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The Ontario

Natural Science Bulletin

Journal of the

Wellington Field Naturalists’ Club,
Guelph, Ont.

ITo. 1. 1005.

The Birds of Wellington County, Ontario.

BY A. B. KLUGH.

Wellington County is situated almost exactly in the centre
of the peninsular of Ontario formed by Lakes Ontario, Erie and
Huron. Its greatest length from north-west to south-east, is
about 60 miles, its greatest breadth about 27 miles. The gen-
eral slope is toward the south. The county is for the most part
under cultivation.

The Avifauna of the county is interesting because of the fact
that the difference between the northern and southern portions
is very marked, and because its southern boundary appears to
form the southern breeding limit for several birds of the Cana-
dian zone.

Zoogeographically the fauna is Alleghanian, strongly in-
clined towards Canadian.

Having no beaches our fauna is poor in Limicolae. Most
of the Anatidae recorded were seen at Puslinch Lake, a body of
water about miles by J mile at the south-west corner of the
county, or at Pike Lake, a sheet some 1 mile by \ mile, near
Mount Forest.

The nomenclature and classification used in this list is that
of Coues’ “Key to North American Birds,” (fifth edition), with
a few modifications, namely, that the sequence is that of the
A.O.U. Checklist, the original spelling of names is preserved
and a few sub-species are not recognized, in which last case a
note is made of the fact.

a

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2 The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

# . ' . _ r m

The “Key” is used instead of the latest A.O.U. Checklist,
because the latter sets forth a nomenclature too fleeting in its
nature, and graces too many insignificant variations with a name.
That every slight variation should be recorded, is certainly of
importance, but the naming of them is quite another matter.

The writer is greatly indebted to Mr. Allan Brooks, now of
Comox, B.C., for a list of the birds observed by him during a
three years’ residence at Mount Forest, at the extreme north of
the county, and to Mr. P. A. Taverner, of Detroit, Mich., for
a list compiled during a two years’ stay at Guelph, also to the
members of the Wellington Field Naturalists’ Club, for numer-
ous notes furnished.

1. Colymbus holboellii. Holboell’s Grebe. Scarce migrant.
Most often seen in spring.

2. C. auritus. Horned Grebe. Common migrant, com-
monest in fall. One taken at Guelph, Dec. 30, 1904

3. Podilymbus podiceps. Pied-billed Grebe. Common migrant.

4. Gavia imber. Loon. Scarce migrant.

5. G. lumme. Red-throated Loon. Rare migrant.

6. Larus marinus. Great Black-backed Gull. 3 observed by
Mr. Allan Brooks in April, 1893.

7. L. argentatus. Herring Gull. Frequent migrant and
scarce winter visitor.

8. Sterna hirundo. Common Tern. Scarce migrant.

9. Merganser americanus. American Merganser. Frequent mi-
grant, sometimes spending the winter on open water on the River
Speed.

10. M. serrator. Red-breasted Merganser. Rare migrant.

11. Lophodytes cucullatus. Hooded Merganser. Scarce mi-

grant.

12. Anas boschas. Mallard. Scarce migrant

13. A. obscura. Black Duck. Frequent migrant.

14. Nettion carolinensis. Green-winged Teal. Scarce migrant.

15. Spatula clypeata. Shoveller. One seen by Mr. Allan

Brooks. ;

16. Daflla acuta. Pintail. Twice observed by Mr. Allan
Brooks.

17. Aix sponsa. Wood Duck. Rare migrant. Used to breed.

18. Aythyia americana. Red-head. Frequent migrant.

19. Fuligula marila. Scaup Duck. Common migrant; the
commonest of our Anatidae.

20. F. affinis. Lesser Scaup Duck. Frequent migrant at Mount
Forest.

Klugh— Birds of Wellington Co.

3

' 21. F . collaris. Ring-necked Duck. Frequent migrant at Mount

Forest.

22. Clangula clangula americana. American Golden-eye. Fre-
quent migrant and scarce winter resident.

23. C. albeola. BufFle-head. Frequent migrant.

24. Iiarelda hyemalis. Old-squaw. Scarce migrant.

25. Oidemia deglandi. White-winged Scoter. Scarce migrant.

26. O. perspicillatn. Surf Scoter. Scarce migrant. A small

flock seen at Puslinch Lake, Sept. 22, 1904, and one taken Sept. 23,
by the writer.

27. Erismatura jamaicensis. Ruddy Duck. Frequent mi-
grant.

28. Branta canadensis. Canada Goose. Frequent migrant.

29.. Botaurus lentiginosus. American Bittern. Frequent summer

resident.

30. Ardetta exilis. Least Bittern. Rare summer resident.

31. Ardea herodias. Great Blue Heron. Frequent summer resi-
dent. Two colonies near Guelph, the second begun in 1903.

32. Butorides virescens. Green Heron. Rare summer resident.
Two remained all summer at Puslinch Lake in 1904.

33. Grus mexicana. Sandhill Crane, One seen by Mr. Alldn
Brooks in April, 1893, migrating in company with 3 Great Black-
backed Gulls.

34. Rallus virginianus. Virginia Rail. Rare summer resi-

dent.

35. Porzana Carolina. Sora. Rare summer resident in the south-
ern portion of county., common in the northern.

36. P. noveboracensis. yellow Rail. One taken by Mr. S.

Walker.

37. Ionornis martinica. Purple Gallinule. One taken by Mr.

Holliday near Guelph, about 1894.

38. Fulica americana. American Coot. Scarce migrant at

Mount Forest.

39. Philohela minor. American Woodcock. Scarce summer

resident.

40. Gallinago delicata. Wilson’s Snipe. Scarce migrant at

Guelph. Scarce summer resident at Mount Forest.

41. Marorhamphus griseus. Dowitcher. One taken by Mr.
Holliday at Guelph.

42. Actodromas maculata. Pectoral Sandpiper. Rare migrant,
taken by Mr. Holliday at Guelph.

43. A. bciirdii. Baird’s Sandpiper. Rare migrant, taken by

Mr. Holliday fit Guelph.

4

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

44. A. minutilla. Least Sandpiper. Rare migrant. Taken by
Mr. Holliday at Guelph, May 19, 1895.

45. Ereunetes pusillus. Semipalmated Sandpiper. Rare mi-
grant, taken by Mr. Holliday at Guelph.

46. Totanus melanoleucus. Greater Yellow-legs. Scarce mi-

grant.

47. T. fLavipes. Yellow-legs. Scarce migrant.

48. Helodromas solitarius. Solitary Sandpiper. Scarce mi-

grant. Common, near Guelph from July 19 to Sept. 1, 1903.

49. Aciitis macularia. Spotted Sandpiper. Common summer
resident.

50. Charadius dominicus. American Golden Plover. Rare mi-
grant.

51. Aegialitis vocifera. Killdeer. Common summer resident.

52. A. semipalmata. Semipalmated Plover. Scarce mi-
grant, taken by Mr. Holliday at Guelph.

53. Colinus virginianus. Bob-white. Once seen by Mr. Allan
Brooks.

54. Cancichites canadensis . Canada Grouse. One taken near
Guelph, Nov. 25, 1898.

55. Bonasa umbellus. Ruffed Grouse. Frequent resident.

56. Ectopistes migratorius. Passenger Pigeon. Once abundant,
now extinct.

57. Zenaidura macroura. Morning Dove. Frequent summer
resident at Guelph. Rare at Mount Forest.

58. Cathartes aura. Turkey Vulture. One taken Sept., 1901.

59. Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk. Frequent summer resi-
dent at Guelph, scarce at Mount Forest.

60. Accipitcr velox. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Scarce summer re-
sident at Guelph, common at Mount Forest.

61. A. cooperi. Cooper’s. Hawk. Scarce summer resident
Sometimes remains over winter.

62. Astur atricapillus . American Goshawk. Scarce winter

visitor.

63. Buteo borealis. Red-tailed Hawk. Scarce migrant at

Guelph, common summer resident at Mount Forest.

64. B. lineatus. Red-shouldered Hawk. Common summer re-
sident at Guelph, very rare /at Mount Forest.

65. B. latissimus. Broad-winged Hawk. Frequent migrant.

66. llaliaetus leucocephalus. Bald Eagle. Rare migrant.

(>7. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis. American Rough-

logged Hawk. Rare migrant.

68. Falco rusticolus gyrfalco. Gyrfalcon. One seen by Mr.

Allan Brooks, Feb., 1893.

KxuGii— Birds of Wellington Co.

5

69. F. coliitnbarius. Pigeon Hawk. Scarce migrant.

70. F. sparverius. American Sparrow Hawk. Frequent sum-
mer resident.

71. Pandiun haliaetus carolinensis. American Osprey. Fre-

quent migrant.

72. Asio wilsonianus . American Long-eared Owl. Rare resi-
dent.

73. A. accipitrinus. Short-eared Owl. Rare migrant.

74. Strix nebulosa. Barred Owl. Rare resident at Guelph,
scarce at Mount Forest.

75. Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni. Richardson’s Owl. One

taken by Mr. Allan Brooks.

76. N. acadica. Saw-whet Owl. Scarce resident.

77. Megascops asio. Screech Owl. Frequent resident. Some-
times common in late fall. The gray phase predominates at Guelph,
the red at Elora (about the middle of the county), and the gray at
Mount Forest.

78. Bubo virginianus. Great Horned Owl. Frequent resident.

79. Nyctea nyctea. Snowy Owl. Scarce winter visitant.

80. Surnia ulula caparoch. American Hawk Owl. Rare win-
ter visitant at Mount Forest.

81. Coccyzus americanus. Yellow-billed 1 'iiekoo Scarce sum-
mer resident.

82. C. erythrophthalmus. Black-billed Cuckoo. Frequent sum-
mer resident.

83. Ceryle alcyon. Belted Kingfisher. Frequent summer resi-
dent, occasionaly seen at Guelph in winter.

84. Dryobates villosus. Hairy Woodpecker. Frequent resident,
commonest in fall and winter.

85. D. pubescens. Downy Woodpecker. Frequent resident,
commonest in spring. This is D. p. medianus of those who choose
to recognize every variation as a sub-species.

86. Picoides arcticus. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. Rare
visitor during migrations at Guelph, 1 taken May 2, 1904, by the
writer, one taken at Mount Forest in Oct., 1893, by Mr. Allan Brooks,
and others seen there.

87. Sphyrapicus varius. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Common mi-
grant, and scarce summer resident at Guelph. Common summer
resident at Mount Forest.

83. Ceophlocus pileatus. Pileatel Woodpecker. Rare resident
This is C. p. abieticola, if this unnecessary sub-species is recognized.

89. Melanerpes erythrocephalus. Red-headed Woodpecker.
Frequent summer resident, becoming scarcer. In February, 1899, Mr.
A. A. Davidson found 26 in a swamp at Elora.

6

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

90. Colaptes auratus. Flicker. Common summer resident.
Occasionally seen in winter. This is C. a. luteus if this sub-species
is regarded as worth anything.

91. Antrostomus vociferus. Whip-pobr-will. Frequent summer
resident.

92. Chordeiles virginianus. Nighthawk. Common summer
resident.

93. Chaetura pelagica. Chimney Swift. Common summer re-
sident.

94. Trochilus colubris. Ruby-throated Humming Bird. Fre-
quent summer resident.

95. Tyrannus tyrannus. Kingbird. Common summer resident.

96. Myiarchus crinitus. Crested Flycatcher. Common summer
resident.

97. Sayornis phoebe. Phoebe. Common summer resident.

98. Contopus borealis. Olive-sided Flycatcher. Rare migrant
at Guelph, frequent summer resident at Mount Forest. *

. 99. C. virens Wood Pewee. Common summer . ^sidenf.

100. Empidona% flaviventris. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. So
far unknown at Guelph. Common summer resident' at Mount For-
est.

101. E. minimus. Least Flycatcher. Common summer resi-
dent.

102. E. traillii. Traill’s Flycatcher. Scarce summer resident
at Mount Forest. Specimens were sent by Mr. Allan Brooks to Mr.
Wm. Brewster, who pronounced them ultra-typical of the species.
Mr. Brcoks says that this is a bird of the dry upland copses of small
maple, beech, etc., while E. t. alnorum inhabits the swales. The
notes are also quite distinct from those of alnorum.

103. E. t. alnorum. Alder Flycatcher. Scarce summer resident.

104. Otocoris alpestris praticola. Common summer resident;
abundant in spring, common in early summer, scarce in late sum-
mer, common in fall and absent only from about Nov. io to Feb. 20.

105. Cyanocitta cristata. Blue Jay. Common resident, com-
monest in fall.

to6. Perisoreus canadensis. Canada Jay. Frequent from Oct.
24 to Nov. 17, 1904.

107. Corvus americanus. American Crow. Common summer
resident. Scarce in winter.

108. Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Bobolink Common summer re-
sident at Guelph. Scarce at Mount Forest in 1892, but becoming
commoner.

109. Mololhrus ater. Cowbird. Common summer resident. One
seen in Dec., 1903.

Klugh— Birds of Wellington Co.

7

no. Agelaius phoeniceus. Red-winged Blackbird. Frequent
summer resident.

in. Sturnella magna. Meadowlark. Common summer resi-
dent. Occasionally seen in winter.

1 12. Icterus galbula. Baltimore Oriole. Frequent summer re-
sident.

1 13. Scolecophagus carolinus. Rusty Blackbird. Common
fall migrant.

1 14. Quiscalus quiscula aeneus. Bronzed Grackle. Common
summer resident.

1 15. Hesperiphona vespertina. Evening Grosbeak. Rare win-
ter visitor. SeWQfin considerable numbers during February, 1902,
a flock of 75 being seen on the 6th of that month by Prof. M. W.
Doherty.

1 16. Pinicola enucleator canadensis. Canadian Pine Grosbeak.
Irrregular winter visitor. Winter resident in winter 1903-4, arriving
Nov. 5, 1903, leaving March 24, 1904.

1 17. Carpodacus purpureus. Purple Finch. Common spring
migrant,, scarce summer resident, and occasional in winter.

1 18. Loxia curvirostra minor. American Crossbill. Irregular
winter visitant.

1 19. L. leucoptera. Whiteswinged Crossbill. Irregular win-
ter visitant.

120. Acanthis hornemanni exilipes. Hoary Redpoll. One taken
from a flock of A. linaria, Dec. 8, and another Dec. 26, 1903, by the
writer.

12 1. A. linaria. Redpoll. Common winter visitant. Winter
resident winter 1903-4.

122. Astragalinus tristis. American Goldfinch. Common sum-
mer resident. Scarce winter resident.

123. Spinus pinus. Pine Siskin. Common but irregular win-
ter resident.

124. Passerina nivalis. Snowflake, Common winter visitor, of-
ten winter resident.

125. Calcarius lapponicus. Lapland Longspur.. Rare winter
visitant.

126. Pooeceles gramineus. Vesper Sparrow. Common sum-
mer resident.

127. Passer cuius sandwichensis savanna. Savanna Sparrow.
Common but local summer resident.

128. Zonotrichia leucophrys. White-crowned Sparrow. Fre-
quent migrant, commonest in spring.

129. Z. albicollis. White*- throated Sparrow. Common sum-
mer resident.

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The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

130. Spizella monticola. Tree Sparrow. Common winter re-
sident.

13 1. 5. socialis. Chipping- Sparrow. Common summer resi-
dent.

132. Junco hy emails. Slate-colored Junco. Abundant migrant,
scarce summer resident and scarce winter resident.

133. Melospiza melodia. Song Sparrow. Abundant summer
resident. Occasionally seen in winter.

134. M. georgiana. Swamp Sparrow. Common summer resi-
dent.

135. Passerella iliaca. Fox Sparrow. Scarce migrant, most
frequent in fall.

136. Pipilo erythrophthalmus. Towhee.. Frequent summer re-
sident ; common locally.

137. Cardinalis cardinalis. Cardinal. One taken at Salem
(near middle of tKe county), Jan. 3rd, 1898. One seen at Guelph,
Dec. 20, 22 and 27, 1898, by Mr. F. N. Beattie.

138. Zamelodia ludoviciana. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Fre-
quent summer resident.

139. Cyanospiza cyanea. Indigo Bunting. Common summer
resident.

140. Piranga erythromelas. Scarlet Tanager. Frequent sum-
mer resident.

141. Progne subis. Purple Martin. Rare summer resident, a
few breed in Guelph and Mount Forest.

142. Petrochelidon lunifrons. Cliff Swallow. Frequent sum-
mer resident. Very local.

143. Hirundo erythrogastra. Barn Swallow. Common sum-
mer resident.

144. Tachycineta bicolor. Tree Swallow. Common summer
resident.

145. Clivicola riparia. Bank Swallow. Frequent summer re-
sident. Local.

146. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. Rough-winged Swallow. Scarce
summer resident at Mount Forest.

147. Ampelis cedrorum. Cedar Waxwing. Common summer
resident.

148. Latiius borealis. Northern Shrike. Scarce winter visitant.

149. L. ludovicianus excubitorides. White-rumped Shrike.
Scarce summer resident. Prior to 1901 it was common, but has be-
come scarcer every year since then.

150. Vireo olivaceus. Red-eyed Vireo. Common summer re-
sident.

I5I-

V. philadelphicus. Philadelphia Vireo. Rare migrant.

Klugh— Birds of Wellington Co.

9

One taken by Mr. Allan Brooks in May, 1894, one by the writer,
Aug. 27, 1903, and another Sept. 6, 1904.

152. V. gilvus. Warbling Vireo. Common summer resident.

153. flavifrons. Yellow-throated Vireo. One taken May
12, 1903, and another May 11, 1904, by the writer.

154. V. solitarius. Blue-headed Vireo. Scarce migrant.

155. V * noveboracensis. White-eyed Vireo. One taken at
Mount Forest, Sept. 28, 1902, by Mr. Howard Skiales.

156. Mniotilta varia. Black and White Warbler. Abundant
migrant and common summer resident.

157. Helminthophila rubricapilla. Nashville Warbler. Abun-
dant migrant and scarce summer resident.

158. H. peregrina. Tennessee Warbler. Scarce migrant.

159. Compsothlypis americana. Parula Warbler. Common
migrant. This is C. a. usneae if this rather weak sub-species is re-
cognized.

160. Dendroica tigrina. Cape May Warbler. Rare migrant.
Three taken by the writer in the fall of 1904.

161. D. aestiva. Yellow Warbler. Common summer resi-
dent.

162. D. coronata. Myrtle Warbler. Abundant migrant, and
rare summer resident.

164. D. masculosa. Magnolia Warbler. Common migrant
and scarce summer resident.

165. D. pensylvanica. Chestnut-sided Warbler. Common mi-
grant and frequent summer resident.

166. D. castanea. Bay-breasted Warbler. Scarce migrant in
spring, common in fall.

167. D. striata. Black-poll Warbler. Rare migrant in spring,
common in fall.

168. D. blackburniae. Blackburnian Warbler. Common mi-
grant, scarce summer resident.

169.. D. virens. Black-throated Green Warbler. Abundant mi-
grant, common summer resident. By far the commonest breeding
Warbler at Guelph.

170. D. vigor sii. Pine Warbler. Rare migrant. Seen April
28, 1896, by Mr. P. A. Taverner.

1 7 1 . D. palmarum. Palm Warbler. Scarce migrant.

172. Seiurus aurocapillus. Oven-bird. Common summer resi-
dent.

*73- S- naevius. Water-thrush. Frequent summer resident.

174. Geothlypis agilis. Connecticut Warbler. Rare migrant
One taken by the writer Sept. 9, 1904.

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The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin-1^. 1.

175. G- Philadelphia. Mourning Warbler. Frequent migrant
and scarce summer resident.

176. G. trichas. Maryland Yellow-throat. Common sum-
mer resident.

177. Wilsonia pusilla. Wilson’s Warbler. Frequent migrant.

178. IV. canadensis. Canadian Warbler. Frequent summer
resident.

179. Setophaga ruticilla. American Redstart. Frequent sum-
mer resident.

180. Anthus pensilvanicus. American Pipit. Scarce migrant
in spring, common in fall.

18 1. Galeoscoptes carolinensis. Catbird. Common summer re<-
sident.

182. Harporhynchus rufus. Brown Thrasher. Scarce sum-
mer resident, becoming rarer every year.

183. Troglodytes aedon. House Wren. Common summer re-
sident.

184. Anorthura hiemalis. Winter Wren. Common summer re-
sident.

185. Certhia familiaris americana. Brown Creeper. Resi-
dent ; common during migrations, frequent in winter, scarce in sum-
mer.

186. Sitta carolinensis. White-breasted Nuthatch. Common
resident.

187. S. canadensis. Red-breasted Nuthatch. Frequent mi-
grant. Pair noted breeding in 1901 at Guelph, by Mr. F. N. Beat-
tie.

188. Parus atricapillus. Chickadee. Common resident.

189. Regulus satrapa. Golden-crowned Kinglet. Resident.
Common during migrations, frequent in winter. A pair noted breed-
ing south of Guelph by the writer in 1904.

190. R. calendula. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Common mi-
grant.

191. 1 Hylocichla mustelina. Wood Thrush. Frequent summer
resident.

192. H. fuscescens. Wilson’s Thrush. Common summer re-
sident. One seen by Mr. F. N. Beattie, Feb. 22, 1899.

193. H. aliciae. Gray-cheeked Thrush. Frequent migrant.

194. II. ustulata swainsonii. Olive-backed Thrush. Frequent
migrant.

195. Ii. aonalaschkae pallasii. Hermit Thrush. Frequent
migrant at Guelph, common summer resident at Mount Forest.

196. Merida migratoria. American Robin. Common # sum-
mer resident. Sometimes seen in winter.

197. Sialia sialis. Bluebird. Common summer resident.

Fleming— Migration Canada Jay.

11

An Unusual Migration of the Canada Jay.

BY J. H. FLEMING.

In Ontario, the Canada Jay has hitherto kept within certain
well defined boundaries, which it seldom exceeds, even in win-
ter. North of Muskoka it is a regular resident, and in winter
rarely passes south of the Muskoka Lakes.

In October, 1904, a general migration of Canada Jays into
the southern parts of Ontario occurred. The first reports came
from Madoc, Hastings County, where they were seen by the
Rev. C. J. Young, on October 7, where they remained through
November. At Toronto the first were recorded at Fisherman’s
Island, a part of the eastern sandbar, on October 15th, by Mr.
C. Pickering, and by the 17th were reported from various parts
of the city going about in small flocks of from three to eight,,
those that escaped destruction remained about the outskirts
of the city till late in November. That the Jays should first
appear on the lake shore is peculiar, and unless the wide extent
of marsh in Ashbridge’s Bay afforded animal food not to: be
found in the woods, is hard to account for, though it is possible
the migration followed the lake shore.

At Wellington, in Prince Edward County, a large flocK was
reported on October 21st, and about the same time at Belle-
ville.

At Penetanguishene, on the Georgian Bay, Mr. A. F. Young
gives the following dates, October 25th-3oth, November 12th
and 26th; also January 9th and 20th, 1905.

In Wellington County, at Hillsburg, on October 24th, at
Puslinch Lake on the 31st and again on November 16th, by
Mr. A. B. Klugh ; Guelph, November 3rd and 12th, by Mr. E.
J. Colgate; and at Rockwood on the 17th.

Mr. S. Hunter saw them at Millbrook, Durham County,
December 31st. Two were reported at Galt, and Dr. C. K.
Clarke found them in the vicinity of Kingston.

It will be seen by these few records how general the migra-
tion was, and though first noticed early in October, the move-
ment must have continued on through November.

12

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

At the head of Lake Joseph, in Muskoka, I found the birds
abundant in the last week of October, and they Jiad been there-
all month, if not earlier. About the middle of November they
disappeared and were absent during the winter.

It is difficult to assign a cause for so unusual a migratipn.
It has been suggested that the presence of enemies, such as
Owls, has had something to do with it, but the present winter
has been noticeable in Toronto for the absence of Owls, only a
few of the larger ones being reported ; and in Muskoka, during
October and November, Hawks and Owls were very scarce.
The food question is likely the real explanation, though why the
Canada Jay did not migrate south of Muskoka during the ex-
ceptional winter of the previous year, which was preceded by a
failure of the usual food supply, such as seeds and nuts in all
the country south of the main line of the C.P.R., resulting in
great destruction to the Red Squirrels in many parts of Mus-
koka and Parry Sound, is hard to say. In the Autumn of 1904
food of all kinds was abundant in all these districts, though it
is likely the migration originated far north of the Muskoka
country, some cause as yet unexplained, forcing the birds out
of their regular winter range.

In Toronto we have to go very far back for a parallel to
the migration of 1904, in the Canadian Journal, Vol. I., 1852-3,
the late Hon. G. W. Allen, one of our earliest naturalists, says :
“They appeared in great numbers in the autumn of 1839 and 40,
filing about the woods and fields in flocks of fifteen or twenty.”
I have two skins from this migration, and it is curious to thi-n!k
that a period of sixty-five years should elapse before any more
Toronto records were added.

The only other unusual record I am aware of is of a speci-
men taken at Aylmer, Ontario, November 18, 1901, rcorded by
Mr. J. H. Ames (‘Auk, XIX., 1902, p. 94.)

The Canada Jay is an exceedingly hardy bird, breeding
very early in March, a persistent searcher for food, visiting the
lumber camps, or following the hunter or surveyor, ready to steal
ary food, no matter how unknown or how risky to get, neglect-
ing nothing in its search, but seldom found away from the bush
country or out of its regular bounds.

Mr. A. Ik Klugh has furnished me with many of the re-
cords quoted.

Taverner— Kirtland’s Warbler.

13

The Origin of the Kirtland’s Warbler.

BY P. A. TAVERNER.

Just as a non-essential character in an organic being often
forms a better clue to its true affinities and lines of descent than
more fundamental structures ; so, the study of a rare and econo-
mically unimportant species may be more productive of results
than that of wide spreading, dominant forms. In the latter case the
v-ery multiplicity of data may be confusing and render it diffi-
cult to separate the pertinent from the impertinent, the local
phenomena from the general. In following out and determining
exact migration routes this is particularly true, and when we
attempt to reconstruct the past history of a race the more nar-
rowly we confine our attention, the more promise we have of
arriving at approximately correct conclusions. Dr. Conan Doyle
has made his hero, Sherlock Holmes, say words to this effect,
that the more outre and uncommon the conditions are surround-
ing a discovered crime, the more easily should the sleuth find
out the committer of the deed. This, if the reasoning is sound,
should apply as well to scientific as to criminal investigation. In
this light it appears that Kirtland’s Warbler ( Dendroica kirt-
landi ), affords peculiar opportunities for investigation and per-
haps a little speculation along these lines may be of some value,
even if the only result that comes therefrom is vigorous attack
and final denial. A questionable, or even false, theory, honestly
advanced, may be of benefit, for the subsequent discussion and
final refutation it may bring forth, if for nothing more.

The records of Kirtland’s Warbler are few and mostly far
between. The first specimen was likely taken about 1840,
though it was not finally described until 1852, from another bird
taken by Mr. Chas. Pease, near Cleveland, Ohio, the year before.
From time to time various specimens have been taken up and
down the Mississippi Valley, and at isolated points in the East,
including one record from Toronto, Ont. The winter habitat
was found in the Bahama Islands, where it proves to be
fairly common, but though Ohio and Michigan were the States
accredited with the greatest number of records, it was not until

14

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

1503 that its breeding- grounds were found by Mr. Norman A.
Wood (Bull. Mich. Ornith. Club, Vol. V., pp. 1-13), in Crawford
and Oscoda Counties, Mich., where it seems to be a not un-
common summer resident. In the same issue Mr. Adams traced
out the probable migration route of the species and followed it
from the time it left the island home in the southern seas until
it reached its northern breeding area in the Jack Pine plains of
Michigan. Some of the theories Mr. Adams founded his argu-
ment upon have been challenged by no less an authority thlan
Prof. W. W. Cooke (An Untenable Theory of Migration),
but the conclusions of the present route which he

mapped out has not been questioned. According to this the
bird under discussion crosses to the West Florida coast and
passes on to the valley of the Mississippi by way of the Pine
Barrens of the South. Thence up that great highway. The
Michigan individuals branch off from this and enter Michigan
along the Ohio River and its branches and reach the breeding
grounds by journeying up the eastern side of the State. There
may be other breeding grounds not yet discovered, and there
probably are such, but this is the sum total of our knowledge
of the species at present. The birds do not seem to be a weak
race, for at either end of their range they are fairly common
and seem to hold their own successfully with the competing
forms about them. The extreme localness of their distribution
demands explanation and incidentally raises other questions.
All life tends towards increase and will do so until some destruc-
tive influence prevails to counteract the natural prolificacy of
the race. There are always adaptations and influences working
both for and against each species. As the population increases
the harmful ones increase in greater proportion than the of her,
until the time comes when the two antagonistic powers are in
equilibrium, when for the time being we have a stationary popu-
lation. The abundance of a bird can be regarded as repre-
sented by the sum of a long sequence of plus and minus quanti-
ties of unknown value.

As far as our knowledge goes there is no bar to the increase
of Kirtland’s Warbler at the northern end of its range. It is
common in certain restricted localities and we can see mi rea-
son why it should not be equally common in like situations, of
which there are many, elsewhere. That it is not so shows either

Taverner— Kirteand’s Warbeer.

15

that we do not understand the required conditions, which is
probable, or else that the check comes at some other point of
its range, which is more probable still.

Up and down the migration route our knowledge of the
bird and its needs is too fragmentary to afford us any clue, nor
is it likely that in its transitory stops at various points it would
meet any enemy that would seriously affect its numbers. In the
Bahamas, however, the case is different, and we see from the
very nature of the situation that the size of its range is very
limited. In any certain area but a limited number of individu-
als of a species can exist. The food supply alone would be
sufficient to support but a certain definite number. Add to this
other hostile elements of the environment which inevitably occur
and the number capable of existing there is still further reduced.
The conditions may vary at times, and with them the population,
but in each and every caSe, under a certain given set of surround-
ings, but a certain number of individuals can survive and the
question of population becomes one less of how many are born
than how many can survive.

If, then, the Bahama Islands are the only winter quarters
of the bird, it follows that however many birds are successfully
raised during the breeding season, but a limited number can
survive the winter for the return migration in the spring, and
the number can never permanently increase unless the area of
the winter quarters increases, or the conditions" prevalent there
become modified so as to support a denser population of the
species.

It seems highly improbable that the species could ever have
originated under these conditions. Isolation produces speciali-
zation, but it must be during the breeding season to have any
great effect. At other times incipient species may freely inter-
mingle with the original stock without losing their entity. In a
case like Kirtland’s Warbler, any decided departure from type
would occur to the species as a whole and not to the small group
of them separated from the rest during the non-breeding season.
The insular habitat then could not have been the cause of dif-
ferentiation in this species, and we must look elsewhere, prob-
ably upon the adjoining Continent for the original range of this
family.

16

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1

The Pine Warbler ( Dendroica vigor si), is a very near rela-
tion of D. kirtlandi, and its range, as given in the A.O.U. Check
list is suggestive. Eastern N. America to the Plains. South
in winter to the Gulf States and the Bahamas. Imagine the
ancestors of our Kirtland’s Warblers as having a similar range,
and suppose that some of the changes continually taking place
in environments render the southern continental parts unhabit-
able to this particular species, we have then, as a result, just
the peculiar distribution that we, are now investigating. It
seems likely that individuals inhabiting adjoining localities in the
winter habitat would migrate to approximately the same terri-
tory in the summer one. This would account for the limited
area and comparatively dense population of the breeding
grounds. There being but slight competition within the species
they would spread out over no more ground than was absolutely
necessary for securing a comfortable existence. On the other
hand, supposing that the Bahaman birds scattered all over the
northern breeding grounds in summer, the result would likely be
the same. Some localities would raise birds slightly stronger
and finer than the rest, and when the whole species returned to
the southern regions and were subjected to the strict selective
process, caused by the struggles between the season’s natural
increase and the finally surviving number, the weaker ones
raised in the less favored localities, would be the ones eliminated
and the tendency would be towards the localization of breeding
communities in the most favored of the summer stations.. It
seems probable, then, from our present knowledge, that Kirt-
land’s Warbler is what remains of a once far more widely distri-
buted species wintering along the Gulf States and spread from
thence to the Bahama Islands. They migrated up the Missis-
sippi Valley and perhaps also up the Eastern States, which would
account for our records at Washington and elsewhere along that
line. The breeding grounds then likely covered the greater part
of the Alleghaniah Transition Zone. Changed conditions ren-
dered this continental portion of the southern habitat untenable
for a permanent winter residence, and the species became ex-
tinct there, leaving the Bahaman individuals the only surviving
representatives of the race. These continued to follow their old
route, passing rapidly, and perhaps, at the mpst favorable time

Young — Thrushes of East. Ont.

17

of the year, over the now hostile territory to the grounds where
we now find them.

Thus, if the foregoing reasoning is reasonably correct, un-
less man, or some other agency steps in and exterminates the
little isolated breeding colonies, the future of Kirtland’s Warbler
depends upon the conditions prevalent upon the southern habi-
tat, and unless the hostile influences in the surrounding terri-
tory then moderate to allow them to extend their present winter
range or re-inhabit their old one, the species can never become
a common one again. The greatest danger to them lies, of
course, in the Bahama Islands, each bird destroyed there after
the economic equilibrium has been established, means one less
breeding bird for the next spring, while beyond a certain point
the destruction of a few individuals here will do no injury to the
species. But care must be exercised in the case of so small a
race that the number killed does not exceed that of the natural
surplus, and to guard against this the attitude of protection that
the Game Warden of Michigan has taken in regard to this bird
is perfectly justifiable and commendable.

The Thrushes of Eastern Ontario.

BY C. J. YOUNG.

The birds of this genus are not known or appreciated as
much as they should be. Their haunts are our swamps and
woodlands. The bright summer foliage shelters them and, they
delight in seclusion and solitude. Only .two Thrushes are com-
mon in Eastern Ontario; the Wilson’s Thrush, and the Hermit
Thrush, the former being the most abundant. The Wood
Thrush is occasionally met with and the Olive-backed on migra-
tions. To a student of birds the distinguishing of the various
species is not difficult, and their nesting habits are somewhat
disimilar.

The first of these birds to arrive in spring is the Hermit
Thrush. He is a splendid songster, and makes his presence
known soon after his arrival. I have met with him in the Coun-
ties of Renfrew, Leeds and Frontenac. Not only does his song
distinguish him, but the coloration of hi§ back and tail, the for-.

18

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

mer olive, the latter evidently rufous. A number of the birds
we see in April and early May pass northward and eastward to
breed. Comparatively few do so with us. In the middle of
May I have seen this bird not uncommonly in the second growth
bush through which the road that leads from Clarendon to Ar-
doch in North Frontenac, passes. Several were perched on the
topmost boughs of a small tree, noticeable songsters in that
dreary section of country. Mr. Saunders says this species pre-
fers dry ground as a rule, and an elevation. My observations
agree with this statement, but I find the eggs are distinguishable
from the Wilson’s. In June, 1888, I found a nest near Ren-
frew, on the ground on a bank, sheltered "by a gooseberry bush.
It contained two eggs. They were a trifle larger than the Wil-
son’s, and almost as light in color as a bluebird’s. Two eggs
taken from a nest in the side of a rotten stump in a cedar swamp
near Ompah, Frontenac County, were similar in color, and both
these sets agreed with a set taken in S. Labrador, from a nest
located under a scrubby Spruce. I have only seen a few sets,
and do not consider the bird a particularly common breeder here.

The next Thrush to arrive is the Olive-backed. I have
only met with it on migration. The colors are very uniform, an
olive brown from head to tail. I am only sure of having seen
one in Ontario. That one I picked up by the roadside, near
Lansdowne, Ont., it having probably struck a telegraph
wire and been killed. It does not appear to breed with us,
at least I never saw or heard of a nest. Its breeding habits are
so characteristic and different from the other Thrushes, as to the
eggs, which are freckled, not plain blue alone, that one could
not overlook them. Not even in N. Frontenac does it appear to
breed. It does so in New Brunswick, in the Magdalene Islands,
and abundantly on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Law-
rence, from whence I have seen the eggs. Wilson’s Thrush
comes next on our list. I am not sure whether this species or
the Wood Thrush is first to arrive, but I think they do so at
about the same date, both a little later than the Hermit. It is
a common bird, frequenting moist woods, swales and sometimes
willow -swamps. Neither is it at all local, being equally at home
in Ontario and Quebec, as in the Maritime Provinces; in the
Magdalene Islands, and along the north shore of the Gulf.
Its plumage is very uniform, a tawny brown from head to tail,

19

Fleming— Thrushes of East. Ont.

while the spots on the breast are smaller than in
the case of the Hermit or the Wood Thrush. This
Thrush commences to build its nest the second week in
May. I have found many of their nests, generally in damp
woods, but not always. Last summer (1904), I found one placed
on a fallen bough in a very dry place. The bird was sitting and
I approached within two feet of her before she left the nest.
Another I found in thick raspberry canes, one in a bunch of
Ferns (O smunda claytonianci ), others on the ground, still another
in a willow thicket among the sprouts of a thick willow. Most
of the nests I have found have been slightly raised above the
ground, but never more than eighteen inches, or at most two
feet. The eggs are darker in color than either the Hermit's
or the Wood Thrush’s. Some I have seen almost as dark as
a Catbird’s. I have noticed too that they vary much in size.
The set I found in the willow thicket were scarcely larger than
Song Sparrows’, the majority about the size of Bluebirds’. None
as large as the lighter colored Hermit’s. The usual number of
eggs is four, but very often three complete the set. Once only,
did I find five in a nest, and I think this number is exceedingly
unusual.

To those who ramble through the woods this bird will al-
ways be an interesting friend, it is comparatively tame and
confiding, is easily identified, and frequently met with. Though
not. in a hurry to take up its summer abode with us, it is loath
to leave. I have seen it occasionally in the woods in the late fall
as late as October, when our other bird friends have left us. At
that season, when on the point of leaving, it sometimes visits our
gardens, and the neighborhood of houses, regretfully leaving the
woods, then rich with autumn tints. That large and handsome
bird, the Wood Thrush, is not common in Eastern Ontario. It
is larger than the other Thrushes, its plumage is brightest on the
head, and this mark and the large spots on its white breast will
readily identify it. I have only met with it the last few years,
in woods near Lansdowne, chiefly second growth, but with a
few large trees ; in a similar wood near the St. Lawrence, where
I saw a nest in a small beech tree; and in Frontenac county,
where in 1903 I met with another nest built on a horizontal
bough of a Hemlock, about 'eight feet from the ground.

20

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

This Thrush is a fine songster, it delights to sing in some
remote corner of the woods on a summer’s evening, and its notes
are readily recognized. Its nest is peculiar and also helps to dis-
tinguish the species, for it never builds on the ground, always
locating it at an lelevation of six feet or upwards. There is one
peculiarity in the nest which I have noticed, that seems to dis-
tinguish it from the other Thrushes — that is, that as well as
using mud in its construction, a lining of black fibrous roots is
introduced, on which the eggs are laid. The latter are exactly
the color of a Robin’s, but decidedly smaller, hardly as dark as
the Wilson’s, and might be described as resembling very small
Robin’s. I think the bird but seldom breeds in these counties; it
is more at home in Western Ontario and further south, and the
nest I met with in N. Frontenac I considered an unusual occur-
rence.

So much for our four Eastern Ontario Thrushes ; they are
all interesting, and their arrival should be looked forward to,
as speaking of respite from frosts and cold, and bidding us with
them rejoice in the bright hours of the Canadian summer..

Migration Report.

21

MIGRATION REPORT.

GUELPH, ONTARIO.

March 1, 1904— March 1, 1905.

[Note. — All remarks below apply to this year only. When a species is
enumerated twice, the first line reiers to the Spring migration, the
second to the Fall. C— common; F — frequent; S— scarce ; R — rare.]

NAME OF BIRO.

First Seen.

Last Seen.

<u

o

■3

c

3

.a

<

REMARKS'

Prairie Horned Lark

Nov. 8

c

Prairie Horned Lark

Feb. 27

c

Pine Grosbeak

Mar. 24

c

Very C. winter, ’03-’04

Am. Merganser

Mar. 10

F

Wintered on the Speed, ’03-’04

Am. Merganser

Nov. 3

s

Wintered on the Speed, ’04-’05

Am. Goldeneye

May 2

s

Wintered on the Speed

Am. Goldeneye

Nov. 8

Nov. 16

R

Am. Goshawk

Mar. 7

s

Tree Sparrow

Ap’l 26

c

Tree Sparrow

Oct. 25

c

Red-shouldered Hawk ....

Mar. 17

Sept. 28

c

Killdeer

Mar. 22

Oct. 20

c

Bluebird

Mar. 22

Oct. 20

c

Snowflake

Mar. 29

c

Snowflake

Nov. 15

s

American Robin

Mar 23

Dec. 4

c

Song Sparrow..

Mar. 23

Oct. 20

c

Marsh Hawk

Mar. 23

Nov. 6

F

Meadowlark

Mar. 23

Dec. 3

c

Red-tailed Hawk

Mar 23

Alar. 23

R

Red -tailed Hawk

Sept. 25

Oct. 16

S

Red-winged Blackbird....

Mar. 24

Sept. 15

c

Phoebe

Mar. 24

Sept. 27

c

Cowbird

Mar. 24

Sept. 20

c

Mourning D >ve

Mar. 25

Nov. 3

F

Bronzed Grackle

Mar. 28

C

Purple Finch

Mar. 29

c

C in spring, and wintered in

Pine Siskin

Alar. 29

s

[laree numbers, ’04-’05

Pine Siskin

Nov. 1

c

Great Blue Heron

Mar. 29

Nov. 6

F

White-rumped Shrike

Mar. 291

s

Very Scarce

Canada Goose

Mar. 30

F

Cooper’s Hawk

Mar. 30

s

Herring Gull..

Ap’l 1

May 10

c

Herring Gull

Sept. 21

Sent 21

s

Vesper Sparrow

Ap’l 5

Oct. 20

c

Flicker

Ap’l 5

Oct. 13

c

Savanna Sparrow

Ap’l 6

Sept. 20

F

Kingfisher

Ap’l 6

Oct. 20

F

22

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

NAME OF BIRD.

First Seen

Last Seen.

| Abundance) |

REMARKS.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

Ap’l 6

Sept 27

F

C during spring mgr.

Hermit Thrush

Ap’l 6

\p’l 26

S

Hermit Thrush

Sept 27

Oct. 14

c

s _ f ' -

Am. Sparrow Hawk

Ap’l 6

F

Winter Wren

Ap’l 8

Oct. 20

C

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Ap’l 14

Sept 21

S

"• i

White-throated Sparrow

Ap’l 15

Oct. 20

c

Hooded Merganser

Ap’l 16

Ap’l 16

s

Hooded Merganser

Oct. 31

Oct. 31

s

<

Am. Woodcock

Ap’l 16

s

' .

Towhee

Ap’l 18

Oct. 14

F

Am. Osprej

Ap’l 22

Sept 28

S

Fox Sparrow

Ap’l 23

Ap’l 23

R

Fox Sparrow

Oct. 28

Nov. 5

F

Barn Swallow

Ap’l 23

Sept 7|C

.

Chipping Sparrow

Ap’l 24

Oct. 14

C

Chimney Swift

Ap’l 24

Aug. 27

C

Baltimore Oriole

Ap’l 24

Aug. 27

F

Broad-winged Hawk

Ap’l 24

Ap’l 24

S

Broad-winged Hawk

Sept 17

Sept 17

S

■

Tree Swallow

Ap’l 26

Sept 7

C

»

Black-th’d Green Warbler

Ap’l 26

Sept 27

c

The commonest breeding

Ruby-crowned Kinglet....

Ap’l 26

May 7

c

[Warbler

Ruby-crowned Kinglet....

Sept 13

Oct. 28

c

Spotted Sandpiper

Ap’l 29

c

Myrtle Warbler :...

Ap’l 29

Oct. 14

c

3 prs. bred

Black and White Warbler

Ap’l 29

Sept 22

c

Wilson’s Thrush

Ap’l 30

Sept 5

c

Wood Duck

Ap’l 30

May 1

R

Arctic 3- toed Woodpecker

May 1

May 2

R

Wood Thrush

May 1

Sept 6

F

Water-thrush .-.

May 2

Sept 10

C

Red-breasted Nuthatch...

May 2

Mav 27

S

Swamp Sparrow

May 2

OcL 13

c

Black Duck

May 2

May 2

s

Black Duck

Aug. 17

Oct. 31

F

Buffle-head

May 2

May 14

F

Buffle-head

Oct. 31

Nov. 8

S

Scaup Duck

May 2

June 26

c

Scaup Duck

Oct. 28

Nov 16

c

Holboell’s Grebe

May 2

May 24

s

Horned Grebe

May 2

May 2

s

Horned Grebe

Sept 20

Nov. 16

c

Black-th’d Blue Warbler ..

May 2

Sept 20

c

S breeder ; C during fall, mgr.

Bald Eagle

Mav 2

May 2

R

Bobolink

May 3

Sept 7

C

Oven-bird

May 4

Sept 13

c

Cliff Swallow

May 4

Aug. 14

F Locally distributed

Loon

M ay 4

June 20

s |

Purple Martin

May 5

S |A few pairs breed in Guelph

Yellow Warbler

May 5

Aug. 17

F|

[and Mt. Forest

Migration Report.

23

NAME OF BIRD.

First Seen.

Last Seen.

<D

O

S3

a

<

REMARKS.

Am, Bittern

May 5

Sept. 26

F

White-crowned Sparrow

May 5

May 11

F

White-crowned Sparrow

Sept 22

Sept. 22

F

Warbling Vireo

May 5

C

Palm Warbler

May 5

May 5

R

Palm Warbler

Sept 10

Sept. 20

S

Kingbird

May 5

Sept. 8

c

Red-eved Vireo

May 6

Sept. 22

c

Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

May 6

F

House Wren

May 6

Oct. 3

c

Nashville Warbler

May 6

Sept. 30

c

Abundant, migrant; Sbreeder

Bank Swallow

May 6

s

Very local

Crested Flycatcher

May 7

Sept. 18

c

Red-headed Woodpecker.

May 7

s

Scarcer than usual

Catbird

May 7

Sept. 20

c

Maryland Yellow-throat

May 7

Sept. 20

F

White-winged Scoter

May 7

May 10

s

White- winged Scoter

Sept 22

Sept. 22

R

Whip-poor-will

May 7

Sept. 6

F

Brown Thrasher

May 8

S

Very scarce

Blackburnian Warbler....

May 8

Sept. 9

c

C migrant ; S breeder

Chestnut-sided Warbler..

May 8

Sept. 17

c

C migrant; F breeder

Scarlet Tanager

May 9

Sept. 13

s

Am. Redstart

May 9

Sept. 19

c

C migrant; F breeder

Canadian Warbler

May 9

Sept. 8

c

Old Squaw Duck

May 10

R

Ruddy Duck

May 10

May 15

s

Ruddy Duck

Sept 22

Nov. 8

F

Ruby-th’d Humming Bird

May 10

Sept. 20

F

Magnolia Warbler

May 10

Sept. 21

F

F migrant; S breeder

Yellow-throated Vireo....

May 11

May 11

R

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

'May 12

S

American Pipit

May 12

May 12

S

American Pipit

Sept 22

F

Bay-breasted Warbler

May 12

May 15

S

Bay-breasted Warbler

Aug. 31

Sept. 16

C

Indigo Bunting

May 13

Sept. 4

c

Blue-headed Vireo

May 15

May 15

R

Blue-headed Vireo

Sept 7

Sept. 27

S

Parula Warbler

May 16

May 16

s

Purula Warbler

Sept 6

Sept. 9

F

Green Heron

May 16

Sept. 14

S

Two remained all summer

Wood Pewee

May 17

Sept. 6

c

Solitary Sandpiper

May 17

May 17

R

Pied-billed Grebe

May 17

May 24

s

!

Pied-billed Grebe

Sept 3

Oct. 31

c

f

Least Flycatcher

May 23

-

F

Red-head

May 24

May 24

S

Red-head

Oct. 1

Oct. 31

F

Alder Flycatcher

May 24

Aug. 29

F

Mourning Warbler

, May 24

Aug. 21

S

24

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

NAME OF BIRD.

First Seen

Last Seen.

ID

c

CS

s

c

rQ

<

RSMARKS.

Common Tern

May 24

June 8

s

Black-billed Cuckoo

May 24

Aug. 23

F

Cedar Wax wing

May 26

Sept. 21

C

2 seen Feb. 1

Black-poll Warbler

May 28

May 28

R

Black-poll Waibler

Aug. 30

Sept. 27

C

Nighthawk

June 3

Sept. 4

S

Tennessee Warbler

Aug. 19

Sept. 10

s

Cape May Warbler

Aug. 23

Sept. 19

R

Philadelphia Vireo

Sept. 6;Sept. 6

R

Connecticut Warbler

Sept. 9'Sept. 9 R

Olive-backcd Thrush

Sept. 12 iSept. 12 S

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Sept. 15'Sept. 15 S

Rustj' Blackbird

Sept. 22 Oct. 20 C

Surf Scoter

Sept. 22jSept. 23:S

Green-winged Teal

Oct. 40ct. 4S

Pigeon Hawk

Oct. 15

-|Oct. 15JR

Wilson’s Snipe

Oct. 15 Nov. 14 S

Canada Jav

Oct. 24 Nov. 17

VF

Red-breasted Merganser.

Oct. 31 Nov. 8 S

Am. Rough-legged Hawk

Oct. 31;0ct. 31 R

Northern Shrike

Nov. 3 Nov. lc

5S

Mallard

Nov. 5 Nov. 8S

Redpoll

Nov. 6!

S

White-winged Crossbill..

Jan. 2\

R

Cooper’s Lemming Mouse.

BY W. E. SAUNDERS, LONDON, ONT.

This Mouse has been long overlooked by most students
of Natural History in Eastern North America, owing, doubtless,
to the fact of its great resemblance to the common Meadow
Mouse. When one has once become acquainted with its recogni-
tion is instant, not so much on account of the moderate differ-
ence in pelage as on account of the extreme shortness of tail.
The fur is a little brighter, lighter and coarser, but the tail is
really the only ready means of distinction by one not well ac-
quainted with the animal.

Its habitat in this locality, as far as my personal knowledge
goes, consists of Sphagnum Swamps, although it will doubtless
be found in moderately open wooded country, where the damp-
ness encourages the growth of other mouses than Sphagnum,

Brooks — Mammalia of N. Wellington.

25

Both this little mammal and the Pine Mouse were unknown
in this district until 1902, when the late Robert Elliott found
a Lemming- Mouse dead in a ditch on March 31st. This led
him to make a search for these animals, and his success was so
speedy and complete, that in the course of a few weeks he re-
ported to me that he had taken several specimens of the Lem-
ming and that the Pine Mouse was “common.” At the next
opportunity I did a little trapping myself and succeeded in catch-
ing the Lemming Mouse, although I have not yet taken the
other species.

Cooper’s Lemming Mouse uses the same runs in the swamp
as the Vole does, and doubtless it meets the Deer Mouse in the
same places, as I have trapped the two species within a short
distance of each other, though the two former are the more
usual companions.

This little mammal has been reported from widely different
geographical positions between North Bay and Southern Penn-
sylvania, and from some of the States West of the Great
Lakes, east to those on the Atlantic, and I doubt not that when
it is better known it will be recognized as fairly common in suit-
able localities through most of its range.

The Mammalia of Northern Wellington.

BY ALLAN BROOKS, SUMAS, B. C,

[Reprinted from “ Notes from Thicket and Swamp,” predecessor to the
Ont- Nat. Sc. Bulletin.]

Lepus nuttalli mallurus— Cotton-tail. In the fall of 1894 the Cot-
ton tail had extended its range some miles north of Fergus.

Lepus americanus — Northern Hare.

Erethizon dorsatus — Porcupine.

Zapus hudsonius — Jumping Mouse.

Fiber zibethicus — Muskrat.

Microtus pennsylvanicus — Meadow Mouse.

Evotomys gapperi — Red-backed Vole.

Peromyscus leucopus- noveboracensis — White-footed Mouse,
Arctomys monax — Groundhog.

Tamias striatus lysteri — Chipmunk.

Sciurus hudsonicus — Red Spuirrel,

26

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

Sciurus carolinensis leucotis — Gray Spuirrel. The melanistic phase
of this species, or “Black Squirrel,” is sometimes fairly common,
and I have once taken the gray, or normal phase, at Mount Forest.
Sciuropterus sabrinus — Northern Flying Squirrel.

Sorex fumeus — Sooty Shrew.

Sorex personatus— Masked Shrew.

Blarina brevicauda— Short-tailed Shrew.

Condylura cristata — Star-nosed Mole.

Myotis lucifugus: — Common Bat.

Lasionycteris noctivagans — Silvery Black Bat.

Odocoileus americanus borealis — Northern Deer. Occasional,
near Mount Forest.

Procyon lotor — Raccoon.

Ursus americanus- — Black Bear. Rare.

Lutra canadensis— Otter. ,

Mephitis mephitica — Skunk.

Lutreola vison — Mink.

Puturius cicognani — Bonaparte’s Weasel.

Vulpes rubricosa— Northern Red Fox. Abundant. The “cross”
and “Silver” varieties occasionally seen.

Lynx rufus — Wild Cat. Scarce.

Some New or Little Known Canadian Plants.

BY W. HERRIOT.

Of late years the close investigation of many previously
considered variable species of plants, has shown that these really
included two or more distinct species, while a more thorough
exploration of Southern Ontario has extended the range of sev-
eral more commonly occurring species north and east to within
our limits. Also a number of adventive species from Europe
and the western prairie region have recently become establish-
ed.

The valley of the Grand River and adjacent country around
Galt is a very rich and varied one in plant life, due to its great
diversity of soil and the numerous ponds and marshes that
follow the contour of the river valley back some distance from
its richly yyooded slopes. A striking feature of the plant distri-
bution jn this region is the apparent merging of the south-west-
ern Ontario flo^a and a more boreal one within a comparatively

Herriot— New Canadian Plants.

27

small area south of the town, as is shown by the great number
of plants that find their northern limit between Galt and Paris.
The Chestnut and Sassafras, both common to the south of us,
cut off abruptly a mile or two below town, the former extending
sparingly a few miles north-eastward into Wellington County.
The Walnut, still found in some quantity along the river at
Paris, finds its northern limit a few miles below Galt, accom-
panied by a few stray trees of the Sycamore. Throughout this
Chestnut region many plants that are typically southern, find
shelter, such as Diqscorea villosa, L. , Arisciemci Draecqntium,
Schott, Desmodium Marylandicum, Boott, Jeffsonia diphylla,
Pers. , Fraserci Carolinensis, Watt, and Scirpus lineatus , Michx.,
while the Oaks and Hickories, abundant to the south of us,
gradually diminish in number and species, a few miles north-
ward. One of the rarest plants in Ontario, Glycyrrhiza lepidota,
Nutt, only previously reported from Fort Erie, grows in some
quantity on an island in the Grand River below town. During a
careful scrutiny of the flora of this region covering fifteen years,
the writer has collected 1,100 species of plants, including the
Ferns and their allies, within a radius of ten miles, extending
the range northward of quite a number of south-western On-
tario plants, while not a few species new to Ontario have been
collected. Because of the difficulty of access to bogs and
marshes many, collectors pass them by, and it is among the bog
species that I am able to record the greatest number of new*
species. Around one of these ponds I find Utricularia minor, L. ,
and I believe this is the only known station in Ontario for this spe-
cies. Drosera intermedia, Wayne, Ely pericum boreale, Bicknell,
and Juncus Dudleyi, Wiegand, are other late additions to the
province, all growing around these ponds. Solidago uniligulata,
Porter, hardly distinct from S. neglecta, is also plentiful, and
Rumex persicarioides , L. , apparently little known in Ontario, is
abundant around the muddy margin of a small lake. Amongst
the Sedges, which form a large percentage of marsh plants,
there is one, Eleocharis olivacea, Torr, that must be very
local in its distribution, or is generally overlooked, as it grows
in abundance around the muddy shores of ponds throughout
the south-western portion of our area. Specimens sent to Prof.
Macoun, a few years ago, were, he .informed me, the first he
had seen from Canada, as were also those of Carex lupuliformis,

28

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin — No. 1.

Sartwell, a somewhat rare species here. Other late Ontario ad-
ditions to the Cyperaceae collected around Galt are Eleocharis
rostellata , Torr, Carex Jamesii, Schwein, Carex canescens
disjunta, Fernald, and Carex laxifiora varians, Bailey.
Amongst the Grasses, the genus Panicum of late years has given
rise to an almost infinite number of so-called new species. Pani-
cum line ari folium, Scrib, replaces many previous references to
P. depauperatum , Muhl, in Ontario, and is a good species. P.
macrocarpon, Le Conte, is common, but often contused with
P. latifolium, Walt. P. pubescens, Lam, is a widely' distributed
species and belongs to a section of the genus that is now ex- «
tremely complicated because of the minute segregation that is
being followed by a number of experts in Agrostology, and be-
tween the different forms submitted to experts and named
P. lanuginosum, E11,P. implicatum, Scrib, P. Colwnbianum and
P. puliescens, Lam, I am unable to distinguish any specific dif-
ference. Panicularia borealis, Nash, is more common than the
closely allied P. fluitans, Kuntze, but is hardly distinct. The
type specimen of Bromus ciliatus laeviglumis , Scrib, was collect-
ed by the writer near Galt, and sent to Washington in 1898. It
is a frequent grass here on wooded hillsides. A few years ago
the genus Antenaria was represented in Ontario by one describ-
ed species A. plant a gini folia , Richards, but we are told by late
workers on this genus, that this species does not grow in Can-
ada, but now find several in its place. Whether this minute
segregation is warranted or not is a question, but specimens
submitted to authorities lately for determination, have resulted as
follows : A. fallax, Greene, A. nhglecta, Greene, A neodioica,
Greene, and A. petaloidea, Fernald. As a species producer A.
plant a gini folia has been very prolific.

The genus Sanicula is now represented in N. E. America
by four quite distinct species, and all of these, S. Marylandica,

L. , S. gregaria, Bicknell, S. Canadensis, L., and S. trifoliata,
Bicknell, are found within a mile or two of Galt. In the genus
Agrimonia, A. hirsuta, Bicknell, and A. mollis, Britton, replace
in this locality what was formerly considered A. Eupatoria, L. ,
the latter not being American and differing markedly in foliage
and fruit from any of our spec’es. All our rough pubescent flat-
top corymbed Joe-Pye-Weed is referable to Eupaiorium macula -
turn, L. , which is the common form here. E. purpureum, L. ,

Herriot— New Canadian Plants.

29

is smooth, or nearly so, with elongated inflorescence, and is
rather rare. Lechea intermedia, Leggett, appears to be the com-
mon Pinweed, and replaces most previous references to L. minor,
Lam, throughout this portion of Ontario, the latter not being
found in this locality. Amelanchier spicata, Dec, is common and
distinct, with creeping rootstocks, growing in beds, from one
to three feet high, and its discovery here much extends its range
northwards, as it is not credited to Canada. ,

The different forms of Amelanchier, some flowering before
the leaves appear, some with well developed leaves, different
forms of leaf, and fruit which varies greatly in time of ripening,
would indicate that this genus is as yet little understood and
may* include several distinct species yet undescribed, as is the
case with the genus Cralaegus.

V accinium nigrum, Britton, Linum medium, Britton, and
Ruhus setosus, Bigel, I may record as new Ontario species,
having been seperated recently from closely allied species with
which they have been confused.

Arisaema pusillum, Peck, found in deep cedar swamps, is
much smaller than the common A. triphyllum, bearing only a
single leaf and flowers a month later. It may be distinct in its
extreme form, but certainly intergrades with the common spe-
cies. It is fairly common in this locality. Anemone riparia,
Fernald, is a new species separated from A. Virginiana, L., an
addition to Canada, with much larger white flowers, the latter
being small and greenish. The two species are about equally
distributed in this locality.

One of the most important and distinct new species that
has been separated for some years is Salix serissima , Fernald,
and only the neglect shown to this genus by botanists generally,
explains why it remained in obscurity so long. The writer’s
attention was attracted to it some years ago and a complete
series of specimens collected and observations recorded a little
over a year ago, but were anticipated by Dr. Fernald ’s descrip-
tion of the species. It differs from 5. lucida, Muhl, with which
it has been confused, chiefly in its much narrower leaves, which
are glaucous beneath, catkins appearing two weeks later, and
capsules remaining persistent till late in autumn, usually dehis-
cent in this locality about Nov. 15th, while those of S. lucida
open about the middle of June. It is rather plentiful about

30

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

ponds and marshes throughout Ontario, and in its late fruiting
character is easily distinguished from all other species. Salix
sericea, Marsh, and S. amy gdaloides , Anders, the former not
credited to Ontario, and the latter considered rare, are amongst
the commonest of our local species.

The Hawthorns and Violets are as yet only undergoing
careful analysis, which will enlarge greatly our knowledge of
these perplexing genera, the species of which it has been al-
most impossible to determine satisfactorily. Of the lately ad-
ventive plants that have not been recorded as growing in On-
tario the following European species have been collected : Leon-
todon hispidus, L., abundant in a meadow where it has flour-
ished for a score of years or more. Specimens sent to Dr? Brit-
ton were, he informed me, the first and only ones he had seen
from an American station. Senecio campestris, L. , has also
appeared here sparingly and is a new European arrival. Cen-
tauria Calcitrapa, L. , rare in fields, Crepis virens, h.,Lamium
purpueum, L. , Lysimachici vulgaris, L., a garden escape, Sida
spinosa, L., rare in waste places along the river, Trifolium du -
bium, Sibth, Amaranthus lividus, L., Primus Mahaleb, L., es-
caped from cultivation to roadsides, Bromus sterilis, L., Poa
trivialis, L., and Bromus arvensis, L. , are also recent arrivals.
The following species have lately migrated eastward from the
prairie region, appearing in waste places around Galt : Artemisia
frigida} Willd, along the C. P. R. track, Plantago aristata,
Michx, Sisymbrium altissimum, L. , and Festuca scabrella, Torr.

The Genus Aster at Puslinch Take.

BY A. B. KLUGH, GUELPH, ONT.

Puslinch Lake is a body of water about i£ miles long by }
miles wide, situated in the south-western corner of Wellington
County. The district in which the followirg Asters were found
is a rectangle, 2\ miles north and south by miles, east and
west, with the lake in the centre of the northern half. The
country surrounding the lake is broken up into a multitude of
hills and valleys, with numerous pockets in the bottoms of the
valleys which constitute bogs or ponds, and is fairly well wooded.

White— Orchids of Peel Co.

31

I wish here to thank Dr. M. L. Fernald for his careful ex-
amination of the forms which I submitted to him.

Aster macrophyllus — Common in open woods and thickets. In
anthesis, July 25, 1904.

A. cordifolius — Abundant in open woods and thickets and along
roadsides. Very handsome and extremely variable as to size of panicle.
In anthesis Aug. 8.

A. Undleyanus — Common on the large island in the middle of
the lake, but not found elsewhere. This is true also of three other
plants. In anthesis Sept. 26.

A. sagittifolius urophyllus — A few plants found at the extreme
south-western corner of the county. This is the first record for the
sub-species urophyllus in Ontario, though I believe that many of our
specimens will be found to belong here. In anthesis Sept. 11.

A. puniceus — Abundant in swales. In anthesis Aug. 20.

A. junceus — Common in bogs. In anthesis Aug 9.

A. longifolius — Common along the bay at the west end of the
Lake. This is the second record for Ontario. In anthesis Sept. 15.

A. paniculatus — Abundant in damp situations. Rays nearly al-
ways white, but in some specimens blue. In anthesis Aug. 15.

A. paniculatus lanatus — Scarce, found only in one locality. A
very distinct variety with very broad leaves, large heads and wooly-
pubescent stems. This is the first record for Ontario. In anthe-
sis Sept. 8.

A. diffusus — Abundant in both maist and dry situations. In
anthesis Aug. 15.

Tte Orchidacese of Peel County.

BY J. WHITE, SNELGROVE, ONT.

Arethusa bulbosa — Rare amongst sphagnum moss in bogs.
Calopogon pulchellus — Very common amongst sphagnum in

bogst.

Coraliorhiza innata — Rare in swamps.

Corallorhiza multiflora — Fairly common in rich low woods.
Coraliorhiza striata — Fairly common at base of hills in rich damp
woods.

Cypripedium pubescens — Rather rare in cedar swamps.
Cypripedium spectabile — Very rare on margins of lakes in peat.
Goodyera repens — Very rare on shady hillsides in woods.
Habenaria hyperborea — Common in wet swamps and woods,

32

The Ont. Nat. 8c. Bulletin— No. 1

Habenaria lacera — Rare on the outer margin of bogs in swamps.

Habenaria psycodes — Common in swampy soil near lakes.

Habenaria tridentata^- Locally common amongst sphagnum in
bogs.

Habenaria virescens — Locally common in very wet peaty swamps.

Liparis loeselii — Very rare on margin of boggy lakes in swamps.

Microstylis monophyllos — Very rare on margin of boggy lakes in
swamps.

Orchis spectabilis — Rare in low rich woods.

Pogonia ophioglossoides— Very common amongst sphagnum in
bogs.

The Orchidacese of Wellington County.

BY E. J. COLGATE, GUELPH, ONT.

Cypripedium acaule — -Fairly common in half shady bogs.

C. spectabile — Common in half shady bogs.

C. pubescens — Scarce in half shady bogs.

C. pavifiorum — Rare in swamps and damp woods.

Orchis spectabilis — Rare in woods.

O. rotundifolia — Rare in shady bogs.

Plabenaria orbiculata — Rare in swamps.

H. hyperborea — Common in bogs and swales
H. dilatata — Fairly common in bogs.

H. bracteata — Rare in woods.

H. tridentata — Scarce in open bogs.

H. lacera — Scarce in open bogs.

H. psycodes — Scarce in wet meadows.

Pogonia ophioglossoides — Scarce in open bogs.

Arethusa bulbosa — Scarce in open bogs.

Spiranthes romanzoffiana — Fairly common in bogs, and in one
case growing in crevices of damp rocks.

Goodyera rcpens — Scarce in shady bogs.

G. pubescens — Fairly common in woods.

Liparis loeselii — Scarce in half shady bogs and swales.
Corallorhiza innata — Fairly common in swamps.

C. multiflora — Common in woods.

Calopogon pulcliellus Common in open bogs.

Dfarnfss — Orchids of Middffsfx Co.

33

The Orchidacese of Middlesex County.

BY J. DEARNESS, LONDON, ONT.

Several diligent and acute observers have explored the
woods and swamps convenient to London City, with attention
alert to anything- that looked like an Orchid. When Dr. E. E.
White reported the presence of Epipactis well established and
taking- care of itself within the sound of the chimes of St. James’,
(Toronto), it made some of us cautious who had been wont to
say that we knew every Orchid in our rang-e. The following
species, all of which I have seen in their native situations, except
two, probably complete the entire list of Middlesex Orchidaceae.

Microstylis monophyllos — in sphagnous swamps near London ;
sandy swamps near Komoka and Dorchester Township.

Liparis loeselii—ln similar situations ; more common than Micro-
stylis. London Township, Delaware Township, Dorchester Town-
ship.

Aplectrum hyemale — in rich spots in beech and maple woods in
every township in the eastern and northern ridings of Middlesex. Ex"
tremely local.

Corallorhiza innata — I have this from three three situations in the
county, but it must be very rare.

C. odontorhiza — I have one specimen and one location, near
Hyde Park Junction.

C. multiflora — common.

C. striata — Dr. Burgess found this near London. I do not know
of any other report of it.

List era cor data — near London.

Spiranthes latifolia — flats of the River Thames, London Township

and Dorchester.

S. romanzoffiana — Dorchester Township.

S. cernua — Dorchester and London.

S. praecox — near Mud Lake in Dorchester Township.

Goody era repens-^- not rare in mixed conferous woods.

G. pubescens — common for an Orchid, in dry woods.

Calopogon pulchellns . — was common in sphagnous bogs near Lon-
don.

Arethusa bulbosa — this was found by Mrs. Saunders and Dr. Bur
gess, south of London, in the Westminster ponds. It does not seem
to be there now. I saw a number of specimens in a. cold bog (black
Spruce margin), west of London.

34

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

Pogonia ophioglossoides — companion plant of Calopogon. Not
rare.

P. verticillata — Dr. Burgess found this near Kofnoka. I think
this is the only Canadian record. At a subsequent season he, Mr.
Bowman, Mr. Balkwill and f carefully explored the locality, but
without the satisfaction of finding another specimen.

Orchis speoiabilis — Here and there in rich woods throughout the
county. r'

Habenaria tridentata — near London.

H. vires cans — Spruce swamp near Hyde Park.

H. bracteata — not rare.

PI. hyperborea — -commonest.

IP. dilatata — Delaware Township.

IP. hookerii — Delaware Township.

II. orbiculta — not so rare as last.

H. psy codes — common.

H. blephariglottis — near Strathroy.

PI. leucophaea — near London.

Cypripediam parviflorum — Coniferous woods — low ground.

C. pubescens — mixed woods, Delaware, London, Dorchester.

C. spectabile — mossy and sandy swamps.

C. acaule — in bogs.

“New Species” of Plants.

BY THEO. HOLM, WASHINGTON, D.C.

[Reprinted from “Notes from Thicket and Swamp,” the Club's column in the
.Guelph Herald, predecessor to the O. N. S. B.]

In late years the multiplication of “new species ” seems to
have passed all bounds, and the systematist engaged in deter-
mining collections finds it a most difficult task to consult the
literature of the subject. And that for two reasons : First, be-
cause the literature has grown so enormously, and second, be-
cause many of the modern plant descriptions are incomplete.
The rapid increase in the number of “new species” is mainly
due to the failure of many writers to appreciate what is really
meant by a species, and also their incompetence to understand
the botanical terms applied in scientific Botany. Last, but not
least, the careless publication of anything “new,” in no order
whatever, and wjth no information as to the affinity of the said

Holm — New Species of Plants.

35

new species, is a stumbling- block to students of systematic Bot-
any. Let us illustrate this by a few examples.

It is not unusual, nowadays, to come across diagnoses,
which are so incomplete that one does not gain any idea of how
the plant looks, and such statements as “flowers' not seen,’’
“fruit not known,” are far from uncommon.^ Moreover the
parts underground, the roots and rhizomes, are seldom describ-
ed, and if described, they are often misunderstood. To make a
description complete involves the consideration of a!l the different
organs of the plant, besides a comparison of its nearest allies.,
But to describe the organs of the plant is by no means an £isy
matter; this implies a thorough knowledge of botanical termin-i
ology, seldom possessed by authors, who.ce nafnes figure most
prominently among the so-called “species makers.” Because
if these authors were familiar with that branch of Botany which
is called terminology, they would be more scrupulous in establ-
ishing their many species, and they would not detect so many
“supposed undescribed.” Then it is a common case that au-
thors of new species disregard the conception of a species. Of
course this is a most difficult problem to discuss, and might give
rise to endless dispute, but so much is sure, that all plants do
possess some amount of individuality, expressed by their ability
to adapt themselves to different environment as to climate and
soil. The field naturalist is well familiar with such problems as
the variation of plants, how they change their foliage, their
color, hairyness, etc., when growing under various conditions,
in. the sunlight and in the shade, in dry or moist places, etc.,
Some plants otherwise glabrous, become hairy in shaded places;
some that are naturally rigid and stout, become lax and weak
when found in the woods or dense thickets. It is a question of
exposure to sunlight or shade that governs the development of
such variations, and much more so than the differentiation into
new and undescribed species. That such local variations may
be the very outset for the formation of varieties is a well-known
fact, but we know, also, that such plants regain their former-
stature when grown under proper conditions to which they are
naturally adapted. Cultivation has taught us so.

Another point, which is very often ignored, is that many!
plants show a wide geographical distribution. Many of our

36

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

Rocky Mountain species occur, also, in the mountains of Europe
and Asia, and it would be very unwise not to consult the foreign
floras before establishing “new species.” It may seem very dis-
couraging, but the truth is, that if our modern systematists
would consider the geographical distribution of plants, if they
would study the laws of phytography and, last, but not least,
consider the plants as living beings, the number of new species
would become much more limited, and we should gain a more
correct idea of the vegetation, of its components, the genera and
species.

There is still another point which often evades the attention
of botanists, the selection of a name for the “new species.” This
is by no means unimportant, and we regret to say that not only
are so very many of the lately published genera and new species
poorly founded, but they are often so badly named, that botan-
ists must shrink from recording such names. It is an old law
that a name must be either in Greek or in Latin, and there seems
no excuse for introducing such linguistic atrocities as : Yellow-
stonense, pseudo-repens, pendocarpa, Galeorchis, Rubacer and
the like. Names that are so badly composed must necessarily
give us the impression that the author is not very well versed
in Latin, hence that he is unable to read a diagnosis in Latin
with any profit.

When we finally mention- the manner of publishing new
species regardless of arrangement and without offering any clue
to the systematic position of the new species, we believe to have
demonstrated the most apparent difficulties involved by estab-
lishing too many new species. Systematic Botany requires sys-
tematic treatment from beginning to end ; we must treat the
plants as living organisms, we must study the classical works
on descriptive Botany and on plant geography whenever we wish
to deal with “new species.” And the more fully that experi-
ence teaches us the difficulties in controlling these broad chap-
ters of botanical science, the less we feel ourselves justified in un-
dertaking too much of such hazardous work as that of estab-
lishing “new species.”

Jarvis — Gramineae of Vicinity of Gueeph.

37

The Gramineae of the Vicinity of Guelph.

BY TENNYSON D. JARVIS, GUELPH, ONT.

Andropogon furcatus — Scarce on dry banks.

Panic um glabrum — Common along roadsides.

P. crus-galli— Common.

P. lati folium — Rare in thickets.

P. depauperatum — Scarce in thickets."

P. capillar e — Common.

Set aria glauca — Scarce.

5. viridis — Common.

Zizania aquatica — Scarce in shallow water.

Leersicu oryzoides — Common in swales and ditches!

Phalaris arundinacea — Common in wet situations.

P. canariensis — Scarce.

Oryzopsis asp eri folia— Common in woods.

Milium effusum — Scarce in damp situations.

Muhlenbergia mexicana — Fairly common in both damp and dry
situations.

M. glomerata — Common in bogs ‘and wet situations.

M. sylvatica — Fairly common in damp situations.

Phleum pratense — Common.

Alopecurus geniculatus aristulatus — Scarce in water.

A. pratensis — Roadsides near the Ontario Agr. College.
Sporobolus vaginaeflorus — Common along roadsides.

Cinna pendula — Fairly common in damp situations.

Agrostis alba — Abundant.

A. scabra — Scarce in bogs.

Calamagrostis canadensis — Common in wet situations.

Avena striata — Fairly common in woods.

Arrhenatherum avenaceum — -Roadsides near the Ont. Agri. Col-
lege.

Danthonia spicaia — Fairly common in dry soil.

Eatonia pennsylvanica — Fairly common in damp situations.
Dactylis glomerata — Common.

Eragrotis minor — Ont. Agr. College barnvard.

Poa annua — Common.

P. compressa — Common.

P. pratensis — Common.

P. serotina — Fairly common in damp situations.

P. alsodes — Scarce in woods.

38

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

Glyceria canadensis — Scarce in bogs.

G. nervata — Abundant in damp and wet situations.

G. gvandis — Fairly common in ditches.

G. fluitans — Common in water.

Puccinellia distans— Roadside near Guelph. Scarce.
Festuca elatior— Roadsides near the Ont. Agr. College.
F. nutans — Scarce in woods.

Bromus ciliatus — Fairly common in damp situations.

B. secalinus — In some wheat fields.

Folium perenne — Rare on roadsides.

Agropyrum repens — Common.

A. caninum — Fairly common in woods and thickets.
Elymus virginicus — Common along streams.

Asprella hystrix — Fairly common in woods.

NOTES.

A Black-crowned Night Heron in Ontario in Winter.

On Dec. 24, 1904, an adult female Black-crowned Night Heron
( Nycticorax nycticorax naevius), was shot in an orchard near Wood-
stock, Ont., and given to me. It is now in my collection.

Woodstock, Ont.

W. D. HOBSON.

j* J* -j*

Bird Notes From Penetanguishene, Ontario.

Canada Jays have been with us throughout the winter.

On Dec. 3rd an Arctic Threevtoed Woodpecker, a rather rare visi-
tor here, was noted.

On Dec. 5 I examined a female Scamp Duck (A. marila ), which
was taken here. These birds winter on the Muskoka and Swim rivers
during mild winters, and occasionally come into the Bay here and feed
at the openings at the mouths of the creeks.

On Dec. 8 I saw 2 Black Ducks at the mouth of one of these
creeks. Redpolls and Snowflakes have been seen nearly every day.

Notks.

3§

On Jan. 21 I saw four Crows feeding along the road on the ice
near North-west Basin.

February 17 I saw another Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker.

The same day I observed four Purple Finches I came upon them
suddenly in a thicket at the edge of a small lake.

A. F, YOUNG.

Penetanguishene, Ont.

The Female Purple Finch a Songster.

Having seen it denied that the female Purple Finch sings, I wish
to record the following occurrence : On May 9, 1904, I heard an un-
familiar song. It was somewhat like the usual song of the Purple
Finch, but higher, and more piping than warbling. I approached the
singer and saw it to be a dull Purple Finch. On taking the bird it
proved to be a female.

A. B. KLUGH.

Guelph, Ont.

JC ^ J*

A Flicker Tragedy.

Occasionally the Naturalist is likely to have his most cherished
theories receive a severe jolt, especially when the unexpected happens.
Such was the case" a few seasons ago, when the following pathetic inci-
dent came before my notice.

A pair of Flickers built their nest in a hollow stub near the Hat-
wood gate, and when the young were almost ready to fly, one of the
female patients at Rockwood took them out of the nest and carried
them in her apron to my office. I had the fledglings returned to the
stub at -once, but Flicker pride had been outraged and wounded and
the parent birds refused to accept their progeny.

During the day several young Flickers were found dead about the
grounds, all wounded in the head. I took one lively youngster up
to my house, with the intention of saving it, if possible. My wife was
interested in the problem and took the bird to the lawn, while I turn-
ed over stones in a neighboring copse, with the hope of finding ant’s
eggs for the hungry nestling. Suddenly I heard the angry cries of

40

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

the old birds and Mrs. C. called to me to come quickly, as the Flickers
were killing the young bird. I thought she must be mistaken, but
alas the statement was true. The male bird was scolding noisily in
a tree, while the female was deliberately killing the little one by stab-
bing its head through and through with her bill. She was in a perfect
transport of rage and fury and almost refused to fly when I came to
the rescue.

The baby Flicker died in a few moments from more than a dozen
wounds. The whole tragedy was at variance with my theories, al-
though in accord with popular belief in regard to the young of some
birds taken from their parents.

C. K. CLARKE, M.D.

Kingston, Ont..

& &

The Woodcock’s Notes

A little experience I once had with the American Woodcock comes
back to me and I am minded to jot down a few notes describing the
well known towering habit and flight song of this bird.

On the evening of the 29th of April, 1901, as I was on my way
home after a day’s tramp, I heard a peculiar harsh “pake, which
I guessed was a Woodcock’s note. I ran along the side of a clear-
ing covered with logs and stumps, towards a large second-growth
swale, till I got close to the “pake,” whereupon the bird flew and
commenced its towering “twitter.” I lay beside a stump and kept
perfectly still and ere long the twittering came closer and then sud-
denly ceased. A moment later there was a rush of wings overhead
and a Woodcock dropped in a little open space, not far from my
stump.

It was moonlight and I could see it plainly, as it toddled around
among the logs and brush. It made a queer clucking noise, a low,
double-syllable “qui-r-r-ut. ” Suddenly it uttered its “pake” immedi-
ately after one of its “qui-r-r-ut” notes, and so close was I and so
intense the sound that I was fairly startled.

Several more birds had by this time appeared and there must have
b en six or eight in that little clearing.

Every little while one would flv and “tower,” uttering a rather
low sweet twittering noise, which 1 cannot attempt to describe. This
twitter did not start for some seconds after the bird rose, and each

Notes.

41

performance lasted but a short time, about 30 seconds I should judge.
Towards the end the sound came nearer and then suddenly ceased.
A moment after the bird could be seen alighting with short rapid
beats of the wings. It always came back close to the spot from
which it had flown.

For two hours I lay cramped up against that stump, watching
those birds in the moonlight. Before the time was up they had
ceased “towering” and were sitting around in the swale uttering their

“qui-r-r-ut pake. ” One sat a few yards from me and kept it up for

half an hour, during which time I came to the conclusion, that al-
though every “qui-r-r-ut” was not followed by a “pake,” every
“pake” was preceded by a “qui-r-r-ut.” Only once did I fail to catch
the “qui-r-r-ut,” and that time it was probably uttered, although I
failed to hear it. The “qui-r-r-ut” note is very low and audible only
for a short distance, while the “pake” is a harsh and extremely in-
tense sound and seems to possess ventriloquial qualities.

By ten o’clock they were mostly silent, and before long the last
one, alarmed by some slight movement on my part, flew up over the
swale and disappeared, so I stretched my cramped limbs and tramped
the four miles between me and home, not sorry for my little glimpse
into the midnight life of the woods.

F. NORMAN BEATTIE.

Guelph, Ont.

£ J*

The Call of the American Bittern.

The manner in which the American Bittern utters its “pumping”
call has been observed, but apparently not very often. Very early
on the morning of May 6, 1902, I had an opportunity of observing the
performance at the distance of only a few yards.

A gurgling sound was first heard, apparently beginning low down
in the throat and ascending, then a series of “ker-plunks” was thrown
out, each “ker-plunk” being emitted with a vomiting motion.

A. B. KLUGH.

Guelph, Ont.

42

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1

Putorius noveboracensis in Wellington County.

As illustrating the difference in fauna between the northern and
southern portions of Wellington County, the occurrence of Putorius
noveboracensis, the New York Weasel, at Guelph, is interesting. As
will be seen by reference to another page, Mr. Allan Brooks found only
P. cicognani, Bonaparte’s Weasel, at Mount Forest. Here we have
both, P. cicognani, however, appearing to be much the commoner.

A. A. DAVIDSON.

Guelph, Ont.

jt

A Foreign Mammal at Guelph.

In April, 1904, a large Musteline mammal was killed at the
Guelph watch-box on the G.T.R. The specimen was sent to Dr. C.
Hart. Merriam for identification, and he pronounced it to be appar-
ently Putorius eversmanni, Eversmann’s Ferret, whose native home
is in Russia. Owing to the skull having been completely pulverized
and the pieces consequently removed, absolutely positive identification
was impossible.

L. BEATTIE.

Guelph, Ont.

Phegopteris polypodioides in South-Western Ontario.

o-

Last season (1904), I found Phegopteris polypodioides near lnner-
kip, Ont. This is the first record for South-western Ontario.

F. MITCHELL.

Innerkip, Ont.

jt jt

A Cyperus New to Canada.

On the logs of an old boom beside a sawmill at the east end of
the city of Kingston, I find Cyperus engelmanni to be abundant. This
is, I believe, the first record, with locality, for Canada.

JAMES FOWLER,

Queen’s University, Kingston, Qnt.

Publications Received.

43

A Carex New to Ontario.

Car ex crawfordii, first described by Dr. Fernald in 1902, has been
examined, under various names, by him from Newfoundland, Prince
Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba, Assiniboia, Sas-
katchewan and Athabaska. Last fall I found it in the vicinity of
Guelph, this being the first Ontario record. The perigynia of this
species are very different to those of any other of the Ovales, being
subulate, less than ^ as broad as long and very plump. I expect that
upon careful examination the species will prove to be fairly common
throughout Ontario.

A. B. KLUGH.

Guelph, Ont.

A New Station for a Rare Ontario Fern.

During the summer of 1904 I found Nephrodium boottii in the vi-
cinity of Innerkip, Ont. It was well distributed, but was nowhere
plentiful. Mr. A. B. Klugh informs me that this is the seventh sta-
tion for this fern in Ontario, the others being Kemptville, Belleville,
Hamilton, London, Guelph and Snelgrove.

F. MITCHELL.

Innerkip, Ont.

Publications Received.

Some New Facts About the Migration of Birds. By Wells W. Cooke,

Year Book, U.S. Dept Agric., 1903.

In this valuable paper Prof. Cooke gives us some of the results
of his extensive investigation of the subject of bird migration. Some
of the most important conclusions reached are, that birds do not fol-
low closely such landmarks as rivers or mountain-chains, that the
average speed for all species during spring migration from New Or-
leans to the Great Lakes is 23 miles per day, that when a species
goes diagonally north-westward it immensely increases its speed, that
the great majority of species outstrip the advancing season in their

44

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

migration, that during spring migration at least two transposals of
colonies of individuals of a species occur, and that with most species
the fall migration is a synchronous southward movement.

A. B. K.

Distribution and Migration of North American Warblers. By Wells
W. Cooke, U.S. Dept. Agric., Div. Bio. Sur. Bull. No. 18.

This excellent bulletin is probably the most important contribution
to the life-history of N. American Warblers ever published. The
breeding range, winter range, migration route and dates of arrival
and departure at various stations is given for each species. Speaking
from Ontario there is one suggestion we would make; that in future
citations of Ontario birds the terms Southern Ontario, Central On-
tario, etc., etc., be more carefully applied. A locality whose avifauna
is pretty strongly tinged with Canadian faunal characteristics is certain-
ly not in Southern Ontario.

A. B. K.

Catalogue of Canadian Birds. By John Macoun, M.A. Pt. III.

This part brings to a conclusion this most valuable work in which
Prof. Macoun has brought together all available references to Cana-
dian birds.

A. B. K.

The Economic Value of the Bob-white. By Sylvester D. Jlidd. Year
Book, JJ.S. Dept. Agric., 1903.

This is the latest of the immensely valuable studies of the food
of birds which have been made by the economic ornithologists of the
Biological Survey. Dr. Judd, the writer of the present paper, and
many previous ones, and Dr. Beal, the writer of many previous econo-
mic papers, deserve the thanks of ornithologists the world over for
their excellent work.

A. B. K.

Cassinia. A Bird Annual. Proceedings of the Delaware Valley Or-
nithological Club. No. VIII.

This handsomely got up annual well reflects the good work done
by the club of which it is the journal.

A. B. K.

Publications Received.

45

The Wilson Bulletin. A Quarterly Journal of Ornithology. Nos.

46-49.

This progressive quarterly, under the able editorship of Mr.
Lvnds Jones, has during the past year given us much valuable infor-
mation on the birds of Ohio. Mr. Jones’ idea of frequent bird censi
as an aid in the compiling of reliable faunal lists, deserves the highest
praise. The results of these censi and. other good material make the
Wilson Bulletin an interesting publication.

A. B K.

The Bulletin of the Michigan Ornithological Club. Vol. V., Nos. 1-4.'

In No. I. this quarterly published one of the most important, if
not the most important, contribution to American ornithology of the
year, viz. : “The Discovery of the Breeding Area of Kirtland’s War-
bler,” by Mr. Norman A. Wood. No. 2 sees the completion of Mr.
Bradshaw H. Swale’s excellent faunal list of the land birds of South-
western Michigan, and in Nos. 3 and 4, Prof. W. B. Barrows writes
of the avifauna of the Beaver Islands, a group of islands in Northern
Lake Michigan. Each number contains other good articles and in-
teresting notes.

A. B. K.

The Journal of the Maine Ornithological Society. Vol. VI., Mos. 2,

3, 4; Vol. VII., No. I.

The Journal has during the past year done valuable work for
the advancement of the Ornithology of Maine. In Vol. VI., No. 3,
Mr. A. H. Norton concludes his excellent paper, “Notes on the
Finches Found in Maine.” In each number there appears a part of
“Notes on the Warblers Found in Maine,” which are being writen
by Prof. O. W,. Knight, Mr. J. M. Swain, Capt. H. Spinney and
Prof. W. S. Powers.

A. B. K.

Bird Lore. Vol. VI., Nos. 2-6; Vol. VII., No. I.

An important feature of this bi-monthly magazine for
the past year has been the production of the most excellent Warbler
pictures by Bruce Horsfall and L. A. Fuertes. These are unquestion-
ably the best colored plates of North American birds ever issued and

46

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. 1.

their most valuable feature is the illustrating of the plumages of
females and young, as well as the adult males, as this has heretofore
been the weak point of all illustrations of birds and of all keys for
their identification. Until we know a bird in all its plumages — at least
after the juvenal — we only one-quarter or one-half know it, as the
case may be. These plates should be in. the hands of every bird stu-
dent throughout the land.

A. B. K.

Rhodora. The Journal of the New England Botanical Club. Vol. 6,

Nos. 70-72 ; Vol. 7, Nos. 73 and 74.

In No. 70, Dr. M. L. Fernald writes on “American Representa-
tives of Pyrola rotundifolia” and shows our plant to be really P. am-
ericana, Sweet. In No. 71 Pres’td Ezra Brainerd deals with “Hybri-
dism in the Genus Viola,” and in No. 73, gives “Notes on New Eng-
land Violets, No. II.,” in which specimens of Viola nephrophylla from
Puslinch Lake, Wellington County, are shown to be the first from
Ontario. In No. 73, L. H. Dewey shows our Prickly Lettuce to be
Lactuca scariola integrata and not L. scariola, which is very rare in
America, except in the Central Ohio Valley. In the same number Dr.
R. G. Leavitt begins an article on “The Translocation of Characters in
Plants,” which he completes in No. 74. These and other articles and
notes render Rhodora a publication which no Ontario botanist should
be without.

A. B. K.

The Fern Bulletin. Vol. XII., Nos. 1-4.

During the past year this quarterly, the only publication in the
world devoted exclusively to Pteridophyta, has published numerous
articles of great value. The fern-floras of one or more States, written
by the most eminent fern-student in that State, apear in each issue.
In No. I., Mr. W. N. Clutc writes on “The Measurement of Varia-
tion in Equisetum,” and describes a new species of this genus. In
No. 2, Mr. A. A. Eaton concludes his important paper on “The Genus
Equisetum in North America.” These and other papers and notes
make up an excellent volume.

A. B. K.

Wellington Field Naturalists’ Club.

47

The Mammal and Bird Fauna of Beaver County, Pennsylvania. By
W. E. Clyde Todd. (Reprint from “History of Beaver Co.,
Penn.”)

Fungi of Nova Scotia. A Provisional List. By A. H. MacKay, Ll.D.
(Reprint from Proc. N.S. Inst. Sc. Vol. XI. Pt. I.)

A Biological Reconnaissance of the Base of the Alaska Peninsula.
By Wilfred H. Osgood. N. Am. Fauna, No. 24, U.S. Dept.
Agric. ; Div. Bio. Sur.

The Apteryx. Vol. I., No. I.

Report of the Botanical Club of Canada, 1903. By A. H. MacKay,

Ll.D.

Wellington Field Naturalists’ Club.

The Wellington Field Naturalists’ Club was founded at Guelph,
Ont., in March, 1900. Its object is to encourage biological research
in Ontario. During the past four years a great deal of work along
these lines has been done, some of which forms the present Bulletin,
and more of which will appear in future numbers. Official meetings
are held every two weeks, from the middle of October to the middle
of April, and after that date informal meetings are held. At the offi-
cial meetings current observations are reported, papers read and busi-
ness transacted. At the informal meetings current observations are
discussed. One open meeting, to which the public are invited, is held
during the winter.

T. D. J.

Hon. President — Prof. M. W. Doherty, Guelph, Ont.

President — T. D. Jarvis, O.A.C., Guelph, Ont.

Secy.-Treas. — A. B. Klugh, Guelph, Ont.

48

The Ont. Nat. Sc. Bulletin— No. i.

BENJAMIN HOAG,

STEPHENTOWN, NEW YORK.

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