhere, a maniacal laugh, perfectly fiendish in its tone and enough to make one’s blood run cold. What’s that? I mentally asked, and - the dog looked up and then turning to me seemed to say, ‘‘Shall we go and see 2” Not much through that jungle. Much puzzled I went along my way until [reached higher ground and came to a ‘‘slashing,” where hemlock had been cut for tan-bark and thin, white, bleached trunks lay about piled over each other like huge jack-straws. Sitting down and watching some Kinglets playing in asmall cedar clump I was attracted by an unknown guttural note uttered near me. My heart flew to my thrvat; there, on a log, and quietly tapping as if nothing unusual had happened was the bird I had been looking for for three years—the Ameri- ean Three-toed Woodpecker. How often had I heard that familiar rat-a- tat-and quietly stealing up in hopes of finding him saw a Hairy or Downy bird, here he actually was right under my hand, or gun, rather. All this and much more flashed through my mind while I was raising my gun. When horror of horrors, he flew—but towards me and lit on the other end of the log I was on. I slowly rose and, keeping an eye on him backed off to insure there being enough of him left to mount after I shot. Dear reader, you know how it is, every log for miles around came and lay in my way. The dog got under my heels, but I remembered the fifth com- mandment and didn’t say a word. Mr. Woodpecker seeing how things stood, flew on a tree at just a good range, but on the opposite side. Then I changed my tactics and began a retrograde movement to get in the rear of my ene- my; keeping my eye on him every sec- ond except once while getting over a log. But that once was enough, I did not see him go, but he went,—aad I— well, I won’t say what I said. The dog crawled under some logs and all the rest of the day acted ashamed for me. I will pass over what happened for a while after that in deference to my readers, who, [ think will sympathize with me if they are collectors. An hour orso after as I came into some better cleared land I heard that awful laugh again pruceeding from an isolated clump of bushes and [ crept forward. The tiend flew—coming right. over my head and I fired. He stopped suddenly and dropped in rather a dis- jointed way. When I picked him up I saw who he was. He was slate-biue under and lighter beneath with a sug- gestion of rufous, he wore a nice little black cap, and his whole plumage had a peculiar looseness and fluffiness—in fine he was a Canada Jay. Proceeding I came to a little lake lost in the woods. Peering cautiously for- ward I saw three ducks dabbling about and every now and then diving, show- 40 : THE OOLOGIST. ing as they did so their silvery under parts. Then began a long detour to strike the lake near where they were. At last 1 saw I had come out in the right place for there they were totally unaware of the presence of a gun. I was about to shoot when a whirr of Wings over my head made me look up and I heard the same hoarse call I had heard in the “slashing,” and there, with his golden coronet, was my woodpecker. No chances this time, so I fired The ducks got up with a splash and _ frantic: beating of wings. The woodpecker hung for a second and dropped. Thus ended one of the most enjoya- ble bitter-sweet days I have known for a long time. IL walked on air all the way home admiring my two prizes. After this these birds became quite com- mon but these were the first ones I took as I had never stayed so late in this country on my vacation trip before. Tuis accounts for my never having seen birds which, in-the late fall and winter, are quite common there. In closing, let me say that I hope that in all their like disappointments, my readers will have a like ending to them that turns them into a rather pleasant experience; instead of a disagreeable re- membrance of ‘‘what might have been.” P. A. TAVERNIER, Guelph, Ont. JANUARY CONTEST. Ninety-four Judges. 1. A Rough Time Collecting at Shoal Lake, Manitoba, 458. 2. Northwest Notes for 1894, 514. 3. Water Birds of Heron Lake, 306. 4. Experience with the Young of Ruffed Grouse and Bob-white. 164. 5. Spring Breeders of Western New York, 84. The following ten Judges named the winning articles in their exact order and among these ten the Judges prize was equally divided:— id Ferg A. Garrett, Balston Springs, ® L. G. Woodruff, New York City. W.A. Johnson. Galesburg, Ills. Geo. Miller York, Pa. A. L. Blanchard, No. Yarmouth, Me. Millard Van Wagner, Gretna, N. Y. C. C. Smith, Decorah, Iowa. L. B. Gilmore, Blooming Valley, Pa. LL. R. Kirk, Jr., Wayne, Pa. Hervey M. Hoskins, Newberg, Ore- gon. All prizes were mailed on Feb. 9th. We have been too busy during the past year to take the time to inform the readers of the O6LOGIST what the prizes were which we were awarding each month for Mss. and to the Judges. For the best Mss. each month as determin- ed by our judges we give a credit card which entitles the holder to his selec- tion of $10 worth of Specimens or $7.50 worth of instruments, supplies or pub- lications or $5 cAsH. For the 2d prize $5 worth of specimens; $3.75 in instru- ments, supplies or publications; or $2.50 CASH. 93d $3 in specimens, or $2.25 in instruments, supplies or publications, or $1.50 cash. 4th, $2 in specimens or $1.50 in instruments, supplies or publi- cations or $1 cash. 5th, $1 in speci- mens or 75 cents in instruments, sup- plies or publications or 50 cents cash. During 1895 the Judges prize will be awarded as follows, viz: Each month it will consist of $6 in specimens or $4.50 in instruments, supplies or publi- cations or $3 cash. This prize will be awarded to the Judge who names the winning articles and in there exact or- der. In case more than one Judge names them correctly this prize will be equally divided among the number. This month ten, name the winners ex- actly hence, each of these ten are en- titled to 60 cents worth of specimens or 45 cents worth of instruments, supplies or publication or 30 cents cash. On this plan during the past year at three different times this prize would have remained unawarded. Four times it would have been secured by a single Judge, once it would have been divided among two, twice among three and once among eight. ee Se From a Phot) by Sauters. An Unusual Nest Site of the Pheebe. THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XII. NO. 3. ALBION, N. Y., MARCH, 1895. WHOLE No. 1138 An Unusual Nest Site of the Phebe! The Phoebe or Pewee Sayornis phoebe. LATH. is perhaps more interestingly various in its habits of nidification than most birds. It teaches us how plastic is that degree of mind which we eall instinct, inthe hands of environing con- ditions; or, in other words, it shows how capable birds are of making them- selves at home in peculiar and even un- usual circumstances. It would be an interesting study in avian psychology to observe the variation and range of one bird. in nest building, the Pewee for example. For itis only by noting the attitude of a mind toward its sur- roundings that we can come to any conclusion as to what place it occupies in the seale of mind, no matter whether the mind be that of a man, ‘‘beast,” or bird. The nest of the Pewee is an interest- ing piece of workmanship; so artless, or should I say so artful?—is it as to escape discovery by an inobservant per- son. It everamounts almost to a sur- prise to the initiated in such matters even. Might it not have been a thing of natural growth there on the rough face of the ledge, its wet moss so fresh and green? Itisin perfect unity with the cool, dripping, romantie rocks splashed with mosses and lichens,where the shadowed air of the ravine is scent- ed and always cool, and the voice of - the Pewee is like a pensive spirit brooding over the place, the mere mem- ory of some recluse mellowed and soft- ened by time into this gentle flower of song. lLowell’s sweet little poem, ‘““Phcebe” comes to you in such a ‘place: Tt is a wee sad-colored thing, AS shy and secret as a maid; That, ere in choir the robin’s sing, Pipes its own name like one afraid, It seems fain prompted to repeat The story of some ancient ill, But Phoebe! Phoebe! sadly sweet Is allit says, and then is still.” What naturalist or odlogist does not remember the delight wherewith he dis- covered his first Pewee’s nest! Away down the road perhaps, under the bridge near the old mill it was that the barefooted novitiate found the dainty affair plastered on the side of a hewn beam. He can recall the picture yet and the enthusiasm of the moment; al- though he does not go barefooted now, neither does he go into eestacies over anything so cheap as a Pewee’s nest. The more is the pity. Nevertheless some of the old feeling comes back to him with the memory of the pool with its reflection of the nest and bridge and the shadow of the leaving bird and the boy standing knee-deep in water con- templating the white gems to be car- ried home and added to the jewels in that casket so precious in the eyes of a wildsweet boy—a box of birds eggs. It is somewhat worth while to have been a naturalist or odlogist to have such memories; to have your dreams of the past so tangled up and woven in with the seasons and phases of nature. To grow green and young again from spring to spring as old Earth does, and add another green growth to your ex- ternal rind. It is worth while to have lived—I should say, in spite of the nest-robber, —reformers—if you have been a boy- naturalist. This is something of the proper fruit a life should yield; such clusters as we would not sell, and such perhaps, as nobody would buy, yet, something at least and at last in these days of dol- lars whereof money cannot reckon the value. Ifa lover of nature cannot 42 THE OOLOGIST. make new discoveries, and we cannot all do that perhaps, he can at least fill the world with the rainbows and silver and golden mists of memory and assoc- iation. Now I know some will say this is mere sepvtimentality: But he who retains the pictures of youthful days up there in the private art galleries of his memory especially if they be framed in sunshine and happiness will think not so. Lest we consume too much space and. time let us proceed to examine this un- usual nest site of the Pewee. Four words which I will use a number of times in speaking of the nest must be borne in mind; right, left, front and back as you look at the illustration. This nest was found in May of 1894 in a sugar house, built on a $ inch cot- ton rope which was stretched at an angle of 42° by exact measurement. The half-tone is from an excellent pho- tograph taken by F. J. Sauters of Sa- lem, O., and represents the nest at the proper augle on the identical rope ex- actly as I found it. Beside its unusual size its elegant shape and proportion at once impress our judgment. Although it was a de- cided departure and a doubtful under- taking, yet the result is certainly not that of a bungler. The following measurements will more clearly and forcibly bring this out. The greatest height is 7.50 inches, to the right in front. On the right side where the rope enters, which is two inches back of the height just given, the nets is 7.00 inches high; while to the left where the rope comes out the height is 6.00 inches. The cavity is one inch deep, 2.50 inches wide from front to back and 2.25 inches from right to left, thus conforming with the shape of the top which is 375 inches across from right to left and 2.50 inches from front to back. At the widest place near the top, 1.25 in. from the top, it is 4.25 from right to left and 4.25 from front to back. At the widest place below it is 4.75 in- ches wide from right to left, and 4 50 inches from front to back. ‘I'o the back at the top the nest is built 2.50 inches. farther beyond the rope than it is in front; while below, the reverse is true, 23 inches more cf the bulk being on the front. So perfectly was it thus balanced that I could take the rope between my thumb and forefinger and twirl it. smartly without causing the nest to swing through an are of any dimen- sioos. And it quickly regained its equilibrium. When the mother bird alighted upon it, it scarcely moved. To prove how finely it was balanced I must mention that a little quantity of mud and moss which was plastered on the front right side of the nest, forming” a loose and curious fringe was broken off in moving it to the photographers, and although this mass detached would not make more than a small fraction of an ounce, the nest does not now hang quite ‘“‘true.” Was this nice balancing of the nest the work of ‘“accident”’ or ‘‘chance,” or is it a display of ‘‘instinct’’ elevated to the borderland of ‘‘Reason?” Those who are anxious to discuss the old question ‘‘Instinect versus Reason” might here find a very fitting ‘“‘bone of contention.” I acknowledge I cannot imagine how a nest could be thus nicely poised by accident, yet I am not wont to give birds credit for so much judgement. Yet, in examining such unique nests we must not forget several points, namely —that birds always have enough judg- ment to make their nests symmetrical and plumb and level across the top; and that these anomalous nests. are built under the reign of the same laws which govern ordinary cases and might be explained if we were a little better versed in the ordinary habits—judg- ment of the birds. So we may explain THE OOLOGIST it thus: In following usual methods— that is obeying its native judgment the bird attained a result which we might more easily attribute to abstract reas- oning. Yet Iam not prepared to offer any explanation of the steps whereby the nest came to its present shape and appearance, as conclusive. That it was the result of much patient and per- sistent labor I knew from the quantity of mud and moss which was wasted and lay on the floor below. The dang- ling ends of more than a score of horse hairs hung from the nest, a number be- low hung over a foot and several over two feet beneath. The fringe of mud and moss of which some still adheres as will be seen by the illustration was at- tached to the horse hairs and dropped down several inches on the front right side No one was there when the foundation of that nest was laid; pity it it is, tis true, for I did not discover it till near completion. I said at that time and will stick to it yet, that I would rather have been there when the foundation of that Pe- wee’s nest was laid, than present at the dedication of the corner stone of any building I can think of. How did the bird start about the building of this nest? Where did it begin? How came ‘so unusual an idea into its small head which is supposed to be packed only with ‘‘hereditary instincts?” How did .it ever succeed in building the nest so square, with such a mass of material beneath the rope? These are questions I will not try to answer for you. You will have to sit down with the picture before you and try to imagine how it ever was done. How much was the work of chance, how much of reason, how much of instinct. I endeavored to educate my bird, offering her con- ditions a little more difficult, after tai- ing her first nest away. But she evi- dently had no inclination for such a course of training and shortly she dis- appeared. I would like to have forced 43° her to build several more nests, trying to bring about a psychical evolution in one bird at least, and as birds return to old locations, I have some hopes of see- ing some trace of the peculiar depart-- ure in the nest of 1894, should the bird again appear at the sugar house. Goethe says, ‘‘Nature reveals her se- erets in monsters,’’ And the final con- clusion which I draw from this Pewee’s nest is, all animals are endowed with enough innate intelligence to be equal to any circumstance in which they may be placed. This nest now hangs in the writers museum, his most curious and interest- ing specimen of bird architecture. ERNEST W. VICKERS, Ellsworth, O. Breeding Time of Our Birds in the Extreme Part of Western New York. The very interesting article of Mr. Ernest H. Short, of Chili, N. Y., tempt- ed me to jot down a few of my observa- tions in the same direction, and should you find them worthy of space in the OOLOGIST, then they are welcome to you. The Great Horned Owl seens to be our earliest breeder. I have taken a fine clutch of three eggs, March 9, 1891, incubation at least eight days. ‘The fol- lowing year I had no chance to visit the same place but on the 9th of March, 1893 I took one egg from the same nest, per- fectly fresh. March 8,1894. The same pair of Owls had changed their nesting site into the next wood where I found one egg in nest,which I did not take, but on return- ing on the 10th I found a fine set of two fresh eggs. A friend of mine found an Owl’s nest also on the 10th, with two eggs one-third incubated. Théir breed- ing time can safely be placed at from the 1st to the 10th of March. I had occasion to shoot a Wilson’s 44 THE OOLOGIST. Snipe on the 20th of March the past sea- son, perhaps as early as we have a re- cord here of them. On the same day I found a Prairie Horned Lark’s nest with four eggs. A day or two later a heavy snow storm set in covering the fields with from one to two inches and in some ex- posed places with 3 inches of snow. This may have destroyed a great many clutches of their eggs, for I found nests on April 29th and 30th, May 138th, June 24th and 30th. Next in order is the Red-tailed Hawk. I have taken fresh clutches from April 1st to May 8rd, and highly jucubated eggs and young much later. They build mostly very high; sometimes impossible to get, as in one instance where the nest was placed in the top of a shellbark hickory where the bark for upwards of eighty feet had to be peeled off. I tried it for thirty feet and then gave up. I find in my memorandum book under April 25, 1892; Red-tailed Hawk’s nest in Kenmore wood, in elm tree,seventy-one feet high,slightly incu- bated set of two eggs. Go there the next year, one week sooner. April 9, 1898, same locality, but in different tree, several hundred feet away, seventy feet from the ground, a nest of Red-tailed Hawk with three eggs, perfectly fresh: April 28th, from same pair of birds, nest in a different tree, sixty-four feet from the ground, one egg. You can see that these three clutches have been laid by the same bird, they are very large and finely marked. Since then the Electric Street Railway Co. has ex- tended its line .past this wood, which is almost entirely cut down and the Hawks have disappeared. Really too bad! I havealso taken, April 1, ’94, a set of three Screech Owl’s eggs. The Owl occupied a deserted Nuthatch nest. The eggs of the American Woodcock was taken here, April 7, 1894; Apri’ 11, 1892 and April 17, 1864. All three sets were perfectly fresh. The eggs of our Common Crow have been taken by me from April 13th to the middle of May. A fine set of two eggs of the Barred Owl] was taken by me April 15th. Had no time to leave the nest undisturbed for a few days or I might have had a full set. The Bronzed Grakle is quite common from April 25th to May Ist. Fine sets of from to two five eggs of Red-shouldered Hawk were taken by me from April 24th to June 24th. some are handsomely marked. April 29th, May 13th, June 18th, 24th, and July 10th, are the dates that I have taken Killdeer eggs in sets of two to five. 4 Perfectly fresh sets of the White- rumped Shrike eggs were taken by me April 29th, May 16th, and June 7th. May ist is the time for the Hairy and Red-bellied Woodpecker. The Sparrow Hawk has quite a wide range. Finely marked sets were taken May 6th, 18th, 24th, 27th, and 380th. Very likely they breed twice if their eggs are taken in the early dates. Also a fine set of five Great Crested Fly- catcher awarded my search on the 6th of May. May 7th was the day I found a Blue Jay’s nest with four eggs. On the 8th, 17th, and 29th of May I took handsome sets of from seven to nine Nuthatch’s eggs. Beautiful sets of Ruffed Grouse’s eggs” awarded my searches on May 11th and 21st. The Mourning Dove breeds here from May 12th. Several fine sets of Coopers Hawk were taken May 14th, and 16th. A most welcome set of five American Bittern’s eggs greeted me on the bright morning of May 19th. The quite abundant Brown Thrasher commences incubation May 21st. Our swampy places have been explor- ed by me for the fine clutches of the THE OOLOGIST. 45 Carolina and Virginia Rail, with good results from May 24th to June 18th. and from May 25th excellent sets of Red- winged Blackbird were taked. The restless Spotted Sandpiper have been taken by me in fresh sets from May 28rd to June 30th. The Golden-winged and Red-headed Woodpecker, and Grassfinch commence incubation on the 23rd of May. Several years ago a friend of mine shot a splendid specimen of King Rail, and made me a present of it. I skinned it to save the skin. and found that it had a fully developed egg within which is now in my possession. This some- what confirmed my idea that this splen- did bird breeds in this locality. a fact unknown by our Ornithologists’ and to confirm my idea, I was lucky enough to find in the Pt. Abino swamp, on May 30, 1894, a nest containing ten splendid eggs. Proof positive. Wood Thrush commence incubation onthe 25th of May, and the Long-billed Marsh Wren have their several nests ready for breeding purposes from May 27th to June 2d. The Belted Kingfisher, Downy Wood- pecker and Maryland Yellow-throat, start breeding in this locality from May 30th to June 2d, and fresh eggs have been taken by me of the Meadowlark from May 30th to July 10th, which proves in my mind that under favorable circumstances they raise two broods. June ist seems to be a lucky date for me. Have taken Least Bittern from 1st _to19th. One fine set of Chestnut-sided Warbler, a splendid set of Bobolink. From June ist to 8th, sets of Green Heron, and from 1st to 8th, American Redstart, and in quite abundance, the Purple Martin, in fresh sets from June ist to 28rd. I have had the pleasure to find on the 4th, 10th and 19th of June, large and fine sets of the Florida Gallinule. In the same period the Yellow Warbler com- mences to breed in its downy nest. Have taken fresh sets of Wilson’s Thrush Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Purple Finch, on June 7th. Between June 10th and 14th, I have found fresh sets of White-eyed and Red- eyed Vireo, Barn Swallow, and several large and niece sets of Marsh Hawk. The best find was on a bright spring morning, June 15th, where I was suc- cessful enough to locate, sixty feet from the ground, on a small twig of a great elm tree, the nest. of a Cerulean Warb- ler. After ahard climb [brought down the nest with four beautifully marked fresh eggs. We occasionly see the Warbler, but to my knowledge no one living in buffalo ever found the nest. About the same time I found in the centre of a small wood, on the outer branches of a beech, the artistically built nest of our Ruby-throated Hum- ming Bird containing two tiny white fresh eggs. It is quite an ornament in my collection. June 16this the day for Bank Swal- low, and the Kingbirds, and Chimney Swifts to start breeding. Fresh eggs of the Cedar Waxwing were taken by me on the 18th of June. Only once have I been fortunate enough to take a fine set of the Scarlet Tanager, and on the 21st of June,in an unoccupied quarry, on the bare rock a fine set of two eggs of the Nighthawk greeted my eye, and on the 10th of July, a very hot summer day, in a swampy meadow, with small underbrush, 13 feet above the ground, in young maple sapling, I found an artistically built nest of the Hooded Warbler, containing two almost full-fledged young and one egg, which is now in my collection. EDWARD REINECKR. Buffalo, N. Y. Birds and Storms. On June 10th, last, a companion and myself, were bathing in a small lake a few miles distant from Minneapolis. It “46 THE OOLOGIST. was just at sunset and toward the ~west a heavy bank of clouds lay piled up in masses, from which we could see ~the lightning play and hear the distant rumble of thunder. They were of that -shade of color which betokens the se- verest storms. We were surprised at the sight of a ‘flock of eight, or perhaps ten Crows, which flew hastily by at no great eleva- tion from the lake. They were follow- ed by another flock, aud later yet. by another, while last of all came a single bird, lumbering along as fast as a pair of very ragged wings could carry him. This is the season when most Crows -are paired and nesting, and as far as ’my experience goes, are not generally ‘flocked as these were. The best way ~we could account for it, was the prob- -able supposition that they were trying to get out of the path of the s orm. As I have said, the storm was in the west, and betokened more than usual -severity. Its apparent direction was toward the northeast, making it likely -that we might catch one end of it. The Crows were flying ata right angle >to its path and it would have been but afew minutes before they would have been out of its track altogether. Of -. gourse, one cannot say that these were not chance flocks of Crows winging over the country, but I never shall be- lieve it was so. It certainly falls without the bounds -of instinct, and comes within the do- main of reason, for a bird to judge of the direction in which the clouds are ‘moving, and take action, as did these Crows. This is not the only time I have seen birds endeavoring to avoid a storm. Early in June, two or three years past, I noticed large numbers of Night- hawks flying swiftly before some green- tinted clouds. The clouds were of lim- ited area, but unlike the Crows, the Nighthawks foundered rapidly before them, as if in fear, and the only way of escaping was by precipitate flight.’ This was also in the season of the year when these birds were breeding and many nests must have been deserted. Again towards the end ot a very op- pressive day in August, 1886, we notic- ed large numbers of Nighthawks high in theair. They were all flying rapidly toward the east and were not cutting leisurely about as Nighthawks usually do. There was then not a cloud in the heavens, but in a short while afterward our attention was attracted by a low, rumbling sound from the west, like the sound of a distant train of cars. Soon after a storm had passed which left many trees prostrate and otherwise caused much damage. These birds doubtless have cause to fear these storms, though I have never noticed dead or wounded birds lying about after one had passed. On the contrary, when the winds have gone they seem to sing as cheerily as though nothing has happened. It is strange what prevents so light an object from being beaten mercilessly before a heavy gale, unless they take shelter behind tree trunks or in hollows on the ground. One would think that the nest of the Vireo, built as it is, on the end of a small limb, would suffer from being tossed by the wind. After a hard blow I visited a nest that 1 knew about. I found it intact and-the bird sitting upon it. From its position it must have been violently twisted, and lashed back and forth, and unless the bird had remained npou the eggs during all the storm nothing could have kept them from be- ing thrown ont. In a volume written by Henry School- craft, the discoverer of the source of the Mississippi, I fina the following, which tells another tale of the vicissi- tudes of the Wild Pigeon. Speaking of Lake Micaigan he says: “In walking’ along some parts of the shore I observed a great number of the THE OOLOGIST. 4 skeletons and half consumed bodies of the Pigeon, which in crossing the lake is often overtaken by severe tempests, and compelled to alight upon the water -and are thus drowned in entire flocks, which are soon thrown up along the shores. This causes the shores of Lake Michigan to be visited by vast numbers of Buzzards, Eagles, and other birds of prey. The Indians also make use of these Pigeons as food, when first driven ashore, —preserving such in smoke .as they have not immediate occasion for. Vast broods of young Gulls are also destroyed during the violent storms which frequently agitate this lake.” It is from the heavy rains that the birds suffer most here in Minnesota. We read in the papers when the hunt- ‘ing season comes, that the Prairie Chick- en is not plentiful in such-and-such a district; and that the spring rains are re- sponsible for the failure of large broods. What is true of the Prairie Chicken is true of all the ground birds—and_ there are many of them. Ina down pour the little rivulets that thread every hillside must tear away some nests, the filled hollows must cover some, and during a protracted rain many eggs must become -chilled when the ground is well soaked, or when the bird leaves her nest. I have always noticed a great differ- — ence between the abundance of Water Rails on a moist and on a dry year. Last autumn and the autumn before last,they were abundant near Minneap- lis, while on years, when there was a rise of a foot or more of water in the lakes and marshes, they were not very numerous. The nests had been flooded as had the eggs of all those birds build- ing fixed nests in close proximity to the water. The birds may build again but it is not probable that all will do so, as is evidenced by the difference in num- bers on the different seasons. I have known the Least Bittern to immediately build second nests. I visited a colony of these birds one summer, after we had experienced heavy showers. The water had raised until it had touched or had slightly flooded the domiciles of some of the members of the colony. These had been abandoned and at the height of a foot and a half or there- abouts and very close to the former nests they had builded again. At the time I was there the water had reced- ed somewhat, leaving the eggs settled in the deserted structures and 1 was able to collect a number of eggs with- out robbing the birds. Sometimes here in Minnesota winter may return on its tracks after a period of warm spring days. On the 20th of April, year before last, a snow storm came and covered the ground to the depth of six or eight inches. It is ex- tremely rare that so great a depth should fall at this time, but often a lighter snow falls during this month. The Prairie Horned Larks were breed- ing at the date mentioned and I visited a nest I had previously come across. I found the young birds frozen to death, and the old birds standing mournfully about as though grieving over the loss. April 20th is at the height of the sea- son for the nests of this species, and many and many a bird probably suffer- ed the loss of eggs or young. H. M. GuiLrorp, Minneapolis, Minn. Winter Birds of Linn County, Oregon. It perhaps will be of interest to your readers to know ofthe host of winter residents which frequent this county. The county is long and narrow, ex- tending from the Williamette River, (which is in the center of this great val- ley.) to near the summit of the Cascade — mount wins. Thus presenting a diversified climate and vegetation, in which many forms of bird life are found. 48 THE OOLOGIST. During the winter season the valley is free from snow, while gradually extend- ing backward the snow line appears, and finally the snow capped peaks of Mt. Jefferson and Vhree Sisters, appear in the distance. Near the summit bird life isnot plenty. The Northern Shrike, Oregon Chickadee arehowever oftenseen. A littlefurther down the White-winged Cross-bill is found in countless numbers, together withthe Varied Thrush. This Thrush is found in large flocks, numbering thousands and generally arefound feed- ing in the dense fir thickets. In the vicinity of Sweet Home, may be found the beautiful Mountain Quail, Oregon Ruffed Grouse, Sooty Grouse, Pileated Woodpecker, Ameri- ean Raven, California Crow, Western Red-tail Hawk, and an occasional Bald Eagle is seen. Only a few days ago, it was my pleasure to see a fine adult Eagle flying towards the mountains. In this vicinity may also be found the Steller’s, Blue-throated and Oregon Jay, the latter is however rarely seen. The former are abundant, and we can hear their noisy cries at any time of the day. The Western Horned Owl, is also abundant here, and Cal. Screech Owl, are also seen but the latter is hard to find on account of its small size. The Western Robin is a common species, and is seen in large numbers leaving their roosting places early each morning, returning to the same locality again at dusk, to spend the night. A little below Sweet Home, is found a large swale orslough, known as Noble slough, where during this season, the Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal, and Mallard spend the winter. Along the Santiam river, the Ameri- - can Dipper, Fish Hawk and an occasion- al Blue Heron are seen. The Oregon Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, and Horned Lark, have been noted in this vicinity during the entire winter, as have also the Western Blue- bird, Wilson’s Snipe, Kingfisher, Western Meadow-lark. The latter can be heard most any morning, singing its clear and beautiful song, as it perches itself upon some fence rail, or fiying back and forth over the a eadows. The Red-shafted Flicker is found in all localities‘ and the imported Ring Pheasant is scattered over the entire county and valley, except in the higher altitudes. Rarely is seen an American Magpie, but several have been secured in the vicinity of Sodaville, while in Novem- ber a tine specimen of the Yellow-head- ed Blackbird was secured near Sweet Home. This is the first specimen to my knowledge, secured in this county at least and I have never seen any in this valley. They are abundant east of the Cascade mountains, but this one was alone and among a flock of Brewer’s Blackbirds. Rarely a Snowy Owl, is captured in this vicinity, and soon graces the cabi- net of some taxidermist. During December and January I have also observed several specimens of the California Purple Finch, which I have not seen before until this season. The Turkey Buzzard can often be seen ona clear day, sailing high over the village in quest of their prey, and the day after our election I counted twelve at one time over this city, and it was a general supposition that they were looking for Democrats. We must not forget to mention the small and lively West. Winter Wren and Golden-crowned Kinglet, which are found everywhere, the latter generally in com- pany with Gregon Chickadees. Brant and several species of Geese, spend the winter in the sloughs and marshes of the yalley, and many a fine days sport can be had among them. One specimen of the Kittiwake Gull was secured by me along the Santiam river on Dee. 16, ’91. THE OOLOGIST. 4g The American Sparrow Hawk is also - found in the valley. Harris’s Gairdner’s and White-headed Woodpeckers, and Williamsons Sap- sucker, are met with in the dense fir groves, and dead and fallen timber. The Oregon Junco is seen at this sea- son in large flocks, and is one of our most interesting birds. The diminutive Pygmy Nuthatch is found in the dense fir woods but being so small often escapes notice, and may be found in company with the Chestnut- backed Chickadee. It wilithus be seen that some fifty- one species are round and about us dur- ing the season, when active collecting is not resorted to. Some species no doubt have escaped my notice, and some I have as yet not identified. In looking over this list I count 38 species which are constant residents, and which breed in this county, to - which we must also add the Killdeer, as a common bird. As will be seen, when east of the Cas- -eade range to the Atlantic coast is cov- ered with snow, and with but few birds, we on the Pacific Slope are well supplied, and if due advantage is taken of ones oppourtunities, a vast amount of useful information can be brought together in this line. A.G. PRILL, M.D. The Vireos Found Noting near Berwyn, Chester Co., Penn. , Red-eyed Vireo, Vireoolivaceus. Pos- sibly some of the readers of the OOLOGIST may think I owe them an apology for bringing this exceedingly common _ species to their notice, but it has occur ed to me that there are many traits and peculiarities, especially in reference to the nidification of this bird, that have never received the attention they de- serve; also like almost all of our birds of wide distribution their habits vary according to location. This Vireo arrives regularly about the last of April or first of May, seem- ingly filling the woods on all sides with their music. They are the most tireless of birds, moving amid the branches and leaves in the middle of the hottest Sum- mer day. There can be no question but that they are of inestimatable value to forestry. Numberless and contin- ually active though they be, they are absolutely unknown to nine-tenths of the people at large. Niditication commences the last week in May or more commonly the first week in June. I have found incubated sets as early as June 7th and as lateas August 5th, June 16th being the average date for fresh and complete sets. Young oak, dogwood, beech, maple and chest- nut trees appear prominently amongst thefavorites from which to suspend the eradle of the prospective brood. The nest ranging irom three to ten, usually four or five feet above the ground. A cursory examination would lead one to believe that there is little or no variation in the composition, but a more careful comparison of a series of nests proves otherwise. Bark fiber of silvery grey, light buff, brown, or their inter- mediate tints form the body, with a scanty or plentiful mingling of skeleton leaves, bleached and rotten bits of wood, fragments of paper from hornet’s nests, ora chance piece of printed paper glued or bound to the forks with the silk from the web of the Geometrical Spider Speira diadema, (with which our woods abound) or that from the nest of the tent caterpillar, Clisocampa americana, or less commonly with a light ochreous colored silk, popularly supposed to be a plant down, but which I believe has been gathered from a peculiar cocoon, often noticed attached to the underside of forest leaves. The exterior may be without orna- mentation showing one tint of bark - 50 THE OOLOGIST. fibre, bestudded with bits of silken disc- like covering of the eggs or young of some insect, have pieces of hornets nests bound aboutit, or the gosamer- like fragments of spider or caterpillar silk may be clinging to all parts. Itis almost invariably lined with shreds of wild grape-vine bark, rarely fine grass stems areused. Those built late in the season are often very slovenly put to- gether, the birds showing such haste as to dispense with the customary silk asa binder, in many instances also leaving the loose ends of the scanty lining stick- ing out above the rim. The average dimensions:ure: Diameter--inside—2.25, outside—2.85. Depth—inside—1,50, out- side 2.50. Probably few Eastern birds suffer more from the imposition of the Cow- bird then this Vireo. While they seldom desert the nest on that account, the de- position of the parasitic egg effects the number of eggs in a set to a marked de- gree. The Vireo will seldom deposit another egg after this has occurred. but will immediatly commence to incubate. Twice I have found the female sitting onasingle egg of her own and one of the Cowbird. I have never found more than three eggsofthe owner with that of the Cowbird, and in the latter case almost invariably found one of the owners’ eggs broken by the clumsy feet of the intruder. Three eggs constitute a set in most in- stances and two occur about as often as four. I havefound but three sets of the latter number in ten years collecting. One peculiar and to me, vexatious trait cf this bird, is that of throwing out her eggs and deserting the nest after it has been discovered and she has been flushed. It appears to make no differ- ence whether the nest has been touched or not or whether the eggsare fresh or highly incubated. It issufficie: tto the bird tha she has been discovered, so out they go at once on the retirement of the invest- gator. There appears to be some in- dividuality in this species, for I have sometimes ran across apair of an oppo- site disposition, whether they are social- ly inclined friendly to original investi- gations, orloathtochange their quarters, I could not determine, but they continu- ed to lay or incubate although disturbed a number oftimes. Such individuals are greatly in the minority however. In aset the eggs run very evenly in size, but not so in Comparison of sets. Ranging from .75 to .€9 in length and .57 to .63 in width Twenty-two eggs. averaging .81 x .69, Although tbe coloration of the typical egg is so well known to all oologists, I cannot forbcaradding the description of of an exceedingly odd and beautiful set. taken by me on the 18th of July ’87. Four eggs, pure white, spotted with deep vandyke and seal brown. Three eggs splashed and dotted with a light brown closely resembling Ma’s brown, some: of those blotches measuring .10 x .15. All marking confined to larger ends. .89 x .61, .89 x .61, .89 x .60, .86 x .58. Warbling Vireo. Vireo gilvus. This species is not at all common as a breed- er or as a migrant. 1 once found its nest pendant from a branch of a cherry tree ina yard. Itwas within a few feet of a path where probably a dozen per- sons passed daily. It contained three eggs when discovered and although un- molested in any way, the bird deserted it after throwing out the eggs. It was not until June 1, ’89 that I succeeded in tak- ing aset of their eggs. The circum- stances are particularly interesting and furnishes a short but delightful chapter to nesting in relation 10 climatic con- ditions. May was an unusually wet month. rain falling almost daily during the latter half. The reader will recall, with a shade of sadness, the vreat flood - on the 3ist which nearly swept Johns- town out of existance. I had found many nests containing eggs or young, (particularly those of the Thrushes) watersoaked, foriorn and deserted, the THE OOLUGIST? 51 eggs discolored or broken, the young dead from exposure. The old birds seemed utterly unable to protect their nests from the elements. Self preser- vation compelling them to seek shelter. The nest in this instance was placed but six feet above the ground, hanging be- tween the forks of a dogwood sapling. The female slipped quietly out of her neat and compact little basket and re- fused to go more than a few feet from her treasures, protesting all the while at the top of her little voice. A leaf growibg from near the point where the forks diverge was found drawn across the top of the nest and the apex bound securely to the opposite rim, a twin leaf held down by the former, formed a trap door for entrance or exit. Thus the bird protected her eggs from the dripping world ‘ outside, and deserved better treatment than I gave her for! took the nest and four highly incubated eggs. They measure: .71 x .53, .71 x .52, .70 x (Hs Sled 3S aon Yellow-throated Vireo, Vireo flavifrons. A rare Summer resident. I secured a set of three eggs on June 11, ’85. Nest wholly of grape-vine bark glued togeth- er with silk from spider and caterpillar nests, without ornamentation ofany kind on the exterior. The eggs measure .78 x .61, .78 x 60, .78 x .59. What odlogist who has been a _ field collector, has not one or more sets of eggs in his cabinet which seem to reflect certain scenes indelibly impressed upon his mind, and calling up recollections of the circumstances of the find? The picture here reproduced to me is that of a swaying nest froma branch of a white oak, on the southeastern slope of Valley Forge hill, right below the Wash-’ ington redoubt and directly: over the oldcamp road. ‘‘Mount Joy’ it is called {but it must have been anything else than a mount of joy to the poorly clad, half famished band of patriots of the Continental army, as they paced the bleak and. frozen hills or shivered around smoky fires during the dismal winter of 1777-8.) This was my first year collecting and my first important find. Can you wonder why it possesses so great a value to me now? White-eyed Vireo. Vireo novebora- censis. Tolerably common as a migrant and less asa summer resident. I have foundit breeding on but one occasion. June 10th ’88 { found its nest in a black oak bush, three feet above the ground. The nest is not so neat as the average Red-eye’s, but rather baggy, appearing rather bulky for the bird. It was com- posed of fine strips of grape-vine bark, a quantity of pieces of hornets’ nests and silk from the caterpillar. It con- tained four eggs of the owner and one of the Cowbird. Measuring .77 x .56, .77 Xx .56, .77 x .56, .74 x 55. FRANK L. BURNS. A Talkative Crow. It is related that one of the leading men of the Southern States,—I believe General Wade Hampton—had a very talkative Crow. Itis said among the manyother things saidof this remarkable bird, that one day this Crow decided to pay a visit to a large flock of his black relations, and settling down upon a limb, he very politely exclaimed ‘‘How do you do?” The effect of such polite- ness was tremendous as these Crows were not at all used to it, and they fled at once leaving the polite Crow all a- lone. Some two years agoI met a Crow that was also a remarkable linguist. He was owned by a family by the name of Best, residing southeast of Imlay City, Mich., near the home of the friends I visited. It was vastly amusing to hear this Crow talk. One day two wood-choppers called at my friends while Mr. Crow was vattling off a great string of words, varying the lingo by prolonged fits of laughter. This rather disconnected talk attracted the attention 52 THE OOLOGIST. of the wood-choppers and I informed them that they were listening toa Crow. They refused to believe it until Mr. Crow varied his speech by going back to his native tongue “Caw, Caw, Caw,” many times repeated, and our back- woods callers admitted that they heard a Crow. This Crow had perfect freedom, going where it pleased. At night it retired to a little house, and when one went near, it would become very angry, bristle up and scold in a very lively manner, seem- ing te know just what words to use for the occasion. Mr. Best had a large family of child- ren, mostly boys. Sometimes he would be in the field and he would hear as he supposed, one of the boys call ‘‘Pa! Pa! Pa! Papa,” until he went to the house. Reaching there he would find that he had been called by the Crow. When shut up in the granery at one time, he called ‘‘Let me out! Let me out! Let me out!” It would go up toa person and inquire ‘‘What do you want?” Sometimes it would get very impudent and exclaim ‘“‘You are a fool! You area liar!” Sometimes this Crow would visit my friends.Perched upon a limb of an apple tree it would call out to my young friend Newman Steele, ‘‘“Newman, how do you do!”Soon it would—perhaps offended be- cause Newman mocked it, exclaim “Newman, youlie! Shutup! You iie! You are a fool! This Crow, like other pet Crows, would occasionally steal, and had his hiding place, but he was a great favorite for all that. As Ihave said he had his liberty and went where he chose, but usually did not go far from the house, spending much of his time in the or- chard. One day a pair of the sports thatinfest the country in passing through the orchard saw the Crow and shot him, much to the regret of his owners. This Crow was indeed a very remark- able bird. Its vocabulary was indeed large, and it seemed to use its words understandingly, at times expressing it- self very aptly. It certainly possessed a a high degree of intelligence. Right here Iam reminded of an inci- dent that occured at a fair.. A parrot was on exhibition at the fair and a large crowd of children were gathered about its cage.One of the girls took a stick and poked at the bird. For along time it ' begged, whined, moaned and teased. Suddenly to the great amusement of all near by, the parrot straightened up its neck turned its head, and looking its ‘tormentor squarely in the face it ex- claimed, ‘‘Go off! Go off! Gooff! Go off?’ For a moment the girl stared in amazement, and then turned away and left the bird alone, while the crowd cheered and roared with laughter. No one else ventured to torment it after this. Soon its mistress came to it, and by word and action, it testified its affec- tion for herin the strongest possible manner, and showed how glad it was to see her in that great crowd of strangers. Here was another evidence of intelli- gence in birds. WILFRED A. BROTHERTON, Rochester, Mich. Notes on the Bob-white. As this beautiful bird is so well known I will not attempt to deseribe it. It is distributed over a greater por- tion of the United States, and although it is about extinct in some localities; it is still very plentiful here in Nebraska. and Kansas. The nest of the Quail is very easy to _ find, as they build on the ground. It is usually a hollow scratched in the ground well lined and arched over with grass; with an entrance on one side. I remember very distinctly the first Quail’s nest I found after I began to study birds. I was looking for nests too; butdid not know that a wad of THE OOLOGIST. 58 prairie grass, which looked like the rest of the grass around was a Quail’s nest, until I stepped on it and heard the eggs pop. That was the first and only nest TI ever stepped on, to my knowledge. Their nests with fresh eggs may be found from April to July, and one of their favorite places to build is in the ridge of an old road where the grass has been left standing. Both birds assist in building their nest. The material of which it 1s composed is gathered close at hand, and I have seenthefemale in | the nest, seemingly fixing things to suit herself, while the male was on the out- side carrying the material within reach of his mate. When the birds are disturbed during the process of building, they will aban- don the nest. After the female begins to de posit the eggs, she usually lays one egg every day; sometimes a day will be missed; it may be she dropped the egg before get- ting on the nest; as they have a habit, it seems, of dropping or scattering eggs around; it may be on account of having no nest or by accident. I have known of one instance where three days some- times intervened from one deposit to another and then two eggs were depos- ited in one day. Sometimes before all the eggs are de- posited, the entrance to the nest may be- come somewhat closed or damaged, so that it does not leave a clear entrance; in such eases the birds will be very apt to leave the nest and make another one. The eggs vary in number. I have found a great many nests, ten eggs were the least, and twenty-seven the most found in one nest, fifteen to twenty are the usual number. The eggs being of such a pure white color, are very easily stained, and it is very seldom a full set can be found without a number of stain- ed ones. I have found two runt Quail’s eggs; they were both in the same nest, and one with a projection of about an inch on small end; projection was soft-shell- ed while the rest of shell was hard; egg same size as rest of set. I have always seen the male, on nest during incuba- tion, it may be female was relieved so as to get food about the same time of day, I rather think the female assists in incubating the eggs, for as soon as young are hatched both assist in taking care of the young brood. JI remember one nest where the male did all the incubating for I was trying to catch him on the nest. He was a close sitter and al- thoug I had the grass all trampled down around nest and had a box ready to tip over him and repeatedly nearly had him still he would go back and actually hatched the eggs. I never saw the fe- male during the time of incubating. This happened when I was a small boy. The young have a peculiar peep sim- ilar to a young turkey and usually utter two or three peeps in succession. When disturbed while quite young they will give several loud peeps when the old ones will fly about the intruder and run around with their feathers ruffled up and their wings down making a cackling noise. The flock will stay together if not dis- turbed during the whole winter. When roosting they sit close together in a bunch with their heads outward and when disturbed they start from the bunch in a flutterin all directions. In the spring they disband and mate; at this time may be heard the cheerful notes of Mr. Bob-white while perched upon a fence post. AMOs PYFER, Odell, Neb. Prairie Warbler in Wayne Co., Mich. My first introduction to this Warbler took place May 27, 1894. I flushed the bird from the nest which was located in a thicket. After leaving the nest the bird remained concealed for some time, 54 THE OOLOGIST. but after waiting patiently I was able to take the markings for identification. Leaving my wife in the neighborhood, I went in search of a Yellow Warbler’s nest to replace the two eggs which the nest contained. I was successful and soon had the eggs under cover. Re- turning three days later I found the eggs gone, as were the birds. I took the nest, however, which with the two eggs are in my collection. The nest is made of grasses, lined with finer grasses, and deeply cupped. Dimensions of nest, inside diameter, 2.10; inside depth, 1.50; outside diame- ter, 3; depth, 1.90. The eggsappeared a dull white before being blown, marked with spots and blotches of chestnut and umber with lilac cloudings, the marks being in the form of a definite wreath at the large end. Dimensions of eggs, .68- .50 and .65-.50 Nore. Same day, took a set of four of the Golden-winged Warbler. W.A.D. > + <> + United Ornithologists of Maine. At the annual election held Dec. 28th the following board of officers was elected: Pres., Stephen J. Adams, Cornish; Vice-Pres., Chas. B. Wilson, Waterville; Sec.. Wm. L. Powers, Gar- diner; Treas., Ralph H. Rockwood, Orono. This society is in a prosperous con- dition with 15 active members and more applications pending. It is proposed to issne a working list of our Maine birds together with as much informa- tion as is possible concerning their range. A prize valued at $1.50 is offer ed to the member obtaining the great- est number of new members prior to Aprilist. Dues are 25 cents and all ob- servers of Maine are eligible. I also offer a speeial prize valued at $1.00 for the best plan for Martin houses, giving all the details as to situation, &c., open to the world. STEPHEN J. ADAMS, Pres. ‘Birds of Pennsylvania.’’ HAssiIsBurG, Jan. 17—The bill pro viding for the printing of 24,000 copies of the ‘Birds of Pennsylvania” compiled by Dr. C. H. Warren, of West Chester, the state ornithologist, passed the house finally today with but five opposing votes. There wasa great demand for the reprinting of this book. the Grang- ers, Farmers’ Alliance and other agri- cultural organizations sending petitions by the hundreds, but what interest the farmers can: have in the book, outside of the pretty pictures, is beyond com- prehension. It is one of the costliest books ever published, but that “cut no ice” with the average legislature or the fact of popular demand forit. Dr. War- ren will revise it and bring it up to date, and it is estimated that the 24,000 vol- umes will be distributed at a cost of a- bout $40,000. The beautifully colored pictures are the costly feature of the book.—Scranton Republican. Breeding Dates for Southern Michigan. In reading Mr. Short’s article upon ‘Spring Breeders of Western New York,” in the January OdLoeist, I was struck by the difference between the nesting time of some species common to that section of the country and also Southern Michigan. Below are some of the dates at which I have secured sets, which I have no reason to believe were the first of the season: Bluebird, Detroit, Mich., April 8, 1898. Am. Crow a ‘ oS ar along Catbird as a May 21, 1892 ‘Red Sh. Hawk ‘ ss April 22, 1893. Pheebe at as ‘© are taken by April 20th. In the above five species there is an average difference of 15 days between Southern Michigan and the dates given by Mr. Short for Western New York. EK. DWIGHT SANDERSON. THE OOLOGIS!. 55 Birds Who Sing on the Wivg. By Dr. Morris GIBss. The species of birds which sing when flying are very few. Of course if we embrace all birds which utter a sound on the wing, as singing birds, we shall have a large number on our Jist. And strictly speaking, as songs are the ex- pressions of the feelings, sentiments, if we wish to so call them of the birds, then the vocal efforts of all species, es- pecially during spring are songs. Ad- mitting this, then there are over one hundred species of Michigan birds which sing as they fly to my knowiedge. All of the Hawks and other rapacious birds that I am familiar with utter their discordant and defiant screams upon the wing, the Red-shouldered, Marsh and Cooper’s Hawks are especially noisy in season. I have also heard the Screech Owl complaining when on the wing, and the Barred Owl occasionally flies as it gives out its mysterious yet (to my ears) pleasing notes. All of the Herons so far as I know utter their gut- teral notes when on the wing, although the more difficult effort of the American Bittern is not uttered flying. The smaller waders.give utterance as they fly, and most Ducks have been heard, while the Geese are notorious gobblers during migrations. Sandhill Cranes issue their notes as they sail, sometimes out of sight. Nighthawks make their only efforts while on the wing, as we would expect in a species which earns its living while flying. Its near relative the Whip-poor-will some- times flies singing through the woods in spring. The Woodpeckers are a noisy set, and without an exception issue the clatter which answers in the nature of a refrain on the wing. All hunters have heard the scape of the Wilson’s Snipe, the single song note of the flying Wood- eock and the agreeable efforts of the Killdeer,Spotted Sandpiper and the Up- land Plover and many others of the small waders. In the Rasores, however, we have a silent list of birds when on the wing, although the Mourning Dove and Bob- white and some others are at least noisy at times on the perch. According to classification the true singers are confined within the divis- ion Oscines, while all others are consid- ered non-musical. According to this system constructed from anatomical re- Jations, the sweet refrain of the Wood Pewee cannot be called a song, as it be- longs to the screamers. Among the birds which are acknowl- edged singers the following six musi- cal species are presented as birds which I have heard sing while flying. The Bobolink is the acknowledged !eader in flight song, in fact his rollicking, jing- ling medley is about equal in excel- lence with any bird with which I am acquainted. The common Bluebird is a charming exponent of flight singing. It occasionaliy flutters upward and pours forth its soft warble in a most enchanting manner just after arriving from the south. The Warbling Vireo, rarely, in 2 transport of bliss, during the mating season, launches into the air while yet singing, and apparently forgetful of custom, strives to make us, mundane creatures, as happy as its happy self. This agreeable songster is one of my favorites, and no one who isa lover of bird melody can remain indifferent to its eestatic warblings. In May and June we sometimes hear the loud gushing song of the Rose- breasted Grosbeak as the gaudy male flits through the foliage near his pros- pective home. Even with this undigni- fied flyer, who generally progresses by undulating vigorous dashes, we can de- tect a hesitating flutter when the bird sings on the wing. - Another bird that sometimes sings on 56 THE OOLOGIST. the wing, is the White-rumped Shrike. It is not generally known that this Shrike, or for that matter, any other, has asong. I have heard the song sev- eral times and can testify to a series of very agreeable notes nicely modulated. We cannot call the song really melodi- ous, but it is still possessed of unique- ness, as it is essentially unlike the notes of any other bird of my acquaintance. I once heard this Shrike sing as it flew in the characteristic manner of flight Singers, on fluttering wings. The true love song of the Golden- crowned Thrush or Oven-bird has been but rarely referred to by writers, in fact, the best musical efforts of this species have only been described in compara- tively recent times. The common loud clanking notes, so often heard, have been listened to by all observers, but a superior strain, apparently only occas- sionally uttered, has been listened to by but few intelligently. I feel safe in say- ing that no bird among us which is so well known, has eluded the observers of bird songs as this one has done. I listened to the love song of the Oven- bird for the first time in 1880. A burst of melody reached mein a dense piece of low woods, well filled with under- brush, and the delightful notes were surprising and doubly pleasing to me in this location. At first on hearing the song the idea presented itself that a species new to me was singing, and my extreme care in reaching the glade in hopes of secur- ing a shot, secured me a chance of wit- nessing a most singular performance. Crawling through the brush I came to a partial clearing, over which a bird, evidently in the highest transports of joy was fluttering in irregular flight. It is not surprising that I failed to re- ecognize the performer in this, to me unusual aspect, for there was not one feature in itsnotes or movements in which it resembled its ordinary and understood habits. Observing another bird, evidently a Golden-crowned Thrush, and its mate, perched on the ground near, and which appeared to be the center of attraction to the delighted warbler overhead. I quietly awaited the movements of the pair. Never had I heard this song be- fore and never had I witnessed such a scene. This was indeed, making love with a spirit not often witnessed among our warblers. The song was almost continuous, that is, together with the interruptions of the more subdued call or conversation- notes, and the common chattering- notes, so well known, and described by Coues as a harsh crescendo, and was largely of the most melodious strains. The energetic, unconscious fellow was in the meantime constantly flying above his inamorata, describing nearly every form of flight except sailing. First dashing to the edge of the glade, then rising to the tops of the bushes he would flutter almost directly upward as we have often seen the European Sparrow or House Wren do, and reach- ing a height of twenty feet or more, would half flutter toward his mate, or dash about the clearing in varying evo- lutions, almost constantly singing. She in the meantime sat silent, and proba- bly interested in the performance. The appearance of a third party on the scene, undoubtedly, also a lover,caused the ecstatic singer to dash into the brush. A number of species of birds em- braced in the systematic division of singers, aside from those spoken of, are known to utter their notes on the wing, and from the Crow to the Martin, which is the nearest to a musician among the Swallows, there are many which give their best efforts. when flying. But these attempts, although they answer the purposes of their possessors, are not musical, or at least not in the sense of appreciation of man. It will be observed that a tremulous THE OOLOGIST. 57 motion of the wings, almost invariably accompanies efforts of song on the wing. We may maintain, then, that the quivering of the wings as an accom- paniment to the song isa strictly sea- sonal feature. All have noticed the loss of the song synchronously with the skyward flutter in the case of the Bob- olink, when he assumes his summer dress and becomes the plebian Ricebird. I have never yet heard a bird sing on the wing in the autumn. KALAMAZOO, MIcH. Orvithological Potpourri. HAsH. A sweet blue-eycd warbler, daughter of Major Puffins, sat singing in a minor key to attract the spruce Mr. Bob OLin- coln who was shoveller ona man owar, but now on a vacation as he was afflict- ed with a pectoral trouble which threat- ened to kill deer Bob. However, al- though the trouble was due to too many larks, and eating too many pies, still the lawghing, bronzed fellow was just jay enough to keep whooping her up, and often got red-headed when in Baltimore or Savanna, for it was one of his cardi- nal virtues, the big goose, to fill up on red-eye and then to gamb(e)land thrash- er’yround. Later this night hawk would be mourning for his golden eyes and wish that the last (h)ow! had been bar- red. Then he would get to raven with notes like a caliope and continued rail- ing against swift living and consult a prothonotary to get his long green back. Long before snow flakes fell Bob was at logger-heads with everyone. He left the sea side and visited a hermit, a solt- tary fox, and also Dick Sissel, who lived in a swamp intermediate between or- chard and meadow, among the myrtles. Bob was a hummer and soon fell in with a squa (pronounced squaw) and hitched to her although she was nearly related to the gull family and he did not owe them all a good tern. He was now spurred on by his squa, and rapidly felled trees and tilled fields though the soil was of clay and adjoined a marsh, and he still hawked. There was in a neighboring wood a chippy named Phoebe Ann Hinga, who though a pygmy was beautifully hooded and attracted much attention from the bald pates who seemed on stilts when buzzing her. ‘Say,’ said Ridgway, ‘Tf Trail or Hammond were here they would not get left. They are cuckoos, and very jly as catchers” I saw whet owl eat grasshoppers in Digo near Cape Muy and then as an ac- centor he began to screech about brother- ly love. Al Cyon belted himself and said he could whip-poor- Will, but poor Willi and old Centrocercus the referee, who looked sage, grabbed the green backs and were passengers on a kite, though you may not swallow the story: Whisky Jack went west and married Black Bill’s daughter Mag Pie, who led him an awful chase before he coopered her. : A Crow sat upon a bust of Pallas and hada royal time dwelling on roseate projects but bridied up when called a booby and replied that the accuser was. an old squaw. Columbianus did some fine whistling, while his near relative acted as trumpeter and the piper joined in. Crepitans was there with his clap- per also, and a nut cracker added to the entertainment, and when butcher pounced upon an Hnglish Sparrow everyone chirped, ‘‘let her FLICKER.” Errata. In the article in November, OodLo~- GIST, under the heading of ‘‘The Ornith- ology of a Church Yard,” page 333, 2nd line, last word read, ‘‘nestling.” Page 334, 11th line, 2nd word read, ‘‘and,” 30th line, 6th word read ‘‘hold,” 36th line, 38rd word read ‘‘exwltant.’? Second column, 9th line, last word read ‘‘exz/- tant,’’ 34th line, 4th word read ‘‘The.’’ 58 THE OOLOGIST THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher. ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the ee: Birds, their Nests and Hgegs, solicited om all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Single Subscription - - 75e per annum Sample Copies - - - - - 10ceach The above rates include payment of postage by us. Each subscriber is given two coupons, one good for an Exchange Notice and the other for 25c. when presented with an order of $1.25 or over. Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLoGisr can be furnish ed at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. i" Remember that the publisher must be no- tified by letter when a subscriber wishes his pa- per stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES. 10 CENTS PER NONPAREIL LINE EACH INSERTION. Twelve lines in every inch. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Post Office Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U. 8S. Postage Stamps of any denomination wiil be accepted for Sums un- der one dollar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and _com- murications to FRANK d. LATTIN, Albion, Orleans Co., N.Y. *,* Articles, Items of Interest and Queries for publication should be forwarded as early in the month as possible. @NTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER, eee You Are a Judge. Your decision must be mailed us not later than the tenth day of April. Write on back of a postal card the five articles which you have decided to be the most valuable, instructive and inter- esting in this number of OdLOGIsT and mail to us. Number the articles in the order which you think the prizes should be awarded. During 1895 the Judges prize will he awarded as follows viz: Each month it will consist of $6 in specimens or ‘$4 50 in instruments, supplies or publi- ations or $3 cash. This prize will be awarded to the Judge who names the winning articles and in their exact or- der. In case more than one Judge names them correctly this prize will be equally divided among the number. FEBRUARY CONTEST. Ninety-six Judges. 1. Destruction of Birds, 341. 2. A Few Notes from Shoal Lake. Manitoba, 291. 8. Wise and Otherswise. 251. 4. Noteson the Blue-headed Vireo in Massachusetts, 220 5. Rails in Captivity, 149. This has been the ‘‘evenest” contest since we have been awarding our writ- ersin this manner. The valued article, “Odd and Unusual Nesting Sites” se- cured 145 credits and it was only until the final ‘counting up” that one could have ‘‘guessed” the result with any de- gree ofcertainty, Although the Judges in this contest numbered more, with a single exception, than any previous one, none of them, however, named the win- ning articles in their exact order—hence the Judges prize remains unawarded. Prizes were maijJed the winners on March 11th. <2 os Kent Ornithological Club. On December 12, 1894 at Graod Rap- ids, Mich., a society named the Kent Ornithological Club was formed. | It had a charter membership of fourteen. The following officers were elected: President, W. H. Stewart; Vice-presi- dent, R. G. Fitch; Secretary and Treas- urer, W. E. Mulliken; Corresponding Secretary, Chas B. Corbin; Librarian, R. R. Newton; Executive Committee, R. G. Fiteh, chairman, A. W. Hanaford and A. B. Durfee. The object of the society is the promo- tion of the scientific study of Ornithol- ogy and Oology in all their branches. The society would like correspondence with like bodies and individuals for that purpose. All communications should be addressed to the Kent Orni- thological Club, No. 55 N. Union St., Grand Rapids, Mich. JOHN JAMES AUDUBON. [1850. ] THE OOLOGIST. MOS Sell. NO). 4: ALBION, N. Y., APRIL, 1895. WHOLE No. 114: The Last Portrait of Audubon, Together With a Letter to His Son. * By Dr. R. W. SHUFELDT AND Miss M. R. AUDUBON. It is the celebrated artist Cruikshank to whom the honor is due for having made the first published portrait of America’s well-beloved ornithologist— Audubon. The naturalist at that time was about forty years of age, and the picture now destroyed by fire, was a miniature. Inman also succeeded in obtaining a fine portrait of him, which is the one that was reproduced in his Biography. His son John secured still another, one of the most valuable now in existence, it being a full-length with his favorite dog at his feet. These three portraits have been published and re- published as engravings at various times and in various places, so that they are now well-known to all the many readers of Audubonian literature. A thus far unpublished and another greatly cherished portrait of the natur- alist has been described in Scribner’s Magazine for July, 1876 (p. 335). This, too, was painted by the fond hand of the same son who painted the full-length picture, to which we have referred above. Finally, by the aid of a mirror, Audubon made a small oil painting of himself, and this picture has already been reproduced in the pages of the present magazine, with a description of it. By those who have seen it, and by members of the family, his immediate descendants, this last has been pro- * This valuable article and portrait of Audu- bon appeared in The Auk, Vol. XI, No. 4, Octo- ber, 1894, and it’s through the kindness of Dr. Shufeldt and the editors of The Auk, that we are enabled to present the same Wo the readers of the OoLoGcistT.— Hd. nounced an excellent likeness. The original is the property of Mrs. E. C. Walker, Baton Rouge, La., and is the earliest portrait of the naturalist known to us. It is now the aim of the authors of: the present contribution to bring be- fore the many readers of The Auk what proves to be a portrait of Audubon heretofore not given to the world. In one way at least, itis of greater value. and interest than any of the other por- traits extant.—priceless as they really are. The special superiority claimed for it lies in the fact, that it is a camera- portrait, and consequently portrays its. every line true to life. It was not so very long ago when one of the writers of this article discovered in the posses- sion of Professor T. W. Smillie, the well-known photographer of the United States National Museum of Washing- -ton, a daguerreotype of Audubon, that belonged to Mrs. Grimshaw, a daugh- ter of. Mrs. Nicholas Berthoud, and a niece of Mrs. Audubon’s, who had plac- ed the treasure on deposit in the above named institution. Mrs. Grimshaw kindly consented to our having a pho- tographic copy made of this daguerreo- type, which was accomplished through the consumate skill of Professor Smillie, and with the courteous permission of Doctor G. Brown Goode, the distin- guished oflicer in charge of the Nation- al Museum. From this excellent pho- tograph has been made the admirable plate which illustrates the present pa- per. A picture so fine as this one sure- ly requires no comments on the part of its contributors to The Auk; it has but to be seen by any of its readers to b®& admired. From all that we have been able to gather, it would seem that this daguerreotype was taken by Brady of 62 THE OOLOGIST. New York City some time during the ‘summer of 1850. As the Naturalist was born. as near as we have been enabled to ascertain the date,some time in May, 1780, and died on the 27th of January, 1851, this picture must have been ob- tained when he was in the seventieth year of his age, and at a period only a few months prior to his death. With the view of obtaining as full a history of it as possivle,we recently placed our- selves in communication with the Rey. Dr.A.Gordon Bakewell of New Orleans, La., one of the most charming of the old. school devines of the Episcopal church, who is a son of Thomas Bake- well, and was a favorite cousin of the late John Woodhouse Audubon, the father of the co-author of the present article. Dr. Bakewell writes us that Mrs. Gor- don, one of Mrs. J. J. Audubon’s sis- ters, just before her death, presented the daguerreotype to Mrs. Grimshaw, and that the former received it direct from the wife of the naturalist. ‘“‘It was the last picture taken from life shortly before Mr. Audubon died, and it | certainly is very like him, when I last saw him toward the latter end ‘of his earthly journey.” These quoted words of Doctor Bake- well’s complete, in so far as facts go, all we have been enabled to gather in regard to the actual history of this por- trait. In placing it here. we not only give ourselves great pleasure, but we do more, for we add still another to the list of the published portraits of that one of this country’s celebrated natura- lists whose fame augments pari passu with the march of time. Standing next in value to published Audubonian portraits are published Audubonian letters, and we feel that it hardly requires any apology from us, when we say that we know of no more fitting way to conclude this article than by adding to it a hitherto unpub- lished letter of Audubon’s, addressed to his son John W. Audubon, 4 Wim- pole street, Cavendish Square, London. It will be seen upon perusal that this letter is brimful of interest, both of a personal and an historical nature. It reads as follows:— ‘EDINBURGH, JULY 1S8T,1838, SUNDAY. “My Dearest Friends:—Your joint letter of the 27th, Wednesday, did not reach me until yesterday afternoon, probably because the steamer which brought it did not leave London on that evening on account of the corona- tion ete. Here the festivals were poor beyond description, and although scarcely anything was to be seen, the whole population was on foot the en- tire day, and nearly the whole night, gazing at each other like iost sheep.— No illuminations except at two shops, Mr. Henderson’s and another close by him.—The fireworks at the castle con- sisted. merely of about one hundred rockets, not a gun was fired from the batteries. MacGillivray & I went to see the fireworks at 10 p. m., and soon returned disgusted.—His museum (Col- lege of Surgeons) and the Edinburgh Museum were thrown open gratis, and were thronged to excess. Upwards of 20,000 in the first, and about 25,000 in the other; all was however quite order- ly. The day was showery, cloudy and dismal at times, but the evening was clear and fine. Mr. Hill’s father died on the morning of the 27th and I have not seen Alex. H. since. Many thanks to Maria for her bunch of letters, and the few lines of her own to me, I hope that everything will go on well with you all. “We begin printing tomorrow 2d of July, 1838 !! remember that Mesdames et Messieurs! and I intend to proceed with all possible despatch and care. All the birds in rum will be inspected as far as internal or digestive organs, trachea &e are concerned, and as I am eonstantly present in the dissecting room, I think I shall know something -THE OOLOGIST. 63: about the matter anon.—I am almost in hopes to see Victor tomorrow night but cannot be sure. There are some- where at home the nests of the birds found on the Columbia by Nuttall and Townsend, I believe that of Bewick’s Wren is among them; send them ail, very carefully pacied. I want the journal of my first trip to the Floridas, which was cut out of my large leather journal, previous to going to Labrador, also a letter on the habits of the Yellow- billed Cuckoo, by a gentleman at Char- leston. If it cannot be found perhaps Maria will recollect his name, being a friend of John Bachman, if so send me that, in full, if possible. Itis the gen- tleman in whose garden I procured the small and large cuckoos in the same nest.— “T have written 44 articles for my ap- pendix and will continue whenever I am not otherwise engaged, so as to save time at last.—I am sorry for the death of poor Wickliffe but glad that his brother was with him at New York pre- viously, and that we at least, have done all we could for him. MacGillivray is quite well, and works very hard, poor fellow—I am glad of John’s repainting the head by VanDyke, two copies of such heads are valuable to him, besides his improving by so working—When Victor has left for this place,John must pay much attention to the colourers and call also on the book binder. Havell ought to exert himself in having some 4th vols: delivered as soon as possible. “My last letter which was written last Sunday, was put too late in the of- fice, which closed on that day at two o’clock, and did not therefore leave this till four o’clock on Monday afternoon; this one will have a better chance, for I will take it myself to the general of- fice. I have seen no one hardly since my last, I am indeed as busily engaged as ever, and rarely go to bed before eleven—being with Mr. MacGillivray until generally past ten, describing etc. I rise at four or earlier, he at ten; but I go to bed at eleven,he at two. I discov- ered that he was adverse to the exami- nation of the intestinal canals ete., be- cause many of my birds which are com-. mon to both countries will be published before his 2d vol., can now possibly be;. but as soon as I told him that | had al- -ready said in my introduction; that the. anatomical structure was declared to. be his, he was much pleased and began on the instant. “Today is very dismal, and it will rain probably until night; I wish we had here some of the warm weather cof which dearest Mamma speaks. I have had but one walk to Arthur’s Seat, . but now and then I stroll to the meadows. which are close to me, and now look well.—From the window of my sitting room I overlook the garden of Mr. Frazer our printer, and now and then speak to him there, I have not yet how- ever visited him.—I will recollect the Queen’s farthing when next I see Pro- fessor Wilson, but doubt much if he will recollect the least idea of it. Has. Chorley written or said anything to Victor about the review of the work; remember me to Healey.— “T suppose that the crown of England sits very quietly down, and that all was very superfine. I have not so much as seen a paper since I left you. “God bless you all, dearest friends, — take good care of Mamma and Maria. “Kver your firmly attached father and friend “J. J. AUDUBON, “NO 7 Archibald Place, Lauriston.’’ Up to the present time there has been no personal letter of Audubon’s published which so clearly shows, as this one does, the precise relations be- tween MacGillivray and himself. Al- though it testifies to the fact that the former is entirely responsible for the anatomical descriptions of ‘‘The Birds of America,” it likewise goes to show that Audubon took a lively and person-. 64 THE OOLOGIST. al interest in a great many of those dis- sections, and, in all probability, was often at MacGillivray’s side while they were being made,—not as a mere look er-on, but to follow him with that keen intelligence during their progress which characterized his every undertaking in the science he loved so well, and in which he has made a name as enduring as the great truths in the foundation upon which modern ornithology itself is reared. —> +1 <2 > = Notes on the Blackburnian Warbler. With the possible exception of the English Sparrow (Passer domesvicus), not one of our birds can be ealled ill looking. The Song Sparrow (Melospi- za fasciata) is of the same general col- oring, but the coarseness and plebeian vigorousness, as one might say, of the European is entirely lacking,-so that M. Jfasciata is really a very handsome little bird. Among the fishes, the perch is un- questionably handsome, but it has not the gracefulness, and beauty -in form and color, of the trout. In just such a way the Sparrow is not the equal of the Warbler. To the latter family nature has been exceptionally partial in her allotments of apparel, for scarcely one of its members can be classed other- wise thanasagem. But perhaps the most beautiful is the Blackhurnian, or Blackburn’s Warbler. In color it close- ly resembles the Black and White War- bler (Mniotilta varia) except for the orange on the top, sides and front of the head, and on the throat (where it- is richest), and breast. During migration, it arrives in Mass- achusetts early in May and returns in September, when it leaves the taller trees to haunt the birches and cedars in company with the Myrtle -Warblers (D. coronata). Itis an irregular bird, being very scarce in some seasons and very plentiful in others. From what I can learn, its extreme breeding range is from North Carolina. northward, aud westward to the plains. Audubon mentions seeing it in June,on the Magdalen Islands, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence; both Brewer and Minot found its nest in Massachusetts;Merriam mentions it breeding in Connecticut; Cairns calls it a rare summer visitor in North Carolina, from which I conelude that it may breed there; and J. W. Preston took its nest and eggs from the wilds of Minnesota. In New England it is most common in the three north- ern states where it remains to breed, although many go still farther north. In the three:southern New England states it must be considered as an ex- tremely rare summer resident. In New Hampshire and Maine it is by no means a rare breeder, the diffi- culty lying in the location of the nest. W hat I consider as a fairly typical spec- imen was found by my brother and my- self in southern New Hampshire, on June 8, 1890 Wehad been trouting, and having battled for several hours with myriads of blackflies and’ mosqui- toes, and a decided scarcity of trout, were glad to come upon a small, coun- try cemetery, through the center of which ran a line of perhaps a dozen giant hemlocks. Flardly were we seat- ed than the notes of a bird, unknown tous atthe time. fell upon our .ears. Every eastern ornithologist knows the song of the Black and White Warbler, and I can best describe that of the Blackburnian by calling it the exact re- verse of WM. varia. A short search dis- closed the singer in the topmost branches of a sugar maple, but apparently not liking our looks, he at once disappeared over the tree tops accompanied by. his mate. A careful survey of the grove revealed nothing but a bunch on the eud of a limb some sixty feet from the ground (this always seems remarkable to me, as shortly after we found a num- ber of other nests). As the sky could THE OOLOGIST. 65 be seen through it, and bunches are ‘very common, we decided to call again next day. Sure enough he was there in full song, and our feelings may be better imagined than described when he rose with a hovering flight, his orange throat seeming to draw a line against the dark hemlocks, and drop- ped directly into the bunch we had seen the day before. Given: A nest sixty feet from the ground and seven feet out on a limb, together with the wind blowing ‘‘half a gale,” and the problem is not easily solved. But by connecting the limb with the one above it, and then cutting it off, my brother drew the nest and its contents into safety, alias the egg box. Meanwhile I had been of inestimable assistance in ‘‘coaching” his movements from the ground. To make sure of identity, for ‘‘people will talk,” we col- lected the male bird as he was the one that lit in the nest at first. The eggs, which were five in number, were about one-third incubated, but in 1891 we found a nest in the same tree that was not completed until June 15th. They show very little variation in size, shape or color being greenish-white in ground color, dotted and blotched all over, though most thickly on the larger end, with different shades of purple and brown The measurements are, .68x POR EOxO4. | .O7XK.04 SOx do, 01X00 inches. The nest, which was set into a thick cluster of small twigs, is composed of hemlock twigs, rootlets, a few pine needles and bits of wsnea, all woven rather loosely together, and thinly lin- ed with horse hair. While cutting off the limb, the birds were very tame, of- ten alighting on the shaking branch, (this is the hardest part for the oologist, but we console ourselves by knowing that in ninety-nine cases out of a hun- dred, the bird will have another nest and set of eggs in two weeks’ time. ) This varies excessively with the de- scription given by Audubon, who says his nest was built five feet from the ground and lined with feathers, hair and down. The eggs of Minot and J. W. Preston resembled those of the Chestnut-sided Warbler (D. Pennsylva- nica) having a white ground. Minot’s egg measured .65x.50 in. Nuttall gives them as .70x.50 in., the ground -color white and often tinged with green. Maynard gives the ground color as pale greenish white, size .44x.63 to .45x,65 inches. The different writers give the number of eggs to a-set as ‘‘three or four,’’ none mention five. From the above the following con- clusions may be made: Number of eggs in set, from three to five; size of eggs, from .44x.63 in. to .50x.70 in. and .54x.67 in., color ground of white or greenish white, spotted and blotched with different shades of pur- ple and brown. Nests composed of hemlock twigs, bark, ete., with and without a lining of feathers, but al- ways of horse hair; height from ground, from five to sixty feet. I will conclude by agreeing with Mr. Burns in the Nov. OoLoaist where he implies that a church yard is a more than ordinarily good place for birds. In the same cemetry with the Black- burnian, we found nests and eggs cf the Chipping Sparrow, Olive-sided Fly- catcher, Blue-headed Vireo and Myrtle Warbler, while I am positive that a pair of Redstarts and Black-throated Green Warblers were breeding there,although we failed to locate the nests. J. H: BOWLEs, Ponkapog, Mass. Norway’s Bird Islands. Translated for the OOLOGIST from Dr. Brehm’s “From the North Pole to the Equator.” West of Norway in the Atlantic, and extending far up into the Arctic ocean there is an archipelago of almost count- less rocky islands, the Lofcden Islands. 66 THE OOLOGIST. WM. H. FISHER, Baltimore, Md. In their general aspects these islands strongly resemble the neighboring main- land of Norway, abounding in steep cliffs, rocky promontories, and deep bays and inlets. Some of them are merely great jagged rocks rising from out the water, while others are larger and are inhabited. The inhabitants of these rugged is- lands beyond the Arctic circle are not degiaded savages, but civilized men. Their civilization may, indeed. lack some of the refinements found in move favored localities, but still it is a Christ- ian civilization, and the hardy islanders enjoy as large a measure of prosperity and content as the people of other lands. The houses. are built of wood, are covered with sod and prepared to keep out the Aretic cold. They are not sur- rounded by orchards and fields of grain, there is little room for farming on these stoney islands, and a little garden plot is the most that the richest islander cam. expect. The houses on the more southern is- lands are mere huts and the inhabit- ants, though free from want are very poor, but as you proceed farther and farther into the bleak polar regions you. find houses that are larger and _ better, and people who are more prosperous This is the direct opposite to the con- ditions we generally find in other parts. of the world, for it usually happens, es- pecially among civilized men, that wheneyer soil and climate prevent the growing of crops, poverty and want be- gin. The Lofoden islander, however, does not gather his harvest from the Jand but from the sea, and winter is his harvest time. In the autumn when our days and nights are of equal length, the sun, which has shone on those islands for six months without setting, gradually sinks from sight, and after a few days twilight the long Arctic night and win- ter begins. The islands that at other times are lonely and forsaken are now visited by numerous fishing and trading vessels and take on the appearance of active industry. The teeming life of the tropic seas is wanting in these waters at other sea- sons, but in the winter all the fish that have been hatched here obey an irre- sistible instinct and return to their na- tive bays and fjords to deposit their spawn. Bays, gulfs, sounds and inlets, usual- ly almost uninhabited, now swarm with finny visitors and nets are filled to the bursting with the catch. Fisher- men gather in their prey by the boat load, every bare ledge and rocky pro- montory is covered with fish that have been cut open and spread out to dry in the keen, salty air. Traders are busy bartering their car- goes of merchandise for fish, and there is a rapid exchange of the products of the south for those of the north. THE OOLUGIST; 67 No ray of sunlight illumines these scenes, but the stars shine with a splendor never noticed before, the aurora sheds a rosy twilight glow over the northern heavens, and the moon seems to turn night into day. When at length the stars fade, and the grey sky and reddening horizon give notice that the night is over and the sun is soon to rise again, the fish that have escaped capture, having de- posited their eggs in their native waters depart again tc ~.2ir usual haunts. The fishing season is over, the well laden vessels sail or steam away to their native ports, or to their markets in various parts of the world, and the Norsemen are left alone upon .their is- Jands. Are they to remain idle, then, and without means of gaining a livelihood for the rest of the year” By no means, -for though the fish are too scarce to pay them for casting their nests there is another harvest coming that isto yield them a good income. Those islands are the breeding places of various kinds of sea birds whose in- stinct prompts them to return to the same place year after year to deposit their eggs and rear their young. A sea bird may spend its life in the waters and seldom visit the land, but there are two occasions on which it invariably returns to the place where it was hatched. One of these is the nesting season, and the other is at the approach of death. Whenever a bird feels that it is about to die, no matter what part of the world it may have wandered to, it always hastens back over hundreds, perhaps thousands, of miles of ocean to end its life at the place where it was be- gup. When with each returning spring the mating instinct reawakens, the birds return to lay their eggs on the is- land where they themselves were hatched. Swimming or flying they ap- ‘proach the islands in constantly in- creasing flocks until it would seem that the feathered creatures over the whole ocean were gathering at one spot. The shy and unapproachable birds that usually dart out of sight at the first appearance of a ship are now so domin- ated by the one overpowering instinct that they forget their fear of man, and approach their nesting places by thous- ands, or perhaps, by millions, unde- terred by the sight of the human inhab- itants. Hach species of birds has its favorite nesting place. Some choose the beet- ling crags that overhang the surf, others choose the islands towering like mountains of rock above the waves, and nest only in the clefts and fissures inaccessible to man, but the most val- uable birds, the Eider Ducks, are con- tent with the low islands with gently sloping sides. In fact it would be im- possible for them to ascend a very steep slope for they are the most aquatic of all the water birds, being scarcely able to fly, while their walk is the most help- less waddle imaginable. Water is their native element and they seldom, if ever visit the land, ex- cept at the nesting season. It is in the water that they disrlay all their skill and adroitness in eluding pursuit or in taking their prey. ‘lhey can stay under water for five minutes, which is along time even for a Duck. They can dive to a depth of 160 feet and as their food consists mostly of mussels and other animals found on the bottom they rarely visit waters deeper than this. Arriving at their island they waddle slowly and laboriously over it, search- ing through every drift of sea weed, every hollow and cluster of dry twigs for a suitable nesting place. The pres- ence of the Norseman does not disturb them for they are, fora time, as tame as domestic fowls and will invade his premises and even make their nest in his house. When a Duck has found a suitable 68 THE OOLOGIST. spot she proceeds to dig a hollow with her flippers and beak, and to smooth it out by turning around in it. Then she partly fills the hollow with twigs and moss, anything she can find, and at last itis ready for the lining. Recklessly plucking off her own feathers, which are lighter and softer than those of any other bird, she makes them into a downy pad which completely lines the nest and has a border wide enough to cover the eggs when she is away. All this time the Norseman has been kind and considerate towards his aquat- ic visitors, digging hollows suitable for their nests and supplying them with turf and other building material, but as soon as the nest is completed, and has the usual six or eight dirty gray or pale green eggs laid in it, the courteous host becomes a robber. Ruthlessly taking away both the eggs and the precious lining of the nest he leaves the poor bird to recover from her disappointment the best she can. After this rohbery the Duck returns to her mate upon the sea, to come back again in five or six days, to waddle about the island seeking another nest asif nothing had happened. Carefully avoiding the location of her former nest she selects a new spot, hollows it out, inlays it with twigs, and it 1s ready for the lining. Anxiously she searches her body over for more feathers, but in vain, she has used them all in making her first nest. In this extremity she goes back to the water, and finding her mate takes him to the nest and strips him of his down to complete the struc- ture. When that is done the drake leaves her and goes out upon the sea to be absent for several months, a deser- tion that is excusable after the treat- ment he has received. Almost hidden by the twigs, moss and, down the mother bird sets upon her nest with admirable patience, scarcely taking time to search for food. When she does leave her nest for a brief swim and hunt in the waters near by she carefully covers up her eggs, knowing well that her neighbors in the nests near by are watching for a chance torob her. If on her return after a hasty meal of mussels she finds that some of her eggs are gone she pretends not to notice it, but watches her chance and steals them back again from the Duck near by. During the period of incubation the Norseman does what he ean to protect the birds and guards them from the at- tacks of predatory Falcons, Hawks and Sea Eagles, for their prosperity is his. After the young birds are hatched many of them would perish on their way to the water were it not for his as- sistance,for he then goes about over the densely crowded bird city, carefully gathering all the down from the nests in one basket and placing the ducklings in another. When his baskets are filled he goes down to the beach, closely fol- lowed by the waddling, anxious moth- ers, and empties the little ones out into the water. Then there is a great’ scramble among both young and old birds, for the mothers cannot tell their own ducklings from those of their neighbors and each tries to gather as large a foljlowing as possible. When at length the families are di- vided up and all are satisfied they seek the quiet waters of some shallow bay, where the mothers are soon busy diy- ing and bringing up food for their hun- gry broods. The young birds are far better adapt- ed to life on the shore than the old ones are and they often wander out on the beach and run about like young par- tridges. ‘They can swim as soon as they are hatched, but stili need the watchful care of their mother, who allows them to climb upon her back and outstretch- ed wings to rest when they are tired. As there is food in abundance for all of them the ducklings grow rapidly and soon get to be as large as the old ones, THE OOLOGIST 69 In the feathers of the Eider Duck. the famous eider down, are mirrored all the colors of the northern ocean. Red, black, ash gray, ice green, brown, yel- low and white are all blended and vary with the changing light. This down brings a high price and constitutes the chief wealth of the is- landers. A man who owns the ground where a thousand pairs of these birds nest is considered well to do, and as a thousand pairs often build on a single hill, some of the inhabitants of these all but forsaken islands enjoy incomes as large as those of our largest land owners. Many other sea birds visit these is- lands and the rocky cliffs are often hid- den by them. When a boat approaches the Gulls rise in dense clouds and wheel, in rapidly lessening circles, about the intruders, screaming and flapping their broad wings defiantly, until a gun shot or some other alarming sound frightens them, then, like a sud- den snowfall, they drop into the water to bob about like balls of down or to sink beneath the waves leaving only their black heads above the water. When the broad red dise of the mid- night sun approaches the watery hori- zon the Gulls all settle down to rest upon the rocky island peaks. A travel- ler who has watched them from the deck of a Norwegian mail steamer says that the huge rocks covered with strange groups of white birds looked from a distance like mighty black- boards which some giant’s child had covered with a fantastic scrawl. ANGUS GAINES, Vincennes, Indiana. —. ><> —+ My First Find of 1895. February 12th I started out witha triend, Mr. Corwin, of Vicksburg, Mich., to try and locate a nest of the Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus. - gun, and I the climbing tools. I had all the paraphernalia for climb- ing the huge trees that are found in this vicinity, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., and as we knew several swamps .where the birds had been seen we had hopes of locating a nest. The snow was about two feet deep on the level and as we had to walk about three miles to the swamp and then through it the task was No easy one. After several hours of hard work we had to turn our heads homewards, minus any eggs. We saw no Owls and I have since learned that a certain party shot the Owls that we had hoped to locate. However we Saw three Robins, num- erous Tree Sparrows, Chickadees, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Flick- ers and White-breasted Nuthatches; also shot two Horned Larks from a flock of a dozen or more. | Feb. 19th I started out again with S. R. Eaton, of Battle Creek, carrying the This time Calhoun County was the locality. My friend soon got tired out and re- turned to the station. After a three hours’ unsuccessful tramp through the deep snow in several swamps, I re- turned to the station to find my friend, on his back, soliloquizing on my fool- ishness in wasting so much time and energy after a couple of eggs which I did not get! : March 2d was a bright, cheerful day, snow all gone, walking good. I could not resist the temptation, so I started for my friend Corwin and this time we started south from Vicksburg, Mich., for a tamarack swamp. I felt sure success would crown our efforts this trip. After a walk of about six miles we saw two male Great Horned Owls and followed them through the woods. Pretty soon I spied a large nest on top of a dead tamarack in a swamp close to the foot of an elevated ridge of land. I felt sure this nest was occu- 70 THE OOLOGIST. pied, as the boys put it, something in my bones informed me there were eggs in the nest. I stationed my friend at the top of the ridge of land, where he could get a good view of the nest and asked him to look out for old Bubo’s ears as scon as I struck the tree with my spurs. I had an idea she would not leave the nest and would simply stick up her ears as soon as I struck the tree. I walked down to the tree and struck it a vicious blow with my spur. Old Bubo floated out as noiselessly as a cloud and sailed away about 400 yards to witness the spoilation of her 1895 home. The exultation an enthusiast feels in seeing a bird leave her nest and eggs, especially the first find after a hard cold winter, came over me and I was all anxiety to climb the tree, and add the prizes to my cabinet which already contains over 150 Owls’ eggs,300 Hawks’ and 6000 of other species. I soon had the spurs securely strap- ped on, slung a small satchel on my shoulder, containing a ball of twine to lower the eggs,and started for the nest. The climb was a hard one as I had to break a lot of rotten limbs off on my way skyward. The nest was 72 feet up. However I was soon up to the nest which was a large one, four feet in circumference, made of large and small twigs and sticks lined with leaves, bark and feathers from the breast of the parent bird, quite a cosy nest and well hollowed out. The nest contained two very large eggs, globular shaped, much resem- bling an egg of the Bald Eagle in my cabinet, incubation about one week so the eggs were probably laid the lat- ter part of February, during very cold weather. I hope to take one or two more sets from this same nest to find out how long an interval there is be- tween the laying of successive sets. The evening was far advanced, so I had to give up looking for another set, which I feel satisfied this swamp con- tains. I arrived at Battle Creek at 7:30 p. m. and the eggs now are numbered and are part of my collection and will no doubt be handled a number of times in years to come and each time bring back recollections of a tamarack swamp and a hard but dele tramp and climb in early March. EK. ARNOLD, Battle Creek, Mich. Standard Datas, And similar ideal, things, throng the writer’s brain, on sleepless nights, and bid him speak. One first, of other things, for example the blowing of eggs. How many thin-shelled eggs have crumbled in our hands, and how many frail-shelled eggs have ‘‘blistered” on one side where a mass of unremoved yolk had congealed, or at the blow hole, whither the albumen had gather- ed, in the draining of the egg, had con- tracted and cracked the edges of the shell! There are two remedies to be used in consecution: First thoroughly rinse the egg; second, rinse it thorough- ly the second time. Not only does the shell of an unrinsed egg become brittle, but its uncleanness and its harboring of vermin make it an object of disgust. Why do not more odlogists make use of a lamp, in the drying of eggs, after the rinsing? I used a lamp for several years before learning, to my surprise, that the idea was a new one to some. In no other possible way can the un- removed clots of yolk, adhering to the inner walls, be detected, in eggs of dark and heavy markings,—and no oth- er way drives out the moisture so rap- idly. But, be wary!—that dainty shell will burst, of an instant in the lamp’s heat, if a clot of yolk ran foul of the blow-hole, or if a film of albumen have dried across it. THE OOLOGIST 71 And again, a plea for more accurate and reflective observation, with a field glass if possible. Many observers need to cultivate a deeper appreciation of what a certain argus-eyed veteran in our favorite science has meant by the comprehensive title, ‘‘Life Histories.” And, about field glasses. When will some bright optician manufacture and put on the ornithological market, an instrument especially fitted to our needs, with the price brought within the limits of the slender purses that some of us are carrying about with us these days? As to observations and field-notes: Iam a little chagrined td hear, to see nothing more as to the wonderfully handy 82+ by 34 inch note -books refer- red to in a not long remote issue of the OoxuoGist. These bank books are in- terleaved with absorbent paper. You jot down your notes in ink, always im ink, and elose the book, unblotted. There’s a column for the date, and a space for the particulars and any met- erological or other pertinent notes may be written on the bibulous paper, two sets of notes in the same book, and side by side, just where one wants them, and all tor a song. Why not two or three hundred of us sit right down, just as soon as this copy of the O6LOGIST is read from cover to cover, and overwhelm the editor with an or- der for half a dozen copies, each of the Model Field Book? A final attack on the question of “Standard Datas:” The accompanying form represents, (for my purposes and tastes at least), the summing up of the best qualities to be found in twenty or thirty different forms, occurring among hundreds of datas in my collection. The datum ‘‘situation’’ I venture to add, on my own responsibility, though the facts that it should involve are lack- ing in most descriptions, while yet they are of deepest interest to the true lover of ornithology and nidiology. The up- per left hand corner arrangement, in which I especially delight is, I take it, largely the idea of a big-hearted ranch- man and ornithologist of Denver, wide- ly quoted and still more widely known. Its beauty and utility are seen in the fact the given arrangemen! brings close- ly together on the data just the mark- ings which should be found on the eggs. The ‘‘date” and ‘‘incubation”’ details are placed together and on the first line be- cause if acurate, they tell us exactly what we wish to know about the nest- ing date. Special attention has been given to the reserving of abundant space for ‘‘particulars.” What a host of delightfully interesting informalities do some of our most accurate and en- thusiastic field workers manage to crowd overflowingly into snch a space as this! The data has been made as large as it could be and still fit, without folding, into a No. 6 envelope. The big square datas that must be folded, and the rag- ged edged stub-datas are equally an abomination. Wherefore, buy of Un- cle Sama package of No. 6 stamped envelopes, to forward your datas with- out folding, and provide yourselves with field books for recording data complete for each set, and allow the wretchedly inadequate ‘‘stub” to des- uetudinize. The form presented here- with,and recommended for use, is filled out with an actual record from my ’92 field book, to give some indication of its possible and proper use. Ii any pertinent suggestions occur to any one, we shall all,surely be grateful for them; and if any thing touching this form has been left obscure, perhaps our obliging Mr. Lattin wili give space in the next issue, for a few words of added explan- ation. Here goes the inevitable moral: Throw away your old and blunted drills. and buy sharp ones—scorning the cheapest sorts. Drill the hole on the least finely marked, or on the stained 72 THE OOLOGIST. ....adventitious down. Eggs slightly nest-stained, away. 1893, these birds were relining the nest.,..........------- The male circled, screaming, further away, restlessly alighting, now and then. COLLECTION OF P. B. PEABODY, WILDER, MINN. A.O.U. 6 Set Inidexy) Name eee ACCT: Si EL CUNO eee wene een re ee ee No. 337a.......| 2..No. in Set. ‘i RIO NL ate BUUCONOOT EQUUS KTUCCTUU stare eee ope Se Date MY SO TEGO NIA REN eR Chae EL 8 Incubation,......... EWO' CU USE 2 Identification, ........ Female well seen.........-.---- Locality,......... Owotanna, hice Co. Minn One-fourth mile from meadow-bordered river, in narrow, short, deeply wooded and field-girt ravine. Female left nest reluctantly; perching 30 rods... On May 2,... (From Field Notes.) side of your eggs. Drill steadily, gen- ly and not too long, blow carefully, us- ing, if incubation is far advanced, larg- er holes and a solution of caustic pot- ash—strong for large eggs, and weak, always, for the small ones, —administer- ing the solution with that little black rubber syringe. Rinse thoroughly and dry adequately by the heat of your mid- night lamp, keeping a soft cotton cloth always by you for wiping eggs. With a soft pencil and a steady hand mark each egg in small figures, near the opening, with “A. O. U. number,” ‘‘set index;’’ and ‘‘No. in set.” And lastly or rather firstly, sit right down and order at least 500 ‘‘Standard »Datas”; and,if purses permit, buy those printed on linen paper, now and al- ways. P. B. PEABopy, Wilder, Minn. 43 To All Michigan Observers. In December last, the ‘Michigan Academy of Sciences’ was instituted at Lansing, with eighty-six charter mem- bers. Departments were formed, and a sub-section of ornithology for the ad- vancement of study among our birds was organized. The honor of chief of the sub-sec- tion of ornithology, was conferred upon me, asa centre of communication for observers in the state, and it is hoped and expected, that by our combined ef- forts, we shall gather much valuable information and which will be publish- ed in the transactions of the Academy. There are many observers in Michi- gan who have rot yet joined our ranks, and to these, an invitation is extended, as all lovers of the sciences are wel- come. Others, who are extralimitory in their residence, are also eligible; those living just over the border in ad- jacent states, or the Dominion, are es- pecially desired for our work. The initiation fee of $1.00, and an- nual dues of $1.00, may be sent, to- gether with application for membership. to Prof. E. A. Strong, Ypsilanti, Mich. Our State possesses such a large num- ber of observers, that personal letters would involve much labor, and it has. been thought best to issue this com- munication. All observers, whether members of the ‘M. A.S.’ or not, who are willing to undertake observations, will please to communicate with— Yours Respectfully, MOorRIs GIBBS, Kalamazoo, Mich. THE OOLOGISY. re} Notes on the Passenger Pigeon in Michigan.” By Cuas. W. Gunn. Many persons not intimately ac- quainted with the habits of Hctopistes migratorius are often astonished at the regularity of their habits, especially so, about the nesting season. The main colony visits Michigan every two years. This I know to be the case from person- al observations during the past ten years. This is due mainly to the abundance of shack one year, and the searcity the next. During the month of April I visited the nesting place sit- uated near Crooked Lake, Emmet Co., Northern Michigan. There are three separate colonies nesting near this lake, two on the north bank, respectively three and twelve miles in length by three in width, the third on the south bank eight miles in length by two in width. Three flights are made by the birds during the nesting season every day; at the break of day the males fly out to féed, returning about eleven o’clock; at two the females feed and the cock birds sit on the nest, One visiting the nests during this flight would scarcely see a single female bird, at three they return, their mates feeding in advance of this. The nesting is con- ducted on the ‘‘free love system,’’ it is confirmed by old pigeon hunters, who have studied their habits for years, that the female may sit on one nest in the forenoon and another in the afternoon, the birds never knowing their own young. * The notes on the habits of the Wild Pigeon. here given, were written by Chas. W. Cunn, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1878 or 1879. Mr. Gunn has been dead a number of years. He was a very careful observer, a hard worker and a very enthusiastic ornithologist. 1f he could have lived he would doubtless have been a naturalist of high standing. Mrs. Gunn (his mother.) recently pre- sented his books and manuscripts (which were of great value) to the lately organized Kent Ornithol- ological Club. These notes were read at the meeting of that (lub on Wednesday, Jan. 2nd, 1895. Iam not positive, but I think they have never been published before. 1 thought they were of enough value andinterest to now be brought to light. —R. G. FITCH. The woods selected by this colony is mostly pine, intermingled with a few beech and maple. Nearly every tree contains one or more nests. At the nesting two years ago near Shelby I counted as high as 36 nests in a single tree. The nests are composed of small sticks, half the size of one’s little finger, being very loosely constructed as a gen- eral thing, but I have seen several nest- ings where nearly all the nests were quite closely compacted and lined with smaller twigs. The number of eggs laid vary from one to two, the usual number being one. You may visit a nesting and examine thousands of nests, and not ten in every thousand will contain two eggs, at least I have found it so. I have been informed by old pigeon hunters that a few days before the young are ready to leave the nest, the main colony leave the young and com- mence a new nesting. These hunters can always tell when the pigeons are a- bout to leave as the birds mount to an immense height in the air, so that the notion of their wings is just perceptible; in their regular flights to and from the nesting, they fly through the woods, or just above the tree tops. A few male birds remain with the young, and on the second day it is a grand sight to visit the nesting and see the old birds pushing the young from thenest. Fall- ing to the ground they assemble in flocks of many hnndreds, and led by a few old birds, soon learn to secure their own food. About three days after leaving the nest the young have worn off all their fat and are able to fly. > <> The Yellow Rail in Orleans County, N. Y. On the 2ist of April, 1894, my friend Macomber and myself started for a snipe hunt. Just north of the famous Ridge Road at Sandy Creek we found the Snipe quite plentiful and as we were crossing an open meadow that had 74 THE OOLOGIST. kere and there a marshy spot, one of the dogs came to a stop. We waited a little while but no bird flew up, though the dog still said there was one there. After the dogs had searched a few mo- ments one of them made a jump and caught a’ bird in his mouth, To our surprise we found it to be a Yellow Rail anda fine one too. Later we found another which acted in a similar manner. They don’t take flight very readily. I walked almost onto one where the grass was not a foot high, but could not see him nor did he run out. This spring I am going to search for more of them, and J will try to watch them more. C. CiirF, Murray, N. Y. [This is I think the first record of this species being taken within our county. —ED. | ><> Wholesale Slaughter of Wild Fowl. Mr. W. Allen, who was at Clear Lake, the past week, tells us’ about some shooting done there last Friday}: and Saturday by two gentlemen from Garner. The flight of geese and ducks during those days was something phe- than known; this caused by the scarcity of nomenal—larger ever before bodies of water elsewhere. The ice had not broken up in the lake and the These parties went out to the middle of the birds alighted on the ice to rest. lake, cut out blocks of ice and built an ice house for a blind, then placing their decoys out on the ice, they began the slaughter, and at the time Mr. Allen saw them they had nearly 400 geese, brant and ducks. Such shvoting has never been known at the lake.— Watcr- loo, (La.) Reporter. THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher. ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the ceuaent of Birds, their Nests and Hggs, solicited om all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Single Subscription - = 75¢ per annum Sample Copies - - = - - 10ceach The above rates include payment of postage by us. Each subscriber is given two coupons, one good for an Exchange Notice and the other for 25c. when presented with an order of $1.25 or OVei. Subscriptions can begin with any number. - Back numbers of the OoLoGist Gan be furnish ed at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. i-Remember that the publisher must be no- tified by letter when a subscriber wishes his pa- per stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 10 CENTS PER NONPAREIL LINE EACH INSERTION. Twelve lines in every inch. Remittances should be made by Drait, Express or Post Office Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U. 8S. Postage Stamps of any denomination wiil be accepted for sums un- der one dollar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- murications to FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y. *,* Articles, Items of Interest and Queries for publication should be forwarded as early in the month as possible. ERED AT THE POST OFFIGE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER. en ee) You Are a Judge. Your decision must be mailed us not later than the tenth day of May. Write on back of a postal card the five articles which you have decided to be the most valuable, instructive and imter- esting in this number of O6LOGIST and mail to us. Number the articles in the order which you think the prizes should be awarded. During 1895 the Judges prize will be awarded as follows. viz: Each month it will consist of $6 in specimens or $4.50 in instruments, supplies or publi- cations or $3 eash. This prize will be awarded to the Judge who names the winning articles and in their exoct or- der. In case more than one Judge names them correctly this prize will be equally divided among the number. THE OOLOGIST 75 Harold H. Dodge. Was born iu Lawrence, Mass. in 1867, and moved to California in 1882. He explored the Golden State in many parts, being especially attracted to the wilder and mountainous sections. In his researches the Yosemite region was carefully studied. His tastes were those of an observer, and all subjects were of interest to him, but nearer his heart were treasured longings for communion with Nature’s wondrous creations, and as with the majority of modern observers, his chiefest delight was with the birds, “the winged gems and favorities of creation.’ His was a sunny life; for communion with the ereatures of his surroundings exalted him, and the in- spiration and delight of association with Nature's marvelous’ handiwork, elevated his standard in intellection, as well as the moral attributes which gov- ern our deeper feelings. _ Mr. Dodge passed from this earth at Mentone, California on May 9, 1894 aged twenty-seven years. Interested readers may recall articles from his pen, and among others, the one on ‘Dove Life in Arizona,’ which appeared in the OjLoGIsT last July. His brother collectors can say: ‘“‘WE MOURN OUR LOSS.” + <> — + Our Rev. Brother Peabody has once more let himself loose on the ‘‘Stand- ard Data” question. While we may not all fallin with Brother P’s. ideal, it isrealy high time that one was adopt- ed and if you will mail a sample of your ideal at once to the editor of the Od Lo- Gist he will have the most suitable presented in May O6LoGist, from which we can by vote or otherwise select a ‘“‘standard.” If you will write the names of six ornithologists and odlogists of national reputation on the back of a postal and mail to the editor of the O6LOGIST; not later than May 1st, he will endeavor to induce the ones receiving the greatest number of mentions to send him their photo which will in due season be _ half- toned for the OoLocist. Write today. On March 5th ye Ed. recorded a most welcome ‘‘transient visitor”, L. Whit- ney Watkins of Manchester, Mich. Brother W. is an ornitholegist of the true type and one from whom we may well expect to hear in after years. New York might most appropriately be called the State of Ornithological Publications. We now have The Auk, The Nidiologist and THk OoLoGist—a . truly valuable trio in which it:may not. be considered immodest for us to say :' * that the little O6LOGIs?T is more, cosmo-” ; politan.than either of its;more preten- tious sisters. By-the way, the good old O. and O. was a New Yorker by birth. 76 _ THE OOLOGIST. March issue of Popular Science News is of more than ordinary interest to the O6LOGIstT’s readers. Among others Dr. Shufeldt’s valuable article on ‘‘Auks and Their Allies’ and Dr. J. Hobart Egbert’s ‘‘Analysis of the Brain,” with half-tone of the author, especially at- tract our attention. Early in January twelve ornitholo- gists received special requests to send the editor of the OdLoGisr their photos. As fast as received half-tones have been made and it has been with nosmall de- gree of pleasure that ye editor has be2n able to present them to the readers of the OdLtocist. Biographical sketches or introductions were deemed unneces- sary as all were well known to our readers by their writings. Should you happen to write a 1st prize article (or 2d prize one, if the writer of the 1st has previously been presented)for the O6LO- GIST it might be well to bear in mind that you are ‘‘booked.” It was from this standpoint that the original twelve (94 writers) did penance. ®> 2 e& An Unusual Visitor. It may interest the readers of the OsLOGIsT to know that on Feb. 11 an American Herring Gull was shot on the river here. It was with a flock of Mer- gansers and seemed rather tame. An- other bird of the same kind was seen but could not be secured. As our sta- tion is more than two hundred miles from this Gull’s nearest haunts, it is hard to find a reason for its occurrence here. Both its stomach and crop were entirely empty,showing that it had been without food for some time. Probably it was driven out of its course by one of the winter storms. WILLARD N. CLUTE, Binghamton, N. Y. An Eccentric Flicker. Last summer I observed an incident which is, to my knowledge at least, un- paralleled. I had found a Mourning Dove’s nest in process of construction, on a limb of an oak tree, near a path which I used daily. Imagine my surprise a few mornings later at seeing a female Flicker sitting sedately on the nest. Resisting tempt- ation I passed by, and returned at noon to investigate the matter. The female Dove was on the nest when I, climed the tree and did not fly until I had almost touched her. The nest contained her own set and on the edge of the nest, which was larger than is usual, was a cracked egg of the Flicker. WALTER DRAPER, Good Authority. - Mr Epiror:—I am so much pleased with the February number of the OdLo- GisT that I cannot forbear congratulat- ing you upon your success in this line. The steady improvement in the general tone of the contents, from volume to: volume is so great as to cause one to speculate upon the probable time when the limit must be reached. Before closing [ desire to call your attention to an error in Mr. Harry C. Lillie’s otherwise superior contribution entitled ‘‘Destruction of Birds.” His. assertion that ‘‘young birds usually lead in the flight to the south” is in direct opposition to tha oft expressed’ opinion and actual observation of the great body of working ornithologists. It is quite probable that the young of the year of a few species do migrate before their parents and it would be in- teresting to know what species do so. F. L. BuRNS Berwyn, Penn. Monthly. VOL. XII. NO. 5. PABA CA CS Ea Ca ea Bae y7G SORES ER aa eer... % ALBION, N. Y., MAY, 1895. 4) \osees BA SS ealevaleva eres ee al a a s . » Pdnogisy, < | | oss es eS WHOLE No. 115 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. - Brief special announcements, ‘‘Wants,’ “Exchanges” ‘‘For Sales,” inserted in this department Yor 50¢ per 35 words. word. No notice inserted for less than 50c. Notices over 35 words, charged at the rate of one cent per each additional Terms, cash with order. ‘‘DEALERS” Can use these columns at Regular Advertising rates, only, Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-half list rates. Exchange Cards and Coupons (subscription) will be accepted for “Wants” and “Exchanges” only ‘and according to conditions stated thereon. WANTED.—Davie’s Taxidermy. Will give ‘one Great Horned Owl alive and some books. Must be in good condition. FRANK N. CAL- HOUN, Forestville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. FOR SALE.—A collection of 1200 varieties of rare U. S. and foreign stamps for $8.00. Also a collection of rare sets and single eggs. W.H. DEADERICK, Clarksville, Tenn. TO EXCHANGE.—Birds and nests of Illinois for those of other localities. All letters an- swered. J. BODENBURG, 523 Mo. Ave., East St. Louis, Ils. TO EXCHANGE for best offer. Mammalia edition of Wood's Natural History, paper backs, 800 pages, 500 illustrations. GUY ‘SEEDS, Garden City, Kansas. FOR SALE OR EXCHANGH.—One Lovell Diamond Roadster; write for description. Also eggs in sets with data collected this year and watch, coin silver case, Waltham works. C. B. HODGH, Sterling, Kans. : WANTED.—First-class copies of Awk No. 3 and 4, Vol.II. Will give cash or conchological and entomological specimens in exchange. PRANK E. BAXTER, 121 Chestnut street Montclair, N. J. WANTED.—First-class skins of Cinnamon Teal (fresh preferred). Can offer many north- ern birds in exchange: Can. Grouse, Can. Jay, Arctic Woodpeckers, etc. J. H. FLEMING, 358 Yonge St.. Toronto, Ont. To EXCHANGE.—I will give 1000 foreign stamps for every half dollar coined before 1876, and for-every quarter made before 1877 550 foreign stamps. All answered. EH. HE. ED- WARDS, P. O. Box 115, Lake City, Fla. ATTENTION.—First and sécond class eggs to exchange for eggs, instruments, books or anything else. Everybody write. HK. R. SMITH, Imes, Kans. , HOW TO WRITE or engrave on ironor glass indelibly. Both receipts for a fine U. S. copper cent, any date prior to 1845. ARTHUR B. ROBERTS, Weymouth, Medina Co., Ohio. WANTED.—Back numbers of the Auk and Ornithologist and Oologist. Will give good cash prices for clean copies. HENRY R. BUCK, 127 College St., New Haven, Ct. TO EXCHANGE.—Duck skins, and western eggs in sets to exchange for stamps and eggs in sets not in my collection. A. M. SHIELDS, 314 Stimson Block, Los Angeles, Cal. FOR SALE.—Strictly first-class eggs, sets and singles, at 14, and 4rates. Send stamp for lists. Also agate charms cheap. GEO. W. DIXON. Watertown, S. D. SAND Dollars, Sea Urchins and Star fish from coast of Maine to exchange for curios- ities from other states. Address H. L. SPIN- NEY, Popham Beach, Maine. SIOUX Indian relics of all kinds to exchange for first-class Eagle tail feathers. HE. C. SWIGERT, Gordon, Neb. FINE mounted specimens or California skins to exchange for egg tools or climbers. I collect everything in the natural history line. Corresponpence solicited. J. F. ILL- PAGWORTH, Pomona College, Claremont, Calif. WANTED,—To exchange minerals for books on mineralogy, geology, birds or marine ani- mals. Address WILLIAM P. SHARPLES, P. O. Box 1968, West Chester, Pa. FOR SALE to highest bidder. A4x5 camera and outfit, used only two months and in Ist class condition; cost $10. F. S. FIELD, 2 Itasca St., Cleveland, O. TO EXCHANGE.—Four different 50c. U.S. revenue stamps catalogued by Scott’s 55th at $2.00. Want caliper square, climbers or de- sireable literature relating to birds. G. FORD AXTELL, Box 50. Howell, Michigan. THREE fine fossils sent prepaid for 10 cts. Cap and ball pistols and eggs for coins and stamps. Send list. All answered, no cards. R. L. MORE, Decatur, Tex. ii THE OOLOGIST. TO EXCHANGW.—A lotof ist Class eggs in Sets and singles (over 500) also a lot of bird skins for old guns and pistols either complete or incomplete. Will exchange any orall, eggs or skins: All letters answered. .H. P. CLARK, M. D., Morrisville, N. Y. A COLORED Plate of Sympathetic Nervous System (19x38in.) by Ludovic Hirschfeld,Paris. Worth $3.50. Will exchange for best offer. Write first. GEO. COULTER,Golden City, Mo. FOR SALE.—The ‘All Steel Climber’? made from the toughest steel, will not break, will climb any tree. Price without straps $.80, with good strong straps $1.50. Address R. C. ALEX- ANDER, Plymouth, Mich. RUBBER STAMPS of all kinds to exchange for first-class. birds eggs in full sets with complete data. Enclose stamp when writing. ARTHUR L. POPE, Sheridan, Oregon. LOOK! LOOK!—I will give receipt for making Skeleton Leaves, for every set of eggs with data valued at ten cents or over. JAY G. SMITH, 5 Pleasant St., Bradford, Pa. FOSSILS must go. Three fine fossils sent prepaid for 10cts. Cap and ball pistol for coins. Send list. All answered. No ecards. R. L. MORE, Decatur, Tex. SCHUYLER TRAPS for collecting small mammals. Price prepaid, each, 15cts; two for 25cts. ERANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. SECOND HAND BOOKS.—I want 2d hand copies of Packard’s “‘Guide to the Study of In- sects ;”? Coues’ ‘‘Key to North American Birds” and other Standard works relating to Natural History. FRANK H, LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. TO EXCHANGE.—About $1000 worth of var- ious kinds of Jewelry mounted and settings. The above was left over from the World’s Fair and will be exchanged in lots to suit, for first- class Natural History specimens, shells pre- ferred. Address, J. M. WIERS, 357 W. Van Buren:St., Chicago, Ill. F3t RUDY’S PILE SUPPOSITORY is guaran- teed to cure Piles and Constipation, or money refunded. 50centsper box. Send twostamps for circulars and Free Sample to MARTIN RU- DY, Registered Pharmacist, Lancaster, Pa. No Postals Answered. For sale by all first- ‘class druggists everwhere, and in Albion, N. Y. by George W. Barrell. FOR EXCHANGH.—Single barrel, unused, Shattuck gun, 25 brass shells and loading tools complete, for best offer of rare eggs in sets. Raptores preferred. special desiderata A. O. U. Nos. 131 and 327. THOMAS H. JACKSON, 343 EK. Biddle St., West Chester, Pa. 5w4 FOR SALE. Skull of ‘'Flat Head’’ Indian, minus lower jaw, in excellent condition. send two cents for photograph to A. T. WHITS- HOUSE, Maywood, Ills. 12-2tO FISHER’S ‘‘Hawks and Owls,” Apgar’s “Ivey to Birds,’ Manton’s ‘‘Taxidermy,” ‘‘Master- pieces Am. Literature,’ back Nos. OoLocist, *Taxidermist,’ skates, climbers. ete; for good collecting gun. J. C. GALLOWAY, Mont- gomery, Ohio. O. FOR SALE.—Polished woods, minerals, birds’ eggs, native ferns, Chinese chop sticks, bracelets. dolls, horn nuts, ete. MISS IDA C. NICHOLS, Freestone, Sonoma Co., Calif. (0) WANTED.—Second-hand copies of Coues™ Key. Birds of Pennsylvania and Bulletin on Hawks and Owls of the U.S. Parties having same please write. H. L. VANDEGRIF1'. Ambler, Pa. FOR SALE.—Choice sets of eggs valued at $45.93. Will sell them for $20.00 cash. Have such sets as St. Domingo Grebe. Iceland Gull, Black-capped Vireo, Winter Wren, Cassins Auk, ete, ARTHUR W. BROCKWAY, Had- lyme, Conn. WANTED.—Good Hand Camera, Burnisher, ete., in exchange for Mounted Birds, Animals, Stainer Violin and case. 4 Clarionettes, Incu-- bator, Bone Mill, Books, Banjo, ete. Enclose stamp. WM. MICHELFELDER, Taxidermist, Elizabeth, N. J. THIRTY DOLLARS worth of miscellaneous. books, mostly new and pertaining to Natural History to offer for first-class eggs, many common varieties wanted, or offers. C. BY— RON VANDERCOOK, Odin, Ills. PHILATELIC.—326 Stamp papers and 2715. samps for best offer of gun, camera or Coues’ Key or similar books. Send for list and state what you have. Must be in good condition. D. P, VAN SICKLER, Johnstown, N. Y. WANTED.—To exchange first-class _ sets. with data of sea and inland birds eggs the com— ing season, for especially large, rare singles and sets with data preferred. M. T. CLECK- LEY, 457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. AN OOLOGISTS’ EDITION. The WMidiolo- gist for May is brim full of good “‘pointers”’ tor collectors, as ‘Apparatus’ with 3 illustra- tions by Fred M. Dille: ‘‘Ideas for Campers. and Cruisers” (illus.): ““Hints to Egg Collect- ors” by Scolopax: ‘‘Dr. Murchison’s Egg Drill”; “More Hints” by J. H. Bowles; “A Device for Egg Blowing” (illus.)—these are some of the valuable features. ‘‘The Western Collector’ (portrait) and ‘Glossy Ibis at Heron Lake” (illus.) by P. B. Peabody are other attractions. ‘‘The ‘Wid.’ is indispen- sable to live Ornithologists and Oologists.”’ Subscription price $1.50! per year: sample 10c; May number singly 15e. We make you this desirable proposition: 4 months’ trial sub-- scription vesides May number and November number, with beautiful colored plates Jree, for only 50 cents. Remit soon. H. R. TAYLOR, Publisher, 150 Fifth Ave., New York City, FLORIDA EGGS,—This season I will collect sets of all species found in this locality. I now have over 50 varieties of rare sets for Sale at 15 catalogue rates. All eggs are care- fully prepared, have full authentic datas and are first-class in every respect. Send for list. All letters answered. Postage and expressage prepaid. Special discount on large orders. Eggs will be sent on approval to collectors: whom I know. Ialso have over 300 varieties. of singles which I will sell at 4%, and in orders of $4.00 or over at 1-5 catalogue. prices. LOUIS T. WHITFIELD, Tallahassee, Plorida. é ATTENTION! Look! Send me 15¢ and re- ceive by return mail a first-class set of 4 or-5: eggs with data. Send for egg lists. HARRY GRIFFITH, Santa Ana, Orange Co., Calif.O&N_ I WANT AT ONCE a few eggs of each N. W. Crow, Fla. Grakle, Plumed and Scaled Part-- ridge, Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse, Sharp- Shinned Hawk. Sets or singles, cash or ex- change. Write quick. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XII. NO. 5. Rhoderick Dhu. It is not of Scott’s hero that I am going to tell you, but anamesake which, whether rightly named or not, once fill- ed a prominent niche in my life. I made his acquaintance one damp day in April, (the 22nd,) 1889. My brother and Ihad been hunting all the morn- ing, he after birds, I their eggs. It was about eleven a.m., and we had tramped nearly though the third piece of timber, a low swampy tract bordering both sides of Mill Creek, a small stream flowing through the western half of Monroe Co , N.Y.,to a point near my home, where it joins Black Creek in its course to the Genesee viver. My brother had secured no game, and I only one incomplete set of the Crow. Needless to say we were both getting discouraged. The swamp was nearly covered with water from a few inches to several feet in depth as the spring freshet had not subsided. We -~were keeping close to one edve and made many trips out in the flelds to avoid ditches or rwns as we called them which had swelled to dimensions that made fording impossible in many cases. It seemed as if both of us saw the nest at the same instant. Out in the middle of ‘the swamp stood a large elm,the largest of them all and almost in the very top was an dmmense nest. Well, we don’t have eagles nests in these parts aud it was big tous. I know that some oolo- gistscan tell us of nests that would dwarf this one but they can moé find them in my vicinity. Over the top stuck up two little tufts of feathers, I had seen specimens of the Gt. Horned Owl be- fore and I recognized the owner of those two ear-tufts and only the »ologist who remembers his first nest ot this large Owl can guess how excited I was. ALBION, N. Y., MAY, 1895. WHOLE No. 115 Jumping from tussock to log and from stump to stump we made our way toward the tree. When about 200 ft., from the nest Mrs. Owl left, much to our chagrin, as we had hoped to secure her, but 200 ft. away and 75 ft., high is too far for such shot as we had so she got off all right. Now I had not been a subscriber of the OoLoaisr long at that time and was a very ‘‘green” oologist, I thought there were eggs in that nest. Of course you experienced collectors who get out your climbing irons in Feb- ruary and take a circuit through the haunts of this bird, gathering in your annual fee as you go, will laugh at this. Enough said; 7ean afford to nov. I had a poor pair of home-made climbers aud with these I started up to the nest, my brother standing guard at the foot of the tree with the hope that the Owl would come back and he get a shot at her. How I got up I don’t know now. Mr. P. M_ Silloways experience as published in the February number of the OoLoaist describes most of my difli- culties better than I can, but I had to work my way around three large crotch- es to get to the nest Then I could neither see nor reach over the edge. It seemed an age before | worked my way aroung on the lower side of that limb and, finally, into the nest. Then what a sight met my gaze. No eggs of course, but, in the midst of balls of fur, bones, etc.; the remains of rabbits, squirrels and pole-cats, the scent of which saluted my nose in a very forward and disagreeable way; sat a young Owl, perhaps a week old, possibly two. I could not carry him down with me and {[ did not like to leave him behind. Happy thought, directly under me the water was several inches deep, so, shout- ing to my brother to ‘take it out of the water quick” I dropped the young bird 78 THE OOLOGISTY. over the edge. Soon came the answer from below, ‘‘It’s all right.” Well, I came down out of that tree in less time than I went up. Everything went “lovely” until I reached the last crotch which wasso shaped that I could not get below it. At this crisis, while try- ing to get my legs and arms both below that swell, one of those poor irons, I spoke of, gave out entirely and,—well, there was a sensation of motion and darkness followed by a feeling that my feet had been driven through me. and then oblivion. The next winter this tree was up- rooted in a great wind. I found by actual measurement, that it was 70 feet from the stump tothe nest, and 35 feet to the crotch from whichI fell. Very few nests are placed as high as that in my vicinity. The nest was 3 feet wide and nearly as high, made entirely of dead sticks, some of them large enough to remind one of the description of those used by the Osprey. It was not hollow- ed out much and had no lining what- ever. If it was ever used by any Hawk the Owls had certainly altered it beyond recognition. It is my advice to all who contem- plate any climbing to send to “Lattin” and get a pair of his climbers which don’t ‘give out.’ I didn’t get home un- til four that afternoon and to this day I feel the effects of that fall. But to come back to my subject, I eannot tell exactly how we came to fasten that name on him, but: Rhoder- ick Dhu he was christened and called Rhoderick for short. He grew rapidly, eatiog all the fresh meat that came his way. Even when quite small (a ball of down about 6 inches high with two fluffy ear-tufts) he would swallow mice and small birds whole and at two months he would swallow a rat, leaving the tail outside until he could stow it a'vay. He always swallowed his food head first, if any head was to be found. We had many opportunities to watch him eject the little balls of fur and bones.. He would select a broad, flat perch, a beam in the barn (we often carried him there before he could fly) suited him best, stretch his neck and lean for-- ward until the tip of his beak touched. the beam or othe: perch, and then. would follow the most comical con- tortions you could imagine and the ball would roll to the floor. Rhoderick would then blink his eyes several times: as he settled in shape ou his perch and look around in a knowing way that was laughabie. Soon the wing quills came out and he found that they assisted him in hopping so at once he began to use- them. Before this his manner of loco- motion was most laughable. It con- sisted of a number of long hops, a resting spell and then another series: of hops. As he experienced much dif- fieulty in keeping his balance when hop- ping, he made a most ludicrous figure. He would bop all the way from the barn to the house, a distance of 150° feet, get over the sill into the kitchen: where the women were at work, and with the help of his wings, at first very laboriously but later on with the great- est of ense, place himself in a chair where he would sit contentedly fer two: hours. No joke intended, for in spite of their solitary reputation this Owl cer- tainly liked company. One morning when we went to feed Rhoderick he. was not to be found. Finally my father spied him perched’ on the ridge of the house. Then the: . truth flashed over us, Rhoderick could fly! My brother went up on the roof but Mr. Owl gave a flap of his wings. as if to say ‘‘No you don't,” and flew across the garden, but his flight was: weak and he soon came to the ground! where he was found and taken back,. never to take another long fly, for as: we did not wish to clip his wings we: shut him up in a room fitted for his accommodation. THE OOLOGIST. 79 Presto! Whata change! From this time our Owl became"more and more like his wild brothers and sisters. As long as he had plenty;of food he was perfectly silent, except for a snapping of the beak when disturbed. But let him get real hungry and what a racket. J woke up one night with the impres- sion that a cat-fight was in progress directly under my window, but finally recollected that Rhoderick had not been fed and then understood it all. At other times he would hoot in gen- uine Owl style. I wonder if Owls ever hoot except when very hungry. At first my brother could go in the room and sit down when Rhoderick would come to him with a series of short flights and hops and perch on his knee, allowing him to stroke his feathers without protest. He could turn his head sideways so quickly that it seemed to-go all the way around on a pivot. He never held his ear-tufts entirely erect unless surprised or at the the prospect of food when very hungry. At other times they were carried semi- erect unless very angry when they laid ~ flat on the head. He took daily baths in the most approved bird fashion, shaking and preening himself like smaller birds. But he had to havea twelve-quart pan for a bath-tub. Per- haps all Owls bathe in the night; who knows? All live animals when placed in the room with him showed extreme fear and no disposition to fight him, except woodchucks and cats and even the cat was afraid but would show fight if Rhoderick came very near. A rat would make the most violent efforts to escape but never turned on him as they will on a human being when hard pressed. It was comical to watch him when a woodchuck was placed in the room. He would start for his game as usual but never get his talons into Mr. ‘Chuck to my knowledge. Certainly he never killed one. He would eat one after we killed it however, and, for a time, really seem to be satisfied. Finally he beeame unruly and one morning when I entered his room with his breakfast he flew at me and drove his talons through my hat and into my scalp. If anyone wants to know how that feels just try it some time. I know of nothing else just like it, though a. cat’s scratch will give one some idea of the sensation. As a result of that exploit he is now one of the ornametts. in our parlor and a big one too. In size he excels any wild specimen I have ever seen and there is just enough of his baby down left to give him a fuzzy appearance. His whole life was less than five months. Ernest H. SHORT Chili, N. Y. —-9 a Winter Birds of the Orange Mountains, in Essex County, N. J.. made in the January, Feb- Observations were months of December, ruary and March. Bluebird, pair noted in December. Robin, three seen in January during severe snow storm. Kinglet, Golden-crowned, seen in company with Chickadees during early part of December. Chickadees at all times abundant. Tufted Titmouse, pair seen during rain in January. White-breasted Nuthatch, at times plentiful, but generally few and far be- tween. Winter Wren, ten seen in December, and only one observed during the three other months. Northern Shrike, one seen in March. Cedar Waxwing. one flock of seven seen in February; very plentiful last winter. Fox Sparrow, more or less numerous in February and March but none no-. ticed before. Song Sparrow, several seen in com- pany with Tree Sparrows in February. Slate-colored Juneco, common. 80 THE OOLOGIST. Stephen Van Rensselaer, Jr. Tree Sparrow, very plentiful at all times. White-throated Sparrow, only three or four seen during entire winter, while last winter were common. White-crowned Sparrow, one shot in January, only one seen. Snowflake, January 16th, flock of about fifty seen, from which I shot sev- eral. According to the Geological Sur- vey these are rarely seen, only two specimens mentioned. Redpoll, one seen in December. American Goldfinch, flock of fully 150 seen in January, and few since. Last two winters could always be obtained. American Crossbill, flock of seven seen in February, this is the first time I ever noted them in this locality. Purple Finch, abundant during’ Feb- yuary and March, but only a few seen earlier. Blue Jay, quite common during De- cember, but few seen later. Crow, plentiful at all times. Flicker, only one seen after Novem- ber 29th. Red-headed Woodpecker, rarely seen — in this locality, but one specimen shot by the writer in ten years, plentiful in Morris County, near the Passaic River. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, few seen after November closes, but in Septem- ber are commen. Downy Woodpecker, can always be obtained. Hairy Woodpecker, three only seen and at different times and in different places. Belted Kingfisher, none seen this February, last year several were seen on the 22nd by the writer. Screech Owl, only ones met with were in a hollow tree within 25 yards of writer’s house, where they have been for years. No others seen within three years. Saw-whet Owl, none seen but I un- derstand there was one killed in East Orange in March. Barred Owl, but one specimen pro- cured, only one ever seen. Long-eared Owl, met with occasion- ally, two shot this winter. Sparrow Hawk, one shot in March. Red-shouldered Hawk, quite plenti- ful. Red-tail, moderately abundant. Cooper’s Hawk, most plentiful of all excepting next. Sharp-shinned Hawk, abundant. Marsh Hawk, seldom seen in the win- ter. Ruffed Grouse, a few met with. Bob-white, none seen or heard for three years by the writer. Woodcock, one seen March 29th. On the Reservoir in Essex county, there are at times many varieties of Ducks, several of Grebes, Ospreys, and occasional Geese, but as shooting is for- bidden I cannot name the species in- dividually. These notes were taken generally THE OOLOGIST. 81 Saturdays and Sundays ‘from personal observations. STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER, JR., 29 Broadway, N. Y. >< > — The Spotted Sandpiper. This species, one of the most inter- esting birds of the family that we have in the Great Lake Region, is also known as the Tip-up, Teeter and Wag-tail and also bears, ‘n company with several others of the smaller Sandpipers the common names of Peet and Peet-weet. It is well known to ali collectors in the localities which it inhabits, and is also recognized by gunners as a fair mark as a wing-shot when larger game is not ‘to be had. I can attest to the superior flavor of a well cooked Tip-up, taken in the autumn, but will say in favor of the vivacious little bird that it should not be shot, as it is too small to be con- sidered as game, and moreover is un- doubtedly of value to the community in which it dwells. The Teeter is found in suitable sec- tions throughout Michigan where the writer has taken notes, and evidently breeds wherever it summers. It ar- rives in Southern Michigan in ‘early April, and often in March in early sea- sons, but the main part of the birds reach us about the middle of the month of showers. Remaining till October and sometimes till the first week in November, it becomes a familiar bird spring, summer and autumn to all vis- itors to its haunts. Partial to marshy or boggy tracts, it is rarely found in sections far removed from low lands, and though the nest is often found in dry fields, it is never found at any great distance from moist quarters, and when the bird is seen in spring and summer it is certain that water course, lake, pond or boggy ground is near athand. No better spot is desired by the Tip-up than the edges of a mill pond or the shores of a muddy shelving-sbored stream. It is not rare to find a pair nesting in an elevated field, and where there is apparently no feeding ground for them, but in these cases the pair find their food in a swale hard by, or on the shores of a pond per- haps fuily a hundred rods away. Soon after arrival the birds may be seen flying about in twos and threes or even fours and in their actions much resemble the Chimney Swifts in their courting mov, ments. The Swifts fly high in air, circling about in fluttering flight and with noisy clatter, while the Tip-ups wheel just above the field and pond uttering their vehement but pleas- ing notes. These notes which may be called their love song, are best describ- ed by the syllables ‘‘ca tweet ca tweet ca tweet.” Sometimes the notes are run together when the bird is very much excited and are uttered almost continuously for many minutes at a time, but generally only three or four times. The same notes are given ex- citedly when the young are molested, and it appeais that both old birds utter the same notes. Still another utter- ance of alarm is an almost contin- uous peet or tweet,given either when on the wing or running through the grass or over the bogs. There is also a con- versational chatter uttered on the ground, which cannot be described. One other note, probably a call note uttered when the bird is flying so far as Iam able to judge, and never contin- uous like the last, is pe teet. This later call is given every few seconds as the bird circles about and is common both spring and fall, while the notes of ex- citement are heard almost entirely in spring and early summer. I have care- fully studied the utterances of the Spot- ted Sandpipers for years, and many times have thought a new note was dis- covered, but have decided that the above notes constitute the Sandpiper’s. entire series | With bird songs and call 82 THE OOLOGIST. notes. it is extremely difficult to accur- ately describe them on paper, and many cannot be described by this means. Nest building begins in Mate April io rare instances, but generally not till _after the middle of the following month, and eggs are not often taken before May 20th. Have takena set of incub- _ated eggs May 14th, but still, to 15th may be considered ube height of breeding season. The nest is small, flat and an exceed- ingly shiftlessly built structure, and so poorly put together that it will nearly always fall apart if removed from its position. It is usually composed of coarse dead grass, and sometimes there are weed stalks and even twigs in its make up. Sometimes nests are exceed- ingly scanty and I am informed that eggs have been found without any nest. The complement of eggs is invariably four, I believe, for the first setting, but as three are not rarely found later in the season, it is reasonable to suppose that the birds were disturbed in their first attempt at nesting, and that three eggs is not infrequently the number in second sets. It is fair to consider the Sandpiper as a one brood a season species, as the other members of this family are looked upon; still the find- ing of fresh eggs in July causes observ- ers to wonder if two broods is not a possibility. The eggs are pear-shaped and spotted with brown of different shades in var- ious specimens. These spots often black or even reddish are from the size ofa pin point to large blotches, and are mainly at the larger end. The ground color is given as a creamy, buff or clay color by Dayie and other wri- ters. This nicely describes the eggs after they have been blown and placed in the cabinet for a month or more. For they loose their original surface _ color, and the greenish tinge entirely June ist. disappears; fading out shortly after the contents are removed. Unless the bird is flushed, the eggs are very difficult to find, and it takes patience to secure a set on the gravelly shores of a lake. The old bird leaves the nest by sneaking when the eggs are fresh while the collector is at a distance but when the eggs are well incubated she sets closely and barely leaves when pressed, feigning lameness and employ- ing every device to lure the stroller from her treasures. When the eggs are about ready to hatch or there are very small young birds in or near the nest the actions of the old bird are very pathetic and interesting. The young are precocious, as in the case with all membeis of the family, and are even specially advanced in leaving the nest and running about. These downy fairy bits of bird-life quickly learn the ways of the shore and field, and skip about, and patter in and out among the stones, drift-wood or tussocks of grass. They run with sur- prising swiftness for such little things and soon learn to assist in escape by the use of their developing wings. Not only can they run but they can swim and dive as well, and will quickly es- cape from a pursuer by the water. In fact, I believe all of the smaller waders swim when occasion requires it. Not long ago the question was asked ‘Do wading birds swim?’ I do not recall the writer nor paper, but if the ques- tioner had been rambling with me one day he would have been fully satisfied on that point. Passing near the shores of a small pond I saw a young Spotted Sandpiper, about three-quarters size, and in the spirit of frolic chased the active bird. It ran to the water boldly waded to its length of legs, and then swam away from the shore. Thinking to change its course, a club was thrown beyond it, when, much to my surprise, the Tip- up dove like a flash and came to the THE OOLOGIST 83 Nathan M. Moran, San Luis Obispo, Cal. surface fully five feet away. It then stood up on a floating. lily-pad and characteristically perpendicularly wag- ged.its tail and viewed the surround- ings. Upon dislodgement by another missile, it again struck out for deeper water, doveand disappeared among the lillies. Once a Sandpiper, which fell in the water with a broken wing from a shot, swam toshore and eseaped. Again I witnessed an interesting sight as we were floating on the river. An aggres- sive Red-wing, who had a nest in the reeds at the edge of the streim, pounc- ed down on the back of a Sandpiper as ‘it was skimming over the river. The force knocked the Peet-weet into the water, a foot or two above which it had been flying. We expected to see a fine exhibition of swimming and diving. Judge of our surprise when the bird in- stantly arose from the swift current and ‘flew away uttering its cheerful notes. The act of rising from the water was marvelous, and was performed much more quickly than could possibly be done by a Duck, and with no splashing. In fact it was done as gracefully as the act could be performed by a Gull or Tern and cven quicker. We may well doubt if this species ever intentionally seeks the water; but when wounded, or when there is a choice of methods of escape, the Tip-up not: infrequently seeks ithis avenue. Itis said that the Phalaropes swim gracefully and often intentionally take to the water, where ‘they move about, looking like minature swans as they float on the surface. If Phalaropes can swim, there is not much doubt but that all of the smaller waders can swim. T have found Sandpiper’s eggs within a yard of the edge of a lake, on a small gravelly island not over six inches above the water in its highest part. Another queer situation was on a pile of drift wood and debris, while another nest was on a log and quite a foot from the ground. A great, many nests of this species have come to my notice, but the most peculiar instance was the finding of two equally incubated sets in nests not over four feet apart. Eleyen nests of this species were found in one field next to a mill pond by two boys during May June and ‘July. Peet weet feeds on worms, aquatic insects and small mollusks, and is un- doubtedly beneficial. It is too small be looked upon as game. But though be- neath the notice of upright gunners it still offers attractions to observers who are interested in a study of our birds, and I know of very few of our feather- ed associates who offer a better oppor- tunity for investigation than our little acquaintance, Tip-up. Morris Grsss, Kalamazoo, Mich. 84 THE OOLOGIST. EIT ce 2 tf yh seis ELS LE THE OOLOGIST. 85 George N. Lawrence. Mr. GEORGE N. LAWRENCE, one of the Founders and an Honorary Me:nber of the American Ornithologists’ Union, and for some years a member of its Council, died Jan. 17, 1895, at his resi- dence in New York City, in the eighty- ninth year of his age. Mr. Lawrence was especially known as an authority on the birds of tropical America, to which his attention was chiefly given during the long period of his scientific activity. Asa writeron North Amer- ican birds he will be mainly remember- ed for his association with Baird and Cassin in the authorship of the famous ‘IX Volume’ of the Reports of Explor- ations and Surveys for a Railroad Route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, published in 1858, to which Mr. _ Lawrence contributed the parts relating to several orders of the Water Birds;and for his well known ‘Catalogue of Birds observed on New York, Long and Stat- en Islands, and the adjacent parts of New Jersey, published in 1866. He was an intimate friend and scientific asso- ciate of the late Professor Baird, and also of Audubon. During the later years of his life the infirmities incident of age greatly lessened his activity in scientific research, but in no way di- minished his interest in the science to which he had devoted so many years of his life, his ornithological publica- tions covering a period of fifty years. His high standing as a specialist in his chosen field is well attested by the hon- orary membership conferred upon him by many of the leading scientitic socie- ties and academies of not only his own country but of Europe. His amiability of character endeared him to a wide circle of friends, so that in his death his scientific associates mourn the loss of a personal friend as well as an es- ‘teemed fellow-worker. In order that proper respect may be shown by the Members of the A. O. U. as a body to the memory of deceased members, the following resolution was adopted at the Tenth Congress of the Union: — ‘Resolved: That on the decease of any Active Member of the Union, the President shall appoint a Committee of One to prepare a suitable memorial of the life and work of the deceased, to be read at the first Stated Meeting of the Union,and to be published in ‘The Auk’ aS an expression of the sense of the Union.” Mr. Lawerence is the first deceased member coming within the scope of this resolution since its adoption, and, in accordance with its provisions. the President, Dr. Coues, has appointed Mr. D.G. Elliot as the memorialist of Mr. Lawrence—a selection singularly fitting, inasmuch as to no member of the Union is the life and work of the late Mr. Lawrenee better known than to his long intimate associate Mr. Elliot. The eulogy wiil be read at the next Annual Meeting of the Union and pub- lished in ‘The Auk’ for January, 1896.— The Auk. a Owls and Their Nests. Charles Waterton, the naturalist, says that he never heard of but one song in which the Owl was praised and that was aditty sung to himin his infaney by his nurse. He repeats the first two stanzas of it for us, they are as follows: “Once I was a monarch’s daughter And sat on a lady’s knee; Now Lam a nightly rover, Banished to the ivy tree. Crying Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, Hoo, hoo, my feet are cold! Pity me for now you see me Persecuted, poor, and old.” Praise of the Ow] is very rare in song or elsewhere, and yet the fancy that she is a disguised princess is very old, older even than the -‘Arabian Nights.” 86 : THE OOLOGIST. Perhaps this aristocratic origin may account for her lack of skillin house- keeping, for her nest is carelessly thrown together and is maintained in a most slatternly style. Night rovers, birds of prey they must shun the light, and pass the day in some gloomy hiding place where their many enemies cannot find them. Many of them find safe retreats in the lofts of barns and other out buildings, where they pay a generous rent to the owner by riding the premises of mice and rats. One species in particular shows such a marked preference for barns as hunting grounds and places of residence that it has come to be gener- ally known as the Barn Owl. A more natural site for an Owl’s nest, however, is the hollow in some old tree, and as the birds stay carefullv hid in the day time their nests would be difficult to find were it not for avery singular habit which Owls have. They subsist ex- clusively on animal food and are so very greedy that when they catch a mouse or a little bird they do not pick it to pieces before eating but swallow the little victim, bones, skin, fur or feathers and all. When their prey is too large for even their capacious throats and cannot be bolted outright they tear off large pieces and swallow them down, without ever thinking of picking out the good from the bad, and leaving nothing but the very largest bones. I once saw an Owlin acage swallow a head, beak and all, which had been cut from a large hen. Now bones, fur and feathers are not ‘very digestible, especially for a bird like the Owl, whichis not provided with a tough gizzard for grinding up hard food. ‘The indigestible matter must be dispos- ed of in some way, and the Owl is equal to the task. When after a night’s suc- cessful hunting he has eaten a hearty meal he retires to his home in the hol- low tree and takes a quiet nap to aid digestion. Waking up after a time he stretches up his neck and thrusting his head out of his doorway quietly throws up all the refuse matter eaten in his last night’s feast. Skin, bones and feathers, all perfectly dry, and having all the meat digested off of them, are dropped down outside rolled up in little balls. These little balls are called Owl pellets, and although they may be found any- where in the woods they often indicate that there is an Owl’s nest overhead, or somewhere near. These are not sure signs to follow. but they indicate the place where an Owl has been, and that is better than climbing trees at random ‘and examining every old hollow in the woods. One morning late in April I was pass- ing through an old orchard on my way to the woods when I noticed Owl pellets beneath an apple tree. A nest, I thought, I must find and examine it for it was about the right season for young Owls. Walking around the tree I look- ed critically up at it, butit was sound with no place for a nest, so I turned to to the next tree in the row, and there at its foot I saw not one but a dozen of the tell: tale pellets. Directly above them, not over eight feet from the ground was a rough scar where some great branch had been broken off by a storm. : Catching hold of a low limb I silently drew myselfup. Yes, asI had expected, the shattered wood had decayed around the blighted spot and a hole had rotted deep into the trunk and the cavity was certainly inhabited. Wrapping my handkerchief around my hand,for Owl’s beaks are sharp, I reached in and brought outa beautiful little Mottled Owl. Dazed and startled at being so unexpectedly lifted off her nest she gaz- ed stupidly about with her great staring eyes, pecked two or three times at my hand but did not struggle as much as a common hen would on being caught. Peering down into the hollow I found it filled with grass, leaves, moss anda THE OOLUGIST} 87 few feathers thrown promiscously to- gether in a loose heap without any at- tempt at arrangement. Half buried in this rude nest I found one large, glossy, pure white egg, almost spherical in shape, and measuring, perhaps one and one third inches in diameter. Handling the egg of a song bird ruins it as completely as breaking the shell, and merely to touch the nests of some birds would be quite as cruel as to des- - troy them, for most birds will never re- turn to a nest which has been molested. My little Owl, however, was not so fas- tidious and when IJ put her back in the hollow she settled down witha quiet cbuckle, terribly afraid of me, no doubt, but still more afraid of the bright sun- shine. After that I visited the little Owl whenever I passed near her tree, and although I am sure she would rather have been let alone, she never took any serious offense at my visits, and proba- bly never thought of deserting her nest on my account. Sometimes I found her alone, and sometimes her mate was with her. One evening just as the gray ‘of twilight was making objects indis- tinct but not invisible [ was passing near the old apple tree without intend- ing to stop, when a weird, doleful scream startled me and made me hastily look around. It was the respectable head of the Owl family just emerging from his door to begin his nightly hunt for mice and sparrows,and he was exercising the peculiar vocal powers which have gained him the common name of Screech Owl. Perched just outside his doorway he was a sight to behold, puffed up to more than twice his natural size, every feath- er standing on end, his glaring goggle eyes dilated, he seemed, in the uncer- tain light to be almost as large as a tur- -key. Again he began that strange, wild scream, but in the middle of his cry he caught sight of me, and instantly the piercing ‘‘screech” was broken off and died away in a gurgling cluck- Drop- ping his feathers and drawing himself down very small the apparently huge monster of a moment before became quite a little bird and retreated back- wards into his hole, a ridiculously sud- den change from ostentatious greatness to a humble wish to escape observation. When the mother Owl had completed her set of four eggs she brooded upon them and hatched and reared a fine family of Owlets, disturbed, though not seriously distressed by my visits, and duly appreciative of occasional small presents of scrap meat. [once knew some boys who kept a Screech Owl in a cage. Their father sometimes poisoned rabbits with strych- nine to keeping them from nibbling his young apple trees, and the boys would bring in the dead bunnies and feed them to the Owl. The bird would eat both flesh and fur in his peculiar, Owlish way, and, strange to say, was never injured by the poison. The night cries of the Screech Owls, which I always listen to with delight, are very disagreeable to some people, yet no one ever harms the birds, for it is well known that they subsist mainly on mice and rats, yet there is another Owl which is heartily hated by most of hisacquaintances.This is the Great Horn- ed Owl, or Cat Owl, a large bird which is often called the Hoot Owl from its peculiar cry. This cry, very different from that of the little mottled Screech Owl, is not really “hoot!’’ but sounds more like ‘‘who-o-0-0!” These large Owls not only destroy a great many Quails and wild Pigeons but are said to make frequent raids on badly closed hen-houses, and to show no mercy to the poultry which roosts in the trees near farm houses. It is prob- able that they deserve their evil reput- ation, and I regret to say that I have found them guilty of still another crime. Rambling along the side of a wooded hill on the first of March I caught sight of a large rude nest near the top ofa 88 THE OOLOGIST. great beech tree which stood on the op- posite hillside and determined to exam- ine it. Crossing theintervening hollow I had some difficulty in finding the right tree again, for the woods were thick and the site of the nest so well chosen that it was not visible from beneath. The tree when found was not hard to climb, for although it was very large its branch- es, as is usual with the beech,commenc- ed near the ground and grew very close together so that climbing the tree was simply twisting back and forth and squeezing upward between the thick tangle of branches. Near the top of the tree [ found the nest, arude structure of sticks and twigs clumsily put tcgether, and lined with leaves grass and moss. Leaning over the nest to examine the three yellowish white eggs, which were fully two and one quarter inches in diameter, and, like those of all other owls, nearly spherical in shape. I inhaled an odor so strong and offensive that it almost knocked me off my branch. It was the odor of the common skunk, a very useful animal in spite of its dreadful smell, for it subsists on grasshoppers and other injurious in- sects, and also destroys mice. Its smell protects it from many of its foes but not fromthe Great Horned Owl, for the odor which clung to their nest seemed to in- dicate that the owner ate at least three full meals of skunk meat every day, or rather night, for night is the time of both Owls and skunks. Ought I destroy the nest and eggs of this devourer of skunks and suspected robber of hen roosts? I looked at the unhappy bird which had flown from her nest at my approach and saw her try- ing to hide in a thorn bush. The shrill scream of a Jay gave notice to the birds in the surrounding wood that their enemy was in distress and almost help- less in the glaring sunlight. Flocking out from hazel thicket, hedge and tree top they surrounded their ha- ted foe, piped, whistled and screamed, and apparently called her all the bad names known in bird language. Skip- ping and circling about they drew clos- er and closer to her, growing bolder all the time as they found that in the light she was too awkward to defend herself. Darting forward the boldest Jay gave her a fierce peck and escaped before she could turn her head to strike. Others followed his example and the poor Owl, badly punished, uttered piteous cries of distress and struggled frantically, to hide from her tormentors among the dense clusters of last year’s leaves which had caught in drifts in a thorn bush. As I watched this unpleasaut scene I remembered a story I had heard ofa man who tied a captive Owl to a stake and hid near by to shoot the Jays and Crows that gathered to torment the common enemy. From what I had seen I was satisfied the Owl would make an excellent decoy. The poor bird certainly had her faults, but she also had troubles of her own, and enemies enough without my join- ing them and molesting her farther, so I climbed down and left her eggs and foul smelling nest uninjured. I did not visit the nest again, one smell being quite enough, but another time I was surprised at finding the nest of another Ow! in an unexpected place. During the previous spring I had watched a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks building their nest in the top of a large dead tree in the edge of a clear- ing. It wasa curious family. The fe- male would sit quietly on a branch, while her mate circled about, high over- head, screaming loudly all the time, and clearing away all other Hawks that ventured in sight, and only visiting her perch occasionally. Their nest was a great rough bundle of dry sticks, enough apparently to fill a half bushel basket, and was, doubt- less, lined with dry grass, for that was the only soft material which I ever saw them carry in their beaks. I was never THE OOLOGIST 89 able to reach their nest, for the dead limbs were brittle and made climbing unsafe. A few days after my discovery of the nest of the Great Horned Owl I chanced to think of the old Hawk’s nest and wondered if my Red-shouldered family occupied the same residence this year. Approaching the tree I was surprised to find that the wild grape vines which the year before covered only the lower boughs had spread rapidly and clothed the whole top of the tree with a thick matting of slender, tangled branches making climb- ing comparatively safe and easy fora light man. I wore no coat and had nothing to remove but my shoes, and was soon ascending the largest vine hand over hand. AsI approached the nest dry branches cracked ominously, and the vines, being of new growth, seemed thin and weak and I was obliged to proceed cautiously. At length Ireached the nest and found that although it had been built in an ex-~ posed situation, as if to give the owners a good yiew of the surrounding country and of approaching foes, it was now shaded and well hidden by the luxur- iant growth of vines, which were just budding, for it was April 15th. There were two eggs about as large as Hawk’s eggs in the nest, but I saw, to my surprise, that they were not the eggs of a Hawk. They were globular in shape and almost pure white in color, while those of the Red-shouldered Hawk are oval, slightly pointed at one end, and are marked with blotches, lines and dottings of yellowish brown and slate color on aground of yellowish white. At that time I could not conjecture who the new owner of the old nest might be, but on my next visit I found the owner at home, and saw that she was a Barred Owl, a beautiful bird, as beauty goes among Owls, and a good mouse catcher who stays with us all winter, as indeed most of our Owls do. One of the most attractive spots in my neighborhood is a steep cliff which overlooks the river, the highest point for miles around. A colony of Cliff Swallows have for years held possession of its steeply sloping face and have honeycombed the hard sand with their burrows. It is a curious sight to see these deli- cate, dainty looking little birds toiling away and pecking at the stubborn bank, like Woodpeckers beating on an old tree. They would dig a hole eighteen inches or more deep and then widen out «w cavity at the end in which to build a nest of soft grass and feathers. When watching them one summer skimming about over the river or across rich meadows, almost touching the waves or the grass with their airy wings, I would often catch sight ofa larger bird hunting for food in a very different way. This wasa Belted Kingfisher sitting upon some convenient perch and keep- ing a sharp lookout for possible victims. When at length he would secure a good dinner he would return at once to the Swallows’ cliff where he had a hole of his own, very much like theirs but larg- er and deeper to accomodate his great- er size. Sometimes I would reach in after him, not to harm him, but merely to find out what kind of a house he occupied, and found that the hole wound around and around in the bank like a corkscrew and was apparently of inter- minable length. The next summer I noticed that the Kingfisher frequented the same perches but avoided the cliff, having evidently changed his residence. Climbing up to the hole he had formerly occupied I reached in hand to find what the trouble was and had one of my fingers sharply nipped. Seizing my unexpected assail- ant I dragged him out and found that he was a Saw-whet Owl. Was he a bold robber who had driven away the Kingfisher, the rightful owner 90 THE OOLOGIST. of the hole, or had he merely taken pos- session of the place after it had been de- serted by its former tenant? I never knew. Of one thing I am certain however, and that is that he never ate any of the other cliff dwellers for he could never have caught any of those active little fellows when on the wing, and he was far too large to enter their holes after them. Several times I found that he had been eating Chipmunks, or Ground Squirrels, as they are sometimes called. Now the Chipmunk comes out of his burrow only in the daytime and the Owl hunts only by night. How then did this Owl catch his Chipmunks? Perhaps he did not catch them alive, but occasionally found dead ones, or possibly they might have entered his burrow when egg hunting. i ANGUS GAINES, Vincennes, Ind. The Mountain Partridge in Captivity. Having always been much interested in the beautiful little Mountain Part- ridge, I concluded, about three years since, that I could learn much more about them by having some of them in confinement. I therefore obtained the help of a good carpenter and procured some ix1 inch lumber nicely planed, of this he soon constructed a frame, 16 feet long, 4 feet wide and 4 feet in height, with supports of same material, about 5% feet apart across top and bottom and np sides, that it might be firm and also light, so that it could be moved from one place to another, in order to have a fresh run for the birds, quite frequent- ly. Then there was a neat door frame made and hung in one end, then it was ready for covering, which we did by tacking 4-foot wide galvanized wire netting on sides, ends, top and door, leaving the bottom free. I had this aviary set in the dooryard, where the grass was abundant; then f placed in one end of it some fir brush, a pan of dust, a supply of gravel and a small board shelter some two feet square with two sides sloping to the - ground, the other sides being partially open and part of the bottom having a floor. This shelter excludes the sunshine and heat of summer letting the air pass through freely, also keeping the rain, snow and cold winds of winter from disturbing them. I have found that they cannot stand great exposure either to the hot sun or from excessive cold rains, for it is their habit to seek shelter from these when wild. Having my aviary ready I now pro- ceeded to secure my birds, which proved no difficult task, they being quite plentiful in my locality, and knowing their habits and the places which they frequented, ] proceeded to set some small box traps, and soon had quite a number. This was in the fall, at which time or in the winter, they are much easier caught, as they are then in bands and also many of them are then young; the young being not only more: easily taught, but also much easier tamed. In the first place I placed about a dozen birds in the aviary, which were healthy and happy; but in the breeding time, although they made several nests and laid eggs, they had no opportunity to hatch them, as their curiosity was so great that each of the flock, both male and female, would examine every new laid egg and roil it over and over and disturb it, tili it could not possibly hatch. Some three or four laid in one nest, while only one laid in another. I gave'a pair to a friend near New- berg last spring. The hen laid fourteen eggs, set on them and hatched: every one. They did nicely for some time, run- THE OOLOGIST. ot ning in and out of the aviary, until one day the family discovered that a do- mestic fowl was devouring one of them. On examination it was found that this was not the first, but the last of the fourteen, which had all gone the same way. The Mountain Partridge is an ele- gant bird, about 12 inches in length, much larger and more beautiful than the Bobwhite. They are found in Ore- gon, Nevada and California. The plumes on the head of this Partridge are usually about three or four inches in length, but the plumes of one I had in my aviary were 5} inches which isan unusual length. The general color of adult, male and female alike, is slate and olive, marked along sides, inner secondaries of wings, and sides of the neck, with white. The Mountain Partridge become quite tame if they are much in the com- pany of anyone, and show quite a dif- ference if it is a stranger, instcad of ‘one of the family, that goes near them. I have had them so tame that I could go in the aviary and they would come to me and eat out of my hand and light on different parts of my body. The ones I have at present are not so tame as I have not been about them so much. I have learned that the Partridge does not feed at any and all times but mostly in the early ‘morning and late in the day. A change of food is much appreciat- ed by them, not only a change of grain, but apples, lettuce, bread and even watermelon is quite acceptable to their bill of fare. At pairing time the males are quite given to fighting, not only those in con- finement, but their mating eall brings outsiders. Sometimes there were three or four males around the aviary, doing their best to get in, and also trying to fight those inside through the wires. At such times they get so angry that they lose their fear to such an extent that they pay but little attention to lookers on, and { have sometimes seen them strut after the manner of the Turkey gobbler. They become mated and ready to nest much sooner, if an even num- ber of males and females are confined in the enclosure. When ready to nest a place is selected under the brush or in the tallest of the grass, where they seratch out a hollow and line it scanti- ly with withered grass and leaves. The number of eggs varies from 6 to 16, and are mostly of a reddish cream color, unmarked, but afew that were laid by my pets were speckled, all but one, with a deeper red color, and this one quite profusely with fine white dots. Although the Mountain Partridge is so gentle in appearance and generally so in disposition, they at times are quite vicious. I noticed at various times last spring when the little domestic chicks entered the aviary they were svre to get a sound pecking for their trouble, and if they failed to get out in pretty quick time they would be followed by the Part- ridge and pecked on the head until lifeless. Strange Partridges placed in the aviary were treated: in a like man- ner, especially if young ones. I have had a young male Ring Pheasantin the aviary with them for about threemonths. Toward him they acted quite different. For a while they paid no attention at all to him, but now seem on the best of terms. I find great pleasure in studying the habits of the little creat- ures; and the care of them is as noth- ing, compared with the amusement and entertainment they afford. I, at one time, liberated quite a number that I had had in confinement for some time. Some of them left immediately and never returned, while some _ staid around the yard for a long time and tried to get in the aviary again. One was so tame that it would come to me 92 : THE OOLOGIST. and continued to do so until caught by a cat. The ones I have at the present time, a pair, have been in captivity abont two years and arein excellent condi- tion with good appetites and plumage at its brightest and best. Exuis F. HapLey, Dayton, Oregon. Notes on Nidification of the White-broastad Nuthatch. On. April 5th of this year it was my good fortune to discover a pair of White-breasted Nuthatches, Sitta car- olinensis, LATH.,in the very midst of the activities of nest building. It was in sugar making time and I was engaged in those duties of sweetness for which those little shanties scattered about in maple woods like somany Thuran huts are set apart as sacred. The knot-hole was up a ruin beech some 30 feet, which tree stood about 60 feet from the house. From time to time I left my work to keep a chair down around back and watch the birds through a telescope which I had fixed on a tripod. The female was collecting bark from a sugar-tree not twenty feet from the prospective nest tree, when I first no- ticed her. She pecked off bits of bark working very assiduously. For some time she loosened and disposed of one piece a minute,: with but very little variation. The pieces were half an inch square, frequently much larger, just as they happened to come off. In the morning, it was 10:30 or there- abouts when I first observed her, she was laboring alone; but in the after- noon the male helped and work went on uvery rapidly. They sometimes brought bits-of moss or lichen, I could not tell which, stopping to strike it -from side to side against the bark, either to dust it or fray and soften it. The female did most of the work how- ever, the male cnly working by spasms and haphazard. I could quite readily tell Mrs. Nuthatch by her superior activity; she also had a blue feather on _ her shonider broken so that it was ruffled up—evidently a tare caused by her house-wifely efforts. She was the busiest little bird you ever saw. For a time Mr. Nuthatch collected the bark while his wife bustled back and forth from him to the hole and from the hole to him again. He kept her incessantly atit. I could hear him ‘‘acking” away and hammering at a distance, coming out after having disposed of a frag- ment Mrs. would wait till he called her looking quickly and gracefuliy here and there like a perfect little bird co- quette, and then dart off. By and by he seemed to get ahead of her, for they both brought bark and lichen—though little of the latter. Though what they wanted with so much bark [ do notknow. This was the first time I ever had the opportun- ity to study the nidification of this bird. Whether it is a common practice or not I do not remember reading of it. When he came with his load he was in and out again in a twinkle, evidently throwing it down for her to dispose of when she arrived: and I suspicioned he was not very choice:in:his selection of material—poor fellow he had never studied the practical and artistically mechanical side of matrimony—the fabrication of the all-important cradle. Once I noticed he had a large piece of curled bark taken from some. dead limb. Mrs. Nuthatch happened to be inside when he went in with it, and she sent him out withitin a hurry. ‘Do you think I want such a rongh thing as that? A piece of bark that will stick up in spite of all I can do—an incon- venience to myself and a painful thing to the young ones. Take it right out again.” It was interesting to notice that these THE OOLOGIS1. 93 birds.collected their material from the live trees, pecking away so -violently that I thought they would each end with a violeut headache. There was plenty of fallen bark: and bits of all kinds on the ground. Why all this un. necessary work? Probably they want- ed only material which was clean and dry, knowing that a nest in a hole in a tree becomes damp and _ ill-smelling soon enough. Then the large majority of birds are neat and cleau by nature — their lately built nests looking like ‘brand-new’ baskets—never being made of second grade material. Once the male flew to the tree with some delicate morsel, made a soft, sweet, cooing sound, whereupon Mrs. Nuthatch came out and received it out of his bill. The way they treated each other was pleasant to see. One might almost say to some people: ‘‘Go to the Nuthatches thou unlovely one.” It was surprising how much bark they gathered and how the work still went on even into twilight. The male quit work before sunset however— showing which side of the labor ques- tion had his sympathy. How well Mrs. Nuthatch was ac- quainted with the trees akout, was proven by the directness with which she flew to the tree when she Lad just culled some material for her nest— straight to the nest in and out again and straight to the tree with scarcely a. pause. I visited the nest three days later. The pair were laboring industriously as ever. When I visited the place again on April 11th all was quiet, save my Lord Nuthatch, who was calling away in the woods after his peculiar mManner—that contented call as of a bird with its mouth full. Nidification was evidently over at last. Did the birds have to fillupa cavity before building the nest or was the nest composed almost entirely of bark? When I went that way on the eighth they were stijl collecting bark. After sufficient time had elapsed for the full setting of eggs to have been laid I went out to obtain the eggs if possible. The bark was rotten so that: it fell off when I struck it with my climbing irons. When I reached the hole, which was ina bulging knot and led to the interior of a cavity of some dimensions. IJ very soon found the set was not destined for my cabinet. The nest was visible, but the part which contained the eggs was around out of sight. The tree was too large and thick and the position of the hole made ‘it foo great a piece of work to chop or saw. So I climbed down; glad after all in the poetic region of my mind that the collector side had failed. For if ever in- dustry and patience on the part of birds deserved to reap the reward I thought my Nuthatches did. ERNEST W. VICKERS. —_ iP ED Oo To All i echigen Observers. In the April O6LoGist, and also in the NATURAL SCIENCE NEWS, reference was made to the formation of our Michigan Academy of Sciences, and an invitation extended to those disposed to join. Many responded to the request for observations on our State Birds, and we are promised aid from all quarters of the State, though of the many observers in Michigan, a number have not com- plied by letter, as yet. It is now time to begin obseryations, and the following suggestions are offer- ed to those who wish to gather Michigan notes, and materials for the ‘‘M. A. S.” General observations on arrivals and departures are solicited and which are to be kept after the manner of the ob- servations for the Government Depart- ment at Washington. Butin addition to general notes, it has been suggested that a special family should be studied in a thorough manner. After delibera- 94 THE OOLOGIST tion it has been decided to give our ‘principal attention to the Warblers. There are thirty-six species of war- blers known in Michigan, and one var- iety. The listing of the Yellow-throat- ed Warbler. Dendroica dominica (L.) in Cook’s Birds of Michigan, 1893, was an error. Of these representatives of a most in- teresting family, twenty-eight are com- mon and well known toalladvanced col- lectors, and twenty two are abundant. Twenty-one are known to breed in the state, and the nesting habits of seven are known to nearly all observers. Four species are stragglers only. Sev- en or more are locally distributed, and not found inmany sections. Five are thought to pass north of our boundaries to nest. Seven are known to remain in the state in summer, yet are not known to breed. Notes should be taken at each station as follow: 1. Date of arrival of first male and fe- male. Date when common. Date at which last specimen of those who pass north was seen. List ofsummer sojour- ners. 2. Date of first song. Description of songs and call notes, expressed in syl- lables. Preferred time of singing. Date of cessation of song. 3. Date of earliest nest building. Date of completion. Complete descrip- tion of nest; dimensions; exact situat- . ion; with name of tree or bush, descrip- tion of locality, wood, or field, marsh or highland. Full notes on material of nest structure, outside, inside and lin- ing. Weight of nest (avordupors.) 4. Date of first egg deposited. Date Position of the first full set. Position of theeggs. Number of theeggs. Date of hatching of brood. Take careful note of date of deposition of egg of Cowbird, and length of period of incubation of Warbler and Cowbird. 5. Date when young leave the nest, with special mention of the time when the young Cowbird leaves. 6. Habits of old bird during ineuba- tion and care of yourg. Food of the young, Food of the old birds. 7. Description of eggs. 8. Date of departure, with remarks on changed appearance from moulting. Date of appearanee of northern tran- sients. 9. Other notes which will be suggest- ed to thoughtful observers by the birds. These observations, if generally and systematicaly taken, will secure to us a better understanding of the Warblers of Michigan than has been our fortune thus far. This State has not received the at- tention from thorough workers ' whieh its interesting avi-fauna would seem to invite, and no concerted systematic work has ever been accomplished. Systematic observations cannot fail to be of interest to each worker in a loeal- ity, while the value of a compilation of these notes will be of the greatest assist- ence in future research. To those who wish to study other families or groups of birds, and to all collectors of skins and eggs, we would say that the Aca- demy will be pleased to receive your ob- servations, as well as specimens which you may wish to offer. Michigan Academy of Sciences, Morris Grsss, M. D., Department of Ornithology, Kalamazoo, Michigan. [These suggestions are so good, that we cannot do better than to advise ccol- lectors of other states to follow them in conserted action and later secure com- pilation of the season’s efforts. It is only by this means that our best work is accomplished.—d. | a In September will be solemnized the wedding of Dr. R. W. Shufeldt to Miss Florence Audubon, a daughter of John Woodhouse Audubon, the second son of J. J. Audubon, the famous author of the “Birds of America.” May the wedding, so happily appropriate, be ever approp- riately happy!—Nidiologist. THE OOLUGIST. 95 THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. PRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the student of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited ‘from all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Single Subscription - = 75¢ per annum ‘Sample Copies - - 10ceach The above rates include payment. of postage by us. Each subscriber is given two coupons, one good ‘for an Exchange Notice and the other for 25c. when presented with an order of $1.25 or over. Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoxoaisT can be furnish ‘ed at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. ft"Remember that the publisher must be no- tified by letter when a subscriber wishes his pa- per stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES- 20 CENTS PER NONPAREIL LINE EACH INSERTION. Twelve lines in every inch. 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 wiil be accepted for sums un- der one dollar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- murications to FRANK 4H. LATTIN, ; Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y *,* Articles, Items of Interest and Queries for publication should be forwarded as early in ‘the month as possible. ss ‘ENTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER, You Are a Judge. Your decision must be mailed us not later than the tenth day of June. Write on back of a postal card the five articles which you have decided to be the most valuable, instructive and inter- esting in this number of OdLOGIST and mail to us. Number the articles in the order which you think the prizes should be awarded. During 1895 the Judges prize will be awarded as follows. viz: Each month it will consist of $6 in specimens or $4.50 in instruments, supplies or publi- cations or $8 cash. This prize will be awarded to the Judge who names the winning articles and in their exact or- der. In case more than one Judge names them correctly this prize will be equally divided among the number. In accordance with the logic of a con- temporary the only fair way to decide a question upon which you are right is to submit it to your opponents attorney and abide by his decision. If you have not learned “‘What Has Become of the Bluebird’? you should read the late issues of NATURAL SCIENCE News. There is a bare possibility of making the next issue of the OOLOGIST a “‘Souv- enir Edition’—if you wish to ‘‘catch”’ it send in your advs. as early as possi- ble. Forms will close on June 10th, at latest. The Nidiologist for April and May are by far the best numbers issued to date—we are inclined to give the April issue the ‘‘bakery,’’ however—although the May issue is of -special interest to odlogists. All friends of the “Nid.” will be delighted to learn that Bro. Taylor has secured Dr. R. W. Shufeldt as an associate.o In announcing this truly great acquisition, by the way of a col- laborator, the Ed. of the “Nid.” aptly remarks: It would be an impertinence to for- mally introduce Dr. Shufeldt to our subscribers, for as one of the founders of the American Ornithologists’ Union, and in years of active scientific investi- gation in Ornithology, as well as in many other fields, his name and works are known and felt not alone in Amer- ica, but the world over —To which we might add the fact that Dr. Shufeldt is also one of the fore- most writers on matters relating to Or- nithology from a popular-scientific stand point of the day, and in this man- ner is unquestionably doing as much, if not more, to popularize Ornithology than any other living American Orni- thologist. 96 THE OOLOGIST. Important to Illinois Ornithologists. A bill has been introduced in the house which will be hard on the Orni- thologists and Oologist if if passes as it now stands. It is a proposed game law and may pass as the sportsmen and game war. dens are working hard for it. Accord- ing to a daily Chicago paper, one clause says that a person shall be fined $10 for each bird or nest he takes, A license to collect birds,or eggs,costs $20 and unless a person has a license he is liable to be fined. Why the fee was made such an unreasonable amount, I cannot understand unless the pinch be that the collectors will be unable to take out a license and can be fined heavily for any birds, or nests they may have with them. The list of birds, which cannot be collected without a li- cense, will cover about all the birds in the state and one or two that are not found on this side of the Atlantic as Bullfinch, Canary and Linnet. Let every collector in Illinois write to his representative in the House at Spring- field, and ask that this part of the bill be changed, so the license will be given free or on payment of a small sum, as fifty cents, upon the person proving that he is collecting for a strictly scien- tific collection. I do not believe the sportsmen of the state will object, although the game wardens may, if this part is changed, for it was evidently made to fill the pocketbooks of the game wardens. If it passes, collecting without a license can not be done very well without de- tection, for the game wardens are mak- ing a large number of arrests now for shoooting game out of season, and for shooting small birds for fun. Write at once or the bill may pass, and we are lost. Don’t delay a minute. JAMES O’ Dunn, Chicago, May 12, ’95. MARCH CONTEST. Sixty-six Judges. 1. An Unusual Nest Site of the Phee- be, 268. 2. Birds Who Sing on the Wing, 200. 3. The Vireos Found Nesting near Berwyn, Chester Co., Pa., 164. 4. Breeding Time of Our Birds in the Extreme Part of Western New York, 149. 5. Birds and Storms, 109. Two of the Judges, H. Gould Wel- born, Lexington, N. C., and Albert H. Wallace, Montclair, N. J., named the winning articles in their exact order. Hencein accordance with the plan given in the Feb. OdLoGisT (page 40) the Jud- ges prize was equally divided between these two gentleman. Asan item of in- interest, we might also add that Mr. Wallace named ‘‘Winter Birds of Linn County, Oregon” as a sixth article— which was the correct one. All prizes were mailed on April 18th. Oo APRIL CONTEST. Forty Judges. 1. Norway’s Bird Islands, 170. 2. The Last Portrait of Audubon, Together with a Letter to His Son, 152, 3. Notes on the Blackburnian Warb- — ler, 111. 4. Standard Datas, 81. 5. My First Find of 1895, 44. Two of the Judges, N. Hollister, Dele- van, Wis., and C. R. Stockard, Co.:um- bus, Miss., named the winning articles in their exact order and between them the Judges prize was equally divided. In the April O6LOGIsT a number of the Judges seemed to question whether they should vote on all of the articles or whether two or three of three of them were barred from the contest or not. Had we informed them to vote on all the result might have differed slightly from the verdict rendered. The second Mss., prize we expect to send Dr. Shufeldt ‘‘in September”’ scien- tificly labeled—‘‘Compliments of the Readers of the O6LOGIsT,’’—all other prizes were mailed on May 15th. NeIRIRIRIRD We, SS. Z ce = VOL. XII. NO. 6-7. snintnnn tate IRARD » Q0kocisy, < ALBION, N. Y., JUNE-JULY, 1895. L iam i ERNE, Gos WHOLE No. 116-117 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘‘Wants,’ ‘‘“Exchanges” “For Sales,” inserted in this department for 50¢ per 35 words. Notices over 35 words, charged at the rate of one cent per each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 50c. Terms, cash with order. ‘‘DEALERS” Can use these columns at Regular Advertising rates, only, Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-half list rates. Exchange Cards and Coupons (subscription) will be accepted for “Wants” and ‘‘Exchanges’’ only and according to conditions stated thereon. LOOK! Send 15c cash or better 25c in sets of ‘eggs for the beSt thing out. Thenew sack can for securing oological specimens unobtainable from the ground. Have also got what I guar- antee to be the king of liquids for mending eges yet used. I do away with time paper and mend from the inside. CLARENCE LUTHER, Box 322, Fayetteville, Ark, WILL exhange fifty good arrow heads for an Ostrich Egg. Must be first class. All letters answered. FRANK STOFFEL, Peru, Il. NOTICEH.—I have seyeral sets of Hoyptian Vulture eggs with fulldata to exchange for A. O. U. sets notin my collection. DR. MARTIN, Wellington, Kansas. NEW ENGLAND and California birds eggs in sets with data, for eggs found here, send ais and receive mine. Address I. ERNEST HUB LER, 516 N. F. St., Marshaltown, Iowa. FOR SALE.—Oxy-calcium lantern, 40 gallon bag, wash-bottle, one short focus objective, one-half size Darlot (Suitable for taking photo- graphs also) small lamp for parlor use, 4% in. condensers, tubing and other connections. Price $25 with order. First cost about $90. E. K. RICHARDSON, Berwick, Pa. EXCHANGE.—Sets and singles of this Jocal- ity to exchange for sets of other localities. EKges of water “birds and birds of prey especial- ly desired. GEO. S. GREENE. 1447 Temple St. Los Angeles, Cal. ' WANTED. To exchange first class South- ern California eggs for eggs of other localities. Fine sea bird’s eggs to exchange. fend list. pET McCONVILLE, 1635 7th St., San Diego, Cal. WANTED.—First class sets with nests. Send lists and receive mine. L. ZELLNER, 1895 Oak St., Los Angeles, Cal. TO EXCHANGE.—The following 1st class sets with full and complete datas A. O. U. Nos. 301-1, 49 1-3,74 1-3, 200 1-4, 201 1-4, 316 6-6, 339 1-3, 387 1-3, 388 1-3, 393 1-3 1-5, 394 1-6, 412 1-10, 467 n-4, 477 1-4, 488 1-6, 506 n-4, 510 1-5, 511 1-5, 529 n-6, 587 Lie 595 3-4, 6083-3, 614 1-6, 617 1-5, 622 2-6, 631 n-4,627 1 628 1-4, 652 n-5, 659 n-3, 687 n-5 1-4, 621 1-7 and Vee 1-41-38. All letters answered. ERNEST MAR- _CEAN, 857 Iowa St., Dubuque, Iowa. GERMAN taught by mail, exercises cor- rected, etc. Advanced pupiis preferred. WNa- tural History-books or specimens taken in ex- change. Address with stamp. ANGUS GAINES, Vincennes, Indiana. LIFE oF ANIMALS (Craig).700 pp., 64 plates half morrocco and Geol. Sury. of Ill., 30 plates. both fine condition, to exchange for Book or Gov. Reports on insectS or crustacea. H. A. LAFLER, Dewitt, Neb. WANTED.—Printing press, field glasses, re- volver, humorous books, bicycle or blood hounds, for Birds eggs, Hawks, Owls, Great Blue. Herons, Red Birds, dead or alive, W. S. CATLIN, Annapolis, Ind, FOR SALE or EXCHANGE.—Recipe by which allmaple syrup and sugar is made. Made Without maple sap. I will guarantee it. 450c. For anything, especially Ist class eggs. GEO. NELSON, No. 6 Nelson St. West Quincy. ROYAL THRINeeggs 1-3 1-4 ete. for sale cheap or exchange. Also other fine sets of sea and land birds eggs for exchange for ‘sets and sin- gles, largesingles preferred. M. T, CLECK- LEY, M. D., 457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. FREE.—In exchange for a little information we will send absolutely free of charge a com- plete manual of Taxidermy. Write at once. SOUTHWESTERN PHARMACAL CO., Cor. South and Charles Sts,, Holyoke, Mass. EGGS of Hawks 337, 339, also 619. 624, 627 and nests, 756 and 35 other species. Skin of 364. Arrow heads, more or lesS imperfect; E flat cornet. Will collect fresh water shells. Wish to complete exchange at once. C. F. STONE, Branchport, N. Y. WANTED.—Camera and cyclometer (for 28in Wheel). Must be in good condition. Have sets with data, Davie’s Naturalist’s Manual, books, Magazines, set oologist’s tools, bicycle bell, type. datas and all kinds of job printing. Write W. W. LOOMIS, Clermont, Iowa. ii THE OOLOGIST. I WISH to exchange eggs for the October, °93 Nidiologist. Please name price and condi- tion. H. H. JOHNSON, Pittsfield, Me. COON! Send eleven 2 cent stamps fora fine photo of a pet coon sitting up. L. ZHELLNER, 1825 Oak St., Los Angeles, Calif. CHOICE Arizona sets, first class with data to exchange. ROBERT A. CAMPBELL, Boulder, Colo. I WILL exchange mounted Great Blue Her- on for Coue’s Key, Hornaday’s Taxidermy or Ridgway’s Manualin good condition. C. W. CONREY, Box 1, Knoxville, Iowa. FOR SALE.—A $325 Printing outfit and Cash Register. Send stamp for description. The highest cash offer takes them. E. M. PARKER, Newell, Ia. INDIAN RELICS and a fine lot of war relics for first class Indlan relics. Smithsonian Re- port for 1881 wanted. All letters answered. T. B. STEWART, Lock Haven, Pa. FOR EXCHANGE.—A number of first class sets with data. Wanted, fine minerals, Indian relics or fossils, send list. HERBERT DALY, 511 Babcock St., Eau Claire, Wis. FOR SALE or Exchange.—Hggs of this loec- ality for those of others, all 1st class sets or singles with data. W. H. CONNERY, 202% New Houston St., Savannah, Ga. TO EXCHANGEH.—A rare Turkish dagger, length 22 inches with finely carved scabbard. Handleinlaid. For best offer of curios. Ad- dress WM. TURK, Collector. Macon. Mo. EXCHANGE.—No’s 315, 332, 333, 334, 339, 357, 360, Beautifully mounted, and sawfish saw, for desirable singles or cash. State wants. Send you list. A. P. SIMMONS, 16 7th St., Troy, qi Sq STAMP and Natural History papers to ex- change for same, or stamps, shells and fossils. 18390 and Columbian stamps wazted. Send lists. D. H. EATON, Woburn, Mass. DESIRABLE specimens. crystalized miner- als, ornamental Shells and Indian stone relics. taken for back Nos. of papers for naturalists. See my ad. in another part of this paper. R.. KRIETH, 406 E. Twelfth St., Kansas City, Mo. CALIFORNIA A 1 sets to exchange for sets. from other parts, Coues’ Key and Photograph- ic works. Raptore sespecially wanted. Many singles at 4% rates for sets. H. R. PAINTON, College Park, Cala. TO EXCHANGE.—A 8A 4a font of pica rub- ber type with four line holder and self-inking pad for $4.00 in eggs in full sets with complete data. All kinds of rubber stamps to exchange foreggs. ARTHUR L. POPH, Sheridan, Ore. OREGON EGGS For sale and exchange. Send stamp for list. ARTHUR L. POPE, Sheridan, Ore. TO EXCHANGE.—6 numbers of ‘The White- City,’’ containing 24 plates each 14x174%4 inches, cost $1 20 for a large polished specimen of Pet- rified or Agatized Wood. THOS. C. HORNE, Dover St., Milwaukee. Wis. CONE IN CONE.—A good specimen for two perfect Arrow Points, two good old cents, or fortthree foreign coins. Will exchange for curios. E.J.GARLOCK, 1602 20 St., Des Moines, Ta. LOOK AT THIS!—Fla. Screech Owl, 15¢: Fla. Blue Jay, 10c: Anhinga,10e: Black Vulture, 25c; Fla .Bobwhite, 5c; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 8c. Also have many others equally cheap. Parties desiring fine, fresh sets at very low prices will do well to address F. C. ELLIOT, Tallahassee, Fla. FOR SALE.—A human skull, in good condi- tion. Willsellit for best offer in cash. No exchange. HHRBERT STERZING, Austin, Tex: ; RATTLE SNAKE SKINS:—A few skins for sale at these prices, i. e. from 60c to 75c each; Snake rattles of from 25c to 40c per doz. Lig- num Vitae beans 40c per lb., postpaid. VOL- NEY M. BROWN, Campbellton, Tex. TO EXCHANGE.—Egg drill for every 15¢e in eges sent (Lattin’s list), Davie’s Naturalst’s Manual for sets, best offer. OTIS TROTTER, Hillsboro, Tl. TO EXCHANGE.—Webster’s Original Una- bridged Dictionary, new, 9 by 11 1n., 4 in. thick, for Davie’s Nests and Eggs, or offers of Natur- al History works. W. PAUL STORMONT, Sterling, Kans. BIRD SKINS WANTED.-I will exchange any- thing advertised in my catalogue or pay cash for such species of land birds as I can use. Complete list of species wanted for Stamp. No postals answered. JAMES P. BABBITT, 10 Hodges Ave., Taunton, Mass. I WANT a first-class pair of Opera Glasses (small size preferred). I will give in exchange the following first-class Hawks and Owls eggs with data. A. O. U., 334a, 339, 340, 371. Also a few eggs to exchange. All answered. J. K. AUMACK, Box 907, Ballston Spa, N. ¥. AROUND THE WORLD in Eighty Days, King Solomon’s Mines, and, A Trip to the Moon. These three popular novels, all com- plete, will be sent postpaid. as long as they last, for only 16 cents. Address, ACME PUB. Cco., Austin, Texas. FOR SALE —A magnificent copy of Studer’s “Birds of North America,’ colored plates, full morocco binding. Regular net price $22.50, will sell for $15. Slightly scratched on back, otherwise as good asnew. Address FRANCIS R. COPE Jr., East Washington Lane, German- town, Pa. TO EXCHANGE.—A receipe for canning fruit without heating or sealing for $! worth of first class sets with data. W. A. STONG, Tulare, Cal. NOTICE!—I will give a set of 14 Cal. Screech. Owl for a set of 4% Am. Osprey. Also a few other sets. CLAUDE FYFE, 444 Minna St., San Francisco, Calif. FOR SALE.—Florida curios, sea shells, Or- chids, air plants.Spanish moss. Over 500 sorts. of fancy sea shells, made into jewelry, to sell or exchange for advertising space. W. M. COLLIER, Oceanus, Banana River, Fla. WANTED:—Old U.S. or rare foreign post- age stamps. Ihaveduplicate sets of first-class rare and common bird eggs, books and jour- nals on microscopy, histology, physiology, natural history, etc. Also 100 slides of named Diatoms mounted by H.L. Smith. Lists ex- changed. HENRY FROEHLING Jr., Box 921, Richmond, Va. THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XII. NO. 6. In the Haunts of the White-tailed Kite. What a flood of varied and pleasing memories does this bring to the mind of the writer, who, through a fortunate chain of circumstances has been per- mitted to spend considerable time dur- ing the present season in the localities favored by these beautiful birds. The handsome sets of eggs which help to form a part of a series of raptores, re- present to the collector many long morning tramps through the woodland still sparkling with the dew of the early hours, and walks through clover-grown fields whence comes the fragrant odor of Nature’s breathing,—everything seemingly in harmony with the nature of the gentle Kites. Imagine if yon can a field of waving grain dotted through out with the sturdy, beautiful live oak from which come the varied pleasing songs of the smaller birds and you have a typical home of the Kites. In this portion of the United States we have no hand- somer representative of the raptores than the White-tailed Kite (Hlanws lewc- urus) and though its fight ordinarily is not as that of the dashing Falcon, none can surpass it in point of elegance and beauty. When seen in the early morn- ing hovering over the tree-tops or gracefully sailing about the fields, its black shoulders in contrast to is light mantle make it an object of admiration. I believe that this Kite is usually resi- dent wherever found, remaining throughout the year near its nesting ground. Occasionally stray birds are met with in winter, skimming over the marshes where they presumably go in quest of food. From personal observations and com- parisons | believe that in the past ten ALBION, N.Y., JUNE, 1895. WHOLE No. 116 years this bird has decreased materially in this portion of California, partly through civilization encroaching upon its breeding grounds and again at the hand of the so-called spcrtsman, to whom it falls an easy prey, as its flight ordinarily is even and quite moderate. That this bird is beneficial to the agri- culturalist there can be no doubt for its food is made up almost entirely of liz- ards, field mice, gophers and other small rodents and occasionally a squir- rel, though it is probable that they sel- dom attempt to prey on the latter owing to its size. Mr. H. Ward Carriger of Sonoma noted the body of a ground squirrel partly eaten lodged in the tree beneath a nest and as it was freshly killed it had no doubt been captured by one of the Kites. I have never had an opportunity to determine just how the young are fed, but a fact which I have noted in connection with several nests leads me to believe that the young birds disgorge the skin and other indigestible portions of their food. I have examined several old nests of the Kite in which young had been raised and in every instance they were strewn with small pellets resembling in ap- pearance the shrunken remains of a small mouse, and as these were noted in all old nests I have attributed the fact to the young ejecting them as do the owls. I have never found these pellets in nests containing eggs. The Kite searches for food in a man- ner very similar to the Sparrow Hawk, often hovering for some time over its prey before descending upon it. Dur- ing the heat of the day they will sit for long intervals on some tree-top mo- tionless and uttering not a note. This is especially so with the male when he is on guard duty, while his mate is in- 98 THE OOLOGIST. cubating the eggs. Upon the approach of a person to within several hundred yards of the tree containing the nest the male will leave his perch and utter a sharp whistling note,at which the female will sometimes leave the nestimmediate- ly and after a detour be noticed at some distance from the tree. But when in- cubation has begun the female sits very close and will remain on the nest until it is almost reached by the~-collector. Frequently I have visited a nest when the male lookout was not to be seen and were the nest not known, the pres- ence of the birds would not be suspect- ed. I think that ordinarily the Kite utters no note, but upon first alarm the birds will begin their low musical “whistle” which is continued while the nest is being inspected. The Western Meadowlark possesses a note very similar to the whistle of the Kite. It is uttered by the lark when it is about to take wing and has deceived me more than once for the call of the Kite. The nesting dates vary from the ear- ly part of March through May, though the eggs laid in the latter month are doubtless second sets or at best late ones. The weather seems to have little effect upon their nest-building for an early set taken this year proves that the nest must have been constructed early in March at which time the weather was more or less rainy. Mr. Carriger has noted his earliest set as March 15, 1890 and the latest as May 17, 1891. The former consisted of three slightly incubated eges and the latter of three fresh eggs, which were probably a sec- ond set. The Kite seems to prefer the live oak as a nesting site and usually the nest is in the highest possible part of the tree and though it cannot be seen at a dis- tance the bird while on her nest com- mands a view of the entire vicinity. On March 17th of this year I thought to visit my haunts of ’°94. A high south wind was blowing and a darkened sky made prospects anything but propi- tiousand asI entered the domains of Elanus after a long ride I watched dili- gently for the appearance of the birds among the trees. But the Kites came not und a search at random was neces-. sary. Finally an old nest was discover- ed in a small oak about 15 feet up. As. I had taken a set of three eggs from this pair of birds on April 19, 1894 I have no doubt but that this was their second nest. At the time of taking the set I attempted to remove the nest but owing to its loose construction I was unsuccessful. A few stray sticks re- mained to mark the site of the nest and when I went under the tree this year I was much surprised to discover a new nest placed in the identical spot as the one of 94. It was but the work of a moment to make the climb and four handsome eggs were found in the nest. As they were warm I concluded that incubation had begun and subsequently found the eggs to contain very slight. embryos. This nest was situated 26 feet up in a live oak in the extreme top. It was about 12 inches in diameter with a depression of about 3 inches in the eenter. [t was as usual composed of small oak twigs and lined with dry stubble from a field near by. The sit~ uation of the nest was such as would make an ideal summer home for the young Kites. ‘There in the tree-top gently rocked by the zephyrs the nest commanded a view on all sides, with a sea of vari-colored tree tops of the bud- ding oaks. I descended with the eggs. in my hat and was some distance from the locality when a Kite flew rapidly by toward the nest. No doubt it was. the female who after her morning ex- ercise was to resume incubation. She hovered over the nest as if to alight, but discovering the loss she alighted on. a white oak near by where she re- mained as long as I watched her. This. set of eggs is one of the most evenly marked of any I have taken this year. THE OOLOGIST. 99% Two of the eggs are marked on the small end and one on the large end with large blotches of rich brown and chestnut while the fourth has heavy streaks of brown lengthwise over the entire egg giving a handsome effect and almost obscuring the back-ground. Mere descriptions are inadequate to properly convey an idea of the beauty ef the eggs of this bird. The four eggs of this set measure as follows: I.75x 1.28, 1.72x1.25, 1.72x1.27 and 1.73x1.29 inches. - Iwas somewhat surprised at finding the Kite nesting at this date so a week © later, March 24th, found me in the field bright and early in hopes of locat- ing another pair. The country was favorable and after a short search I was rewarded with a last year’s nest in a small live oak about 20 feet up. How- ever no birds could be found. I had spent several hours in the locality and had given up hope and was searching for a Barn Owl's nest when a Kite’s shadow passed along the ground and looking up I beheld a bird flying straight towards a cluster of oaks about half a mile away. Aroused with fresh enthusiasm I followed it and on approaching the place saw the bird sit- ting on the top of a lofty white oak 100 yards away. Taking this as a favor- able indication I began a search of the numerous live oaks, making a detour of the field and taking in the more dis- tant trees first. The Kite remained in the same position for almost half an hour when he flew to another live oak a short distance away. Finally upon going under a small black oak I was re-- warded by seeing a dark mass among the foliage at the top, and feeling sure it was the coveted nest began the as- cent. When half way up the female left noiselessly and a moment later I was in the tree top and to my delight Saw five heavily marked eggs reposing in the nest. Thisnest was the largest and bulkiest I have seen of this species, being about two feet across from the extreme edges. It was also much deep- er than any nest thus far located. The lining was of long dry grass, apparent- ly pulled up by the roots and the nest was liberally lined. One large tuft ex- tended from the center of the nest to beyond the edge. Greatly to my sur-- prise I found the eggs advanced in in- cubation, three of them being about to hatch. Allowing several days for the construction of the nest it will be seen that nest building must have begun the later part of February. After leaving the nest the female flew over and around me a few times and was pres- ently joined by the male, both flying near and uttering a raspy, clacking note which I had never heard before. This no doubt was giving vent to their anger. Now and then the short, sharp whistle characteristic of the bird was uttered. Soon the female flew to an oak a short distance away and the male took up the battle in earnest. Soaring away perhaps 100 yards he came swiftly toward me almost on a level with my head until within about ten feet when he would switch upwards, Then he would soar up and swoop down at lightning speed, always changing his. course befrre reaching me. ‘The rush of his wings was plainly audible. Again he was joined by the female but after a few attacks both flew to near-by trees where they remained till I had depart- ed. This is the only pair of birds: which made an attack, and it was no doubt due to the advanced incubation of their eggs. The nest was about 20 feet from the ground and very easy of aecess. This set of eggs isof the com- mon dark phase and all are evenly marked though they had lost their bril- lianey. The average measurements of the set are 1.80x1.31. Now we come to that portion of our story of which some of us may hardly approve, namely, the taking of second sets. After seriously considering the. 100 THE OOLOGIST. matter as well as the vacancy in my cabinet I decided to yield to the temp- tation in case my birds should again de- posit their eggs. On April 5th I visited my first nest and saw both birds resting ona tree a short distance away. I climbed to the nest and found three fresh eggs. Expecting a larger set I left them undisturbed. April 9th I re- “turned and this time neither bird was to be seen. However as I climbed into the first crotch of the tree the female left the nest with a slight rustling of wings and did not appear during my “stay. Upon reaching the nest I was re- warded with a set of flve eggs. I had not expected such a number as a second set from a pair of birds which had laid but four at the first setting. The nest had not been added to before the second set was laid. This set of eggs shows remarkable variation, each egg being almost totally different from its mates. One is marked heavily about the large end, the second is evenly blotched ‘throughout, a third is thinly marked with a bright reddish brown, the fourth is very peculiar being of a coffee color with a few dark marks lengthwise on ‘one side while the fifth egg is pure white with a few small specks of brown at the small end. This white egg as also the bright red one were laid fourth and fifthin order. The measurements are U77x1:25, 1.79x1-26) 1711.23; 1.76x 1.26 and 1.80x1.25 from which it will be seen that the eggs average somewhat larger than those of the first set. In- cubation had begun and 23 days had elapsed between the taking of the two sets. My second pair of birds deserted their old nest and removed half a mile away to the place where they had nested in 1894. On April 18th I visited the lo- cality and but one bird was observed sitting in a white oak. It quietly took wing on my approach alighting some distance away. After ashort search I located a new nest which was placed in the tree holding their ’94 nest, but on the opposite side and about 20 feet from the ground. It was very shallow hay- ing been apparently hastily constructed and held three eggs, which I left. The parent bird showed no concern,remain- ing at a distance. On the 15th 1 again visited the spot and observed the fe- male to leave the nest when I was some distance away. The male was not seen. The nest now held four eggs and ineu- bation had evidently begun. Two of the eggs are of the usual dark, mottled phase, the third is entirely white with the exception of one small speck of brown at the small end while the fourth egg is the handsomest I have yet taken. On each side of this egg is a large bright reddish blotch, and they run together leaving only a little of the background visible near the large end. There are no dark markings of any kind. This handsome egg was laid last. The eggs of this set average 1.77x1.30, from which it is seen that they are a trifle smaller than those of the first set of these same birds. With these two in- stances it would seem that the stage of incubation of the birds’ first sets did not cut any figure in the matter of time required to produce a second set. The first pair of birds having nearly fresh eggs the first time, had laid a second set of five in the same nest in 23 days while the second pair having badly in- cubated eggs, constructed a new nest and had laid four eggs in 22 days from the time of being robbed of their first clutch. I am hoping that at least my first pair of birds. will lay a third time in order that they may raise a brood for the season and shall make a visit to the locality soon to ascertain if they have done so. 1am inclined to think that when the first two layings are taken early in the season that they will lay a third set and an instance cited by Mr. A. M. Ingersoll of San Diego tends to prove it. A set of two eggs, incuba- THE OOLOGIST 101 tion commenced, was taken March 24, 1890, and a second set of five in which incubation was advanced was collected April 25, 1890. On visiting the nest a few weeks later Mr. Ingersoll found it occupied by a Long-eared Owl. The Kites were constructing a new nest in the top ofa vine-covered willow but this nest also was appropriated by a Long-eared Owl and the Kites perse- veringly began another nest but desert- edit before completion owing to the place being turned into a picnic ground. From this it would seem that the birds intended laying a third time. April 13th of this year I was success- ful in locating a third pair of Kites ina new locality. After a long search an old nest was found and almost immedi- ately after a Kite appeared near by. A search of the next tree revealed a nest among the dense foliage in the top, and after a climb of 35 feet the nest reveal- ed a set of four eggs in which incuba- tion was about two-thirds advanced with the exception of one egg which was infertile. This latter egg was ofa dirty white color unmarked, while the other three were evenly marked, Both birdsremained at a distance and made no resistance. The nest was smaller than the average being 10 inches across and lined with dry stubble and Spanish moss with which were mixed a few feathers from the parent bird. This set of eggs is smaller and decidedly more round than any I have seen. They ofter the following measurements: 1.66x 1.29, 1.64x1.25, 1.71x1.30 and 1.66x1.81. On May 5th I visited this nest again but it had not been used a second time and the birds were nottobeseen. I have never found the Kite nesting in any but live oaks though they occasion- ally build in white oaks, sycamores and willows while Mr. Carriger records a nest placed in the topmost branch of a laurel tree where grape-vines inter- twined. C. BARLow, Santa Clara, Calif. Hawk Notes From California. Early one morning in the Spring of 1892 I boarded the train for a station in this county where I had heard there were nests of the Western Red-tail. A more pleasant morning could not have been asked for. As the train whirled along, past orchards laden with clusters of fruit and the perfume of blossoms, I thought of other trips I had taken, and saw no reason why this should not be as successful. Leaving the station I walked toa ra- vine and found one of the nests that. had been described. It was on a slen- der limb near the top of a tall sycamore and was evidently a last year’s nest which had not been repaired. I was not surprised at this as a man was plowing in his young orchard almost underneath the tree. Striking off into a side ravine and walking about a mile I came to another nest which appeared to be occupied. A Sharp-shinned Hawk dashed up frightening the Blackbirds and House Finches from the tree and pearched in a wild walnut tree near by. Taking my rope I drew it over a limb with a string as a Desert SparrowHawk flew out of one of the hollows,then driv- ing some spikes into the trunk I climbed up about 30 feet, when in some way my foot slipped and not having a strong- hold on the rope I started to shde down. Once started there was no stopping and I reached the ground with my clothes torn and a large part of the skin off my hands. If it had not been for the rope I should have fallen backwards on a stump at the foot of the tree and not be writing now. As it was I was too. weak to stand up and had to lie down on the ground for some time. I then tried again but did not have enough strength left to reach the nest. Pinning - my torn clothes as best I could I walk- ed to the station and took the first train. back. On telling my friend H. about my- “102 trip he decided to try his luck at the same place. Soon April 12, 92 he did so with the result that he secured four -sets of two, and one of three eggs, of the Western Red-tail, and five sets of theDesertSparrow Hawk.None however from the nest I had so unsuccessfully tried to climb too, as he did not go far: enough along the side stream to reach it. All the eggs he found on the main stream below where I had been, and he told me he might have secured still more if he had not come to a part of the stream fenced in, and containing a herd -of wild looking cattle that he did not care to meet. On March 28, ’93 we both started for ‘this place, but on buying our tickets found that the train would not stop at the desired station and we} would have ‘to get off at one about five miles this side, and walk to it colllecting on the way. We carried out this program ex- -cept that instead of walking directly from one station to the other, we walk- ‘ed south from the station, where we left the train, until the stream was reached, then up it to our usual station. Soon after reaching the stream we found a large nest 60 feet up, near the ‘end of a sycamore limb, and a bird’s ‘tail projecting ever the edge.. She was soon frightened off and seen to be a Western Red-tail. Flying over she lit on a lone sycamore in the field near by, from which a good view of our move- ments could be obtained. On climbing to the nest H. found it to be lined with dry grass, and to contain four very large dirty-white eggs, so advanced in incubation that later he found it very difficult to blow them. After lowering the eggs to me in a small canvas bag, he was soon on the ground, and as I had the entry made in my note book, and the eggs packed, we started off for lower down the stream to make sure we would leave nothing behind us before ascending it. Finding a large nest in the top of an THE OOLOGIST. immense sycamore H. climbed to it and found a lot of broken egg shells. No one had climbed the tree as there were no scars on it,so they were either brok- en by birds or by some one shooting in- to the nest. Retracing our steps we were making our way up stream when I saw a nest in the top of a sycamore which could be seen over a hill around the base of which the stream curved. We heard some Hawks in a side cannon so I start- ed to see if I could find their nest while H. climbed to this one. After walking over the hill I located the Hawks and had hardly done so when they sailed away and circled over the tree H. was climbing, showing that they were the owners of the nest. I then examined the trees in sight but could find no nests, so going back over the hill I called out to H. and asked how many eggs there were. He an- swered one, but on reaching him I found the bag contained four very large, unmarked eggs. He said that if he had told me there were four I would have hurried pack without looking carefully for other nests. We walked up stream some distance before coming to the next nest. It was 70 feet up in a very large sycamore, the highest of any, and was lined with dry grass and green sycamore leaves. The three prettily marked eggs it contained were soon packed away, and we were off once more. One of these eggs is al- most the exact counterpart of an egg of the Imperial Eagle now in my col- lection. Our next find was a nest in the ‘top of a slender syeamore which leaned from the bank over the stream. After a hard and shakey climb, we found it to be lined with dry grass and feathers, containing two nicely marked, fresh eggs. Following;up the stream we frightened an owl which ‘disappeared around a bend so suddenly we did not see it well, but it was probably the Long-eared. THE OOLUGIST. Tn one place the stream is quite deep and narrow as. it flows between the rocky sides of the ravine. I was walking in front stepping from boulder to bould- er and carrying the climbers, while H. carried the egg basket. Taking a step forwara I paused, when H. thinking I would keep on, started to place his foot on the same boulder I was stand- ing on. There was not room. He dis- covered it too late and not being able to regain his balance,took an unintention- al seat, partly in the water and partly on a boulder, holding the basket of eggs above him. and he was sgon on his feet again, not very wet. ‘ Close to this place is a small water fall, so standing on the edge of ithe pool it makes, we enjoyed the cooling effect of the mist floating over us. About a mile further up we reached the side ravine and following it up came to the nest I had tried to climb to in ’92. The Hawk flew off and joining its mate circled overhead. All the nests which we found during the day had the birds onexcept one. This one was where we secured the second set of four. The cloudy day may have caused them to remain at home. In all but one case the bird on being disturbed circled overhead. The exception was where we found the first set of four when the bird perched near by. The set was more badly incubated than the others and I think the bird had grown more sluggisn from setting longer so did not circle around. But to come back again to our last nest 65 or 70 feet up in a sycamore over a small stream. H.wassoon up to it and lowered me the three eggs. They had a greenish tinge on the outside of the shell adding much to their appear- ance. It faded greatly after blowing and may possibly have been caused by the green oak leaves with which the nest was lined. In shape, texture of the shells. and lack of markings, they None were broken,: 103 greatly resemble a set of the European Buzzard now in my collection. Add- ing these Hawk’s eggs to the ones al- ready in the basket we now had sixteen allof the Western Red-tail and walk- ing over to the station we took the train back to Los Angeles, very tired but pleased with our success. In’94 we were unable to visit this col- lecting ground, but on March 27, ’85 we did so, getting off at one station and walking to the other the same as before except that we reached the stream higher up the second time. We were approaching the stream when I saw a nest on the slender limb of a sycamore in a side canon. In crossing the main stream to go to it, H. looked up and saw another nest in the same place where we found the second set of four eggs in ’93. Not much time being lost in getting up to it we found it deserted, overgrown with barley, composed of sticks, rubbish, a dead rat, and con- tained two eggs of the Western Horned Owl. One of the eggs had a very small puncture through the side of the shell but not through the inside skin, so the egg did not grow stale. The other had _two punctures, was stale, and had been almost entirely eaten out by white worms. The day had been cloudy and a, little rain had fallen, but now the rain came down in earnest and kept-it up without an intermission for the remain- der of the day and part of the night. The other nest about 65 feet over a stream, now drew our attention, and as the Red-tail flew off our doubts about trying to climb to it vanished. Half way up against the tree trunk was an old Owl’s nest. H. found it no easy matter to take the single egg from its bed of fiberous bark and green syca- more leaves for the small limb swayed under his weight, the birds circling overhead as he did so uttering their ery of alarm as usual. On blowing this egg which is now in my collection, it was found to contain a small embryo, 104 and is the largest Red-tail’s egg which I have seen measuring 260 by 1.97 inches. After coming down from the tree we decided to go up on the side of the hill and investigate some dark ob- jects which looked like nests and while H. was doing so I went down the main stream below where we had struck it to see if there were more nests. After walking about half an hour the same nest came in view from which we had taken the first set of four eggs in ’93. On throwing a stone into the tree the bird flew out of the nest and lit in the tree near by. Although I walked some distance further down stream there were no more nests to be seen. On returning to find H. he was no- where to be seen and although I looked around the base of the tree where I thought to find him, could see no sign showing where he had gone. So start- ing over the hill whistling and calling but seeing nothing of him was about to return when [ heard him call and go- ing to the hill saw him coming to- wards me, at first I wondered what it was he had on which gave him such a droll appearance, looking like the head covering of a Bedoin of the desert, but a closer view showed that it was a po- tato sack, which by removing his hat and then putting it on over the edge of the sack it was held in place, shielding his back from the rain. H. told me that the black objects on the hillside were knots in the trees, that he had found a new Hawk’s nest with the bird on it but on climbing up discovered that no eggs had been de- posited. He thought from the length of time I had been gone that I had al- ready returned and gone up stream, so he did so himself until he came to a house where partly drying himself by the fire he secured his sack and left the climbing irons which he had been car- rying, not as a deposit for the sack however. Asit was he took a sand- wich in his hand, another in his pocket, THE OOLOGIST. and went back getting the climbers, when we both went to the net I had located. The bird flew off perching in a tree near by as usual. Although the ‘nest was near the end of the limb, H’s. clothes soaked through, and the tree thoroughly wet and slippery, in thir- teen minutes I was admiring the set of three eggs on the ground. Two of them are handsomely blotched with brown on the small ends, while the third is lightly marked with irregular lines at the larger end. The nest was lined with fiberous bark, green syca- more leaves and a partly eaten mouse. On unpacking the eggs at night I found that one of this set was piped, and it was only after drilling half inch holes in all three that I succeeded in remoy- ing the embryos, if they could be so called. While on our way back up stream we came to some cattle, when H. proposed that we go up the bank and around so as not to meet them, but not faneying this additional labor I went through the fence toward them. Not hearing H. behind me I turned around and saw him watching to see what reception I would meet, before venturing in. We kept on walking until coming to an overhanging rock, we crouched un- der it where we were protected from the rain and finished our lunch. Just before reaching the nest from which our last set of three eggs was taken in °93 we were surprised to see that there was not a trace of a nest. Having had enough of black objects on the hillside we did not stop to look after one near- lv two miles off, but started for the station near by, H. discarding his sack as it had become soaked through; we looked badly enough without it and had become as wet as possible. If the persons who saw us walking through the rain without protection thought us escaped Innatics, I think they were en- titled to do so. Results of the day as above: Four THE OOLOGIST. Western Red-tail’s eggs, two of the Western Horned Owl, and the resolve on the part of H. that he would never again go collecting when it looked like rain. I hope the readers of the O6LO- GIsT have chosen fairer days for their trips this season. M. L. WIcKs, JR., Los Angeles, Cal. The Prothonotary Warbler in Dry Weather. The birds evidently have their sea- sons of hard times as well as more ra- tional beings. For birds which seek the vicinity of water to rear their young and for species which haunt the sloughs and marshes, the prevalent dry weather has meant hard times and changes of living to agree with the new conditions. Many of the lake-swamps bordering the larger water-courses of the Mississippi Valley have not received their annual renewal of water, and hence the breed- ing area of many of the water birds has been materially reduced. The large regions of Swamp woods, overgrown with the willows and water-soaked stubs which afford nesting sites for the Warbler whose name heads this paper, were submerged or overflowed only for a few days in the early spring or else not even covered by the low stage of water: ~The Swamp Warbler has hence found the present season one of differ- ent conditions than its normal habits are accustomed to, and in our study of this species this year, we are given an opportunity to know something of this Warbler in dry weather. When the Prothonotary Warblers made their regular migration up the great waterway where they are found in such profusion, and spread out along the smaller tributaries to find summer residences wherever the conditions were favorable and their fancy led them, they doubtless found the willow grounds high and dry at the time of their arrival. The dead and rotten 105 stubs which usually were damp and water-soaked by the stagnant overflow in-which they commonly stood, were now dry, and the moss which the birds love to pull green and damp from the water-logged bark, was now blackened and dry as tow. It appeared to me that this lack of standing water on the grounds fre- quented by this Warbler had 2 depress- ing effect on the well-known vivacity and bouyaucy of spirits so much ad- mired by those who have met the Pro- thonotary Warbler in its watery haunts. The same old pugnacious disposition would manifest itself, though I was in- clined to notice a less degree of fierce- ness than I had observed in the former mid-air battles over the green-scummed and moss-covered water. The old in- quisitive spirit of curiosity was there also, yet I thought I could detect a sort of resigned air about the somewhat tardier movements of the birds as they visited the cavities they chanced to find in their wanderings. Their songs rang out as clearly and as vibratory asin former seasons, yet to my ear there was the lack of that sweet sympathetic depth of feeling up- welling from the breast which finds. everything congenial and is therefore perfectly contented. In short there seems less of spontan- city of exuberant joyousness, of real happiness, and of that wonderful vi- vacity of manners which have ever characterized this Warbler, and the observer was led to feel that some chord was out of unison and that all was not right in the life which should be perfect sunshine and harmony. Most writers and observers of the breeding habits of the Prothonotary Warbler agree that the usual nesting sites are in cavities situated in stumps and trees standing in water or so located that the nest is over water, or in the im- mediate vicinity of water. It was my fortune to examine about fifty-five nests 106 of this species in the latter half of May, and while the sites of all these nests were on the banks of river and fluvia- tile lakes, no site found was in water or over water. All of these nests were in stubs and tree-trnnks on the dry ridges between the river and: the swamp lying alongside, in most cases on ground the Warblers had never seen overflowed this year, and in other in- stances as near as five feet to the edge of the water. Then the heights of the sites surprised me. From what I had read of the nesting habits of this spe- cies (I had never visited the haunts of this Warbler during the breeding pe- riod) I had inferred that most of the sites were very low, and so nearly of the same height that a rise of the water for a very few inches would destroy many nests. My notes, however, re- cord only two nests below five feet from the ground, and in the majority of instances the sites were about nine feet from the ground, the actual heights being found and recorded in my notebook. The distances from _ the ground varied from four feet eight inches to fourteen feet. Ifthe stub or trunk inclined, the cavity was always on the under side, this, however, being the work of the Downy Woodpecker or Chickadee which excavated the cavity. Most of the nests: were in recently excavated, unused cavities, begun by the builders in the preceding fall and finished during the winter and early spring. They were always in rotten wood, so decayed that the surrounding parts could be easily torn away with the fingers, though one nest, the one fourteen feet from the ground, could only be exposed by cutting away the wood with a hatchet. The cavities were usually made obliquely into the trunk, so that the nest was placed just within the bark or behind a thin layer of wood. The entrance was ordinarily a hole about one inch and a half in di- THE OOLOGIST. . ameter, its appearance suggesting a probable Chickadee’s nest. The usual depth of the cavity was be- tween five and seven inches, the most of them being nearer the less number, and the cavities averaged about three inches in diameter, though the cavity was commonly longer than wide, three and a half by two and a half being the usual measurements. Very few nests were found in cavities having rough or irregular or broken entrances, the small subcircular entrance above de- scribed being the favorite in the re- gions we visited. In one instance, while the entrance to the cavity was unimpaired, the cavity was so split that the bird sitting on her eggs could be plainly seen as I approached the nest. In another instance, the bird had built her nest in the upper part ofa long slit in the stump, the nest being held in place by irregularities on the inside and there being nothing to hide the structure from observation. With these two exceptions, the sites were all as above described, though some wri- ters state that the rough and irregular cavities are the favored nesting sites. It is especially in its nidification that the dry season most affects this War- bler. Their nests have been praised for their beauty, and 1 confess that I was disappointed when I tore open the cavity containing the first nest of this Warbler I had ever found, and saw only a flimsy affair of dark and dried material. The prettiest part of the nests, was the foundation, which was ordinarily composed of small pieces of dark green tree-moss, varying to a thickness not exceeding two inches, depending on the size of the cavity. On this moss was laid a layer of fibrous roots, skeleton leaves, dried leaves and weed-stems, averaging less than an inch in thickness. The nest was fin- ished with fine dried grass and a few horsehairs. In some instances the moss was almost entirely lacking, and in THE OOLOGIST. 107 other cases the intermediate layer was very scanty, but such was the typical nest, with few variations to show in- dividual taste. Very few of the nests in position stood three inches high. A single rap on the stub containing the nest will cause the bird, if she is within, to dart from the entrance and drop almost to the ground, where she flutters along with outspread tail, stopping now and then on a handy weedstalk or dead branch, softly twit- tering, with tail spread in fan-like fash- jon and slightly quivering wings. This is when she appears to best advantage, showing a white band near the tip of her steel-blue tail, and displaying the dark blue of her wings as she slightly lifts them while she softly twitters her protests at the spoilation of her home. Searcely has she alighted, however, be- fore another form darts along beside her, and both hop among the foliage ‘and branches about our sides and ‘above, both earnestly chirping and scolding at the intrusion we make so rudely upon their affairs. If we have despoiled the heme, it is interesting (to us) to observe the actions of the pair at the ruin we have left behind us. The female will flit to the site of the nest and cling to the side of the ruin, gazing into the cavity for a time without word or comment, as though at a loss to know what has happened to her home. ‘Then she will creep into the now en- larged cavity, make a tour of inspec- tion, and after emerging, fly out to where the male is still chirping or perhaps now making the air vibrant with his notes. Perhaps another visit to the spot will be made, followed by the same curious looking into the cav- ity with the same appearance of won- derment, for I cannot call it sorrow, though doubtless there is sorrow in the breast of the outraged Warbler. The eggs of this Warbler have been described too often for me to enter in- ito details concerning them. As most students of bird life well know, there is a great variation in both size and coloration, though there is a certain amount of resemblance in the eggs of any set which generally reveals their relationship. However, the eggs of any particular set frequently show wonderful degrees of difference, and different styles of markings will often be found in one complement, though as I have said, there is ordinarily only one style of markings running through the same complement. In one style of coloration the eggs appear to be minia- tures of the eggs of the 'Towhee, hay- ing finer dots of light reddish brown rather evenly and scantily distributed, barely becoming more numerous at the larger end. Then there is the style of markings which causes the eggs to re- semble the eggs of the House Wren on a larger plan, the small dots of reddish brown being so thickly dis- tributed and so evenly that the eggs have nearly that color. There is also the regular Prothonotary style of mark- ings, the ground of china white having large irregular blotches of cherry and walnut, with dark lilac shell marks, the first colors being so confluent at the larger end that they form compar- atively large areas. These are hand- some eggs, which cause the eyes. of the odlogist to stand out in excusable ex- ultation as he draws them toward him .and carefully examines his treasures. Then there is yet another class of coloration, eggs which have a ground like cream which has been poured over strawberries and become tinted with the color of the berries, with the large and :confluent marks of the last de- seribed types,—these are the beauties which delight the eyes of us egg- eranks. When fresh,all these types have the ordinary rosy tinge of eggs of this class. As suggested, they are only types, and the eggs usually vary to show all possible gradations of one type into another. 108 THE OOLOGIST. On May 16, '95, the first complete sets . of six eggs was found, and for the next ten days nests were found every day, though few fresh eggs were found after the 20th, and only heavily incubated eggs were found after May 23, some of these being small sets of three and even two eggs. Of the sets we took, there were twenty-three sets of six, eleven complete sets of five, five complete sets of four, six complete sets of three and in three nests we found young birds recently hatched. Dead, rotten willow stubs, from six to fifteen feet in height, afforded the nesting sites most in demand. ‘The nests were all found near Havana, Ill. P. M. Sittoway. Breeding of the Prairie Horned Lark in N. KH. Ohio. On April 17th of this year I went up to examine a nest which my father had found the day before a little more than half a mile from home. It proved to be as I had coneluded from the descrip- tion of the birds that of the Prairie Horned Lark, Ofocoris alpestri praticola, the first Ihad ever seen and probably the first recorded for north-eastern Ohio. The day before the nest contained two young just hatched and one egg. When I visited it the remaining egg had hatched. The young were clad in a very long, fluffy, dark colored down which ran up the backs of their necks and on the tops of their heads, giving them a very quaint appearance. This early hatching would bring the period of nidification, which must of necessity from the severity of the sea- son and simplicity of the nest, into the secondfor third week in March at least. It is interesting to note in this con- nection the cold days which must have intervened between the time of nidifica- tion and hatching. The following taken from my weather notes show to some extent the hardi- hood of this species. March 20, +12°. ie 21, +8°. af 27, +21°. April 1, +28°. « 3, +8°. Se LOy-E29e,, Scene 20°, On April 22d I visited the nest to note the progress; and was surprised by the growth of the nestlings. I scarcely recognized them. They were no long- er the lean, lank, little oddities in slate colored down but plump little birdies pretty well thatched with yellowish- brown-gray feather-sprouts. They were asleep and the old birds were away when I began my visit. I made a squeak through my teeth and straightway three little heads shot up: on their slender stems bursting open with an internal yellowness reminding me of so many suddenly bursted but- tercup buds. Upon April 24th I visited the nest again. The young had grown very fast. The tail feathers were a quarter of an inch long, dusky with cream- brown and white mottlings, which same coloration more or less strongiy pervaded the entire plumage. I am sure from examining these fledg- lings that it was a young Prairie Horned Larkowhich I found dead in April of 1894. I took the young out of the nest. They tried to run off into the grass, showing considerable muscular devel- opment already. They made the clear. shrill ery ‘treep’ in answer to the same cries of the distressed parents. The: female in particular was worried, tum-. bling over ;the ground after the usual manner of birds using that ruse. When I visited the nest on April 28 the young had left—as I think on foot, before they were able to fly. Possibly this is a characteristic of this species in THE OOLOGIST. common with others which spend the ereat partof their time running over the ground. Possibly the old birds worried by my > frequent and prolonged yisits were led to precipitate matters thereby. The young had only left the nest an hour or two I knew by the excrements which it contained. Four days later — :took possession of what effects the family had left—name- ly the very simple nest and its immed- iate surroundings— a little sod, a stunt- ed tussock of grass and some bare ground—all carefully gotten out éntire with a spade. And here I must say we cannot be too careful in collecting nests, in our survey of the surronnding country, and in taking the nests to have with them as much of the immediate environments as possible. It is this which gives to our ‘notes’ and ‘finds’ the highest scien- tific value. To be sure, superfluities may be gathered sometimes, yet there is no science without -minuteness and exactness, and moreover, by their cul- tivation we will become better see-ers, better hearers, better judgers,—ia short better observers—more highly qualified to perform any and all forms of scien- tific work. This nest was composed of a small quantity of fine native pasture grass and the fine frost-lighted grass roots which lay all around—just such materials as were to be gathered to- gether on the spot. No hairs nor any- thing in the lining. It was built with the top flush with the surface of the gruund against the before-mentioned stunted grass-clump which protected its north-of-west side slightly. It was located on a slight southern and east- ern slope in the midst of one of those pastures hundreds of acres in extent which are rather plentifui in this sec- tion of Ohio—a great grazing country, ere the cattle raising of the West ruined the business in the Kast. 109 The nest was 24 inches wide and 18 inches deep, the walls almost perpendicular, the bottom part a per- fect cup in shape, altogether a peculiar type of nest one readily recognized anywhere, I should think, though so simple and coarse of workmanship. In nesting in that old exposed pas- ture the birds exhibited their hardihood and farther, their love of barren and waste places, for they could easily have found sheltered locations in tall grasses along the borders of woods or in swamps and meadows. The same day upon which I took the nest I heard the flight song of this species for the first time. Rey. J. H. Langille’s description of it in “Our Birds in Their Haunts” is too exact and good to be improved on. The ‘song’ was certainly little more than the screeching of a wheelbarrow ungreased. I confess I was disappoint- ed with it. I would have had it sing a very brave song. Something like Shelley’s Skylark: “Higher still, and higher From the earth thou springest Like a cloud of fire; The blue deep thou wingest, And singing stfll dost soar, and scaring ever singest,”’ Yet so far as I have heard there is no voice like it in heaven; nor on earth under heaven. It wasa new voice in my feathered choir of friends and wel- come enough. Had I been able to examine the eggs of this nest, I would feel that I had become fairly well acquainted with the leading facts in the life history of this species which was heretofore but a pleasing and interesting winter acquain- tance met only amid the snows, frosts and frozen glories of that season, grace- fully walking over drifts with its ani- mated ery and graceful elegantly color- ed form painted against the snow, busy among such weeds as were not sub- merged. In The Geological Survey of Ohio, 110 Vol. 1V, Zodlogy and Botany, in the Re- port on the Birds of Ohio Dr. Wheaton records the Prairie Horned Lark as breeding near Cleveland, O. This so far as I am aware is the only record of this species as an Ohio resi- dent. The present locality, Ellsworth, Mahoning Co., is about fifty miles southeast of Cleveland. ERNEST W. VICKERS. The Mexican Raven in California. The Mexican Raven, Corvus corax stnuatus, is similar to, although consid-, erably larger than the common Crow and is plentiful throughout a certain portion of California. While in the air it frequently sails around with its wings outspread, as smoothly and as silently as though sus- pended by some invisible cord. Its ery which it utters repeatedly while on the wing is much more guttural than that of the Crow, and closely resembles the croaking of a frog. In June of 1892 while visiting friends in San Jacinto. Calif. I saw my first pair of these birds sailing a cliff on the hillside. In 1894 having removed to San Luis, Obisho County, Calif. I fre- quently saw these birds hovering around Morro Rock, a huge mass of stone rising almost perpendicularly out of the ocean to the height of several hundred feet and separated from the mainland by a narrow channel of water. ro told me he had frequently noticed the Ravens carrying large sticks to the rock. Here also nested several spe- cies of seabirds but I was compelled to relinquish all hope of obtaining eggs as the cliffs were practically inaccess- ible. At Avila Beach about twerty miles from Morro on the high bluffs back of the ocean, there was a nest of sticks which one of the inhabitants of the town said had been occupied by a pair One of the inhabitants of Mor- . THE OOLOGIST. of these birds the year before but no signs of the birds had been seen since. In the fall of last year having remov-— ed to Whittier, Los Angeles County, Calif. I was glad to hear a rancher who owned a large corn-field say that. a pair of Ravens frequently came down from the neighboring hills and feasted on his corn. I made up my mind on the spot that if Raven’s eggs were to be obtained in the Puente Hills I would add some to my collection. One of the boys of Whittier told me one day in February that he knew of a nest of these birds which he and his compan- ions had tried in vain to reach the year before. I prevailed upon him to take me to the cliff it was in and there sure enough in a small cavity near the cen- ter of the cliff which was about sixty feet in height, could be seen the outer edge of a large nest of sticks. The birds were nowhere in sight but on re- turning about a week later I saw one of them fly from a holly bush near by and alight on the cliff near the nest. On the 14th of March I returned to the nest accompanied by a friend each’ of us carrying forty feet of stout rope. Having joined this together we made it secure to the root of a tree just above the nest. These cliffs are composed of dirt and loose rocks and the utmost care must be taken to prevent the ‘rope from dislodging these and bringing them down about the ears of the per- son on the rope. At first I attempted to ascend from the bottom but this proved too difficult and I at last gaveitup. I then went. to the top and climbed down the rope until I could sit in the entrance of the cavity where the nest was. There to my great joy I perceived five hand- some eggs reclining snugly in their bed of sheep’s wool. The nest was a very large structure made of sticks and measuring two feet and a half across and must have been occupied for several years. The cavity which measured THE OOLOGIST 111 about a foot across was finely lined with wool left on the bushes by the sheep which graze on the hills in great numbers. The eggs were fresh and measured as follows: 2.09x1.87, 2.06x 1.37, 2.04x1.35, 1.88x1.31, 1 80x1.31. They are a light bluish-green in ground color spotted and dashed with dark brown and olive. One egg was slightly jammed in the nest but was safely blown and the break would not be noticed. I now gathered up the rope and turned homeward well satis- fied with my afternoon’s work. On the morning of March 29th I vis- ited the nest again accompanied by my brother. Finding nothing in it and observing that the wool was mostly torn out of the bottom I visited a neigh- boring cliff of about the same height from which I had seen the Ravens fly. There to my surprise about 20 feet from the bottom of the cliff was a nest containing four slightly incubated eggs. The nest and eggs were similar to the first ones although the nest was small- er. The eggs measure 2.04x1.36, 2.01x 1.34, 1.94x1.32, 1.91x1.30. On April 18th I again visited the old nest from which I took six slightly in- cubated eggs one of which was consid- erably smaller than the others and more lightly marked. They measured 2.05x1.30, 2.04x1.33, 2.038x1.31, 1.99x1.31, 1.95x1.29, 1.75x1.10. In each instance while descending to the nest the Ravens after sailing around and croaking fov a short time left the vicinity of the nest and did not return. I hope to obtain still another set of eggs from one of the nests this season, although I think the Ravens have done comparatively well for one pair of birds. GEO. WILLETT, JR., Whittier, Calif. On Collecting and Preparing Nests. Not much attention is taken of this very important branch of the science which the OdLoaist faithfully repre- sents. My aim in writing this is not to treat fully of nest-collecting, but only to give ‘‘a starter” and at the same time to give a few ideas which I have picked up from time to time. In the preparation of nests few tools are necessary. A good outfit is several spools of strong black thread and about a-dozen needles Varying in length from a half to two and a half feet. These can be easily made from strong steel wire, cut into the proper lengths, heat- ed on one end, pounded flat and then a nail hole punched in the end ofeach. It is also absolutely necessary to have a good supply of poison on hand. A good one is soap strongly impregnated with arsenic. When used it should be cut off into fine shavings. Quite a number of small camphor balls are also handy. _Different sorts of nests require differ- ent treatment. Let us begin with the easiest. But first allow me to. say to always take a nest if possible, with its support. Now to return to the subject in hand. Well woven and compact nests like those of the Goldfinch, Blue-gray Gnateatcher, ete., require only to be well disinfected. Nests built of mud interwoven with straw as Robin, Blackbird, etc., will in time crumble if left asfound. But if carefully sewed in and out several times and the threads finaily brought under and ground the support, it will then, when poisoned, be proof against all ordinary wear. In the preparation of nests which are built flat on the support, as Swallows, “Ground-birds,” ete., it is well to bind them securely to a piece of cardboard placing on the board near the nest some of the surroundings found in its natural position. Care must be taken in any of the above nests to conceal the thread and not give them a drawn or tight shape, for noth- 112 ing looks worse than a nest drawn into a knot and literally covered with thread. In no case ever carry a thread over the aperture of the nest. Large loose nests of Crows, Hawks, etc., are best prepared by wrapping and rewrapping them with doubled threads. The threads afterwards being pulled from over the nest and secured at the margin by sewing over the thread and through the nest. _ The most difficult nests to prepare are those which are built in cavities and tunnels in banks. In preparing a Woodpecker’s or like nests saw off the portion containing the nest and at the point where the nest proper is con- tained saw out a piece of the wood so that the contents may be exposed. A Bank Swallow’s or Kingfisher’s nest can be placed in the cabinet by preparing thus: Make a box about two feet long and about nine inches or a foot square, one end only being closed and the back part of the top un- covered for about nine inches of a foot. Now of course you can guess the rest, but you must remember not to place the top on your box until you have placed the section of bank containing the tunnel into it. The hole in the top of the box is to show the nest cavity at the rear of the tunnel. The whole tun- nel need not be boxed but only the mouth and rear portion, its whole length being marked on the label. Hoping this is not in vain and that Wwe may soon hear from others, I re- main, the friend of our birds, OrTo GRADY, Ludlow, Ky. Bubo Virginianus. An atmosphere of joyless melancholy surrounds the Owl. He seems to re- gard all the world as malicious and dis- honesttand looks upon fellow creatures With suspicion and dislike. He has no friends and numerous enemies. When THE OOLOGIST. we hear the sharp screaming of a com- pany of Jays or discordant clamor of Crows in the woodlands we know some Owl is being entertained with their de- lightful society and this knowledge has been the death of many a Bubo. The Owl stares in a sorrowful, wondering way at his tormentors as if striving to solve the cause of his immense popular- ity, but he has nothing to say; just sits, meditates and occasionally shows his kindly appreciation of the admiring throng by a loud snapping of the man- dibles. He makes no move toward proving to the Jays the inerits of dark- ness by placing one of their number inside his feathered exterior, hence their bravery. Should the cracking of a twig betray the presence of an ap- proaching naturalist his head instantly swings in the direction of the noise and stares the hated, dreaded enemy full in the face. His eyes open to their widest extent and gleam with rays of awaken- ing intelligence; he looks densely thoughtful, wise, wide-awake and in- terested. Then his form tilts forward, then backward, then coming forward again drops from the perch and glides away through the woods noisless as | zephyr-wafted thistle-down. His flight may be traced along its whole course by the vociferous hilarity of the pur- suing Jays till the sound ceases to 1e- cede and we know that he is ‘‘treed’’ once more. ‘Thus has the whereabouts of an Owl been disclosed to us from the distance of overa mile. From the mo- ment of his discovery by theJays his pop- ularity and fame steadily increases un- tilinless than half an hour he may have fifty jubilant fellows discussing his an- atomical imperfections and merits, and this in a woods where you had not pre- viously observed a Jay and you won- der where they alicame from. Itis no wonder he seeks the gloom and solitude of densest timber lands and retires in- to situations most remote from: day- light and its denizens. He seems ex- THE OOLOGIST. ili WANTED.—Eggs in sets with data for which I can offer singles, a few sets, minerals, corals, curios. reloading tools for 32 cal. Winchester rifle, taxidermists’ tools. Send your list. A. H, MILLS, West Rutland, Vt. SEND 12c. in stamps or one set of eggs with data, for a fine stereoscopic view of Virginia Rail’s nest containing eight eggs. S. W. HARRIS, Reading Ave., Hillsdale, Mich. PAPERS, Magazines, Books, Skates,Stamps, Watch, Bicycle lock, Base Ball Mask for Ruby lantern Scroll Saw, Autoharp. F. L. BUELL. 14 Huntington Ave., Amesburg, ass. I WILL EXCHANGE Columbian stamps or stamp papers for bird skins of any species. Write to me. GEHORGE A. LOOP, Lock Box 106, Minekaunee, Wis. FOR EXCHANGE:—A fine collection of about 180 varieties of birds eggs, many rare ones, in nice glass covered case with frame. Size, four feet by two feet sixinches. Want high grade type writer in good condition. Cor- reepondence solicited. EF. K. FORD, Middle- eld, O. BOSTON MUSICAL, Bb, Baritone, brass, nearly new, for sale cheap. Also first-class sets and fresh water shells for same and sea shells. VERD1 BURTCH, Penn Yan, N. Y. WILL PRINT 200 letter heads and 200 envel- opes and send post paid for Davie’s Nests and Eggs (write before sending book). FRED JOHNSON, Portage, Wis. BOOKS ON IOWA BIRDS:—I desire to ob- tain at once the following books: Allen’s “Catalogue of Birds of Iowa,” 1870; Parker’s “Birds of Iowa,” 1871; Trippe’s “‘Notes on Birds of Southern Iowa,” 1873. If you can fur- nish any of these books write’at once Stating price. DAVID L. SAVAGE, Salem, Ia. EXCHANGE:—I have a fine line of books (new), Kombi Camera, Hectograph, also num- erous novelties which I will exchange for other books, novelties, etc. MOTT S. SPAULDING, Ivarea, Pa. WANTED FOR CASH:—A_ Colt’s “New Navy” or ‘“‘New Army”’ Revolver, perfect con- dition. Also first-class Sailing Skiff about 18 feet, must be sound and fast. Smooth‘skin preferred. Send full particuiars. Builders send prices. Address L. CANADA, care of THE OoLoetstT, Albion, N. Y. WANTED:- 1st class bird skins. Can offer ist class sets with full data, I desire sets ‘with nests of the following for cash or exchange: . O. U. Nos. 636, 639. 645, 655, 661, 667, 677. WALTON I. MITCHELL, ‘534 Summit Ave., St. Paul, Minn. TO EXCHANGE:—Fine fossils, minerals, polished agates, books, Indian relics and curios for good sets. I wish at once about $250.00 worth of sets and will give good specimens for them. GEO. W. DIXON, Watertown, S. D. FOR EXCHANGE :—Finely mounted speci- mens of birds for any old books treating on Natural History. Texas collectors’ addresses wanted. NATHAN L. DAVIS, Brockport,N.Y. EXCHANGE:—A collection of eighty sin- gles, a two pound whale tooth, sea shells, ma- rine curios for Indian relics. Lists sent, all answered. WILL G. McLAIN, Edison, Ohio. A Column of Bargains. Ihave just completed an extensive purchase. That of the the entire stock of curiosities car- ried by the Falls Curio Company of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. I offer them postpaid at bargain unlces that ought to reduce the stock in short order. Here Are a Few Astonishers. Indian net sinkers from Ohio, 25c. Indian wampum 25c doz., now 15¢ doz. Indian pottery, large 5 to 10c; small 10c¢ per dozen. Indian arrow heads, perfect 8c each, 4 for 25c, 6 for 35c, per doz. 65c, per hundred $5.00. Perfect scrapers 10c each, 3 for 25ce. Perfect spearheads 15, 20, 25, 35. 40, 50 and 70c. Serrated and Rotary points, fine, 15c. Sacred lotus seeds from Hgypt 5c, 3 for 10c. East India soap berries 5c, 3 for 10c. Brown banded sea beans 16c, now 5c. Red, yellow or drab sea beans, assorted, 15c¢ per dozen. Large buffalo teeth 20c, now 10c. Hedge hog quills, 3c, now 10c dozen, Fine lot of Pentremites; heads 5 and 10c;stems 10¢c per doz.. 6 stems and 1 head for 10c. Alligator teeth 1c up to 50, 10 and 25c per doz. Agatized wood and Petrified wood, 5c to $1. Receptaculites Owenii (sunflower eoral) from this locality, very rare, 5c to 0c. Crystalized gypsum, 5c to $1; 3 dif. spec., 25c. Satin spar, 5 to 50c. Resurrection plants, 10c. Chinese poker chips 5c, now 3 for 5c. Chinese invitations to New Year,s banquet 10c. Chinese envelopes 5c, now 3for 5c. Chinese New Year’s cards &c, now 2 for 5c. Chinese cash, half cash coins, and mock money 5c, now 2 for 5c, 5 for 10ce. Chinese lottery tickets 3c, now 10c per dozen. Chinese chopsticks 25c, now 10c per pair. Chinese hornuts 10c. now 6c, or 3 for 10ce. Liver beans, biggest on earth 25c, now 1c. Satin spar scarf pins. 35c, now l5c. The Oologists penholder, 10 inches long, shape of a feather. only 10c, made of aluminum. Eclipse Cabinet Still Popular. Contains Chinese poker chip, Chinese napkin, Chi- nese lottery ticket, star- fish,giant tree bark, red sea bean, alliga- tor’s tooth, 3 yellow wax shells, marine algee,gypsum crystal,bloodytoothshell,Chinese coin, flexible coral, 3 boat shells, periwinkle egg, drab sea bean, sunflower coral, 3 money cowry shells and fossil crinoid. All labelled name and locality and in partitioned box like cut. Sent postpaid for 25 cents. Catalogue and fac-simile $100 Confederate pill free. Remit by stamps, silver or money order. R. E. BARTLETT, 99 State St,, Rockford, Ills. THE OOLO GIST Pio You Want Any Of the following at prices quoted? Good only until Feb. 1, ’96. Eggs. Skins. lawl lke (Chul Dkevaavoye Se ee 3) 2) | Red-tailed El ajwik 777 meee eee 6 65 SPs e ony Guillem Oil — 2 eee eee ee 60 | American Sparrow Hawk m IVE eeu Seo | EIR ee eaters acy 12) col trate ak DBO) eas oo oe eee TavpaWraOweVonU lil eyo l ANGUS No ee een 58 AB ere anyi270) =e : Double-crested Cormorant 1-4... 50 | Cedar Waxwing m._.._.___... Common! Mernna 3s. ene Ue Mo MANA LA 15 | Red-breasted Nuthatch EVN = LITT A Sea eR SONAL NV VUE Ts ©jULZ)|| Cx ewes neetten ene eae Taree ya kel ras} (Cs bUN ER | eo ose ceceegtennngs SONS Carle ty lan a2C 1-177. maeeeenese enn nee eee eee eachesPe etre] gre tee eae 12 | Indigo Bunting m /Nigd Tetererebmees (Erp We By Leake Be 24 | Hooded Warbler m_:___...-...2._.__...........-- Ta oyyieee WU Ney tal Ie Mesa eeae e eu aan 45 1 Screech Owl.. TOES 8 KE CNR Soobya Rer ne eee 2 “Gin. O wae nes Am. Osprey 1-3 5 | Ruffed Grouse in down Turkey Vulture 1-2 VV. OCD UT C1770 ae aoe eer Yellow-winged Sparrow 1-4 50 svellowe-lees <>... eee Eee eee McCowns Longspur Deg eee een oe) elle aioe y SWVaSOMES 7S 101170 C1770 eee a Hooded Warbler n-3 aes oy iPhalaropem ee IEF VOTE Yew elo eres Meet TL 5) |p Wp onnvatraer TE MON re cocce Leetesese est ese Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 1-6... seodeeer a GAO) Ie ONE Wy ese one SWAG ALTOS ABs eS a eee eect eee 5O)|Na ge bile a Te mae. See sa eaters Great blue sero iil <4 Sessa meee ear eee en cae eee BOS IWity Me Ck Ae -/ 0 ..: 2 eee Eggs are in complete sets with original data, sent prepaid at prices quoted if your order amounts to 50 cents or over. Skins are 1st class in fine shape for mounting. Those marked (m) are males. All others in bright plumage. Skins marked (*) must be sent by express at ‘purchasers expense. All others sent by mail prepaid. ERNEST H. SHORT, ALBION, N. Y. A Christmas Present. My process of mounting and preserving birds, game pieces, deer heads, plaques, ete., with full instructions for work, together with one pound of pre- serving compound, enough for mounting 40 or 50 small birds, or twenty birds the size of a Quail, only 50 CENTS! Over 400 orders in 95. Over 700 pounds of compound sold in ’95. A first-class Christmas Present and acceptable to all. The holiday season is the best time in the year for amateur taxidermists to practice. N. B.—This offer holds good, at this figure, only until January 10, 1896. MORRIS GIBBS, M. D., Kalamazoo, Mich. DR. FOOTE’S HARMONIOUS SPECIFICS. The Ripe Fruit of over forty years experieuce in special practice by the celebrated author of ‘*Medical Common Sense” and ‘‘ Plain Home Talk.’’ No minerals, no opiates, no cocaine; no animal extracts; (non-alcoholic). No one cure-ail, each does good deeds; can be combined to meet all needs. Any of the following articles sent by mail on receipt of price: Magnetic Ointment for bruises, wounds, colds, aches, pains, rheumatism, cramps, piles, 50c. . Catarrh Balm and Tablets. for nasal and throat catarrh, sore eyes, ears. lips, etc., 50 cents. Magnetic Anti-Bilious Pills, for liver torpor, dyspepsia, constipation, piles, headache,25 cts. Tonic and Ague Tablets, for all sorts of malaria, anaemia, devility—a fine tonic, ete., £0 cts. Anti-Rheumatie Tablets, a true kidney cathartic for uric acid diseases, gout, sciatica, a0 cts. No.10. Sanitary Tampons, for local female weakness, falling, leucorrhoea, apathy, ete., $1.00. No. 11. Magnetic Cramp Tablets, for wind colic, cramps, “bowel complaints,’ paintul periods, 40c. No. 12. Magnetic Cough Tablets, for coughs, colds, nervous headaches, neuralgia, fidgets, etc., 50c. ALSO several original mechanical devices for SELF-CURE Of Old Eyes (far-sight,) Croup, Phimo- sis, Rupture (poe mmate pads), Varicocele, Hemorrhoids, ete., and several Sanitary Soaps her preparations for removing Facial Blemishes. AGENTS WANTED! ouee discounts—good- paying. "steady business—men or women, FREE! “Health Helps” containing * ‘100 pointers’ for common ailments. CR. FOOTE’S SANITARY BUREAU, Room 5, 129 East 28th St., New York. PEL OS Sol CuiRo THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XII. NO. 7. pelled, by common consent, from the society of all day creatures who seize every opportunity to annoy and insult him. Even the light of day itself pierces into his vitals with a paralytic effect upon his energy. So he isolates himself in the twilight of dismal Swamps and hollow trees and passes the hours of sunlight in gloomy con- templation. Besides the Crows, Jays and. smaller try that makes life uncomfortable by their malicious teasing he has other and more dangerous enemies—the sportsman, the collector and the far- mer. The sportsman shoots him when- ever possible for no better reason than that he is an Owl and the farmer for scarcely a more worthy one, viz: his occasional raid upon the _ barnyard, never for a moment crediting him with the destruction of thousands of weasels, skunks, field-mice and other noxious pests. Any flattering attention paid to the farmer’s poultry receives no ap- preciation and not even the fact that, in order to save this worthy the pain of bidding his poultry a fond farewell and also profanity, he considerately waits until night before abducting a chicken, mitigate his persecution. He could be as pure of all thieving pro- pensities as an angel but wonld never- theless be an outlaw and a villian be- cause he isan Owl. Evento approach the barnyard with no deeper purpose than to study the interesting ways of the domestic bird would not be con- ductive of good health. The farmer often ascends tall trees and tumbles baby Owls from big nests, then intro- duces them into spirit land by the ap- plication of an axe to the spinal ver- tebra just below their thinking appar- atus and this because they some day might steal a chicken. What would ALBION, N. Y., JULY, 1895. WHOLE No. 117 we say if when a man was hung his whole family, his relations and all other men that in the least resembled him and their families and relations were executed because they too might murder? From the shadows of the night the Owl pours forth his woes and prayers ofevil to mankind. His are seemingly the ravings of a grieved and soured nature, one that glories in sin, misery and death. ‘There issomething in the song of darkness tending strongly to- ward the conversion of sinners. It is uncomfortably suggestive of haydes and evil spirits and sets a man to spec- ulating on his hereafter probabilities. It comes like the waning voice of a soul in torture bidding all sinners to be- ware. Sounding above the moaning winds on a cold, forlorn winter night it conjures up in the minds of some, pictures of death and desolation and the supernatural but to the naturalist a pleasant suggestion of large, white odlogical specimens in that strip of woods the coming March. Not infrequently an Owl invades the city and it seems quite an incongruity this quiet, restful, solemn bird amid the tumult of municipal life. If he is discovered by the populace and you mingle with the throng you receive the information from more than one wise head that although he is surveying the crowd with wondering eyes he is ‘‘blind as a bat’’and sees nothing and as he flies before the mobbing school-boys many look on in expectation of his knock- ing his brains out on some of;the trees or buildings but somehow he isn’t ac- commodating.’ These individuals who think he cannot see in the daytime should endeavor to approach him in the woods just beyond the suburbs of the city where man has demonstrated 114 his christian spirit toward the tribe in a baptism of cold lead; I mean should try to approach him here after he has been once frightened from his hiding place. You may walk beneath and about his leafy retreat and he will not move so long as he believes himself un- discovered but gaze gravely down up- on you, closely following your every movement and apparently doing some mighty thinking. But when once rout- ed it is almost impossible to get within gunshot of him. After a fatiguing night’s campaign among the rodents I do not blame him for clinging to his retreat and risking discovery. The chairces of detection are small, hence there is very little risk, he being cloth- ed in plumage made to blend with the environment of his roosting place. The Owls I occasionally meet with in my woodland rambles can, without ex- ception, claim the honor of first dis- covering me even to the decidedly noe- turnal Asio wilsonianus. No matter how quietly I made my way the mo- ment I discover the statue-like form of an Owl I become aware that he is al- ready scrutinizing me and believe that in the shadowing forest I have been the attractive center of more pairs of Owls’ eyes than it has been my good fortune to see living representatives of the bird both in the woods and in captivity. The above is Bubo virginianus as I have met and known him and to fur- ther illustrate the characteristics of this bird I will, in the near future, speak of some peculiarities of my pet Owl Shear” CLAIRE Woop, Detroit, Mich. A Family of Bonasa umbellus. Date, May 27, 1895. Time 6:55 p. m. Place, mixed deciduous and evergreen woods, with grass and ferns in patches. I had eaten my supper and was out for afew minutes with the birds before dark. Having travelled half through a strip of THE OOLOGIST. woodland, about one and one-half miles: from the village of Gaines, I came to a place where the woods were divided by an old tumble down rail fence just be- yond which was an opening grown up: to brush, etc. Iwas looking high for small birds, when I was startled by a commotion on the ground in front and what a commotion! Almost under my feet was a male Ruffed Grouse, not put- ting distance between himself and I at the rate of 100 miles an hour, more or less, as is usually the case; but running towards me; every feather erect, ruff spread to its greatest extent, and crest erect. And such a racket from one of our stillest birds. He clucked and hissed, sputtered and cackled, in fact it was a perfect miniature of the common hen’s performance under like conditions. except for a peculiar whistling note which I was surprised to hear from this. bird. But why all this fuss? From one poiut in the dry leaves just ahead ran a group of downy balls, not in one direct- ion but each one in a separate course like the spokes of a wheel. But sudden- ly all this changed. Mr. Grouse dis- covers that he confronts what he right- fully regards as his worst enemy, man. His feathers drop and with a warning cluck he flies a few feet over the fence. Presto, every downy chick has disap- peared. JI did not dare to stir for, surely, at least two of the little birds must be close to my feet for I saw them run that way. They did not seem to try to escape from any definite danger, for they ran in every direction with a perfect disregard as to my position. Evidently they simply followed a “blind” instinct prompted by the warn- _ ing note of the old bird. I looked the ground over closely and finally discern- ed two sparkling eyes viewing me with the same unblinking steadiness that the old birds have always been noted for. Colored almost exactly like the dead leaves on which it sat, it was almost obliterated in its surroundings. Look- © THE OOLOGIST. 115 ‘ing closely at the ground that I might avoid stepping on another one I step- ped forward and picked it up. On straightening up, my eyes fell on an- other one and soon until I had seven in my hands. Not being able to find any more just then I stood quietly awaiting developments. For eight minutes all was still. The old birds seemed to think all was well and kept out of sight in the weeds. But sudden- ly there was a faint peep from the grass in front of me answered at once by one of the chicks in my hands. At once Mrs. Grouse came forward through the fence and up as close to the little one as my position admitted. Then turning about she started back cluck- ‘ing and whistiing in the most persua- sive manner. Out ofaclump of grass came a young bird and started to fol- low though several feet behind. Step- ping forward I picked up No. eight. The commotion started up as before ex- cept that the male uttered now and then a note not unlike the warning note of a Crow, which seemed ealeul- ated to quiet the young. As they did not seem inclined to come closer I placed the little ones in my hat and stepped back. Then the fun com- menced. After making a wide circuit around the hat the female ran swiftly up to it, looked in and flew off in ter- ror. Solicitude for the safety of her young had brought this wariest of all our birds to approach an object of the most extreme terror to her. But she had seen her little ones and at once re- commenced her tactics to induce them to follow her. The male was now as Silent as she had been before. He - seemed to think that this kind of work was beneath his dignity. On stepping forward to let them out of my hat I saw the ninth bird sitting out on a patch of clean ground, yet I had overlooked it several times, so closely was it sitting tothe ground. I placed them all to- gether on the leaves and stepped back a few feet. Immediately she came for- ward and one by one she coaxed them behind a stump and from there to the fence corner, where she left each one, and strange to relate not one stirred while she went after another. Finally she sat down over them and all was as quiet as could be. Not an indication of that contented peeping which you hear from a brood of common fowl for the little Grouse seemed to realize the grav- ity of the situation. Just one more testand I was ready to leave. How close would she let me come? Slowly I approached but not a feather moved. When within three feet she seemed to rise straight in the air and flying a few feet dropped out of sight in the brush. But this time not one chick stirred: All sat just as she left them. Why did they run the first time and sit still the second? Washer note differ- ent or were the little ones responsible for the action? If the Ruffed Grouse was as Scarce everywhere as it is in the greater part of Western New York at present, we should not find out much from observation. As it was growing dark I left the little Grouse to their anx- ious parents and started toward home. I never expect to have another equally good chance to study the young of this shy bird and hope that after the foxes, owls and hunters have each had their quota there may be one pair for next year. EK. H. SHORT, Gaines, N. Y. > <>< Woodpeckers and Their Nests. I cannot imagine what could have prompted a man to commit such a crime against his own property, but the owner of the fine grove of trees had deadened them all, cutting a girdle of bark from each of them near the ground and leaving them to die and decay as they stood. pal The dry limbs yielded to time and the elements and cumbered the ground 116 with their melancholy wrecks, but the great trunks stood in sordid ruin until trumpet vines and Virginia creepers clambered over them, hiding their dull decay, and the spot which man had de- solated became once more a scene of beauty. The place was again verdant with glassy foliage and gay with gaudy flow- ers but there was something ghastly and depressing in the close union of life and death—of mouldering ruin and luxuriant growth, and the place was shunned by the many parties of recrea- tion hunters that frequented the neigh- boring wood. This deadening, then, became a place where I could study without fear of interruption, and could watch the birds and insects without calling forth the pitying glance of the brute herd. The song birds that had frequented the place in its happier days were gone, never to return except cn hurried vis- its, but loss in one direction is often gain in another and the ruined trees still swarmed with bird life. The loosened bark and decaying trunks hid myriads of larvee, grubs and insects and afforded rich feasts to countless Wood- peckers. All day the place rung with the brisk drumming of beaks on soft and rotting wood or on timber seasoned almost to the hardness of iron, and the harsh love notes and the discordant war cries of the restless drummer took the place of music. The Hairy Woodpeckers were among the most numerous of these birds and their quick movements and_ continual activity made them appear more num- erous still. Emboldened by the secur- ity which their small size and rapid movements gave them they cared little who-watched: them and would drum away close to the observer’s head, and when some motion was made which they construed into a threat they would simply shift around to the other side of a limb or tree trunk and resume their _went farther north to breed. THE OOLOGIST. labors, taking to flight only when it suited their convenience. They appeared to be constant resi- dents but I noticed with surprise that. they were the least numerous at the season when I would have expected to. find them most abundant, in the sum- mer, and I inferred thatmany of them Still some of them were always with us and I oceasionly found their nests. They nested early, the earliest, I thought of all the Woodpeckers, and allowed themselves considerable range in the variety of their nesting sites and the style of their architecture. Some times I would trace a pair to their home in a forlorn snag and after a hard climb would find that the nest hole penetrated the wood to a depth of at least eighteen inches, and that the eggs were completely hidden by the depth of the narrow cavity and could not be seen without considerable chopping— something not to be thought of. At other times I would find a nest in a cav- ity less than five inches in depth, and then I could get a satisfactory look at. the eggs. These were four or five in number with shells of a beautiful clear white color, and so smooth, thin ‘and - transparent that their contents yave them « charming rosy tinge. The birds were affected with a chron- ic abnormal industry, yet I once found the nest of a tired pair. There were several decaying posts standing in the grove, relics of a former partition fence, and in one of these there were holes. which had once accomodated the draw bars. A pair of Hairys took possession of one of these holes and after sinking it two or three inches deeper made their nest in it, an evidence of their lack of industry but a great conven- ience to me for it gave me an excelient opportunity to watch them feed their young. : There appeared to be several varie- ties of Hairy Woodpeckers, differiug THE OOLOGIST. slightly in size and coloration but all unmistakably of the same _ species, though their variations were at first confusing. Even the smallest of these various Hairys were large compared with some of their neighbors, the little Downy Woodpeckers, Picuws pubescens, the smallest and funniest of the tribe. Too small and delicate looking for hard work on seasoned wood they still toiled away, but in such an inimitably airy manner that it did not seem work. They appeared to be doing it for fun, perhaps as a burlesque on the fierce earnestness of their overgrown rela- tives. They were fearless little fellows and if unmolested would have built right beside the farmer’s door, but strange to say the purpose of their daily labor has been misconstrued and after working hard to rid orchards of noxious insects they are ruthlessly shot on an unfounded charge of sucking the sap of trees. I could never learn to distinguish the nest and eggs of the Downy from those of the Hairy Woodpecker except by the difference in size, those of the Downy being much the smaller. Sometimes I have noticed the Downies using the nests of the previous year over again, and while satisfied with some old nest boring new nest holes for the sake of exercise. JI think the Hairy Wood- peckers must have been a little more fastidious in their tastes for none of these in my circle of acquaintances ever used the same nest hole twice. On one oceasion I found a pair of Downies nesting very late in the season dnd concluded that some accident must have befallen their nest or brood and that they were trying to make good the loss: Afterwards I found another nest with fresh eggs in a hole where a brood had been reared weeks before, and I saw that some of my small Downy friends were so industrious that they were departing from the custom usual- * could not accept this theory. | 117 ly observed by their race in this local- ity and were rearing two broods in one season. It always appeared to me to be the correct and natural thing for all the individuals of a species to migrate with the change of the seasons, or for all of them to stay with us the year round. It seemed, however, that many birds Among certain species there are numerous in- dividuals of roving tastes even when the migratory instinct is not established as a characteristic of the species. I am pretty sure that [ have observed pecul- iarities of this kind among the Yellow- bellied Woodpecker, Sphyrapicus var- tus. They are with us the year round and I would never think of calling them migratory birds, but 1n winter they become extremely rare to grow numerous again about the first of April. About the middle of April they cease their desultary drumming and set to work in earnest digging ‘‘foundations’’ and preparing their nests. Several pairs nested in my favorite grove, but their holes were usually about eighteen inches in depth and it was frequently impossible for me to get a look at their eggs. SuchasI did ex- amine were of a pure white color and seemed to be unusually small for the size of the bird, though this is a point. on which my judgment is worth but lit- tle. Inthe nests I examined the num- ber of eggs was almost invariably five. I have always received the stories of the Woodpeckers sucking the sap of trees with severe disbelief, and have regarded the man who thought the birds injured his growing timber as on par with the man who thought that snakes milked his cows. Consequently I wassomewhat discomfitted last spring by finding the nest cavities of two pairs of these reputed sapsuckers ex- cavated deep in the trunks of living” trees. Besides their nests, which they were using, they had drilled similar 118 holes in several other trees nearoy, per- ° haps for exercise, perhaps as experi- mental prospecting, or possibly as de- coys to distract the attention of nest robbers, though it is barely possible that they might have served as recep- tacles for catching sap. I feel compell- ed to admit that if these birds were as numerous as Sparrows, which they can never be, they might do some injury to shade trees. I wondered, when I found these nests why a sane bird should build ina damp sappy live tree when there were plenty of dead ones at hand. I had often heard men tell about big black Woodpeckers that were once numerous here, and how they used to visit the fields and eat up the seed corn like Crows, but I had never seen any bird that answered that description un- til last year, when I met a pair of them. As you have doubtless surmised they were the Cophiaus pileatus, or Black- log-cocks. I could never satistiy myself as to whether they were new arrivals from some other locality or survivers of the last race of natives who had lingered in concealment after their brothers had been extermined It was in the middle of the nesting season when I first saw them and they were hard at work. I had the good fortune to be able to visit them occas- ionally while they were bringing up their family of six young. I could never determine what became of these young birds. I saw the old birds now and then throughout the year, but never any others of their species, and this spring they nested again in the neighborhood of their last year’s quar- ters, the first egg being laid on the 17th of May. The excavation that they make is so large that it is easy to see the large translucent white eggs in the bed of soft fine chips at the bottom. Perhaps the noisiest bird in the grove ~was the dashing, handsome Red-headed Woodpecker, Melanerpes erythroceph- alus, a big, blustering, quarrelsome THE OOLOGIST. fellow, but fair to look upon. I have often climbed to their nests and won- dered how such large birds could enter such small cavities. ‘These cavities were almost jug shaped, large at the bottom but small at the entrance. I found that the eggs were usually six in nomber and were usually pure white, though to my surprise I once found a set all of which were marked with red- dish spots at the larger end. Years ago Congress gave Vincennes a piece of land, perhaps twelve acres in extent, for a park. Council at once took possession of the place and began to beautify it by opening a large gravel pit in one end, dumping a number of rusty, unmounted cannon and other old junk in the other, builuing an un- whitewashed tool and wagon shed in the middle and surrounding the whole area witha snaggy looking barb-wire fence of various heights and reclining at various angles. With the exception © of the gravel pit and the spot reserved as a site for the proposed monument to the late Michael McGinty this park was planted with trees. X¥ou know the style of arborcu!ture practiced in rural towns where the ward politican who gets the contract plants the wrong tree in the wrong soil at the wrong season, occasionally getting them wrong end up, but you would have been surprised at the delicate irony of the placards warning visitors not to injure trees, shrubbery, etc. The proximity of brewery and saloons made the place popular and the beauty and chivalry of the town repaired thither to lounge_ among mullen and burdock and insult passers by. The habitues of this fashionable and aristocratic resort were startled last spring by the appearance .of a strange bird in their midst. It was a Red- headed Woodpecker and among people who had never seen any bird but a. Sparrow it created as much excitement as if it had been a Dodo. Public spirit — THE OOLOGIST. 119 van high and the citizens armed them- selves and turned out en masse to avenge themselves on the mysterious stranger that had invaded their domain. It is wonderful how that bird escaped, dodged about from tree to tree and evaded the hunters. One day I heard 23 shots fired at that one bird before he quit the field, and he came back again the next day. The decaying shade trees must have furnished an excellent feeding ground, for the Woodpecker refused to abandon it and returned every day until at last he was killed, to the great relief of the public. In strange contrast to the noisy, quarrelsome Red-heads were the Red- bellied Woodpeckers, they were quite numerous, but so quiet and reserved in their manners and so chary of the pe- culiar squealing notes which constitutes their conversation that they might al- most have passed unnoticed. They were so still that I found their nests only by accident and rarely at all. Perhaps their guilty consciences im- posed a melancholy reserve upon them, for they are the true sapsuckers, chisel- ing many holes in the bark of sugar maple and other trees and drinking the “sweet viscid sap that accumulate! in these cavities. Tam not convinced that these birds do any considerable damage to timber, but if they do their cousins,the Flickers, Colaptes auratus, make ample: repara- tion, for they are the most industrious of all the enemies of our insect pests. They are constant residents here and are always foraging no matter how cold the weather may be. Six was the usual number of eggs in such nests as I have examined. It is curious to watch them feed their young, both parents sharing the labor, sometimes carrying the food in. their beaks and sometimes disgorg- ing the food already swallowed for the babies..;,,Sometimes an. old bird, will beak. When the grub has disappeared down the infants hungry throat the old bird will insert her beak into the young Qnes mouth and begin the process of regurgitation. ANGUS GAINES, Vincennes, Ind. The Hooded Warbler. Sylvania mitrata. Of the numerous birds comprising the family of Warblers there are few so attractive to the student of ornithology as that beautiful bird, the Hooded War- bler, (Sylvania mitrata), a rather wide- ly distributed species. In Louisiana it is one of the commonest of the Warbler family, the dainty Parula alone excell- ing it in numbers; and scarcely a bit of brushy woods is there that does not af- ford an habitation for two or more pairs of this pleasing songster. The Hooded Warbler makes his in- itial appearance in this state in the lat- ter part of March, the males being usu- ally observed a few days before the fe- males. The first arrival for 95 was. on March 28, when several males were noted, fully a week earlier than "94, when they were first seen on March 3ist. A week later males and females were very common, in fact more nu- merous than at any other period, as many of the birds were passing mi- grants. Like a good many of our breeding Warblers, the males are in full song al- most, immediately after their arrival, so that one is not long i in discovering their presence. The Hooded Warbler has two distinct songs, both consisting of about eight notes, which are uttered continuously during April.. During the first part of: the month the birds are usually found in company with’ other’ smaller birds, ; ' the Sycamore, Prothonotary” ‘and Par appreach the: nest with a. grub in. its . ula’ Warblers,’ White and “Red-eyed’~ Vireos and Titmice and their songs 120 may be heard from every quarter in the woods, from treetops. from under- brush and from the ground, mingling harmoniously with the notes of their companions. At this time they are everywhere in the woods, the males in fnll song, their mates almost as notice- — able from their quick, sharp chirp. I have found them to be commonest in a tract of high woods. timbered,though not heavily, with sweet and black gum, ash, cottonwood, live, water and pin oak, beech, hackberry and cypress, rather open than otherwise, lying opposite the city on the west bank of the Mississippi. In certain spots these woods are thickly filled with a low growth of the com- mon cane, and here and there in the more open spots are immense, impen- etrable thickets of blackberries. This locality is a perfect paradise for many birds but in the breeding season the Hooded Warbler is one of the common- est of all. The birds mate shortly after their ar- rival, and nest building commences about the middle of April and later. Although the Hooded Warbler seems to prefer the deeper woods for feeding and song, nearly all the nests are built on the edge of an opening or clearing just within the shadow of the trees, possibly because the undergrowth is thicker in such spots and affords better concealment for the mother bird and her home, The earlist date I have for beginning of nest-building is April 18th. On the morning of that day, while rambling along the edge of a long clearing I no- ticed a female Hooded Warbler sitting in a clump formed by a small ash sap- ling and an encircling yine of smilax, that afterwards rose up to the limb of a small haekberry tree. The bird left the spot with numerous chirps as I ap- proached, and I walked up and exam- ined the spot whence she had flown, the object of my suspicion. The smi- lax and ash formed a triangular fork THE OOLOGIST. about thirty inches above the ground, and at the bottom was a single dead blade of grass, which I thought might be the beginning of the nest. In the evening I passed the spot again, and found instead of a single strip of grass quite a collection of strips of various sizes and a quantity of thin dead leaves which formed quite a respectable little nest, not finished but very well begua. Both male and female were observed in the vicinity with material in their bills, and after watching them awhile I found that the former was taking quite an active part in the construction of the nest, shaping it and appearing to be fully as busy as. his spouse. A week later, on the 20th, I passed the nest again and found it completed and lined with dry, hair- like fibers of the Spanish moss, and discovered another nest about fifty yards away from the first, on the op-- posite side of the clearing. It was about four and a half feet up.,. woven to two little saplings of a species. of alder, and was almost completed, the female being seen near. the nest with material. The saplings were in the centre of a little thicket which grew just at the edge of the high woods On the 28th I visited the two nests. again and found them just as before, but no eggs. < Notes on the Least Bittern for 95. On the 25th of June, while rowing upon a lake, I noticed a Least Bittern fly over some bull-rushes which grew tangled and coarse in an indentation in the shore line. From former exper- ience I suspected that he made his home here and upon searching I dis- covered the nests of these birds. They were all placed between one and two feet above the water in the thickest part of the rushes and could — not be seen until I was close upon them. Considering the size of the birds’ the nests were rather large in diameter, though of no great thickness. They were composed of dead and liv- ing rushes interwoven about the grow- ing stalks and were very little hollowed. The eggs were light green in color or rather whitish green and were slightly larger than the eggs of the Mourning Dove, but resemble them in shape. The first nest contained four eggs, the second three and the third three young and one egg. On June 28th we were. traversing a bay of a large lake. At one end is a hard bottomed shallow which is in no way connected with the main land, but stands exposed to wind and wave. The wild rice has taken footing here and mingled with the rushes grows tall and thick. ‘Che unmusical ery of the Yellow-headed Blackbird came con- stantly to our ears and occasionally we heard the piping of a Rail. [ had found the Least Bittern breed- ing here on previous years and once more made search for them. As many as six or eight pairs sometimes built in this place but this season there were only three. The nests were similar to those of the former colony, but instead of being . constructed of bullrushes they were formed of wild rice stalks. One of them was so close to the open water that we saw it while rowing along the border of the weeds. ‘The other two were well concealed. All of them con- tained three eggs which were except- ionally small sets as the nests of form- er years have generally contained four or five. It is said that the birds bring up two broods in a season. I have found nests in past years late in May but the ma- jority of my finds have been during the last of June. The nests of this latter period may have been second nests, but if so the young of the first nests have always kept themselves so well concealed that they were no where to be seen. On the first of July I saw what I thought was a Teal Duck fiying across asmall lake. It was some distance away, which magnified its size, for I soon perceived that it was a Least Bit- tern. It turnedin at one end of the lake and alighted in the rushes which were not nearly as dense as- where the Least Bittern generally builds. 130 I found alone pair of birds nesting there. The nest was formed of rushes like those of the first colony, and con- tained three eggs. Iwas in its vicinity several times afterward and stopped to look into it. A house was within a hundred yards of the place where it was situated and there were several small boys always infesting the shore, yet [think that no one besides myself knew of this nest. At all events the bird was not disturb- ed andthe rushes were not trampled down about it. ‘This demonstrates what retiring habits the Least Bittern has. He keeps himself in such security and is so silent that only those who are on the lookout for birds are liable to see him, and I have little doubt but what he is counted rare in localities where he is not so. Iwas often able to approach quite near to the nest last mentioned without flushing the bird. I found that both male and female shared in the duties of incubation. WhenI came in sight they always rose upon the nest, but instead of standing on the feet they rested on the knee joints with the feet forward. From this I believe that they set upon the eggs with the feet doubled under them. In general form the bird was a mina- ture of the American Bittern, though there was not a great deal of resem- blance in coloration. The under parts of both birds was light yellow, the back of the male was a greenish black and the back of the female was of a brown- ish shade. The color of the back made the two quite distinguishable. When the birds noticed that they were being observed they always raised the bill straight upward; a posi- tion characteristic of their larger rela- tive. Sometimes they climbed upon the rushes before flying, at which times one foot was held some distance above the other just as Blackbirds cling to the flags, although in the Heron-like THE OOLOGIST. position the birds are rather handsome, yet when they assumed this attitude, _ with the bill upward and neck stretch- ed, they appeared extremely narrow of body and their awkwardness of posi- tion overshadowed all the.beauty of plumage that they possessed. The flight also resembled that of the American Bittern, though when beating along close to the water some distance away they were readily mistaken for some other bird. . When leaving the nest they might utter a low sound like the chipping of a Blackbird or a very undertoned squawk but they have their characteristic cry. IT had heard it often in the marshes, but never thought it was that of the Least Bittern until this year. I supposed it belonged to the Coot or the Grebe and always considered the Bittern remark- ably silent. It is a note that would be useless to describe but is quite loud and harsh. One morning I was walking along the shore when I saw a Bittern fly to the lily pads not far from me. Had I not seen him alight I should certainly have passed by without noticing him. While his plumage in no respect re- sembled the vegetation yet it was such that when I tookmy eyes away it was rather difficult to place them on him again. He was not aware of my pres- ence and walked upon the lily pads with neck stretched before him as fully as long as his body, with long stealthy steps. I have seen the American Bit- tern step with the same long stride. A few scattered rushes grew among the lillies and whenever he came to one he perked his head about under it with sidelong glances, searching industrious- ly for insects. Sometimes he climbed short distances upon these rushes in pursuit of something. It was remark- able to see how light he was and how the rushes bore him up. His feathers made him appear a larger bird than he was. He was very industrious for there THE OOLOGIST. 131 were other duties to attend to at home and he made good his time in searching for food. A Kingbird held watch over the rushes bordering the woods where the nest was placed. I knew that he made life miserable for all the big birds that came that way, but supposed he had become so accustomed to this Least Bittern as to let go unnoticed so mod- esta bird. We were fishing outside the weeds one drowsy day, when the Bittern came by with the Kingbird close on his trail. Not content with merely snapping at him he alighted upon his back. The weight of the two birds was so near alike that the Bittern was borne nearly to the water, where- upon the Kingbird left him, but only to repeat the proceeding when the Bittern was well under way. The only protes- tation on the part of the persecuted bird was a feeble croaking barely audi- ble to me. I visited this Bittern’s nest when the young were out. I found them to be exceedingly bright eyed birds covered with a yellowish-white down. They did not hold the bill straight up when they saw me, but looked quite Heron- like. As they exhibited a tendency, at my presence, to craw! out of the nest into the adjacent rushes I left them without going nearer than to get a good sight. This was the last I saw of this family of birds. They probably soon left for those more marshy spots where lily- pads and wild rice and flags grow thick- ly and where they are better able to find the leeches, water insects, and the similar food on which they live. H. M. GuILForp, Minneapolis, Minn. Albino Eggs of the Bluebird. Having read several times of the find- ing of Albino eggs of Sialia sialis, I have always made ita point to notice the color of all Bluebird eggs which I might find in the hope of finding a set of white ones. After examing a great many nests I was at last rewarded in the spring of ‘94 by finding two sets of perfectly white eggs. About the first of May I noticed a pair of Bluebirds carrying material for a nest into a deserted Woodpecker’s excavation, but as it was situated about 25 feet from the ground and in a rather rough barked maple tree, I did not take the trouble to climb up to it. One brood was raised here in safety, but fortunately for me they concluded to change quarters. On the 8th of June I saw the pair building a new nest in an old paint bucket, hung on the broken limb of a crab apple tree, about 50 feet from the house. I often looked into this nest when passing and op the morning of the 13th was very much surprised to see a pure while egg in the nest. After this I looked at the nest oftener, if possible than before. The remain- ing eggs of the set were deposited on the following dates, 14th, 15th, 17th, and 19th. No more eggs being deposited, on the 21st I took the set of five. Not to be driven away in this man- ner the pair at once began building a new nest in another paint pail about 18 inches from the first. I was now careful not to disturb them, wanting to see whether the sec- ond set would be like the first or of normal coloration. On the 27th the first egg of the sec- ond set was laid, and to my great joy it was also white. This time I did not disturb them any until July 5th, when I took the second set of four eggs. This time the old birds did not build again but joined the first brood and after remaining in the neighborhood about two weeks disappeared: 132 THE OOLOGIST. From the two sets both being white one would infer that when a bird once lays albino eggs, she continues to do so, at least throughout the season, if not every year. D. F. HALL, Creston, lowa. $= $4 <> A. Mowbray Semple. A. Mowbray Semple was born near Poynette, Wis., in 1872 and from early childhood possessed a love for nature and nature’s beauties. He attended the local schools and later the Poynette Biblical Academy from which he graduated in 1894 with high honors, and after which he at- tended Rush Medical College in Chica- go, Ill., with intentions of perfecting his education and becoming a medical missionary and for which he had rare qualifications. He was a natural artist with cray- on and pencil and in his lectures atthe Chinese missions in his home city, he very ably illustrated what he called his “Chalk Talks,” in this way, «Going much good work in the conversion of the Chinamen to the Christian faith. He was deeply interested in Ornithol- ogy, Odlogy, Botany and Photography and oecasionally contributed well writ- ten and valuable papers to THE OG6LO- GIsT and other kindred magazines. He was a member of ‘The Wilson Ornithological Chapter” of the A. A. and one of the organizers of the Oodlo- gists’ Association. He took sick with pneumonia on April 28d last and after an illnes of nine days peacefully passed away on May Ist. : The Odlogists’ Association passed the following resolutions: WuereEas, It has pleased the Al- mighty to summon unto His presence ‘our late brother, A. Mowbray Semple, and WHEREAS, It is but fitting that a just recognition of his work in the advance- ment of Natural Science should be had; therefore, be it Resolved, By the Odlogists’ Associa- tion, that while we humbly bow in sub- mission to the will of the Almighty, we do not the less mourn the loss of our deceased brother and co-worker, and Resolved, That in the death of the — said brother, A. Mowbray Semple, the Odlogists’ Association laments the loss of one of the organizers and charter members of this association, whose active mind was ever looking to the advancement and welfare of this assoc- jation, and Resolved, That the Odlogists’ Associa- tion tender to the relatives of our de- ceased brother, our sincere and heart- felt sympathy in their late bereayment, and Resolved, That these resolutions be placed on file with the secretary of this association and a copy be transmitted to the family of our deceased brother and a copy hereof be sent to the OoLo- Gist for publication. j Signed, ' Isapor S. TROSTLER, Pres., EDMUND VAN WINKLE, Vice-Pres., Witt E. SnypDER, Treas., H.W Kerr, Sec., Jos. A. DICKINSON, Ex-Com., _ Executive Committee. The Ring-necked Mongolian Pheasant. Phasianus torquatus. This variety of Pheasant, a native of China and Japan, was introduced in Oregon by Hon. O. N. Denney, then consul general to Shanghai, in 1881, and a second importation in 1882. Several other varieties were intro- duced at the same time, but the Ring- neck only has prospered and he is now very much in evidence. Heis a game bird par excellence, in more senses than one; and the ‘“‘shootist’”’ loves him. With the farmer it is not quite so. A few ex- THE OOLOGIST. 133 tiacts from letters to the Chief of Diy- ision of Ornithology Department of Ag- riculture will show the views usually held of him by the agriculturalist. Mr. Asher Tyler, in his letter of Jan , 1889 says of him. * * “Having spread very rapidly and increased wonderfully. The female produces from fifteen to eighteen eggs at each litter and hatch them all. Some of them lay two litters a year. The old ones have lots. of nerve, will fight a Hawk, as anything that comes near them. The cocks will goin a barnyard and whip the best barnyard fowls -we have and run things according to their own notion. They are very hardy and stand our winters _ well. “Their favorite haunts are low _ grounds near fields of grain in which they depredate. They are very des- tructive to gardensas well. Great com- plaints are made against them.” Mr. R. S. Barr writes: ‘‘They are very destructive birds, both to grain and small fruits. When not disturbed he often comes in the chicken yard and fights with the chickens. ‘There is a law to protect him, here, but it is gen- erally discarded by the people.” Hon. T. T. Geer writing to the Ore- gonian published at Portland, Oregon, of date of Jan. 29, 1889 says: ‘‘In the matter of multiplying they seem to re- gard themselves as having been spec- jally included in the original biblical injunction, and are striving in season and out of season, for first money. = * As a farmer however, I not only have no objection to them, but rather admire them.” In my own letter of Jan. 22, 1889 to the Chief of Ornithology Department of Agriculture I have said of this Pheas- ant. ‘‘ They.are more a bird of open ground than the native Pheasant. They seek woods and brush for shelter when flushed, but will not ‘‘tree” for a dog. They usually make a loud cackling noise when flushed. They lie close and run and hide with remarkable dexter- ity, and are a hard bird to get. “This Pheasant is well adapted to take care of himself; is increasing fast, and has come to stay. ‘‘He is a vigorous fighter, and there are many reports of his going through the farmer's roosters. Cases are re- ported of his crossing with the domes- tic hens (?). Heis destructive in gar- dens, berries’and small fruits. * * He is voted a nuisance by many farm- ers and I am afraid his introduction will prove a calamity to the country, whatever it may befor the sportsman. ‘He is pretty good eating, about like our native pheasant, but I am inclined to regard him as a gaudily painted de- ception and a fraud. * * He ‘roosts’ on the ground, hiding among grass, weeds, or other cover. The hen lays on the ground, from twelve to eighteen eggs at a clutch; raises two and some- times three broods in a season. “The male crows, something like a young domestic rooster just learning the art, and flaps, or rather flutters his wings afterward.” And in my letter of Mar. 7, 1890 to the Pacific Rural Press of San Francis- co, Cal., in answer to inquiry: “This Jap. is hardy, vigorous, and remarkably well calculated to take care of himself. He is an expert at running and hiding; is impudent and profane. He will sit behind the fence a hundred steps from where 1am working in my berryground and yell, ‘You daren’t shoot,’ and flutter his wings in the most insulting manner. If approached he runs off rapidly, dodging behind, every sort of cover, and when pressed gets up suddenly and flies straight away crying out rapidly and loudly, ‘‘Shoot! shoot! shoot and be d—d; shoot and be d—d.” In spring the males quarrel and swear at each other long distances apart, getting nearer and nearer and eventually having a pitched battle. In the interests of piety and morality of 134 THE OOLOGIST. the busy men, this Mongolian should be kept out. He rises early and gets in all the time there is. As a provocation of profanity he is irresistable, and missionary effort among your vine culturalists and berry men will be useless in a few years after you introduce this Pheasant. The law for his protection here is practically a dead letter. Every one who hunts car- ries a tight game-bag, and it is an un- written law, implicitly obeyed, that no one else tries to see what he has in it.” My further acquaintance with this bird has greatly modified the unfavor- able opinion given above. He does eat some berries and small fruits and he does forage some on “‘garden truck;”’ lettuce, onions, cabbage &e., he espec- ially effects, but he is a great insect eater. Grasshoppers, cutworms, green- worms, et genius entomo, are his pecul- iar delight. He digs cutworms out of sod with his strong beak, and is a most expert and persevering grasshopperist. The young birds are active, feather quickly, and a little brown chick ‘no bigger than the end of your thumb, can eatch a grasshopper too easy. They also catch flies, moths, &e. of all sorts found among grass and weeds, and they especially delight in aphids. If your cabbage, kale, rutabagas and such become ‘‘Jousy’? a brood of Pheasant chicks is a sure remedy. In this way he helps to raise the fruits and vegetables, and is certainly entitled to scme share, as compension. And Iam not prepared to assert that he takes more than his just dues. And I think that Mr. Asher Tyler, quoted above would now modify his sweeping statement as to their destructiveness. Mr. Asher’s statement that the young are ‘‘easily raised,” and that they ‘be- come very domestic,” is not in accord- ance with my experience. The young are fairly easy to raise under proper conditions. The wild hens raise them easy enough, but with a common dom- estic hen it is different. Thechicks do not eat grain at first, but subsist entire- ly on insects, fiies, bugs, &c. which they can catch among grass and weeds. Some substitute food must be pro- vided when they are kept in confine- ment. They require to be kept dry and warm, more so than domestic chicks. They need plenty of hovering, and the mother hen should be handy and understand her business. They have some other peculiarities also, that should be understood to insure success, but this article is already spinning out too long. With us they do not become very domestic. They are shy, shrewd, very suspicious and afraid of strangers. We have to keep them confined or they would leave. We live in a small vil- lage. If we were on a large farm where they would not be hunted or otherwise disturbed, they would stay around, but they would keep out of sight mostly and they could only be caught with a gun. They cannot be trapped or snared. They are too,sharp for that. No finer game bird runs or flies. He will not ‘‘tree’’ but lies close to the ground, and a dog that understands him, can hold him along time. When flushed he flies straight away, cackling loudly. When winged he is yet hard to get, if there is cover of any kind, as he has got the most useful pair of legs on him of any game bird. He is the beloved of the sportsman, the disgust of the bungler, the despair of the trapper. Wherever he is intro- duced he will learn some new tricks to bother the ‘‘shootist” and his dog. The male’s brilliant plumage renders him conspicuous, and he needs to be sharp to take care of himself. They are hardy from the time they are weaned, and I see no reason why this Pheasant should not become the game bird of the U. S. F. S. MATTESON, Turner, Oregon. THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XII. NO. 9. ALBION, N. Y., SEPTEMBER, 1895. W HOLE No. 119 Two ‘Knots’ Shot at Stoney Point, N. Y. Last Tuesday morning after several days of severe wind, almost a gale from the northwest, a young enthusiastic ob- server and ornithologist of this city, Mr. James Savage, took his wheel and gun and spea out to Stony Point, think- ing that he might perhaps find a rare bird on the beach that had, by the se- verity of the wind, been thrown out of his course southward. His expecta- tions were agreeably rewarded. Com- ing to the point he saw two waders that seemed to be entirely new to his experienced eyes. He was lucky enough to secure both. To his surprise he found that they were male and fe- male of the heretofore, in this vicinity, not observed ‘“‘Knot,” also called Red- breasted and Ash-culored Sandpiper, or Gray-back. This handsome species, so remarkable for its seasonable differ- ences of plumage, is the largest of the North American Sandpipers. It inhab- its most parts of the globe; in America chiefly coastwise, and breeds in hich latitudes. “In autumn and winter,” says Audu- bon, ‘‘this species is abundant along the whole range of our coast, wherever the shores are sandy or muddy,from Maine to the mouths of the Mississippi; but I never found one farinland. Sometimes they collect in flocks of several hundred individuals, and are seen wheeling over the water, near the shore, in beautiful order, and now and then so close to- gether as to afford an excellent shot, es- pecially when they suddenly alight in a mass near the sportsman, or when swiftly veering they expose their lower parts at the same moment. On such occasions a dozen or more may be killed at once, provided the proper mo- ment is chosen.” An authentic egg of the Knot has for many years been the object of special and diligent search by eminent natur- alists and explorers traveling in Arctic regions where the bird is known to live during the season of reproduction. Lieut. A. W. Greeley, U. S. A., com- mander of the late expedition to Lady Franklin’s Sound, succeeded in obtain- ing the long sought for egg of the “Knot.” C.H. Merriam publishes the first account of it, written by Lieut. Greeley as follows: “The specimen of bird and egg were obtained in the vi- cinity of Fort Conger. latitude 81 deg. 44 min. N., color, light pea green, close- ly spotted with brown in small specks about the size of a pin head.” Mr. Savage has these rare specimens mounted by Mr. H. Grieb of this city, and will undoubtedly present them to the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences. O. REINECKE, Aug. 23, 1895. Buffalo, N. Y. ot Nesting of Richardson’s Merlin ~ On May 18th a friend of mine while looking for nesis of the Ferruginous Buzzard on an island in the Bow River, near Calgary Alberta, noticed a small Hawk fly from a Black Poplar, and up- on proceeding to the spot the bird com- menced screeching and was almost im- mediatly joined by its mate, and by the time my friend stood under the tree the. two birds were making a tremendous “noise, and were very bold, making re- peated swoops to within a few yards of the intruder’s head. My friend was not long in reaching the top of the tree which had been broken off at some time, and was re- warded by the sight of five as handsome eggs as he ever saw. ‘The nest was 136 practically none, the eggs being laid on the rubbish which had collected at the bottom of the hole, about 30 feet from the ground, incubation slight. of Richardson’s Merlin, but to be fully convinced he sbot the female and fully identified the bird. The set is now in my possession and the eggs are very handsome, thickly blotched and splashed with—rich red brown, almost appearing uniform in one specimen. The set was taken about three miles from where Mr. J. E.House- man took a set in 94. See OoLoeisr for July, 1894. On July 2ist I was down the Bow river collecting and within about a mile of-where the above set was taken, I shot an Am. Sparrow Hawk from the top of apoplar, and immediately follow- ing the report a male Hawk flew from another tree vociferously protesting against my intrusion. I had been on the look out for Richardson’s Merlin for several days, as I wished to procure a pair if possible, and my suspicions wee aroused at once as the bird was larger and darker, and the ery was somewhat different from the Sparrow Hawk. I proceeded to the spot, and when with- in afew yards of the tree the female left the nest and joined her mate. The tree was a large black poplar, and it was utterly impossible for me to climb it without help, so I satistied myself with shooting the female, and determined to return the following day, which I did, and with the aid of a long pole I reached the first branch and then a large jagged hole that showed nearthetop. Directly, my head was on a level with the hole five hungry mouths were opened, clamoring noisely for food, and I was gazing upon five dow- ny young of Richardson’s Merlin. , One was aremarkably smalland puny bird almost dead and with scarcely any down upon it. I transferred the lot in- to my hat and now all that remains of | My friend was satisfied that they were eggs’ THE OOLOGIST. them is their carefully preserved skins along with the female. I was greatly surprised at taking young birds so Jate, and I think it just possible that the bird left from the first nest mated again, thus accounting for the lateness of the nesting. I spent some 4 weeks around Calgary this summer, and saw in all about tive for six pair of Merlins, they are no doubt very local as Ispent some three ~ weeks, 100 miles north of Calgary and never saw a single specimen,the Pigeon Hawk seeming to take its place. I be- lieve these two records are only the sec- ond and third authentie ones of the nesting of the nesting of this bold little Falcon. Whilst taking the latter nest the male was very bold swooping © to within afew yards of my head. I could easily have shot, him but thought I had played hayoe enough. G..EO DIEPIE, Toronto. A Few Notes on the Arizona Jay. Aphelocoma sieberii arizone. This jinteresting bird is a common resident in the Sierra Madres about Monterey in the oak timber. It was while I was field engineer of a short railroad that runs from town to the foot of the mountains, twelve miles south, transporting ore irom thence to the smelters here, that I met this spe- cies. Being very busy. I had no time to study this bold fellow and make sure his identity, but at last fortune favored me, and I obtained an introduction. They are gregarious, roving about in flocks of half a dozen or adozen. They spend all the morning and evening fily- ing about from tree to tree, uttering their harsh cries, and not appearing to notice man in the least. Inthe middle of the day they are generally still, sit- ting around in trees, in some retired THE OOLOGIST. 12{2), \gas 137 place, although a couple of hours be- fore they had not deigned to heed any- one, yet if they be disturbed while tak- ‘ing their midday ‘‘siesta,” they lift up their voices in the most complaining tones. ‘About the middle of April, I observed one building its nest 30 feet from the ground in a large oak right in the midst of a mining camp. In due time the 7th of May: came around, and with it very little for me to do, as I was then bridge engineer. So after discharging what duties I had, I sat out for a climb to the top ofa hill elose by,. “For,” said I to myself, ‘I may run across a nest of that festive day.” Ilooked around me very care- fully as I went. When about half way up, I disturbed a dozen individuals, who were taking an evening nap. My face flushed with delight. Surely I was in for a valuable set. A careful exam- ination of all the trees in the nighbor- hood terminated in a disappointment, but as disappointments are common to a collector, I did not mind tbis. After a while I reached the top. I looked about me. At my feet was the partly constructed bridge, the railroad winding and twisting along the side of the hill, while farther down the valley were the engine and the track-laying gangs. On the other side was the ma- jestic mountain range towering sky- ward 4,000 feet, the San Pedro mine with itsred dump about on the same level that I was, and witha long cable reaching nearly to the railroad. The view was indeed lovely. and I stopped fora few moments enjoying the scen- ery. Then I looked around again, but this time at the trees, when suddenly I saw a sight that made me want to jump up and whoop ala Comanche Indian. Not 50 feet from me in a small oak was a Jay sitting serenely on her nest which was situated close to the main branch, fifteen feet from the ground. I went up and stood under the tree, yet she took no notice of. me, so by way of amusement I snapped’ a few twigs at her to see what effect it would have. At first she paid no attention whatever of them, but when one smote her on the head, she decided that the place was getting too warm for her, and Jeft in great haste. Lighting on a tree near- by, she called to her ‘“‘old man,” who was exceeding prompt in making an appearance. AsI began to climb the tree the pair raised a terrible rumpus, flying about close to me utterring their harsh cries, and lighting frequently. Treached the nest and looked in. Any one who has ever made a rare find can imagine the thrill that went through meas I gazed upon four eggs. They were bluish-green in color similar to the eggs of the Robin,sparsely sprinkled with small spots of reddish lavender brown quite evenly distributed over the entire surface. One egg was almost entirely free from markings. Size about 1.25x.80. The nest was composed of twigs, very loosely yet neatly arranged, and scanti- ly lined with rootlets. It was neatly rounded, and well cupped, measuring 5x4, 3x24 in. But now comes the sad part of my story. The eggs were far advanced in incubation, and being out on my work, I did not have the best tools that were ever used, so I could not save my prec- ious set. Alas, I found no more eggs of this Jay, but am locking forward to next year to have the opportunity of taking and preserving at least one set. Irvine H. WentTwortn, Monterey, Mexico. A Few Notes on the Nesting of the Great Crested Flycatcher. So little has been written concerning the nesting habits of this species that it occurred to me to write a short account describing, from my own experience, its nidification. 138 THE OOLOGIST. The Great-Crested Flycatcher is a fairly common bird in eastern United States, but on account of its retiring disposition is not very well known. It arrives from the South early in May and remains with us until September: Nidification generally begins about tbe first week in June and fresh eggs may be found in July. The best time, how- ever for fresh sets is about the middle of June. I can well remember even now the cir- cumstances under which I first saw one of the eggs of the species. Iwas about nine years of age at the time and, with some companions was standing in front of the school house at East Madison, N. J., where I have spent a good portion of my early existence. We were en- gaged in the arduous occupation of doing nothing in particular when a farm boy approached, and exposed to our view an egg of this species which none of us had ever seen before. With envious eyes I surveyed the pe- culiarly marked specimen, and when the boy with magnanimous generosity offered to dispose of it at the low price of 25 cents, which he assurred us was about equivalent to giving it away, I jumped at the bargain, but next minute lugubriously confessed that I hadn't the money. The boy collected an additional egg each day till we had scrutinized five specimens and fully believing that he had now taken the full complement and having besides sold all the other eggs at prices ranging from ten cents to a quarter, consented at my entreaty to show me the nest, which I found in an isolated hollow stub. This stub was about 12 feet high and so excessively crooked that it might be said to ap- proach the bounds of deformity. Hav- ing first been laughingly informed that I could have what the nest contained, Timpetuously scrambled up and had just time to insert my hand in the nest which was but a few inches from the top and to seize to my great joy and astonishment an egg, when the stub fell. In withdrawing the egg on such short time allowance, I pushed the nest from its original site, and after- ward found it on the ground, it having traversed internally the length of the stub and having come out where the stub had broken off. During this time Thad traversed the stub’s length exter- nally, sustained no bruises and retained the egg intact much to my guides cha- grin, who sincerely expressed his regret at having made such a rash agreement and for some time this egg stood pre- eminent so to speak in my collection. This Flycatcher is of the persevering genus in that it will lay the full comple- ment no matter if each egg is taken be- fore another is laid, and some times this indefatigability is not without its reward, which the following example will well illustrate. Some years after the preceding rem- iniscence, not having since found any more of this species eggs, a friend and myself were exploring an old remote orchard, when I upon inserting my hand in a large hole felt an egg. With- out hestitation I called out ‘‘Sparrow’s egg,’ but upon drawing the egg out was overjoyed to find it a Crested Fly- catcher’s. Moved by the other boy’s entreaty I left the egg for the time being, but the next day we revisited the spot each returning home an egg richer. As we only collected singles, we agreed to leave the prospective remainder of the set undisturbed. The nest, however, was found three days later by some. other odlogists and the three eggs tak- en. In the course of a couple of weeks. while again collecting in the locality I visited the nest, and found a recently hatched young bird, which proved that the birds had succeeded in haiching their sixth and last egg. The female is nota close setter and I have rarely surprised her on the nest. THE OOLOGIST. In fact in only a very few instances out ofthe large number of nests that I have examined, have I seen either bird in the vicinity. The number of eggs to a set seems to vary with the locality. In almost all the complete sets which I have collect- ed, six eggs composed the complement, while a friend, who has also collected many sets of this species informs me that he has almost invariably found four eggs to be a complete set. His sets were obtained in the vicinity of Newark, N. J., where I am told these birds are numerous. Davie gives four to six as the number to a set, but this summer on June 21st, while collecting with a friend at Rich- mond Hill, L. I. I was fortunate enough to take a set of seven from a hole in an apple tree six feet from the ground. The nest cavity is generally large enough to admit of the hand but in this instance the hole was smaller than is usually the case and the eggs had to be withdrawn by means of a spoon which should always be carried for such emergencies. The eggs of this set were in varying stages of incubation, one containing ay embryo while another was entirely fresh. In another cavity in the same tree was a nest of the English Sparrow containing six eggs while in a maple close by was a family of Yellow Warb- lers just ready to fly. ; This bird usually builds in regions removed from from the near society of man, but on the day that I collected the set of seven I observed an instance of this bird nesting close to civilization. A friend living on Richmond Hill said’ that he had found an egg in his yard which he was unable to identify. He produced the egg and I at once pro- nounced it a Great Crested Flycatcher’s and expressed my astonishment at this bird’s nesting so close to a house. Without saying a word he walked to a tree near the front walk and gave it a 139 Sharp rap with his hand. Simultan- eous with the rap the Flycatcher who had doubtless heard him approach, flew from its hole some five feet from the ground and perched on a dead limb some distance away, raising and low- ering its crest with an excited, jerky movement in an exceedingly ludicrous manner. Thad previously searched for years in vain for a nest of M. crinuts at Rich- mond Hill and had begun to think that this bird was not a breeder in that lo- cality. Thavenever found anest of this species placed more than fifteen feet from tne ground, and the average height is about six feet. The nests were cearly always placed in holes in apple trees in isol- ated orchards, which localities are the favorite haunts of this Flycatcher. They sometimes, however, utilize bird houses and Mr. W. EK. Loucks in the February O6LOGIST mentions a pair which nested ‘in the corner of a dancing {pavilion under the roof.” The nest is composed of miscellan- eous substances, sticks, fine strips of bark, grasses, feathers, fine stems and rootlets and the invariable snake skins. Pau. H. MorTrenay, New York City. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. This species is common throughout this and adjoining counties. Itis very noisy as it goes through the woods catching its food which consists of gnats, etc. There is scarcely a piece of woods that does not afford a habita- tion for one or more pairs of these busy birds. The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher arrives here in the first part of April being common about the 15th. The nests are placed on horizontal or drooping limbs and upright forks. When the first it is saddled and sometimes an upright twig affords a support to either side. Some- 140 times, but rarely ever, bushes, one was found in an upright tork of a plum bush about five or six feet high. Three nests have been found on drooping limbs with a horizontal one about five inches above the first. The number of eggs deposited are four or five. Their ground color is greenish or bluish-white speckled with chestnut, and in some the markings are of a dark brown tinge. The nest is a rather frail structure with high -com- pact walls, narrow at the brim and gracefully turned. The interior is made of soft downy materials, withered blossoms, down of the milkweed, fine wiry grasses, stems of old leaves, horse- hair and sometimes, but rarely ever, chicken feathers. The exterior is beautifully ornamented with lichens, held in place by webs and to the limb by the same. Concerning the beauty of the nest will quote Mr. Davie: ‘‘Asa work of beauty and ingenious archi- tectural design the nest of this bird has few equals in this country.” At a dis- tance it looks like a round knot pro- trouding from the Jimb, and this makes it hard to find. The best way to find the nest is to {watch the birds carrv building material to it. The earliest date I have for begin- ning of nest building is May ist. On the morning of that day while rambling in some pines ]saw a Gnatcatcher fiy to a pine limb with something in its mouth. After sitting there for a short time it flew away. Soon it came back With its mate, both with material for the nest in their mouths. Several days after I passed the place again and found both birds busy, the nest being nearly completed. A week later I came to the nest, seeing that it was finished began climbing the tree, when about half way up the bird fiew off. The height was 35 feet and ten feet from the trunk of tree. The limb was too small to bear my weight so I took a pole, nailed a box filled with cotton to THE OOLOGIST. ie { it builds in -two inches from top of nest. one end, and cut another one but small- er. The eggs were secured as follows: Held the box under nest and turned it and eggs into box with the smaller pole. On examining the box found it to contain four fresh eggs. The nest was saddled on the -limb and one side was fastened to an up- right twig. It was made of fine wiry grasses, soft downy materials and stems of old leaves, beautifully adorn- ed with lichens. In diameter it meas- ured one and one half inches and two ‘inches in height. Set II. While looking for nests I came across a pair of Gnatcatchers. After looking for their nest a short while I found it in an oak ona dead limb just above it was another one not. It was 15 feet high and 10 feet from trunk of the tree. ‘The nest with its five incubated eggs was easily secured. The birds nev- - er came near, as is not generally the case. This nest was larger than any I have ever found. It was made of fine wiry grass, soft downy material, seeds of grass, and like the other, beautifully adorned with lichens. As the limb was slanting the nest was higher on one sitle than the other being 33 and 24 inches in heighth and 2 inches in diam- eter. Date, May 12. Set III. On May 15, while getting a Warbler’s nest I heard a Gnatcatcher. I thought it had a nest near, so began searching for it. After looking a short time I saw a nest in a sycamore tree, and could see the tip end of her tail over the edges of the nest. I had climbed within a few feet of it before she left the nest and her five incubated eggs. All the time I was getting it she flew at me. The nest was well fastened to the limb, at the bottom and to an upright branch at one side. It was a rather small one compared to the nest of Set II, measuring only 1% inches in height, and 14 inches in diameter. Made of THE OOLOGIST. 141 the same materials as others except it was lined with horse hair. Set IV. While rambling in some woods for nests, I saw Gnateatchers fly- ing toand from an upright fork of a hickory. When I examined the fork found that they had just epmmenced a nest. It being a good distance from home, I did not pass the nest until two weeks after. Then instead of a few lichens and grasses, found a completed nest with five fresh eggs. The old bird was rather bold while I was taking the nest, coming within a few feet of me and fussing all the time. This nest had thicker walls than any other I have tak- én, measuring + to 2 of an inch thick. The other dimensions were 24 inches in diameter and 3 inches in height. It was made of brown lichens, fine wiry grass, and a little moss, beautifully adorned with lichens. H. GouLpD WELBORN, Lexington, N. C. Notes on the Nesting of the Ash-throated Flycatcher. The Ash-thioated Flycatcher, (Miar- chus cinerascens) is very common in this locality during May, June, July, although its nests are easily found, as the birds usually retire to the seclusion of the woods and hill-sides to finda nesting site. The birds arrive here from winter quarters the last of April, the first birds being seen about the 14th and stay until the middle of August. During the last of April and the first week in May they may be seen every- where busily catching flies and insects, not seeming to mind the presence of vaan in the least. although later in the season they become very shy and wary. About the 12th of May the birds begin tmaating, at which time the males are very pugnacious, often engaging in fights for the possession of a female. After a site has been selected for the nest, which is usually in some old flick- ers or woodpeckers hole, the nest build- ing commences. A thick layer of grass is usually put in first, although I have found several nests that had no grass at allin them. On top of the grass, the birds put horse manure, rabbit fur, cuw’s hair and fine roots to a depth of two or three inches, and then the lining which is usually composed of short hair . or fur tuken from the hide of some dead cow or rabbitt. One nest found was composed almost entirely of rab- bit’s fur. From four to seven eggs are laid, usually five. They have a light buff ground color, scratehed and splashed lengthwise. but most profuse on the large end, with reddish-brown or chest- nut, underlaid with faint lilac mark- ings. When robbed of the first set they will sometimes lay a second which usu- ally contains four eggs. One pair from whom I took a second set, I have reason to believe laid a third, as the eggs, were very much alike and the same charac- teristics were noted in each case. Happening to pass a white oak, one of the dead limbs of which I knew to be hollow, I thought I would climb up and take a look at it. I hardly expected to find any nest in it, as it joined a hollow stub and therefore had no bottom to it. Hence J was agreeably surprised to find the hollow in the branch choked up with grass which I knew meant an Ash- throated Flycatcher nest, although no birds were visible. I cautiously ap- proached the place several times in the next few days but didn’t see any bird, so I concluded the nest was deserted, but on chopping the hole bigger I was rewarded with five eggs. This was May 28, 95. June 18th I again climbed the tree and found a set of four which 1 left for two davs to be sure of a full set. I thought that was enough for one pair of birds, but out of curiosity I again climbed the nest July 12th. Result: One set of four incubated about three- fourths. On each occasion I was una- 142 ble to get a glimpse of the birds try as I would although I never before took a set when the owners weren’t very much in evidence. During the last two years three very odd nesting sites of this Flycatcher have come under my observation. The oddest of the three was one situated in a four inch pipe, ten feet from a travel- ed road. May 23 while walking along the road, shooting swallows, my broth- er chanced to look into the pipe, one end of which was in a tunnel, the other three feet from the ground. Noticing grass strewed along inside the pipe, he proceeded to investigate, and soon saw the nest which was three feet from the mouth of the pipe. After tryingin vain to loosen the nest with his ramrod, he succeeded, with the assistance of two small boys who informed him it was a swallow’s nest,in jouncing the nest out, and found it to contain four fresh eggs, one broken. Another nest was situated in a six by six water spout, not more than two feet from a hoisting plant which is in daily operation. The third, which was ob- served last year, was under the warped saddle boards at the peak of a neigh- bor’s roof. GEO. L. KAEDING, Drytown, Cal. The Only Venomous Bird Known. Among all the thousands of feathered creatures classified by the trained orni- thologists, but one, the Rpir N’Doob, or ‘‘Bird of Death,” is known to be ven- omous. This queer and deadly species of the winged and feathered tribe is a native of the island of Papua or New Guinea. The bird is described as being about the size of a common tame Pig- eon, of gray plumage, and a tail of ex- traordinary length, ending in a tip of brilliant searlet red. It is a marsh bird and is found to inhabit only the im- mense stagnant pools adjoining the lakes of the interior of the island. THE OOLOGIST. The Rpir N’Doob has a hooked beak, as Sharp as a cock’s spur, and hollow. The venom with which it inoculates is distilled in a set of organs which nature has provided for the purpose, and which lie in the upper mandible just be- low the openings of the nostrils. Un- der this poison-secreting labratory in the roof of the mouth is a smal] fleshy knob. When the bird sets its beak in the flesh of a victim this nob receives a pressure which liberates the venom and inoculates the wound. No man, native or otherwise, was ever known to recover from a bite in- flicted by aRpir N’Doob. The suffering in such cases is said to be much more agonizing than in cases of rattlesnake and Gila monster bites. M.T. CLECcKLEY, M.D: Augusta, Ga. My Oological Cabinet. Perhaps some of the OdLOGIST’s read- ers would like to know how to get a cheap, durable, safe and pretty egg cabinet. I will tell you what I use: two empty thread cases; one four and the other a six drawer case. ‘These can be bought in dry good stores very cheap. Mine cost $1 and $1.75 respec- tively. I believe that no other cabinet answers my purpose so well. They are made in oak and maple, and are “rat-proof.” My largest egg in one of these cabinets is a Black Vulture’s; so they will hold pretty large eggs. Being nicely finished and revarnished they present a handsome appearance; while the interior may contain nicely ar- ranged eggs. _One cabinet may be placed above the other, and make a handsome piece of furniture and econ- omize room. Thread cases are made in several styles according to quality and finish. Two hundred medium eggs can be stored in two cabinets. CLARENCE L. McCARTHA. Troy, Alasama. THE OOLUGIST. 143 A Hanging and the Lesson in It. In Popular Seience News for April, {894, under the title of ‘‘Birds That Think” was an article taken from Harper’s Young People. And as that article is short and intended to form the text for this present sermon, it will be no more than right to quote it in full. It is exactly as follows: * * * * * “A Swallow had built its nest among the rafters of the barn of Mr. Denny near Royal Oaks in Talbot County. While on the nest the Swallow was at- tacked by the Sparrow and the two birds had a furious battle, which went on sometimes in the air and sometimes onthe gronnd. The Swallow was cour- ageous, but it had not the mind of the Sparrow and finally had to yield to its antagonist. Having driven the Swal- low from the barn the victorious Spar- row took possession of the nest and con- tents. In about an hour the Swallow returned to the barn bearing in ils mouth a bunch of something resem- bling long horsehair. “The bird went directly and noise- lessly to its nest, threw itself on the back of the Sparrow and before the astonished bird had recovered from the shock caused by the sudden and violent retura of its vanquished foe, the Swal- low put a horse-hair noose around the Sparrow’s neck and somehow fastened the other end of the lasso to the nest or to the rafter. The Sparrow soon chok- ed to death on its unexpected gallows, where it hung for some days.” * Ed %* * * 1 deny the truthfulness of this ac- count on several grounds. It dces not read like the account of an eye-witness or at all events like the account of such an eye-witness as would be capable of telling just what transpired. Although we will not affirm that no such actions ever will be observed in lower animals, yet itis most highly improbable; and we will only grant the bounds of possi- bility for the sake of argumentative ob- servation and to add interest to our examinations. For my part, even if I had seen such an event transpire IJ think I would not have believed my eyes. However I do not think I would have seen the same chain of incidents as the writer of that article reported. Nowhere are the majority of people so incompetent to judge, so little to be trusted in their calculations, as in matters where their senses are called into play in connec- lion with animated nature. One day I met a farmer who gave me the startling information that the Bob- olink lived on his farm all the year round, and that the little Black-capped Chickadee or Titmouse was the genu- ine “‘sapsucker.” He likewise startled me by telling me that the dragon-flies which I had pinned on my hat were ‘mosquitoes! I must here exonerate Ohio and this section by the statement that my ignorant farmer does not live in these ‘parts’ nor is he by any means to be considered a type of Buckeye farmers. Yet the ignorance whereof this case isan extreme, the difference between it and the average being only one of de- gree not of kind, is so wide spread that I may safely call it universal. Not boastingly or with vanity be it said that no people as a whole know so much concerning the world in which they live as the American. Yet this knowledge is but a dim glimpse of that all-engulfing ocean whose bounds are infinitude itself. ‘The majority of per- sons do not use their eyes often enough to truthfully see; neither can they trust the evidence of their ears. And when once in a while they are awakened into consciousness by some extraordinary event their organs play (them false. They are dazzled and bewildered by the profusion and novelty of sensations. And why? Simply because they have not exercised them frequently enough to have auy reliable criterion of past experiences. For it is not the eye that must see, but the brain behind it. Be- hind the eye must be the eye-brain; and behind the ear the ear-brain. The eye 144 and the ear are but the windows through which the light from the outer world finds its way into the mind and soul. So it is with the other senses. As a rule we are prone to see only what we have been trained to see or have trained ourselves to see; or, as is too frequently the case, there has been no education of the powers of what I may call physical observation. So that all our education which should have ended in fitting us for a fuller appre- ciation of the world in which we live and what is that pray but a greater capacity for Life—ends often with mummifying us, sealing us up in living cells, with less capacity for the enjoy- ment of Nature than she gave us as children, than the red man has. Outside of the sense range of how many mortals lies how vast and splen- did a world! How much more fully, for instance, might the farmer enjoy life if he took the trouble to cultivate closer relations with the world in which he lives, in which his life finds so picturesque a setting against all the mighty forces and mysteries of the universe. If he were a more careful and interested observer. How can a man be a good live farmer without being a naturalist also? That he might know what wild flowers bloomed about him spotting with color the successive pages of the year whereby nature keeps a faithful calen- dar in his°fields; that he might see the beauty which a Supreme Beauty has given to the roughest weed, that he may admire and learn of it while he destroys it; that he might know what birds sang in his fields and orchards; what ‘bugs’ were foes and which he was to class with the hostes on his right hand which gather to his aid. For as the poet says; “More servants wait on man Than he'll take notice of.” There is some hope for the farmer whose life is somewhat more than the cultivating of corn and the feeding of THE OOLOGIST. the swine, who has a longing after the higher things even into the idea whieh nothing can smother. As a rule people are only what they are interested in, which means something rather narrow and limited and far enough away from Nature. The writer of the article on “Birds That Think” writes like a re- porter writing for business ends. The use of the word ‘‘mind”’ in the article is not quite correct. It could searcely be said that a Sparrow has more mind than a Swallow, seeing how much more capable of extended flight is the latter. Although, getting down to particulars, even here a dispute might be raised as to whether the Swallow actually had any more ‘mind power,’ when we consider its peculiar adaptation to long continued flight lies rather in its lightness, general figure and shape of wing. But of the two birds the English Sparrow—for sveh it was although not so stated in the ar- ticle—had the best chance in the fight being a trained and experienced fighter —a fighter both by nature and nation- ality. The Sparrow whipped the Swal- low and drove it from the barn. So far the tale goes well and is too common a one, experience leads me to believe. But now comes the change. The ob- server was very patient—he waited around ‘‘about an hour.”’ Meanwhile the Swallow had been out sitting on a telegraph or telephone wire or flying in superb tireless circles get- ting its ‘‘mind;’’ full of cogitations, plotting a revenge—or had she been in close consultation with some of the sage Swallows of that region renowned throughout all Swallowdom for age and judgment—two indisseverable Siamese twins as we are taught to be- lieve? Of course our observer could not ffollow the Swallow nor could he have any means of knowing what she did or where she went while he waited her return. She may have flown far, acting as a Swallow usually does un- THE OOLOGIST. 145 der such circumstances, or she may have done some of the things which we have reached in our speculations. At all events she returned and with a bunch of something which looked like “Jong horse-hairs.” In the next sen- tence we learn that it was horse-hairs— our observer got a better glimpse of it or settled into that conclusion. That the Swallow had settled in its mind what it would do, we know from the statement that she flew ‘‘directly and noiselessly” to her nest—two not very unusual or remarkable things to do— Jut they were so described to give weight to the culminating actions which must prove that birds think. No circling about with twitterings as usual, no uncertainty or hesitation; the plot was all laid. Only it was a pity her husband did not lend a hand as Mr. Swallows usually do. But he was busy in a clover-field near by and “could not possibly get off.” Did our observer climb up among the rafters of the barn? He was able for some reason to see very well, at allevents. How the Swallow threw herself upon the Sparrow’s back and _ ‘‘astonished”’ and shocked it so that she was able ere its recovery to put a horse-hair noose around itsneck and to fasten the other end to the nest or to the rafter—excite- ment ran too high for him to tell which —all this is very remarkable. And then to leave “the Sparrow soon chok- ed to death on its unexpected gallows” ‘for several days,’ it is too much! To see it hanging so long and not want to find out or try to find out which it was suspended from, the nest or rafter! Now my vrnithological brethren I do not want to be thought a sarcastic or ironical preacher nor do I wish to be rough with novitiate observers. It is for the very reverse that I am laboring. This department is difficult and with few enthusiasts enough I believe. I am only talking thus to give suf- ficient emphasis to what I have to say upon the matter of observation. This is my only reason for ‘tearing up ‘that unpretentious and carelessly written article. Yet such notes are in the right direction, and poor, careless and faulty ones are perhaps better than none and always to be encouraged. Where one is actually interested he will soon do better work if there be any ability in him. And all encouragement to the beginner in the fields of original ob- servation in living nature. Those fields are vast and everything is yet to be done. Let such magnificent monu- ments to this phase of nature-study as Sir John Lubbock’s ‘‘Ants, Bees and Wasps” and Charles Darwin’s ‘‘The Formation of the Vegetable Mould Through the Actions of Earth Worms” be our inspiration and ideals. (Continued in next number.) Notice. The regular semi-annual meeting of the Western New York Naturalists’ As- sociation will be held at Chili, Monroe Co., N. Y., Thursday, Oct. 3, 1895. - This will include the election of officers for the ensuing year and some very im- portant business. It is earnestly hoped that there will be a good attend- ance of active members. The business meeting will be called at 10 a.m. Pub- lic session from 1 to 5 and 7:30 to 9 p. m. Conveyances will meet morning trains at Coldwater Station on the di- rect line of the N. Y. C. &H. R.R.R. E. H. SHort, Chairman of Com. G. F. GUELF, Secretary. JUNE-JULY CONTEST. Thirty Judges. 1. Inthe Haunts of the White-tailed Kite, 146. 2. The Prothonotary Warbler in Dry Weather, 83. 3. Woodpeckers and Their Nests,76. 4. Hawk Notes from California, 64. 5. The Hooded Warbler, 40. . None of the Judges named the prize winning articles in their exact order. Prizes were mailed on September 10. 146 THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher. ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the pander ot Birds, their Nests and Hggs, solicited om all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Single Subscription - = 75¢ per annum Sample Copies - - - - - 10ceach The above rates include payment of postage by us. Hach subscriber is given two coupons, one good for an Exchange Notice and the other tor 25c. when presented with an order of $1.25 or over. Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLoagisT can be furnish ed at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. i=-Remember that the publisher must be no- tified by letter when a subscriber wishes his pa- per stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES. 10 CENTS PER NONPAREIL LINE EACH INSERTION. Twelve lines in every inch. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Post Office Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U. 8. Postage Stamps of any denomination wiil be accepted for sums un- der one dollar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, Orleans Co., N.Y. *,* Articles, Items of Interest and Queries for publication should be forwarded as early in the month as possible. PYTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N,. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER. = Speen en ee ie, SARI SEES Se You Are a Judge. Your decision must be mailed us not later than the /5th day of October. Write on back of a postal card the five articles which you have decided to be the most valuable, instructive and inter- esting in this combined Aug.-Sep. num- ‘ber of O6LOGIST andzmail tous. Num- ber the articles in the order which you” think the prizes should be awarded. During 1895 the Judges prize will be awarded as follows. viz: Hach month it will consist of $6 in specimens or $4.50 in instruments, supplies or publi- cations or $3 cash. This prize will be awarded to the Judge who names the winning articles and in their exact or- der. In case more than one Judge names them correctly this prize will be equally divided among the number. THE OOLOGIST. ‘ N N “For Charity Suffereth Long.” INMirs. Laur2 C. Phoenix, Milwaukee, Wis. of a Benevaient Home d knowing the good Dr. Miles’ Nervine has dcne me, my wish to help others, over- y dislike for the publicity, this S) In Nov. ard Dec,, 1893, ixsvaves had the “LaGrinpe,”” ndiwesone of the first. Resuming duty © soon, with thecare of so many sick, © - did nos regain my health, and in a month DP becazwne so Gebtisiated and mervous from sleeplessness and the drafts made on my vitality, that it was a question if I couid go on. d advised me te try Dr, Eles’? Mesteratéce Neresnme. L took 2 bottles and am happy to say, 1 ari in better health than ever. I still continue Kis occasional use, as @& nerve food, as my work is very trying. A letter ad- dressed to Milwaukee, Wis., will reach me.” June 6, 1094. Mrs. LAURA C. PHOENIX. Dr, Miles’ Nervine is sold on a positive guarantee that the first bottle will benefit. All druggists sellit at $1,6 botiles for $5, or it will be sent, prepaid, on receipt of price by the Dr. Miles Medical Co., Elkhart, Ind. Dr. Miles’ Nervine Restores Health fe L a U a mores Come to Florida. A fortune can be made in a few years in pineapples and tomatoes; vegetables raised the whole year. An ideal home. For particulars write R. P. Osler, Avon Park, Fia. 29&0tf OQ Wy, 7S ce S % Bt ate GiSm, < (eee) SL eaaeeeaYoeay cea) Oe SEER A Ke 7%e a ( ae VOL. XII. NO. 10-11. ALBION, N. Y., OCT.-NOV., 1895. WHOLE No. 20-21 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ““Wants,’ ‘‘Exchanges” ‘For Sales,” inserted in this department for 50¢ per 35 words. Notices over 35 words, charged at the rate of one cent per each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 50c. Terms, cash with order. ‘* DEALERS” Gan use these columns at Regular Advertising rates, only, Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-half list rates. Exchange Cards and Coupons (Subscription) will be accepted for «‘Wants” and ‘‘Hxchanges”’ only and according to conditions stated thereon. WANTED .—Winchester Repeating shotgun, Damascus barrel, full choke. Will give good exchange in finely mounted birds, fresh skins or eggs in sets from this locality. R. H. BECK, Berryessa, Calif. DO YOU want the latest? Send 2c for a beautiful ALUMINUM Pocket comb exquisitely finished. encased in a leather case. Send for list of other novelties with prices in quantities. ARTHUR H. LOHMAN, Two River, Wis. WANTED.—Collecting Gun (aew), Taxider- mist’s Outfit and first-class sets not in my col- lection. Ihave in exchange one pair of pet Coons, male and female, also sets and singles of Southern eggs. All letters answered. I. U. KINSEY, JR.; Savannah, Ga. WANTED.—Pointer or setter pup. Can offer Al eggs, skins etc., or possibly Some cash. Parties having same, address TOM TULLOCK, Lock Box 46, Rockford, Te 195 STONE arrow and spear heads, 8 stone axes, single shot Winchester 22 target rifle and 11 jeweled stem wind Waltham watch to ex- change for bound literature of any kind. LAWRENCE M. HART, Kirksville, Mo. WANTED.—Singles with data of Sandhill Crane, Hairy Woodpecker, Whip-poor-will, Water Thrush, Snowflake, Pileated Woodpeck- er, Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1-2 and nest. Will give sets in exchange. A. L. BLANCH- ARD, No. Yarmouth, Me. FOR SALE.—A Backus water motor 17 (14 to 1H. P.) in perfect condition, $20 Address C.H. ERMENTRANT, 175 Central Ave., Brooklyn, INS WZ 39 2t. O WANTED.—Dy. A. K. Fisher’s ‘‘Hawks and Owls of the United States.’’ Will pay cash. J. H CLARK, Paterson, N. J. WANTED.—A Coues’ ‘‘Key’’ in good condi- tion, 2d or 3d edition. Write stating lowest cash price. W.S. COLVIN, Osawatomie, Kan. THOSE wanting fine oil paintings of any ‘Special locality can by sending photo of the Same, have it reproduced in oil or water color, in exchange for first class egg’s with data. JAS. McCRACKEN, 927 W. Polk St., Chicago, Ils. SHOT GUN. A double-barrel, breech-loader, 12 gauge, walnut stock, checked pistol grip, 00d condition, worth 425. Will exchange for best offer in natural history specimens. Spec- imers to exchange. Will pay cash for desir- able specimens. Correspondence solicited. Ad- dress, PROFESSOR NATURAL SCIENBES, Methodist College, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. WILL EXCHANGE first class Bird Skins for eggs in sets. (Terns, Hawks and Owls prefer- red) or Scientiflc Books. Sendfor list. F. A. PATTON, Drawer 35, Hamilton, Canada. WANTED.—OOLOGIST, Vol. XI, 1889; offer Naturalist’s Journal from July, 1894 to Sept., 1895, inclusively, 15 numbers. value $1. H. C. LILLIE, Visalia, Calif. FOR SALE.—A 22 cal. Remington Rifle; sin- gle shot; shoots longs or shorts; in good con- dition, cost $8.50. Will ship by express to first one sending $. H.M.McLAUGHLIN, 117 W. 11th St., Mason City, Iowa. HAVE YOU a small bore double or single barrel collecting gun you wish to exchange for first-class sets. Please give description and amount wanted for it. T. B. HUDGIN, 1220 Spring Dale St., Athens, Ga. FOR SALE or EXCHANGE. - Fine pair of Jacobin pigeons, cost $10. Sell for $7 cash or exchange for Guinea Pigs or Common Pigeons. Write for particulars. RET Is FREVERT, 246 LaFayette St., Dayton, Ohio. TO EXCHANGE.—7 vols of Golden Days. About 400 No’s, for eggs, stuffed birds, climbers or oological instruments, value of papers $10, willex. for %. RUSSELL GRAY, Box 187, Haverford, Pa. NORTHERN BIRDS.—Correspondence so- licited from parties desiring Northern birds in the meat or fresh skins, I can supply many rare species during the fall and winter, full data. G. F. DIPPIH, 17 McMillan St., Toronto, Ont. ii _ THE OOLOGIST. WANTED.—To correspond with Oologists in Portland or vicinity, with a view of exchang- ing specimens, next Season. J. MERTON SWAIN, 1 Central Wharf, Portiand, Me. FERNS, their study and cutivation are the objevts of our magazine. Only journal of its kind. Sample free. LINNAZAN FERN BUL- LETIN, Binghamton, N. Y. I WILL exchange Indian relics, stamps and other curios for photographs and good draw- ings of wild animals, birds and nests. ABBERT GANIER, Milliken’s Bend, La. COMMON STAMPS in hundred lots to ex- change for common eggs in setS with data. Send list. C. H. FINNE, Box 280, Little Rock, Ark. - COLLECTORS Attention! I have 35 A 1 sets American Herring Gull eggs, full data. Will exchange lot for best offer of sets received Within three weeks. O. W. KNIGHT. 157 Ham- mond St., Bangor, Maine. WANTED.—Sets of 66, 301, 310, 349, 416, 417, 428, 482. 484, 485, 701. GEO. W. DIXON, Water- town, S. D. LOOK! For every three arrowheads sent me, or one bird point, I will send prepaid one old gun flint used at Ft. Winnebego. HARRY WILLIAMS, Portage, Wis. BICYCLE.—Have Aerial Bicycle M. & W. tires, fair Condition, value $30, to exchange for photograph outfit, snap shot camera, guns, watches or best offers. Letme hear from you. GORDON L. ELLIOTT, Allison, Iowa. OFFER EXTRAORDINARY! TI have on hand the following sets with data which I will dispose of at a very low price: American Crow 1-4, l5c; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1-5, 30; Summer Tanager 1-3, 40; Carolina Wren 1-6, 25; Crested Flycatcher 1-5, 25; Red-eyed Vireo 1-3, 15; Yel- low-billed Cuckoo 1-3, 20; Indigo Bunting 1-3, 15; Tufted Titmouse 1-5, 60. The prices above are per set. Also have very many singles for sale at 4% standard rates. W.L. FOXHALL, Tar- boro, N. C, TO EXCHANGE.—Double action, automa- tic, Self-cocking, High Grade Police Revolver, 32 calibre. Full Nickle plated throughout. Will sell for $5 or exchange for $10 worth of ' fine sets. Also have some books to exchange for good sets. Send list, GEO. W. DIXON, Watertown, S. D. N. LOOK HARE! I will exchange $2 worth of marine curios, Indian relics, shells. ete. for every $1 worth of eggs (sets or singles) which Iwant. Also 22 cal. Win. single shot rifle, Ly- man sights, perfect condition for best offer of eggs or skins. Send lists of what you have. A. H. VERRILL, Box 1649, New Haven, Conn. TO EXCHANGE.—A World Typewriter, nearly new, in elegant walnut case, for a Cam- era in good order, about 4x5. A. M, EDDY, Albion, N. Y. _ “NOMENCLATURE of Colors for Natural- ists,” Ridgway. I want a good second hand copy at once. State cash or exchunge price. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. - ANCIENT flint and stone relics for sale, also war and historical relics, flint lock arms, etc. One spear head and six perfect flint arrow heads, all different, 50e post-paid. Order now and get the best. DAVIS BROS. Diamond, Ohio. 38-2tO FOR SALE.—Fine sets, full, original data, fine fossils, and minerals. at 14 rates. Send stamp for lists. Will exchange for good cloth pour books. GEO. W. DIXON, Water cowva Ss. D. : EXCHANGE.—Hopkin’s Allen make of Mer- win Hulbert 22 cal. rifle with detachable 16 gauge shot barrel, worth 17 dollars. What can. you offer? C. H. DICKINSON, Grand Rapids, Itasca Co., Minn. oO. RUDY’S PILE SUPPOSITORY is guaran- teed to cure Piles and Constipation, or money refunded. 50centsper box. Send twostamps. for circulars and Free Sample to MARTIN RU- DY, Registered Pharmacist, Lancaster, Pa. No Postals Answered. For sale by all first- class druggists everwhere, and in Albion, N. Y. by George W. Barrell. TO EXCHANGE.—A collection of 700 differ- ent foreign stamps for a copy of Coue’s Key (latest edition) in good condition. F. P. DROWNE, 20 Benefit St., Proy., R. I. HAVE YOU SEEN IT? THE NIDIOLOGIST has issued and illustrated supplement devoted to beautiful and useful premiums, which are given away for new subscribers to the best il- lustrated bird magazine ever gotten up, for only one doliar. Premium list sent for stamp. Address, 150 5th Ave.. New-York City. FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE.—Malachite, Crysocolla, Chalcedony, Quartz, Azurite, Mon- azite and Frankline, Microscopic slides, Infu- sorial earth 100 localities, Trap-tufa and rocks for sale or exchange for other minerals. or Microscope slides or Infusorial earths. PROF, ARTHUR M. EDWARDS, Newark, N. Je O. & N. té. RARE singles to exchange at half cataloue rates for sets with data, can use a lot of com- mon sets. Send for list. W. A. DAVIDSON, 398 Junction Ave., Detroit Mich. 38-2tO , SHELLS and INDIAN RELICS from Puget Sound and Whatcom Co. 3 var. Purpura 2 to 5e each: 3 var. Lottia gigantea 3c ea; Murex (cer- ostoma) 5 to 10c: Triton perene cancelatus 5 to 10e; Natica Lewistti5 to 15¢e; Triton var. 5e: 3 var. Chitons (Steller) 3 to -0c; Indian Pestles $1 to $5.50; Indian chisels 15c to $1.25; Arrow Points 10c to 75e. Address J. Y. COLLINS, Taxidermist and Collector, New Whatcom, ‘Wash. O2t—39-4t FOR EXCHANGE.—A few fine skins of Beld- ings Marsh Sparrow. Many common eastern species wanted. Values based on Webb’s Man- ual. FRANK S. DAGGETT, Pasadena. Calif. CALIFORNIA EGGS for exchange. I have the following: A 1 sets for exchange. 4 1-3, 47 1-3, 74 50-5. 278 1-3 1-2. 378c¢ 1-4, 413 1-4 1-5 1-9, 430 10n-2, 447 2-5 12-4, 462 1-3 1-3n 2-2, 510 1-6 3-5, 519 8-4 5-5, 530 1-5. 531 1-5n, 481 n-4, 581ce 5-4, 591b 1-2, 696 1-2 1-4, 599 1-4 1-3, 622b 1-6 2-5, 681a 1-3. 688a 3-4 1-3, 743a 3-6 1-4, 758 3-4 1-3. 717a 2-4. LEE CHAMBERS, Santa Monica, Calif. BOOKS. I want good clean second-hand copies of any Book which I offer for sale in my new (May issue) NATURALIST’S BULLETIN. Look over your old Books and send me a list of the ones you will ‘‘swap,” stating lowest ex- change price and what you can use for the same. FRANK H, LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. When answering advertisements always mention the ‘‘OOLOGIST.’”’ THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XII. NO. 10. A Hangirg and the Lesson in It. (Coneiwded trom last Number.) Interesting though it may be, instead of going to libraries—all blessings on them and those who have made them— let us go to that great library of ani- mated nature, whose volumes are the life histories of animals and the pages are their pleasant actions. To him who will sit down in field or wood and in- telligently question Nature with live senses Shall shortly be opened up some- thing new and interesting. I covet some authentic notes on the habits of birds much more than I covet their eggs and nests;'and how much more to be desired is the knowledge’ of the habits and traits of the wild deni- zens of the field and wood than their dead skins and skeletons. True, it takes much Jonger to find out some- thing new about a bird than it does to collect its nest and eggs and fill out a data blank; so also does it take more wits and more training—though when the collector goes far enough he is merged into the naturalist. Then, it may be, that the nest, eggs and skins will bring the most dollars and cents; but surely no naturalist is led on by a niggardly monetary stan- dard. Andon the valuation scale of truth methinks a page of good notes will out-weigh quite a few sets of eggs or skins of birds. All this sermonizing has been done not so much for the elders as for the benefit of the youngers or youngsters— I beg their pardon for that word. The “old fellows” I have neither wish nor hope of converting from their evil ways —provided they are in evil ways, which ALBION, N. Y., OCTOBER, 1895. WHOLE No. 120 Idoubt. I wish to urge.as I have been urging, to a more exclusive devotion to observation, as emphasized against mere collecting. It is apparent that the time is not far distant when collecting in this country must to a great extent, be suppressed. It is not without pain and apprehension that older naturalists note the falling off in numbers of almost every species of bird, mammal, reptile and even rare and local flowers. And when the time comes for protection to plant its deter- mined foot against the collector and collector-naturalist—hapvy may the ob- server-naturalist well be for he may still bag his annual note-book full of game. ; In antithesis to the article quoted, I have a case to present which came un- der my notice in June, 1894. The pho- tograph with which this is illustrated is of the identical uest, though another female English Sparrow was used in lieu of the one which was actually. hung. ‘The lesson in it’’ lies in the conclusions drawn from the cirum- stances of the case. The lesson in care- fulness and slowness in approaching results in the examination of such ob- scure cases could scarcely be better sought than in this particular instance. Of all groups of animals whether it be among insects, birds or mammals those which are sociable or gregarious seem the most human-like, and interest most people more than such species as dwell in isclated pairs. Witness ants, bees, wasps, beavers, prairie dogs, ‘quails’? some of the Swallows—a complete list of the sociable animals would be long. The Eave Swallows or ‘‘Republicans’’ as they are called from their social hab- its since more appropriately called Cliff Swallows (Petrocheliton lunifrons) 148 CHE OOLOGIST, from their habits of nesting on the faces of ledges of cliffs, have become in a measure domestic, now building their nests on the sides of houses and under the eaves of barns. We had last year a colony of fifteen families under the east eaves of the great barn. They are as characteristic of the exterior of the barn as the Barn Swallows are of the interior, and | have never caught one inside. Their noisy and incessant twit- ter on the wing and unique squeaky conversational notes only uttered under the eaves, and their quaint gourd shap- ed bottle nosed nests of cunningly worked mud, all aid in making them the most striking and pleasant of our feathered visitors. How odd they look as they stick their heads out of the necks of their nests and watch you down below like little imps or brownies, that crescent across the front of the head— whence lwnifrons—showing very plain- ly like a little cap. One evening as I was going to milk, the startling information was brought that the Fave Swallows had hung an English Sparrow. When I reached the barn J saw ‘quite an unusual uproar umong the Swallows. Thirty Swallows THE OOLOGIST. sweeping round in circles twittering in- cessantly can make considerable hub- bub. Every now and then a Swallow would dip down and strike at a female English Sparrow which was dangling below a nest, from the mouth of which it appeared to be suspended. Some- times the Sparrow would squirm as violently as a bird could in so disadvan- tageous a position, twirling back and forth. In about three-quarters of an hour, by guess, when I came from milk- ing the bird was dead. Meanwhile, the Swallows hushed by the coming night, had gradually sunk to rest, and all was silent in the little hanging village un- der the eaves. I put a ladder against the barn and went up to make an ex- amination—to hold my inquest. Ver- dict, death caused by a horse-hair run- ning noose, whether the result of acci- dent or otherwise, not determined. Now here was a pretty clear case of circumstantial evidence, so everybody thought, but the writcr, he did not try to explain it then—couldnt’t. This is the way it seemed to stand: Bird had evidently been troubling the Swallows, trying to appropriate the nest; there had been an unusual commotion in town; here was the Sparrow hung by the neck, dead. What would the most nat- ural conclusion be, as drawn from such evidence? What might an average jury say after an impressive address by an eloquent judge? But I waited my conclusion till after further examiua- tion. Such ascene would furnish suf- ficient material for a nice live article at the hands of most any reporter. I took the nest down. Now for the rev- elations! It contained two dead Swal- lows and three English Sparrow eggs. Here is more evidence: Time for the Swallows to have plotted and planned. But an examination of the horse-hair puts an entirely different face on the whole matter. This is where the interest centers and our conclusions hinge: The two ends 149 of the horse-hair were built into the mud of the interior of the nest while it was yetsoft. The hair by chance had been looped around the tube entrance in the form of arunning-noose. From. day to day the Swallow had passed in and out through this death trap, and even the Sparrow had escaped some- times, but at last was overtaken by this accidental retribution. To an observer on the ground this conclusion, unless he were extremely shrewd, would prob- ably never occur. It is so easy to reach such different conclusions by the same circumstances if you have left out just one little point. We must not allow our judgments to be warped by a few apparent facts tending by way of con- venient and glittering generalizations to startling conclusions. We must be- lieve nothing till we see it all the way through—must take nothing on trust. On such cases we must be attorney on both sides, witnesses, judge and jury. No wonder if we have to proceed with care and with not too much haste. A few weeks after the tragedy record- ed above I discoved a young Eave Swal- low dangling from a nest around at the west side of the barn. It had been dead a long time evidently and was all dried up. Iset up a ladder and went up to get the empty nest and find out how the accident happered. While I was carefully working at the nest high over my head, it suddenly crumbled, and IL was baptized with sand and mud,—in my eyes, and ears, and hair, and down my neck—so I never knew the truth at the bottom of that mystery. But doubt- less the half-fledged Swallow had be- come tangled in the hair wherewith the nest was lined, and in its struggles to get free had fallen from the nest. There are a good many of these acci- dental deaths, among birds as the nat- uralist knows, who is abroad much and at all seasons. ERNEST W. VICKERS. Ellsworth, O. 150 An Outing in Assiniboia, 1895. I left Battle Creek, Mich, May 25, 8:15 a. m., for Fort Qu Appelle, Assa. for a couple of weeks of collecting and studying the nesting habits of the birds of the N. W. Territory. As I hadspent some time in this locality, June, ’94, and had rare good luck in this grand collecting ground, i anticipated much pleasure and a goodly supply of Ducks, Plovers, Hawks, Sparrows and other kinds of rare birds, nests ana eggs. I had a tent, acomplete camping outfit, a good gun, lots of good provisions, a good guide,and two assistants to help blow the eggs, fill out datas and cook the necessary meals. After a pleasant ride through Michi- gan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Min- nesota, Dakota and Manitoba, and see- ing a wonderful quantity of Ducks, Plo- vers, Phalaropes and Hawks flying out of the sloughs and around the track of the C.P. Ry. in Manitoba, always an in- teresting sight to a lover of the birds, I at last found myself at Qu Appelle sta- tion on the Jine of the C. P. Ry., Tues- day morning, time six K. I expected my brother to meet me at the station, but found afterwards my letter had not been received in time, as his home is twenty miles from the post office, and he gets his mail but once a week. As breakfast was not ready at the hotel, and the stage would not leave for Ft. Qu Appelle, a Hudson Bay Post, twenty miles distant, until 8:30 a.m. I put on my rubber boots and took a stroll north of the station. I saw several Hawks, flying around the bluffs and recognized a FerruginousRough-legged Hawk, male, also a Swainson’s Hawk, but did not discover their nests; I flushed several Prairie Chickens out of the bushes, and searched carefully for a nest but was unsuccessful; saw a Yellow Warbler, severalClay-colored Spariows and other small birds, returned to the hotel and was soon ready for the trip to the Fort. THE OOLOGIST. The road to the Fort is very smooth and hard in dry weather. We had a fine team and made the distance of tweuty miles in three hours, arriving at the Fort at 11:30. On the way over the dog, a fine setter, flushed several Mar- bled Godwits, Spotted Sandpipers, nu- merous Field Plovers, Horned Larks and Sparrows out of the grass but I did not attempt to search for any eggs. Several of the Plovers feigned lameness and no doubt their eggs were close by the road. Goshawks were flying around close to the trail, and I passed a tree from which [ took one egg in June, 94. Did not stop to examine the nest. Fort Qu Appelle a post of about 600 people, is beautifully situated in the Qu Appelle Valley, surrounded on both sides by high hills, and quite close to the Fishing Lakes, three lakes close to- gether, in fact close connected by necks or rivers of narrow widths, full of fine pickerel, pike, white fish and many oth- er kinds of fish. The first lake is close by the town. There is a small patch of willows on the beach between the town and the lake. I walked through this patch and saw a lot of different kinds of Ducks, four Canada Geese and a lot of Gulls, Terns and Plovers on the peb- bly beach. The Geese allowed me to approach within 30 yards and then flew across the lake. The Ducks simply swam outa little ways. The Plovers paid no attention to me. No doubt many of the birds had nests close by, but I had no time to search for their eggs aS I wished to leave the Fort at one K. for my brother’s home. Hiring a buck-board I started on the last stage of my journey, up the sides of the hills and over the plains and after passing a number of Indian villages of Sioux, Crees and other kinds of savages, I ar- rived at my brother’s house about five K.,‘p. m., feeling first-class after my long trip. My brother was pleased to see me and took me out and showed me a THE OOLOGIST. 151 beautiful nest of the Canvas-back con- taining fourteen fine eggs. The nest was built of flags and reeds, similar to a Coot’s, and was placed in the high thick flags in about two feet of water close toshore. Canvas-backs and Red- heads were very plentiful and flying around us making a lot of noise. We saw a lot of Mallards, Shovellers—in pairs, Baldpate, Gadwall, Teals, Blue Bills (Scaup) and numerous other Ducks. I found a Coot’s nest contain- ing nineteen eggs and it looked very full indeed,also saw about twenty other nests of the Coot containing from three to twelve eggs each. The Crows were fly- ing around in all directions with eggs in their bills and were very tame and im- prudent. Ishooed several away from the nests but they nearly always re- turned and took away eggs close to me where I could witness the whole per- formance. My brother had a number of nests of Ducks spotted for me, and he told me the Crows robbed all but one of them (the Canvas-back of fourteen eggs which I safely landed.) Phalaropes in flocks of from ten to a hundred were Swimming around in the water, males and females together, and I spent a lot of time watching their actions. They appeared to be feeding on the insects in the water, as a great many of them were in two or three feet of water. They did not appear to mind my pres- ence in the least and went on feeding within ten feet of me. On the shores I noticed a great many very sma!! Sand- pipers, numerous Killdeers and small Spotted Sandpipers. My brother then took me to the foot of the hills, and at the bottom of a coulee I found a nest of the Long-eared Owl. It was placed fifteen feet up in a maple and contained five fresh eggs, a couple of coulees fur- ther down [I found another nest con- ‘taining three eggs. My brother then showed me a nest and two fine eggs of the Western Goshawk. The nest was eight feet up in a willow tree and was a very large one, and had been occupied for many years, probably by the same pair of birds. The female was very noisy. My brother found this nest May 26th, and as it then contained two eggs, and the birds laid no more, the set was no doubt complete. We now retraced our steps to the house and turned in for the night. HK. ARNOLD, Battle Creek, Mich. (TO BE CONTINUED. ) Notes from Punkin Patch. Visits to the swamps or fluviatile lakes of the river bottoms doubtless occur so frequently in the experiences of many readers of the OdLoaIsT that the novelty of these visits long since vanished and the birds there found were long ago placed in the common category. Living as I do, however, in the dry regions of the great ‘‘Prairie States,” my summer outings to the swamps are eagerly anticipated and long remem- bered, and the denizens of these mud and water districts are yet objects of keen interest and study. Day after day found me in the marshes, tramping in the soft, sunny margins to find the homes of the King Rail, wading thigh-deep in water and yielding moss in search of Coots and Gallinules, push- ing my toilsome way among the thick growth of tall flags which secrete the habitations of the Marsh Wrens and Yellow-headed Blackbirds, or out in the deeper water, filled with a rank growth of moss and covered with the spreading pads and fragrant blossoms of the lily, where are scattered the nests of the Grebe and the Black Tern, all common species, but new to one whose collecting is done chiefly in the upland regions. What enthusiastic collector, accustomed to. the birds of the dry regions, would not wade the 152 THE OOLOGIST. swamps all day and not feel well re- warded by finding the nest of the “Squawk” or American Bittern hidden among the flags? JI remember with what pleasure I landed my first ‘‘dog- fish,’’ and though utterly worthless for use as food, I persisted in carrying it to camp to display as an evidence of my success. Something akin to this is the feeling of the ornithologist when he is first visiting the swamps and finds a well filled nest of the Coot or Gallinule, and we should not be too severe with the collector for taking a few unnecs- sary sets while the experience is new. It is only the repetition of the experi- ence we had with our first pair of boots and our first suspenders. Punkin Patch is typical of the or- dinary swamp-lake, usually an area of open water of more or less extent, stagnant and green with the moss and other aquatic plants which grow in rankest profusion, and filled with stems of lilies supporting the spreading circu- lar leaves and white blossoms with bright golden stamens. In the clearer por- tions of the water schools of minnows dart away at the approach of larger enemies, and animaleules in abundance float on the surface to be picked up by the birds which sport and feed over the area. ‘These lakes are usually fringed by a zone of tall, rank flags and rushes, which extend far out beyond the water’s edge and often continue into the borders of the timber which com- monly grows on the ridge between the swamp and the river. Inthe ordinary stages of water, these ‘lakes receive their supply from the rise of the river and can be reached and explored by skiffs, but the present dry season de- prived most of the swamps of the ver- nal supply and they could be reached only by wading. I advise any who ex- pect to visit the swamps another season to wade in a pair of old pants and old shoes. Waders are to heavy and bur- densome, and rubber boots become filled with water and heavy to lift with each step. A light stout pole or staff, marked with feet and inches, is useful aS a help in walking and to guard against tripping over concealed roots and stems, and it serves to measure the depth of the water and the dimensions. of the nests. In walking one generally sinks about eight inches into the mud aud moss, but there is commonly a hard stratum below, though one should be on the lookout for holes and espec- ially for the runs of the muskrats, which inhabit these swamps. Itis not all fun, but work should have «an ele- ment of enjoyment in it, and after the trip is over the work has been done and the pleasure remains as an agreeable recollection. It was on this trip to Punkin Patch that I formed the acquaintance of the King Rail, and the sturdy, somewhat pugnacious, artful creature soon be- came a favorite of mine, though I can not say that the friendship was mutual. I found my first one on her nest about forty feet from the water’s edge, in a. tuft of green flags growing in the moist, though uncovered ground, and to my starting eyes she formed one of the pleasantest pictures I had ever seen. She was sitting jauntily under. her little canopy of drooping flags, with her brown eyes turned inquiringly on me: and she appeared in no hnrry to leave the premises. When I motioned to- ward her with my foot, however, she slipped from her nest and glided noise- lessly from the spot among the ad- jacent dry rushes. No farther than twenty feet away, she stopped and ut- tered her Guinea-like cry of ‘‘erak” and circling about the place, she threaded her way in and out of the tufts of flags, now coming into sight a moment and then quickly stepping behind a _ tuft which would hide her from view. Thus she stepped around me remonstrating against the disturbance of her home, displaying considerable boldness, so THE OOLOGIST. 153 much that I concluded that the King Rail is inclined to be ‘‘sassy,’’ like those belonging to royalty sare frequently found when the opportunity is given. In fact, I soon learned that the King Rail is considerably disposed to lord it over the gentle-spirited Mud-hens with whom she dwells and frequently saves herself the trouble of making a nest and laying so many eggs, by taking posses- sion of both nest and eggs of her neigh- bors. I have several times found nests containing incubated eggs of the Florida Gallinule and the fresh eggs of the Rail. On May 18, thisseason, I found a nest containing eight incubated eggs of the Gullinule and five fresh eggs of the Rail, the eggs of the former occupy- ing the middle of the nest and the eggs of the latter lying in the outer circle, affording indisputable evidence to me that the Rail was the usurper of the home already established. The nests of the King Rail are usual- ly placed between ‘‘mud and water” where the ground is barely covered with water or where the water is shal- low, but when the banks of the pond are more inclined the nests are placed in tufts at the water’s edge. Some- times, however, their nests are found in the tufts in deeper area, though more nests are found in the outer fringe of flags. I learned to mentally divide the zone of flags into three zones of widths, the outer one occupied by the Rails, the middle third inhabited by the Coots, Gallinules and Least Bit- terns, and the inner third colonized chiefly by the Grebes, though each of the species named is found nesting in all parts of the flags to a certain extent. I give the foregoing as a guide to those who will visit the swamps for the first time, to follow until they can profit by their own experience, as I believe that this should be the object of: those who write their experiences in these col- umns. I think it is impossible to distinguish the nest of the King Rail from the nest of the Florida Gallinule by the con- struction alone, yet the drooping of the tops of the flags in the tufts containing the Rail’s nest is almost characteristic of the Rail and is seldom or never seen in the nest of the Gallinule. In many cases the habitation of the Gallinule is not covered, while the nest of the Rail is rarely open above. Many nests of the Gallinuie are much larger than any nests of the Rail. The nests of the King Rail are commonly made of small pieces of soft rushes, laid on pieces of coarser rushes which are piled in the base of a tuft of green flags. My first nest was an average structure, being eight inches in diameter externally, and six inches across the shallow bed, the latter being one and three-fourths inches deep. ‘The nest stood six inches high in the tuft. It contained ten eggs which were about one-half incubated, May 18. Sets of nine, ten, eleven and twelve fresh eggs were also found, as well as new nests containing two and three fresh eggs. On May 19, a nest was found by the drooping of the flags, and it held four eggs. which were un- disturbed, and on May 22 seven eggs were found in it, an egg having been deposited each day. On May 25 only eight eggs were in the nest. I noted this as a large nest, it being seven inches high, nine in diameter, only one one and three-fourths inches deep, and the tuft was growing in three inches of water. The late nests are found near- er the open water and the nests with incubated complements were placed in the drier area in the outer fringe of flags, thus indicating that the Rails lo- cate the nests where the water is reced- ing, and they perhaps desire that the ground shall be uncovered of water when the young are hatched. No late nests were found on the dry or uncoy- ered ground, and several nests with in- cubated complements were found in 154 THE OOLOGIST the outer margin where the ground was uncovered and even dry. The Black Terns soon excited my in- terest. To and fro over the water they passed in their swallow-like flight, ut- tering their sharp squeaks, and now and then hovering a moment above a particular spot before they dropped to the surface to pick up a floating morsel which pleased their faney. Out on the dry punkin vines and on the lily pads they would congregate in small groups, and their antics while courting were as amusing to watch as those of the Flick- er, though they are less noisy than the latter species. Stepping out from the group of six or eight, two—doubtless male and female—would bow their heads to each other and flutter their wings in a comical way, while the oth- er individuals would stand apart and solemnly watch the scene. No nests were to be found at this time, but on June 8th we found them nesting, most of the eggs being somewhat incubated then. Though I had never taken the eggs of this species. we found them readily, so that I came to regard the eggs of the Black ‘Tern as being very easy to discover. Ifthe collector will be guided by the actions of the birds, he will be led to the eggs as surely as the birds are nesting. Like children in their play of ‘‘hide the thimble,” the old birds hover over one’s head or fly about the spot uttering ‘‘hot” or “eold,” and when the collector is clos- est to the eggs the cries of the birds are sharpest and the menaces of the par- ents most alarming. Then the birds have a habit of hovering above their eggs in compweny with several of their fellows, and they will frequently alight on their eggs for afew moments, soon to arise and fly to and fro before re- turning to again reveal their homes. Unless the collector strikes the swamps right in the place they are chiefly in- habiting, they do not especially notice his approach, but as he nears their quarters individuals will now and then fly over his head and protest against his progress. If he strike their nesting domains at once, he will be met with a din about the ears which he little an- ticipated if not acquainted with the habits of the Terns. Soon they become accustomed to the presence of the in- truder and continue their tireless flights up and down the open water, though the owners of the nearest nests continue to tell their interesting story, dashing at his head with ,angry cries and turning upward abruptly just as he expects to be struck. As the birds flit to and fro, the observer can approx- imate the focus of their flight and if they hover at that point, he may be certain that they have eggs beneath for his finding. Over asmall area, several acres in extent, I once observed two pairs of birds flying and I found both nests in a few minutes, guided solely by their cries and hovering. I at first failed to locate the second nest and thought that I had been mistaken, when the hovering cf the birds induced me to return and I found the eggs on a deserted nest of the Grebe, well-con- cealed along the over-arching flags where it was anchored, and nothing but the actions of the birds would have disclosed the nest to me. None of the eggs we found were rolled in the mud or decaying matter, as | had read that they often are, though most of them were ratber advanced in incubation and I think that I was slow in finding my first eggs because I looked for mud- covered eggs. The ordinary sites of the nests were the collapsed houses of the muskrats, now floating or anchored with their highest part about three inches above the water level. Gener- ally no nests were made, though fre- quently several short pieces of the punkin stems had been scratched around the eggs to prevent their roll- ing apart and a perceptible (yet searce- ly) depression had been made or found THE OOLOGIST 155 for the eggs usually in the center of the floating mass. Often the eggs were de- posited on masses of floating punkin stems, which were scarcely above the water level. They have a close mim- icry to their surroundings, but they cannot escape the keen eyes of the or- nitholegist who is eager to add the eggs of a new species to his collection. P. M. SrtLoway, Roodhouse, [1l. From a Rusty Pen Did someone ask what had become of us? Or was he rejoicing at being fav- ored with our long silence? Well, we are still here in the backwoods, in that part of Arkansas we have called ‘Fairy Land.” And you would think it Fairy Land too, if you could be here some morning in April or May at sunrise; then as the day advances to quietly seek some deep ravine with its shade and birds and waterfalls. To a non-lover of birds and music it might be as annoying as the rattle and clangor of city life is to the country folk. The Yellow-breasted Chat is the first -to sound the approach of day, begin- ning at about a quarter past three, with a few low, indistinct notes, grad- ually growing londer and fuller and sweeter as daylight appears, till he has awakened the whole neighborhood, and the other birds chime in, one by one, till finally you cannot distinguish one from another; a confused sea of warbles us constant as the sound of the waves for about two hours, then grad- ually subsides into the ravines. The lonesome note of the Wood Pewee is second on the roll. Then comes the troubled voice of the Summer Tanager and the Wood Robin’s metallic song. Just as the sun is peeping above the hilltops the Carolina Wren mounts a brush pile with his merry mimicry and whistles out ‘‘Harl Pleas—Harl. Pleas— A. Mowbray Semple. get up, getup, get up—sweeter, sweeter, sweeter,’’ and hies away, scolding, to be lost among the merrymakers. Thus we are living among the feath- ered tribe, 45 mi’es from the railroad, 34 miles from town. on the northern slope of the mountain, with never-fail- ing springs as a water supply and the most beautiful landscapes to keep us company. From our mountain one can'take a bird’s-eye view of the town of Clinton and the surrounding country for 40 miles. Flowers? Yes, hundreds of acres of them, of the most gorgeous hues, and ferns too that would outdo nny garden or greenhouse. No wonder this a land of birds. Although old this is a new country, and they are called neighbors who live three or four miles away. When the romantic part of our lives changed to that ‘‘perfect state,’’? mar- riage, we settled down on a piece of the very wildest for a homestead and have spent four years in trying to sub- 156 due some of Nature’s freest gifts, rocks and sassafras bushes,—except 1893 (when we were away) and since then we have been re-subduing them. How- ever, the birds sing on just as merrily as before we came, I suppose, at least I have not learned that any have be- come extinct from our intrusion, though a few whose eggs are the least desired in our collection and were formerly quite numerous are almost wanting this season. The Bluebird, ‘“‘Red-head” and Carolina Wren have al- most deserted us this year, and if their food is any the less plenty i cannot ac- count for it. One peculiarity in our avi fauna here is that there are no birds that seem to depend on the farm and meadow for a nesting site. The Quail, Chippy, Blue- bird, Catbird, Wren and Cardinal all nest promiscuously throughout the for- est, and I have not as yet found a sin- gle nest except that it be in the timber. Even the Dove nests in the woods. Another strange feature to me is that I have never found a nest ina Black Gum one of our most plentiful trees, and one too lhat furnishes all fruit-eating birds a goodly portion of their winter’s store. At my old home in Indiana, the Hummer seldom built on anything but the Beech. Here we have not the Beech, but there is no tree nearer like it for manner of growth, and shape of limbs, ete., than the Gum; but Mrs. Ruby-throat builds preferably in White Oak on the mountain, and in the corky- barked Sweet Gum of the ‘“‘bottoms,”’ entirely different looking from the Beech. So far I have had but little time to spend collecting and have only been able to secure what I find in passing about my work, while many a set I have missed because to far from home, when the time came for gathering. I learned while some 18 miles above here on the river, that Ravens built in the cliffs there every year. But that 18 THE OOLOGIST. miles of rocky road and the uncertainty of success have kept me away for five years. Twice I have found nests of Red-cockaded Woodpecker, but each were in large, tall, live pines with limbs high up and both trees covered with resin, and two miles from home. Pileated Woodpeckers are more plen- tiful than Crows, but they are equally wary and as squirrels are plentiful and have numerous excavations similar in size, shape and location to those of the birds and it is the Woodpecker’s nature to be prying into everything, one is not sure of a nest being located until he sees the bird fly from the same hole on different occasions. Many a _ hard climb I have had over rough bark be- lieving I would soon be in possession of the coveted eggs, only to be dis- gusted at finding the nest to be a squir- rel’s den. I did not know till this spring how mean (’) a bird the ‘‘Guinea” Wood- pecker is. Ihad a difficult climb to one’s nest three or four years ago; found the bird apparently sitting, but no eggs. This spring they built or rather excavated in the top cf a tall ash near the house. I waited for fuli two weeks after all hammering had ceased and to my displeasure found an empty Woodpecker’s hole. The same pair of birds then began a nest (1 thought) in an oak on the other side of the house and after about a month of work and palavering around have left the country. Besides the above birds mentioned some of our commoner ones are, Black Vulture; Wild Turkey; Barred Owl; Kentucky, Hooded, Yellow, Prothon- otary and Black and White Warblers; Yellow-throated and Warbling Vireos; Ovenbird; Winter and Bewick’s Wrens; Traill’s Flycatcher; Blue-gray Gnat- eatcher, Whip-poor-will; Chuck-will’s- widow; with an occasional Bald Hagle, White Pelican, White Heron and Double-Crested Cormorant. C. E. PLEAS. THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XII. NO. 11. Roy G. Fitch. The Spotted Sandpiper. (Aclitis macularia). I was once asked by a bright-looking little country lad, about ten years of age, ‘‘What little bird is it that can’t stand up good?” Being puzzled and curious, I asked him if the bird fell down. He said, ‘‘No, but every once in a while he pretty near does.” Fur- ther questioning brought out the fact that he ran along the creek and waded in the water. I then told the boy that the bird was the Spotted Sandpiper, probably better known as the ‘‘Tip-up.”’ Although the Spotted Sandpiper is one of the commonest and most widely distributed of our American birds, it appears to be sadly neglected, and in reality less is known concerning its ALBION, N. Y., NOVEMBER, 1895. WHOLE No. 121 habits than appears to be about a great many much rarer species. With me the Spotted Sandpiper has always been a favorite bird. I have found it to be a bird of rare ability in wit and of a great eccentricity of habits. I have spent more than one pleasant afternoon stud- ying the habits of this little rascal. I call him a rascal on account of his al- ways present air of ‘I’ve got a nest, but you can’t find it.” Iam going to try to tell, as best I can, what I have learned of this bird and what I think of him. My first attempts at finding the nests of this bird were sad failures. I did not then possess Davie’s valuable guide or any such work, and my only bird lore was gleaned from the pages of the O6LOGIsT, which, though very instruc- tive and valuable, threw but little light upon the Tip-up. Itis a noticeable and lamentable fact that the mentions of the Spotted Sandpiper in Ornithological books and publications are few and far from satisfactory. I have noticed this to be the case with most common spe- cies. Students of nature seem to be un- der the impression that a species is not worth time or pains of study unless it is at least uncommon. All seem to be seeking the rare, the marvelous and the unlikely. This is especially the case with amateurs who, as a rule, can off- hand better describe some rare bird they probably never saw, than the Song Sparrow, the Spotted Sandpiper, the Robin, the Bluebird, the Phebe and others that they see nearly every day in summer, spring and fall. Athough this Spotted Sandpiper is so common I have never found but four nests. I will first describe my unsuc- cessful attempts at finding their nests. Not knowing the situation, [ naturally supposed their nests to be placed in the sand on the beach. J watched the 158 birds until I would see one carefully squat down in the sand and sit there. Then I thought I had one sure and would sneak up as near as I could and flush the bird, who would fly off with a peet-weet, peet-weet of alarm. [ would _ then rush forward to alas! disappoint- ment. Time and time again I went through this, till at last one day 1 sud- denly came upon a bird squatted in the sand who went up with a terrible sput- ter. alas! nothing but sand. My supposed nesting birds were only basking in the sun. The bird is very partial to sun baths, and their preparations for these are quite elaborate. They run along until they find a suitable patch of white sand. The bird then carefully kicks away all of the stones. Then lifting one foot up and tucking it away in its plumage, it carefully sits down. Then it digs a little with one foot and then with the other. After this it -wriggles and shucks around until it is thorough- ly settled in the hot sand. Then after yawning a couple of times and looking around inquisitively, it throws its neck backward, resting its head on the back and, bill. pointing skyward, it quietly closes its eyes. The wings are slightly elevated and spread at the same time. It will remain perfectly motionless and apparently asleep for from one to ten minutes. It arouses very suddenly and, straightening up and shaking itself, starts off with a peet-weet-weet. The Sandpipers are very shy about their sun baths, and though you may be well ac- quainted with them, you may have some trouble in catching one at it. The ex- tent of the Spotted Sandpiper’s vocabu- lary may be summed up as peep,peet and weet. They employ a larger number of combinations and sentences with these three synonyms thaw at first thought appears possible. By changing tone, accent, rapidity of utterance, etc., they plainly express sorrow, alarm, pleasure, displeasure,etc. When the mother bird is leading a brood of four newly-hatch- At last I thought I had them; but — THE OOLUGIST. ed young, she coaxes them along with a soft little peep, peep, once in a while introducing a sharp peet-weet of warn- ing or scolding to some rash or laggard one among the brood. My first nest was found accidently. I was walking towards a small stream, and when coming over a grassy knoll about one hundred yards from the stream, a Spotted Sandpiper started from under my feet and fluttered and tumbled along the ground, as though its wing was broken. My first inclina- tion was to catch the wounded bird, but I had been there before—the gag was old. After a short search I succeed- ed in finding the nest. My delight was turned to disgust upon the discovery that the four eggs were picked and just. about to hatecn. While examining the. nest, the birds flew about in wide cir- cles, uttering excited cries of alarm, peet-weel-weet-weet-weet-weet. Iwas on second thought, elated by finding the. nest. I had learned something and | now might expect to hunt for nests of this species with some success. My second nest was found about a week la-. ter,and in the same manner as the first. This nest was placed in a tuft of grass. on a hillside, about 200 feet from a ereek. The nest was a hollow, bare spot on the ground, lined with a few leaves, bits of dry grass and soft weed; stems, arranged in a circular form. The eggs were four in number as is. generally the case (I think that not one in one hundred complete sets are of three, and I have yet to hear of one of five). The eggs are pyriform and ar- ranged in a circle, the small ends to- gether in the center. JIfione or all are turned around, the bird will replace them in their natural position. ‘The set was perfectly fresh, and measured 34x25, 34x25, 35x26 and 33x24 mm. The egys are a dark, rich grayish-buff, spotted and specked with very dark chocolate-brown, principally around the greater end, My third nest I saw built. A short. THE OOLOGIST. distance from home is an old deserted brickyard. In this place are two old ponds. Qne is very small and reedy and the other, quite large with sandy beaches. Early in the spring a pair of Spotted Sandpipers took up their resi- dence here with the Green Herons, Red- winged Blackbirds, King Rails, Song Sparrows, American Goldtfinches, Muskrats and other inhabitants of the place. I watched this pair of Sandpi- pers every day until they bad ieared their young. Iused to take my stand on the big bank overlooking the place, with field glass, every morning and af- ternoon. On the southern shore of the larger pond, at the western end, a long stretch of beach, low, flat and sandy stretches off two or three hundred feet to the southwest. This place was the Sandpipers’ delight. On the south west this beach is terminated by a min- ature bluff which rises abruptly to the height of twenty feet. From here back about one hundred and fifty feet runs a small grassy plateau terminated by a bluff or line of bluffs rather, which range from two to three hundred feet in height, the tops running back in a field for about one thousand feet. The ponds are bordered on the north by an embankment about ten feet high, from which a field runs northward about two or three thousand feet. The eastern and western ends are bounded by high sand banks. After some looking about, the Sandpipers selected a tuft of rank grass on the edge of the little plateau, about two hundred feet from the pond, as a building site. ‘The first operation was to scratch a hollow in the soft, light, sandy clay for the nest. The male and female both worked at this. The male. would work away for a few moments, while the female stood off about two feet viewing the work with an approy- ing but critical eye, turning her head from side to side in a true feminine “Well, now, that does pretty well for a man” style. After afew moments the 159 two would change places,the male look- ing on with an interested, approving gaze. The birds were about two hours in completing the hollow to their entire satisfaction. The remainder of that day and the next two were occupied in lin- ing the hollow. The male collected all of the materials while the female made the nest. She was very fastidious and compelled him to collect ten times the amount of material that was used. She built and rebuilt, arranged and re- arranged, until at last, at the end of the third day from the commencement of the hollow the whole affair seemed to be entirely satisfactory to her and her mate. For four days after complet- ing the nest the birds spent their time in feeding and acquainting themselves with the surroundings. During this period they were remarkably shy, re- tiring and silent. My observations were mostly made from the sand banks at the west, where, with the aid of my glasses, I could closely watch every movement of the birds without in the least disturbing them. The material used in the lining of the nest was en- tirely dry grass stems. The first work on the hollow of the nest was commenc- ed at nine o’clock in the morning on the 1st day of May. The finishing touches were made on the lining at fif- teen minutes to four on May 8d. The observations of May 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th were so interesting I will give them at length. May ‘th. The birds appear very much excited. I arrived cn the ground this morning at 8:10 The female spent the entire forenoon alternately sitting or standing over the nest and standing or sitting near it. The male has kept her supplied with food. He is very much excited, flying back and forth between the nest and pond with loud, excited, shrill cries of weet-weet- weet-weet-weet. The female laid the first egg this afternoon at three minutes af- ter two. While laying she squatted ov- 160 ver the nest, not asone would suppose, sitting upon it. After the operation she appeared to be very much exhaust- ed. The male immediately took her place, standing over the egg. The fe- male appeared to be too much exhaust- ed to take that position for about an hour, but at fifteen minutes past three she relieved him. She kept this station the remainder of the day. May 8th. When I arrived at twenty minutes past eight this morning, the birds were much less excited and the female was still standing over the nest. I think she must have stood guard all night. The male relieved her from ten minutes to nine to twenty minutes past ten for her to feed. The female laid the second egg this afternoon at ten minutes past two. The male again relieved her during her period of ex- haustion. May 9th. The programme today was the same as yesterday, the third egg be- ing laid at five mintes past two. May 10th. Today the same pro- gramme was enacted. The female laid the fourth egg at two o’clock. At three o'clock, after her period of ex- haustion, she carefully arranged the eggs and settled down upon them, thus beginning the actual incubation. From this time until the 26th of the month the routine of life was very reg- ular and smooth. The birds were silent and _ retired. The male relieved the female every morn- ing at eleven o’clock, and remain- ed on the nest until she returned from feeding at three. The birds were very punctual about relieving each other. The time did not vary more than ten minutes during the entire period. The female incubated the eggs from three o’clock in the afternoon until eleven o’clock the next morning every day. The male sat upon the eggs to allow the female to rest, exercise and feed from eleven to three o’clock every day. During the period of incubation I made THE OOLOGIST. myself so familiar with the old birds that they were not in the least afraid of me. I did this so that I might closely watch the young when they were hatch- ed. On May 26th the eggs all hatched be- tween one and two o’clock in the af- ternoon. When the young emerged from the shell they were wet and coy- ered with blood. The shells were pick- ed around the greater end, so they came off in two pieces. As soon as a young one hatched the female took the empty shell, flew down to the pond and returned with it full of water, which she promptly poured over the young- ster to wash off the blood. Then she flew back to the pond and sank the shell, thus destroying all evidence of the existence of the young. The young as soon as dry were able to trot about. As soon as all the young were dry, the whole brood left the nest, to return no more. If you suddenly come upon a brood of young Sandpipers, the mother utters a cry of warning and flutters along the ground as though maimed to draw the intruder away. The young squat down and remain perfectly motionless. In this position they are almost impossible to find, if one is discovered he will ‘play possum” and allow you freely to handle him without showing the least The Spotted Sandpiper lives almost entirely on insects, slugs, sign of life. snails, etc., though once in awhile one willeat seeds. Taken all together I think that the Spotted Sandpiper is one of the most eccentric and interesting birds we have. I hope that we may hear more about our common birds. Don’t neglect them because they are not rare. R. G. FircH, Grand Rapids, Mich. Seer THE OOLOGIST. 161 An Outing in Assiniboia, 1895. May 29, 1895. This morning I was out very early and prepared for a good days work. The Qu Appelle River passes my brothers house within a dis- tance of 600 yards. The river is about 200 yards wide on an average and on both sides of it there is about from 300 to 800 yards of thick reeds, heavy grass and flags six to ten feet high, every few hundred yards there are small bodies of water from two to six feet deep with little islands of marsh in the centre and occasionally quite a stretch of dry land covered with long grass making the locality a paradise for many kinds of Ducks, Plovers, Phalaropes, Bitterns, Rails, Grebes, Gulls, Terns, Marsh Hawks and a few Canada Geese. The Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds swarmed in countless num- bers and the Coots were nesting every few yards. My brother told me the latter birds were more numerous than usual this year. My first find was a Red-head’s nest ' containing six fresh eggs. his nest was built in a thick clump of high fiags and was composed of dried flags and reeds outwardly, lined with marsh hay and afew bits of down. The female flew from the nest when I was within ten feet of it. A short time afterwards I almost stepped on a female Mallard who flew from her beautiful nest of down con- taining ten fresh eggs. This nest was built in the long grass in a dry spot close to the river. The Mallard flew around me several times making a noiseand then flew into the reeds about 100 yards distance. My next flush was a Gadwall who had a nest similar to the Mallard placed in the long grass on dry land close to the Qu Appelle River. This nest contained six beautiful clay colored eggs averaging 2.10 by 1.55. About half a mile further north I flushed a Blue-winged Teal from her handsome nest and six eggs. This nest was also placed in a dry locality in the long grass and was within fifteen feet of the river. Shortly after this I came to a large body of water about three feet deep, full of small islands of marsh, and scared a lot of Red-heads, Canvas-back, Scaup and Teals. Saw a Canvas-back fly out of one of the clumps of marsh with a loud splash and a huge quack and hurrying over to the place I found a very large floating nest containing five eggs of the Canvas-back and three eggs of the Red-head and another egg of the Red-head lying in the water close to the nest. The nest was mussed up quite a lot and looked as if several birds had been fighting for possession of it. Iam quite satisfied that the Canvas- back and Red-head very often lay their eggs ia the same nest. Dur- ing my trip in the northwest I found six different nests containing eggs of the Canvas-back and Red-head and in one case the nest contained three differ- ent kinds of Ducks eggs. The first contained 11 eggs of the Canvas-back and 8 of the Red-head; second had 1-5 and 1-4 respectively; third had 1-5 and 1-6; fourth, 1-11, 1-3 and one Mallard’s egg; fifth contained 1-5, 1-8 and sixth had 15 eggs of the Red-head and four of the Canvas-back. The eggs of these two birds are quite different in shape and color and are very easily distinguished apart. The Canvas-back’s eggs average a little larger than the Red-heads, are a bright greenish buff, while the eggs of the Red-head are a creamy white color and the shells closer grained and more glossy. It is much easier to mark an egg of the Canvas-back with a lead pencil than it is to mark the Red- head’s egg. In four cases I found the Canvas- back in possession of the nest and in the other two cases the female 162 Red-head left the nest at my approach. In the case of the nest of 19 eggs, four Red-head’s and one Canvas-back’s, the eggs were lying in the water close to the nest and the nest looked as if the Ducks had been fighting for possession of the same. My brother tells me that the Canvas- back and MRed-head very often are seen together during the nesting season around the nest and he is satis- fied that they sometimes mate. He has frequently watched the nest from the time the eggs were laid until the young brood left the home and the female duck, a Red-head, wassometimes accom- panied by the Canvas-back male. Of course these Ducks are very common in this locality and naturally would often be seen together, whether they inter- breed or not will have to be solved by some one who has more time to study their nesting habits than my brief visit would allow. However. there is not a doubt but that the two different Ducks eggs are found in the same nest. The half-breeds told me that the Ked-head female Duck stole eggs from other birds and placed them in her own nest, this story I very much doubt, neverthe- less there may be some truth in the story. Can any of the OoLoeist readers enlighten me on this question?! can find no mention of the matter in any ornith- ological publication in my possession. The Phalaropes were very common all around the marsh and f must have seen at least five hundred birds in the differ- ent flocks. Inow had all the eggs I could carry and started back for the house. I found three Horned Grebes nests on my way home, one containing four eggs, another containing three and two more contained one ege each. The season was evidently too early for full clutches of this bird’s eggs. Short- ly after one o’clock I arrived at the house and after a hearty dinner I blew the eggs and washed the same carefully and made datas for each set. THE OOLOGIST. My brother then hitched a horse to the buck board and we started north- west over the prairies to look for Hawks, Plovers and Sparrows nests. I found two nests of the Swainson’s Hawk but no eggs were in them al- though the birds were in the vicinity of the nest. The season was too late for fresh eggs of the Ferruginous Rough-legged Hawks. I found three different nests, two placed on willow trees and one on a poplar. Two of the nests were with- in four feet of the ground and the other was about twelve feet up. The first contained four young and one egg and the next had five young, the last three young. In each ease the female was on the nest and the male close by on the ground or flying overhead. The male is a much darker bird than his wife and they are both very large and handsome. I very often watched them stand on the ground close to a hole waiting for the gopher to make his ap- pearance. In every case where I climb- ed to a nest containing young there were from one to three remains of this unfortunate animal. Very often their skins were used as a lining for the nests. The nests are huge ones built of sticks, sods, etc. and lined with pieces of rabbit’s and gopher’s fur, grass and feathers. Birds are very quiet and make little noise when one approaches their nest. I found a nest of the White- rumped Shrike containing three eggs which was placed in a willow tree three feet up, female was quite pugnac- ious and flew close to my face during the time I was examing the eggs. After a long drive north to the heavy timber — I made a careful search for a couple of miles and flushed a few Grouse and Ducks, but found no nests, so turned the horse in the direction of the house. Field Plovers and Killdeers were plen- tiful but I did not make any effort to find their nests. After I arrived at the house I took THE OOLOGIST. 163 the boat and crossed the river and took another stroll through the marsh and found a nest and five eggs of the Marsh Hawk. The eggs were handsomely mottled and blotched with chestnut and lilac and were quite different in appearance from a set I took later at the top of a coulee on the top of the thick brush. The second set was en- tirely clear not aspot on them. They also average a little larger. After taking a couple of sets of Eared Grebe I made for the house as the day was ending and I[ felt I had done enough slushing since morning. EK. ARNOLD, Battle Creek, Mich. (LO BE CONTINUED.) | The Mockingbird. The Mockingbird is typically a native of the extreme Southern part of the Southern States. I may still more con- fine its habitat by saying that it is chiefly found in Southern Louisiana and Texas. It is found elsewhere, but nowhere does it sing, flourish and hatch its callow brood as in the two states mentioned. As my travels, even in my own state, have been limited, | can speak of the bird only as itis found in the extreme Southeastern part of Louisiana, on the banks of the Mississippi. The Mockingbird follows the general characteristics of the Thrushes only its build is slenderer, and this slenderness is even more marked by the long tail that it has. Like that of the Thrasher its head is narrow and its bill long, only in this case it is perfectly straight. The general color above and below is a Steel gray, the wings and tail being black with the exception of a few white feathers. In the latter there are four White feathers, and they are not seen except when the bird is flying. Somewhat like the old story of Adam ‘ingbird is very plain, and Eve, the male Mockingbird is said to have one more white feather in his wing than the female has, that is, the male has nine and the female eight. This is firmly believed by most people who know anything about Mockingbirds, and in keeping a cage- bird the wing feathers are always care- fully counted, for the males alone sing, the female having but a few calls and notes of alarm. However, I do not know whether to accept this or not, for every bird that I have had my hands on had nine white feathers in each wing. As you see the plumage of the Mock- and there is nothing to recommend it to man but its beautiful song. The song of the Mockingbird is as unlike the singing of other birds'as are the grand arias of a prima dona to the ordinary singing of the household. Our household songs may be very sweet and may have charms and may excite feelings that no other singing will, but still from a point of excellence it is generally low. The Mockingbird takes the pretty notes of our commoner birds and weaves them together with a marvelous musical skill, and to them he adds a magnificent song of his own. I need not tell you what the effect is. The great Wilson appreciated it and in his ar- ticle on the Mockingbird he speaks of it in a beautiful manner. I advise all to read it who have not done sv al- ready, for when once read it will never be forgotten. A favorite singing place of the Mock- ingbird is the top of a house or a bare limb in the top of a tree. Often the bird will become as if intoxicated by its own song, and in its ecstasy leap with outstretched wings and tail into the air, and whirl about as if mad, all the time singing the song that only a Mockingbird can sing. In many cases its beautiful song is the ruin of the Mockingbird, for man 164 is not content to listen to it at a dis- tance. The story of the hen that laid the golden egg is repeated. The sweet songster must be caught and caged and carried to a cold climate unsuited to it. There it is expected to sing with its former brilliancy, and too often people are disappointed. If these places were suited to it, Nature would guide the Mockingbird to them, and there, of its own accord, it would sing as sweetly as it does here. It almost makes me sick to think that thousands of Mockingbirds are annual- ly caught by trappers. Fifty per cent of these caged birds die before they are zrown, and almost half of the remain- ing ones, either do not sing at all, or Sing imperfectly. Every Spring two or three _ bird- catchers put in an appearance here and begin operations. In many places they are not molested and are allowed to catch as many birds as they please. But I am proud to say that not one has been caught from our place, that is, to our knowledge. Many cages I have found, but always the trapper has been chased off, his birds confiscated and given their liberty, and the trap de- stroyed. The Mockingbird exhibits a certain fearlessness towards man that makes its capture doubly repulsive to me. Their love for the same locality is also marked, for year after year, the same birds will build their :nest in the same place, or as near to it as possible. For example a pair of birds nested for several years in a palm bush near our house. This year, however, the season was late and when the nesting time came around the bush was unfit for a nest, so they chose another site. not far off in the fork of a willow tree, and there they hatched their brood. About a month later they built another nest over the old one and hatched a second set of eggs. Both parents fed the young and all went well until they THE OOLOGIST. were almost ready to fly. One evening I saw a young bird suddenly hop out of the nest, immediately followed by a second one. I caught both and pre- pared to return them to their home. Upon reaching the nest I found a big grass snake in possession, busily en- gaged in dressing the remaining bird with slime, preparatory to swallowing it. I rescued the little fellow and placed them in a box for the night. The next morning I placed them in a barrel near a window where I could obserye the process of feeding. At first the old birds were shy but they got over that and soon were feeding their young as if nothing had happened. — They brought larve, grasshoppers, worms and grapes all day long, and in such quantities that a stranger would have thought that there was a barrel full of young birds. After having been fed for a week, the little birds flew away one by one as they grew strong enough. The Mockingbird has no special choice in a nesting place. They nest anywhere and everywhere. I have found nests in the tallest trees and in bushes but a foot or two from the _ ground; and I know of a bird that builds its nest year after year in a hol- low post. The nest is usually made of inter- woven grass and leaves. They are not strongly built and the birds seem to trust to the position a great deal. A set consists of four eggs. They are green with brown splotches, Two sets are hatched each year and rarely three. The ordinary nesting season ex- tends from April to August, though I have found a nest early in March and one about the middle of August. The dark feathers of young Mocking- birds are more or less tipped with white and their breasts are heavily spotted with black. These spots re-’ main during the year but do not ap- pear after the first moulting season. H. L. BALLOWE, Diamond, La. THE OOLOGIST THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher. ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the puueny of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited ‘om all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Single Subscription - = 75¢€ per annum Sample Copies - - 10ceach The above rates include payment: of postage by us. Each subscriber is given two coupons, one good for an Exchange Notice and the other for 25c. when presented with an order of $1.25 or over. Subscriptions can begin with any number. ‘Back numbers of the OoLogist can be furnish ed at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. fa=-Remember that the publisher must be no- tified by letter when a subscriber wishes his pa- per stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 10 CENTS PER NONPAREIL LINE EACH INSERTION. Twelve lines in every inch. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Post Office Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U. 8. Postage Stamps of any denomination wiil be accepted for sums un- der one dollar. Make Money Orders and Draits payable and address all subscriptions and com- murications to FRANK 4. LATTIN, Albion, Orleans Co., N.Y. =,* Articles, Items of Interest and Queries for publication should be forwarded as early in fhe month as ee oe ENTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER, a ee see see eos oe ee are eR ERRATA! In the article ‘“‘Notes on the Nesting of the Ash-throated Fly- eatcher”’ in Sept. OdLoeIst, the fourth line should read, ‘‘although its nests are not easily found.” The Rowland Ward Co.,. London, in a recent list offer, ‘‘A well-stuffed spec- men of the extinct Great Auk (Alcea impennis), in splendid preservation, which originally formed part of the Brunswick Collection, also a_ perfect and beautifully marked egg—this was formerly owned by Mr. S. Potts, and is generally acknowledged to be one of the finest known specimens.’”’ ‘This is truly an exceptional opportunity for some Museum or wealthy collector in Amnierica. ? 165 The’ Burrows Brothers Co. ‘of Cleve- land are offering for sale one of the ori- ginal presentation sets of ‘‘Audubon’s Birds of America.” ‘Their price is $2,500 and they say that a much infer- ior set was recently sold in New York for $3,000. One of the most prolific collectors of the eggs of the Ruby-throated Hum- mingbird is doubtless Mr. S. B. Cray- ton of Anderson, South Carolina. His record for the past three seasons runs as follows: ’98, 25 sets; 94, 21 sets; 95, 28 sets. Oliver Davie announces that the Fifth Edition of his invaluable work ‘Nests and Eggs of North American Birds’ will be out in January. The new edition will be thoroughly revised and will contain over 700 pages and 300 illustrations. The price will be $2.25. Orders will be received by the Publish- er of the O6LOGIST. A new ‘‘Check List of North Ameri- can Birds” which can be consulted without wallowing through an entan- glement of “Supplements” and a new “‘Coues’ Key” which may be of some earthly value from an odlogical stand- point—Dr. Coues assures us in his let- ter to the Nidiologist, are among the possibilities of the future. The most distant of the O6LoGIST’s subscribers residing in Unele Sam’s do- main is Mr. C. H. Hall of Fort St. Mich- ael, Alaska, which is about 100 miles north of the Yukon River and a jour- ney of nearly 1,500 miles beyond Sitka. This issue will not reach him until July, 1896 for, as he states in ae Seana sels cannot get here before. Michigan has a fair which sees the importance of ornithology in the econ- emy of farming and kindred pursuits. The Washtenaw County Agricultural 166 Society hired Mr. Watkins, well known to readers of the O6LOGIST, to make an exhibit for them at the Ann Arbor fair, Sept. 24 to 27 inclusive. The following is taken from a local paper: ‘LL. Whit- ney Watkins of Manchester, has a part of his collection of birds and insects in the school exhibit corner at the fair. It attracts a great deal of attention. Mr. Watkins is a thorough scientist in his line, is a graduate of Michigan Agricul- tural College, and is a member of al- most every scientific society interested in his work in the country.”’ The fifth annual meeting of the West- ern New York Naturalists’ Association, was held at Chili, Monroe County, Thursday, October 8d. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Albert H. Davis, Brockport; Vice-President, Frank H. Lattin, Albion; Secretary, George F. Guelf, Brockport; Treasurer, , Ernest H. Short, Albion; Executive Committee, E. J. Botsford, Medina, N. L. Davis, Brockport and L. V. Case, Geneseo. Elected to active membership, W. J. Wirt, Gaines. It was decided that the next meeting he held at Albion, Or- leans county during the month of March, 1896. Exact date will be given later. In his list of ‘‘honorable protestants” in the October Nidiologist Bro. Taylor includes the name of V. W. Owen of Los Angeles, California. If Owen ts “honorable” he is positively tgnorant and Bro. Taylor should have qualified his endorsement accordingly. If any of the readers of the OoLoaist has any rare set or sets in his or her posses- sion that came from or through the hands of this Owen—pack carefully and mail at once to H. R. Taylor, 150 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. Don’t forget to enclose stamps for the return of your valuable (?) specimens. As a nucleus for this “Owen Aggregation’’ the editor of the OdLoGisT will, in an unusual modest philanthropic manner, send in THE OOLUGIST. sets of the Leconte’s Thrasher and Abert’s Towhee of Owen's personal col- lecting which on the data he assures u3_ “Tdentification, positive.” In the case of the Leconte’s Thrasher ‘‘the female parent bird was shot and identified” this clincher is given in a letter however and not on the data. Bro. Taylor will also find upon close inspection of the datas a wonderful case of coinci- dence in the nidification of these two species for both sets were of ‘‘four,” set mark ‘‘1-4,” identification ‘‘positive”’ and incubation ‘‘commenced” and both nests were ‘‘placed in a bush 3 feet up.” But the most remarkable of all the sets which we shall include in the ‘‘nucleus’’ is aset of Saw-whet Owl. This set is wonderful in many particulars. ist they were collected by an odlogist of whom the editor of the O6LOGIST never heard, while a young collector 3,000 miles away had no difficulty, not only in unearthing but in securing a set of eggs of aspecies which many near-by odlogists would have jumped at an ap- portunity to obtain at full rates and paid the cash. In fact one of the last sets we owned was disposed of at dowble rates. 2d, they were collected at ‘‘Be- loit, Mass.,’’ a place not in existence. 3d that the eggs are really those of the Burrowing Owl and taking this fact into consideration that they should have been taken in the state of Massa- chusets and froma “Stump about ten feet from ground.” 4th, that the writ- ing on the data which accompanies this setshould lead one to question as to whether it is’ not the disguised hand writing of either an ‘‘honorable”’ or ‘Ygnorant’’ collector. As there is a possibility in this case of Owen’s being ‘honorable’ but ‘ignorant?’ and that he has been the bunkoed party we give his feasible explanation, he says: ‘‘The set of Saw- whet Owl I obtained from Mr. Gillmore of Mass, who is a reliable collector. He has lately come to California to live and has been disposing of a part of his Yi 20 00 BOR A Ze “Monthly. VOL. XII. NO. 12. \ RRA RIRTRIRIRIRD 2 Rg oF (Zo | Po ~ i Ate, 5 we, (| | %e, (Eee Ee ES ESSE" CT 7 Ol EAEAENBA ES... ALBION, N. Y., DECEMBER, 1895. \. BI RIRS Ranaee SO 00000 eoeeeeee eeeeeee eke “a, 4 fe Go WHOLE No. 122 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘‘Wants,’ “Exchanges” ‘‘For Sales,” inserted in this department for 50¢ per 35 words. Notices over 35 words, charged at the rate of one cent per each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 50c. Terms, cash with order. “DEALERS” Can use these columns at Regular Advertising rates, only, Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-half list rates. Exchange Cards and Coupons (subscription) will be accepted for “Wants” and ‘‘Exchanges’”’ only and according to conditions stated thereon. FIVE Dollars will buy 290 varieties of for- eign and native woods, 126 of these are Japan- ese woods from the forestry department of Tokio, Japan, or will exchange for woods not in my collection. Correspondence soiicited. LOUIS W.HAHN, Box 360, Silver Creek, Chau- tauqua Co., N. Y. FOR SALE.—My collection of eggs, nearly 400 varieties including Golden, Bald, Gray, Sea and Caracara Eagles, Spotted Owl nearly all Hawks and many very rare sets. Willsell the lot or by the set. Write for list and prices. CLARENCE H. WATROUS, Chester, Conn. TO EXCHANGE.—Vol. 14, Nos. 689-721; vol. 15 and 16 complete of Harper’s Young People for back numbers of Naturalists’ publications. Make an offer. CHAS. E. CARR, 249 N.Genesee St., Utica, N. Y. WANTED.—A? once A. O. U. No’s 387%, 339%, 36414, 33114, 33214, 36014, in original sets with da- ta. Hor any of these I will give one-half more than catalogue rates in exchange for anything on either of my last two EXCHANGE EXTRAOR- DINARY, except *‘Davie’s Taxidermy.” ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. I HAVE a 10 guage D. Barrelled Thomas Parker breech loading shot gun, with canvas case and carrying straps in good condition. Cost new $60, present value $35. Will exchange for snap shot camera or offers. If you have anything to exchange let me hear from you. GORDON L. ELLIOTT, Allison, Ia. WANTED.—First eight vols. of THE OOLO- GIST (1884 to 1892). Have sets, land shells, Stearn’s Bird Life in Labrador. Give some ‘cash. Write with lowest price. FREDERICK HILL, Lyme, Conn. TO EXCHANGE.—A gold plated watch and chain for $17.50 worth of fine birds eggs. Send list and receive description of watch. GHO. W. DIXON, Watertown, S. D. TO EXCHANGH.—Lepidoptera in papers, bird skins, and 1st Glass singles. Want Lepid- optera, bird skins and ist class sets. Com- plete data given and desired. C. HOUGHTON, Lock Box 297, Potsdam, N. Y. WANTED.—Grey’s Anatomy, Organon of the Art of Healing by Samuel Hahnemann, and Essentials of Christianity, Witthans. Will give good exchange in specimens. FRED H. AN- DRUE, Elkton, Oregon. FOR EXCHANGH.—500 foreign stamps in- cluding 100 varieties for every full set, with data, of N. A. bird’s eggs catalogued at not less than 5c per egg. Address LOCK BOX 854, Wellington, Kans. GEODES, fossils. minerals, beautiful cave spec., buffalo horns (rough), sea curios for sale. Fossils and crinoid stems in limestone, petri- fied moss (lb pieces) for postage if you'll re- turn the cancelled stamps. CORA JEWELL, Shannondale, Indiana. NESTS, EGGS, drills, climbers, stamps, story-papers, electric bell, drawing machines, post-marks and curios exchanged for eggs, Columbian stamps, envelopes and souvenirs, Confederate bills and stamps, U. S. cents, half- cents and shin-plasters, Indian relics, watch, guitar, nickels without word cents or autoharp. Send complete lists and receive mine. AR- THUR L. THORNE, Box 642, Newark, Wayne CoreNinys WANTED.—Books, ‘“‘In the Land of the Moose, Bear and Beaver,’’—A. Dannut; ‘‘Prair- ie and Forest’’—Gilmore. Will pay cash if cheap and in good condition. L. B. GILMORE, Mungen, Wood Co., Ohio. NORTHWEST skins to exchange. Want .32 “S. & W.” reloading tool, shotgun, photograph- ic appartus or anything useful. Natural his- tory views forsame. GEO. G. CANTWELL, Puyallup, Wash. RUDY’S PILE SUPPOSITORY is guaran teed to cure Piles and Constipation, or money refunded. 50centsper box. Send twostamps for circulars and Free Sample to MARTIN RU- DY, Registered Pharmacist, Lancaster, Pa. No Postals Answered. For ‘sale by all first- class druggists everwhere, and in Albion, N. Y. by George W. Barrell. ii THE OOLOGIST. “AUKS” Wanted.—I will allow 30c each for any back number of the ‘‘Awk’” you may have, if in good condition and sent prepaid. You to take your full pay in Bird skins, Eggs, Shells (Showy or scientific), Corals, Echino- derms, Fossils, Minerals, Indian Relics, Cu- rios or Novelties as listed in the Premium List Supplement. I can also use on same terms Nos. 1 and 2 of NATURAL SCIENCE NEWS at 10¢ each and the following No’s of the OOLO- GIST at prices quoted: June, 1888, 25c; July- Aug., 1886, 15c; Jan.-Feb., 1887 or Dec., 1886 with same attached, 20c; June-Sept., 1887, 15c; Apr., 1889, 12c. All must be complete, clean and in good condition. I will also accept back No’s of the Ornithologist and Oologist or Nidiologist any issue and in any quantity at 5c per copy on same terms. I can also use books on sub- jects pertaining to Natural History if in good condition and cheap, also A No. 1 sets of eggs with data at % “Standard” rates. Lists of books and eggs must be submitted for my se- lection or approval before sending. Address atonce, FRANKjiH. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE.—Malachite, Crysocolla, Chalcedony, Quartz, Azurite, Mon- azite and Frankline, Microscopic slides, Infu- sorial earth 100 localities, Trap-tufa and rocks for sale or exchange for other minerals or Microscope slides or Infusorial earths. Rae ARTHUR M. EDWARDS, Newer Ne b A cm ee A COLLECTION of 30 different arrow, spear lance heads and scrapers sent by mail to any address postpaid for 55e. These are from the famous Scioto Valley mound region. All fine. FE. J. BROWN, Hayden Block, Columbus, O. O 44-4t WANTED:—At all times, fine sets for which I offer fine fossils, Indian relics, polished agates, books and mounted birds. GEO. W. DIXON, Watertown, So. Dak. 045-3t I HAVE for sale the following fine sets, full original data and authentic. First class. Make offers. A. O. U. 161-1, 108 1-1, 177 1-10, 120¢ 1-5, 127 1-3, 172 1-5, 2641-4, 308b 1-14, 348 1-3, 384 1-5, 393 1-4, 394a 1-5, 896 1-41-5.. 410 1-4 1-5. 420c 1-2, 429 n-2, 430 n-2, 431 n-2. 483 n-2, 483 n-2, 505 1-5, 505a 1-4, 5389 1-3 n-5, 629 n-3, 75la 1-5. (348% second class). GEO. W. DIXON, AWater toma: WANTED.—Back numbers lof O. and O. in good, clean condition, will exchange some good eges or pay cash for same. W. F. COBLEIGH 527 EK. 28th St., Los Angeles, Cal. O, THE NEBRASKA City Naturalists’ Associa- tion of Nebraska City, Nebraska, an Associa- tion for the advancement of the Natural Sciences. Correspondence and exchange de- sired with working naturalists. O 600 VARIETIES stamps in International album. Good condition. Also about 900 dunli- cates. Catalogue value about $14, for best offer of setSor relics. RUSSELL T. CONGDON, Ripon, Wis. O ITHAVEa number of Government Reports that I would like to exchange for reports of other years or for good sets with data. H, G. HOSKIN, Tuttle, Colo. O A LOT of birds nests for sale cheap. All first. class and properly labelled. ERNEST #H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. FOR SALE CHEAP.—A fine collection of North American birds skins, also many desir- able eggs, singly and in sets with full data. Send stamp for list. L. ZELLNER, 1825 Oak St., Los Angeles, Cal. TO EXCHANGE.—20 old English books on Natural History for books on ornithology. . C. SMITH, Decorah, Iowa. ‘ WANTED.—Sea birds eggs in full sets with data. Write what you have and what you would like in exchange. ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. I HAVE fine sets of Red-shouldered Hawk to exchange for other Raptores in sets. Full data given and wanted inreturn. EK. F. WATSON. Kennebunk Beach. Maine. WANTED.—Jan.. Feb., March. April and May, 1893 issues of OOLOGIST. State lowest cash price. Jlust be in Ai. condition. FRED W. PARKHURST, Bath, N. Y. TO EXCHANGE.—First class sets of this season's collecting to exchange for eggs of other localities notin my collection. Send list. C. P. FORE, Wayland, Clark Co., Mo. WANTED.—To buy a pair of Mockingbirds or a live alligator one foot long. Will pay cash. LOUIE HEMINGSON, Lake Mills, Wis. TO EXCHANGE —From volume X, number 10 to volume XII, number 9 inclusive of THE. OOLOGIST, and volume I of The Musewm to ex- change for Indian relics. All answered. AR- CHIE CROZIER, 810 W. 5th St., Wilmington.. Del. FOR SALE or EXCHANGE. -One hundred five Cent pieces, without the word cent on them for a collection of crystals. Address ARTHUR L. THAYER, 63 North Main St., Brockton, Mass. TO EXCHANGE.—Fine sets with data, 390. 477, 498, 501b, 563, 598, 597, 610, 703, 704, 705 and 761 for other sets. C. R. STOCKARD, A. and M., Columbus, Miss. BIRD SKINS at 44 standard rates for cash. Parties desiring well-made skins from this lo- cality collected during the winter and spring months would do well to address me for list of species. etc. EDMUND HELLER, 196 Rubi- doux Ave., Riverside, Calif. LOOK !—Colleetion catalogued at $25; will exchange for best cash offer; enclose stamp and send for list. CLARENCE SIMON, Box 135, Youngstown, Ohio. A WAVERLY BICYCLE for sale for $40; been used one season, in good conditiou, weight 28 pounds. LOUIK HEMINGSON, Lake Mills, Wis. WILL PAY cash for second hand Capen’s Oology. Jones’ Illustrations Nests and Eggs , Boys of Chequasset, and October 1893, Ndiolo- gist. For last named will pay $1.50 EKUGENE S. ROLFE, Minnewaukan, N. D. NOTICE !—I want old U.S. postage stamps. riave to offer in exchange: Breech loading shot gun, camera, books, magazines, supplies and foreign stamps. Scott’s ’96 prices used as a basis of exchange. No postals answered. JOHN B. SEYMOUR, New Berne, N. C. Winchester repeater 32, 1894 model, globe and peep sights, and repeating shotgun, 1893 model, both new, for sale or exchange for skins or sets. STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER, Jr., care of Pentz & Van Rensselaer, 29 Broadway. New York. THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XII. NO. 12 ALBION, N. Y., DECEMBER, 1895. WHOLE No. 122 An Outing in Assiniboia, 1895. The evening of May 29th, an old school mate of mine from Kingston, Ont, called at my brother’s house to see me and was quite surprised to hear that I had come so far west to study the game birds in their nesting haunts and collect a few sets of their eggs. As he had lived in Assa, about fifteen years and his life had been spent mostly trap- ping and hunting, I knew he could give me many valuable pointers regarding nesting locations of the various birds. He told me of a lake about 30 miles north-west, at the foot of the Touch- wood Hills and said he had frequently seen the Hooded Merganser and the Bufflehead nesting in the vicinity of the lake, also that there was a large colony of American Avocets, a few Pelicans and Crow Ducks, (Double-erested Cor- morants) nesting on an island in the center of the lake. AsI especially de- sired to get a set or two of the Buffle- head and Merganser I made up my mind to drive over in tae morning and so informed my brother. About 8 o'clock next morning we hitched the team to a wagon and start- ed for the lake. On the way over I found four nests of the Ferruginous Roughleg; three of the nests contained five young birds each and the other nest with three fresh eggs. I found two nests of the Long-eared Owl built in willow trees about 10 feet from the ground; both nests contained young birds and the parents flew close to my head, making a noise like a cat while I Was examining the young. I saw quite .a number of crows’ nests; some con- tained fresh eggs and others young birds. Idid not collect any of their eggs, as quite a number of the birds nested close to my brother’s house. Chestnutcollared Longspurs and Baird’s Sparrows were quite common most of the way over and I flushed quite a few birds out of the grass, but did not suc- ceed in getting any fresh eggs. I also saw the Western Chipping Sparrow; Clay-colored Sparrows were quite plen- tiful, and I found a couple of nests of McCown’s Longspur; one nest contained four young birds and the other three fresh eggs—a beautiful set; both the nests were very flimsy affairs: a few pieces of hay placed in a hollow in the ground in the short grass; the eggs have a ground color of greenish olive blotch- ed, with very dark brown and purple, and the shell is rough, quite different from any other eggs I know off. The bird has a beautiful soaring note and seems to sing through the heat of the day and always on the wing, and the Sweelest Music appeared to be made as the male ascended in the direction of his little mate, sitting on the treasured shells placed in the grassy home they had both helped to construct in their labor of love, far from the habitations of man. I flushed several Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse out of the grass and searched diligently for their eggs but got none. Most of the birds were males, no doubt. About noon we came to a small lake of sweet water and made our coffee and prepared dinner for ourselves and the team. This lake was swarming with Lesser Seaup, Mallards, Shovellers, Wigeons and other game birds. I was very much surprised to see Phalaropes, Sand- pipers and other plovers swimming in the middle of the lake in deep water, 169 . ny _ THE OOLOGIST. apparently feeding on the insect life the water contained. ‘There must have been four hundred small birds swim- ming 100 feet from the shore. I saw several Hudsonian Godwits on the edge of the stream, several Killdeers and a few Tell-tales, Lesser. It was close to this lake [took my set of three eggs of the Ferruginon Rough- Leg as we approached it. I saw a huge nest placed in a willow tree and as soon as we unhitched the horses I started for the nest, three-fourths of a mile distant. When I was within 200 feet of the nest the female bird lifted her head and watched me approach. She did not leave the nest until I touched the tree. Nest was very large and was made of large sticks, lined with grass, sods, bark, and fur and contained three fresh eggs, was placed 12 feet up in a willow tree close toa slough. I saw a number of nests in the vicinity and examined all of them; some were crows’ nests, others Swainson’s Hawks; apparently none contained eggs, excepting a crow’s nest which had three well incubated eggs. It is astonishing what a lot of empty Hawks’ nests I found on the prairies. I walked mile after mile to examine empty hawks’ nests, as they are very large affairs and are generally built on asmall tree growing on high ground. One can see the nests a mile or two dis- tant. Bartramian Sandpipers were plenti- ful, but I did not waste much time searching for their nests. A few miles north-west of this lake I found a nest of the Swainson’s Hawk, which contained three beautiful fresh eggs. I flushed the female off the nest. I saw quite a lot of these birds in the vicinity of their nests, but the season was a little early for full clutches of their eggs. I took but three sets, one of three and the others two eggs each; all the nests were builts in willow trees close to sloughs. About 4 p. m. we arrived at the foot of the Touchwood Hills and soon came to a small wooded patch and to the lake. Judge of my disappointment when I found the lake almost dried up. We soon struck our tent and had every- thing comfortable. as we found a fine well and had lots ot dry wood. What was formerly the island was now part of the main land and the Peli- cans, Cormorants and Avocets had left. the locality. I found a number of nests of the White-bellied Swallow and saw a few Godwits, Marbled and Hudsonian. Least Sandpipers were also quite com- mon and about one dozen Avocets were flying around, making their yelping noise. About a mile north I found another lake of quite a fair size and surrounded by small woods. Sawa lot of Shovel- lers, Baldpates, Pintails, Bufleheads and Hooded Mergansers swimming on the water and flying around the shore. I made a very careful search for nests and noticed a pair of Buftleheads keeping around the south-east corner of the lake. I made a careful search for their nest and was about to give up in dis- pair when my friend pointed to a small hole 8 feet up in a black poplar, oras he called it, a Balm of Gilead tree. I thought it might be a nest of the Spar- row Hawk and soon climbed up toit. I had to enlarge the hole to get my hand inside. About 16 inches down I could feel four eggs. I pulled one out and was delighted to find I had an egg of the Bufflehead. I soon pulled out the other three and put my hand in again to get the down and was surprised and very much pleased to find another layer of five more eggs. The tree was not over 12 inches in diameter and the duck had to place her eggs in layers so as_ to. get them all inside the tree. Isoon had the nine eggs on the ground and after pulling out all the down I descended and tried a drill on one of the eggs and found the set was fresh. They measur- ed 1.94 x 1.43, 1.98 x 1.48, 2.03 x 1.47, THE OOLOGIST. 170 1.98 x 1.44, 2.05 x 1.47, 2.14 x 1.47, 2.08x 1.45, 2.16 x 1.45, 2.16 x 1.45; are of a greyish-olive color and the shell is glossy and quite thick. Iwas very care- ful to blow them through small holes and they now bring to me visions of de- light whenever I open my cabinet. I have taken 14 species of ducks’ eggs in Manitoba and Assiniboia, the sets rang- ing from four eggs to nineteen; nearly all were taken with the down and as [ marked all the eggs very carefully after blowing same, none of them are stained or dirty and my series of ducks’ eggs would delight any oologist. In every case identification is absolute and where there was any doubt the shot gun was brought to bear on the parents and some form part of my collection of skins. As the ducks will allow a very close approach to the nest without taking flight, one who knows the birds can nearly always identify the female on the nest. Several times I have broken one or two eggs in a set by stepping on the nest, the female flying from under my feet. As it was now getting dusk we re- traced our steps to the camp. I had taken but the one set of duck’s eggs to- day, but considering the rarity of the findI felt amply repaid for my long wagon ride across the prairies and was soon in bed. I had little sleep all night as the Buf- fleheads had got me excited and I was anxious for the field again. EK. ARNOLD, Battle Creek, Mich. To be continued. >—<_—<> ->—+ Field Days in the Foothills. On August 1st, land my friend, M., Jeft Calgary, Alberta, our intention be- ing to penetrate as far into the foothills as it was possible to do with a buck- board, I then ‘“‘squat”’ in some favorable locality for a few days. One of the chief inducements of the trip was, to secure if possible, speci- mens of the “Blue Grouse,” found in the hills, as I expected to find them that rare variety D. obscurus Richard- SOntt. M. had a pair of fine pointers which he was going to take, to help hunt the Grouse, but taking the advise of a friendly ‘‘rancher’”’ who assured us that. the country was full of ‘“‘Wolf Pizon,”’ and that we should stand a good chance of losing one or both the dogs, he (M.) came to the conclusion that he would leave them at home. The 1st was a glorious day, and as we jogged along the trail, with the snow capped peaks of the Rockies getting nearer and nearer, we both came to the conclusion that ‘‘collecting”’ trips had bright as well as shady sides. Large hawks were continually in sight, the commonest svecies seemed to be Swainson’s Buzzard. We would of- ten pass within easy gunshot of this bird, as it sat on some slight elevation of the ground ora fence. It is readily distinguished by the broad salmon-col- ored pectoral band. Richarson’s Spermophile is one o¢ the most abundant small mammals. They are very fearless. I have often struck at them with the whip as we drove past within a few feet. They will then dive into their burrow as quick as a flash, only to be out the next instant, surveying your departure with a sort of ‘‘missed methat time old fel low” expression. After a drive of some 25 miles, during which we noticed sundry McCown’s: and Chestnut - collared Longspurs, Swainson’s Hawks and others of doubt- ful identity, we arrived at a ‘‘ranch’’ where we were to put up for the night. (Aug. 2d.) We were up bright and early this morning and after a hearty breakfast, our journey was resumed, the rancher having first pointed out to us a large “‘butte” about 8 miles away,, algal THE OOLOGIST. at the base of which he informed us, we should find a lumber ‘‘shack’’ which was closed for the summer months. After travelling about 5 miles, we sud- denly came to where the trail split in two, one section diverging to the south- west and the other pointing due west. An animated discussion followed as to which trail to take, M. favoring the westerly route, myself the southwester- ly; eventually we decided to take the westerly and started again. After fol- lowing this trail about 3 miles we sud- denly came upon another ‘‘ranch,” where the trail seemed to terminate. Upon making enquiries, we were told to keep right along up a certain valley, for such and such a distance and then by manceuvering from certain points (which we never found) we should strike the right trail to take us to the foot of the big ‘‘butte.”’ With growing presentiments that, that trail wonld be hard to find, we started afresh. All went well until we reached the top of a rise, and then we found stretch- ing away below us on all sides a valley, through which there had at some time been a fire, and the ground was thickly strewn with fallen logs and rank under- growth. I asked M. if he was going back and he said ‘‘not much,’ and as I seconded him on the spot we decided to trust to luck and get to the bottom of the valley some how. To put it briefly, we made all fast. I started and after some 20 minutes, dur- ing which our good old ‘‘cayuse” pulled us over logs and stumps of every con- ceivable shape and size, we arrived at the bottom with nothing wrong, except that one wheel of the buckboard was badly strained and everything well shaken up. It was nothing short of marvellous that we never smashed the buckboard. In a short time we found the trail again and about 20 minutes’ driving brought us to the lumber ‘‘shack,’’ which was situated near the edge of a dense pine bush at the base of a big hill. Upon inspection, we found the ‘‘shack” door securely fastened and it impossible to obtain entrance by that way. How- ever, M. was equal to the occasion, for he quietly slipped round to the back and I presently heard him tearing boards from somewhere, and upon in- vestigating, was just in time to see his feet disappearing through a square hole in the logs, which was evidently the window. From the inside we managed to open the door, and then we found our domi- cile was not such a bad place after all. There was a good stove, cooking uten- cils and sundry other domestic parapher- nalia. The first thing was to refresh the in- ner man, and after preparing and par- taking of a good meal, it was nearly dark, and after smoking a pipe we turned in as we were pretty well tired, and expected a hard day’s work on the morrow. G. F. DIppis, Toronto, Canada. To be continued. >< ->—< The California Clapper Rail. The California Clapper Rail was formerly abundant on all salt marshes in the vicinity of San Francisco Bay, but, owing to the inroads of numerous sportsmen and still more numerous pot hunters this fine bird was almost ex- terminated, which caused the Supervis- ors of Alameda and San Mateo counties, in which counties these Rails were es- pecially abundant, to create a closed season from the spring of 1893 to the fall of 1895 to prevent total extermina- tion. The open season formerly com- menced Sept. ist and extended to March 1st, but later on was modified so that the opening occurred Sept. 16th, THE OOLOGIST. 172 and still again, Oct. 1st. .The game laws of the state were totally revised this year, so that the open season began Oct. 15th to extend to Feb. 15, 1896, and, it was owing to a flaw in the law that Rails were declared legitimate game this year and not the next. To be precise, the season opened after mid- night of Oct. 14th, and many ambitious hunters were on the marshes long be- fore the golden rays of morning pro- claimed the bombardment to follow. I was not one of the lucky ones, for, business in San Francisco demanded my presence, but, I was treated to a sight I never saw before, as the train I was on sped across a small marsh about ’ thirty acres in extent between Oakland and Alameda, where two years ago Rail were thick as $20 pieces:—I count- ed nearly forty persons walking about and sending their dogs into patches of tall ‘‘salt grass’’ and along the banks of numerous small sloughs left half empty by the receding tide. Some of the hunters, I heard, bagged ten and twelve Rail apiece, and well they might for thick as bees around a hive, some one would drop the flushed bird if the last one didn’t. On the marshes back of Alameda where boats are necessary, bags of fifteen to forty were about the average for a few hours sport. Every- one who could afford the time, school boy, city officials, sportsmen and pot- hunters were out in full force, and the ' reckless and unchecked slaughter has continued, so that now, Oct. 25th. only a very anxious mortal will try his luck, and, itis safe to say that in another week not a Rail will be found. The yacht -‘Emerald” with Mr. E. K. Taylor (brother of the man who sends us our Nid.) and party of friends from Alameda on board cruised along the San Mateo shores for two days and the daily papers reported this erew had bagged 400 Rail. My doubts were dis- pelled when the jolly crew returned, and although I did not see all the game I had their word for it, and, the town ate nothing but Rail for the next two days. Sau Mateo county ‘‘produces’’ more Rail than any in the state. Mr. Taylor shot two rare Black Rail (Por- zana Jamaicensis) which, unfortunate- ly were lost. Oct. 20th being Sunday, I resolved to take advantage of my first opportunity in three years to bag a few Rail. I did not start to row across the wide slough to Bay Farm Island Marsh until ten o'clock as a flood tide was due at half past one. Rain began to fall and don- ning the rubber coat borrowed from the boat-keeper I spent two hours and a half rowing up and down the small sloughs and sending the dog into likely looking patches of salt grass and bush- es on higher places. The tide had risen and the marsh was covered by half a foot of water with a few high ex- posed places. From one of these the first bird noted was flushed and brought down. Then the fun began! I had found a good location and put up a bird every few minutes for two hours, when, becoming alarmed at the rapid falling of the tide I set out for the near- est good sized slough, shoving along through little tortuous channels and the last forty feet was a case of get out and push the boat across the short, cnrly “marsh grass” into a slough deep enough to float it. I found the birds very much wilder and scarcer than reported but managed to bag eight. I swapped all that had broken limbs and shot holes in the heads with a sportsman who wanted his ‘‘to eat” not ‘‘to skin.” Seven of them were fe- males, one of which was immature in size and plumage, showing it was hatched late in the season. The males appear larger and stouter and perhaps darker on the breast and underparts. One hunter shot a partly albino; the white predominating, on the neck, wings and back in Jarge patches. He would not swap it, give it away or sell 173 THE OOLOGIST. it, and this ignoramus told me it was “fa eross between a Rail and a Plover,”’ while I silently opined ‘‘where ignor- ance is bliss, its folly, etc.” This man’s friend told me later that he did not keep it for a curiosity longer than to get it home where it was plucked and eaten. Rail bunting at flood tide is not the highest sportsmanship, as the Rail take refuge on high ground, and, when very little of that is exposed your dog is sure to put up a bird almost every few yards. Occasionally these birds will climb in- to a thick, short bush, common to the salt marsh, or sit contentedly ona pile of drift or a floating log; and at such times can be hit with an oar, but the birds today with the exception of one were flushed before I saw them, and this one was standing partly concealed among some salt grass in several inches of water, and tipping its body quickly up and down; a common habit. Again, the Rail is not a swift flyer, flying in a straight lne, and when hunters are numerous one of them will get the bird you miss if it flies his way, or, mark it down and flush it again and keep Mr. Rail on the hop-skip-and-jump until he is shot or has presence of mind to sink into the water and keep his head out by holding to a stem by his bill. Thisis a favorite trick of theirs when wounded. Yet, huating them at high tide saves lots of hard work, such as pulling around the sloughs and tramping through the sticky marsh mud with heavy rubber boots. The mud there is under water too deep to wade and here is where the tall, wet salt grass grows in profusion, half blinding the dog, rendering him loath to work. Although not web-footed this long- legged bird isa tolerably rapid swim- mer when pursued in the water, swim- ming with its body submerged up to most of the neck. The nests are built on the salt marsh, under a bush or among the “marsh grass” and weeds close to a smal? slough. The material used is a heap. of wet, dead stems, grass and drift. The eggs range from eight to eleven. usually, in a set. The young are downy and coal black when hatched. During’ the nesting season these high tides are: absent, but rats play havoe with the eggs and young. I noticed many fierce looking rats today, driven to higher: grounds by the tide. I shot two that were being chased across the slough by the dog. They dove when the dog was. about to grab them and whenever I raised my gun. The Rails note is a chatter, something like that of a Gallinule or Guinea fowl. Their chief food is crustaceans and the craws of those I shot were mostly emp- ty. One contained bits of leaf of a. plant common to tbe salt marsh and one bird had swalluwed a mud crab the size of a quarter of a dollar and had: discarded the legs and pincers probably to prevent the crab causing trouble after being swallowed. Some persons relish the Rail’s flesh, but my personal opinion is not with them except in case of extreme hunger. The breast and second joint is meaty, the rest is,—just Rail. A broth tasting: likeclam juice is obtained from stewing: them plain. DonALpD A COHEN, Alameda, Cal. Notes on the Ruffed Grouse. The Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa wmbellus): is a constant resident in Maryland, being quite common in some sections of the country within a few miles of this city. In roaming about the woods in the- spring, I have often flushed the Pheas- ant (as this bird is called with us) from likely places, for a nest, but all my ef-. forts to find one were in vain until May 2, 1894, when I succeeded ip taking my first set of eggs. It was in this manner: THE OOLOGIST. 174 I had been tramping all day trout fish- ing and in the afternoon to reach the station, to take the train for home, I took a short cut over the hills. Walking along the side of a steep ‘rocky slope] placed my toot upon a ‘fallen tree as I passed, and the shaking of it caused a Pheasant to flush from beneath a rock, across which the tree -was resting. As far as I. could watch it, it flew for about one hundred yards > diagonally up the hill. I have often read, and heard it stated that this bird will cover its nest with leaves when leaving it, but such was not the case here. Possibly there was no time to do so, as the bird could not see me, and was only flushed by the shaking of the tree. The nest was a hollow about 24x6 inches, scratched in the ground on the south side of the hill, and beneath the shelter of the overhanging rock. This formed a roof of about fifteen inches in height, sheltering it from the weather, and entirely hiding it from the view «of anybody passing above, but to a person coming up the hill it was fully exposed to sight. The lining was of dead oak and chestnut leaves, intermixed with a few feathers from the breast of the setting bird. The eggs, ten in number, were not spread out in the nest, but were allin a heap, and looked as if they had been dumped together into the nest. Incubation was fresh, the eggs meas- uring respectively, in inches, 1.70x1.17, 16GOxd 185 1-67x1.12, 1.62x1-17, 161x119, SOO xIei751- 601.15, 159x018 159xd. 15, 1.56x1.18; ground color the usual cream, all being more or less speckled with small red and lilac markings. ‘For her second laying, when the first has been destroyed, the female some- times takes possession of abandoned nests, in trees or the tops of stubs, re- moving her young to the ground in her bill. This is of rare occurence.” (C. _A. Cooper, in ‘Shooting on Upland, Marsh, and Stream”). E. A. Samuels, in ‘Our Northern and Eastern Birds,” says about the same thing, and states that his collectors have taken their eggs from old Crows’ nests on several oc- casions. Pheasants pair in the spring, about tae eud of March, or the first of April. It is during this season that you gener- ally hear their ‘‘drumming,” but on several occoasions, I have heard it in November. This sound szems to pos- sess ventriloquil powers, and it is ex- ceedingly difficult to locate the bird by it. lfa person will place the end of a finger on the lobe covering the cpening of the ear, and work it rapidly, they will obtain a very fair representation of this ‘‘drumming” sound. Frequently in walking through the woods you will pass a Pheasant. It will remain perfectly still and quiet until you are about ten feet beyond, then it rises with a whirr and is frequently out of sight before you can turn around. Sometimes they are hunted with cur dogs that flush them, aud by barking drive them to the trees. By many per- sons it is believed that if a covey is found in the trees, they can all be “‘bag- ged” by shooting them in turn, begin- ning at the bottum. Ihave never seen it tried. I have found no large coveys in this part of the state, most of the birds flushed being singles, the greatest num- ber I have put up together being four. In the mountainous parts of the coun- try, where they are more plentiful, I have seen much larger coveys. They generally confine themselves to the woods, being especially fond of hill- sides thickly covered with laurel (Kal- mia latifolia). Warren, in ‘‘Birds of Pennsylvania,” says; ‘‘I have observed when hunting them in the fall that they often leave the woods, and are found feeding abouc the edges of the fields, along the borders of woods or thickets.” Again, Frank Schley, in American Part 175 THE OOLOGIST. ridge and Pheasant Shooting,” says: ‘‘I have come across single Pheasants in the open fields, among coveys of Part- ridges, at least four miles distant from any woods or thickets.” Their food consists of various insects, seeds, acorns, grains, berries, buds, etc. In winter, when everything else is cov- ered with snow, they often live entirely upon the buds of the Kalmia latcfolia. I have found them in the vines, eat- ing the small chicken grape, of which they seem to be very fond. Wo. H. FISHER, Baltimore, Md. Se a ae ee Hawks and Their Nests. The long Jane which came down from the woods pasture among the hills was enclosed by dilapidated fences, whoso mouldering rails, overgrown by trumpet creepers and corners filled with miniature wildernesses of sumach and sassafras, contrasted strongly with the highly cultivated fields on either side. Relics of the original forest srowth and outlawed plants, banished from the well tilled farms, found a last retreat here, and struggling together for standing room on the fertile soil, fought out the battle of life undisturb- ed, except by the occasional passage of a few cattle, who never stopped to browse but kept on to the rich expanse of blue grass beyond. A single tree had been spared in the clearing of the land and still stood, towering in solitary grandeur above the undergrowth, its apparent size doubled by its isolation. It was a honey locust, humming like a great in- strument of music with the buzz of the insects its sweetness attracted, but guarded by a formidable chevaux de- frise of many spiked thorns against the too familiar advance of unwelcome visitors. Lying in the shade of the budding elders, with books and wild flowers tucked between the lichen-grown rails of the fence, where they would be safe from the sportive winds of early May, I lazily read the latest work on birds. A rustle of broad wings drew my at- tention and I looked up in time to see a Sharp-shinned Hawk just settling up- on her nest in the great locust. The wild blood of the naturalist stirred within me and every nerve tingled. That nest was mine—at least to study. Approaching the great tree I walked around it, surveyed it from all points. of view, then climbing upon the fence, peered longingly up at the branches, but found no encouragement there. Armed at every point, it confronted me on all sides with a fierce array of brist- ling bayonets. The site of that Hawk’s. nest was impregnable. I might as well asSault the fortress of Gibraltar. A faded bit of dried skin clinging to one of the thorns showed where a Shrike had impaled some _ luckless. mouse the previous winter and to draw my mind from my disappointmeut I thought of the Laniws borealis, that dashing buccaneer who scorns our en- ervating summers, but in winter comes down from his northern land to reap a rich harvest of mice and _ spairows. Dashing yet dainty, gay and reckless, he ranks bravest of the brave, and, his size considered, his courage surpasses that of the fierce Hawk in the nest overhead. Returning to mv book | read that “the nest of the Sharp-shlnned Hawk‘ Accipiter fuscus, is usually situated in a low pine.” ‘‘:,ow!’ Did my author mean to insult me? ‘‘Although so often found now they were rarely dis- covered by the earlier ornithologists. Audubon met with but three, and neither Wilson nor Nuttall ever saw one.” Uncheered by this poor consola- tion I wearily sneaked away. Next day I returned to the locust troe carrying a light cotton rope attached to THE OOLOGIST 176 a common three-barbed ‘‘grab-hook” that had been made to use in fishing buckets out of wells. Swinging my hook I threw it, after a failure or two, over a branch full thirty feet from the ground. Ascending the rope as only a sailor, a monkey, or a naturalist could have ascended it, I carefully reached one arm over the limb, and twisting the rope around one:foot and pressing it in place with the other, | drew my pocket knife and trimmed off all the thorns in reach, so that I could draw myself up without danger or difficulty. After a brief rest I threw the hook again and caught a branch some ten feet further up. Mounting this branch as I had the first one I followed it to the trunk, and by moving slowly and carefully climbed to the nest. This nest, which was situated ina fork comparatively free from thorns, was constructed of twigs, coarse ones beneath and smaller ones above, and had only the scanty suggestion of a lin- ing of leaves. The four eggs were near- ly spherical, more than an inch anda quarter in diameter, and were covered with spots and blotches of chocolate brown on a ground of bluish white. I was collecting facts, and not eggs, and did not rob the nest, but it would not have been a _ very _ serious erime if I had done so, for these Hawks are persistent layers and I have known of a nest being robbed three times in one Season, thirteen eggs be- ing taken before the poor bird gave it up in disgust. It may have been per- secution of this kind which led this Hawkt« -elect a locust tree for a build- ing site. Creeping back to my hook I lowered a string to the ground and then bring- ing the end of it over the branch tied it to my rope. Descending the rope I pulled the string and drew hook and rope over the branch to the ground. J had climbed fifty feet in a locust and down again without getting a scratch. When a friend once informed me that “Hen-hawks built their nests out of cord-wood”’ I thought the statement was only the spontaneous bubbling over of the unaffected poetry of his na- ture, but I afterwards admitted that. there was some show for his exaggera- tion. Climbing a lofty shell bark hick- ory to examine a bulky nest in a fork near the top I found that I was invad- ing the premises of a Cooper’s Hawk. For so small a bird the nest was sur- prisingly large, and the coarseness of the materials used in its construction were still more surprising, some of the sticks used being 4+ inch in diameter. This nest was rudely lined with strips of the inner bark of some tree, appar- ently of the cottonwood, and contained no eggs. About the middle of May I returned again fand found the female brooding upon two dirty bluish white. eggs, obscurely spotted and blotched with faded brown. I was surprised at the smallness of the set of eggs and took pains to examine three other nests each of which contained four eggs. These Hawks are the smallest of those known by the suggestive name of Hen-hawk. They are common in this locality and I have frequently had the opportunity of admiring the swiftness of their flight and the accuracy of their aim. The Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo borealis, is another common species here. but its nest is not easy to find, for it is hated so heartily and is so much persecuted that it builds only in the most secluded spots. The only nest I have ever ex- amined was in the topmost fork of a giant tulip tree. This tree by the way is known as the ‘‘yaller poplar’’ here. The nest was an immense affair, larger even than that of Cooper’s Hawk. It consisted of a huge bundle of sticks, was slightly hollowed out and lined with the so-called ‘‘cup-moss”(Cladonia pyxt- data), gathered from old trees. The nest contained three eggs, not quite 477 spherical in shape but having no point- edend. In color they were yellowish white, marked with blotches of brown. I frequently work in plain view of a long ridge of saw mill‘ debris which lies along the bank of the Wabash and furnishes breeding and hiding places for all the rats in the county. This was a favorite hunting ground for Sparrow Hawks and consequently a popular resort for all the sportsmen -and workmen in Vincennes who vied with each other in their attempts to kill these useful birds. sWhen unmo- lested the mode of hunting pursued by the Sparrow Hawk was interesting. Poised two hundred feet or more above the rubbish pile he would beat against the wind without changing his posi- tion. Atlength sighting some victim which I could not see he would drop like a stone to within perhaps twenty feet of the ground. Stopping for an in- stant to correct his aim he would make another dart and then would rise again. Often as he rose I would hear a faint squeal which proclaimed that his din- ner was secured and that there was one rat less. I have frequently heard it said that Sparrow Hawks make entertaining pets, but my limited experience with them has done little to corroborate this. An acquaintance once persuaded me to climb to the top of a high cedar on his premises and rob a crow’s nest for him. When I reached the nest I found it contained four eggs, the usual num- ber with the Crow, but they were not the property of the original builder of the nest. A Sparrow Hawk had pre- empted the claim, and instead of im- proving and repairing the dilapidated last year’s structure had filled it up, covering the Crow’s warm lining of cedar bark with a layer of twigs. Why the misguided bird should have pre- ferred a rough, flat surface to a smooth hollow one was an unsolved mystery but there were her eggs, all covered THE OOLOGIST. with dots and confluent. blotches of ‘reddish brown on a yellowish cream colored ground. This was the only bird’s nest I ever robbed, and it was with many twinges of conscience that I wrapped the eggs in cotton and lowered them to the ground in a sack. Only one of the eggs could be pursuaded to hatch and the one little Hawk was brought up by hand. Patience and kindness had no effect on his stony heart. Perhaps it was his having been hatched in an in- cubator and brought up in ignorance of the refining influence of a mother’s early love that made him the depraved little wretch that he was. However this may be he made life a burden for his friends and room-mates for six months, and then he was liber- ated. When at liberty he showed that he either entertained some friendly feelings for his former owner or that familiarity with man had made him bold, for he made the barnyard of his old jailor his hunting ground, and was fast ridding the place of vermin when he was shot by a trespassing gunner. I draw no conclusion but merely sug- gest that there may be food for thought in the circumstance that the man who killed this Hawk is now serving a term in the State prison for larceny. When climbing dead trees and de- cayed snags in search of information in a very different line I have occasionally found the nests of Sparrow Hawks in the holes excavated by Woodpeckers, a cir- cumstance which at first surprised me, for the reach of the Hawk’s wings had led me to believe that it was much larg- er than even the Melanerpes erythroce- phalus. On one occasion I found a Sparrow Hawk’s nest in the jagged cleft ofa large cottonwood which had been blighted by lightning. My experience would seem to indi- cate that these birds are the latest breeders of all the raptorial birds nest- THE OOLOGIST. 178 ing in this locality, for I have usually found their eggs in the last week in May or the first week in June. We are occasionally favored by visits from Pigeon Hawks and Black Hawks but they are non-residents, andI think the preceding list comprises all the Hawks nesting near here, except the one family of Red-shouldered Hawks described in a previous article. ANGUS GAINES, Vincennes, Ind. + ~~ > A Letter of Interest from Dr. Coues. In the October Nidiologist under date of Sept. 16th from Sylvan Lake, South Dakota, Dr. Elliott Coues writes as follows: ‘IT am obliged to Mr. E. S. Rolfe for pointing out in the Nidiologist, of this month, page 10, the vexatious misprint in my Key, ed. 1887, page 618, which makes the egg of Wilson’s Phalarope measure ‘‘1.90” broad. This ‘‘apparent impossibility,” as he says, is of course a typographical error for 0.90. ‘This is the third or fourth time i have heard of itfrom as many different users of the Key, and I will see that it is set right in the next edition. I have meditated a new edition of the Key for some years, but have been very busy with other literary engage- ments; and besides, I thought best to wait awhile till the incessant shifting of names should cease—or slacken at any rate—so that I could tell what names were likely to remain in fashion long enough to make it worth while for the Key to conform to them. The A. O. U. Committee on Nomenclature and Classification, of which I have the honor to be chairman, has passed upon all doubtful or disputed cases thus far submitted to its decision, and we are now rapidly printing the new Check List of North American Birds, which will probably appear in a month or two. This will practically settle mat- ters of nomenclature for the next ten years. In view of the contemplated new edition of the Key, which will conform closely to the Union Check List in no- menclature, I would request readers of the Nidiologist to favor me at early con- venience with corrections of any errors the current edition may be found to contain. My address is always ‘‘Wash- ington, D. C.” I find much to interest me Ornithol- Ogically in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, where I am seeking much-needed respite from work and worry for afew weeks. Sylvan Lake is a picturesque and romantic spot, six miles from Custer City, and three from Harney Peak—the latter the most ele- vated point in these Hills. The Blue Crow, or Maximilian’s Jay(Gymnoctita cyanocephala or Cyanocephala cyanoceph- ala, if you prefer to be tautological in the most approved style), is one of the commonest birds. My attention has been particularly attracted to the Junco, which breeds here, and which will, perhaps, require to be named as a new subspecies, Junco hyemalis danbyi, after Mr. Durward E. Danby, Principal of the High School in Custer. I remember handling skins like this several years ago, but never before had an opportunity of seeing the bird alive. The difference from hyemalis is evident at gunshot range. ‘The impression is that of a large gray rather than black- ish bird. with the dark color of the breast fading gradually into the white of the belly. My specimens shot this month have the gray of the back over- cast with a brownish wash; and some of them show an approach to the char- acters of aikeni in having an imperfect wingbar formed by the white tips of the greater row of secondary coverts. The general coloration is rather that of caniceps than of hyemalis, but there is no definite dorsal area of chestnut. The bill is flesh-colored, more or less 179 THE OOLOGIST. obscured with dusky. ‘The size is | about 7.00x11.00. Danby’s Junco is very common in Custer and other towns in these Hills; it comes about the houses as familiarly as the Chipping- Sparrow. >t

— Some Notes on Two California Birds. Mex. Hornep Lark, Octocoris alpestris chrysolaema. As I have never seen anything writ- ten about this species I thought that perhaps my experience would be of in- terest to the readers of your valuable paper. My first introduction to this bird oc- curred several years ago, when I was a little shaver, some nine or ten years of age. Of course I had the usual collection of rare and valuable eggs that all small boys have, made up of a few cracked and broken singles, which I will not name. One year, I think it was in the later part of May, I was picking peas and I noticed a number of little birds that I took to be some species of spar- row, who seemed to be perfectly at home in the pea field. They would fly away up in the air, uttering at the same time a few notes. I could hardly call them a song, which are very well expressed in the follow- ing: dip, tip, tip, tip,—tip, tip—tippy, tippy, tippy. I began at once to look for eggs and it was not long before I flushed a little bird from the nest, which was built under a pea row, in a slight depression in the ground. It was made oi straw and dry grass and contained four of the prettiest eggs I thought lL had ever seen. Several years afterward, after I had started to collect eggs scientifically, I tried to get these eggs identified and was told they were probably the eggs of the Ruddy Horned Lark. I tried to get more sets of eggs or birds to make sure of the identity of this species, but could not find either until last year. On the 18th of June, 1894, while cross- ing a carrot patch, a bird was fiushed from her nest under one of the carrot rows. It was built in a depression in the ground and contained four fresh eggs. The female bird was shot as she left the nest and positively identified as a Mexican Horned Lark. The ground color of these eggs is of a pale olive and they are heavily spotted with drab, which is thicker at the larger end. On the 14th of June I returned to the carrot patch and a set of three slightly incubated eggs was taken. This bird also was flushed from the nest, which was composed entirely of dry grass, as was the preceding nest. 187 THE OOLOGIST. The eggs of this set have larger spots on them than the set of four. On the 25th of April, 1895, while out collecting, a nest was found in a vine- yard. It was built under a thistle, in a slight depression in the ground and con- tained four eggs; incubation begun. Another nest was found in the same vineyard, with one egg in it. Return- ing a few days later to collect the set, I found that a harrow had been run over the ground and had torn the nest up. Another nest was found containing three young birds about one week old. — PLAIN TitmMousE, Parus inornatus. This pretty little Titmouse is common with us during the breeding season. They nest in holes in the large oak trees that grow abundantly in the Santa Clara valley, preferring a hole which had been excavated by a Woodpecker or Flicker. The eggs, which are laid in early Ap- ril, are from four to eight in number, may be pure white or white, thickly spotted with minute pink spots. Last year a nest was found on the 15th of April, in which was four fresh eggs. These eggs were taken and on returning two days later two more eggs were taken from the nest. Three days later three ,.more eggs were taken, whereupon the bird decided to quit. This nest was built at the bottom ofa jarge hole in a white oak tree, ten feet from the ground and was made of string, feathers, bark strips, dry grass and tow. Five of these eggs were pure white, the other four being speckled with min- ute pink spots. Another nest was found on the 6th of May, but as we had no hatchet with us we could not get into it. This nest was built in a small hole on the upper side of a live oak limb twenty feet up. I examined three nests this year, sets of incubated eggs being taken from two of them. Both of these nests were found onthe 12th of April, 1895. The first was built in a post oak tree, in an old Flicker’s nest, six feet from the ground and contained six eggs. This bird was on the nest and would not leave it until we began to enlarge the hole. These eggs are white, spotted with little pink spots. The other nest was built in a hole on the under side of a white oak limb and eight pure white eggs were taken from its The last nest of the season was found on the 19th of April and was “plumb full” of young birds. I did not stop to see how many. These birds sit very close on the nest, while incubating, and when disturbed utter a note that sounds like the mew- ing of a cat. Wm. L. ATKINSON, Santa Clara, Cal. Accidenta’ Deaths of Birds. After reading the article in the Feb- ruary OoLoaist, by Mr. Harry C. Lillie, on ‘Destruction of Birds,” I thought I would add to it a few items of my own observation and some others of which I have seen notice. An English Sparrow built its nest in the corner of a roof and its foot becom- ing entangled in a piece of twine in nest, it hung there in full view from the street until death ended its suffering. In May, 1894, I climbed to a cavity that for years had been used as a nest- ing site by a pair of Sparrow Hawks. The tree was partly split by lightning and on reaching the nest I found a splin- ter had fallen and blocked the entrance leaving an opening on each side. Re- moving this, I found the skull and part of the skeleton of a hawk amongst the debris at bottom of the hole, and exam- ining skull I found it to be that of an adult. The bird had evidently been im- prisoned and starved todeath. Several THE OOLOGIST times I have picked up a Woodcock lying beneath the telegraph wires, and once [found a Meadow Lark hanging from the barb.of a wire fence. A friend in Virginia once shot an Am- erican Merganser with an oyster firmly adhering to its bill so that it was un- able to open it, which would have died first in this case I do not know, I have heard of ducks, oyster-catchers, ete., be- ing caught by clams at low water and held until high tide when they were drowned. While at Cobb’s Island, Va., some years ago, Capt. C. H. Crumb told me that Loons were frequently found dead in the gill nets, having dived for fish and been caught themselves. In ‘‘Forest & Stream” I saw an ac- count of a Crow being found hanging from the limb of a tree, head down and wings expanded, the claws firmly clasp- ing the limb. The party writing it wanted to know if the Crow had ‘‘La Grippe.” Mr. Harry Gordon White, in “O. & QO.’ May, 1889, tells of finding a Flicker with a deep dent in its skull like that sometimes seen in a derby hat; also of one found in nesting hole with feet frozen to ice; and of finding one each of the Mourning Dove, Swamp Spar- row and Fox Sparrow killed by flying against the telegraph wires. Mr. P. C. Kirkwood tells me of a Chimney Swift killed by striking on the tip of a lightning rod two years ago; the skeleton is still there now. It is often the case that birds are killed in their migration by flying against the lighthouse. Once I saw an account of many being killed in some city in Iowa by flying against the store windows at night, being blinded by the electric lights inside. Young ducks, grebes, ete., are fre- quently gobbled up (or down) by pike and other fish. I remember once read- ing an account of the skeleton of an Osprey and a large fish being found, the 188 talons of the bird being set in the fish so that it was impossible to release it, the fish evidently being too large and heavy for it to carry. During the cold snap in January, 1893, the ground being covered with snow for some weeks, many game birds as well as others perished. In the last ten days we have had parallel weather and reports have been coming in from all sections of the state of Partridges (Bobwhite) and other birds found frozen. Wo. H. FIsHER, Baltimore, Md. GAMELAND, the sports- man-naturalist’s mag- azine, reveals virgin woods and waters. It tells you where,when, and how to hunt and fish and camp out and is authentic. It goes regularly to60,000 gen- tle homes. ISsued monthly. Two vol- : f umes (twelve numbers 5 ; —one a month) one dollar. With THE OOLOGIST, $1.50. Postage free. Three trial numbers, 25 cents. No free copies—not even one—so don’t ask for any. GAMELAND, 108 Fulton St., New York, N. Y. Send 15c stampsand you will receive my | new Normal Catalogue of ali European- palearctic bird eggs, in over 600 numbers, with prices and number of sets for each species. Send $5 bill by registered letter and , you will receive, by return steamer, a fine col- lection of European Birds Eggs, in- cluding falco tinnunculus, etc., etc. HERMANN ROLLE, INSTITUTION FOR NATURAL HISTORY Emdener-Str. 4, Berlin, N. W., Germany. Better Than a Shot Gun ! @), A Rare Chance Rams ay J to obtain a high-grade Op- eraor FIELD GLASS at a very low price. The entire stock of Queen & Co., Inc., being offered at great reductions, including some special forms for Naturalists. Send for circular No. 481 giving full descrip- tions and prices. J. G. GRAY, Assignee for QUEEN & CO., Inc., PHILADELPHIA. WANTED—AN IDEA Siocentink / ‘of some simple thing to patent? Protect yourideas ; they may bring you wealth. Write JOHN WEDDER- BURN & CO., Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C., for their $1,800 prize offer. y) roro Chestnut St., vii THE OOLUGIST. Look! Look! Look! $3 tor $1. Send $1 (stamps or P. O. Order) and receive in return ALL the following specimens, nicely packed and labelled with full data: My Reg. |10 handsome foreign shells.................. 50 1 50 PTECE | PREGEE Dit OMe es ae es eee 10 15 Sea Pen é By’ ty) Ghay || IBWERVOIONIGy CYC ecstectcccacos caccdcoseecctecs 10 20 Key Hole Urchin 203] eine sre by6)) a pe ee eee ee 10 20 6 Hole Urchin at 25 | Hermit Crab (in shell).. 10 20 Sea Biscuit Hu: 3D) |PHuddler;\ Crabs een 10 15 Sand Dollar 0} 10| 2 Perfect Indian Arrowheads... se LO 30, Sivaeh sine ees SOT MONG rai Brees Sree) 05 10 | Piece of Indian Pottery... 20 50 Serpent Starfish........ ..... 05 25 | Beautiful Indian Bird Point......... ...... 10 25. Deep Sea Starfish 20 50} Piece of Indian Wampum) =... 2 10 25 Rare Cup Corals 4 ae HSUPA eT) ne = MOSS AS Ie Wea iu (cee een eeme ee 05 15 $3 00 $6 35 pn COLMUCOpla; COLA eee eee 10 20 Mer sii Se 10 20 | 1t will be seen by above that at my prices the collection amounts to $3 and at regular list prices to over #6. For the next 30 days you can get them allfor $1. Don’t miss this chance. All goods guaranteed perfect and as represented. Money refunded if unsatisfactory. A. H. VERRILL, Box 1649, New Haven, Ct. Clearance Sale. 26 Pages Written Quotations. LISTS NOW READY: Eggs in Sets, Stuffed Birds, Marine Curios, Land Curios, Foreign Birds and Skins, Mounted Animals and Heads, Odd Stock, Live Birds. Over 100,000 Specimens at prices that will surprise you. Everyone who has purchased a catalogue from us during the past year is en- titled to a full copy of above. TO NEW PARTIES:—Send 10 cents for our complete catalogue of Supplies, Eggs, etc., etc. FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO., NOt-f HYDE PARK, MASS. THE OOLOGIST, STUDENT OF BIRDS, THEIR NESTS AND EGGS. VOLUME XIII. ALBION, N. Y.: FRANK H. LATTIN, PUBLISHER, 1896. A. M. EDDY, PRINTER AND BINDER, ALBION, N. Y. 1896. INDEX TO /NilfontawiSan), Weal 1B ACIS passe sesee Bene sosc2sccn =e obec oscnoecobeste 4 Assiniboia,GreatNorthern Shrike Nesting in.39 AssSiniboia, My 1895 Outing in....:. ......-..... -..-- -19 Birds, Albinism in.. oh cpeeaace Birds of Gage Co.. en) Notes 0 on 1 Some. paiaeselas 15 Birds of Tonawanda Swamp, Two Inter- esting.......- Pee! meme es ce 29, 50 Bird Skins, A Few Don’ts for Amateurs ‘Tivol IM IEW Reba yee eens cosanceeoaasooececo ae BS InG S WHEN StU iy) Olsens. nee ceen ee cena Bittern, The American..... .........-. Bond which Unites us, The PES TITEL OT OAC eater ee? es oe ney peated ee ewececcece se CORTES HIDEO ke, AS SU ari Sc ic See e PERE 20 Caracara, Audubon’s. 1S ase ne aie as Ra 21 Whe kad CCRC eee ee aceaes one nea=s 25 Chickadee, Hudsonian...........0.00.0 .-.e------ 13, 26 Choir, The Feathered...... ... Climbing and Collecting Collecting in Penobscot Bay, My’95..............--.. 9 Cormorant, Double-crested.............-...2..2.2------+ 13 @reeperwlhe! Brow... -2.c:_.:c2csenpesteerncereesesecs sey = 26 CrLOSspill he wAmericam 2.2222 sereeereee cee cene 26 Crowe erAun eri CaM 2) ) eee a ee District of Columbia, Notes from..................... 16 W Ove wm MEOW TMT pees ois. eee 2 BEY) 2] ONES al pee eeeer es oe) css eee een eetecemaces -13, 43 Eggs, A Few Odd..................--.-- Eggs of Belted Piping Plover pHi GOT PANNE TN CATIO s <=: 22-25... - 22 oeeep site eee ceeesene TEPTUU Gy ESI LAB ae) sare we) SS a en Ui Ue) VED EN RS) 18 3 Lo AE oe 44 Gems, Feathered... penne ee toes 45 Goldfinch, The American ee os a eee 26 GOOSEN CAN AG ae se... .c5 |. teee eee ncaa cenatecotereesle 43 Grackles The Bronzed)... -..2-cce-0 sc-cessese ene -see nes one 32 Greene, Monmouth H............. secetlbncinre setulae, 8 Grosbeak, The Pine.......... Grouse, The Ruffed........... VOL. XIII. Hawk, American Rough-leg...... Hawk, Ferruginous Rough-leg Hawk Flights noticed at Lake Forest, Ill... .36 laywiemed- tailed: aaean a aamnan nun Enns: 23 Tale rOhal, (GARE EHH ISU ee cco cconnsenceesoocenonce 29; 53 Je hbyoaaanbaves| anh ole |e ee 45 Taya OMB ITS os: ee oe eee 26 Kingfisher, Nesting of the Belted..... -._......... Eg7ihy Kinglet, The Goldem-crowned................-.:- B26 Kite, Swallow-tailed........002..200.2.0202.2.ccceee ee --e ~43 LarkeBuntin ge. Lhe. oe ee eer eas ere ee ees 1. Lark, The Prairic-Horned............ .........--.-- cool) Merganser, Red breasted IMC © asia VV 22 Seen Michigan Ornithological Clube eee 7, 28 IMS eT 6 BOO Gye 2 eee ree 14 Miy airs t) Makes on (96 eseeee essen eee ree ines Nesting Sites, Peculiar...... -......-......-..- Pysstpeeee 40 © Nests, The Finding of Owileee ee Appeared Ye Northwestern Ornithological Association.........8 Notes, A Handful of Winter....................-.....2-.2D Notes on Some Birds of Gage Co., Neb ..... .. Notes, The Taking of....................... Nuthatch, The Red-bellied Observation, Min Of: eeeeeeee eee 16 Oological Crookedness...... .......2..-.2:210e-200202-= 48 Ornithologist, Winter Work for the...... .......... 1 Ornithological Association, Northwestern...8 Ornithological Club, Michigan Outing in Assiniboia, My 1895 Owl, Barred Owl, The Burrowing Owl, The Great Horned .............0......... -17, 27, 40 Owl, The Long-eared............... .......0.00.-00-- 17, 20 Owls’ Nests, The Finding of.................. ea 17 Pelican, Brown.. ...... -. Bee eee EAL Penobscot Bay, My ’95 Collecting in......... ...... =) JEU TSE NOISY ho a cocon ane oun emence eee eeEekes 12 IPAUERE ONO, LETS SIONS) Be srcnec oacosccsdoeecen ceeoenue, eae aesoe 43 Plover, Eggs of Belted Piping...... ..... ............ 4 Prize Contest (Aug.-Sept. ’95).............02....-.2..2.- 8 PEC ET VAM OW Wie osS8 05 2 0 MOO em nee Lip ah S72'p 2) nee Raven, Northern FRE GIO OL] 4 ila © ie: -: He — eeaa eal eens ki Seah leek Sandpiper, Solitany 2 eee 40 Shrike, Great Northern........................ 20, 26, 29 Shrike, The White-rumped.........---..-....22..22..-..26 Snow Bunting, The........................ BR Van kha LORS Sparrow, Clay-colored, 9 _59 Sparrow, The Tree Species, The Passing of StoObys Oleaehin dh Ones een o see ene Rerns) Common) ae PRO O ce NS A 9, Tonawanda. Swamp, Two Interesting BAILS iOPe 2 eo ee ena Lh 29, 00 PDrITMG aa MOM ve eimewe Lae S les ie) e e 44 IVELEU WAT bert ile iain eee patie ule I oe 14 Va Cure! BAG es nee eee eu 44 AVVO lIS AC HArles Wiis. swale ee pe Eee a er 8 Winter Notes, A Handful of........... 2.2.2.0... ~25 Winter Work for the, Ornithologist,................ 1 Woodpecker, The Downy..................-....--------=- 26 Wiren’, Bewieks): 22.00. ee 2B Mellow, Hammer. 2 Cer se AD, IRAaee x Neb IT TIT Tt Tritt ry Monthly. RIRIRARIRA Ee, aX OUR G0 S000 0S00R0ERSroneEmAnoosscoonsodeedeon aseenes BeLbasksaassesso" a ug = oe fj 3 (O seo” <2, 5 (F Meee aes 8 ob, yo RaRgegagnaene e o ¢, % % poane DEgEUe SRO RNeER noes see eRe esas Ree oe eee Ree AAo RA eag ele ReOe SRE Rese eno RerasnrAn,, . ( &) V7 5 2, IY (EERE NERNEY me op) Qe Lilie, Ge 3 ne VOL. XIII. NO. 1. ALBION, N. Y., JANUARY, 1896. WHOLE No. 123 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, “Wants,’ “Exchanges” ‘‘For Sales,” inserted in this department p for 50¢ per 35 words. word. No notice inserted for less than 50c. Notices over 35 words, charged at the rate of one cent per each additional Terms, cash with order. ‘“‘DBALERS” Gan use these columns at Regular Advertising rates, only, Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-hali list rates. Exchange Cards and Coupons (Subscription) will be accepted for ‘‘ Wants” and ‘‘Exchanges”’ only and according to conditions stated thereon. WANTED —Davie’s Taxidermy, latest edi- tion.. Will exchange books or sets with data, or will pay cash if cheap and in good condi- tion, A. W. PLUMB, Flint, Mich. NOTICE.—A. 1. skin of Willow Ptarmigan, pure white phase, just skinned and in fine shape for mounting, $1.35 prepaid. Address, ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. NOTICE,—High bred white and tan Lewellen Setter dog. 2% years old, wili take $15 cash or $25 trade in first-class Indian relics or bird skins. Will give pedigree. DRS.OUTWATER, Brons°n, Mich. - FIRST-CLASS SETS taken in this locality to exchange for only first-class sets from other localities. Send lists. C. S. RUTHERFORD, St. Francisville, Clark Co., Mo. WANTED.—Lowest cash prices on bear and other mammal skins, raw, suitable for rugs. Ee NBs 10th & Spring Garden Sts., Easton, a. ; SIOUX INDIAN RELICS of all kinds to ex- change for Black Point Eagle tail feathers. BES C. SWIGERT, Lock Box 825, Gordon, eb. WANTED.—First-class guitar or mandolin. Will exchange fine skins and eggs. Send de- scription and receive my list. B.H. BAILEY, No. 1414 ist Ave., Cedar Rapids, Ia. NOVELTIES and Curiosities made from petrified wood of Arizona, broken bank bills, '10e. each, postage stamps, 500 for 50c. Stamps exchanged. HARMON COOK, Redfield, ta. WANTED.—A pair of climbers,strapped pre- ferred. Will give good exchange or cash. HERVEY L. SMITH, Smith’s Ferry, Mass. WANTED.—Books on Zoology or.Chemistry, or good microscope. Can offer sets and skins and part of Maynard’s Birds of North America. Send list of books. FRED Mc ALLISTER, Davison, Mich. WANTED.—Good 32 cal. revolver, also violin and harp. Will exchange for same, first-class eggs, sets or singles. DANA C. GILLETT, Barre Center, N. Y. EXCHANGEH.—California birds eggs, sets or singles for United States and foreign stamps. All letters answered. J. W. RIFE, 1010. So. Olive St., Los Angeles, Calif. IHAVE a pair of climbers and Vol. I. of NATURAL SCIENCE NEWS to exchange for A. 1. set of Black Vulture with data. OLIVER DAN- IELS, Box 454, Kalamazoo, Mich. HILLARD CYCLOMETER, 30 in., good as new. Will exchange for first-class sets or best offer. R. E. PIKE, Box 32, Livermore, Me. ERRATA.—In my ad. in last issue prices on birds eggs were per set and not per egg. Skin of Am. Dipper or Water Ouzel should be 40c- instead of $1.00. BE. H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. WANTED.—First-class sets with data of 49, 51, 54, 56. 58, 125, 126, 184, 186, 194, 197, 202, 203, 325, 826, 335, 336, 339, 347, 364 and 378. I will pay cash for the above. Write stating price and num- Der inset. ROBERT A. TOMLINSON, Alden, a. HAVE 4 Vols. Good News to exchange for eggs in sets. Send list. FRED BLACK, 904 Osborn St., Kalamazoo, Mich. PAIR of Thorougbred 310 Blower Pigeons for sale, or exchange for eggs or small camera. A No. }. goods sent, same expected. GHO. COLE, Joy Road & 12th St., Detroit, Mich. WANTED.—Nests of A O. U., 431, 443, 447, 462, 464, 486a, 510, 519, 529a, 542a, 552a, 56a, 581c, 588a, 591b, 596, 597, 599. 601, 622b, 710, 713, 721a, 758 and others. Ioffer other nests. correctly named, Coleoptera, shells, reptiles, batrachians,skulls, Indian pottery, foreign stamps, stamp papers, tin tags, fresh skins of Snowflake and Lapland Longspur, skates, climbers, ete. Any of above also given for fine sets eggs, skins or old U. S.- stamps. Enclose stamp for reply. W.E. SNY- DER, Beaver Dam, Wis i THE OOLOGIST. FOR EXCHANGH.—Singles A. O. U.. 6, 71, 197, 201, 202, 218, 219, 221, 261, 289b, 316, 319, 325, 339, 387, 390, 409, 454, 474b, 501, 581c, 588a, 588b, 599, 718, 749, 719a, 721, 721a, etc., for A. 1, sets with data. J.O. JOHNSON, L. Box 550, Southington Conn. EXCHANGH.—Egegs of Coots, Gallinules, Black Terns.'Thick-billed Grebes, Night Herons, Carolina and Virginia Rails, Yellowheads, Swamp Sparrow. Can exchange ten to fifty sets and single sets of many others, for eggs ete., etc. DELOS HATCH, Oakfield, Wis. EXCHANGE.—Wish to exchange a Cyclo- style duplicating apparatus, comparatively new, for best offer in eggs, (sets or singles) 12 guage :gun or small calibre rifle. Cylostyle will duplicate 1000 copies of same letter or cir- cular. Will send copy of work to those send- ing an offer if wished. Address all letters to G. H. BLETHEN, Clark Island, Me. WANTED.—Grey’s Anatomy,Organon of the Art ot Healing by Samuel Hahnemann, and Essentials of Chemistry, Whittans. Will give good exchange in specimens. FRED H. AN- DRUS, Hlkton, Ore. “TEE AUK,” the first 8 Vols.; Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, 9 Vols.; also the first 5 Vols. of Ornithologist and Oologist wanted. Willpay cash. I". C. KIRKWOOD, Box 864, Balimore, Md. JO & 52-2t. TO EXCHANGE.—Desirable bird skins for same and sets. Many common ones wanted, eastern species especially. Fine skins only ex- changed. Also want large calibre Winchester, 45-9) preferred for cash or exchange. All an- swered. CHAS. D. KAEDING, Box 20, Dry- town, Amador Co., Calif. WHAT am I offered for set of 11 King Rail’s eggs? Hges first-class. DR. GUY C. RICH, Toy Building, Sioux City, Ia. WANTED.—Would like to make arrange- ments with some eastern dealer to collect Ore- gon eggs this season. First-class original sets guaranteed. D. FRANKLIN WEEKS, No.720 Front St. Portland, Ore. DID YOU KNOW IT?—I have minerals and N.S. specimens to exchange for same or stamps. ROBERT BURNHAM, Dennis, Mass. WILL PAY good prices and cash for old U. S. stamps. Departments especially wanted. Can use 24 and 7e. treasury also 7c. war. Let me know what you have. F. C. MATHEWS, 501 Holley Ave., St. Paul, Minn. NOTICE.—I will send for $1.00 a strictly first- class set 1-5 White-necked Raven with full da- ta. Ihave one set 44 Golden Eagle for $5.00. Send stamp for list. All my eggs are first-class and cheap. H. A. WISE, JR., 505 East 11 St., Austin, Tex. FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE.—Will sell at 2-3 catalogue value (Lattin’s) or exchange for eggs new to my collection at regular prices, the following and many others, all first-class With complete data. Also a fewsingles. Write for fulllist A. O. U. No. 86 1-1, 120¢ 1-4, 320a 1- 2, 325 1-2, 326 1-2, 333 1-4, 337 1-3, 342 1-2, 365 1-7, 410 1-4, 417 1-2, 420a 1-2, 421 1-2, 429 n-2, 431 n-2,58la 1-4, 5941-4, 602 1-2, 62012, 6071-3, 7491-5. OC. ALLEN “LY,Perrineville, N. J. DATAS.—Will print and send postpaid 100 standard data blanks with your name and ad- dress printed on them for only 25c,; 200 for 40ce.; 500 for 75c. Satisfaction guaranteed. Natura- lists’ printing aspecialty. THOS. H. BLOD- GETT, Galesburg, 111. FOR SALE or exchange.—Chamber’s Ency- clopedia, 30 volumes complete, paper cover, new. Whatam I offered? A. D. BESTOR, 82 Washington Ave., New Rochelle, N. Y. 100 SPECIMENS illustrating the manufact- ure of arrowheads and spearheads, and includ- ing perfect specimens of each; also knives and scrapers. cores and discs: sent by express for onedollar. F. I. BROWN. Hayden Bldg., Col- umbus, Ohio. J. O. 2051 2t WANTED:—Good Hammerless or Spencer repeating or small collecting shotgun; good bird pup; sets; fossils; good books on Natural History of any kind: photographs of birds: typewriter; or good field glass; for any of the above I offer fine fossils, minerals, polished agates, Indian relics, books, sets, or mounted birds. Will pay cash for collections of eggs. GEO. W. DIXON. Watertown. S. D. WANTED.—Exchanges in fossils. recent shells and eggs, specimens scientifically named and with full data; specimens named free; cor- respondence solicited, especially from southern states. BURDETTH N. WRIGHT, lock box 1054, Penn Yan, N. Y. 50-2t.0 WANTED:—Packard’s Guide to the Study of Insects. State condition and lowest cash price. ROSCOE C. STEVENS, 150 West 99th St,, New York, N. Y. O. WANTED:—A Winchester repeating shot- gun and rifle, hammerless shotgun, Smith & Wesson revolver, camera, trout rod and reel, telescope or field glass for which I can offer rare sets of eggs with datis. Sets for sale at % value. HKnclose stamp for list. C. H. WAT- ROUS, Chester, Conn. O. WANTED.—To trade a good Smith & Wesson revolver for an ostrich egg ora set of Swans. Must be first-class. C. E. CALHOUN. 617 S. Emp. Ave., Wichita, Kans. 0.50-2t FOR SALE.—Almost new Hawk-eye Camera, 4x 5, 3 plate holders, printing frame, ete., sent on receipt of $11. GLOVER M. ALLEN, 3 Ver- non St., Newton, Mass. 0.50-2t FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE.—Malachite, Crysocolla, Chalcedony, Quartz, Azurite. Mon- azite and Frankline, Microscopic slides, Infu- sorial earth 100 localities, Trap-tufa and rocks for sale or exchange for other minerals or Microscope slides or Infusorial earths PROF. ARTHUR M. EDWARDS, Newane oF J. 5 0 FOR SALE.—A collection of 250 flint arrows, spears, drills, kuives and scrapers. Will sell for $5 cash. Also have a Collection of 90 differ— ent fossils listed at $18, Which I will sell for $6. GEO. W. DIXON, Watertown, S. D. oO BIRDS IN DOWN:—Wantted at once A No. 1 skins of young birds in down. Write what you have stating best price for same. Can al- so use a few Snowy Owls, either in skin or meat. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. RARE NORTHERN SPECIES. Imake a speciality of the above and have now on hand fine skins of Richardson’s and Franklin's Grouse, White-tailed and Willow Ptarmigan, Canada Grouse, Great Gray, Rich- ardson’s, Arctic Horned and Am. Hawk Owls, Am. Goshhawks, Arctic, Am. and Alpine 3-toed Woodpeckers, Canada Jays, etc., Mammals, such as Beaver, Martin. Can. Lynx, ete., from time totime. ull data. List for stamp. G. F. DIPPIE, 17 MeMillan St., Toronto,Can. THE OOLOGIST. iii FOR SALE.—Coast Birds in the flesh, : Vols. XI and XII of the OOLOGIST, Vols. IX and X © of Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. L of the ALu- seum. ALVAH G. DORR, Bucksport, Maine. J2t. WANTED.—Good double shot gun in ex- change for Natural History specimens, Deer heads, birds, ete. ALVAH G. DORR, Bucks- port, Me. SQUIDS AND OCTOPI:—I have left two jars of alcoholic specimens containing all told, I should estimate, 30 or 40 perhays 50 specimens. Last June I sold dozens at from 46cts. to 96cts. and dealers usually sell them at from $1.00 to $3.00 each. In size the specimens in these jars will range trom 1 in. tolft. inlength. The list will only be sold asa whole and to a stud- ent or some educational institution needing them they will prove a veritable bonanza at the price at Which Lam willing to close them out. LIalso have a large wax model slightly damaged of a Loligo mounted on black walnut base. It was one from that famous $100,000 collection at the World's Fair. The entire lot -of alcoholics including the wax model ought to bring me $50—certainly should be considered a bargain at $25, but I am willing to close out the entlre lot for an even $10. Write first as 1 do not care to be at the expense of returning your money. Many should want this lot, but tho first letter gets them. Write quick should you have use for them. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. THE NAUTILUS. A monthly devoted to the intesests of Con- ‘chologists. Edited and published by H. A. Pils- bry, Academy of Natural Sciences and C. W. Johnson, Wagner Free Institute, Philadelphia Pa. Send for sample copy. The Iowa Ornithologist. The only illustraied quarterly magazine in the Mississippi Valley. devoted to the study of birds. The July issue, Vol. 1, No. 4 contains a full page illustration of the Blue-winged ‘Teal. Subscrip- tion 4% a year. Sample copy 10c. Jy 3t. DAVID L. SAVAGE, Editor, Salem, Iowa. PRINTING Speciatity. | Note ana. ietter heads, envelopes, circulars, illustrated cata- logues for natural history dealers. Have hun- dreds of engravings of natural history speci- mens. Write for estimates. 100 envelopes print- ed, 45c. noteheads same price, postpaid. C. F, CARR, Job Printer, New London, Wis. tf TAXIDERMISTS’ GUNS. ‘cins-* Pistols, Gun Cases. Shooting Shot Shells; also Shot Car- SPECIMEN HUNTERS, tridges for All kinds, all prices from $.)) to $2..00. List free. Write for Taxidermist’s free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA. H.H. & C.S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists, Better Than a Shot Gun! A Rare Chance to obtain a high-grade Op- era or FIELD GLASS at a very low price. The entire stock of Queen & Co., Inc., being offered at great reductions, including some special forms for Naturalists. Send for circular No. 481 giving full descrip- tions and prices. J. G. GRAY, Assignee for QUEEN & CO., Inc., PHILADELPHIA. toro Chestnut St., Naturalist and Museum Supply Depot. All Goods required by Naturalists. Send 10 cents for complete Catalogue. FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO., HYDE PARK, MASS. DON’T MIss IT. Miss what? Why the chance io ob- tain $38.00 for $1.00. I have recently purchased a building in which to conduct my business, and though I do not»change my Post-Office still I shall have to move some distance; hence, as I would rather sell stock (which I have in surplus) aT cost, than to move it and run the risk of deteriora- tion in value from breaking in handling. I have decided to let $1,000 worth of stock go at prices unheard of before. Removal Sale Bulletin Out Jan. 25th: Eggs, Showy Shells, Minerals, Curios and Novelties in lots to suit. If you don’t get a copy send for one at once. Offer expires March 1st. Address, ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. iv THE OOLOGIST. Dl ill vatl lll lh ull lil lll lh ll ll leg fi c G Re fs D ‘DS a : Additional lines enly roc each. R. W. FORD, ee @ ee One-line Stamp with Self-Inkiug Pad, ONLY 35 CENTS. Quotations cheerfully given. BRISTOL. CONN. na Please write. ti en ee ee (ie DR. FOOTE’S HARMONIOUS SPECIFICS. The Ripe Fruit of over forty years experience in special practice by the celebrated author of “Medical Common Sense” and ‘Plain Home Talk.” No minerals, no opiates, no cocaine; no animal extracts; No one cure-ail, each does good deeds; can be combined to meet all needs. Any of the following articles sent by mail on receipt of price: (non-alcoholic). No.1. Magnetic Ointment for bruises, wounds, colds, aches, pains. rheumatism. cramps, piles, 50e. No. 2. Catarrh Balmand Tablets, for nasal and throat catarrh, sore eyes, Cars. lips, etec.. No.3. Magnetic Anti-Bilious Pills, for liver torpor, dyspepsia. constipation, piles, headache? No.4. Tonie and Ague Tablets, for all sorts of malaria, anemia, debility—a fine tone ete, § AY cents. ‘Vcts. Octs. No.8. Anti-Rheumatiec Tablets, a true kidney cathartic for une acid diseases, gout. scratiea, AU CTS. No.10. Sanitary Tampons, for local female weakness, falling, leucorrhaea, No. ll. Magnetic Cramp Tablets, for wind colic, cramps, apathy, cte., Ste “bowel complaints,’ painful periods, ae. No. 12. Magnetic Cough Tablets, for coughs, colds, nervous headaches, neuralgia, fidgcts, etc., 50c. ALS®O several orizinal mechanical devices for SELF-CURE of Old Eyes (far-sizht,) Croup, Phimo- sis, Rupture lee pads), Varicocele, Hemorrhoids, ete., and several Sanitary Soaps AGENTS WANTED! ! her preparations for removing Facial islemiuiskhes. liberal discounts—good- -paying. “steady business—men or women, “Health Helps” containing * CR. FOOTE’S SANITARY BUREAU, Room 5, 129 East ! ‘100 pointers” for common ailments. FREE 2oth St., New York. Bargains FOR FEBRUARY ONLY. Books. Fisher’s Hawks and Owls, #2 25. Bendire’s ‘‘Life Histories of North American Birds,’’ Vol. I. $6.00, regular price $7.50. Maynard's ‘‘Birds of Eastern N. Am.,’’ $10.00, regular price $15.00. (Plates not all present). Coues’ '‘Key to North American Birds,” (last edition) $6.50, regular pric, $7.50. Ridgeway’s “Manual of North American Birds,’ ’ (last edition) $6.25, regular price, $7.50. Davie’s ‘Methods in the Art of Taxidermy,” $6.00, regular price $10.00. Some of these have names in front but are ‘otherwise exactly as good as new. Will be sent prepaid at any time during Feb., 1896. Address, ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. When answering advertisements always mention the ‘‘OOLOGIST.’’ RARE SPECIES Of North American Bird Skins a specialty, also fine Mammal Skins, with Skulls, etc. Over 10.090 fine Bird and Mammal Skins in stock. Finely mounted heads of Deer, Elk, Caribou, Rocky Mountain Sheep and Goats, ete. ine Geodes of many varieties—order a few beauties for your cabinet. Jalso bave a few sets of Illi- nois Geological Reports, (Vols. 1 to 8) complete and elegantly illustrated. This magnificent work is now becoming extremely rare. and will soon be beyond reach. Send two stamps for catalog, or wifh letters of inquiry. Refer- ence, all prominent Scientists or Institutions throughout the country. CHAS. K. WORTH- EN, Naturalist, Taxidermist and Dealer, War- saw, Ill..U.S. A. Established in 1873. blab lad Vad Vad Vad Vad Led Ved lab Ved Vad Vad Tabulad Vad Vuh Vad Lad Lod Vad Vad Vad bad Ved Vab Yo} : R-I-P.A-N-S : i WE PPP PY Be of of of WANTED—AN IDEA Whocanthink of some simple thing to patent? Protect yourideas; i; Shey en ay bring you wealth. Write JOHN WEDDEL- BUKN & OO., Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C., for their $1.800 prize offer. — THE OOLOGIST. VOL XIII. NO.,1. Winter Work For the Ornithologist. The ornithologist who aspires to be more than a mere collector knows that his work does not stop with the close of the eollecting season. Every occupa- tion has two aspects or sides, and in the studies of the ornithologist there is a pleasant side and there is also a time when there is more or less apparent drudgery connected with the work. The summer collecting is the enjoyable side of the natuoralist’s vacation, and there are few of us who need to be spur- red toward the woods and fields. The real enjoyment of a day afield or afloat is in itself the best reward for the ex- ertions made and the hardships fre- quently encountered, and the commun- ion with the forms of nature which most strongly appeal to our desires is an in: centive which we are unable to resist. There isa more laborious part of the work of the ornithologist, however, which we are inclined to neglect, and yet it is the part which is helpful to the world and to those of our fellow-collec- tors in different 1egions of the conntry. Hence I feel impelled to 1emind my friends of the QOOLOGIsT that the winter work of the ornithologist is no less im- portant to his as vancement in the no- ble science he has espoused, and far more valuable to his co-workers and to the eause of ornithology, than the more pleasurayle work of the real collecting time. The supreme aim of the student of nature, in any department of her mani- fold aspects, should be the accumula- tion of knowledge for the enlighten- ment of others. The science of orni- thology has made rapid strides in the ‘past few years, solely because the best \ ALBION, N. Y., JANUARY, 1896. WHOLE No. 123. observers were willing to contribute their observations to the growing stock of knowledge. He who builds up a eol- lection of eggs or skins with no desire to contribute the facts aequired to his fellow-collectors, but at the close of the season locks his cabinet and shuts his treasures from the light, and allows his notes to lie unheeded where none will be the wiser for his season’s work, is no hetter than the miser whose character is regarded as despicable. I feel that if all the collectors of this country were actuated by the motives of the true nat- uralist, the mails would be burdened with manuscripts addressed to the OOLO- Gist and other journals published in the interests of birds and beasts, and. the facts so important to the advancement of this science would soon be brought to light. The chief part of the work of the orni- tholee'st in the long evenings of winter should he the careful study of the speci- mens taken in the proper season. There are frequently days in the collecting season when we are searcely able to prepare the numbers of specimens we have taken. and many desirable addi- tions are made to our collections when we have no time to study them what- ever. After we have tramped all day along streams and through swamps, or have clambered up many trees, often with exertions bordering on exhaus- tion, and have prepared the results of the day’s'efforts by working well into the night, we have little time to give close scrutiny to the treasures we have obtained to our great satisfation. Then many of us feel that the records of odlo- gy are complete enough, and that there are others who are more fitted for that part of the work, so We pay little atten- 2 THE OOLOGIST. tion to the examination of our speci- mens except to admire them in a rather indefinite way and when we need infor- mation about them we seek the pages of Davie, Coues, Ridgway and other leaders of ornithology. Well as the field has been worked, however, there yet remains enough to be learned about birds and their eggs to startle the nov- ic2, and even experts will have to ad- mit that the end is not yet. In all the descriptions I have read of the eggs of the King Rail and of the Flordia Galli- nule I have been unable to distinguish one from the other simply from the de- scriptions, though the difference is ap- parent enough to be carefully expressed. And so the eggs of mapy other species lack close discrimination in description, and hence the winter work of the orni- thologist might be profitably spent in careful study of the specimens lying so snugly on their downy beds in the dark recesses of our cabinets. The re-writing of the data gathered in our note-books is an important means of advancing our own knowledge and preserving it in more intelligible form. Frequently in our hurry to dispose of the fruits of our day’s exertions in the field we are prone to make hasty notes and to abbreviate them in such a man- ner that they would be unintelligible to another and often difficult of transla- tion by ourselves after they have ‘‘got cold.” In the winter when time hangs heavy on our hands, the notes gathered along with our specimens might be re- written in better literary style, and thus we would form a basis for something of interest to others as wellasto ourselves, and should any of our fellow-collectors call upon us at any time for our rotes on any particular species, we would have something which would be availa- ble for their use and not a chaotic mass of illegible materials. Every observer of nature should prepare all his notes as though they were being prepared for immediate publication, and then if his materials happen to fall into the hands of others, in case of his death or other casualty, or by exchange, the results of his observations and studies will not. perish with him. Some of the best pa- pers lately published in the OoLoaistT: were from the materials gathered by the authors and left in shape to be used by others after their death. I fear that there are too many collec- tors who have no desire that their ob- servations shall be of benefit to others. In response to the frequently published calls foy notes and data on certain spe- cies or from particular localities, how few are ready to contribute their mite to the common stock. There are note- books Jying in undisturbed recesses which might reveal matters of interest to even the best informed ornithologists of the country if the contents of such books were brought to light. The great- est barrier to the more rapid advance of oodlogical knowledge at the present time is the lack of full records from all see- tions of the country. The greatest need of ornithological study now is not the more rapid discovery of new species or more extended observatiuns about the rare species, but fuller published facts about the commoner species, such as is contained in hundreds of the note-books whose owners never think of making public their records. We need more of such facts as were given us in a late number of the OoLocisr, in the article on the Spotted Sandpiper, by the gifted young naturalist whose observations were so suddenly terminated by acci- dental death. In the preparation of a modest work which [ am ambitious enough to think will be worthy of pub- lication when finished, I have been re- peatedly struck with the meagerness of the published notes on many of the com- mon species. Most of the accounts of birds are based on their behavior in eastern habitats. Notes from the Mis- sissippi valley and from the west have only begun to appear, thanks to the THE OGLOGIST. 3 OoxLogist and kindred journals, and only after the publication of ful) notes from these regions can there be written a full discriptive ornithology of North America. Hence we think that the winter work of the ornithologist should be largely in the way of disseminating the knowledge acquired in the collecting season and treasured in the note-books. Give others the benefit of your observations, even though they appear trite and com- mon-place to yourself, and thus aid the progress of the science you love so well. The fortunate possessors of large series of eggs of any species are in posi- tion to be of wonderful benefit to those who are in need of facts. There is a scientific value in a large series, only when the data are placed within the reach of students able to deduce the proper knowledge and to make it part of the common stock. There are many collections containing large series of eggs formed for their scientific value, from which science has never gained an iota of advancement. The facts about these large series should become mat- ters of record and public examination. In the prosperous days of an ornitholo- gical and odlogical journal now extinct, there were published data of large series of eggs from the largest private collection in America, and thus that col- lection became of something more than mere private interest. Large series are nice to gaze upon and to show to the owners of less pretentious collections, but the collector of a large series has a respons’hility resting on him which is only 7+: .ed when he benefits the less fortun«‘e collectors by his contributions’ to th uppointed means of spreading the knowledge he has gained. I have read of collections containing hundreds of eggs of the Hawks and other Rap- tores, and yet no word of knowledge concerning the habits of these birds has issued from the collectors whose work -at the subsequent part of the has been described. Not long ago I read in a back number of the “O. and O.” of a ‘“‘perfect collection” in a neigh- boring State, containing hundreds of Hawks’ eggs, and yet when I began to search for data about the Red-tailed Hawk the available material was indeed meager and there was not a contribu- tion from this “perfect collection.”’ What a storehouse of materials within the grasp of that ‘‘perfect collector!”’ What matters it to you and to me how perfectly he prepares his specimens, even with his tools of his own make, if hundreds of such specimens are to lie where the world is none the wiser for such perfect work. It is true that time and patience are necessary for the examination of hun- dreds of specimens and the recording of the ascertained facts, but why are such large collections formed except that science may be enriched and our knowledge extended? I have stated that one phase of the work of the orni- thologist is apparent drudgery, and it is this part of the work that I had in mind when I wrote the above statement, but work is necessary to the advancement of any cause. I[t sometimes requires the hardest sort of work to secure our specimens, and we should not hesitate work which means the advancement of the science for which we are really labor- ing. The leisure time of the ornitholo- gist through the winter can be profita- bly spent in the study of his treasures, the careful recording of the knowledge thus obtained, and the publication of his observations for the benefit of others. Not the facts about the rare species only are needed, but the common every- day observations, such as all cf us make and daily record about the behavior of the birds in which we are interested. Those who are fortunate enough to find the rare species will also remember their obligation, and thus all our feath- ered friends will receive their due share of attention. 4 THE OOLOGIST I have wondered what would be the results to the advantage of ornithology if the facts locked or hidden in the thousands of cabinets in this country were carefully studied out by the own- ers. Suppose that the note-books of the thousands of collectors in different parts of North America should be stud- iously re-written in intelligible language and placed at the disposal of the leaders of the science, or that the facts of oodlo- gy now lying dormant should be vivified and sent to the editors of the leading odlogical journals for use at their dis- cretion and selection. What a wonder- ful impulse would be given to the pro- eress of ornithology, and what a store- house would be opened to supply the needs of the most yearning student of ornithology! Yet ofthe thousands who have well-tilled cabinets and _hastily- written note-books, how few there are who are really more than collectors of empty shells and cotton-filled skins, and who never aim to contribute any- thing whatever to the knowledge of the Let us hear from you. " Pp. M. Sittoway, Roodhouse, II. pt Albinism in Birds. race. Albinism in birds is an unnatural con- dition of the plumage, resulting from an absence of coloring matter in the skin. This much we know and scarcely anything more. The primary cause and why some species of birds are more subject to it than others we have yet to learn. The wisdom of classing all so-called “abnormalties” as well as, many odd and unusual color-variations of plum- age, us ‘freaks of Nature”’ is, to say the least, questionable; for Nature will doubtless continue to further her de- signs, with which these differentations » of so frequent and constant an occur- ance may have some connection. . Observations have proven that when the albinistic condition of plumage exists on one nestling, it is usual for the remainder of the brood to be similiarly affected. In connection with this other question naturally arise: What pecul- iarities exist in the organization of the parent birds? And isit the imperfect development of one or both sexes? ‘For some unaccountable reason or a combination of circumstances, the past season of 95 has produced a large num- ber of anomalous objects in the state of Nature. From an ornithological stand- point we have had a number of abnorm- ally jlarge and small eggs, and frequent cases of albinism have been reported. Of the latter the most authentic instane- es are those of the American Crow and of that little pest, the Enropean House (English) Sparrow. ' Of the former species I can say little, for true to his cunning nature he and his twin brothers are still at large; but of the latter I shall relate all I have been able to learn as 1 think it is a sub- ject of interest to all. Throughout the summer frequent re- ports were made of pure white Spar- rows in various flocks in different parts of the village. On the 31st of August a small boy informed me of one rescued by him, from the family cat, and further- more ot its general good health and beauty (with the exception of its tail of which it stood in some need, unless it could grow a new one.) Unfortunately I lacked the opportunity to go for this prodigy at once, and learned a few days later that through an unfortunate acci- dent the bird again fell into the cat’s clutches and this time it had apparently gone the way of its tail feathers. However I was not to be disappointed for a gentleman stopping in another part of the town, generously tendered me another albino, which he had cap- tured alive on the 4th of September. He informed me that this Sparrow was discovered by him, flitting about the: yard from tree to tree. It seemed to be THE OOLOGIST. 5 a mark for all the other birds of the same species to peck at by reason of its oddity. While yet a very young bird it was a fairly good flyer, its unique plum- age rendering it conspicuous and easily kept in view. He picked up a stick and followed it from tree to tree, endeavor- ing to mesmerize it by keeping his eyes constantly upon it. Apparently it at once discovered that it was being sin- gled out from the general rabble (just as it had always veen throughout its short existence) and became very un- easy and frightened, frequently looking overits shoulder at its pursuer until finally it missed a tree altogether and bringing up against the side of thc house, was easily made a prisoner and placed in confinement. Faithful to the instinct of true parents, the old birds came about and probably would have fed it but for their suspic- ions and fear of the shining brass cage hanging in the open air. I carried it home in the evening ot the 6th, it nesting quietly in my hand, and the next morning it was placed in a eanary cage, but beat about so much upon the least noise that I feared it would injure itself. Now that I had it under my own eye and care, I anticipated athorough study of its peculiarities and mentally formul- ated a line of experiments to demon- strate the nature and degree of its de- feets in sight, hearing, etc., if possible. As it would eat nothing, I was com- pelled to pry open its mandibles and force some bread crumbs down its throat. Being away from home the greater part of the day, on my return I learned that it had eaten nothing what- ever, although it drank some water from a spoon. Toward evening I placed the cage in the open air, suspended from a. poreh rafter; immediately I heard a scramble and before I could return it had squeez- ed between the bars and flew away, luckily I caught it a moment later on a rose bush. Apparently it had fasted ever since placed in captivity and while it rested quietly in my hand I feed it bread crumbs soaked in water. During this operation it voluntarily opened its mouth for the first time and gave that unmistakable ery of Passer domesticus. Later i gave it seven house flies, which it would eagerly peck at but almost in- variably miss by a quarter to a half an inch. Notonly hitting on either side but above and below. Owing to its nervousness when con- fined in the cage, I gave it the liberty of an unoccupied room, where it seem- ed well content hopping about the floor. Darkness and strong light seemed to produce the same effect, both making it drowsy; the latter caused by the ex- treme weakness of its eyes. In the brief time it survived it became very tame, hopping quickly toward me and perching on my finger when I whistled softly to it. It’ would allow me to carry it anywhere about the house, resting contented on my shoul- der or perched on my finger, yet often executing a “right about face” with great dispatch when a slight noise was made in its rear. While its hearing was acute, it was not unerring for the buzzing of a capt- ive fly did not aid it greatly in its in- deavors to secure the morsel. Its sight was very defective, small objects could not be clearly distinguished one half an inch from the tip of its beak and it was not sure of a large immovable object ten feet distant. Aside from its delicate organization, the extreme nervousness and irritability to which it was subject, can be attribut- ed in part to the Sparrow mob singling it out as apart and distasteful to them. I also discovered on occasions, an in- describable aimlessness never before observed in the actions or manners of a bird. Perhaps something was wrong with its brain, at any rate at such times it strongly reminded one of a person weak in intellect. ; When placed before a miriorit craned its neck toward its reflection and com- pletely deceived attempted to sidle up to its supposed brother, fluttering to the floor in its eagerness to reach it. During the 8th I fed it between thirty and forty house flies, seven sunflower seeds and three bits of gravel. The end is soon told. On my return from a short walk in the afternoon of the same day, I was unable to find it anywhere in the room, but it was finally discovered between the folds of a quilting frame where it had crept to die. Upon dissection I found five flies, two bits of gravel and two sunflower seeds (the flies partly di- gested) in the proventriculus or true stomach, while the gizzard contained four whole sunflower seeds and the remanents of the shell and pulp of an- other, together with three bits of gravel. The two extra pieces of gravel were un- doubtedly fed to it by the parent birds. In its weakened condition, the sunflow- er seeds had proved too much for the bird’s grist mill. It is pure white without a dusky mark upon it, straw-colored beak, fiesh- colored tarsi, and eyes of deep pink, the pupil and iris indistinguishable. The skin is also perfectly white. Altogether a perfect albino. Not possessing a series of skins of im- mature birds of this species, I am un- able to compare measurements but feel sure my specimen is undersized. I became really attached to this truly beautiful little bird in the brief time I possessed it. FRANK L. BuRNS, Berwyn, Penna. William MeClair. William McClair died Wednesday, May 15, 1895, at his home in Ballston Spa, N. Y., after a-short illness of quick consumption He was born Jan. 20, 1874, at Balls- ton Spa. The writer first formed his THE OOLOGIST. Ballston High School, and soon became his firm friend and companion in many a day’s ramble. acquaintance at the He was an ardent lover of nature’s works, in particular the birds, and spent much of his time with them in their haunts. His particular hobby wes collecting Hawks’ eggs, annually visiting and levying upon them. Hawks’ eggs of his procuring are scattered, so to speak, all over the United States, from Maine to California, in the cabinets of brother collectors, by whom he was always known as dealing: in a considerate, painstaking and liberal manner. His collection numbered about three hundred and thirty species of eggs, in singles. He did not believe in the sci- entific (*) practices of taking all the eggs and precluding whole generations of birds. He was of a quiet, retiring, unobtru- Sive disposition, unselfish to a fault, kind-hearted and gentle. His friend- ship was highly valued for it was true friendship, and his loss wiil be deeply felt by all who knew him. An e&x- pression heard on every side testifies truly of him, ‘‘He was a good boy!”’ B.A. G. The above should have appeared in October OoLogistT, but through an ov- ersight was ommitted.—Ep. THE OOLOGIST THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher. ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the 3tudent of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited from all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Single Subscription Eh = 75c per annum Sample Copies - - - = = 10¢each The above rates include payment of postage by us. Each subscriber is given two coupons, one good for an Exchange Notice and the other for 25c. when presented with an order of $1.25 or over. Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLoaisT can be furnish ed at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. g=- Remember that the publisher must be no- tified by letter when a subscriber wishes his pa- per stoppec, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 10 CENTS PER NONPAREIL LINE EACH INSERTION. Twelve lines in every inch. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Post Office Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U. 8. Postage Stamps of any denomination wiil be accepted for sums un- der one dollar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK dH. LATTIN, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y. 7,* Articles, Items of Interest and Queries for publication should be forwarded as early in the month as possible. @MTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER. eer Subscriptions to the OoLoGIsT will be avcepted at 50 cents,or for $1 the OoLo- GIST will be sent one year and you can select $1 worth of the premiums offered in premium list supplement, in either case the exchange coupon is mailed you. The popular Query and Jotting col- umns and contest scheme will be resur- rected in February issue and perhaps other equally attractive features added. Index to Vol. XII will be mailed with February issue. February issue will be mailed during the first week of the month. Copy for game must be mailed at once. All letters and subscriptions received during the past two months have been acknowledged and premiums forward- ed. Ifyou have not heard from the one which you mailed or have heard from it through another party, other than ‘‘Lattin,’’ please advise him by re- turn mail, addressing plainly and in full, Frank H. Lattin, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y., and the matter will be in- vestigated. If you have not already renewed your subscription to the OoLoaisT for 1896, do so by return mail, accepting either the 50c or $1 offer. New subscribers to the OOLOGIST are always in demand and during the month of February the publisher of the OoLo- GIsT wil give 50 cents worth of prem- iums for each new subscriber a present subseriber may send him. This 50 ets. worth of premiums must be selected from the list given on the little circular headed ‘‘ ‘Lattin will send you a Christ- mas Present,’’ the same as given on ad- vertising pages ix and x of December OOLOGIsT, and 10c must be added to cover the mailing expenses of the pres- ent. Remember the newsubscriber can. accept either the 50c or $1 subscription offer and will secure all of the perquis- ites connected with the same and this premium isan additional offer on our part made to present subscribers who wili assist in enlarging the subscription list of our little monthly. $$$] > en i Michigan Ornithological Club. The annual meeting of the Kent Orni- thological Club was held at Grand Rap- ids, Mich., December 12th. At this meeting the name of the club was changed to the Michigan Ornitho- logical Club and the Constitution was revised to admit active and associate members throughout the State. The following officers were elected 8 THE OOLOGIST. for 1896: President, A. B. Durfee; vice- president, R. R. Newton, secretary, W. E. Mulliken: treasurer, Prof. C. A. Whittemore; librarian, Leon J. Cole. The following were elected active members: L. Whitney Watkins, Man- chester; Dr. Morris Gibbs, , Kalamazoo; T. L. Haukinson, Hillsdale; W. A. Davidson, Detroit; Prof. C. A. Whitte- more and Hattie M. Bailey, of Grand Rapids. All Michigan ornithologists should address the secretary at 191 First Ave., Grand Rapids, Mich., for particulars. ~ ><} Northwestera Ornithological Association. The second annual meeting of the Northwestern Ornithological Associa- tion was held at Portland, Oregon, De- ecember 27, 1895. The forenoon was spent in transact- ing business of the association. In the afternoon interesting papers were read, and a most enjoyable time reported by those who were present. The election of officers resulted as fol- lows: President, William L. Finley, Portland, Ore.; first vice-president, Eilis F. Hadley, Dayton, Ore.; second vice- president, Guy Stryker, Milwaukee, Ore.; secretary, Arthur L. Pope, Me- Minnville, Ore.; treasurer, D. C. Bard, Portland, Ore. Associate members are admitted to the association from any part of Amer- ica. For particulars address the secre- tary at McMinnville, Oregon. Necrelogy. Monmouth H. Greene, aged 18 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. Orlin H. Greene, died at his home in Atlantic Highlands, N.J., on Nov. 21st, of hasty consump- tion. He requested his mother, a few days before his death, to write, “after he had gone,’’ to the publisher of the OOLOGIST and request him togive notice that to all whom he was indebted for eggs to please send in their accounts at once to his brother, Harold A. Greene. Charles W. Wells died on Dec. 20th, at his home in Granville, O., after an illness of fifteen months. Charlie was an enthusiastic collector, making oolo- gy his specialty; has been a subscriber to the OoLoGtIstT for several years and was well known, through correspona- ence, to many of its readers. Sn a a The Bond Which Unites Us. Mr. Editor: It is agreeable to know that there are hundreds:of lovers of Nature who are keeping up their interest in our special subjects, although they are not known to the readers of the OOLUGIsT {it is pleasing to know that there are recruits coming into our ranks, who will yet make their marks as scientists; and itis doubly pleasing to hear through the columns of our medium from long silent, yet not forgotten writers of season's past. The interesting remarks ‘‘From a Rusty Pen” in your October issue par- ticularly pleased me, and your note re- garding the distant subscriber (C. H. Hall, Fort St. Michael, Alaska) led me to think of the wide spread and increas- ing influence of your paper. ‘The obituary of our fellow collcetir, R. A. Fitch, causes us to think of the uncertainty of life and how suddenly one may be taken from this world of troubles and pleasures. Surely we can sa} that there is a bond which unites us, and may uphold our standard and quote the words or Bacon: “T hold every man a debtor to his profession; from the which as men of course do seek to receive countenance and profit, so ought they of duty to en- deavor themselves by way of amends to be a help and ornament thereunto.” M. G. THE OOLUGIST. Vv AUGUST-SEPTEMBER CONTEST. Twenty-three Judges. 1. Dragging for Bobolinks. 105. 2. Notes onthe Least Bittern. 48. 3. The Ring-necked Mongolian Pheasant ’ 45. 4. Nesting of the Great Crested Fly- catcher. 42. 5. A Collecting Trip near Monterey, Cala. Bl None of the Judges named the prize- winning articles in their exact order. Prizes were mailed on October 25th. You Are a Judge. Your decision must be mailed us not later than the 2Uth day of February. Write on back of a postal card the five articles which you have decided to be the most valuable, instructive and inter- esting in the December °95 and this Jan- uary ’96 numbers of O6LOGIsT and mail to us. Number the articles in the order which you think the prizes should be awarded. A Judges’ prize will be awarded con- sisting of $6 in specimens or $4.50 in in- struments,supplies or publications or $3 eash. This prize will be awarded to the Judge who names the winning articles and in their ex7ct order. In case more than one Judge names them correctly this prize will be equally divided among the number. MINER ALS SHELLS, ete. The White y City Collections. 50 fine cabi- net specimens, $3. 50 smaller size, $2. 50 ama- teur size, $1. Printed name and locality with each specimen. 50 Shells, Corals, and Marine Specimens, only $3. 10) Fossils, including fine Fish, Trilobite, Crinoids, Corals, Sponges, several fine Ferns, etc., only $&% < New Subseribers. New subscribers to Tut OdLoaIsr are always in demand and during the months of March and April its publisher will give 50 cents worth of premiums for each new subscriber a present sub- scriber may send him. This 50 eents worth of premiums must be selected from the list of premiums given on other pages of this issue, and ten cents must be added to cover the mailing ex- penses of the present. Remember the new subscriber can accept the $1 prem- ium offer made on another page, and will secure all the perquisites eonnected with the same and this 50 cents worth of presents is an additional offer on our part made to present subscribers who will assist in enlarging the subscription list of our little monthly. THE OOLOGIST. 15 Notes on Some Birds of Gage Co., Neb. THE PRAIRIE HORNED LARK Is an abundant resident, breeding here in the spring and summer, and collect- ed in flocks of from 6 to 40 or 50 in the winter when it is often found in wheat fields. On April 28. 18938, I took four fresh eggs from a nest composed of dried grass by astoneina pasture. I took no eggs in 794, but on April 3d found two nests each containing three birds about a week old. Both nests were of grass and the inside measure- ments were 1.5 in. deep by 2.5 in. wide. On May 31st I found another nest with birds about one and one-half weeks old; composed of grass, situated in a past- ure as were the preceding. They were paired on Fen. 24, 1895. * I watched one pair who had been feed- ing quietly, then suddenly would fly up and flutter about each other in the air for about a minute and then alight and go on feeding. I also observed a pair doing this on Feb. 10th. On March 17th I found a nest containing one egg, which was deserted a few days after- ward. Jan. 6, 1896, I examined a stom- ach which contained small seeds and sand. THE FLICKER Is a common resident, a few remaining with us all winter. Colaptes cafer is eommoner in the fall and winter than C. auratus. Set 1. On May 21, 1893, I took 6 fresh eggs from a willow stub 15 feet from the ground. : Set 2. May 4, 1894, I took a set of 10 from willow stub 10 feet frem the ground. The eggs lay in and upon two inches of chips at the bottom of the cav- ity 17 inches {rom the opening; incuba- tion varied from fresh to eggs that would have hatched in four or five days. * Iam pretty sure that they remain paired eRrodehowt fad year, but I have not enough data to be positive, May 7, 1895, a friend took a set of 7 from a 22-inch cavity, 12 feet up ina box-elder; bird had to be removed from the eggs with the hand. Sept. 8, 1895, examined a stomach that contained wild grapes. THE LARK BUNTING Is common during the breeding season in the pastares. Set 1. June 2, 1894, took aset of five, incubation fresh to begun. Nest ina tuft of weeds in a pasture; composed of weed stems and linedowith fine grass; bird set close and then fluttered along the ground as if wounded. There was also a Cowbird’s egg in the nest. Set 2. June 6, 1894 took aset of five, iacubation begun. Nest in a past- ure by a weed, composed of grass and weed stems loosely put together. Both of ‘he above nests had a platform of weed stems at the side of the nest on the surface of the ground. In 1895 I first observed them on May 11th, when they were abundant in the pastures, the males singing: their beau- tiful soaring song. They were last seen July 138th. THE BURROWING OWL. I did not meet this species until 1895. I found two colonies both of about 20 birds (judging from the number of holes in use).. The burrows were in pastures, which had a sandy soil under the turf. They were usually about 6 feet long while some were as long as 10. Around the mouth and covering the bottom I always found cow and horse dung in the ones occupied. May 11th I dug out two burrows both 6 feet long. One contained two fresh eggs, five field mice anda small garter snake beside the usual manure. The other burrow was strewn with horse and cow dung ready for eggs. There were also about a dozen mice and a small garter snake inthe burrow. Partly dug out another hole which contained the remains of two small Sandpipers and a Chickadee. 16 THE OOLOGIST. May 26th took five-fresh eggs from a burrow three feet from a well traveled country road. The male flew away as we approached; the female was on the eggs. When I removed her she snap- ped her bill‘and bled at the mouth as I have seen them do before. The eggs were about 34 feet from the mouth of the burrow, which also contained two toads and a mouse. F. A. Colby also collected a set of seyen, incubation be- gun, on May 19th, and a set of eight, in- eubation begun, on June Ist. A.S. PEARSE. >—$—<—_>__+ Minor Observation. There appeared in the OOLOGIST a few months ago an article‘‘W oodpeckers and their Nests,” by Mr. Angus Gaines. He speaks of a nest of Downy and other Woodpeckers, so excavated that the contents could not be seen without re- moving a portion of the wall—‘‘some- thing not to be thought of’—in which he has my sympathy. This is an every day occurrence, not only with Woodpeckers, but many other cavity building birds and may be easily obviated by a narrow strip of mirror, held so as to extend into the opening at such an angle as to reflect the bottom of the cavity. Thus the habits of such birds can be thoroughly studied without disturbing particles of nesting. If so disturbed many birds will desert their abodes, others may continue on in an irregular manner not characteristic of their spec- ies, which would render notes valueless. The use of the looking glass occurred to me a couple of years ago as I stood gazing ata shattered mirror which I had attempted to hang. Since that time I have used the pieces incessantly and found them invaluable. The mirror can be used in many other ways which will suggest themselves. ‘Iwill mention one more, however: Glasses of different sizes and shapes can less inaccessable places. be attached to a jointed fishing pole with a stiff hinge to move at different angles so as to reflect nests in more or To the pole may also be fitted attachable egg scoops. This method of mirror observation pre- vents tree scars which tell tales to small} boys. Fritz V. RAYMonD, Ludlow, Ky. Notes from District of Columbia. Although our list of breeding birds gives but one duck, (the Wood Duck) as nesting in this locality it is to me quite plain that this year at least other varie- ties have lingered here to raise their young. Having only seen them at a distance I cannot give their name. Perhaps this is another result of the severe cold of last winter, the ducks being detained here until the breeding season by the unusually inclement spring. I have observed what appeared to be Green-winged Teal and Dusky Ducks in the midsummer months and hope to verify my suspicions as to their breed- ing and positive identity. Has any one else observed any unusual ducks in their localities? One Bluebird this season is the total with me. The Bluebird seems a fair rival of the Passenger Pigeon in the ‘‘great disap- pearing act.’ A. B. FARNHAM, Benning, Dist. Columbia. ‘‘To be frank, I think the OoLo«gisr as an advertising medium beats thena all. What few ads.I have from time to time have paid me ten fold.’ G.F. DIPPPIE, Toronto, Ont. inserted THE OOLOGIST v Weak, Irritable, Tired «sf Was No Good on Earth.’’ Dr. Miles’ Nervine strengthens the weak, builds up the broken down constitution, and permanently cures every kind of nervous disease. “ About one yearago Iwas afflicted with nervousness, sleeplessness, Creeping sensation in my legs, Slight palpitation of my heart, Distracting confusion of themind, Serious loss or lapse of memory. Weighted down with care and worry. £ completely lost appetite And felé my witality wearing out, I was weak, irritable and tired, My weight was reduced to 160 lbs., Im fact Z was no good, on earth. A friend brought see me Dr. Miles’ book, “New and Start- ling Facts,” and I finally decidde to try a bottle of Dr. Mines’ Re- orative Nervine. Before I had taken one bottle I could sleep as well as a 10-yr.-old boy. My appetite returned greatly increased. When FT had taken the sixth botile Wy weight increased to 176 bs.. The sensationinmy legs was gone, My nerves steadied completely; My memory was fully restored. My brain seemed clearer than ever. I felt asgoodasany manon earth. Dr. Miles’ Restorative Nervine is A great medicine, I assure you.”’ Augusta, Me. WALTER R. BURBANE. Dr. Miles? Nervine is sold on a positive guarantee that the first bottle will benefit. All druggists sell it at $1,6 bottles for %, or it will be sent, prepaid, on receipt of price by the Dr. Miles Medical Co., Elkhart, Ird. Dr. Miles’ Nervine Restores Health PA’TENTS, Caveats, Trade Marks, Design-Pat- ents, Copywrights, etc. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. -JOHN A. SAUL, Atlantic Building, Washington, D, Cc. | Wondertu BIRD SKINS. SCanlet Manag Cr: s ee eeeea es eeeeeree eee tee aca $ 3b Crestedthly catcher) saecetee nena enen eee 15 Fox Sparrow......... .....-- a 20) Bobolink...’ ... Se eee eal eaees 15 Blackburnian Warbler............ --..-- -10& 25 Black-throated Green Warbler...... ....-. 0& 20 IST Oy CLEC PCY e-.o seeeeeeee 5& 16 Hooded Warbler..................-.---- Bae ol fs) Golden-winged Warbler 20 Chestnut-sided Warbler 15 STO yay ET ya gee eee) Lapland Longspur 25 Pigmy Wuthatech.. alee SSE ere teemeeemine sme) Cowbird.. od NA ee eel ha 9) Red- -winged Black bincleen amnmnnn 15 SSM er Spee ys oo 0: eNO eo SU eee 70 Red-bellied Menge ge 3: Uh ve i a A GIT) Northern Shrike... vended Ue ee eee Ue Seer 0) Rusty Blackbird........... ...........- 15 Sparrow Hawk.. BN ph awed eee 25 Sharp-shinned Hawk. 30 Blue-winged Teal.. UN SY ec 155 Greenveleron:...)) 2a pea eae 230) SereechiOws-. 2S a eee ee eae eee 40 SinveverrsenxeoliOnvalyeeiis. ot ee ee, 7 EW American Coot ea KAO: IB Werd aiye ne 22 0. 1 ee eee eee 25 WALES OY SES pe 2 ea ee eee eee 35 SOM ays 8 eR ee eee ee eae 40 Wihite=warmo ed! SCO ere ence ae ener eNO TEXERCO\G) Kee ee ae .. 2 00 Holbeell’s Grebe.... ae SO) Horned) Grebe _....-2 cS S40) Pied=billed Gre be\. esse eee eee eee AI) Red-breasted Mergansev... Pe OAD Ce See Gadwall.. PS Ne Sa eas he oe ate hte (0) Sie eller me. Rena Pe pone a ratte 2 75 Mounted Birds and Mammals. Ginaiye OX 2.2. 2 eee Weasel (white) ... Sooty Monkey.................. - - J LLEEM ITS VOUS Cy a. see sone ee ees Black Squirrel. Fox Rug (half head). Coyotte Rug (halt TE eel ne Ae TTR Finest Fox ‘Rug, full mounted head, open TOMO EON, Wry DOR OMS Nace nenezccmones odeccereteerecn 9 Deer Head, eS doe Shoveller Duck.. waite lh Chachalaca.. White-tailed Kite... Sharp-shinned Hawk . TBD ANMEAO\ dees ae eo Gekecasss ceeseoccoeeseus . 200 Stellers: Jiay.2.5 :22 ee 2 00 SEE WEIy SHES 1 al Cibo 10, Clee eae 1 50 Golden-crowned Sparrow...... ...--..-.------------ 1 70 OKLETONI UN CO =: ee ee ee ee eee 115 Rusty Song Sparrow............ ......... .....--.---. 1 20 White-fronted Parrot..._.............................. 2 00 Short-eared! Owl eee ee) Taxidermy. Our work speaks for itself. If you are tired of the ordinary ‘stuffed’? work, and wish to improve the appearance of your collection, you will do well to.correspond with us. Price List on Application. If there is anything you want in the line of Mounted Specimens, drop us a postal. ’ We pay the highest price for RAW FURS. GEO. F. GUELF, Brockport, N. Y. a poet 10 Cents ‘sent Harte, Jeweler, Re heeo N. Y., will bring. vi THE OOLOGIST. California Curiosities. f Mounted Tarantulas, i yy, Horned ‘Toads, Scor- pions, Trap-door Spi- TS. ders, 5 Specimen Collec- * tions, Yucca Pincush- ions, &c¢,*&ce. = Just the goods for Curio and Shell Dealers to handle. \ Best work and lowest prices. Send for Wholesale Illustrated Price List. G. W. TUTTLE, Pasadena, Calif. N6t BIRDS MOUNTED or in Game Pieces for the Wall Wish Heads prepared for pen-racks, Deer Heads beautifully prepared. Do not be dependent on others. Learn to do your own work and find an increased pleasure in decorating your house, den or school. No tool required excepting knife, file and wire. Thousands are using this method which requires less than one-fourth the time by the old process and no expense. Be convinced— send 75 cents for complete Instructions and Materials. Mention THE OOLOGIST and address MORRIS GIBBS, M, D., Kalamazoo, Mich. O A DAY TO GENTS! Anyone who wants to get rich and who has a little enterprise cansec.ire $10 a day in the Dish Washer business. It is booming now. Everybol\ly wants a (Climax nowadays. One egeut ci ared $20 every day for a year: a good chance; best Dish Washer made; no soliciting; Dish Washers sold at home; a permanent position in town, city or country. One million to be sold. A wide awake hustler can clear 315 to $20 a day easy; washes and dries in two minutes. Climax Mfg. Co., 50% Starr Avenue, Columbus, O. THE NAUTILUS. A monthly devoted to the intesests of Con- chologists. Edited and published by H. A. Pils- bry, Academy of Natural Sciences and C. W. Johnson, Wagner Free Institute, Philadelphia Pa. Send forsample copy. We have in stock or can RAR Binrnish on short notice books, magazine articles and infor- mation on any subject desired. ‘Out-of-print’ OLD books a specialty. Literary Light $1 a year; sample copy 10cts. Raymer’s Old BOOKS Book Store, 243 4th Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn. UTS FOR NATURALISTS | Large stock of Illustrations to select from. Send for sheet of specimens and prices of JOB PRINTING. \ Prices a little lower and work a ittle better than elsewhere. Write us what you want. A.M.EDDY,ALSION,N.Y. Send 15c stamps and you will receive my | new Normal Catalogue of all European- palzarctic bird eggs, in over 600 numbers, With prices and number of sets for each species; Send $5 bill by registered letter and you will-receive, by return steamer, a fine col- lection of European Birds Eggs, in- Cluding Malco tinnunculus, ete., ete. HERMANN ROLLE, INSTITUTION FOR NATURAL HISTORY Emdener-Str. 4, Berlin, N. W.. Germany. THE LITTLE MIDGET SELF-INKING RUBBER STAMP. Every Naturalist should have one. =m Sent complete with your name and address for only 50 CENTS. E. BREWSTER MYERS, Mfr of Rubber Stamps, 117 Clifton Street, Rochester, N.Y. The Iowa Ornithologist. The only illustra.ed quarterly magazine in the Mississippi Valley. devuted to the study of birds. The July issue, Vol. 1, No. 4 contains a full page illustration of the Blue-winged ‘eal. Subscrip- tion 4°¢ a year. Sample copy 10c. Jy 3t. DAVID L. SAVAGE, Editor, Salem, Iowa. PRINTIN Of all kinds for Naturalists a speciality. Note and letter heads, envelopes, circulars, illustrated cata- logues for natural history dealers. Have hun- dreds of engravings of natural history speci- mens. Write for estimates. 100 envelopes print- ed, 45c. noteheads same price, postpaid. C. F, CARR, Job Printer, New London, Wis. tf TAXIBERMISTS? GUNS, ‘esxs* Pistols, Gun Cases. Shooting Shot Shells; also iridges for SPEGIMEN HUNTERS, tridges for All kinds, all prices from $ .)) to $2».00. List free. Write for Taxidermist’s free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA. H. H. &C.S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, - RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists. WANTED—AN IDEA Sy2ocanthink ; - ‘of some simple thing. to patent? Protect yourideas ; they may bring you wealth. Write JOHN WEDDER- BURN & CO., Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C., for their $1,800, prize offer. THE OOLOGIST. vii RARE NORTHERN SPECIES. Imake a speciality of the above and have now on hand fine skins of Richardson’s and Franklin’s Grouse, White-tailed and Willow Ptarmigan, Canada Grouse, Great Gray, Rich- ardson’s, Arctic Horned and Am. Hawk Owls, Am. Goshhawks, Arctic, Am. and Alpine 3-toed Woodpeckers, Canada Jays, etec., Mammals, such as Beaver, Martin. Can. Lynx, ete., from time totime. ull data. ist for stamp. G. F. DIPPIB, 17 McMillan St., Toronto,Can. ORE o.d IS RHLUMF. ri ae 5 SB eB Ne en a es me a pa EL 0 pr Naturalist and Museum Supply Depot. All Goods required by Naturalists. Send ro cents for complete Catalogue. FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO., HYDE PARK, MASS. Come to Florida. A fortune can be made in a few years in pineapples and tomatoes; vegetables raised the whole year. An ideal home. For particulars write R. BP. Osler, Avon Park, Fla. 29&0tt Spring is coming. So are the Birds, You will want Blowing Tools. I have them. Best Blowpipe at 35c: cheap ones at ‘20c. Best Embryo Hook at 75¢e (set of three different sizes with engraved handle); cheap one at 10c. Drills from 8e to $1.00. A good outfit for 40c; a fine one for $3.00; the best in the world for $5.00. Trays at lowest rates. Taxidermists supplies always on hand, Address ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y, O. NOTICE. Revolvers, WT | \ Address “uae Sou stamp SF Great Western sues Haase for Price List. Crhha Works, Pittsburgh, Pa“ ake —@& NETS, TENTS, and =) E I N ES, SPORTING GOODS. Every description of Guns, R2volvers, Ammu- nition and Sporting Goods at very lowest pric- es. We have something of interest to you. ne | © SHELLS, ete. The White MINER ALS City Collections. 50 fine cabi- net specimens, $3. 50 smaller size, $2. 50 ama- teur size, $1. Printed name and locality with each specimen. 50 Shells, Corals, and Marine Specimens, only $3. 100 Fossils, ineluding fine Fish, Trilobite, Crinoids, Corals, Sponges, several fine Ferns, etc., only $8. A great varie- ty Unios with one valve highly published from goc to $l, very showy. ‘Taxidermy in allits branches at reasonable prices. Mlustrated catalogue by mail, 10c. J.M.WIHERS, Natural- ists Agency. 357 W. VanBuren St., Chicago, Ill. When answering advertisements always mention the ‘*OOLOGIST.”’ EGG TOOLS! THE GG TOOLS! i= VERY BEST THAT CAN BE MADE. Set A contains blowpipe, (white metal) a large and small wire drill, 5 datas, only 20e postpaid. Set No. 1.—Nice blowpipe, drill (machine fine cut) embryo hook, engraved handle, all in pocket case, for 35¢e postpaid. Set No. 2 (See cut.) Contains No’s 1 and 4 drills, embryo hook, blowpipe, pointed forceps, nickel plated, in plush lined pocket case, 50 datas, 5 A. O. U. check lists, note book and pencil the best, $2.00 postpaid. All of HAS. K. REED, Taxi1pDERMIST. Cc And Dealer in all Naturalists’ Supplies, Minerals, Shells, etc., 262 Main St.. WORCESTER, MASS. Vili THE OOLOGIST. Lattin’s Standard Catalogue North American Birds Eggs. New Edition for 1896 now ready. Enlarged, revised, corrected and brought up to date of going to press (Feb. 20th). Giving all of the new A. O. U. changes and ad- ditions. Also divided and sub-divided into orders, sub-orders, fami- lies, and sub-families. Values are based on the 1893 ones which were determined by the compiler, from invaluable notes, suggestions and assistance from Major Chas. E. Bendire, J. Parker Norris, Esq , and the late Cap- tain 34 1) (Goss: In addition to these notes, which have been carefully reworked, the compiler has had suggestions from over FORTY LEADING AMER- ICAN OoLocisTs, all of which have been carefully considered and where advisable, adopted. Lattin’s Catalogue has long been recognized by leading Oolo- gists as the ‘‘Standard” and the new one will be recognized by the majority as being more consistent than any former one. The compiler, however, intends to issue a new one early in 7597—and desires the assistance of every working Oologist, in making values, etc. (Suggestions must be sent in by Nov. 'st, '96) on this account he has concluded to place the new 1896 edition at the following less than nominal rates, viz: Single copy, post-paid 12 cents. 2 copies, postpaid for 20 cents. ae a i) 5 OV CEMUS: TS ase 40 eo DIOGO: Address, FRANK H. LATTIN, Publisher, ALBION. FREE: Your assistance and opinion is desired for the ’97 cata- logue in order that it may truly be considered the ‘‘Standard” for all working Oologists. In order to get this opinion I will mail an additional copy gratis to every purchaser of one or more copies of my ’96 edition, providing they will agree to mark their ideal values therein and return to me not later than Nov. Ist, 1896. Faithfully, ‘“‘“LATTIN.”’ AES Monthly. VOL. XIII. NO. 3. ALBION, N. Y., MARCH, 1896. @)) o SS ES) n git ase -\ Galngemegnspeesey ~//) \ nongngagnonns” : oy ty 7 ; (© : iis) EN esa Ea ERAT Cea EATS CS OM O NTT GMMOT ERAT EaT cal cael cay esee SST ete ale TOMO yt WROTE NTE TESTE Te ST ER a USS Se 4. S WHOLE No. 125 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘‘Wants,’ “Exchanges” ‘‘For Sales,” inserted in this department for 50c per 35 words. word. No notice inserted for less than 50c. Notices over 35 words, charged at the rate of one cent per each additional Terms, cash with order. ‘‘DEALERS” Can use these columns at Regular Advertising rates, only, Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-halt list rates. Exchange Cards and Coupons (Subscription) will be accepted for ‘‘Wants” and ‘‘Exchanges’’ only and according to conditions stated thereon. I WILL give $25 In first class sets for Coues’ Key to North American Birds in good condi- tion. Write for particulars. HE. P. KINCAID, _ Encinitas, San Diego Co., Cal. TEXAS FOR A DIME.—3 fossils from Texas for ten cents prepaid. Address MORE, De- catur, Texas. NATURAL History Papers, Deer Tongue and Alligator Cacti and other arjicles for sale or exchange; also canvas covered collecting case. Send reply postal card for list GEO. W. VOSBURG. *‘he Cowboy Naturalist,’’ Col- umbus. Wis. WANTED:—A copy of March, 93 OOLOGIST in good condition, will give four copies of OOLOGIST and 10 copies of other papers. all in good condition. DON CURRIE, 1505 West Lake, Minneapolis, Minn. WILL positively sell my entire egg collec- tion (first-class sets, data, catalogued 50) for highest cash offer received before April 1. Drop card for ’ist. Also pair strapped climb- ers. Cook’s Birds of Michigan. 25c per cony. a PROX KING, 1291 Third Ave., Detroit, ich. EXCHANGE:—I want a Camera and Type- writer and can offer a Forehand D. B. Ham- merless Shotgun 12 ga. in good condition. All offers carefully considered. JNO. V. CRONE, Ames, Ia. WANTED!—Pair climbers (strapped or un- strapped) and any egg tools. I offer fine sets or Singles. Write at once. A. N. ESTES, Se- wanee, Tenn. WANTED:—To collect Samia cecropia for dealers at very low prices or exchange for Al eggs in sets or singles at 25cts.a doz. SEW- ARD HOSP, Lexington Hall, 12th & Troost Ave.. Kansas City, Mo. A MANDOLIN and two instructors, cost $20, good as new, to exchange for camera, hand camera preferred. Will pay part cash for an extra good one. WM. C. FARRAR, 110 EB. 2d St., Peru, Ind. TEXAS FOSSILS:—3 for 10 cts., any ad- dress in N. A., prepaid. Address “‘MORE,” De-- catur, Tex. EXCHANGE: —About 850 different stamps in German Album, value $25, also several thou- sand duplicates, many Swiss and Bulgarian, for shells, Indian relics or skins. H. DAVIS ACKERLY, Northport, N. Y. 98 FIRST-CLASS singles, 48 different kinds. All the singles I have left and will send the lot by express for $1. Send stamp for list. EH. B. SCHRAGE, Pontiac, Mich. PIGEONS. Swallows, Dragons, Fans, Jacks, Tumblers, etc., strictly show birds $2a pair with best offer Eggs insets with data. Send list. DICK WALLACH, 2&23 Poppleton Ave., Omaha. Neb. COLLECTORS WANTED:—I want to cor-— respond with parties who wlll collect sets for me this coming season in all parts of the U. S. for cash or good exchange in fine fossils, min- erals, polished agates, mounted birds or books. Send list of about what you can take. GHO. W. DIXON, Watertown. S. Dak. DO YOU NEED DATA BLANKS?—We will send 100 No. 1 standard egg datas with your name and address printed thereon for 2ac., 200 for 40c., 500 for 75ec. Skin datas with name and address and punched holes ready for stringing at same prices. We do all kinds of printing. Sample data for stamp. THOS. H. BLOD- GETT, Galesburg, Il. FOR EXCHANGE:—I have a Standard cy-- clometer and several sets of 337, 339 and oth- ers. Wanted a pair of climbing irons and sets not in my collection. Address GEORGE D. HUNTINGTON, 526 West Ave , Rochester, N. NY: BOOKS.—I will give $20 worth of first class sets for copy of Coues Key (latest edition) in good condition. Also want Davie’s Nests and Eggs and Davie’s Methods in the Art of Tax- idermy. GEO. W. DIXON, Watertown, S. D- ii THE OOLOGIST. TO EXCHANGE.—A fine series Night Heron, complete sets with data. Also fine Claronet, for complete sets with data of other localities. GEO. A. MORRISON, Fox Lake, Wis. TO EXCHANGE:—A gold-filled American style hunting case watch, gents size: case warranted for 2U yrs., works 10 yrs. Will ex- change for $30.00 worth of good sets. GEO. W. DIXON, Watertown, S. D. FO-2t WANTED:—Collections of eggs in sets or singles, Persons having such for sale cheap send list and lowest price. Southern eggs in sets to exchange in the summer. DR. M, T CLECKLY, 457 Greene St., Augusta. Ga. Fo 2t, 53-2t FOR SALE:=—A large list of fine fossils, min- erals, eggs in sets and mounted birds at 14 rates, Send stamp for list or lists wanted, if interested. It will pay you to get my bargain lists. GEO. W. DIXON, Watertown, S.D. EN GIVEN AWAY:—A $250.00 piano and $100.00 bicycle for the best suggestion for plan of a five-room house. Send 10¢c for descriptive cir- culars and details for competition. THE IN- TENDING BUILDER, (Architectural Depart- ment), Buffalo, N. Y. F-2t OOLOGISTS WANTED:—I will give 25 cts. each in exchange (selections to pe made from Premium List Supplement) for awy of the fol- lowing issues of the OOLOGis:1 in good condi- tion: July-Aug., 1886; Jan.-Fev., 1887 or Dec.. 1886 with same attached: Apr.. 1089. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y WANTED.—‘‘Michigan Geological Survey,” five volumes with all maps, can exchange No. 1 skins Upper Peninsula birds or other desid- erata. OSCAR B. WARREN, Palmer, Mar- quette Co., Mich. O. WANTED.—Everyone to send 10c for photo of our self locking cabinets. See ad. else- where. HANAFORD CABINET CO., 139 and 141 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, Mich. 58-2tO FOR SALE or EXCHANGE.—Collecting gun, camera, typewriter, stamp album and stamps. three volumes of People’s Cyclopedia (cost $20) U. S. sabre used in Revolutionary, minerals, mounted birds, deer heads, fox skin mat, sets and skins for best offer in sets. skins, books on Ornithology and Natura] History specimens. Will sell cheap for cash. GIL- MAN T. BROWN, Taxidermist, North Turner, Maine. O FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE.—Malachite, Crysocolla, Chalcedony, Quartz. Azurite, Mon- azite and Frankline, Microscopic slides, Infu- sorial earth 100 localities, Trap-tufa and rocks for sale or exchange for other minerals or Microscope slides or Infusorial earths PROF. ARTHUR M. EDWARDS, Newark: N: J. _&N. tf WANTED.—Meteorites. New and- unde- seribed ones especially desired. Good prices paid for complete ‘‘falls’’or ‘finds.,’" EDWIN E. HOWELL, 612. 17th St. N.W.,Washington,D.C. H. H. & C.S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists. California Curiosities. Mounted Tarantulas, Horned Toads, Scor- pions, Trap-door Spi- ~ ders, 5 Specimen Collec- tions, Yucca Pincush- ions, &c, &e. Just the goods for Curio and Shell Dealers to handle. Best work and lowest prices. Send for Wholesale Illustrated Price List. G. W. TUTTLE, Pasadena, Calif. N6t The Iowa Ornithologist. The only illustrated quarterly magazine in the Mississippi Valley. devoted to the study of birds. The July issue, Vol. 1, No. 4 contains afull page illustration of the Blue-winged 'feal. Subscrip- tion 4°c a year. Sample copy 10c. Jy 3t. DAVID L. SAVAGE, Editor, Salem, Iowa. Send EN Great Western “4 ” for Price List. @uaWorks,Pittsburrch, Pa- se 3 TAXIDERMISTS? GUNS, ‘cums Pistols, Gum Cases. Shooting Shot Shells; also criages tor SPECIMEN HUNTERS, All kinds, all prices from $1.9) to $2>.00. List free. Write for Taxidermist’s free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA. MINERALS SHELLS, etc. The White City Collections. 50 fine cabi- net specimens, $3. 50 smaller size, $2. 50 ama- teur size, $1. Printed name and locality with each specimen. 50 Shells, Corals, and Marine Specimens, only $3. 100 Fossils, including fine Fish, Trilobite, Crinoids, Corals, Sponges, C several fine Ferns, ete., only $8. A great varie- ty Unios with one valve highly published from 35c to $1, very showy. Taxidermy in all its branches at reasonable prices. Tllustrated catalogue by mail, 10c. J.M.WIERS, Natural- ists Agency, 357 W. VanBuren St., Chicago, Ill. MINERALS, Ancient Indian Relics. Stamps and Curiosities. Price List, Postage Free. W Perry Arnold. Stonnington, Ct. Mela Tad Yad Dab Vad bad Vad bab Vad bad Dod bab td-Jad Vad Vab Tab tad Dad Vad bad Tob bod Tad Vad Tal | R-LP-A-N-S : k ONE GIV iS RELIEF, ry we THE OOLOGIST. iil EGG TOOLS! EGG TOOLS! THE VERY BEST THAT CAN BE MADE. Set A contains blowpipe, (white metal) a large and small wire drill, 5datas, only 20c postpaid. Set No. 1.—Nice blowpipe, drill (machine fine cut) embryo hook, engraved handle, all in pocket -ease, for 35¢ postpaid. Set No. 2 (See cut.) Contains No’s 1 and 4 drills, embryo hook, blowpipe, pointed forceps, nickel plated, in plush lined pocket case, £0 datas, 5 A. O. U. check lists, note book and pencil All of the best, $2.00 postpaid. URN Uw Wine ance R TERRE iat nd x mM TS cL i i ALi le sianiges isa yyy) po My, YL RN We MG yy a | Lo YOO) ey HA oS Ms nine oS lc ine “i ea LR Mle ees as AA as a = —— CHAS. K. REED, TaxiIpERmIST, And Dealer in all Naturalists’ Supplies, Minerals, Shells, etc., 262 Main St., WORCESTER, MASS. Send 10cts for Extra large, finely mounted hoto of our spec- FOR DALE. Elk Head. Antlers measure 3 IP Ie feet 8 incb, elegantly mounted on walnut shield, iality Self locking $100. Elk Head Photo sent for 10 cents. Short- T perches. Oak samples by mail 8c, cated Oa mounted i wace Bpread eee 5 ve a 3 innamon Teal, mounted dead game, $3. Red- 10¢ and 15c; also stands. shields, glass head, dead game, $3. All bargains and first- cases, gamepanel &e. Cabinets to ord- ejass work. Very rare, Datatare, Hindoo Idol, er. HANAFORD CABINET CO., 1389 eign cueaycaryed in wea one Bony Vf . ‘ marae bay, India, $5. Vishun Idol, smaller, $3—paint- and 141 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, — ¢4°vng decorated in gold leat. Mich. 68M O tf F. W. CURRIER, Taxidermist, PRINTIN Ofall kinds for Naturalists a tf. 120 Sutter St., San Francisco, Cal. speciality. Note and letter heads, envelopes, circulars, illustrated cata- logues for natural history dealers. Have hun- THE LITTLE MIDGET dreds of engravings of natural history speci- SELF-INKING RUBBER STAMP. mens. Write for estimates. 100 envelopes print- ed, 45c. noteheads same price, postpaid. C. F, CARR, Job Printer, New London, Wis. tt FRANK B. ARMSTRONG, TAXIDERMIST, and Collector and Dealer in Bird and Mammal Skins, Birds Eggs in fi ts, Mounted Bird irdas ggs in nne sets ounte irads Try what 10 Cents sent and Animals, Wondertul H. Harte, Jeweler, BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS. Rechester, N. Y., will bring. Every Naturalist should have one. ™ Sent complete with your name and # address for only 50 CENTS. E. BREWSTER MYERS, Mfr of Rubber Stamps, 117 Clifton Street, Rochester, N.Y. iv THE OOLOGIS?T. American Taxidermy, A Series of 160 Photgraphs, Animals, Birds, Heads. Of great interets to Sportsmen, Taxidermists and Naturalists. List now ready. Specials: Ridgeway’s Manual, revised edition. Davie’s Taxidermy, Hornaday’s Taxidermy. Collecting Tube, Pistol Gun, Stuffed Birds for School Collections, Naturalists Supplies. FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CoO., Hyde Park, Mass. Come to Florida. A fortune can be made in a few years in pineapples and tomatoes; vegetables raised the whole year. An ideal home. For particulars write R. P. Osler, Avon Park, Fla. 29&Otf SEI N ES NETS, TENTS, and 5 SPORTING GOODS. Every description of Guns, R2volvers, Ammu- nition and Sporting Goods at very lowest pric- es. We have something of interest to you. Better Than a Shot Gun ! A Rare Chance to obtain a high-grade Op- eraor FIELD GLASS at a very low price. The entire stock of Queen = We & Co.. Inec., being offered at great reductions, including some special forms for Naturalists. Send for circular No. 481 giving full descrip- tions and prices. J. G. GRAY, Assignee for QUEEN & CO., Inc.., PHILADELPHIA. ke roro Chestnut St., Spriog is coming. So NOTICE. are the Birds, You willwant Blowing Tools. I have them. Best Blowpipe at 35c; cheap ones at 20c. Best Embryo Hook at 75¢e (set of three different sizes with engraved handle); cheap one at 10c. Drills from &c to $1.00. A good outfit for 40c; a fine one for $3.00; the best in the world for $5.00. Trays at lowest rates. Taxidermists supplies always on band, Address ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y, O. Send 15c stampsand you will receive my new Normal Catalogue of all European- palearctic bird eggs, in over 600 numbers, with. prices and number of sets for each species. Send $5 bill by registered letter and , you will receive, by return steamer, a fine col- | lection of European Birds Eggs, in- cluding Malco tinnunculus, ete., etc. HERMANN ROLLE, INSTITUTION FOR NATURAL HISTOR Y Emdener-Str. 4, Berlin, N. W., Germany. : EART DISEASE, tire many other ailments when they have taken hold of the system, never gets better of its own accord, but Constantly grows worse. There are thousands who know they have a defective heart, but will not admit the fact. They don’t want their friends to worry. and Dont know what to take for af, as they have been told time and again that heart disease was incurable. Such was the case of Mr. Silas l'arley of Dyesville, Ohio who writes June 19, 1894, as follows: “Thad heart disease for 23 years, my heart hurting me almost continually. The first 15 years I doctored all the time, trying several physicians and remedies, until my last doctor told meit wasonlya Ys question of time as I could not be cured. I gradually grew worse, very weak, and completely dis- couraged, until [ lived, propped half up in bed, because I couldnt tie down nor sit up. Think- ing my time had come [told my fam- ily what I wanted done when I was gone. But on the first day of March on the recommendation of Mrs. Fannie Jones, of Anderson, Ind., I commenced taking Dr. Miles’ New Cure for the Heart and wonderful to tell,in ten days I was working at light work and on March 19 com- menced framing a barn, which is heavy work, and I hav’nt lost a day since. I am56 years old, 6 ft. 44% inches and weigh 250lbs. ZH believe IT am fully cured, and I am now only anxious that everyone shall know of your wonderful remedies.”’ Dyesville, Ohio. SILAS FARLEY. Dr. Miles Heart Cure is sold on a itive guarantee that the first bottle will benefit. All druggists sellit at $1, 6 bottles for &. or it will be sent, prepaid. on meceey of price by the Dr. Miles Medical Co., Elkhart, Ind. Dr. Miles’ Heart Cure Restores Health PATENTS. Caveats, Trade Marks, Design-Pat- ents, Copywrights, etc. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. JOHN A. SAUL, ' Atlantic Building, Washington, D.C. THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XIII. NO. 8 ALBION, N. Y., MARCH, 1896. WHOLE No. 125. The Finding of Owls’ Nests. Four species of Owls nest in north- eastern Iowa, the Great Horned Owl, the Long-eared Owl,theScreechjor Little Red Owl ana the Barred Ow], the first named being the only kind which may said to be be common. Years ago my brother and I, while getting up the season’s fire-wood dur- ing the first part of April, cut down an old red oak stuinp about twenty feet high. The top had long been broken off, the heart was sound and dry and most of the bark was still left, but the sap-wood had decayed making a tree which was the delight of the flying squirrels and Woodpeckers, who had accordingly gnawed and drilled cavities between the hard bark and the sound core to their hearts’ content. As the old log came down among ‘the plum brush, with a crash, the bark split and large pieces sloughed off. From among the debris of bark, rotten wood and leaves we fished out a very much mussed Little Red Owl and two eggs. Sbe had stuck to her nest, through all the jariing and noise of choppiug down, to the last. We let her go but the eggs were for a long time part of our boyish treasures. This was the only nest of Megascops asio that I ever found, thongh I have no doubt if the bird could be induced to leave her hole by rapping on the tree that more would have been found as the species was quite common but is getting more rare each year. In going to and from the town to my woris I often cut across lots through a grove, passing on my way an old oak full of cavities and holes, which in its time has been the home and playground of many a family of young squirrels. Peering out of a particular knot-hole on one side, I sometimes for several days in succession will see one of our little rel friends. As I approach the tree she gradually slides down into the hole till only her horns and the upper parts of her eyes are visible, and, as I pass on by, she as gradually slips back up to her former position. If I stop for a moment she is gone, absorbed by the darkness in the hollow ola trunk. Several times I have climbed up to inspect her apartments but never found any eggs. I have concluded that it is not her home but only a sort of hunting seat. The Long-eared Owl like her little red cousin was once quite common, and like her is becoming more scarce from year to year. I have found nests of this species in old Crows nests, the deserted nests of Cooper’s Hawk and squirrels’ nests. The first nest I ever found was in an old squirrel’s nest about fifteen feet up in a scrubby oak. The last one was thirty-five feet from the ground in a nest that had been built and occupied the year before by a Cooper’s Hawk. This nest was also in an oak. In fact I have never found a nest of this bird in any other tree ex- cept an oak. When I climbed to a nest the female never failed to try to drive me away by darting at me. often com- ing within a foot of my head but never quite striking it, and by snapping her bill loudly. The male bird never seem- ed to be far away, as Shortly after the commencement Of hostilities he would appear on the scene. He would not jes io) venture upon an attack but would move about uveasily from tree to tree, pro- testing with a low ‘‘Who-o-o.” Up tothe spring of ’95 I had searched many a time for a nest of the Great Horned Owl but always without suec- cess. From what I had read I was led to believe that a hollow tree in not much frequented timber was the proper place for these birds to nest. Besides there were traditions among the peo- ple living in the ‘“Timber” of the find- ing of them there. I have spent whole days and traveled over section after section of timber pounding with an ax on every likely looking tree but never yet have found one occupied. But on the 3d of March, ’95, I found my first nest and the spell was broken, for four more were found the same spring and two, so far, this. On that date I was passing through a_ small grove of rather tall oaks not eighty rods from a farm house. Chancing to glance at an old Hawk’s nest I noticed a pair of ‘‘horns’’ protruding from the top of the nest and distinctly outlined against the sky. A few raps on the tree and Madam Owl was gone away over the tree tops. It takes considerable ‘‘sand” and muscle to shin it sixty feet up a tree on a raw March day. But I did it and was rewarded with a set of two nearly fresh eggs. On the dist of March I took another set of two from a nest about a quarter of a mile from the first and in another grove. ‘This last like the other was in an old Hawk’s nest but only about forty feet up and a much easier tree to climb. Both these sets I believe were laid by the same bird. On the 7th of March during a heavy snow storm I frightened an Owl from the deserted nest of a Cooper’s Hawk, not sixty rods from and in plain sight of my home. Iam yet undecided who was the more surprised, the Owl or my- self. There was one egg in the nest, which I left, thinking she would return THE OOLOtGIS?. and I get a full set. But she must have remained away until there was too. much snow in the nest for comfort, and then concluded to begin again, for the next day the nest was covered with a. mound of snow out of which [ took a frozen egg. On the t2th of April while looking for Hawks’ nests we fovtd an Owl’s in the top of a tall basswood in a ravine. From the hill where we were we could look down into the nest which was oe- cupied by the mother bird and two good sized young ones. The old one lay lazily on her side taking a sun bath while the young ooes crawled over and around her,the whole remindirg us of a cat and a couple of young kittens. We watched them for some time through a glass until finally the old one becoming alarmed at our protracted stay, flew away and the Owlets settled down in ~ the nest and became quiet. This spring I spoiled the chance of again seeing how Mrs. Owl rears her family, by going to the place on the 8th of February and taking the two eggs which she had already deposited in a Hawk’s nest about forty rods from the nesting site of a year ago. My first set this spring was taken on the 1st of February from an old squir- rel's nest in the fork af an elm in an acre or two of tin.ber on the bottom lands of Yellow river. Of the seven nests which I have found not one was in the ‘‘Timber” but all were in isolat: ed groves and all were within eighty rods of afarm house. Ail were in old Hawks’ ne stsexcept the first one found this spring. The Great Horned Owl is not much of a nest builder. ‘The addition of a few dry twigs and pieces of bark and a few leaves pilfered from a squirrel’s. nest, together with a few feathers from the bird herself is all that is done, Usually the eggs are more or less stained with blood from the birds” claws and have bits of feathers and THE OOLOGIST. 19 rabbits’ fur sticking to them. I have never found any remains of food or bones in the nest. Upon the approach of a person the bird will crouch so Jow in the nest that it is impossible to see her from the ground. There wili, however, always be a pair of ‘‘horns” sticking up from _the nest, when the bird is at home, to tell the story. The nest of the Barred Owl I have never found, but have no doubt of their nesting here as specimens have been shot during the nesting season. ELLISON ORR, Postville, Ja. My 1895 Outing in Assiniboia. May 31,’95:-I was out of bed this morn- ing about 4 o’clock and soon had break- fast ready. The weather had been windy and the tent had flapped all night and this, added to the noise of the numerous Plovers and other game birds and the excitement of taking a set of Buffle- heads, had kept me awake most of the night. A coyotte would occasionally favor us with his musical note. In the morning I went downto the edge of the lake and found that several deer had been drinking close to our tent. Their hoof marks were plainly discernable in the soft mud. The sensation of listening to the dif- ferent game birds making their noises at every hour of the night is something an ardent naturalist will never forget. The Killdeers, Avocets and Marbled Godwits appeared to make more noise duriog the night than the other kinds of Pluvers. Perhaps the reason for this is hecause they were most numerous. Moreover, as we all know, the Killdeer is always a noisy bird during the breed- ing season. I missed the musical notes of the Western Meadowlark (Siturn- ella magna neglecta). I shall never forget the pleasure I derived from listening to the notes of this beautiful bird in Manitoba during my visit there the previous season. I arrived at Long Lake, Man., one evening in June, 94, about 9 o’clock. The weather was fine and this bird was in full song. Many were singing from the tops of the tele- graph wires. I had not heard the notes of this bird previously and at first did not know what kind of birds were favoring me with such sweet music. However I soon discovered I was listen-. ing to Stuwrnella and am of the opinion that I have never listened to sweeter bird music anywhere, although I have heard all our Eastern ‘fhrushes csing and have listened to many of our South- ern birds in their native haunts. The notes of S. neglecta are richer and more plaintive than S. magna and the eggs are smaller, at least the set I collected are. After breakfast my brother and his friend started out with me to try and locate a few more nests. We saw a fe- male Martin leave a hole in a_ tree about 15 feet from the ground and I was soon inspecting the eavity which contained no eggs. Several W hite-bellied Swallows ( Tachycineta bicolor) were flying from holes in stubs but I did not moiest their nests as my series of their eggs was full. I soon came to the tree from which I had taken the 9 eggs of Charitonetta al- beola the evening previous Both birds male and female were in the vicinity and I again climbed to the nest think- ing I might get another egg. Judge of my surprise on finding the cavity half full of wet sea weed undoubtedly:taken there by the birds. I have no doubt the pair laid another set of eggs and probably hatched their brood in peace. The _ locality is very wild and the chances are, nothing interfered with their second clutch. I next flushed a Yellow Hammer (Colaptes auratus) out of a hole ina hollow tree. I did not climb to the hole as it was quite a Way up, and the 20 THE OOLOGIST. tree liable, I thought, to break off before I reached the nest. I saw a pair of Great Northern Shrikes (Lantus borealis) in a clump of trees. lI identified the birds carefully as I wished to ascertain whether this bird bred in this locality. They ap- peared to be suspicous of my move- ments and kept very close tome. I soon found a very large nest and one of the Shrikes was very uneasy3 and flew to the tree close to the nest. Nest was about six feet from the ground and was built in a willow bush, one of a clump of same. I soon inspected the inside of the nest and found it contained 7 fine eggs. They were fresh and measured as follows: 1.06x.75, 1.05x.75, 1.03x.75, 1,02x.75, 1.02x.75, 1.01x.76 and 1.00x.75. ‘Color, dull white, spotted with purple and olive brown. The nest is a beauti- ful structure, measures 7 inches across the top and is 4 inches deep, composed of sage, sticks, weeds and lined with feathers from Hawks and other birds, and some kind of brownish hair or fur. The nest and eggs are now safely en- sconced in my cabinet and very much treasured. Before my departure to Assiniboia I took, in April, a set of White-rumped Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus excubttor- ides). ‘The nest I found in a wild ap- ple tree close to a spring-lake in Cal- houn Co., Mich. Eggs six, incubated slightly, measured .93x.74, .92x.74, .98x 74, .96x.74, .93x.74 and .95x.76. Note in both sets of eggs the width of all the eggs is invariably the same, the length varying slightly. I have taken a good many sets of the White-rumped and Loggerhead Shrikes in Michigan and Indiana and also found the former bird breeding near C. P. R. station Qu Ap- pelle, Assiniboia. I have many times times read of the Northern breeding north and desired so much to take a set of their eggs. Isearched carefully for the bird in Manitoba but found it not. Near Long Lake I found two nests of the White-rumped containing young. The present find was my first and-on- ly set of Northern Shrikes and as the set is large and the nest fine I consider myselfa lucky man indeed. Walking around the lake I kad hard work fore- ing a passage through a heavy growth of willows. A Mallard flew from the centre of this clump and I soon found a hollow where she was preparing her nest for a clutch of eggs. We now walked in the direction of the tent and arrived in :camp at 9 o’clock and as the morning was cold and a storm appeared to be brewing we took down the tent and after load- ing everything in the wagon started in the direction of my brotner’s house taking a different route homerfrom the one we taaveled coming. Shortly after we started it commenc- ed to rain and as the wind was very strong and cold and I had ona thin shirt and a shooting jacket I almost perished before we finished our trip. I walked quite a little and examined a nest of the Long-eared Owl (Asio wil- sonianus) built in a poplar tree, nest contained young birds. I also exam- ined three nests of the gFerruginous Rough-leg (Archibuteo ferru-gineus). Two nests contained fiva young birds and the other, three young. All were large structures and built in poplar trees. As I was thoroughly soaked before we had traveled many miles and the rain turned to sleet my enthusiasm soon froze up and I was more anxious to reach warm quarters and _ shelter than to gather eggs. My companions also wished to hurry home even{more than I so we probably missed some good sets on account of the weather. We got to the house about 4:30 in the afternoon and I immediately changed my clothes and after a good warming and supper I started for the marsh and river close to the house. I walked about a mile through the marsh and flushed a Canvas-back (Aythya vallis- neria) off her floating nest and eleven THE OOLOGIS'’. 21 eggs. Six of the eggs looked Jike Red- head’s eggs, the other five were undoubt- edly eggs of the Canvas-bacx. I was passing> through a dry portion of the marsh overgrown with long grass when a Yellow Rail (Porzana noveboracensis) ran along the ground close to my feet. I was all excitement in a moment and the bird soon disappeared from sight. I did not make another step as I was sure the nest was within afew feet. I got down on my knees and after feeling through the grass a little I discovered the nest not two feet from where I stopped. The same was arched over and had I not flushed the parent at my feet | would never have discovered it. It was built of dry grass and contained four egys. The same were probably an incomplete set, but I quickly gath- ered them in, and upon blowing them found all nice fresh eggs. They meas- ure 1.08x.80, 1.10x.79, 1.10x.82 and 1.11 x.81. All are ofa rich buff brown and are marked with spots and specks of reddish brown and purple. I would have like to have left the set until com- plete, but I was afraid some animal, snake or bird might destroy the clutch, or I might not be able to again find the nest as the marsh was a large one, and the nest was well near the center of it. I have taken some 40 sets of Porzana carolina, Rallus virginianus and Rallus elegans in Michigan and Indiana and have seen several incomplete sets left by me in the marsh come to grief and so I satisfied myself with the four eggs. I have met with the Yellow Rail in Kalamazoo Co., Mich., and have spent many hours searching for its eggs with- out success, however. ‘The bird un- doubtedly breeds in Michigan and In- diana but has such skulking habits it is almost impossible to locate its nest. I now started for home via dry land and on the way took a set of two of the American Rough-legged Hawk (Archi- buteo lagopus sancli-johannis). Nest was placed in a poplar tree, was made of sticks. weeds, moss and feathers and was very large. Eggs were fresh. Fe- male left the eggs just as I reached the tree. Her feathered shanks and gener- al appearance were sufficient identity. As I get yearly nests from these birds I dislike to kill them unless I need a skin for my cabinet. When I reached the house a little girl brought me a small nest made of fine hay and hair. It was found on a bush and contained three small eggs almost round measuring .51x.40, .50x.40 and .48x 43. Eggs are smaller than the Bush-tit and are bluish-green striped near the top with reddish brown. I was very sorry indeed that the girl did not leave the nest and let me get the bird. I told the children not to take any eggs but to mark the nest and show it to me so I could get the parent if necessary to identify the eggs. Unfor- tunately the child did not do as she was told. She told me the bird was a little gray one. I went to the spot in hopes of getting the parents but in this I was unsuccessful. The eggs were fresh and I have blown them and together with the nest they form part of my collect- ion; not identified more’s the pity. E. ARNOLD, Battle Creek, Mich. [TO BE CONTINUED. | =m] 2 oe EE Audubon’s Caracara. Polyborus chertiway. As I have never seen anything writ- ten regarding the Audubon’s Caracara, I will tell my experiences with this in- teresting bird, hoping that they may be of value to your readers. The bird is very partial to the mes- quite region. The following fact will prove it: ‘This county is hilly and broken and well covered with oak tim- ber, and has an elevation of 1,600 feet. Bexar county, which joins Kendall on 22 THE OOLOGIST. the south, is the opposite, except the north-west corner, Itis covered with mesquite, which grows about 15 feet tall, sparsely dotted with live-oaks. The elevation is 600 feet. The next county, Wilson, is like Bexar, except that the greater part of it is heavily timbered with oak, hickory andelm. I have observed but one bird in Kendall county, and my friend and companion, Arthur H. W. Norton, saw but one pair during a several months’ visitin Wilson county; but in Bexar it isvery common. Norton states that the pair nested in the neighborhood, but he failed to locate the nest. The nests are placed in the scattered live-oaks at an average heighth of thirty feet from the ground. The birds are very partial to ‘‘broom-weed” in the construction of nests, and do not use sticks very much. How well I remember the time in ’92, when Norton, who lived five miles south- east of San Antonio, came to school and related that he had taken a set of two eggs of the Mexican Eagle. At that time, I was also astudent at the same school. The incubation was far ad- vanced, as the date was March 27th; but Norton worked at them very pa- tiently, and succeeded in extracting the embryos. What a thrill went through me when I first gazed upon those precious eggs. Then on the 22d and 28d of April, we took two sets of two eggs each, incuba- tion fresh. One of the sets was laid by the same pair of birds, and in the same nest from which Norton took the first set. By the way, I will mention that we called the tree in which that nest was situated the ‘‘bee-tree,’’ since a swarm of wild bees had once occupied a cavity in one of its limbs. J cannot ac- count for the otner set. It looks as though the birds were way behind in their domestic duties, or else their first eggs were made way with. I am under the first impression. My notes tell me that the next set was taken June 10th, incubation far advanced. We were “bumming’’ around in the brush not far from the ‘“‘bee-tree,’’ enjoying our- selves and seeing what there was to be seen, when in approaching an old dila- pidated hawk’s nest that was placed about twenty feet from the ground in a hack-berry, a Caracara spread forth her pinions and departed. We ran up all excited, and gazed up at the nest. Imagine our surprise when we saw that there was a large hole in the middle of it with a few sticks laid across it, and two eggs plainly visible. This was the third set that this pair had laid that season. On the 1st of May, Norton found two young birds about four miles south of his place. They were about a week old. Being fond of pets, and thinking he couid raise them, he took them home and installed them in a chicken coop. Coutrary to my expectations, they thrived in their captivity and away from a fond mother’s tender care. They were fed on rabbits, cactus rats, beef steak and in fact anything in the way of meat. In about ten days, they were standing on their feet as well as any bird. They were quite passive in disposition, but were never fond of being handled; they would keel over on their backs and grab at your hands with their claws. But take it all in all, they were mild, little innocent brutes. The most wonderful thing about them was their eating pro- pensities. The capacities that those little wretch- es exhibited were truly marvelous. Sad to state, one of them got hold of a young muscovy duck that had died,’ and true to his nature, tried to swallow it, de- spite the fact that the duck was about the ; ame size as the eaglet. The head and neck went down all O. K., but the body would not fit, and so the little glutton kicked his last. An inquest was promptly held on the case. THE OOLOGIST. 23 Verdict: Suffocation, brought on by grief and disappointment. His surviv- ing companion also met with an untime- _ly and tragic death. Norton had two Red-tails (Buteo borealis) in a shed ad- jacent to the Caracara’s coop, and one day Master Polyborus got too near a erack. As quick asa flash, a murderous Buteo grabbed poor Poly., and tore him to pieces. For ’93, I turn to my note book. March Ist. Went out to Norton’s after school, and on the way, we went by a Caraecara’s nest and found ‘t rebuilt with sticks and Jined with ce?ar bark, ready to be Jaid in. Wethen went over by the ‘‘bee-tree” nest and found it con- taining one egg. Early the next morn- ing, we took our baskets and started out on a long tramp foreggs. Wewent south about two and a half miles, find- ing some good hawks’ nests around a hill that we gave the suggestive name of ‘‘Razor-back’”’ One of the nests was ready to receive eggs. Then we went east, and after going a little way, saw a nest in an oak with a Caracara sitting ona limb nearby. Weran to the tree, and Norton climbed to the nest, but there was a plentiful lack of anything like eggs. On our approach, the bird tlew over onto another tree nearby and allowed us to come up quite near him. This awakened our suspicions, as at other times itis quite shy and will not let anyone come up very near. We also knew that the male always sits on a particular tree not very far from the nest where the female is sitting. Sowe began to circle around to find the nest. Soon I saw an immense structure in a large live oak, aud upon climbing up to it found three eggs. They were still warm, but neither of us had seen the female. The male did not fly towards the nest, but off to one side, and I sup- pese alarmed his mate in some way. The female in leaving a nest never soars or flys away at any height from the ground; always below the tree tops. but she soon alights. The nest was composed of weeds and small sticks, about thirty feet from the ground and measured two feet acrcss by one foot deep. Then we proceeded eastward a mile and a half to a creek called the Salado, and after following up the stream for about a mile, struck out across the country home. After dinner we went over to the ‘‘bee-tree” and added another set of two eggs to our collection. The eggs of these two sets were typical; a ground color of cinnamon and other shades of brown, spotted, blotched and clouded with yel- lowish - brown, chestnut and _ other shades. March 18th. After breakfast we start- ed out and went ove” the same route. The hawk’s nest on Razor-back, that was all fixed up, was fixed all over again by a Caracara with weeds, and the birds were flying around very sus- piciously. Then we examined the nest from which we took the set of three on the 2d, but it was empty. Over near the Salado we took a set of two eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk. The nest was composed of sticks. lined with bunch- moss and situated in a live oak 25 feet from the ground. The ground color was blueish-white, spotted and blotched with reddish- brown and cinnamon. In returning home we ran across a Road-runner’s nest, containing four eggs in the midst of a bush. The nest was made of sticks, lined with dead grass, three feet from the ground. Road-runners are scarce in that part of the country, owing to the miserable ‘‘Sunday hunters,” who go out just to sée what they can shoot, so we were luckey in running across this nest. March 25th. About nine o’clock we started out on our old route. On ‘‘Razor-back’”’ we took a set of three eggs of the Caracara from the hawk’s 24 THE OOLOGIST. nest which the birds fixed over last week. The eggs were typical. This set was secondary; the first being the first set of the season. In going up the Salado bottom, we had the inestimable pleasure of seeing a Florida Barred Owl leave a hollow stump, which was about fifteen feet tall. ‘The hollow was only a foot deep and contained one fresh egg. In returning home we went by the. ‘‘bee- . tree’? nest and found two beautiful eggs awaiting us. This was also a secondary set. The ground color was nearly white, spotted, blotched and clouded with many rich shades of brown. About the middle of April, the same pair went and fixed over an old nest not far away, and laid two more eggs. One of these was simply exquisite. The ground color was almost pure white, spotted and blotched with bright red. The other egg was typical. The size was very small, not more than 2.00 x 1.50. As to the first nest which I mentioned of visiting on the 1st of March, the birds hung around for nearly a month and then left. They are persistent layers and will deposite as many as four sets in a sea- son. In °94, Norton took first set on March 2d, but last year, it was the middle of April before he found an egg. 35 per cent. of the sets we have col- lected consist of three eggs, the rest of two. They are very silent birds. I have never heard them utter a sound. Their food consists chiefly. of rabbits, squirrels and other small mammals, and some- ‘times they feed on carrion in company with the Black and Turkey Vultures, but they do not associate with them at other times. I once came upon a dead cow where- on about thirty Vultures and eight Car- acaras were feeding. They all took flight at my approach; the Vultures circling overhead; but the Caracaras allliton the ground not faraway. Their flight resembles that of the Turkey Vulture, but is much stronger and they seldom circle as does a Red-tail. During my fifteen months’ stay in and about Monterey, Mex., I saw but two of these birds and that was a year ago last month. It seems strange to me that Caracaras should be so rare in that part of Mexi- co. Monterey is situated in a valley about thirty miles broad, which is timbered with mesquite, and to my mind an ideal place for the birds. But it is evident that Polyborus cheriway and I do not think alike. Last August I was down on the For- lon River, about ninety miles north- west of Tampico, Mex., and I never saw so many Caracaras in all my life as I saw during that one week. They were very abundant. The country there is quite flat and is covered with mesquite timber about twenty feet tall, and in Some places is quite dense. IrvinG H. WENTWORTH, Waring, Texas. THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Hditor and Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the sindent of Birds, their Nests and Lgys, solicited om all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Single Subscription - - 75¢e per annum Sample Copies - - = - - 10ceach The above rates include payment of postage by us. Each subscriber is given two coupons, one good for an Exchange Notice and the other for 26c. when presented with an order of $1.25 or over. Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLoGisT can be furnish ed at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. €NTERED AT THE POST OSFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER, a a EE RR THE QOLOGIST Vv THOUSANDS OF OLD BO OKS have accumulated in the libraries of our public institutions, and those of prominent public men, both in duplicate and otherwise. They cost them nothing and oft- times ‘are valued accordingly. They are, however both valued and desired by specialists and parties interested. Perhaps you or your friends may have some of the identical volumes which I desire, crowding library shelves or stowed away in garrets, doing nobody any good; but had I them I would not only appreciate them but might know of a dozen others who would do like- wise. Look over my list of wants and if you have anything I desire write me, stating what you desire in exchange, and perhaps we can arrange an eXchange which will be advantageous to each. I will exchange for single volumes—but the larger the exchange the better. Address, FRANK H. LATTIN, Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. I WANT: Medicine. Annual Reports and Bulletins of U. S. Geologi- u : \ cal Saree with F. V. Hayden in charge. e ANATOMY :—Gray, Morris, Quain, Holden. Reports of Wheeler’s U. S. Geological Surveys PHYSIOLOGY:—Yeo, Chapman. Flint, Lan- W. of the 100th Meridian. dois & Stirlings. Reports of King's U.S: Geological Exploration | BacrERIoLocy :—Abbott, Novy, Eisenberg. Annual Reports of Bureau of Ethnology. Beas, ae reen. Kleine, Zeigler, Dela- Annual Reports of U. S. Geological Survey. ; Natural History of New York. Boe. AND MICROSCOPY:—Klein, Prud- en, Schafer. Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, c " “ MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPENTICS :— tae eooes on EnLomolee yalisecy Tite Hare, Biddle, White and Wilcox, U. S. Dispen- I also desire second-hand copies of any stana-| S#tory, National Dispensatory. ard book,reports or publication devoted to Orni- PRACTICE OF MEDIcINE:—Osler, Strump ell thology, Oology, Geology, Mineralogy, Palea-| american Text Book, Flint, Musser, Da Costa ontology, Zoolugy, Conchology, Botany. Micro- f scopy, etc., etc. DICTIONARIES:—Gould, Threves, Duane, Dunglison. in 5 +, Les ially ir i j ane o ROCKS Cambrai Ree OPHTHALMOLOGY :—Nettleshin, Noyes, Juler. DaSchwemitz, Hansell. Botany. Any of Gray’s or Wood’s Text-Books and Pub- OroLocy :—Deuch, Field, Buck. lications. Noss & THROAT:—Bosworth, Browne, Seiler. Lesquereaux & James, **Mosses.”’ Tuckerman’s ‘‘Lichens.”’ Goodale’s ‘‘Wild Flowers.”’ GYNEACOLOGY:—Keating & Coe, Skene, Hervey’s ‘Sea Mosses.” Montgomery, Carrique. DIAGNOSIS :—Musser, Loomis, Page. Sargent’s ‘Silva of N. A.” OBSTETERICS:—Lusk, Playfair, Grandin, Par- Hough’s ‘‘Am. Woods.”’ Mai : Geology, Mineralogy and Paleontology. a DESH ASES OF CHILDREN:—Smith, Ashley & Any of Dana’s, Winchell’s, Miller’s and Geikie’s eae W orks. SURGERY :—American Text Book, Park, War- Conchology. ren, Senn, Schimmelbusch. Any of Tryon’s, Sowerby’s, Gill’s or Wood-| _ORTHOPd:DIC SURGERY :— Bradford, and Loy- ward’s Works. "| ett, Sayre. INSANITY :—Blanford, Lewis, Bucknill and Entomology. Tuke. Any of Packard’s or Comstock’s Books. NERVOUS DISEASES:—Gowers, Dana, Ormer- ad. Any of Maynard’s, Edward’s or Scudder’s 4 resis on Mire cdicst! HYGIENE:—Rohe, Coplin & Bevan, Stevenson : ; and Murphy. Ornithology, Oology and Taxidermy. DERMATOLOGY:—Crocker, Neuman. Hyde, Works by any of the following: Stelwagon. Baird, Bendire, Brewer, Brewster, Cassin,Chap- GENITO-URINARY DISEASES:—Keyes, Taylor, man, Cory, Coues, Davie, DeKay, Fisher, | Bumstead. Gentry, Goss, Hornaday, MclIlwraith, May- 7 4 < nard, Minot, Nuttall, Nehrling, Raine, Ridge- Mcion Ganie: CED! Barley ouand, way, Shufeldt, Studer, Warren, Wilson. TET eo Glaaiaacn. Geilo Also back numbers or volumes of any of the ae , P eats following publications: - Or any other Standard Text or Book of refer- “Auk,” “Ibis,” “Ornithologist and Oologist,’’ | ence. *Nidiologist.” vi THE OOLOGIST. I OFFER: I can offer in exchange for any of the above, either in large or small lots, collections scientific for teaching, study or museum purposes, or showy for decorative or ornamental purposes, in any of the following departments: Bird skins, bird eggs, minerals, fossils, shells. corals, Ech- inoderms, Indian relics, (modern or stone age.) etce., etc. I can also give a complete stock or outfit for 1 Vol. each Geology and Wis. curious and a Pair Exhibit or Summer Resort “‘lay out,” | Owen’s Geological Survey of Wis., Iowa and ranging in value anywhere from #10 to $1,000, | Minn. consisting of shells, curios, specimens, souven-| @o)qsmith’s Natural History. 1S LOVE TUES ORC) O0Gs, aa meee 5014 4980, 009 I also have a $25 Materia Medica collection worth of th oods during the past ten years a Des ’ ; aie = P y for students in Pharmacy and Medicine. BEELER roca sue Pooks on | A new Surgical Chair. : A Novelty Printing Press. About 200 paper cover novels and pamphlets. | ishing Tackle, a large assortment of articles One set of 86 Vols. of Penna. Geological Sur- | required for every day sport. vey Reports. ae one $50 worth of assorted Games, Tricks, z INO 5 be Rowell’s 95 Newspaper Directory. ee AE pagan SOetaKeNNY/ USI! “OTs Coues’ ‘‘Key to N. A. Birds,” Ed., 1872. Advertising space in NATURAL SCIENCE Maynard’s ‘Birds of Eastern North Ameri- | HERTS Ch ee COUCHES: ea,” (lacks 16 pages.) New No. 2 Kodak. A Seven-foot Shark. “Tnstitutiones rei Herbariz,”’ 3 Vol., 1719. ‘ By eis Se Any of the articles offered as premiums on 3 old books valued at $3, $5and $25 resp. and! jast page of No. 54 of NATURAL SCIENCE NEWS. TAT 5D 580. oleisecl Moi, MGs) esa ae 23 Vols. ‘‘Harper’s Monthly,” bound in Emer- Buel’s ‘Sea & Land” and ‘‘World’s Wonders.’ | son,s patent binders, cost $56. Our Special Easter Sale I found on taking an inventory of my stock of EGGs prior to moving into my new quarters, that I had a surplus of many singles. To reduce this I have de- cided to make the following liberal offers. For every DoLuar ($1.00) sent me before April 10th I will send PREPAID, your selection from the following list to value of $2.50. For every $2.00 sent me I will send you PREPAID your selection to value of $5.00 worth and include free a copy of LaTrin’s NEw STANDARD CatT- ALOGUE. For every $2.50 sent me I will send you $6.50 worth and inelude free one egg of Chuck-wills-widow and one copy of the Standard Catalogue. For $5.00 I will send $13.25 worth and include free anegge of the Canvas-back and Hutton’s Vireo listing at $3.25 and also send the Standard Catalogue if you will mention it. Send money in manner most convenient. Stamps not taken in sums over $1.00. Parties sending orders amounting to less than $1.00 can select eggs to double the amount sent. Orders of less than 50c must include 5¢ extra for post- age. Remember that this offer expires April 10, 1896 and that, while I will fill orders at these rates as long as stock holds out, NO EXTRAS will be sent after that time. Always mention a few substitutes and address evervthing plainly to ERNEST 8A. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. **Pied-billed Grebe _..._....... ch 10), PAS oxonteave thee, eee. oe 2) WOUISIAN a HERO tease ee Black Guillemot........ Leo) SBlaek Tern.) 2 2222 DO ai thle Werle nye lerkexeroyay (Cuonikevaaojee sie YO) SN oyololynss Ma Ce a 50) ¢G@neenvEler ong ss ene SEIMEI CEOs foe es COU) TEU Baa ye eee sto ‘tp ane Rane 23 ae ae 20 Califor aay VEU Cee eee LUM weachtsihetrel aaa 20: -*Soraces.. | een 10 *Razor-billed Auk...... - Coy AD DIN Ga 22 oye eey eee 25 Purple Gallinule......-....% 20 Great Black-backed Gull. 40 D’ble-crested Cormorant. 25 Florida Gallinule 10 iWiesterm) (Gilles ee eas 30 American Merganser ....... 75 *American Coot...... Pry af} *American Herring Gull.-- 20 Black Duck.. 2... 40) Walson’s)Phalarope as 1 00 *California Gull3t = 3) Blue- ee “Teal. .. 20 American Woodcock ....... 1 25 Ring—billed Gulls ee 25 Pintail.. Be a 30 Bartramian candpipes bese) Laughing Gull... 20 Ruddy Duck... .... 8) Spotted Sangeet ean Caspain Tenn jai aes aes 50 Roseate Spoonbill. Be SOE TO. 1Guleleeie , te a TRON VENI ADE ee ey cose ey AO) eA abhifey a Woutsjy es tee BI) Iebaves JE Noneye.- PEE eet) 4) WalbOviSMNerna es uense sacs SiO) WAYOKoro AMophsy ees se Ee _100 Snowy Plover ein Forster’s Tern _.. 10) *Least Bittern’ 22 2. 20) \Oystercatchenne seas 2D “Common Tern 08 “Great Blue Heron... 30 *Bob-white .. 10 Least Tern... ae 08- Snowy Heron........ _.... = 1 PloriaalBopzwhites lS THE OOLOGIST. vii Mountain Partridge........ 75 American Crow ‘05 *Yellow-breasted Chat Bese 08 California pare: pues OWES Ol Oita) leew cele eel eseent ee 20) Wonpatatledim gen ier 15 Valley Partridge... ; TS COW IT Aes ericsson 02 Pileolated Warbler............. 50 Sooty Grouse......... ..- %@ *Yellow-headed Blackbird 05 *Am: Redstart................5. 15 Oregon Rutfed Grouse... 40 *Red-winged Blackbird... 01 *Mockingbird........ .......... 05 TE Yee TPNS) 1B eval tN 20 Bicolored Blackbird ...:..... 10 *Catbird _... ey plpeae SQ, WVAIGERinike yee ee 00 Tricolored Blackbird ........ 15 *Brown Thrasher........... 02 Chacalacar eee see) es +) BO), AWiGRClOdle nike J ee poecenenee 10 Sennett’s BE eee ae 15 *Red-billed Pigeon____.__.... 00 Western Meadowlark....... 12 *Curve-billed Thrasher... 15 *White-winged Dove... 20 sOrchardiOrioles =) 06) Cahiathrasher se. 2 20 Ground Dove..................... 20 Baltimore-Oriole __........... 06 Cactus Wren... 0 (20. Turkey Vulture =... (>) Brewer’s Blackbird ......... 03 Bewick’s Wren.............2.-. 20 Black Vulture....... (ou PurpleiGrackles 2. 05) Bairdespyymenmessss seek 20 iMiamSine elaine) eee 385 *Bronzed Grackle...... ah (04 a 05 Sharp-shinned Hawk..._... 0) Boat-tailed Grackle 15 : 10 Cooper’s Hawk.................. 30 Great-tailed Grackle ..._..... 15 *Long-billed Marsh Wren 05 Telewest) IIR Wwe aes eo GO) LEU ONKE) AM IhaVGl Et 20 *White-breasted Nuthatch 35 Red-tailed Hawk.............. GCOMPETO US 6 pHiiT Chetaseen ee eee ee 05 Brown-headed 25 Western Red-tail.._............ 60 *Am. Goldfinch pirat ew bbe 05 Tufted Titmouse eS Sa 30 Ine sin oeilolennereltaleinigemess Gis sa\gelteg 1 EO gC ee ee AKO Se Peale 1) 5 OS e8 Se eae 50 *Mla. Red-shoulder. Hawk 60 *Ch’tn’t-collar’d Longspur 30 “Chickadee 12 American Sparrow Hawk 30 Savanna Sparrow CRT 12 Oregon Chickadee ........... 35 Audubon’s Caracara......... OD SSBC 7 casases ceased 20 Carolina Chickadee.......... 15 American Osprey ............ a oOnsaluark SiN EI it eng Uae 05) SWine me Gic mee sens ene ane 50 American Barn Owl - Bi) | WES al bpelie PO 06 Calif Bush-tith Ves 15 American Long- eared Owl 30 *Chipping ‘ . 038 Blue gray Gnatcatcher...... 20 Florida Bar red Owl 00 Black-throated Sparrow. 20)! “VOU Gms Ss eames mere euneee 06 Florida Screech Owl ........ 40 *Song Sparrow..... ............ 02 *Wilson’s Thrush......... ..... 12 California Screech Owl 40 *Hoermann’s S’¢ Sparrow. 10 *Russet-backed Thrush... 15 AOAC GTN T eee eres 25 *Swamp Sparrow...... ....... lo” Hermit ihr ush as 30 *Yellow-billed Cuckoo...... Ors OWA Ce yes ea en eeren ee pera 0 *Black-billed Cuckoo....... 12 *Spurred Towhee............... 4 03 Belted Kingfisher ......_..... ils) “CO Rubtig Mon Anerson 10 Mounerit Bilvebindeee ae) Hairy Woodpecker............ 40 Gray-tailed Cardinal ......... 25 FOREIGN. Downy Woodpecker ........ 20 Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 10 *Song Thrush..._..... ah 5s se (5 Baird’s Woodpecker 50 *Black-headed Grosbeak... 15 *Blackbird......................... 10 *Red-headed Woodpecker. Blue Grosbeak .. pee Siti 20) |) “IRCCS Garr beemaaete seen ene eae 10 *Red-shafted Flicker ____.. 10 *Indigo Bunting... eee eee _ 08 *Willow War bler Ba Abe 05 INplodntheiwicte - = 40 Lazuli Teypbaebaer se 20) “WioOdenta mma teen meee 15 Chimney Swift ..............22 12 Painted Bunting.........._... 10 Marsh ee eee ey stay F20) Costa’s Hummer... GOMBDICK CISSC lee aa eer 05 Cettia sis bay gece evo 40 Anna's Hummer .--...... AQ) bE WAe sbaal bakers le Pa Orgolneeya. So 50 *Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 10 *Scarlet Tanager..... 25 Grasshopp’ pein eee ree 35 JEGiraer| ono | =e eee aes 04 Summer Tanager......... 20 Rufous ‘ ERLE Ss COR Dy *Arkansas Kingbird......... 06 *Purple Martin........ ... 12: «DELVE eo Pee seer DENS 10 *Cassin’s Kingbird............ 20 Cliff Swallow ......... _... 03 Garden Warbler 10 Crested Flycatcher 12 *Barn PO a essen Ce Nagaae 05 Hedge Sparrow 10 *Mexican Crested Flyc’her 25 *Tree Ne 15 Siskin Vie) Ash-throated Flycatcher. 25 Bank Plan eae ee 03 Wren... 05 ETC S) Oe) 5h ee 04 *Rough-winged Swallow... 20 Robin...._.-.....00002. 1222. 05 Blaclepehoebers. 2. 15 Cedar Waxwing 10) Black Capes eens 10 AWiOOGERE Ween eer: es ORR hain Opel awe ene 30 Spotted Flycatcher... Ee KD) *Western Wood Pewee... 20 *White-rumped Shrike...... 08 Long-tailed Tit............ E30) Western Flycatcher Zo) SRed-eCyed Vireo 2 10 Mongolian Pheasant 35 Acadian Flycatcher~ . 20 *Warbling Vireo... Beal 20) Partridge Oe a ES aT RI 15 *Little Mlycatcher...... ...... 20 Yellow-throated Vireo 30 Barbary Partridge...... ...... 25 *Traill’s Flycatcher ......... 2) White-eyed Vireo...... ..... Ii; Ehealsaniieseeae eee eereeaes 25 *Least Flycatcher _............ Sie SC UIESEVEIEC © sete ene 15 Sparrow Jlawk 2 30 *Prairie Horned Lark ...... 15 Prothonotary Warbler Ae 25 Dartford Warbler _.... ...... 40 Ruddy Horned Lark......... SU MPMUTESCEMIGiuits ean menses 75 Blue-throated' Warbler...... 40 American Magpie............ NAO Mae UTS UND Gao 72 hgh a ashe i) Mele Cod 20 Black-headed Gull........... 0 Yellow-billed Magpie...... 50 *Yellow Hea fhe 04 All guaranteed Ist class. Of TEUIREKS) EW ee ee 04 *Chestnut-sided “ ...... 2) those marked (*) I have orig- *Mlorida Blue Jay............. 25 Prairie ip 1AM 3u inal sets with data. Write ‘for Blue-fronted Jay..............- ad © QnyGaale| ono lew ec 15. price on what sets you want. California Jay.................... 20 Louisiana Water-thrush 40 Sets with nests for Easter White-necked Raven _...... 60 Maryland Yellow- throat... 12 decoration a specialty. «Western neag | 5) UTS FOR NATURALISTS ! Large stock of \\ Illustrations to select from. ‘i Send for sheet of specimens \) and prices of JOB PRINTING. ; Prices a little lower and work a ittle better than elsewhere. Write us what you want. A.M. EDDY,ALBION, N.Y. When answering advertisements always mention the ‘OOLOGIST,”’ We have in stock or can RAR Keernist on short notice books, magazine articles and infor- mation on any ‘Out-of-print? OLD Literary Light $l a year; sample copy 10cts. Raymer’s Old Book Store, 248 4th Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn. BOOKS When answering advertisements always mention the ‘*OOLOGIST.” subject desired. books a specialty. viii THE OOLOGIST. Lattin’s Standard Catalogue North American Birds Eggs, New Edition for 1896 now ready. Enlarged, revised, corrected and brought up to date of going to press (Feb. 20th). Giving all of the new A. O. U. changes and ad- ditions. Also divided and sub-divided into orders, sub-orders, fami- lies, and sub-families. Values are based on the 1893 ones which were determined by the compiler, from invaluable notes, suggestions and assistance from Major Chas. E. Bendire, J. Parker Norris, Esq., and the late Cap- fain: i. Goss: In addition to these notes, which have been carefully reworked, the compiler has had suggestions from over FORTY LEADING AMER- ICAN OoLocistTs, all of which have been carefully considered and where advisable, adopted. Lattin’s Catalogue has long been recognized by leading Oolo- gists as the ‘‘Standard’’ and the new one will be recognized by the majority as being more consistent than any former one. The compiler, however, intends to issue a new one early in 71é97—and desires the assistance of every working Oologist, in making values, etc. (Suggestions must be sent in by Nov. 'tst, ’96) on this account he has concluded to place the new 1896 edition at the following less than nominal rates, viz: | Single copy, post-paid 12 cents. 2 copies, postpaid for 20 cents. 6 a (<« 5O cents: I 5 (ars C6 (a9 $1 : oo. Address, FRANK H. LATTIN, Publisher, ALBION. FREE: Your assistance and opinion is desired for the ’97 cata- logue in order that it may truly be considered the ‘‘Standard’”’ for all working Oologists. In order to get this opinion I will mail an additional copy grazzs to every purchaser of one or more copies of my ’96 edition, providing they will agree to mark their ideal values therein and return to me not later than Nov. Ist, 1896. Faithfully, “ean ine: RI RI RIRIRIRARIRY NGC TTT erry ee, S ball] SS SSR 008888880000 0008 Geese meneseRREEEOOAGoonoo SoS k ete enunae OTT) LOGISN, < 6 oot Ak naRgawegeaene v Ly & & < ¢ é SS yo) ah PETTITT erry er errr a Na 2 / See x BOeue.... NEY Monthty. (os < VOL. XIII. NO. 4. ALBION, N. Y., APRIL, 1896. WHoLeE No. 126. Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘‘Wants,’ ‘“‘“Exchanges” ‘For Sales,” inserted in this department for 25¢ per 25 words. word. No notice inserted for less than 25c. Notices over 25 words, charged at the rate of one-half cent per each additional Terms, cash with order. ‘‘DRALERS” Can use these columns at Regular Advertising rates, only, Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-third list rates. Exchange Cards and Coupons (subscription) will be accepted according to conditions stated thereon. FOR SALE.—Coast birds in the flesh, Vols. XI and XII of the OoLoGrsT, Vols. IX and X of Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol 1 of the Museum. ALVAH G. DORR, Bucksport, Maine. 2t: WANTED.—Good double shot gun in ex- change for Natural History specimens, Deer heads, birds, etc., ALVAH G. DORR, Bucks- port, Me. WANTED a good shot gun, revolver or rifle in first class condition. Have eggs in sets and singles to exchange. Persons who care to ex- change write to GEO. S. GREENE, Care of First National Bank, Los Angeles, Cal. NOTICEH.—I will give a good pair of opera glasses for a set of 44 Bald Eagle or for a set of % Dusky Poor-will. Eggs must be in good condition. Address, R.P. SMITHWICK, Merry Hill, Bertie Co., N. C. : FOR SALE.—A fine A. No. 1 Baritone horn. Will sell cheap. Has only been used a few times. Write quick, and get particulars. CHAS. L. SWISHER, Tunkhannock, Wyom- ing Co., Pa. CRAYON PORTRAITS painted by myself to exchange for Davie’s Nests and Eggs, other Oological works or anything I want. Write What you have. W. PAUL STORMONT, Ster- ling, Kan. FOR SALE.—Very cheap for cash rare sets including many of the raptores. Will exchange for old coins, kodak or camera, anything valu- able. C. H. WATROUS, Chester, Conn. FOR EXCHANGE.—Gent’s size gold filled watch (new) case, warranted 20 years, works, N.Y. Standard Watch Co. Would like camera, good microscope, or best offers. Write me. FRANK STUART, Ritzville, Wash. WANTED.—To correspond at once with par- ties who can collect eggs of the Passenger Pig- eon. Also want NVidiologist of Oct., Nov. and Dec. 1893, and Feb. Apr., May, Aug and Oct. 1894, and OoLoGIstT of May 1891, Mar. 1892, and Apr. 1893. Will give 25c in singles for each clean vopy. OTTO J. ZAHN, 427 S. Hope St., Los Angeles, Cal. FOR EXCHANGE or sale. Birds eggs in sets, bird skins,mammal skins, mounted specimens, Indian relics, ete. C. F. FITE, Denver, Ind. SNAKES, Lizzards and Butterflies. Will ex- change for a six-inch caliper, graduated in hundreths of inches,a set of egg drills and $2.50 in cash. A snap. AMOS PYFER, Lanham, Neb. LOOK.—125 philatelic magazines for a set of 364 14 or 326%, receiver to pay express charges on papers. W. E. SNYDER, Beaver Dam, Wis. “THXAS” fossils 3 for 10c to any address in the U.S. 3c extra foreign country. Address, R. L. MORE, Decatur, Tex. N. TWO RECEIPTS for 10e silver or stamps, how to write on iron tools and how to write on glass. You can write any name on any smooth piece of metal or glass. So that it will remain permanently. Will exchange above receipts for 1st class egg worth 25c or two ‘perfect ar- row heads, or tine copper cent or % cent prior to 1845. ARTHUR B. ROBERTS, Weymouth, Medina Co., Ohio. SNAKES.—I want at once a Boa Constrictor or Python, must be good feeder and perfectly sound. Also books on all species of snakes (cheap). Write giving descirption and prices. R. G. PAINE, 1416 R. 1. Ave., N. W., Washing- ton, D.C. N. FOR SALE.—Stuffed and mounted pea-fowl Ist elass. For exchange: violin for a 5x7 pho- to outfit. Ihave also a 5x8 camera, lot of good minerals, ofossils, curios,: skins, etc., to ex- change for a wide angle lens, books on natural history or good offers. R. M. DALRYMPLE, Baker, Ohio. N. LOWER Silurian Fossils. Will send perfect specimens of Rhynchonella Dentata, Rhynchon- ella Capax, Orthis Subquadrata,Orthis Biforata,. Strophomena Planumbona, Strophomena Alter- nata,Strophomena Rhomboidalis, Orthis Hmacer- ata, Orthis Insculpta, Zygospira Modesta, Coclo- nema Bilix, for 50 cents post-paid or natural HIStory. specimens. LEWIS SMITH, Liberty. nd. N. ii THE OOLOGIST. DIANA.—Argynnis (S,) diana cheap for cash, or exchanged for North American butterflies not found in Virginia. W. ALPHONSO MUR- RILL, Staunton, Va. (Blacksburg, Va. after June 1). N. TO EXCHANGE.—I have large lists of fos- sils, minerals, sets, Indian Relies and finely mounted birds. I will exchange for good sets or skins and good cloth bound books. Send lists and state which lists you desire to select cuchange from. GEO. W.DIXON, pyiotertown: 2 1D) : WANTED to exchange with advanced Oolo- gists the present season. Can offer southern sets. Choice sets for singles of 25, 104, 112, 183, 188, 204, 205. 206. 328, 336, 352, 356 and Emeu. DOCTOR M. T. CLECKLEY, 457, Greene St., Augusta, Ga. A-3t. WANTED.—Copies of old histories of Texas and of the U.S. Also old works on any of the sciences. Part cash and good exchange will be given. HERBERT STERZING, Austin, Texas. EXCHANGE.—Vol. VIII The Auk and other publications for Oologist tools, especially de- sired leather pocket case for tools. Must be first-class. PRESTON MULTER, 38 Richmond Pk., Rochester, N. Y. TO EXCHANGE.—Sets and singles of this lo- cality to exchange for singles of other locali- ties and showy shells. GEO. ZIMMERMANN, Austin, Texas. N. POR SALE or Exchange. Minerals, curiosi- ties, old books, newspapers, letters, receipts, legal papers, all genuine. Noreprints. Dates 1828 to 40. Write and make known your wants if you are collecting. All letters answered. GEPRCe WALTHER, Rushville, Yates Co., N. ve N. FOR EVERY 20c sent me before April 20th I will send you 8c worth of fine foreign stamps. For every 50c I will send you $2.50, catalegue value. ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. O DATAS:—We have datas. The finest out. All kinds, egg datas, skin datas, labels, ete. To anyone answering this ad. we will send postpaid our No. 2 Standard egg data, size 34x 5% in. on tough bond paper, with your name and address printed thereon; 100 for thirty ments, 1U00 for $2.25, Samples free. Wecan terms you good terms on datas printed to your order. ‘THOS. H. BLODGETT, Galesburg; SETS:—Oregon taken, first-class. I will sell or trade for books on ornithology or a shot gun (breech loading). All my duplicate sets. Write for list with stamp. S. REY STRYKER, Milwaukee, Oregon. 61-2t O FOR EXCHANGE.—My entire collection of aboutfifty first-class bird skins, including Nos. A. O. U. 186, 202, 224, 409, 538, for best offer in Birds Eggs in sets with data. Write for full list. All favors answered. OLIVER V., JONES, 1101 Logan Ay. N., Minneapolis, Minn. I HAVE the following first-class sets with full data, to exchange for sets from any locali- ty. Sendlist. A. O. U. 77, 120, 191, 333, 343, 467, 507, 495n, 608n, 725. OLIVER V. JONES, 1101 Logan Ave. N., Miuneapolis, Minn. 1700 VARIETIES Stamps (235 U. 8S.) Mekeel’s latest $2.50 Album, $25.00. OoLoaGist, Vol. VII, 37 Nos. Vols. VIII, IX, X, XI, for first-class sets. GEO. WILLETT, JR., Whittier, Cal, “LAKE OF THE WOODS” Gold and other mineral specimens. Send anything you have in the curio line and get by return mail my ex- change JNO. R. WERNER. Naturalist, Rat Portage, Ont. N TO EXCHANGE;—Mounted deer antlers, power scroll saw, telegraph instrument, eggs, bird skins, U. S. stamps and curios for re- volver, gun, camera. snow shoes, best offer or cash. B. F. BATCHELDER, Potsdam, N. Y. FOR SALE:—Great Gray Owls, Arctic Horn- ed Owls, Hawk Owls, all freshly made up es- pecially for mounting. We will take back skins that are not satisfactory, Send for lists. OLIVER SPANNER & CO., 358 Yonge St., To- ronto, Can. WANTED:—Parties having pretty or curious tame animals or live reptiles for sale cheap, write ro W. R. WHARTON, Germantown, Phila. Reptiles’ eggs, Indian relics, and curi- osities also wanted N TO EXCHANGE for rare sets of eggs War- ren’s ‘Birds of Pennsylvania.” 400 pages,2100 plates colored to nature, in red cloth. THOS. i. JACKSON, 343 E. Biddle St., West Chester, a. A-2t EXCHANGE 4x5 camera with outfit, in good condition, for sets of eggs with data or Coues’ Key to N. A. Birds. R. GAUTSCHI, Chestnut Hill, Phila., Pa. A FEW FINE SKINS of Belding’s Marsh Sparrow for exchange. Only first class skins accepted in return. Many common species wanted. F. D. DAGGETT, Pasadena, Calif. TO EXCHANGE for Indian relics: Birds Michigan; Mammals Minnesota; Second Re- port Zoologist Minnesota; North American Fauna No. 5; Auk, Vols. X, XI, XIL; Museum, Vol. I. WM. H. FISH#R,'14 W. North Ave., Baltimore, Md. STAMPS:—A great bargain, 350 varieties of genuine postage stamps for only $1.26, cata- logue over $5.00. A good collection for begin- ners or to trade with. 1000 weil mixed stamps 2c. C. L. MCFETRISH, Chatham. N. Y. GREAT BARGAINS IN CURIOS:—Photo- graphs of Warner’s Cobweb Palace, 5%xX7' in., 2%5cts. each.—One of the greatest cruiositics in California—old saloon festooned with natural cobwebs, never cleaned; Chinese Joss Punk Sticks, 15cts. pkg., also Chinese Ornamental Masks 25cts. each, Elk Teeth for Charms $1.50 each. Address E. W. CURRIER, Taxidermist and Curio Dealer, No. 427 Sutter St., San Fran- cisco, Calif. tf FOR SALE:—Fine Skin of Passenger Pig- eon, male at $2.50; Bohemian Waxwing 50C: Sereech Owl 35c; Willow Ptarmigan (waite) $1.35; Eggs; Gt. Horned Owl, 1-2 at $1.50; Cara- cara, 1-2, at 8c; Red-tailed Hawk, 1-3. at 75c; Bobwhite, 1-11, at 50¢c; Rufous Hummer, n-2, at i5ec. ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. WANTED AT ONCE:—Apny or all the follow- ing books in first class condition, for which I will give double regular price in exchange of fossilS, minerals, Indian relics or mounted birds, viz. ‘‘Birdcraft” by Wright; ‘The Birds About Us.’ Abbot; Apgar’s ‘“‘Key;’ Apgar’s ‘Birds of the Northern U. S.;” “‘Nuttall’s Or- nithology :’’ Coues’ ‘‘Key;’’ Coues’ ‘Birds of the N. W.;” Ingersoll’s “Bird Nesting; Langille’s “Our Birds in their Haunts.” Ifvou have any of above which you will exchange let me hear from you. GEO. W. DIXON, Watertown, S. D. THE OOLUGIST. EGG TOOLS! me —e es EGG TOOLS! THE VERY BEST THAT CAN BE MADE. Set A contains blowpipe, (white metal) a large and small wire drill, 5datas, only 20c postpaid. Set No. 1.—Nice blowpipe, drill (machine fine cut) embryo hook, engraved handle, all in pocket ease, for 35¢ postpaid. Set No. 2 (See cut.) Contains No’s 1 and 4 drills, embryo hook, blowpipe, pointed forceps, nickel plated, in plush lined pocket case, 50 datas, 5 A. O. U. check lists, note book and pencil the best, $2.00 postpaid. Ay “AY ayo WWW SEM CO All of MOT i LL an y Lye Wy MAY yy WLM LOM aos Gan : ee HN Ms, TU se J) oe y Wy ] YY if in LY) a 7) MM HEI HY MPA MAY CHAS. K. REED, TaxIpDERmIST, And Dealer in all Naturalists’ Supplies, Minerals, Shells, etc., 262 Main St., WORCESTER, MASS. Send us your R IN TING orders for print- ing. 100 Letter Heads 40c: 100 Envelopes 40c; 140 Cards (or Bill Heads) 40c. The three tor $1.00. All postpaid. Send for samples. Get our prices on any printing. We print this publica- tion. A.M. EDDY, Albion, N.Y. MINERALS SHELLS, etc. The White City Collections. 50 fine cabi- net specimens, $3. 50 smaller size, $2. 50 ama- teur size, $1. Printed name and locality with each specimen. 50 Shells, Corals, and Marine Specimens, only $3. 100 Fossils, including fine Fish, Trilobite, Crinoids, Corals, Sponges, ‘several fine Ferns, etc., only $8. A great varie- ty Unios with one valve highly published from 30¢c to $1, very showy. ‘Taxidermy in allits branches at reasonable prices. Dlustrated catalogue by mail, 10c. J.M.WIERS, Natural- ists Agency. 357 W. VanBuren St., Chicago. Ill. Come to Florida. A fortune can be made in a few years in pineapples and tomatoes; vegetables raised the whole year. An ideal home. For particulars write R. BP. Osler, Avon Park, Fla. 29@O0tet THE LITTLE MIDGET SELF-INKING RUBBER STAMP. Every Naturalist should have one. sent complete with your name and #/ address for only 50 CENTS. E. BREW STER MYERS, Mfr of Rubber Stamps, 117 Clifton Street, Rochester, N.Y. Sena 15c stamps and you will receive my | new Normal Catalogue ofall European- palwarctic bird eggs, in over 600 numbers, with prices and number of sets for each species. Send $5 bill by registered letter and ‘ you will receive, by return steamer, a fine col- | lection of European Birds Eggs, in- cluding Falco tinnunculus, etc., etc. HERMANN ROLLE, INSTITUTION FOR NATURAL HISTORY Emdener-Str. 4. Berlin, N. W., Germany. WANTED—AN IDE Whocan think of some simple thing to patent? Protect your ideas ; they may bring you wealth. Write JOHN WEDDER- BUKN & CO., Patent Attorneys, Washington, D. C., for their $1.800 prize offer. iv THE OOLUGIST. GGS and Skins from Alaska. First class with data. In order to close out my remaining specimens, I have con- cluded to cut the prices in ¢wo to suit hard times. Send in orders soon and get the benefit. No order filled for less than $1.0). Terms cash with order. Best of References. Egegsin set. Per set. Skins. Ancient Murrelet, 2 $2 75 $2 50 Cassin’s Auklet, 1 35 2 5U Pigeon Guillemot, 2 AO, Tufted Puffin, 1 30 Fork-tailed Petrel, 1 2 U0 2 00 Leach’s Petrel 1 05 Mallard Duck, 8 to 10 15 each Merg. Serrator,7 to 10 4240p Aleutian Sandpiper 1 25 ‘“ Song Sparrow. 3s and 4 1 09 175 Sandwich Sparrow, 1 U0 Aleutian Leucosticte, 1 00 A2t C. Littlejohn. Redwood City. Ca Rare Arctic Hgés and Skins. My collector has recently arrived from the Arctic coast of America, bring- ing with him the finest lot of Northern Eggs and Skins that have come south since McFarlane returned from the An- derson river region over 30 years ago, and I can now offer nests, eggs and skins of parents shot near their nests, of such species as Varied Thrush, Fox Sparrow, Longspur, Redpoll, Harle- quin Duck, White-fronted Goose, Amer- ican Golden Plover, rare Sandpipers, etc. Prices on application. W. RAINE, 181 BLEEKER ST., TORONTO, ONT. California Curiosities. Mounted Tarantulas, Horned ‘Toads, Scor- pions, Trap-door Spi- ders, 5 Specimen Collec- tions, Yucca Pincush- ions, &c,’&ce. Just the goods for Curio and Shell Dealers to handle. Best work and lowest prices. Send for Wholesale Illustrated Price List. G. W. TUTTLE, Pasadena, Calif. N6t The Iowa Ornithologist. The only illustrated quarterly magazine in the Mississippi Valley. devoted to the study of birds. The July issue, Yol. 1, No. 4 contains a full page illustration of the Blue-winged Teal. Subscrip- tion 49¢c ayear. Sample copy 10c. Jy 3t. DAVID L. SAVAGE, Editor, Salem, Iowa. : SN he Thousands of both men and women. whose daily life is making severe drafts on their vitality, require something that will bring new material to the worn out nerve: centers. This is just what Dr. Miles’ Re- storative Nervine does. “T had been suffering for years from headaches, neuralsia, sleeplessness, and general nervous prostration, unfitting me for social, household ard business duties, and, periodically, was Completely prostrated with pain. I tried several physicians and a great many remedies, but received no benefits until I Used Dr. Piles’ Restorative Nervine, when I found almost immediate relief, and have become quite my former self and am Again able to attend to my business, whichisthat of a brush manufacturer. I have recommended the Nervine to others who have used it with the same good results” Milwaukee, Wis. Mrs. ANNA PEUSER. Dr, Miles? Nervine is sold on a positive uarantee that the first bottle will benefit. ll druggists sell it at $1,6 bottles for $5, or it will be sent, prepaid, on receipt of price by the Dr. Miles Medical Co., Elkhart, Ind, Dr. Miles’ Nervine Restores Health PRINTIN Of all kinds for Naturalists a speciality. Note and _ letter heads, envelopes, circulars, illustrated cata- logues for natural history dealers. Haye hun- dreds of engravings of natural history speci- mens. Write for estimates. 100 envelopes print- ed, 45c. noteheads same price, postpaid. C. F, CARR, Job Printer, New London, Wis. tt THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XIII. NO. 4 ALBION, N. Y., APRIL, 1896. WHOLE No. 126. A Handful of Winter Notes. As usual, at the arrival of the O6LOo- Gist, Isat down with the January num- ber to digest the nutriment for which I hunger each month. The title of the leading article, ‘‘Win- ter Work for the Ornithologist,” called my attention. I accordingly began to satisfy my craving with this morsel. From the title I expected to find a list of instructions for out of-door work; but as regards to how much I was de- ceived, I need not speak. linterpreted this article asa general but neverthe- less a just censure against the great ar- my of selfish Ornithologists. Now in so much as I consider myself to have been a private in this same ar- my I feel justified in calling it by the foregoing name. But I have deter- mined to come out from the ranks of an army designated by so despicable a name. And I hope many others have turned to the same road, with the same feeling of indebtedness to brother Sillo- -way. Therefore, following his sugges- tion of ‘“‘placing your notes, however worthless they may seem to yourself, at the disposal of some good paper,’ I send these simple notes, taken from a few pleasant rambles during the past ‘two months, to the Editor of THE O6Lo- Gist. For various reason perhaps it will be best to begin with the most common species. THE REDPOLL: Without doubt this little visitor has been our most common bird. On account of its manner of flight and its song or twittering it is of- ten mistaken for the Goldfinch. On Noy. 80 I noticed several small flocks of Redpoll; they seemed to be feeding up- on the buds of the birch, also the. seeds of weeds, ete. On December 10th, ob- served a very large flock of these birds minglea with the American Goldfinch. During January these birds were seen more around the fields and in the gar- dens than in the birehes. The Redpoll is much tamer when it is upon the ground amongst the weeds than it is in a tree, often allowing a person to ap- proach very near and then hopping off. THE CHICKADEE: Little need be said about this feathered'scolder. In all my tramps I fiud him the most inquisitive of any of my feathered friends. If you do not approach him he will approach you. Have always noticed them in flocks, never solitary, feeding anywhere from the top of the trees, down the trunk, out on the ends of the limbs and also upon the ground THE RED-BELLIED NUTHATCH: Near- ly as often as I bave walked into any heavy growth of coniferous trees I have heard the familiar ‘‘quack’’ of these busy laborers. Always in flocks; some- times in company with the Chickadee. ‘Feeding anywhere upon a tree, and once I observed them drinking from a little stream of water upon the ground amongst large trees. Although having seen many of this species of the Nut- hatch, I have not observed a single in- dividual of the White-bellied species. Tuer Snow Buntine: There has been very little snow up to Jan. 24th and for this reason these birds have not been seen very often. On Dec. 7, soon after a snow storm I took a stroll out through the fields and woods. As I was passing by aclump of bushes in a low meadow a flcck of fifty or more of these birds flew out from the bushes. They appeared to be feeding upon birch buds and various seeds. The next day 26 THE OOLOGIST. the same wsa flock around in the fields, eating the seeds of grass and weeds which protruded above the snow. Soon the snow disappeared and with it the Snow Buntings. There was quitea fall of snow on Jan. 24th and the next day the Snow Buntings were around in force. From that day until now (Feb. 1st) these birds have been plentiful both in the roads and in the fields. Tur AMERICAN GOLDFINCH: What I have stated about the Redpoll will be true of these birds except that I have noticed solitary individuals of this bird and it is by no means so common as the Redpoll. THe AMERICAN CROW: Not for a good many years has the Crow been seen in this neighborhood throughout the winter. But on account of the open winter this year I have almost daily seen one or more of these birds. On Dec. 7th, I observed three of these birds in an open field during the forenoon and in the afternoon while in the woods 1 saw a large flock making a great dis- turbance over a Broad-winged Hawk. Tur Rurrep Grouse: In certain lo- calities I nearly always see this bird. These localities are all in the low lands, where there is considerable amount of underbrush and small coniferous trees. THe Downy Woopprecker: This bird frequents more generally the heav- ier growth this time of year, usually in a hard wood tree, at least, of all I have seen I only noticed one ima pine. All that I bave observed were solitary. Tat Prine Grospeak: Have very few of these hirds in comparison with other years. On Dec. 10th,[ found three of these birds, two males and one female, in a small growth of pine and fir tree:. They were feeding on the buds of the pine, and very much resem- bled a Parrot in their motions while eating. After this I saw no more of these birds until Jan. 25th, soon after a snow storn. Onthat day I noticed a flock of fourteen in an orchard feeding upon frozen apples. seé€u THE WHITE-RUMPED SHRIKE. Saw two of these birds on Dec. 7th. Have not seen any since. One of them drove a Redpol! into the brush with which the house was banked. There he sat upon a tree near by waiting for the Red- poll to come out, and I think he would have caught it if I had not driven him off. When in pursuit of the bird he dropped from the top of a tree nearly to the ground and tben flew swiftly along just above the ground. THt HUDSONIAN CHICKADEE: A few (3) of these birds feeding along in com- pany with their black-headed brothers ale all that I have seen. THE BLUE Jay: These birds have been uncommonly scarce this winter. Wherever I have seen them it has al- ways been a solitary one and very wild, sneaking away from the farther side of a tree. Where do these birds go? Un- til late in the fall they were very plenty. THE GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET: A few of these very interesting birds are all that I have noticed. On two differ- ent occasions when I noticed them they were in company with Chickadees, which they resemble in habits, but may be distinguished by their gentle ‘‘seep” even when you cannot see them. THE TREE SPARROW: In two months I have only observed one solitary indi- vidual of this bird. That was on Noy. 30th. THE AMERICAN CrossBILL: Although I have seen and heard many birds fly- ing which [ called Crossbills, yet I have seen but one flock of three at rest. These were eating the buds and cones on a tall fir tree Dec. 28th. THE BROWN CREEPER: I found this bird generally in heavy growth. One which I watched fora long time seem- ed to prefer to work about the trunk of the trees than upon the limbs. Going up, down or sideways. In flying to a tree this one always lit at the base and worked up. This was on Jan. 2d. THE GREAT NORTHERN SHRIKE: On Jan. 24th, I noticed one of these birds. He soon saw methough and disappear- ed. F. E. PoMErRoy, Lewiston, Me. THE OOLOGIST. A Few ‘‘Don'ts’ for Amateurs in Making Bird Skins. Dow t omit to measure the lengih be- fore skinning your bird—it is the only measurement you can’t get from the dried skin. ont forget to stop your bird’s mouth and nostrils with clean cotton—you may save trouble in washing. Dowt cut too far up on the breast— midway between the end of the ‘‘wish- bone”’ and the beginning of the abdom- inal cavity is about right—your skin will be smooth and better shaped on the breast. Dowt cut too close when amputating the tail—if you cut the ends of the quills you will lose the feathers. Dowt pick allthe feathers off the rump when skinning down the back— you will need a few tou make your spec- imen presentable. Don’t strip the ends of the second- aries from the bone when cleaning the wing, the skin will spread enough to let you get most of the meat out and a pinch of arsenic in the cavity will set- tle the balance. You will find it much easier to make up your skin. Dowt stretch the neck. Dowt stop skinning till you have pass- ed the eyelids—then if you break an eye the fluid will not soil the feathers. Don't economize on arsenic. Dowt put the eye-cotton in from the ontside—make a smooth ball of cotton and put it in the eye-socket before re- versing the skin. If it becomes bloody pnt in » clean one. Doi t omit to put a wire or stick in your specimen’s neck. Let the end Stick iuto the brain cavity, and the bal- ance Jie aloug the back of the neck to a point between the wings. Dowt put the end of the neck-roll in- to the brain cavity—put it up the - throat. Don’t put the body-roll over the neck- roll. Lift up the end cf the neck-roll CoS) ra and insert the end of the body-roll un- der it, letting it lie on top of the stick. Don’t omit to pinch the bird between the shoulders before you try to put the wings in place. Don’t get the secondaries bunched up. Don’t leave the mouth open. Don't let the cotton body protrude— you can dress the feathers over the cut. Pon’t have a label large enough to wrap your skin in. Don’t fail to label correetly—Date, lo- cality and sea are the most important items. Don't spoil a nicely stuffed skin in the wrapping—select one method of wrapping and make yourself perfect in it. Strix, Drytown, Calif. My First Take of ’96. February 22d my friend B. and [I started out prospecting for Great Horn- ed Owls nests. Our objective point was a place about 3 miles from town, called ‘The Island.”’ Wehad in view a large oak tree, in which three young owls were seen last February. On ar- riving in the vicinity of the tree a male Ow! was seen to fly to a tree a short distance from us, to be joined soon after by the female. Not having seen where the female came from we made preparations to examine all the nests and hollow trees in the immediate neighborhood. B. being the light weight to him fell the lot of climbing the first tree, the one before mentioned Strapping on his climbers he started on his 20 foot climb with my good wishes for his success. Arriving at the hole and peering in a short time he called out, ‘‘Plenty of feathers and a new nest but no eggs.” While he was coming down I went up to another hole but met with the same fate. We examined several other nests and holes but were compelled to give it up and go home empty handed. Beine satisfied from 28 THE OOLOGIST. the actions of the birds who kept flying from tree to tree in a restless manner and snapping their bills, that their nest was, or was to be not far away I deter- mined to return and try to locate it. February 281 again started out ac- companied by another friend. This time we approached from another di- rection and hitting the trunk of the tree several sharp raps I had the satisfac- tion of seeing the female fly from the hole. It would be a hard climb for me but my friend declined the invitation. I saw no other way out of it and start- edup. I had visions of two white eggs at the bottom of the hole but was highly gratified to find three and felt amply repaid for all my hard work. Quickly securing my prizes and lowering them to the ground I started down myself. When I had covered about half the dis- tance I slipped and went the rest of the distance a good deal faster than I as- cended but had the good luck to land on my feet with nothing worse than a few scratches. ‘This being the only set of Bubo virginianus I have and having secured it myself I feel quite proud of Hite There are several more pairs of Bubo around here and [ have hopes of getting another set before the end of ‘the season. W. F. HI, Lake City, Minn. The Study of Birds. The following circular letter sent out by the Migration Committee of the Michigan Ornithological Club to its members in that state contains the es- sential principles of true bird study to such an extent that we print it in full. Every state in the union should have a similar club: Dear Sir:—The Michigan Ornithol- ogical Club was organized primarily for hard work, and work that would: count inthe-study of Michigan birds. Pursuant with this design, a committee has been appojnted with instructions to arrange and carry out a systematic and comprehensive plan for a thorough in- vestigation of the birds of Michigan. This we hope to accomplish through the hearty codperation of all who may be interested in the ornithology of our state, and who will soon, if not already, be members of our bird club. We hope to have every county in Michigan pa- troled by competent observers, who will report to us on the migration, range of species, breeding habits, etc., of our birds. A careful resume of these re- ports must in the course of years, de- velop into a fund of knowledge, which will in reality be a complete survey of the wonderfully varied and interesting avis-fauna of Michigan. We request your codperation in this work. Will you not agree to send us copious notes, gleaned from whatever observation you may be able to make this year? Anything and everything of interest will be appreciated and valued, and due credit will be given all who contribute to this interesting fund of data. We wish to determine definitely, when our birds arrive and depart, or pass through each section of the state. How fast they travel, whether by day or night, which come first, males or fe- males, when the first nests are built, and when the last. How long the pro- cess of construction takes, ete., where situated, period of incubation, food of adults and young; in fact everything re- garding all of the birds known to our state. If you will help us in this work, kind- ly inform the chairman of this commit- tee, when full instructions and blanks will be furnished with pleasure. Write any member of this committee at any time regarding the work. We will be happy in anything we can do to aid you. Yours in the love of birds, L. W. WATKINS, Chairman, W.E. MULLIKEN, T. L. HANKINSON, Committee on bird migration and field work. THE OOLOGIST. 73) Two Interesting Birds of Tonawanda Swamp. Tonawanda Swamp is a large swamp of some sixty or seventy thousand acres situated in Western New York, extend- ing from near Buffalo in an easterly di- rectlon, through the counties of Hrie, Genesee, Orleans and Monroe. It is a favorite breeding place for mnay species of both land and water birds, its timberland and its dense second- growth fnrnishing favorite haunts for the birds who choose to build their nests and rear their young in the trees and bushes; and its extended marshes, some dry and some covered with water, and a thick growth of cat-tails, reeds, marsh grass and many varieties of sedges and water plants, form excellent breeding places for Bitterns. Marsh Hawks, Rails and all species of birds who choose’to build their nests in the grass or water. It is also an excellent place for many species of Ducks and Grebes, as it abounds in small streams, ponds and stagnant pools of water. It has many dangerous places to one not acquainted with the swampy parts as there are many mire-holes where a man would sink out of sight in the mire, if unfor- tunate enough to get into such places. This swamp forms attractive breed- ing gronnds for Ducks and Geese dur- ing migration, therefore we generally have gcod Duck shooting every spring and nearly every fall. I have chosen for my subjects two common and well known birds—the Great Blue Heron, and the American Bittern—whose habits I have carefully studied for the last four or five years. * GREAT BLUE HERON. The Great Blue Heron was formerly very common in this vicinity, but it is becoming more scarce every year, ow- ing to the vast numbers that are wan- tonly killed. They breed in colonies only, and for that reason large num- bers can easily be shot. A few years ago there were two her- onries near here, one about seven miles southwest and the other about three miles southeast, but hunters and so- called odlogists have annually entered these breeding grounds and shot the Herons by hundreds, leaving their beautiful skins and plumage to decay and spoil. I have known men and boys to go to these eolonies and shoot every bird they could, and not being satistied shoot through the nests, breaking the eggs or killing the young. This practice has been kept up so much that the Herons are now confined to one colony only, but that is quite a large one, containing several hundred nests. It is situated in a low, wet, swampy piece of timber, about two miles from any cleared land. A Great Blue Heron is very hard to kill, and I have known them, after be- ing wounded, to whip out a good sized dog, so fiercely do they strike with their long beak and powerful wings. The Great Blue Heron arrives here about the first of April and almost im- mediately begins to build its nest, or rebuild the one occupied by them the preceding year, if possible for them to do so. They begin laying about the 20th of April, and lay from three to five, sometimes six eggs, but the num- ber commonly laid is four or five. Tho eggs are a greenish-blue, closely resemble eggs of many species of the domestic Duck, both in size and color, but being of a rougher surface. June 13, 1894, I visited the Herons, but as it was too late in the season to secure any eggs, unless a second laying by a bird previously robbed, I did not climb any trees but satisfied myself with studying their habits while feeding “their young. Upon my approach,the males would fly around in a large circle over my head while many of the females did not leave their nests till I would strike the trunk of the trees containing them, with a 30 THE OOLOGIST. stick, when they would fly into the air, or alight in the top of some tall tree and watch me and my actions. Upon firing a gun, nearly the whole colony would fly into the air uttering their peculiar cry as they flew. ‘Their nests are exceedingly hard to reach, sometimes being in the extreme top ofa dead ash tree not more than a foot and a half in diameter at the ground, and running straight up without a single branch or stub on its trunk till the nest is reached, which is generally from eighty to one hundred feet from the ground, the trees not having a particle of bark onthem. Here areafew dead limbs broken off about two or three feet from the body of the tree, and on these the nest is placed. I have seeu nests built in this way, the trees at the nest not larger than a man’s arm, the wind rocking it to and fro, making it exceed- ing dangerous for any person to climb them. The nests are so large that it is some- times very difficult to get at the eggs, as one is obliged to remove the large sticks of which it is composed and make a hole large enough for the hand to be inserted, and in this way the eggs are reached and brought forth through the opening. The Great Blue Heron also nests in large elm trees. selecting one with a very large trunk, and nearly always building at the extremity of a limb,gen- erally a horizontal one and many are not strong enough to bear the weight of a man, thereby making it exceeding- ing dangerous to try to approach the nest. I have seen as many as eight nests in the top of one large spreading elm, and the old Herons sitting on their nests, which would swing to and fro with every breeze. The nests are very large, usually about four feet across, and sometimes larger, being composed of sticks, some of them larger than a man’s thumb, firmly stuck together, and lined with fine bark or moss, but sometimes composed only of sticks. The Great Blue ‘Heron, being carni- vorous, lives chietly on tad-poles, frogs, fish, and crabs, and it is an interesting sight to watch the old birds feed their young. The old Herons swaliow the food they wish to feed tnem, carry it to their nests, disgorge it, and it is imme- diately swallowed by the young, glut- tonous birds. The Heron sometimes. does much damage to fish-ponds pray- ing upon the small fish and carrying them off, as they can easily swallow a large frog or a fish six or eight inches long. It is an interesting sight to watch the Great Blue Heron catch its prey. It will wade into a pond or creek till the water reaches a depth of about six inches, draw its head down upon its breast and stand perfectly still with its eyes closely watching the water. When some unlucky fish or frog gets within its reach it instantly stretches out its long neck and with an unerring aim strike its open beak down upon its prey. It then raises its head and swallows its prize, not even stopping to dispatch it. Nearly all the Great Blue Herons leave for the south by the latter part of September, but a few remain much la- tenes Dana C. GILLETT, Barre Center, N. Y. (TO BE CONCLUDED.) C'imbing and Collecting. It is impossible to vive explicit direc- tions for climbing, for different cases. demand different treatment. Yet there are a few general directions which may help the odlogist. The following I have picked up from time to time during my egg collecting career. In climbing a smooth tree like a syea- more, the climbers are apt to slip. To avoid falling from such a cause the fol- owing method can be used with success. When climbing such a tree a light cotton rope—such as isused for clothes. THE OOLOGIST. BL jine—about one hundred to two hun- dred feet long should be used as fol- lows: Tie on to the end of the rope an iron nut or stone and throw over the first strong limb letting it slide back to the ground, and fasten to climber just under his arms. Then his companion grasping the other end steadies him as he ascends. From experience I know that there is a great advantage in this mode, for be- sides securing absolute safety to the climber he can advance much more rap- idly and will not be so tired as he would be without the aid of the rope. If ad- ditional safety is desired it may be had by embracing both the body of the climber and the trunk of the tree with a strong strap, long enough to permit abundance of space between the climb- er and tree. strap rigid and as he advances raises the strap above him. An old and well es'ablished method is by using the strap alone in the manner above described. I could never Je:rn to use this method but others have used it with good results. There has been various devises in the way of light ladders, but my opin- ion is that they should not be used ex- cept in ease the person collecting is by himself, for when two are together there is a much better substitute, which though very simple is not practiced as it could be. Tt consists only in one climber mount- iny the other’s shoulders. To be ex- plicit let me call one of our collecting party number one and the other num- ber two. Number one bends his back low enough for number two to stradle his neck. Number two obtains this po- sition by advancing with his back to number one’s face. Now number one raises to an erect position by pressing hard on his knees with his hand. Ten to one this brings number two high enough to reach the lower branches. This position is easily and quickly ob- He leans back to keep the - tained doing away with the short lad- der. To show the effectiveness of this sys- tem I will vite an actual case. While out collecting with a friend we found a Cuckoo’s nest in one of those trouble- some thorn trees which could not be ascended by way of the trunk. We were about to pass by, but being very desirous of the eggs we stopped and touk a survey. There was directly un- der the nest a stout limb ten feet from the ground; three feet above and a little to one side was another. This limb divided into two smalier branches which would give a good foothold to one standing on them; six feet above was the nest. The situation and ques- tion was:—A nest was far out from the trunk of an ‘‘unclimbable”’ tree, and 19 feet fromthe ground. How was it to be reached? Easy enough. My com- panion bent his back and in a trice I could reach the first limb spoken of. Breaking off a few thorns [ easily climb- ed onto,it and was soon standing on the forked one three feet above. Now the nest was easily reached. Oftentimes there are nests far out on slender bcanches which are left because. the branches will nut bear the weight. Many such nests could be taken by this method. If they can not be reached by sitting on the shoulders then stand or if needs be stand on the supporter’s bead. To obtain this position is a little diffi- cult but can soon be mastered by prac- tice. Inthis number one does not bend so far as before. Number two firmly grasps the shoulders and placing the right knee on number one’s back liz htly springs upward, placing the ieft kree on number one’s left Shoulder, then the right foot on number one’s right shouid- er he arises to astanding position. Now number one slowly arises,steadies num- ber two by holding firmly to his legs. In doing this the shoes should be ie- moved and it should be practiced at first at the tree trunk using it as a sup- 32 THE OOLOGIST. port for number one, while number two mounts his back. ; When a nest has to be taken by saw- ing, the following is the best way: With a rope advance as far on the limb as possible and make it fast, carry the other end farther up the trunk and _ se- curely fasten. Don’t cut the limb off near the rope but at adistance from the rope so that the portions on either side may balance. When it is is nearly saw- ed be sure to hold firmly on to it other- wise it might spring back and knock you from your position. Now haul in the prize. The following device often dispenses with cutting the limb. Make a wire loop one and one-half inches in diame- ter. Sew on to this a bag of soft cloth two inches deep. Fasten the bag to a long thin jointed fish pole and the eggs ean can be scooped out very neatly from nests which could otherwise not be taken. Care must however be tak- en that the eggs are not pushed from the nest. OrTro GRADY, Ludlow, Ky. The Bronzed Grackle. This city has a number of sections of low land near it, and some of these boggy tracts are within the corporation and comprise the territory known at present as the ‘Great Celery District.’ The nature of the soil is low muck, oft- en called ‘river bottom,’ and is un- doubtedly the evidence that a body of water once stood in our charming val- ley, and extended all about the low flat lands. In some quarters where the Jand was considered worthless a few years ago, not an acre can now be bought at $500, and sections called impenetrable, use- less tamarack swamps, are now peopled with industrious, money-making Hel- landers who raise celery of National reputation; own the land and lay up money. ( ‘When I[ was a boy’ many of the tam- arack trees were dead near the village. In these stubs the Bronzed Grackles or Crow Blackbirds built their nests, and for many years these situations were their only selections; and after finding the eggs in the hollows for years in sne- cession. we had no doubt but that the Blackbirds always chose holes in dead trees. Ounce we founda nest built on a limb in a live tree, which contained Grackle’s eggs, and we were at a loss to account for it. Some boys said that the bird was crazy, but most of us decided that it was a new kind of a Blackbird, and the value of the tind was consider- ed great. Later, the tamaracks were rooted out and the land made into gardens, and then we expected to see the Bronzed Grackles (as we had correctly learned to call them) leave the country; but strangely enough, to our notion, they moved into the village and took posses- sion of the tall evergreens. ‘There they continue to colonize, and there area dozen or more neighborhoods in our, at present city of 25,000, where the Bronz- ed Grackles gather and nest. In truth, in many parts of our city it is the most abundant species always excepting our NATIONAL CURSE, Ubiquitous «im- portation, Linn. Sometimes there are two and even three Grackle’s nests in one large un- trimmed evergreen. Generally not more than one, for although these birds are invariably gregarious in the Great Lake Region, still they are much dis- posed to squabble if two nests are in a tree. I have repeatedly seen two nests be- gun in a tree, and Jater one pair of birds would drive the other away. They are noisy and aggressive and make a fearful racket at the season when the young appear. This species is prolific, and as they are much at- tached to their young, and competent parents the tribe increases, and there THE OOLOGIST. 33 is a veritable aggressive army in our city from March to October. After a careful investigation, I am satisfied that two broods are always reared in a season, if the birds are un- disturbed, and the male is not rarely seen building a nest while his mate is still feeding the brood which has left the first nest. It is an interesting sight to watch a pair build a nest. ‘They are methodical and though very noisy when away from the tree are silent when near their nest. Both birds work to- gether, and I must acknowledge that the old lady does the greater share of lugging; the old man mainly superin- tending the job, which is perhaps cor- rect. He stays longer about the struct- ure when he carries a load and it may be presumed that he not only deposits his own load but possibly also readjusts the work of his mate. Perhaps my lady readers will say that he was sol- diering, and they may be-right. Some nests are completed inside of four days, and it requires over a week in a few cases, but the average is be- tween five and six days. Not rarely the first egg is laid before the nest is fully completed, a condition which obtains at times with many other species, but the finishing work goes on. The eggs are four, five or six and in one case seven were found. The aver- age number is five and about as many are found with four as with six. They are too well known to need description from my pen. There are few, if any eggs which offer greater variation in color and markings in a Single set, than is occasionally exhibited in the sets of this species. It is a fact that the nests formerly universally placed in hollows, held larger sets than do the nests of today which are found built outside, and while many sets of six eggs were taken in the hollows, it is comparatively rare to find a set of six at the present day. If anyone is disposed to corroborate or dispute this assertion let us hear from them through these columns. During the period of incubation the birds share almost equally in the du- ties, although I am quite sure the mother bird spends more time on the nest during the day; but then the papa may make it up during the silent vigils of the night. When the young appear both the par- ents strive to their utmost to serve the nestlings, and are unceasing in their efforts. At first, and when the young are but a few days old, one of the birds. remain covering the brood while the other searches for food. As soon as the forager appears at the edge of the nest, the brooding bird dashes away and leaves the nest to the returning bird. This habit I have also seen in the case of the Robin and with others. Within fifteen or sixteen days of the time when the young are hatched they are out of the nest and flitting about. They quickly learn fo care for them- selves and seem more able to protect. themselves than young Robins, which latter, I consider the most stupid and clumsy young birds which I have met with. A rookery of Grackles is a very noisy colony and when a generation of young is distributed in a neighborhood there is considerable noise for a time, Still I like to have them near and to watch the beautiful glossy males as they de- liberately walk about under the trees. The Bronzed Grackle is a vaJiant bird © and will stick up for his rights in a very able manner if the oceasion calls for it. Many of my readers have seen a Robin chase a Grackle and completely rout him, but I can assure you that the Blackbird had nothing to gain in stay- ing and only left to avoid trouble. One morning after a rain, when the Robins were busily engaged dragging earthworms to the surface and devour- ing thém, as every observer has seen mapvy times, a glossy Blackbird stood 34 THE OOLOGIST near by and watched proceedings. Just as the Robin had completely pulled a huge worm from his hole, in hopped Mr. Grackle, and with a dash at Mr. Robin drove him away. He then grab- bed the prey and flew to his nest with ‘his enemy in useless pursuit. Once I witnessed a battle between a pair of Grackles and a half-grown cat. Pussy was intent on capturing a young bird who had just left the nest and landed in the garden among the cur- rant bushes. There was no escape for Ajnens for he was hemmed in by a fence, shed, and with a cruel enemy in front, and unlike Aneus, when he elud- ed the Cyclops,* by the open sea, this traveler had no loophole to escape by. The cat was crouching and creeping, and I imagine that young variety Aineus was shivering, when up came the old folks‘and attacked Mr. Tom Cat. No sooner had they appeared on the scene than the old birds took oppo- site sides of the feline and eudeavored to draw the enemy’s attention. Then while the cat was looking at Mrs. Grackle behold Mr. G. drew near and gave Mr. T. C. acrack with his wing on the side of the head, which so rat- tled T. C. that he incontinently tled and the family was united in peace once more. The Brenzed Grackle is a beautiful bird and a full plumaged male is about as commanding and graceful a species as you will find. He has a discordant ' series of notes and his voice is always harsh. But for all this I like to see these dignified fellows around the yard. They are extremely beneficial, and it?is evident to all investigators that they should be protected. But they have not protection given to them, and are detested by nearly everyone. Morris GIBBs, Kelamazoo, Mich. * Strangely enough this cat had but one eye, and we called him Polyphemus. The Story of a Find. To begin where I left off in the Oct.- Nov. number, I would like to say there was one iwistake made, which, if not corrected, might be hard on my repu- tation for veracity, shouid anyone dis- cover it, for I think I have previously written of finding Wrens’ nests in houses The article reads (p».146, mid- dle of first column), ‘‘and I have not as yet found a sing!e vest exc- pt that it be in the timber.”’ It should read, ‘‘and I have not found a single nest except Wrens, but that it be in the timber.” It might not be amiss to say, that, so far as we know, Mrs. P. and myself are the only ones in this or adjoining coun- ties who take any Natural History pa- pers or are in any way interested in the study of Nature, further than the rais- ing of crops and the killing of anything supposed to be injurious to man or his estate. And while we are alone in this respect, we do not lack for good neigh- bors, friends and sympathizers. Of course we have by this time gained some kind of a reputation, and if you can trust me I will try and tell what it amounts to. Socially and politically speaking, we were never treated with more respect in the North, and throughout the whole country the stranger isa welcome guest. With some, our work is regarded as a waste of time and lve no donbt hut that they think ‘‘cranks,” but if they duo they are never impolite enough to thiuk aloud so we can hear it. Mounted birds always attract atten- tion, especially among the county folk, and the power to render such, seems beyond comprehension with many. It is quite amusing to set a large Owl ona show Case in some store and watch the results. Did you ever try to ‘“‘shoo” an Owl, or to attract its attention? Well, that is exactly what nearly every one tries to do,and one man actually thought the bird bit his straw hat when he was THE OOLOGIST. Bd trying to make it bat its eyes. His hat caught on his bill. Aside from the curiosity of the things and an occasional Redbird for a present, there seems to be but little value in birds to the average resident. How- ever, our knowledge of these things has won for us a position that is not to be despised. ; Our work meets an oceasional admir- er, but never yet have we had a job brought to us, though we sell a tew specimens (high colored), of our own collecting. I have learned when all too late of a number of Bald Eagies and other rare birds being killed and thrown away. We can convince a few that there is some benefit gained by a knowledge of the habits of different birds, plants, in- sects, etc., and through the aid of these few we gain some valuable datas and sometimes specimens Gne of our near neighbors is of this class, yet they could not identify a doz- eu species of birds, further than to say “it’s a Sparrow,” ‘‘a Wren” or ‘‘Wood- pecker.”’ There are tareein tbe family, parents, and daughter, and are quite fond of pets especially birds and will not allow them disturbed. They are very kind to us too, and I have to respect their wishes, that is, I dare not disturb eggs, (no matter how rare to my collection) and Jet them know it. They live on the top the mountain while we do not, by some 400 feet, and as lam _ consider- ed as not afraid of anything, Iam eall- ed upon to help rob their bees, and sev- eral other annual jobs of work; so I am there often, and make it a point to stay late sometimes, and go by a bird’s: nest Imay know of on their place. But there was one nest I could not rob this way. I had been there one day to help with bees, and Miss Neighbor wanted to know if that wasn’t a House Wren building in their tool box in the shop. I investigated, (for I had not known of that Wren building in this locality),and found the conventional nest of sticks, ete., packed away among a lot of plow points. I began to think the lady was right, when I heard a sweet song (all for our benefit), much more musical than the House Wren’s, then a little scolding and in popped a “‘slim Caroli- na Wren with a long tail,” which I recognized as TZhryothorus bewichiv. They were so glad that the birds built there, and so was I for I had spent many vain hours searching through brush piles, rail piles, log heaps and tree tops in one clearing, for their nests which I supposed must be there some- where, from the way the birds acted and from the lateness of the season for them to migrate North. Of course, I didn’t hint around that I wanted those eggs (?) by telling them how valuable they were and that I had none in my collection. Well I went home that night, blaming them for not telling me to take the eggs, and I blam- ed myself for not inventing some plan to get them. I thought to go some night and get them but no, their dogs would tellon me. I at last hit upon a plan. I was sure I could persuade them to let me substitute the eggs with those of the Carolina Wren, but no Carolina’s could be found and I gave up in despair. A week or so later they called on me again to rob more bees, this time at night. I took courage and armed myself with my baking powder ean of cotton. Wife went along so we could stay all night. I purposed to make it an emergency if need be, and grease the eggs, on the sly of course, but what I got tkem. Luckily the emergency kad happened, for on in- quiry as to their wellfare, I was told by Miss Neighbor that she thought the cat caught one of the birds, and if so I could have the eggs but not to say any- thing about it to the old folks. To make this long story shorter, I went out and could truthfully return and say 36 THE OOLOGIST. “the bird has left the nest,’’ for she did leave it the moment I put my hand on her, and I spopped the nest, leaving the eggs in till morning for fear someone might find they were warm. Next morn I was first fellow out and of course I found ‘the eggs cold.” But my ‘feathers fell’? when I got home and found the eggs ready to hatch and the shells so tender I could not save one whole. . I have learned not-+to-covet my neighbor’s property. It is now nearly spring, Feb. Ist and afew days more will find the Robins and Bluebirds’ northward bound and crocusses will soon be open. C. E. Pumas, Clinton, Ark. Hawk Flights Noticed at Lake Forest, Il. My attention was first cailed to these Hawk flights in the fall of 1893. I did not make any pnotes onthe flight of this year; but remember that the Coop- ers Hawks (Accipiter cooperi) predom- inated in it and it took place while a strong wind was blowing. The next fall while out walking one blustering windy dayI again noticed large num- bers of hawks flying quite high over- head. Unfortunately they were too far off and too high up to distinguish with certainty but the slender body, the long pointed wings and the graceful flight immediately assured me that the great- er part of them, as was the case the year before, were the Cooper’s Hawks. I also noticed some others that resem- bled the Coopers Hawks closely all but for their smaller size; these I took to be the Sharp-shinned (Accipiter velox ) ‘These two species comprised the great- er part of the flight. Many other varie- ties of the larger hawks however were to be seen but not closely enough to be indentified. No more hawks were notic- ed in any numbers after this one windy day that year. This fall of 1895 has favored me with the best opportunity so far of observing the migratious of the hawks. A severe rain and wind storm occured on the night of Sept. Tbe next day was raw and chilly with a strong wind blowing from the Northwest. From my obser- vations thus far I am lead to believe that the hawks anticipate just such a day as this to migrateon. It was about the middle of the morning before they were noticed in any numbers and they seemed to increase from this on until the middle of the afternoon. It wasa very pretty and interesting sight to watch them as they would suddenly come about and careen gracefully to the wind. The Ospreys in particular show- ed themselves off to excellent advantage here, for the pure white under parts and the black on the cheeks and head stood out in beld contrast to each other. Again with set wings they would glide smoothly and swiftly by. These actions were noticed of all the other hawks more or less but none approached the Ospreys in gracefulness and beauty. The Cooper’s Hawks again held their own in numbers, as did also the Sharp- shinned. These two species were gen- erally noticed quite near each other but the Piegon Hawks also seemed to have a special desire to be given in company with the latter. A Red-tail is occasion- ally seen sailing high.above the rest, holding itself aloof from its smaller relatives; next comes a solitary Red- shouldered, distinguished by its barred wings and tail; then a Broad-winged and a single Marsh Hawk concludes the list that was noticed. They were to gradually diminish in numbers to- ward sundown when a solitary Osprey flying silently and gracefully by marks the close of this unusuaily interesting hawk flight. JOHN F. FERRY. THE OOLOGIST. 37 THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H.LATTIN, Editor and Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the anudent of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited rom all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: Single subscription.. wees eeeeee DIC POY anHUM Sample CO PTSSBererteteieiciete cic lnleleminteteteistelatetetctele 5c each The above rates include payment of postage. Each subscriber is given a card good for a Want, Exchange or Hor Sale Notice. (This card is redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.) Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLoaist can be furnished at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. 0=-Remember that the publisher must be noti- fied by letter when a Subscriber wishes his paper stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 5 cents per nonpareil line each insertion. 12 lines in every inch. Seveninches in a col- umn, and two columns to the page. Nothing inserted for less than 25 cents. 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LITO ES ON A OD TE AG Nesting of the Belted Kingfisher, Ceryle alcyon. Until last spring I thought [ was never going to have the good fortune to find a Kingfisher’s nest. But at last the good fortune came to me, and then of course I could tind as many as I wish- ed. Many have spoken of this queer way of finding nests after the first one has been discovered, but 1 think itis easily explained. Whether or not I can give expression to my idea I do not know but will try. It is this way: We have thoroughly studied the nesting habits of the bird whose nest we wish to find, from reading. But al- though we know perfectly where to look, from the knowledge obtained by reading, yet strange to say when we look in suc a place there is no nest. What isthe matter? This question is answered and explained later. We accidentaly find what we have been searching for. The place coin- cides in description with the book de- scription, but it does not look as we thought it would. After the first dis- covery we somehow instinctively asso- ciate what we have learned by reading, with that learned in the more valuable way—viz: by experience. The thing is now easy and we find the nests quite often. My first Kingfisher find was made May 4, 1895, in company with Fritz Raymond. We found several nests in the banks of a small stream in Kenton Co., Ky. These nests, or rather holes, were near each other and in a bank which arnse eight feet from the water, which was one foot deep. As there seemed to be no indications of a nest in the holes we pushed on down the creek and near its mouth found a hole, which appeared to be newly made. We cuta large reed and thrusting it in, thought we could feel something soaking it. On withdrawing it we were surprised to see a Kingfisher hanging onto the end with desperate fury. On seeing us she immediately retreated, and _ al- though she still resented the intrusion of the reed could not be induced to again come to the mouth of the tunnel. With a mirror we could plainly see the bird by throwing in a ray of light. However we could not tell whether the nest contained anything or not, as the end of the cavity was scooped out be- low the leveliof the rest of the tunnel. We left the nest resolved to visit it later. 38 THE OOLOGIST By the way, Fritz’s mirror scheme above referred to is used quite efficient- ly in looking into cavities in trees and Woodpecker holes besides lighting crevices and tunnels. The following week Fritz found a promising hole in the bank of a creek in Hamilon Co., Ohio. But the farmer was near, and he did not get to look at it then. On May 11th we again visited the nests in Kenton Co., Ky. We started at two o’clock in the morning, so we could arrive on the ground in time to dig out the holes before the natives were about, for the farmers might think we were ‘‘swiping” something, and when a Kentucky farmer gets that idea he is not safe to ‘‘monkey” with. Well, we were disappointed in the first hole for there was nothing in it. Per- haps running the reed into the cavity caused the bird to desert the nest. Then we proceeded to the other nests and there were rewarded by a set of seven beautiful pearly white, nearly round eggs. The other holes contained nothing. However one of them was very interesting. This nest had two entrances, which at the bank were about two and one-half feet apart, curyv- ing inwardtoacommon point. Ifound one other nest of this sort and give be- low the exact note which I took in the field. May 18, 1895:—Belted Kingfisher: — Nest built over running water, ankle deep. Bank, hard, rocky. On putting my hand into hole, surprised to see the bird fly apparently out of the solid bank at a short distance. Examination showed that there was another entrance to the nest (have found one other of same sort). The two holes three feet apart. The nest not so full as usual of fish scales and bones. But for the small amount of fish scales and bones, egg3laidon bare ground. Eggs six, four incubated. On May 25th we went out to the nest in Hamilton Co.,Ohio. We got six eggs, so rotten that it was impossible to blow them. The remains of a dead Kingfisher lay on the ground under the nest. Why do people persist in making warfare against so fine a bird as the Kingfisher? As soon as the ‘“‘sportsman”’ sees one he is in high glee, and nothing will do but to shoot it. In the above nest, besides the rotten eggs there was a Swallow’s nest just in front of them. I could not find out whether it was that of a Bank Swallow or Rough-winged. Does the Bank Swallow ever build in a cavity, which it itself has not made? During the day we found a nest con- taining seven well incubated eggs and another with five young. On lifting one of the little fellows from his home he looked about the grass around him and standing as firm as he could, utter- ed a surprised ‘‘why how’s this?” In our dealings with the Kingfisher we became very expert in excavating inte his home. Our first thing to do was torun a stick into the hole and measure its length. Then to measure the distance from the mouth of the hole to the top of the bank. If the ‘former distance was the greater we then found the slant of the hole and laid out the distance in and slant,-on top of the bank, and digging down always hitting the cavity just in front of the nest. But if the latter was the case we dug direct- ly into the bank. I have read that the Kingfisher usu- ally builds two or three feet from the top of the bank under a plowed field. As I have found this to be the case I have sought the cause. I think they build so because the soil is much soft- er here than it is further down. I think the plowed field has no attraction for the bird, except that the bank im- mediately under the plowed ground is much softer than the rest from the plowman’s working of the ground. I have found nests in banks ranging from THE OOLOGIST. 39 four to thirty feet high and the nests at distance of a few inches from the top to fifteen feet. When several nests were in a single bank all of them were in the same horizontal line, or at least in the same stratum of soil. Another nest which J examined was in a hard, rocky bank. The hole was dug into a small soft spot,—the only one in the bank,— entirely surrounded by stones. From such comparisons I have concluded that the Kingfisher has no preference what- ever in the distance its nest is from the top of the bank, but seeks the softest part. Iam still further confirmed in this belief by finding nests at various heightsin banks of uniform hardness. The Kingfisher is very much attached to her home, and will not leave her nest, when the egg hunter is digging for her treasures, until the cruel spade or trowel is almost upon her. Ceryle alcyon is deserving of much study as some of its habits vary greatly from those of other kindred birds. OTTo GRADY, Ludlow. Ky. ++ <> > + Great Northern Shrike Nesting in Assiniboia. In reviewing ‘‘Bird Nesting in North- west Canada” in the Awk Dr. Shufeldt ridicules the idea of my finding the nest of the above bird in Assiniboia. I am therefore pleased to read in Mr. Arnold’s article on his trip to Assini- boia, in the March OoLoaist, page 20 “that he found a nest and seven eggs of the Great Northern Shrike,’ thus con- firming my statement that a few pairs of this Shrike nest in Assiniboia. There was absolutely nothing known of the ornithology of Assiniboia previous to my visiting this vast province in 1891. It is gratifying to me to find other odlogists who have re- cently made collecting trips to Assini- boia, confirming my statements that a few pairs of such birds as Great North- ern Shrike, American Rough-legged Hawk, Hawk Owl and American Gos- hawk,remain and nest in Assiniboia and Alberta, although of course this is about the limit of their southern range in summer as the majority go still further north to breed. W. RaAINe, Toronto. A Few Odd Eggs. As nearly all odlogists have at some time obtained curious specimens, some of them may find it interesting to com- pare notes with the following. Then let us ask some of our more advanced friends to explain the cause of these ab- normal eggs. The O6LOGIsT is a scien- tific paper; from its columns let us get scientific explanations for extraordin- ary occurrences in nature. On May 24, 1898, I was wading through a small swampy pond of about an acre in extent looking for Sora Rails when I chanced on a Redwing’s nest, and, on looking in, I saw four beautiful but unfinished eggs. I say unfinished because the bird had not thought it worth while to put on those artistic spots and blotches which we generally see. Here, then, was my first exper- ience with albino Redwing eggs. This set was of a delicate blue color, and, but for a single spot on one egg, was without spots. In June, 1894, I was on a botanizing trip on Regic Lake and while pushing my canoe through a swampy tract where the weeds and rushes grew high and strong, I came on a Redwing’s nest which contained one fresh egg. As I was unabJe to remain in the vicinity long enough to get the other eggs, I had to be satisfied with the single. This egg was of a pale blue color and also unspotted like the set above. In my collecting trips I have run across albino Bluebird’s eggs, and runt eggs of many species. Among the odd- est runt eggs I have are those of King- bird, Robin, White-rumped Shrike, Chipping Sparrow, Bank Swallow, Yel- 40 THE OOLOGIST. low Warbler, Cowbird and Cedar Wax- wing, many of which are less than half the normal size and defy identification. R.W. JoHNSON. Port Hope, Ont. << Eggs of Belted Piping Plover. As I am not aware that the eggs of this species has been previously record- ed, perhaps the following will be of in- terest to the readers of the OdLOGIST. Mr. Oliver Spanner, Taxidermist, of Toronto, after reading ‘‘Bird Nesting in N. W. Canada,’’ decided to make a trip to Lake Manitoba to collect eggs and skins and while there he was for- tunate to take eggs and skins of the Belted Piping Plover. He found a nest containing three eggs on June 19, 1895, at Birch Island and shot the female as she left the nest and both the eggs and skin are now in my coilection. The nest consisted of a depression in the sand lined with a few weeds and the eggs are pale buff, finely spotted with black and purple grey. At the same time he secured young birds in down, and also shot several specimens of Solitary Sandpipers which were no doubt mating in the vicinity. W. RAINE, Toronto. >_< >_< Peculiar Nesting Sites. Sometimes birds select such unusual sites to build their nests that we may wonder why they do so when there are plenty of natural sites in the locality. ‘There is a large deep gulley which runs at right angles from Keuka Lake and in some parts of this gulley are perpen- dicular banks of slatestone but mostly covered with large coniferous trees. Projecting from one of these bare slatestone banks there is a narrow ledge or shelf of rocks which is about 100 feet from bottom of valley and 35 feet from top. Above this ledge the bank is cov- ered with moss, ferns and shrubs, while below it is bare and concave. It was in the middle of May, 1889, that I first noticed this shelf, and out of curiosity I let myself down upon it by holding onto some firm roots which protruded from the bank, when lo! I discovered that I had dropped into a Great Horned Owt’s nest and there sat a young Donwy Bubo trying his best to stare me out of countenance. No at: tempt had been made to build a nest— merely a depression in the Joose pieces of slatestone. In a crevice near the nest there was stuffed a Ruffed Grouse which was fresh and’ about half eaten. Another peculiar site was selected by a pair of Chimney Swifts down ina well 10 feet from top of curbiag and the nest being glued onto a smooth hard stone and contained a family of five. I removed the curb which:was a box affair about 8 feet square and went down to examine the nest. While do- ing so the parents made frantic efforts to reach their dusky children by diving with the speed of an arrow into the misplaced curb. I afterwards learned that the young birds got out safely. Date of finding nest July 14, 1895. Again on July 25, 1895, I discovered another nest of Chimney Swift in the garret of flour mill where noisy cog wheels and rumbling machinery keep up an incessant racket. Yet these plucky birds glued their nest to the board siding and reared a family of five. How they ever darted into the small opening in the peak of mill with- out getting caught in belts and cog wheels is a mystery tome. It may be of interest to add that although the ever-present English Sparrow enters this same hole to feed on the grain scattered about. They did not disturb the Swifts in any manner. Nor have the English Sparrows ever attempted to build nests in the garret although there ara thousands of them here. C. F. STONE, Branchport, N. Y. THE OOLOGIST. ; ' y t OUBLE ‘Send stamp == for Price List. Gu! SE I N ES, NETS, TENTS, and SPORTING GOODS. Every description of Guns, R3volvers, Ammu- nition and Sporting Goods at very lowest pric- es. We have somethirg of interest to you. Werks, Pittabarch, Y, H. H.& C.S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists. American Taxidermy, A Series of 160 Photgraphs, Animals, Birds, Heads. Etc. Of great interest to Sportsmen, Taxidermists and Naturalists. List now ready. Specials: Ridgeway’s Manual, revised edition. Davie’s Taxidermy, Hornaday’s Taxidermy. Collecting Tube, Pistol Gun, Stuffed Birds for School Collections, Naturalists Supplies. FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CoO., Hyde Park, Mass. FRANK B. ARMSTRONG, TAXIDERMIST, and Collector and Dealer in Bird and Mammal Skins, Birds Eggs in fine sets, Mounted Birds and Animals. BROWNSVILLE, FOR SALE. Extra large, finely mounted Elk Head. Antlers measure 3 feet 8 inch. elegantly mounted on walnut shield, $100. Elk Head Photo sent for 10 cents. Short- eared Owl, mounted. $2; wings spread, $2.50. Cinnamon Teal, mounted dead game, $3. Red- head, dead game, $3. All bargains and first- class work. Very rare, Datatare, Hindoo Idol, six-headed, carved in white marble from Bom- bay, India, $5. Vishun Idol, smaller, $3—paint- ed and decorated in gold leaf. E. W. CURRIER, Taxidermist, 120 Sutter St., San Francisco, Cal. Wonderfu H. Harte, Jeweler, Rechester, N. ven will bring. THE NAUTILUS. A monthly devoted to the intesests-of Con- chologists. Edited and published by H. A. Pils- bry, Academy of Natural Sciences and C. W. Johnson, Wagner Free Institute, Philadelphia Pa. Send for sample copy. TEXAS. Try what 10 Cents sent When answering advertisements always mention the “OOLOGIST,”’ BIRDS MOUNTED or in Game Pieces for the Wall Fish Heads prepared for pen-racks, Deer Heads beautifully prepared. Do not be dependent on others. Learn to do your own work and find an increased pleasure in decorating your house, den or school. No tool required excepting knife, file and wire. Thousands are using this method which requires less than one-fourth the time by the old process and no expense. Be convinced—. send 75 cents for complete Instructions and Materials. Mention THE OOLOGIST and address MORRIS GIBBS, M, D., Kalamazoo, Mich. 1O DAY TO GENTS! Anyone who wants to get rich and who has a little enterprise can secure $10 a day in the Dish Washer business. It is booming now. Everybody wants a Climax nowadays. One agent cleared $20 every day for a year; a good chance; best DishWasher made; no soliciting; Dish Washers sold at home; a permanent position in town, city or country. One million to be sold. A wide awake hustler can clear $15 to $20 a day easy; washes and dries in two minutes. Climax Mfg. Co., 50% Starr Avenue, Columbus, O. Better Than a Shot Gun ! ~@) A Rare Chance tae to obtain a high-grade Op- eraor FIELD GLASS at a very low price. The entire stock of Queen & Co., Inc., being offered at great reductions, ia@anstine some special forms for Naturalists. Send for circular No. 481 giving full descrip- tions and prices. J. G. GRAY, Assignee for QUEEN & CO., Inc., 1010 Chestnut St., PHILADELPHIA. TAXIBERMISTS’ GUNS, ‘ccns* Pistols, Gun Cases. Shooting Shot Shells: also tiages ror OPEGIMEN HUNTERS, tridges for All Kinds, all prices from $1.9) to $25.00. List free. Write for Taxidermists free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA- MINERALS, Ancient Indian Relics. Stamps and Curiosities. Price List, Postage Free. W Perry Arnold. Stonnington. Ct. Lo) Ved Vad Vob Vad Ved Vad Vad Ted ted Ved Tab tad Yad Vad Vab Dod Vad Vad Yap Vad Vad bod Vad Vad Val / RLP-A-N-S : P) ONE GIV3S RELIEF. a WP PP al ol oa vi THE OOLOGIST. $2.25 FOR $1. During the months of Apr il and May I will mail every person sending me $1.00 for a year’s subscription to the OOLOGIS®T their selection from goods mentioned in this list to the amount of $1.00. Every subscriber also will receive a coupon good for a Want, For Sale or Exchange Notice. want. vice versa. Send in your subscriptions at once—earliest ones are sure to get exactly what they Make a combination with a friend—you take the premiums, he the publications, or Make remittances in most convenient manner. Address plainly and in full. FRANK H. LATTIN, Publisher, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y. EGGS. Your selection of any species, either in sets, singles or 2d class, listing at $1.00 or under at Lattin’s ‘‘Standard Catalogue” prices. When selecting this premium you must @ways name extras to be used as substitutes to the full amount of your order. SCIENTIFIC SHELLS. Your selection from species listing at $1.00 or under as offered in Lattin’s Shell List in his June (7 99) BULLETIN. When selecting this pre- mium ‘“‘extras’’ must always be named to fully equal the amount of the order. SHOWY SHELLS. Any species catalogued at $1.00 or under in Lattin’s old pink catalogue— always hame a few extras when selecting this premium. CORALS. Precious, Corallium rubrum, 1 oz. package OMpolished tora Chess sewers ts oe $ 25 Rose Coral, Manecina areolata..... -..--.-. 10, 15, 25 Organpipe Coral, Tubipora musica 10, 25, 50. 1 a Spike Coral, Madrepora cervicornis......... ..... Branch Coral, Pocillopora bulbosa... shes Yellow Sea Fan, khipidogorgia occatorials, 25, 50 Purple Sea Fan, Rhipidogorgia flabellum|), 25, 50 Creamy Sea Fan, Rhipidogorgia elegans.25, 50. 75 Purple Sea Feather, Pierogorgia setosa25, 50, 1 00 MISCELLANEOUS CURIOS. Mii catonlee tne seees ees ee ae 5, 10, 15, 25 Revolutionary Gun Flint 15 Tusk or Wampum Shell.. -..............- 5 ION eva C OywvasyaS Le eee ee ene eee ee 5 Dove Shell from British Guinea, exhibit at IWViOGIGy SHB aie wl OT ee cae enero ee 10 Chinese Horn Nut... Coen 5 Beetel Nut - faoeenenya es eo 10 Lucky Tooth of ‘Cod Suh.) RU 2 5 Mammoth Porcupine Qulll ae 15 KSC OVS OTA AES 0 et aoe ieee 35 Big Tree (Calif.) bark attached to wood..... v5) Package containing 1Liver Bean, 12 assort- ed Sea Beans and 12 Cassia Beans......... 25 Set of World’s Fair Tickcts....2-.-..-......-...... 1 00 Chinese Coin, casb.. Papen bra Ss Nes lb IBEOKEN VS a Ee ee eee ee 10 ce Pe ry S 50 Chameleon in alcohol 20 Egg of Hammerhead or Leopard Shark...... 15 SRS kate Ormco alas her xara re oe) DONORS Ore deter eum cde wen es oe 15 IN Coreral 1S¥ hae yee Pe a a 10 ue ny COWD1 oe ee ee ee rahe 20 Sea Horse,slightly imperfect....-................... 25 lelesmaanin (Oyeetoy bar SyavsyW le ess sy ek ape 35 SP Mies al Seip tel bales a a : 35 Curiol(Mase)| SPONSE CL ee ea. 35 Young Natur alist’s Marvelous Collection, *95 edition, contains nearly 50 specimens 75 Mexican Watchman’s Whistle, clay, uniane 15 IRYSSWUR REVO UONM TE NEON SS ae 15, 25 ECHINODERMS. Sand Dollar. Hchinarachnius parma ........... 10 Philippian Urchin. Loganum bonani............ 35 White Spinned Urchin, Hipponoe esculenta. 35 ‘Aristotle's Lantern” the sea urchins den- talapparatus}:.-) eee 15 Giant Purple Urchin, Strongylocentrotus FTONUCUS CONUS! 2 ins eee ee King of the Echinoderms, Wetalia pector alis2 00 Black Starfish, Hchinaster sentus 35 FOSSILS. i Shark Teeth... : sx, 6) eee ee ee $ 5 Trilobite, Calymene seraria 25, 50,75, 1 00 Scaphites nodosisi a =aaeeneee 10, 25, 50, 1 00 Polyp Coral...) See 10, 25 MINERALS. Chiastolite Crystals 2 ee eee $ 15 Satin Spar - ...10, 25, 50 Quartz Crystals, Are eee Cogquinay ee s, Native Lodestone HTCCtRI GRAS CONC heresies uae eae Geodes, Quartz, both halves OpalizedSwioodw yee eee Meteorites, perfect specimens Ferruginous Quartz, doubly term. CEvenals 6 Opal, green var. from Wash...... 10025550 Opal, Mexican, cut and polished... TUR 50, 1 00 Tourmaline, brilliant black crystals.....10, 25, 35 Gem Stones, small cut and polished semi- precious stones of almost every con- ceivable form, shape, size, color and style, ranging in size from 44 to % inch in diameter, Carnelian, Heliotrope or Bloodstone, Chalcedony, Clouded Agate, Banded Agate, Fortification Agate, Rib- bon Agate, Brown Agate, Red Agate, Black ~ Agate, Moss Agate, Agatized Wood. Mocha Stone, Dendritic Agate, Brecciated Agate, Onyx (in great var- iety), Nicolo, Sard, Sardonyx, Agate- Jasper, Lapis Lazuli, Crocidolite (Tiger eye), Fossil Corals, Wood Agate, Labra- dorite. Rock Crystal, Amethyst. Ayen- turine, Cameoes, Intaglioes, ete. ete. Fully one-half of them are suitable for jewel purposes, and if you wanted one mounted to replace asetting in a pin, cuff button, watch charm, ring top, or in other jewelry, your jeweler would charge you all the way from 25 cents to $1 for one of these identical stones (jew- elers are buying these stones for this very purpose). When onderine State variety desired.......-...---.- foe 5, 20, a 1 doz. ass rted, my selection, pik Ce 1 doz. assurted, my selection, choice......... 1 ep INDIAN ARROW and SPEAR HEADS. From Oregon. Bird and Jewel Points..35 to $ 75 Miss., ted Jasper......... -.........-.-.. MO. ei oe 5 oe 50 Ai «1 00 es 6 1 00 “North Carolina.... = DiewelOu ti Rentueky 2 2 ).o ieee esa) THE OOLOGIST. FOREIGN STAMPS, ETC. TERY OPS, AOL) 7 eee eee $ 15 os 100 choice mixed, retail 1-5c.. 35 = IKOO(0) Saray bese VE ae ME 50 Sheet of 25 selected He stamps ae 15 06. (B) Qu NE BRR re 2 Lk et oat 30 ee ee 25 ee 3 ee 45 . ee 25 “et 4 oe 60 ee ee 25 e 5 Sus eae relace 5 EET (ahaa Wi) Set of 6 var., unused, 1 to 50c, Venezuela, 15 TES) 25 SOR NE eee 15 Set. 4 var., used, Chili Telegraph .... 25 Set, 7 var., unused, Ecuador......... .. 15 Set, 4 var., used, Ecuador, ‘92 ..........-..-...------ 10 Set, 20 var., unused, French Colonies ........ 40 Set. 6 var., ‘used, Guatemala, 1886... once) OD) Ic unused Guatemala prov., 1886, surch...... 10 4r unused, Guatemala, 1878 -...... 10 ur unused, Guatemala, 1879 10 10e enon, unused, New Brunswick, ne 5¢ on 8c unused, British Honduras, PEON 1891.. ete ts = 10 1e used, British Guiana, 1880... Ms 5 Portraits of Rulers.. s Peers tgs 50 Coats of Arms of the World... ...............-.- 50 Merchant Flags of the World...... ....:.-...--..... 25 Gummed Hinges, DEL O00 ee Oe ES 2 12 Blank Approval Sheets, per 25............-..--.--- 30 Popular Album, linen boards, 1200 spaces, 60 ill. pag 15 Philatelists Album, Igor 3 : ae SUPPLIES. Tanning Liquor, 1 qt. bottle of the best, by express at purchaser’s expense......... ..... () Tags with strings, long kind, best, per 100_ 25 Hack or Bone Saw with blade..................... 2s) IBLevrayel) Walsye) co aS ere Oe (i) Tweezers, best 25 Catapult or Pocket gun, without rubber... 15 OOLOGISTs. TBA D 1a yexee 1D rari Fae ae ee 0 Sa ee ee 15 Blowpipe white metal...... 2-0-2... 20 Embryo Hook, polished steel... 15 Miweezersubestiees.-.._ 2 Sie 25 Datas, 100 assorted.. 25 Trays, white, 4 sizes assorted, “per "100, “(5 of each size) by express at Dur chaser’s ui ENTOMOLOGISTS. Net, folding with joint handle.................... $1 75 PRWeCZELSSDES bie 25-5... 2 | a ee wre eh oe 25 Disinfecting Cones, per doz.. 20 Wile en aul aber. 23 1heyeetsto Maier () ss nickel pocket foldine2es 35 BOOKS &c. Apgar’s ‘‘Key to Birds of N. E. U. S.”_........ $ 20 Coolase Birds ofViichiganies seas Chapman’s ‘Birds of Kastern North Amer- TRE So imme Ne ae es 3 00 Earl’s “Pets of the Household’”’ 50 Ingersoll’s ‘‘Bird-Nesting”’. sent 2) Langille’s ‘‘Our Birds in Their Haunts’’....2 25 Mellwraith’s ‘‘Birds of Ontario’’.....-.......... 2 00 Stearn’s “Bird Life in Labrador”’ 60 Bird Preserving and Bird Stuffing ...__........ 35 Maynard’s ‘‘Manual of Taxidermy”’...... ... 1 25 Lattin’s “Standard Catalog. of Eggs” (1896) 12 Stearn’s “Notes on the Natural History of UID IGGL OTs. 2 a ESI 50 Eberhart’s ‘“Elements of Entomology,’’ 49 plates— —300 figures.. 50 | Eberhart’s ‘Outlines of Economic Ento- THRO OYE 7g aa Pee els NB i i Eberhart’s ‘‘Key to the Families of Insects” 25 The Pistol—A practical handbook on its WIS GhavGl: CRW EC aa eaeenttorn is cacsossdncconseeece 3 Amateur Trapper and Trap-maker’s Guide 75 Shooting on the Wing, illustrated, cloth...... 75 The YOUNG OoLoeist, Vol. land 11 nicely OMG eres ee 85 THE OOLOGIST, Vol. III and IV nicely DoMMG ss. 222,202. ee eee 5 THE OOLOGIST, Vol. IX, 1892, 298 pages bound.. 1 00 An Exchange Notice (ora card ‘good for one) inOOLOGIST orNATURAL SCIENCE NEWS 25 A year’s subscription to THEOOLOGIST with exchange card ..:).. Teese 50 A year’s subscription, With two exchange coupons, to NATURAL SCIENCE NEws...1 00 Advertising space in OOLOGIST or N. Sci NEws to the amount of $1.00. Should you desire to select this premium and not care to use the space at once a cred- it card will be issued for the amount which you can use when ‘needed..__........ 1 00 PENIKESE, the issues of NATURAL SCIENCE NEWS, containing this valuable serial complete, on Agassiz’s famous summer school at Penikese Island, written by an eminent Professor who spent both Seasomstarts the Tisai Saeeeeeeeeeeneene en enneen 75 THE OOLOGIST, a package of forty (40) back number, all different, my selection ......... 1 00 NOVELTIES. Double Pendant Satin Spar Stick Pin ........6 15 Quartz Crystal Stick Pinas ..... AE Nee Seer A tis al 35 Brazilians ecetles tick Pamsies pees eee oD Agate rT OOC We ae ee eee eee 50 Agate Shoe Buttoner INGENIG) CoO Ase hnuonnVey os Agate, Moss Agate, Tiger Eye, etc., Watch Car TS ee. oS 5 SSE en ean ee Agate Stamp Box .... ........... ipeanipRenholders:---..--seee Pearl Letter Openers........... Pearle ShelliS poo nes saa eeneeneaies Pocket Magnifier....... Shell Naplin Ring.... Gan EZUIESeee- OG ee fin 2 Rate ‘« Ship, AIG) holder with thimble. 40 Shell Match Safe 35 i LOOCHS Ei. SO eee 25 ao AS (Ck Pam ies eee nee 10 ChautauPua Pennant Stick Pin 10 New Subscribers. New subscribers to THE O6LOGIST are always in demand and during the months of April and May its publisher will give 50 cents worth of premiums for each new subscriber a present sub- scriber may send him. This 50 cents worth of premiums must be selected from the list of premiums given on this and the+preceding page and ten cents must be added to cover the mail- ing expenses of the present. Remem- ber the new subscriber can accept the $1 premium offer will secure all the per- quisites eonnected with the same and this 50 cents worth of presents is an ad- ditional offer on our part made to pre- 50| sent subseribers who will assist in en- larging the subscription list of our little 50| monthly. viii THE OOLOGIST. — Enlarged, revised, corrected and brought up to date of going to press. Giving all of the new A. O. U. changes andadditions. Also divided and sub-divided into orders, sub-orders, families, and sub- families. Values are based on the 1898 ones which were determined by the compiler, from invaiuable notes, suggestions and assistance from Major Chas. E. Beucire, J. Parker Norris, Esq., and the late Captain B. F. Goss. In addition to these notes, which have been carefully 1eworked, the compiler has had suggestions from over Forry LEADING AMERICAN OOLoGIsTs, all of which have been carefully considered and where advisable, adopted. Lattin’s Catalogue has long been recognized by leading Odlo gists as the “Standard” and the new one will be recognized b the majority as being more consistent than any former one. ‘The compiler, however, intends to issue a new one early in , 1897—and desires the assistance of every working Oélo- gist, in making values, ete. On this account the new A 1896 edition is offered at the following low rates: N oN Single Copy, 12c; 2, 20c; 6, 50c; 15, $1, postpaid. ( : An extra copy will be mailed every purchaser i(. 1 y\\ gratis in which they can make vweur ideal TIN ETCH yalues. iN 4 \ $ ‘ WW ys FRANK H.LATTIN,Publisher, \ SS : ALBION, N.Y. : \ Ni ) caneazanans | icnaiaedanneeeneseo, ie) ered) aed 1 é é KOGESE, <. eae = 3) L wh, 385 _ As : re ts , at eA ee is es VOL. XIII. NO. 5. ALBION, N. Y., MAY, 1896. WHOLE No. 127 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘‘Wants,’ “Exchanges” ‘For Sales,” inserted in this department ¢ or 25¢ per 25 words. word. No notice inserted for less than 25c. Notices over 25 words, charged at the rate of one-half cent per each additional Terms, cash with order. : ‘‘DEALERS” Can use these columns at Regular Advertising rates, only, Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-third list rates. Exchange Cards and Coupons (Subscription) will be accepted according to conditions stated thereon. EXCHANGE:—White-faced Glossy Ibis eggs, sets or singles, to exchange for eggs of other localities. Send list of eggs to exchange. ED- WARD R. BAKER, Fort Collins, Colo. WANTED:—A well-bred, thoroughlv trained hunting dog, pointer or setter. Can offer choice Al sets, singles, medical works. some Cash. Higgs in sets for exchange. DR. M. T. CLECK- LEY, 457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. DAVIE’S “NESTS and Eggs of North Amer- ican Birds.’ I want goud new or 2a hand cop- ies Of either the 3d or 4th editions. Will pay cash or give good exchange. Write stating What you want for your copy, FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. : FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE:—Fine Series of eggs of 6221), 1h sets, 83 eggs. Full data. Sell for $3. Many other sets for exchange. Send lists. WM. L. ATKINSON, Box 147, Santa Clara, Cal, TO EXCHANGE:—First-class and carefully prepared sets of eggs to exchange for mounted birds, complete on bases. WILLIAM I. COM- STOCK, 37 West Main St., Norwalk, Conn. PAIR of Blower Pigeons for sale or exchange. Send list. All letters answered. Eggs of North Detroit gathered during the coming sea- son. Cheap rates. GEORGE COLE, 12 Street & Joy Road, Detroit, Mich. FINELY PREPARED SKINS of Western Horned and American Barn Owls, Great Blue Heron, Western Red-tail and Shovellers in nuptial plumage and very beautiful. Any of above at $1.00 each. Have other skins equally cheap. EDMUND HELLER, 196 Rubidoux Ave., Riverside, Calif. FOR SALE:—Tame rabbits at 75ea pair. I have them pure white or black or spotted. Stamps not taken. CLARK CRYOR, Albert Lea, Minn. FOR EXCHANSE:—First-class western bird skins for eggs in sets, or will sell cheap for cash. Have over 100 species. WALTON I. MITCHELL. 534 Summit Ave., St. Paul, Minn. FOR EXCHANGE:-—A live Screech Owl for books on natural history or taxidermy. CHAS. UC REe, 4 St. Gregory St., Mt. Adams, Cin., hio. WOULD LIKE to hear from persons want- ing to exchange eggs and insects this season. TROY HARHART’ Mulberry, Ind. TO EXCHANGE:—I will exchange rare stamps and birds eggs in Sets for Indian relics. Sto e axes especially desired. F. MCKAY, Girard, Kans. WANTED:—Photographic supplies and books on Photography and Chemistry or a good microscope. Have for exchange good sets and skins and a few books.- FRED Mc ALLISTER, Davison, Mich. : WANTED:—A few fine drawn glass blow- pipes. WHll pay cash or exchange eggs. Sets of White-rumped Shrike to exchange for other sets. FRED MALTBY, Olathe, Kansas. FOR SALE:—To highest bidder a 4x5 cam” era and outfit. Cost $12. FRANK S, FIELD ~ £25 Garfield Bldg.. Cleveland, Ohio. DAVIE’S “Nests and Eggs,’ paper, $1.00, cloth, $1.50; ‘‘Our Birds in Their Haunts,” $1.75; Davie’s ‘‘Naturalist’s Manual,’’ 50ec; Hooker’s ‘‘Navural History.” 50c; ‘‘Kingdom of Nature,” $2.00. C. B. VANDERCOOK, Odin, Illinois. TO EXCHANGHEH:—A fine male Great Blue Heron, nicely mounted, for best offer of miner- als. CHAS. SMITH, Clarence, Iowa. IF YOU have any birds skins or eggs to ex- change why hunt around the corner for some- one you never heard of to arrange an ex- change? I want many common skins and eggs and can offer some very desirable skins and eggs for same, and at even rates if you have anything equally as desirable. List of dupli- cates for stamp. J. P. BABBIFT, Taunton. Mass. FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE:—My entire collection of birds eggs. About 400 eggs, some 1st and 2d class. A good bargain for some be- ginner. What have you to offer. Send for list. DIAH SWEET, Box 118, Strong, Me. EXCHANGE:—Skins. eggs, stuffed birds, deer heads, etc., for skins and sets or offers. Only good specimens wanted or given. JOHN CLAYTON, Lincoln, Maine. WANTED AT ONCE:—Good safety bicycle, pair opera glasses and good collecting gun. Can offer large lists of any of the following to select exchange from viz. Indian relics, eggs in sets, minerals, skins, fossils or mounted birds. Will give good exchange. GEO. W. DIXON, Watertown, S. D. WANTED:—Agents for sale of Fishscale Jewelry—a very attractive novelty, sets, pins and scarf-pins. Will exchange for fancy or useful articles, Canaries, books, music, plants or bulbs. For terms and price-lists address MRS. W. T. CATHCART, Upper Alton, 111. FOR SALE:—Choice sets of eggs valued at about $80.09. Will sell them for $35.00 cash. Have such sets as the rare Spotted Owl, Whist- ling Swan, Florida Dusky Duck, Siberian Gull, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Winter Wren and others equally asrare. ARTHUR W. BROCK- WAY, Hadlyme, Conn. CHEAP SETS with data. Send in your or- ders at once for the following sets: A.O. U. Nos. 416, 735, 731, 729, 675, 428 and others of this locality. Send stamp for list stating your wants. W. L. FOXHALL, Tarboro, N. C. CAMERA WANTED:-—A 5x8 or larger of good make. I can also use a Pocket Kodak or Kombi or perfect Indian relics. I can offer the following first-class skins, also other articles: Red-tailed Buzzard, Marsh Hawk, Pied-billed Grebe. Horned Grebe, American Merganser. Golden-eye, American Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great Blue Heron, RuffedGrouse, Loon, Bald Eagle. L. V. CASE, Geneseo, N. Y. GEORGE SCHOOL, April 12, 1896. I put an ad. in your paper last year and it never came out until after I had gone to school. Of course I could not answer any letters or do any exchanging away at school, but I must have received 100 answers. I am very sorry for the parties but I could not help it and if you would say something in the next OOLOGIST to that effect I would be very glad. It certain- ly is a great advertising medium. REN S. CARPENTER, George School, Pa. TO EXCHANGE:—A genuine Dueber gold- filled, hunting case, stem wind and set watch. Made by Dueber Watch Case Co. Fitted with an il-jeweled Springfield movement, fully war- ranted for five years. Have both gent’s and ladies’ size, brand new. Will exchange for $45.00 worth of fine sets. GEO. W. DIXON, Watertown, S. D. M-3t. HAVE JUST purchased over fifteen thous- and specimens of fossils, ores, minerals. Indian and Mound Builders’ relics and curiosities. I can give some excellent exchanges. Rare eggs and mound relics especially desired. GEO. W. PITMAN, New Castle, Ind. FOR EXCHANGE: Sets and singles for same. A. O. U. 38%. 412, 441, 456. 466a, 467, 488, 489, 540, 560, 563, 581, 598, 612, 613, 614, 616, 652. 704, 735, 759b, 761, 766. Also a few skins anda C. G. Conn’s triple silver-plated cornet cheap for cash or for good Kodak or printing press. G. T. BROWN, No. Turner, Me. OOLOGIST’S outfit, value $10, to exchange for rifle, revolver, automatic reel or good fish- ing rod. Write what you have first. D. B. MECORNEY, Lockport, N. Y. abt THE OOLOGIST. TO EXCHANGE :—Fine sets of western eggs: with data for anyzlarge eastern sets. A. J. O’'CONOR, JR., San Diego, Cal. GREAT BARGAINS IN CURIOS:-—Photo- graphs of Warner’s Cobweb Palace, 54%4x7'% in., 25cts. each.—One of the greatest cruiositics in. California—old saloon festooned with natural cobwebs, never cleaned; Chinese Joss Punk Sticks, 15cts. pkg., also Chinese Ornamental Masks 25cts. each, Elk Teeth for Charms $1.50: each. Address E. W. CURRIER, Taxidermist:. and Curio Dealer, No. 427 Sutter St., San Fran- cisco, Calif. tf WANTED to exchange with advanced Oolo-- gists the present season. Can offer southern sets. Choice sets for singles of 35, 104, 112, 183, 188, 204, 205. 206. 328, 336. 352, 356 and Emeu. DOCTOR M. T. CLECKLEY, 457, Greene St.,. Augusta, Ga. A-3t. CHEAP FOR CASH:—A first-class 4x5 Kodak all latest improvements. Just what every collector needs. Also Pocket Kodak for sale. Correspondence solicited from everyone desir- ing a good camera. GEO. GRAHAM, care Florida Business College, Jacksonville, Fla. O FOR EXCHANGE.—I will exchange a secret for traping foxes by scent which will call them 14 mile to the trap. The scent has to be made in April andit costs you nothing to make it, and until May 15 I will exchange the seeret for $10 cash or $12 worth of such things as I can use in the line of Microscopes, Telescopes or Field Glasses, Mounted Birds, Rare Eggs, Books and U. S. Stamps. No cards answered. Address. WALTER E. McCLAIN, Box 70, New Vineyard, Maine. 63-360: “AUKS” Wanted.—I will allow 50e each for any back number of the *-Awk” you may have, if in good condition and sent prepaid. You to take your full pay in Bird skins, Eggs, Shells (Showy or scientific), Corals, Echino- derms, Fossils, Minerals, Indian Relics, Cu- rios or Novelties as listed in the Premium. List Supplement. I can also use on same terms the following Numbers of the OOLO- GIsT at prices quoted: June, 1888, 25c; July— Aug., 1886, 15¢; Jan.-Feb., 1887 or Dec., 1886 with same attached, 20c; June-Sept., 1887, 15c; Apr., 1889, 12c. All must be complete, clean and in good condition. I will also accept back No’s. of the Ornithologist and Oologist or Nidiologist any issue and in any quantity at 5c per copy on same terms. [can also use books on sub-. jects pertaining to Natural History if in good condition and cheap, also A No. 1 sets of eggs. with data at % ‘“Standard’’ rates. Lists of books and eggs must be submitted for my se- lection or approval before sending. Address atonce FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. SNOWY OWLS. to be sold: Live bird, quite white, sound, eats well, 5 net. Bird in meat, nearly immaculate, in perfect condition, $5 net. Bird mounted, a pure white specimen. 47 net. P. B. PEABODY, St. Vincent, Minn. O I WANT AT ONCE the following A. O. U. Nos.: 5, 34, 35, 47, 76. 108, 117, 120c, 12%, 123b, 172, 187, 206, 216, 226, 258, 274, 281. 288, 293, 298a, 328,335, 356, 366, 402, 408, 399, 418, 428, 434, 449, 474c, 478, 480, 482, 484, 486, 492, 537, 574. 575a, 588, 587a, 629, 630, 637, 645, 654, 662, 657, 671, 685, 636, 707a, 711, 716a, 734, 741a, 752, 768. All singles. Rare ones. to be accompanied by data as to locality and collector. Sets taken where one constitutes the set. For any of these I will give good ex- change in other eggs, showy shells, minerals, curios, etc. Address ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. O THE OOLOGIST. iii To EXCHANGE.—B b Cornet, watch, stamps and finely stuffed and mounted birds and mammals, heads on shields, collections in cas- es. Wanted: Bicycle, medical books, surgical and taxidermist instruments. All letters an- swered. Address, F. S. HAGGART, Taxider- mist, Chagrin Falls, O. O EGG COLLECTORS, Attention.—May 15th I will issue a Special Bargain Egg Bulletin, giv- ing full list of sets on hand and prices at which Iwillsend them. As I wish to close out all on hand, ready for new seasons coilecting, I will sell at about 44 regular catalogue rates. All sets first-class and guaranteed. List free. Send your name on postal. List will contain about $500.09 worth. GEO. W. DIXON, Water- town, South Dakota. O ARIZONA and California bird skins to ex- change for those from other localities. ring- illide especially desired. WILFRED H. OS- GOOD, San Jose, Cal. O OREGON EGGS. My entire collection, amounting to about $150 must be sold, regard- less of price. Sooty and Oregon Ruffed Grouse, Macgillivray’s Warbler, Varied Thrush. etc. Complete data. Price listfree. ARTHUR L. POPE, McMinnville, Oregon. “NATURAL SCIENCE NEWS,” Vol. I com- plete. Less than ten complete vols. left, Will send you onefor only $1.00. Vol. II compete, 14 Nos., only 30 cents. Complete your files. Will furnish Nos. 1 and 2 at 10c each. All others 5¢ each or in lots of five or more 4c each, or ten or more 8c each. (Nos, land 2 are always 10c per copy net.) FRANK H. LAT- TIN, Albion. N. Y. Ripans Tabules cure indigestion. FOR SALE or EXCHANGE.—Philatelic Journals and Papers, for scientific books and Magazines, minerals. herbarium specimens, * etc. Send for list. CHAS. G. NASH, 41 Grand St., Woonsocket, R. I. FOR SALE AT AUCTION.—A fine collection of: minerals, fossils, Indian relics, shells, old arms, etc., etc. Send stamp forcatalogue. J. S. SILVIA, Acushmet, Bristol Co., Mass. FOR SALW.—Bicycle, Lovell, in good con- dition for $25 cash. Collection stamps, 2,000 var- ieties, will sell cheap, also eggs to exchange. C. B. HODGE, Sterling, Kans. PRINTING OUTFIT For Sale.—A 3x5 self- inking Excelsior press, nearly new, four fonts of job type, borders, furniture, leads, Cases, inks, etc., allcomplete. First person sending me $6 gets the above outfit. [tisa bargain to somebody. THOS. H. BLODGETT, Galesburg, Ills. EVERY COLLECTOR should send 5 cents to James P. Babbitt, Taunton, Mass., for his large illustrated catalogue of Taxidermists’ Supplies, Oologists Supplies and everything used by the Naturalist. Some of the things found in his catalogue are Printing Outfits for naturalists, at 26 cts to 55 cts; New Safety Egg Drill at one- half price charged for the old kind and they are twice as good; Babbitts’ Glove Kid Tanning Fluid is so simple that,any boy can use it with out practice. Itis used by professional Taxid- ermists and Furriers and is the best tanning” fluid onthe market. You willalso find his fam- ous Auxiliary barrel listed as well as complete outfits to go With them. A collector is dead to his own interest who has not got one of his catalogues. Ripans Tabules cure bad breath. sctwe. for 60 days. Our latest design of 25 cent Egg Drill, nickel plated, engraved handle; and one of our white metal Blowpipes ONLY 28c. POSTPAID. (Fourteen 2c. Stamps. ) Send stamps and say for Oorocist’s SpeciAL and we will send by return mail, and aiso our latest Catalog. CHAS. K. REED, 262 MAIN ST., WORCESTER, MASS. oh THE OOLUGIST. COLLECTORS Attention! Gulf Coast Eggs, Skins and Shells collected to order, cheap for cash only. H.E. PENDRY, Myers, Fla. ONtf CABINETS. Send 10 cts for photo of our Speciality—Self Locking. T perches—Oak sam- ples by mail 8c, 10c and 15c; also stands, shields, glass cases, game panels, &c. Cabinets to or- der. HANAFORD CABINET CO.,139 and 141 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, Mich. 58MOtt DEAR SIR:—I am anxious to have you see a collection of the Famous Herkimer County Crystals, hence [make you this offer: If you are a subscriber to this paper, let me send you by return mail, post-paid, 36 of these Brilliant Gems; if they please you send me 72 cents, if not ‘satisfactory return the collection and it willbeO K. Yours respectfully, A. B. CRIM. Middleville, Herkimer Co., N. Y. OPALS, Minerals, Cut Gems and Natural History Specimens. Will buy, sell or ex- change. List for stamp. ROBERT BURN- HAM, 15 Chestnut St., Providence, R. I. 51-25t FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE.—Malachite, Crysocolla, Chalcedony, Quartz, Azurite, Mon- azite and Frankline, Microscopic slides, Infu- sorial. earth 100 localities, Trap-tufa and rocks for sale or exchange for other minerals or Microscope slides or Infusorial earths PROF. ARTHUR M. EDWARDS, Newark, N. J. O. & N. ti FOR SALE.-Obsidian arrowheads and knives from Mexico. cheap for cash. present stock of minerals and will give un- heard of bargains—20 pounds for $l. More if you wantit. Have a large stock of bird skins, shells. and corals at very low prices. ROBERT BURNHAM, 15 Chestnut St., Providence, R. I. PO. COLLECTION of 650 eggs (175 varieties) val- ue $90: also Minerals, to exchange for a Pearl rotary printing press, 7xllin. If not a Pearl, What kind and size have youto offer? A. L. STEVENS, 10 Ariington St., Nothampton, Mass O CASTS of large, rare and extinct birds eggs. Great Auk, 60c: Apteryx, 50c; Emu, 45c: Rhea, 45¢e; Ostrich, 50c; Golden Eagle, 50c; Bald Ea- gle, 40c. Any of the above casts sent postpaid on receipt of price. Apyornis, $2.50: Moa, $1.75. Dealers please send for wholesale rates. N. P. BRADT, Hindsburg, Orleaus Co., N. Y. PO I have some scientific and other books which I will sell cheap for cash. Parties meaning business should address. with stamp, for reply. JOHN DOELLE. Yale, St. Clair, Mich. O $100. We employ experienced agents on a salary of $100 per month. Others at $60. Write quickly. Purrtran Puop- SIBHING. Co., 36, Bromfield St., Boston, ass. Who can think an 3 — n Ga of some simple thing to patent? Protect Moe ideas; they may bring you wealth. Write JOHN WEDDERBURN & CO, Patent Attor- neys, Washington, D. C., for their $1,800 prize offer and list of two hundred inventions wanted. Ripans Tabules assist digestion. Am closing out = YEARS OF INTENSE PAIN. - Dr. J. H. Watts, druggist and physi- cian, Humboldt, Neb., who suffered with heart disease for four years, trying every remedy and all treatments known to him- self and fellow-practitioners; believes that heart disease is curable. He writes: “T wish to tell what your valuable medi- cine has done for me. For four yearsI had heart disease of the very worst kind. Sevy- eral physicians I consulted, said it was Rheumatism of the Heart. It was almost un- endurable; with shortness of breath, pzulpita- tions, severe pains, unable to sleep, especiaily on the left-side. No pen can de- scribe my suffer- ~ings, particularly mduring the lass Yrmonths of these LD WZZZL Yl four weary years. DR. J. H. WATTS, I finally triod Dr. Miles’ New Heart Cure, and was surprised at the result. 1t put new life into and made a new man of me, Lf have not had a symptom of trouble since and I am satisfied your medicine has cured mne for I have now enjoyed, since taking 18 Three Years of Splendid Health. I might add that I ama druggist and have sold and recommended your Heart Cure, for I know what it has done for me and only wish I could state more clearly my suffer- ing then and the good health I now enjoy. Your Nervine and other remedies also give excellent satisfaction.” J.H. WATTS. Humboldt, Neb., May 9, °94. Dr. Miles Heart Cure is sold on a positive guarantee that the first bottle will benefit. All druggists sell it at $1, 6 bottles for $5, or it will be sent, prepaid, on receipt of price by the Dr. Miles Medical Co., Elkhart, Ind Dr. Miles’ Heart Cure Restores Health Come to Florida. A fortune can be made in a few years in pineapples and tomatoes; vegetables raised the whole year. An ideal home. For particulars write R. P. Osler, Avon Park, Fla. 29&O0tf THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XIII. NO. 5. ALBION, N. Y., MAY, 1896. WHOLE No. 127. The Taking of Notes While this subject is being spoken of in these columns I would like to make a few remarks upon the subject. Not that I consider myself capable of giving pointers to our old workers; but I would like to impress upon beginners (and perhaps a few others also) the im- portance of putting down what we haye learned in a form that may be of use to others after us and an aid to our- selves while we are still here. - Jt is a debt that we all owe to science. After deriving benefit from Audubon, Wilson and others it is our bounden duty to endeavor to add our little mite to the general fund of knowledge. I do not mean that we should rush indis- criminately into print and _ publish books; for there is not one in two hun- dred who know enough new and valua- ble to fill even the smallest book. But we should keep a note book and try to make it the repository of allour knowil- edge. A great many of our notes may, at the time, seem worthless but that is no sign that they always will beso. The most unlikely note may some day turn out to be the solution of a vexed prob- lem. Facts seeming commonplace at the time of their occurrence may, by the light of future observation, be of great . orth. Therefore, take notes, copii, notes. The largest percentage of the im will be trash, but it every work- er learns one new fact the result, on the whoie will be great. The next important covsideration is, in what form shall the notes be kept? The problem here is to put all we know in such a form as to be most easily worked upon, so that we can find a re- quired fact with the least expenditure of labor. There are two ways general- ly used for note books. One is to keep a sort of running journal of each day’s work, another is to put down the notes on each species in a certain space prov- ided for that bird alone and where no foreign matter is allowed to intrude. These two ways are both Open to ob- jections. In the first, finding all our notes on a certain bird necessitates searching ihrough all our notes, those pertinent and those not. The second obviates this, but then, how ean we compare seasons or do other such work without infinite drudgery ° I have a system of note-keeping that gets around these difficulties. I use two note books. In No. 1 I keep a record of every day’s notes together with a migration list and a weather chart. The latter, I think, is im por- tant showing, as it does’ the effect of climatic influence on the birds. I indi- cate the temperature by a wavy line and the other conditions, such as wind, snow, rain, etc., by different ciphers. Thus a plan of the whole season is laid before me, which I can take in ata glance. My second volume 1s divided off into spaces, one for each species | am likely to meet with, and a number of pages allowed for at the end to put “unexpected finds.” The headings for the species are, of course, inserted ac- cording to the class ifin order. Into this book i “post” the notes from my first volume. In this way I have every - thing so that I can put my hand on it with the least amount of trouble. I make it @ point to write out my journal immediately on returning from a trip, while the facts are fresh in my memory. The posting can be done at ‘ 42 THE OOLOGIST. any time. During the long winter ev- enings when there is nothing else Orni- thological to do, it is pleasant and pro- titable to sit down and read over, and post, and muse, and theorize. Then is the time that an Ornithologist does his real work. During the collecting sea- son he is only getting data upon which to think and work over at his leisure. A third volume could very well be added. If one is anything of a draughts- man he can use it for drawings of spec- ial resemblances, abnormalities, etc. Or to keep tabulated the results of dis- section for food, time cf migrations and incubation period. In fact, a whole host of statistics could be accumulated here which would be of great value. In this way I think everything can be put down in amanner that one might call ‘‘getable.”It makes matters easier to use along with the second:volume a good list of the locality in which you work. I use Cook’s List of the Birds of Michi- gan. It would be a tedious thing to sit down and write cut the headings for each species at one time so I only write them asl need them. To do this so as to keep the classification right I use the list. My note book contains two hun- dred pages. The list mentions three ‘hundred and thirty-six species. So I allow half a page for each bird. Each species in the list is numbered as it is mentioned, so I have only to halve that number to find the place it goes in the book. ‘Thus—I want to put in the head- ing for the Pine Grosbeak. It is the two hundred and nineteenth bird listed. One-half of this is one hundred nine and a half. So it goes on the lower half of page one hundred and nine. Again, wishing to insert the Hoary Redpoll which is not mentioned in the list, I put a note oa the margin of the page where it should go if there were room, and place it over in the back of the book. Many people say all this is a lot of bother, but to one fond of the work it is not so. If he doesn’t care enough for Ornithology to devote half an hour now and again to his note book, he had _bet- ter drop it. The above system is the one i work. It fulfils my requirements better than any other method I have thus far seen. If anyone else has a better one [ should like to hear from him. P. A. TAVERNIER, Guelph, Ont. The Passing of Species. At no time in our history has activity been greater in the ranks of odlogical collectors. In the West, at least. in my . boyhood it seems as though the making of egg collections was mostly confined to very young lads who conceived no better method of preserving their spec- imens than end-blowing or stringing on a.thread. From such small begin- nings have grown the myriad collec- tions, both great and small, in the hands not only of boys but of grave men and women aud museums all over the country. It is no purpose of this paper to decry this pursuit. Its wis- dom and its worthiness will doubtless always be open to question in the minds of those who are not of our num- ber. As for ourselves it is safe to pre- dict that the gathering process will go on so long as bird life shall exist. And if the gathering of sets and series of sets was the only inroad upon the great annual renewal of supply it might be confidently expected that the dey- otees of many generations hence -would be able to marshall as extensive collections as our own. But a multi- tude of hostile influences combine to rapidly deplete the supply. It is not necessary to enumerate them here. They have been repeatedly dis- cussed and deplored. But we are face to face with the fact that many com- ~ mon species of our boyhocd are now THE OOLOGIST. 45 rare finds in any part of the country. Catalogues listing prices surely need another intelligent revision. I do not pretend to anything like a comprehensive knowledge of the pres- ent distribution of species. My obser- vation has been limited. Born near the boundary line of Wisconsin and Illinois, when that was the frontier, I have gradually moved northwest with some purpose of keeping abreast of the western trend, so that it has been with- in narrow limits that I have witnessed what has seemed the rapidly accelerat- jing movement which is decimating cer- tain species at shortly recurring inter- vals. Twenty-five years ago I watched the apparently unending flight of the Pas- senger Pigeon. Once I was accustom- ed to hear the Bald Eagle spoken of as rather common—yet in the past dozen years in the likeliest country I cannot be sure that I have seen but three. On the Mississippi in an early day we did not think of the Swallow-tailed Kite as especially rare—yet the other day a correspondent wrote me that he had just been so fortunate as to procure a set of two eggs rt $25.00. Along Rock River in Southern Wis- consin ‘‘back in the sixty’s” the Canada Goose occasionally nested. J.ater on | found it, if at all, in Northern Iowa and Minnesota, while now I should con- gratulate myself if I found two or three nests iu a season away out here in their natural home, which only a dozen years ago was wholly unsettled. It is likewise with the Sandhill and Whoop- ing Crane, the Trumpeter Swan, the Great Blue Heron, the Cormorants, Loon, Bittern, many Ducks, W oodeock, Long-billed Curlew, White Pelican and others. Hleven years ago the last named bred here on Devil’s Lake in great numbers, and a thrifty idler shipped one or two barrels of their eggs to an Eastern deal- er. Since that time they have not been © known to nest just here, though an oc- casional small flock may be seen cirel- ing high overhead during the breeding season and [ have not since been able to locate a nesting colony. The Common _ Tern and Franklin’s Gull that furnished a local hotel many a basket ofseggs for the table ten years ago, before the ad- vent of poultry, nest but sparingly here now and the latter so suecessfully hide their breeding spot that no one can say with certainty that they have any here. Whether the once familiar Bluebird is becoming extinet or whether it has only temporarily changed its range is being much diseussed. I may be growing old and my faculty for discovering nesting spots may be failing, but I no longer seem to be able to locate the nests of some species that in early days seemed commonest finds, and it becomes a very natural conclu- sion that a large number of species is being rapidly pushed northwest and west into regions either sparingly peo- pled or wholly unfit for human _ habita- tion—regions offering to many varieties searcely any recommendation except freedom from pursuit by man—where vegetation is scanty and natural food supply in the shape of insect life much reduced. Of course these observations do not apply to even a majority of species for maby thrive best where population is dense. Such seem to enjoy contact with man and the domestic animals and are, doubtless, safe from extinct- ion. John Burronghs, one of the clos- est observers of bird Jife, says that the British Isles with their dense popula- tion and their thousands of years of race activity, present the spectacle of amazing fertility among the common species of birds abounding there. Nests of many contain habitually larg- er sets than the same species exhibit here and no combination of adverse in- fluences avails to stem the tide of exub- erant bird life. 44 THE OOLOGIST But the nature of a large number of varieties here is utterly incompatible with the rapid advance of crowded population. Such inevitably shun the haunts of man and it is with very nat- ural regret that we observe their ap- proaching doom. A high state of ciy- ilization and opulence of wild life are plainly antagonistic and only those spe- cies of birds and animals that possess or acquire something of the domestic spirit of the English Sparrrow can hope to survive the inexorable advance of man. We would not stay his progress if we could. All elsevin nature must rightfully pay tribute to him and make way for his certain monopoly of oppor- tunity. But alas for our favorite creatures on the wing! KUGENE S. ROLFE. Minnewaukan, No. Dak. = —" From Trinidad. ‘Thinking perhaps your readers would like to hear from a lover of Nature who is wandering in the tropics, but who belongs in the Northern States, and with regard to birds familiar to many of your readers, I send you the few following lines relative to taree birds very common here, two of which at least are well known in our Southern States. Almost the first bird to challenge my attention as we’ came into the tropical zone was the Frigate Bird, that bird of enduring flight. At first I saw but few, but soon after entermg upon the blue waters of the Carribean Sea, many of these birds came near our steamer. Here on the Gulf of Paria they can be seen almost any day. Sometimes many will be seen in the air at the same mo- ment, crossing each others track in graceful interosculating circles. Another and a much more familiar bird is the Brown Pelican. They are extremely plentiful, and at all time of - the day can be seen standing on the bars at the mouth of the Caroni River, or flying over the bay with alternate lumbering flap and sail of their broad wings, now and then pausing in their flight to strike some fish which their shaip eyes espied near the surface. They appear ridiculous as they turn a complete somersault on striking the water. Clumsy as they are they usually get their fish I thought that I had seen the Brown Pelican in great num- bers on the Gulf coast, aud I usually did see many there, but here there are so many more that those I saw farther north now seem few. One of the most noticeable birds here on the Island, that is, the otie that will attract the most attention from the visitor to Port of Spain, is the Black Vulture or Carrion Crow. They are everywhere present, in the streets and on the house tops. In passing along the walks I have pushed them aside with my foot. But they area wise bird and usually keep just beyond jour reach. Sometimes, though they are so interested in their search tor food that the pedestrian has to take it upon him- self tu avoid them. Here they are even more nearly domesticated than in Southern Louisiana. It is no uncom- mon sight to see a dozen of these birds racing down a street, going under carts and between the legs of the patient lit- tle donkeys, keeping up their ludicrous gait of hop and jump for a balf block or more. The small boy does uot seem to trouble the Vuiture here, and as they are protected by jaw they liveaud grow fat on the refuse of the city “Perhaps | can forward some few notes from the east bank of the Orinoco in the ‘‘disputed territory,” where I shall spend some weeks or perhaps months in the interest of Ornithology. LESLIE O. Dart. Port of Spain, Trinidad. March 21, 1896. THE OOLOGIST. 45 Feathered Gems. Of all the groups into which the sci- entists have divided the birds,the Hum- mingbirds are the most elegant and varied in form, brilliant in plumage, agile and graceful in movement. They inhabit exclusively the tropical and temperate portions of America, and form the most charming and interest- ing element in the bird-life of the West- ern World. The study of the Hum- minehbird is one of such peculiar inter- est that it may almost be said to consti- tute a separate department of the sci- ence of ornithology, and the word ‘‘tro- chilidist” has bean coined to designate those paying special attention to this study. Unfortunately, however, the natural- ist has not been the only one to be at- tracted by the resplendent beauty of the Hummingbirds. There is a great demand for them for millinery and or- namental purposes that has greatly added to their destruction, and which has probably lead to the extinction of certain tropical species. From South and Central America, and also from Mexico, thousands of skins have been sent annually to the great cities of Eu- rope to be used for decorative pur- poses. ‘The collectors resort to various means for obtaining these tiny birds, using nets, bird lime, small shot, and the blow pipe with clay pellets. At a single auction sale in London in 1888, over 12,000 Hummingbird skins were sold, and in the same year over 400,000 skins of American birds were disposed ofin London within one week. This tremenduous slaughter of our most beautiful and useful creatures means nothing less than the extermination of many different species. The Hummingbirds are exclusively American, they: have no representatives in any other part of the world. When considered superficially, and not struc- turally, the Sun Birds of the tropical regions of the old World resemble the Hummingbirds in brilliancy of plum- age’ but in structure they are wholly unlike. The Sun Birds resemble in structure to a great degree the Ameri- can Honey Creepers. The Hummingbirds are the most numerous of all the families’ of birds that are distinctively ‘American, there being fully five hundred distinct kinds, and new species are being constantly brought to light as investigations are pur- sued in the little known region of Mexico, Central and South America. They pre- fer mountainous districts where within small areas are found diversity of pro- duets and a varied surface of the soil. Most of the birds are found among the Andes, within ten degrees of the Equa- tor, from this region they diminish rapidly both to the north and the south, and also eastward toward the lowlands of the South American continent. About fifty species are found in Mexico, and only seventeen have been discover- ed within the boundries of the United States, all but eight of which barely crossing the Mexican border. No species of Hummingbird has been discovered north of the sixty-first de- gree of latitude, the Rufous Humming- bird haviug been found that far north on the Pacific Coast. The eastern por- tion of the United States possesses but one species, the Ruby-throat, and this species has been traced as far north as the fifty-seventh degree north latitude. The mountainous region of south-west- ern United States is more richly en- dowed with those beautiful birds, most of those found within the United States being resident here. . Without strict reference to geograph- ical boundries,the distribution of Hum- mingbirds may be approxinately esti- mated as follows: Equador, 100 species, one-half of which are peculiar to that place alone; Columbia, about 100, one- half peculiar; Peru and Bolivia togeth- er about 95 species, one-half peculiar; 46 THE OOLOGIST. Central America, 70, 40 peculiar; Ven- zeula, 55,15 peculiar; Brazil, 50, one- half peculiar; Mexico, 50, 28 pecuiiar; Guiana, 36, 12 peculiar; West Indies,18, all peculiar; United States, 17; southern extremity of South America about 7. The Hummingbirds, as a family, are the smallest of birds, yet many species are larger than the smallest passerine birds, such as the Creepers, Kinglets, Bush-tits, and the small Wrens. The largest of all Hummingbirds is the Pata- gonia gigas, or Giant Hummingbird. This isa plan colored bird that inha- bits the higher portion of the Andes range from Chili to Equadcr, and is about eight and a half inches long. The smallest Hummingbird,and consequent- ly the smallest of all birds, is Princess Helena’s Hummingbird, the most ex- quisite of all the Hummingbirds of the West Indies, measuring but two anda quarter inches in length. This diminu- tive bird is of a rich metallic blue above, white beneath, and the head and the gorget a fiery metallic crimson. This blue is a peculiar coloration in this family. The Vervain Hummingbird of Jamaica has been until recently consid- ered the smallest Hummingbird, but it is a trifle larger than its Cuban c usin. A considerable variation also exists in the bills of the members of this fam- ily necessitated by the peculiarities of the flowers among which they are ac. customed to feed. The “Sword Bear- er” has a bill fully tive inches in length, exceeding in length the combined length of the head, neck, body, and tail. In another species the bill is but one-quar- ter of aninchin length. In other spe- cies the bill is decurved; and in one in- stance to such an extent as to consti- tute one-third of a circle. In another species the bill is recurved similar to thatof an Avocet. A great variation also existsin the form of the wing and the tail, while the various kinds of head ornaments furnish striking evi- dence of the variation that exists in the developement of their feathering. In habits the Hummingbirds are both ~ arboreal and aérial. In flight they pre- sent an appearance entirely peculiar to themselves. They spend the greater part of their lives in the air, frequently hovering before a flower to procure their food, which consists chiefly of minute insects. When so employed their body is nearly vertical, the head being held at almost right angles to the body, and the wings beating so rapidly as to form an indistinct haze. The tail is spread and the bird regulates its position by quickly flirting it to and fro. The Duke of Argyle in his ‘‘Reign of Law’”’ positively asserts; ‘‘No bird can ever fly backwards.” Many naturalists. differ from this author. If one will but closely watch a Hummingbird poised before a flower he can see that the bird can easily move backward or forward assisted by a slight flirt of its tail, a feat that no other bird can perform. In his magnificent work entitled*‘A Mono- graph of the Trochilidae,” Mr. Gould, the naturalist, states, ‘‘This bird (the Hummingbird) preforms every kind of evolution with the utmost ease, fre- quently rising perpendicularly, flying backward, pirouetting or dancing off, as it were.”’ The Hummingbird frequently perches upon some prominent twig at the top of the tree and there rests for several minutes at a time from whence it will dart away like a little meteor and dis- appear with the quickness of thought. During the heat of the day it visits the shady retreat beneath the trees, and during the coo] hours of the morning or the evening the flower pots, verandas, and other exposed places are resorted to. While in flight the Hummingbird will frequently poised in mid-air and throw its body into quick and curious contortions as it catches the insects floating in the alr. THE OOLOGIST. 47 A peculiar habit of many of the spe- ies of Hummingbird inhabiting the United States may be described as fol- lows, The maie observes another bird’ probably of its own species or other- wise, perched in some exposed position; he will then mount perpendicularly to a height of forty or fifty feet, then with a headlong swoop he plunges down- ward at the object of his wrath; as he approaches his foe he rises again ina sharp curve to mount on high and re- peat again and again the maneuver. Upon nearing the object of attack he ut- ters a shrill shriek of defiance which grows louder and louder as he descends and dies away as he mounts again. In California, especially where the Hummingbirds are numerous, we may occasionally see one of these tiny creat- ures sitting upon some prominent perch engaged in warbling in a shrill weak tune a continuous melody for several minutes. This song, if it may be called such, is rather monotonous, and can searecely be heard more than forty or fifty feet away. In performing its ablutions, a Hum- mingbird usually resorts to a water- fall where it dashes hurriedly through the spray a couple of times thus thor- oughly weiting its plumage. The spray of alawn sprinkler is also resorted to for this purpose. Where a spray can- not be found the bird will pass rapidly over a body of water striking the sur- face with its feet and breast. After thus wetting its plumage the bird will repair to some convenient porch where it will preen its plumage. Then en- gaged in this task, and itis one which they seen to delight in, it will assume many graceful attitudes in which its gorgeous dress is shown to great ad- vantage. It willspreadone wing ata time and earefully pass each quill feath- er through its bill for its entire length, several minutes will be spent opening and closing its wings and tail, ruffling its feathers, and arranging its plumage. The Hummingbirds are very pugnac- ious and wage incessant warfare on all species of birds,as well as among them- selves.. They establish themselves in certain ‘areas and will permit no in- truders upon their domain. During the nesting season they indiseriminately as- sail any bird that approaches the vicin- ity of their nests. Frequently when two Hummingbirds meet about a bed of flowers a battle will ensue: the battle will be sustained in mid-air, the pigmy belligerents mounting higher and high- er, Sweeping each other by the bill and whirling around and around till the one receiving the worst of the fight darts away witb the victor in hot pur- suit,and the latter never relinquishes the deteated combatant of doubling, turn- ing, and hiding finally succeeds in makiug good its escape. The conquer- er will then returo to the feast that his valor has won, or, mounting guard up- on some prominent twig, with his glow- ing breast turned to the sun and pre- senting all the radiant colors of the emerald, the ruby, and the sapphire, he will await his opponents return. These Lilliputian battles are continu- ed all day long, the females participat- ing with all the ardor displayed by the males; and were the strength of these pigmy combatants at all commensurate with their fury, their continuous war- fare would almost extinguish the fam- ily. But fortunately, with all the fury of those,conflicts their puny strength is such that scarcely a feather is detached from their resplendent plumage. After each battle the indomitable spirit of the vanquished prompts his return and another contest ensues. Sometimes they suspend hostilities long enough to suck afew flowers, but mutual proxi- minity is bound to bring on the contest again. The Anna’s Hummingbird, the most common species we have in California, is perhaps the most beautifal of North American Hummingbirds and is quite 48 THE OOLOGIST. generally distributed throughout the State. These birds nest about the beds of bright-tinted flowers which are so numerous in this State. They find in these flowers rich store-houses of mi- nute forms of forest life which consti- tute'a great share of their diet. Here they hover upon tremulous winglets, now feasting upon the sweets so abund- antly found, now fighting over the possession of some tempting flower, now and then individuals darting away with a speed that baffles the eye ina course marked by the luminous glow of their refulgent colors; the bright flowers, the graceful movements of the birds and the beautiful, changeful hues of their plumage intensified by the sun- light: all forms a picture of remark- able weauty. The nests of ‘he Hummingbirds are among the most beautiful examples of bird architecture. They are composed of fine materials and are made extreme- ly soft and comfortable, usually com- pactly felted structures of a cup-shaped form. The substances used in their constructien aze chiefly plant down, in- terwoven and strengthened by cob-webs and often covered externally with lich- ens- Small feathers are also frequent- ly used to advantage. In California a common material is the down from the sycamore. These nests are usually sad- dled upon a horizontal twig without any effort at concealment among the foliage, as is the custom with most oth- er birds; yet so much does the nest re- semble a knot or other exerescence, or a bit of rubbish that it might easily pass unnoticed. Hummingbird nests are usualiy found through pure accident, although one, by carefully watching the birds when they are suspected of having a nest in the vicinity, may be led to it by the unsuspicious birds. The eggs of all Hummingbirds are two in number, pure white in color, and usual.y oblong in form and rather large for the size of the birds. The period of incubation is about twelve days, two or more broods are raised in a year. HC} Enns Visalia, Calif. ea Oologica| Crookedness. The list of a lot of eggs privately of- fered by a Texas collector ‘‘dirt cheap,” contained ‘1-6 Am. Raven; 1-5 White- necked Raven,” and, among other small fry,—‘‘1-2 Plumbeous Chickadee, 1-5 Cowbird.” In amusement, I allowed a lot of cheap sets, including the ‘‘1-5. Cowbird”’ to be sent on approval, with the ‘‘Plumbeous Chickadee,”—and the alleged two sorts of Raven eggs. Of these latter, the eggs of the larger set were identified at Washington as surely White-necked Raven, though ‘‘identifi- cation” on the data read ‘“‘bird stuffed’” (which is, by the way, about as satis- factory as the stereotyped ‘‘sure”’ which any dolt can aflix to any data for any eggs!) On the data for the two very pretty Titmouse (?) eggs, Lread, ‘‘Nest on small branch of a tree. Built much like a Wren’s.’? Almost as amusing is. the description on the data for that “set’’? of Cowbirds:” ‘‘nest of sticks. and grass in a tree, ten feet up. Think it was a Red-birds nest.’ A set of ‘‘Boat-tail” eggs, sold for a song, were not Boat-tails at all; a set of Blue Gros- beak contained three eggs by as many Grosbeaks, with as many degrees of blow-hole bigness, with one egg of an Indigo Bunting; while, save in two in- stances, there were no set marks on any of the eggs in the whole invoice. This astonishing collector has the start of us in ways other than in his ability to blow hot and cold with the same mouth. He ean, for instance, take eggs of both Lark Finch and Western Lark Finch in the same coun- ty. Out of four Lark Finch sets of a uniform tive, each, there were hardly three eggs that could, by any probabili- THE OOLOGISY. 49 ty, be attributed to the same bird, — beautiful as the series was,—while they had been blown, evidently, at different times and in different measures, and in varying degrees. Worse yet: eggs of one set bore half-erased Ridgway marks, which the collector-has neatly explained by saying that his brother, that continually bobbinging and ever- raseally brother, had marked four of the eges with the Ridgway numbers; while on the fifth day, a fifth egg was brought from the nest, and- all were then marked properly and up-to-date! My correspondent pleads innocence, and the eggs he has sent out support his plea. But, lest he impose his inno- cence, through an advertisement, on others, 1 would fain have the public know what: his sets as like, ‘‘hence these tears,”—for ‘‘a word to the wise is sufti- cient.” Last summer, { found that a much- cherished set of eggs of the ‘Blue- winged Warbler.” taken, and sent out with autograph data by one who is now a fairly well-know student of Biology, were hind-painted. Despite his fame and the years that have elapsed since the cleverly stippled set of Yellow- throat eggs were received, I hope still, to make that painter’s ‘‘“— — flanks to smoke as they had basted been.’’? What has he done, [ wonder, with my cight dollars worth of precious Butf-breasted Sandpiper skins,—made up from fat birds beside the midnight lamp? The soul of such a man is smaller even than the careases of the microscopic para- sites into whose anatomy he so enthu- siastie: !!\ noses. Ont the Florida boys has offered me, anjong other rarities, sets of Fish Crow; White-eyed Towhee; Mountain Song Sparrow; Florida Burrowing Owl; Southern Hairy Woodpecker. These he didn’t have at the the beginning of the season who has been taking him in? P. B. PEABODY, St. Vincent, Minn. ‘Rhodies Summer Capitol. Common Terns. On the 10th of June, 1895 I received a note from my friend, J. C. Laying, that the ‘“Swallows were in,’’ and on the 23d, my brother Tom, our friend J. D., and myself boarded the Bayhaven of the Continental Co., bound for Little The spotted treasures of that bird of so many names —Common ‘fern, Wilson’s Tern, Red- shank, Mackeral Gull, and Summer Gull—were the prizes which we sought. Tt was a glorious day, as we passed through the varied and beautiful scen- ery of Providence river and Narragan- sett Bay, and reaching Newportin good time, we hastened across the city and were soon aboard J. C’s. powerful row- boat, built to withstand heavy seas, for we were then on the open Atlantic. A row of one and one-half miles around the ‘‘cliffs” brought us in sight of Gull Rock, a solitary sea-covered mass of conglomerate rock, about one hundred feet long by seventy broad, rising out of the surf and scarcely more than two hundred and fifty yards from “The Breakers,’’ Cornelius Vanderbilt’s palatial summer cottage. As we drew nearer we saw many sin- gles and pairs of the beautiful little Terns, fishing in the eddies or skim- ming by within easy gun shot, and when we were about two hundred yards distant from the nesting site, they rose, en masse—about two hundred in all— and kept up a continual ery of alarm as long as we remained about the rock. Upon making a landing we stopped to gaze a moment, before the pilfering began, and to one not accustomed to seeing colonies of nests, it was a pretty sight. The part of the rock which is sometimes flooded by high tides is avoided by the Terns, and the eggs are all laid in an area of about thirty feet square. ‘T’wenty sets were visible from one point. The sets contained two or three eggs each and one prolific house- 50 THE OOLOGIST. keeper favored us with the very rare set of four eggs. The eggs were laid, some on the bare rocks, in a little nat- ural hollow, others on a few bits of broken stone (not pebbles) which were shaped into a nest, and others still, had a rude nest made of a rank grass that grew very sparsely out of crevasses in the rock. On blowing the eggs we noticed that wherever there was a grass nest, the eggs were well along in incu- bation. Whether this was caused by the first layer’s getting most of the loose grass, or whether it was placed there by the birds after incubation had _ be- gun, we do not venture to say, but we incline to the former, us some of the eggs taken from the bare rock showed incubation of from seven to fourteen days. The ground color of the eggs varies from pale green to olive and from light to very dark brown, spotted and blotched with various shades of brown, blackish lilac and olive. The eggs of the same set often show great variation of color and marking, but have a nearly uniform size and shape. In the set of four mentioned above all are small, and all have a ground color of brown, no two of the same shade, spotted and blotched with shades of brown and lilac. The smallest egg of this set, which is almost arunt, has the darkest brown ground color of any egg of this species in our cabinet. Another set of two has a very odd egg. The ground color which was of the palest green, has faded almost to white, and it is marked very sparingly with large blotches of blackish brown, giving it very much the appearance of an egg of the Black Skimmer. The other egg of the set is of normal color and marking. We collected in all seventy-five eggs; nineteen sets of three, seven Sets of two and one set of four. We carefully marked and rolled each set, as soon as taken, and so had no broken or mixed eggs to sorrow over when we reached home. After dinner at J. C’s. we donned hip-boots and waded among the reeds whien border a fresh pond near the beach, in search of the nests of the Long-billed Marsh Wren. After. an hours fruitless wading we were com- pelled to give up, beaten by the Wrens. When we reached the boat to return to Providence, with one voice we agreed to place June 23, as one of the most pleasant of the many days we spent collecting in the season of ’95. JOHN H. FLANAGAN, Providence, R. [. Two Interesting. Birds of Tonawanda Swamp. The American Bittern is another in- teresting bird to anyone who has stud- ied their habits. These birds were quite common here last year, but were a great deal commoner two or three years ago. They arrive about the mid- ple of April, if the season is good, and nest from the first of May to the latter part of June. Every morping long before the sun rises, during their mating and breeding season, one may hear their peculiar cry which sounds like a mallet striking a stako and procures them the name ‘‘stake-drivers” by which they are commonly called. They are very shy, especially in their breeding grounds, where they sit in the tall grass and are seldom seen. Their nests are very hard to find if one does not know how to look for them as I know by experience, but I have spent many unsuccessful and weary hours looking for them before I discovered the secret of finding them. One day as I was walk- ing across a large marsh of about two thousand acres I accidentally came up- on an old Bittern sitting on her nest. As they will not leave their nests until they know you see them and sometimes not then, I was obliged to raise Mrs. THE OOLOGIST. 51 Bittern from her nest, in order to examine it and its contents. The nest, which was placed on the ground and and composed of fine, dry grass, con- tained five eggs of a dark brownish- drab color and about the size of a pul- let’s egg. Upon looking around the nest, [ discovered that the old birds did not fly directly from their nests but would walk from two to ten rods be- fore they would fly away. When they return to them they wiil alight in the grass about the same distance from then: as they do when they fly from them, and then walk to the nest. As they walked though the tall grass I noticed they bent the tops over and in this way I could follow their paths and find their nest. On May i8th, 1893, I and my brother collected eighteen eggs of the American Bittern in one hour, and a short time after we cellected twenty-six in half a day. We have since collected about two hundred of their eggs, finding them all by following the paths of the birds. The eggs vary in Shape and size, some being nearly round, some long and pointed, and some much Jarger than others. The number of eggs in each set varied from three to six, but nearly all contained four or five, although Davie says they usually lay three or four. I have found but very few nests containing three eggs when the full set was laid, and those were generally the second nests of the season. The nests are, as a rule, very slovenly put together, although Ihave seen some very good ones, nicely made and lined. Some are made of dead, dry grass, and I have found some made entirely of golden rod stumps. They are gen- erally flat, being hollowed just enough to keep the eggs from rolling out, well hiddeu, and placed on the ground in the long grass or reeds. They sometimes nest in hay fields, and it isa very common occurrence to find young Bitterns in the field when mowing hay. Some writers claim the Bittern does not nest in colonies, but I have found three or four nests inside a circle of ten rods diameter. They will often set on their nests and let one pass within two feet of them, and if you do not get your eye on them, they will not fly or make any move- ment. They are gluttonous eaters, and being carniverous, live on frogs, fish, erahs, etc., or any smaller animal they can swallow. The young remain in the nest about a week or ten days after hatching, when they are led away by the old birds to some feeding grounds or watering place, or if these are not within reach, they are left to roam about in the grass, at their will, while the old birds seek food for them. I have known old Bitterns to fly several miles to a suitable fishpond or other feeding grounds, in search of food. They will go the same route every day, flying back and forth with frogs or small fish, which they take to tbeir young. They will, with the assistance of the Great Blue Heron, sometimes ex- terminate the small fish from a pond or ereek in this way. J have sometimes hidden in a suitable place and watched the old birds feed their young. When she arrives with her supply of food, the young ones (if large enough to leave the nest) will erowd around her, or if the young ones are still in the nest, the old bird will go to them, and then, with a squawk they will all reach for it, and the one who is quickest in action, or has the longest beak or neck, gets the prize and down itgoes. The young Bitterns are grad- ually left to care for themselves, as they grow older. I have caught young Bitterns and fed them large frogs and fish six inches long, which they swallow with ease. The American Bittern is very hard to discover, for when not hidden in the grass, it places its beak and neck straight into the air, thereby resembling wo astake and often mistaken for such. The American Bittern leaves for the south about the first of September. Dana C. GILLETT, Barre Centre, N. Y. The Feathered Choir. In a beautiful rural landseape it is the birds that give iife and. vigor to the scene; and when the passing breeze brings sweet sounds of harmony to the ear, it comes from those lovely feath- ered choiristers who give animation and beauty to natnre. The Mockingbird is unquestionably the prince and leader of the feathered choir, and for his power of imitation, compass of voice, and brilliancy of exe- cution, has no compeer among all his tribe. I have heard him imitate the voice of many animals, as well as the sounds of instruments and other artificial noises. He is not, however, a mere mimic; he possesses an original talent, and sings, with boldness, richness, grace, and var- iety. The song of the Cuckoo is well known, consisting of a clear, echoing repetition of two notes which closely resemble the syllables hook-koo, whence the bird’s name. When heard at a short distance, on a still summer even- ing, its effect is not unpleasing, and it harmonizes, with the spirit of the scene. The Wood or Song Thrush is a charming songster, frequenting the the most lonely and secluded portions of our forests. They are never seen but in pairs or singly, and oftener heard than seen. The maleis generally discovered on the top of some high tree in the morning, or towards the evening where he pours forth his few, but very sweet notes, making the woods echo with his melody. But of all the birds of our groves and meadows, the Bobolink was the envy of my boyhood. Hecrossed my path in the sweetest weather, and the sweetest THE OOLUGIST. season of the year. But I, luekless ur- chin, was doomed to be mewed up during the livelong day, in that purga- tory of boyhood, a schoolroom. It seemed as if the little varlet mocked at me, as he flew by in full song, and sought to taunt me with his happier lot. Ob how I envied him, no lessons, no task, no hateful school, nothing but holiday, frolic, green fields, and fine weather. Had I been then more versed in poetry, I might have addressed my school chums, in the following words: List, O list to the Rice Bird’s song, Asitpeals through the rice grounds clear and strong; With a Sudden change from high to low, And a rapid throb, as it beats to and fro. Ihave often wondered, that if our song birds could only fly to Heaven’s Gate and there pour out their songs of love, gratitude, and praise,what a great blessing it would be for ornithologists to know that these beautiful denizens of our woods not only sing their songs for our pleasure, but that they sing them to the Creator who made them. There-are many birds who belong to the feathered choir, and if I were to mention them, and tell you all about them, it would fill a voluminous book. I would solicit every boy and girl to be- come a student of nature. It is an in- exhaustible source of pleasure, and af- fords one many a happy moment. WILLIAM M. PALMER, New York City. Clay-colored Sparrow. In the March issue of THE OdLOGIS?, page 21, Mr. Arnold records a nest made of dried grass lined with hair con- taining small blue eggs marked with reddish brown, which he cannot iden- tify. The eggs in question are un- doubtedly those of the Clay-colored Sparrow. This species I have found nesting from Winnipeg right across the contin- eut to the Rocky Mountain foothills. Jt usually builds its nest in the grass at the root of a shrub, but sometimes in a bush as high as two feet: above the ground. ; The eggs are very beautiful and small- er than those of the Chipping Sparrow, of a greenish blue ground color spotted and sometimes streaked at the larger end with reddish brown. W. RAINE, Toronto. THE OOLOGIST. - 07 collection and I was lucky enough to obtain them with several other nice sets from him. Mr. Gilmore had at the time | obtained this set another of five eggs collected in the same locality by a friend in 1888. He also stated that he was positive of the identification as he had on two occasions shot the birds.” Should the“Owen Aggregation’ prove a “howling success” an elaborate an- notated conclusion to this rambling “ointer’’ will undoubtedly be given by Bro. Taylor in an early issue of the Nidiologist. ooo Roy G. Fitch. Roy G. Fitch, aged nineteen years, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Fitch of Grand Rapids, Mich., was killed on the morning of July 18th, in the elevator at the Alma, (Michigan)San- itarium. He had been at that place for five weeks taking treatment for debility following a long attack of malarial fever, which he had last spring. He was much improved in health and was expected home on the night of the date of the accident to remain until August 19, when he intended to enter the Agri- cultural College at Lansing. When the accident occured he was attempting to run the elevator in the momentary absence of the man in charge. He slipped and fellin such a way as to be caught between the cage and the wall. It is thought his injuries were not serious enough to have proved fatal, but that the shock and fright pro- duced heart failure. Roy was a great favorite in his neigh- borhood and with his teachers and classmates. His disposition was gentle and affectionate and his habits were studious. He was a great lover of birds and for several years had made their habits a study. He was vice-president of the Kent Ornithological Society, or- ganized last winter, and he had a large collection of specimens and books that he shared with the club in pursuit of its 4 ¥ studies. A gentleman who has always known him says: ‘‘Had he lived he would have become eminent in the science toward which his tastes seemed to tend.”—A statement of which there is little question would have been more than fulfilled. Through correspondence the ed- itor of the OdLoGeist had known Roy for a number of years, and in the fall of 94, while in atten- dance at the West Michigan Fair at Grand Rapids, formed his personal ac- quaintance. Roy was the Judge of the Natural History department—which was one of the most creditable displays we had ever seen at a State or County fair. He was a frequent contributor to or- nithological publications, and as such, was better known under the nom de plume, ‘‘Amicus Avium.” His most valuavle contribution, which is one of the most valuable and wonderful ever written, on the Spotted Sandpiper and from an ‘‘observation” standpoint, we think we are safe in saying, on any Species, appears in this issue of THE OOLOGIST. The Spotted Sandpiper mss. was sent in September, at which time Roy’s father writes as follows: “My object in writing now is to hand you an article on the Spotted Sand- piper, which Roy completed shortly before going to Alma. I say ‘‘com- pleted,” but that is only in a sense true. He had written the article in full with a pencil. even to the signature at the foot, and had started to copy it with a pen, but had only written a little more than two pages in that manner before leaving home for the last time. I have therefore written out on the typewriter a transcription of the pencilled manu- script, which I hand you. Isend it to you, because Roy has several times mentioned the article to me, and had said that he intended to send it to you when completed,” tii THE OOLOGIST. THE BURROWS BROTHERS CO., Publishers, Booksellers, Stationers, 23, 25, 27 EUCLID AVE. CLEVELAND, ©., Sept. 21, togee Mr. F. H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. DEAR SIR:— We ask your kind attention to an important book on Ornithology, probably the most important book for American collec- tors, ‘‘Audubon’s Birds of America.” The original folio edition com- plete, comprising four hundred and thirty-five plates magnificently colored from life, and each bird, life-size. Also the five volumes of descriptive text accompanying these plates. We have just secured and are offering for sale an unique copy of this grand work. Unique in the following respects—that it is an ab- solutely uncut set throughout, just as issued from the author’s own hands, plate by plate, the set having been carefully wrapped up just as issued and each plate is as fresh and clean as when issued by the author. Only one other set that we have been able to see or hear of, is claimed to be as uncut as this, and in this set the plates have been bound in full morocco, which must have somewhat damaged the part of each plate that is caught in the sewing of the binding. More in- teresting is the present set, as it is one of the two or three sets which the author finished with especial care by his own hands for presen-_ tation to his patrons and those who helped him in the publication of this work. There is only one other set now known to exist with the Turkey plate in the same state as the present, that in the Earl Spen- cer collection. In these two copies the Turkey plate has been height- ened in gold, and extra colored as also are a few other plates extra finised in color. . The volume of the text of the present set bear autograph presen- tation inscription to David Eckley from Audubon. Our price for this set is extremely low for so fine and perfect a copy, being $2,500.00. A much inferior copy, which was bound, and which was not a presentation set was recently sold in New York, for, we understand, $3,000.00. If this set is of interest to you we shall be glad to hear from you at your early convenience. Respectfully, THE BURROWS BROTHERS COMPANY. [As the above letter is of no small amount of interest and thinking that some reader of the OOLOGIS1 might be glad for an opportunity to purchase this extreme- ly rare and valuable set of ‘‘Audubon’s’’ we print the letter in its entirety.—ED. OG6LOGIST, THE OOLOGIST. 53 THE QOOLOGIST. A Mcnthlv Vaeazine Devoted to OOLUGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor aad Publisher, ALBION, N.Y. Corresponience and items of interest to the studeut ot Birds; their Nests and Hggs, solicited from all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: Single subseription................30¢ per annum SN Mey CO DIAS ee 4 SRO RGOE oda aGaCOO ale KOLn The above rates include pa) ment of postage. Hach subscriber is given a card good for a Want, Exchanye or tor Sale Notice. (This card is redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.) Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OOLvErIsy Gan be furnished at reasonable rates. S2nu staup for descrip- tions and prices. t=" Remember that the publisher must be noti- fied by lefter When a Subscrioer wishes his paper stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 5 cen!s per nonpareil line each insertion. 12 lines in every inch. Seveninches in a col- umn, and iwo columos Co the page. Nothing inserted for lSs than 2) cents. No “special rates,” 5 cents per line is ‘‘net,” *‘ruck bottom,” “‘insid2?,” ‘spot cash” rate trom which th2re is no deviation snd n> eommission to agents. If you wish to use 5 lines or less space it will cost you 25 Cents: Luv lines, $5.00; 10U0 lines, $350.00. “Trade” (other thao cash) advertise- ments will be accepted by special arrangement only and atratestrom double to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in advertis- ing will be honored only ai regular rates in force at the date of issuance of said bill or card. Remittances should be nade by Draft, Express or Postoffice Mouey Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Uaustd U.s. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for sums un- der one dallar. Wake Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK H, LATTIN, Aibion, Orleans Co., N. Y. ENTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER. A NATURALIST. The class in nat- ural history being asked the differ- ence between a dog and a tree, the head boy answered: ‘‘A tree is covered with bark, while a dog seems to be lined with it.”—/x. Graphite suitable for making lead pencils is found in almost every country on the globe. Ornithology. In all parts of America no other pub- lication devoted to oélogy and ornith- ology has credit for solage acirculation as is accorded to the O6LOGIST, publish- ed mothly at Albion, N. Y., and the publishers of the ‘“American Newspaper Directory” will guarantee the accuracy of the circulation rating accorded to this paper by a reward of one hundred dollars, payable to the first person who successfully assails it,—Hrom Printers? Ink, issue of May 6th, 1896. ee The Great Blue Heron in Yates(o, N. Y. The Great Blue Heron arrives here in the latter part of March sometimes as early as the 25th but usually about the 30th The first contingent generally cousists of six to ten birds, while others come straggling either alone or in pairs. They remain here about two weeks, fishing along the shore of lake and ad- acent marshes, when they leave for their rookery a few miles north. It was my pleasure to first discover this rookery May 6, 1894—in company with my friend, Verdi Burteh. We had heard that ‘‘Cranes’”’ nested at this place, therefore we determined to visit the rookery at our first opportunity. Alter a spin of nine miles we arrived near the swamp and putting our wheels iu a barn, we started for the marsh. It is situated in a valley run- ning north and south, is 12 miles long and about 2 in width. It has never been cleared off and con- sequently is grown up with large tim- ber, mostly ash. But in portions there are tall pines, also large areas covered with dense tamaracks where trees have fallen in every direction, which with the tangled vegetation, etc., makes it almost»impenetrable. It was not an ideal day such as an oologist likes to have for it commenced to rain and kept on raining all day. As we neared the swamp we noticed a tree which towered above all others, and in it were five bulky nests offthe Great 54 THE OOLOGIST. Blue Heron. But as it was on the east side of the swamp, and we on the west we decided to explore the swamp for- est a few miles north and return via the rookery. But for various reasons (bet- ter explained by Verdi) we failed to connect, for after an hour’s compara- tively easy tramp, we came to the edge of the tamaracks. Just the place for Sharp-shinned Hawks, thought I, while my companion scrambled over fallen trees and tangled vines, with every sense on the alert looking for some- thing rare. I want to say right here that the rarest thing we saw was birds nests. We spent nearly two hours jumping logs, etc., and another hour trying to get out, also expressing our opinion as to what we wouldn’t do again when we did get out. At last we came to a deep muddy cieek which ran through the swamp and in order to vis- it the Herons’ rookery we had to cross it. ‘The water was icy so wading was out of the question. However we soon found a small barkless tree, which had fallen across the creek. I had nearly across reached the opposite bank when V. started to walk over. When nearly across his feet suddenly parted letting him down straddle the tree, both legs dangling in the water which so disturb- ed my equilibrium that I did likewise. However we soon slid over and now for that rookery, says’ V. Another hard tramp and we came to the edge of the swamp. We were obliged to climba tree to get our bearings. The rookery loomed up half a mile away so we headed directly for it. But after enter- ing the dense swamp forest we again " went astray, and no rookery could we fied. So asit began to rain harder we started for the bicycles. But we were not out of the wilderness yet, and l finally climbed a tree which gave me a view of the hills. I informed Verdi that if we kept on as we were going we would get out by walking 10 miles or so. ‘But which way do we want to * go?” shouted Verdi. ‘To the left,” was my reply and that’s about the last q I saw of him until we reached terra fir- ma. Wet and fatigued, we started — home with only a set of Song Sparrow as a memento of our trip.- However, as the week and my fatigue i passed away I decided to make another © attempt. As May 13 dawned bright — and clear I bestrode my wheel and ~ started. Arriving at the swamp I lo- cated the tree with five nests and by — keeping the sun over my right shoulder — I had no difliculty in reaching the rook- — ery. But what a contrast! A week — ago it was dark and gloomy, now the — sunshine penetrated every nook, and [ — could hear the scream of Red-tail — Hawks in the distance. Blue Jay’s © shrill ery could be heard, while count-— less Warblers and Vireos filled the air with melody. Reaching the tree with five nests I soon had my climbers on, noticing meanwhile that the tree was about three feet in diameter, limbless to the nests which were up about 70 feet As _ I neared the nests the sitting Herons © flew off while the whole tribe made the woods ring with their coarse ‘“‘grrah,” ; Three of the nests contained sets of five eggs, one set of six, and one of seven | eggs which is an unusual large set As7 one of the eggs was a runt I believe the § clutch was laid by one bird. There were about 30 nests, all in high ash} trees and composed solely of large and® small sticks, except in one instance; there was a lining of some straw. Five eggs was the average per set, six not — unusual and only one set of four. In-% cubation advanced, and I should judge that the Herons began laying the last) week of April. fe The Great Blue Herons obtain most of © their food in the creek and marshes near the rookery. But their supply © seems to get short, for as the young be- gin to mature and demand more food the Herons begin to visit both Canan- daigua and Keuka Lake, a distance of © eight miles. C. F. Stone, THE OOLOGIST. v New Edition for ’96 now ready. Lattin’s Standard Catalogue of N. Am. Binds Bggs, Enlarged, revised, corrected and brought up to date of going to press. Giving all of the new A. O. U. changes and additions. Also divided and sub-divided into orders, sub-orders, families, and sub- families. Values are based on the 1893 ones which were determined by the compiler, from invaluable notes, suggestions and assistance from Major Chas. E. Bendire, J. Parker Norris, Esq., and the late Captain B. F. Goss. In addition to these notes, which have been carefully reworked, the compiler has had suggestions from over ForRTY LEADING AMERICAN OOLOGISTS, all of which have been Single Copy, 12c; 2, 20c; 6, 50c; 15, $1, postpaid. An extra copy will be mailed every purchaser gratis in which they can muke vaeic i teal val 13s. FRANK H.LATTIN,Publisher, % ALBION,N. Y. vi THE OOLOGIST. BABBITT’S SAFETY EGG DRILL. POINTS. They will not crack or chip the most delicate egg, yet they will drill as fast as the fastest. The burr is twice as long as any drill on thesmarket, much jimer and cuts both ways. A great improvement over the ordinary drillis a ‘‘back action” | thread cut in the handle which prevents the hand from shipping. ‘That slipping was a great annoyauce to all collectors, but it has been overcome in these drills. ‘I. If the drill slips through the hole while drilling it can be removed without breaking | the egg; this is an impossibility with other makes. As we furnish an illustration | above of this drill you can plainly see why it is so much better than the old. No. 1, 3-32 $ .15 Postpaid. No. 3, 6-32 $ .28 Postpaid. Open eoe .20 ff fone ALSO B35) es Manufactured and for sale by, JAMES P, BABBITT, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in TAXIDERMISTs’ SUPPLIES, SKINS, EaGs, ETC., 10 & 12 Hodges’ Ave., | Taunton, Mass. | POPULAR SCIENCE News, _ Invention, Chemistry, Electricity, Botany, Nature, K PBI eh CD GE Medicine, Hygiene, Health, Formerly, BOSTON JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, and now including Popular Science News, Field and Scool Naturalist, Health and Home, Health Helper, American | Analyst, Minerals, Young Scientist, Industrial Monthly, Technologist, Geograph- | ical Magazine, Home Arts, Archeologist, Youth’s Jourual, Hall’s Journal of Health, | Dr. Foote’s Health Monthly, etc. Four Interesting Papers in One and containing a large number of short, | easy practical, interesting and popular articles, that can be appreciated and en- joyed by any intelligent reader, even thouzh he knew little or noting of science. Profusely Illustrated and Free from Technicalities. The only journal in the country of special interest to chronic invalids, its Medi-| cine, hygiene and health departments being prepared especially for them. Read} largely by the better classes of intelligent bankers, clergymen, lawyers, manu- facturers, chemists, railway oflicials, physicians, dentists, photographers, profess-| ors, teachers and people of wealth, culture and leisure generally. 1 POPULAR SCIENCE News has for thirty years been a very successful journal, and its Quarter Million Readers are amongst the best and most influential people. Largest Circulation of any Scientfic Paper in the World. SINGLE COPIES 10c. Published Monthly by BENJ. LILLARD, 19 Liberty St., N. Y.! ~ | THE OOLOGIST. a For Only $1. 00. Vii I will send the OOLOGIST one year, and make you a present of 32, 00 worth of eggs or skins, your Selection from the species below—providing you will enclose 10 cents additional to cover mailing a expenses. “ This offer is good; until June 25th, only. Address at once, FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. BIRDS EGGS. SOnpyS Pawo Wess esses eae 03|/Horned Lark.. aurea) Heermann’s Song Sparrow. 08|Prairie Horned Lark... ..... 50 Pied-billed Grebe. _$ 19\Samuel’s Song Sparrow ...... (OOM 35 Great Black-backed Gull . 5o|Powhee -...-. 1O\COW bird.” <5 soe a 35 American Herring Gull... goindigo Bunting -.................. 08/Red-winged Blackbird... ..... 35 mhorster’s Tern... 2... jo|Louisiana Tanager ........ ...... 75\Meadowilark teen Oe 2D meommon Tern .....5...... ggsiSummer Tanager... 25(Purple @rackieme sie 50 Least Tern og|Purple Martin. ._.................. 12/Bronzed Grackle 50 ‘Black Tern 10|@RMbRS wail Wyse nee O3|Burple iyinchaeeeseen sein 35 Black Skimmer...... ............... 19|Barn Swallow 0 |American Goldfinch. 35 DISC Wee ee 40|\Cedar Waxwing. 10/Lapland Longspur... 60 - GT [GUIURTSY TUT OSes ete 95|Phainopepla,._..__.... Be ee eae 5|Vesper Sparrow (2.0... 95 Snowy Heron... 15|¥ellow-throated Vireo... 25)Savanna Sparrow ......... .......- 25 ‘Louisiana Heron ....... .......... 10|White-eyed Vireo... ............. 15|White-throated Sparrow .._... 25 Little Blue Heron Se 10a StaVane Ot ee ee eee 35|Chipping Sparrow..._ ........... 25 freen weleron jQ|Ovenbird.. 20/Field Sparrow................ 5 Yellow-crowned Night Heron 20|Louisiana Water-Thrush 35/Slate-colored Junco.....___ 25 }0|Catbird can (WOOD. "American Avocet:......... ...-..... Bartramian Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper...... See 12|Yellow-breasted Chat 08 5)\Sennett’s Thrasher... _.. 95|Palmer’s Thrasher.........-...... 15|Californian Thrasher...... ...... 09 SOng Sparrow es 25 20/Summer Tanager A ee sea a Ae 02iSwamp Sparrow .... ........... 3d PsN OSTHOXIS PALL O Ween eee) Rees: 10/Towhee .. oe Sey cua eee LD) 3o\Indigo Bunting. Sota aha 3) () -Gambel’s Partridge............... 95|\Carolina Wren... -.............. LO; Tree Swallows ney Willow Ptarmigan ...... ........ 1 12) Bohemian Waxwing BoE Caer 1 25 Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse. 50 l 10/Red- eyed Vireo... sees 5) ule Munkey. 1 25|Long-billed Marsh Wren ____.. 05| Yellow-throated Vireo... 35 Cooper’s Hawk . 9;|Californian Bush-Tit..________._ 15|Blue-headed Vireo. Hee American Sparrow Hawk... 25|Wood Thrush... 06] White-eyed Vireo. MEST Groove-billed Ani.................. 75)American Robin_.................-.. 03 Black and White Warpler... 35 Belted Kingfisher.................. 2K Barullay \Warblerseseete= eee 35 Benet Pcopecker. 35 BIRDS SKINS. Mellow: Warblers semen 35 Flicker... bes Be (03 Beastraitbern ese eee 1 50/Myrtle Warbler_....... ........ _.. 3D Kingbird. Bice soe ee 03|Green Heron __{ 25|Chestnut-sided Warbler _....... 39 Berens ManobinG <0. 25 KeimesRaiee se 150 Black-poll Winblers = eon Crested Flycatcher. ae a aoe 12/|American Woodcock.........._- 1 50) Yellow-throated Warbler...... 60 12 103 IDO caesar 04)Wilson’s Snipe. ...... 0... q5| Ene. War bl ieee eee 35 Wood Pewee... we--------. 12/Greater Yellow-legs............... 1 25)Yellow Palm Warbler 35 Western Flycatcher J) sae . 15\Solitary Sandpiper ............ 7 Ovenbird Wee a ey 39 -Traill’s a canener ees Ses 15|Bartramian Sandpiper........... 1 25|\Water-Thrush 2 Ue 35 Blue Jay.. o--ee-e- --------.- 04S potted Sandpiper... | 40| Maryland Yellow-throat ...... 35 "American Crow... ........-.- OBIE rmee ee cena 75|Hooded Warbler..........-. eee: aan OD) Swart Cow bird.--.:...2....:....... 10|Bobswihitem See es 1 00/American Redstart... == 30) _Red-winged Blackbird ........ . 02/Mountain Partridge _. _.....1 50 American Pipit........ ..... 39 -Tricolored Blackbird:...... ..... 15|Desert Partridge................... 1 50/Brown Creeper.. sen) BD Meadowlark... au 10\Coopersstriaw enna aero 1 00|White-breasted Nuthatch ..... 35 Western Meadowlark... 10/American Sparrow Hawk... 1 25/Red-breasted Nuthatch ........ 35 Baltimore Oriole... Sie: 5 OIG erecehe® wilteese =e es ees 1 25|Ruby-crowned Kinglet......._._ 50 - Purple Grackle:...........-........ . 0ds/Downy Woodpecker ePiirs 2s 35|Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.______ Rb Bronzed Grackle é 05)Yellow-bellied Sapsucker __. 45 | Wil SON? SUD hiss lessees eee 30 Vesper Sparrow..................... Os|Niehthawiea a 75\Hermit Thrush . See Seo fharp-tailed Spat TOW [eee 25/Ruby-thr’ted Hummingbird_1 00|/American Robinessese ame 35 Seaside Sparrow. See. SOROS e meee ae re ne ener 35|Varied Thrush. ____________ 1800 Held Sparrows -.----.---.-.-...-: 03 Wood Pewee... 35 Call fornia Curiosities Mounted Tarantulas, Horned ‘Toads, Scor- pions, Trap- door Spi- g ders, 5 Specimen Collec- tions, Yucca Pincush- ions, &c, &e. Just the goods for Curio and Shell Dealers to handle. Best work and lowest prices. Send for Wholesale Illustrated Price List. G. W. TUTTLE, Pasadena, Calif. N6t 10 DAY TO AGENTS! Anyone who wants to get rich and who has a little enterprise cansecure $10 a day in the Dish Washer business. It is ieomiee now. Everybody wants a Climax nowadays. One agent cleared $20 every day for a year; a good chance; best DishWasher made; no soliciting; Dish Washers sold at home; a permanent position in town, city or country. One million to be sold. A wide awake hustler can clear $15 to $20 a day easy; washes and dries in two minutes. Climax Mfg. Co., 50% Starr Avenue, Columbus, O. Ripans Tabules cure dizziness. Ripans Tabules: at druggists. Ripans Tabules cure headache. Vili American Taxidermy, A Series of 160 Bhotgraphs, Animals, Birds, Heads. Etc. Of great interest to Sportsmen, Taxidermists and Naturalists. List now ready. Specials: Ridgeway’s Manual, revised edition. Davie’s Taxidermy, Hornaday’s Taxidermy, Collecting Tube, Pistol Gun, Stuffed Birds for School Collections, Naturalists Supplies. FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO., Hyde Park, Mass. PRINTIN Of all kinds for Naturalists a speciality. Note and letter heads, envelopes, circulars, illustrated cata- logues for natural history dealers. Have hnun- dreds of engravings of natural history speci- mens. Write for estimates. 100 envelopes print- ed, 45c. noteheads same price, postpaid. C.F, CARR, Job Printer, New London, Wis. tf Ripans Tabules cure nausea. Ripans Tabules: one gives relief. Ripans Tabules. SKIN LABELS LIKE THIS Your name & the place printed here. LEN WING ST’CH IRIS BEAK TAR'S A.O.U DATE é @ Printed on card board, punched holes; sent postpaid, 100, 25e; 500, $1. Egg datas with your name and address printed thereon, 24 and 35¢ per 10). Our specialty is data and label print- ing, but we have excellent facilities for all kinds of job work. THOS. H. BLODG!:TT, Galesburg, 111. Oe i Hig ov eh D i Mi S C = : . . yi dee 5 COLLECTIONS 50 Typical Rocks, 100 Im- portant Minerals,50 Repre- sentative Fossils, _all classified to illustrate Dana’s Mineralogy and Geology; delivered freight paid, at low prices in sizes for school cabinets, teachers or students. Dana’s latest work. Minerals and How to Study Them,” for 1.30 postpaid. Catalogue and prices for stamp. 100,000 speci- mens. ll years in thistrade. L. W. STIL- WELL, Mineralogist, Deadwood, S. D. PHOTOGRAPHIC GOODS Of All Kinds. Developing and Printing, etc. Catalogue and Price List free. CHARLES FOWLER, Princetown, N. Y. THE OOLOGIST. FREE EDUCATION. An education at Harvard, Yale or any other college or instution of learning in the United States, or in the New England Conservatory of Music, can be secured by any young man or wo- man who isin earnest. Write for particulars quickly. JAMES D. BALL, 36 Bromfield St., Boston, Mass. Send 15c stampsand you will receive my | new Normal Catalogue of all European- palwarctic bird eggs, in over 600 numbers, with prices and number of sets for each species. Send $5 bill by registered letter and ' you will receive, by return steamer, a fine col- | lection of European Birds Eggs, in- cluding Falco tinnunculus, etc., etc. HERMANN ROLLE, INSTITUTION FOR NATURAL HISTORY Emdener-Str. 4, Berlin, N. W., Germany. TAXIBERMISTS’ GUNS, ‘ctns, Pistols, Gun Cases, Shooting Shot Shells; also sc SPECIMEN HUNTERS. tridges for All Kinds, all prices from $1.00 to $25.00. List free. Write for Taxidermists free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA- FRANK B. ARMSTRONG, TAXIDERMIST, and Collector and Dealer in Bird and Mammal Skins, Birds Eggs in fine sets, Mounted Birds and Animals. BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS. WuShotGuns as Revolvers. oO. — : pitiee ) A: =< : Sy, te. 05. = a) oF for Price List. @ua NETS, TENTS, and S E N E 5 SPORTING GOODS. Every description of Guns, R2volvers, Ammu- nition and Sporting Goods at very lowest pric- es. We have something of interest to you. H. H. & €. S. BRIMEEN. COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists. MINERALS SHELLS, etc. ‘The White City Collections. 50 fine cabi- net specimens, $3. 50 smaller size, $2. 50 ama- teur size, $1. Printed name and locality with each specimen. 50 Shells, Corals, and Marine Specimens, only $3. 100 Fossils, including fine Fish, Trilobite, Crinoids, Corals, Sponges, Pocket i ; Es 2 4 2 4 4 Bic A Re SO A ie ae it io as SP a aS Awd seh ee several fine Ferns, ete., only $8. A great varie- ty Unios with one valve highly published from 35¢c to $1, very showy. ‘Taxidermy in all its | branches at reasonable prices. catalogue by mail, 10c. J.M.WIERS, Natural- ists Agency, 357 W. VanBuren St., Chicago, Ill. Ripans Tabules cure dyspepsia. Illustrated — THE OOLOGIST ix Not a Fire or Removal Sale! i IT need space and am going to sell at a sacrifice to reduce my stock and make room. All the _ goods are first class in every respect. Send money in moSt convenient wav. All items marked ‘‘mail” go PREPAID at prices quoted if your order amounts to 50 cents or over. Under 50 cents, 5 cents extra. ‘Those marked “express” go at purchasers expense. Everything properly labelled and carefully packed. Address plainly ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. ‘ ae vy; INSTRUMENTS and SUPPLIES. Same lageers .. .-. eI 25 3 AMmet hy Stee. Ta 49 6 ce Reg. Spec Or eee Seeoctacdaon Ee aaaaes be 25 8 : price. price Amazon stone........... 15 7 _ Bye instrument for taxidermists a polished = Na 6 very handy in inserting glass - Richi ee 3D zl k eyes, bymail _.. TSN RAS cea gta Sa 15 3 " 2in-scissor-handled stuffer, by mail 175 1 38 Aarts 15 4 “Quart jar arsenical soap, ready to zs The ee eee aaa a 5 apply, express IS PSIG PERCE SSRI SESSA RCO 25255 85 1) Wallastonite.. 10 ‘Large cake arsenical soap, dry, ex- WEE ESIEG 4 TS LSS oc SS 2 1 00 80 earl uu Bes oe scecveeteeo MY 4 _ Box of bird lime, best imported, by ‘ Benya SSG A ee 10 g mail . 5 32 és 7° SA eae rarsic as tte - Artificial fern leaves, large, by mail a Chale domed 004 ie i [OTR CNOA TS eee Ec 6) i pa GaAs CE (Re RRR : : Artificial leaves, medium sizes as- pas SGA sGure ae blue ae sorted, by mail per doz... ......... 15 OF Copper vitn calcite i oe Peer Lichens, per package by mail SBD a came coipestone... aaa iG 6 Grasses, per bunch. by mail. a 20 1G Caen NRRL oe2 ia. ie ere 9) iL Cherry Blands (Hawk size), express », Calcite stalactites. fine greenish form (by mail 10¢ extra) BRee ro aon 2a) se ase 45 32 from copper mines 15 8 Flat decorated stands for game and Ditrenitcies eee 15 9 Sameer reieeegoiyeni ais etna 30) a ups oure |. eee 1B 6 4in. nickel plated caliper, marked (jee Brae in Shi lis 21) Sk aaa 2) 9 in mm. and 20ths, without screw, Gequerite 1%4x2 ee 95 9 by mail. - ee 1200 78 ‘| Tao Say >i, aera = r _ 6 in. steel rule marked in mm. and near RUS He eet Fe SouVesa 2 4 i00ths, by mail 100 “4 Maenesite, Greece, 145x2in.. 20 9 Catapult gun with rubber, for killing ‘ Quartz crystals on rock, 144x2 a5 YW small ‘birds by mail.. 15 11 Rubellite: 2x0in MR cose 35 16 10 in. brass blowpipe, state whether - Srila? AN OO MORRO An 20) 10 you wish it for eggs or minerals, Gunalarite Aine 1x14 in Oe eee 15 7 by x 7 by) ©: Wn 0 a oa koro ‘ Same Bin. 8) ge (Native tin ore, iatin Hand blower complete, for oologists Mazon RACE Colit coed NREGe: eee nd, by mall. cee the fossil, 2 to 4 in. in length .....50, 75 23, 31 4 sect powder, or destroying : HOSSIIMGATaseTiES last. 134:torH 95°75 17. 27 dermestes: by mail - 25 4 ossil leaves, like last, 13g to 3 in__..385, 75 17, 2 = The “Little Gem” collection of semi- Folding butterfly net, the handiest . precious stones. It consists of ever made, by mail........ 160 1.42 the following, all polished and Cyanide cans. for cing insects, ex: TASECGL, GS RIGHION: Sard (GES 3 oreo. ae ploodstone, cat’s-eye, tiger : z , cat’s-eye, tiger eye, Geologists hammer, express. ale : gold-stone,lapis-lazulisard onyx Best steel, 1 1b, by mail: 20c extra... 1 00 76 coral-agate, dendritic-agate,- oe uss DR, Sx = 49 : > | Vee ae pee es : Ee 1 eB MOSS agate, niccoli, chalcedony. 4 ay aoe & 456 475 1097 2 var. each; carnelian and wood 14 in. Prolestoge with brass tr immings poses oie Diack @ al ee 2 45 Wm Is Tay ? eee cases, by mail... m9 1% amounting at regular retail price t bo tle of peuning liquor, by Se to $1 50. I will send you the whole 9 Gris. THE OOLOGIST. Ve are now able to supply Collectors with many RARE 4 Species of BIRDS and MAMMALS from Northern and — Arctic America, in fresh or carefully prepared Skins. Medal in Taxidermy Awarded for this Exhibit at World’s Fair, Chicago, 1893 to Oliver Spanner & Co., Toronto, Canada. ~— TAXIDERMY IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. Our Specialty: NORTHERN OWLS. Correspondence Solicited. ‘ OLIVER SPANNER & Co., 358 YONGE ST., TORONTO, CANADA. — THE OOLOGIST. FOR THE STUDENT OF BIRDS, THEIR NESTS AND EGGS. VOLUME XIV. ALBION, N. Y.: FRANK H. LATTIN, PUBLISHER. 1897. | PRINTER A ea Pet tee # a =r % M. EDD: ND BINDER teeta rca INDRX TO maCollectors Diary... .scceeees. «oes 49 A Day with the Raptores............ 42 PenMshiie TOUCH... 2s mam eile =! « 84 Alaska ‘‘for a Big Time,” In....... 20 Alberta, The First of June in........ 23 An Early Morning in Southern Ohio.65 A Prolific Goldfinch in Captivity..... 88 A Valued Suggestion................ 26 “BORD lite] oh ae ae cocoa em aee 78 Bendire, Major Chas.E........... 36, 37 Blower, A Novel Egg............... 62 bird Day, Observe... ...<6s0gsk oles 43 Bird Lists and Bird Songs ........ 2-89 Bird Skins, A Hint or Two.......... 73 Bird Nesting Suggestions............ 80 Birds Nests for a Collection, Mounting 84 Birds of a Louisiana Marsh, Three. ..75 Birds of My Window Tree, The. Brees 83 Birds, The Return of the...... :..... 80 Bittern, Nesting Habits of the Ameri- Ee US ee 81 Bobolink in Literary Fields and F age of Grass and Clover, The.......... Breeding of the Mourning Warbler. ioe California Birds, Notes on a Few AOPEMOBMRIS psec. .s's: dapetetcetere cas s,s 67 Canvas-back, Nesting of the......... 64 Captive, My Transient.............. 63 Wardinalis cardinalis.. 5.0.0 02.0.4 20. 93 Chicago Parks, The White-rumped PSA] TY Be eee lh re ee 74 Chimney-swift, Nests of............. 72 Climbers, A Substitute for........... 58 Bollector. Phe Keg... . 2k os 3: 60 Collecting Contrivance, A........... 52 MeNCChINe eMaALly...... 0 cise ee cee =e 28 Collecting Eggs of Scarlet Tanger. . .52 Collecting Ladle, A............... 103 Colony of Woodpeckers, UN SES ate aitag 13 Contopus Virens, Persevering Nest- TO OLS SA eRe cb boc od On oelernss 92 Wow indus, Korced).. 22a. see bes co 96 WarnrercloneeAs. ..%).s’s ethernet oo. 41 @rane, The Sand-hill.. 2... 5 22.6.3... 33 Crossbill in Maine, Nesting of the... .94 TD SLTRIER IS (G1 RS 6 Cul Arcee ay 78 Diary, Ac@ollectors ... wes 49 ee eA OOUple OL...:. ‘Chiastolite... =: ecg «toepiem ieee aaa eee 10 BPM Olih'>:anpABAeD co! Cackioos cohedosecscold casa cc: 06 38 Crinoidal Limestonern.., 1 0seeeeieeee 04 39 Bournite........ PUR APRONS Goon code 03 4(0) Ubibhipkoogo soc Be ee an esas Mona Gor limos Ir 41 Celestite. ..o8 21S ass ieee eeieneereeeeee 06 42> Quartz Crystal sistent teeters 08 43) eldspar .5. c2e hemes ciate ieee 04 44°, Trabradorite 2 tisse cick. aeiciicc lee eee 06 457) EXpidotes...ci44ciateetee setere eee aie eee 05 46 (Chaleedony, in Zine-.eje-scnetae te eee 06 These specimens average 1x1 in. Any of them except Nos. 1], 4, 8, 15, can be furnished, at double the price given, in size 2x2in. I will send the entire lot prepaid for only $1.23 and include a fine Quartz Crystal j7ee. BOOKS. : Jordan’s Manual of the Vertebrates ($2.50)_32 25 Hyatt’s Insects, 13 plates, 223 figures ($1.25) 80 Maynard's Butterflies of E. North Am., 80 pages, 10 full page 10x13 in., plates with colored figures of about 100 ‘species (37.50) 5 50 Raines’ Bird Nesting in N. W.Canada, (62.00) 1 35 Ridgeway’s Manual of N. Am. Birds, leath- Ori(Si2D0) ia fe eee 4 Well’s Natural Philosophy, (xo) cuts, cost BL 2B) ee 0) eR ole 60 Well’s Principles of Geology (illus., cost $1) 65 Canadian Fossils, Crinoids, 15 figures and 10 full page plates illustrating 40 species, (COSt BL.25) Lie. 2 a ee 5D Canadian Fossils, Trenton group of Lower : Silurian, 10 plates illustrating 26 species, (cost $l)... 45 Canadian Fossils, Cystidea and Starfish,11 plates and 25 independent figures, illus- trating 34 species (cost $1.50)... -........ 65 Canadian Fossils, Graptolites, 23 plates and 30 figures, illustrating 66 Species, (cost $2) 1 00 This, entire lot, postpaid, for only $2.50. United States Geographical Surveys west of the 100th Meridian (Wheeler) ............. Palaeontology, 586 pages text and 83 full page plates; contains report of vertebrate fossils of the Southwest with figures ($5) 3 U.S. Geological Survey of Colorado, (Hay- den) 38 plates, 5maps and 45 cuts and en- gravings 496 pages text(52.50)__. Dh s. Geological Survey of Idaho and Wyo- ming, (Hayden) 88 plates, 710 pages text, (BBI5O) 2c iP 8 NE Sree 1 55 Palasontogy of New York. 4th dist. (Jas. Hall) 70plates and 170 cuts, maps, etc. ,664 pages text, (85) 2 eee 2 65 Stamps not taken in amounts of over 35c. All orders over 50c prepaid at these prices. Under 50ce, 5c extra for postage and packing. vt UL 1 32 ERNEST H. SHORT, ALBION, N. Y. ee THE OOLOcIST. VOL. XIV. NO. 2. Notes on the Virginia and Sora Rails. These interesting water birds are very common summer residents of Tona- wanda Swamp, wherever there is.a _ wet marsh, or any other place that is covered with water, in which coarse grass, sedges, or cat-tails are growing. Both the Virginia and Sora Rails ar- rive here at the same time—about the middle of April and nest side by side in some marsh or swamp. The Virginia Rail generally begins to_ _nest abouta week earlier than the Sora.” The Virginia Rail commences to nest about the first of May—as soon as the | grass in the swamps gets tall enough for them to hide their nests in it, and nests until the middle of June. The Virginia Rail generally chooses a thick bunch of long marsh grass as a nesting place, but I have found many in small bushes, and a few at the ‘base of small saplings. | When the nest is placed in a bunch of grass, the birds will build it up about _six or eight inches from the water, and _ thencarefully draw together the tops of the grass overhanging the nest and make a sort of bower, which conceals the nest and makes it exceedingly hard to discover. | _ On the 2ist of May, 1894, I visited a favorite breeding place of this Rail, which was a very wet and swampy place, the water being from six inches to two feet deep, much of it being cov- ered with moss and small aquatic plants. It was full of mire-holes, and IT would often get in up to the waist. _ Long marsh, grass, cat-tails, reeds, f sedges and thick clumps of bushes, cov- ered the water in most places. I staid with the Rails about an hour anda half, and when I started for home Thad three quarts of solid Rails eggs. ALBION, N. Y., FEBRUARY, 1897. WHOLE No. 129: of both the Virginia and Sora. I could have collected many more, but I did not take any sets that were not com- plete, or any that were badly incubated. Most of the Virginia Rail’s nests were placed in large bunches of grass, but some were placed in low bushes and one or two were situated on stumps. They were nearly all well hidden, being covered over with long grass. They _Wwere composed of fine grassand reeds, ‘some green and some dry, the nest being hollowed just enough to keep the eggs from rolling out. I have often visited the Rails since: and have taken many sets of their eggs, and examined hundreds that I did not ‘take. lastthree years at least two thousand I think I have seen within the eggs of the Virginia and Sora Rails. They were, however, not nearly as com- mon last year as they were the year be- fore, and I find they change their nest- ing places when disturbed. The Vir- ginia Rail is more common than the. Sora in this locality. The eggs of the Virginia Rail in each ‘set varies from seven to thirteen, but the number commonly laid is ten or eleven.. ‘They vary greatly in size, col- or, Shape, and markings. My brother -and I now have two hundred eggs of the Virginia Rail in our collection, out. of which twenty-five selected specimens. measure 1.24 in. long by .93 in. broad. Some are nearly round, while others are long and pointed. I have some eggs of the Virginia Rail on which the ground color is nearly pure white, hay- ing but very few spots on them, the spots being very small, and hardly any two alike in color, being dark brown, light brown, lilac, purple and many other colocs. 1 have other sets on which the ground color is a very dark -eream, almost brown, and covered with 22 THE OOLOGIST heavy blotches of dark brown, purple, etc. The Virginia Rail is not a shy bird, and I have often caught them on their nests. I have sometimes found nests on which the birds were sitting, and the old bird refused to leave the nest, and I was obliged to remove her. She would tly a few rods from me, drop down into the grass, and turn and run up within a few feet from me, and then disappear again in the grass, uttering sharp cries as sheran. She would keep repeating these strange actions until I would leave the nest. lilac, The Sora Rail breeds side by side with the Virginia, choosing the same low wet marshes or bog holes. The Sora builds its nest in very much the same manner as does the Virginia Rail. The Sora is unlike the Virginia in actions, the latter being tame and the former shy. The Sora lays from seven to seven- teen eggs, and I have one set in my col- lection that contains twenty-two. I found and collected this set myself, and know that no person placed any extra eggs in the nest. Some people believe two birds oc- cupy the same nest when large sets are found but I think this is not true. I also think the whole set was laid by the same bird. It has always been a wonder to me how such a small bird as the Sora could — lay sixteen or seventeen eggs in one set. I have found many sets contain- ing sixteen, and a few containing seven- teen eggs. By examining thirty-five or forty complete sets, I have found the number commonly laid is thirteen. The Sora is very shy around its nest- ing place. If anyone approaches its nest the bird will quietly vacate it and slip off into the grass. Although I have found hundreds of nests of this bird which contained eggs, I have seen but very few birds sitting on their nests. The eggs of the Sora, like those of the Virginia Rail, vary greatly in size, shape, and markings. Out of two hundred eggs of this Rail in our collection, twenty-five selected specimens average in measurement 1.23 by .87 inches. : I have three eggs of the Sora that are almost spotless, having one or two large blotches about one-third of an inch square on their surface, and also a few small dots besides. They were all in the same set, which contained twelve eggs, but all but these three were des- troyed by snakes or some other foe, as the shells were in the nest. The ground color of the eggs of the Sora varies from a very dark cream ‘to a light brown, the markings being of a dark brown, purple, lavender or red- dish color. Nearly all the Soras and alee some Virginia Rails, begin setting as soon as they lay the first egg, and continue to lay and incubate their eggs at the same time. As the Sora lays a large number of eggs it is almost impossible to find a large set that does not contain some badly incubated eggs, @lthough the set of twenty-two I found contained only four or tive eggs in which incubation was far advanced. The young of the Virginia and st Rails leave the nest as soon as hatched. These little Rails are very pretty, being covered with jet black down, and they are also very lively. ‘They are good swimmers and it is a very hard matter to catch them, as they will hide in the grass, or swim off in the water. I have captured many of these little Rails, and taken themto my home. They will eat worms, flies, or any insect they can swallow, and seem perfectly contented during captivity. I have never kept them long, however, not more than two days, when I would take them back and leave them near the nest where the old birds could find them. ‘I'he heavy rains during the spring’ of 1894 flooded the swamps, and I found THE OOLOGIST. 23 hundreds of incubated Rails eggs float- -ing on the water, as it rose so rapidly -the Rails could not get time to raise their nests. As soon as the water begins to rise in -the swamps the Rails will commence to -raise their nests. They tear the grass loose with their beak, that holds the » nest down and as the water raises it, -they will build under it, thereby keep- ing it from floating off, and forming a , solid foundation. Just when the 1894 flood was at its ‘highest I procured a boat and rowed - out into the deepest water in a large -marsh of several thousand acres, which was all submerged but the tops of the _ grass, and in many places this was cov- _ ered with water also. I found a nest of the Virginia Rail on -the top of the water which was three - and one-half feet deep. Upon examin- _ation, I found the Rails were obliged to - raise their nest three feet to escape the -water. They must have worked very . hard to save their nest, for the water “raised very rapidly. I also found doz- . ens of other nests raised, but none so high as this one. The Virginia and Sora Rails feed on wornis, bugs, flies and all insects they . can find. I think they also eat the ten- _der roots and grasses. They do most . of their feeding early in the morning, or after sun down at night. At these - times une may hear their strange cries, _ as they wander through the grass. In the later part of April, while out . duck and snipe hunting, early iu the morning or late:in the afternoon, [ have ; Seen dozens of Rails, many of them coming within a few feet from me, in , search of food. Although I have never eaten any, - both the Virginia and Sora Rails are . Said to be good eating, and many are shot by hunters every spring. They are very easily shot, for when they fly, . they will fly only a few rods and drop - into the grass again. - They are swift runners and it is no easy matter to catch one after it is wounded if the- wound is not a mortal one. The Rails have many foes. and many nests are robbed of their eggs by weas- els, snakes, blackbirds and Marsh Hawks, although the later cannot dis- cover them very easily, for the Marsh Hawk searches for its food while flying and a majority of the Rails’ nests are covered over, making it hard to distin- guish them when the Hawks are above. Both Virginia and Sora Rails depart early, about the middle of August—just as soon as the young birds get strong enough to fly well. DANA C. GILLETTE, Barre Center, N. Y. The First of June in Alberta. For some weeks my friend Dr. George and [ had been looking forward to a nesting trip to six small lakes about twelve miles southwest of Innisfail. the special object of his trip being to secure eggs of the Canada Goose, that of mine being those of the Sandhill [ ?—Ep.] Crane, not of course limiting our take to these; but the Doctor’s professional duties and a rush of work on the ranch had kept us both at home, but at length we were off, leaving ‘Linden Lodge,’’ Doctor’s place, at 4:45 a. m., Monday, June 1, 1896. The weather was superb and after about nine miles of a drive over hili, valley, prairie and slough, we picked up our guide for the day at a small shack about three miles from the lakes, said guide being a thirteen year old boy who proved to have an astonishing knowledge of the location cf our destin- ation; for after the Doctor had secured a set of Bluebirds eggs not far from the aforesaid shack, the boy guided us, through a very labyrinth of sloughs, bluffs, hills and muskegs, to a lake where he assured us a ‘‘Goose nest had been robbed on an island last year.” 24 After picketing ovt the team and . taking a very cursory glance at the fine scenery to be viewed from this point we started to wade; before long a fe- male Mallard flew from a bunch of rushes and Doctor being nearest secur- ed the three eggs which were in her nest. ing one egg, in a few minutes I had come across a nest of the Red-winged Blackbird and from this time on «their bright cheery note was to be heard throughout the day and we each secur- ed a fine set before evening. When we arrived opposite the island where we expected to find the Goose nest Doctor waded towards it and was - goon up to his armpits; on arrival :no - Goose eggs were to be found but a:Loon’s Soon a Coot emerged trom the. - rushes and again Doctor scoreu secur- », nest and one egg, which having secured, . the return through the deep was made. __ After wading a short distance further, Doctor found nest and three eggs of the Pied-billed Grebe; then having secured | only my set of Red- winged Blackbird’s my mercury went down to zero and I _began to think that. perhaps after all bird nesting was a wicked pursuit. After completing the cirewit of this first lake, we wended our way to the. next, somewhat larger, but with fewer rushes and having skirted along of sloughs and small lakes; we left the large sheet. for later exploration ,and went the rounds of the ‘new. lot; we found no eggs, but saw a pair each of Wilson’s Phalarope and Mallard and ‘ several pairs of Killdeer, but were .too early for the first and Jast and the Mal- lards flew off in the direction, of the large lake we had just left. _ Our guide now proposed a trip to a long narrow lake further west where (he said) there were lots of ducks and ‘geese nesting, but after a long: and __ wearisome walk over hills and through _ sloughs and nearly getting into a mus- its shore for a few hundred yards,;we saw _ through an opening in the hills a chain ~ THE OOLUGIST. keg, he was compelled to own up to being at fault and so we set out, tired, hot and hungry for the second lake we had visited, arrived there we dispatch- ed the boy for the lunch basket and sat down to rest and blow our take, chiefly the former in my case. Soon the lunch arrived and after dis- cussing it we set vut to finish the Jarge lake, soon I spied a pair of Loons on the water and on going forward a short distance I saw a conical heap of rushes bearing a depression at the top, a little nearer and [ could see the eggs and with a shout I plunged through the in- ‘tervening water with much splashing and soon had.the two beauties in hand. You who. have had similar exper- iences can sympathize with me and _Yealize the thrill of delight that shot through me as I gazed on my prize, ‘perhaps not to be considered so by a — veteran, but.to the beginner, well you kuow how it is yourself! We secured nothing further at this lake but saw a pair of Canada Geese on the far side. “ On-the way to the remainder of the lakes, which are much smaller and all - in one valley, we passed through an old ~~ beaver. meadow, ‘dams of:a total Jength of about 200 yards, to make the necessary pond,- which required five ~ ‘which however was now deserted and dry. But I digress—we soon reached a _ fine reedy lake and the Doctor started for a large clump of reeds near the cen- ter of. it while I kept well inshore, after . wading nearly half way around I saw a. . large nest built amongst the rushes; :it was about three and a half feet in diam- etér at the bottom, nearly a foot -high and a good two feet across the top and to my. unaccustomed eye an old one and empty, however as I drew near to take ‘a ‘closer look at its structure, to ask Doctor as to its identity, I caught intending sight of a white gleam and soon had the old rushes off, disclosing four eggs of the Canada Goose which I was enabled to-identify by the arrival of the owners, THE OOLOGIST. 25 who however made but a short stay and were soon out of sight. SoonI founda nest and three eggs of Pied-billed Grebe very similar in construction to that of the Canada Goose, just described, but of course much smaller; and the eggs were completely hidden by rushes strewn over them Doctor had in the meantime taken a set of eleven Mallard’s eggs, having ‘flushed the bird. As westarted for the next water I found a Coot’s nest, buiit among the rushes being basket shaped woyen of rushes and anchored to the standing ones; there were five eggs in it and one at the side, buoyed up by some rushes, but the wavelets made by my wading sent it to the bottom before I could reach it. While we were thus engaged our guide, walking midway between the water and a bluff on higher ground than the, shore had flushed a Spotted Sardpiper off her nest and four eggs, by actually stepping into it; two were broken and the other two fell to me. It. was at the last lake that we saw Blue and Green-winged Teal and Shovellers but were too early for eggs. ~ Having finished the lakes. with no further finds, we returned to the rig, each taking on the way aset of Bronz- ed Grackle eggs, arriving we blew the balance of our take and ‘started for home. On the way we called at. a small lake about three miles from In- nisfail where Doctor. showed me the nest where he had taken two eggs of Sandhill [?—Ep.] Crane the previous week; I was much interested in the large flat structure built of rushes and grass and anchored to standing rushes of last year; it was nearly five feet in diameter and had a slightly noticeable depression in the centre, which was smoother in construction than the bal- ance of the nest. «: Finding nothing further here, we soon began the Jast stage of our home- ward way and (as they say of excur- in the time of storm. heard the Grosbeaks sing much during’ ~~ sionists) arrived tired but well satisfied with our days outing. ; Wo. GEARY, Innisfail, Alberta. Pine Grosbeak. Pinicola enucleator. This large and handsome Grosbeak is au irregular winter visitor in New Hampshire. One year scarcely one of these birds are seen here. Perhaps the very next they come down from the north in large numbers. When they do come down from the snow bound re- gions of the north we first see them the last days of November. ‘They remain with us until the last of March. At this time they disappear going farther north to their breeding places. One day last winter | saw a flock of about twenty of the Grosbeaks getting their food, which consisted of . weed seeds, apple seeds and bits of frozen apples. The birds greatly enlivened the winter landscape, I watched them for-along time highly entertained by their graceful actions. They did not show the least fear because of my pres- ence although [ was at times within — two rods of some of them. It has al-— ways been a mystery tome how Gros- beaks and many other kinds of winter birds can live through our cold and stormy New Hampshire winters. They seem, however, in some way or other to find something to eat and a shelter the winter months. Sometimes a few clear liquid notes are heard from them ~ which seem like music after hearing the harsh discordant notes of the Blue Jay. ‘TJ have never heard of any one finding the nest of the Pine Grosbeak in New Hampshire. Should like to hear from any one acquainted with the breeding habits of this bird. FRANK SANDERS, Laconia. N. H, I have never 26 -THE OOLOGIST. THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the ‘Rouen of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited all, TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: ‘Single subscription...........e06.50C per annum ‘Sample coples..... soanoqo000o condos a odode GGT ‘The above rates include payment of postage. Each subscriber is given a card good for a Want, Exchange or For Sale Notice. (This card ts redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.) Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLoaisr can be furnished at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- sions and prices. g=7-Remember that the publisher must be noti- fied by letter when a subscriber wishes his paper stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 5 cents per nonpareil line each insertion. 12 lines in every inch. Seven inches in a col- umn, and two columns to the page. Nothing inserted for less than 25 cents. No ‘special rates,” 5 cents per line is ‘‘net,” ‘rock bottom,” “‘inside,” ‘‘spot cash” rate from which ¢@here is no deviation and no commission to agents. If you-wish to use 6 lines or less space 4t will cost you 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50.00. “Trade” (other than cash) advertise- ments will be accepted by special arrangement only and at rates from double to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in advertis- dng will be honored only at regular rates in force at the date of issuance of said bill.or card. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Postoffice Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U.S. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for Sums un- der one dallar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y. @MTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER, A Valued Suggestion. EpItoR O6LOGIST:— Ata recent meeting of the Wheaton Ornithological Club of the Ohio State University, the question of pronuncia- tion of scientific names was raised and it developed that nearly every member had his own way of pronouncing. It was then resolved, as a means of bring- ing order out of chaos, to request you to take the initiative in the new 1897 Cat- alogue or Handbook. This little publi- cation of yours, beyond doubt, reaches more ornithologists than any other in the country (there are over 20 Hand- books in our club) and therefore would be a very powerful agent in disseminat- ing seeds of pronounciation (to use a botanical figure). What we would pro- pose is this: That the syllables be sep- arated by hypben and the accented syl- labels indicated, and any other diacriti- cal marks added which would facilitate pronounciation, e. g.: Pod-i-lym’-bus pod’-i-ceps, or Den-dro’-i-ca aes’-ti-va. We do not advocate any certain system but believe that some system is neces- sary. Accordingly, we urge you to give the matter your careful considera- tion, and we feel satisfied that by so doing you will greatly oblige your many patrons everywhere, as well as: those who are members of the Wheaton Club. Very Respectfully, RayMmonp C. OsBurn, Pres., Columbus, O. : [Until some enterprising or perhaps philanthropic publisher gives us some- thing inexpensive along the line of the above timely suggestion the Club and others may find it advisable to invest $3 in a copy of Dr. Eliot Coues’ ‘‘Check- list of American Birds’’ which contains a Dictionary of the Etymology, Orthog- raphy and Ortheephy of the names of Birds—ED. ] Notes on a Few Winter Residents of Edgecombe Co., N. C. .%66, BLUEBIRD, Stalia sialis. I note quite a decrease in the numbers of this species during the past fiew years, ow- ing possibly to the cold winter of 1894, during which many froze to death. Several farmers of this locality gave in- formation tothe effect that as many as 20 dead birds were discovered in a sin- gle stack of fodderafter this extraordin- ary cold period. ys The chief roosting-places of this spec- ies are excavations, both natural and THE OOLOGIST. 27 artificial, stacks of hay and fodder and boxes put up for Martins and these birds to build in. Principal food, the persimmon fruit, sumac seeds, various insects and worms. Being one of our earliest breeders they usually pair about Feb. 20. They become quite abundant as spring ap- proaches and generally appear in close vicinity of their nesting site. 761, AMERICAN Rosin, Merula migra- toria. Quite rare in early winter be- coming very abundant about April dst. It is calculated by some that the MM. mi- gratoria nests in this locality, but dur- ing all my collecting career I have nev- er seen this fact proven. I have neith- er collected a single egg nor observed but one specimen during the summer ‘months. - Upon their first annivall about Bene 15th, they appear to be rather frightful inhabiting swamps only but later on there being an increase they show less fear and may be seen in open woods, in branches in trees and on the ground searching for their food which consists mainly of angle worms, insects, holly and gum berries, in fact nearly all kinds of berries. During early spring they become quite tame and resort to the open fields in large numbers, sometimes thous- ands, in quest of the worms that are turred up by the plow. This is the period of the small boy’s delight, as the opportunity of killing and trapping so many birds scarcely ever presents it- self. I have known some small boys to set fish hooks in the fields with angle worms as bait, thereby catching quite anumber. The Robins leave for other sources about April 10th. Just before taking departure they make the wocds thrill with their melodious songs, which can be heard for some distance. _ . 7155, Woop TurusH, Turdus mustelin- ws. Commonly called ‘Swamp Robin” and by some ‘‘Pewter Legs” is both a summer and winter resident. Rather common and generally preferring low land but may be seen quite often in up- land woods. Its mode of living is by scratching, procuring nearly all its food in that way, which consists of various worms and insects. -.Roosts in heaps of brush for the most part. 735, CHICKADEE, Parus atricapillus. This little acquaintance is also both a winter and summer resident, being rather common. It is often seen in company with thé Tufted Titmouse and is one of our earliest breeders, nesting about April ist. Its cry is nearly simi- lar to that often made by the P. bicolor. The lowlands are its general prefer- ence where it seeks and obtains its food consisting of worms, insects and their eggs. It obtains the greater part of its food from the bark of trees and from decayed wood. Roosts in decayed stumps and trees and in natural excavations. 731, TUFTED TiTmMouUSE, Parus bicolor. General preference of locality is the river lowlands where they appear abundant at some periods. Their food is almost similar to that of the preced- ‘ing species and it is nearly always seen in company with that species. Appears rather pugnacious at times. Is both a summer and winter resident. 729, BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH, Siita pusilla. This familiar little species is observed quite often in open woods which are its general preference. They appear abundant in some portions of the country while in others they are quite rare. Usually seen in flocks of four or five and remains with us all the year round. I note that it procures nearly all of its food from the pine consisting of worms and insects that are concealed within the bark. It is our smallest winter species and is quite an early W. Linpsay FOXHALL, breeder. : Tarboro, N. C. - ac aaa : --' THE OOLOGIST. The Red-tailed Hawk in Hardin County Towa. Although this bird has been frequent- ly spoken of in the OcLoeistT and other papers it has not had mueh representa- tion in Iowa or at least inthis locality. This Hawk is quite plentiful in this vi- -einity from the fact that we have so many gophers or prairie squirrels, which is one of their chief articles of food. I have taken seven sets of their ‘eggs in the seasons of ’94 and ’95 be- ~ sides those taken by other collectors. The nesting season begins about April 10th and lasts until May 20. The best time to find full sets is from April 20th to May 1st. I have no.way of measur- ing the eggs taken but think that they will average larger than those given by Davie, although W. A. Davidson of De- troit, Mich., tells me that the ones I sent him are smaller than those collect- ed in his locality. Tnere are generally two eggs in a nest but not uncommonly J find three. Davie says they some- times lay four but I have never had the juck to find a set of four. Below I give extracts from the datas : for the sets collected.in 94 and ’95: April 20, 1894., Eggs, three; incuba- _ tion just commenced. Nest in burr- oak tree about .60 ft. up. -Made_ of coarse sticks and lined with bark and moss. Very large but shallow. May 10, 1894. Eggs, two; incubation -advanced, Nest in oak tree about 40 ft. up. Made of coarse sticks and lined with bark, moss and a few feathers. - April 16, 1895. Eggs, two; incuba- tion fresh. Nest in large tree about 30 ft. up and out on a horizontal limb about 12 ft. from body of the tree. Made of coarse sticks and lined with bark and moss. Very shallow, nearly flat. April 21, 1895. Eggs, two; incuba- tion begun. Nest in white oak tree about 40 ft. up. Made of coarse sticks and two pieces of cornstalk and lined with bark, corn husks and buds. tion fresh. -tion slight. -85 ft. up. I went to this nest again on May 6th and;found one egg inthe nest. I left it thinking {I would get another set. On the 10th I returned and saw the fe- male leave the nest. I climbed the tree but found only one egg. Idon’t know whether the Hawk laid only one egg or whether one had been destroyed. The egg was slightly incubated. April 25, 1895. Eggs, two; ineuba- Nest in basswood tree 50 ft. up. Made of coarse sticks and lined with bark, corn husks, catkins and - moss. A very large nest. May 11, 1895. Eggs, two; incuba- Nest in red oak tree about Made of coarse sticks and lined with bark and moss. on White-tailed Ptarmigan. yA ale). Bellas Ce etal 2 50 Greenland Wider... 272 eee eee American Scoters........-:-----------2+--2+- Surf Scoters.........-:-.----.-- Goshawk (mature) We sell nothing but the very best. OLIVER SPANNER & CO., 358 Yonge St., Toronto, Canada. A Few Well-mounted Specimens Makes a good addition to any collection. Here is a good opportunity to make the ad- dition. We list below a few choice specimens, selected at random from our stock. Western Grebe White-tailed Kite... _ .._... $3 25, | Snowflake: - yen OO Bridled ern. 2s ee Bue Sharp-shinned Hawk ....... 1 80 | OregonJunco..... —....... 2 95 UNG aW Mb aY Erp ie eee MR Re Red-tailed Hawk......... .:.... 2 & | Townsend’s Sparrow ..... . 1 00 Mexican Cormorant ........ 4 00 | Broad-winged Hawk......... 2 50 | Towhee.. 90 Baek Wallan Gs eos eee 2 85" | Golden Magie: ) 2.2. 12 00 | Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 90 SOV GET ee ages 2 eee 275 | Audubon’s Caracara .....-.. 400 | Bohemian Waxwing ....-.... 1 10 IViOOG) WDC kya soos eee 3 00 | Short-eared Owl.............-.. 2-35-:| Catbird 2. ee 90 Ese Screech) © wiley eee 200 | Brazillian Lark . Ae 0 TRA pO ValA aD yoke) kc) ee ee sre 0024|) Goo. seLOEM eC Gu@jywileeee ere a = 400 | Sooty aromkeyns ies 2 19800 Roseate Spoonbill... .... 8 00 | Burrowing Owl.................. 2 35 | Otter... J USA ONGO) White Ibis, juv.... . 285 | Fla. Burrowing Owl......... _ 400 | Skunk Bae nee 2 . 425 BAIN SHO Ne bier eenn wooo 3.78 | Road Runners 2252 2.1215) i erayshox a £1100 Louisiana Heron....-.....:.+.. 2/80 4) Nie hith aw kes 125) | Vb ee . 3 80 WiO OG CO GK etek eee 1% :| Arkansas Kampbinrd 2.2. © 25: | dirminer ae 00 Gt. Yellow-legs.................. JetS0) aM C) ay - capes eran eae 115 | Weasel oe ees 2 00 Golden Plover s)- 5-8 2 00 | Steller’s Jay.. .......... 230 | Virg. Deer, young buck _ _38 00 Florida Quail... 18 | Oregon Jay . wu... 2 45 | Short-tailed Shrow._..:2--- 1 40 Ruffed Grouse - 225 | Boat-tailed Grackle.......... 175 | Deer Head, young buck.... 6 50 Willow Ptarmigan. SEAS SE LOD ial MECICOStLCTCReu messes enya 1)25 | Red Hox) se ae 9 00 These specimens are mostly mounted on temporary stands. Fora little extra we can put them on nice finished walnut or ash pedestals. Cheap Skins for Mounting We have a number of skins which are a little mussed, or aa ‘of shape, which will do for mounting, or to make over. Blackburnian Warbler...__.... POC a ONG lage... Speers ees SN TOC.) | Gi SyGS TG ree eee ee Blk. thtd. Green War bler.. SOM mmNOLbMerm S higliG i: aps oeeeseesey) Mourning: DON Gl ess Miyr tle wWViat blone sy 8: eee 13 Kalin bird.) ge pas AOS | >parrow Hawk.................... Western Grass Finch .......... 18 Wilson’s Snipe... Breer ee 20 |! Red-shaft Flicker. Tree SPAaLvOwjens eee eee 10 Crow. fine _...... NEL MARDER SS Green Heron: 22 W. Crown Sparrow...... .......14 Horned Grebe, juy Be sienneae 5d Ferrig. Pigmy Owl... Wey CHt: SS Pane OWES Vee el esos 12 Pied-billed Grebe... 3 Blue-wing Teal, f Orecon JUMNCOn. 3 ye eee Short-eared Owl..... ...68 Coots 4.2 a eee ee BI OWWHVEC tee eee SLs epee 14 east Bitte nape sees 70 Wood Dee f TRGrhaVest Ko Musi bene ae emer ee (if) Redhead Woodpecker.jv......13 Gadwalliee ease Brown Creeper... 22 05 Sharp-shin Hawk.. By Seaea ue} Barred Owl Oregon Chickadee...... Bier 35 Red-wing Blackbird... eG Gray Squirrel we : Purple Finch, juv _..10 Stelier’s * Jame k Sai RedsSquinmrel.. 22 e aes Rough Skeletons. SCLECChy © wilt weet are onanaeee ALOK ial grt) ets WA an me Se a are 30c Red-throated loon........... .... $1 00 White-wing Scoter.............. $l Brown Bat......... Us JOR ER gel aR 25 Python Skull . 2 Sea O) Bobolink...... OUCH O Star 2: .) Se aisebee Cent 2) Raccooniskill ese 20 ‘Skeleton of Wild Cat, bleached and str ung on artificial ligaments .... -........85 TER WS. Cash with order. Postage or express charges extra. Custom ‘Taxidermy—High-egrade Scientific Work. A specialty made of restoring and mounting torn or damaged, or inferior mounted Specimens, and all difficult work. : We always carry a good stock of Bird Skins, Mounted Birds anil Mammals. Send for a catalogue, and if we do not list what you want write us. We can supply you, if it is obtainable. GEO. F. GUELF, Practical Taxidermist, Brockport, N. Y. _RaRARIRORIRTES, Zs) * a Je Monthly. Se i ee % ‘ Go =~ VOL. XIV. NO. 3. ALBION, N. Y., MARCH, 1897. WHOLE No. 180: Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘‘Wants,’ ‘“‘“E#xchanges” ‘‘For Sales,” inserted in this department for 25¢ per 25 words. Notices over 25 words, charged at the rate of one-half cent per each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25c. Terms, cash with order. Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-third list rates. PHOTO SUPPLIES:—Aristo paper, 4x5, 15c; 5x7, 25c; 5x8, 30c; 64%4x8%, 40c; 8x10, 50c. Plates, 4x5, 40c; 5x7, 65c; 5x8, 75c; 6%x8%, 99c; 8x10, 1.40. 8 oz Developer, 20c; 80 OZ Toning Bath, 25e; Hypo, lb., 5c; Paste, 13c, etc., etc. CHAS. FOWLER, Princetown, N.Y TO EXCHANGE sets of 261 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-4, 278 1-4 1-41-4 1-41-4 1-4 1-4, 622a 1-6, 474b 1-3 1-3 1-3, 501 1-5.1-5 1-4, 200 1-5, 305 1-5 1261-3 611 1-4, 53 1-2) 312 1-7. ROBERT A. TOMLINSON, “Alden! Iowa. FiRST CLASS Skins, sets and singles, Coues’ key and Hornaday’s Taxidermy to ex- change for good books on mineralogy. WM. J. ROLE'H, San Bernardino, Calif. WANTED BAD:—A copy of the November Osprey. Willgive exchange in sets with full data, Yellow-breasted Chat, etc., to be collect- ed the coming season. C. PIPER SMITH, 321 W. 8th, Anderson, Ind. FOR SALE:—Collection of 500 minerals, 5c each. A lot of shells and fine bird skins. Ridg- way’s Ornithology of Illinois, vo]. 1,32. H. S. HATHAWAY, Merchant’s National Bank, Providence, R. 1G; BOOKS; Fire-arms; Eggs, Barred Owl, 60c; Great Horned Owl, 60; Red-tailed Hawk, 30c; Woodcock, 7c; Whippoorwill, $1.25. Many others. Complete lists for stamp. C. B. VAN- DERCOCK, Odin, Ills. FOR SALE:—Pit Games, Homing Pigeons, English Lop-eared Rabbits, Belgian Hares, Abyssinian Guinea Pigs. Stock all through- bred. A. E. KIBBE, Taxidermist and Collect- or, Mayville, N. Y. TO EXCHANGE:—Indian Relics: 467 Arrow and Spearheads; 12 celts, 2 to 8incees in length, 13 drills and others for best offer in sets. with datas. Write for description and what you have toexchange. A. W. PLUMB, Flint,Mich, NOTICE:—Live Oologists send for cuts and ‘prices of my new Oologists Instrument; does not ‘blow’? your brains out, cleans the egg quickly, saves rare incubated sets and dis- penses with blow-pipes, hooks, scissors. pin- cers &c. RUSSELL KENNEDY, New Castle, a. 2 WRITE IMMEDIATELY! This summer I will collect minerals. lepidoptera and insects from this locality, for Indian relics or low prices. WARREN HASTINGS, Lancaster,N.H. FOR SALE:—Thorougbred Plymouth Rock chickens. Willsell cheap. Write for list to HeRDY G. JACKSON, Russellville, Logan Co., y- I HAVE some fine buffalo horns in pairs; also single horns polished and mounted which I will sell cheap or exchange for a camera. Write me and state make of camera and terms. W.G. BLINN, Tripoli, Iowa. TO EXCHANGE:—Chinese curiosities for vols. Ornithologist and Oologist, OOLOGIST and other oological papers, Books on Birds and Eggs. Send list and receive mine. HARDY G. JACKSON, Russellyille, Logan Co., Ky. TO EXCHANGE:—Choice sets of eggs of Bendire’s and Palmer’s Thashers, Aberts and Spurred Towhee, White-necked Raven, Ver- milion Flycatcher. Arizona Jay, Long-crested Jay, Phainopepla, Western Wood Pewee, for choice sets or:skins from Eastern or Northern States. HARRY S! SWARTH, 315 South Broadway, Los Angeles, Cal. TO EXCHANGE:—Short-hand book, Gym- nasium tights, drawings of small steam en- gine; for film camera 8x3 or 34x34. RUSSELL KENNEDY, New Castle, Pa. WANTED:—A first class pedigreed cocker spaniel bitch or dog. Will give fine sets of eggs with data for such. Send full description of dog. P. D. GETTY, Bloomington, [11. WILL EXCHANGE Florida Shells for one Spowdylusiapentoe: specimen, also one Trum- pet Triton. A.J. BARNES, Dunedin, Fla. j FOR SALE.—To enrich my camera fund, I will sell duplicate sets Bald-pate, Canvas- pack, Gadwall, Whip- poor-will, Miss. Kite, Cassin’s Vireo, Hutton’s Vireo, Golden-cheeked War- bler, and others, at lowest, (confidential), pric- es, ‘lf you ever buy, send stamp for lists. I shall have later, sets that you’ll eagerly take. Guaranteed, perfect authenticity; full data; faultless preparation. lowest prices. P. B. PEABODY, St. Vincent, Minn. M2t. li THE OOLOGIST. EGGS for Exchange.—I have first-class sets of Nos. 316, 447, 457, 499, 508, 530, 581c, 591b to ex- change for sets not in my collection. J.S. AP- PLETON, Simi, Ventura Co., Cal. TO EXCHANGE.—Coue’s Key, last edition, perfect condition. I want camera, mandolin, banjo, or anything useful. C. A. THOMAS, 359 Adella Ave., Pasadena, Calif. ———— __ . 0€0€0€0— OI an aay» TO EXCHANGE.—For first-class eggs in sets:—50 stamp pEDers; all different, 52 Nos. Harper's Young People. GLEN M. HATHORN, 1600 E. Ave., Cedar Rapids, Ia. FOR SALE.—A lady client has deposited With me for sale the collection of her husband, deceased. it consist of rare coins U.S. frac- tional currency and colonial money. Indian relics, fossils and birds eggs. Persons inter- ested address J. W. MYKRANTZ, Atty, Ash Jand, Ohio. I WANT scrap brass, will give cash or eggs in exchange. Also want bird eggs and confed- erate stamps. All letters answered. H. W. ENGLiSH, 1608 3d Ave., Birmingham, Ala. FOR SALE.—¥Fine mounted Hydroids from the Pacific coast. Can furnish fine fresh speci- mens in large or small quantities, Send 25c for two sample varieties. JOHN M. WILLARD, 2221 Elm St., Oakland, Cal. EGGS! EGGS! EGGS! Iwish to obtain at once, for cash or exchange, sets of Maine col- lected eggs with full data. ORA W. KNIGHT, No. 384 Hammond St., Bangor, Maine. PAINTED POTTERY fragments of ‘‘Aztec’’ ware to exchange for perfect Indian and;mound relics, unpainted fragments exchanged for those of other localities. Pima Indian pottery for sale. Enclose stamp for answer. BURT OGBURN, Phoenix, Arizona. TO EXCHANGE —Bicycle lantern brackets, vanishing handkerchiefs, escort cards, books and papers. In fact almost anything you want to exchange for specimens and natural history papers. Enclosestamp. E. G. BIDLAKE, 16 Court St., Auburn, N. Y. MODERN Apache Indian Pipes and Orna- ments, Ancient Indian Relics, Crystals, Curios, show outfit, violin (Cost 835). Parties wishing to purchase any of the above. Address D. EVEN G Jonea, St. Genevieve Co., Mo. PERMO-Carboniferous and Comanche Creta- ceous Fossils from Kansas. 1 to 3 each of 35 Species of fossils and 20 rock samples fossili- ferous slabs, &c. for $2 or half the amount for $1. Send for list. C. N. GOULD, Winfield, Kansas. “INDICO”’ Check-list.—How often are valua- ble moments wasted, a search for the A. O. U. U. number of some well-known bird! Now, a little pack of index cards will save all this trouble. Price 35c per set. Order at once, or not at all. P. B. PEABODY, St. Vincent,Minn. M3t ; MUST BE SOLD.—Nine handsome fox and coon skin rugs, head mounted, felt trimmed, moth proof; been selling for $6.50; sent post- paid, $3.75. Mounted birds in the very best condition. Great Horned Owl, $3.75; Goshawk, $3.75; two Barred Owls, $2.75; Red-tail Hawk (wings spread) $3.75; Great Blue Heron, $8.50; American Merganser, $2.50; Blue Jay. two Scarlet Tanagers, 75c. GALEN D. HULL, ‘Charlestown, N. H. FINE LOT of mounted birds, mammals and bird skins, at any price they will bring, Great bargains. Fine Albino Deer. B. HARTLEY., West Haven, Conn. F2t BIRD MOVEMENT CHARTS.—Card system. (One card for each species.) Any movement of any species, for any time, during five years, found inamoment. Entire record ai aglance. Better still. Obverse of card duplicates Agr. Dept. Reports. Spring and Fall movements. for each year in parallel lines. Any record out of three hundred, say, on report, found in ten seconds. Much time and annoyance saved. Samples, two cent stamp. Per hundred, “ac. Address, P. B. PEABODY, St. Vincent, Minn. M3t THE OSPREY is theleading monthly mag- azine devoted to ornithology and oology, and is supported by the bes? class. Its fine pictures are a feature seldom seenin such a magazine. Fine enamel coated paper is used that the best. effect can be obtained from these engravings. Its articles are unexcelled. Sample copies are: sold for ten cents, but as we wish every ad- vanced ornithologist or oologist who reads THE OOLOGIST to see The Osprey we will, forthe next thirty days only, send a copy for a two cent stamp to those who contemplate sub- ‘scribing. The Osprey is doing more than has before been attempted. don’t fail at least to see acopy. Address, THE OSPREY COMPANY, 61 North Prairie St., Galesburg, I11. NASALENE POSITIVE CURE FOR Cold in the Head, Hay Fever, Catarrh, Deafness. $100 REWARD for every case of Ca-- tarrh or Deafness (caused by Catarrh) which we cannot cure with Nasalene, when used ac- cording to directions. Sold by all first-class druggists or by mail at 25 cents. Sample box 10 cents. The profuse discharge of mucus from the nose, the dropping of mucus from the nostrils into the throat, the accumulation of mucus and the constant inclination to hawk and ex-- pectorate, is arrested by the timely _use of Nas- alene. OFFICE OF THE AGENT-W ARDEN } SING SING PRISON. Dee. 12, 1895. HUNTER MEDICAL Co. Gentlemen:—I have use your ‘‘Nasalene”and I find it very beneficial. I take pleasure in. recommending it. Yours truly, O. V. SAGE, Agent-Warden. HUNTER MEDICAL CO., 54 E. 13 St., NEW-YORK CITY.. Revolvers, m RIflES,. pa tC... , se ‘Send stamp ay. OS ag for Price List. P SE | N ES NETS, TENTS, and 5 SPORTING GOODS.. Every description of Guns, R2volvers, Ammu- nition and Sporting Goods at very lowest pric-— es. We have something of interest to you. THE OOLOGIST. | ili The most Liberal Inducement ever made to secure Subseriptions to THE OOLOGIST: $4.50 for Only 60 cents! the amount of 50cts. Sale or Exchange Notice. Until Easter, April 16, 1897, I will mail every person sending me 50 cents for a year’s subscription to THE OOL- OGIST their selection from goods mentioned in this list to Every subscriber will also receive two coupons each good for a Want, For Send in your combination with a friend—you take the premiums, he the publications, or vice versa. Makeremittances in most convenient manner, The prices charged are in most Cases reduced spot cash ones and you can figure that you are getting either the Prem- iums or THE OOLOGIST free. Premiums are priced at All premiums and coupons are forwarded by return mail. over 50c that price includes THu OOLOGIST and two Coupons. When Orders for additional premiums will be filled at prices quoted. Address plainly and in full, FRANK H. LATTIN, Publisher, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y. EGGS. Or your selection of any species, either in sets. singles or 2d class,to the amountfof 50cts., at Lattin’s “Standard Catalogue’”” prices, Wher selecting this premium you must always name extras to be used as substitutes to the full amount of your order. Ifthe selection of eggs is left entirely with us we will send ‘5c. worth instead of 50c. worth—and you. can, if you wish, suggest whether you prefer eggs of eastern, western, northern or southern species or whether you wish eggs of EIB sea or fresh water species. SCIENTIFIC SHELLS. Murexaprandarise. 2.2.0 Dee eee st trunculus.......... “ saleanus.. Sycotypus papyratia Eburna Japonica ........... Oliva litterata (eatra) eae Strombus alatus... : Cypraz moneta......... .. RUMINANTS Ek) EAE ee ss caurica...... “ earneola ~ VAR WRT meee ts ER Ovulumyovumess- See re gibbosum...... ...22....2. 2.20... a secaleon Pterogorgia twig.. Nerita peleronta, select........ ... ... ih Trochus (Livona) pica...-................-.0.-.-.-- 5 to 25 ETelPReh elesie ees... UE ESS 10 Bulimus Bahamaensis .................22222...22222. Partula gibba. ....... sis Shias) oa eee Orthalicus melanochilus Liguus fasciata ....................... Achatinella perversa............... = uniplicata.........0. 00. He SpILIZONa) ee ie olivacea........ Pythea pyramidata...................20.00 cece Chama arcinella .............. 2.22... Malleus alba......... Cardium consors.. es isocardia............ ..... ae Spondylus pictorum..........0002.. ee Tectarius muricata 3 for...... .....002..00-.-..---.- 05 OCC ASIG MOMs is... on eee 05 Vermetus umbilicatus 15 Melampus caffea, 6 for 05 Tellina radiata .........2....... : . 05 Fasciolaria tulipra...... ieee eS Haliotis Chracherodii 15 CORALS. Precious, pkg. of polished branches........... $ 10 moselCorale wes eae Be 10 Organpipe Coral... 10-50 SpikeiCora ee es 5-10 Branch Corals. 27 5-25 Mellow; Sea: Man. ...).22 2 eee Creamy Sea Fan...... .... Purple Sea Feather Yellow Coral................ Red Coral........ Pink Coral Florida Gorgonias, 3 var-, each ECHINODERMS. SandiDollaniei22. 3207) er eee i ne Phillippian Urchin.. uy White Spinned Urchin 20 “Aristotle’s Lantern” the sea u tal apparatus ISU in, RTS SENET iS eee 8 GiantPurple Urchin EE 50 King of the Echinoderms 1 50 Black Starfish. 0.050.222 SN eae 20 Purple Sea Urchin, with spines........ -........ 10 KeysHoley Urchin - ee eee 15 Club-spined Urchin, 2d class...... .... ........ | 20 _ FOSSILS. Shark Tee the. £001)! .0 Cea eens $ 3-10 Trilobite, Calymene senaria............ 22.2... Scaphites nodosus Polyp Coral... “MINERALS. Chiastolite Crystals. 2.1.2.) 2 ee. SSE arf alt) 0) ce ee eee ee ee eee ae Quartz Crystals, ArK.:.:20 22-321 Coquina:-... 3.47 ees Native Lodestone..................-..---.--: “Electric” stone Geodes, Quartz, both halves.. MW Chalcedony Geodes, Black Hills, ‘select...... 35 a unopened. 15 Meteorites, small perfect Specimens........... 25 Ferruginous quartz, doubly term.Crystals 10 Herkimer Co. doubly-termimmated Rock CEY SCANS css wees estan coos ecm mene Opal, Mexican, cut and polished ...... ... st Tourmaline, brilliant black crystals Gem Stones, small, cut and polished semi- precious stones of almost every con- ceivable farm, shape, size, color and style, Wewill send postpaid selected specimens 5 to 25c. each or 1 dozen fine- ly assorted for only 50cts. INSTRUMENTS and SUPPLIES. Tweezers, naturalists’ best........................ 2S: Egg Drill, engraved handle........... 25 Embryo Hook, engraved handle... 25 Blowpipes cea sicessee eter sii ted 15 DeSti. 0) See an ates 35 Egg Drill, 18- 00 (ae eee 15 Data Blanks, per 100... 25 Tags for Skins, best, per 100:..................... 25 Checking Lists, per G0OZ.......... ..-2-.-.22--.22----- 20 Taxidermists’ Instruments, good, new,and ordinarily you pay 50 per cent. more for ones no better, if their equal............... Blow Pipe, straight, heavy, with enamel TNOUb LS CO yeaa eee ee ee ‘iv THE OOLOGIST. Scalpel, ebonyihandle.-..-:...--..- a e.. 35 ‘Tenacula, ebony handle and the proper style for investigation purposes ........... 35 ‘Cartilage Knife, extra heavy........ .............. 50 Forceps, the best 75 cent style..................... 50 Scissors, the regular straight 75c style...... 50 Case, a ‘‘dandy”’ of walnut or rose-wood, with slots and till for above instrum- ents, and clasp in cover for scissors; brass hinges; polished oval top and sides'sizoodelaspy!) i Fa eee ec 50 Entire Outfit With Case, six pieces, every- thing listed above................2.--.2sss0.-00--0= 2 00 NOVELTIES. ‘Three Ball Pendant Satin Spar Stick Pin.$ 25 Quartz Crystal Stick Pims.............2..-...------- 35 Brazilian Beetle Stick Pins...... -.... a 25 Ala COIBTOO Cesc oats Lean eee 50 Crocidolite Brooch .................22-.:.-..---. iotbee 465) Agate Shoe Buttoner.................. -.........-.---- 50 Agate Glove Buttoner..................... .-.....----. 35 Agate, Moss Agate, Tiger Hye, etc., Watch Charmse ecw Pearl Penholder................. Pearl Letter Openers M pe Sees eri LEAL Siavelll Soo ova es oh cece seecce neers Shell Napkin Ring... eee SHEMSPUrse ee ee lees Ls oN Ma ee ey seat Combination Pliers, wire cutter and wrench, new and indespensible...... _..... 60 Pocket wire cutters, 3 in., nickle plated best for money ever made, will cut wire any size up to that used for MOVING Sa CLO Wess eee eee 35 Shell MWatehyS ates sees a ee 50 Souvenir Spoons, King Crab Tail handles Pecten and Cardium valve bowls.......- King Crab Tail Penholders, unique............ 10 Imported Austrian Brooches enamelled ITOWNS SoC ss aL SID a Sa eee Sterling Silver Stick Pins _ 25 Fancy Stick Pins, enameled, “plated, “&C., BE. AOC LOO LOT) ae a ULAR Book Marks, 3 silk ribbons with 4 sterling Sulvierbanglese As wn sn pele ee ee see. High Grade Agate, Tiger Eye. Bloodstone, &ec. Watch Charms, worth $1.50............ 1 00 FOREIGN STAMPS, ETC. Sheet of 2 5 selected le stamps 15 re 35 2¢ 30 ca On of 3, 4, 5e stamps 50 SAWS Whaywiyerel (iil ey ee on atten ceo sbsecaceeeeo 20 Set of 6 var., unused, 1 to 50c, Venezuella, 15 1c unused Guatemala prov., 1897, surch...... 10 4r unused, Guatemala, 1878 .......-. pei a KB) 34Y unused, Guatemala. 1S OMEN eRe sent 10 10¢ Vermillion, unused, New Brunswick, oT O ae ee MRE a a eee ea cee 25 5c on 3c unused, British Honduras, proy 1c used, British Guinea, 1880........................ 5 Popular Album, linen boards, 1200 spaccs, (oAO)a UW ik oF: Keg <» >—+ From Venezuela. EDITOR OOLOGIST: Perhaps a few more general notes on the birds of South America, that is, -some of the birds of the Orinoco Delta, will prove of interest to your readers. Santa Catilena is about thirty miles up the river from Sacupana, from which latter point I last wrote the OOLOGIST, and is opposite the island of "Tortola, the largest island in the Orin- .oco Grande. Tortola means Turtle Dove. Our first camp was on Paloma _Island and Paloma in Spanish signifies Dove. This would convey the impres- sion that Doves must be very common here else there would not be two Dove islands and it is a fact that Doves are very common along the lower Orinoco. The voices of these mournful singers _ can be heard at all hours of the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. While they commonly frequent the woods along the water courses, yet I have heard them call from out the deep forest, where a ray of sun- light rarely reaches the earth so heavy with foliage are the tops of the tall trees. In the same deep solitude, but far back from the river, dwells the bell- voiced Campinero or Bell-bird, as ,writ- erson British Guiana have called it. The lone traveler in the Imatocas is often bewildered on hearing the clear notes of a bell ring out seemingly near at hand. His search for the source of the music is seldom rewarded by a sight of the bird for this sweet-voiced dweller of the wilderness seems to pre- fer to remain hidden from the sight of man. In these great dark forests all animal life is above in the tree tops. I say all, but now and then a bat flits by ora huge moth is disturbed as one walks in the perpetual dusk, as of evening, of these dense woods. Up above can be heard the whistle of the Trogan or the shrill cry of the Flycatcher, the bark of monkeys and a branch may sway out with the weight of some huge snake trailing its sinuous course through the tree tops. But these do not come down to the ground only in places where the sunlight penetrates to the earth. The Swallow-tailed Kite, an acquain- tance of the North is common here. They can be seen high overhead per- forming their graceful aerial gyrations aS many as ten or twelve together. Here, too, the Groove-billed Ani and Savanna Blackbird is found, and 32 THE OOLOGIST. among the mimosa thickets of the sa- vannas their plaintive cry is a familiar sound. One of these birds shot byme had swallowed a fourteen-inch chame- leon. Six inches of the reptile’s tail protruded beyond the bird’s bill and I thought it was a snake until I dissect- ed the bird. I discovered that only the head of the chameleon was digested. The Ani must have been going around for several hours at least unable to close its bill. Along the river the Anhinga, another bird well known in our Southern States is found in considerable numbers. Poised on some bush or snag they can be seen waiting for their finny prey. On the approach of a boat they will dive into the water and will show their snake-like neck and head above the surface. They are not nearly so wild here though as { found them along the Atchafalya and lower Mississippi river. The same could be said of the other birds mentioned that are common to both the States and this region. Now and then flocks of the Scarlet Ibis can be seen winging their way in even lines up and down the Orinoco. T have shot a few specimens of the Gt. Blue Heron, also of the Snowy Heron. Both of these birds present a graceful and stately appearance as they stand by the water side, silently watching for frog, fish, snake or worm, anything that will satisfy their hunger. ‘The White Egret too is here, and many a bird has been sacrificed to satisfy the greed of the plume hunter. The plumes of the Little White Egret are said to bring two hundred dollars per pound in Cindad, Bolivia. On the savannas and along the canos or small streams, where a mass of veg- etation thinly covers the water the Jac- ana is found apparently always hun- gry, searching for insects In these same streams and flooded savannas or marshes as we would call them in the north, the voracious caribe fish swarms and alligators are also abundant. And here is enacted the battle for existence, the survival of the fittest—the Pana after the insects and the caribeand alli-. gator after the Pana. The caribe must; look out for the ‘‘gater” too, but the Jacana has as much to fear from one. as. the other. Cne Jacanathat I shot some weeks. ago had a foot and about half of the tarsus amputated, presumably by a. caribe. The wound had healed so it. must have had the service of but one foot for some time. If your readers. could have seen what I witnessed, the thumb of a man nearly severed from his hand by the attack of one of these fish, they would not doubt the caribe’s. ability to amputate the leg of a bird. More than this, I have had personal ex- perience with this little fresh water shark, to the extent that quite a large piece of flesh was torn from my thigh by their attack when I was swimming ashore from an overturned boat in the- Orinoco. Once when I had killed seven Jacan- as—they run all over the water—the alligators got four of the birds before I could reach them with my boat. One of the saurians I had the pleasure of shooting and another I struck over the ‘snout with my paddle as he came up near one of the dead birds. The Jacana is an attractive bird, of rich chestnut plumage with purplish tinge, secondaries and primaries yel- lowish-green—a horny space on each wing yellow in color. Their long toes. permit them to speed over the floating vegetation of the rivers and savannas with ease. There is much that I might say furth- er of the birds of the Orinoco Delta but as lexpect to be here some months longer I will try and send other com-- munications from time to time. Very truly yours, L&EsLIE O. Dart, Santa Catilena, Venzuela. \ THE OOLOGIST. 33 THE OOLocIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. ‘FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the Staten of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, so!lcited rom all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: Single subscription................50¢ per annum Sample copies.............. Sob sccKa9 600 The above rates include payment of postage. Each subscriber is given a card good for a Want, Exchange or Hor Sale Notice. (This card is redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.) Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLoGisr can be furnished ‘at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. f="Remember that the publisher must be noti- fied by letter when a subscriber wishes his paper stopped, and ali arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 5 cents per nonpareil line each insertion. 12 linesin every inch. Seveninches in a col- umn, and two columns to the page. Nothing inserted for less than 235 cents. No ‘special rates,” 5 cents per line is ‘‘net,” ‘‘rock bottom,” ‘‘inside,” ‘‘spot cash” rate from which there is no deviation and no commission to agents. Ifyou wish to use 5 lines or less space it will cost you 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50.00. “Trade” (other than cash) advertise- ments will be accepted by special arrangement only and at ratesfrom dcuble to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in advertis- ing will be honored only at regular rates in force at the date of issuance of said bill or card. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Postoffice Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U.S. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for sums un- der one dallar. Make Money Orders and Draits payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK H. LATTIN, Aibion, Orleans Co., N. Y. 0 ET ES BE ED “MSLLYW SSV10-GNOO38 S¥ “A ‘N ‘NOIG1V LV 30/530 180d 3H1 LV QSYSiLND The Sandhill Crane. Grus mexicana (MULL). This species is but little known to the large majority of bird observers in the United States and next to not at all by 999 persons out of every 1,000—take them right through from ocean to ocean. The Sandhill Crane is. so well known in some sections, more especial- ly west of the Mississippi river, and in the Southern States, that some readers may object to my assertion regarding the lack of abundance—but I think ’m right in my opinion. There are prob- ably a million people in America who from poor judgment or no reasoning at all, call the Great Blue Heron the Sand- hill, and others who apply the name to most any long-legged bird. But these observers (?) belong to that class who call the Flicker a woodeock, a Skunk a polecat and a Porcupine a hedgehog: — their opinion amounts to nothing. Once these birds were common where they are not known at the present day. For instance, the Sandhill was well known in my county (Kalamazoo) forty to fifty years ago, yet in nearly thirty years of observance I have not - seen a single specimen. Like the Raven» it has ceased to visit our county. What is the reason for this? It is not because we are too advanced in civili- zation, for if that is the reason, why should the birds still visit Shiwassee, VanBuren, Berrien and Ingham coun- ties and within a few miles of the state Capital, Lansing, where a nest was found but a few years since. To be sure, ciy- ilization affects all of our birds, and mostly to increase their numbers, par- ticularly with the Swallow species, I sincerely believe, but in the case of the Sanehill Crane, as with many other species, we must find some other:reason than the generally accepted one regard- ing the influences of civilization, to ac- sount for the selected lines of migra- tion and for choice of breeding loca- tions. All the way from Northern Michigan, through Indiana, Ohio, Ken- tucky, Tennessee, Georgia and way south in Florida, I have made observa- tions, or received reports from reliable sources, and have arrived at the con- clusion that the Sandhills have exact routes of migration and are very ten- acious of their rights to old nesting haunts; often passing near too, or di- rectly over populous cities on their way to northern breeding grounds. There are many sections in the Great “34 THE OOLOGIST Lake Region where the birds are un- known, and have not been seen in the history of those parts, although the lo- calities offer the best of inducements in the lay of theland and water. Again we find them reported as common in other sections not far removed. In truth we may find this.species a regular ‘visitant to one county, end yet abso- lutely never seen in the adjoining coun- | ‘ties on the east and west. This same ‘condition obtains to the South, where ‘from Southern Florida northward the birds are known or unknown as the ease may be and often are within very narrow bounds. From the Indians, mainly half-breeds, but reliable, as to natural history topics, who live in the Lake Superior Region, I learned that these Cranes summered to the north -of the Great Lakes, and I have found them nesting nearly as far south as the 27th parallel in the Eastern part of Florida. Thus we find that the Sand- hill nests in the South or migrates north to breed, covering all of twenty- five degrees of latitude and much more than this according to some authori- ties. * In Indiana, Ilinois and Michigan these Cranes nest in late May, while the eggs are deposited in Southern ‘Florida in late February or March. The nest is arudely constructed affair of coarse grass and weeds; is spread out and quite flat. Sometimes there is no nest, the eggs being laid upon the grassy covering of the marsh in a sim- ple hollow. The eggs, two in number, are huge, and I think surpassed in size in North America by Swan’s eggs alone. They are of alight drab or grayish-buff, and are more or less covered with spots and blotches of brown. They are striking * There are several species of birds in Flor- da which are found nesting there as well as at the north, having a breeding range of latitude of over twenty degrees. Among them is the Great Blue Heron, which I have traced in mesting range from Southern Florida to Lake Superior. in appearance and make beautiful ad- ditions to a collector’s cabinet. On one of my trips to Florida I-touch- ed at a bnmmy little town on Indian River, named Fort Pierce. Noticing a cowboy with a couple of Crane’s eggs I followed him into a saloon and saw him dispose of them for two drinks, the value of a quarter. Engaging the bar- tender in conversation I purchased the eggs at a small advance, and followed after the bull sticker, as the herders are called. The raising of cattle in Flor- ida is quite an industry, though it is not generally known at the north. The cattle range wildly over the grazing portions of the everglades from near Lake Okechobee, to the north and east. This cow puncher was an intelligent fel- low, and supplied me with much in. formation. He said that he often found eggs in the marshes and generally near the water; that two eggs were in nearly all the nests, but occasionally three. In my travels about the state, on that trip, and later, I found the Sandhill Crane quite generally distributed on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, as well as in the marshy interior. The nests were never more than flattened out piles of grass and the eggs were al- ways easily found when a nesting lo- cality was discovered, for the big, un- gainly birds could never hide them- selves. It is a common practice for the birds to fly about at a great height, appar- ently in sport. This occurs generally in the morning or evening, but the act is sometimes observed at mid-day. So high do the birds sometimes fly that they look like mere specks in the sky, yet their penetrating notes can be plainly heard at over a mile’s distance. The notes which are something like the sound produced upon a cracked bell are not agreeable when near by, but at a diatance sound well and once heard will never be forgotten. make pleasing pets. The young birds are excellent for the table, the old birds are THE OOLOGIST. ’ 35 also eaten but I found the meat rather stringy. much like boiled beef, but coarser. This species is given to assembling in the mating season and going through peculiar antics, rather like the move- ments of the prairie hen, if I can make the comparison. These motions are called dancing and the meets known as Crane balls. Once when on a tramp in Illinois, nearly a quarter of a century ago, I witnessed a ludicrous scene of this nature, and the perform- ance was the most entertaining that I have ever seen among our birds. Kalamazoo, Mich. a Red-shouldered Hawk in New York. Western In my list of the Birds of Western New York (page 10 of the 2d edition) occurs the following in regard to this species: “The most common of our larger Hawks. Breeding in all suitable plac- es.’ This statement has been criticised and I wish to make a few explanations. In the constitution of the ‘‘Western | New York Naturalists’ Association” western New York is defined as the 13 western counties, east to, and includ- ing Wayne, Ontario and Steuben, and my list was intended to cover that ter- ritory. My own personal observations were all made in Monroe county up to the time of the 2d edition. I knew at that time that in Mr. Davison’s “List of Ni- agara County Birds, ete.,’’ this bird was not mentioned, also that Mr. Pos- son in his list of Orleans County. Birds says ‘‘rare’’ and mentions only one taken, but I certainly under-estimated the importance of these facts. Mr. Posson has kindly furnished me with additional quotations as follows, from Bergtold’s ‘‘List of Birds of Buffalo, ete.,’’ ‘‘occastonal resident;’ from Lan- _gille’s “Our Birds in Their Haunts,’’ are — “either rare or overlooked.” Mr. Langille I believe confined most of his observa- tions to Niagara and the western por- tion of Orleans county. If I am right in this the territory is practically the same as given in lists of Messrs. Davison and Posson. Now go- ing eastward I have reported to me as follows: Town of Clarendon on eastern edge of Orleans county five sets of Red- shouldered and only one of Red-tail; town of Sweden, Monroe county, five sets of Red-shouldered, no mention of Red-tail; from town of Chili, Monroe county, nine sets of Red-shouldered and one set of Red-tailed. This cov- ered eight years’ collecting. From On- tario county I have evidence of the oc- currence of both species, but nothing to show which was most common. Last season I spent in the town of Gaines,’ Orleans Co., and did not see any Red-shouldered Hawks. Now is it not possible that we have here a fine exhibition of local distribution, one of these large Hawks prevailing in the ex- treme western counties replaced (in some localities almost entirely) by the other, in the eastern portion of our field. Of course, more evidence would be welcome, especially from Chautau- qua, Wayne and Livingstone counties. If this proves to be the case I would amend my list as follows: ‘‘Buteo lin- eatus. Common in the eastern coun- ties, very rare in the western ones.’’ Respectfully submitted, Ernest H. SHORT. Red-headed Woodpecker. June 6, 1895. I went to a piece of woods near this place for a few sets of Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus). As I entered the woods I saw a hole in an old oak stub which looked suspicious, so I hit the stub with my-hatchet, when promptly a Red-head looked out and seeing me Be THE OOLUGIST. left the tree. I went up and soon had the wood cut away sol could see the eggs. There were five of them, one of which was a runt and as they were somewhat incubated 1 took the runt and left the other four in the nest, think- ing Mrs. Red-head would finish incuba- tion. Then I went through the woods find- ing four more nests, one containing six fresh eggs, one in the very top of a tall dead hickory with five fresh eggs, one with five newly hatched young and the other with only three badly incubated eggs. This took me about two hours, after which I was back at the first nest and not seeing the bird I concluded to go up and get the balance of the set. I was very much surprised when I reach- ed the nest for I saw only two eggs where I had left fowr only two hours before. After descending IF searched carefully all around the tree for the fragments of the missing eggs but none could be found. So I left the woods and just as I had got into the field I heard Mrs. Red-head and looking around I saw her at the nest cavity. She looked in for several seconds, then walked around the tree, flew to a near- by tree then back looking in the nest again and even went to the ground looking for those eggs. I watched her for ten or fifteen minutes and then came home. When I left she was still at the nest. Now had she carried the missing eggs to another tree and come back for the others? The runt egg measured .82x.61 in., while one of the normal ones measured - .96x.75 in, VERDI BURTCH, Penn Yan, N. Y. Well Known Oologist Dead. Capt. Charles E. Bendire,-Curator in Oology in the National Museum, Wash- ington, D. C., whose death has just been announced at Jacksonville, Fla., has been a correspondent of C. L. Raw- son of this city for over 20 years. Mr. Rawson has presentation copies of his sumptuous work, Life Histories of North American Birds, and autograph copies of all his ornithological mono- graphs. He has also, among many oth- ers, eggs with Capt. Bendire’s original data, sets of American Raven, White Pelican,Sage Cock, Mountain Partridge, Cactus Wren and Bendire’s Thrasher, first collected and determined by the captain at Malheur Lake, Oregon, and at Rattlesnake Creek, Arizona. [The above clipping from a Norwich, Conn. paper, falls into our hands just as the OoLoGIsT is going to press and we trust that the information it conveys may be erroneous. Capt. Bendire’s death at this time with his ‘Life Histories of North American Birds” unfinished, would be one of the heaviest blows dealt the advancement of American ornithology of the century.—Ed. ] aes Ff Hotels and Summer Boarding Houses. The West Shore Railroad list of Hotels and Summer Boarding Houses for the season of 1897 isin course of prepara- tion. This list will embrace all the ho- tels and summer boarding houses on the lines of the West Shore, Wallkill Val- ley, Ulster & Delaware, Stony Clove & Catskill Mountain, Kaaterskill, Catskill Mountain & Cairo and Delaware & Hud- son Railroads. In order that the list may be made as complete as possible, and that correct information may be given to those seek- ing summer homes; hotels, summer boarding and farm houses desiring sum- mer boarders are requested to address C. E. Lambert, General Passenger Agt., West Shore Railroad, 5 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, for blank form on which to give the desired information. No charge is made for representation in this list. The West Shore’s book for 1897, ‘en- titled ‘Summer Homes and Tours,” will be the handsomest ever issued. The size of the book has been increased and elegant new half-tone cuts are now being engraved. It will be entirely re- newed throughout. THE OOLOGIST vy NEW AND SECOND-HAND BOOKS AT PRICES FOR AND FOR MARCH CASH ONLY. Starred (*) titles are second-hand copies, but as arule the inside pages are ‘‘good as new.” Many are practically new, but previous owners’ name has been written within. The unstarred titles are for new books, which in a few instances the covers are'slightly shelf- / worn. Many volumes and sets cannot be duplicated—hence the necessity of sending your order ear- When ordering always State whether you have a second choice, or whether you wish money refunded, in case books ordered have been sold. Many of the volumes offered in this list are taken from my private library and I offer them for sale: First, because I need the room for other books, and Second, because I need the cash *to purchase these ‘‘other books.”’ Remit in most convenient manner, but do not send sums of $1.09 or over loose in your letter. All books are PREPAID at prices quoted. Address all orders plainly and in full to FRANK H. LATTIN, Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. Ornithology and Oology. A. O. U. Check-list, abridged edition (50).$ 35 A. O. U. §Check List of North American Birds. Last edition, cloth...... .............. Apgar, A., Pocket Key of the Birds of the Northern United States East of the Rocky Mountains (50)............2...2.-.2..-..- Baird, S. F.; Brewer, T. M.; Ridgeway, Robert., A History of North Ameri- can Birds. The Land Birds, 3 vols. (SOLO) OE 225. TEs SIDR RS ete Bendire, Capt. Chas., Life Histories of North American Birds, Vol. I ........... - Chamberlain, New and revised edition. Nuttall’s Land, Game and Water Birds, colored plates and many illus- bE ATLONS SO VOUS ee es eo. eee *Chapman, Frank M., Birds Found within Fifty Miles of New York City (50) ...... Chapman, Frank M., A Handbook of the Birds of Eastern North America......... Earl, Thos. M., Pets of the Household,’ Their Care in Health and Disease (50) Goss, Col. N. S., History of the Birds of JESSE YS) (CO) a ae eae Ue Mcllwraith, Thomas, Birds of Ontario(2.00) *Ridgway, Robt., Manual of North Amer- CaneBirdsi(@o0) ee... Tee Stearns, W. A., Bird Life in Labrador (7) *Morris, Nests and Eggs of British Birds, 2 vols, 154 colored plates..................... S Wilcox, Common Land Birds, of New En- POST TT Cheers eae oh se a eae _ *Cooper’s Ornithology of California. Land Birds A. O. U. Supplement for ’88 ............. .2...... Beeton, Birds’ Nests and Eggs, etc........... Maynard’s Birds of Eastern North Ameri- Cameonplatest i! (ecu eee, Maynard, Birds of Eastern North Ameri- ca, 13 plates and 13 loose plates, 16 pages, text missing (18.00).................. S Maynard, Birds of Eastern North Ameri- ca. 296 pages of orginal 532, bound in card board covers, 8 plates......... 0.2... Eliot, List of Described Species of Hum- ming Birds 2 00 Shufeldt, M. D., R. W., Barrow’s, The English Sparrow in North America, 400 pp.. aie aq 42 *Brewer, North Donerionn Ooloen Part I, ATE OLOTSC CNC GOS Eaton ieee ae 3 55 *Baird, Birds of North America. ue 2 90 Ridgway, Catalogue of Old Worla Birds in National Museum................--.-.-..--- 10 *Warren, Birds of Pennsylvania, 100 col- ored plates: 2. Se ae yeaa eee 3 60 Short, Birds of Western New York, ’96 ed. 07 The Wilson Quarterly and Semi-Annual, the official organ of the Wilson Or-. nithological Chapter. Six issues,viz: Vol. I, No. 2; Vol. II, Nos. 1 and 2;Vol. III; No. 1; Vol. IV, No. 1 and 2. Nearly 300 pages of valuable contributions to Ornithology. (0) 2 ae 72 Pay ‘Methods in the Art of Taxidermy” (BIO) enc in e e ee “Scientific Taxid- ermy for Museums.” 71 full page plates, 67 pages, text, unbound... Cook, A. J., Birds of Michigan. This copy is the 1893 report of the Michigan Board of Agriculture which contains 526 pages and is bound in cloth, 165 of these pages, illustrated witn 115 en- gravings, are devoted to the Birds of Michigan in addition to which and the annual report the following Bul- letins arealsopublished in the volume: “Vegetable Tests” 27 pages; ‘“‘Spurry, Spergula arvensis,” 6 pages; ‘‘Flat Pea, Lathyrus silvestris, 5 pages; Fruit Notes and Spraying 17 pages; Potato Experiment, 59 pages; Honey Analy- sis, 13 pages; Inspection of Fertilizers, 12 pages; Locust and Horn Fly,6 pages; Soils of Michigan, 13 pages; Highty New Strawberries, 13 pages; Report of exhibit at Columbian Exposition, (Entomological, Botanical, Chemical, &c), 37 pages; Forestry, 21 pages......... The Auk. Can furnish complete volumes for 1890, 1894, 1895, 1896, each... 2 90 Can furnish following odd numbers, Oct., 1889: Apr., Oct., 1891; Jan., July, Oct., 1892; Jan., Apr., 1893: Jan., July, Oct., 1894; July, 1896, each Bibs Sees 50 Random Notes on Natural History, pub- lished by Southwick & Jencks, Provy- idence, R. I., in ’84, ’85 and ’86, 3 vol.,36 INOISWCOMPLELE . tm pore neces cen vi : THE OOLOGIST. Swiss Cross,a monthly magazine of the Agassiz Association, pub. in ’87, °88, and ’89, 5 vol., 30 No’s, complete... Bulletin of the Nuttal Ornithological Club, (The Auks predecessor) very rare. Vols I, IfLand III (76, 77, °78) bound IMNONE DVO EC! seers le ereeee nee stone season. Ornithologist and Oologist. Can furnish complete vols. and odd numbers of this popular and valuable magazine on ornithology as follows: 1885-86, (vols. X and XI), bound in one........ ... 1887-88 (vols XII and XIII) bound in one 1889 (XIV), 1890 (XV). 1890 (XIV) finely pound separtely, per Vol........-....2.-..--.- Unbound volumes: Vol. VII -..... ......... IDG OS DG" INE pS ONL D-NY 5) DOVA0E and XVIII, per vol Vol. XV. Odd Numbers. Can furnish the follow- ing: May to Dec., 1882; Aug., 1883; Jan., May, Sept., 1884; Jan. to Aug., Oct. to Dec., 1885; Jan, to Aug., Oct. to Dec., 1886; June, Sept., 1887; June, Sept., Oct., Nov., 1888; Feb., Aug., Dec., 1889: Jan.. Sept., Oct, Dec., 1892; March, May, June, 1893, each...... POT oe semen nak elie. noe Maan Wy ene ca teeceescs ais. LOOTMOVETIC ACH Kee ee aera renee ot se March, 1887; Jan. to May, July, Aug., 1888; Jan., Feb., May, July, Aug.,Nov., Dec., 1890; April, July, Oct., Dec., 1891; Feb. to Aug., 1892; Jan., Feb., July, BOSE Che Sen RN ESO Pore Rear eee 4 for 10 or over each Jan., Feb., March. May, June, Aug., Sept-. NOs. 69!) each eee eee Aug., Sept., Oct. (combined number)1893 The Nidiologist. Many issues of this val- uable journal are rare. Fill your gaps while you can. Can furnish the folowine mnmbers at quoted prices: Vol. I, No’s 1, 3, 4, 10, 11 each.. MiMOACHE Ss PN I Ae el eens ens: Vol. II, any issu ews Vol. III, No’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. each 6Neach pasa as 3314 per cent.discount on orders tor back No’s of ‘‘Nid.*’ netting $1 or over. Can furniey Vols. II and III, complete. (2f- Vo) i eB ae Seesn Ne uel 4 | he) ee ee ee Ornithological and Natural History Publi- cations can furnish back No’s of al- most anything published in America during the past % years. Write wants, Young Oologist, Vol. I and II, cloth bound Oologist, Vol. III and IV, cloth bound...... Vol. IX, ’92, 300 pages, cloth pound......... Thirty back numbers, issued from 1890 to 1896, inclusive, my selection............ Oologist and Young Oologist. Eighty back numbers. All different. (4.00). Lot prepaid only Twenty back numbers issued prior to 1890, my selection, prepaid...-..... Almost any back issue can be furnished. Send stamp for list and prices. Natural Science News. Vol. I complete, 52 numbers, only six complete vols. left. Will send you one for only......... Vol. II complete, 14 numbers, only......... Complete your files. Willfurnish No’s MAN G2 (each ya beh ee ener een ne MATISOTH ETS fe aC Lee ee eee oe In lots of five or more, each...... .............. In lots of 10 or more, each .................... a No’s 1 and 2 are always per copy net...... 4 00 8 00 50 3 50 3 50 2 25 2 00 1 35 115 1 00 Taxidermy, Guides, &c. Ballard, H. H., Three Kingdoms, Hand- book of Agassiz Association (75)........- é 65 Goodale’s, Few Common Plants (20).....-... 14 Piyatt’s|S pon pes! (29) essere eee eee 16 Bowditch’s Physiology (20) 13 Hornaday, W T., Taxidermy and Zoolog- ical Collecting (2:50) esses ee eee 2 25 Lattin, Frank H., The Oologists’ Hand- book, 1885) (25) 2.225) ee eee » 18 The Standard Catalogue of North Amer- ican Birds Eggs, 1896 (28)...............-.--- 05 Wood, Samuel C., The British Bird Pres- erver and Taxidermist (50[.............----. 41 Hyatt’s About Pebbles...--:-... -.. 2220. ----2---- 10 Tassin, How to Collect Minerals......... -..... 05 Bert, Primer and Scientific Knowledge..... 42 Standard American Stamp Catalogue, 794 (00) no eee eae Re ae 32 * Davie, Naturalists’ Manual.........-.....-.-.. _ 24 Naturalists’ Directory of the U. S. and Canada. Nearly 6000 classified names and address. Edition of ’90 (2.00)...... es 80 Edition of 795) (2/00) 2 eee 1 00 International Directory. ’95 (2.50) ............ ms 90 Mauder, Treasury of Natural History; or Dictionary of Zoology, 900 illustrat’ns 1 60 Microscopy. Manton, W. P., Beginnings with the Mic- roscope (50) se neae eid aac ence alee een ne 40 *Wythe, The Microscopist; A Compen- dium of Microscopic Science (8.00)...... 3 96. Entomology. Comstock, J. H., A Manual for the Study of Insects! 880g) ee eee 3 60 . Eberhart, N. M.,ElementsofEntomology 30 Economic Entomology......... ..-.-.-.-.----.--- 30 Hy attisiinsectsi (1:2) ees eens 81 Manton, W. P., Insects, How to Catch and How to Prepare for the Cabinet (50)... 36 *Packard, A. S., Guide to the Study of ie sects (5.00). Over 600 figs., afew have been: cut. out... eee 2 60 Thomas, Synopsis of the Acridide of No. America... en 1 98 Geology, Mineralogy, &c. Dana, E.S., Mineralogy and Petrography (2500) soc aoe cock ie Sa a $ 1 85 *Dana, Geological Story (1.15)..........-....... 81 Dana, Minerals and How to Study Them. 1 35 *Steele, J. D., 14 Weeks in Geology (1.00)... 54 Winchell, Alex., Geological Studies (2.50). 1 71 *Hitchcock’s Elementary Geology...........- 54 Jordan’s Elementary Crystallography, with series of nets, for the construc- tion.of Crystals) (1.50) ee 58 *Owen’s Geological Survey of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and part of Nebras- ka, many plates, maps, etc...... .......----. 3 06 *Chamberlain, Geology of Eastern Wis- Consin's Vil atin e a ee ee 1 71 Botany. Burgers, J. T., English Wild Flowers........ 36 *Wood, A., Object Lessons in Botany(1. a) 63 *Class Book of Botany (2.92)...........--.-.-- 1 21 THE OOLOGIST. vii *Gray Asa, School and Field Book of Bot- any (1.80 Manual of Botany, rey. (1.62) *Lessons and Manual. rev. (2.16).............- Manton, W. P., Field Botany (50)............. Apgar, Pocket Key to Trees................-.----- Zoology and Natural History. Buffon’s Natural History For Children, Cloth and Gilt, 32 Colored Plates......... Colton, Practical Zoology (90)......--....------ a *Goldsmith’s Natural History, (800 pages, jllustrated, sheep............2... -...------+--- Heilprin, Angelo, Animal Life of Our Sea Shore (TAZBS)) Na ee ee eS eB Ace Jordan, D.S., Manual of the Vertebrate Animals ‘of the Northern United States (2350) ef 222 eee Manton, W. P., Primary Methods in Zool- OE eens cs Mivart, St. G., The Cat, A Study of Back- boned ‘Animals’ (3. 50) PP HERE So baa Orton, Comparative Zoology. Structural and Systematic, 350 engravings......... = *Packard, A. S., Brief Course in Zoology... Stearns, W. A., Notes on the Natural His- tory of Labrador (100) oS eee *Wood, ae G., Illustrated Natural History (1.25 White’s Natural History of Selbourne...... Wil, TOT, TO GNHNCTES). ce aseseaesseecee cee cucoeo-ceecsoesobE Ballard, World of Matter............ -...-.....---.- Allen, Monograph of North American Pin- d meine World, as popular Natural History devoted to Fisk. Reptiles Insects, Birds, Mammals and Lower Inverte- brates. Over 1200 good, engravings— 350 of mammals, 300 of birds, &c, Over 700 pages, good type, good paper, ele- gantly bound in cloth and one size, Sixel OM yey eee Jordan, Science Sketches ra 50). Bilby, Young Folks’ Natural History...... Merriam, Mammals of the Adirondack ReciOnemmen tea) 2 Le Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burmah. Birds, 2 vols., 270 cuts................----.0-------- Moths, 1 vol., 330 cuts Mammals, 1 vol., 200 cuts eral as Fish, 2 vols., 340 cuts fends a ee Reptiles and Batrachie, 1 vol., 140 cuts. Seven volumes, 4,000 pages, 1/300 illus- BEATIO MS eee SC ee = Gill, Catalogue of the Fishes of the East Coast of North America...........--.----- Burroughs, Riverby (1.25) ...........-----.--------- Blanford, Mammals of British India, Cey- lon and Burmah, 600 pages, 200 cuts.. Fauna of Death Valley, xpedition. Birds, Reptiles, Fishes, Insects, Mollusks, Trees and Shrubs, Cactuses and Yuc- Castmlbocalitiesies 1.220 See el esenoee *Tenney, Natural History. A Manual of Zoology, over 500 engravings........... -.. Penikese, The 23 issues of Natural Science News. This valuable serial on Agas- siz’s famous summer school at Penik- ese Island, written by an eminent Professor who spent both seasons at HN) LUNG OG LR ee RU ee Pe a2 Menon ose 2 90 2 24 99 40 279 18 00 18 81 2 61 1 26 Lydecker, Royal Natural History, 6 vols, complete in 36 loose parts, profusly il-- lustrated, many colored plates............ 1 Bailey, The Prairie Ground Squirrel or Spermophiles of the MississippiValley ‘6 Allen, The American Bison, living and extinct, maps and 12 plates.................. Conchology, &c. *Agassiz, E.C. & A., Seaside Studies in Natural History (8.00) .............2------------- *Dana, Jas. D., Corals and Coral Islands (BAGO) ei ot eae Tae Pilsbry, H. A., The Manual of Conchology. Issued in 8vo form in quarterly parts. Each part contains 64 or more pages of letter press and 15 to 20 plates. Of Marine Univalves, 15 vols., 60 parts, have appeared. Of Terrestial Mol- lusces, 9 vols., 36 parts, have been pub- lished, completing Helix with Index. | Fine edition, both colored and India- tinted plates, per part............ ..-...-.---- Sample part of fine edition on “Tree Snaills;2? CostiS8:00n eee *Chenu, Manuel de Conchyliologie et de Paleontologie Conchyliologique, Vol. I—Univalves, 3707 figures.............-....--. *Woodward (& Tate), A Manual of the Mollusca. 2.02...) 4 ee eee 2 4 Clarke, Common Sea Weeds. Raa Sato OAOe 36. Wood’s Common Shells of the Sea Shore 45 Tryon, Strepomatidze, American Melan- 1 76 2 97 8 00 3 83: 9 20: jams, 838 fiQULeS...... 22... cece ee eee ee 3 12 Hartman & Michner, The Molluscous Ani- — mals and Their Shells, Chester Co., Penn., 200 figures and Glossary........ 1 00 Miscellaneous. *Agassiz, A Journey in Brazil...... ....... “1 66 Livingstone’s Explorations, Africa, and the Herald Stanley Expedition (1.75).. 86 Chute’s Physics (1.25) ........ 2.602. seen eee 81 Sloan, Electric Toy Making (1.00).......... 54 Arithmetic of Electricity (1.00)..... .... 54 *Buell’s World of Wonders, morocco...... 1 31 H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists. TAXIBERMISTS’ GUNS, ‘cins* Pistols, Gun Cases, Shooting Shot Shells; also Shot ‘Car- GBECIMEN HUNTERS. tridges for All Kinds, all prices from $1.90 to $25.00. List free. Write for Taxidermist’s free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA- Minerals and Indian Relics. QHIS DO Cees nease = 25C MOOS DCC eeeae eee 50c: 5 spec., 1x1% in..... 15e 10 spec., 1x1% in_....25¢ 15 spec., 1x1}¥ in...... 35¢ 6 spec., 2x17% in......25¢: 10 spec., 2x14 in...... 35c 12 arrowheads ........ 30c: Sent by mail prepaid. Labeled with name & locality. List free. ISAAC S. KIRK, Fremont, Chester Co., Pa. ¥iil As Usual I have accumulated alot of damaged Eggs and I list a few of the bargains I have for younow. They are not all smashed, but are mostly end-blown or with large hole in side, some cracked. Sent prepaid at prices given, if your order amounts to 35 cents. Bald EHagle.......... Bees 5 GuaMaBAMGT IBA Tre Gl Oswlevsaie o2) iocrctavaie tee reeeMey betta tale diets vieretoveas Great Horned Owl : (OfoyaoYsH Ey ISLA IES Sanaa donaco) cocccb s0b50n cad eueD IAMOLICANGAVWIOOG COCKS ceceriisccieicei ee els-14el = i= 20 (Cine AUER ANGION MR aeboe Aco oucods oe cose EOnOeh 20 Aidan os Noon see os é sng sndd ooo Sqopodeadoos 25 SHIT OTe Serve vets asorcansl= sae Cee Rein isemar elo «oie # b/c le 04 IATIN OTIC ATC OM Uni. csiscs acasre Storie teen iiratovateelotenieess sie 02 COFMOTAM UTR rpas sate cE ete en ieeiiss =D Adabiire pdt ontsia ws eeh Mec RS eeSES Slate TH Sie aa Cae er eee 06 SIRO Chrailllenvoingdes ness coe e sd 660n SUS ou Meco uep eS 06 Audubon’s Shearwater......... A usageetalers tovstsass.ayate 15 NGAUS INA GA ys sretciessroeeesraenerseteteierestisieieie, sei she 08 Great Black-backed Gull............ .......... 15 ATIC HIC AMPEG Cian scien elie eacreleisia oleieis 10 BER VARTA se ai peey se suo iarresacs ote SPREE POOR Caio cote I ckaye) "eyerere 06 American Bittern... ......-. BY Se BOARS ROE GoldenpPloviern ice ccc imoe roeieleteremee Sere sis 10 Collection of 10 varieties common and rare mixed, with first-class egg of King Rail, 35¢e. MAYNARD’S **Eogs of N. A. Birds.”’ Now that Davie’s work is out of print, this is the only practical work at a reasonable price. Last edition, postpaid, $2. Climbing Irons. Best made with forged spur (same as ‘‘Lattin’”’ always sold). Regular price $2.50; prepaid $3.25. I now offer them at $2 at purchaser’s ex- pense, or $2.60 prepaid. All strapped ready for use. Syringes. Just what you want for rinsing eggs. With glass instead of rubber reservoir, thereby en- abling you to see just what you have in syringe. Just aS good as the hard rubber ones at 35c. Each one in a box, 20¢ prepaid. Parties sending money order may deduct rice of same from the amount of their order. on’t send silver. Address, Ernest H. Short, Albion, N. Y. Sent Free! To any person interested in humane matters, or who loves animals, we will send free. upon application, a copy of the “ALLIANCE,” the organ of this Society. In addition to its intensely in- teresting reading, it contains a list of the valuable and unusual premiums given by the paper. Address, The National Humane Alliance, 410-411 United Charities Building, New York. THE OOLOGIST. Iceland, Lapland, Spain. A large stock of Birds Eggs—last season’s collecting has just arrived from the above lo- calities. Descriptive price-list sent free upon application. A. KRICHELDORFF, Naturalist, etc., No. 535 Oranien-Strasse, Ber- lin, S., Germany. Spades, Hoes, Mauls. Ihave recently bought several large collec- tions of Stone Relics from high-class collec- tors and have a ‘‘eream”’ stock of 15,000 pieces from many states, hundreds of them unusually fine form and perfect: many rare. Improve your cabinet. Among a stock as varied and fine as any ever offered by any dealer, are: 9 fine Spades 12 to 16% inches long. ip ee +f 57g to 11% inches long. 9 notched Hoes 43% to 9% inches long. Points of above have a glassy polish from use. we Discoidals, bi-concave, 114 to 6 inches diam- eter. 500 grooved Axes and Celts of finest form % to 10 pounds each. 75 Banner Stones, Gorgets, Amulets, etc. 30 Curious old Pipes. } 25 Hematite Plummets and Axes, ete. Cup Stones, Balls, Pestles, Mortars, Bone Relics, Beads, Copper Relics, 5to 9 inch Spear Heads, etc., Swedish and lrish Stone Relies. Arrow Heads—3000 splendid, 5000 fine, 5000 ordinary, 2000 2c to 5c each. 50 fine Drills. Many pretty forms in the tiny semi-precious stone points of Oregon,N. Mexico,and Arizona. Send stamp for price list—‘OUR EXTRA.” Separate catalog of 100,000 specimens of fine Minerals and Fossils. Hundreds of Relics of Western Indians, Alas- kans and South Sea Islanders. L. W. STILWELL, . DEADWOOD, (Black Hills), S. DAK. Sea Shells From the Florida Coast. If you desire to buy Shells in large or small quantities you will save money by writing for my price list before buy- ing elsewhere. Iam selling Shells very cheap an: will send TWENTY SPRCIMENS, AS SAMI’LES, PREPAID ON RECEIPT OF ONE DOLLAR. Reference, Postmaster, Dunedin, Florida Address all orders A. J. BARNES, DUNEDIN, FLORIDA. » Southwest. Zo =. me GG GUSSRUG000R0008S0G0SC0000G0nq9GnGumecumemeann Geacs BSE ; aR < o (<2 Pe cui > 9g (9 ~%ea, A Fy, i] “e, f A I RARIEW AgaIenS” : % esa eaaY SESSA CASTES E STOO yh OWO Leese a VOL. XIV. NO. 4. ALBION, N. Y., APRIL, 1897. Go “a WHOLE No. 1381 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘‘Wants,’ “Exchanges” ‘‘For Sales,” inserted in this department for 25¢c per 25 words. word. No notice inserted for less than 25c. Notices over 25 words, charged-at the rate of one-half cent per each additional Terms, cash with order. Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-third list rates. “PERIODICALS that Pay Contributors,”’ by Elanor Kirk, new, cloth, price $1 for value in cartilage knives or scissors. A. B. FARN- HAM, Benning, D. C. WANTED.—Snow Shoes or Moccasins will pay cash or exchange birds eggs... All letters answered. Address, GHEORGHE TAGGART, JR., Odebolt, Sac Co., Iowa. TO EXCHANGE.—A Chamber’s Encyclope- dia ($25 edition of 1878) for a shot gun, either breech or muzzle loading. T. ATHEL BON- SER, Carey, O. IF YOU desire sets of ducks eggs accompan- ied by their nests of down, place an advance order and receive nests gratis.. List for stamp. EDWIN S. BRYANT, Grand Harbor, N. Dak. BOOK your orders now for sets of Canada Geese and Ferruginous Rough-legged Hawk. Hitherto demand has exceeded supply. List of expected “‘takes”’ for stamp. EDWIN S58. BRYANT, Grand Harbor, N. Dak. MAMMAL Skins, Bird Skins, Gila Monsters, Nests, Eggs, etc. Ten species Cactus, $1.50. I Make a specialty of supplying private collec- tions and museums with species peculiar to the Write me what you.want. Prices reasonable. GEO. F. BRENINGER, Phoenix, Arizona. a2t WANTED.—Lever and job printing presses and outfits, immediately. State size. condi- tion and lowest cash price. PRINTERS SUP- PLY CO., Galesburg, Ill. > : TO EXCHANGE.—Our ‘Automatic Adver- ‘tising Album” made by Cheney & Co., Chicago. Ihave secured $50.00 in advertisements with it in three hours. Wiil exchange for Mandolin, ‘Guitur or anything useful. A. C. BLACK, Photographer, Bellefontaine, Ohio. HAVE you heard that Dr. Coues has become associated with Zhe Osprey? That’s another reson why you should take: The Osprey. Al\ the Osprey pictures are, but those in our last number are some of the finest ever published. Every wideawake bird man wants The Osprey. Address, THE OSPREY CO., 61: North Prairie St., Galesburg, Ill. DAVIE’S KEY, 1; Langille’s Our Birds in Their Haunts, $1.60; English Sparrow, 40c; Kingdom of Nature, $1.50; repeating rifles, re- volvers, eggs cheap. List for stamp. C. B. VAN DERCOOK, Odin, Il. TO EXCHANGE.—Fine collection of Indian Relics, of about 4000 specimens, Photo Camer- as, Crooks-tube, will. exchange for fine lap- dogs, mounted specimens or will sell tor cash at a bargain. A. C. BLACK, Photographer, Bellefontaine, Ohio. MOUNTED Bird:—First-class specimens of Hawks, Owls, or small birds to exchange for common. eggs in sets or singles. Send list of what you have or want. Also showy shells to exchange foreggs. CHAS. K. KEED, Worces- ter, Mass. WANTEHD.—Everyone that is in need of first- class Taxidermist’s or Egg tools to send 4 cent stamp tor my latest catalogue. Fullline of A lsupplies. CHAS. K. REED. Worcester, Mass. f6t FOR SALE or Exchange.—Strictly first-class sets of eggs such as Hooded Warblers. A 32 calibre revolvers and good pair of Opera Glasses. Send stamp for full list and descrip- tion. R..P. SMITHWICK, Merry Hill, Bertie Co., N. C. NOTICE.—Live Oologists send for cuts and prices of my new Oologists Instrument; does not ‘‘blow’’ your brains out. cleans the egg quickly, saves rare incubated sets and dispen- ses with blow-pipes, hooks, scissors, pinchers, &e. RUSSELL KENNEDY, New Castle, Pa. I HAVE for exchange a complete set (13 Vols.) of Pacific Rail Road Reports also back num- bers of over one hundred Natural History pub- lications. SHELLEY W. DENTON, Welles- ley. Mass. WANTED.—A Bicycle. Will give in ex- change Marine Shells, Bird Skins and a part cash... W. L. HACKNEY, Seven Oaks, Ela. ONE hundred varieties of Ohio woods to ex- change for Foreign or domestic varieties not in my collection. Z. T. SMITH, Upper Sandus- ky, Wyandot Co., Ohio. il (THE OOLOGIST. WANTED.—Live Frogs, Snakes, Lizards and all kinds of Batrachians—not toads. Let me know what you have and I will send price list. Correspondendence solicited. RUSSELL NEVILLE, Kewanee, Ill. SOUTHERN EGGS in sets for exchange for desirable sets and singles. Choice sets with data for sale cheap. ‘‘Listof Birds of Georgia”’ for stamp. DR. M. T. CHECKLY, 457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. a2t 15 Varieties Western birds $1; mounted birds without stands 30c each all postpaid. Also birds to exchange for stamp. F. T. CORLESS, Logan, Oregon. FOR SALE.—California Curiosity Sugar Pine Cone, 16 inches long and 8 inches in circumfer- ence, 35c, and a present included with it, post- paid. D. LH VERING, Jonca, Mo. FOR EXCHANGE.—Two collections of desir- able Birds Eggs, each containing 160 species, and valued at $35. One of the collections con- tains 60 European specimens. I wish to ex- change for Ancient Indian Relics. I also have a $10 Sun typewriter to exchange for rare old U.S. stamps. D. LEVERING, Jonea, Mo. EXCHANGE.—Gold-filled, Nickel or Silver Watches of any kind, for perfect skins of Ivory- billed Woodpecker or Carolina Paroquet. W. S. TOWNSEND, Jeweler, Perry, Oklahoma. BOTANICAL Specimens.—I am prepared to collect to order any plants of this region. Write for written list. No cards; no exchanges. H. M. HALL, 399, First St., Riverside, Cal. WILL EXCHANGE 1893 Vol. Youths Com- panion lacking three numbers for Vol. I Vatur- al Science News or offer. H. T. MUZZY, 226 Broadway. Paterson, N. J. TO EXCHANGE.—Geological specimens and U. S. Postage Stamps for birds eggs, either Singles or in sets. Fossils are Pentamerous, Trimerella. Gasteropods, etc, T. ATHEL, BONSER, Carey, O. WANTED.—Oologist instruments will give in exchange Kombi, Gray’s School and Field Botany, Report of State Commissioners of Fisheries, Pa. Address, J.J. MATHER, Ven- ango, Pa. a2t EGGS—For hatching, from high scoring White Plymouth Rock fowls that won first, second and third prizes at the Utica, N. Y., show 1897, competing with forty-two other birds, entered by leading breeders of this var- lety. Prices reasonable for quality. A few fine cockerals to Spare. Will exchange eggs or cockerels for sets of birds eggs, such aS I may desire. Correspondence solicited. All letters ane wered: W. J. B. WILLIAMS, Holland Pat- ent, N. Y. WANTED.-Correspondence with Oologists in vicinity of Western New, York with reference to exchanging eggs, visits, letters, etc., ad- dress D R. CLARKSON, No. 421 Hoyt St., Buf- falo, N. Y. I HAVE the following first-class sets with data. Sell at half price. Exchange for first- class sets, 36814, 37514, 417%, and others. H.S. SOWERS, St. Francisville, Mo. Si Pastas vs eR cca eT NaN ik HYPNOTISM taught by mail.—Terms reas- onable and desirable Ornithological books or natural history specimens taken in payment. ISADOR S. TROSTLER. 4246 Farnum St., Omaha, Neb. A NICE Collection should be neatly labelled. I furnish all kinds on good paper cheap. Egg, 15e per 100 small, 25c per 100 large. Fossil 10c per 100. All kinds. any style wanted. Send copy for price. Mention OoLoGist. D. H. EATON, Woburn, Mass. COLLECTORS.—I can collect insects cheap for eggs or cash. Many rare, large and beau- tiful Beetles for eggs. to any person. Write to R. H. SMITHWICK, Merry Hill, Bertie Co.,N.C. I WILL exchange mounted specimens and birds eggs. also birds and mammals in the: meat for curios, relics, stamps, books, ete. A. V. DWORK, Seneca, Kansas. NOTICE.—500 unnamed and unmounted Beetles, for $10 worth of bird eggs in sets. Write, sending list of eggs. I can help you. collect beetles. R P. SMITHWICK, Merry Hill, Bertie Co., N. C. WANTED.—The first 9 vols. of the YOUNG OOLOGIST and OOLoGIst. State condition and. lowest Cash price. J. H. CLARK, Paterson, N.. Je TO EXCHANGE.—Complete file Natural Science News and ‘‘Whitely Exerciser,’’ little: used (cost #3.50). Either or both for first-class eggs in sets with data. F.C. WHITH, 49 Ox- ford St., Cambridge, Mass. COINS.—About 80 in number. Some good ones, for best offer in eggs, or back volumes of OoLocist. OTTO HOLSTEIN, Paris, Ky. FIRST-CLASS translation from “French, German and Spanish or vice versa made at. reasonable rates. Lessons given by mail. JOHN S. DURLAND, Centralia, Kansas. TO EXCHANGE.—Wantt a high-grade banjo. ’ Can offer in exchange fine sets; also eggs to ex~ change. Nothing but A No. leggs sent or re- ceived. All Jetters answered. Address, D. R. WALLACE, 2820 Poppleton, Omaha, Neb. WANTED at once, the name and address of every Ornithologist and Oologist, now or for- merly in western half of Pennsylvania. Cor- respondence will be mutually helpful. W. E. CLYDE TODD, Biological Survey, U.S. Dept.. of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. DURING the coming season I desire to pur- Chase for cash any quantity of first-class sets. of eggs of the following species: Loon, Whoop- ing and Sandhill Crane, Swallow-tail and. White-tail Kites, Sharp-shinned and Broad-- winged Hawks, American and Ferruginous Rough-leg, Golden and Bald. Eagles, Prairie Falcon. Duck Hawk, Pigeon Hawk, Whip-poor will, Chuck-wills-widow, Parauque, and any rare species new to my collection. Parties will. do well to correspond with me in reference to this notice as I mean business. Above mnst. be A 1 in all respects and with full data. Also desire back numbers the Auk and Ornithologist and Oologist. Parties having series of sets of any of the following species to offer in exchange will do well to correspond with me as I desire a large number of each and will offer choice sets from my private series in exchange for them. I desire the following: Bluebird, Wil- son’s and Wood Thrushes, Cal.Bush Tit,Brown Thrasher, Catbird, Robin, Chestnut-sided War- bler, Yellow Warbler, Cedar Bird, Chippy, Song Sparrow, Sparrow Hawk, and long list of others, both common and rare. All must be very choice in preparation and have full data. Cc. W. CRANDALL, Woodside, Queens Co., N- ny THE OOLOGIST. iii BIRD MOVEMENT CHARTS.—Card system. (One card for each species.) Any movement of any species, for any time, during five years, foundinamoment. Entire record ai aglance. Better still. Obverse of card duplicates Agr. Dept. Reports. Spring and Fall movements for each year in parallel lines. Any record out of three hundred, say, on report, found in ten seconds. Much time and annoyance saved. Samples, two cent stamp. Per hundred, 75c. ete P. B. PEABODY, St. Vincent, Minn. t EXCHANGE,—Stamps and eggs in sets and Singles with data for sets and U. S. stamps. Will sell eggs at one-half rates. H. A. TIL- DEN, Oberlin, Kansas. _ VILLAGE LOTS to exchange for old postage and revenue stamps collection. or faney pou- ltry—Buff breed paeferred. Write to HK. J. KIRBY, Marshall, Mich. “INDICO”’ Check-list.—How often are valua ble moments wasted, a search for the A. O. U U. number of some well-known bird! Now, a little pack of index cards will save all this trouble. Price 35¢ per set. Order at once, or Hou at all. P. B. PEABODY, St. Vincent, Minn. dN WANTED.—To get a few mounted speci- mens of common New England birds cheap . £end stamp for my list, and also your price for’ same. GEORGE ROBERTS, JR., No. 63 Wash- ington St.. Hartford, Conn. FOR SALE.—Collection 38 choice sets, as 118 1-5, 126 1-3. 218 1-8, 219 1-7, 416 1-2, 420c¢ 1-2, - 429 n-2, 477a 1-8. First-class with complete da- ta, valued over $20. All for $5 cash. GEO. GRAHAM, P. O. Drawer C, Gainesville, Fla. Ripans Tabules cure nausea. THOUSANDS OF OLD BOOKS Have accumulated in the libraries of our public institutions, and those of prominent public men, both in duplicate and otherwise. They cost them nothing and oft-times aré valued accordingly. They are, however, both valued and desired by specialists and parties interested. Perhaps you or your friends may have some of the identical volumes which I desire. crowding library shelves. or stowed away in garrets, doing nobody any good; but had I them I would not only appreciate them but might know of a dozen others who would do likewise. Look over my list of wants and if you have anything I desire or others write me, stating what you wish in exchange, and perhaps we can arrange an exchange which will be advantageous to each. I willexchange for single vol- umes—but the larger the exchange the better. I WANT Government and State Reports:—Annual Reports and Bulletins of U. S. Geologieal Survey, with F. V. Hayden in charge. Reports of Wheelers’s U. S. Geological Surveys W. of the 100th Meridian. Reports of King’s U. S. Geological Exploration of the 40th Parallel. Annual Re- ports of Bureau of Ethnology. Annual Reports of U. S. Geological Survey. Natural History of New York. Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge. U. Botany:—Any of Gray’s or Wood’s Text-Books and Publications. Goodale’s ‘‘Wild Flowers.”’ Tuckerman’s ‘‘Lichens.”’ Hough’s ‘‘Am. Woods.” ““Mosses.” gent’s ‘‘Silva of N. A.” Reports on Entomology. Lesquereaux & James, Hervey’s ‘‘Sea Mosses.”” Sar- Geology, Mineralogy and Palzontology:—Any of Dana’s, Winchell’s, Miller’s or Geikie’s Works. Conchology:—Any of Tryon’s, Sowerby’s, Gill’s or Woodward’s Works. Entomology:—Any of Packard’s, Westwood’s or Comstock’s Books. Edward’s or Scudder’s Works on ‘“‘Butterflies.”’ Any of Maynard’s, Ornithology, Oology and Taxidermy:—Works by any of the following: Baird, Bendire, Brewer, Brewster, Cassin, Chapman. Cory, Coues, Davie, DeKay, Fisher, Gentry, Goss, Hornaday, McIlwraith, Maynard, Minot, Nuttall, Nehrling, Raine, Ridgeway, Shufeldt, Studer, Warren, Wilson. Also back number or volumes of any of the following publications: “This,” “Ornithologist and Oologist,” ‘‘Nidiologist.” “Auk.” “Bird Books,’ Pamphlets and Publications. are my speciality and I can use almost anything in that line advantageously either in large or: small lots, old or new. Medical:—Quain’s Anatomy, 10th ed.; Rohe’s Hygiene: Ziegler’s Pathology; Campbell’s Language of Medicine; Gould’s Medical Dictionary; The National Dispensatory; Gray’s Ana- tomy; Gould’s Medical Dictionary; Holden’s Dissector; Kirke’s or Yeo’s Physiology; White & Wilcox or Hare’s Materia Medica; Reese’s Toxicology ; Osler’s Medicine; Park’s or American Text. Book of Surgery; Parvin’s or Lusk’s Obsteterics; Garrigue’s or Keating & Coe’s Gynecology; Jn- gal’s Laryngology; Duhring’s Dermatology; Dana’s Nervous Diseases; Kirchofi’s or Blandford’s Insanity ; Reese’s Medical Jurisprudence; Klein’s or Piersol’s Histology. : I also- desire second-hand copies of any standard book, report or publication devoted to Ornithology, Oology, Geology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology, Zoology, Conchology, Botany, Micros- copy, ete., etc. Talsowant choice Birds Eggs in Sets with data; A No. 1 Mounted Birds and Reptiles; A Good Microscope; Indian Relics, and choice col- lections of U. S. or Foreign Stamps or Coins or offers. I CAN OFFER IN EXCHANGE New $15 Field Glass; °96 Harvard Bicycle: No. 2 (82.50) Kodak, new; 23 vols. Harpers in patent binders; New set of Encyclopedia Brittanica; Set Johnson’s Encyclopedia. Morocco bound; Rand and McNally’s #25 Business Atlas; New Yale Surgical Chair; New Gould Dental Chair; $25. Relief Map of U. S.; New 8500 Upright Piano; $50 Mineral Collection; $1000 worth of “Surplus”’ Stock as offered in "NATURAL SCIENCE NEWS” (copy for stamp) of April, °96 consisting of Min- erals, Fossils, Shells, Land and Marine Curios, Mexican Goods, Novelties, etc., etc.; 7 foot Shark from the Plant R. R. System’s Exhibit atthe Atlanta Exposition. Select Disarticulate Human. one-half skeleton; Skeleton of Monkey; ‘‘Fauna of British India, Ceylon and Burmah,” 7 vol., 4000 pp, 1300 illus.; Jeancon’s ‘Atlas of Pathological Anatomy”’ cost $36.75; a #45 Roll top Black Walnut Desk, good as new, 150 acres of Land near Vineland, N. J. I will sell anything I offer for exchange cheap for cash. Exchanges under $ not solicited except for choice material or desirable books. Address, FRANK H. LATTIN, Publisher of the OOLOGIST, ALBION, N. Y. iv eae THE OOLOGIST. NASALENE POSITIVE CURE FOR Cold in the Head, Hay Fever, Catarrh, Deafness. $100 REWARD for every case of Ca- tarrh or Deafness (caused by Catarrh) which we cannot cure with Nasalene, when used ac- cording to directions. Sold by all first-class druggists or by mail at 25 cents. Sample box 10 cents. The profuse discharge of mucus from the nose, the dropping of mucus from the nostrils into the throat, the accumulation of mucus and the constant inclination to hawk and ex- pectorate, is arrested by the timely use of Nas- alene. OFFICE OF THE AGENT-W ARDEN | SING SING PRISON. i Dee. 12, 1895. HUNTER MEDICAL Co. Gentlemen:—I have use your ‘‘Nasalene”’and I find it very beneficial. I take pleasure in recommending it. Yours truly, O. V. SAGE, Agent-Warden. HUNTER MEDICAL CO., 54 E. 13 St., NEW-YORK CITY. FOLDS We have some com- pound Folds in rock, and a few Banded Sandstone Faults, both very interesting to Geologists. and a - quantity of polished material for sale. We make a specialty of cutting and polishing cab- inet material at our Steam Lapidary Shop. John G. Buxton, Milo Centre, N. Y. H. H. & C.S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists. MINER ALS SHELLS, etc. The White City Collections. 50 fine cabi- net specimens, $8. 50 smaller size, $2. 50 ama- teur size, $1. Printed name and locality with each specimen. 50 Shells, Corals, and Marine Specimens, only $38. 100 Fossils, including fine Fish, Trilobite, Crinoids, Corals, Sponges, several fine Ferns, ete., only $8. A great varie- ty Unios with one valve highly published from 35c to $l, very showy. ‘Taxidermy in allits branches at reasonable prices. Jilustrated catalogue by mail, 10c. J.M.WIERS, Natural- ists Agency, 357 W. VanBuren St., Chicago, Ill. FRANK B. ARMSTRONG, TAXIDERMIST, . and Collector and Dealer in Bird and Mammal Skins, Birds Eggs in fine sets; Mounted Birds and Animals. BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS. Robert Burnham, DEALER IN Precious Stones, Opals, Curios and Fine Minerals. Cutting and Polishing Agates and Gem Stones, and setting the same in solid gold settings a specialty. 15 Chestnut St., Providence,R.I. PRICE LIST OF GEMS. OPALS. AUIS UY ali aM 4s. eee 50c to $40 00 per kt. Hungarian ee ae into SS ue) 50 Oar IMG RICA oes WO ee See NOTE ONO) Mo Opal Scarf Pins set in Sohd Gold in four siz- es, as follows: 75c., 31.25, $2.50, $3 50. STUDS. Screw or Separate Backs, $1.00 to $3.00. Clus- ters to order. EAR-RINGS, $2.00 to $5.00. RINGS, ETC., SET TO ORDER. Prices on application for special settings or extra fine stones. ! AMETHYST, TOPAZ, MOONSTONE, BLOODSTONE, AGATE, CROCIDOLITH, &c. In all forms and sizes for Rings, Pins, Charms, 10c to $5.00. Tourmaline........................50e to $15.00 per kt. NCUA ATIC ee Seren ae caer BEN ome OO) FOS : BIRTHDAY. GEMS SET IN ANY DESIRED STYLE. JANUARY. Gath Ct. .22225.424- 2 Se eee Constancy or Fidelity FEBRUARY. Amethyst or Pear) ee ee Fidelity MARCH. © Hyacinth or Bloodstoue..Courage, Presence of (Mind . APRIL. ; ID PleH anXoy ae leneerysaNMe neat erese Aen 8 286222 kao JUNIORS, MAY: mer ail dsca2s 522s. Be Uae NS eile Success in Life JUNE. : Agate or Cat’s-eye..-.......-. Health and Long Life JULY CoOTaON RED yee ee ee Contented Mind AUGUST. F Sardonyx or Moonstone......... Conjugal Felicity SEPTEMBER. Crysolite or Sapphire Antidote againstMadness OCTOBER en @Opaliie eee ees $a ee eee Hope NOVEMBER. MIS ODD BZils 2225) Sos 5 Se eee cee eee een Fidelity DECEMBER. MUP OULOIS@.< 2.25.5. seen ee eee Eee OSC RU Having a large stock on hand, I will, for a short time, sell 20 1bs. of good Minerals for $1. One to forty kinds as you want them, large or small. ; . . . 1 THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XIV. NO. 4. ALBION, N. Y., APRIL, 1897. WHOLE No. 18h: The Late Major Charles E. Bendire. Major Charles E. Bendire, U.S. A., Honorary Curator of the. Department of Oology in the U.S. National Museum, died at Jacksonville, Fla., Feb 4, 1897, of Bright’s disease. Weary of confine- ment indoors he went to Florida in hope of finding a milder ciimate where he might sit ontside to enjoy the fresh air and watch the trees and birds—a hope that was not realized, for he died tive days after leaving Washington. Major Bendire was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, April 27, 1886. He was a relative of Weyprecht and Payer, the Austrian Arctic explorers From The Osprey. who discovered and named Franz Josef’ Land. He came to this country in 1852, and’ in June, 1854, enlisted as a private in Company D of the 1st Dragoons, U.S. Army. During the next ten years he was promoted to Sergeant, and served | as Hospital Steward in the 4th Cavalry. [In 1864 he was transferred to the 1st Cavalry and promoted to 2d, and soon to 1st Lieutenant In February, 1873, he attained the rank of Captain, and in April, 1886, was retired on account of an injury to the knee. In February, 1890, he was breveted Major for gallant. services rendered on Sept 18, 1877, in fighting the Indians at Canon Creek, 38 THE OOLOGIST. Montana—an illustration of the subse- ‘quentness of glory in the army! During his long period of service as an army officer he was stationed at a number of the most remote and inac- cessible posts in the West, among which may be mentioned Cantonment Burg- wyn, in New Mexico; Forts Bowie, McDowell, Wallen, Lowell and Whip- ple, in Arizona; Bidwell and Independ- ence (the latter in Owens Valley,) in California; Harney and Klamath, in Oregon; Vancouver and Walla Walla, in Washington; Boise and Lapwai, in Idaho, and Custer, in Montana. And it should be remembered that his ser- vice at most of these posts antedated the the construction of the transcontin- ental railroads which now traverse the ’ States and Territories in which most of them are located. Bendire was a man of energy, perse- verance and courage, and in our Indian wars naturally took a prominent part. This part was sometimes that of a dread- ed foe who followed them relentlessly over mountain and desert and penetrat- ed their most distant retreats; some- times that of a peace-maker, as when in the midst of the bloody Apache war he boldly visited the camp of Cochise, the celebrated Apache chief, and induc- ed him to abandon the war path. He treated the Indians, as he did everyone else, with perfect frankness and fair- ness, and never deceived them. They were not long in learning that they could rely absolutely on his word, which gave him a postive advantage in all his dealings with them, for they al- ways respected him and when not at war liked him. Aside from his movements in the field in connection with Indian wars, he led a number of expeditions for oth- er purposes, such as laying out roads, surveying routes for telegraph lines, and exploring unknown | country—as when he crossed the Death Valley in 1867, and explored the deserts of south- ‘his famous collection of birds’ central Nevada as far east as Pahrana- gat Valley. No other American Nat- uralist in modern times has spent half so much time in the field as Rendire, and his voluminous note books attest the accuracy and range of his observa- tions. It is hard work to say just when Ben- dire’s scientific work began, or even exactly when he commenced making eggs, though it is certain that he was collect- eng in 1870. Like many other army of- ficers stationed in the West, he sent Professor Baird from time to time nat- ural history specimens and _ notes. When stationed at St. Louis he became an intimate friend of the eminent bot- anist, Dr. George Engelmann, to whose herbarium he was a valued contributor. His earliest published writings are in ths form of letters to well-known naturalists, chiefly Allen, Baird and Brewer. ‘The first volume of the Bul- letin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club (1876) contains several such letters, published by J, A. Allen. In 1877 he published an important paper on the Birds of Southeastern Oregon, based on three years’ field work in the region around Fort Harney. In all,he has written about fifty papers, most of which relate to birds and their eggs, though several treat of mammals and fishes. But the work which will carry his name and fame to future gen- erations is his ‘‘Life Histories of North American Birds,’’ of which the second volume was reviewed SCIENCE not long ago (N.S. Vol, IV, No.96, Oct. 30, 1896, pp. 657-658.) It is a calamity to the science of ornithology, for which he was in no way responsible, that the re- maining volumes of this great work, which contains more original informa- tion on the habits of our birds than any other since the time of Audubon, Wil- son and Nuttall, were not made ready for publication. In his personal life Bendire was a \ THE OOLOGIST. 39 ‘man of simple habits and unusual frank- ness. He had an ‘inborn aversion for all kinds of circumlocution and insin- ‘cerity, and was. himself a model of directness and truthfulness. He was generous, kind hearted and ever ready to help others, no matter at how much personal inconvenience, if he believed them worthy. He had a large number of correspondents in all parts of the country who considered it a privilege to contribute notes and specimens for his use. These and many others will ‘mourn his loss, but none so deeply as the small coterie who were so fortunate as to be numbered among his intimate personal friends.—C. Hart Mernian, in “Science.” — > Tyrant Flycatchers in New England. There is probably no one family of birds, that gives the ornithologist as much trouble as the Flycatchers.' Most ofthe species are of about the same size. and their colors mostly neutral—_ olive aud whitethat is more or less pure, with occasional small and often indistinct spots of some brighter color; as the small spot of red on the King- bird’s crown for instance. But they are Flycatchers, not: fly- hunters, andit is the insect on the wing, not the crawling slug in the dirt, that coneerns them, and constitutes their food. time and it is hard to find one that is lazy, no matter how quiet it may be— and the latter, by the way is a very prevalent trait. Nevertheless they are very neat in appearance, except per- haps for the slight erectile crest, that is so prevalent among the family and which often gives them a dishevelled apvearance. There are only five of this species that might be called common in New Eng- land, viz: Least and Greated-crested Flycatcher, Kingbird, Pheebe and Wood Pewee; and it is these five only that I The very name suggests a lively, shall have to do with. There are, how- ever, twelve species in all, common, in one sense, to New England; three of these are only stragglers from the west and south; and the other four are only occasional visitors which resemble other well known kinds. The most common of this latter class is the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. The Wood. Pewee (Contopus virens) is found chiefly in woods, either dry or swampy; it prefers shade to sunshine, and tall treesto scrubby ones. Although it is often.seen in orchards, it is gener- ally one of that kind which is not taken care of and consequently attracts more insects on which it may live. In the evening it is likely to be found in the neighborhood of ponds and lakes. When once discovered, it may be easily studied, owing to its habit of returning to the same place at about the same time day after day. It has tne regular Flycatcher habit of capturing its prey. Selecting some post of observation, usually in this case from ten to forty feet from the ground, the Pewee sits and watches for any passing insect, and sighting it, glides gracefully downward, seizes the insect, and then returns to its post t) wait for another, with a graceful upward curve, Oftentimes it sails leisurely into the air, and with outspread wings and an up- ward toss of the head, willsing as lazily as it can utter the syllables, the notes pee-wee; this is often shortehed to pee-z. It sings especially in the early morn- ing and late evening, often when it is quite dark. In the neighborhood of New York, its song ceases at any time between the end of July and the end of August, although occasional songs are heard in September. After the young have left the nest,the old birds separate, and though still fre- quenting the same localities they inhab- ited during the breeding season, yet they are seldom seen together, each seeming to avoid the other. ‘They are 40 LHE OOLOGIST. generally silent, and when approached are quite shy. The Least Flycatcher (Hmpidonax minimus), or as it is called from its note chebic, is the smallest of all the fly- catchers that can be found in New Eng- land, either as visitors or stragglers. Its average length is about five inches, but often a little less. Its home is in orchards or on the edge of woodland, especially those composed of birch, maple or beeches. Dr. Coues says: ‘It is not ordinarily found in gloomy woods, nor even in heavy tim- ber of any kind.” When it has selected its home for the summer it often con- fines itself with some closeness to a sin- gle group of trees. The Chebec has all the ordinary Fly- eatcher habits, such as flirting the tail, scolding in a harsh, unmusical voice, and dashing into the air to catch a fly- ing insect. Its song note is a loud, em- phatic but unmusical cry, closely re- sembling the syllables cheboe; it is often written as cadit and sewick. Mr. Nuttall states, and he is the only one that I ever heard of who did, that the Chebic has a quarrelsome disposi- tion, and he has seen them molest other smaller birds. ButI have never seen them molest the Summer Yellowbird (Dendroica estiva) or Chipping Spar- row even when they nested in the same clump, or even in the same tree, as is often the case. A true-born fighter is the. Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus); and its special enemy seems to be the Crow. It al- ways rises above its foe, und drops up- on its back, ‘‘attacking it with both beak and claws, until the unlucky in- truder makes off with ludicrous conster- nation.”” Not long ago [ owned a very young Crow, and one day I wasattract- ed by hearing a loud noise from it. Turning round, [saw my Crow sitting on the ground, with a Kingbird flying about it, and now and then darting down at it, as if pecking at it with its beak. I drove it away two or three times, but as it seemed ill disposed to leave, I finally had to take the Crow in- doors, for fear of its being hurt The Purple Martin is said to be the implacable enemy of the Kingbird, and one of the few birds with which the lat- ter maintains an unequal contest. Its superiority in flight gives the former great advantages, and its equal courage and strength render it more than a match. Audubon relates an instance in which the Kingbird was killed in one of these siruggles. Parkhurst notes that in bathing it flies from its perch directly into the water, generally a small stream, dashes the water over its back and returns to its perch, repeating the performance several times. ‘It is perhaps this hab- it,” he writes, ‘‘which has given rise to the unfounded idea that it feeds upon smal] fishes.” Before closing with the Kingbird, I can do no better than to quote from Mr. C. C. Abbott. in his book, ‘‘Bird- Land Echoes.” He writes, ‘“‘Very dif- ferent is the Wood Pewee’s cousin, the doughty Kingbird. . Here we have a Flycatcher that is not retiring in its dis- position; a bird of the open air; one that feels that it has a right in the world, and has the courage of its con- victions A lively bird that mostly squeaks. if moved to express itself, though it can sing in a humble way, it is said; but it makes amends for all vo- cal deficiencies by an exhibition of all the excellent qualities of bird-nature. A little too quarrelsome, pechaps; cer- tainly so in the minds of Grows and the larger hawks, but from our standpoint this is a source of amusement, we ‘not being directly interested. * * * * There is little danger of exaggeration in speaking of the Kingbird. It looks allthat it is, and is all thatit looks, It has a fancy for the open fields, and does not forget them when confined to a tree at nesting time. It likes the broad out- es THE OOLOGIST. look and the easy life it may then lead, whether chasing beetles in the sunshine or swinging on a bending mullein stalk.” The Pheebe or Pewit (Sayornis phebe) is the most familiar of the family. Its comparatively fearless disposition and characteristic habits render it so. It frequents somewhat open ground, where insects are ubundant, generally near a pond or stream; where, ‘‘perching on the branch of an overhanging tree, or on the railing of a bridge, or darting about in different directions, it busies itself through the day in catching the insects that swarm in myriads in such localities.” Its note is rather harsh and querulous, resembling the word phe-be; the first syllable is smooth, the second rough and broken. Besides this common call- note, they are said to have during the - love-season ‘‘a low twittering song with which they entertain their mates, but which is heard only when the birds are in company, and then only for a brief season.” Last but least, since it is the largest of the whole family, comes the Great- erested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus). It is a rather rare and local bird; and both for this reason, and also because it leads a ‘wild, sky, and solitary life,”’ is less often seen than the more abun- dant members of the same family. It is much oftener heard than seen, . being at once recognized by its characteristic notes—one a harsh outcry of one syll- able, in a high key; and others sounded in a guttural tone two or three times. It is said that this nearly cr quite fails in July or early August, and the note is then single, faint, and somewhat mourn- ful. Opions seem to differ concerning its being quarrelsome. All who say any- thing about it admit that it is just as brave in defending its nest as the rest; but some say that it does not seem to always have a quarrel on hand, like its 41 cousin the Kingbird; while others say that it does, and has many of the pecul- iarities of that bird. As for myself, I favor the former opinion; but as the Great-crested is to me the favorite mem- ber of the family, my opinion may be a. biased one. GEO. ROBERTS, JR., Hartford, Conn. = Towhee’s N est “Off the Ground.” Dear EpiTor: Is the finding of a Towhee’s nest “off the ground” too common an occurrence to be recorded in the OdLOoGIsT? June 5, 1896, I found a nest two feet up in a mass of tangled blackberry briers. I worked my way toward it, and merely glancing at the contents, said to myself, ‘Y ellow-breasted Chat’s.”” Before I had freed myself from the briers a female Towhee ap- peared and showed much uneasiness as if she had a nest near. Retiring to watch her, I was surprised to find her the owner of the nest I had just left. A moment later the three eggs were in my possession, where careful examina- tion showed a faint bluish tinge in the ground-color and not glossy—therefore leaving no doubt as to their not being Chats’, had no bird*been seen. Mark- ings very dark, far from having the ‘‘pinkish cast.’’ COC. PIPER SMITH, Anderson, Ind. > <<>> A Correction. In my article, ‘Maryland Birds that interest the Sportsman,” published in Tue OoLoatist, March-April, 1894, I had Chen hyperbora, whereas it should have read, Chen hyperborea nivalis (FORST). Greater Snow Goose. Wo. H. FISHER, Baltimore, Md. Ripans Tabules cure dyspepsia. Ripans Tabules cure headache, 42 THE OOLOGIST. THE OOLocIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H.LATTIN, Editor and Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the Fret of. Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited rom all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: Single subscription............ eeee50C per annum Sample copieS........ss.e0- Scho c The above rates include payment of postage. Each subscriber is given a card good for a Want, Exchange or For Sale Notice. (This card is redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.) Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLoGiIsr can be furnished at reasonable rates. Sena stamp for descrip- tions and prices. =~ Remember that the publisher must be noti- - fied by letter when a subscriber wishes his paper stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 5 cents per nonpareil line each insertion. 12 lines in every inch. Seveninches in a col- umn, and two columns to the page. Nothing inserted for less than 25 cents. No “special rates,” 5 cents per line is ‘“‘net,” ‘rock bottom,” ‘‘inside,” ‘‘spot cash” rate from which there is no deviation and no commission to agents. If you wish to use 5 lines or less space it will cost you 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50.00. “Trade” (other than cash) advertise- ments will be accepted by special arrangement only and at ratesfrom double to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in advertis- ing will be honored only at regular rates in force at the date of issuance of said bill or card. Remittances should be made by Drait, Express or Postoffice Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U.S. any denomination will be accepted for sums un- der one dallar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK H. LATTIN, Aibion, Orleans Co., N. Y. EEE (ENTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER, Ren A Day With the Raptores. An early hour on the morning of May 11, 1895 found my friend Mr. M. B. ‘Griffing and myself ready to start for a day’s collecting after the Raptores. The day was perfect. Not a cloud in ‘tthe sky and it promised to be pretty warm before sunset. We started for Sachem’s Neck and ar- rived there about 8:00 a. m. My first nest was one of the American Osprey (Pandion halietus carolinensis), situated in a pine tree and about thirty-five feet Postage Stamps of up. It was composed of sticks, pieces of sod, corn-stalks and sea-weed, in fact almost any kind of rubbish. The climb was easy and I was soon looking on the two large eggs which the nest contained. They were a deep cream color, spotted and splashed with several shades of brown; the larger end being entirely obscured by the mark- ings. Packing these I descended the tree and was soon joined by Mr. Griff- ing who had secured a fine set of three Osprey’s from a large cherry tree which stood near a deserted barn. Traveling east from here we reached astrip of woods and a few minutes later my friend called out that he had found a nest of Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter coopert). Going over to him I climbed the tree and saw four white eggs in the nest. These we left for a while to make certain of the identity and hid in some thick undergrowth. The old bird came back presently and we were, then sure of our find. The nest was composed entirely of small twigs and was situated in a beech tree about thirty-five feet up. The eggs are white slightly marked with faint spots of light brown and lavender. Packing - up we started on our course which now lay along Gardiner’s Bay. After proceeding a short way we came to our next nest which was one of the Osprey. It was situated in a black gum tree forty-five feet from the ground and on the end of a limb ten feet from the trunk of the tree. ‘Ad- justing my climbers I was soon stand- ing ¢z the nest which was an immense affair probably the accumulation of years of nest building. It contained a set of fowr eggs, ground color, a pecul- jar shade of brown spotted with choc- olate-brown. In 1894 I took a set of two eggs from this same nest which, were similar in color and markings. After carefully measuring the nest I climbed down and we continued on our way. THE OOLOGIST. 43 The next was on a pine stub and con- tained three eggs. The nest was only twelve feet up. The eggs are white, spotted and blotched with brown. The blotches covered the larger end of two of the eggs and the smaller end of the third. The next two nests were situated in black gum trees and contained three eggs each. The first nest was forty feet from the ground and on the end of a limb which projected out thirty feet, the nest being placed near the end. This was one of the most dangerous climbs I ever took. The eggs in both nests were similar to those found in the first nest I described. As it was getting toward noon and we were tired and hungry we stopped to eat our lunch and takearest. There is no water fit to drink here and we had to carry what we needed with us. After lunch our supply was exhausted and we suffered greatly from the in- tense heat and burning thirst for the rest of the day. But being good egg- cranks we were willing tou put up with these slight inconveniences. After lunch we dug a Kingfisher (Ceryle al- cyon) out of his burrow and obtained a set of six fresh, pearly white eggs. We now proceeded inland and stop- ped at the next nest, which on our climbing the tree proved to contain only one egg which we left desiring only full sets. We now found ourselves in a large piece of woods which we canvassed thoroughly until we found the nest of a Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis). This we climbed to and found it to contain only one egg which we left intending to return in a few days and collect the full set. Returning a week later we found only one egg so concluded it was a complete set. Toward sunset we came out on a large field thickly covered with brush, sitting down on the edge of the woods were a pair of Marsh Hawks (Circus hudsonius) sailing about. Soon one sank down in the bushes and we knew we had another set. Leaving Griffing to get this I went back into the woods a short distance where I had seen a Crow’s nest. The nest contained six eggs fof Corvus americanus and were typical eggs of that species. On returning to where I had left my traps I saw Griffing carefully following a straight line from the point where I was sitting to the place where the Hawk had descended. Suddenly the Hawk ‘started up and after a few minutes search Griffing came back with a fine set of six fresh eggs, greenish-white in color spotted very faintly with pale brown and lilac, one of the eggs was immaculate. The nest was situated on the ground and was built entirely of dried grass. Packing up we started home very tired but very happy. Wearrived after dark and after partaking of a good supper we blew our eggs and wrote the notes for the day and then retired to rest and to dream of Hummingbird and ostrich eggs in the same nest. R. C. WOODHOUSE, New York City. > Observe Bird Day. Superintendant Jordan has issued issued the following recommendations for the observance of bird day in the schools of the state: The legislature has passed an act for the protection of song birds, and it is now a law. This movement is in re- sponse to a growing sentiment of hu- manity, demanding that the cruel and useless destruction of these happy and charming creatures shall be stopped. A similar law has been enacted in sev- eral of the Southern states and in many of the Northern and Western states. In order to bring children to a proper app”eciation of the merits of this sub- ject, days have been set apart in the 44 THE OOLUGIST. schools for the study of birds, their habits, uses and principles of kindness and protection that should be accorded them. , At the request of Mrs. M. S. Stephen- son of Helena, Ark., who has taken the lead in this matter, in response to the generous sentiment that is now abroad in our state in this behalf, I beg to sug- gest a programme of work for those schools which choose to take an inter- est in the cause; so that by April 24, a uniformity in celebration may be ob- served. The programme is merely sug- gestive, and teachers are at liberty to use their own judgement, as to any part of it or all of it, varying the time and subjects prior to the 24th of April as they may deem proper. This is not a proclamation or an order under any law, as this office has no authority to take such a course; but it is simply an advisory method of bringing to the at- tention of our schools that principle of humane treatment of birds that is now recognized as worthy of the attention of our legislatiive authorities. Submitted herewith is the following programme for Friday exercises to be arranged for classes and varied as the teacher judges most suitable: Friday. March 26, 2 p. m.— (a) Name the birds in your county. (b) Deseribe some particular bird, its habits, mode of living, nest building, ete. (c) Stories of birds, oral and written. Friday. April 2, 2 p. m.— (a) Home birds; migratory birds, ac- companied by stories and poems from authors. Habits and dates for coming and going. (b) Aquatic birds; birds of the ocean, lakes and swamps. April 9, 2 p. m.— (a) Usefulness of birds; protection of birds; moral principle of kindness to- wards them. (b) Birds as harbingers of the weath- er and seasons; birds that may be edu- cated or trained. April 16, 2 p. m.— (a) Birds peculiar to certain sections of the United States. (b) Classify game birds, song birds, gregarious birds, insectivorous birds. April 23— (a) Birds that are noted in history, emblems of heraldry, warriors, nations. (b) Birds that children have seen at shows, not natives of this country, where from? (c) Stories and poems recited by class: and lectured by teachers. » JUNIUS JORDAN. Superintendent of Public Instruction. Folllowing is a full text of the bill as approved by the governor: Be it enacted by the general assembly of the state of Arkansas: Section 1. It shall be unlawfnl for any person within the state of Arkansas. to kill wound or injure any wild bird, other than the game birds, or to des- troy, disturb or rob the nests of any such birds, or to sell or expose for sale, either dead or alive, any of such birds, and it shall be unlawful for any rail- road company, express company, steam- boat company, or other company or corporation, or private person, their agents, employes or servants, to have in possession or receive for transporta- tion or carriage or for any other pur- poses whatever, any such birds or eggs; but this section shall not apply to Eng- Crows, Blackbirds, Hawks, Owls, Eagles and other birds of prey, nor shall it prohibit any person lish Sparrows, from killing any such birds on his own premises, when in the act of destroying fruit or other crops. Sec. 2. That this act shall take effect from and after its passage. Approved March 16, 1897.—From the Arkansas Lemocrat. THE OOLOGIST Vv >pades, Hoes, Mauls. Ihave recently bought ‘Several large collec- tions of Stone Relics from high-class collec- tors and have a ‘‘cream” stock of 15,000 pieces from many states. hundreds of them unusually fine form and perfect: many rare. Improve your cabinet. Among a stock as varied and fine as any ever offered by any dealer, are: 9 fine Spades 12 to 16% inches long. 2s a 5x t to 11% inches long. 9 notched Hoes 4% to ou inches long. Points of above have a glassy polish from use. 45 Discoidals, bi-concave, 114 to 6 inches diam- eter. 500 grooved Axes and Celts of finest form % to 10 pounds each. 75 Banner Stones, Gorgets, Amulets, ete. 30 Curious old Pipes. 25 Hematite Plummets and Axes, etc. Cup Stones, Balls. Pestles, Mortars, Bone Relics, Beads, Copper Relics, 5to9 inch Spear Heads, ete., Swedish and [Irish Stone Relics. Arrow Heads—3000 splendid, 5000 fine, 5000 ordinary, 2000 2c to 5e each. 50 fine Drills. ; Many pretty forms in the tiny semi-precious stone points of Oregon,N. Mexico,and Arizona. Send stamp tor price list—“‘OUR EXTRA.”’ Separate catalog of 100,000 specimens of fine Minerals and Fossils. Hundreds of Relics of Western Indians, Alas- kans and South Sea Islanders. Pepe. STILWELL, . ": DEADWOOD, (Black Hills), Ss. DAK. FREE EDUCATION. An education at Harvard, Yale or any other college or instution of learning in the United States, or in the New England Conservatory of Music, can be secured by any young man or wo- man who isin earnest. Write for particulars quickly. JAMES D. BALL, 36 Bromfield St., Boston, Mass. our Steam Lapidary Shop, SHINE: recently fitted up on the most improved plans. where we do first-class work at reasonable prices. Cabinet work a specialty. Polished material for sale. JOHN G. BUXTON, Milo Centre, N. Y. Minerals, Fossils and Shells cut and polished at 1 OUBLE for Price List ree SE I N ES, NETS, TENTS, and SPORTING GOODS. Every description of Guns, Ravolvers, Ammu- nition and Sportin Goods at very lowest. pric- es. We have something of inter est to you. TAXIDERMISTS? GUNS, ‘eccc* Pistols, Gun Cases. Shooting Shot Shells; also ridges “ior OPEGIMEN HUNTERS, tridges for All kinds, all prices from $1.00 to $25.00. List free. Write for Taxidermist’s free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA. $100. We emplov experienced agents on a salary of $100 per month. Others at $60. Write quickly. Puriran PupB-. LISHING Co., 36, Brumfield St., Boston, Mass. FOR SALE.—To enrich my camera fund, I will sell duplicate sets Bald-pate, Canvas-back, Gadwall, Whip-poor-will, Miss. Kite, Cassin’s Vireo, Hutton’s Vireo, Golden-cheeked War- bler, and others, at lowest, (confidential), pric- es, If you ever buy, send stamp for lists. I shall have later, sets that you'll eagerly take. Guaranteed, perfect authenticity; full data; faultless preparation. lowest prices. P. B. PEABODY, St. Vincent, Minn. M2t FOR 30 DAYS Will sell fine sets—my own collecting. at, fol- iowing prices, delivered, it order exceeds $2.00. Discount on orders exceeding $10. PER EGG. ' PER EGG. “ Small collection fine sets, 15 species, with data, including 9, 11, 12,.126, 182, 184, 199, 278, 294, 325. 837b, 36Ca, 373, 478a, and 707, ‘cataloguing Ov- er $20, for $7,50 delivered. * ’ EUGENE Ss. ROLFE, MINNEWAUKAN, N. DAK. Kare Eggs. Last year Stanford University, of California, sent an expedition to Cape St. Lucas. They brought back many rare eggs, and I have se- cured all the duplicates except such as went to Capt. Bendire. I have a number of extra ones in sets to sell, (none to trade) including fine series .of White Winged Dove, Murre, Ground Dove—probably new subspecies— St. Lucas, Cactus Wren, Scott’s Oriole, Hooded: Oriole, Texas Night Hawk, a splendid series of St. Lu- cas Thrasher, Valley Quail (probably new sub- species); St. Lucas House Finch, Texas Cardi- nal, (probably new sub-species) and several others aie from this collecticn may be ob- tainéd of C. K. Worthen of Warsaw, Til. Address, R. P. SHARPLES, ELGIN, ILL. vi THE OOLOGIST C___> Large fragments of beautiful Painted Pot- tery (no two alike) from Arizona Aztec ruins 75c. Sent by mail, prepaid. Curiosity box only 10ce (stamps or silver) satis- faction guaranteed. BURT OGBURN, Phoenix, Arizona. Shells, Marine Curios, &c. Iam now ready to supply first-class stock at low prices and should you wish anything from this section, let me hear from you. All inquir- ies will have a prompt reply. mtf J. H. HOLMES, Dunedin, Fla. Climbing Irons. Best made spurs and frames, steel. Strapped already for use. Price, $1.25 per pair. F. H. Metcalf, Holyoke, Mass. FOR SALE CHEAP! $1,000 worth of AI Birds Eggs At One Fifth Catalogue Rates. Large lists of Minerals, Gem Stones, Indian Relics, & Books at one-half wholesale prices. Also all my Cabinets, Mineral Cases and Curios. Must close out at once and will sell at most any price to get rid of them. This will be the last series of lists I shall issue and they will contain all the specimens I have on hand. Everything must be sold at once. Send stamp for list or lists you are interested in. Don’t miss this chance. GEO. W. DIXON, WATERTOWN, SOUTH DAKOTA. Ripans Tabules cure bad breath. Ripans Tabules cure dizziness. POPULAR SCIENCE — NEWS HEALTH Nature, Invention, Archeology, Electricity, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Health, Hygiene, Medicine. Formerly BOSTON JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY ENLARGED and IMPROVED. This popular monthly contains a large num- ber of Short, Easy, Practical, Interesting and Popular, Scientific articles, that can be Appre- ciated and Enjoyed by any intelligent reader, even. though he knew little or nothing of Sci- ence. It is intended to interest those who think. Profusely Illustrated and Free . from Technicalities. Entirely different from and much superior to other papers with a similar name. Monthly, $1.60 per year. Newsdealers 15c Largest Circulation of any Scientific Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, 108 Fulton St., New York. (= Mention THE OOLOGIsT for a sample copy. Sea Shells From the Florida Coast. If you desire to buy Shells in large or small quantities you will save money by writing for my price list before buy- ing elsewhere. Iam selling Shells very cheap and will send TWENTY SPRCIMENS, AS SAMPLES, PREPAID ON RECEIPT OF ONE DOLLAR. Reference, Postmaster, Dunedin, Florida Address all orders A. J. BARNES, DUNEDIN, FLORIDA. Iceland, Lapland, Spain. A large stock of Birds Eggs—last season’s collecting has justarrived from the above lo- calities. Descriptive price-list sent free upon application. A. KRICHELDORFF, Naturalist, etc., No. 585 Oranien-Strasse, Ber- lin, S., Germany. Ain GREAT NOVELTY IN PIN CUSHIONS. Tae Made from the seed stalk of the Yucca Palm or Spanish i Bayonet, whose beautiful white blossoms adorn the canyons and mountain sides of Cal. 1150 Yucca Cush- ions were retailed by one hotel to its guests in less than 5 months. The outside of the stalk is hard and the inside soft, and when nicely turned on a lathe they make a most beautiful white Pincushion. Price 10 cents, silver. @ W. TUTTLE, Pasadena, Cal ee THE OOLOGIST. vii Many Subscriptions to THE OOLOGIST have expired, or will expire with this issue. In the future the Publisher re- quires CASH IN ADVANCE. Hence, if you are one of the delinquent sub- seribers, your subscription should be forwarded by return mail, if you wish the O6LOGIST continued to your address. May issue will go to press prompt- ly on April 26, and be mailed during the following week—all Exchange, adver- tisements and notes for that issue, must be forwarded by return mail to insure insertion in that issue. Cor. Bates and L| i Larned Streets, MICH. Rates, $1.50 to ncn mene ean come] $2.00 per Day. Only one block from Woodward and Jefferson Aves. Elevator Service, Steam Heat, Electric Lights, Tile Floors, Etc, H. H. JAMES & SON, Prop’rs. 9 Hon. W. J. Bryan’s Bock All who are interested in furthering the sale of Hon. W. J. Bryan’s new book should correspond immediately with the publishers. The work will contain. . AN ACCOUNT OF HIS . CAMPAIGN TOUR. HIS BIOGRAPHY, WRITTEN BY HIS WIFE HIS MOST IMPORTANT SPEECHKS. . THE RESULTS OF THE CAMPAIGN OF 1896. > p92 A REVIEW OF THE Xi ga” POLITICAL SITUATION. 9 ACENTS WANTED ©e- Mr. Bryan has ane -e nounced his intention of devoting one-half of all royalties to furthering the cause of bimetallism. There are already indications of an enormoussale, Address W. B. CONKEY COMPANY, Publishers 341-35! Dearborn St...CHICAGO ING OUTFITS FOR SALE AT ONE-HALF COST PRICE. _ Thoroughly overkauled and as good as new. Complete job outfits from & to 200 dollars. ' Send for list of presses, outfits eto. We buy second-hand outfits and material. Send a a list of what you have. PRINTERS’ SUPPLY GO., GALESBURG, ILL. Ripans Tabules. Come to Florida. A fortune can be made in a few years in pineapples and tomatoes; vegetables raised the whole year. An ideal home. For particulars write R. P. Osler, Avon Park, Fla. 29&Otf Quain’s Anatomy. I want 10th edition camplete or any one or all of the following parts, viz: Vol. 1, Part 1. Embryology. Vol. 3. Part 2. Nerves and Sense Organs. Vol. 3, Part 3. Viscera. Will give good exchange or cash. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. Minerals and Indian Relics. ; 20CMOUSDECe = ae 50c 5 spec., 1x11%4 in......15c 10spec., 1x1% in...... 25¢ 15 spec., 1x1¥ in...... 35C -6 spec., 2x1}¢ in._.... 25c¢ 10 spec., 2x1% in...... 85c 12 arrowheads........ 380c Sent by mail prepaid. Labeled with name & locality. List free. ISAAC S. KIRK, Fremont, Chester Co., Pa. CAMERAS at bed rock prices. Prices good until March 1, 4x DyEremMieCre?: sme neem $12.25 Gbrds) JEVReVaNKG) Ey cence 13.00 * 4x5 Premo C................ .. ... 10.00 4X5 PEM Op) nan 8 50 4x5 R. C. Co’s Komet ........ Se tet Pocket Kodak, job, until sold... 4. All new and ’96 models. Charles Fowler, Princetown, N. ae CABINETS. Send 10 cts for photo of our Speciality—Self Locking. T perches—Oak sam- ples by mail 8c, 10c and 15c; also stands, shields, glass cases, game panels, &c. Cabinets to or- der. HANAFORD CABINET CO., 139 and 141 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, Mich. 58MOtf IM PORTANT! All unused exchange * coupons whose time of expiration occured between the dates of June 1, 1896 aud February 1, 1897 will be accepted in full payment for notices in these columns if mailed notlater than April Ist. Sent Free! To any person interested in humane matters, or who loves animals, we will send free, upon application, a copy of the “ALLIANCE,” the organ of this Society. In addition to its intensely in- teresting reading, it contains a list of the valuable and unusual premiums. given by the paper. Address, The National Humane Alliance, 410-411 United Charities Building, New York. Who can think Wanted—An Idea ssosssiars Protect ee ideas; they may bring you wealth. Write JOHN WEDDERBURN & CO., Patent Attor- neys, Washington, D. C., for their $1,800 prize offer and list of two hundred inventions wanted. viii THE OOLOGIS). yologists, Ornithologists po s ALL will want to read i BECAUSE A oe 4 Dr. Elliott Coues (the greatest friend of the bird student and author of Cowes’ Key) is associated with it editorially. \ Because it is the leading monthly magazine publisheu for Orni- we fH thologists All enjoy the fine photographic illustrations printed on hy enamel coated paper. We will continue, one month more, to send samples free, when . 2c stamp is enciosed. $1ayear. 10c acopy. Published by THE OSPREY COMPANY, 4 6:1 North Prarie St., Galesburg, III. “The Story of the Farallones: A BEAUTIFUL SOUVENIR By C. BARLOW and H.R. TAYLOR. With Richly Embossed Cover on Translucent Board. PRICE, 50 CENTS~—Prepaid. The Farallone Islands, the ‘‘Paradise of Oologists.” and the greatest Orni- thological wonder in America today, have never been fally described or illustrat- ed. Farallone Island has been visited by but a handful among the thousands of collectors who have read of the marvelous myriads of the bird tribes which make it their summer breeding home. We have presented The Story of the Faralones, in an elegant souvenir, with artistic cover, including more than 80. Superb Illus- trations, printed on heavy coated paper, the finest half-tones that can be made, graphically presenting the picturesque features of the Islands, with their countless | Gulls, Cormorants, Murres; Puftins, Petrels, Pigeon Guillemots, etc., as they are seen in life, accompanied by photographs of their nest and eggs.. One illustra- tion gives a panoramic view of South Farallone Islanu, a most ingeniously con-*~ ceived picture from unpublished photographs, furnishing the complete idea of the wonders of the densely populated city of the birds. Address all orders to H. R. TARLOR, Publisher, ‘“‘Nidologist,”’ = Bei ALAMEDA, CAL. Wanted—An Idea Pose iens Wantsd—An Idea ieee Potes | you may bring you wealth. ~ Protect our ideas; they may bring you wealth. HN WEDDERBURN & CO, Patent Attor- ax y Yr idcas;, Lwuey Wi,je_.. AN WEDDERBURN & CO., Patent Attor- Write J neys Washington, D. C., for their $1,800 prize offer’ §, neys;-Washington, D. C , for their $1,800 prize offe and list of two hundred inventions wanted. and list of t..0 hundred inventions wanted... - .. » RIRD oo vy) \ tw Lf adasutceatnaSaenmn vans srous BOD Ea SS OKOGISN, < O ~% % BESTE TESTENTE Te TOG GROTE SESE TESTE TET es Lessee, 5 Monthly. (4 et ALBION, N. Y., MAY, 1897. VOL. XIV. NO. 5. WHOLE No. 182 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘Wants,’ “Exchanges” ‘For Sales,” inserted in this department for 25¢ per 25 words. Notices over 25 words, charged at the rate of one-half cent per each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25c. Terms, cash with order. Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-third list rates. WANTED for cash.—Choice and complete sets of eggs of the following: Sooty Grouse, Sage Grouse, Prairie Falcon, Sage Thrasher, and nest. State lowest price. HARRY S. ANE, 406 South Broadway, Los Angeles, al. FOR SALE or exchange,—First-class Euro- jpean eggs in sets for cash or first-class Ameri- ‘ca sets. Write what you have or send in your orders. J. H. B. KROHN, Hamburg-St. Georg, ‘Bleicherstr 43, Germany. LANTERN SLIDE SET.—India (54 views) with lecture to exchange for birds eggs in sets ‘and nests if possible or condencers and object- aves for lantern. Enclose stamp for reply. FRED E. COLBURN, Box 685 Barre, Vt. FOR SALE or Exchange.—First-class sets of 120c, 49, 16, 127, to exchange or will sell very ‘cheap for cash. Those who desire sets write atonce. A.J.O°CONOR, JR., San Diego, Cal. WANTED.—Single eggs of Golden Eagle. White-tailed Kite and Loon. Pair of skins of (Mountain Partridge. male and female. Second- hhand copies of Davie’s Nests and Eggs. Write What you have and what you desire in ex- ‘change. EK. H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. BOTANICAL.—I have left, new, No. 2 Collect- ing Can, $1.25; 10x14 in. Plant Press, &P.25; 50 sheets thick drying paper, 75 cents; 175 sheets mounting paper, $1.75; 25 Genus Covers, 65 ‘cents; 1000 Gummed Fasteners, 15 cents; 100 Genus Labels, 25 cents; 100 Species Labels, 25 ‘cents. Lot is worth $6.30. ill send entire dot by express at purchasers expense to first arty sending $3.75. FRANK H. LATTIN, Al- bion, N. Y. EXCHANGE.--California birds eggs in sets with data to exchange for first-class sets from other localites. J. W. RIFE, General Delivery, ‘Los Angeles, Calif. FINE Opalescent Feldspar at two to ten ‘cents a specimen. Tento75centsadozen. P. &. CAMP, Marietta, Ga. TO EXCHANGE.—A large collection of rare ‘coins to exchange for A 1 minerals. C. AB- BOTT DAVIS,, 292 Knight St., Providence,R.I FOR SALE.—My collection of eggs. 29A1 sets with full data. All letters answered. GLEN M. HATHORN, 1600 E. Avenue, Cedar Rapids, Ia. NEST, four eggs, Clay-colored Sparrow, 50 cents; selected series, four sets, $1.60. Set ten, Pied-bill Grebe, 50 cents, all prepaid. P. B. PEABODY, St. Vincent, Minn. CURIO Dealers should keep Pima Indian baskets in stock. Write today for terms. Pri- vate collectors must enclose stamp for prices. BURT OGBURN, Phoenix, Arizona. TO EXCHANGE.—Vol. VIII and X Pacific Railway Surveys, also a few desirable skins and eggs. I need Vol. lofsame. Make offer. OHAS. BARBER, La Porte, Ind. HAND Egg Blow-pipes for blowing and rins- ing eggs. Don’t blow your cheeks off, but send for one, with directions. 75 cents prepaid. Patent applied for. DR. M. T. CLECKLEY, 457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. m2t THREE dollars will buy 172 varieties of for- eign and natiye woods, or will exchange them for woods not in my collection. LOUIS W. HAHN, Box 360, Silver Creek, Chautauqua Co., ING MG COUES KEY, eggs and skins wanted. I can offer in exchange eggs climbers and cash. R. A. POWELL, 13 South 4th St., Minneapolis, Minn. FOR SALE.—Entire collection of coins. 15 varieties half cents, $1.50; 75 varieties big cop- pers (all but three dates), $5.00; 25 mixed big coppers, $1.25; 80 varieties foreign coppers, $2.50. C. ABBOTT DAVIS, 292 Knight St., Providence, R. I. I received so many answers tomy April ad. that I could not answer all. Please accept this. Will write to first from each locality. R. NEVILLE, Kewanee, I[il. FOR SALE.—Double barrelled breech load- ing shot gun. Original price thirty-five dol-. lars. Laminated steel, choke bore; in good condition. Will sell for ten dollars. JOHN B. SEYMOUR, New Berne, N. C. li CHE OOLOGIST. EXCHANGE.—Eggs, stamps and Calcite, for Indian Relics, eggs, stamps. etc. GEO. M. COULTER, Golden City, Mo. TO EXCHNGE.—Life of Garfield, Black Dia- mond Fountain Pen, German Dagger, for books on Taxidermy and Natural History. H. NEUMANN, 204 Rock St., Watertown, Wis. WANTED —Good 12 or 16 gauge shot gun. Can offer good A No. 1 bird skins. Eggs or mounted birds or mammals. E. B. PECK, York, Livingston Co., N. Y. TO EXCHANGEH.—A few rare sets of eggs with data, also skins of birds and mammals. Make offer in books, materials, etc. CHAS. BARBER, La Porte, Ind. FOR SALE.—One nicely mounted Hair Seal. Parties meaning business please write for particulars.’ Make cash offer All letters an- swered. CHAS. EK. BAUM, Clarks Island, Me. FOR EXCHANGE.—No. 20 shotgun cost $9, for part cash, Oological books, or egys in sets from other localities. HARRY DUNN, Fuller- ton, Orange Co, Calif. NICE specimens of agate; polished surface, or fragments of Aztec pottery to exchange for four to six inch king crabs, or U. 8. oue-half cents: H. STEPHENSON, Box 77, Wymore eb. I WANT mammal scalps in good condition With skulls for mounting. All kinds. Give description and lowest cash price. B. HART- LEY, West Haven, Conn. SALE OR EXCHANGE.—A bald eagle nicely mounted. Killed less than six months ago. Taxidermist’s charges were twelve dollars. care offer takes it. W.H. THOMAS, Truckee, al. MOUNT your own birds.—K. & P. Preserva- tive does the work. K. & P. Cleaning Soap cleans the work. Eggs wanted. Write for particulars. KERR & PERHAM, Sandwich, Ills. WILL take this season, 360a, 366, 379, 402a, 468. 475, 492, 562, 583, 656. 702, 708 and others. Will sell at one-fourth catalogue rates or ex: change for desirable arvicles. Send lists and enclose Stamp. N.-K. CHRISTIE, Rouse Junc- tion, Colorado. A $25 Hopkins-Allen combined rifle and shot gun, interchangable barrels; rifle 32 cal., shot 44 cal. Price $7.50. Best shot gun for birds. A. C. PARKER, White Plains, N. Y. SALE OR EXCHANGE.—6%x8% Focusing Camera, ($32.50), collection choice sets to ex- change for Autoharp. Parties interested send discription of instrument and receive discrip- tion of Camera or list of eggs. GEO. GRAHAM. Gainesville; Fla. ae BACK numbers of ‘Oregon Naturalist,” “Natural Science New,”'*Popular Science,‘ Nid- ologist,” ‘‘Oologist,’ ete., to exchange for pair climbers or instruments or cash. JOE H. ARMFIELD, Greensboro, N. Car. PINON JAYS.—A few finely prepared sets of Pinon Jays, 4 eggs inset, for sale at $2.50 per set. Nest, if wanted, 25 cents extra. N. R. CHRISTIN, Rouse Junction, Colorado. I want a few U. S. Revenue stamps—the large red ones. Offer anything in stock. Write me stating what stamps: you: have and what you want. E. H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. 17 varieties Western Bird Skins, $1. Mounted Birds 26 cents. Squirrel, 50 cents. Chipmunk, 35 cents. All postpaid. Skins to exchange for stamps. F. T. CORLESS, Logan, Or. (M. O. office, Oregon City, Oregon.) ‘ agt- WILL exchange fine Watches, ladies’ or gents,’ French Harps, Piccolo, old coins, for Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Carolina Paroquet, good sets, must be perfect. W. S. TOWN- SEND, Jeweler, Perry, O. T. TO EXCHANGE. A silverine watch. Cost. $12. Willexchange foracamera State make and price of camera. A)l letters answered. W.- S. BLINN, Tripoli, Iowa. Iam prepared to collect eggs this season in. this locality to exchange for eggs uot in my collection data given and required. Corres- pondence answered. ROBER:' SMITH, Mill- grove, Ontario, Canada. TO EXCHANGE.—A 44 cal. shot gun and 32° cal. rifle, combined, for eggs mounted speci- mens or Ornithological books. Send your list. A. C. PARKER, Box 6, White Plains, N. Y. WANTED at once.—Two cyclometers for 28: inch wheel, bicycle lamp, 4x5 printing frames and 32 cal. double action revolver, all in fine condition. Wirst-class sets and’ singles and other articles in exchange. Correspondence: solicited first. WM. BAYLIS, 515 Third Ave., Cedar Rapids, Iowa. CHEAP! CHEAP! CHEAP!—Southern eggs: in sets with complete data at unheard of pri- ces. Brown-headed Nuthatch 1-6 with data,. 50 cents and other sets equally as cheap and cheaper. Select from this list what sets you desire and we will name prices to suit. A. O.. U. Nos. 33114, 416%, 428 n-2, 452 1-5, 46525, 675 1-5, 725 1-6, 731 1-6. 725 1-6. 7511-5 and others. W.° L.. & R. D. FOXHALL, Tarboro, N. C. ILLINOIS Collectors.—I want eggs in sets: of Illinois collecting. Send list. Price must: cheap if you want cash. W. E. LOUCKS, Peoria, Ill. FOR SALE.—50 species of monnted birds such as Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Ducks, ete. They go to the highest bidder over $100. Send 2c stamp for list. DR H. M. WOLF, Kewanee, Is. WANTED.—Everyone that is in need of first- class Taxidermist’s or Egg tools to send 4 cent, stamp for my latest catalogue. Fullline of A. 1supplies. CHAS. K. REED. Worcester. Mass. f6t 4 SOUTHERN EGGS in sets for exchange for desirable sets. and singles. Choice sets with data for sale cheap. ‘“Listof Birds of Georgia” for stamp. DR. M. T. CHECKLY, 457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. a2t WANTED.—Oologist instruments will give in exchange Kombi, Gray’s School and Field Botany, Report of State Commissioners of Fisheries, Pa. Address, J.J. MATHER, Ven- ango,. Pa. a2t. MAMMAL Skins, Bird Skins, Gila Monsters, Nests, Eggs, etc. Ten species Cactus, $1.50. I make: a specialty of supplying private collec- tions and museums with species peculiar to the Southwest. Write me what you want. Prices reasonable. GEO. F. BRENINGER, Phoenix, Arizona. a2t Ripans Tabules. tHE OOLOGIS’. iii MOUNTED Bird :—First-class specimens of ‘Hawks, Owls, or small birds to exchange for ,common eggs in sets or singles. Send list of what you have or want. Also showy shells to exchange for eggs. CHAS. K. REED, Worces- ter, Mass. A NICE collection should be neatly labelled. I furnish all kinds on good paper cheap. Egg, 15e per 100 small, 52c per 100 large, Fossil I0c per 100. All kinds, any style wanted. Send copy for price. Mention OoLocist. D. H. EA- TON, Woburn, Mass. BIRD MOVEMENT CHARTS.—Card system. (One ecard for each species.) Any movement of any species, for any time, during five years, found in amoment. Entire record ai aglance. Better still. Obverse of card duplicates Agr. Dept. Reports. Spring and Fall movements for each year in parallel lines. Any record out of three hundred, say, on report, found in ten seconds. Much time and annoyance saved. Samples, two cent stamp. Per hundred, 7c. poo P. B. PEABODY, St. Vincent, Minn. t “TNDICO” Check-list.—How often are valua- ble moments wasted, a search for the A. O. U. -U. number of some well-known bird! Now, a little pack of index cards will save all this trouble. Price 35c per set. Order at once, or : Hot atall. P. B. PEABODY, St. Vincent, Minn. M3t : CABINETS. Send 10 cts for photo of our Speciality—Self Locking. Tperches—Oak sam- ples by mail 8c, 10c and 15c; also stands, shields, giass cases, game panels, &c. Cabinets to or- der. HANAFORD CABINET CO., 139 and 141 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, Mich. 58M Ott HARD TIMES Are good for you, but bad for me. On account of low finances my stock must be sacrificed at once. Will send $10 worth of Fine Cabinet Minerals for $5.00 money order. $30.00 worth for $10.00 M. O. 5OF,00 - “* KG 5.00 oS 100.00‘ ‘© 25.00 ce All fine and listed at regular pri- ces. Cheaper than you could find them. Send at once. Guarantee to please you. A good list of books Cheap. GEO. W. DIXON, WATERTOWN, S. D. Quain’s Anatomy. . I want 10th edition camplete or any one or alk. of the following parts, viz: Vol. 1, Part 1. Embryology. Vol. 3. Part 2. Nerves and Sense Organs. Vol. 3, Part 3. Viscera. Will give good exchange or cash. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. Minerals and Indian Relics. Pops) (SI OSC ee ee Sn 2DC) OOIS EC ayes nana 50¢e 5 spec., 1x1% in... 15e 10Sspec., 1x1% in _... 25e 15 spec., 1x1} in.._... Be (0) SOO, Cecil 4 tial 25¢: 10 spec., 2x1% in.._... 8c 12 arrowheads ........ é0¢ Sent by mail prepaid. Labeled with name & locality. Listfree. ISAAC S. KIRK, Fremont, Chester Co., Pa. Come to Florida. A fortune can be made in a few years in pineapples and tomatoes; vegetables. raised the whole year. An ideal home. For particulars write R. P. Osler, Avon Park, Fla. 29&O0tf sent Freet To any person interested in humane matters, or-who loves animals, we will send free. upon application, a copy of the “ALLIANCE,” the organ of this Society. In addition to its intensely in- teresting reading, it contains a list of the valuable: and unusual premiums given by the paper. Address, The National Humane Alliance, 410-411 United Charities Building, New York. Who can think ah e _ n ea of some simple thing to patent? Protect your ideas; they may bring you wealth. Write JOHN WEDDERBURN & CO, Patent Attor- neys, Washington, D. C., for their $1,800 prize offer and list of two hundred inventions wanted. @LD Se > We > Tn Ss > iv THE OOLOGIST. Naturalists’ Bulletin Vol. 2, No. 6. May 15, 1897. NOTICE. All items in this BULLETIN are sent prepaid on receipt of price given (unless marked F. O. B.) if your order amounts to 35 cents or over. Less than 35 cents must include 5 cents extra for postage. All specimens labelled with both common and scientific name. If you don’t see what you want please write me as I may be able to offer you a fine bargain. t= PLEASE OBSERVE. Do not send silver coininletters. 1 prefer Post Office or Express Money Orders and will allow you to deduct the cost of the order. Amounts of less than 35 cents can be sent in postage stamps. BIRDS EGGS. Sets with Data. Price per set. Gull-billed Tern, set of 2......... - paint ree eat $ 20 Am. Herring Gull, 3................. - Meme een Sn 24 Double-crested Cormorant, 4..-.-... ...--..-.------ 38 IAIMeTI CATE THOCEN yo eee eee 70 Meas ti ietern ae 0 ce eee leone ones sees 20 TEHRO\ Al JEANNE OL ee oe coerce eaecece eeccec 55 Black-necked) Stilt, 4 eee esas 75 Killdeer, 4......... CEI ss a aL ee SU ae 28 Bob-white, 8 _...... Be Sie 40 MOXA OD=Wih bes plileueees aie sete eee ee eeenee . 4 ARUiedYGrouse 12 es 26 ee eee 1 00 VV ALND =70.O OTe WALL ING 2 secon Lae he ae Ee seman cs 1 20 £@ OOPECTH S) ELM Wye oe en een cuamete ec) a ieenoee iO ReG=taileadalwilys eee tess tse eee seeeeieneaves ences (This is a remarkably fine set) ............. 85 Red-shouldered Hawk, 4_..... .... .-...--.-21----- 70 Florida Red-shouldered Hawk, 8 .............. 50 WAIMerICanMiOSPLreyn io ese eeeeees eee eeeeeeeee ee (Very nicely marked)..................--.--..---- 70 Black Viarlture yoo ee eae eee ts 70 SeEreechiO wilde ee ee Se ee eh ae Lite . 80 Black-chinned Hummer, nest and 2 eggs... 40 Anna’s Hummer, nest and 2 eggs....... -.-... 45 -Allen’s Hummer, nest and 2 eggs . 50 Wood Pewee, set of 3.......-.....--.-. --- 16 Bobolink, nest and 5 eggs......... ..-...-.---------- 45 Hood edlOrioley 4 ie ee eee 40 STOWE) Ao. hos cee eats 20 UT LOM Marat LIN yb eos een) See nee een 25 Oven: Dindid He oN Le a ee ee 35 Sac HISWren sy 4 Ce ee ee eee kane saoe as 30 TATOLMAN WOT 4s oases grater eee ene eka, ene 20 CHICK Adee oo el ietuecnccas 35 California Bush-tit, nest and 6eggs...... -.... 45 ‘Gnatcatcher, 3............ .2.cs.---eeeer ene Pete SS 25 Ta eyermor iy Mok vo ee eeee eae cee acc aan Be 45 SINGLE EGGS. TeXonyel UNS ee seco e soeneccaccy saadesssencaquceceaaoeeeaos Brown. Pelican.............2----2--c-----=- Whooping Swan ~ Roseate Spoonbill............- Mes DeG haven EW Oe aeons eoteacceecta=e eases dyasetigeeoce Black-neeked Stilt -...... CE beens. | so Mountain Partridge (data)...... ....... -.-- Sooty Grouse (data)......... ... Fla. Burrowing Owl (data)........ 5 Ibe onab ares (CENA eae seen ese alls Bee oemr ane WVATSOMES HE OVE Tee eee ee eee eet eneaeeaeanee MALE GTO WSC ye eee ee ee esc ice Red-tailed Hawk.........-0..---2.-cscse cecce-caneeso---e FOREIGN SINGLES. Griffin Vulture (extra large) -..............--.---- 40 Partridge i328 a ee x . 08 Wapercallle i eet setanerecs= « 20 Sand Grouse (rare and curiously marked) Mongolian Pheasant Kiestrele:... ...-2.c Ee Penguin 3 Special Offers IN EGGS! 1st. For Only goc I willsend you one full set with data of each Lark Sparrow, Mock- ingbird, American Crow, Bronzed Grackle, Mourning Dove, Catbird and Redwing Black- bird. 26 eggs for 30c postpaid. 2d. For only goc I will send you 20 varieties first-class single eggs and checking list. All postpaid. gd. For only goc I will send you 10 varieties Foreign Higgs, postpaid. BIRD SKINS. Great Horned Owl (F. O. B.).......---..------------ $ 90 Screech Owl: 2 2 ee ee Pres eGo Sharp-shinned Hawk...........-....-....-2----------= 25 Red-shouldered Hawk........ .-..-.------------ 22... 50 American Merganser (F’. O. B.)......-.. as 40 “s Golden-eye eee 45 ne Herring Gull (F. O.B.)............... 85° e Woodcock2 2.422 ees 34 oe Golden Plover.. i Pei ycots: Fieid Plover 30 Blue Jay 26 Red polliiisi.220) a eee 12 American Cross bill eee £ White-crowned Sparrow...........--..--.--22------+- Snowflake .2.8 ee eee Cedar, Wax wilt. 2a eee Myrtle Warbler........-2..-..2020 ee ee Hooded: Warbler...) 23 ee Scarlet Tanager ... ENG ONE WGI eyes Brown: Creeper. -.225-. ee eee Golden-crowned Kinglet 2ft. Alligator Skin.............. Fine Black Squirrel Any skins marked ‘“F. O. B.” w prepaid if your order amounts to 82.75. BOOKS. Jordan’s Manual of the Vertebrates ($2.50) $2 25 Hyatt’s Insects, 13 plates, 223 figures($1.25) 80 Maynard's Butterflies of E. North Am., 80 pages, 10 full page 10x13 in., plates with colored figures of about 100 species ($7.50) 5 00 Raines’ Bird Nesting in N. W. Canada (82) 1 25 United States Geographical Surveys west of the 100th Meridian (Wheeler) Pal- eontology, 586 pages text and 83 full page'plates; contains report of vertebrate (fossils of the Southwest with figures $5) 2 00 U. S. Geological Survey of Colorado, (Hay- den) 38 plates, 5 mapsand 45 cuts and en- gravings 496 pages text ($2 50).................. U.S. Geological Survey of Idaho and Wyo- ane (Hayden) 88 plates, 710 pages text, ($3.50) .......-- Paleontology of New York, 4th dist. (Jas. Hall) 70 plates and 170 cuts, maps,etc. ,664 pages'text, (65) ee eee eee 2 50 To the person sending me the largest order from this advertisement before June 25th, 1897, I will give a premium listing at $1.75. Second largest one, listing at $1; third one listing at 50 cents; next four each one listing at 25 cents each. You can send all at once or in install- 90 1 00 ments, but last installment must be mailed by June 25th. Cash with order every time. Address, Ernest H. Short, Albion, N. Y. Bae I ET ot eee THE OGOLOGIST. VOL. XIV. NO. 5. ALBION, N. Y., MAY, 1897. WHOLE No. 182: The Bobolink in Literary Fields and Fields of Grass and Clover. Who that has visited the country when it was full of the blossom and beauty of May and June, is not ac- qnainted with the bobolink! and who having wandered in the pleasant fields of out-door literature has not met with him there also? The poets, who have paid any attertion to nature at all, have fallen in love with this little feathered poet of the meadows, and right royally has he favored by their inspiration. Doubtless no bird, save the mocking- bird of the South has been equally prais- ed and embalmed in our literature; well might our other birds envy him his pos- ition. An article which would contain any portion of the interesting and pretty things which have been written about ) him, however pleasant it might be to read, would be all to long. Being too far from a large library and with only afew notes made from time to time, I + must necessarily miss many of the best quotations although those given will doubtless be sufficient for the present article. | The bobolink comes to us in this re- _ gion a few days before the close of April and is xt least always here tree he close | of May day. In 1893 he came rollick- ing into our landscape on April 29tb; in 1894 he appeared at noon May Ist, while April 80th brought him in 1895, and April 24th in 1896 and one day later this spring. From the very day of his arrival he is tipsy with song. I think those verses in Emily Dickenson’s poem must apply only to him. I taste a liquor never brewed In vats upon the Rhyne © No tankard ever held a draught Of alcohol like mine. Inebriate of air am I And debaucher of dew Reeling through endless summer days From courts of molten blue. He is a handsome little feathered dandy in black and buff and white, as he waltzes quaintly on the fence to his own ecstatic music. And you recall William Cullen Bryant’s poem ‘Rob- ert of Lincoln,” familiar to every school- child. Robert of Lincoln is gayly dressed, Wearing a bright black wedding coat; White are his shoulders, and white his crest, Hear him call in his merry note; Bob-o link, Bob-o-link, Spink, spank, spink. Look what a nice new coat is mine: Sure there was never a bird so fine. Chee, Chee, chee. / This may not be a good interpreta- tion of his song, but a perfect transcript of it has not yet been written. This poet of nature calls him ‘prince of braggarts.” He certainly appears to court observation, being in no wise a shy or retiring bird. What farmer so inobservant as never to have heard or seen this bird sing! For it is worth while to watch his movements for there: is music in them too, as he spills his merry strains on the morning air. He is music all over. Nothing can dampen his rapturous and ever bubbling joy in life. He sings alike sitting, on the wing, chasing his plain brown mate or an equally voluble rival, in reckless flight. 1 haye many atime caught him singing in the rain, and singing even while he held a writhing worm in his. bill which he had captured for the baby birds. He is at his song feast early in the morning, at it all day; and the last thing in the evening ere the shadows. are too long, his tinkling strains came up from distant meadows 46 Some unknown writer thus character- ‘izes his enchanting song: “That rollicking, jubilant whistle That rolls like a brooklet along— That sweet flageolet of the meadows The bubbling, bobolink song.”’ How heescorts you with music along those acres of meadow-land which he has selected for his domain. He is the very soul and spokesman of pastoral scenery; filled to the brim is that little goblet of feathers with the ecstacy of ountry living and country thinking. He is enough in himself to woo al) the cities out into the country. He invites the rustic naturalist to leave the scenes of vernal toil, and wander off over green fields into green woods; for his song is an invitation to idleness. Wash- ington Irving in that essay ‘‘The Birds of Spring,’ where he touches the bobo- linkin his ever happy and sunny strain, mentions what feelings he had ‘‘when luckless urchin! wasdoomed to be mewed up, during the live long day, in a school-room. It seemed as if the lit- tle varlet mocked at me as he flew by in fullsong, and sought to taunt me with his happy lot. Oh! how I envied him! No lessons, no tasks, no schools; nothing but holiday, frolic, green fields and fine weather.”’ C. P. Cranch has given us the poetic ‘origin of ‘‘the Bobolink.” When Nature had made all her birds With no more cares to think on. She gave a rippling laugh, and out There flew a Bobolink on. She laughed again, out flew a mato A breeze of Eden bore them Across the fields of Paradise The sun rise reddening o’er them.” Lansing V. Hall, a blind poet, sings ‘of our bird: “But of all their merry jingle In meadow or the dingle The Bobolinks’ cadenza does excel.” He has alsu a long poem on the ‘‘Song ‘of the Bobolink” which opens with these lines ‘‘to be read rapidly:”’ THE OOLOGIST. “June may kindle; kindle with her sunshine, And her heat, till this is wheat, till this is wheat, ° For Bobolink and Mrs. Bobolink very sweet, And good to eat, and good to eat.” This purports to be an interpretation of Bobolinks’ song into words. J. G. Whittier makes an old charact- er ina poem ‘‘The Sycamore” to say quaint things of our bird: “Jolliest of our birds of singing Best he loved the Bob-o-link. ‘Hush’! he’d say, ‘the tipsy fairies! Hear the little folks in drink!’”’ And in other places in the works of our Quaker bard who portrays nature so happily, do we find the Bobolink. J. H. Langille thinks; ‘It is difficult to speak of the Bobolink without going into ecstasies. Tosay the least he is the finest bird of our field and mead- ows.’’ And he proceeds in that enter- taining volume, ‘Our Birds in Their Haunts,” to give a beautifnl discription of the bird its song and manners. Take. this exquisite description of its song for an example: The first tinkling tones are like those of a fine musical box rapidly struck, then come the longer drawn 1 otes as of arich viol or violin, and finally the sweet liquid, limped, gurgling sounds as of an exquisite bell- toned pianolightly and skillfully touch- ed. These several different strains, variously modulated are uttered with a rapid, gushing volubility, which to an untrained ear might sound like the per- formances of a whole chorus of song- sters.” How sweet is this song delivered while he quivers through the air on trembling wings. And as he closes you often see him drop into the green bos- om of the meadow like a failing leaf or drifting feather his motionless wings held atasharp angle. This isa pretty sight only equaled when he sings on a fence or clump of grass with wings raised so that he reminds you of pic- tures of cherubims you have seen. Perhaps the finest passage touching THE OOLOGIST. 47 the Bobolink is that in James Russell Lowell’s Biglow Papers. ‘“‘June’s bird's man, poet o’ the year, Gladness on wings, the Bobolink is here: Half hid in tip-top apple-blooms he sings Or climbs against the breeze on quivern’ wings Or givin’ way to’t in a mock despair, ‘Runs down a brook o’ laughter thro’ the air.” And inthe same poet’s ‘“‘Under the Willows” is the following enthusiasm over ‘‘June’s Bridsman:”’ But now, O rapture! sunshine winged and voiced, ‘Pipe blown through by the warm wild breath of the west ‘Shepherding his soft droves of fleecy cloud, “Gladness of woods. skies, waters, all in one, "The Bobolink has come, and like the soul -Of the sweet season vocal in a bird, Gurgles in ecstasy we know not what Save June! Dear June! Now God be praised for June. The plain brown yellow female is just as sky, silent and retiring as her little lord is noisy, attractive and conspicu- ous. And so little are they together that you might take him for a bachelor bird with no wife or rising family in all the meadow. Butit appears his duty to draw all curiosity from his seclusive mate and her well hidden nest unto himself, and if this be true how admir- ably is he fitted to do it. Nota bird is ‘more worthy your observation or will better repay you for a little watching. T now draw on one of my field note books for June 22, 1896. Just the other afternoon a male Bobolink flew up out of the grass of a road side meadow a little ahead of me and alighting on a fence rail with his odd buff crest puffed and wings raised began to ‘‘bow and scrape” after his funny fashion, singing with all his wanted energy and enthus- iasm. Then he dashed off into the elm and sang, then up into its higher branches and sang. then he dropped down into a bush less than ten feet from me; thus singing and changing his _ position as I moved leisurely along the road; singing now in bush or tree now in the air as he flew, he filled every pause with song and accompanied me twenty or thirty rods up the road. It certainly looked like a ruse on the part of the little musician escorting me along the borders of his territory. Was he trying to coax me away from the spot where Mrs. Bobolink sat in her nest or tended the birdies or was he only giv- ing an exhibition of his dainty and quaint self, or was all this music the way he had of scolding me out of his neighborhood?—certainly a delightful dose of scolding to take and may no one ever be inflicted with any more bit- ter—which of these conclusions is» the answer to his actions I leave for the reader to decide by his observation. Dr. J. M. Wheaton gives a happy dis- cription of the Bobolink singing: “While singing he raises and de- presses his feathers, seems to contract and expand his whole body, bows,nods, shrugs, till he resembles a French danc- ing-master in uniform, singing, fiddling dancing and calling off at the same time.” Who would find the Bobolink’s nest must have patience and some exper- ience at nest finding. Itis usually very well concealed the thickest clump of grass or clover in some deep depres- sion, and the eggs five sometimes six or seven are well marked and colored to harmonize with the ground; and as the female runs off from the nest through the grass before taking wing you need not think the nest is somewhere near the spot whence you saw ‘her fly. If you would find the Bobolink’s nest go out in the early dawn of a June morn- ing when the whole world is fresh in the jewelry of a heavy dew.- When the emerald lights of the eastern sky have scarcely begun to melt into the roses of dawn, ere yet the clover has opened its pink lips or unclasped its hands which all night were folded asin prayer. Go then into the meadows when a new day is in the bud, and when Mrs. Bobolink leaves her nest on foot at your ap- 48 THE OOLOGIST. proach, she leaves a dark trial of brush- ed-away-drops in the white dew and you may find her basket of eggs snugly concealed at the foot of that ‘'white- top” or “‘black-eyed Susan,” simply by following back her trial. I have found the Bobolink’s nest June 5th with young just beginning to show the tips of their cunning feathers, and have found them flying eleven days later. This was a little earlier for this locality. But as they raise but one brood it is evidently necessary, that this one be safely and quickly—that is early in the season—raised, so that they may escape the earliest hay mak- ing. And though the hay maker may find the empty nest, he wil! but very seldom happen upon one containing eggsoryoung ‘This will only occur when some mishap has retarded a pair. As the Bobolink is characteristic of the fairest and sweetest season, coming to us in time to sing from the top sprays of our bloom-Jaden orchards, voicing the bucolics of strawberry-time, and sheep washing and shearing, it is fit that we lose him when the first fresh- ness and flowers of spring are gone,and hotter summer comes like a nut brown gipsy. By the fourth of July the Bobo- link’s wild’ bubbling song shows signs of waning. It is only a song of broken bars now. He starts his jingle as bravely as erewhile he did, but be- fore he has gone far he appears to grow absent minded, for his song snaps and he relapses into silence. Again he tries it with no better result. ‘Tomorrow he will not gt so far as he can today. His power of song is slipping from him. He feels the coming change, he is de- generating into a grating, metallic voiced seed eating, russet-yellow ‘‘reed bird.” He who was a sweet singing insect-feeder. By the twentieth of the month I hear his tipsy roundelay no more. He has ceased to revel in the taverns of clover and ‘‘flea-bane;’” his music box is closed, his harp unstrung. The rare intoxicating wine uf May and the mead of June are gone now, and the little debaucher will quaff nothing less sweet or pure, and henceforth is sober and silent. And whether he moults as some think or whether the black fades out of his plumage as others. hold, he scon loses his suit of black al- ready worn, and becomes the plain brown ‘‘Reed-bird” even in this coun- try. And when he Jeaves us in early September or latter August, we say with Bryant: “When you Can pipe that merry old strain Robert of Lincoln come back again.” After the ‘‘Reed-bird” he, becomes. the ‘“‘Rice-bird’’ of the south, then the ‘‘Butter-bird” of the West indies, as Washington Irving says, ‘tHe has be- come a bon vivant a gourmand; with him now there is nothing like the ‘‘joys’” of the table.’’ In a little while he grows tired of plain homely fare, und is. off ona gastronomic tour in quest of foreign luxuries. Suchis the story of the Bobolink; nice spiritual, musical, admired, the joy of the meadows, and the favorite bird of spring; finally a gross little sensualist, who expiates his. sensuality in the larder ” We are happy in this latitude in en- tertaining ‘‘the vivaceous, voluble and eccentric Boboliak”’ as Dr. Elliott Coues calls him, in the happiest and most beautiful and useful stage of bis motley career, for with us he 1s the insectiver- ous songster through the breeding seas- on. We scarcely understand the mean- ing of his specific scientific name ory- zivorus—I devour rice. ERNEST WATERS VICKERS, Mahoning Co., Ohio. ONE OF HunpDREDS:—Tbank you for ‘the start you gave me in the scientific study of birds and their eggs. I owe it all toad. you had in the }owth’s Com- panion about eight years ago. Have taken the OoLocisT since Aug., 1890. F have them bound together and was” reading in them just the other day.— Wm. C. THRO. ) THE OOLOGIST. | 49 THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. 'FRANK H.LATTIN, Editor and Publisher, ALBION, N.Y. Corresponience and items of interest to the pendent of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, so!icited rom al TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: Single subscription..... ois dena etate -0¢ per annum Sample copies.. ence. esse ede CAaCh The above rates include pay ment of postage. Each subscriber is given a card good for a Want, Exchange or tor Sale Notice. (This card is redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.) Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the Oonocise can be furnished at reasonable rates. Senu stamp for descrip- tions and prices. =" Remember that the publisher must be noti- fled by letter when a Subscriber wishes his paper stopped, an‘7 all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 5 cents per nonpareil line each insertion. 12 lines in every inch. Seveninches in a col- umn, and two columns to the page. Nothing insertei for less than 25 cents. No ‘special rates,” 5 cents per line is ‘‘net,” ‘‘ruck bottom,” ‘‘inside,” “spot cash” rate from which there is no deviation and n» eommission to agents. If you wish to use 4 lines or less space it will cost you 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50.00. “Trade” (other than cash) advertise- ments will be accepted by special arrangement only and atratestrom double to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in advertis- ing will be honored only at regular rates in force at the date of issuance of said bill or card. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Postoffice Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U.S. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for sums un- der one dallar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK H. LATTIN, Aibion, Orleans Co., N.Y. ‘ENTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER, sy A Collector’s Diary. A week's collecting around a lake in Michi- gan—being a correct record of happenings as they occurred a few years back. A trip of this nature has never been reported in your paper, and I thought that a week’s continuous events might interest your readers. May 18. Took 8a. m. train for the lake. Arrived safely and found team awaiting my coming. Was too eager for woodland rambling to ride—so load- ed my t”aps into the wagon, and then took my gun and struck across the country, a couple of miles, for my des- tination, at the farm, where I am to spend a week in the pleasant occupa- tion of collecting and taking notes on natural history. Followed along the lake shore; flush- ed a cock Quail; secured a male Or- chard Oriole in immature plumage and also a brace of female Cowbirds. All of which I need for my collection. as there are many common birds which I have failed to secure as yet. It is generally so with all collectors—and there are only a few veterans who are fully supplied with all that a neighbor- - hood affords. Took a perfect set of seven beautiful eggs of the Chickadee. The nest was builtin a small hollow in a dead stump. Both birds seen. Nest of dried moss, still green in color, and rabbit’s hair. { have often found nests composed of these two substances. A little further on I met with a pair of nervous, mis- leading Killdeers. in a field adjoining the lake, and by an hour’s patient watching found their two eggs, which of course left until the set should be complete. Shot a fine Marsh Hawk, picked up a fresh set of Grass Finch’s eggs and arrived at the farm without further adventure. Found a welcome awaiting me at the house and much to talk of, but I quick- ly excused myself, and went down to the boat house where, I was to skin my birds and also to bunk by preference. Arranged my traps; put my table, in- struments, gun and ammunition ‘in or- der, and then begun work at once. By dinner time I had placed everything to my satisfaction and also added two Least Sandpipers and a Scarlet Tana- ger to my list. After dinner spent a half hour visiting with the family and then measured my specimens, wrote out data and skinned my birds. Fol- lowed this by blowing my eggs—an undertaking which was _ pleasantly lengthened, by the appearance of a neighbor’s boy, who appreciative of the 50 THE OOLOGIST. ‘fact, that there was a collector around, ‘came in with a set of seven Kingfisher’s ‘and four rare Robin’s eggs. ‘Small ‘favors thankfully received’—says Il, ‘and then fell to praising the color of ‘the Robin’s eggs. My rule is; ‘never to refuse anything when well meant.’ At five o’cloeck I went trolling with my companion, and at half after six we returned with three two-pound bass, six beautiful Blue-backed Swallows and an American Bittern which we shot at the upper end of the lake. Supper over, I could not leave the family of my kind host, and so spent the evening in the house, only retiring to my airy quarters at ten o’clock and after being assured that I would be de- voured by the wild beasts. Spent an hour skinning birds and then went to sleep on my canvas stretcher, lulled by the sound of gentle waves washing against the side of my combined sum- mer bed-room and labratory. May 19. Breakfast over at 6 a. m. Took fine sets of eggs of Chipping Spar- row, Pewee and Barn Swallow and marked nests of Bobolink, Vireo, King- bird and Spotted Sandpiper, which had not the complements. Skinned birds at seven and all throughat nine. Took gun and twelve shells and went across the lake. Secured a pair of Blue-wing- ed Teal, a Woodcock, four Scarlet Tan- agers, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red- bellied Woodpecker and a Blue Jay. Took nests and eggs of Jay, Grosbeak and six sets of eggs of the White-bellied or Blue-backed Swallow. The latter were all built in stumps near water; from eight to twenty feet up. The nests were mainly composed of feathers. It was interesting to drop the feathers from the stubs and see them snapped up on the fly before they reached the water. These Swallows lay from five to seven pure white eggs. They are exceedingly fragile. On my way back held the line in my teeth and trolled. Caught a bass of three pounds and was so elated that I decided to troll up the lake. Spent an hour uselessly—as there is seldom any sense in trolling anywhere near noon. Shot Pied-bill Grebe, Hell Driver for short, which I sneaked on and shot: be- fore it recognized my presence, and therefore had ao chance to dive at the flash. Spent another foolish hour try- ing to corner a wounded Butter-ball _ Duck Dinner bell rang and I hustled to the house with an appetite ‘ike a Hawk. Skinned birds till four p. m. and thereafter sat in the grove and took notes on movements of. several birds. Located several nests in course of con- struction, among which were Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, Red-eyed Vireo and Great-crested Flycatcher Secured full sets of Flicker, Spotted Sandpiper and Cooper’s Hawk and shot the birds in each case. Also spent a good hour looking vainly for n2st of the Horned Lark—Prairie variety. When I reached the house found I was far too late for supper. Worked till nine and went to sleep. May 20. Set my alarm clock so that Iwasupat4 a. m. Skinned all my birds and blew all the eggs but two in- cubated sets, by the time bell rung for breakfast. Then Rob and I went to a famous place in the heavy timber,about two miles away. We carried a Junch and were prepared for the day. On our way we shot three common Snipe, two Hummers and a belated Night- hawk. Reaching the woods we were right in the business and quickly secur- ed six species of late migrating Warb- lers including Bay-breasted, Black-and- yellow and Cape May. Took two sets of Rose-breasted Gros- beak, three of Wood Thrush and one of three eggs of Ovenbird. At the edge of a little lake we found two nests of Sora Rail containing seven and eight eggs, which we lest for complements. Shot several Rails of the Sora and Vir- THE OOLUGIST. 51 ginia species and also a King Rail, which is rare for these parts. In the woods again, found nest of Hairy Woodpecker containing young. Just my luck. I have nota perfect set of eggs. Climbed a big beech to a Red- tailed Hawk’s nest and found young. Took set of three eggs from a Cooper ‘Hawk’s nest. They lay four or five generally, but can’t afford to climb a tree twice. Rob kept shooting and shooting and I could not head him off. Itisa warm day and the birds will spoil if I don’t sit up all night at work, as I can’t af- ford to let any birds waste. Best way to head him off is to start back. Going back at abont two p. m. we shot two Field Plovers and a Lincoln’s Finch, the latter a rare bird for us. Took a late but fresh set of White- rumped Shrike’s eggs, and also three of the Least Flycatcher, and two nests of - the Song Sparrow. Spenta half hour, digging out a Kingfisher’s nest and found six oddly shaped young. We had better luck with another nest of the same species a mile further on. Arrived at home found that I had sixty-eight eggs to blow and forty-one birds to skin. Fortunately the ice- house is an excellent place to preserve birds aud I forthwith deposited half of my days shoot there. Beginning at four p. m. I worked steadily till midnight to prepare twenty-two bird skins—and then turned in—a very tired man. May 21. It was with difficulty that I hustled to breakfast, but was quickly myself again after a square meal. Worked steadily on my bird’s skins and eggs till dinner time. At two o’clock took a row up to head of lake and _ shot a fine specimen of the Whistling Swan with a charge of big buck shot. It was atagreat distance, and simply a chance shot. The huge fellow, one of four in the group, was only wounded, but con- tinued settling and falling behind his companions. Rowed down the iake over two miles and came to where the Swan was resting in a lot of reeds at edge of water. A single discharge with No. 6 laid out the gallant bird, which measured nearly seven feet from tip to tip Trolled back and caught a fine big- mouth black bass. Took me from four till eleven o’clock to skin and clean the huge White Swan. Had an interesting dissection in tracing out the peculiar course of the trachea, which makes some bends and buries itself in the bony structure of the sternum, and has a re- markable course to the lungs. May 22—Sunday. Did no collecting, but took a long and agreeable stroll and could not help marking down a few nests for future attention. Observed a towering Snipe. May 23. Took over ninety eggs and spent the day among the birds, My last day out for the season. May 24. Packed up my eggs, tagged all my bird skins. which I am to leave locked in the boat house till they thoroughly dry. Have 117 good bird skins, including six new species for my collection, and 284 eggs, but no new kinds. Reached bome much improved as to my health, but sorrowful to think I could not stay longer. EUGENE PERICLEs. Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks. In the March OéLoeistT I find an in- teresting article from the pen of Mr. Ernest H. Short on the occurence of both species of Hawks in Western New York which prompts me to give my ex- perience, that somewhat differs with that of Mr. Short. In the vicinity of Buffalo, Erie Co., say in a radius of 16 or 18 miles I found the following: In 1891, May 17, the nest of a pair of Red-tailed Hawk with young. In 1892 from April 24 to May 1, 8 sets. In 18938 from April 9 to May 21, 5sets. 52 THE OOLOGIST. In 1894from April 1 to May 138, 11 sets. In 1895 from April 9 to May 12, 8 sets. In 1896 from April 12 to 26, 7 sets. In all 35 sets ranging from 1 to 3 eggs in a clutch. Red-shouldered Hawk: In 1891, May 1, 2 sets.” In 1892from April 29 to May 16, 2sets. In 1893 from April 24 to May14, 3 sets. In 1894 from April 30 to May 6, 10sets. In 1895 from April 20 to May 12, 14sets In 1896, April 25, 1 set. In all 32 sets, most sets of 3 or 4 and in only one instance a clutch of 5 eggs. This shows that the Red-tailed Hawks start breeding three weeks earlier than the Red-shouldered Hawk and ] am further led to believe that each pair of Hawks needs about from three to four square miles of territory for their sub- sistance. For three years I have taken sets of the same pair of Hawks and strange to say, almost.the same mark- ings are on each years clutch. I have encountered some very difficult trees to climb particularly shell-bark hickory. EDWARD REINEKE, Buffalo, N. Y. Collecting Eggs of Scarlet Tanager. Mr. Gibbs’ remarks in December, ’94, O6LOGIST suggested that perhaps my way of getting eggs from such situa- tions might be new to some. ‘Take a long pole or two, if necessary, spliced; tie a tin pail of large enough size to the end, fill same nearly full of broken cot- ton or similar substance. One person raises the pail to one edge of nest while another raises the other edge, when the eggs roll out on the cotton. Shift the pail as they come that they may not strike each other. Try it. EK. H. SHORT. A Handy Tool. There‘are few collectors who do not sometimes need a ladle in collecting the eggs of Woodpeckers, Flickers, Owls, Kingfishers, Swallows, etc. Any person can make the following ladle without any cost: ‘Take a piece of wire (not too heavy) and bend it around and twist it leaving a loop in the end. To this loop fasten a piece of cloth, making a small bag. The great advan- tage of this ladle is that the handle may be bent, so that it will fit a hole of almost any size or shape. HERVEY M. HOsKINs, Newburg, Oreg. >> For Inaccessible Nests. Take a piece of wire :16 inches long. Make aring in the middle 1 inch in diameter and twist the free ends to- gether until you have a wire ‘‘stem” 4 inches long. ‘Then fasten to a light bamboo pole with the rest of the wire. Cover your ring with muslin making © the bag 14 inch deep. Bend the stem at right angles to your pole. Now go to that inaccessible Vireo’s nest, get as near it as possible and put in your net. With a “twist of the wrist’ you can get out the eggs as safely as you would take Bobolink’s. Henry R. Buck. A Collecting Contrivance. For securing quickly the eggs of Hum- mingbirds, Gnatcatchers and the like, I send the following device. Make a jointed pole from 4 pieces of pine each six feet or more in length by fitting fer- rules on the end of each. Saw a split. seven inches long in one end of the pole, spread this apart and fit on piv- ots asmall mirror. It can be quickly seen if there are any eggs in the nest, if so suspend a thickly lined basket on the end and gently tip up eggs into it, where they will nearly always land safely. C. L. GRANT. THE OOLOGIST Vv MINER ALS SHELLS, etc. ‘The White City Collections. 50 fine cabi- net specimens, $3. 50 smaller size, $2. 50 ama- teur size, $1. Printed name and locality with each specimen. 50 Shells, Corals, and Marine Specimens, only $3. 100 Fossils, including fine Fish, Trilobite, Crinoids, Corals, Sponges, several fine Ferns, etc., only $8. A great varie- ty Unios with one valve highly published from 35e to $1, very showy. ‘Taxidermy in all its branches at reasonable prices. Illustrated catalogue by mail, 10c. J.M.WIERS, Natural- ists Agency, 357 W. VanBuren St., Chicago, Ill. H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N.C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists. Rapid Taxidermy at Home! Satisfaction guaranteed or money refunded. No tools required. No extra expense. After many years of unvarying success, and a constantly increasing sale in every state and territory in the Union, and with thousands of testimonials attesting to the merits of my Sim- plified Method of Taxidermy, from boys, girls, parents, doctors, ministers, lawyers, school teachers, merchants, farmers, mechanics, hun- ters, outers and sportsmen, as well as from eurators of leading university museums, and professional taxidermists; I feel that I can safely make this offer. Send me 75 CENTS Cash or Stamps and receive complete instruct- ions for mounting birds in cases, plaques, hang- ing game, deer heads, etc., etc., with package of prepared compound ready for use, enough to mount 50 small birds, or 20 large ones; to- gether with full directions for dressing skins With the hair on for rugs, robes and hangings. If you are not fully satisfied, your money will be cheerfully refunded. Beware of imitations. Mention THE OOLO- GIST and address. MORRIS GIBBS, M. D., KALAMAZOO, MICH. This month’s Oo.Lo- GIST was mailed sub- scribers on May 29. Shells, Marine Curios, &c. I am now ready to supply first-class stock at low prices and should you wish anything from this section, let me hear from you. All inquir- ies will have a prompt reply. mtf J. H. HOLMES, Dunedin, Fla. Sea Shells From the Florida Coast. If you desire to buy Shells in large or small quantities you will save money by writing for my price list before buy- ing elsewhere. Iam selling Shells very cheap and will send TWENTY SPECIMENS, AS SAMPLES, PREPAID ON RECEIPT OF ONE DOLLAR. Reference, Postmaster, Dunedin, Florida ; Address all orders A. J. BARNES, DUNEDIN, FLORIDA. FRANK B. ARMSTRONG, TAXIDERMIST, and Collector and Dealer in Bird and Mammal Skins, Birds Eggs in fine sets, Mounted Birds and Animals. BROWNSVILLE, NASALENE POSITIVE CURE FOR Cold in the Head, Hay Fever, Catarrh, Deafness. $100 REWARD for every case of Ca- tarrh or Deafness (caused by Catarrh) which we cannot cure with Nasalene, when used ac- cording to directions. Sold by all first-class druggists or by mail at 25 cents. Sample box 10 cents. The profuse discharge of mucus from the nose, the dropping of mucus from the nostrils into the throat, the accumulation of mucus and the constant inclination to hawk and ex- pecuorate: is arrested by the timely use of Nas- alene. TEXAS. OFFICE OF THE AGENT- WARDEN t S1InG SING PRISON. Dec. 12, 1895. HUNTER MEDICAL Co. Gentlemen:—I have use your ‘‘Nasalene’’and I find it very beneficial. I take pleasure in recommending it. Yours truly, O. V. SAGE, Agent-Warden. HUNTER MEDICAL CoO., 54 E. 13 St., NEW-YORK CITY. vi THE OOLOGIST Many Subscriptions to THE OOLOGIST have expired, or will expire with this issue. In the future the Publisher re- quires CASH IN ADVANCE. Hence, if you are one of the delinquent sub- seribers, your subscription should be forwarded by return mail, it you wish the O6LOGIST continued to your address. June issue will go to press prompt- ly on June 10, and be mailed during the following week—all Exchange, adver- tisements and notes for that issue, must be forwarded by return mail to insure insertion in that issue. FREE EDUCATION. An education at Harvard, Yale or any other college or instution of learning in the United States, or in the New England Conservatory of Music, can be secured by any young man or wo- man who isin earnest. Write for particulars quickly. JAMES D. BALL, 36 Bromfield St., Boston, Mass. ADMANAASS AD AAAAAA ADAABAAA ANAL, “9. PRINTING OUTFITSE FOR SALE AT iS ONE-HALF COST PRICE. E _ Thoroughly overhauled and as good as new. 4 Complete job outfits from 5 to 200 dollars. Send for list of presses, outfits etc. We buy second-hand outfits and material, Send usa list of what you have. 50 YEARS? EXPER! (hi Sz. TRADE MARKS; DESICNS, - ; COPYRICHTS &c,. Anyone sending a sketch and description may quickly ascertain, free, whether an invention is probably patentable.. Communications strictly confidential. Oldest agency for securing patents in America. We have a Washington office. Patents taken through Munn & Co. recei special notice in the ate SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, beautifully illustrated, largest circulation of any scientific journal, weekly, terms $3.00 a year; $1.50 six months. Specimen copies and HAND BOOK ON PATENTS sent free. Address MUNN & GCO., 361 Broadway. New York. TAXIDERMISTS’ GUNS, ‘Guns Pistols, Gun Cases, Shooting Shot Shells; also frages tor SPECIMEN HUNTERS, tridges for . All Kinds, all prices from $1.0 to $25.00. List free. Write for Taxidermist’s free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA- O] D ) and a few Banded Sandstone Faults, both very interesting to Geologists, and_a quantity of polished material for sale. We make a specialty of cutting and polishing cab- inet material at our Steam Lapidary Shop. John G. Buxton, Milo Centre, N. Y. POPULAR SCIENCE NEWS HEALTH Nature, Invention, Archeology, Electricity, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Health, Hygiene, Medicine. Formerly BOSTON JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY ENLARGED and IMPROVED. We have some com- pound Folds in rock, This popular monthly contains a large num- ber of Short, Easy, Practical, Interesting and Popular, Scientific articles, that can be Appre- ciated and Enjoyed by any intelligent reader, even though he knew little or nothing of Sci- ence. It is intended to interest those who think. Profusely Illustrated and Free from Technicalities. Entirely different from and much superior to other papers with a similar name. Monthly, $1.60 per year. Newsdealers 15¢ Largest Circulation of any Scientific Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, 108 Fulton St., New York. (= Mention THE OOLOGIsT for a sample copy. FERRUGINIOUS ROUGH-LEG. Can furnish exceptionally fine’sets, my own collecting, this spring. No exchanges. Sets of 3, 4, or 5 eggs. EUGENE S. ROLFE, MINNEWAUKAN, N. DAK. Iceland, Lapland, Spain. A large stock of Birds Eggs—last season’s collecting has just arrived from the above lo- calities. Descriptive price-list sent free upon application. A. KRICHELDORFF, Naturalist, ete., No. 535 Oranien-Strasse, Ber- lin, S., Germany. THE OOLOGIST. | 1A DANGER! ties in the ordinary bicycle saddle. Press» ing the sensitive parts, it causes injury, ‘\ Ds huswo // \ Anatomical Saddle Tet h Auta Pelvis asit rests on the Citisny Serle, BOOKLET SENT FREE Pelvis as it rests on the Ordinary Saddle. Christy---- Anatomical Saddle overcomes all objections. Comfortable cushions are so adjusted as to receive the bony prominences of the pelvis, thus obvi- ating all pressure. It is made of metal and cannot warp or change its shape. REAR VicW, S!IQWING COIL SPRINGS. Insist on the Christy being fitted to your bicycle. No dealer will lose a sale on account of your prefer- ence. Price, $5.00 Cor. Bates and Larned Streets, RELA ee ee Rates, $1.50 to Jefferson Aves. Elevator Service, Steam 4 _ Who can think ante — n Fa of some simple ; thing to patent? neys, Washington, D. C., for their $1,800 prize offer New York Chicago Philadelphia Washinoter “MICH. Only one block from Woodward and H. H. JAMES & SON, Prop’rs. Write JOHN WEDDERBURN & CO, Patent Attor- A. G. SPALDING & BROS. OUSE DETROIT, — $2.00 per Day. Heat, Electric Lights, Tile Floors, Etc, Protect your ideas; they may bring you wealth. and list of two hundred inventions wanted. $100. We employ experienced agents on a salary of $100 per month. Others at $60. Write quickly. PuriraAn PuB- LISHING Co., 36, Brumfield St., Boston, Mass. our Steam Lapidary Shop, SHINE e recently fitted up on the most improved plans. where we do first-class work at reasonable prices. Cabinet work a specialty. Polished material for sale. JOHN G. BUXTON, Milo Centre, N. Y. Minerals, Fossils and Shells cut and polished at WwW Lu yey flus- O1VOrS, m Hare ites, SB) fy Utes. a Ete. eo) W: end stamp ee i aS ae for Price List. QuaWerks, Pittsbureh, ba“ SE NES, NETS, TENTS, and nad SPORTING GOODS. huvery description of Guns, R2volvers, Ammu- nition and Sporting Goods at very lowest pric- es. We have something of interest to you. Spades, Hoes, Mauls. Thave recently bought several large collec- tions of Stone Relics frem high-class collec- tors and have a ‘‘cream” stock of 15,000 pieces from many states, hundreds of them unusually - fine form and perfect: many rare. Improve your cabinet. Among a stock as varied and fine as any ever offered by any dealer, are: 9 tine Spades 12 to 16% inches long. Tite a 51s to 113% inches long. 9 notched Hoes 4% to 9% inches long. Points of above have a glassy polish from use. - 45 Discoidals, bi-concave, 114 to 6inches diam- eter. . 500 grooved Axes and Celts of finest form % to 10 pounds each. “5 Banner Stones, Gorgets, Amulets, etc. 30 Curious old Pipes. : 95 Hematite Plummets and Axes, etc. Cup, Stones, Balls, Pestles, Mortars, Bone Relics, Beads, Copper Relics, 5to 9 inch Spear Heuds, etc., Swedish and Irish Stone Relics. EfArrow Heads—3000 splendid, 5000 fine, 5000 ordinary. 2000 2c to 5¢ each. {$50 fine Drills. Many pretty forms in the tiny semi-precious stone points of Oregon,N. Mexico,and Arizona. Send stamp for price list—"‘OUR EXTRA.” Separate catalog of 100,000 specimens of fine Minerals and Fossils. Hundreds of Relics of Western Indians, Alas- kans and South Sea Islanders. L. W. STILWELL, DEADWOOD, (Black Hills), S. DAK. viii THE OOLOGIST. clogists, Ornithologists ALL will want to read THE OSPRE® BECAUSE J Yr. Elliott Coues (the greatest friend of the bird student and” = author of Cowes’ Key) is associated with it editorially. Because it is the leading monthly magazine publishea for Orni- * #§ thologists. All enjoy the fine photographic illustrations printed on % enamel coated paper. ( We will continue. one mouth more, to send samples free, when / 2c stamp is enciosed. $1 a year. 10c a copy. Published by THE OSPREY COMPANY, 6:1 North Prarie St., Galesburg, IIl. “The Story of the Farallones A BEAUTIFUL SOUVENIR By C. BARLOW and H.R. TAYLOR. With Richly Embossed Cover on Translucent Board. PRICE, 50 CENTS—Prepaid. The Farallone Islands, the ‘‘Paradise of Oologists.” and the greatest Orni- thological wonder in America today, have never been fully described or illustrat- ed. Farallone Island has been visited by but a handful among the thousands of collectors who have read of the marvelous myriads of the bird tribes which make it their summer breeding home. We have presented The Story of the Faralones, in an elegant souyenir, with artistic cover, including more than 30 Superb Illus- trations, printed on heavy coated paper, the finest half-tones that can be made, graphically presenting the picturesque features of the Islands, with their countless Gulls, Cormorants, Murres, Puftins, Petrels, Pigeon Guillemots, etc., as they are seen in life, accompanied by photographs of their nest and eggs. One. illustra- tion gives a panoramic view of South Farallone Island, a most ingeniously con- ceived picture from unpublished photographs, furnishing the complete idea of the wonders of the densely populated city of the birds. Ne - Address all orders to H. R. TARLOR, Publisher, ‘‘Nidologist,” ALAMEDA,. CAL. eer GREAT NOVELTY IN PIN CUSHIONS. re ee Made from the seed stalk of the Yucca ‘Palm or Spanish 1H { twa Bayonet, whose beautiful white blossoms adorn the ea canyons and mountain sides of Cal. 1150 Yucca Cush- ions were retailed by one hotel to its guests in less than 5 months. The outside of the stalk is hard and the inside soft, and when nicely turned on a lathe they make a most beautiful white Pincushion. Price 10 cents, silver. G@ W. TUTTLE, Pasadena, Cal. C.. a Who can think antedj—An (00a ct2ze imps - thing to patent? Protect ee ideas; they may bring you wealth. Write JOHN WEDDERBURN & CO., Patent Attor- neys, Washiucton, D. C., for their $1,800 prize offer and list of two hundred inventions wanted. Monthly. VOL. XIV. NO. 6. einanengereed ~ 1) \ eoecagagegee se » POLOGISE, < Be eee Te Ooh ONO eee . ALBION, N. Y., JUNE, 1897. $ oo %y, is t 67 PA? 1%, i Go | a WHOLE No. 1838: Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘Wants,’ “Exchanges” ‘For Sales,” inserted in this department for 25¢ per 25 words. Notices oyer 25 words, charged at the rate of one-half cent per each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25c. Terms, cash with order. Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-third list rates. What’s Your Number? Examine the number following your name on the wrapper of this month’s OOLOGIST. It denotes when your subscription expired or will expire. No. 131 your subscription expired withApril’97. 1382 “ee oe we 6 May “é 1335 = o0 expires with this issue. 184 -‘f --——..“¢ sf « July, 1897. 135 oe ee [a3 ce Aug., oe 140 ‘“ ss ot “« Jan., 1898 145 6 of “6 se June, se 150 ee oe be 6e Nov “ec Intermediate numbers can easily be deter- mined. If we have you credited wrong we wish to rectify. If your subscription has expired or will ex- pire within a few months you can never renew More advantageously than at once in accord- nance with our offers in May ‘““‘Premium Sup- plement.” Remember that this offer expires Aug. 1st sharp and will not be repeated. Re- newals received since June 18th have been cor- rected on our books but not on the wrappers. —— FOR EXCHANGE:—Finely prepared sets of this year’s collecting taken in So. Minnesola and Iowa. Mostly water birds, Ducks, Herons, Terns and Phalaropes. WALTON I. MITCH- ELL, 534 Summit Ave.. St. Paul, Minn. WANTED:—A good second hand safety bi- cycle, any kind. Can offer for same a nicé col- lection of ist class sets with data, catalogue value $150.00. Will give good exchange in eges forsame. Parties having a wheel to exchange please send description of same and I will send a list of my eggs upon request. All answered. ‘eae P. MCGINTY, 454 8. Pryor St., Atlanta. a. WILL EXCHANGE eggs with d,\ia of many birds of Illinois for others. Also lot of stamps to exchange for eggs. J. H. STANBAUGH, Danville, Ill. WANTED:—A double-barreled shot gun 410 or 12 gai.geand any kind of camping outfits. Also atest. Will give in exchange mounted specimens and part cashh OAKLEY WALK- ER, Box 59, Mayfield, Ky. FOR SALE:—Fossil corals from the falls of” the Ohio and vicinit;y can furnish from a sin- gle example to one hundred thousand. Prices. vary as to condition and rarity of the speci- mens. Fair specimens for study of the com-. mon kinds can be furnished from 10 to 25 cts, each. These are not fragments, but fair cab- inet specimens. Larger and finer examples vary in price from 25 cts. to $20.00 each. All. pecimens properly identified. G. K. GREENE, 127 West Market St., New Albany, Ind. J2t WANTED:—An Anatomy (Morris or Gray)>. Kirk’s Physiology, Wurtz’s Chemistry and Piersoll’s or Klein’s Histology, for which I have to exchange eggs in sets, minerals, fossils and curios. HERBERT STERZING, Austin, Tex. THE NIDIOLOGIST: continues the most val- uable, being also the pioneer of illustrated bird journals—jifth year begins September. May number records the curious discovery with photos, of tae nesting of the Great Blue Heron on the ground. In June first published photos. of Nesting Site of California Condor. The beautiful brochure, ‘‘The Story of the Faral- lones”’ (price 50 cents) given free aS a premium to all who subscribe at once. Remit one dollar for twelve months to H. R. TAYLOR, Pub: lisher, Alameda, Calif. ats OOLOGIST for 1889 and 1890, bound, both in good condition, for loose numbers for the same. year, must be in good condition. J.H: CLARK. Paterson, N. J. WANTED: —326%, 13 1-1, 27%, 30 1-1, and Moorhen 4. Will give in exchange four dol- lars’ worth of 1st class sets with data. Write. atonce. JACOB BASTIAN JR., Statesville, . N. C. WANTED:—Sets of A. O. U. Nos. 60414, 134, 497 1-5. Can give in exchange sets of this local-- ity as 33914, 19414, and others. Datas given and. required. R. T. ANDERSON, Aylme West, Ont. : CAM! RAS TO EXCHANGE: - Brand new- $3.50 Pee¢k-a-boo and $2.00 Crescents for sets at 44 Lattin’s list prices. Express 25 cents pay- able in eggs at same rate. L. D. SUMNER, 502 State St., Madison. Wis. i TO EXCHANGE:—Sets of this locality as A. -O.U. 19414, 33914, 420% for southern and western sets as 703 1-5, 593144, etc. Datas given and re- ‘quired. Address R. T. ANDERSON, Aylmer West, Ont. : SET of OSPREY, Night Heron, Green Heron, Wren, Tern and others for first class sets with full data. HARRY B. SARGENT, Niagara Falls, N. Y. WANTED:—Nice sets of Red-headed Wood- ‘pecker, Pied-billed Grebe, Least and Black ‘Tern. I will take nice sets of above in pay- ment for anything I carry in stock. J. P. BABBITT, Taunton, Mass. WANTED:—Collectors to send for my latest bniletins of Skins, Eggs, Shells, Curios, ete., now ready and sent free. I issue the largest bulletins of any dealer in this country. Col- lectors having ist class eggs to exchange ‘please drop mealine. JAMES P. BABBITT, Taunton, Mass. WANTED:—To exchange eggs of Central New York for eggs from other states. Send list of eggs to exchange. EH. T. SCHENCK, Palatine Bridge, N. Y. J2t FOR SALE:—An old fashioned high Clock, good time keeper, 126 years old, 24 hours, good case? brass works. Will sell for best cash offer. LEAH BERKHEIMER, Osterburg, Pa. ed WANTED :—Medical works for which I have to exchange eggs in sets, minerals and fossils. HERBERT STERZING, Austin, Tex. TO EXCHANGE:—Vol. VIII. OoLoGIstT and Oct and Nov. Osprey for first class set1with complete data of White Ibis. E. A. DOO- LITTLE, Painesville, Ohio. SKULLS of ancient Eskimos, (skullings) taken from old Greenland graves for sale. Also Arctic fossils and curiios, Address F. H. C., 687 Bushwick Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. J2t WANTED:—Fresh in the meat male and fe- male Baltimore Oriole, also nest with set of eggs H. S. ARDELL, 221 Dean St., Brook- lyn, N. Y. FOR SALE:—Fine specimens of Coprolites 25 to 50 cts. each, specimens with one side re- moved, showing Conularias 25cts. to $1.00 post- paid. These are fine specimens, every cabinet should contain them. Locality and geological position given with each specimen. G. K. GREENE, 127 West Market St., New ay, Ind. 3t WANTED:—A copy of ‘‘Chapman’s South- ern Flora.’’ Will give marine shells, bulbs or plants in exchange. G. P. WOODDELL, Seven Oaks, Fla, WANTED:—Large, rare specimens of 206, 249, 356, Albatross and many others. Can offer -Al sets with data, also sets and singles to ex- change for sets. DR. M. T. CLECKLEY, 457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. J2t 17 varieties Western Bird Skins, $1. Mounted Birds 25 cents. Squirrel, 50 cents. Chipmunk, 35 cents. All postpaid. Skins to exchange for stamps. F. T. CORLESS, Logan, Or. (M. O. office, Oregon City, Oregon.) aot WANTED.—Everyone that is in need of first- class Taxidermist’s or Egg tools to send 4 cent stamp for my latest catalogue. Fullline of A 1supplies. CHAS. K. REED. Worcester, Mass. f6t THE OOLOGIST. MOUNTED Bird:—First-class specimens of Hawks, Owls, or small birds to exchange for common eggs in sets or singles. Send list of what you have or want. Also showy shells to exchange for eggs. CHAS. K. REED, Worces- ter, Mass. : A NICE collection should be neatly labelled. I furnish all kinds on good paper cheap. Egg, 15¢c per 100 small, 52c per 100 large, Fossil 10c per 100. All kinds, any style wanted. Send copy for price. Mention OoLoGist. D. H. EA- TON, Woburn, Mass. HAND Egg Blow-pipes for blowing and rins- ing.eggs. Don’t blow your cheeks off, but send for one, with directions. %5 cents prepaid. Patent applied for. DR. M. T. CLECKLEY, 457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. m2t FOR SALE.—Strictly Al eggs. Most all the common western eggs including Humming- birds, and Raptores, etc. Dirt cheap. Send for list. LEE CHAMBERS, Santa Monica, Cal. WANTED.—Chapman’s Birds of Eastern North America; Langille’s Our Birds in Their Haunts; Ingersoll’s Bird Nesting. Will give fine sets for above books. P.D. GETTY, 301 N. Main St., Bloomington, Ill. FINE Boxing Gloves. %.00; striking bag, $3.25; complete set of fine telegraph instru- ments, $10.75; a few fine western sets for Ridg- way’s Manual or Coues’Key. Write for partic- ulars. FOSTER MARIS, Annapolis, Indiana. PAPERS.—I have 34 Mekeel’s Weekly Stamp News to exchange for sets with nest and data or Nidologists. ‘THEODORE B. PARKER, Box 354, Newtonville, Mass. FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE:—Complete files including every issue from No. 1 up to time specified of Young Oologist and OOLOGIST and Museum to Jan. ’97, Nidiologist to Jan. ’96, ali in good condition. 5.00 cash takes the whole lot, purchaser to pay charges. Will ex- change the above for a 4x5 Lens, either Achro- matic or Rectilinear, prefer the latter. PAUL P. McGINTY, 454 S, Pryor St., Atlanta, Ga. PUBLICATIONS, EGGS, BOOKS WANTED: I will allow 50c each for any back number of the ‘Auk’ you may have, if in good condition and sent prepaid. You to take your full pay in Eggs, Shells (showy or scientific), Corals, Echinoderms, Fossils, Minerals,Stamps, Hand- books, Curios or Novelties, (Books, Instru- ments and Supplies will be given in exception- al cases by special arrangement) as listed in! the May, 97 Premium List Supplement. I can also use on same-terms the following numbers of the OOLOGIST at prices quoted: June, 1888, 2c: July-Aug , 1886, 20c; Jan.-Feb , 1887 or Dec., 1886 with same attached, 15c; June-Sept., 1887, 15c; Apr.. 1889, 15c; Jan—Feb.. 1886, 10c; Jan., 1895. 5c; March, 1897, 8c; May, 1897, 8e. All must be complete, clean, and in good condition. Iwill also accept back No’s of the Ornithologist and Oologist, Nidiologist or Osprey, any issue and in any quantity at 5c per copy on same terms. (I will allow 20c for Oct., ’93 and 50c for Feb., '94 “Wids.”’). If you have other publications along my line. Write and state what is wanted. I can also use books on subjects pertaining to Natural History if in good condition and cheap, also A No. 1 sets of eggs with data at %4“‘Stand- ard’ rates. Lists of books and eggs must be submitted for my selection or approval before sending. Address at once FRANK H. LAT- TIN, Albion, WN. Y. 6 THE OOLOGIST. ili TO EXCHANGE.—365 1-7, 2-6, 3-5, 4-4, 1-3: 360 2-5, 3-4, 2-3; 378c 2-2, 1-4, 1-3; 4131-7, 1-6; 407 1-4; 454 1-4, 1-3; 462 3-3, 2-2; 5192-4; 591b 2-3, 1-2; 505a 1-4, 1-3, 1-2; 508 1-4, 1-3; 620 2-2, 1-3, 21; 7101-2; Td1a 1-6, 2-4; 733 1-8, 1-4; 743a 3-4; 75a 1-4. Nests of 462, 505a, 503, 620, 748a, and 75la. Taylor’s Catalogue basis of exchange. R.S. DANIELS, Nordoff, Ventura Co., Calif. A RARE CHANCE FOR A BEGINNER:— The private Oological collection of the late Ed- ward Schenck has been placed in my hands for sale. The collection contains 800 specimens, representing 180 species, in sets with data. Catalogue value about $14). The collection will not be broken but will be sold at a Bargain asawhole. Full particulars and list to par- ties meaning business. EDW. REINECKE, 500 Main St., Buffalo, N. Y. FOR SALE.—Popular Science News, Nos. 6-12 of Vol. XXX. Vol. I and II Natural Science News, OOLoGIST, Nos. 108 to 182 inclusive; 4th edition Coues’ Key. Highest cash price. R. C. STEVENS, 150 West 99 Street, New York City. EL MEI UE SS Sa LEARN TAXIDERMY.—Easy rapid method. Satisfaction guaranteed. Anyone can learn. Boys and girls as well as men, in every line of pusiness are using our method. Copy of ‘-Tax- idermy Made Easy’’ and one pound of K. and P. Preservative for 65 cents. Send at once for it. KERR & PERHAM, Sandwich, Ills. WANTED.—Sets of the Golden Eagle, with original data, in exchange for rare bird skins and other sets. JNO. W. DANIELS, JR., Lynchburg, Virginia. PARTIES wishing No. 1 bird skins, nice sets, of taxidermy work at bottom prices. State wants and receive quotations. I want nice sets with nests, common or rare, and publica- tions. B.S. BOWDISH, Phelps, N. Y. Se ee —————eeeeeEeee————————— _ 10 varieties minerals, 14%x2, 25c; 15 var. cur- iosities, 27c; 5 var. Indian Relics, 37c; 12 arrow- heads, 30c¢; good axe, 35c; Spade, 27c; celt, 25c; 12 spears, $1.10; $3 worth coins, curiosities, rel- ics, and minerals, all labeled, 97c. Price list free. Book of rare drawings, showing many extremely rare goods, 10c.; special bargains, 2c. W. Perry Arnold, Peacedale, R. I. EMPORIUM OF PETS. Headquarters for all kinds of Fancy Poultry, Fancy Pigeons, Swans, Pheasants, Canaries, Parrots, Mocking Birds, Cages, Seeds, Gold Fish, Globes, Aquariums, Plants, etc., Monkeys, Dogs, Cats, Squirrels, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and other Pet Animals. My specialty is selling first-class Homing Pigeons at $1.00 a pair. Send ten cents for the largest and most complete Illustrated Catalog issued. Also Studio of Taxidermy. EDW.S. SCHMID, 712 Twelfth St., N.W.,Washington, D. C. Bird Skins. The following are strictly first-clas, and will be sent prepaid. TRON ETL Ae) A OME eee ReneS AER ne. Gepereredee ea orce Red=abhroaved WOM iyo eee eee BlaeckaMiallards eae ee eee an Shoveller s-.--.. 2... 2. .2s22-- American Goshawk...... Sharp-shinned Hawk............ .... - Mournin's) Dover. 1-2. fies se eeeee nese Gairdner’s Woodpecker. ....... ..-.-- Cedar Waxwing Horned Grebe............ Am. Golden Plover ... Bartramian Sandpipev......... Pectoral Sandpiper.............-..--.- Crowes ee eS ie Ruffed Grouse Steller’s Jay .............-.--- Boat-tailed Grakle :.2..--2..2.. See Wandinaleiys 25h eee acne Mourning Warbler.......2:.-.2--22221--.40----<0---== Hooded! Wiar bler.-..-5 222 eee eeees eeeeee ee Gernean Warbler 5 Be WY UIE Fay DP eee naserceeen ns coscooccerereeeore 60 CUSTOM TAXIDERMY. Unexcelled work in all departments. We can furnish nearly anything obtainable in the line. Bird Skins, Mounted Birds or Mammals. Send for Catalogue. Geo. F. Guelf, Brockport, N. Y. FOSSILS FOR SALE. ALL PROPERLY IDENTIFIED. Anchocrinus bulbosus...... -....--....-----+-++----+- 25-50 Nucleocrinus vermilli_........ ........ Se uaes eee 10-50 Pe NT pag S eee ee eee 50-81 se PTCCNEl.. 2a 50-$2 Pentrenites godoni............ Ae ee 03 Of CONOIGCUS He eee ie calycanus..... Si symmetricus......... -..1-....-------- Atrypa reticularis................- Spirifer Arveni..-.......- -..... 21-22. sestee 2222 RY CUEUMCCINES Cee see eee eee een ererene OE a var. fornacula...- ue PY OVERUISI KO soe duces Sccyosccuccods | Cessoconacaedce te varicosa.......- Athris vitota......-.-.--.-.-- ai trinuclea.........-- Athyris spiriferoides................. ---.---++++:----+- Tropidoleptus carinatus..... .....-...------.-------- Stenoschisma tethys. .............-..-. --------------- 10-15 Meristella unisulcata 15-25 Single valves of same 05-10 Productus spinulicostatus............ sc nebraskensSis......-.-... --.- A ‘ Semineticulatuste ee 15-25 a setigerus, var. Keokuk 5 TH AIVIOSTUCS i) LG UTIN eet ota nr meee eseenemeneee hemisphericus............ ......- 23-50 nt GYMOSUS!2 2 SE ee eee 25-50 Heliophyllum halli...................-.------.-- ----25-50 +S COLMICU] nee 10-25 fe Scy phus). ee eos 25-50. iNVENIS. 2 ee ees 15-25 G. K. GREENE, {2t NEW ALBANY, IND. iv THE QOLOGIST. Lattin’s Standard Catalogue of North American Birds Kggs. ' Enlarged (contains 72 pages) revised, corrected and brought up to date of going to press: (March,’96). Giving all of the new A. O. U. changes and additions. Also divided and sub-divided. into orders, sub-orders, fam)lies, and sub-families. Values are based on the 1893 ones which were determined by the compiler, from invaluable: notes, suggestions and assistance from Major Chas. E. Bendire, J. Parker Norris. Esq., and Cap- tain B. F. Goss. In addition to these notes, which have been carefully reworked. the compiler: has had suggestious from over FORTY LEADING AMERICAN OOLOGISTS, all of which were care- fully considered and where advisable, adopted. Lattin’s Catalogue has long been recognized by leading Oologists as the ‘‘Standard.’’? The compiler intends to issue a new one as soon as this. edition is exhausted and desires the assistance of every working Oologist, in making values, ete. On this account he{has concluded to close out this edition at the following rates, postpaid,(regular: price was 25 cents per copy.) Single copy 5 cents; 3 for 12 cents; 7 for 25 cents; 15 for 50 cents. : Address, FRANK H. LATTIN, ALBION, N. Y. THOUSANDS OF OLD BOOKS Have accumulated in the libraries of our public institutions, and those of prominent public men,, both in duplicate and otherwise. They cost them nothing and oft-times are valued accordingly. They are, however, both valued and desired by specialists and parties interested. Perhaps you or your friends may have some of the identical volumes which I desire, crowding library shelves or stowed away in garrets, doing nobody any good; but had I them I would not only appreciate: them but might know of a dozen others who would do likewise. Look over my list of wants and if you have anything I desire or others write me, stating what you wish in exchange, and perhaps we can arrange an exchange which will be advantageous to each. I willexchange for single vol- umes—but the larger the exchange the better. : I WANT Government and State Reports:—Annual Reports and Bulletins of U. S. Geological Survey, with F. V. Hayden in charge. Reports of Wheelers’s U. S.-Geological Surveys W. of the: 100th Meridian. Reports of King’s U. S. Geological Exploration of the 40th Parallel. Annual Re- -ports of Bureau of Ethnology. Annual Reports of U. S. Geological Survey. Natural History of New York. Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge. U. S. Reports on Entomology. Annual Reports of the Smithsonian Institution and the U.S National Museum. ;. - Botany:;:—Any of Gray’s or Wood’s Text-Books and Publications. Lesquereaux & James, “Mosses.” Tuckerman’s ‘‘Lichens.’’ Goodale’s ‘‘Wild Flowers.’ Hervey’s “Sea Mosses.” Sar- gent’s ‘‘Silva of N. A.” Hough’s ‘‘Am. Woods.”’ Geology, Mineralogy and Palzontology:—Any of Dana’s, Winchell’s, Miller’s or Geikie’s Works. Conchology:—Any of Tryon’s, Sowerby’s, Gill’s or Woodward’s Works. Entomology:—Any of Packard’s, Westwood’s or Comstock’s Books. Any of Maynard’s,. Edward’s or Scudder’s Works on “‘Butterflies.”’ Ornithology, Oology and Taxidermy:—Works by any of the following: Baird,. Bendire, Brewer, Brewster, Cassin, Chapman. Cory, Coues, Davie, DeKay, Fisher, Gentry, Goss, Hornaday, McIlwraith, Maynard, Minot, Nuttall, Nehrling, Raine, Ridgeway, Shufeldt, Studer, Warren, Wilson. Also back number or volumes of any of the following publications: ‘‘Auk.” “This,” “Ornithologist and Oologist,” ‘‘Nidiologist.” ‘‘Bird Books,” Pamphlets and Publications: are my speciality and I can use almost anything in that line advantageously either in large or- small lots, old or new. Medical:—Quain’s Anatomy, 10th ed.; Rohe’s Hygiene: Ziegler’s Pathology; Campbell’s: Language of Medicine; Gould’s Medical Dictionary; The National Dispensatory; Gray’s Ana- tomy; Gould’s Medical Dictionary; Holden’s Dissector; Kirke’s or Yeo’s Physiology; White &. Wilcox or Hare’s Materia Medica; Reese’s Toxicology ; Osler’s Medicine; Park’s or American Text. Book of Surgery; Parvin’s or Lusk’s Obsteterics; Garrigue’s or Keating & Coe’s Gynxcology; Jn- gal’s Laryngology; Duhring’s Dermatology; Dana’s Nervous Diseases; Kirchoff's or Blandford’s. Insanity ; Reese’s Medical Jurisprudence; Klein’s or Piersol’s Histology. I also desire second-hand copies of any standard book. report or publication devoted to: Ornithology, Oology, Geology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology, Zoology, Conchology, Botany, Micros-- copy, ete., etc. (All Text Books must be late editions.) ITalso want choice Birds Eggs in Sets with data; A No. 1 Mounted Birds and Reptiles; A Good Microscope; Indian Relics, and choice col- lections of U. S. or Foreign Stamps or Coins, Typewriter, Field Glass,. Collecting Guns or anything new orin good condition, suitable for a collector, naturalist, sportsman, or for a physician and surgeon. I CAN OFFER IN EXCHANGE New $10 Field Glass; No. 2 ($32.50) Kodak, new; 23 vols. Harpers in patent binders; New set of Encyclopedia Brittanica; Set Johnson’s Encyclopedia, Morocco bound; Rand and McNally’s $25 Business Atlas; New Surgical Chair; New Dental Chair; $25 Relief Map of U. S.; New %500 Up- right Piano; $50 Mineral Collection; $1000 worth of ‘Surplus’’ Stock as offered in ‘NATURAL SCI- ENCE NEWS” (copy for stamp) of April, 96 consisting of Minerals, Fossils, Shells, Land and Mar- ine Curios, Mexican Goods, Novelties, etc., etc.; 7 foot Shark from the Plant R. R. System’s Ex- hibit atthe Atlanta Exposition. Select Disarticulate Human one-half skeleton; Skeleton of Mon- key; ‘‘Fauna of British India, Ceylon and Burmah,” 7 vol., 4000 pp, 1300 illus.; Jeancon’s ‘Atlas of Pathological Anatomy”’’ cost $36.75; a #45 Roll top Black Walnut Desk, good as new, 70 acres of Land near Vineland, N. J.: lot in Osler City, Fla.; Fishing Tackle; 22, also 32 cal. Rifle; 12 guage double and single barrel shot guns; Mimeograph; Violin; Flageolet; Thousands of back numbers. of Youths Companion, Golden Days. Forest and Stream, etc., etc.; collections in almost any de- partment of Natural Science or Curiosities at any value from $1 to $100. I will sell anything L offer for exchange cheap for cash. Exchanges under $5 not solicited except for choice material or desirable books. Address, FRANK H. LATTIN, Publisher ofthe OOLOGIST, ALBION, N. ¥. FINE SETS VERY LOW. To close out quick I will sell choice sets, my “OWN collecting, as below. Charges prepaid on “orders exceeding $3.00. Discount on orders ex- ceeding $10.00. Full data. No exchanges. . PER EGG. Ferruginous Rough-leg, 2-3, 2-4. 1-5...... ...... $1 00 ShinekeyeVarlibunes t= 20) Sih ee ee 35 Swainson’s Hawk, 2-3, 3-3......... ...... -...-...... 20 ‘Marsh Hawk, 2-4, 2-5, 1-6...-...-.2..-..22.. -.c2.--- 2 Am. Long Eared Owl, 2-5 _....... .............- s 20 Shont-earedi@wd eee 40 “Great Horned Owl. 1-2 | ............ ..2-.:- --- fi) Western Night Hawk, 2-2.................... 15 -Am. Sparrow Hawk, 2-4...... 200 | .......202.02-05 15 Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse, 19, 1-10, 1-11. 20 Bartramian Sandpiper, 3-4......... ..........-...- 15 ‘Canada Goose, 0-5............ BAR Sols tee Renee 50 Am. Golden-eye Duck, 1-9, 1-10, 2-11_..... _..... 25 EC ANAS DAC Kewl sas oe N hs Ra te) 30 Lesser Scaup, 1-7, 2-9................ ea) Baldpate, 1-6, 1-7, 1-9 ... 00... 2... ote!) Shoveller, sets 6 to 11...... 20.2222... -2.22-- 10 Red-head. sets 6 to 10 ee eante 10 ePintaily S@ts/5, to) 10.2.2... oe 10 Mallard, 1-10, 2-11, 1- 13 08 Blue-winged Teal, 2-12 08 EUGENE 8S. ROLFE, MINNEWAUKAN, N. D. CHEAPI -Methods in Taxidermy subscription edition, TOE RAKE cet a TCE Birds of Ontario, McIlwraith ..... ........ ..... 1 25 Bird Nesting, Ingersoll............2......22.. 22... - 80 In Bird Land, Keyser .................0.0002.00.02... 75 Our Own Birds, Bailey ..... .....2.. 2c. 75 “Cyclopedia of Natural History, Abbott... 50 Alden, 2 v.. 1 00 Half Hour Recreations in Natural History, IDWS ONY, a OS a rae eee a I La aa 75 Todd’s Students Manual... ee. 25 Greene’s Large History of the English Peo- a (5) Sb aetna HS A EPR Soe iets RE Hunting in the Greau West, Shields... 50 Rocky Mountain Life, Sage..... _......002....... 50 Great Thoughts of Classic Authors(4%Mor.) 75 Cram’s Universal Atlas (half Russia) (Reg- (WUle We Tere er) GIS)) ee ee ue ee eee eae 2 00 Above books are all bran new and in Al condition. Must be sold at onceas I need mon- GEO W. DIXON, WATERTOWN, S. D. 'iNJ\RY my postage stamp approval sheets; 50 per cent commission and a prize. CHARLES KEUTGEN, J 2t No. 102 Fulton St., NEW YORK. THE OOLOGIST. Vv “= To show you |‘ whatothers are o saying of THE -“ OSPREY. “Tt improves with every number. It certainly eclipses anything of its kind published.’’—Leon J. Cole, Grand Rapids, Mich. “THE OSPREY is bound to take the front rank among our ornithological magazines.’—Floyd T. Coon, Milton, Wis. “I must say it is the best paper of its kind I have ever Seen for the money.’’—Gottlieb Biss- mer, Hastings, Mich. “It is indeed a credit to the science it repre- sents; the benefits you are Spreading among naturalists will,I am sure, be greatly appreciat- ed.’’—F.. R. Stearns, Sac City, Iowa. “You have got the best popular monthly magazine of its kind in America today.’’—Kd- ward Arnold, Battle Creek, Mich. “THE OSPREY is a neat and beautiful inspir- ation to the student of bird-life, and a practical exponent of plain, every-day science.’’—L. Whitney Watkins, Manchester, Mich. “Most excellent journal.””—Robert Ridgeway, U. S. National Museum. “It is a beauty from front to cover, and ‘a thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ Plates, type, paper, printing and all are elegant, as they Should be to correspond with the interesting reading within,”’—Chas. K. Worthen, Warsaw, Sample toc, or 25c for one-year’s trial. No bird-man can afford to miss this magazine. THE OSPREY COMPANY, 61 North Prairie St.. Galesburg, I11. Come to Florida. A fortune can be made in a few years in pineapples and tomatoes; vegetables raised the whole year. An ideal home. For particulars write R. P. Osler, Avon Park, Fla. 29&0tf [COPYRI Minerals and Indian Relics. DOS DOG eee 200) |60/SPCCeee eae 50c 5 spec., 1x14 in......15c 10 spec., 1x1% in...... 25¢ 15 spec., 1x1} in...... 35¢ =6 spec., 2x1}¥ in...... 25¢ 10 spec., 2x1% in.....35¢ 12 arrowheads ........ 30¢ Sent by mail prepaid. Labeled with name & locality. List free. ISAAC S. KIRK, Fremont, Chester Co., Pa. $100. We employ experienced agents on a salary of $100 per month. Others at $60. Write quickly. Puriran Pup- LISHING Co., 36, Bromfield St., Boston, Mass. vi THE OOLOGIST Spades, Hoes, Mauls. I have recently bought several large collec- tions of Stone Relics from high-class collec- tors and have a ‘‘ecream”’ stock of 15,000 pieces from many states, hundreds of them unusually fine form and perfect: many rare. Improve your cabinet. Among a stock as varied and fine as any ever offered by any dealer, are: 9 tine Spades 12 to 16% inches long. Pes ie 56 to 11% inches long. 9 notched Hoes 43 to 9% inches long. Points of above have a glassy polish from use. 45 Discoidals, bi-concave, 114 to 6 inches diam- eter. 500 grooved Axes and Celts of finest form % to 10 pounds each. 75 Banner Stones, Gorgets, Amulets, etc. 30 Curious old Pipes. 25 Hematite Plummets and Axes, etc. Cup Stones, Balls. Pestles, Mortars, Bone Relics. Beads, Copper Relics, 5to 9 inch Spear Heads, etc., Swedish and Irish Stone Relics. Arrow Heads—3000 splendid, 5000 fine, 5000 ordinary, 2000 2c to 5c each. 50 fine Drills. Many pretty forms in the tiny semi-precious stone points of Oregon,N. Mexico,and Arizona. Send stamp for price list—*‘OUR EXTRA.” Separate catalog of 100,000 specimens of fine Minerals and Fossils. Hundreds of Relics of Western Indians, Alas- kans and South Sea Islanders. L. W. STILWELL, DEADWOOD, (Black Hills), S. DAK. NASALENE POSITIVE CURE FOR Cold in the Head, Hay Fever, Catarrh, Deafness. $100 REWARD for every case of Ca- tarrh or Deafness (caused by Catarrh) which we cannot cure with Nasalene, when used ac- eording to directions. Sold by all first-class druggists or by mail at 25 cents. Sample box 10 cents. The profuse discharge of mucus from the nose, the dropping of mucus from the nostrils into the throat, the accumulation of mucus and the constant inclination to hawk and ex- pectorate, is arrested by the timely use of Nas- alene. OFFICE OF THE AGENT-W ARDEN | SING SING PRISON. Dee. 12, 1895. HUNTER MEDICAL Co. Gentlemen:—I have use your ‘‘Nasalene’’and I find it very beneficial. I take pleasure in recommending it. Yours truly, O. V. SAGE, Agent-Warden. HUNTER MEDICAL CO., 54 E. 13 St., NEW-YORK CITY. Rapid Taxidermy at Home! Satisfaction guaranteed or money refunded. No tools required. No extra expense. After many years of unvarying success, and a constantly increasing sale in every state and territory in the Union, and with thousands of testimonials attesting to the merits‘of my Sim- plified Method of Taxidermy, from boys, girls, parents, doctors, ministers. lawyers, school teachers, merchants, farmers, mechanics, hun- ters, outers and sportsmen. as well as from curators of leading university museums, and professional taxidermists; I feel that I can safely make this offer. Send me 75 CENTS Cash or Stamps and receive complete instruct- ions for mounting birds in cases, plaques, hang- ing game, deer heads, etc.. etc., with package of prepared compound ready for use, enough to mount 50 small birds, or 20 large ones; to- gether with full directions for dressing skins With the hair on for rugs, robes and hangings. If you are not fully satistied, your money will be cheerfully refunded. Beware of imitations. Mention THE OOLO- GIST and address. MORRIS GIBBS, M. D., KALAMAZOO, MICH. MINERALS SHELLS, etc. The Whit City Collections. 50 fine cabi- net specimens, $3. 50 smaller size, $2. 50 ama- teur size, $1. Printed nameand locality with each specimen. 50 Shells, Corals, and Marine Specimens, only $3. 100 Fossils, including fine Fish, Trilobite, Crinoids, Corals, Sponges, several fine Ferns, etc., only $8. A great varie- ty Unios with one valve highly published from 35c to $1, very showy. ‘Taxidermy in all its branches at reasonable prices. Dlustrated catalogue by mail, 10c. J.M.WIERS, Natural- ists Agency, 357 W. VanBuren St., Chicago, Ill. Iceland, Lapland, Spain, A large stock of Birds Eggs—last season’s collecting has just arrived from the above lo- calities. Descriptive price-list sent free upon application. A. KRICHELDORFF, Naturalist, ete., No. 535 Oranien-Strasse, Ber- in, S., Germany. TAXIDERMISTS’ GUNS, ‘cuns* ‘Pistols, Gun Cases, Shooting Shot Shells; also ridges tor SPEGIMEN HUNTERS. All Kinds, all prices from $1.9) to $25.00. List free. Write for Taxidermist’s free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA. Ripans Tabules. Ripans Tabules cure nausea. Ripans Tabules cure bad breath. THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XIV. NO. 6. ALBION, N. Y., JUNE, 1897. WHOLE No. 183: Gull Island, New York. At 40’clock on the morning of June 15, 1893, Mr. H. B. Sargent and myself were aroused by Mr. W. W. Worthing- ton of Shelter Island, New York, with whom we were staying, calling to us to hurry and get dressed, as the weather was Clear and we would start for Gull Island in about an hour. You can well imagine that this brought me to my feet in short order, and Mr. Sargent was not long in following my example. We took a hurried breakfast and tak- ing our guns, ammunition, collecting basket and afew other necessary arti- cles started for the boat. We arrived at tho boat-landing, where our boat fastened, at about half-past five, and stowing away our guns and basket we took off our coats and set to work to hoist the sail and lower the center- board and started for Gull Island. We had no more than started when the wind gave out, anda, light fog settled down over the water, then the fun com- menced. We put out the sweep (which is a very large oar, and generally takes two men to work it) and commenced to work. When we got around the point which forms the Harbor, we steered in near shore to avoid the tide, which runs likea mill race when it is at its height. We moved along slowly working the sweep and praying fora breeze, when all of a sudden we found ourselves aground on the rocks. We worked hard and finally succeeded in getting off again, after that we steered turther out. I will not trouble my readers, “that is if I have any,” with a long ac- count of the voyage, save to say with rowing, and with now and then a little breeze, we arrived within half a mile of Gull Island about twenty minutes to four in the afternoon. Gull Island is separated from Plum Island by a broad stretch of water called the Little Race. Gull Island is a small plateau, rising: about twenty feet above high water. It is about five acres in extent. A sandy beach runs nearly around the island, but in oue place the sand is re- placed by high rocks, tumbled about in wild disorder, showing how the great work of the sea has been going on for ages and ages, wearing away the strongest rocks, which gradually crum- ble before its mighty hand. Gull Island was once beyond a doubt part of Long Island. We dropped anchor about a hundred yards from the island and lowered sail. Getting into the little boat, which we. towed behind, we were soon all stand- on the beach. We had left our guns. in the boat, preferring not to use them until after we had collected the eggs. ‘As we walked up the beach the Terns. rose up in numbers flying high in the air far out of gun shot, perhaps a few hundred pairs in all. Ob! what a dif- ference there was between the number now and the number in the following extract,copied from Davies’ ‘‘Nests and Eggs of North American Birds.” “Although a few Wilson’s Terns breed on nearly every sandy point near: here, Gull Island, situated a mile or two east of Plum Island, is their chief breeding ground in this section. Here they breed in thousands fairly filling the air when you land and dis- turb them. They place their nests all over the island above high water line, on the beach and in the garden culti- yated by the lighthouse keeper. Fresh eggs can be obtained from the 10th of June till the middle of July, as egging parties keep them cleaned off about as. fast as they are laid.” 04 THE OOLOGIST. The above was written by Mr. Wor- ‘thington in 1881. W hat has caused this vast decrease in numbers? Is it science? Nay, it is not science, itis fashion. Fashion, whose bloodthirsty cries for our feathered beauties is fast decreasing their num- bers, where thousands bred now hun- ‘dreds breed, and where hundreds bred now only:a few pairs remain, and the time is fast approaching when the feathered race will entirely disappear from the face of the earth, leaving only pleasant memories behind to mark their former existence. Memories, which will descend from generation to generation, cherished by our descend- -ants, and which will not fade until the last night has closed in upon this earth- ly sphere. My first find after landing was a handsome set of four eggs incubation fresn. When we reached the high ground we separated, Mr. Worthington and Mr. Sargent taking the north side of the island, while I took the south side. I walked up the beach keeping a sharp lookout for the eggs as thev are very hard to see, being laid on the pebbly beach which they strongly resemble. I found several sets of three eggs, -some of two and a few of one egg each. I was gradually drawing near the rocks which I mentioned in the fore part of ‘this article, when glancing down I be- held another set of fowr eggs. Just think, inside of fifteen minutes I found ‘two sets of fowr eggs each, while it took Mr. Worthington twelve years to find ‘two sets of the same number of eggs. “Truly I was in luck.” After reaching the rocks I crossed the ‘island and joined the rest of the party; they had also found two sets of four eggs each, Mr. Worthington one set and Mr. Sargent the other. We continued on around the island, Mr. Sargent and myself going around “twice, Mr. Worthington only once. The nests were slight depressions in the sand and were surrounded by a few pieces of stems, of beach-grass. The nests were mostly placed on the beach above high water mark, some were on the sand, and others on flat rocks on the top of the island; when on the rocks they were usually made of dried grass. Some of the nests were placed behind piles of drift-wood. I found one nest made completely of seaweed, which contained three unusually dark eggs. The usual number of eggs was two or three. They varied greatly in colora- tion, some being dark brown or deep olive, while others were pale olive or gray. They were spotted and blotched with spots of dark brown, black and lavender. The eggs, I think, can be easily dis- tinguished from those of the Roseate Tern. The eggs of Wilson’s Tern. be- ing marked with large spots and blotches, while those of the Roseate Tern are marked with fine dots and lines. Incubation was fresh in nearly all cases. In Mr. Worthington’s set of,four eggs, two females undoubtedly laid in {the same nest, as two of the eggs were of one color, and the other two of an en- tirely different color. Mr. Worthing- ton is of my opinion that his set was deposited by two females. But in my set the four eggs were alike and seem to show that only one female laid in the nest. Bank Swallows also breed on Gull Island and a few Savannah Sparrows nest there each season. I would like to give my readers an account of our journey home as we had a number of adventures and did not reach there until the next morning, but space is limited and I fear I have far out-stepped the limits already. ROBERT C. WOODHOUSE, New York City. THE OOLOGIST. 55 Report of the Third Annual Meeting of the N. 0. A. The Northwestern Ornithological As- sociation held its third annual meeting at Salem, Oregon, on the 29th and 30th of December, 1896. The meeting was a success in every respect, members be- ing present from all parts of the state. Rounding off the work of the closing year, reading and the discussion of the numerous reports and papers, and starting the work for the coming year on a solid, systematic basis was a task of such proportions that almost contin. uous session was required for its com- pletion. . As it was desired to make the meet- ings interesting to the general public, arrangements were made by the pro- gram committee to have the sessions held in the Auditorium of the Willa- mette University. ‘This being a large, well lighted hall, the collections were shown to excellent advantage. George D. Peck of Salem, had a large part of his extensive collection of birds artistically mounted which increased the interest taken in the meetings by the public. The most satisfactory feat- ure of this peautiful exhibit, to students at least, was the large series of the east- ern and western varieties of the same species. Those of us who are strug- gling with that intricate taxonomical science of dividing and subdividing, with which the A. O. U. has burdened us, can easily appreciato the value of such a collection. Mr. Peck’s extended knowledge of the birds on both sides of the Rockies was of much assistance to the students in their comparative study of plumage variation. One of the most complete and inter- esting collections of Oregon bird’s eggs that has ever been gathered into one display, it was the good fortune of the society to exhibit on this occasion. Its completeness was accomplished only by the active and enthusiastic co-opera- tion of the members; each one bringing with him, or sending by mail, if unable personally to attend, his rarer sets and nests. An open session was arranged for the evening of the 29th, the program con. taining essays written with a view of interesting the general public in our seience. Until half-past eight those present were pleasantly occupied in ex- amining and studying the collections which were explained and described by the [{members. Then our president, William L. Finley, called the meeting to order and welcomed those present with a polished address in which he gave a brief history of the society and the work it has accomplished since its organization in 1894. He then dwelt at length on the future before the society and the unequaled opportunities to ad- vance the science of Ornithology which this association possesses. The mer- cernary ends and methods of the aver- age pseudo ornithologist he strongly condemned, especially, the wholesale exchanging and buying of eggs, which practice has increased so alarming'y during the past decade. In the absence of the author, D. Franklin Weeks read an interesting paper on ‘‘A Trip through Eastern and Southern Oregon,” by Guy Q. Stryker. Ellis F. Hadley followed by a paper on ‘‘The Red-breasted Nuthatch.” His description of its nesting habits inter- esting everyone. Master James Mott varied the pro- gram by a unique recitation praia) “The Owl Critic.”’ The experiences of a naturalist in a day’s ramble were delightfully describ- ed by Herman T. Bohlman in his ‘‘In- cidents of a Day’s Collecting among Aquatic Birds.’’ The ‘‘Notes on the Pileolated Warb- ler,” by Hervey M. Hoskins, showed this observer’s thorough knowledge of a rare Warbler. The session closed with an essay by 56 THE OOLOGIST Darsie C. Bard, entitled ‘‘Biographical Sketches of Great Ornithologists,” in which he gave some interesting notes from the lives of Buffon, White, and Macgillivry. Work began the next morning at 8:30 and with an hour at noon and in the evening, for rest and refreshments, the president did not rap his gavel for dis- missal until the night had spent itself by half. The entire morning was devoted to a most interesting lecture by George D. Peck on Taxidermy, Hesupplemented his remarks by practical illustrations in the art of skinning birds and mount- ing them. The value of such a lesson from one so experienced is : inestimable to students who, asarule, have access only to written descriptions. Wednesday afternoon was devoted to the business. After hearing the reports from officers and standing committee, the club proceded to plan the work for the coming year. A field work com- mittee was appointed whose duties were classed as follows: (a) to revise and complete the association’s check list of Oregon birds. (0) to superintend the preparation of migration co-opera- tion with other ornithological associa- tions. (c) to direct the field of the soci- ety and to organize collecting expedi- tions among its members. The committee for 1897 is: Secretary of the Association, chairman (Present incumbent of Portland, Oregon) Robert W. Haines, Baker City, Oregon. Fred H. Andrus, Elkton, Oregon. Guy Stry- ker, Milwaukee, Oregon, Elias F. Had- ley, Dayton, Oregon. The committee is well distributed geographically while its effeciency is beyond question. The 1897 Literary and Museum com- mittee is made up as follows: Herman T. Bohlman, ofjPortland, chairman; A. B. Averill, of Portland; George D.Peck, of Salem. This committee has a heavy share of responsibility, as the proper classification of specimens sent it for identification is only one branch of its manifold labors. The membership committee appoint- ments were: Arthur L. Pope, of Salem, chairman. D. Fraoklin Weeks of Port- land. Hervey M. Hoskins, of Newberg, Oregon. The committee has been es- pecially instructed to employ due dis- cretion and select only active conscien- tious workers. Quality and not num- bers is their watch-word.. The dues have been placed so low that they have no fear of not being able to enlist all the active students of bird life in the Northwest. The society intends that no unscienti- fic or untruthful statements shall eman- ate from it. To preserve this high standard an editor was appointed to supervise all reports and papers which are published by the association in its official organ. Ofcourse, for anything published independently by a member of the club, it cannot hold itself respon- sible. Our former secretary, Arthur L. Pope, was appointed to this responsible position. The English Sparrow pest has not a very strong hold in this state, not hav- ing, as yet, been reported outside of Portland. In this city there may be, at present, in the neighborhood of jive hundred. Active measures here will at least suppress if not exterminate them. To carry on this work a special com- mittee was appointed composed of: C. F. Pfluger of Portland. W. L. Fin- ley of Portland. Through the agency of the press, they are to arouse public opinion against the pest. This is, in reality, the only lawful way to go about exterminating them. Ifthe owners of the dwellings and business blocks, in and around which they breed, could be enlisted in this work. their total des- truction would be but a matter of a few years. The election of officers for the ensu- ing year resulted as follows: President, William L. Finley, of Portland; first THE OOLUGIST. 57 vice-president, Elias F. Hadley, of Day- ton; second vice-president, Herman T. Bohlman, of Portland; secretary, Dar- sie C. Bard, of Portland; treasurer, D. Franklin Weeks, of Portland. The business having been completed the rest of the afternoon was devoted to reading the remaining essays. A paper by Rey Stryker on ‘‘The Audu- bon’s Warbler” was enthusiastically re- ceived by the society after their long task of legislating. Darsie C. Bard fol- lowed with a paper on “Some Methods of Keeping Ornithological Records.” The final session was called to order by the president at 7:45 p. m. Up to now the society had not taken the time for any thorough study of the collec- tions. So, with the general consent the remaining business was hastily dis- - patched, and, taking our manuals spent the rest of the evening in studying and discussing the collection. This was, undoubtedly, the most enjoyable and instructive part of the wnole meeting. At 11:30 the third annual meeting of the Northwestern Ornithological Assoc- iation came toanend. That we were all loath to leave expresses it tamely; let it suffice to say, however, that the meet- ing was a success in every respect, and that we each, one and all, parted, feel- ing that we had been benefited by this annual union and that our share of the work for the coming year would be car- ried out to the best of our ability. Owing to illness Sec. Arthur L. Pope was unable to attend the meeting. It is hoped that before long his health may be regained. The fourth annual will be held in Portland.—Darsie C. Bard, Secretary, N. O. A. in The Oregon Naturalist. Mockingbirds and Gnatcatchers. The most common bird in this sec- tion of the country is perhaps the Mock- ingbird. They remain the year through and begin nesting about the last of March or first of April. The earliest nest I have recorded is dated March 28th containing four fresh eggs and sit- uated ina cedar tree about seven or eight feet up. The nest is composed of grass and a downy weed which is very abundant about here and is always, so far as I have been able to ascertain, lined on the outside with a thick mass of thorny twigs. The birds seem to prefer the cedar trees to any other situation, as at least three-fourths of the nests found by my self were placed in cedars. Our yard contains a great many of these trees and is truly a Mockingbird ‘Rookery.’ I have found as many as thirty nests of this bird within a radius of fifty yards of our house; the greater number of which contained four eggs each and only one contained five, none except incomplete sets contained less than four. I have found only one set of “runt” eggs, this was placed in a myrtle tree about ten steps from the public road and about forty yards from the house. The eggs were alinnst exactly the size of a Long-billed Marsh Wren’s and were perfectly fresh, the bird being on the nest when I discovered it. The Mockingbird rears two broods in in a season as I have fuund fresh eggs as early as March 28, as before stated and as late as July29. I have also no- ticed young birds just beginning to fly as late as August 7th. This bird is often caged as it sings very well when in captivity. In the early summer of 1893 a tree containing a nest of four half fledged young ‘‘mockers’”’ was blown down in a storm; the young birds were found in a pool of water almost drowned but I took them and placed them one in each of four other nests in the yard, where they recovered and grew to be fine birds under a foster-mother’s care. The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is also 58 THE OOLOGIST. quite common about here and begins nesting about the first of May and on until the middle of July. The nest is nearly always placed in a peach or apple tree, although I have found them in Osage Orange trees. The usual number of eggs is five sometimes six and often only four. The Cowbird often deposits one and sometimes two eggs in the nest of this bird in which case the Gnatcatcher’s eggs are invariably broken or cracked. I have often seen these birds build their nest until about half completed and then pull it to pieces and start another in another place. If the nest is disturbed they will use the old material in the construction of a new nest often in the same tree. I should like to hear more concern- ing this species from some one else in Louisiana. E. HARDING, Shreveport, La. >< <> + Oologist’s Association News. During the past month the following odlogists were elected to membership in the association: J. Parker Norris and J. Parker Norris, Jr., Philadel- phia, Pa.; A. H. Frost and R. C. Wood- house, New York City. N. Y.; Wm. A. Davidson, Detroit, Mich.; Jno. W, Dan- iols, Jr.. Lynchburg Va. On account of their departure for Alaska, Vice Prusident E. A. Me. Ilhenny, and Sec.-Treas., W. E. Snyder, have resigned. O. W. Knight, Bangor. Maine, has been appointed Vice Presi- dent and Dr. Guy C, Rich, Sioux City, Iowa, has been appointed Secretary- Treasurer. J. A. Diekinson, Gresham, Neb., has charge of the work for the year and de- sires to receive copies of all notes and observations upon the order ‘Rap- tores.” Give full datas regarding building, habits, food, nests and eggs of all species and varieties found in your locality. Full eredit will be given to all sending notes and every observer is earnestly requested to codperate with the association in this matter. All notes are welcome. Any oologist desiring to obtain a copy of Bulletin No. 1 of the association which contains constitution of the as- sociation, membership list, scheme of work for 1897 and blank application for membership, can procure same _ by sending stamp to Dr. Guy C. Rich (See’y-Treas ), Toy Bldg., Sioux City, Iowa. IsADOR S. TROSTLER, Pres., Omaha, Neb. A Nest Within a Nest. It was my good fortune to run foul of a most peculiar nest of the House Wren last summer. Thinking it might in- terest you I send you the facts. The nest was made in a Baltimore Oriole’s nest. From about two inches from the bottom of the nest the Wrens had filled up the cavity with the mater- ial used by them, leaving a hole through the center to get out of. The two in- ches they did not fill up they lined very heavily with feathers, so thickly that I could feel but one of the five eggs the nest contained. JI know the Wren builds most any place, but I think this is by far the most peculiar that I have ever heard of. J. B. CANFIELD, Bridgeport, Ct. A Substitute for Climbers. A fairly good substitute for the reg- ular climbers is to get two pieces of strong iron in the shape of isoseles tri- angles. Have three holes made at the base and through these screw them to the heels of an old pair of shoes. These are quite serviceable for a man of light weight. O. C. PRATT. THE OOLOGIST. 59 THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the student of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited from all. - TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: Single subscription.. «esse 50C Per annum Sample copies.. : Sacco onocco AG GEKON, The above rates include payment of postage. Each subscriber is given a card good for a Want, Exchange or For Sale Notice. (This card is redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.) Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLoaisr can be furnished at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. 0=-Remember that the publisher must be noti- fied by letter when a subscriber wishes his paper stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 5 cents per nonpareil line each insertion. 12 lines in every inch. Seveninches in a col- umn, and two columns to the page. * Nothing inserted for less than 25 cents. No ‘‘special rates,” 5 cents per line is ‘‘net,” “rock bottom,” ‘‘inside,” ‘‘spot cash” rate from which there is no deviation and no commission to agents. Ifyou wish to use 5 lines or less space it will cost you 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50.00. “Trade” (other than cash) advertise- ments will be accepted by special arrangement only and at ratesfrom double to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in advertis- ing will be honored only at regular rates in force at the date of issuance of said bill or card. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Postoffice Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U.S. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for sums un- der one dallar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK H. LATTIN, Aibion, Orleans Co., N. Y. €MTERED AT THE POST OCFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECGND-CLYSS MATTER Ne rma evar IST EE EE SANT OLED Ce arvexslaan Sunday in the Woods. It is rare to hear of voluntary contri- butions concerning the trips in field or forest made on Sunday. YetI think— in fact I know—that thousands of the collectors of our land devote the better part of the best day of the week, during the season, to field work. This was so with me in my active season of youthful enthusiasm, and I only wish that I might always be privi- leged to continue in the capacity of a Sunday observer in the woods. And I most sincerely pity the man or woman who can protest against my liberal course of thought. There are thousands of observers who only find time to enter the portals of their beloved realm on the sabbath; and to these, if they are constituted as I am, a sermon from the trees, birds and flowers touches a far more responsiye chord than can be thrilled by the pulpit preaching of “a loud asserting dogmatist.”’ We all have our religious sentiments, and our honest convictions are the out- come of the reasoning powers with which God has endowed us. All true naturalists of are bound to become thoughtful, and will surely come to have convictions concerning religion. In this connection I cannot refrain from offering a suggestion to critical, as well as liberal readers. It is this: if you do go into the woods and fields on Sunday, do so reverentially and with the same spirit which you should pos- S ssin entering church for divine ser- vice. Do not desecrate the day. Itis better not to make a business of collect- ing, or to be governed by the deplora- ble greed so lamentably common with many young collectors. Spend your time with your note book in your hand, and with your eyes and ears open for observations. Take your pew seat on some fallen tree trunk, and then in the groves—‘‘God’s first temples,’’ com- mune with your surroundings. Your notes are as soulful, as thoughtful, as loving as the marginal comments in your bible could be. You are the one who is “Slave to no sect, who takes no private road, But looks through nature up to nature’s God.” Several years ago the following lines were written on the pleasing subject of ‘Sunday in the Woods,’ and I trust that the readers will not be too critical as to my style. As to the sentiment express- ed, I am satisfied that many will agree with me, 60 THE OOLOGIST. “The groves were God’s first temples’—truly said, And kindly felt by many worthy poor; They of thought sublime and good intent, Oft kept by social want from sainted door. The door which opens, but to golden keys Of wealth and standing in society, Nor cares for aught but the increasing fees Which blazon pious notoriety. The woods, wherein we walk with blithesome tread; Each flower a lecture breathes; each song is given By feathered dwellers of the woodland glade In grandest, deepest hymnal praise to heav’n. Where thrilling inspirations deeply sown From intercourse with Nature’ magic forms; Linked with our being; to our fancies grown, Our loved surroundings have their many charms. The trees are emblems to us Of our life; In every sphere our aim is to expand. Our lives are but mending terms of strife With one ‘divine intent,’ as nobly planned. The birds, forever sacred in our breast— Emblematic of love and friendship dear; A panacea to that grave unrest We feel when carping enemies are near. We would not scare the well-dressed pious fool Or knave, who loudly enters with the throng The so-called house of God, vain-glorious man, To help his bought salvation cause along. Nay; rather would we take him by the hand And walk him forth through woods and_pas- tures green; Where the Creator’s works in our fair land In never ending beauty may be seen. Then with respect: in accents born of praise To noble forests rearing high their boughs— We’d tell him, ‘“‘here our temple now we raise; The roof of green the highest power bestows.”’’ And if he joined that great and growing school Of nature, old as time, yet ever new; Where one’s not governed by set church’s rule, A convert we would have both firm and true. Morris GIBBS. The Egg Collector. When I was young my father gave me a quasi-scientific book, written after the style of astory, entitled ‘Tommy Try and What He Did in Science.” I read and reread this book with great interest, for I was somewhat of a young scientist myself, aJthough my taste tended chiefly toward chemistry and physics. Tommy was a fair specimen of the amateur naturalist of today. He was “everything by starts and nothing long.’’ His experiences, as narrated, cover a wide field of plant collecting, boat building, chemistry, conchology, and bird and egg collecting. The aver- age school boy has doubtless repeated Tommy’s exertions in the egg line. Tommy had sixty-five eggs, which he kept in a pine box with a glass cover, and, as he thought, they looked very pretty when nested in white cotton. To my mind, however, they would have looked much prettier in their original nests. A friend gave him so many more eggs that he had to keep them in a washstand drawer, and one day, as he was bringing them down stairs, he tripped, and the drawer, eggs and all, went over the banister, only three or four eggs surviving the shock. This discouraged him for some time; but, unfortunately for the birds, he recover- ed his courage, and he was still collect- ings at the end of the book and his six- teenth year. In my own school days, egg collect- ing was one of the prevailing fads, and on Saturdays parties of boys, some- times but not always accompanied by a nacural history instructor, used to go out into the surrounding country and hunt birds nests. ‘Their trips extended from one or two to twenty miles from the city, and as number counted full as much as rarity, the more domestic birds —I mean those which are less fearful of man and build by choice near houses or in Open places where they are easily accessible to prying eyes and hands— these birds suffered most. There were few boys who had not dozens of Robins’ eggs, while the eggs of crows and the like were remarkable for their absence. The fad lasted for a month orso. Eggs were carried around in collar boxes and cigar boxes, or even strung on strings, THE OOLOGIST. 61 exchanges constantly being made; but presently some new whim supervened, and the eggs which had not met the fate of Tommy’s collection were dump- ed into the ash barrel. As the spring days open, thousands of would-be naturalists will begin their annual search for birds’ eggs. They will do it as many of them collect stamps—just to see how many they can get. They will not aid science in any way; they will add no new or rare spec- imens to local museums; they wil! sim- ply destroy millions of birds without a thought of anything but a transitory pleasure in getting them. * * * * * Poss‘bly one out of the thousands is a born naturalist and may become re- nowned. But one of the first lessons of a naturalist should be economy of ani- mal life. A true naturalist does not slaughter animals promiscousl); he is the first to cry out against wanton waste of life. He does not empty a nest unless of an extremely rare bird, and not always then. He does not take the eggs of common birds at all, and when he does take one he is careful to preserve it against breakage. It is carefully blown, and if there is an em- bryo it is carefully cleaned, dried, and stored away beyond danger of break- age. * * Ed * * Charles Everett Warren, M. D., in “Our Animal Friends ” The Individuality of the Redtail. Several times I have noticed articles mentioning the similarity of certain eggs, showing that eggs similar in size, shape or markings are produced by the same birds year after year. Red-tailed Hawks remain mated all the year round and below I record two instances where the sets of eggs laid by the same pair of Hawks are marked in the same way. On the 10th of April, 1896 I took a set of two fresh eggs of the Red-tail from a nest in a basswood tree 60 feet from the ground. This set was marked over the entire surface with very distinct splash of brown. Again on the 26th of March, 1897, I took another fresh set of two from this same nest. The markings on these eggs correspond almost exactly to those of the set of 96. A friend of mine took a set of two fresh eggs of the Red-tail from a nest in a poplar tree 30 feet from the ground, April 24, 1896. One of the eggs is very slightly lined with brown the other is unspotted.. Thirty days later a second set of three was taken from the same nest, laid by the same pair of Hawks. These were all unspotted. This year the same pair of birds built a nest about half a mile from their nest of last year, from which I took a set of three eggs on the 17th of April. Two of these are unspotted, the other is slightly sputted with brown. R. W. HEGNER, Decorah, Iowa. Nature-Study for Public Schools. Nature-study, or seeing familiar things in a new light, is a valuable factor in education. How many people can ex- plain, so that a child can understand, why water puts out fire, why some young squash plants bring their shells out of the ground on their backs and others do not; or show the difference between a leaf-bud and a fruit-bud of the apple; or tell from whence all the house flies come? The world is full of such common things, about which peo- ple do not inquire. Yet, such subjects can be made very interesting to chil- dren and they can be taken up in the schools, not as an added recitation, but as arest exercise once or twice each week to relieve the monotony of the school room and later be made the theme for a language exercise. Here 62 THE OOLOGIST. are two important faculties that may be brought into exercises—accurate obser- vation and the power of expressing definitely what is seen. The College of Agriculture of Cor- nell University, has, under the Nixon or Agricultural Extension bill, undertaken to assist, free of expense, all teachers who wish to introduce this work into their schools. All parents and teach- ers of New York state, interested in this work are asked to send their ad- dress for more detailed information to: CHIEF CLERK, CoLLEGE oF AGRICUL- TURE, Ithaca, N. Y. Carolina Wren in Western New York in Winter. On March 25, 1895 I was shown the skin of a large Wren shot by Alfred Garrett of this place about Dec. 22,1894. I at once pronounced it Zhryothorus ludovincianus, but could hardly believe that it was taken here at that time of the year. I have carefully investigated the case and find the facts to be as fol- lows: The bird was shot at a saw mill about four miles north of Batavia, Gen- esee Co:, N. Y. Mr. Garrett. says that the owner of the mill had been feeding the bird regularly, which perhaps ac- counts for its staying so late. He says that it was singing finely when he first saw it and did not seem to act like a migrating bird. I cannot find the spec- ies on any list of the birds of Western New York, even as a summer resident, and think this is very unusual. E. H SHORT, Gaines, N. Y. A Little Short. E. H. Snort has recently secured a very fine specimen. Those who have seen it pronounce it perfect, although some do say it is a little Short. ’Tis strange Ernest makes no mention of it in his ‘‘Exchange EXTRAORDINARY’ this month. Cape May Warbler. My rarest for 94 was aset of 1-4 Cape _ May Warbler, a very rare breeder in this locality. The nest was placed in a small fir tree, 3 feet up and 18 inches from the trunk on a shady slope of a hill covered with a dense growth of small trees and bushes. Thenest prop- er was made almost wholly of very fine dry spruce twigs, somewhat loosely constructed, with a lining of hovse hair. Eggs have asomewhat creamy ground color, blotched about the larger end with burnt umber and lilac. Ineuba- tion begun. Parent birds quite tame. The first set taken about here for many years. A. L. BLANCHARD, North Yarmouth, Me. A Novel Egg Blower. L always take great pleasure in learn- ing some new contrivance in the oolo- gical line to lessen the labor of the en- thusiastic collector and having quite a wind saving contrivance I will let my brother collectors kuow of it. This wind saver is Gas. There is gasin our house and when I want to blow an egg Il hitch a small hose onto the jet and the other end I have attached to the blowpipe. Drill the hole in the egg, then put the blowpipe in position, turn on a little gas and out comes the con- tents of Mr. Egg. JAY G. SMITH. A Couple of Dog's. In response to your call for contri- vances of aid to odlogists I wish to say I find a couple of dogs, one English set- ter and one pointer that I have, of ex- cellent service in locating nests of the ground builders, having found with their aid in the last few years a great many valuable sets, such as Short-ear- ed Owl, Marsh Hawk, Prairie Chicken, Quail, Woodcock, Meadowlark and others to numerous to mention. J. H. Brown. THE OOLOGIST. 63 My Transient Captive. One warm, sunshiny day in the early summer of several years ago I lay dreamily in our hammock and watched ed the slight quivering of the leaves overhead and the high piles of white clouds as they floated across the blue sky with a movement scarcely percep- tible. Everything was so quiet I be- lieve I would have fallen asleep in a ‘few minutes more had not a slight, hnmming noise aroused me from my languor. A Ruby-throated Humming- bird (Trochilus colubris) had flown di- rectly over me, and several yards dis- tant was hovering over the flowers of a bngle vine (Ajuga reptans), as it clam- bered up the side of the house. Glad of a pleasant diversion I watched its rapid evolutions around the vine, as, disappointed in some bugles, it instant- ly withdrew and flew to others. I no- ticed the chalices of the bugles were so deep that to reach the coveted sweets lt was compelled to insert its beak so far that its eyes and sides of its head were completely covered by the pro- jecting petals. The recurrence of this fact together with its seeming uncon- sciousness of my presence suggested the possibility of its capture. I waited an instant till it had again dived into the recess of a bugle; then springing from the hammock I ran to the vines as noiselessly as possible and threw yy handkerchief softly over it. The little creature did not Ponigale as I removed the cover and held it in my hand. Without evincing the least alarm it peered at me with its little bead-like eyes, and seemed to be won- dering whether I was an enemy or friend. I was quite a boy then and proud of my success I ran into the house and showed it to my father, mother and sisters. Its diminutive size and brilliant plumage elicited great ad- miration and a still deeper sympathy was raised on account of its gentle manners and the quiet indifference with which it submitted to our caresses. After these had continued for some time my father, who always regarded the caging of birds as cruelty, told me that as it had afforded a good deal of amusement, I must repay it by the re- lease of the little captive. With boy- ish reluctance I began to offer some protests and entreating remonstrances but they were stopped; and after a short sermon on the rights of liberty which belongs to every creature and, probably, not a little sternness inter- mixed, I obeyed. I took it within sight of its place of capture and released it. As I did so [I noticed a second hum- mingbird flying around the bugles. My little captive saw it also, and evi- dently regarding it as an intruder.‘dart- ed after it with a sharp chirping note. The intruder hastily retreated with the other in full pursuit. I watched them intently. After a short chase®my freed captive returned, hovered again over the vines and then perched upon one of its slender stems. I approached it, and to my surprise it allowed me to take it into my hand, offering no resist- ance except uttering a soft note and sidling movement. Could it, I thought, have been tamed so easily and so soon? I carried it once more to the house, and after my rclation of the little inci- dent I was permitted to retain my do- cile pet upon the condition that it was to be contined in no cage but a room seldom used and that if it should ever seem dissatisfied and pine for its free- dom I was to grant it. This was pleasant news. I tookit to to the room mentioned, and freed it. It circled around several times, and passing by a mirror perceived its image. Thinking the latter another bird, it poised before the glass, and, pecking at times upon its surface seemed trying to get at its own mistaken likeness. I made a small perch and placed it be- fore the mirror and the bird became 64 THE OOLOGIST. strongly attached to it. The puzzled little Ruby-throat would sit upon it often for an hour, and contemplate its companion that mimicked it in every- thing; and I think the mystery was never solved, for the mirror never lost its attraction. Strange to say we never gave it any particular name; but without that usual maker of familiarity, it was ever adept in understanding our wishes, and also in obeying them. 1 was told that, when provoked, Hummingbirds often fell into a great rage, and that if mine should ever show traces of such, I was to be very careful lest it dart at my eyes. But with all the handlings,teach- ings, caressings, and sometimes, I fear, slight teasings which it received, its gentle disposition was never moved to anger. Ifa finger were held up, it would leave its perch, and alight upon it. Often it chose the rim of a hat for its place of alighting; and it was never startled from its seat if the person wearing the hat rose to walk. For its food we dissolved sugar in water, and poured this into a small number of bugles which were always kept in avasein its room. At times small insects were given it. Lat- er in the summer when the flowers began to fall, and there were no more bugles, we were forced to offer the sweet solution to our little pet in a spoon; and it readily adopted this new manner of taking its food. It was a pretty sight to see it hovering over the spoon, and sucking in the syrup with its long bill. Many a pleasant hour did it beguile away, and very pleasant are the mem- ories of those hours. Late one after- noon in the latter part of the summer my Ruby-throat began to show signs of uneasiness. It refused to sit upon its perch and flew continually about the room, and struck itself against the walls and ceilings in a kind of dazed flutter. I remembered the injunction with which I was allowed to keep it, and taking it into my hand I carried it out of doors, and placed it upon a tree. It remained there a few moments and then darted away. It had grown so familiar with us that I hoped it would return to us the next spring, but we never saw it again. WILLIAM TURK, Macon, Mo. Another Use for Toothpicks. Several friends have adopted the use of wooden toothpicks to strengthen the neck in making up fresh bird-skins; the method being to wind a shred of cotton upon the stick to the required length and thickness—the balance of course being broken off. This is pressed firmly into the neck—- the wingbones having first been tied to- gether the proper distance from each other. The advantages claimed are stronger skins, standing rougher usage in the mails, and that exchanges never have oceasion to find fault with broken necks in your specimens. HORACE G. SMITH. Nesting of the Canvas-back. The Canvas-back nests in suitable places throughout North Dakota. I ex- amined three nests the past season. They were placed among rushes where the water was from three inches to three feet deep, and similar to Coot’s nest in construction with an additional lining of down. Shooting a female Canvas-back as she flies from a _ nest does not prove the eggs it contains be- long to her. Red-head and Ruddy Ducks often deposit their eggs in it be- fore she has the nest completed. The eggs are seven to twelve in number of large size and ashy-green in color. EpWIN S' BRYANT, Davison, Mich. THE OOLOGIST. vil Great Year at Chautauqua. So far as can be judged at this date the original Chautauqua on Chautauqua lake will have a great season in 1897. Concessionsin rates have been made by railways which will enable many to at- tend who have been hitherto debarred by the expense. Early in July and early in August excursions will be run from Chicago and New York, with a round trip rate of $14 in the former case and $10 in the Jatter. with pro rata rates from intermediate points, all tick- ets good for 380 days. Stop-overs at Chautauqua will be allowed on the re- turn half of tickets to the National Educational association meeting at Mil- waukee in Joly, and on tickets to the Epworth League convention at Toronto early in July, which tickets will be is- sued at the rate of one fare for the round trip, are good for 30 days and can be obtained at all points in the United States and by any persons desir- ing to use them for visiting Chautau- qua. One feature of the rate granted for the cheap 30-day excursions from New York and Chicago to Chautauqua that is new, isthe pro rata rates that will l:e made from intermediate points. This will enable people all along the trunk lines between New York and Chautauqua, and Chicago and Chautau- qua, to get tothe assembly grounds for a Stay of 30 days at exceedingly low rates. These excursions will be run, one from New York and one from Chicago, early in July and one from each place early in August. FREE STATE SUMMER SCHOOL. In 1896, under the auspices of the state of New York, a free summer in- stitute for New York state teachers was held at Chautauaua. Over 250 availed themselves of this course of instruction. An appropriation was made by the state legislature; and through arrangement with the Chau- tauqua management, all New York state teachers who attended these courses were exempt from the gate fee at Chautauqua during the three weeks’ session of the school. A similar ap- propriation and arrangement has been made for the summer of 1897. The advantages which Chautauqua offers as a summer resort for health, pleasure, instruction and entertainment. are everywhere recognized and with cheap rates and the 30-day privilege the attendance during the season of ’97 is confidently expected to far surpass all previous records. THE ODELL Type Writer. $ » e) will buy the ODELL TYPE WY RITTER with 78 characters, war- ranted to do as good work as any machine made. It combines SIMPLICITY with DURABILITY, SPEED, EASE OF OPERATION, wears longer with- out cost of repairs than any other machine. Has no ink ribbon to bother the operator. It is NEAT, SUBSTANTIAL, nickel-plated, perfect, and adapted to all kinds of type writing. Like a printing press, it produces sharp, Clean, legi- ble manuscripts. Two or ten copies can be made at one writing. Any intelligent person can become an operator in two days. Reliable Agents and Salesmen wanted. For Pamphlet giving Indorsements, etce., address ODELL TYPE WRITER CoO., 358-364 Dearbon St., CHICAGO, ILL. Vili Exchange Extraordinary. I want at once the following eggs in first class sets with data. 39 Folding Butterfly Net..c.e. ssccee --seceeee 3 00 The following go by express at purchaser’s expense: ou 100 No. 3 trays (green).....-..+. eferatainteteteneterer=i $3 x) Cyanide Can for Killing Insects.... ..-.02. = 40 Box of Arsenical Soap, pound....s.......-. 1 2% Pound Preservative for SKinS....ee eeeses. 40 SHELLS. By mail postpaid. Pair of angel WiUgS.... 206 eeceseccee eoccee 1 00 Giant Tusk Shell....cccssscosccsceccssscsess 10 Worm Shell......2ce2e+ eeceecee Veclacelciee(see 10 Telescope Shell. cscoo.sss sees seeeeece 50 50005 25 Calf COWYLY ..--- cee cceccces cooe cscs cccccncccs 10 LyX COWTY «scccecccsccescscccsccress coccees 10 Money COWLY voce sccceccces coeeccee eecc cece 10 Wheel Shell...... baao dood dace! coos Hacenisiateleisien OD Yellow Ped.....sssee.-s Zebra ShellsS.ceccercssce. 04 Lightning Shell... wesee-- site Bein O4 Sun Shell.........ce06 noocddadomasboas 10 CLOWN Shell... .cccce cece secvecccesccee seers 60 10 var. named Suail Shells.... ......-..+0-- 50 10 var. named Land Shells.cccce eessee-+--e 50 5 var. named Agate Shells..........---+ eee 50 Leader Shell Collection 61 var., all labelled 4 75 MINERALS. Mexican OnyX......- GAdoNaDoS nodeddoodn 60805 $ 20 Flexible Sand Stone........ conod0 oooc.n00000 |) Ie) Blectric Stone........ sss eeeee Bba00 66005000 10 Catlimite...ccccveccece cece cece cece cece soon000,. 115} Coquina.......-- neces eee cece aooooaoacasaa! i) Chalcedony in Zinc.....secc. -- secce 50 Geyserite.....-+---- Rabbw podoBoOO OED Go500000 15 Collection of 50 var., labelled.............-. 3 50 FOSSILS. Shark Tooth.... .seecececccecececeecerccees -b 10 Trilobite..+...-. ehaiele lee mlelale\aisie(\uielsieleloleleinie\s/=\o 60 Fossil SCLOW..-- cee ccccee coccencsce cece cece 25 Sea Urchitr..cccccceccccccccessseccescesscces 25 Fossil Leat....ccccccceccesccsreceeccerss 90000 60 FSSil Coral.....scece seccee cons cece cece neee 20 15 var. labelled fossilS,.e..0.....+ sdoodana0o0.e (83 OU) BIRD SKINS. Red-winged Blackbird........++ 30 Snow FUaAKC...0.2ee cone ween cece) ace veeee 40 Hooded Warbler. .esecsssree 60 Cedar WaXWilg-ceccesseeeeseerees eseceecsce 45 Oregon Chickadee.... sss esereeceeeesee seers 65 REAPOlL. wocceecceeeseccee socecenccsaeccer cscs 45 BYOWN CYECPEL....e.seceeccerecscnccssseesee 30 THE OOLOGIST. BIRDS EGGS. Mexican Horned ark cii.jime. scinele stele o)eie ieee Chacalaca (data) .......-...00. Sooocooscccaactin a Calif. Brown Pelican (data)........e...s... 1 00 Set of 3 American Herring Gu 85 Set of 1 Wandering Albatross.. 60 . 7 50 adfeyes (oy, IDpaaWw ey Aone sooo [oor coco scene covcees 6 50 MISCELLANEOUS. ~ huckyaToothiot Codtescecesmsseeeeiatesemees $ 10 Wihaile?s) ROOth yc sserecisorerreteteetetaitetsicle eccvee 2 00 ACOENIBATMAGCIO circinclew else eeiiete tinea esyeves, 0 SEWaVOl IDO EN PA po coo bconooDosco cess dcondoodosce 10 Egg of Skate............ peoouocOodecencoseas | UC Hee TOn NUESO) SMart caielelesteninete elation 60 Egg of Alligator (2d class) .............006 oa 5) Egg of Musk Turtle........ ....... cocccenes 20 Yellow Coral (Small) ..........-......5. 05 Pink oe eS a5¢ 10 Spike OE (large)....ce. 30 Nest of Humming Bird.... .... sqgdoo doscon 85) Indian Wampum), 6 f0OLr....0. ..-...20eeeeeee 30 neupent Starfish (damaged)....... castoscee 40 Basket SE UTU i ROA a aret stale tatelnrektetetetetstere ccosee. 1 00 Club'spined Urchin:*:**:.... ........ Bisooon, PG) Phillipine x (LaLe).eece 5 dooascocgedso Il (0) Horse-foot Crab.... 2... 2.2. cc2e cece see cece 45 HNC ISLA CLAD eietatetate ateleloaleleletelsicletstetelaleteisteietatsisata 20 Resurrection Plant........ qo acondacoeno0s8 aco) Card of Marine Algee........ é 15 Gun Flint, Revolutionary.... 25 6 var. Seabeans..............0 35 Mexican Irridescent Pottery. 25 Oregon Bird Point....se....00 75 6 assorted Ky. arrow points.. 75 6 - ihm@l; -& BONO 75 i (Oleliaéesondaondco naesaoboodes 1 00 1 Spear Head.... cuddorconabadeocea AD Collection of 12 assorted arrow and spear points, including one Oregon bird point 3 75 Bunch of Serpindus Berries, ornamental, will last forever.......... .......- ganoco 1) A number of Auvks and Nidologists, etc..... Short’s ‘Birds of Western New York’’.... 20 Lattin’s Standard Catalogue of North American Birds Hggs........ ...-..0.6 bo ato) Maynard’s Eggs of North American Bird (colored plateS)).cccee s-c-ccae onccuces -- 8 00 I can also use any sets not listed above and all singles (except 761, 704, 652, 511b. 495, 498, 412,560, 616, 619, 316. 51a, 540) at 3 Standard Catalogue Yates. If you have any of the rarer sets send me a list and state what you would like for them. Eggs must be strictly first class. sets accompanied by full data and sent postpaid. For sets of 337, 3389. 343, 332, 373, 375, 416, 417, 486, 428 with nest,429 n2,430 n-2, 360, 674, 204, Vand 751 with nest I will allow 15 per cent more than standard rate. Address, ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. We have some com- pound Folds in rock, and a few Banded Sandstone Faults, both very interesting to Geologists, and a quantity of polished material for sale. We make a specialty of cutting and polishing cab- inet material at our Steam Lapidary Shop. John G. Buxton, Milo Centre, N. Y. H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists. THE OOLOGIST. ix Toward the South Pole. WANTED. An Ornithologist to join a scientific expedition which is soon to start on a two years’ voyage of exploration to the un- known a eat ANTARCTIC REGIONS. The vessel will visitthe:Falkland {slands, Argentina, Patagonia, Terra del Fuego, many of the Sub-Antaretic groups and explore as much of the costol fringe of the South polar lands as conditions will permit. This is a rare opportunity for an Ornithologist to make new discoveries and priceless collections in the virgin fi: : f { ANTARCTIC WILDS. Applicants must be physically sound and able to contribute to the general ex- penses of the expedition’ * Address, __F. A. COOK, 687 Bushwick Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. >= i : t, (hs, y 7 KAS LAZIO es \; No Ne Ne Sa a| 7/ORRESPONDENCE) INVITED. 59 OE x THE OOLOGIST ! , SK —s ~~s AF SS : = ican ‘Y = ZS RARSAAYS SS “All the World Loves a Winner’ Complete Line of PACH Bicvetes « Supreme | Result of our Year's of Experience MONARCH CYCLE MEG. CO. CHICAGO NEW YORK LONDON es Z~ ~~ SF RFS RS — Ss == —S RAZESFA ER, Sr —_ EF RAS ES a BASSES ZS RSS LI WES RAFSAEAES,SA!]SAEPA Ss D 32S eee ae ie _ Sse SS is es = "| Se Se SS See > oe Se ee ae ree] SS. eae SS Re en = heen s ESS RASS LPS ——ZSSJSnS Send nine two-cent stamps for a deck of Monarch Playing Cards, illustrating Lillian Russell, Tom‘Monarch Cooper, Lee Richardson and Walter Jones. Regular 50c cards. U(EFZSSE SS Who can think c j ~. Who can think anted—An Idea seems Wanted—An [dea :fossinns thing to patent? thing to patent? Protect your ideas; eee may bring you wealth. Protect ae ideas; they may bring you wealth. Write JOHN WEDDERBURN & CO, Patent Attor- Write JOHN WEDDERBURN & CO., Patent Attor- neys, Washington, D. C., for their $1,800 prize offer neys, Washington, D. C..for their $1,800 prize offer and list of two hundred inventions wanted. and list of two hundred inventions wanted. THE OOLOGIST. xi DANGER! dies in the oes bicycle saddle. Press- ing the sensitive parts, it causes injury. Pelvis as it.rests on the Pelvis asit rests on the Ordinary Saddle. Christy Saddle. Christy. 2° ane Sadd le overcomes all objections. Comfortable cushions are so adjusted as to receive the bony prominences of the pelvis, thus obvi- ating all pressure. It is made of metal and cannot warp or change its — REAR VIEW, SHOWING COIL SPRINGS. Insist on the Christy being fitted to your bicycle. No dealer will lose a sale on account of your prefer- ence. A. G. SPALDING & BROS. New York Chicago Philadelphia Washinoton * for Price List. @unWorks Wittabareh ee aay SEI N ES, NETS, TENTS, and SPORTING GOODS. Every description of Guns, R2volvers, Ammu- nition and Sporting Goods at ver y lowest pric- es. We have something of interest to you. Shells, Marine Curios, &c. I am now ready to supply first-class stock at low prices and should you wish anything from this section, let me hear from you. All inquir- ies will have a prompt reply. mtf J. H. HOLMES, Dunedin, Fla. Free Musical Education THE NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC. is the oldest and best equipped mus- ical institution in America, and the largest in the world. It has five de- partments of instruction as follows: 1 Department of Music includiug Pianoforte, Organ Violin, Violincel- lo, and other Orchestra! Instruments, etc., Voice, Lyric Art and Opera, Sight Singing, Theory, Harmony, Composition, and Art of Conducting. 2 Department of Piano and Organ Tuning. 3 Department of General Literature and Language. 4 Department of Elocution and Physical Culture and College of Ora- tory. ; 5- Department of Fine Arts. One year at above institution with board, room rent, tuition, piano rent, etc., etc., free. Write at once for catalogue and particulars. JAMES D. BALL, 36 Bromfield St., Boston, Mass. This month’s Qo.Lo- GIST was mailed sub- scribers on July 1. Minerals, Fossils and Shells cut and polished at our Steam Lapidary Shop, ® recently fitted up on the most improved plans. where we do first-class work at reasonable prices. Cabinet work a specialty. Polished material for sale. JOHN G. BUXTON, Milo Centre, N. Y. xii THE OOLOGIST Many Subscriptions to THE OOLOGIST have expired, or will expire with this issue. In the future the Publisher re- quires CASH IN ADVANCE. Hence, if you are one of the delinquent sub- seribers, your subscription should be forwarded by return mail, if you wish the OdLOGIST continued to your address. July issue will go to press prompt- ly on July 15, and be mailed during the following week—all Exchange, adver- tisements. and notes for that issue, must be forwarded by return mail to insure insertion in that issue. POPULAR SCIENCE NEWS HEALTH Nature, Invention, Archzology, Electricity, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Health, Hygiene, Medicine. Formerly BOSTON JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY ENLARGED and IMPROVED. This popular monthly contains a large num- ber of Short, Easy, Practical, Interesting and Popular, Scientific articles, that can be Appre- ciated and Enjoyed by any intelligent reader, even though he knew little or nothing of Sci- ence. It is intended to interest those who think. Profusely Illustrated and Free from Technicalities. Entirely different from and much superior to other papers with a similar name. Monthly, $1.60 per year. Newsdealers 15c Largest Circulation of any Scientific Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, 108 Fulton St., New York. (= Mention THE OOLOGIsT for a sample copy. FRANK B. ARMSTRONG, TAXIDERMIST, : and Collector and Dealer in Bird and Mammal Skins, Birds Eggs in fine sets, Mounted Birds and Animals. BROWNSVILLE, CABINETS, Send 10 cts for photo of our speciality—Self Locking. T perches—Oak sam- ples by mail 8c, 10c and 15c; also stands, shields, glass cases, game panels, &c. Cabinets to or- der. HANAFORD CABINET CO.,139 and 141 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, Mich. 58MOtf TEXAS. FREE EDUCATION. An education at Harvard, Yale or any other college or instution of learning in the United States, or in the New England Conservatory of Music, can be secured by any young man or wo- man who isin earnest. Write for particulars quickly. JAMES D. BALL, 36 Bromfield St., Boston, Mass. ING OUTFITSE FOR SALE AT ONE-HALF COST PRICE. _ Thoroughly overhauled and as good as new. =X Complete job outfits from 5 to 200 dollars. iy Send for list of presses, outfits eto. We \ buy second-hand outfits and material, Send usa list of what you have. PRINTERS’ SUPPLY GO., = Eee GALESBURG, ILL. " at Jats ~ Sea Shells - From the Florida Coast. If you desire to buy Shells in large or small quantities you will save money by writing for my price list before buy- a) ing elsewhere. I am selling Shells very cheap and will send TWENTY SPECIMENS, AS SAMPLES, PREPAID ON “RECEIPT OF ONE DOLLAR. Reference, Postmaster, Dunedin, Florida Address all orders A. J. BARNES, DUNEDIN, FLORIDA. Cor. Bates and ; Larned Streets, MICH. : Rates, $1.50 to Dene ed $2.00 per Day. Only one block from Woodward and Jefferson Aves. Elevator Service, Steam Heat, Electric Lights, Tile Floors, Etc, H. H. JAMES & SON, Prop’rs. LDAWDLD > > > +» Le S» Vs > Ts S® Yo 1 ) THE ANTIQUARIAN. The single journal in America exclu- 2 sively devoted to the study of Prehis- toric Man, which aims to occupy the G ground between the scientist and the student. Quite a feature made of late discoveries and other news in Arch- 2 ezology. Excellently illustrated. Sam- re ple copies to Archzologists and Students. — ev > c/ Issued monthly at $1.50 per year. x) Special terms to workers. ¢ PREMIUMS FOR CLUBS. ) THE LANDON PIG. AND PUB. CO. G COLUMBUS, OHIO. AW DAD DAB DAI *~39~<3959~3E Cte a oe oO Py On aN OY NO NO NO aN TAXIDERMISTS’ GUNS, ‘cirs* Pistols, Gun Cases, Shooting Shot Shells; also: siot_-C SPECIMEN HUNTERS. tridges for All kinds, all prices from $1.0) to $25.00. List free. Write for Taxidermist’s free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA-.-. Iceland, Lapland, Spain. A large stock of Birds Eggs—last season’s collecting has just arrived from the above lo- calities. Descriptive price-list sent free upon application. A. KRICHELDORFF, Naturalist, etc., No. 585 Oranien-Strasse, Ber-— in, S., Germany. H. H. & C.S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma-= terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists. $100. We employ experienced agents on a salary of $100 per month. Others at $60. Write quickly. Puriran PusB- SENG Co., 36, Brumfield St., Boston, ass. Come to Florida. A fortune can be made in a few years in pineapples and tomatoes; vegetables. raised the whole year. An ideal home. For particulars write R. P. Osler, Avon Park, Fla. 29&0tf Many Subscriptions to THE OOLOGIST have expired, or will expire with this issue. In the future the Publisher re- quires CASH IN ADVANCE. Hence, if you are one of the delinquent sub- seribers, your subscription should be forwarded by return mail, if you wish the O6LOGIsT continued to your address. Aug. issue will go to press prompt- ly on Aug. 5, and be mailed during the following week—all Exchange, adver- tisements and notes for that issue, must. be forwarded by return mail to insure insertion in that issue. } 4% THE OOLOGIST. VOLE XIV NO. 7. ALBION, N.Y., JULY, 1897. WHOLE No. 134 An Early May Morning in South- western Ohio. It’s often said, ‘‘There’s no place like home,’”’ and that’s true if you are a lover of nature, and happen to live near the Little Miami hills. « If you don’t believe it please rise at 2:45 o’clock this morning (don’t shud- der please) and be ready to leave home at 3:00 a. m. All right? All right. Good fellows, you are. Well, here you are, on time. Al- ready the east is illuminated by a silver light. A Whip-poor-will is singing down in the creek hoilow; and a sleepy Martin, from his box, sings ‘‘heer-ko-ra- Kittie-kittte-ko” as we leave. Where are we going? Over here toward the riv- er a mile or so to a picturesque piece of land, covered with woods and thickets and locally known as Hog-back on ac- count of the numerous narrow ridges between the deep ravines. As we walk along the road in the Semi-darkness, no sound is, at first, to be heard, except the song of the Whip- poor-will and the grand concert of the frogs at the pond, where the piping and croaking of the smaller frogs, the chug, chug, chug, of the larger ones and the loud 6b7-r-r-r of the toads forma medley of sounds that can be heard for half a mile or more. By 3:15 we hear the first notes of Robins and the ‘‘e-chuckit-zree-e-e” of the Yellow-winged Sparrow comes over the meadow. It is still almost as dark as ever; but, like the ripening of a peach, the clear green of the eastern sky is changing to a creamy white, and near the horizon, to orange and dull red, while over the river valley lies a mantle of blue fog. The cool night air is fragrant, not so much with the perfume of flowers, as with the. odors of the newly opened leaves, for the trees whose tops a week or two ago were bare and Jeatless, are now a mass of verdure. The air is heavily laden with the aromatic odors of the forest; which, though dense, still impress the senses aS a most delicate and ethereal per- fume. The blooming thorn, wild crab, and especially the wild cherry, do con- tribute a great deal toward scenting the air of the forests; but the most characteristic odor comes from the wealth of virgin foliage and from the moist woodland earth itself. On the way we have heard several Whip-poor-wills singing in the various ravines and creek hollows of the neighborhood, but here we are at Hog- back, and the Whip-poor-wills are so numerous that it is entirely out of the question to number them;in ail direc- tions we hear. a continuous clamor of their songs. The fragrant dewy air of twilight seems to vibrate in unison with the notes, as a violin responds to the vibration of the strings and pro- duces a note of greater fullness and beauty. We'll go a hundred vards or more in- side the border of the woodland and sit down for a bit on a stump at the verge of a deep ditch at the bottom of a ra- vine and listen to the chorus of song. It is ten minutes.of four. The whistles, calls and cawing of the Yellow-breast- ed Chat comes from the thickets near the edge of the woods. The Wood Thrushes, just beginning to sing, utter their notes, clearer than if from silver bells, from the dead limbs of the trees overhanging the ravines. ‘‘Awr-le-wr-ee- e-e,” followed soon after by ‘‘kwr-ee-li- kur,’’ the first with the risiug and the second with the falling inflection, is 66 tHE OOLOGIS?. their song; though no combination of letters can even suggest to one the pos- sible beauty of the song of this wood- land artist. At the same time a com- pany of Blue-gray Gnateatehers begin their conversation of ‘‘spdh-spah,” as they move from twig to twig. A mo- ment later a Whip-poor-will begins singiug in some brushwood across the ereek, not more than twenty feet dis- tant. Turn the opera glasses over there if you will boys; even if it is light enough to see the log clearly you won't see him. You don’t? If thought so. While he is singing we hear the hom of beetles winging their way through the branches, in the twilight; and the trees, whose tops are wet with the fogs of the morning, begin dropping the distilled moisture upon the dry leaves beneath. Soou after the Whip-poor- will leaves and we hear the broken but loud warble of the Red-eyed Vireo and the rich whistles of the Redbird as additions to the now loud chorus of Chats, Wood Thrushes and Whip-poor- wills. The latter are still singing, though in not so great numbers as <¢ quarter of an hour before. We will leave the stump and take a flying leap over the brvok, landing on a mass of aromatic ferns and clamber up the hill. Here w2 are ona high and somewhat level point, on which the growth of underbrush is not so heavy. Here are a number of Red- starts, all males, in the tops of the tu- lip trees, moving from twig to twig, and often uttering their whistling song, “quee gwee qwee queep!” On an open point of the hilltop we hear a loud, -whistling note, the tone of which re- minds me of the song of the Rose- breasted Grosbeak, but I’m not sure and the bird does not favor us with a view. Inthe top ofa tall tree near by is a Warbler singing ‘whee whee whee whee her whee.’ I don’t recognize him. Do you? Hold on! Hear that down in the thicket, there? A sharp ‘chip,’ followed by “‘chip, zree-e-e-e” in loud, sprightly tones. [Vm downright sorry you can’t tell me what that is, for I heard it for the first time two years ago a mile south of here. I got a glimpse of the bird in a grape-vine thicket, shot at him, missed, and he’s been a ‘‘miss” tery ever since. Then I heard several right here last year and never got a- glimpse of one. Let’s try it again now. Pshaw, he has quit singing already, and that thicket is so dense we will have to wait till he begins again. There is the song again a hundred yards be- hind us, but before we have gone half that distance it has ceased again. We had better go back to the point of the hill again. Standing here, where we can see over all the surrounding woodland, we see, over a hundred feet below, the creek valley, covered with a dense car- pet of blue grass, and diversified with clumps of osage orange round masses of hawthorn and patches of young syc- amores; while along the bend of the creek are many old sycamores. whose massive white limbs appear like marble against the dark background. The sun has not yet risen, butit is light enough to see everything distinctly. A horizon of birdsong extends around us, an ap- parently confused conglomeration of indistinguishable sounds, but after list- ening a few momeuts one singer after another is picked out, until we can recognize the songs of all birds pre- viously mentioned, and in addition, the Kentucky Warbler, the Maryland Yel- low throat, the Blue-winged Yellow Warbler, the Cuckoo, Tufted Tit, Blue Jay and Crow. A moment later sever- al Joud rich notes, followed by ‘*chtp- -urr, chip-urr,” comes from a nearby poplar, and a Scarlet Tanager flies to a large elm, the same one in which the Warbler was heard singing some time before. He is there yet, by the way, and is singing the same song. Hello! it’s a Blue-winged Yellow Warbler, but that’s a new song. Now hehas ehanged it, it is ‘‘whee-whay-chur-chur- See ae. THE OOLOGIST. 67 chee,” uttered in the descerding scale, with the third and fourth syllables ut- tered in the same time as one other syl- lable, and both the same tone. This is a song I have heard before, but itis by no means sO cOmmon as the drowsy “ra-d a-y-chee-e-e,” which can be heard in the vicinity of almost any hillside thicket in April or May. As soon as the sun appears above the horizon, the chorus of bird-song ceases as if by magic. Two minutes later hardly a voice’/among the louder sing- ers can be heard. The wiry voices of a few Warblers, the soft whistling of the Blue-wing and the sharp chipping song of another, which begins ‘‘chip-e-chip- e-chip,” and ends in a medJey of sharp similar sounds, are almost the only musical notes to be heard. ‘Ihe caw- ing of crows and the harsh cries of Jays become more blatant, and seem by contrast to emphasize the sileace. Leaving the hills and starting to- wards home we pass through a piece of woodland with no underbrush used as a pasture. Here are many Redstarts, the Warbler with the chipping song and a number of Black-throated, Blue and Blackburnian Warblers are visible. Black and White Creepers are abund- ant, pot creeping but moving through the treetops like the Redstart-, often uttering their wiry song From one of the maples, the favorite tree of the Summer Tanagers, comes the ‘‘peter- put peter-put” of that species. In a smali piece of woodland near by almost level and covered with a dense thicket in which the wild crab, goose- berry and grape mingle with black- berries and saplings, we hear a sound, “chip-"' chip-t’ coming from the dead liml)... 2 beech. Use your opera glass- es luy~. Connecticuts, are they? I Saw tiy first !ast year not twenty feet from here. A favorite place it seems. 1 never heard its note till now. But it’s growing late and judging by the sensatious under our vests it’s time to go home and get breakfast. So we walk down the dirt road, where Dick- cissels are singing in the little locusts along the fences and the Orchard Ori- oles are making musie in the apple trees and through the village, where the mellow notes of the Baltimore con- trast with the chattering of the English Sparrow. Here is the street Poreereige all go this way. Much obliged to you for your company; will be glad to have you go another time. Falco, Montgomery, Ohio. =: Notes on a Few Southern California Birds. One of the most familiar of our birds is the Arizona Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus nelsont). There is scarcely a country home in Southern California Without its clump of Banana ‘Trees or at least one or more Fan Palms and it is in these trees that ‘‘nelsont’”” loves to make his beautiful pensile nest strongly woven from the fibres of the Fan Palm. Davie says this Oriole lays from three to five eggs, but in an examination of more than twenty sets, this season’s collecting, I have never found more than three eggs and in four cases only two. On May 1, 1897, I took a nest and three eggs from a banana tree standing in a deserted Chinese vege- table garden. Just one month later I took a second set from the same tree and on the thirtieth of June 1 mieht have taken the third set had I been so disposed. This experience brought me to say that the bird will in all probabil- ity raise at least three broods in 3 Sea- son if unmolested. The eggs are creamy white, spotted and _ blotched with brown and purple, varying in shape from those looking at a distance like a typical Cliff Swallow (Petroche- ludon lunifrons) to those bearing a strong resemblance to the egg of the common Linnet (Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis). The measurements of there typical eggs are .85x.60, 95x.66 and 68 THE OOLOGIST. .92x.63 in. These were taken from a pensile nest composed of Fan Palm tibres and suspended from the under side of a leaf of the same tree about eight feet from the ground. The nest was prepared nearly a week before it was occupied. Two other birds of whom IJ have seen but little written are the Californian Thrasher (Harpohynchus redivivus) and the Sage Thrasher (Oroscoptes montan- us) The former isa bird of sly, retir- ing habits, frequenting the scrub oak and thick clumps of nettles which abound in nearly every canyon or ‘‘ar- royo” in this section. J have a set of two eggs taken May 15, 1897, from an almost impenetrable clump of nettles. This bird is a very close sitter, often allowing the collector to lift her from the nest. The set mentioned above consists of two eggs, incubation advanced, which measure respectively 1.25x.76 and 1.27 x.75 in. They area light pea-green in color, one closely and evenly spotted with clove brown and the other sparse- ly blotched with cinnamon, especially about the larger end. The nest was very rudely constructed, being scarcely better than that of the Carolina Dove (Zenaidura macroura). About a month before this set was obtained I took a set of four fresh eggs from a similar nest about one hundred feet from the one just described. From this fact I would infer that the last set was a second or third ‘‘edition.”’ About two miles south of this place there is a large ‘‘wash” which is cov- ered with sage, greenwood and cactus. Here the Sage Thrasher nests in abun- dance, breeding in the low sandy sage plants and making its nest almost en- tirely from small twigs of the white or black sage with a lining of fine grasses and twigs. The eggs of this bird are often confounded with those of the common Mockingbird (Mimus polyglot- éus) and unless the nest is taken or the bird seen it is to some extent very difii- cult to differentiate the two species. My cabinet contains a set of four eggs of this bird taken on May 30, 1897, from a nest in a white sage plant some eighteen inches from the ground. The eggs are greenish blue spotted with cinnamon; average size, .99x.67 inches. Another of our more common birds is the Road-runner (Geococcyz caliform- anus) or Paisano as the Mexicans eall it. This is a peculiar bird, very swift of foot and will almost invariably lead its pursuer to the nest. I have aset of five eggs of this species taken April 30, 1897, from a very large nest probably the accumulation of two or three years’ nesting in the same place. The nest was placed in a bushy alder tree about four feet from the ground. The eggs bear a slight resemblance, both in shape and color, to those of the eastern Bob-white but are of course somewhat larger and more oyal; average 1.55x1.19 in. Two of the eggs in this set were fresh while the other three were in var- ious stages of incubation. I think that this bird will, when pos- sible, shift her domestic responsibilities to the nest of another bird, for in two instances I have found Road-7unner’s eggs in the nest of the California Part- ridge (Callipepla californica) and once in the nest of the California Towhee Pipilo fuscus crissalis). Herry H. Dunn, F ullerton, Calif. Main Guy oF THE Bic TENT:—I have tried the other papers, but the OdLo- GIsT is the main guy of the big tent just as it was when IJ first took it 11 or 12 years ago.— Harry B. SARGEANT. Aw AD. THAT PAID—STILL A SUB.:— I saw Mr. Hathaway’s exchange in the March number and have bought out his entire collection of minerals, so I con- cluded to try the same trick with my coins. * * * Yearsago when I lived in Essex, Vt. I beganto take the YOUNG OéLée1sT, Vol. I, No. 1.—C. ABBoTrT Davis, B.S. ‘THE OOLOGIST. 69 THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the eet of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited rom a TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: Single subscription.............. ..50¢ per annum Sample copies........ SodogdoD deadaoduanda -5¢ each The above rates include payment of postage. Each subscriber is given a card good for a Want, Exchange or For Sale Notice. (This card is redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.) Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLoGisr can be furnished at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. t="Remember that the publisher must be noti- fied by letter when a subscriber wishes his paper stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 5 cents per nonpareil line each insertion. 12 lines in every inch. Seveninches in a col- umn, and two columns to the page. Nothing inserted for less than 25 cents. No “special rates,” 5 cents per line is ‘“‘net,” ‘rock bottom,” ‘‘inside,” ‘‘spot cash” rate from which there is no deviation and no commission to agents. If you wish to use 5 lines or less space it will cost you 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50.00. “Trade” (other than cash) advertise- ments will be accepted by special arrangement only and atratesfrom double to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in advertis- ing will be honored only at regular rates in force at the date of issuance of said bill or card. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Postoffice Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U.S. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for sums un- der one dallar. Make Money Orders and Draits payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK H. LATTIN, : Aibion, Orleans Co., N. Y. ENTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER. ne ee Oologists’ Association News. The Executive Committee adopted the following resolutions (pursuant to the suggestion of the Cooper Ornitho- logical Club of California): WHEREAS, The death of Major Charles E. Bendire leaves his magnifi- cent ornithological work, ‘‘Life Histor- ies of North American Birds,” but half completed; and WHEREAS, The ornithologists of the United States anticipate the probability that this work will never be completed unless concerted interest be shown. Therefore be it Resolved, By The Odlogists’ Associa- tion that this organization express great interest in the completion of the work and most earnestly request that the officers and scientists of the Smithson- ian Institution, and other prominent naturalists, do all in their power to further the early completion of this work. by some competent man, who is willing to undertake the responsibility, | and be it further esolved, That copies of these reso- lutions be sent to the officers and scien- tists of the U.S. National Museum and Smithsonian Institution and to the OéL- oqist for publication. Members of the Association will please send their vote upon the admis- sion of members as soon as notified of nominations by Secy-Treasurer, as everyone is interested in the admission of members. Application for admission to the As- sociation has been received from J. Warren Jacobs, of Waynesburg, Pa., and is in the hands of the Executive Committee. IsaADOR S. TROSTLER. Pres., Omaha, Neb. + Two of My Friends. As I look from my window there passes before my eyes a flit of yellow and a bit of sharp vivacious song en- ters my ears. Ah! now I have a theme. I step to the window and looking at the hedge a short distance from the house I look at the erratic movements and listen to the garrulous notes of the “Kentucky Mockingbird,” otherwise known as the Yellow-breasted Chat (Ieteria virens). Oh, splendid bird of the pure air and radiant sunshine can I do thee justice! So light hearted, free and happy. Thy note resounds from the hill tops to the 70 THE OOLOGIST. bottom of the dell; where the sunshines bright and where glides the murmur- ring stream from its crystal fountain. Do you wish to learn of him? Then go out where the ‘‘greenfields wait for thee’ and the air perfumed by the breath of flowers is made melodious by the birds in their entreaty to induce you to come out where the fragrant breeze briugs rest and cools ihe toil worn brow or hy the waters ‘‘bickening down the vale,’’ wanderiug by shade of high rocks, girted with moss, ivy and fern, anon to emerge into fields of flow- ers reflecting the sunshine trom a my- riad gems of dazzling beauty. Every turn and bend resounding to the sing- ing waters murmurivg in 2a ceascless and endless refrain, “men may and men may go but I go on forever.” Do you seek the home of Mrs. Chat? Simply found but not so its neisy mistress. Almost any thicket will with careful search rever! at least one of the rough yet cosy structures Consisting usually of a conglomerated mass of straw, sticks, leaves, grass, newspaper, ete., ete. Compared with the Red Bird’s (Cardinalis cardinalis) nest it is rather similar; of about the same width but much deeper and as a general rule coarser. Found usually in blackberry brambles or thickets of small saplings. If you are rude enough to disturb the domain of Mrs. Chat she leaves her home with a noiseless gliding motion which the observer seldom is fortunate enough to see. Flying to a short dis- tance she is met by her husband. ‘Then begins the scoldings, both birds pour- ing out the fiercest maledictions on the marauder, interspersed with the wild- est grief and deep concern. All the while the birds are closely hid and it would puzzle the keenest observer to tell from what direction emenate those wild bursts of song. If our little friends are in the mood to show themselves we are treated to some marvellous aerial evolutions. The fayorite movement is to arise steadily come then with fluttering wings, lowered tail and feet, to drop as if lifeless; all the while chattering in a senseless and noisy fashion. Falling for some dis- tance another idea possesses our hero and with a quick dart and change of song flits rapidly to some leafy retreat, ut times darting out in quick, short flights. In fact the Yellow-breasted Chat is the must erratie and lively of our birds during the mating and nest building season, The nest isasarule not higher than seven feet nor lower than three feet and usually between three and four feet. The eggs extremely various both ia size and markings. It is a very com- mon thing to find runt eggs in a nest with normal sized ones or large ‘“‘over- grown’ ones with smaller ones. The eggs vary from plain to very beautiful in markings and general finish. The ground is usually of an ivory whiteness with a good luster with variations of greenish and yellowish cast. The mark- ings are almost any shade between brown and red, sometimes black. A close study of Jeteria will richly repay you and I would like to say more but space forbids and besides I wish be- fore I close tomention «another of our common birds though by no means un- interesting. Quite different from noisy Chat is the little lithsome Indigo Bird (Passerina cyanea). We admire him butin a much different way from Icteria. Although the deep blue of Mr. Indigo strikes us as rather gaudy we could not expect that heart thrilling and joyous song to be clothed in less. That voice goes out in praise of its maker. When we hear that voice out among the beautiful things of nature’s fields one can not but be impressed that He made nothing in vain, that —each moss, each shell, each crawling insect, Holds a rank, important, in the plan of Him Who framed this seale of beings; Holds a rank,which lost,would break the chain And leave a gap that nature’s self would rue.” CHE OOLUIFIS 2. ; oO. Mrs. Indigo, although of not so “Joud” a color has none the Jess sweet- er voice. Unassuming, ina plain grey gown she sits in content on her tieas- ures while her bright husband sings her praise from the top of some twig or from the telegraph wire, and right well does he champion her. The little nest below him isa marvel of comfort and beauty. Some call it a rough structure but surely that neatly rounded interior covered with selected leaves, little bits of corn husks, vege- table fibre and the like can not be called unhandsome. If you like call it rustic, but not rough for rustic itis and that very vus- ticity is an added grace to its loyely builders. For how well it suits their taste and mode of living. Does it not show to the greatest advantage those delicately pale blue eggs which it shel- ters? Does it not form the warmest of cosy. places for the little children soon to emanate from those celicate shells. Truly are we Ddlessed with these ereatures and surroundings which man ealls ‘‘Nature;” the abidine place of life, that which no man can or will under- stand until guided by the Hand in a world more fair and iovely to behold. OTTO GRADY, Ludlow, Ky. A Nest of the Ruby-throated Hum- mingbird. kt may be of some interest to readers of the O6LoGIsT to listen to a little pleasant experience of mine in regard to the Hummingbird. To some it may recall similar experiences, of which I should be greatly pleased to hear, for I think that the Hummingbird is one of the most interesting types of North American birds. This which I am about to relate happened years ago, but it has remained as fresh in my memory as though it had happened but yesterday, while my experience with other birds can only be recalled by re- curring to the collection then made. It was in this wise: One mild day, as was my custom, I was strolling absencmindedly through x small wood not far from my home, meditating on its varied beauties; I aroused myself and my latent imagina- tion and listened with delight to the many feathered songsters overhead while a casual glance to the ground re- vealed the magnificent varieties of the glorious plant kingdom to my enrap- tured gaze. Suddenly a whire and buzz above my head caused me to look aloft, when, lo, less than four feet overhead I beheid a wee little nest, the outside of which was completely covered with lichens so us to be barely distinguishable from the bouga of oak to which it was attached and a pretty Hummingbird sitting thereon contentedly, while its mate, whose flight had attracted. my atten- tion, described various circles and elipses, with sundry darts and reces- sions, seemingly in perfect enjoyment of the fact of its existence. I sicod spell-bound, for this was the first glimpse I had had of this feathered ‘Gnsect,’’ aS it was called py. the old conquerers of Mexico. inits home. I may also mention incidentally that the bird is not so very common in this part of the state, therefore my interest was two-fold: first the nest and second the bird itself, which I had neyer before seen at so close a distance. One of my first thoughts was that I determined to possess myself of their eggs, provided they were not in a too advanced state of incubation. The nest was not very far above the ground but still too high to be reached without the aid of a ladder, so I was compelled to go home and precure one. This oc- cupied but very little time and when I returned I beheld the unusual spectacle of both birds resting, one on the nest and the other on a neighboring twig. I raised my ladder and ascended to the 72 THE OOLOGIST nest, but the tiny inmate refused to move. Meanwhile the other bird had commenced to circle around my head and making feints as though it would dash into my face. When I had com- pelled the occupant of the nest to re- tire percipitately, I gazed with curious interest into the delicately wrought mest. Its inside was lined with soft, ‘downy matter, pure white, while at the bottom lay the objects of my search, two tiny eggs, whose snowy whiteness was only rivaled by the bed on which they reposed. Both birds now continued to fly around my head, oceasionaitly settling on a branch, but quickly returning to the wing. I confess, I felt a twinge of conscience, never before experienced, as I prepared to abstract the property of this innocent and harmless little bird, which subsisted entirely from the nectar gathered from near-by flower- gardens and the disagreeable insects that infest the air. However, my oodlo- gical instincts quickly asserted them- selves, and forthwith I determined to to ascertain the fighting qualities which they would develop in defense of their home. First I made a feint of reaching for the nest, this produced a furious onslaught from the entire forces continuing for about a minute. Next I placed my hand, or rather finger, in- side the nest; this brought into full play their desperate courage, both par- ties dashing toward my head, and fear- lessly settling within an inch of my hands, while ever and anon they would return to the wing and circle round about me and the nest, undoubtedly bewailing their sad fate and the un- timely end of their prospective pro- geny, in sorrowful cadence, apparently recognizing the uselessness of further ‘resistance. My heart went out to these poor dumb creatures whose undaunted courage was snflicient to excite admi- ration in the coldest breast, but my sympathy was not strong enough to cause me to relinquish my purpose and so I decided to put an end to the mat- ter by taking both eggs and retiring from the tied, leaving them, indeed, in possession, but without the spoils. H. C. SCHWEIKERT., Bernville, Pa. Early Nesting of Zenaidura Macroura. While trimming orchard April 8, 1893, I found a nest of the Mourning Dove, containing two slightly ineubat- ed eggs. The nest was composed of dried grass and weed-stems and was built on a horizontal fork of an apple tree ten feet from the ground. Davie in his ‘‘Nests and Eggs of North American Birds,” mentions tak- ing the eggs of this bird as early as April 10; but April 8 seems an unusual- ly early date for macroura in this local- ity. FRANK H. BOTSFORD. Lyndonville, N. Y. - Nests of Chimney Swift. A novel scheme for securing the nest of the Chimney Swift is as follows: Take a common cigar box and on one side nail a strip of tin the exact length of the box and reaching about an inch or so aboveit. On the other side nail a pole, anywhere from ten to twenty feet in length as the depth ot the chimney may require. The box should then be filled with cotton. Lower the box down below the nest and then pull it up so that the tin edge will sever the nest from the chimney. Carefully pull the box to the top of the chimney and remove the eggs. F. W. PARKHURST, Lawrenceville, Pa. OvueHT Not To HAVE ADVERTISED IN THE OOLOGIsT:—I received so many answers to my April ad. that I could not answer all.—R. NEVILLE. THE OOLOGIST. v Free Musical Education THE NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC. is the oldest and best equipped mus- ical institution in America, and the largest in the world. It has five de- partments of instruction as follows: 1 Department of Music includiug Pianoforte, Organ Violin, Violincel- lo, and other Orchestral Instruments, ete., Voice, Lyric Art and Opera, Sight Singing, Theory, Harmony, Composition, and Art of Conducting. 2 Department of Piano and Organ Tuning. 3 Department of General Literature and Language. 4 Department of Elocution and Physical Culture and College of Ora- tory. 5. Department of Fine Arts. One year at above institution with board, room rent, tuition, piano rent, etc., etc., free. Write at once for catalogue and particulars. JAMES D. BALL, 36 Bromfield St.. Boston, Mass. Sea Shells From the Florida Coast. If you desire to buy Shells in large or small quantities you will save money by writing for my price list before buy- ing elsewhere. I am selling Shells very cheap and will send TWENTY SPECIMENS, AS SAMPLES, PREPAID ON RECEIPT OF ONE DOLLAR. Reference, Postmaster, Dunedin, Florida Address all orders A. J. BARNES, DUNEDIN, FLORIDA. CABINETS. Send 10 cts for photo of our speciality—Self Locking. Tperches—Oak sam- ples by mail 8c, 10c and 15c; also stands, shields, glass cases, game panels. &c. Cabinets to or- der. HANAFORD CABINET CO., 139 and 141 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, Mich. 58MOtf FRANK B. ARMSTRONG, TAXIDERMIST, and Collector and Dealer in Bird and Mammal Skins, Birds Eggs in fine sets, Mounted Birds and Animals. BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS. ~~ Revolvers, ‘ae Rifles, ~ Send stamp = a for Price List. Guu Vorks, Pittsbargh, Pas S INES NETS, TENTS, and — 5 SPORTING GOODS. Every description of Guns, R2volvers, Ammu- nition and Sporting Goods at very lowest pric- es. We have something of interest to you. FINE SETS VERY LOW. To close out quick I will sell choice sets, my own collecting, as below. Charges prepaid on orders exceeding $3.00. Discount on orders ex- ceeding $10.00. Full data. No exchanges. PER EGG. Ferruginous Rough-leg, 2-3, 2-4, 1-5...... ....-. $1 00 Turkey Vulture, 1-2.....2.....-----2:- Bea 35 Swainson’s Hawk, 2-8, 3-3:........ .----. ----- 20 Marsh Hawk, 2-4, 2-5, 1-6..........-..------- ---=----- 20 Am. Long Eared Owl. 2-5......... .---.------------- 20 ‘Short-eared Owl 1-4, 2-5... EO Great Horned Owl. 1-2.-....--.--.2-. ------<----- 75 Western Night Hawk, 2-2.............- Aprons Bee apeiliey Am. Sparrow Hawk, 2-4..........----.---+2------+---- 15 Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse, 1-9, 1-10, 1-11. 20 Bartramian Sandpiper, 3-4......... .-.-----.-----+- 15 Canada Goose, 1-5.......-2--. e222 eee ceeeeeee ee eeee 50 Am. Golden-eye Duck, 1-9, 1-10, 2-11...... -..... 25 (CRYanyeS ero volke, TS ee te pecs ccceed coc: 30 NHESSCI SCALP H Melnes seen resereeer se eee pone Baldpate, 1-6, 1-7, 1-9... -o-2-. 2-222 2228 Conde by Shoveller, sets 6 to 11................- ------ Beat ate Oh Red-head, sets 6 to 10..-.........--.------ EL Ot Pintail, sets 5 to 10............-. ---.----. Bes 10 Mallard, 1-10, 2-11, 1- 18 08 Blue-winged Teal, 2-12 08 EUGENE S. ROLFE, MINNEWAUKAN, N. D. New Mineral Store. If you want good and cheap Mineral Specimens write for Circular and particulars. ANDREW HARTMAN, 4515 Parrish St.. Philadelphia, Pa. Ripans Tabules cure bad breath. vi THE OOLOGIST Our ’Ninety=Seven Complete Line of Bicycles are the Supreme “Result Of our Years of Experience MONARCH CYCLE MEG. COQ. Send nine two-cent stamps for a deck of Menarch Piaying Cards, illustrating Lee Richardsen and Walter Jones. CHICAGO REW YORE LONDOW >) Lillian Russell, Tom Monarch Ccoper, Regular 50¢ cezds. Who can think anie —fin ete of some simple thing to patent? Protect your ideas; they may bring you wealth. Write JOHN WEDDERBURN & CO., Patent Attor- neys, Washington, D. C., for their $1,800 prize offer and list of two hundred inventions wanted. f Who can think Wanted—An Idea cisosesinrs Protect_ your ideas; they may bring you wealth. Write JOHN WEDDERBURN & CO., Patent Attor- neys, Wasbington, D. C., for their $1,800 prize offer and list of two hundred inventions wanted. THE OOLOGIS?. vii Toward the South Pole. WANTED. An Ornithologist to join a scientilic expedition which is soon to start on a two years’ voyage of exploration to the un- known ANTARCTIC REGIONS. The vessel will visit the Falkland {slands. Argentina, Patagonia, Terra del Fuego, many of the Sub-Antaretic groups and explore as much of the costol fringe of the South polar lands as conditions will permit. This is a rare opportunity for an Ornithologist to make new discoveries and priceless collections in the virgin ANTARCTIC WILDS. Applicants must be physically sound and able to contribute to the general ex- penses of the expedition. Address, F. A. COOK, 687 Bushwick Ave., Brooklyn. N. Y. ORRESPONDENCE”) \ INVITED. 57 viii EMPORIUM OF PETS. Headquarters for all kinds of Fancy Poultry, Fancy Pigeons, Swans, Pheasants, Canaries, Parrots, Mocking Birds, Cages, Seeds, Gold Fish, Globes, Aquariums, Plants, etc., Monkeys, Dogs, Cats, Squirrels, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and other Pet Animals. My specialty is selling first-class Homing Pigeons at $1.00 a pair. Send ten cents for the largest and most complete Illustrated Catalog issued. Also Studio of Taxidermy. EDW. S. SCHMID, 712 Twelfth St., N.W.,Washington, D. C. We have some com- pound Folds in rock, and a few Banded Sandstone Faults, both very interesting to Geologists, and a quantity of polished material for sale. We make a specialty of cutting and polishing cab- inet material at our Steam Lapidary Shop. John G. Buxton, Milo Centre, N. Y. FOSSILS FOR SALE. ALL PROPERLY IDENTIFIED. JANICHOGEINITS) DI DOSUS Sees ee sae ees eee 25-50 Nucleocri suaybkswnyeva aon Uyie Neuro Meee a 10-50 Pn OVEX TWANG dee sccecee sce cece be ...00-$1 S PTLECHEl ee SOUL See 50-f: Pentr enites POMONA a ee.. 2 Le ae 5 conuideus.__... hry 0 ss Galiy.GaMUls teens wens eee a Symmetricus #3 eee. 15-25 SACL Ys UC ULC UL Tel See ee See Se Ree Spirifer Arveni 2: ee a euruteinese oe be es angusto x varicosa ATHTIS vAitOtasecss. 2-2 a trinuclea ATHY TIS SPINITCLOLG CS! sarees eee eees ese een Tropidoleptus carinatus................ Stenoschisma tethys. ...... Meristella unisulcata............ Single valves of same........... : EAR oductus SpINUICoOstatuse wee ee eee 5 nebraskensis:--...2.2..2 -.. semireticulatus.. 2 if setigerus, var. Keokuk... Favosites POUT UL Pes Fe eal a hemisphericus:s i.) ag eae er GY TOSS: See) Uae eee Heliophyllum Lode A eae ee et corniculum. 2 K. GREENE, [at NEW ALBANY, IND, THE OOLOGIST. Spades, Hoes, Mauls. I have recently bought several large collec- tions of Stone Relics from high-class collec- tors and have a ‘‘eream” stock of 15,000 pieces from many states. hundreds of them unusually fine form and perfect: many rare. Improve your cabinet. Among a stock as varied and fine as any ever offered by any dealer, are: 9 fine Spades 12 to 16% inches long. is t5 5} to 11% inches long. 9 notched Hoes 4} to 9% inches long. Points of above have a glassy polish from ~ use. 45 Discoidals, bi-concave, 1144 to 6 inches diam- eter. 500 grooved Axes and Celts of finest form % to 10 pounds each. 75 Banner Stones, Gorgets, Amulets, ete. 30 Curious old Pipes. 25 Hematite Plummets and Axes, etc. Cup Stones, Balls. Pestles, Mortars, Bone Relics, Beads, Copper Relics, 5to 9 inch Spear Heads, etc., Swedish and Irish Stone Relies. Arrow Heads—3000 splendid, 5000 fine, 5000 ordinary, 2000 2c to 5c each. 50 fine Drills. Many pretty forms in the tiny semi-precious stone points of Oregon, N. Mexico,and Arizona. Send stamp for price list—*‘ ‘OUR EXTRA.” Separate catalog of 100,000 specimens of fine Minerals and Fossils. Hundreds of Relics of Western Indians, Alas- kans and South Sea Islanders. L. W. STILWELL, DEADWOOD, (Black Hills), S. DAK. 12 THE ODELL Type Writer. $20 will buy the ODELL TYPE WRITER with 78 characters,war- ranted to do as good work as any machine made. It combines SIMPLICITY With DURABILITY, SPEED, EASE OF OPERATION, wears longer with- out cost of repairs than any other machine. Has no ink ribbon to bother the operator. It is NEAT, SUBSTANTIAL, nickel-plated, perfect, and adapted to all kinds of type writing. Like a printing press, it produces sharp, Clean, legi- ble manuscripts. Two or ten copies can be made at one writing. Any intelligent person can become an operator in two days. Reliable Agents and Salesmen wanted. For Pamphlet giving Indorsements, etc., address 139 ODELL TYPE WRITER CO., 352-364 Dearborn St., CHICAGO, ILL. VOL. XIV. NO. 8 ~ re) \. BABRRI SARI EA Ses Pree Le ieee 4 \ ] 2 gf 4 é NX ied ~ oe” as en, acy ~ a Tee af \ %, Monthly. (BS a : ALBION, N. Y., AUGUST, 1897. WHOLE No. 135. Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘‘Wants,’ “Exchanges” ‘For Sales,” inserted in this department for 25¢ per 25 words. Notices over 25 words, charged at the rate of one-half cent per each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25c. Terms, cash with order. Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-third list rates. What's Your Number? FOR SALE. Send me 15c for ten different first-class eggs, catalogued at 80c. Address: Examine the number following yourname F. W. COLLINS‘ Garden City, Kansas. On the wrapper of this month’s OOLOGIST. It denotes when your FOR EXCHANGE:—Double breech-loading~ subscription expired or shot gun. Want folding camera, 4x5. Send will expire. As : «as F ‘ ‘ full description and receive same. JESSE Be gu eabscription/exp incu ast issne WARLUE, Greencastle, Td, He i ms i FY jan, 1898. FOR SALE:—Three male fox hounds, one: 150 He if a io een six weeks old, one two years old, old onea year old. W.H. LONELL, East Wilton, Me. Tntermediate numbers can easily be ‘deter- mined. If we have wish to rectify. FOR SALE or exchange.—A live Golden Ea- you credited wrong we WANTED:—Collectors to send for my latest bulletins of Skins, Eggs, Shells, Curios, ete.,_ now ready and sent free. Tissue the largest . bulletins of any dealer in this country. Col- gle, seven feet from tip totip. WantNo.1bird jectors havin ¢ s ; ‘ g Ist class eggs to exchange~ eggs. F. W. COLLINS, Garden City, Kans. please drop mealine. JAMES P. BABBITT, RECEIPT for a valuable Tanning Liquor free with each package of K. &. P. preservative until September 1, 1897. Write KERR & PER- HAM, Blencoe, Iowa. Taunton, Mass. FOR SALE:—Fine specimens of Coprolites-. 25 to 50 cts. each, specimens with one side re- moved, showing Conularias 2écts. to $1.00 post- WANTED.—Skins A. O. U. Nos. 637. 639, 641, paid. These are fine specimens, every cabinet . 645, 646, 647, 650, 655, 660. 662, 663, 677, 678, 679, 686. Can offer eggs in sets, Taxidermy, etc. A. H. MILLS, West Rutland, Vermont. should contain them. Locality and een es ’ ’ position given with each specimen. Ake Coues' Key, Hornaday’s GREENE, 127 West Market St., New Albany, Ind. J3t SETS of Brewer’s Sparrow (some with nests) $100.00 IN CASH is a large sum to tie up in and of No. 6, 191, 221, 448 and 475 to exchange Birds Eggs this season, yet I have a client, a for sets. Instructions in Hypnotism in ex- well-known Oologist, who has commissioned change for sets. ISADOR S. TROSTLER, 4,246 me to invest thiS amount during the next 60" Farham St., Omaha, Neb. days in A.No. 1 sets, series if cheap, with data. Not less than $5 will be placed in a single lot TO EXCHANGE:—A number of sets each of andall must be very cheap, literally snaps. If 622, 705, 488, 477 and 412 1-8, 373 1-3, 273 1-4, 1941-4, | you wish a slice of the pie send your list and_ 511b 4-5. 506 1-4, 703 1-4, sets. R. L. JESSEE WANTED:—Vols. 1 , 3, 4,5, 6 Auk, back Vols. 721 2-8, 593 1-3, for other offer and I can assure yon that all BARGAINS. M. D., Philo, Il. will receive my careful consideration. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. Nuttall Bulletin, Ornithological books, etc. WANTED.—Large singles and desirable sets~ Will pay cash. Also Ilinois eggs. W. E. with data. Can offer nicely prepared sets with LOUCKS, Peoria, I11. data of Southern birds. Choice A 1 sets with = data for sale cheap. DR. M. T. CLECKLEY, TO EXCHANGE.—A female fox hound pup, 457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. 135 - for the best offer in sets cf birds eggs, in the next 30 days, and also a few birds eggs to ex- BOOKS, sets of eggs, skins, etc. Write me change for sets not in my collection. All let- stating wants and get my prices before pur— ters answered. W.H Me. . LONELL, East Wilton, chasing. You can have your own prices. B.. S. BOWDISH, Phelps, N. Y. | Ai THE OOLOGIST. WANTED.—Sets of 7, 190, 207, 224, 225, 294, 300, 305, 33¢, 342, 362, 364, 538, 637, 648. SAM CRAYTON, Anderson, S. C. EAGLES:—Wanted a first-class single or set of either Bald or Golden Eagle. Cash or ex- change. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. FOR EXCHANGE.—A. O. U. W. Nos. 202 5-4 3-5, 214 3-9 2- 4-11 2-12 1-14, 225 15-4, 226 8-4, 497 3-3 5-4, 498 3-4 3-5. 702 2-5 5-4 and others. Send list and receive mine.oJ.W. SUGDEN, 651 W. ist South St.. Salt Lake City, Utah. 136 FOREIGN STAMPS.—I have a collection of 200 varieties, all different, from all parts of the world, and a new illustrated 100 page album with spaces for 2500 stamps. Will exchange the lot for $10.00 worth of sets or desirable sin- gles at full catalogue rares. FRANK H. LAT- TIN, Albion, N.Y. WANTED.—A new or second-hand copy of Methods in the Art of Taxidermy, by Oliver Davie. Will give skins. mounted birds. deer heads, photos or cash. HOWARD H. McAD- AM, Lord’s Cove, Deer Island, N. B. TO EXCHANGE:—High-grade bicycles, 96 and 97 models, Vol. of Osprey, Nid. and Oolo- gist. Auxiliary barrel and outfit, New high- grade revolver, $25 new opal ring, Coues Key 4th edition, nearly new, Scientific shells. Birds’ skins and eggs wanted for the above; first-class sets, high-grade gun, rifle and watch. C. H.WATROUS, Chester, Conn. FOR EXCHANGE.—One telegraph instru- ment, cost $6.50, one gallery target or one up- right tenor brass horn. Will exchange for birds eggs in sets with data. Send lists. stat- ing what you have to offer. Address E. D. CARTER, Berkeley. lowa. 135 “MERRITT” Typewriter, new, cost $15.00. Will swap for $50.00 worth of first-class sets. Send lists. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. MOUNTED Bird:—First-class specimens of Hawks, Owls, or small birds to exchange for common eggs in sets or singles. Send list of what you have or want. Also showy shells to exchange for eggs. CHAS. K, REED, Worces- ter, Mass. PUBLICATIONS, EGGS, BOOKS WANTED: I will allow 50c each for any back number of the ‘‘Auk’’ you may have, if in good condition and sent prepaid. You to take your full pay in Eggs, Shells (showy or scientific), Corals, Echinoderms, Fossils, Minerals,Stamps, Hand- books, Curios or Novelties, (Books, Instru- ments and Supplies will be given in exception- al cases by special arrangement) as listed in the May, ’97 Premium List Supplement. I can also use on same terms the following numbers of the OOLOGIST at prices quoted: June, 1888, 20e: July-Aug., 1886, 20c; Jan.-Feb , 1887 or Dec., 1886 with same attached, 15c; June-Sept., 1887, 1c; Apr.. 1889, 15¢c; Jan—Feb., 1886, 10c; Jan., 1895, 5¢c;. March, 1897, 5c: May, 1897, 5c. All must be complete, clean, and in good condition. I will also accept back No’s of the Ornithologist and Oologist, Nidiologist or Osprey, any issue and in any quantity at 5c per copy on same terms. (I will allow 20c for Oct., ’93 and 50c for Feb., ’94 “Wids.’’). If vou have other publications along my line.» Write and state what is wanted. I[ can also use books on subjects pertaining to Natural History if in good condition and cheap, also A No. 1 sets of eggs with data at 4‘‘Stand- ard’ rates. Lists of books and eggs must be submitted for my selection or approval before sending. Address at once FRANK H. LAT- TIN, Albion, WW. Y. I WILL give sets including 332, 393b, 428 nest 2, 636, 671 n 4, 628 n 4. 731, 729, 751 n, fora 32 cal, Smith & Wesson hammerless revolver. SAM CRAYTON, Anderson, S. C. WANTED.—Everyone that is in need of first- class Taxidermist’s or Egg tools to send 4 cent stamp for my latest catalogue. Full line of A 1supplies. CHAS. K. REED. Worcester, Mass. f6t TO EXCHANGE.—Sets of 610, 428 nest 2, 461 nest, 751 nest, 729, 683, 593. 598, 624. A few sets with double nests of 428. SAM CRAYTON, Anderson, S. C. EMPORIUM OF PETS. Headquarters for all kinds of Fancy Poultry, Fancy Pigeons, Swans, Pheasants, Canaries, Parrots, Mocking Birds, Cages, Seeds, Gold Fish, Globes, Aquariums, Plants, etc., Monkeys, Dogs, Cats, Squirrels, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and other Pet Animals. My specialty is selling first-class Homing Pigeons at $1.00 a pair. Send ten cents for the largest and most complete Illustrated Catalog issued. Also Studio of Taxidermy. EDW.S. SCHMID, 712 Twelfth St., N.W.,Washington, D. C. MINERALS SHELLS, etc. The White City Collections. 50 fine cabi- net specimens, $3. 50 smaller size, $2. 50 ama- teur size, $1. Printed name and locality with each specimen. 50 Shells, Corals, and Marine Specimens, only $3. 100 Fossils, including fine Fish, Trilobite, Crinoids, Corals, Sponges, several fine Ferns, etc., only $8. A great varie- ty Unios with one valve highly published from 35c to $1, very showy. Taxidermy in all its branches at reasonable prices. Illustrated catalogue by mail, 10c. J.M.WIERS, Natural- ists Agency, 357 W. VanBuren St., Chicago, Ill. our Steam Lapidary Shop, SHINE ® recently fitted up on the most improved plans, where we do first-class work at reasonable prices. Cabinet work a specialty. Polished material for sale. JOHN G. BUXTON, Milo Centre, N. Y. Minerals, Fossils and Shells cut’and polished at Iceland, Lapland, Spain. A large stock of Birds Eggs—last season’s collecting has just arrived from the above lo- calities. Descriptive price-list sent free upon application. A. KRICHELDORFF, Naturalist, ete., No. 535 Oranien-Strasse, Ber- in, S., Germany. THE OOLOGIST. i “Ff Collectors! Look this over. You may have a surplus of something I want. I can use at once the following Birds Eggs in full sets with data: A. O. U. No’s 3, 4, 6, 13, 30a, 32, 49, 53, 63, 65, 70, 74, 77, 80,120, 118, 125, 182, 140, 167,184,191, 194,197,199, 200, 202, 211, 212, 214,219, 225, 228, 261, 273, 289, 294, 300, 305, 320, 325, 881, 337, 339, 342, 360, 362, 364, 366, 368, 373, 375, 378, 416, 417, ‘420, 423, 428, 429, 430, 452, 461, 475, 477, 487, 494, 506, 507, 511, 512, 517, 581, 546, 542a, 584, 587, 604, ’601, 612, 614, 620, 627, 648, 659, 674, 681, 701, 702, 708, 708, ‘718, 718, 721, 737, ale goo; 742, 743, 746, 751, also following singles: Nos. 30, 30a, 32, 70, 74, 77, ‘86, 106, 125, 126, 172, 194, 200, 264, 285, 301, 302, 305, 337, 339, 360, 862. 364, 368, 375, 428, 429, 417. For any of these I will allow full list rates (Lattin’s 96 Standard). I can use any ‘sets or singles not mentioned here at one-half list rates. I offer the following at prices given: Supplies, etc., postpaid. Fossils. Wood Instrument Case...........22...02...cceeeeeee $ 35 Shari OO Gy. 2 2 2s era pee a asa aa 10 ‘Nickel-plated Wire Cutters ........... Ae Sees oa) 11) Trilobite 60. +34 Inch Morceeps.......2s.-2-.-2--.--2---- 65 IV OSSUUSCRE Were oh LU OL sere) Book of colored tissues for patching eggs. 15 SeavUirehim ye Le Ona! EES ae eerie 25 nO OMamee Skim tags oi cers eeee nee 5) at I OSST MMe ahs se Wo Ei Ca Va ee eel 60 Spoollottinezware. =.) oe ee eae 20 HOSS C Ora sey oF hy SN NT Ne Cy yee alia 20 ‘Brush for spreading arsenic........................ 25 ID Var abelledyfOSsillse ee) sy eee eee 3 00 ee br yo set, engraved handle, three sizes ‘| Bird Skins postpai él HE) 5S ee ib) ‘ 1d. Best 12 in. sliding caliper...........2....0.........- -12 00 ee ‘ Nickle-plated blowpipe...000 nn S07 Snow aee. < Bird Skins—A Hint or Two. In skinning fat birds, keep many pieces of bibulous paper at your elbow, with which to absorb free fat. Leave the fat layers about vent and rump, in small birds, on skin until the skin is turned over the head. Then remove the fat layers with scalpel. Tie togeth- er ends of the wing bones, left in,—one- half inch to two inches apart. In pois- oning skin, after dredging everywhere thoroughly, including nose-cavity, go again, all around edge of skin. When skin is finished, use a U-shaped half cy- linder of tin to mould the skin. P. B. PEABODY. 74 THE OOLOGIST. The White-rumped Shrike in Chicago Parks. Our parks, that boon to sweltering humanity of this great hive, are at seas- ons filled with a varied assortment of avian life. Many are the migrants that stop here by the way both in spring and in fall and some stay with us all sum- mer. Even in winter when old Boreas sends down his chilly blasts and packs the ice against our shore and his com- panion Jack Frost peeps into every crevice our parks .are not devoid of feathered attractions. One of these, perhaps not the most cheerful, yet one of the most interesting ones, is the White-rumped Shrike. You may find him perched on the very end of the topmost twig of some poplar tree on any bright day. Despite his dull gray and his predatory ways he is often engaged in caroling sweetly, He is an imitator of no mean ability and coming in the midst of winter when bird songs are scarce his musical efforts are extremely welcome. Such noises as the cat-call of the Catbird he reproduces to perfection and at times he gives vent to his own harsh, grating trill. But at other times his voice is subdued and you are in turn reminded of the Robin, the Red-winged Black- bird, and the sweet song of the Catbird interspersed by sweet notes that are his own for ought the writer knows. These vocalattempts are usually produced by the satisfaction of the cravings of nature produced by a hearty meal of European Sparrow. This lat- ter bird is certainly plentiful enough, and it furnishes the daily fill of fare for the Shrike. The modus operandi in capturing and disposing of a Sparrow is very in- teresting. Singling out a victim the Shrike gives chase. The Sparrow screaming with fright flies hard for liberty but is gradually overhauled. I have seen this chase going on high in the air, and again a Sparrow would try to bafile its pursuer by dodging through a tree. The Sparrow is a plucky bird, but it is no match for its adversary which is not so very much larger. It is finally tired out and the Shrike poising- above it dashes down against it with such force as to completely overbalance it and send it fluttering towards the earth, and presently one more ‘‘rat of the air’ has expired. And now for the meal. The Shrike picks it up first with his strong hooked beak, then arising and flying a few feet tosses it down- wards by a lowering of his head and reaching forward with his feet trans- fers it to his small but apparently not very weak claws. He now carries it to: to some tree alights on some small limb, one foot on his prey, the other grasping the perch. Selecting some stiff or dead twig he perches just below and with the Sparrow in his beak tosses. it over the end and throwing back- wards his whole weight tugs away im- paling it usually by the loose skin of the neck. These twigs are not too sharp, at least, in the cases I noticed; perhaps he sighs for his native thorn hedge. Often he uses some acute crotch and wedges his victim securely. He now proceeds to peck out the brain of which he seems very fond, he de- vours the whole head except the beak; this is the only part of the head I have been able to find below. He pulls off the meat in large mouthfuls and except for an occasional beakful of feathers. given to the wind swallows everything. ''he head, neck, and some of the fore part of the body usually suffices for the: meal. He seems indifferent to what becomes of the rest. I had a good opportunity to watch the impaling and wedging process as the Sparrow would frequently drop to: the ground; then the Shrike would swoop down in Hawk-like fashion and describing curve near the ground alight. near the tid-bit pick it up, always with —— os THE OOLOGIST. 75: his beak as described and arising to some perch and getting it secured re- sume his repast. My persistent stare would annoy him somewhat and he often changed to another tree on that account. Finally his wants satisfied he would utter his loud, grating trill and retire to some tree top to warble happy and content. : I have observed these proceedings on the part of the White-rumped Shrike during the past two winters. I have tried hard to identify some of them as the Northern Shrike but in no instance have I succeeded; close inspection would reveal the absence of the wavy lines on the breast. There seems to be some conjecture as to the object which Shrike’s have in impaling their victims. In the cases I observed the reason could not be in doubt, namely: to assist in tearing its prey. And, although, this may not be the reason in every instance it might be the origin of a habit car- ried to excess. JOHN LARSEN. Three Birds of a Louisiana Marsh. The whole of the southern coast of Louisiana is a vast sea marsh, from twenty-tive to fifty miles in width, threaded with numerous bayous and passes, and dotted here and there with lakes and shallow sloughs and lagoons. This marsh, or pra‘rie, as it is locally called, is the haunt of countless num- bers of wild fowl the year around, in winter the home of Ducks and Coot of the north, in summer the habitation of Hero: -. Rails and many small birds. Ot ihe summer residents, three es- pecially interest the student of bird life, the Least Bittern (Boltaurus exilis) the Purple Gallinule (lonornis martinica) and the Boat-tailed Grackle (Qwiscalus magor), all of which impress the bird lover by their beauty and their habits. The first, the Least Bittern, smallest of the Heron family in North America, isa truly interesting bird. Here it is found on the banks of every marshy bayou and pool of still water, living: among the thick reeds and rank grass. that clothe witk their verdure the treach-. erous marsh. ‘The agility of this bird, in climbing and slipping’ through this. thick growth is remarkable, and it is. only when suddenly surprised that it takes wing. Its flight at first is awk- ward and heron-like, but as it rises. over the reeds, its flying becomes steady, and fairly strong and swift. The stu- pidity and and want of fear which this, bird at times displays, is another puz- zling trait. I have seen one standing: on the floating water-cabbages, (a cur-. -ious aquatic plant which carpets many: southern bayous), and not moving until, the boat was within. a foot or two of it, sometimes not until touched by the oar: or the hand of the occupant, when it: would take a few jerky, nervous steps, out of reach, or rise and fly to the adja-. cent bank. The note of the Least Bit-. tern, despite many to the contrary, is a: . short, peculiar croak, which is difficult to exactly describe, even though one: has often heard it. This Bittern arrives in Louisiana in, the latter part of March, and begins. nesting shortly after its arrival. ‘The. nest is ‘always built near the water, usually from one to four feet from the. edge of the reeds, and from twelve to. thirty inches up. It is constructed of broken bits of reeds and marsh grass to. form a mere platform, perfectly flat and loosely put together. The diameter: of the nest averages about seven inches. The depth of material about two or: three, while the cavity, which is always. very slight, does not exceed half an inch. Nests with fresh eggs may be found from about the middle of April to the middle of May, and I am inclined to think that a second brood is raised. [I took several sets, incubation begun on April 18th, and saw many young on, May 6th. A habit of the Bittern which, 76 THE OULOGIST. I have not seen mentioned, is} its fond- ness for building in the immediate vicin- ity of the numerous colonies of Quzsca- lus major, two or more nests of the Bit- tern being invariably found mingled with the more numerous habitations of the Grackles. The Least Bittern shows ‘no parental feelings whatsoever when their nest is disturbed. The female usually slipping away at the approach -of danger. In connection with this want of courage, I will cite an incident, a little tragedy of the marsh, which came under my notice last spring. While collecting, I observed a female Bittern sitting on abent reed, a sharper glance disclosing a nest a few feet away, filled with a writhing, yellow mass. This, stili on closer inspection, proved to be two young Bitterns, perhaps five days old. In addition the nest contain. ed an egg, and another young bird, ap- parently of the same family, was perch- ed onareeda few feetaway. The birds in the nest, though alive, were literally eaten to pieces by large red marsh ants, and were twisting and turning in every direction to rid themselved of their tor- mentors. I dropped both birds in the water to end their suffering, for the flesh on their wings and legs was com- pletely eaten away. The bird lays from three to five eggs, four being the average here, pale blue -in color, in shape elliptical. The aver- age size of fifteen eggs in my possession is about 1.25 x .95. The next bird mentioned is the Purple Gallinule (lonornis martinica), common- ly called the Blue Rale, (from the French settlers name of ‘‘Rale Blue” or ‘Blue Rail). It is nowhere to be found in great numbers, but it is fairly common along the edges of the less frequented bayous. The male bird is tropical in the brilliancy of his coloring, of purple, blue and green, with red frontal plate and yellow legs and beak, it is certainly “the handsomest plumaged bird we -have. It ismore often heard than seen, as it keeps up a succession of musical toots and clucks, sometimes loud, some- times low and subdued, varied occas- ionally witha cackle, something like that of the King Rail, but not as harsh or as shrill. The Purple Gallinule is a good swimmer, and while swimming it moves the head back and forthin a pronounced manner at each stroke of the legs. The Gallinules begin to nest early in May. and full sets of fresh eggs may be found by the fifteenth, although I have taken sets cf six during the first week of the month. ‘The nest is invariably built in a clump of the long, ribbon-like sawgrass, the tops being bent down and weaved together to form a rather inse- cure platform, which occasionally is lined with a few strips of dead rushes, but often the eggs lie on the green grass of which the nest is composed. The birds build a great many sham nests before settling definitely on a location, and many times is the collector deceiv- ed by these numerous blinds, of which four or five are found for every real one. The nests are either over or close to the water, from nine inches to three feet up, though the shams are four or five feet in the air. From five to nine eggs are usually laid, although six or seven is the average. The eggs are very handsome, having a ground of creamy butf with a pinkish tinge, and spots of several shades of brown, inter- spersed with purplish shell markings. The sizes vary greatly, from 1.65 x 1.10 to 1.80 x 1.20. The smaller eggs are usually much more elliptical than the larger sizes. Among a good many sets collected last spring, isa set of four, three of normal size, the fourth about the size of arobin’s egg. This runt egg is very heavily marked, more so than any other I have collected. It is per- fectly ovate, and the shell is lumpy and rough, and more or less porous. It is the only one of its kind I have ever seen, though it may be common enough. nena ee THE OOLOGIST. 77 The Boat-tailed Grackle (Quwiscalus major) is a bird worthy of much study. It isa resident and well known here and commonly called the ‘‘Choc’’ (Eng- lish “‘Chough’’) by the Creoles, perhaps from one of its numerous and character- istic notes, or perhaps as a contraction of a word similar to that above. In winter, the Boat-tails are seen around the city in large, noisy flocks, which blacken the ground with their numbers in their favorite pastures. Towards spring these flocks break up and go to some nearby marsh to breed, usually in colonies of from ten to a hundred pair. The male Boat-tail isa very handsome bird, with glossy purple, green and black feathers and clear yellow eyes. And the female is conpicuously plain, being auniform, rusty, dingy brown. The male has a seeming endless variety of notes, and is without doubt the nois- iest bird in the marsh in mating time, keeping up an incessant clatter of call and alarm notes, occasionally swelling his throat to utter a grotesque song to his intended. The colonies are usually found on the banks of some secluded water course, the nests being built of dead grass which has laid in water and mud. This the bird brings wet from the marsh, and shapes it, with the mud clinging to it, into a substantial, though ugly structure, about six inches outside and four inches inside diameter, and about three and a half inches deep in- side. The bird builds in sawgrass, in reeds, in a clump of the hollow cane-like grasses, in short, in any kind of marsh grasses or reed strong enough to sup- port the nest, sometimes between wil- low saplings, and usually from two to four feet above the level of the water or the ground. Like all Grackles, Quiscalus major is essentially gregarious, and colonies of from twenty-five to fifty pair are most common. In Lake Catouatchie, some twelve miles from this city, I founda little islet of sawgrass, about eight feet in diameter, and about 150 feet from shore, which contained. nine nests of Boat-tail, all with eggs or young, and two nests of the Least Bittern, one with eggs, the other with young. The Grackle colony chooses a new site each year, usually quite close to the old one. Many double nests are found and some that look as though three nests were built one on the other. Of these the majority are empty, though a few contain eggs. I do not know why the birds build these double nests and think that perhaps a new nest is built on the old one in raising the second brood, as nearly all the nests of this character were old nests. The birds appear quite solicitous of their young and eggs and usually make a fuss when one approaches the nest. Eggs may be found as early as April 15th, and on May 6th many nests con- tained young almost fully fledged. The majority of the nests contained three eggs, some only two, and many hada single young. Ofseveral hundred nests examined, not one contained over three eggs, so I conclude that three is the average sethere. The eggsin color and markings, look like exaggerated speci- mens of the eggs of the Baltimore Oriole. In most of them the shell is smooth, with a ground of a bluish tint with spots, lines, blotches and scrawls of various shades of umber and black, most prominent at the larger end, snd pur- plish shell marks of a similar character. In a few specimens the ground color is abrownish drab, instead of blue. The pigment washes off very easily when the eggs are fresh, so that it is best not to use too much water in blow- ing. The eggs vary greatly, the aver- age specimen being a long ovate in shape, and in size about 1.18 x .87. BETA, New Orleans, La. 78 THE OOLOGIST. THE OOLOGIST. _ A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H.LATTIN, Editor and Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the pbudent of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited rom all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: Single subscription.......... 00 250¢C per annum Sample copies........ soeo00 oe --e5¢ each The above rates include payment of postage. Each subscriber is given a card good for a Want, Exchange or For Sale Notice. (This card is redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.) Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLogist can be furnished at reasonable rates. Send stamp for descrip- tions and prices. 0=-Remember that the publisher must be noti- fied by letter when a subscriber wishes his paper stopped, and all arrearages must be pald. ADVERTISING RATES: 5 cents per nonpareil line each insertion. 12 lines in every inch. Seven inches in a col- umn, and two columps to the page. Nothing inserted for less than 25 cents. No “special rates,” 5 cents per line is ‘‘net,” ‘‘rock bottom,” ‘‘inside,” ‘“‘spot cash” rate from which there is no deviation and no commission to agents. If you wish to use 5 lines or less space it will cost you 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50.00. “Trade” (Other than cash) advertise- ments will be accepted by special arrangement only and at ratestrom double to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in advertis- ing will be honored only at regular rates in force at the date of issuance of said bill or card. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Postoffice Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U.S. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for Sums un- der one dallar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK H. LATTIN, Aibion, Orleans Co., N. Y. QNTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, WN. Y., AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER. Our old friend Posson has the nerve to offer the readers of the OOLOGIST a little “spring poetry” this month, but ina letter to the Editor apologizes, thusly:. “One day last spring at the United States Hotel in Boston, I ordered Plover for my Sunday dinner. The bird was brought in nicely roasted—entire. Its head bent back, its bill reposing on its breast. I was not cannibal enough to eat my best friends, the birds, and this simple episode inspired me witha bit of poetical weakness, with the enclosed result.’’ N. L. Davis, of Brockport, N. Y., now collecting in the Jackson Hole, Wyom- ing district, in a recent letter says: “I am having a grand good time and to- day I took care of three (8) Grizzly Bear hides, killed yesterday.”’ P. H. Beck, of Berryessa, Cal., has gone to the Gallopagus Islands to be gone from six to nine months. He has gone on a scientific expedition, sent out by eastern parties. - Itis expected that the expedition will result in a thorough study of the flora and fauna of the South Sea islands if all is well. They sailed from San Francisco, June 21st, on the schooner, Lila and Mattie, a vessel chartered for the occasion. > Nesting of the Road-runner in Lam- pasas County, Texas. Notwithstanding the fact, that I made my acquaintance with the (Geococcysr californianus some years ago, [took my first observations concerning its nesting habits only three seasons ago. The first nest of this Nancy Hanks defying bird that I ever found was placed ona horizontal branch of a small oak tree about ten feet from the ground. It was not placed in afork, but simply con- structed on the bare surface of the limb. It contained two rotten eggs and four young. | took two of the young and succeeded in raising them to quite a size, but after a time they both died; a fact which I deeply deplored as I in- tended to study their habits. In a wild state they are exceedingly shy and it is impossible to learn much about their nature and idiosyncracies. They were very tame and wouldrun about the yard like chickens. From observation I find that the principal diet of the Road- runner consists of snails with an oc- casional small reptile. The soil of this country being decidedly calcareous, snails are abundant. During the sum- mer months the different varieties of THE OOLUGIST. 79 cacti are covered with them. The bird always takes his snail to convenient log and proceeds to crack his shell and ex- tract and devour the pulpy inhabitant. When !ogs are somewhat isolated, the ground adjacent to them is almost com- pletely covered with fragments of snail shells; evidences of the Road-runner’s repast. In Texas this bird is almost universally as the Chaparal Bird or Mexican Peafow]; sometimes it is called the Ground Cuckoo, Snake Killer and Paisano. As a general rule they nest in the highlands, placing their nests in a small oak tree or haw bush near the brink of a hill; seldom on the summit. It is rather aclumsy affair, the chief constituents of which are usually sticks seemingly placed in a careless manner; very flat; a little depressed in the cen- ter to receive'the compJement of eggs; generally 5-6 as wide as the nest of the American Crow. The eggs vary in number from two to twelve though it has never been my fortune to secure more than five. They are of an ovate shape and pure white, a typical speci- men measuring 1.50 x 1.17. One pecu- larity of this bird is that it leaves so many of its eggsunhatched. Repeated- ly, I have found single rotten eggs in forsaken nests. Their breeding dates extend from the latter part of March to July. I intend making more rigid ob- servations this season. __ JAMES J. CARROLL, Lampasas, Texas. >< — > + From Maryland. May 21, 1893, I found a Brown Thrash- er sitting on her nest in some brier bushes. She was very tame, aud would not leave the nest until I pulled her tail, aed then she merely hopped off and perched about six inches away. If I had desired to do so, I could easily have caught her in my hand. I looked in the nest and found a set of three eggs, and after packing them in my box I went back to get a deserip- tion of the nest. The bird was on it, and when I seared her off I found an- other egg. I took it, supposing I had a set of fresh eggs, but much to my surprise, when I cleaned them I fonnd them all to ~ be badly incubated. The bird when first flushed from the nest, must have carried one of the eggs between her legs, which would explain her reluctance to move more than afew inches from the nest. * * * * * = * Mr. Wm. Brown’s note ona flock of Hummingbirds, in the June, 793 OdLO- GIST, puts me in mind of something of the kind I saw one day in May, 1892. There is a large Horse Chestnut. tree in the next yard ‘to mine, and one morn- ing my attention was drawn to the im- mense number of ‘‘Ruby-throats’’ that, were flying about the blossoms. I looked for them the next day, but saw nothing more of them. Wo. H. FISHER, Baltimore, Md. >—<+§ <> A Series of Nests. When Howard Pitkin, of East Hart- ford, was harvesting his tobacco last September, he discovered upon a girder in one of his sheds a queer specimen of bird architecture, which seems to be without parallel in ornithology. This was a nest—or rather a series of nests— of the common robin. There were eleven in number, built close together in one row and so interwoven that the whole string could be lifted like a chain. Evidently they were the work of one bird, or one pair of birds, and seeming- ly were built from center, as the center nest contained the eggs, and the nests at each end were in an unfinished state. The others seem to be perfect in con- struction, but differ very much from the nests usually built by this bird—the coarse sticks of the foundation and the mud plastering of the inside being ab- 80 THE OOLOGIST ssent. Another peculiarity is that they built of one kind of grass, after the manner of the nests of the orchard oriole; and this grass is so intertwined and woven together that it links the whole series into one piece. The eggs ‘are indisputably robin’s, and, indeed, ‘the bird was seen and recognized. At the time the nests were found the eggs were fresh. This was two months later than the time of robin nesting, even of the second laying. The only plausible theory of the motive for constructing such a domicile is that these nests were constructed by a male bird who had just arrived from Salt Lake City.—From an old Hartford Times. Queer Place for Horned Lark’s Nest, On the 10th of May, ’93, while collect- ing in the foot-hills east of Fountain, Colo., I was attracted by the curious flutterings of a female, Prairie Horned Lark. J watched her unperceived for a few moments, when she suddenly disappeared. Upon search, I found an abandoned Prairie dog’s burrow, and failing to find another opening, I decided the bird had gone into the hole. So witha camp axe I chopped and dug into the ground around the hole, when at the depth of 41 feet I found a nest composed of dried buffalo grass and feathers, containing five eggs of the Prairie Horned Lark— Otocoris alpestris praticola--in an advane- ed state of incubation. Wit D. WALTMAN, Colo. Springs, Colo. < Bird Nesting Suggestions. I have found a strong pole, haying a large hook screwed into one end, to be used in drawing the nest of the Balti- more Oriole within reach when it would be inaccessible in any other way. The hook could be carried in the pock- et and attached to a sapling in the woods. Have also used a small mirror attached to a pole ten or fifteen feet long to find out whether nests con- tained eggs or not thus saving a fruit- less climb or locating a coveted ‘‘set.” E. J. BOTSFORD, Medina, N. Y. The Return of the Birds. When the spring birds are late, it seems to be the lack of food, rather than the cold that delays them. A cold storm servesto delay migrations, but steady cold does not seem to bother the early birds, if food can be found. Deep snows bring the Snow-bunting south- ward; cold, alone, does not. In win- ters when the snow is deepest, Gold- finches are scarcest in the northern states. Let the weather be ever so fine, the Bluebird and Robin will not appear when the earth is buried deep. If they only feared cold they would re- turn during the ‘‘warm spells’”’ of win- ter. An abundance of food, therefore, (at least with us) seems to be the first factor in the return of the birds. WILLARD N. CLUTE, Bingnamton, N. Y. . Towhee’s Nest Off the Ground. In this region it is not unusual to find Towhee’s nests ‘‘off the ground.” Dur- ing the seasons of 94 and '95 I saw no less than six situated in small trees from one to four feet from the ground besides several old nests which appear- ed to have been made by this bird. KE. E. BREWSTER, Iron Mountain, Mich. ~< —— “THERE ARE OTHERS:’’—I consider it (THE OoLoGIsT) one of the best of its kind.—J6HN W. INGALLS. A FAULT oF THE OOLOGIST:—I have received a number of responses from my last ad.—Dr. M. T. CLECKLEY:— THE OOLOGIST. Many Subscriptions to THE OOLOGIST have expired, or will expire with this issue. Ia the future the Publisher re- quires CASH IN ADVANCE. Hence, if you are one of the delinquent sub- seribers, your subscription should be forwarded by return mail, if you wish the O6LOGIST continued to your address. Sept. issue will go to press prompt- ly on Aug. 25, and ‘be mailed during the following week—all Exchange, adver- tisements and notes for that issue, must be forwarded by return mail to insure insertion in that issue. POPULAR SCIENCE NEWS HEALTH Nature, Invention, Archeology, Electricity, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Health, Hygiene, Medicine. Formerly BOSTON JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY ENLARGED and IMPROVED. This popular monthly contains a large num- ber of Short, Easy, Practical, Interesting and Popular, Scientific articles, that can be Appre- ciated and Enjoyed by any intelligent reader, even though he knew little or nothing of Sci- ence. It is intended to interest those who think. Profusely Illustrated and Free from Technicalities. Entirely different from and much superior to other papers with a similar name. Monthly, $1.60 per year. Newsdealers 15c Largest Circulation of any Scientific Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, 108 Fulton St., New York. {= Mention THE OOLOGIsT for a sample copy. Cor. Bates and Larned Streets, U MICH. Rates, $1.50 to EE $2.00 per Day. Only one block from Woodward and Jefferson Aves. Elevator Service, Steam Heat, Electric Lights, Tile Floors, Etc, H. H. JAMES & SON, Prop’rs. Ripans Tabules. Ripans Tabules cure nausea. FRANK B. ARMSTRONG, TAXIDERMIST, and Collector and Dealer in Bird and Mammal. Skins, Birds Eggs in fine sets, Mounted Birds and Animals. TEXAS. ‘BROWNSVILLE, Lo by 2) ao IZ : e) Q). ye Rend stamp —=—=s > a 28g for Price List. @unWorks \Pittsburgh, Pe SEINE AS TENTS, and SPORTING GOODS. Every Fa mee of Guns, R3volvers, Ammu- nition and Sporting Goods at very lowest pric- es. We have something of interest to you. FINE SETS VERY LOW. To close out quick I will sell choice sets, my own collecting, as below. Charges prepaid on orders exceeding $3.00. Discount on orders ex- ceeding $10.00. Full data. No exchanges. PER EGG. Ferruginous Rough-leg, 2-3, 2-4, 1-5_..... _..... $1 00 PIN Taree iyan VAUL LG UIT Cl 2 ee ene eee a) BD) Swainson’s Hawk, 2-3, 3-3... eS ey) Marsh Hawk, 2-4, 2°5, 1-6.. 20 Am. Long Bared ‘Owl. 2-5.. 20 Short-eared Owl 1-4, 2-5.........22222..0-eee2ee-eneeo eee 40 Great Horned Owl. 1-2............... pete hd Ua 75 Western Night Hawk, 2-2.... pani fi) Am. Sparrow; Hawk, 2-40) 22 15 Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse, 1-9, 1-10, 1-11. 20 Bartramian Sandpiper, 3-4......... ...............- 15 CanadayG OOSey m= he ee sees ieee eee em enna 50 Am. Golden-eye Duck, 1-9, 1-10, 2-11_..... ...... 25 Canvas back: 127100. 3 eo ae 30 MESSE S Cappy 1675220 eee ee eee ela 25 Baldpate, 1-6, 1-7, 1-9..... .... 25 Shoveller, sets 6 to 11..... 10 Red-head, sets 6 to 10.._... 10 Pintail, sets 5 to 10............ 10: Mallard, 1-10, 2-11, 1- 13 08 Bilwe-win eed Neale 212 ees eu eee een ane 08 EUGENE 8S. ROLFE, MINNEWAUKAN, N. D. New Mineral Store. If you want good and cheap Mineral Specimens write for Circular and particulars. ANDREW HARTMAN, 4515 Parrish St., Philadelphia, Pa. Ripans Tabules cure bad breath. vi $3 THE OOLOGIST a White Plume from a Crow’s Tail, nora good Bicycle from Castings. ¢ th Monarch is good all through. Under the Enamel! We want bright business men to represent us everywhere. eeeee00808 MONARCH CYCLE MFG. CO., Chicago New York London Send nine two-cent stamps for Monarch Playing Cards. Regular 50c cards. Seeccoes Shells, Marine Curios, &c. Come to Florida. Iam now ready to supply first-class stock at A fortune can be made in a few years low prices and should you wish anything from * * i bY this nection! let me hear from you. vail inquir- in pineay ples and fomatoes; vegetables ies will have a prompt reply. mtf raised the whole year. An ideal home. For particulars write R. P. Osler, J. H. HOLMES, Dunedin, Fla. Avon Park, Fla. 29&0tE THE OOLOGIST. vii CABINETS. Send 10 cts for photo of our Speciality—Self Locking. Tperches—Oak sam- ples by mail 8c, 10c and 15c; also stands, shields, glass cases, game panels, &c. Cabinets to or- der. HANAFORD CABINET CO., 1389 and 141 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, Mich. 58MOtt OL DDL P

Vs >» > > Le > lo >> oT gw Oo aN OT aN OT OT oN € VOREL ORE CREO ERE AMO Y N\A NN K iN at Mina oT hee TEDY x WAN Se ' terial. Dore NOY. We have some com- pound Folds in rock, and a few Banded I w LDS Sandstone Faults, both very interesting to Geologists, and a quantity of polished material for sale. We make a specialty of cutting and polishing cab- inet material at our Steam Lapidary Shop. John G. Buxton, Milo Centre, N. Y. H. H. &C.S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- Full data. Send stamp for lists. TAXIDERMISTS’ GUNS, ‘cuns* Pistols, Gun Cases, Shooting Shot Shells; also sci. ce, SPECIMEN HUNTERS: tridges. for All kinds, all prices from $1.09 to $25.00. List free. Write for Taxidermist’s free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA. Aros yao RESPONDENCES INVITED. _ 5 Rapid Taxidermy at Home! Satisfaction guaranteed or money refunded. No tools required. No extra expense. After many years of unvarying success, and a constantly increasing sale in every state and territory in the Union, and with thousands of testimonials attesting to the merits of my Sim- plified Method of Taxidermy, from boys, girls, parents, doctors, ministers, lawyers, school teachers, merchants, farmers, mechanics, hun- ters, outers and sportsmen, as well as from curators of leading university museums, and professional taxidermists; I feel that I can safely make this offer. Send me LS CENTS Cash or Stamps and receive complete instruct- ions for mounting birds in cases,plaques,hang- ing game, deer heads, etc., etc., with package of prepared compound ready for use, enough to mount 50 small birds, or 20 large ones; to- gether with full directions for dressing skins With the hair on for rugs, robes and hangings. If you are not fully satisfied, your money will be cheerfully refunded. Beware of imitations. Mention THE OOLO- GIST and address. MORRIS GIBBS, M. D., KALAMAZOO, MICH. NATURALISTS PRINTING (ea oss." cheap. Egg labels lic per 106 small; 25 per 100 large. Fossil 10c per 100, Letter heads 35 per 100. Send copy for prices. D. H. EATON, Woburn. Mass. Alaskan Birds’ Eggs and Skins. Choice specimens of Northern rarities with complete data may be secured by collectors at very low prices. A chance not to be mixsed. Eggs and Skins Strictly first-class and personally collected. Highest references can be furnished. To close out I make the following prices; speci- mens prepaid; terms cash with order. No or- der filled for amounts under $1.00. No exchanges wanted. Ancient Murrelet, set 2 eggs, $2.75 per set. Skins 82.50. Cassin’s Auklet, set 1 egg, 35c. Tufted Puffin, set 1 egg, 30c. Fork-tailed Petrel, set 1 egg, $2. Extra fine skin $2. Leach’s Petrel, set 1 egg 5c. Mallard Duck, set 1-5, 1-7, 1-10, 15¢ each. Merganser Serrator, 1-3, 1-7, 1-10, 40c each. Aleutian Sandpiper, skins $1.25. Aleutian Song Sparrow, set 3 and 4, 75 each. Skins $1. Aleutian Leucosticte, skins $1. Address CHASE LITTLEJOHN, REDWOOD CITY, CAL. THE OOLOGIST. Spades, Hoes, Mauls. I have recently bought several large collec- tions of Stone Relics from high-class collec- tors and have a ‘‘eream”’ stock of 15,000 pieces. from many states, hundreds of them unusually fine form and perfect: many rare. Improve your cabinet. Among a stock as varied and fine as any ever offered by any dealer, are: 9 fine Spades 12 to 1614 inches long. eae i 57% to 11% inches long. 9 notched Hoes 474 to 9% inches long. Points of above have a glassy polish from: use. 45 Discoidals, bi-concave, 114 to 6inches diam- eter. 500 grooved Axes and Celts of finest form %. to 10 pounds each. 75 Banner Stones, Gorgets, Amulets, etc. 30 Curious old Pipes. 25 Hematite Plummets and Axes, ete. Cup Stones, Balls, Pestles, Mortars, Bone: Relics, Beads, Copper Relics, 5to 9 inch Spear Heads, etc., Swedish and Irish Stone Relics. Arrow Heads—3000 splendid, 5000 fine, 5000: ordinary, 2000 2c to 5c each. 50 fine Drills. Many pretty forms in the tiny semi-precious. stone points of Oregon,N. Mexico,and Arizona. Send stamp for price list—*‘OUR EXTRA.”’ Separate catalog of 100,000 specimens of fine- Minerals and Fossils. ‘Hundreds of Relics of Western Indians, Alas— kans and South Sea Islanders. L. W. STILWELL, DEADWOOD, (Black Hills), S. DAK. THE ODELL Type Writer. $ 20 will buy the ODELL TYPE: WRITER with 78 characters,war- ranted to do as good work as any machine: made. It combines SIMPLICITY With DURABILITY,. SPEED, EASE OF OPERATION, Wears longer with-- out cost of repairs than any other machine. Has no ink ribbon to bother the operator. It. is NEAT, SUBSTANTIAL, nickel-plated, perfect, and adapted to all kinds of type writing. Like a printing press, it produces sharp, Clean, legi-- ble manuscripts. Two or ten copies can be made at one writing. Any intelligent person. can become an operator in two days. Reliable Agents and Salesmen wanted. For Pamphlet giving Indorsements, etc.,, address 139 ODELL TYPE WRITER CO., 358-364 Dearborn St., CHICAGO, ILL. (a2) ENV, io ZS i Le | VOL. XIV. NO. 9. ALBION, N. Y., SEPTEMBER, 1897. cal SPE RSRIRTETES ack: * se es ~ WHOLE No. 136 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘“‘Wants,’ ‘““Exchanges” ‘For Sales,” inserted in this department ior 25¢ per 25 words. Notices over 25 words, charged at the rate of one-half cent per each additional ‘word. No notice inserted for less than 25c. Terms, cash with order. Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-third list rates. What’s Your Number? Examine the number following your name ‘On the wrapper of this month’s OOLOGIsT. It ‘denotes when your subscription expired or will expire. No. 135 your subscription expires With this issue 140 “ Jan., 1898. 1éby 8 of ME ie June, es 150 “sé ee oe oe Nov, ‘ Intermediate numbers can easily be deter- ‘mined. If we have you credited wrong we ‘wish to rectify. WANTED.—Everyone that is in need of first- -class Taxidermist’s or Egg tools to send 4 cent ‘Stamp for my latest catalogue. Fullline of A isupplies. CHAS. K. REED. Worcester, Mass. f6t MOUNTED Bird:—First-class specimens of ‘Hawks, Owls, or small birds to exchange for ‘common eggs in sets or singles. Send list of what you have or want. Also showy shells to exchange foreggs. CHAS. K. REED, Worces- ter, Mass. se ETS of 194. 201, 214, 321, 333, 467, 595, 619, 624, 27,687, 756, T6la and other sets also few singles we trade for complete sets accompanied by a full accurate data. The Museum and Patent Office Reports for sets or singles. C. F. STONE, Branchport, N. Y WANTED AT ONCE: = N-2 of 428, Will give in exchange 273 1-3 and 552 1-4 with data and a Single of 228. L.W. BROKAW, Carmel, Ind. FOR CASH:—(new) Winch. repeater, 44 cal.; &6 Persian Gold Chased finger ring; $7 Banjo: pair Lattin climbers ; all ist class articles and cheap. Rifle, $1075; Ring by mail, $2; Banjo, $5; Climbers, $1.50; C. O. D. GEO. W. VOS- BURG, Columbus, Wis. TO EXCHANGE !—A 1 specimens, 51a, 47, 70 ‘and 71 “Standard Catalogue,” numbers for ‘other large eggs (singles) not in colleciion. Send list. B.L. NO YES, M. D., Stonington, Deer Isle, Me. WANTED:—Vols. 1, 3, 4,5, 6 Auk, back Vols. Nuttall Bulletin, Ornithological books. etc. Will pay cash. Also Ilinois eggs. W. E. LOUCKS, Peoria, Il. 138 WANTED:—Collectors to send for my latest bulletins of Skins, Eggs, Shells, Curios, etc., now ready and sent free. T issue the largest bulletins of any dealer in thiscountry. Col- lectors having ist class eggs to exchange please drop meallne. JAMES P. BABBITT, Taunton, Mass. FOR EXCHANGE —A. O. U. W. Nos. 202 5-4 3-5, 214 3-9 2- 4-11 2-12 1-14, 225 15-4, 226 8-4, 497 3-3 5-4, 498 3-4 3-5, 702 2-55-4and others. Send list and receive mine.oJ. W. SUGDEN, 651 W. ist South St.. Salt Lake City, Utah. 136 FOREIGN STAMPS.—I have a collection of 200 varieties, all different, from all parts of the world, and a new illustrated 100 page album With spaces for 2500 stamps. Will exchange the lot for $10.00 worth of sets or desirable sin- gles at full catalogue rares. FRANK H. LAT- TIN, Albion, N, Y. “MERRITT” Typewriter, new, cost $15.00. Will swap for $50.00 worth of first-class sets. Send lists). FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. TO EXCHANGE:—First class sets or singles for common singles. Also have Poor-will aie -2, second class. FRED MALTBY, Olathe, Kas. WANTED:—Choice sets of 540, 046, 452 459 and others. Can offer sets of 368, 873, 375, 875a, 428, 478, 549. 550, 628, 725, 729, 730, 16, 29 and many more for equally desir able sets or pay cash if cheap. Ssnd lists. H. W. FLINT, 87 East Pearl St., New Haven, Conn. TO EXCHANGE:—One year of Natural 581, 616 1-6, 619, CLARENCE N. Science News and sets of 540, 624, 652 for sets with data. DAVIS, Branchport, N. Y. WANTED:—Skins of the Lark Bunting (Cal- amospiza melunocorys.) Have skins and eggs in sets to exchange. A. S. PEARSE, Uniy. of Neb., Lincoln, Neb. e ii THE OOLOGIST. EXCHANGE:—Want to exchange one “Quad” snap shot camera, picture 34x35% in.. cost $5., good as new. for ‘Pocket Kodak”? must be good as new. EMMETT ROBERTSON, Haskell, Texas. TO EXCHANGE: ~—A large list of fine miner- als and fossils, also a good list of books to ex- change for good sets of eggs with data. Send full list of sets you have to exchange. GEO. W. DIXON, Watertown, S. Dak. RECREATION: The best magazine devoted to outdoor sports. Beautiful illustrations— many of birds, nearly 100 pages monthly. Sent a full year for Only 60c cash and 60e worth eggs or for $4 worth eggs alone (eggs at full list rates) your selections, sent prepaid, with data. The Cosmopolitan for 7c cash and 30c worth eggs. A tree education, see announcement COSMOPOLITAN UNIVERSITY in August number. Cash subscription, either magazine $1 will be appreciated. Address, BENJAMIN HOAG, Stephentown, New York- WANTED:—Sets with nests of Hummers, Warblers, Flycatchers and many others and large singles. Can offer neatly prepared sets of Southern eggs with complete data. DR. M. T. CLECKLEY, 457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. BICYCLE:—I have a high grade bicycle in first class condition which I would exchange for skins or eggs in sets. Would be happy to hear from any one wishing a good machine. Enclose stamp for reply JAMES P. BAB- BITT, Box $95, Taunton, Mass. WANTED:—Cabinet specimens, Insects, Birds eggs (sets preferred), scientific Shells, Echinoderms and others, also Entomological and Conchological books. Can exchange, good Camera and outfit, excellent new Guitar. Flo- bert Rifle, Volumes (Golden Days, Argosy, Youth's Companion and St. Nicholas, Books, Coins. Stamps. Starfish and some cash. ED- WIN H. DRAPER, 670) Butler St, Station O, Chicago, Ills. WANTED:—‘Kombi”’ camera, will give in exchange the following sets with data, A. O. U. No’s: 339a 2-3, 487 1-6, $9.90. Must be loaded and in good condition. EMMETT ROBERT- SON, Haskell, Texas. PUBLICATIONS, EGGS, BOOKS WANTED: I will allow 50c each for any back number of the ‘‘Auk’? you may have, if in good condition and sent prepaid. You to take your full pay in Eggs, Shells (showy or scientific), Corals, Echinoderms, Fossils, Minerals,Stamps, Hand- books, Curios or Novelties, (Books, Instru- ments and Supplies will be given in exception- al cases by special arrangement) as listed in the May, 97 Premium List Supplement. I can also use on same terms the following numbers of the OOLOGIST at prices quoted: June, 1888, 20c; July-Aug , 1886, 20¢; Jan.-Heb , 1887 or Dec., 1886 with same attached, 15¢c; Juue-Sept., 1887, 15c; Apr.. 1889, 15c; Jan-Feb., 1886, 10¢: Jan., 1895, 5c; March, 1897, 5c; May, 1897, 5e. All must be complete, clean, and in good condition. Iwill also accept back No’s of the Ornithologist and Oologist, Nidiologist or Osprey, any issue and in any quantity at 5c per copy on same terms. (I will allow 20e for Oct., #3 and 50c for Feb., °94 ‘*Wids.”’). If you have other publications along my line. Write and state what is wanted. I can also use books on subjects pertaining to Natural History if in good condition and cheap, also A No. 1 sets of eggs with data at 4*Stand- ard’’ rates. Lists of books and eggs must be submitted for my selection or approval before sending. Address at once FRANK H. LAT- TIN, Albion, IV. Y. I WILL give sets including 332, 393b, 428 nest 2, 636, 671 n 4, 628 n 4. 731, 729, 751 n, fora 32 cal. Smith & Wesson hammerless revolver, SAM CRAYTON, Anderson, 8. C. FOR SALE:—1000. var..U. S. and Foreign. stamps. For exchange nearly 200 stamp mag- azines for eggs, shells, etc., 1,000 forelgn stamps. 20e. Write at once, must close out. H. STAMBAUGH, Danville, Il. FOR SALE or EXCHANGE:—A Hartford Bicycle, ’96 model, in good condition, with new tires. backcogg and Victor ’97 seat, cost $84, for only $25 or fora fine collection of first class sets or large rare singles, or high class fancy pigeons. Make offers. Enclose stamp for des- cription. DR. M. T. CLECKLEY, 457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. ; WANTED:—To exchange sets 604 3-4, 598 3-3,. 390 1-3, 652 1-4, 479b 1-3 2°4, 575a 1-3, 339 1-2, 529 2-4 2-6, 622 1-5 1-6, 387 2-2 1-3, 501 1-4. 546 1-5, 563 1-3, 593 1-3, 703 1-38 for common sets. ISAAC E. HESS, Philo, Ils. “OUR BIRDS in their Haunts,” Langille,. for best offer in singles, Will do printing and take in payment eggs, skins, etc. W. A. LEE, Printer, New Vineyard, Maine. FOR SALE:—Belgian Hares. Lop eared Rab- bits, Abyssinian Guinea Pigs, Homing Pigeons, Pouters, Jacobins and Pit Games steel tested. ALMON E. KIBBE, Taxidermist, Mayville. INGING A2t WANTED:—No’s 1, 2 and 4 of Vol. vi Recrea— tion. Write stating lowest cash price. HEV- ERETT E. JOHNSON, 9 Bartlett St., Lewis- ton, Maine. TRS my Postage Stamp Approval Sheets; 50 per cent commision and a. prize. CHARLES KEUTGEN, No. 102 Fulton St., New York. “Place World. An illustrated monthly journal of popular botany. Edited by F. H. Knowlton, Ph. D., assisted by a corps- of specialists. This journal will aim to present the facts of plant lifein a popular and at- tractive way and in everything will be Scientific but not Technical. A large number of prominent botan- ists have promised to contribute to the first volume. First number issued Oct. 1st, 16 pages. octavo, neatly printed. Subscription, $1 a year, Sample free if requested now. Address, WILLARD N.CLUTE & CO.,Publishers;, BINGHAMTON, N. Y. Sie Die aaaiisiet THE OOLOGIST. ili To show you Shells, Marine Curios, &c. oI am now ready to supply first-class stock at. low prices and should you wish anything from what others are this section, let me hear from you. All inquir- ies will have a prompt reply. mtf saying of J. H. HOLMES, Dunedin, Fla. THE OSPREY. Shells, “It improves with every number. It certainly eclipses anything of its kind published.’’—Leon ® J. Cole, Grand Rapids, Mich. “THE OSPREY is bound to take the front rank U til O S among our ornithological magazines.”—Floyd » T. Coon, Milton, Wis. “T must say itis the best paper of its kind I e have ever Seen for the money.’’—Gottlieb Biss- mer, Hastings, Mich. “Tt is indeed a credit to the science it repre- sents; the benefits you are Spreading among 9 naturalists will,I am sure, be greatly appreciat- ed.’’—F’. R. Stearns, Sae City, lowa. “You have got the best popular monthly v magazine of its kind in America today.’’—Ed- ward Arnold, Battle Creek, Mich. § “THE OSPREY is a neat and beautiful inspir- 4 ation to the student of bird-life, and a practical exponent of plain, every-day science.’’—L. Whitney Watkins, Manchester, Mich. “Most excellent journal.’’—Robert Ridgeway, S U. S. National Museum. Suitable for “Itis a beauty from front to cover, and ‘a thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ Plates, type, paper, printing and all are elegant, as they ® Should be to correspond with the interesting reading within,’—Chas. K. Worthen, Warsaw, dl Q]' AS Of Til. Sample toc, or 25c for three months trial. No bird-man can afford to miss this magazine. THE OSPREY COMPANY, 61 North Prairie St.. Galesburg, Ill. TT d (| ‘ Come to Florida. A fortune can be made in a few years in pineapples and tomatoes; vegetables raised the whole year. An ideal home. Will be sold in lots of $5 For particulars write R. P. Osler 9 hear Eee e9¢ot and upwards, at “snap rates, from our Chautauqua H. H. & C.S. BRIMLEY, stores, after Aug. 21st. COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Address, Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- Frank H. Lattin, terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists. Albion, N. Y., or Minerals, Fossils and Shells cut and polished at our Steam Lapidary Shop, 8 recently fitted up on the most improved plans. where we do first-class work at reasonable prices. Cabinet work a specialty. Polished material for sale. JOHN G. BUXTON, Milo Centre, N. Y. Chautauqua, N. Y. ‘iv THE OOLOGIST. THE ODELL Type Writer. $ 20 will buy the ODELL TYPE WRITER with 78 characters,war- ‘ranted to do as good work as any machine “made. It combines SIMPLICITY With DURABILITY, ‘SPEED, EASE OF OPERATION, wears longer with- ‘out cost of repairs than any other machine. Has no ink ribbon to bother the operator. It is NEAT, SUBSTANTIAL, nickel-plated, perfect, and adapted to all kinds of type writing. Like a printing press, it produces sharp, Clean, legi- ble manuscripts. Two or ten copies can be made at one writing. Any intelligent person ‘can become an operator in two days. Reliable Agents and Salesmen wanted. For Pamphlet giving Indorsements, etc., address 139 ODELL TYPE WRITER CO., 358-364 Dearborn St., CHICAGO, ILL. EMPORIUM OF PETS. Headquarters for all kinds of Fancy Poultry, Fancy Pigeons, Swans, Pheasants, Canaries, Parrots, Mocking Birds, Cages, Seeds, Gold Fish, Globes, Aquariums, Plants, etc., Monkeys, Dogs, Cats, Squirrels, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and other Pet Animals. My specialty is selling first-class Homing Pigeons at $1.00 a pair. Send ten cents for the largest and most complete Illustrated Catalog issued. Also Studio of Taxidermy. EDW.S. SCHMID, 712 Twelfth St., N.W.,Washington, D. C. CABINETS. Send10 cts for photo of our speciality—Self Locking. Tperches—Oak sam- ples by mail 8c, 10c and bc; also stands, shields, glass cases, game panels, &c. Cabinets to or- der. HANAFORD CABINET CO.,139 and 141 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, Mich. 58MOtf New Mineral Store. If you want good and cheap Mineral Specimens write for Circular and particulars. ANDREW HARTMAN, 4515 Parrish St., Philadelphia, Pa. FRANK B. ARMSTRONG, TAXIDERMIST, and Collector and Dealer in Bird and Mammal Skins, Birds Eggs in fine sets, Mounted Birds and Animals. BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS. 4 cs Revolvers, cao} Rifles, DZ ~ Ete: ory: Sere. Great Western aan OS) aas@ for Price List. Works,Pittsburgh, Pas SE N ES NETS, TENTS, and 3 SPORTING GOODS. Every description of Guns, Ravolvers, Ammu- nition and Sporting Goods at very lowest pric- es. We have something of interest to you. POPULAR SCIENCE NEWS HEALTH Nature, Invention, Archzology, Electricity, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Health, Hygiene, Medicine. Formerly BOSTON JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY ENLARGED and IMPROVED. This popular monthly contains a large num- ber of Short, Easy, Practical, Interesting and Popular, Scientific articles, that can be Appre- ciated and Enjoyed by any intelligent reader, even though he knew little or nothing of Sci- ence. It is intended to interest those who think. Profusely Illustrated and Free from Technicalities. Entirely different from and much superior to other papers with a similar name. Monthly, $1.60 per year. Newsdealers 15c Largest Circulation of any Scientific Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, 108 Fulton St., New York. (® Mention THE OOLOGIs® for a sample copy. MINER ALS SHELLS, etc. The White City Collections. 50 fine cabi- net specimens, $3. 50 smaller size, $2. 50 ama- teur size, $1. Printed name and locality with each specimen. 50 Shells, Corals, and Marine Specimens, only $3. 100 Fossils, including fine Fish, Trilobite, Crinoids, Corals, Sponges, several fine Ferns, etc., only $8. A great varie- ty Unios with one valve highly published from 85c to $1, very showy. ‘Taxidermy in all its branches at reasonable prices. Illustrated catalogue by mail, 10c. J.M.WIERS, Natural- ists Agency, 357 W. VanBuren St., Chicago, Ill. THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XIV. NO. 9. Nesting Habits of the American Bittern. : All who have collected in marshy sections have often heard the peculiar song of the Bittern in the lowlands. Coming from the morass, the notes seem of mysterious origin and to those of superstitious disposition the weird sounds appeal with a great deal of force. Nevertheless, to the observer, the nature of the love-song is well known and many collectors have care- fully noted the movements of the birds when uttering the sounds and studied the notes. For mauy years the peculiar habits and movements of the Indian Hen or Greater Bittern have offered special at- tractions for me and I have carefully noted the nesting and migrating birds in my field book. Thinking to present a few observations of interest, though aware that most observers are familiar with the facts oftered, I will take a few notes from my book. The birds reach the 40th parallel in the spring by March tenth and often earlier. in fact I have seen specimens on boggy ground when the ditches were frozen over and everything look- ed decidedly wintry. The Bitterns do not arrive during these periods, like;many other mistaken birds attempt the northern trip too early in the sea- son. They will not leave for a spell of cold we uther and therefore put in their tim: )1 :lisconsolately stalking along the «ls+3 of streams, or over the ground kept soft by spring holes. As soon as the ground is fully thaw- ed out and spring has fairly assumed her pleasing sway, the Indian Hens tune up their lazzoos and proceed to demonstrate that tom-tom, kettle-drum calithumpian melodies are the order of but ALBION, N. Y., SEPTEMBER, 1897. WHOLE NO. 136: the day. There is nothing likeithe pe- culiar notes, and from their very uniqueness they have a charm for me. unsurpassed by any other bird’s notes. on the marsh. When the bird sings we look vainly. for him, and it is only after prolonged) search and a vexatious tramp through, the sloughs and across swampy tracts, that we finally definitely locate him, The chances are that the singer was not where we expected to find him, for this. bird’s notes are very deceiving and. often lead one amiss. Then again I have been badly fooled by the notes of: two birds on different parts of the. marsh. In due time we see the old fellow. stalking through the long, rank marsh grass or perhaps wading ina pool or. ditch. Then he stops his measured: tread and ruffling his feathers and as- suming a bunched aspect, proceeds to give vent to his charmingly ludicrous, ditty. The notes much resemble the words plum pud’n accent on pud, and for this reason the oddity has been giv- en the name of Plum Pudding among. the many other appellations with which this peculiar bird is favored. OF course the sounds could be readily lik- ened to other words, as with the notes, of all other birds which we have been taught to associate in notes and words. However plum pud’n seems a capital, name for this wader. When singing the performer goes, through a snrprising series of motions, making peculiar snakey movements with its head and neck with each sound. uttered. These movements, together: with the sounds, which,are. hollow and reverberating, give the species the name of Thunder Pumper Then there are the notes ka whack, or if you wish, ka sock, which exactly- 82 resemble the sound of pounding with a heavy maul. These notes are also very deceiving as to their source, and yet are so marked in their resemblance to the sounds produced by driving a post, that we look about to see the man en- gaged in building a fence near. When an amateur is told that the sound is produced by a bird, the Stake-driver, he is not surprised at the name adopted. I believe the notes plum pud’n are the love ditty and think they are mostly ased in spring; yet I have heard them in the autumn as late as October 15th. There is another name for this bird, which, with the general name of Shite- poke, applied to Herons and Bitterns as a whole, makes the Greater Bittern a species of many names. [ refer to the cognomen Barrel-maker, given un- doubtedly because of the similarity of its ka sock notes to the thumping noises made by a cooper in hooping his bar- rels. * I once slept on the prairie in the early part of May in [llinois. It turn- ed out that I was surrounded by a lot of sloughs inhabited by an army of Barrel-makers. It was a good night for night flyers and the way the Snipe, . Sandpipers and other smaller waders flew about my camp-fire was a caution. All night long the continuous shrill cry of the frogs in the bog, together with noise of towering Snipe and many oth- er odd sounds, and from unknown ‘sources, kept pace with the clatter of the so-called Barrel-makers in the marsh near by. This was the time I learned why this bird is called Barrel- -maker. Some time in May, usually in the early part, the Stake-driving, Barrel- ‘making, Thunder-pumping son of a Plum Pudding, Indian Shitepoke builds a nest,, and with the assistance of Mrs. * Still other names are Bog-trotter and Bog- bull. Oliver Davie says that it has a hoarse -gurgling cry of alarm. Ihave suddenly come upon one when feeding and as it flew away “startled it uttered some peculiar resounding notes, but usually they are silent in flight. THE OOLOGIST. Shitepoke Plum Pudding proceeds to rear a family. The nest is always on an elevated situation and generally free from all chances of inundation. Sometimes it is way off in the marsh ——<" ~~ Pe and again it is quite easily accessable. ~ But wherever it is, it is always just where we don’t look for it. words it is hard to find. A good col- lector may hunt for years and not find In other — a nest, and then, when least expected, — run onto a fine set of eggs. A young friend of mine found four sets in a space of a few rods square and yet he Was not ‘on the lookout for an egg. — However the species does not generally build in rookeries, and is in fact less disposed to be gregarious in nesting season than any others of the Herons. With an observer who has time and inclination, it is nota difficult matter to find a nest by watching the birds; however the nests are rarities and good sets of eggs grace but few collections comparatively. The number of eggs is generally fonr or five, and quite as often the former number and sometimes only three. Again J have heard of six but cannot substantiate this set. The eggs are of a muddy color, diffi- cult to describe, and I might call them of a coffee color if I were to rely on my opinion. Someone has said that they are of a brownish-drab or isabella color, and I guess the latter coior de- scribes them as the hue is peculiar and unlike that of any other egg that I know of. The eggs are nearly or quite two inches long and about one and a half in their smaller diameter, and are usually nearly elliptical in shape. The nest is a rude structure of coarse grass and rushes and of course quite unlike the nests of any others of the Herons. The young are curious little bunches of down when first hatched, but quickly lose their beauty when they assume the naked appearance, or after they get their pin-féathers. THE OOLOUGIS1. 85 Captive Bitterns are easily taken care of as they will eat most anything in the flesh line, aud they sometimes get to be quite tame, but are never cleanly. ELLA KA SANDs. ie eae eatin The Birds of My Window Tree. Back of my office window a modest ‘oak of small s.ature ekes out a pecarious existence from the back yard of a mer- eantile establishment. The life of this tree has been circumscribed and its growth retarded by the encroachment of various structures. It is surrounded on the east and south by business blocks, and on the north and east by low. one story barns, upon the roofs of which some of its boughs Jean languidly through the long summer months. This years’ (autumn of ’95—Ep.) fo- liage has served its purpose, and is slowly passing away; the leaves of the top-most limbs hang in reddish clusters, which faintly rustle at every movement of the wind and send a shower of seared leaves fluttering to the earth. Most of the outstretching twigs have already disposed of their burden and stick out their naked forms ‘from the mass of the foliage at various angles. Here and there a tuft of leaves still cling to the tip of atwig that bows and sways in the breeze. The lower foliage does not show so plainly the ravages of approaching winter, yet sear- ed leaves are scattered here and there over its surface, and many of them have joined their companions upon the earth below. Every day the mantle of sum- mer grows thinner, leaving gaping rents, through which the wind whisks about the gnarled trunk. At present the tree reveals no sign of life, but every movement of the scraggly boughs, every rnstle of the withered ’ leaves, recalls the livelier scenes of the departed seasons. During the year I watched the birds that frequeuted this lonely tree cooped up in the midst of a small city, and found that no less than fifteen species of birds paid it at least an occasional visit, and doubtlessly there were others that escaped my observation, and that one species, the House Finch, which loves the busy marts almost as well as the English Sparrow, built its nest and reared its brood in a secret nook in the foliage. The first species I noticed was the Audubon Warbler; a group of these birds visited the tree late in January, flitted about and departed. Several of the same species were noticed twice again in February, but their stay was short. Several Western Robins paid mea short visit early in February, and on the fifteenth of that month, five lively Western Bluebirds busied themselves for a while gleaning their breakfast from my oak. The Heerman’s Song Sparrow was a frequent visitor during the spring, and for several days a pair of Mourning Doves loitered about the tree and I thought they would nest there, but I suppose they selected a more congenial spot for they disappear- ed and I saw no more of them. On March tenth my eye caught a glimpse of red among the green leaves, and I proceeded to investigate. I found one of the most beautiful birds of this region, the Reb-breasted Sapsucker, clambering about the tree in search of food. Quite frequently I noticed one or more American Goldfinches about the oak, and during the fall months their visits in groups have been quite numer- ous. A Mockingbird that nested in the neighborhood, came to my tree for several mornings in the month of April and made the air ring with his joyous melody, but finally he deserted the lone- ly oak, and I heard him quite frequent- ly in the top of an oak in the adjoining block. My most frequent visitors were the House Finches, a pair of which reared their brood in the tree, but deserted it 84 ; THE OOLOGIST. early in May, when the young were able to fly. The male was a happy creature and spent a great deal of his time sing- ing to his mate. In the last of April, a California Shrike, seemingly bent on mischief, caused quite a commotion in the household of the Finches, and to prevent acatastrophe, I drove the in- truder from the premises. The bulky form of the Red-shafted Flicker was seen about the tree upon a number of occasions, but its visits were always short. A California Woodpecker was also among my visitors, but like the Flicker, he never remained long. Among the other birds I noticed about the oak were, Bullock’s Oriole, Western Flyeatcher, and Anna’s Hummingbird. A week ago, while I was busy at work, I was greeted with the loud, cheery whistle of a Western Meadowlark that had strayed far from its home in the pas- ture-lands, and had settled down upon the oak to give mea few moments enter- tainment. These observations, taken at random moments, show the amount of bird-life one meets with, even in unfavorable lo- calities, in spots far removed from field or woodland, where our feathered friends are usually found. Harry C. LILLiz, Visalia, Calif. Mounting Birds Nests For a Collec- tion. I have an easy and simple method for mounting birds’ nests, which may inter- est the readers of this valuable little pa- per. I tuke a limb of a tree, with pretty bark on it, for the base of the stand, and saw it up into sections, the diameter of the limb, and thickness of the sections depending upon the size of the nests to mounted. Ithen procure some pronged twigs, dogwood generally being the easiest to find, and making a hole in the base, stick the twig up in it and set the nest in the prong, and by passing a. black thread over the nest it will be se- cured in place. Some nests are of course often built in suitable twigs for the purpose, and often it will be better to set some nests right on the base. After mounting the nest the stand can be decorated with moss, ete., if desired. J. H. FISHER, JR., Baltimore, Md. The Hairy Woodpeckor. Though quite common throughout its breeding range, especially in eastern Kansas, its nest is not at all common. Of course we are all of us familiar with the Woodpecker’s nest in general, but unlike the other species, with which I am acquainted, it does not often select. a dead stub or tree, but, more usually, prefers alive tree that hasa decayed center. After boring through the green portion it can easily hollow out a suffic- ient nesting cavity. Sometimes they will peck in just below a decaying limb. But I know of no instances where they bored through the green portion and stopped. So that they must have some faculty (probably by sounding) by which they can select the proper trees. The cavities thus formed are usually from one to two feet indepth. The pearly white eggs, usually four in number, are laid on the removed chips. The nest may be discovered by the chips under the tree and also by its eall, which much resembles that of the Red-headed Woodpecker. ORALI K. WILLIAMSON, Lawrence, Kansas. A Finishing Touch. Alleggs, before placing them in the cabinet, should be rinsed out with a mild solution of Corrosive Sublimate, in which has been dissolved a little isin- glass. This forms a coating on the in- side, which makes the shell less trans- parent—gives more the natural color, and makes it firmer. Dr. A. G. PRILL, Sodaville, Oregon. THE OOLOGIST. 85 THE QOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H.LATTIN, Editor and Publisher, 4 ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the studeut of Birds, their Nests and Heys, solicited from all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: Single subscription................30¢ per annum AO LMG O MEG cn salelaciein sieliaelencisiseeieinsa DC CAC The above rates include payment of postage. Each subscriber is given a card good for a Want, Exchange or #'or Sal? Notice. (This card is redeemable at any time within one year trom date thereon.) Subscriptions can begin Back numbers of the OOLOGIS at reasonable rates. tions and prices. (> Remember that the publisher must be noti- fied by lefter When a subscriber wishes his paper stopped, an@ all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 5 cents per nonpareil line each insertion. 12 lines in every inch. Seveninches in a col- umn, and two columns to the page. _ Nothing inserted for iss than 25 cents. No “special rates,” 5 cents per line is ‘‘net,” “rock bottom,” ‘‘inside,” “spot cash” rate from which there is no deviation and n>. commission to agents. Ifyou wish to use 5 lines or less space it will cost you 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50.00. “Trade” (other than cash) advertise- ments will be accepted by special arrangement only and at ratestrom double to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in advertis- ing will be honored only af regular rates in force at the date of issuance of said bill or card. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Postoffice Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U.S. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for Sums ‘un- der one dallar. Make Money Orders and Draits payable and address all subscriptious and com- munications to FRANK H. LATTIN, Aibion, Orleans Co., N. Y. ENTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-(1 455 MATTEr. Derren eens arene etn enna MTS wih any number. can be furnished Senu stamp tor descrip- The Red Cockaded Woodpecker. (Dryobates borealis.) It seems that very little is known of the habits of this interesting bird, most ornithological writers taking their statements from the older ornitholo- gists, Aububon, Wilson and others. The range of this bird is a very nar- row one, it being confined to the most southern pine forests of Florida, Louis- iana and the intervening states, and hence its specific name, boredlis, is somewhat of a misnomer. My first acquaintance with the Red Cockaded Woodpecker was in Decem- ber, 93, in St. Helena Parish, La., where I found it to be rather common in the high pine woods and I had am- ple opportunity to observe the bird and its habits. This Wocedpecker is in size between the Hairy and the Downy, or about the size of a Yellow-bellied, although of stouter build. When it is a good way up on a pine tree it appears entirely grayish-black and on closer inspection bars of white extending across the back and wings and a streak of white on either side of the head are noticed, but no red is seen until the bird is killed and in your hand, when a red line between the black cap of the head and the white face becomes visible. In the female this red is wanting. The bird has less white than any of the genus and on this account may be easily distin- guished. The birds are usually found in the pines that are close to clearings, espec- ially if there are dead ones, and are rarely seen in deeper woods. In sey- eral instances I found the Red Cockad- ed Woodpecker in company with the Downy, or at least on the same tree, and generally the diminutive Brown- headed Nuthatch (Sita pusilla) was te be foand in the immediate vicinity. The Red Cockaded Woodpeckers are remarkably quick and their dodging proclivities baftled me for a while in my attempts to shoot one, as they al- ways kept on the other side of the tree. They usually start at the bottom of a dead pine and make their way up to the top, but more frequently are seen in the upper branches of the live tree, sometimes in the ‘‘bud” itself. I was told that the birds were com- mon there the year around and was shown several of their nests in dead pine stubs on the edge of the woods, 86 THE OOLOGIST from fifteen to thiriy feet up, but be- yond this I know nothing of their breeding habits. I hope, however, to visit that neighborhood during the coming season and should I be success- ful in learning more of the habits of this bird I will let the readers of the Oo.ocist know the result of my trip. DRYOBATES, N. O., La. <= A Few Questions For Ornithologists. 1. How many eyelids have birds? 2. Of what use to birds isthe bone we commonly call the wish-bone? 3. Whatbird traverses three elements with ease? 4. What bird or birds have the habit of placing the cast off snake-skins in their nest ? 5. Should we pronounce the scien- tific names of birds with the Latin pro- nunciation or the English? 6. Which, in your opinion, is the most handsome of American birds? The most intelligent? 7. What bird does the most good? The most harm? 8. Are albino eggs caused by a dis- ease in the female birds, or not? 9. Do birds cover their young ones with their wings or bodies, or by other means during a storm? 10. Has any reader of the OdLOGIST seen, or heard of anyone besides Audu- bon, seeing any of the Caprimulgide es- pecially the Chuck-wills-widow, remove move their eggs in their mouth from their nest, after it had been disturbed? PATRONUS AVIUM, Niles, Mich. oe + Two Freaks and Other Notes. Under this title I will describe first a peculiar specimen of Merula migratoria (Am. Robin), which I have mounted in my collection. The bird was shot by Wm. Sheldon, of Chili, N. Y., on the 8rd day of April, 1$95; hence, necessari- ly, infullsprirg plumage. But what an odd looking Robin. It is nothing to wonder at that Mr. Sheldon did not know what he was shooting at. I prob- ably should not have known myself. The bird, a male, was colored as fol- lows: forehead and lores, white; crown, white with two Slate-colored feathers in upper center and two in right supra_ orbital region; occiput, white with one slate-colored feather in center; hind neck down to inter-scapulars, white variegated with light s!ate or gray. Interscapulars or back, scapulars, ramp and upper tail coverts, dark gray, ex- cept as follows: one white feather in middle of back, four in right scapulars, two on forward edge of left scapulars and the longest feather in upper tail coverts white. Sides of head, throat and jugulum pure white. Breast and abdomen, light ferruginous or briek red, more than half the breast feathers being tipped with white, and a pure white spot in the center of abdomen Anal regions under tail-coverts and tibia, white. Wing coverts on both sides equally mixed with white and slate. The first four primaries in each wing, pure white; the 5thand “th, slate; the 6th and 8th, white. Secondaries and tertials, mixed slate and white, the slate predominating and not alike on each wing. Outer tail feathers, pure white, next two tipped with white, ex- tending up the outer web } an inch, all the rest slightly tipped with white, the left hand upper feather being two- thirds white, extending over nearly all the outer web. Beak, light yellow and semi-transparent, legs and feet similar when taken, but have since changed to alight brown. Eyes with brown iris and black pupil, therefore not an albino. However if you could see it you would all agree that no description could give . a correct idea of this patched-up bird. In size it is normal, and those who saw it alive say it appeared to be healthy. Sa es eo ee ee ee, ee THE OOLOGIST. 87 My second subject in this article isa young male Dolichonyx eryxvorus (Bob- olink). the 6th day of August, 1894. The bird was feeding with a large crop of its kind on Black Creek, and attracted his at- tention at once by its color. It is a yellowish white or straw color all over, with just a shade of rusty in the center of the back. Bill, feet and eyes white, a well marked albino. I know from the appearance of the plumage and the skull, that it was a young bird of the year. It would be interesting to know what the next moult would develop. In the October ’94 OdLoeisT, I find an article on birds nest by Glover Allen, ‘which interests me very much. He asks for opinion as to the reason that the Am. Robin, Crow, Blackbird or Purple Grackle place a layer of mud be- tween the outer and inner portions of their nests. Well, we don’t have the Purple Grackle here, but his half broth- er, the Bronzed Grackle is very abund- ant, and I believe that Mr. Allen’s ex- planation of this peculiarity in the Red- wing’s nest holds just as good with the Bronzed Grackle, as that bird even yet shows a tendency to nest much like the Red-wing, along the banks of Black Creek and Mill Creek in Monroe Coun- ty, N. Y. Possibly the majority of them did this once. As to the Robin and Wood Thrush, I find that these birds, where they nest in comparatively se- cluded or protected situations, do not use much mud, in fact, the Robin, when nesting in buildings, sometimes uses only atrace of mud. I thinkit quite possible that these birds use mud for stability alone, as it certainly makes their nests more firm and ensures their clinging more tenaciously to the limb on which they are placed. Atany rate, the Thrushes nesting close to the ground do no use mud, but large quantities of dry leaves, to keep out the moisture. I am not sure that the question of firm- ness does not influence the Red-wing It was shot by my brother on © ome when building. In any event let us hear all the opinions and study close- ly, that we may verify or disprove, EK. H. SHort. +

> >> Fa > FS Fe > J) Rapid Taxidermy at Home! Satisfaction guaranteed or money refunded. No tools required. No extra expense. After many years of unvarying success, and a constantly increasing sale in every state and territory in the Union, and with thousands of testimonials attesting to the merits of my Sim- plified Method of Taxidermy, from boys, girls, parents, doctors, ministers, lawyers, school teachers. nerchants, farmers, mechanics, hun- ters. outers and sportsmen. as well as from curators of leading university museums, and professional taxidermists; I feel that I can safely make this offer. Send me 15 CENTS Cash or Stamps and receive complete instruct- ions for mounting birds in cases, plaques, hang- ing game. deer heads. ete.. ete., with package of prepared compound ready for use, enough to mount 40 small birds, or 20 large ones: to- gether with full directions for dressing skins With the hair on for rugs, robes and hangings. If you are not fully satisfied, your money will be cheerfully refunded. Beware of imitations. Mention THE OOLO- GIST and address. MORRIS GIBBS, M. D., KALAMAZOO, MICH. TAXIZERMISTS? GUNS, ‘cons, Pistols. Gun Cases, Shooting Shot Shells; also Shot Car- SPEGIMEN HUNTERS. tridges for All kinds. ll prices trom $1.9) to $25.00. List free. Wri for Taxidermists free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA. NATURALL TS’ PRINTING °( st) Jsinas. on cheap. Egg labels lic per 106 small; 25 per 100 large. Fossil 10c per 100, Letter heads 35 per 100. Send copy for prices. D. H. EATON, Woburn. Mass. NaIRIRIRIR| Web TOTT ther ry We — ~S Monthly. VOL. XIV. NO. 10. Eangegeges 7 /)) Sparse nana ‘1 O0ROGISM, < ALBION, N. Y., OCTOBER, 1897. ej xs i om GGGCG8 eb UeUoP POCenPcemennoos : : = “ < ed Me %, *. + PBS CR EECA ES Oye \ Cee EEN ay eee, LEXI +. Gos ea WHOLE No. 137 Wants, Exchanges, and For Sales. Brief special announcements, ‘‘Wants,’ ‘‘Exchanges” ‘For Sales,” inserted in this department for 25¢ per 25 words. Notices over 25 words, charged at the rate of one-half cent per each additional’ word. No notice inserted for less than 25c. Terms, cash with order. Strictly First-class specimens will be accepted in payment at one-third list rates. What’s Your Number? Examine the number following your name On the wrapper of this month’s OouLocisr. It denotes when your subscription expired or will expire. ota vow subscription expires with this issue 1 oe de be be Jan., 1898. 145 7} ae se or June, be 150 “ec oe oe a3 Nov 5 oe Tutermediate numbers can easily be deter- mined. If we have you credited wrong we wish to rectify. WANTED:—Vols. 1, 3, 4,5, 6 Auk, back Vols. Nuttall Bulletin, Ornithological books. ete. Will pay cash. Also Ilinois eggs. W. E. LOUCKS, Peoria, Nl. 138 WANTED:—Collectors to send for my latest bniletins of Skins. Eggs, Shells, Curios, ete., now ready and sent free. I issue the largest bulletins of any dealer inthis country. Col- lectors having ist class eggs to exchange please drop meallne. JAMES P. BABBITT, Taunton, Mass. FOREIGN STAMPS.—I have a collection of 200 varieties, all different, from all parts of the world, and a new illustrated 100 page album With spaces for 25CO stamps. Will exchange the lot for $5.00 worth of sets or desirable sin- FRANK H. LAT- gles at full catalogue rares. TIN, Albion, N. Y. FOR EXCHANGE:—For their value in eggs, bicycle bells $2.50 and 75c, cyclometer, $3.00; egg syringe, new, $2.00; also eggs for same. H. D. VAIL, Norwalk, O. AFRICAN OSTRICH EGGS, large selected specimens, with one round hole, prepaid for $1.50, or for $3.00 worth of desirable first-class sets or large rare singles. DR. M. T. CLECK- LEY, 457 Green St., Augusta, Ga. FOR EXCHANGE:—U. 8S. and Foreign stamps, English Plate Numbers, C. S. A. bills, coins, &c, tor same not in my collection, Indian relics, Canadian revenues. ERWIN G. WARD, Himipden County Truant School, Springfield, ass. FOR SALE.—Photake camera, nearly new. five pictures 2x2 at one loading, cost $2.50.. first et s0 getsit. OTIS TROTTER, Camp Point, Ss. _ I WILL give one pair of strapped climbing irons for every $2.50 worth of eggsin sets. F. H. METCALF, Holyoke, Mass. WANTED.—Revolver, pistol, swords, fire- arms. oldand new. I offeregg cabinet, Great Blue Heron, Books, Eggs. stamps, cash. En- close stamp. ARTHUR M. FARMER, 429 High St., Clinton, Mass. EXCHANGEH.—I have mammal and bird skins and birds eggs in sets with data to ex- Change for skins of the Lark Bunting. A. S. PEARSE, Uni. of Neb., Lincoln, Neb. “MERRITT” Typewriter, new, cost $15.00. Will swap for $40.00 worth of first-class sets. Send lists. FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, N. Y. TO EXCHANGE:—One fine guitar, 2 tele- graph instruments, 48 botany specimens, mounted, 25 different sets and singles, Send list and receive mine. OTHO N. GAY, Camp Point, Ils. RIDGEWAY’S Manual, Davie’s Nests and Eggs, Books, Papers, Watch, Eggs, Telescope, 1883 Nickle (no cents), Columbian Half Dollars, for bicycle, Spit gun. Rifle and Revolvers. Cash. C. B. VANDERCOOK, Odin, Ills. FOR EXCHANGE:—Mounted Birds. Want 5x7 Premo Sr. Special. Must be in good con- dition. H. M. WOLF, Kewanee, Ills. TO EXCHANGE:—Sets with data Nos. 190, 194, 212, 214, 263, 273, 339, 428, 452, 465, 456, 474B, 500, 540, 595, 608, 725, 735 and others. Send lists and receive mine. Sparrow family preferred. D. R. CLARKSON, St. Clair House, Niagara Falls, N. Y. TO EXCHANGE:-—One year of Natural Science News, for sets with data; also May, July-Aug. numbers of Osprey, for Dec., Feb. and April numbers of same. C. N. DAVIS, Branchport, N. Y. ‘li THE OOLOGIST. 4 WANT books and pamphlets on conchol- “ogy. also shells. Can offer shells and fossils. _D. H. EATON, Woburn, Mass. FOR SALE:—Five Pronged Deer head, Nic- ely mounted, on walnut shield. Strictly first class, one of the finest in the market. CHAS. F. SPECHT, Beavertown, Snyder Co., Penna. WANTED:—Pocket kodak for which I will give the following: 339a 1-2 1-3, 4431-5 1-6. 487 2-5. Must be in A 1 condition and loaded. EMMETT ROBERTSON, Haskell, Texas. FOR SALE:—Mounted Birds the size of Meadowlark for only 50 cents. Satisfactlon guaranted. Flobert rifle for sale or exchange. H. NUNNANN, 204 Rock St., Watertown, Wis. WANTED:—Sets of 331 and 364. Can offer in exchange sets of 77, 194. 202, 278, 305, 333, 337, 339, 461, 494, 501, 622a, 725, 735 and others with full data. A. W. PLUMB, Flint, Mich. EXCHANGE#:—Egys of this locality for more Northern specimens. Send and get my list. Will exchange sets or singles. W. H. BALD- WIN, JR., Box 102. Greenville, Texas. O2t FOR SALE:—Fine set of books, viz, ‘‘En- tomology—The Book of Butterflies, Spinges and Moths,’’ by Capt. Thomas Brown. Illus- trated with 144 hand colored engravings. 3 vols., 16 mo. full morocco bindings, gilt edges, Lon- don, 1834. Price prepaid. A rare set and very -cheap. GEO. W. DIXON, Watertown, S. D. FOR SALE or EXCHANGE:—A 5x8 Folding ~Camera and outfit complete: also a gold open faced watch for A 1 sets, with data. W. H. CONNER 404 W. New Houston St., Savan- nah, Ga. SETS with data of 30a, 74, 194, 4138, 316, 360, ~466, 501b, 510, 519, 530, 531, 562a, 581d, 588a, 591b, 599, 622b, 703, 758 and a few singles to exchange for good sets with data. Also 195 different U. S. and foreign stamps for $3 worth of sets at ‘catalogue prices. CHESTER C. LAMB, 1107 Mission Road, Los Angeles, Cal. A CRUSADE for new subscribers to THE OsPREY. Positively the best offer ever made for new subscribers by a bird monthly. By sar the best magazine and by far the best subscription offer. Worth looking into, surely! Send stamp for particulars while the big offer last. _(Men- tion OOLOGIST). THE OSPREY COMPANY, 61 North Prairie St., Galesburg, I11. THE following first class sets with data, to exchange for first class singles with data. No postals answered: A. O. U. 273, 316, 320, 320a, 388, 413, 443, 452, 477. 495a, 506, 508, 511, BIlb, 513, 552, 593, 601, 611, 612: 633 ‘with 49aa. 708, 721. GEO. J. KEMPEN, care Wm. Weinert, Seguin, Tex. TO EXCHANGEH:—Stamp album, micro- “Scope cost $2.50, telegraph instrument, curios, Silver watch, arrow heads and coins for sets. fractional currency, guitar or confederate bills. J. G. SMITH, 5 Pleasant St., Bradford, Pa. TO EXCHANGE:—49 1-3, 70 1-2, 80 1-3, 219 1-6, 263 1-4, 2731-4, 316 1-2, 319 1-2. 383 1-3, 339 1-3, 360 1-4, 388 1-3, 394 1-5, 402 1-6, 461 n-3, 465 1-3. 466a 1-3, 467 n-4, 474b n-4, 494 1-5, 501 1-4. 506 n-5 507 n-5, 511 1-5, 511b 1-5, 512 1-3, 519 1-3, 529 n-6, 552 1-6, 563 n-4, 587 1-4, 591b 1-4, 495 1-4, 598 n-3, 604 n-3, 608 1-3, 614 1-6, 617 1-7, 619 n-4, 624 n-3, 631 n-4, 637 1-6, ‘652 1-5, 659 1-4, 673 1-4, 683 1-4, 687 n-5, 719 1-6, 721 1-8, (21a 1-7,7385 and others. All Al with full data. ERNEST MARCEAU, No. t69 Iowa St., Dubuque, Iowa. BIRD Life in Central America.’ Fascina- ting and instructive, paper, ten cents. Address D. fF. RANDOLPH, Ph. B., Olean, N. Y. WANTED.—A copy of Ridgway’s “Nomen- clature of Colors.’ Will give exchange in Al skins or sets. Address, with price. C. BAR- LOW, Santa Clara, Calif. WANTED:—Copies of Natural History mag- azlnes and ‘‘Ingersoll’s Birds’ Nesting.” Can offer arrow points from Indian Creek, Ala., Postage stamps and one internationl ‘stamp album, philatelic magazines, Confederate mon- ey, back numbers of Youth's Companion and Inter-Ocean, and 400 different tobacco tags. Send offers. enclosing stamp for further parti- culars. J. F. LANIER, JR!, Madison, Ala. TO EXCHANGE:—Vol. VIII OOLOGIsT, un- bound. and volume IX, X, XI, XII, bound in one. Also Oct. and Nov. Osprey, for offers in first class eggs in sets with data. E. A. DOO- LITTLE, Painesville, Ohio. IT HAVF Opals and minerals to exchange for old silver and gold coins; also will take a few bird skins from N. W. states. also advertising space. ROBERT BURNHAM, 1438 Gallup St., Providence, R. f. O2t RED-SHOULDERED Hawks. First class, well marked sets desired. Will offer extra rates ln desirable exchange for a limited num- ber of sets. C. BARLOW, Santa Clara, Calif. PUBLICATIONS, EGGS, BOOKS WANTED: I will allow 50c each for any back number of the ‘‘Auk’’ you may have, if in good condition and sent prepaid. You to take your full pay in Eggs, Shells (Showy or scientific), Corals, Echinoderms, Fossils, Minerals, Stamps, Hand- books, Curios or. Novelties, (Books, Instru- ments and Supplies will be given in exception- al cases hy special arrangement) as listed in the May, ’97 Premium List Supplement. I can also use on same terms the following numbers of the OOLOGIST at prices quoted: June, 1888, 20c: July-Aug , 1886, 20c; Jan.-Feb , 1887 or Dec., 1886 with same attached, 15c; June-Sept., 1887, 15e; Apr.. 1889, 15c; Jan-Feb., 1886, 10c; Jan., 1895, 5¢; March, 1897, 5c; May, 1897,5c. All must be complete, clean, and in good condition. I will also accept back 'No’s of the Ornithologist and Oologist, Nidiologist or Osprey, any issue and in any quantity at 5c per copy on sameterms. (I will allow 20c for Oct., ’93 and 50c for Feb., ’94 ““Nids.’’). If vou have other publications along my line. Write and state what is wanted. I can also use books on subjects pertaining to Natural History if in good condition and cheap, also A No. 1 sets of eggs with data at %‘‘Stand- ard’’ rates. Lists of books and eggs must be submitted for my selection or approval before sending. Address at once FRANK H. LAT- TIN, Albion, IV. Y. I WILL give sets including 332, 393b, 428 nest 2, 636, 671 n 4, 628 n 4. 731, 729, 751 n, fora 32 cal. Smith & Wesson hammerless revolver. SAM CRAYTON, Anderson, S. C. FRANK B. ARMSTRONG, TAXIDERMIST, and Collector and Dealer in Bird and Mammal Skins, Birds Eggs in fine sets, Mounted Birds and Animals. BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS. THE OOLOGIST. ili HE Plant Wor An illustrated monthiy journal of popular botany. Edited by F. H. Knowlton, Ph. D., assisted by a corps of specialists This journal will aim to present the facts of plant life in a popular and at- tractive way and in everything will be Scientific but not Technical. A large number of prominent botan- ists have promised to contribute to the first volume. First numb: r issued Oct. Ist, 16 pages octavo, neatly printed. ; Subscription, $1 a year, Sample free if requested now. Address, WILLARD N.CLUTE & CO.,Publishers, BINGHAMTON, N. Y. iF 8: SE Rates, $1.50 to $2.00 per Day. Only one block from Woodward and Jefferson Aves. Elevator Service, Steam Heat, Electric Lights, Tile Floors, Etc, H. H. JAMES & SON, Prop’rs. d. Cor. Bates and Larned streets, DETROIT, MICH. Shells, Marine Curios, &c. Iam now ready to supply first-class stock at low prices and should you wish anything from this section, let me hear from you. All inquir- ies will have a prompt reply. mtf J. H. HOLMES, Dunedin, Fla. Come to Florida. A fortune can be made in a few years in pineapples and tomatoes; vegetables raised the whole year. An ideal home. For particulars write R. BP. Osler, Avon Park, Fla. 29&O0tf H. H.&C.S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists. Iceland, Lapland, Spain. A large stock of Birds Eggs—last season’s collecting has just arrived from the above lo- calities. Descriptive price-list sent free upon application. A. KRICHELDORFF, Naturalist, ete., No. 585 Oranien-Strasse, Ber- in, S., Germany. Rapid Taxidermy at Home. Zaft il ee oe ee ee ee This is the season to learn. If you go upon an outing or remain at home, you need my simple and easily undertood process of taxidermy. A child can comprehend it in one attempt. No tools required excepting a knife, file and wire. Less than one-third of the work of the old process and less than one- tenth of the expense. Ten persons can learn together as well as one or two and reduce the cost to nothing. Birds, Mammals, Heads and Horns and Fish-heads can be preserved as sou- venirs of a day’s pleasure, and as dec- orations of house, den or office. If you do not care to preserve your game, the beautiful plumage of a wood- cock or grouse, or the buck's or pike’s heads, let your wife and children take up the pleasing and instructive work. Anyone can take up this agreeable work and become expert. You cannot fail. Satisfaction is guaranted. Boys and girls can make money at home. If you will agree to mount a bird or any animal’ and set it on the peak of the roof of the barn or house, or on a limb of a tree exposed to the weather, I will send you full instructions and ma- terials for mounting dC birds, heads, etc. together with directions for preserving skins and pelts with hair on, for rugs, robes and hang- ings; all for50 cents. address This offer holds good until February 1, 1898. Mention OoLoGIsST and MORRIS GIBBS, M. D., Kalamazoo, Mich. iv THE OOLOGIST. Mig Ne AY AW SS \ \\ aN il | Hee oe nisory of sleeplessness can only be realized by those who have cxperi- sleoplessness. headaches, neuralgia and that miscrable feeling of unrest, can surely bo cured by Dr encedit. Nervousness, Miles’ Restorative Nervine. So certain is Dr. Miles of this fact that all druggists are authorized to refund price paid for the first pottle tried, providing it does not benefit. livs. Henry Bruns, wife of tho well known blacksmith at Grand Junction, Iowa, says: *—T was troubled with slecplessness, nervous- ness, headache and irregular menstruation: suffering untold misery for years. I used various advertised remedies for female com- plaints besides being under the care of local physicians, without help. I noticed in Dr. Miles’ advertisement the testimonial of a lady cured of ailments similar to minc, and {shall never cease to thank thatlady. Ucr testimonial induced me to use Dr. Miilcs’ Nervine and Nerve and Liver Pills, which restored me tohealth. I cannot say enough for Dr.Miles’ Remedies.” Firargen ty Dr. Miles’ Remedies are sold by all drug- : sists under a positive —& suarantee, first bottle . benefits or money re- funded. Bookon dis- - eases of the heart and nerves free. Address, : Pisces us DR. MILES MEDICAL CO., Elichart, Ind. Pocket TAXIDERMISTS’ GUNS, ‘cons. Pistols, Gun Cases. Shoaotine Shot Shells: also mazes tor SPEGIMEN HUNTERS. tridges for All kinds. all prices from $1.99 to %25.00. List free. Write for Taxidermist’s free list. JAMES H. JOHNSTON, PITTSBURG, PA. Rte eee THE ODELL Type Writer. $ 2 re) will buy the ODELL TYPE WRITER with 78 characters, war- ranted to do as gocd work as any machine made. It combines SIMPLICITY with DURABILITY, SPEED, EASE OF OPERATION, wears longer with- out cost of repairs than any other machine. Has no ink ribbon to bother the operator. It. iS NEAT, SUBSTANTIAI, nickel-plated, perfect, and adapted to all kinds of type writing. Like a printing press, it produces sharp, Clean, legi- ble manuscripts. Two or ten copies can be: made at one. writing. Any intelligent person can become an operator in two days. Reliable Agents and Salesmen wanted. ForfPamphlet giving Indorsements, etc... address 139 ODELL TYPE WRITER CO., 358-364: Dearborn St., CHICAGO, ILL. ofall kinds on NATURALISTS’ PRINTING cca‘ paper cheap. Egg labels l5c per 100 small; 25 per 100: large. Fossil 10c per 100, Letter heads 35 per 100. Send copy for prices. D. H. EATON, Woburn. Mass. O] D ) and a few Banded Sandstone Faults, both very interesting to Geologists. and_a quantity of polished material for sale. We- make a specialty of cutting and polishing cab- inet material at our Steam Lapidary Shop. John G. Buxton, Milo Centre, N. Y. 7 VARIETIES of Rare Relics, 37e: 12 Ar- row heads, 25¢e; 20 varieties Rare curiosities, 27ce; 100 choice Sea Shells. 20¢; 200, 45c, larger. Price list and drawings free. W. PERRY ARNOLD, Peacedale, R.I. OL DA~ADLDADIDAVDL DAD DAD D-Remember that the publisher must be noti- fied by letter when a subscriber wishes his paper stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 6 cents per nonpareil line each insertion. 12 lines in every inch. Seveninches in a col- umn, and two columns to the page. Nothing inserted for less than 25 cents. No - “special rates,” 5 cents per line is ‘‘net,” ‘rock bottom,” ‘“‘inside,” ‘‘spot cash” rate from which there is no deviation and no commission to agents. If you wish to use 56 linesor less space it will cost you 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50.00. “Trade” (other than cash) advertise- ments will be accepted by special arrangement only and at ratesfrom double to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in advertis- ing will be honored only at regular rates in force at the date of issuance of said bill or card. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Postoffiice Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U.S. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for Sums un- der one dallar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK H. LATTIN, Aibion, Orleans Co., N. Y. Cardinalis cardinalis. I submit this straggling article on the Cardinal and its nesting, in hope that it may interest, and to some extent prove edifying to some of your collecting sub- seribers, who have not had the oppor- tunity of personal investigation. Origin- al articles never fail to interest one, re- gardless of the qualifications of their writer. I trust there may be others in the same boat with myself. The Redbird, as it is familiarly call- ed, is quite a common bird hereabouts, being indigenous, and remaining with us through summer sunshine and win- ter solitude, charming all lovers of bird- life by its vivacious melody and mag- nificent attire. The male is a striking- ly handsome bird, with its erectile crest and bright cardinal color. The female, though not so gaudily dressed, is by no means homely. Like many other birds, the Cardinal is very shy and retiring during the win- ter months, confining himself to thick undergrowth, especially along the banks of rivers, seeming instinctively to know that his gay plummage would attract universal attention along the highways and open places. His song also during this season is restricted to a sharp monotonous, whil-whit. However, when spring approaches he throws off all reserves, perches himself on some wayside tree and pours forth his strong, melodious, whitioo-whittoo-taw-wee-taw- wee, oft repeated, with other variations and modulations, rendering quite a lively and harmonious love-song—cheer- ing his mate in her lonely task of incu- bating their mutual treasure, and glad- dening the heart of all who have ears to hear and eyes to observe. There is an old saying round here, to the effect that all birds pair on St. Val- entine’s day; from close observations I have come to the conclusion that the Cardinal is already mated at this early date, in fact, I am of opinion that the male and female remain in close companionship the year round, as in nine out of every ten instances I have always found them in close prox- imity. Perhaps in deference to other species they hold a sort of honorary wedding on Feb. 14th of each year. During the past four years I have found a, great many nests of this bird; the favorite nesting site being in low, bushy cedars, which abound on the hillsides of this locality. Atleast three- fourths were found in such situations, with numerous Song Sparrows, Mock- 94 THE OOLOGIST. ingbirds and Yellow-breasted Chat for neighbors. ‘The height from the ground varies from two to eighteen feet in my experience; six or seven however is ac- cording to the majority, the correct thing. Strangely enough, amongst all the nests I have found and examined, num- bering at least sixty, I have never been able to discover more than three eggs in one nest, though I have found them in all shapes of incubation, and with young repeatedly, yet three was the in- variable number of afull set. I have noticed authorities on the subject claim four and sometimes five as the usual complement; and it has occured to me that possibly the Cowbird may have taken a hand in evening up matters, as some specimens of each species so closely resemble each other as to defy detection. I have not met with Mrs. Cowbird, or aspecimen of her ‘‘oval imposition’ in this district, and for that reason I think it very probable that the large set of four and five were taken in localities where the two birds abound in «ommon. It would be in- teresting tr hear from other collectors regarding this. The nidification of the Cardinal com- mences here, early in April. The earliest nest 1 examined last sea- son was on April 18th, it was situated in a small cedar six feet from the ground ~ and built in the usual way, neither loose nor compact, neither deep nor shallow, Grosbeak style, and easily recognized without close examination, the materials were weedstalks, grasses, and cedar bark, with an occasional leaf for variety; the lining was quite smooth and neat being of fine rootlets and fibres. The nest contained two fresh eggs of ordinary type, spotted profusely with dull brown and grayish drab on a white ground, they measured 1.05 x .75 and 1.08 x .78. On the day following, I took a beau- tiful set of three partly incubated eggs, from a nest built ina tangled grape- vine, twelve feet from the ground and. well concealed. The female flew from the nest, as I approached and was at. . once joined by the male; both were very fussy and assiduous in trying to guard their little domicile. The nest like the other was composed. of weeds aud grasses and lined in a pre- cisely similar way. The eggs were beautiful specimens, one having large chestnut blotches over the greater part of the egg and the others being more heavily marked than usual, they form a. handsome set. The eggs of the Cardinal vary greatly both in size and color. J have one specimen so covered with dull brown as to look like an egg of the Skylark. Another similar, only the small end is dark cream color, and still another white with a few ashy spots diffused over the surface; all being about aver- age size. A nest containing three near- ly fledged young was pointed out to me on August 2, 1898. The earliest record of eggs was April 3, 1891. Wm. W. WAKE. >-——>—+ Nesting of the Crossbill in Maine. It is now quite generally understood that the Crossbill nests early in the season while the snow is yet on the ground, but comparatively few nests have been taken and accurate nesting dates are few and far _ between.. Through the kindness of my friend, Mr. P. H. Dunn of Brewer, I have re- ceived some information of the nesting of this species which may be of interest. to readers of the OoLoGistT. The find- ing of the nest of the Crossbill, as re- lated by Mr. Dunn is substantially as. follows: “T spent the winter of 1885-7 in Pis- cataquis county, about thirty-five miles north of Greenville in a logging camp on Bear Brook five miles from where it. THE OOLOUGIST. 95 empties into Ragged Lake. Throughout the winter Crossbills were numerous about the camp and very tame. ‘*As the salt-pork barrels were emp- tied they were placed outside in front ofthe camp. The salt on the barrel heads seemed very attractive to the Crossbills and nearly every sunny day they were about the barrels in consid- erable numbers. Some of us younger fellows used to amuse ourselves on Sun- days when we were not working, trying who could catch the most birds We would crouch beside the barrels until the birds were busily at work picking up the salt,* then by cautiously moving our hand to the top of the barre!, by a quick grab could catch a bird about every trial. Both males and females were present. “The 11th of February, 1886 was one of the coldest days of the winter. With two companions I was at work about three miles from camp and had felled a large pine. The snow was very deep that winter and we had the pine skid- ded up quite high. 1 was topping off the pine when I noticed in a small spruce just in front of me a nest with three eggs, I took one of the eggs from the nest and held it up to the others to see. On crushing it I found it perfect- ly fresh and not frozen though the day was extremely cold; our whiskers were full of ice. ‘““A pair of Crossbills were flying about, uttering cries of distress. Their * After this note was written my attention was called to the factthat salt will kill chick- ens. If fatal to chickens, why not to Crossbills as well? Thinking perhaps Mr. Dunn was mis- taken I made inquiry concerning the salt eat- ing and calling attention to the supposed fatal effect, and received the following positive re- ply: “There is no mistake about the Cross- pills eating salt. They were constantly about the barrels and we had eyery opportunity of observing them. We often had twelve or fif- teen birds in the camp at once which we had caught in our hands. Every lumberman in the Northern Maine woods knows the Crossbills will eat salt. If it kills the bird their places must be filled by others for there never seemed to be any decrease in their number.” It would be interesting to know if any other observer has noted birds eating salt. andifso, what ef- fect such diet produced. cries soon attracted other Crossbills and in a short time fully two dozen birds were flying about our heads and calling. The nest was placed in the thick bushy top of a small spruce and could be easily seen into from the top of the fallen pine. In summer it might be ten feet from the gronnd. The three eggs were pale greenish, with dark markings, like freckles. The nest and two remaining eggs we did not disturb.’’ Mr. Dunn was unable to give a dis- cription of the nest. To readers who are unaware of the remarkable famil- iavity of birds about the logging camps in the Maine woods the remarks about catching the birds may seem improb- able Such familiarity is not very un- usual, however. The nest found was. probably that of our common species, Loxia curviros!ra minor. Here in Pittsfield, Crossbills are of rather rare occurence and I have seen none for several years. They seem rather local and erratic in their distri- bution, appearing in considerable num- bers some winters, leaving not to again appear for several years. It is probable they are constant residents and regular breeders in the coniferous forests of Northern Maine. C. H. MorriLu. Grasshopper Sparrow in Illinois. Among causual observers the little Grasshopper Sparrow is probably the least known of our common prairie- state birds. Not gifted with either fine voice or beautiful feathers, it naturally attracts but little attention. The absence of at- tractive features, however, does not seem to affect his happy little nature, or detract from his spirits and from early May until late in June, his cur- ious love-squeaks and twitters (for you cannot call it a song), may be heard in any of our upland meadows. If you should wish a closer acquain- 96 THE OOLOGIS?. tance with little ‘‘savannarum,” go in early June to one of our smaller mead- ows and sitdown. You will not have long to wait.: ‘g Soon you will. be listening to a long, peculiar, grasshopper trill, which you will easily recognize on account of its shrillness. To find the author, however, (unless he be conspicuously perched on a weed stem), is quite another matter. He is an adept at ventriloquism and will] at once seem in front and on either side of you. There—at last you have him located, just a few steps—not over arod in ad- vance. You tread softly, nearer and nearer, step by step, but you seem to get no closer to the squeak coming trom the clover. When you have advanced probably twenty-five yards and stopped with a puzzled expression on your face, you suddenly discover the little deceiver, perched on a weed or fence post, an- other twenty-five yards ahead. There, he has been, all the time and you are surprised at the distance the iittle voice has penetrated. During the hottest hours of midday when the sun is high in the heavens and all other bird-voices are stilled, the Grasshopper Sparrow is in his most vi- vacious mood and throughout the long summer day until dusk has fairly fallen, his notes are continually heard. The nest of the Grasshopper Sparrow is placed on the ground—often ina de- pression below the surface. Itisso neatly and admirably concealed as to generally escape detection and only by the most patient efforts and closely applied searching, can one hope to find it. May 27th of the present season while crossing asmall meadow, I flushed a female Grasshopper Sparrow. As she fluttered from under my feet, beating the ground with her little wings as if sorely wounded, I could but admire this ruse fshe was offering to attract me from the nest. I thrust my walking stick into the ground and prepared for the search. On hands and knees I[ carefully ex- amined (as I thought) every square inch of surface within a six foot circle, but for a long time I was baffled. Only by retreating and repeatedly flushing the female was I able to. find the nest. [t was composed entirely of grasses and sunken in the ground — neatly tuck- ed under a plaintain leaf, effectually hiding it from above. The five eggs are of a beautiful pearly white, spotted only on the larger end with rather heavy dots and blotches of bright sienna brown. Isaac KE. HEss, Philo, Ills. ~~ > Forced ‘‘Cowbirdism.”’ A few seasons since a pair of Blue- birds had anest in a bird-house of a friend. He-was working in the building on which the bird-house was situated, and disturbed the old bird, who had not finished the set. She flew to a Chipping Sparrow’s nest near by, and deposited an egg from which the Chipping Spar- row hatched and reared a young Blue- bird. R. W. STRICKLAND, Forestville, N. Y. Where Are My Long-eared Owls. During the nesting season of the Long- eared Owls in 1888 and 1889, it was not uncommon for me to find two or more nests in a days tramp, and see at least a dozen of the birds. But since the spring of 1889, I haven’t seen but one of the birds, which was Oct. 24, 1891. When observed the Owl was sitting on an oak log, eating a chipmunk he had captured. Perhaps some reader of the OOLOGIST can explain the absence of my favorite Owl. THos. S. HIL1, Knoxville, lowa. r THE OOLOGIST. < WANTED. Ja =—.- NNN nat RESPONDENCE INVITED. 4 MINERALS SHELLS, etc. The White City Collections. 50 fine cabi- net specimens, $3. 50 smaller size, $2. 50 ama- teur size, $1. Printed name and locality with each specimen. 5U Shells, Corals, and Marine Specimens, only $3. 100 Fossils, including fine Fish, Trilobite, Crinoids, Corals, Sponges, several fine Ferns, etc., only $8. A great varie- ty Unios with one valve highly published from 35c to $1, very showy. ‘Taxidermy in all its branches at reasonable prices. Illustrated catalogue by mail, 10c. J.M.WIERS, Natural- ists Agency. 357 W. VanBuren St.. Chicago, Ill. CABINETS. ‘Send 10 ects for photo of our speciality—Self Locking. Tperches—Oak sam- ples by mail 8c, 10c and 15e: also stands, shields, glass cases. game panels, &c. Cabinets to or- der. HANAFORD CABINET CO., 139 and 141 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, Mich. 58MOtf New Mineral Store. If you want good and cheap Mineral Specimens write for Circular and particulars. ANDREW HARTMAN, 4515 Parrish St., Philadelphia, Pa. Many Subscriptions to THE OOLOGIST have expired, or will expire with this issue. In the future the Publisher re- quires CASH IN ADVANCE. Hence, if you are one of the delinquent sub- seribers, your subscription should be forwarded by return mail, if you wish the O6LOGIST continued to your address. Nov. issue will go to press prompt- ly on Oct. 25, and be mailed during the following week—all Exchange, adver- tisements and notes for that issue, must be forwarded by return mail to insure insertion in that issue. Ripans Tabules cure bad breath. vi THE OOLOGIST PREMIUM LIST SUPPLEMENT. "THE OoOLocGIsT. The Most Liberal Inducement ever made to Secure Subscriptions. $2.00 for Only $1.00. During the balance of 1697, I will mail every person sending me $1.00 for a year’s subscr iption to THE OOLOGIST their selec- tion from goods mentioned in this list to the amount of $1.00. Every subscriber will also receive two coupons each good for a Want. For Sale or Exchange No- tice. pice versa. filled at prices quoted. Send in your combination with a friend—you take the premiums, he the publication, or Make remittances in most convenient manner. reduced spot Cash ones and you can figure that you are getting THE OOLOGIST /7ee. ums and coupons are forwarded by return mail. that price includes THE OOLOGIST and two Coupons. Address plainly and in full, The prices charged are in most cases All premi- When Premiums are priced at $1 00 or over Orders for additional premiums will be FRANK H. LATTIN, Publisher, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y. EGGS. * Can furnish sets of starred species. ‘Summer Tanager TRL Viet Te Sera ee ee ae Aa Arahat Vn Le ASME Wolke Never ahs aes uease oe al ae ee Seen *American Bittern Bartramian Sandpiper Bie da Me ie SE 20 FS POCA pig Meese sent Nese eee SUE ain ee 10 California Par tridge Meurer 6 es ieee U8 IWC yeas Seria 1) ketene Meee ak a CNN aR 15 *Colo. Sharp-tailed Grouse...........2..... 2.2.1... 25 SOO by GrOUSen sss ee ee eee 50 Wald Darien 7s un rin ike ane Bana ss US 1.00 iO Wiel SOM SHEN ewes ee nee tees SU uEy 1 Ree Am. Sparrow Hawk Burrowing Owl ROAaAd-LuUnn Oh sess eee ee a See ea Red-headed) Woodpecker: 5) SERGI DUN CLE eae Ree a LS eed gees Pheebe... Bee see sameeren Ty Prairie Horned Lark... ise rosea ain SATIIETI Ca Twp Va GLC ness nae eos BIW Cray. seme oe ea Pa HATNETTCANY OLO Wi sero Ne sec cre ees eee Western Meadowlark 232 2 Sees IRUTDlesG rack lek wea e noun en) ele Va Lark Sparrow......... Nels BRAN a SCY EN Ci a TOWEL C OP ARIA Se erent acl iti auee else a tue *Black-headed Grosbeak mie Ope Nea a AA AZUUTL SES VUNG Oe eerie a ve ee Ue IDIGKCISSEIME sa SN Lia TAR Linnie MONE: ParUlagwarblerc cee nce oe sy rl De TA Louisiana Water-Thrush ase Carolinai@hickadee 2) 2a Wallsonis hrs te ee a Ee ae he a 08 PAVEStOrm GRO DIN sete NN asile Oa WE 08 PS ALPOGIO MD 2). ope uew ny any ate eNG i WY ae See 1.00 *Red-tail Hawk.. pean pe oui yy C10) *White-breasted Nuthatch... .... 20:, Bava ILOVayer eho Onis ws oe ee t *Screech Owl. 22 as Ss a ONAL ASH *Red-bellied Woodpecker CU ELOLNe CIO wil weiss wenmaan ue *Hairy Woodpecker. ACoopents ia Wik Ales Pa ae i Re ON ene WILD POOT Walls ssa ene Reel 1.00 *Chickadeen oss eeu Tes ye uate peeid. peas 10 Prothonotary, Warblers 2 n Sa soe 25 SMeGad owl an ket: 225 ee as Fahy ia easel 08 Gray,tailed Cardinal 222 eae 15 ID ANH EM OLon iA op hago ae es ee PS ee O05 RaintedyBuntine Sw saa ee iiey 06 BUullod. Miles’ Heart Cure. “Two years agoan attack cf LaGrippe left mo with a weal heart. I had run down in fiesh to mere skin and bone. I could not sleep lying down for smothering spells; frequent sharp darting pains end palpitation caused a coa- stant fear of sudden death, nothing could induce mo toremain away from heme over night. My local physician prescribed Dr. Miles' Heart Cure andin = fow days I was able tosleep well and the pains gradually lessened, and finally ceased. I reduced tho the doses, having gaincd fifteea pounds, and am now feeling better inevery way than E have for yeazs.~ Ri Rehan 3 Dr. Miles’ Itemedies are sold by all drug- |& gists under a positive fix, guarantee, first bottle Hie ds benefits cr money re- f%é funded. Book on dis- eases of the heart and nerves free. Address, We have some com- DR. MILES MEDICAL CO., Elihart, Ind. pound Folds in rock, and. a few Banded I L DS Sandstone Faults, both very interesting to Geologists. and a quantity of polished material for sale. We make a specialty of cutting and polishing cab- inet material at our Steam Lapidary Shop. John G. Buxton, Milo Centre, N. Y. THE OOLOGIST. VOL. XIV. NO. 11. ALBION, N.Y., NOVEMBER, 1897. WHOLE No. 188: Sunday in the Woods. DEAR O6LOGIST: By aseries of miscarriages my July OO6LOGIST has only just now reached me. But I beg of you to give me space for a few words regarding the article on ‘'Sunday in the Woods,” which is, I believe, calculated to do great mischief. The columns of our ornithological journals are no places for religious con- troversy, but when those columns are opened to the violating of sentiments, which, however harmless they may be to those of matured moral and spiritnal habit, are likely to mislead the young, it may surely be permitted one who is not merely a christian but a clergyman to lift up, through these same columns, the penny-trumpet of his voice, against one of the most mischievous tendencies of modern liberal religious thought. When men begin, in all apparent soberness, to advocate the use of the telephone, for the audible transmission of sermons and anthems, it becomes urgently time to inquire, whether some phases of modern Christianity do not savor more of farce, or of delusion, than they do of sober, dignified and up- lifting religious thought. Let me preface further remark by saying that I am most deeply in sym- pathy with that great—and growing— class of Nature-lovers who vannot com- mune with Nature save on the Lord’s day. In my Kansas days I had a friend —an unbeliever—who was harnessed to the exacting routine of a village store from half past six o’clock on Mon- day morning until half past nine o’clock on Saturday evening. The woman of his love had been forbidden by a drunken father to marry him. On my way home from church, of a Sunday noon, I used to meet this devoted young. couple as they were returning from the river, laden, for all the bur- den of their oars, with flowers and moss and.a occasional dainty nest. And I remember yet how my heart used: to warm toward them as I felt. from the sereneness of their faces rath- er than learned from any vocal expres- sion of their feelings, that they, no less: truly than 1, had been gathering strength for the work of the coming day; and that is the noble function of both the religion of Nature and the. re- ligior of reyelation. Moreover, I, too—I en confess—. love to seek the woods for ornithologi- cal study and observation, in the scanty moments of rest that remain from the exacting duties of the Lord’s day. And nowhere, more truly than in the aisles of the woods, has my heart ever been lifted up in fervent praise or in earnest aspiration; and yet I know very well what would befall me spirit- ually were this the exclusive shrine of my heart’s devotion. The Westminister Catechism—by which I do not swear by any means— very accurately and finely declares that the chief end of man is ‘‘To know God and to enjoy him forever.” But how are we to know God? If we are to know him at all it must be in his own appointed way. Weare His creatures and our highest perfection is attainable only through conformity on our part to his wise and merciful laws. The modern idea that each man’s own soulis a shrine, wherein, exclus- ively, a man may find intercourse with his God, is as startlingly untrue to the conditions of the natural man as it is to the revelation that God has given us of Himself. The nineteenth century dic- tum that one may worship God as well in his own home, or in the woods, as in 98 THE OOLOGIST. the place where men are assembled for public worship, is as common as it is ‘insiduous. One is often inclined to be- lieve that this saying is far more fre. ‘quently an excuse for delinquency than an expression of honest conviction. But, with whatsoever motive such a sentiment is voiced, the cherishing of ‘the idea that underlies it involves the ignoring of certain vital facts in the ‘make-up of our common humanity. “No man liveth to himself.’”’ The hermit may escape the bitterness and ‘strife of the forum and the market- place, but he is a one-sided man—he walks with a crutch. Likewise, the man who never worships God any- where save in the depths of his own soul may, indeed, know’ somewhat of ‘God, but he will be more than likely to remain in profound ignorance of some of the most lovable of the divine attri- butes. The soul, like the mind, is en- gendered and developed in solitude, but both are rounded and perfected only through intercourse. The ignor- yng of this fact, in the following of the creed of men of modern religionism is instructive as showing how easy is the transition from the communion of saints to individualistic pantheism. Let us make mutual concession. If it was ‘‘liberal thought” that once bathed the streets of Paris with human blood, it was also illiberal religion— New England Puritianism—that has given birth to liberalism. And yet, men with liberal views would do well to remember that they are what they are through the faith and faithfulness of their ancestors, men of strength and force of character, who respect God professedly, yet do not worship Him, are strong and forceful, not by reason of their liberalism, but in spite of it. Give us a Sundayless America with a ‘continental Sabbath and how long will it be before we shall be compelled to flee before a Reign of Terror? By the tender mercy of God these men may be able to live without cor porate religion, but the great world of the growing generation cannot do so. Even as ‘‘no nation has ever survived the loss of its religion,’’ just so is no in- dividual safe without the exercise, in company with his fellows, of the re- ligious instinct. Do I criticise too sharply? following extract reply: Let the ‘“‘We would not scare the well-dressed, pious fool Or knave, who loudly enters with the throng The so-called house of God, vain-florious man, To help his bought-salvation cause along.” “Religious sentiments” and “honest convictions” can hardly co-exist with the bitter sneering that fumes from these verses. Many of us Christians have a very tender sympathy witha certain-type of liberalists; but we find it hard to think kindly of those that take apparent pleasure in violating sen- timents like those quoted above. These words are not worthy of a follower of One Who said, ‘‘Consider the lilies of the field” —‘‘They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick” —‘“‘Behold I stand at the door and knock.”’ The holiest man I eyer saw, he was at the head of a great school for boys, said once, in substance: ‘If [ could only have my own way about it, with- out shocking the great religious world about me, I would have my boys out on the campus at base-ball and cricket after they had been to church on a Sun- day morning.’ Here now is a possible ground between Liberalism and the Church. Only, the whole ground, or none of it, must be occupied by each. It is only after men have as- sembled and met together ‘‘to render thanks for God’s inestimable benefits,” to ‘“‘hear His Holy Word,” that they have the right to go out, with light heart and joyous step to enjoy the won- drous beauties, ever fresh, inspiring common THE OOLOGIST. 99 cand invigorating, with which the great Father has tilled and gloritied His ~world. I must apologize to your readers for taking up so much space with matter :so “‘unscientific.’’ But it is a part of the fairness of scientific inquiry, as well as -of the generosity of fraternal courtesy, ‘to hear both sides. Those of us that have read and heartily enjoyed the -@6LOGIST for years would fain have it -the exponent of all that is generous and “uplifting, in human thought and human -feeling. P. P. PEasopy, Hallock, Minn. “Feather Lined Nest of American Red- start Containing Freak Eggs. On May 380, 1896, I found a peculiar ‘nest of the American Redstart which also contained a set of four peculiar -eggs. The framework of the nest is made of fine grasses and narrow strip- pings of grape vine bark and the out- -side being covered with a grayish col- ored material from weed stalks which -gives it the appearance of a Yellow Warbler’s nest. The peculiar feature about this nest however, is the profuse lining of feathers evidently brought by the Redstarts from a hen yard about 15 rods away. I have found several nests of Redstarts with afeather or two stuck into the nest but the usual lining of fine grasses and hair prevail here. Three of the eggs are freaks both in points of size and shape. They are pyriform or pear shaped after the manner of Kill- -deers eggs and they measure .74x.53, 74x.58, .74x.58, .68x.50 respectively. C. F. STONE. Branchport, N. Y. Nature Study. A little conversation which I recently had with a lady whose occupation is -teacher in r district schools, illustrates the changes in opinion which a few years have brought about. This lady was most anxious to learn all she could about birds and also to learn taxidermy for use in her teaching. Shetold me that her scholars showed such enthusi- asm that it was hard for her to keep pace with them in such lines. While we welcome the giving away of the old-time neglect of natural science studies, yet this movement carries with itanew danger With thousands of enthusiastic young students roaming | field and forest what will be the result? How can the few individals of a rare Species escape these eager hands. And ~ of this number of eager searchers, how maby will maintain their love and labor in the field of nature through ripe years? When species after species has has been gradually depleted into event- ual extermination, what percentage can be said to have been Sacrificed in a good cause? Can the tide of study be turned from collecting and mounting to observing and investigating? Can the gun give place to the note book? Or what will be the outcome of this growing interest in natural science and will the value of protection and preservation be realized before that which is studied is forever a thing of the past. And if the worse of the two alterna- tives come to pass on whom will the re- who of all can individual responsi, B. L. BownpisH. sponsibility rest, or shake away an bility. Nesting Habits of the Black-Throated Green Warbler. Although this bird seems to be fairly common in this locality, I see very lit- tle in the OoLoGIsT as regards him. He might be called rare by those not ac- quainted with his song. After learning his song I was surprised to find how many were in the woods about here. 100 The Black-throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens) arrives on the coast of Connecticut during the first or sec- ond week of May. Often while tramp- ing about the groves of hemlocks and cedars I have heard them singing on all sides. The song generally sounds like Te de.de de deor Te de de de Birdie. Although this bird appears to be socom- mon but few of the nests have been found in this locality. 1t has, however, been my good fortune to procure a set of 4 eggs, also to examine several nests. My first nest was found by accident on June 18th, 1893. It contained 3 eggs of D. virens.and one of the Cowbird. They were so badly incubated that I could do nothing with them. The second nest was found by Mr. Henry W. Beers of this city on May 30, 1894. It contained 4 eggs which also were so badly incubated that it was impossible to save them. The third nest was found June 10th, 1894, con- tainiug 8 eggs whichI left until June 17th when the nest and 4 eggs were taken. Mr. Beers and myself found several other nests the same season and they were apparently destroyed by squirrels. All of the nests were placed in hem- locks or cedars from ten to fifteen feet from the ground, and with one excep- tion were built at the end of a long slender branch. The nests were com- posed of small twigs, thin bark strips, a few pieces of dry leaves, and pieces of wooly substances. The lining of hair, weeds, stalks, and feathers. The fav- orite nesting place appears to beona side hill covered with hemlocks and cedars. The eggs are four in number and have aground color of creamy white and are spotted with chestnut and lilae gray, mostly at the large ends. During the fall ‘migrations this bird is very common, disappearing during the second week of October. JESEE C. A. MEEKER... Bridgeport, Conn. fHE OOLOGIST. THE OOLOGIST. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to OOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Editor and Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. Correspondence and items of interest to the SUE of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited rom all. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: Single subscription................50¢ per annum Sample! coplesiiser -iiecieisieisioeiee ee SAC IDODO -5¢ each The above rates include payment of postage. Each subscriber is given a card good for a Want, Exchange or For Sale Notice. (This card is redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.) Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OoLogisr can be furnished at reasonable rates. Sena stamp for descrip- tions and prices. ("Remember that the publisher must be noti- fied by letter when a subscriber wishes his paper stopped, and all arrearages must be paid. ADVERTISING RATES: 5 cents per nonpareil line each insertion. 12 lines in every inch. Seveninches in a col- umn, and two columns to the page. Nothing inserted for less than 25 cents. No ‘special rates,” 5 cents per line is ‘‘net,” ‘‘rock bottom,” ‘‘inside,” ‘‘spot cash” rate from which there is no deviation and no commission to agents. If you wish to use 5 lines or less space it will cost you 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50.00. “Trade” (other than cash) advertise- ments will be accepted by special arrangement only and at ratesirom double to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in advertis- ing will be honored only at regular rates in force at the date ot issuance of said bill or card. Remittances should be made by Draft, Express or Postoffice Money Order, Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U.S. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for sums un- der one dallar. Make Money Orders and Drafts payable and address all subscriptions and com- munications to FRANK H. LATTIN, Aibion, Orleans Co., N. Y. (ENTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT ALBION, N. Y., AS SECOND-GLASS MATTER. ee a EE Oe wee teeersre nears Nesting of Clarke’s Nutcracker. Would the readers of the OdLOGIST like to hear about collecting here in the wilds of Montana? Well, to begin, I will tell you sbout my vot collecting the eggs of Clarke’s Nutcracker. Clarke’s Nutcracker is about the size of an eastern Blue Jay but more plump. Coues gives a good description of ,it in his ‘‘Key” also a good picture of the bird. They roam about in small bands of four or six, sometimes I have seen : ‘THE OOLUGIST. 101 eight together; they are as noisy asa Jay and keep up a continualscreaminy. They fly similar toa Crow while their cry resembles a Jay. They are wary and generally keep at a safe distance when they suspect danger. This is my first year up here and of course [ had a great deal to learn about our feathered friends. I soon learned the name of the Nutcracker, who has been nicknamed up here a_ s‘‘Camp Robber.” My brother told me he found a nest last year in April containing young so [ concluded they were early nesters. Along in February the voice of the Nutcracker was about all si- lenced, so said I to my brother, they must be getting ready to keep house. Time went on until one day in March while logging, in passing a tree [ no- ticed a nest in it which 1 had not no- ticed before, so I concluded it was a new nest and one of the Clarke’s Nut- cracker. I watched and soon seeing some of the birds around concluded they were the owners. I climbed the tree which was a young pine with limbs from the ground up and nest about twelve feet up- I looked in the nest and saw it was not finished, so I waited. That day I saw the old bird carry some ma- terial for lining so I knew the nest was nearly finished; so I waited longer. One day, or rather the next day, while hauling logs I saw the bird on, so I counted ahead, if the bird laid every day I would get the eggs on such a day. That day came and up I went. Old Mrs. Nutcracker was at home and would not leave but opened her mouth in surprise at the horrid being coming up the tree. I reached towards her but she would not leave so I took her gently by the bill and pulled her from the nest and held her in my hand until I looked in the nest, then let her tly. Yes, I looked in, there were three eggs and such nice ones. I quickly came down and went away so the bird could go back, which she soon did, and I was compelled to wait for I wanted a full set. Well, to make a long story short, the day before | intended to get: them I passed the tree and saw the old birds hopping about and picking in the nest, so | watched them and very soon concluded something was wrong, so up the tree I went, when lo and behold the eggs were gone. A fresh snow had fallen and the tell- tale tracks of a pine squirrel told the story. He had got there a day ahead of me. Tecut down the tree and exam- ined the nest, which looked like a Crow's nest on a small seale, and here is a description of the nest as I wrote it then. Onter nest of freshly broken pine sticks, next a layer of bark, a thick laver of dry rotten wood in bot- tom, the rotten wood extending up the sides a piece, then a thick lining of fine inner bark. Nest was deeply cupped and situated in young pine about. twelve feet from ground. The day the squirrel got the eggs was the 18th of March, 1897. I found an- other nest on the 380th of March con- taining young, which were about a month old. The nest made same as one described; another nest of last yeac on tree very near made same way. An- other nest I found but eggs were gone, nest built same as the others. I waded in snow knee deep but could find no more nests. So you see why I did ot collect any eggs of Clarke's Nut- cracker this year. Amos M. PYFER, Salesville, Montana. =< Cologist Association Notes. Members of the Odlogists’ Association will please forward their votes upon the following amendments to the Constitu- tion of the Association to the President. at once: (1) To amend Section 3 of Aritcle IV of the constitution, by omitting all after 102 the word ‘application,’ making it to read as follows: All nominations for membership shall be sent to the Secy- Treas. of this Association and shall then be referred to the executive com- mitte which shall pass upon same. (2) To amend Section 4 of Article [V ‘to read as follows: Ifa majority of the executive committee shall vote in the affirmative upon a nomination for mem- bership, the applicant shall be elected to membership, and the Sec’y-Treas. Shall notify applicant and members who nominated same, of such action at once. (83) To amend Section 5 of Article V to read as follows: The Executive Com- mittee shall consist of the President (who shall be chairman), the Vice- President, the Secretary-Treasurer (each of which shall be elected for one year) and two Executive Committee- men, who shall be elected for two years each, one to be elected every year. The Executive Committee shall publish al] reports, act upon all propositions and applications and be otherwise governed by this Constitution. The object of these amendments is to simplify the electing of new members, to place same in the hands of a commit- tee, and to reduce the work of the Sec’y-Treas. All members should express them- selves in this matter by voting either for or against the amendments at once. J. Warren Jacob of Waynesburg, Pa., C.F Stone of Branchport, N. Y., and W.J.B. Williams of Holland Patent, N. Y., were recently elected to mem- bership in the association. All members who have not yet sent copy of their notes upon the ‘‘Rap- tores” to James A. Dickinson, Gresh.- am, Neb,, should do so at once. A list of unreliable odlogists is to be prepared in the near future. If you know of any who are ‘‘crooked”’ or who have dealt with you fraudulantly, send me their names and address at once THE OOLOGIST. and a complete story of the transaction wherein they defrauded you. Do this at once. Members should try and secure new members. Secure a few copies of Bulle- tin No. 1 from secretary and send same to those you think would be interested, or send me their name and address and I willdo so. Isapor S. TROSTLER, Omaha, Neb. President. + Breeding of the Mourning Warbler. In the September, 1892 O6LOGIST at the close of my article on ‘‘Breeding Warblers of Western New York” Igave a list of Warblers which I had good reason to suspect nested in the limits of that article but could not find any posi- tive records. While out on a collecting trip on the 3lst of last May I met a friend on the same business. He said he had found a nest in aswampy wood a Short ways back that he thought was something rare. At his requestI went to the place with him little thinking that I was to make an indisputable rec- ord for one of my suspects. My friend led the way to an opening in a low wood one mile northwest of the village of Gaines, this county (Orleans), over- grown with underbrush and various weeds. I followed him to a mass of nightshade (bittersweet) and parting the foliage with his gun barrel disclosed a female Mourning Warbler sitting on her nest just above the ground support- ed in some old dead brush over which the Nightshade had trailed. On taking flight she revealed five eggs of an un-. usual type which if it should be con- stant with the species would easily dis- tinguish them from other ground Warb- lers. After securing the birds we took the eggs, which proved to be fresh, and the nest. The latter was built mainly of dead leaves with grass blades and lined with fine rootlets and hairs. ; Eggs were creamy white, broadly ovate, shell markings of pale lilac over- THE OOLOGIST. laid with blotches and specks of light chestnut and on two eggs a very few spots of a darker brown or umber. Ail more or lessinclined to form wreathes at larger end. Sizes: 78x57; 70x56; 72x56; 69x54; 72x56. Type of markings is very similar to some sets of Black and White Warbler but eggs are small- er and more pointed than that species. The set is now in the fine collection of Mr. W. A. Davidson of Detroit, Mich. I might alsc mention the finding of nests of Hooded and Cerulean Warbler thesame day. The former is becoming quite common here. ERNEST H. SHORT, Albion, N. Y. < Queries Answered. In answer to Patronus Aviwm who asks the questions in your September number would say: 1st. Birds have buta single eyelid, ‘as with most mammals, but they are provided with a nictating membrane beneath the regular eyelid. Many spe- cies have two membranes making three eyelids if you wish to call them SO. 2d. The wishbone (clavicles joined) is the better form of bony framework to get a good wing action from the use of the pectoral muscles. 3d. All the Phalaropes fly, run and swim with ease and perfect grace. There are others, but none _ better adapted than these in America. 4th. The Great Crested Flycatcher and Blue Grosbeak place cast-off snake skins in their nests; the formerin about four instances in five; the latter not as often. Other birds have this peculiar- ity but not regularly. 5th. Do as you like; but if you adopt a style follow it exactly and give the Roman pronounciation: ce asi;i as e; easa;aasah;vasw, etc. Better to adopt the English. 6th. The Wilson’s Phalarope (female) 103 isin my opinicn the handsomest bird in America (not gaudy). It combines perfection in coloration and blending, and as well, necessary to beauty, per- fect symmetry and grace in every movement. The Blue Jay is the most intelligent bird, or perhaps the Canada Jay, or else the Black-billed Magpie or Crow. One af these four and I prefer to name the Jay. 7th. A matter of opinion with us no need of discussion. 8th. Albinism to any extent is a var- iation and hence an abnormality, but it is not a disease, for loss of pigment in shell or feather may be in evidence and the bird remain in perfect health. 9th. Have repeatedly observed par- ent-birds cover their eggs or young with spreading wings during a rain storm. 10th. Have never seen Goat-suckers transport their eggs, but believe that they dodo itin some manner. If Au- dubon says so, itis so. In-so-far as I have followed the great observer he is always correct; certainly truthful. Titus ANDRONICUS ORNIS MATERNUS, Oozamalak. A Collecting Ladle. On the 11th of Junn, ’92, I had the good fortune to find a Yellow-billed Cuckoo’s nest, but the nest was situated on a branchlimb ofa willow tree, which limb of course would split off very easi- ly, so I contrived an apparatus, which consisted of a baking powder box cover tacked onto the end of an 8 ft. stick, thus making a crude ladle, then climbed the tree, reached out with my primitive ladle, and in afew seconds had aset of five slightly incubated eggs. This idea may be useful to collectors. E. H. FLETCHER, Brockton, Mass. Ripans Tabules cure dyspepsia. Ripans Tabules cure nausea. 104 THE OOLOGIST List of Sets of Eggs of Warblers in the Collection of J. P. Norris, Jr. Oct. 1, 1897. A, O. U. NO. OF NO. OF NO. NAME. SETS. SETS. EGGS. . 636 Black and: White Warbler. 2-4 le... he ce 15 : 73 637 Prothonotary Warbler, 3-4, 21-5, 34-6, 15-7, 2-8............. Tomy 442 638) Siwainson’s!Wiarblery8-3%2-4, t:h5s... 25 oe eee. eee oe 11 37 639 Worm-eating Warbler, O28; QO AO - 0, ¢ G=Gine boc sie ache eheres 89 416 641 Blue-winged Warbler, 5-3, 12-4, 16-5, 1-6................ pod: 149. 642 Golden-winged War Hlere4-4) G00 .. eck ea 10 46. 643i uey siwWarblert-o 4-37 oscar... een genN a) he carne niet Waa 5 14° 645 Nashville Warbler, wees Het NSD) 9 Senet AURA RON ONC ACT DNs 7 28: 645a Calaveras Warbler, Te SEE Ota es 3: mse 3 pl hes eee cach ee 1 6462 Lutescent: Wanbler. 1-32-45) loli. . «scares cs acces eels 4 16 G48" JParuilia) Warbler, 1459221) oe oes, oa ay ce ee ren 3 14 648a Northern Parula Warbler. 2-2, 9-8, 21-4, 12-5, 8-7 ........., 47 196 Gd2i Yellows WarblerlG- 32504 n28-ome: . Sua ane enone 94 388. 654 Black-throated Blue Warbler, 1-8 ............... Cat sta ne 1 3. 654a7CairnsisPVWiaTroleiaidas onda iseeney s,s caer eins sear aes Hi 24. 655 Myrtle Warbler, 3 3, 2- cee 5 MS 5 ana eh a ti ty 656" Audiubon’s* Warbler. 137 2:4 tem 20 ee ee 4 16 657 Masnolia Warbler, 3. Dyn O Ay LEE ai Deer edie pee SO ane 62 246. 658i Cerulean War llertole Axles 3 7o let een ne anemia 2 9 659 Chestnut-sided War bleric4-3) Sileae: 2-5 ap ieenets ane See haa ee oon 37 146 660) Bay breasted; Warbler, 1-6... ace: ...: alee aie ees aera 1 6 661 Black-poll Warbler, Tey NG ee ean ere el em eM eon ty ats 19 87 662eBlackburnianewWiarolerrtsw4dltenpes..) 0s: aen seein er ee eeneieai 4 WE 663 Yellow-throated Warbler, 1-8, 5-4, 1-5............ ........ 7 2 664 .Grace’s Wiarblensl-a oc ccs eae «|< AeA Urge ae en ante 1 3 665 Black-throated’ Gray .Warbler, 3-4. ..:o9s.3 +2... . 22 estan 3 12 666 Golden-cheeked Warbler, 2-3, 15 4....................0005- 17 66 667 Black-throated Green Warbler, 11-4....................... 11 44 G7 Binet Warblers 1824.52 nee. cane neMr ae en neces er ieee a ate 20 82 672ar Wellowpkalm Warbler eae alciy mes |). Sasa annir iter near 2 9 G3) Erainies Warbler. 9:5; 30-4 A-One. , . oaeraeeeneys co eee ieee 52 208. G4 Owen: bind: a=2 "era 3h 317-4 sO longeG. . cannery en ete ener 105 458 Gate Wiaten-Whhruslay ye 245 ees eee 6 2 Sorters DBO eich ss 2 8. 676 Louisiana Water-Thrush, 2 4, 12-5, 1-6................... aie alta) 74 677 Kentucky Warbler, 5-2, 18-3, 83 4, 103-5, 1-6................ 210 917 679" Mourning Wiarllerii-4i 1a cataiae). . 8 ae reese tee ot ai eae eee 1 4 680, Maegillivray’s Warbler, 1-3, 3-459-5. 0.00.00. sige wee ee 5 20 681 Maryland Yellow Throat, 1-2, 5-3, 35-4, 5-5...... .......... 46 182 G8ila Western: Yellow zbhroat 7-4 liebe. . oe nee ae a een 8 33 G8ib Hlorida WellowLhroats2-o nee. sc seer ene ees 2 6. 682) Beldine ss Yellow @bbront il aeeey, . = lee eis ese 1 4 682k Mirador Yelllow; elehi@ aia Aiea rue eal tay sie eas 1 4 6838 Yellow-breasted Chat, 1-2, 35-3, 101-4, 2-5.................. 1389 521 683a,Wong-tailed’ @hati-d) G44 eae. cic nese ssi es! oa) otelee a tieeate 18 32 684) Hoodede War blerG=35) (S24) eee +25 3 ea ee os necro an 24 90 68d" Wallson’s* Warbler 325 4- Gr ieee is. os ane eieere oral aici rate eae 7 39: 685a" Pileolated:Warblers1=3 2724 See. . 32 os cee aac ce ates ances 11 46. 686" *Canadiany Warbler toe ysci yo ares & 02 Us ects Aye race eee Marae 1 5 687 American: Redstart: 6-3,°26-4. ler . 2 weirs ie see aes 33 127 688: i) Patnted Redstart. isd Ae ee. > creep aii emai regi ctea aaa 2 % 690) Red@faced? Warblers 1-45 2s cea. «\.: depoteleiae tesa ens Crue 1 4 THE OOLOGIST. Vv CALIFORNIA CURIOSITIES. Mounted Horned Toads, Tarantulas, Scorpions, Trap-Door Spiders, 5 Specimen Collections, etc. Also Trap-Door Spider’s Nesvs. Headquarters for Pincushions-both from Yucca Palm ana Redwood Bark. Lowest prices on -Orangewood Goods, such as Napkin Rings, Fancy Paper Cutters. etc. Best work on mounted specimens. . No trash. Wholesale Illustrated Price List free to o5t dealers only. c. W. TUTTLE, PASADENA, CAL. Shells, Marine Curios, &c. Iam now ready to supply first-class stock at low prices and should you wish anything from this section, let me hear from you. All inquir- ies will have a prompt reply. mtf J. H. HOLMES, Dunedin, Fla. Come to Florida. A fortune can be made in a few years in pineapples and tomatoes; vegetables raised the whole year. An ideal home. For particulars write R. P. Osler, Avon Park, Fla. 29&O0tf H. H.&C.S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- terial. Full data. Send stamp for lists. ae Revolvers, ne see te es Ee) =3y 5 ar Rte ie) NS > Send stamp een ee ee 20 Belted Kingfisher, 5.......................02.. . 40 IWVIESTEEMIGRE DENA eisai cin cies oes sie Ue celes 79 Horned Grebe. 8.... ....... a paeeete is eisl ase eID INOHERNIG UN AN Sindee cocompdoadse 6 bso TO oOeCeoores 20 iLenncdontias Guill Bp os6. do0d0a dos voho boos bobdos 20 Roadrunner, 4.. a Blends Dit St Cay peta) ISTis OR Rh Bsoccncob obooe ae caDbe suo) ecunboaecs 79 Red-shouldered aaw Rh tro toe SaaS aimee 45 IReGltiHl JSG eee uoomoaoedsc lEouS oe aera 70 Coopers Hawk. i Bk oh EBACE AR HL Ek ay it oa a 45 ATS S PALLOW El aAWKe Ose elie jetisoe tele * elclel==- 38 Turkey Buzzard, ra Wee atc, Lt OO) Mallard, 5, ‘ not complete”. Rin eee AO, Oven- bird, AEE RCN cle enta Naa Mra ule ren ahcatt a nde%e 25 Phainopepla, ee RR RN yh toare eee Pmmeaae Pentel yee (ahs 0555 25 SINGLE EGGS. Special offer for the balance of this year only. Send me 45 cents and receive by return mail postpaid, the following, 1 each: Wilorelkahaye? BITRE Soa ocoaododoades cogbacucposmADese BicoKaa UNaE SGI soko osocn pddob Meocogobabe code (Chirality Was WanmGRee aan macaoer era dca decent ee Yellow-breasted Chat..... ...........22020-0. Heerman’s Song Sparrow................ +555 Opibiioramey “Non dieOko ceoennadond see seombabe on TEIOUE, PIO Nea geomabledocmnneos couumecocosoenaaD Charlene \iitbsd aha enon cictios oon coc OSD SaaS HASismae Spotted Sandpiper... ........... /NS0\, NIB OW Reade (oo ougdudba oD osue Dwarf Cowbird IDO HG 6's Soncompesoedboshouoodoeppe eae ae ea IRGG EV ALS? 42 sergopaeguo coca ene PeOpideao cobemuane And my choice of either Gt. Blue Heron, Ring-bill Gull or Phainopepla, 15c: 14 eggs listing at $1.30 and never before sold at less than 62c, now postpaid for 45c. ‘ MISCELLANEOUS. Egg of Gopher Turtle.............. ....6 18 Egg of Spreading Adder................. 2U es Of Alligator sa c-sse eee) eee 18 Hee ofeAtr iOStrieChia- eer Aeee ree eeeeen i 40 Polished Carnelian or Wood Agate 14x Paphos -<27'%5 whale Ph ndis cogaindab poucoandausons 0 26 Large 4,5 and 6in. ones at.............. 37 to 75 ’ Fine 2d hand copy of Coues’ Key, good as new, last edition, at... ............. 5 44 Goss’ Birds of Kansas, good as new. 4 42 10 arrow points, all different, perfect and labelled for... .. 35 A fine Bird Point from the celebrated Oregon localityess eect eo ee 25 I have a fine lct of single eggs of the Am. Herring Gull, large and showy, none better for trading purposes, which I offer at following low rates; CAV AR Oko VA=) dla dO) edine er Sense Sonne aoa cGUueabo co aG. sie iGlWoyAsia Woyese cb ooeododk Boos bade HOO. seo aLbood ia *2 dozen for. If possible send all monev by Post Office or Express Money Order. I will allow you to de- duct the cost of order from the amount sent me, All goods sent prepaid unless preceded by the star *. Starred items go at purchaser’s expense. Address plainly. ERNEST H. SHORT, ALBION, N. Y. SDABLD. : -Catalogue of Published Synopsis, Cata- logues and Lists of N. A. Insects with other Information to assist the stu- dent, 73 p.. Smith, Lankmanens ‘Family, Noctuids of Temperate N. A., 234 p., 5pl.. Lepidopterous Super family, Noctua, in Boreal America, 424 p.. Revision of Homokadens and ‘Hadena, 52 p., 2 pl.. : a Revision of the Rian, 80 = 4 ihe Williston, Synopsis oft the N.A. \. Syrphide, 336 p., 12 pl.. ; — wo a ww or ot Of OL or Oo S o _ =~ C= vo oO o ot cw) RS Ethnology and ee Eells, Indians of Washingtons, 78 p.. 50 Meson Abor eine Skis Dressing: 38 Ps 33 D : 50 Primitive Travel ad ‘Transportation, 358 p,, 25 pl., 260 fig.. a eee 00) N. A. Bows, Arrows ae. Quivers, 50 Pr 58 pl.. - 100 McGuire, Brimitive Methods Ae Dritling, 132 p., 201 fig.. - 100 Powell, Reports of can os mUnnlGee 4to, with maps and plates (many col- ored). Can furnish complete sets. Odd volume each $2 to $5. Write wants. Rau, Directions for oleee Aber ne Antiquities. 2 Thomas, Tmirections oeMionnal Ts ploraion 10 Thompson, Te Pito Te Heuna or Hester Island, 106 p., 49 pl.. > Wilson, The Swastika; eee “of. TE dustries in Prehistoric Times, 256 yee 5 25 pl., 374 fig.. . 2 00 Wilson, Criminal inccopaineel 70p.. 40 Stud of Prehistoric Anthropology, Hand Book for Beginners, 76 p., 20 pl., 287 fig. 1 00 Botany. Coulter, Manual of Plants of Western Texas, The Polypetale, 156pp.... ....$ 1 C0 Do dodo. The Gamopetale, 250pp.... 1 25 Dodo do. The Apetale, Monocotyle- done, Pteridophyta, 250pp.... ........ 1 50 Revision of North Americian Cactuses, AAD P)aisieisieislcle) vin cleaistain ste staltatalstelaiaereiierteteialte 35 Plants of Rio Grande, 40pp.... .ccccosess. 35 Revision of Echinocactus, Cereus and Opuntia, 112 pion seco esenoseee eee 0) Carleton, Plants of Oklahoma and Indian Territory, 50pp....ee...+ see Sansod oc 3 50 Coville, Botany of the Death Valley Ex- pedition, 320pp, 22 plates........ aeeocee 0) Eggers, Flora of St. Croix and Virgin Tsles, 134pp.... 2.2. cee sence eee a Borbioosae rb) Flint, Catalogue of U.S. Materia Medica Collection, 48pp.-.....2..22 cece cceeceee 25 Gray & Hooker, Rocky Mt. Flora, 78pp.... 50 ee a ee a ee ee THE OOLOGIST. Havard, Flora of Wester and popenera Texas, SAP ye laie ai eiovs cle ister nicisis olan E 35 Holzinger, Plants of Northern Tadeo: 96pp 50 Hitchcock & Rose, Flora of Southwest Kansas and Big Horn Mountains, elgg 8 plates............ Riefetwroiwitiaic ctelgs = slotaa's 50 Knowlton . ee on for collecting Sears, 40pp, 9 sue co gsSDadou daado Sool 25 Leiberg, eas of Coeur Dalene Moun- tains, Idaho, 84pp.. eMafeciecis)eicteie 50 Merriam, Desert niece ean Shrubs of Meat HViAIeY, COPPrcaeeccsitaciccce sm 6 35 Rose, Plants of Sonora and Colima, Mex- ico, 150pp, 13 plates, 10 fig.............. ite) Rydberg, Flora of Sand Hills of Neb.,72pp 40 Flora of Black Hills, Dakota, 80pp...... 40 Vasey, GrasseS of the Southwest (Desert region of Western Texas,New Mexico, Arizona, South aot Vol. I, 100pp, 50 plates.. Sec seisrecn LOO Vol. ne 100pp, 50 plates.. 1 00 Grasses of Pacific Slope (California, ‘Or- egon, Washington, New Mexico Coast and Alaska). Vel. I, 100pp, 50 plates.. Vol. dite 100pp, 50 plates.. Grasses of the South, 64pp, 16 plates. 10) Grasses of U.S. and British Amer. 100pp. 75 ' Ward, Flora of Washington, D. ce and Vicinity, 266pp: 1 50 —aT S =) Ichthology, Conchology and Sea Products. *Kingsley, Lower Invertebrates, 500 pp., 22 plates, 500 cuts, sheep, ($7.50)........... $4 80 Brown, The Whale Fishery and Its eppls ances, 116 p.......... gadcobo6e (b) Binney, A Manual of N. A. Land Shells, DME asi! Onl aicisisseleleisisieisicisiclejeiiacieieeece: Oo DO Bibliography.of N. A. Conchology by American Authors, 650 pp. do do do by Foreign ators feces eeeee ses ~~ 0 BES) Daoncvds sabe wooo eoouod odaccao6c cacooncg tl BS) Bean, Collection of U. Fishes at Gt. Int. Fish. Ex., 124 p......... alslefelsisielelcicivisieicietersm «200. U.S. Coll. of European Fishes, 36 p...... 20 Directions for collecting and BL eSeLye ing Fish......... saoxes¢s 10 Catalogue of Fishes of JSST amUARES cent Waters, 34p........ cooacesoes onadeo Bf) Clark, Fishery Products and Apparatus Used in Preparation, 124 p.............- 75 Collins, Fishing Vessels and Boats and Their Equipmeut; Economic Condi- tion of Fisherman; Angler’s Outfits, etc., 180 p.... Dall, Index to Names Applied to Sub-divi- sions of Brachiopoda, 88 p.............- 60 Marine Mollusks of the S. E. Coast of U.S., 222 p., 74 nl. con., 700 fig......... - 350 Tnstructions for Collecting Mollusks and Other Useful Hints for the Con- chologist, 56 p., ills....... Limpets and Chitons of eigen and ALCiiG Regions. 64 Prscceetsecccwecceceee §=©690 Florida Land and Fresh Water Shells. 35p 35 Mollusca and Brachiodopa of Alba- zi tross Exploration, 144 p., 10 pl., 105 fig. 1 50 Earll, Apparatus for the Caubure of cae 20 siaele otele(elsisia(eiictels(slevelafetaiae/e clei» . 0 seecccscceccces DO Fish Cultural Exhibit, 96 Woacocd sood Goodies. tA0) Eigenmann,Fishes of San Diego,Calif. ,50 a 35 Evermann & Jemeins Fishes from eae ah % mas, (Mex.) 46 p.. niadaAdonopan ihilints 1) ( Fresh Water Fish of So. America, 82 p. 50» Goode, Fishes of the Bermudas, 82 p....... 50 Exhibit of U. S. Fisheries and Fish Culture at Berlin, 264 p................. 1 25 Descriptive Catalogue of Collections from U.S. to Gt. Int. Fish. Ex., Lon- Gon),783; 1834 pi c.wies sce eee 3 50 Synopsis of U. S. Collections, Gt. Int. Jan NT Dp-o5 ley Oesaocosads Botan er ecisiateroresa Bee Bib Fishes of St. Johns River, East Coast and Penracola, Fla.,48 P.csccccccseossss BO Gill, Bibliograpy of Fishes of Pacific Coast, (ES xp AB SRansaae E Jordan, Review of Rafinesque’s Memoirs on N, A. Wishes, 53p..... Spaobarmeoddeba BD) Contributions to N. A. Ichthology— (Ltheostomatide, Perchide, Siluride, ete., ete.) 120 p, 45 plates................ 1 00: ——& Brayton, Fishes of Alleghany Reg. of So. Car. Ga. and Tenn., 96 p..... .... Synopsis of yy PR Se ae (“Suckers”), 140 p.......... sleele\efeisieieeal tO ——& Gilbert, Synopsis of mines of N. ie , 1018 pp.. coos cnonooccde! 8) BN, —etal, Fish of E. Fla.; Des. of many Pacific Fish (Calif.-Alaska), etc.,132p. 75 eee acesee cesses seen Fishes of Pacific Coast of U.S., 72 p.-.-. 50 ——& Gilbert, Fishes of Pensacola,Fla. and Galveston, Mex GOhDenseriactieeeiae cence 50 —& Gilbert, Rishes of Charleston, South Carolina; Panama, 52)p.......cccce- cscs 35 Fishes of Key West, Fla., 48 p........+s00 35 List of Fishes of W.1., 55 p.....0...00 e000 35) Catalogue of Fresh Water Fishes of N. ANS, BO Decccaseocucaac Slvlolelelojatateiclelelel ciciebatstele 25- Kidder, Animal Heat of Fishes, 24p........ 25 Lockington, Pleuronectids of San Fran- cisco, 40 p........ occ cecccscevecsccccesess 30 McMerrich, Actinie of the Albatross Ex- pedition with Classification of Antho- WOE, YS 105 1 TO Gogooo coboodsasoo0 cso coon 15 Rathbun, Economic Crustaceans, Worms, Hcehinoderms and Sponges, 32p........ 35 Scientific Investigation of the Sea and Fresh Waters, 112 p....c..ee0 da86000560 0. Catalogue of Recent Echni, 38p.......... 35 Crabs of Hamily, Percloerides, 46 p., 18 PD leicisicjejsicisieisie ejeisisicieielels a\s\vlewieleieloieps DO Crabs of Family Maiide, 22. , Bpl..cocee 50 Smith, Crustacee Dredged in 64 to 325 fath- oms off S. N. E. Coast, 40 p....02.......+ 3) Crustacea of Labrador..................-- 25 Brachyura and Anomura of S. Coast of INGeHIE OO) Dirsieisteiete OpocdodASadobaneéouner eo §=650 Stearns, West American Shells, 22p., 3pl. 35 Shells from W. Coast of S. A., 30p....... 25 West African Mollusks, 24 p.......... e000 25. Mollusks of Galpagos Is.,98p., 2pl...... 75 Sieysen) Notes on Unionid# of Fla. and . E. States, 32 p.,26 pl..... S4000'00000050 Kip ree A Review of the Family Delphinide, 192 p., 47 pl... Gucacdiboad Gods edaecSacoDS 2 00 Collecting and Preserving nace and Porpoises, 24 p., 11 pl.. sletethaleintere(s ae A OON Verrill, Marine iertepeara of NE. Coast of America, 40) [Ow ddan shoo bdnodoonooddudne 35: Mollusca, Annelida, Echinodermata,etc. jrom N. E. Coast of America, 54p.. ... 35 Winslow, Economic Mollusca, ete.,86 p... 50 Williamson, Shells of San Pedro Bay, 42 1067 OI Dlacds anoocoat-aciag uuu oon Saga cosuDOue 50 THE OOLOGIST. Geology and Mineralogy. *Dana, Manual of Geology: 2d em ue P- 4 over 1000 figs. ($5).. é *Dana, System of Mineralogy, 4th Ea. "850 p., 600 fig. ($12.50). setaariee Dewey, Economic Geolozy and Metallur- - 5 00 ZY, 256 p., 34 plates......c.cs ccesenweveee | 5D Egelston, Catalogue of Minerals and Syn- onyms, Alphabetically arranged for Museum use, 198 p...-.......- .--- Bicisisieis Gurney, Crystallography, 128 p, 46 fig...... Hayden, Geological Survey of Idaho and Wyoming by Endlich, White, Peale, St. John, ef al., 680 p., 76, pl............. Hayden Survey Case containing 7 large Geological Maps of Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Yellowstone Park,etc............ Hayden Survey of Wyoming, Prelimi- nary eDOES Geolsey, Paleontology. ete., 512 p.. sogeeont Hayden Sater. Sallis tone National Park. Geology by Holmes; Thermal Springs, Peale; Topography, Gannet, 528 p., 96 plates, 32. g., 10 maps........ Marcon, Bibliography of Publications re- lating to Fossil Invertebrates, 334 p.... Catalogue of Mesozoic and Cenozoic VOSSTISMO4. Persia sielalelstulcleleielefe.n © /an'sieiriaie/=\stsintate Merrill, Hand-book and Catalogue of Building and Ornamental Stones in U.S. Nat. Museum, 872 ..csee. cece w nee Hand-Book of Dept. Geology of U, S. Nat. Museum, 50 p............ Geology: Materials of the Earths Crust, Gi) he TOlt-Gag docacace pepo uKds Geoo dono oes The Onyx Marbles, 48 p., 18 pl. cccee.- aces St. John, Geology of Wind River (Wyo.) District, 100 p., 49 pl......20..... eene ene White, Cretaceus Fossils of Western San and Ter., 8¢p., 18 pl........ Fossils of 1he Laramie Grou, 66 p. i mie Relation of Biology to Geological Inves- tigation, 124 P.ccc.e.... 3 ——& Nicholson, Ea Oe ep hy is of N. A Paleontology, 132 p... So bSatcco0 Cope, Vertebrata of Portia Roane 4to, 1043 pp, 134 plates... 5 ais Lesquereaux, Cretaeeous and tertiary Floras, 4to. 295pp, 60 plates.. Leidy, Fresh Water Rhizopods of North America, 4to, _ 3835p), 48 ill., 1190 col.figs Scudder, Tertiary Tnsects of North Amer- ica, 4to, 734pp, 28 plates .. US. Geological Survey, Annual te Can furnish complete sets or odd vol- umes at from $1 to.$3 each. Write wants. Pacific Railroad Survey. Report of Ex- plorations west of Mississippi River, 13 vol., cost $200, 4to, over 7000 pages, 640 plates, &e., &C. Birds, Mammals, Fishes, Reptiles, Botany, Geology, Palaeontology, &c. eretgint at pur- chasers expense. Only FE Odd volumes $2 to $5 ences “Write wants. Hayden, U. S. Geological and Geographi- cal Survey of Territories. Annual Reports. Bulletins, &c. Write wants, Wheeler, Geological Surve a west of. 100th Meridian. Reports. rite wants. secccece zeceseee SeGcdoo sae 1 00 50 3 00 1 00 2 00 4 25 4 25 3 25 15 00 Ornithology and Oology. Baird, Review of the Birds of North and Middle America. 478pp, 80 fig..........8 2 00 Bendire, Directions for Collecting,Prepar- ing and Presesving Birds Eggs and INGRHEIS SCACASEHE Base eecvee censce suse cone The Cowbirds, 38pp, 3 plates..... sisiceeieiee Bruner, Birds of Nebraska, 142pp, 51 fig... Cooke, Bird Migmatlon of Mississippi Val- ley, 312pp.. cs Birds of Colorado. 142pp. Sisjniniots pa Spe eels Coues, American Ornithological Biblio- graphy Systematically Arranged by Hamilies, 536pp...........- Beonoricdoos Do do do Faunal Publications other than North American, 92pp............ Coues & Prentiss, Avi Fauna Columbiana, (Birds of District of Columbia) revis- ed edition, 134p, 100 fiff........ eia(aeeie mere Davie, Egg Check List North American Birds, 1st edition...... Sisisin/a(uieiwaiaisioveinsienn Nests and Eggs of North American BiTGS \2G CC i GLOW. crejeaieteetee iterate previews Fisher, Hawks and Owls of U. S., 210pp, 25 colored plates............ ainteiesotomeeie Hatch, Birds of Minnesota, 488pp.... Kirkwood, Birds of Maryland, 142pp ...... Knight, Birds of Maine, 182pp.... Leverkuhn, Fremde Hier im Neste, 214pp.. Lucas, History and Anatomy of Great Auk, 38pp, 2 plates..... booos S555 Macfarlane, Birds and Eggs of Arctic America, 34pp.. Merrill, Ornithology of Southern Texas’ S6pp. 3 plates...... sis eisinac 0 Oates, Birds of British India, Cevier ad Burma, 994pp, 271 fig., 2 vol. Ridgeway, American Falconide, ‘S2pp. Soe American Heriodiones, 34pp Aquatic and Fish Kating Birds, 52pp... Birds of Illinois, 2 vol., 802pp, 65 plates. Catalogue of North American Birds,84pp Directions for Collecting Birds.......... Hummingbirds, 132pp, 46plates, 47 fig.. Nomenclature of N. A. Birds, 94pp...... Sennett, Ornithology of Lower Rio Grande; 1386p Piececwio= soleeemeteste accwes cic Shufeldt, Comparative Oology of North American Birds, 34pp........ eevee cece Smithsonian Instructions for Collecting Nests and Eggs....... Bea Birds and Mammals of Philippines, 1iDoosace ag DduC od0K Sees) ecee ees Sisveos Thompson, Birds of Manitoba, 188pp......« Tristarm, Field Study in Ornithology..... Zoology. Hornaday, Directions for Removing and Preserving Skins of Mammals........ Extermination of the, Amppiea ‘Bison, 180pp, 22 plates.. Kumlien, e¢ al, Natural History of Arctic America, 180pp. Usaen gs soos boo Ses es5 Lucas, Preparation of Rough Skeletons.. Scudder, Nomenclator Zoologicus (An Alphabetical list of all Generic names employed by Naturalists for Recent and Fossil Animals from earliest times to 1880), 716pp.. Stejneger, Directions for Collecting Rep- . tiles and Batrachians.. aettstetitco ss ee cece co ce wHee Pe er 1 50 50 1 00 3 00 2 50 1 25 1 25 1 00 35 50 8 00 25 SS ee ee —_— + THE OOLOGIST. “Saved Her REMOVAL SALE. In May I expect to remove tomy new house at Kew Beach, Toronto, and wish to reduce my large stock of Birds Eggs and Skins, and in order to do so I am offering sets and slngle eggs at astonishing low DEUCES Here are a few samples. Ancient Murrelet, sets of 2...... ...... $2 50 per set Parasitic Jeger, sets of 2..:............ a) 85 be Least Auklet, sets of 1 Mew Gull, sets of 3 ........ oe. tf Franklin’s Gull, sets of 3 &s Stormy Petrel, sets of 1.................. 20 Manx Shearwater, sets of 1............. 30! Cormorant, sets of 4.00.0... 40 We American Eider, sets of 5......... ...... 60 He Duniliny sets Of'4.-2-.22. 50. ae Ringed Plover, sets of 4.................. 40 sf Turnstone, Sets Of 3........0.00...2t 22... 2 00 OG Harris Hawk, sets of 8............. 60 es Swainson’s Hawk, set 3. 50 OY Kestrel Hawk, sets of 4. 40 f Golden Eagle, Sets of 2...... .... 5D 00 oa Gray Sea Eagle, sets of 3................ 3 00 i Duck Hawk, sets of 4.........2.2...02222.2.. 3 50 HS Send for full list to W. RAINE, D2t 181 Bleecker St., Toronto, Canada. BARGAINS FOR COLLECTORS. * 100 first-class specimems..........2..0.022.02..0...--. $1 00 100 nice Sea Shells LOOT KECEC ONS. <2 7 eo ee, . 3 00 OMLITES COMO OLS sateen et ee a ye Ee 1 00 30 Tropical Botanical specimens ......... ....... 1 00 A PTALEOW WOLDS ec Se 50 AO MAICE MINE Al Ses s-Se e a e 1 00 All prepaid. 500,000 specimens in stock from all parts of the wor.d. Everything perfect. Satisfaction guaranteed or money refunded. Send stamp for bargains list and drawings. All orders promptly filled. JOHN B. WHEELER, East Templeton, Mass. NEW ENGLAND MINERALS. Rhomb Spar, R. 1., Beryl, N. H.; Actinolite, R. 1I.; Galenite, Mass. 44 pound specimens of either postpaid for only 10 cents; or the four for only 30 cents. The above is only a sample of the bargains I am offering in New England Minerals. Write your wants and send for lists. I handle only good fresh material—no rubbish. ROBERT BURNHAM, No. 143 Gallup St., PROVIDENCE, R. I. THE ROGHESTER HERALD ONE GENT. $3 A YEAR. ORDER OF YOUR DEALER, OR BY MAIL. ee JOHN WALLET, of Jefferson, Wis., than whom none is more highly esteemed or widely known, writes. “In 1890 [had a severe attack of LaGrippe and at the end of four months, in spite of all physicians, friends and good nursing could do, my lungs heart and nervous system were so completely wrecked, my life was de- spaired of, my friends giving me up. I could only sleep by the use of opiates. My lungs and heart pained me terribly and my cough was most aggravating. I could not lie in one position but.a short time and not on my left side at all. My husband brought me Dr. Miles’ Nervine and Heart Cure and I be- gan taking them. WhenI had takena half bottle of each I was much better and contin- uing persistently I took about a dozen bot- tles and was completely restored to pea to the surprise of all.” ‘ tad oes Dr. Miles’ Remedies # are sold by all drug-§ gists under a positive § guarantee, first bottle benefits or money re- funded. Book on dis- eases of the heart and nerves free. Address, eee DR. MILES MEDICAL CO., Elkhart, Ind. MEXICAN COINS. ic, 2c and 5c nickel uncirculated, and lc copper. Set of 4 prepaid for only 12c. The nickel coins were in circula- tion only a few months in ’82-’83 may become exceedingly rare in a few years. ROBERT BURNHAM, 143 Gallup St., Providence, R. I. THE OOLOGIST TSIM EN Pronounced by Experts the Standard of the World. Ask your deaier for WINCHESTER make of Gun or Ammunition and take no other. — FREE :--Our new Illustrated Catalogue. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., New Haven, Ct. The Nidologist. By a recent purchase I have obtained all the remaining back numbers of this valuable magazine from,its Publisher. The ‘‘Nid” was, during its existence, the most popular of all O. and O. publi- cations and was the pioneer illustrated ‘‘Bird” magazine. Back numbers are just as valuable to the collector today as they were on the date of issue. Now is the time to fill the gaps in your file or to obtain complete volumes. Send your list of wants and obtain prices.—I will make them right. I now quote, prepaid: Volume I complete, $4.00. es II ah 1.00. es Tiss 2.00. is EV ieee’ I. OOseem Complete File, Volumes I to IV, $7.00. I will send you a package of 14 back numbers all different, my selection for 75 cents. _ Or a package of 25 all different, my selection, for only $1.25. -I WANT and will allow good exchange or cash prices for the’ following issues September, October, November and December, 1893; February, 1894; September and October, 1895. Address, FRANK H. LATTIN, ALBION, N. Y. THE OOLOGIST. Vv Minerals, Fossils and Shells cut and polished at e our Steam Lapidary Shop, recently fitted up on the most improved plans. where we do first-class work at reasonable prices. Cabinet work a specialty. Polished material for sale. JOHN G. BUXTON, Milo Centre, N. Y. _ We have some com- pound Folds in rock, and a few Banded Sandstone Faults, both very interesting to Geologists, and a quantity of polished material for sale. We make a specialty of cutting and polishing cab- inet material at our Steam Lapidary Shop. John G. Buxton, Milo Centre, N. Y. Ve. You Can't Make >) Look Chicago Under the Enamel! We want bright business men to represent us every where. MONARCH CYCLE CO., a White Plume from a Crow’s Tail, nora good — Bicycle from Castings. The MONARCH ®@ @) is good all through. New York London. vi THE OOLOGIST PRICES FOR BACK NUMBERS OF THE YOUNG OOLOGIST _ THE OOLOGIST will, during 1898, remain as quoted below After which the prices of many numbers will be advanced and possibly not obtainable at any price. Should you desire back. numbers to complete your file Now is the time to purchase. You can never obtain them for less money and possibly not at any price, as our' stock ranges from only 2 to 25 copies of an issue. Prices for 1898 are as follows: Nos. 18, 32 and 42 can no longer be furnished,— 35 cents each when in stock. Nos. 15, 21, 23-24, 34-35, 89, 111 are 25c each. Nos. 1, 14, 88, 127, 15¢ each. Nos. 9, 11, 18, 16, 53, 66-67, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 87, 90, 101, 113, 114, 115, 130, 182, 187, 10c each. (= All other numbers, 5c per copy. For 50cC [ will send a package of twenty (20) all different back numbers, my selection. For $x I will send a package of fifty (50) back numbers, all different, my seleetion. For $2 I will send a package of ninety (90) back numbers, all different, my selection. For $5 I will send by return mail a copy of every issue published (excepting 18, 32 and 42)— Nos. 1 to 139 inclusive. : My prices for back Nos. of the YOUNG OOLO- GIST and OOLOGIST in volumes, are as follows: Vol. T. 1884-5, INOS= litod2. 2 eee eee $ .60 SLD. 1885; opie \SYs: Wi aV'5 a I Capel cy a ea 20 ‘© TIT. 1886, *« 15 to 200acking No.18) .35 oo eLVie MABS 7. IRON TR Woy PAi Agar cae sey et .45 So Nic. > BSS, “* 27 to 38(lacking No.32) .50 ‘© VI. 1889, ** 39 to 50 do 42 40 “ VII. 1890, OU UONGS Saou eam asec ealy 50 “¢ ‘VITI.1891, oe AOD O MEA e ts CORO ne at Sa 50 TX. 1892; DOWNES) 18 OY tol Some cent UC tere OM Mii git, Camm eB SRE OMLORG Or eter 75 ‘“ XI. 1894, es 50 te XT ASOD. San boM22 -60 “© XIII,1896, Ura itay Ua ene gee eee ers Pah cys) < XPV.1897. Ee OU NUOw lee ee 50 BOUND VOLUMES. Can be furnished,strongly bound in cloth and boards, as follows: Vol. IT and II YOUNG OoLOoGIST bound in one Vol. II. and IV, THE OOLOGIST, bound in ONEsVOlMMe WOM] Viscose see ee ee 1.00 Vol. IX. THE OOLOGIST for ’92, 298 pages of valuable and instructive Oological and Ornithological matter with many full Magen uStrablOm spas oe sees ee ae eee 1.00 Or, if you order the three volumes ait one time, Wwe will send them by return mail for only $2.50. Every student of birds, their,nests and eggs should have these three volumes in their libra- ry. The valuable information they contain, is worth many times the price. Address plainly FRANK H. LATTIN, Publisher of THE OOLOGIST, ALBION, N.Y. dated December. IMPORTANT. This issue of THe OdLocIsT was at first_intended as a Supplemental one for December issue, and the January one mailed with this was to have been However it was con- sidered better to call one issue the De- cember and the other January issue— thus avoiding double numbers as ar- ranging it So we can catch up by issu- ing both February and March numbers early in March. ‘This December, ’97 and the January, ’98 issues are mailed to regular subscribers in the same wrap- per on February 14 Extra Special. Any person purchasing Books to the amount of $1.00 or over at prices offer- ed in this issue will be entitled to THE O6GLOGIST one year, with an exchange coupon, gratis. Offer good until April first only. CALIFORNIA CURIOSITIES. Mounted Horned Toads, Tarantulas, Scorpions, Trap-Door Spiders, 5 Specimen Collections, ete. Also Trap-Door Spider’s Nesis. Headquarters for Pincushions both from Yucca Palm and Redwood Bark. Lowest prices on Orangewood Goods, such as Napkin Rings, Fancy Paper Cutters, ete. Best work on mounted specimens. No trash. Wholesale Illustrated Price List free to o5t dealers only. Cc. W. TUTTLE, PASADENA, CAL. of all kinds on NATURALISTS’ PRINTING oa" paper cheap. Egg labels lic per 1006 small; 25 per 100 large. Fossil 10c per 100, Letter heads 35 per 100. Send copy for prices.. D. H. EATON, Woburn. Mass. H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY, COLLECTORS, RALEIGH, N. C. First-class Skins of Birds and Mammals, Bird’s Eggs, Reptiles and Batrachia both Alive and in Alcohol. Histological Ma- terial. Full data. “Send stamp for lists. THE OOLOGIST. vil FRANK H. LATTIN, Publisher, Albion, N. Y. Enclosed find 50 cents for which send THE O6LoGIsT one year, inelndine one Exchange Coupon and $1.00 worth of Premiums to the following address: S doc O68 3 OOO BIOS Clg 4S OGIN O:0'0 Ord O10 GO OIUIOLG UO Oo) OIe- 0 Ooo Olid OIC 0 U0 Oe DCO OI GEO mice mircn aco OO 60-5 sooo. 6500 0b UO SON 0 8 b-o0-010 4 6-00 DIO DOIOIOnO oO /0l So CooibsttsO Uc) 01d 20-0; O/0l0"OO.obam dOrO"o Ose OrciCnONOo.0 Gag o SeCEcenisaetelcichencie Her clicielalaliohetelreliclies -Msticliciieli\ o\cl.s)iv/e/ «| \e\s' )loels i eheireeniislis) vplehey eiejielieielelielie)ie! se\ehalis fofene/ ie aielel Melavalte tole eee ee te wee tem et hee eee eee mene rene ee ees eres cee sere rerast reer eesereessere Seen aialetotonch cnc meiedcicncicckielicta. sl ai istiotelieisizeis, (e <0» 0): le) elie silo! wlelie) le!) e\ 0) e! le) 0\'el-ejie |e) ej © oie) e/ a) bie) ser etieneqshie) efieierelaliel/e) eiichim Cee ne NY Paatellaheltcticlivietoliciellaliels) lesaiisichetelc alee) (ete s\'ais)e)/t)e/\e ce) ee20>eeleie/=!\¢)\el-a) 0) 00) /e) ees! 8) y ere.) @) 01.0) 0)e sie,4. e500 66/2 (0,00, 0) selene. t= Remember.—That for only 50 cents every subscriber will receive THE QUOLOGIST, as issued, for one year, and in addition will receive by return mail, one exchange coupon and $1.00 worth of premiums as offered on back of this blank. Write above the ones you prefer and mark on back of this blank a few extras to be used in case we should be out of your first choice. This offer will hold good until April 1, 1898, only. BE SURE and address all of your letters and orders plainly and in full to -FRANK H. LATTIN, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y. Vili want or prefer, enclose, with THE OOLOGIST. $1.00 WORTH OF PREMIUMS ABSOLUTELY FREE TO EVERY SUBSCRIBER T0 THE OOLOGIST. Lattin, Publisher, Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y., and mail at once. the coupon and the Premiums selected and the OoLoGIST will be mailed as issued for an entire year. BIRDS EGGS. Pied-billed Grebe........ ...... $ Common} Eern’ oti kN Farallone Cormorant...... a Shovellerv223) aes White-faced Glossy Ibis... Bartramian Sandpiper...... Spotted Sandpiper............ Hilla Cer sess eee ees Florida Bob-white...... __.... Columbian Sharp-tailed GEOUSC ie sso bare aes American Barn Owl Screech Owl......... Burrowing Owl... Yellow-billed Cuckoo... Hairy Woodpeckevr............ Red-bellied Woodpecker... Red-headed Woodpecker... 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