uh ‘
PORN etl

it
Petree frtgi 36 bis pgiih

Tie reer ia pee)
neh V9) BU Pa yy

4
MEL oat
TA Tad pt

oasis,

i

tori a
reertea
AS ain ie

*
AA

a"
vet aria

Roe
Lal +
in 13

a hs a3
i

atta: hdhe
fe Stand

ny

Se CENA R EAE vate Nat
AS rh hide 48 By pb
Went ed ataeese .

eae ¥

ane
Sehr sre!

a ah s ae
< ¥

ier

fu eis ie 4 Base:
Bhat

$7194)
‘ {aa
sport jae
et aro
Ma hep ourde

Peas hb Bees
VIP EL EE 2M §
sbee tale
in ae rire 1h
Pert eat re bathe
ree: Pye ee
uh ts SORA Rat!
or
“4 hee

folly 204)
Va Been ct
Aa ooh mba)
e

Spt et
Ae

rage wg, ae

ier, 20. 7h
is ee ee ee he

Bape scab tail
%;

ae

hi

tla
AMS
ye wae
bd hen

°
eer
Ppkewa

4,

Lei eat Ratahy
ra ered ee oe ht

z RenEH TN he

Cet mor tr
cigar etait a
yas gia
%, a ia rasan
Wien hee Fete vu
it

7 en

BA
a

3 - ste

ites
Gree
zi i

=
rH

eit
Reine v8
otal

; ie

may:
Satie

At
wae

sy Re Sys
ne SS Faeensie =

sana tTY

das pets.
he chy x} on
at
¥ El itd oS
ane

ks

aay ty 286
ahs Er

ies

pee tree a

wens gcatqae mM
nev aay

oa qt,

peer at aoe

aaa esr
ae,
a t
# Ets frth
br ro
ee tere pir

eter) ss sel ey eth

Td
COPE Blacy pine 4

Prat atn Date ae

at wee va

Cet

ree aor

ait rae a

ee vy

Tatbeate ee

Ae A 7 fk
RSE EA:
NGS a ‘
nie cereal
is Praateede

Be eras

raeee
egies
es ae at
it

oar wns ie |
ore
Pads

ne bf Baa eH
‘ PA,

Oe
ft Fetttied ae ie

ware
sine S seni:

‘ert oasenant Paves
sey

etoartene nae

itt Bh
et ay

ae

bs
bf
ee Rernoente

a

Yu

1yvudil Li! . RAR 1ES SMITHSONIAN ahha beetle NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S31YV: vas

.

S3aluvys
INSTITUT

INSTITUT
SAluVvust

Li
INSTITUT

Sai
ky

2

2

x

= ” z n Pa n
< = < = < =
z = = ox 4 oe A
2 O so Oo N\ oe 2 © =
2 SN 8 2 AN 2 ‘2 g
E NY 2Z E wy 2 E =
5 ws S YX 4 3 3
NOILNLILSNI_NVINOSHLINS S34 1YVYGIT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTI
w” 7 — —_
WW rr os a us a
ox = oc a ~ 4
<x 4o <—e - <x is |
co 5 co 5 mM. =
—_— _ — -_ Oo :
= = =! = = = Is
luvualy LIBRARIES _ SMITHSONIAN” INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI” NVINOSHLIWS Sa1uval
rc si z a = q
ow ° ‘ow ° ow 2)
>) = 7 = 20 =
> — > me > =
= = = S re
_ Zz E Z e Z
STITUTION NOILALILSNI_ NVINOSHLINS,”83 \YVYGIT_ LIBRARIES | SMITHSONIAN INSTITUT
Ne ae z S = ws = <
g : g i BRE 8 2 |
2 = zZ Ef = =
> = > = . 2 =
z w Zz 72) = ”

Haya LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILALILSNI NVINOSHIIWS S31 Yi

NOILNLILSNI
LIBRARIES
LIBRARIES

abd x
STITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S3!1YVYd!IT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTI

INSTITUTION NOILALILSNI
INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI
S3INVYGIT LIBRARIES

s3ziuvudit
ree 4

S31uvysl

INSTITUTION

eves vi i gba SMITHSONIAN pede NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLIWNS saiuvae

Fa w w =z wn
< = = < =
4 per = 4
re) 2 \ + , O eA
sh fe) WE S = fe)
= 2 Nr 2 = 2
= > N >" = >
wn z ve = ” =

STITUTION NOILALILSNI NVINOSHLIWS

.
: S31YVYGIT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTI
2», j

NOILNLILSNI

LIBRARIES

NOILNLILSNI

NOILNLILSNI

uvaal LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI = NVINOSHLIWS Saluvug

S3iyVvusil
INSTITUTION
INSTITUTION

INSTITUTION

STITUTION NOILNLILSNI_ NVINOSHLINS S31YVYSIT_ LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITU Tl

LIWS S31¥VYgIT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN

LINS SZIYWYUSIT_ LIBRARIES

a ow. ” z za
‘NS - = <x 4¥1SON, <x =
NS == yrsAhs SiO. ee ee RNS VSOLINN =< «! N

2 WX 5 2 = “yy, WD 5
AS >

= SA = > = Y Y> =
ss INN — oat EA _

S RO a ae f= FE
m YS \S = m n* m a
wn eee = Ww = wo =

RARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILALILSNI NVINOSHLINS S31u¥Vuatt LIBRARIES

g S 2p, 3 ae” hes
= z *¥ a iY / py. = A =
as CS -Nyyfs.

WEY S ae ACTAY’ OC j tip, oO =

eN S E Wwe 2.7 7 E Z, E

ee ie 2 S

MLILSNI_NVINOSHLINS S31YVYEIT_LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION |,

A uJ = a “ UE: 2 ul

= = = GY, > 2

c a = < bff a <

> 2 " y i, [ead

~ NS 0 = meee rel

Rp ty = aa oO —

z J za J = -
RARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S3lu¥VvudI7 LIBRARIES

os ue z - z =

° “oO Oo ae (©) es

a, = wo = o

=e es 2 Ee es) = a

on “es ae > i) J = >

- Gj, pd = —

9°“ « 2 m 2 ;

= = ” > oie ee
INLILSNI_ NVINOSHLINS S31YVYG!T_ LIBRARIES, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSN

= > ue w

= 5 nt pe WN § 2 «& 5

4 % § s ty 4 2

: ELM AWS 3 5 Z

: 2 Gm = SY 2 : :

= > : = ire Ss >

wn Zz ” Byiaee wv ey Gre

RARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S31u¥vVugit

LIBRARIES

LIBRARIES
NOILNLILSNI

LNLILSNI Saiuvudit LIBRARIES INSTITUTION NOILNLILSN

1

a
SMITHSONIAN

INSTITUTION NOILALILSNI
INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI
S31NVYGIT LIBRARIES

s3zluvagl
S3luvugit
INSTITUTION

RARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILMLILSNI NVINOSHLINS SSIUVYEIT LIBRARIE:

z Z g Z hs sae
= = * = = = =
3 5 NAG a
o of A TAX OO < (2) <=
. = NS Z = 2 =
2 eS 3 . zs
_NVINOSHLINS S31YVYaIT_LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION | NOILMLILSN
& uu = uw = us
= oc =! = i *
e ,< = < = <
ro) = r=} m. = m
rd ; At) > ze > =a
RARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLIWS Saldvadi7 LIBRARIE
. - = oi z e
= 7 @ = wo o w
=e a a 2 pea 2
ke : > ke > - Ja rs >
a = - 2 = ai
2 °G@ m 2 r= D m
a -_ wo 5 =
ANLILSNI_ NVINOSHLINS $3 lYVUGIT_LIBRARIES, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, NOILALILSH
< <1450 = 5 ‘ae = x NS i =z
n= ain = 4 ¥s RAN = Cam = Bs = ere” Ae oe

ORNITHOLOGIST#AND#OOLOGIST. —

Me >
Y

This Magazine, being designed as a means for
the interchange of Notes and Observations on Bird
and Insect Life, appeals for its support to all who are
interested in those departments of Natural History.

tS et OA RS: & 4>-0—_—<> 2a « -————*"_
- SS m

‘

ro lA BEISEE DD) 1.875.

THE

Be Lely

AND

DOLOGIST.

Wien. 1 SO.

BIRDS: THEIR NESTS AND EGGS

137 STs
BOSTON, MASS.

PRANK B. WEBSTER.

1886.

: oe

Tian ~e~
te

2—J. G COOLEY, In,—2

PRINTER,

151 Main Street, Norwich, Ct

a

—4 ORMRITHOLOCIST AND OOLOGIST. 4 —

SONVENTS OF “Vor. XT,

Acadian Flycatcher, Eggs of........141

5bDS~

Accipiter fUSCUB...0.105-- 620s onabon 117
e UGLOD nics ieee e eis emigeale ,. 148
Ageleus phoeniceus...... ese mrevcncets = 161
PAVED BIIOTERC: wetter atalatatataiata\ tetera etola'e] aster 178
Ajaja rosea, Begs Of......-.-.--..--- 101
Albatross, Yellow-nosed, Eggs of....21
Al binG RODIN a .-ce<-1< = -\01018 Sees 16, 107
te ‘Tree Swallow..........0..... 142
PANIEMTETOTICH IIS -rateye eletnieia\siclsie(e) <\e)=,-\21° <yolni 16

Aluco flammeus americanus, Breeding
of, near Philadelphia.............. 36
“Amateur,”’..... Mba eatohatefarayealstnse1otsiate ehats 128
<é A. O. U. and the. .160, 176, 192
American Bittern. .11.-)- «ie aicles'e nedosllits
a6 Goldtine bys secieleanteterel sl 146
we Long-eared Owl........--- lige

oe Long-eared Owl, Nesting of
Doda sdooMoen scan conbodcodoccndass 188

American Ornithologist’s Union Code
of Nomenclature, and Check List

apace ners vaveeinterchavelere cleloiievate clalo1cvey steve: sincs sO
FAUMENIGAF MAT Kies =:he.0 << ea.sie/a10:0 115, 118
Amherst, Mass., Notes on Birds from
AO TRATTOO AGS DIS FO DOG OCDE Ca OO Are 98
Ammodramis bivirdit.....0.0s00020-011T |
PAP ELISHECT NOT UMU. «jas 0) -/=10\=/-121191 25 =1¢ 146 |
BATS EO USCUM: Dita rate velsrelsicle <3 =\"10) Seenaltts)
Anna’s Hummingbird, Early Breeding
Qing otnted Go cb oc COC One OCE A eesOs 3T
Anna’s Hummingbird, Early Breeding
Ole TMeTSEGHEl 2222 ecw oss se cm sesso ele 70
Anorthnra troglodytes hyrmalis...... 115
AIBA GUILE, AMES icicle cistemsics ss eistene's 148
Anthus ludoricans. ... 0 .ccceeee eee lls: |
a MONSTIVANIACUS. oniccns 20> 000.07 118
A. O. U., and the Amateurs, 160, 176,
eee Se Te ene stele pra. eieys aiole simile eraiows 192
PA Oeor MECLIM Es mats cite aia folarssteise ales 192 |
Aptoso-Chromatism, Notes on....49, 84
ONG QUE DO PIE A GU Ra Soars Sanaa SBOCOSOOD 148
‘© chryseetus canadensis, Nesting
OS icteeatcae eayeiet sarees ki pier vole mle cteieternnsperecs 85
Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis. ATS
IAT CLIC PRIME DINGS. cee oe. em siels cuss) sere - 154
PAW CR OUROTOL LS ace ieneinin e's midis Sexn'e anes 1TS |
Arrangement of a Collection of Fggs, 19
AIESEMN CALS OM Paes erevercree earets ciate easels 144
Arsenic, No Substitute for............ 48
Ashv Petrel, Nesting Habits and Eggs
Olineminis ae he ce cote cate seach eielisteccd 1
Asio aocipitrinus, Eggs of........... 167 |
SAIN OT ICH TLOR Cr taroks asst rsyorcre eter 177
TAISURGIATRGRER EPAGELBs ccia cre wine over clereclaters 146
PAREN GUT ICO ILLUS... Saicec cus oaniee's 16 178
Attacus cynthia, Breeding of......... 29
Auriparus flaviceps......... emesobe 118
ATOM eA DY OOO GICAL Sas emecscices oles 36
AL LOLRAESHLUN 1D LLB tate ate ekaia de rievei or els 146
Msalon columbarius ......e..000.20> 177
Baird’s Sparrowin Iowa............ 117
Bald Hacle ons). cc... nACUL CAGED Ose OgoE 104
BES IMPS WW DI OW sia rays are aiscsn xtroh clare Sa aiciels 146
Barn Owl, Breeding of, near Philadel-
aL etirreretciaielateroseistatetave's Gta eveleieiayarnrciatet oe 36
BATS WA OW: 6 onc cians ccisieteres ocjarna eo 145
PP ATLECUOW Re crore ols ss edisisie ecco 147, 177
Bay-breasted Warbler............... 130 |
. se Nesting of...123
Beetles, Colorado, and Kingbird...... 67 |
= Conversation Between...... 174

1886.

Beetles, Do They Emigrate?......... 111 | Butterflies of Maine, by Fernald......7S
sf Larva: Habits of............ 173 | Buzzard, Turkey......... sconDooaens 147
Belted Kinefisher........5...... 163, 164 oe ‘¢ Occurrence of, in
Bernicia@ (EUCOpPSis =m e\<= o\<)=beiniols oon <0 <= 16 Massachnsettsn.ceilecee eseriscteet Ok
Bid PEERED ORE or Eat Big nae UME (CEG SS MAKE ing so connagncoccandnaeced 118
% Medium Offs. cece... 48 | Culynt Fasly Breedine of... nar
: ypte anne, Early Breeding of.....
Jeane Sieh sl A Elec oocnnoncosoncoo0ococ 192 re ‘Early Breeding of; the
Mies een TES OR es EGG i lb Sasoneasadéccocoac Ee A Hh ..70
oe e Haneae} Bee eater acres 38 Camera, The, as a Field Necessity....48
EE Rye Gah nn nthe ice es me | Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus...118
Black-and-White Creeper....... 118, 129 | oxiws a Begs
Black-and-Yellow Warbler.......... 130 Botan 20
Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker nc te Oe 5 eee ae
sealeteletatotaietnictelatelieietelafeloMntetaial-ratelalelyets 162 Grace canadensis: i a See eee a
Black-billed Cuckoo, Large Number Canada Flycatching Warbler.....182, ee
PA Uo ery a tin ee pt oe 18 e GTOURE re eiareielalcleistelatolet eter tetsial= 178
Blackbird, Red-winged.............. LG eae ay, BEST pie ag ye
ce Rusty. a Ronee ae 161 | Cafion Mow Heer ejesee «aie te eet oelolelae 133
Biackburnian Warbler...... 115, 118, 130 Capacity (of ER eS 2 oe one cee eats ae
Black-capped Chickadee..... F-15180 Cape Cod, Summer and Fall Migration
ts WH a ees 132 | De sosee Cassonds BREE Saye S30 9
Black-chinned Hummingbird........ 164 | Capen’s Oilogy of New England....... fe
Black-crested Titmonse............. 11s | Cardinal, Texan CO al Seine es 133
| Black-hended Grosbeak.............- 132 Carolina Chickadee......... ise ae =
BiapeeMallardé 2.1.0. 8ee neha e 178 | Carnodacus pupureus.........-+-----146
Black-poll Warbler.........000s00+ ++ 190 cD SIRE NERSB tag eh See rc 1
BIBCkA SNOW Did sence ic reteeieecla sem oe 147 | SOLUTE om. cans as cite eag arid, ee
Black-(henated Bie Warbler. o. 1719p | ees Ot ono lect PE: =
Black-throated Green Warbler. ....145| “ Occurrence of, in Mass-
BI MODIGG Mesa. “catenin clelele ial atnvaieiceeesere 114 achusetts ....--.--2+2s0e+200 soe. 157
‘ FA ReT Geet ee ane jg, Cedar Waxwing........ Beeeiacisfoiceteeteas 146
‘“ Peculiar Plumage of......--- 18 Certhia familiaris rufa........+.++0 115
ce White Eggs acon 53, 194 Ceryle aleyon.....-..0.0-sees eres 163, 164
Blue Grosbeak.. : natatapey tatters afelalistayoioVel= 132 | Chat, Long-tailed...........+++-+:++-118
Blue-headed Fuphonia.........-..-- 132| “ Yellow-breasted, Eggs of....... 22
6 Viren ae eee ae 139 | Chatville, A Day in...........-2++.-+- 22
Blue-cray Gnatcatcher.........- 118, 163 | Cheetura nelasqicd.......s22.-00+sere 162
“ “ West. of soe gg | Checking List, Lattin’s.............. 119
BI Gey AY: sce-c ice Oe oe ca cleael moa aces 161 Chestnut-sided Warbler.......-..--- 130
Blne Yellow-backed Warbler....118, 129 | Chickadee, Black-capped.:...... 115, 180
Borer. Cherry Tree..........-220-00: 158 | sé Carolina. a cae). <a eclel= lee 180
Botany of Birds’ Nests.......... 1°8, 144 | “ Hudsonian...----++-++ +115
Botaneus leutiginosus........+..+---- 178 | # and Oak-borer.......-+-- 122
Bristol County, Mass., Ornithological | Chimney Swift..........--..------- 162
COSTER Siege oie eee pane AONB Maal 2 eh 16 | Chordeiles poretue.....-..---++0+e0--- 162
Bristol County, Mass, A Season’s Chordeiles popetue, Curious Nesting
INQLERMTO sore etn cence eae 38. 49 | Placer. c ctsccte cisy-'=siareteiots sietaciets 103
Broad-winged Hawk................ 7S | CRrusomittris PINUS, ..ceccesecceccees 146
te 6 Meo of-.cecless 13 | Certhia Familiaris americand....---- 179
Broad-tailed Hummingbird.......... 153 | Cincindelidee of New England....... 126
leBrovunr Oreenerssssateenas anc coe 115, 179 | Cistothorus palustrus....... Sacacegad 118
Brown Thrnsh, Oececnrrence of, in | Cocyzus erythropthalmus, Large Num-
Rhode Tsland, in Winter..........S4 | Hero MHP esiotsens tiene cece 18
Budo. VITGINTANUS: 0.0.00 ccnae ee 147, 177 | Colantes atratus.........-.0se0esee 163
Bubo virginianus, Nesting of......... 85 Coleoptera, Are the lost Mandibles of
‘s ce Nesting of, inTex- | Reproducedi?scr.-tcice ee ieeeetes 47
RA et ais eisislerasevetera diate starneisiayelaioesreiteye 123 | Colorado, Field Notes on Birds of. .153,
Bubo virginianus, Number of Egos | — -----e2e-ceeeeercrecesecne coceee 164
Waid by..2- ..0.-coc-cceeceessa--dd | Collection of Hees, A Large:..-..--~- 20
Banting: smdicosscs te enecc eee ee oe 132 | re “Proper Arrange-
se \Womieale roanrencooc coed dae 132 iO mogAyer Bano no n. Wociset coc 19
Buteo albicandatus, Eggs of...... 11, 103 | Colymbus torquatus..........+ ScOapoo 179
ES SC HOTERULS Toe eee eee ie nigs 2.5 3454778) Common Grow. ...< -saeicetee eines 161
ss ‘+ A Series of Egss of...... 67 | Compothlypis americand ........--++ 118
fe ‘¢ Number of Eggs Laid by Connectient. Warbler. <ceccsccnes > 43
5 Aah aso sends acne sea godeson 53, 102 | Contopws borealia..........-.2.---+..162
| Buteo borealis, Relative Size of the U- TichArdsoni.......-++- aecpol
LURES. ONS oy: cop CBORD ROCA See 118 | Corvus americanus, Food of in Win-
DSTA ZD TUM IES: Ca ABBA DOG OC OCS 178 | He paaaenoqadaction d aossacapcaunss 59
ES) PENTAYLVONICUS,.. «01 c~ a ace en 178 | Corvus Frugivorus...... AS AEMIDO OOS CHE 161
ee LD Wy psTOfe sess 13 | Coot -Micration) Of je-erce- aaa ees c= 107

Cotile riparia.....e..seeeeseecererees 146
Cowbird. .......-cceeesseccsencces 161
Creeper, Black-and-White...-------- 129
& Brown...-.--eeeee eee 115, 179 |
Crow, Hooded and Carion, Hybridiza-
PON Of) cnc dewe coc aekaqseacnstewesens 7
Crows, Food of in Winter....-.--+++- 59
Crossbill, Mexican, in Kansas....--- .59
a HAN: cabadece weak vamacecs® 146
Cuckoo, Black-billed, Large Number
of Eggs Of. ...--seccseeeeereeerees 18
Cuckoo, Interesting Facts Concern-
ing the Nesting of.......-+++-+++ 12
Curve-billed Thrasher......-.--+-+++ 117 |
Cyanocitta cristatd......... Beaiaene re 161
J stelleri macrolopha.....-- 165
Cychrus, Collecting. ...+-.++-+++e2eee+ 47

Cygnus musicus, Trip to the Nest of, 39
Cymochorea homochroa, Nesting Hab-

its and Hggs Of.......-++eee eee eee 21
Day Among the Ospreys...--.++-+++ 133
“© in Chatville......... Se aene mene 22
“ on Edding Island...........----180
“ with the Birds in a Hoosier
Swamp.....--.2..-eecceeccesesees 99
Dartmouth, Mass., Spring Arrivals
Riek casinos beeen eid) cansinenvelne 53
Davie’s Egg Check List, &c....-..--- 96

Dead River Region of Maine, Orni-
thological Explorations in, 113,

Se eahascimas sents bo vs 129, 145, 161, 177
Dendreeca @stivd........0 000-06 118, 129 |
a blackburnie..... 115, 118, 130
a COSLANED 2.120. sereeeeerers 130
pe ‘= s Nesting of....... 123
RE COErUlESCPNS......+04 117, 129
ee COTONALA.... 00.000 ee ceerees 129
Re “« Nesting of....... 103
se GUBODIOT . sik tawcets San s0 ase <5 163
4. MACULOSA, «+2. ceceeeseeees 130
US PAlMATUM, . 2. cece eeerees 145
= PenNsylVANICH. eee eee ees 130
2 DEI t een farses =eiste .. «180 |
ae TAR OTIG cia's 'c's'0i6 sce pas We pinie 9 145
Destruction of Birds for Millinery
PUrpOBeS .....--eecesece se cere 160 |
Destruction of our Native Birds...... 96 |
Development and Decay of Pigment
Layer on Bird’s Eggs........ 148, 165
Diomedi culminata, Egg of......+--+- 21 |
Dove, Mourn'ng, Large Sets of Eggs
WE seca wha ans arw caries bonseinden ease 28
DOVGRIG: a.n disccqececyenensamewe' sence ne 16
Downy Woodpecker......-..-++-+++ 162
Dnck Hawk..........-.+- Vuatpieeieaa: 14S |
6 Hybrid 2... cece sevcccsrccsccees 16
RAV ODO: can asacserecdnyamesies'és 178
Hagle, Bald... ccccessseevcenscccneee 104
a EAOINGD janice aks véns0 ces rr esas 148 |
“ Golden, Nesting of.........-., 85 |
Gepantheria scviDOnid. .00.-02 screens 95 |
Fgg Check List and Key to the Nests
and Eggs of N. Am. Birdy, |
DAVIGS, csr coves ada uireh hits aries tis 96
Egg Collecting. ......0+.sseecereeroens 82
Elanoides forficatus, Eggs of.........+ 12 !
= a Nesting of. ....154 |
x E Nesting of, in |
Becker Co., Minn....+.-ersscoves 181 |

Elanoides for ficatua, Number of Eggs

TAlG OY, 150s. ens cedpensenss 35004 188
Eianus glaucus, Eggs of sxbarcns sand 152
Empidonax acadicua, Eggs of.....-.. 141

“ flavtved (Tt. .2ereovseces 162
a“ pusilua trailli.......++ 164 |

Entomology and Ornithology....---- 16

de practical, 14, 29, 45, 60,
ia, cede la its nae caine Cacecen ee 78, 93
Evermann’s List of Birds of Ventura
County, Cal......-+eeerceeceeeees 96
Euphonia, Blue-headed......---++++- 132
as elegantissiMa, ...+++0+ees 132
Falco peregrinus ANAtum,..+++++00+ 148
86 SPATVEFIUS... 00+ eee reer eeeerres 145
Finch, Grass....-----+e+seeesteereee 146
PINGS fone acnases eases s anne 146
C6 Purple. .... 220 vecesecsorscss 146
Fish Hawk.....---.2ceseeececeeceece 17
Flicker, Continued Laying of......--+ 16
oe Yellow-shafted.......-+--+++ 163
Florida Barred Owl, Breeding of, in
ITTOXHAL cacc cece v's Seis (amen wlu.sienieie™ 140
Florida Birds in January....-.-+++++++- 50
os ‘© in February ....---+++++- 7
“2 ‘© in November......--+++ 17
ok “ jin December.......-++++ 34
« or White-eyed Towhee...... 155
Flycatcher, Olive-sided.......-..--+- 162
as MTraill’s ....c.ceeceesonces 162
a Yellow-bellied......---- 162
Fulica americana, Migration of...:. 107
Galeoscopt?s carolinensis... ++ ++++ +++ 114
Geothlypis formosa. ...seeerreererees 131
sd UPiChAS..- 22.2 r eee eres 118, 145
Gnatcatcher, Plumbeous, Nest and
Higgs Of ......-.ceeeceeeeesceerees 54
Goldfinch, American...-.---.-+++++++ 146 |
Goose, Barnacle......-.++++esseeerere 16)
Goshawk.......csecsscsesees 16. 175, 178 }
Grackle, Purple.....-....ese-e-se0e: 161
| Great Blue Heron......-.:eeeeereee es lis)
“ Horned Owl........--+++: 147, 177
se G3 “ Nesting of......... 85 |
“ me “ Nesting of in Tex- |
GIS aha aio ssl is alive ts Malersiolntaisieis fa/aia sini" 123
Great Horned Owl, Number of Eggs
Laid DY J.... ce seeeecc cs cteeerees 53
Great Northern Shrike.........- 146, 164
“ Smoky Mountains, Notes on
Some Birds of, 115, 131, 147, 163, 179
Greater Yellow-legs....+.-..++ee0e++ 17S),
Green-tailed Towhee...........++++- 165
++ winged Teal.........-.+++++0s 178
Grosbeak, Blue-headed............++ 132 |
ce BNNs Se wes ete oer n tev 132
a DATE a carercleiniatdnnn wipers eS nce a 146
| Guiracd COVUld.....ccvcceressveeeces 132 |
Gull, Franklin’s, Breeding of, in Min- |
MORON te ocad cues ds sais eae ake s ccatee
Gull, Western, in Captivity.......... 172
_ Guilemot, 1241; Cd: Samer Ip er SICOe rick? te 16
| Gunn, Chas. W., Obituary............ 73
Habia melanocephala......s0.ceeeees 182
Harporhynchus curvirostris.....ceees U7
© Hugirostris,....ce.... 117
me redivivus lecontei, Notes
ON Mrre Ol at rwakihds cana seepns 185
IJawk, Broad-winged................ 178
SO Owl VOTAUS: svcrsapwccscccevsns S4
Bs “PIQGONs sec nc ventura essa ch 1i7
“ = Red-shouldered.........+.+0- 178
6. Redstalled) success. concn kx Odyil (8
“oe

Red-tailed, A Series of Eggs

Hawk, Number of Eggs Laid by, 53, 102

‘Relative Size of the Eggs of..118
& Rongh-legged......csseeceees 178
‘¢ Sharp-shinned........... 148, 177 |
ls as in Winter...... 25 |

Hawk, Sparrow.....-+.-++++esee+++ . 148
e se Eges Of.....-.--+ rai!
White-tailed, Eggs of....11, 1038
and Owls, the Number of Eggs
Laid Dy.....c.ccecees enencecce en i
Hawks, A Plea for the.......--- Beene 44
«© Pennsylvania Law Against,
Pt OPC on 174, 192
Hawking in June... vow cone
Helminthophila chrysopterd.....+++ 179

a

Helminthopaga peregrina... -+-++++++ 129
ue rusicapilld....+.+++++ 129
Helonea swainsom, Nesting of....-- 188
is ae Nesting of, in
South Carolina.........--.-++++* 18ST
Helminthotherus vermivorus. .... 118, 178
ss = Nesting
Ofccd« dcabee cinan axide pune oe 156
Helminthophila chrysopterd....-++++- 118
ce ruficapilld..-++++-+++ 118
Hermit Thrush.......-++2+-eeseeeee? 114
Hyrundo erythrogastrad....++-+++ +++ 146
Hooded Warbler.....-. «-++++++- 118, 131
Howland, John Snowden, Cabinet of
Eggs Of......eeeee eee cece ce ere es 101
Hybrid Between Spizella pallida and
S. Brewert......cceceecseecreeecees 40
Hylocichla alici@......++-+++++eeee ee 114
bad una'ascce pallasi......++++ 114
ae witulata swainsont....+- ++ 114
Hylotomus pileatus. .....+-+++++++ 48, 162
Hummingbird, Ruby-throated......- 162
ae Rufous, Nesting of,. .86
Teterva virens, Eggs Of.....-+--+++-+++ 22
aS Ge Longicandd ...+.-20-+++ 118
Ictinia subsceerulea, Nesting of......142
We 03 Nesting of, in
TEXAS oi voi scenes ceanssapia sam 170
Insect Mimicry....-.--.--+-+++eere e+ 110
“ Advantages of a Collection of, 61
‘© Cause of the Scarcity of, in
18S4 and 1885....-..-.--eeee ees 15, 32
Insects, Collection of, Burned......-- 15
ze Food Effect upon Color of....94
«© Evidence of Misfortune...-. 119, 7
“Notes on, from Michigan... .94
ne Seasonal Notes on.......---- 110
bs “Sembling” of.........-++++- 95
M: Spring Collecting of.....----- 62
Ge Spring Notes on...-..-++-++++ 79
as Winter Collecting of.......-- 31
Jay, Long-crested...-..--+++++e0++0+ 165
Jersey Coast, A Two Days’ Collecting
Trip on the......+.++eeeeee ee eres 138
Journal, An Inconsistent.........-..-80
Tunco hyemulis ...ccceeeceeeceerseees 147
Kentucky Warbler......---+:++++++5 181
Kev, Dr. Cones’ New Edition of...... 152
Kildeer ss sac cea cist sa seree Paw Rewsins ans 16
Kinglet, Golden-crowned.....--..+++- 114
he Ruby-crowned............++ 114
Kinebiidsivncwsh.cbewscecentiecvas seme 162
% and Colorado Beetle......... 67
a WORtOrIh. -cce. csiccccsccecens 164
Kite, Mississippi, Nesting of........ 142
BS o Nesting of in Texas
Pe PO he rr er Old 170
Kite, White-tailed, Eggs of.......... 152
“ Swallow-tailed, Fygs of.. . ....12
- a Nesting of....154
ne ch Number of Eggs
Latd: DY .n05 cescicsevrcasvaceauwane 188
Lady Bird .ccsises vsvscss vekewu nes 190
Lanius boreacis,.... 0... .6e0 eens 146, 164
as ludovicanus excubitorides,.... 15

Lanivireo solitavius.........0.45 o----145
Barre Sets om bpose. <ccccacc.s cae S551)
Larus franklini, Breeding of in Min-
MER OL ercretpatetsnletarslerciet we toieleletersnie a: 54
Larus occidentalis in Captivity...... 172
Larve Hunting..... aiaejolsteleietaxcvesie tote 127
se PERERELVANO:. acai vist sleielciare =e oh 158
Lewis’ Woodpecker......... ASOD one: 154
Linnet, Red-poll............ Seonoeaae 146
Long-billed Marsh Wren....-........ 118
ss ef ‘6 Nests of....36
ge ASHMAN OT Has av:- cision sarees <\a 117
Longevity of the Mockingbird........ 45
Long-tailed Titmouse..... mepieaeias cla
OO Minera steiertetotite ce, sic) ad pence 179
MomiBIANAANAPeY ac. << 2 cee ose icc 132
Loxia curvirostra americana........ 146
Manayunk, Notes from................ 7
Manual of N. Am. Birds, Ridgway’s, 12S
Maryland Yellow-throat......... 118, 145
Measuring Eggs, Best Manner of..... 20
Megascops asio.........+-. piaietalorne ere 147
Melanerpes torquatus.......-......4. 154
Melantic Plumage of Robin...... Sits
WCLOSD IAW ARCLOLO® owen a= occas odes 0 16.
Mergus merganser americanus....... 178
Merwia Migratoria.......... 2.4. 114, 153
Mexican Crossbills in Kansas........ 59
ES fanna, Notes on some birds
of the U.S. which occur ir the,
HADI ROOS CAH ARGO EO TARE 117, 132
Migration, Fall, in Bristol County,
IU Rs op BOG OBE AE BOSE SE AAR EE Ore ease 1
Migration, Summer and Fall, at Cape
COG So Re anaes aeseie ern caon ae 9
Mississippi Kite, Nesting of.........142
Mississippi Kite, Nesting of, in Texas,
eretsiet vets asioieYoie, Lictatale ata miviare tie iaiatsiryaterere 170
Mniotiltu varia. ...... srepaeidiass/e 118, 129
Mockingbirds, longevity of the..... «45
RAO LOLITAS OOF oc eiacieiee vs. c.ce cee aes 161
Montreal, Last dates of birds ob-
RGINIGG| Clif aGatondecancem ea eascee AL
Mourning Dove, Large sets of eggs
Giecas seceiemeGeo ener 28
Morristown, N. J., Fall migration of
SINS Aes are aeke ee cravsih Noss aa 92
Morristown, N. J., Winter birds of.. .90 |
Mute Swan, A trip to the nest of..... 39
Myiodiovtes canadensis........ erselraets 145
Nashville Warbler.............. 118, 129
NETEZONGOMOVINES TB) 212 «00.9 «eee Ha > 178

...d1, 46, 60, 79, 93, 158, 175, 189
New York City, N. Y., Dates of ar-

rival of migratory birds in, in
prin pvoft |IS86i).o-., «faeces as oe 109, 125
New York Law on Song birds....... 169
IN ahve w Kaynctacc arc yan -tecisnreiteret scierers 162
ze Curious nesting place of. .103
BNOrtwern TOWNE. o;.ce-c.0 ps cee = se 154

Number of eggs laid by Hawks and
OR eG cee OOE SDRC Se ACCUe mae 11
Nuthatch, Red-bellied............... 115
fs ot INGstiofieesa cr. 86
ne slender-billedi. oscecen + sc 118
se Wihtte-belliedii, serces1-e- 115

Nuttall Ornithological Club, Memoirs
OD creipie Sistatavore nies arsiatsislaipts isto oie whe vee 80
INGCUMLENOL DOLCE. a cloiatic orice wasices oaacaiel WU
CLEC RCI TUL OCU aap lare!= syatatets\s[oleieisisvate 167
Olive-backed Thrush................ 114
ccesided Wlycatcher..% + 2...0-<-- 162
Oolapicalwaxiompans.jcmge eee - = <6 36

Oologi st, Pe bes ccc seas oe oe eves es USH eieipilocHlorurue sec tenes cscs le 165
Odlogy, Advance of the science of... .53 | “« erythrophthalmus alleni...... 155
«of New England, Capen’s..... 64 | “¢ fuscus mesoleucus..... SAS tons 133
OBOTOTNUS AGES > same Se eae sis cie)s'= <'s 43; “ maculatus artica......... woe 0 LSE
| Ornithological Club, Bristol County, Piranga ludoviciand.........++. Seeerikoe
Massihecssdecsteceen fens Site heats 16 | Plea for the Hawks...........:cs-.s- 44
| Ornithological Explorations in the Blesgantilzn ce qscetsrteles siamese cise stele kOe
Dead River region of Maine, 113, | Plover, Golden ia<iscecccece ee Sos 175
Ssunio osc dapacstice 129, 145, 161,177 | Podilymbus podiceps.........++.++++179
Ornithology and Entomology.........16 | Polioptila cwrulea..........02+4- 118, 163
S Study of, and decrease of | Polioptilto plumbea, Nest and eggs of,
OUT DINGS Wec.eiseancisciapteacire nieces AW 8,65 2s EE i et tk Sr 54
OspreyS....--.....--2.--2s 0-0 148, 177 | Powcetes gramineus....... Saddecdacee lee
Owl, American Long-eared.......... 7 | Prairie: Warblersscache coeeeee nee 163
ee s 2 Nesting of | Présenving) Larvse.ccracceocesier coenne 158
Sater eee e eee e tee cence ee ee rees 188 | Prevention better than cure..........80
** Barn, Breeding of, near Philadel- | IPrOQue SUD IS mw mneaianieeas es eencer 132, 154
PRIA... vee eee cece eee eee eee eee 36 | Protection for the birds.............. 40
Owl, Barred. .........+--+++ +00 Ad, LOT ProtesteAw 2snass.ndasteeee ates Pere:
“ Florida Barred, breeding of, nm | Prothonotary Warbler.......... ... 118
TEXAS... seeee ee cee eee eee eee 140 | Protonotaria citred.........+.+++++0s 118
Owl, Great Horned. ............ 14 (okt Parpleminehe.sccenceescee ene 146
Hint at “Nesting of ........ BB ask i@tranicles sec Stake ee aes eee 161
eat ok MDhestaney) Of, )\ mh) Sw ke Martine ot, ees, eek 132, 154
TeXa8.-.. 00... 2.0 ee cece eee 123 | Pyranga rubd.........s0.eseececeess 146
Owl, Great Horned, Number of eggs | Pyrrhuloxia sinuata.........+..--+- 133
ALO Ysiectayare overs ati cresa'stereretaonioe ord 53 |
OwilsSaucwhetec eee ee ike | Quiscalus purpureus fais wsaie win ola eee 161
(OMA ISERSON 5 Gano nonoosd5eonas 147, 107 | Rail, Yellow......-. iy FO! eae 84
** Short-eared, eggs of............ 167 Raleigh, N. C., Spring migration of
HO SHO Ap cane coosdigtsonoanccdsyade iT TDITd STO Re ea ae 91,108
“Spotted; nesting of 2.255. cnc. 142 | Raleigh, N. C., Winter notes from....76
str sVETAUS HAWK Se ncjeicei/esanersteo 84 | Raytores, Two species of, using the
(O01 A bel nl aan ceoadoemannocsoo costar 65 | Same niesti re eee ee 12
| Ratio of Major and Minor axis of
Palme warbler scccsccc cuits cmemccictee cs 145 | EROS Ba ec ee 4929
Pandion haliaetus ee Caer 148, 177 | Red-bellied Nuthatch. Nest of........86
Parula americana. tee iene 2aed PEA NOl) Tesser..sscanc t-terceeee Saree 6
ie large set ‘ot eggs of, | Regulus calendula........+...+- Popa E"
ee 14 cc SOUT AD Gale noratcrarciois\foeisieteetree eye
Parus atricapillus.........-+.-- 115, 180 | Red-bellied Nuthatch............---+ 115
i * septentrionalis....155 | & Qrogsbill........eceeeceeeeee cues 146
EST LEROC TO SDUALCLS tele tateue a deletatecan=tet ale 118 | « eyed Wireons. ates n-meeeeee nee 145
CORN COOLUILEILSES -jxtotareins oielelointe (erste = =i=1= 180} « naped Woodpecker.......-.-- lire
*f Rudsonicus......+.+++- settee LOS |e Se GUE TATIEL a cidchseeae ace 146
POLS BCVA CU GAL AOLC OL rete ntnt alot staysinl set ale mitetel 160) << shouldered Hawk. .0. 2.50. eeeee 178
PASSCTING CYANCH. «2.6.22 202-0 aca 1324 OP cdstart. 2 coco eee 145
Sf VETSICOTO. 116. see eee vee ee 132 | Red-tailed Hawk.......... Ct Oe 34, 178
Pennsylvania Law against Hawks, “ “A series of eggs of...67
Molatedatctamiciereieleretaleveralereainivigieisis/star 74, 192 6s “© The number of eggs
Pensacola, Florida, list of birds ob- lnid' by, the. os.< cosceaeseosee Dau 02
RELVECtateccimere cosets ticnto acinar 98 | Red-tailed Hawk, Relative size of the
Pensacola, Florida, list of birds ob- CME OfalciVeres seleieis a che sis oases 113
served at...... 2. se eeeeeee este eee 82 | Red-winged Blackbird........ .. 161
Perisoreus canadensis ......-+-+1e+++ 161 | Relative size and number of eggs..... 18
Petrel, Ashy, nesting habits andegg | Ring Ouzel..........-...e0eceeeee eee: 65
Of... eee e eee eee cee ee ee eee ee AL Robings se eee eee 114, 153
IBEW EO eo elas clare sc erateroelsrotatcieiee ieleinereyerstals s 162 WA bInNO Lorene oo ee 16, 107
KE NVESLEDD NW OO Mian aie eiste's ial eincian 154 * Melanitic plumage of..........-. QT
J AICWAG TAA eas aGogoe had 6 oO8 ChOaOOe 132 Roel Wrenitesteies o acetone <a ee 118
he nitens..... Me teeee eee ee 132 | Roseate Spoonbill, eggs of........... 101
Philadelvhia, List of birds near, with | pose-breasted Grosbeak.............104
the dates that sets of eggs were | Rough-legged Hawk.............+--- 178
taken... . sees eee eee eset eaee ees 0 | Ruby-crowned Kinglet..........-... 114
Picoides Arctics.... 0... .eee eee sees 162 «throated Humming bird........ 162
| “¢ tridactylus americanus....... 162 | Rufous H umming bird, Nesting of... .$6
Picus pubescens.......+ Beep ats hich ontas 162 Rusty Blackbird.............2----.- 161
LB OUI TS con BO AOOC On OO COO OHEEE 162
ied=DiliGrebel oes cjctrecteie ele). o'=1<1- 179 | Salpiuctes obsoletus...........++- Sasqulits)
Ieee es 5 Gyo PoneaoroosoncAue LRT | Salve Bure.co- cee eeee cece cee 144
Pigment layer on Birds’ eggs, develop- | Samia columbid......--++.+00+ Bsecae 173
ment and decay of.......... 148, 165 | Sandpiper, Spotted.................. 178
Pileated Woodpecker.........--. 48, 162 | Santa Barbara, Cala., List of birds ob-
PANCIGLOSUEAKeioscesicte ot ectele sine mes <'= 146 | served in the vicinity of..........
Pinicola enucleatod........++e.eeeees TE Ge Boag aacaoo oadosancassole 51, 66, 89, 107

ee Oe ene eRe Roe 177 | Swallow, Tree, An Albino........... 142
SUVOTNTS FURCUB J04 00> ocesscecnssns oes 162 ae Violet-green......-.+- 132, 154
Scarlet Tanager.........ssssceceeess 146, — White-bellied..........000- 146
Scolecophaqus ferrugineus.....ee--++ 161 | Swan, Mute, A Trip to the Nest of
SCOMS G8I0.... on cevcececssescccssens IIT CHG Se os ei wicle waunasieo veins SReRE 39
BGISOCIONW)c . pa sessisucc'ss due ea 147,177 Swift, Chimney.........-eeseeeeeeeee 162
BERODOW OS yah int a5 ss aie’ stains loan sins 16 | Sylvania canadensis,.......+ee0e+0- 132
RSTIPIANOS: BIKOG Olesaccvss. cae vcicjecccDD = MAO OUBs < vir wae oe wa aie 118, 131
eS 5 TTSOC US se owtaniniats Wien ce:alaiss 159 Oe UBIO sie ou aioseinies aio rae 118 |
+s pl Wotes POM serene secmon as 76 | Syrnium nevuUlosum .....cceceeeceees 147
Selasphorus rufus, Nesting of........85 | Tachycineta bicolor .......ceeeceeeees 146
SSembling’ Of, INSCCis...0:cscces ve a0 - 95 | “ thalassinad......e.e. 18%, 154
Setophaga ruficapilla.... see... 145 | Tanager, Louisiana..........0+seee0 182
Setsiof ergs, JAE. <2. <csewcese- ese 185.| Tannper:(Scarletssdccucsevevecsesaec 146
peepee’ Hawk........++.. M48, LET |'Torantniae The: -.cacecmcesvs ccoeses' « 61
“in Winter........ 25 Tannton, Mass.. Winter notes from. .77
Sheldrake... s+. -sss sees essences: 178 Taxidermists and Naturalists, Massa-
Short-eared Owl, Fags of.........--. 167 chnsetts Society of.:............- 56
phrike, Great BOOMER 5 scne'oe cc Real Taxidermists, English vs American. .136
; FFD Wihite-TMIMNBOs can tars <ooasoess 15 re Foreign vs American. .121 |
Sialia artioa Se aha eee aiel Mime sla ack rs 155 a War Against........... 63
é yaa BAe ac cc: id Taxidermy, Practical....3, 26, 57, 41,
ke a dar > sete ee 89, 105, 122, 137, 169
Silver City, N. M, Notes from...... 125 | "Meal, Greeri-winged...-.0..-+0-i0-24- 178 |
sol enerents:. Siete haute ane fen | Telmatodytes palustris, Nests of...... 36
opel a Nest OF eee eseeeee ene si | Tennessee Warbler............-.+0+- 129
* oan eee ars Renee rare ie OA BTesaniGardiliile ces ©. cier sees neee eke 133
wewledtn tt) Rae 248 Thrasher, Leconte’s, Notes on Eggs
2 BAS Sapte OS aaa 2 a eae oe Meet ee ane 185
Slender-billed Nnithateh....0 22510250. <5% 118 Thrasher, CurveWilled:..cs-<cecccs, Wt
eet vee vst anonsars pe te Saupe As ce og 117 |
paeee Vireo a eis peace EO nee /Thrush, Brown, Occurrence of, in
Cee Birds New York ies Be ete ina Rhode Island,in Winter..........84
Srisee 7 TC phemte aeter ar ae ~~ | Thrush, Gray-cheeked.............+. 114
OUP SS DARLOM cc tecc ste steers xsin's 161 | Ree itis ak) ae 14!
Sparrow, Baird’s, in Towa........... 11 | ig Mien ok a Ee 145
te lira a : ; BES ltl ey ae | Tinnunenlus aparverius, Eggs of.. ..21
“ “ Ress A tee ath Slee 91 | Titlark, American.............. 115, 118
“ Song.... pial, wee Me abe 451 | Titmonse, Black-crested............ 118
SO ey ct paste Relae 6 Apeceen 146 | “ Long-tailed...........0.-. 154
“ White-throated..........-. 4146 | Tit, Yellow-headed.............-.e05 11S
NEE CAIN ees one scen each oe cise es 189 | Totanus melanoleucus,...........4+. 178 |
EN ea DNFURIFT oil. eon ee eee TD OMNES CANON x cc. ectat rere sens cncsiare 133
Spider, The Trap Door-.............- 61| “Florida or White-eyed.......155
Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis........154 We paorcen- tailed yf. scnas Aire 165
Spezella EDV PANTIE ee okie Lak auc 146 & INOVENEDD cot. crue crt oc weiere 154
Spoonbill. Roseate, Eggs of.......... 101 | Tracy, Charles Oliver, Obitnary...... 120
Spotted Owl, Nesting of............. 142 | Tringotdes macilarius........0see-e. 178
Ty AOU NICL cs sa enva xs veer penies 178 | Trochiltus alexandri.....0..0icerceeee 1614
Spring Collecting of Insects, Notes sk COMMAS oe oti: Cage ast 162
IL aaa ee eas nae ae aka ois aries 62 Trogtodytes cedon parkmann?........ 154
Sphingide of New England.......... Tyrannus carolinensis.........c00005 162
81, 46 60, 79, 93,158,175, 189] = = verticalia.........eccecsees 164 |
St. Brano,P Q., Ornithological Trip | Dut gr ein. 4. tees tate cone 16 |
Ovspviertaeok one sees ont eenone 75 | 2
St. Lucas Cactus Wren, Eggs of......20 | Vaset BUCO ei eee ccs wotesan cee tas 139
Striped-back Three-toed Woodpecker MORON ec craters elas brates mettees cai eas 118
ermemmrenD ke <5). iy ie ed 162 | VIF OO ATCO DILIAS . 5 co caw awacetecavswlDe
DINE GROTRLOR cid nidx os oe .baix.vesadieive elie 177 Vireo, Black-capped......-.++..0.++- 132 |
mn “ alleni, Breeding of, in 6 6Blue-headed......5..2sccses 182, 145
WOESRv acs e ee cack Sisdsntsecnaes 140 Sf CaSSIN Ss oes eee eee cere eee eens 132
Stria occidentalis, Nesting of........ 142 D, PAMOUITTONR vaccine. osas arenas 132 |
Summer Birds of the vicinity of Tim St “GREG-OV Ed essiavs exten vairiesine ens 145
PONG; MAME. vein hswanntee se 24 SS BOLILATIUS. 6-0 e eee ee eeeeees 132, 164
Swainson’s Warbler.................188 . *f CASBINTE. ee eee eee eee 132 |
“ “ Nesting of, in | Ph SROULAIY :.04 saaxeiiemanste = 182, 164
Bouth:Carolinevecs «ru descent eee 187| “* Warbling.........e.s00e. 182, 145
Bwallow;, Bani :ccxsendclees clcnvcowe 146 of . Vallow-oreen..-.<.0ss nag theca’ 182
Beh! aed, cu aoe eae 146 | Vircosylva giluns.....cerceescces 182, 145
oo) Hbve.COnie mains sarees 172 <3 OWNER «cs doecincs GeeE 145
“ tailed Kite, Nesting of..... 4 ious | VA ATIOND fe g.s Sinlavih s aSia'e vavanm cere neat 127
X = “* Nesting of in | Warbler, Bay-breasted......... .... 180 |
Becker 'O0.k Mititi.. cccctucceven us 181 ak 6 Nesting of...
Swallow-tailed Kite, Number of eggs “* Black and White..... esesame 118
IRL cess xine ees Coat e aCe 188 “Black and Yellow..........

Warbler, Blackburnian...

ss WOT. cis. ee ocee ce aoe
ae WYHen:.... s<tucsiece sede
1 Wood’ Datk.o...ss<.cktec oe

eC “Black-polls.dsswecis-e cee aes 130
« Black-throated Blue........129
= - Green...... 145
“« Blue Yellow-backed....118, 129

“ e “cc Large set

of egps Of. 2... 0.00 denn ccee eee
Warbler, Canada, Flycatching. .132, 145
ss Chestnut-sided......... Pres it)

« Connecticut ......:<eseeeeeee
“ Golden-winged... ..... 118, 179
Ee Hooded)... so.seseaeee 118, i79
S60 (Kentucky; 2 osvieoes see eee 131
Ae SNashivilléc.eesae ove set dlG pane
SPS czpuuwetrets sspears 145
ue Prairie. ....2icsasnss sax aceon 163
— Prothonotaryt.....¢.seseee 118
*¢ — Swainson’s, Nesting of..... 183

a SF Nesting of, in
South Carolina]. -.-.sceoses 18ST
| Warbler, Tennessee.......... ..>«- 129
| © Worm-eating...... 118, 156, 176
cs Wilson’s:. 23 i.ee.ce0seteeeee 118
sf. « Wellowiesucsseseasen 118, 129
5S ba THDND «<5 <= ae Cee 129
Bs a sc. Nestinp of..-.. 103
Warbling Vireo.c. vaa.cese eee 132, 145
Water Uhraghiv:..\ 2.0. ceseeeetee ee ffs
Waxwing, Cedar...... vistas Sore ee eee 114
Western Gull in Captivity........... 172
Mt House” Wrenk...ccseemes wes 154
a Kinebirle.:.. casper 164
Bx Western Wood Pewee...... 154
White-bellied Nuthatch.............. 115
Ss Swallow, 4.0 .-s caskebes 146
White-tailed Hawk, Eggs of...... 11, 103
a Kite, Eggs of....../..- 152
White-throated Sparrow............. 146
Wilso17?s\ Warbler... 1. sce eee 118

uk Nesting of....1

“

Woodpecker, Black-backed, Three-

CORG:. wice: = ao ciovan, vs een ae see Ree 162
Woodpecker, Downy..........0.-+0s 162
ot Hairy. orcs tec eee 162
a * Breeding of, in
Southern ‘Mase....2... £2 eee
Woodpecker, Lewis’............ *. oe
ch Pileateds oacvscetes 48, 162
ae Red-naped:......2s.e8 154
ae Striped-backed, Three-
toed: Jord. sac en Cree eee 162
Wren, Cachis-.2....- enone perenne 118
“* Long-billed Marsh............. 118
=f =f oP) ON GSTS Of. <5. oe
ht ROCK cutwue< biBaeaNnan Sesser ast 118
SA. "Western Houses csce. secession 154
P WHDLGR: ca cgaeees veteran eee 115
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher........... 162
“S.- -precn VirOOs tack actescs saaen 182
© “headed Tits ctncsyevveraa.cc ee 118
Slee, Greater’. <ccrvas'sas. cove 17S
af. TRAE vuwsiyu avileamereck ts be aweuee
STOW) Waervletiecsercnwecpeck 1
a6 a s Nesting of....103
shafted Pitcker.....2i.ccueses 168
“ throat, Maryland...... .. 145
Mal WV ADUIGR a 075 wees ae cea 118, 129

180 | Zonotrichia albicollis.........

-123 Zenaidura carolinensis, Large Sets of

Eggs of

-+.115, 118, 180

118, 156, 176

‘JANUARY,

Established 1875.

Y
OUNCNONANHANNGHAUNEOEONGOAOUAUNERANGUROUEENONUROUSOOONNONONENONUENOAUQURUGUUCEOUSEUOSUUREEONUGOOEOQUGNERRNEOONOOTACAAELONOUNOANCERANERNOORAL

Published by
FRANK B. WEBSTER,

409 Washington St., Boston, Mass,

Entered at Boston Post Offic? ®* Second-class Matter.

“I must congratulate you upon the steady improvement in the magavine...... The
‘O. and O.’ is filling a want and filling it well."—Monrtacur CuamBerzaln, St. John, N. B.

THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLUGLSI.

PUBLISHED BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

VOL. XI,

Commences with January, 1886.

A SIXTEEN PAGE MONTHLY OF

ORIGINAL AND INTEE

The Ornithologist and Odlogist, while continuing to be specially devoted to the
Study of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, will in the future include Entomology and
General Natural History. It will meet the issues of the day without fear or favor

as the friend of

THE EVERY DAY COLLECTOR AND NATURALIST,

It offers to them an opportunity for interchange of notes, a source of information, and

a medium of exchange that is hoped will receive earnest support.

During the year

many valuable receipts and illustrated articles on Taxidermy and kindred cole will

be published.

WHAT THEY THINK OF IT ABROAD.

The cover is very characteristic as well
as artistic, the typographical execution
good, and the matter of decided value to
all students of natural history, especially
bird lovers.— Worcester Spy.

Every lover of birds and every person
who seeks to become acquainted with their
private concerns, their daily lives, their
habits and manners, will findin the pages of
this well conducted magazine much infor-
mation upon his favorite subject.

heartily commend it to the general public

_ as containing special information not easily

/ natural history students.

We |

found elsewhere. — Providence Evening
News.

It is a really valuable companion for
A wide corres-
pondence and intelligent consideration of
cognate subjects contribute to make it a
valuable, as well as unique publication.—
Syracuse Daily Jourual.

Subscription, $1.50 per Annum. Specimen Copies, 15c each.

Subscriptions at the rate of Seven Shillings and Sixpence per annum, will be re-

ceived by Alfred Cliff, Glenelg, Grosvenor Road, St.,

ADDRESS

Albans, England.

THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST,

409 Washington Street, BOSTON, M4§s

> U. S.A,

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND—

OOLOGIST.

Single Copy

$1.50 per FRANK B. WEBSTER, PusBLisHER.
Annum. Established, March, 1875. 15 Cents.
No. 1:

VOL... XI.

BOSTON, MASS., JANUARY, 1886.

Fall Migration in Bristol County,
Mass.—1885.

BY CHARLES H. ANDROS.

The months of September and October were
not materially different from those of the preced-
ing year. November was on the whole warmer
and with more rain than usual, though the latter
month does not have so much effect upon migra-
tion as the two former; still important changes
occur worthy of notice. One species of bird
almost universally known, remained with us long
beyond its alloted date of departure, and was
then only driven towards warmer climes by a
cold wave.

The bird to which I have reference is the
White-breasted Swallow, (Zachycineta bicolor),
which was last seen personally October 7th. Re-
ports were brought in, however, of their being
observed fully a week later. Its near relative,
the Barn Swallow, on the contrary, departed
earlier than usual, which goes to show that some
birds, though they may be of the same kindred,
have more animal heat than their congeners. This
is shown by the Bluebird or the Robins which re-
main through the winter in deep and secluded
swamps, venturing out in “warm spells,” while
the greater balance of their numbers start south-
ward. Most species became gregarious in latter
August, and I will endeavor to show when they
commenced their southern journey.

Aug. 14; slightly cooler weather. Barn Swal-
lows have begun to flock together, while Balti-
more Orioles, which have kept themselves from
view during the ‘‘hot spells,’ are once more
about the houses.

Aug. 20; Crow Blackbirds are becoming gre-
garious, and Orioles are caroling in the tall elms
as in early June.

Aug. 22; W. B. Swallows and Purple Martins
are commencing to flock.

Aug. 23; this morning I was the witness of a
spectacle of which I have often heard, but never

shortly after dawn, I saw several Robins, which by
their actions were in great distress. On looking
about to see the cause of this outery, I perceived
in the top ofa tall elm a Purple Grackle, who ap-
appeared busy over something which he held in
his claws. On nearer investigation I found this
to be a young Robin, which he was devouring
with great eagerness. The glutton was evidently
satiating his hunger, and by the time the tender
morsel was in his stomach he must have been de-
cidedly replete. For such feats of cannabalism
he merits a good dose of the leaden pellets wher-
ever he is met.

Aug. 24; Purple Martins are now very common.

Aug. 30; Baltimore Orioles still remain
common.

Sept. 3; weather cool and fair with light N. E.
wind. The last Kingbird was seen to-day. Small
flocks of Purple Grackle are occasionally seen,
and great numbers of Cliff Swallows are passing
over, taking a south-easterly direction. A single
Nighthawk is also seen.

Sept. 4; fair with light wind blowing from the
north. Red-eyed Vireos and Black-and-White
Creeping Warblers are common. This brings to
mind the fact that a female of the latter species
was seen on the side of our house Aug. 7th, where
it had hopped from a spreading horsechestnut.
This seems rather confidential for a bird which,
though not strictly woodland, yet does not often
venture into our populous cities.

Sept. 6; saw to-day an immense flock of Cliff
Swallows flying in a southerly direction. They
were the last seen.

Sept. 8; the last Wood
virens), was seen to-day on an old oak stub. I
dissected a Goldfinch and found the stomach to
contain small milky seeds, probably from the fir
cones, on which they are at present feeding to a
large extent.

Sept. 9; strong southerly wind. Great numbers
of Purple Martins passed over, taking asoutherly
direction. The flight was quite steady for as
much as forty-five minutes.

Pewee, (Contopus

had noted before. Looking from my window

Copyright, 1886, by FRANK B. WEBSTER.

2 ORNITHOLOGIST |

Sept. 10; fresh N. E. wind. More Purple Mar-
tins passed over, and a single Nighthawk seen.

Sept. 12; Maryland Yellow-throats seen to-day.
Passed through a patch of heavy pine woods,
which for years has been the nightly resting place
of numberless Blackbirds of both varieties—Crow
and Redwing. I noteda flock enter late in the
afternoon, which I estimated to contain two thou-
sand birds. A single Yellow-throated Vireo, and
several Pine Creepers were noted.

Sept. 18; a large number of Chimney Swifts
flew over, and with them came about a score of
Purple Martins. They were the last seen of
those species.

Sept. 14; a Ruby-throated Hummer was noted
about some flowers to-day.

Sept. 16; a single Prairie Warbler seen to-day.

Sept. 17; three Ruby-throated Hummers were
noted perched on a fir tree. They were uttering
mournful chirps. I had never before heard a
sound from these diminutive creatures save the
“mouse like squeak” uttered when they meet in
mid-air. A young bird which I once attempted
to keep in confinement gave vent to a faint hoarse
sound repeated at intervals of five or six seconds.

Sept. 20; a large flock of both Cow Buntings
and Red-and-Buff-shouldered Blackbirds were
noted. Our Grass Finches are being reinforced
by migrants from the north.

Sept. 22; Sora Rails, (Porzana carolina), were
noted for the first time to-day. While passing
through a piece of woods bordering on a marsh I
nearly trod upon a Woodcock, which after run-
ning a short distance took to flight.

Sept. 24; a single Chimney Swift was seen this
morning winging its way southward. I noted
two instances of the weakness of the English
Sparrow to-day. On one of our public streets I
saw one running, now and then tumbling over
after the manner of a young Robin. Again, as I
Was passing a brook where several of them were
enjoying a bath, they took to flight save one,
which jumped into the water where for some mo-
ments it swam about or rather beat the surface
with its wings, and before it could reach terra
firma it sank back exhausted, and by the time I
rescued the body all life was extinct. Can any
of the readers explain this apparent feebleness of
this Sparrow ?

Sept. 26; Towhee Buntings still remain com-
mon, though keeping rather out of sight. Towards
night a flock of about twenty White-breasted
Swallows were noted soaring about overhead.

Sept. 28; Sora Rails still remain. A Solitary
Tattler noted to-day.

a reliable friend.

Oct. 7; two W. B. Swallows were noted to-day
making their way south. The last seen.

Oct. 9; Pine Creepers are at present very
common.

Oct. 10; heard the “ank,ank” of the Red-bellied
Nuthatch this morning. The Yellow-rumped
Warblers arrived ina body to day, over a hundred
being seen in a short walk. Towhee Buntings

also seen.

Oct. 11; Juncos came to-day, and a single
Pewee seen. Towards night a large flock of
Purple Grackles passed over us towards their
roost near the “clay beds.” At this time we were
within forty rods of their nightly abode and the
noise was fairly deafening. Two or three of their
number stood higher upon the trees than their
companions, as if keeping sentinal duty. In a
moment another flock came sailing over the trees
and swelled the tumult until the air seemed tur-
bulent with the racket. By skillful manceuvres we
managed to get directly underneath them, and
the air seemed filled with hundreds of revolving
wheels, all decidedly in need of lubrication.

Oct. 18; noted Chipping Sparrows and Bay-
winged Buntings as common. Several Swamp
Sparrows also observed, and a single White-
throated Sparrow seen.

Nov. 1; the Purple Grackles still remain, though
not in such large numbers as two weeks ago.

Noy. 15; Tree Sparrows first noted as common.

Noy. 22; four flocks of Canada Geese passed
over towards the south. Two of them which I
observed contained twenty-seven and forty-two
respectively.

Nov. 26, very stormy. Golden-crowned King-
lets, Tree Sparrows, Juncos and Goldfinches were
noted, and my brother reports a Pine Grosbeak.

Nov. 30; A White-throated Sparrow (Zono-
trichia querula,) seen this morning, perched on a
Willow tree, on the south side of a sloping sand
bank. It appeared cold and languid, and when I
frightened it from its perch it uttered a faint
“tseep.” I had an opportunity to take notes of
its colorations, which correspond with those given
by Minot and Samuels. Mr. Minot says in his
note on this species, in his book: “I have seen
them as late as November 14th, and have heard
of them being seen near Boston in winter, but
from insufficient authority.” Considering the
weather which we have had during November,
itis not remarkable after all, that a single speci-
men (or more) should be seen.

Dec. 25; Weather mild. No new arrivals from
the north as yet noted.

Jan. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST. 3

Practical Taxidermy.

BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

CHAPTER V.—STUFFING.

In resuming our work we will first make a suit-
able stand. For small birds construct a simple
T, similar in part to the one referred to in Chap-
ter II. The cross piece should be from two to
three inches, and the upright from four to six
inches, made of wood about the diameter of a
lead pencil, joined by glue and brad. The bot-
tom should be sharpened. (See fig. 1.) Boring
a hole in the work table, this can be stuck in and
taken out at pleasure; alsoin packing birds away
in boxes, this stand is very easily handled. For
birds larger than Robins, it will be better to have
them made with a stand. It is a good plan to
have an assortment of these made up. For game
birds, Ducks, Gulls, &c., stands from five to ten
inches square, and one-half to one inch thick,
will be found sufficient. The tools we will re-
quire will be spring stuffers, shears, plyers, wire-
cutters, fine forceps, needle, bit and cop.

For a Bluebird, we will use No. 20 wire, and
after straightening will cut it as follows: One
piece for body, two for legs, four for wings, one
for tail. We also require a piece of finer wire to
use in spreading tail. The best rule I can give
for lengths is: Body wire, one and one-half
times length of bird; leg wires, twice width of
body, length of legs and enough over to fasten
the bird to perch; wing wires, twice the width
of body ; tail wire, length of bird. For our Blue-
bird these will be: Body wire 9 inches, leg
wires 7 inches, wing wires 3 inches, tail 6 inches.
A little variation will make no practical differ-
ence, but it is better to have them too long than
too short. They are all to be sharp at one end.
Take the body wire, make two loops in it at a
distance apart less than the length of body of
bird. (See fig. 2.) Wind excelsior around this in
the form of an egg, somewhat less than the size
of body taken out. Do it firmly, and then wind
it with cop; next wind tow about it until it is
fully the size of the body, and again use the cop.
It should now be a good shape and smooth. (See
fig. 3.) If the body is made of tow entirely it
will be too soft; the excelsior is also much lighter.
If the body is for a large bird, after putting on the
first excelsior wind it with fine wire, (No. 20) and
then give another layer of the excelsior. The
wire will be found to make a very firm form,
which is necessary. The tow being soft makes a
smooth finish. Many make the body first, then
pass the wire through it and clinch it; but I pre-
fer the former, The difference is of no great im-

portance. Try both ways. Next cut a quantity
of tow fine, about one inch, and pick it well
apart. This is for filling. The advantage of cut-
ting it will be seen in using. (For large birds
I sometimes cut excelsior and tow and mix them.)
We now take our skin, holding it by the bill
with the left hand, pick up a pinch of the filling
and with stuffers place it in the throat, well up
in the bill, by the opening from which we took
the body. Next place some in the skull cavity,

and more between that already placed. This
should fill the head out in good shape. Next fill

the neck fairly full, loosely down to the shoulder.
(In Herons the neck should be filled rather fuller
than natural, and then from the outside you can
press it to the right size. This will make the
neck hard and it will hold its shape. When done
be sure you do not leave it too large. Ducks are
the same. Owls should be filled very loosely).
Next lay bird on its breast, tail towards you; hold
the tail quills between the thumb and finger of
the left hand. With the right hand pass a fine
wire through each quill at a point under the up-
per coverts, so as not to show. By sliding the
quills to right and left on this wire you can give
the desirable spread. (See fig. 4.) If the bird is a
large one, with the hand vise force the long
needle through the quills, which will sometimes
be found very hard. Drawing the needle out
you can easily substitute your wire. Another
way which works nicely when the feathers are
too fine to be wired, is to clamp the tail with fine
wire, say No. 20 to 24. (See fig. 5.) Now turn
the bird on its back; pass the leg wire through
the foot, up the leg between the bone and outside
skin, past the joint to the inside of body skin.
Drawing out leg bone the wire will run with it,
and wind cotton around both bone and wire till
itis the same size as the natural leg was. For
large birds use wire and tie it around; draw the
leg back in place, leaving the wire a little longer
than the bone, so that the joint can be seen.
Proceed in like manner with the other leg. Next
take the body; run the long wire end up through
the neck (center of filling) and through the skull,
the point passing out through the skin at the top
of the head between the eyes. Push the body in
till it occupies the place of the natural one. Next
take the leg, press the wire point just behind the
center of the side. Now by pressing, push the
wire through the body, and when through, with
plyers bend it in shape of — and draw back by
the other end. Slide the leg up on the wire till
the bone presses against the body. It will then
be held in proper place. Do the same with the
other leg. This is very important; if not in
proper place and firm, the bird will not balance

properly and you will regret it as you proceed.
The body now lies on its back, the wings under,
and appears like Fig. 6. Cut the wire off from
the body at the tail end, leaving just enough to
vatch the skin on at A. Now with the cut tow
fill in carefully all about the body, base of neck,
breast, upon the shoulders, back of the legs, not
too much, but enough to make the form of the
bird good. When done, the winding will reduce
the size somewhat. Special features that are to
be brought out can be seen to at this time. The
next step is to draw the skin carefully together
over the stomach and to sew it up. Then bend
the legs back together towards the tail. If too
Jong, push them on the wire towards the head.
Next make a sharp bend at the joints B, B, for-
ward, and the wire at the sole of the foot, back-
wards. Next, taking the perch, drill two holes
in the cross piece, the same distance apart that
the bird is at the hips; pass the leg wires through
them and fasten. (See Fig. 7, C.) Stick the
perch in the hole in your work table. At this
stage do not be discouraged if your bird looks like
a cornfield in a September gale. Bend the body
in shape, being careful that the legs are right,
giving it the position you wish by pressing under
the wings, arrange the wing bones in their place
and with wire pin at D, and put another under
the quills at E, on both sides. Next pass a wire
through the tail knob F, (under tail feathers) and
pin the tail to the body, Bend the head up, draw
it a little on the wire. Arrange the feathers on
the shoulders carefully, then push the head down
into its place and by taking hold of the bill bend
it into shape to please your fancy. If the skin is
in proper place the feathers will now lie quite
smooth; if not, there is some cause for it. Ifa
place buuches up, say on the shoulder, with
your long needle lift the skin up a little, get all
the feathers, so far as possible by means of your
fine forceps, smooth and in place. With your
cop now wind the bird. (See fig. 8.) Sometimes
if there is a place that I wish to wind down
especially, I put in extra wire. (G. Fig. 8.) If

EXPLANATION

1—T perch.
Fig. 2.—Body wire, showing loops.
Fig. 3.—Made body.
Fig. 4.—Tail spread by wing quills.
Fig. 5.—Tail spread by clamping.
. 6.—Skin with artificial body in ready to
sew up.
Fig. 7.—Bird placed on perch,
Fig. 8.—Bird wound. .
Fig. 9.—Wire clamp.

[Vol. 11-No. 1

4 ORNITHOLOGIST

there is any trouble with the wings, or you wish
to spread them a little, use a wire bent like Fig. 9
as a clamp. (See H, fig. 8.) Sometimes when a
bird is large and the wings badly broken, I make
a saddle cover, passing it through the two outer
quills and under. This lies across the back.
(See fig. 10, I.) After the bird is well wound you
can then give it a finishing shaping if needed.
This will be your last chance, so do not slight it.
If there is any one present have him suggest any
improvement. By this, faults to which we are
blind may be rectified. Carefully round out the
eye-holes, making the lids in good shape. Sit the
bird away, not near a stove, but where it will dry
evenly. It isa good plan in about ten days to
cut off the windings and adjust any feathers that
have been overlooked, and then re-wind.
SPREADING WINGS.

This may be done in two ways. First, if a
small bird, pass the pinning wire in at the joints,
(J, fig. 6,) on the under side into the body (See K,
fig. 11), and another wire (L, fig. 11). Then
clamp it as shown in the same figure. If the
feathers do not lie smoothly, cut a piece of paper
and place it like M, (Fig. 11). When dry the
wires may be cut off and the wing will be found
dry in place. For larger birds, pass a wire
through the wings in the same manner that you
do the legs; fasten into the body at N, N, (Fig. 6,)
and clamp in the manner shown in figure 11.
Figures 12, 13 and 14, will give a general idea of
the position of the wires.

TO RAISE CRESTS, EARS, ETC.

Pin a wire in back of the place desired to raise;
bend it as shown in figure 15, and place cotton
between the wire and feathers.

TO SUPPORT BIRDS FLYING.

Pass wire through the body frony back between
the wings, down out through the breast, bend in
form of U and draw back; cut wire off, leaving
just enough to bend in form of loop on top. To
this fasten very fine wire by which to suspend.
(See fig. 16).

OF PEN SKETCH.

Fig. 10.—Wings held in position by saddle
wire.

Fig. 11.—Manner of wiring wings spread.
. 12.—Pigeon suspended flying.
Fig. 13.—Eagle, showing method of wiring.
. 14.—Heron, showing method of wiring.
Fig. 15.—Wire to hold up crest.
16.—Wire passing through body to hold
bird, for suspending,

Jan. 1886.] =~ SANDEOOLOGIST. , ree

V

6 ORNITHOLOGIST

I will now go over the ground in brief.
STUFFING.

Fill in throat.

Fill in skull cavity.

Fill neck.

Spread tail.

Wire legs, making thighs. .

Pass body wire through neck, out at top of

head.

Push body in place.

Pin legs in place and clinch them.

Fill in about body.

Draw skin together and sew up.

Bend legs in shape.

Place on perch.

Place wing bones in position and pin them.

Put in wing supports.

Put tail in position.

Bend head into place.

Clamp wings if necessary.

Wind bird.

Shape it and attend to eye-holes.

In two days cut off windings and re-wind.

GENERAL NOTES.

Some taxidermists build the neck on the body
wire and then force it in place. I never do.
With a soft filling you can lengthen and shorten
the neck at pleasure. Notso with the other way.
The only reason I have had suggested to me for
doing it in the other manner, is that a soft filling
will allow the head to settle. Use excelsior with
tow and there will be no trouble.

Birds that have been opened on the back to
skin are stuffed in the same manner; it makes no
difference with the process whether it is done
through the breast or back. When the skull is
shot so that it will not hold, remove it and make
as large a form on the same plan as the body
(without a wire) as you can force through the
neck with forceps. Put it in place and pack
around it with soft filling. Parts of bills and legs
can be patched by papier mache, and can be col-
ored, Bills, feet and legs can be painted if de-
sired, when perfectly dry. Use an elastic dryer
and tube paint. All the natural color is lost as
the specimen dries, and can only be reproduced
by artificial coloring. I am aware of the opaque-
ness of paint, but prefer it in many cases to the
dead, faded color. In the case of the Wood Duck
it is half the beauty.

SETTING EYES.

When the bird is dry, push the cotton in and
force wet cotton into the eye-holes. In a few
hours the largest will be found relaxed. When
the lids are soft, remove the wet cotton and fill in

with soft putty. Set the eyes in it, and use care

[Vol. 11-No.

to get a good expression. Clay, plaster, and glue
for setting eyes, are to be avoided in good work.

In stuffing Owis I often set the eyes at once,
but for other birds I usually do it after they are
dry.

FEET.

Ducks’ feet especially, should be pinned out to
the stand or they will shrivel when drying. If
by oversight they have done so, apply wet cotton
till soft and then pin them. Be careful not to
split the web in stretching them out.

BILLS.

If the bill shows a tendency to open when dry-
ing, and it is not desired, it can be closed by pass-
ing a strong pin through the under side up into
the roof of the mouth and winding a wire around
it at the place so that the pin will keep it from
slipping off.

The Lesser Redpoll.

BY ARTHUR H. LOCKETT.

The interesting, and hardy little bird, corres-
ponds in Winter to the Goldfinch in Summer, but
is a little larger than the Goldfinch, and with more
modest colors.

The male wears a beautiful rose colored vest,
with a modest black tie just under his chin. His
swallow-tailed coat is striped brownish gray and
white, but the handsomest part of his outfit, is a
beautiful crimson skull-cap, which is also a weak-
ness of his wife’s, but she does not wear red in
any other part of her costume.

They are very irregular in their movements,
some years appearing at one time, some years at
another ; common one Winter and few or none to
be found the next. Last year they came and went
late, not arriving here (Exeter, N. H.,) until the
first week in March, and leaving about the middle
of April. They were in very large flocks, and
wandered incessantly in search of food. ;

When on the ground they are very easily start-
led, but on the other hand very easily re-assured ;
taking to the trees or bushes at the slightest sound,
but in a second or two back again picking up
seeds as before.

Their note is very peculiar, for the note or
rather chatter of one bird sounds like that of a
great many.

In the latter part of March I caught a well
marked female, and tamed it, which was very
easily done, and found it a very pretty little pet.
It never disturbed me by loud notes, as at times
a canary does, but sitting on the top of its cage,
would chatter as if talking to itself for an hour at
a time, and I could shut my eyes and imagine
that I heard a whole flock of these happy little
creatures, hopping about on the crust of the snow,
fulfilling the duty for which God created them.

Jan. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST. ri

Notes from Manayunk, Philadelphia.

BY ELLWOOD C. ERDIS.

Carolina Wren, (Thryothorus ludovicianus).
May 24th, secured a set of four eggs of this species.
The nest was in the top of a wooden box at the
end of a bridge. As the bird sat on the nest I
caught her, when she tried to pick me, and made
a chipping noise. May 30th, I found a nest with
one egg of same species in an old house. The
nest was placed on a shelf, and was merely a few
sticks. The bird did not finish her complement
of eggs but deserted her residence immediately.

August 2d, a friend showed me another nest of
this bird, on a ledge of rocks, on the side of the
Wissahickon Park ‘‘drive.” It contained four
young, and was placed behind a small sapling.
August 19th, I found a nest in a house. It was
placed on a shelf in a cupboard and contained
four fresh eggs. On the shelf above was another
nest of the same materials, but without the arch.
I suppose it was used by the male. These birds
are residents as I have seen them in Mid-winter.

Robin, (Merula Migratoria). May 27th, took
a set of six Robin’s eggs, an unusual number.

Ruby Throated Humming-bird, (7Zrochilus
colubris). May 30th, this afternoon, as a friend
and I were tramping through the woods we saw
ahummer. Itsoon alighted on a limb of a spruce
tree, and began to work at its nest which was on
the end of the limb, and about fifteen feet from
the ground. The nest was not quite completed,
and the bird took no notice of us. I obtained the
eggs on June 2d. June 2d, I found another Ruby
throat’s nest in the same woods about 200 yards
away. It was on the end of a large spruce limb,
and about thirty-five feet high. In trying to get
the eggsthey broke. Twenty yards off was an old
nest which I suppose had been used the year be-
fore. June 5th, saw a boy find a nest on aspruce
limb overhanging a small run, but he broke the
eggs in trying to get them. July 19th, took a set
of two eggs from a spruce limb about five feet
high. The tree was on the side of a hill along
Wissahickon Creek and about ten feet from it.

Worm Eating Warbler, (Helminthotherus ver-
mivorus). June 19th, while going through a high
open part of the woods on Wissahickon Creek, I
discovered a nest of this bird situated on the
ground at the foot of a small laurel bush, and
mid-way on the side of the hill. The bird sat on
the nest until I was within three feet of it, when
it fluttered along on the ground just out of my
reach. The nest contained two eggs partly in-
cubated. It was composed of pine needles, lined
with thin narrow strips of grape-vine bark, and

was very pretty. There was no attempt what-
ever at its concealment, as I had a very good look
at the bird there can be no mistake. These birds
can be seen during the coldest day in Winter
hopping around the lower limbs of trees, and are
not shy, but will allow ofa near approach.
—_——~.
Hybridization of the Hooded and
Carrion Crow.

[In reference to the interbreeding of the Hood-
ed and Carrion Crow, we quote from a private
letter from Mr. Henry Kerr, of Lancashire, Eng-
land, author of “The Birds of Northumberland
and Durham.”—Ep. |

“T notice the remarks on Hybridization in O.
and O. for July as to the interbreeding of the
Hooded Crow and Carrion Crow. I may add
that our most eminent British ornithologists, Mr.
Yarrell, Mr. Seebohm, Prof. Newton and Mr. J.
Hancock (our greatest living authority), now con-
sider that the Hooded or Royston Crow is but the
northern type, or variety of the Carrion Crow.
The “ Hoodie” except in rare instances, is but an
Autumn and Winter visitor in England; but in
Scotland (central and northern) the ‘‘ Hoodie” is a
permanent resident, and it freely interbreeds with
the British Carrion Crow. Mr. John Hancock
(‘“ Catalogue of the Birds of the Northumberland
and Durham,” 1874), states that he has (in Scot-
Jand) examined many nests, where the parent
birds were, one a black Carrion Crow and the
other a grey or Hooded Crow. The progeny in
most instances resembled both parents—that is—
some of the nestlings were quite black plumaged,
like the Carrion, and others grey-backed like the
Hooded ; in other instances the nestlings had a
‘‘mixed” plumage, partaking of both parents.
Mr. John Hancock thus sums up his notice of the
Hooded Crow, ‘ Notwithstanding the apparent
distinctness of this species, it is probably a mere
race of the Carrion Crow, as has Leen pointed out
by several distinguished ornithologists. The two
forms readily breed together. Mr. Yarrell men-
tions several instances of their having done so in
both England and Scotland; but it is in the lat-
ter country where this intercourse [and where
both so-called species are stationary] most fre-
quently takes place: “*" * * ‘* ‘The fact/of
this extensive interbreeding of the Carrion and
Hooded Crow is very interesting, and is contrary
to analogy. Hybridization is not uncommon in
the animal kingdom as an exceptional occur-
rence; but I know of no other instance of such a
constant unhesitating union of two so-called
species as is here exhibited.’ ”

8 ORNITHOLOGIST [ Vol. 11-No. 1

THE survived a decade of years with a yearly

financial loss, together with such marked

ORNI THOLOG cw improvement, as the O. and O. It being
—AND—

COLOGISS.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

HATURAL History,

ESPECIALLY DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF

BlrEDS,
THEIR NESTS AND EGGS.

DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES
AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD AND INSECT LIFE.

FREDERIC H. CARPENTER, Editor,
REHOBOTH, MASS.,
FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher,
409 WASHINGTON, ST., BOSTON, MASS.

Editorial.

With the present issue THe OrniTHOLo-
Gist AND OoLoaist enters upon its eleventh
year of publication, and greets its readers
with hearty wishes for a happy and pros-
perous new year to all.

As will be noticed, a few changes have
been made. The kindred science of Ento-
mology has been accorded a department,
under the supervision of competent ento-
mologists.

Oology, as a special branch of the study
of Bird Life, has many students who do
not particularly care for the ornithological
science in general. This department is
under the immediate charge of a gentle-
man who has made Oology an especial and
life-long study.

This will necessarily incur to us addi-
tional labor, time and expense, and we can
but ask a reciprocation on the part of our
readers, urging them to endeavor to in-
crease our subscription list, which by a
very little individual effort, would be suf-
ficient to reimburse the publisher for the
deficiency.

We dislike to constantly refer to this
latter fact, but we doubt if there is in ex-
istence at present, & magazine that has

the intention of the present editor to co-
operate with the publisher in securing for
the O. and O. a financial basis, we deemed
it not out of place to mention the above
in our salutatory.

Articles of interest to our readers are
invited, and we will be pleased to make
space for any communication which shows
itself to be a truthful record of careful ob-
servation, in any department of natural
history, but principally, as the name of this
magazine announces, we shall devote our
columns to the science for which it was
founded, and the purpose it has ever kept
in view during a half score of years, and
with which it proposes to keep apace in
the future.

Ornithology and Entomology are kindred
sciences, and can be studied in conjunction
with advantage. Our bird life, its scarcity
or abundance, depends largely upon its
supply of food, which in the great majori-
ty of species consists of insect life in its
various formsfrom the larvee to the perfect
development. A correspondent in this
issue gives some timely suggestions to
which we refer our readers.

The particular line of investigation
should prove of interest, even to the strict-
ly ornithological student. We would like
to hear from others upon the same subject.

Publisher’s Editorial.

The flight of time is marked by import-
ant events of the past. <A brief sketch of
the O. and O.’s career was given in a pre-
vious number, and to-day we add another
page to its history. With the completion
of Volume X, Mr. Eaton Cliff retired from
active connection with the magazine. As-
suming the editorship as successor to Mr.
Wade, for two years he has borne the bur-
den, without renumeration, devoting more
time than he really had at his command.
Entering upon his duties unacquainted

Jan. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST. 4)

with the subject to which the magazine
was devoted, with good judgment backed
by a keen perception, he has succeeded in
advancing the ‘‘O. and O.” in a manner
that has brought many a letter of congratu-
lation to the publisher. It was with sincere
regret that his earnest request for release
was entertained.

It has been thought advisable to divide
the O. and O. during the present year into
departments, in order that more attention
might be devoted to the different interests,
and itis hoped that the readers who are
especially interested in any one subject will
bear patiently and with good will the por-
tion that is devoted to the others, remem-
bering that up to the present time the
O. and O. has not received sufficient sup-
port to pay for its publication, from all,
much less, from any particular class. The
present volume bids fair to be one of un-
usual interest. As in the past, the O. and
O. is too much of a favorite to be left in the
cold. Ata hint, friends came to the front,
volunteering their services, almost causing
embarrassment in choosing. Mr. F. H.
Carpenter, who will act as general editor,

is by no means a stranger to the old

readers and needs no introduction. His
rown finish will no doubt tint the pages
of Vol. XI. The oological department, in
the hands of J. Parker Norris, Esq., of
Philadelphia, can scarcely fail to become
accepted authority. Messrs. Wright &
Bates, professional entomologists, of Bos-
ton, the publisher has reasons to believe
will cause their section to teem with en-
tomological ecstacy. The O. and O. inthe
past has been published in an independent
spirit, uninfluenced by any pretended au-
thority, a representation of no association,
but of the working naturalist, and so it
will continue.

The publisher earnestly requests its
readers in every possible manner to assist
the gentlemen who take the reins in hand,
to produce a glorious sunset at the close
of ’86. Frank B. WesstTER.

Summer and Fall Shore Bird Migra-
gration at Cape Cod—1885.

BY J. C. CAHOON.

In the August number of the O. and O. I gave
a list of the shore bird migration at Monomoy
Island. Below is a list of the summer and fall
migrants. No notes were taken between June 26
and July 12, as I was away from the island dur-
ing that interval.

July 12, weather fair ; found four Semipalmated
Sandpipers on the flats and several Least, do, on
the meadows ; Roseate and Least Tern abundant ;
Arctic Tern common; young Spotted Sandpipers
full grown. July 13, fair; no new arrivals noted.
Found four Semipalmated Sandpipers feeding
along the surf the same as Sanderlings. July 14,
cloudy with wind §. E.; heavy rain in the morn-
ing. This storm brought along a large number
of Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers; several
Least Tern collected were moulting. July 15,
fair and cooler; collected young Piping Plover
which were full grown; found a nest of the Least
Tern containing two eggs, incubation fresh. July
16, fair; Semipalmated Sandpipers abundant.
July 17, foggy ; collected a Velvet Scoter. July
18, clear; new arrivals seen were five Willets and
several Petrel. July 21, wind 8. W. and blew,
very fresh, rain fell in the afternoon; found four
Red-breasted Snipe and several Semipalmated
Sandpipers on the flats ; two of the Snipe secured
were adults; saw two Greater Yellow-legs. July
23, wind E; saw a large flock of Coot out in the
bay. July 27, wind 8. E.; among new arrivals
were several bunches of Sanderling and three
adult Robin Snipe. July 31, wind E.; saw two
Richardson’s Jaegers; Least Tern diminishing
in number.

August 1, wind E.; new arrivals were a small
number of Black-bellied Plover; Semipalmated
Plover abundant. August 4, wind blowing
fresh from S. E.; rained a part of the day.
Aug. 6, wind N. E.; found Red-breasted Snipe
and Turnstone common ; one large flock of about
fifty Black-bellied Plover seen; a Willet and a
Hudsonian Curlew noticed. Aug. 7, a bunch of
five Robin Snipe seen. Aug. 8, found a young
Least Tern that could hardly fly. Aug. 13, wind
S. W., foggy all day ; six young Bonaparte’s Gulls,
fifteen Greater Yellow-legs, and four Black Ducks
noted as new arrivals. Aug. 15, wind 8. W., light
rain in the morning; a large flock of Yellow-legs
seen; new arrival, a Black Tern; Piping Plover
are leaving the island. Aug. 15, wind N., blew
fresh ; number of Black Tern, increased to seven,
only one of which was an adult; one Jaeger and

10 ORNITHOLOGIST |

[ Vol. 11-No. 1

several Greater Yellow-legs seen ; no Arctic Terns
seen for several days. Aug. 17, saw several flocks
of Black-bellied Plover. Aug. 18, wind S$. W.; a
flock of Golden Plover arrived to-day, but did
not make any stop. Aug. 27, wind N. W., and
blew very fresh; found a small bunch of seven
Pectoral Sandpipers in a meadow; no Least Tern
seen; saw one bunch of young Robin Snipe and
Turnstone together ; Sanderlings more abundant ;
two Marsh Hawks, one Nighthawk and several
Summer Yellowbirds seen. Aug. 28, fair; col-
lected a male Solitary Sandpiper, one Baltimore
Oriole, one Summer Yellowbird and a female
Redstart. These I secured among some old drift-
wood on the beach. Saw one Kingbird and quite
a number of Warblers, Sparrows and Swallows;
Barn Swallows abundant; saw a flock of ten
young Black Tern. Aug. 29, wind N. W. ; Sum-
mer Yellowbirds quite common. Aug. 31, wind
S. E., rain fell in the morning; Black Tern very
abundant ; saw as many as several hundred dur-
ing the day; saw one flock of twenty-three sitting
on the flats, but did not observe an adult among
them; one Golden Plover seen.

September 1, wind. E., and foggy ; saw a large
flock of about one hundred Black-bellied Plover.
Sept. 2, wind N. W.; saw a young Robin Snipe ;
several Great Northern Divers seen off in the bay.
Sept. 3, wind 8.; Black Tern very abundant.
Sept. 4, wind 8. W.; saw a small flock of Black
Ducks; Semipalmated Plover and Sandpiper’s
growing less abundant. Two adult Roseate Tern
shot to-day; they had red bills same as the Com-
mon Tern; one Tern secured had no tarsus, it be-
ing gone from the first joint above the foot.
stump had healed and left a little hard bunch on
the end. Sept. 6, wind §.; new arrival seen was
one Eskimo Curlew, which I flushed out of some
moss on the sand hill. Sept. 7, wind §., cloudy;
Roseate and Common Tern very abundant on the
sand bars; one Jaeger seen. Sept. 8, wind N. E.,
cloudy ; Sanderlings less abundant, and nearly all
remaining are young. Young Black-bellied
Plover seen to-day for the first time; Richardson’s
Jaegars common; jarge »umbers of White-bellied
and Barn Swallows flying about; Sharp-tailed
Finches abundant. Sept. 9, wind 8. W., rained
all day ; saw large numbers of Black Tern feeding
on the meadows that were overflowed; Sander-
lings diminishing every day. Sept. 22, windS. E.,
rained part of the day; several large flocks of
Black-bellied Plover arrived. Sept. 28, wind
blowing fresh from the N. W.; the storm of last
night caused a “flight” of Shorebirds. I found
on the flats, at low tides, Sanderlings, Red-backed
Sandpipers (young) and Black-bellied Plover
abundant. On the meadows, which the rain had

The

overflowed, I found Semipalmated, Least, Red-
backed and Pectoral Sandpipers abundant.
Greater Yellow-legs and Willets also seen on the
meadows. Collected two Hudsonian Curlew and
one Bonaparte’s Sandpiper out of a flock of Semi-
palmated Sandpipers. After flushing the Pectoral
Sandpipers, noticed some would only fly a short
distance and drop down in the grass, while others
would jump up like the Wilson’s Snipe and fly in
an irregular course until at quite an altitude, when
they would circle for a short time overhead, then
suddenly pitch downand alight in the same place
they started from. When they fly a short dis-
tance their cry is a single Jow ‘‘tweet,” but when
they spring up quickly and fly a long distance
their cry is louder and often repeated. Sept. 24,
while in the meadows collecting Pectoral Sand-
pipers, I had the good fortnne to secure an adult
male Buff-breasted Sandpiper that was leaving
the meadows high up in the air. Sept. 25, wind
N, blew very fresh in the afternoon; shore birds
not as abundant as the day previous; new arrival
was a Hudsonian Godwit, which I shot on the
flats. One small flock of Golden Plover seen.
Richardson’s Jaegers more abundant; saw six at
one time chasing Tern. Sept. 26, wind $.; only
a few Sanderlings seen; Pectoral Sandpipers are
diminishing in numbers. Found a Sora Rail dead
on the beach, probably killed by flying against a
stake. Sept. 28, wind N., cloudy with light rains
all day ; found Hudsonian Curlew, Greater Yel-
low-legs and young Red-breasted Sandpipers
common; several small flocks of Black-bellied
Plover seen. Loons and Sea Coot flying about.
Sept. 29, wind N.; Richardson’s Jaegers com-
mon; also saw two Long-tailed Jaegers ; collected
six Jaegers in different plumage. When one is
shot the others hang over it, so that many can be
killed at one time. Saw as many as twenty-five
sitting on the flats. Several that I shot had sand
eels in their bills. Sept. 80, wind N.; only a few
Pectoral Sandpipers seen on the meadows ; a large
flock of Black Ducks noticed. Shot an American
Bittern near a small pond hole,

October 1, wind N. ; Jaegers abundant ; several
flocks of Sanderling seen, also a few Black-bellied
Plover. Oct. 2, wind N. E., foggy; found one
Bonaparte's Sandpiper on the flats in company
with Red-backed, do. Sanderlings scarce; Terns
leaving. A small flight of Greater Yellow-legs
arrived last night. Oct. 8, wind W.: a few Sand-
erlings and Red-backed Sandpipers remain.
Greater Yellow-legs quite abundant; a small
flock of the Black-bellied Plover seen. Saw
several Green-winged Teal and Shovellers in a
small pond on the meadows. Saw a Turnstone
on the beach. Large Gulls abundant.

Jan. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST. Et

OOLOGY.

J. PARKER NORRIS, EDITOR.

In this department it is proposed to record observa-
tions in that important branch of the science of
Bird Life—Oology—and request the favors of our
contributors, as an assistance to our efforts; for it
is only by opinions, gathered from various expert-
ences, that we can achieve any definite result in as-
certaining what natural law governs a science, so
replete with variations and interesting phenomena
as Oology.

Mr. Oliver Davie, of Columbus, Ohio, sends
the first sixteen pages (advance sheets) of his new
Egg Check List and Key to the Nests and Eggs of
North American Birds, which will be ready
about the first of February next. It will contain
between 180 and 200 pages octavo, and will be
illustrated by seven full-page engravings of birds
and their nests. The descriptions are much fuller
and more satisfactory than in the first edition, and
much new material is added. This will be found
especially noticeable in many species where de-
scriptions are for the first time given of the nests
and eggs of very rare birds. The nomenclature
adopted is that of Mr. Ridgway ; and the work is
presented in very neat form, and will be welcom-
ed by many. When it is published it will be

more fully noticed in these columns.
——___——__—_-

The Eggs of the White-tailed Hawk.

Not finding any account of the eggs of this
beautiful Hawk (Buteo albicaudatus,) in any work
with which the present writer is acquainted, it
has occurred to him that a description of them
would be welcome to the readers of THE Or-
NITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST.

Early in the spring of 1884, a party of gentle-
men consisting of Messrs. G. B. Benners, W. H.
Werner and T. 8. Gillen, went on a collecting
tour to Texas. While there they secured many
rare birds and eggs. Among the species found
nesting near Corpus Christi was the White-tailed
Hawk. The country about there is destitute of
any high trees, and this fact caused the Hawks to
choose curious nesting places for Buteos. In the
Eastern States, and wherever they have been
molested, this genus select lofty trees, often
seventy or more feet from the ground, on which
to build their nests; but near Corpus Christi the
Buteo albicaudatus found this neither possible nor
necessary.

A set of two eggs collected by Mr. Gillen, on

May 2, 1884, were laid in a nest on the top ofa
chapparal bush, only seven feet from the ground.
Think of that, J. M. W., and others who esteem
it nothing to toil up some tall chestnut tree sev-
enty or eighty feet to secure a set of the common
Buteo borealis or lineatus! These rare eggs could
be lifted out of the nest by a tall man while stand-
ing on the ground.

Two eggs were the usual number found, al-
though sometimes three are laid. The present
set (which are in the cabinet of a gentleman in
Philadelphia,) were perfectly identified, as both of
the parent birds were shot. They were found in
a nest made of sticks, and lined with short dry
grass. The eggs exhibit almost no variation in
size, one of them measuring 2.20 by 1.80, and the
other 2.19 by 1.80. In appearance, however, they
are quite different, as one is almost entirely un-
spotted, and the other faintly marked all over its
surface with very light brown spots. The ground
color in both is of a light greyish white, and the
egg which is almost entirely unspotted has a few
faint streaks of very light brown at the smaller end.
The shell is exactly like that which is typical of
Buteo borealis, and the shape is similar to the
ordinary one for the latter bird.

It would be well if those who own sets of eggs
of Buteo albicaudatus would send descriptions of
them to THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND OoLoaist for
publication, in order that a comparison with those
described above might be made.

The Number of Eggs Laid by Hawks
and Owls.

The number of eggs laid by birds of the Order
Raptores has been subject to more mis-statement
than any others. The tendency seems to have
been to exaggerate their number, rather than to
understate it, though errors in this direction
have beenfrequent. Thus the Great Horned Owl,
(Bubo virginianus), is said by many writers to lay
from three to six eggs, while the real number is
only two or three; and it is doubtful if more than
three have ever been found in one nest. The
Swallow-tailed Kite, (Hlanoides forficatus), never
lays more than two eggs, but their number has
been given for years as being from four to six.
Coues states that the nest complement of eggs of
the Caracara Eagle, (Polyborus cheriway), is two,
but sets of three are as often met with as the for-
mer number. The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo bore-
alis) more commonly. lays two than three eggs,
yet Audubon stated that ‘‘ the female lays four or
five.’ The Broad-winged Hawk, (Buteo pennsyl-
vanicus), usually lays three or four, sometimes only
two, but their number is given as high as five by

some writers. The Red-shouldered Hawk, (Luteo
lineatus), more commonly lays three than four
eggs, never exceeding the latter number, and yet
Audubon stated that they are sometimes five.
The American Rough-legged Hawk, (Arehibuteo
lagogus sanctijohannis), is also credited with four
or five eggs, while the former is believed to be
the true number. These instances could be easily
multiplied, but enough have been mentioned to
show that mistakes as to the number of eggs of
the Raptores have been very common.
See ge

The Eggs of the Swallow-tailed Kite.

Aubudon was the first to describe the eggs of
the Swallow-tailed Kite (Hlanotdes forficatus.)
He tells us that “the nest is usually placed on the
top branches of the tallest oak or pine tree, situat-
ed on the margin of a stream or pond. It resem-
bles that of the Common Crow externally, being
formed of dry sticks, intermixed with Spanish
moss, and is lined with coarse grasses and a few
feathers. The eggs are from four to six, of a
greenish-white color, with a few irregular blotches
of dark brown at the larger end.” (Audubon’s
Birds of America, Vol. I, p. 80, Edition of 1840).
This statement has been followed by all writers
down to the present day. Dr. Coues, in his Birds
of the Northwest, quotes the above passage, without
comment as to the strange mis-statement as to the
number of eggs laid by this bird ; and repeats the
assertion, in the revised edition of his Aey, that
they lay from four to six.

An old and experienced oologist informs us
that he has never heard of more than two being
laid in one nest, and an experienced collector in
Texas, who has found the eggs repeatedly, says
that their number is always two. A fine set col-
lected in Lavaca County, Texas, on April 20th,
1885, and now in the cabinet of a gentleman in
Philadelphia, were fresh when taken. The ident-
ity was well proven, and the nest was placed on
the side branches of a live oak tree. The eggs are
two, and are smaller at one end than at the other.
They are of a whitish color tinged with yel-
low and are marked with large blotches
of rich chestnut brown. No. 1 measures 1.80
inches in length by 1.50 in breadth. No. 2 is 1.88
long, and 1.48 broad. In No. 1 the markings are
at the smaller end, while in No. 2 they are cluster-
ed around the larger end. Dr. Coues gives their
measurements as 1.90 by 1.50 in his Birds of the
Northwest, basing them upon a single specimen
then in the Smithsonian Institution collection,
taken in Towa. In his Key he gives the same
measurements, but does not say whether he had
other specimens to examine,

12 ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. ti—Ne, 1

Two Species of Raptores Using the
Same Nest.

The fondness that birds of the 2aptores family
have for their old nests is a well known fact, and
also their habit of returning to them year after
year; even in many instances, when deprived of
their eggs. That the same nest should be used
by two kinds of birds of prey each year is a new
fact, however. Such, nevertheless, is the case
with a very large nest of sticks, lined with a few
feathers, and placed in the notch of a post-oak,
about forty-five feet from the ground, in Lee
County, Texas. This nest is used every year,
first, by the Great Horned Owl, (Bubo virginia-
nus,) and afterwards by the Red-tailed Hawk,
(Buteo borealis.) The young owls leave the nest
before the hawk is ready to occupy it. It is not
known whether the owl or the hawk originally
built it, though both of them probably add to it
each year, which would account for its large size.

Some Interesting Facts About the
Nesting of the Cuckoo.

BY HARRY G. PARKER, CHESTER, PA.

Imagine a rank and luxuriant undergrowth
where the grape, ivy and other climbing vines
throw out their arms to form a bower, situated in
an interesting valley formed by two gently slop-
ing hills rising on either side, and through this
damp little glen a small stream pursues its wind-
ing way. In such a place, remote from human
habitation I was collecting on June 5th, of the
past year, making my way on hands and and
knees, (for blackberry and thorny bushes
abounded too,) listening to the songs of Yellow-
breasted Chats, Maryland Yellow-throats, and
other warblers, and wondering how their nests
could elude me so successfully; when casting my
eyes upward, I saw right above me a Black-billed
Cuckoo on her nest, a critical and interested spec-
tator of this some-time quadruped. She seemed
tenacious indeed, of her maternal rights, and only
left the nest when my hand was about to grasp
her, so I was surprised to find, upon examination,
that she was setting so hard upon only one egg.
The nest was beautiful, and unusually substantial
for a Cuckoo, being a platform of thorny sticks,
rootlets, Elm catkins, blossoms, grasses and strips
of grape-vine bark. I coveted this nest for my
collection so much that I took it, and the egg
also, not expecting to visit this locality again.
On June 14th, (nine days later) I happened to be
again in this neighborhood, and again went
through this same thicket, but more in quest of

Jan. 1886.]

the location of the former nest, I found another
of the same species. It was much more loosely
formed than the previous one, and it was placed
higher on a wild grape-vine, or rather, where sev-
eral of these vines intersected each other at a dis-
tance of about nine feet from the ground. The
bird was more wary tian the forraer one, and
flew from her home while I was yet five yards
distant, but not until I had positively identified
her as the Black-billed species. This nest con-
tained six eggs, which, as [found upon preparing
them later, were in all stages of incubation. Two
were on the point of being hatched, two others
were partly incubated, and the remaining two
were nearly fresh. As the number seemed to me
to be excessive, I sought all the information I
could upon the subject from the works of various
writers, and in no case did I find a record of
more than “‘four or five.’ Then I consulted a
better medium than any published writings,
namely : the personal experiences of collectors.
Both in person, and by letter did I prosecute my
inquiries, but none had ever found more than
four eggs ina Black-billed Cuckoo’s nest—two or
three being more generally met with. So I came
to the conclusion that I was fortunate in my ex-
ploit, if indeed my case was not unique, and I
set about reasoning how these six eggs came
there, and if the capture of the nest of the other
bird in close proximity, on June 5th was not an
important factor in the problem. I concluded
that the bird who was deprived of her home in
the first instance, had either surreptitiously de-
posited her unlaid eggs in her neighbor's nest, or
that she being hard pressed to lay, had made
known her complaint to the lastnamed, who had
extended her hospitality to her stricken sister, as
would seem to be the case, and thus brought joy
and novelty to the heart of one oologist. Both
the first nest and single egg, and the set of six
eggs are now in my collection, and the writer
would be pleased if these lines would cause some
other collector to state his experience as to the
complement of the Black-billed Cuckoo.

On the same day, June 14th, not more than
one-quarter of a mile from the location spoken
of I found a nest containing four eggs of the
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, which must have been
laid on succceding days, as incubation was about
equally advanced in all. The eggs of neither of
these birds (being in no wise remarkable) need
any description here, but I will always associate
in my mind a certain damp, dark spot in Dela-
ware County, Pennsylvania, with the two species
of Cuckoo.

15

winged Hawk.
BY HARRY G. PARKER, CHESTER, PENN.

One day in January while riding on horseback
through Delaware County, my attention was sud-
denly arrested by seeing three hawks nailed up,
belly outward, against the front of a well-to-do
farmer’s barn; probably as a warning to their fel-
lows that this particular rustic was bound to pro-
tect his hens and pigeons at all odds. So unusual
a sight prompted me to dismount and seek the
acquaintance of the owner, and if possible gain
some points concerning his winged foes. This
man was only one of the vast army of country-
men who for years have waged an unceasing
crusade against the detested birds known to them
as ‘“Hen and Chicken Hawks.” So successful
has been this warfare, that it is a miracle, almost,
that any members of the Raptores are bold enough
to choose their sites, build their homes, lay eggs
and rear young amongst their relentless enemies.
On May 2d, however, I saw a pair of Broad-
winged Hawks, (Buteo pennsylvanicus), who
showed unmistakably that they had a nest in the
near neighborhood, and the lateness of the season
only confirmed my belief that they intended
breeding with us. As I knew of no authentic in-
stance of the eggs of this species having been tak-
en in Delaware County, and as I was more than
anxious to add another species of hawk to my
“ personal collection” column, I sought at once in
a systematic manner, their abode. <A search of
two hours revealed many nests, near the tree tops,
any of which from a ground view might have
been easily mistaken for the one I sought. After
climbing several trees and peeping into as many
Crow’s nests, I was well nigh discouraged and
fatigued; but when on the top of one of the tallest
oaks in the wood I was in, I saw what I felt in-
stinctively was the nest of the birds, who mean-
while remained perfectly passive spectators of my
scansorial exercise. As the tree was a giant, and
as night was coming on, and I was a long distance
from home, I left the wood with the determina-
tion of returning on the morrow. By the aid of
a man and a coil of heaving line, I was safely
landed on the lowest limb of this oak on the af-
ternoon of May 4th. It proved all that I had an-
ticipated, and I looked for the first time into the
nest of this stout little, ample-winged Buteo. At
this date it was evidently just finished, and con-
tained no eggs. It was exactly eighty-seven feet
from the ground, in the forks of the oak, near its
top, and was a well made and compact structure ;
first a foundation of fagots, twigs and leaves,

14 ORNITHOLOGIST

snugly and regularly lined with the bark of the
Altogether it did not look unlike cer-
tain Crow’s nests which I can recall. During my
ascent of the tree the birds manifested the liveliest
concern, but in no wise interfered with me. I
had come, with astout box and plenty of cotton, a
distance of eight miles, for the express purpose of
taking home a set of eggs, and so I was corres-
pondingly disappointed when I saw before me a
newly-made and empty nest. However it only
served to whet an eager oologist’s desire, and on
May 14th I returned. Again [ attacked the sturdy
tree, and again I slowly made my way up and
around it. This time the birds both manifested a
determined resistance, the female especially flying
quite close to me as I approached the nest. We
all have certain moments in our lives which stand
out pre-eminently and remain forever associated
with certain actions or exploits. This was one of
mine when I leaned over, and saw the three beau-
tiful eggs which it contained. The ground color
of this set is a clear yellowish white, scarcely
seen under the spots, blotches and scratches of
reddish brown which cover the greater portion of
the eggs. They measure 2.02x1.64; 2.00x1.62,
and 2.00x1.60. Their clean appearance is due
solely to the fact that they had not been sat on
more than four or five days, as evidenced by their
comparative freshness.

red cedar.

The tree from which I took this set was situ-
ated in a dense wood, in a solitary spot, and fully
half a mile from the nearest house. This pair of
hawks were the only ones occupying this spot,
and the nest was undoubtedly newly made.
Numberless Crows found suitable building places
in the locality, and may have felt slighted at my
discrimination in climbing to the nest of their
nobler neighbor to the entire exclusion of their
own.

This is the only set of eggs of Buteo penn-
sylvanicus which I have heard of being taken in
Delaware County and I would gladly essay climb-
ing a more difficult tree, and journey twice eight
miles to duplicate the performance in any succes-
sive season. Another visit on June 2d showed
the nest to have been deserted, and the Butcos
to have left the neighborhood.

Blue Yellow-backed Warbler.—A
Large Set.

A set of six eggs of Parula americana, was
taken June 4, ’85, being the only instance of my
finding the above number in one set in ten years’
collecting. Is it common to find as many as six
in a set ?—B. F. P.

— [Vol. 11-No. 1
BNTOMOLOGSs

WRIGHT & BATES,

73 Hanover St., Boston, Mass.,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.

Address all communications for this department as above.

In inaugurating this department we respectfully
call the attention of Entomologists to the necessity
of making the study of the science so simple and
attractive, that the young will be interested in tt,
and at the same time furnishing such information
as will be beneficial to all. This shall be our aim,
and we ask their kindly aid and encouragement in
the undertaking.

Practical Entomology.

BY WRIGHT AND BATES, 73 HANOVER ST., BOSTON,

(Continued from page 172.)

RAISING LARV 2.

One of the most important aids to the entomol-
ogist is the Vivarium. By this means the larve
of many rare Lepidoptera may be fed until they
transform, and the images obtained in a state of
perfection which is impossible when captured
with the net, and better still we are enabled to
study the forms and changes of the insect in its
various stages of existence. The Breeding Cage
consists of a case, one or more sides being glass,
with a door extending the entire length; the top
should be covered with wire gauze to afford air to
the inmates and still prevent them from escaping.
In the bottom a zine pan, four to six inches deep,
filled with moist earth, is placed. In this earth a
bottle or glass jar, filled with water and contain-
ing the food-plants, is fixed.

This cage admits air and light and also conven-
ience for removing the grass and excrement. The
size of the cage will of course be determined by
the means of the owner and amount of room re-
quired, but it should not be less than two feet
high to admit good-sized branches of the food-
plant, as the larger they are the longer will they
keep fresh. The insects in transforming will

either enter the earth or attach themselves to va-

rious parts of the cage or food-plants.

To some convenient part of the cage should be
affixed a memorandum showing the varieties con-
tained and the food of each with some mark re-
ferring to the note-book, where a record should
be kept of the name (or if unknown, a description),
place and date of capture; the food-plant and
amount eaten; length of larval state, date of birth
if raised from the egg, and dates of transforma-
tions and moultings,

Jan. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST. 15

The objective point being to keep the larve
from the direct rays of the sun, the food-plant
fresh, and in fact to make all conditions as nearly
like the natural as possible.

The breeding and raising of Coleoptera and in
fact of all branches of the insect family, except
Lepidoptera, is) attended with much difticulty,
and in many cases is almost impossible, it being
very difficult to maintain natural conditions for
the length of time required for the insect to go
through its various changes, many varieties re-
quiring from one to five years and often more.
On account of these difficulties little is known of
the methods required, the main points, however,
should be to keep all conditions as nearly natural
as possible.

SOFTENING DRIED SPECIMENS.

It often becomes necessary to mount specimens
which, either purposely or otherwise, have be-
come dry. In order to do this they must be re-
laxed or softened. This may be done by prepar-
ing a deep, earthen, covered dish with a layer of
charcoal and sand and pouring upon it boiling
water to destroy any animal life which may be
present. This layer should be covered with a piece
of thick paper or fine brass wire gauze upon which
the insects are laid. The sand should be kept very
wet. Twenty-four to forty-eight hours are suffi-
cient to relax even the largest specimens.

Should it be necessary to do this more expedi-
tiously, place the dish over a slow fire, care being
taken that the water does not boil. In this man-
ner the effect may be produced in a few hours.

If the insects become mouldy, they may be
cleansed and the mould destroyed by applying,
with a fine brush, a weak solution of camphor in
alcohol.

PACKING AND SHIPPING.

Insects in papers may be packed in a box with
a layer of cotton at top and bottom, and sent safe-
ly by any conveyance. Mounted specimens
should be finely pinned in a cork-lined box,
wrapped outside with a thick layer of cotton bat-
ting and covered with strong paper, or in case of
a large number, pinned in small boxes and tightly
packed in a larger box lined with cotton or excel-
sior. Coleoptera or Hemiptera are best transported
by soaking in alcohol or Coleopteral and then

packing in sawdust in a hermetically sealed box.
—~<— -—__——_

Collection of 60,000 Insects Burned.

BURLINGTON, [a., Jan.11.—The residence of the
German naturalist, Charles Buettner, containing
the finest collection of birds, insects and animals
west of New York, was burned last night. It
included a collection of 60,000 insects, which he
purchased two years ago.

Cause of the Scarcity of Insects in
1884 and 1885.

Many inquiries have been made as to the reason
of the scarcity of insects, especialiy Lepidoptera,
in the above mentioned years. The year 1883 was
extremely prolific in insect life, for example the
L. Ursula, one of our most beautiful, and most
variable butterflies was very plentiful. The Sum-
mer season was very warm, the Winter very
late in making itself felt, the weather during the
Winter very variable, and a warm, followed by an
extremely cold period in the Spring. Asa con-
sequence the earlier Spring butterflies were num-
crous, but those of the Summer scarce, the variety
mentioned above being conspicuous only by its
rarity. The Winter ’84~85 was a reproduction
of that of ’83—84, as late as April 2d the day being
noted as very cold and stormy. During the fol-
lowing Summer the Lepidoptera were even scar-
cer than in the previous one.

Hence it undoubtedly follows that a warm, dry
Spring will be followed by an abundance of insect
life, and a wet, stormy one by the contrary, as
many of the Hymenoptera are prevented from
building their nests, and the larve and pup of
other orders are so long delayed by the cold that
they die before their transformation, and while ¢
cold Winter does not necessarily prove fatal to in-
sect life, a variable one or at least mild periods,
when it is warm enough to cause them to arouse
from their torpidity, followed by a change to
severe cold, are as fatal, if not more so, to insects
as to vegetation. B.

[Correction.—In the article on Practical Ento-
mology, (Nov., O. and O., page 170) in place of
“ convex reflector,’ read concave reflector etc. Ed. ]

Brief Motes:

WHITE-RUMPED SHRIKE, (Lanius ludovicianus excubitor-
ides.) Though by no means a common summer resident of
this region, yet I had the good fortune to find two nests of
this species during the past season. Both of these were
placed in thick thorn bushes, in a large meadow, and were
mainly constructed of grass, bark from the grape vine,
roots, etc., and were warmly lined with wool, besides hav-
ing an outer network of dead thorn-twigs, probably placed
there for the better protection of the nests.

The first nest was found May 3d, and was about four feet
from the ground. It contained a fine set of six fresh eggs,
which were taken and are now in my cabinet, The parent
birds were very bold, and declined leaving the bush, in
which the nest was placed, until I had almost reached it.
The second nest was within two hundred yards of the first
one, and resembled it in general composition. It
was found May 29th, and contained five fresh eggs. As
this species is generally seen in pairs, and this was the only
season during which I have seen birds of this variety at
all, Iam led to believe that both of the nests found be-
longed to the same pair of birds.—Geo. P. Elliott, Mercer, Pa.

16

BRisto. CouNTY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB.—A number
of gentlemen interested in the study of Bird Life, assem-
bled at the residence of Mr. F. H. Carpenter, at Rehoboth,
Mass., on December 24, 1885, and formed an association
for conjointly observing the Ornithological phenomena of
Bristol County, Mass. Mr. Chas. H. Andros, of Taunton,
Mass., as chairman called the meeting to order. Mr. Car-
penter presented a form of constitution and by-laws, which
after some deliberation was accepted. It was voted that
the association be called The Bristol County Ornithological
Club, its membership to be limited. Frederick M. Merck,
of Attleboro Falls, was elected President, and Mr. F. W.
Andros, of Taunton, Secretary. Hilton B. Reid, ©. H-
Andros and F. H. Carpenter were chosen a committee to
arrange a system of observance on migration.—F’. W. A.

A Hysrip Duck. I purchased in the Chicago market a
fine specimen of a duck which was very evidently a hybrid
betwixt the common Mallard, (Anas boscas), and the black
Mallard, (Anas obscura.) It was shot at Fountain Bluff,
Ill., and shipped here with a large quantity of other ducks.
The hybrid has the top of the head the characteristic green
of the common Mallard, whereas the balance of the head
and neck are marked similarly to the ordinary black Mal-
lard, and the body has the coloring of both species about
evenly divided. This is the first hybrid of the kind I have
met with. Iybrids betwixt the Mallard, (Anas boscas,) and
the Pintail, (Dasila acuta,) are not very infrequent. I have
three such hybrids in my collection, and have seen several
others.—G. Frear Morcom in American Field.

CONTINUED LAYING OF THE FLICKER. May 6, ’83, I dis-
covered in a hole two eggs of the Golden-winged Wood-
pecker. I took one, leaving the other as a nest egg, and
continued to do so day after day, until she had laid seven-
ty-one eggs. The bird rested one day when she had laid
thirty-six eggs, and another when she had laid fifty-three
eggs, thus taking her seventy-three days to lay the seventy-
one eggs. I have the whole set in my collection. Has any
one ever heard of as large a number of eggs being taken
from one bird?

ALBINO Rogpin. Oct. 21, ’85, I had a white Robin sent to
me. It had the red breast, but all the other parts were
white, tinged with yellow above.—Chas. L. Phillips, Digh-
ton, Mass.

THE KILLDEER PiLoverR. This bird is a common sum-
mer resident with us, arriving early in April and remains
until most of our feathered tribe have sought warmer
climes. In this locality it generally resorts to low wet pas-
ture land, but occasionally is seen on the upland, especially
in the “tussock” grass. It sometimes prefers to breed on
higher ground. I found one nest last spring, May 23, in a
pasture well up on high ground. The nest was placed
against the roots of a dead Elm stump, and was composed
of loose material, such as dead grass and stalks and twigs.
After the manner of the Spotted Sandpiper, the nest con-
tained three eggs, which were to my eye, the same in color
and marking as those of the ‘* Tipup,” excepting they were
larger. These Plover prefer to fly on rainy or wet days,
and are hard to approach at such times, as they are shy
and easily take wing. Many times when the water clouds
darkened the heavens have I heard the Killdeer far up in
the air uttering its plaintive cry. In the fall they resort to
plowed fields and stubble, where they feed. On the discoy-
ery of its nest it endeavors to decoy away the intruder
by feigning lameness, taking the inexperienced collector
away from its home.—Benj. I’, Hess, Phanix, N.Y.

Biack GuitLemot, (Uria grylle.) A specimen of the
above was shot in Narragansett Bay, near Bullock’s Point,
R. I., by Mr. 8. W. Thayer of Pawtucket, and ‘sent to me,
This is the only one of this species I have seen from that
locality.—/’. B. W.

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11--No. 1

BARNACLE GoosE, (Bernicla leucopsis.) A Barnacle
Goose was shot November 1, ’85, at North Chatham, Mass.,
and mounted by N. Vickary.

GosHawk, (Astur atricapillus.) Mr. F. W. Kendall, of
Bridewater, Mass., reports a specimen of the Goshawk
taken Noy. 30,’85, and says it is his first record for that
locality of that species for fifteen years. Report has been
received of another capture of the above at Taunton, Mass.,
in December, ’85; an adult.

THE OcCURRENCE OF THE SEA Dove AT REHOBOTH,
Mass.—A specimen of the Sea Dove, (Alle nigricans) was
shot in a small fresh water pond about a quarter of a mile
from my house, on November 25, 1885. Probably the
storm of the previous days had blown the little fellow in-
land from his usual habitat. This is the first occurrence I
have noted of this species at this place, but several hunters
assert that during a severe winter several years ago the
‘Little Auks were quite frequently shot.” They were, I
presume, this species, as it is not very uncommon for them
to occur inland during boisterous weather.—/’. H. C.

ANOTHER OCCURRENCE OF THE DOVEKIE INLAND.—Mr.
E. A. Capen, of Canton, Mass., writes that he captured
alive a fine specimen of the Dovekie at the above locality
on November 26, 1885. The close proximity of the two
dates of capture would more strongly indicate the reason
of their occurring inland being due to the violent storm on
the coast just previous to the above dates.

CORRESPONDENCE.

ORNITHOLOGY AND ENTOMOLOGY.

Editor O. and O.—Sir: Noticing you have embraced in
this magazine, the science of Entomology, allow me to sug-
gest some methods I have pursued in combining the two
studies of Ornithology and Entomology. Not being an en-
thusiast in the latter science, I confined myself to observ-
ing what insects I find upon dissection of my ornithological
specimens and noting down the variety; then devoting
some little time to collecting such in the field in perfect
condition, I preserve them and thus have a cabinet illustra-
tive of the food of birds; of course, labeling them—beside
the name of the insect—with a reference number duplicated
ina book, giving a list of the birds in whose stomachs it,
or rather its species, has been found.

Have noticed as a fact that the different species of birds
feed principally upon distinct varieties of insects, showing
one of Nature’s great laws in the restriction of a too great
abundance of life. Another interesting phenomenon to ob-
serve, is to note what varieties of insects are unusually
abundant in a locality, and in connection also, what species
of birds are more common than at other times. There may
be a few obstinate examples, like the Potato Beetle, and
Kansas Grasshopper, which, in company with the “Johnny
Bull” Sparrows, should be transported to stock the undis-
covered continent of the North Pole.—J. R. C.

Apo.Loay.—As this magazine did not come under the su-
pervision of the present editor until the latter part of the
previous month, and as the manuscript for publication was
not received until fully a week later, this number is delayed
by circumstances beyond his control.

REcEIVED.—A. L. Brown, Walter Howie, H. H. Brimley,
Geo, P, Elliott, W. Otto Emerson, F’. M. Merck, A. M. Inger-
soll, Philo W. Smith, BE. M. Hasbrouck, Georye H. Center,
Harry G. Parker.

We thank our friends who have favored us with their con-
tributions, and hope they will bear kindly with the delay of
the appearance of their articles.

LASSIFIED LIST OF MAGAZINES.

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN.

SAS ASRS sa ane SS ea ee

_, For the convenience of our subscribers and others who may favor us with their orders, we have
2 arrangements which enable us to offer any of the Popular Magazines, Weekly or Monthly, either
a ately or in combination with the “O. and O.” at the very low rates quoted below.

< jubseriptions will be forwarded to the publishers immediately upon their receipt by us.

Our

. * Is will receive their magazines as promptly and regularly as if they sent the full price to the

7]

shers direct.

Weekly marked W; Monthly M; Quarterly Q; Foreign editions*.

bli

Slis hed at NATURAL SCIENCE. Our Price.
<0 ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST, M......-.24-++- $1 50
on The Auk, (Journal of Amer. Orn. Union) Q..... 2 85
50 *The Ibis, (Journal of Brit. Orn. Union) q....-. wo.
00 American Naturalist, Mow... 2... cece sees eeeee 3 60
00 SS Journal of Science and Arts, M...... 5 25
00 Canadian Entomologist, M ...........-.-..0.+6+ 90
00 Es Science Monthly, My. oc). ..cieseectenne 90
30 *Entomologist (Van Voorst), M......-.-....+--- 1 60
30 x se (Newman's) 5 Mw <. scpoen ss 1 60
60 TPOUPMAILOL SCLOM COys Msi, a1. sates ticacxr eirelaee ovis 4 75
00 IN MEST Oa GIN WNT.) WES alr Joes i<atats afotele ¥oSiG Foe SI emsieis © 5 50
00 Popular Science Monthly, M.............-..---- 4 20
00 RY CAO pM prarcts oivinieta tire mo Rate Sons's gh es wiple vgs nla 1 70
io SUCIO RCE BW oe wisiae Ae oti tei ith ape deta datelapiaceleris cairo 4 70
os FSClENCE:GOSEIP S Mores dane wavs vnet'Sa since cases. iets)
z0 SDV OKO) (OLLIE ie an CEES 9 ey OIE E oer L eRe 3.15

MEDICAL.
00 American Medical POULT Wr (ac otic ac sieve ows 1/75
50 *British OY ae CEERI) Whestre cycle Sreeanrare eee
00 Hahnemanian Monthly, M...........62..-2- eee ee 2 50
50 OD COLI ate ie sistas serie initmaaiea pee dinie/sis eee. ia T 450
00 Medical Journal (Boston), W............-.20.005 4 25
00 Medical and Surgical Reporter, W............-. 4 25
FIELD SPORTS, ETC.

a American Agriculturist, M..2......0.000. eee ees 1 10
00 Ne PATI ONG NAW. n co sod aati ciotias ciethaioragls dake 2 50
00 SUR UNCLOG AVS en ose coset instante Dawe oe Fe 4 35
= 23 PoaltrysOurnaly Mes Lise ws ayers 1 00
‘00 Ee Veterinary Journal, M... ............ 3 50
on Country Gentleman aWe as stiitctern ss ot scite le 30 er ce 2 10
ao SHIGIG (EMIGKAPRNEN) sy Wacias figeciocae- soles cc cee ss 9 75
00 MET URID DATED seNVigrere citi ois aisisig.s sicivie Ceidlejoa'ida' 8 15
00 WOresand Streams We oe. vane os aces cele acess ces 3 50
50 Journal OM APC Mites Wee mae fel-rajeo cee e-eeie ote 1 30
00 ; Land and Water, (thin paper), W.............-- 7 75
00 Duting and The Wheelman, M.................. 2 50
95 q Omiry. WWOENCS Marah eee athters ceSnyes Mea Sees ecins 1 00

ust I

3 ‘urf, Field and Farm, (new subscribers 4.10) w. 4 75

Published at —

$5 00
3 00
3 00
3 00
10 00

3 50
2 25
3 00
2 50
2 50

4 00
4 00
2 00
1 75
1 15
2 50
3 00

4 00
4 00
259
10 00

4 00
4 00
4 00
2 00
2 00
10 00

8 00
5 00
5 00
3 20
3. 00
2 50

LEGAL. Our Price.
American dua woRecord: Mea qssicnicces «cs csp lace ae $4 35
MWR EC POPLET aWiste we a prsisiaistl 7s levein’s.s silvia selots 2 35
Law Times (Washington), W.......--ssseee eres 2.75
Legal Intelligencer, M.......52.0-e. sca seen eeee 2 60
Reporter (Boston), W.. 52 ve .ctecece we-verccee ce 9 25
RELIGIOUS.
UPAR C INVA SW ra dterre niesfese nis to cielo ovina ow cain eye ststeisls 3 35
“G0 OU WV. OLS), Mice ote s sible tin cinta wictate tre ata\e iv etnin diets 2 00
Fndependemta were acimsletiaie vWwin’sisis e's pile em siejarels 2 70
Sunday Magazine, (Leslie’s) M........-...++-.-- 2 25
SSTIN GAY ALONE TMs cr oieicta ss s.cvsie'a) tle eet state acared 2 25
LITERARY AND MISCELLANEOUS.
AtIANEIC MONE y 5: Mir tercac sce. zs Ss nae tala ses ice 3 35
QENCHTY AMG Geet atk case seats «cab islewe «'aemiialele 3 60
Coin Collectors Journal, M.......--00-sseeeeees 1 75
Cottage Hearth, M.....-...s00 eee ceeescneecccee 1 50
English Ill. Monthly, M.........--.+++-ssseeeees 1 50
Every Saturday, W.......-.scececeee cece nsee cece 1 90
Fireside Companion, W..... 2-265 steseceeeeneeee 2 70
Frank Leslie’s Papers, viz :
Chimney. Goren, Ww. - 250-60. eense-e-ss- 3 50
Tilustrated Newspaper, W.... ----.s------0: 3 50
Popular Monthly, M .....-«+20- coeseee eves 2 25
*Granhic (London Tll.) w, thick paper with
Christmas and Summer numbers........... 8 75
Harper’s Bazaar, W......- Te ehan chee Mats sca we 3 30
‘© Monthly, M.........-- ocdseatce ater ne 3 10
sc IVER rs Wosleicsar- cist tooo w'ese' a, wierd cjeiners!siarmra 3 30
ep Youre Peoples We. .:0. 2 sees ote e case 1 70
Lippincott’s Magazine, M...-....+-+++.++++ee0ee 1 70
*London News, IL, w. thick paper with Christ-
mas and Summer numbers........-....--++- 8 75
Littell’s Living Age, W........---+--1 sees ceeeee 8 00
North American Review, M......--...--.+--++6- 4 20
PUCK, Weee cece meee ss ees Lo ey ac Oey TE 4 10
Scientific American, W......... eee. see eeeeecenes 95
GEPINICHOlAS, Me... Seale cee csep ccee oc tine centre 2 60
Texas SiftinGs, W...0ssenscee env cccascessecees 2 00

} cept a few upon which the publishers allow no discount, wecan forward any Magazine, Ameri

n ke Foreign, at a reduction from the published price.

= For price of any not upon our List, send postal card. Subscriptions to Magazines as above

e sent to

FRANK B. WEBSTER,

409 Washington Street, Boston, Mass.

CE fam

- >

+3 REWISED PRICE LIST OF =

BIRDS IN THE MEAT
wT SHASON OF 1886-87.

ee ee ee ee ee

ee eee ee ee ee a ee

Pine Grosbeak, ..¢......c0.00.
American Crossbill

ee ee ee ee ey

ee eS ee ee ae

European Starling
American Raven

TP PPC e er wears ees sensseesecessssesses
TOPO Pema ees e sees eerece censeesscesecssos
SCC Cee eB ewer aes Nee e reed eoeeseasescee

SOC CoceoeSosssees covessecacecscesesececae
ee ee ee ery
ee ee ie 2 ed

ee ee ee ee a

Banded ‘“ a5
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker
Pileated aS
Red-headed

Yellow-shafted

OSC desevaseverbesceen Sessvenegs veel use
POO Coe Sees sensceseerses esses sees
COCO OO Cese eer ser rece seaesee
OF Co ceies aeesie obese send onseecesenccban
PCP OC Feces ecs C@cvrovice+vessareensreeeceaue

Owl

Pigeon Hawk...
Sparrow Hawk
BIBLE sc vieccstyig econ oh keen s bei SRE
Marsh Hawk.....Old 1
Cooper’s Hawk ......
Sharp shinned Hawk
American Goshawk
Red-tailed Hawk

oN hb #.e'Ue © .o.6.0)'¢\6.0'0. 5 045\m padding swale Mele evshes 6

Ven e OP eC meee OSeeseUaedebeeeweban obs Cbe

Willow Ptarmigan

SMCORE 06 0.6:6) Cehs CHa.) 6 DG s Ce pric aisle ees

wcll a U4 1 aE i ene, Or Renee ge Samia 1
MIMIIOUELON Paws 3ao.heiv ice clove kT ERE eR
Common Sharp-tuiled Grouse..................0.. 00, 1
EE OSes S v0 on vy’ Vnscoperd. 16 dee a 2
OFUCAN ANGI 755). <3 agate cvs ean Soot tae
DANOVIOAN BILLER » «2s. :schesvee ake cue ee 1
Black-crowned Night Heron 1
American Woodcock 1
Wilson’s Snipe
*P

Dry with plaster of Paris,

50

oo
50
00
60

rices variable. Parties desiring specimens will be notified when birds are received. oe
ORDERS WILL BE ENTERED AS RECEIVED, AND FILLED IN ROTATION,

Red-breasted Rail..... Sewn ceee Or Pia awe eens ic aoe Gael
Virginia ‘Rail. .54-.ceteesee cen cenvanmre beets ceeene 7
Sora Rails, oo.':-> «ces cettaaesne eer sXiSine Wines SOF oe see
American Coot; .......s00secsess entrees eae ee aes
Whooping Crane........... aisles aera Freie sapubcene Pee tS
SandhijlGrane..<. <5 Se cedes =
Whistling Swan............... 5
Snow Goose =
Canada Goose a
Brant). ...'. éccccsctuer ck oss tebe Sols pear aes 2 E
Mallard........ Poth eas amin’ omen nna noiau ales hoe Sa ae =. OT
Black: Dnck:..:.:. «oss» veneclsis ccdececeteneaeeeaiien Guana
Gadwall...\.03..cwisscepceceteptosies Cie nee wis Sopp eee
PAntall i. coe Casey accaceespece Grote eee eacsaileus 10
Baldpatess.2 1.2%. ac.cesdeupeneps ena cieean sine Ws cotareie A
ShOVENED> Sosa wade wcce Seenee oMeee ots cue eee oe toe, MOO
Blue-winged Teal .............. cieatlutvalt aga ton ae 3 7m
Green-winged Teal..... i
W000: Duck. sc vids icon es ce Heccscodte eee 2 0
Scaup Dick 2.655.005 vacencc ccna en aenene 100
Little Biaekheadi xc. cuccacensascen peeee 1 OF
Ring-billed Blackhead... 1 0
CANVaS-Dack:. .3::-teeicch ay oe oa teen 2 0
Redhedd:>.) cc nsaneseee ete 17a
Barrow’s Golden-eye.............. Bais delta eh oe oe . 206
American i eee paseeee este a Seed Codeine eee : 6
BuMeheaa: essence ene: abet ore et re TH
Harlequin Duck.......... -.++»Ma&le $2 00; Female... rf
Old Squaw.........: pabietane ae (s w csiele,e tinea eeaieiere chee vere Bt
American Hider. ccc. ctsce cacsc al an tuseeeeaee a See
American Scoter.............. ae as cede Sane 6: \ eae ea
Velvet Scoter. <2... csces cs ccln wenene ee nena »| Sos st
SurhaPnek::.3.neccecee scene massa eee Pree ot at
Ruddy Duck. $03 .30¢ pdeesesce ieee a Bt
American Sheldrake.............e.0+ Srei 1!
Red-breasted Sheldrake. re on Seo vfs
Hooded Sheldrake... .............Old $2 00; Young .... Ae
American White Pelicatt......... o.ctsaceeeeeeee *\ eee
Common Cormorant.......... Male $2 00; Female .... 1 2
Double-crested Cormorant....... Pere ocseee 2 OO
GAnneti<.: apace Rs coere share .----Old $3 00; Young..... 2 0
Kittiwake-Gull.....2. 0.05: sce suc pauene eee ee nee eee 5
GlancousiGall sen. tne car enee -Old $5 00; Young:.... 38 00
Great Black-backed Gull............ ee cesenes mas ceuike eRInE
Herning Gull. gen seek aneeerce batesaiiabrcn woruh anne Tf
Bonaparte’e’Gull.cs. jesse. Soe anrenee ee 7 5C
Richardson’s Jaeger........... POTS Ot icc. 2 00
Greater Shearwater......... . plese Waa 8 01
Sooty Shearwater....s.).0we +00 sc0ce ss’ s ole meee Eee 3 00
Cory’s Shearwater, new species, A. O. U., No. §8.... 5 tt
Red-necked Grebe. . Fall plumage 50c; Full plumnge.. 1 25
Horned): Grebe,<ican wees ce sees odes aae a. ve ses etek Gees 50
Th: ck-billed' Grebe vt, cence. coesweens deeeee eos 50.
Loon..... enlih aed weuinwe teed epptak -Old $3 00. Youns.... 1 00
Red-throated Diver............ -Old $3 00; Young’... 5
Razor-billed Auk................ i ee soe cnen) Qaeen N Len
Common Puffin............. Minune tee retin as Whee ela
DOVERIG ...5 cg snes acne na praeedte esheets cane eeen Game 15
Black-Guillemol.<..\-5 «evo. ce emeeee sees ree mbaehs Ae 50
Common Guillemot; Murre.s...cccsscs.seweseuwe Glee 50
Thick-billed Guillemot........... eeacen cane BS Bi 50
Brunnich’s Guillemot.............. Riattuaele Swi r'ts| rece 50
MAMMALS.
Gray Squirrel..... Sibacics ge Weeie canned eee uhar ea nae’ 25.
Fox Squirrel.... ve teeeees .
COOD «cain s'ée'end ux nla
BOS? sxcnwaweaaecpaeae ~, ie
POX. sae cavep ue sce Sos 5 uae v0.8 awwedie'l
Mink .s.0% 50s s\uces cate eeseus: ap Vee

»
'®~ DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING.—Waseh parts soiled with blood with lukewarm water, using a sponge,

Any slight stain from blood will fade out.

All orders received to date, and remaining unfilled will receive the benefit of above reductions, bial

+s NATURALISTS’

SU.PPL

DEPOT.

FRANK B, WEBSTER, 409 Wasltington St., Boston,

ie Bb avis

NV —+ FEBRUARY, 1886.

CET CCC COTA

SNOUAUUUGUOONNUNOOOROUOUERONOCUONERSOUE:

Published by
FRANK B. WEBSTER,

409 Washington St., Boston, Mass.

PUTT
”UOUueNenseueunenunesnosensey

Entered at Boston Post Office as Second-class Matter.

CONTENTS.

Vol. XI., No. 2, February, 1888.

Florida Bird Life in November, 1885. ..........c2cecccccccecmecceneces eters Ay 1s: BROWNE + av ev'e eles eo 5 <a nieeae oa oe
Peculiar Pinmage of Bluebird. ..........0.ceeeeeeneees gis co ipeia e Veith stein tat A. H. JENNINGS, .....-0 seve eceesenersctactes ,-18
EY Fe a oc os as Seal enw Wiad ainie wea ae Me aloe Meal pice oyst's » «'s'aidW’maiy WS d'g.0.a ce ain sions oo eT UpiNe ah aim @hig tig < Wee iag 5 18
Large Number of Eggs of Black-billed Cuck00........... 002.0 - cee ceeecencee cer neeecercerecnscesccenes ee eh 18
Relative:Size and: Number of Heges. 2h cues Mcuseosamedislete cles vepmes.ncn devel: ads oOsgtioags ves Nhe eee kan ip nae 18
The Proper Arrangement of a Collection Of Eggs......0-.ee cece cere rebar cece cance cece nee eereenseuweset sewer PP
The Best Manner of Measuring Eggs... .. ccc see ceen ee ieee cee cg cee rencsetoretacecvebesy ccaseess oe stn sists Wa geisie 20
A Large Collection of Eggs. ..0. 00sec cseneccence cence tces reer csccbee ngnrecsetecensnecilecescsewwersossseacs rope 20
Eggs of the’St, Lucas Cactus: Wren. ...5 2.02. ..2-cescnceeceescnesseneeconescewes ride kt Ses ee re 20
Nesting Habits and Egg of Ashy Petrel............+.--eeeeseeeeeees A. Ms INGERSOLL, ». <5 .U0 tiv ger cereus hanes 21
The Eggs of the Sparrow Hawk:..¢.+....scneccccee seen eceeccecedeeveredeccrercecteesseeegecectswesenseswsseueuas 21
Egg of the Yellow-nosed Albatross ..... 2220s. cece eee cece cence ee nee W. On EMERSON, ... S05 0.0 Sires dup cele'e obevo esters 21
A Day in Chatvilles. 2.26 cee te Seve cote ccm eset seleeepensseeces HARRY Gs PARKERS G4, 5 00 ceg o> caine Sune ree 22
MRT Nahe ee TS wk cite ch Wass oS maT kee Sao .c'< canst ac Ppicenis cae fcbiad au ccets ast ase Meee aoe ana onan kins $e 24
List of Summer Birds of the Vicinity of Tim Pond, Maine.............-.... je: em OFA ra ee Neri lst yr oo 24
Practical Taxidermy 2... 00... c aden cde tees wccsle cs cins reese reeivaretocse se Ff. =Bi- WEBSTER va. oct: cet s oR sq teen eneeme 26
Nest of the Blue-grey Gnatcatcher: .2.. 0... .0. cee cee e cence ec ces ce eves ececee Gko. Ho. CENTERS.. 2... na9+s oh eucpep me atemeae 28
Large Sets of Eggs of the Mourning Dove....... «+... seeceeeseeeereceeeeee PHILO Wi SMUTH, Lb... on teas ueeine neni oleae 28
ENTOMOLOGY.—Practical Entomology.....-..2. 2... eee ceeecceeveng veeeereee WRIGHT AND BATEs.......... ontae Se ees 29
Breeding of Atticus Cynthia......2..-.0..-02-+-- q tins Ciel ela seelgs sais eevee gauss aah cent eieja sean een aes nae 29
Winter Collecting... 22. cies sve es: owed CS ER ie nelle Oy WE UOPANEDE, 205s Ss.:/ovieses capes 24 sicees “eee 3L
Sphingidee of New Englands 0s. 2... eet eee cece epee cease ccenwes CR ANID Roe eca's aecics casa swash tas sopeeeae pte ae
Correspondence.—Scarcity. of Insects; Heo Collecting... 2. 5.<.. seccesctresnsasscrcnse covcescccses clpsevs t8 ans sul eas teesewe 32

THE POULTRY WORLD.

A Large and Beautifully Illustrated Month-
ly, Devoted to Poultry, its Housing,
Breeding and Management.

Tt gives the subject a thorough handling; is full of prac-
tical suggestions, descriptions of breeds, poultry buildings
and fixtures, with original Engravings by the most eminent
artists in the United States and England. It treats of
Poultry from the standpoint of utility as well as fancy. Its
pages show how to hatch, feed and ruise

Chickens and Fowls for Profit.

And also how to surround homes with attractions in the
shape of pets. The Poutrry Wortp is the organ of the
poultry interest, and is devored to this alone. It is a com-
plete repository of information, concerning the subject.
Its editors are practical poultry Pees pee and its correspon-
dents include the most eminent authorities in poultry mat-
ters.
SUBSCRIPTION, $1.25 PER YEAR.

With seventy-five Cents additional for twelve superb Fowl
Chromos annually. Sent post paid.

WE ALSO ISSUE

The American Poultry Yard,
AN ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY,

In the interests of Fanciers, Breeders, Farmers, Poulterers
and Dealers. Fifty-two numbers of this Weekly mailed,
post paid, for $1.50, and each number handsomely illustra-
ted. ‘Though issued from the same office as the Monthly,
the contents of the Weekly are entirely different from
those of the Poutrry Worup, Or, The Poultry World,
monthly, and the Poultry Yard, weekly, sent to same ad-
dress, at the low price of $2 a year for both, Or, The
Poultry Yard, Poultry World, and twelve elegant Chromos,
each representing a standard breed of Fowls, for $2.75; all
sent post paid,

H. H. STODDARD,

Editor and Publisher, Hartford, Ct.

FORBES LITHOGRAPH G0,

181 Devonshire St., Boston,

LITHOGRAPHERS

ALBERTYPE and
Photo-Lithographers.

The Albertype process is especially
adapted for the reproduction of Ornitholo-
gical, Zoological and Mineralogical Speci-
mens for Catalogue, or other work, while
the Photo-Lithographie Process embraces
the reproduction of all Line Work such as
Legal Work, Patent Drawings, Maps and

Plans of Localities, Architect's

Plans
and Designs, ete., ete.

AGENTS FOR

Cooke's Celebrated Advertising Calendars,

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND—

$1.50 per

OOLOGIST.

Single Copy

FRANK B. WEBSTER, PuBLISHER.
Annum. Established, March, 1875. 15 Cents.
BOSTON, MASS., FEBRUARY, 1886. No. 2.

VOL. XI.

Florida Bird Life in November, 1885.
BY A. L. BROWNE, ORLANDO, FLA.

Mockingbird, (Mimus polyglottus). Abundant.
Distributed about equally, in orange groves and
pine woods, but not so plenty in the hummocks
(hard wooded lands). They were in song some-
what, at the beginning of the month, but grew
rapidly silent, and by the middle were rarely seen.

Catbird, (Galeoscoptes carolinensis). Plenty. Fre-
quents the low hummocks, usually keeping well
hidden in the most dense portions. More often
heard than seen.

Bluebird, (Stalia sealis). Very abundant all
through the pine woods, frequently in company
with the flocks of Red-poll Warblers, They are
almost silent, their only note being a soft call.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, (Polioptila caerulea).
Plenty; most so during the last of the month.
Usually found in small flocks in the hummocks,
but saw a few at different times in an orange
grove.

Tufted Titmouse, (Lophophanes bicolor). Plenty,
but are not often seen, on account of their fre-
quenting the interior of swamps. Occasionally pay
a short visit to the pines near by.

Carolina Chicadee, (Parus carolinensis). Found
a few in company with the last.

White-bellied Nuthatch, (Sétta
Not plenty. Saw a pair on the 2d, and one on
the 25th, running about the trunks of pine trees.

Brown-headed Nuthatch, (Sitta pusilla), Abun-
dant in the pine woods.

House Wren, (Zvroglodytes wdon).

carolinensis).

Very abun-

dant. Found alike in orange groves and wood-
land. In the latter, has a liking for the thick

clumps of scrub palmettos, into the depths of
which they dive with much scolding and haste on
one’s approach.

American Titlark, (Anthus ludovicianus). First
saw a flock on the 20th, near the edge of the city,
and they remained there during the rest of the
month. Saw a flock on the 25d, flying over a
grove.

Yellow-rumped Warbler, (Dendrwca coronata).
Plenty the last of the month. First saw them in
the pine woods on the 23d, in company with Red-
poll Warblers. Afterwards, generally found in
a hummock, bordering on a lake.

Red-poll Warbler, (Dendraca palmarumy).
ceedingly abundant.
tions.

Ex-
Found in nearly all situa-
Large flocks in the pine woods, usually
accompanied by other species.

Maryland Yellow-throat, (Geothlypis trichas).
Plenty about the hummock, but I saw no female.

Loggerhead Shrike, (Lanius ludovicanus).
Abundant in orange groves and pine woods. Most
plentiful in the former.

White-bellied Swallow, (Zachycineta bicolor).
Abundant, but seen only on warm, sunny days.
Seems to prefer the lakes and orange groves.
First heard
one on the 18th, in the pines. Saw three on the
21st in an orange grove, and heard them at inter-
vals during the rest of the month in the pines.

Savannah Sparrow, (Passerculus sandwichensis
savanna). The last of the month they were plenty,
with flocks of Red-poil Warblers and Chipping
Sparrows. Found a few in a grassy orange grove.

Grass Finch, (Poacetes gramineus). Found quite
frequently during the latter part of the month, in
and near orange groves and various grassy places
by the woods.

Chipping Sparrow, (Spizella domestica). First
saw them in the pine woods on the 28d, associa-
ted with Red-poll Warblers, and found them
abundant there during the rest of the month in
company with those birds.

Chewink, (Pipile erythrophthalmus). Very abun-
dant in the hummocks, their notes being the most
common bird sound in those localities.

Florida Chewink, (P/pilo erythropthalmusallent).
Saw this bird in same places as last, but it does
not seem so plenty.

Cardinal Grosbeak,
Not common. In one orange grove I usually
found from one to three and saw a male on the
18th, and a female on the 26th, in a hummock,

Yellowbird, (Astragalinus tristis).

(Cardinalis virginianus),

Copyright, 1886, by Eatcn CrirF and F, B. WEBSTER.

18 ORNITHOLOGIST

Meadow Lark, (Sturnella magna). Plenty
amidst the grass in the pine woods.

Blue Jay, (Cyanocitta cristata). Very abun-
dant; preferring pine woods in the neighborhood
of oaks, on the acorns of which they feed largely.

Pewee, (Sayornis fuscus). Abundant in orange
eroves and pine woods.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker, (Picus querulus).
First saw a pair on the 18th, and afterwards found
them plenty on the pines. Usuaily seen in pairs.

Red-bellied Woodpecker, (Centurus carolinus),
Not common. Saw one on the 17th and again on
the 25th ; both in a hummock.

Yellow-shafted Flicker, (Colaptes
Often found in the pine woods.

Belted Kingfisher, (Ceryle aleyou). Plenty about
the lakes.

Marsh Hawk, (Cireus hudsonius). Saw three
during the month, sailing about over orange
groves and lake shores.

Turkey Buzzard, (Cathartes aura), and Black
Vulture, (Catharista atrata). Constant features
in all localities.

Turtle Dove, (Zenatidura carolinensis).
ally scarce.

AUTUTUS).

Unusu-
Saw several solitary individuals dur-
ing the month, and a small flock in an orange
grove on the 28th.

Ground Dove, (Chamepelia passerina). Abun-
dant ; frequenting orange groves and their vicinity
in small flocks.

Quail, (Ortyx virginiana). Saw a flock of about
a dozen in the pine woods on the 28th, (may have
been the Florida variety.) They are undoubtedly
plenty, but it was my fortune to meet with only
these.

Green Heron, (Butorides virescens). Saw one on
the 18th, by a lake in which, judging from his ap-
pearance, he had been taking a bath.

Killdeer Plover, (Ovyechus vociferus). Abun-
dant; frequenting mostly muddy spots, ditches
and the vicinity of lakes.

Pied-billed Grebe, (Podilymbus podiceps). Shot
a male on the 5th, in the grassy border of a lake.

eee Oe

Peculiar Plumage of the Bluebird.

While collecting in Baltimore County last
March, I shot a specimen of the common Blue-
hird in a very remarkable and beautiful plumage.
The throat, breast and under parts were as in the
common form, but the entire upper parts were a
light azure-blue, paler on the head and brightest
on the rump, with an intense greenish reflection
in certain lights. Except that it was a little
paler, the color was exactly like that of the Rocky
Mountain Bluebird.—A, I. Jennings, Baltimore,
Muryland.

[Vol. 11-No. 2

OOLOGY.

7. PAREER NORRIS, Editor.
The Editor assumes no responsibility for those ar.
ticles which have the names of the writer attached.

In The Odlogist for January and February,
(bi-monthly, Albion, N. Y.,) Mr. Harry G. Parker
writes pleasantly of a trip he took to Chester
Island, last season, where he found the Long-
billed Marsh Wren, ( 7elmatodytes palustris), breed-
ing in great numbers. Such was their abun-
dance that he secured a hundred sets of eggs in
asingle day. He found that the usual number
of eggs in a set was six, though many nests con-
tained only five, (incubated), and in several there
were seven and eight. Only one nest contained
nine, which was the largest number found. His
visit was on June 15th.

The same journal also prints papers on “ The
Birds of Cortland County, N. Y., by M. D. M. ;
on “ The Nest of the Black and White Creeper,”
by Wm. R. Kells; and on the ‘‘ Summer Birds

about Washington, D. C.,” by J. H. Langille, ete.
—— ee

Large Number of Eggs of the Black-
billed Cuckoo.

In THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND OonocisT for
January, 1886, Mr. Harry G. Parker contributed
a very interesting paper on this subject, and
mentioned having found six eggs of this species,
(Coccyzus erythropthalmus,) in one nest. Mr,
Parker speaks of his experience as probably be-
ing unique, but on referring to the file of the O.
and O. for 1884, it appears that Mr. C. O. Tracy,
of Taftsville, Vt., described a nest of this bird
which contained three young birds and three
egges.—Ornithologist and Odlogist for February,
1884, Vol. LX, p. 17.

—_—_—_> —___

Relative Size and Number of Eggs.

In 1857, in his North American Odlogy, Part I,
p. 5, Dr. Brewer remarked that “the length of a
bird cannot always be taken as a safe guide in
determining the probable size of its egg. Much
depends upon the shape and relative capacity of
the pelvis, and much also upon the degree of de-
velopment possessed by the young bird when
first hatched, Birds whose young are hatched in
an advanced stage of maturity, and can shift for
themselves from the egg, like many species of
shore birds, the Uriw and others, have invariably
proportionately very large eggs, and vice versa
except only where the female deposits a large

Feb. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST. 19

number, as in the case of the Wild Turkey, the
Virginian Quail, the Ruffed Grouse, and many
others.”

This is very true, and accounts for the dispro-
portionate size of the eggs of all Plovers, Snipe,
and others of the Limicolw order; but what ex-
planation is to be given of the general rule that
the smaller the bird the greater is the number of
its eggs? The notable exception of the Hum-
mingbirds will at once occur to every one which
only lay two eggs; but Titmice and Chickadees,
(Paride), the Nuthatches, (Sittid@), the Wrens,
(Troglodytide,) etc., carry out the general truth of
this assertion. One would naturally suppose that
large and powerful birds, like many of the Rup-
tores are, would raise and provide for a numerous
family, but such is by no means the case. The
rule stated above as to the relative size of the
bird to the number of its eggs, holds good as to
them also. When one finds a big Red-tailed
Hawk (Buteo borealis,) sitting on its two or three
eggs one cannot help wondering why it is that
their number is so few, when the little House
Wren, (Tvroglodytes wdon), is not contented with
less than three times the number? Certainly the
hawk could better provide for seven or eight
young ones than the wren. Why is it that the
hawk often lays only two eggs?

The Proper Arrangement of a Col-
lection of Eggs.

This is a subject which has probably caused
many of the readers of THE ORNITHOLOGIST
AND OoLoGist considerable thought, and about
which there is much diversity of opinion. That
eggs are best kept in closely fitting drawers, away
from the light, every one will admit, but whether
the drawers should be divided by wooden parti-
tions or not is a much debated subject. Some
collectors advise that the spaces made by the
wooden partitions should be filled with cotton,
and others with grated cork or sawdust. The
two latter are objectionable on account of their
weight in large quantities, and also because they
will find their way into the eggs through the
holes by which they are blown. Therefore if the
drawers are divided by wooden partitions the
spaces had better be filled with raw cotton, and
enough should be put in to bring the eggs near
the top of the drawer. The great disadvantage
in this method of arranging a collection, however,
is the danger and trouble occasioned by the fre-
quent moving of the sets of eggs, (if not kept in
the original nests), which is necessitated by the
constant acquisition of new clutches or new spe-
cies. It is true that it has often been attempted

to avoid this moving of eggs by leaving empty
spaces for the new acquisitions, but apart from
the bad effect produced by this plan, it will be
found ineffectual. No one can calculate in ad-

ance just what space he will require to meet the
needs of a growing collection.

The writer therefore strongly advocates the
employment of paste-board trays to hold the
eggs in the drawers—one for each set. They
should all be of a uniform height—and half an
inch has been found to answer admirably for all
eggs from the smallest to the largest—but can be
made of a sufficient variety of sizes to accommo-
date their contents. Here one of their greatest
advantages is at once apparent—they waste no
room. <A drawer with the eggs arranged in trays
will hold two or three times the number of sets
that can be accommodated in one that is divi-
ded by wooden partitions. Then, too, consider
the ease with which the trays can be shifted from
place to place in the drawer as the collection in-
creases in size, and also from drawer to drawer.
One who has once employed trays would never
be willing to go back to partitions.

The trays should have a pieee of sheet raw cot-
ton (very thin) cut the exact size of the bottom.
This will keep all but large eggs from rolling
about when the drawer is moved, and in the case
of large ones, fluffs of raw cotton put between
the eggs will keep them in position. Underneath
the raw cotton on the bottom of the tray should
be placed a small paper label, or data blank,
about 1.85 by .85, on which the data can be
copied—using the back of the label for the name
of the species, details as to nest, etc. The origi-
nal data are generally too large to put in the tray
with the eggs, and are conveniently kept in a box
by themselves, arranged in their proper order,
(by numbers) and thus can be easily referred to.

It is not advisable to keep the nests in the
drawers with the eggs, because many of them are
infested with insects or their larvee ; and no sat-
isfactory way of ridding them of these pests has
been discovered. Let them be kept in a cabinet
by themselves.

Strips of wood, half an inch square, and long
enough to extend from the front to the back of
the drawers, will be found convenient for keep-
ing the trays in line; and printed labels contain-
ing the name of the species can be pasted on
small blocks of wood, having the front bevelled
at the top. The latter will be found very conve-
nient to label the collection, and are easily moved
from place to place.

The depth and size of the drawers are of
course matters of taste, bnt a uniform depth (out-
side measurement) of four inches, and a width

20 ORNITHOLOGIST

of thirty inches, by twenty-four from front to
back, has been found by the present writer a very
convenient size. Drawers of different depths
prove very annoying when the growth of a col-
lection requires the shifting of the large eggs in-
to those which were originally calculated for
It is hetter therefore to have all the
drawers four inches deep, even if a little space is
wasted, The additional depth is also a great pro-
tection against breakage of small eggs.

In considering the advantages of arranging
eges in trays no account has been taken of the
great convenience it is to be able to remove the
trays with the specimens in them to the study
table. This alone should decide the student to
adopt this plan. Nothing has been said above
about the order in which the species are to be
kept, as it is presumed that Mr. Ridgway’s no-
menclature and arrangement will be followed, or
else that of Dr. Coues. Any one who arranges
his collection in a manner which does not follow
a scientific classification, is unworthy of having
advice given him.

small ones,

en

The Best Manner of Measuring Eggs.

In one of the numbers of THe ORNITHOLOGIST
AND OOLOGIST some one informed us that the
most convenient way of measuring eggs was to
take some soft, damp sand, and press them in it
until half covered by it. (In the case of delicate
eggs it was recommended that a hollow should
first be made in the sand with the finger to avoid
breaking them.) The mould made by the egg
could then be measured with a flat rule. This is
both a primitive and a dangerous method, and
one which cannot be too strongly condemned.
Imagine the feelings of the owner of some rare
set of eggs like those of the Swallow-tailed Kite,
( Hlanoides forficatus, if he cracked the shell of one
of them while thus pressing it in the damp sand !

The only safe and accurate way to measure
eggs is with a pair of steel calipers. Those made
hy Darling, Brown and Sharpe, of Providence,
Rhode Island, have been found very convenient
and accurate. They are divided into hundredths
of an inch, (the scale in almost universal use for
eggs in this country.) and are simple in their con-
struction,

Placing the egg on a large pasteboard tray, the
bottom of which is covered with a thin and flat
piece of raw cotton to prevent rolling, the sliding
arm of the calipers is moved along to a distance
great enough to include the length of the egg.
The delicate adjustment is then made by turning
the little wheel which controls the movement of
the sliding arm until the exact length is ascer-

[Vol. 11--No. 2

tained. Care must be used, however, not to make
the adjustment of the sliding arm too tight, as ac-
cidents to the eggs, especially if thin-shelled,
would be the resut of this. The best way is to
make it just near enough to allow the calipers to
move slowly up and down and just graze the
shell. The width of the egg must be taken at its
widest point, and can be done in a similar manner.
The writer has measured a great many rare and
valuable eggs by this method without a single
mishap.

Calipers which work on a pivot at the top are
not accurate enough, and also do not allow the
full length or breadth of larger eggs to be taken.
The want of the accurate adjustment by means of

the wheel is also a fatal objection to them.

A Large Collection of Eggs.

What is probably the largest private collection
of eggs in the world is in possession of Mr.
William Stoate, of Wembdon, Bridgewater, Eng-
land. The catalogue of this famous collection,
issued in 1884, contains 2,154 species, and em-
braces eggs from all partsof the world. In turn-
ing over its pages one cannot but wonder how so
many species could be acquired by one person;
and the patience, skill and perseverence requisite
must have been astonishing.

Some idea of its completeness may be gained
from the fact that the eggs of the order Raptores
alone number 151 species, and they include those
of many very rare birds. Mr. Stoate has been es-
pecially fortunate in obtaining many very rare
American species, and those alone would form a

most valuable collection.
——_ +>

Eggs of the St. Lucas Cactus Wren.

orn

Dr. Coues, in his Key, p. 275, after describing
the eggs of the ordinary Cactus Wren, (Vampy-
lorhynchus brunneicapillus), as“about 6, 1.00x0.86,
white, uniformly and minutely dotted with sal-
mon color,” says of those of the St. Lucas Cactus
Wren, (Campylorhynchus affinis), “nest and eggs
as before ’’—meaning that the description of those
of C. brunneteapillus would apply to those of C.
uffinis equally well. This statement is also borne
out by the experience of Mr. W. Otto Emerson,
of Haywards, California, who declares that the
eggs of both species are entirely similar. The
writer has examined a number of sets of eggs of
both of these birds, and does not find this to be
the case with the series before him. Those of the
C. brunneicapillus are as Dr. Coues describes
them, though varying considerably both as to
length and breadth; but the eggs of C. affins are
generally longer, and the ground color is much

Feb. 1886.]

more prominent, owing to the fewer number of
the spots—which latter instead of being of such
minute size and great number as to almost entirely
obscure the ground color, are larger and further
apart—inclining in almost all cases to become
confluent at the larger end. The spots are also of
a more reddish tinge than those of C. brunnetca-
pillus, which are of a true salmon color—though
varying in intensity in different specimens. This
gives the eggs of C. affinis an entirely different
appearance from those of its allied species. They
have a creamy-whitish ground color, spotted, as
before stated, with reddish, while those of @
brunneicapillus appear ata first glance to be en-
tirely of a salmon tint. It would be interesting to
know if the foregoing observations correspond
with the experience of others possessing sets of
these beautiful eggs.

Nesting Habits and Egg of Ashy
Petrel.

(Cymochorea homochrou.)

BY A. M. INGERSOLL, SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA.

On June 14, 1885, at South Farallone Island,
Pacific ocean, Mr. W. O. Emerson and I had
about finished collecting eggs for the day, when
noticing a number of Pigeon Guillemots, ( Uréa
colunba), flying to and from holes among rocks a
short distance from our quarters on the island,
we concluded to search for their eggs before sit-
ting down to our evening’s work of preparing
specimens. We had gone but a few rods, when
IT saw, under a fallen rock, what I supposed in
the dim light of its retreat to be an Auk, but on
reaching under the stone and removing the bird
I was greatly surprised to find I held the first and
only live Petrel I had ever seen. On showing
my prize to one of the Italian eggers, he ex-
claimed, “ Why, that’s the first Sreallow Vve seen
in two years.”

The egg which the bird was so carefully guard-
ing as to allow herself to be taken, was but slight-
ly incubated. It is dull creamy white in color,
with a circle of reddish dottings so fine as to be
almost indistinct, around the large end—which
is somewhat flattened like the large end of an
acorn. It measures 1.18x.94 inches, and was laid
on bare rock, in a natural hollow formed by a
large rock falling in such a way as to leave an
irregular cavity two or more feet in diameter by
nine or ten inches in its greatest height. The
egg was to one side of the centre of the cavity,
and about fifteen inches from the entrance, which
was too small to admit my arm until a number
of stones were removed. On examining the
cavity more thoroughly the next day, I found,

AND OOLOGIST. 21

=
hidden in a crevice near the top of the highest
part, an old Rock Wren’s nest, (Swlpinctes obsole-
tus) containing one dead and dried up young
bird. On the 15th one of the eggers brought us
an egg, supposed to be an Ashy Petrel, which he
found on the bare exposed rocks of the island.
Mr. Emerson remained at the Farallones several
weeks after I returned, and succeeded in also
finding an egg and bird of the above species. I
believe these three are the only eges of this ex-
tremely rare bird that have ever been collected.

eA An

The Eggs of the Sparrow Hawk.

In 1857, when Dr. Brewer published the first
(and only) part of his North American Odlogy \e
gave figures of four eggs of the Sparrow Hawk
(Tinnunculus sparverius,) which are comparative-
ly very little spotted. One of them (represented
in Plate II, figure 15,) he calls especial attention
to “on account of its well-defined markings, and
the unusual depth and distinctness of the colors.”
This is a very curious statement, as the egg in
question has nota tenth part of the quantity of
markings which are quite common on the eggs of
this bird. Out of a large series before the present
writer, three-fourths of them exhibit much richer
and heavier coloring. Especially is this the case
with a number of those eggs which come from
California. Many of them are so heavily marked
with reddish that the whole of the larger end is
covered, while in others the markings form a
belt or zone which is sometimes around the
smaller end, but generally near the greater.
Again, in other specimens from Pennsylvania and
California, the whole of the ground color is so
profusely covered with very minute specks of
reddish color that the general effect, is almost as
if it were all reddish.

Dr. Brewer must have had very light colored
specimens before him when he made the state-
ment quoted above.

Egg of the Yellow-Nosed Albatross.
(Diomedea culminata).
BY W. OTTO EMERSON, HAYWARDS, CAL.

I have received an egg of the above named
species during the past season, and thinking it
would be interesting to the readers of the ORNI-
THOLOGIST AND OoLocist to have a description
of it, I herewith giveit. It was collected January
12, 1880, by Captain Thos. Lynch, at Diegos, Kav-
nen’s Rocks, 8. by E., fifty-two miles from Cape
Horn. The nest was composed on the outside of
tussocks of grass and mud, inside of fine grass

22

and feathers. The diameter outside at the top
was twelve inches, and at the base eighteen. In-
side it was ten inches, and the depth inside was
tive inches. It was situated on the top of the
rocks, on a loamy plain. The incubation was
fresh. The following notes by J. W. Detmiller,
M. D., were on the back of the data: “The nests
are very nicely and solidly built, lasting two or
three seasons, even in that fearful climate. They
are built very closely together, and are probably
often mistaken, by one and another of the birds,
after the fashion of many sea birds. The nests
are high, to enable the long-winged creatures to
rise easily to wing, which they cannot do on a
level. The birds are very tame, allowing them-
selves to be handled while sitting.”

The egg now before me measures 4 6-8x2 6-8
inches, and is of an oblong form, smaller at one
end than the other. Both ends are quite blunt.
The surface of the shell is in character like a com-
mon hen’s egg. The color inclines to a light
creamy white, with a ring of seemingly fine spat-
tered burnt sienna specks or spots, like those
made by drawing a brush of color across a stick,
as a painter does to get the effect of granite. They
form a ring around the larger end, being about
two inches across from one side of the ring to the
other. The centre of the ring runs together in
the fine markings, making the color almost solid
and fades away from the outer edge of the ege,
almost to needles points.

Dr. J. G. Cooper says this species is a rare visi-
tant on the Pacific coast. He has, however, seen
a skin answering to the description of this species
in the Academy of Natural Science in San Fran-
cisco, California. It was made by Dr. W. A.
Ayers, from a dead specimen, washed up on the
outer beach near the Golden Gate.

I found the following description of a person
who had paid a visit to the Albatross home, in a
San Francisco newspaper.
words :

“One day, when I was at the Aukland Islands,
a group situated in latitude 51° south, and longi-
tude 166 east, | had an unexpected opportunity of
securing to myself that great privilege of a visit to
their private home circle.

I give it in his own

A large party of us
landed at Port Ross, and, starting under the guid-
ance of an aged chief named Malionri, arrived in
(ue time at a secluded and densely wooded val-
ley, which opened to the sandy shore of a deep
bay. We had this to cross. Facing us was a
lofty hill, clothed to the top with shrubs and trees
of a stunted growth.. By the aid of roots and
branches we continued to scramble up, and at last
emerged from the abyss of shrubs we had been
traversing, and stood breathless upon a piece of

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 2

tableland that jutted into the sea. Nota tree or
shrub was to be seen, the only vegetation being a
stunted sort of tussock of grass. But we were at
the Bird Village, and to our great delight found
the inhabitants at home. We had arrived during
the season of incubation, Each nest was occu-
pied by the hen bird, and close by stood her mate
—a loving guardian. Nothing could induce her
to leave the nest. She would look at us implor-
ingly if we came near, and express her objection
to our visit by a harsh snapping of the beak, but
she bided her egg. The male at the same time
made a slight show of resistance, and then, with
uncouth gait and a spasmodic action of the wings,
waddled away to the cliff.

“The nests were quite simple in their construc-
tion. Each of them was made by pressing down
a clump of grass into the form of a shallow bowl,
in depth and circumference not much larger than
asoup-plate. I take it for granted that the female
only lays one egg. Indeed, the little nest, which
the breast of the bird covers and overlaps, could
not hold more. Well trodden Albatross roads in-
tersect each other in the village, and the birds high-
road led from the nest to the edge of the cliff,
whence they cast themselves forth on the wing.
It seemed to us also that there was an attention
paid to regularity in placing the nests in a line or
street, so that one main path might communicate

with them all.”
a

A Day in Chatville.
BY HARRY G. PARKER, CHESTER, PA,

The eggs of the Yellow-breasted Chat, (Zeferdu
vierens), have always appeared to my eye to be
among the most beautiful laid by any species
breeding in our midst. Apart from the beauty of
a normal specimen, they are possessed of differ-
ence so varied, both in size and markings, that
few oblogists are aware of, unless they have had
the privilege of examining a large number of sets
at one time. Now as this species was only repre-
sented in my cabinet by one set, and that col-
lected by a friend, the idea of taking a number of
sets came up before my mind on just such a
stormy, wintry night as the thoughts of the
naturalist love to dwell on the memory of green
fields and babbling brooks. Seated before a cosy
grate fire in my study, in slippered feet, with ad-
ditional comfort lent by the indulgence of a pipe,
I bid defiance to the elements without, and pro-
jected a trip for the coming season to a spot not
more than twenty miles from Philadelphia, which
is admirably adapted by nature to the nidification
of this bird. I sat long, and mused and wondered
whether the place Thad in view would prove as

Feb. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST. 23

good a collecting ground as it did when I first
took up my odlogical studies as a boy.

Spring came all too soon, and on the evening of
May 29th, 1885, I left home, and after a ride across
country of ten miles, put up for the night at a
modest country Inn (a relic of Colonial times) to be
near my ground by daylight next morning. Years
had failed to make any changes in the place I
sought. Picture to yourself an elevated plateau,
miles in extent, and barren for the most part of
trees, thickly covered as far as the eye could reach
with viny and briery thickets, laurel, and a small
species of evergreen. Here and there a mountain
seam relieved the unbroken level as it went
tumbling on its noisy way to meet the river Dela-
ware some miles below. All this bordered on the
north by heavy forest, presenting an upland with
southern exposure. The hundreds of ancient and
mossclad stumps of trees alone bespoke civiliza-
tion and the deadly work of the woodman’s axe of
some former day, <A veritable haven for Chats
it proved, and between 5.a.m. and noon I had
taken twenty-two sets, besides some other species
not to be recorded here. By 4 p.m. I had com-
pleted a day’s collecting with an additional four-
teen sets, making a total of thirty-six sets of
Chats alone.

Of the total number of sets collected on this
day, I have selected eight from my cabinet which
show nearly every phase of variation. I take up
the sets for description as they now appear
before me.

Set No. 1.—Four eggs of crystalline whiteness
covered uniformly all over with minute spot of
reddish brown, no spot exceeding in size the point
of a pin, no lilac shell markings. Measurements
.88x.68, .88x.66, .86x.64 and .85x.65.

Set No. 2.—Consists of four eggs which measure
respectively .90x.68, 90x67, .88x.68 and .87x.63.
Underground white. The general appearance of
this set is ringed, formed of large splashes or
blotches of two shades of red, similar to the mark-
ings on a heavily colored set of Meadow Lark’s.
The entire end and top are covered with these,
which are confluent. The remainder of the egg
is here and there sparingly spotted with minute
spots of same color.

Set No. 3.—Four eggs, having an underground
of highly polished white, similar to Yellow-shafted
Flicker’s eggs, and the entire portion of three
eggs is covered with a heavy marbled pattern in
red, much like the mottling of Nighthawk’s eggs.
The remaining egg is very peculiar, and looks out
of place in this set, having a ring of reddish
brown spots around the smallest end, the remain-
ing portion being the shining white. Measure-
ments average .92x.66,

Set No. 4—Four eggs shaped like peanuts,
faintly marked all over with the usual colored
spot. The lilac shell marks show plainly. This
set contained one egg of Cowbird. They meas-
ure 1.03x.58, 1.01x.56, 1.01x.55 and 1.00x.55.

Set No. 5.—Contained four eggs, the most
beautiful of my day’s work. Ground color a
pure dead white and ringed around the larger end
in innumerable spots of the brightest red. If an
artist should take in hand a set of eggs of Purple
Martin, and very delicately effect a wreath around
the larger end, they would look as much like the
set I am trying to describe as anything I can
think of. Fully four-fifths of each egg is pure
white, unspotted. These specimens measure
.94x.66, .93x.66, .92x.65 and .92x.62.

Set No. 6.—Four eggs and Cowbird’s egg. This
set looks much like a set of Spurred Towhee,
which were collected and presented to me by my
friend W. Otto Emerson, of California. The en-
tire egg is covered with dull markings. Sizes:
.96x.72, .92x.70, .94x.69 and .90x.68.

Set No. 7.—Four eggs pure white. The lilac
and reddish markings are about equally numerous.
They are dispersed over the entire surface. Very
glistening and pretty. One egg of the Cowbird
was found in this nest. Average measurement :
.90x.68. The eggs look like some sets of Golden-
crowned Thrush, (Sturus auricapillus).

Set No. 8—Four remarkably small, palcly
marked specimens. Nearly round, .71x.68. These
little eggs have the appearance of having been
dipped in an acid which would remove the color of
the marking. They might be termed albinos.

I am convinced that four eggs is the usual nest
complement, as this is the most I found. The
eggs at this date was mostly fresh, although I
saw one nest with young birds, and several with
one, two, or three eggs, which I did not disturb.
No nest was more than five feet from the ground,
and all were built in bramble or low thickets, ex-
cept one which was on a small tree. Several were
within one foot of the ground, and on an average
every fourth nest contained the egg of the Cowbird.

The normal nest is long and thick; very com-
pact, and I think it quite a pretty bird home. It
is composed of leaves, strips of wild grape vine
bark, and dead grass. One beautiful specimen I
found was made entirely of dead beach leaves,
with a plentiful lining of straw.

Probably few collectors in this locality have any
idea of the excessive abundance of this bird in

‘suitable places ; and the fact that I found such a

large number of nests in one day, and all within a
radius of a mile, proves that the Chat loves an up-
land solitude, and that he finds much pleasure in
the society of his relatives.

is og
OE NEEH OOGIst

—AND—

QOLOGIST.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

Pee 1 URAL, - Ste OReY,

BIiE.DS,

THEIR NESTS AND EGGS.

DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES
AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD AND INSECT LIFE.

FREDERIC H. CARPENTER, Editor,
REHOBOTH, MASS.,
FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher,

409 WASHINGTON, ST., BOSTON, MASS.

Editorial.

We insert a letter from a gentleman
of long experience in field collecting, in
which he mentions a very valuable sugges-
tion to his co-workers in Oology, and while
we do not propose to either uphold or de-
cry any methods that may be given by our
correspondents, or to be held responsible
for their views. we invite opinions to be
freely expressed on matters of interest to
our readers. The article on “Ege Collee-
ting” contains methods that we have pur-
sued in our work, and we feel inclined to
endorse it, on the principle of Awmanity,
thinking it would be well for collectors to
use due discretion in their present labors if
they desire to continue their investigations
in the future.

There seems to be a slight dissatisfac-
tion on the part of a few, that this maga-
zine should devote a portion of its space
that of bird life.
To such we would ask that they bear kind
ly with it.
more matter pertaining to ornithology
than was promised at the

to another science, than
At present we are giving

outset, and
as the entomological, department is mainly
the records of original investigations of
gentlemen, rated high as authorities in

24 ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 2

that science, we think it should prove of
interest to all lovers of natural history.

A few illustrations often give more in-
formation than many words, and as all are
not gifted with the ability to sketch well,
we would suggest to such of our readers
as may be planning an outfit for their next
season's work, that an amateur photograph-
ic camera makes a valuable field adjunct.
We have used one for several seasons, and
would not be without it. Many nests of
rare breeders, in which the eggs were too
far advanced in incubation to be preserved,
have been transferred in truthful repre-
sentation to the album, and is only one of
the instances in which the instrument has
served us a good turn. At the present
time the art has become so simplified that
good results can be obtained with little
practice.

With due regard for the conformity of
the make-up of a magazine, yet we deem it
best, from our experience with the previous
number, to change slightly the arrange-
ment of the reading matter, to do justice
to the departments of our associates, the
space allotted in the January issue not al-
lowing all the articles to come under their
proper heading.

We give space in this issue to several
articles on Entomology, which were crowded
out of the last number.

List of Summer Birds of the Vicinity
of Tim Pond, Maine.

BAR Ap FR OF

Tim Pond is situated in the northern part of
Franklin County, in what is termed the Dead
River region. My notes are simply the birds seen
during a month’s visit; the last two weeks in
August and first two in September, for two con-
secutive years, 1884 and ‘85. It is not intended as
a complete list for that locality, and is confined to
the wilderness around the lake ; the bird life differ-
ing somewhat from the clearings in Eustis planta-
tion, some twelve miles away.

Robin, (Merula migratoria). Only one seen
around the camps in’84, In ’85 saw a pair, and
found young just able to fly. Also found nest in
a small yellow birch.

Feb. 1886.]

Hermit Thrush, (dZylocichla unalascw pallasi).
One seen in deep woods, and another in some
alders, near the lake.

Black-capped Chicadee, (Pirus atricapilus). A
few seen.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, (Regulus sutrupa).
They seemed to move in small companies. Com-
mon one day and not seen the next.

White-bellied Nuthatch, (Sttta
Not common.

Brown Creeper, (Certhia familiaris rufa). Only
one seen,

Yellow-rumped Warbler, (Dendrwea coronuta).
Not common. Secured a specimen, a male, in
moulting plumage.

Redstart, (Setophagu ruticilla). One shot and
given me by a lumberman, who was acting as
my cook.

carolinensis).

Cedar Waxwing, (Amphelis cedorum). Com-

monest bird about the camps.

American Crossbill, (Lovia curvirostra ameri-
cana). Noticed as common in ’85 ; not any seen
in “84. Very tame, coming fearlessly about the
camps to feed upon the scraps thrown away when
dressing trout.

White-throated Sparrow, (Zonotrichia albicollis).
Common around the camps, keeping in flocks.

Junco, (Junco hyemalis). Common.

Rusty Grackle, (Scolecophagus ferrugineus). Not
common. Only a few seen in some brush on a
beaver dam.

Common Crow, (Corvus frugivorus). This spe-
cies was “conspicuous by its absence” about the
lakes, while in the clearings at Eustis I saw it in
flocks.

Blue

common.

>

Jay, (Cyanocitta cristata). Tolerably

Canada Jay, (Perisoreus canadensis). Not com-
mon. Not more than half a dozen seen each year.

Ruby-throated Hummer, (7rochilus colubris). A
pair seen and one secured. It was a surprise to
me to find this species here. They certainly were
obliged to exist without flowers, as this wilderness
was destitute of everything in plant life that
blossomed.

Nighthawk, (Chordeiles popetue). Common;
seen flying over the lake at dusk when fishing.
Several shot by different “sportsmen.”

Hairy Woodpecker, (Pies villosus). Not com-
mon.

Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker, ( Picoides
areticus). Irregular as regards abundance. In
84 I saw one day as many as twenty pecking
dilligently on the old stubs in the camp clearing,
and many were shot by the fishermen visiting the

AND OOLOGIST. 25

camps. Noticed the birds would have such a
foot-hold upon the rough bark of the spruce trees
that after being shot they would not fall, but
hang pendant by one or both feet. The nextday
I did not see any, neither in my stay at the camps
in ’85 did I see more than a dozen specimens.

Yellow-bellied Woodpecker, (Sphyrapicus var-
ius). Only one seen, that being a specimen shot
and given me.

Pileated Woodpecker,
Not common.
in ’89.

(Hylotomus pileatis).
One secured in ’84. None seen

Belted Kingfisher, (Ceryle aleyon).
around the lake both seasons.

A pair seen

Osprey, (Pandion halietus carolinensis). One
seen in ’85, remaining about the lake.
Am. Goshawk, (Astur atricapillus). A speci-

men, young, shot in 84. A number of hawks
were seen flying high in the air or perched on
distant trees at various times, but could not iden-
tify on account of distance.

Ruffed Grouse, (Bonasa umbellus). Common,
and lacked the wildness of those of same species
seen in the clearing.

Canada Grouse, (Cunace canadensis). Only one
seen, and that secured.

Great Blue Heron, (Ardea herodias). Two seen
on the banks of the lake, when fishing about dark.

Spotted Sandpiper, (Zringoides macularius). A
few seen about the lake.

Black Mallard, (Anas obscura). A small flock
remained in ‘‘ Mud” pond for about a week. This
pond is separated from Tim Pond by a beaver dam.

Loon, (Colymbus torquatus). Saw a couple on
the lake each year, their wailing cry making sad
music in that lonely wilderness. They were
quite tame and one—a young one—would admit
of being stroked by my hand. But at last a
sportsman, freshly arriving from Boston, deemed
it a fine thing to shoot it, and it fell a victim to
misplaced confidence. For two days and nights
the remaining one constantly uttered its mourn-
ful cry, and a week later I found it lying dead on
the shore. My guide, Mart. Fuller, an intelligent
Yankee backwoodsman, stoutly asserts it died of
a broken heart, but I am suspicious of the afore-
said cockney sportman.

Sharp-shinned Hawk in Winter.

The occurrences of the above species in New
England in winter are not common. I cite an
instance of one taken Jan. 27, 1886, in Rehoboth,
Mass. I have another in my collection, taken late
in November, ’83.—F. H. C

26 ORNITHOLOGIST

Practical Taxidermy.
BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.
CHAPTER VI—SMALL ANIMALS.

In mounting birds it is important that the be-
ginner should take the measurements until by
practice he becomes familiar with the size and
shape; but with animals (mammals) it is @dbsolute-
ly necessary. YT would advise making a rough
sketch showing the general form, prominent
muscles, depressions, &c., and noting on it the
(details of measure. After the skin is removed
there is in it very little to be guided by; far less
than in birds. Referring you to the chapter on
skinning birds, you will notice that the process
with animals is quite similar. For our study I
will select a common bare—White Swamp Rab-
bit. Laying it upon our work table, we will
measure it as follows: Nose to tail; breast to tail;
fore foot to back; hind foot to back; girth back
of fore shoulder; girth front of hind quarters;
fore shoulder to hind shoulder; base of ear to
nose. We next proceed to skin it. Fill the mouth,
nostrils and vent with cotton; cut from breast to
vent. (A—B fig. 1.) Skin to right and left, sev-
ering the bones at the hip joints, C, C. Skin
down to foot, about to D; clean bones, leaving
enough muscle to hold them together. There
will be three principal bones in the skin. (See
fig. 2.) Force the skin off the back and flanks to
root of tail. Take a partly split stick, or clothes
pin, and force it well on to the tail between body
and skin. (See fig. 3.) Hold the pin firmly and
pull by the body; the pin will hold the skin, and
the tail will slip out. There is little danger of
injuring the skin if you hold the pin firmly so as
not to allow the skin to be drawn through; if it
is a long tail like a squirrel’s, and a shot has
passed through it, it will be liable to break (the
bone) and leave partin the tail skin. In that case
you must open from the outside at the place
where it broke, (under side) and get a fresh hold
for more pulling. The skin of the tail does not
turn inside out.

Proceed, using great care not to stretch the
skin, till the fore legs (wings) are reached; sever
at shoulder blade, E, E, fig. 1, and clean, leaving
three bones in the skin, same as with the hind
legs. Skin to the skull and over; ears are not to
be skinned; cut off what gristle you can without
cutting through to the outside; leave the rest
with theskin. Now note. If the animal is to be
stuffed with the mouth closed, skin all off but the
lip of the nose. (Fig. 4.) If with the mouth
open, skin as far as you can without disturbing
the front part of the lips. (Fig. 5.) This rule is

[Vol. 11-No. 2

for small animals, up to foxes and dogs. In large
animals the entire skull is removed, The reason
is: In large animals a frame body is made which
holds the skin in place. In small ones a wire
merely being run through the skull, the skin ad-
hering to lips, holds it in place and saves some
trouble. In this case we will close the mouth,
and detach the skin as in fig. 4. After cleaning
the skull, removing brain, ete., we will sew up
the mouth. Foxes, dogs, &c., begin at center
and sew right and left, overcast stitch; do it so
that when the skin is turned the under lip will
be a little under the upper. If a squirrel or rab-
bit, it will be found that the lip parts from the
nose down, making a three-cornered opening.
(Fig. 6.) Sew from G to H, and then from II
right to J and H left to I. Next poison the skin
thoroughly with the soap. If a dog, give it two
or three coats before using sawdust. Turn the
skin back and it is ready for mounting. If you
have an animal with horns, skin to base of skull
and cut off; open the skin outside the neck. (See
fig. 7.) Cut to a point between the horns, K to
L, then from L to each horn, and around the base
of the horn closely. You can then take the skull
out; the cut in the skin will be like fig. 8. This
is necessary in skinning deers’ heads.

In stuffing animals two points must be ob-
served, viz., they must be stuffed so as not to be-
come distorted by shrinking, nor be made too full
to start with—solid and just right. We begin
with the head: fill the eye cavity, sides of jaws
where we cut away the meat, and nostril cavity
(this part is gristle, and if not well looked to, in a
few weeks your specimen will have a peculiar
turn to its nose that will well express your own
disgust.) with clay, plaster or putty. If the latter
have it as free from oil as possible. If you use
plaster or clay, leave a place to set the eves with
putty when the stuffing is complete. Now push
the skull in place. Cut a quantity of excelsior
finely ; if the animal is very small, use tow. For
our hare we will use both mixed. Fill the throat,
skull and neck down to the breast; pack it in
well without distorting. Next cut six wires: One
for the body, one and one-half times the length of
the animal (head to tail); two for hind legs, one
and one-half times the length of leg, C to toes,
fig. 2; two for fore legs, one and one-half times
the length of leg; one for tail. This must be
two to six inches longer than the tail. In select-
ing wire, use that which will be heavy enough to
bear the weight. The following sizes I give you
to work from: Chip. squirrel, 18; woodchuck,
12; fox, 11; gray squirrel, 16; hare, 18; setter
dog, 9. From these you can estimate what would
be required for others.

AND OOLOGIST. 27

Feb. 1886.]

—-e7

pe Nan

cory

Vien

:
ny
MI
N
N
A
N
4
s
|
:

= ee een

ml

Fig. 9 represents the six wires to be used for body wire,’clinching them in loop number two;
our hare. Sharpen all; take body wireand make in the same manner pass the two wires of the
three loops, one at the end, the second the same hind legs through Joop three, twisting them
distance from it as the animal was from fore to around the body wire and clinching at loop num-
hind shoulders, and the third in the middle. Next ber two. Take the tail wire, wind tow around
run the four leg wires from sole of foot, (same as = one end till it is about the size of the tail bone
with birds,) and carefully wrap the bones to the that was drawn out. “Poison this well and force it
wires with tow, making the two, bone and wire, into the tail, then clinch the wire through loop
the same size and shape as the leg was when the — three. Be careful and have the length from loop
meat was on. Take the body wire, pass the three to the end of the tail exact. Now push the
points up through the neck filling into the sku] | bones up on the wires till they come to the body
cavity, and out through it between the eyes. If wires. Our hare will’ now appear like fig. 10,
the bone is too hard use your large leg drill to | with a wire frame in it. We now fili with cut
make the hole. Push it through till the loops tow and excelsior. With our sketch with meas-
are in proper place. Now pass the two fore leg ures before us we must work as best we can; fill
wires through loop number one, fig. 9, the two at it well and press the, filling together compact,
right angles, and twist them firmly around the pressing in hollows and filling out where required

28 ORNITHOLOGIST

When done, sew up the opening, bend the legs
into position, being guided by the natural joints
in the bones. Now place the hare on a board,
tig. 11, showing bend in hind legs. When the
bones are missing or broken, the wire will ans-
wer, but it is a more difficult job to get a good
bend.

The mouth, nostrils and head will need shap-
ing; fill in, using cotton, through the eye holes
and corner of mouth, carefully working out your
figure. Draw the ears up into place. If large
ones cut out pasteboard and sew them to it on
the inside, and fill cotton in between the ear and
hoard, and perhaps run a single wire down
through into the body. (See fig. 12, showing
both sides.) For deer some use wooden frames,
and I have seen ears filled with plaster. For
small animals, such as squirrels, all that is neces-
sary is to keep them pinched in shape while dry-
ing, by pinching with the fingers once or twice ¢
day. When all is done fill the eye cavities with
cotton, and use a pair of Thomas Hurst’s superior
glass eyes.

Nest of the Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher.*

BY GEO. H. CENTER.

May 18, 1885, I found a nest of this little bird
ona limb twelve feet up, on a dead walnut tree,
situated on the bank of a small creek. The tree
was leafless, the water having washed the earth
from its roots so that it almost fell with my
weight when I ascended to the nest, which was
placed in the fork of the branch so that one limb
formed a roof to shelter it. The nest was com-
posed of a coarse moss found on the trees near
by, and spider webs, this latter material being
wound around the whole nest, together with a few
pieces of wool. It was lined with the down
found on hickory buds, and a few feathers, to-
gether with some very fine dry grass.

There was one egg in the nest when found,
which I let remain until May 22d, when I re-
turned and took the nest and five fresh eggs.
This time I saw the female on the nest. She was
sitting parallel with the limb, as I think she al-
ways would, for on the side from the tree there
was a low place where she rested her chin which
enabled her to sit with more ease, as it would
otherwise compel her to keep her head straight up.

The next day I was in the woods at an early
hour and saw a pair of these little birds flying
from tree to tree, gathering material for their
nest. I watched them for some time, and at last
saw them fly into the top of an elm. It took some
length of time before I could discover them, as

*From Odlogical Department.

[Vol. 11-No. 2

they had evidently just began house building. I
at last saw it on a limb about twenty feet from
the ground. I did not trouble them until the 3d
of June, when I returned and took the nest with
five fresh eggs. The work and material used
were precisely like the first, except the nest was
smaller, as also were the eggs. Nest number one
was two and three-quarters inches in height out-
side, two inches deep on the upper side, one and
one-half inches on the lower ; circumference cight
and one-quarter inches. Number two measures
two and one-quarter inches in height, one and
three-quarter inches in depth on the upper, and
one and one-quarter inches deep on the lower
side; circumference seven and_ three-quarters
inches.

Large Sets of Eggs of the Mourn-
ing Dove.*

BY PHILO W. SMITH, JR., GREENVILLE, ILL.

It has been my good fortune to find several
large sets of the Mourning Dove, (Zenuidura
carolinensis.) My first set of three eggs was taken
in 1883 ; the second in 1884,and four sets of three
eggs each in 1885. I will only describe those
taken in 1885. The first set was taken April 19 ;
the second April 29; the third June 15, and the
fourth June 20. Two of the sets were taken
from old Robin’s nests, the other two from Dove
nests of the usual construction and material.
The birds were flushed from their nests in every
instance. Insets Nos. 2 and 3, one of the eggs
was considerably smaller than the others of the
set. In the other two sets there was no more
than the usual variation in size and shape, and
on blowing the eggs they all appeared fertile
with the exception of one egg in set No. 4, (the
smaller egg.) In collecting I also came across a
Brown Thrasher’s nest containing one egg of the
Thrush and two of the Dove’s. Also a Robin’s
nest with one of the Robin’s and one of the Dove’s.
In both instances the Dove was flushed from the
nest. Being unable to visit the locality again I
did not have the pleasure of watching the old
Dove feeding and caring for her foster children,
(provided the Robin and Brown Thrasher eggs
were hatched.) The question that arises in my
mind is whether the Robin and Brown Thrasher
had deserted their nest, or whether the Doves
appropriated the nests while their owners were
absent. In the case of the large sets of Dove's
eggs, did the same bird lay all three eggs, or did
Dove No. 2 take possession while No. 1 was ab-
sent” I should like to hear from others on this
subject.

*From Odlogical Department.

Feb. 1886.]

ENTOMOLOGY.

WRIGHT & BATES,

73 Hanover St., Boston, Mass.,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.

Address all communications for this department as above.

Editorial Note.

In this number we inaugurate a series of articles
on the Sphingide of New England. They will
consist of descriptions of the various members of
this family which are known to occur within the
limits of the territory mentioned.

We would request the communication of notes
of capture in this territory, and also of any ob-
servations on the habits or peculiarities of the
family.

Practical Entomology.
BY WRIGHT AND BATES, 73 HANOVER ST., BOSTON.

(Continued from page 15.)

COLEOPTERA.
PECULIARITIES: Insects of this order are

mandibulate, or furnished with jaws, and their
anterior wings are converted into hard corneous
shields, protecting the posterior wings and ab-
domen.

LOCALITIES WHERE THEY ARE GENERALLY FOUND.

The Carabidae are generally to be found under
stones, chips, logs, &c., especially where the soil
is damp; in the winter some varieties may be
found hidden under and in the crevices of the
bark of trees. They especially frequent the edges
of woods and the banks of small streams.

The Cicindalidae will be found iu early spring
and summer flitting about in the roads, pastures
and sand banks. Diving in and swimming about
on the surface of the water are various members
of the families of Dytiscidue, Gyrinidae, Hydrophi-
lidae, and Parridae.

The Silphidae are found under the excrement
of cattle, especially cows, and in and under the
carcasses of dead animals.

The Staphylinidae may be found under the
stones and chips, under the bark of dead trees, in
and around ants’ nests, and carrion in fungi, on
the leaves and flowers of plants, and in the ex-
crement of cattle.

The Searabidae or Lamellicora beetles are to be
found flying about at dusk, and also hidden un-
der the excrement of cattle, and in the dried car-
casses of dead animals, while many spend. the

AND OOLOGIST. 29

most of their time on the leaves and flowers of
plants.

The Elateridae and Buprestidae haunt the pas-
tures and the edges of woods, where they may be
seen flying about in the sun or basking upon the
bark of trees and on the flowers. They are also
found in the winter under the bark of trees.

The family of Fireflies, or Lampyridae, must be
looked for in warm weather flitting about the
fields, especially in the evening, or on the leaves
and flowers; in the winter they are found in large
numbers hidden in the crevices of the bark of
trees.

The Cleridac: The larvee of this family are
carnivorous, but the beautiful little beetles are to
be found in the warm season in great numbers
on the flowers.

The adult beetles of the family of Meloidae are
found in the grass and around the flowers which
the bees frequent.

On the flowers and trees are large numbers of
Chrysomelidae and Coecinellidae, and the latter are
in the crevices of the bark in the winter.

The Curculionidae are to be met with on the
flowers and fungi, and under the stones and bark.
TIME AND METHODS FOR COLLECTING,

For active beetles, the spring and autumn are
the best times for most varieties, for in summer,
with the exception of the vegetable feeders, they
are scarcer. At these times the collector must

yatch every spot, for they seem to be found
everywhere; beat the trees, sweep the grass fields,
drag the streams, sift the dirt and leaves, examine
the flowers, in fact, look everywhere. In winter
the plan is different. A few small bottles of alco-
hol, a pair of small forceps and a hatchet are all
that is really necessary, though a box or satchel
will be needed if the larvee are to be preserved
and reared. Chip off the bark from the trunks
of the rough-barked trees, such as the oak, pitch
pine and white pine: strip the bark from dead
trees, and if the tree is decayed chop the trunk
into small pieces; the beetles will often be found
in the very centre of the trunk of decayed trees,
especially pines and birches.

Breeding of Attacus Cynthia.

The rearing of the silk worm has become an
important industry in the United States, and ow-
ing to the lack of hardiness, and the tendency to
disease of the Bombyx mori, the introduction of
a race of insects possessing the silk producing
power and without these disadvantages, is an im-
portant object. One of the most desirable insects
for- this purpose is the Attacus Cynthia. This

30 _ ORNITHOLOGIST

worm, which feeds on the leaves of the Ailantus
glandulosa, was introduced into Europe in 1856,
by M. Guerin de Méneville, and thence to the
United States in 1860 by Dr. Thos. Stewardson of
Philadelphia. It is a native of the north of China,
lat. 35-40°. The plant upon which it feeds is
known as the “Chinese Tree of Heaven,” known
in its native country as ‘‘Adanto.” It is a tree of
large dimensions with straight trunk, smooth
brown bark and luxuriant foliage, the leaves are 2-5
feet in length with 10-20 pairs of leaflets and an
odd one. The flowers are green, very ill scented,
as is also the freshly broken wood and foliage ;
blooms in May and June. It has been introduced
into this country and has been found to be exceed-
ingly hardy, surviving and even flourishing in
some of our severest winters and droughts.

Of one lot of these worms raised in the summer
of 1885, the parents left the cocoons on July 17th,
mated at night of July 18th, and on July 19th 274
eggs were deposited. (Dr. Stewardson writes that
his moths attached at 10 p. m., and remained ¢
coitu till 6 a. m., depositing 280 eggs.) Of those
raised in 1885 the sexes invariably attached at
night and remained so for from 8-20 hours ; for
some hours before, the male was very restless,
fluttering about and breaking his wings against
the sides of the glass case in which they were
confined. The female laid eggs in single and
double lines, and in clusters of from 1-30; these
eggs were hatched on July 28th.

At first the worms were of a yellowish color
with black tubercles, and black spots on the un-
derside of the abdomen. They apparently had
five stages of existence, but the dates of moulting
were not accurately observed, owing to absence,
In the third stage it becomes almost white. In
the fourth stage it is from one to two inches in
length, turning gradually green with green tuber-
cles, and head and feet yellow. In the last stage
the color is a beautiful emerald green with tuber-
cles of marine blue, until it ceases to eat, when it
turns to a yellowish green, and is about three
inches in length.

On Aug. 21st the worms commenced spinning.
One attached itself to the glass door of the vivari-
ium and one to the corner, but the most of them
attached to the leaves. Their method was as fol-
lows: The caterpillar crawls in between two
leaves which hang closely together, (sometimes
rolling a single leaf about it) draws the edges to-
vether with a few threads and then carries the
thread along the pedicel of the leaf to the pedun-
cle, around which it is firmly wrapped, (probably
a provision of safety,) and continues until the
pedicel and interior of leaf are entirely coated, it

[Vol. 11-No. 2

then weaves its cocoon, drawing the leaf more
tightly around it as it nears completion.

The eggs are equally large at both ends, of a
white color with a black spot, turning gray as
they near the hatching period.

The cocoon is elongated, of a pale gray color,
very close tissue, one and one half to one and three
quarters of an inch long and about three fourths
of an inch thick. The silk appears to be very
strong. It is said the silk is wound in a zig-
zag course, making it difficult to reel in a con-
tinuous thread.

The perfect moth expands from 5-54 inches;
head and antenne greyish brown; antennee strong-
ly pectinate; thorax and abdomen lighter grey or
buff-colored; wings with a broad transverse light-
colored band, edged interiorly with white, near
the middle, the space within which (forming
nearly an equilateral triangle) is brownish-gray,
and that without ash-color running into brownish
gray at the margin of the wings. Just within the
margins there are two narrow brown streaks run-
ning parallel with them, somewhat interrupted
before reaching a dark purple spot near the apex
of the anterior wings, this spot is surmounted by a
white crescent, and a zig-zag white line runs from
it to the tip. The basal portion of the anterior
wings is traversed by an ash-colored bar com-
mencing on the posterior edges next the shoulder,
and after continuing in a nearly straight line for
about an inch is suddenly deflected and termi-
nates on the anterior margin; at the apex of the
angle formed by this line is a translucent spot, in
nearly the shape of a crescent, surmounted with
black. The posterior wings likewise bear a simi-
lar spot, but more crescent shaped, and toward
their base is an ash-colored arched bar bounded
on the outer side with black. The under side
differs principally in being paler, and is destitute
of the bars at the base, except that the base of the
angular bar of the anterior wings shows slightly.

According to Morris the male differs in being
usually smaller, abdomen much shorter and
smaller and conical toward the end; antenne
shorter and wider and do not taper to such an
acute point as those of the female; the amount of
white in the posterior portion of the tergum is
much more considerable ; the front between the
eyes is much broader and shorter ; posterior wings
a little longer, and the anal extremity is furnished
each side inferiorly with a broad articulated lap,
which covers the genital organs and is furnished
at the lower posterior edge, with two hooks,
which, together with other hooks around the
genital pieces, serve to secure him tightly to the
female during the long process of fecundation,

Feb. 1886.]

Winter Collecting.

Nearly all young collectors labor under the er-
roneous impression that there is no outdoor work
for them in the winter. That isa mistake. No
matter how cold the day, many specimens of in-
sects, very rare in summer, may be found housed
away in some secluded spot, under the bark, in
decayed wood, and in fact almost anywhere that
there is room for them to crawl in out of sight.
This is also the best time to secure many larve
and pup, for many of the former are preparing
to transform in the early spring, and the trecs
being denuded of their foliage the chrysalides are
much more easily discerned. On the 10th inst.,
two of us packed our kits, shouldered our snow
shoes and took the eight o’clock train for Malden.
The snow was deep and light, and the thermome-
ter registered from 8° to 11° above zero. The
ground selected for the day’s operations was
destitute of dead or decaying wood, hence our
capture was lighter and less varied than it other-
wise would have been. We only remained about
three hours, and our time was spent examining
the crevices in and under the rough bark of live
pines, foot or snow shoe racing, picking ourselves
out of the snow, ete. Our capture consisted of
the following :

Coleoptera: Axinopalpus biplagiatus, 3; Gy-
nandropus hylacis, 7; Adalia bipunctata, 5; Lae-
mophlaeas biguttatus, 4; Nemosoma parallelum,
1; Catogenus rufous, 57; Cyphon variabilis, 43 ;
Betarmon bigeminatus, 2; Melanotus communis,
6; Ellychnia corrusca, 20; Clerus thoracicus, 3 ;
Tanebrioides? 4. Hemiptera,15. Orthoptera, 192.
Arachnide, 11, and Lepidoptera, 2. One of the
latter was a @ Phalaena autumnata, alive and
smart. I went out again on the 17th inst., and
got, besides many duplicates of the above, some
additional species of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera,
including Rhagium lineatum (larvee, pup and
imago,) and a fine specimen of Vanessa antiopa.

CYANIDE.

Sphingidae of New England.

FAMILY: SPHINGIDAE.

The simple eyes on the vertex, at the base of
antennae are wanting. Head large, hairy and
seldom tufted; antennae prismatic, thickened
toward the tip and terminating in a hook, and
usually a ciliated seta; doubly ciliated in the
males and simple in the females. The eyes are
generally large, round and prominent; the palpi
have the third article reduced to a mere point,
resting on the summit of the well developed
second article. The tongue is usually almost

AND OOLOGIST. 31

twice the length of the body, sometimes more
and occasionally almost obsolete.

Thorax always large and powerful. The
Wings are elongated, narrow and dense, with
the inner border much shorter than the out-
er, and are usually attached to each other by
a bristle and hook. The nerves are thick, strong
and contiguous to each other at the base. The
abdomen is usually cylindrico-conical, longer
than the posterior wings, and occasionally
tufted at the tip; the legs are usually long and
strong, and the tarsi furnished with a pair of
simple, free claws. The anterior tarsi have a
long single spur on the inner surface, the middle
a terminal pair, and the posterior two pair.

The eggs are laid singly, or in small clusters,
on the food plants of the larvee, which usually
grow very large and lead a solitary life. Bodies
naked, cylindrical, and generally more or less
ornamented with bright colors. They have eight
patrs of feet, the terminal ones being large, strong
and square; the eleventh segment is surmounted
by either a caudal horn or a lenticular tubercle.

The pup are cylindrico-conical, terminating
in a stout, sharp spine. Transforms in an im-
perfect cocoon, just below the surface or in an
underground cell.

GENUS SMERINTHIS.— Latru,

Body robust; tip of abdomen turned up. Head
small, sometimes depressed; front broad, pilose
or sub-tufted; eyes small; palpi thick and short;
tongue short; antenne generally without term-
inal hook. Thorax short; abdomen cylindrico-
conical, more than twice as long as the thorax.
Wings without bristle and hook; anteriors longer
than body, and about twice as long as broad.
Male antennz densely sub-pectinate; femate an-
tenn, simple.

Larvae: head semi-oval, with acute vertex ;
body granulated, and with a caudal horn; ob-
liquely banded with dorsal thoracic lines on each
side. Transforms in a cell below the surface of
the ground. Pupze smooth and cylindrico-conical.

I.—S. MODESTA.—Ha77’.

Palpi, head, and upper side of thorax, oliva-
ceous-brown; under side of thorax, abdomen, and
tibize olivaceous.

Anterior wings, from the base to beyond the
middle of the disc, very pale olivaceous, with an
indistinct, irregular, darker streak across the mid-
dle, and margined toward the base of the wing
with a still paler hue; a broad, deep, olivaceous
median band, undulating anteriorly and crenated
or undulating posteriorly, containing a pale, angu-
lar, discal spot, and darkest toward the base of
the wing; a dark olivaceous line across the mid-

dle of the nervules, crenated posteriorly, and pre-
ceded by a paler band, separated from the median
band by a darkish line also crenated posteriorly,
The remainder of the wing is deep olivaceous
with a paler band from the middle to the inner
angle.

Posterior wings purplish-red in middle, ex-
tending near to, and darker toward the base,
with a transverse black spot above the inner
angle bordered anteriorly with very pale olivace-
ous, anda blackish olivaceous patch beneath it.
in the male the wing is olivaceous exteriorly and
has a long terminal border.

Underside olivaceous, anterior wings with a
triangular purplish-red spot with the apex at base
and gradually fading to a very pale olivaceous
band which crosses the middle of the nervules
and extends across the posterior wings. The
discal spot shown on the upper side is prominent
on the under side.

July. Food, Lombardy poplar.
distributed over the United States.

IL.—S. JUGLANDIS.—ADb.

Palpi reddish-brown or dark brown; head and
thorax pale fawn-color, or pale grayish, with a
more or less distinct thoracic, dorsal, brownish
stripe. Abdomen fawn color. Anterior wings,
from base to about the middle of the disc, pale-
gray with a faint lilac tinge or pale fawn-color ;
a brownish line crosses the basal part of the disc ;
a broad median shade with its posterior margin
commencing on the costa, midway between the
origin of the post-apical vein and the tip, and in-
clined to about the middle of the inner margin,
darkest at the edges, and ochraceous-brown, dark
brownish, or ferruginous-brown, and sometimes
almost obsolete above the medio-posterior vein,
whence spring two lines which mark the outline
of the shade; a line of the same hue parallel to
the median shade with an intervening pale space,
and a light colored shade near the hind margin,
extending from the central discal vein to the
inner angle, the marginal space dark colored,
with a small light colored costal spot extended to
the tip. Posterior wings dull fawn color, with
a central light colored band, edged on each side
by dark lines corresponding to the posterior edge

Generally

of the median shade.

Mature larvee: Head, pale reddish-brown, with
pale yellow lateral stripe and granulations. Body,
yellowish green, with oblique lateral crimson
streaks edged beneath with pale yellow. Body
tinged with crimson above prolog and behind
the horn. Horn, brownish with blackish spinules.
Length, about two and one-quarter inches. The
larvie is full grown about the middle of Septem-

32 ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 2

ber, and crawling into a cell just beneath the sur-
face transforms into a blackish-brown pup,
which bears four little prominences in front of
the head case; the terminal segment is flattened
on the ventral surface.

Food: Black walnut and hickory.
found wherever its food plant grows.

Generally

CORRESPONDENCE.

Eps. Ent. Derr. O. and O.—Sirs: I have read the ar-
ticle by B. on “scarcity of insects in 188485” with a great
deal of pleasure, and I fully agree with him as to the
“causes,” so far as he goes, but, when he makes the asser-
tion that it ‘‘undoubtedly follows,” that a wet, stormy
winter will be succeeded by scarcity of insects, I must dis-
agree with him. It has been my experience that where in-
sects were numerous their pup were plentiful during the
winter previous. Such was not the case during the winter
of 1883-4 and 1884-5, as it should have been, if the scarcity
was caused by the pupe being winter killed. I considera
drought, of sufficient duration to wither the foliage, one of
the most potent causes of insect scarcity, as the food sup-
ply of the leaf-eaters is not alone cut off before maturity of
the larvie, but the plant itself becomes diseased, owing to
its inability to breathe. One of my most infallible signs of
acoming scarcity of insects, is to see the trees in winter
clothed in their faded summer garments.— Cyanide.

EGG COLLECTING,

Editor of O. and O. Sir. No matter how much we may
try to evade the question, it is a fact, that eggs taken from
a nest will never multiply our feathered tribes ; on the con-
trary, it has a tendency to a decrease, at least in certain
methods of collecting, as practiced by a class of collectors.
Living in a glass house myself, I will not throw any stones;
but perhaps may be pardoned by my fellow collectors if I
urge that method and carefulness be employed in their
work. In my own case I divide the season into short
spaces of about a week each, and jot down what birds I
may expect to find nesting (for the first laying) during such
periods of time. I then look forsuch birds as I am sure of
obtaining from first sets and fresh in incubation. The
birds immediately commence to build and layagain. Af-
terwards I do not trouble them, and they rear their brood
the same as thongh they had not been despoiled. I have
found it to be the same with the species which naturally
rear two broods, and at the close of the season find myself
with a fair result, and an easier conscience, and, better
still, a satisfaction that I have not diminished the bird-life
to any extent. As a matter of course I find many fresh
sets later than the allotted time for the particular species ;
these I do not take, as they are usually second attempts at
breeding, and if disturbed would entirely break up their
nesting, and thus really diminish bird-life.” Something of
my idea may be gathered from the aboye, and if every
Odlogist would carefully study the breeding season, meth-
odically conduct his collecting and refrain from the too-
prevailing ‘“grab-all” system, I am of the opinion that cél-
ogical collecting might be pursued without decreasing our
birds to any alarming extent.—C. 7°. Weld.

—_—__—.

RECEIVED.—Morris M. Green, E. Carleton Thurber, Er-
nest D. Wintle, Paleo, Harry G. Parker, W. O. Emerson,
Clark P. Streator, Rev. C. M. Jones.

Our correspondents will confer a favor by writing their ar-
ticles on one side of paper only.

= MARCH, 1886. 4

s8V0L. XZ:

OUDRONAAEUANGBOAOORANDAOOOGS,

Established 18'75.

SDUSUAONGUOOCCUONNOODOnNOONOOeaNouueE:

Published by
FRANK B. WEBSTER,

409 Washington St., Boston, Mass.

tet ns Papen Ba

Entered at Boston Post Office as Second-class Matter.

CONTENTS

Vol. XI., No. 8, March, 1886.

TOS OF TNS SEA TAAROS ss din ne navs nidaictsntaly sco s/Rba oainPealhe viniadacle a kieic.c!caeisie ale WALTER UHOXIE. (0.2 'es cnt «ales nekeiae cesar 33
PIGMIOR iis In IE CEMIDEL: sa vs.s'2 hee nits esaden dinate oe Atala 2s sfebeicitiolcisesietete «os Ant. BROWN EBis;-/0'0'< 00:0: se sina ho cites «eater 34
Rpeea= CALL RAO Wisin inia.s's alessin chin Sie a\>/aW'e's sin aaip opin vinie's wares aleticls clues stwiersisisdi emia ntere Gro. Po RLLIOTT, 2.02 .ec0s dob eee recaps 34
BAOLAIER Snes a\ciaial cipicicle's vivis ain e'v'e'viaid cle'> winimivlceicteials asvickeisie:givip sisie Me miiels stk Rian a > ainiplnys|ofnin Wiaves a's aaluierereRlars rena cinta taertecnals aint 36
Nest'ol ony-billed Margin’ Wrens x sae 6 ote 0 csc. 0.0.0 sicre ws jcia'nc 416 niptarnisnletsreie «oujeln't)o'tausalvleie'gia'e «ghee islets oie mbt Siete eae 36
Breeding of Barn Owl near Philadelphia..................seseeese Hi Go PARKER: . «coc /oabicdaieic vitals Seley eee 36
An OGlopical ARI OM 6 signs suas ava etee sic ties cet cle siaic’d cis’ aja/eld Fe s/ule Uisib's eieie'e'e eevee sale she's uo ale a’ alave ieiets a Riana a = eke 36
Early Breeding of Anna Hummingbird..................cee sence eens W: O. "EMERSON Ws |: << cles> <2 ps dae nciste neato 37
A Season’s Notes from Bristol Co., Mass., Part I.................... WSM. M@ROK sass). oo. x cass cont ce eee Aaa 38
RET CO: GS WAIIOIN CS bs Seisoanic ale eibiania cals wa-qnins Salaam Sie arnlo-eleiaterelelnials HoH SB RIMGBIY. «2. pleco ict aisle ats clones aia 39
HUCALOQTIRL cicter's xctis Miele eo bea t olttaeioNecleintemrey cca arapinis erste distofe «/aiaietaia's ololSiaye.alala'b'ct a elds feta Ral dlatidare ectaidarn Cla et reels ree ea 40
BUEUVDNIC, SAUL BANGS.) OF OWEN ys a's amie pigees cabin sis siceisie'e'bin.vin's wise be (tisis'¢ Gee] TOP PANG i. oe:c oe ce sise noe aes eee 40
SP ACUOA LPR T I OOCPOLV eis. cisatdla sieicia's e seb tia vlegiectelveaivregimertieialelwlbiainr ate eras cine ae MB.) WEBSTER © <icie\sa;c.c0 che snietaloin so asieieeeenre 41
SIO TITIOCMCH LN VV ALBION a nian seis scaled od ein cicie wate rd slelnialan sis'ute esta ais'e(e niale) steel eis folelals"e Rey. CicMs :SONEB 2 << <0 «se sreteinielals note amie tines 43
Last Dates of Migratory Birds at Montreal...........0..ccsececccccceccccees ERNEST) D. WINTLE. 2000 cine same marine een 4H
PRRCROANEGR DHE EL RW ICE: ore ala Setciasivtae cnccdale eminent racctee Fain e aacieteleltatna cine’ UAMLOG cieicis ona sisoiainie sets e ciaeieia no bibiala'setel sia eet alates A+
Me TOMOUOGS MG ILOFIAL AN OLOS\/s zie etetn's ceccleios biclnte's/aleie(t misie. fis lateness elem ets b nieces Abia ele wane ain w eectaeidle a ola ctelete walets tees 45
ETACHICAL TUN LOMIO LOL Yi <-. <0 Warnd Sap icstivin sce sible Sia slatace © Seno atarsipitida watete WRIGHT AND BATA. sic0 scnclc's aieeenosta ese 45
Bobineids.oL New WNPlAnd so. cece cnc cet sees sds atti ue seen CXANIDES soc 0 si ica: cost oreinve viele Sate were area 46
Are the Lost Mandibles of Coleoptera Reproduced?.....-....---..- CXANTDE «nisin jeiecie'a 0: sisjasale'e civ wisivie'e oisisle ona ata 47
VollectinpaC yChnugeysiacG js slstions a's seip sole Me ols acewlee sls Sobek ole vasle'eia WiraHicyklorajate cis cents oieisie vis sie (orale sista ya eee aie teens 47
Corespondence.— The! Medinm: of Bird "Protections HtC a... s © coe «om 0's ap wizis nia cla’ eleicis wiaiclels.e wicivs stormp! seine piniaaels onic eee 48

4+For SALE. — FORBES’ LITHOGRAPH C0.

Did DKINS LOOS rr HOGRAPHERS

Mammalian Skins and Skulls.

—AND—

ALBERTYPE and

From Europe, Greenland and = Photo-Lithographers.
Labrador.

The Albertype process is especially
adapted for the reproduction of Ornitholo-
PRICE “LISTS. FREE. gical, Zoological and Mineralogical Speci-
mens for Catalogue, or other work, while
H B Mosc H [ E R the Photo-Lithographic Process embraces

. . » | the reproduction of all Line Work such as
Legal Work, Patent Drawings, Maps and
(formerly H. J. Méschler, Herrnhut, established 1848.) Plans of Localities, Architect's Plans
| and Designs, etc., ete.

KRON FORSTCHEN,

AGHNTS FOR

Near BAUTZEN, GERMANY. Cooke's Celebrated Advertising Calendars,

ORNITEPHOLOGIST

—AND—

OOLOGIST.

$1.50 per

FRANK B. WEBSTER, PUBLISHER. Single Copy
Annum. Established, March, 1875. 15 Cents.
VOL, X1. BOSTON, MASS., MARCH, 1886. No. 3.

Birds of the Sea Islands.
Corrections and Additions to My Previous List.
BY WALTER HOXIE, FROGMORE, 8. C.

I have had so much interesting correspondence
in regard to two of the birds in my list of the
“ Birds of the Sea Islands,” that I think the read-
ers of THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST may
be interested to know the conclusions at which
we have now arrived.

But first let me recur to the Red-shouldéred
Blackbird, which I mistook for car gubernator,
Two of my correspondents referred it to moulting
plumage, and I now find they are right. I have
this winter obtained two specimens in just that
stage of moult. Both show indications of ‘‘pin-
feathers” at the border of the red patch.

The Small-headed Flycatcher, proves to be a
female Pine Creeping Warbler in peculiar plum-
age. “It would puzzle any ornithologist,” says
one of my kindest critics.

I have not taken a Bachman’s Warbler this
year, but Iam firmly convinced that I have done
so in past years, as the following circumstance
will show. While in Savannah, last fall, Mr. G.
Noble was showing me the colored plates in
Studer’s Ornithology, (1 think that is the title of
the work,) and as he turned the pages rather
rapidly to find some particular figure to which
he wished to refer, I stopped him at once with
the exclamation, ‘There is a Bachman’s
Warbler.”

There was no name as a guide, and we were
not speaking or thinking of the bird; so I had no
possible context in picking out this particular
figure at the first glance, from among a dozen or
so other small birds. A reference to the index
proved that I was right, and my conviction is the
same now, or even possibly stronger than when I
wrote my list. Mr. Noble thinks he has seen the
bird near Savannah.

I secured a Wood Duck on Edding Island,
Nov. 27, 1884, and in the following month an-

other. This species seems to be only a straggler
here, though not uncommon in the fresh water
further inland. A Woodcock was killed by a
negro on Edding Island, Dec. 3, 1884, and tie
following week I took another and saw several
more, the latter being always the easier operation.

Both specimens were abnormally large. I have
seen none this year as yet.
Took a Ring-billed Gull, Feb. 22, 1885. They

were quite rare last winter, but the present sea-
son they seem to be more plenty.

Just after the great cyclone of Aug. 25, 1865, I
took a Bridled Tern. It was a male in immature
plumage. Measurements, 13.50x30.20 inches.
Fork of tail 2.50 inches deep. Bill and feet
blackish; inside of mouth pale flesh color. Stom-
ach empty. It was in company with several
Short-tailed Terns, and its graceful and more
elaborate style of flight at once distinguished it
from the others. It unfortunately dashed up
close to the gun when shot, and was somewhat
mutilated about the head, but made a passable
skin.

October 25, 1885, I secured a Northern Phala-
rope. It was a male measuring 7.25x12.68 inches.
Bill bluish-black. Legs bluish, on the inner side
yellowish-white, as were also the inner membrane
of the feet: but the toes were the same color as
the legs. Iris, hazel. The bird was swimming
in a brackish pond, and when first seen through
the weeds I mistook it for a Grebe. I shot a
Snipe and Yellow Legs, and then seeing that the
supposed Grebe did not move I gave it a charge
of No. 8s, and was much astonished to find what
a prize I had secured.

Dec. 28, 1885, I took a Junco, the first I ever
heard of so far from the mountains, though I am
told they are quite common about Augusta, Ga.
Coots have been plenty this past fall, in a fresh
pond on Edding Island. Previously I had never
secured but one specimen in this vicinity. Cat-
birds, which were so common last year (their first
appearance) just showed themselves the first of
the season, and have not been seen since. Their

Copyright, 1886, by EATON CuiFF and F. B. WEBSTER.

3¢ ORNITHOLOGIST ©

invasion of this locality seems to have been a
very unique bird movement.

A friend informs me of the capture, on St.
Helena Island, of a Grebe that was unknown to
him and undiscribed—at least in that plumage—
in Coues’ Key. He mentions that the back of the
neck and head were of a velvety black. Is it
possible that it could be the true Nigricollis?

as

Florida Birds in December, 1885.
BY A. L. BROWNE, ORLANDO, FIA.

A few changes among the birds have occurred
this month, but none of much importance.

On the first day of the month, just after sunset,
a Chuck-will’s-widow, (A. carolinensis,) suddenly
appeared close by the house, in the orange grove,
and perched on an overturned plow for some
minutes, once darting some distance up in the air
evidently in pursuit of an insect. This was the
only instance in which I saw the species. The
Red-poll Warblers were very abundant at the
commencement of the month, but seemed to di-
minish in numbers somewhat during the latter
part, and the Chipping Sparrows, which fre-
quently accompanied them, became the more nu-
merous of the two.

One small flock of the Warblers in this grove
the last of the month, were quite tame, showing
but little fear of persons about the house, and
often coming upon the porch after flies.

The Grass Finch and Savannah Sparrow, like
the Red-poll Warblers, grew less plenty during
the last half of the month, The Meadow Lark,
Belted Kingfisher and Killdeer were quite scarce.

Titlarks were rarely seen after the first week.
The Marsh Hawk disappeared entirely, but its
place was supplied by the Sparrow Hawk, (7°.
sparverius), Which became the first of the month
quite plenty, usually in or near the pine woods,
though occasionally found in an orange grove.

Another new bird forthe month was the Purple
Grackle, (Q. purpureus). Saw large flock on the
16th, among the pine trees on the edge of a lake,
and another on the 21st, around a little pond close
to the city. Saw flocks at intervals afterward.

The Great White Egret, (7. «. egretta,) and
Great Blue Heron, (A. heroedias,) also appeared.
The former I first saw on the 4th, and found fre-
quently during the month about the lake shores,
often wading deep in the water and catching fish
or frogs with great dexterity. The Great Blue
Heron was seen only on the 22d and 28th, perched
in pine trees near the lakes,

The only time I have ever seen the Brown
Thrush, (47. rufus), at this place was on the 19th

of the month. He was in the hummocks, and

[Vol. 11--No. 3

very sly; I could only get an accasional glimpse
of him as he darted about omongst the scrub val-
metto. Saw one Great Carolina Wren, (7. ludo-
vicianus), on the 29th, about the edge of a high
hummock.

Noticed several times one of a pair of Logger-
head Shrikes, which make this grove their home,
pounce upon a Mockingbird who had approached
too near the location of their last season’s nest,
and drive bim from the vicinity. From this I
judge that they are preparing to build, as that
habit toward the Mocker seems to be a character-
istic of the breeding season. A warm, sunny
day following a frosty night was a time of great
activity among the birds. On the 7th, which was
such a day, I found Maryland Yellow-throats ex-
ceedingly abundant about high and low hum-
mocks, (this month I found both sexes equally
numerous), also Tufted Titmouse and Carolina
Chickadees in the same places much more abun-
dant than usual. The other species were more
sprightly than they ordinarily appear.

The 28th and 29th were similar days, and it
started the Bluebird, Cardinal Grosbeak and
Mockingbird briskly into song, though it may
prove only temporary. The Grosbeaks have been
more plenty this month than last. Red-bellied
Woodpeckers and Flickers were more plenty in
the pines this month.

Saw one Pied-billed Grebe on the 16th, and
three on the 17th, on the same lake on which the
one was taken last month. Among the other
birds which were plenty in November no notice-
able change has taken place.

Red-tailed Hawk.

(Buteo borealis.)
BY GEO, P. ELLIOTT, MERCER, PA.

This species is comparatively common in this
locality, being the detested Hen Hawk, of the
farmers and hunters. It is taken with great diffi-
culty as it 1s excedingly shy and hard to ap-
proach. It is almost impossible to get within
gun-shot of it unless the hunter is on horseback
or in a sleigh or wagon.

In the far west, however, this is quite contrary,
and H. W. Henshaw, of Washington, D. C., one
of our most reliable ornithological authorities, in
his ‘Ornithological Notes,” says:

“At Mount Graham, in October, these hawks
were present in large numbers, and tamer than I
have ever known hawks to be elsewhere. Walk-
ing quietly along, there was no difficulty in ap-
proaching within a few yards of the tree where
one chanced to perch. One individual which I
scared from its perch by throwing a stone, took a

March, 1886. ]

few wide circles about me, as though wondering
what it meant, and quietly returned to its former
stand.’

“Red-tailed hawks in their fall migration are
gregarious. One clear, cold autumn afternoon
in 1876, I saw, near West Chester, Pa., a flock of
these hawks. The sky was destitute of clouds
except a cumulus stratum directly beneath, and
apparently about half way between the hawks
and the earth. In the center of this vapor there
was an opening of sufficient size to enable me to
watch the gyrations of the birds; two of them
suddenly separated from the main body and ap-
proached each other, screaming and apparently
in great rage. They descended screaming, and,
to all appearances clinched, to within about about
one hundred yards of the earth, when they parted.
Evidently neither bird had received much injury,
as they both, after taking short flights across the
meadows, ascended in company with twoor three
of their companions that had accompanied them
part way down, to the main body. This party
of hawks, after performing for nearly twenty
minutes, these, and numerous other :erial antics,
continued their southern flight. Combats in mid-
air are quite common among red-tailed hawks.”

I take the above notes from an article on the
“Diurnal Rapacious Birds,” of Chester County,
Pa., furnished to the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Board by Mr. B. H. Warren, of West Chester, Pa.

Though the bulk of the birds of this species
pass south at the approach of winter, a few indi-
viduals remain with us throughout the entire sea-
son. These hawks generally hunt in pairs, prey-
ing upon rabbits, quail, snakes, frogs, squirrels,
mice, moles, and sometimes skunks. An acquaint-
ance of mine, whom I shall call H., having set a
trap to catch a skunk which had been committing
depredationsamong his poultry, was lucky enough
to capture the thief, in a piece of woods not far
from the house of the captor. Having killed and
skinned the skunk, (a most delightful task,) H.,
left the body where it was, and returned home.
The next morning, while passing the spot where
the skunk lay, he flushed two large Red-tails
from the carcass, which they had partially de-

voured. Returning home, H., procured two
strong, double-spring steel traps and set them,

one on each side of the dead skunk. The next
morning on visiting the traps, he found that he
had caught both hawks. They were the finest
specimens of the species I have ever seen,—a male
and a female, both adults and unusually large.
The female was four feet and four inches in ex-
panse, and twenty-four inches in length, the male
being two inches smaller each way. The bodies
were completely covered by thick layers of fat.

AND OOLOGIST. 30

I have heard of the Red-tailed Hawk killing
and eating the common ground-hog, but as I
have no positive proof of this, I cannot add it to
the list of animals included in their bill of fare.
Squirrels form quite an item in the food of the
Red-tail. When two of the birds are hunting
together, as is frequently the case, the usual mode
of capture is that one of the hawks will drive the
squirrel around the tree while the other bird
poises to sieze it as it dodges around to avoid the
first hawk.

The bulk of these hawks arrive from the south
about the first of March. Nest building generally
begins in this locality, about the fifteenth of the
month and continues from ten to fifteen days.
The nest is constructed of coarse sticks, lined
with the inner bark of the birch, oak, or chestnut
trees, and is invariably placed in high trees.
The eggs are generally two in number, sometimcs
three, and more rarely four. They are laid from
the twenty-fifth of March to the middle of April,
and sometimes later. A set of two handsome
eggs is before me. They were collected on the
seventeenth of April, 1885, near Lake City, Minn.
The nest was forty-five feet up in a birch tree,
and was composed of heavy sticks, lined with
grass and birch bark. The eggs are very differ-
ent in markings and shape. No. 1 is, in shape, a
rounded oval, bluish-white ground color, marked
with large reddish-brown blotches over the entire
surface; measures 2.50x1.95 inches. No. 2 is of
the same ground color as No. 1, but is oval in
shape, and is thickly marked at the lesser end

with dashes of pale yellowish-brown. These
markings are placed lengthwise on the egg, and

though thickest at the smallest end extend more
or less over the entire surface. Measures 2.90x
1.90 inches. They are unusually large.

“Gentry tells us: ‘The eggs vary in size, even
in the same nest. The largest measures 2.52x1.88
inches, and the smallest 2.10x1.72.’” (Warren.)
No hawk eggs present greater variation in point
of markings and ground color, “even in the same
nest. Some are of a uniform dull white, without
markings of any description; others are faintly
marked with drab, but the usual marking seems
to be of different shades of brown and umber.

This species, never plentiful, is becoming less so
every year.’ Great numbers of Raptores, many of
them beneficial (the Sparrow Hawk and Screech
Owl,) are killed every year by hunters and farm-
ers. But in this region the Red-tailed Hawk
seems to have more than its share of the hatred
and persecution of the farmers, which, in the
writer’s estimation should be turned against the
Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks.

36 ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 3

° .
OOLAIGXS:
J. PARKER NORRIS, Editor.

The Editor assumes no responsibility for those ar-
ticles which have the names of the writer attached.

Nests of Long-billed Marsh Wren.

It has often been noticed that the Long-billed
Marsh Wren (T7éelmatodytes palustris), builds many
more nests than are occupied by the birds, and
it has been suggested that perhaps this was done
as an amusement, by the males, while the females
are sitting on their eggs. Mr. J. W. Preston, of
Baxter, Iowa, writes that he is of opinion that
the true reason is on account of meadow mice
vetting into them; and that this wren will not
remain in the nests when they have been dis-
turbed in any way. In case of the latter event
happening the wrens at once build a new home;
and Mr. Preston says he has seen more than fifty
new nests in one small marsh, all of which were
deserted, and some of them contained portions of
ege shells, evidently the work of mice.

—_—— ~~ -——

Breeding of the Barn Owl Near
Philadelphia.

BY HARRY G. PARKER, CHESTER, PENN.

The Tinicum meadows lying just below Phila-
delphia, on the Delaware River, on account of
their marshy nature and the quantity of insects
and small quadrupeds which abound, offer temp-
tation of no mean kind to the Barn Owl (Aluco
Hlammeus americanus), and 1 know of five in-
stances of their eggs having been found there
during the past eight years:

April 13, 1877, Mr. Isaac Reiff, the well-known
odlogist of Philadelphia, took a fresh set of five
eggs.

April 13 and 15, 1881, the same gentleman took
two more sets of four eggs each.

April 18, 1882. This vear the birds had been
much disturbed, and only laid two eggs, which
were left for incubation.

April 12, 1885, I found a set of five fresh eggs.

These meadows are very low, and it is only by
means of irrigation that they are rendered fit pas-
ture land for the immense number of cattle which
arrive from the west, and which are here allowed
to recuperate and fatten before being slaughtered.
The nests in every case were found in the re-
cesses of some of the weather-beaten and blasted
oaks which are here and there to be found, but
which are growing fewer every year owing to
storms. We never failed to detect the presence
of the Barn Owls by means of the large pellets
which they exude, and which are? found lying

about the trunks of the trees where they have
their nests.

[The above instances of the Barn Owl breed-
ing near Philadelphia are of more than common
interest, owing to the fact that it is comparatively
a rare bird in that neighborhood.

This species of owl appears to be more common
in California than elsewhere, and it seems to lay
more eggs ina set in that locality than it does
further east. Seven and eight eggs are no un-
common number there, but who ever heard of
that many being found in one nest in any other
part of the country ?—Eb. |

An Oological Axiom.

“T may here mention a fact in Odlogy, appar-
ently not without its value. In measuring many
hundred eggs, I have noticed that the variation,
however great, is less in absolute bulk than in
contour—in approach to, or departure from, what
may be regarded as the standard of shape for the
species. Now this variation in shape is produced
mainly by difference in the length of the major
axis, the transverse diameter being approximate-
ly constant. What additional variation in shape
may occur, results from slight shifting of the
point of greatest breadth toward one end or the
other. Anatomical considerations bear this out.
Taking the calibre of the oviduct as an approxi-
mately fixed quantity in the same species, and
remembering that varying circumstances of age,
season, and physical vigor, determine the amount
of fluids secreted to envelope the ovum, it is evi-
dent that. while the whole capacity of the calca-
reous shell must vary correspondingly, the differ-
ence will be mainly in lengthening or shortening
of the egg, since the contractility of the oviduct
holds the transverse diameter newly fixed.

There are also few instances of greater differ-
ences in the amount, intensity, and distribution
of pigmentary matter than those occurring among
hawks, and even in eggs of the same nest com-
plement. I think it a probable rule, that the
succession of laying of the eggs can be judged
by the quantity of pigment in the shell, those
first extruded being generally the most heavily
colored, the others growing lighter with gradual
consumption of the color supply. This is strik-
ingly illustrated in cases where the same nest has
been robbed repeitedly—the later laid eggs grad-
ually losing their coloration, as well as gradually
growing smaller, with increasing exhaustion of
the reproductive powers of the parent. Every
poultry man is familiar with the extreme instance
of this, when a hen drops an egg often no larger
than a pigeon’s as the final effort before ceasing
to lay.” —Coues’ Birds of the Northwest, p. 847.

March, 1886.]

Early Breeding of Anna’s Hum-
mingbird.
BY W. OTTO EMERSON, HAYWARDS, CAL.

What will be thought of Anna’s Hummingbird,
(Calypte anne,) breeding on January 19th? Yet
such is the case in this locality. The warm
weather we had has opened a number of flowers,
and gum trees loaded with their white bunches of
bloom, raspberries in blossom, etc., no doubt made
the birds think it time to commence nesting.

At noon, when our trimmer returned to the
house for dinner, -he told us that while at work
cutting off a large limb of a pear tree, a female
Hummingbird came around, and seemed to be
very uneasy about something. He did not pay
much attention to her, until she flew about his
face. He then noticed a nest, very small and
nicely placed on the twigs. As he walked over
to another tree to rest the branch on it, she lit on
the nest, and only took flight again on his putting
it down. She then went back to where the limb
had been cut off, and tried to perch on another
place. It was no use. She knew something had
been done to her home. He had meantime cut
the twig off with the nest on, intending to tie it
back on another limb. In sawing the limb off,
the two eggs rolled out on the dead leaves. One
of them was broken in the fall, the other had the
end chipped, but picking it up he put it back, and
then tied it in the fork of a large branch. He
then stepped backward to see the result. The
bird flew to the nest, sat down and commenced to
dress her feathers, no doubt thinking it was all
right.

I went out in the afternoon. The bird seemed
to be uneasy, as she had missed the other ege no
doubt as she kept flying from tree to tree.

The nest was placed on a twig, like a chicken’s
claw, where the branch forked out. There were
five small twigs coming out, known to fruit
growers as ‘‘fruit spurs.” It was about seven or
eight feet from the ground, on south side of tree,
which was entirely denuded of leaves. The fact
of the bird building on the southern exposure,
shows her sense or instinct, for the most warmth
to be had from the winter’ssun. During the hot
days of May and June they choose some cool re-
treat, along the shady creeks, or many blue-gum
tree groves about Haywards.

The nest I took in this morning, Jan. 20th, as
she had left it, and it would be soon pouring
down rain. The Hummingbird was still around,
feeding on the raspberry flowers, but she seemed
sad and lost. The cold winds no doubt made her
think that it would have been better to have
waited or gone further south.

AND OOLOGIST. 37

I had noticed this Hummingbird for some
two weeks back, but did not pay any attention to
her, little dreaming that she had begun nest-build-
ing, as they can be seen around the gardens all
winter.

The little nest now sits before me on its chairof
fruit spurs. It is composed of the usual cottony
substance of thistle weeds, with a great. quantity
of feathers of the California Quail worked in.
The outside is well covered with spider webs,
fine threads of bark, and_ beautiful sea-green
lichens are well distributed over the whole, with
here and there a bit of dark green moss.

It is wonderful how they will put on these
lichens with their long pine-needle like bill. I
have watched them at work putting the webs over
all by drawing their bills up and down, over the
sides of the nest, as they sat thereon. The egos
were within five days of hatching, showing she
had been incubating about six days, as it takes
from ten to twelve days for these little mites to
come forth. c

I will here speak of an Allen’s Hummingbird,
(Selasphorus alleni,) that commenced to build its
nest on a running rose, under the porch roof, and
within eight feet of the floor, in front of our bed-
room window, on May 27, 1885. She commenced
the nest on the end of the stalk, by bringing a lot
of willow cotton and webs. She would place her-
self on the spot chosen, then with her bill, running
it here and there around the edge of the bottom,
picking out a bit here and there, to place some
other in its place, then working her wings in a
fluttering manner to shape the nest around her
body. On May 31st she laid her first egg, al-
though the nest was not all done yet. She laid
some time before 10 o’clock, as I kept watch of
her, and she had been sitting all day on account
of the high winds blowing the long running rose
stalk. By sitting close she kept the egg from
rolling out. Once or twice she left the nest to get
a bit of web or cotton, to put on around the nest.
On June 1st she did not lay an egg as the wind
was blowing hard all day. So she had to keep on
her nest to save her egg. The nest swung like
“the cradle in the tree-top,” of nursery rhyme
fame. The nest looked about half done, a great
deal of cotton from the willows and the steamens
of the Australian blue gum tree flowers. On
June 3d one of the eggs got shaken out of the
nest and was broken on the floor. Still she sat.
On June 4th the wind was very violent and
switched out the other egg. The bird would
come to the nest, look in, and then dart away,
hovering in the air, give two or three sharp rasp-
ing notes, and then fly off to hunt her mate to tell
him of their fate. The nest still hangs there to the
winter’s winds.

3 ORNITHOLOGIST

A Season's Notes from Bristol
County, Mass.

A. Brief Review from My Note Book of 1885.

BY F. M. MERCK.—PART I.

As is usual in our New England climate, ‘‘win-
ter lingered in the lap of spring,” and our bird life
did not arrive in force until late in May.

A warm spell in latter February and early
March, brought a few Red-wings, and a Song
Sparrow burst into song March 5th, but colder
weather ensued, and I did not hear his sweet trill
again until the 27th. A few Robins showed
themselves, and now and then a Bluebird came
about the house.

April 1st, was warm and bright, and to-day I
noticed the first White-breasted Swallow of the
season. Cowbirds and Pewees arrived a day or
two later, together with the Meadow Larks.

April 7th, I visited my friend, Mr. “F. H. C.,”
and arrived at his house to find him absent on a
day’s collecting trip. In the afternoon he re-
turned with a set of two eggs of the Barred Ow],
thus showing that Strix kept up to date, despite
the inclement season. During the fortnight spent
at Rehoboth, the weather grew much warmer.
Fox Sparrows appeared in numbers, and the van-
guard of the Red-poll Warblers arrived. A Great
Northern Skrike was shot April 16th, and both
Junco’s and Fox Sparrows were last observed
on the 18th.

A Red-shouldered Hawk was seen building her
nest in a tall oak tree; she seemed loath to leave
her work, although I passed under it. My friend
secured a set of two eggs from it April 27th.

The latter part of April was warm, and brought
Barn and Cliff Swallows, Brown Thrushes and
Black-and-White Creepers. The spring plumaged
Yellow-rumped Warblers were very plenty, and
do not resemble the modest autumn migrants.

Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks are now
laying, though the latter species is well along in
incubating. One nest of the former found April
27th, with three eggs, and two nests the 28th, with
tliree eggs apiece.

May 1st to 10th, very pleasant; Blue Yellow-
backs, Golden-crowned Thrushes arrived on the
6th, Yellow Warblers and Wood Thrushes the
7th, Kingbirds and Spotted Sandpipers the 8th,
and Chimney Swifts on the 9th.

Fish Hawks are not common in my section of
this county, but from the colony on Palmer’s
River comes the report of “F. H, C.” “ Visited
the Ospreys in company with F. W. A., May 8th,
and found them with complete sets, though we
failed to find any with four eggs, as we did in ’84.”

[Vol. 11-No. 3

A nest of the Cooper’s Hawk was found April
29th, with four eggs; this nest was in oak woods,
and from the inside arrangement (lining of cedar
strips) Iam of the opinion it was an old habita-
tion of Corvus.

Another nest of Cooperi found May 2d, was the
same from which a set was taken in ’84; the only
instance I have noted of A. cooperi using the same
nest for successive seasons.

My first Blue Jay’s nest was found May 11th,
and while despoiling it, a Sharp-shinned Hawk,
doubtless attracted by the discordant screams of
the angry Jays, dashed into the grove of pines and
seizing a Jay, bore it to the ground, then suddenly
catching a glimpse of me it flew away, while it’s
would-be victim shambled off, a badly scared
specimen of Corvide.

May 10th to 20th, White-eyed Vireos, Baltimore
Orioles, Redstarts and Wood Pewees arrived.
Nashville Warblers are seen, and one fine male
Black-and-Yellow Warbler ; a rare migrant.

May 23d, I secured a fine specimen of the Rose-
breasted Grosbeak, which I find from the testi-
mony of several collectors to be quite rare in this
county, and May 29th I had the good fortune to
secure another, also a male ; these were the only
ones I have observed, and can find no authentic
reports of its nesting within the limits of this
county.

The male Scarlet Tanagers arrived here in force
May 20th, and the females a few days later.
These birds by reason of brilliant color and fine
song are conspicuous features of our local Bird
Life. Other birds are now breeding ; two nests of
the Black-capped Chickadee are found in birch
stubs, open at the top, with a soft lining of rab-
bit’s hair and wool.

Flickers and Downys are occupying their domi-
ciles in old orchards and groves, and on May 29th
I secured a pair of P. villossus, a very late date for
these birds, which usually figure in our fauna as
winter visitors. I am of the opinion they were
nesting in the vicinily, or intended to do so, and
my belief is further strengthened by the occur-
rence of their breeding at Rehoboth, where a hole
was found in an old apple tree tenanted by a pair
of Hairy Woodpeckers.

The set was four in number and advanced in
incubation. This is the first instance on record
of the breeding in this county, and i presume the
fortunate collector (F. H. Carpenter) will give
fuller particulars.

June Ist, the last migrants, the Black-poll War-
blers, arrived last week, and bird life is at its
zenith. A nest of the Field Sparrow in some low
trailing briars, with four eggs, another of Chewink
ina low bush with one egg, and several of the
Catbird with a fullcomplement of eggs are noticed,

March, 1886.]

I find several pretty structures of the Yellow
Warbler, with uncomplete sets, in the alder
bushes by the brook side.

The first week in June advances our birds in
breeding still more. Wood Thrushes, Baltimore
Orioles and Purple Martins are nesting, and I
found a set of four eggs of the former in a nest
placed on a fallen birch, and I have noticed that
such places seem favorite situations for them to
build upon.

The Purple Martins are decreasing in numbers
and the usual reason of the “ persecution of man”
cannot be applied in this case, for two score of
years ago no house was considered as finished un-
less a number of “martin holes” was bored under
the eaves for the accommodation of these birds,
yet notwithstanding the universal protection given
them, the gables of our farm houses respond no
more to their social twitters, and the “Cape Cod
Swallows” are fast becoming less numerous in

Bristol County.
eee

A Trip to a Swan’s Nest.
BY H. H. BRIMLEY, RALEIGH, N. C.

The following incident in connection with a
bird whose nesting habits are little known this
side of the water, may possibly be of interest to
some of your readers. Some years ago the writer
was an inmate of a large boarding school near the
town of Bedford, England, and, in company with
two other boys, employed many of the Saturday
holidays in collecting eggs. On one of our expe-
ditions, in the summer of 1877, along the banks of
the river Ouse, some four miles below Bedford,
we discovered the nest of a pair of Mute Swans,
(Cygnus musicus,) on a reedy island in the middle
of the river, and at once resolved to add at least
one of their eggs to our collection. On the follow-
ing Saturday, my two companions, with myself,
procured leave of absence and hurried off to the
boat yard, where we were soon in possession of a
light pair of oars for the afternoon. Thad then in
my possession a small silver-mounted, single
barrel muzzle loading pocket pistol, of which I
was exceeding proud, probably chiefly for the
reason that I never could kill anything with it.
It was duly loaded, capped and put into possess-
ion of the man at the helm. Pulling a steady
stroke, and with many speculations as to the
probably number of eggs we should get, we at
length arrived in sight of our goal. We slowed
up, then rowed beyond and all around the island
to find out the whereabouts of the birds. Wesaw
one (presumedly the female) on the nest, appar-
ently oblivious to our presence. The other we
could not discover, so we ran our boat ashore at

AND OOLOGIST.

39

the upper end, made her fast and prepared for the
fray. All of us had a very wholesome respect for
the prowness of the Mute Swan, being familiar
with many tales of their attacking and grievously
injuring sundry specimens of the genus boy, and
therefore made preparations to repel the attacks
of the enemy, should they show fight. My com-
panions, each brandishing a scull, formed the van,
whilst the artillery, under my command, de-
fended the rear. We approached the nest cau-
tiously and surrounded it. Emboldened by the
passive attitude of it’s occupant, we carefully
pushed the bird on one side, and by so doing, ex-
posed to our delighted gaze three eggs, just one
apiece. These were quickly appropriated and
transferred to the pockets of the writer, and, al-
lowing the old bird to resume her former position,
which she did immediately, the retreat com-
menced. We laid the eggs on a bed of rushes in
the bottom of the boat, got aboard and pushed off
down the river. Just as we cleared the lower end
of the island, the male bird was seen clambering
up the bank and approaching his mate. We had
not proceeded more than a few hundred yards
when we saw him slide into the water and give
chase. Finding swimming too slow, he raised his
enormous wings, and, beating the water with his
paddles, made a bee line for the boat. His whole
appearance denoted excessive rage, and not wish-
ing to engage in a combat with only our frail and
narrow craft between us and about ten feet of not
over warm water, we ran the boat ashore and
jumped out, armed as before. On he came, still
making the spray fly with his broad feet until
within less than five yards of where we stood,
when he slid into the water and swam backwards
and forwards a time or two, as if hesitating
whether or not to attack us. Finally he swam out
into the middle of the river, raised himself out of
the water, and again came at us, but as before,
sliding down to aswimming posture before reach-
ing land. This he repeated several times and at
length left us and swam off up the river to rejoin
his mate. I do not know whether he would have
attacked us had we remained in the boat; cer-
tainly all his movements gave one the idea of
utter fearlessness and excessive anger. In repass-
ing the island on our way back, he was standing
by the side of the nest, having apparently for-
gotten our existence.

The eggs were of a greenish white color, very
variable in dimensions and shape and of a size
proportionate to that of the bird. I regret that I
cannot give measurements, but I unluckily broke
the one that fell to my share some years ago.

The nest was simply a heap of rushes, with a
depression in the top, some two feet in height.

THE
URNITHOLOGIS

—AND—
OOLOGIST.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

ge = Ui Ow he 2 Wb ag sh ep Bh 9 es

ESPECIALLY DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF

BIRDS,

THEIR NESTS AND EGGS.
DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES

AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD AND INSECT LIFE,

FREDERIC H. CARPENTER, Editor,
REHOBOTH, MASS.,

FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher,
409 WASHINGTON, ST., BOSTON, MASS.

Editorial.

The American Ornithologists’ Union
Code and Check List of North American
Birds, will undoubtedly be ready for the
public by the date of this issue. We
can but desire that the matter of a uniform
check list for the use of ornithologists is
now settled, and we hope it will avoid the
confusion hitherto experienced, by having
specimens labeled according to different
nomenclatures.

The change in arrangement has been
great, and it will need a complete over-
hauling and re-labeling in the cabinet in
order to preserve the arrangement accord-
ing to its dictates.

We insert the following at the request
of the “Committee on the Protection of
North American Birds,’ forbearing any
comments at present.

PROTECTION FOR THE BIRDS.

Bird destruction is this country is every year assuming a
more and more serious aspect. The startling decrease in
the numbers of many of our birds, brought about of late
years by the unceasing persecution waged for the sake of
fashion, has aroused the American Ornithologists’ Union to
a recognition of the necessity for instant and decided effort
in behalf of our birds. To answer this imperative demand
the Union has appointed a “Committee on the Protection
of North American Birds.” This committee was lately or-
ganized in this city with the following membership: Mr.
George 8, Sennett, Chairman; Mr. Eugene P. Bicknell,
Secretary; Mr. J. A. Allen, Dr. J. Holder, Dr. George Bird

40 ORNITHOLOGIST

[ Vol. 11-No. 3

Grinnell, Mr. William Dutcher and Mr. L. 8. Foster, all of
New York city; Mr. William Brewster, Cambridge, Mass.;
Mr. Montague Chamberlain, St. John, N. B; Col. N. 8.
Goss, Topeka, Kansas.

The objects of the committee are as follows:

1. The gathering of all possible information bearing on
the subjects of the destruction and the protection of North
American birds.

2. The diffusion of information among the people in re-
spect to the extent of the slaughter of birds for millinery
and other mercenary purposes; the wanton killing of birds
in sport by men and boys; the robbing of birds’ nests; the
destruction of the eggs of rails, terns, gulls and other birds
for food; and the marked recent decrease of many species
resulting from this general destruction. the spreading of
information, also, in respect to the utility of birds as a
natural check upon the increase of insects injurious to vege-
tation, and with reference to their interest and value from
an thetic point of view. This with the object of develop-
ing a public sentiment in favor of the rigid protection of
our native birds, a sentiment that will naturally spring up
strongly and widely as soon as attention is called to the
subject.

3. To encourage the formation of bird protective associa-
tions and anti-bird-wearing leagues.

4, The perfection of a statute for the protection of birds,
drawn with regard to its availability for enactment by all
the States and Territories, leaving, however, the game birds,
properly so considered, to the care of the game protective
associations,

5. The prevention of the collecting of birds and eggs for
pseudo-scientific purposes, and the development of a sys-
tem of co-operation between this committee and the various
authorities to whom may be assigned the power of granting
permits for the collection of birds in the interest of science.

6. The consideration of the best means for securing the
enforcement of bird protective statutes.

The committee is desirous of collecting facts and statis-
tics bearing upon the subject of the destruction of our birds,
and will welcome information from any source. It also ex-
tends the promise of its hearty co-operation to all persons
or societies who may be interested in the protection of our
birds.

The headquarters of the committee are at the American
Museum of Natural History, Central Park, New York city,
where the officers or any of the members may be addressed.
—Forest and Stream.

A Probable Hybrid Between Spizella
Pallida and Spizella Breweri.

While on a collecting trip in New Mexico last
spring, I shot a specimen which I think is jointly
referable to these species. It was also identified
as being a probable hybrid of the above by Mr.
Ridgway. The following is a description of the
bird.

(No. 580, Author's coll.) Crown, dark ashy
gray or clay color, thickly streaked with black,
shading into a light yellowish brown on the edges
of the feathers. The streaks are very clearly de-
fined, much more so than in S. palada. Super-
ciliary line not as distinct as in S. pallida, but
more so than in S. brewert. The markings and
colors on the whole of the upper parts closely
resemble those of S. pallida, but are a shade or so

March, 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

41

darker. Throat, pure white, shading on the
breast and balance of the lower parts into an
ashy white, which, on the sides has a tinge of
bay. Tail, uniformly darker than most speci-
mens of S. pallida, teathers conspicuously edged
with white; bill, dark brown and quite com-
pressed; tarsi, brown. The following are the
measurements in inches and hundredths: Length,
0.20; stretch, 7.20; wing, 2.50; tail, 2.35; tarsus,
.69; bill, .80; color of irides, hazel; sex, ¢. The
specimen was shot near Las Vegas, in San
Miguel County, N. M., on May 11, 1885.—@eo. L.
Toppan.

Practical Taxidermy.

BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

CHAPTER VII.—LARGE ANIMALS.

With brain fairly reeling from the effect of run-
ning through several works by foreign authors*
treating upon heavy work, each varying in detail,
but all showing the same general plan. I will
endeavor to give the simplest method. For large
animals it is necessary that the frame should be
strong, light and correct in delineation. The
large amount of filling required makes it neces.
sary that it should partake more of the character
of a form or dummy. I would call your atten-
tion to the directions given for skinning small
animals. The same directions are to be followed
with the following variations: Skin legs down
to hoof or end of
toes, as the case

may be. If the — WN
=e

subject is very ——
large it may be

necessary to cut

the skin open on . x 3 F
the inner side pp

the legs, where

it will be least

seen after sewing.

It is desirable that the leg bones should be retained
if possible. If the subject has horns, skin to base
of skull, sever the neck, and afterwards open the
skin at top of neck and skin head as directed in
previous chapter. Next carefully cut from skin all
particles of flesh, fat and gristle, especially at feet,
nose, lips, etc..—make a clean job of it. It is
now ready to cure. The popular way of treating
it is with pickle made by the following propor-
tional receipt: 4 pounds English table salt, 2

*T have carefully avoided reading any American work in
order not to infringe on any original method advanced by
their authors—on this particular subject. Iam, however,
obliged to depend somewhat upon the experience of others,
my own being limited in this branch.

ounces saltpetre, 1 pound powdered alum, 4 ounce
corrosive sublimate, 2 gallons of water. (The
corrosive sublimate should be dissolved in a little
alcohol.) I would suggest using burnt alum as a
substitute for the common, as it is of a dryer na-

ture. For ordinary work a large wash tub will
answer. Place the skin and bones in it and

cover with the pickle. Large bones should have
holes bored in them to admit the pickle.

(In warm weather a very little carbolic acid
should be added—one ounce to ten gallons of the
pickle.)

The skin should remain in this until thorough-
ly saturated. For a dog skin, twenty-four to
forty-eight hours; deer skin, three to five days.
I am informed that skins can remain in this
pickle for a considerable length of time; but I
should prefer taking them out and drying, and
afterwards relaxing them when required. This
pickle retains its virtue till skins show a tendency
to become covered with slime; it should then be
renewed. When the skin is taken out allow it
to drain till the liquor has well run out and the
hair is partially dry. With a sharp thin knife
give it a good scraping or paring. Cut away all
the superfluous hide. The more pains you take
the better will be the result, the less the trouble
from shrinking. In mounting heads alone some
experts devote more time to this preparing of the
skin than others to the whole job. Our skin now
being ready we select a plank of 14 to 2 inches in

thickness and from 6 to 12 inches wide, depend-
ing upon the size of the subject. Saw it to length
a trifle less than the original length of the body,
(exact measurements must be referred to) round
oneend. This is for a body board. The top
should be sawed to a curve about the shape of
the back. Next bore holes in both ends for each
leg wire and for two neck wires. Fasten the
neck wires; if the specimen is not very large
wind one of the wires around the other and turn
the end back; the other wire, which is to go
through the skin, will be strengthened by _ it.
Fasten a block under each leg wire hole. The
board and block on each side should be the ag

ORNITHOLOGIST

gregate thickness of the space between the leg
See fig. 1.

A—B, blocks; C, head wires. Supposing our
subject to be a bear. We next fill the skull,
moulding it with clay as near as possible to na-
ture; then making a hole in the top (center of
forehead) large enough for the wire. (Large ani-
mals may require rods, heavier than wire.) We
force into its place in the skin. Next fill the
upper part of the neck fairly full of cut excelsior.
Put in leg wires in manner previously described,
winding the wire and bones carefully with tow
and excelsior, to imitate the original legs. Now
take the board and force the head wire up the
neck through the skull and skin; cut a hole in
the skin exactly over the hole in the skull. Be
careful about it as it will act as a guide. (Some
merely fasten the wire to the skull and then force
the skull and board in at the same.) Next pass
the leg wires through the proper holes, at right
angles to the board; bend them and fasten by
staples as shown in fig. 3. If the animal is short-
tailed, pass wire in and fasten to board; if long-
tailed, cover tail wire with tow, (use glue) build-
ing it to the size of the stump that was removed.
Force it into the skin and fasten to board; use

bones in the original body.

care to have the length correct.

Our body is now completely wired. Make two
pads to fill the space D, between the fore and
hind legs—shape of section 5—and dotted lines.
duild them firmly of excelsior, winding with fine
wire. Give a coat of glue and place pads in posi-
tion; bind them down with wire in same way ;
pad the board in other places till it is about the
natural size. You can now complete the shaping
with fine cut excelsior, tow.and clay, as the case
may require. (Some French writers thin
plaster casts, taken from the body, to complete
the finish.) A point is here reached where skill

use

The whole can be given a

can be displayed.
coat of clay, but I think in ordinary cases it
would be a waste of time, except in special places

as already referred to. All being ready, bend
legs into position and sew up skin. For heavy
work a hand guard of leather is required. Any
saddle maker can give advice in regard to its con-
struction. Place the specimen on base board and
bend it into shape—the desired attitude. See
that every bump and depression is exact. If
more filling is required, cut open the skin and in-
sert it; if too full, depress it or take out filling.
The head will be the last act. Carefully adjust
the nose, lips and eyelids, using putty or clay and
cotton. Putty I think works best for this last,
but have it free from oil. Set the eyes in putty.
Adjust ears as described in last chapter. If the
mouth is to be left open, the tongue should be
skinned and stuffed, or one be made of clay or
papier maché. It and the lips, gums, ete., can be
covered with the following: Heat common
beeswax with enough powdered resin to make it
hard. Apply when warm. This can afterwards
be colored. (Combs and wattles of fowls can be
treated in the same manner.) If there is a ten-
dency of the skin to sag, it can be held in place
by the use of bandages. An English writer sug-
gests cutting out pieces or sewing it in; but the
principle is wrong. Fig. 6 will show the position
of the board and wires in the skin.

If the subject has horns, so as to make the head
heavy, both wires should pass out through the
skull at two points and a wood brace should be
used, which can be fastened to the body board
by an iron strap and screw. See fig. 4. The
neck wires passing on each, care must be used to
have the brace of the right length and angle; a
wire band should pass around the brace and neck
wires. The fastening, etc., can be made through
the opening in the neck,

March, 1886. ]

AND OOLOGIST. 43

We will next consider mounting of heads. A
very simple way to form a frame work is to use a
board, say two inches thick. See fig.7,A. Fasten
the skull by using screws at B. Saw from D to
E to get elevation of nose, from C to F for thick-
ness of neck, and from F to E to get pitch of
head. Carefully measure skin so as to see that
neck board is not left too long. Next cut a base
board, G. Fasten the neck board at E, F; build
around the neck board with excelsior, cover it
and the skull with clay, moulding it correctly,
The skin can be drawn over this and tacked to
the under part of the base board.

We next consider flat skins. For these it will
be necessary to make our dummy completely,
legs and all; if there is no skull one must be made
on the dummy, and moulded with clay. All
must be complete. Great care should be exer-
cised that the form is not made too large. The
skin can be stretched some little, but only to make
up what it lost by shrinking or accident. When
the dummy is ready, soften the skin by soaking
in cold water; watch it carefully so as not to
have it remain in too long; drain it; treat it asa
cover to the dummy. If the hair is off in places,
by patience you can take hair from other parts
and adjust them by sticking. This can be so
nicely done as not to be detected, and is practical.

For very large animals, such as buffalo, sec-
tions of 4 inch board, should be sawed, shape of
fig 5, and fastened to the body board, and cross
slats fastened. This can be covered and will
make the body light. M’Vickary in stuffing a
whale in Boston a few years since, had the entire
form built of wood, covering the ribs with thin
sheathing.

The Connecticut Warbler.

(Oporornis agillis).

BY C. M, JONES, EASTFORD, CONN.

I made my first acquaintance with this bird in
the autumn of 1886. It was on the 30th day of
September that I was making my way through a
large boggy meadow where the grass had not been
cut and stood fully two feet high, hoping every
moment to start up something that might be an
addition to my collection. I was just approach-
ing the edge where the ground began to rise
slightly and a different kind of grass grew, when
up started a bird from the ground and flew a few
rods into a growth of bushes and small trees. I
saw her light in one of the trees, where she ran
along on the nearly horizontal branch very much
as I have seen the Golden-crowned Thrush do. I
supposed it was that species and thought I would
save the specimen for the autumnal plumage, so
advancing a few paces within reach I fired. But
on picking up the bird I saw that it was quite
another species, and took it to be a Mourning
Warbler until I noticed the white ring around
the eye.

Again on the morning of October 5th, I went
out for a short ramble, and while walking along
by the edge of a swampy thicket I saw a bird rise
from the ground and dart into the bushes. I was
quite near and could see as she paused for a mo-
ment, that it was the same species as that which I
had captured a few days before. I was too near
to fire, and while backing off she disappeared and
no amount of searching enabled me to discover
her again. Going on further to a little swamp of
about a couple of acres where mosses and skunk
cabbage and various kinds of reeds grew I waded
through it near one side and back again near the
other without starting anything till I stepped out
onto dry ground, a hay field, when I saw another
bird rise from the grass and hurry into a clump of
low bushes. Such movements were becoming fa-
miliar. I waited a long time, and could see the
bushes move as the bird kept hopping about
among them, but not a glimpse of the bird her-
self, though I felt sure that she kept an eye on me
all the time. At length all motion ceased and I
finally beat the bushes through, but she had evi-
dently retreated to a safer place. Somewhat dis-
appointed I started for home, but concluded to
take in, on my way, the place where I had seen
the other bird. As I came near she started up
again and was in the bushes in a twinkling. <As
she paused for a moment on a branch, though very
near, I dropped my gun quite below the mark

44

and fired. On taking her in my hand I found that
I held asomewhat mangled Connecticut Warbler.

These birds were both extremely fat, so that it
was difficult to skin them, and quite impossible to
make satisfactory specimens of them. The first
bird proved to be a female, the other was so in-
jured by shot that I could not determine the sex.
So short a study does not give one a very full
knowledge of their habits, but so much I learned,
that in autumn they seek for food on the ground,
in open land, but near some covert into which
they hasten when alarmed, that they are very
restless at such times, yet conceal themselves care-
fully and still manifest considerable curiosity
toward an intruder and are silent. In the spring
they may appear very differently.

Last Dates of Migratory Birds Ob-
served in the Fall of 1885, at Mon-
treal and Vicinity, Canada.

BY ERNEST D. WINTLE, MONTREAL.

Aug. 1, Indigo Bird.
% 8, Chipping Sparrow.
- 9, Tyrant Flycatcher, Summer Warbler.

“15, Catbird, Red-bellied Nuthatch, Barn
Swallow, White-bellied Swallow.

“16, Purple Martin.

Baltimore Oriole.

22, Red-eyed Vireo, Black-and- White Creep-

er, and Sharp-shinned Hawk.

“28, Nighthawk.

“29, Redstart, and Olive-sided Flycatcher.

Sept. 5, Chimney Swift, Black-billed Cuckoo.

“ 12, Golden-crowned Thrush, and Yellow-
bellied Woodpecker.

“15, Wild Pigeon.

“17, Cedar Bird, Golden-winged Woodpeck-
er, Purple Grackle, and Broad-
winged Buzzard.

“19, Wood Pewee, Pine-creeping Warbler.

“26, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, and White.

throated Sparrow.

, Wilson’s Thrush, Pigeon
low-rumped Warbler,
throated Green Warbler.

Goldfinch, and Winter Wren.

, Song Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker,
Black-capped Chickadee, Purple
Finch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Her-
mit Thrush, Blue Jay, White-bellied
Nuthatch, Great Horned Ow], Pine
Linnet, and Wilson’s Snipe.

* 25, Wilson’s Snowbird.

“31, Robin, and Brown Creeper,

Novy. 11, Hairy Woodpecker.

Hawk, Yel-
and Black-

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 3

Noy. 17, Bluebird.

“21, Crow.

The following species, mentioned in the forego-
ing list, are seen occasionally throughout the
winter here: Cedar Bird, Downy Woodpecker,
Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-bellied
Nuthatch, Great Horned Owl and Pine Linnet.

A Plea for the Hawks.

BY FALCO.

The common idea among farmers is that Hawks
are their worst enemies among the birds, and that
they cannot do better than exterminate them.
That such a conclusion is an error was conclu-
sively shown by Mr. B. Harry Warren, in his
paper on “Diurnal Rapacious Birds, with special
reference to Chester County, Pa.,”’ which was pub-
lished in the Report of the Pennsylvania Board of
Agriculture for 1883.

Mr. Warren dissected a large number of Hawks,
which were shot and trapped in Chester County
during a period of eight years, and found the con-
tents of their stomachs to be as follows:

RED-TAILED Hawk, (Buteo borealis,) 102 birds
examined. ‘‘In 81 chiefly mice and small quad-
rupeds, also some few small birds; 9, chickens; 3,
quail; 2, rabbits; 1, ham-skin; 1, a part of a skunk;
1, a red squirrel; 1, a grey squirrel; 3, snakes.”

RED-SHOULDERED Hawk, Buteo lineatus), 36
birds examined. “23 showed mice and small
quadrupeds, grasshoppers and coleopterous in-
sects; 9, revealed frogs and some few insects; in 2,
snakes and portions of frogs were present; and
from the remaining two, small birds, particles of
hair, and a few orthopterous insects were taken.”

BROAD-WINGED Hawk, (Buteo pennsylvanicus, )
12 birds examined. ‘4 revealed mice; 8, small
birds; 4, frogs; 1, killed the 22d of May this
present year, (1888,) was gorged with cray-fish,
with which were traces of coleopterous insects.”

Sparrow Hawk, (Zinnunculus sparverius), 29
birds examined. “15, principally mice, with fre-
quent traces of various insects; 6, grasshoppers ;
2, coleoptera and grasshoppers; 2, Meadow Larks;
4, small birds—sparrows.”

Cooper’s Hawk, (Accipiter cooper’), 27 birds
examined. ‘14 showed the food taken to have
been chickens; 5, revealed small birds—sparrows
and warblers—Dendraca—2, quail; 1, bull-frogs ;
3, mice and insects; 2, hair and other remains of
quadrupeds.”

SHARP-SHINNED Hawk, (Aceipiter fuscus), 15
birds examined. ‘‘6 of this number showed small
birds; 3, quail; 1, mice; 4, remains of young
chickens; 1, grasshoppers and beetles.”

March, 1886. ]

AMERICAN ROUGH-LEGGED Hawk, (Archibuteo
lagopus sancti johannis), 9 birds examined. “All
showed their food to be exclusively field-mice.”

Marsu Hawk, (Circus hudsonius), 11 birds ex-
amined. ‘5, revealed mice; 2, small birds—
Dendreca; 3, frogs; 1, a large number of grass-
hoppers, with a small quantity of hair, evidently
that ofa young rabbit.”

Duck Hawk, (Falco peregrinus nevinis), 1 bird
examined. The alimentary tract of this bird was
void of all food. The gentleman, however, who
presented it to me caught it in a steel trap, and
advised me that it had robbed him of several
fine hens.”

Pigeon Hawk, (dsalon columbarius), 3 birds
examined. ‘Two of the three specimens which
I have obtained showed remains of the common
pigeon.”

Mr. Warren states that of the above 245 exami-
nations made, “with the exception of the Spar-
row, Cooper's, and Broad-winged Hawks, have
mostly been made during the autumn, winter and
earlier spring months,” and “that this observa-
tion is made owing to the fact that it is argued by
many that the Rupacia are most destructive to the
rasorial birds during the hawk’s breeding season.”

An examination of the above list will show that
the diet of hawk’s does not by any means consist
entirely of chickens and useful insectivorous birds,
but that on the contrary the contents of their
stomachs would seem to indicate that they do
more good than harm. If they occasionally help
themselves to some old ben or young chicken is
not the good service they do in ridding the fields
of vermin more than an equivalent, and is not the
laborer worthy of his hire?

The fact that one person was able to kill two
hundred and forty-four hawks in one county, (for
Mr. Warren speaks as if he procured them all
himself except the Duck Hawk), in eight years
shows the extent to which these birds are de-
stroyed. Mr. Warren killed them in the interest
of science it is true, but many others have prob-
ably killed nearly as many in the same period
merely because they were hawks. Let this whole-
sale destruction cease, and let the farmer pause
and consider whether he is not killing his best
friend.

oath pest = t,

Longevity of Mockingbird.

Mrs. Hattie Holmes, 51 and 54 Main street,
Woonsocket, R. I., lost one of her feathered pets
Feb. 10, 1886, by death, the deceased being a
Mockingbird, which lived to the advanced age
of seventeen years, the usual longevity being only
six.— Woonsocket Reporter.

AND OOLOGIST. 45

ENTOMOLOGY.

73 Hanover St:, Boston, Mass.,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.

Address all communications for this department as above.

Editorial Notes.

We would call the attention of our readers to
the timely and instructive article on “Collecting
Cychrus,” by L. E. H., in this issue. We are
promised another article from the same writer
for April, and as they are all based on practical
experience, they wil! well repay a careful perusal.

Prof. S. A. Forbes, State Entomologist of Illi-
nois, has discovered and proved by repeated ex-
periments, that many species of larve, notably
the cabbage worm, may be easily disposed of by
anew method, viz., the introduction of bacteria
into their systems. In many parts of Illinois the
cabbage worms were dying as if stricken by a
plague. He found that they were filled with a
species of micrococcus, which could easily be pro-
pagated artificially. One drop of fluid taken from
a diseased worm was sufficient to whiten a vessel]
of beef broth with myriads of these organisms in
from two to three days. A pint of this mixture
in a barrel of water sprinkled on the leaves of the
cabbage is sufficient to introduce the disease, and
as it is very contagious and fatal it is well worthy
of atrial. Will not some of our readers try the
experiment on other larvee, more especially the
canker worm, and report progress.

ee eee ello F=0

Practical Entomology.
BY WRIGHT AND BATES, 73 HANOYER ST., BOSTON.
(Continued from page 29.)
ORTHOPTERA.

Precuniaritres: Anterior wings are long, nar-
row sheaths, thickly veined, over-lapping at the
base, and without scutel; posteriors large and
thickly cross-veined, and folded longitudinally,
like a fan, when at rest. Transformations incom-
plete. Pup active and resembling the imago in
most respects.

Locanitres: The (Grillide, or crickets, are
found under the stones, or hopping about on the
green fields, hills and pastures.

The Locustarie (locusts) and the <Aerydit
(grasshoppers) inhabit the fields and pastures,
where, in the warm season they may be seen in
countless numbers hopping and flying about.

46

ORNITH

[Vol. 11-No. 3

The Phasmide (spectres) and the Mantide
(mantes) are on the trees and shrubs, and on the
vegetables in the gardens.

The Bluttarie (cockroaches), under the stones,
sticks, rubbish, and the bark of dead trees, and
in damp places in houses.

The Forficulariw (ear wigs) are found in the
flowers, and on the stalks of plants at the base of
the leaves. This family is most plentiful in the
summer, when its members may be taken with
the net, but are often found in the winter buried
in the ground,

NEUROPTERA.

PECULIARITIES: Four membranous, transpar-
ent wings, generally large and nearly equal sized,
and finely veined. Transformations varied, some
complete, others more or less incomplete. Some
pup active, and some inactive.

Locatitres: The Termitide (white ants) live
in the ground, in decayed wood, and beneath
stones.

The Ephemeride (May-flies) and the Libellu-
lide (dragon flies) swarm about the damp, low
meadows, and over the streams and ditches.

The Hemerobidw (aphis-lions and lace-wings)
are found on sandy plains near the margin of the
woods, and about vegetation where plant lice
abound.

The Phryganide live in and about stagnant
water.

The Psocide may been seen running about on
tree trunks, palings, amongst vegetation, and
some varieties in houses, where they often do
much damage to books and natural history col-
lections.

Nearly all of this family must be taken in the
summer time, some with the net, but most of
them can only be discovered by the closest obser-
vation, and very delicate manipulation is neces-
sary.

HYMENOPTERA.

PecuLiAriries: Four naked membranous
Wings, the anteriors being larger than the posteri-
Abdomen furnished, among the females,
with a variety of ovipositors, such as stings,
borers, saws, &¢c. Transformations complete.
Larve inactive, worm-like, without legs. Pupie
Inactive,

ors.

LocaLities: The Apidw (bees), the Jehneu-
(ichneumon flies) and the Vesparie
(wasps) spend the most of their days flitting about
over the bushes and flowers, especially the asters,
golden-rod, and button-bush, while the latter are
also often seen basking on the sunny side of walls
and buildings.

The (ants) can be taken on the
flowers and trees, or from their nests in sandy

monide

Formicariv

ground; they are also found in winter, hidden
under the bark of dead trees.

The Cynipide (gall-flies) and the Tenthredini-
dae (saw-flies) haunt the trees and bushes.

The Chrysidide (cuckoo flies) run and _ fly
about in the warm sunshine, over the sides of the
trees and posts.

The Moceride (horntails) are often taken in the
winter from decayed trees, whence they emerge,
from the chrysalis, in the spring, to attack the
evergreen trees, on the bark of which they may
be seen in the summer, depositing their eggs or
flying about seeking the proper locations.

The time to collect the members of this family
is in the warm season, when they may be taken
by means of the net as they hover about or light
upon the flowers, but the collector need not be
idle in the winter, for many may be found hid-
den in the crevices and under the bark of dead
trees.

Sphingidae of New England.
Ill. $8. GEMINATUS.—Say.

Palpi reddish brown; head and tegulae, pale
grey; thorax pale grey with a deep chestnut,
dorsal patch; abdomen brownish-grey, with a
deep chestnut spot at the extreme posterior end.
Anterior wings grey, tinged with rose color; an
angular brownish basal line, bordered with rose
grey, extends across the wings, with the apex
towards the base; a ferruginous brown patch oc-
cupies the centre of the wing, is connected with
the outer margin by an oblique line, of the same
color, inclined towards the base and with the
second running directly to, and nearly at right
angles with the margin; the discal spot pale,
margined with brown; «# light brown band mar-
gined before with darker, crosses the base of the
nervules, and is followed by two or three undu-
lating bands alternately rosy-grey and brownish ;
a deep brown semi-oval spot, edged with whitish,
at the tip; anda ferrugivous brown spot above
the inner angle; middle of terminal space dark
brown.

Posterior wings rosy, bordered with grey, with
an ocellate black spot, with two or three blue
pupils, a short, broad black line shade on the
inner edge with chestnut brown, connects this
spot with the inner angle.

Under side brownish grey, Anteriors rosy at
base, with a dark line, often nearly obsolete, ex-
tending across the base of the nervules followed
by three or four alternate brown and grey lines,
the ends of the grey lines at the costal margin
being of a light dove color; the semi-oval spot at
the tips is very prominent and the nervules, which

March, 1886.]

cross the dark terminal space are shaded with
light chestnut brown. iflind wings grey, with a
broad dark chestnut band across the wing, inter-
rupted by a whitish comma-like mark near the
sub-costal vein; this band is followed by two
whitish lines nearly obsolete at the sub-costal
margin. Marginal space brown, with a dark
chestnut spot at the anal angle. <A short pale
grey line at the tip, and the fringe at anal angle
dove color. Legs to the tibiee chestnut brown,
thence pale grey.
Ty. §8. EXCAECATUS.—ADbd.

Palpi and head fawn color with a slight roseate
tinge; thorax of the same color, with a chestnut
colored dorsal stripe, tapering anteriorly, and on
the metathorax a transverse patch of the same
hue; abdomen fawn color with a dark brown
dorsal stripe. Anterior wings fawn color, with a
dark brown median patch, containing a blackish
discal spot, of a darker hue anteriorly, inclined
toward the inner angle, with a purplish line con-
necting it with the base of the wing, and joined
at an acute angle by a patch of the same hue,
about the middle of the sub-median nervule ; two
or three brown lines cross the middle of the
nervules, nearly parallel with the median patch,
followed by an irregular brownish band; margin-
al space brown, with a small brown spot at the
inner angle, above which are two or three black
spots; there are also several blackish lines nearly
following the direction of the nervules. Posterior
wings rose color in the center, with a brownish
patch at tip crossed by two or three short whitish

lines; an ocellate black spot, purpled with pale

blue near the anal angle, with two or three
whitish lines between it and the inner margin;
posterior margin fawn color.

Under side light fawn color. Anterior wings
roseate at the base; two or three brown lines,
alternating with lighter ones shaded at the tip
with white, cross the center of the nervules; mar-
ginal space a dark fawn color with an orange
colored patch near the inner angle. Posterior
wings with two or three lines, identical in color
and connecting with those on the anterior wings,
followed by an orange band parallel with these
lines. Expanse about three inches. Occur in
May to July.

Mature larvee which may be found about the
last of September, is apple green, paler on the
back, with numerous white-tipped granulations ;
a stout bluish green caudal horn; seven pale yel-
lowish oblique stripes on either side, the last one
quite bright yellow and extending to the horn.

Pup chestnut brown, smooth, with terminal
spine. Transformation subterranean.

Food: plants, apple, plum, will cherry, and
sometimes found on the wild swamp rose.

AND OOLOGIST. 47

Are the Lost Mandibles of Coleoptera
Reproduced.

On the 17th of January last, I took from a
crevice in the bark of a pitch pine tree,a 9 speci-
men of Catogenous rufous. A subsequent exam-
ination showed me that the right mandible had
been broken outwardly—carrying the antenna
with it—and remained attached to the head by
only one—the outer—corner. In its place a false
mandible or process had grown, slightly longer,
more flattened and Jess pointed than the original.
The outer edge had grown to the broken base of
the mandible. The extremity was hard, dentated
and fairly calculated to take the place of its pre-
decessor. It isa well known fact that in many
species of animals—notably crustaceans—lost
members are often replaced, though the new one
seldom acquires the size and strength of the
original. This is the first time in all my experi-
ence as a collector, that a case of this kind
has come under my notice, though I believe simi-
lar instances have been observed by others.—Cy-

anide,
oo

Collecting Cychrus.

As a rule amateur collectors think insects are
to be found only in summer. This is a great mis-
take as far as the Coleoptera are concerned, speci-
mens being obtainable at all seasons of the year.

Winter is not prolific in insect life, to be sure,
but if you know where to look you will secure
many desirable species rare at other seasons; this
is especially true of the beetles living under the
bark of trees.

But it is in the early spring the collector
should be active if he would secure a few species
of Cychrus for his collection. The species of in-
sects comprising this interesting genus are just
rare enough to be favorites with most collectors,
but this comes partly from the lack of knowledge
respecting their habits. As well try to find
Cicindelide on the surface of water as Cychrus
in the ordinary way. With the possible excep-
tion of Cychrus elevatus they are rarely seen under
stones. Most species prefer to live under leaves
as companions to the various land snails, and are
comparatively common in early spring.

As soon as the snow is off the more open
ground, take your bottle of cyanide, a stick, and
all your patience, go to some sunny side hill on
the borders of a forest, carefully turn over the
leaves that lie on the ground, as well as every stone
that is partly covered with leaves, and search
diligently for beetles. The stick is good enough

48

at first, but on the first sign of a snail or beetle,
discard it for your fingers, and work slowly or
you will overlook your game.

_— Cychrus lecontet and C. stenostomus have a way
of standing upright on the very tips of their tarsi
and remaining perfectly still in this position for
several minutes after they are disturbed. Many
escape capture by this artful manceuvre, being
readily taken for anything but beetles.

Experience has taught me not to be discouraged
if at first my search proved fruitless. To be suc-
cessful, a good locality must be found, and this
may be a difficult thing to do. Cychrus seem to
have some eccentric ideas regarding their habitat.
In Pennsylvania I found them on the woody
banks of rivers; in Connecticut on the south side
of thinly wooded hills; but like many other in-
sects they prefer the border to the interior of the
forests.

A few days at this season of the year could well
be devoted to collecting under stones and leaves,
and it would pay well even if the species of
Cychrus were poorly represented in your total,
for many other rare Carabide can be found now
that are unobtainable later on, and it will be
policy to keep all you find, for most of them can
be readily exchanged for other species.

CORBRESPON DENGE.

The Medium of ‘‘ Bird Protection.’’

Editor of ORNITHOLOGIST AND OO6LOGIsT—Sir: Surely
the protection of our birds is an important work for orni-
thologists to devote their labors to, and anticipating some-
what (from the circular of the A. O. U. committee) the
methods to be adopted, I would suggest that it would be un-
wise to rigidly exclude all amateur students in ornithology
from collecting specimens, even if they are not conducting
their work according to the plans adopted by the “scientific
association collector.” It is rather harrowing to the “hu-
man nature” of the amateur who devotes only a portion of
his leisure time to his favorite science, to be debarred from
further investigations through the influence of men, who in
their association “organ” relate the comparison of speci-
mens from their collection, with a cabinet number of over
ten thousand, with specimens from some equally over-
stockéd cabinet of another ‘‘scientist.” No. Such laws
will not work, our Republic affords equal liberties to every
one, provided the principles and intentions are alike, regard-
less of associations or pecuniary worth.

3ut the evils of collecting birds for millinery purposes,
the committee of the A. O. U. will do well to check, and
moreover I think the persons engaged in such nefarious
traftic show a lamentable short-sightedness in business prin-
ciples, for such havoe as they perpetrate will tell sadly on
the deficiency side of bird life, and some morning they will
wake up and, like Othello, find their ‘occupation gone.”

That such persons will feel loth to forsake a business by
which they ‘make money” I am aware, and would give
them a hint. A taxidermist friend of mine has made a
snug sum this past season by making hat ornaments—

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 3

which by the way require neither conformity of shape or
durability—from the dyed feathers of the common fow),
purchased cheaply from poultry dealers, and mounted on
“forms,” and he asserts that he realized a larger profit than
when dealing in birds.

I think that the dealers (in stuffed birds, skins and eggs)
who carefully conduct their business, should not be too se-
verely criticised, for by them an opportunity is afforded for
disposing of duplicates for desiderata from distant localities.

Perhaps the ‘‘ubiquitious small boy” who cannot appre-
ciate or care for the fragile beauties, should be kept from
collecting eggs, and in this case, a word from interested pa-
rents would prove more successful than legislative enact-
ment; but when in mature years our young men (or ladies)
desire tolearn more of ornithology and possess a collection
illustrative of their exploits, is it not better to encourage
and advise them as to the proper methods, rather than to
take the privilege away ; and I would add that it would be
better for the morals of our youth to pursue some such rec-
reation during their leisure hours than to frequent some
places—whicbh I will not mention—during such times.

In view of present facts, 1 would advocate that if permits
to collect birds are to be granted to any then all be accorded
the same privilege: each one giving some proof of their in-
dividual interest in the science, such as specimens of their
work (of preservation of objects), and witnesses as to the
veracity and extent of their collection, added to this a
promise not to deal in ‘“‘millinery specimens,” and with a
limit set as to the number of specimens of each species, I
am of the opinion that every sincere student of ornithology
and odlogy can proceed with his work without extermina-
ting our birds.—C. H. Freeman.

The Camera as a ‘“‘Field Necessity.’’

EDITOR OF ORNITHOLOGIST AND OdLoGIsT—Sir: In the
last issue of the O. and O., T noticed your remarks, briefly
setting forth the value of the camera to the ornithologist,
and recommending it as a “valuable field adjunct.”

After seven years’ experience with the art as applicable
to field, I can speak in stronger terms, and call it a “field
necessity”; a few contrivances of my own invention, al-
lowing me to focus a nest, even though it be in a tall tree,
which, if it will admit of being ascended, the camera can
be easily brought up, and dispensing with the ‘‘tripod,” it
can be operated with success.

A small size, 4x5, will be found the most handy in a day’s
tramp, and photographs of good quality may be secured
with an instrument of low price, if of that size. A few dry
plates can be carried in a light, tight box, in the coat
pocket, or better still in the plate-holders, and nothing is
required after the exposure, save to preserve from contact
with light, until some leisure day, when in the bringing out
of the latent image and printing the photos, one can again
live over his pleasant trips a-field.—D. H. French.

aa eS hates

W.T.M.: The Pileated Woodpecker (Hylotomus pilea-
tus), is aresident in only the heavily wooded and moun-
tainous parts of New England; and we think your inform-
ant must have been mistaken when he alleged to having
shot one in Connecticut.

R. C. RicumMonD, Portland, Me: In our own experience
of preserving skins we have never found a substitute for
arsenic, or some compound into which it enters largely as
an ingredient.

pee Sos SCPE

REcEIVED: F. W. Andros, A. H. Lockett, A. L. Browne,

Walter Howie, C. S. Brimley, F. H. Jackson, J. C. Cahoon.

nuONDEEANY

Published by
FRANK B. WEBSTER,

409 Washington St., Boston, Mass.

Entered at Boston Post Office as Second-class Matter.

CONTENTS

Vol xX No; 477 April, 1865;

Aptoso-Chromatism.........0.eeseeecereceeccrree cece esas cose cetecsescecees WALTER HOXIE......-.0sccescscccescseceses 49
Florida Birds in January, 1886.... 22.2... eens cee cee ener cee e eee cee eee eeeeeee As IL. (BROWNE) wens sc0ncnselccs cee ieee emeee 50
List of Birds Observed in the Vicinity of Santa Barbara..........-..+-..++. CLARE P. STREATOR: <.c0 cock cess dececieectane 51
ObdLtogy—Advance of the Science Of OblOgY...... 202. ceccecccecccc cer ccnsceccccsceeser ences ctenseercssssensscscsssscssees 53
The Number of Eggs Laid by Hawks and OwIS....+..-.0e-see sees eee ccteeeee ces ceneceeee ee esetreeseeee cesses eaeees 53
White Eggs of the Bluebird... .......-0.-ee cere tee eee eee eee enee eer ees Wis As EAT Sin ie wre nraalalate a: stain eto ea Se 53
Nest and Eggs of the Plumbeons Gnatcatcher.....-..----.+-++.-+-+ HARRY GIPARKER, © cs)\msicidvicne = Coes one 54
Breeding of Franklin’s Gull in Minnesota...-.---.--++eeeeeeeeeeeee ey Wie He TONG nm wicte o/n clelminiaitre e/etnintp apie stele 54
IGItOTIAI a iccin occ ccetld sak Riclae ina cle c's ale wielots sisi diele Nis olete a[eieye's\e/sivon'e'e nolan ale wiv'sis aie asieivimlsfe missininieiele s/s e(ein's,» sininja’a'alnie’si» est ae ame 56
Practical, Taxidermy............ccceccece cece secncececscceecessreccceseanses ERANKE BB. WEBSTERs «sn sscinces sc. des eeoen 5T
Mexttan Crosabille in MAUBAG io: oss. $2.02 v acelin Adceenema ss teu epessen e's PROF. iD; Hi. LANTZ... 0stene nee ea eee 59
Food of Crows in Winter... 2.2... -..eee seer eee e eee cee e eee eeeeeeeeeneeeee THEO, Gi. LEMMON. < 06 fen cieidele oviscinticleieatentoeOo
ENTOMOLOGY—Hditorial Note. .......c0cccceccccces cccctn cnt crcscceccnercacrncs sans ccccssecerccunscsscracsseccesseusssece 60
Practical Entomology.....secseseeevcenccecccwccincecccccecsssececs WRIGHT AND BATES, « <ij'cde<'s ccscclaenle nein mae 60
Sphingide of New England.......... Aiate slot etejerareicteialo’ sm cye's fir/=/ale =iklesnisiele CYANIDE. oe vaee Soc bn slam adele ase ain ee ele ernie 60
A Deformed Prionus...........222-cccccecerccccsscecscsccrecscecces IUANI ONS IE poaaninmnaa 5 adason goede ao cin ay Sse 61
Start @ Collectione.....-.0 22s eciecs von ccocseceseresesgesescenscscccs OLAS pipvars cela ainlalostetelslat itech elalel ste ieteran rota Aeon) |
The Tarantula or Trap-door Spider .........-ceeeceereereeceeeeceecs GAN UD Eom a cis oo15 oo nin! sinta n'a ulate statis ater 61
Notes on Spring Collecting............cee cece cece cece eee cree eeeeee Nie HEEL Na so scta ls | s:oreio att stay aiefetecasataintin afore one 62
CoRRESPONDENCE—War Against Taxidermists, €tC..... 200.22. cece eee eee rece ne ec eeeee cere rte seer cece tereecesnceenees 63
RECENT PUBLICATIONS—Odlogy of New England.......6.52-.ccccer sce c cece cece enna cece n ere e nc ee sb ec cne ee seseseecneens 64

FORBES’ LITHOGRAPH 0,

181 Devonshire St., Boston,

LITHOGRAPHERS

ALBERTYPE and

Photo-Lithographers.

The Albertype process is especially
adapted for the reproduction of Ornitholo-
gical, Zoological and Mineralogical Speci-
mens for Catalogue, or other work, while
the Photo-Lithographic Process embraces
the reproduction of all Line Work such as
Legal Work, Patent Drawings, Maps and
Plans of Localities, Architect’s Plans

and Designs, ete., ete.

AGHNTS FOR

Cooke's Celebrated Advertising Calendars.

R. B. TROUSLOT, |

.

Editor and Publisher of the

HOOSIER NATURALIST,

VALPARAISO, IND.,

Has information of Prime ImporTANCE to all Ornitholo-
gists, Odlogists, Entomologists and Taxidermists.

Write your name and address plainly on a postal card,
mentioning INsEcT WORLD, and send as above, and you will
receive a “surprise party” by return mail.

THE HOOSIER NATURALIST

Is a 24-Page Journal, Illustrated

and devoted to Ornithology, Odlogy, Taxidermy and Collect-
ing. Exchange columns free to subscribers. Premium List
the largest and best ever offered by any publisher in Ameri-
ca. Send seven one cent stamps to R. B. TROUSLOT, 39
Col. Ave., Valparaiso, Ind., and receive a sample copy.

N. B.—Hoosler Naturalist for six months and Davies’
New Key only $1.00. ;

Sunny South Oologist.

A monthly devoted exclusively to the study of Birds,
their Nests and Eggs.
A COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO

The Nesting Habits of North American Birds,

It has a FREE exchange column to subscribers; a page
devoted to answering Correspondents ; and its columns are
always open to subscribers, in giving descriptions of their
** collecting trips,” etc.

Subscription Price SOc Fer Year.

SpEcIAL OFFER.—To any person sending us the pub-
lisher’s price, $1, for a copy of *‘Oliver Davie’s New Key
to the Nest and Eggs of N. A. Birds,” I will send The Sun-
ny South Oologist for six months, Free.

=. CO. DAW IS, Subliishexn ,
Box 405, GAINESVILLE, TEXAS,

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND—

_OOLOGIST.

$1.50 per

FRANK B. WEBSTER, PUBLISHER. Single Copy
Annum, Established, March, 1875. ; 15 Cents.
VOL. XI. BOSTON, MASS., APRIL, 1886. No. 4.

Aptoso-Chromatism.

BY WALTER HOXIE, FROGMORE, 8. C.

The above name was suggested to me about a
year ago, by Dr. Coues, to denote the ‘‘moultless
color change” in the feathers of birds. I learn
from him that it is an almost untried field of re-
search in ornithology, and it is therefore with a
great deal of diffidence that I now open the sub-
ject, hoping that the attention of others may be
directed to this exceedingly difficult subject of
study.

The physique of birds is eminently elastic.
The feathers are a sensitive and highly organized
glass of tissues. What wonder then that they
respond promptly to the annual changes which
pervade all other parts of the birds’ economy.
That these changes are great none will deny.
Compare the weight of a bird with the weight of
its egg and consider for a moment what an enor-
mous amount of animal substance has been in a
few short weeks—almost I may say, days—de-
veloped. What wonder, then, that there is a re-
action and that the feathers partake in it as well
as the rest of the system. Why the color effects
should be so much more marked in the male, than
in the female, is no more occult a phenomenon
than the superior brilliancy of the male plumage
at all times. Neither is it a refutation of the
theory that a change has occurred in the feathers
because a marked difference in their color is not,

“apparent. The male and female of many birds!
are identical in plumage at all seasons. But!
whereas the female has to make a large secretion
of animal substance from her system to perfect
the eggs, the male at the same season only de-
velops a smaller amount of a highly specialized
substance ; his system is higher strung, so to
speak, and the attendant phenomena more ap-
parent.

How large a factor the food supply may be in
the aptoso-chromatic phenomena I am still un-
able to estimate. That it is a factor at all, I am
sometimes inclined to doubt. My notes upon

birds food are not as yet sufficiently voluminous
to determine this with certainty. In the merry
days of Falconry the food was considered to have
a marked effect upon the growth as well as the
color of the plumage of young hawks. Dealers
in cage birds often hint of secrets in feeding, for
For
the present, at least, I consider it safe to eliminate
the question of food altogether from a discussion
of aptoso-chromatism and mainly to consider the
changes consequent upon the preparation for a
completion of the nuptial task.

the development of color as well as song

During the past spring it was my good fortune
to be able to examine a large series of specimens
of the Bobolink; males in perfect feather but as
yet not in full nuptial dress, showed little if any
indications of swollen testes. On the other hand
all males in full plumage, as it is called, had the
testes swollen and turgid, although in fully half
the specimens examined the moult was not com-
pleted; that is, they were not in as perfect feather
as their less precocious comrades. This goes to
show .the independence of aptoso-chromatism
from the regular phenomenon of moulting. In
the fall no full plumaged males are ever seen in
this region, and all of both sexes are in complete
feather.

The rest of my recent notes on this subject re-
fer mainly to the Summer Red-bird, the Cardinal
and the Nonpareil. Among these three species
the males seem to greatly outnumber the females,
and only three mated males show full nuptial
This fact I have often noted. The parti-
duller Cardinals, who

dress.
colored Red-birds, the
show much ashy edging to their feathers and
the green male Nonpareil, all prove to be un-
mated. A parti-colored Red-bird was adopted
by a female, whose full-plumaged mate had been
shot, and in twenty-two days he himself was in
full dress. The females of all three of these
species show a decided change on the under
parts immediately before toying. The Red-bird
assumes almost an orange tinge, the Nonpareil
a strong pinkish flush, and in the case of the

Copyright, 1886, by Eaton Crier and F. B. WEBSTER.

50 ORNITHOLOGIST

Cardinal I have several times taken a female of
whose sex I was uncertain up to the very moment
of dissection. A male Nonpareil, after the mid-
summer moult, “fades out” in a few days to plain
green and yellow, a few blue feathers in the top
and sides of the head being the last to disappear
as they are the first to appear in the spring.

Our migrating waders are the most difficult
class of birds which I have studied in connection
with aptoso-chromatism. I find, however, that
the Black-billed Plover, Red-breasted Snipe,
Sanderling and Turnstone show a tolerably even
ratio between perfect plumage and the develop-
ment of the sexual organs, independent of the
stage of moult. In the Black-billed Plover this
is the most apparent ; specimens with full testes
showed black “pin-feathers,” while in those with
small testes the pin-feathers were almost invaria-
bly white at the tips.

This exhausts my notes up to the present time.
During the coming season I shall, from lack of
time, be obliged to discontinue them, as my pres-
ent engagements will necessitate a fuller investi-
gation of birds’ food than of other, and to me,
more interesting data.

I expect and invite criticism. Most of my cor-
respondents for the past few years, I think, I may
now safely style converts, and I think that any
one who will carefully dissect and make notes
upon over a thousand specimens during the next
season, as I have done during the past, will ar-
rive at conclusions very similar to mine.

pe Se

Florida Birds in January, 1886.

BY A, L. BROWNE, ORLANDO, FLA.

A few pleasant days at the commencement of
the month ended inastorm on the 8th, followed
by a very severe cold wave on the 9th, which
lasted until about the'middle of the month, then
warm, sunny days followed until the last week,
when came cool, rainy, weather, the month closing
with two or three parting sunny days.

The cold spell put a sudden stop to the increas-
ing song of many of the birds and but little was
seen of most species while it lasted. A few birds
in the grove seemed to lose all fear of man and
came about the house in search of food, paying
but little attention to persons close by. A Red-
poll Warbler in particular came at times within
four feet of me as I stood on the porch of the house
and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher exceeded this by
alighting on me for a moment on its way to the
porch behind me. One House Wren went further
yet, for finding an entrance above a door he en-

[ Vol.

1-No. 4

tered the house and went from room to room quite
unconcerned as to any one’s presence.

On the 138th, after the most severe weather was
over I found quite a large flock of Yellowbirds
among the grass in the pine woods, but saw none
after that date. Before this I had seen no more
than three together at a time. The 16th I found
a large flock of Robins in an orange grove and
about the adjoining pines. They uttered frequent
alarm notes, but allowed me to approach quite
near. In two days all large flocks had divided
into scattered groups and single birds, which were
distributed plentifully through the pine woods
and occasionally entered the city. Their sudden
appearance was probably due to the unusually
cold weather, as they are not ordinarily found here »
in any abundance during the winter. They de-
creased little if any in numbers during the re-
mainder of the month.

Beside the Robins, only two new birds were
seen this month. Saw one Hermit Thrush in the
high hummock on the 13th, and again on the
20th. A flock of Red-winged Blackbirds first —
appeared amidst a group of trees in the city early
in the month and remained there during the cold
weather. This species and the Purple Grackle
became two of the most conspicuous birds of the
month, flocks of both frequented the groves about
the city and late in the afternoon large numbers
were to be seen flying in straggling groups over
the pine woods toward the swamps. One Brown
Thrush seen in the high hummock on the 13th,
Probably sime one that was seen in December,
but it had little of the shyness, which it then
showed. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers not often seen.

Great Carolina Wren seen in a high hummock
on the 13th and 20th. American Titlark fre-
quently seen in small numbers; one good sized
flock on the 28th about newly plowed land. Red-
poll Warbler about as plenty as during the latter
part of December. Maryland Yellow-throat not
as plenty. Savannah Sparrow quite scarce, only
a few solitary individuals seen. Grass Finch
rather more abundant, usually in small flocks.
Chipping Sparrow much more abundant, found
frequently in very large flocks, unaccompanied by
other species, the smaller flocks however usually
contained a few Red-poll Warblers as_ before.
Meadow Larks plenty on the 18th and Bist,
seldom seen at other times. Whistling briskly on
the 18th. Killdeer Plover still growing less
plenty, rarely seen this month. Of the Heron
fumily only the Great White Egret was seen on
one or two days.

The warm weather following the cold spell,
brought an increased return of song, and the notes

April, 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST. 51

-and actions of some of the birds seemed to indi-
cate the approach of the breeding season. Blue
Jays were conspicuous in this respect and Brown-
headed Nuthatches, Yellow-shatted Flickers and
Mockingbirds all showed a change in their man-
ner toward each other. On the last day of the
month I saw one of the Shrikes, which I men-
tioned as driving a Mockingbird about in Decem-
ber, fly from an old nest in this grove, and on
examination found that a few new materials had
been added. Last year this pair had a nest well
advanced on the first day of January, though on
account of stormy weather which delayed their
work the first egg was not laid until Feb. 12th.
This species frequently selects and rebuilds an old
nest in which to breed.

List of Birds Observed in the Vicini-
ty of Santa Barbara, Cal., Dur-
ing the Year 1885.

READ BEFORE THE SANTA BARBARA SOCIETY
OF NATURAL HISTORY, JAN. 26, 1886.

BY CLARK P. STREATOR.

(The nomenclature is that of the Smithsonian Check List,
by R. Ridgway, 1881.)

Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni,
Thrush). Common winter resident.

Merula migratoria propinqua, (Western Robin).
Winter resident. More abundant during a year
when there is plenty of rain-fall; sometimes, how-
ever, they can be seen in flocks of hundreds.

Hesperocichla nevia, (Varied Robin). Rare
winter visitor. I have never collected but two
specimens of this beautiful thrush.

Mimus polyglottus, (Mockingbird). Resident.
This charming songster is beginning to be found
quite common in our gardens and orchards. I
have never found its nest.

Harporhynchus redivivus, (Californian Thrash-
er). Common resident in wild places. Breeds.
This thrush is a very fine singer.

Cinclus mexicanus, (American Water Ouzel):
_Rare. A few specimens of this bird have been
observed high up in the mountain canons.

Sialia mexicana, (Californian Bluebird). Resi-
dent. More common in winter than in summer.
Breeds.

Phainopepla nitens, (Black-crested Flfcatcher).
Summer resident, not common. Breeds.

Polioptila plumbea, (Plumbeous Gnatcatcher).
Common winter resident. These little birds are
most always found in company with the flocks
of Least Tits.

Regulus calendula, (Ruby-crowned Kinglet).
These fearless little birds are an abundant winter

PART I.

(Olive-backed

resident, and when seen they are most always
busy catching insects from the bark of trees.

Chamea fasciata, (Ground Tit). Common resi-
dent. Breeds.

Lophophanes inornatus, (Plain Titmouse). Not
common. I have found it in all seasons except
summer. I think then it only goes back from the
coast into the interior valleys to breed.

Psaltriparus minimus, (Least Tit).
resident. Breeds.
nests last season.

Abundant
I found as many as forty

Sitta carolinensis aculeata, (Slender-billed Nut-
hatch). Rare spring migrant.

Salpinctes obsoletus, (Rock Wren).
and fall migrant.

Rare spring

Thryomanes bewicki spilurus, (Californian Be-
wick’s Wren). Resident through the winter
months.

Troglodytes aedon parkmanni, (Western House
Wren). Abundant summer resident. Breeds.
This wren is the most common of any of the
birds found in this locality.

Telmatodytes palustris paludicola, (Tule Wren).
Common winter resident about tules and marshes.

Anthus ludovicianus, (American Titlark). A
very common winter resident along the seashore.

Helminthophaga ruficapilla, (Nashville Warbler).
Rare. I have observed but one specimen.

Helminthophaga celata, (Orange-crowned Warb-
ler), A rare migrant.

Dendreca estiva, (Summer Yellow Bird). Com-
mon summer resident. Breeds.

Dendreca auduboni, (Audubon’s Warbler). A
very abundant winter resident. They are very
beneficial to fruit growers, destroying more in-
sects than any other species found in this locality.

Dendraca townsendi, (Townsend’s Warbler).
Rare migrant; only seen occasionally.

Geothlypis trachas, (Maryland Yellow-throat).
Common resident. Breeds; but I could never
succeed in finding its nest, as it breeds in the tules
where no small nest can be easily found.

Icteria virens longicauda, (Long-tailed Chat).
Not common as a summer resident. Breeds.
pusillus, (Black-capped Yellow
Warbler). Rare. I shot one specimen, a very
fine plumaged male. This is the only one I have
known to be found in this locality.

Vireosylvia gilva swainsoni, (Western Warbling
Vireo). Resident. More common in winter.
Breeds. I found one nest in a live oak tree that
was composed of lichens and contained five
young ones, only a day or two old.

Mytodioctes

Lanius ludovicianus robustus, (Long-billed
Shrike). Common winter resident, but the greater

52

part of them pass southward about the first of
October.

Ampelis cedrorum, (Cedar Wax-wing), A regu-
Jar winter resident. Some winters they are found
in flocks of hundreds, and in others none are to be
found. They feed mostly upon the berries of the
pepper tree, which are abundant in this city.

Progne subis, (Purple Martin). Migratory. Not
very common.

Petrochelidon lunifrons, (Clift Swallow). Very
common summer resident. Breeds. Their nests
can be found very plenty on the high cliffs along
the coast.

Tirundo erythrogastra, (Barn Swallow). Rather
common in summer. But I do not think they
breed.

Tuchycineta bicolor, (White-bellied Swallow).
Migratory. I have no knowledge of its breeding
near this city.

Tuchycineta thalassina, (Violet-green Swallow).
Common summer resident. Breeds in the hol-
lows of the oak trees. The colors of this bird are
the most striking in beauty of any swallows
found in the United States.

Cotile riparia, (Bank Swallow).
Not so abundant as the next species.

Stelgidopteryx serripennis, (Rough-winged Swal-
low). Migratory. I have never found its nest.

Pyranga ludoviciana, (Western Tanager). Mi-
gratory. I have only noticed this bird in the
spring months.

Migratory.

Pyranga wstiva cooperi, (Cooper's Tanager).
Very rare visitor. Mr. Dodge, a friend, saw two
specimens of the above bird last spring, and suc-
ceeded in shooting one.

Curpodacus purpureus californicus, (Californian
Purple Finch). Winter resident; not very com-
mon,

Carpodacus frontalis rhodocelpus, (Crimson
Ilouse Finch). This is one of the most abundant
hirds found in this locality, and the fruit-growers
are offen heard to complain of their destroying
fruit.

Astragalinus tristis, (American Goldfinch). Resi-
dent. Rather common. Breeds quite plentiful.

Astragalinus psaltria, (Green-backed Goldfinch).
A few are resident throughout the year; but the
ereater part of them pass northward in summer.
A set of eggs of this species was brought to me
from this place.

Astragalinus lawrence, (Lawrence’s Goldfinch).
Spring and fall migrant. I am now quite posi-
tive that a few winter with us.

Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus, (Western

Savannah Sparrow). Winter resident.

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 4

Poweetes gramimeus confinis, (Western Grass
Finch). Migratory, not common.

Arnmodromus heldingi, (Belding’s Sparrow).
Rather common migrant. Breeds. I found one
nest last season that contained five eggs, but un-
fortunately they were so nearly incubated that I
only succeeded in saving two. One of these |
sent to the National Museum, and I believe these
to be the first known to science.

Lark
and

Chondestes grammica strigata, (Western
Finch). Resident. Common in summer
very few in winter. Breeds.

Zonotrichia gambeli, (Gambel’s White-crowned
Sparrow). Winter resident ; very common.

Spizella domestica arizone, (Western Chipping
Sparrow). Rather summer resident.
Breeds.

common
Spizella breweri, (Brewer's Sparrow). Winter
resident. Not common.

Junco oregonus, (Oregon Snowbird). An occa-
sional winter resident. Last winter I saw none.
This winter they can be found plenty in all parts
of the city.

Melospiza fasciata heermanni, (Heerman’s Song
Sparrow). Summer resident. Breeds quite com-
mon in the canons.

Melospiza fausciata samuelis, (Californian Song
Sparrow). Resident in summer. I think it
breeds in the marshes, but have never found its
nest.

Pipilo maculatus megalonyx, (Spurred Towhee).
Resident. Breeds. This bird closely resembles
the eastern Chewink in its habits.

Pipilo fuseus crissalis, (Californian Brown Tow- |
hee). This is one of the most common resident
birds. Breeds.

Zamelodia melanocephala, (Black-headed Gros-
beak). Common summer resident. Breeds.

Guiraca cerulea, (Blue Grosbeak). Rare spring
migrant. I shot a pair of these beautiful birds
last spring. These are all that I have found at this
place.

Passerina amend, (Lazuli Bunting). Rather
common summer resident. Breeds.

Spring Arrivals at Dartmouth, Mass.

The-fine weather in March brought our mi-
grants in good season. Up to date they are as
follows :

March 7th, Red-winged Blackbird; 8th, Song
Sparrow and Crow Blackbird; 11th, Cow Bunt-
ing; 13th, Fox Sparrow; 17th, Grass Finch and
Purple Finch; 26th, White-bellied Swallow,

April 3d, Osprey.—JL. F. Dexter.

April, 1886.]

OOLOGY.

J. PARKER NORRIS, Editor.

The Editor assumes no responsibility for those ur-
ticles which have the names of the writer attached.

Advance of the Science of Oology.

In turning over the pages of the North Ameri-
etn Odlogy, (A857,) one cannot fail to notice the
great advance that has been made in the science
of Odlogy since Dr. Brewer published his book.
Apart from the fact that many species have since
been added to our fauna since that date, the eggs
of many birds that were rare then, or wholiy un-
known, have since been found in comparatively
great numbers. Dr. Brewer probably had as fine
a cabinet in 1857 as was to be found in this coun-
try, for in those days the Smithsonian Institution
had not gathered together much of its now fa-
mous collection. And yet Dr. Brewer was unable
to figure the egg of the Golden Eagle, (Aquila
chrysuetus canadensis,) as he could not obtain one
for that purpose. So also with the egg of the
Swallow-tailed Kite, -(Alanoides forficatus), which
he could not obtain.

In those days also very little attention seems to
have been given to collecting eggs in sets, with
data. The object seems to have been to obtain as
many eggs as possible, which exhibited some pe-
culiarity, either in size or markings. While this
is to a certain extent desirable, it did not make up
for the loss of value and interest attaching to sets
of eggs.

Of Dr. Brewer's mistakes in his Odlogy, such as
his figuring the egg of Buteo borealis for that of
Astur atricapillus; Accipter cooperi for Asalon
caumbarius; and Petrocheitonlunifrons for Tuchy-
cinetu thilussina ; it is not necessary to speak, as
they have all been pointed out before ; but a study
of the work is instructive, as before stated, in
showing the great advance made by Odlogy since
1857. What was a creditable work then would
not be so considered in 1886.

The Number of Eggs Laid by the
Red-tailed Hawk and the
Great Horned Owl.

In the January number, 1886, of THe ORNITH-
OLOGIST AND ObLOGIST, the present writer stated
that the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis), more
commonly lays two than three eges, and doubted
Audubon’s “four or five.’ Mr. J. W. Preston, of

Baxter, Iowa, however reports having found a

AND OOLOGIST. 53

set of four eggs near that locality, on April 9th,
1885. One of them was so badly broken that it
could not be preserved, and Mr. Preston suggests
that possibly it may have been laid by another
female, which was driven from the nest by a sub-
sequent pair of birds who owned the other three
eggs.

Mr. Preston further writes in answer to the
statement in the same article, that it is doubtful
if more than three eggs of the Great Horned Owl
(Bubo virginianus), have ever been found in one
nest, that he took four eggs of this bird from a
nest on March Ist, 1881.
old crow’s nest.

They were laid in an
The present writer cannot think
otherwise, however, than that two or three are
the ordinary number; and that these were but
the exceptions which prove the rule in both in-
stances.

—_—— >

White Eggs of the Bluebird.

BY W. E. TREAT.

In the spring of 1883, a pair of Bluebirds took
up their quarters in a neighbor's bird box, and by
the 27th of April the female had deposited five
eggs of the ordinary color. I removed three of
these eggs, and in an interval of two days the
same bird commenced laying again, I say the
same bird for I am confident it was, as I had often
made very close examinations of her. I watched
the nest daily, and as I looked only at the eggs
as they lay in the nest, which was in the box, and
this darkened the eggs somewhat so that I could
not distinguish their true color. One day I was
informed by a friend that they were white, and |
immediately removed the eggs, seven in number,
including the two blue ones I bad left there, and
I found to my surprise that five of them were
pure white, and were about the same size as the
blue ones.

[The common Bluebird (Sialia sialis), is known occasion-
ally to lay white eggs, but there has been much dispute as
to whether this is a common variation in their color or not.
The typical egg of this species is well known to be of a uni-
form light blue, and it is unusual to find eggs of varying
shades of color in one nest. When white eggs are found
they are all equally wanting in color in the set, and some-
times all the eggs in one nest have only the faintest tinge of
blue; and they appear quite white until placed on some
pure white surface, when the faint bluish tint is manifest.
The absence of color is, of course, owing to want of the
ordinary coloring matter, or pigment, in the parent bird,
but is it a constitutional defect in the particular bird in
question, or is it the result of laying a second or third set
of eggs? The above instance cited by Mr. Treat, would
seem to bear out the latter. No one has ever found white
eggs of the Robin (Merula migratoria), although spotted
ones have been sometimes found. Albino eggs are, asa
rule, rare; but they seem to be commoner with the Blue-
bird than with any other species.—ED.]

54

Nest and Eggs of the Plumbeous
Gnatcatcher.

BY HARRY G. PARKER, CHESTER, PA.

There are two conspicuous reasons why the
egos of the Arizona birds are sparingly found in
collectors’ cabinets, first, the scarcity of naturalists
in that territory, and second, the terrible heat of
the spring and summer months, which renders
field work an arduous, if not a dangerous under-
taking.

On March 26, 1885, my friend Dr. Chas. Carter,
stationed in Pinal Co., Arizona, discovered a nest
of the Plumbeous Gnateatcher, (Polioptilo plum-
bea). This nest is in my collection, (he having
kindly presented it to me) and I am thus enabled
to describe it, as it now appears before me. Not
being well versed in the plant life of Arizona, it
will be impossible for me to describe by their
proper names the materials of which it is made;
suffice it to say that outwardly it is composed of
very fine stalks of some delicate plant worked
circularly, with these stalks is woven a soft downy
substance, and here and there particles of dead
wood are apparent, if examined through a glass.
All this is kept in place with the silken thread of
a spider’s web, and the inside is warmly lined
with raw cotton, in which are seen a few of the
seeds. Altogether it is a neat and substantial
little structure, though lacking the beauty of the
lichen-stuccoed nests so characteristic of the Blue-
gray Gnatcatcher, (Polioptila cerula,) and the
Hummingbirds. The depth of the nest outside is
1% inches; the depth inside 114 inches. The
diameter of top outside is 24g inches; the diame-
ter inside 134 inches; and the diameter of the
the bottom, outside, is 27, inches. The circum-
ference of nest outside is 714 inches. It is com-
pactly walled, and much contracted at the brim.

The nest was placed in the small limbs of a
tree, forty feet from the ground, and when found
contained four eggs, in which incubation was well
advanced even at that early date (March 26th).
The female refused to leave, and suffered herself
to be taken by the hand, so the identification was
perfect.

The eggs of this set average .58x.48, and are of
a Whitish ground color, with a bluish tinge, on
Which is a fine speckling of reddish, umber brown
and lilac; this last color being indistinctly seen on
three specimens, and entirely lacking on the
fourth. In one egg only does this minute spot-
ting form a blotch, and that appears on the largest
end of the egg. In all the eggs the spotting tends
towards the greater end, in the shape of a poorly
defined wreath; though the entire surface of all

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 4
the eggs is covered with the little specks in more
or less profusion. This bird is the rarest of North
American Polioptila, and is not abundant even in
its assigned habitat—the valleys of the Gila and
Colorado rivers.

Capt. Chas. E. Bendire, to whom I have shown
this nest and eggs, told me that he only found
three nests during his residence in Arizona; and
the same gentleman in speaking of the compara-
tive scarcity of this bird, said that the collector
would find a dozen nests of the Yellow-headed
Tit, (Auriparus flaviceps,) to one of the Plumbeous
Gnatcatcher.

Breeding of Franklin’s Gull in Min-
nesota.

BY J. W. PRESTON, BAXTER, IOWA.

In western Minnesota there are many flat
prairies, diversified by lakes, ponds and vast
marshes, with only a fringe of stunted trees and
bushes, or destitute of stick or shrub; a battle
ground for wind and weather. Hither myriads
of water fowl] flock each spring to give animation
and life to an otherwise dreary region. From
early April until November’s frosts, there is not a
pond or creek or marsh on which the flapping of
wings or cry of bird may not be heard day and
night.

Geese, cranes and pelicans; cormorants and
herons; rails, coots and grebes, with many species
of ducks, make this their chosen summer home.

On one of these flats I spent a few weeks dur-
ing the collecting season of 1885. Here I discoy-
ered a nesting place of Franklin’s Gull, (Larus
Sranklint) and became interested in its noisy, rest-
less habits. The first that I saw were flying
about over a piece of lowland in search of food.
Several were taken, being males in the breeding
plumage, the under parts beautifully rose-tinted.

Later they were seen following teams, eagerly
darting down for earth worms upturned by the
plows. No sooner did a fortunate bird secure its
prize than a number of others began fighting for
it. While thus intent upon their meal they would
fly within a few feet of a man, regardless of his
presence. At the report of a gun they moved off
a distance, screaming loudly, when from all di-
rections others came hurrying to find the cause of
alarm.

After a number had been shot they became
wary and difficult to approach. On warm sunny
days small companies rose with scarcely a flap of
wings, in easy spiral curves to a great height, and
remained for hours soaring about on widespread,
motionless wings, often so high as to appear no
larger than robins.

April, 1886.]

In the descent their finest movements are dis-
played. “All at once the wings are closed and
down, down, comes the white troop for an im-
mense distance, when the flight is arrested, the
great impctus carrying them far in a horizontal
course; so they rise and fall in pleasing curves at
their own free pleasure, contrasting in a marked
degree with their ordinary, flapping flight. At
intervals they utter a shrill, cicar cry, much re-
sembling the call of the Marbled Godwit (Limosa
feda). While thus sailing, the black bars and
white tips of the primaries are well shown. Al-
most any time during the day they can be seen,
singly or in small companies, ranging over the
flat country in search of their food; which con-
sists of various bugs,- worms, larvee, and small
fish, which are captured with great dexterity.

Their ordinary note is a loud, mewing cry; ut-
tered in a short, jerky, impatient manner, some-
what resembling the mewing of a cat. This call
is constantly kept up, and when they congregate
at their rookery in the evening, the din is deaf-
ening, and may be heard all night during the
mating season; which begins about May 1st and
lasts until the fifteenth of the month. Regularly
at dark a large portion of the flock took their
noisy way to the open lake, where they remained
on the water until light.

On the morning of May 9th, I threw my can-
vas boat into a tortuous channel which led far
into the centre of the marsh which covers a tract
of several thousand acres, and is broken here and
there by shallow ponds and arms of open water,
but is principally a tangled mass of coarse sedge
and cane; which, having fallen year after year
until the high, deep water is filled and covered
with slimy filth, isa hotbed of malaria. Through
this I rowed the boat when possible, and pushed
it ahead where the growth was most dense.

At length I came to an open current sufficiently
strong to carry me into the odd village of these
birds. A few sentinels had followed me for some
distance, and by the time the border of the rook-
ery was reached, an immense cloud of Franklin’s
Gulls arose and moved back and forth over their
nesting place; screaming wildly as they darted
about, trying to drive me away. Soon the flock
flew out of range and moved in a body overhead.
With the sun shining on their silvery forms as
they marshalled their wavering bands, I thought
that never had Iseena sight more beautiful, and
certainly there were no fewer than ten thousand
of them.

No eggs were found, so I departed to return
one week later, which I did; and to my dismay
the wonderful flock had flown away for their
northern breeding grounds. A few pairs re-

AND OOLOGIST. 55

mained, however, to perform the duties of nidifi-
cation.

While defending their nests they evince great
courage and spirit, successfully routing the Cana-
da Goose (Bernicla canadensis), White Pelican,
(Pelicanus erythrorhynchus) and other large birds
which chanced to molest them. A most distress-
ing sight was the determined, but unsuccessful, at-
tempt of a dozen frightened gulls to chase a large
snapping turtle from a nest on which it had killed
the mother bird and was leisurely devouring her
eggs. When I approached a nest the owncrs,
with a few others, hovered about crying piteous-
ly, almost striking me with their wings.

The nests were similar in construction, being
old water-soaked sedge stalks, carelessly thrown
into a bulky heap on top of bent stalks of last
season’s growth ; thus being in no danger of sink-
ing into the water, and light enough to float
should it be necessary.

In the top of this mass is formed a cavity one
or two inches deep, by six or eight inches across ;
neatly lined with soft blades of grass, the outside
diameter being about eighteen inches. The nests
were clustered at the edges of small open places
in the sedge; the water everywhere being about
two and one-half feet deep.

The number of eggs in each nest varied from
one to three; but more contained three than two.
Undoubtedly the sets were complete, as incuba-
tion had begun, though eggs may have been re-
moved from nests by the numerous snakes and
turtles that infest the swamp.

The shape of the eggs was as usual for gulls,
with variations from narrow elongate to pointed,
and short pyriform. The ground color varies
from dark chocolate, sooty, creamy-brown and
dirty white, through all the shades of light-green
and light-drab ; variously marked with umber of
greater or less intensity; usually with bold
blotches largest at the larger end where they are
wreathed. In some examples the spots are small,
and evenly disposed over the surface; others be-
ing scratched and streaked with irregular, zigzag
lines of dark brown; and all have obsolete, lilac
shell-markings, similar to those on the surface.
From several sets I give the following measure-
ments in inches: One set of three, measures
1.94x1.42, 1.94x1.45, 1.94x1.46. Another 2.19x
1.41, 2.06x1.46, 2.15x147. A set of two measures
1.91x1.88, 1.84x1.33. Out of thirty eggs the ex-
tremes are: 1.84x1.38, 2.14x1.50, 2.25x1.47; aver-
age 2.04x1.38, but more were 2.05x1.45 than any
one measurement; showing great diversity in
pattern, of coloration and size and shape.

Why this strange freak of extreme southern
breeding, I am at a loss to account for,

56 ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 4

THE
ORNITPHOLOGIisT
—AND—
OOLOGIST.

A MONTHLY
NATURAL hed Oia

BIRDS,

NESTS

MAGAZINE OF

THEIR AND EGGS.

DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES
AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD AND INSECT LIFE.

FREDERIC H. CARPENTER, Editor,
REHOBOTH, MASS.,
FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher,

409 WASHINGTON, ST., BOSTON, MASS.
Editorial.

An extra edition of this number will be
issued gratuitously, and any party receiv-
ing duplicates will confer a favor by hand-
ing it to some one interested in the topics
of which We shall send it to

friends whose subscriptions have expired,

it treats.

and hope to hear from them.

Massachusetts Society of Taxider-
mists and Naturalists.

This association—C. I. Goodale, Boston,
President—whose object is to look after
the interests of the Massachusetts frater-
nity, and whose membership is extended
over the State, has been quickened into

activity of late. They were well repre-

sented at the State House, at the late
hearing upon the game question. At the

last meeting it was voted to adopt the
OrnirHoLocisr and Oonocisr as their or-
gan. We feel perfectly safe in endorsing
these gentlemen, and hope to see similar
organizations throughout the country. It
is time taxidermists and naturalists came
to the front. Their advice on the protec
tion of game and song birds would be

based upon experience, and would have

full as much weight as that from other
sources. They should have the hearty
support of all who are interested in the
State actions on the question.

5 gee

‘‘ Bird Protection.’’

The protection of our birds is at pres-
ent a much agitated subject, and in the
previous number we inserted the circular
of the committee who have taken the mat-
ter in hand. We heartily sympathize with
their endeavors and will second any efforts
to secure a wniform protection for our
birds: but in view of certain proceedings,
we think it proper to express a few differ-
ential opinions.

The destruction for millinery purposes
is the greatest cause for the decimation of
our birds, and we consider this the hydra-
headed monster which the modern Hercules
would do well to demolish. To still fur-
ther forward their object the committee
have advocated discrimination in granting
permits to collect to the amateur scientist.
Such efforts are laudable ; but we notice a
tendency among the associated scientists
to arrange themselyes in opposition against
the amateur and taxidermist. This antag-
onism when viewed in certain lights ap-
pears amusing, but again as favoritism and
influence may result in harmful legislation,
it presents a more serious aspect. Leay-
ing aside all sentiment which has no bear-
ing whatever on the question, we are of
the opinion that the taxidermist is no more
destructive than the scientist, and from
statistics gathered within the past month.
we present the following statement.

Kight prominent scientists give us the
total sum of their work, averaging sixteen
years, 48,540 bird skins, (about 6000 apiece)

Ten taxidermists of large business ex-
perience, have sent us the record of the
birds handled by them, and as the result
of an average of fourteen years, they show
only 37,480 birds, (3,748 birds apiece.) We
leave for the consideration of an intelli.

April, 1886.]

gent public the decision as to which party
is to be held responsible for the destruc-
tion of our birds.

‘The principal argument against the
taxidermist, preferred by the scientist, is
that the former se//s the birds he collects.
We fail to see what connection this has
with the subject of protection. If a man
collects and sells a hundred birds why is
he any worse than his neighbor who slays
an equal number, and keeps them in his
cabinet?

The amateur student of bird-life has
come under the ban of displeasure. To
collect under the false pretense of science
is to be deprecated, but we would lke to
ash what in the opinion of the committee
constitutes a “pseudo-scientist.” When
the love of nature draws one forth in pur-
suit of a congenial and profitable study of
our birds, we are of the opinion that it
should be as allowable by law as any ex-
ploration recorded in our scientific jour-
nals. We have had the privilege of exam-
ining many collections of these unknown
workers in ornithology, and in arrange-
ment and records they will compare most
favorably with those of the scéevtist.

We do not wish to be understood as
opposed to the workings of the committee,
on the contrary we are in accordance with
their views in the main, but there are other
interests beside those represented by the
American Ornithologist’s Union, and the
OrnrrHoLocist and Oo Loaist, representing
the greater portion of working naturalists,
we felt constrained to speak in their_be-
half, and from the tenure of letters re-
ceived from many of that class, we know
they do not conflict with the desires of
the Union, but when the glaring truth is
visible—that many are to be debarred that
a few may have the greater privilege—then
we considered it our duty to present a
few facts for consideration, and to make
good our promise to ‘‘meet the issues of
the day without fear or favor.”

AND OOLOGIST.

57

Practical Taxidermy.

BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

CHAPTER VIIT.—MAKING SKINS.

During the collecting season, which is of short
duration, and when on collecting trips it is not
always practical to stuff specimens, both on ac-
count of the time required and convenience in
transportation. In addition, many who can stuff
birds, will buy skins when they would-not stuffed
specimens, preferring to have a hand in the fin-
ishing. :

It does not require the same talent to make a
good skin that it does to stuff one. Many of our
best collectors make skins that are much sought
after, who could barely stuff a bird that would
be passable, and some expert taxidermists fail in
making fair skins. Every sportsman should ac-
quire the art and we would be spared from the
every day expression, “I would give anything if
I could have saved such a bird, I shot on last
trip.”

Taking the specimen, if a bird, follow the di-
rections as given in chapter iv, till it is ready to
stuff. Draw the leg bones out till exposed, wind
them with cotton, and by taking the feet pull
them back into place. With stuffers fill the skull
with cotton, taking a piece of cotton about the
length of the bird. (This is for birds from the
size of pigeons to the smallest.) Twist one end
small and with the stuffers pass the small end
into the skin through the neck, out of the beak,

Fa |
by drawing on the end that protrudes, the neck
can be shortened as desired. Next fill the body
with more cotton if necessary and sew up the
opening. The skin can now be dried in three
ways. First, fix a paper cylinder. Take a sheet
of stiff paper and roll it into a cylinder, fasten it
with two pins. The diameter of the cylinder
should be the same as that of the bird before
skinning. The filled skin will be larger. Drop
it into the cylinder head first, pass it through two
or three times to shake it; then put it in till the
beak protrudes at the opening; arrange it with

58 ORNITHOLOGIST

it forceps. See that the wings are even, head
and feet are in place. In arranging head, for
scientific purpose, it is preferred to have the bill
on a line with the back, for mounting, the bill at
If the bird has a crest, some turn the
The skin in the cylinder will

an angle.
head on one side.
appear thus:

Let it remain twenty-four hours; take it out,
arrange any feathers that may be out of place,
and once more replace it and let it remain until
dry. The second way is by the use of a tin form
—a half cylinder—fastened toa block. A series
of these tins should be made, varying in size.
For a Bluebird, cut the tin say 25x5 inches; bend
it in a semi-circle lengthwise and fasten it with a
tack toa small block ; arrange the skin in it, on
its back. This has the advantage over the first
way, that you can better see the skin to arrange
it. When in use it will appear thus:

Ay?

The third way is to wrap the skin in thin sheets
of cotton. This latter is claimed to be the best
when off on collecting trips. _ The skin is finally
shaped after being wrapped.

VARIATIONS.

Some, inst. . of passing the cotton out of the
beak, wrap it on a small stick. For small birds
use a toothpick. Then force the point.up into
the skull. They claim the skull is less liable to
break at the neck. In the method I have given,
Ide nd on the wings being tied and then by ar-
ranging them to dry in shape. Others secure the
wings by taking a stitch in them through the side
of the skin, which holds them in place.

If tin forms are not on hand a substitute may
be made by taking a board, nailing cleats and
tacking paper to them—the spaces between the
cleats being the forms.

For ducks and large birds, make an excelsior
body; use a very light head wire; wind the wire
with cotton, (not too much) and pass the wire up
through the neck and skull. Zend the head
back on the body, turning the head on one side ;
the wings may be pinned in position with small

[Vol. 11-No. 4

wires, and the body wound down. A band of

paper around the body is sufficient.

In closing this chapter, let me advise that you
make every skin with the same care that you
would take if you expected to stuff it yourself. A
well made skin is as much a :tidy of admira-
tion as one that isstuffed. The tendency I think
is now increasing to make collections of skins
rather than stuffed specimens. Poorly made skins
are trash and can only be disposed of for millin-
ery use.

Label cach specimen, giving sex, date of cap-
ture and locality. This is indispensable if the
skin is to be of scientific value.

SKINS PROPERLY SHAPED.

[As the determination of sex is
a very important factor in the
study of birds, we here quote the
rule for finding the sexual or-
gans, as our correspondent has
not done so in the previous chap-
ters. ‘ The sex is found by cut-
ting through the lower ribs on
one side of the body and pushing
back the intestines. The testes
of the male lie in the cavity of
the spine, where the ribs com-
mence. They are two in num-
ber and of a whitish color, though
in some birds of a dark blue.
The ovaries of the female are a
small mass of fine globular struc-
tures. Thcy are in the same posi
tion as the testes of the male. In
the breeding scason both sexes
are easily determined, but at oth-
er times a small lens should be
used for accuracy.” —ED. |

CHAPTER 1X.—PREPARING BIRDS’ EGGS.

Lack of space in the present number of the O.
and O., and the fact that with its issue the egg
collecting season opens, renders it advisable that
I confine this article to a condensed rule for pre-
Drill—
From the smallest to those suitable for large eggs
with embryo, fig. 1. Blower—lIt should be either
nickle plated or German silver—never brass—
curved, and with a small end, fig. 2. Embryo

serving. The necessary tools consist of:

April, 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST. 59

hook—A. fine steel wire bent into a hook, to use
in removing an embryo or chick when found, fig.
3. Embryo scissors—Very fine, for cutting the
chick in order to remove it in parts, fig. 4. Fine
forceps—To use in removing the embryo, fig. 5.

if

Reeser eed

I give the following from memorandum handed
tome by Mr. M. Abbott Frazar: Take the egg and

holding it firmly with the left hand, starting a_

hole with a pin or needle. With the drill make
a clean round hole in the center of one side. If
the egg is fresh the hole should be from 1-16 of
an inch in the egg of the Warbler to 3-16 of an
inch in that of a Duck. In using the drill, work
on the reverse; this will drill and not cut. If
you work with the teeth in cutting it is liable to
break a delicate shell. In the larger eggs pass
the burr into the egg and in drawing it out it
will cut out a round hole in the thick skin. If
this is not done and the skin only split it closes
up and it is almost impossible to blow the egg.
In blowing, hold the egg hole down and the
small point of the blower just at the hole; as you
force the air in the contents run out through the
“small hole. If the embryo is just forming, make
the hole a trifle larger. Insert the blow-pipe,
holding the point close to the side of the shell.
By blowing it will force the embryo to the
hole and it can be drawn out with the hook. If
the chick is well advanced the large drill must be
used, and with the fine scissors it can be cut and
with forceps or hook taken out in pieces. After
blowing, the egg should be thoroughly rinsed in-
side with water, which can be done by forcing
water in with the blow pipe. It should then be
placed hole down on a blotter to dry. This
should be carefully done. See that none of the
contents is left, as it endangers the specimen in
three ways: discoloration, rotting and attracting in-
sects. Each egg should be marked with lead pencil
near the hole, in the form of a fraction, the nu-
merator being the number of eggs in the set, and
the denominator the set number—usually the set
number corresponding with some system of

nomenclature, which is an identification of the
egg. When the collection is large all three are
used. It is often of saiéyice, if the egg is one on
which it can be done, to mark the date on one of
a set. In collecting it is important to make a
record of the date, locality, and full particulars.

Mexican Crossbills in Kansas.

BY D. E. LANTZ.

Mexican Crossbills, (Lovia curvirostra mexicana),
have recently been taken at several points in Kan-
sas. As they are new to the State, the fact is
worthy of notice.

On July 6, 1885, a party of scientists from the
State Agricultural College, were collecting near
Wallace, in Western Kansas, and shot a Crossbill
which was skinned, but, through carelessness in
packing, the skin was afterwards ruined and
thrown away. This specimen was not identified,
but the fact that the Common Crossbill has never
been found in this State in summer and the
further fact that this was found near the known
summer range of the Mexican Crossbill lead me
to conclude that this must have been the south-
western form.

About Nov. 12th, Prof. Dyche of the State
University at Lawrence, shot several specimens
from a small flock of Crossbills. Upon examina-
tion they proved to be of the form Mezicana, the
first positively known to be taken in the State and
perhaps the most eastern record.

On Noy. 22d, I had the good fortune to secure
three specimens from a flock of twelve at Manhat-
tan. I had seen them several times during the
preceding week, always feeding upon wild sun-
flower seeds. On January 6th, I again shot two
male specimens from a flock of about twenty.
This flock were nearly all males.

In the latter part of Decemb: Mr. VY. L. Kel-
log, of Emporia, captured a pair . this variety at
that place, These several captures of a new bird
at different points would seem to show that it has
been rather common this season.

Food of Crows in Winter.sy

Before me lie the contents of the crop of a Com-
mon Crow, (Corvis americanus,) shot while the
ground was yet frozen as he returned from feeding
grounds down the river to a rookery (?) some two
miles above here. The product is largely vegetable
showing husks of grains of Indiana corn. Evi-
dences of dainty piscatorial food are found in small
amphicelus vertebrae. Evidences of other verte-
brate food are found in bones. I am not yet able to
classify a fragment of a small humerus or femur.
Are the records of the winter food of this bird suf
ficient to make him a living bill of fare?— Theo.
G. Lemmon, Westport, Mo.

60

eT TOMOLG GC |.

WRIGHT & BATES,

73 Hanover St., Boston, Mass.,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.

Address all communications for this department as above.

Editorial Notes.

We are pleased to learn that Prof. C. H. Fern-
aid, of the Maine State College, has now in press
a work on the “Sphingidee of New England.”
Such a book has long been needed and will be
hailed with delight by those who have hitherto
experienced so much difficulty in determining
their specimens. He has the largest known col-
lection of the Zortricide of the world, and of the
Pyralide, Tineina and Pterophoridae of North
America. His name will be a sufficient guaran-
tee as to the merit of his work, and we hope it
will meet with the success it deserves.

Practical Entomology.
BY WRIGHT AND BATES, 73 HANOYER SY., BOSTON.

(Continued from page 45.)

HEMIPTERA,.

PrecuLiAntries: Wing structure various. With
some members of this sub-order the wings are
entirely, wanting, some have the anteriors more
or less modified into corneous coverings, while
some have membraneous wings.

On account of these differences, there have
been formed two sub-divisions, Hemiptera-Ho-
moptera having four membraneous wings, and the
Llemiptera-Heteroptera having the other
modifications.

The mouth parts are formed for sucking and
piercing, and are without jaws. Transformations
incomplete. Larva and pupa like the imago,
but without wings and smaller.

Locanities. The <Aphide and the Coccida
(plant and bark lice,) infest the leaves and bark
of plants, where they often do much damage.

The Notonectida, (water-boatmen) the Ploteres,
(water bugs) and the Nepidw, with some of the
Reduviide ave aquatic and are to be found only
in and about water and wet places.

The
known to require comment.

The Pediculina (lice) and the Mallophaga (bird
lice) are parasitic, and are found on various mem-
bers of the animal kingdom.

The (ieadaria (cicadas) emerge from the grownd
in the summer and may be taken on the trunks
and in the foliage of trees.

various

Membranacei (bed bugs) are too well

ORNITHOLOGIST

[ Vol. 11--No. 4

The Cicadellina (leaf hoppers) and the Corisie
(chinch-bugs) are very abundant in warm weather
on the flowers and foliage.

The members of this order are found, with very
few exceptions, only in warm weather, when
they can be taken, often in large numbers, by
sweeping the fields and the foliage of trees, but
will sometimes be taken under the bark in winter.

The aquatic varieties are secured by dragging
the ponds and rivers, and by sifting the mud
taken from the pools and ditches.

Sphingidae of New England.

Vv. s. Myops.—Sm, and Abb,

Palpi, brown edged with dull yellow; head and
thorax chocolate brown, with a roseate tinge, the
latter with a dull yellow dorsal stripe. Abdo-
men brown, spotted with dull yellow, posterior
edges of segments darker brown. Anterior wings
chocolate-brown, irregularly tinged with rosy,
especially toward the base, where there is a small
black spot. A faint rosy-brown line crosses the
base of disc, followed by a chocolate-brown patch,
broadest and darkest anteriorly, inclincd toward

the anal angle and joined by a line or patch of

the same color extending to the inner margin
toward the base. Hind margin brown, preceded
by a band and two or three undulating lines of
the same hue, fainter toward the anal angle and
separated by lighter lines, tinged with rosy. An
apical V-shaped, rosy-bluish line, with apex
toward the base and preceded by a dull yellow
spot; a dull yellow spot surmounted by one or
two black spots above the anal angle. Posterior
wings dull yellow, with a broad brown patch ex-
tending from near the middle to the costal and
outer margins, a yellow spot on tip, and above it
two short rosy-blue lines which disappeared at
the edge of the yellow central patch, but show
more faintly after crossing the ocellus. Ocellus
black, with large pale-blue pupil.

Under side chocolate-brown; anterior wings,
with markings similar to upper side, with the ex-
ception of a brownish-yellow patch, extending
from near the outer end of dise to the base, costal
margin light brown, Posterior wings more mot-
tled with brown than on upper side, and the
bluish Jines are continued across the ocellus.
Mature larvie. Head and body bluish green, with
arow of sub-dorsal and stigmatical reddish-brown
spots. Six oblique lateral bright yellow bands,
with two thoracic, sub-dorsal, yellowish lines.
Yellow lines on sides of head and horn. Pupze
dark brown, smooth, cylindrico-conical and acute.
Transformation subterranean,

Food plants: Leaves of the wild cherry.

/

April, 1886. ]

A Deformed Prionus.

Cyanide’s article in the March O. and O., on a
deformed Catogenous rufous, reminds me of a re-
markable specimen of Prionus laticollis, which I
found near Stamford, Conn., in 1879.

One side of this beetle showed a strange mal-
formation, the elytron being one-third smaller
than the other, with its edge rolled up so the un-
der wing could be seen. This elytron was of a
light brown color, as were the legs on this side,
while the tarsi were short with claws only partly
formed; the thorax was perfect, and the only de-
formity to be seen about the head was the right
antenna, which was of a lighter color than usual
and quite short, the points being the same in
number but not so long as they should be.

This insect was sent to Dr. LeConte, and he
wrote that it was a very curious deformity, but
said that he had seen one or two that closely re-
sembled it. I have found other specics of Cole-
optera, one a male Lucanus damao with an ab-
breviated elytron; but I have never seen a speci-
men that showed so clearly a pupal injury, for I
can account for this deformity.in no other way,
except that while in its pupal state it was injured
in some way just enough to retard its growth on
one side, while the other completed its trans-
formation and became perfect, not only in size
and shape, but also in color. L. E. H.

Start a Collection.

Now that spring is at hand and insects are be-
coming active, I should advise all to start a col-
lection. With the instructions contained in the
article “Practical Entomology,” (in this depart-
ment,) a little patience and practice, you will be
surprised at the large number of species of the
different orders that you will secure before the
year is out. There is no study more fascinating
and the love for the science grows upon you
slowly but surely, as you become accustomed to
handling your specimens and discover the won-
derful beauty of many of them, especially when
examined under a magnifying glass. Of course,
there are some little drawbacks to the enjoyment,
but only sufficient to give it a keener relish. But
it is not alone on account of the pleasure you
would receive from it that I say ‘‘start a collec-
tion,” but also the great benefits to be derived
mentally, morally and physically. It improves
the memory, sharpens the eyesight (and the ap-
petite) and gives the needed exercise in its most
beneficial form. If your habits are sedentary, a
walk without an object, simply taken as a duty,
is practically useless. Tlave your mind pleasant-

ga OST

61

ly occupied with something outside of your regu-
lar business and you will be surprised at the dis-
tance you can travel without feeling fatigued,
and a day’s travel in the woods and meadows
will fill your lungs with a supply of fresh air that
will last you until your next trip.

It is surprising to see how little the farmers and
gardeners, as a rule, know about the habits, food,
ete., of these little tenants of, their homesteads.
How few of them seem to know their friends
from their foes, and consequently kill all alike. I
have seen a man destroying the Coccinellidse
(lady bugs), because, as he said, they were killing
his peach trees.
shrunken and dried up, but you can. imagine his
surprise when I showed him that the trees were
infested with plant lice, which were causing the
damage, and the lady-bugs had gathered from
near and far to feast on them. Many insects feed
on others, and such may be considered friends.
A little pleasant study will enable any one to
distinguish between them, and a fine collection
will be his reward.

Truly,..the Jeaves were all

To parents I would say encourage your chil-
dren to take up this study, for they could not find
a more harmless and instructive amusement.

JA We

The Tarantula or Trap Door Spider.

This is the largest of our American spiders.
The male is large, strong, long-legged and com-
pletely covered with coarse brown hair., The
palpi are unusually well developed and armed
with poisonous fangs. Each of the anterior legs
has a projection on the under side with which to
hold off an enemy while the fangs are at work
inserting the poison. He lives in a hole (in the
ground), with a silken lining and open at the top,
with the exception of a web during the day. <A
deserted mole or gopher hole seems to answer his
purpose as well as anything. About sundown
he removes his web and rests in the hole with the
tarsi of the anterior legs just above the surface,
ready to rush out on some unsuspecting grass-
hopper or other prey. At this time he is easily
taken. I have pulled them out with my fingers,
by seizing the toes quickly, and dropping them
before they had time to use their fangs. But as
this is rather a dangerous operation I would not
recommend it. My usual method was to take a
lath, cyanide bottle, and a stalk of timothy hay.
As soon as I found a victim I would carefully ap-
proach him from the side on which he was rest-
ing, reach the timothy head just beyond him and
draw it quickly back. He would immediately
dart after it and before he discovered his mistake

[Vol. 11-No. 4

62 ORNITHOLOGIST

I would cover the entrance to his house with my
lath. He was then at my mercy and I had only
to place him in my bottle to number him with
the slain. In this way I have taken twenty-five
nice specimens in less than an hour. A little

yater poured into the hole will usually drive him
out, but that is not always convenient.

The ¢ is much smaller, more slender and of a
beautiful piceous black. She is rarely seen ex-
cept when forced from her house, and will gen-
erally prefer drowning to forsaking her offspring.
This house, in which she rears her young, is a
wonderful piece of architecture. It is a cemented
earthen tube, running down in the ground from
five to ten inches, thence horizontally two to
three inches and furnished at the surface or top
with a perfect D-shaped lid, securely hinged on
the flat side and perfectly water tight. The
whole inside of the house is lined with a beauti-
ful white silken web and in the lining of the lid,
there are two holes, in which she inserts her
fangs to hold it shut in case of danger. It re-
quires a practised eye to discover these houses.
I have seen twenty men hunt a whole day (with-
out finding one) over ground where I could aver-
age one an hour. The males are cannibals and
very pugnacious. It was a common amusement
amongst the men in some places, to pit two
against each other and let them fight it out. One
evening I counted eighty-three pairs laying dead
on the platform at the railroad station in Merced,
Cal., where they had fought to the death. The
largest specimen I ever took, I dug out of a gopher
hole, and behind him he had the remains of hun-
dreds of his species that he had eaten. I placed
him in a case and put a 2? with her house in with
him, making their condition as natural as possi-
ble under the circumstances. The first time she
stepped out he pounced on her and ate ber with
a seeming relish. I tried repeatedly to keep a
pair of them together, but it was useless, as he
killed and ate all that were put in, regardless of
sex. I finally sent him to Woodward’s Gardens,
then a popular resort in San Francisco.

CYANIDE,
Sunni _connnEEEEeeee

Notes on Spring Collecting.
BY WG, He

Spring is upon us; already insect hunters are
in activity and many enthusiastic collectors have
wandered over their favorite grounds in search
for the beetles found only at this season.

As a matter of tradition all turn over stones,
and as many rare species can be found, this is
well, But why not replace the stone in its orig-

inal position when you are through? It takes
but a moment, and if it is a good locality you will
be well repaid for your trouble. By being care-
ful in this respect you can preserve your ground
the entire season and will reap more than one
harvest.

Why so few do this it is hard to say, but it is
certainly a good plan to follow.

When the sun becomes quite warm, with a cool
morning and evening, take a few pieces of old
tin, say a foot or two square, and lay on the
ground where the sun will warm them thoroughly
in the middle of the day; go once in a while and
turn them over carefully and look on the under
side for beetles. Never look on the ground first.
Most of the insects you will secure by this method
crawl out of the dead grass and cling to the tin
for the warmth it affords; thin boards can also
be used but are not as good, and I have used corn
stalks with success, especially late in the autumn.

Do not devote your time entirely to dead trees
and stumps, though prolific in insect life. Use
your hatchet on live forest trees; cut off the bark
close to the ground, and work slowly or you will
destroy many very rare species. Nearly every
species of tree has its peculiar insects, and patient
labor will not be lost.

Keep your eyes open for early water beetles
and rare Staphylinidae. Many species of the lat-
ter can be secured, some under nearly every stone
and stick, in old stumps, under bark, indeed ey-
erywhere, and next to spiders will be the chief
torment of spring collecting.

As soon as trees are in blossom you should be
doubly active. Good species of weevils and early
longicornes are to be found. Your net will not
be of much service now, unless it is your sweep
net on low trees and shrubs. On the highest
trees use an inverted umbrella; hold it up under
a tree and hit the limbs with a rod or heavy cane.
Shake the material you thus catch, bugs, dirt and
all, into a large-mouthed bottle charged with
cyanide, and continue your work from tree to
tree. When you get home you can sort out your
beetles and throw all that is useless away.

With many trees, newspapers, or better still, a
large sheet can be used to better advantage than
the umbrella. Spread the sheet upon the ground
and shake the tree well, gather up all that falls
and dispose of as with the umbrella.

Of course, many will fly away, and it is always
best for two to engage in this work—one to shake
the tree and the other gather in the too lively in-
sects. This kind of collecting is very profitable.

As the season advances many ways can be
thought of to trap beetles. All know of sugar-
ing, and the lamp or candle trap for butterflies

April, 1886. ]

AND OOLOGIST. 63

and moths; but few have tried to trap Coleopte-
ra. All the scavengers, the stag, and many
Lamelicornes, weevils, and in fact, nearly every
family of this order can be trapped; but it pays
only in certain cases.

It is easy to trap the scavengers, for the body
of a dead rat, bird or snake, wil] bring you
species, and if you desire to rear the larve your
trap will be of great value. Some years ago I
wished to observe the changes of the Necrophorus
and with the aid of an old tin pail which I buried
until the top was on a level with the ground,
filled with earth and baited with a dead rat, I se-
cured enough material for a very interesting
series of observations.

CORRESPONDENCE.

War Against Taxidermists.

Editor ORNITHOLOGIsT AND OdLOGIST—Sir: A special
crusade seems to have been inaugurated against taxider-
mists, under the auspices of that wonderful, high toned
menagerie known as the Massachusetts Fish and Game Pro-
tective (?) Association, at their late annual love feast at the
Parker House. During the session, (at which none who
bait the hook with a worm or use a gun that kills at less
than seventy-five yards were invited), the ball was set in
motion by a speech “which we presume the committee con-
sidered would just be worth the expense of one plate.”
What ascene! What must it have been to be there! Im-
agine the high glee with which the encore was given. How
the rotund form of the president shook under the joke, (as
have many a taxidermist while reading his wonderful
“Birds of New England”), but enough, no doubt as they
parted they passed a mutual congratulation that they had at
last struck a case that they “thought they” had backbone
enough to prosecute.

The scene changes, we enter the State House; as we
pause to gaze at the mementos of Massachusetts’ great men
of the past we feel our veins fill, and a thrill of admiration
prevail. Alas how short is its duration. We pass toacom-
mittee room to attend a special hearing before a committee
of the legislature. The room is over-crowded, all interested
upon the subject of game, including taxidermists, are
present. The society of ‘‘P. of C. to A.,” who want their
code vaccinated into the youth at the public school, the
representative of the farmers’ boy who wants to snare
Grouse, the club sportsman who wants to fix the whole
business to swit himself, and the game dealers who wish to
sell game during part of the close season. The meeting now
opens, which is also the signal for the opening of the flood
gates. Volley after volley is spouted in rapid succession at
the taxidermist and naturalist. By common consent they
seem chosen the scape goat. Mr. W. W. Castle defended
the taxidermists from purely an act of justice, and was at
once pounced upon in a manner that reminds us of the
antics of a drove of Mexican Peccaries.

One Lathrop, cf Springfield, fairly danced as he flatly
stated that he was present to declare war on taxidermists. In
his rambling tirade, which it would be a waste of space to
repeat, he made the following remarkable statements:
“That the science of ornithology had reached perfection years
ago in this section, and that there was nothing new to learn.”
Ye Gods! Laugh not at this, rather pity. ‘‘That he knew a
taxidermist who would pay two dollars for every skin of the

Scarlet Tanayer he could get, and that Orioles were worth
more.” Will any one who reads this, with the fact that
Tanager skins have been listed at 60 to 75 cents and Orioles
at 30 to 50 cents by dealers for the last five years, take stock ?
Not much. We want to know who that taxidermist is.
This valiant knight closed his harangue by accusing taxid-
ermists of trapping Bobolinks. Great Heavens! Does he
take us for “‘figure four traps?”

In his excitement he said that he would give two dollars
for the skin of a taxidermist. This, we are informed, he
claimed to be a “slip of the tongue”—better call it all a land
slide. We will venture to say to this mighty warrior that
more birds were sold to his constituents at Springfield dur-
ing the past season by milliners than were taken by all the
regular taxidermists in the State. He make war on the tax-
idermists! The laugh at his lingo will exceed by far
his Apache war whoop. Let the Massachusetts naturalists
use their opera glasses and study this exterminator. Per-
haps they can trace its origin back to the good old days of
witchcraft, (he did not suggest burning Taxidermists). A
gentleman present stated that he had not seen birds in his
back yard for some time, and thought they had all been
killed. Who did it? Of course the taxidermists. The
hats of the lady reporters present did not seem to suggest
that at least taxidermists were not consumers.

Mr. Shumway, of Plymouth, stated that the taxidermists,
interest was so small (capital vs. labor) that it was not
worth the committee’s while to bother with them. Indeed!
We think the Knights of Labor will meet him some day if
he sticks to that text. With gentle mein and down cast eye
“a lady present said, that last winter the preference of the
millinery fashion had been for Massachusetts birds,” and
immediately said lady devoted the rest of her attention to
reporting her neat little speech, to the exclusion of what
was said in defense of taxidermists. (See Boston papers
March 2d.)

As we passed out we paused once more before the marble
figures of the great and just, to see if they had not turned
away their faces. Now, what does this mean? Why assail
the taxidermists and naturalists, you who declare war.

Visit the taxidermist, examine his stock, and then Call on
any one of the great millinery houses, that out-number by
far the taxidermists, and you may be able to discriminate.
Is it the taxidermist that created the fashion of hat decora-
tions with birds and feathers? Is it the taxidermist that
compels your wives and daughters to wear them? <Are you
too henpecked to say ‘boo” about it at home, and think it
easier to fight the taxidermist than object to the Paris
fashion ?

We divide you who cry down the naturalist and taxider-
mist into two classes, the ignorant and the malicious. To
the former we are ready to define our position, to the latter
we defy you, and are ready to meet you as you appoint. As
naturalists and taxidermists, we do not favor, nor are we in
sympathy with the millinery trade, or wanton destruction of
bird life. We are ready to assist in protection—and protest
against false charges, and insist upon an open season, with
proper limitation, with as much ground as the sportsman.

The second hearing before the committee was more pleas-
ing to taxidermists—other targets being used—from its
chaos our reporter returned the following—it makes us
smile—resolutions and suggestions offered to the committee
on fish and game at the Hub:

ScENE Ist.—Game Dealer—‘There are no Deer or Pinneated
Grouse in Massachusetts.” ’ ;

F. and G. “p.” A.—“Bueks may be shot, Does not.”

Rev. Lr. B., (critic) —*Sex must be plainly marked ; in quick
sight shots, mistakes might occur.”

Taxidermists (advice)—Refer this to ‘‘new” Inland Fish
Commissioner Lathrop.

64 ORNITHOLOGIST

SCENE 2d.—Game Dealers—“We can distinguish Connecti-
cut Quail from Massachusetts Quail.”

I’. and G. “Sp.” A.—We drew it up. We don’t want it. We
present this. We accept any change. What
want? What don’t we want?

Taxidermists—Refer this to “new” I. F. C. Lathrop.

SCENE 3d.—Expert Citizen from Oyster Bay locality—“Have
hunted for twenty-five years; never saw but one Deer.”

Lawyer Tindale, who owns a sunmer resort at Oyster Bay
and will not be questioned—‘People from all over the
country come down to my place just to see Deer in
their natural haunts.”

Taxidermists—Do they wait twenty-five years? (Refer this
to “new” I. F. C. Lathrop )

SCENE 4th.—Exeited Game Dealer—We ask for this. We
want it. We will have it anyway. (2)

Cool Game Dealer—Massachusetts people demand that we
should sell game after the close season. (Presumably
members of F. and G, “p.” A. on the sly).

fl. F. C. Lathrop—(trembling yoice)—Protect the Buffalo.
(General laughter.)

Taxidermists—Is he a song bird? Are the taxidermists
after him ?

In closing we present an editorial squib from the Boston
Herald, to show the bluster. This we believe to have been
written in the interests of Boston game dealers, who were
vexed because taxidermists insisted before the committee
that no game dealer should be allowed to sell or have game
in possession during close season.

“There is an awful lot of humbug about this ‘natural
history study.” Why should the robbing a birds’ nests be
encouraged on the simple statement that it is done for sci-
entific purposes? Whatare scientific purposes? Of what
use to science is a collection of a dozen or two of birds’
eggs made at the cost of half a hundred times as many
ruined nests. Ornithological is an impressive word, but the
ornithological science which is killing off all our birds,
beautiful for song or plumage, and which yield not a nama-
ble benefit, is a delusion and a snare.”

The reader can see evidence of the incapacity of which
the Boston Globe has so often reminded us of late.

MASSACHUSETTS TAXIDERMIST.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS.

Capen’s ‘‘Oology of New England.’’

do we

This valuabie and handsome folio volume has at length
been published. It has long been in preparation, and its
appearance has long been anxiously awaited by many,
whose patience has been amply rewarded, Since the publi-
cation of Dr. Brewer’s North American Odlogy, no work
having such an ambitious scope has been attempted. Dr.
Brewer's book, it wil! be remembered, was only frag-
mentary, as it contained merely the Raptores, the Hirundi-
nid, and a few others, which were embraced in Part I of
that work. No further Parts were issued, and the: book to
this day is incomplete.

Mr. Capen’s work, as its title indicates, is an account of
the eggs, nests and breeding habits of those species of birds
known to raise their young in New England. It is surpris-
ing, however, how large the list of species included is, and
it therefore is in fact, what it is to be hoped it will eventu-
ally prove to be, the first portion of a work which will finally
include all the species of North American birds whose eggs
have been discovered.

A book on odlogy without illustrations would be of com-
paratively little value, and Mr. Capen has wisely made them
one of the principal features of the work. Twenty-five large
plates, each ten by fourteen inches, afford ample room for
hundreds of figures of eggs. These are well drawn and

[Vol. 11-No. 4

beautifully colored. They are produced by chromo-lithog-
raphy, but have all the delicacy they would have if colored
by hand, besides being more uniform than if produced in
that way; and they have, moreover, the advantage of en-
abling the book to be published at a price which is surpris-
ingly low, considering the number and great beauty of -
the plates.

The eggs are all figured the size of nature, and in a great
maby instances, several illustrations are given of each
species. Thusin Plate I there are two figures of the eggs of
the Hermit Thrush, (Hylociehla unalasew pallasi); two of
those of the Olive-backed Thrush, (Hylocichla ustulata
swainson?); three of the eggs of the Mockingbird, (Mims
polyglottus); two of the Brown Thrasher, (HMarporhynehus
rufus); and two of the Bluebird, (Sialia sialis). This en-
ables Mr. Capen to show many of the variations to which
most eggs are subject, and it renders the work far more
valuable. This completeness of illustration is kept up
throughout all the plates, and is one of the most valuable
features of the book. Mr. Capen tells us in his preface that
in his illustrations he has ‘‘made careful selections from
many large collections to obtain the most typical, and in
many cases where there is considerable variation, the most
characteristic specimens.” This of course is a matter
about which individuals will differ, but certainly many
people will fail to agree with Mr. Capen as to some of the
specimens he figures being the most characteristic of the
species. Take for instance his figures of the eggs of the
Marsh Hawk, (Cireus hudsonius). The illustrations repre-
sent two eggs, both of which are distinctly spotted, when
the great majority of eggs of this species are wholly un-
spotted, and lighter in tint than either of Mr. Capen’s ~
figures. Again the illustration of the egg of Cooper’s Hawk,
(Aceipiter cooperi,) represents a specimen quite distinetly
spotted, which does not occur in one set out of ten.

The two illustrations of the eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk,
(Buteo borealis,) may also be criticized as being open to the
same objection. In fact the illustrations of the eggs of the
various hawks are perhaps the least satisfactory of all in :
the book. <A partiality appears to have been shown for
brightly colored specimens of this family, and the result is
that while the pictures are very beautiful, they can hardly
be said to be characteristic. However, as was before said,
this isa matter about which there may be much difference
of opinion. No eggs vary more than those of the hawks,
(except the A/eid@,) and the selection of typical specimens
among them is therefore a matter of great difficulty.

There is one part of the book, however, about which there
cannot be a difference of opinion, and that is regret that
Mr. Capen has followed some of the older writers in giving
the number of eggs laid by many species. Audubon was a
man whom we will always remember with affection for his
love of birds, and the beautiful pictures of them which he
has left us, but when he said that the Great Horned Owl,
(Bubo virginianus,) laid from three to six eggs, we cannot
but regard the statement as an error. There is no reason to
suppose that those birds laid more eggs in his day than
they do now, and no one at the present time has ever suc-
ceeded in finding more than four. ‘Two and three are the
common number. It is a pity, therefore, that Mr. Capen
follows Audubon, and tells us that ‘tas many as six have
been found,” So also is it a mistake to say of the Red-
tailed Hawk, (Buteo borealis,) that the eggs are “usually
three in number, seldom more or less.” Two are oftener
found than three.

These are minor faults however, and detract very little
from the value of the book. Taken altogether it is a most
creditable work, and it is to be hoped that Mr. Capen will
meet with sufficient encouragement to enable him to go on
with his book and publish other volumes, which will, in
time, make the book a complete history of the odlogy of
North America. J. PN,

COTTTTUT TROPA NT ATARMARLERLLOTRRTARCOOCRUAULAREACARTA EEA OCA URUT OA UJ cam

Established 1875.

avsuuunuuusunnususucusecsuneuneasnonsuansenesueneuncucuusunvuacgusssunnsunuevenonesuenenuseuuanusuensenenunenecanonuacsunenenuqauennadyunees

Published by
FRANK B. WEBSTER,

409 Washington St., Boston, Mass.

Ounnoneoneasoneonsecooonscnsoeny
munnenunonscnanensessnsnenses

Entered at Boston Post Office as Second-class Matters

CONTENTS

Vol. XI., No. 3, May, 1886.

The Ring Ouzel, (Turdus torquatus) .... 2.0. cecsescecssecvccccescuccecccescs HENEY. KERR Ui .. oo cca ccpice’ secree She see 65
List of Birds Observed in Vicinity of Santa Barbara.....................00 CLARK SPREATOR, Jods s acle's's's sev tea ee eo UatReee 66
OdSL0ax—Series'of Hees of Red-tailed) Hawkicec osscl,wepiniv's cee eesivicclncthsc cine. cle we ocak Wed derric sae cle misaaeic ck chute an aaa 67
Curious Set. of Hees of Wood: Thrash. ses... pec nec emia Bene lanes ce acesics «athe cctidat ccusseee uvte at en eint nee ae 69
A Season’s Notes from Bristol Co., Mass...........cecccscseccsccees BM. MEROR/-c<' ou n> one sa home aa ane 69
Early Breeding of Anna’s Humming Bird—The Sequel.............. W.. Ormo HMERSON 645.0255 soc cts ee oeeee 70
List of Birds near Philadelphia, and Dates of Eggs Taken......... Harry G. PARKER!) Gc.0 2200s soonest 70
ASTORIA» os civabieosincirse ws caitigaian sloow’s orieicwasaaeeianacsteasies.cccie cae cibae's clciels/eletn ers/aia'e trelsteiviand aBiceetatareas Silene eis hate heen 72
Ohitnary—Chars WeiGuMlis casas ta cslvasicinais tea dat cial ep aeune we bicriels-co'wacis Bio's ss afalsinves otfelnlssinice ce pine peter en ann ete eee 13
EAAU CAL “TAXIGONUINY'S « ctialale anata sicinic' ncn cn semis oir leis wasclas waitiaieyachelaleoibtetare eaves PRANK |B. WEBSTER... ..n/.01. senuic'e} eenaekene 13
ASPenn. PAWAACaINSEEF EWES sua ciel conde coisas ccown sentack vicisineeicenein ee net Os raw Naeracauinet'elase cine on 7as det waig eens ete 74
MIOMIGA IFAs OC DIUATY cacnrely ce sige ted nscieiginins Si siecle Sielkle Sthieeig sem e/onee eet Ay, Let BROWNE. bocsisssetcgn Belted anes Sak een 74
ANGLO MCA Trin TOs Gs POU Or ai G ai, ties sate als reolevait a slaus ben ie.ceigie-oes bie meals ERNEST ID. WINTLE:. .cnscsa- ces tannvanecwene 15
WEAINLOM MOLES ROM RaAlelon INS Oasis ewe decease geincrames oiplinebieiceelcemerets on OWS. BRIMLEY is'sfarce s'y-c cninn alec es haere ae 76
INGTEB LOIN (NCH PI AIANOE nie oVitisiacctocins © essjsen tices e Fan che capcincneves ee WALTER HOXIES...¢.. o.c2c-ece hs coat pee aie 16
WTA Ohad ron APAUNTON« MABE vo.csiscbr.ce ede tems ce calle Case clojelclelsina ante wia's 0. GC, (CABOON 5..0).00% sto oa olccste preneicete Aiea TT
HEMT OMOLOEY— HOOK NOLICERY th cas cec ce cane otisdhs clue ne cic’ dies caves ceivnnitiaw we'se cube ck ois sms cpltiecn (cals eects! sete ae eee 78
TACMERL HM GOMOLOP Via paciccatels(e acs seein cicciacic eiseisiscin’s orsisle(ieldalcigaic. WRIGHT ‘AND BATES, 2 (5.\ni0s « <oectieet pee Eee 78
pphingrdee Of NCW HM PIAN GL! « ./0)sio/seeisislccmcywinicicejna.c nid olera?e steiatole cic eine olsicinctaleialotic biel p ee ema fels slels wtee olemcle a nee aoe 79
SBTIIP IN OLGA aman eitiiersaciere cin/a.clevs\eloistele ele teoais-stelejera eters) alain cree eiciaye sie store BS A'S BARES 5 stars No'se's v toate Sareea ee eee 79
RECENT PuBLICATIONS—A. O. U. Code of Nomenclature and Check-list of
INGE ASH SANCLE: (GLE ccints loca niatavcs Noiarets ote telore Vet bie paiata datas tarot Ms cieca salen ee obs eae clara rare che aia ea Saran he ree en a 80
CORBEREDNDEN GH sya's'<j 0/50 0 sissalala Oe tia eure otk oh Gos wis ebaicias Unies ante wurcior aie eles opdee eb a Bam alan we Sebkaocieisiak aertn cetera a tsa SO

—AND—

Editor and Publisher of the
ripebacea ORNITHOLOGIST and OdLOGIsT, and send “
. . r c ill 7 the is rt bh t ail.
Mammalian Skins and Skulls. above, and you willreceivea ‘surprise party” by return mal

Pare R & ALE R. B. TROUSLOT,
N08 VALPARAISO, IND.,
Has information of Prime IMPORTANCE to all Ornitholo-
gists, Odlogists, Entomologists and Taxidermists.
Write your name and address plainly on a postal card,
THE HOOSIER NATURALIST
Is a 24-Page Journal, Illustrated

Fr Vest Saws Ip ¥y G Ae enland and and devoted to Ornithology, Odlogy, Taxidermy and Collect-
ing. Exchange columns free to subscribers, Premium List
the largest and best ever offered by any publisher in Ameri-

Lab rador. ca. Send seven one cent BUNGEE to R. B. TROUSLOT, 39

ee Col. Ave., Valparaiso, Ind., and receive a sample copy.
N. B.—Hooster Naturalist for six months and Davie’
New Key only $1.00.

PRICE LISTS FREE. TES
Sunny South Oologist.

=

A monthly devoted exclusively to the study of Birds,

H.B. MOSCHLER, |" "Y Stuxcroms come ro
‘The Nesting Habits of North American Birds,

It has a FREE exchange column to subscribers; a page
; 5 - ua ‘ .
(formerly H. J. Méschler, Herrnhut, established 1848.) devoted to answering Correspondents: and its columns are
| always open to subscribers, in giving descriptions of their
| ‘collecting trips,” ete.

Subscription Price SOc Fer Wear.
K RO N FO RSTCH EN : | SpgEctAL OFFER.—To any person sending us the pnb-
| lisher’s price, $1, for a copy of ‘Oliver Davies’ New Key

to the Nest and Eggs of N. A. Birds,” I will send The Sun-
ny South Oologist for six months, Free.

Near BAUTZEN, GERMANY, =o 225, bx=icnen

Box 405, GAINESVILLE, TEXAS.

RNITHOLOGIST

— AN D—

OOLOGIST.

$1.50 per

Single Copy

—o — —

FRANK B. WEBSTER, PuBLisHER.
Annum. Established, March, 1875. 15 Cents.
BOSTON, MASS., MAY, 1886. No. 5.

WOL. XI.

The Ring Ouzel.
(Turdus torquatus.)

BY HENRY KERR, BACUP, LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND.

This handsome member of the Thrush family,
(Turdina,) is one of the earliest Spring visitors on
the hills and mountains of north-east Lancashire,
and it usually puts in an appearance immediately
after the advent of the Wheatear, our earliest
visitor. I first made the acquaintance of this in-
teresting bird in north-east Lancashire. Derby-
shire is about the southern breeding range of this
species. In summer it nests plentifully among
the hills and rocky gorges, leaving in October,
making its way slowly to the southern coast, pre-
vious to its over sea migration. As these birds go
south in the fruit season they freely help them-
selves to garden produce, and many of these fruit
loving birds are killed by gardeners and_ fruit-
growers.

The Ring Ouzel, like its relations, the other
Thrushes, have a variety of common names in
different localities. It is called the Rock Ouzel,
Ring Thrush, Mountain Blackbird and Moor
Blackbird. In northeast Lancashire, southeast
Yorkshire and the eastern border of Scotland it
is best known by the latter name. It has a Euro-
pean range from Norway to Spain, and is also
found in north Africa and Syria, where it spends
the winter. It is tolerably common in the moor-
lands and mountains of Derbyshire, Yorkshire
and the wilder parts of Northumberland and Dur-
ham, as also found in Scotland. It is also found
breeding freely in the mountains of Ireland; it is
plentiful, as might be expected, in Wales. In
cultivated districts this species is frequently found
feeding in gardens, while on migration southward
and it is also occasionally seen in similar localities
while on its way north in spring to its breeding
quarters.

This bird is rather larger than the Blackbird,
but its eggs are somewhat smaller although very
similar in markings, and the nest and eggs, apart

Copyright, 1886, by Eaton Cuirr and F. B. WEBSTER.

from the locality, may be easily taken for those
of the former bird, by those at least unfamiliar
with the species. The bird has a rapid, steady
flight, and except when near its nest it flies at a
considerable height. Its food consists of worms,
insects, snails, seeds, and wild fruits, such as the
tillberry and the berries of the mountain ash and
holly in autumn. The Ring Ouzel isnot much of
a songster, but it is most vocally inclined when
incubation is in progress. Its song mainly con-
sists of afew plaintive notes, uttered in a clear,
warbling whistle. The male bird, as already
stated, sings best when his mate is hatching, and
perched on a stone wall, boulder, or branch of a
stunted tree not far from the nest, its pleasant
note may frequently be heard. I have occasionally
managed to get within a few yards of the male
bird when in song, and unseen, listen to its low but
pleasing notes. When the female is flushed from
the nest she flies off a few yards and utters a grat-
ing chatter and is most anxious until the intruder
has departed.

In this almost sub-alpine corner of Lancashire
the bird under notice nests high upon the moors
and heathery banks or amid masses of rock. The
nest, which is a rather less, and a trifle more com-
pact than that of the Blackbird, is built of fibrous
roots, lined with clay, and an inner lining of dried
The nest is also shallower than that of the
last named species. The eggs, from three to four
—I never found five in trifle
smaller and more elongated than those of the
Blackbird, and more profusely marked with
brownish-yellow blotching on a_ greenish-blue
ground. The eggs, as in many other species, fre-
quently vary in size and markings. In this district
the young are on the wing about the middle of
July, and I believe the old birds rarely rear more
than one brood. The Ring Ouzel derives its scien-
tific name (torquatus) from the crescent-shaped
white band on the neck, the rest of the plumage,
except the wing-covers, being of a pure black,
marked with faint crescent-shaped spots formed
by the light edges of the feathers. The quills
and wing-covers are shaped with grey and bor-

grass.

one nest—are a

66 ORNITHOLOGIST

dered with brownish-grey. The tail is brownish-
ish-black, with the exception of the two outside
feathers, which are edged with a delicate line of
greyish-white. The male is about twelve inches
in length and the bill is cream-colored. The fe-
male is not so dusky lined as her mate. Dr. Brehm
is of the opinion that the Ring Ouzel cannot be re-
garded as the representation of a separate group,
but is a connecting link between the Thrushes and
Blackbirds, though some ornithologists are in-
clined to make it a separate species.

List of Birds Observed in the Vicini-
ty of Santa Barbara, Cal., Dur-
ing the Year 1885.

READ BEFORE THE SANTA BARBARA SOCIETY
OF NATURAL HISTORY, JAN. 26, 1886.

BY CLARK P. STREATOR.

(The nomenclature is that of the Smithsonian Check List,
by R. Ridgway, 1881.)

Xanthocephalus icterocephalus, (Yellow-headed

PART IL:

Blackbird). Migratory. Not often seen near
this city.
Agelwus pheniceus, (Red-and-buff-shouldered

Blackbird). I have found a few birds which I am
positive are of this species. I have shot specimens
at all seasons of the year.

Agedeus pheniceus gubernator, (Red-and-black-
shouldered Blackbird). An abundant resident.

Breeds.
Ageleus tricolor, (Red-and-white-shouldered
Blackbird). Spring and fall migrant.

Sturnella neglecta, (Western Meadow Lark).
Common resident. Breeds, but their nest is diffi-
cult to find.

Icterus cucullatus, (Hooded Oriole). Summer
resident ; not common. Breeds.
Icterus bullocki, (Bullock’s Oriole). Common

summer resident. Breeds.

Scolecophagus cyanocephalus, (Brewer's Black-
bird). Common resident. Breeds.

Corvus frugivorus caurinus, (Northwestern Fish
Crow). Common resident. Breeds. This Crow
is much more tame than the eastern one. On one
occasion I walked within fifteen feet of one be-
fore it flew.

Picicorvus columbianus, (Clarke’s Nutcracker).
This bird was observed on the mountains by ¢
friend about five or six miles from this, city, and
it may be common in the pines on top of them.

Pica nuttall, (Yellow-billed Magpie). Resident.
Breeds. Probably once .common, but now rare.
One was shot in about three miles of Santa Bar-
bara this winter.

Cyunoeitta stelleri frontalis, (Blue-fronted Jay).

[Vol. 11-No. 5

Irregular winter and spring resident. Last year
they were common and remained until after the
breeding season. This year I have found none.

Apheloeoma californica, (California Jay). Resi-
dent ; not very common. Breeds.

Bremophila alpestris chrysolema, (Mexican Shore
Lark). Very common summer resident. Breeds.

Tyrannus verticalis, (Western Kingbird). Com-
mon summer resident. Breeds. A very few re-
main through the winter.

Myiarchus cinerascens, (Ash-throated Fly-
catcher). Common spring migrant.

Sayornis sayt, (Say’s Pewee).
winter resident.

Sayornis nigricans, (Black Pewee).
Breeds.

A quite common

Resident.

Contopus richardsoni, (Western Wood Pewee).
Very rare. I have only collected one specimen.

Empidonax hammondi, (Hammond’s Fly-
catcher). Rather common summer _ resident.
Breeds.

Trochilus alecandri, (Black-chinned Humming-
bird). Common summer resident. Breeds.

Calypte anne, (Anna’s Hummingbird.) Resi-
dent. The most common Hummingbird. Breeds.
The nests are found very common.

Selusphorus rufus, (Rafous Hummingbird).
Summer resident; not so common as the two
above. Breeds.

Phalenoptilus nuttalli, (Poor-will). Not com-
mon. I have only collected three specimens from
this place.

Chordeiles popetue henryi, (Western Nighthawk).
Not common near this city.

Picus pubescens gairdneri, (Gairdner’s Wood-
pecker). Uncommon resident. Breeds.

Picus nuttalli, (Nuttall’s Woodpecker).
dent. I have never found its nest.

Melanerpes torquatus, (Lewis’s Woodpecker).
Abundant resident last winter. This winter I
have found none.

Resi-

Melanerpes formicivorus bairdi, (Californian
Woodpecker). Resident. Rather common about
the oak trees. Breeds.

Colaptes auratus mexicanus, (Red-shafted Flick-
er). Common resident. Breeds.

Colaptes auratus hybridus, (“Hybrid” Flicker).
I have found this bird on about a half a dozen
occasions.

Ceryle aleyon, (Belted Kingfisher).
Not very common.

Geococcyx californianus, Road-runner ; Chapar-
ral Cock). Resident. Common.

Aluco flammeus americanus, (American Barn
Owl). Common resident. Breeds.

Asio americanus, (American Long-eared Owl),

Migratory.

May, 1886.]
Common in some parts of the county, but not near
this city.

Asio aceipitrinus, (Short-eared Owl). Rare. I
have never collected but one specimen from this
place.

Scops asto, (Little Screech Owl). Common.
Breeds. I do not find this Owl to be a variety.

Bubo virginianus subareticus, (Western Horned
Owl). Not very common. Breeds.

Speotyto cunieularia hypogea, (Burrowing Owl).
Common. Breeds. Lives in the ground-squirrel
holes.

Fsalon columbarius, (Pigeon Hawk) Common
winter resident.

Tinnuneulus sparverius, (Sparrow Hawk). Very
common resident. Breeds.

Pandion_haliaetus carolinensis, (American Os-
prey ; Fish Hawk). Rarely seen about this city.
— Banus glaucus, (White-tailed Kite). Rare. I
have noticed only a few specimens.

Circus hudsonius, (Marsh Hawk). I have noticed
this Hawk only in winter.

Accipiter coopert, (Cooper's Hawk).
common. Found in winter.

Accipiter fuscus, (Sharp-shinned Hawk).
mon in the colder months.

Buteo borealis calurus, (Western Red-tail) Resi-
dent. Not very common. Breeds.

Aquila chrysuetus canadensis, (Golden Eagle).
Uncommon. I have seen only three or four
specimens. I had one adult specimen that I
mounted about two weeks since. It is the largest
bird I have seen.

Haliwetus leucocephalus, (Bald Eagle; Gray
Eagle). Rather common. Breeds. Quite a number
of nests have been found on the islands every year.

Pseudogryphus californianus, (Californian Con-
dor). This gigantic bird is now nearly extinct, but
specimens may be occasionally seen in the moun-
tains back of the city during the winter months.

Cathartes aura, (Turkey Buzzard). Common
in summer; a few winter with us. Breeds.

Columba fasciata, (Band-tailed Pigeon). Winter
resident. They are sometimes observed near
this city.

Zenaidura carolinensis, (Mourning Dove). Resi-
dent. Common. Breeds.

Oreortyx picta, (Mountain Quail).
dent high up in the mountains.

Lophortyx californica, (Californian Quail). Quite
an abundant resident. Breeds.

Rather un-

Com-

Rare. Resi-

Kingbird and Colorado Beetle.

I have known the Kingbird to feed on the
Colorado potato beetle. Have others noted it 7—
Theo, G, Lemmon.

AND OOLOGIST. 67

ee
QOTOGANe
J. PARKER NORRIS, Editor.

a : te i,
The Editor assumes no responsibility for those ar-
ticles which have the names of the writer attached.

A Series of Eggs of the Red-tailed
Hawk.

The eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo bor-
ealis) are subject to great variation, and it is only
by exaniining a series that anything like an aver-
age description of them can be made. The follow-
ing account of a series of twenty-one sets, from
different localities, shows how great the variations
are, both as to size and colorings:

Set I. Comal County, Texas, March 2, 1883.
No. 1: 2.40x1.78. Duli white, very indistinctly
spotted near smaller end with very faint brown,
apparently in the shell. No.2: 2.42x1.76. Dull
white, spotted so indistinctly with grayish, as to
appear wholly unmarked until a close inspection
reveals the contrary to be the case. No.3: 2.42x
1.79. Dull white with a few smeared spots of
brownish near the smaller end. At a short dis-
tance Nos. 1 and 2 appear entirely unspotted, and
No. 3 is so slightly so that the three eggs present
a very unusual appearance. This is the more so
on account of their elongated shape.

Set II. Giddings, Texas, March 21, 1884.
No. 1: 2.84x1.79. Dull white, marked near
smaller end with brown, of varying shades.
No.2: 2.34x1.74. Dull white, very faintly marked
with gray. Appears unspotted at a short distance.

Set III. Comal County, Texas, March 13,
1882. No.1: 2.384x1.82. Dull white, marked all
over with small light brown spots, which have a
streaky appearance. No. 2: 2.46x1.79. Dull
white, very faintly clouded with light gray.

Set 1V. Giddings, Texas, April 4, 1885. No.
1: 2.25x1.87. Dull white, slightly stained. Marked
with dark brown spots, which are confluent, and
form a circle near the large end. No. 2:
1.86. Dull white, stained. Faintly marked with
small faint brown spots, mostly towards the

2.22X

smaller end.

Set. V. Comal County, Texas, May 20, 1879.
No. 1: 2.21x1.78. Dull white, spotted with red-
dish brown. The spots are nearly all clustered
at the smaller end, where they are confluent, leav-
ing the rest of the surface almost unspotted. No.
2: 2.29x1.78. Dull white, marked with small
reddish brown spots, which are distributed all
over the surface.

Set VI. Comal County, Texas, March 4, 1885.

68

No. 1: 2.30x1.80. Light bluish white, marked
with reddish brown. The markings are nearly
all at the larger end, where they are partly con-
fluent, and form a wreath. No. 2: 2.28x1.81.
Light bluish white, marked with large blotches of
reddish brown. The spots are larger near the
greater end.

Set VII. Comal County, Texas, March 18, 1883.
No. 1: 2.31x1.75. Very light bluish white,
marked with bright reddish brown spots which
are quite small, and inclined to form a circle near
the larger end, where they are mostly found. No.
2. 2.28x1.82. Very light bluish white, marked
with bright reddish brown spots. These are
clustered near the smaller end. This egg is
slightly stained.

Set VIII. Baxter, lowa, March 17, 1885. No.
1: 2.41x1.84. Bluish white, marked with a large
number of different sized blotches of very bright
reddish brown. No. 2: 2.37x2.00. Bluish white,
very heavily marked with large blotches of very
bright reddish brown. Some of the blotches are
confluent at the larger end. These are the
largest eggs, and the most heavily colored in the
series; and it is doubtful if a handsomer set of
this species was ever found. Their size is also
unusual.

Set IX. Washington, Connecticut, April 14,
1884. No. 1: 2.33x2.00. Bluish white, smeared
all over with brownish, giving the egg the appear-
ance of having been stained.* A few reddish
brown spots. No. 2: 2.34x1.99. Bluish white,
entirely unspotted.

Set X. Baxter, Iowa, April 9, 1885. This set
is particularly interesting, as it originally consisted
of four eggs, but one of them was found so badly
broken in the nest that it was impossible to pre-
serve it. No.1: 2.40x1.81. Dull white, spotted
with brown. The spots are small, and closer to-
gether at the large end. The surface is also nest-
stained. No. 2: 2.82x1.89. Dull white, marked
with faint brownish and light purplish streaks,
pretty evenly distributed over the whole egg, but
rather thicker at the largerend. No.3: 2.48x1.91.
Dull white, very faintly streaked with light gray.
Appears unmarked at a short distance.

Set XI. Washington, Connecticut, May 25,
1884. No. 1: 2.29x1.82. Dull white, marked
with faint brown and purplish spots and specks.
No. 2: 2.44x1.83. Dull white, faintly marked
with indistinct specks of brown, and light pur-
plish, principally near the smaller end.

Set XII. Washington, Pennsylvania, April 17,
1884. No. 1: 2.87x1.91. Dull white, faintly
marked with light brown all over the surface.
Tas exactly the appearance of mud, but it is not.
No, 2: 2.44x1.79. Dull white, faintly marked

ORNITHOLOGIST

[ Vol. 11--No.
with light brown over the wholeegg. Thespecks
and spots tend to become confluent near the
larger end.

Set XIII. Washington, Pennsylvania, March
13, 1884. No.1: 2.45x1.86. Dingy white, stained

all over the surface, and marked with a few small
spots of brown. No. 2: 237x1.84. Dingy white,
very much stained. Marked with light purplish
and a few brownish spots.

Set XIV. Washington, Connecticut, April 24,
1888. No. 1: 2.20x1.80. Dull white, with a few
streaks of brown. Very much stained. No. 2:
2.23x1.84. Dull white, marked with small brown

spots. Much stained.
Set XV. Washington, Connecticut April 18,
1884. No. 1: 2.89x1.78. Dull white, marked

with brown spots, which are thicker at the greater
end. No. 2: 2.381x1.84. Dull white, marked with
brown, which is splashed around the greater end.
Stained.
Set XVI.
1884,

Washington, Connecticut, April 9,
No. 1: 2.17x1.80. Dingy white, much

stained. Marked all over the surface with small
spots of brown. No. 2: 2.20x1.78. Dingy white,
stained. Marked over the whole surface with

small brown spots.

Set XVII. Washington, Connecticut, April 23,
1884. No.1: 2.43x1.87. Dingy white, stained.
Very faintly marked with a few indistinct light
gray specks. At a short distance it appears
wholly unmarked. No. 2: 2.36x1.90. Dingy
white, stained. Beautifully marked with bright
brown blotches and spots. The former form an
indistinct circle at the larger end, where they are
confluent.

Set XVIII. Washington, Connecticut, April
8, 1884. No. 1: 2.48x2.00. Dull white, stained.
Marked with blotches of bright brown, more
towards thesmaller end. No. 2: 2.47x1.00. Dingy
white, stained. Marked with blotches of light
brown, and light purplish, mostly at the larger end.

Set XIX. Washington, Connecticut, April 19,
1884. No. 1: 2.49x1.96. Dingy white, much
stained. Indistintly marked with light purplish.
A very pointed egg for this species. No, 2: 2,42
x1.80. Dingy white, much stained. Boldly
marked with dark brown spots, tending to forma
circle around the smaller end. Also some indis-
tinct spots of light purplish. Quite pointed.

No. 8: 2.89x1.80. Dingy white, very much
stained. Marked with brown blotches, more of

them near the smaller end, All three of the eggs
in this set are unusually pointed for Buteo borealis.

Set XX. Iowa City, Iowa, April 11,1881. No.
1: 2.41x1.93. Dingy white, very much stained.
Boldly marked with large blotches of bright
brown, becoming confluent at smaller end. No.

May, 1886. ]

2: 2.31x1.87. Dingy white, stained, marked with
blotches and specks of dark brown, principally
near the larger end. No. 3: 2.34x1.88. Dingy
white, much stained. Marked all over the sur-
face with bright brown streaks and specks.

Set XXI. Oxford, Mississippi, April 8, 1885.

No, 1: 2.22x1.76. Light bluish white, slightly
stained. Marked with a few very dark and large

blotches of brown, mostly at the smaller end. No.
2: 2.25x1.76. Light bluish white, slightly stained.
Marked with a large number of light purplish
specks all over the surface, and a few brown spots.
No. 3: 2.22x1.76. Light bluish white, very heavily
marked with very dark brown blotches.

Curious Set of Eggs of the Wood
Thrush.

A very singular set of eggs of the Wood
Thrush (//ylocichla mustelina) may be thus de-
scribed :

No. 1 measures 1.18x.84, and is of the normal
color.

No. 2 is 1.09x.83, and is also of the usual color.

No. 3 is .87x.62, and is of the same color as the
two preceding eggs.

No. 4 is .88x.62 and is of a peculiar drab green-
ish color.

They were found at Milton, Mass., on June
26, 1883, and the parent bird was seen. It will
be noticed that the first two eggs are larger than
the usual size for this bird, (which is from 1.00x
.75 to 1.08x.70,) while the other two are ‘‘runts.”
The greenish-drab one is different in color from
any eggs of this species that the present writer
has seen.

A Season’s Notes from Bristol Coun-
ty, Mass.

A Brief Review from My Note Book of 1885.
BY F. M. MERCK.—PART II.

(Continued from page 39.)

The Scarlet Tanagers were very numerous dur-
ing the second week of June, and a nest was
found June 17th, placed in a light forest oak.

The handsome and vivacious Redstart is now
in the full tide of his domestic cares, and I notice
several of their neat structures as I walk through
an alder thicket, where I also flushed a Wood-
cock with a fluttering brood of young.

The Least Flycatcher is heard about the houses
in great numbers as he overlooks his mate, who
probably is setting in a nest placed in the very
same tree as last year, for Himpidonav is very much
attached to his old resorts and often confines

AND OOLOGIST. 69

himself to the limit of a single orchard during his
stay with us.

June 8th I went down to spend a fortnight with
my friend, Mr. F. H. C., and we spent our
active time afield. Among the notes I find
chronicled I extract a few only. Here I noted
the Great-crested Flycatcher, which Mr. C. in-
forms me is a very rare visitor in his section of
the county, and is the first I have ever personally
seen. Weare so fortunate as to find the nest in
an old hollow limb of an ancient apple tree, and
the four eggs it contains look very pretty as they
lay upon their nest of the miscellaneous composi-
tion of rabbits fur, hair, feathers, moss and a few
bits of the cast skin of the snake. We visit the
orchard tenanted by the Blue Yellow-backed
Warblers and note their curious nests, and pretty
delicate contents. The nest of the Ruby-throated
Hummer is found, looking like a bunch of lichens
which the wind had cast on the bare, horizontal
branch of a “hornbeam” shrub. Mounting a con-
venient stone wall we could look into the nest and
see the tiny treasures it contained.

A ride down the valley of the Palmer river
gives me a glimpse of the outskirts of the Fish
Hawk colony, but ali my friend’s stragetems,
usually so successful in May, fail to secure me ¢
specimen of the bird for my collection, for now
with no eggs to leave, and the young grown lusty,
they do not return to their nests while the smell
of cold iron is in the air.

We notice on our ride a Chickadee fly from a
hole in a birch stub, and my friend informs me
that the same nest was occupied last season, pre-
sumably by the same bird. A few nests of the
Bobolink are found on the ground in the meadows,
and the Quail is seen with her little brood, but at
the note of alarm from the old bird the juveniles
are invisible. During the latter part of June the
early breeders have their troop of young on the
wing, and by July 10th the immature birds of the
year are plenty.

July 17th a specimen of the Yellow-winged
Sparrow is taken, and placed on record as the
first local specimen. Again the Hairy Wood-
peckers are noted, and doubtless they nested in my
vicinity, as I think I saw the young birds. I
found another nest of the Great-crested Flycatcher
with young soon after my return from my visit,
and could but wonder what induced this more
tropical Flycatcher to breed with us so much
more commonly than formerly, and in the same
orchard that northern breeder, the Hairy Wood-
pecker, to remain and excavate its home. Birds
of widely different breeding range and locally
rare must have been induced by some unknown
phenomena to incubate in this county.

70 ORNITHOLOGIST

By the middle of August the Swallows are
flocking together and the Bobolinks are gorging
themselves on the seedstalks, and soon will be fit
for the southern epicure. About this time my
notes must close, the increase of business cares
confines me from the field, and my companions
are scattered, some to the office and desk, while
the one I have quoted in these notes writes me
from the Maine wilderness.

——
Early Breeding of Anna’s Humming-

bird.—The Sequel.

BY W. OTTO EMERSON, HAYWARDS, CAL.

In the March number of THE OrNrTHOLOGISt
AND O@6LOGIsT I related how a pair of Anna’s
Hummingbirds, (Calypte anne), had been to their
nest and laid their eggs by January 19, 1886, in this
locality; and having also told of the sad fate
which befell their eggs, I wish to add a short note
of the subsequent history of these little birds.

On February 19, 1886, I found their second
nest, containing two eggs, which were hatched
by February 22d. On the 26th of that month a
little brownish down could be noticed along the
middle of the backs of the young birds; and on
March Ist, pin feathers began to appear. By
March 9th, they were well feathered to the bill,
and the wings made some show. The bill also
began to lengthen out, as up to this time it had
been quite short. The mother bird did not hover
over them now, since they had acquired their
feathers. They quite filled the little nest, and
they appeared like two litle rusty greenish
feather balls, lying alongside of each other. They
kept their bright black bead-like eyes on the
watch for their parents, who continually brought
them food.

We had beautiful, warm, sunshiny days until
March 16th, when a cold rain set in, and it rained
all day on the 17th. It cleared off that evening,
and it was so cold that I:did not think the little
nestlings could keep warm; but I did not take a
look at them till the morning of the 19th, when I
found them both dead. They had perished from
the cold, probably on the frosty night of the 18th,
for their feathers were all puffed out, and their
feet close to the down on the bottom of the nest.

I brought the dead birds and the nest home :
and I have skinned them and put them in the
nest, which is placed beside the former one which
I found on January 16, 1886; and they together
furnish the record of the early nesting of this
species at Haywards, four miles from the bay
shore, and twenty-two miles from San Francisco's
wind-blown hills.

[Vol. 11-No. 5

List of Birds Near Philadelphia
with the Dates that Sets of
Eggs were Taken.

BY HARRY G. PARKER, CHESTER, PA.

1. Wood Thrush, (J/ylocichla mustelina), May
26th to June 10th. Common.

2. Wilson’s Thrush, (/ylocichla fuscescens), June
6th. Rare.

7. American Robin, (Merula migratoria), May
ist to June 30th. Common.

12. Catbird, (Galeoscoptes carolinensis), May 24th.
Common.

13. Brown Thrasher, (Zlarporhynchus rufus),
May 13th to June 15th. Common.

22. Bluebird, (Sialia sivlis), May 15th to June
30th. Common.

41. Black-capped Chickadee, (Purus atricap-
tllus), May 2d. Rare.

D1. White-bellied Nuthatch, (Sefta cvrolinensi),
May Ist. Rare.

60. Carolina Wren, (Zr yothorus ludovicianus),
April 13th to June 2d. Rare.

63. House Wren, (7Troglodytes wdon), May 1st to
15th. Common.

67. Long-billed Marsh Wren, (7elmatodytes
palustris), June 12th to 18th. Common.

74. Black-and-White Creeper, (Widotilta varia),
June 4th. Rare.

77. Worm-eating Warbler, (2elininthotherus
vermivorus), June 3d. Rare,

79. Blue-winged Yellow Warbler, (Z/edmintho-
phaga pinus), May 28th. Rare.

88. Blue Yellow-backed Warbler,
americana), June 10th. Rare.

(Purula

93. Summer Yellow Bird, (Dendraca wstiva),
June Ist to 10th. Common.

115. Golden-crowned Thrush, (Sévrus auricc-
pilus), June 10th. Common.

119. Kentucky Warbler, (Operornis formosa),
June Ist. Rare.

122. Maryland Yellow-throat, (G@eothlypis tri-
chas,) Jane 1st to 10th. Common.

123. Yellow-breasted Chat, (/eteria edrens), May
30th. Common.

128. American Redstart, (Setophaga ruticilla),
June 5th. Common. ~

135. Red-eyed Vireo, ( Vireosylvia olivacea), June
18th. Common.

139. Warbling Vireo, (Vireosylvia gilva), June
Sth. Common,

143. White-eyed Vireo, (Vireo noveboracensis),
June 10th. Rare.

151. Cedar Waxwing, (Ampelis cedrorum), June
15th. Rare.

I =

May, 1886.]

152. Purple Martin, June 2d.
Common.
153. Cliff Swallow, (Petrochelidon
May 28th. Common.
154. Barn Swallow,
May 28th. Common.
157. Bank Swallow, (Cottle riparia), May 26th.
Common.

(Progne subis),
lunifrons),

(Hirundo erythrogastra),

161. Scarlet Tanager, (Pyranga rubra), May
30th. Not common.
E. 8. English Sparrow, (Passer domesticus),

April 38d to Oct. Common.

181. American Goldfinch, (Astragalinus tristis),
July 20th to Aug. 20th. Common.

197. Grass Finch, (Powcetes gramineus), May
12th to June 20th. Common.

198. Yellow-winged Sparrow, (Coturniculus
passerinus), June 16th. Rare.

211. Chipping Sparrow, (Spizella domestica),
May 9th to June 20th. Common.

214. Field Sparrow, (Spizella pussilla), May
16th. Common.

2531. Song Sparrow, (Melospiza fasciata), May
7th to June 30th. Common.

233. Swamp Sparrow, (Welospizu palustris), May
20th to July 4th. Common.

237. Chewink; Towhee,
thalmus), June 1st to 10th. Common.

242. Cardinal Grosbeak, (Cardinalis
anus), April 13th to May 380th. Common.

244. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, (Zamelodia ludo-
viciana), June 1st. NRre.

248. Indigo Bunting, (Pusserdina cyanea), May
30th. Common.

258. Cowbird, (Molothrus ater), April 10th to
June 25th. Common.

261. Red-and-buff-shouldered Blackbird, (Agel-
wus pheniceus), June 1st. Common.

263. Meadow Lark, (Sturnella magna),
25th to June 380th. Common.

270. Orchard Oriole, (Zeterus spurius),
1st. Common.

271. Baltimore Oriole, (Zeterus galbula) June 1st.
Common.

278. Purple Grackle,
April 25th. Common.

282. Common Crow, (Corcus frugivorus), April
12th. Common.

289. Blue Jay, (Cyanocitta cristata), April 30th.
Common.

304. Kingbird; Bee Martin,
nensis), June 3d. Common.

312. Great Crested Flycatcher, Ce Me
tus), June 10th. Common.

315. Pheebe Bird; Pewee, (Sayorniés
April 10th to June 1st. Common.

320. Wood Pewee, (Contopus virens), June Ist,to
10th. Common.

(Pipilo erythroph-

virgini-

May

June

(Quiscalus purpureus),

(Tyrannus caroli-

Uses),

AND OOLOGIST. 71

324. Acadian Flycatcher, (Hmpidonax acadicus),
June Ist to 10th. Common.

026. Least Flycatcher, (Hinpidonax minimus),
June 15th. Rare.

335. Ruby-throated Hummingbird,
colubris), June 16th. Common.

301. Chimney Swift, (Chetura pelusgica), July
Ist to 6th. Common.

304. Whip-poor-will,
June 9th. Rare.

do7. Nighthawk, (Chordeiles popetue),
Rare.

361. Downy Woodpecker,
April 25th to May 20th. Rare.

370. Red-headed Woodpecker, (JMelunerpes ery-
throcephalus), June 6th. Common.

378. Yellow-shafted Flicker, (Coluptes auratus),
May 15th to June 10th. Common.

382. Belted Kingfisher, (Ceryle alcyon), May
10th to July 10th. Common.

387. Yellow-billed Cuckoo, (Coccyzus
cans), June 10th to 16th. Not common.

388. Black-billed Cuckoo, (Coceyzus erythroph-
thalmns), June 10th to 16th. Not common.
394. American Barn Owl, (Alico
americanus), April 13th to 18th. Rare.
402. Little Screech Owl, (Scops asio)
to 19th. Not common.

436. Red-tailed Hawk, (Luteo borealis),
25th. Rare.

443. Broad-winged Hawk,
cus), May 5th to 16th. Rare.

(Trochilus

Caprimulgus vociferous),
June Ist.

(Picus pubescens),

Neri -

Jlammeus
, April 12th
April

(Buteo pennsyleani-

460. Mourning Dove, (Zenaidura curolinensis,)
April 10th to June Ist. Common.

480. American Quail; Bob-white, (Ortye virgin-
tana), May 15th to July 15th. Rare.

494. Green Heron, (Butorides virescens,) June
1st. Common.

516. Killdeer,
Common.

555. Bartram’s Sandpiper; Field Plover,
tramia longicauda), June 13th. Rare.

557. Spotted Sandpiper, (7 ringoides macularius),
June 20th. Common.*

*During October, 1885, a correspondent in Texas asked me
to furnish him a list of the species which I had found breed-
ing Delaware Co., Penn., with dates. I complied, and was
surprised a week ago by receiving advance sheets of the
Sunny South Odlogist, in which the list I had given last fall
was made the subject of an article. About one month ago
I was requested by one of the editors of the O. and O. io
make out a list of Delaware Co. breeding birds, and this
second list was compiled with a greater degree of care than
the former one, and also contained several of the Sylvi-
colide which I had found nesting, but owing to their ex-
treme rarity, had not quoted them to my Texan friend.
This will serve as an explanation of the publication of a
somewhat similar article in another magazine.—Harry G.
Parker, April 5th, 1886.

June 10th.

(Bar-

(Oxyechus vociferus),

72 ORNITHOLOGIST [Vol. 11-No. 5
ELE now that alist is published under the aus-

I
+, DN eee \ N pices of the authorities on nomenclature
ORNITH pe LOGIST we hope that it may not be again tampered

00506 18'T.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

WATURA Lh: AVS DOR,

BIRDS;

THEIR NESTS AND EGGS.

DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES
AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD AND INSECT LIFE,

FREDERIC H. CARPENTER, Editor,
REHOBOTH, MASS.,

FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher,

409 WASHINGTON, ST., BOSTON, MASS.

Editorial.

The publisher announces that numbers
9—12, Vol. X, of Tar OrnitrHoLosisr AND
Ootoaisr cannot be supplied, except to
those who will take the complete volume,
as the calls for those numbers have been
so numerous as to exhaust the supply of
duplicates, and it destroys the utility of
the volume to send out these copies alone.

The question of bird protection is be-
coming more widely discussed than ever.
That something should be done to stop the
slaughter is the expression of nearly all
who interest themselves to ascertain the
facts. Needless

by the millinery trade, should cease, and

destruction, as shown
our readers should help on the work of
humanity by pledging themselves against
such a hideous crime. We would refer
such to the Audubon Society, 40 Park Row,
New York City, who will furnish circulars
and pledges to applicants.

Before us lie five Check Lists of N. A.
Birds, and in arrangement no two are
alike. We suppose that as the science ad
vances it is necessary to keep pace with it,
by issuing lists comprising the latest dis-
coveries in the ornithological science, and

with for a sufficient time to allow ornithol-
ogists to systemize their collections by its
instructions. We doubt if the A. O. U.
List will come into universal use at present,
as its price ($3) will place it beyond the
reach of many who may desire several lists
for use in labeling and exchange.

The protection of birds is now being
urged by both sentiment and _ statistics,
and this endeavor to stop the wanton de-
struction of our birds, should secure the
efficient aid of all who desire a perpetua-
tion of our race of songsters. Naturally,
the cause which brought about this lamen-
table decrease in the feathered tribe, re-
ceives the attention of all who are inierest-
edin the matter. By some wnaccounta-
ble means the taxidermist is referred to as
the guilty party, and as the fell destroyer
of bird life. While admitting fully that
the taxidermist does destroy life to a cer-
tain extent, we must demur against the
ban of condemnation under which he is
placed.

It might be well to say that the taxider-
mist is not to be confounded with the ‘mu-
tilator of bird skins,’ who works in the
interest of the millinery trade, neither
does he aspire to be ranked as a “scien-
tist” (as the term is now used,) but occu-
pying his own field of action, he invites
inspection as to his methods and record.

In this dilemma they are deserted by
the class of men who should, froin a sense
of justice, have firmly stood by them. We
refer to certain of the professional orni-
thologists, many of whom hive employed
these taxidermists to collect for them. If
we interpret law aright. the principal is
held responsible with the agent; but these
associated “scientists,” when asked to give
the reason of the “scarcity of birds” will,
with a Pharisaical air, point the scornful
finger at the taxidermist.

May, 1886.]

We desire no undue license for the taxi-
dermists; they have their rights and ask
for no more, and we have no doubt but
that they will submit to more restrictions
than any other class; but when they find
privileges denied them, and others allowed
to collect with impunity, under the ban-
ner of scientific investigations, they have
aright to demand an equality, and from
personal interviews and extensive corre-
spondence with the fraternity, we are in
a position to foresee the result, and the
taxidermists should be tendered a due ac-
knowledgement of their privileges, or else
when aroused to united action they shall
take such methods as will prove to the as-
sociated “scientists” that the blow which
was intended for the taxidermists, has sev
ered from the tree the hmb upon which
they themselves perched in fancied security.

ee SS

Obituary.

- CHAS. W. GUNN.

Tt is again my unpleasant duty to record the
loss of a prominent Michigan ornithologist. Less
than twelve months ago the O. and O. announced
the death of Dr. H. A. Atkins, the vetersn orni-
thologist of the State, and we now have to mourn
the additional loss of a well known naturalist—
Mr. Charles W. Gunn, of Grand Rapids.

He was an extensive traveler in the United
States and had visited nearly every part of the
Union in pursuit of specimens in his favorite
branches—birds and eggs. He visited California
four times. Twice he spent winters in Florida.
He also visited Colorado, Panama and many
other quarters in the east and north. During the
past few years much of his traveling was on ac-
count of his health, but during even his last so-
journ in Southern California he earnestly prose-
cuted his studies.

He died the 15th of January, 1886, aged 28
years. His large and valuable collection attests
his interest in natural history, while his pleasing
articles which frequently appeared in the O. and
O. and other periodicals in the past, will recall his
name to many who have read them but never
seen him. Great is his loss to his numerous
friends, and to the naturalists of the United
States. G.

AND OOLOGIST. 73

Practical Taxidermy.

BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

CHAPTER X.—DRIED SKINS.

Skins that have been carefully prepared can be
at any time relaxed and brought into a condition
that is about the same as when taken off from the
body. Like all other departments of the art, it
only requires care and patience. As it is requi-
site to be able to make up skins, when time is
valuable in the collecting season, so it is to be
able to mount them afterwards. The following
is the simple and practical method: Prepare the
sawdust sweat box, as previously described.
Take the skin that is to be mounted and bury it
in the sawdust, which should be thoroughly damp
but not too wet. Let the skin remain from twen-
ty-four to forty-eight hours, or longer, depending
upon its size. When somewhat relaxed open it
where it was sewed up and take out all the filling.
Now refill it with wet sawdust ; this should be quite
wet. Wrap wet cotton about the feet and again
bury it in the sawdust in the sweat box. Let it
remain until it is well relaxed and soft. This
requires careful attention. Examine it morning
and night. If left in too long the feathers are
apt to start. [The time varies from two to five
days, depending upon the subject.] With a little
experience vou can determine when it is ready.

When soft enough take the skin, shake off the
sawdust and remove it from the inside. Then
turn the skin completely inside out to base of beak,
and turn it back. This will break the stiffness
and cause the feathers to assume their original ;
any bunchy place should be manipulated with
the fingers till made soft; open and shut the
wings, If the plumage is damp use a soft brush
and by brushing and blowing it with the breath
it will dry rapidly. Plaster is not required. This
manipulation is the important part. If the skin
was well cured there will be very little trouble
with the feathers starting, but avoid pulling them.
Should a few come out they can be replaced with
paste when the specimen is mounted. Any bend
or crimp in the wing or tail feathers, may be in-
stantly removed by holding it in the steam from
a kettle. The whole secret is to manipulate the
skin till perfectly soft.
of a large bird, that it be immersed in water fora
few hours, then cover with plaster and let it
remain a while. This will dry the feathers and the

Some advise, in the case

skin will remain soft.

When the skin is prepared as above, proceed
the same as with a fresh one. Where the feet
and legs are large it will be found a help to use the
leg drill to make a hole for the leg wires. Soft

[Vol. 11-No. 5

74 ORNITHOLOGIST

annealed wire will sometimes bend in forcing it
through. I have given this subject much atten-
tion and consider it useless to give any other than
the above method. There is no secret except
patience and perseverance.

RECEIPT FOR MAKING BIRD LIME, ETC,

By request I give the following receipt for bird
lime: Take one pint of linseed oil, put it in a
pot of not less than three times that capacity ;
place over a slow fire and stir while boiling with
a wooden spatula; continue until it is thick as
required. This can be determined by cooling the
spatula in water and trying if it will stick to the
hand. When sufficiently done pour in cold water
and it will be ready for use. Use care that the
pot is one that is not liable to break by the fire.
This is a good undertaking for a mid-summer
day, when the thermometer is 112° in the shade.

A white paint that will not turn yellow can be
made from either of the following formulas :

1. Mix white lead and varnish, add a very little
blue, not enough to shade it. 2. Dry white lead
ground in shellac ; add enough blue to counter-
act the yellow of the shellac. Keep in large
mouthed bottle, well corked. If it becomes thick
from standing, thin with alcohol. It is the oil in
paint that turns yellow in time.

CoRRECTIONS.—‘‘Practical Taxidermy,” page 57, second
line from bottom of page, read shape for shake. Page 58,
sixteenth line from fvot of first column, for ‘They claim
the skull,” ete., read ‘They claim the skin,” etc.

A Pennsylvania Law Against Hawks.
BY. J. EN

On the 23d day of June, 1885, the Governor of
Pennsylvania approved a law which had been
passed by the Legislature of that Commonwealth,
and which is entitled ‘“‘An Act for the destruc-
tion of wolves, wildcats, foxes, minks, hawks,
weasels and owls, in this Commonwealth.” (See
laws of 1885, p. 141). This act provides, cnter
alia, that there shall be paid, by the respective
counties in which the same are slain, “for every
hawk fifty cents, and for every owl, except the
Acadian Screech or Barn Owl, which is hereby
exempted from the provisions of this act, fifty
cents.” It further provides that upon the pro-
duction of the birds before a magistrate, alder-
man, or justice of the peace, in the presence of the
person who killed the birds, the officer shall cut
off the heads of the latter, and burn them. There-
upon he shall deliver to the person producing the
birds, a certificate stating their number and kind,
and on the production of this certificate to the
commissioners of the county, they shall give an

order on the county treasurer for the payment
of the premium.

This is a most unwise law, and one which has
evidently been passed in the interest of sportsmen
wishing to preserve game, rather than for the
benefit of farmers. Let any intelligent person
carefully read the article entitled “A Plea for the
Hawks,” which appeared in the March number
of Tie ORNITHOLOGIST AND OO LOGIST, and it
will be apparent that hawks are among the most
useful birds to be found in the State. The preju-
dice against them is due to ignorance, and thie
law above cited is a disgrace to the intelligence
of the law-makers of Pennsylvania, and it is hoped
that it will be speedily repealed.

—_—_—<2-

Florida Birds in February, 1886.

BY A. L. BROWNE, ORLANDO, FLA.

The Red-winged Blackbirds and Purple Grackles
have this month far outnumbered any other two
species, except perhaps the Turkey Buzzard and
Black Vulture. They were to be found in almost
all situations, usually searching on the ground
for food or flying over in flocks large and small
besides many single birds.

Though singing during the entire month, it
was not until the last part that their peculiar
notes became conspicuous; then they could be
heard from morning until night. The two
species frequented the same places together but
each kept by itself.

Robins also were as plenty as last month, and
their quick alarm notes were a common sound, es-
pecially in the woods. <A favorite situation was
in the midst of the pines on the land which had
been recently burned over, and thus cleared of the
tall grass, leaving excellent feeding ground.

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Savanna Sparrow,
Maryland Yellow-throat »nd Yellowbird were
not seen; the last two I think have left for good.
Meadow Larks were abundant all the month in
the pines. Chipping Sparrows greatly decreased

in numbers, in fact became quite scarce. Red-
poll Warblers were rather less plenty.
The Yellow-rump Warblers which had re-

mained mostly in the hummocks since November,
spread gradually through the pines and_ into
orange groves and even the city; here I first saw
them on the 13th, about some low bushes near a
house. Saw them there frequently afterwards; as
usual they were always actively engaged in catch-
ing insects. In the pines they were often in
company with the Red-poll Warblers. The first
prominent arrival from the south appeared in the
Purple Martin, on the 18th, when I saw a female

May,

1886.]

flying about in the city. At sunset on the 19th,
no less than seven, both males and females, ap-
peared coursing about. One male uttered a few
notes once in the usual strain but otherwise they
were silent. From that date they were plenty,
and rather supplied the place of the White-bellied
Swallow which has been scarce this month, only
appearing on two or three of the warmest days
and then in but small numbers.

On the 18th I was attracted to a cypress swamp
by the beautiful singing of several Cardinal Gros-
beaks. They were having a glorious contest. I
have not known them so abundant before. Just
outside the swamp under some scrub palmettoes
I saw a Florida Chewink searching about on the
ground. I have not seen or heard much of the
two varieties of this bird lately, though they are
probably as plenty as ever in the favorable places.

In this swamp I saw a pair of Red-bellied
Woodpeckers flying about together from tree to
tree, calling to each other with their loud, peculiar
- notes ; they seemed to be searching for something
besides food, a nesting place I thought. Here too
I noticed a Hermit Thrush and on three other oc-
‘asions the same day I saw as many different in-
dividuals in or about high hummocks.

On the 23d, while walking through the pines, I
discovered a hole in a tall dead stub, upon which
a male Bluebird was sitting. Ina pine close by
was the female and while I was watching she
paid several visits to the entrance, once going en-
tirely within and staying some time.

The Mockingbirds have this month grown as
full of song as it seems possible for them to be,
and it is pouring out all the day and often in the
night in the most curious mixed up fashion im-
aginable. Prominent among their excellent imi-
tations are notes of the Blue Jay, Sparrow Hawk,
Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Bluebird, Brown-
headed Nuthatch, Killdeer, Purple Martin and
Kingbird. Fierce quarrels became common
among them late in the month.

Flickers and Ground Doves were both engaged
in love making this month. The pair of Shrikes
in this grove, which had commenced their nest by
January 31st, continued work upon it rapidly the
first of this month, but when nearly finished the
tree in which it was built was removed to another
grove and their labor was lost. Waiting a few
days they commenced again on the remains of one
of their last year nests, and after completing it the
female laid the first egg on the 28d. The com-
plete set numbered four. The 15th I founda pair
building in another orange grove the eggs wcie
well advanced.

AND OOLOGIST. 19

Ornithological Tripto St. Bruno, P.Q.

BY ERNEST D. WINTLE, MONTREAL.

On the 25th of May last, a friend and myself
went for an ornithological ramble over the
mountain at St. Bruno, about fifteen miles out of
Montreal. The mountain is principally covered
with small beech trees. The following birds
were observed :

Robin, scarce.

Hermit Thrush, scarce. Found a nest contain-
ing four eggs incubated; bird on the nest was
identified. It was well concealed in a_ grassy
bank on the outskirt of a woody ridge. This bird
was remarkably shy when I approached the nest,
which I did several times. It would slip quickly
off the nest and then keep out of sight until I hid
myself, when it would return to the nest.

Chestnut-sided Warbler, scarce.

Golden-crowned Thrush, plentiful and their
notes were heard from every part of the woods.

Redstart, plentiful, both males and females.

Summer Tanager. Saw one for a few seconds,
when it disappeared most mysteriously, and I did
not see it again. :

Barn Swallow, scarce.

White-bellied Swallow, plentiful.

Red-eyed Vireo, plentiful.

Summer Warbler, scarce.

Catbird, scarce.

Goldfinch, plentiful.

Song Sparrow, plentiful.

Chipping Sparrow, scarce.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The mountain was
fairly alive with these beautiful birds, and their
merry jingling song resounded from the topmost
branches of the beech trees. I only saw one fe-
male and shot six males.

Indigo Bird, scarce. Shot an adult male.

Bobolink, plentiful in the fields around the
mountain.

Baltimore Oriole, scarce.

Crow, plentiful.

Tyrant Flycatcher, plentiful in the elm trees
growing in the fields around the mountain. This
species seem to prefer the vicinity of elms.
or three
I have invaria-

Great-crested Flycatcher. Saw two

near a brook on the mountain.

bly found this bird near wooded streams.
Wood Pewee, scarce.
Chimney Swift, scarce.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Ruffed Grouse. Flushed one.

Golden-winged Woodpecker.

Only saw one.

Only saw one.

76 ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 5

Winter Notes from Raleigh, N. C.

BY C, 8. BRIMLEY.

The occurrence of birds here this winter, not
having been quite as usual, I thought a few notes
on the subject might be of interest to some of the
readers of the O. and O.

Robins occurred in the fall till November
19th, after which none were seen till January
13th, and from that time till now I have seen one
or more every day or two; this is unusually early
for them as I have never observed any before in
January, and usually not till the middle of Feb-
ruary.

I have also to note my first genuine winter
records of the Brown Thrasher, one of which
species was seen on December 17th and 18th, and
another or the same one shot on January 2d.

On November 16th we secured a partial albino
Golden-crown Kinglet, a most exquisite little
creature; if was pure white, wings and crown as
usual, but the former with more white, the tail
also was whitish at base, eyes brown; it appeared
to be in perfect health and there were no worms
in the intestines.

The Pine Creepér and Yellow-rump, our two
winter Warblers, have been about as common as
usual, while as late as November 19th we se-
cured an immature male specimen of the Black-
throated Blue Warbler.

A Blue-headed Vireo on December 15th, was,
however, about the latest of our migrants, and
also a fresh addition to the number of our winter
birds.

Of the numerous Sparrow tribe we have this
winter taken a species hitherto unobserved by us,
viz: the Savanna Sparrow, of which we have se-
cured several specimens, but find it very rare
here; Chipping Sparrows have been unusually
scarce this winter and Field Sparrows very com-
mon. A single Pine Finch was taken on Novem-
ber 20th, the only reminder of the numbers that
visited us last winter.

Of our three species of Nuthatch, the White-
bellied, usually common in winter, has not been
observed since November 14th, while I have
taken six specimens of the Red-bellied species
(four in November, one in December and one in
January), and the Brown-headed Nuthatch has
The latter bird
may often be seen in winter pecking at the pine
cones and after working on one for some time he
will fly off to a solid limb and apparently crack
or hammer to pieces the seed or insects obtained
from the cone. I have noticed one repeat this

been quite as common as usual.

manceuvre time after time, always flying to pre-
cisely the same spot to crack and eat its food.

Of Blackbirds, the Cowbird has been almost
entirely absent this winter while a large flock of
Redwings stayed until December 3d and then left;
a small flock of seven Crow Blackbirds were seen
on December 22d, and two more were seen on
January 28th. Blackbirds are now (Feb. 13th,)
beginning to come round again and will probably
be nearly in full numbers by the end of the month.

Among Woodpeckers, the Pileated, Red-bellied
and Red-headed have not been observed at all
whilst the Sapsucker has been if anything, com.
moner than usual.

Doves have been unusually scarce this winter,
which was also the case with Quail up to the end
of December, but the latter bird has been quite
as common as usual since then.

Crows have been commoncr than usual, a flock
of more than three hundred being observed on
one day in December, and nearly as many on
several other occasions. Jays have on the other
hand been quite scarce.

A Great Blue Heron in breeding plumage, with
developed crest and plumes, was killed near here
on January Ist.

Of Ducks, quite a fair number of Redheads
have been killed in the neighborhood of Raleigh
and Mallard have latterly been quite frequent in
their occurrence; on one occasion, too, (Jan. 16th)
a pair of Gadwall have been observed.

Both Snipe and Woodcock have been scarce
this winter, while the Killdeer Plover was com-
mon until nearly the middle of January, but has,
as usual, become quite scarce since then.

We have pretty well got through with the win-
ter and are every day expecting Redwings,
Robins and Grackles in force.

eens Ae ee

Notes from the Sea Islands.
BY WALTER HOXIE, FROGMORE, 8. C.

Although this winter has been unprecedentedly
cold, I have not observed any peculiar phenomena
in regard to birds or their movements which
could be traced to the weather. One Juneco, the
first received so tar as I know in this locality, was
my only northern straggler. Chipping and Field
Sparrows were more common than usual, and
Wilson’s Snipe not quite so plenty. Pine Creep-
ing Warblers have been unusually abundant. I
estimated fifty in one tree, A companion who
was with me at the time considers it a “good
guess.”

A word or two in regard to the Catbird may
be of interest. Tlere is a brief summary of their

May, 1886.

movements here for some time past as observed
by myself and some of my friends. Between
1867 and 1883 only ten specimens were taken—
the only ones observed. Fall of 88, fairly com-
mon. Once or twice observed during the winter.
Spring of ’84, very common. Fall of ’84, very
abundant—at one time outnumbering all other
birds seen in a three miles walk. Many observed
to winter. Spring of ’85, common but not ex-
tremely so. Fall of ’85, a very few seen early
in the season, but none later on. Winter
of ’86 (up to date), very rare if at all. None
taken, but one or two sid to be seen. Perhaps
some of your readers will offer an explanation of
the peculiar invasion of this locality by the Cat-
birds. It is a phenomena unique in my observtion
and I can find no explanation at all for it.

During the early part of the winter I spent
considerable time working up last year’s notes
and measurements, of which I give you some of
the results below. My season’s work was a little
over seventeen hundred specimens, all carefully
prepared, measured and dissected. The specimens
were measured to sixteenths of an inch only, but
in reducing to an average I have carried them
out to hundredths. The dimensions are length,
extent, wing and tail:

Summer Red Bird. ¢ 7.34, 11.96, 3.78, 2.77.
@ 7.82, 11.59, 3.64, 2.82. There was a marked
increase in the size of all specimens captured af-
ter May ist. Also the fact that the female ex-
ceeds the male in length of tail is quite apparent
throughout my list.

Loggerhead Shrike. ¢ 8.73, 12.22, 3.74, 3.84.
@ 8.81, 12.06, 3.75, 3.90.
Bachman’s Finch.- ¢ 5.67, 7.56, 2.34, 2.50.

2 5.80, 7.75, 2.29, 2.38. This is the only species
of which I yearly take more females than males
—about two to one.

Cardinal. ¢ 8.20, 11.11, 3.48, 3.85. ¢ 8.69,
11.25, 3.50, 4.12. In this species the diversions
are singularly uniform.

Orchard Oriole. P09 NOM Os xl(9:
? 7.00, 9.81, 3.06, 2.75. By throwing out all
young males the adults would average slightly
larger.

Wilson’s Plover. 7.89, 15.48, 4.60, 1.84. 98.01,
15.68, 4.64, 1.82. Only adults included in making
up the average.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron. 4 23.42, 43.25,
11.389, 450. 9238.62, 42.04, 11.05; 4.35. Great
variation among individuals.

Louisiana Heron. 4 26.53,
2 25.78, 35.67, 9.35, 3.35.

Great Blue Heron. 4 49.22, 74.25, 19.62, 7.50.
9 45.56, 72.00, 18.75, 7.31. All adults.

o4%%

weld.

37.62, 9.96, 3.54.

AND OOLOGIST. ta

Little Blue Heron. # 22.12, 36.85, 10,09, 3.97.
2 21.60, 86.95, 9.87, 3.77. Including young of
the year which, however, seems not to affect the
result in the least.
Tern. ~~ 4 21.08.) 45/50)
6.58, 14.35, 6 85.
pt eae

Winter Notes from Taunton, Mass.

Royal

5 ON KO
Fe 20. 1o,

14.215 Wieeor

J. C. CAHOON.

There has been a scarcity of birds about here
this winter. With the exception of the present
month (February) the weather has been quite
mild. Yellow-rumped Warblers, Redpolls, Pur-
ple Finches generally winter here, but I have not
seen any as yet. A few Nuthatches put in an
appearance in November, but I have not seen
them since. Goldfinches, Chickadees, Kinglets
and Tree Sparrows are not as numerous as usual.
A flock of Shore Larks have paid us a flying visit
several times, but I have not seen or heard of any
Pine Grosbeaks or Snow Buntings being scen.
Several Great-horned Owls were seen and shot in
January. Our local paper gives an account of a
Snowy Owl being taken in the eastern part of
the city.

December 14th, a ¢ Acadian Owl was shot at
this place and brought to me to be mounted.
Stomach filled with bones and feathers of small
birds. The same man who shot this one brought
me one last winter taken in this city.

December 18th, an adult ¢@ Goshawk was
brought to me that was shot about three miles
from the center of the city. The hawk was shot in
the act of killing a large hen. Stomach empty.
The man who brought it to me said that he shot
a specimen like the above several years ago in the
same place.

December 24th I received a ¢ Great Northern
Shrike; stomach completely filled with large
white worms.

January 21st, I found a flock of six Song Spar-
rows around a brook near my house,
Sparrows nearly always stop about this brook all

Song

winter.

February 1st four Cedar Waxwings were seen
on a tree on one of the principal streets, but only
remained a few moments. <A flock was also
seen on the outskirts of the city during the latter

part of January.
—_—_—_—_——__—_

MeLAnitTic PLUMAGE OF Roprn.—I recently
secured a Robin which showed decided traces of
melanism, the feathers of the back possessing the
ebony brilliancy of the Purple Grackle.—S. J.
Leanord, Utica, N. Y.

78 ORNITHOLOGIST

ENTOMOLOGY.

WRIGHT & BATES,

73 Hanover St., Boston, Mass.,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.

Address all communications for this department as above.

Book Notices.

The Butterflies of Maine; by Prof. C. H. Fernald ;
8 vo., pp. 104, with 28 illustrations.

We desire to express our thanks to Prof. Fer-
nald for a copy of this work. It was designed
for the use of the students of the State College
and for the farmers, but it is a very useful book
fo any entomologist. The descriptions are full
enough to offer easy means of identification and
at the same time sufficiently simple that any one
would recognize them.

It mentions fifty-nine species as being found in
Maine and gives a very useful artificial key for
determing the species.

In our April number we noticed a work soon
to be forthcoming, on the “Sphingidse of New
=ngland.’’*

This has since been received and is all that has
been expected. It will take its place as one of
the standard works of the country. The author
gives a synoptical table which in itself is almost
invaluable to the careful student. There are
descriptions of forty-three species and varieties
comprising twenty-two genera. ,

The book is illustrated by six full pages.

*The Sphingide of New England; by Prof. C. H. Fer-
nald of Orono, Me. 8 yo., pp. 85, illustrated with six full
page plates.

Practical Entomology.

BY WRIGHT AND BATES, 73 HANOYER SI., BOSTON.

(Continued from page 60.)

DIPTERA.

PECULIARITIES: Two membraneous. wings,
with irregular venation, the secondaries being re-
duced to two knobs or balances.

The mouth parts are formed for piercing and
sacking. Transformations complete.
pupa unlike the imago.

Localities where they are generally found:
The Culicidw (mosquitoes and gnats) are most
plentiful about wet lands, but sufficiently so any-
where.

The Pipulidw (crane flies) are to be found about
decaying vegetable matter, as are also the Myceto-
ph ilidw.

Larva and

The Cecidomyidw (gall flies) are almost omni-
present and are very destructive to vegetable life.

[Vol. 11-No. 5

The Pulicida (fleas), Llippobosctde (sheep-ticks)
and the Nyctertbide (bat-ticks) are parasitic on
the animal kingdom and are found upon their
bodies and in their habitations.

The Zobanida (horse flies) and the O6cestridw
(bot-flies) are generally most common about pas-
tures and marshes, and flying about cattle.

The Syrphide (plant lice feeders) are generally
favorites with collectors on account of their
bright colors; they hover about in the warm sun-
shine over the flowers and plarts.

The Muscide (house flies) are well known to
all. They are most aburfdant about houses and
stables.

This family, with but few exceptions, can be
taken only in the warm weatber, though some of
their larvee may be taken from under the bark of
trees in the early spring. They may be captured
by sweeping the grass in the fields and meadows,
and with the net as they fly about over the flow-
ers and about the fields. They are not very diffi-
cult to breed and raise, and many may be pro-
cured in this way.

CRITICISM ON “PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY.”

[We have received the following letter, which
explains itself, and cannot fail to attract the at-
tention which it merits— W. & B.]

“T think your papers on collecting and_pre-
serving insects are very good. There are one or
two points I would offer suggestions on, and they
are these:

“T have collected moths at sugar most carefully
for the last fifteen years, have tried every bait,
nostrum, and humbug mentioned in the entomolo-
gical journals of this country and Europe and J
have the dest success with a poor quality of mo-
lasses, without beer or any other adulterant in it.
Night after night I have used plain molasses and
beer and molasses on a fence, alternating the ma-
terials, and the plain molasses was quite as at-
tractive if not more so than any of the mixtures.

““Tecarry a plain lantern on my arm, without
any screen and find that it works better than a
bull’s eye. The latter turns on the light so sud-
denly as to scare them.

“The large collectors and museums in all coun-
tries use only the flat presses so that when the
insect is dry the wings are in a plane at right
angles with the pin. The fact is that when in-
sects are taken out of the press before they are
thoroughly dry, their wings go up quite as fre-
quently as down. It is a noteworthy fact that
although nearly every book giving directions, ad-
vise the sloping press, as you have, there is searce-
ly an entomologist in this country who uses any-
thing except the level presses.

C. Tl. Fernaup, Maine State College.

May, 1886.]

Sphingidae of New England.

VI. S. ASTYLUS.—Drury.

General color, reddish-brown or cinnamon
color. Thorax with a ferruginous dorsal stripe,
Tegulae tinged with rosy white in the female.
Abdomen with a faint brownish dorsal line, and
a yellowish stripe on each side.

Anterior wings, with a bluish stripe along the
inner margin, above the middle of which the
wing has a yellowish cast; there is a line of the
same hue near the median nervule, joining it near
the inner angle; in the subterminal space are two
or three sub-terminal whitish bands, tinged with
roseate ; a tawny yellow spot at the tip, and also
one at the inner angle. There are also three pale
cross lines near the outer part of the costa.

Posterior wings tawny yellow, shading to a red-
dish-brown at the outer margin. Above the in-
ner angle isa black ocellus with a blue pupil, and
on the costa are two pale lilac lines.

Under side bright tawny yellow, with several
whitish lines corresponding nearly to the mark-
ings on the upper side. The yellow spots show
very faintly. Expanse 24 inches.

Larvee: Prof. C. H. Fernald says “the larvee is
about two inches long, of a pale green color,
variegated with dorsal and lateral yellow and red
stripes and spots, somewhat like myops. The
caudal horn is light brown at the base and tip,
pale green in center.”

Food plants: The rose family, swamp blueber-
ry and perhaps the low huckleberry.

Spring Notes.
BY F. A. BATES, 80. BRAINTREE, MASS.

March 26, 1886. I saw to-day, for the first
time this year, Vanessa Antiopa flying about in
the high oak woods. I also saw Brephos Infans,
but was unable to capture the single specimen I
saw, as he was apparently on a very urgent mis-
sion. This moth was near a grove of birches,
upon which the larvee of this species feeds. This
is the earliest record of this insect, which I find
in my field notes. In 1884, the first was seen
April 18th. In 1885, the first was April 19th.

The prospects for a good season for collecting
does not now look very promisiug. Very few
pupze are to be found, and many of them are ap-
parently dead.

I desire to call the attention of collectors to
four members of the Lycesnidee, known to many
under the name of Polyomattus or Cyaniris, viz :
L. pseudargiolus, Bd.; LL. Violacea, Hdw.; L
Neglecta, Hdw.; L. Lucia, Avrby, and to request

AND OOLOGIST. 79

them to send me notes of the dates and circum-
stances of the capture of these four species. I ap-
pend descriptions.

1. L. pseupARGronus, Bd. Upper side of wings,
deep azure blue. Fringes, black on the apical
portion of the anteriors, and white, barred with
black on the remainder of the wings. Under
side, pale silvery-gray, marked with pale brown,
as follows: A row of spots along the outer mar-
gin, each preceded by a crescent; a curved row
of elongated spots across the anteriors between
the discal cell and the outer border; also a few
small spots at the base of the hind wing.

2. L. nucra, Airby. This form has the upper
side the same as the last, but the terminal spots
on the under side are so enlarged and run to-
gether as to form a terminal band, and the spots
on the basal portion of the posteriors are in-
creased and so run together as to form a more or
less complete discal patch ; the color of the under
side is also darker than in the last mentioned.

3. L. vioLAckA, Hdw. This form is like all of
this little group, azure blue; it has on its under
side the dark points on the disk of the posteriors,
and pale dusky spots and crescents on the mar-
gin, but they are not run together as in lucia.

4, necLtEctA, Hdw. This form has the upper
side of the posteriors paler than the anteriors ;
the under side is also paler and the markings are
not so distinct as in vdolacea, although very simi-
lar.

I find that there is still another form, called
L. marginata, which I have never seen, which
has the marginal band on the under side of the
posteriors as in the form /ueta, but has the disk
as in violacea.

The larvee of this group live on the ground nut,
spirea, red-root, cornel and holly.

On May 2, 1883, I took L. lucia in a grove of
hard wood trees.

The next year, 1884, my first capture was April
23d, in the same locality.

May 3d was the first date in 1885.

The form Zucia was in all cases the first taken,
the others following after in a period of from
three to six weeks, pseudargiolus appearing sec-
ond and violacea third, but so nearly together
were the last two that they may have reversed
the order.

I would be pleased to hear from collectors as
to these forms.

——>_—_—

ERRATA.

Page 14, second column, 1Sth line from the bottom, for
grass read frass.

Page 15, first column, 15th line from the bottom, for fine-
ly read firmly.

80 ORNITHOLOGIST

| RECENT. PUBLICATIONS.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION CODE OF NOMENCLA-
TURE AND CHECK List oF N. A. Birps.

The American Ornithologists Union have published their
Code of Nomenclature and Check List of North American
Birds in the form of a handsomely bound volume of 392
octavo pages. The work is divided into two parts; a code
of nomenclature, anda classified list of birds. In part I
the committee give their definition of the general principles
underlying zoological nomenclature, and their theory as to
the application of them, also recommendations for future
compilers of names and lists.

The committee have very evidently striven to properly
and systematically derive the nomenclature from duly ac-
credited sources, and the few individual expressions are in
seeming conformity with the general endeavor.

Part II is a classified list of the Birds of North America .
a “ Hypothetical List” being a list of the birds whose right
to be recognized as a distinct species can not be established.
Also a List of the Fossil Birds discovered up to the pres-
ent time.

The change in arrangement is very great, the birds which
have hitherto been considered as belonging to the highest
scale in the order of bird life, and therefore having a right
to precedence, are placed at the foot of the list, and the
family of Grebes are placed at the head. Such an arrange-
ment is hardly justifiable. The scientific nomenclature has
also been very much altered; some long recognized names
having been discarded for others no more suitable, and
which in some few instances even lack the right of preced-
ence, in either the date or derivation. In fact if this ‘‘List”
renders the true version of Classified nomenclature, our or-
nithologists have groped long in the darknes of wnscientific
lists. As the “check list” is the most desired portion of the
book among ornithologists and odlogists, the committee
should publish Part II in a cheap form for their use as many
cannot afford to purchase the complete work. The typo-
graphical features of the book are excellent, as is usual with
the productions of the ‘University Press,” and the book is,
on the whole, a very creditable work.—F. H. C.

MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB.

The Nuttall Ornithological Club have begun ‘to issue a
series of memoirs, irregularly as material offers.” No. 1,
issued in March, is an exhanstive treatise on the migration
of birds, and the personal experiences of the author at
Point Lepreaux, Bay of Fundy. The above papers were
written by Wm. Brewster, and bear the evidence of original
research and method. Several theories on migration are
given which should be proved by a closer observation than
hitherto. Judging from this number the future publications
of the club will stand among the first of Ornitholocical pro-
ductions in the field of literature.—/. H. C. z

CORRESPONDENCE.

An Inconsistent Journal.

Editor ORNITHOLOGIST AND ObLOGIsT—Sir: Allow me to
quote from Forest and Stream, issue of January 28, 1886,
page 5: “We heartily agreed with the president (BE. A.
Samuels) in his condemnation of the insectivorous and song
birds, and strongly urged efforts to destroy the in-
terests of taxidermists, by whom so many birds were killed
simply to furnish female adornments.”—Commissioner La-
throp. “The business of every taxidermist in Massachu-
setts should be killed primarily.”—Hon. EF. A. Brackett.

__ [Vol. 11-No.

1-No. 5

The publication of an article in O. and O., by request,
taken from the 7. and S., I think should be supplemented
by the above. Let any one who does not know the F. and S.
take a number, say March 18th, look it through carefully;
one third of its advertising space is devoted to the enticing
holding out of all imaginable implements of destruction to
bird life. A large part of its reading matter consists of ex-
citing stories of slaughter, points to sportsmen, discussion
of the most sportsmanly manner of principled amateurs.
In fact everything to convert a reader into a working mem-

ber of the craft, and in it we find snuggled the dear little
“Audubon Society” and the A. O. U.

Now please spare us from shots from that craft. The
compartments may not buoy all up, Perhaps some of us
who are as good friends to the feathered tribe as members
of the A. O. U. will be compelled to oppose it, if the dispo-
sition is not plainly shown to consider the rights of those
out of the circle. baie

PREVENTION BETTER THAN CuRE.— Editor O. and O.,
Sir: A new substance is just now coming into use by nat-
uralists which promises well as a preventive of insect raya-
ges in collections. Itis Naphtaline. It is the active ingre-
dient in ‘‘Disinfecting Cones” which are being made for
entomologists’ use, and is said to be very effective in pre-
serving collections intact. It has the odor of coal tar, but
consists of handsome scaly, pure white crystals which may
be scattered under the cotton with the birds or eggs. Mixed
with dry arsenic, and used on skins, it might form a valua-
ble adjunct, as from its position it would evaporate very
slowly and might last for years. Certainly if all, or nearly
all, the statements are true which are made about it, Naph-
taline will prove the greatest boon which the naturalist has
received for some time.—W. E. Saunders, London, Ontario

Editor of O. and O., Dear Sir.—Glad to see articles on
Entomology. I think that the Ornithologist who cannot
apply Entomology and Botany as he goes along is losing
much, both in his own pleasure and in usefulness to the
world at large.— Walter Hoxie.

Mr. THompsoN WHEAT OF MAcomB, ILL., writes that
while watching some Blue Jays recently, he noticed one of
the birds fly to the ground, and picking up a grain of corn
return and give it toacompanion. As such affectionate
actions are not the usual traits of the Jay, he very perti-
nately asks if anyone has observed a similar instance.

F. B. SPAULDING, LANCASTER, N. H., reports Robins as
numerous in his vicinity during the past winter, something
very unusual, as they generaily depart in November and do
not appear again until the following March.

GEO. G. CANTWELL, MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., reports secur-
ing on March 5th, several specimens of the Horned Lark,
and on the following day three Chestnut-collard Longspurs
were taken.

ELMER T. Jupp, BETHEL, Conn. writes of finding a nest
of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak containing five eggs, and
says it is his first instance of finding so many in one nest.
He asks if it is common to find as many ?

Correction. Mr. E. C. Erdis writes us that the state-
ment which appeared in his article in the January issne, re-
garding the Worm-eating Warbler being seen in winter,
was a mistake. He had the record of another bird in mind
when he wrote the article. The original communication
was received before the O. and O. came into the charge of
the present editor and escaped observation until it appeared
in print.

—_—_ >.

Correspondents should bear in mind that all communica-

tions for publication should be sent to the Editors.

Mae a me

TOOMUTROOAATCSTY CEA CORT COO CA LEd

eee

CUTATT TOL ROLLAA LUO LUA

Established 1875.

QUNLOUOOGUONCUOUNONOUNONOGUOUOORONOENECONOGuOUOENONOUONORoOnENED

Published by
FRANK B. WEBSTER,

409 Washington St., Boston, Mass.

Entered at Boston Post Oftice as Second-class Matter.

CONTENTS.
Vol. XI. No. 6, June, 1886.

A List of Birds Observed at Pensacola, Fla..........--2 ee ceeceeccecceeecees Pror. B. W: BVERMAN, ..<c- conc cecuboennane 81
Notes on Apto-Chromatism..........-+e.ssseeeeecereeeeeecercceesrsseceens WADTER HOXEE: doc cece ood became cmens ee .84
Wellowy UAL coco vio ae uivicbrele'e sen eod heel ate erin Aisa ola B [case ache eieee aie CEH WILDERS: cccs 20s fe cee cies akenek wee 84
Bro wn. Throsht tn cWititer, oscelscc oops ave ace are crab or No cline «ienlelvercheys so akieeletivcre see ailamins wath cate Ocha Sore tntae ane eae 84
OSLOGS—Owls Va HAWEaioaks cme sci scn'ecweenlnewaicemeseelsen se 'cpibtce eek at Oe ANE, -Wigaste’s seid Slee cece So tame etoile oe Cee 84
Nesting of Golden Hagle..... 0.00... 2ccecn-cpeccesovcceveceseescses ap tbe Cisfeciasiais cic aavcte selalnpivinas eine te eee ieee 85
Nesting of Great: Horned Owl, orca circ ingens ctcsn dee wiopince es nciey sais Hos: H. SAGKEON) os. <secstacoespeeee eee 85
Nest. of Red-hellied Nuthatchysco5, 50%". seclunk cnee cia ccts dtevide neat Wie Aa TEES so cick ot Salen Gass Utd aces 86
Nesting of Rufous Hummingbird................. eee eeeecee ee eee ee Wis, O) SOME RSON Soca onesie ce’ mestete ee Sener fa» 86
Hairy Woodpecker in Southern Massachusetts.............-.s.eeee. PNG C otaccis belo siaielateian's Sis ais ain en relate eter naa 87
RG CILOPIGL fie Yee cage esl raletwine aa lean wine wlerecsee bin otays ia-aie amuatat aieinte roc rele ere eyoh ae aatara De sa F digialaeiels beta/n1s/0 olejnihichs’e iene era uae eto ane 88
Practical: Taxidermy—Making /SEIMB. foo ckiee sates ees veces Js soc wepisiccesin'e s OS Wee FIIGGIN GS. sc </e ans vin geeiet aaenate anna 89
List of Birds of Santa Barbara—Part IIT... 2.0.0.2... 2. sewer eee epeeeceecees CLAEK (‘STREATORI. 66 os s+ -s0peoe et aaa 89
Winter Birds: of, Morristown Nad a's ciisteje vy shiziestire en o> aivlae en piele's wis oi btclete so E. C. THURBER AND M. M. GREEN.........-- 90
Spring Migration at Raleigh, N. C.—Part I........-..csscececceccececceccnes CYS SBBIMEEY. os. ctrwemh ds sQma esas Meena 91
PallMicration sb: Mormistownyy Ney dicicsceerccaws cimiselen.o0 cine vivisinreieels[e «id tie eles siare E. C. THURBER AND M. M. GREEN........... 92
ENToMOLOGY—Practical Entomology........-..--sscececcccceccceccesuceccs WRIGHT) & BATES a2 sc os saicte an vocals = Okemos 93
Sphinvidse-of New. Hirolands aii 8%. Seecee Pe wrareteae alo eke reins sicleiaia aie ehiiann Be picts oista ine pa reine ee wic/a caiclaec nia ee a ECS ee eee 93
NOTES Trot MICHIGAN aim con's tice newts camaesia penicn Vase amacete ek eB WOLCOTT ss as acc.c0ee ste ras Dee 94
Hood Hitech Upon. Colom: ve rk. fie ara sine siplacieeclaaieis wal Yolen ais wale sree Aaa WWE. raed pein cidakin hs sic Sota e ici et eae 94
Sempra p a ckic recnis ates hones, cre pattie ae forviap faie ojara‘ejoinietstaveiaietar sie wele stteern’ctskara AGW py line winters citalp <n loiclalty sis tite Slate ae eee 95
Hepantheria: SCripOnig wo uis.-cticie wie clo teitalsv a iere Seated eavalew os wei oaate aes tele CAIN DE sss ore nin se tolatel ain n'p = plain eae ap Se 95
COBRESPONDENCE— Destruction of Our Native Birds. - o's \sctsen sists nein omen cea veye ns opis sthtmabe cba nle ctw be vag ate ne eee 96
RECENT: PUBLICATIONS —Davies! NEW,KEY, GLC. Ais. .'c occ ooh pivie se be sible wn ie todioce Sebi sie cincculteneus col ate ecco ee hc keene 96

WRIGHT & BATES,

win Al ell 4 Bro. Natural History Collectors.

Having a number of collectors now at work, and being

For cost of advertising in any paper or in constant communication with specialists, we are pre-

list of papers published in the United Sys inet. to order, specimens in any branch of Nat-

States or Canada, send to the ADVERTIS- For SALE on ExcHancE.—INSEOTA, LEPIDOPTERA
ING AGENCY Of ZDWIN ALDEN & BRO., apr ehate a Specialty. Orders for ; line 1 series
of the above especially solicited. In writing for exchanges
Ci n Ci nn ati,£/N ew York. send list and specify distinctly what specimens are desired.
Cor. 5th & Vine Sis., 140. Nassau Street. Scientific Books and Naturalists’ Supplies at Lowest Rates.
*,* Our ‘Newspaper Combinations,’’ a book of
124 “pages, containing prices of advertising, full WRIGHT & BATES,
instructions, etc., sent on receipt of 10c. Our **Am.

Newspaper Catalog: xue,’? containing names of
every newspaper pu lished in the U.S. and Can- 73 Hanover Street, Boston, Mass.
FOR EXCHANGE.

ada; cont onverciptbfiprice, Bi.aow\ Feat rantes tree:
vertising Avents. Brehm’s “Science of Birds.”

FULLY ILLUSTRATED,

For desirable sets of igre

JAMES M. SOUTHWICK, GOUES? NEW KEY,

SUCCESSOR TO | COUES’ BLRDS OF NORTHWEST, COUES’ BIRDS OF
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, STEJNEGER’S BIRDS

OF KAMSKATCHA AND COMMANDER ISLANDS,
CENTURY MAGAZINE FOR 1886,

And other works to exchange for N, A. Bird’s Eggs in sets.
Has always in stock, for the use of Teachers id: Address, with list,

scholars, HARRY G. PARKER, Chester,
MAMMALS, SHELLS Delaware County, Pa,
BIRDS, ‘and ey TEP
EGGS, MINERALS. CHAN GE OF ADDRESS.

WITH ACCURATE DATA, AND ALL

Naturalists’ Supplies.

SEND FOR CIRCULARS.
258 Westminster St., Providence, R. I.

Taxidermist and Collector
Charles H. Mars ’ San Diego, California, ;

(Formerly Silver City, New Mexico.)

First-class Skins of New Mexico and Southern Califor-
nia Birds at Collector’s prices. Price List sent for stamps.

F. W. AN DROS, Taunton, Mass. i;

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND—

_OOLOGIST.

$1.50 per FRANK B. WEBSTER, PuBLIsHER. Single Copy
Annum. Established, March, 1875. 15 Cents.
VOL. XI. BOSTON, MASS., JUNE, 1886. No. 6.

A List of Birds Observed at Pensa-
cola, Florida.

BY BARTON W. EVERMANN.

It was my good fortune to spend the time from
March 18th to April 13th, of the present year, in
and about Pensacola, Florida. While the chief
object was to make collections of the fishes of
that region, I nevertheless kept notes of the vari-
ous species of birds which came under my notice.
In the present list I have included only those
species which were definitely identified by my-
self or by Mr. Charles H. Bollman, who assisted
me in making collections at that place. A num-
ber of other species reported as resident, or usual-
ly common, I do not include in the list. Pensa-
cola is located in West Florida, on a most beau-
tiful bay. The country round about is low and
level, often covered with titi or cypress swamps;
the soil is sandy, the vegetation consists usually
of an undergrowth of scrub oak, palmetto palm,
etc., and a larger growth of pine, live oak, bay,
cypress, etc.. Most of the land birds, particularly
the warblers, recorded in this paper were ob-
served on a small peninsula, called Tchina Point,
about two miles east of Pensacola and between
the Bay and Bayou Texas. Santa Rosa Island
and the coast west of Pensacola, near the U. 8.
Navy Yard, were also good places for making
observations, The time from March 30th to
April 10th, was spent on the schooner Niantic,
on a fishing cruise to the “Snapper Banks,” out
in the Gulf 225 miles southeast of Pensacola. Of
course, few birds were seen on this trip, except
two days (April 6th and 7th,) which we spent in
the harbor of Saint Joseph, 100 miles east of Pen-
sacola. We were driven into the place by a
storm, and, while there I was permitted to go on
shore at Saint Joseph Point. During these two
days bird life was very abundant on this small
peninsula, the pine and oak woods literally
swarming with great troops of various species of
migrants, the most conspicuous among them be-
ing Orchard Orioles, Summer’ Redbirds, Card-

inals, Hooded Warblers, Yellow-rumps, King-
birds, ete. It was with great satisfaction that I
was able to see here in the groves of this “ Land
of Flowers,” those vast hosts of beautiful bright-
colored birds which go trooping through our
northern woods a month later and which I had
so often seen in the forests and along the streams
of Indiana. Several species which in the north
have but little tendency to flock were noticed
here to be travelling in considerable bands. The
most noticeable among these were Summer Red-
bird, Kingbird and Hooded Warbler. A prettier
sight than these presented as they hurried from
tree to tree in this semi-tropical forest, has but
rarely been witnessed by me.

While I was on and about the water a great
deal, yet my observations of water birds were not
very satisfactory. Only occasional opportunities
for collecting them occurred, and I did not al-
ways have a gun at hand when such chances
offered. I thus am unable to include in the list
some species of Gulls and Terns which I saw at
some distance but was not able to identify with
certainty.

The arrangement and nomenclature of this list
are those of the ‘“‘A. O. U. Code and Check List
of N. A. Birds,” but recently issued. The num-
ber in parenthesis after each name is that of the
ABO TU. ast:

1. Urinator imber, Gunn. (7). Loon. Quite
common in the bay until the first of April. As
many as nine were seen at one time near the
mouth of Laguna Grande, a few miles from Pen-
sacola. One was seen out in the Gulf, 100 miles
from shore.

2. Larus argentatus smithsonianus, Coues. (51a).
American Herring Gull. Common in the bay
at Pensacola; abundant at Saint Joseph’s, where
it was seen April 6th and 7th.

3. Larus delawarensis, Ord. (54). Ring-billed
Gull. Perhaps the most common Gull both at
Pensacola and Saint Joseph’s.

4. Larus philadelphia, Ord. (60). Bonaparte’s
Gull. Rather common in Pensacola harbor and

Copyright, 1886, by Eaton Cxirrr and F. B. WEBSTER.

Saint Joseph’s. The number of each species of
Gull seemed as great April 12th, when I left the
state, as When I first went there, March 18th.

5. Sterna hirundo, Linn. (70). Common Tern.
Several seen at Saint Joseph’s, but none at Pen-
sacola,

6. Sterna antillarum, Less. (74). Least “Tern.
On April 5th I saw a number of this species off
Saint Joseph’s. The fishermen tell me it breeds
on a small island near the head of St. Joseph’s
Bay, also on the Hurricane Island at St. Andrews,
between Saint Joseph’s and Pensacola.

7. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis, Gmel.
(77). Black Tern. A few seen in St. Joseph's
harbor.

8. Rynchops nigra, Linn. (80). Black Skimmer.
Six seen in Pensacola Bay March 28th, by Mr.
Bollman.

9. Phalacrocorax
(120a). Florida Cormorant.
cola, several at Saint Joseph’s.

10. Pelacanus fuscus, Linn. (126). Brown Peli-
can, On April 5th I saw a pair fly over our
smack just off Saint Joseph’s harbor.

11. Tophodytes cucullatus, Linn. (1381). Hooded
Merganser. A small flock of six or eight were
seen in the Laguna Grande.

12. Anas carolinensis, Gmelin. Green-winged
Teal. Rather common in the Grand Lagoon,
where it was seen in flocks of five to forty at
different times.

13. Aix sponsa, Linn. (144). Wood Duck. A
pair seen in Perdido Bay, nine miles from Pensa-
cola.

14. Charitonetta albeola, Linn. (153). Buffle-
head. A few seen at various times and places
about Pensacola.

15. Histrionicus histrionicus, Linn. (155). Harle-
quin Duck, A single specimen seen near the
wharf at Pensacola, March 20th.

Guara alba, Linn. (184). White Ibis. A flock
of about twenty was seen flying westward along
the coast on the morning of March 19th, and a
few more were seen on Santa Rosa Island,
March 25th.

17. Ardea herodias, Linn. (194). Great Blue
Heron. Single individuals seen occasionally at
different places along the coast.

18. Ardea egretta, Gmelin. (196). American
Egrett. Only a few seen at Santa Rosa Island.

19. Ardea candidissima, Gmelin. (197). Snowy
Heron. ‘Two seen on one or two occasions.

20. Ardea cwrula, Linn. (200). Little Blue
Seen twice; once on Santa Rosa Island
and once at Saint Joseph’s.

dilophus floridanus, Aud.
One seen at Pensa-

ITeron.
21. Ardea virescens, Linn. (201). Green Heron.

Not common. Only a few seen.

82 ORNITHOLOGIST

--No. 6

Coot. Rare; only two or three seen.

23. Macrorhamphus griseus, Gmel. (231). Dow-
itcher. One specimen secured on the beach at
Laguna Grande.

24. Totunus melanoleucus, Gmel. (254). Greater
Yellow-legs. Only one specimen seen, which
was shot at Laguna Grande.

25. Agialitis vocifera, Linn. (278). Killdeer.
Rare; only two specimens seen.
26. Atgialitis meloda, Ord. (277). Piping

Plover. A few seen at Pensacola, more at Saint
Joseph’s.

27. Zenaidura macroura, Linn. (316). Mourn-
ing Dove. Not very common, but usually seen
at all places visited about Pensacola.

28. Cathartes aura, Linn. (825). Turkey Buz-
zard. Occasionally seen along the shore.

29. Catharista atrata, Bartr. (826). Black Vul-
ture. Not seen in the immediate vicinity of Pen-
sacola, but a few miles inland it was noticed to
be quite common.

30. Accupiter coopert, Bonap. (838).
Hawk. Rare; seen once or twice only.

31. Buteo borealis, Gmel. (836). Red-tailed
Hawk. One seen at Saint Joseph’s.

Cooper's

32. Buteo latissimus, Wils. (348). Broad-
winged Hawk. One seen near Pensacola.
33. Haliwetus leucocephulus, Linn. (852). Bald

Eagle. Seen occasionally at Pensacola, also at
Saint Joseph’s. The fishermen told me that they
climbed to a nest on Saint Joseph peninsula early
in March and found that it contained three young.

34. Pandion haliaétus carolinensis, (Gmel. (364).
American Osprey. Two pairs were noticed at
Pensacola and three or four pairs at Saint Jo-
seph’s.

35. Bubo virginianus, Gmel. (875). Great
Horned Owl. One specimen was seen on the
peninsula at Saint Josephs.

36. Ceryle aleyon, Linn. (390). Belted King-
fisher. Seen occasionally at various places along
shore.

37. Dryobates pubescens, (Linn. (394). Downy
Woodpecker. Seen once among the pines at
Peridido.

38. Sphyrapicus varius, Linn. (402).
bellied Woodpecker.
on April 11th.

39. Melanerpes carolinus, Linn.
bellied Woodpecker.
pine woods.

Yellow-
One seen near Pensacola

(409). Red-
Seen occasionally in the

40, Colaptes auratus, Linn. (412). Flicker.
Rather common in the open pine woods.
41. Antrostomus vociferus, Wils. (417). Whip-

poor-will. One specimen seen at Tchina Point,

March 19th.

June, 1886. |

hawk. No Nighthawks were seen until the even-
ing of April 10th, when one was noticed. Next
evening several were seen flying about the streets.

43. Chetura pelagica, Linn. (423). Chimney

Swift. First ones observed on morning of March
24th. By the 26th they had become common.

44, Trochilus colubris, Linn. (428). Ruby-
throated Hummingbird. Hummingbirds were
seen the first day we were at Pensacola and con-
tinued to be met with during our entire stay.

45. Tyrannus tyrannus, Linn. (454). King-
bird. First one seen on Santa Rosa Island March
25th, but others were not met with, except at
Saint Joseph’s April 6th and 7th, where they
were very abundant.

46. Mytarchus crinitus, Linn. (452). Crested
Flycatcher. One was here among the oaks at
Tchina Point.

47. Sayornis phoebe, Lath. (456). Phoebe. One
seen by Mr. Bollman at Tchina Point, March 56th.

48. Cyanocitta cristata, Linn. (477). Blue Jay.
Quite common, even among the trees along the
streets of the city. None of variety florincola
were noticed.

49. Corvus americanus, Aud. (488).
Crow. Frequent, especially inland.

50. Corvus ossifragus, Wils. (490). Fish Crow.
Common about the wharves, where it feeds upon
refuse matter lying about or floating in the bay.
Mr. Silas Stearns informs me that (C. americanus
floridanus is also common there, but I was not
able to secure specimens.

41. Agelaius pheniceus, Linn. (498). Red-
winged Blackbird. A few were seen on the point
near the ruins of Fort McRea, others on Santa
Rosa Island, and others in greater numbers at
Saint Joseph’s.

52. Sturnella magna, (Linn. (501). Meadow
Lark. A single individual was seen near Fort
McRea on March 22d, and another between Pen-
sacola and Mill View or Perdido, nine miles west.
None were seen at Saint Joseph’s.

53. Ieterus spurius, Linn. (506). Orchard Ori-
ole. A male in full plumage was seen March
23d, in a garden near “ Uncle Aaron’s,” between
Pensacola and the Navy Yard. None others
were noticed until April 5th and 6th, when they
were found in great numbers on the peninsula at
Saint Joseph’s. This peninsula is about fifteen
miles long, extending westward from Cape San
Blas between the Gulf and Saint Joseph Bay. It
is widest near the Cape, but at the west end it
grows rapidily narrower and at the outlet of the
bay terminates in a low wooded point bearing

he same name as the bay. The birds were evi-

American

dently migrating while we were here and their
route of travel lay along the coast line which they
would follow westward, I infer, until some large
river is reached, when they turn northward.
Thus I suspect, along this part of the Gulf coast,
the lines of westward travel are deflected north-
ward and in their true direction, at the Apalachi-
cola, Chactawhatchie, Connecuh, Escambia and
Alabama, each of these rivers receiving its share
of the great wave of bird life which in each re-
turning spring spreads from the tropics toward
the pole. As the limits of the area over which
the migrating birds could spread on this peninsu-
la at Saint Joseph’s grew narrow and more nar-
row as they passed toward its western terminus,
there the groves were literally alive with bird
life; great flocks of many species went trooping
through the woods, presenting such a scene of life
and activity as one seldom sees among our native
birds. Among the most conspicuous of the
bright-colored species were the Orchard Orioles,
—females and males in the different plumages of
different ages, were all here mixed with other
bright-colored species. Upon my return to Pen-
sacola, April 10th, this Oriole was rather com-
mon, especially about the city.

54. Icterus galbula, Linn. (507). Baltimore
Oriole. I did not detect the presence of the Bal-
timore Oriole at any point visited by us until my
return on April 10th, to Pensacola, where an oc-
casional male was seen or heard among the oaks
orsycamores which line certain streets of that city.

55. Quiscalus quiscula, Linn. (511). Purple
Grackle. A few seen about Pensacola, but none
seen elsewhere.

56. Quiscalus major, Vieill. (513). Boat-tailed
Grackle. A few were seen at Pensacola, but at
Saint Joseph’s they were common about the
small ponas or lagoons on the peninsula.

57. Poocetes gramineus, Gmel. (540). Vesper

Sparrow. Rare; two or three were seen near
Fort McRea.

58. Spizella socialis, Wils. (560). Chipping
Sparrow. Rather common about Pensacola,

especially in the more open pine woods in the
vicinity.

59. Melospiza fasciata, Gmel. (581). Song Spar-
row. Not common; seen only rarely.

60. Melospiza georgiana, Lath. Swamp Spar-
row. Seen occasionally. One specimen obtained
near Perdido.

61. Pipilo erythrophthalmus, Linn. (587). Tow-
hee. Rather common everywhere—especially on
Santa Rosa Island, Tehina Point and Saint Jo-

seph’s.
(To be concluded.)

84 ORNITHOLOGIST

[ Vol. 11-No. 6

Notes on Aptoso-Chromatism.

BY WALTER HOXIE, FROGMORE, 8. C.

I have had several interesting letters since the
appearance of my article in the April O. and O.,
and as perhaps more of its readers may feel at
least a curiosity to know something more of my
method of studying Aptoso-chromatism I subjoin
the notes taken to-day on those of yesterday’s
specimens.

Sanderling ¢, 1928, 4-23. Moult nearly com-
plete. No signs of breeding plumage except a
few feathers on the upper parts. Breast and neck
pure white. Testes minute.

Dunlin 4, 1929, 4-23. Moult less than one-
third complete. Breeding plumage very evident,
especially on the breast. On the throat and neck
the old feathers show wider and darker middles
than in winter plumage. The new and pin
feathers black and white about equally divided
among all feathers. The black ones with white
tips. Testes beginning to swell.

Dunlin ?, 1930, 4-23. Moult about same as
1929. Breeding plumage 4-1929. On throat
nearly 1929. The black on breast restricted to
small areas on the middle of each perfect new
feather. Pin feathers white. Ovee minute. None
appear in the least swollen.

The Yellow Rail.

BY C. H. WILDER, BRISTOL, N. Y.

This species seem-to elude observation pretty
successfully. Two or three notes may be of in-
terest. Notes from Central N. Y., on this species
may be found as follows: Rathbun’s Birds of Cen-
tral New York says: “Very rare. One taken Sep-
tember 20th, 1872.—G@ilbert.”” The Odlogist, vol.
IV, No. 5, p. 40, records a capture in central New
York. A third was taken at the foot of Canan-
daigua Lake, Oct. 6, 1883. This specimen is re-
corded in the Young Odlogist, vol. II, No. 2, p. 47.
The skin was in my collection for nearly a year,
until destroyed by accident.

Occurrence of the Brown Thrush in
Winter in Rhode Island.

Mr. W. J. Wheelock ot Johnston, R.I., secured
in that town on Jan. 30, 1886, a specimen of the
Brown Thrush (Jlarporhynchus rufus). We have
in our possession askin of the same species, pur-
chased of Southwick & Jencks, which was said to
have been taken at Pawtucket, R. IL., in Febru-
ary, 1882.

OOLOGY.

J. PARKER NORRIS, Editor.

The Editor assumes no responsibility for those ar-
ticles which have the names of the writer attached.

Owl versus Hawk.

BY J. M. W., NORWICH, CONN.

At this season the field odlogist will associate
certain points of resemblance and difference in
the breeding habits of our four large local Rapa-
cie. Briefly grouped, they are as follows: He
will note that they all prefer an old tenement.
The crow is their architect whose ground plan
obtains, and the grey squirrel the pro tem., tenant
whose fixtures revert to the estate. The Great
Horned Owl breeds earlier than the Barred, is
shyer and more formidable, and lays but two
eggs. The Red-tailed Hawk breeds earlier than
the Red-shouldered, is more retiring and fiercer,
and commonly lays two eggs. Our nebulous
owl usually lays three eggs, often but two, and
sometimes four. Buteo lineatus usually lays
three eggs, often but two and occasionally four.
It is presumed that the Barred and Red-should-
ered which lay two eggs are old birds, and those
which have trios and now and then break into
fours are young adults. At any rate it will con-
stantly be found that when individuals of either
sort lay two or three in one year, successive
years will also bring pairs and trios. I took two
five years in succession from one Red-shouldered
Hawk, and from one old Barred Owl six years in
succession got only pairs. Her clutch is always
two, in fact. Yet the fact remains that trios are
typical sets of mature birds of these two species.
But again; in Sandy Hollow, Ledyard, three
years running I took sets of four from a Red-
shouldered and the fourth year got four fledged
young. In ’82, ’83 and ’84 I took but trios and
pairs from my large Red-shouldered contingency,
but in 1885 four quartette clutches came early to
the front. And this year the season opened with
two sets of four Barred Owl’s eggs. This is the
apparent system, and these the changes that sur-
prise and enchant us in our spring field work.

When the angry Red-tails find Mrs. Bubo in
their old home I fancy they would not often dis-
possess the tenant but for the noisy help of the
crows, always “spoiling’’ for this kind of a free
fight. April 3d, 1886, I took’ a clutch of one
Barred Owl and three Red-shouldered Hawks,
and three years ago I took a similar clutch. In
the first place the aggressive hawks were aided

a

June, 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST. 85

by such a contingent of crows that the poor owl’s
life became a burden to her and she was forced
to seek a quieter neighborhood. These avian
troubles were in open nests. But when Bubo
and Syrnium breed in cavities they can “hold the
fort,” for no self-respecting Buteo will ever crawl
into a hole.

Nesting of the Golden Eagle.

BY J. R. C., SAN BENITO CO., CALIFORNIA.

On February 15th, 1886, I went to an old nest
of the Golden Eagle, (Aquila chrysaetus cana-
densis), and found that the birds had begun to fit
it up with new material. Qn February 26th I
made another trip to the nest, and found two eggs.

The nest was in a solitary live oak tree, sur-
rounded by wheat fields; and the tree had only
been left standing because it grew on the side of a
gulch. The birds had built on the south side of
the tree, and the nest was composed of large
sticks, one of which measured seven inches in cir-
cumference. It was lined inside with straw stub-
ble, green grass, and green twigs of trees with the
leaves attached. It was six feet deep and five
feet broad, and was built up nearly four feet from
the bottom. It was just thirty-one feet from the
ground, as I ascertained by means of a string.

Both the eggs were perfectly fresh, and after
preparing them I cooked the contents of one of
them, as I wished to ascertain how Eagle’s eggs
tasted. J found it rather rank, however, and
only fit for starvation diet.

When I approached the nest I saw no bird, but
while I was under the nest the Eagle flew up and
lit on the nest over my head. I waited until she
flew off again, which she did (with a scream) in
thirty-four minutes, and I think she deposited the
second egg while I waited, for she did not see me,
and I never saw her again after she left the nest.

[The set of two eggs, above referred to, are at
present in the cabinet of a gentleman in Phila-
delphia, where they have been examined by the
present writer. They are very~ handsomely
marked specimens and quite spherical in form.
No. 1 measures 2.86x2.21, and is of a whitish
color, quite heavily marked all over the egg with
spots and blotches of bright reddish brown. These
become confluent near the smaller end, where they
are very heavy, and form an indistinct circle.
There is also a large blotch of reddish brown near
the larger end, and the shell is quite rough. No.
2 measures 2.89x2.29, thus being slightly larger
than the other egg. The ground color is whitish,
and is marked all over with small spots of bright
reddish brown, which are thickest near the

smaller end, but not confluent as in No. 1. The
larger end is covered with light lilac markings,
and the shell is rough, and slightly granulated.
—Ep.]

Notes on the Nesting of the Great
Horned Owl.

(Bubo virginianus.)

BY THOMAS H. JACKSON, WEST CHESTER, PA.

Within a few years this bird has become a rather
scarce resident of this section of Eastern Pennsyl-
vania. The destruction or thinning out of the
larger tracts of timber, together with the increasing
demand of this fine bird for the taxidermists’ art,
have left but few pairs to breed in the vicinity.
In a recent number of THe ORNITHOLOGIST AND
Ob oetst I notice that a writer takes exception
to the large number of eggs usually accredited in
sets of the Raptores. In his experience with those
of the Great Horned Owl I fully coincide. In
thirteen nests of the bird that have come under
personal notice, twelve contained two eggs or
young, and only one contained three eggs.

Upon one occasion I replaced the Owl’s eggs
taken from a nest with those of the common hen,
and upon visiting them at the expiration of three
weeks, found that both the latter had hatched and
had fallen from the nest, about twenty feet from
the ground, and that the owls had deserted the
locality.

All the nests referred to above were placed in
branches of trees, and were generally those of
Crows or Hawks renovated or enlarged. Occa-
sionally a hollow tree is used for this purpose.

The Great: Horned Owls are liberal providers
for their young. I have frequently found full
grown rabbits lying in the nest beside the young,
and scarcely a nest visited did not have a strong
odor of the skunk, while bones and feathers were
scattered around, attesting to the predaceous
habits of the proprietors.

The hooting of this owl in the lonesome re-
cesses of the forest is not an attractive suund to
the belated traveler who knows not the source
whence it comes, but I have often listened with
pleasure to their solemn signals as they answered
each other from different points in the silent
forest. The notes of the sexes are quite different.
One of them (I cannot say which) utters deep de-
liberate hootings, while the other answers in short
quick tones very easily distinguished, and as I
have always heard these notes in the vicinity of a
nesting place, I have taken it for granted that they
are distinguishing traits in the sexes.

86 ORNITHOLOGIST

Nest of the Red-bellied Nuthatch.

BY WILLIAM L. KELLS, ONTARIO, CANADA.

As many persons have requested me to try and
obtain for them the eggs of this species, (Sétta
canadensis,) and as it seems that but little is
known of its nidification, or indeed of its general
habits, I think that perhaps a short sketch of
what I know on the subject may be interesting to
many. In Peel, the home of my early days,
where I first began to study, from the unwritten
book of nature, the pleasing science of ornitholo-
gy, this bird was unknown to me; though the
White-bellied species, (Sitta carolinensis), was
common, and often came under my observation.
Especially was this the case at the time of sugar-
making, and at these times I had often noticed
the latter variety nesting. The nature of the
woods on the Peel lands was no doubt the cause
of the absence of this species from that section,
hard wood being the principal timber here, while
as I now know the soft evergreen woods are the
peculiar haunts and homes of the Red-bellied
Nuthatch. When, however, I came to reside in
North Wallace, I was struck with the peculiar
appearance of the Nuthatches that I saw in the
evergreen woods there when compared with those
I had previously seen, and still occasionally ob-
served among the hard wood timber, but the idea
that they might be a different species did not yet
occur to me, and not until some years afterwards,
when I obtained Ross’ Birds of Canada did I be-
come aware that there existed two species of these
birds in the woods of Canada; for my previous
text book, Cuvier’s Animal Kingdom, gave me no
information on the subject.

Having, however, obtained this information, I
identified the species at once, and knew much of
their distinguishing habits and peculiar haunts.
But previous to this, in the month of June of my
second year’s residence in Wallace, as I was eut-
ting down some timber on the margin of a beaver-
meadow that intersected my farm, and where the
bush was composed chiefly of linden, black-ash
and several kinds of evergreens, my attention was
attracted by the action of a pair of Nuthatches
whose color and notes I observed differed from
those of another pair whose nesting place I had
disturbed in the sugar-bush on the other side of
the meadow earlier in the season. These birds
were continually going in and coming out of a
Woodpecker-like hole in the top of an old linden
stub about twenty feet from the ground, evidently
feeding young, and during the day the branches
of one of the trees that I was felling struck this

and brought it to the earth. Upon examination

[ Vol. 11-No. 6

I found, to my regret, and the great distress of the
parent birds, that the cavity in the old tree had
contained the nest and three young of the Nut-
hatch, which were about a week old. but fatally
injured by the fall of their birthplace. The cavity
in which this nest was placed was like that of a
small Woodpecker’s, and the nest itself, (like that
of a Blackbird) was composed chiefly of fine strips
of fibrous bark. I have long felt certain that it
belonged to and was a type of the nest of the Red-
bellied Nuthatch. Of late years I have rambled
through wet log strewn, brush-entangled, swampy
woods where these birds make their homes, but
no sight of their nesting places has since rewarded
my toil, though they are quite common here in
winter, and often in mid-summer their pleasant
notes fall on the listening ear, from the balsams,
or high up among the pine tree tops. Mr. Allen,
a gentleman of Toronto, writing in Zhe Ontario
Farmer in 1869, on the subject of ornithology, re-
marked regarding this species: “The nest of this
Nuthatch is generally made at the bottom of (a
cavity in) some dead stump at no great height
from the ground. The eggs, four in number, are
small, white, with a deep blush, and sprinkled
with reddish dots.’ It seems, however, that the
general nesting habits of this species are as yet
but little known, and much interest and curiosity
must exist in the minds of ornithologists until
more is understood about them.
pd i Agha

Nesting of the Rufous Hummingbird
in California.

BY W. OTTO EMERSON, HAYWARDS, CALIFORNIA.

While out looking ata Western Red-tail’s nest,
at an old sandstone quarry, in a caion some four
miles from Haywards, on March 7th, 1886, | heard
the buzzing of a Hummer near me. I took a moss-
covered seat on the rocks, and soon saw a Rufous
Hummingbird, (Selasphorus rufus), fly out from a
mass of wild blackberries that hung down over
the rocks and formed a cool, shelted bower under
the overbangivg vines and rocks, On stepping up
to the place, the female flew into the vines,
hovered here and there, rather than on what
seemed to be a bit of green moss about as large as
a walnut, which was placed on a slender vine.
On getting up on a large mass of rocks, just below
the level of the nest, I could look upon her; she
flew off down to a creek.

I could see two pinkish fresh eggs as they lay
on their bed of white willow cotton, while stand-
ing there contemplating as to whether I had best
take them or not, my eye caught sight of another
bit of green moss, just on a level with the other

June, 1886.]
one, and three feet to the left of it. Said I to my-
self, here is a last year’s nest, and the thought
came to me, do not some of our feathered friends
return to their old nesting places year after year ?
This seemed to be evidence of it, and when I took
the two nests off the vines, why may there not be
more evidence of their return to ‘Rufous’ Bower” ?
As I looked about through the vines, sure enough
up to the right, a little higher, and four feet or
more, could be seen a rather flattened ball of moss
not looking much likea nest. It was on a dead
vine, and after a long reach and stretching I had
the third nest in my hands.

I think now I have the proof before me, in these
three nests, of at least the hummers returning to
the same place to breed year after year, when not
disturbed by small boys and wild animals. This
being a quiet nook, free from noise and nest rob-
bers, they came again and again to bring up their
young. I will try to give some idea of these nests
as they lay before me. No. 1, with the fresh eggs,
was placed at the intersection of a dead and alive
vine, about seven feet from the ground and about
four feet from where I stood, in front of the nest
on the rocks. It is composed wholly of willow
cotton on the inside; outside green moss evenly
put on, and well fastened with spider webs. The
usual gray lichens are put here and there over the
sides, though not so much as on the Anna’s Hum-
mingbirds’ nests, and if anything, more than on
the Allen’s Hummingbirds’ nests.

A question here arises: Why do all birds that
_use lichens to adorn their nest put the gray side
outwards instead of the dark side, unless to pro-
tect their home from being found and destroyed
by men and animals? The nest with plenty of
gray color makes it Jook more like the limb it may
be on. We see in the nest of the Blue-gray Gnat-
catcher covered over completely by lichens, that
it is almost impossible to recognize it until the
bird is near it, or before one’s eyes. Some the
Creepers, or ‘‘Honey Eaters” of Australia, are ex-
perts at making their nests so nearly like the gum
tree limbs that they are on, by placing the fine
threads of the bark up and down the nest, so
naturalists have told me, who have hunted for
them, they found it next to impossible to see
them, even though the hand may be directly over
it. The Allwise has given to all his creatures
some means of protection of their own, the weaker
from the stronger.

I find a nest of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, lately
received from London, Canada, is so well covered
with lichens, even running over the edge into the
nest, that not a space of the nest proper shows.
All are put on with the light gray side showing
outwards. The Wood Pewees’ nests, though not

AND OOLOGIST.

87

so well covered, are the same. Some of the nests
of the western species that I have seen are more
so than its eastern brother. Even the Yellow-
throated Vireo uses a great deal of the lichens to
adorn its nest. One that I have before me now is
as beautiful a piece of bird architecture as I have
ever seen. A great many large pieces of lichens
are worked in through the nest, with empty co-
coons of insects.

Now to go back to ‘‘Rufous.” I have described
nest No. 1. No. 2 was placed on a sinzle vine ata
fork where the leaf stem branched out. It was
about four fect from No. 1, and the same distance
from the ground. No. 2 was much shrunk and
dry, only being two-thirds as large as the fresh
nest. It shows only a bunch or ball of dry green
moss and a few dead brown lichens on it.

No. 3 was placed in the same position on a
vine as No. 2; it is more flat in character. The
moss had grown over the top, giving no idea of a
nest, but the general mass, with the few litchens,
showed its resemblance to the Hummer’s nest. I
prize these three little nests as showing the love
of birds for their old home. The Rufous is not so
abundant breeding here as the Anna’s or Allen’s.
My records since 1880 show the Rufous’ nest de-
scribed to be the earliest taken or noticed by
me here.

I may as well go back a little to the Western
Red-tail, spoken of in the beginning of this article.
The nest I was after is placed on top of a fifty
foot derrick pole. The pair have raised a brood
there every year since 1882, to my knowledge, on
this odd nesting site. They have eggs ready for
incubation by the first of March each year. The
nest is solidly built of large sticks and twigs, lined
with fresh live oak jeaves and tufts of dry grass
every season. Four wire cable guys extend out
from the top, under the nest, and run down to
fastenings in the sand-stone rocks lying about.

Breeding of the Hairy Woodpecker
in Southern Massachusetts.

The Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) is
not. ranked as a common breeder in this part of
New England, and two authentic instances may
be worthy of record. May 19, 1885, a nest was
found by myself, excavated in the trunk of an old
decayed apple tree. It contained four eggs,
much advanced in incubation, but which were
preserved in good condition. During a recent
visit of several members of the Bristol County
Ornithological Club to Plymouth County, one of
the number, Mr. Charles H. Andros, found a
nest of the Hairy Woodpecker in a similar posi-
tion as the first mentioned incident. F. H.C.

[Vol. 11-No. 6

88 ORNITHOLOGIST

TH E
ORNITHOLOGIS®
OD AO a:

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

NATURAL. S0DS TORY;

ESPECIALLY DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF

BIRDS,
THEIR NESTS AND EGGS.

DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES
AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD AND INSECT LIFE,

FREDERIC H. CARPENTER, Editor,
REHOBOTH, MASS.,
FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher,
409 WASHINGTON, ST., BOSTON, MASS.

Editorial.

In place of Mr. Webster's continuing
chapter in “Practical Taxidermy,” we give
another method of making specimen’s for
cabinets, by a valued correspondent. Mr.
Webster will continue his articles in the
following issue.

vare Mr. Oliver Da-
vie's revised edition of his Aey to the
Nests and Eggs of North American
Birds, and consider it a very valuable
work for all oologists who desire an aid to
the prosecution of their studies.

We have read with

Through the courtesy of the Secretary,
Mr. A. W. Butler, we have received the
Bulletin of the Brookville Society of Nat-
ural History. Of especial interest to our
readers, we notice a list of birds of Frank-
lin County, Ind., by Amos W. Butler. This
list gives annotations of 235 species, duly
representing the local ornithology of that
vicinity, and reflecting credit upon the
compiler.

Mr. Charles F. Morrison, Vice President
of the Bristol County Ornithological Club
is at Fort Lewis, Colorado, where in that
almost unexplored (ornithologically) coun-
try he will study the avi-fauna diligently

and systematically, We congratulate our
selves upon the fact that we are to receive
the reports of his labors, which we can
assure our readers will be interesting and
valuable, for it is seldom that a country
so abundant in little known birds receives
the investigations of such a competent Or-
nithologist, as we know Mr. Morrison to be.

With this issue we close the first half
year of our connection with this maga.
zine. Our relations with all concerned
have been most pleasant, and we have en
deavored to merit the kindness, so freely
shown by the subscribers, by upholding
their legitimate interests, in the face of ap-
parently overwhelming opposition; which
has in many cases had the effect of bring-
ing communications, with personal dispar-
aging remarks against us, but in every
instance reminded us of the adage; “A hit
bird flutters.”

We know we have defended a most wor-
thy class of naturalists, and we take the
liberty of asking a reciprocation. The
season of active field work with muy is
now at its height, or a little past its prime,
and a period of study and reflection upon
the season's observations should follow.
Every one can find in his notes something
of value to science, and such should be
given to public notice. The OrnxirHoLoaist
and Ooxoaist invites such communications
and offers its columns for such purposes,
and by such means it can be proven openly
—that which we already know—that the
clientele of the O. and O. stands ahead
of any other ornithological magazine pub
lished in this country.

We are not pleading for manuscript for
publication; in fact, we frankly state that
we have at the present time sufficient man-
uscripts to occupy the O. and O. for the
remainder of the present year, and we owe
apologies to the many contributors whose
articles have failed to appear, and hope
they will continue to favor us, for by such
means we can select such notes as are of
the most general interest to our readers.

June, 1886.]

Practical Taxidermy.

CHAPTER XIL—MAKING BIRD SKINS.

From the Manuscript of F.W. Higgins, M. D.,Chemung, N. Y.

Better general directions in taxidermy could
hardly be given than those in the last number of
the O. and O. There is one modificatien of the
common rule for skinning birds, which is prac-
tised by some, and may be worth mentioning.

The method generally given is to make the in-
cision from the breast bone to the tail and invert
the skin. In this way there is danger of opening
the abdomen and soiling the feathers, the back
gets unaccountably mussy, and some steps of the
operation seem like working in the dark.

Some who are not adepts may, like myself, find
it easier to cut farther forward. Part the feathers
carefully and make the incision along the whole
length of the keel. Separate the skin on both
sides, then work with the handle of the scalpel
or thumb nail down to one shoulder. Turn it
out and cut off the wing. Use plenty of corn
meal. Then work toward the neck; curve it up
and cut it off. The other shoulder is then easily
exposed. Hook up the bird and work toward the
tail, cutting off the legs on the way. Pull out
each leg, wing and the head separately, clean and
poison. You will find you are right in the mid-
dle of your bird and can see what you are about.

In shaping up the specimen, one may put ina
neck and a trifle in each shoulder. Then fill out
the tail and each leg. Roll up a small body and
fit the skin over it. Take a little pains with the
ball stitches, not to include any feathers.

In laying the birds out I have succeeded with a
shingle covered with a layer of batting, brought
up around the skin and lightly held by pins each
side.

List of Birds Observed in the Vicini-
ty of Santa Barbara, Cal., During
the Year 1885.

READ BEFORE THE SANTA BARBARA SOCIETY
OF NATURAL HISTORY, JAN. 26, 1886.

BY CLARK P. STREATOR. PART III.

(The nomenclature is that of the Smithsonian Check List,
by R. Ridgway, 1881.)

Ardea herodias, (Great Blue Heron).
resident. Breeds.

Common
Herodias alba egretta, (American Egret). Win-
ter resident. Not very common.

Garzetta candidissima, (Snowy Heron). Winter
resident. Common.

AND OOLOGIST. 89

Butorides virescens, (Green Heron). Migratory.
Not very common.

Nyctiardea grisea nevia, (Black-crowned Night
Heron). Resident. The most common of all the
herons; found in all parts of the city where there
are large cypress trees for them to roost in.

Botarus lentiginosus, (American Bittern). Win-
ter resident. Not very common.

Ardetta exilis, (Least Bittern). I have noticed
a few of these birds passing north in spring.

Plegadis guarauna, (White.faced Glossy Ibis).
Migrant. Not very common. I have only no-
ticed the bird in spring.

Hematopus niger, (Black Oystercatcher). TI
have never noticed this bird on the main land,
but found them common on Santa Cruz Island,
last March.

Strepsilas interpres, (Turnstone).
these birds last fall.
very common.

Oxyechus vociferus, (Killdeer).
very common.

Hygialites semipalmatus, (Semipalmated Plover).
This spring is the first time I have ever noticed
these birds.

Mygialites cantianus nivosus, (Snowy Plover).
Very common resident. Breeds. Found along
the sea shore.

Gallinago media wilsoni, (Wilson’s Snipe). Com-
mon winter resident.

Heteroscelus tneanus, (Wandering Tattler). I
have noticed a number of these birds on the sea
shore when they were migrating.

Actodromas minutilla, (Least Sandpiper). Very
common winter resident.

Ereumetes pusillus occidentalis, (Western Sand-
piper), Very common; associates with flocks of
the former.

Calidris arenaria, (Sanderling).
ter resident.

Totanus melanoleucus, (Greater Yellow-legs;
Tell-tale), I never saw but a very few on the
main land; but they were plenty on Santa Cruz
Tsland.

Rhyacophilus solitarius, (Solitary Sandpiper).
Only occasionally seen.

Numenius longirostris, (Long-billed Curlew).
Rare. Only occasionally seen.

Numenius hudsonicus, (Hudsonian Curlew).
Large quantities of these birds pass northward in
spring.

Phalaropus fulicarius, (Red Phalarope).
collected only one specimen of this bird.

Recurvirostra americana, (American avocet).
A rather common spring migrant.

Himantopus mexicanus, (Black-necked Stilt).
A rare spring migrant.

I shot one of
I do not think them to be

Resident. Not

Common win-

IT have

90 ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 6

Rallus obsoletus, (Californian Clapper Rail).
Rare. One specimen is all I have seen. It was
shot last December.
Rallus wrginianus, (Virginian Rail). Rather a
common bird about the tules and marshes.
Porzana carolina, (Sora Rail). A very common
winter resident.

Gallinula galeata, (Florida Gallinule). Very
rare. Only occasionally seen.
Fulica americana, (American Coot). A very

common winter resident. A few, however, are
residents throughout the year, and breed.

Grus canadensis, (Sandhill Crane). A rather
common spring and fall migrant. They -pass
over usually at a great height.

Anas boscas, (Mallard). Resident. Breeds in
an estuary about six miles from this city.

Dafila acuta (Pintail). An abundant winter
resident.

Mareca penelope, (Widgeon).
Not common.

Querquedula discors, (Blue-winged Teal). Win-
ter resident.

Querquedula
Winter resident.

Aix sponsa, (Wood Duck; Summer Duck).
One of the rarest of ducks about Santa Barbara,
although they are occasionally met with beyond
the Santa Ynez Mountains, about ten miles from
this city.

Fulix affinis, (Little Blackhead).
winter resident.

Hthyia vallisneria, (Canvas-back). Winter
resident.. Rather common.

Athyia americana, (Redhead). Winter resident.
Not common.

Clangula albeola, (Butterball; Bufflehead), A
rather common winter resident.

Pelionetta perspicillata, (Surf Duck). Abundant
winter resident in the Santa Barbara Channel,
never frequenting the land.

Brismatura rubida, (Ruddy Duck). Rare. I
have never met with more than three or four
specimens.

Pelecanus erythrorhynchus, (American White
Pelican). Rare at this place. I have only col-
lected one specimen,

Pelecanus fuseus, (Brown Pelican).

Winter resident.

cyanoptera, (Cinnamon Teal).

Common

Resident ;
much more common in winter. I have good au-
thority that they breed on the islands.

Phalacrocorax dilophus, (Double-crested Cormo-
rant). Not very common about Santa Barbara,
but may perhaps be more plenty about the islands.

Phalacrocorax penicillatus, (Brant’s Cormorant).
Common about the bay at Santa Barbara except
during the breeding season, when they retire to
the islands.

Phalacrocorax violaceus, (Violet-green Cormo-
rant.) I never saw this bird on the main land,
but saw a few on Santa Cruz Island last March,

Larus occidentalis, (Western Gull). Common
resident in all seasons of the year but spring, when
they retire to the islands to breed.

Larus californicus, (Californian Gull). Com-
mon winter resident.
Laurus heermanni, (Heermann’s Gull). Winter

resident ; rather common.

Larus philadelphia, (Bonaparte’s Gull). I have
noticed only a few specimens of this Gull. They
were here in winter.

Larus delawarensis, (Ring-billed Gull.) Rather
common in winter.

Sterna regia, (Royal Tern). I have noticed a
few of these birds at almost all seasons of the
year.

Diomedea brachyura, (Short-tailed Albatross).
Very Rare. I know of only two specimens being
shot at this place. The last one of these was
taken fifty miles at sea. It was shot about the
middle of last March. The specimen I mounted
and have it in my collection.

Phabetria fuliginosa, (Sooty Albatross). This
Albatross is said to be more common than the
former, but I have never seen but one specimen.

Behmophorus occidentalis, (Western Grebe).
Common winter resident on the ocean.

Dytes auritus, (Horned Grebe). Not common.
Have only shot one specimen.

Dytes nigricollis californicus, (American Eared

Grebe). Common. I think it breeds on the
islands.
Podilymbus podiceps, (Thick-billed Grebe).

Winter resident ; not very common.

Colymbus torquatus, (Loon). Winter resident.
Rare.

Colymbus pacificus, (Pacific Diver).
resident. Not common.

Lunda cirrhata, (Tufted Puffin.) Found upen
the Santa Barbara Islands.

Brachyrhamphus marmoratus, (Marbled Guille-
mot). Rare. The only specimens I ever saw
were shot here last winter.

ee

Winter Birds of Morristown, N. J.

Winter

Observed During the Months of December, January
and February, 1885-6.

BY BE. CARLETON THURBER AND MORRIS M, GREEN.

1. Hermit Thrush, (//ylocichla unwlasee pallasi),
Probably a rare winter resident, once seen Jan. 30.

2. Robin, (Werula migratoria). A not common
winter resident.

June, 1886. ]

AND OOLOGIST.

91

— ——E

3. Bluebird, (Stalia sialis), A common winter
resident, feeding on the berries of the cedar.

4. Golden-crowned Kinglet, (Regulus satrapa).
A rare winter resident.

5. Tufted Titmouse, (Lophophanes Bicolor). A
common resident.

6. Black-capped Chickadee, (Parus atricapillus).
A common winter resident, rather rare in
summer,

7. White-bellied Nuthatch, (Sitta carolinensis).
A common resident.

8. Brown Creeper, (Certhia familiaris rufa). A
rather rare winter resident.

9. Great Northern Shrike, (Lantus borealis). A
rare winter resident.

10. Purple Finch, (Carpodacus purpureus).
Common all winter in the cedars.

11. American Goldfinch, (Astragalinus tristis).
Common in cedars and among the birches and
alders.

12. Tree Sparrow, (Spizella montana).
dant all winter.

13. Black Junco, (Junco hyemalis). Abundant.

14. Song Sparrow, (Melospiza fasciata). 'Toler-
ably common all winter.

15. Meadow Lark, (Sturnella magna). Tolerably
common.

16. American Crow, (Corvus frugivorus). A
common winter resident, abundant rest of year

17. Blue Jay, (Cyanocitta cristata). A common
resident.

18. Hairy Woodpecker, (Dryobates villosus). A
rare winter resident, still rarer in summer.

19. Downy Woodpecker, (Dyrobates pubescens).
A. common resident.

20. Red-headed Woodpecker, (Melanerpes ery-
throcephalus), A rare winter resident.

21. Belted Kingfisher, (Ceryle aleyon). Stay here
while the streams are open. Seen Feb. 23d and
in early December.

22. Long-eared Owl, (Asio wilsoniunns).
erably common resident.

23. Short-eared Owl, (Aso accipitrinus). A late
fall and early spring migrant, common on wet
meadows during early part of February.

24. Barred Owl, (Syrnzwm nebulosa.)
ably common resident.

25. Screech Owl, (Megascops asic), A common
resident; thirty-five were taken in two and a half
months of the fall. ;

26. Great Horned Owl, (Bubo virginianus). A
rare resident.

27. Sparrow Hawk, (Zinnunculus sparverius).
A few stayed all winter.

28. Marsh Hawk, (Circus hudsonius). Was here
until the first part of January, returning the latter
part of February.

Abun-

A tol-

A toler-

29. Red-tailed Hawk, (Buteo borealis), A com-
mon resident.

30. Red-shouldered Hawk, (Buteo lineatus). A
few stayed all winter.

31. Rough-legged Hawk, (Arechibuteo lagopus
sancti-johannis). A common winter visitor.

32. Mourning Dove, (Zenaidura macroura).
One was seen Jan. 11th, and another Feb. 19th.

33. Ruffed Grouse, (Bonasa umbellus). A com-
mon resident.

34. Colin; Bob-white, (Colinus virginianus). A
common resident.

35. White-headed Eagle, (Heliwétus leucoceph-
alus). A rare accidental visitor ; one seen Decem-
ber 9th.

Spring Migration at Raleigh, N. G:;
in 1886.

BY C. 8. BRIMLEY.

PART I.—MARCH MIGRATION.

The spring migration here consists, broadly
speaking, of two very well defined periods—the
first being that of the March migrants and includ-
ing all the migration which takes place until the
arrival of the Warblers; this period is character-
ized by the migration of Blackbirds, Robin, Snipe
and Killdeer, Robins and Blackbirds being far
commoner during this period than at any other
time in the year. The second period is that of the
April migrants, beginning with the arrival of the
migrating Warblers in the last week of March or
the first of April and lasts till the close of migra-
tion in the middle of May.

The first movement of any kind during this
spring occurred about the middle of February,
when a few Redwings and Cowbirds put in an ap-
pearance and Feb. 15th Woodcock arrived and
were tolerably common, but their numbers dimin-
ishing next day (only one had been seen before
this year, on Feb. 13th). Mourning Doves, which
had been unusually scarce all winter, increased to
their usual numbers about this time, the bulk ar-
riving Feb. 15th; Killdeer also, which had been
scarce since the first week in January, put in an
appearance a few days later and became tolerably
common once more on Feb. 23d. The first Snipe
were seen on Feb. 23d and 27th, a Green-winged
Teal Feb. 27th, two Rusty Grackles on Feb. 28d,
and a single Crow Blackbird on the last day of
the month.

Woodcock increased in numbers on March 4th,
but all bad left next day, after having been com-
moner ever since their first arrival than they

usually are in spring.
On March 6th, a very slight warm wave having

92

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 6

struck us the day before, Cowbirds, Redwings,
Crow Blackbirds and Robins arrived, but none
of these species were at all common, except on
the day of their arrival, till March 15th, when
Cowbirds appeared in great numbers and more
Redwings and Crow Blackbirds arrived; most of
the Killdeer left us on that same night as well.

_ The most prominent feature of the March mi-
gration this year has been the great abundance of
Cowbirds which have outnumbered all other
Blackbirds at least three to one, none of the three
other species being as plentiful as usual.

On March 17th I noticed that Chipping Spar-
rows, which had been almost entirely absent this
winter, were getting commoner again, and now
(March 24th) they are present in their usual num
bers. <A large proportion of both Meadow Larks
and Cowbirds left us on the night of March 19th,
but no fresh arrivals were noted on that date.
Six Green-winged Teal, probably the last of the
season, were seen on March 19th. Pine-creeping
Warblers, which had been scarce in February, in-
creased largely in numbers on the same date.

Wilson’s Snipe have been observed quite fre-
quently during March, but at no time have more
than five been seen on one day (March 238).
Robins did not become common in this immediate
vicinity till March 22d, but I heard they were
quite plentiful on the other side of town two
weeks ago, This about finishes my record of the
March migrants; of our winter visitors only two
species (besides the Meadow Larks) have left us,
viz: Fox Sparrow last seen March 6th and Tit
Lark, March 8th.

A single White-bellied Nuthatch was seen Feb.
18th, and another on March 17th, though the
species are usually common enough except in
summer.

A Wild Turkey, (which bird is not often seen
near the city) was observed near Neuse River on
Feb. 16, and another was seen near Walnut Creek
within two miles of town on March 19th.

Notes on Fall Migration from Mor-
ristown, N. J., Fall of 1885.

BY E, CARLETON THURBER AND MORRIS M. GREEN.

Sept. 14th, a Great Crested Flycatcher was
heard and a few Nighthawks were seen.

Sept. 15th, great numbers of Nighthawks were
seen flying south. Early in the morning a large
flock of Chimney Swifts were seen flying south-
west.

Sept. 18th, Blue Yellow-backed Warblers seen
for the first time this autumn. Also several Rose-

breasted Grosbeaks heard and a male Olive-sided
Flycatcher taken.

Sept. 18th, a Black Snowbird taken, apparently
a young male moulting, a female Crimson Finch
and a young male Black-throated Green Warbler
were also taken. Four Nighthawks flying south
and a Wood Pewee were seen.

Sept. 20th, two Scarlet Tanagers in the olive-
green plumage were observed.

Sept. 21st, saw about ten Lincoln Sparrows and
a flock of five Bobolinks, a rather rare bird here
of late years, on Columbia Meadows.

These fresh water meadows, about a mile anda
half long by three-quarters of a mile wide, are
flooded for about nine months of the year and are
much frequented by Ducks, White-bellied Swal-
lows, Snipe, Rails, Blackbirds and Hawks, especi-
ally Marsh Harriers. A few White-bellied Swal-
lows were seen there.

Sept. 22d, saw a single Wood Thrush, the last
of the season, and a pair of Brown Thrushes.

Sept. 23d, a Hummingbird was seen.

Sept. 24th, a fine male Connecticut Warbler
taken, a flock of about ten Mourning Warblers
were seen in a white birch thicket; two of them
were obtained with a single Blue Yellow-backed
and a young male Black-throated Green. Field
Sparrows were abundant. Four Chimney Swifts
and a male Redstart were seen.

Sept. 25th, a flock of seven Blue-headed Vireos,
a company of a dozen Olive-backed Thrushes, a
single male Black and White Creeping Warbler,
and a female Redstart were seen.

On the meadows great numbers of Swamp
Sparrows and White-bellied Swallows were seen.

Sept. 27th, a few male White-throated Spar-
rows.

Sept. 29th, White-throated Sparrows were com-
mon.

Sept. 29th, a large flock of White-bellied Swal-
lows and Chimney Swifts flying south.

Saw a single Night Heron. Field Sparrows
still common. During this week the mornings
and evenings were very foggy and the days warm.

Oct. 2d, a single Phoebe, the last one seen.

Oct. 5th, three Wood Ducks and six Chimney
Swifts.

Oct. 7th, two Catbirds, a single House Wren,
a Black-throated Blue Warbler and two Yellow-
rumped Warblers, the first for the fall.

Oct. 8th, the last Chimney Swifts, two in num-
ber, and a male Black-throated Blue Warbler.

Oct. 9th, the last Maryland Yellow-throat, a
young male, seen. Also a flock of Wood Ducks,
two Carolina Grebes, a single Junco, and a num-
ber of Ruby-crowned Kinglets noticed.

93

June, 1886. ]

Oct. 10th, two Crimson Finches were seen fly-
ing overhead.

Oct. 11th, a warm day. Two Nighthawks go-
ing north, six Blue Yellow-backed Warblers, a
flock of about fifty Field Sparrows, a few Black-
throated Green Warblers, numerous Yellow-
rumps, ten Juncos and three Yellow-bellied
Woodpeckers, the first noted this autumn.

Oct. 14th, two Black-throated Green and three
Black-throated Blue Warblers, ten White-bellied
Swallows and three Catbirds, the last seen.

Oct. 15th, saw twenty-six Chewinks, of which
all but three were males ; these must have left
during the night or on the next day.

Oct. 16th, saw but one of above.

On the meadows, about three hundred Titlarks
and a hundred or more White-bellied Swallows
were seen. Field Sparrows were still common.

Oct. 17th, the meadows were again visited ;
White-bellied Swallows were numerous, a dozen
Titlarks seen. Savannah Sparrows were com-
mon.

Oct. 20th, Bay-winged Sparrows numerous on
the hills. One Ruby-crowned Kinglet, the last
one noted.

Oct. 23d, Hermit Thrushes are common.
Juncos seen, the first since the 11th inst.

Oct. 24th, fifty White-bellied Swallows, many
Titlarks, four Red-headed Woodpeckers, three
Killdeer Plover and the last Chewink, seen on
the meadows. Juncos numerous.

Oct. 25th, a flock of twenty-five Rusty Grackles
were seen feeding on acorns.

Oct. 30th, many Field Sparrows were seen.

Nov. 2d, the last Hermit Thrush and the first
Fox Sparrow and Hairy Woedpecker were ob-
served.

Nov. 3d, brought the last Mourning Dove and
the first four Tree Sparrows.

Nov. 8th, Columbia meadows were re-visited;
noticed a few Titlarks, several Purple Grackles
in a large flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. A
small flock of Mallards and several of Dusky
Ducks were noticed. The last Killdeer seen and
the first Tufted Titmouse were heard calling.

Nov. 14th, the Tree Sparrows were plenty and
melodious. ;

Nov. 22d, the first Great Northern Shrike was
reported.

Nov. 29th, the ice formed half an inch thick.
Saw eleven White-throated Sparrows and a King-
fisher.

Nov. 80th, fourteen White-throated Sparrows
seen.

Dec. 5th, saw only four White-throated Spar-
rows and a Kingfisher, the last of each.

Ten

AND OOLOGIST.

ENTOMOLOGY.

73 Hanover St., Boston, Mass.,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.

Address all communications for this department as above

Practical Entomology.

BY WRIGHT AND BATES, 73 HANOYER ST., BOSTON

(Continued from page 78.)

LEPIDOPTERA.

PECULIARITIES: Four wings, covered with
scales on both sides; these scales are over-lap-
ping, arranged in rows and give the colors and
shadings to the wings.

Mouth parts forward for sucking. Larvee in
the form of caterpillars, composed of thirteen
segments. Pupa obtected, conical in form, pro-
ducing moths; or angulated, producing butterflies.

Locauirres. The imago, or perfect insect of
this sub-order is to be found in nearly every lo-
cality during the spring, summer and autumn.
They flit about the fields, meadows and wood-
lands during every hour of the day and night;
they alight upon the flowers to sip their honey
and the next moment are away over the fields:
They alight upon the bark and foliage of trees,
on the fences, and during the day the night flyers
are hidden away in the grass, under the stones,
fences, leaves, and in the shade of the woods,
emerging at evening to take the place of the but-
terflies in flying about the fields.

Their larve will be found feeding upou vegeta-
tion. They are captured by the net while flying
or resting upon the plants; by baiting or sugar-
ing in the evening, upon the trees or fences, or
best of all, by raising from egg, worm, or pupa in
the vivarium.

The instructions given in preceding pages ap-
ply very well to all the sub-orders mentioned,
but some members of this one need special in-
structions, and we shall in the near future give
our readers instructions for collecting the Micro-
lepidoptera.

Sphingidae of New England.

CERATOMIA AMYUTOR.—Hb.

Palpi brown. Head gray or grayish-brown,;
antennze white above, dark beneath.

Thorax fawn color, with a dark patch or line
on either side, followed by gray at the base of
the wings, and two dark brown spots on the
metathorax. Abdomen light brown, with a slen-

94 ORNITHOLOGIST |

der black dorsal line, and two broad undulating
black lines on either side.

Anteriors: Costal margin nearly to the middle
of the nervules, light fawn color; posterior mar-
gin, dark brown or blackish, with three or four
black longitudinal lines, originating at the discal
cell; discal spot, white; two or three undulating
black lines, alternating with white ones, extend
along the marginal space, nearly parallel with the
margin, to the sub-costal veinlets, and from
thence almost at right angle with, and to the
costal margin; the marginal space near the tip is
occupied by a black patch from which extends a
long black line nearly to the discal spot; fringes,
brown, spotted with white.

Posteriors, pale brown or buff; a blackish
band extends across the wing, followed by a
blackish line, crenated anteriorly; margin black-
ish, lighter at the anal angle.

Under side, fawn color; two or three irregular
black lines, crenated anteriorly, extend across
both wings, following the same course as the cor-
responding ones on the upper side; an irregular
line runs from the tip of the anterior wing to the
outer of these lines, the space enclosed by the
line at the tip, being a greyish brown, as is also
the anterior edge.

- Expanse about four and one-half inches; flies
in May and June.

Mature larvee, which appears in September, is
about three and one-half inches long, of a pale
green color, with seven oblique white lines on
either side of the body; caudal horn, greenish.
This larvee may be distinguished from all others
of this family by the four short, notched horns
on the shoulders.

Transformations, subterranean. Pupa, dark
brown, smooth, with the tongue case not ap-
parent.

Food plants: American elm and linden.

Notes from Michigan.

BY R. H. WOLCOTT, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

The following captures are, I think, worthy of
record, although not made by myself :

On the 1st of July, last year, while after Meli-
trea Pheetons, with Mr. L. 8. Livingston of this
place, he captured a curious specimen, which Mr.
Strecker identified as his var. superba, described
in his “Catalogue of the Butterflies of North
America,” of which but few examples have ever
been taken. It is now in Mr. Strecker’s posses-
sion.

July 15th the same collector took, at Ada, a
village a few miles east of this city, an Apatura

[Vol. 11-No. 6

clyton, Bdl., Lec., approaching var. Proserpina of
Scudder; and on Aug. 21st., at the same locality,
a nearly full grown larvie of Libythea bachmani,
Kirtland, on the ground beneath a hackberry tree,
(Celtis occidentalis). This tree is a food plant of
both the last mentioned species and grows ata
few points in the county, sparingly, however;
but Iam unable to learn of any previous capture
of Apatura clyton and of but one instance of the
taking of the Libythea, in this section of the state,
which was during the summer of 1883, when an-
other local collector, Mr. Clinton Osborne, cap-
tured one rather poor specimen, at or near the
same locality as mentionéd above. The two are
generally southern species, being rare as far north
as this.

Food Effect Upon Color.

TBS Al. Wien ter

Collectors of the large moths, such as Samia
Cecropia and Telea Polyphemus soon notice the
wide variation of color in these species of moths,
the first ranging from a light grey to almost a
deep blue-black; and the second from a light
fawn color to a very reddish hue. The lighter
colored types lose the brilliancy of their markings
and are not nearly so handsome or attractive as
those of greater depth of coior. To a breeder of
moths it becomes essential to get the best results
to know something of the effect of food upon the
color of the plumage.

This is a subject upon which too little is
known, and opens an interesting field for study.
Both 8. Ceeropia and T. Polyphemus in the lar-
val state are found subsisting on a great variety
of foliage. The caterpillar of the Cecropia moth
I have found feeding upon wild plum, apple,
alder, wild cherry and bayberry leaves; and that
of T. Polyphemus upon oak, wild cherry, butter-
nut and sumach leaves and the tender fronds of
ferns. I have experimented a little in the way of
feeding the larvee and the result has satisfied me
that a person familiar with food effects can tell
from the color of the mature moth when cap-
tured what the larval food was.

Experience has taught me that larvee captured
in the fields flourish best upon the foliage of the
plant upon which they are found. When once
the caterpillars have created a taste for wild cher-
ry it is next to impossible to make them take
kindly to apple leaves; and if they do not sit and
starve rather than submit to the change, they
will fast until hunger forces them to eat, and this
fasting season tends to dwarf and injure the per-
fect insect. But started from the egg a brood of
larvee may be divided up and placed upon differ-

June, 1886. ]
ent kinds of foods, and they will get on well if
the food is kept fresh and their life condition kept
as natural as possible.

To procure the best results in moth raising the
caterpillars must be fed upon their preferred food
plant and kept feeding, with only brief fasts in
the moulting seasons, until they spin their co-
coons.

The Cecropia moth that has matured upon
wild cherry is not the equal in size or beauty of
the moth fed upon apple foliage. It is weaker in
color of plumage, and the contrasts in the color-
ing of the wings are much less decided.

The Polyphemus moth that is nourished upon
fern fronds is usually of the lightest fawn color,
the least attractive and most dwarfed of this
race of lepidopterous giants, while that fed
upon oak leaves takes on a reddish hue that
gives it brilliancy at the expense of size. The
largest moths of this class that I have ever seen
were raised upon wild cherry; but I believe that
the best plumaged were the result of oak-feeding.

These experiments prove entertaining and can
be easily tried by raisers of larvee of any kind.
—<—___<>__-

‘¢Sembling.”’
MES a AN Wie. wee

Among lepidopterus insects the power of the
virgin female to attract the males is marvellous
and little understood by the most experienced
moth and butterfly collectors, for she sits quietly,
making no sound, and there is no perceptible
odor by which the phenomena may be explained.
Nevertheless, it is a fact, and out of it grew the
practice known to lepidopterists as ‘‘sembling,”
or attracting butterflies and moths. Hence, the
finding of a virgin female of a rare species is of
exceptional consequence to the collector, who, in-
stead of putting her to death, carefully preserves
her, and placing her in a gauze bag or cage uses
her as a decoy for males of her own species,
which are attracted by her wiles, in large num-
bers.

I have practiced this art more or less in the
past twelve years and have learned something
from it. Residing in the center of a city, I must
be from one to two miles from the feeding
grounds of these moths. Just after mid-day of
June 5th, 1882, I found upon a fence a female of
the Callosamia promethea moth of Drury. I had
no sooner captured her than I saw a male ap-
proaching; and while I stood with her in my
hand four male moths congregated about me, cir-
culating over my head and now and then lit
upon my clothing. I took the moth home and

AND OOLOGIST.

95

placed her in a gauze cage near an attic window.
Between 2 and 3 o’clock on the afternoon of the
6th, the male moths began to appear, and with
net in hand I captured sixty males in two hours
and then stopped because I had taken enough,
not because the arrivals lessened. Tie males
were flying about the yard in considerable num-
bers until night fall.

T have had similar experiences with Zelea poly-
phemus, Samia cecropia, Attacus luna and Sat-
urnia Lo.

A virgin female of the Corn Emperor moth
(Saturnia Io), owned by a friend, attracted to his
house twenty-eight males in June, 1880, all of
which were captured in good condition, in the
space of an hour.

This practice satisfies me that Callosamia pro-
methea is a day flier, as it invariably comes in
“sembling” before 3 o’clock in the afternoon; and
this moth flies in largest numbers. Samia cecrop-
ia and Telea polyphemus come shortly after dark,
and quite plentifully, while Attacws luna seldom
approaches the trap till midnight, or later.

Any one wishing to test the power of the
female insect may do so in the summer months
ond satisfy themselves that facts are often stranger

than fiction.
—__>_ -———_

Ecpantheria Scribonia.
BY CYANIDE.

This beautiful leopard moth, though rare here,
is not uncommon in some sections of the country.

In the winter of 1880-81, I found the remains
of many cocoons while collecting on and near the
Lake of the Thousand Islands, on the St. Law-
rence River. As soon as the snow was off the
ground, I tried sugaring on the edge of a grove
and as I turned my lantern toward a pine tree I
noticed a large wooly bear ascending the trunk
very rapidly. I, of course captured him, and
finding it too early to meet with much success
sugaring, I turned my attention to the pine trees
Between 9 and 10 o’clock that night I took seven
full grown larvee of this moth. I kept some of
them and a friend took the rest. In a few days
they spun their cocoons and soon developed as
perfect flies. My specimens invariably left their
cocoons in the night and in a short time were in
active flight around the box in which they were
confined. I consequently found it very difficult
to save them in a perfect condition. I either had
to take my chances of their wings being injured
or kill them before they were dry enough to
mount without staining the plumage.

I afterwards found some of the cocoons in the
crevices of the bark of pine trees.

ORNITHOLOGIST

[ Vol. 11-No. 6

CORRESPONDENCE.

96

Destruction of our Native Birds.

EDITOR OF ORNITHOLOGIST and OdLoGIsT—Sir: There are
certainly two sides to this question, only one of which has
as yet received my attention. That the movement set forth
by the A. O. U. is a good one there can be no doubt, but at
the same time the enormity of the offense is not so great as
some would have us believe, at least not as regards the tax-
idermists. Young odlogist, who so far have received all
the blame for the so-called scarcity of certain native birds,
I propose to give a few instances pointing towards other
and much greater causes than the above for the scarcity.
lst, the advance of civilization, which drives the birds from
their accustomed haunts, and not to mention the telegraph
wires, lighthouses, etc.

2d. The so-called sportsman who shoots at everything
that flies; let me give one or two instances. In the sum-
mer of 1884 I was spending my month’s vacation in Pike
county, Pa. There came to the hotel two such persons, with
the most approved pattern of breech loaders. The very
next day they commenced to bang away at every living
thing. I counted forty-nine insectivorous birds that these
two brutes killed on their first day’s hunt. They kept this
thing up the entire two weeks of their stay. I tried my best
to stop them but was unable todo so Another with a boat
anchored out in mid-stream, shooting at the Swallows that
were flying overhead, their dead bodies floating off with the
current. Such scenes as these are being enacted in all parts
of our country, and almost every day. But let me ask a
question, did you ever see a taxidermist or young odlogist
do any thing like this. I think not.

In a recent article mention is given of the farmer’s cat, I
think it should have been cats, as it is seldom that we come
across a farmer’s house or barn without at least two cats,
sometimes five or six. Let me give one instance of cat
work. Inthe summer of 18741 was staying on a farm in
Berks Co., Pa., which boasted seven cats. One old fellow of
the Thomas persuasion would daily catch young birds,
sometimes old ones, this cat fully averaged two birds a day
during the nesting season.

I hope no one will misjudge me from these remarks. No
one more so than myself desire to see our song and insect-
eating birds protected, and I will, as I always have, do what
I can to protect their useless slaughter, and I hope to see
the day when a woman will feel ashamed to wear a bird on
her hat. It is to say the least a barbarous fashion. In
Philadelphia at least, not half the hats with birds upon
them are to be seen to what there was just three years ago.
—Philip Laurent, Member of the Phila. A. of N.S.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS.

Egg Check List and Key to the Nests and Eggs of North
American Birds. By Oliver Davie. Second Edition, re-
vised and enlarged; with seven full-page engravings by
Theodore Jasper, A. M., M. D., Columbus, O.; Hann &
Adair, Printers, 1886. Pp. iv, 184, 8 vo.

A little over a year ago Mr. Davie issued the first edition
of his Egg Check List, and that volume met with such a
signal success that he was speedily called upon to prepare a
second edition. He determined to make radical changes in
the latter, and now that the result is before us it is most
satisfactory. Almost all the species of birds whose eggs
have been discovered are to be found in this edition, and
there is a fullness of description, and of interesting details,
which was entirely wanting in the first issue.

First Mr. Davie gives the color of the eggs, then their

5B

number and size, anda description of the nest, or of the
place where they are found. The habitat of the bird, to-
gether with many other valuable details, follows. Wherever
possible Mr. Davie has described the eggs either from speci-
mens in his own extensive cabinet, or from those in the
collections of his friends and correspondents. Very few of
the descriptions are taken from the works of previous
writers, and the whole book is fresh and original, and can-
not fail to prove of the greatest value and use. It is more-
over written in a plain and unassuming style which is truly
refreshing after the quantity of so-called ‘‘scientific” stuff
with which we have been lately deluded. True science has
to use latin names because they are recognized all over the
world, and tend to prevent the confusion which would cer-
tainly arise were vernacular names alone depended on, but
this unnecessary reiteration serves no good purpose, and
drives off many would-be students.

Mr. Davie describes many rare species of eggs for the first
time, and he has brought together a mass of information
concerning them which is in the highest degree entertain-
ing and valuable.

The number of eggs laid by each species is a point about
which there have been more mistakes made by odlogists
than anything else, and while Mr. Davie has done much to
correct the errors of previous writers in this respect, he has
occasionally fallen into some himself by fearing to disregard
old time authorites in this particular.

Dr. Jasper’s illustrations could well be spared, but they
will no doubt serve to make the book attractive to our
younger readers. The faults of the book are few, while its
merits are many, and have only been slightly touched upon
above. We heartily recommend it to our readers as one of
the cheapest and best books on odlogy ever published.

Jobe Ne

BirDs oF Kansas.—Col. N.S. Goss of Topeka, Kansas,
has compiled a list of the birds of that State, giving the
general habits of the birds, time of arrival, nesting and oc-
currences of rare species.

Mr. Goss gives notes on 335 species known to occur with-
in the State, and in this work shows considerable advance-
ment over his previous list. Such books as the above are
valuable and if every State should follow the example of
Kansas, and secure the services of competent ornithologists
to represent the bird-life, the result of the united endeavor
would surpass any published work on our North American
birds. The ornithoiogists of Kansas should be congratu-
lated upon having such a varied bird-life and so competent
a leader as Mr. Goss.

List oF Birps oF VENTURA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, by
Barton W. Everman. This is a reprint of the original
papers which appeared in The Auk, Vol. III, No. 1-2. 200
species are recorded, and show the result of careful investi-
gation by a discerning observer of birds.

The Coues New Key to N. A. Birds is now out of print
and a new edition is expected within a few months.

a eee

Novice To ConTRIBUTORS.—In reply to several enquiries
we would say that articles giving records of migration,
while valuable, could be used to better advantage if forward-
ed to the proper parties who have charge of the department
of “ Economic Ornithology,” at Washington, rather than if
published in these columns, as notes of migration are of
much more value when studied on an extended scale and
conjointly with many observers.

We desire to acknowledge articles from the following
contributors, for which they will please accept our thanks :
Prof. B. W. Everman, W. C. Avery, M. D., C. 8. Brimley,
Frank L. Burns, Herbert Skell, A. G. Paine, Jr., Jos. M,
Wade, H. Taylor, W. L. Maris, J, A. Singley, J. M. W.,
Wm. L. Kells, J. W. Preston, Walter Hoxie, C. W. Crandall.

cae LY, 1886. 5

Established 1875.

ptetannestuneesces ACUNCAUGeREOELscasuoesseconssacaccancaasatecsacnsannesonsaggsnosseeeUNUeUenUassneseveUuenenaqgacervuccsenesedsoes

Publishedisby
FRANK/.B. WEBSTER,

409 Washington St.,:Boston, Mass.

Entered at Boston Post@ffice ae “Second-class Matter.

eeeeueveennTENaTey

CONTENTS.

Vol.

Sy Nokes? J uly.cisss,

List of Birds Observed at Pensacola, Florida................ BARTON W. EVERMANN.....0..sccssesesese OF
Notes from ~Aimberst; Mass; > Joc. oc oce.cacteertseteeaeones Seesuteee Aral GUAR Kec: atte coosane sate aes dag seneeae tan
OéoLoGyY—A Day with the Birds of Hoosier eepuat BaRToN W. EVERMAN.........- voc abayee ee
Eggs of the Roseate Spoonbill .. Ses ieewsfaeeerere nts Hin TVA CHR ORD: 5 ses sideeseactanas Ci} oeemtae
Pleasantte.. «cccsssestes Sa UiSceseceanepeosdesvcceenetecsss Sivek soe UGS Wise ncarctersrcthandansace tonne sntctere peaseenae
The Number of Eggs Laid by the Red-tailed Hawk.J. W. PRESTON...... ......0+ seddeeountage epee (1
Curious Nesting Place: of Night wHla wk? ..:./. ccc cecassdse<ssncnsny tees ter Rpecesens Lokessaaceth tants
Eggs of the White-tailed Hawk................ aca Sin i Rcaaetee satan wouter Shere Mean ahve cp aks aoa ram aE
Nesting of the Yellow-rump Warbler................WM. Bs ans. 5a ds aetela:pes os vale ap
Capueiiyn Ob. NOs) 35 owacseatecese xehieoepecses Soy aia HOXTE sees via Sau Tidy Seveesvocesy HUME
IT OREAT Seeded oheas eres Seapine nc Sire sae .. 104
My Rose-breasted Grosbeak “ Jack”’.........006-- Sas M. ye .104
Practien! Taxidermy, Chap. UX1L sc ws senisescoce vated Ska ecsacs * ores B. yams ae 5 = a Wald seeaeeeeanenm
List of Birds of Santa Barbara, Cal......... Hoes sone hee CLARK -PSSTREATOR,...:25 .)cis.e ress casletviels 107
Migration of the Coot. . W .. CAAVERY, ME Dy xX, ccshes ns0 2 orc 107
Spring Migration at Raleipt, N. ©, Pai Te seat Os B ee PRIME Ye cscs ee Oak eteclaa etnies 108
Dates of Arrival of Acetone Birds, Gentint: Park, ING ea¥s, SAGA INE tel aerate nena cabaceucnte ee
ENTOMOLOGY—Seasonal notes 2.2... .scscessccnees 0 ceccccscsecces u Stien dele t1ck streuy vane cee soe'cae oe meen
Insegbe Manricry. 6 cis ct sect wckencds tecws ke «A, w. P... Rate Ont
Do Beetles Emigrate............. 2 « csesces Bie a E. Hoch paeeeiere am Soar pala fa!
Evidence of Misfortune. . ere naa Base he Wiel Poe eenaere ie soa te agelioy os ooo te LE
CORRESPONDENCE—The Study of Graittolony and its Rela-
tion to the Decrease of Our Birds. . woes W.. DEF. NoktTHRUP; MoD). 2.00... oe 112

= BLES. he Gera
Special Prices Offered During July & August Only.

27. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher............ceccesssceee .20
ATs MCHSE, Ditis cue coticlents a acrntine.s ¢ Pott c aishate/otett's sche a5
G6: AGaCtos WHEN < 5 snc ste set ace wel cue bem e ew tsa 15
149a. White-rumped Shrike...... ..........cee-ees -08
249 | CandinalsGrosbeakine -\.. accasecotecetunesaitonat .08
244. Rose-breasted Grosbeak..............2.00005 15
249. GazaliiBunting in. Seen: ncn. cases Pine cence 20
286.) -Black=billed Mappidyec<. scr. see iwoe ne cee selee's 25
QOL. RI ORVAR eS Bsc oas3 sess wtoldole a eereamiobaine eos een 2.00
301. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher...............0ese08 » 15
SUTs DIACKIR EWES ws sinc nas cretetics view acne cement 10
324, Acadian Flycatcher b dime aehn’braten os cs eset ston oe 15
BASAL TAN aaa ce ete IP ete sisal aces Seah ere eed» Gb 15
875. Red-headed Woodpecker................000 -08
8852, Road-raniier..:: sssausounacnccse cones eves men 20
890. Groove-billed Crotophaga............-s0eeees 2.00
B94. “Americant barn Owl ccc. ca cre tntorceectar 50
895. . American Long-eared Owl..........ss.eeese08 + 50
402, ‘Screech Owls... 0% cesses -40
408. Burrowing Owl.............. eles aDO
498s Caracara Hagley. .s's cata’. axsins ale nner unebre® 1.50
ASO. Maral (HAWK: vies s'cpealinn Sp pees ve Nee vlan wae 85
432. Sharp-shinned Hawk.............ceeeeeeeees -50
454; “HATBHIBWE. sans suh abacaetos avacte andes eee tie 1.50
486... Red-talled Hawk). cin assests dcaveecn vite .50
441, “White-tailed Hawk. ..uscssece cs ncieaenees 2.00
442, .Swainson’s Hawk 2.5e5cs cccnes aussetces eke 1.00
454; « Turkey Bozzards o> ae aees iss vcas Cans ecies aan 15
455, . Black VOltnr6s.tet% eee ss vs newacke ce leeney ets st .85
465,--Gronnd DOG. iiyoustevee ecvucebabeseucs mond .80
A100.. Wild LUrkey, side vcsncd caste cen bd amaninie nian -15
S500; Texas Qualls cic. slscccrkieesdanteccssene eretianrs -10
482.) Cal's, QUAM 5 ow'adias ses sa sivetuipe.sineiininin eceicninr 15
aol. > SHOWS HEPON je sem s'euans nuensieds chee eaionite 15
“02>"honisiana ‘Herons. oss. arwe scate coh cumin 10

No. 493.
494,
496.
498.
501.

764a.

Little: Blue Heron: .cactsess ahs cantnceronaaniact -10
Green Heronioc cy.-aecesdgvivc s yeu ss ceibesitenre .10
White-crowned Night Heron, s2.0saneeen ee
Teast BISteCrn Benes.c2s Sopccces citttearevem ame kee -20
W Hite sTDISs as asic.< cine: re. We ore, xistoratheaeia eneee .30
EAE WAT waist aye telicrs emt ewie sia ete ain metic betes cn are -20
TUG Or reciaaitrectefatt nor cigiatacna Saeveln eer, otal ucp eae -20
WiAlROWMRIPIOVOR. © cwnicsetnd cicinin sc bus wietanre ea meee 25
WANG raccuhereeene ee A ESRREE Va ChiC Pe ORES .3B5
Spotted BAU AIDES SAP SOC ODD ACHO once oe 10
Clapperstail ce: eutsdsshenesninp Aer Bue 10
Purple: Gallinules;.(scac ee ne csine isa scenes -50
Hlorida Gallinwles existe sec cccwcey sors scenes -10>
American:G@oot).=. cccses codecs calectasmawiee oak -10
Americans lam INGO yrs ce.sepweacecine Memtied 15
Balanatasia acs cas tcnmabrnruntcnice ie apeact aes 2.00
Blne-wineVealaeanicnsacswanp tetome sok Seen .20
Red-headebackiw coset seas Lo eee 20
Ruddy Dueck ...... 1.00
Red-breasted Sheldrake...... .B0
American-White Pelican.....< cesses cccecetenee 50
Gannets Frate Kcae SS) Weeks Sua ea Gok haa Ae .20
Western Gullocdeccess.ccetcwue ts uttawew wot ie .80
Gull-billed: Térnk<,..'s'.> 0 fees ceo's alee oR -20
Oabot’s “Lert vst ieistinactaen cee eels beidtrga 60
Forster's Terns... 2 wh secrcfeie's cctv wae v aavie Vemenee 15
Common Tern: 0. side soe sn Disidie Bio's V eewieee twee 05
FROSBATO DGFT Nacsa b:¥.5o 014 cicalecty niam mi atnalsp tiene .08
Sooty Ler... et icerceey pwede duh bas adene¥ amelie 85
Wasterit Grebe. cise <ce.ctonicetscascoh cance meee 15
. American-eared Grebe........ Ree ae 35
LOGD «24 dices Wa usee dss tae caved a uaaeed eyNs ane iaiee 1.25
Black Gulllemot.cs si as0c des swennemcupebinw kien 20
Thick-billedGuillémotivs.....e.escnatrbeaticn .20
Brunnich’s Gillemot.............00. cine nanny -20

FRANK B. WEBSTER, 409 Washington Street, Boston, Mass.

ORNITHOLOGI

—AND—

—OOLOGIST.

$1.50 per FRANK B. WEBSTER, PupBuiisHER. Single Copy
Annum. Established, March, 1875. 15 Cents.
VOL. XI. - BOSTON, MASS., JULY, 1886. No. 7.

List of Birds Observed at Pensa-

cola, Florida.

BY BARTON W. EVERMANN.

Concluded from Page 81.

62. Pipilo erythrophthalmus alleni, Coues. (5874).
White-eyed Towhee. Less common than the
preceding. One soon learns to distinguish the
two species by their notes.

63. Cardinalis cardinalis, (Linn.) (593), Cardi-
nal. I was delighted to find this musical bird
common at most points visited. It’s clear note is
one of the characteristic sounds of the region.

64. Piranga rubra, (Linn.) (610). Summer
Tanager. A few males were seen at Tchina
Point, March 21st, and afterward. On the penin-
sula at Saint Joseph’s they were very common
April 5th and 6th. Both males and females were
present, and as they flitted among the palmetto
palms and magnolias they added greatly to the
beauty and tropical appearance of the scene.

65. Progne subis, (Linn.) (611). Purple Martin.
Common about town, even as early as March 18.

66, Petrechelidon lunifrons, (Say). (612). Cliff
Swallow. A few were seen at Pensacola, March
24th, and others on subsequent occasions.

67, Clivicola riparia, (Linn.) (616).
Swallow. A few seen almost every day.

68, Lantus ludovicianus, Linn. (622). Loggerhead
Shrike. The only specimen which I saw was one
I shot on Santa Rosa Island, March 25th.

69. Vireo flavifrons, Vieill. (628). Yellow-
throated Vireo. Shot one on Tchina Point, April
10th—the only one seen. I think I saw a Red-
eyed Vireo on same evening, but am not certain
about it.

70. Mniotilta varia, (Linn). (636). Black-and-
White Creeper. On most all my tramps in the
woods about Pensocola I seldom failed to see one
or more of this curious little warbler. They were
most common at Saint Joseph’s and near the
navy yard. The first ones were seen March 21st.

71. Helminthophila peregrina, (Wils.) (647).

3ank

Tennessee Warbler. Several were seen at Tchina
Point March 21st. I do not think I saw it after
that date.

72. Compsothlypis americana, (Linn.) (648).
Parula Warbler. This beautiful little warbler
was quite common at Tchina Point, March 21st.
It was much tamer than I had ever found it in
the north, often permitting to approach within a
few feet of it as it searched for food among the
branches of the live oak. They were also seen in
considerable numbers at Saint Joseph’s.

73. Dendroica coronata, (Linn.) (655). Myrtle
Warbler. This was by far the most abundant
warbler to be seen, outnumbering all other species
combined. We found them abundant upon our
arrival (March 18) and they so continued through-
out the period of our stay. Not only were they
abundant in the groves about the town but the
fruit and shade trees in the yards and along the
streets visited by them. At Saint Joseph’s also
they were very abundant.

74, Dendroica dominica albilora, Baird. (663d).
Sycamore Warbler. Not common, but seen
everywhere. First noticed March 21st.

75. Dendroica virens, (Gmel.) (567). Black-
throated Green Warbler. A male in full plumage
was shot near “Uncle Aaron’s” March 23d. A
few others were seen about Pensacola and quite
anumber at St. Joseph’s.

76. Dendroica vigorsiti, (Aud.) (671). Pine
Warbler. I shot a pair (male and female) at
Tchina Point March 19th. A few others were
seen later.

Oven-
bird. One taken at Tchina Point, March 26th,
was the only one seen.

78. Sylvania mitrata, (Gmel.) (684). Hooded
Warbler. I saw several fine males of this hand-
some warbler at Tchina Point March 2ist, and a
few again on April 10th. In the bird wave at
St. Joseph’s the Hooded Warbler was among the
most numerous and most striking species. Only
males were seen and they were remarkably tame
and unsuspicious.

77. Sedurus aurocapillus, (Linn.) 674).

Copyright, 1886, by Eaton CLIFF and F. B. WEBSTER.

98 ORNITHO

79. Setophaga ruticilla, (Linn.) (687). American
Redstart. Not seen at Pensacola, but at Saint
Joseph’s several males were noticed.

80. Anthus pensylvanicus, (Lath.) (697). Ameri-
can Pipit. One of these little birds flew aboard
our smack April 2d, when we were about seventy-
five miles from land, being in the Gulf that dis-
tancé southeast of Cape San Blas. It rested for
but a few moments upon the main boom when it
resumed its journey across the waters, flying very
low as if already tired of its long flight.

81. Mimus polyglottos, (Linn.) (703). Mocking-
bird. Thisis the characteristic bird of the south,
the one which will not fail to attract the attention
of the winter sojourner from the north. Common
everywhere, from the densest wood to the yards
and gardens of the city, always full of song, he
does not hesitate to demand your attention.
Should he not receive the homage due him during
the day, he will at night perch upon some tree
nesr your window and pour out his melody upon
the silent air. I thought they must be breeding,
but long and careful search in various places
failed to discover their nests.

82. Harporhynchus rufus, (Linn.) (705). Brown
Thrasher. Rather common at ali places visited,
especially Santa Rosa Island. I do not remember
to have heard any of this species singing as they
doin the north soon after their arrival.

83. Thryothorus ludovicianus, (Lath.) (718).
Carolina Wren. Not common, yet nearly every
thicket contained one or two individuals.

84. Thryothorus bewickti, (Aud) (719). Be-
wick’s Wren. Rare; a few were noticed at dif-
ferent times.

85. Troglodytes aédon, Vieill. (721). House
Wren. Noticed on two or three occasions about
the city.

86. Troglodytes hiemalis, Vieill. (722). Winter
Wren. Seen but rarely; I obtained one in the
edge of a titi swamp near Perdido. I showed the
dead bird to some colored school children on their
return home in the evening and they all called it
the Titi bird, getting the name, I presume, from
the swamps which they frequent.

87. Sitta pusilla, Lath. (729). Brown-headed
Nuthatch. While spending a day along the beach
between the city and the navy yard, March 23,
my friend Mr. Silas Stearns shot two of these
curious little birds. One or two others were seen.
The next day I spent at Perdido, nine miles west
of Pensacola. Among the pines in that vicinity
I saw several more and secured four of them.
One was noticed excavating a hole in an old pine
snag on the edge of Bayou Mochas,

88. Purus bicolor, Linn, (731). Tufted Titmouse.

LOGIST

[ Vol. 11-No. 7

Seen frequently about Saint Joseph’s and Pen-
sacola.

89. Parus carolinensis, Aud. (736). Carolina
Chickadee. Several were seen at Perdido, but
none elsewhere.

90. Polioptila cwrulea, (Linn.) (751). Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher. A few were generally seen in every
grove visited.

91. Turdus aonalaschke pallasii, (Cab.) (7590).
Hermit Thrush. Seen but rarely. One secured at
Tchina Point.

92. Merula migratoria, (Linn.) (761). Ameri-
can Robin. Only a few Robins were seen. People
living in Pensacola told me that Robins are
abundant there in the winter.

93. Stalia sialis, (Linn.) (766). Bluebird. I did
not see many BJuebirds at any point visited. A
few, perhaps a dozen, were observed near the
navy yard, March 23d, and two were noticed at
Saint Joseph’s, April 6th.

Close search and daily observation would have
doubtless added several species to this list. Only
three or four days and a few odd hours wasI able
to devote to the birds, the chief purpose of the
stay at Pensacola being, as before stated, to make
collections of the fishes of the region. The list I
think is chiefly valuable as indicating the species
which are most noticable at that time and show-
ing the species which migrate along that coast.
All the evidence goes to show that these species,
the Hooded, Pine, Black-throated Green, Syca-
more, Parula and Tennessee Warblers, the
Orioles, Summer HRedbird, etc., either wintered
in southern Florida (which few, if any of these
species do) or reach the United States in spring,
via the Florida Keys and south Florida.

Notes from Amherst, Mass.

June 25th, I took a Cuckoo which seems much
like a hybrid between ©. erythrophthalmus and C.
americana. It has the bill and feet of the former
and the wings are plentifully colored, both above
and beneath, with the bright cinnamon of the latter
The ring around the eye was chrome yellow in-
stead of orange-red, as in C. erythrophthalmus.
The tai] feathers, which the shot spared, lacked
white entirely. The bird was badly shot, but I
was able to save all the important parts.

June 29th, as I was wading in a thick marsh
endeavoring to get a shot at a Bittern, I heard
several shrill screams directly in front of me, and
a bird about as large as a month old chicken ap-
peared in a small open space in front of me and
then vanished. <A short time after another ap-
peared and I shot it, and on picking itup I found
I had shot a female Virginia Rail, a bird new to
this locality. —/Z. L. Clark.

July, 1886. ]

AND OOLOGIST. Shy)

Cen GY.

J. PARKER NORRIS, Editor.

The Editor assumes no responsibility for those ar-
ticles which have the names of the writer attached.

A Day With the Birds of a Hoosier
Swamp.

BY BARTON W. EVERMANN.

Through the southern part of Carroll county,
Indiana, flows a small creek called Middle Fork.
Not far from where it is crossed by the Logans-
port and Terre Haute Railroad, it widens very
much, spreading over considerable country which,
in its upper portion, forms a large slough, covered
with cat-tails and tall water-reeds and grasses,
and devoid of timber. The western half is equally
wide, but differs from the upper or eastern half in
supporting besides a pretty dense undergrowth, a
heavy forest of swamp ash, (Frarinus sambucifolia)
and soft maple (Acer dasycarpum).

Besides various other species of water plants,
there are large patches of the yellow pond lilly,
(Nelumbium lutewm), in occasional open spots.
During the greater part of the year this maple
swamp (as it is called) is covered with water from
one to two or three feet_deep. The current is
scarcely perceptible, so it has much the nature of
a large pond. ;

I had been told that “Big Blue Cranes,” (Ardea
herodias), nested in great numbers in this swamp.
“Why,” said the man who described the place to
me, and who had seen it in winter, “the nests in
the tree-tops look like small hay-cocks! I saw
them plainly from the road as I drove by in my
sleigh. I counted over a hundred of them.” This
wasenough. I decided to visit that swamp at the
proper time next spring; and on May 21, 1883,
with two companions, I reached the swamp after
a pleasant morning drive of ten miles. We drove
our spring-wagon into a barnyard near by, put
our horses in the stable, and dressed ourselves in
our wading suits. Although it was late in May,
yet we found the water very cold, and, asif to in-
crease our unpleasant sensations, the bottom was
very uneven, and we often suddenly stepped into
holes deeper than any before; or our feet became
entangled and we fell headlong into the water.
And occasionally we found small areas of quick-
sand into which we were kept from sinking only
by being able to catch hold of prostrate logs or
other vegetation. Hardly had we entered the
swamp when we saw a Great Blue Heron coming

toward us from northward. He was high in air
when first seen, and was approaching the swamp
with long, steady strokes of his mighty wings.
But as he neared the margin of the forest he
suddenly stretched his neck and legs to their full
length, partially closed his wings and swooped
downward with a whirring noise in a direct line
for the top of a large ash, in which was a nest.
While in this descent, no movement of wing or
other member could be detected. I had often
watched different species of hawks descend from
great height in the same way, but had never be-
fore seen so Jong a bird as the Great Blue Heron
perform the feat. I was anxious to note how the
descent would end, so I watched the bird intently.
When within but a few yards of the tree, he sud-
denly doubled up his neck close against his breast,
let fall his long legs in a very awkward, dangling
manner, spread his wings and beat the air with a
few well-timed strokes until he was able to clutch
the limb where he wished to alight.

We were soon among the trees which contained
the nests, and during the day witnessed the re-
turn of many a heron from the fishing grounds to
the north, and in every case the descent was made
as I have already described, and each returning
bird was received with loud croakings by those at
home. But soon all became quiet except an oc-
casional malcontent who, seemingly not satisfied
with his lot, gave evidence of his discontent. in
spirited quarrelings with those about him. Then
the return of another bird would put all in con-
fusion again. We walked about among these
trees and tried to estimate the number of nests
which they contained, and, while we could not
readily determine the number exactly, we counted
over one hundred and thirty. Some trees con-
tained but one nest, but there were usually several
in each suitable tree. In one instance we counted
twelve nests in one tree and they were all in use.

As these maples and ash were quite tall and
were devoid of limbs for the first thirty to sixty
feet, and as we had no “climbing irons,” only
rarely did we find one which I could ascend.
With the aid of a long rope, however, I was able
to reach a few of the nests. I here give my
method of using the rope—a method which I
have on many occasions found quite useful and
satisfactory. To one end of the rope I tied a
small, light, but stout cord one or two hundred
feet long. To the other end of the cord I fastened
a weight of convenient size. This I could throw
over limbs at considerable heights, and could then
draw the rope up over the limb. When this was
accomplished I have found it not very difficult to
ascend even very large and tall trees. In doing

ORNITHOLOGIST

[ Vol. 11-No. 7

100
so I would make use not of the rope alone, but of
the tree also.

One of the trees I climbed on this occasion con-
tained eleven nests, but most of them were so far
out on the limbs that I dared not venture to reach
them, but had to content myself by standing in
the main top above them al] and looking down
upon the thirty beautiful eggs which they con-
tained. The usual number to the nest seemed to
be three, but several nests seen that day contained
but two, and not a few contained four as the full
nest complement. In no case did I find more
than four eggs in any set. While the majority of
the nests contained eggs, quite a number were
filled with young of various sizes—some just from
the shell, others almost ready to fly. In fact one
young fellow that I tried to catch attempted to
fly to another limb, missing which, he fell to the
water below, his life paying the penalty for his
rashness.

From all indications it is safe to say that as
early as the middle of May the nesting in this lo-
cality is at its height.

But our day in the swamp was not devoted
wholly to the Herons. These were not the only
birds which make it their summer home. The
Red-winged Blackbird, (Ageleus pheniceus), was
there in great numbers and their nests were seen
hanging in the tall reeds or resting in the crotches
of the buttonwoods. The Crow Blackbird,
(Quiscalus quiscula), next to the herons the most
numerous and noisy bird found there, was feeding
its young in the nests built in large knot holes,
tops of snags, forks of trees, and even in deserted
and decaying Woodpecker holes. The Redstart
flitted across the open space like a flame, and we
found its beautiful, fluffy nest with three hand-
some eggs in a small elm tree, The Maryland
Yellow-throat hid in the coarse grasses along the
edges of the marsh, and we felt sure its nest was
there, though we did not find it. And in the
thickets and haw-trees on the banks we found
Doves, Catbirds and Brown Thrashers living to-
gether and rearing their young in peace and con-
tentment. And with what a thrill of delight did
we discover that this swamp was the breeding
place of the Golden Swamp Warbler, (Protono-
taria citrea). Thad never before seen this beauti-
ful bird alive and was delighted to find it nesting
here in considerable numbers.

Shortly after entering the swamp I caught a
glimpse of a rather bright-colored bird as it flew
from a hole in a small dead snag not far away
and disappeared in a thicket near by. In exam-
ining the snag to see what the hole might contain,

I broke it off easily a few feet below the hole,

and, with my fingers, could feel the eggs in the
nest. Not feeling sure that I knew the bird, I
stood the snag up against a tree and awaited its
return. I had not long to wait, for soon the bird,
solicitous for its treasures, came by short flights
toward the nest. After she had entered the hole
I scared her out again, and with a light load of
“dust,” secured her for my cabinet. Presently the
‘male came about and suffered a like fate.

The nest contained five beautiful fresh eggs.
Later in the day several other pairs were seen and
four more sets of eggs were secured. The nests
were found occupying deserted Sapsucker holes
in usually small rotten trees or saplings, and varied
from four to ten feet from the ground. The first
one found was about six feet from the ground, in
a very rotten snag not over four inches in diame-
ter. The shell left by the excavation of the hole
was very thin, less than halfaninch. The cavity
was about four inches deep and was filled nearly
to the top by the nest, which was composed
almost entirely of some species of moss. All the
other nests were similarly situated and constructed
from similar materials.

The eggs which are now before me vary con-
siderably in markings as well as in measurements.
The ground color is an enamel] white with quite a
number of dull lilac spots which appear as if im-
bedded beneath the surface. Above these are
numerous other large chocolate spots and blotches
which are more or less confluent about the larger
end, where they frequently tend to arrange them-
selves in an irregular ring, from which they de-
crease in number toward the smaller end. A
set of four in my collection from Muscatine, Iowa,
has the blotches perceptibly smaller and less pro-
nounced, and more evenly distributed over the
entire surface. In general shape the egg-is an
elliptical ovoid, tapering but slightly toward the
smaller end. One set of five measures .75x.57,
.73x.56, .75x.56, .70x.55, and .75x.57; another,
.73x.55, .72x.55, .74x.54, .73x.55 and .72x.54; and
still another, the Lowa set, .65x.55, .68x.57, .68x.54
and .71x.55. The first two may be regarded as
typical sets from this State, while the other is
lighter in color markings and considerably shorter
or more elliptical than any I have seen from
Indiana.

All the eggs we obtained were fresh or nearly
so, and it is more than likely that but few, if any
of the sets were completed. Most of those which
were taken contained either four or five eggs each;
others were examined which had from one to
three eggs, and still others which were not yet
completed. It thus seems probable that the full
nest complement may be more than five, perhaps
even six or seven,

July, 1886.]

Again on May 2, 1885, it was my good fortune
to visit this swamp and learn more of this beauti-
ful and interesting warbler. The season this year
had been much more backward than when I
visited the swamp before, and as a consequence,
the Protonotarias had not yet begun laying.
Several unfinished nests were found, but no eggs.
On my first visit and when the birds were all
mated and the females were busy with household
cares, no song was heard, nothing but an occa-
sional note of alarm when disturbed, which
seemed much like the syllable piph, piph, uttered
sharply and hurridly.

But to-day even the pairing of the birds had
not yet been settled, and many a combat between
rival males did I witness. Near the centre of
their breeding ground was perhaps half an acre of
comparatively clear space, a pond, in fact, covered
with a thick growth of water lilies. Standing near
the edge of this, I would often see a couple of
males dart by me and cross the open space or
make the circle of the pond, the one in close pur-
suit of the other. Often they would cross and
recross the pond, circle around its margin, and
then dart off through the trees and disappear from
view, only to return again after a time to repeat
the same wild race. Sometimes the one was not
always a coward, but stood his ground, when a
fierce conflict would ensue, and frequently they
would clinch and fall nearly to the water before
letting loose. Often they would ascend in a spiral
flight far up among the tops of the trees only to
return to the pond again. And sometimes I
would see a male flying alone in a slow fluttering
way across the open space toward the place where
the female was busy constructing the nest. His
wings were bent downward, the tail spread so as
to show the white very plainly, and as he flew he
gave expression to his happiness in a somewhat
excited but pleasing song. Once he perched upon
a limb above me where he warbled forth a very
pretty song which I listened to intently then and
at other times, and tried to represent by syllables.
I refer to my memoranda made at the time and
find “twue, twue, twhee, whee, whee, Uwhee,
t?whee, t’whee, t?whee.” The first two syllables
are lowest and most subdued, the ¢ being more
prominent than in the other syllables which vary
from six to eight in number and are uttered
rapidly and with slightly increasing volume. The
interval between the second and third syllables
was longest, and I sometimes thought the sylla-
bles were uttered in pairs throughout. I have
always been more less skeptical as to the possi-
bility of correctly indicating on paper the songs
of birds, for it is not so much the particular note

AND OOLOGIST.

101

or order of notes which determines the character,
which makes the melody of the song, as it is the
cadence, the way in which these notes are made
to blend or follow one another, and the quality or
timbre of the note itself. I imagine that it would
require a very skillful musician to imitate, even
approximately, the song of any bird which he had
never heard, if he were to depend entirely upon
the syllable representations as given even by our
best ornithologists. To test the matter I have
often submitted such representations to various
ones of my musical friends, always with laughable
results. What is more painfully ludicrous than
the attempted imitation of the Bobolink, as given
by the average elocutionist. To him who has
heard the delicious song of the happy bird such
imitations are simply excruciating.

Eggs of the Roseate Spoonbill.
BY R. E. RATCHFORD, GRIGSBY’S BLUFF, TEXAS.

On June 2d we secured a number of sets of eges
of the Roseate Spoonbill, (Ajaja rosea). One nest
contained seven eggs, and several had five and six
in them. All, or nearly all authorities give three
eggs as the number laid by this species, but our
experience proves this to be a mistake. The
identification was perfect, as birds were shot from
the nest. The eggs vary much, both in size and
shape, the ground color being white, more or less
blotched with pale brown. The markings also
vary very much, as some of the eggs are almost
white, while othere are thickly blotched.

[In Davies’ new edition of his excellent Nests
and Eggs of North American Birds he quotes from
an article on “The Roseate Spoonbill in Florida
Rookeries” that appeared in Vol. lof Random
Notes on Natural History. The writer of that
article found eight nests containing three eggs
pach, one with two eggs and one young bird, two
with four eggs, and one with five.

A set of three eggs of this bird, collected by
Mr. Ratchford, are before the present writer.
They correspond to the average size for this
species, and are beautifully marked with brown
spots. Were it not for their elongated shape
they could readily be mistaken for handsomely
marked specimens of eggs of the Red-shouldered
Hawk (Buteo lineatus).

Notwithstanding Mr. Ratchford’s experience to
the contrary, it is probable that three is the most
frequent number of eggs laid by this species.—ED. ]

Bee ei

We understand that the fine cabinet of eggs
owned by the late John Snowdon Howland of
Newport, R. I., is arranged in the Natural Histo-
ry rooms, at New Haven, Ct., he having be-
queathed them to that city.

Pleasant !

BY J. M. W., NORWICH, CONN.

It is pleasant, when we start out in April for the
old haunts of the Buteos, to miss not only the
birds and their nests but to find that the wood-
chopper has been before us and the very forest
itself has disappeared. But to this we must sub-
mit many times more at the hands of the improy-
ident Connecticut farmer. Pleasant, too, it was,
early this season, when returning for a set of B.
lineatus which we had marked down, to find the
completed set of four in the hands of a young
brigand who held it for a king’s ransom. But
were our reflections really pleasant on the 1st day
of April, when, after climbing sixty feet to a
new and finely feathered nest of B. borealis, we
found the clutch gone and a hen’s egg substituted,
bearing the legend arrit Foon. To avoid sus-
picion the practical jokers had raised a twenty-
eight feet ladder against the tree, leaving no
abrasions on the butt.

A young Norwich collector had a still livelier
experience in mid-air near a farm house, April
24th, finding the clutch of Buteo’s eggs covered
by two unsprung steel-traps! After incubation
begins, traps set in this way prove very murder-
ous—both male and female hawks often being
taken. I can well remember how pleasant it was,
one May day, going through Lantern Hill woods,
to see a big set of fourteen Wood Duck’s eggs in
the hands of a farmer, deaf to the demands of
science, who proposed to put the egos under his
old Dominick and take the ducklings to the
county fair! It was pleasantly exciting to chase
all around a factory village after a stolen set of
Fish Hawk, securing it finally after a raid on
three different hen coops. It is very consoling
to know that my 1886 set of Mottled Owl is at
this moment addling under a Seabright bantam
in this goodly city of Norwich.

Yes, these and kindred field experiences are
pleasant, but they are not exactly joys forever.
So I will cite but one more “ pleasing instance.”
It was with a comparative degree of pleasure last
May that I found out that a trout fisherman had
taken a set of my Marsh Hawks’ eggs, but it was
not superlatively pleasant in June to see this
finely marked clutch all be-smirched and nest-
stained under a barn-yard fowl. The fisherman
had told the farmer that he had found five eggs
of the Dusky Duck. At the moment I sincerely
wished the eggs would hatch, the young hawks
mature and eat up in detail all the poultry on the
farm. Perhaps it was to equalize this set-back,
that the same season I took three sets of eggs

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 7

from one Harrier, and the season before three
more sets from the same bird—twenty-three in all.

I am inclined to think there is little to be
gained placing the eggs of Raptores under our
domestic fowls. The late Dr. Wm. Wood, of
East Windsor Hill, said I was the only pseudo-
naturalist who had helped him to find the true
period of incubation of our Rapacious birds; the
text books were all guess work on this point, he
claimed. I sent him at various times sets of
Barred Owl, Cooper's Hawk, and Red-shoul-
dered Hawk; and whether under fowls or in in-
cubators, the eggs all addled, with the exception
of one Red-shouldered Hawk, which chipped the
shell in twenty-nine days. But was this a cru-
cial test ?

The Number of Eggs Laid by the
Red-tailed Hawk.

BY J. W. PRESTON, BAXTER, IOWA.

In late numbers of the ORNITHOLOGIST AND
O6LoGIsT there have appeared several references
in regard to the color of eggs of the Red-tailed
Hawk, (Buteo borealis), and the number of eggs
in a set; therefore perhaps a few extracts from
my field notes may not prove uninteresting.

In a number of years collecting I have taken
no fewer than seventy-five sets of eggs of this
species, and examined many more, mainly from
central Iowa. In this large series I have found
but five sets of two eggs each, two having four
ach, and all the others contained three eggs
each except one, which had but one egg—well
incubated.

In four instances the sets showed one egg en-
tirely unmarked, while the other two were richly
marked. About one third of the sets have been
light colored, the very large proportion being of
a bold, heavy pattern. I have usually found the
ground color to be a light green, or greenish
white, in fresh specimens, but fading after a few
day’s incubation. The rich brown spots also
fade to some extent. This, I believe to be also
true of the eggs of many species of hawks, es-
pecially noticeable in the case of those of the
Marsh Hawk, (Cireus hudsonius), where the fresh
egg is a beautiful light green, but it fades to dull
white within a day or two.

{It is probable that most of the readers of the ORNITHOL-
OGIST AND ObLOGIsT will fail to agree with Mr. Preston that
the typical clutch of eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk is three.
Two is much more commonly the number. In a series of
twenty-seven sets before the present writer, (collected in
Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Towa, ‘Texas, and Mississippi,)
there are nineteen sets of two eggs, six of three, and two
of four. Mr. F. H. Carpenter has a series of thirty-six sets
of two each, collected in Connecticut, Massachusetts and

New York; and “J. M. W.” writes that ‘*the clutch of
Buteo borealis is two.”—Ep.

J lead 1886. a

Eriouss BieSeiis Blace of Nighthaws.

On June 10th, 1886, a peNiehttiawis. (Chordeiles
popetue), was found sitting on two eggs on the
pebble roof of a dwelling house, on Spruce
street, above Twentieth street, Philadelphia.
This is right in the centre of the city, where it is
closely built up for miles in all directions. The
eggs were laid on the pebbles, without any at-
tempt at forming a nest.

pened eae ss i

Eggs of the White-tailed Hawk.

Mr. Thomas H. Jackson, of West Chester, Pa.,
sends the following description of a set of two
eggs of the White-tailed Hawk, (Buteo albicau-
datus) in his cabinet:

“They are decidedly pyrifurm in shape, and
one of them much more so than the other. Color:
grayish white, faintly clouded with shadings of
purplish brown. No. 1 has a few streaks of dark
brown over and near the greater end ; but No. 2
has no well defined spots other than a few that
are evidently weather stains. The surface of the
sheli is rather smoother than usual in eggs of the
Buteos. No. 1 measures 2.20x1.80 and No. 2 is
2.39x1.82.

“They were collected on April 18, 1884, at
Corpus Christi, Texas, by J. P., for E. D. Drown.

The bird was shot, and the eggs were fresh. The
nest was in the top of a‘Spanish Dagger’ bush

(Yucca alefolia) 7 feet 6 inches from the ground.”

For description of another set of the eggs of
this hawk, see ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST for
January, 1886, p. 11.

—_————

Nesting of the Yellow-rump Warbler.

BY WILLIAM L, KELLS, ONTARIO, CANADA.

This species, (Dendraca coronatu), is but rarely
observed in this section of the country, though
owing to its peculiar habitat, and comparative
silence, it may be more common than I am now
aware. It is well known to every field ornitholo-
gist that each of the species of Warblers have
their peculiar haunts, and but few of them inter-
mingle in the same society, and when they meet
they evince a jealous rivairy that soon causes
each to understand that there can be no love be-
tween them, and that their ways are not in
harmony. Sometimes, however, ina small circle,
a number of species may be heard intermingling
their joyous songs together. In the same thick
underwood may be found the nests of the Red-
start, (Setophaga ruticilla), and the Chestnut-sided
Warbler, (Dendreca pennsylvanica), but that of
the former is always more elevated than the

AND ee 103

latter and paaniy deeper in the wood. So in
the same swampy woodland the Yellow-rump
and Bay-breasted Warblers, (Dendraeca castauned),
meet on common ground; but while the latter
glean and warble high among the foliage, the
former confine their haunts near to the ground,
where they may meet in society the Black-and-
White Creeper, (Mniotilta varia), and other mem-
bers of the same family; and as with the birds
themselves, so with their nesting places. I have
seen but few nests of the Yellow-rump Warbler,
and but one with eggs. On the 8th of June,
1882, I discovered, for the first time, the nest of
this species. It was in a low black-ash timbered
wood, where there was an intermingling of low
balsam and cedars, and near where I had taken
a nest of a Bay-breasted Warbler the season be-
fore, and of whose nest I was now in search,
when I espied in a low balsam about four feet
from the ground, a nest much like in material,
form and position, that of a Chipping Sparrow,
(Spizellu domestica). The bird was seated on the
nest, but flew off when I was within a few feet,
and froma position near by anxiously watched
my movements, at the same time moving uneasily
and uttering a few “chip’-like notes. I also care-
fully noted her plumage, and became certain of
her identity as a Yellow-rump Warbler. The
nest contained four fresh eggs, which I took, and
they have since been in my collection. It iscom-
posed of small stalks of dry weeds, rootlets and
hair. The eggs are clear white, mottled on the
large end with spots and blotches of light brown.
In size, form and color they much resemble the
eggs of the common Yellow Warbler, (Dendracu
wstiva), while the nest cam scarcely be distin-
guished from that of a Chipping Sparrow. Talso
saw near by an old nest of the previous year, but
have since failed to find any nest in that place.
Ee EY eet

Capacity of Eggs.
BY WALTER HOXIE, FROGMOREH, 5. C,

Ten measurements of the capacity of the eggs
of the Red-winged Blackbird show an average of
298 cubic inches. Variations from the mean, but
little more than five per cent.

Brown Thrush, the same number,
inches. Variations, less than four per

Boat-tailed Grackle: .525 cubic inches.

.292 cubic
cent.
Varia-

_tions, more than thirteen per cent.

I find I can obtain results with least error by
displacement of water by overflow into a small
glass tube. Will not some reader of THE OR-
NITHOLOGIST AND O6LoGIST try a little work in
this line.

104
THE
OE NIT OL.O.G LS

OOLOGIST.
4 MONTHLY
NeACT UO RAL a GS AO aay.

BikDS,;

NESTS AND EGGS.

MAGAZINE OF

THEIR

DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES
AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD AND INSECT LIFE,

FREDERIC H. CARPENTER, Editor,
REHOBOTH, MASS.,

FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher,
409 WASHINGTON, ST., BOSTON, MASS.

Editorial.

We notice that several States in the Re-
port of their Commissioners of Agricul-
ture, have embodied notes more or less
complete on the bird-life within their lim-
its. We wish that all of the states might
do likewise, as the information given
through such documents meet with a ready
appreciation by a very observing class of
people, and the benefit would be mutual.
The OrnirHoLocist and Ooxoaisr will be
pleased to assist in any possible manner
such an arrangement between the commis-
sioners and representative ornithologists
of the various states.

Our personal friend, Dr. Arthur Le.
Moyne, has just returned from the moun-
tains of eastern Tennessee, where he has
spent four months in observing the orni-
thological features of that region. As the
Doctor is an experienced ornithologist his
account of bird life of that country will be
very interesting. We shall commence the

series in our next issue. The country

which he visited has never been fully in

vestigated. Mr. Wm. Brewster gives in
The Auk, Vol. III, Nos. I—II the best

account thus far, although his time was
imited to twelve days.

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11--No. 7

Apropos of the scarcity of birds in cer-
tain localities, we would suggest a feature
which has not been mentioned, viz., the
advance of settlements into the wilderness
and the change of bird life. As an illus-
trative instance we quote the American
Robin, (Merula migratoria.) Several
years ago before the clearing of the for-
ests along the Dead river, in northern
Maine, none of this species were seen,
while in 1883 they were nesting common-
ly along the banks of the river. Such
is also the case about many of the lakes,
and the recent occupation of this new ter-
ritory must necessarily mean a drawing off
from some other former nesting place. We
would like to note such faunal changes
from others if it has been observed.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruel-
ty to Animals have stationed an officer on
Muskeget Island, to prevent the shooting
of the Terns, or the taking of their eggs.
It is an exceedingly humane and well timed
movement, and for the good of the cause,
we advise that no discrimination should
be made to ‘‘association” scientists. Should
the rumor we have heard prove true, we
shall show to the public this partiality and
its consequent violation of law.

———

My Rose-breasted Grosbeak “ Jack,”’

As “ Jack’s” life history has been written in O.
and O. there may be some reader that would like
to know that he is still healthy and in beautiful
plumage singing as hard as ever and commenced
earlier this year than usual. He will be eight
years old in July. He shows age only in the
night when his head hangs down, and once in a
great while he will drop from the perch, but he
flies back quickly. The late Dr. William Wood
used to say that he never knew one to live over
two years in confinement. Jack’s ways are as
interesting as those of any trained parrot.—J. MW.
Wade.

ree Soe tee

BALD EaGuEs. T* emblem of our country
still occurs in New Fisiad to a limited extent.
Three have been shot within the past week. One
at Hazen’s Mills, N. H., another at Kingfield, Me.,
and the third in Mass. No matter how grand he -
may appear when alive, or how useless when
dead, this noble bird is shot at every opportunity.
A procedure to be lamented.—D. F. L.

July, 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

PRACTICAL TAXIDERMY.

BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

CHAPTER XIT.—DECORATIONS.

{In publishing these articles on Taxidermy all rights are
reserved for future publication in book form.]

The art of furnishing the stands or mountings
for preserved specimens is apt to be too much
ignored by taxidermists, and is perhaps in part
owing to the entirely wrong custom of charging
for stuffing the subject only, and throwing in the
stand, on the chromo inducement plan. Fre-
quently more time is actually devoted to making
the branch than in stuffing the bird, and in the
valuation it should be duly considered. The ma-
terial required is as follows: Moss, rock-lichens,
the flat greenish-gray growth, seen on old stone
walls, form »#n important item. It should be
gathered on a damp day, when it can be easily
removed. When thoroughly dried break it up
fine and mix enough of the green French moss to
brighten it. This is the moss used in making
branches. The fine, light-celored moss found in
fields, finely broken and mixed with the other
gives a variety. The long fibre tree-moss found
on trees in swamps and near the coast is useful
in decorating the branches to give a finish, and
also for stumps. The little red top and all other
varieties should be collected. Mica sand and
various others, obtained by pounding up rocks
and fancy smalts, are used in rock work. Papier
maché—which is paper in the pulp, dried—is
used for covering, and is prepared as follows:
Let it soak till soft, (it is superior to paper as it
has no grain,) when soft add a thin solution of
glue; place it on a fine seive and let it drain till
quite free from water; mix flour with it until it is
sticky. It is then ready for use. Some color by
mixing dry umber, while others prefer to paint it
when dry; and still others mix ashes with it. A
good assortment of old roots, obtained from dead
trees in swamps—the soft rotten brown ones and
the bleached cedars should be sought after. In
fact, the finest and most valuable stumps are some
of these choice natural ones. These with a few
principles to work upon, will produce a variation
of results as great as the imagination.

We will first consider the moss branch. The
wire for the main br: aust be selected stiff
enough to hold the bird; the others may be
lighter. For a bird the size of a robin, the main
wire should be about No. 16, and the next 18, the
small ones 22. The wires should be cut one or
two inches longer than the length of the branch
required, so as to leave the end to fasten by. For

our bird we cut the main wire 14 inches, the sec-
ond 6 inches, and the three small ones 3 inches.
Next take the medium stuffing tow, draw it out
in pieces longer than the wires; for the largest
let it be about as thick as the finger and, say 18
inches long, and the others in proportion. The
glue for this purpose should be about as thick as
the contents of a hen’s egg. If too thin it will
cause trouble by not holding the moss in place.
Apply a coat of glue to the wire that is to be cov-
ered, (leaving the fastening ends). Beginning at
the end apply the tow by twirling the wire with
the right hand and following the tow down with
the left—the tow can be firmly twisted on it, the
glue holding it in place—serving each wire in the
same manner till all are completed. Two sets of
rolling boards are required, which should be two
pieces, one for table, say 8x15 inches, the hand
piece 4x12. One set is for rolling in the glue, the
other for rolling on the moss. Now take the
covered wire, give the tow a coat of glue and
then roll it once or twice, being careful to roll
the right way so as not to untwist thetow. This
will work it into the fibres and it will have a less
tendency to come off. Next roll this tow-cov-
ered glued wire in a tray of the fine moss and
then roll it well between set number 2 of the roll-
ing boards. It is well to let the branch stand a
minute or two before giving this last rolling.
We now have the straight moss branch ; it should

taper. If the first winding of tow is not large
enough a second one can be added by gluing and
winding in the same manner as the first.

Next take a piece of pine (not too smooth, say
about 5 inches square, or a turned one of the
same diameter ; taking one of the old roots, cut
off a piece 2 inches long and fasten it to the
center for a stump. Give the surface, or one-
half of it, a coat of glue and cover this glued part
with mica sand; press it
with a block so as to force
the larger grains of the sand
into the glue. If thisis not
done, only the finest will
adhere. Next coat the oth-
er part with glue and treat
it in the same manner with
moss. (At the present time,
it is asad fact, nothing is
offered as a better substi-
tute for grass.) Our stand
now represents both
ground and grass, with a

106

natural stump. Next make a hole close to the
stump, pass the wire end of the large branch
through it drawing it down firmly, clinch it on
the bottom; take the next larger branch, and
about 3 or 4 inches from the base pass the wire
through the large branch and twist it around it
in like manner as the others. One branch now
appears. (See fig. 2.) Next twist the branches
in desired shape, with
glue and moss, cover
the wires that show;
fasten leaves by twist-
ing the stems to the
branch, add a few fern
leaves to the base, per-
haps some dried grasses,
and finally a little of
the tree moss, &c., and
we now have our moss
branch complete and
ready for use. It will
dry soon and then can-
(See fig. 3).

A smooth branch that for a time remains flexi-
ble can be made as follows: After winding as
for a moss branch, give the tow a good thick coat
of glue colored with burnt umber and a little
glycerine added. When dry it is ready for use.
I have seen very nice branches that were made
by covering the wire with cloth instead of tow,
but the process must be much longer.

Stump Work.
from old roots.

Fig. 3.
not be easily changed.

Very fine stumps ean be cut
They can be mounted on artifi-
cial bases as described above, or the bottom can
be sawed off square and no other stand used,
Artificial branches can be fastened to them.
They can be partly bronzed, and the effect of
rubbing in various fragments is very striking.
The tree, and other mosses can be stuck to them.

ParieR Macuk Srumps. The papier maché
should be used as a covering only for ordinary
stumps. Cut natural sticks say from 1 to 3
inches in diameter, and in the required lengths.
Cover a large board with stiff paper and glue the
stumps to the paper, distances apart enough to
admit of working between them; give them a
coat of glue and then mould them in shape with
the papier maché prepared by the receipts,
Knots, irregularities and the grain of the bark
should be made. When dry they can be painted
or stained, if the papier maché has not already
been. They can then be torn from the paper and
are ready for use. If they are made on the board
without the paper it will be found very difficult
to remove them.

HoLtow Srumpscan be made as follows: Cut

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 7

two pieces of wood, one for the bottom and one
for the top, nail cardboard or strong paper
around it in cylinder form and where an opening
is desired cut it through the paper. Give the
outside of the paper a coat of glue and then cov-
er with the papier maché, and moss branch added.

When a number of birds are to mounted to-
gether a tree is required, which may be made as
follows: It is best in this case to build on the
permanent base. Cut a dozen or so wires, about
number 16, and fasten them in a circle to the
centre of base or where the trunk is wished; bring
the tops together in lots of three where the main
branches are wished and wire them in place.
Cover the wires with tow
and give it a good coat of
glue, then the papier maché.
The moss or flexible
branches can be fastened
to the end of the wires, and
the places where joined
patched with moss. To pre-
vent too much of a con-
trast the lower parts of the
branches should be touched
with burnt umber and moss
stuck to the papier maché
part. Except in the simple
single branch, I consider it
best to make the branch or
tree after the specimens are ready for them—ani-
mals being the exception.

Rock work. Peat, although not in general use
in this country, I think in time may be. In Eng-
land it is offered by dealers, in rough cakes. It
is light and can easily be cut in desired shapes
and can be painted. Ihave seen rocks made from
it by Prof. Yeoman of New York, that were truly
wonderful. Cork is used for small pieces, but the
objection to it is the cost,

For small pieces I would recommend making
the form of excelsior, coating with glue, then
paper (common newspaper), and then the papier
maché. Cover it with sands. Some do it before
the papier maché is dry, others with glue after
dry. For large pieces—for animals such as foxes,

July, 1886.]

or for scenery, build the frame of wood, arrang-
ing to have the wood come where the leg wires
are to goin. Fill in with excelsior and tack two
or three layers of thin cloth over all. Give it
several coats of glue, produce the irregularities
with papier maché and then sand and paint to
suit taste.

ICEBERGS and snow scenes can be made on the
same plan. Paint (receipt given in previous
chapter), and use plaster of paris, glass frosting
and mica snow. Powdered burnt alum can also
be used. Icicles can be obtained from any dealer,
and grass immersed in strong alum water will,
by the alum adhering, have a decided winterish
appearance. If a scene made by this causes a
shiver in July it may be considered a success.

List of Birds Observed in the Vicini-
ty of Santa Barbara, Cal., During
the Year 1885.

READ BEFORE THE SANTA BARBARA SOCIETY
OF NATURAL HISTORY.

BY CLARK P. STREATOR. PART IV.

(The nomenclature is that of the Smithsonian Check List,
by R. Ridgway, 1881.)

Uria columba, (Pigeon Guillemot).
on the islands. Breeds.
main land.

Lomvia troile californica, (California Guillemot).
Rather rare.

An additional list of the land birds observed
since February 1st up to date (May 12th,) will in-
clude the following:

Sialia artica, (Arctic Bluebird).
have only collected one specimen.

Common
Never saw any on the

Very rare. I

Vireo solitarius cassini, (Cassin’s Greenlet).
Rare. <A few seen this spring.
Contopus borealis, (Olive-sided Flycatcher).

Have seen this bird only once.

Selasphorus alleni, (Allen’s Hummingbird).
Common summer resident ; more abundant than
S. rufus.

Passerella tliaca unalescensis, (Townsend’s Spar-
row). Saw one individual of this species on San-
ta Cruz I., last March.

Buteo lineatus elegans, (Western Red-shouldered
Hawk). Not common. I have seen only three
specimens of this beautiful Falcon.

Buteo swainsoni, (Swainson’s Hawk).
mon. Probably a resident bird.

I desire to correct an error in my list in the
May issue of O. and O. [have there given Hinpi-
donax hammondi, (Hammond’s Flycatcher) as a
“common summer resident”; it should be #. def-

Com-

AND OOLOGIST.

as Hammond’s Flycatcher has been found in
different parts of California I expect it may oc-
cur here. I have seen at least a dozen species of
birds which I have not been able to secure, and
therefore could’ not identify, but as fast as I am
able to do so they will be reported in these
columns.

——— i ——___—_—

Migration of the Coot.

BY W. C. AVERY, M. D., GREENSBORO, ALABAMA,

A fact, relative to the migration of the Coot,
(Fulica americana,) known here by the French
name, Poule-d’eau, may, perhaps, be worth re-
cording. About the middle of April, 1885, as I
was going out of the house, at sunrise, my atten-
tion was attracted to a bird sitting within a few
feet of the porch. It proved to bea Coot. In-
stead of trying to escape, as any other bird would
have done, when I extended my hand to catch it,
the poule-d’eau showed fight. I confined it in
a chicken-coop in the yard, and supplied it with
some corn-bread and water. If it ever ate or
drank while in my possession, I was not aware of
the fact. It took, to my knowledge, neither food
nor water. It seemed to spend every minute of
the day and night in perpetual motion. Its ef-
forts were not in vain.

“ Omnia vincit improbus labor,’ was, doubtless,
the motto of my prisoner. By thrusting the
head and neck through every opening within
reach, the restless bird at last forced off a slat and
recovered its freedom. On the third day after it
had been placed in “durance vile,” I saw it
standing on top of its prison pluming itself. I
advanced towards it, expecting to capture it again.
Imagine my surprise when it rose on strong pin-
ions, flying high and: going in a northerly direc-
tion, as far as I could see it. This was not the
first time that I had seen in the spring this, to me,
apparently silly bird offering battle to its captor.
I had believed that “ coot” and fool were justly
synonymous.

The coot has been slandered; it does not fly
because it cannot fly. Not because it wants the
sense of danger, but because it has not the power
to escape, does it allow itself to be taken, when it
drops exhausted, on its long migratory flight, and
rests till its tired wings have recovered strength

to bear itonward.
i
Auprno Rosin. <A neighbor of mine has in

confinement a robin, pure white, pink eyes. It
was raised from the nest and has never had any
stage of plumage save the white. Perhaps the
reason of this plumage could be traced to defi-
ciency in the egg.—D. F. L.

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 7

Spring Migration at Raleigh, N. C.,
in 1886.

PART I1.—APRIL MIGRANYTS—LAND BIRDS.

BY C. 8. BRIMLEY,

The warm wave of March 24th and 25th
brought us the first of our regular summer visit-
ors, viz: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, one of which
was seen March 25th, and five next day; while
on the 27th B. and W. Creeper, Yellow-throated
Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, and
Large-billed Water Thrush were observed.
Maryland Yellow-throat came on the 29th, Blue-
headed Vireo on the 30th.

The next week was marked by little in the way
of fresh birds, the only arrivals being White-
bellied Swallow and White-eyed Vireo on April
2d, but a good many of our winter birds left us,

namely, Phoebe bird (8d), Song Sparrow (5th),

Snowbird, Grass Finch, Golden Crown Kinglet and
Brown Creeper on May 8th, while on April 1st a
Whitc-rumped Shrike was seen, this being the
latest date at which I have seen one in the spring.
The second week in April was only marked by
the arrivals of the first specimens of the following
birds, the bulk of which, however, did not arrive
till much later: Rough-winged Swallow (6th),
Barn Swallow (7th), Blue Yellow-back (8th),
Towhee and Redstart (10th), and Whip-poor-will
(12th). On the latter date the last Fiela Larks,
Winter Wrens and Cowbirds were seen—the lat-
ter bird though having apparently left us on
March 19th, having been commoner than ever
from March 27th to April 1st; indeed a flock seen
on March 26th contained more Cowbirds than I
had ever seen before in one flock, and must have
numbered one or two thousand.

During all this time there was no one night of
decided movement, but the birds seemed to ar-
rive in twos and threes nearly every day, appar-
ently regardless of both the weather and change
of temperature, neither did any species become at
all common until April 12th, when Maryland Yel-
low-throat and White-eyed Vireo were present in
some numbers.

For nearly a whole week, from April 12th to
18th, there was no movement at all observed
among the birds, but on April 18th a single Yel-
low-throated Vireo, the only one of the season,
was taken, and a single Wood Thrush was seen
next day. The night of April 19th, however,
was marked by the most decided movement of
the year. Wood Thrushes, Red-eyed Vireos,
Summer Redbird, Hummer, and Hooded Warb-
ler came and Maryland Yellow-throats, Yellow-

rumps and White-eyed Vireos increased to their
full spring numbers. Swifts came April 21st,
Great-crested Flycatcher and Prairie Warbler
next day, and Bee Martin and Orchard Oriole on
April 23d, while Hermit Thrushes left April 20th,
and the last Ruby-crown was seen April 22d. On
the 24th, Redstart, Red-eyed Vireo, Towhee and
Blue Yellow-back were present in full numbers;
Wood Pewee and Catbird arrived and a single
Worm-eating Warbler, the first I have seen in
this locality, was taken; the same day a Summer
Yellowbird was seen. April 29th Chats arrived
and were tolerably common next day; Catbirds
and Brown Thrashers also became common at
the same time, the latter bird having been merely
occasional till then, though I have known it com-
mon by April 2d in former years.

Chestnut-sided and Black-throated Blue Warb-
lers, Golden-crowned Thrush and a single Red-
headed Woodpecker were also seen on the 27th,
and Chuck-wills-widow was heard the day be-
fore. On the 28th the first Blue Grosbeak of the
season, an imperfectly plumaged ¢ was obtained
and several Indigo birds wereseen. On April 30th
a Long-billed Marsh Wren and three Scarlet Tan-
agers, both rare birds here, were taken, and on
May ist the first Olive-backed Thrush was ob-
served.

On May 3d, Purple Martin and Acadian Fly-
catcher arrived, Golden-crown Thrush became
common and a Scarlet Tanager with small scarlet
wingbars was taken; next day Bobolinks came
and Black-throated Blue Warbler became com-
mon. Water Thrushes came the next day and
were common by the 7th. Black-polls came May
5th and were common on the 12th, while the last
Yellow-rumps were seen May 8th, up to which
date they had been quite common, evidently
leaving us in a body at that time. “Bullbats” have
been scarce this spring, the first being seen May
5th, and only one or two since, while our latest
migrant, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, arrived May
10th.

Only one more feature of the migration §re-
mains to be noticed, and that is the appearance
of Cedar Birds in great numbers, from May 11th
to May 29th. This makes the fifth year they
have occurred in some numbers about the end of
May or early part of June, though they have
never been quite as numerous before. This about
closes the record of migration this year, all the
migrants having now (May 31), left us, and other
birds settled down to summer numbers.

Shore and Water Birds: Snipe left us about
April 9th (a single specimen was however seen
April 29tb), the bulk of the Killdeer having de-

109

July, 1886.)

parted for the north nearly a week before, (April
3d), a few, however, staying to summer with us
as usual.

Of Sandpipers, a single specimen each of Pec-
toral Sandpiper (April 2d,) and Least Sandpiper
(May 20th,) have been taken, while the migration
of our two regular species has been as follows :

Spotted Sandpiper. First seen April 9th, and
not again till April 16th, after which they were
seen daily, but never many at a time, the largest
number seen being about a dozen on April 28th.
They continued to be seen daily till May 17th,
after which date they became only occasional and
were last seen May 29th.

Solitary Sandpiper. First seen April 29th, only
quite scattering in its occurrence this year. Was
commoner than the preceding species in 1882 and
1885, and is the only Sandpiper I have so far ob-
served in the fall. Last seen May 17th.

Several Great Blue Herons were seen from
March 26th till April 9th, but none since; while
_ the Green Heron was first seen April 1st, next seen
April 17th, and from that time till now has usual-
ly been present in suitable localities.

Two Sora Rails killed April 6th, and a ¢
Summer Duck seen on May 6th, complete my
record of migrations this spring.

Dates of the Arrival of Migratory
Birds in the Spring of 1886, Central
Park, New York City.

BY A. G. PAINE, JR.

The nomenclature is that of the A. O. U. Check
List.

March 2, Passerella iliaca, (585). Fox Sparrow.

March 6, Agelaius pheniceus, (498). Red-winged
Blackbird.

March 6, Quiscalus quiseula, (511). Purple
Grackle.

March 7, Melospiza fasciata, (581). Song
Sparrow.

March 7, Merula migratoria, (761). American
Robin.

March 7, Spinus tristis, (529). American Gold-
finch.

March 13, Spinus pinus, (533). Pine Siskin.

March 13, Scolecophagus carolinus, (5)9). Rusty
Blackbird.

March 15, Ampelis cedrorum, (619).
Waxwing.

March 15, Svalia sialis, (766). tuebird.

April 1, Sayornis phebe, (456). Phoebe.

April 10, Turdus aonalaschke pallasii, (7590).
Hermit Thrush.

Cedar

_ AND OOLOGIST.

April 10, Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea,

(672a). Yellow Palm Warbler.
April 12, Dendroica vigorsii, (671). Pine
Warbler.

April 12, Molothrus ater, (495). Cowbird.

April 14, Ceryle aleyon, (390). Belted Kingfisher.

April 20, Dendroica coronata, (655). Myrtle
Warbler.

April 24, Harporhynchus rufus, (705). Brown
Thrasher.

April 24, Mniotilta varia, (536).
White Warbler.

Black-and-

April 27, Pipilo erythrophthalmus, (587).
Towhee.

April 28, Tachycineta bicolor, (614). Tree
Swallow.

April 29, Chelidon erythrogaster, (613). Barn

Swallow.

May 4, Chetura pelagica, (423). Chimney Swift.

May 4, Dendroica cestiva, (652). Yellow
Warbler.

May 4, Dendroica virens, (667).
Green Warbler.

May 4, Vireo flavifrons, (628). Yellow-throated
Vireo.

May 5, Galeoscoptes carolinensis, (704). Catbird.

May 5, Turdus mustelinus, (755). Wood Thrush.

May 5, Sedurus aurocapillus, (674). Oven-bird.

May 5, Setophaga ruticilla, (687). American
Redstart.

May 5, Compsothlypis americana, (648).
Warbler.

May 5, Nycticorax nycticorar nevius, (202).
Black-crowned Night Heron.

May 6, Habia ludoviciana, (595).
Grosbeak.

May 7, Dendroica castanea, (660). Bay-breasted
Warbler.

May 9, Turdus ustulatus swainsoni, (758A).
Olive-backed Thrush,

May 9, Dendroica maculosa, (675).
Warbler.

May 9, Dendroica pensylvanica, (659). Chestnut-
sided Warbler.

May 9, Seiurus noveboracensis, (675). Water
Thrush.

May 9, Helminthophila ruficapilla, (645). Nash-
ville Warbler.

May 9, Geothlypis trichas, (681.
Yellow-throat.

May 9, Vireo olivaceus, (624). Red-eyed Vireo.

May 9, Vireo gilvus, (527). Warbling Vireo.

May 10, Dendroica cerulesceus, (654). Black-
throated Blue Warbler.

May 10, Ieterus galbula, (507). Baltimore Oriole.

(To be concluded.)

Black-throated

Parula

Rose-breasted

Magnolia

Maryland

110

ORN oe

[ Vol. 11-No. 7

ENTOMOLOG ee

WRIGHT & BATES,
73 Hanover St., Boston, Mass.,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.

Address all communications for this department as above.

Seasonal Notes.

Now is the harvest time of the entomologist
and we hope that our readers will improve their
opportunities and report progress. The air is
alive with insect life everywhere, and there is
plenty of work to do. - Several species of Sphin-
gidae have made their appearance and by the
time this number reaches you the family will be
well represented. Most of them can be taken on
the wing only in the evening and early morning,
but a careful search of the fences, trunks of trees,
and in fact any place that will furnish a resting
place for them to dry their wings will frequently
be rewarded by beautiful specimens fresh from
the chrysalis. When such are found, do not pin
them too quickly, as the moisture is apt to ooze
out around the pin and stain the plumage..

Many of the butterflies have arrived, and in
fact, all the families of the Lep. are well repre-
sented.

Coleoptera are quite plentiful and will be until
late in the fall. Even then many species may be
taken in their winter quarters.

We would advise collectors to pay more atten-
tion to the rearing of larve, especially of Coleop.
It will require considerable care and patience but
you will be well repaid for your pains. In addi-
tion to getting your specimens perfect, you will
enjoy watching the changes during the numerous
moults and transformations. We have raised
quite a number of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera in
our vivariums. Amongst others some A. Cynthia
raised from last spring’s moths.

The main point in rearing larvee is to make all
the conditions—food, locality and surroundings—
as natural as possible and protect them from their
numerous enemies, both parasitic and insectivor-
ous. Take all the larvee you can find as also the
eggs and chrysalides. Keep them well supplied
with their natural food and keep it as fresh as
possible. If a larva has become accustomed to
any special fool, do not try to make it change
even though the substitute might be considered a
more natural food than the one it selected. Such
attempts are almost invariably failures. Make
notes of dates, locations and conditions of cap-
ture, appearance and peculiarities, in fact every-
thing that will tend to enable you to recognize
the species in any of its stages from the egg to
the perfect fly.

Insect Mimicry.

BY- A. Wk.

No fact set forth by insect hunters has more
thoroughly excited the contempt of the incredu-
lous for entomology and entomologists than this
one of mimicry as a means of self protection to
insect life. For years I was a faithless reader of
what I deemed a theory rather than a fact, and
wondered how such absurd conclusions could
find endorsement anywhere. I was aware that
certain insects did escape their pursuers by hiding
upon the bark of a tree which found its counter-
part in the color of their wings and body, or upon
dead leaves or among twig debris in the woods
from a similarity of color or form, but this I re-
garded as an accident or design of nature, rather
than something to be credited to the effect or de-
sign of the insect itself.

On May 30, 1884, I was converted by a fe-
male sulphur butterfly, to insect mimicry as a
fact. It was acool day and so breezy that but-
terflies could take no pleasure upon the wing, but
were forced to seek shelter. In a bed of pansies
I noticed this female Colias philodice clinging to
the lower striped petal of a light yellow pansy.
I was with two friends within ten feet of the
flower. How I came to notice the butterfly I do
not know, for its wings were folded over its back
and the black borders pressed together appeared
to the eye like one of the dark lines of the petal
upon which she sat. I was astonished at the suc-
cess of the performance, and fearing that I might
be observing and accepting more than there was
any reason to, from the circumstance, I called the
attention of my friends to the flower, which I
readily pointed out to them, and said, “Can you
see a butterfly upon that pansy?’ They scanned
the flower closely and replied, ‘* There is no but-
terfly there!” Ll rejoined, “I think there is. It
is a capital piece of mimicry, and I wished to see
if it were possible for you to discover it!” They
looked again, and although plainly told that the
butterfly was poised upon the lower petal of the
pansy, declared, “ You have imagined it,” and
would not believe it, when before their eyes I
walked to the pansy and to their astonishment
took the butterfly from the lower petal, as desig-
nated.

My friends were astonished, and we all then
and there took our first lesson in insect mimicry,
and it was a most convincing one.

SESE ARREST

As a further proof of insect mimicry, I have
noticed, when examining an infested leaf, that
the minute Aphide would congregate upon a
portion of the leaf which harmonized in color
with themselves.—/*. JZ. C.

July, 18

ae

Do Beetles Emigrate.

BY L. E. HOOD.

Several times during my experience as a col-
lector, I have noticed certain species of beetles
flying under circumstances that led me to believe
they emigrate for the purpose of improving their
condition, their former locality proving inade-
quate for their maintenance; this emigration
being often voluntary, but sometimes compulsory
owing to continued drought, floods or fires, thus
depriving them of the necessities of existence.

In the limited space at my disposal I cannot
enter this question as I wish, but will briefly state
the reasons for my idea.

On the 28th of last June, I was in Malden,
Mass., and as I came to the end of Summer street,
where it branches up into the woody hills, I saw
a large number of Cicindela 6-guttata flying be-
fore me, the ground was fairly alive with them
where they were evidently resting, for, while I
was getting my net ready for what I hoped would
be a rich harvest, a wagon was driven past and I
saw the last of them as they flew off over the
trees, every beetle heading one way.

After my astonishment was over I found a few
scattered about, but I doubt if they belonged to
the flock that had disappeared.

I returned to Malden the next day, but found
only a few, and, upon going into the woods to a
former good locality for this species, I found the
place submerged by water from the overflow of a
brook, and the question came to me, did the
specimens of the day before come from this local-
ity, if so, where were they bound and why did
they go together as if guided by some one who
knew a place suitable to live in?

While in Connecticut some years ago, I saw
one day, near the Thames River, a number of
asparagus beetles flying in an easterly direction.
A friend who owned a farm near by told me he
saw them rise from his bed of asparagus, which
had become badly wilted.

It would appear that, becoming disgusted with
the meanness of their food, they had started in a
body for more congenial grounds.

Mr. A. E. Hill, formerly of Springfield, Mass.,
was with me one day when we noticed a score of
water beetles fly from a brook fast drying up, and
settle on a fresh pond not far away, where they
were sure of plenty of water.

Take note that these were not chance flyings,
but that the beetles were in compact bodies, all
flying in a certain direction as if knowing exactly
where they were going. Is it instinct, or do they
send out scouts to find and guide them to a pro-

AND OOL

fet

Gist:

per place? It would seem from the regular
course they take that they have leaders, and I
could relate a number of cases among other orders,
but will only note one or two instances of beetles
here.

The next case is one of compulsion and shows
how keen they are sometimes, when great, danger
is upon them.

A fire started one evening in a meadow where
the flames found plenty to feed upon in the dry
grass and weeds scorched by the hot sun, The
fire burned quite fiercely, and for a time scores
of Lamprids flew about in great confusion, Sud-
denly, as if directed by command, they started
off, and crossing a brook that would stay the
flames effectually, began to sport about as before.
This was in Preston, and several saw the flight
of the fireflies.

Once only have I noticed a large flight of
Melolonthas, though I have often read of such.
The one I saw was in Illinois in 1874; there was
a host of them and their flight was followed by a
severe storm. People thought this the cause of
migration, but it is very doubtful to me, yet it is
as good a reason as any I can advance.

Some seven or eight years ago, I found over a
hundred Cusnonia Pennsylvanicus under a stone
in an orchard in Preston, and while this does not
bear on the present subject it is an interesting
note, because they were the only ones to be found
in the orchard, a thorough search proving this. I
bottled up seventy-five specimens which lasted
me several years for exchanges.

It is well known that a species common one
year may be very rare the next, and often a be-
ginner makes a mistake by failing to collect them,
thinking he will be able to get all he wants at
any time, so losing a good species for exchange.

Why are these insects so common one year and
rare the next? The reasons may be many—a
mild winter, conditions of the soil, the food of
the species, and destruction by insect eating birds
have much to do with this; but do not these same
causes invite emigration, or is not the massing of
a species in a certain locality the result of such
migration?

To me this is a reasonable solution of the ques-
tion. A severe winter may destroy the food of
the beetles, or a flood, forest fire or some other
natural cause may compel them to seek a more
suitable habitation. Probably they are few in
number at first but may gradually augment in
force until quite a host settle at last upon some
likely place, and the young entomologist notes
the occurrence of such and such a species but
never dreams of the true history of the why and
the wherefore.

112

ORNITHOLOGIST

[ Vol. 11-No. 7

Evidence of Misfortune.

BY A: Ww. P-
All familiar with the egg-depositing proclivi-
ties of the larger moths, know that they place
them with almost mathematical accuracy upon
the underside of leaves of their food plants in
groups of three and five, and as if the larvee-sus-
taining power of the bush were considered by the
female many are not laid upon a single shrub.
While the female moth may lay from seventy-
five to one hundred eggs, it is unusual to find fif-
teen of the larve feeding upon a single bush.
For two reasons, probably, this care is exercised,
first, to secure to all sufficient food; second, to give
them better protection. For while a few only
slightly defoliate a shrub, the entire brood would
rob it of its leaves before the larvee were half
grown, so that their presence would be made
manifest to the poorest observer, and they would
be more liable to be destroyed by their enemies.
Only in one instance have I known this pre-
caution to be neglected. A number of years ago
at Watch Hill, R.1., I took from a small wild
plum bush sixty-two half-grown larvie of the
Samia cecropia moth, and this brood told the
story of their unusual assemblage quite as clearly
to the intelligent observer as though they had
heralded it with tongues or sent forth in type, for
no good moth mother would have risked so large
a family to one little shrub could she have spread
her pinions and flown to other shrubs in the
neighborhood.

CORRESPONDENCE.

The Study of Ornithology and its
Relation to the Decrease of Our
Birds.

EDITOR ORNITHOLOGIST AND OO LoaIsT, Sir: That there
is a decrease of our birds is admitted by nearly all, though
some competent observers claim that there is not, save
among a few restricted species of water birds, and even the
writer fails to detect the alarming scarcity that some would
represent (generally in poetry) as already a deplorable fact,
anda glance at my cherry trees this morning would con-
vince the most confirmed alarmist that some species were
still in existence.

Accepting, however, the general verdict of the *‘de-
crease of our birds,” the causes that produced this effect
next claim our attention. These have been fully set forth
and discussed in this magazine in a manner which has won
my admiration, and which will, doubtless, be of far more
value than the one-sided affusions of some other journals,
even for protection,

As this magazine is devoted to Ornithology I shall men-
tion that science only as one of the ‘* causes” of the de-
crease of birds, and further, it is the only allowable “cause”

if I may use such undefined language. The study of orni-
thology is a legitimate science, as much so as any in the
great field of natural history, and if properly carried out
will result in no evil to our feathered tribes. Such can be
accepted as an established fact, and half a century of orni-
thological study in this country has proved it, for to-day
the scarcity of birds in any locality can be traced to other
causes than the student of Bird-life. Neither can the
study of this most deiightful science be considered asa
‘*cruelty to animals” as a certain society would fain have us
believe. ‘*That nothing has been created in vain,” and
therefore should be spared, is an argument often used
against the prosecution of ornithological research. It might
be well to inform such as wield that maxim against the
science, that it is equally applicable to all created life, and
if its advice were heeded, all the different branches of the
zoological sciences would be unavailable in usefulness, for
no distinction is made in the advent into this world be-
tween a minute insect or a brilliant bird, both are ‘‘created”
and ‘‘notin vain.” Who, then, has the privilege to dictate
as to which object of life is to be spared; yet entomology
is a science upheld by all, as it should be, but nothing is
said against the taking of life, while the ornithologist comes
under the edict of cruelty and the destroying of valuable
life. Too much distinction is made by those who use the
argument quoted above, and in its application it appears a
little “‘ too thin,” although as a distinguished naturalist and
a good man once remarked to me, “ Birds are an order of
lify created for the benefit of alittle higher order of life
which we call man, by furnishing him an agreeable out door
pastime, with a pleasing and beautiful result,” and if the
actions of our ornithologists, irrespective of station or
“ scientific ability,” can be considered as an index of their
belief, then we are most happily a unit.

We were told some time ago about the ‘‘nicely adjusted
machinery of nature” with such effect that for fully siz
minutes I hardly dared to touch a bird, jest I should be re-
sponsible for some break in the complicated mechanism.
Did it ever occur in the mind of the reader that Genus
Homo, in which all ornithologists are classed, is a part of
nature’s ‘‘machinery,” and if the desire is given them to
destroy, why isit not one of the workings of the aforesaid
“nicely adjusted machinery” as much as the preying of one
race of animals upon another. The above argument may
seem unfounded and unworthy, but it is only proving of
the rule in a new light.

The most serious aspect of the case is to be found among
the ornithologists themselves. I am sorry to see this. ‘A
house divided against itself cannot stand,” and a harmo-
nious union among the American crnithologists is to be de-
sired. To be sure we have a ‘‘Union,” but what isin a
name? The disposition of the members of the “ Union”
to ignore the privileges of the young student of ornitholo-
gy was of no ayail, and ‘‘pseudo-scientists” still hold their
own, and I think the compound name will be contracted to
a simple one ere long. Perhaps the most amusing proceed-
ings of certain ornithologists and fish and game ‘ protec-
tive” societies, is their efforts for our birds. We have had
some startling statistics presented, and exhortations
abounding in all the flow of rhetorical composition, but how
about the examples? What is the history of the Swain-
son’s Warbler in South Carolina and the prominent orni-
thologist connected with their slaughter, who himself or by
a proxy, secured all that could be found? But never mind,
he ig one of the committee for the protection of American
birds. ‘Ab uno disce omnes.”

I give no advice for the protection of our birds, though I
most earnestly wish it. Too much has been said. Let the
reader do his own thinking from the points barely hinted at
in the foregoing.—W. DeForrest Northrup, M. D.

CEA EY EE EEL CA CE

SO

Established 1875.

Published by
FRANK B. WEBSTER,

409 Washington St., Boston, Mass,

Entered at Boston Post Office as Second-class Matter.

CONTENTS:

Voloocr;

Me: 8, Aaeuek 1886.

Some Ornithological Explorations in the Dead River Re-

gion of Maine

oer ee . .

Notes on Some Birds of the Great Sinus Nanna

Bnuird’s Sparrow in Iowa..

eee .

oe ee ee eos

Notes on Some Birds of ‘aie United States which Oc-

cur in the Mexican Fauna. .

The Relative Size of Eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk to the
Parent’ Birdy fea op en, eee ns Sate

PUVITORMAT 4 Noe OES ae
Obituary—Charles Oliver Tracy....
Foreign vs. American Taxidermists ........

Chickadees and Oak-borer.......

Practidal Taxidermy, (Chap: ob eso fic. Ga ks eta anions ah icine Betas eee

Ratio of Major and Minor-axis of Eggs.......

Nesting of the Bay-breasted Warbler....
Nesting of Great-horned Owl in Texas....

White Eggs of the Bluebird...............

Notes from Silver City, N. M

Dates of Arrival of Migratory Birds, Central Park, N.Y.

Enromotogy—Larve Hunting.....

ere eee eee se eeee

eee ee eee

The Cicindelide of New England.......

Phe Vivarium. coe oes

Pinspla Lppetor > soz Geos eee ees ees
CorresponpENcE—A Protest, “Amateur” ete.......

vec welaaate WALTER TLORTES 7 2) eee

wack WALTER. FORTE cus. erae

eh" an eae <n es eee en
Lest he dat Aad GLY tone cats ee

.B. W. EVERMANN.......
byes 2 oa HAS S Fie» MEA RSH vies uees
en A Gr ANE scones
Deities ENOL REVERS 2 20 eer
surshen one LH OOD, Jarttedinete
Ae SEO SE MO RWED Ee crane ae ree

nv iduts socal TERN ek a aeote aie aie sa eS

eee ee

0 8 Oh8yn. One Be @ 0.04 ©) Oe. 0.10/00 cole eo: 6). 6 a) ou

Ff. H. Carrenter.>......113

a LeMoyne, M. D.... ae

ag re ..¢ LiyNDs JONES: .. .. .c0 5s
ws oca.e ete SUUAN FENARDO >. «2 c-Si
big We yieat at te i lr a 118
ih Taste cole ites tence amok Pg RpiRe ee yee

The Naturalists’ Companion

Is the cheapest-and best natural history paper published.
It contains twenty pages of good scientific news, andis
finely illustrated.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, 35 cents per Year.

Sample copy free.

CHAS. P. GUELF, Pub.

Brockport, N. 'Y.

WRIGHT & BATES,
Natural History Collectors.

Having a number of collectors now at work, and being
in constant communication with specialists, we are pre-
pared to collect, to order, specimens in any branch of Nat-
ural History.

For SALE oR ExcHANGE.—INSECTA, LEPIDOPTERA
and COLEOPTERA a Specialty. Orders for a line or series
of the above especially solicited. In writing for exchanges,
send list and specify distinctly what specimens are desired.
Scientific Books and Naturalists’ Supplies at Lowest Rates.

WRIGHT & BATES,
73 Hanover Street, Boston, Mass.

win Alden & Bro.

For cost of advertising in any paper or
list of papers published in the United
States or Canada, send to the ADVERTIS-
ING AGENCY of EDWIN ALDEN & BRO.,

Cincinnati, £/New York.

Cor. th & Vine Sts., 140 Nassau Street.

*,* Our ‘Newspaper Combinations,’? a book of
124 “pages, containing prices of advertising, full
imstructions, etc., sent on receipt of roc. Our “Am.
Newspaper Catalogue,” containing names of
every newspaper published i in the U.S. and Can-
ada, senton receipt of price, $1.50. Estimates free,

vertising Agents,

RNITHOLOGIST

—AND—

$1.50 per

FRANK B. WEBSTER, PuBLISHER.

Single Copy

Annum. Established, March, 1875. 15 Cents.
VOL. XI. No. 8.

Some Ornithological Explorations in
the Dead River Region of Maine.

BY F, H. CARPENTER.

New England, with its limited area and large
number of naturalists, does not offer many new
fields for investigations, but it will be conceded
that the wilderness of northern Maine contains
much yet unknown to science. The reasons are
manifest, it being the breeding place of our rarer
migrating warblers, and even the species which
are common to that section are but little known,
being dispersed over a large tract of sparsely
settled country, with the attendant difficulties of
traveling. It has been my good fortune to an-
nually visit the lakes of Maine, both the Rangely
chain and the Moosehead with its river connec-
tions to New Brunswick. Of late the trout fish-
ing of the Dead River region lured me to its in-
numerable lakes and streams, and the varied bird-
life there found caused me to give nearly all of my
time to observing the ornithological features of
the locality. Following the precedence established
by authors of similar articles, a brief description
of the country immediately concerned will be in
place. The northern portion of Franklin and
Somerset counties, in which the source of Dead
river is situated, and through which it flows in a
winding course towards the east for many miles,
presents a varied and interesting aspect. Its
topography is diversified; the change from the un-
dulating country around Farmington to the
heights of Mt. Bigelow, ‘‘the third highest moun-
tain in Maine,” gives a succession of altitudes
pleasing to all lovers of mountain scenery, while
the fair cultivated fields of Kingfield and New
Portland, when compared with the unbroken
wilderness stretching away through unnamed
townships to the Canada line, presents a contrast
seldom to be found within the confines of one
country. The country is well watered abound-
ing in small lakes, rivers and mountain streams.
In the northern part it is covered with the
original growth of evergreen trees interspersed

with a few tracts of hard wood groves. Around
some of the lakes are extensive swamps of alder
and hackmatack, which proved to be the breeding
resort of many species of the Mniotiltide. In the
middle and southern sections a second growth of
birch has appeared to take the place of the victims
of the lumberman’s axe. To explore this region
thorougly is no “kid glove affair,” it means many
a weary mile of walking on the rough trails lead-
ing over steep mountains, or through the tangled
debris of some ravine blocked by trunks of trees
hurled down the cliffs by some mountain tempest.
Canoeing on the rivers was often at risk of life,
and needed a firm hand and quick eye to run the
rapids and avoid the rocks of the rushing streams.
In traversing the country I confined myself to no
one place; with my guide for a companion we
were “on the march,” halting when night over-
took us or a camping site was found. For kind
assistence rendered I am indebted to many of the
settlers of tiie Country adjacent to the wilderness,
also to many of the sportsmen at Kennedy Smiins
camps at Tim and Seven Ponds, and espezially to
my faithful guide, Joe Sampson, whose knowledge
of woodcraft secured for me many specimens new
to my experience. The criticising scientist will
demand to be informed of the time spent in the
locality and upon what grounds I presume to place
before the reader the account of my sojourn in
search of the birds of the region. Concisely
stated the periods are as follows: May 28 to June
14, 1888, Dec. 30, 1883, to Jan. 14, 1884, Aug. 18
to Sept. 18, 1884, and Aug. 19 to Sept. 17, 1885.
The most novel experience being the fortnight
spent at the lumber camps in the winter of 1883-4.
Frequent mention of the features of the region
will occur in the following text, as I shall not
confine myself to the dry bones of a technical list.
The fauna of Franklin and Somerset counties is
principally Canadian, though some species con-
sidered typical of the Alleghanian, are to be
found in the southern portion, which may be con-
sidered as about the dividing line between the
two faune.

Not yet being a convert to the new order of no-

Copyright, 1886, by Eaton Curr and F. B. WEBSTER.

menclature, I give the species in the order of the
Nomenclature of North American Birds, by Robert
Ridgway, and desire to inform the reader that the
purpose of this paper is to present the personal ex-
periences with the birds in the field and forest
rather than a mere scientific list; recognizing but
one law, as an wltimatwm—a truthful record of
bird-life as observed in this wild mountain region.

1. LHylocichla alicie, (Grey-cheeked Thrush).
Two specimens of this species were secured in
June, 1883. They may have been common, but
could not be distinguished from the Olive-backed
Thrush unless taken in hand. Some ornitholo-
gists decline to recognize this species as distinct
from JT. ustulata swainsona, the writer considering
it a debatable question. Both specimens alluded
to above were taken along the alder fringed banks
of the Carribossett river, and were evidently mi-
grating in company with others of same species
or the Olive-backed variety.

2. Hylocichlu ustulata swainsoni, (Olive-backed
Thrush). Fairly common. More often observed
in the hard wood forests around the cultivated
fields of the southern portion of Franklin county,
than in the dense spruce tracts further north,
while in Somerset county they were more common
in the northern portion. A nest containing three
eggs was brought to me while at Flagstaff, “Taken
from among the roots of an overturned spruce
about as high as my head,” was the ill-constructed
phrase of the youth who secured them for me.

3. IHylocichla unalusee pallasi, (Hermit Thrusn).
One of the typical birds of the dense forests of
Maine, the Hermit Thrush was commonly found
in this region. In the spring this species is more
conspicuous, as at that period of the year it bursts
forth into song, but during the latier part of
summer when passing through the woods I have
seen many of these birds sitting on the limb. of
some spruce tree, motionless and alone, scarcely
flying out of reach when approached. Owing to
such demeanor they were easily overlooked, even
by the few who penetrate the vast silent forest
they inhabit. A nest was found containing
young, in the alder swamp near Tim Pond. It
was placed on a dry mound, in a heap of rubbish
left by the spring flood. The nest was a frail af-
fair, but could not be examined, owing to its con-
tents. Thesong of the Hermit Thrush is exquisite,
and during the first part of June it was heard at
morning and evening. The song of birds is about
the only part of their life habits which can not be
given on paper, and I have noticed that scarcely
lo two persons interpret a song the same, both
will have a different rendering of the same song,
this may be in part due to the state of the feelings

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 8

of the hearer; in my own case it has been very ap-
parent with the song of the species under con-
sideration. When after a hard day’s tramp, I
have lain wrapped in my blanket under the
friendly protection of a wide branching hemlock,
listening to my guide as he related some tradition
handed down from the days when his ancestors’
wigwams stood on the banks of the fair Penobscot
until drowsy nature nearly asserted herself, then
the vesper song of the Hermit Thrush distinctly
uttered far up on the mountain side, would fill the
air with its sweet strains, and at its cadence both
of us, stoical half-breed and tired civilian, would
under the influence repose into a dreamless
slumber; yet on the morrow morn, when standing
in the bow of the frail birch-bark canoe, held
tremblingly among the rushing rapids of Spencer
stream by the brawny arm of my companion,
with nerves strung to high tension, as I endeay-
ored to bring to net a vigorous two pound trout
with an eight ounce split-bamboo for my rod, and
when successful and the toothsome fish lay in the
canoe, then the matin hymn of the Hermit Thrush
as it sounded clear on the morning breeze seemed
to my ear like the triumphant peean of victory,
but perhaps the critic, unmoved by surrounding
circumstances, could have perceived no variation
from the notes uttered at eventide.

4. Merula migratoria, (American Robin). At
present a common summer resident in all settled
portions of the counties. Breeds commonly. I
was informed on good authority that their occur-
rence in the northern portion is recent, they ap-
pearing within a few years in much larger
numbers than natural increase could account for,
therefore the conclusion remains that they must
have ‘emigrated northward” from some former
breeding locality. Since the writer’s experience
the Robins have penetrated some twenty miles in
the wilderness and nested at both of Kennedy
Smith’s camps at Tim and Seven Ponds, increas-
ing in numbers each season.

5. Galeoscoptes carolinensis, (Catbird). I was
shown the skin of this species by a gentleman in
Farmington, who secured it in that town. I did
not see it at all north of that latitude.

6. Sialia sialis, (Bluebird). In the southern por-
tion of both counties a few birds of this species
were seen around the houses, and occupying boxes
erected for their use.

7. Regulus calendula, (Ruby-crowned Kinglet).
This species was not common. During the winter
I did not observe it at all. Saw it only in the
evergreen woods about Eustis.

8. Regulus satrapa, (Golden-crowned Kinglet).
Saw this dainty little creature at all seasons of

August, 1886.]

115

AND OOLOGIST.

the year. Without doubt it commonly breeds, as
I observed females carrying material for nests,
also the males with food in their bills, yet they
eluded my careful search. These birds are very
tame and fearless, often entering our cabin at Tim
Pond between the logs and flying about the interi-
or, evincing no fear of the occupants. <A nest con-
taining an incomplete set of five eggs taken at
Caribou, Me., may be described as follows: The
nest resembled to a certain extent that of the Blue
Yellow-backed Warbler, but differed in having
small pieces of hemlock twigs and grouse feathers
woven on the outside. The inside was lined en-
tirely with feathers of the Grouse and Canada
Jay. It was placed partly pendant from a hori-
zontal branch of a small hemlock at the edge of a
forest. The eggs measure as follows: .51x.42,
.50x.41, .51x.40, .51x.40, .49x.40. They resemble
in color those of the Least Flycatcher, but havea
few buff and drab markings in form of spots at
larger end. This nest was found by my com-
panion. Dr. W. De F. Northrup, who generously
presented it to me. The birds, both male and
female, were secured,’ thus establishing identity
beyond doubt.

9. Parus atricapillus, (Black-capped Chickadee).
I commonly observed this species in all portions
of the region except the extreme northern part.
A few nests were found, nidification the same as
in other States. None were noticed in winter save
a small flock of six seen in Farmington.

10. Parus hudsonicus, (Hudsonian Chickadee).
A small flock seen in January, 1884, from which
I secured three. They came about the lumber
camps, to the shelter of the hay shed, during a
snow storm.

11. Sitta carolinensis, (White-bellied Nuthatch). |

This species was seen in both spring and summer.

They were as often observed in the deep woods as °
in the clearings, although the latter offered more '
They were not observed :

suitable nesting sites.
in the southern or middle portions of either
county, seeming to occur only in the wilder lo-
calities about Dead river.
found, one of which was unfinished in lining.
Both nests were old holes of the Downy Wood-
pecker in dead birch stubs in old clearings, in
which was placed a mass of material consisting of
feathers, moss and hair.

12. Sitta canadensis, (Red-bellied Nuthatch).
This restless little bird was not often observed. A
few were seen at each season, those being about
the clearings at Kingfield and Stratton. No nests
were found, yet they undoubtedly breed.

13. Certhia familiaris rufa, (Brown Creeper).
This species was observed to be equally common

Only two nests were '

in all portions of both counties in spring and
summer. A nest found June 5th was placed
under a loosened cedar “splint” on the roof of an
old and deserted log cabin; it contained five eggs
nearly fresh. As they are well known, no de-
scription is necessary.

14. Anorthura troglodytes hyemalis, (Winter
Wren). The only individual of this species ob-
served in the county was a female which I flushed
from her nest placed between the interstices of
the logs in the dam on Tim brook June 3d. The
nest was placed in the rank growth of moss which
was affixed to the logs and contained five eggs
quite fresh. Although these birds were spoken
of by the lumbermen as common, I could not
catch a glimpse of another during my stay, their
quick movements in the thick coverts effectually
screening them from view.

15. Anthus ludovicianus, (American Titlark). A
small flock seen on the open marsh near Flagstaff
pond September, 1885, is the only instance I can
record of their occurrence.

(To be Continued.)

Notes on Some Birds of the Great
Smoky Mountains.

BY ARTHUR LEMOYNE, M. D.

For some time past I had in contemplation
an extended visit to the mountain districts of
eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina,
hoping to add thereby to my knowledge of the
birds of that region. Having been preceded by
another ornithologist in the latter state, and lest
it might seem like imitation and lacking original-
ity, I confined myself to the northwestern slope
of the mountain ridge and the adjacent counties
in. Tennessee.

I arrived at Newport, a station on the East
Tennessee Railroad, on February 20, 1886, and
after spending a month with a relative in an ad-
jacent town, I began to travel through the neigh-
boring counties to note the arriving migrants.
After spending the time until June Ist, in this
country, I returned to Massachusetts by way of
the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, and leaving
the railroad at Abingdon, I spent a fortnight near
Lebanon, Va., near the Clinch river, with good
results in additional species noted. While in
Tennessee I visited Greene, Cocke, Sevier, Blount,
Roane and Monroe counties, they all lying in the
eastern limits of the state and meeting the North
Carolina state line in the mountain range. The
Great Smoky Mountains are a continuation of the
Alleghany chain, and former geographers of the
region used to so classify them in the published

[Vol. 11-No. 8

116

editions of their works. The altitude of the re-
gion presents the usual variable characteristics of
uneven and mountainous country, and the few
observations noted on that subject will be given

in connection with the following notes as a phe- |

nomena with bearings upon the bird life.

A large growth of hard wood trees cover the
mountains except on the summits of the higher
ranges; here the evergreen asserts its right, the
“black woods” of the natives. The valleys,
owing to the abundance of streams, are well cov-
ered with a luxuriant growth and great variety
of trees, chiefly deciduous.

It is with considerable diffidence I present my
observations, for in many cases they will conflict
with those published by my predecessor in west-
ern North Carolina, and therefore will be subject
to peculiar criticism. The country is well known
to me, the summit of Bald Mountain could be
seen from my early home “before the war.”

Contrary to the usual modus operandi of pub-
lishing observations of a number of species, I do
not present my notes as a list or in ‘‘catalogue
order,” but giving the history of a species with
nearly complete field notes as possible, regardless
of its occurrence in any nomenclature as regards
numbers, and in so doing I find I establish no
precedence. The nomenclature of classification
is that of the A. O. U. publication.

DENDROICA BLCKBURNL®.
Blackburnian Warbler.

This beautiful little Warbler arrived in Monroe
county on April 22d, that being the date of first
observation ; on the following day they were seen
quite commonly. These birds were noticed only
along the edges of the open fields, some distance
back from the mountains, and in company
with Chestnut-sided and Yellow Warblers. . Up
to May 3d, I saw them only in such places, when
on that date I observed a single one in the mixed
growth of oak and chestnut on the mountain
sides. During the first week in May they were
very common, but ahout May 10th they dimin-
ished in numbers, and by the 15th not one could
be found in an entire day’s tramp. On the 18th
a severe rain storm accompanied by a cold north-
vast wind occurred, and on the following morn-
ing a few were scen gleaning insects in the devel-
oping foliage of the water oaks (Quercus aquatica)
and a number were seen in the oak forests on the
mountains, but by night they had disappeared
and none were seen the next day. An ascent of
Smoky Mountain, in Blount county, on May 25th,
discovered to me this handsome Warbler in full
numbers, They were principally met with at
about 3,000 feet altitude on the dividing line be-
tween the spruce (Abies nigra) and the deciduous

ORNITHOLOGIST

trees, and which gave an equality of the two va-
rieties. Proceeding still further up, I found a
few birds of this species, but the majority seemed
to prefer an admixture of the hard wood growth.
At Roane county, in the Walden ridge, this
Warbler was found to select the spruce growth
at a higher altitude than on Great Smoky Moun-
tain; perhaps the southern slope of Walden ne-
cessitated a higher rise to equal the same temper-
ature of the northern exposure of the Great
Smoky chain. The movements of the Black-
burnian Warbler define quite plainly the faunal
lines of this country. The three faunz so well
known to New England or Eastern North Amer-
ica, the Canadian, Alleghanian and Carolinian,
give to this region all of their distinctive features;
the extreme mountain heights representing the
Canadian, the Alleghanian from about 4,000 feet
altitude down to the Carolinian, which meets it
at about 2,000 feet. Mr. Brewster gives altitudes _
at about 500 feet higher in each instance, in his
observations in North Carolina, but the localities
must vary as the figures given above are correct
for this region, as great care was taken in de-
termining the faunal lines.

Several readings of the thermometer were
taken at various heights. On May 21st, in the
valley, the mean temperature was 48°. May 22d,
at about 2,500 feet, the mean was recorded at 42°,
and at 4,000 feet the mean was 38°. Less varia-
tion was noted at the latter height, the mercury
not rising higher than 44°, while in the valley
60° and 36° were the extremes on May 2ist. The
especial value of the above thermosatic notes in
determining the relative temperature comes from
the fact that in the valley the thermometer was
the same on all three days, viz., 60° as a mean
record. I found the Blackburnian Warbler a
true type of the Canadian fauna, hence the above
notes in connection with it. The Blackburnian
Warbler despite the fact of keeping in nearly
similar surroundings, breeds earlier than those of
same species which penetrate farther north. A
nest was found by my cousin, who accompanied
me, on May 31st. It was placed on the horizon-
tal limb of a fir (Adies fraser’) and not so compact
as one found by Mr. F. H. Carpenter at Mount
Bigelow, Maine. It was almost as flimsy as that
of the Chestnut-sided Warbler, and contained
only one egg. The female sat upon the edge of
the nest and would not leave it until the out-
stretched hand was within a few inches. Upon
leaving it undisturbed she immediately resumed
her former position and in a few moments the
male brought a larger specimen of Hphemeride,
which they both were obliged to industriously
visect in order to swallow.

August, 1886.]

117

DENDROICA C4ZRULESCENS.
Black-throated Blue Warbler.

This species arrived a little in advance of D.
blackburnie, being first observed in Monroe coun-
ty April 18th, but in very limited numbers, with
no perceptible increase until May 3d, when they
were seen in considerable numbers in the large
tracts of rhododendron and along the cultivated
fields and pastures. Their numbers considerably
lessened, and by May 12th only a few remained.
A close search could not discover them, but a few
were found on the mountains at an altitude of
about 3,500 feet at the edge of the evergreen
growth. In Roane county, on May 16th, they
were fairly common on Walden’s ridge, at an alti-
tude of about 4,800 feet. On May 2ist, the day
before ascending Great Smoky Mountain, I saw
a pair in a small grove of red maples (Acer ru-
brum), and again on May 24th, the same pair
(presumably) were seen carrying material for a
nest into a dense laurel thicket. They could not
be restricted to any faunal limit, the preference,
if any, being for the intermediate station. I was
especially fortunate in observing the nidification
of this species, in a small laurel swamp, which
with the assistance of three obliging lumbermen,
I thoroughly searched on May 29th. Three nests
were found, but many were overlooked as the
swamp was alive with these warblers. The first
was placed in a laurel bush about a foot from the
ground. It was similar in appearance to that of
the Maryland Yellow-throat, but considerable
cotton entered into its composition. It was
empty, the birds evidently had just completed it.
The second nest was in a similar position to the
first, being a little higher from the ground. Its
structure was more ornamental, a great deal of a
flaxy material being woven into the outside.
This nest contained four fresh eggs, pinkish-white
marked with a few reddish-brown spots; one egg
differs from the others in not possessing any
markings whatever save a few light-brown ones
on the larger end. Dimensions as follows: .63x.49,
.63x.50, .61x.48, .62x.49.

The third nest was also in like situation, but
built more compactly and neatly than either of
the preceding. It contained only two eggs,

which were not taken.
(To be continued.)
—<—_>——_—__

Baird’s Sparrow in Iowa.

(Ammodromus bairdit.)

BY LYNDS JONES, GRINNELL, IOWA.

I first found this very interesting little bird on
April 25, 1885, when I shot one and saw four or

five more. It was very shy and kept so close to
the ground that a momentary glimpse was al] that
I could get ofit. This was doubtlessly the latest
date of its visit with us, as but few if any were
seen later. It entirely escaped my notice in the
fall, but on March 24, 1886, three or four were seen
in company with the Savanna Sparrow. I noticed
that it often perched rather higher than I had
ever seen the Savanna Sparrow, but I never heard
its song, although I watched and waited many
long hours for that purpose. Its diet seems to be
the same as that of the Savanna, as is its manner
of feeding. Although the van appeared so early,
it was not seen again until March 29th, and no
perceptible increase in numbers until April 8th,
when as many as fifty were found in amile drive.
After April 10th few were seen until the 21st,
when none could be found, and not one since, so
I consider April 20th the date of “last individual
seen.” Whether or not it returns south of this
route will be determined this fall.

Notes on Some Birds of the United
States which Occur in the Mexi-
can Fauna.

\

BY JUAN RENARDO,

{Translated from the Author’s MSS., by F. H. Carpenter.]
[It might be proper to explain the circumstances
of this list and those to follow. The au-
thor has been collecting a series of Mexican
birds (of U. S. fauna,) for the writer, and at our
request notes of each species collected were to
be given, of its status, as observed by the col-
lector, in the Mexican fauna. The birds were
received a short time ago, each species accompa-
nied by notes regarding its distribution, etc.
These notes have been arranged in order and
translated, we inserting the specific as well as the
English names. All the specimens on which
notes are given were taken and sent to us, there-
fore fully authenticating the statements of occur-
rence. Additional species may be obtained and
will be noticed in these columns. The chief
value of these notes consist in the pointing out of
some of the places in the “indefinite south” to
which our summer birds go.—F. H. C.]
Harporhynchus longirostris, (Long-billed Thrash-
er). Common near Tampico. Saw one specimen
as far south on the Gulf as Campeche. Breeds
mainly in northern part. Nest found at Linares
contained three eggs, which is the usual number.
Nest a flimsy affair of fine bark and leaves placed
on the ground at foot of a mesquite. {
Harporhynchus curvirostris,Curve-billed Thrash-
er). A common species; observed on both coasts.

Seen at all seasons of the year at Queretaro.
Nest placed in a thick dense growth of bushes;
the prickly pear and other of like nature pre-
ferred. The nest is compact and strongly made,
lined with the grass stems of various grains.
Eggs differ from foregoing, in having ground
color of a greenish hue, and the spots more dis-
tinct and each with a certain individuality.

Polioptila cwrulea, (Blue-gray Gnatcher). Occa-
sionally seen during the winter months around
Tampico and Pachuca.

Parus atrocristatus, (Black-crested Titmouse).
Fairly common in the northern part of the Re-
public; especially along the valley of the Rio
Grande and around Lampazos, where it breeds.
The material used in the nest reminds me of that
of the Great-crested Flycatcher.

Auriparus flaviceps, (Yellow-headed Tit. Ver-
din). Tolerably common along the Rio Grande,
and seen further south in winter. Breeds com-*
monly, building a large nest with an imposing ex-
terior of thorns placed in an almost impenetrable
bush.

Sitta carolinensis aculeata, (Slender-billed Nut.
hatch). Noticed several times in the timber on
the river banks.

Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus,Cactus Wren).
A common resident of the northern portion of
Mexico. Conspicuous in its nesting among the
cacti, it is one of our prominent breeders. Eggs
are found at various dates throughout the sum-
mer and proves that more than one brood are
raised.

Sulpinctus obsoletus, (Rock Wren). Have seen
this species in the vicinity of Guaymos and in the
adjacent interior country. No observation of its
breeding recorded, though it probably does.
IIave often seen small bands of a dozen or more
scurrying along the rocky banks of some canon
stream.

Cistothorus palustrus, (Long-billed Marsh Wren).
One specimen taken from a small flock at Tampi-
co is the only record I have of its occurrence at
that locality.

Anthus pensilvanicus, (American Titlark).
Quite common in winter along the coast and in
some interior marshes.

Mniotilta varia, (Black and White Warbler).
Most commonly observed as a migrant at Tam-
pico. Several were seen inland from Campeche
in winter.

Protonotaria citrea, (Prothonotary Warbler).
Several were noticed when at Campeche during
the winter.

Helmitherus vermivorus, (W orm-eating Warbler).
Several of this species were noticed during the
latter part of winter at Pachuca.

Warbler). A few were seen in the winter season
of 1885 and 1886, at Campeche and Merida. Ob-
served that they kept mostly in small flocks;
generally in pairs.

Helminthophila ruficapilla, (Nashville Warbler).
Common in winter at Campeche, and even a few
were seen as far north as Pachuca. They move
in flocks.

Compsothlypis americana, (Blue Yellow-backed
Warbler). An abundant bird at certain times.
Have seen a few at Tampico quite late in winter,
but the larger numbers are to be found at Merida
and south of the city.

Dendroica estiva, (Yellow Warbler). Noticed
commonly in the country between Campeche
and Gautemala. <A very restless bird.

Dendroveu blackburnie, (Blackburnian Warbler).
Not commonly observed. Seen a few times flit-
ting through the groves near Tampico. Also ob-
served in winter at Merida.

Geothlypis trichas, (Maryland Ycllow-throat).
Common in winter about Campeche and farther
south. Do not notice it at Tampico in spring,

although it is frequently observed in autumn.

Ieteria virens longicauda, (Long-tailed Chat).
This is another species which is observed more
plentifully about Guamas and along the Pacific
coast.

Syloania mitrata, (Hooded Warbler). This
species comes under my notice in a rather erratic
manner, some seasons not observing any, while
some winters they are common. Usually to be
found around Campeche and thence to Gautemala.

Syloania pusilla, (Wilson’s Warbler). Fairly
common at Tampico, when moving south in au-
tumn and early winter. A few remain about
Merida all winter.

(To be continued.)

The Relative Size of Eggs of the Red-
tailed Hawk to the Parent Bird.

In no work on Odlogy with which the present
writer is acquainted has the very interesting
question of the relative size of the parent birds to
their respective sets of eggs been considered. In
the present article it is proposed to give the
measurements of a series of eggs of the Red-tailed
Hawk, (Buteo borealis), together with the size of
the female parent of each set. In each case the
female was shot as she flew away from the nest,
and the skin preserved with the eggs. The
parent birds and the eggs are in the cabinet of
F. H. Carpenter, who has very kindly furnished
all the measurements, notes, etc. All the meas-
urements are in inches, and any credit which is

August, 1886.]

due for the idea of this article should be given to
Mr. Carpenter; who not only conceived it but fur-
nished the writer with the material to carry out
the theory.

I. Bristol County, Mass., April 7, 1884. Two
eggs. No.1: 2.48x1.81. No. 2: 2.85x1.80. Dull
colored specimens. No. 1, marked with a few
blotches of brown evenly dispersed over the egg.
No. 2 has the brown spots centred about the
larger end. Female bird measures: Length, 22
5-16 ; expanse, 51 9-16. Very poor in flesh.

Il. Berkshire County, Mass., April 11, 1883.
Two eggs. No.1: 2.28x1.75. No. 2: 2.80x1.77.
No. 1 is marked with a single Jarge dull brown
blotch on large end, and the ground color is dirty
white, No. 2 has the ground color dull white,
streaked with drab, and is a very plain egg.
Female bird measures: Length, 21 10-16; expanse,
49 2-16. In fair condition.

Ill. Berkshire County, Mass., April 11, 1883.
Two eggs. No.1: 2.38x1.87. No. 2: 2.37x1.90.
No. 1 is bluish white, with a few small brownish
spots. No. 2 is bluish white, unmarked. Female
bird measures: Length, 23 4-16; expanse, 51 13-16.
In very poor condition.

IV. Eastern Connecticut, April 8, 1882. Two
eggs. No.1: 2.28x1.90. No.2: 2.34x1.86. No.

1is marked with large splashes of bright brown,
stained, and No. 2 is marked with a few purplish
spots on a dull white ground color. Female bird
measures: Length, 23 12-16; expanse, 52 8-16. In
fair condition. =

VY. Eastern Connecticut, April 11, 1882. Two
eggs. No.-1: 2.41x1.96. No. 2: 2.88x1.92. No.

1 is bluish white, unmarked, but very much
stained, while No. 2 is entirely different, having
heavy large blotches of brown on a dull white
ground. Female bird measures: Length, 24 5-6;
expanse, 53 14-16. In very fair condition.

VI. Central New York, April 18, 1881. Two
eggs. No. 1: 2.46x2.01. No. 2: 2.48x1.93. Both
are very similar in appearance, and beautifully
marked with reddish brown blotches on a bluish
white ground color. Both the parent birds lived
luxuriously on the offal of a slaughter house,
which was not far from the nest. Female bird
measures: Length, 24 14-16; expanse, 55 3-16.
Very fat.

VII. Central New York, April 14,1881. Two
eggs. No.1: 2.39x1.87. No. 2: 2.86x1.91. No.

1 is marked with dark brown blotches, and No. 2
is bluish white, stained, and has a few brown
spots about the larger end. Female bird measures :
Length, 22 12-16; expanse, 50 5-16. In poor
condition.

VIII. Western Connecticut, April 12, 1882.
Two eggs. No.1: 2.238x1.82.. No. 2: 2.28x1.78.

AND OOLOGIST.

No. 1 is dull white, marked with a few purplish
and brown blotches, while No. 2 is marked with
bright brown spots about the larger end. Female
bird measures: Length, 20 11-16; expanse, 47
8-16. Very fat.

IX. Western Connecticut, April 13,1882. Two
egos. No.1: 2.389x1.88. No.2: 2.41x1.87. No.
1 is bluish white, with a few brownish spots about
the smaller end. No. 2 is of the same ground
color, but is unmarked. Female bird measures :
Length, 22 4-16; expanse, 53 11-16. Fat.

X. Berkshire County, Mass., April 8, 18883.
Two eggs. No. 1: 2.29x1.86. No. 2: 2.34x1.84.
No. 1 is dull white marked with a few purplish
spots about the larger end, while No. 2 is dull
white, with a few nearly obsolete spots about the
larger end. Female bird measures: Length, 24;
expanse, 52 3-16. In very poor condition.

XI. Bristol County, Mass., April 12, 1885. Two
eggs. No.1: 2.33x1.88. No.2: 2.40x1.79. No.
1 is dull white, marked with a number of small
reddish brown spots. No. 2 is also dull white,
but has a number of brown spots about the larger
end. Female bird measures: Length, 24 15-16;
expanse, 54 7-16. Very fat.

It will be seen, from an examination of the
above measurements, that the size of the eggs
seems to depend on the size of the female parent,
for while No. VIII (the smallest bird) measured
only 20 11-16x47 8-16, the eggs measured 2.28x
1.82 and 2.28x1.78; and in the case of No. VI (the
largest) the female measured 24 14-16x55 3-16, and
the eggs 2.46x2.01 and 2.43x1.93. All the other
eges bear relative proportions of size to their
female parents, and this interesting fact may be
considered as established beyond dispute by the
foregoing measurements. The larger the bird
therefore the larger will be the egg for that
species, and vice versa. Of course in the event of
the birds being deprived of their eggs, the second
or third set laid would probably be smaller, and
the rule would not hold good. The dates at
which these eleven sets of eggs were taken, and
the parents shot, forbid the supposition that any
of them could have been second sets.

New Checking List.

Frank H. Lattin, of Albion, New York, has
just published a new checking list which will
prove a great convenience to collectors of birds
and eggs. It is neatly printed on good (sized)
paper, which will not run when written on with
ink, and in addition to the English names of the
birds it gives both the numbers of Ridgway’s
nomenclature and that of the A. O. U. list. Its
clear type and handy size cannot fail to make it
popular.—J. P. NV.

[Vol. 11-No. 8

2. tle ahi
‘THE
ORNITHOLOGIST

OOLUG LS I.
A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

NATURAL HISTORY,

ESPECIALLY DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF

BEDS.

THEIR NESTS AND EGGS.

DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES
AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD AND INSECT LIFE,

F. H. CARPENTER, Managing Editor,
REHOBOTH, MASS.

J. PARKER NORRIS, Odlogical Editor,
204 SouTH SEVENTH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, Pa.

FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher,
409 WASHINGTON, ST., BOSTON, MASS.

Editorial.

Here in Massachusetts it looks as though
the Fish and Game “protective” Associa-
tion Parrot had been fooling with the
Taxidermist Monkey, after the manner of
a parrot and monkey, owned by a certain
gentleman, which had got together in their
owner's absence, the result being that the
monkey’s dexterity in the melee reduced
Polly to a mere remnant. Sufficient life,
however, remained in the featherless talker
to exclaim, ‘“‘ We've had a —— of a time.”

We present in this issue, as we previous-
ly announced, the first paper of the series
treating of the birds of Hastern Tennessee.
Dr. LeMoyne will write, at present, of
only those birds whose life habits are well
known to him in that region and he will
return to that locality in the antumn, where
by close observation of the migration and
a protracted stay into the winter months,
before going further south, he will be able
to note many additions and verify records.
He will then present through these col-
umns a complete and systematic list of
the birds of the region; a course not
thought advisable at present.

We announce with pleasure that the de-
mands of the ornithological science have
been recognized by Congress. It has been
separated from the Division of Entomolo-
gy into a separate one, to also include a
study of the “food habits, distribution and
migration of mammals.” This new divis
ion will have the same efficient officer, Dr.
Merriam, at its head, and though the influ. ©
ence of Senator Miller, of New York, the
sum of $10,000 has been appropriated for
the “Promotion of Economic Ornitholo-
gy and Mammalogy; an investigation of
the food-habits, distribution and migration
of birds and mammals in relation to agri-
culture, horticulture and forestry ; for pub-
lishing reports thereon and for drawings
and traveling and other expenses in the
practical works of the division.”

In our correspondence department a
writer in a short but pithy article “pro-
tests” in our behalf. On the first reading
of the Ms. we felt inclined to return it to our
correspondent, as we confess our sense of
pride was touched, we having always made
it a point to fight our own battles, espec-
ially in connection with this magazine, and
just as success was about to be achieved,
we thought our correspondent was a little
premature. On after deliberation we con-
cluded to insert it unchanged in text from
author's Ms. Should we divulge the
writer's name, it would create a surprise in
certain circles.

Obituary.
CHARLES OLIVER TRACY.

It is our sad duty to record the death of
Charles O. Tracy, who died at his home in
Taftsville, Vt., April 22,1886. Many of
our readers will remember his contribu
tions to these pages, in which he gave evi-
dence of his love for his favorite science.
A useful life has been cut down in its
prime, and we tender to the afflicted
family the sincere sympathy of his co-
workers in the natural sciences, who can-
not but feel their loss.

August, 1886.]

_ AND OOLOGIST.

121

The following is from the Vermont
Standard, of May 6: “Died at his home
in Taftsville, Vt., April 22, 1886, of con-
sumption, Charles O. Tracy, aged nearly
thirty years. He had been failing in
health for some time—indeed he never re-
covered from the assiduous watching and
careful nursing of his beloved wife. He
endured his sickness with fortitude and
very remarkable patience, never complain-
ing, heroically struggling with disease
when there was no hope of recovery. Mr.
Tracy was a gentletaan of culture, of
genial and happy disposition, and of
exemplary moral character. He was well
known and highly respected in the com-
munity where he resided, always intimate
in good society. He was a true friend of
temperance—true to principle, never for-
saking the cause when others faltered, or
grew weary in battling its enemies; many
years a member of Good Templars in
Taftsville, and filled from time to time its
offices of trust and responsibility, and
always with kindness and courtesy, where
his loss will be deeply felt. The loss of
him will also be felt by his neighbors and
friends, but most especially by his family.
To them he was inestimable; to us he was
a dear friend and valued associate. He
expressed much confidence in the mercy
and loving kindness of God all through his
sickness, conversing always cheerfully of
his approaching death, and at all times en-
treated his friends not to mourn for him.”

Foreign vs. American Taxidermists.

Montague Browne, F. L. 8S. &e., in his
revised edition of Practical Taxidermy
pays the following graceful compliment to
American Taxidermists: Ranking the tax-
idermists of the world, after reviewing the
Germans, he says, “‘ Next come the French,
then the English, and lastly, the Ameri
cans. The Americans are the worst sim-
ply because they adopt the crudest English
methods of taxidermy, with other bad
habits of ours. I may say that I never

saw an artistic piece of work, not a well
made skin, coming from America, unless
done by a German or a Frenchman. I be-
lieve, however, the European element is
working wonders among them, and read-
ing Mr. Batty’s book, (if he be a true
American), I was very favorably impressed
with the signs of progress contained there-
in, and I should not at all wonder if soon
our American friends ‘go ahead’ and quick-
ly leave us behind. Prof. Henry A. Ward,
in a well written article in one of his ‘ Bul-
letins’ sent to me, has, since I wrote the
above, confessed the great superiority of
European over American taxidermists, but
says that within the last few (very few)
years, their native taxidermists have great-
ly improved, owing to the importation of
clever foreign artists, who are gradually
educating the American workmen. Just
before this there was an entertaining article
in the Century Magazine, and illustrations
were given showing the best work of the
American taxidermic artists, I must say,
however, that unless the draughtsman
failed to copy what an educated eye looks
for, none of this work struck me as being
of a high order—one or two ‘pieces’ being
decidedly capable of improvement.”

If Mr. Browne had been the possessor
of several lots of skins that it has been
our misfortune to have been at the expense
of importing from his country, he would
substitute English for American. It isa
peculiar fact that we have arrived at the
same conclusion in regard to the incapa-
bility of the English taxidermist to make
what we consider good skins. We, how-
ever, would not publish it as a fact, lest
we display the same lack of knowledge
that he has. Taxidermy is young, compar-
atively with us, but for several years there
have been first-class skins prepared by
Americans, in the market, and we can fur-
nish workmen who can compete with for-
eign artists. So far as artistic taxidermy
is concerned, we have seen the article in
the Century referred to, and if that maga-

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 8

zine displayed poor taste in its illustrations
it has done no more than Mr. Brown has
in his cut of a Peregrine Falcon in flight,
which appears to us more like the bird
struggling to scratch its ear. From state-
ments that we hear by parties who have
seen many of the English collections, we
have formed the idea—that they are re-
markable for vastness rather than beauty—
and that our American collectors will com-
pare very favorably with them in work-
manship. If we are to accept Prof. Ward's
“confessions” we are entitled to no cred-
it, and it is only left for us to patiently
struggle and improve under our import-
ed, clever foreign tutors.

Chickadees and Oak-borer.

BY WALTER HOXIE, FROGMORE, 8. C.

About the middle of June, I noted a pretty lit-

tle episode illustrating the close inter-relation of

ornithology and entomology. I was returning
from a long and unsuccessfut search for the eggs
of the White-eyed Towhee. It was near noon as
I was passing through an open oak wood. It
had rained heavily all night and most of the
morning, and now the air was steaming hot and
still. Every sound came clear and distinct from
far and near, and among the many familiar notes
that greeted my ear I was specially attracted by
the eager voices of a family of Carolina Tits,
whose voices seemed to. indicate that something
unusual was going on. My curiosity being
aroused, I made my way toward them, and when
at last I came up to the tree they were on I could
not at first discover what it was that excited
them so. There were nine of them gathered close
to the trunk of the tree and all talking at once as
hard as they could. While I watched them a
large gray moth with yellow hind wings fluttered
from among them to another tree, to which they
promptly and noisily followed. Several times
this manoeuvre was repeated, and I was at a loss
to account for their interest in an insect which
was apparently too large to become their prey.
The moth was evidently very tired and at last
found a resting place in the crotch of a big red
oak. I was so fortunate this time as to gain a
close position for observation, and speedily ascer-
tained that it was a female engaged in. depositing
its eggs, and that the little birds were feeding on
them as fast as laid. I identificd the specimen as

Xylentes vobinie on my return home. I notice
also that it was quite a late hour in the day for
this species to be laying. Possibly the rain had
interrupted the operation.

PRACTICAL TAXIDERMY.

CHAPTER XIII.—MOUNTING DEER HEADS.
.

{In publishing these articles on Taxidermy all rights are
reserved for future publication in book form.]

In mounting deer heads, it is my practice, if I
have the skinning of the specimen, to commence
at the neck and skin to the base of horns or skull,
without slitting the skin, disjoint the neck and
then skin from the mouth back, thus leaving the
skin attached to the horns as nature formed it.
Removing the brain, I use a carpenter’s gouge for
cutting out the nares, and in place of nostrils fit a
wooden plug shaped to proper form. If the
lower jaw is very heavy or deep, as is sometimes
the case, and the mouth short, it will be necessary
to remove the lower jaw in order to complete the
skinning process. When ready to set up, the
mouth is sewed from the outside; the stuffing of
the nose, jaws, ete., is through the nostrils with a
heavy wire slightly flattened and grooved for the
purpose. I like the method of skinning because it
makes perfect work about the base of horns.—
W. L. Walsh.

Ratio of Major and Minor Axis of
Eggs.

BY WALTER HOXIE, FROGMORE, 8. C.

My observations lead me to consider the ratio
of the major and minor axis of eggs to be de-
pendent on the length of time the egg is retained
in the oviduct. Eggs laid daily are normal in
shape, while those laid every other day are longer.
When two days intervene the egg is abnormally
long and pointed. Twenty-eight nests of the
Boat-tailed Grackle have been closely watched be-
fore reaching this conclusion. A number of dis-
sections of the same species of bird tend to sub-
stantiate the same theory. Here may be an
explanation of the manner in which old and ex-
perienced “hen wives” can determine the sex of
an egg. If it is conceded that the male is higher
in development than the female or that he takes a
proper time to develop, then these long eggs are
those which will hatch out as males. This is of
course a mere hint at a theory and I hope I may
hear some fresh facts, either pro or con from cor-
respondents or through the columns of the O.
and O,

August, 1886.] AND

OOLOGIST.

Nesting of the Bay-breasted Warbler.

BY WILLIAM L. KELLS, ONTARIO, CANADA,

Some nine years ago I determined to put into
execution a design that I had long conceived—
that of making a collection of the eggs of all the
birds found to nest in this vicinity, for with other
collectors I had then no acquaintance, and but an
imperfect knowledge of how to prepare my
specimens. So after making a collection of all
the specimens found nesting around home, and
prepared them as best I could—some by a hole in
each end, and some by a hole in the small end—I
set off one day in the early part of June for the
wild, swampy woods to the northwest of the
town. After penetrating some distance into the
first piece of wood that I entered, the first nest
that I discovered was placed about eight feet
from the ground, between some leafy twigs and
the trunk of a small birch tree. This was com-
posed outwardly of fibrous bark, especially birch
rootlets, and was neatly lined with pine hair, and
the interior was a little over two inches in
diameter by one in depth. It contained three
fresh eggs, of a clear white, with a bluish tinge,
thickly spotted with brownish spots, especially
towards the large end. These, in size, were a lit-
tle larger than are those of the more common
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendraca Pennsyl-
vanica). I did not see the bird to which this nest
belonged, nor would I then have been able. to
identify it if Thad. The next season, however,
I saw a little bird forming its nest on the horizon-
tal branch of a small water elm that stood on the
edge of a drain, in a piece of low woods south of
the town. Of the size and markings of this
species I took particular notice, for she exhibited
little fear, and the nest site was only about twelve
feet from the ground, and the nest when finished,
and the eggs therein deposited, were exactly like
those above described. This bird I afterwards
identified as the Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendraca
castanea). Some days after I first discovered this
nest I visited it and found that it contained one
egg, and in three days more I plucked the bird
off and found that the nest contained but three
eggs, which I concluded was the full set, and so
took them. Later on in the season, in another
swampy wood, I found (in the top of a small
hemlock, about fourteen feet off the ground),
another nest of the same species, containing four
fresh eggs. Since then I have seen no nests of
this bird, save one, which, however, contained
no eggs. This, like the others, was formed on
the outside with fine pieces of birch bark, but
was placed between a small limb and the trunk

of a small cedar, about five feet from the ground.
The general habitat of this species, according to
my observations, is low, swampy woods, where
there is an intermingling of evergreens with
black ash, birch, water-elm, and other soft woods,
and as it does not appear to make its advent here
until the season is pfetty well advanced, and the
trees are putting on their summer garb, and as
their food-seeking avocations are usually pursued
high among the tops of the underwood, where
they are well concealed from observation among
the green foliage, so that even should man enter
such places in the spring or early summer days,
their existence would scarcely be known were it
not for their pleasing: song notes, which are
warbled at this period with considerable clearness
and animation. The majority of this species,
however, appear to move on further north, where
in deep, wild woods, little haunted by the human
race, they find more secure and favorable breed-
ing places, though from the causes above men-
tioned, more of them may nest in this province
than is now supposed to be the case, and, from
their haunts and habits, it may be also inferred
that the smaller species of insects constitutes their
chief food.

Nesting of the Great Horned Owl
ing bexas,

BY J. A. SINGLEY, GIDDINGS, LEE COUNTY, TEXAS.

This species, (Bubo virginianus), while not
common, is still abundant enough not to be called
“rare” in this county. I have located some eight
or ten pairs in my range, covering a good day’s
ride. They frequent the uplands exclusively,
and I have never found them in thebottoms. All
the eggs of this species that I have found were in
large nests built of sticks—sometimes a few leaves
in the lining, but very often there was no lining
except the down feathers from the breast of the
Owl. They are very local in their habits, re-
maining in the same piece of woods and occupy-
ing the same nest, as a rule, year after year, even
though the eggs are taken out every spring.

One nest that I found in February, 1888, con-
tained young birds nearly ready to leave the nest.
In passing the same nest again in the following
March a Red-tailed Hawk, (Buteo borealis), flew
off, and on going up to the nest I found it con-
tained three eggs of that species. I have taken
from this nest first a set of the Owls and later a
set of the Hawks, each season during 1884
and 1885. This year the nest was deserted.

A nest found in 1885 that contained two young
birds I visited January 30th this season and took

124

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 8

from it three eggs, so the same birds vary the
number of eggs in different years. I took a set of
two from another nest in 1885 and about two
hundred yards from it I found a nest of the Red-
tailed Hawk. This year (in February) I took a
set of two owls from the hawks’ nest and kept a
sharp lookout to see ifthe hawks would complete
the exchange by taking possession of the owl’s
nest; but they did not do so, preferring to build
about a quarter of a mile further up the branch.

On April 138th I took the “second lay” (two
eggs) out of the same nest where I took the set in
February. Eggs on February 4th measured 2.21x
1.79 and 2.19x1.81. Those taken April 13th, 2.05
x1.76 and 2.08x1.76, the second lay being a little
the smallest. The set of three taken January 30th
averaged about 2.11x1.74, their measurements be-
ing as follows: 2.15x1.76, 2.12x1.74 and 2.07x1.73.
A set of two eggs of this species in my collection
measure 2.33x1.83, and 2.25x1.81. These are the
largest I have ever seen. They were collected in
Kansas, April 4th, 1886, and the collector, (G. F.
Brenninger,) in a note on the back of the data says,
“This is second set of No. 405 taken from same
nest.” Probably the first set would average larger.
Coues in his Key (revised edition) gives the size as
“about 2.25x1.90.” Davies, in the first edition of
his Check List of N. A. Birds gives it as “2.80x
2.00.” In his Key to the Nest and Eggs of N. A.
Birds 1 see that Davie now follows Coues, and
gives the size as above, “2.25x1.90.” I have yet
to find a nest containing more than three eggs and
would like to know if any collector has found
from four to six.

(Mr. J. W. Preston, of Baxter, lowa, found four eggs in
one nest on March 1, 1881. (See ORNITHOLOGIST AND
OoLoaist for April, 1886, Vol. XI, p. 53). This is a very un-
usual number, however, and two or three only are com-

monly found.—ED.]
~~

White Eggs of the Bluebird.

BY B. W. EVERMANN, BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA.

In reading the article by W. E. Treat, in the
April ORNITHOLOGIST AND O6LOGIST, concerning
white eggs of the Bluebird, (Stadia sialis) it called
to mind a similar experience which I had with a
pair of Bluebirds not long ago.

In the spring of 1884, I put up a box in my
garden, at Camden, Ind., and it was soon appro-
priated by a pair of these birds. On May 5th I
examined the nest and found five fresh, pure white
eggs. Before taking the set I put up another box
near by, hoping that when robbed of the first set
they would go to the second box and lay again.
Searcely had the eggs been removed when the
birds began carrying nest materials into the secord
box. I was curious to know if this set would

also be white, and watched them carefully. On
May 14th, the first egg of this set was deposited,
and the set of five completed on the 18th. These
too, were pure white. I left them in the nest until
the 20th, to see if the set was completed, and also
to learn if the eggs were fertile. Five was the
full complement, and, on blowing I found them
all fertile. On May 21st the birds began rebuild-
ing in the box first used by them, but from which
I had removed most of the old nest. On my re-
turn home June 1st, after an absence of ten days,
I found the nest completed and three eggs in it.
Two days later there were five, all pure white,
as had been the other ten. I could not make up
my mind to take these eggs, but left them to be
hatched. The old bird began sitting June 3d.
Ten days later, while working in my garden I
failed to see the male about. As I was accustomed
to see him almost every day, I wondered what
could be wrong. The next day I watched for
him but saw him not. Then I went to the scant-
ling upon which the box was fastened and struck
it, but no bird flew from the nest. Something
was undoubtedly wrong. Securing a ladder I
climbed to the box and there, lying in the nest,
was the decaying body of the female, and beneath
her the five eggs, all more or less crushed and
with embryos well developed. The true explana-
tion, I believe, suggested itself at once. The vital
economy of the female had been too severely
taxed; the building of three nests inside of thirty
days, the loss of vital energy incident to the de-
velopment of fifteen eggs in a like length of time,
followed by the no less arduous and exhausting
labors of incubation, all these were more than the
frail organism could accomplish and she died a
martyr to her maternal instinct.
mee Seats)

Notes from Silver City, N. M.

BY CHARLES H. MARSH.

November 10, 1885, while returning from a
collecting trip I shot in a thick clump of bushes
near my house, an Audubon’s Warbler. The
bird was a young male, though in very good
plumage, and was certainly a very late migrant,
as it had been nearly two months since the last
of the Warblers had left this section, my last re-
corded observation being Sept. 15, when a few
Pileated Warblers, usually the last to depart, were
seen. In fact, on looking over my note book I
do not find the Audubon’s Warblers mentioned
as being observed at all during the fall, being
quite conspicuous for their absence, as they were
the most abundant of the Warblers in this neigh-
borhood during April and May.

August, 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

125

The fall of 1885 would seem to have been
specially marked by the presence of Albinos in
this section. In the latter part of August I no-
ticed for several days an apparently wholly white
Barn Swallow in a large flock of these birds flit-
ting about in a meadow near my house.

Early in September a neighbor reported hav-
ing seen a pure white Gambel Quail, “even
to the top-knot,” as he said, among a bunch of
quail in a rocky caion, some six miles from my
house, and after the first report he mentioned
having seen it several times. The next report of
an albino came from the prairie, some eight
miles in the opposite direction, where it was
seen, leading a flock of Scaled Quail as they ran
from a bunch os cactus near the roadside on the
approach of the wagon in which my informant
was riding, the first and only time that it was
seen to my knowledge. Late in October several
parties reported that they had seen a white quail
in a flock of Scaled Qual, crossing the road from
a meadow to the adjacent hillside, within a quar-
ter of a mile of my house.

A few days after the last report I was passing
the spot on a visit to a neighboring house, for
the first time in six months without my gun,
when from a clump of bushes in front of me ran
the quail, and sure enough among them a white
one. Ihad a fine Opportunity to examine it, as
the birds were very tame and walked leisurely
up the hillside. It was nearly a pure white, with
an occasional feather of the usual color and some
with a slight bluish shade. For some time after
that I carried my gun whenever I passed that
locality, but was never favored with a glimpse of
the bird again. Mentioning the fact to my friend
he told me that he could probably account for it
as R——, an ardent sportsman of the place,
though not a particularly good shot had told him
that he had shot at a white quail a few days be-
fore, and though he found a handful of feathers,
could not after a thorough search discover the
bird. The probability was that being badly
wounded the bird had secreted itself somewhere
and died.

I think that the Say’s Pewee may safely be
classed among the winter resident’s of this sec-
tion. All through the cold winter months of
188485, when there were an unusual number
of snow storms and a great deal of blustering,
disagreeable weather for this country, I noted
quite a number of Say’s Pewees in sheltered
spots, and about the ranches and corrals. Again
in 1885-86, or up to the time I left the locality in
the latter part of January they were quite abun-
dant, though all the other Flycatchers had de-

parted several months before. The greater part
of the time during the winter the days are mild
and pleasant, and there is quite an abundance of
insect life, so that they would fare well enough,
but occasionally, almost without warning, a cold
storm would set in of several days, or a week’s
duration, and then their allowance must have
been scanty.

Dates of the Arrival of Migratory
Birds in the Spring of 1886, Central
Park, New York City.

BY A. G. PAINE, JR.

(Concluded from page 109.)
May 10, Pirunga erythromelas, (608).
Tanager.
May 10, Actitis macularia, (268), Spotted Sand-
piper.
May 10, Botaurus lentiginosus, (190). Ameri-

Scarlet

can Bittern.

May 11, T’roglodytes aédon, (721). House Wren.

May 11, Syloania mitrata, (684). Hooded
Warbler.

May 11, Twurdus fuscescens, (756). Wilson’s
Thrush.

May 11, Empidonax minimus, (467). Least Fly-
catcher.

May 11, Jeterus spurius, (506). Orchard Ori-
ole.

May 11, Tyrannus tyrannus, (444). Kingbird.

May 11, Hmpidonax flanwentris, (463). Yellow-
bellied Flycatcher.

May 11, Icteria virens, (688).
Chat.

May 11, Dendroica blackburnie, (662).
burn’s Warbler.

May 11, Sylvania canadensis, (686). Canadian
Warbler

May 13, Ielmitherus vermivorus, (639). Worm-
eating Warbler.

May 14, Sylvania pusilla, (685). Wilson’s Warb-
ler.

May 16, Dendroica striata, (661). Black-poll
Warbler.

May 17, Zelminthophila pinus, (641).
winged Warbler.

May 17, Passerina cyanea, (598).
ing.

May 19, Trochilus colubus, (428).
ed Hummingbird.

May 20, Chordeiles virginianus, (420).
hawk.

For some additions to this list, credit is due to
Mr. L. B. Woodruff and Mr, E. T. Adney.

Yellow-breasted

Black-

Blue-

Indigo Bunt-

Ruby-throat-

Night-

126

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 8

ENTOMOLOGY.

WRIGHT & BATES,
73 Hanover St., Boston, Mass.,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.

Address all communications for this department as above.

Larve Hunting.

BY PAUL REVERE.

The season for hunting larvee is at hand, and
the hunter with a trained eye does not find it
difficult to discover the caterpillar he is in search
of. The essential thing is first, to know what
one is looking for; and second, to know where to
look for it.

The larve that produce the rarest moths
are now being sought for by entomologists.
The caterpillar which makes the Regal Moth
(Citheronia regalis) is one of these, and is, without
a single exception, the largest caterpillar that is
found in New England. Its preferred food is the
foliage of the butternut tree. When full grown
the caterpillar measures from 414 to 514 inches in
length, from 11g to 214 inches in girth, and has
half a dozen formidable looking horns near the
head. When disturbed he throws his head to and
fro angrily, but is perfectly harmless, although
the average farmer thinks he is as venomous as a
checkered adder and ‘‘pizen” to any one who
dares handle him.

A parasitic fly harasses this caterpillar and de-
posits a score of eggs in its skin. The exterior of
the egg hardens while the side next the body is
kept moist and soft, and when the grub leaves
the egg its easiest way out is into the living
tissues of the caterpillar, upon which it feeds, in-
stinctively keeping clear of the vitals until it has
reached its growth, the worm or pup dying
from exhaustion.

These seeds of death, which are to be found on
the skin of seventy-five per cent. of the half-
grown larve, first command the attention of the
entomologist, who carefully removes them. If
the grub has not left the eggs the caterpillar is
worth raising, but if they have entered the tissues
of his body the caterpillar may as well be left on
the tree, as it is time thrown away to care for him.

These caterpillars are solitary in their habits
and it is not often that half a dozen can be found
on a single tree. They are sometimes found upon
sumach, and when reared from the egg, sumach
is the most reliable food, as butternut foliage
withers quickly, no matter how much care is
taken to keep it fresh,

When found half or nearly grown the food

should not be changed, but the larva should be
sustained with the same foliage to which it has
become accustomed. They may be kept in a nail
keg or half barrel with three or four inches of
earth on the bottom. This earth should be baked
before being placed in the barrel or keg, that all
insect life may be destroyed. The receptacle
may be covered with cotton cloth. In a cage of
this simple construction a friend of mine bred
forty in a season from the egg.

Another is the White Pine Worm, the larve
of the Imperial Moth, (Hacles ¢mperialis) a cater-
pillar that grows three or four inches in length,
is plump in form and apple green in color, with
short orange-colored spines, longest on the tho-
racic segments. It is more plenty than regalis
and less subject to attack from parasitic flies. It
also feeds on the hickory and the maple. I have
taken eighty of the caterpillars ina pine grove
and the best looking and largest larvee I ever saw
fed upon maple. These have to be bred the same
as the first, with earth to burrow in. These
moths are rare and are an ornament in any col-
lection. They are also readily exchangeable for
American or foreign lepidoptera.

The Cicindelidae of New England.

BY L. E. HOOD.

Few are the collectors who have not a strong
admiration for the beetles which constitute this
genus.

With their beautiful bronze colors, fine shape
and active habits the Cicindelide are well worthy
of all the attention given them, and beginners
should try to form as complete a series of local
species as possible.

The New England species are numerous and
easily determined by their color, the marking of
their elytra and size. Some are of a greenish
bronze color, with dots along the sides of their
wings like the (@. sexguttata, others are of a brown
color with light lunules and spots like the @. oul-
garis or common cicindela, others are very dark
with numerous punctures like the C. punctutata,
while C. darsalis Say, is nearly white. Withsuch
a variation of colors and distinct markings it is
generally an easy matter to find their respective
specific names. But some species vary so much
that great care must be taken not to make mis-
takes, and as in other families a knowledge of the
minute species are necessary.

CO. purpurea, C. scutellaris and C. sexrguttata are
especially noted for the variations of colors and
marking, the first named species especially being
remarkable, no less than ten varieties being recog-

August, 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

127

nized. The Cicindelidse are lovers of warm,
sunny places, and the sandy roads are favorite
habitats with most species. (. vulyaris, C. pur-
purea and other species can be found on country
roads and sand hills, especially where men have
formerly dug the sand. Others, like the @. sez-
guttata, love the woody roads and are often found
in forests, on rocks and in the grass along the
paths. I have found many under rocks.

C. generosa 1 have but rarely seen; it is not
common on my collecting grounds. It is a variety
of C. formosa Say. C. dorsalis Say is very com-
mon on Long Island Sound in Connecticut. It is
a nearly white species with a dark head and
thorax, with greenish marks on clytron; lives
near the sea, but I have rarely seen it in Massa-
chusetts. They are rapacious, prey on other in-
sects, and for this, with their active motions, they
have been termed the Tiger Beetles.

When you are walking along a road, you wilf
notice them flying before you. When startled
they only fly afew yards and then light on the road
again, with head turned toward you, after flying
away once or twice they sometimes make a quick
curve around you and fly back to the point where
you first disturbed them, but this is not always
the case. Often I have seen them fly away to the
right or left and leave the road you are on for
quieter places.

A net is required to catch them, and it is a good
idea to put them in the cyanide bottle alone, for if
you do not they are liable to catch some beetle in
their strong mandibles and destroy it. It is best
to empty the bottle of other specimens before you
begin to catch the “tigers.”

In the larval form they are also rapacious and
live in the sand, on which they will as beetles
live and die. It is easy to get the larve, by gently
pushing a straw down the hole, at the bottom of
which they are lying in wait for the luckless in-
sect that may cross the mouth of their cavern. As
soon as the straw reaches them they will bite it,
and as they will seldom let go, you can readily
bring them to the surface.

I have reared one or two specimens, and much
enjoyment may be derived from such study. It
would be well, both for the student and science,
if more amateurs would make a specialty of rear-
ing Coleopterous larvee.

Those who desire to determine their species
should procure Mr. F. G. Schaupps’ Monograph,
published in 1884 by the Brooklyn Ent. Society,
as it will prove a most valuable work.

I have collected in the past few years about
thirteen species oi Cicindela in New England, and
for the benefit of the beginner who may be in-

terested to know what species are local I give a
list, with notes on the occurrences of the species.
I wish to add that these notes are of my own in-
dividual experience, and may vary from others at
different localities.

Cicindela vulgaris, Say.
where.

Very common every-

Not common.
Several varieties are found.

C. repanda, Dej.

C. purpurea, Oliv.
Some common.

C. sex-guttata, Fab. Common.

C. scutellaris, Say, (var-rugifrons, Dej.,) C. seu-
tellaris, Say, (var-modesta, Dej.) Somewhat
scarce in Western Connecticut.

C. unipunctata, Fab.
Not common.

Western Connecticut.

C. longilabris, Say. Rare; I have only found
one specimen, near the White Mountains.

C. hirticollis, Say. Fairly common.

C. punctulata, Oliv. Very common.

(. dorsalis, Say. Common on the shore along
Long Island Sound in Connecticut, rare in
Massachusetts.

C. marginata, Fab.
men, near Lynn, Mass.
C. puritana, Horn.

Connecticut.
C. hentzit, Dej.

Have found but one speci-
Rather rare in Northern

Fairly common.

The Vivarium.

BY CYANIDE.

As many collectors will desire to rear a number
of their own specimens, and a majority of the
choice larvee can yet be taken, a few words on
this subject will not be amiss. The most essential
point is to have all the conditions as natural as
possible at all seasons. With the ordinary
vivarium, I have experienced a great deal of
difficulty in doing this, particularly in the winter,
especially with those larvee whose transformations
are subterranean. The earth was apt to be either
too wet or too dry at times, and if the pups were
placed on damp moss they were liable to become
coated with a mould or fungus, that invariably
proved fatal. To avoid all this I have adopted a
(to me) new method. I have built my vivarium
large enough to accommodate all the larve I ex-
pect to rear, having the bottom open and set it on
the ground with the lower edges buried three or
four inches. My water bottles for food plants are
buried in the earth, as in the portable ones. As
soon as cold weather sets in, I will stake the
corners and remove the box entirely, replacing it
next spring with another, about a foot larger each
way, so that any stragglers that may go down

128

under the edges of the old will be sure to come up
inside of the new one. In this way the pup will
be exposed to all the natural conditions during
the cold weather. Of course I expect to lose
some specimens by the attacks of coleopterous
larvee, but I do not think the mortality will nearly
equal that attending the old method. The plant
food should be procured fresh every day if possi-
ble, but if the pieces are large they will sometimes
remain fresh for two or three days. Always be
careful to keep the vivarium clean and the bottles
filled with water. I think that a lack of water is
more fatal to most larvee than a scarcity of food.
If you doubt it, take some that have been shut
up without either for a day or two and give them
some of their food in the morning while covered
with dew, and see them travel from drop to drop,
drinking with a seeming relish and not attempt-
ing to eat until their thirst is quenched.

With regularity and care in attending to their
wants, you will be surprised to find how easily
and pleasantly you can raise Lepidoptera.

Literary Note.

Messrs. J. B. Lippincott Co. have in press a ‘‘ Manual of
North American Birds,” by the eminent Ornithologist, Prof.
Robert Ridgway, Curator Department of Birds, Smithso-
nian Institution, Washington, D. C.

The author has had unrivalled advantages for the prepa-
ration of a treatise of this character, arising from his own
field experiences, as well as his connection with the Nation-
al Museum, and the free access which has been granted
him to various other public and private collections of
birds, both in this country and Europe.

The work is to contain some 425 illustrations suitably ex-
ecuted, and will conform to the geographical limits, classifi-
cation, numeration and nomenclature adopted by the
American Ornithological Union.

We doubt not it will be one of the most important,
thorough and original contributions to the literature of the
subject which has ever appeared, and presume that Natur-
alist and Sportsman alike will find in it an invaluable aid.

CORRESPONDENCE.

A Protest.

EDITOR ORNITHOLOGIST AND ObLoaIstT, Str: Eyer since
the Inception of the OrNitHoLoaIsT AND OdLOGIST as a
magazine of bird-life I have watched its career witha grow-
ing interest, until at present I see a possible future of use-
fulness unapproachable by any other periodical in the same
science. This future lies with our American ornithologists,
not in a financial sense, for I think nearly all are subscrib-
ers at the present time, but it could be made of a far more
influential character if they would favor it with contribu-
tions of scientific interest instead of withholding them
from a purely selfish motive. The OrNITHOLOGIST AND
ObLoatsT is not a rival of The Auk, and our ornithologists
need a monthly magazine of the sciences, and thus publish
when fresh the news from the field or closet work. I re-
member some of the former contributors to this magazine,

~ ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11--No, 8

whose frequent articles were of interest, but on the form-
ing of the A. O.U. into which certain of them were ab-
sorbed, I noticed that those who were taken into that asso-
ciation ceased their articles, and no reason save an attack
of “big head” can I give. I protest against such sectionalism
amongst our ornithologists. Our delightful and ever in-
creasing science furnishes more than enough for both
magazines, and a great deal of benefit would be derived if
some of our scientists would recognize the influence of this
magazine.

Ido not wish to be understood as considering the OrNI-
THOLOGIST AND OdLoarsT of less value than formerly. On
the contrary, it never was better than in 1886, and each is-
sue seems to improye, and it is forthe benefit of my fellow-
members of the A. O. U. that I publicly express my views,
that they may take advantage of this monthly interchange
of notes on ornithology. I notice with pleasure that a
former contributor, and a prominent scientist, had excel-
lent articles in the last issues. I congratulate the ORNITHO-
LOGIST AND OOLOGIST upon its prospects. From a personal
knowledge of the present management, I can safely say,
if business energy, and scientific ability, combined with a
long purse, are indications of success, then the ORNITHO-
LOGIST AND OOLOGIST is certain to prosper. I beg your
pardon, Mr. Editor, for the space I have occupied; my
proper place would have been in the pages of my associ-
ation “organ,” but knowing I could not gain access there
with the above ‘‘correspondence,” I resorted to your
columns.—A member of the A. o. U.

_**Amateur.”’

EDITOR ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIsT, Str: In The
Auk, for July, 1886, David S. Jordan has a criticism (?) of
The A. O. U. Code and Check List of North American Birds,
and I quote from it the following passage: “In spite of a
good deal of amateur work, which in one way or another
gets published, it is, I think, not too much to say, that in
all the various matters which make up the groundwork of
systematic science * * * * American ornithology
stands at the front of systematic science.” You will please
note the slur cast upon the amateur and his work. Such is
the case with nearly all of the scientific writers. The
amateur is abused and nearly every evil is laid at his door.
Why is it thus? The question needs no answer. The
selfish motive of the professional is too apparent. The
amateur is called into service in recording migration and
statistics, but no credit is given him; he collects stomachs
of birds at request, and when fined for shooting birds by his
county official, the scientific committee for bird protection,
pause long enough from their work at a heap of slaughtered
victims, to applaud the act.

I hope to see the amateur recognized according to merit.
Although my last birthday was my forty-seventh, yet I deem
myself but an amateur, and can remember very vividly the
amateur days of some of the gentlemen now considered as
ornithologists in the ‘‘ high science” term of the word. It
would give me a great deal of satisfaction to record some of
their crude work and blunders.

The efforts of your caustic pen, Mr. Editor, in their be-
half will be appreciated, for in a few years, when these
amateurs, by reason of profitable time spent in research,
shall become the equal of any of the scientists, they will
not forget your magazine, which so ably defended them,
and then your reward will be suflicient.—R. C. M.

——E—————

In the prosecution of ‘*The Botany of Birds’ Nests,”
which will appear in these columns, we would like to com-
municate with parties, of whom we can procure nests.

¥

_—

qe

AGuAANugucnnaasaneuanenencneens

Established 18775.

Published by
FRANK B. WEBSTER,

409 Washington St., Boston, Mass.

Entered at Boston Post Office as Second-class Matter.

CONTENTS:

Vol” X1., Nore, Sosleanen 1886.

Some Ornithological Explorations in the Dead River pas ae of

Maine .-.ciescce.-'. fe eivisebvetes «tad Selb Ako A ERE EEBIN IDE souescadesnsin onsees someiioe
Notes on Some Birds OF, the Great ‘ack Nicusieates) A. LeMoynn, ME D......:5<c0000l ee
Notes on Some Birds of the United States which Gece in vine :

Mexican) Waunat:s ic cisccsciie sc ele cc's ee ole eters ctesocd WAN MEMEUN AR D Oly aja otereratiate api seems
A Day Among the OSpreys.\..cccssoccsscsns am So aie ins «orate ere cacn dl en Wir SAUIEISOD. + v0.6)eln se niniianefeeeae sn
EDITORIAL... ....... SaSageataade cat’ sts vecenon ats alloc nea ated Matersrasoh agin we os ie cle aa anes ee
English vs. Ayiertoan axtaemninias i pidbavedoveauceccedese ss, WWMas ed o> ETORIN AT) ANY. vcaccater.kepetee anna
Practical Taxidermy............0+. Toals/ale Sie Twinl ele atds clatas Rie: Sam meeangd Seg Seal ae laheies at 2 ia, eee tase ieee ee
Hawking in June ....... sidielousesdpesin cu Sielele shell! hubs Mp daonartaat etemnia ces ann 137
A Two Days’ Trip on the ena Coase. FR db ietneee Nea pinheterene .. LLARRY G. PARKER. nw: .007 sss ee
Breeding of Florida Barred Owl in Texas.................. Je A. SINGLE Y 0.500 ois «ie stalls ote
Nest and Eggs of Acadian Flycatcher.................... BS. DURAND. .essm oe ae = ater ane

Nesting of the. Mississippi Kite... ici Gicscstes: « <(anssetes' ote siclep icy: DNidawaven » aldewedens Slolh mecha nnn
Nesting of the-Spotted (Owls. sss ctseitsct ip eteg ee els one cel es teres Sot nch ince tase nete ea eee

An Albino Tree Swallow........ be Giegebaawestaskibe eerste Sec Ee SA AIRINIDS scenes ee veilesetequa eee 142
EnToMoLoGcy.—An’ Ant Battles: <22..i.85..0% | 0s ok See wee ok By OHOOD ie. tee cee Scene eee

Salve Bugs...... Sine see ye et eines Seen ep J AW IGE. Jas aeiels vein onels e
CoRRESPONDENCE.—Botany of Birds’ Nests, Errata, Etc... «2.22.01... 0c sesssen seers ee ceee = Saseete ee

Removed WRIGHT & BATES,
R. E. RACHFORD & SON. Natural History Collectors.

Having a number of collectors now at work, and being

3 in constant communication with specialists, we are pre-

=Collecting Naturalists,> pared to collect, to order, specimens in any branch of Nat-
ural History.

From Grigsby’s Bluff to For SALE OR Exunaner.—INSECTA, LEPIDOPTERA

and COLEOPTERA a Specialty. Orders for a line or series

of the above especially solicited. In writing for exchanges,

BEAUMONT, TEX AS. send list and specify distinctly what specimens are desired.

Scientific Books and Naturalists’ Supplies at Lowest Rates.

->BEST READING= WRIGHT & BATES,

73 Hanover Street, Boston, Mass.

AS LOW SASS.

Price each. Our Price. pee
$4 00 Century; Magazine: jn.ch cscs)asaeciewioeea ne etre $3 60 FOR EXCHANGE.

© 00 Christian at: Worked ssi: secss nose cence emis 6 2 $5 - o ;

#00) Harpers Weekly. acc teus.anss 2a ccteenereaencaes 3 30 N h A 6 d E

AONE 0) Mapazing ska. stncss), cose ee eee 3 10 ort merican Ird s ggs.
1 25 New York Tribune, Weekly..............-22-00- 1 00 a

1 25 ae Times, \WeeRl¥ it~. connensonie tena eee 95 IN SETS, WITH FULL DATA.

1 00 oe Witnes SW craalon sis sininisisisioietsio’ . : : ¥
Sie Reinier: hei ly <h a I will exchange Baird, Brewer and Ridgway’s Land Birds,
1/50/Our Little'Oness: -..- cence ee ees eee ee & 115 NPM FOr sole: o page Wu pores aren aaa

2 00 Peterson’s Mapazine..:<2.s-cesen mean eerie: 1 50 SAM’L. B. LADD, West Chester, Pa.
2/00'Rural.New Yorker, ji<..r0s caches ate eee 1ESOD| Nera a aw : : rae an
320) Scientific American’: .snsac- es cetera nee 2 75 Ble k Hi | Mi |

5 00 Scientific American Supplement................. 4 25 ac s Inera S,

3°00: St. Nicholas’... iv. cides sasrecereete se cenctee neers 2 30 . . 3

Subscriptions for the above publications will be re- Bad Lands Fossils and Indian Relics,

ceived at this office at the low rates named in second col- of Buckskin and Stone

umn, a

|
2,600 other Papers and Magazines at equally low rates. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE, FREE.

One agent wanted at each Post Office. Catalogue Free.
Forty Western Minerals, affixed in a box, named and
described, 85¢€ postpaid.

W. R. CHASE & CO., Scio, New York. L. W. STILWELL, Deadwood, D. T.

Please mention Ornithologist Odlogist. Address,

RNITHOLOGIST

—AND—

OOLOGIST.

$1.50 per

FRANK B. WEBSTER, PUBLISHER.

Single Copy
Annum. Established, March, 1875. 15 Cents.
VOL! XI. BOSTON, MASS., SEPTEMBER, 1886. No. 9g.

Some Ornithological Explorations in
the Dead River Region of Maine.

BY F, H. CARPENTER.

(Continued from Page 113.)

16. Mniotilta varia, (Black-and-White Creeper).
The only individuals of this species were a few
observed in a maple orchard at New Vineyard in
the latter part of August. They were at the time
evidently migrating.

17. Helminthophaga ruficapilla, (Nashville War-
bler). A common summer resident of the county,
more often observed among the mixed growth of
the Dead River valley than elsewhere, though it
might have been overlooked in the heavily
timbered forests of the northern portion. They
were breeding among the scrub on the ‘‘plains”
between Eustis and Stratton, as the actions of the
birds testified, but diligent search failed to dis-
cover a nest. Young birds were also frequently
seen in August.

18. Helminthophagu peregrina, (Tennessee War-
bler). Although J have never seen this species in
either Franklin or Somerset counties, yet a record
of its occurrence a few miles over the line in Ox-
ford county might be of interest, as the records of
this bird are very limited. One was shot, while
in company with several Blue Yellow-backs at the
Upper Dam, Mooseluckmaguntic Lake. They
kept entirely to the spruce trees and it was by the
peculiar and differing manner of flight, that Z.
peregrina was singled out from among his com-
panions as a victim.

19. Parula americana, (Blue Yellow-backed
Warbler). This species was commonly observed
in both spring and summer, being more conspicu-
ous from their habit of keeping in small flocks,
even in the breeding season. In a small spruce
grove, which contained many old moss covered
trees, on Kennedy Smith’s farm in Eustis, I found
several nests of this Warbler. They were the
usual structures, of wsnea so well known where-
ever this species breeds, being on the whole more

round than those observed in Massachusetts and
more compact in structure. The nests were in
every instance built entirely by the birds, and
pendant from some branch entirely destitute of
other moss. Such is not always the case in
southern New England, the birds taking posses-
sion of some natural branch of the hanging moss,
which, with but a little effort, they transform into
an apology for a nest, scarcely worthy of the
name when compared with those from the Maine
forests.

20. Dendraca wstiva, (Yellow Warbler). This
lovely Warbler was found in nearly all portions
of the counties. It preferred the vicinity of habi-
tations, and was not observed at all in the ever-
green forests. Its nidification was twice observed
at Kingfield, the nests in each instance being
placed in a crab apple tree.

21. Dendreca cerulescens, (Black-throated Blue
Warbler), I had fully expected to find this species
one of the most abundant Warblers of the region
but such was not the case. Only three instances
of positive identification was recorded, these be-
ing a pair breeding on Mt. Bigelow, a male secured
at Jerusalem and a young male seen at Stratton.
I thought I detected the notes of this bird while
walking along the ‘‘tote” road from Smith’s farm
to Tim Pond, but am not positive. The nest of
this species found at Mt. Bigelow was placed in
the forks of a bush of the mountain blueberry,
scarcely raised from the ground; both birds were
at work upon it, giving it the finishing touches of
a master hand, or bill.

22. Dendracacoronata,(Yellow-rump Warbler).
This well known species was found in all situa-
tions of the northern portion of the counties;
seeming to be about evenly distributed in both
forests and clearings. In a birch, at the lower
end of Beaver Bog on Hack Inlet, was found a
nest of this species. lt was composed of fine
grasses interwoven with a few feathers and flaxy
shreds of some plant, with a lining of rabbit’s
hair and feathers compactly pressed into shape.
It contained on June 7th four fresh eggs, white

Copyright, 1886, by Eaton Cuiirr and F. B, WEBSTER.

15 ORNITHOLOGIST

with a perceptible bluish tint, marked about the
larger end with flecks of dark brown. Measure-
ments are as follows: .70x.51, .70x.50, .69x.51,
67x49.

23. Dendrwca maculosa, (Black-and- Yellow
Warbler) Fairly common in certain localities,
being rather erratic in its movements. It is quite
common around Jim Pond, just back of Eustis,
and a few were seen near Black Mountain. For
several days none of this species would be seen,
and again at certain places they were to be found
in considerable numbers, seeming to be restricted
in their movements to the forests which contained
a certain admixture of hard wood growth. No
nests were found, but satisfactory proof of their
breeding was not wanting. <A nest found at Um-
bagog, June 6, ’82, was placed in a hemlock shrub
and was composed of grass and fine bits of hem-
lock strips lined with a few bits of hair anda
single fluff of cotton and an inner lining of horse-
hair, though how they procured the two last
named materials is beyond my comprehension. It
contained only three eggs, of a creamy white
spotted with a few blotches of brown in form of a
wreath at the larger end.

24. Dendraca pennsyloanica, (Chestnut-sided
Warbler). A gentleman in Farmington showed
me a nest and four eggs which were undoubtedly
of this species. They were taken at Wilton on
June 12th. Jam positive 1 heard the song of this
species, while riding from Farmington to Strong.

25. Dendreea castanea, (Bay-breasted Warbler).
This species was observed commonly about Flag-
staff Lake, but I failed to observe it in any other
section of the counties. It was oneof the species
whose nidification was observed to an advantage,
two nests being found near the shores of the lake
and not far from our camp at the inlet. One nest
was placed on the branch of a hemlock about ten
feet from the ground and was composed outwardly
of the fine twigs of the larch, a few lickens and
grass stalks, compactly lined entirely with fine
hair and a few feathers, which I find to be the
usual liuing of the nests of the Warblers of this
region. It contained four eggs, bluish green in

color, two of them profusely spotted with brown, .

while in the others the spots tended to form a
wreath about the larger end. Dimensions as fol-
lows: .68x.52, .68x.52, .66x.50, .66x.51.

26. Dendreca striata, (Black-poll Warbler).
Observed commonly during the migration the
second week in June.

27. Dendreca blackburnie, (Blackburnian War-
bler). Some of the most pleasant reminisences of
my sojourns in this country are associated with
this beautiful Warbler, who was found here in all

[ Vol. 11-No. 9

the richness of his breeding plumage and in the
busy occupation of domestic cares.

On the morning of June 10th, as the first streak
of gray was visible in the east we left the little
post village of Stratton, on our toilsome journey
to the heights of Mt. Bigelow. Along the river
valley lay heavily the morning mist, through
which the solitary hemlocks, scattered here and
there in the clearings, loomed up like the pyra-
mids along the Nile, as we tramped through the
dew-laden grass to the forest edge. The trail was
easily found and with a scarcely perceptable rise
we walked on under the oaks and birches until we
reached the “first look-out,” where a glance at the
surrounding country told plainly that our steps
had been upward as well as onward. While we
rested here for breakfast the aspect changed, over
Mt. Kennebago the rising sun appeared, covering
the hemlock tops with a halo of glory, while their
sombré shadows presented a yet stronger contrast
and the river valley seemed like some beautiful
pfeture framed with a moulding of black and
gold. The avian concert was not lacking. From
the tree tops the Hermit Thrush gave vent to his
exuberance of spirits in an exquisite song. The
pleasing song of the Junco, and the whistle of the
White-throated Sparrow blended without discord
as they hobnobbed together on a decayed log in
plain view of us. The Chickadees apologized for
their musical deficiencies by a display of famil-
iarity, far excecding their more southern congeners.
As we continued on our way, now growing
steeper and more difficult, a Canada Jay, brimful
of curiosity followed us for a considerable dis-
tance, but save for an occasional flirt of its tail,
uttered no disapproval of our actions, but soon a
hoodlum band of his blue brothers came trooping
noisily along, and pouncing upon him drove him
away. Evidently the question of faunal areas
had been discussed in Jaydom and Mt. Bigelow
was unquestionably within the domains of C.
christata. Ere long we entered the evergreen
growth and leaving the path we picked our way
the best we could over the fallen trunks on a short
cut to the summit. The bare rocks and blueberry
patch of the ‘‘knob” was reached in due time (not
being a professional mountain climber I decline to
state the time occupied in the ascent) and the
magnificent panorama of the country from Moose-
head to Umbagog lay before me, with its numer-
ous lakelets like diamonds connected with rivers
of silver thread. The descent was begun early
on the following morning that more time might
be taken in exploring the mountain side than on
the day previous. After about half an hour’s walk
I halted for a moment on a steep bank of gravel

Sept. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

131

and small boulders to enjoy the fine view to be
there obtained. How rapid is the change from
the sublime to the ridiculous. On stepping for-
ward a pace, the stone on which I was standing
gave away and in the endeavor to regain my foot-
ing, a small landslide precipitated me in a very
undignified. manner down the declivity until I
“fetched up” under alarge hemlock. Fortunately
my body was covered with gravel instead of
bruises, and in a comfortable position I remained
for a brief period, resting from the effect of my
rapid transit. A slight movement among the
lower branches of the tree caused me to look up
and soon I saw eyeing me closely a male Black-
burnian Warbler. Any motion on my _ part
would cause him to bestir himself in an agitated
manner, and when I arose to my feet he disap-
peared. Patient watching was rewarded by see-
ing the bird fly into the top of the hemlock, when
the small commotion which ensued caused me to
believe that a nest was therein placed. Casting off
all superfluous clothing I began the ascent, a la-
borious task, but the end proved my conjecture
aright, for a nest of this Warbler was placed on a
limb at about sixty feet from the ground. It
was composed outwardly of hanging moss (wsnea)
woven compactly with a few bits of fine bark and
twigs, lined with the usual material, hair and
feathers. The eggs were four in number, nearly
fresh. They were spotted sparingly with reddish-
‘brown over the entire surface, with the addition
of a wreath of same color about the larger end.
Dimensions of the set are as follows: .66x.51,

.66x.50, .65x.51 and .64x.50.
(To be Continued.)

Notes on Some Birds of the Great
Smoky Mountains.

BY ARTHUR LEMOYNE, M. D.

(Continued. from page 115.)

GEOTHLYPIS FORMOSA.
Kentucky Warbler.

This species was one of the most difficult to
observe of any of the Warblers, and save for its
well-known song I should not have been aware
of its presence for many days at atime. These
birds first arrived in Monroe County on April
16th, when a single specimen was seen I do not
think I saw more than fifty mdividuals during
the entire season, including the whole territory
visited. The few that were seen and heard were
found in the mixed growth at about the line
where the two lower faunze come together, the
majority seeming to prefer the Carolinan. The
chief point of ¢nterest about this species was its

“invisibility,” and often when surprising an indi-
vidual or a pair by suddenly coming upon them,
they would immediately betake themselves to
parts unknown, if not remote. I have never no-
ticed this extreme shyness in other localities
where I have observed these birds. The princi-
pal reason for an especial mention of this species,
was the discovery of its nest in June, 1881, in
Blount County. It was placed amongst the tall
weeds growing along the edge of a corn-field, and
was about three inches from the ground, being
inserted in the dry and partly decayed rubbish of
the previous year. The nest was outwardly com-
posed of very fine strips of bark, a few shreds of
flax, together with small dry leaves and fine root-
lets, lined with a few horse hairs and very fine
rootlets. The eggs were four in number, crystal
white spotted with bright brown, in form of a
half-defined wreath about the larger end. Meas-
urements of the above set are as follows: .72x.54,
.71x.54, .71x.58, .70x.52,
SYLVANIA MITRATA.
Hooded Warbler.

This species was like the preceding, quite
sparingly found. Arriving in Monroe County on
April 18th, they were found after that date in
limited numbers. They were birds of decisive
movements; not often did I observe them other-
wise than when traveling from tree to tree in the
forest, displaying at such times all the restless-
ness of birds in migration, and conspicuous by
both song and activity. They frequented the
forests and old fields at altitudes ranging from
2,500 feet up to 3,800 feet. At the latter range
they were very sparingly found, and none ob-
served higher, save a single specimen secured
near the “black growth” on Great Smoky Moun-
tain, at an altitude of about 4,500 feet.

As I confine the present series of articles to
those, treating on the birds found breeding, I
give a brief account of a nest found three years
ago in Monroe County, on June 3d. It was
placed in a scrub oak about three feet from the
ground, and was worthy of especial mention from
the quantity of flax which was used in its con-
struction. A strip of fine bark and bits of moss
also entered into its composition. The eggs were
four in number, of a faint creamy. white, spotted
with reddish-brown and /ilac congregating about
the larger end. Dimensions, .65x.48, .65x.47, .64
x.47, .64x.46.

Another nest of the same species was placed in
a similar position, but was much coarser in com-
position, being constructed of bark strips, leaves
and grasses and lined with fine grasses. It con-
tained four eggs, nearly fresh on June 9th. They
differ somewhat from the above set, in having

132

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 9

the spots pretty evenly distributed over the entire
surface of the egg. Measurements were as fol-
lows: .67x.50, .66x.50, .65x.49, .65x.46.

; SYLVANIA CANADENSIS.

Canada Flycatcher.

This is another of the species which prefer the
higher ranges of the mountains. It was first
seen in Monroe County on April 21st. At that
date it was common in the valleys and borders of
cultivated fields. Ina short time their numbers
diminished in such places, and on search I found
them in the hard wood growth on the mountain
sides, at about 2,500 feet, where they were seen
industriously foraging for insects. By the first
of May scarcely any were to be found in the
lower valleys and their range had extended up to
about 4,000 feet. During the second week in May
they appeared to be mating and were often heard
at their best in song. In early morning a male
would mount to some convenient limb and pour
out his simple, pleasing melody; at the first out-
burst of his song, other males perhaps fearing lest
some rival would gain an advantage, would fly to
similar positions and each would evidently strive
to outdo his neighbor, then suddenly the concert
would cease and they would join the females on
the ground or lower branches, until some one
would renew the declaration of his passion, when
all would join in one wild-wood’s chorus. By the
last of May these warblers were evidently settled
for the summer, and I was surprised to note the
extent of country they occupied, being found
from the mountain tops down to 2,500 feet—the
majority seeming to frequent the rhododendron
thickets at about 3,500 feet. During the eleven
years I have annually visited some portions of
this county I have found several nests of this bird.
The nest is more shabbily built than one would
suppose such a dainty creature would mould.
The best specimen of their architecture I have
ever seen was a nest composed of small leaves,
very fine bark shreds, with a few fine rootlets,
and a few horse hairs. All grades from the above
have been noticed, down to one scarcely more
than a mere hollow, in a bunch of dry leaves,
caught at the foot of a clump of berry bushes,
lined with a few rootlets. The eggs are to my
eye very handsome. A set taken June 6, 1886,
are white, spotted with well defined specks of
different shades of brown, some grading into a
purplish tint, tending to congregate into a wreath
about the larger end. In other sets the eggs are
spotted over the entire surface. Dimensions of
above set: .76x.57, .76x.56, .74x.54, .75x.54.' An-
other set taken June 4, 1888, contained one pure
white egg. Measurements. of the set of four as
follows: .74x.53, .74x.52, .73x.52, .69x.48. The
white egg being the smallest.

(To be continued.)

Notes on Some Birds of the United
States which Occur in the Mexi-
can Fauna.

BY JUAN RENARDO.

(Translated from the Author’s MSS., by F. H. Carpenter. ]

(Continued from Page 117.)

Vireo flavoviridis, (Yellow-green Vireo). Not
commonly observed. Specimens were collected
at Tampico and Merida in the autumn. Have
seen them in summer very near the Rio Grande,
where they probably breed.

Vireo gilous, (Warbling Vireo). Often observed
in numbers about Tampico, and in winter as far
south as Merida they are common.

Vireo solitarius, (Blue-headed Vireo). I did not
observe this bird as frequently as one would sup-
pose. A few were taken along the Rio Grande in
late autumn. In mid-winter I have seen them
between Merida and Gautemala.

Vireo solitarius cassinti, (Cassin’s Vireo). Two
were taken near Guaymas in summer which bore
marks of breeding. They are fairly common in
autumn when passing south.

Vireo atricapillus, (Black-capped Vireo). Com-
mon in the breeding season. Have found nests in
the Rio Grande valley. Seen in winter about
Campeche.

Phainopepla nitens, (Phainopepla). Nothwith-
standing the reports of this species being common
in this country, my only specimen noted is the
one sent, which was taken about ten miles from
Tampico.

Tachycineta thalassina, (Violet-green Swallow).
Seen on the high mesas in summer. They breed
near the Rio Grande in the dead trees, caused
by the over-flow of water.

Progne subis, (Purple Martin). Common in
flocks in autumn and spring near Tampico. Some
are seen in winter near Merida,

Piranga ludoviciana, (Louisiana Tanager). Quite
common about Campeche in early winter, but
very shy and difficult of approach.

Huphonia elegantissima, (Blue-headed Eu-
phonia). The specimen sent was taken at Saltillo,
May, 1883.

Passerina versicolor, (Varied Bunting). A com-
mon resident. Breeds. Observed at Merida in
winter.

Passerina cyanea, (Indigo Bunting). One taken
at Campeche in winter. Not often observed.
* Guiraca cerula, (Blue Grosbeak). This species
breeds along the Rio Grande in limited numbers.
It occurs about Merida in winter.

Habia melanocephala, (Black-headed Grosbeak).

Sept. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

133

Occurs here about the same as the preceding,
though on the whole were common and local.
Pyrrhulovia sinuata, (Texan Cardinal) A com-
mon resident. Breeds in the northern portion.
Observed in winter.
Pipilo fuscus mesoleucus, (Canon Towhee). A
common summer resident of the Rio Grande

valley and some distance southward. Breeds.
(To be Continued.)

ee

A Day Among the Ospreys.

BY F. W. ANDROS, TAUNTON, MASS. _

Our former trips to the “Osprey Colony” on
Palmer’s River, had been so successful and pleas-
ureable that we planned another early the past
spring. The party consisted of my friend Mr. F. H.
C.,my brother Mr. C. H. Andros, and the writer.
We concluded we would celebrate the thirteenth
anniversary of our triends’ visits to this colony
by making the tripon May 10th. Accordingly,
with this purpose in view, we met on the evening
of the 8th, at our friend’s house, where arrange-
ments were made for our trip, a rough sketch of
the territory we were to visit was made on paper,
climbers were put in good shape, hunting suits
placed in their appoirted corner and plans laid
for a successful day’s work. The following day
being Sunday we laid over and rested, but impa-
tient for the 10th to appear, we retired early and
arose at 12.30 a. m., and donned our hunting rigs,
then prepared for the trip by sitting down toa
hot breakfast, after which we gathered together
our climbers, ropes and knapsacks aid left the
house before 2 a. m., taking a road which led us
south some eight miles or so, all the while de-
scending gradually into a large valley through
which the Palmer’s River flows, over which we
crossed several times owing to its winding course.
Before we enter upon the trip proper, I will give
a brief description of the nests. These are placed
in open fields or along the roadsides, as well as in
thickly wooded swamps, frequently a consider-
able distance from any water, but generally with-
in a short distance of some stream or pond.
They are composed of a jarge mass of sticks (of
all sizes), twigs, brush and rubbish heaped to-
gether, regardless of external appearance, and
lined with sea-weed, twigs, cedar bark, eel grass,
corn-stalks and other materials, the whole form-
ing an immense structure ranging from four to
six feet high and as many across the top, on which
one can safely seat himself and pack the contents
at his leisure,—said top having been reached.
These immense structures are added to in the fall
of each year for the purpose of strengthening
them so as to withstand the winter storms, and

are repaired on the return of the birds in the
spring. This necessarily increases their size each
year and serves as a good indication of their age.
Various trees are selected for building purposes—
walnut, oak, chestnut, locust, elm, buttonwood,
pine and others—no partiality seems to be shown
on this score, the main object being to place the
nests out of reach, and it is quite successfully car-
ried out; too, for it takes an expert climber to
ascend to half of the nests in the colony. Some
are actually impossible to be reached, while others
overhang to such an extent that it would only be
risking life and limb to attempt to get them. The
height at which the nests are placed varies con-
siderably, according to location; from twenty to
eighty feet would cover those in the northern sec-
tion of the colony. Those in open situations were,
as a rule, placed the highest from the ground, and
were as well the most difficult to reach; while
the contrary has been observed where the nests
were placed in unfrequented or secluded swamps.
These nests are very deceptive in appearance,
even when viewed from a near standpoint, but by
climbing up to the structures one can form a very
good idea of their size. The nest having been
reached—the easiest part of the journey—the
question arises how to reach or get over into it,
which is the most difficult part of the job, especial-
ly when the climber is fifty or more feet from the
ground, near the top of a dead tree that shakes
with every prod of the spurs.

The Ospreys are welcomed on their return in
the spring and protected by the farmers, to whom
they have proved beneficial in more ways than
one. They hunt over their pastures for field
mice, frogs, toads and snakes, and protect the
farm-yard from the onslaughts of the other Rap-
tores, when their nest is placed near by. These
birds are erratic in their movements when con-
tinually disturbed, frequently leaving their homes
and re-building at some distance, and often in an-
other colony. We had now reached the colony,
which is spread over a large territary and contains
no less than two hundred nests, and it still lacked
an hour of daylight, but we entered a large pas-
ture and crossed to a large spreading chestnut
tree which has held an immense nest for several
years. All was still. The tree was rapped smart-
ly with a stout stick but no response from the
nest, neither could we make out the form of a
bird in it. This we were not very much sur-
prised at, for it is difficult to cause them to leave
their nests during the night. It held a set of two
eggs on May 8, 1885, so heavily marked with
dark brown as to conceal the ground color, but
from appearances was deserted this season. Soon
the gray of dawn appeared in the east and the

[Vol. 11-No. 9

ORNITHOLOGIST .

nest loomed up on all sides, and when inhabited
the heads of the sitting birds could always be seen
at some distance rising above the centre of the
nest like the knob on a Tam O’Shanter cap.
Ospreys were soaring in graceful circles overhead
at various heights scanning with watchful eyes
the river below, while others were shaping their
course to and from their hunting grounds; at such
times flying with a steady flapping of the wings
and an occasional sail. Frequently we saw the
birds plunge headlong from a dizzy height on
their prey, striking the water with a heavy splash
and throwing the spray in all directions. Only a
few seconds elapse before the bird rises, clutching
her quarry in her talons, and either carries it to
her mate or some favorite perch where it enjoys
the feast alone. They invariably carry their food
in their talons, parallel with the body, the right
foot a trifle in advance of the other. They also
preserve the same rule in carrying large sticks to
their nests when building, (so us to cut the wind
and not be a hindrance to their flight,) and may
be often seen flying with sticks extending far out
in the rear.

A nest placed forty feet up in a tall locust in
the rear of a farm-house could have been easily
reached but for the following inscription placed
on a board fastened to the tree: “Beware; no
tresspassing on these premises.” We followed a
cart path for some distance along the edge of a
swamp, which we soon entered and made our
way as best we could through the dense growth of
briars and saplings to the foot of a large leaning
ash. The parent bird arose from the nest as we
drew near, uttering its note of alarm, and flew
around overhead. The nest was placed forty feet
from the ground and was reached by ascending
on the upper side of the trunk, which was none too
steady. It contained two very dark colored eggs,
the same number and shade of color as laid the
two previous years in the large chestnut tree in
the open field just spoken of. This set was packed
ina “patent box” prepared for the purpose, and
let down to the ground and repacked in a separate
box by 3.30 a.m. This was a new nest and built
and inhabited by the same pair who formerly held
possession of the chestnut. We retraced our steps
and crossed ploughed land to a large oak, which
held a clean, well built nest, saddled to a horizon-
tal limb ten feet from the trunk. This was reached
by C. H. A., who brought the set of two small
eggs down in his felt hat. These differed so
greatly in coloration that unless we had circum-
stantial evidence we would hardly have believed
that they could have been laid by the same bird.
Several nests could be seen from one position but,

they were in very difficult situations, and only
one was reached, which was in a tall leaning elm,
out some distance in a marsh. Rubber boots were
put on, and with climbers, rope and boots dang-
ling over my shoulders I started out. On reach-
ing the tree, boots were changed, climbers fastened
on and the ascent made. Though the upright
crotch in which the nest was placed was reached
in a few moments, it was nearly an hour before
the set of two large handsome eggs found their
way into my box. The egys were the largest we
had ever collected, and were well along in incu-
bation. It was a noticeable fact that those eggs
in sets of two were as a rule larger and farther
advanced in incubation than those with three. It
is very rarely that four eggs are found in one nest.
My friend has only two sets of four eggs to show
out of two hundred sets examined of a smaller
number from this colony. <A tall shaky chestnut
stub towered several feet above the surrounding
woods and attracted our attention from the very
fact that it contained a nest, around which we saw
the birds hovering when we were a quarter of a
mile away. This was a treacherous old tree, but
after some expert climbing the nest was reached
by our friend, but found to hold but one egg,
which was heavily blotched and splashed with
dark brown, completely concealing the impure
white ground color around the crown. As we
were leaving this nest the Ospreys were seen
carrying materials to the nest in the elm, repairing
the damage done there necessary to obtain a foot
hold. We then directed our steps to a large
swamp surrounded by hills and hardwood groves
which were fairly alive with our earlier Warblers.
As we appeared from under cover of the woods
an Osprey, sitting on a large nest in a buttonwood
tree on the opposite edge of the swamp, discovered
us, and rose flapping its wings and whistling
loudly, accompanied by its mate, who was equally
concerned. This nest was about forty-five feet
from the ground, and placed on top of the partially
dead trunk. It contained but one large egg on
May 12, 1884. Hunting over the same ground in
85, we ascended to the nest and foundit held one
large egg of abnormal proportions on May 8th.
We were surprised to find two eggs as the com-
plement this season. These were of the same
shade of color as those taken in our previous visits
and we have found that they do not differ ma-
terially in the same individuals from year to year.
Some sympathizing companions joined in with
this pair and made considerable disturbance, but
none ventured to attack us. We found that
several nests that we procured sets from in our
former trips had been prostrated by the winter
storms. Crossing a small stream we walked some

Sept. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST. :

distance down the opposite side along the brow of
a hill and came to a large wild cherry tree situated
between the hill and swamp, where carefully but
firmly balanced on the topmost branches was a
well made nest. This was avery difficult place to
get the eggs from, for they were fully three feet
from the edge of the nest, which was overhang-
ing and very large, but finally we succeeded in
getting the set.of three eggs into a stocking and
brought them safely down. The same old rail
was propped up under the nest, that aided us in
our previous climbs, and was the means of our
getting to the nest this season. A short distance
away there was another nest placed in a very large
elm several feet in diameter, and without a limb
for thirty feet. Our long coil of rope now came
in play and it did not take long to rig a boatswain’s
sling, in which we hauled our friend to the first
limb, thence to another several feet higher, where
he fastened himself to a large limb above, leaving
slack rope enough to reach the nest, which was
out several feet from the trunk on a horizontal
limb at a great height from the ground. This was
reached, and after tearing away a large mass of
sticks hanging loosely from the nest, he was en-
abled to get over into it and pack the three eggs
which it contained. He was let down slowly
from his high perch, and after taking our lunch
and a refreshing rest near a spring, we continued
our walk along through pine groves for some dis-
tance, until we reached open fields once more,
which were skirted until a large chestnut tree was
reached. An attempt was made in ’85 to ascend
to the nest, placed seventy feet from the ground,
but proved useless. Having a coil of rope with us
now, we are supplied with the necessary means of
reaching it. It was the most difficult one we had
yet attempted, but rigging a boatswain’s sling our
friend seated himself in it, and was hauled up to
the limit of the rope. Thenresting a few moments
he cast the rope over a large limb twenty feet
higher and fastened it. Then by the aid of rope
and scientific shinning he mounted tothe nest and
worked himself over into it. This occupied nearly
an hour, but the climber generally feels amply re-
paid to find a handsome set of three eggs, even if
it takes two hours to reach a nest. Packing the
three eggs he let them down by aid of a stout cord
and then descended slowly by aid of the rope to
the grouud. Clouds were forming,and the wind
increasing, and it looked decidedly like rain. Re-
packing our eggs, we made notes, and left for a
distant part of the colony, where we knew of
several accessible nests, but before we reached the
main road it commenced to rain heavily, and our
“ waterproof” hunting coats were soon soaked

through. There was nothing for us to do then
but to tramp home, for it was not safe to climb
wet trees, and it would not do to get any farther
south if we wanted to get home that night. We
know of onenest placed on the top of a large dead
pine in dry woods a mile or more from water that
we could visit by making a slight detour.

After walking several miles we entered the
woods and soon saw it through an opening. The
bird arose from the nest as we drew near, and
whistled loudly overhead, accompanied by its
mate, which had been perched near the nest
pruning its feathers. Ascending to the structure on
the opposite side to that taken last year, we found
it was reached much easier, but it was a rotten
old hulk ofa tree, and trembled considerably when
ascended. We found it held a set of three,—
same number as last year, but differing greatly in
size and coloration. Those laid in’85 were longer
and not so heavily blotched, being evenly dis-
tributed over the surface, and of a lighter shade
of brown, while the three taken this year were
very round and heavily splashed on the crown
with very dark chocolate, and on one of the eggs
the markings are confined to the larger end, the
remaining portion being dirty white, resembling
many Red-shouldered Hawk’s eggs that I have
seen. These packed we prepared for a five hours’
hard tramp, for Le were yet sixteen miles from
our friend’s house. Just about dusk we met a
friend with a horse and wagon who was going our
way and who very kindly carried us to the house,
which was reached shortly after 8 p.m., soaked
and chilled through, but after a change of
clothes we sat down to a hot supper. Then it
was pleasant to talk over the day’s work, laugh
and joke at some of the experiences we had had,
and think that we had added another pleasant
trip to the list, with still another to look forward
to. Let not the reader suppose that the sets
above recorded were all that we secured, but be-
ing typical “climbs,” it would be a needless waste
of space to enumerate our other experiences.

Large Sets of Eggs.

Mr. F. L. Farley, of St. Thomas, Ontario, re-
ports finding, in 1885, twenty-one eggs of the
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus erinitus,) in
a single nest, ina hole in an apple tree. The
eggs were of five different sizes and he thinks that
several females must have deposited them.

A somewhat similar case was the finding of
seven eggs of the Chipping Sparrow (Spizella
domestica), in one nest last summer. It is very
unlikely that one female laid them all.—J. P. W.

0.9

drat ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-

TH E ke
ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND—
OOLOGIST.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

NATURA LMHS PORN,

BIRDS,

THEIR NESTS AND EGGS.
DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES

AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD AND INSECT LIFE.

F. H. CARPENTER, Managing Editor,
REHOBOTH, MASS.

J. PARKER NORRIS, Odlogical Editor,
204 SoutH SEVENTH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA.

FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher,
409 WASHINGTON, ST., BOSTON, MASS.

Editorial.

The relation of birds to agriculture is a
subject which interests a large class of
people and is of more than ordinary im-
portance, Even from the primitive days
of American ornithology, all students of
birdlife, who carefully studied the matter,
were unanimous with a verdict in favor of
our feathered friends. With the excep-
tion of a few species, our birds were con-
sidered as beneficial to farmers, and even
the species which were formerly under the
shadow of suspicion are now recognized as
at least neutral, if not beneficial. Our
Congress has recognized this subject as
of national interest, and forthwith inves-
tigations are to be carried on to determine
what species are harmful and those that
may be beneficial to agriculture and horti-
culture. With all due acknowledgement
of the value of the “investigations” it
seems to us almost a waste of hfe. In-
vestigation in bird-life means more or less
shooting, and a collection of stomachs,
which is requested can be obtained but by
only one method—Aill.

We ask that a result of these investiga-

tions be arrived at as speedily as possible
and the decision made known; yet we
doubt if any ultimatum given at Washing-
ton will avail much with the average agri-
culturist, who if possessed of a gun does
not hesitate long what course to pursue,
when he sees some choice fruit or grain
assailed by a bevy of hungry birds. The
conclusion of these investigations can be
reached only by the slaughter of many
species in all localities, and we venture to
prophesy that the result will be, what any
observing mind can a present see, that the
birds are the farmer's greatest friends, not
even excepting that much persecuted fam-
ily, Raptores.

English vs. American Taxidermists.

BY WILLIAM T. HORNADAY.

Mr. Montague Brown’s remarks on American
taxidermy are so characteristically English they
ought not excite the least surprise on this side of
the water, and it is really a pity to advertise an
obscure man and a very common place manual
by noticing them. We have so long been accus-
tomed to hearing everything American systemat-
ically decried and sneered at by the English, we
naturally expect them to take the same view of
our taxidermy.

In giving an opinion of American taxidermy,
based on bird skins and magazine illustrations,
Mr. Brown shows that he is writing on a subject
he knows nothing at all about,—an eminently
English way of treating American topics. It is
merely his misfortune and not our fault that he
has not been over here and seen some of our best
productions.

Until the English can form a perfectly har-
monious and eminently successful national Socie-
ty of Taxidermists with over one hundred active
members, can hold three competitive exhibitions
and publish three annual reports such as ours,—
the like of all which has never been done in any
other country, and probably never will be,—we
can afford to let jealous foreigners say cf us what-
ever they choose. Until they can surpass our
best work, or produce work of their own which
we cannot surpass, they are welcome to rank us
wherever they please. Soon after the first exhi-
bition of the Society of American Taxidermists, I
addressed letters and printed documents to the
leading taxidermists of England, inviting them to
join us in an international exhibition. Not one

Sept. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

of my letters was replied to. For several years it
has been the dearest wish of many American taxi-
dermists whom I know, to have an opportunity
to meet all their foreign rivals, especially the
French, German and English, in a competitive ex-
hibition. When that opportunity comes, as come
it must sometime, the world shall see who are the
“worst,” and who have adopted the “crudest
English methods.”

The reference to the Century illustrations im-
pels me to relate a fact bearing upon them.
When the illustrative material for that very mis-
erable article, “The Taxidermal (sic) Art,” was
being collected, at the request of the editor, the
artist wrote to several well-known taxidermists
of London, requesting photographs of some of
their best work to use in illustrating the article.
Some photographs were promptly forwarded, but
alas, for human expectations! Mr. Beard in-
formed me that “the work they represented was
all so poor that the editor of the Century con-
cluded not to use any of them.” This is very sad.

True enough; the time was when it was neces-
sary to confess the great superiority of European
over American taxidermists. But that was years
ago, when Prof. Ward’s establishment was
founded. At that time ‘clever foreign artists”’
were imported, but none of them came from Eng-
land. The education of American taxidermists
by foreigners is entirely a thing of the past.
Even at Prof. Ward’s there is not at present even
one foreign taxidermist, nor has there been for
about a year; although in the beginning the men
from France and Germany reigned supreme.
Like the English before us, we have learned our
first principles from French and German sources;
but we have been able to improve upon them,
and go beyond them, in a way our plodding Eng-
lish cousins never have and never will.

PRACTICAL TAXIDERMY.

CHAPTER XIV.—MOUNTING DAMAGED SPECIMENS.

{In publishing these articles on Taxidermy all rights are
reserved for future publication in book form. ]

The following method of mounting rare speci-
mens when badly shot on one side may be of
some value to some of the readers of the ORrNI-
THOLOGIST AND OGLOGIST.

Suppose you have a bird badly torn on the
right side. Take the skin in the ordinary way.
Then spread your skin out before you with the
inside uppermost. Then take your scalpel and
cut along the middle of the skin thus from A to B,

leaving the skin on the
neck and head whole. Keep
the part cut off for you may
want the tip of the wing or
the foot in the mounted
specimen. Now mix some
plaster of paris and water
together in a deep pan,
making a thin paste of it.
Then take the body of the
bird and grease it carefully
all over the left side. Then
cut off the neck close to the
body and push the body
into the plaster paste just up
to the breast bone. Now
put your skin in a place
where it will not dry fast,
and put your plaster paste
with the body in it where

it will dry rapidly.

When the plaster has gotten hard take a knife
and run it in between the plaster and the bird, all
the way around, then take the body out; but be

careful not to break the plaster. Now take your
plaster impression and grease it well in every
little cranny. Take some more plaster and water
and mix and pour into the impression until full,
then let it set until perfectly hard, then take out
carefully. Now take up your skin and put just a
trifle of cotton in the neck. Now geta nice piece
of board and place your plaster half body on it,
in the position you wish it. Paste it on tightly.
Then take your half skin and fit it on; you will
find that the feathers will lie just as they do in
nature, for the cast is exactly the same shape as
the body; now paste the edge of the skin all
around and put the head and neck in position
with pins; covering the heads with feathers.
Now put the feet and wings in position and paste
them there. The decorations on the panel can
be put on a ledge running along the bottom of

the panel, for the ground.—James Speed, Jr.
need

Hawking in June.

Bashi Gag

The tramps we take in quest of the eggs of
Buteo are generally associated with the memory of
the leafless woods and fickle temperature of our
New England April. But the keen eye of the
observing collector will detect many nests, which
show by their construction that the architecture
is “hawkish” in model, yet the positive knowl-
edge that they are new to our experience, coupled
with their weather-beaten appearance, leaves as a
safe conclusion in our debating mind, that they

138

ORNITHOL

GIS

[Vol. 11-No. 9

are nests built during the intermin of our visit the
previous spring and the present, and often when
pursuing Bob-white with gun and setter in
autumn I observed so many nests of the Red-
shouldered Hawk’s erection, in very familiar
woods, which had been well searched in the
spring, that it was extremely provoking to think
how they had escaped me, for I had diligently
sought the second sets about the middle of May,
but save for a single instance, I was unrequited
for my labor.

My apprisal of the true condition of affairs re-
garding their late or second laying came upon me
unexpectedly and solved the hitherto unsatisfac-
tory problem. While hunting for nests of the
Scarlet Tanager about the middle of June in ’78,
the scream of a Red-shouldered Hawk caused my
mind to revert to the vexed question, and I began
a careful search for the nest, which was found
after several ascents to deserted and empty domi-
ciles. This nest, differing in no way from those
found in early spring, contained three eggs, the
contents of which the blow-pipe proved to be
nearly fresh. Thinking that perhaps this instance
was typical of their second laying, I looked for
their nests on the following day, and was success-
ful to a moderate degree, finding three nests of
the Red-shouldered Hawk, each containing three
fresh eggs, and one of the Red-tailed Hawk with
young just hatched. Since this, my first experi-
ence in their late breeding, I have annually taken
an occasional hawking trip the second week in
June with good success.

One interesting feature, is the length of time
which intervenes between the dates of the two
periods of incubation, for having taken a set from
a pair of B. lineatus as early as April 15, I am
obliged to wait until June 8th ere I could take the
completed second set. LB. borealis breeding earlier in
April is correspondingly earlier with second sets,
having them ready by May 13th, although I have
found fresh sets as late as May 26. It seems as
though the Luteos learn a lesson from the predat-
ory excursions of odlogists in early spring, and
they wait until the foliage of the forest has devel-
oped sufficiently to screen the nests from view,
and their patient waiting is in many cases re-
warded, for I doubt if one-third of the nests can
be found when hidden in the leafy woods of
June; and the number of hawks observed show
that they still hold their own against the com-
bined warfare of odlogists, farmers and legislative
enactment.

Wawking in June differs somewhat from the
same pastime in April. To ascend the forty-foot
smooth trunk of a chestnut tree on a summer

midday will remind one forcibly of a modern
sweat bath—with the bath left out—while mos-
quitoes, evidently aware that both hands are fully
occupied in grasping the tree, will present their
bills with audacity beyond description, and as a
culminating crisisin many cases the nest will be
found empty or squirrel-occupied, while the nest,
to which the pair of hawks screaming overhead
belong, can be seen in an equally difficult tree <
few rods distant, but which, owing to the density
of the foliage, could not be seen from the ground ;
yet, nevertheless, as a change from the usual col-
lecting of the month, and as much is still to be
learned about their second breeding, it would be
well for odlogists to go “ Hawking in June.”

A Two Days’ Collecting Trip on the
Jersey Coast.

BY HARRY G. PARKER, CHESTER, PENN.

On the lower coast of New Jersey, four miles
from the main land, is an island which is so rich
in wooded hills, plains, swamp and marshy
meadow, that hundreds of birds pause in their
migrations, and tempted by the suitable sites for
housekeeping, linger and take up their residence
there. This island is some two leagues in length,
about one mile in width at its upper end and tapers
until at the southern end it is but three hundred
yards across. Looking from the ocean side we
see the wonderful sandhills, which have been
centuries in forming, and which tower to the
majestic height of a hundred feet in many places.
These hills are clothed with a stunted growth of
pine, and when seen from a distance present all
the variety shown by a European ruin, which
they much resemble. Just behind the bluffs is a
swamp, extending for about two miles, in which
grow the largest of pine trees; and in its midst is
an island, solid and firm, but it is only reached by
wading through foul and stagnant water
deep. Once landed here we see how prodigal
Nature has been in bestowing upon this limited
tract all the wealth of verdure of a semi-tropical
wilderness. Immense wild grape vines cast out
their arms from tree to tree, the beautiful wsnea
and other mosses cover the trees and vines, and
looking at this place from the top of the adjacent
sandhill, the western afternoon sun shining
through the treetops, and giving life and beauty
to everything within, we see such a sight as once
witnessed is not soon to be forgotten. After
leaving this island swamp behind, and going
further west there is a stretch of salt marshy
meadow, extending for over a mile toward the
Sound. These meadows are soft and treacherous,

yaist

Sept. 1886.]

159

AND OOLOGIST.

and are irrigated by natural sluices and canals,
which though not looking deep are really im-
passable; and one may have to travel a mile to the
source of such channel in order to reach a coveted
nest almost within grasp—but just across the
water. Returning to the ocean side and between
the sandhills and the ocean are numbers of dead
cedars—the hollowed trunks alone standing and
offering the chosen nesting sites of the White-
bellied Swallow, (Zachycineta bicolor). This island
is occupied by but two families. Ina house near
lower end (known as the Government House) isa
Life-saving Station, in which this modern Selkirk
and his wife live the year round; and three anda
half miles further up is an old-fashioned farm
house, with well appointed out-buildings, in
which reside the family who has charge of the
place—for the island is owned by a Philadelphia
millionaire, who refuses any price for it, and
whose interests are looked after by the family in
question.

To this spot a friend and myself repaired in the
latter part of May of the present year, hiring a
man and boat on the mainland. A sail of an hour
against tide and wind landed us at the southern
end of the island. From out the dead cedars
above alluded to we take a few sets of the White-
bellied Swallow. The birds are very plentiful
and so are the nests, no doubt, but it requires
time and a sharp hatchet to reach the eggs. The
natural weather-beaten holes in the trees afford
them an entrance to a spot within, on which is
deposited hay and feathers. The general makeup
of the nest reminds one much of the home of our
common Bluebird, (Stalia sialis). A full set is
five eggs, as this is the number we invariably
found, and the correct time for fresh sets is May
25th to 380th. But although these Swallows are
of much interest, and their antics in playing with
a feather while their homes are being despoiled,
are very curious, still larger game is in sight, and
within a stretch of half a mile up the beach can
be seen a dozen huge nests of the Fish Hawk,
(Pundion haliaetus carolinensis).

These nests are invariably placed upon dead
cedars and pines, and the surest indication that
man has not disturbed them is that they build in
such accessible places that a child could climb to
nine nests out of ten. In fact I removed a fine
set of two eggs from a nest without taking my
feet from the ground. So much has been written
about these noble birds, and their habits and
manners are so well known, that it would be
superfluous here to enlarge upon them. There
were certainly a hundred nests in this place, and
the majority of them were tenanted. The birds

in no case molested_my companion or myself,
though they flew about quite near, emitting their
angry cry. We took a sufficient number of sets
to show all the variation the eggs are subject to,
both in size and shape, but probably did not visit
more than one-fifth of the nests which we saw.
Within a space of thirty yards we took four full
sets of three eggs, and along a foot path traveled
by the Life Guards there were sixteen nests
within a half mile, every one of which contained
eggs. Some of these hawks have evidently had
experience elsewhere, for they build very safely.
For instance, one pair built their enormous nest
of fagots on top of the stump of a tree about
twelve feet high, but as the nest projected far out
on every side it was impossible to see its interior
without the aid of a ladder, of which there was
none athand. Another pair had their abode in
the top of a pine, without branches except at the
top, where it grew out parasol-shape in living
green, and in the midst of this was cunningly
hidden a nest, ifsuch a word can be properly ap-
plied to such an immense mass. I took pains to
examine this nest critically. It was four and a
half feet high, three feet across the top, and had
evidently been occupied for many seasons. The
inside, or rather top, (for the nests are not
hollowed out much) was a deposit of cow and
sheep dung, dead fish, and one king crab. In
this rubbish were three eggs well imbedded in the
wet dung, and consequently much discolored.
Some of the fagots forming this nest were five feet
in length and as large as a man’s wrist. Beneath
the tree was a pile of sticks which had either
been dropped or discarded. The average height
from the ground of about forty nests was twenty-
five feet, in no case more than fifty feet, and in
many cases not more than twelve. While speak-
ing of Ospreys it may be interesting to note that
on the Jersey coast and inland for a mile or two,
the farmers erect a pole witha platform on top for
the accommodation of these birds. This is planted
in the midst of a corn or wheat field, and the theo-
ry is that where a Fish Hawk has its nest no Crow
or Grackle is to be found. The fine for robbing a
nest is $50, and the “Scientific clause” has been
eliminated from the game laws of the State—I
venture to say that few nests on the main land are
ever molested.

In the living pines which abound on the island
at almost all parts the Fish Crow, (Corvus ossi-
fragus,) breeds. ‘These birds are also legion here,
and their eggs are beautiful—much like the Com-
mon Crow, (Corvus frugivorus,) except as regards
size, they being much smaller. The nests of this
crow are easily reached, as the birds have not
learned of man’s treachery, and are comparatively

140

_ ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 9

fearless. Fresh sets can be taken from May 15th
to 25th, though the 20th is about the right time.
It is curious but true, that the crows which breed
on the mainland are all the Common Crow,
(Corvus frugivorus,) while the Fish Crow,
(C. ossifragus,) have the island tothemselves. In
the salt meadows are hundreds of Clapper Rails,
(Rallus longirostris crepitans), but at the time of
our visit their nests contained only from three to
five eggs. I know of nothing in bird life more
hideous or ungainly than a rail freshly startled
from her nest. She reminds me of a muddy ball
as she silently rises but a few feet and sails away
just over the top of the meadow grass.

Here also we saw the Sea-side Finch, (Ammo-
dromus maritimus,) and Sharp-tailed Finch, (A.
cwudacutus,) but were too early for their eggs.
About June 15th is the proper time in that lati-
tude for both Rails and Finches. I have in my
cabinet a series of sets of both these finches taken
on these same meadows. In 1885 my companion
took a perfectly identified nest of Henslow’s Spar-
row, (Coturniculus henslowi,) and four fresh eggs
on the 27th, but we did not see any of the birds
on this trip. Returning to our swamp we saw
numbers of Warblers, notably the Blue Yellow-
backed, (Parula americana) Redstart, (Setophaga
ruticilla,) Prairie, (Dendrwca discolor,) and Golden-
winged Warbler, (Lelminthophaga chrysoptera).
One specimen of the Pileated Woodpecker,
(Hylotomus pileatus,) almost transfixed us as we
gazed upon him in life for the first time.

A herony occupies a small tract on the Sound
side, and in the midst of the most inaccessible
portion of the swamp. The huge pines here
throw out their branches, and so closely do the
trees grow that a person can travel from one to
the other by these limbs without touching land,
or rather water. The Great Blue Herons, (Ardea
herodias), are exclusive, inasmuch as they have
appropriated a choice piece of swamp land to
themselves. Coming upon them on the first even-
ing of our visit, just at dusk we started a dozen or
more of the large birds from their platform nests,
and they arose in their clumsy manner with many
hoarse cries, The Snowy Heron, (Garzetta candi-
dessinut,) and Black-crowned Night Herons, (Vy-
ctiardea grisea nevia,) also breed just below the
Great Blue quarters, but we did not observe any
little Green Herons, (Butorides virescens,) although
they breed plentifully on the mainland. The in-
habitants of that portion of New Jersey nearest
this island call these herons Cranes and Boobies,
and they assert that yearly they rob the nests of
fresh eggs, which are highly prized as an article
of diet.

Besides these we noticed many of our commoner
species. Ina shed, built evidently to house a life
boat or truck, and open at both ends, a colony of
Barn Swallows, (Zlirundo erythrogastra,) had taken
up their abode, and we counted nearly fifty nests
within a smallenclosure just about large enough
to successfully keep a load of hay from getting
wet. These nests contained from three to six eggs
each, and were placed in every conceivable posi-
tion from the rafters at top of the structure to
cross-beams within easy reach from ground.
Numbers of Laughing Gulls, (Larus atricilla,)
Black Skimmers, (Rhynchops nigra), Wilson's
Plover, (Ochthodromus wilsonius,) Piping Plover,
(dgralites melodus,) Least Tern, (Sterna antil-
larum,) Common Tern, (S. fluviatilis,) Gull-billed
Tern, (S. anglica,) breed here but he who would
take their eggs must come about June 15th in
this latitude.

Having visited many of the finest collecting
grounds within a radius of seventy-five miles
from Philadelphia, I can assert that no such
place for diversity of bird life can anywhere be
found, as exists on this almost untenanted island
within seventy-five miles of Pennsylvania’s most
populous city.

Breeding of the Florida Barred Owl
in Texas:

BY J. A. SINGLEY, GIDDINGS, TEXAS.

Having found this owl breeding here (Strix
nebulosa allent,) I desire to place upon record its
occurrence in this State (Texas). It is our com-
monest owl, and unlike the Great Horned Owl,
frequents the thick wooded bottoms almost ex-
clusively. An occasional pair are to be found in
the uplands. The Middle Yugua Creek bottoms
are a favorite resort for this owl, the trees being
heavily draped with the Spanish moss, which
offers them a cool and shady retreat during the
day. Many a time when camping out in those
bottoms on the banks of Wimberly Lake, have I
been entertained by the music(?) of this species.
They have a habit of gathering about a camp as
I have often noticed, when, supper over and _ re-
clining on our blankets indulging in a pipe, the
light from our camp-fire casting sombre shadows
among the trees, the long draperies of Spanish
moss concealing foliage and branches, and sway-
ing with the breeze. All nature was at rest, and
no sound was to be heard except now and then
the hoarse cry of a heron or some of the wild
waterfowl on the lake, or an occasional bellow of
an alligator and howling of the wolves to break
the brooding silence. At such times the owls
gather in the surrounding trees, and a low croon

Sept. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

141

ing sounding can be heard—probably the tuning
up of the orchestra preparatory to the overture.
Suddenly a shrill and prolonged scream will be
emitted by one or more of the owls, compared by
those who know, to a Comanche war-whoop.
Then will succeed from all congregated a series
of laughs, ha-ha-ha, he-he, ho-ho, hough, ending at
the last in a gurgle as if the bird was overcome
by its performance. The concert is repeated at
intervals during the night.

Their most common hoot is a long dismal hoo-
hoo-hoo-augh. During the breeding season this
hoot is heard at all times of the day and night.
It is through their hooting proclivities that I find
the nests, (which are invariably in a hollow tree,)
by the female on the nest answering the male,
who is generally close to the nest during the day.

I found a nest of this ow] March 22, 1885, with
two young. This season I thought I would bea
little earlier, and I visited the tree the middle of
February, and as I dislike climbing unless I think
odlogical fruit is ripe, I contented myself with
hammering against the tree with my climbers,
but no owl flew out. I visited the tree at inter-
vals, but did not climb until March 10th, when I
noticed a down feather on the edge of the hollow.
I strapped on my climbers and went up. When
near the cavity the owl flew out. I looked in and
found—a young owlet about twenty-four hours
old, and another egg nearly ready to hatch. Now
why did not this owl fly off the nest when I
wanted it to? In all other nests I have found
the occupants were easily scared off. The young
in down are of pearly white color—feet, bill and
claws pale yellowish. The down stops abruptly
at the foot of the toes. At one week old the pin-
feathers showed plainly on the wings, and at this
age the owlets “peeped” like a very young chick-
en. When twenty days old the wings are feath-
ered—the young owls being beautifully mottled
with white and bright brown. The little fellows
showed fight, bracing themselves against the
sides of the cavity, and snapping their bills
viciously wheu I tried to handle them. The strip
of bristly feathers on the outside of the middle
toe now showed plainly.

Owing to sickness and want of time, I did not
visit the nest again until the last of April, and I
found to my sorrow that my pets were gouc—
having either been captured by a wildcat or coon,

or having left the nest of their own accord.

By the way, is not this owl also credited with
laying more eggs than it really does? My record
is: Seventeen nests with eggs or young. The
number of eggs in each set was invariably two.
A set of two now in the collection of J. Parker

Norris, Esq., of Philadelphia, Pa., was taken out
of a pinoak tree March 20, 1885. Depth of cavity
18 inches; diameter 16 inches; about 35 feet up.
Egg No. 1 measures 1.89x1.58; No. 2, 1.86x1.61.
Another set taken March 15th was in a postoak
stub, 27 feet up; diameter, about 16 inches;
depth, 10 inches. I could partly see the owl
from the foot of the tree. This set is now in the
collection of Mr. Harry G. Parker, Chester, Pa.,
and measures 2.01x1.73 and 1.97x1.71. All the
eggs, with one exception, are subspherical, pure
white, smooth, without granulations. Three
other sets (six eggs) taken this season, measure
respectively: 1.97x1.78, 1.90x1.61, 1.88x1.67, 1.89
x1.60, 1.81x1.54 and 1.87x1.63. Of another set
in the collection of Mr. Thomas H. Jackson,
West Chester, Pa., I have no data other than that
one of the eggs in the set was of an elliptical
form. By comparing the average of these ten
eggs with the average of the Barred Owl eggs as
given by Coues and Davie, it will be seen that
they are slightly smaller than eggs of the last
named species. In conclusion, the identification
of the owl is beyond a doubt. I have taken nine
specimens since January, 1886—five of them
when flushed from the nest. I sent out several
of them to corroborate my naming, sending one
to Mr. Wm. Brewster, of Concord, Mass., who
wrote me as follows: ‘“ The owl is typical adlend.
I cannot see that it differs in the least from Flori-
da specimens.”

Occurring in Texas and described from Florida,
it ought to be found in the intervening states.

The Nest and Eggs of the Acadian
Flycatcher.

‘

BY E. J. DURAND, CANANDAIGUA, N. Y.

The Acadian Flycatcher, (Hmpidonax acadicus).
was, previous to the spring of 1885, un-
known tome. On May 3d, 1885, I noticed a pair
of these birds in our orchard, busily gleaning
among the branches. On May 28th I found that
they commenced to build a nest on a_hori-
zontal branch of an apple tree, ten feet from
the ground. In about six days it was finished,
and the female had laid one egg; but the next day
I happened to go under the tree and was very
much disappointed to find that a Cowbird in the
effort to deposit her egg in the nest had turned out
the Flycatcher’s and her own, and both eggs lay
broken on the ground. Two weeks later, I found
a nest of the Acadian Flycatcher in an orchard
about four miles from our house, which contained
three eggs, slightly incubated, measuring .75x.56,
75x.55, .76x.56. The eggs when found were of a

142

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 9

creamy white color, but soon changed to pure
white. The markings vary but little on the
different eggs, there being but few fine points of
very dark brown scattered about the egg. The
first nest found was outwardly composed of strips
of the inner bark of some tree, dried grass,
rootlets and some threads. The lining of fine
dried grass, was neatly arranged. The nest was
avery thin loose structure and was fastened to the
fork of the branch with cobwebs. The second
nest differed from the first by being more com-
pact and by having a large amount of wool en-
tering into its composition; it measured as follows:
Diameter, three and one half inches ; height, three
inches; depth of cavity, one and one-half inches;
diameter, two and one-quarter inches. Both
nests were placed on a horizontal limb, and both
were about ten feet from the ground. The birds
were very bold. Flying within a few feet of one’s
head they uttered a sharp, shrill note, and then
alight on a neighboring branch. They left for
the south in September.

Nesting of the Mississippi Kite.

BY SEs Ni
It affords the present writer great pleasure to be
able to describe an authentic instance of the find-
ing of the nest of the Mississippi Kite, (Zetinda
subcerulea).

On May 8, 1867, the late G. H. Carpenter, (who
was an enthusiastic and learned naturalist, and
who possessed one of the finest private ornitholo-
gical and odlogical cabinets in the United States,
almost entirely the result of his own labors) found
a nest of this species in Carroll County, Louisiana,
near the River Boeuf. It was in a large oak tree,
about fifteen rods from the edge of a dense swamp
of large growth. The nest was composed of
coarse sticks and shreds of bark, lined entirely
with the hanging moss which grew luxuriantly
from the trees in that locality.

The nest contained one egg, which was fresh.
The ground color is of a dirty white, marked at
one end with three faded brown blotches. The
remainder of the surface is covered with smaller
and lighter spots, about the size of an old-fash-
ioned silver three cent piece. It measures 1.67x
1.35 inches.

One of the parent birds was shot, and on dissec-
tion it proved to be the female. Its ovary con-
tained one egg. The egg and parent bird are now
in the cabinet of Mr. F. II. Carpenter, who is the
fortunate possessor of the magnificent collection
made by his lamented uncle, the late G. TH. Car-
penter.

Nesting of the Spotted Owl.

BY tds) EN

Little is known concerning the nesting of the
Spotted Owl, (Strix occidentalis,) and it is there-
fore a source of pleasure to the writer to be able
to record the taking of a set of the eggs of this
species.

On May 19th, 1885, E. M. Haight found the
nest of this species near Riverside, California.
The eggs were laid on the bare ground, at the
base of a large rock, and the only attempt at nest-
building was the presence of a few feathers which
were lying around. There were two eggs, of
which the incubation was slight. They are of
the usual dull whitish color for eggs of the owl
family, and their appearance can be best described
by likening them to those of the common Barred
Owl, (Strix nebulosa,) but they are a little longer.
One of them measures 2.11x1.67, and the other
2,.12x1.68 inches.

Mr. Haight saw the parent bird very closely,
and is positive there can be no mistake as to the
identity of the eggs. In addition to being a care-
ful collector of many years’ experience, he is well
acquainted with all the other species of owls
found in the neighborhood of Riverside; and he
is sure it was none of them. That town is about
one hundred and twenty-five miles north of the
Mexican border.

The eggs are in the cabinet of a gentleman in
Philadelphia, whose address will be furnished to
any one applying for it to the editor of this maga-
zine.

An Albino Tree Swallow.

On Sunday, August Ist, I was passing along the
road between Lacon and “Undereliff,’ and about a
mile south of the cliff I saw an albino Tree Swal-
low. It was with a large flock of the kind and
they were along a telegraph wire. As to the iden-
tity of the bird there can be no doubt, because I
had a splendid opportunity to examine it, the bird
being very tame, and I having a pair of opera
glasses with me. The bird was a pure white one
and presented a lovely sight balanced on its out-
stretched wings in the full sunlight. The entire
party of picnicers watched it for ten or fifteen
minutes. Not being a skin collector myself I
made no attempt to shoot it, but being fully aware
of what a prize is extant, take this method of
warning southern collectors to be on the lookout,
for should they be fortunate enough to capture it,
they would have one of the most beautiful birds I
have ever seen. Should any one secure it I should
be pleased to have him inform all bird lovers
through these columns.—R. M. Barnes, Lacon, Ill.

Sept. 1886. ]

145

AND eles

ENTOMOLOG a

WRIGHT & BATES,
265 No. Beacon St., Brighton, Mass.,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.

Address all communications for this department as above.

Owing to a combination of circumstan-
ces we have been unable to see proofs of
the last three numbers. In consequence
some errors have crept in that are alike
annoying to our correspondents and our-
selves. Hereafter we will see the proofs
‘before going to press and will endeavor to
see that there is no further cause for com-
plaint.

An Ant Battle.

BY L. E. HOOD.

Ants are remarkable insects and are very intel-
ligent, some being fine masons, constructing won-
derful homes full of arches, galleries and cham-
bers; others are architects and gnaw palaces in
tree trunks, that are grand evidences of their
industry and perseverance; others, like the Agri-
cultural Ant of Texas, plant and harvest grain
for future use.

Some with less pretensions live under stones,
bark of trees and in any place that will furnish
them protection; but whether you look to the
small species that plague the housewife by crawl-
ing into the sugar, butter and preserves, or the
great ants of the tropics, that construct hills eight
feet high, you will find plenty of interesting study.

In their houses, or cities as they may well be
termed, they live in peace, though thousands are
living under one roof, working, gathering food,
and caring for the young, with but one thought:
the general welfare of the whole.

In their daily life they show much patience
and love for one anothers and often do things
that are so intelligent that it would almost seem
more than instinct.

Living, as they do, in colonies of vast numbers,
they consume a large amount of food and are
obliged to keep foragers out all the time, who
seem to be content with their hard life, are very
industrious, often carrying burdens many times
their own size and weight, and not only will they
do their own share of toil, but will hasten to help
a brother when he has more than he can carry.

It is a curious sight to watch them at their
work, and I have often placed flies and other in-
sects in their path and noticed many remarkable
traits of character.

Once as I was walking in the fields I heard a
rustling in the grass, looking down I saw two
brown ants trying to drag a disabled grasshopper
toward a large ant hill not far away, but do their
best it was impossible for them to gain an inch,
the ants would rush up and catching the grass-
hopper by the wing or leg draw back, but a half
jump of the hopper would compel them to seek
safety in flight. They would return again to the
charge but all in vain.

Finding they were not able to drag their prey
away, one ran off to the hill, while the other
stayed to continue the fight.

Ina few moments I saw a brown ant rush up
followed by a score of others, and by their united
strength soon had the grasshopper under control
and I saw the last of him as he was drawn
through one of the openings of their nest.

When one finds a treasure he communicates it
to the others and soon many will be seen around
it; place a spoonful of granulated sugar near an
ant’s nest and before long one will find it; grasp-
ing a grain it will carry it into the nest, and on its
return others will follow until it is fairly covered
with moving forms, and in a short time they will
have it carried away.

That they have some way of expressing
thoughts to one another is a well-known fact, but
how it is done is more of a mystery ; perhaps it
is done by certain touches of the antenne, as it is
common to see them use this organ in meeting
one another, at times by simply touching anten-
nee to antennee. At others they stroke the head,
thorax or body. Just what these different move-
ments signify it is hard to learn, but often when
one finds a treasure too big to carry alone it
rushes back to the ant hill, and running about
touches several ants and soon a number of them
will be seen going in the direction of the coveted
prize.

They are very affectionate to their young.
Disturb a nest and you will find them carrying
off their larvee and pup to places of safety with-
out a seeming thought of their own danger.

Then they have wars, and fight in a most sav-
age way. At times countless thousands engage
in the strife, and it is said by those who have
seen them, that they go forth in companies, with

scouts, officers and foragers, like a regular army.

These wars are for various objects, mostly for
slaves; but sometimes to punish injuries, real or
supposed.

I have never seen but one battle between ants,
and this one was more of a mob, for it lacked all
order or system, and as far as I could see had no
officers or scouts, but the attacking party merely

144

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11--No. 9

out orders whenever they were met by the enemy.

It was caused by a small party of ants ona
shrub where they were “milking” some of their
cow aphids, and before the real battle I saw an
invading ant expelled twice from the shrub. An-
gered by injuries received, it hobbled home to an
ant hill not far away, and soon hosts of its fel-
lows rushed forth and fell upon their foes and
for a time the fighting was fierce.

Heads, legs and antennze began to be strewn
over the ground, and it is hard to say which
would have won had not a severe hail storm dis-
turbed them and put out of my head all thoughts
of collecting for the day.

A subsequent visit to the field did not add any
light on the battle, for all traces of the fight were
gone, and the two tribes of ants were calmly pur-
suing their usual work.

[While collecting in Newton, Mass., in 1884, I
saw a battlefield strewn with dead and dying
ants, many of them badly mutilated, but was too
late to see the engagement. The blacks seemed
to have had decidedly the worst of the fight.
Legs, antenne and heads were scattered around
promiscuously, and occasionally a black and a
brown would be fastened together as they had
died fighting. I have never had the pleasure of
witnessing an actual battle—EDb. }

Salve Bugs.

I have just received through the kindness of
Capt. E. Cantillion, of Gloucester, some speci-
mens of what the sailors call “salve bugs,” owing
to the fact that almost the entire substance inside
of the skin or shell, is like wax or salve, and can
be worked or molded in the same manner. When
dry this substance is very hard, semi-transparent,
and resembles common red resin.

The “bug” itself is shaped very much like the
ordinary sour bug, usually found under sticks
and stones, with the exception that it has a small
tail or fin composed of overlapping pieces for
swimming. There are twelve segments or rings
between the head and tail, all overlapping each
other posteriorly, each of the first seven being
about three times as wide as any of the others,
and each supporting a pair of legs, armed with a
long, sharp terminal claw, the three anterior pairs
much more hooked than the others. The mouth
is formed for sucking and projects slightly down-
ward from the center of the underside of the
head. The whole upper surface is hard, smooth
and polished and the colors range from white
to dark brown.

They are parasites of the codfish and are usual-

“years.

ly found attached to the fins or tail. Their flat
under surface, sharp claws and the position of the
mouth all go to show how well they are adapted to
retain their position and secure food during the
rapid motion of the fish. The specimens referred
to were taken over three hundred and fifty feet
below the surface of the ocean, on the Georges
banks. Length, 1 to 14 inches.—J. A. Wright.
abbr be ates A

IS Ee be ATA.
Page 93, second column, fifth line, for forward read
Sormed,

Same column, seventh line from bottom, for Amyutor
read Amyntor.

Page 126, second column, twenty-sixth line from top, for
Cicindelide read Cicindela.

Same column, twelfth line from bottom, for punctutata
read punctulata.

Same column, eleventh line from bottom, for darsalis
read dorsalis.

CORRESPONDENCE.

‘‘Botany of Birds’ Nests.”’

EDITOR ORNITHOLOGIST AND ObLOGIST—SrR: Last night
two little boys who have resided in South America, and are
much interested in birds, brought a bird’s nest to me to
identify. I told them it was a Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
They then gave me the particulars about the three young,
which they saw fly, and the old birds, which made it posi-
tive. These birds, as you are aware, are not very common.
The nest was on grounds well protected.

It was the nest of this bird that set me to thinking what
an interesting matter it would be to study the botany of
birds’ nests. Those found around Rockville, Conn., were
all built alike, of one material, which puzzled me for several
At last the material proved to be the slender
branches of the hemlock, stripped of its leaves. The young
left this nest in July. You should make a brief note of this
find so far east.—J. M. Wade.

pote ee

It will soon be time to collect birds for
specimens, and taxidermists, both profes-
sional and amateur, are getting ready.
There are two methods for disinfecting
the skins before stuffing them, namely,
arsenical soap, and what is known as “ Der-
mal preservative.” Let all be advised in
time that arsenical soap is the only posi-
tively sure method yet discovered. The
“Dermal” is a delusion and a snare; “ we
have used both, and in no case has the
latter proved efficacious,” says a correspon-
dent.— Boston Saturday Evening Gazette.

se —

REcCEIVED.—C. S. Brimley, Thos. Miller, G. IF’. Bren-
ninger, Walter Hoxie, Thos. H, Jackson, J. A. Singley, Harry
R. Taylor, They will please accept our thanks.

aN a ONS
Ys . d ko
WA OCTOBER, 1886.4

Established 1875.

veGuseavensensensasenuscuouacunsesseneouevausepanvaueunnsenencevuueunsuennanecensenusnennosanseneccaneacensens

Published by
FRANK B. WEBSTER,

409 Washington St., Boston, Mass.

Entered at Boston Post Office as Second-Class Matter.

CONTENTS.

Vol. XS) No: TO October, tsa50.

Some Ornithological Explorations in the Dead River Region of

Maine.» oars oc sidhcens 220 se ee eens ta Ooi ae FE. H, CARPENTER «..2525-0 cee 145
Notes on Some Birds of the Great Smoky Mountains.......... A. GE Moynn: MoD. .cosc cmoeeee 147
Observations on the Development and the Decay of the Pigment

Layer of Birds’ Eggs............. ... A, M. WAtpow1, M..D...... .- 148
DITOBLAT c «ees tenes oar ees See aMiscaet enaushevdestghs a FSS CHOE OL CAE oe een 152
Eges of White-tailed Kite... 2.65. sce s 0c cues nes nent feiss sinlgios eee emmys paige + ols | oo ote nicl 152
Field Notes on Some Birds of Colorado............ 2-6. ee eee .. Cas, F.’ MomRISON. : (1. 3cen ee 158
Nesting of Swallow-tailed Kite... 2.0. .0...00 6 eer ene ee ewe eg J. A. SINGLY. i\- dns hse ee 154
The Florida or White-eyed Towhee..-... 2.2.2... s. 6 es wees WALTER Hoxte 155
Nesting of Worm-eating Warbler...............-..++-+-eeeee THOS. H, JACKSON, +.) 534.5 see ten 156
Tarkey Buzzard in, Massachusetts... 2-2-6. ne we eee eee EL GW ee eee 157
ENTroMoLoay—Sphingadae of New England... 2.2. 6... op ene ees oc ne oc omega me eee 158
The Cherry-tree Borer... 2... cece c eee cee ee eee eee eee Le HOODS fs enact nee 158
BTOSEr VINE AiaT VAC ses ye ones eters si<'= omens Sihdeeganvorrane ttn PAUIOREVERE 2): c. :2<speie eee 158
Sea sland Insects: 0. os tihes cee es ones «he een orm cre nsie els, oe ota WALTER HOXtE ; 159

CorrRESPONDENCE—Destruction of Birds for Millinery Purposes ;

Amateurand AV Ole tes este

BEST READING

AT LOW RATES-

Price each. Our Price.
$4 00 Century Magazine.,............2.5- seesee cere e hd 60
3 00rChristian at Work. ?...:-ccocesec ess Been sredieisisities 2 S85
A500 Harper's WGC Ys ia%e-cys in) Astaino sialevele wiepiosalsja\o = lela ais'sim'e 3 30
4 00 &S NEYepY mls eeeriad CooboCn DDO Gee5 doub Jaen oc 3 10
1 25 New York Tribune, Weekly...........2+-2++-++ 1 00
1 25 be TAM OS WiC OR Vin m= =le\ale'sie te siele'n 6 sIsioia's win 95
1 00 ee Witness, Weekly.............0--+-00 95
5 00 North American Review..............seeeeeee0s 4 20

HOMOursTAtHelONesiw. ncn cscs omelette eens cee seicia ors 2 115
2300) Peterson’s’Macazine. csectc.csscweasecemecnenasme 1 50
2eOO Ruralonew Vy OLKers as ccutcancanciisiontiecn omen nee 1 80
= 20) Scientific Americans ss, cadence woah ctthaelatssiciestel en 2.15
5 00 Scientific American Supplement.............-+.. 4 25
SOOO WSs INICI OLAS trateralcisteimiarcta.cielefs,s avoir e ofekantseiets trees 2 30

Subscriptions for the above publications will be re-
ceived at this office at the low rates named in second col-
umn.

2,600 other Papers and Magazines at equally low rates.
One agent wanted at each Post Office. Catalogue Free.

Please mention Ornithologist Odlogist. Address,
W. R. CHASE & CO., Scio, New York.

FOR E=xczancee.

EGGS of the Long-billed Curlew, Merlin, European Buz-
zard, Heron, Fulmars, Stormy Petrel, Whistling Swan,
Great Skna, Snow Buntivg, Blue-throat Warbler, and
others, all in sets. W. RAINE,
124 Bond St., Toronto, Canada.

Removed
R. E. RACHFORD & SON.,

=4Collecting Naturalists,
From Grigsby’s Bluff to

BEAUMONT, TEXAS.

ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST

ADVERTISING RATES.

Outside mare: Vrnreeiys somite Cs ato sie slate seiel= eters $12.00
ING MD OE IRTSS sae ena oseaonda6s afore Sioistotiteceiskawlete 10.00
Half page, inside... 2... ccsccscnscnsctsscvens - 6.00
al fi COMM a aterterevers aie eralaealeloietarelein siete niatelas 3.00
Less than half column—per inch.............. 1.00
Pervhne ti os eip.cye wccles ciety ohloeis v's iarelels)sleinte ins ere 12
Exchanges not exceeding five lines........... 25

All advertisements must be in before the 20th of each
month. Vol. XI began January, 1886.

Subscription, $1 50; Specimen Copies, 15c.

Subscriptions at the rate of seven shillings and sixpence
per annum, will be received by ALFRED CLIFF, Glenelg,
Grosvenor Road, St. Albans, England.

FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher.”
409 Washington Street, Boston, | Mass.

WRIGHT & BATES,

Natural History Collectors.

Having a number of collectors now at work, and bein}
in constant communication with specialists, we are pre-
pared to collect, to order, specimens in ane branch of Nat-
ural History.

For SALE or ExcHance.—INSECTA, LEPIDOPTERA
and COLEOPTERA a Specialty. Orders for a line or series
of the above especially solicited. In writing for exchanges,
send list and specify distinctly what specimens are desired.
Scientific Books and Naturalists’ Supplies at Lowest Rates.

WRIGHT & BATES,
73 Hanover Street, Boston, Mass

wT.,

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND—

OOLOGIST.

$1.50 per FRANK B. WEBSTER, PuBLISHER. Single Copy
Annum. Established, March, 1875. 15 Cents.
VOL. XI. BOSTON, MASS., OCTOBER, 1886. No. Io:

Some Ornithological Explorations in
the Dead River Region of Maine.

BY F. H. CARPENTER.

(Continued from Page 131.)

28. Dendrewca virens, (Black-throated Green
Warbler). This exquisite warbler, my especial
favorite, was, as might be expected in a country
abounding in evergreen forests, quite frequently
observed. A. few individuals were met with in
the Boundary chain of mountains, but the greater
numbers were seen near the clearings at Eustis
and thence to Moose River. The nests were evi-
dently placed in the tops of the hemlocks, as in
such places in three different localities, the birds
were observed carrying material for its con-
struction.

29. Dendreca palmarum, (Palm Warbler). Al-
though this species was one which I had hoped to
find breeding in the north mountains, I am
obliged to record it within my observations as a
migrant, none being seen in summer. A few
were seen in June along the Carrabossett River.

30. Siurus nevius, (Water Thrush). The only
observation recorded of this bird was one taken at
the lower cascade on Tim Brook, June 3d. Despite
my many advantages for field work in various
portions of New England, I must confess that the
above instance was the second time I ever saw the
bird in life.

31. Geothlypis trichas, (Maryland Yellow-throat).
This species was observed near Farmington and a
collector in that town assured me that he annual-
ly secured its eggs. Did not observe it in the
Mountain region.

32. Myiodioctes canadensis, (Canadian Flycatch-
ing Warbler). A fairly common resident, but
very local in distribution. From evidence of ob-
servance I presume they nested on Black Moun-
tain near Tim Pond. None were seen at the
Seven Ponds or vicinity, while at Flagstaff they
were frequently observed during my brief stay. I
was so fortunate (?) as to find a nest with four

young just hatched; it was placed on the ground
at the foot of a small clump of ‘moosewood’ on
Little Bigelow Mountain and constructed entirely
of very fine rootlets and twigs.

33. Setophago ruficapilla, (Redstart). Specimens
of this bird were secured as far north as Boundary
Lake and Tim Pond. These were lone indi-
viduals and appeared out of place in the dark
gloomy forests. In the southern portions around
New Vineyard and Madrid they were frequently
seen in pairs along the roadside, as I drove along
enroute for the north. I was informed that they
bred in the scrub growth on the farms, but did not
find any nests, as I devoted my limited time in
pursuit of less familiar birds than this gorgeously
attired little visitor to my Massachusetts home.

34. Vireosylvia olivacea, (Red-eyed Vireo). This
Vireo was heard singing in the orchards around
Farmington and Kingfield. No further notice
was given this species save to keep a sharp look-
out for its occurrence in the mountains and forests
of the Bigelow chain, but I did not detect it north
of Kingfield.

35. Vireosylvia gilous, (Warbling Vireo). This
is another species which I include on the excel-
lent authority of my Farmington friend, Mr.
Freeborn, who aided me greatly by his notes on
the birds peculiar to the south portions of the
counties, as my stay in that section was very brief,
spending my time in the ‘“‘up river country.”

36. Lanivireo solitarius, (Blue-headed Vireo.)
The Solitary Vireo was seen in limited numbers
along the Carribossett River, but from some rea-
son was not as frequently seen as I expected or
they may not be as abundant in the fauna as
others have recorded. I spent two days at a
lumber camp in Jerusalem, and after finding out
my business with true Yankee inquisitiveness,
one of the men brought me a Vireos nest con-
taining four eggs, and a specimen of ZL. solitarius,
which he assured me was the bird ‘“‘sitting on the
nest when I crept up.” Evidently his gun was
loaded for “b’ar,” as the specimen was mutilated
beyond all hopes of preservation. The eggs re-

Copyright, 1886, by Eaton Curr and F. B. WEBSTER.

146

[Vol. 11-No. 10

ORNITHOLOGIST

sembled a set of the Yellow-throated Vireo’s in
size and shape, but were very much spotted for a
Vireo’s. The nest was that of a Vireo beyond
doubt.

37. Lanius borealis, (Great Northern Shrike).
The Butcher-bird was seen in June and Septem-
ber, but under no circumstances to attest to its
nesting. A lumberman told me that he had
found nests of the “Crazy Jay” on Mt. Abraham,
but on such evidence I could not include it as one
of the breeding residents of the counties.

38. Ampelis cedrorum, (Cedar Waxwing). One
of the most abundant birds of the forests, being
found about Seven Ponds in numbers, and were
far more common in the wilderness than in the
cultivated districts. No nests were found, but
they undoubtedly breed, as Mr. Freeborn has
many sets, collected in his vicinity. I was absent
from the region during their usual period of nest-
ing, which may account for my failure to record
their nidification.

39. Hirundo erythrogastra, (Barn Swallow).
Noticed at Farmington. It is not to be expected
that this species would be very abundant in a
thinly populated country.

40. Tachycineta bicolor, (White-bellied Swallow).
A common summer resident. Observed in the
forest regions, where many would be seen skim-
ming over the surface of the lakes. They breed
about Eustis, in the hollow stumps of the clearings.

41. Cottle riparia, (Bank Swallow.) Inthe side
of the gravel cuts on the Sandy River and Frank-
lin and Megantic narrow gauge railroads I noticed
many holes made by this bird. The last named
railroad was constructed in 1885, and in August,
1886, when riding over it I noticed the sand banks
left by excavation of earth for the track, were
punctured with the holes of this species. The
Bank Swallow is evidently on the increase in
this section. ;

42. Pyranga rubra, (Scarlet Tanager). This

species is included on the authentic statement of
Mr. J. L. Colcord of Augusta, who saw one Sept.
2, 1885, while at his duties as engineer of con-
struction of the F. & M. R. R. It may be con-
sidered common to this latitude, but I failed to
detect it.
* 43. Pinicola enucleator, (Pine Grosbeak). This
bird of erratic movements was observed at King-
field in January, a small flock remaining for a
considerable period. I am confident I saw a
female on Boil Mountain in August. Did not ob-
serve it at all in June.

44, Carpodacus purpureus, (Purple Finch). The
Linnett breeds in the southern portions of the
counties, and a few were seen in the immediate

vicinity of Dead River, but could not detect them
nesting in the forests. Their nidification about
New Portland and Kingfield was in no wise dif-
ferent from the well known habits of this species.

45. Lovia curvirostra americana, (Red Cross-
bill). No nests of this species were found, but in
August they were very common about the camps,
often coming at our feet in small flocks and feed-
ing on the refuse when preparing trout for the
regulation camp fry. By this it would seem that
they did not confine themselves to the usual bill of
fare which anatomists assign them, from a study of
their bill and its mechanical properties. A pe-
culiar note of these birds, which is uttered while
in flight, is especially interesting. I can liken it
to nothing but the tinkling of several small sweet-
toned bells.

46. Agiothus liniaria, (Red-poll Linnett). This
species was seen only in winter. A few came
about the lumber campsin January, and remained
for several days.

47. Astragalinus tristis, (American Goldfinch).
Observed in all portions of the counties, but more
common in the cleared tracts than in the forests.
They were common at our camps at Tim Pond.
I was too early for their usual time of nesting,
which occurs in July, as elsewhere in New
England.

48. Chrysomitris pinus, (Pine Finch). The only
recorded observation of this species is a small
flock which remained about the camps at Seven
Ponds, for nearly a week in September; a long
time for sucha restless bird.

49, Powcetes gramineus, (Grass Finch). Ob-
served in the open fields around houses. Did not
look for nests. Mr. Freeborn lists it as ‘‘Abund-
ant summer and winter; breeds.”

50. Zonotrichia albicollis, (White-throated Spar-
row). In spring this Sparrow was pretty evenly
distributed, but by August they came in flocks
around the camps and in the tote roads. A nest
found in the clearing at Tim Pond, a few rods
from our log cabin, by my companion, contained
on June 3d, four eggs. It was placed on, not in
the ground, in a bramble of fire weed and black-
berry vines, and was exceedingly bulky, being
composed of grass and weed stalks, fine rootlets
and horse hair, taken from the old lumber stables
nearby. The eggs were heavily marked with
dark brown on a greyish ground color. Several
old nests were found in August. Their clear
whistle of a song is well known. “They are
rendered further conspicuous by the whistling
sound of their wings when in flight.”

51. Spizella montana, (Tree Sparrow). Seen
only in winter, and then in very limited numbers.

Oct. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

147

The latitude being too far north for that season of
the year in our vigorous climate.

52. Junco hyemalis, (Snow Bird). A common
resident in summer, in the mountains north of
Dead River as well as in the Bigelow chain. In
the vicinity of the camp at Tim Pond we found
several nests, and on Mt. Bigelow they were the
commonest birds. The nests were in every in-
stance placed on the ground, and in no case did
they contain more than four eggs as a comple-
ment. The eggs present in coloration all the
variations of the family, with a ground color from
white to almost a green, or sometimes totally ob-
scured, and blotched with various shades of brown,
often congregating about the larger end, leaving
the remainder of the egg almost immaculate, and
again profusely and entirely covered with blotches,
they present a pleasing variation.

(To be Continued.)

Notes on Some Birds of the Great
Smoky Mountains.

BY ARTHUR LEMOYNE, M. D.

(Continued from page 132.)

MEGASCOPS ASIO,
Screech Owl.

This little Owl was the most common of any in
my youthful days, but its present status is not
very definite. In autumn they are frequently
met with, and often are surprised in outbuildings,
to which they have retreated in the day time, and
coon-hunting parties report finding them in hol-
low trees, in fact, for many of my specimens I am
indebted to the negro hunters. No one county
appears to be favored with the presence of this
species more than another, and faunal lines have
no effect in defining their habitat. To concisely
state the occurreuce of this bird, it may be con-
sidered as not common, and a few breed. I have
myself found several nests, all of which were in
the old trees by the streams or in orchards. The
familiar nest needs no description, and the four
white eggs it usually contains, although highly
prized by the collector, are too well known to re-
quire further statements.

Although the country would seem to the theorist
to be suitable for an abundance of our Raptores
yet they were the least represented of any family
of birds and consequently their biography is un-
satisfactory to a large degree.

SYRNIUM NEBULOSUM.
Barred Owl.

This species is quite common in October, when
their hootings may occasionally be heard. The
propensity of this Owl to resort to the same nest

year after year is well known, and the collector
who discovers such a place has an annual income.
Several years ago a pair took their abode in an
old hollow stump some twelve feet high, in an old
field about a mile from the base of Bald Mountain,
and the past spring I was highly pleased to again
take a set of three eggs on March 27th, after an
absence of three years. The hollow was about
two feet in depth and open at the top, conse-
quently a rain would render it very uncomfort-
able, except to a certain denomination, for the
eggs were ‘immersed’ several times.

At present the above is the only breeding in-
stance I can record in this region, but as transient
visitors the Barred Owl may be met with at all

altitudes.
BUBO VIRGINIANUS.

Great Horned Owl.

With no pretense to infallibility I may over-
look some prominent species, but I cannot under-
stand why this Ow] has not been listed as a resi-
dent of this country. Rapacious birds like the
Great Horned Owl are likely to make their
presence known, which renders the omission the
more prominent. I consider this Owl the most
common of the Rapacia excepting the Turkey
Buzzard. Several nests have been found, princi-
pally in the evergreen growth of the mountains,
where they were placed at dizzy heights, making
it such a risk to ascend that in many cases I
simply said “sour grapes” and passed on. For-
tune, however, favored me with several easy of
ascent, and I have secured many pairs of eggs
during the past score of years. All of the nests
were either old Hawks’, or built by the birds,
none were in hollows or cavities. Like the other
Owls, they are the most numerous or conspicuous
in the fall and winter. I also observed an indi-
vidual of this species near Church river in
Virginia.

CATHARTES AURA.
Turkey Buzzard.

This bird is seen everywhere in numbers which
under certain conditions will increase until their
‘“numerousness” is beyond comprehension if not
numbers. This species is supposed to occur any-
where south of Mason’s and Dixon’s line, but in
this locality its nesting is a matter of conjecture
save to the birds themselves. I have scaled al-
most inaccessable cliffs, crawled carefully and
tremblingly along narrow shelving rocks and
hung by a rope over yawning chasms, and for my
reward I have a cracked egg of the Turkey Buz-
zard. In the single instance where fortune
favored me with a squab and addled egg, I had
my first and last peep into the home circle of these
Buzzards, as I gazed at the rotten log by side of

148

which the offspring sat. It was not on any ro-
mantic cliff or fear inspiring precipice, on the con-
trary it was in the forest of Monroe county, in no
wise different from any of the ordinary undulat-
ing mountain sides, and only by accident did I
find it, and only by a similar chance do I expect
to find another in this locality.

AQUILA CHRYS#TUS.
Golden Eagle.

Far above the circling Buzzards could now and
then be seen the form of one of these noble birds
as in evolutions, comensurate with their superior
size, they scanned the earth beneath in search of
prey. They nested with the buzzards and it is
needless to say I did not seek their eggs, but
a friend came to spend the season with me
and the sight of these birds as they prepared for
their early spring nesting enthused him to such a
degree that he desired to look up their eyries.
With the memory ofgmy previous cliff hunting I
declined to accompany him and he started alone.
In three days he returned for provisions, and an-
nounced his determination to renew the search.
While admiring his perseverance I pitied his
judgment, but when visiting him a few weeks ago
and admiring the splendid pair of these Eagles
and set of eggs in his extensive collection I secretly
wished that I had possessed more of his New Eng-
land grit and less of my southern lassitude.

The eyrie from which my friend secured his set
of eggs was on Bald Mountain and I extract from
his journal, which I secretly purloined for a short
time: “Grasping firmly a small stout mountain
shrub I crawled as near the edge of the cliff as I
dared, when raising my head I could see the eyrie
and the two eggs which it contained. First de-
siring to secure the birds I crept back to where I
had plenty of room, and waiting until the male
was overhead I fired my Winchester. The ball
sped true to mark, as he fell with a broken neck.
I fully expected the female to fly from range, but
not comprehending the report and seeing her
mate fall she swooped down to investigate.
Hastily pumping another cartridge into place I
fired, but in the excitement of the moment missed.
As the bird began to tower into the air I again
fired, with fatal result to the eagle. With my
camp hatchet I cut a large birch, and leaving
some length of limbs on the trunk I let one end
over the edge of the cliff. Fortunately it was
long enough and I went down the impromptu
ladder with some misgivings. The eggs were
safely secured and packed and with the birds over
my shoulder I started on the eleven mile tramp to
the Doctor’s camp.”

3rief notes of the following will be given, as
they will complete my record of Raptores.

ORNITHOLOGIST

[ Vol. 11-No. 10

FALCO PEREGRINUS ANATUM, Duck Hawk. A
few birds of this species seen all summer, but
from my experience with Buzzards I do not. look
for any possibilities of finding nest or eggs. They
may be ranked as breeding in these mountains.

FALCO SPARVERIUS, Sparrow Hawk. Another
rare bird, and one which may possibly breed, but
I never found its nest. Found a nest in the
Church River country in Virginia in 1883. It was
in an old maple stub standing alone in an open
field. The five eggs which it contained were ex-
ceedingly handsome, each egg being ringed with
chocolate-colored spots.

PANDION HALL#TUS CAROLINENSIS, Osprey.
I have seen this species just often enough to in-
clude it amongst the Raptores of this country.

ACCIPITER VELOX, Sharp-shinned Hawk. Not

common. Have shot two and seen a few others.
(To be Continued.)

Observations on the Development
and the Decay of the Pigment Layer
on Birds’ Eggs.

BY ALEXANDER M. M’ ALDOWIB, M. D., VICE-PRESI-
DENT OF THE NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE NA-
TURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB, ENGLAND.

Read Before the North Staffordshire Field Club.

Many and various are the theories which have
been brought forward by ornithologists to ac-
count for the coloration of birds’ eggs, but all
have failed to explain why the majority are so
richly and beautifully ornamented. White eggs,
deposited in dark situations, are accounted for,
as also are those which simulate the colour of the
soil or other material on which they are laid. All
others, comprising by far the largest proportion
of eggs, have proved an enigma as yet unsolved.
Theorizing on this interesting subject, it occurred
to my mind that if we were to reverse the usual
order of study, examine first the pigmentation of
these eggs whose colours apparently bear no re-
lation to their surroundings, and afterwards in-
vestigate the causes which might have brought
about the loss of pigment in white eggs, and also
the method by which protective mimicry had
been produced, we might arrive at a more satis-
factory and scientific conclusion. A review of
other organic objects gave abundant reason for
this order of investigation. White is one of the
rarest hues in the organic world. When it occurs
it is for some specific purpose, and its presence
can always be easily accounted for. Thus, animals
which live within the arctic circle are white like
the snow of these regions, the perianth of many
flowers is white to attract insects and ensure cross

Oct. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

149

fertilization, and most sea birds are white, with
blue on the back, resembling the colours of the
clouds, and rendering them less likely to frighten
the fish upon which they prey.

Much has been written about the variety of
colours observed on eggs, but a glance at the
solar spectrum will at once show the fallacy of
this opinion. The only portions of the spectrum
represented on the whole range of colours of
birds’ eggs are a small band on the red (forty to
forty-five), and another on the green (eighty-five
to ninety-two). .

This seems the more striking when we consider
the number of colours exhibited by the birds
themselves, where every part of the spectrum is
represented, as well as by other organic objects,
as insects, flowers, &c. Only two colours of pig-
ment are found on eggs, green and red—together
with black, which is not a colour in the scientific
sense of the term. It is a remarkable fact, and
one which I have never seen noticed by writers
on the subject, that all the rich hues and shades
with which eggs are so lavishly ornamented, are
merely intermediates between these three.

I have arranged the following scale by an ex-
pansion of these three according to chromatic
rules, and it will be seen that it embraces every
shade of colour found in bird’s’ eggs.
BLUE-GREEN. Russet or Orange Brown.

Green. Brown.
Olive-Green. Grey-Brown.
Olive. Brown-Grey.

Olive-Brown. Black or Grey.

The hematin of the red blood-corpuscles is the
source of these pigments. It is taken up by the
pigment cells where it undergoes metamorphosis
into the green, brown and black shades, and is
then secreted by the particular follicles at the
lower part of the uterus. “To understand how
yellow, green, brown and black pigments may be
derived from the colouring matter of the blood,”
writes Rindfleisch, ‘‘we must first glance at the
physiological metamorphoses to which this sub-
stance is liable. The most important of these, and
in some sense typical of all the rest, is its trans-
formation into bile-pigment. The red corpuscles,
as they grow old, part with their colouring matter
to the serum; from this it is taken up by the liver-
cells, which transform it into bile-pigment; as
such it is ultimately excreted in the feces. Before
it is thus removed, when retained in the gall
bladder for any length of time, it undergoes
further changes, passing through shades of yellow,
green, brown and black, which Shiideler terms
respectively bilifuscin (Cs2H2N2Og), biliverdin
(Cs2H20N2010), biliprasin (Cs2H22N2O012), and bili-
humin; bilifuscin differing from bilirubin in con-

taining two atoms more HO, biliverdin from bili-
fuscin in containing two atoms more O, biliprasin
from biliverdin, again by an access of 2HO, while
bilihumin is a black, insoluble, very highly oxi-
dised substance.”

‘“‘The scale of colours enumerated above
serves, as already stated, as a standard for the
course of all other chromatases, whether physiolo-
gical or pathological.”

A careful study of these pigments will show
the reason for this limited range of colour. If we
examine the characteristics of the pigment layer
on eggs, it is impossible to resist the conclusion
that its presence has reference to the sun’s rays.
All organic objects which are liable to be exposed
to the sun’s rays are protected by pigment of one
colour or another. This is the chief use of pig-
ment in the animal world. In many animals the
colours are adapted or modified for concealment,
but their primary use is for protection from the
glare of the sun. The delicate and tender ovum
in particular requires protection. Professor Yung
has shown the generating power of the sun’s rays
on the ova of frogs In 1881, I read a paper
showing that the pigment of frog’s spawn was
placed in the ovum itself to absorb the sun’s rays
as well as to protect the organism*. But the
ovum of the more highly organised warm-
blooded animals does not derive the stimulus re-
quired for its development from the rays of the
sun but from the body of the parent. I think that
this affords us sufficient reason for assuming that
the use of the pigmented covering of the shell is
to protect the sensitive ovum from being acted on
by the sun’s rays. If we make two perforations
in a piece of cardboard, cover one with a piece of
pigmented egg shell (¢. g., a rook’s or blackbird’s),
and the other with a white one (e. g., a pigeon’s or
a woodpecker’s), and hold the cardboard up to
the light, we see the great amount of protection
afforded by the pigmented shell. ‘True, the same
end might be gained by thickening the shell, but
it would have to be increased several fold to af-
ford an equal amount of protection, and nature is
never wasteful in material. Moreover, owing to
the peculiar way in which the yolk is suspended
by the chalaze, the germinal spot is always up-
permost, and consequently exposed to the sun’s
rays striking from above.

Mr. Salvin noticed in Guatemala that Hum-
ming-birds were much more unwilling to leave
their nests during very hot weather, when the
sun was shining brightly, than during, cool,
cloudy, or rainy weather.

I shall afterwards show that there is a direct
relation between the amount of light to which the

150

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11--No. 10

egg is exposed and the intensity of its pigmenta-
tion; that direct exposure to the sun’s rays is
necessary for pigment to acquire its full develop-
ment; and that eggs deposited in sites protected
from the sun’s rays gradually lose their pigment
layer.

If we examine these three shades from a purely
chromatic standpoint, apart from any physiologi-
cal views of their development, we shall see how
admirably adapted they are for the purposes of
protection and concealment.

1. Green is the colour we would natually ex-
pect to find used as a protection for eggs. We
know by experience that it has a peculiar soften-
ing influence on light. When it is present, it is
always as aground tint, uniformly spread over
the surface of the egg. Most eggs are more or
less covered with spots, blotches, or streaks, but
these markings are never formed of green pig-
ment. Many markings appear green to the eye,
but this appearance is produced by the green
gound tint being seen through a thin layer of
black or brown. The spots in that case are of a
darker green than the ground, but never deeper or
richer. The most common tint is a bluish-green.

2. Red. If we see a reason for the use of
green pigment as a protective layer on eggs, we
can find an equally good one why red should be
employed as the second or supplementary colour.
In the chromatic circle all colours are arranged in
pairs, and the colours in every pair are comple-
mentary to each other. When two colours are
seen in juxtaposition, they mutually effect each
other, both in colour and tone. A yellow object,
for example, placed close to a blue one, will ap-
pear as if inclined to orange, while the blue ob-
ject will seem to incline towards violet. But two
complementary colours, such as red and green, do
not modify one another’s colours by contiguity.
They merely enhance each other’s characteristics.
Further, Professor Church remarks that green
and red have a relation to each other which is
different from that of any other pair of colours.
‘That there is something very peculiar in the re-
lation of green to red,” he adds, “may. also be
concluded from the frequency with which there
two colours are confounded by persons who suffer
from colour blindness.” The exact tint, which
seems to be the basis of all the reds and browns
found on eggs is a russet or orange-brown, and,
if we examine the chromatic circle of Maxwell,
this tint will be seen to be the complementary
colour of the bluish-green, which I have just re-
marked is_the usual ground tint. Red pigment is
usually arranged in the form of spots, streaks, or
blotches. Occasionally it is used as a ground tint

—as in the Grouse tribe—but then it is usually
more or less speckled. It rarely if ever exhibits
the smoothness or evenness of the green.

3. Black seems to be employed mostly as a
tone-giving neutral to inhance these two colours.
Orange or red seen in juxtaposition with black is
rendered rather lighter in tone and more lumi-
nous; green with black becomes more brilliant,
but the black suffers in purity, and appears
slightly tinged with a ruddy hue. The grey
markings seen on many eggs, ¢. g., the Sparrow
tribe, are produced by a light layer of black pig-
ment.

Next to their limited range the variation of the
colours of eggs in the same species is the most
striking characteristic. In the eggs of several
species, as Gulls, Terns and Guillemots, the range
of colours extends almost from one end of the
scale to the other. What a contrast with the
colours of the birds themselves, where the colour
of a few feathers in some instances constitute the
difference between the species, or with lepidoptera
where the pigmentation of afew scales determines
the name of the insect. And not only do the
eggs of birds of the same species differ, but those
of the same individual vary almost to the same
extent. Thus in a Tern’s nest, containing four
eggs. I found one of a pale green colour and
another of a deep reddish-brown. The other two
were of intermediate tints. In this case the
green egg had been the first laid and the brown
one last.

Basing our theories on the development of pig-
ments referred to above, which is generally ac-
cepted by physiologists, we would infer that
green was the first colour which was developed
in the eggs of the early species of birds. The
eggs of the species extant support this conclusion.
Green is the most common and most widely dis-
tributed colour. Schmidt states: ‘The more
stubbornly a character is transmitted, or, what
amounts to the same, the greater the number of
families, genera, and species over which a charac-
ter is extended, the earlier did it appear in the
ancestral stock.” It is also, as has been shown
previously, the colour best adapted for protection
from the stimulating influence of the sun’s rays,
and there can be no doubt but that this is the
primary use of pigment. Almost every egg which
is laid in a situation where there is no need of
concealment, but which is exposed to the sun’s
rays—é. g., Rooks, Herons—is of a green colour.

Red or russet, and all the intermediate tints, ap-
pear to be developed chiefly for concealment, the
different shades of brown showing in many in-
stances perfect adaption of the colour of the egg
with that of its surroundings. This colour is

Oct. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

151

chiefly exhibited on eggs which are deposited on
or near the ground, as the waders’, gallinaceous
birds’, Larks’, &c. Hewitson states: “We should
scarcely expect to find the eggs of the Crane so
entirely different from those of all the other
species which are most nearly allied to it in habit
and in form. Whilst the eggs of all these species,
with the exception of those of the Spoon-bill, are
either pure white or slightly tinted with colour,
but always spotless, those of the Crane are, on the
contrary, richly coloured.” This difference may
be completely accounted for by the above theory,
as the Crane habitually breeds on the ground,
whilst the others choose elevated sites. Compare
also the eggs of the three species of divers, laid on
the margin of the freshwater lochs in the north,
with those of their congeners the Guillemots, de-
posited on cliffs.

The coloration of the eggs of the Falconidz are
in some respects exceptional, depending on the
nature of the food and other causes, which lie be-
yond the scope of the present paper.

When I examined eggs with reference to the
amount of light to which they were exposed, I
found that the ratio between the intensity of the
pigmentation and the degree of exposure was very
marked, and, indeed, almost startling. For ex-
ample, the eggs of birds which breed early—as
the Thrush tribe, Hedge Sparrow, &c.—have
weli-developed ground tints; whilst those of the
later breeders—as the Green Finch, Linnet, &c.—
laid after the leaves are out, and therefore
screened from direct sunlight are more faintly
coloured. My own experience is that exposure or
shelter from the sun’s rays plays an important part
in the selection of a sight for nidification, by the
parent bird.

It may be laid down as an almost univeral law
in ornithology, that eggs which are deposited in
situations exposed to the sun’s rays are much
darker in colour than those laid in nests protected
from direct sunlight. They almost invariably
possess a well-developed ground tint. Some, e. 7.,
the Heron and the Hedge Sparrow, are spotless,
but most show markings of some kind.

Eggs laid in shaded nests, ¢. g., the Yellow-
hammer and the Green Finch, possess a faint
ground tint, and the markings are usually smaller
and lighter than in the preceding.

Eggs laid in covered nests, as the Tits’ and
Wrens’, usually present faint spots in a white
ground.

Eggs which are wholly excluded from light, as
Woodpeckers’ and Kingfishers’, are almost invar-
iably pure white.

Not only does direct sunlight seem necessary
for the pigment layer to acquire its full develop-

ment, but there is also strong evidence that all
white and faintly coloured eggs have undergone
or are undergoing a process of decolorization
when the protection afforded by the pigment
layer is no longer required. This is in accord-
ance with the laws of physiology. If any tissue
or organ loses its function it will gradually waste
and finally disappear. Moreover it has been
shown by evolutionists that the lost organ is apt
to appear as a variation, or as a rudimentary and
useless appendage; many eggs, therefore, show
rudimentary pigmentation, and colour appears
sometimes as a variation in eggs which are nor-
mally white. Eggs have been divided by Wallace
into white and coloured, spotted and unspotted ;
there is, however, an unbroken series between
white eggs and those which are highly pigmented
and spotted. Further, the eggs of several species
would have to be included at one time under the
former category, and at another under the latter.
For instance, the egg of the White-tailed Eagle is
usually white, but occasionally it presents well-
defined markings. The egg of the Puffin is as
often colourless as it is pigmented. That of the
Whinchat is of a bright blue-green, sometimes
spotless, sometimes faintly speckled at the large
end with rust colour.

It has been stated that white and light coloured
eggs are found in dark and sheltered situations
because colour is not necessary to conceal them
from observation. The fact has, however, been
overlooked, that eggs laid in elevated sites, as
Gulls’, Rooks,’ Herons’, &c., have well-developed
colours, although they can be of no use for con-
cealment. Want of the stimulus of the sun’s rays
alone causes the colour to fade or disappear.

When one (or one or two) species in a family,
where the majority lay deeply pigmented eggs,
lays either a white egg or one faintly coloured,
we invariably find that it differs from the others
in its mode of nidification, depositing its eggs in
some place protected from the light, whilst its re-
lations Jay in exposed situations. In this case
there is what may be termed a specific decoloriza-
tion, the loss of pigment affecting the individual
species alone, and not extending to the other
members of the family.

When the whole of a genus or family lay white
eggs, we find that either all, or the majority of
the species, deposit their eggs in places protected
from the light. In this case there appears to have
been a generic decolorization affecting the group
as a whole, the pigment having become obsolete
at a much earlier period than in the preceding
case, probably before the differentiation of the

family into the existing number of species.
(To be Concluded.)

152 ORNITHOLOGIST [ Vol. 11-No. 10
AEE tion. An erroneous impression seems to

X prevail that the work is to be entirely re-

ORNIT oe OGIST printed, and such alterations and changes

OOLUOGIST.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

Jari i fo te aa oe lag Bs SOO aaa op

ESPECIALLY DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF

BIRDS,

THEIR NESTS AND EGGS.

DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES

AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD AND INSECT LIFE.

F. H. CARPENTER, Managing Editor,
REHOBOTH, MASS.
J. PARKER NORRIS, Odlogical Editor,
204 SoUTH SEVENTH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, Pa.

FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher,
409 WASHINGTON, ST., BOSTON, MASS.

Editorial.

We have always permitted our corre-
spondents to freely express their views on
any subject—when not too personal—and
it is a known fact in journalism that
we are not to be considered as responsible
or endorsing their statements by publish-
ing them in the proper place. In this is-
sue a gentleman well known in ornitholog-
ical circles gives from another standpoint
his opinion of the “Amateur and A. O. U.”
We gave our opinions in these columns
some time ago, and shall let the matter
drop, as no statement ‘was made that we
did not corroborate by written testimony,
which evidence we shall not hesitate to use
in a very pronounced manner if too many
charges of falsity are hinted at. We are
willing to go “half-way” and commend Mr.
Chamberlain’s article to the better judge-
ment of our readers.

———

The New Edition of Dr. Coues’ Key.

The second edition of Dr. Coues’ “ Key”
having been exhausted, his publishers,
Messrs. Estes & Lauriat, some time ago
announced the preparation of a third edi-

made in it as would practically render it
an entirely new book. This opinion has
no doubt been fostered by a paragraph
which appeared in 7he Auk for July, 1886,
(Vol. III, p. 415,) where it was announced
that the new edition would contain ‘ the
new nomenclature of the A. O. U. Com-
mittee, with all necessary corrections and
additions to date.” As Dr. Coues is one
of the editors of Zhe Auk this paragraph
was considered as official.

Having written Messrs. Estes & Lauriat,
and called their attention to the aforesaid
announcement in Zhe Auwk, they replied
stating that it was news to them; that Dr.
Coues only contemplated making “some ad-
ditions and corrections to the ‘vey, that is,
if we do not decide to bring the book out
before he can do the work; but in any
event they will be very immaterial, and
probably nothing more than some few
changes of words or extra descriptive
paragraphs.”

As the Jey is stereotyped the changes
will in all probability be very slight. The
A. O. U. nomenclature will therefore have
to be given (if at all) in an appendix, for
any other manner of printing it would re-
quire the type to be entirely reset, at an
enormous expense. Tor all practical pur-
poses, therefore, the second edition will be
as valuable as the third, and we old-fash-
ioned people who have become accustomed
to see the nomenclature of the Avey com-
mence with the Thrushes, will not be as-°
tonished to find the ungainly Grebes head-
ing the list,

Eggs of the White-tailed Kite.

A set of five eggs of the White-tailed Kite,
(Hlanus glaucus,) have recently been received by
Mr. Harry G. Parker, of Chester, Pa., and they
are now in his collection. The set is in no wise
remarkable except that it establishes the fact that
more than four eggs are sometimes laid. These
eggs were taken by Mr. Clark P. Streator of

Oct. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

153

Santa Barbara, California, on April 14th, of the
present year. The nest is described as being
carelessly made of sticks placed in the highest
limbs of a live oak. The following is a descrip-
tion of the eggs, with measurements :

No. 1. 1.73x1.27. This specimen somewhat re-
sembles a typical egg of the Sharp-shinned Hawk,
(Accipiter fuscus,) inasmuch as it-exhibits consid-
erable creamy white surface. The entire larger
end is completely covered with deep chestnut
and small blotches of the same color are dis-
persed over the entire egg—small flakes appear-
ing on the white ground color.

No. 2. 1.60x1.28. The entire egg is covered
with a rich chocolate, and on the smaller end it
exhibits a clouding of the same, seeming as if
put on in daubs with a brush.

No. 3. 1.67x1.29. This specimen almost exact-
ly resembles some eggs of the European Kestril
—the entire cvlor being a solid chestnut, with
here and there a suspicion of small coal black
spots.

No. 4. 1.64x1.26. The creamy ground color
is apparent on parts of the egg, beneath the
clouding and blotching of very deep chestnut.

No. 5. 1.61x1.28. Probably the last egg of the
set deposited. The larger end of the egg is de-
void of any clouding or blotching, and is a solid
brown, in which the black marks noted in No. 3
of this set are quite numerous. The smaller
portion of the egg is the same color as the rest
of the set—a rich chestnut. Altogether it isa
very handsome set, and no two eggs are alike.

Field Notes on Some Birds of
Colorado.

BY CHARLES F. MORRISON, FORT LEWIS, COL.

As TI promised, I send you a few notes on the
birds of this vicinity, and as an introduction I
will give a brief description of the country, but
first let me say that as I came here rather late,
and having to devote a good part of my time to
getting my headquarters in shape for a long stay,
my trips afield have been limited. I shall not
give my notes in any systematic order, but in the
order I find them noted. Fort Lewis is situated
nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, and is midway
between the plains and the high peaks of the
Rocky Mountains. As regards altitude, it is
built upon a long, level stretch of country,
through which runs the La Plata river, a moun-
tain stream fed by the melting snows and springs,
it abounds in trout, and this, with a species of
“sucker,” is the only fish of all these mountain
streams. It will be perceived that a country of

this kind must be almost destitute of waders and
swimmers. The vegetation is varied, large forests
of pine flourish upon the mountain sides and
along the river bottoms and bluffs; along the
streams the cottonwood is the most conspicuous
tree, together with a dwarf willow, and vari-
ous bushes— the bulberry being very prominent.
On the mesas the scrub oak covers the ground as
far as the eye can reach, together with small
patches of sage brush; the wild rose and numer-
ous prairie flowers grow in abundance. Reptiles
are scarce in this light, dry air, there being two
species of snake (colwber) along the stream bot-
toms, and the Horned Toad suns itself upon the
dry mesas. Our common frog and toad are
scarce. Ican,asI write, look from my south win-
dow and see the mountains of New Mexico and
Arizona, and by climbing the mesa to the west,
Utah can be seen stretching away in the distance.
It may easily be perceived that it is a place that
does, or ought to abound in rare species, and
where new additions to the avi-fauna of Colora-
do may be looked for. My rarest find so far is
the Pigmy Owl, (G@. gnoma?) breeding, which
shall be the subject of an article at no late date.
As to the mammals; bear, mountain lion, lynx,
and deer are abundant, and also the mountain
sheep, which are protected by law until 1895.
Rats are conspicuous by their total absence. The
familiar chipmunk is plentiful and grows larger
than in the east. A few species of gophers com-
plete the list. To save time and space I omit
numbers, but will begin my notes with the fa-
miliar

Robin, (M. migratoria). Common, _ breeds
abundantly everywhere. Two broods are raised,
the second about the last of June or first of July.

Broad-tailed Hummer, (J. Jaterastris). Very
common ; breeds abundantly. Have not taken
its nest. Two broods are raised. This pretty
Hummer is seen in countless numbers during a
short walk, and it is the most abundant of any
bird in this section. I have spent hours in seek-
ing its nest, but all the little tricks which are
used with effect on the Ruby-throat are of no avail
here, and the giant mosquitoes (to which those of
New Jersey do not compare,) do not make it an
enviable work. This bird is often seen mounting
skyward for fifty to a hundred feet, where, pois-
ing for an instant it suddenly shoots downward
with great velocity, only to suddenly turn as it
nears the ground or bushes, to repeat the move-
ment until it appears to be exhausted, when it
perches on a dead limb of the nearest pine tree to
rest; but before long it is at it again. I have
seen a dozen of these birds at this amusement, (?)
for amusement it seems to be to all appearances.

154

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 10

While doing this it is constantly uttering a sharp
note, quickly repeated, also the same note when
disturbed or alarmed. Have seen it far up the
mountains, and it no doubt breeds up to timber
line, or as high as it finds flowers.

Violet-green Swallow, (7. thalassina), Our
most common Swallow; breeds in communities
in the tops of dead pines, in corners and copings
of buildings, and, in fact, anywhere it can find a
knot-hole to enter. A very beautiful Swallow.

Purple Martin, (P. sudis). Not as common as
the last; breeds in hollow trees or in any suitable
place. Seen in greatest numbers just before and
after a shower when they collect in flocks to feed
upon the numerous insects.

Northern Towhee, (P. maculatus artica), Com-
mon; breeds. Also another Towhee which I
have not identified. The fact is, these birds
seem to be of every conceivable variety, shading
one into another, and as it is the breeding season
I have not shot sufficient specimens to study them
properly. I expect to obtain information which
will bear me out in some suspicions I have enter-
tained for the past few years, but have never had
an opportuuity to prove.

Wood Pewee, (C. richardsoni). Rather com-
mon. The nest is generally placed on a lower
limb of a pine tree and near some dry water
course, about fifteen feet from the ground, which
by the way, is as low as you will find limbs on
the pines in this country. Of more solitary habits
than the eastern bird. Nest and eggs the same.

Long-tailed Titmouse, (P. atricapillus septra-
onalis). Common; breeds in holes in pine trees.
Its note is simply the finale of the eastern bird.
Have never heard only the sylables dee-dee-dee.
It is darker than its relative, having no white ex-
cept on the belly, the rest being hoary.

Arctic Bluebird, (8S. artica). Very common;
breeds anywhere. Six pairs built under the eaves
of my porch, the nest being a loose bundle of dry
grass without any feathers. Their constant chat-
tering at daylight always assures me an early
start afield. It has only an imitation of the beau-
tiful warble of sialis, and although only an at-
tempt, it is rather pleasing to the ear, even if not
very musical. It, however, makes up for its
want of song by the brilliant plumage, the male
having much more blue than satis, with no red
on the breast, the female having blue in propor-
tion.

House Wren, (7. @don parkmann ¢). Very com-
mon; breeds everywhere, in holes and between
the bark of trees, principally in pines and cotton-
woods. Two broods are raised, and often three.
In fact, I believe they breed right through the
season. Recently I found a tree with three nests;

the first in a woodpecker’s hole, having already
been used. Three feet above this was number
two with three young, which flew when I got up
to it; the male from number three at the same
time, which was placed inside a loose piece of
bark and was just finished.

Red-naped Woodpecker, (S. varius nuchalis).
Common; breeds. One nest found contained one
young, one egg through which the chick was ap-
pearing, and one fresh egg, which is in my cabi-
net, together with the old birds, the young and
the stub of cottonwood containing the nest.

Lewis’ Woodpecker, (M. torquatus). Common
upon the mountains and wherever there is pine
timber. It is very shy and hard to secure, at
least through the breeding season, flying high and
only alighting upon the highest tree tops. From
its flight it would be easily be mistaken for a
Purple Grackle. A very handsome bird. Have
found it up to 12,000 feet.

a

Nesting of the Swallow-tailed Kite.

BY J. A. SINGLEY, GIDDINGS, LEE CO., TEXAS.

Having been so fortunate as to take two more
sets ofthe Swallow-tailed Kite (Hlanoides forficatus)
during the past season, I can add more evidence
as to the number of eggs in a set laid by this
species.

The first set was taken on the 11th of April.
The nest, as usual, was placed at the extremity
of a limb, almost at the top of a majestic cotton-
wood tree, and directly on the bank of a small
stream. The eggs, two in number, were of a
reddish tint. No. 1 measured 1.82x1.48; No. 2,
1.78x1.46. No. 1 was finely marked; the larger
end being entirely covered with a rich brown,
concealing the ground color and running up in
irregular points past the larger part of the egg.
No. 2 was ordinary, being marked with a few
small blotches of an umber color and large shell
markings of an obscure lilac. It can be best
described as purple, brushed over with a thin
coat of whiting. As the nest could not be ap-
proached within ten feet, and the eggs had to be
“scooped” out with a minature insect net at the
end of a pole, I cannot give dimensions of nest,
which was built of sticks and the usual compli-
ment of green moss. The young chick was full
formed in the egg, though soft—proving that the
set was complete.

The second set was brought me by one of my
collectors, on April 27th. His notes read: ‘“‘Nest
in a large pin-oak tree at extremity of a nearly
horizontal limb, about sixty feet up and twenty-
five feet from top of the tree. Built of Spanish

Oct. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

155

moss, entirely concealing the sticks used in build-
ing. Eggs taken out of nest with small bag tied
to the end of my fishing pole. Both birds show-
ing fight.” Idid not wonder at the kites showing
when I tried to blow the egg, as incubation was
so far advanced that the young birds were nearly
dry in the egg. They would have hatched in the
next three days. I drilled a one-eighth inch hole
in the eggs, and putting them in a box, hole
downwards, I set the box on a bed of the “Texas
Cutting Ant” and they finished the cleaning pro-
cess during the next twenty-four hours. I have
saved many sets of eggs of hawks and owls in
this manner.

The set, as is usual, contained two eggs, meas-
uring 1.85x1.47 and 1.79x1.48. Ground color
was dirty white (probably stained,) and irregular-
ly marked with spots and blotches of dull brown
—in the smaller egg tending to form a ring
around the smaller end. I have heard of a set of
three being taken in the Colorado River bottoms,
but can get no particulars. I have a record of
thirteen nests having been found containing eggs
or young, and in only one instance—a nest with
three young—was there more than two eggs or
young in the nest. Can it be that Audubon de-
pended upon hearsay in stating that four to six
was the number of eggs ina set? Very often the
boys whom I employ to collect tell me that they
have found nests of the Red-bellied Hawk with
four or five eggs; those of the Turkey Buzzard
with three to four eggs; and Swallow-tailed
Kite with five eggs; but I notice when I require
them to authenticate the sets taken for me, those
large sets fail to appear. I have been making in
quiries in other portions of the State about this
species, and in a letter lately received from Mr.
E. T. Dumble, Secretary of the Texas State Geo-
logical and Scientific Society, he says: ‘The
Swallow-tailed Kite arrives here early in the
spring, leaving late in the fall. No nest has been
observed with more than two eggs.” The italics are
mine.

The Swallow-tailed Kite is an abundant sum-
mer resident in Mr. Dumble’s locality, Houston,
Texas, and everywhere else along the timbered
portions of the coast country, consequently he
can be accepted as an authority.

I have made arrangements with collectors in
three counties to collect the eggs of this Kite, and
we will see what another year will bring forth.

[The above paper is of far more than ordinary
interest and value. It gives the experiences of a
practical collector who has given much time and
thought to the subject, and who speaks from his
own experience.

The results obtained from the observation of
such men are always of the greatest importance,
and Mr. Singley deserves the thanks of all inter-
ested for his efforts to settle the facts connected
with the nidification of this beautiful bird.

Audubon seems to have been the first who as-
serted that this Kite laid from four to six eggs,
and be has been followed by nearly all writers
down to the present day. Even so careful a
naturalist as Mr. N. 8. Goss, seems to have gone
astray on this subject. In The Avk for January,
1885, (Vol. II., p. 19,) he related his experience in
finding the nests of this species, and states that
he examined four of them. ‘‘ Three of these had
only one egg in each; in the other there were two
eggs nearly ready to hatch, and the shell of one
at the foot of the tree; but I have it on good au-
thority,” he continues, “that in the near vicinity
a nest with four, and another with six, eggs have
been found.” It is unfortunate that Mr. Goss did
not give his authority for this statement, as his
theory (given further on in the same article,) that
crows had eaten the other eggs in the nests that
he examined, must be regarded as a very fanciful
one.

In the new edition of his Birds of Kansas (1886,)
Mr. Goss repeats his statement that this species
lays from “four to six” eggs. It would be inter-
esting ‘to know if Mr. Goss has ever seen a well
authenticated set of four eggs of this Kite, to say
nothing of a larger number, or if he knows of any
one who has them in his possession.

All the sets that the present writer knows of
are uniformly two in number.—J. P. N.]

———$—<—$———<—__|_—

The Florida or White-eyed Towhee.

RY WALTER HOXIE, FROGMORE, §&. C.

T have been so fortunate the present season as
to obtain several sets of the Florida or White-eyed
Towhee, (Pipilo erythrophthalmus allent). That
they have hitherto escaped me is owing to the
fact that I did not know where to look for them.
While tabulating some notes last winter I was
struck by the frequent occurrence of “Chewink ob-
served in pine tree,’ “ Towhee shot on pine sap.
ling,” and the like, and then the thought occurred
to me that it was possible that near pines I might
stumble upon the nest of this species. My sub-
sequent work proves the correctness of my de-
duction.

All the nests of the White-eyed Towhee that I
have found this spring were in pines. The height
from the ground varied from four to twenty feet.
This last seems to be an extreme case. The
average is about five feet. The nest is rather a
shabby affair composed of coarse weeds and grass

156

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 10

and lined with fine material of a similar character.
Pine needles are freely used in many cases, but
not always. The prominent and best shaped
nests do not contain them. The variation in the
depth of the nest is apparently regulated by the
elevation above the ground. The higher the nest
is placed the flatter it is. This would seem to be
contrary to natural laws, for the higher the nest
the more wind swung it would be. But the
high nests of this bird are al in large trees while
low ones are in small saplings. The most obvious
reason, however, for the features of these high
nests is that it enables the female more rexdily to
observe an intruder. Whenever I approached a
nest I see the milk white eye peeping over the edge.

The nest complement varies from two to four,
oftener the former than the latter. The variation
in size and markings is also considerable. I have
no specimens of the common species at hand with
which to compare and note differences. I think,
however, that the eggs differ even less than the
plumage of the birds, and that the color of the
iris and the nesting habits are the most salient
points upon which to base a claim for such specific
distinction.

The Red-eyed Towhee 1s common here in the
winter. At that season only an occasional ling-
ering or belated White-eye is to be found, and
even these seem to be often ‘‘links.” One speci-
men taken last winter was in every respect inter-
mediate between typical individuals of the two
races. I have never found the Red-eyed breed-
ing here or taken it during the breeding season. I
have heard, however, on good authority that it is
not rare at that time on the main land.

Since writing the above I have obtained
an undoubted set of the eggs of the Red-eyed
Towhee. They were brought me by a colored
Jad, who said that ‘‘the bullfinch (local name for
the bird) had a red eye when it ought to be
white.” The nest was in a cassina bush “close to
the ground.” It is deeper than any I have pro-
cured of the White-eyed race and contains much
wire grass in the lining and some cloth and rags
in the outside. The eggs, three in number, were
in an advanced state of incubation, but I have
succeeded in preserving them. The ground color
is strongly tinged with green and the markings
disposed in a ring. In one of the specimens they
are placed about the small end.
these eggs is plainly abnormal—very
globular.

[A set of four eggs of the Florida or White-
eyed Towhee, (Pipilo erythrophthalmus alleni), now
before the present writer are smaller than any of
a series of P. erythrophthalmus, and much more
pointed. It is of course impossible, however, to
judge from asingle set of allenit.—J. P. N.]

nearly

The shape of

Nesting of the Worm-eating Warbler

BY THOMAS H. JACKSON, WEST CHESTER, PA.

Although having repeatedly found the nest of
the Worm-eating Warbler, (Zlelminthotherus ver-
mivorus,) never until the present season have I
been able to place in my cabinet perfect sets of
eggs of this species.

Every collector knows how discouraging it is
to find the nest of some rare bird containing a
flourishing brood of young, or but little better, a
set of eggs so far advanced in incubation as to
make their preservation a matter of great diffi-
culty. And yet from such specimens we are able
to fix the time of nesting, approximately, and
profit thereby another season.

Such was my intention the present year, and
accordingly on the 21st of May, 1886, I visited a
large tract of wood land adjacent to West Ches-
ter, Pa., that I knew was a favorite habitat of the
Worm-eating Warbler. The timber growth con-
sisted of Beech, Oak and Chestnut; the former
predominating, and the trees were of small size.
A running stream with numerous swampy places,
overgrown with briar tangles and alder bushes,
bounded the foot of the hill, which rapidly as-
cended from sixty to one hundred yards. From
the table-land above the leaves had been swept
by the wind over the brow of the hill, and lodged
in heavy masses wherever a projecting rock or
other obstruction intervened. Entering the wood
land I commenced to work up the hillside, care-
fully examining every spot likely to offer a fa-
vorable shelter, and in a short time was rewarded
by finding a nest. It was neatly imbedded in the
ground under a bunch of leaves that had lodged
against a hickory sapling, and which formed a
sheltering arch over the nest. No eggs were in
it, but it was evidently finished, as its beautiful
lining of flower stalks of the Polytrichium had
been added in readiness for them. Leaving the
place I went round a spur of the hill not a hun-
dred yards distant, to a steep bank facing the
east, and in a position almost precisely similar,
found another nest, also completed, but without
eggs. The two nests were so much alike in
every respect that a single description suffices for
the history of both.

Eight days later on the 29th of May I again
visited them both. Creeping quietly up to No. 1
I lay down within six feet of the nest. The fe-
male still sat upon it without apparent alarm,
and only left it when I was almost near enough
to touch her with my hand. She then flew to
the ground, tumbling and fluttering in great
distress, in her endeavors to lead me away from

Oct. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

157

the nest. The male also appeared on the scene
at the first chirp of alarm, and both birds re-
mained near by until I left. The nest contained
five eggs—two of which showed considerable
sign of incubation, although all of them had been
laid within seven days. The ground color of this
set is a dull white, thickly spotted at the greater
end, and more sparingly over the body of the
egg, with varying shades of rich brown, ap-
proaching in one egg a delicate shade of lilac,
sprinkled in fine spots. The measurements of
the set are as follows: .52x.68; .54x.68 ; .52x.65;
.01x67; .52x.65.

Nest number two at this time contained but three
eggs, and the parent birds did not appear in the
vicinity, so I did not disturb them, but again vis-
ited the nest on June 2d, and found the set of five
completed with the female sitting. This set was
perfectly fresh, both parents were around and
showed the same signs of alarm as those at the
first nest. Set No. 2 differ from No. 1 conspicu-
ously in having a bright glossy surface and being
much heavier in appearance. The spotting is
similar, though more on the lilac shade. They
measure .55x.65; .56x.65; .54x.68; .56x.68; .53x
64,

My third nest was found in a somewhat differ-
ent situation from the last two. A road running
through the edge of a wood, had from disuse be-
come overgrown with small trees. The timber
adjacent had been cut away, but a fringe of sap-
lings had been left on the bank sloping up ten
feet from the road. Deeply imbedded in this
bank, under an overhanging Dogwood tree, the
nest had a sheltered location. A few yards below
a dense thicket of briar and alder overhung a
clear stream of spring water, and from its dark
recesses the notes of the White-eyed Vireo and
Cardinal were constantly heard from their almost
unpenetrable refuge. This nest also contained
five eggs—slightly incubated. The markings on
this set were lighter, and more generally diffused
our the entire surface in fine points, and dots of a
uniform light chestnut or brown. This set meas-
ures .57x.68; .57x.67; .57x.67; .56x.70; .55x.68.
Set No. 4 was taken June 1st, in the adjacent
county of Delaware. At this date they were al-
most ready to hatch. This set of eggs was
much plainer than any of the others—incubation
probably dimming the colors somewhat. The
nest was located on a steep hillside near the sum-
mit, covered with a heavy forest growth. The
fifth and last nest of the season was found on a
steep east lying hillside, and contained a single
young bird a few days old, on the 6th of June.

Two other sets of eggs of four and five re-

spectively were taken in this county the present
season by Mr. 8. B. Ladd, of West Chester, and
are now in his cabinet. The set of four has a
clear, white glossy ground thickly spotted with a
rich reddish brown, so protusely laid on as to al-
most obscure the white. They are very large,
and of peculiar shape, being nearly of the same
size at both ends. They measure .58x.72; .59x
.69; .58x.70: .60x.71. The set of five are con-
siderably smaller—giving the following dimen-
sions: .51x.66; .55x.67; .52x.68 ; .52x.67; .53x.67.
They are exquisitely marked—the greater end
being so thickly covered with a rich brown as to
form a wreath, and the coloring also extends to
the smaller end with some fainter marks of a lilac
shade. They exceed in beauty the eggs of any
Warblers I ever saw. Both nests were taken on
steep, rugged hillsides, and the nests correspond
with those heretofore described.

From the foregoing instances of the nesting of
this bird, together with others that have come
under my notice, we may fix a few of the char-
acteristic habits of this interesting Warbler.

1. It always nests on the ground, generally on
a steep hillside, in the woods.

2. A stream of water, or an adjacent swamp,
seems to be a desirable condition.

3. The nest is invariably lined with the red
flower stalks of the Hair Moss, (Polytrichium),
and

4. Theusual nest complement is four eggs.

Occurrence of the Turkey Buzzard

in Massachusstts.

A Turkey Buzzard (Cathartes aura), was shot
by a boy at Annisquam, Mass., on September
14th. and brought into the Seaside Labratory of
the Boston Society of Natural History, situated
at that place. The bird was fully identified by
Mr. T. H. Morgan, of Lexington, Ky., who is in-
terested in the study of ornithology, and per-
fectly familiar with the buzzards in all plumages.

On account of the lack of time and not being
aware of the rarity of the bird in Massachusetts,
the specimen was not preserved, but Mr. Morgan
considered the specimen to be in young plumage.
I will also record the Indigo Bunting as being
found in the same locality, as, on several ‘occa-
sions I saw a pair which occupied a thicket near
the roadside during June and July.—H. G.
White.

—_<>—__—_

Prof. Dunsmore desires to return thanks for

nests forwarded for purpose of study in produc-
tion of his article, “Botany of Nests.”

158

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 10

HN TOMOLOGY.

WRIGHT & BATES,
265 No. Beacon St., Brighton, Mass.,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.

Address all communications for this department as above.

Sphingidae of New England.

SPHINX UNDULOSA.— Walk.

Head and palpi pale cinereous. Thorax of the
same hue, with a black band on the anterior por-
tion and a black line bordered anteriorly with
white, on the metathorax. Tegule whitish.

Abdomen dark cinereous above, hoary beneath,
with a slender black dorsal line and an undulating
blackish line on either side.

Anteriors cinereous, with three blackish undu-
lating lines crossing the basal portion of the wing;
a band of the ground color, containing a white
discal spot bordered with black, crosses the dis-
coidal cell, curving toward the base at the discal
spot; four undulating black lines cross the base
of the nervules; there is also a short black line at
the apex, and a longer just below it. Fringes
brown, with spots.

Posteriors dark brown, with a yellowish cast,
with three darker bands.

Under side hoary; two brownish undulating
lines cross both wings, the basal one, which
crosses the disc, being almost obsolete on the an-

teriors; the apical line is not so distinct on this.

side as on the upper.

Expanse three inches.

Mature larva, pale green, with a flesh-colored
stripe on either side of the head, and seven ob-
lique greenish stripes on either side of the body.
Granulations on the head and first three segments
pale yellow, on last segment black. Spiracles
bright red with a white stripe down the middle.
Caudal horn pale pink tipped with brownish ;
feet flesh-colored.

Transformation subterranean.

Pupa, blackish brown with sunken tongue-
case.

Food plants, ash, lilac and probably walnut.

The Cherry Tree Borer.

BY L. E, HOOD.

Early in July I found a specimen of this
Buprestid (Dicerca divuricata, Say,) on a fallen
tree, where 1 was enjoying the sun, all species of
this family being great lovers of warm, sunny
places, this species being frequently seen on cher-
ry trees, which are bored by the larvee.

It is an injurious insect, working in both
cherry or pear trees, and may be classed as a
special enemy of our orchards.

The perfect beetle is usually about three-quar-
ters of an inch, rarely an inch long, of a light
coppery bronze color, with dark raised spots on
the elytron which is striate and punctured; head
set deep into thorax, both of which are densely
punctured, with a slight elongate dentation on
thorax; the elytron being longer than the body
and, ending abruptly, gives the beetle a curious
appearance, the end of the elytron looking some
like a blunt W.

The antenne is serrate looking like a fine saw,
about twice the length of the head, legs of the
same metalic lustre as the body, with a tooth-like
prong on the middle tibie of the male. _

The larvee are large headed flattened, footless
grubs, I have seen but one that I felt reasonably
sure was a dicerca, it was taken from under the
bark of a partly dead cherry tree. It was of a
dark cream or yellow color, greatly enlarged and
flattened, length slightly over half an inch, and
may have been a Chrysobothris larvee, though it
differed much from the specimens I have seen of
C. femorata.

I found two pupe in the same tree, but both
died before their transformations were completed.
They were fully three-quarters of an inch long,
being larger than the pupe of C. femorata, which
I have reared from larvee taken from apple trees.

Preserving Larve.

BY PAUL REVERE.

Preserving caterpillars is one of the things that
has been frequently tried by entomologists, and
almost as often abandoned, while doubtless, if the
same pains and patience had been expended as
are sO commonly applied to the preservation of
lepidoptera it would long ago have become as
successfully established.

Great care and a little genius are necessary to
preserve the caterpillars, which are easiest set up
in their natural form and color; and some have
never yet been preserved, whatever the skill or
genius applied in their treatment.

Heat has been a most successful means of pre-
serving the caterpillar in its colors. It may be
done over an ordinary stove, although a spirit
lamp may prove better as it is more comfortable
to work over. All the tool that is necessary is a
spool covered with blotting paper, which is used
to free the body from the juices and frass, by
rolling it over them from head to anal extremity.
This must be done upon a sheet of blotting paper

Oct. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

159

that the juices may be absorbed and not allowed
to touch the outside of the skin. A straw may
then be inserted in the anal orifice and held by
small pins pushed through the anal flap and
straw, or by winding the skin over the straw with
silk. Then the skin must be gently distended
with the breath until natural, and carefully dried
in the heat of the flame of the lamp. They must
not be scorched. Some use heated sand to dis-
tend the body and dry it. A cork stopple clipped
from sheet cork with a punch may be made to.fit
the anal orifice and then the larve may be
mounted by winding fine wire closely around a
good sized pin and inserting the ends into the
cork.

It is well to have the larvee nearly full grown,
and to let them fast for a day or two that they
may eject the frass naturally, as squeezing the
body with the frass in tends to injure the speci-
mens.

Hairy caterpillars have to be soaked in a fairly
strong solution of alum water, to set their hairs
before they are distended and dried.

Good caterpillars to try the experiment on at
first are the larve of Papilio asterias and the
parasitized larvee of Citherouia requlis. The col-
ors are retained if the work is well and carefully
done.

It would be well for entomologists to experi-
ment in preserving larve, and then by a publica-
tion of results assist in establishing the most suc-
cessful methods. The work has been splendidly
done by a few, who have kept their methods a
secret, and frequently at their death the way of
success has been lost. This should not be so.
With selfishness of this sort generally practiced
the race would get nowhere in science or mechan-
ics. A generous interchange of plans and meth-
ods and successes helps to advance any cause.

ee

Sea Island Insects.

NON-PROFESSIONAL NOTES.

BY WALTER HOXIE.

It with considerable diffidence that I attempt a
contribution for THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND O6LO-
GIsT, upon insects, for it is many years since I
have made anything like a collection, and I never
could lay claim to being anything more than a
mere dabbler in entomology. Still there are
many insects in this locality which I know are
not widely distributed, at least in such numbers
as they occur here, and I can only hope that
some of these lines may contain matter of interest
to your readers.

The Ant Lion is very abundant in all suitable

situations, but under my door-sill there is a nu-
merous colony. ‘Their little pits almost touch
one another, and it is amusing to see how soon
the whole neighborhood becomes active the in-
stant one begins to dig. The first few grains of
sand that fly are sure to trespass upon the next
premises, whose occupant is in turn obliged to
begin active operations and so ina minute or two
there is a general stir. I don’t quite understand
how they ever get a chance to stop when they
get to digging in earnest. The hours of labor
and repose seem, however, to be about equaily
divided.

Dragon flies of numerous species are very
abundant, and in the wooded swamps some deli-
cate species occur—Ogrion ep? if my memory
does not tail me.

The Mantis is not at all rare. Iam unable to
say whether more than one species occurs here,
but I suspect that the very slender grey ones
which I occasionally see are only the young of
the larger species.

Grasshoppers proper, are not numerous, but the
Locusts are well represented in both numbers
and species. In some of the old fields the swarms
that dart away on every side make a very bril-
liant display with their red, yellow and black
wings.

Grillus and blatta are far too well represented
for comfort about some buildings.

I sometimes see the Mole Cricket.
“Ground puppy,” by the natives.

A very large species of Nepa is common in
ponds and ditches. I can testify to their stinging
powers. Its about all a man can bear in that
line. Harvest flies are very numerous in early
summer,

The beetle family contains some peculiar
representatives. One enormous species, of
titijus, is occasionally found in the ground under
“bird roosts.” A large weevil infests the palmet-
to. Tiger beetles fairly swarm upon some of the
beaches. The Scorabeide in suitable localities
are well represented and many species are pecu-
culiarly brilliant. Perhaps the most striking of
the Iptera is a very large Tabanid. This family,
the ascilus and the blow flies seem to be particu-
larly well represented.

Our largest butterfly seems to be allied to the
Turner’s, but bigger and with more black. A
large Celias (?) hovers about the cotton blossoms
and is so closely matched with them in color that
it is hard to distinguish when at rest upon a
flower. The skippers are finely represented.
Many other butterflies which I see in my daily
rambles I am unable to refer even to families.

It is called

160

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 10

The Sphingidae are, as far as my present experi-
ence goes, not numerous, but at certain seasons of
the year Noctuids occur in large numbers, and
prominent among them is the moth of the cotton
caterpillar. Of the large Bonbycids I have de-
tected as yet only the Luna.

CORRESPONDENCE.

The Destruction of Birds for Millin-
ery Purposes.

THE EDITOR oF THE O. AND O. Sir:—I have read all
that has appeared on this subject in the O. and O. so far,
and finding that although the killing of birds for scientific
and pseudo-scientific purposes seems to be regarded as al-
lowable and justifiable, yet the destruction of the same
creatures for millinery purposes is regarded with horror
and universally condemned. I venture to lay before your
readers a few facts tending to show that it is not quite so
wicked to kill a bird to adorn ahat as many seem to think.

Now the slaughter of birds is condemned on two grounds.
Ist, ‘‘That birds are not created in vain,” and so on, which
needs no answer beyond that of Dr. Northrup in the July
O.andO. 2nd. That the slaughter of birds will lead to an
increase in the numbers of the insect tribes and mankind
will suffer. Now when we come to consider the matter we
find that those who take this view of the matter seem to
consider all insects as noxious, and birds as the only check
_ on them ; but it must always be borne in mind that many

insects prey on others either in the perfect or larval state,
such insects as the Ichneumon flies, Dragon flies, Ground
beetles, Antlions and Lady-bugs being well known instan-
ces of this fact, and as far as my experience goes, birds
will as soon eat useful insects as noxious ones. The Bee-
martin for instance, a well known insectivorous bird, often
Causes great annoyance to bee-keepers in this section, in
fact Ihave seen more than a dozen sitting on a fence in
front of arow of hives and now and again flying off to
catch the bees as they flew to and fro from the hives.

Again it must be remembered that most of the birds
killed for millinery purposes are not specially useful to
man, those most in demand being Blue Jay, Cedarbird,
Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, Redwing and other Blackbirds.
Now the first three are noted as birds of non-insectivorous
habits, the Flicker feeds chiefly on ants and berries, while
the Redwing and other Blackbirds do much damage to
newly sown oats and wheat in the South. (It may be as
well to note here that the Bobolink, so highly prized for
its song in the North, does great damage in the Fall to the
Southern ricefields, and it would certainly be hard on the
rice growers to protect these birds in their breeding haunts
as they are more numerous than is wanted now.)

The birds which do the most good as insect eaters here
are the Field and Chipping Sparrows, neither of which is in
demand for millinery purposes. The above facts are but a
few out of many which have come under my notice, and
the consideration of which has brought me to the conclu-
sion that there is no very urgent reason why birds should
not be killed for millinery as well as for scientific purposes,
as no amount of sentimentalism can make me see that
killing a bird for millinery purposes does more harm than
killing one for scientific purposes, or even for sport—its
only one bird the less in any case.—C. S. Brimley, Raleigh,
N. C.

The A. O. U. and the Amateurs.

THE EDITOR ORNITHOLOGIST AND OdLoaIsT. Sir:—I
cannot think that the O. and O., which during these many
years has been a champion for truth and fair play is now to
become a vehicle for misrepresentation and injustice. My
friendliness toward the magazine for “Auld lang syne,” as
well as the hope I entertain for its future usefulness will
not permit me to think that, and I, therefore, ask fora
little space to endeavor to correct an error into which you,
Mr. Editor, and some of your correspondents appear to
have been to, regarding the attitude of the A. O. U. and
the Committee on Bird Protection toward the Amateur Or-
nithologists.

Being a member of the A. O. U. and of that committee,
it will probably be admitted that 1 amin a position to
know something of their policy and their acts; and as I
have been called ‘‘an amateur of a rather pronounced type,”
and as the majority of my friends are amateurs, I am not
likely to be prejudiced against them, but fair play compels
me to state that nothing has been done by the Union nor
by any of its committees to warrant some of the remarks
that have been published in your magazine. The editorial
statement, for example, that ‘‘there is a tendency among
the associated scientists to arrange themselves in opposi-
tion against amateurs,” and, again, ‘‘the amateur has
come under the ban of displeasure” is positively false.
And equally false is the statement of your correspondent
Philip Laurent, in the June issue, that ‘‘ young odlogists
have received all the blame for the so-called scarcity of
certain native birds,” as 1s also that of W. De Forrest Nor-
thrup, M. D., in the July issue, that ‘‘ there is a disposition
of the members of the Union to ignore the privileges of
the young students of ornithology.”

At the founding of the A. O. U. in New York in 1883
both Dr. Coues and Dr. Merriam spoke most eloquently in
praise of the work done by the amateur ornithologists of
America, and strongly urged that every encouragement be
accorded to the young students, for, said they, from the
ranks of the amateurs of to-day must come the scientists
of the future, and the A. O. U., in the interests of the
country and of ornithology, should see that they are af-
forded all possible assistance in their studies. There was
not any dissent from these sentiments, and the policy then
outlined by these gentlemen has never been departed from.

The Committee on the Bird Protection instead of ignor-
ing the right of the amateurs have placed them on the
same footing as professional scientists, and have in many
instances stretched the meaning of the phrase “ the inter-
ests of science” to assist collectors, rather than act with
severe strictness. I have been informed by a _ taxi-
dermist that a member of the committee offered to assist
him in procuring a permit, yet I have read some of his ad-
vertisements which were scarely consistent with *‘ the in-
terest of science” as generally interpreted. I know that
another member of the committee obtained a permit fora
young collector who had taken so little interest in the sci-
ence that he had never even heard of The Auk.

Such being examples of the attitude of the Union to-
ward the amateurs it has been rather exasperating to one
who understood the true state of the matter to read the
contrary statements and unfair insinuations which have
been furnished to the subscribers of the O. and O. of late,
and I hope that in future, you will find some better use for
your columns, or if you must print such stuff, to fill your
pages or to gratify some of your patrons, you will please
not publish it in the name of the amateurs, for they want
none of it.—Montague Chamberlain, St. John, N. B.

PME % oP
Ph\y ey”
rN te NOVEMBER, 1886 4

“EVOL. XISE

Established 1875.

auaueunonuesensocusseueneuarcenenenusuaneensanenenenuucanasunencenenuseuceneecesaeeseenen

Published by
FRANK B. WEBSTER,

409 Washington St., Boston, Mass.

Entered at Boston Post Office as Second-Class Matter:

CONTENTS.

Vol. XI.) No. 14, Nevember? 1986,

Some Ornithological Explorations in the Dead River Region of Maine......... B.D, \CARPENTER 5. ao. -00 5 cis vlen sue eretae 161
Notes on Some Birds of the Great Smoky Mountains..........-.--..--seeseeeee A. Moyne, M.D’. 2. oc secure ve eenicient 163
Field Notes on Some Birds of Colorado.......-.eseeeecree cere reetecceseerecnee Cyas. F. MORRISON.......cecccccenccsee 164
Observations on the Development and the Decay of the Pigment Layer on ‘

Birds’ Hegs.....2-.00-cee recesses seer ccocees Scltiemniatanteteuntenierere A. M. M’ALDOWIE, M. D...3....0-0s0s008 165
Nest and Eggs of Short-eared Owl........0+ see eecceeccreeeeectee cree ceeeceees G. F. BRENNINGER......ccccceeco-ceerece 167
FEDITORIA Ti. ccs ck oiclaketa dela! ocnie oe ores (e/clele ele bau 5" ole nlp abbyorwlodaielsio winiain in lelnteraralaime\e)wle einlo/0\0ys!a\n/a/s/oje\ o:ele\e/a{aiw's/4.0.=(n/,¢,</a\/stnin)alntete) aie 168
New York Law on Song Birds. ........-eeseee cece were re cece rece teeeeceteneeeas Wis te ic Cis cio ei'alolaje: dis at alsin oo eiwials tate een 169
Practical Taxidermy........cessceeeccce cere cee eee c sees eee sees eneeeeesneececees HY Bi WEBSTER «<<. /cerecss cecvinsep ei giteer 169
Nesting of the Mississippi Kite in Texas...... .-..eeessee reer eee ss ee renner eee d= ACV SINGLE: caclsiecie ers hereiisi eee 170
The Western Gull in Captivity.....c..cescee cece cece cere ete e eee reer cneereeees ES RAN GOR: ss sre ols ets slceinion aie aetna 172
The Swallows Have Come.....ccccccecercoesccnsvccnccrscce sens ccscscce cccesiens DR. MOERIS GIBBS. vse cero sce- ee de eee 172
EnTOMOLOGY—Samia Columbia...... 20. cee cece eee ence eee re cree tse eereeeerees Re He WOnCOLT. cosy» ss ciniele cls pie eee 173
Larval Habits of Beetles.........0..- cee vccccerece rece n ener ses sesereerssceerece Lie He SELOOD ioc ee sie ciesaas aces. e oe tee 173
Conversation Between Beetles........--2ecece cer eee cee ee ec erenee cee eteweeee eee WADTER, HOXTES <0 ccicc esvene seas emetletate 174
A Hardy Butterfly.........02.0cccccceccceccencececcrectccccnseccesaceccsscenses PAUL) REVERES: . os cscccascna tien aoe 174
Sphingidae of New England.... 2.1... .esseeeeceee cette cee e rece cere cere cr eeeeees WRIGHT’ & BATES) 5.60 = ce ccniencieteeeie 175
Miprataand INOtes 2. vantis oto cleralctstratsio cic ete «> ocebis oloseis (ales ='olejetsyo’a(e.cua ohain nib ieia(e(e ayetnle,etecaty/atstn'pia\a/eimelnjelo\e!'vis ols aleteletam’at ata) o}al eitstate tenant 175
CoRRESPONDENCE.—Amateur and A. O. U.; Bird Destruction; Correction, Etc.... 2.12.1... eee eee e eee cee n ence ecenee 116

the Oruihongst and Doles. THE AUK.

-Volume Xlil., — A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY,
BEGINS JANUARY, 1887. gears ~

Beer Americal Ornithologists’ Unio.

Any person subscribing before January, | BY L. S. FOSTER & CO.

upon payment of the regular rate and one Edited by J. A. ALLEN,
dollar in addition, ($2.50) will receive a | Assisted by

fine specimen of the
ELLIOT COUES, ROBERT RIDGWAY,

Egg of the Afri can 0 st ri Cc h , | WILLIAM BREWSTER, MONTAGUE CHAMBERLAIN.

SECOND. Tue Aux, while thoroughly scientific,

To any person sending two new sub- aims at popularizing Ornithology. Hach
scriptions at regular rates, and fifty cents, number contains upwards of one hundred
($3.50) will be sent AN AFRIC AN os. | Pages of matter relating to the habits and

TRICH EGG. distribution of North American Birds.
me tahld | TERMS, $3.00 PER YEAR.
THIRD. | Subscriptions received by
To any person sending four new sub- F. B. WEBSTER.

scriptions at regular rates, ($6.00) will be |

sent AN AFRICAN OSTRICH EGG, WANTED TO PURCHASE.
. FREE. | Several sets of EGGS OF THE SHARP-

SUBSCRIPTION, $1.50 PER YEAR. SHINNED HAWK, (Aceipiter fuseus),
F. B. WEBSTER, with data. Address, stating price,
7. PARKER WoRRIS,

409 WASHINGTON ST., BOSTON. 204 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

Pent lLHOLOGIST

—AND—

_OOLOGIST. |

FRANK B. WEBSTER, PUBLISHER.

$1.50 per Single Copy
Annum. Established, March, 1875. 15 Cents.
ViOTs. o1.

Noeenu:

Some Ornithological Explorations in
the Dead River Region of Maine.

BY F. H. CARPENTER.

(Continued from Page 147.)

58. Melospiza fasciata, (Song Sparrow). This
species was observed under about the same con-
ditions as the Grass Finch, except it was noted
further north, being seen in the scrub “ plains”
below Eustis.

54. Passerella iliaca, (Fox Sparrow). Observed
in September in its southward migration. They
were in no hurry, asa flock remained about the
camps at Seven Ponds over a week, and we left
them there when we came away. None seen
in June.

50. Molothrus ater, (Cow Bird). Mr. Freeborn
informs me that this species is to be met with
every summer. I saw a female in front of the
Mt. Abraham House at Kingfield, amongst the
crab-apple trees, with evident designs against a
nest of the Yellow Warbler.

56. Ageleus pheniceus, (Red-winged Blackbird).
Very locally distributed. A few were nesting
along the Sandy River, and a small colony held
possession of a marsh near New Portland. Several
large flocks were seen in August.

57. Scolecophagus jerrugineus, (Rusty Black-
bird). This species was seen at both Tim and
Seven Ponds. At Flagstaff Lake they were ob-
served in small flocks in September. Along Dead
River just below Stratton they nested, evidently in
considerable numbers, but I was unable to find
only two nests. According to Mr. Samuels, who
affirms to have found nests on the Magalloway
River, they are “‘large structures and can be seen
at a considerable distance.” Such is not the case
at this place, as they nested in the small hemlocks
and were very effectually hidden from view. In
my own experience during the ascent of the
Magalloway in 1884, I could not discover their
conspicuous nests. Their eggs present more of a
contrast with Quiéscalus than one would suppose,

BOSTON, MASS., NOVEMBER, 1886.

being blotched, with none of the lines so charac-
teristic of many of the Jeteride.

58. Quiscalus purpureus, (Purple Grackle). A
few seen at North Anson in the village streets.
They evidently bred in the vicinity, but we did
not remain a sufficient length of time to investi-
gate.

59. Corvus fragivorus, (Common Crow). Nested
in the small hardwood forests of the valley of the
Carribossett river. In autumn and late summer
they assembled in immense flocks on the cleared
fields, often keeping company with a flock of
sheep for a whole day. None were observed in
the interior of the evergreen forests.

60. Cyanocitta cristata, (Blue Jay). This species
was as noisy and self-assertive as ever, in this
wilderness. In spring it kept more to the woods,
where they were to be met with in jovial bands
of a dozen or more, although it was in the breed-
ing season, when well regulated families should
be in pazrs, In latter summer they were very
gregarious, keeping in large flocks, and they pre-
sented a very pretty sight when flitting about
some forest edge, apparently discussing matters of
moment to their interest. Theirnests were found
in June and were placed at a considerable height
in the spruce and hemlock, and resembled the
well known type of this species.

61. Perisoreus canadensis, (Canada Jay). Com-
mon throughout the entire wilderness north of
Dead River. I do not hesitate to ascribe it as
breeding in this region, having shot in June
young birds of the year, and found about the
camps at Seven Ponds old nests which were with-
out doubt constructed by this bird. It may not
be out of place to mention two sets taken in the
Parmachenee country. <A set of three taken from
a nest ten feet up in a spruce, March 28, 1881.
This set bore some resemblance to those of the
Blue Jay, but were lighter in color and more
elongated. They are in the possession of my
friend Dr. E. A. Patton of Minneapolis. The
second set was taken three days later in the im-
mediate vicinity of theformer. It contained four

Copyright, 1886, by Eaton Curr and F, B. WEBSTER.

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 11

162

eggs, which differed from the first set greatly in
coloration, being light grey, with bright spots of
brown scattered sparsely over the surface. The
nest was bulky, and nearly every obtainable
variety of moss, lichens, hair and feathers entered
into its make up; these were placed on a founda-
tion of rather coarse twigs.

The Canada Jay with its various uncomplimen-
tary apellations, shares with the rest of its family
the contempt of students of bird-life. I may
therefore be accused of rank heresy, when I state
that the ‘‘Moose Bird,” as I love to call him, is my
first choice among all the birds of the Maine
forests. He greets me, when I pitch camp for the
night, with demonstrations of welcome, calls
about him his particular chums and acts well his
part at the preparing of the evening meal, and re-
tires for the night in some adjacent evergreen that
he may be convenient for the breakfast crumbs.
He devours the “angle-worms” in my bait box,
when fishing from a boat, and ransacks the camp
provisions in search of “goodies” if left unguarded.
He may be a thief, but his jovial companionship
is beyond the price of his board bill, in the dark
still forests he claims as his home.

2. Tyrannus carolinensis, (Kingbird). Noticed
sparingly in the vicinity. ‘‘ They breed at Farm-
ington.”

63. Sayornis fuscus, (Pewee). Common around
the farms south of Kingfield. Breeds under same
conditions as elsewhere. Found one nest placed
under the shelving upturned roots of a tree; truly
a natural situation.

64, Contopus borealis, (Olive-sided Flycatcher).
A not common summer visitor of the county,
seemingly evenly distributed throughout - all
cleared portions. A nest was found in a sugar
maple orchard at Stratton. Contrary to pub-
lished descriptions I found the nest to be quite
prettily and substantially built of fine rootlets,
twigs and hair. It was very shallow. The eggs
were three in number, dull white, faently spotted
with lilac and brown. Another nest of similar
construction, containing three eggs, was found by
my companion, Dr. Northrup. This latter nest
was placed in a walnut tree in the woods.

65. Hmpidonax pusillus trailli, (Traill’s Fly-
vatcher). A few specimens were seen near New
Vineyard and Kingfield. The finding of their
nests was an event for which I must, like a cer-
tain ballad hero, say “better luck next time.”

66. Hmpidonax flaciventris, (Y ellow-bellied Fly-
catcher), A single specimen was secured at Flag-
staff. I am positive I saw several at Stratton
while riding on the stage. My experience with

their nidification in other portions of the State,
will be made the subject of a separate article at
an early date.

67. Trochilus colubris, (Ruby-throated Hum-
mer). One was secured at Tim Pond in August,
1885, and another seen at same place and date.
On the stage road between Eustis and Kingfield
is a burnt district comprising several thousand
acres, which is covered with a bright, handsome
red flower, called by the natives “fire weed.” On
this tract many Hummingbirds were seen in Au-
gust, 1884. None were seen around the cultiva-
ted farms.

68. Chetura pelusgica, (Chimney Swift). Oc-
curring in usual numbers about the houses in the
farming districts.

69. Chordeiles popetue, (Nighthawk). Very
common around Eustis, where in an open field on
the ‘‘heights” they breed in numbers. They were
also common about the lakes in the forest during
September, often darting at the artificial flies on
my line when casting for trout.

70. Picus villosus, (Hairy Woodpecker). Fre-
quently seen, but not as common as I judged it
would be, ‘previous to my visits in this region.
Several instances of its nesting was noted in the
tall dry stubs of the brush clearings. In winter
they were abundant at times at Kingfield.

71. Picus pubescens, (Downy Woodpecker). A
very common breeder. In a birch growth on a
mountain side in Jerusalem, I found nests in the
partly decayed stubs of this tree. They were
nearly absent in winter.

72. Picoides arcticus, (Black-backed Three-toed
Woodpecker). The most common Woodpecker
of the interior forest, and were to be found in all
sections of the counties. Erratic in movements,
being seen at times in great numbers and again
disappearing entirely fora number of days. Their
tenacious hold upon the rough bark of the spruce
trees would be retained after being shot. A nest
excavated in a living spruce, on Boundary Moun-
tains contained young on June 9, ’79. Another
nest was in a dead stub, near Moose River, and
contained four eggs, being found by Dr. Northrup
May 23, 1885. Other nests found by myself in
other portion of the State did not differ.

73. Picoides tridactylus americanus, (Striped-
backed Three-toed Woodpecker). I can record
only one specimen of this species, which was
taken near Seven Ponds, Sept. 4, 1885.

74. Hylotomus pileatus, (Pileated Woodpecker).
More conspicuous than abundant, the Logeock is
a resident of the evergreen forests. Its resonant
“soundings” may be heard at almost any time in
the spring, and its heron-like flap of the wing

Nov. 1886.]

AND OOLOGIST.

added to its rolling flight make it a conspicuous
feature of the woods. It can use its feet in a
powerful manner, and I have watched it on one
occasion strip the bark from a lightning scathed
hemlock with the cleverness of a professional
“Heeler” at the lumber camp. Two nests were
found near Tim Pond, but no eggs were secured,
but a set of five in my collection were taken in
this vicinity by hands, now forever at rest. All
nests were in the decayed tops of spruce trees.

75. Colaptes auratus, (Yellow-shafted Flicker).
Common around the farms at Eustis and Stratton
as well as farther south. Nesting habits as else-
where ; seen in large flocks in the pastures in
September

76. Ceryle aleyon, (Belted Kingfisher). Nested
in the banks of the Sandy River. Saw a pair
each year in August about Tim Pond. Also saw
several while fishing on Tim Brook in the woods,
far from any congenial nesting site. They evi-
dently had an epicure’s taste for fingerling trout.

(To be Concluded.)

Notes on Some Birds of the Great
Smoky Mountains.

BY ARTHUR LEMOYNE, M. D.

(Continued from page 148.)

POLIOPTILA CQZRULEA.
Blue-grey Gnatcatcher.

This species is common in certain districts, but
not very evenly dispersed, seeming to prefer the
hard wood growth of the lower table-lands about
the cultivated farms. I could find none at higher
altitudes among the black growth on the moun-
tain sides. It was first noted in Monroe County
as early as March 30th, but it usually does not ar-
rive until the first week in April. The first ar-
rivals are quickly followed by the bulk of the mi-
grants and they speedily betake themselves to
their favorite haunts, to which they limit their
movements. The greatest altitude at which they
were found was about 1,800 feet, though they
might have occurred at a greater height had their
desired environs there flourished.

They nested along the small streams in greater
numbers than elsewhere, the old lichen-covered
branches of the oaks, giving them protection by
reason of strong similarity in outward appear-
ances of both nest, and the foundation upon which
it was’placed,

The musical abilities of this bird have, with a
few exceptions, been ignored by writers. Mr. C.
J. Maynard gives the first mention of it that has
fallen to my notice. I have frequently heard the

low yet distinct warble of the males, during the
mating season ; at other times I have never heard
any song. The song of this Gnatcatcher varies
in both volume and note, sometimes it is so faint
as to require close attention to catch the strain
and at other times a different song would be
given in louder tones. This latter, as nearly as I
can express it, seems to my ear like twing-twing-
twing-twing, ree-ree-vee-ree. The first half in a
rising scale and the latter descending. This is
followed by the low jumble of indescriable war-
bles which defies any representation.

Without any exceptions I have always found
the nest completed and first set of eggs deposited
by the second week in May. The nests are great-
ly alike in composition, being large examples of
the Ruby-throat Hummer. The set of eggs I find
to be usually four.

DENDROICA DISCOLOR.
Prairie Warbler.

This dainty little warbler was heard for the
first time in 86 on April 12th, for be it known
the curious ‘“‘breezy” note of this bird may be
heard for days before the vocalist is seen, unless
especial attention is given to the game of hide
and seek. It loves the scrub and second growth,
and I never found them as plenty as in the small
growth which followed a burnt tract of woodland
in Blount County. Every clump of bushes con-
tained one of these birds, and their curious song
—if it can be called such—was heard on every
hand. I hope I may be pardoned when I affirm
that these warblers remind me of some insects.
They are heard at best on sunny days and in sun-
ny spots, while their notes resemble the buzzing
of some large locust. None of these birds are
found in the swamps or the evergreen growth
of the mountains. Sunshine and heat seem to be
necessary to their vitality. As may be assumed,
from the habits of the bird its nest is one of the
“finds” of red letter days of collectors.

During the third week in May I observed a
pair of these warblers frequenting a patch of
wild rose and thorn bushes, and when a little
later I heard the male singing from a red maple
which grew in the center of the thicket, I felt
sure his mate was engaged in incubation, so ac-
cordingly I proceeded to search for the nest. My
first skirmish with a refractory thorn bush be-
trayed my hostile design, and the male hushed
his vocal efforts and darted to cover. My pro-
cedure was slow if not sure, but the nest was
found snugly placed at the intersection of several
branches of a wild rose bush. It was exceedingly
pretty and substantial, and the four eggs which
it contained were to my eye very beautiful, be

164 ON

ing spotted with two distinct shades of brown
and purple. They were oval in shape, being
pointed at one end, save one which was equally
blunt at both. As I reached the outer edge of
the thicket on my return, the male flew to his
former perch and resumed his song. Save for
the appearance of my clothing, nothing would
indicate the tragedy I had just enacted.
VIREO SOLITARIUS ?
Solitary Vireo.

I have been so fortunate as to secure specimens
of the Solitary Vireo, in both Northern New Eng-
land and Tennessee, but until recently I did not
consider any slight difference. Mr. Wm. Brews-
ter first gave public notice to the new variety
alticola which he claims as peculiar to the “moun-
tains of western North Carolina.” Mr. Brewster
is correct as to this variety being found in these
mountains and without expressing any opinion I
would say that I have secured specimens which
were true solitarius, and also of the darker type,
in these mountains, as the following will show.

Vireo solitarius, (860 author's coll.) Monroe
county, Tenn., 1,700 feet. Description: Upper
parts olive-green ; crown and side of head bluish-
ash; white line about eye, lore-dusky. Below,
white ; sides tinged with olive; spurious quill, ete.
Enough is given in above description to show it
is a specimen of JV. solitarius without further
quotations.

A specimen which may be of the other variety
may be described as follows:

Vireo solitarius ? (945 author’s coll.). Blount
county, 3,200 feet. May 18, 1884. Description:
é, above dark plumbeous, entire; beneath white;
sides yellowish; wings dark brown, feathers
edged with green; two bands of dull white across
wing; coverts same as tail; outer tail feathers
edged with white; white ring around eye; lore
dark.

The above condensed description shows a
specimen which differs from JV. solitarius proper.

Another specimen from Maine approaches it
closely.

“Vireo solitarius? (3480 coll. of F. H. C.). Eus-
tis, Maine, June 4, 1884. Male, adult. Upper
parts nearly black; some greenish on rump;
crown like body; quills edged with green; bill
stout.

The above brief outline taken from the collect-
or’s full description serves to prove that the
variety does extend from these mountains.

I leave the question as it now stands, trusting
the above cited examples will throw some new
light on the range of the new species.

ORNITHOLOGIST

Colorado.

BY CHARLES F. MORRISON, FT. LEWIS, COU.

198

Western Kingbird, (7. verticalis.) Does uot
breed ? but comes up from the foot-hills to feed,
about the first of August, or after the young take
to wing. A very abundant bird throughout the
west, ranging from middle Kansas to the moun-
tains, north, certainly to the Yellowstone river.
I found it very abundant at Fort Laramie, Wy-
oming, often finding as many as four nests in one
pine tree, always in ravines among the foot-hills
and bluffs; nest much resembles that of its east-
ern relative, and eggs (4-5) alike, but more globu-
lar. They are very noisy during the breeding
season, but at other times are almost silent;
perched upon a favorable branch they catch in-
numerable insects. Length, 8 13-16; tail, 4; bill,
54; wing, 6 5-16; tarsi, 94. Billand feet black ,
flame-colored patch on crown; belly and under
tail coverts yellow.

Great Northern Shrike, (ZL. borealis). Have
seen but three specimens, the first on the 7th of
August, the other two on the 30th; probably
breeds. I give the following description, which
differs somewhat from other writers. Back and
head bluish-ash, below whitish, ot always ver-
miculated with many blackish lines, a black bar
along side of head, not meeting its fellow across
the torehead, and not always interrupted by a
white crescent on under eyelid. Wing and tail
black, the former with large white spot at base of
primaries, all the feathers tipped with white ex-
cept the first 8-5 primaries. Bill black, flesh-col-
ored at base, feet black. The young are more
brilliant in color, other writers per contra, at
least I have always found them so, a fact which
does not hold good with most of our birds.

Black-chinned Hummer, (7. alevandri) My
notes in regard to the Black-throated Hummer
refer to this bird. I have since writing them
taken a number of specimens. Although both
species are present the Black-chinned are far more
abundant. I give description. Head, back and
middle tail feathers metalic green, chin black, re-
flecting a beautiful steel blue, breast olive and
spotted crissum white, sides and wing coverts
like back, under tail coverts like breast, short
white stripe on edge of wing at base of first pri-
mary. Tail emarginate; wings when in natural
position reaching end of tail. Bill, .73 and
black; wing, 1.88; tail, 1; tarsi, .15; middle toe,
17. Total length, 3.50.

Belted Kingfisher, (C. aleyon). Not an abund-

Nov. 1886. ]

ant bird owing to lack of food—a small minnow
which inhabits the streams but are scarce. Have
seen but two specimens of this bird, one of which

(a ¢@) I have mounted for parties here. Too
well known for further comment.
Green-tailed Towhee, (P. chlorurus). Very

common on the mesas in the thickets or scrub
oak; a very shy bird and rarely seen except when
flitting from one bush to another. The nest I
have not found and I think it is pretty well con-
cealed, but this spring I was surprised to find so
many eggs (broken) lying about at the foot of the
oak bushes, and believe they are of this bird, be-
ing white with red spots, but of this I am not
positive. A very pretty Towhee. The descrip-
tion given by Dr. Coues in the “Key.” is all right
except as to dimensions. Length, 513; wing, 4;
tail, 314; tarsi, 124. I will say here, that I meas-
ure all specimens in the field and as soon as shot.
The dimensions given in these notes are averaged
from all birds of a species obtained. As I am
writing on birds of one locality and collected by
myself I am not obliged to examine skins which
might be stretched or shrunken, as I would be
obliged to do in the case of birds from parts of
the country in which I had not collected. I
make this statement asa sort of an apology for
differing somewhat from older and more experi-
enced writers, but I fully believe that we should
state things just as we find them, and not feel at
all diffident about it, as by so doing the study of
ornithology is advanced faster and surer. Too
many of our young writers are apt (because their
observations do not concur with those of the sci-
entist) to keep their notes in their note books,
whereas if they would give them to the ornith-
ological world the science would be benefited
and their efforts more highly appreciated. Beg-
ging the reader’s pardon. for digressing, I will
continue my notes with the

Long-crested Jay, (C. stellerd macrolepha). Very
common in the pine timber, going about in
troupes of from six to twenty or fifty. They
have a variety of notes, one much like the Blue
Jay (C. cristata), another call note much like that
of the Magpie (P. rustico nuttalii) also when dis-
turbed it scolds in a voice like no other jay. I
have heard that when on the wing or perched in a
tree it looks like quite a small bird, and one will
be surprised to find it so large when in the hand,
—about a foot in length. Wing about 5; tail
about 6. These measurements are from a dilapi-
dated specimen and so I do not vouch for the ac-
curacy of them. They are hard to approach,
and although I have seen immense troupes of them
I have only been able to shoot but the specimen
above mentioned, which I killed with No. 6 shot
while hunting prairie chickens.

AND OOLOGIST.

165

Observations on the Development
and the Decay of the Pigment Layer
on Birds’ Eggs.

BY ALEXANDER M. M’ALDOWIE, M. D., VICE-PRESI-
DENT OF THE NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE NA-
TURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB, ENGLAND.

Read Before the North Staffordshire Field Olub.

PART II.

SPECIFIC DECOLORISATION.

In examining the evidence of decolorisation of
eggs, it will be necessary to enter somewhat into
the details of the modification of several groups
of birds to show the various ways in which the
eggs are protected from the stimulating influence
of sunlight. With reference to this, eggs may be
divided into three classes, viz.:—(1) those laid in
holes or covered nests, (2) those which are covered
by the parent bird with leaves, weeds, &c., and
(3) tiose covered by an incrustation of calcareous
matter. The eggs of nocturnal birds are white or
faintly coloured but are included in the above.

1. Hggs deposited in holes or covered nests.

The egg of a woodpecker, or any bird where
the whole of ‘the family lay white eggs and are
identical in their mode of nesting, affords no evi-
dence of decolorisation. But when we find one
species only in a family laying in a covered nest,
and its eggs white or faintly coloured, whilst
those of the other members are laid in open sites
and are highly pigmented, we may fairly argue
that the pigment covering has degenerated or
vanished. Thus all the Thrush family lay richly
coloured eggs in open sites, whilst the Dipper, a
closely allied species, lays a white egg in a domed
edifice. The egg of the Black Redstart, one of a
genus where all the other members lay coloured
eggs, is exceptionally pure and white. Again,
the Auk tribe is notable for laying bright coloured
eggs on bare ledges on the cliffs; whilst the
Puffin, one of the family which breeds in rabbit
holes, lays an egg, described by Hewitson as
“sometimes spotless, but more frequently marked
with various tints of colour, but so very faint and
indeterminate as to appear as though they were
seen through the shell.” The Wheatear is a good
example of an egg which has undergone almost
complete decolorisation. One of the most inter-
esting cases is that of the Virginian Quail. This
is the only one of our gallinaceous birds which
builds a dome-shaped nest, or, indeed, may be
said to build any nest at all. Yarrell states that
the eggs are white, although Hewitson figures one
of a faint buffy tint, with minute spots. All the

166

[Vol. 11-No. 11

rest of this order lays eggs with a well-developed
ground tint, and usually richly covered with dark
coloured markings.

2. Eggs covered by the parent bird with leaves or
other vegetable matter.

There is no doubt but that a loss of pigment has
resulted from this mode of concealment. It is in-
teresting to speculate on the reasons which have
led certain birds which breed on the ground to
adopt this method of protection, whilst others
trust to the colour of the eggs. In the Grebe
tribe it seems the only method possible. Protec-
tective coloration of the eggs would be a much
less effective mode when they are deposited on
the top of a large and prominent heap of decay-
ing water plants; and it would be impossible for
them, on account of their peculiar wings and
legs, to escape from the nest unless it were close
to the water’s edge. ‘‘It would seem that what-
ever they do must be done in the water,” writes
Naumann; “ they cannot even rise upon the wing
without a preliminary rush over the surface of the
lake; from dry land they cannot commence their
flight.” The loss of pigment is complete in the
Grebes, as it is probable that the wet decaying
vegetation shuts out the light more completely
than the loose dry materials employed by the
Ducks, Pheasants, &e.

In the duck tribe this method has probably
been adopted because of the size and large number
of eggs laid. Protective coloration could not
have afforded sufficient concealment. for eight or
ten or even more large eggs. The amount of de-
colorisation varies in this tribe. In some in-
stances, as the Eider Duck, the egg is of a pale as-
paragus green, in others it has only a very faint
greenish hue, whilst in the Sheldrake, which
breeds in holes, the loss of pigment is complete ;
the egg being of a “smooth shining white.”

In both the above groups the whole of the fami-
ly adopt the same mode of concealment, but why
should the eggs of the Pheasants and Partridge be
covered, whilst those of the Grouse are laid
openly? The two former birds breed in sheltered
woods and hedgerows, the latter on bleak and ex-
posed moors. If the Grouse covered its eges with
dead vegetable material it would soon be carried
away by the strong winds which sweep over the
moors.

3. Eygs covered by an incrustation of calcareous
matter.

Only three British birds’ eggs are coated with
this peculiar chalky substances, viz., the Cormo-
rant, the Shag and the Gannet. The hard sheli
beneath is of a faint bluish-green colour in the
two first-mentioned species ; in the last it is usually
pure white, but sometimes tinged with blue-green.

GENERIC DECOLORISATION,

The fact that certain birds deposit white eggs
in fully exposed situations has been pointed out
as proof that the colouration could have no refer-
ence to the exposure to light. But no notice has
been taken, as far as I am aware, of the fact that
all these instances occur in families where the
majority of the species breed in holes or dark
places. In this case decolorisation must have
taken place at a much earlier period in the life-
history of the family or genus than in the pre-
ceding instances. They are probably descended
from some ancestor which bred in holes; and the
change to open nests in a few members of the
family taking place long after the colouring
matter had disappeared has not been followed by
a restoration of the pigmentary covering. For
proofs that pigment had at one time existed in
these groups, we must look to the eggs of allied
species. They occur in the Owls, the Pigeons,
and the Petrels.

“There is a strong and perfect similarity
amongst the eggs of the different species of Owls,”
writes Hewitson, ‘“ which we could scarcely ex-
pect to find in the eggs of birds which differ so
much from each other in their mode of breeding.
The eggs of those species which are deposited in
the hollows of old trees and deserted ruins, and
those which are found on the bare sod, and ex-
posed to the broad light of day and the pelting
storm, are alike without colour.” But the large
majority of the species breed in dark places, and,
being nocturnal in their habits, all have a ten-
dency to avoid light. Now their nearest con-
geners, the Harriers, which link their family with
the Falconide, bear a close resemblance to them
in many points, e. g., the loose and flocculent
character of the feathers, and the circular arrange-
ment of those about the face; and the affinity on
comparing the skeletons of each is most decided.
In the colouration of the eggs also the resemblance
exists, the eggs of the Harriers being white, or
sometimes a pale skim-milk colour, more rarely
spotted and smeared with brown.

All the Columbidie, or Pigeon tribe, lay two
pure white oval All, however, lay in
crevices in rocks, hollow trees, deserted rabbit
burrows, or dense thick trees or bushes. This,
together with the fact that the nest of the arboreal
members are crude platform-like structures, quite
unlike those of any other bird, show that they are
descended from an ancestor which bred in holes.
One of the Australian Ground Pigeons is said to
lay buff-coloured eggs. The nearest ally to this
order, Pallas’ Sand Grouse, lays three oval eggs,
similar to a Pigeon’s, but coloured like a Plover’s.

vos
eggs.

Noy. 1886.]

_ AND OOLOGIST. 167

The petrels are all more or less nocturnal in
their habits, and all lay white eggs. The Ful-
mar deposits its egg openly, on ledges on the
cliffs, but the other members of the group lay in
crevices in the rocks, under stones, or form bur-
rows to the depth of two or three feet. All the
rest of the Laridée lay richly coloured eggs.

It will be seen from the above that the decolori-
sation takes place in three ways. In some—
Swallows, Wrens, Tits, &c.—the ground tint dis-
appears first, leaving the egg more or less thickly
marked with small light coloured spots; in others
—Starlings, Little Auks, &c-—the markings
vanish first; while in a third class—Puftin, Hen-
harrier, &c.—both ground tint and spots appear
in a rudimentary degree.

In this paper reference has only been made to
the eggs of British birds, not only because the
fauna ofthese isles forma very complete and typ-
ical group, but because the views adduced are
based solely on the study of thousands of speci-
mens British eggs in my own and other collec-
tions, and upon observations made on the moors,
in the woods, and by the seaside.

Evidence has been brought forward to show
that the pigmentary coat on birds’ eggs came into
existence at a very early period of their life—his-
tory, and existed in the eggs of the progenitors of
all the extant species. It has‘also been shown
that the range of colours on birds’ eggs is very
limited, but follows the usual course of pigmentary
changes; that the pigment is unstable and varia-
ble, making the process of change and decolorisa-
tion a simple one; and that its primary use is for
protection from the solar rays, but that it after-
wards became modified for concealment.

Lastly, it has been shown that eggs acquire a
highly developed pigmentary layer, or lose their
pigment entirely, according to whether they are
exposed to the full glare of the sun or laid in
situations inaccessible to its rays, and that the in-
termediate degrees of coloration are in direct ratio
to the amount of light to which the eggs are
exposed.

The two causes which determine the colouration
of eggs—protection from the sun’s rays and con-
cealment from observation—act conjointly ; they
are not antagonistic like natural selection and
sexual selection. The limited range of colours
shows that natural selection alone operates. Dar-
win states that, in regard to structures acquired
through ordinary or natural selection, there is a
limit to the amount of advantageous modification
in relation to special ends; but in regard to struc-
tures acquired through sexual selectior there is
no definite limit; so that, as long as the proper

variations arise, the work of sexual selection will
goon. That the causes are different from those
which produce the colours of the birds them-
selves, is shown by the fact that eggs from tropi-
cal regions do not surpass in brilliancy of tint
those of more temperate climes.

od

Nestand Eggs ofthe Short-eared Owl.
BY G. F. BRENNINGER, BEATTIE, KANSAS.

During the spring of 1884 it was my good for-
tune to find the Short-eared Owl (Asio acetpitri-
nus) breeding. Like most of the owls, they are
residents, but are found most plentifully during

the colder months. In the middle of April nest-
ing is first begun. Their nest is a mere depres-
sion in a bunch of old grass. The owls inhabit
the vast uninhabited prairies along sloughs, where
the banks shelter them from the cold winds of
winter and the burning rays of the sun in sum-
mer. A great number of their nests are burnt
every spring by the prairie fires, and after the
first set has been destroyed a second set are laid.
This I think was the case with my sets.

My first set was taken on May Ist, and con-
tained seven eggs of the pure white surface and
spherical form so common with owls. The sec-
ond set, of six eggs, was taken May 4th, and in-
cubation was slight in both.

The ears or tufts of this species are only seen
when the birds are looking at any object, as at
other times they are hidden. For the past two
seasons I have been requested to try and obtain
some sets of their eggs, by some of our most ad-
vanced odlogists, and many weary searches and
tramping over prairies have only proved to be
repeated failures, and I have not found nor seen
any of their nests since.

The food of this species consists chiefly of mice,
insects, and ground squirrels. Seldom, ifever, do
they deprive the farmer of his chickens, and only
in one instance have I known them to catch
pigeons. This was while they were sitting on
the outside of their coops during a severe snow
storm, and the owls were probably driven to do
this by hunger. The farmer is ignorant of this
fact, however, and shoots them whenever oppor-
tunity occurs. 1 have personally known boys to
place an open steel trap upon a high pole. This
seldom fails to catch an owl, as they perch on the
pole at night. In the warmer part of the year
these owls are rarely seen, and perhaps they seek
remote places, in the shade of dark gullies, where
they can live in peaceful solitude.

ORNITHOLOGIST |

[Vol. 11-No. 11

aie ae
Salk TEEN |
ORNITHOLOGIST

OOLOGIST.

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF

NATPRA Lor rs FOR,

ESPECIALLY DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF

BIRDS,

THEIR NESTS AND EGGS.

DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES

AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD AND INSECT LIFE.

F. H. CARPENTER, Managing Editor,
REHOBOTH, MASS.

J. PARKER NORRIS, Odlogical Editor,
204 SouTH SEVENTH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, Pa.

FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher,
409 WASHINGTON, ST., BOSTON, MASS.

Editorial.

An extra edition of this number will be
sent out as samples. Parties receiving
duplicates, will favor us by handing them
to friends who are interested.

We publish a communication from a le-
gal gentleman of New York. It is a fair
illustration of the stupid manner in which
the bird laws are enacted. We are in-
formed that a number of gentlemen who
were well versed on the subject and the
requirements, devoted considerable time
in drawing up proposed alterations, when
they were presented, amendments changed
them into what appears to us to be a farce,
with a law that makes it a crime to have a
wing in one's possession without a permit.
Hundreds of store windows in New York
City are filled with birds, wings and feath-
ers. The fact is a larger piece has been
bitten off than can be swallowed. The wis-
dom of such strictures is questionable.

That great social lever, public opinion,
may condemn wholesale slaughter for mil.
linery use, but it will not “fail to decry the
injustice of the situation, when a young

student desires to collect birds and cannot —

and a scientist desires to collect birds and
does.” The object of each is the same,
and ‘why art thou better than thy brother.”

The past year has been a very unhealthy
season for amateur publications. During
the first part we received them by scores.
They have gradually dropped out of line
until now there are but some half dozen.
Some we have regretted to see fall, others
deserved their fate. A party who starts
an amateur natural history paper is almost
certain to come to grief. Those who have
valuable communications should consider
the importance of placing them where
they will vemain on record. The Ornrruot-
oGist AND Oo .oaist and its young friend
the Auk we believe to be the surest of the
future from present appearances, from the
fact that they are both published under
the impulses of love for the cause.

There are thousands who should sup-
port both. The amount of the subscrip-
tion is a trifle compared with what is
wasted by naturalists. A complete file of
these publications is as important as the
contents of the cabinet. During the years
1884-5 37,900 copies of the O anp O.
were published, a large portion were sent
out as samples and resulted in but about
200 increase of circulation.

Of 500 paid subscribers at the start at
the present time, but 150 of same names
are on the list. This is caused by the fact
that with many, the study is of brief dura-
tion. Like school life, a short term is
what a publication of the nature of the O.
anp O. has to contend with, and is a reason
why the life long student should stand
firmly in its support.

In reply to several enquiries relative to
the movements of the special correspon
dents of the OrnrrHoLoaist AND Ooxoeist,
we would say that Dr. LeMoyne is at
present in Tennessee, where he will re-
main until December, when he will go as
far south as Key West. Mr. C. F. Morri-

Nov. 1886. ] AND OOLOGIST.

Lewis, Colorado. He may change his base
of operations by another spring. Dr. W.
DeF. Northrup left this state Oct. 18th,
for Mexico and Central America.

New York Law on Song Birds.

The latest act of the Legislature of New York
in regard to song birds was passed May 20th, 1886.
It abrogates all previous acts on the subject and
consists of eight sections. The Governor de-
clined to sign it, but it remaining in his hands
for the statutory ten day, then became a law :

Section 1 provides :

“That no person in any of the counties of this State
shall kill, wound, trap, net, snare, catch with bird lime, or
with any similar substance, poison or drug, any bird of
song, or any Linnet, Bluebird, Yellow Hammer, Yellow
Bird, Thrush, Woodpecker, Catbird, Pewee, Swallow, Mar-
tin, Bluejay, Oriole, Snowbird, Grass-bird, Grosbeak,
Bobolink, Phcebe-bird, Humming Bird, Wren, Robin,
Meadow Lark or Starling, or any wild bird other than a
game bird. Nor shall any person purchase or have in his
possession, or expose for sale, any such song or wild bird, or
any part thereof, after the same has been killed.”

It will be observed that § 1 prescribes that no
person, (it is not confined to the person “who
kills, wounds, traps, &c.”) but ‘no person can pur-
chase or have in his possession, or expose for sale
any such song or wild bird, or any part thereof
after the same has been killed.”

Section 3 provides, that § 1 shall not apply to
any person holding a certificate, [as afterwards in
$ 4 provided,] authorizing him to kill song birds,
&c., for scientific purposes.

Section 7 provides that a violation of this
statute is a misdemeanor, incurring the penalty
of imprisonment for not less than five nor more
than thirty days, and a fine of not less than $10
nor more than $50, or both, at the discretion of
the court.

Therefore, according to this perspicuous and
brilliant law, if I have in my possession in my
house, a stuffed and mounted song or wild bird,
“or any part thereof after the same has been
killed,” no matter who killed it, or how long it
has been killed, mounted and stuffed, or through
whose hands it has passed before reaching me, I
am liable to be prosecuted for a misdemeanor,
and to be subjected to fine and imprisonment,
unless I can show a certificate pursuant to § 4
authorizing me to kill birds for scientific purposes.

The Legislature of New York has not recently
been conspicuous for clearness in its legislation,
but it does seem that it could have managed a
little act about song birds without committing
itself so plainly to what it certainly did not mean.
—W. B.C.

BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

CHAPTER XV.—MAT MAKING.

The use of skins for floor mats is so common
that all taxidermists should be familiar with the
method of making, which is very simple.

Skins can be obtained, tanned, ready for use
from furriers. In selecting, examine the heads
carefully to see that they are perfect. See that
the long hair well covers the short under hair,
and that it does not shed when stroked by the
hand. The value depends almost entirely upon
the condition of the fur. In consulting a furrier
lately in regard to the vaiue of a black fox I was
surprised by the statement that they varied from
$30 to $175, depending upon the quality of the
fur.

If instead of purchasing, you have the animal,
cut it on the under side from lip to tail and from
foot to foot. Skin com-
pletely, taking out all
bones, clean carefully, _
cutting away all gristle,
&e.; rub flesh side of
skin with salt and alum
and tack it up flesh side out, where it will dry
quickly. Do not delay, for if the hair starts it
will surely come off in the tanning process. If
you desire to stuff the head to show with mouth
open, clean the skull and retain it.

When the skin is dry send it to a professional
tanner. It will be cheaper to pay him than to do
it yourself. (A simple receipt for tanning was
given in O. and O., in a previous number).
When the skin is returned it should be soft and
pliable. Never use arsenic on a skin that is to
be tanned, “so says a tanner.” Take the skin
and dampen it by rolling it up for a few hours in
damp cloths. Next stretch it out as much as it
will bear and let it remain a few hours.

STUFFING THE HEAD.

Cover the head with wet cotton and let it re-
main till quite soft. If the skull is to be used
and the mouth opened, prop open the jaws
as desired, mould with plaster to fill where meat
was removed and to set jaws. Make gums and
tongue as previously directed. Cut from a piece
of strong card board, a piece the shape for a base,
not as long as the nose but as large otherwise ;

place the skull on it and wire it with
fine wire; fill in the eye sockets with
putty. Next draw the skin over the
skull, and with a long needle and

170

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 11

strong twine sew it; the stitches on the bottom | Nesting of the Mississippi Kite in

will not show—it will appear on under side.
Ny Next insert eyes and pro-
NY ceed to stuff as in other cases.
When done it will appear :
Ifthere is
no skull
makea
MW? form of
excelsior, using fine wire to wind it firmly, and
give it a coat of clay, just enough to smooth it,
and proceed as in the previous case.

Papier maché forms are made in Europe—arti-
ficial teeth and tongue complete. They are very
natural and all that is required is to draw the skin
over them. I understand that they have been
made in this country but I do not know where
they can be obtained. The above described
processes are known as hard filling.

Soft filling may be used as follows: Make ¢
form of wood the size and shape of the head
when skinned. Stretch the damp skin over it,
tacking it down; let it remain till it dries on the
shape. Stuff firmly with cotton. The eyes can
be fastened by sewing a piece of cloth back of
them on inside. This filling gives the head a soft
elastic feeling when stepped upon, but I do not
think it is as durable as the other way.

It is usual to double the ears down to prevent
them from being broken, but I think it injures
the effect. The skin should be lined with a
heavy felt. Lay the skin upon it and with chalk
mark it out just the size. Next cut two strips,
usually two colors—a bright one 214 inches wide
and a dark one say 314 inches wide—have them
pinked, sew them to the skin all around the edge
so that they will project. It should be gathered,
using care to have it even, and finally sew the
skin thus trimmed to the lining. The tail hangs
free.

A very nice effect is obtained by plaiting the
trimming, but it must be nicely done. Blue and
drab for fox, maroon for wolf and deer are favor-
ite colors. In large skins some prefer not to have
them trimmed, in which case the lining does not
show.

Texas.

BY J. A. SINGLEY, GIDDINGS, LEE COUNTY, TEXAS.

The article on the “ Nesting of the Mississippi
Kite,” (Jetinia subewrulea), published in THE Or-
NITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST for September, (Vol.
XI, p, 142,) prompts me to relate my experiences
regarding the nidification of this species.

On May 22d, 1886, one of my collectors brought
me a set of two Hawk’s eggs, which differed so
much from any that I had heretofore seen that I
at once questioned him closely concerning them,
and elicited the following details from him:

He had found the nest on the 18th of May—the
birds being there but the nest empty. He again
visited the nest on the 20th and found one egg.
On the 21st he again went there, and this time
there were two eggs. On the 22d of May he
found the Kite sitting on the two eggs, and, con-
cluding that the set was complete, he took them
and brought them to me the same day.

On questioning him as to the color, etc., of the
bird he told me it was “blue all over but the
head, which is white, and some white on the
wings.” Consulting my Acy I was almost posi-
tive that I had a set of eggs of the Mississippi
Kite, only the eggs did not answer the descrip-
tion. I questioned him still further but could
gain no new facts, except that the hawk was
known by tie local name of “ Blue Darter”—so
called probably from its habit of swooping from
mid-air upon its prey—a habit shared by the
Swallow-tailed Kite, (Hlanoides forficatus,) also.

I sent the young man away with the promise of
a handsome reward if he would bring me the
parents of the eggs. I then waited patiently
until June 5th, when, not hearing from him, I
went to his home, and had him show me the nest
where he found the eggs. A five minutes’ walk
took us to a tank in his father’s pasture, and
there, in a small post oak, I saw the nest. It was
in the small forks of the tree, near the top, and
about thirty-five feet from the ground. I easily
ascended the tree and investigated the composi-
tion of the nest. It was made of sticks, large and
small, and weed stems; the latter, with the smaller
sticks, being in the inner part of the structure.
For lining the birds had taken a lot of green wil-
low twigs in leaf, and some of these were from
ten to twelve inches in length. They were ar-
Willow
trees grew around the tank, and from these the
twigs had been obtained.

I had no measure with me, but I estimated the
outer diameter of the nest to be thirteen inches,

ranged nicely in the bottom of the nest.

Nov. 1886.]

—_— — —

and the depth seven inches. On the inside it re-
sembled the familiar ‘‘ platform” of the Heron
family—the depression being hardly noticeable.

I spent the morning in the vicinity, and before
noon I was rewarded by seeing one of the Kites
coming towards the tank, circling in the air
several times, and gradually nearing the water,
into which he plunged—immersing half its body,
but keeping its wings in motion and rising out of
the water after flying about ten feet. It repeated
this manceuvre several times, and, in my en-
deavors to get within shooting distance, it saw
me and took its departure I had seen it closely
enough, however, to be positive that it was a
Mississippi Kite.

On writing to one of my correspondents about
this set of eggs, he cast doubt upon their identity,
stating that the genuine eggs of the Mississippi
Kite ‘‘were blotched with brown.” As my eggs
were of a bluish-white, unspotted, I decided to
again make the attempt to secure one of the birds,
and on July 2d I followed one of them from the
same tank, and after a zig zag chase of over an
hour’s duration, I was so fortunate as to see the
bird alight on what I had previously taken for an
old Crow’s nest. I went towards the nest but now
the Kite did not fly off, and knowing that I could
take it whenever I pleased, I climbed up the tree,
counting on another set of eggs. Alas, however,
the nest contained only one young Kite, covered
with pinfeathers and patches of a dirty white
down.

I examined the nest carefully, and under the
moss and leaves with which the present occupant
had filled it, I found the original lining of the old
Crow’s nest, composed of hog-hair.

There is no doubt in my mind that this was the
same pair of birds which laid the set of eggs taken
on May 22d, but whether the single egg (which
had hatched into the young bird when I found
the nest) was of the second laving, or whether it
would have been added to the other two eggs
found May 22d is an open question. I am inclined
to think, however, that it was of the second lay-
ing. I shot the male bird before leaving the
vicinity.

When the nest of the Mississippi Kite is ap-
proached they utter a note almost identical with
that of the Swallow-tailed Kite, but, unlike that
species, they do not fight the intruder.

The two eggs that I secured on May 22d differ
very materially from the egg in Mr, F. H. Car-
penter’s cabinet, described in THE ORNITHOLO-
GIST AND OdLoaIst for September, 1886, (Vol.
XI, p. 142). His is dirty white, marked at one
end with large faded brown blothes, and smaller

AND ceblele

and Highiter spots. Mine are dull bluish (or green-
ish) white, and wamarked. No. 1 measures 1.65x
1.40 inches and No. 2 1.63x1.34. No. 2 has one or
two light brownish stains on it.

Having heard that the Messrs. Rachford, of
Beaumont, Texas, had collected sets of eggs of
the Mississippi Kite I wrote to them for descrip-
tions of the eggs and quote from their reply :

“Tn reply to yours concerning the eggs of the
Mississippi Kite, we will say that we have taken
two sets (three eggs)—one set of two eggs last
year (1885), and a set of one this year (1886), and
the color was invariably white, with a very slight
greenish tinge, and unmarked. The identity of
ours is perfect, and we shot the old bird at the ncst
as she came off.”

I would also call attention to the egg of this
species found by Mr. N. 8. Goss, in Kansas, and
described by him in The Auk for January, 1885,
(Vol. II, p. 21). The birds were found nesting in
“an old Crow’s nest, fitted up with a few extra
sticks, and green twigs in leaf for lining.” On
July 5th, he says, there was in this nest ‘‘one egg
in an advanced state of incubation, but with care
I was able to save it. Color, pure white; meas-
urements, 1.70x1.35.”

Now as the egg in Mr. Carpenter’s collection is
so well authenticated, I think I can explain the
discrepancy between it and the ones found by
Mr. Goss, Messrs. Rachford and myself. It is a
well known fact that many species of birds that
lay eggs normally unspotted now and then vary
from their type, and occasionally present us with
sets more or less blotched or spotted with light or
darker colors. Ido not need to cite instances of
this as they are too well known. May not this
be a case in point? The eggs taken by Mr. Goss,
Messrs. Rachford and myself being typical ones of
the species, while Mr. Carpenter's is the variation ?

In conclusion I would say that I have made
many inquiries among the boys in this locality,
and have only heard of two other nests of the
“Blue Darter” having been found here. One of
these contained two “white eggs,” and the other
two young birds. I know myself that the bird is

rare aan as the pair whose eggs were taken on
May 22d, and three other birds (an adult and two
young) that I saw one day when riding to Gid-
dings, are the only ones I have ever seen in this
locality.

The set of two eggs collected May 22d are now
in the cabinet of a gentleman in Philadelphia.

[Mr. F. H. Carpenter informs me that the egg
taken from the female bird shot by his uncle, the
late Mr. G. H. Carpenter, in 1867, (see ORNITH-
OLOGIST AND OoLoaist for September, 1886, Vol.

172

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 11

XI, p. 142,) was “faint bluish-white,” and “un-
marked.” This fact was written down at the
time by Mr. G. H. Carpenter, and is found among
his notes. This egg could not be preserved as it
broken by the shot. The remaining egg (which
was preserved) is the one described on p. 142,
Vol. X of this magazine. This variation between
the two eggs, which undoubtedly would have
formed one set had the bird had time to lay the
second one, adds weight to Mr. Singley’s theory
as to the marked egg being a variation of the true
type of those of Letinia subcerulea.—J. P. N.]

The Western Gull in Captivity.

BY HARRY R. TAYLOR, ALAMEDA, CAL.

I wish to give an account of two odd pets
which I secured on a recent collecting trip to the
Farallone Islands, twenty-three miles from San
Francisco Bay. They are two young Western
Gulls (Larus occidentalis), now (August 9, 1886,)
only about six weeks old, and the most comical-
ly interesting of all the pet birds or animals I ever
owned. I secured them when quite young, and
their growth since then has been something ex-
traordinary. They are quite tame, and they run
up to me when I approach them, in a really dan-
gerous looking manner, with their great hungry-
looking mouths stretched wide open; but their
intentions are harmless; they are only hungry,
and until I can satisfy their voracious appetites
they continue to upbraid me unceasingly, with
loud squawking cries which prove very appalling
to all the other fowl in the yard. The cormorant
has a wide-spread reputation for enormous vo-
racity, but after watching these two young gulls
devour piece after piece of raw beef with an ap-
petite almost insatiable, I have arrived at the
conclusion that for immensity of capacity and
appetite the cormorant has a powerful rival in
the gull. The natural food of these young gulls
is small fish, which the pareits carry to the nest,
but in confinement I am told they will live on al-
most anything which is given to them. I have
pampered the taste of the two birds in my posses-
sion, however, until they enjoy nothing but raw
fresh meat. Their alimentary canal seems proof
against almost anything, for one of them the
other day, swallowed a large piece of cup handle
which lay in the yard, with no apparent incon-
venience. They seem quite fond of fresh water,
ancl when they have swallowed all the meat possi-
ble, they want a pan of water immediately, and
dip their big bills into the sand in a very
amusing way to show that they are thirsty and

ant the water at once.

I have no large place for them to swim in, but
they delight to stand and wash themselves in a
large pan filled with fresh water. The birds are
very quick to catch pieces of meat thrown them, no
matter what the distance may be, and fight over
any piece which chances to fall to the ground. I
notice that they begin to exercise their wings
very much of late, performing a sort of flying
dance around among the astonished hens, rising
about three feet above the ground, and as I have
seen them holding animated conferences they may
be n@ditating escape. I shall have to clip their
long wings so as to avoid the possibility of their
sudden flight to join their friends and relatives on
the Farallones.

The gull is a very intelligent bird and knows
his friends and his enemies well. When I first
placed this pair among the chickens they were
the pitiful victims of a great deal of abuse from
all the old hens of thie poultry yard, who took
advantage of their tender age and unprotected
condition to abuse them terribly; but now the
tables are turned, and woe betide the imprudent
hen which dares to come near these haughty
young natives of the Pacific Ocean.

I hope to keep the two birds to observe the
change of plumage as they approach the age of
the adult, in which case I seriously think it ad-
visable that I purchase a meat shop—just for the
sake of economy !

edna Lives

The Swallows Have Come.

WRITTEN FOR THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST.

The swallows have come aud spring is here,

No more the winds blow cold and drear;

We see the graceful forms of light

Glance through the fields and gardens bright.
Welcome, spring and birds and flowers,
Welcome, fitful, freshening showers,
Welcome, coming happy hours;

Oh joy, the swallows have come.

The swallows have come, again we see
The dainty migrants wild and free,
Fresh from the sunny, southern clime
They come to pass the summer time.

Welcome, busy creatures, fair,

Welcome, perfumed balmy air,

Welcome, my rustic garden chair ;

The swallows, the swallows have come.

Around the barn and eaves they fly,
Or skim the pool and cleave the sky ;
With twitterings of love and peace,
Their mates in sweeping curves they chase.
Welcome, are your notes to me,
Welcome, your gambols wild and free,
Welcome, your gay society.
Welcome when’ere you come.
MoRRIS GIBBS.

Nov. 1886.]

AND ew

Be

ENTOMOLOG ay

WRIGHT & BATES,
265 No. Beacon St., Brighton, Mass.,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.

Address all communications for this department as above.

Samia Columbia.

ROBT. H. WOLCOTT, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH,

S72.

Of this rather rare moth, first described by 8
J. Smith in 1863, (Proc. Boston Society Natu-
ral History, Vol. LX, p. 348,) I am fortunate
in possessing three examples, all males. The
first, taken in 1883, is in very poor condition ;
the second, obtained by exchange, was collected,
I believe, around a S. Cecropia in 1885, and the
third, a fine specimen, fresh from the chrysalis,
was captured this spring.

The expanse of wing is, in the first and third,
four and one-quarter inches, and in the other
three and seven-eighths inches, the species being
usually much smaller than Ceeropia, to which it
bears much resemblance. It differs from that
species also in being, from the absence of red, of
amuch darker hue, and in having the red and
white band which crosses the wings of Cecropia
represented by a faint, whitish, irregular line.
For the identification of my specimens I am in-
debted to Mr. Henry Edwards, who writes that
they are, without doubt, the above species.

Of the other species of Attaci found here, C.
angulifera is very rare, A. luna less so, while S.
cecropia, A. polyphemus and CU. promethea are very
common. I was much interested in the observa-
tions on the deposition of eggs, and on other hab-
its of Lepidoptera in the last number, and quite
agree with your correspondent, though the same
day that I read the article several young larvee of
M. quinquemaculata were found on the ground
cherry (physalis), and on several plants, apparent-
ly not large enough to support one, were three
or four of the worms.

Larval Habits of Beetles.

BY L. E. HOOD.

It is a very important and interesting part of
entomological science to study and trace the
transformations of an insect.

This is comparatively easy with the Lepidop-
tera, and most species are known in all their
changes, but owing to the difficulty of obtaining
and keeping the majority of the Coleopterous
Larvee, but little has been done in this order.

There are four stages in the life of a beetle;

first, the egg which is deposited in or on the sub-
stance which will form the food of the larvee, by
the adult insect. The eggs are small, usually of a
dark cream color, and slightly oblong and cylin-
drical, the larvee hatch in a short time and are
usually voracious feeders, growing fast, and most
of them molt several times before reaching their
full size. After reaching their full age, the lar-
vee form an imperfect cocoon and pass into the
third state of their existence, and are called pupe.

As a rule, this change takes place in the au-
tumn, and by spring the adult or imago breaks
from the pupal skin and the transformation of
the beetle is complete.

The larve vary much in size and shape, as well
as in habits. The larve of the Cicindelide being
horrid-looking things, and like the Curabide are
rapacious and live in the ground; the Scarabwide
are the true grubs, being large, six-footed, but
practically motionless, light-colored worms, that
are very injurious to grain and grass, as they feed
upon the roots and stems under ground.

Almost like these in shape, but footless, are the
larve of the Weevils that infest fruit and nuts.
Many larvee are found in or upon the food of the
adult, and the scavenger beetles are found in all
stages, upon decaying matters; the Si/phidw bury-
ing dead snakes, birds and small animals in order
to furnish food for their young.

Differing in every respect from the last, except
in being injurious, are the larvee of the Elateride,
which are long, hard-bodied, brownish, wire-like
worms. Many are wood borers, and among these
are the Buprestidw, which as adults resemble the
Elateridw, but wholly differ in the larval state,
being large-headed and soft-bodied. Along the
muddy banks of rivers and ponds will be found
the larvee of the Dytiseidw, Gyrinide and other
water-loving beetles.

The larvee of the Gyrinide, are curious-looking,
having a pair of breathing tubes on each segment
of their bodies, which gives them the appearance
of being water centipedes.

All the aquatic larvee are armed with strong
jaws and live on other water insects.

Other larvee are found under stones, in fungus,
on flowers and the foliage of trees, everywhere,
even as parasites, and in the nests of ants, and in
our own natural history collections.

I fully realize how difficult it is to find and
keep Coleopterous larve, yet I would urge the
young entomologist to devote some time to this
study, and though you may not be successful at
first, patience and care will enable you to do
much good, and in the end your trouble will be
well repaid.

174

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 11

Keep, if possible, all the larvee you find; if you
succeed in raising them you can easily determine
the species. Be sure and keep all pup.

A note book should be kept, and if convenient
figure all the larvee and note down all changes,
food habits and characteristics of your specimens.

The following table, though very incomplete,
may be of interest to those who may wish to col-
lect our Coleopterous larvee.

For convenience I have classed the families ac-
cording to their food habits, and at best such a
brief list will be imperfect, as different genera in
a family may have very different habits. The
Scarabaide will furnish a good example.

In this list I first have the larve that live
wholly in the ground, and these are divided into
carnivorous and vegetable feeders. Next comes
the water larvee, then the scavengers; the plant
larvee, which include all that are found on plants,
the foliage of trees, in fungus, etc.; then the wood
larvee, which include those that bore in fruit and
forest trees, under bark, in decaying logs and
stumps; then the seed larvee, such as the Wevils,
Gall-making larve, etc.; last of all the parasitic
larvee, or those that infest bees’ nests, our muse-
um collections, carpets and woolens, ete.

Ground Larvee, (Carnivorous).—Cicindelide,

(Tiger Beetles), Carabidw, Nitidueidw, Colydilde,-

Staphylinide, Lampyride. -

Ground Larve (Vegetable Feeders).—<Scara-
beide, except the genera noted under “Scavenger
larvee,” Hlateride, (wire worms).

Water Larvee.—Dytiscide, Gyrinide, Hydro-
philide, Parnide, Dascyllide.

Scavenger Larvee.—Scarabwide—The following
genera are found in decaying matter, etc.: Copris,
Onthophagus, Phanarus, Geotrupes, Aphodius,
Trox, Silphike, Histeride.

Plant Larvee.—Coccinellide, Mordelide, Trich-
opterygide, Krotylidw (fungus), Trogositide, Chry-
somelide. ;

Wood Larvee.—Rhyssodide, Cucujide (also in
grain), Lucanide, Ptinidw, Sculytidw, Buprestidae,
Rhipiceride, Cerambycide, Pyrochroida.

Seed Larvie.—Bruchide (Bean and Pea Wevils,
ete.), Curculionidae.

Parasitic Larvee.—Dermestida,
bees), Melwidw, Stylopide.

Cleride (On

Conversation Between Beetles.

BY WALTER HONXIE,

I was watching some Dung Beetles the other
day, on the Hunting Island. Several of them
were rolling their pellets along, when one fell

>>
with his load into a deer track. After several un-

availing efforts he stood at the edge and apparent-
ly did a little thinking. This was the position of
affairs: The pellet lay near the toe of the track,
which was deeper than the heel, but the deer, as
is frequently the case, had dragged his toe in
walking and made a light furrow.

The beetle started nimbly off and joined one of
the others whom he assisted in rolling his burden
for a foot or more, until they were close to the
scene of the accident. Both now left their charge
and stood by the edge of the track, where a regu-
lar consultation plainly took place. Each in turn
went below and the pellet was moved to either
end of the track, but could not be lifted out.
While both were below engaged at this futile
task, another one came along and apparently said
something, for at once all three began deepening
the little furrow where the deer had dragged his
toe. The new comer pushed the loose earth
down to the two below, who worked it backward.
When a regular incline had been formed, he
ceased his work and stood one side, while the
other two extricated their precious charge with-
out any further mishap. I fancied, too, that
when it was in safety, its owner made a sort of
“thank you, sir,’ movement towards his two
friends.

A-Hardy Butterfly.

BY PAUL REVERE.

One of the most pleasing entomological studies
for an amateur is the rearing of the Archippus
Butterfly (Danais archippus of Fabricus). found
upon milk weed from the middle of July to au-
tumn. The fly is represented by a handsomely
banded caterpillar, with two thread-like horns at
either end ofits body. Its chrysalis is light green,
decorated with black lines and spots of gold, and
suspended, resembles a pretty ear-drop. It is
translucent, and each day the changes of the oc-
cupant may be noted, until the red and black
markings of the wings become visible through
the membrane which encloses it. Its egress is
prompt and its preparation for flight rapid, the
time occupied in leaving the chrysalis and de-
veloping its wings, is from thirty minutes to an
hour, while a moth of equal size would hardly be
ready for flight in twelve hours.

In July, I collected a dozen, and after they had
reached the chrysalis state, I made a wire screen
cover to a box, suspended them from it and
placed them in the refrigerator, They were all
put in the refrigerator between the 20th and 31st
of the month. My intention was to hold them in
check and take them through the winter to be

Noy. 1886. ]

AND OOLOGIST.

hatched in the spring of 1887. They were kept
in the refrigerator until Sept. 7th, a period of six
weeks, when, to my astonishment they began to
emerge, and I found half a dozen out in the box.

I do not know the degree of cold to which they
were subjected, but I am satisfied that the atmos-
phere of the refrigerator was never above 45°,
while it must have been as low as 34° at times.
The box they were in was pasteboard, and open
at the top.

This result satisfies me that Danas archippus,
with a supply of food plants can range within the
arctic regions and flourish at as high a point as
civilization has ever reached—U pernavik,— where
the summer heat sometimes reaches 60°, although
in that latitude such heat as that is considered
phenominal, between 45° and 50° being the aver-
age summer temperature.

What the minimum of heat is, which is neces-
sary to mature this butterfly I do not know, but I
have not a doubt that it would develop in the
chrysalis and emerge under a steady temperature
of 42°. The maximum of its endurance of cold
is not known, but in this latitude it is sometimes
subjected to a temperature 30° below zero, al-
though the average winter temperature is about
zero.

The Archippus butterfly must be among the
hardiest of New England Lepidoptera and rank
with the Graptas and Vanessas for its endurance.

2

Sphingidae of New England.

BY WRIGHT & BATES.

SPHINX CA ROLINA.—Linn.

Head, thorax and abdomen dark gray with a
brownish tint; a black line extends around the
front and sides of the thorax, which is sur-
mounted by a triangular patch of lighter color,
bordered with black.

On each side of the abdomen 1s a row of five
bright orange spots, encircled by black, decreas-
ing in size toward the apex. There is a faint
black dorsal line, and the segments are faintly
edged with white.

Anteriors dark brownish-gray, with a white
spot at the base; four irregular lines cross the
wing between the base and the disc, inclined pos-
teriorly toward the base; discal spot white, edged
with black; beyond the disc is a faint dark-brown
curved band expanding into a patch below the
disc; the space following this patch is light-
brown; a black wavy line extends along the
outer margin, followed by an irregular whitish
line which becomes obsolete toward the apex;
a black line, shaded anteriorly with very light-

gray, extends from the apex toward the disc;
fringes brownish-gray, dotted with white.

Posteriors light-gray, with a light-brown basal
spot, followed by three light-brown bands cross-
ing the wing, marginal space light-gray, with a
light-brown band extending from the apex,
where it unites with the last band along the mar-
gin, to about the centre of the marginal space.

Under side of anteriors dark-gray, crossed by
two parallel lines just beyond the disc.

Posteriors are of‘ a lighter shade than the ante-
riors and are crossed diagonally, near the middle,
by three lines, which are followed by a band of a
darker shade.

The under side of the abdomen shows a row of
four black ventral spots.

Mature larva green, with seven oblique white
stripes on -either side, bordered with bluish ;
minute white dots, edged with a purplish shade,
are scattered over the body, and the last segment
is edged with white; caudal horn is curved back-
wards and is furnished with short black spines.

Pupa dark-brown, with a detached tongue case.
Transformation subterranean.

Food plants: Tobacco, tomato and Datura

stramonium.
aT a

We hope our readers and correspondents will
kindly overlook the many errors which crept into
our department in the last number. Our assist-
ant undertook to correct the proofs, and follow-
ing the example of many entomologists, changed
a number of names. Still, as we prefer the old
ones, they may be found under the head of

“Hrrata.”
————

ERRATA.

Page 159, first column, twenty-sixth line, for Citherouia
regulis read Citherona regalis.

Second column, sixteenth line,
Agrion Sp.

Same column, twenty-ninth line, for Griilus read Gryllus.

Same column, fortieth line, for titijus read Dynastes.

Same column, forty-third line, for Scorabzide read Scar-
abeide.

Same column, forty-sixth line, for Iptera read Diplera,
and for Tabanid read Tabanus.

Same column, fiftieth line, for Celias read Colias.

Page 160, fifth line, for Bonbycid read Bombycid.

for Ogrion ep read

Rare Birds.

Mr. Charles E. Hoyle of Millbury, shot, on Saturday, at a
pond in Oxford, two of the rare Golden Plover out of a
small flock that had been frequenting the pond for several
days. These birds, so eagerly sought after by gunners
along the coast during their flights southward in the fall,
are extremely rare so far inland. They were undoubtedly
driven in by the northeast storm of last week.

A young Goshawk was captured in a house in Worcester,
Monday, having entered the room through an open window.
—J. M.' Wade.

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 11

CORRESPONDENCE.

Amateur and A. O. U.

Mr. Epiror.—It seems to me that your correspondent,
Mr. Chamberlain, has fairly boiled over with virtuous in-
dignation, andin so doing has run a muck. That the O.
and O. has become a vehicle for injustice because it sympa-
thizes with those who have opinions as their own, and
through its columns admits their expressions, even if they
vary from those of the Grand Moguls, is certainly a com-
pliment to you, rather than a serious charge. That the
gentleman is an amateur is very marked and we are delight-
ed to find him, being such, a member of the A. O. U., as
we are to know also that other members of the same order
are Taxidermists, and we are not so unfair as to believe it
will cause them to lose caste.

That the pursuits of amateur naturalists have come under
a ban to a considerable extent (in the east) from the results
of the action of the A. O. U., I believe to be true; perhaps
not intentionally. It is easy to start a rolling stone, but
quite another thing to guide it.

““The committee on bird protection instead of ignoring
the rights of the amateur have placed them on the same
footing as the professional scientists.” Quite proper. Does
the gentleman think it would have been wise to have taken
any other course, and will he inform us at what age the
committee recommend an amateur should arrive at to be
elegible to the permit system? If I mistake not this last
question is quite important to a large number. Also, what
assistance have collectors, except in isolated cases been
afforded.

I don’t quite understand the point about stretching the
meaning** the interests of science.” The New York law
which was recently passed, and we think was somewhat
brought about by the influence of the body, appears to have
had its meaning well stretched, and we are certainly very
grateful for the suggestions from them that. brought into
effect the present law in Massachusetts—whereby they ad-
vise no one under sixteen can have a permit and no one over
can obtain one (practically.)

The gentleman as a clincher to his illustrations of mag-
nanimity, Says a member of the A. O. U. offered to assist a
taxidermist to procure a permit, ‘even one whose adver-
tisement was scarcely consistent with science.” Does not
this point savor just a little of what we complain? To the
member who offered his assistance, it is a compliment, but
to one who would question the honor of the recipient it
may not be. Permits, the gentleman must be aware of, are
grants to collect under restrictions—which the holder is by
honor bound to observe.

Did the taxidermist’s advertisement show a lack of honor
or responsibility ?

I believe Mr. Editor I represent a larger number than the
A. O. U. when I say we demand that there shall be no dis-
crimination in granting permits. When the grant is in-
fringed upon, then is the time to shut down.

The question has been asked ‘‘where do you draw the
line between {the amateur and the scientist?” If Mr.
Chamberlain comes forward and claims to be one, and as
such thinks that he has a better right to represent them
than you, Mr. Editor, then I feel assured the question will
never be answered.

The saddest part of all is the reference to amateurs who
never heard of the Auk! Science, have mercy on the ama-
teur who hears not of the Awk, and common sense, on
both amateur and scientist who do not take the O. and O,
—Massachusetts Taxidermist.

Bird Destruction.

EDITOR ORNITHOLOGIST AND OdLOOIstT.—Sir; I have
taken much pleasure in reading the interesting articles on
Destruction of Birds. Every week I devote one day, ora
part of one, to the birds. As I am living in the country,
in a good position for observing, scarcely a day passes but
what I can make some note of our feathered friends. Iam
fully satisfied that, around this locality, the Catbirds and
Cowbirds do more toward the extermination of many small
birds than all the men, boys and cats.

Several years ago my attention was called to the large
number of Chipping Sparrow’s nests that were empty and
overturned. For every nest with young of this kind, I find
the average is a little more than ten that have been de-
spoiled. This is the work of Catbirds, for I have seen
them robbing the nests many times.

The Wood Thrush, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos also
suffer greatly from the depredations of this arch fiend. We
all know the parasitic habits of the Cowbird. The birds
nesting here in whose nests they deposit their eggs, are In-
digo Bunting, Grass and Purple Finches, Song Sparrow,
Golden-crowned Thrush, Vireos, Warblers, Least Fly-
catcher, Pewee—especially when the nest is in the woods.
Iu the last New York quotations for game Blackbirds are
offered for 15¢ to 20c per dozen, and Reed-birds or Bobo-
links at $1 per dozen. A year ago last spring, when I was
in Warrington, Fla., I saw large numbers of Robins and
Cedar birds killed for food. The hunters seemed to con-
sider them legitimate game, and found a ready sale for
them with the officers at the Fort and Navy Yard. During
the winter and early spring these birds are in large flocks,
and very often adozen are killed by one or two shots.

It will be well for amateur collectors in this state, (of
course the scientist will not be troubled) to look up the
new game laws which were passed in May by our imbecile
Legislature. Sections 4 and5 of these laws were probably
framed by some escaped lunatic.

Last year a Robin’s nest containing eggs was brought to
me by one of my cousins. He found it in his hop yard, in
a slight depression of the ground and about a foot from a
hop pole. This spring my attention was called to another
Robin’s nest, with eggs, on the ground at the foot of a
small apple tree. I have heard of two others on the ground
this year, but did not see them.—D. D. Stone.

Mr. H. R. Taylor, Alameda, Cal., desires us to state that
he will be unable to consider any further exchanges this
season.

CorRECTION.—October issue of O. and O., page 146, sec-
ond column, 20th line from foot of page, ‘‘ Summer and
winter” should read “summer visitor.”
ee

In Mr. Thomas H. Jackson’s interesting and valuable
article on the Worm-eating Warbler, (Helminthotherus
vermivorus,) in the October number of THE ORNITHOLOGIST
AND OOLOGIST, a vexatious typographical error occurred in
the last line of his paper; where he is made to say ‘the
usual nest complement is four eggs,’ whereas it should
read: “the usual nest complement is jive eggs.”

It should also be stated that in recording the measure-
ments of this species Mr. Jackson gave the width first in
every instance, and then the length.

oe Se ees Be

The following contributors will please accept our ac-
knowledgements for articles received: Harry G. Parker,
J. W. Preston, N. S. Goss, Henry Hules, T. D. Perry,
Walter Hoxie, R. F. Stevens, C. H. Price.

ae
R

xan

DECEMBER, 1886.4

wet

Established 1875.

NSHOUUKOUUAOUONORNCENEUOORORERREREEHENONNY

PuBlished by
FRANK B. WEBSTER,

.409 Washington St., Boston;-Mass.

UAANVENENUONRORp HONORE

’
Entered at Boston Post Office as Second-Class Matter,

SSF s

CONTENTS.

Voli. Xi No... 12,*Decembers.1 S36.

Some Ornithological Explorations in the Dead River Region of Maine.......... F.H. CARPENTER.....00+ ¢.00. vie eres 117
Notes on Some Birds of the Great Smoky Mountains:.........- ee. ceseeeeeeee cee: A. LEMOoYNE, Mi'D.. 2... ecc cc ceeee Booed Mil)
A Day on Edding Island.... 2.2... 2 ceceeececees ee seeder eeeecectnenscesneccscees WALTER HOXIE:. i wwrcere cress eee 180
Nesting of Swallow-tail Kite in Becker Co., Minn. .....-sseeceecteees ere cesses J. Ws PRESTON? =e. sistisnu shan cialeaeenie 181
Number of Eggs Laid by Swallow-tail Kite... . 2. ...ecet eee e cee eee cece cee eeees ING St GOSS: 2 bie co's o/c encteciel mob sie eats eters 183
WOTTORIAT S065 soa a Se eee Le Le ORO Coe Ee eee a Sh cel aidlaig inns ater ietie Wale Maweia e's useldare ae aiaiclat clots caval ealetaie The eet oie aan +184
Notes on Eggs of Leconte’s Thrasher. .2...-.----s0- see sececccscevencsccesecees BG. PARKER. J .aas s cise sine ones te aera 185
Nesting of Swainson’s Warbler in South Carolina. ........./.-0e0-s0esseeceee ee ARTHUR T. WAYNE...-.0-..ccceeeeeeeee 187
Nesting of Swainson’s Warbler..........-csecsececcsceeens te cweewerseesnescees DD RERRY:4 os 8 veo nceelee tah Fu cece -188
Nesting of Long-eared OW] .... 2... cee cece ee cee eee ee cece detente cee ecceeecee "THOS: HecSACKSON << 10-ecrsarticuls's eese sea 188
ENToMoLoGy—Sphingidae of New England..........+- cesses scene cece reeeeeee WRIGHT & BATTER, cece pons -is sineseciale 189

TAGYAIBILON. Bieue tetas ndae eee mrsnimeaereneiasts ape SORE I TEER eR CRANIDE. ci most celetien Sse roel ater minis 190

IWAN OT, WOT: sisters aye. diste: can x tatmjojac oro iapsP a ain's simian ce lela sce s 0's (oyo.0 '9/e sO dieistoln\ clan 1 Ohad Oa) 2 (000) Mareen iad ame ise Acc 190

Sphinx Ligustrisc.. 2... Fo. ce cere cece re cece ccc eeer re ecceewreeeeces PAGE REVERE Serie visie's e's wel = aso tatela tear 191
CoRRESPONDENCE.—Birds and Man, A. O. U. and Amateur, A. O. U. Meeting, etc............ fae aruaeree Scns (erase eis ae 192

The Omuilhologist aud Oologist

ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST

ADVERTISING RATES.

Ontside page...... ... .. sole eoiaita Aite Seeeeae $12.00
Ml Pai ciae cecal e tale qs Tec wisi witelaielein’es 10.00
dif Nese TANBIOE: We wc sure iceme mace sb eee crenaeiee 6.00
Volume Xl. & Half cola ana -t tates ost ssae eae areee 3.00
Less than half coluamn—per inch.,........-.+. 1.00
POT AN Ciera: =: a: quarn asm chujeteltis Sika otstp ale eee ein rere 12

B EGINS J ANUA RY, 1 S87. Exchanges iateeteotte five lines........... 195

All advertisements must be in before the 20th of each
month. Vol. XI began January, 1886.

PREMIUM LISvT. Subscription, $1 50; Specimen Copies, 15c.

Any person subscribing before January, Subscriptions at the rate of seven shillings and sixpence
upon payment ot the regular rate and one per annum, will be received by ALFRED CLIFF, Glenelg,

: ate E Grosvenor Road, St. Albans, England.
. QYy =
dollar in addition, ($2.50) will receive a | FRANK B.- WEBSTER, Publieher:

fine specimen of the | 409 Washington Street, Boston, Mass.

Egg of the African Ostrich. WRIGHT & BATES,

smcoasp. Natural History Collectors.

To any person sending two new sub-

scriptions at regular rates, and fifty cents, Having a number of collectors now at work, and being

($3.50) will be sent AN AFRICAN OS- | in constant communication with specialists, we are pre-
pared to collect, to order, specimens in any branch of Nat-
4
TRICH EGG. ural History.

TITIRD. For SaLe or ExcuancEe.—INSECTA, LEPIDOPTERA

; | and COLEOPTERA a Specialty. Orders for a line or series

To any person sending four new sub- | of the above especially solicited. In writing for exchanges,

ae Te : F : send list ‘ify distinctly what specimens are desired.
scriptions at regular rates, ($6.00) will be | S@nalist and specify distinetly what sP

Scientific Books and Naturalists’ Supplies at Lowest Rates.
sent AN AFRICAN OSTRICH EGG,
FREE. WRIGHT & BATES,

73 Hanover Street, Boston, Mass.

SU ; lecoae >XCH,
BSCRIPTION, $150PER YEAR. 5 0) pycu ANGE.

|
F. B. VW E BST ER, | Eges of Yellow Wagtail, Titlark, Redpoll, Hawk Owl,

Rough-legged Hawk, Golden Plover, Whimbrel, Ruff, Scaup,
Wigeon and Divers in clutches. W. RAINE,
409 WASHINGTON ST., BOSTON. 124 Bond St, Toronto.

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND—

OOLOGIST.

$1.50 per FRANK B. WEBSTER, PuBiISHER. Single Copy
Annum. Established, March, 1875. 15 Cents.
VOLE. XI. BOSTON, MASS., DECEMBER, 1886. No. 12.

Some Ornithological Explorations in
the Dead River Region of Maine.

BY F. H. CARPENTER.

(Concluded from Page 163.)

77. Asio americanus, (American Long-eared
Owl). This Owl was quite common in Septem-
ber, and several were shot by the visiting fisher-
men at Seven Ponds. These were found roosting
in the hemlocks around the lakes, and apparently,
were oblivious of any intrusion until the report of
the gun sounded their death knell. When trout-
fishing after sunset I have offen seen Owls, pre-
sumably of this species, fly over the surface of
the lakes at no great height from the water. As
my visits to this region were not made during the
breeding season of the Raptores of this country, I
regret I can not give any account of the nesting
of this species.

78. Strix nebulosa, (Barred Owl). Common
about Kingfield, where it often resorts to barns
during the day time, and has thus earned the
soubriquet of ‘‘ Barn Owl.” It was also heard
about New Portland and at various parts of the
southern part of Somerset county. Mr. Freeborn
has a pair near Farmington, from which he has
taken two sets annually for the past four years.
The nest is in a cavity in a decayed oak stub,
about fifteen feet from the ground.

79. Nyctale acadica, (Saw-whet Owl). In late
autumn this little Owl is quite frequertly ob-
served by the crews at the logging camps. While
I have enjoyed considerable acquaintance with
this species in other portions of Maine, my record
for this region is very brief but very satisfactory
when viewed from a collector’s standpoint. On
the morning of Jan. 7th I went into the grain
shed of the camp and there saw sitting closely
together on a joist, three Owls of this species.
They are now lying side by side in the same
camphor scented drawer. From that date I made
it a regular duty to pay a morning visit to the
grain shed, but save for a little band of Chicka-
dees it remained tenantless.

Copyright, 1886, by Eaton Curr and F, B. WEBSTER.

80. Scops asio, (Screech Owl.) A solitary in-
dividual of this species, amused himself by his
tremulous cry near the hostelry at Kingfield. Mr.
Freeborn has a set of their eggs taken “from a de-
cayed apple tree in New Vineyard.’ None of
these birds were seen or heard in the dense ever-
grcen forests.

81. Bubo virginianus, (Great Horned Owl.) The
most common Owl of the forests, where it oc-
curred commonly at all seasons. Its hootings
were heard every night in June, while in the
woods, and several specimens were secured, one
of which was in exceedingly light plumage, al-
most savoring of albinism. These Owls would
come about the camps in search of food, being at-
tracted by the grouse, fish, etc., which we would
suspend from some convenient sapling, and many
a contemplated breakfast was spoiled ere we
were aware of the nature of our thieving mid-
night visitors. -Their raids on the poultry were
of a serious nature, and they were an especial
object of hatred to the farmers. The nesting of
this Owl in the Maine forests has several times
come under my observation. All nests were
built by the birds and placed at a great height in
the spruce trees, and near the edge of the forests,
not in the interior as theorists would suppose. I
have never found an excess of two eggs in any set.

(Snowy Owl.) These
Owls are reported as being frequently seen in
winter near Kingfield. I nave one instance on
record ; a specimen taken at Stratton, December
18, 1884, by N. G. Frink.

83. salon columbarius, (Pigeon Hawk). A
specimen of this bird was taken at Kingfield in
September. Iam of the opinion they breed on
Mt. Abraham and hope to substantiate the suppo-
sition by investigations in the proper season.

82. Nyctea scandiaca,

84. Pandion hahaetus carolinensis, (Osprey). A
single individual of this species remained at Tim
Pond for about three weeks in August, 1885. This
was the only record of the entire region.

85. Accipiter fuscus, (Sharp-shinned Hawk).
Several of this species were seen in the Dead

River valley, and two were secured, one, a female
taken June 10th, bore marks of recent oviposi-
tion. No nests were found.

86. Astur atricapillus, (Goshawk), I am posi-
tive.I saw several of this species in June, but
could obtain no specimens. In September one
was secured at Flagstaff Lake and another given
me by the farmer who shot it. Both were in im-
mature plumage.

87. Buteo borealis, (Red-tailed Hawk). <A speci-
men in full plumage secured at Eustis in June
and another in September. By no means a rare
bird. Several were seen sitting on the dead stubs
left standing in the clearings, or flying in slow
circles over the pastures. They nested near
Stratton, as I was shown several end-blown eggs
of this “Hen Hawk” as the result of sundry
hawking expeditions by a farmer’s boy in early
May.

88. Buteo lineatus, (Red-shouldered Hawk). Oc-
curring in the vicinity of Farmington and Strong
in considerable numbers. This species did not
frequent the sections in which the Red-tailed
Hawk occurred, in such numbers as elsewhere. I
was shown several sets of their eggs collected in
the vicinity of Kingfield.

89. Buteo pennsylvanicus, (Broad-winged Hawk).
Several individuals of this variety were seen in
the vicinity of Flaggstaff and a specimen was se-
cured. I could learn no particulars of the nesting
in the county, though they undoubtedly breed, as
I have seen the species at every visit to the region
excepting winter.

90. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis, (Rough-
legged Hawk). A monnted specimen in my col-
lection from Spencer stream district, authenticates
the only instance I can record of its observance
in the county.

91. Canace canadensis, (Canada Grouse). This
Grouse was found commonly in the entire north-
western portion of Somerset county. A few were
seen at Eustis and Flagstaff, and in nearly all the
middle sections of the county they were to be met
with, with the exception of the vicinity of Tim
Pond, which locality, by some peculiar reason,
was very sparingly occupied by certain birds, as
my summer bird list of the vicinity of the lake,
given in February ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST
of the present year, will show.

92. Bonasa umbellus, (Ruffed Grouse). This
species was very common about Tim and Seven
Ponds, and equally indifferent to the presence of
man as the preceding. My friend W. G. of Spring-
field, Mass., attempted to hook one by the under
mandable, from a flock sitting on a log by the
camp spring. Reeling up his line until but five

ORNITHOLOGIST [Vol. 11-No. 12

inches of leader hung from the tip of his rod, he
guided the barb under the beak of the wondering
Grouse and struck in approved Waltonian style.
His dainty nine ounce rod might be sufficient to
bring to creel the finny trout, but not to bag the
feathered Grouse. A whirr of wings and clicking of
reel followed the strike and the valiant fisherman
found himself “out” of three feet of “ mist-
colored” leader and a Scarlet Ibis fly, while his
$25 “hexagonal” would not have brought as
many cents at a Boston ‘‘uncle’s” office. Friend
G. now hunts Maine grouse with his 12-bore
Parker.

93. Ardea herodias, (Great Blue Heron). Occa-
sionally seen at the various lakelets of the region
in August and September. No knowledge could
be obtained of its breeding.

94. Botaurus lentiginosus, (American Bittern.)
This bird was frequently heard in a marsh near
Flagstaff Lake, where I think it nested. They
were not observed in any other section.

95. Tringoides maculdrius, (Spotted Sandpiper).
A number of these birds seen in August and Sep-
tember; almost every stream or pond was ten-
anted by a few of these little waders. None were
seen in the country in June.

96. Totanus melanoleucus, (Greater Yellow-legs).
A specimen was shot by a local hunter at Flag-
staff Lake in September, 1885. The only instance
of observance.

97. Anas obscura, (Black Mallard). Common
in the numerous ponds of the region in Septem-
ber, when they afford good shooting. Several
broods of flappers were seen in June along the
Dead River, and several farmers informed me of
the finding of the nests and eggs of this species,
and their subsequent attempts at hatching and
rearing the juveniles.

98. Nettion carolinensis, (Green-winged Teal).
A few were seen at Flagstaff in September and
three were shot by a hunter who gave them to
me. They were seen at no other place, yet they
occur at times in considerable numbers at the
above lake, as many of the settlers informed me.

99. Aix sponsa, (Wood Duck). These Ducks
were common on Dead river and Spencer stream,
where they nested in the hollow stubs on the
banks. I saw many old nesting sites and young
broods in June. They were frequently seen sit-
ting on logs in small flocks of three or four, when
sanoeing on the streams.

100. Mergus merganser americanus, (Sheldrake).
Seen at Flagstaff Lake and Seven Ponds in Sep-
tember; at the latter place they were quite com-
mon and were seen flying from one lake to
another.

Dec. 1886. ]

101. Podilymbus odiceps, (Pied-bill Grebe).
Numbers were seen at the ponds and lakes of the
valleys. Too much time is wasted in pursuit of
these little divers to allow extended observation,
as they are common at any Duck shooting resort
in Massachusetts, but I am confident I saw the
Horned Grebe, (Dytes auritus), at Flagstaff, but
cannot record it.

102. Colymbus torquatus, (Loon). Nearly every
lake in this country was occupied by one or more
of these birds. I received sufficient evidence of
their breeding at Flagstaff Lake and Big Island
Lake, one of the Seven Ponds.

At the mention of this bird there comes a
memory of reposing on fragrant hemlock “sapin”
in the quaint companionship of my guide, and
with the weird midnight cry of the Loon it re-
solves itself into an ideal; the shadows of the
Dead River region of Maine.

Notes on Some Birds of the Great
Smoky Mountains.

BY ARTHUR LEMOYNE, M. D.

(Continued from page 164.)

HELMINTHOPHILA CHRYSOPTERA.
Golden-winged Warbler.

This rather locally distributed species was quite
common in Monroe county, where it was found
in the hardwood growth at varying altitudes. In
Blount county also, several individuals of this spe-
cies were noticed, and in Cooke and Roane counties
scarcely any were noted the last spring, although
the latter county, some four years ago, contained
more of these birds than any other section. I
failed to note their first arrival this past season. I
have them recorded for first time on April 24th,
as “seen in considerable numbers,” and presume
they arrived some days previous. During the
first week after their arrival they seem to keep in
company and may be found in the scrub growth
in the high lands. The males open the mating
season by displaying their vocal abilities from the
highest point of vantage, though the choirster is
often secluded from view. Their nesting, the
second act in the drama, is begun about the
middle of May and the eggs are deposited by the
first of June. These last statements are rather
general ones, but my own experience bears me
out in this assertion. More definite and statisti-
ceil records may be given; I have found uncom-
pleted nests on May 26th, 29th and 80th, and full
complements on May 28th and June 3d and Oth.
The above are in six different nests of this species,
the first can have no subsequent chapter
added, as I left the locality where they were

AND OOLOGIST.

179

found too soon to procure the eggs. The nests
of this warbler are placed on the ground, and for
so dainty a bird are rather bulky and coarse in
detail, though so nearly alike in composition as to
admit of an easy selection of a typical structure, a
description of which will serve for all. A nest
before me has just been inspected by a Professor
of Botany, and I avail myself of the opportunity
and present its description. The outside of the
nest was large beach and oak leaves, followed by
a layer of the fine strips of bark of the grape vine.
This was followed by a lining of grasses and
slender fibres of some coarse weed. The inner
lining was of horse hair and very compactly
woven into its place, so as to admit of being re-
moved from the nest and still preserving its
shape. It resembled very much the nest of the
Maryland Yellow-throat, but can be distinguished
by the compactness of the inside lining. The
eggs from the above nest were taken June 3d, ’86,
and were perfectly fresh on that date. The set
numbered four and in coloration were pure, al-
most glossy white, with bright brown spots at the
larger end, which had a tendency to form a
wreath around the egg, and would have accom-
plished, had there been enough of the spots.
CERTHIA FAMILIARIS AMERICANA.
Brown Creeper.

This quaint little bird was found in the ever-
greens on the mountains, in preference to other
localities, excepting during the winter months,
when it may be met with in the valleys Its
habits are too well known to further enlarge upon
in these columns, with one exception, its nidifica-
tion, which has not been often published. Only
once have I observed it nesting in these mountains.
On May 15, 1885, I saw one of these birds fly to
the trunk of a spruce, the top of which had been
broken off, and the stub having lost its vitality
had cast its bark, which was hanging loosely from
it. The bird was quickly followed by his mate,
which was carrying in her bill a few feathers.
Marking the spot where she disappeared behind
the rough bark I left her to perform her labors,
In ten days I returned, and upon thumping the
tree she flew from her nest. Cutting a “staddle,”
I mounted the trunk of the stub, until I could
reach the rift behind which the nest was placed.
The nest was a medley of lichens, wsnea, moss,
feathers, grass and a few rootlets, in which
was placed five eggs, much resembling Chicka-
dees, being a trifle smaller. Another set of
six eggs brought me by a lad, were profusely
spotted with bright brown spots. This set was,
according to the statement of the finder, taken
from a nest placed in a crevice in one of the logs
of a fence.

180

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 12

PARUS ATRICAPILLUS.
Black-capped Chickadee.

This northern Chickadee I have always found
in greater or less abundance in Blount county, and
on Great Smoky Mountain. It keeps well to the
higher altitudes in the mountains, from which,
however, it descends in winter. This species
also intermingles with Parus carolinensis in a
somewhat restricted manner, at its lower range.
I agree with Mr. Brewster regarding the slight
difference to be detected between specimens taken
in these mountains and those from New England.
Their brighter colours are perceptible at the
merest glance. Their nesting, which was ob-
served but twice, was in no wise different from
those of the Northern States.

PARUS CAROLINENSIS.
Carolina Chickadee.

This is the common Chickadee of this region,
and is met with everywhere, from the valleys up
to 4000 feet on the mountains, where it joins
‘company with P. atricapillus, but its differing
notes are at once distinguished from the former
variety. It nests like all Chickadees, in cavities,
but seldom excavates one, as will the Black-
capped. They line their chosen hollow with
rabbits hair and feathers, upon which they de-
posit their eggs, from five to seven in number,
which resemble closely those of its northern rela-
tive, being on the whole a trifle larger and more

evenly spotted.
(To be Continued.)

A Day on Edding Island.

BY WALTER HOXIE,

The 2d of October was our first cool, fall-like
day. The sky, though overcast, did not promise
rain and the wind was strong and gusty from the
north. It was just the weather for sneaking
about the ponds over on Edding, so I pocketed a
few shells, Nos. 12,8 and BB, and paddled over
to Horse landing. As I moored my boat a cloud
of Little Blue Herons—old and young—rose from
the sand flats between me and the first ridge of
pines, but all were too wary to come within
reach. But a Clapper Rail was not so fortunate
for she lost her head at about ten paces. Though
useless as a specimen she was welcomeas a lunch.
So I made a short detour to an old stump where
I always keep a stock of matches corked in a
bottle, and having secured the means of making a
fire I struck a blind trail through Parrot Ridge.
This is a name which designates many localities
hereabouts and was doubtless bestowed by the
early settlers when the gaudy Parrakeets flocked
in this region.

Beyond Parrot Ridge is a wide stretch of tall
rushes, which is a favorite haunt of the Short-
billed Marsh Wren. I found several of their
nests to-day, and this fact leads me to remark
that the deserted nests seem to be much easier to
find than those which are occupied. I spent a
good part of a day in this locality during the
breeding season without finding a single nest, but
to-day I found three nests without searching
at all.

In Sheepshead Ridge I detected some Warblers.
The thick palmetto and blackberry vines hin-
dered me for some time and while crowding
along after them I suddenly became aware that I
was looking right into the eyes of a big buck.
Only twelves in the gun, though, so the old fel-
low needn’t have been in such a hurry to make
off. I got my warbler, which proved to be a
Red-poll. Crossing Cedar Cove I noticed quite a
gathering of small birds in the tangled under-
growth on the other side. One Downy, two
Red-bellied and two Pileated Woodpeckers.
Carolina Tits and White-eyed Towhees, quite a
party; a Brown-headed Nuthatch and Pine
Creeping Warbler on the same limb, and the first
Catbird of the season. Just by the edge of the
first pond I caught the outline of a bird perched
ona dead limb. The attitude and breast seemed
to be hawk-like, so he came to grief, but to my
chagrin turned out to be a Brown Thrush. Mis-
takes will happen.

A Black and White Creeper, the first of the
season, was my next victim, and as I was placing
him in the cone a huge expanse of black and
white wings glanced past an opening in the oaks
and I saw a Wood Ibis swerving downward in
graceful flight toward the Flag Pond. The Wood
Ibis is one of our common summer visitors and
is locally well known under the name of Gaunett.
Very few adults are seen, but this fellow looked
to me like an “old stager,” and I resolved to try
and stalk him. So I deposited my hat at the
foot of a big oak, charged both barrels with BB
and waded cautiously out into the pond. Tall
cat-tails and wild oats grew about all the little
green pools, and a flock of Green-winged Teal
paddled about in one of the deeper places. I
was glad to see no aligators about, for they are
company that I never desire, although large ex-
perience in their haunts has convinced me that
they are quite harmless. My Gaunet was no-
where in sight, but as I paused and looked about
me on a little muddy knoll, I saw by the nu-
merous tracks and loose feathers that a large
flock was about, and by a careful examination
of their tracks I was convinced that they had
risen from here and flown toward the lower end

Dec. 1886.]

of the pond. All the tracks ended in three or
four long footsteps pointing in that direction, and
I knew they must be standing on the other side
of a wide bed of reeds, to reach which I must
wade the deepest part of the pond. Cautiously I
ventured in. Knee deep at first and very muddy
—then waist deep and a harder bottom, growing
gradually shallower till I was safely hidden in
the reeds. Cautiously I forced my way through
and as I caught a glimpse of the black water be-
yond I saw away off on the farther edge a group
of a dozen or more of the great awkward birds I
was seeking. But my heart went away down,
for they were a good hundred yards from the edge
ot my cover. Still I thought I would get a little
closer, and in about three steps more I was well
rewarded for my trouble. For right beside me
in a little opening in the reeds was the bulk of
the flock, some forty or fifty in number. A little
more careful sneaking and I was almost among
them. I could have touched the nearest ones
with my gun barrel. So I squatted right there in
the mud and water and watched their antics and
studied their uncouth positions, making mental
notes for future reference in regard to ‘‘mount-
ing.” One young follow close beside me plainly
“felt a bite,’ for he raised one long parti-colored
shank and scratched the back of his head with
his toe, balancing himself in an unsteady fashion
on the other limber pin. Having accomplished
this feat to his own satisfaction, he made a most
elaborate bow to his nearest neighbor and open-
ing eight or ten inches of mouth, remarked “Ker-
wauk.” With a somewhat less studied salutation,
his friend replied, “ K-wouk ker ka wow.” Then
a big old chap, bald-headed and austere in de-
meanor like myself and the emblem of our glori-
ous republic, gave the youngsters an angry glance
and remarking “ Walk-walk,” suited the action to
the word and walked over to them and gave each
in turn a sounding kick, which they deftly caught
on half-spread wing and only replied by a depre-
cating series of bows. Bowing seems to be a
regular accompaniment to the conversation of
the Wood Ibis. Likewise the rule that ‘ Little
folks should be seen and not heard,” is plainly a
part of their code of manners, for every exchange
of civilities among the young fry was visited by
instant chastisement from the patriarchal toe.

At last my juicy seat became rather too much
so for comfort, and with a mental ‘“‘beg your par-
don, sir,’ I collected the grave old patriarch.
What a rush and beating of broad pinions fol-
lowed the report of the gun! Seeing no intruder
they kept circling close over the spot, and had I
been so minded I could no doubt have collected a
score or more. But one was enough for me, so I

AND OOLOGIST.

181

made myself visible, shouldered my victim and
started back.

- Getting home, (“home is where the heart is,’’)
I built a rousing fire and hung up my drenched
garments to dry. Near by on some coals drawn
away from the general mass, my Rail was soon
browning to a turn. By the time I had finished
my repast my clothes were sufficiently dry to be
resumed. So I started on my return trip, by a
different route, striking round the end of the
island next the open marsh. The Sea-side
Finches seemed extremely plenty about one little
hummock, and it was an opportunity not to be
neglected. I beat it up well and obtained four.
They are in all sorts of plumage now, just the
time to get specimens to finish out a series. At
the landing I took a Sanderling with my last load
of twelves, and in the creek I cracked both bar-
rels at a Royal Tern. A beautiful specimen he
proved to be, so light on the back as to be almost
white, and with just suspicions of black on the
occiput.

Nesting of the Swallow-tailed Kite in
Becker County, Minnesota.

BY J. W. PRESTON, BAXTER, IOWA.

It was my good fortune to spend the collecting
season of 1886 in the difficult, though by no
means uninteresting region bordering on the head
waters of the Red River of the North.

Here are many beautiful Jakes, begirt with
shaggy woods—a county abounding in fish and
game—the delight of the angler and sportsman,
and the joy of the summer tourist.

But should the ornithologist, and especially the
oblogist, visit this country he will be disappointed
unless he is content with much hard work, and
few sets of eggs—although some of them may be
very desirable.

In the northeastern portion, and extending far
beyond, is a virgin wilderness of mingled lake
and forest, where one may wander for days and
not see a human habitation; and the only
feathered friends to cheer his way will perhaps be
an occasional Flycatcher with its smart peet-peet,
or a lone Vireo. Perhaps a Barred Owl may
peer down upon him out of some overhanging
bough, or a frightened Broad-winged Hawk dart
down from a dead tree-top to hide himself from
view ; while clear and long echoes the cry of the
weather-wise Loon, as he flies swiftly from lake
to lake.

Somewhere back from the shores of one of
these lakes, where the rich flat land had sent up a
heavy growth of basswood, elm and balsam, and
the higher ground was covered with poplar, sugar

182

tree and birch, a pair of Swallow-tailed Kites,
(Elanoides forficatus), had chosen a nesting place.
For many days I had watched their graceful
flight here and there, over woods and waters,
sometimes in search of food, and again carelessly
sailing and darting about almost out of sight
against the clouds.

When late in May they began carrying material
for a nest, I lost no time in the endeavor to find
the location. By watching from my boat along
the opposite shore, I could see them make fre-
quent visits to a larch swamp at one end of the
lake, from which they carried sticks a mile or
more, keeping just among the tree tops. During
the day they flew back and forth many times,
but I failed to decide where they stopped, for
they frequently let the burden fall, when they
would fly about aimlessly.

The next morning | climbed a tall tree near
where the previous day had been spent, and had
a much better view than from the water. The
sun was driving away the morning fog, which
hung about the trees in light waves. Long shore
lines of sand and yellow canes appeared in the
distance, broken by bordering hills.

Soon a Kite passed over the trees with a long
stick floating out behind, and after flying a mile
or so it disappeared from view, Its mate had
flown a short distance in advance and but little
above, and now simply continued on its course.
This was repeated time and time again until I

was confident that I could go within forty rods of

the tree which they were occupying, but, fearing
that my presence might disturb them, I did not
go for about a week. When I did return, many
hours were spent in impatient watching ere a
Kite was seen, and then it paused but an instant
in its rapid flight past the spot where they had
been before. In another hour it returned to pass
swiftly away again.

As it was time for the bird to be sitting, and as
the male was doubtless carrying food to its mate,
I came to ground, rowed to the opposite shore,
three-fourths of a mile distant, and went in the
direction as near as possible to do where marshes
and tangled windfalls intervened.

Choosing the upturned roots of a giant oak as
a suitable hiding place, I concealed myself among
some overhanging branches, and lay for four
hours, being unable for all that time to catch
sight or hearing of the Kites. Many pieces of
larch sticks and long moss indicated, however,
that the nest was near.
returned to camp.

The next day was hot and sultry, yet I re-
mained from morning until sunset in the same

Night came on, and I

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 12
place of concealment, with no better results than
before. It is not an easy matter to go to a point
in heavy woods seen from a distant elevation.

However, the day following I climbed a very
tall basswoud tree half a mile nearer than the first,
and was soon rewarded by seeing the bird go di-
rectly to the tree where the nest was. Then, with
greater care, 1 approached the place and after a
half hour the male bird came flying by me’ with
some small object in his talons. He paused some
fifteen rods beyond, and then darted out of sight.
I therefore went nearer, the trees being so close
together, and so densely leafy, that looking into
their tops was a matter of much difficulty. While
waiting for the return of the bird, and while I
was peering among the branches, they were
parted by a sudden breeze, and there, just before
me, in a tall white birch, reposed the long sought
nest, with the mother bird sitting upon it, not
thirty yards from where I had waited two days.

Any one familiar with birch woods will con-
cede the difficulty in ascending their trim, tall
trunks, without the aid of climbing irons. In
this instance the nest was placed in the extreme
top branches of a tree whose greatest diameter
was less than twelve inches, with scarcely a
dozen branches, and these close to the nest, which
was borne fifty feet upwards, and swayed by the
slightest breeze.

A glance was sufficient to show that the nest
could not be reached, as a man’s weight in the
top would bend it to the ground. Fortunately
strong young sugar maple tree grew near by,
which I ascended. Then I drew the two trees
together, forty feet from the ground, and bound
them with a strong cord. The tree, thus rein-
forced, was strong enough to bear my weight
until the nest and its two valuable eggs were se-
cured. The bird remained on the nest until I was
well up the tree, and then flew close overhead,
where it was soon joined by its mate; and both
kept. up an incessant screaming.

The nest consisted of small, dead larch branches,
thickly interwoven with a long, fine moss, or
lichen, found in great abundance on the larch
everywhere in that region. This substance also
formed a soft lining to the deep, well-shaped
structure. In the nest were over two hundred
separate pieces, which had been carried, one at a
time, from a marsh a mile distant. It therefore
required the travelling of four hundred miles to
do the work; and there were certainly as many
pieces strewn upon the ground as appeared in the
nest. The birds also made long circuits while
about the nest and at the swamp, where the ma-
terial was gathered, so that no less than eight

Dec. 1886.]

hundred miles must have been traversed while
constructing the nest.

The eggs, as has before been stated, were two
in number, and were slightly nest-stained. No. 1
is of a faint creamy white color, with points and
small splashes of umber brown generally dis-
persed over the surface. There are a number of
larger spots, and a large patch of the same color is
spread out, almost covering one side of the egg.
The shape is a short oval. It measures 1.90x1.52
inches. No.2 isa creamy white, with scattered
specks and spots of chestnut color, these increase
in size until the larger end is heavily marked
with large, bold spots of rich chestnut brown.
Its shape is a perfect oval and it measures 2.00x
1.51 inches.

The Number of Eggs Laid by the
Swallow-tailed Kite.

GOSS, TOPEKA, KANSAS.

iB WeeNieniss

In commenting favorably upon a valuable
paper, “ Nesting of the Swallow-tailed Kite,” by
Mr. J. A. Singley, of Giddings, Texas, Vol. 11,
No. 10, p. 154, of Tue ORNITHOLOGIST AND
OdLoGtsT, the Editor of the Odlogical Department
makes reference to certain statements of mine, in
regard to the nesting habits of the birds, that
seem to call for some explanation, which I cheer-
fully give.

The four nests referred to, that came under my
observation, ought to be taken as substantiating
the conclusions reached by the Editor, viz: that
two, or three, at most, should be entered as a full
set. Major C. 8. Clark, of the Ninth Kansas
Volunteers, during the war, is my authority for
the nest with six eggs, which, in the early settle-
ment of the State, he collected from a nest in the
branches of a tall tree on Deer Creek, in Allen
county. A German from Woodson county, while
looking over the birds in my collection, (then at
Neosho Falls,) pointed to a Swallow-tailed Kite
and said a pair of the birds built a nest in a tree
on Owl Creek, and near his house ; that he shot
one of the birds, but failed to get near enough to
kill the other; that he then climbed the tree, de-
stroyed the vest, and broke the eggs, four in
number, stating that he did this to save his
chickens. I tried to convince him that the birds
were harmless, but think I failed.

Such proof, from a scientific standpoint, might
not be called good authority, but, coupled with
the fact that Audubon and later writers assert
that the birds lay from four to six eggs, I felt,
from the light I had, that it would not be either
safe or wise to change, in catalogue, the number

AND OOLOGIST.

183

as given. In fact, I was governed, in my revised
catalogue of the birds of Kansas, in the dimen-
sions and color of the eggs, by the sets examined,
but did not venture to change the numbers when
uniformly given by other writers, fearing, from
my limited observation, such changes might prove
in error, or misleading. As to the theory, thought
so “fanciful,” that the crows had robbed the nests,
I think it best answered by copying that part of
my article from The Auk, viz.: ‘‘On the 27th of
the same month (May) I found the other pair of
Mississippi Kites nesting in the forks of a medium-
sized oak, about forty feet from the ground. It
was an old Crow’s nest, fitted up with a few extra
sticks and green twigs in leaf, for lining. In the.
nest there was one egg. I returned on the 2d of
June for the eggs, found the nest robbed, and the
birds sitting in a tree, near by, but they appeared
to take no notice of, or interest in, the nest, as I
approached it. On July 5th, in strolling over the
grounds, I noticed one of the birds on the same
nest. In it there was one egg in an advanced
state of incubation, but with care I was able to
save it. Color, pure white ; measurements, 1.70x
1.35. This nest and the ones examined of Hlan-
oides forficatus were on the breeding ground of the
common Crows, which accounts for the robbery,
and the few eggs found.” Such was my belief
then, and is now. I will only add that my brother
(Capt. B. F. Goss) and myself found, one season,
over ten Crows’ nests in the vicinity, the farthest
not over forty rods away from the described nests
of the Kites.

With the well known thievish habits of the
birds, I leave it to the reader as to whether the
conclusion reached was a natural or “fanciful”
one.” I was not attempting then, nor am I now,
to prove any number the correct one. What we
want in this, and all such cases, is to get at the
facts. And to this end I think all information
bearing upon the nesting habits of the birds
should be eagerly sought for and the results
published.

[It is to be feared that Major Clark did not
properly identify the nest with six eggs that he
found, for surely it could not have belonged to
Elanoides forficatus. The same remark will
also apply to the German gentleman, who evi-
dently desires to remain unknown to fame.

Mr. Goss will have to produce better evi-
dence than this to convince the world that this
bird lays more than two eggs.—J. P. N.]

————._—_.

We enclose with this issue a complete index for
Vol. XI, compiled by the editor of the Odlogical
department.

184 ORNITHOLOGIST [ Vol. 11-No. 12
DEE study of bird’s nests—a new feature in the

r science. Under Dr. LeMoyn’s pen the
ORNIT ee OGIST birds of eastern Tennessee are in a fair

OOLOGIST.
A MONTHLY

NAEP ORAL eS Ory

ESPECIALLY DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF

BIRDS,

NESTS AND EGGS.

MAGAZINE OF

THEIR

DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES

AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD AND INSECT LIFE,

F. H. CARPENTER, Managing Editor,
REHOBOTH, MASS.

J. PARKER NORRIS, Odlogical Editor,
204 SouTH SEVENTH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, Pa.

FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher,
409 WASHINGTON, ST., BOSTON, MASS.

Editorial.

With this issue Vol. XI closes its rec-
ord. For twelve consecutive months we
have endeavored to place’, before our
readers such facts as would be of in-
terest to them in the pursuit of their chos-
en science, and they alone must render the
verdict of our, success. Our principles
have been enunciated, and need no apolo-
gy; we have always championed the cause
of justice, with malice towards none, and
so we will continue. It is not our purpose
to eulogize our past work upon this mag-
azine; but as it has been
love, we may

a labor of
be pardoned for giving
a prospectus of the coming volume.
We certainly do not expect to part
with any of our readers, as the attach-
ment formed during the past year has
prompted us to further efforts, which we
fain would have them enjoy in results to
come. As a prominent feature we shal)
begin in the early issues of the coming
volume, a serial on some ornithological re-
searches in Labrador,. which cannot fail to
prove of great interest. Prof. Dunsmoor
will also inaugurate his articles on the

way to become as well known as those in
any part of the country. He will con-
tinue his serial for several issues, only
ceasing them to record a still less known
country which he will visit this winter.
Mr. C. F. Morrison will remain as a spec-
ial correspondent in Colorado. He needs
no qualification from us. Dr. Northrup,
will, on his return from Mexico, give ex-
clusively to this magazine the result of his
explorations. A gentleman well known to
our readers, whom we will announce later,
will sail for South America, January Ist,
to remain a year. We have secured the
sole control of his manuscript for this
magazine.

To our oological friends we can prom-
ise them nothing better than to say that
their department will remain under the man-
agement of the same efficient gentleman
as in 1886. From others of our correspon-
dents who have favored us in the past, we
shall expect a continuance, and whatever
may have been the ‘sunset’ of ’86, the
cloudless sky gives token of a brilliant
rising of another year.

id

Honor to Whom Honor is Due.

Since his connection with this magazine
the editor has received hundreds of letters
of commendation of the OrnrrHoLoaist AND
Ootoatst. Such kind missives were ap
preciated, and lightened his unremunera-
tive task. But to him alone all credit can-
not be given, and it is a pleasure to here
acknowledge the services of his co-labor-
ers. To his old friend, the publisher, who
has allowed him full and free privilege
with his magazine, and has assisted him in
every possible manner, he would return
many thanks. Perhaps the “hardest work
and least glory” came to the lot of him,
who in the interesting science of odlogy,
gave evidence of his supreme fitness for
its control in these pages. But he was not

Dee. 1886.]

sectarian ; many an interesting article out-
side of his particular field did he secure by
his indefatigable labors, and without his
aid, and more than that his valued friend-
ship, we would fail in our endeavors.
Knowing as we do his high standing as an
expounder of Blackstone, and interpreter
of the immortal Bard, we deem it a sacred
privilege to call him friend; and from the
knowledge to be obtained from his fine
oological collection, it is a source of con-
gratulation that he identifies himself with
this magazine.

The entomological science is outside of
our scope ‘of labor, and all credit for suc-
cess in that department must be given to
those in charge, and of which we retain
but pleasant memories.

For all that has been good and worthy
of approval in the past volume we beg to
be accredited to our associates, and what-
ever has fallen below the standard we will
take the responsibility, hoping to still im-
prove toward a shining goal. With such
a past harmonious friendship between those
in charge, and appreciation from our read-

ers, when viewed from our standpoint, we |

can answer back to the publisher's wish in
January for a “glorious sunset in '86,”
with December's cry in the affirmative.

Some Notes on the Eggs of Leconte’s
Thrasher.

BY HARRY G. PARKER, CHESTER, PENN.

The eggs of Leconte’s Thrasher (Harporhyn-
chus redivivus lecontei), have been so seldom
found, and there are so few authentic sets in col-
lections, that it becomes a matter of interest to
know the whereabouts of such sets, with such
additional items bearing upon the subject as may
be obtained. With a view to presenting such
facts, I have had recourse to the notes of Mr. F.
Stephens, of San Bernardino, California, and of
Mr. R. B. Herron, of Colton, California,—the two
gentlemen who have had the best opportunities
of studying the habits of this bird, and who have
collected the majority of the sets that have been
taken. To both of. these gentlemen I wish to re-
turn my best thanks for information received
from them.

AND OOLOGIST.

185

I cannot do better than give Mr. Stephens’
notes entire, and in his own language:

‘“At your request, I have looked over my note
books for data of eggs of Harporhynchus rediviwus
lecontei taken by me. They are as follows :

“No. 1. A set of three eggs found March 29,
1884, near Agua Caliente, Cala., in the western
end of the Colorado Desert. The nest had been
abandoned, but I have no doubt of its identity.
This is the set mentioned on page 357 of The
Auk for October, 1884. It is in the collection of
Mr. R. M. Mitchell, Apopka, Florida.

“No. 2. A set of two eggs, in an advanced
stage of incubation, taken April 8, 1885, near
Agua Caliente. Parent seen to fly from the nest
and joined by its mate; ¢@ shot. One egg
smashed in blowing, the other (in poor condition)
is in my possession.

“No. 3. A set of three nearly fresh eggs, taken
near Cabazon, Cala., May 7, 1885. Parent seen
to fly from the nest. This set is In the collection
of Mr. B. F. Goss, Pewaukee, Wis.

‘“No. 4. A set of four eggs, Agua Caliente,
22d of March, 1886. Parent seen to fly from nest.
Set and nest in U. 8. National Museum.

“No. 5. A set of three eggs taken near the
same place, March 30, 1886. Parent seen to fly
from nest. Nest and set in National Museum.

“Nos. 6 and 7. Two. sets taken in April,
1886, and sent to Mr. G. Frean Morcoru, Chicago,
Ill., in whose collection they now are.

“These comprise all the eggs of this species
that I have taken, but I have seen several nests
containing young, and many old disused nests.

“Owing to the climate in the localities fre-
quented by this species, and the greater part of
the nests being made of dry twigs, the nests re-
main in position many years. The lining being
of more perishable material soon decays, and lies
matted in the hollow of the nest. The usual situ-
ation of the nest is from two to four feet from
the ground, in the midst of a challa cactus, a
bush-like cactus growing some five or six feet
high, and often quite dense. One would suppose
the mass of thorns would be a thorough protec-
tion, yet the little Harris squirrel (Tamas harrisc),
sometimes robs the nests of this and other species
placed in such cacti. While I have seen a very
few old nests of H. redivivus lecontet in other
plants, (one in a mezquite, and one in a turpen—
tine tree,) such cases are exceptional.

“So far as I know, the only persons who have
taken authentic eggs of H. redivivus leontet are
Mr. Holterhaff, R. B. Herron, Dr. E. A. Mearns,
Mr. W. G. Wright, and myself.

“Mr. Wright’s two nests were as follows: A
set of three eggs, taken in 1885, and sent to the

186

British Museum; data with set but no other notes
preserved. <A set of three eggs taken in March,
1886; eggs and data sent to Mr. Wm. Brewster,
Cambridge, Mass. Nest sent to British Museum.
A nest taken in May, 1886, without eggs, and
sent to Mr. Brewster.”

The above is what Mr. F. Stephens has fur-
nished me, and records the capture of nine sets—
one of which (No. 2,) is defective. The follow-
ing is from the note book of Mr. R. B. Herron,
and brings the number of sets up to eighteen :

“ First nest taken in May, 1881, near Cabazon,
Cala., and contained four eggs. Next found a
nest May 14, 1883, containing three birds almost
ready to leave the nest. Also on same day saw a
pair of birds building a nest that was almost com-
pleted, the eggs of which I got a few days later.
This set was sent to Mr. Oliver Davie, Columbus,
Ohio.

“Again on April 10, 1885, I found a nest con-
taining three eggs, and on June 5, 1885, I found
three nests of this rare bird. The first of these
contained two young birds nearly ready to leave
the nest, and one addled egg. The second nest
contained four eggs that were on the point of
hatching, and the third nest contained four fresh
eggs which I secured. Two or three other sets
taken during April and May, 1885, and of which
I have retained no data were sent to Southwick
& Jencks, Providence, R. I.”

Mr. Herron’s observations of the habits of these
birds are of so much interest that I give them in
addition to those already recorded by Mr.
Stephens. He says: ‘‘All the nests of this bird
that I have examined were placed near the centre
of a thick challa cactus, from one to three feet
from the ground. They are rather large and
bulky affairs, caused by the loose external frame-
work or skeleton nest made of coarse twigs, in
the centre of which is placed the nest proper.
This is composed of a very thick matting of a
fine woolly plant which grows about one inch
high, and which is pulled up entire by the birds.
This is firmly pressed together, and makes a very
warm and soft nest in the midst of so many
thorns. The cavity is quite deep, so that the
bird is well concealed when sitting. They are
close sitters, and at times will allow the nest to
be gently poked with the muzzle of your gun
before they will leave it; but when they have
once left the nest and reached the ground, after a
short low flight, their movements and actions at
once become both shy and rapid; and if wanted
they should be shot at the first opportunity, for
if pursued they at once disappear among the
cactus, or at least keep out of gun range. At

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 12

other times after leaving the nest they will run
off a few yards, and if not pressed will hop to the
top of a bush and utter a loud, clear whistling
note, (similar to that of a man whistling fora
dog,) which will soon be answered by the mate
who immediately comes to see what is the
matter.”

Both male and female assist in building and in-
cubating. Mr. Herron in speaking of the nesting
period, says: “The season of nesting of this
bird is a very long one, as I have killed young
birds during the first weck of April that had
been out of the nest at least ten days, they being
almost fully feathered. This would show that
some at least commenced laying some time in
February.”

In The Auk for July, 1886, Dr. Mearns de-
scribed a nest and set of three eggs which he took
in Arizona.

The first eggs of this bird, and in fact the first
description of their nesting habits that was pub-
lished, appeared in The American Naturalist,
Vol. XV., No. 8, March, 1881, page 211. Mr. E.
Holterhaff, Jr., was the fortunate discoverer, and
I wish that he could have given a more detailed
account of the type set. His nest was found in
July, 1880, at Flowing Wells, in the Colorado
Desert, California. The nest was placed in a
palo verde tree and was a large and bulky affair,
measuring externally nine inches in depth, and
six inches in width. The hollow of the nest was
fully three inches in depth, and it contained two
eggs ‘‘that were somewhat smaller than the Cali-
fornian Thrasher (Harporhynchus redivivus), light-
er in color, and marked all over with finer red-
dish spots, thicker at the larger end.”

This completes, so far as I can ascertain, a list
of all the authentic sets that have been taken.

A set of four fresh eggs taken by Mr. Herron
on June 5, 1885, as detailed above, is now in the
collection of the present writer, and the following
is a description of each egg separately:

No. 1 measures 1.11x.75. Very light and deli-
vate greenish-blue; in shape elongated oval, and
tapering to a decided point, much more so than
in Palmer's Thrasher (ZZ. ¢. palmerz), and equal
to the most pointed examples of Curve-billed
Thrasher (7H. curvirostris). The spotting is en-
tirely of reddish-brown, sparingly displayed but
forming a well-defined wreath around the greater
end of the egg. These spots, or rather minute
dots of reddish-brown, are distributed over the
entire egg, quite sparingly toward the lesser end,
but they are not nearly as numerous as in eggs of
Curve-billed Thrasher, and in fact could easily be
counted.

Dec. 1886.]

No. 2, 1.08x.77, being therefore more rounded
and less elongated that No. 1. The spotting and
dotting is distributed in places over the egg.
Faint lavender shell marks are apparent. The
spotting is in no place confluent, each spot being
separate and distinct, and as in the other eggs uf
the set, found more thickly about the larger end,
and entirely absent at the smaller extremity.

No. 3. The yellowish-brown spots on this
specimen tend more to become confluent than in
the others, being especially numerous all over the
greater end, and gradually becoming fainter till
at the opposite end they are lacking altogether.
This egg measures 1.07x.77.

No. 4. Is quite obtuse, measuring .97x.79.
But very few spots are seen on the egg at all,
these being confined to the larger extremity.
Two-thirds of the surtace is plain, unspotted,
greenish-blue.

To compare these eggs with those of kindred
Thrasher, I would say that they are much smaller
and of a lighter and more delicate shade than
those of the Californian Thrasher (H. redivivus),
about the same size as those of Curve-billed
Thrasher (ZZ. curvirostris), but the spots and dots
are much less numerous and of a lighter shade;
and a set of each side by side show differences
more easily discerned than described, and greater
than would be exhibited in any number of sets,
in a series, of Curve-billed Thrasher. Dr. Mearn:
describes his set as being somewhat deeper in
color than Palmer’s Thrasher, (47. ¢. palmer).
This would seem to indicate that the ground
color varies in different sets, as the set before me
is much lighter than any set I have seen of Palm-
er’s Thrasher. The eggs of Palmer’s are more
blunt-ended, fuller, and more rounded than the
present examples of Leconte’s Thrasher, and an
egg of the latter can instantly be picked out of a
handful of those of the Californian, Curve-billed,
and Palmer’s Thrashers.

Nesting of Swainson’s Warbler in
South Carolina.

BY ARTHUR T. WAYNE, CHARLESTON, &. C.

Swainson’s Warbler (Helonewa swainsoni,) ar-
rives in the vicinity of Charleston about April
9th, and is with us all the summer. The latest
fall record I have is September 25th ; but some of
them commence to migrate during the first week
in August.

When they arrive in April the males come first
(as is the case with most birds) and the females
are seen from five to seven days later. The males
are silent for a few days, but as soon as the fe-

AND OOLOGIST.

187
males are in force they begin to sing with great
fervor. The song is simply wonderful—a clear
ringing ventriloquial whistle, which can be heard
for at least a quarter of a mile. This song is not
characteristic with all the males, however, for I
have only heard it on three occasions—A pril 22d,
1884, May 5th, 1884, and August 25th, 1886. The
song is much like that of the Hooded Warbler,
(Mytodioctes mitratus), and almost precisely like
the first notes of the Yellow-throated Warbler,
(Dendreca dominica), but the ending is exquisitely
mellow. (The above song is only applicable to
the breeding season, which begins about May 3d,
and lasts until the middle of August).

The haunts of Swainson’s Warbler are known
as ‘“‘pine land gall.” This is a large, dense swamp
of oak, pine and dogwood—almost impenetrable.
There are also thickets and patches of cane, with
a brook running in straight, or zig-zag lines
throughout the swamp, and with ponds of water
here and there. This kind of a swamp may ex-
tend for miles in a straight line, and only a lew
rods wide, while on the contrary, I know of one
near Charleston which is ten miles long by three
miles wide. In such a place Swainson’s Warbler
breeds.

They commence building their nests about the
last week in April, and have them finished by the
first of May. I have taken sets of four fresh eggs
on May 8th.

The nests are generally built in canes, but I have
also found them in small bushes, and in one in-
stance in a climbing vine, by the side of a large
public road. The height from the ground varies
from two to eight feet, but they are always near
or over a pond of water. The nest is a remark-
able affair—very large, made of water-soaked
leaves of the sweet gum, water oak, holly and
cane, lined with needles of the pine trees and a
little dry moss. The stems of the leaves point
upwards, and the nest can easily be mistaken for
a bunch of old leaves lodged in the top of a cane?
On this account it isa very difficult nest to find.

The eggs are unspotted, being white and glossy
in examples that were fresh, but in others, in
which incubation had commenced, they have
a bluish tinge.

Of all the specimens that I have taken the
color is immaculate, save in one set of three eggs,
in the possession of my friend William Brewster,
Esq., which are much spotted with golden brown
and pale lilac around the larger end. They
measure .75x.58, .77x.58, and .74x.58 inches.

In number the eggs vary from one to four—
more frequently three, and rarely four.

The female is a close sitter, and can easily be

188

ORNITHOLOGIST

approached when incubating. I have repeatedly
caught them while on the nest, and on one occa-
sion stroked one of them on the back while incu-
bating. When started from the nest they flutter
about with extended wings, as if they were about
to expire, and drag their legs after them, in the
same manner as the Ground Dove, (Chamepelia
passerina).

I have known a pair to lay four different times,
and I took their eggs each time.

They are eminently terrestrial in their habits,
but [ have shot them from the tops of very high
trees. Their food consists principally of spiders
and green worms.

—<_$—__>—_—__

Nesting of Swainson’s Warbler.

BY T. D. PERRY, SAVANNAH, GEORGIA.

Mr. Arthur T. Wayne, of Charleston, South
Carolina, has, I believe, the credit of first discover-
ing the nest of this rare swamp warbler, (Helonwa
swainsont). In The Forest and Stream for July
9th, 1885, Mr. William Brewster recorded the
taking of two nests by Mr. Wayne, near Charles-
ton, South Carolina; and in The Auk for October,
1885, Mr. Brewster writes of the finding of two
other nests by_Mr. Wayne.

», Now I do not wish to take any (of the credit
away from Mr. Wayne, but the fact remains that
I really found the nest of this bird previously, as
my first nest was taken May 16th, 1885, twenty-
one days before Mr. Wayne’s first nest; which
was found June 5th, 1885. But his was recorded,
while mine was not, through neglect on my part.

The nest that I found on May 16, 1885, was
placed in a bunch of saw palmetto, about three
feet from the ground, near a running stream. I
flushed the bird from the nest, but was unable to
see it, as the undergrowth was so thick. As the
bird did not return, I took the three eggs which
the nest contained; and about that time Mr.

‘ George Noble, who was collecting with me,
called out, asking me what I had found. I re-
plied, “three eggs, something like Bachman’s
Finch,” (Peucea estivalis). I thought it strange,
however, that the nest should have been placed
in a bunch of palmetto, instead of on the ground.

Time passed by, and on May 81st, 1886, I found
my second nest of this species. It also contained
three eggs. This time I shot_the bird, made a
rough skin, and had it identified by the National
Museum, at Washington.

My third and last nest containing eggs (for I
have found several with’ young) was taken July
13, 1886. It likewise
slightly incubated.

contained three eggs

os”)

[Vol. 11-No. 12

I have compared the eggs of these three sets
and can find no difference in them. All are of a
pale bluish white, fading to white after being
blown, and they havesomewhat of a polish. They
are entirely unmarked, but I understand that
some of those found by Mr. Wayne bad specks,
and one was blotched with lilac. Mr. Wayne
has also taken four in a set, but mine were all
threein each nest, and incubation had commenced
in every instance; leaving little doubt that three
is the usual number. Three selected eggs measure
.76xX 53, .75x.52, and .76x.56 inches.

All the nests are essentially the same, being
composed outwardly of leaves laid in layers, and
lined with pine needles and fine fibrous roots re-
sembling horse hair. The only difference I can
see is with regard to the situation of the nests.
My first nest was in a palmetto, three feet from
the ground, near running water. Thesecond was
in a bunch of canes, four feet above a running
stream ; and my third was in a cluster of thick
(dead) vines, three and a half feet from the ground,
and at least a hundred yards from the water, but
near a Jarge swamp.

I think this species must raise two broods in a
season, as I found eggs on May 16th, with incuba-
tion advanced, and on July 13th with incubation
slight.

When their nest is approached they fall to the
ground and flutter along, beating the ground with
their wings, and appearing to be in great distress.
They go about eight or ten feet from the nest in
this manner, and then return and repeat the
performance.

They do not seem at all shy at that time, but,
on the contrary, are so much attached to their
nest that it is almost impossible to get them far
enough away to shoot them without ruining the
bird for a skin.

They have no song that I know of, and I have
never heard them utter a note except a slight
chirp; and they are very quiet in all their actions,
keeping well to the ground and low undergrowth
much in the same manner as the Golden-crowned
Thrush, (Sturus aurieapillus).

Se REA

Nesting of the American Long-eared
Owl.

BY THOMAS H. JACKSON, WEST CHESTER, PA.

The Long-eared Owl, (Aste americanus), is one
of our commonest winter Raptores in this part of
Pennsylvania. During some winters they are ex-
ceedingly abundant in and near our town, asso-
ciating with the Short-eared Owl, (Aszo aceipi-
trinus), and hiding by day among the thick ever-

Dee. 1886.]
green and fir trees that are numerous in the lawns
and nurseries in the vicinity of the town.

But as summer residents they may be considered
extremely rare, only two or three instances of
their nesting in the county (Chester) have come to
my notice. The only data, however, to which I
have access is that of a set of five taken by myself
on the 15th of April, 1870.

These eggs are as brilliant and glossy now as
on the day they were taken, over sixteen years
since. The location of this nest was near the
centre of a large tract of woodland. It was placed
in the crotch of a medium-sized chestnut tree,
about thirty feet from the ground. The tree
sloped over a ravine, and was not at all difficult
to climb.

The nest was evidently an old structure, prob-
ably one that had been used by a pair of Crows
the previous season. The interior seemed to have
been torn out, and replaced by coarser materials
than are usual to the Crow, making a platform-
shaped nest of sticks, pieces of bark, etc., with a
few feathers.

Upon this the eggs, five in number were placed,
and from the length of time the bird had been
sitting—probably ten days or two weeks, they
were much soiled and stained. This, however,
was easily removed by an application of soap and

yater, which left them a very handsome set.
These eggs have the usual shape that distinguishes
the Long-eared Owls, an elongated form with
both ends so nearly of a size in some of them as
to mage it impossible to tell the large from the
small end. The measurements of this set are
1.58x1.28, 1.58x1.29, 1.59x1.28, 1.65x1.26, 1.65x1.29.

The female did not leave her nest until I had
almost reached her, and then she flew, or rather
dropped to the ground, and went through a series
of evolutions that would lead a novice to imagine
she was badly wounded, or in her death agonies.

I do not remember that she uttered a single
vocal sound, although she manifested great dis-
pleasure by loud snapping of her beak as she flew
around me at close quarters.

A long search through all the adjacent woods
later in the season failed to discover a second nest
of these birds, and, indeed, never since have I
found the Long-eared Owls breeding, or heard of
any other sets of their eggs being taken in this
county.

The murderous law passed by our State legisla-
ture some two years since, and which has been in
full operation the past season, is doing its full
share toward the extermination of this innocent
bird, along with its more objectionable relative,
the Great Horned Owl, which is really the only
species of our Raptores of doubtful use to mankind.

AND OOLOGIST.

189

EIN POMOLROG Ss.
WRIGHT P. BATES,

265 No. Beacon St., Brighton, Mass.,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS.

Address all communications for this department as above

Sphingidae of New England.

BY WRIGHT & BATES.

SPHINX CELUS.—Huh.

Head and palpi ashy-gray; tongue twice as
long as the body; thorax ashy-gray with two ir-
regular transverse black lines crossing the anteri-
or portion, and two more originating at the sides
of the metathorax and meeting at the centre of
the second transverse line; metathorax with a
large black patch on either side, surmounted: by
two tufts, bluish in the middle. Tibi and tarsi
of fore legs armed exteriorly with a row of strong
black spines.

Abdomen dark gray, with a slender black dor-
sal line, five or six orange-yellow spots on either
side, separated, and all but the anterior, bordered
by black bands having white spots above and be-
neath at the junction of the segments. Under
side of the thorax and abdomen ashy-gray, shaded
with reddish, the latter with a ventral row of
black spots.

Anteriors gray, shaded with brownish in the
middle; three slender black lines run from the
basal portion of the inner margin obliquely to the
disc; three more arise at about the middle of the
inner margin and curve toward the inner angle,
thence undulating across the nervules, where they
form a blackish shade, to the costal edge; a slen-
der black line runs along the sub-margin from
near the inner angle, followed by a white line,
both parallel with the margin until they near the
sub-apical line, where they turn toward the disc,
forming nearly a right angle; an apical and sub-
apical black line extends toward the disc; two
fine parallel black lines, connecting apically, ex-
tend from near the apical end of the marginal
black line, almost to the disc, between the last
sub-costal and the first median nervules.

Posteriors light gray, with a black spot at the
base, followed by a short black line and then by
two central serrated black lines extending across
the wings; marginal space dark gray, bordered
broadly above with black. Fringes gray, spotted
with white.

Under side gray, both wings being crossed by
two black lines, crenated anteriorly and becoming
almost obsolete on the anteriors; marginal space

190

darker; apical and sub-apical lines very prom-
inent. Expanse five inches.

Mature larva green, with a black stripe on
either side of the head, a black patch on the first
segment, lateral greenish-yellow bands at the
junction of each segment and a stigmatical stripe
of. the same color. The stigmatz are all black
except the first and last which are orange-yellow.
The body is covered with yellowish dots and has
a series of short black lines above the lateral
bands. Transformation subterranean.

Pupa dark brown, with a long, arched, detached
tongue case.

Food plants :
ground cherry.

Potato, tomato, stramonium and

Lady Birds.

Lady Bird, Lady Bird,
Fly away home;
* Your house is on fire
And your children all burned.

How few there are who have not repeated
these few simple lines in childhood’s happy hours,
yet how little many of us knew, or I might say
know as to their habits or the number of their
species ; whether they were useful or otherwise,
in fact, what was their mission in life. We be-
come so accustomed to looking at everything
superficially, that we seldom stop to examine into
the details of the life history of our little friends
or enemies, although could we but realize before-
hand, the wealth of information and amusement
to be gleaned from a better knowledge of the
smaller children of nature, how eagerly we
would cultivate their acquaintance.

Of this family, Coccenelide, we have, according
to the latest Check List (Henshaw’s,) in America,
north of Mexico, no less than twenty-four Genera,
containing one hundred and forty species with
nineteen varieties and three that are doubtful.

In both the larval and adult states they are
carniverous, living exclusively on other insects
in their various stages. The common idea
amongst those who know a little about them, is
that they live entirely on Aphidw or plant lice.
Such is not the case. This summer I had unusu-
ally good opportunities to watch the habits of
some members of the family, such as Anatis 15-
punctata, Oliv. Megilla maculata De G., Hippo-
damia glacialis Fab., H. convergens Gueér., H.
parenthesis Say, Coccinella trifasciata Linn. C.
novem-notata //bst., C. transversoguttata Hab., C.
sanguinea Linn., Adalia frigida Sehn., A. bi-
punctata Linn., and Chilocorus bivulneras Muls.
I found that although the plant lice were their
favorite food, they did not by any means confine
themselves to that diet, when pressed (even

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11--No. 12

slightly) by hunger. At such times they would
attack much larger game, and even the smaller
members of their own species. It was nothing
unusual to see a large larva holding up a smaller
one and extracting its juices, and I have fre-
quently seen the mature insect devour another
that had just emerged from the pupa case. One
case in particular impressed itself on my memory.
A friend of mine informed me that he had
located a fair-sized green worm under the cap-
piece of a fence, but as it showed evidence of an
intention to transform and consequently would
be likely to remain there, and as he knew that I
would be passing the place a few hours later, he
decided not to disturb it. Of course, I was anx-
ious to secure the specimen for my vivarium, but
on reaching the place I found that I was doomed
to disappointment. <A large larva of A. 15-punc-
tata had attacked itand was enjoying a nice tooth-
some repast from my desired victim. When I
found that it was only a cabbage-worm, Pieris
rapze, I did not feel the loss and the information
I had gained would have more than repaid me
for the loss of a much finer specimen.

I reared quite a number of Coccinelide, both
from the eggs and larvee, but was not very suc-
cessful in getting them to color well. The ma-
jority of them, after completing their last trans-
formation, died while still quite light colored.

CYANIDE.
—___$_<—_—_—_

Winter Work.

BY L. E. HOOD.

As winter approaches, the young collector is
apt to consider the season’s collecting at an end
and will begin to classify his insects and arrange
for exchanges. This is well enough in a way,
but there is no reason for postponing your col-
lecting, for many good species can be secured in
the cold weather.

Of course, species will be fewer and hard to
find, but if you are careful you can enlarge your
collection by searching among fallen leaves and
in moss, when the snow will permit, under the
bark and in the wood of partly dead trees, while
boards and trunks of fallen trees often shelter
beetles.

The sieve may be used to advantage in securing
the small species found in moss and among the
leaves, and at all times of the year is one of the
most practical appliances known to the collector
of Coleoptera, and can be easily made by tying a
V shaped bag of fine woven cloth to a sieve with
moderately coarse meshes; by putting in a few
handfuls of leaves and moss and shaking the

sieve as a cook will in sifting flour, you can
readily dislodge any small beetle that may ad-
here. I believe this sieve with the umbrella,
sweep net and small light net to be indispenable
to practical collecting, and I urge the liberal use
of both sweep or beating net and sieve.

During the winter months you can arrange and
label your collection, and if you have kept a note
book, which you should always do, youcan make
an index or synopsis of your notes of appearances
and characteristics of the insects found, and if
you have these notes under dates properly kept,
they will be of great value to you in after years.

If you have handled your insects carefully and
. Classified them, you will find no difficulty in ex-
changing your duplicates for species new to you.

Beetles common in New England may be rare
in Illinois, and species common there may be
rare with you. By exchanging you can add valu-
able species and at the same time increase your
knowledge of the distribution of the insect fauna
of our country.

It is preferable for a collector to devote his
time to one order, unless he is a professional stu-
dent, for if you wish to make the study of ento-
mology a pleasant auxiliary to business cares,
and wish to gain both pleasant knowledge and
delightful recreation, you will receive more satis-
faction from one order diligently collected than
from a more extensive collection. A. collection
gains in interest as it increases, and as the more
common species are secured you must rely more
and more on rare forms or species from other
localities, and a constant acquisition of rare and
interesting beetles will be a source of constant
delight ; yet it is well, perhaps, to keep any inter-
esting butterflies or other insects you may find,
and exchange them when you have a chance, for
beetles.

You will find ample material for study and
work in any one single order of American insects,
and unless your time and means are unlimited
you will find it a life’s work to nearly complete
your order.

One of the greatest difficulties in the path of
the amateur will be to properly classify his col-
lections. Only a few species of the Coleoptera
can be readily named from popular books, and it
is a difficult matter to form a good working
library, owing to the majority of the descriptions
of Coleopterous insects being published in vari-
ous transactions and other publications of socie-
ties ; but with the help of more experienced ento-
mologists, who are ever ready to give valuable
aid, and with the books easily procured, the stu-
dent will be able to gain much knowledge,
and as time goes on and he becomes better ac-

AND OOLOGIST. Vek

quainted with his collection, he will be surprised
to find what now seems an almost impossibility,
becoming an easy and interesting study.

Sphinx Ligustri.

PAUL REVERE.

Several years ago I received from the west a
dozen eggs of the English Hawk Moth, (Sphinw
ligustri) with instructions to feed the larvee upon
the foliage of the sweet potato vine. I might as
well have been advised to feed them upon the
foliage of the palmetto tree, for one is just as
plenty as the other in this latitude. A substitute
must be found, and I turned instinctively to the
lilac, because the leaves of this shrub resemble
those of the sweet potato. The larvze made their
exit from the egg in the night time, and unfa-
miliarity with this habit was the cause of my
losing several before I discovered them. To my
surprise they took readily to this substituted food,
fed ravenously and manifested great steadiness in
their purpose to subsist and reproduce their kind.
They showed little nervousness or disposition to
roam, and their adherence to their food made
them very little care.

The rapidity of their growth and marked pros-
perity, led me to suspect that lilac was a pre-
ferred food, and after consulting several entomo-
logical works I found that Figuier, in his “ Insect
World,” gave lilac as a natural food for the
larvee.

These eggs were received on June 27th and
hatched on June 30th. The larvee were light
apple-green in color, about one-third of an inch
in length, with a black caudal horn one-twelfth
ofan inch in‘ length. They rested near the mid-
rib of the leaf during the day and fed in the night.
They grew rapidly, passing their first moult on
the fourth day. On the 8th day of July they
cast their skins and showed clearly the dark
oblique line at the sides. On the 20th of July
they were three inches in length, had passed the
third moult, and were assuming the pinkish hue
which indicates their maturity and the near ap-
proach of the burrowing season. On the 28th of
July all the larvee had gone into the earth and
they remained there until the 7th of the follow-
ing June, a period of ten and one-half months.

I mated a pair the following season and had an
hundred eggs. I had no trouble in feeding them,
and they grew with a small per cent. of loss by
death. After they had reached the second moult
they disappeared in a night. I was at a loss to
know what became of them. As they were kept
in a close attic room, I searched the place thor-
oughly without finding a trace of them, after

192

which I concluded that they must have formed a
sumptuous feast for the mice that infested the
place.

This closed my Sphinx ligustri experiment.
This moth is now found wild in Illinois, and is
too common to breed, except for the purpose of
noting its habits.

The moth measures four and one-half inches in
breadth of wing. The fore wings are reddish-
gray, veined with black above. The hind mar-
gin having a brown band upon it, extending to
the outer third; upon the out edge of the wing
are two white and a black line running two-
thirds its width. The hind wings are rose-col-
ored, with three black bands. The thorax is
dark brown and the abdomen is ornamented with
eight transverse bands, rose-color and black al-
ternating. There is a brown stripe on the top of
the abdomen, divided by a black line. It is
known popularly as the privet hawk moth in
England, and is very pretty.

CORRESPONDENCE.
Birds and Man.

EDITOR ORNITHOLOGIST AND OdLoaiIstT. Dear Sir:—How
many of our active ornithologists, while engaged in the de-
lightful work of studying birds, consider that the birds too
are busy—studying man? The swallows know the kindly and
intelligent farmer who permits them to construct their
homes unmolested in the eaves of his barn, and year after
year they return to that secure retreat and raise their young
in peace, amply repaying the farmer for his protection by
the destruction of myriads of insects.

Persecute the graceful birds andin a year or two they
will cease to return to that spot to build. They have learned
something of human nature and will henceforth avoid those
who treat them with cruelty. So it is with all birds; man
is their most terrible enemy, but how soon they learn to
know those who are gentle and kind, doing them no eyil.
Aside from the instinct which guides the birds to note the
good and evil of mankind for the protection of their young,
many evince a great curiosity to know something about
that most curious animal—man, that is indeed interesting.
In the woods I have found that often the best way to study
birds was to rest quietly in some shady nook and wait for
the birds to begin investigating me. There is quietness
round about ; now a gentle rustle of fallen leaves, a crack
of atwig show that feathered friends are approaching to
satisfy their curiosity, and soon I will be as much an object
of interest to them as the Chinese giant to the visitants of
adime museum. However, I feel that I can endure such
scrutiny, and return the compliment by taking notes of
their appearance and actions.
~ The sea-birds, also, are inquisitive. While sitting mus-
ingly on a great rock by the sea at Monterey, lately, I found
myself an object of singular interest to a pair of Loons,
(Colymbus pacifieus.) At first they were quite far out from
shore, but came nearer by successively diving until within
gunshot. A suspicious movement on my part would cause
them to withdraw, but several times they approached very
near me, showing plainly by their actions a desire to make
mIny acquaintance, provided I did them no harm.

H. R. Tayror.

_ORN ITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 11-No. 12

The AOU: and the Retatowta:

EDITOR ORNITHOLOGIST AND >) Obzoorse Sir: : In the
October issue a correspondent, Montague Chamberlain,
very gentlemanly endeavors to force some of his state-
ments on your readers as facts. He arraigns my statement
that ‘‘there is a disposition of the members of the Union
to ignore the privileges of the young students of ornitholo-
gy” as false. I again reiterate the statement and fully be-
lieve lam supportedin my views by many. As the laws
are now worded, a person to gain a permit to collect, must
give bonds, and I know that many who are entitled to a
permit are debarred for that reason. What scientific body
recommended such laws? Also, did not the A. O. U. desire
a law by which all applications for a permit must be signed
by some scientific gentlenan? Who are these scientific
gentlemen? Why! members of A. O. U., and they would
thus have the whole thing in their control—if they could.

I also know of a member of A. O. U. who offered to pro-
cure a permit for a taxidermist, but there wasa reason. He
wanted to send the taxidermist on a collecting trip for his
(the ‘ scientist’s”) collection, already overstocked. The
taxidermist refused to collect for him in such quantities as
he desired, and asked him to sign an application for his
(the taxidermist’s) own collecting in a small way. He was
refused. You can see the motive at once, and I am sick of
such doings. I have no objection against the scientists
collecting all they choose, but don’t like to see them pre-
tend to do better than the amateur.

Mr. Chamberlain an amateur! Very well, perhaps Mr.
Chamberlain will define tne word “‘amateur.” We may be
obliged to coin a new word for those who aspire to less
pretensions than Mr. C. if he claims to be an amateur.

W. DEForREsT NorTHRUP, M. D.

Las Vegas, N. M., Oct. 30, 1886.

The A. O. U. Meeting.

The fourth annual meeting of the American Ornitholo-
gists’ Union, was held at the National Museum, Washing-
ton, D. C., beginning Noy. 16th. Among the gentlemen
present were Mr. J. A. Allen, Mr. G. B. Sinnett, Mr. L. S.
Foster and Mr. Wm. Dutcher, of New York; Prof. Baird,
Mr. Ridgway, and Drs. Coues, Merriam, Fisher and Stejne-
ger, of Washington; Mr. Wm. Brewster, of Cambridge ;
Mr. J. H. Sage, of Portland, Conn., and Col. N.S. Goss, of
Kansas. The officers elected for the ensuing year are as
follows: President, Mr. J. A. Allen; Vice Presidents, Dr. E.
Coues and Mr. R. Ridgway; Secretary, C. H. Merriam ;
Treasurer, Mr. C. B. Corey ; additional members of council,
Prof. 8. F. Baird, Mr. Geo. N. Lawrence, Mr. Wm. Brews-
ter, Mr. M. ‘Chamberlain, Mr. H. W. Henshaw.

The meeting ‘was not characterized by any important
action looking to other than the development of the several
branches of its work already begun.”

The next annual meeting will be held in Boston, Oct.
10, 1887. Wa Wee

0

The crusade against the hawk and owl scalp bounty is
gaining strength daily. The border counties of Western
Pennsylvania complain that the Ohio farmers gather the
eggs of owls and hawks and raise whole broods of such
birds for the Pennsylvania bounty trade. This will never
do. The Legislature will either have to put a tariff on owls
and hawks and protect Pennsylvania’s ow! and hawk-rais-
ing industries against the pauper owl and hawk raisers of
Ohio, or it will be forced to repeal the bounty law on scalps
and compensate the farmers for each chicken stolen by
these winged marauders. If the present bounty law is more
absurd and liable to abuse than a law compensating farm-
ers for lost chickens, what an absurd law it must be, to be
sure.—Phila. Limes, Nov. 30.

ats
ed in

uy af

7 vA

ip.
at) yin. a) Wr"

sis io
f

Ol TU)

_ a
Rus

&
tinosn OY

INSTITUT

A a by —, We, YO) Oe ‘SS : va S Leh :, =
22K S75 WEE SIZGE 22 ZH:
J - apy 2 KS E a = @7 37's
J D SF was m wy e ae 8 > . pers
w wa — Ww = wn
317 LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILONLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S3IYYWH:
z= “ wo” rd % w md w
< = < = : = =
DN me 4 = \ se es =
' = .
roe z E Ny 2 = =
oe ee se : 3
ON NOILALILSNI nS TIEVESIT_LIBRARIES | SMITHSONIAN _
ae a uw S Ww rr
&. Er aad i a a =
< G Ss e = ‘2
= a pa a ce =
co re) pe re cod o
ar = el za pa za
LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S3!IYVY
c = eC ee 0
o = a@ w =
a = cis = 2 5
> ¥ > = >: =
= vai = i = iE
m = satiate Z 7 ee
ION NOILALILSNI_ NVINOSHLINS ($3 luvud roti BRARI ES SMITHSONIAN
= < = aaa ee <
= = = 2 WS 5 =
ahs O nae O Mere a oO
g z g 2Re 2 2
2 re a la YS 2 =
> = > =. oe =
boss : wo 4 77) oa ”
Git LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S3I1YVY

NOILNLILSNI
NOILALILSNI
LIBRARIES

1ON_ NOILNLILSNI

qiq_LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN

SSIYVUGITLIBRARIES

INSTITUTION
INSTITUTION
Saluvygit

NSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI

+

Ww -
Yy = faa | a aa Y
BF NOE 5 5 GD
PL pa a PN 2) aks Oo UY fp?
Ss \ = E =e ‘ P
- we 5 Z
1ON NOILNLILSNI a Be
wy a Ww FA
< e Yas lige a
: 2 WY: :
Oo »\ = aa
a z aS is 2
gait LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI
- 5 _ 5
w — , ‘wo Y
: 5 a: =
> ey > Ee
a - - ne -
pas w ”
ra z | o z
TION | NOILALILSNI_ NVINOSHLINS SSIYVYATT_LIBRARIES
z ee a ae ec

NVINOSHLINS S3It¥vVudgIT LIBRARIES
~~

SMITHSONIAN

INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI

IWS S31uvVualt LIBRARIES

SMITHSONIAN

S3INVNUGIT LIBRARI

ES

INSTITU]

NVINOSHLINS S3IYV

LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN

SMITHSONIAN
COLI

NOILNLILSNI

INSTITUTION

AN

NVINOSHLIWS

INSTITUT

NVINOSHLINS S3IYVY

INSTITUT
r NC

AnoT!

Ctinos

z
pyre
©)
SAWS

ARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S31uyvugia_LIBRA

S31 uy

rf
“A
INSTIT
Ke
E,
Satur
Not!

hy

=

x
OC Aa
INSTIT
\
‘

Satut
INSTIT
$

AN

Pe
hy Mob
NVINOSHLIWNS

«,

NVINOSHLINS

SJ!IYVYSIT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNL

SMITHSONIAN

SMITHSONIAN
NVINOSHLIWS

AILSNI_ NVINOSHLIWS

=
re)
Ww)
Ba
=
=
77)
a é “ é
= oe =I foal * = ow
= Ws = < ; = <
| a =| m = o
3 = 5 a 3 ze
Zz cz Zz zy Zz at
ARIES SMITHSONIAN _INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S3IYVYUEIT_LIBRA
S = S = z x
i= ao = wo ° ow
5 0] > 8] Ss 7
; = = > = sa
= = i ss ra Z
w 3 =2 me ric
Zier o = Oo _ Z o
ILILSN! NVINOSHLINS S3IYVYEIT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN
z o = hela wo z wn
= = = NS S < =
2 = "2 SS : z =
i z F \ 2 E a
RES 2 ee ee ee oon 1 oe ae
ARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S3IYVYUSIT LIBRA
no S “” > be Z
we «O ee n ee “
.: = os = a =
By ~4 ‘
= : : : : :
Pa a o = 0 =
= 2) ~ oO eS oO
=) =z -! z= ele ze
S314YVYUdIT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILN.
ae = a = ee fi =
w — ow = ‘M ow =
oa 5 a 5 Ly je a 5
0) = a iS "2 =
~ i ze a ia Ee
ae z He Z p Z

ARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI_NVINOSHLINS Sa31uvuaiT_LIBRA

INSTITUTION

\S

“Ky

LILSNI_ NVINOSHLINS

NVINOSHLIWS
NVINOSHLIWS
SMITHSONIAN
NVINOSHLIWS

LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN

NOILNLILSNI

NOILNLILSNI
NOILNLILSNI

ARIES SMITHSONIAN_INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI Saiuvudit_ LIBR

STITUTION
SAINVUGIT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN

INSTITUTION
INSTITUTION

NOILN

Sf fof
Ht .}

NCHLINS S3SINVYUEIT LIBRARIES

ay
|¢ S
ae:

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

AS o

WS

\HS¥A4
SS

G
ey 2
2 =
Pr lol

SHLINS SAIYVYEIT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN

SHLINS S3JIYVYaIt LIBRARIES

SONIAN

ante

%

.
SONIAN
Ty

ee

res Gerke
pee

wg €26

Peter a

Pee TN
A hoy AA & ca: #207
Monit ae ae rye 4

wh i)

ty hae e ee

wehreie

Se Li HM Atte

A et Sar

heres
bveed

WA

|
‘ : |
: e pre pf } .
Nees ne
tee } }
EE Me nag ha § ,
rata det ¥ ele A

Cha Th Pa
tree

atari ery
a Pes Cogs Wd SENS
- eran

aoe gagee *

Pr
ree
are

Peary rerde

PA ALS ‘
Peper tat tal
738 YE
isies
MeSarbs ache h8 es irae neh
ow her ere”
erksarergt

LAN ‘:
i iceses bre ©
Sri me

yet
hby iy eee
" 1
LA Pg Perri ;
Nba Lah
‘ Bey afk OTK \
bo bbobreee

t
j
\
18 Wy tk Bik Re

'
¥
May Se i if
Cel edie,
ee bh Te"
a ree Oa a

eA
uqgick