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FOR THE PEOPLE

FOR EDVCATION

FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

^^^^cni^5)6

ESTABLISHED 1875-

THE

ORNITHOLOGIST

AND

0 O I. O ( i I S 1\

A'OT.. XA'T.. isni

BIRDS: THEIR NESTS AND EGGS.

HYDE PARK, MASS.:
FEANIv BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

1891.

lLj,$L

'fff^ 'mayvo

r

ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST.

INDEX TO VOLUME XVI., 1891

HreeiJin^ in

Adventure. A Moonlight 11

Alaliaina, Familiar New Kngland

Birds in 9

Anliinga, American 49

Bay St. Louis, Miss.. Across the

Lake of 1G9

Birds, and their Value, 130

" ol Kansas, Goss' Historyof 176
" of Fowcshiek Co., Iowa, 131
'* Two Days in the Woods

with 97

Blackbird, Red -winded It)

Bluebird, 9, 10

" A Crazv 2-1

Bobolink, A Runt Egg of 42

Bob-white, 9

" Latti Nesting of l/JT, 180

" Later Nesting of. from

iMichigan.

liooks, New

Bunting, Indigo

Uuzzanl, Turkey,

-Mulligan.
Biizziirds' Boost,
Callipepla califoriiion. Habits of
Cape Cod, A Few Notes frruii
Capriuuilgida' on the Sea Island, 12i;
Cardinal, y, 10

Chat, Yellow-breasted lo

Chickadee, Carolina 9, lo

Clangula.That 25

Cobb's Island, Va., Trip to IM

Collecting, Warm-weather 4.t

Collectors. Mints Inr "Jun*' Tvl

Conn.. Florida Callinnle, 149

Middletown, Notes from 140
Correspondence.

82, 47. G4, 79. 9(5. 11(1. 144, ir.9. 175
Crane Islan<l, 19

Cuckoo, Yellow-billed 9, in

Curious " Sets of Eggs," i;{9

Day, A Lazy 87

Delaware Vallev Ornithoiogi(.-al
Club, nt Philadelphia. Proceed-
ings of 91. 104. 171")
Disappointment, A Pleasant 100
Diver, Black-throated, Singular

Capture ot 20

(ireat Northern, Eggs of 2G

Dove, Mourning 9

Duck, Lal'rador. for Sale, ISI

Ruddy, Breeiling at Cai)e

Cod." I.^-,

" Wood l.'i4

Eagle, with a Glass Eye. 17G

Editorial, 16, 29, 107. 158, ISl

Eggs, Abnormal 23

" Cowbirds', Variation in

Size of CI

" Coloration of r»5, 105

'* Curious Sets of 139

" ITow the Collecti{»n of, at
the National Museum is
Kept, 38

" How a Large Collection of,

is Kept, 17

" How the Data of a Large

Collection ol", are Kept, 11
" Mr. Thomas H. .Jackson's

Collection of C5

" Number of, to a Set, 9

Fall, An Unexpected 28

Fate. Horrible, Death of .John C.

Cahoon, 73

FieldNote-book, Whatisthe Best

Method of Keeping a 22

Find, A Curious 99

Flint. Wm. C. 93

Flycatcher, Acadian 9, 10

Gallinule. Florida, in Conn., 149

Gnatcarcher, Blue-grav 9, 10

Goss, Col.. N. S., ' 45

Grinnell, Iowa, Effect of Winter
Upon the Arrival and Nesting
of Birds at 10

Green, Edward K.,
Grosbeak, Rose -breasted, in
W"ashtenaw County, Michigan,
Grouse Eggs, Large Set ot

Sooty. Nesiing ol
Gull, Glaucous, Capture of, at

Long Island, N. Y..
Gyrfalcon, Black, in Vermont.

*" lilack, Taken at L\nn, Mass
Hawk, Broad-winged

•' Broad-winged, Nesting of,
at Raleigh, N C.
Red-shouldered
Red-sh(mldered, Series of
Eggs of
" Sharp-shinned, Nesting of
the
Hawks and Owls, Bill t») Extend
the Protection of the Law tt>
Certain Species of
Hawks Ne^ts,

Heights, Hints on Measuring
" More Hints on -Measuring
" Pleasuring, Again,
Heron. Great Blue
(Jreen
'* Yellow-crowned Night, Vis-
Its the Bav State,
Hornaday, William T.
llornaday's Taxidermy, A Testi-
monial of
Hummingbird, Ruby-Throated
Ictinia mississijipensis,
Insects. Injurious to Collections,
Th- ir Prevention and Remedy,
Iowa, Poweshiik Co., Birds of
Ja<!kson, Mr. Thomas H., Collec-

ti<m of Eggs.
Javs, Blue, A Pair of Pugnacious
.Joke, A Nesting
Kansa', Provable Addition to the

Avifauna ol
Kingfisher, Belted
Longspnr. Lajiland

" McCown's, Fir.'it Record of

Breeding of, in Minnesota,

Long Island, N. Y., Ca]>ture of a

(Hau(;ous (Jull at
Long point. Birds of
Looking Backward,
Lynn. Mass., Black Gyrfaleitn

taken at
Mangrove Swamp, Lost in a
Martin. Purple
Memory, Tribute to his
Michigan, Picidreof

•* Rr)se-breasted Grosbeak in

Washtenaw County,
" Stupid I^aws of
" TurkfV Buzzard lireeding in
Minnesota, Addition to the List
of Birds of lOfi,

•* Birds of
" First Record of McCown's

Longspur Breeding in
" Swainson's Hawk in
Mockingbird.

•* in Northwest Iowa,
Mud Lake. The Least Bittern and

Long-billed Marsh Wren at
Nest, A Stake-driver's
Ne.st Collecting. A Plea for
Newfoundland, Five M(mths in

40, 70,83, 115,
Nighrhawk.

North Atlantic, Birds of
Note-book, The First Pages of a

'91 b(

Notes, Ancient Ornithological,
Found in Ames* Almanack
Published at Dedham,
Mass., in 172G to 1775, 92

•■ Brief 15. 29, 46, 62. 77. 94, 108
127. 143. 1.58, 171, 181
" from Dartmouth, N. S., 155

Notes, from Midillctown, Conn., 141

•' Nesting, 1S90, 148

" Oological, 42,85,120

" on Egg Coloration, 75

Nova .Scotia, Hunting Eagles*

Nests in 103

" Snow Buntings in 23

Nuthatch, Brown-headed 9, lu

" A\ hite-bellied. Large Set

ol Eggs of 157

" White-bellied, Series of

Eggs of 123

Oologisi on Skates, 37

Ooliigisls, Attention, 142

Oriole, Baltimore, Some Curious

Sets of Eggs of 61

" Orchard 9, 10

Orchard. Nesting Near

Kingbirds. 88

Ornithology and Geology, 51

Osprev, American, A Series of

EggV of 1G3

"Outside'' in Winter, 117

Owl, American Barn. Taken in

Mass., 92

" Barred 10

Flammulated Screech.

Nesting of 27

Partridge, California, Habits of 179

I'et, A (JerniHU 166

Pewee, Wood 10

" Wood. Late Nesting of 28

Phaino]K'pla, Series of Eggs of 125

Publications, New

16,23, 80,110, 160
Ramlile, An Afternoon 180

Rail, Black 10

" Black, Nesting of, at Ral-
eigh, N. C, 26
" Kintr 10
Raleigh, N. C, Dates of First

Takes of Eggs at, in 1890, 10

'* N. C, Notes from 125

Redstart, American 10

Reminiscences, 177

" of an Old Steel Trap, 54

Sandpii)er, Western Seniipal-

niated 170

Sapsncker, Death of a 125

Shrikes, Hungry 61

Skunks. 136

Sparrow. Chipi)ing 10

" Chi}ti)ing, Unspotted Eggs of86

•* Field 10

" Hensbiw's Nesting of. at

>ttephentown. New York, 27
" How I Embalmed my 76

.'iiparrows. English, by the thous-
and, 13
" Slautihter of 141
Specimens. How I Send My,

Home, 88

Swallow. Rough-winged 10

" Rough-winged, Nesting of,

in Saratoga Co., N. Y., 104

" White-bellied 10

9, 10

, Loui>iana W'ater 9, 10

Louisiana Water, Nesting

of.inPhilade!]thiaCo., Pa., 87

" Wilson's, Nesting of, in

Western Pennsvlvania, 50

" Wo<kI ' 9, 10

Trip After Fish Hawks and

Tanagfr, Summer
Thrus" '

Hernns.

152

Twin LakPS, In Camp at

155

Vermont, Black Gyrfalcon in

7ft

Vireo, Red -eyed

10

** AVliite-eyed

10

Vnltnre, Turkey

10

Wanderintrs, No. 10,

33,68

" No. 11,

146

Warliler, Wack-tliroated Green,

A Series of Eggs of

52

INDEX

Warbler, Cminectiout, Takiiifr nf

:l, in (i^'iu'si't' Co., Mii'h.. IfiS
" MaiC.il'ivr.iyS. \r>lini; of llU
•* Na>hviU(', A (ilnnpsf of S!)
•• Tine 10

" rinp, N»>sti»}r anil Other
Habits of. in Kastt'rn
Norlll Carolina. lUl

" rraiiio :>. 10

Yollow ralni. Nestinic of,
at n.iitnioatli, N". s.. IJC.

Warhlcr, Yellow-tliroatcd
Waxwinjr, Cedar

•• Cellar. N'estina: of , at IJal-
eijrh. X. C.
rt'Iii)»-poor-\vill. Nestin;; of
Wliite Mountain Itirds, Xeslin;

ol ,-<onie
Willet, Nestins of. on . Colili'

Island. Va..

9.10

Winter of 'W and '91, 149

10

Wron. rarnlina m

WosttTU ^^ httor. Some

'J5

Nt>tos on i;ni

IS

\\ iiutT. Nt'stinii of laii

\ell.i\v-lluoat. Marvlanti m

135

Marvland. Nt'st of l-J4

s

•* Maiylanil. Series of K}*p> of l.V>

SG

ORNrniOIAHUST AND (K)LOULST.

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND —

00L0GI8T.

§1.00 per
Annum.

PUBLISHED KY FUAXK B. WEBSTER.
Established, .March. IST.^i.

Single Copy
to cents.

Vol. XVI.

HYDE PARK, MASS., JANUARY,

189 1.

No. I.

A Series of Eggs of the
shouldered Hawk.

Red-

I'.y t;iliulaliii<;- rri-cnt iliita 1 Ikivc fminil tli:it
twenty -seven percent of the e<;<;.s of the lied-
shoiildeieil Ilutco taken here in the late mild
seasons Inive been in.set.sof four. The distribu-
tion of my esss will prevent meat thislate date
from writing at leiiiitli on the individual charac-
teristics and distiujinishing markinjis npon a
series of e^gs from the .same Hawks. When my
liiitcnH e<;ns l^y side by side in thirteen
yearly accessions from the same localilies the
family likyiess or race lines was most clearly
shown. It did not even need the eye of an ex-
pert to note this. More than once have I asked
a novice in oiilojry to pi<dc out the eit.ys laid by
the same Hawk, and he would i;o from case
to case and indicate the eL;i;s almost uner-
ringly.

Wliilc colic. cfin<j; these sots every sprint;.
whctbci- fidiu old sites or new nests. 1 would
reco^ijiize the ear marks on the enfjs of my
old friends as a fancier would tell his Wliite
liC^horns from his I'artridj^e Cocdiins, or his
l)ini^lillls from bis Asi.itics. There were the
Hell <iate Hawks, I'lain Hill, the .Sunnyside,
and the f'ranbeiry Txiji' Flawks; all easily de-
terjuined by iiecniiaiillo in .a lonf; series of
their ejj.t;s. The rntisruihhiuri' would con-
stantly hold i;ood as to shape, size and num-
ber, blotcbiufis and sub-surface iudicalions. It
wcnild be KratifyiuK if other collectors, takinn
a huiK yearly series of ejriis from one locality,
W(uild -live us a few notes upon the recurrence
of individual tyjjes in their ei^us of I!ed-
shouldcred Hawks. ,/. 3/. \\\

N'o attempt has ever been made to des'^ribe
in detail the wcmderful variations to which
egfis of the Hed-sbonldered Hawk(7iH/co liiif-
atnx) are subject. Feu- many years the cele-
brated oiilogist ".I. JI W.- (Mr. C. L. Rawsoii)
has devoted much time to collecting fine series

of eggs of this bird, and in obtaining desirable
specimens he had of necessity to discard
man.y sets which were nest stained and
marked in a commonplace manner. Every
year, however, he was able to add several
sets which were noticeable either for beauty
of coloiation, odd iorm, or some pecudiarity.
Keeping also a luimberof typical sets, in time,
his eidlection of the eggs of this Hawk be-
came the finest and the nncst complete in the
world. Some years ago he went over it with
the g]-eatest care am! selected all the hand-
somest, oddest, and most typical .sets, and
presented them to nu> in the most generous
manner. Every year since he has sent me
some more fine sets — the best of bis taking —
until the series described below now contains
fitly eight sets of bis collecting. The remain-
ing nineteen sets from other <'<dlectors were
selected either to show geographical ilistribu-
tion or for their oddity oi- beauty.

T:iken as a whole the present series of eggs
of this Hawk certainly is the largest, finest,
and most c<unplete in existence.

Mr. Rawsou has also kindly allowed me to
use his field notes.

•Set I. May 2, I.s7-'. Renssclaci-. X. Y.
Collected by .1. H. Beatly. Nest in ( hestnnt
tree, forty-live feet up. Three eggs, fresh. Dull
white; oiu' of them marked at the smaller end
with large sjHits of burnt umber; another is
s])riukled all over with small spots of ecru
drah: while the tbiid has large s]Kits of tawiiy
oiivc near the larger cud : L'.O-I x I. (•>(»: lM 1 x 1.74;
L'. 1 1 X 1.71.

.Set II. April 2:!, 18S2. Wooded run near
I'eg's ('base, Ledyard, New London ('.>., Ct.
Collected by '-.I. M. \\." "New nest, well
feathered, raised on old foundation of Crow
and Gray .Scpiirrel. Eemale tried to slij) away
unperceived, as the nest, in big-bodied chest-
luit, w'as approached." Three eggs, fresh.
f)ne broken. I'ure white, very delicately
marked with small scrawling lines of buiiit

(.'opyrisht, 13JI, by FR.4.XK B. Web.stek.

(A ^ i

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. IG-No. 1

umber — one egg much more so than the
other. A rare type of cohiration: 2.20xl.2!l;
2.11 xl.30.

Set ITI. April ICi, 1882. McClimous Wood.s,
Preston, Ct. Collected by " J. M. W." " Ne.st
in swamp oak, in low wet land. Well screened
by brush, aiul low for this species. Both birds
seen together." Three eggs, fresh. One of
them bluish white, and almost unmarked,
save for a few specks of burnt umber: the
other two white, lightly spotted with burnt
umber: l.;)7.xl.77; 2.05x1.78; 2.14xl.7S.

.Set IV. April 14, 1888. Sunnyside W(,ods,
Norwich, Ct. (Sets taken from same nest on
April 20, 1887, and .-Vpril 20, 1880.) Collected
by ".I. M. \V." "Old crow's nest, well re-
paired and fully feathered. Forty rods from
nest of other years, in tall chestnut Hawks
noted building, and female left the nest when
harried." Three eggs, fresh. Bluish white;
one of them marked at smaller end with a few
spots and streaks of burnt umber, and the
other two lightly spotted and speckled with
chestnut: 2.00x1.0(3; 2.0(ixl.69; 2.04x1.(58.

Set V. April 17, 1886. Gallows Hill, Xor-
wich, Ct. (Sets taken from same nest April
21, 1884, and April 24, 188.5.) Collected by
".T. M. W." "Both Hawks at nest. Female
very handsome." Three eggs, fresh. Bluish
white; one of them unmarked save for very
faint spots of ecru-drab, and tlie other two
streaked and splasiied with ecru-drab and lilac-
gray. The colors are very subdued, and
look as it they had been smeared. A rare
type of markings: 2.18x1.72: 2.00x1.71;
2.11x1.70.

Set VI. Ai)ril 14, 1880. Swamp back of
Lynch's, Po(|uetannoc Road, Preston, Ct. (Sets
taken from same nest April SO, 1870. and A]iril
20, 1878.) Collected by "J. M. \V." Three
eggs, fresh. 15luish white; one of them al-
most unmarked except with a number of small
specks ol burnt umber. Another has a large
number of streaks, specks and spots of fawn
color all over the surface, and a few largei'
spots of burnt umber; while the third is
evenly spotted over the entire surface with
ecru-drab: 2.10x1.09; 2.09x1.04; 2.00x1.09.

Set A'll. .Vpril l.i, 1880. Wayne Co., Mich.
Collected by E. M. Diufee. Nest in black oak,
seventy-five feet up. Jlade of sticks, lined
with corn husks, pieces of moss, and strips of
basswood bark. Four eggs, fresh. Bluish
white, spotted and speckled with ecru-drab
and fawn color: 2.24x1.00: 2.2:1x1.08;
2.ir)x I.(i7; 2.01 x l.(i8.

Set VIII. .\pril :in, 1S8:;. (iooihi.h. .Mich.

Collected by Samuel Spicer. Two eggs, fresh.
Bluish white; one faintly marked with drab-
gray ; the other heavily and beautifully spotted
all over with raw umber: 2.18x1.04:
2.10X 1.05.

Set IX. April 21, 1880. City, or Fairview
Reservoir, Norwich, Ct. Collected by " J. M.
W." "Nest in chestiuit. Feathers in nest
and on limbs. Homely female. (In 1879 simi-
lar set from neigliboring tree, on April 2;?d.)"
Two eggs. Bluish white; one faintly
speckled with lavender-gray and fawn color;
the other most beautifully spotted all over the
surface with ru.sset: 2.24 x 1.78; 2.20 x 1.78.

Set X. April 10, 18S0. Goodrich. .Mirh.
Collected by Samuel Spicer. Nest in small
black oak, aliout thirty feet up. Three eggs,
fresh. Bluisli white; two of them clouded
with lavender-gray and fawn color; the third
spotted with russet: 2.22x1.78; 2.17x1.71;
2.20xl.7s.

Set XI. April 9, 1880. Norwich, Ct. (" Sets
fiom same nest taken April 13, 1877^ 1878,
unused in 1879; also in 18S5. Empty in 18S0.")
Collected by ".I. -M. W." "Hawks at home."'
Foiu' eggs, fresh. Three of them dull white;
one bluish white: speckled and spotted pretty
uniformly with russet: 2.1:1x1.09; 2.11x1.7(1:
2.08 X l.(>7; 2.14 X 1.71.

Set XII. April 20. 1-85. Norwich, Ct. Col-
lected by "J. M. W." Nest in big chestnut
tree. Four eggs, fresh. Bluish white; one
of them faintly spotted with ecru-diab; the
other three marked with three laige spots of
burnt umber: 2.11 x 1.77:2 14x 1.78:2.11 x 1.09;
2.02 x 1.05.

Set XIII. April 19. 1890. Sunnyside Woods,
Norwich, Ct. Collected by "J. M. W." "New
nest, about tliirty-tive feet up in large chestnut,
at base of lindi without forking. Nen^ site.
Old home chopped down. Xests liiiishcd and
lined, and showing a few feathers on March
28th. Saw hawk repeatedly." Four eggs. In-
CHl>ation begun. Bluish white; quite heavily
marked with russet ami burnt umber,
principally at the ends: 2.27 x 1.00: 2 21 x 1.07;
2.24x1.65; 2.1:^ X 1.65.

Set XIV. .Vpril 8, 1885. Oxford, Miss.
(Collected by .1. T. Moore. Nest in large tree
seventy-five feet up. Made of sticks, lined
with coarse bark. Three eggs. Incubation
far advanced. Dull white; two of them
heavily spotted with burnt umber, and the
other faintly marked with russet. (Query,
could these eggs possibly belong to the Florida
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus alhiii}'.'
The latter has been found breeding almost

Jan. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

as far north in Texas as Oxford is in Missis-
sippi, Lafayette County.): 2.20x 1.74;2.-JI x 1.7(i;
2.22 X 1.7.'-.

.Set XV. May 2, I88(i. Hell Gate, Preston,
Ct. (Fir.st .set April 11.) Collected by "J. M.
\Y." " Large old nest in big but ladder-like
chestnut, newly lined and well feathered be-
fore laying. Xearest nest to the first b'uilding
site." Two eggs, fresh. Bluish white; one
sparingly spotted with russet, the other much
more heavily wiHi the s:ime color: 2.12 x l.Ci'.t;
2.1:^x1.01.

Set XVL April 11, 18S0. William's Wood.s,
near Ayer's factory, Ledyard, Ct. Collected by
" .1. M. W." " Xest well up in tall chestnut
in low land. Trap and hen's egg found in
ni'sl (lu subsecjuent visit. Female sailing over-
head." Two eggs, fresh. One pure white,
sparingly spotted with burnt umber (small
spots) and the other beautifully spotted all
over, but more heavily near the smaller end,
with chestnut — a beautiful egg: 2.17.x 1.77:
2.12xl.7.'i.

.Set XVII. Ajuil 20. K8S6. Norwich, Ct.
Collected by ".I. M. W." "Xest heavily
feathered. \Vooil-cbn]ipcrs but live rods from
tree. In 188"), scpiirrels in nest." Four eggs.
Incubation begun. Dull white. s]>otted and
speckled with burnt umber: 2.0!l x l.il'.i:
2 01x1.7:!: 2.08x1.74; 2.0!)xl.(i8.

.Set XVIII. Ajuil lo, l.'<82. Hell Gate
Woods, Treston, Ct. Collected by ".1. M.
W." He "drove into woods by an obscure
]):\tb, and from wagon saw liiitco leave nest
ill liig chestnut under ledge near swamp. It
was an old nest and several sets were taken
in other .seasons from same tree. Large fe-
male." Four eggs, fresh. One of them dull
white, s])eckled all over vvitli burnt umber; the
other three bluish white. Two of these are
spotted allover tlie surface with lavender-
gray and fawn color. Tiie remaining egg is
boldly spotted near the larger end with burnt
umber: 2. is x 1.70; 2.20x1.70; 2.24xl.<iit;
2.IOx 1.67.

.SetXrX. April 20, IS7'J. Waltliani, Mass.
Collected by (J. F. Ilobiuson. Xest in large
oak. Thi-ee eggs. Bluish white; one of tlieni
faintly speckled with burnt umber: another
heavily spotted, at the smaller end only, with
the same color: and the third clouded with
russet: 2.07x1.72; 2.1.T x 1.67; 2.08x 1.07.

Set XX. April 17, 1889. Hell Gate, Pres-
ton, Ct. Cidlected by ".I. M. W." " Old nest
in large, old chestnut — making the third set
of four eggs taken from this tree. (.Sets
taken .\i<ril 21, l.s.s7, and .\pril 22, 1888.) Xest

was climbed to on April 12, and then contained
two eggs. Hawks .shy but noisy — seen many
times." Four eggs, fresh. Blui.sh white; two
of them beautifully and evenly spotted with
russet, and the others spotted (more at the
larger ends) with burnt umber: 2.12x1.00;
2.12x1.00; 2.09x1. .59; 2.08x1.04.

Set XXI. .Vpril 19, 1890. Cr.-inberry Bog,
Wawecus lliil, Xorwich, Ct. Collected by
".I. M. W." "Old nest, old site, old birds.
Nest retouched — .scanty hemlock lining —
well feathered. This nest in chestnut — the
alternate nest in oak not ten rods away This
pair of birds piesent from second week
in March." Four eggs. Incubation begun.
Dull white; one slightly speckled with burnt
umber, another marked with ecru-drab.
and the other two lieavily spotted with
russet: 2.22x"l.09; 2.00x107: 2.08x1.70;
2.10xl.OS.

Set XXII. April 19. 18.<9. Licking County,
Ohio. Collected by A. Beem. Xest in tree,
forty feet up. Four eggs, incubation begun.
Bluish white; two of tliem sparingly
speckled with burnt umber; and the others
thickly marked with small spots of russet:
2.19 .\ 1.75; 2.14x1.78; 2.17x1.77: 2.1.5 x 1.7.5.

Set XXIII. April 12, 1.880. Oxford, Miss.
Collected by .1. T. Moore. Xest in jiostoak,
forty feet up. Made of sticks, lined with
bark and green leaves. (The same query sug-
gests itself as to these eggs belonging to
Jiutfn UneatuK allfiii as was mentioned above
in the case of set XIV.) Oull white; one
.spotted with lavender-gray, and the others
spotted (piite heavily witli russet: 2.14x170;
2.10X 1.74.

Set XXIV. April 21, 1.S84. liockwetl's
Woods, Norwich. Collected by ".I. M. W."
"Old uest, low down, in large chestnut. ,\t
upper end of Si)aulding"s Dam — boys in
swimming at lower end of pmid. Mercury 80°.
Hawks crying constantly." Two eggs, fresh.
White; one speckled and clouded with vinace-
ous; the other beautifully sjiotted with russet.
Tlie markings on the latter egg are heavy, and
are ju-incipally at the larger end: 2.1.5 x 1.00:
2.1:1x1.07.

Set XXV. .Vpril 20, 18-^4. Sunnyside, Xor-
wich. Ct. Cidlected by ".1. .M. W." "Old,
securely cradled nest in cliestnut, seven
feet in circumference. Parents observed
building often. Set of four from this tree,
and other sets of pairs and trios from it."
Three eggs, fresh. Dull wliitc; luie egg
marked with small spots of russet, more
heavilv at the smaller end; tlic other two with

()1!M rilOl.OGlST

LV

1i; Nn. 1

large blotL-hus uml spots of the same color at
the smaller ciiils: 2.1!txl.71; i.lOxl."!!;
2.-25X 1.72.

Set XXV'l. Ai>ril 17. ISTd. Suniiysidc,
Xorwich. CI. Colle.-tod liy " J. JI. W." Nest ill
" immcinorial chestnut. Before 1870 a negro
climber took several pairs of young. Since
]87(). pairs, trios and fours of eggs taken — all
Hnentiitt. 'I'lic nesting site is so large at the
fork of the tree that no material has to he
added. Birds both seen." Three eggs, fresh.
Bluish white, one lightly marked at tlie larger
end witli a few spots of russet; another quite
heavily sjiotted with burnt umber, also at the
larger end, while the third is heavily spotted
at the smaller end with insset: L'. 15 x 1.72:
2.18x1.7."); 2.2") X 1.711.

SetXXVll. .\pril 2(1, 1SS4. Sandy Il.dlow,
Ledyard, (;t. (■()llecte<l by ■■ .1. .M. W.' " Old
nest in Norman's long range of woods. Fe-
male .shy and silent. Xo male seen." Four
eggs, incubation begun. Dull white; one
faintly marked with lavender-gray and a few
specks of russet; the other three heavily
marked with large blolclics and s]iots of rus-
set and burnt unibcr. The ni;irkiiigs are
principally in the centre of the surface, and
produce a very striking elYcct: 2. l."i x 1.7-');
2.17x1.7!); 2.21x1.72: 2.17x1.7."..

SetXXVIll. .May2. IS77. Swamp, Snnnyside
Wood.s, Norwich, Ct. Collected l)y "J. M. VV."
" New nest in small leaning oak. .Seen build-
ing. Female made bold dashes toward me."
Two eggs, fresh. Dull white, spotlcd and
streaked with small markings of fawn color:
2.24 X 1.70; 2.24 \ l.7n.

Set XXIX. .\pril 211, l.ssT. Fair View Farm,
Norwich, Ct. Collected by ".1. M. \V." "Nest
in a beech. uiMr cil^c of clicstiuit grove, in
lioinc ImI williin full view of road. l!i'<'cli
covcii'd willi inili.-ils. Diiviiig liy al '.I a.m.,
saw /,'/(//., snaring llllld feet ovc|- nest —
negro tramp walking througli grove. Itetnrn-
ing at 12 M, drove liiirdtiis from clutch, and
oil ;i,scension gray-si|iiirri'l laii from six yonn;;
in old crow's nest, on whicli the ucu nest of
lliito was placed," Three eggs, fresh. Dull
wdiite, spotte 1 and chiodcd with eciu-hali and
fawn color: 2, 1:1x1, 71: 2.1:',xl.77: 2.1:1x1.72.

Set XXX. .\pril 1."., issii, Stait stall, .Mich,
Collected foi- \V. C. l!ri)wncll. Nest in o.ik,
thirty feet fro:ii ground, .\I id(! of sticks ;ind
leaves, lined with leaves and fcatliei-s. 'I'hree
eggs, fresh. While, spotted with russet and
burnt umber. On one of the eggs the mark-
ings are nearly all at the smaller cnil : on
another they are ;it the laiger enil: while the

third has them on the centre of the surface:
2.20x1.75; 2.14x1.74; 2.12x1.77.

Set XXXI. April 10, IS.sl, (}oodricli,
Mi<di. Collected by Samuel Spicer, .Nest in
small white oak, forty feet u|i, couiiioscd out-
wardly of coarse sticks, and lined with strips
of bark and leaves. Three eggs, fresh. Bluish
white; one of them clouded with lavender-
gray; the oilier two heavily blotidu'd and
spotted with burnt umber: 2,14 x l,5,s, an odd
shaped egg, as both ends are of cipial size,
2.1SX 1,70; 2,10x1.75,

• Set XXXII, April 24, 1S85. Norwich, Ct.
Collected by "J. M. \\." '-Nest in chestnut,
thirty-five feet up. Female on iiest." Three
eggs, fresh. White; one sjioltcil at the

I smaller end with fawn color; the other two
are heavily blotched and spotted, one at the
smaller end, and the other at the larger, with
russet. The pure white ground and the bohl
nuirkings on these two eggs produce a beauti-
ful effect: 2.21 x 1.78; 2.20x 1.75; 2,17 x 1,70,

SetXXXlII, April 1:^, 1880. Livonia, Wayne
County, Micdi. Collected by E. W. Dnrfee.
Nest in beech tree, tifty feet up. Made of
sticks, moss, and sod. Five eggs, incubation
commenced. This is the only set of five eggs
in the whole series of seventy-seven sets. It is
extremely rare for this Hawk to lay more than
four eggs, and I never heard of but one ntlicr
set of five. Dull white, spotted and blnlrhe<l
with russet and burnt umber: 2.1!) x 1..55;
l.!)i)xl.04; 2.0!lxl.5!l; 2.10x1.05: 2.0:3x1.04.

SetXXXlV. April 21. 1S80. Norwich, Ct.
Collei-ted by ".I. .M. W." "Nest over seventy
feet from ground, in very high and uld bhu-k
oak. Only by aid of lield glass could fcatljeisbe
seen on nest. Was a luow's nest in 1.'>S5, Birds
seen often," Four cg,gs, fresh, Uluish white:
one egg has a few large blotidies of burnt
umber ne^ar the larger end; a secoml a niinilicr
of spots of russet at the larger end: anollicr a
few spots of the same color at the smaller
end, and the fourth is lightly spotted all over
with lavciidcr-gray. ,\nd here I wish to tak(?
issue with the old and often repeate<l state-
ment that one sees so often in the books,
about the grays and lavender colors being ino-
duced by there being darker color.< further
under the surface of the shell than is the case
with reds and browns, and the lime on the
surface overhxying the latter produces these
light;er tints of grays, etc. Such is not the
ease, as anyone can easily see for himself by fil-
ing the surface of gray spots on eggs, as 1 have
done. If red or brown was under the surface
the tile would expose them, but instead of

Jan. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

doing so tlie grays themselves disappear witli-
out leaving any trace of any other color. They
are entirely separate and distinct colors:
2.05x1.71; -'.01 X ].(!-; 2.0.5 xl.68; 2.04x1.08.

Set XXXV. April 22, 1S8+. Hell Gate,
Preston, Ct. Collected by "J. M. \V.'" '■ Xest
in tall chestnut near by the big ininieninrial
chestnut of many sets. Hawks near by ami
demonstrative." Two eggs, fresh. Bliiisli
white: one marked all over with small spots of
lavender-gray and specks of burnt \imlier: the
other l)oldly blotched at the smaller end with
chestnut, and a few markings of ccrn-drair:
2.08x1.(19; 2.14x1.7:!.

Set XXXVI. April 11, 18S(i. Near tlie
Island, Harvey's Bog, Preston, Ct. Collected
by ".I. >I. W." "Small old nest i]i chestnut.
Xo liawk on nest, but both parents .sailing
overhead." Two eggs, frcsli. (The set con-
sisted of Three, but one was broken while de-
scending the tree.) Bluish white; one of them
spotted and clouded witli burnt umber; the
otlier spotted with lavender-gray and russet:
2.15x1.70; 2.2.5x1.70.

Set XXXVII. A])ril 24, 1S7.5. Xorwicli,
Ct. Collected by •■.!. M. W." "Xest in
HDckweH's Woods, back of Free .Vcademy.
Principal trying to shoot hawks — often seen.
From old sijuirrel's nest, in first folk of tall
chestnut. Ne.xt season six young gray squir-
rels; next, two eggs of Ihicufnx.'' Tliree eggs,
incubation just commenceil. White; one of
thcni spotted principally at tlie .smaller
end, witli russet; anotlier curiously streaked
and spotted witli the same color, mainly on
the centre of the surface; the third delicately
marked at the larger end with delicate zigzag
lines of burnt nmber, while the centre of ime
side of the surface is nearly covered with two
very large blotches of chestnut, the whole
forming a most strikingly handsome egg:
2.I.5X 1.71!; 2.20X 1.74: 2.21 x 1.07.

Set XXXVIII. April 2:!. 1879. Boggy
Meadow Reservoir, X'or«ich, Ct. Collected
by ''.T. M. W."' "Xest in lowest crotch in
low o;ik, ill low woodland, well hidden by
side of thick swamp. Female on leaving nest
called the male, and both parents scolded from
perches "in adjoining trees within gunshot.
.Slight new nest on old crow foundation."
Three eggs, fresh. Bluish white; one clouded
with lavender-giiiy, and a few markings
(query, if they are not stains) of ochraceous-
buff ; another boldly blotched at the smaller
end only with bright chestnut; the third
heavily lilotclicd, spotted, and streaked with
russet and chestnut. Hotli tlic second mid

third described eggs are beautiful, the con-
trast of the heavy markings and the white
ground color being most effective: 2.0:3 .\ 1.72;
2.18x1.08; 2.10 X 1.70.

Set XXXI.X. .\pril 29, 1882. Xear Utica,
X. y. Collected by .los. (Jould and li. Curren.
Xest in large tree. Three eggs, incubation
begun. Bluish white; two of them speckled
and spotted with burnt umber, one more
heavily at the siiiiiller ciiil, and the other at
the larger, while the third is heavily spotted
and blotched at the larger end with the sanu>
color; 2.20x1.70: 2.24x1.72; 2.20x1.74.

Set XI,. .\[oil 21,188". Cranberry Bog.
Wawcciis Hill, X^orwich, Ct. Collected by
".I. -M. W." "One egg, laid within an hour
of taking. Female at close range. " Pluish
white, heavily spotted and blotched with
bright chestnut. Nothing more brilliant than
the markings on this egg c;in be found in the
whole series: 2.11 x 1.72.

■SetXLI. .\pril 15, 1,S77. Plain Hill. Xor-
wicli, Ct. Collected by " .1. M. W." "Xest
in Lillibridgc's West Wood, In old chestnut
used by sni illcr liiitco in 1870. This female
large, and not shy, li^diting on trees near nest.
Male smaller and wilder. Three eggs, fresh.
Very spherical. One dull white, clouded with
lavender-gray, and having a few specks of
russet; the other two bluish white, beautifully
spotted with chestnut all over the surface:
2,07 X 1.80; 2.0;! X 1.78; 2.04 x 1.75.

Set XLII. April 20, 1882. Ox Hill. Xorwich,
Ct. Collected by ".I. M. W." "Nest in
thrifty chestnut, in S(|iiare chestnut grove
above Cobb's House, westerly slope of (iallow's
Hill. Fine new nest on old site. Bird .shy
and noisy while building; but later clung to
clutch until the climber was twenty feet up."
Two eggs, fresh. This set exbiliits in a strik-
ing manner tlie wonderful variation to which
the eggs of this bird are subject. Both .are
dnll white, but one has large bbitches of chest-
nut, mainly at the smaller end; while the other
has the surface evenly siuinkled with small
spots and specks of russet. The two bear no
resemblance to each other except in size, and
the last described one is a very rare type of
markings for this species, being the only one
so marked in the entire series of 2;>:! eggs;
2.00x1.09; 2.01 x 1.05.

Set XMII. May IM, 1885. LiUibridge's
West Woods. Plain Hill, Norwich, Ct. Col-
lected by '.I. .M W." "Birds seen pairing,
hunting, building, tlld nest seventy feet up
in large chestnut. Previous set of four from
same tree. Manv sets of 11. liinKtiiy and

(U;Mrii()L()(iisT

[V

IC-Xo. 1

Syrnium jtebulonum from same tree." Four
eggs, fresh. Bluisli wliitc, spotted witli chest-
nut and russet. On one the spots are at the
smaller end: ■_'.()4 .x l.d'.t: L'.04 x l.fi.">; 2.03x1.70;
2.04X 1.71.

Set XLIV. May 10, 18SC. Near Cranberry
Bog, Wawecus Hill, Norwich, C't. Collected
by ".1. M. W." "Wholly new nest in small
oak. Two fresh eggs on May 14th, third egg
laid on lOtli. First set of four on April 21st."
Three eggs, fresh. Very small for this species.
Bluish white. One of them has a few spots of
chestnut and a large blotch of the same color;
another is quite heavily spotted with russet at
the smaller end: while the tliird is marked
with a nuiiilicr of small spots of the same color,
and a curious zigzag line of clicstnut : I,'.):.' .\ 1. (!.");
1. 9.^x1.04; 1. '.17x1. (id.

Set XLV. April 1."), ISSM. Hewitt's Woods,
Ledyard. Ct. Collected by "J. M. W."
Three fresh eggs — one paper-shelled broken
in blowing. It was pale, rough, and surface
unmarked. Nest in chestnut of small girth,
but asijiring growtli, sixty feet to first crotch.
One feather could be seen with lielil j;lass.
Eggs warm — neither bird seen, but both were
noted before clutch was laid.'" Bhiish white:
one covered all over witli small specks and
cloudings of fawn colm : the other su])erbly
blotched and sjilashed willi very large patches
of briglit chestnut. It is one of the handsom-
est eggs of this species that I have ever seen,
and the color contrasts are l)eantiful:
2.1.") X 1.71 ; L'.IDx 1.70.

SetXLVI. April 22, 1S,SS. Witter's Woods,
Ledyard, Ct. Collected by '-.1. M. W." ■•\ew
nest, well feathered, in young, straight oak.
Female on chilch. Xest in edge of w^vods
fronting the liig Hewitt Woods." Four eggs,
fresh. Bluisli white: one of them spotted all
over with drab-gray; among these markings
are a few of russet: the other three eggs are
heavily blotclied with chestnut, and are very
handsome: 2.2:! x i.O."); 2.2.')xl.72; 2.20x1.70;
2.:',lx 1.71.

Set XLVII. May 1:1, 18S2. Bricdc Yard
Woods. Truman's (iidve. Preston, Ct. Col-
lected by ".I. M. W." •■Hickory tree on side
hill, easily I'limlied. Nest repaired and lined
in I8S1, but hawk was too shy to lay from too
many visits. Climbed once this year before
eggs were hiiil. i;..tli /.'"/'<..•< at lionic." '['bice
eggs, frcsli. Wbitc. s|iotted. streaked, and
blotched Willi russet: 2.22x1.70; 2.27x1.72-
2.18x1.7:!.

Set XLVIIl. .\|,iil 22. ISS»;. Hell (iate,
Xew Lomlon Co., Ci. Collected l>v •■. I M. W."

"Nest in straight young chestnut. Climbed
by irons in same wooded hollow where taken
for nine seasons. Both birds seen and very
in)isy." Three eggs, fresh. Bluish white;
one faintly spotted with lavender-gray; other
two quite heavily spotted with russet and
chestnut: 2.11x1.00; 2.07x1.0.t; 2.01) x 1. 00.

SetXMX. April 2."), 1875. Gallow's Hill,
Norwich, Ct. Collected by "J. M. W.''
"Small nest: hawk seen on nest and shot at.
In top of chestnut, not less than nine feet in
circumference. Farmer's boys and others
tried vaiidy to climb the tree." Tliree eggs,
fresh. White: one nmrked with lar};e blotches
of ecru-drab, prini'ipally at tlic smaller end,
and also with a few spots of cliestnnt: the
other tsvo spotted with clicstinit: 2.24xl.7">;
2.24 X 1.71; 2.18x 1.70.

Set L. April 12. 188:i. Blue Mountains,
Northampton Co., I"a. Collected liy Shriner
f(n' E. Ricksecker. Nest in an oak. about
twenty five feet from ground. Three eggs,
fresli. Dull white, ipiite heavily ;ind eveidy
spotted with buint umber: 2.00xl.(i8;
2.00 X l.OS; 2 01 x I. OS.

.Set LI. April 1 I. ISSO. McClimon's Swamp,
Preston. Ct. Cllceled by ■■ .1. M. W " --Nest
in sw.amp oak, with m:iny branch-stubs on
trunk. Nearly new nest — one bird only seen
— on nest." Set c(mtained four eggs, bur one,
marked like the rest, was broken while ile-
seending the tree. Fresh. Dull white: heav-
ily spotted and blotched with burnt umber;
2.19x1.73; 2.2:^x1.79; 2.24x1.7s.

.Set LII. April 21, 1S89. Hewitt's Woods,
Preston, Ct. Cidleeted by "J. M. W." "Sixty
feet to nest, in limbless oak, in centre of
grove. Bark rotten, but climbed witli one
iron broken. Though 1 llushed female, eggs
were just laid and nest uiifeathered; so one
more was likely. .Same bird, .May 20, 1888.
Four eggs with same general style of nnirk-
ings." Three eggs, fresh. Bluish-white: one
spotted and clouded with Lavender-gray and
ecrn-drab; the other two heavily blotched near
the larger ends with clicstiuit. These two are
very handsome, boldly marked eggs: 2.2-") x 1.74 ;
2.l;!xl.74; 2.80 X L70.

SetLlII. April 18, 1880. Avery's Woods,
Ledyard, Ct. Collected by " .1. M. W." •■ ( ibl
nest, relincd, in tall chestnut, in tall timber
on hiw ground. Both birds seen. Previous
set from this same hawk on .\]iiil 20, 1879."
Three eggs, fresh. White; one egg heavily
marked with russet, principally at the smaller
end; the other two beautifully chnided with
laveii(lei'-i;vay and a lew ni.ii k iiiL;s of russet.

Jan. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

(Cloudings on the eggs of this species are
rather a rare type of markings, as spots and
blotches are the usual form): i.()(> x 1.7");
2.11x1.75; 2.0.")xl.7o.

Set LIV. May 11, 1884. Folly Works,
Trout Brook, Preston, Ct. Collected by "J.
M. W." "Small leafy nest, scantily feathered,
well out on long horizontal limb of tall oak.
Scattering trees. Female identified." Two
eggs, fresh. Bluish white; one spotted with
burnt umber near the larger end; the other
marked with large blotches and spots of pur-
plish lilac (rather a rare color for this species)
and a few specks of russet: 2.28x1.74;
2.2:^x1.7(1.

Set LV. .May 1:!. 18811. Sunnysidc \V Is,

Norwich, Ct. Collecte.l by ".I. .M. \V."
"From immemorial chestnut. Only pair of
liiiteii.s in woods — observed daily. .Second
set — one egg just laid. First set, .\pril 20,
1886." Three eggs, fresh. Dull white; two
(if them spotted and speckled with Iiurnt
umber: the third has an entirely uui(|ue color-
ing for 1 have never seen an egg with the same
m:irkiugs. Tliey consist of specks and spots
of the fasliionablc color known as "crushed
strawberry'" (more like vinaceons cohn- than
anything else) and having an immense blotch
of this tint: 2.04x 1.68; 2.00x1.(1(1; 2.0:1 x 1.(18.
SetLVI. .\pril 1.5, 18SR. "The Commons,"
Trcston. Ct. Clollected by " .1. M. W."" " Xest
ill straight chestnut with limbless trunk well
scarred with climbing irons. Nest, presum-
ably old, sixty-five feet high. Shy hawks,
soaring high, calling faintly." Two eggs,
fresli. Bluish white, spotted and streaked
with purplish gray, and a few blotches of
chestnut. The purplish spots look as if some
one had taken a brush and spread out the color
lengthwise before it was dry. 'I'he effect is
very odd: 2. 2:^. x 1 . 7.5 ; 2.10x1.74.

Set LVIl. March 20, 1857. Iredell County,
X. C. Collected by R. B. .McLaughlin. Old
nest, remodelled, in crotch of .Spanish oak,
fifty feet up. Four eggs, fre.sh. Bluish white;
two of them spotted with chestnut; the third
sjiotted with lavender-gray and russet: while
the third has chestnut and jiurplish gray
markings, that the appearance of liaving been
brushed lengthwise, as described above
(.SetLVI): 2.10x 1.70: 2.04 x l.(ri: 2.14x1.7:^.;
2.1.5x1.74.

SetLVIlI. May 0,1888. Xear City Keser-
voir, Norwich, Ct. Collected by ".I. M. W."
"Second set. First set of four, .\pril 22<1.
X'est in tall, straight chestnut. In 1887. this
hawk hatched two young from her second

clutch, which were taken and 'raised' until
they were larger than their ])arents — in their
first year showing the plumage of Hiifutii.i."
Three eggs, fresh. Bluish white, spotted and
blotched with chestnut: 2.Uixl.7.5: 2.15x1.74:
2.15x1.72.

Set LIX. April 28, 1888. Lynch's Swamp,
Preston, Ct. Collected by " .1. M. W." "New,
big black nest on peculiar site. Inside of a
small, circular swamp had been cut off, except
one tall, lone pepperidge; no lower limbs; top,
later, would by foliage have screened nest;
female covering eggs in this exposed eyrie
until tree was pouinled." Three ef;gs, fresh.
IJluish wliite. spotted with russet: 1 .'.i.'i x 1 04 :
2.08x1(11: 2.01x1.(14. Small eggs for this
species.

Set LX. April 14, 1880. Sandy Hollow.
Ledyard. Ct. Collected by " .1. -M. W'.' " Old
nest retouched. Both hawks in attendance
and noisy." Two eggs, fresh. White; one
spotted with bright chestnut, principally at
the larger end: the other marked with a num-
ber of blotches of chestnut and purplish gray.
The mirkings on the last described egg have
the curious appearance described in Sets LVI
and LVII: 2.14x1.70: 2.10x1.7:!.

Set LXI. \\>n\ 27. 18S4. McClimon's
Swamp, Preston, Ct. Collected by ".1. M. W."
"Nest low down in maple. Only reached by
wading through bog." Two eggs, fresh. Dull
white: one lilotched and spotted with fawn
color; the other blotched with bunil umlier:
2.26x1.75; 2.12x 1.74.

Set 1;XII. April 19, 1885. (ioodrich, Mich.
Collected by Samuel Spicer. Xest in forks of
Burr Oak, about forty feet up. Old nest.
Third set taken from this nest. Four eggs,
incubation begun. Dull white; one marked
with a few specks of russet: another spotted
very thickly with the same color; and the
other two heavily blotched and spotted with
burnt umber: 2.2:^x1.70; 2.21 x 1.74: 2.18x1.08;
2.27x1.7(1.

Set LXllI. April 21, 1880. Fairview Beser-
voir, Norwich, Ct. Collected l)y "J. M. \X."
"Two eggs on the 14th, three on 20th. Hawk
flushed three times from well repaired ohl
nest, in heart of woods, in slim, straight
chestnut. The first crotch fifty-five feet high.
Nest originally crow's. Four eggs from it in
1880. Four eggs from it April 22, 1888. In
1887 they used another nest." Four eggs,
fresh. Bluish white, beautifully spotted and
blotched with vinaceous-cinnamou, ru.sset and
chestnut: 2.10x1.74; 2.15x1.78: 2.10x1.7:^:
2.24x1.7:5. One of the eggs is marked with

ORNITIIOI.OUJST

[Vol. 16-No. 1

an indistinct wreath of spots near the larger
end. This is a rare type.

SotLXIV. April 10, 188."). " The Commons,"
Preston, (it. Colleeted by " .J. M. W." " Nest
in tall ehestnut, among straggling oaks and
eliestnuts. Birds well noted, bnt sliy, on ac-
count of open woods. Nest fully feathered."
Three eggs, fre.sli. Bluish white; one speckled
and spotted with fawn color; the other two
spotted and streaked with fawn color and
chestnut. On these two eggs the markings
have the peculiar appearance described in Sets
r,VI, I.VIl, and LX: i.L'O x I.7l'; i;.-21x174;
L'.24x 1.71.

Set LXV. .Vpril 21, IS7S. Ayer's Factory,
Ledyard, Ct. Collected by ".J. M. W."
" Xcst full-feathered in tall chestnut. Large
female seen, fired at, and missed." Three
eggs, incubation advanced. White; one heavily
blotched and spotted with burnt umber — a
most beautiful egg. The markings nearly ob-
scure the larger cud. The other two are
heavily blotched -.nu] clouded with purplish
gray, russet and burnt umber. .\ very hand-
some set: 2.14x1.77; 2.14x1.7-5; 2.1!)xl.79.

Set LXVI. April 2i), 1882. Near Utica, X.
V. Collected by .los. Ciould anil II. Cui'iam.
Xest in laige tree. Four eggs, incubation
commcnccil. Dull wliite; one lightly speckled
with burnt umber; another more lie.avily
s|)eckled with the same color: and tlie other
two blotched witli the same: 2.20x1.77;
2.21 X 1.74: 2.:;:; X 1.74; 2.21x1.7:!.

Set LXVII. .4pril 22, 1888. Near City Re-
servoir, Norwich, Ct. Collected by "J. M. VV."
•' This hawk had sets of four in 188-") and I88G.
Uaiscd her sci'ond clutch in 1887. Toi>k sec-
ond set of three on May 0, 1888. All in high
chestnuts."' Four eggs, fresh. This set well
exliibits the great variation even in eggs in the
same set of tliis bird: for threi' of these are
dull white, and the fourth is bluish white.
Tlic latter egg is faintly sjxitted with lavender-
gray: another is quite heavily .sjiotted and
streaked at the smaller end with fawn C(dor,
with a single blotch of burnt umber; a thii-d is
minutely speckled and clouded with russet:
while the fourth is spotted and blotcjied with
blight chestnut. .Ml fcuu- of them are entirely
different, ami yet all of them were undoubt-
edly laid by the same bird: 2,14x1.73;
2.17x1.74; 2.l:;xl.7:i: 2.25x1.72.

Set LXVIll. .\i)ril 18, IS8:l. Suunyside,
Norwich, Ct. Collected by ".I. M. W."
" Xest chiefly of new material, not over twenty
feet up on young, leaning oak. Nest exam-
inccl bcfi.ie ovjiiositing. Hawk Hushed on

climbing." Three eggs, fresh, lilnisb white;
one marked with a few spots of russet: the
other two quite heavily spotted, especially at
the larger ends, with tbesame color: 2.2."i x 1.74;
2.21 xl.74: 2.1lixl.7."i.

Set LXIX. April 24, 188.'), Preston, Ct.
Collected by ".J. M. W." "Nest in chestnut
tree." Three eggs, fresh. Bluish white; two
of them beautifully blotched and spotted with
burnt umber; the third has small spots of the
same color but also a number <if purplish gray
markings: 2.0i)xl.70: 2.l:;x l.()!i; 2.17x 1.7:!.

Set LXX. April (1, 18.s7. llarttord, Ct.
Collected by W. E. Treat. Nest of coarse
sticks, liiied with hemlock boughs and bark;
in an oak fifty feet uji. Two eggs, fresh.
Bluish white; one spotted and blotched, near
the smaller end, with burnt unibci': the other
heavily spotte<l, at the hirger eml, with vina-
ceous and chestnut The latter is a beautiful
egg: 2.17 X 1.7!); 2.1(1 X 1.7.5.

SetLXXI. April 14, 1880. Sandy Hollow,
Ledyard, Ct. C(dlected by "J. M. \V." "Olil
nest in chestnut, with fresh but scanly lining
of tree lichen. Female flushed at <dose ipiar-
ters. Three eggs, fresh. Bluish white: one
delicately clouded with ])uriilish gray, and
marked with a few specks of lu.sset: llu' olhi'r
two heavily marked with spots of chestnut, in
the form of indistinct wreaths near the larger
ends. As before remarked this is very inius-
ual for this species: 2,14x1,74: 2,l7xl,7S:
2,18x1.7.5.

Set LXXII. April 27, 188:!. Plain Hill.
Norwich, Ct. Collected by ".I. .M. \V,"
"Chestnut grove on east side. Old, well
feathered nest in high crotch of chestnut tree
three feet in diameter. Hawk on nest until
ladder was raised against tree." Three eggs,
fresh. Dull white; speckled and s])otled with
russet: 2,12x1.70: 2.l:!xl,7l: 2, 1:5x1, 70.

Set LXXIll. April 27, 188:-!. (ioodrii;!),
Mich. Collected by Samuel Spicer. Four
eggs, incubation advanced. Dull wliite; one
.spotted with ecru drab; the others s]Kitted
and blotched with burnt umber: 2. 10x1, 7.5:
2,28x1,80; 2.2(1x1,80: 2.10x1,80.

Set LXXIV. .May 10, 187-5, Preston, Ct.
Collecte<l by "J. M. \V. ' " Xest in low chest-
nut tree." Two eggs, fresh. Bluish white,
spotted and blotched with burnt umber:
2.10X 1.04: 2. ('0x1.50.

Set LXXV. May 2, 188:5. Sweet's Woods,
Lebanon, Ct. Collected by "J. M. W." "A
leafy nest in old chestnut — feathers on limbs
near nest. Nest was about forty-five feet nji.
but hawk covered eggs until climber was up

Jan. 1891.]

AND ()()LO(HST.

fifteen feet." Three eggs, incubation begun.
Dull white: one clouded with russet; the
other two blotc-lied with burnt umber:
2.15x1. 7(): 2.18x1. 7(!; 2.12x1.74.

Set LXXVI. Aiiril 2-1, 1884. hinisbury, Ct.
Collected by .1. & 13. Holoomb. Nest in chests
nut twenty feet up. Made of sticks, lined
with hemlock leaves and bark. Four eggs,
inculmtion slight. Bluish white; two of them
si)cckled and spotted with burnt umber; the
third spotted with purplish gray and nisset;
the fourth clouded with lavender-gr;iy and
having one spot of russet: 2.18xl.(il:
2.14x1.1.4; 2.12x1.62; 2.1.". x 1.04.

Set LXXVir. April l(i, 1887 riiiin Hill,
Norwich, Ct. Collected by -.1. -M. \\"
"From outstanding cheslnul in Hisscll Wil-
cox's Woods. <Jray .sipiirrcl went out of nest
on rapping the tree. Climbing showed hawks
nest on top of sciuirrel's." Three eggs, fresh.
Hluish white; two of them sininkled and
spotted with chestnut, some of the spots being
mere specks: the third spotted with chestnut
ill tlie form n{ ao indistimt wrciitli : 2. l"i x 1.7-1 :
2.I8X 1.7.": 2.1SX 1.71).

Am entirely unmnrked egg, such as is ipiite
common among those of the r>e<l-t:iiled Hawk
{lUili-ri hovfaUs), does not occur in the series
They also average smaller th;in eggs of that
species.

As t;i not stained eggs, or those made
muiMy :iiiil nlherwise disfigured by the wet
feet of till' binls in stormy weather, hardly
any of ■■.!. .M. W.'s" eggs are in that condition,
and onlv a. fi'W of the other sets. J. I'. .V.

The Number of Eggs to a Set.

IJi'low 1 give ISDO's modilications of my ar-
ticle in the O. & (). for October 18110, page 14(1,
with also (me or two conections.

Acadian F'ycatcher. Among the sets I took
this year was one full set of two, otherwise
all were threes.

Orchard Oriole. Putting this year's exju'ii-
ence to that of former years makes me think
the set is more often four than five.

Cardinal. As usual the sets were all time.
which is the invariable number here, and also
at (Jreensboro, Alabama, according to Dr.
Avery. I do not, however, wish to be under-
stood as asserting that the .set may not be four
elsewhere, as I think birds quite liable to lay
miu'eorless eggs to a set in other localities
than they do here.

Summer Tanager. Standard set most pvob-
abl.v three in this locality.

Prairie Warbler. Standard set most jnob-
ably four.

Louisiana Water Thrush. This year miikes
four as common a set as five.

Yellow-throated Warbler. Standard set,
four; variation three to four.

Brown-headed Nuthatch. Owing to the fact
that nearly every set of five I have taken has
been quite fresh I have been unable to deter-
mine to my satisfaction whether five is as com-
mon a full set as six. The present state of my
knowledge is as follows: the set does not exceed
six here, four is sometimes a full set, and five
more often than four, and perhaps nearly as
comnu.n as six.

C:irolina Chickadee. In 1888, we took sets of
five and six, the former being ratiier more
numerous, and one .set of seven; in 1889, sets
of five p'redominated, only one set of six being
taken; in 1S!)0, •<etsof six predominated largely
over sets of five, .and one set of seven was
taken.

Blue-gray (inatcatcher. Sets either four or
five, the sets of five being perh ips a litte more
numerous early in the season, later on sets of
fiuir are much more numerous.

Wood Thrush, Standard set, four; variation,
three to four, not four to five, as I said in my
previous article.

Bluebird. Standard set five; the second
laying usually four. ('. S. Ilrindfif.

Rili-iKll, X. <■.

Familiar

New^ England
Alabama.

Birds in

The following li~t of a few birds taken here
from .Inly loth to :31st, last, maybe interesting
as adding another locality to the already wide
breeding range of some familiar New England
birds.

201. Green Heron. Occurs here at all sea-
sons, but most abundantly in winter.

289. Bobwliite. Always very common.

:'.17, .Mourning Dove, Piather scarce in
summer, but present in immense numbeis
from November to April,

:387. Yellow-billed Cu'ckoo. A conunon
breeder.

:390. Belted Kingfisher. A few here in
summer, but most plentiful in winter.

420. Night Hawk. Rather common, ex-
cept from middle of October to early .'Vpril.

10

ORNITHOLOGIST

[V(.l. Ii3-N(). 1

498. Red-winged Blackbird. Common un-
til late August, when all leave temporarily for
the rice field.s, a little father north, returning
later with numbers greatly swelled by the
fall migration.

611. Purple Martin. A pair or two seen
with young birds early in August; since Sep-
tember 1st none about.

tjl4. Wl>ite-bellie<l Swallow. Very com-
mon all summer until late in November, when
they disappear. F. E. ('.

Patterson, L.i.

Dates of First Takes of Eggs at
Raleigh, N.C., in 1890.

May 16. Cardinal; set of three; four feet in
briars.

May 20. Orchard Oriole: set of four; ten
feet in apple tree.

May 23. Acadian Flycatcher; set of two;
ten feet in dogwood.

May 24. Vellow-breasted Cliat; set of four.

May 2(i. Black Rail; set of two; (five eggs,
three broken).

May 28. Red-eyed Vireo; set nS tlirce;
seven feet in dogwoo<l;

May 28. King Rail; set of eleven; in marsh.

May 30. .Summer Tanager; set nf three:
ten feet in pine.

May :W. Ron'^li-wiiigcd Swallow; si-l (if
five; in bank.

May 31. Carolina Wren: setntlhc; in liaiik.

.lune 4. Wood Pewee; setof tliree: in oak.

Marcli 14. Barred Owl; set of two; twenty 1 .June 7. Maryland Yellowtln-oat: set of

four; two feet in briars.

June 13. Cedar Waxwing: set of five; fcn-ty-
-six feet in pine.

June 13. Yellow-billed Cuckoo; set of two;
eight feet in dogwucxl.

Jnne l.s. Indigo Bunting; set of three; si.\
feet in ironwood.

.June 27. White-eyed Vireo; set nf three;
five feet in water oak.

Tlie liighest nests taken the last thice yeais
were a.s follows:

1SS8. April IS. I'ine Warliler: set ..f four:
sixty -five feet in pine.

1SS8. May 11. Yellow-throated Warliler:
April 21. Bluebird; set of live (lilue egj;s); i one egg: sixty-five feet in pine,
nine feet in dead stuli. I 188!). May 2. Pine Warbler: set of four;

April 22. Yellow'-throated Warbler; set of ; seventy feet in pine,
four; forty-two feet in pine. I 181I0. May 7. Pine Warbler; set of three;

April 2."). Broad-winged Hawk: set of two; sixty-four feet in ])ine. C. S. BriinU'ij.

thirty-eiglit feet in ])ine.

May 1. Louisiana Water 'I'lirush: set of —• —

four.

feet; in hollow birch.

March 20. Pine Warbler; one egg; forty
feet; in iiine.

March 24. I'ine Warbler: setof four: thirty-
six feet; in pine.

March 24. liniwu-lieiideil Nuthatch; set of
six: fence post.

April 3. (!arolina Chickadee: set of six;
stub on edge of creek.

April.'). Red-shouldered Hawk: setof tliree;
fifty-five feet in luaple.

A|iril21. Turkey Vidtnre; setof two.

.\pril 22. IJlnebird; set of five (white eggs);
seven feet in apple tree.

May 1. Blue-gray (Juatcatcher: set of live:

The Effect of Winter Upon the Ar-

twelve feet in willow. I "val and Nesting of Birds at

May 7. Ruby-throated Ilumininnbinl : set' Grinnell, lowa.

of two; nine feet in dogwuod.

May 7. Field Sparrow: set of four; one and [ Previous to 1881), it was a rare thing for col-

one-half feet in thorn. 1 lectors to obtain sets of eggs before March.

May 8. Mockingbird; set of four: Ihrec feet
in briars.

May 12. American Redstart; set of four;
thirty-nine feet in birch.

May 10. Prairie Warbler; set of four; seven
and one-half feet in elm.

Tlie winter I888-.8I) was, however, light, and on
the following spring some difference was
noticed.

February I'lth, a set of three fresh eggs of
the Great Horned Owl (A. O. l'. No. 37-'>), was
taken, and on the Ifith a single egg, badly

May 1.'). Chipping .Sjiarrow: set of four: incubated, was found.
nine feet in pine. : The winter of 1880-00 was very open, the

May 10. WooilThrnsh: set of four: nine
feet in hickorv.

thermometer reaching zero but two or three
times during the winter. On the loth of Feb-

.Iax. IS'Jl.]

AM) ()()L()(;iST.

11

ruaiy again the first sets were obtained. One
set of four fresh eggs of tlie Great Horned Owl
and one set of two. badly moubatcd. f)n the
17th a nest containing three young birds about
a week old was found. This proves that in
this ease, at least, the eggs were dcjiosited by
the middle of January. The nesting of tlie
hawks and other owls varied in the same way.
As Mr. Brimley suggested, however, it was
only the resident birds which were influenced
liy the wintei-. Indeed, scarcely any dilTerence
was noted among the migrants, especially
those arriving towards the last of the seascui.

The open winter, however, had a great effect
upon the arrival of the early migrants at this
place. The winters of 18S7-8,s and l.SS8-S!l were
very nearly alike, and so we find but little dif-
ference in the anivals for those two years. In
isiio. however, we notice a large difference.
This ditl'ereiK'c was mostly among the early
migrants. The following table may be of
interest.

]S8S. ISSl). ISIIO.

C.mada (loose. 8-2 L'-L'T L'-4

Mallard, ;!-:! 2-V> --'-4

Red-tailed llauk. :'.-:! I'-i'T i'-l"i

Robin, 2-24 2-27 2-11

lihu-bird. 2-21 ll-l 2-1.",

'I'hcsc. however, were all among those that
migrate towards the first of the season, but
when we come to the later migrants we find
little or no difference. The f<illowing table
will illustrate this point,

1,8SS. ISS!). IS'.KI.

.")-S .")-2 4-2'.l

")-« .■)-2 .")-l

5-:' u - ") .">-4

.■)-21 .Vil .-)-!:!

Kiiigbjid,
Wood Thrush,
Rose'breasted Orosbeal;
Xiglit Hawk,

Of fifty species taken at ramlom from the
records for ISSII and IS'.IO it is fouiul that the
arrivals for 1890 averaged less than one day
ahead of those for 1S83. So we must conclude
that while the winters have a decided inlluence
upon the early migrants, upon the later ones
they have little^ffect. <'iiii h'llsri/.

Crimiell. Inwa. Dec:. 11, IROil.

A Moonlight Adventure.

The glow of sunset was still in the west and a
nearly full moon gave a clear light across tlie
waters. I jieered this way and that, under the
overhanging boughs of the live oaks, but nary
a duck could I see. TbinUiug they had moved
behind some tufts of marsh and would soon
stir into sight I cautiously made myself a soft
seat ami listened and watched for some min-
utes. A Little Screech Owl was easily Inlln-
loninij off at the right. From far down the
river came the vociferous tinj {i-dmi-ihui of his
big cousin. -Marsh hens addressed high
pitched remarks to each other across the
water; a \Vood<-ock bleated close ar haiul. and
far off in tlie pasture arose the wailing note of
the Killdeei-. It was a tranquil, lovely scene,
and I soon lost all though t of the ducks in a
drowsy, couteiiteil enjoyment of my snrKunii!-
ings.

Of a suilden. all was changed. The reflectiuii
of many monstrous waving wings circled about
over the calm waters before me, and hoarse
I and dismal cries seemed to make the whole
air vibrate Fiends seemed to be all at once
let liiiise. :iii(l Icir a moment I wondered what
I had (lone that these things should appear
befiire nie. Hut in a moment my uneasy con-
science was quieted .as six Oreat Blue Herons
alighted on the opposite side of the pool — a
long, very long, gun shot off. Then came
doubts. Should I try the open right or the
choked left barrel? I decided on the left and
cut loose. Away went five. The other I fcnind
in the morning. He was a small male and,
strange to say for a Uecember bird, in very
nearly full breeding plumage. I have never
seen one so perfect before, previous to the end
of February.

['• Why,"' I seem to hear some one say, as he
chucks the magazine aside, "Why couldn't
the tiresome fellow just say December so-and-
so, collected a J Xo. so-and-so, in nearly full
breeding plumage. Rare in this region before
February." Well, my dear boy, so I niiglit,
and you would have been just as wise if I had,
but some people like it the other way. Vou
no doubt are a scientist. They are naturalists,
lovers of nature, and so am I.J

l|-«//r/- lla.rle.
Tiennfolt, S. C.

.Inst back of the bouse where I am now so-
journing is a little pool close under the liliifT
where I often get a shot at a duck. "Quite
recently ago," as the darkies .say, I heard a
Mallard call in that direction, so I sallieil out
with my gun and crejit cautiously down to my
usual hiding place. It was running high tide.

How the Data of a Large Collection
of Eggs are Kept.

I have often been struck with the make-shift
arraugemeuts for keeping data adopted by

12

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. IG-No. 1

those who have coneotioiis of eggs, and it lias
seemed to me that a description of the manner
in which those of the ".T.P.N." collection
are kept might be interesting.

At the present time this collection cimtains
nearly forty-five hundred sets, and each set has
a separate data. It was necessary to devise
some plan by wbieli any one of those forty-five
hundred data could be readily found and con-
sulted, and after much rclicction and many
experiments the one described below was
adopted.

On receiving a set of eggs the original data
is copied on a small printed blank measuring
l.'^4x..S7 inches. Tliis has the words "No."
(for number of species), "Date," " Ccillector,"
"Locality," "Set Mark," "Incubation," "No.
in .Set," and "Identity" printed on tlie upper
side, with blank spaces left for filling in these
particulars; while on the back are written the
name of the species, and details as to the nest.
It has been found that this little blank affords
ample space for making an exact copy of all
the information given on ninety-nine data out
of every hundred, and by making the writing
small it can all be placed im it. This size was
adopted to allow the bl.ank ti) be placed in the
smallest sized pasteboard tray >ised in the
collection.

It having been properly tilled iml and com-
pared with the original data, the blank is then
]jut in the bottom of the pasteboanl tray or
l)ox selected to bold the set of eggs, underneath
the strip of Hat cotton used for its lining.

.Some one will ask, "Why take all this
trouble'/" It is done to jirevent any jiossilile
lonfiision (it sets. Where .a collection contains
many series numl)ering over a hundred .sets of
one species, it is almost impossible to prevent
tlie duplication of set marks, and this might
h'ad to confusion; but where a eo])y of the
ilata is kept in tbc s:imc tray with the eggs it
is imiK)ssible.

'Die original data are kept in w leii boxes;

each of wliii'li measures twelve inches in
Icnglb. figlil ;ind a Naif inches in width, and
four and ;i biilf inches in height. 'I'hese are
outside mc:isuienients. The boxes are made
out of wood that is three-eighths of an
iiirli lliirk. and an> therefco'e somewhat
smaller inside. Tlicy carli have a liil with
hinges.

The data are placed in tln-m in an ii]iright
Ijosition — in fact in just the same manner ihat
the cards are arranged in drawers in the " card
catalogue" of a library. Tliis admits of their
being easily run over inilil tlie desircil one is

found, when it can be readily taken out and
examined.

All of the same species are ke|it togetlu^r.
and they are arranged according to the Ridg-
way nomenclature, as the eggs in this collec-
tion have never been rearranged in compliance
with the A. O. I^. numbers. (Life is too short
to do that.) Thus all the data for sets of the
Wood Thrush come first in box No. 1 ; then
follow those of Wilson's Thrush, and so on in
regular luimerical order.

All of the data for the \V 1 Thrusli are

arranged according to the numerical secpience
of their set marks, thus: 1-4. 2-3. :i-t, 4-4. 5-:i,
etc. Occasionally a data will occ-nr where the
collector has been foolish ciuiugb to use letters
intead of inimlicrs, ami these are kept in
alphabetiial order at the end of those having
numbers for set marks, thus: a-4, b-M, c-4. etc-.

To still further facilitate the finding of any
particular species, tin strijis, cut just the width
and height of the boxes are inserted between
the data at every fifty numbers. Thus there
is one between ."ill and ."il : another liclwren 100
and 101, etc.

I claim f<u- this method : (1) (he impossibil-
ity of confusion arising from the mixing of
sets; (2) convenience of ri'fercnce, as a single
data, or all of one species, can be ([uickly
found and taken out of the box (<<v consulta-
tion; {:',) the preservation of the data in perfect
condition without folding, as the box is wide
enough to hold the largest, .and if the data be
on an absurdly small i)iece of paper (as some
are) it cati be either pinned or pasted on a
larger piece and put among its brethren which
are of the proper size; (4) economy of space,
as T keep nearly forty-five hundred data in
three boxes of the size described above, and
have plenty of ro(on to spare. ./. P. \.

Lapland Longspur.

This bird, cindiai'y to what .Mr. (ico. (;.
(Jantwell says in his list of the " Hirds of .Minne-
sota," is (juite common here in the winter.it
being some years nearly as common as the
.Snow Bunting. Following a.re a few extracts
from my note book :

KS.SS. Novetnber I'.l. observed lloi-k of
birds to-day which at Hist a|ipcarcil to be
Horned Larks, but on a closer examination
proved to be a new bird to me. Shot one,
which proved to be a 9 of ('. /f//ipoii/c".>--.

March il. Observed two jiair of these birds.

Jan. 1891.]

AND ooLOCilST.

March 12. Shot two 9. I spent very little
time in the field this year.

18Si). December 1. Shot a fairly fjood
pliimaged $ and 9 to-day. Observed a i;reat
many of these birds in with tlie Snow U\im-
tings.

December 7. Killed three $ and a 9 to-day.

Jlarcli !•">. Observed several of these birds
feeding near the roadside in with a number of
Horned Larks. A friend of mine, who went
nut a great deal oftener than I was able to,
re|Mirted large tidcks of these birds ami the
Buntings.

ISiK). .Spent mure time in the lii-bl this
spring, thus recording more birds.

February 1."). Killed a $ Laiilaud and six
Buntings iu one shot to-day.

February 22. .Saw a tlock nf peilia|is
seventy-five of tliese birds.

March .">. Snowed four or live inches to-
day. Observed immen.se flocks of Buntiugs
and Longspurs. Shot four of the latter.

>[arcli l."i. I'rcicurcd two ^ with a sling.

March 211. Jly friend lirought mc in Ihrm-of
these to-day.

December ]:!. ISllI). Shot a J tii-<lay.

Owing, however, to the limited time I sjient

ill the field during the winter and early

sjiring months I diil not have ample time to

ol)serve them as much as I wished. But on

iiic|niriug anumg other ornithologists I find

that this bird is not so rare as our friend Cint-

well wouhl lead us to believe.

Will <l<- la lUini'.
Minnr'apolis. \tirn).

English Sparrows by the Thousand.

In rhilailelphia. ou Cliestniit street, between
Eleventli and 'rwclftli streets, stands an old
fashioned house, of ample j)roportioiis, and
surrounded by gardens and greenhouses on
three sides. It is the qidy house used as a
private residence on Gliestnut street between
Front and Broad streets, a distance of over a
mile, as all the rest of the street, on both sides,
is given up to stores. It is the principal busi-
ness street of Philadelphia, ami thousands of
people pass by this (dd house every day.

On the lower side of the house, .just inside
the brick wall that encloses the garden, stands
a tree about forty feet high, with many
branches; and every afternocui the English
Sparrows roost here literally by thousands.
Kvery branch is <'Overed with them, and they
are luiddled together as close as they can sit.

To count them all would be impossible, but I
have seen over fifty on one branch.

A long wall of an adjoining store is covered
with ivy and Virginia Creeper, and this forms
a convenient roosting place f<ir those bii'ds
that cannot find places on the tree.

In walking past the tree on the way down
town in the morning one sees that not a single
bird is on it, but in passing by in the afternoon
how iliffereut is the sight that meets our eyes!
As before stated, every branch is so full that
it is a wou<ler (bat some of them do not break
down w ith the weight of the birds.

.Such a chattering as they keeji up, too. just at
sunset time! Waves of sound are wafted to a
distance of over a block, and that, too, above
the (datter and din of nnuiy wagons, carriages,
h(use-cars and hundreds of peoiile passing to
and fro.

The curious noise makes many people stoji
and look up, and they are all struck with
amazement at the .sight of so many thousamls
of birds roosting over tlieir heads in a ])ublic-
street,

1) ukcr and darker grows the fading light,
while the elei-tiic lights tlash out, making a
kind of garish nnxudlgbt. Fainter and fainter
grow the sounds of the birds, and linally all
are asleep. Bain, snow or zero weather seems
to uKike no difference to them, for they are
always to be found in their favorite positi<ins
when nightfall ccunes cm.

I cannot think that all these thousands of
birds live in the gardens surrounding that
house, for although they must measure two
huiulred feet by three hundred they would be
utterly run down with them. Ou the contrary
I believe that this roosting place is resorted to
by the sparrows from ndles ar(uunl.

In riuladelphia there are a nundier of snnill
parks, and these are all full of these birds in
the daytime. May they not resort to this tiee
after the manner of the robin roosts so charm-
ingly described in a late unndK'r of Tin- Auk
by William Brewster?

He that as it may, this sparrow roost is one
of the ''sights" of the city. It wcndd in)t
long remain as it is were it in France, for most
certainly many of the birds would be killed
and eaten. Here we content ouselves by pass-
ing off a few thiHisaixls of these birds as
"Keed Birds" (A. O. V. No. 4!14), when the
season is poor for those delicatdes. Many of
the people who buy them do not know enough
to recognize the difference iu their heads and
feet, ami the bodies being picked of all their
feathers, tbcv make fair " i'.obolinks." Of

u

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 10- No. 1

course they are not as fat as the real article,
but served iipcm toast tliey are not to be
despisetl. ./. P. .V.

Birds of the North Atlantic.

Mr. Andreas T. Haserup, who spent sonie-
thing over two years at a Danish mining viUage
in Oreenland, has sent to mean account of the
birds observed by him while journeyinf;' from
Greenlauil to Denmark, ami I think some ex-
tracts from Ids letter will be interesting' to the
readers of the O. & O.

The only representative of tlie Loon tribe
met with on the passage was one Red-throated
Diver, an adult, seen off the Shetland Islands.

A large number of some species of Auk was
seen in the Xortli Sea, between 14° and 8^
west longitude, that were supposed to be
Murres. Numerous single l)irds and some
small flocks were seen.

Bruniiich's Murres, also singly ami in small
Hocks, were passed about 100 Englisli miU's
south of Cape Farewell.

Tvittiwake Gulls were in attendance from the
time the vessel left Greenland till within So
miles of the Shetland Islands, and consider-
able numbers were in siglit daily. Tliis bird
is less voracious than the Fulmar, but will
swoop down for any offal that may be thrown
from the vessel. Tlie sailors say that when
the Kittiwakes hover about the top of the
main-mast a storm is brewing.

One each of the Glaucous Gull and tlu'
Klack-hacked Gull wei'e observed, and several
adult and young Herring Gulls came near tljc
vessel otf tlie Shetland Islands.

Fidmars were first seen in about 40° west
longitude, and thence until the vessel readied
the •")tli parallel, about 80 miles (Danish) from
Slietland Islands, they were more abundant
tlian tlie Kitliwakes. After entering the
Vorth Sea only one example was seen. Tlieso
birds were very eager for anything that was
thrown from the vessel, hut they would always
.alight on the water before making any effort
to obtain it. Even if a coveted bit had sunk
below tlie surface they would firstaliglit before
diving after it. This was in contrast to tlie
liabit of the (4ulls, who were often seen to
dive directly from the wing.

Mr Hagerup once put a piece of salt pork on
a fish-hook, and allowed it to trail after tlie
vessel, and in a short time a multitude of Ful-
inir's bail gathered about it. When any of
tbe birds caught tlie liait they at once tiew
into the air, but invaiiably let go before the

hook was fastened to them. Tlie.se birds are,
however, sometimes captured in this manner.
One was secured by Mr. Hagerup, through be-
coming entangled in tlie fisliing-line. About
this bird he writes thus': " For a few days I
kept it in a dog kennel and gave it pork to eat,
but it refused the food. I then allowed it the
freedom of the deck, lirst clipping its wings,
but still it refused to eat.

The walk of tliis Fulmar was even more
avvkward than a (I. ill's, and the bird seemed
more helpless, though a young sporting dog
onboard soon gained a respert for the bird's
bill.

Whenever a wave swept the deck the Fulmar
splashed in it witli evident delight, and wlicn
one wave, larger and stronger than its fellows,
broke away the sliip's railing the bird accepte<l
the opportunity to gain freeilom. During the
ten days the Fulmar was on board the ship it
ate very little food, almost none. Between
:Ui° and 20° west longitude a number of birds
were in sight, mingled with the Fulmars, that
Mr. Hagerup supposed, fnnn their size and
color, to be Manx Shearwater.

A small duck was observed sitting on the
water in about :5S° west loiigitiule. WIm-ii dis-
turbed by the vessel it flew northward.

An adult male Blackbird {Tnnliis mcnild)

and several small birds pissed the ves.sel when

south and southwest of the Faroe Islands.

These birds were heading soiUlnvard.

Mntifjcjitr ( 'hfnuhfrl'itii.
Cjiuilirulue, Mass.

Probable Addition to the Avifauna
of Kansas.

A young male Golden-eye was shot fioin a

small flock, on December 14, 18110, near the

Neosho River, several miles from IJurlington,

Kansas. The diagnostic wing markings are

obscure; the reddish cohn- of the beak is Imt

faintly defined; the head shows no iridescent

markings, whatever, but there is a very

marked crest on frontal and on ocidput, and

the specimen may be reasonably (•onsidered as

adding Barrow's (iolden-eye to the Kansas list

of birds, on the authority of an opinion which

reads as follows:

Washinotox, Dec. 2:!.

Dear Sin, — .Vs well as I can judge from the
description and outlines, your identification is
correct, and there is no reason wliy C. ixhiiidica
should not be found in Kansas.

Very truly yours,

KI.I.IOTT corEs.
/'. /.'. I'r„l„„li,.

Jan. 1891.]

AND ()0 LOG 1ST.

15

ORNITHOLOGISTa^-^OOLOGIST

.V .Montbly .\r:mMzine (.f

NATURAL HISTORY,

ESPECIALLY DEVHTEI) Tl ) THE STIDY OF

BIRDS,

THEIR NESTS AM) ECCS,

:inil to till-

INTERESTS OF NATURALISTS.

Under the Editorial Management of

FRANK B. WEI5STEU.
J. PARKER NORRIS,
FRANK A. HATES.

Hyde Pari;. .Mass.

Philadelphia. I*a.

Boston. iM.ass.

ITHLISHED .\T

FRANK B. WEBSTER'S
M V SKI' M

AND

N A r r K A T. 1 S T .S" SUPPLY I) E P O T.

HVDK PAKK. MA.SS., U. S. A.

The O. & 0. is mailed each issue to every paid suh-
scriber. If you fail to receive it. notify us.

Brief Notes.

Tlie Wild Pigeons that wo have previously
referred to arc doiiis niecly. They are in tine
plumage.

Ill Sportx Afield (Denver, f'ol.), several eii-
quirer.s ask if tlie Mallard has a green head all
the year. It is our opinion tliat it does.

Xight Heron shot in Boylston, Dec. 30, l,si;o.
Virginia P.iil, 9, shot iii Worcester, .Jan. 1.
ISill. Both plump and in good oonditiun. ('.
K. P.eed.

and clog being twisted among the branches by
the struggles of ihe huge cat, which hung
suspended, dead. — [Daily Hampshire Gazette.

Granby, Mass., Dec. 2, ISilO. A flock of
wild geese flying in a bewildered manner for
awhile, then flew to the ground in a tiiowing
not far from a barn. .\ farmer saw them and
shot a tine twenty-pound gander.

Dec 15, Belchertown. Mass A .Snowy f)wl
was seen and shot at by a farmer this morning.

For the pist two weeks .Snow Buntings have
been very plenty and in very large flocks.

Sudden Death of .\ VAUAiii.E Doo. —
Gruss Bayanl, a brother of Pinlinimon, the
famous ^oOOO St. Bernard dog, owned by .J. K.
Emmet, bad been for three years the jiroperty
of Kudolph Weimer, who had raised him from
a ])uppy. .\ltliough the dog liad not all the
perfect markings of others of his breed wliich
Mr. Weimer has raised at his kennels at
Stoughton, lie was a remarkably handsome dog
and possessed of great intelligence. He had
become a great favorite and won a large num-
ber of medals and prizes at dog shows in dif-
ferent New England cities. O. It. Gleason, the
horse-tamer, became much interested in the
I dog during bis fmir weeks' stay in the city, and
at the conclusion of bis Boston cngat.'ement
purdiased him of Mr. Weimer at a large price,
which is said to have been more than 4^1000.
The dog was delivered a week ago Friday, and
was in the best of condition, having 1;( en free
from all sickness for a number of months pre-
vious. Early the next morning he was seen
moving about in bis usual manner, but when
called for breakfast he failed to respond. V]^"n
going to him it was found that he had suddenly
<lied from lieart di.sea.se. — [Traveller.

The skin of this noble animal is now being
pieserved and will make a line addition to Mr.
(ilcason's jtrivate palace car.

A (ireat Blue Heron shot at Lexington, .Mass.,

A Catbird was shot at MiUlmrv. .Mass.,
30. C. K. Reed.

Dec.

Dr. B. H. Wineu, tlie well-known naturalist
of West Chester, Pa.. <:alled on us last month

Notes from NoKruAMProN, Mass. — Three
wild cats crossed the highway on the moun-
tain above tlie Bozrah district in Hawley. a
few rods in front of a .sleigh-load of Hawley
Centre people who were on their way to the
Christmas festivities at Charlemont.

Uncle Elisha Hunt, of East Hawley, cele-
brated Christmas day by the capture of the
biggest wild cat or lynx ever seen in the vicin-
ity. The cat was extiemely poor and gaunt,
but weighed l.'s pounds ami (i ounces. Mr. H.
is noted as a trapi)er, having caught l.-* foxes
this last fall, and had set a trap with clogs to
keep it from being dr iggeil away. The trap
was not found where it was placed, but was
discovered in a siniU si)ruce tree, the chain

Wood I)ui-k at South Weymouth, Dec. 31, an
adult male in full plumage.

Snowy Owls still continue to be reported.

Friend Hoxie gives us a few remarks in
another column whicli bit upim the right spot.
While it is our aim to keep u]) the past high
standard of the O. & O. as a scientific medium,
we also desire something for the tialiivdlist,
and think that we all will be better for a little
light food intermingled with our more solid
meals.

Saw one $. two J, Evening Grosbeaks, on
the campus at Cornell University, on Dec. ;"),
ISIIO. The male was a beauty, and was singing
or chattering loudly. Alvan H. .\lberger.

A few specimens of the Lesser Prairie Hen
were seen in the Boston market the last of
.lauuary. They did not remain long, there
being (piite a demand for tliem.

16

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 1

Wc uiiclerstaiul that a (icali'i- lias made a
frautii' effort to seeuie a eoiiier in the White
Owl inarket. Comiiij; down as tliey have by
tlie tlumsauds, he lias had a bioad lield to
practise in.

W. H. Lucas, of Brid<;ej)oit, Conn., reiioits
tindins a vunt efig of the Ued-winged Bhick-
bird last year, which only measured .40x.42.
It is almost round.

Editorial.

In greeting our fiiends with this our fu^t
number for l.siU, we call attcntiin to a desire
that we have expressed in the pasl. to make
the (». it O. a little more general. We wish
to have the matter that is presented done so,
as far as possible, in a manner to he alliactive
fo those who do not take as scientific a view
as their neighbors. In doing this it will in no
way interfere with the tnilli and solid facts.
We also open the columns to any articles of
sporting interest. In carrying out this pro-
gramme the O. & O. will not suirender its
scientific prestige, while by an interest and
attention of many who, while thoroughly en-
ioying the study of nature, are not enabled
through previous education, or from lack of
resources to obtain one, will he attracted, and
may not be deterred from becoming both
readers as well as coutributors because of its
being so scientific that nnudi of it is Greek to
them. To this end we ask the earnest co-
operation of our friends, both in the field as
well as in the library, to extend the cordial
relations we have so long enjoyed and continue \
their contributions, and desiie to say to any
whom we have not yet known in our columns
that they will he open to all. and we will fc<'l
vinder great obligations for any assistauie in
this line.

of tlie feather trade. First, because the
volume of .\meiican birds never was moie
than a droi> in the bu<-ket any way in the tiade,
the great bulk being foreign bird skins, at once
more attractive and much less in i)rice,
and secondly, the feather millinery simply
went out of fashion. B\)r two seasons past
Grouse, Pigeon, Plover, in fact any kind of a
wing, was all that was calh d for. We dcudit
if any number of American skins conld be
sold at almost nny ]uice in Xew Vfirk. As a
matter of fact we have been told several times
within two years by large dealers that there
was no market f(u- Ihem: so all these claims
are like all others madi' in this line — simply
hiiiiihiKi.

New Publications.

At the last, Xovember, meeting of the A.O. V.
an address was delivered upon the work of the
union which showed a, remarkable hicdc of in-
telligence on a subject which the orator
claimed as being the result of the beneficent
labors of the union, viz. : the i>rotc<'tion of
North American birds. Had he taken the
pains to have obtained a list unmerieally of
North American birds destroyed by paid cnl-
li'Gtnrs for members of the union, nay, even for
some of the committee, and of the officers,
not to speak of members, the public wiudd
get a better insight into the '' lihiiiiniitai-iiiii"
point of its claim. It is simply absurd foi-
the A. O. U. or anyone else to claim that any-
thing it, as an organization or as individuals,
ever did had anvtliing to <lo with the downfall

Urochure 1 of the Kochester (N. Y.) Acad-
emy of .Sciences contains no notes of interest
to the ornithologist, but Fairmau's paper on
"The Fungi of New "S'ork." and '•Howell cm
Meteorites" are both valuable ;uMiliims t<i
science.

The journal of the C'incinnali ((lhi(.i) .Society
of Natural History for i.sOO <'ontains, among
other good things, "Notes on Ohio Itirds," by
Dury.

The New York .\cadcmy of .'^ci( nccs iiubli^h,
in No. () and 7, an abstract of Mi-. 1 "wight's
paper on "The Horned Larks of North Amer-
ica," and the "Annals,'" just out, contain
matter which is indispensable to tlie entomol-
ogist: Mr. HeutenmuUer's pajjcr on the food
plants of the Lejiiil<i}ilcr(i of New York is
especially notable, as it will be of great assis-
tance to collectors in this sectiim.

We have, by the hand of the author, a, cojiy
of a. reprint from the Traiixarlicjiis nf Ihr
A''ir(( Scotiau Instituir of Xatiiral Science, on
"Notes of Nova Scotian Zoology," by Sir.
Harry Piers of Halifax, N. .S. In this pai)er
he notes the capture of a specimen of Vir-
ginia Deer, an animal hitherto noted as being
unknown in this province, a fact as strange
as true, since it has been often taken in Xew
Brunswick, near the boundry line. He also
notes some of the habits of the Purjile (Jalli-
nule now kept in captivity liy Mr, Andrew
Downs, a hitherto unaccomplished achieve-
ment. The breeding habits of other little-
known birds are also touched upon, as are
also some reptiles and fishes.

Mr. Piers, though a comparatively young
man, is doing some very fine work in Natural
Histiuv.

ORNITHOLOGIST

— AND-

OOLOGIST.

$1.00 per
Annum.

PUBLI.9HED 15Y FRANK B. WEBSTER.

EstablisUed, March, 187.5.

Single Copy
10 cents.

Vol. XVI.

HYDE PARK, MASS., FEBRUARY, 1891.

No. 2.

How a Large Collection of Eggs is ; iiiiif"im lif'ig'it of lialf an indi, but their size

Kept.

Haviii}; often been asked how the " .1. P. N."
collection of egKS is kept I liave prepared the
followiuf;' biief description.

Tlie cabinets all contain drawers of the same
dimensions (thirty by twenty-four inches) but
they vary in depth, as some of them are four

varies in accordance with the amount of space
required by the set.

A complete copy of the data of each set is
made on a small printed blank, which is then
place<l inside the tray. Over this is spread a
piece of sheet raw cotton, from which one
of the smooth surfaces has been removed.
This leaves a rough surface, and when small

HOvV A LARGE COLLECTION IS KEPT. — From a Photograph, J. P. Norhis Collection.

inches deep, while the majority of them are only
two inches deeji. At present the collection occu-
pies ei};hty drawers, but some of them are un-
duly crowded. JlultiplyinK the length and
width of the eighty drawers we find that the
space occuiiied is just foin- hundred sipiare
feet.

The eggs are kept in white pastelioard ti'ays
— one tray for each set. 'i'hcy are all of the

eggs are arranged on it they gradually sink
into it slightly, by their own w'eight, and re-
main in the position in which they are placed,
if the eggs in tlie set are four in number
they are arranged two with their larger ends
towards one side of the box, and two towards
the other side. If there are three in the set
two are placed in frcmt and one at the back.
If there are five in a set or any greater num-

Copyriglit, IS.11, l>y Fkank B. Wrbster.

V

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 2

ber, however, they look best when aiTaiit;eil
in a circle, with the smaller ends of
the eggs towards the inside. A large clutch
like quail or grouse are put close to-
gether.

Eggs that are larger than those of a Mea<low
I^ark will not stay in position unless they have
small pieces of cotton around each egg to keep
it in place. This completely sunoun<ls tlicni,
and the cotton does not look b.adly when i)rop-
erly arranged, as it forms a sort of nest, as
it were.

Movable strips of wood, half an inch
square and the length of the drawer, serve to
separate the species, and in front of each
different kind a label is put. This contains
the number, .scientific and common names,
etc., and is printed on white paper, and paste<l
on a wooden strip three inches long and half
an inch high, beveled at the top to show the
label better.

It will be seen that this method of arrange-
ment permits the sets to be shifted from one
part of a drawer to an other, or even to
another drawer if necessary, with little or no
trouble. More important still, it permits the
ready transfer of sets to the study table for
examination; and finally no room is wasted,
for nearly three lunulred sets of Warblers'
eggs can be readily kept in one drawer of the
size given above; and in a collection now num-
bering over four thousand sets this is a great
advantage.

Moreover, new sets can lie [ilaced in their
proper positions in series with little trouble,
and this allows of the arrangement of series
according to the heaviness of the markings of
sets, etc.

In arranging a large series of one species
the endeavor is made to place all the sets with
the fewest markings at the top of the drawer,
next those with the nextheaviest markings, and
so on until the sets with the heaviest markings
are placed at the bottom of the drawer. These
last are generally the handsomest and they
are thus placed nearest to anyone examining
the drawer. This method presents a gradual
shading of color, and produces a fine effect,
while it allows all sets having similar charac-
teristics of coloration, etc., to be placed to-
gether. It one looks at a series arranged in
this manner, and then at one arranged imlis-
criminately it is wonderful how much better
the former appears.

The collection is arranged according to the
Ridgway nomenclature as far as possible, as
this was adojited nuuiy years ago. and life

seemed too short to adopt the "A. O. T^.''
arrangement and turn the colleetiim all
around. J. P. N.

Nesting of the Whip-poor-will.

While walking through a small oak wood on
the 18th of May, 1880, my dog tlu.shed a female
Whip-poor-will, which Hew swiftly out of sight.
A moment's seaich disclosed the eggs, two in
number, which much to my satisfaction were
perfectly fresh. They were beautifully marked,
one being spotted entirely at one end.

On the 20th of .luly, I again visited the pl.ace
in hopes of finding a second .set, and while
walking thiough some bordering scrub-oaks 1
again iluslied the bird, which flew very low,
carrying something (I could not m.ake out
what) between her thighs and very close to
her body. After a careful search I found
about three-fourths of an egg-shell which was
quite moist, proving that the young bird had
just left it. I have not the slightest doubt but
that it was the young bii d which the mother
was carrying off.

On .luly yist, I was walking near there -nhcn
I saw the young Whip-poor-will squatting by
the side of a log. I sat down on the log, and
on picking up the young one it began to
squawk. This brought the old birds around,
and putting the young bird a yard or two from
me I waited to see what they would do. The
female immediately flew to it and commenced
pushing it away with her breast, while the
male came up and flutteied for several seconds
not four feet away from me, its wings making
scarcely a sound. He evidently could not
make out whether I was ,i stiimj) or not, as he
was not at all frightened.

Last year (I8'.)0), on May 18th, I went to the
oak wood and flushed the female fiom two
fresh eggs, ily dog, which had put her up,
stopped for a moment with his fore feet not a
foot from the eggs. My heart went into my
mouth as he made a bound foiward; but luck-
ily he cleared the eggs. These were about
twenty feet from where I found the (uies the
year before. J. II. Howies.

ronttaimaj;", Mass.

Looking Backward.

I ought to be a hajipy man for I have realized
my youthful aspir.itions. When I was still in
petticoats I was seized with a desire to be able

Feb. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

19

to stuff birds. Tliis laudable ambition was
excited in my youthful mind by seeinj; a Scar-
let Ibis and a Red-winged Blackbird iu a i^arlor
wliere my mother took me on a visit. And
during many years I used to make litth^ ]>il-
griinages to that parlor and mildly worshi]i
those two stuffed birds.

When I was about ten years old I got hold
of some printed directions, and. after a great
deal of teasing, a big boy wlio had a gun shot
me a Red-winged lilackbird. I never expect
to feel such a tlirill of ecstasy as that which
jiervaded my whole being when I held that
poor draggled bird in my hand. lie had fallen
into the water and fluttered up on the mud.

My directions said, "Blow aside the feath-
ers and carefully plug up all shot holes with
cottou." Mercy on us, how I blew! Now I
think of it, I must have nearly blown that bird
dry. The plugging was easy enough, for the
holes — there were only two — were of good
size. The big boy explained to me that he
used mixed shot so as to kill everything. I
tbink he could easily have killed a bull with
that charge.

"Cut through the skin from tlie breast bone
to the vent and sew a strip of stiff" cloth or
paper to the edges to prevent the feathers
getting soiled," was my next direction. I did a
very neat piece of sewing, if I do say it myself,
and when I got through tlie bird's belly was
as baie of feathers as a billiard ball. " Cut oft'
the tail from the inside with a sharp knife.''
1 cutoff a good deal of the tail — away oft' —
and cut my thumb too, which then seemed of
slight consequence in comparison. " Di.sjoinI
the legs and scrape the flesh from tlie liones with
a dull knife." I used a case-knife sonnuliat
less than a foot long, and those bones when I
got through with them were beautiful anatom-
ical specimens. "Proceed in the same way
witli tlie wings." By this time it was daik,
but I continued to proceed by the aid of a
lantern. " Itemove the brains by forcing bits
of cotton into the oceijiital oiilice," was one
of the next tasks. I forced in any amount of
cotton but nary a Ijiain would come out. and
at last it became evident that the orifice was
in direct communication with the eye and 1
was making a bad mess of it. So I went to
lied at half-past twelve. I had never been up
so late in my life before nor enjoyed myself
half so well.

Before breakfast I was at it again and fol-
lowed all the "directions for beginners" to
the letter. My specimen was stuffed with
oaknm and mnuntcd witli wiic from an old

broom. I had no arsenical soap so I used soft
soap instead, which my mother said was just
as good and not poisonous. " Place the s])cci-
men in a natural jiosition." That was a
sticker. My bird would not stand in any po-
sition at all, but wobbled over in maudlin
sidewise fashion whenever I bent a wire. At
last, however, a hajipy thought struck me. I
found I could hold him still by the head, so I
glued a piece of corn to a stick and jammed
his bill fast into it. 'Win n I showed my work
of art to the family I explained that this was
a hungry position. Jly father said he looked
as if he was hungry or something, an<l I was
immensely flattered. For several days that
bird stood on the mantelpiece and I spent
hours admiring it myself for I could get no
one else to do it for me. Before long, how-
ever, it attained a dead-mousish sort of odor,
.and I hope some one gave it a decent burial,
I missed it one morning and no one seemed to
know where it was. Watlcr Ilarif.

Frn!;mi)re, S. C.

Crane Island.

The tourist or naturalist who lias ever taken
an excursion upon upper Lake Winnetonka,
and stopped to rest upon a certain small, well
timbered island that lies in the extreme upper
lake can only describe the feeling of awe that
creeps over him as he sets foot upon land.

Every word spoken, every sound made by
the breaking of dry twigs under foot, seems to
awaken the very imps of solitude. He is
startled at almost every step by a rustling in
the dry underbrush, and stops to see an ugly
snake or a woodchuck scamper into some

hole. Summing up courage

advances

still farther, when all of a sudden the very air
above seems black with hideous shapes, uttering
harsh cries of fear and distress. On a second
glance he sees that the cries come fiom many
Imndred Cormorants and a species of Heron
which inhabits the island.

Eager to see the breeding place of these
birds he presses forward more rapidly, when
he is again interrupted by a great mass of
feathers, mouth and legs that comes rattling
down through the trees, followed by a teriible
cry of pain as it strikes the ground almost at
your feet. Upon a closer examination of the
object you find it is only a young Cormorant
that has fallen out of its nest above. Looking
around you and above, you see that yon are in
the very midst of the breeding grounds, for

20

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 1«-Ni

upon nearly every large branch, high ii]) in
the immense trees, is a nest of either a
Double-crested Cormorant or a Great IJItie
Heron, or perhaps one of each, upon the same
branch. Over the edge of the nests great long
necks are outstretched to see who the intruder
may be; or again you may see young birds out
on the branches and the old ones teaching
them to Hy. Now a shadow passes over you
as an old Heron ariives with a half decayed
fish; after Hopping around she drops her legs
down from behind her u|ion a limb near the
nest and with a half balancing flap of the
wings she manages to stand erect, and to the
young bird who can stretch its neck tlie
farthest the fish is given as a reward.

Looking around you on the giound you see
that it is covered with the mangled remains of
young birds which have tmdoubtedly lost
their hold above and met their fate below.

As you retrace your steps there comes to
your mind the old legend that the Indians
once held the i.slaud sacred. For what reason
no one knows unless it is on account of the
so-called Cranes, as I hey have made tliis their
breeding place as long as the (ddest inhabi-
tant can remember. Tliis sounds ratlier myth-
ical, but upon reaching the shore you see tlie
island is bounded on all sides by smaller
islands and a stiip of main lainl which aie
covered by Indian mounds, and remembering
that these are the only mounds in tliis part of
the country, and tliat they are only on the
sliore which faces Crane Island, you come
to thir conclusion that there must be some-
thing in the theory. One hour's search ui)on
this i.shmd will convince you tliat Crane Island
is the most dismal piece of ground and yet
the moit instructive in Uiitural science uf any
that you were ever on.

//, />'. Ilin:l.
IMinneap'tlis Muui.

Singular Capture of a Black-throated
Diver

On the last day of I)eccml)er, ISllO, I finished
up my ornitliological iiarvest for tlie year with
a Ulack-tliroaled Diver in the immature plum-
age, brought to niebyaman who had captuicd
it in an unusual maimer. He w:is on his way
home from Soutlibridge, Mass., when he saw a
strange object ahead of him in the road.
There was a heavy body of ice on the ground,
and the road especially looked like a, fiozcn
pond. As he drew nearer he saw that the <ib-
.ject was a bird, anil tlionght he would try to

capture it. So getting out of his sleigh he
walked towards the bird which made no at-
tempt to escape, and allowed him to quietly pick
it up. On reaching home he put it in a large tub
of water into which he also put a number of live
minnows. In the morning he found the bird
had scrambled out of the tub and was on the
floor, but the same number of fi.-h was in the
tub that he put there. He kept the bird two
days, and fearing it would starve he took it
out of doors and gave it a toss into the air, but
instead of flying away it came down heavily
to the ground. In a day or two afterwaid it
died and the owner brought it to me.

On skinning the bird I found a small shot
wound in the thigh into which a (juantily of
down had been driven by the shot. It ap-
peared to have been made some time bcfiire
as it was (juile dry. One of its eyes was aho
injured, ami though 1 could fliul no shot I
think it must have been struck by one.

Eastfonl, Cimii. t'. il. Jones.

Nesting of the Sharp-shinned Hawk.

The Sharp shiimed Hank is not an uncom-
mon summer resident here, but 1 believe that
their nests are the most dillicnlt to lind of (uir
FalronUhi'.

While out collecting on April 10, IHS'.I, 1
passed through a small piece of timber land,
perhaps seven oreiglit acres of second growth,
containing a dozen or more scattered hem-
locks, the largest not over eighteen inclics in
diameter. 1 chanced to see a Sliarp-shinned
Hawk leave a nest in one of the larger hem-
locks while I was yet some distance away.

Upon climbing up about thirty feet to the
nest I f(uuid it to be anew one, completed, but
empty. Meantime a pair of the birds were Hy-
ing about, and judging from their racket they
were applying to me all the opprobrious epi-
thets known in the hawk vocabulary.

On May 0th I visited tlie place again and
Hushed one of the birds from the nest. \\ bile 1
was in the tree a young man who was with me
shot twice at the biids but missed them. The
nest contained two fiesh eggs which were
taken, not wishing to run any risk of some-
one else taking them before I could again
visit the nest.

On May liUh I started to search the .same
piece of woods, hoping to find a new nest that
I expected they would build. Innigiuc my
surprise to see one of the birds leave the same
nest that I had previously robbed. Of ccuir.se
I climbed the tree, and as soon as I looked into

Feb. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

21

tlie nest I saw tlieie were more eggs. I have
placed the seven eggs in one tray as a single
set, although it is probably larger than was
originally intentleil. Xo two of them are
marked alike, but they are about the hand-
somest set of eggs I ever saw. The nest, I
have it yet, is smaller than those of Cooper's
Hawks but is exactly like them in composition,
— hemlock, bark and all. I). D. Stone.

Oswego, N. Y.

The Least Bittern and Long-billed
Marsh Wren at Mud Lake.

Mud Lake is one of those numerous, small
bodies of stagnant water that are to be found
scattered all through Oakland County, where
it is said there are by actual count over two
hundred lakes, some of them large, beautiful,
clear sheets of water covering beds of gravel
and rock, while others, by far the more numer-
ous, are of the Mud Jjake sort, merely great
treacherous bogs and "sink holes," usually
covered with water, with mar.shy shores, and the
larger part of the lake proper, grown to various
reeds and rushes, affording breeding grounds for
myriads of swamp biids, as well as si)len<lid
cover for pickerel and the beautiful and gamy
little speckled bass.

As our party api)i<>aclie(l the lake the .'id of
June, 1887, we were tilled with that sense of
exhilaration and freedom that attends a day's
outing among the birds, especially if you are
approaching "new ground" and are expecting
to meet new species. A loud, discordant
cackle coming from somewhere out in the
vast sea of waving rushes, together with the
liner, more musical notes of numerous small
birds that were to be seen flitting here and
there, now making short flights and
settling on the bending tops of the reeds,
now hovering over some spot of seeming inter-
est. A low flying Heron here, and a group of
some species of Ducks away off on the lake to
the right or left, together with the freshness
of the spring morning, all served to ,aild to
our enthusiasm and make the prospect of the
trip delightful. It all hajipened long ago,
but as I look back it is all vividly brought back
to my memory, and is one of the pleasant
things that serve to connect the present with
the past.

All are, I presume, familiar with the nesting
habits of the Long-billed Marsh Wren, so to
recount their already well-known traits would
prove a bore. Sever.al fine sets in vaiicnis

stages of incubation were secured, and the
usual circumstances of the duplicate nest
building noted. They are lively, cheerful lit-
tle fellows, and their songs are as melodious as
they are peculiar. They were there nesting in
great numbers, and on every hand have their
compact grass and reed nests securely fastened
about midway up the coarse stalks of the
reeds.

I have rarely seen anything j)ublislied re-
garding the domestic traits and habits of the
graceful and attractive little Bittern with its
rich and varied markings of chestnut brown,
black and bright yellow, its straw-colored
bill and iris and the intense blackness of
its tiny bead-like sights that seem to lose
none of their animation even in death.
They were nesting about the lake wherever
a suitable place could be found, but we
found them in greater numbers on a boggy,
springy island that occupied to some
considerable extent the surface of the
lake. Here their nests were built either upon
platforms of fallen reeds or woven midway up
the shafts of the standing ones. The nest is a
rude affair, merely a loosely constructed plat-
form of dog reed stems with a depression
scarcely adequate to contain the coni])l(nu'nt
of four pale green ur bluish-white uus|iotted
eggs that resemble somewhat those of the
Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The birds themselves
are very undemonstrative, merely making oft'
in a succession of jerky, awkward flaps, cran-
ing their long necks from side to side, and
perhaps uttering one or two (juick notes of
alarm when flushed from lluir nest or the
close cover of the rushes. We succeeded in
capturirg a fine male bird alive, which had
somehow got into the water, and as he could
not ii.se we, by a little maiiojuvering, got him
ashore. And as his feathers were wet and
heavy it placed him at oui' disposal, which di>-
posal reflects great credit on the taxidermnl
skill of the member of our combination who
represents that branch of applied science.

A spring or two later Mr. W. A. Davidson of
Detroit had the good fortune to di.scover a nest
of the queer and rare little Saw-whet Owl.
The nest contained four eggs, and upon ex-
amining the female bird which he killed with
a stick as she left the nest, he discovered an
egg in utero which he by the exercise of his
knowledge of obstetrics succeeded in abstract-
ing. The nest was in a grove of tamaiacks
on the banks of Mud Lake.

I have no doubt that a ra(ue thorough in-
vestigation of the vicinitv of the hike wipuld

22

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 2

reveal other rare species that seem to select

such remote and secluded sections in which to

breed and rear tlieir young.

11'. C. Briiwni-U, M. I).
So. Lyon, Mich.

What is the Best Method of Keep-
ing a Field Note-book?

The reading of Mr. White's experience (Dec.
O. & O.) witli the "Batchelder method" for
recording the numbers of birds observed leads
me to make a few remarks on keeping a field
note-book.

For the purpose for whicli it is intended, Mr.
Batchelder's method is a good one. I am
using it and find it so, though I have ad<led to
it a locality and weather column. By tliis
means one knows at a glance whether tlie day's
observations were made in his garden at home,
or in some local grove or swamp; thus account-
ing tor the mention of such species as are of
local distribution, or which make their appear-
ance on the approach of storms or vice versa.

But it is of your note-book proper, of wliicli
I wish to speak. Some use a page with col-
umns for each item, but I liave found this im-
practicable. Others use what is known as the
" slip method," the advantages of which I di^
not know. (Let us hear from those who have
adt>pted it.)

I have found a plain i>age, with an index
column on the margin, to suit me best. It
may be of foolscap size or smaller, for tlie
pocket, if you wish. Tlie latter lias tlie addi-
tional advantage of being always with you. In
point of fact, mine is seven intdies long by four
inches in width. When open tliis forms a
double page, eight inches long by seven inches
wide, a two-inch index column being ruleci off
at the right. At the left hand upper corner
of each page is placed the name of tlie month
and year, followed by the name of tlie locality.
The date of each record is also placed at the
left, at the begiui.ing of each day"s observa-
tions, all being underlined to facilitate the eye
in glancing down the page. Each book con-
sists of six sheets stitched together and car-
ried ill a detachable cover. This is light and
will not wear the pocket, is more easily kejit
clean, and is about the right size if yon wish
to bind them in the future.

To illustrate the method, if you w ere collect-
ing at Denver, a page in your note-book might
read as follows:

May, 1890. Dknver, Col.

May I. Went down the Platte to I'latte ami

Cltur (_'r.
the mouth of Clear Cr. and up

the latter for a mile or more.

A few clouds still linger in the Weather

sky — the remains of last night's

shower, with just wind enough

to make comfortable walking.

Vegetation has made quite a Flora

start since we were last here;

the cottonwoods generally are Popnlus

, ... ... ' ^, atiKulata,

now covered with catkins — the etal.

S flowers of a purple color, the

9 a pale green.

As we enter the woods we l"icap. hud-
, , , . _ , , sonica

hear the warning cry of the

ever-present Magpie, and from

])revious records we know that

they are nesting.

Their bulky nests are con-
spicuous objects in every grove
at all times, but much more so
now that the trees are leafless.

We select one some ten feet
from the ground and climb ii]i,
to find a set of 7 eggs .already
well incubated. We see jier-
liaps a dozen ( — 2-1 $ 9 ) pairs
in our .5-niile trip.

Far away comes w^afted on Colaiites cafi-r
the breeze the "look-look-
look" of the Ked-shafted
Flicker, and we fancy we can
hear his faint reveille on some
resonant limb.

In a suiinv corner several (:1) Vanessa

.,, 1 .1 ii- J. .. antio|ia

willow butterflies are floating

dreamily to and fro or resting

with cliised wings upon the

trunks of trees and bushes.

The air is full of minute i>i|itua

winged insects, probably D'qi-
tera. As we cross a stretch of
sand a score of brilliant tiger
beetles run before us, or if hard
pressed take to wing, only to
alight again several rods ahead.

On our return we climb the

bluff and take a short cut across

the plains to regain the Platte.

We note the presence of Rpncorrinuni
. ni.intannm

many Mt. lilies, their milU-

white star flowers with a yellow

centre being one of the eailiesi,

as well as most delicate and

sweet scented, wild tloweis of

the ]ilains.

Ciointlela

(varV)

Feb. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

23

A little farther on we start a Lepus

Jack Rabbit from his form
among the sage brush, (Arte-
misia filifolia), and bounds
away almost as lightly as
though possessed of wings.

At 100 yds. he stops, sits upon

his liaunches and listens, then

is off again and soon lost ro

sight over a swell in the jirairie.

We come to a zigzag row of Crdinysii.
, .,, , ^ . ,. , palliilus

liillocKs a foot in diameter and

•> or 8 inches high.

It is tlie work of tlie Pocket

Gopher, and a fresh one at the

end shows that the tenant is

still active.

We leave the plain and enter Apjelaius
11 r.1 i-i 1 11 A i)li0Bniceus

the Platte bottom. As we

cross the corner of a field we
start a flock (+100) of Red-
winged Blackbirds from tlieir
feeding.

.Selecting a ta'l Cottonwood
they alight, and commence
tlieir creaking chorus.

Though ornithology and oology may he your
hobby you cannot afford to be blind to all el.se
which confronts one in the woods In the hot
midsummer days birds will commence to de-
compose even before you can reach home, and
require immediate attention when you are hot
and tired. Besides, they are in poor pluin.age
at this season. At such times what better
opportunity to turn a portion of your attention
to botany or entomology, or to make a collec-
tion of the reptiles of your region?

To most persons there is something repel-
lent in a snake, and I confess I am not an ex-
ception to the rule. I cannot bring myself to
handle them. When partially stunned by a
blow they (the non-poi.sonous ones at least)
may be safely placed in stiff paper cones,
securely pinned up at both ends, and carried
in your bag or basket. You will probably find
them lively enough on reaching home, as the
following incident will show.

The chief actoi' was a little snake some two
feet long, which was a very docile reptile when
placed in the jiaper several hours before. On
reaching my museum I unpinned the cone and
shook him into a glass jar jiartly filled with
alcohol. Instinct taught him that to swim he
must hold his head high, and he did swim out
of the j:ir t(i Mie table, thence to the floor, and
glideil around I hi' r.)om in a very lively manner.

Groing outside in quest of a weapon of some

kind I returned with a stick, but no snake was

to be found. I shook all the movables and

carefully probed under the several cabinets,

but could feel or dislodge nothing, and half

made up my mind that in following round the

room he had come to the door (which I had

left ajar in my h.aste) and made his exit.

At intervals on the succeeding days I peeped

in the room in hopes that he might come forth

from his hiding place, but it was not until the

third day that I caught |liis snakeship sunning

in a corner. You may be sure he did not

escape me this time for he now fills a place in

the National Museum at Washington, D.C.

Horace G. Smitli, Jr.
Denver, Col.

Snow Buntings in Nova Scotia.

Thui^far during the present winter I have
personally observed six flocks of Snowflakcs
near Halifax. The first, which contained
about thirty birds, was noted on November
19th, — an early date for the species toariive
here, although some thirty years ago it is .said
it occasioiLiUy made its appearance during the
first week of that month. The second flock,
numbering from fifteen to twenty, was seen on
December .iOLh, and another, comprising about
thirty, was observed on the l6th of the follow-
ing month. Other flocks were noted on Jan-
uary 2Uth (six birds) and January :ilst (one of
.seven, and another of over twenty birds).
This season the species seems more numerous
than it has been during recent winteis. Great
numbers visited us years ago, but they have
been steadily decreasing, until now they are
not at all common. Harry Piers.

Halifax, N. S.

Abnormal Eggs.

Seeing an occasional notice in the O. & O.
under the above heading, I have a few in my
collection that may be noted. There are three
in all: One of the Kingbird (Tyrannux tyran-
nu.t), which is nearly spherical in shape, meas-
uring ..')() X ..5."); one of the Brown Thrasher
{Harporliyiirliii.i rufii.i). which measures
.4Sx.(10, and the other is an English Sparrow's
{Pa.tKtr diimeslicu!'), which measures .."lOx.liO.
All of the above are exactly like the normal
eggs in regard to coloration.

.s. I!. Iiiiierxiill.

24

ORNITllULOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 2

A Crazy Bluebird.

One nioniiiif; last spring early in May, as I
entered a building used as a storeroom, I ob-
served a little bird dashing itself violently
against the south window outside. Investiga-
tion showed it to be a female Bluebird whieli
had a nest in a little bird-house that I bad
plaeed upon an adjoining building for their
speeial use.

1 had observed her only a few days pre-
viously carrying materials for the nest into it,
and supposed there were probably eggs depos-
ited before this time. Hut there now was the
little bird dashing herself over and over again
against the i)anes till she would fall from sheer
e.fhaustion upon tlie sill below. Shortly aftei',
on again entering the room, I observed that
she was still there repeating the same mau-
fenvres that had at fir»t attracted my attention.
and only flying away to a branch nean by as I
came very near to the place. These singular
movements excited my curiosity to discover
the cause of the strange fascination which
seemed to lure the little bird to the spot, and
I carefully scanned the surroundings. The
only probable thing that I discovered was a
portly spider swinging in bis web before the
inside of the window. To save the bird fur-
ther trouble I brushed Ihe spider and all his
belongings from before the window and retired
from the room.

An hour later, tlie suli.jei-t having entii'cly
passed from my mind, as 1 was passing by
that side of the building, on casting my eyes
toward the window I saw tliat the little lilue-
l)ird was again there dashing herself as before
with viidcnce against the glass. 1 stopped a
short distance away, and watched with ninch
interest as she continued her movements, and
finally drawing near to her she flew to the toj)
of a small step-hiddyr standing near, from
wiience ;ifler a few moments' quiet she ag:iin
tlew swiftly and violently against the window,
thittering from side to side as she slowly
dropped upon the sill and sat wiih glaring-
eyes and drooping wings, and body heaving
and panting with tlie great exertion.

The male bird was perched on an adjacent
spray locdting im these demonstrations with
apparently the same curiosity and surprise
that moved me. Occasionally he would warble
some of bis sweetest notes as if to attract the
attention of his distracted partner, but which
elicited from her no response. I went to the
spot and drove the birds away with noise and

violence, but on returning within an hour I
found the pair in the sanu! places, the female
still performing the same evolutions. I then
obtained a large curtain and covered the
window on the outside and thus closed the
strange scene temporaiily. A storm the fol-
lowing night, however, tore away my curtain,
and the next day found my bird again there,
dashing herself against the window as
before.

A close curtain placed on the inside of the
window seemed to have no material (dTect.
Day after day and week after week this same
scene was re-enacted on the some spot. I
made it a point to drive them away from
thence with noisy demonstrations whenever
convenient, and she would usually, when so
frightened away, retire to her nest and renew
her neglected duties of incubati(ni.

One experiment which I tried to drive the
bird away from the windows had an amusing
result. I had a Cooper's Hawk stuffed and
mounted in such a scientific manner that it
struck terror to the heart of the old speckled
hen when she found it set in the garden where
she liked to march her brood and scratch
among the vegetables. Aha! thought I, I
have it; and I placed the Arclpiter just inside
the window, but it seemed in no wise to divert
the attention of the Hluebiid. I then laiiied
it outside and secured it to tlie sill. Imagine
my surprise a little later to find the Hluebird
perched on the Hawk's head! I put up a
ladder and peeped into the nest one day when
the bird was away and saw that there were
two eggs in it, and supposing the set was
incomplete I looked again a few days later but
found that no additions had been made to the
number.

For more than a month, under my daily cdi-
servations, the bird would spend a period of
each day at that window, sometimes longer
am) sometimes shorter, beating herself against
it or, when completely exhausted with her
efforts, perch on the window sill and glare
within, for there was a look of wildness about
her eyes when so engaged that no other word
seems so fittingly to e.xi)iess, .and when fright-
ened away and the spell broken she would
retire at once to her nest.

As the month of June wore away I observed
that the enchantment seemed in some measure
withdrawn, remembered, however, by an occas-
ional visit to the window and apparent critical
inspection. I also soon discovered that the
nest which had so long been her care was
abaniloncd, and about the first of .Inly I

Feb. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

25

notioed that the birds liad taken possession of a
bird-liouse put up on another house a sliort
distance away, and were building a new nest.
The fascination of that soutli window was
broken, and I saw tlie birds tliere no more.

But one morning about tlie middle of July I
was awakened about sunrise by a very distinct
tap-iap-tnp on one of the windows of the hall
adjoining my sleeping chamber, and after a
short interval the rapping was repeated again
several times. The next morning at about the
same hour I was again startled by a similar
rapjjing on the same window. I thought of
Poe's Raven, and at last let my curiosity rouse
me to an investigation of the cause of the dis-
turbance. I was a little surprised to find that
it was my Bluebird with the old glare in her
eyes, perched on the sill, occasionally flutter-
ing against the panes, then pausing and peck-
ing against the glass with her beak and causing
the rapping that had at first attracted my
attention. During the few following weeks
similar demonstrations were a daily occurrence
at about; the same early morning hour, but not
continued through the day as before, .\bout
this time I inspected the new nest and found
a brood of four callow young, all of which
were successfully reared to maturity.

A short time ago, as I was in my yard one
mild day after a long spell of wind and snow
auil cold, 1 was made aware of the presence of
a number of birds in the immediate vicinity,
skipping among the leafless boughs of tlie
apple trees or on the evergreens near at hand.
Xunilx'rs of Myrtle Warblers, a pair of White-
bellied Nuthatches, another of Golden-crowned
Kinglets, and among the rest three Bluebirds.
As I was watching these they came to the
building under the cornice of which still de-
pended the little bird-house where in the
spring was the first home of the Bluebirds, as
related above, and shortly one of the birds
descended to, and perched in the entrance and
gazed down with great apparent interest into,
the old nest of last spring. This manoeuvre
was repeated three times by the birds before
they followed the flight of the departing Hock,
when 1 with a little curiosity climbed up and
looked into the olil nest. It appeared exactly
as on the occasion of my former visit last May,
and the two little blue eggs still lay side by
side within, and they lie there now.

John X. Chirk.
Savltrook, Conn.

No ornithologist should be witliout the
O. & O. Only * 1.00 a yeai-.

That Clangula.

An explanation, — to the public; an apology,
— to Dr. Coues; a plea, — for myself:

In the Jan. O. & O. appeared a note entitled
"Probable Addition to the Avifauna of Kan-
sas," in which effort was made to prove that a
young male Barrow's Golden-eye had been
recently taken in the Mosho Valley, the first
representative of its sub-species taken in the
state. In justice to Dr. Coues the readers of
O. & O. should note the caution with which
he properly spoke; and in justice to the read-
ers let it be known that Dr. Coues, — as also
Col. Goss, of Topeka, — pronounces the bird,
upon examination, to be nothing more illus-
trious than the common [ilaucium. In justice
to myself let there be lead an extract from a
late letter under the doctor's hand: "I admit
that the specimen is somewhat equivocal, sug-
gesting (-'. inlandica.

But perhai)s I may be allowed to say that 1
based my own judgment as to the classification
of the specimen in cp;estion entirely upon Dr.
Coues' own differentiation, as given in his
"Key, etc." He notes the head of V. ijlaii-
cium as being "moderately uniformly pufl'y";
and that of C. islnndica as having a slight
frontal and occipital crest. Now the Mosho
Valley, Dec. 1890, bird has a dislincihj marh-i tl
crest, on front and on orciimt. I leave it then
to the unbiased judgment of all candid orni-
thologists whether or no I should be consid-
ered as having boyishly junijied at a conclusion
in taking a contemporary classic in ornithol-
ogy entirely at its word. If, by my hasty
publishing of the note, I have in any way
compromised Dr. Coues, through the implica-
tion of his name, I hereby tender him my

sincere and humble apology.

P. B. Pi'ohoil,/.

Nesting of the Cedar Waxwing at
Raleigh, N. C.

Our first and, so far, only set of eggs of the
above species was taken at Kaleigh, .lune 13,
1890. The nest was large, and made of weed
stems and heads, lined with finer weed stems
and grass, and had a few dead twigs outside.
The nest was built among the brush at the end
of a pine limb and was forty-eight feet from the
ground, and about eight feet from the trunk.
It contained five eggs. The female was on the
nest, and the nest had been found originally
by watching the birds building.

(J. S. Jiriniliy.

26

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vul. 16-No.

Eggs of the Great Northern Diver.

Last Slimmer 1 collected two sets of o<;}js of
tlie (ireat Noitliern Diver. While e.xamiiiiiij;
tliem I noticed that one egg was considerably
darker and had more spots than the other egg
of the same set. Also that it was longer and
more slender than the other. I remarked this
to our old guide, who can easily remember the
time when that region (Ontario, Canada) was
a wilderness, and whose sharp eye notliing es-
capes, and was told by him that in every set
of Loon's eggs one egg was darker than the
otlier, and tliat the dark egg always contained
a male bird ai;d tlie light egg a female bird.
He said tliat this was his experience with
every set of Loon's eggs he had ever observed.
'J'here is no doubt that lie has observed a good
many in his time. Ujjon looking at the other
set I noticed the same thing. Is there any-
thing in this theory ? II. L. lieinJcl.

[Did the sharp-eyed old guide camp out by
every set of Loon's eggs lie found and watch
them hatch? If not bow did he get liis
"facts'"? — /. P. N.]

Nesting of the Black Rail at Raleigh,
N. C.

On May il. 1S!»0, a colored boy, wlio with his
fatlier had been nujwing hay in tlie marsliy
meadows near Italeigh, and who not infre-
quently brought us rice field m\t:e(Oryz(iiiiys pa-
hmtrix) and sometimes a set of King liail,
brought us two eggs which he said lie took
from a nest he mowed into before seeing it.
There were five eggs in the nest but three
were broken and only two uninjured.

The nest was on the ground in the wet
meadow, and was made of grass, something
like a rat's nest, he said. On ((uestiouing him
as to whether he saw any bird, he said there
was a small bird about the size of a Catbird
running about on the ground near the nest and
making a fuss. The bird was like the big
Marsh liens (King Kail) except in size and be-
ing blackisli in color. These eggs were witli
the above information submitted to ('apt. C.
E. Bendire, United States Natural Museum,
who informed us there could be little doubt
tliey were eggs of the Black Kail (Purziiud
juiiuilcenfia).

The nest was in a wet meadow interspersed
with pools of water, anil one third or more
always covered with wiitcr, the water being-

over a foot deep in a considerable jjortion of
it. The meadow is edged by thickets and
marsh on one side and altogether was well
adapted for IJails and other marsh birds.

<'. S. liillliUlJ.
Raleigli. N- C.

Hawks' Nests.

I have read with great interest the article in
the .Tanuary number of the O. * O. by ,J. I'. N.
on the series of Ked-shouldered Hawk, which
there he lias so finely described: and whenever
I read an article on this family of birds it
arouses an interest in me, as I have had quite
an experience in collecting eggs of this species,
and also of the Ked-tail and Cooper's Hawk,
and so perhaps a little of my exjierience .along
with the rest would ilo no harm.

It hi\s often occurred to nie how it could be
possible for a bird to become so attached to
its old home. I know of a single jiair of Ked-
tail Hawks near my old home in the coiniti'y
where for eight years in succession I have
taken from them a set of eg^s, and from three
out of the eight nests I took two sets each
year, making a total of eleven sets in eight
years, .and still they stick to the same piece of
woods, and in no case so far have they varied
more than ,a (piarter of a mile in the localion
of their nests.

I cannot help but exjiect each year when I
visit the woods to find that they have left for
some other jilace where they can raise their
brood in peace, but of late I have made it a
practice to take one set only from them during
a season, and let them raise the second in
peace.

During my short experience in collecting
eggs I have taken upwards of fifty sets of the
three above-named species, and sixty jier cent
of that number have been eggs of the I!ed-
shouldered Hawk.

On April 17, 18!)0, I was out collecting and
took six sets of the lied-shouldered Hawk.
Four sets contained four eggs each, and two
contained three. My experience in years past
has been that three is the full complement of
a set, but of last season's collecting nearly all
contained four. Tbeie surely is, as Mr. Norris
says, a striking resemblance in the eggs laid
by the same pair of birds, year after year, and
if I am successful during the coming season
will try to add my mite with the rest to find
out more and more about our birds.

//. ir. 7j(c»-.<.

Kriilf^eimrt. Conii.

FEn. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

27

Nesting of the Flammulated Screech
Owl.

As but little is known of the nesting habits
of the Flammulated Screech Owl (Meyaacops
Jianimeolus) probably a statement of my ex-
perience with these little beauties will be ac-
ceptable to readers of the O. & O.

On .lune •2d of last year I found this bird
breedius in the mountains of Colorado at
about 10,000 feet elevation. The eggs were
placed in a dead asp tree in an old Wood-
pecker's excavation about ten feet high. They
were tliree in number and quite fresh. The
female was sitting on them, and I had
to remove her by force, but not until she
had destroyed one egg and badly damaged one
of the others, so tenaciously did she cling to
them. The eggs were white and measured
l.i-i X 1. 00 and l.lfi x 1.00.

On .lune 4th I discovered another nest of
Jiammetiliis very similarly situated, about a mile
from the former site. This contained two
eggs and also one egg of the Red-sliafted
Flicker — all quite fresh. As before, the old
bird had to be taken off the eggs. I used the
greatest care but one egg got damaged in the
operation.

These eggs were deposited on the material of
an old squirrel's nest and also a few Flicker's
tealhers. This also was in a dead asp
tree, eiglit feet high, while in the same
tree was a nest of young Flickers si.x feet
above. These eggs were also wliite, and
measured 1.20x 1.01 and 1.21 x 1.02.

On June 20th I found a third nest at a much
lower altitude (about 8,0^^0 feet). This was
placed in a pine tree in an old Woodpecker
hole about fourteen feet from the ground.
This time the old bird flew off and sat on a
limb very near until I had safely secured the
four fresh eggs, which wore deposited on a
few feathers of the parent bird. In each case
tiie eggs were placed ten or twelve inches below
the aperture. I captured the old bird in each
case, which proved to be the females, and in
neither instance did 1 see the old male bird,
and I believe they are entirely nocturnal in
their movements, and consequently rarely
seen. These eggs were creamy white and
measured 1.14 x 1.02; 1.10x1.00; 1.10x1.01 and
1.12 X. 99.

All these nesting sites were in dark ravine.s,
and near water. The stomachs of the two
first were empty, but the third contained the
I'emains of some small rodents. I sent
the skins to Mr. Wm. Brewster at his solicita-

tion, and he tells me the plumage differs con-
siderably from the material he had at hand,
and they may prove to be something new.

Will. G. Smith.
Lovelaiul, Colorado.

Nesting of Henslow's Sparrow at
Stephentown, New York.

Perhaps it will interest some of the
readers of the O. & O. to know that during the
past season (l.sflO) I found Henslow's Sparrow
(AimitmlraiHux henaloiril) nesting here in this
pleasant valley, close to the border of the
Berkshire Hills.

I found the nest on the morning of May
17th while crossing one of the old low land
meadows. It was sunken in the ground flush
with the surface, and admirably concealed by
tlie thick mat of old and new grass which
covered the meadow bottom. It was a well
built structure composed of coarse and fine
grasses, a smill quantity of horse hair used in
the lining. Diameter inside two inches, di-
ameter outside tliree and a half inches, depth
one and three-quarter inches. It contained
three fresh eggs, which was the full set in
this case, as I left them undisturbed until the
21st and no more were laid. They aie of a
decided greenish-white in ground color
speckled and blotched with several shades of
brown, also lilac and lavender, thickest at the
larger end where the markings nearly obscure
the ground color. lii'iij'iiinn Ilaaii.

Jamestowu, X. Y.

Nesting of the Broad-winged Hawk
at Raleigh, N.C.

On April 2.5, 1890, my brother found a nest
of this species and took therefrom a set of tw'O
eggs. The nest was thirty-eight feet up in
the top of a tall, thin pine, and was a very
rougli, untidy structure of dead sticks, lined
with a double handful of rough pieces of pine
bark. The old bird was flushed from the nest
and whistled somewhat on leaving it.

When the Broadwings arrived this year they
were very noisy, but later, when they had
apparently got to work nest^building, they
became entirely silent except when disturbed.

<'. S. Brimley.

Raleigh, N. ('.

•28

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vul. 16-No. 2

An Unexpected Fall.

A naturalist's life is full of advi-utuii's,
some aiiiusiny, some by no means so, and
some amusing to everybody but the one liaving
them. About everybody knows that our wild
plum tree (Pniniis amtricana. Marsh) is tliickly
covered with thorns, some of them more or
less branching, and they may also know that
the dead branches are apt to be brittle. Be-
cause of its thorny character this tree is a
favorite nesting place for a number of species
of birds, among which are tlie Great Northern
Shrike (Laiiiiix 'loccoij.s-, Vieill) wliicli liangs its
"game" upon these thorns as a butcher hangs
up meat; the Black-bille<l Cuckoo (Cocryzus
erythropldlialinus,Vfi]ii. ) and the Mourning Dove
(Zenaifliira macroura, Linn.). Well, the adven-
ture I have to relate is connected with the last
named species.

Some sixty rods from my house a large
branching wild plum tree leans out over Point
Creek. One day 1 spied a Mourning Dove's
nest some twelve feet up in thi.s tree and de-
termined to examine it, so I clambered up
throiigli those thorny branches which sharply
and continuously reminded me of tlieir ])res-
ence, — still I took my own time ingoinguji. I
reached the nest safely and was looking at the
eggs when suddenly the branch upon which I
was standing broke with a crash, and down I
went, the thorns pricking and scratching me
until I had passed the lowest Ijranch, after
which I speedily descended feet foremost into
the swift moving but at this point shallow
waters of Point Creek, a fountain of water
rising about me nearly level with my head.
To add to my discomfiture I soon heard the
loud, lioarse laugh nf he who was then my
next door neighbor, who was lishing some
fifteen rods below. lie told mo afterwards
that he waited until he saw I was notserion.sly
hurt befoie laughing, but when he did begin
he made things ring for some distance around,
and it was some time before I heard the last
of that tumble. Wilfred A. Jimllicrloii.

Kiichesti-r. Mii-h.

Late Nesting of the Wood Pewee.

On August :!, l.'!i)0, I found a nest of the
Wood Pewee, containing three young birds
that were just hatched, which I think is the

latest nesting of this .species that has ever
come under my observation. The nest was
situated on a limb of an apple ti'ee in my or-
chard near the house, where T had an abun-
dance of opportunity to observe them daily,
where they remained mitil long after all other
birds of their kind had dcjiarted for the .south,
apparently waiting for the young bii-ds to
become fully fledged and strong enough to
stand the journey of migration.

James 11. I'tirdij.
I'lvmontli, Wayne Co.. Mich.. .I;iii. 'Jx, Mi'.n.

New Publications.

Messrs. II. Y. Benedict and Charles D.
Oldright of Austin, Texas, are engaged in the
preparation of a complete catalogue of the
birds of Texas. This work is much more
ditficult than perhaps any other state catalogue,
not only by reason of the greater area of the
territory, but also because of its varied and
peculiar topographic asjiect conjoined with its
intermediate geograi)l)ical jiosition with re-
spect to eastern and wcstem, tro])ical and
nearctic, littoral, campestrian and even aljiine
fauna;. The literatuie of the s- object is
rather scanty and some of the records are
questionable.

A number of the ornithologists of Texas
have promised lists of their localities and full
notes. To make the work a complete success,
however, in showing our present knowledge of
the distribution of birds in Texas, the authors
need and most earnestly request the co-opera-
tion of every one who can furnish unpublished
information on the subject.

The local lists at present published (of
about sixteen counties) leave several consider-
able gaiis particularly in the noitheast, the
extreme west and the ni>rthwest jiortions of
the state.

We can imagine the mirthful glee of the
authors when they are tracing the lines of
"inosculation" of the habits of some slightly
marked varieties such as Melo.tplza fasclata
and M. f. iikiiiIiidh and that s])riglitly trio
JiDira liyeiualls. J. li. orcr/oiiH.s' and ,/. b.
siiiiifeldtil.

The catalogue will be published during the
year 181I2, and will apjiear under the aus-
pices of the ITniversity of Texas. The au-_
thors nia,y be addressed at the Hniversity,
Austin.

Feb. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

29

ORNITHOLOGIST^OOLOGIST

A .^lontbly M;igazine of

NATURAL HISTORY,

ESPECIALLY DEVUTED TO THE STl'DY OF

THEIR NESTS AX]> E(i(iS,

ami to the

INTERESTS OF NATURALISTS

I'lHlei- the Eclitciii:il Management of

FRANK H. WEHSTER,
J. I'AKKEIl NURUIS,
FRANK A. HATES,

Hytle Tark, Mass.

I'hihideliihia. I'a.

lioston, Mass.

I'CBLISIIED AT

FRANK B. WEBSTER'S

ji r s E r M

AM)

NATURALISTS' SUPPLY DLPOT.
HvDB Pakk, Mass., U. S. A.

The O. & O. is mailed each issue to every paid sub-
scriber. If you fail to receive it, notify us.

EditoriaL

With tliis issue tlie (). & O. passes fidin our
liauils as a private enterprise. It lias been
ODnducted as a siile issue, devoting what lim-
ited time we have been able to give it. To
maintain an independent position has been
our aim, and we flatter ourselves our readers
have not failed to recognize our code. While
the general editorship will not be changed,
others will fire the b<rilors and man the guns:
when there is a target a shot will Ije tired.
The O. iV () will more than ever represent the
naturalists of tlie country regardless of atlilia-
tion. The day has passed for unwarrantable
dictation from mutual admiration societies, who
see nothing wise, good or valuable that does not
emanate from their charmed circles. We shall
in the future as in the past stand ready to
recognize any effort to advam e the knowledge
of nature and to use our utmost enileavors to
assist in any legitimate search for that knowl-
edge. We hope in the future, .as it h.as been
our pleasure in the past, to be considered the
particular friend of the hard working field
naturalist, those who are just beginning the
fascinating study, and of those who, while de-
barred from active field work, are yet study-
ing intnre foi- what flu-y may really liud.

rather than what personal notoriety they may
be able to make out of it. We never have
been ready to acknowledge, nor do we think
we ever tnay be convinced to the contrary,
that the study of nature should be made in
any other way than a cordial co-operation of
labor, of interchange of experiences and views,
and witli but the single idea of advancement
of knowledgi'; but we are unutterably opposed
to any enshroudment of grips, passwords, etc.,
or what is akin to it, star chamber councils,
by a select few; nor do we believe the plain,
every-day naturalist, who is doing as he always
has the absolute work afield, will find fault
with us. We wish to extend our thanks, for
the cordial assistance given us in the past, to
our many contributors and subscribers, and
we will guarantee that in the future conduct
of the O. & O. everything will be done to
make the publication attractive and \alnable.

Correction.

In some unaccountable maimer, in the .laii-
uary number in the list of " Familiar New
England Birds in Alabama" by " F. E. C."
"someone blundered" either in the office or at
the printer's, but we will lay the blame at the

door of the d 1 or "cat." The title should

have been "Familiar New England Birds in
LoulKiana.'' These errors are provoking, and
sometimes will occur even under the closest
scrutiny. However, we congratulate ourselves
that we are not called upon to make an apol-
ogy to our contributors very often fi>r such
remissness.

Brief Notes.

The inside coterie of the A. O. U. just now
seem to be engaged in a game of Tiddledy-
winks, seeing who can juinj) the most names
in the new list. An old friend of (Uirs, one in
the sere and yellow of ornithological as well
as physical age, who called into our sanctum a
while ago in his suffering, prayerfully and
pilifully asked, "How long, () Lord, how
long?" The Lord may answer him, but we
know of no one else who would dare to predict
the time when his sufferings would end.

The meanest, most despicable trait in human
nature is that of uuderhandedness, and one
that is resorted to by very few even in the
busy, crowded marts of the commercial world.
To start a story of the unreliability of a collec-
tor and not have the inauhoo<l to let him know
of the charge, giving him an opportunity lo
explain or refute, is the act of a moral coward,
and ofti'iitimes if the object is carefully

30

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 2

seaiclied for will be found to be that of a ilis-
hoiiest one. Collectors have suffered uuich
heretofore from this method, and their coUec-
tiou.s sold at ruinous I'ates, in cases boujiht in
by ayents of these same contemptible curs.

We look forward anxiously and with jileas-
ure to C. C. JIaxticld's Sriiil-<(niiHal, of which
our readers have liad notice in our advertising
columns.

The Mtoisiichuxi'ttf Phiuiiliiiiitn (Uoston) in a
recent edition conlains an article on tlje tiipsy
Moth, a subject of considerable interest to its
readers. Tne state diiiinj^ the past year bas
been at a gieat expense in efforts to exferniin-
ato the pest, which bids fair if not checdicd to
produce great havoc in our orchards and
forests.

The ftipsy Motb committee, in common
wilh its contemporary, the F'isli and Game
(Nimmission, set'in to liave devoted their time
to making a picnic of tlieir work, and added
to tliis tliey seem to have been employed in
linhig their own pockets with the state fun<ls.
Incompetency, it seems, can be readily over-
looked, but when we bleed the poeUets we
wake n|) the victim. Our new governor evi-
dently bas bis eyes open, rerbaps the next
tiling he will see will be our frii-nth. 'J'hey
have surely been ecident enough.

By the way, .Maynard's Coast .Lay stands as
good a species as quite ii number of otiicrs,
and we are daily expecting to hear from Mr.
Maynard, replying to tlie snub given him in
the mitter. Form a circle, gentlemen, and
let them have it out publicly. All will guar-
antee tlie decision will not be rendered before
the evidence is presented.

Charlie (ioodale, formerly on Sudbury street,
Boston, although largely engaged in the man-
ufacture of his handsome cork wood bric-a-
brac, still (iannot resist the longings to work
over a bird or mammal, .and is d"ing quiti' a
little very nice work for bis old customers.

Ciusli and sentiment do not even stop at
decrying the alleviation of human sulT'ering.
We see the medic d profession has thouu'ht it
necessary to defend tlieir .action in sacritiring
a. litHe cur dog's leg to make a sound mendier
for little suffering .lohnny Uletliins. Tlie same
class of adilled-jiated sentimentalists are trying
to get a law passed in .Massachusetts compel-
ling dogs to be muzzled the year round. Would
that a. law could be jiassed to i/fi;/ these fellows
or lock them inside of an idiotic asylum.

Uf. was an jpstlietio ynniip: fellow
W'lm I:iiif::lie(i iii a Iniic vcrv iili-Dow.

He joincil the A. (l r ,

With a treniendniis ailn.
And now l\t is swell, swelled and swoller.

The largest order ever placed at one time
by an American house for insect pins w,as
made recently. It was for l,.")r)li,OIMl. Tb.ere
will be a powerful amount <if sticking in
the season of l.'iyi.

Tbere probably is no man better known to
American naturalists from tlie Lakes to the
fiiilf or from Maine lo the I'acilic tli.in I'rof.
.loseph H. Batty of New York, aiitbiu- of

"Batty's Taxidermy," and "How to Hunt
and Trap." Prof. Batty is an indefatigable
worker both in the field and out. It is a treat
to hear his descriptions of his travels as he
bustles about, working like a beaver at the
same time. Long after midnight he may be
found busily engaged: an hour lU' two of rest
on a couch suHices him, and daylight finds him
still bustling. He still longs for the field, and
a stereotyped exinession generally ends up
each story of "well, now you bet! just as
quick as I get over this little rush I'm off there
once more, will you go?" His is an exanqile
of determined enterprise which deserves, as it
will undoubtedly receive, eminent success.

Way down in Portland, Maine, ascending a
stairway and entcriiig a i oom for the first time,
how familiar it looksl The same old story of
owls, ducks, beads, etc., and the peculiar
characteristics of a taxidermist's establish-
ment. As we w.ait for the ]iroprielor to come
in we glance about and spy a young male King
Ei<lei- finely mounted, and as usual, (lesjiile our
good resolutions, liieakoneof the comn.aiid-
nients of the decalogue. By-aud-by, a tall,
spare, dark, keen-eyed man ap])ears, glances
at us for a moment, and then with a " Well,
well, I declare, where on earth did you come
from" grasps our hand with a giiji that makes
eveiy bone ciinge. and Line Daniels, natural-
ist, guide, trapper and taxiilermist, whoi-c
home fiu' years has been in llie woods, is befoie
us. It was but a moment before a backvvood's
eainpfire was held, and while the breaking up
of a hard winter was having full sway out of
doors the good cheer of the host made all
merry, and yarns and yarns were si)uii, until
the wee sma" hours were close at hand. We.
however, discovered that it was not really safe
to catechise Line very much about a <'erlain
Texan steer scrape be bail in Portland, and we
w.arii visit(U's not to mention it, although we
will tell you beforehaMd. Line says he "killed
the steer."

Messrs. .lames T. Cl.ark and Lewy Barrett
made a trip to the modern Sodom recently.
They left with fire in their eyes, and ninr<ler
(of art) in tlieir hearts, butaimed withnolhiiig
moil' formidable than camera and iieneil.
They rejioit that they visited m.any of the
taxidermists and the American Museum and
came home with gli>wing accounts of the
courteous treatment they received from all
quarters, and disjilayed many excellent photos
from the park. The uniform kinilness ex-
tended by the officers .and euratin'S cif the
American .Museum to all visitors makes a tri])
there exceedingly pleasant.

Took set of (ireat Horned Owls, %, Feb. 18,
1801 (on time). M. H. Mills, Mac<m. Mich.

Set of Great Horned Owls taken in Beading,
Mass. , Feb. 22.

Still they come. Another set of (ireat
Horned Owls from Plymouth, JIass. ; only one
egg this time. Taken from the Bloody Pimd
coujile. " 'V'e editor" rnrrdtlci} that herd in
ISSS, and his whilom com]ianiim scooped a set
of two. Could not find (hem in "S!) and lost
them in 'llo.

Feb. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

31

In looking over tlie description of the large
series of eggs of tlie Red-slioulderetl Ilawlv, in
the January number, I came to tlie conclusion
that I had a set of eggs of tliat bird wliicli
were of different coloration from any tliere
mentioned, which I will describe as folh)\vs:
April 18, ISS'J. East Windsor, C't. Collected
by U. Lord. Ohl nest in crotch of black oak,
seventy feet up. Two eggs, incubation com-
menced. Very pretty, Xo. 1 being of a rich
cream color, spotted all over tlie entire surface
with lilac, except a few spots of fawn coloi-.
No. 2 is white, with a delicate creamy tint,
spotted .all over witli lavender-gray and brown,
and h.aviiig also .a number of spots of crushed
strawberry color. B. Lord.

As the passengers were waiting for an early
train their attention was attracted to a commo-
tion in au electric liglit globe. Two English
Sparrows engaged in mortal (i*) combat.
For a few minutes so rapid were tlieir move-
ments tliat it was difficult to surmise whicli
was tlie mister. Over and under tliey twisted
ami squirmed; tiiially one weakened, and then
w.as displayed tlie most vicii>ns disposition
that we have ever observed in bird life. The
stronger caught tlie weaker by the neck and
shoolv it, beating its head against the glass,
never for an instant relaxing its lioUl. Tims
it continued till utterly exhausted. The ob-
servers were nearly fr.antic with sympathy
and powerless to help. It was simply a bull-
dog affair. Finally nature was exhausted; the
victor dropped the apparently lifeless object
of its wrath, and after pluming its somewhat
dilapidated covering with difficulty fluttered
to the opening, waited a minute and Hew olf.
Some tliiee minutes after the other bird
showed a sign of recovering, and when the
train came into the station it was able to
regain its feet. Hyde Park.

Delos Hatch, Oakticld, Miss., writes: " Have
had a tine mild winter so far; has snowed all
day; still snowing, (Feb. It!); the most now we
have had, two inches. .Ian. 9, saw a Meadow
Lark; again the iL'th. Feb. l.i, a large Gnll."

A. H. Ileline writes us that probably not
less thon 200 Snowy Owls have been killed on
Long Island during the lecent flight.

A large flock of robins was seen on .Tan. 1.'^,
at Newton, Mass.

Robins (.V, iiiiijrat'irin) were noted at Hali-
fax, N. S., on the following cl.ates: .Ian. ">, l.sill,
one bird; .Ian. 10, one bird; .Ian. 27, a flock of
ab lilt eight: .Ian. 28, two birds; and .Ian. 2'.t,
two birds. Harry Pier.s.

Great Horned Owls are about as scarce in
this section as the Snowy Owls are plenty.

.lames Vick, of Rochester, N. Y., as usual is
sending out his annual Floral Guide.

Fletcher M. Noe h.as issued an illustrated
catalogue of Indian relics, etc.

We have referred in a previous number to
the drawings of .V. H. Verrill. Parties who
reipiire assistance in that line should imt
overlook his advertisement.

The November issue of the OiiNrnioi.oGisT
AND Ooi.OGisT contains a good portrait of the
editor and publisher, Mr. Frank B. Webster,
and an engraving of his gaily adorned head-
quarters, at Hyde Park, Mass., as seen from
the Old Colony Railro.ad. Mr. Webster is a
" Pawtucket boy," and as a taxidermist has
no superior. His magazine is the best of its
class in the world, and those interested in the
matters it is devoted to would do well to write
Mr. Webster at 40!l Washington street, Boston.
The number .alluded to in this article also has
■an interesting history of the rise and jnogrefs
of Mr. VV"ebstei"s large business. — [(iazette and
Chronicle, Pawtinket, R. I.

.lolin C. Cahoon intends remaining in New-
foundland another year. He is now trapping.
Parties who desire mannnals from that local-
ity, by communicating w itli us at once, may be
able to obtain them.

Lewy Barrett has recently handed us a
.selected lot of bird skins that he collected
personally during his trip to Mexico, winter of
'H'.K They show great care in worknianshi]),
and many of them are new to ns. We liiqie
the day is not far distant when onr list will
include all from the Isthmus north.

And now another White Ciow' comes in
from the Lexington, Mass., locality. This
last one is the best feathered one that we have
yet obtained. Our readers will remember that
this has been nearly a yearly occurrence.
Tlieri^ is no doubt but that one is brcil each
year, the parent binl esiaping while the ]irom-
inence of the otTspring proving fatal.

Boston Market. — During the past winter
an unusual amount of snow has fallen in this
locality. Eastern Massachrsctls; and at this
writing, .March 1, we are having a severe bliz-
zard. We have not received any Pine Gros-
beaks, Snow Buntings, Crossbills or Redpolls,
a little unusual. Visits to the Boston game
market are not as satisfactory as at former
times. A few ye.ars since we received more
hawks than we could disjiose of; to-day the
locker is empty. Short-eared Owls have been
received in the usual numbers, while Barred,
Great Horned, Hawk, Richardson's, Screech
and Saw-whets are scarce. Eider Ducks, of
course, are plenty. A day or two since we
examined two barrels full, shot by a Somer-
ville party ,at N.antucket. Saw them by the
thousands, is what they all s.ay. Wood Ducks
are .scarce. The day will soon come when
they will be a luxury to the taxidermist.
Miirres, Grebe. Guillemots and the Scoters still
appear in quantity. Now and then are seen
the Hooded Mergan.ser, Snow Goose and Swan.
A number of cases of the Lesser Prairie Hen
were exposed, but unfortunately but few were
in condition to preserve. Wild Pigeon are
evidently plenty in the f.ar west, judging from
the quantity exposed for sale. In order to
pack closely the wings and tails are |ilucked,
so there is no chance to secure their jackets.
This has been a great quail year, jirices rang-
ing from $2 to $:i per dozen. Deer, bear, coon,
'possum and jack r.abbits are seen at every
stall. A few dilapidated wild turkey still

32

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No.

come in. We think, on the whole, tliat the
market is feeling the e'ifects of the laws pre-
venting the shipment of game.

Correspondence.

EMor nf O. .1- O. ;

The work that the League of Massachusetts
Ornithologists did last fall through your
columns, was another step in the right direc-
tion, and I can see that they had not forgotten
their promise of the year before, that they
would keep hammering until they made an
impression. I do not know whether they
claim a "dent" or not, but surely the ticket
which they advocated (Kussell and Haile) was
elected, and if they were not the cause there-
for, they surely helped, — every little helps,
you know, — and I think tliat you had- a good
right to hoist the "rooster" for them and
crow a little. Perhaps the peojile who
have aspirations toward the seats beneath the
gilded douu^ (they will never get behin<l the
golden gales unless they change their
plan of action) will learn sometime that the
old fable of the mouse and the elephant has as
much of a moral to-day as it ever had, and
that a worrying dog can sometimes accomplish
more than a stronger one, who docs not nndcr-
stand his comparative weakness.

The political tactics, from time immemorial,
have been to freeze to those who could be
of the most benefit to them, regardless of
whether the cause that they -esjjoused was
just or not if they could only swaji inthicncc
on equal terms.

The marketmen g'lt their wishes listened to,
because, you know, it would nev<'r do to shut
off any of the season when dui- candi<lates for
office wanted to give a game supper at the be-
ginning of the campaign, and could not get
(jnail and grouse because they were under ban,
regardless of the fact that (piail are often too
small to be of any use even on Kov. 1st, and
young grouse are hardly large enough to make
a decent target. But dear me, that touches
the veiy marrow of the sportsman, too, he
would lose all that delightful shooting in the
first weeks in Octob(!r; and vacation time
could be over and there woidd be no time to
shoot; and the season would commence so
late that it would be too cold to do any shoot-
ing before one got hardly broken in; and they
could not get both uphinil and shore shooting
if the season was so short, and so the season
was opened a little earlier to accommodate
them.

But the poor naturalist, when is his open sea-
son '.' And the echoes answer, When ? I think
I hear some one say "the naturalist can get a
permit to shoot at any month in the year."
Well, can he ? The law says that he may, but
our most talented naturalists outside the se-
lect circle at Cambridge, have not got the
necessary "pull" to secure the permit, while
others who can hardly distinguish a Creeper
from a Woodpecker, and who would be utterly
unable to tell you where the sternum of a bird
was situated, flaunts his permit in the faces
of his less fortunate brethren and tells
them " that he can get a permit if he can't
dissect a bird." The real naturalist, there-
fore, rather than give up his favorite study,
must needs become a poacher and a law-
breaker, until the time shall come when he is
fortunate enough to be recognized at bis true
standard, and past misdemean(us are over-
looked, along with the fact th.at the great oak
must at some time be a sapling.

But you say the insectivorous biids must
be protected, (iranted, why did not the legis-
lative solons who formed our game laws re-
member that in its entirety. If they had been
naturalists they would have included the quail
and grouse and woodcock in that list, and
would not have left out the crows, hawks
and owls.

It is gratifying to see that the scientists ('.')
at the American JIuseum in Xew York have at
last had a little sense hammered into their
heads, and they are favoiing the ]irolection
of these last-named birds, but were the
former game birds (mark the wor<l, (ju>nc
birds) mentioned in that list? Not much.
That would pinch the toes of the sijortsmen
and there would be a great danger of some of
them being out of a situation; and yet can
anyone deny that these birds are not insectiv or-
ous, and are they not of benefit in ki e))ing
down the noxiiuis vermin whit'h devastate our
fields? Yet nothing is said about that.

It is a long lane that has lU) turning, and we
in this corner of the state think that the ham-
mering has proihiced an inipre.ssion. And we
hope that now that we have succeeded in get-
ting a man at the helm who does not hesitate
to do a thing when he thinks it is right, the
scale will be a little more equally adjusted.

(io on, you chaps who are running this little
magazine, you are helping on the good work
and yon are bound to win, if you stick to it.
Wishing you success and long life, 1 am

Yours fraternally,

/;.

ORNITHOLOGIST

-AND-

OOLOGIST.

$1.00 per
Annum.

PUBLISHED liY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

Established, March, 1875.

Single Copy
10 cents.

Vol. XVI.

HYDE PARK, MASS., MARCH, 1891.

No. 3.

Wanderings, No. jo.

TI{AMPIN(i IN TIIK WHITE MOUNTAINS.

Oil tlie morning of .June 26, 1890, after our
trip over 51 1. Kearsarge, we were little inclined
to a long tramp, and so turned our way, by
tlie aid of a buekboard, toward the foot of
the Moat Mountains, wbi<:li rose on the west-
eily side of the valley of the Saco. As we
rode out upon the bridge wliich spans the
river, we could look away up the valley and
see the cloud-capped peak of Mt. Washington,
lying directly in the liead of the valley, and
wo thought, "How soon we will be nearer to
yon," but we never reached its sides.

In front of us stood White Iloise Ledge,
world-famed for the strange conllguration of
rock ui)ou it.s steep and rugged side, wliicii at
certain points of view presents a stiangely per-
fect lignre of a, rearing horse, hitched to an
old-fashioned, higli dasher sleigh.

Our first point is Echo Lake, a luctty little
sheet of water with neither inlet or outlet,
— but well stocked with lish, — einbo.sonied in
a depression at the foot of the mountains, and
surrounded by beauliful groves.

liird life is scarce, nought but the cominon-
est forms being seen, and we turn away toward
Cathedral llocks, which loom up behind the
lake.

This is a stupendous clitf which rises up
peri)endicularly to a bcigbt of -100 feet, and
w.mdeil to its base by a line old growth, foiin-
ing a most beautiful, shady resort.

These i-lilTs and trees are peopled by the
birds in great numbers, and we started a
llarred Owl from its hiding-place, where he
was blinking aw.ay the bright, sunny hours,
and drove him forth to stand tlie assaults of
the smaller birds, who were soon heard making
life miserable for liini.

'I'laditiou has it lliat here breed the rare
" Ledge Hawks." or Peregrine Falcons, but we

failed to locate any place which could be
sworn to, and it is probable that they now
have deserted this place, though I have no
doubt that a few miles back in the mountains
they will be found.

At the foot of this ledge is a large cavity
known as the Devil's Den (what a ubiquitous
personage his Satanic majesty was; we find
his Dens, Foot-prints and Chairs all over the

VALLEY OF RIPLEY'S BROOK.

known world, and befoie I got out of the Den,
I was perfectly willing not to cpiestion any
rights which the original owner might hold
in it).

It is formed by rocks, weighing hundreds of
tons, which have fallen from the cliiTs over-
head, and overlapping have made this cavern,
in whose dark and dismal depths, lighted only
by our torches, we found, at this late date, ice
several inches in thickness, and one quite
large piece outside the cave, under a project-
ing ledge.

We came back here on the 1st of .July, and
found that some infernal fool had built a
fire inside the cavern, which had nearly
melted the ice away, thus destroying a very

CopyrtKht, 18.11, hy Fiiajjk B. Webster.

34

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 3

uiuisual natural curiosity, viz., ice on .July 4tli,
in that latitude and altitude.

It seems a pity that this beautiful world
should be encumbered by such cattle, who
tliink it smart to destroy all they can, or have
no care for othcr-s" comforts and pleasures. I
only wish that I knew the name of this vandal,
that 1 might hand it down to posterity with
ignominy attached to it, like the brand of the
Scarlet Letter.

Off we go again, and bring up at Diana's
Baths, a series of cascades mentioned in a
previous article. The pot-holes at this place
exhibit very striking forms, one being a very
good representation of a bath-tub, and one of
a very good shaped stocking, but if it was the
impression of Diana's hosiery I would prefer
not to have run the risk of her disple.asurc, as
she was reputed to be somewhat athletic iu
her tastes.

Another hole takes a very neaily round
form, eighteen inches deep and only eight
in diameter.

1 wish here to give the crows of North Con-
way the credit of the greatest sagacity which
I have ever seen exhibited by these most saga-
cious birds, since they allowed us to practise
on tliem with a Colt .4.5, at seventy-five yards,
and only jumped when the ball struck within
a few inches. They had app.arently "been
thei-e before, many a time."

The next morning, my companion, the pho-
tographer of the expeditifvn, Wni. H. Wilson
of JJoston, having anived on the scene, we
packed ourknapsacks, put up ourblack-tly killer
and boarded a train for farther up the Notch.

It was our original intention to have
ascended the valley of Dead or Mt. Washington
liiver, and make the ascent of the Monarch of
the Presidential range from that side, via the
river bed. But we found that several parties
had been through there with camera and rod,
and as our idea was to get some pictures where
that everlasting Appalachian Mountain Club
had not been, we turned the other way.

By the way, I am not paid to blow my bugle
for the Appalachian Mountain Club, but I want
to thank them right here for their excellent
habit of piling up monuments of rocks to
point out vague paths on the mountain sides;
they saved me some hard climbing, this year.
Long may they pile rocks to guide the wander-
ing footsteps of those who reap the fruits of
others" sowing.

But I need some monuments to keep me lui
the straight tr.ack.

Variovis incidents turned iilfairs so that we

got fired off the train at Avalanche Station,
near the old Willey Hou.se, the scene of the
well-known tragedy.

We stood for a moment watching the tail
end of the train as it sped up the track toward
the end where it closes in.

Below us was the same old Saco River of
numerous turnings and windings, and Ijeyond
it Mt. Webster reared its old bald head against
the sky.

We looked at Mts. Willard and Willey and
groaned at the steeij hill which lay befcne us,
and I inw.ardly wept as I thought of the hard-
tack and salt pork iu my knapsack, and my
mouth watered for some of Mrs. Na.sh's bis-
cuits and butter, and custard pie, and I wanted
togo back. But while we groaned, we strapped
on our packs, picked up our guns, and with a
native to put us on the right track started up
the slope.

We soon were on our proper path, and bade
our guide a long, lingering farewell; more
sad, because he was the first man whom I had
struck in New Hampshire who would not take
a "tip" for service rendered, and I feared he
would not live long, — he was too delicate for
that gall-bracing climate. I found his mate
when I came back. <Tod bless them! They
restored my faith in humanity. I h.ad begun
to think that I was only the creature of inifoi-
tunate circumstances.

We tramped along the top of the ridge which
separates the valley of the Saco from that of
the Pemigevvasset, until the afternoon was
well on the downward track, and as a slight
rain had set in we began to think of camp.

The great desiderata of camp are svood and
water. We bad enough of both, smdi as they
were, but they were both deciiledly iiu-onveu-
ient. Tlie wood was green, and (be water in
too small drops to be anything but wet, so we
turned southwest down the slope till we struck
the edge of a logger's track, from the like of
which to see again, may the saints deliver me.
Big logs and small logs, tree-tops piled cross-
ways, end-ways, and all other ways, tough
when we wanted to break thcon and frail and
rotten when we wanted to climb upon them,
hut we got over at last. (O, myl but this was
play to what we got later on.)

Hei'e we separated to And the w.ay out, or
rather in, for we did not want to go out, and
I was dowu in the lowland ankle-deep in water,
mud and moss, hunting for the brook, when a
sliot from X.ash's gun, followed by a cry from
a bird which I did not recognize, and soon
another shot, betokened something of vmImc. I

Mar. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

35

got back to my pack, which I had gladly laid
down while I was anathematizing the weather
and tlie fates which brought me here, and
hiniting for water, of which we apparently
had too much already, for the whole side of
the mountain was one vast sponge.

We found Nash looking at a liole in the side
of a tree, from which emanated a succession
of cries which sounded like a troop of angry
cats, and holding in his baud a pair of Black-
b.acked Tliree-toed Woodpeckers (No. 400).

The hole was dug into the solid, green wood
of a spruce ten inches in diameter, about
twenty feet from the ground. The entrance
was one and a half inches in diameter, and the
hole was ten inches deep, and with one and a
half inches of wood between it and the outside.

Nest was composed of rotten chips and
inoss. Width of cavity, five inches.

I find the following notes taken at the time:
Contents of stomach, pine larvje and remains
of insects. Iris, red-brown. The young have
a white, gristly appendage on either side of
the lower mandible at the base of the bill, as
shown in the engraving.

A SiclP, liill ntailnU.

II IWiiltT sill''. I'twcr in.indiltlp. adult.

C I'luhT side, luwtT tiianililili*, yniiii;^:.

BILL or BLACK-BACKED THREE-TOEO WOODPECKER.

I Kn;2;ravi'il liy *'. .1. .Ma\'iiaril.)

Tliis peculiar formation has apparently never
before been noticed, at least I can find no
record of the fact. Win. Brewster, in his
"Description of First Plumages," makes no
note of finding it on a skin taken .July .".1st,
although it is possible that it might shrink
away in drying, or might disapjiear before
that period of development, as his specimen
was four weeks older than mine. Unfortun-
ately my specimens were not preserved, but I
have a photograph of them taken while the
birds were alive, which shows the formation
quite plainly.

Contents of stomach, remains of insects and
bits of coarse gravel. The generative organs

showed quite plainly . All three of the birds,
which made up the complement, were males.

The cut on first page shows the character of
the country where the nest was situated.

We then, having paid full attention to this
nest, ag lin turned our footsteps down the bill,
and soon came across Ripley's Brook, which
empties into the Saco River, near where we
entered the woods.

It was our opinion, which was later con-
firmed, that this brook had its rise on the
ridge which separates the two valleys, and so
we turned our steps toward its head- waters.

This little valley, or swampy run, is filled
with a luxuriant growth of underbrush and
small growth, the high spruce having been cut
off by the loggers.

At 0 P.M. we concluded that we had done
about as much as was desirable for that day,
and as we had found dry wood, and water in
l>lenty, and saw no immediate prospect of
finding dry land, we threw off our packs and
concluded to lay up for the night.

The weather had settled down to a light,
drizzling rain, so while one peeled birch bark
for a cover, the other two gathered poles for
a bed, twigs for a mattress, and wood for a
fire, which was soon blazing merrily before
the camp, and throwing its sparks up into the
darkness, which had by this time gathered
close around us.

What a difference the camp-fire makes; a
few moments before we were silently digging
away, pulling and hauling at logs and bark,
and anathematizing the fates which had got
us into such a scrape, and now we were busily
and happily eng.aged in preparing supper, and
laughing and chatting over the i)leasures and
trials of the day.

A comparison of notes showed the following
birds observed that day: Thrush sp., one;
Broad-winged Hawk (?) one; Flicker, several;
Three-toed Woodpecker, several ; Uowny Wood-
pecker, one; Hairy Woodpecker, one; Yellow-
bellied Woodpecker, one; Indigo Bird; White-
throated .Sparrow, abundant; Blue .Jay; Wren;
Magnolia Warbler; t^hestnut-sided Warbler;
Yellow-rumped Warbler; Nashville Warbler;
Redstart.

The White-throated Sparrows are very plen-
tiful in these high altitudes, and their sweet
voices can bo heard calling to each other all
the day long; and when I awoke after mid-
night, when the camp-fire had gone down,
and, the clouds having passed on, the stars
shone down through the thin branches, I
heard the voice of one of them calling from

36

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 3

far up the mountain side; and again, wlien
tlie sun put up its first rosy shaft of light
in the east, tliey first of all woke the echoes
and welcomed the coming day.

The morning of .June 28th broke bright
and fair, and we were up betimes, drying our
clothing and preparing for the day's tramp.

What a task it is to get things straightened
out after a wet day in the woods. Shoes
are hard, clothes are wet, guns are dirty and
often rusty, but patience brings things out
all right in the end, and the briglit sun gave
token of a more pleasant day than the pre-
ceding, and work went off easier, with brighter
prospects ahead.

We got away early, and struck up the
lumber road for a few rods, to the head of
the brook, and then headed for the top of
the divide.

The axe of the lumberman had probably
never been struck in here, and travelling was
a little easier, though the underbrush made
it rather hard in places.

When we at last reached the top, the slope
was so gradual that we were unable to get
any idea of the lay of the land about us,
except in our immediate vicinity. Here we
found the BlackpoU Warbler, apparently
breeding, and on the west slope another
nest of P. arcticHs, in a dead spruce, eigh-
teen feet above the ground. The hole was
dug directly beneath the stub of a limb.

At this point we found a hurricane or
windfall, which is a line of fallen timber
which has been prostrated by a cyclone, and
which extended for miles in either direction.
Not desiring to cross this mass of interwoven
trees and branches, we turned down the hill
beside it, and soon found a small brook run-
ning down the side of the mountain.

As this stream was going in just the direc-
tion that we desired to follow, we travelled
along its bed and banks until it turned across
the hurricane just mentioned, where we found
a good opportunity to cross also.

The timber on this side the divide is not
very large, and is much interspersed with hard
wood growth, which predominated farther
down the stream.

This would 1)0 a paradise of the spruce
gum hunter, as the trees are loaded with
great chunks which would make a girl's heart
bound with joy. Bird life was very scarce,
hardly one being .seen on that side the divide.

We followed the course of this stream until
it had grown large enough to show trout,
which we jnoceeded to transfer to dry land

(or rather to less water, for we had seen
nothing that looked like dry land since we
left the top of Mt. Willey).

No fancy split bamboo rods, and gaudy
seductive files, but a lithe alder pole fitted
to a hook and line, which was pulled from
the depths of my "ditty bag," and baited
with a worm. Not artistic nor scientific, but
when I dropped that worm into a deep hole,
just at the lower side of a log that .spanned
the stream, a beauty, a foot long, took it just
as scientifically as if it had been one of
friend Bailey's finest flies; and, friends, he
slid down my throat that night for supper,
just as nicely, and was just as fine a morsel,
as if lie had been landed with one of Chubb's
rods.

After we had got as many fish as we thought
would be about right for supper, we having
.assured ourselves that we were on the east
branch of the Pemigewasset, which was our
objective point, turned our footsteps once
more toward the rising sun. A course due
east was struck, and we plodded along, con-
stantly ascending the ridge, which ran nearly
northeast and southwest.

After we left the river valley, we found
the first bit of dry land we had seen since
we left, and it was no great shakes at it
either.

Here the ground was padded witli tracks
and signs of deer and bear, but we saw
nothing of them, though 1 heard a bear on the
night before, by the brook, near the camp.

At about 4.:50 p.m. tlie conntiy ahead began
to look familiar, and shortly after we struck
the windfall on the opposite side from where
we were in the morning.

The camp of tlie night before was on llu)
other side of tliat pile of wood, and rather
tlian build a new one we decided to cross it.
Shades of our grandfathers! but tliat was
a job.

Here were great trees, torn bodily from the
ground and piled lengthwise, crosswise, and
all other-wise, slippery and often brittle, with
knapsack and gun to look after, and when a
fall of fifteen or twenty feet meant danger
by impalement on the cruel looking stubs
below.

It took us forty-five minutes to go about
six hundred feet, but we got across all
safely, and before dark were again comfortably
installed at "Birch Camp," as we h.ad named
it, and busily engaged in refreshing the inner
man with broiled trout.

Birds seen dining the day were: Black-poll

Mar. 1891. J

AND OOLOGIST.

37

Warblers, Magnolia Warbler, Juiicd and
Wrens. An Acadian owl was hearci on both
nights.

As the first rays of the morning sun flecked
the tree tops at 3..50 a.m., on June 29tli, I
threw off the blankets and got out for a breath
of the pure, crisp mountain air, wliicli soon
gave me a desire for sometbing more sat^
isfying.
Our menu was composed about as follows:
Hreakfast.
H.anl Tack, Fried Pork, Coffee.
Lunch.
Raw Pork, Hard Tack, Water.

SCPPER.

Coffee, Fried Pork, Hard Tack.

Unless the rod or gun turned in sometbing
to help out. But tliis never got beyond
supper.

But this morning, being .Sunday, I thought
I would give my companions who were
still snoring under the blankets, a change.
So I put some hard tack to soak in a birch
bark dish, and fried out some pork, in which
I afterwards fried the crackers; and let me
tell you, friends, that "lobscouse" is not to
be sneezed at, when made with Johnson's
Educators (wliich, by the way, is the best
and lightest variety of wheat nourishment
that I have found) and good country corn-fed
pork. .Vt least I judged so, from tlie manner
in which it disappeared when my companions
got at it. I had to make some more for
myself. F. A. Butix.

(To be c^mtiiuietl.)

An Oologist on Skates.

Well, why not ? Is it not on record that
the Crossbill breeds in winter in Maine and
elsewhere? And does not our own Bubo cover
its two snowy spheres in February. The field
work of an intelligent collector need not all
be a matter of summer weather and climbing-
irons and rubber boots, and a chapter from
my present winter exi)erience may lead more
tlian one reader to a novel pleasure, and to
add a pair of skates to his regular outtit.

It was while skating around Ciuinebaug
Lake and Old Killingly Reservoir, that I found
the homes of the only two pairs of Great
Horned Owls that I now know to be breeding.
A series of three sets of Red Shouldered
Hawk's eggs are from a nest I first espied
when skating on Spaulding's dam, one mile
above Norwich.

While skating on Yantic Cove, back of

Christ Church, Norwich, I thought I saw a
Saw-whet go into a hole overhanging the east
bank. Now, Ice King skates are not the best
climbuig-irons for a smooth beech ti-ee, hut
I managed to 'swarm' up with my novel
creepers and pull out a pair of Mottled Owls
in the ruddy plumage. This hole, which
should hold eggs soon, could only be seen
from the ice. Twentj' rods above the beech
grove, my attention was called to an apple tree
still hokling some dry and withered fruit on
which some birds bad been at work throwing
the rotten pulp over quite an area of ice.
The next morning I skated cautiously up to
the tree again and, as I suspected, had the
pleasure lA seeing a flock of Pine Grosbeaks
tearing the apples into pieces in order to feed
upon the seeds. Many ' likely "-looking swamps,
which in spring are practically inaccessible
from mud and water, are now when frozen
easily gone over; and it was from the ice in
Preston and Lantern Hill cedar-swamps that
I found, among the knarled and interlacing
rhododendron, the low, broken trees from
which, later, I took my first two sets of Fish
Hawks' eggs.

During the montlis of January and February,
the present winter, I have been in Windham
County, skating around the many lakes, ponds
and "reservoirs" in and about the town of
Killingly. My object was to slowly coast along
the shores and, peering carefully into the decid-
uous woods which usually fringe the banks, to
note all the old nests of rapacious birds. The
exact location of the most promising nests have
been marked down in a pocket chart, and in
.\pril, when I come up with my climber, I hope
by quick driving and a minimum of search to
seciu-e some nice sets of eggs.

While skimming through the frequent light
snows on the surface of the ice, I have recorded
the tracks of all om- fur-bearing animals, and
also of most of our winter birds — jays and
crows largely predominating. One small gi-oup
of evergreens has been the home of nine Blue
Jays all winter. This number has not varied.
On the pine-covered points, trending out into
the ponds, the tracks of the giouse were often
so involved and intricate as to look like a
poultry yard after a snow-fall. Sly Ueynard
occasionally cut across the larger lakes, but this
year he could not delude any heavy hounds to
their death from thin ice.

The sweeping trail of the Snowy Owl was not
uncommon in December. The only otter track
I ever saw was while skating near the inlet of
Gates' Pond, four miles below Norwich. It

38

ORKITIIOLOCJJST

[Vol. 16-No. :i

was from information thus acquired and j^ven
by me that two farmer's boys tiapped a pair of
otters, which netted them ten dollars eadi.

Eight robins were seen Jan. 1st, at Fairview
Iteservoir; Feb. i4th, four robins, at Tadpole
Pond; Feb. 21st, a kingfisher and many lilue-
birds and song sparrows, at the Basin; Feb.
20th, first woo(U-ock seen, Little Mill Pond.

Though I came up to Killingly in pursuit of
the winter birds, I will leave it to the reader if
the birds are not "getting onto" me. Just
li.sten. A week ago last Friday evening, when
walking by the side of Alexander's Lake, with
skates in my hand, a Barred Owl of common
size but unexampled courage disputed my pas-
sage across a small stream of water. I could
not make out whether Hyrnium was a-fisliing,
looking for rodents in the rockwork, or had
some dead quarry near. After a short prelimi-
nary skirmish, his audacity cost him a blow
from a skate, which put him " out of it" for
awhile. But after 1 had dropped my skates
and picked up my specimen to smooth its plum-
age, the "si)ecimen" came to life with a ven-
geance, and, assaulting me in the flank, fixed
its talons into my overcoat and the small of my
back. Then ensued a battle-royal that would
have made the gentle reader laugh in owlish
glee to witness. The angry owl, hissing and
snapping its bill, and still working its talons
through kersey, kilt and jaeger; and J. M. \V.
trying to shake himself free, jumping, swearing
and blindly striking at his enemy in the rear
with an old burnt sassafras stick.

The next morning I started out early to skate
around an unfre(iuented pond near the Khode
Island line. WliiU' driving up the .South Kill-
ingly Hill, a partridge flew down the mountain
with incredible speed and momentum, sweeping
the lines from my hand in a twinkhng, and
plumping down into the brtish below the road.
It was like an electric shock, and all over in a
second. While I got out on the shafts to check
the startled horse and recover the reins, my
assailant got otT scot free. If it had struck one
foot I)ack in the carriage it would have broken
all the bones in my hand, but its object seemed
to be accomplished in neatly sweeping the lines
from my fingers. Who, after this, will say that
the Rutfed Grouse has never played cat's cradle?
or deny that the birds up here appear to be
"getting onto" me"? Perhaps the.se Windham
County Ijirds will make common cause with my
old Xew Loudon County Buteos, which seem to
recognize me tlie moment I first reconnoitre in
the sjiring, and, from a safe poise in the blue
empyrean, challenge my entrance into tliei:-

haunts with, "Pee-ho! heigh-ho! J. M. W., J.
M. W. ! hide our eggs! change our nests! lieigh-
ho! pee-ho, pee-ho!" -f- -W- II •

Norwich, Conn.

How the Collection of Eggs at the
National Museum is Kept.

The collection of eggs in the National Mus-
eum at Washington is undoubtedly the largest
and most valuable in the world. In 1887 it
contained ;5S,400 .specimens, and it has since
grown extensively. It is under the charge of
Capt. Charles E. Bendire, U. S. A., the curator
of tlie oological department, who has devised
the plan of its present arrangement. When he
took charge of the collection he found a great
many of the eggs in bad condition, and indeed
numbers of them were hopelessly damaged.
Tlie cabinets which contained them were made
in a cheap manner, of badly seasoned lumber,
and the drawers had warped so badly that it
was a matter of some difBcidty to pull them
out or pusli them in, and during this process
the eggs rattled against each other (for many
of the trays contained no cotton) and were
eitlier cracked or broken.

Capt. Bendire deteimincd tliat he vvouUl
arrange them so that tliey would not become
any more damaged, and he liit upon a plan
whicli admirably serves this purpose, even if
it does not display them to the best advantage.
He used pasteboard trays which are of a uni-
form size, of about four by eiglit inches, with
a depth of about flve-eightlis of an inch. Put-
ting sheet raw cotton on the bottom of the
trays, he cut long strips of the same material
of the length i<\' llie boxes, and also of about
the same height, lie then placed the eggs in
rows in the trays, putting all of one set next to
each other, but continuing the row with
another set when all of the loi nicr mie were in.
When the box was filled, smaller strips of raw
cotton were placed between each egg, so that
each egg was surrounded on all sides (except
the top) by eotlim. Indeed their arrangenu'Ut
can be best conipareil to tlie maimer in which
certain kinds of toilet soap aie |iacked in
pasteboard boxes.

Of course this method keeps the eggs exactly
iu the same position, and allows the drawers
to be pulled out and pushed in quite roughly
without damaging them, but it has two great
disadvantages. First, the arraiigcinent of the
eggs contiiuKiusly in tlie trays, without any-
thing to designate where one set ends and

Mar. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

39

another set commences, is much to be depre-
cated; it does not sliow the number of eggs
in each set, and all the individuality of each
set is lost. Second, the strips of cotton stand
up .so high, and suriounding the eggs as they
do, they prevent one from seeing much of them
except the tops; and in the case of small eggs
they are almost hidden, as the strips project
somewhat over even the tops.

C^apt. Bendire claims that he can put many
more eggs in one drawer in this manner than
if each set was arranged in a separate tray Ijy
itself, as is the custom in private collections.
This is undoubtedly true, but does he not sac-
rifice almost everything to economy of space ?
And in the ca.se of eggs, whicli take compara-
tively so little room even when differently
arranged, certainly enough sp.ace could Lie
found for a more effective anangemcnt; and
tlie National JIuseum should be able to provide
carefully-made drawers of seasoned lumber,
which would pull (uitand push in easily, with-
out jarring their contents.

Tlie trays have attached to one side of them
a little pocket, in which small labels, contain-
ing a copy of the data of each sot, aie placed.

Certain eggs of each species, selected by
Capt. liendire as typical ones, are surrounded
by pink cotton instead of white, as is the case
with the others. Tliese specimens ('opt.
Bendire proposes to figure in the plates of his
forthcoming work.

Each egg is marked with iidc, with a certain
number (all the eggs of one set having the
same number), and all the particulars as to
name of species, name of collector, locality,
position and composition of nest, etc., are
recorded in large books. After the original
data has been copied into tliese books, and
also on the small labels to be put in the sm.all
pockets on the sides of the trays, they are put
away for safe keeping.

This method of marking the eggs with ink
is much to be deplored. It is old-fashioned
and unnecessary. It spoils them, and has
been almost universally stopped by collectors.
Many years ago it was .as common to see an egg
marked with ink as to see it blown with two
holes, but with the advent of emiitying them
witli one hole came the improvement of a
small mark, made neatly vvith a pencil.

Another matter which is unfortunate is that
the numbers now used at the Museum have
got very larj;e, embracing as they do many
figures, and these take up a great deal of room
on the small eggs. Then, too, the marking
with ink no doulifc often causes damage on

small eggs, from the pen's shaip point, which
might be avoided by the use of a soft pencil.

Each egg of a set is carefully measured, and
its size recorded in a large book, together with
its number, so that a complete record of the
sizes of all the eggs is kept. This is a most
admirable idea, but it involves an immense
amount of labor, and could only be done' in a
government institution where plenty of clerical
lab(n- is provided for.

The collecti(ui is a very unequ.al one. It is
finest in the eggs of Water Birds, and certain
families. The Grebes {Poili<:ipid(e), the Loons
(Urinatorid(E), the Auks (Alcidoi), the Gulls,
Terns, etc. (LaridcB), the Cormorants (Phala-
crocoracidm), the Ducks, Geese, etc. {Anatida;),
the Herons (Ardeidw), the Rails, Gallinules
and Coots (lUillidxe), the Phalaropes (Phalaro-
po(lida'), the Snipes, Sandpipers, etc. (Scolopa-
ckUv), the Plovers {Cliaradriida'), the Grouse,
Partridges and Quails (Tetr(ionid(e), the
Pigeons, etc. {Columbida'), are all fine, some of
them magnificent; and many of these families
are represented by eggs of certaip species to
be found In no other collections.

The Eaptores, however, are, on the whole,
disappointing for such a fine collection. The
series of American Vultures (Catliartida:), and
many of the Falcons, Hawks, etc. (Falconidw),
are not as complete as they should be. Indeed,
where eggs have been received from exploring
expeditions sent out by the government, and
from army officers, many very rare species are
represented by fine series; and this is also the
case with those birds of prey found in the
localities where Capt. Bendire collected. (It
will be remembered that he gave his superb
collection to the government, in the most gen-
erous manner.) But many eastern species,
comparatively common it is true, are repre-
sented only in the most indifferent manner.
The Owls are mostly inditt'erent. And the
same remark applies to many species of smaller
birds found breeding in the east. Their eggs
are only to be found in the collection in very-
limited numbers, and many of the series re-
quire to be extensively added to. That most
interesting family, the Warblers {Mniotiltidw),
has many of its species represented by series
which aie far surpassed by many jirivate col-
lections. Some of the rare ones are well rep-
resented, it is true, but as a whole this part of
the collection needs building up.

The Finches, Sparrows, etc. (Frinr/illida'), on
the contrary are very fine, and the drawers
containing the Passerellas are a sight well
worth seeing. The Thrushes, etc. (Tvrdidce),

40

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 3

and the Nuthatches, etc. {Parklm), are mostly
veiy good, but as before remarked, tlie great
streiigtli of the collection is in the Water Birds,
the Shore Birds, the Grouse, Quails, etc., and
tlie Finches and Sparrows.

It contains many small and imperfect sets,
and many of tlie eggs liave been cracked and
damaged before they came under Capt. Ben-
dire' s care. J. 1'. N.

Five Months in Newfoundland.

NOTES FliOM THE DIARY OF HOME!! I..
BIfiEI.OW.

[Pkkface. — A few months ago we pul)lislied
extracts from letters written by Mr. Bigelow,
and promised more from him at a later date.
Owing to the nature of the country where
he was, it was impossible to send out letters,
and so all notes were I'etained until his re-
turn. In accordance with his promise to
allow our readers the benefit of his experi-
ence, he has placed his diary in my hands,
and X liave the pleasure of placing it before
our readers, as little modified as circumstances
will admit. From the necessarily disconnectc<l
state of the notes, rendering their transcription
somewhat difhcult, I have deemed it advi.sable
to use my own phraseology, though employing
the personal pronoun. — Fhank A. Bates.]

Left Boston on .lune 7tli, at 12 M., on
Steamer Halifax, and steamecl slowly down
the harbor by the islands, wliicli I have passed
so often, but never under sucli circumstances,
for I knew not how long it would be before
I saw them again. One familiar spot after
another was passed, until at last the open
sea was reached.

Home behind, and a vast blank before, and
the scene was a true jiicture of my situation;
the land rapidly receding from view, and
only a vast expanse of sea in front. The sky
was decked with light clouds, and a light toy
had settled upon the water.

The few land birds were rapidly left behind.
One little Sandpiper skittered over the waves,
and was succeeded by a Shearwater, who
would lazily Hap along for a little way and
then sail over the surface with outstretched
wings.

The birds of the sea, the Petrels, were soi>n
sighted, and a heavy sea having struck in
we were reminded that land was left behind.
The swell soon drove the passengers to their

staterooms, and at 8 p.m., when I retired, the
decks were deserted.

We ran into a storm during the night, and
when Ave sighted the first land, at Sable
Island Light, at 8.30 a.m., there was a heavy
sea ruiniing.

We skirted the shores of Nova Scotia all
day, the only signs of life being a few ham-
lets and stray houses on shore, and a solitary
Black-hacked Gull on the water.

After a wearisome day, coasting along tlie
rocky coast, with naught but the jar of the
engines and the distant view to distract the
attention, we passed Samhro Light, the en-
trance to Halifax Harbor, at ().30 i-.m. The
harbor of Halifax is one of the most beautiful,
imposing and interesting sjiots in the country.

The entrance to the harbor is open to the
sea, wide and straight, but woe betide the
vessel entering with a hostile flag flying
at her peak, for the beautiful hills, which
rise from the western shore are dotted not
only with hamlets, but also with batteries,
the gauntlet of which must be run for twenty
miles, before the city can be reached.

Halifax is situated on a point of land ex-
tending down the harbor, the extreme tip
being reserved as a park, left \n its
wild, pristine beauty, with the exception of
a few drives and walks laid out among the
trees, which serve as a mask to cover the
batteries which crown the summit.

Back of this is Citadel Hill, surmounted by
an almost impregnable foi-t, around whicdi
the city is clustered.

Halifax is a quaint old place, and were it
not for the contents of the windows and tlie
dress of the people, one could almost imagine
himself drojiped back fifty years. But the
people are the acme of lios])ilality and kind-
ness, probably through not having been cor-
rupted by the whirl of business life, for im
one in Halifax is in a hurry.

Witii the kind assistance of Mr. Harry
Austen, well known to the le.aders of the
(). ife O., and to whom I had letters of
introduction, I easily got my baggage Ihrongh
the Custom House, and soon had it
transferred to the Cuuard Wharf. Here 1
found the Steamer Buenos Ayrian, which was
to take me from my last foothold on native
soil. She was an immense vessel, witli licr
decks all boarded up and filled witli cattle,
and the accommodations were very poor.

At 12.30 the ropes were cast off, a salute
of three guns was tired, and we were soon
again tossing on the open sea, for a strong

iMah.

1891. J

AND OOLOGIST.

41

southerly wiiifl was blowing, and was assisted
by two squalls which overtook us, kickiiin; up
a big sea, which tossed the great steamer
about like a ball.

During the afternoon a rainbow spanued
the eastern sky, jnst above the horizon, hiok-
ing very much like an immense ship on fire.
Thursday, the 10th, broke out a cloudy day,
with showers at short intervals and a very
heavy sea, which completely upset the ma-
jority of the passengers, but I am feeling
like a brick. Only one lady has come on deck
since we started, and I doubt if she goes
below at all, for she is on deck when 1 come
out, and still there when I turn in.

The weather is suggestive of Greenland and
decidedly nasty.

The wind is blowing from the northwest,
and we liad been heading northeast, until we
struck the baidcs, took soundings and changed
our coursi! to due east. We here sighted
three fishing boats, which were having a ter-
rible time in the heavy sea.

When I came on deck, on the morning of
the nth, I for the first time saw the shores
of Newfoundland, along which we coast.

The only life which has so far made its
appearance is a few Petrels, a gull, and a
school of porpoises, which go tumbling and
leaping over the waves.

The shores are truly a desolate sight, for
they are all rocks, and with not a tree in sight.
It is a most awe-inspiring sight, for tlie.^e high
and rocky cliffs stretch along for miles, with
only a few scattered homes and fisliing dories
to break the monotony.

During the forenoon we passed three ice-
bergs, wonderful masses of whiteness, looking
like mountains of silver fioating on tlie bosom
of the dark blue sea.

At 2 P.M. we entered the harbor of St. .lolins,
which lies almost completely surrounded and
embosomed in the mass of barren mountains
upon which the rilltt(/e. of St. Johns is built,
two forming the mouth of the harbor, which
is so narrow that two vessels would have
trouble in entering abreast.

Here, as at Halifax, I had no trouble in
passing the customs officers, and they were
passed without comment, but one poor old
codger tipped the inspector a V, which prob-
ably awiikened his suspicions, for he com-
pelled the man to unpack everything.

I do not thiiik that old fellow will ever
waste another V on a customs official.*

* [Shades of ihe Immortals, was there ever such a
fact known to science before — a gr)vonnnent employee

My room at the Atlantic House proved large
and comfortable, much more so than I had
been led to expect. Here I met some gen-
tlemen, among others a Mr. Robinson, who
gave me much information concerning the
country, and told me of a Mr. Cahoon (well
known to the readers of the O. & O.), who
was making extensive explorations in the
vicinity of Placentia. I determined at once
to make his acquaintance if possible, and .set
about finding him as soon as possible.

Mr. O'Brien, of Boston, jilso gave me many
points, and introduced me to a number of
people who knew the country.

I am very glad to be able to publicly extend
my thanks to these gentlemen, who so kindly
assisted me. The next day, after getting
some necessaries, not the least being to estab-
lish my credit at the bank, I took the train
across the country toward Placentia, and such
a country it was never my fortune to be-
hold before, and I never expect to again —
cliffs piled upon cliffs, rocks piled ujion rocks,
rugged mountains and rocks everywhere, and
not much else. The land is not cultivated,
except in a few places, and could not be, for
there is nothing for vegetation to grow upon.

Thus we went on, barely moving up hill,
and going down at lightning .speed, until we
struck a grade, and the cars would clash
together and nearly throw us into the next
seat, and the next thing we knew our necks
would nearly be snajijied over the back of
our own seat.

The brakeman was a queer specimen of hu-
manity, in a fore and aft hat and rubber over-
coat, who divided his time between the stove
and answering the whistle for "down breaks,' '
which was exceedingly ofien.

Occasionally we stopped to get water for
the engine, or to lubricate the engineer. And
thus we went on, following Conception Bay
for four or five hours, and this was the one
redeeming feature of the ride. It is said,
"See \aples and die." See Conception Bay
and live to remember it until your dying day.

The track winds along the side of the
mountains, and the sea can be seen stretching
away in the distance, with the great cliffs
looming up on either side. Words fail to do
it justice. It is beyond conception.

At Harbor Grace .Junction we changed cars,
and finally turned from behind a cliff upon
the side of a bluff, and sighted Placentia
Harbor. If there is anything that can beat

who WIS not blinded by a ti|>. But he kept the V,
and no mistake about that.— Ed.]

42

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 3

it, it is Conception Bay, and if anything
can beat Conception Bay, it is Placcntia
Harbor. A marine artist would die of dis-
couragement at tlie thouglit of its repro-
duction.

On arriving at Placentia, my first inquiry
was for "Tlio Man who climbed Bird Rock,"
and I was directed to Mr. Barter's. Expecting
to linil a hotel, or at least a public bouse, 1
was surprised to find a private family, but
they kindly provided for me, giving me the
room occupied by Mr. Caboon, when here.

The next ten days were spent in getting
tilings together and exploring the neigh-
borhood.

Birds seen: Spotted Sandpiper (with full
grown egg in ovaries), Summer Yellow bird,
Canada Jay, Fox Sparrow, Fish Hawk, B. B.
Cull, Horned Lark ( I leg ), Herring Gull,
Sparrow Hawk (?), Kobin's nest and young,
Black-poll Warbler.

In company with the local schoolmaster, I
visited most of the points of interest, got a
number of birds, many new ideas, and had
a few adventures.

On the 14th, we went out on a fishing trip,

and took tea at the home of an acquaintance

of my new found friend. It had begun to

rain, and when we entered the dory to return

home, it was driving down and blowing a

small gale, and a portion of tlie way the wind

and tide were against us. We arrived safely,

but I was "dead beat," wet to the skin and

shivering with cold. Well, I was a "total

wreck," and did not recover for three or four

days.

(To lie continued.)

A Few Notes from Cape Cod.

According to sportsmen informants "game"
birds liave been more numerous this win-
ter than for a number of years. I have
myself shot or obtained by picking them up
on the beach, where large numbers are some-
times found, the following: American Mer-
ganser, American Golden Eye, Red-throated
Loon, Dusky Duck, Mallard, Old S(|uaw,
American Eider, Hdrncd CJrebe, Puffin, Guil-
lemot, Little Auk, Shoveller, Razor-bill Auk.
Besides these I have noticed Kittiwake, Glau-
cous, Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls.

February 7th a fiuo $ Bohemian Waxwing
was shot, and so far as I can ascertain it is the
first ever captured here.

Snowy Owls did not come here very numer-
ously, but four lieing taken.

Saw two Short-eared Owls the 12th of
February.

Snow Buntings have been very numerous,
and in flocks of 200 or more at times; but
Shore Larks have been very scarce.

Very few birds in the brush except some
Nuthatches, Chickadees, Yellow-crowned
Warblers, and Tree Sparrows.

Frederic L. Small.

Runt Egg of Bobolink.

A remarkable runt egg of the Bobolink
(Dolichortyx oryzlvorus) was found June 10,
1887, at Damariscotta, Maine, in a nest con-
taining six other ordinary sized eggs of this
bird. The runt measures .53 x .50, and is
almost round. In coloration it resembles
others in the set, but when it is remembered
that the average size is about .84 x .05, it will
be seen how very small this egg is. J P. N.

Oological Notes.

The Green Heron is quite common in its
favorite haunts here, but is always shy, and
up to 1889 I was never able to find any of
its eggs. On June 20, 1830, while paddling
up a creek near here, I found a nest with
one egg. It was seven feet above the water,
and built on an overhanging branch of a
birch. As the small boys oologically inclined
are very numerous here, I carried the nest and
egg home. A week later I found a new nest,
occupying exactly the same place of the one
r had formerly taken, witli four eggs.

On May 15, 1880, I found a nest and five
eggs of Savanna Sparrow. One egg has a
pure white ground, with a faint wreath of
very pale lilac, and is longer than the others
]>y one-fiftli of its longest diameter.

On April 28, 1890, I collected a set of two
eggs of Red-shouldered Hawk from an old
crow's nest in a birch tree standing alone in
an open field, a very unusual nesting site, in
this locality at least. One egg is of average size,
and theotlier is a runt measuring 1.:^:? x 1.62.

On .Vpril 24, ISfiO, a nest with one egg of
Red-shouldered Hawk was found in the top
of a very tall liemlock. Visited the place
again May 1st, and thinking the set would
be completed I killed the female as she left
the nest. The nest still had but one egg in
it, but from the parent bird just killed I cut
out a fully developed egg that was all ready

.Mai:

l.'^'Jl.J

AND OULUGIST.

43

for extrusion. The Hawks are crerlited with
dopositiiiK an egg on alternate days, but for
some reason tliis one failed to do so.
Oswego, X.V. D. D. Stone.

Bill to Extend the Protection of the

Law to Certain Species of the

Hawks and Owls.

After many years of actual field work, in-
cluding the dissection and examination of
numerous stomachs of various species of the
Ilawks and Owls of this section, myself
among others consider that we are in position
to speiik upon this subject, and le.ssen, if pos-
sible, the wanton destruction of many of these
birds whose very existence depends upon
tlieir efforts in exterminating some of man-
kind's greatest pests, mice, gophers, reptiles,
and numerous varieties of harmful insects,
and last if not least the pestiferous Passer
doDiesticus. With this certainly commendable
(d)ject in view, we are working upon a bill to
be presented before our stale legislature, in
which bill we will endeavor to set clearly forth
tlie direct benefits that tlie passage of such
a bill would bring about Looking at it fiom
an econmnic standpoint alone, ue consider
that certain of these birds sliould I)c fostered
and not left to the none too tender mercies
of the ignorant or careless "sportsman," the
average of wliom will lose no opportunity
to abolish an Owl or a Hawk, eitlier assuming
that they "catch chickens" (usually the one
who makes such an excuse has no chickens
to be caught) or that because they are a Hawk
or an Owl, as the case may be, they arc a
nuisance on general principles, which cer-
tainly is a mi-take in the great majority of
cases. It is the object of this letter to awaken
wide-spread interest and co-operation among
tlie ornithologists of the various states, and
it is ciirucstly hoped that ere long universal
state laws will proclaim it a crime to molest
or <lestroy such species of birds, not alone
of the Hawks and Owls, as wc found upon
careful and painstaking investigation to be
beneficitU, <iv at least where the beneficial
qualities are found to outweigh the harmful.

I am well aware that some of these birds
of i)rey live at the expense of other valuable
birds, such for instance as the .Sharp-shinned
Hawk (AcrijiiterfusciiK), the Coopers {Arcipi-
tt'r foojici-i), and the .American Goshawk {Axhir
((IriciiiiUhix), among the diuinals. and the old

familiar Bubo vhyinianus, and even the sleepy
little Scoj}S asio, among the "prowlers."
Each are great hunters, and Instances are
known to me where small sparrows, warblers,
woodpeckers, and even partridges have proven
victims to their terrible talons and sharp, acute
beaks. Ijnt take an ojjportunity some clear
day in early spring, locate yourself near some
extensive meadow bordering a bit of marsh-
lan<l, and watch the manojuvres of a Marsh
Hawk, as he skims with easy grace a few feet
above the field, pausing with tluttering flight
over some spot where a leaf or blade of
grass has stirred suspiciously, and after one
or two " misjudgings" he descends with un-
erring precision, and swiftly, upon .some luck-
less mouse or go])her, and after a quick dis-
posal of his lunch again assumes that easy
watchful flight, till, during the course of his
hunt many a rodent will have gone to make
up the stomach contents of this invaluable
bird. Yet there is no law to prevent the
farmer's boy, ploughing in the next field, from
hitching his team to the fence and running
thiee-quarters of a mile back to the house
after the gun on purpose to shoot. But I will
be luicovering reminiscences of my own boy-
hood days if I go on in that strain. I per-
sonally do not hesitate to prejiare a set of
eggs for the cabinet, neither do I think it an
unjjardonable sin to secure some fine specimen
for taxidermal purposes. In fact, if properly
and judiciously pursued, it will make us the
wiser and better able to judge upon matters
of this kind, and finally to enact restrictions
that will better perpetuate the races that af-
ford US such a source of pleasure by their
pleasing habits and cheerful songs. I am
afraid, however, that the average student of
these two intimately connected branches of
science, the two O's, however enthusiastic he
may be, has but a vague and idly defined Idea
of what his studies will benefit liim farther
than the gratification of his own amusement.
Make it a means to an end of something far
more noble. Our government is annually ex-
pending thousands of dollars carrying on
investigations along this line, publishing the
results of these investigations, and seeking
to awaken an interest in the minds of the
general reading public, and ccrtaiidy, we who
profess to know, and style ourselves orni-
thologists, ought not to be behind when it
comes to exposing our views and lifting up
our voices against the "slaughter of the Inno-
cents." IP. ('. Ilrowiii-lt, M.I).
Simtll I.vuTis, Mil il.

44

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 3

Ictinia Mississippiensis.

Editor of 0. <t- 0. .■

The specimen of Ictinia recorded in the
O. & O. for March, 1890, as Ictinia ■pliiiiihca,
which you kindly sent us for examination,
proves to be Ictinia mississippiemtis. In cor-
recting tlie record you may desire to Icnow tlie
reason for tliis change in identification.

In the young of I. missis-sippii-nsis the tail
has three and sometimes four white bars (the
basal one being concealed and generally
broken) which remain after the streaked first
plumage has l>cen lost, and both the heail
and secondaries are darker than in the adult-
In this plumage, with which your specimen
agrees, the bird very closely resembles the
adult of I. plumbea, but may be distinguished
from it by the absence of rufous on the inner
margin of the (iiiills.

Mr. Sennett's collection contains specimens
of /. niiasissippienses from Texas and Mexico
similar to yours, and Mr. liidgway has sent
us a Central American example which also
agrees with it. All these birds have white bars
on the tail but lack the rufous on the quills,
a character which we do not find wanting in one
of a series of some thirty I. plwnhea, repre-
senting all ages. Frank M. Chapman.

Am. Mu^. Sat. Hist., N. Y. City, Feb. lOtli, 18'.n.

In making a close examination of Ictinia
(plinnhca f) mississijipiensis, noted in O. & O.,
Vol. XV, page Z5, by John C. Cahoon, an<l
which, as maybe seen by accompanying letter,
Mr. F. M. Chapman declares to be an imma-
ture missinsippiensi.i, I have discovered that
it is in a transition plumage, if Mr. Chapman
is correct, not heretofore described. In II. II.
<t- R. Vol. Ill, a description of " immature male
transition plumage" is given as "similar to
tlic adult female but the white spots on basal
portion of pectoral and crissal feather dis-
tinctly exposed; secondaries not lighter than
tlie rest of the wing."

In the bird before me 1 find no white spots
on either basal or crissal feathers and also
find in each wing two entirely ash colored
secondaries, otherwise the plumage corre-
sponds rather closely to the description as given
in B. B. & R. An expl.anation of this pe-
culiar and never before described vaiiation of
plumage may be advanced, that, as in many
birds, but a partial change of plumage takes
place in the moulting season imnn diatcly pre-
ceding the putting on of the adult form. This
may be accounted for as being very, if not en-

tirely, similar. The first moult is made of
that portion of plumage not recpnred in fiight,
as the body, anil a more gradual moult is made
of wings and tail, so that two distinct periods
are required before a fidl adult plumage is
assumed. Many of the Limicolw bear witness
to this fact, and it appears to be a provision
of nature that it should be so. Breeding
in the North in the short season of sum-
mer, were they to moult in full the first season
they would be unable to wing their way south-
ward before the .\rctic winter would over-
take them, consequently there is the first
body moult in late summer, and in follow-
ing spring the second one of the flight feathers,
wings and tail. Many close observers are of
opini(ni that three changes of plumage ai'e
made before full and complete adult dress is
put on. So that in the specimen we have before
us the transition was taking place and was on
that line, medial, between the second and last,
or final moult. This appears to be the case,
from the fact that the two ashy secondaries
appear to be of later growth than the others,
and the fact that the pectoral and crissal
feathers have been changed to the adult
coloration.

It was quite natural that Mr. Cahoon sIk mid
have taken the bird to be plnmlica or a wvw
species, as we can find no descriiition hereto-
fore published that would have duterniine<l it
to be mixsixsippicnuix, excei>t possibly this one
ijuoted, but there is a material variance even
in this. The absence of rufous on primaries
might have been explained possibly. Leading
up to the belief it was plumiiea I think this
stage of transition of plumage should be noted.

II'/H. II'. rn.s'Wc.

Ictinia missixfiippicnsifs. Transition plumage.
Similar to adult female. Upper parts blnckisli-
slate, neck and head slate-gray; tlie transition
to the dark upper jiarts moi'e abrupt across the
inter.s('apulars, the lesser wing coverts l)lulsh-
black. Inner webs of secondaries brownish,
(no riifona). A stripe of white on the inner
web at base of first and second primaries dark-
ening on the others. Shafts of primaries
underneath white growing brownish, towards
tips decidedly brown. Inner web of first and
second primaries with white stripe extending
on the first one-half in length, on the .second
one-third. Upper surface of tail black, crossed
by four bands of white on the inner web, one
concealed by crissal feathers and tail coverts;
under surface grayish, with shaft of feather
white half their length; rest i>f phiiiiage phim-

Mak. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

45

beous-ash without spots or streaks of any other
color. In present specimen first and second
secondaries decidedly plumljeous-ash, with a
lonnitudinal strii^e of rufous in medial line of
outer web.

Warm weather Collecting.

Ijike many other naturalists 1 have often had
pretty "loutl" specimens to handle during the
summer months and I have come to the con-
clusion that it is by far the safest jdan to make
up "field skins" at noon time whenever that
is possible. Here in the south a bird shot on a
summer morning is pretty sure to get over-ripe
if kept over night, unless ice can be bad. I
have met with some success in keeping speci-
mens by placing them under a tin pan on which
water was allowed to drip. If there are no
blow Mies about this will answer pretty well.
But we have a blow fiy that operates at night,
and is very destructive. The best i)lan is to
keep the specimens closely wrapi>e<l in the
collecting cones.

Ants are another great source of annoyance.
I remember ijlacing my bag iii)on a stump one
day, while I had my dinner. In less than an
hour the entire contents were ruined by ants.
In some parts of Florida they are so active and
plentiful that I have had the eyes eaten out of
a specimen that I shot, and had to search for
quite a while on the ground. And in such
situations it is impossible to tiap small animals.
Unless you get to them before they have fairly
done kicking only a mutilated carcass falls to
your shire.

A large species of cockroach .sometimes nib-
bles the skins while drying. The remedy is to
keep a lamp burning brightly by tliem all
night.

I remember once having some fresh speci-
mens iirotected in this way l>y au open window.
During the evening I caught sight of a bird
flitting close up to the light, and thinking it
was an owl after my birds I laid for the mar-
auder and blew a fine C'huck-wiirs-widow to
pieces with a heavy charge of No. 8. How old
we get. My trigger finger is too stilf for that
sort of shooting nowadays.

II'((/;c;- Ilijxie.

Fro<;nn)re, S. C.

Col. N. S. Goss.

We have just received notice that Col. N. S.
Goss, State Ornithologist of Kansas, died of

heart disease, at Neosho, Kansas, on Tuesday,
March 10. This loss to the State of Kansas Is
irreparable.- Such men are only found once in
a generation. Competent, ambitious and wil-
ling, he combined the qualities of the trained
field collector and the cabinet student. He
had travelled over a good portion of North
America in bis endeavor to become acquainted
with the avi-fauna, and bis contributions to
that science were numerous, the chef cTKUvre
being his work on the " Birds of Kansas,"
which was received from bim on the very day
of his death, and which is now on our table
awaiting review. How little did we think,
when we read his name inscribed thereon, that
it was the last time, after years of correspond-
ence, that we should see it. Our business con-
nections have extended over a term of years,
and we have found him invariably courteous,
prompt and honorable. He was a square man,
what better epitaph can a man have?

New Publications.

" Will Wildwood," well known to the sport-
ing fraternity, will shortly issue a .Sportsman' s
Directory, containing lists of dealers in sport-
ing supplies, dog breeders, associations, jour-
nals, books, etc. Every sporting man is re-
quested to send him information, which should
be addressed to "Will Wildwood," 192 Mason
street, Milwaukee, Wis. This scheme is worth
patronage.

Birds of Minnesota.

Would like to add Buffle-head Duck {Clan-
f/ula albeola) to the list of birds of this state,
by Geo. fi. Cantwell. As the birds are very
common here in early spring and late fall, it
must be an omission on Mr. CantwelVs part, as
I- am sure ho must be aware that they occur.

Minneapolis, Minn. W'H de la liarre.

Mr. Paul B. Haskell writes, The American
Osprey has suspended publication for a time.
He hopes to continue it in the future. As we
have on many occasions stated, the publication
of ornithological papers is a hard road to
travel. One great fault to be found with Am-
erican ornithologists is that they are too in-
different to the support of publications that
help to diffuse the very knowledge they are
after.

46

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 3

ORNITHOLOGlST.^^'^OCiLOGlST

A Monthly Maj^azine of

NATURAL HISTORY,

RSPECIALLV niCVOTKI) TO TIIK SI'l'DY OF

BIRDS,

THEIR NESTS AND EG(!S,

.111(1 to the

INTERESTS OF NATURALISTS

Hiider the Editorial Maiiafi:eineiit of

FRANK I!. VVEISSTER, Hyde Talk, Mass.

J. TARlvER NORRIS,
FRANK A. HATES,

I'hiladelphia, Pa.

liostoii, Mass.

ri'IlLISHFO Al'

FRANK B. WEBSTER'S
MUSEUM

AND

NATURALISTS' SUPPLY DEPOT.
Hyde Pabk, Mass., U. S. A.

The O. & O. is mailed each is.sue to every iniid suit
scriber. If you fail to receive it, notify us.

Brief Notes.

We call our readei-s' attention to the O. A O.
a.s .an advcrtisiiifi mciliuiii. Try it.

Mr. Watson Hislmii, of Kcntville, Nova
Scotia, reports tliat lie still has his doniesticateil
SpiuceCi rouse {Dciidriujopus runitilcHxl.-:). They
are <loin;4 well.

lie also has with tliem a Golden Pheasant and
three liiridi Partiidoes; .also a Dusky Duck.
His success in keepin;^' these birds has been
truly astonishina;.

As for e,L;gs of the f'anada Grouse he is now
the recognized headquarters for theiii, and he
h.as "r.aised" many sets of them from his
domesticated birds. Indeed his eggs will he
found in .all the large collections in the United
States. .1. P. N.

We have received invitations to the Ornitho-
logical (Jongress, to be held at Budapesth.
While it will be inijiossible for any of us to be
present, we hope to have a representative there.
It is to be regretted that the American col-
lectors at large are not in a jiosition to be
represented, but we have written one of our
foreign correspondents, requesting him to give
us reports, and shall enileavor to send sonii!
report of the doings of the mass of collect-
ing naturalists of this country.

They all read the O. & O. and comment ujion
it; if you do not believe it read this: A corres-
pondent, writing to Mr. Frank U. Webster's

admirable magazine, the Ornithologist and

0(">i.o(iisT, makes some very pointed suggestions
as to the extension of our game laws; among
others, the inclusion of (luail, grouse and wood-
co(^k, and crows, liawks, and owls, in the cate-
gory of " insectivorous birds" over which our
laws extend protection. The game birdS men-
tioned are, of course, insectivorous, but it can
readily be imagined th.at such a classihcation
would meet with substantial objection from
our sportsmen. As for the predatory birds
named, it is stated by this (nirrespondcnt that
the American Museum in New York is moving
to secure their protection by the laws of that
state, and he asks, " Are they not of benefit in
keeping down the noxious vermin which devas-
tate our tieldsV" — Boston Commonwealth.

By the way, perhaps it may not be known to
our readers that "The Commonwealth"' is
making a specialty of reporting the doings of
the scientilic societies, and Dr. E. E. Hale's
" Tarry at Home" letters tell us what people
■are doing elsewhere. If you want to be up
with the times, select your reading intelligently.

A genuine crocodile, the fifth ever known to
have been captured in Fhuida, was taken
recently near Punta Gorda. It was 9 feet 10
inches long. The animal rcsemliles the alliga-
tor very nmcli with the exception of the head,
which is much narrower, and the upper jaw
works instead of the lower: two of the front
teeth project througli the upjicr jaw, and all
of the upper teeth resemble pearl. — Bostini
.Journal.

Shot a male Bewick's Wren, .Ian. 1, and saw
at least one more. First I hail ever seen, not
having noticed it before in several years' col-
lecting. As it is rather a soutliern bird, is it
not unusual f<u' it to appear so far inu'th at tliis
season? F. L. Homer, New Hamburg, Pa.

Did you ever see a bald-headed man, one of
the kind that w.iy, way back some ]>oor children
were eaten uj) by l>ears, liecaiisc of the exhilar-
ating eflects the sight of hiin had upon them?
Well, a few days since wc called ujion one,
who.se name, if we should mention, wouhl be
recognized at once by Boston ornithidogists.
Ii'cnienibcring the sad fate of those little ones
(who had no bicycles to escape upon), we have
always been vitry cautious never to notice such
matters, but on this occasion inadvertently
remarked that jierhaps Currier's Tanning
Liipior would prove beneficial, as it "set hail',"
when with a smile that travelled from both
corners of the mouth way up, up t)ver, aiul
linally disapix-ared beneath the collar opposite
to tlu' scarf-pin side, the object of our interest
said, "Why, I am not a circumstance to old
I'.ill W. who started an ostrich ranch. He did
not have a single hair on his pate, and on one
occasion it came very near causing him
trouble." Of course, we wanted to know how?
" Well, yim see, Bill hail invested his liottom
dollar in a drove of ostriclies, and having just
landed them, watched them night and ilay.
When the sun rose high, P>ill would beconu!
drowsy, and sitting on the ground would clasp
his knee, and his licad would drop forward.

Mak. 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

47

One (lay while in this tranquil state, all at onoc
he had a horrible iheaiii It seemed as if he
would Ipurst. tStartliiif; schemes that had been
slunil>erin<;' rajiidly developed. Thouj;hts that
he hardly entertained expanded, an<l as every-
thing .seemed to be ready to burst forth, with
a frantic start he awoke, to tind that an old hen
osti'ich had mistaken his head for an eKj;, set
upon it and nearly hatched him."

C!onsulting the feelings, as far as we have
been able to, of our subscribers, we have
adopted the rule of continuing the (). & O. till
ordered to stop. We do not wish to force the
publication into the hands of anyone, and all
that is necessary, if you wish to discontinue it,
is to drop us a postal card to that effect.

Au Arctic Horned Owl (Bubo viryinianiiK
arctiriis) was shot on the evening of April (i,
1880, in Bureau t'ouiity, Illinois. The weather
at the time was tine; snow disapppeared three
weeks before, and as this is a prairie state it
makes the taking of this specimen so much
more reiuarkable. The biril was an old male
i'l full plumage, almost clear white, aud in
goo<l condition. It is now in my collection.
VVm. KIbeau.

The gentle spring is once more with us. The
twitter of the bluebirds is heard on every side.
Snow, slush and mud are knee-dee]!. While
we write a robin carols from our neighbor's
roof, on the very spot where his four tom-cats
sang to our editication the livelong night. We
greet everyone with a smile, and at the same
time, within, are struggling with the problem,
Isour worn thread-bare winter coat thin enough
now to pass for a sjiring (me? Our wasli-
woman called this morning. We gave her a
bunch of violets that cost us fifty cents, and
struck her dumb with amazement, e.sca])ing the
pressing of her sixty-cent service for the last
quarter. We are not discouraged for we are
comforted by the thouglit that the egg season
foi- '!tl is now on.

Correspondence.

Editor (if O. it O.:

While looking in swamp. May HOth, 1 found
eight nests of I'arula Warbler, all in clump of
spruce trees in a radius of five rods. The nests
are beautiful little structures, and were almost
entirely concealed with the long moss of which
they were made.

While in the same swamp the following
week I heard the note of a male Scailet Tau-
ager, and as I wanted a specimen I followed
the sound and got directly under the tree,
which was a large chestnut on a knoll near
edge of swamp. I again listened for tlie note.
I did not have to wait long for it was a rainy
morning and the Tanager was happy, but 1
looked of course for our bright red bird, and

when I saw what looked to be a Baltimore

Oriole with the notes of a Tanager I rubbed

my eyes and looked again, but that did not

change the color of the bird; but with a charge

of dust shot I was soon examining what I

thought a conundrum. It was certainly a

Scarlet Tanager, but its plumage still puzzles

me. It was badly shot in head so I could not

mount it, but made a poor skin of it. I send

you feathers from its breast and back. Its

wings are of a faded black. Its outer tail

feathers on outer edge are near a bronze.

What do you think of it, is it an albino?

.7. IF. JticlcKon.
Beleliertown, .Mass.

[Immature male. — EtL'\

Editor of O. & 0.:

Following is a short note on the capture of
an Albino Lark Bunting (Calamonpiza bicolor).
I shot it on the 24tli of August, 1800, near
Cando, Towner Co., North Dakota. It was
feeding on the prairie and in an oat field, in
company of about twenty other Lark Buntings,
which were in their usual plumage. Its
actions were the same. The plumage of this
specimen is pure white; bill and feet a pale
Hesh color, which faded to a dull white as they
dried. Tlie size was as follows: Length, 6%
in. : extent, lO^in.^ wing, ?>% in.; tail, 2Xin. ;
tarsus, ^ii in. ; toe and nail, J^ in. Iris, notice-
ably pink, whole eyeball showing very light
color. Sex uncertain, it being a young bird,
and a shot went through the body near posi-
tion of the sexual organs. There were the
remains of grasshoppers in stomach. The
outline and size of bill and feet and the gen-
eral contour of the body would show conclus-
ively that it is a Lark Bunting, and as perfect
an albino as is usually seen.

Elmer T. Jiidd.
Bftliel. <'(Hili.

Editor of (). A- O.:

I had a very beautiful White Owl brought
me on Jan. 3, to be mounted. On examining
the stomach found it to eont.ain different vari-
eties of small weed seed, also some gravel
about the size of wheat kernels. The stomach
contained no animal matter at all. Would
like to ask if it is a common occurrence f(n'
White Owls to dine on weed seed and gravel?
Although the winter here is very mild there
seems to be (piite a large number of owls here
also. A. 1). Brown.

Pipcstime. .Minn.

48

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 3

Editor of O. & O. :

Knowin.ij ytni to be well acquainted with the
birds of this region, I am j;jolni;t() impose upon
your time for a few moments to ask a (piesti(tn
(»r two about the ''Black Duck," as we call
it here, the Anaa obscura^ and to give you an
observation which perhaps may be so well
known to you that you will think it scarcely
worth the trouble to answer.

During the first two weeks in December,
ISOO, I shot a good many of the above-named
ducks upon a small stream in this vicinity, and
upon two occasions, when the thermometer
was very low, I found the bills of the ducks
were a very brir/hf oranrje f/elloio^ and the feet
were much more brilliant red. Saturday, De-
cember loth, I shot five of these birds and
three, which were males, had tliese brilliant
yellow bills. The temperature on this day was
— 5° at 7 A.M., and did not rise above +0"^ at
any time during the day. On bringing the
birds into the house and laying them on the
rug before an open fire the bills and feet be-
came their usual color. This has occurred to
me several times this winter and only ujntn
very cold days.

Now I would like to ask if this is a usual
oecuiTence, or was it only accidental that the
cold weather and the color of the bills were as
above stated? I never in the course of my
reading noticed any remark about tbe matter,
and do not suppose it of much conse(]uence,
]>ut never have I seen in such horny matter as
the bill so complete a change in a few moments.

I hope 1 have not troubled you too much,
and that you will deign to answer some time
when you have leisure.

Arthur Talhof Lincoln, M.D.

nentiysvillp. Me.

[A few days since the writer had occasion to
call on a party who had j\xst received a number
(tf Killer Ducks. As they h^V spi'ead out on
a board the bright chrome bills of tlie males
were very noticeable. Two days later when
they came into our offic^e not a trace of the
color was to be seen; all had turned to the
slaty shade. The bills of tlie Scot(!rs, W(K>d
Ducks, etc., all lose their brilliant color in a
few hours after death. — Ed.^

Editor ofO. <fc 0.;

1 enclose herewith some verses written by
L Allen Kingsbury (tf Wellesley, Mass., as a
tribute to a d(tg owned by ine and well known
by the shooting fraternity in New England as
" Biddy Muldoon." She was the last one in a
direct line of a stock of Irish Setters that has

been in my hands for over a (juarter of a cen-
tury, and which, although they liavc not been
prominent in the dog shows, still have been
well known from the Mississippi to the Prov-
inces by field sportsmen,

William W. Casflf,

LINES ON MY DOG "lUPDY."

Some years agone I owned a " Pup,"
It then was young and wild and giddy;

When I vvas called to christen her.
In winsome mood I called her " JJiddy."

Her color was a darkish red .

When she grew up knew every letter
In the whole gamester "alphabet" —

She was a full-blood Irisli Setter.

On many cold and winter nights,
Just like a ikiar .ind loving child,

She slept and cuddled by my side.
And numy weary hours beguiled.

She knew when ready for a tramp,
And watched my gVin and fastened door;

And when it outward, creaking, swung,
She, barking wildly, ran on before.

And when I brought some rare bird down,
Regardless of the drizzling sleet,

She brought it with a wagging tail,
And laid it gently at my feet.

She seemed to know our Iil.anehe*s step ;

And when she early came <)r late,
Watched f(tr her with an anxious face.

And met her ere sliy reached the gate.

Hat dog-* grow old, like all the world,
And wrinkles come and hair turns gray;

So she was sick and lame and weak.
And crawletl away to rest one day.

As thus she lay in dreaming mood.
And saw the flag and *• drinking cup."*

She knew with true and dog's instinct
Her dear old home was breaking up.

She looked lielore, and all was dark.
And saw behind there's nought beside.

She took the wise and unly path
And licked my hand and kinilly died.

'Twas Autuum tide and eventide;

We un-de a grave beneath a tree.
When stars looked d()wn we Inid her in.

And breathed a prayer on *' i)eiided knee."

I rai-ed above a siuiple stone ;

And as a child again I cried.
And as the te;irs, unbidden rtow«'d,

I wrote her name an<l day she died.

And wondered if some "other day"
Some kindly one, unknown to fame,

Ily mem'ry stirred, with m'>istene<l lids,
Beneath the stars will write my name.

What strings there are, run thmugh the heart,
liy hand unseen, by hand divine.

That thrill and throb, when ruthless torn
From deeper strings they intertwine.

Farewell, my pet, the fuily dog
That twined herself around my heart;

So now, Alas! I walk alone,—
It was so hird for me to part.

And when I fold my weary hands,
And say my childliood's simpW^ prayer.

And call the names of tho-^e I bive,
Her name will stand among them there.

Some wise ones say, all life lives on,
Beyond time's bounds, and "earth's sunset " :

If this be true, I've dreamed as much,
I hope beyond to mtM^t my I'ct.

* She died while an au(;tion sale was taking place,
preparatory to the rcmov.al to a distant state of hur
owner.

ORNITHOLOGIST

— AND-

OOLOGIST.

Sl.OO per
Annum.

PUBLISHED BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

Estalilislied, March, 1875.

Single Copy
10 cents.

Vol. XVI.

HYDE PARK, MASS., APRIL, 1891.

No. 4.

The American Anhinga.

Although the Anhinga is closely related to
the Cormorants yet it really has no relations
in this country. There are two varieties of the
Diver found in tropical Africa and one in
Australia, but the Plotus an/thuja of the
Southern States is the only variety found in
North America. The Anhinga keeps well
away from the coast, sliunning all the salt
water marshes and inhabiting only the livers
and fresh water lakes and swamjis of the in-
terior. Although they are not an uncommon
bird in this section of country I had never
since the year 1886 taken any of their eggs
until during the past year (1890), when I was
again so fortunate as to find them breeding.
Well do I remember the day, how could I soon
forget it? Many was the time that in search
of this nest I had wandered tlirough thickets
and swamps, tearing my clothes and liands on
vines and tliorns and bespattering myself with
mud, to come out again with perhaps only the
trophies of a skin perforated witli mosquito
bites and a brace of wet feet. Vainly 1 had
visited rookery after rookery of the Herons in
tlie liope of finding Anhingas there.

I had many times driven miles through tliese
barren pine forests of ours, to wliere tlu'y were
sui)posed to breed, only to find upon reacliing
tlie place that it was deserted. In fact, so poor
had my success been that I had almost de-
spaired of ever finding again tlie nest of tlie
American Diver.

Any one then might easily li.ave imagined
my feelings that h,ad seen us on tliat beauti-
ful morning in the latter part of March as
we cautiously picked our way through tlie
buslies and palmetto scrub down to where our
boat lay grounded by a large live oak log. for
we were tliat day to find the Anhinga in bis
native haunts.

Carefully stowing our lunch and guns in the
bow of the boat we puslied out upon the cool.

fresh water of the lake. It was yet quite
early in the morning. In tlie east was just
visible the first faint stieaks of light, and far
in the west, showing above a long, low line
of cypress, was the moon just retiring for the
night. Pausing in our rowing and looking over
our shoulders we could barely distinguish on
a little eminence dimly outlined against the
sky a large live oak, under wliose wide-spread-
ing branches stood our horse and wagon,
sho^ving liy what means we had the evening
before covered the twenty miles that lay be-
tween us and home. Gradually tlie morning
dawned, and when we had got about a half
a mile from shore the sun, which for some time
had been struggling up through the tree tops,
now burst forth in all its glory.

Before us lay a sheet of water two miles
long and perhaps half as wide. It was
lined on every side by a dense cypress swamp
which sti-etclied away to the south for miles.
The water was so clear that we could plainly
see fish swimming far beneath us. Scarce a
ripple was stiri-ed by the gentle breeze wliicli
fanned our faces, and we paused in our rowing
to take in the scene before us. High overliead
wild geese could be seen in straggling fiocks
commencing their long journey northward.
Tlie frogs and alligators wliich liad been
booming all niglit had now hushed, and scarce a
sound broke the almost breathless silence,
except the frantic plunge of some little fish in
his race for life as he flung himself from the
water to avoid the jaws of some large canni-
bal of his own tribe, and ever and anon the
muttled sound of heavy flapping was borne
across the water to us from a Buzzaril roost
half a mile to the south.

I forgot as I sat there my many troubles,
and even begau to believe that tliis was not
such a cold, unfeeling world after all as it might
be. I felt nearer my Maker than ever before.

As my thoughts grew higher my eyes were
naturally raised towards the heavens above;

Copyright, 1891, by Fbask B. Webster.

50

ORNITHOLOGIST

[\'..l. IG-No. 4

sudtlenly, however, my tlioughts took quite
anothei' turn, for as my eyes were raised to a
certain elevation I beheld bearing down upon
us a flock of two score of Wood Ibis. Reach"
int; for my }j;un we waited for them luit tlu^y
saw us and passed off to the south out of
range. Crossing the lake to the .south side
where we hoped to lind Anhingas breeding wo
were once more disappointed to find only old
nests used last 'year. But passing further on
we unexpectedly came upon an Anhinga sitting
on a cypress that overhung the water. He
poised his wings for flight but just then re-
ceiving a charge of No. fi shot from the boat
he I'eeled a moment and then fell backwards to
rise no more.

At the report of the gun a cloud of birds
rose a little farther on, and among them we
distinguished a score or more Anhingas. Soon
we were there. Soon, even without the aid
of climbing irons, 1 was twenty feet fmm the
gi'ound astride a cypress limb gazing down
into a nest beautifully lined with mos.s at four
handsome eggs which lay in the bottom.
There were perhaps a dozen Divers' nests in
the colony, most of which contained eggs,
usually three or four in number. Some nests
were not yet complete, and on one ne.st, viewing
us with open-mouthed wonder, stood two
youno perhaps ten days old. They were odd-
looking squabs, and as they sat then' eyeing
us they i-eniinded me of some pictures I had
seen of Auk.s or Guillemots.

There were perhaps twenty-live or thirty
nests of the Great Blue Heron in the rookery,
the eggs of which were hatched, and the young
could be seen standing around on the nests,
some of which were quite as large as their
parents. In a bunch of tall cypress a little to
one side of the general rookery a few pairs of
Great White Egrets were nesting, and a little
climbing soon added a dozen of their eggs to
the spoils of the day.

An hour and we were reluctantly leaving the
place which but a short time before had
afforded us sucli great pleasure. In the bow
of the boat carefully packed away lay twenty-
one eggs of the American Diver.

The rest of the day was spent in examining
the neighboring islands in quest of Vultures'
eggs, and late that night we broke camp "and
folding our tents like Arabs silently stole
away." T. G. Pearnmi.

Arcuer, Fl.i.

Nesting of Wilson's Thrush in
Western Pennsylvania.

Send us ilie a(l<lres.s of any ornithologists you know,
Tliat we ui.iy mail them samples of the O. * < >.

Wilson's Thrush (Ilyloclclilnfiinci'tiren.s) has
heretofore been considered to be a transient
visitor in Pennsylvania, breeding but very
rarely, and then cliietly in mountainous
districts. Within tlie last two years, however.
I have had the good fortune to discover that
in this section of the state there aie localities
where, strange as it may seem, the species is a
common breeder, so that the records of its
nesting as given in the May and June (1S90)
numbers of the O. & O. by Messrs. Koch,
Norris. and Surber, however exceptional they
may be for the localities mentioned, cannot be
held to indicate the uniform rarity of the bird
as a sumirier resident throughout the entire
state, for quite the contrary is true.

On May 15, 1K89, I boarded the train bound
for Leasuresville, Butler County. When, late
the same afternoon, I stepped off at the lonely
way-station of Monroe, a single glance at my
surroundings convinced me that I was in a
locality especially rich in bird-life, and, as
subsequent events proved, my .iudgnient
formed then was collect. And as I trudged
up the hill, tired and dinnerless, and carrying
a heavy valise and shotgun, with the ])iospect
of a threc-iniles" walk in the hot sun over a
hilly, dusty road befoie arriving at my des-
tination, I was <liecrc<l by the song of a bird I
had never heard luforc, but in the lliitc-like
<iuality of whose notes I lecognized its nihility
with the Wood Thrush. I did not se(^ the biid
at the time, and pursuit was obviously out of
the question, but I instantly decided that it
must be Wilson's Thrush. Thereafter, during
my stay, while wandering amid the eternal
gloom of the trackless, hemlock forest and the
swampy thicket. I constantly heard the same
song, which may be expressed by the syllables
hee-awe'i'-awe'i'r-awf'hr-aweer-awi'f'r-avi/' , begin-
ning loud and clear, but gradually dying away
toward the end, — a far-away, weird song, with
a wild ring to it savoring of untouched nature
and the primeval forest. The acoustic (juality
of the notes was such that they always seemed
to come from a distance, but though I riglitly
suspected that this was not really the case tlie
birds ahvays eluded my observation while
singing, and it was not until June 11th that
y perseverance was at last rewarded by
seeing the bird in the act, and thus i)roving
finally that my suspicions, as to the author of
the songs being Wilson's Tlirush, were correct.

April 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

51

Previously, however, on l\[ay 27th, I had
taken the nest of the species. On the day in
question, wliich hy the way was rainy and dis-
agreeable, I was accompanied by Mr. James
Myers, one of the local hunters and woodsmen,
who proposed that we should go to a nest
which he had found a few days before. After
a walk of about a mile, interrupted, however,
by an exciting adventure with a Blue Yellow-
backed Warbler, we came to a high woods
with a thick undergrowth of laurel and
huckleberry, where the bird was presently
flushed from her nest on the ground. I gave
one glance at the nest, another at the bird,
exclaimed " Wilson's Thrush!" and in a twink-
ling fired and killed her. Returning to the
nest, I found it to contain three eggs, of
exactly the same shade of bluish-green as
those of the Wood Thrush. They were, of
course, smaller, and, upon blowing, proved to
be .slightly incubated. The nest was not
sunken in the ground, but placed on a mound
of leaves, thus escaping the damp: it was
surrounded and canopied over with huckle-
berry bushes. Leaves, strips of bark and
weed stalks entered into its composition, with
broken leaves as lining. Measurements showed
it to be five inches in external diameter by
four and a half inches in external depth, with
a cavity two and three-quarter inches by two
and three-quarter inches.

1 may add as a significant fact that I have
never as yet found this species in Beaver
County, either as a summer resident or as a
migrant, although the other species of the
genus native to the Eastern LTnited States are
abundant in their season.

ir. E. Ch/ih- Tmhl.

liejiver. Beaver Co., Pa.

Ornithology and Geology.

The intimate relati(ui existing between tlie
various sciences of to-day is too often over-
looked by many people. Each is for the gain
of knowledge after its own kind, but to insure
against the evil of self-worship, they are so
constituted as to necessitate a con.scious un-
derstanding of each of its brother sciences
before one can fully appreciate the bearings of
seemingly outside influences upon things of
its own sphere.

I do not mean by this that an ornithologist,
amateur or otherwise, must neces.sarily follow
step by step into the abstruse dogmas of the
cosniologist or biologist, but neither is it

profitable to ignore contemporaneous literature
of writers in other fields. He should adopt a
middle course and aim to obtain a general
knowledge of all, more or less extended, ac-
cording to its degree of intimacy with the one
he makes a specialty. It is, in fact, only a
division of labor, and the truism that the
division of labor is the gain of many is appli-
cable in this ease, and if the specialist does not
adopt this course he has no division, but in
its place are many small units, disconnected
with each other.

As an object lesson to illusti-ate this state-
ment the writer has purposed a series of
papers especially designed to show the rela-
tion of several of the more important contem-
poraneous sciences to that of ornithology, the
first of which I have designated by the above
title. The science of geology is so many-
sided that it is at first diflicult to separate those
branches which are the more probable to have
an intimate connection with bird work, and it
must not be expected that this paper will give
more than a few briefly treated examples.

A knowledge of surface geology is an im-
portant factor in the study of distribution and
the confining of various genera and species to
five areas, and are therefore briefly alluded to:
The several continental area divisions, -separ-
ated as they are by vast expanses of water,
are prima facie markedly separated areas, but
there are also several other classes of restric-
tive barriers, as mountain chains, river sys-
tems, etc., the former being most often active
agents in separating faunas of contiguous
areas, and the larger tracts of desert or
otherwise arid lands act in a similar mamur.
With rivers there are several cases, some of
which are cited by Darwin and by Wallace,
where birds common on one side of a stream
are wholly wanting on the opposite shore.

To surface geology we also look for a solu-
tion of tlie phenomena of remotely distrib-
uted f(nms found in isolated areas, as the
workers in that field have conclusively shown
that in many cases land connection was
formerly present, but now sunken beneath the
level of the sea, while the alternation of warm
and cold climates during the glacial periods
played an important part in distribution, as
many species iuhabiting frigid or moderately
cool climates occupied a large and continuous
district during the presence of an ice cap in
New England, throughout the northern part
of the United States, but retreated northward
with the receding ice leaving a place to be
filled by other forms, except where such

52

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 4

species were straiicleil on mountain tops, and
found tliere a compensation in altitude for tlie
higher latitude sought by their species in gen-
eral, thus forming examples of isolation found
to-day. A clear conception of the effects of iso-
lation of this kind is also a great help in under-
standing the theory of varietal forms which is
now generally accepted by American and other
ornithologists; to them a species and a variety
are in many cases intimately connected, mak-
ing it difficult for an expert and impossible
for others to distinguish the difference.
Briefly, when birds from remote localities,
though differing considerably, are found to
be connected by individuals blending grad-
ually in the distinctive characteristics of the
types, and inhabiting an intervening territory,
the farthest removed types are termed varie-
ties with often one or more "variety" being
acknowledged in the neutral ground. If, on
the contrary, the birds from the farthest re-
moved localities were found to be unconnected
by the grading of intermediate forms, then
each vpould be considered a valid species.
Again, supposing the case of four types in
this imaginary area, one of which graded
imperceptibly over the intervening country
until identical with the second, and where be-
tween the third and fourth types there was no
intergradation: even though the two without
intermediate forms varied less, one from
another, than did the extremes of the inter-
grading set, the same rule of specific and
varietal relation would hold good.

Supposing the existence of a case similar to
the above (and many do exist in our own
country) and imagine the gradual change of
the intervening country in such a way as to ex-
terminate the grading forms, as for example,
the encroachments of an ocean, the changing
from a fertile country to a state of aridity, or
a different climate brought about by geologi-
cal agency, we would finally have two species
without intergrading forms, or in other words,
two species would have been created from
what was previously one type of several forms.
If we are to believe the testimony of tlie
rocks this has happened many times over, for
fo.ssils showing intermediate structure to later
or living forms .are not wanting.

The growth of families, genera and species
in this way aided by a constant individual
variation, allowing those best constituted for
life amid the surrounding influences to live and
reproduce their kind, while those less ably en
(lowed died out, show by their remains left
fossil in the rocks, a clear object lesson in sup-

port of this theory. The study of the effects of
the gl.acial period on the various forms of
animal and vegetable life, and its pronounced
effects on various ornithological phenomena
will be mentioned in a future paper on
migration. Harry Gordon Wliite.

U. S. Fisli (.'onimission, Wood's Holl, Mass.

A Series of Eggs of the Black-
throated Green Warbler.

The eggs of the Black-throated Green War-
bler (Dendroica virenn) do not show as great a
variatitm as those of many other species of the
same genus.

Set I. .June 17, 1887. Grand Manan, N.B.
Nest on spruce tree, two feet from ground.
Four eggs, fresh. White, with a faint creamy
tinge, spotted with purplish-gray and russet.
The markings form wreaths around the larger
ends. (This appears to be characteristic of
the eggs of this bird, and in describing the
.sets menti<med below it will be understood
that the markings are so arranged, unless
otherwise mentioned.): .r)Ix.4!l: .(!lx.4il;
.(!l X.4S); .(!0x.4S.

Set n. June 19, 1888. Grand Manan, X. B.
Nest on si)ruce tree, nine fett from ground.
Four eggs, incubation commenced. White,
speckled with purplish-gray and burnt umber.
Although the markings form wreaths around
the larger ends as usual, still there are ijuite a
number of specks scattered ovei- the rest of
the surface of the eggs: .62x.4'.t; .r]8x.4!l;
.(5lx.4i); .111 X.411.

.Set III. .lune 2."), 1888. Grand Manan, N. B.
Nest on alder tree, five feet from the giound.
Four eggs, incubation commenced. White,
spotted with purplish-gray and russet: .00x.4il;
.66X..52; .(i2x.4H; .(iSx.-M).

Set IV. June HI, 1888. Grand Manan, N. B.
Nest on spruce tree, four and a half feet from
the ground. Four eggs, incubation com-
menced. White, s]iotted with purplish-gray,
and burnt umber. All are wreathed, but one
egg has spots all over the surface: .70x.40;
.70X.48; .OOx.150; .70x.4»).

Set V. June 14, 1887. Grand Manan, N. B.
Nest on alder tree, five and a half feet fnmi
the ground. Four eggs, fresh. White, spotted
with burnt umber and purplish- gray : ..59 x .47;
.63X.49; .01 X.49; .0:3x.50.

Set VI. June 8, 1890. Farmlngton, Maine.
Nest in spruce tree, twenty-five feet from the
ground. Four eggs, small embryos. White,
with a very faint bluish tinge, speckled with

April 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

53

purplish-gray and burnt umber. In addition
to forming wreaths at the Uirger ends tlie
markings are more or less scattered over the
entire surface: .(31x.45; .0lx.4li; .58x.4r);
.57X.44.

Set VII. .Tune 2.5, ISS.i. Oxford County,
Maine. Nest in an evergreen, seven feet from
tlie ground. Four eggs, incubation slight.
White, with a faint bluish tinge, spotted with
bui-nt umber and purplish-gray: .OOx..!!;
.(i8x..')0; .70X..51; .68x.50.

Set VIII. May SI, 1889. Franklin County,
Maine. Nest in hemlock tree, twenty feet
from the ground. Four eggs, fresh. White,
thickly speckled with purplish-gray and russet.
The markings are all over the surface, but
heavier at the larger ends: .07x.4'J; .68x.41);
.07X.49; .67X.48.

Set IX. .Tune 14, 188.".. Grand Mnnan, N. B.
Nest in white birch, six feet from the ground.
Four eggs. White, spotted with purplish-
gray and burnt umber: .():?x..")0; .(it)x..">l;
.04 x..')2; .64 x ..51.

Set X. .Tune .5, 1800. Farmington, Maine.
Nest in small cedar, on small limb close to the
trunk of the tree, and tliirteen feet from the
ground. Four eggs, fresh. White, spotted
with purplish-gray and burnt umber: .68x.49;
.69X..50; .69X.50; .69x.49.

Set XI. June 17, 1887. Grand Manan, N. B.
Nest in spruce tree tliree feet from ground.
Four eggs, incubation commenced. White,
speckled with russet, purplish-gray and burnt
umber: .04x.49; .(i5x.49; .G5x.49: .68x.r)l.

./. P. y.

Hints for "Jur. "' Collectors.

The collecting season will soon open; our
younger friends perhaps need some advice. So
many have written of what to do that I feel
that I should try something new, and mention
a few ornithological "don'ts."

TO BEGIX WITU THE OUTFIT.

• Don't cari'y your birds in pockets or game
bag but procure a roomy fish creel, and as
fast as your .specimens are procured place
them carefully away.

Don't load too heavily, a single pellet will
often kill.

IN THE FIELD.

Don't try to cover too much ground, sit still
and let the birds come to you. You will be
more than repaid by the opportunities of
studying them when without fear.

. Don't permit a wounded bird to escape
under any consideration if you can possibly
help it.

Don't in the heat of collecting neglect your
note-book. It is as important as the speci-
mens.

Don't, if the owner of your favorite collect-
ing ground comes after you, take to your heels.
If you do he will think something is up
and will never after listen to any explanation
on your part. Stay and talk it out. Often he
will have no objections if he fully understands
your work. [Don't forget this. — Ed.]

X)o)i' t allow a rare bird to escape. Often
you think you will watch him just a minute
before shooting, when — presto! he has disap-
peared, and no amount of searching will re-dis-
cover him. Watch the second of the species
to your heart's content.

Don't get mad and swear if you fall over a
log into a muddy pool of water, frightening
away the warbler you were watching. Nt>, get
up and brush off the mud calmly. Patience
is invaluable in a collector.

Don't Wear rubber boots except in early
spring.

Don't venture on the shores of a small lake
rashly. The outer crust being broken the
mud is often very deep.

Don't collect a large series of any species.
You are not a professional and two or three of
each })linnaije will be plenty.

Don' ton any account shoot more birds th.an
you can skin. Never waste even the common-
est bird.

,\FTEH ItE.\C'UINf) IKHIE.

Don't neglect to put your specimens iit
once into .a cool place.

AT THE SKINNING TAni.E.

Don't forget to measure the binl or to stuff its
mouth, or to extract broken eye balls.

Don't use a cone in making the skin.

Don't attempt to sever the legs until after
you have cut the tail and skinned part way
up the back. Break the bones soon after the
first incisicm is made, but do not try to cut the
meat, it only stretches the skin.

Don't skin the legs or wings until the skin is
fully turned. They will then absorb more
arsenic, being fresh.

X)on't cut the ears, pull them out with the
tweezers.

Don't spare .arsenic. Put the inverted skin
in a small drawer and keep the poison around
it. Don't shake it off even, but turn tlie skin
back with a thick layer of powder adhering
to it.

54

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 4

Each has his own way of making skins but
a few general remarks might be useful.

Don't make hollow-necked, pot-bellied spec-
imens.

TJfin't on the otliev hand make the throat the
most prominent part, as many do. Choose
the mean and have a beautiful smooth curve
from bill to breast.

Don' I be satisfied with anything short of per-
fection. You probably will not be satisfied
many times, but y(m will make skins that to
the average collector neem perfect.

AND LAST OF ALL

Don't send out as first class any of your
earlier attempts.

Don't attempt to palm off any old skins on
one you believe to be a young collector. You
may catch a tartar to your everlasting shame
and disgrace. Strwart E. White.

Gniuil Rapiils, Mich.

Reminiscences of an Old Steel Trap.

It is a trap with a history — this old-
fashioned, toothed-jawed, fixed-spring machine
— and although not as useful as the more
modern tyjies, yet I do not think many steel
traps have caught a greater variety of game.

When I first became aciiuainted witli it,
some twenty odd years ago (and it was an old
trap then), it was usually kept setting, during
the winter months,in the hedge surrounding the
garden belonging to my old home in England.
Hares were fond of straying around there at
night in quest of food, and for their benefit
especially, was the trap placed in their runs
through the hedge. Many a large eight or ten-
pound hare has had his confidence rudely
sliaken as the jaws rose through the dead
leaves covering his "meuse" (run) throiigli the
hedge and not a few rabbits have come to hand
l>y like means. An occasional partridge or
l)heasant would stray that way when much
shooting was going on in tlie fields; sometimes
they would fall victims to tlie old trap"s thir.st
for Ijlood. Quite a s])rinkling of the neigh-
Ijor's cats (and our own, too) have also been
caught by it, and once or twice dogs have
also come to grief in ti'ying to enter that
garden. On one occasion, at least, I can re-
member a red fox being caught but that speci-
men was kept sometime in captivity and
finally turned loose, as "vulpecide" is one of
the deadly sins across the water. Stoats,
weasels, rats, and once a Blackbird, has it

caused to give up the ghost, and probably
other things of which I wot not.

In those days the trap was attached to a
heavy chain, and this chain was always fastened
by means of a padlock to the base of some
stout-growing hawthorn plant in the hedge.

Tlie first winter after its emigration to
America it was set for a .short time in an arti-
ficial run made along an old rail fence, and
while it stayed there it caught two (.)r three
chipmunks — its first American game.

After that winter it lay idle for some years
until three or four winters ago it was again set
in a run made along an old rotting fence and
baited with a fresh bird every few days. This
was with the idea of catching minks, but I
know a little more about the habits of minks
now than I did then. While setting in this
place a weasel was the first thing secured, and
soon after a possum was caught by the tail but
escaped after leaving unmistakable traces
both as to what he was and how he had been
caught. A few days later the old trap again
shut down on the same possum, and this time
it held him. the scars on his tail betrayinghis
identity with the one that had formerly es-
caped. Soon aftei- the locality v\as changed to
a hole under some large granite btuildeis and
from this place several rabbits were secured.
In setting for mink later, on the trap being
baited with a bird, a field mouse had his skull
smashed in the jaws, and afterwards, when
being set for muskrat, a Field Sparrow was
caught. This same winter the trap sliut Its
old teeth on a fifteen-pound otter and earned
everlasting glory and some lucre thereby.
Since then it has taken quite a number of
muski-at and some mink, and at the present
time it is still setting for the former. It is
quite an institution with us and although my
more important trapping work is usually done
with the more modern "Newhouse," yet I
trust it may be many years before the old
reliable finds its way to the junk dealer's shop.

I[. II. liriiiilrij.
R,alei(;Ii. N- ('.

Edward K. Green.

Died at his home in Austin, Texas, on the
second day of February, 1801, Edward K.
Green, aged eighteen years. Mr. (Jreen had
Ijeen a diligent collector for several years, and
was becoming well known to the ornithological
fraternity.

April 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

55

The Coloration of Eggs.

Tlie coloration of e^iis is a subject about
wliich comparatively little is known, and it
presents questions which cannot be answered.
Various writers have attemi^ted to discover
some general system in their colors, but their
efforts have been crowned with little or no
success. Some persons have supposed, for
exam])le, that the colors were intended to
render their concealment all the more easy,
and while this would satisfactorily explain
the coloration of some, notably tlie Xiy;ht
Hawks, etc. (CaprimulifuUe) it would not ac-
count for the bright hues of others.

Again it has been assumed that colors are
used to protect the eggs from the sun's rays,
and that therefore those which were laid in
holes and cavities of trees, etc., like tho.se of
the Woodpeckers and Owls, are perfectly uu-
coloied, or white. But so many notable vari-
ations of this rule will at once occui- to the
reader, as for example the eggs of the
("reepers, (Certhida'.) those of the Nuthatches
and Tits (Pciridcn), etc., wliicli are nearly
always brightly colored, aud yet are also laid
for the most part in holes and cavities, that its
utter f.allacy is at once shown.

liirds whose nests are very similar, and
tlieir nesting places also the same, often lay
totally ditYerent eggs. The most notal)le ex-
anii)les of this are the eggs of the Long-billed
Marsh Wren {Cistothorus italuslrix) and its
nearly allied species, the Short-billed Marsh
Wren (€'. xtfllurl-''). It is well known that the
former's eggs are among the most heavily
colored of any found in our country, and yet
those of the latter bird are pure white, and
entirely unmarked. Their nests and tlieir
location, however, are almost exactly similar.
The birds also closely resemble each other.
Why should their eggs exhibit such wonderful
diversity ?

Who will say that the brilliant colors of the
eggs of the Ptarmigans {Layopiis) are in-
tended to more effectually conceal them, or
that those of the Canada Grouse (I)cndra(i(>iius
canddensix) are more easily hidden in conse-
quence of their bright tints?

Again, if colors are to conceal eggs why do
birds so often choo.se dark colored rootlets and
hairs with which to line their nests ? Every-
one will recall the brilliant contrast jiroduced
by the dark lining of the nests of many
species and the white ground color of the

such contrasts certainly do not conduce to
their more ready concealment.

These are all cpiestions which puzzle even
those who have given years of study to their
unravelment, and yet find themselves as utterly
in the dark at the end of their labors as they
were at the commencement.

Many mistaken ideas prevail as to the color-
ation of eggs. An often repeated one is that
in a clutch of eggs, those that are the most
brightly marked are laid first, and that as the
coloring pigment in the bird gradually be-
comes exhausted, those laid last will be the
least brightly marked.

Now in two cases I have known this to bo
exactly the reverse. Let me explain. In the
Obnituoi.ogist and Oologist for January,
188!), Vol. XIV, p. 11, I described a set of
eggs of the Canada Grouse {Dendruijopus cana-
densis) laid by a bird in captivity, where the
collector (.Mr. Watson Bishop) marked each
egg in the order that they were laid as he
removed them; and egg No. 1 has tlie fewest
markings of any on it, while the spots
gradually increase in number and size on the
others, so that egg No. 13 (and last) is the
most heavily maiked of all.

The other case is that of a set of two eggs
of the Golden Eagle (Aqnila rlirys(etos) col-
lected March 1, 1888, in Santa Clara County,
California, by Mr. H. R. Taylor. The nest
which contained these eggs was found on
February 28, 1888, and on the collector ascend-
ing to it he found only one egg. It was bluish-
white, and entirely unmarked save for one
small spot near the larger end. The follow-
ing day, M.irch 1st, he again climbed to the
nest and found another egg, which was the
most brilliantly colored, heavily marked
specimen of this species that I have ever seen.

Another statement which is frequently
repeated I have found to be incorrect, is that
the grays and lavenders so frequently found
on eggs are produced by a reddish-brown
color "lying in, instead of upon the shell." I
(piote from Dr. Cones' Key, page 223. Now if
this were true one could take a file and rub
off the outer covering until one came to the
reddish color in the shell. Now this is just
what I have often done and yet I have never
come to the reddish color. Instead of that
the gray or lavender disappears entirely, and
I believe that this proves that the grays and
lavenders are just as sepai-ate colors as the
reds.

And, by the way. how often this "reddish-
brown" color is found on eggs ! It occurs in

56

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 4

many shades and runs from one tint to
anothei', with sucli faint shades of difference
as to render the determination of the exact
color often a matter of considerable diffi-
cnlty.

A curious fact is that if an epfc of an eagle or
hawk Is held up to a stron<; lif;ht and looked
through it appears greenish, while eggs of
owls appear yellowish. Vulture's eggs,

I mean those of rhe Turkey and Black Vul-
tures (Catharten aura and Calharista atrata),
are also yellowish.

Birds which normally lay unspotted eggs
will sometimes produce them with faint
markings.

I am a firm believer in the theory that suc-
cessive sets of eggs from the same pair of Ijirds
will bear a strong resemblance to each other,
in size and coloration. This I have repeatedly
confirmed by observation and experiment.

Many colors on eggs, when freshly laid, can
easily be smeared, or even entirely rubljed dIT
by water. This is rareramong small eggs than
among large ones, but I have often removed
the spots on Vireo's eggs, when fresh, by
water. With the deterioration of the mark-
ing on eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk (Bnti'O
borealis) and especially on those of the Red-
shouldered Hawk (B. lineatua) caused by rains
or the wet feet of the birds, any one who has
seen many sets of their eggs is very familiar,
as their beauty is often ruined by these
causes. J. P. N.

The Picidae of Michigan.

As a family the Woodpeckers are probably as
well known as any one class of birds. This is be-
cause of their abundance, familiarity and their
conspicuous mode of life. All have the charac-
teristic of building in a hole excavated for the
purpose in a tree trunk, living or dead. All
progress up the trunks by a series of hops,
using their stiff tails as props, and, with a
single exception, rarely perch across a limb as
do other birds.

Few of our birds if dispensed with would
be more missed than the Woodpecker. His
jolly roll on the dead trunk of some forest
giant has become so familiar by constant repe-
tition that without it our country walks
would lose half their charm. It is always
interesting to hear his industrious chip, chip.

as he laboriously chisels out his snug home, or
his rapid and continuous rattle as he hammers
away ou some telegraph jjole. The eggs are
polished, white, four to eight in number, and
unsjjotted.

1. Hairy Woodpecker {Dryobates villosuti).
The Greater Sapsnckers are very common liere
as elsewhere; they are found in the orchards,
on the shade trees, and in the deeper woods.
Their numbers are greatest during migrations,
at which time their loud shrieking calls are
heard on all sides. It is needless to remind
the readers of this paper that the nickname of
Sapsucker is not only inappropriate hut un-
just, as their food consists almost entirely of
insects and larvie. They are fond of .selecting
a good place near the ends of the ajjjjle
branches, and thei-e remaining until all the
food is exhausted They will work for ten
minules pulling and tugging at a piece of bark
uuder which they are sure of finding a meal.
In winter time a few are to be found in the
woods accompanied by Cliickadees .and Nut-
hatches.

2. Downy Woodpecker {Di-yohates i>i(hf>i-
eenn). With the habits and manners of the
preceding, these little fellows seem mole fa-
miliar than their larger brothers. They are
always ready for a coniidcntial chat and will
always meet your advances half way. Their
call resembles that of rillosus, except that it is
notsoloud. Both these species are so abundant
and widely distributed that it seems unneces-
sary to enter into a more extended descrip-
tion.

3. Arctic Three-toed \Voodpccker {Piciihlcx
arcticuii). In the fall of 1889, armed with a
combined rifle and shotgun, 1 set out from the
log cabin of a lumber camp taking my way
along an old load filled with stumps and holes.
The lofty pines roared softly, rearing their

j vast columns so grandly towards heaven that
the scene would have had a vastuess and sub-
limity depressing and humbling to the spirit,

; were it not for the cheerful Chickadees, that
no extremes of weather can daunt, and the
impudent Canada Jays, on wlnun nothing can
have the slightest subduing effect. A sharp
turn to the right led through an old slashing
just beginning to be overgrown with scrub
oak, through another patch of pines and into
a strip of partly burned country. Here I es-
tablished myself on a knoll and settled my-
self for a long wait for deer.

After a little of this how cold it seemed to
become! It penetrated to the very marrow,
and after the fnlhuving troop of Canada Jays

April 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

57

had satisfied their curiosity and departed it
l)eeanie nearly unbearable. At last, late in
the afternoon, 1 decided that I had enough, so
shaking off the snow, I moved cautiously down
the swale. Just as I was climbing over a large
pile of burnt logs I happened to look up, and
there right ahead, on an old stub, sat a black
Woodpecker with a yellow forehead patch.
Au Arctic Tliree-toed! I exclaimed to myself,
and hastily changed the buckshot in my shot
barrel to No. 6, the smallest I had on hand,
but by that time he had gone. I followed for
some distance in the direction of his long
sweeping flight, and was just about to despair
when I espied another, this time a female. No
time was wasted in bringing her down, you
may be sure, although the shot called down
maledictions on my head from an Indian deer
hunter in the vicinity. A few minutes later I
discovered another female hammering away on
a fallen log, side by side with a Hairy Wood-
pecker. She was very tame, I could not scare
her off, so backing away to a suitable dis-
tance I sacrificed her for the benefit of science.
Those tliree were all I met with, but after my
return ho7iie I received a fine male accom-
panied by a letter from Mr. Bristol of the
camp, stating that the black Woodpeckers had
become very comnnni; uiucli more so than the
light ones (Ilairys).

4. American Three-toed Woodpecker {Pi-
coides anwricanus). Although this bird occurs
rarely in this state I have never had the gooil
fortune to meet with il.

5. Yellow-bellied .Sapsucker {Splujrapicus
varius). The Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers
arrive about the first week in April, and are
abundant for a fortnight, after which they
nearly disappear, but a few remaining to breed.
During tlicir stay they are found everywhere,
being especially fond oi frequenting the sugar
maples.

See that old male fly into the large hickory
tree; selecting a good position on the vertical
trunk he girdles it with a series of small holes
about an inch apart. After excavating these
by a few strokes of his powerful bill he re-
peats the operation at another point. After
ten or fifteen minutes he returns, and placing
his bill sideways along the limb licks up the
sap that has collected. Sometimes, but rarely,
he inserts his bill in the holes and often
catches a few of the winged insects attracted
by the sweet sap.

During the latter part of their stay they
station themselves on the slender tips of
maple branches and greedily devour the green

buds; besides this they derive a considerable
portion of their sustenance from the soil over
which they progress by a series of hops.
Their cry is a single harsh screech often slid-
ing into a clear note as if the performer's voice
was cracked. This may be nearly imitated
by means of a common goose call.

Few birds will furnish a more pleasant sub-
ject for a half hour's observation than this.
Each has a marked individuality and each can
be profitably studied. They are full of amus-
ing tricks of which a single instance will
suffice as an example.

One was noticed boring his holes in a large
hickory tree, after finishing which he moved
on to the next, as is customary and proper.
Hardly had he become settled at his next task
before a second appeared and calmly a])pro-
priated the sap that the first had so laboriou.sly
earned. He ate there for some time but
speedily retreated when the first returned.

The plumage of these Woodpeckers presents
great variation in regard to the throat and
crown patches. The forms may be divided as
follows :

1. Crown black: throat light. Juv. females.

2. Crown black; throat black. .Juv. of first
and second year.

3. Crown red; throat light. Usual adult
female.

4. Crown red; throat red. Usual adult
male. Females of this plumage occasionally
taken.

6. Pileated Woodpecker (Ccephln^tis pile-
attts). These birds' are very rare and are be-
coming scarcer every year. They are now
confined to the heavily timbered portions of
the country, usually along the river swamps.
They have a loud cackling cry like that of a
scared hen, and their hammerings can be heard
a long distance. On Mackinac Island a speci-
men was brought to my brother by au Indian
boy, who assured us that the bird was not uu-
c(mimon as a late migrant. The country
people call them "Woodcocks" and under
that name they are often sold to unsuspecting
victims in search of a dainty.

7. Red-headed Woodpecker {Melnnerpes
erythrophthalmus). Although by no means
our commonest, these are our most con-
spicuous representatives of this class. Arriv-
ing sometimes as early as the last of February
these birds do not attain the maximum of their
numbers until the last of April or the first of
May. This is our most familiar summer
species inasmuch as it is to be found in the

58

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-Nn. 4

city as well as in the country, and alon.i; the
roads as well as in the woods.

These Woodpeckers levy on all clas.ses of
food. Besides the insects and larvae, in the
obtaining of which they are as industrious as
any of the family; they are also fond of small
fruit and the milky kernels of the Indian corn.
In cherry time they become as expert as
IloUins in seizing tlie ripe fruit from the slender
twi<;s; when the plums, grapes and choke-
cherries are in good condition they are on
hand ; while late in the fall and early in the
spring, frozen ajjples are first rate to fall back
on. They are connoisseurs too; wherever I
found a Red-headed Woodjjecker, there was I
sure of the sweetest and best flavored cherries.
When one is surprised in these dei>redatioiis
liis presence of mind never deserts him; with
one savage stab he impales the best within
reach and retreats, prevented from giving vent
to liis triumph only by the position of his
prey. When the maize is just on the point
of maturing they may be seen perched side-
ways on the most succulent ears tearing nfE the
husks :uid devouring the sweet kernels. They
prepare vast hoards of acorns in abandoned
holes, simply for amusement it seems, for
app:irently no use is made of the provisions so
carefully laid away.

Their cry is rattling and quite loud but not
as much so as those of some others. These
birds are fond of selecting a place of great
resonating power and hammering away to
their hearts' content, and therefcn-e are often
seen perched on the sides of telegraph poles,
houses and fence posts.

For some reason they are especial ob.iects of
fury to the Robin, and it is by no means an
unusual sight to see one hotly pursued by a
pair of the latter birds. It is very amusing to
see the ease and dexterity with which he
avoids their rushes, dodging around a fence
post just in the nick of time, escaping to the
next when too closely pursued, and finally
l)lumping into a hole, leaving the mystified
Uobins to speculate on his disappearance.

They are always on hand for a frolic and in
companies of six or eight will play by the
hour. Often when in pursuit of insects they
progress along the tops of large horizontal
limbs by a series of hops, but althougli they
often alight on the ground for the purpose Of
picking up choice morsels, yet I have never
seen them searching there as do the Flickers.
In .September old and young gather together
in a large flock, and by the first of October the
bulk have gone south.

8. Red-bellied Woodpecker (ilcUmerpcs
caroUnus). Common in the southern part of
the state, these birds reach nearly the limit of
their northern range, in Kent County. As a
consequence, while not actually rare, their
numbers are so small that opportunities for
ob.servation on their habits are necessarily few
and far between. In migration one can be
found occasionally inside the city limits when
his habits are much the same as those of the
Sapsucker. As summer residents they are
always in the depths of the woods, preferably
of a somewhat swampy character. They girdle
the trunks very much as the Yellow-bellied
does and in the proper season doubtless make
many a meal of sap. I have seen one insert
his bill into the holes. They are very ex-
I^editious in their movements; beginning on
the larger trunks, one thence proceeds to the
limbs and twigs, pausing every few moments
to arch his neck and give utterance to his shrill
rolling call. This, though not remarkably loud,
has great carrying power, and can be heard in
the remotest confines of the woods in which
they reside. The Red-bellied Woodpeckers
though southern in range appear to be more
hardy than some of their brochers; only the
severest winters can drive them away, and
they are generally resident the year around.

9. Oolden-winged Woodpecker (Cdlajitcs
auratux). As is well attested by the variety of
names they bear, these share with the Red-
heads the honor of being the best known.
They are abundant and well distributed, and
in scmie portions are residents during mild
winters. In that season they go in bands of
ten or a dozen foraging the country in all di-
rections for enough food to keep them alive.
As spring approaches their numbers increase,
until by the first of May they are to be met with
at every turn. As the season of nesting draws
near the antics of the amorous males take a
very amusing turn. See yonder coy maiden
perched near the top of an old dead stub.
Two gallants, the rivals for her affections, are
earnestly striving to gain her attention ; each
flies around and around the object of his de-
votion screaming "to whit, to whit, to whit,
to whit, to whit, to I! " Suddenly one alights on
the trunk Ijelow the fair la<ly, hopping rapidly
up and down, quirking his head comically
from side to side. The other, jealous at the
first's success, dashes at him with great fury,
drives him from his vantage and takes up the
position himself. So the affair goes on until,
after many fierce battles, the female signifies
her preference, and in company with the

Ai'RiL 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

59

successful swain, sets up liousekeeping. Slie is
very fastidious iu the clioice of a location and
during its selection leads her poor husbaixl a
pretty life. After digging in here a few iuclies
she informs him that tlie wood is too soft;
there it is too liard; on this side the situation
is too exposed, on the other it is unhandy. At
last she settles on one spot and both set to
work. For a week the chips fly in all direc-
tions, and at tlie end of that time the labors of
intubation lomnience. It is well known that
although madam is very particular in her fust
clioice of a site, yet after once deciding she is
very loth to leave it, suffering repeated rob-
beries without complaint. In due time tlie
young Flickers emerge from the shells and at
a very early age leave the hole, perching
around on the branches until able to fly.

Tlie High-hole's flight is easy and graceful
and has an elastic freedom that is delightful
to behold. They procure their food in tlie
usual manner by hopping up the trunks of
trees, besides which they often search on the
ground and are sometimes in the fruit trees.

Their well-known cries consist of a single
harsli screech and a double cry, " to wliit, to
whit," sounding like repeated bursts of harsh
laughter.

On Mackinac Island they go liy tlie name of
" Pink Throat " and are sliot for food. This
species is often seized by Hawks, some of
which, especially the Sharii-sliiuiied, become
quite exjieit in tlie capture.

Stfwai-t K. W'liitr.

CiMiuI iiapids, Kent County, Mich.

The Birds of Long Point.

"At tiioton Long Point, New London f'o.,
Conn " To this scanty legend on the data
slips I will add more llian a word of informa-
tion, for the benefit of many inquiring corres-
pondents who hold my eggs. .Just half way
down Fisher's Island Sound and midway
between New Lombui and Watch Hill, Groton
Long Point juts out a mile from the Connec-
ticut shore with no great deviation from half a
mile in width. Witli sliallow coves each side,
having pools and areas of salt marsh, reed-
beds, upland pastures, beaches, extensive
hazel thickets, and stunted groves of decidu-
ous trees well dr.aped with lichen, it would
anywhere be considered a promising field.

Relatively to other bustling bird centres,
the situation is also fortunate. Across the
narrow Sound are the great Fisher's Lsland

heronry and rookery of Crackles; six miles to
the south lies Little Gull Island with the
largest colony of Common Terns on the sea-
board; to the left of this, Gardiner's Island
populous with Fish Hawks; and to the right,
Plumb Island with its specialty of Bartram's
Sandpiper. Scouting parties from these
centres are of daily occurrence here.

These visitors with the resident avifauna
represent a bird population denser and more
varied than can be found elsewhere in the
State. Tlie phases of bird life thus presented
are interesting, and some of the peculiarities
worth noting. So, before answering ray in-
quirers on the breeding possibilities, I will
give a further idea of the environment by
jotting a few notes on the migrations and
winter birds. With a Bird Stuffer I took a
fishing-creel nearly full of Snow Buntings
here. On the railroad at the head of the two
coves, killed by the suction or swirl of the
fast express trains, I have picked up eleven
kinds of Warblers, mostly young birds. Here
is an agent of destruction to which I have
seen no reference in jirint. On the Bluff Point
side, in December, 1S90, I secured a Canada
Goose and six Snowy Owls — one in the ycmng-
of-the-year plumage. There is a Barn Owl in
my room at Noank, and an Eider Duck shot
from duck blinds off this point. I also shot
two SlKut-eared Owls in December 1890, and
as long ago as 1876 an egg, presumably of this
species, was brought to me by a boy who said
he " found it in the grass on Long Point."

Much romancing is in print about Loons on
fresh water ponds, and killing one is chron-
icled as a great feat. The fine specimen on
my study table was shot with a pistol at
short range. They abound at salt water, and
their eerie cry is very common in Fisher's
Island Sound in .Tune. Flying over the duck
blinds they are easily "downed." Half a
dozen at a time are taken in the fish-traps with-
in twenty feet of tlie shore off Groton Long
Point. The Loons drop into the traps after
the imprisoned fish, but in taking flight can-
not get rise enough to clear the walls of the
netting.

In early October I have seen eleven Snowy
Herons at the Point at once, at another time
nine, and smaller groups in other seasons. I
have eaten young Green and Night Heron
from these swamps with no great relish, but
the Great Blues if not too old are excellent
eating. The whites of all the Herons' eggs
are too leathery to be table delicacies. If one
has no appetite for hen's eggs, half a dozen

60

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 4

Tom's eggs can be eaten with gusto. A
Tei-n's-egg custard after a .sea-bass chowder,
served on a Noank lobster boat moored in
Long Point cove, is a savory reminiscence of
last .Inly.

Through September 1890 a White-he.aded
Eagle haunted the oyster stakes of these
coves. To the naked eye and through a glass
at close range his jacket seemed to be the rare
glossy black so coveted by collectors.

Let my inquirer as to these summer breeding
ranges take his stand anywhere in the grove t>f
moss-covered hornbeams, about June ICth,
and hear an unrivalled medley. Above and
through the song of countless Parulaj, which
is like the droning of giant bees, is heard
the mocking cadence of Chats, the tiery out-
burst of the Orchard Oriole, and sweeter,
be('ause rarer, the cry of the Veery. To no
other place in my territory can I take a friend
and promise him the song of Wilson's Thrush.
In all of my collecting near Norwich liave I
found but one nest of tliis species. ]5ut in
this restricted swamp every season I find one
(U- two pairs breeding without search. Indeed
1 have really looked for no efjgs on (iroton
Long Point except Parula Warbler's, but in
observing the habits of this dominating
species, I get the random notes of its associ-
ates and neiglibors.

Between the sjiindle at the end of the Point
(from which I have several sets of 0.sprey) to
the railroad bridge at the head of tlie coves
(off which I have taken Kingbird's nests) I
have run across most of our Connecticut eggs.
The first recorded set was five Bay-winged
Huntings, July .i, 187.5, and the last set of
(•(■;///( Parula, June 12, ISiiO. All the Robins'
and Kingbirds' nests — and the latter are very
common — are set into great mats of drag-
gling seaweed.

Hut sea-wrack enters into the composition
of no other kind of nests if we bar Terns,
Sandpipers, Osprey and Crows. The Orchard
Oriole's nests here are on tlie whole the
showiest bird-homes I know of. Nests of this
species from Florida, with Spanish moss
effects, and from Texas, taken by Mr. fleo. B.
Sennett, are before me, but are not compar-
able in beauty to the northern examples. In
addition to the salmon-colored lining and
peculiar yellow grass exterior, they are placed
in the heart of the biggest bunches of lichen
with which they are interwoven and festooned.
The Yellow Warblers' nests are all filled with
pollen from the old cat-tail reeds. Maryland
Yellow Throat's nest is common and tyi)lcal.

and always full of Cowbird's eggs. The
Prairies outnumber the Chestnut^sideds.

Still, of the true royal family here, is
Parula. She breeds, as our migration charts
teach us to say, "abundantly." And why
shouldn't she, our little queen of these glades,
when she need fear no regicide '? Slie does
not have the arch enemy of our other Waib-
lers to contend with. In all the nests of this
species I ever saw 1 have found but one Cow-
bird's egg, and the nest containing the egg
was deseited. No arboreal builder carries less
material to her nest. The skeleton frame to
her house is already raised, and she has only
to fashion her window and lay her floor.
When Dr. Brewer first wrote me for nests and
eggs of the Paiula Warbler, and alluded to
sets of six from Taunton, I thought such sets
were freaks or impositions. So later, when
I sent Mr. J. Parker Norris a set of seven
1 believed it would long stand the largest
recorded set. But last season the first nest 1
found had five eggs, the next not twenty feet
distant had seven, and the last set taken con-
sisted of i'ii//it, all in swamp-huckleberi'y
bushes.

The hornbeams and scrub-oaks hold the
bulk of the nests, but those in the draped un-
derbrush are easier found and got at. Yet
in both sites the nests are conspicuous to the
trained eye. Those which escape observation
are placed close to the trunk of the trees,
harmonize, and present no outline. Six suc-
cessive seasons is the longest I have known a
Blue Yellow-back to haunt one spot, and I
think that is about the limit of the breeding
activity.

In conclusion I will note two changes wliicli
have taken place since I have harried this
field. The first year, or in 187(i, forty Whist-
ling Bob-whites could have been picked oft the
rocks in a June forenoon; this year, none.
This, however, can be remedied, but here is
something beyond present cure. The second
season of collection I marked down twelve
sets of Night Hawk's eggs. In 1890 there was
but one resident pair of Night Hawks. This is
because the rising sportsmen of Noank prac-
tise wing-shooting on this sjiecies. No com-
munity more stoutly maintains the privilege
of bearing arms than the fishermen and youth-
ful crews of the Noank lobster fleet. If this
armed rabble did not overrun all these shores
in the fall, shooting promiscuously at every-
thing within range, Groton Long Point would
remain an Eden for the birds of southern
New I'lnghind. On DecemV>er 1st T looked in the

April 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

61

game-pouoli of one "sportsman" on tlie Point
and his "bag" consisted of eleven Meadow
Larks, one Cuckoo and a Fish Hawk!

J. M. ir.

Norwich, Conn.

Some Curious Sets of the Baltimore
Oriole's Eggs.

There seems to be a wide range in the size
and coloration, of the eggs of the Baltimore
Oriole (Icterus ijalhxda) and although most
sets can be distinguished at a glance, I think
that the following ones would puzzle many
people:

I. Three eggs, light bluish-white, entirely
unmarked: .88x.6S; .86x.C5; .88x.O0.

JI. Four eggs, light bluish-white, entirely
unmarked: .y4x.02; .<.)8x.(ij; .92x.(i8;
.95X.65.

IlL Six eggs, typical in color and markings,
but remarkably small: .TWx.OU; .SOx.tiO;
.78X.59; .70x..i7; .79x.(i0; .80x.58. Thisset
was taken on .Tunc (i, 1878, at Pieston, Conn.,
by tlie celebrated oologist ".I. M. W." {.Mr.
0. L. li'iwson) who described tlie parents,
nest, etc., as normal.

IV. Four eggs, coloration normal, but they
are the largest specimens of this species that
I have ever seen: l.()7x.0.i; l.Olx.O:!!;
.n.-)X.(!4; 1.0.Tx.fi4. J.P.N.

Capture of a Glaucous Gull at Long
Island, N. Y.

I wish to record the capture on January 1,
1891, at Far Rockaway Beach, L. I., of a .speci-
men of the Glaucous Gull (Lants riUuiciis). It
was shot by Mr. L. S. Foster and myself. We
were concealed in a shanty and the bird was
In the foremost ranks of a large Hock of Her-
ring Gulls. We fired simultaneously and our
bird toppled over, pierced in the neck by a
single shot which passed out the other si<le
and left no clew as to the owner. The distance
was ninety yards, and in a subsequent trial of
our guns we were unable to make any sort of
a target at that range, so were forced to the
conclusion that each gun carried forty-five
yards and the two combined did the work I

The bird is an immature female, very ro-
bust, and measures 2(5.i!0 inches in length and
01 inches in alar extent. The stomach con-
tained clams.

This bird is rare as far south as Long
Island.

Briinnich's Guillemots (Uria Inmvia) have
been very common on our coasts this winter,
and Ipswich Sparrows (Ammodramii.t princppfi)
much les.'< common than usual both this winter
and last. Arthur U. Howell.

Brooklyn, N. Y.

Hungry Shrikes.

This morning, March 7, 1801, I was attracted
by a loud tapping on the window at the west
end of my house. On going into the room I
saw a Great Xorthern Shrike on the upper sill,
trying to get at my canary. He wovild fly at
the glass and try to pick through it with his
bill. Nor did he seem to be frightened by my
approach, and did not fly until I had moved
the window up several inches. Then he flew
around to the other side of the house, where
there was another bird hanging, and performed
the .same antics there. He remained until I
had moved that window. There has been a
great scarcity of small birds around here this
winter, and as this is the second shrike that
has tried to get at ray birds (although the
other was not so persistent), I think they must
find grub scarce. I have just had a fine speci-
men of the Saw-whet Owl sent in to mount.
He was caught alive by a man and brought to
me. He seems to be very lively and snaps
vigorously at anyone attempting to put their
hand in bis box. (.'. E. Jtrovm.

Variation in the Size of Cowbirds'
Eggs.

The variation in the size of the eggs of the
Cowbird (il<ib)ttirus ater) is remarkable. The
largest eggs in a large series before me
measure .9;ix.72; .9.3 x .0(i, and .lUx.OO: the
smallest: .80x..58; and .80 x. 01. J. P. If.

Black Gyrfalcon Taken at Lynn,
Mass.

I received a male specimen of the Black

Gyrfalcon, killed near hereon .January 1, 1891.

A. M. Tuft.t.
Lynn, Mass.

62

ORNITHOLOGJST

[Vol. 16-No. 4

ORNITHOLOGIST^^^OOLOGIST

A :M..iitl:lv .Mai^aziiii

Ml

NATURAL HISTORY,

ESPECIALLY DEVOTED TO THE STIUY OF

THEIR NESTS AM> EOCiS,

and to the

INTERESTS OF NATURALISTS

I'nder the Editorial Maiia";einent ol"

FRANK B. WEHSTEK,
J. PARKER NURRIS,
FRANK A. BATES.

Hyde Park, IMass.

Philadelphia, Pa.

IJoston, Mass.

rrilLISHED AT

FRANK B. WEBSTER'S
JM r .S E r JI

AND

N.\TURALIST.S' .SUPPLY DEPOT.
Hyde Park, Mass., U. S. A.

The O. & O. is mailed each issue to every paid sub-
scriber. If you fail to receive it. notify us.

Brief Notes.

The Wild Pigeons, to wliicli we liave occas-
ionally ret'ened, have weathered the winter
successfully. Early last f;il! we made an en-
closure about ten feet scjiiare, slielterinij; the
north and east sides liy lioarding', and partly
roofed it; the remainder, covered liy wire
nettini;', was left open. In the centre we jilaced
two small pines, and in them tliey have l)een
<piite at home. In the heavy snow-storms and
the severe coltl weather they appeared as con-
tented as in the sunny days of late, sitting in
tlie branches in hawk-lil<e attitudes. \ l)ird
will suddenly dart off, circle ariuind and return,
pusliiiii;' one of his nei.ulibors off its percdi.
Then they both wilL utter a short series of
S(|uawks. that is anytliiuK but musical.

When we first received them they were
moultini;, and resembled the half-picked birds
seen at the game stalls. Now they are in full
plumage. The necks of the males show the
golden-pink, which glistens in the snnliglit,
and as they balance themselves on the small
branches the beauty of their long tails sliows
to advantage. I never before realized liow the
colors blended. What a pity tliat they liave
left this section of the country. Their daily
food has been nothing but wheat grain, and
water.

Their cage joins one that contains abmit
forty White Pigeons, and it perhaps adds to
their ci>ntentment, althougli they pay but little
attention to each otlier.

When we completed the place for the Wliite
Pigeons, for want of better accommodation, we
dropped in a pair of domestic rabbits. Tliis

w.as a caulker for tlie birds, although so tame
at the time that nearly all would feed from my
hand. They could not quite go Coney. Up to
the bo.xes the whole Hock went, as the rab-
bits would race about in high glee. Forty
white heads on outstretched necks would work
in the same line like the hub of a wheel.
Food and water were neglected, no doubt nincli
to the ailvantage of the strangers; but a change
gradually worked, and to-day the conditit)n is
accepted, and birds and r.abbits are in harmony.
A few feet away from this, however, is a little
fellow who licks my bands, l>arks to me, and is
l)layfid as a kitten (woe to the stranger who is
too familiar!), but who has never tempted me by
liis longing glances to allow liim to join tlie
family. I fear Keynard would not be a success
in tliat line. Did some one ask about our pet
Harry? Hem! well, that is to say, well, to be
honest, he is getting just a little rocky, — in-
creases the tail<n''s lull just a little; in fact, the
new corporation is seriously thinking of having
its charter amended to force each stock-holder
to take his turn at entertaining him. 1 don't
think bears have much aflection. It is true
they hug, but it's a little sarcastic. His value
increases as we intend to use him for a watch
dog a little later.

A few days since we were called into the city
professionally. We have some queer cases,
and this one was a little hanl. Madamoiselle
, with her pet alligators, wishes to con-
sult with us. We called at street, and

were shown to a room on tlie third Hoor.
There, nii.xed iiromisciumsly with stage attire,
finery and bric-a-brac, were alligators from
three to six feet in length. The season was
over and they had outgrown their usefulness,
and of course were referred to Hyde Park. As
each pet was " affectionately " parted with I
thought I detected a slight tendency to more
than maidenly reserve. As we passed to the
last, an old six-footer, I noticed tliat he was
muzzle<l. "Why so;'" I asked. "He's your
pet'?" " I should say he was; look at that
linger." And as the plump, round hand was
extended, I noticed that the .second finger
looked as if it had been trained to do service
as a cork-screw; I asked for an explanation,
and was informed that after a very successful
performance before a crowded lioiise, while
bowing and smiling to the audience, as they
were pissing in front of lier, she had carelessly
dropped her hand. The big 'gator, in an
instant, shut his jaws on it, and as he turned
liis head drew her out of the chair to the floor,
as if she had been a feather, .she fainted, ami
it was necessary to use a crow-bar to pry liis
mouth open, .'^he turned to a talile and dis-
played a flaming placard recording the event,
which drew large houses for several days after.

A publication just out of Boston refers to the
tliglit of Snowy Owls, and says tliat usually the
boston taxidermists only have two or three
stragglers in a season. We assure the writer
that, wliile they liave liecn unusually plenty
this year, we have never failed to have more
offered to us than we liad real use for. If he
had said they usually have from a dozen to
thirtv he would have been a little nearer.

April 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

63

All, here we have it at last. Well, now tlii.s
is good. We personally are quite favorably
impressed with the Hoston Herald, hut did not
really expeet that it would make the discovery
ahead of us that the English Sparrow preyed
upon robins. Really, we grow quite green
with envy. Would it not be a good plan for
the nei)artment of Agriculture at Washington
to a<l(l the writer of the article to his staff.
With due respect to our big neighl)or we think
that he would do well to consult the O. tt ().
a little.

"There is no doubt that robins were seen in
Boston a month ago. Kobins are none too
plenty in this vicinity at any time, thanks to
the dejiredations of the Englisli Sparrow, wliich
preys upon them and about all the other de-
sirable l)irds of New England. But the early
presence of robins indicates an early spring, we
are told. Per contra, the spring is very late
thus far in the southern section of country. It
is far behind what it was a year ago. The
peaches are in bloom, and some of the flower-
ing shrubs, but nothing has come out of the
ground to blossom much north of Florida." —
Boston Herald.

Is not this a little tart on the robin?

It has been our painful duty in this issue
and the last to record the death of two sub-
scribers of the O. it O. We trust in such
events our friends will notify us, as the loss of
an ornithologist is not local.

George A. Boardman, the well-known Maine
ornithologist, is spending his winter at .lack-
sonville, Fla. Mr. Boardman has made a long
study of bird-life, anil is very entertaining
when discussing tlic siUiject. We have received
a communication from him that will be referred
to later.

The wholesale poisoning of dogs in a pro-
miscuous manner shows one of the niean^'st
traits in human nature Hecently. in Hyde
Park, Mass , a nundjer of dogs died from the
effect of eating meat that had been strewed
about over the tow n. In a dog a man possesses
property for which he is taxed, and is entitled
to all tlie protection of the law. As in many
such cases, the law is no protection whatever,
and we have a strong feeling that a hemp rope
and lamp-post would be about the proper
prescription.

Does it occur to the oologists who read the
O. & f). that the descriptions of series of eggs
by J. P. >f. are the best descriptions of eggs
given in any publication in the c(unitry? Tliey
will be quote<l from in years to come. The
amount of labor devoted to their preparation
can hardly be appreciated.

We shall send out a large number of sample
copies during the remainder of the year, and
will consider it a special favor if any person
who receives duplicates will hand one to some
interested person. We do not go into the pre-
mium business extensively, but we do offer to
furnish you with the leading publication of its
nature, and one that is hand in hand with the
interests of the American ornithologists.

In our last issue, on the advertising page, we
gave the list of .states into which the magazine
is sent. Ranked by the sidiscription list it is a
neck and neck race in some cases: lirst one
will lead and then another.

We hope the governor will examine carefully
the coming report of the Fish and Game
Commissioners. See if they make correct re-
turns of the number of suckers that run up the
Merrimac.

Old, \iVT Good. — Frost Bunker, of the
Dead River region, is a guide who, it is said,
is a successful rival to James A. Smith of
Phillips — a Rangely guide — in story telling.
Frost is intimately acquainted witli ".kdm
Smith,'' who is well known in all jjarts of the
country. He says he was with .lohn on a
hunting trip once on a time, when they came
upon a man who had lired at an owl (perched
in a big tree) about a dozen times without
success. As they approached the stranger
offered .lohn a .•S5 bill if he would secure the
owl. .John cocked his ritle and w.alked around
the tree. The owl turned his head in the
same direction as far as .John walked. .John
kept on going around the tree, the owl turning
his head all the while. Just as John com-
pleted tlie tenth circuit, the owl's head was
twiste<l off and he fell to the ground dead.
John said small owls couldn't be killed that
way because their feet would tly up in turning.
Phillips (Me.) Phonograph.

i^i^r>\> ,1 i^.n .111... .^j/i... 1.. .1 ...I.. 11. .J. ......... . ^.

.March 17tb. and the year before on March ......

I heard a woodcock on March 2:?d. II. Piers.

In looking over the "Brief Notes" in the
February number, the records of the Great
Horned Owls' eggs taken for the month at-
tracted my attention, i.e., a set taken in Mich-
iuan, February 18th. another in Massachusetts,
February L'2d.

Looking up my records for the season I
found the following: February 1st, l.H',1],
40") 1-2, 4I).'') 2-8; February 2d, 405 :!-;^; Febru-
ary 4tli, 40.') 4-2, .'J-2, on up to March 1st, when
I had collected twenty-seven eggs in sets of
twos and threes. Also, February 10th, found
nest containimr two young owls, one as large
as a quail. When do you think the eggs from
which these were hatched coidd have been
laid"? Gertainly not later th.an .lanuary 10th.

March fith, found nest containing two half-
grown liuhos. one of which I have now in my
possession for a pet.

Also. Maich .3d. took first set 1-2 of Red-
tailed Hawk's eggs, a very beautiful set. My
earliest records heretofore were, for the owls,
January Pith, and the Red-tails, February 2Sth.

Last year I eclipsed all my former records
by taking a set of four et'iis each of the Great
liorneds and Red-tailed Hawk. W. S. Strode,
Bern.adotte, 111.

64

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 4

Correspondence.

Edito)- of O. tt O.:

You will Knd in this letter my clues for the
O. ct- O. for 1891. Please let it continue to
come as usual. I have taken the maj^azine for
several years and I can truthfully say that it
has continued to improve year by year. I am
always glad to sit down and read it in the
evening. You have my liojjes for future
success. Fitz Henry Chapin.

Kalamazoo, Mich.

Editor of O. it- O.:

I have read in some magazine or paper that
the Californian Woodpc<ker sticks acorns in the
trunks of trees in order that they may rot and
so attract insects. I have had an opportuTiity
to investigate this matter a little in the last
few months, and as yet have not been able to
find a single insect in these acorns. The
acorns are very often cracked or sjjlit in two,
and only half an acorn put in each hole. The
object of the bird seems to be to let the nut
become soft or start to decay and then feed
upon it. I have examined the gizzard of sev-
eral of these woodpeckers and have found the
acorn meat in them. All the holes made by
this bird that I have seen were made in the
trunks and larger branches of the live oak
tiees. They all .seemed to have been used for
years.

These woodpeckers have the same habit as
the Lewis Woodpecker, with which they asso-
ciate, of perching on the tops of the large
sycamores and live oak trees, from which they
dart out into the air after insects and return
to the same spot in the same manner as the
flycatchers do. E. D. KiinhiiU.

Pomona, Cal.

barn. No. 4, June ath, four eggs, incubation
two days, nest in same place as No. 1. No. 5,
June 14th, four eggs, incubation one day,
nest in an apple tree fifty feet from the barn.
No. 6, .June 2(!th, four eggs, incubation three
days, nest in poplar ten feet from my museum.
No. 7, .July Oth, three eggs, incubation two
days, nest same place as No. 1. Nests built
of hay, wool, rags, strings and a few feathers.
I have all the nests and eggs. Delos lliilrli.
Oakfleld, Wis.

Editor of 0. <£■ O.;

In the spring of ISS.J, in Van Wert County,
Ohio, I directed my attention almost exclus-
ively to the nesting of the Cardinal. Of
twenty-one sets, sixteen had four eggs each,
four three eggs each, and one had two eggs.
The latter was in an incomplete nest found
August intli, a second set, no doubt. After
l.iying her second egg she began incubating at
once, successfully hatching and rearing her
two young. My first nest was found April
20lh, containing four young.

I think I saw an inquiry in the O. & O. as
to whether the crows' good taste for young
chickens is a -late thing or not; I think no'.
In the summer of 1S40 I saw a crow drop
down in a meadow where there was a hen with
her brood, and at the fourth attempt up he
came with a little white chick in his beak,
and made off to the woods. I remember it as
if but yesterday. -S'. Haider.

Cheboygan, Mieh.

Editor of O. tt- O. .-

In November number of O. * O. Clyde L.
Keller asks if any one ever took twenty-four
eggs from the nest of one bird in a season.

I took twenty-seven eggs and seven nests
from one pair of robins the last season. The
robins commenced building .about April 10th,
In an old hay barn on top of a brace. She
worked about two weeks, but the material
would not stay, when I nailed a block on the
brace to hold the nest, which the birds fin-
ished, and I took No. 1 May 1, 1890; four
eggs, fresh. No. 2, May 1.5th, four eggs,
incubation two days, nest same place as No.
1. No. 3, May 27th, four eggs, incubation
three days, nest in a binder 100 feet from the

The Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Visits the Bay State.

In the March number I stated on another
person's statement that a $ Bohemian Wax-
wing had been shot here. It proved to be a
Ce(larl)iid.

The 8tli (yesterday) an a<lult Yellow-
crowned Night Heron was shot. baw this
bird and knew it mysidf. Is it not rare at this
season in this latitude?

Frederie L. S)iiall.
rrovencetown. M.ass.

[The bird above referred to was received by
us shortly after it was killed, ami proved to be
a J. It is a rare visitor here .and we know of
but one record of a .specimen being taken.

— Eo.l

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND —

OOLOGIST.

$1.00 per
Annum.

PUBLISHED BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.
Established, March, 1875.

Single Copy
10 cents.

Vol. XVI.

HYDE PARK, MASS., MAY, 1891.

No. 5-

Mr. Thomas H. Jackson's Collection
of Eggs.

For over twenty years Mr. .lacksoii has been
collecting e<rgs, an<l iluring that time many
thousanils of sets have passed through his
Iiands. From these he lias selected the rarest
and choicest sets for his own cabinet, so that
his collection now contains live hundred and
fifty species and thirteen hundred and thirty
sets, and represents the work of many years.
While it does not contain many large series, it
is very choice, and the effort has been made
to select ty])ical sets of eggs of most species,
and where this could not well be done to retain
two or three sets of the same bird, reserving
large series for a few kinds only.

The collection is arranged according to the
Kidgway nomenclature, and I will therefore
take up the species as Mr. Jackson has placed
them. This brings us first to the Thruslies,
and here we notice especially a set of four eggs
of the Oray-cheeked Tliru.sh (Ilylocirhla vntii-
lat.a), a pretty sej-ies of the Mockingbird
(Mimus polij(ilottnx), and magnificent series of
the Mexican Brown Thrasher (Ilavpiirliijndius
riifiix ItDiiiirostrix), consisting of fifty sets, and
of the Curve-bill Thrasher (//. curviroKtris).
containing forty-eight sets. Both of these
series were collected by Mr. Jackson's own
collectors in Mexico, and exhibit all the varia-
tions to which these species are subject.

Next we come to the American Water Ouzel
{Cincius mexicdnun). Blue-throated Warbler
{('j/aiu'ciila supcicn). Stone Chat (Saxicnla
atiii(nlhe); then the Bluebirds; a set of Town-
send's Solitaire (MijUidetilo.s Inwniiendi); Black-
crested Flycatcher (Phainnpeplii nilcns); all
three of the Gnatcatchers; a fine set of eight
eggs of tlie Pkuby-crowned Kinglet (Reijulus
calendula), with a beautiful nest; and a large
set of ten eggs of tlie Golden-crowned Kinglet
(li. satrapu) and nest. Also .sets of (Jround
Tit (C'hamuia fuHKiata) and Pallid Wren Tit.

Xow we have arrived at tlie Titmice, and
we notice the Tufted Titmouse (Lopho-
phanes birolor). Black-crested Titmouse (i.
at.ricristatits), Plain Titmouse {L. bwrnatiif:).
Mountain (,'hickadee (Pants nwntaniis), Black-
capped Chickadee (P. africapillux). Long-
tailed Chickadee (P. utricajiillus seplentrion-
alis), Oregon Chickadee (P. atricKiiilhis
occidentalln). Carolina Chickadee (P. caroliii-
enxis), Siberian Cliickadee (P. cbictus), the
Californian Bush Tit, Lead-colored Tit {Psal-
triparus pluniheus), and Tellow-headed Tit
(Auripariis flarlceiis), all represented by fine
sets.

The White-bellied Nuthatch {Sitta carolhi-
erntln), Brown-lieaded Nuthatch {S. pii.>i/(7((),
and Pigmy Nuthatch (.S. pyf/nuvn).

A fine set of Brown Creeper {C'erUiia fiimil-
iarix rtifa) is noticed, and then we come to the
Wrens. Of these he has sets of the Cactus
Wren (Campy lorhynchus l>runneii:apillun), Rock
Wren (Salpinctes oli.ioletus), White-throated
Wren (Catherpef: mexicanus comtper-nts), Caro-
lina Wren (Thryothorns ludnricianna), Berlan-
dier's Wren (T. ludovicianvx berlandin-i),
Florida Wren (7'. Ittdoticinnim miamctixlti),
Bewick's Wren (Thryomancx hewlrkl), Califor-
nia Bewick's Wren (T. hcivicki .ipilurufi), Texan
Bewick's (T. !ii'ii'irk-i Icuroijasler) House Wren
(Troi.ilodytcH a>don). Western House Wren (T.
(Bdonparkiiiiinni), the rare Winter Wren (Anor-
thnra troiiladytcs Jiyemalis), a beautiful set and
nest, the Long-billed Marsh Wren (Telmnto-
dyt.cx paluxtris), the Tule Wren (T. paliistri.i
paludirnl(i), and the Sluut-billed Marsh Wren
(Cistiitliorux stallarix).

After noticing tlie sets of White Wagtail
(Motacllla <d>ia), Swinhoe's Wagtail (M. ocu-
laris). Yellow Wagtail (liudyios fla,va), Ameri-
can Titlark (Aiithnx liidoiHcianti.s), and
European Titlark (A. jiratensis), we reacli the
Warblers. Of these he has sets of Black and
White Warbler (Mniotilta varla), a good series
of Prothonotaiy Warbler (Pi-dfanotaria citrea),

Copyri^lit, ISDI, by Frank B. Webster.

66

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 5

Swaiiison's Warbler (Helonma umainaoni) ,
twenty sets of Worm-eating Warbler (Ilnbidn-
tliothenix vermii^ornx), inclnillng many beauti-
fnl ones, Blue-vviiiged Yellow Warbler (llcl-
mlntlinphana j>i.nu«), Golden-winged Warbler
(//. rhi-i/soptcra), Nashville Warbler (//. riiji-
iMpilla), Lutescent Warbler (//. celatu liites-
cenx), a series of Blue Yellovv-backe<l Warbler
{P(trula amei-icana),Yii\\o\v Warbler {Dendroica
(e.ttiva), Yellow-rump Warbler (J5. curowita),
Audubon's Warbler (D. wnlnhimi), a series of
Black and Yellow Warbler (i>. marvloxa),
Cbestnnt-sided Warbler (D. iiemini/lvunicii).
Black-poll Warbler (I), xtriata), Yellow-
throated Warbler (1). ihiininird), the veiy rare
Golden-cheeked Warbler (I). ctii-iisniKtriii),
Black-tliroated Green Warbler (1). rirmx),
Pine-creeping Warbler (I), pinus), Prairie
Warbler (7>. ilincdlar), Golden-crowned Thrush
(Slin-iis aiiricapilluf:), Small-billed Water
Thrush (S. niVKius), Large-billed Water Tin ush
(.S. nintacillu), Kentucky Warbler (0]><irorni!<
foniiDxa), series of Maryland Yellow-throat
(GpnViliipistrichan), Western Maryland Yellow-
throat, series of Yellow-breasted Chat {Icleria
virenn), Long-tailed Chat {I. virerm loni/irauda),
Hooded AVarbler (Myiodinctt-x mitratus), Pileo-
lated Warbler (M. pusilbis jiileolatiin), Canada
Flycatching Warbler {M ranridciiKi.i), series of
Uedstart {Mel(iphn.(ia riiticillti).

I have mentioned the above in detail to show
how complete the collection is, but in going
through the subsequent drawers it will be
impossible to devote so much space to each
family.

Among the Vireos a set of Cassin's Vireo
{Lanh-ireo HoiitariuK casMtii), and one of Plum-
beus Vireo (L. noUtm'iuK pUuiihewi) are promi-
nent, and also a set of Gray Vireo ( Vireo
vicinor).

A set of Northern Waxwing (Aiiiprlis iiarrii-
lux), and one of Violet-green Swallow {Tdcliy-
cineta tliallasinri) deserve notice, and also
Holboell's Redjioll. Smith's Longspnr (Cfn-
trophanex pict II s), Titlark Sparrow (Pasxercniiis
antliinufi), Tree Sparrow {Sjiizella monfana),
Clay-colored Sparrow {S. palliila). Brevier's
Sparrow (S. breieeri), (Jray-headed Snowbird
(Junro caniceps). Sagebrush Sparrow (Atiip/ii-
xpiza belli nevadenxix), Bachraan's Finch
(Peiirjea wstiralls), Lincidn's Finch {Mehispiza
lincolni), and Texas Sparrow (Einbertiruia riifl-
tlrijnla), are noticed; also the rare Sharpe's
Seedeater and Western Bobolink

Among the Orioles, Scott's Oriole (Icterus
parsorum) is the rarest, and we must not forget
the series of forty-nine sets of Great-tailed

Grackle. The Jays are very well represented ;
Steller's Jay (Cyanocitla stelleri). Blue-fronted
Jay (C. stelleri frontalix). Long-crested Jay
C. stelleri mncrolopha), and Flori<la Jay (Aphe-
locoma floridana), are the best.

Two sets of Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopiis
borealis), and a set of four eggs of the Vermil-
lion Flycatcher (Pyroeeplmliis mbineiis iiiex-
ir(inus), are the notable ones auuing the
Flycatchers.

The Frosted Poor-will conies just before
Mr. Jackson's magnificent series of twenty-six
sets of the Parauque Goatsucker (Xycfidnninis
albirollis). The variation in these is wonder-
ful, and they are one of the especial features
of the collection, only to be equalled, perhaps,
by the series of fifty sets of Texan Nighthawk
(Cliordeiles acutipenitis tcxensis), which also
show surprising variations.

Among the Woodpeckers the rarest are the
Xuttall's Woodpecker (Piciis niiltalli), and the
best series is that of the Golden-fronted Wood-
pecker (Centnrii.t <iiirifri>iis), consisting of a
dozen .sets.

Now we have reached the Jtaiitiires. Two
sets of tlie Florida Barred Owl (Strix nebiilosn
alleni), the Lapland Owl (Uliilri cineren Inp-
ponica). Mexican Screech Owl (Sropx trieliop-
sis), and Fhimmulated Screech Owl (Smps
fliiinmeolns) are the most noticeable.

A beautiful series, consisting of thirty sets
of the Caracara Fiagle (Polyhonis rheriwoy),
exhibit some very curious forms of cnUnation,
from creamy white to almost black. Mi>st of
them were collected in Mexico and show a
smaller average size than eggs from 'J'exas.

A good series of twenty sets of Osprey
(Pandiim kaliietus rarolineiisis) conies before
the sets of White-tailed Kite (Elanns i/Iuki-ks)
and Mississiiqji Kite (lelinia siihrfi'riilea); and
well-chosen, typical sets of all the commoner
Hawks are to be found, not forgetting the
series of fourteen sets of Harris's Hawk
(Aidenor uniriiictus liarrisi), American Rough-
legged Hawk (Areliibiileo lugopiis sanrti-
johaiuiis), and (iohlcn Fagle {Ai/nilii cln-ys(etiis
cnnadensis), are noticeable.

Noticing a fine series of ten sets of the l!cd-
billed Pigeon (Cnlurnba erytlirina), ami good
series of the White-fronted Dove (Eniiyptila
alhifrons). and White-winged Dove (Meliipelia
leuroptera), we reach the Turkeys, Grouse and
Quail, to all of which Mr. .lackson has devoted
especial attention. First let us mention tlie
series of eleven sets of Cbachalaca {Ortalis
vetula maccalli).

Sets of Sooty (ironse {C'ljiiiire obsciirn fiiii-

May 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

67

rjlnosa), Canada Grouee (C. canadensix), and
Willow Ptaimigan (Larjopus albun) claim our
attention, but the rarest is the set of White-
tailed Ptarmigan {L. lexcurus), taken in Clear
Creek County, Col., on June 19, 1890, at an
elevation of 12.200 feet. The nest was placed
on the ground, in a rocky place, with hut little
attempt at concealment, and consisted of a
little grass and feathers scraped together.
The female was very tame, and allowed herself
to be handled while on the nest.

Sets of Sharp-tailed (Jrouse {Pedifeceles
phasianelliix colinubiannn), Xorthern Sharp-
tailed Grouse (P. phaxianf'Hiti<), and Sage Cock
(('. m-oplidsiainis) are also noticeable.

The Quails are very complete, and embrace
fine sets of Mountain Quail (Oreorty.T plcta),
Plumed Quail (O. pU:ta iiliimlfcra), Scaled
Quail (Calllpfpla >«ju(iiiiata), and a very fine
series of Chestnut-bellied Scaled Quail contain-
ing fifteen sets. The rarest, however, is the
set of Massena Quail (('yrtonyx masxena), which
is believed to be the only set in any collection.
The eggs, ten in inimber, were taken near the
head of Turkey Creek, Kinney County, Texas,
on the 2:id of .June, 1890. The nest was com-
posed of fine stalks of "wire grass," and was
jilaced on the ground, under the edge of a
bunch of '■ hickory grass." It measured five
inches in diameter, and two inches deep. The
collector of the eggs informed Mr. .lackson
that as he was riding on the plains his horse
flushed the female bird from her nest, and she
fluttered along in front of him, just out of
reach of the horse's feet, for ten or fifteen
yards, and went into cover, but not until he
had fully identified her. The eggs are white
and unspotted, and do not diifer materially
from large examples of the Bob-white.

All the Herons and Bitterns are represented
by good sets, and coming to the Plovers, Sand-
pipers, etc., we find many rare species. .So
with the Rails, etc., until we come to the
splendid series of twenty sets of Limi)kiii
(Aramuii pictns), showing a great and beam if ul
variety of forms and coloration, so that a
person who has only seen a single set has no
idea of the ai>pear.iuce of some of them.

The Ducks are good, and so with most of
the other water birds, but we have .already
lingered so long over the land birds that we
have only space for a general word of
commendation.

Mi\ Jackson's eggs are arranged cm cotton
and very fine shavings especially adapted to
tlie purpose, in wooden partitions, in large
drawers, a plan that admits of very effective

display, and the whole collection is a very fine
one. ./. p. y.

The First Pages of a 'gi Note-Book.

March l.">, 1891. With ■ the thermometer
registering five degrees below zero, fourteen
inches of snow under foot, a stiff westerly
wind blowing in our faces, and in company
with H. Guilford, I left the outskirts of the
city at half past eleven en route for the Big
Woods that line the west bank of Mud I<ake,
where we hoiied to become better .acciuainted
with our old friends. Bubo (v'r;/(H(a)iH.s (Great-
horned Owls).

We kept the str.aight road for about five
miles and then struck off to the left and fol-
lowed a wood path into a dark, thick tamar-
ack swamp. On the way we saw numerous
flocks of Crows and Snow Buntings, all flying
westw.ard, also small flocks of Tree Sparrows,
Gold Finches, Horned Larks, the latter always
in pairs.

Upon emerging from the swamp I saw a
Great-homed Owl coming directly toward me,
but still some two hundred yards off. Stepping
behind a tree and cocking my faithful Parker I
awaited his coming, hoping to secure a shot,
but the owl evidently had no such thought,
for he had without a doubt had a long flight
that morning and so stojiped to rest upon a
tree only a short distance out of gun range,
and enjoy the scene beneath him. How mag-
isterial he looked as he alighted upon the limb
with his wings still outspread, body thrown
forward, horns raised to their extreme height,
and watchful eyes peering downward as if in
search of some tender squiriel or rabbit that
we h.ad overlooked. Knowing that it was im-
possible to obtain a nearer shot I stood and
drank in his beauty and grandeur as only a
poor owl hunter can. At last, he either grew
tired of the scene about him and longed for a
change of scenery, or else frightened by my
friend, who was some distance ahead, for with
a loud crack of his bill flew off to a small
grove of tamaracks. Eager to secure a shot
I crept softly through the underbrush in the
direction he had taken, only losing sight of
him as a big, fat rabbit bounded across the
path almost within arm's length, as if even
temi)tiiig me to make a grab after him if not a
shot, but kui>wiiig that even the breaking of a
twig under foot would frighten my owl I bit
my lip and my gun remained silent.

08

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 5

By this time I had reached the clear place
longed tor, and stepping out in full view ex-
pecting soon to see a magnificent owl sail oif,
hear the crack of a gun and see that beautiful
mass of feathers lying at my feet; but alas, it
was all a dream, for no owl was in sight. Al-
though deeply disappointed in not securing a
shot 1 heeded the cry of advancement from
my companion and hastened toward the big
woods from whence the owl first came.

We had entered the woods but a short dis-
tance and were admiring the stately elms and
basswood tree relics, one in particidar whi<di
• was nearly ITjOfeetin height and some Tifeetin

circumference, when I was startled by a cry
from my companion, Look, look at those ears!
Looking in the direction that he was pointing
1 saw projecting over the decayed branch of
the same tree that we were admiring, about 00
feet from the groi\nd, two fork-like twigs, but
on a closer examination could be seen the
crown and fiery eyes of a Great-horned. It
took no second glance this time to see that she
was on a nest, and one witli something in it.
for all the yells that we could command had
no more effect than a drop of oil has to a
flaming paper. So stepping directly under
the limb I fired a little to one side of the nest.
This seemed to have the right effect for she
immediately left the nest, but had not ad-
vanced six feet before brought to the ground
by the gun of my companion.

In comparing this skin with others I find
that it is the largest of this species I have ever
seen, from tip to tip of wing forty-nine and
three-fourths inches.

Xow that we had secured cine bird the next
thing was to secure the eggs, for we felt sure
there were eggs in the nest al)ove. We soon

0 ime to the conclusion that it was an impossi-
bility without a rope, so picking up the owl
we hastened home, secured a fifteen-foot inch-
rope, a pair of climbing irons, a long clothes-
line and accompanied by two expert climbers,
once more set out for the nest. As we neared
the wood the male flew from a tree close by
but was soon stopped by the careful hand of
De La IJarre.

Now the trouble arose as to who should
make the ascent. After all had tried and re-
turned the same verdict, that it was utterly
impossible, I determined to try and make at
least (me brave fight for the priioe above. Cut-
ting down a small hickory sapling about
twelve feet in length and about one inch thick

1 wound the rope around it and fastened both
ends securely with a piece of clothes-line, then

placing the whole around the tree tied the
ends of the large rope together, leaving enough
slack so that I could get between the tree and
rojie. With a long line about my waist and
one end fastened to the large rope 1 planted
my spur.s into the side of the tree and raising
the sapling a few inches was ready fiu' another
move. In this way I ascended foot by foot
until at last the dear old branch was reached,
then uncoiling the line from my waist I
threw the loo.se end over the branch and
again fastened it to my body; thus having the
inch rope secure in case of accident, I crawled
carefully from the rope, threw my leg over
the branch and was once more safe. All that
now remained to be done w.as to ciawl out on
the branch to the nest, which w-as soon accom-
plished. The nest was in a cavity of the
rotten limb about twenty inches in length by
twelve wide and six deej), lined with fine bark
and a few feathers from the breast of the owl,
and contained two eggs of the nsual size and
color. After a difficult descent we journeyed
honu'ward well satisfied with our day's work.

//. IS Jlitrd.
.Miiinpnpi'lis, Minn.

Wanderings, No. lo.

(Contimied.)

Breakfast over, we packed (uir traps for (uir
fin.al jonrney toward civilization. We carefully
extingnished the last embers of our camp-fire:
cut the cords which belli the rude .shelter
which had kejit off the rain of the first night;
took a final draught of the crystal waters
w'hich bnbldcd from the mountain side and
started on our way down the loggeis" road.

It was a beautiful day; hardly a cloud
dimmed the crystal transparency of the blue
vault above us. and it seemed as though one
could almost look away into its unimaginable
distance and see the other worhls beycnid.

The birds, which gradually were becoming
more plentiful as we approached nearer the
railroad, were filling the air with their music,
and tempting us to leave the road to clamber
over the fallen lous anil tlnimgh the under-
brush which lay on either side.

The road was not as good as 1 have seen, in
fact it was at times rather difficult to find it at
all, but when we came to a more than usually
swampy place we found corduroys laid over
the mud, and we "of two evils chose the
least," and only left the track for an occasional
examination of some more than usually inter-
esting feature.

May 1891.]

AND OOLOCxIST.

69

On one o{ these nide-nhijdfx, wliile examining a
deserted woodpecker's hole, in a dead siuuee,
about fifteen feet from the ground, an extda-
niation from one of the party attracted my
notice, and I saw, flashing back and forth like
a ray of light, with anxiety depicted in
every movement, a Hummingbird. We could
scarcely believe our eyes: a Kuby-throat away
u)) here, miles from a human habitation, — but
such it was; and there in the next spruce,
thirty feet from the ground, saddled upon a
branch about four feet from the trunk, near
a fork, and looking like a lichen-covered
excrescence, was the nest. Not a limb for
twenty feet, but Nash was after it, and when
Nash gets after anything he generally ends up
by procuring it; and he was soon on the limb,
while the bird w-as brought down by a shot as
it dashed by. Two eggs rewarded the climb,
and they were worth the trouble. I do not
think that for three times their intrinsic value
would lirother Nash pait with them.

Soon the ground began to fall more rajiidly,
and the brook which we had followed for
miles disappeared in a gorge, and we could
hear it as it fell over the rocks in numberless
cascades, now disappearing beneath the fallen
boulders, and gurgling, struggling and stum-
bling as it worked its way out once more into
the light, when with a Hash and spatter it
plunged over a little cliff and splashed into a
crystal pool below. We managed, in s))!te of
the rough climbing, to cairy away in miniature
the feeble counterpart of sonre of these cas-
cades, which serve to keep alive the memory
of the scene, with the liquid silver framed by
banks overhung with a tangled maze of deli-
cate green, a mass of mossy, dripping, lilmy,
feathery fern.

As we jouiiH'vcd along the crest of the cliff,
the noise of the brook .seemcil to grow louder
and louder until it culminated into too much
of a roar to be the work ol a mere rapid.
.Nothing could be seen from the top, so we
selected what seemed to be a somewhat easier
descent than usual and clambered doun the
side of the cliff.

Heaching the bottom we broke through
the fringe of shrubs which covered the
bank, and tlie grandeur of a water-fall burst
upon our view. One hundred and twenty-
five feet above us the waters of this brook fell
over the edge and striking its side, which
inclined at an angle which gave it a slope of
about 1.50 feet, slid down at lightning speed,
breaking the pool below into a mass of foam.
On cither side the walls rose U]) in almost inac-

cessible precipitousness, while below a contin-
uous series of cascades carried the water to the
valley of the Saco, 700 feet below.

It was hard to leave the scene.

('(mtinuing our journey, at noon ne came
out on the side of the mountain above Ava-
lanche Station, near where we entered three
days before. But what a change. Then the
sky was overcast, and the murky clouds hung
low over the mountain-tops, hiding the tops of
some of the higher ones from view; banks of
mist came rolling down the Notch, temporarily
hiding it from view, and the drizzling rain
made all uncomfortable. But now all was
transformed. The air was as clear as possible
in these high altitudes, where the very atmos-
phere seemed so transparent that it almost
dazzled the brain; the Deception Mountains
showed their stony wall rising at the head of
the Notch .seven miles away as clearly as if it
were but one; and we improved the opportun-
ity by photographing the scene in what is, we
think, the most remarkable view ever taken
with a small Kodak camera (unfortunately the
plate was damaged by the stupidity of the
operator who developed the film, but even now
it stands as one of the choicest scenes in my
album of reminiscences).

No train would run do« u the Notch until the
next morning, so we deposited our heavy lug-
gage at thi> station, to be forwar<led by express,
and we continued on down the valley, now fol-
lowing the railroad and again taking the road,
as the fit seized us, passing the outlets of
Washington Kiver, which carries off a portion
of the deposited moisture of the Old (iiant, and
Nancy's Brook, which drains the i-egion of
Mountains Nancy and Oarrigan.

Frankenstein Trestle and the old Crawford
House, with their many associations, Avere left
behind, and at li.'Vo we pulled up at the home
of .lohn f'obb, the veteran guide of this section.

We fouiul the old man somewhat lamed up
by rheumatism, contracted by sleeping and
tramping in these woods which he has so much
aided to open up to the world, but still able to
take his turn with the rest of us.

The night was spent at Bartlett, and the
next morning we reached our destination at
North Tonway. F. A. lialea.

In replying to advertisements, the readers of
the O. & O. will render us material assistance
by mentioning this magazine. Any income we
derive from the advertising column will be
devoteil to its advancement. Help us.

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 5

Five Months in Newfoundland.

NOTES FROM

THE DIARY
BIGEI-OW.

HOME I! I,.

(Continued.)

On Monday, June 23cl, I loaded my traps
into "Johnnie Mur])liy"s cart," and started
liim off toward Custlett, where I expected to
lind f'ahi)on. I followed after, in another
team with my late landlady, and drove along
the cliffs which overlooked the sea.

The road woniid along the top .some 200
feet above, while their bases were beaten by
the dashing waves, and it seemed at times as
if we were to be hurled over the edge.

At Big Barachois, where I stopped to wait
for my teamster, I fell in with a ciowd of
fishermen, all of whom seemed to know the
"Bird Island Man," as they term Mr. Cahoon,
and tliey put me on his track. Here we crossed
the .shallow Great Barachois River, and again
took up our tramp up hill and down dale. A
mile climb to the top, where I would wait for
the team, and down we go into the valley at a
flying rale, but oh! those were terrible roads.

We laid up for the night at Ship Cove, and
next morning resumed our journey, but I soon
got tired of jogging along with a "slow-poke "
horse, if you could call it anything but a pony,
— for the owner is larger than the animal. —
and started along alone, and at six o'clock
arrived at Custlett, utterly played out.

After some trouble I got accommodaiions at
this place, and found Mr. Cahoon well and
liearty. My baggage arrived the next day
about 11 o'clock, the teamster having stopped
over uight at Gooseberry Cove.

Having looked over the situation I requested
permission of Mr. Cahoon to remain with him
for a time. He told me that he was under
contract with a party not to .supply any speci-
mens or notes to anyone else, but on my agree-
ment not to interfere with him in any way I
was accorded the desired permission.

On June 26tli we started over the nine miles
of marshes which intervene between this
point and Cajjc St. Mary, and I found tliat I
must change my habits somewhat, for Mr.
Cahoon rises at 2 or '■', o'clock and does a day's
work before breakfast.

If you never trieil walking on these marshes
you cannot appreciate it; and my pen would
break if I tried to describe it.

We were hospitably received by Mr. Collins,
the light-house keeper, and took dinner with
them.

The cliffs here are wonderful, rising some
:!00 feet out of the water, but Bird Rock was
the principal attraction. A straight pinnacle
rising into the air to the height of 2'.i0 feet, its
perpendicular sides, rough, rugged and ter-
rible, bearing upon its summit a plateau
about an acre in extent, which is literally cov-
ered with birds, for the Gannets and Murres
were so thick that not a foot of rock could be
seen, for what was not birds was eggs. The
Gannets have a i^lace of their own and the
Murres are separate. But, for all of the mul-
titude, thousands are continually flying about,
passing to and fro, bringing fish to the young.
It does not .seem as if there was another vacant
spot, and the noise is terrific.

Murres, Gannets, Auks, and Kittiwnkcs
abound in millions, and the cliffs are lined
with their nests, eggs or young.

The Murres when flying hold tlic feet
straight out hchind thini. and when they

nearly rcacli the spot where they "ish to
alight they throw their feet forward, bringing
the body perpcndicul.nr .nnd the tarsi paiallcl
with the rock, and drop on the entire leg.
When they wish to start (iff' they advance with
their peculiar waddling gait to the edge of the
rocks, and seem to tumble off. Tliey fly very
fast, and only s))read the tail in turning. They
will often, when their nest is on the side of
the cliffs, in the little bay which makes in
back of the rock, suddenly stop in their flight,
just over the chasm, throw forward their feet,
spread their tail, taking an almost perpendic-
ular position, and keeping themselves balanced

May 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

71

drop quickly dowiiwaid to a level with tlieii"
nest, and tlien fly into it.

We returned to Custlett on the 2Sth, and
here an incident occurred which niijiht have
changed the entire current of my life. A
wiiinan offered me tlie hand of one of her
dausliters and a good piece of land if I would
only settle down here; but I declined witli
thanks and hastened away.

.Saw Eagle and Hawk.s" nests and shot a
Hairy Woodpecker. Heard .Snipe calling and
saw one next day.

On July 1st I got young Fox Sparrow, Pine
(Jrosbeak, Wilson's IJlack-eap Warbler and
Summer Yellow Bird.

A young whale about twenty feet long was
captured by the fishermen, and pulled up on
the beach. The bull and cow swam olf, with-
out an attempt to save the youngster.

To-day wo found a magnificent cave one
liundred feet deep, cut into the side of a solid
cliff 1.50 feet lugh. Tiiere wa.s a sandy beach
at its extremity, upon which the rollers broke
with great force.

We now exiiericnce our first trouble from
the police about shooting. The Steamer In-
grahani came in this afternoon, aiul we went
on bi>ard, hoping to see Mr. Magrath, the
'• Uait Protection"' commodore, but instead
found Serjeant Sullivan, who is making most
of the fuss. Mr. Gaboon had a long confab
witli liim, and he promised that he would say
1111 mure until we could write home and get a
written guarantee from Blaink that we were
collecting for scientific purposes.

Shot a Redstart to-day.

.July :5d was rainy, and the Glorious Fourth
started in with a dense fog. It seems very
ijueer not to hear fire-crackers, etc. The
storm of the night before had driven in thous-
ands of "Hags" (Sooty and Common Shear-
waters), and the air seemed filled with them;
but they iiuickly disappeared as siion as the
fog rose.

When night came wo were dotermiiied not
to let the day go by without some manifesta-
tion of our remembrance of our fatherland, so
we fired a 5l)-roLind fusilade, built a bon-fire
on tlio beach, had a war-dance around it, and
hurrahed for the occasion, until all the inhab-
itants stuck out their lieads and joined the
chorus with a hearty good will, for nearly all
tlie natives favor the United States, and seem
to have very little regard for John Bull.

On Tuesday, the Sth, we loaded the dory,
and at 4 A.u. started for Cape St. Mary's. At
Little Perch Cove tlie cliffs rise up co a great

height and as abruptly as tlio side of a house.
The strata shows as plainly as if it was jjainted,
and in the crevices are tlie breeding places of
the sea-birds.

The young birds are now out, and the old
ones are going back and forth, bringing " Cap-
lin " to feed them. The fisli are often half
way down the throat and must be disgorgeil
when they arrive at the nest.

At St. Brides we visited a breeding place of
the Gulls on cliffs 300 feet high.

On arriving at Bird Island we found the
men shooting Miirres, and the young swim-
ming all about. We would row up to them
and hit one a "bat" over the head with an
oar, but often they would regain consciousness
before we could pick them up, and dive out of
sight. Their power of staying under water is
wonderful, often not showing for twenty or
thirty seconds.

We stayed at the cape until the 17th, witli
very fair success, considering the fact that I
was sick for three days, getting Murres, Auks,
Gannets, Kittiwakes and Horned Larks.

Returning to Custlett we made all ready and
on the 22d left for St. Johns.

The 24th saw us on board the Steam.ship
Volunteer, bound north for the Exidoits. Wo
were passing icebergs all the time, when we
were outside the islands, and all the yusk over
the "beautiful play of prismatic colors"
seems to be all bonh. The sun melts the sur-
face, which forms a wliite, snowy coating, but
perhaps the colors might be seen if they were
breaking up.

We arrived at Exploits Harbor on the 2(ith,
and on the 20th started for the river thirty-
four miles away, with a native and his boat as
assistance.

Wo run along among hundreds of small
islands, and it is difficult to imagine that we
are not on an immense lake, for we seem to be
entirely surrounded by laiul. We got a few
Terns and landed on an island to look for their
eggs, and shot a Red-breasted Merganser and
a Yellow-legs.

We made twenty-two miles this day, and on
the 30th made our destination at High Point,
stopping at Hall's Mill for dinner, and to pro-
vide ourselves with "black-fiy gulch," which
was eminently necessary, for these little
wretches are perfect terrors.

Our first move was to find fresh water, but
no water was there, and we vainly searched
along the coast for some time. At last a fish-
erman informed us that there was a small
stream of water near by, and as there was a

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 5

prospect of a storm and my companion was
suffering from a boil on liis hand, wliicli was
aggravated by the constant rowing, we made
for the spot and pitched our tent.

We found the brook dry and only a small
puddle umler the lOot of a tree, but our man
had gone, and we were in such shape tliat we
thought it best to stay where we were.

The next five days were spent about camp,
as there was much to be done, and my friend's
hand was so bad tliat he could hardly use it at
all. Forest tires were all around us, and doing
a vast amount of damage, and we were afraid
that we would get burned out.

On the 5th I shot a brook trout weighing
two and a half pounds, and got one young
Golden-eye out of a flock.

The boils which have been troubling Mr.
Cahoou liave now broken out on me, and we
are a badly la/iied-up pair, but as his riglit
arm and my left are all right we get along
very well in rowing, — one pair of liaiuls
between us.

On tlie 11th, on account of the scarcity of
water liere, and the quality of it after getting
the little, we decided to move our cam|i to
Xorris Arm, farther up the bay.

It was rather a bad day, but we pulled dnwii
and loaded the dory.

When we got outside the point away from
under the lee, we found the waves running
high, and for a time we thought that we must
swamp, but we lightened her by throwing over
tiie tent-i>oles, and began to ride a little easier.
We had to cross to the opjiosite shore, two and
a half miles away, and for a time it looked as
if we would have to swim for it, and lose all
our outfit. Once we rode on the top of one
wave, plunged into the next, shipping lialf a
barrel of watei-, and we thought we were gone,
but Gaboon rowed like a tiger and we finally
got under the lee of the other side and shipping
the mast and rudder, we sailed down the Arm,
and landed at our new (piarters.

We had lost our tent-poles, making it rather
difficult to pitch the tent, and we were com-
pletely tired out when we were ready to
turn in.

The ducks are coming in quite well, but are
very wild and hard to get at witliout sailing
upon them with the dory.

1 got into a flock of about sixty Scoters ('.'),
a few old birds, but mostly young, and did not
get a single bird, as they separated and dove
out of sight.

Birds are very scarce here. On the 14th I
got a Semipalmated Plover and a Spotted

Sandpiper; and on the 15th a Greater Yellow-
legs and some Common Tern. The only life
here which seems to be plentiful is gnats and
black-flies, and they are terrible; whenever
the latter strikes he draws blood.

On the Kith we sailed up the river, and
struck into the woods toward the ponds.
After walking about four miles into the inter-
ior we found a large one, whicli we hope to
explore to-morrow. Caribou tracks plenty.
(iot Osprey iind Water Thrush. Birds not at

all plenty.

(Tc» he continued.)

Hints on Measuring Heights.

As the collecting season is just commencing
perhaps I may be allowed to ofl'er a few sug-
gestions relating to ea.sy methods of estimating
tlie height of nesting-sites. A.ssuming that
every person knows his own stature it is con-
venient, where the nests are situated not more
than ten or twelve feet from the ground, to
approximate the height by taking that of the
cidlector as a basis of computation.

The writer has found that very high nests
may be successfully treated by counting tlie
number of whorls of branches between them
and the ground. As it is much easier to esti-
1 mate the length of a short object, the average
distance between the whorls should be
"guessed at," and the result obtained be mul-
tiplied by the entire number of whorls.

Taunton, Mass. Harry (lonloH U'liiti-.

More Hints on Measuring Heights.

The renin rks of Mr. White in this number
(if O. tt O. bring to mind my old method of
getting heiglitsof bird.s' nests, wliiidi brings it
down to an absolute certainty if desirable, but
can be used only when there is a more or less
clear view of nest.

The apparatus cimsists of two sticks, each
two feet long, lashed together at right angles
in the centre.

Walk back to a point where, by pl.acing one
point of the cross upon the ground and sight-
ing across two other points, the nest is brought
in line. Then measure the distance from this
point to the foot of the tree and add one foot
for variation of the improvised theodolite, and
and you have the distance exactly, by the old
rule that two triangles of similar sides and
angles are in proixntion. A slight variation
of this process will cover all iiregulaiities of
tlie ground. Fniiik A. lintm.

May 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

Horrible Fate.

.JOHN C. CAIIOOX MEETS nE.VTII AT NEW-
FOUNDLAND— FALLS A TERRIBLE
DISTANCE TO THE ROCKS BELOW.

Wlieu the news flashed from the far North
that John C. Cahoon had been killed by falling
from a cliff, the blow fell heavily upon all who
knew him. With painful suspense we im-
mediately cabled St. .Tohns, N. F , {or confir-
mation, and received reply, " Report correct."
Then came a special dispatch to the liostnn
Hfrrild as follows:

up for the boys to see, put them in his pocket
an<l commenced to make the ascent.

" The cliff was an overhani^iiif!; one, and as
he went up his body swayed considerably. At
the top the rope bore upon the cliff, and it
would appear as if he was unable to get his
fingers between the rope and the rock to acquire
a hold. He could make no headway. The
rope, though knotted and looped, gave him no
support. He began to slip downward.

" He appeared to fold the rope in his arms,
as if the palms of his hands were burnt by the
friction. His descent became more rapid. He
couldn't land on the shelf from whirli he ba I

" Halifax, N. S., April 27. ISiil. The body
of .John C. Cahoon of Taunton, Mass., the
young American naturalist, arrived on the
Nova Scotian to-day from St. John's. He was
killed at Shag Roost, wliile hanging over a
cliff gathering eggs from a crow's nest.*

" He was rowed to the spot in a dory by two
boys, landed with a rifle and rope, and by
means of a detour gained the summit of the
cliff, 200 feet above the sea. The boys in the
boat saw him take off his coat, watch and
boots, and descend by the rope to the shelf of
rock upon which the nest was built.

" He quickly secured four eggs and bcbl tbcm

* Probably Raven's.

taken the eggs. Faster and faster the poor
feUow slid downward, till the end of the rope,
which swayed loosely .50 feet above the sea,
was reached.

"His legs struck against the cliff, the rope
jerked outward from the contact, and the
unfortunate young man fell backward down to
the strand. His body bounded from the rocks
and fell into the sea. The water in the locality
was red from blood. The body was recovered
next day."

Numerous were the friends that called at
this office and deep was the sorrow at
"Johnny's" fate.

Three days later a copy of tiie Erenin;/

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 5

Herald, St. .Tohn".s. Newfoundland, reaches us,
fioiu wliicli we clip:

" JouN C. C.viiooN Killed. — Seventy Feet
TO Ills De.\th. — Tkaoic Fate of a Natu-
KALIST. — John C. Cahoon, from Taunton.
Mass, U. S., was killed on Friday evening- at
Curslet while in the act of "jetting a crow's
nest from a cliff. Two boys were with him at
the time. lie had a sm;dl line tied on at top
and went down over the clift'. When he came
opposite tlie nest he had great trouble to get
into the crevice where it was, as the cliff over
it was fearfully overhanging. lie got to the
nest and took four eggs from it, which he
showed to tlie boys. He then proceeded to
climb tlie line, making good headway until he
came to where the cliff was overhanging. The
weight of his body on the line kept it tight to
the cliff, so that lie could not catch tlie line.
Here his body was swaying about, there being
uotliing to put his feet against. He struggled
hard for twenty minutes to mount this spot,
but became exhausted. The line was slipping
through his hands. He thought to swing liim-
sclf into the nest but his strength failed. He
grasped for life at the rope, hugged it to his
breast and tried to get his legs around it, but
strength was gone and down he went, seventy
feet into eternity. He struck the clitf below
and rolled into the sea. His body was recov-
ered and brought to Placentia. His friends
have ordered his remains to be sent home."

How dilfercnt from an extract taken from
same paper that we published in the August
O. & O. of last year. All of our readers will
remember it; but how many were impressed of
the true hazard of the feat there related, and
how little did we anticipate so sad a secjuel!

.John C. Cahoon was born at Harwich, M.iss.,
September 6, 1863, moving with his parents to
Taunton in 1870. " As early as we can remem-
ber he became interested in birds and animals,
guns, pistols, hunting and fishing, always
having young birds and animals about the
house for pets," write his friends. At the age
of littecn he began collecting and mounting
birds, about the same time learning the Phar-
macist business. For two years he continued
it, devoting his spare time and nlijhtu to liis
favorite hobby, linally giving up all for natural
history.

In the spring of ISS." he devoted seven months
to collecting on the shores of Cape Cod, making
East Brewster his headquarters. In November
of the same year, with his only brother, C. E.
Cahoon, he made a trip to the Gulf Coast of
Florida. Arriving there they procured two

small boats and with them explored many bays
and rivers. At that time the locality was not
as well known to collectors as to-day. " We
would cruise for days and weeks without
meeting a human being. Rolled up in our
lieavy blankets at night, we frequently would
be awakened by the screech of a panther not
ten feet away. Once we were caught on the
(inlf in a gale of wind in a sixteen-foot boat,
and after scudding before it for twelve hours,
witli the sea running mountains high, we made
a little pass, and made a safe run through the
breakers, although it looked doubtful; but it
meant go to the bott;om if we remained outside.
On several occasions we passed several days
without food." A whole volume might be
filled witli statements of what tliese two sturdy
young naturalists encountered.

Tlie season of 1884 he was located t)n the
island of Muskcgat, and in 18S.5 he selected
Jlonomoy Island for his eolh-cting ground,
remaining there in the season of 1880.

In 1887 he went to Mexico in the interests of
Mr. William Brewster, of Cambridge. Of tliis
trip, we well remember on several occasions
the anxiety cau.sed by delays in Ids mail, but
just as delay became serious " News from
John," and we wcnild once more breathe easy.
Of the result, the following tribute from one
of America's leaders in ornithological scienc^e
tells the story.

Dear Sik: Your letter reaches me just as I
am on the point of leaving Cambridge for an
absence of three or four days. Accordingly I
can send you only a few hurried lines about
Mr. Cahoon, of wliose deatli I Iicnrd witli real
pain yesterday.

In 1887 he spent about six montlis (January
to July inclusive) collecting birds for me in
Southern Arizona and Soiiora, Mexico. During
this trip he obtained- over twelve luuiihed
skins, among which were specimens represent-
ing several new species or sub-species. He
penetrated inl:o a remote and dangerous part of
the mountain region of Sonora, where he ran
great risks from roving bands of Apache In-
dians (who at that time were making one of
their periodical raids into MeJcico), and the
almost equally treacherous and murderous
Mexicans who inhabit the mountain valleys.
He displayed great energy, courage and intel-
ligence in planning and carrying out this
expedition, and his work was done faitlifully
and conscientiously in every jiarticular.

After his return I saw a good deal of Inm
from time to time. He impressed me as being
much more than a good ccdlector. His powers

May 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

75

of observation were keen, and lie took a deep
interest in tlie habits of Ijirds, which he studied
closely and intelligently. In short he was un-
mistakably a good ^>/(? naturallxf.

It is unnecessary for me to dwell further on
this point, for Mr. Gaboon's ability, both as an
observer and recorder of birds' haliits, is
already sufficiently attested by the articles
which he has contributed to the O. ife O. Of bis
personal characteristics I should say the most
striking were his exceptionally cheerful, san-
guine temi)eramcnt, his trusting, warm-hearted
disposition, and his intense conscientiousness.
These (jualities are sure to entitle any man to
respect and confidence, and that Mr. Gaboon
won the entire respect and confidence of all
who knew him well cannot be doubted. His
untimely and sad end is sure to be widely and
sincerely mourned. William Breicster.

In the Auk, Vol. V, Xo. 1, pp. 03 and 94, are
recorded two new species taken by Gaboon and
named by Mr. Brewster in his honor: Aimo-
pliila cahooni, Gaboon's SiJarrow, and Trn-
(/lodytrs rahooni, Gaboon's Wren.

Returning, he had a great desire to build a
bouse on Monomoy. This he accomplished
almost single-handed. Well does the writer
remember a delightful week in his company at
the place, and the outcome was the

MO.VOMOy BlilSTOI, TiHANTIX(i ( I.UI!.

Sad, sad will be the meeting of the club at
that island home in the midsummer of '01.

In ISSO he made his first trip to Newfound-
land. Of this we have no notes, a binding
contract preventing him from making bis cus-
tomary commtmications to the O. & O., the
only item being the story of why Gaboon was
known as the Bird Island man.*

Returning from Newfoundland he started
for Brownsville, Texas, to take the place of the
lamented E. C. Greenwood (another intrepid
collector). He was taken .sick on the voyage,
and reaching Texas returned at once, not visi t-
ing Brownsville. Again be bade us farewell
and started for Xewfoimdland. He was to
have returned in the f ill, but concluded, his
conhact expiring, to remain another year.

In a letter received from him a few days
before the report of the accident he writes:
"I have collected a few King Eiders. I tell
you, if I get their weight in gold it woidd not
pay for the risks I take. Think of crawling
out of bed before daylight, tramping, sliding
and ijulling along the cliffs, ami lying on the
icy rocks until every part of the Ijody is chilled

• See Vol. XV, Xo. 8. ji. 120.

to the bone, then having a sea break over onto
you, and returning to the bouse with boots and
clothes frozen stiff."

We could quote from many letters like the
following:

"St. Johns, Newfoi'xdi.axd.

" Wc deeply regi-et the death of Mr. Gaboon.
. . . The writer always enjoyed seeing him.
His fearlessness and coolness in danger were
deserving of the highest admiration. . . . All
those who have come in contact with him here
felt the greatest sorrow at his untimely end,
and the people on the shore where he had
spent so long a time had an unbounded liking
and admiration for him. A. H. it Go."

A good boatman, a determined collector, a
dead shot, of a kind and joyous disposition,
honest, brave and accommodating, — a typical
American collector. F. B. W.

Notes on Egg Coloration.

In the interesting article on "Egg Golor-
ation" In the April O. & O. Mr. Norris men-
tions the theory that the more heavily marked
eggs of a set are laid first, and then cites two
exceptions.

Let me add a third. On April 10, 1888, I
flushed a female Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo
lineatus) from her nest near Lake Konomoc,
New London Go., Gonn. As the nest was in a
rather exposed position I took the single egg,
vv'hicb was nearly spherical, and without a
trace of markings. On April 1:5th I climbed to
the same nest and took from it an egg of
exactly the same shape and ground color as the
first egg, but which had a very few round red
dots on it. These dots are about the size of
an ordinary pin-bead.

Finally, on April 21st, I took two more eggs
from this nest, both having the same shape
and ground color as had Nos. 1 and 2, Ijut No.
:5 was sparingly spotted with irregular ilots of
red, while No. 4 was spotted and l)lotcbed. I
should have said that the giound color was
a peculiar bluish-white, very much the color of
the egg of the Gooper's Hawk (Accipiter
cooperi).

Unfortunately, the set is in my cabinet at
New London, so my descriptions are from
memory and are not as good as could be desired.
However, they are fairly accurate, and will
serve to bring out the desired point.

I am of the opinion that, in eggs of a uni-
form color, any variation from normal is shown
in all of the eggs of that clutch, but my obser-
vations have not been sufficiently extended to

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-Nn. 5

permit me to make any assertions on this
j)oiiit.

1 liave often noticed tlie similarity iii sets
l:ii(l liy the same pair of birds. Two sets of
lied-sliouldered Hawk eggs taken near Totten-
ville, Staten Island, show this to a marked
extent, l)oth sets having a very peculiar
smeared apjiearance, evidently not due to ex-
pdsure to rain, as the eggs when taken were
fresh. ('Iiarlcx li. Ilarte.

New York City.

How I Embalmed My Sparrow.

After I had ddiie laughing over Mr. Iloxie'.s
description of how he mounted his lirst bird
(in February O. & O.) I got to thinking over
my lirst si)ecimen, and although the directions
I followed were "way oJT" from Friend
Hoxie's, yet 1 fully believe my specimen
would have given his a elo.se race for first
place.

"Take out the entrails, open a passage
to the brain, which should be scooped out
through the mouth," the directions l)egan.
This I did after much tribulation. "Intro-
duce into the cavities of the skull a\ul of the
whole body sonu; of the mixture of .salt, alum
and pepper (why not add Horseradish and
Worcester sauce ?) putting some through
the gullet the whole lengtli of the neck." I
introduced the mixture as directed, not stint-
ing thi! quantity. "Then hang the bird in a
cool, airy place — first by the feet, that the
body may l)e impregnated by the salts, and
afterwards by a thread t^irough the up])er
mandible, — till it appears to be sweet." 1
hung according to directions but must con.
fess that the sweetness has yet to come.
" Then hang It in the sun or near a fire; after
it has well dried clean out what remains loose
of the mixture and fill the cavity of the body
with wool, oakum or any soft subst;ancc, and
pack it smooth in paper."

The above was closely followed exce]it in the
packing in paper. Instead of that I broke
one leg off an old pair of compasses and stuck
the sharp point through the back of the
wooden "case" that was to hold the speci-
men, right into the bird's body, pulling down
the feet until they touched a chunk of moss
I placed in the bottom of the case to act as a
rustic perch for the l)ird. A lump of black
sealing wax stuck on the head (if a pin formed
the single eye.

The feathers W(mld not lie smooth so I gave
the whole bird (it was an English .Sparrow) a

good, heavy coat of black paint which brought
the feathers into place nicely.

The specimen was placed on the mantel
shelf in the nursery, and for a lung lime was
considered quite a work of art by us boys.
Finally it w.as thrown out of the window, and
probably eaten by the cat.

I have the above directions before me as I
write and have copied them verbatim. Who
tlu^ author is, of this fearful and wonderful
method, I do not know, but I do know that 1
cannot conscientiously recomnu'ud the pro-
iM'ss. There is no jialcnt on it, so anyone tliat
wishes may try it for himself.

//. //. llriiiilri/.

Association of American Ornitholo-
gists.

A number of the ornithologists of Washing-
ton, D. f'., and vicinity, met on Aiuil llth,
with a view to organizatiiui. The meeting
was held at F. .S. Webster's, ]:U:> Pennsylvaina
avenue, Washington, D. ('., and a jiartial
organization effected. The following ofiicers
were elected: President, liev. J. [I. LangiUe,
Kensington, Mil.; vice-president, W. 11.
Aspiuwall, i;!()."i Kiggs street, Washington,
I). C. ; treasure]-, tube tilled: sccretaiy, A. H.
Farnhani, Bennings, D. ('. ; board ol corre-
sponding secretarys, chairman, W. A. Merritte,
118 Maryland avenue, N. E., Washington, D.C,
other corresponding secretaries to be suijjilied.
The above name was selected and another
meeting api)ointe(l in two weeks, when an
association organ will be determined on and
other matters perfected.

The mam object of the association is the
effective study of bird life by ways and means
adajited to those who are not professional
naturalists. Corresponding members are de-
sired everywhere, e.-pecially those who are
isolated, regarding ornithological tasles. Per-
sons so situated gather nnu-h that is fresh lo
many students of bird life, and as the associa-
tion's headquarters are in Washington it hopes
to off er advantages in the way of identification,
ccunparison and the accounts of eminent
naturalists, by reas(m of its having access
to the collections and library of the Smith-
sonian Institution.

Those wishing to ascertain more regarding
the association will please write the corres-
ponding secretary or any of the other
olUcers. -1. It. Ftini/nnii. Secretary.

May 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

THE

ORNITHOLOGIST.^'^OOLOGIST

A ;\Inntbly ^[:i<;azine of

NATURAL HISTORY,

KSl'Ef'IALLY DEVOTED To THE STI'DV OE

THEIR NESTS ANiJ ECUS,

and to the

INTERESTS OF NATURALISTS

I'ihUt the E(litnri;il M;ina};enient <il"

KllAXK n. WEBSTER.
■J. PARKER NORRIS.
FRANK A. BATES,

Hyde Park. Mass.

Phihideljihia. Pa.

Ri)Stnn. M.ass.

PfBLISHED AT THE

MUSEUM AND NATURALISTS' SUPPLY DEPOT

OF THE

FR.WK UL.VKE WEBSTER CO.MrANY,

IXCOKPORATED,

HVDC Pauk, M.\ss., U. .S. a.

The O. & O. is mailed each issue to every jjaid stih-
scriber. If you fail to receive it, notify us.

Brief Notes.

'I'liAT Blii SiiAliK. — ''('all down at T uli.iif
and see .shark ou board the Seliooiier ,\riiin."'
Such wa.s the luitice tioiii our look-out a few
(lays since, and of course we started. Passing
through tlie busy centre of Boston, a few
minutes' walk and we reached the wharves.
There is no difficulty in finding 'I' wharf if one
has a keen scent; he iniglit be blind and do it.
As we followed down tlie wharf swarmed with
fishing schooners, from which the l>usy crews
were i)iU-lung up tish by the cart loads, for an
instant our thouglits were directed to the
hardships tliat fall to the lot of some of our
neiglibors, and as we glance down into the
cabins we congratulate ourselves tliat we bunk
ashore. Way down at the end of the wliarf
on a little schooner we read the name
" Ai-ion," and instinct tells us that the large
oliject amidshi)>, covered by a stietch of can-
vas, is thesul)jectof ouvcall. We jumii aboard,
taking our (diances of landing in tisli-liver and
blublier, and with bowed heads and reverential
dignity approach the captain. He apparently
recognized us by the cut of our jib, aud a few
minutes were spent in (lii)lomatic courtesy.
We asked him if lie found it dusty outside;
how he kept the ice-cream that he fed the
hands on during his trip; how biji a whale he
ever saw, and if lemons would cure sea-
sickness? While he asked us if birds were
stuffed with saw-dust, what they were good
for anyw.ay, and if we went in when it rained?
All hands smiled in a sickly manner and we
turned luir attention to the main object of

interest. Drawing the canvas aside, — heavens
tci Betsy! What a sight! What a bouncer!
Fourteen feet of solid shark, enough to cut up
in pieces eipial to 2.5,000 sardines! How diil
you catch it? In the trolls; and when a bask-
ing shark gets snarled up in tlic nets the
reader can but faintly imagine the work to
untangle. We closed the trade and wiped the
perspiration, that started at the tliought of our
rashness, from off our brow, with the lining of
our coat pocket. Tire captain suggested that
the liver would be of value to him, and we
consented at once to his removing it, whicdi
would cut down cartage. As we move<l off we
saw him arrange two barrels to contain it.

A few hours later a dozen willing hands
hauled it by roxjes upon our dissecting table at
Hyde Park. The following day four exjierts
devoted their entire time to removing the skin,
and the second day to scrajiing the skin down.
When done it was so thin tliat it would .scarcely
fill two waterpails. There was not a bone in
the body; in place thereof being a sort of
gristle that could easily be cut. The teeth in
the lower jaw were small and uniform, being
shaped like f), while the upper ones weie like
fangs of a cat. An odd feature in the shark is
the arrangement of the teeth. They can be
seen in rows, there being four or five, the
front one standing and the others laid back,
like a cog wheel. As fast as a tooth is lost by
accident another from the rear rank rises uj)
in its place. There was no fat or oil, the flesh
being of a gelatinous nature. Notwithstanding
that there were no bones, a person has only to
look at it to see that it is a creature of Her-
culean strength, and if the teeth are set in
gristle, passing the fingers over the edge will
convince anyone that they would cut off an
arm like a circular saw. The skin is very
harsh, covered with points like the coarsest
sand pai)ev, and caused gr^ at annoyance to
those who worked over it. The mouth is sit-
uated well under the head, and the eyes down
and forward. With the skin as thin as that of
a gray squirrel it was necessary to have a form
made as iierfect as could be pioduced. as eveiy
irregularity would show. To ilo this we used:
One plank twelve feet long, two by twelve
inches, for centre piece; two boards the same
length for side pieces; braces were sawed to
shape of sections of the body, and pieces
carved for fins, tail, etc., which were attached.
A piece was fastened at right angles to one end
for tlic head, circular pieces cut for jaws, and
the' teeth set in them, and the whole frame
fille<l with excelsior and neatly coveied with
heavy sheeting, over which was placed a Layer
of potter's clay. The frame was fastene<l by
two heavy upright irons to a base, a plank
fourteen feet long, and the skin drawn over.
"Fits like a glove!" was the exclamation of
all; and a week of soliil labor of two men was
added to the cost. Then followed the fine
modelling of tips of tail, fins. etc. The labor
on the mouth, gill holes, eyes, etc., were no
small job, while the finishing touches to be
done when skin is thoroughly dry bids fair to
take many hours' labor. Should any of (uir
readers ever undertake to handle such (and
the specimen is the largest fish that we ever

78

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 5

saw stuffed) we advise them .to be very particu-
lar about ineasiiremeiitu, and we wish tbeiii lots
of fun in tlie undertaking.

The first Virginia Kail of the season came
in to us April 18; shot at Jamaica Plain, Mass.

A set of seven eggs of the St. Domingo
Grebe sold for twenty-one dollars in IJurope a
few days since. They passed through our
hands. How many of our readers have them
in large series in tlieir collections?

One of our western friends writes us that he
gets higher prices for his heads in Colorado
than he can in the East. Well, why not?
They have gold mines there.

We do not receive as many letters of late
from parties who report taking eggs in (juan-
tity from rookeries. In fact many of the
rookeries in Florida have been broken up.
■ .\mong the kinds that appear to us as becom-
ing scarce are those of the White Pelican.

We think that collectors who take eggs in
sets make a great mistake in not collecting
nests atsame time. Of course we would not
advise a series of such as Ospreys and Eagles,
but such as the Verdin, Cactus Wren, Orioles
and scores of others are of great interest.

Ed. (iay, the bear man, came home from
Maine last night, and we started for his jilace
as soon as we heard of his arrival. We askeil
him " What is the news?" and he p.'inted to a
corner of the room and, by .Jovel there all
curled up were four cubs about the size of
rabbits. A little [loking and there was fun for
the million. Such a snarling, tumbling and
riimpusl It was enougli to make a lellow wil-
ling to take the chances of a nip to join the
frolic. ISeiug a special occasion we wure a
black suit. This seemed to meet with the ap-
])robation of youug Bruin, and we experienced
.the novel sensation of having four bears climb
up onr legs at one tim<'. They are really very
interesting little fellows, and if anyone wants
a pair they are just the age to train. They are
seven weeks ohl. Mr. Gay has another paii- a
little over a year old. They went to xleep l.nnt
Noreinher and have just woke up. He says
that they are in tine condition, and weigh
about 125 pounds each. He has a bear two
years old that weighs about 2(l0 pounds; is
very gentle. This one has been taught a few
tricks. He reports seeing a l)uck in one of the
towns at which he called that was very tame:
it had the "freedom of the city," and would
eat from tlie hands of those who offered it
anything.

I received a fine female Golden Eagle (Aqiiila
rhryiiii'tos) on the 23d inst. ; shot on the .Skunk
River about twelve miles from here, — l)es
Moines, la.. — on the wing, by a couple of men
who were duck hunting. Measures T ft. 2 in.
in extent; tail, 1.") 1-2 in. Is in line pbimage
and very fat. .\s it is a rare bird I thought it
would interest your readers. Frank W.
Shelilon.

Have just received a beautiful $ Scarlet
Tanager. Killed at Apponaug, K. I.. Satur- 1
div, April 4. This breaks our reccud by con-
siderable. Southwick iS Critchley. ■ I

William T. .Hornaday, we hear, has sev-
ered his connection with the Sinithsoni.an
Institution. We do not understand how that
institution can afford to part with the best
artist in his line tkat is in this country. Mr.
Ilornaday is a gentleman of unusual ability
and whatever he undertakes is sure to be a
success, so far as his personal efforts can
insure It.

"I hear good words for the.O. & O. from
one or two among my friends who take it."
J. R. Mann.

"March O. A. O. just received. I tell you
the O. & O. is going ahead and no mistake."
Walter Hoxie.

We have received several letters from old
subscribers enclosing subscriptions from new
pjarties whom they have induced to fake the
O. iV O. In making this effort they show an
interest that we appreciate. iMany times a
very little effort in that way will secnie a sub-
scriber who could not be reached otherwise.
The writer well remembers when a party in an
off-hand way asked him to subscribe to the
O. & O. It was complied with without a
second thought, and now instead of one copy
he has several hundred, m.inlhly.

We devoted two lionis trying to write out
the song of the Plucbird, the other moiniug,
and got stuck on how to spell the first note.

A whale was taken into a New Jersey p(ut a
few days since, said to be sixteen feet long.
A Xew Yink taxidermist contra<'ted to sfiilf il
for Sil.'iO. We think if he does it in a priijier
manner he will find that he earned his money,
and will be quite ready to advance rates on
the ne.\t one. i

Our ohl cat is (juite a hand at catching
snakes. During the summer he brings in
young black and strijied ones. A few days
since, bringing home a pbotogrniih of a piiir of
Koodoo horns we laid if on ii chair. " Migglcs "
was on the window sill and, sighting the
|iicture, he sprang upon it. For a miiude
there was an astonished cat, and then he quietly
withdrew. The i)icture looked like two small
snakes, and without doubt was mistaken for
them.

Snowy Owl seen on West Con((U'd St.. Boston,
early Wednesday morning, A])ril l.-jth. Was
lively and flying from tree to tree. W. D. Grier.

A free bed has been founded in the railroad
hos])it.al at .Vltoona under peculiar circum-
stances. Henry D. Minot.* of Boston, was
killed in the Pennsylvania Railroad accident at
New Florence on February 14, ll^ill. The father
of the boy brought suit to recover damages for
his son's death. The case was settled for
$4000, and Mr. Minot immediately returneil the
sum to President Roberts with the request that
it be used as a nncteus for a fund to establish
the free bed. .Vt a meeting of the railroad
Directors President Roberts was requested to
inform Mr. Minot of the Board's appreciation
of his generous action, and to assure him that
his wi.shes should be faithfully carried out.
The bed will be designated as the " Henry D.
Minot Mennnial Bed." "(iijiped."

*i Author of "I.niul andlJanie Itinls of New England."

May 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

79

Mr. Witmer SU)ne reports having found a
.set of eggs of the Mourning Dove (Zenaiihira
cai-iilinenfsis) in tlie vicinity of Philadelpliia on
April 14, 1891. Thi.s is very early for this
latitude. .T. P. N.

-Mr. G. B. Benners, of Phil.adelpliia, a well-
known ornitliologist and oi'ilogist, and posses-
sor of line collections of liotli birds and eggs,
reports having received a handsome set of eggs
of the Golden Eagle [Aquila rliri/satus caiia-
(leiiKiK) from one of his Texas collectoi'S. .1.
P. N.

Mr. Samuel B. Ladd, the celebrated oologist,
found a tine set of eggs of tlie Woodcock (Pliil-
iihela minor), near West C'he.ster, Pa., on April
14, 1891. .1. P. N.

If our readers will kindly send us memoranda
of any rare birds or eggs tliey collect it will
add greatly to tlie interest of our columns.

Mr. William Brewster sails for Europe May 13,
for a three months' trip. Our best wishes for
a pleasant voyage.

Mr. ('. C. Ma.xfield has a new cut for the
cover of his semi-annual. The design is very
tasteful.

I. 1'. Morse took a set of crow's eggs at
Berlin, Mass., Ajiril 2S. There were six eggs,
two of them were very light with large
lilotches, and appeared entirely ditterent from
the other four. This is a case of similar
nature to the one referred to by Mr. Mann in
another column of this issue.

One of the droppers-in remarked: "I was
somewhat amused recently while in Xew York.
.Seated in Central Park my attention was
attracted by a party of Germans composed of
.some who had evidently been in the country
foi' a long time, and who were showing their
recently arrived friends about. As they
stopped to examine an o1)ject of interest, a
Hock of pea-fowl crossed the ])ath. The fowl
were in off plumage, the males, if any, lacking
the long tine feathers. ' Vot vas dot?' asked
one of the new comers, pointing to the birds.
■ Vy, dey vas Pea .Shes, mien frient,' quickly
replied the interpreter." We siniled and turned
to our desk, and as an offset handed him a letter
we liad just received from a party asking our
price for pcdishing a pair of horns of a male
cow.

Advertisers often fall into an error, thinking
that if they do not get a reply at once the
7nedium tiiat tliey try is useless. The fact is,
an advertisement sIkuUcI be placed and contin-
ue 1; it keeps tlie n ime liefore the pulilic. The
man who depends upon his show window and
door sign confines his notoriety to a mighty
small spot. Advertising is the secret of success. .

Cohl-bloodeil animals never stop growing.
The larger they are the older they are. Sharks
are known to roach tlie length of upwards of
forty feet. Alligators shed their teeth as they
grow and new ones come out larger to keep
up in proportion to the growth of the creature.
Quotations from a few minutes' chat with
(ieorge A. Boardman.

Sports Ajield pays Mr. Ilornaday a very neat
compliment in a recent issue, and he is entitled
to it.

It is stated that experts in London can shave
a man in one minute. How is that fru' quick
skinning"?

The crocodile item taken from Boston
Journal I would not have inserted, as it was
false in most every particular. A great many
crocodiles have been killed in Florida, and the
crocodile's lower javsf works the same as the
alligator's, or a cow's, and so does the lower
jaw of every reptile or animal. Geo. A.
Boardman.

We have printed in Brief Notes quite a num-
lier of clippings from the lea<ling journals of
tlie country, some lieing editorials (see one
from lld.iton lliriOil. lost issue); not that we
quoted tliem as authority but to show how
little they know about the subject. It would
be an item of interest if Mr. Boardman would
give our readers a brief description of tlie dif-
ference between the alligator and crocodile
found in Florida. It is suggested that the
working of the lower jaw is not confined en-
tirely to alligators and bovine, as may be seen
by the daily ])ress.

A black woodchuck was caught at East
Norton, Mass , the loth of March. Are they
common in this part of tlie country? Blueljii'ds
and blackbirds are here in large numljers,
while rol>ins have been for some time. F. M.
Draper.

We occasionally hear of bltick woodchucks.
It is a freak, and not c(uiimou. — En.

Captain X. .S. Gould is erecting a resort on
the beach right beside the Chatham Light-
house. Captain Gould is one of the best
known sportsmen in that locality, and if any
of our readers desire to try shore bird shooting
this season we would advise tliem to apply
e.arly. The resort will be open .Iiily 1, and
only a limited numlier will be accommodated.
The location joins Moiiomoy Island, and by
referring to the many notes from that locality
the reader will know just what to expect.

The Black Gyrfalcon in Vermont.

I had a line (Jyrfalcon, — the dark variety —
Falro liiliriitlora, (And.) sent to be mounted, —
killed the middle of January about twelve
miles from here, — a female. Is not this quite a
rare bird ? The first I have ever had. I did not
succeed in buying it. J- P. Mflzi'r.

Milforrt, X. It.

Correspondence.

Editor of O. cfc O. .•

I took yesterday (April 20tli) a set of nine
fresh eggs of the trunnion Crow. I think
that there can be distinguished two sets of
eggs by the markings, but as such a ruling
would only be conjecture on my part I write to

80

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16^No. 5

ask you if crows ever do develop polygamy,
or do you think that this is a case of abnor-
mal development of the ovaries of a single
crow ? One more question please. I took a set
of Red-tailed Hawk's eggs April l-Tth from a
nest that young were reared in last season; how
long before they are likely to breed again, and
will tliey probably breed near former nest?

./. 11. Mail It.
Arlington Heights, Mass.

EiJitor of O. it. O.:

Enclosed find one dollar for subscription one
year for the OitNiTiioi.ofiisr and Oolooist.
If you can send me back numbers would pre-
fer subscription to commence with the first of
this year. If you answer queries kindly let
me know in next " O. & O." if stuffed bird.s
(i.ttrar.t or draw moths more than woollens or
other ordinary things subject to the ravages
of those insects'? A lady declares she "would
not have stuffed birds in her liouse because
they draw mollis," is tlic reason I desire to be
informed on the subject. The porcupine skin
you ])reserved for me in the summer worked
up nicely. /. E. T.

Eastnn, Md.

This is by no means the first time that we
have had this question asked and on account
of a similar assertion. Birds properly cured
by arsenical preparaticuis do not attract
moths. The arsenic, alum, etc., which is
used permeates the .skin and ipiills, and
render them a very unp.alatable dish for ver-
min. It is true a motli will occasif>nally cut
into them and drop a feather or so, but when
the skin is reached it ends. Wliile this does
not ruin the bird it is a reason for collectors to
exert a moderate care. If bird.s are not
cured by arsenic then they enter the list of
articles that are extremely liable to be de-
stroyed. Furs and woollen fabrics seem to be
the chief object of attack by what are com
monly known as moths. (Here we might
mention that some pests that attack birds do
so only when they are frc^h, and then confine
their depredation to portions where a small
amount of fiesh is left to dry in tlu' feet,
shoulders and base of mandible, and which
do not attack fabrics.) The anxiety of the
good housewife makes the bird men smile,
and when the moths once get settled into her
plush furniture her frantic and fruitless efforts
to dislodge them is pitiable. Now for anyone
to assert that they would not have a stuffed

bird in their house on account of their
attracting moths, shows a prejudice that is
not warranted by facts. — Editok.

New Publications.

" y/(C Birdti of Greenland'" by Andreas T.
Hagerup, edited by Montague Chamberlain,
publislied by Little, Brown A Co., Boston, we
find to be a very interesting catalogue of tlie
avia fauna of that bleak, barren nortlihmd,
and to disabuse preconceived opinions that it
i.s largely made up of European varieties.
The catalogue shows that more are from the
.\nierican than European fauna, and that
about one-half of the entire list are merely
cliance visitors. Of 139 named 53 are chance
stragglers, and 24 more are so rare that they
migjit as well be classed as such, leaving but
()1 that can be classed as regular inhabitants,
and of these, as might be supposed, one-half
at least are sea fowl. A strange fact to us is
the information that the Mallard (Ana.i
hfiftcax) "is common the wliole year round
but mo.si! nH»((*ro».'* in winter," jiarticularly as
in tlie introductory description of Ivigtut
(Lat. 01° 10', Lcmg 48° 10') it is stated that the
mean annual temperature is about O. Cent., and
the whole country is covered with snow and
the inner half of the sjord is frozen up from
November to M.ay.

Tlie publication will be of gicnt interest to
ornithological students as Mr. Hagerup is a
Danish mining engineer who spent two and
one-half years in Southern GreenlaiHl. His
notes on the habits of little-known liirds
— several of tlie Sea Fowl, Gyrfalcon, Ptaimi-
g,an, IJedpoll. Snow Bunting, Wlicatear, etc. —
are interesting and many of tliiin are vain-
able. Some of liis opinions upcui <lisputed
points differ from those of the chief "authori-
ties," and some of his facts differ from those
stated by other ob.servers. These are stated
tersely, and arc supported by direct evidence
drawn from his own note-book. His oppor-
tunities have been gieater tlian tliose of any
otlier observer who has written on the birds
of Greenland.

Wlien we mention the fact that it is pub-
lished by Little, Brown & Co. it will be all
that is necessary to commend it from a typo-
graphical point of view' to our readers, as the
excellence of the make-up of that firm's pub-
lications are so well known as to render any
comments unnecessary. Tlie jirice is fixed at
one dollar, postpaid.

ORNITHOLOGIST

— AND-

00L0GI8T.

81.00 per
Annum.

PUBLISHED BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.
Estalilislied, March, IST.i.

Single Copy
10 cents.

Vol. XVI.

HYDE PARK, MASS., JUNE, 1891.

No. 6.

Insects Injurious to Collections;
Their Prevention and Remedy.

INTRODUCTION.

In Hie tdllinviii"' series of articles the author
will endeavor to present a, likeness of svich
insects as prey upon our collections of natural
history specimens, anil offer such suggestions
upon their haliits, and the remedies for their
dei)redations, as shall enable the reader to
recognize their various forms wherever seen,
and be i)repared to guard against their attack.s.

Let us understand from the (Uitset that
insects have four stages of growtli, viz:

1 St. The egg.

■2i\. The larva, shown at Fig. a in tlie illus-
tr:itioii. and which is ordinarily known as a
worm, caterpillar or grub, and in which f(um
it does the most of its feeding, and all of its
growth.

3d. The pupa or chrysalis, which is a dnr-
iiiant stage, in which all the finer forces ai'e
silently c{)-operating to produce the jierfect
insect, which is scientifically known as

4th. The imago, and commonly as a beetle,
bug, butterfly, moth, wasp, etc., and in which
stage the work of rei)roduction of its kin<l is
carried on.

It is thus evident that one of the most neces-
sary features of the suliject is to understand
the ajjpearance of each form, and particularly
the larvai, since it is at this time that it is
most destructive, and it is reasonable to think
that, if the last and most commonly observed
form is seen, either the damage has been done
or the female is seeking for a place to lay her
eggs; in either case, immediate attention and
its destruction are eminently necessary.

The presence of these little wretches is often
unnoticed until a feather in a bird is found
to be loose, and examination shows that it has
been eaten off; or a diminution in size, and a
ragged appearance of the feet, tarsi or mandi-

bles is noticeable; or a little pile of dust
beneatli a dried insect draws attention to a
little hole in its under side, which is the abode
of a little liairy worm; or we find our sealskin
overcoat (not the author" s, for an editor, and
especially a bug-hunter, does not need such a
garment: the fire of his intellect keeps him
warm, and his pocket empty), or other cloth-
ing, bare in .spots, or filled with holes; or a
mat or carj)et throws off an extra amount of
lint when beaten or swept, or parts along the
line of a crack in the floor (the mark of the
buffalo beetle). In either case look out for
trouble.

1. Till'. l?ri'F.\T.o Bro (Aiitlirrnvf: xcrnplni-
liiri(i).

This is the latest enemy whi<di has been
introduced into this country, and it is rapidly
bect)mi ng accli m ated .

It is a curious fact that over one-half of our
worst insect foes are not native American citi-
zens, but it makes no difference, they rapidly
become naturalized.

This, the latest, is also the worst of the
crowd, since it attacks not only all the other
things that the other museum pests faviu', but
many others; it is truly omnivorous; and more
than all it laughs to scorn the ordinary insect-
icides. It chews tobacco like an old sailor, it

Copyright, 18.11, Iiy FKANK B. WEB.'iTEK.

82

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 6

grows fat on camphor, and it not only devours
onr specimens of natural history but it also
will eat our clothing, carpets and upholstery.

The perfect l)cetle (represented by Fig. d)
is only .OH of an inch long, and about two-
thirds as broad, dull black in color, with mark-
ings of red and white, which when viewed with
a magnifying glass appear like a mosaic.

Tlie larva (Figs, a and ')) is a little oval
worm, about .2.5 of an incli long, and covered
with lony' brown Imirs.

Fig. c represents the pupa, tlie transition
stage between the larva and the perfect beetle.
These figures are magnified about seven diam-
eters, the natural size being indicated by the
sliort line I at tlie side of each figure.

They were known to science at ahout the
year ITIiO, when they were descril)ed by Lin-
n;eus as having been found upon the flowers of
the S}jinea. They also frequent the blossoms
of the shad-bush (AmeUmeheia raiiadensis).
They were not known in this country until
about 1872, although they had lieen famous as
destroyers of carpets, clothing and museum
specimens in Europe for many years; in fact,
tlie reason for tlie introduction of mats, instead
of carpets fastened to the floor, is due, to a
great extent, to the depredations of this beetle.

The problem which is now presented to us
for solution, is how to prevent the attacks of
this destroyer of our collections, and how to
destroy tliem if they have gained a foothold.

In tlie first place care should be taken to
have our cases so tight that no insect can get
into them, but in some instances, as in large
collections of mounted birds, this is almost
impossible; in which case it behooves us to so
prepare our specimens that they will be as
nearly proof against their attacks as is possible.

Collections of insects can be kept in air-
tight cases; bird skins in most instances
also. Mounted birds sliouhl be thorougldv

poisoned with some form of arsenic (arseni-
cal soa]) preferably) and the l)ill, feet, and
tarsi .should be waslied in a thin solution of
this mixture. All eases which are not tight
should be thoroughly cleaned at least once
a year, and washed with a weak solution of
corrosive sublimate and kept charged with
napthaline in some form ( I consider the
pure Ckyst Ai.b.\ to be the best for birds
and Blake's Inskct Cones the be.st for insect
cases), and use enough to do the work. But
we will consider that the little beetles have
already commenced their depredations. The
first act is to kill them, each and every (me,
lieetles, larva, pup.aand eggs, f(n' if one be left it
is liable to pei'iietuate itself in a numerous
progeny before noticed.

Every bird must be well drenched with iiaptha
(this can be dried out with plaster if desirable,
but it is better to let it dry off in its natnr.al
way, replacing any feathers which may have
become misplaced, when the biid is dry).
An atomizer is useful here, and also in the
next step, which is to introduce iiapth.a into
all the cracks ami crevices of the cabinet.
Then wash it well with strong soap suds, and
after with a solution of corrosive sublimate.
To make tliis solution dissolve two parts of the
chemical in five parts of alcohol, and ilUute
with water until a black feather will not be
whitened when dipped in the solution.

Watch the specimens very closely for some
time and if any trace of life is detected resort
to the naptha can. Be very cautious in using
the tluid as it is very intlammable and ex-
plosive, and no fire or tlame of any sort should
be near while it is in use.

Collections of insects may be freed from
museum pests by the use of bi-sidphide of
carbon, poured upon a little cotton batting,
placed in a corner of the case or drawer, which
should be kept tightly closed, as the stench
is something fearful, and it is also highly
inflammable.

All new specimens should be subjected to
quarantine before placing in the case with
oiliers, and also left in the disinfecting box
for some time. This disinfecting box is an
air-tight case, preferably of tin, whose cover
has a deep rim fitting down into agioove, filled
with water or heavy felt, impregnated with
creosote or some kindred substance. Into
this case whole boxes of insects or birds may
be placed and subjected to the vapors of ben-
zine or bi-sulphide of carbon.

Kooms which have become their habita-
tion slioidd be treated the same as cases; all

June 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

83

oaipets and hangings to be given a thorough
heating and sweeping. Clotliing may be
phiced in the disinfecting box and tlien
packed in tiglit chests, witli plenty of ciyst-
alha. Camphor is not of tlie least use as a
preventive, as its only value i.s in disguising
the animal odor, and when the in.sect has
found the article it goes on with its work re-
gardless of the gum. Neither pin your faith
to any mixture or substitute whose principal
claims are a more pleasing odor, which is gen-
erally i)roduced by adulteration, or a less
price, both being secured at the ex-
pense of efficacy. The odor will be entirely
eradicated by hanging the clothing out of
doors f(u- a few hours, and none of the dirty,
suffocating after-odor of caui|ilior is left.

Frank A. Bates.

Five Months in Newfoundland.

XOTKS FKOM THE DIAliV OF UO-MKI! I..
BIGEI.OW.
(Continued.)

On Monday I walked u\> tlie river and found
it full of falls ami rapids, with very wild
scenery; in one place was obliged to walk on a
narrow ledge, with a deep pool on one side and
the falls on the other, where a misstep windd
have i)roved fatal.

The next week proved anything Imt |)rotit-
able to me, for I was laid up with the lioils on
my arm again. This is tenible, lying around
camp, unable to do anything and seeing the
days go by without anything accomplished. I
liope to get some work done sometime.

On the 30th, the Terns, which have been
congregating in large flocks, seem to have
nearly all disappeared. The Herring (Julls
have been staying in the Arm for the past
week, and feeding on the squid. Tjoons are
there all the time but very shy.

Other birds seen this week are Canada Jays;
Common and Hudsonian Chickadees; Red-
bellied Xuthatch; Fox .Sj)arrow; Downy, Hairy
and Three-toed Woodpeckers; Black-throated
(Jreen, Yellow-rump, Black and White, and
Yellow Warblers; Golden-crowned Thrush;
Water Thrush; Ellis' Thrush; Canadian Fly-
catcher; Greater Yellow-legs; Koliin; liaven;
Golden-eye Duck and Great^horned Owl.

On September 1st we prepared to break
camp, and to pack our skins and get them
down to Burnt Island. We took one load
down to-day, and nearly got swamped coming

back, for the wind blew a gale, and the tide
was running fearfully. We snapped the blade
off one oar, but got into camp all right,
thoroughly chilled through, for it was bitterly
cold.

Provisions are nearly all gone, so we must
get out of here to-morrow. The birds are
nearly all g(jue, and there is little left here now
for us. Saw Sharp-shinned Hawk, Scoter,
Red-throated Diver and a few small birds.

On the 3d it blew a living gale, and we did
not dare to get away, but on Thursday we went
down to Hall's Jlill to make the last arrange-
ments and get a new oar. As we had only one
pair of oars but one of us could pull at a time,
and I was taking my turn when a squall
swooped down upon us, and I thought that we
were surely done for. The rain poured in tor-
rents, and the water was thrown into spray as
soon as a wave rose. A schooner near by low-
ered all her sails, Init when the squall struck
her she reeled as from the blow of a giant
hand. It was sublime, but it was fearful, to
pull away for dear life, without gaining a foot.
At last it l)lew over and we landed .safely, but
I do not want another such experience.

After we arrived at Gills, and I was standing
on the wharf, I thought I heard the cry of a
Klue .Jay, and we started after him. I cauglU
one glimpse of him through the bushes but

could not get a shot. Wr. C does not

think that it was a Blue .lay. but 1 am positive
of it.

When we got back to the camp and had our
supper we took down the tent, packed the
remainder of our goods in the dory, and, at
midnight, bade good-bye to Loon Camp.

For once the tide was with us, the moon was
shining Inightly, and the air was very calm; it
was a perfect night, a pleasant ending of a
rather discouraging expedition.

We laid up at the Fish House, where our
other goods were stored, at 2 a.m., having
.sailed an<l rowed about twenty-five miles that
day.

The next morning .Mr. Calioon turned me out
at (i o'clock (I wonder when that man ever
sleeps, he is on the go all of the time), and
after a breakfast of flounders and potatoes we
packed the dory.

I heard some Yellow-legs, and had been
searching for them along the beach when a
sharp noise behind caused me to turn, and I
saw a bird directly in a line with the sun. I
dropped him and found that I had a female
Pigeon Hawk. Her stomach contained only a
few feathers and the toe of a small bird.

84

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 6

It was fortunately a dead calm when we
started for Hall's Jlill, for the gunwale of the
dory was nearly to the water's edge, so heavily
was she loaded. We had hoped to make Burnt
Island that night, and so made but a short
stop at the mills. When it grew dark we saw
(■lou<ls rising, and the wind was breezing up,
and not being very familiar with the eoast we
made for a harbor.

The wind continued to rise, and we kept
reeling down the sail until we h.id only just
enough left to steer by. My companion
was in the bow, and 1 at the stern, when sud-
denly a reef, with the waves breaking over it,
loomed up in front, not fifteen yards away. I
put the tiller hard down iinil \vc fortunntely
shot past it.

We soon got under the lee of a long island,
and while iMr. Cahoon pulled I lit the lantern
and looked out for a safe place to land. It was
so dark that we could not distinguish rocks
from sand five yards away. But I at last saw
what looked like a beach and we jjullcd in to
it without touching a rock.

After pulling uj) the dory and liuildiug a lire
we threw the Hy of the tent over a rope
stretched between two trees, got our Kupi)er
and tui'ued in.

I woke in the luorning and foiuid myself half
out of (he tent, the rain pouring down on my
feet, and we were chilled through. Hut lireak-
fast and hot coffee soon warmed us up. and we
found on exploring the shore that we had
landed on the only strip of beach on the island.
The rest of the shore was a mass of rocks ui)on
which the boat would soon have been dashed
in pieces.

The rain was pouring in torrents, with a
very heavy, cold wind blowing, but as it was
nearly fair we started along. At one jdace we
were obliged to beat to windward, in order to
fetch outside a reef, as the tide was running
very strong, and we were carried out of our
course by it. We had to sail very carefully
heading her up into some of the seas, and
taking in considerable water, which kept us
pretty bu.sy baling it out.

We finally ran across the bay and gained tlie
lee of an island, which enabled us to rest a
little, as we could run before the wind until we
reached the "Gut," where we found it very
choppy, and we were kept busy putting her
head into the seas which threatened to swamj)
us; but this could not last always, and we were
very glad to tie up at Manuel's Wharf at (ireen

Bay, having run twenty miles in four and a
half hours.

We had covered the cargo so thorougidy that
it was hardly wet at all, but we made uj) for
all deficiencies in that direction, since we had
hardly a dry thread on us.

The next three days were spent here, waiting
for the steamer, and they were not by any
means wasted. The weather was (air and the
scenery lieautiful. As I looked from my win-
dow on the day after my arrival, when the
storm had cleared away, and saw the arm of
(ireen Bay stretching away to the right and
left, .and the little hamlet of fishermen's houses
on the opposite shore, brought out against the
dark hills behind them by the setting sun,
which had painted them a lurid red, with its
fiery rays, I almost regretted leaving the
scene, although the time spent here has not
been as fruitful as it ought and I am once more
getting back to tluit civilization from whicli I
have not heard for nearly two months, for my
letters have not been received.

Mr. Cahoon received some mail to-day, and
I liave had the benefit of his papers. It .seems
very str.mge to sit here reading " The (Jhdic "
with such strange surrounilings.

The pigs are eating hay and grass like cows,
and the dogs are made to wear a ' elog'' made
of wood, two feet long and .six inches in
diameter, or they will be killed. It is about
,as much as the poor things can drag around.

We did not expect the steamer until the 11th,
and imagine our surprise, just as we were
sitting down to dinner on the 10th, to hear her
whistle, and see the "Conscript" coming in.
We had just painted the oars, and the dory
was not yet dry, our things were not i)acke(i,
and we were generally mixed up.. However,
there was no alternative, and. witli a yearning
glance at the smoking viands l>efore us, we rose
from the table with hunger unappeased.

Things flew, and were packed away, but in
such shape that we tremVile to think of unpack-
ing them. Mr. Manuel loaded his boat with
most of our tiangs and we were soon on hoard,
taking a last look at the Exploits Bay and
Burnt Island.

The tog, whicli overcast the water in the
morning, had risen, and, as we coast along the
shore, we have a fine opportunity to view the
scenery.

At 3.30 we pass Twillingate Light, situated
on a very high bluff of solid rock, showing no
means of access. The ledges forming the clitfs

JuxE 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

85

here rise in a slieer precipice of jagged rocks
and ijinnacles with not a flat place visible.

The harljt)rs are generally magnificent, as
they are surrounded by high hills, with so
narrow an entrance that it seems marvellous
for a vessel to enter in a fog or at night. The
various towns at which we touched seem very
much alike, and consist of two chapels, a post-
office, a Salvation Army ban-ack, with a long
line of fish houses.

At Bonavista Harbor the "scjuid" had set in
and all was excitement. About thirty boats,
containing from one to six men, were out
jigging for them, and more were coming out
from the shore. Tlie water was aboil with their
motions and the streams of water which they
eject on being hauled over the side. At noon,
on the 12th, we steamed into the harbor of St.
.John's once more.

Inquiry showed us that a schooner would
sail for the south coast that night, and we had
to buy our supplies for the next three months,
and get them on board before 7 p.m.

On Monday we took tiain for Placentia, and
were soon speeding toward the south coast.
At one of the stations we found a picnic in
progress, the first thing of the kind that I have
seen in Newfoundland. Everything was dec-
orated with flags and bunting, and everyone
having a general good time.

Everywhere along the road the boys and
girls have great pails full of Ijlue-berries (called
"Hurts" in the vernacular), for wliich the
price seems to be about five cents a gallon.

At Whittemore, where we waited about an
hour to change cars, there was a box with a
board cover, fastened with leather hinges, and
perched on top of a stick. It served the pur-
pose of a post-office.

We reached Placentia in due time, and soon
had our goods in our old quarters.
(To be ( ontinued.)

Oological Notes.

On the 4Ui of June, ISSO, my brother and I
went to Sunapee in the southern part of New
Hampshire for a hunting trip. We went prin-
cipally for fish, but as we found birds (juite
abund.ant we also did a little nest-hunting.
Brown Thrushes, Redstarts, Catbirds, Chicka-
dees and many other common birds nested
almost everywhere, but we came across nothing
in particular till the 10th, w-hen, while walking
along a wood road, I saw an old stump about

twenty feet away from the road. On examin-
ing I found a hole which was much smaller
than the entrance to a Chickadee's nest, and,
as there were a few feathers sticking out I
opened the nest and found a large cavity com-
pletely filled with featliers. In the middle of
these was the nest which, much to my disap-
pointment, the young had just left. If anyone
will tell me what this was I shall be very glad.

We continued fishing with very fair luck,
catching pickerel, perch and bass, and on the
I3th finding two Snowbirds' nests, each con-
taining four eggs. One of the nests is like a
Song Sparrow's, only it has a thick lining of
rabbit's fur. It was in a bank beside a road,
with only a small hole for an entrance, and
although I knew that it must be near by it was
not until the third day after that one of the
birds condescended to fly to it, showing me
where it was.

On the 16th we made the principal find
while trolling for pickerel. We were about
thirty yards from shore when my brother saw
a Blackbird's nest placed in an alder tree with
the bird on it. While rowing up to it one of
us remarked that it was rather'a queer-looking
Blackbird, and when quite close to it we saw
that it was an Olive-backed Thrush. I was
very much surprised at finding this nest liei-e,
as I have always understood that these birds
breed from Northern New England northward,
and I do not consider Sunapee so very far
north. The nest is a very bulky affair, being
made of bits of decayed wood and different
mosses, all thoroughly packed into a frame-
work of hemlock twigs and coarse grass. It is
deeply hollowed and lined inside with skele-
tons of dead leaves, and outside with Spanish
moss. The eggs were four in number, with a
bluish-green ground color and spotted with
brown and lilac. This set made a veiy welcome
addition to our collection.

A little fartlier along we saw a (ireen Heron
sitting on her platform of sticks on the end of
a silver poplar branch. On climbing up to it
found five eggs, one of them being about twice
as big as the others. I supposed, and after-
wards found out, that it had two yolks.
This is the only wild bird's nest I ever saw
that had a double-yolked egg in it, and I
should like to know if they are often found.

We found nothing after that but a Savannah
Sparrow's nest with five eggs and some Wood
Pewees and Phoibes' nests, and having had
good fishing we returned home very vvell
satisfied. J- H- 1^-

Poiikapoag, Mass.

81:)

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 6

Nesting of the Willet on Cobb's
Island.

Evei'y oniitliological collector, wlietlit'r lie
be scientist or amateur, has, I presume, some
pet family or class of birds which are his
especial favorites, and to the study of which
he gives particular attention. So to me the
Lhiiicoki' have ever exercised a peculiar fas-
cination since the day, now some half dozen
y(!ars ago, wlieu 1 first dashed a frightened
"Tipup" from her scanty nest with its four
speckled treasures. But an inland city is a
poor place for shore birds, and consequently
when, in the season of ISSi-', I found myself
and another enthusiast settled for a two weeks'
hunt on Cobb's Island, it was with the greatest
pleasure that J noticed there were still several
species of waders breeding commonly in the
vicinity, and among them none were so numer-
ous and conspicuous as the Willets.

As in most places in the .South game "jiro-
tection'" is here unknown, and the birds are
ruthlessly killed throughout the entire suiimei-,
for, being large, tame (at this season) and
poor llyers they are readily shot. But shooting
the birds and taking their eggs are different
affairs, as we quickly discovered. Unlike the
Oystercatchers and Plovers they abandon the
beach for the seclusion afforded by the strip
of tall, dense grass separating the sand from
the marsh propel- wliicli covers tlie greater
part of the island, and is entirely monoiiolized
by Clapper Rails and a few small colonies of
the Laughing Gull. In this grass the nests
are so neatly hidden as to be all but "uiifind-
able," especially as the birds sit so closely one
must w-ell nigh step on them befin-e tliey will
flush.

Here would be the ideal opportunity for the
collector witli a well-trained dog, and no
doubt had we used one our success would
have been much greater. As it was, anything
was better than walking them up, so after con-
siderable difficulty we succeeded in obtaining
a rickety two-wheeled cart with an ugly little
black bullock to draw it, and in this ungainly
rig we covered the island from end to end.
The birds would sit until the cart was almost
on top of them, and in one case our wheel
stopped within a hand's breadth of what
turned out to be our handsomest set.

The nests were all very similar, consisting
of a small and rather deep hollow, lined thinly
with grass. Although in all cases the sitting
bird kept so quiet, her mate was always on the

alert, and never failed to appear when we
approached, flying sometimes within a few
yards of our guns with the greatest fearless-
ness, and in spite of the fact that they are shot
at daily. So far as we could determine the
birds showed no disposition to colonize, breed-
ing indifferently over the whole length of the
island. They were, however, as I have men-
tioned above, confined to the thick beach
grass where the ground is (piite dry, and
though Uavie says, "the marshes at this jilace
(Cobb's Island), are also favorite breeding
localities, where the nests are built up from
the ground, which is wet at high tide," we
were entirely unsuccessful in finding any in
such situations.

At the time of oiir visit (late in .lune) fresh
sets of the first haying were (Uit of the (piestion
as tlie height of the breeding season is about
the second week in May, so most of the nests
found held only threes, but several contained
four, while one had five. I may add that a
local collector showed us scefn eggs he had
taken from tlic same nest the season before,
but this is clearly a case of what might be
called "co-nidification," for want of a better
term. Tliese seven eggs are possibly tlie
same ones mentioned by " .T. P. N." in the
O. & O., Vol. XIII, p. 181).

Like most birds which are robbed persis-
tently of their eggs, the Willets continue to
lay throughout the entire summer, but in spile
of this they are rajiidly diminishing in num-
bers, as are nearly all the other species which
breed along this coast.

TliCDihin- ir. Rirliarils.
Wasliin;;tiin. O. ('.

Unspotted Eggs of Chipping Sparrow.

Mr. II. C. Campbell collected a very curious
set of eggs of the Chipping Sparrow (SjiizeUa
il<niif!<t.lr(() on June :!, 1888. The nest was in a
grape arbor ten feet from the ground, and Mr.
Campbell did not notice anything unusual
in its construction. The identification was
complete.

The eggs are of normal size and ground
color, but entirely uiisjxitfril. This gives them
a very odd appearance.

Mr. Campbell has very kindly presented
them to me, and they are in my caliinet.

./. P. y.

June 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

87

A Lazy Day.

Last Sunday (March 27, 1891) was one of my
red letter days. I had had a hard week, and
the morning was so balmy and spring-like that
I sauntered out to the bluff, lay down at full
length under a pine tree, and cultivated my
lazy all day long. A half mile of marsh, just
putting on the bright spring green, stretched
away to Broad River. The blue water was as
smooth as glass and the white shell banks on
the opposite shore were reflected upon its
surface, making them appear twice their ordin-
ary width. On either side the wooded bluff
edge was filled with birds, and I watched them
and listened to their songs the livelong day.

Tlie Parulas were out in force and were, in
fact, the prominent feature. I have noticed
that those that come here to stay arrive con-
siderably in advance of their fellows. I
noted a pair Februaiy 19th, and they have
stayed here close behind the house ever since.
To-day the main Hight is passing. Singly and
by twos and threes they would join my little
pair and then pass along, Hying a few rods at a
time, singing and feeding among the freshly
budding tree-tops, and even after they have
pas.sed out of my sight I could bear their
voices growing fainter in the distance, as they
continued their course to the northward. It
was the most distinct daytime migration of a
species that I have ever had the good fortune
to witness.

High over my head in the pine some Yellow-
throated VVarblers were merrily sporting wiih
only apparently an occasional thought for the
grub question. Not so the Pine Creepers,
thouiih. They are sufficiently talented to sing
and eat, too, and it seemed as if that particular
tree must be loaded with insects adapted to
their dainty palates.

Just to the left a dogwood was in full bloom,
and it seemed as if a Cardinal knew what a
beautiful picture he made among the white
blossoms against the background of blue
water. Again and again during the day he
would flit out of the low bushes and perch
upon this tree. In and out among the blos-
soms he would skip, ascending a little more
each time until he reached the topmost spray.
There, daintily balanced with elevated coat,
he would pour out his full, rich voice in a
flood of melody, while his demure little mate
among the lower bushes seemed by her sym-
patlietic chirp to urge him on to fresh efforts.
It's singular how .so conspicuously colored a
bird as the Cardinal can hide himself when

occasion requires. At the least suspicion of
danger he is out of sight in an instant, and a
close search w ill often result in finding that he
has only changed his position an inch or two
and placed a leafy twig between you and him.

But I see I shall p.ass all reasonable space of
a magazine article if I chronicle in this fashion
all the birds that I noted on that delightful
day. 8o I will just mention Chickadees,
Towhees, Crows (both species), White-
throated, .Song and Savannah Sparrows, one
Yellow-breasted Chat (second appearance,
but even this very early). Brown Thrush, Eed-
eyed Vireo, Green Heron, Clapper Rail, Great
Blue Heron, Forster's Tern, Red-shouldered
Hawk, Uowny Woodpecker, Sapsucker, Marsh
Hawk, Meadow Lark, Carolina Dove, Mocker,
Wren, Maryland Yellow-throat and Yellow-
rump.

And, to conclude, this was one of the few days
that I have been out without a gun and not
noted some rare or curious specimen that I
desired to collect.

Wiilli'r lloxie.

Nesting of the Louisiana Water
Thrush in Philadelphia Co., Pa.

In a criticism in the O. it O. some time ago
(Vol. XIV, p. l.iS), Mr. Thos. H. Jackson
states that there is no authentic instance of
the Louisiana Water Thrush nesting in Chester
Co., Pa. Since the species undoubtedly nests
occasionally in Philadelphia, a less desirable
locality, one would think, it is probable that it
will be found breeding also in Chester County.

I was shown a set of this species, taken
about the end of May, 188:!, from a nest on the
ground on a steep, wooded hillside on the
VVissahickow Creek.

On June 18, 1886, a young man showed me a
nest containing four lialf-fledged birds. It
was in a cavity in a bank, just under the top
soil, along a popular walk by the creek, three
or four hundred yards from the site of tlie
other nest. The numerous travellers along
the narrow path must have brushed the nest
frequently, and it is surprising that it had not
been discovered before. Wlule we were stand-
ing by the nest one of the old birds approached
and continued to tilt and utter a loud "chip"
of concern while we remained there.
I //. K. Jamison.

! Manayunk, Philadelphia, l"a.

88

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. U

How I Send My Specimens Home.

I am afraid that I myself am not what
woukl be called an "out-and-out natuvalist '"
for, in my eyes the owning of a flock of thor-
oughbred fowls or a bunch of Merino, Shroi>-
shire or any other good breed of sheep are of
a great deal more interest, as well as a more
profitable and far pleasanter job than the
skinning and stuffing of birds, etc., and yet I
think that a stand of well stuffed and mounted
birds of the rarer, aye, and some of the more
common varieties, make a very pretty addition
to any room, (I suppose that statement in
itself is enough to kill me in the eyes of an
enthusiast); and therefore when my brothers
(of Ponkapoag, Mass.) wrote and invited me to
send them some skins from this i^art of the
world (I am now in Colorado, on the sheep
ranch of a friend), I racked my bruins for
some method of preserving the skins during
the four days' trip between here and home, but
the only way I could thiidc of, at first, was to
skin them; alas, I was not an adept in tlie art,
but I sent home some two dozen skins, and
was informed that they were utterly mined
when received.

They informed me that they had seen an
advertisement in the columns of Forext and
Sti-eam of a preservative for keeping skins
■while being transixirted, but in the meantime
I had made a lucky hit. I had read in some
magazine that a tablespoon! ul of ground collee
would keep a brace of grouse for several days,
if it was scattered thoroughly through the
feathers, so I set to work, and after removing
the entrails from the birds and drying all tlie
get-atable parts with Ihiur I put them up,
sprinkled coffee enough to drown them, or
perhaps I should say smother them, and some-
times kept them for fully a week, in a cool
room, before sending them. The report was
that they weie perfectly fresh and in A 1 con-
dition when received. I have sent many a
specimen of Hawk, Duck and, besides otheis,
that "screeching, squawking little idiot," tlje
Killdeer Plover, so common all through the
West, but I believe it is considered rather a
rarity in Massachusetts. 1 liave also taken
several specimens of the Mountain Plover,
very common here and known as the Prairie
Snipe. They say the eggs are very common in
sea.son, and I will see what I can do in that
line when the time comes. I ran across two
of their eggs on top of a small hill while riding
home from one of the shci)licrd's camps on the

21st of .Tanuary last, and considered it a very
good find. A. fi. Jl., Jr.

Hugo, Col.

Orchard Orioles Nesting Near King-
birds.

I have noticed in this vicinity a lialiit the
Orchard Oriole (Icterus fipuriun) has of building
its nest in close proximity to that of the King-
bird {Tyrannnti tyrannuK). The following is
to illustrate this:

In 1SS7 1 found a nest of the drcbard Oriole
in an apple tree. When the nest contained
live eggs 1 collected it. While at tlie nest
a pair of Kingbirds came and made even
more demonstration than the Orioles. I found
the Kingbird's nest in a rotten apple tree about
20U feet distant from the tree (■<intaining the
Oriole's nest. I collected this also.

I watched this pair of Orioles and found
them building in a plum orchard about HW
feet from where 1 collected the first set.
The pair of Kingbirds mentioned above built
their nest within twenty feet of the Oiioles
this time. In a few days I again collected a set
(if Icltnis nimriiiK. 1 did not molest the
Kingbirds.

The Orioles did not desert the spot hut hnill
another nest in another tree wiiliin tliirix feet
of the tree containing the nest of 'riinitiiiiix
tyrannns. I did not touch them lliis time.

On the 2Gth of May, 188!1, I collected a set
of Orchard Orioles from nest in lop of siw.iW
plum tree, twelve feet from ground. AVitliin
three feet of tliis nest was a nest of I lie
Kingbiril containing four eggs. 1 did not
touch these.

Two weeks later I took another nest of
the Orchard Oriole from the same tree that the
first set was taken from and not more than si.\
inches from where tlie first nest had been.

On .luiie 12, 18S10, I took from the top of an
apple tree a nest and set of four eggs of
Orchard Oriole. On the Kith (next day) I tixdc
from the same tree and within ten feet of
the Oriole's nest a set of four Kingbird's eggs.

A few days later I found an Orchard Oriole's
nest containing young birds. I immediately
began to look fin- a nest of Ti/rannns tyrdinnis
and found it in another ticc not more lliau
forty feet from the Oriole's nest.

Can any readers of the O. & O. explain tliis?
Do the Orioles seek tlu' jirotection of the
Kingbirds? //• C. CumphcU.

Lansiii};liur!;l'. ^'- Y.

June 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

89

A Glimpse of the Nashville Warbler.

When one lias spent a busy day afield with
noisy Loon and screaming Hawk, and is weary
with rowing and toiling amid wilderness and
brake; where oaks, deep furrowed, lift their
gray columns up through tangled aspen and
prickly ash; where shadows fall dreamily on
fern and mossy log; or where rippling waves
lap in and out among rocks and twisted
tree roots; the camp on the brook side, nestling
under the fir trees, have a charm which none
but those having tried it know.

Back from one of those charming wooded
lakes in Northern Minnesota I have often
pitched my little tent near a cool brook that
wound about through a larch swamp, and
here have I spent many a day studying the
birds which swarm to these sheltering soli-
tudes.

One crisp, bright morning in late May, just
at sunrise, I walked ovit to the centre of the
marsh, concealing myself under cover of low
drooping boughs of the black fir. Dainty
spider webs were thrown about from branches
of larch bushes and dwarf junipers, some far
up in t:ill trees and more that bung close to
the ground, over orchids and sedges, and
when the first slant sunbeams played upon the
scene each web seemed a fabric of gems, for
the heavy dew of the morning was gently
agitated by a light breeze, and each separate
drop gle'imed forth a changing flame of light,
and while the sweet chorus of bird voices rose
and fell from tree top and lowly Kpliarinwn. I
felt the thrill of nature which enters so largely
into the joys of the student afield.

In such surroundings the Nashville Warbler
{Hclininthopliila riiflcapiUa) is well at home.
The fjuiet little migrant seen hopping about
in weeds and bushes is greatly changed here.
The male is an energetic fellow and when not
in pursuit of food or an intruder he may be
seen at the top of some dry shrub, twitter-
ing merrily. While the female is more retir-
ing in habit she is ever busy with her own
affairs.

Their manner of procuring food is interest-
ing. One will fly to the foot of a fir tree or
other conifer and begin an upward search,
hopping energetically from branch to branch
until the very highest point is reached, when
the bird drops lightly down to the foot of
another tree, much as does the Brown Creeper.
When an insect is discovered the bird secures
it by a sudden bound, and. slu)uld the object
be not easily dislodged, Ilcliiiinthophila sus-

tains himself on flapping wings until his pur-
pose is accomplished, which often requires
several moments.

Usually nesting begins about May 10th.
Fresh eggs might be expected from the loth to
the 30th. Localities chosen for the nests I have
found have uniformly been in the side of
spha(/)iHM tus.socks, and well sunken out of
sigiit from above, so that one must stoop to
look into them. When flushed from its nest
the female glides away among the weeds and
flies to an elevated place where she is joined
by the male, when both of them keep hopping
from twig to twig uttering a sharp, metallic
chip, thus diverting attention from their nest.

For descriptions of nests and eggs I copy
from journal notes. My first set of eggs was
found June 15, 1885, too much incubated
for preservation. The frail structure, com-
posed of soft stems of a slender jiincus, was
very neatly placed in a cavity well back in the
soft moss and entirely hidden from view. The
bird fluttered from the place, discovering to me
the nest.

The four eggs were a dull white, faintly
rosy-tinged, sprinkled with minute brown
points, closer at the larger ends. A second
nest was taken May 30, 1880, from a location
similar to the last. The outer wall was of soft
jiinciix stems, but this was completely con-
cealed by a heavy lining of deer's hair, so laid
that the root ends projected into the nest
giving it a pearly appearance. ('I'his material
I have found in but few nests.) The measure-
ments were: Inside diameter 1% inches, out-
side diameter i'/i inches; inside depth 1% inches
by 2-% inches outside; thus making a well-
rounded, delicate nest, placed deep in soft
moss in the side of asphaynum tussock under
the much leaning stem of a small juniper
bush. The five eggs were very like the laSt
with a clearer background; shells tender and
very thin. Incubation begun.

The third set taken May :!0, 1887, bad a nest
of finest jiuicu.f, lined with much deer's hair,
jjressed into the overhanging side of a tussock;
eggs, five, much incubated and consequently
dark clouded, sprinkled with minute brown
points.

The fourth set was found June 3, 1887. A
pair of the birds seemed disturbed by my
presence, and from the top of a small tree
they keep up a continual "chipping," and
their actions indicated that a nest was near, so
I concealed myself in a fringe of dense under-
growth near by. After some delay they flew
to a certain tract of spliagmim and were silent.

90

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. IG-No. ()

When I had made a long search the bird
fluttered from the nest, striking a most pitiable
attitude. 'Pliis bird was taken for purposes
of identification, and as I held the trembling
little creature in my hand while the murder-
ous report of the gun reveiberated tlirough
the forest's recesses, it was difficult to dispel a
regret tliat this slight bird life might not have
met a happier fate.

The localities frequented by tlie Nashville
Warbler add a cliarm to its most pleasing in-
dividuality. As memory reverts to those
golden days in the "North Woods" that
sweet song seems blending with the lay of
the Ulack-throated Green Warbler. The mel-
low crush of spltaynnm, the queenly moccasin
flower and modest, wild callaseem scarcely less
real. J. W. Prestnii.

lSa.\ter, Inwa.

The Great Blue Heron.

Tlie habits of the (ireat Blue Heron, al-
thougli a very common Michigan bird, luive
ever been interesting to me. Tall, awkward,
and ungainly, he is not entirely devoid of per-
sonal Iteanty; besides there is something
solemn and stately in his walk, while the
broad sweep of his wings in flying is sonie-
tliing ratlier majestic; still tliis majestic ap-
pearance is somewhat relieved by liis long legs
projecting backward.

Nor is he devoid of intelligence, and his
quickness of peiccption is decidedly remark-
able. Neither is he slow in action; besides he
has a very good opinion of himself, and is not
slow to resent an insult. Usually quiet and
solemn he is decidedly hot wlien aroused, and
being possessed with good weapons of ofl'ense
and defense, he is not slow to use them should
the occasion demand it; and the way he pre-
sents his bill for the settlement of an insult is
decidedly effective. With strong affection for
his own species, he is decidedly aristocratic
and exclusive regarding other classes of
beings. He evidently believes that he has a
place and a mission in the world, and purposes
to hold it. Tliough generally not very quarrel-
some witli his neighbors he is inclined to hold
his ground should the occasion demand it.
His appetite is also very aristocratic, enor-
mous, and most insatiable, yet he never gets
fat, — in fact, his lack of flesh is proverbial.
Always hungry, — greedy, — he yet has great
power to subdue hunger when the circum-
stances demand it. Ever majestic and digni-

fied, it is with him, as with stately people,
vastly amusing to observers .should some
sudden mishap cause him to lose his dignity.
So much for his general characteristics. The
following incidents will serve to illustrate what
I have just written.

One day, in company with a large dog, up-
on going down a steep slope, I came suddenly
within twenty feet of a large Blue Heron iisli-
ing in a creek, much to the surprise of both
parties. Taken completely unawares, the
awkward motions of this great bird, as it rose
to fly away, were very amusing. After flying
about thirty-five rods it undertook to alight
upon a limb of a dead maple tree, which broke
almost as soon as tlje Heron's weight rested
upon it. Down went the Heron nearly to the
ground before the great sweep of its wings
couUl enable it to take an upward course. As it
fell it uttered its harsh cry of hur-reck, Intr-reck,
hur-rerk. This last mishap was too much for
tlie already frightened bird and it soon dis-
appeared in the distance.

A mill pond some three-quarters of a mile
from my liome is a favorite feeding place fin-
these birds. Tliis pond, being just outside of
the corporation in a very pleasant locality, is
often visited, and hence the Herons aie of tt n
interrupted in their fishing.. Past experience
has made them very sagacious. One <)r two
sentinels are always posted upon tall trees,
usually at the upper end of tlie pond, — if two,
about thirty rods apart, — and in such a man-
ner that no one can approach the pond from
any direction without being observed by one
or the other sentinel, who will immediately give
the alarm. Tlie pond is so situated tliat the
Herons fishing cannot be seen until tlie border
is reached, and the sentinels, being high abo\e
the water, can see a man long before he gets to
where he can see the fishers, unless he
approach through the woods on the south
side.

One day I thoroughly tested their sagacity,
and found it greater tlian I liad suspected.
Stealthily moving through the woods south of
the pimd, 1 came near the steep bank of the
pond, partly hidden from the pond by dense
shrubbery. However, the nearest sentinel,
some thirty rods away, caught sight of my
head above the bushes and uttered a harsh
cry of alarm, which was repeated by tlie
second sentinel, who was posted so far up that
I would not have seen him had he not repeated
the cry. Immediately four or five Herons flew
from the water between me and the nearest
sentinel, one of them having been but a few

June 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

91

rods from me, but invisible except from the
water's edge. As they flew to the woods
iiortli of tlie pond they uttered hoarse cries,
and soon all had disa])peared save the two
sentinels.

Moving back and eastward I crept up to a
clump of bushes about five feet in height
growing upon the very to)) of the bank.
Lying close to the ground I kept silent for
some time. The bushes entirely hid me from
the watchful sentinels and they evidently
supposed I had gone. Soon the one nearest
me began to utter low and peculiar cries which
the upper sentinel quickly answered. This
style of conversation was kept up for several
moments. This was shortly followed by the
return of all tlie fishers, one coming quite
near my locality. As soon as fishing had again
gotten well under way I rose upon my feet.
Tlie instant my head appeared above the
bushes the nearest sentinel uttered the liarsh
cry of alarm, immediately followed by the
tumultuous flight of the fishers, most of which
liad been invisible from my hiding place.

1 have never discovered the nesting place of
these Herons, but I doubt if it can be within
tive miles. It is evidently northward, for they
always take that direction when they are done
fishing.

One-half mile below this mill pond there is
a thinl pond, tlie second and the third being
within the corporation limits. .Standing at
the crossing of Main street and the M. C. 1{. K.
with a company of railroad men, I once
witnessed a remarkable combat in the trees
near the north shore of the pond. Three or
four pair of Herons had been attacked by fifty
or sixty crows. Standing in dignified silence
upon the larger limbs the Herons kept
a watchful eye upon their noi.sy tormentors
perched above their heads. For a few
moments the crows would hold a noisy
cinfal), .and then four or five would make a
dash at each Heron, their loud caws being
answered by hoarse notes of defiance fiom the
Herons. At each dash shar]) h-~i-yali'.i would
indicate that some of the ijresuuipcuous crows
had been hit by the powerful bills of the
Herons. As the combat raged the interest of
the railroad men increased so that they quit
their work to watch its progress. It must
have lasted more than half an hour, and the
result of it was in favor of the Herons, the
crows withdrawing from tlie field. One of
the railroad men said that a person would
come out about .as well if hit by a pick-axe as
by a Heron's bill.

Last summer one of the Michigan fisli com-
missioners found a Heron lielping himself to
the fish in the state ponds. Upon the com-
missioner attempting to drive away the in-
truder it attacked him fiercely by striking him
in tlie face with its bill, inflicting severe
wounds. Tlie onslaught was so sudden and
fierce that the commissioner was taken com-
pletely off liis guard, and received several
wounds before he succeeded in catching the
savage bird by the throat, finally choking it
to death.

These Herons are always somewhat danger-
ous when wounded and are apt to strike for
the face. Their powerful beaks are ca))able of
inflicting very ugly wounds.

Tliey certainly devour an immense number
of fish, hence may be considered destructive.
While fish are their principal articles of diet,
they probably devour snakes, frogs, craw-
fish, etc.

Injurious thoufih they may be I sliould be
sorry to miss these great, long-legged birds.
Has anyone succeeded in making a pet of one
of these birds ? I have known them to be
captured, but they were usually sullen and
moody in confinement, and were not kept long
by their owners. ]yilfrp(l A. Brftherton.

Rochester, Midi.

Proceedings of the Delaware Valley
Ornithological Club of Phila-
delphia.

MccliiKj 'if April 'till. A discu.'ision was
lield on tlie winter distribution of our birds.
The presence or absence of large water courses
was considered to be a very important factor
ill this matter, as was shown by the observa-
tions of various members of the club. In
high, dry localities such as the " Mica Slate
Hill" district of Chester County, Pa., compar-
atively few species were found in winter, while
the vicinity of the tide water creeks along -the
Delaware Kiver seems to be the grand metrop-
olis for winter birds. No less than fifty species
were reported as wintering there during the
season just passed.

In some cases there seems to be a well
marked migration from the low river meadows
back into the uplands in early spring. This is
shown very well in the vicinity of Philadelphia
by the distribution of the Meadow Lark,
which is resident along the Delaware River
flats, and is most abundant there in winter;

92

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 6

wliile it does not reach the more hilly country
immediately back of the city until al]oiit
March 1st.

Mretini/ of April 21iit. "The Warblers of
Pennsylvania and New Jersey" was the sub-
ject for discussion at this meeting, and a fine
series of specimens was on exhibition, includ-
ing, a number of rarities. Eight specimens
of the Cape May Warbler and two Cerulean
Warblers were among the number, and no less
than three specimens of the rare Brewster's
Warbhr were brought together. Reports on
bird migr.ition during the month showed that
most birds were a week or more ahead of time
as compared with records of previous years.

The unusually warm weather caused im-
mense migrations, especially on the nights of
April 12th and 16th, and there was great uni-
formity in tlie time of arrival of many of the
species at the various observers' statit>ns. For
example, the Hermit Thrush arrived at four
stations on April 12th and the f'hipping Spar-
row at six stations on April IStli.

An interesting nielanitic Meadow Lark was

exhibited, having the yellow plumage of the

breast entirely replaced by black, though

otherwise quite normal. Tlie specimen was

shot in New .Jersey some years ago.

Witmer StottP.
l*liilailelphia.

enters another person's land, posted or not, is
subject to fine.

Thus you see that instead of encouraging the
study of birds, as should be done, everything
militates to dampen the ardor of all but true
bird lovers. Htewnrt E. Wliite.

Grand Rapids, Mich.

American Barn Owl Taken in Mass-
achusetts.

Chester A. Keed shot a fine specimen of tlie
Barn Owl (Strix jinitlncuhi) in this city, May
2:id. It was a 9, very light in color and in
fine condition. Length W/j in., extent 44 in.
How many have been taken in this state that
are on record? Chas. K. lieciJ.

\V()roester, Mass.

Stupid Laws of Michigan.

Ancient Ornithological Notes Found

in Ames' Almanack, Published at

Dedham, Mass., in 1726 to 1775.

The O. & O. is the recognized channel of
communication for the ornithologists of this
country, and therefore through its columns I
wish to attract some sympathy towards the
bird lovers of Michigan.

Under our present law it becomes necessary
for the collector to obtain a special permit
every month, said permit allowing him to kill
tico of each s])ecies only! It is limited to one
county, one month and two specimens. In the
application for this permit one has to name
each species that he desires to collect; it does
not suffice to say " all land and water birds,"
or words to that effect.

The oologist has no chance at all, no permit
of any kind is issued to him and the law
imposes a fine of $.">.00 for each egg collected.
At that rate I fear a good many of us would be
paupers in a short time.

Besides these direct attacks on our science,
the trespass law could be made to interfere
with us to a serious extent. .\ny person who

February, 1730.

The wild geese, that soar elate

With pleasure ji:lidino; thr"iiji:h the liqiiid air,
Guided by instinct or some other fate.

T 'iito their northern rendezvous repair;
Tlieir captain (foremost ) leads the feathered throng.

And knr»\vs what ports to light at all along.

Marrh, 173S.

Now all aloud the winds do hlow
About the hoary heaps of snow,
"With feathered rain the ways are foul,
No birds do sing except the Owl.

April, 1740.

This is the morning of the year
The awakened roses forth
From their buds do sjirout.
The \Vbip-i)oor-wills are couu*
To bid you plant.

March 21, 174S. First Robins singing.

March 24, 1748. First Bluebirds seen.

February 20, 17-51. First Blueliirds singing.

February 2.5, 17-")1. First Larks seen.

February 27, 17')l. First Robins singing.

You will see from the foregoing that the
ornithologists of the early times put their spring
notes into verse, but lieginning with 1748 the
notes were short, like those of the observers of
to-day. A'. R. Ingersoll.

June 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

93

A Tribute to His Memory.

Editor of O. it 0. ;

It was with great lieaviness of heart that I
read the account of Mr. .John C. Calioon's
tragic death. Although I was not personally
acquainted with him, yet I felt like a dear friend
had passed away. I exclaim with the poet,
Burns, "Oh, why hath worth so short a date,
wliile villains ripen gray with time!" I had
lead after his pen so much that I almost
tliought I would know him were I ever to meet
him. .7. ir. P. SiuitliKtck.

rtan-s Sduci, N. C.

Editor of 0. ifc ().:

PoorCahoonI It was witli deepest of feel-
ings that I read the details of his untimely
death in Newfoundland. I had noticed in the
daily papers of a Cahoon hising his life in
Newfoundland hut I persuaded myself not to
believe it was our own John ('.. but when his
honest face looked up at me from the page of
the O. & O. I felt a great lump in my throat.
Who knows when our own time will come ?
The fascinating study of the birds lures us into
places "where angels fear to tiead."' The
.sad accident will recall to all of us the time
when we too were in tight places and escaped
seemingly by an act of Providence. May (jod
grant that we may nevrr meet such a fate as
his. fteo. O. Caiitwell.

I'ttUtratU) Siirinps, Col.

Editor or O. it ().:

I would also like to express my grief at Mr.
("ahoon's untimely end. He w.as a stranger to
nie personally, but when I heard of his death
it seemed as if I had lost a near and dear
friend. This tragic end of a young and prom-
ising life is hard to bear, and we ask, why did
not God spare him, but all things work
together for the good of those who love God,
and no matter how unjust they may seem we
must always remember that the dispensations
of the Almighty are for the best. The account
of Mr. Cahocm's attempts to mount the clitt'
are too painfid to read, what must have been
the feelings of the wretched man as he fought
hard for life, knowing that each inch he slipped
down that fatal rope l)rought him nearer to
eternity, is too horrible to think of. His trips
on the Gulf coast of Florida and in Mexico
prove him to have been a brave and honest
man and a good collector. His death will
always be regretted Ijy me and all others who
love virtue. CnrlixC Yotiti;/.

Bnioklvn, X. Y.

Editor of O. <t ().:

Enclosed find si. 00 to renew my subscrijition
to the O. * O. for 1891. You may consider me
a permanent subscriber, as I find the longer I
take it the better I like it. I was greatly
shocked to read an account of the terrible
death of .lohn C. Cahoon, in your last issue, as
he seemed almost like an old acquaintance
from reading articles in the O. & O. I enclose
ten cents for another copy containing it, as I
maile<l mine to a friend. F. If. Mc('ormarl'.

Leij:htnii. Ala.

Editor of O. ,t O.:

The May nund)er of the (). ifc O. at hand.
Was much shocked to hear of J. C. Gaboon's
terrible death. Though not personally ac-
<iuainted with him, have read his articles,
which api)eared from time to time, with
increasing interest and pleasure. I only won-
der such accidents do not occur more frequently.

Looking over the paper I noticed in an
article by H. B. Hurd of Minnesota, " First
Pages of a '01 Note-book," reference to a Great-
horned Owl shot, measuring 49% inches from
tip to tip. .Says it had the largest extent of
any he ever saw. .Judging from my own ob-
servations it is not a very large specimen.
Below is a list of five which I put up the last
year, only two of which are smaller than the
above, and the others much larger.

Shot, 2-2. '90. 12-2G.'90. 8S,'9(). 1-10. ■01. 4-10.'ni

Sex. S 9 9 9 9

Spread, 4S" 4JS" ">.!" .54" "ili"

l.en.U,t.-2<)'i" 21%" Uiy/' 20%" 22%"
Tail, '.<" !1%" '-^y/' !1" iW,"

The data are from my notes taken from the
birds shortly after obtained.

Will .send you soon an account of our trip
up Des Moines Eiver, after Turkey Vultures
(Cathaitpx aura, Linn.). We came, we .saw,
we (did not) conquer. F. IT. SlifhhDi.

Wm. C. Flint.

Mr. E. G. Tabor writes: "I have not seen
any notice of ihe death of Wm. C. Flint, of
San Francisco, Cal., in the O. & O. Would
state that I am in receipt of a letter from
Chas. Greene, Esq., 144 Natoiiia street, San
Francisco, stating that Wm. C. Flint died of
cancer, February 26. Mr. Flint was one of
the leading ornithologists of the West."

94

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 6

THE

ORNITHOLOGIST.^'^OdLOGIST

A Mdiitbly Magazine of

NATURAL HISTORY,

KSl'ECIALLY DEVOTED TO THE STI'DV OE
BIRDS,

THEir, .VESTS AND Er.(;S,

ami to tile

INTERESTS OF NATURALISTS

Under tlie Editorial .Management of

FIl.Wlv K. WEHSTER.
J. P.^lllCEIl .XOIIRIS,
KKANK A. HATES,

Hyde I'arli, Mass.

I'iiiladelpliia. Pa.

lioston, Mass.

PUBLISHED .4.T THE

MUSEUM AND NATURALISTS' SUPPLY DEPOT

OF THE

FR.WK BL.VKE WEBSTKI! CO.UP.WV,

INCORPORATED,

Hvi>E I'ARK, .Mass., U. S. A.

The O. & O. is mailed eacli issue to every paid sub-
scriber. If you fail to receive it. notify us.

Brief Notes.

Clippings.

It'iAi) lU.ofKED liv C.vTp;upir.i,.\RS. — Trains
OH tlie .Milwauliee road were (li!iaye<l for liiMirs
by miUioHS of caterpillars which had crawled
upon tlie rails to sun tliemselves. Sand boxes
wei'e soon exhausted, ami two eiif;iiies were
hardly sufficient to move trains. Tlie cater-
pillars liave lieen a pest, in that locality for two
weeks. Mankato, Minn., May 2;!, Is'.M.

The W.atki! Otsei,. — .•Vway up on the
mountain side where the numerous streams
lind their way through deep, dark .can )ns
down to the pulse beat of old ocean, is the
natural summer home of the Water Ousel, the
strangest of all straiioe birds. You seldom
see more than one of them at a time,
accordinj; to the Taco'na Ledui'V. They are
of a dark blue color, an 1 are easily recognized
by a peculiar quick, jerkinu; motion, which
they never seem to tire of. And as they Hit
from rock to rock they are continually bolibinsi'
up and down, performing such a polite little
courtesy as would cause you to smile to see it.

Owing, to tlieir peculiar habits and the iso-
lated spots they select to build their nests, no
one but the most ardent sportsmen and natural-
ists succeed in tinding them. Hence a Water
Ousel's nest with two of tlieir eggs in it has
a commercial value among nest collectors of
S25.* They always build their nests just back
of some waterfall or under some ovei'lianging
bank, where they have to go througli or under
the water to get to it.

• Dealers quote t2.50.

Another strange habit of this bird is the
deliberate manner in whi(di they appear to
commit suicide. They will start slowly, very
slowly, to wade riglit down into the water un-
til they disappear from view, but if the water
is clear and you have a sharp eye, you can
still see their little dark form clinging to the
bottom in search of their morning repast,
which consists of periwinkle.s.

Killed by Electric Wikes. — A dispatch
from Oedar Kapids, Iowa, says: "A migrating
bird wave, which was passing over here Satur-
day night, encountered a terrible rain and
thunder storm, and attracted by the electiic
lights gathered about them on tlie streets and
attempted to tly into the stores, and as a con-
sequence over a thousand birds fell dead in
the streets from coming in contact with the
wires and glass fronts.

"A great majority of these birds do not
inhabit this region, and some very rare speci-
mens were captured alive and caged, ,\mong
thcui was a lledpnll Warbler, one of the rarest
birds in the UuitiMl States. This bird nests in
■Manitoba and Alaska in the summer time, and
in the winter goes as far south as the Carib-
bean Sea,, the only place it is foiuid during the
winter season being along the Lower Kio
Grande and Eagle Cafion, Texas. Over fifty
different species were found." Chicago, May
20.

The K.we.ns of Alaska. — The raven is a
biril deserving of respectful attention. He is
a bird of very ancient lineage, dating hack to
the deluge, if not to Eden, and appearing in
the history of England as the ]u'ominent figure
on the banner of the hardy Viking de\astators.
In Euroi>e and among the Mohammedans there
is a widespread dislike to ravens; in fact, they
are regarded as birds i>f ill omen and carrion
feeders. But qidte the reverse is thought of
the bird in Southeastern Alaska, where the
natives regard it as a very unfortunate event
should one lie killed.

One of the otticers of the United States rev-
enue cutter service, who has paid several visits
to the saucheastern and other porticuis of the
Territory of Alaska, mentioned to a Clirimirlr
reporter the following facts about the raven
of our .\rctic province:

" My first experience with ravens in Alaska
was at, 0(nialaska. There the birds tiy around
the beach and village in large numliers. 'On
the hilltops surrouniling the harbor they breed
unmolested, and were it not for their scav-
enger work the lisli otTal that lays -.iround the
shore and houses would soiui engender ilisease.
The Alaska raven i.s a fine-looking bird, as
large as a turkey, .and upon closer acquaintance
a really handsome fellow. His coat is indeed
black, iint of a bla(^k glossier and more rich
than silk and softer than velvet, while in a
semi-shade the feathers are tinged with that
peculiar color so often seen on well-preserved,
blue-black bronze.

" It is very funny to see these birds holding,
as it were, a conclave. Ten or a dozen alight
on the ground and walk to the meeting place
with a stately, erect step, their evei-y move-

June 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

95

meut cool aud assured. Then an old bird
steps gravely into the middle, and the meeting;
begins with a serie.s of guttural and harsli
croaks, which gradually swhII in volume until
the entire lot of birds have joined in the
debate. Along comes a dog and for him they
scatter, resuming their positions when he
passes, until the meeting again terminates,
and they Hy off to the beach and hills. These
birds are very seldom kdled unless it be by
some sailor in pure wantonness. If you ex-
amine the bills of these ravens the peculiar
construction is remarkable. They are a com-
bination of a chisel, scissors, dagger, and
gimlet. The bill forms an important factor in
the raven's existence, for he has to dig on the
beach for clams, bore the hard shell by re-
peated chipping, and again in pure mischief
he will tear and break anything that his bright
and unerring eye lights upon.

".Just as soon as the bright sunlight api)ears
the ravens leave their roosting places on the
hilltops for the beach line, and over the vil-
1 ige and shores of the bay they fly and wander
until sundown invites thein to rest. The raven
is a line tiyei-. On the wing his movements
are well under command. With strong, de-
cided beats he winnows the air fast or slow,
never seeming in a hurry. But if occasion
requires the raven can travel at express speed,
and when he sees another bird feasting on
some delicate morsel of offal, down he comes
from mill-air with his discordant caw, ready
to share or steal the piize.

"The same characteristics are visible all
along the southern coast of Alaska to .Sitka,
'i'he n.atives from Yakntat Bay through the
network of islands as far as British Columbia
have an ancient legend that the raven was the
bird that brought light from darkness when
the W(uld was created. On this account they
venerate it. and the totem of a raven is
regarded as denoting the most illustrious
descended family.

"The raven does not appear to migrate, as
the residents all o^•er that portion of Alaska
where the birds are found state that they
remain throughout the wiutei."' — .San Fran-
cisco {'hronicle.

Stranger: "Doctor, what would you do if 1
were bitten by a snake?"

Physician: "I should order you to the hos-
jtilal and have you filled to the muzzle with
whiskey."

Stranger: "Doctor, do you know of any
snake around here anywhere?" — Judge.

From Mumaw's Directory: "The better a
man knows his fellowmen the more confidence
he puts in the affection of his horse and dog."

"'Tis a very good world that we live in.

To lend, or to ppend or to t^ive in.

But to beg or to borrow, or to get a man's own,

'Tis tlie very worst world that ever wa.s known."

L. 15. N'ewell shot a Cinnamon Teal, April,
1890, at Beatty, Marshall Co., Kans. It was
with a flock of Green-wings. The bird was
unknown to the gunners of that locality.

Elmer T. Judd of Bethel, Conn., has ordered
his O. & O. to be sent to him at North Dakota,
where he intends doing some collecting. He
writes: "If the six-foot-two rambler (K. A. B.)
would come out with me he could tramp for a
week and he would find none of the brush that
bothered him so much on his Last trip, and he
wiuild be well paid f(U' his trouble."

[It will take 400 new subscribers to meet
Bro. Judd. Brace up friends, if you want
"Wanderings from Dakota." F. A. B.]

Oliver Davies' new .work on taxidermy is
now about ready. A recent letter from him
says that all possible dispatch is being made.

Wm. T. Hornaday's new work on taxideimy
is also about ready to be placed u])on the
market. We will give oor readers full infor-
mation at the earliest possible date, and shall
arrange to supply it.

A number of peisonal friends have exi>ressed
their gratification for the likeness of John C.
Cahoon that we gave in last issue. It wa.s
taken from a photograph that he handed us
just before starting on his last trip.

We have noted a gratifying increase in our
subscription list during the past year which
we credit to our eft'orts to make the O. & O.
meet the views of the mass of our subscribers.
We always want a little free and easy fodder
sent in for our brief note department.

The Song .Sparrow at our door will sing.

The Thrn^b will make the woodlauds ring

With ihe uieny notes that from its thr4iat 'twill bring;

Vou admire imv birds, don't y<ni'.'
In the Mimmertiine. when the swallows Hy,
.\iid with their wings go so high
Tliat their b.acks appear to toueh the sky,

Vmi'jl itroti ct our birds, won't von'.'

C\ L. K.

IN THIS WAV.

Oh yes, we'll protect th«-in. the dear little thiiifrs.
We'll ^kin and we'll stuff th«*m, and sjn-ead out their

winj:>;
Di^t•■rtt■d. bimeh* d up, or in bands that are riat.
We'll stick them by thnii.-ands upon the fall hat;
Then yonr cousins and aunties and sisters, so dear.
Will look out and ])rote(!t thetn, never you fear.

Milliner.

IVrhaps wv can help you. in this same little thing:,
And the way that we"nian:it:e praise will sure bring:;
We'll i)nt them in skins, all labelled so neat,
I.;n<i on llieir backs, earh wilh crossed feet;
Ln.-ked up in the drawt rs, fur science so dear.
With bi-sulphide and e;nnph<ir, ire'H protect them,
don't lear.

SriEXTiFir.

If ynu"<l onlv wrote sooner 'bout this dear little thing.

We could have heli>ed you as slick as a pin,

We'd have searched every bu^h, in valley and dale.

And robbed eveiy nest, from chippy to iinail,

Eaeh egg that we'd taken would have saved a bird, dear.

From snare and destruction, that you so fear.

novs.

Ah. hem ! yes, we love the dear little things.

And pull through laws yearly with political strings
Which sto}) their destruction by snare, trap and gun,
And make Tom, Dick and Harry have dtme with such

fun
In the fall of the year. All birdies, dear,
HV// protect {in our st(nuachs), never you fear.

Sportsman.
Thus thev will protect the dear little things.
Each in the wav that his interest climrs.
And the stand that we take, without variation.
Is. each follow his fancv. onh/ itse ino(1eration\
Then all will be well with the birds so dear,
.\nd they'll weather in safety, never you fear.

96

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 6

S.VAKE Ingexcitv. — In i-eading about John
Smith's wringina; an owl's neok by walking
around the tree reminds me of a bhick snake I
eaught yesterday (April 24, 1801). I picked
liim up by the tip of tail, and after several
fruitless attempts to ese:ii)e lie began to twist.
Not understanding his snakeship's mameuvre
I let him twist, and was surprised to see him
fall to the ground and leave about one ineh of
his tiil in my hand. I picked him up again
and he repeated the operation, and I believe he
would have done so again, but 1 diiln't torture
him for I <lidn't want him to break himself
into iui-h pieces, l.ctson Halliet.

A cement which will adhere perfectly to
glazed surfaces, repair broken miner.als, or in
fact stick to anything, is made by taking two
ounces of clenr gum araliic, one and one-half
ounces of tine starch, one-lialt ovnice of white
sugar. Pulverize the gum araliic and dissolve
it in as much water as the laundress would use
for the quantity of the starch indicated. Di.s-
solve the starch and sugar in the gum solution.
Then cook the mixture in a vessel suspended
in boiling water until the starch becomes clear.
The cinuent should be .as thick as tar and ke|it
so. It can be kept from spoiling by drojjpini;
in a lump of gum camphor, or a little oil of
cloves or sassafras.

The communication from our Michigan friend
will be read with interest Our natuialists
must tight for their rights. The legislative
jacka.ss should be kit with a pniitical bullet.

Wm. L. Kells, Listowel, Canada, is making
a collecting trip ti> Uritish Columbia. l'|)on
liis return we hope to receive some inlerestiiig
notes.

For removing embryos and contents from a
dried egg use tin- strongest possible solution of
water and caustic potash. Ulow out all you
can and fill the space with the solution ; shake
well and leave from twenty-four hours to a
week. Blow again, and if contents are not all
removed then repeat the operation. Do not
fear damage to the shell as it only eats animal
matter. I have tried this with live bir<ls and
picked out the bones. Don't throw away a
good specimen because you can't lilow it. Try
this, l.etson Balliet.

Correspondence.

Fdilor of O. ct O. .•

Since my return from Florida, ovci- a monlli
since, 1 have been too busy to write my prom-
ised articles for i). & O. But as I fear my
memory may give out if I subject it to too
heavy a strain I steal the time to-day which
should be devoted to religious consolation and
edilication, and write up for yon the following:

N.WIKS OF nllUIS IN TIIK SEJIINOI.K DI.VIECT.

Tnxhi'laco, Florida Jay.

Oi>ah-cnpilay (Owl-digging), (iround (hvl.

Ok ta ta, Cardinal.

Opah-eefoh lah dice, Screech Owl.
Tit ka, Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
C'liulee-leii a chay, Caracara Eagle.
Kee-a-kn, Red-tailed Hawk.
Hadki-tik funija. White-headed Eagle.
Ifanno-chnr/ w(t, Fish Hawk.

i'.\nrs OF lilHDS.

J?c ka, head. Eel-lay. foot.

Ee-lifit-chay, tail. Ke-tae-pah, wing.

Ee-yah-pab, bill. Ee-fof-wa, eye.

Ee-rtiii-fiin-tdji, belly. y(iafih-a-iii<i/ii(i, iilunie.
Miioij-ii-iiafin, nest.

I'orXTS OF TlIK COMP.\SS.

Hitiiiethrt. north.
W'li-liit-hi. S(Uith.

Ah tliali, east.
\Val-lah-1it-]iiiy, west.

-MIS('KI.I..\NEors NA.MKS. E rC.

Cltil hail '-hee, cigar.

Slip piiK k(i, a woman's cape.

Yii nip tit, a vvom.an's jacket.

IliHiiiia ka, ,a woman's skirt.

,l/"< tee kii, leggings.

Yd kof kee ta, luintiug shirt.

Eex til to shoi/ar/a, spectacles.

Shattij, rock or stone.

Ah-xoiiK-lahco, air plant.

Seto ka-k.oiita, safety ])in.

tiailosliii/ata, moccasin snake.

Ee liiilli irii, manatee.

Lei/as tejiiiy, to lie down.

Fnh-siiiiipii, luiney.

iShaijarka, watch.

Eesh keel ka, compass.

Fah xhee, cat.

Sheets ka, si)y-ghiss.

//a-.s7(Pe. sun.

Jla-tee-nhee, moon.

Chiila. fox.

JIa-ee.cli-kii, fiddle.

Ee to tee, lightning.

Cha cnpaiir/a, a pack of cards.

Lotcha, turtle.

]Vee-at-i:<i.h, the sea.

A great many funny little ini'ldeuts occuried
duiing my sojourn among the Indians. One
day I was drawing pictures of different .ani-
mals on a piece of paper, and they wei-e
promptly named by the boys who were looking
(m. One was called ha-eech-ka, a fiddle, until
I put legs to it when it became lotcha, a turtle.
The Manatee was by turn a boat, an owl, a
fish and a cat, until it received its finishing
strokes from the pencil. Kather a severe com-
ment on the artistic powers of

Walter llo.cie.

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND-

OOLOGIST.

$1.00 per
Annum.

PUBLISHED BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

Established, March, 187.5.

Single Copy
10 cents.

Vol. XVI.

HYDE PARK, MASS., JULY, 1891.

No. 7.

Two Days in the Woods with the
Birds.

Wo stavtefi early, and by tlie time the sun
was coining up over tlie tops of the trees
were looking at a Pine Warbler (Dendroica
vif/nro.-:!!) quietly taking lier position on her
nest. It was placed on a pine limb, forty
feet up, and about twelve feet from the
trunk. We ccmcluded not to molest it now
and went away leaving the nest for future
operations.

On we went until we came to a Chipping
Sparrow's {Hjiizella nocialix) nest containing
three fresh eggs. It was placed in an apple tree,
eight feet up. We aecordingly apjuopriated
the eggs, and then went to ;in out-hou.se
in which there were holes, and found several
Purple Martins (Protjne suhia) nesting, from
which we took one nice set of four eggs.

We plodded along for about an hour with-
out finding anything worth noting, and we
were getting tired, but at last it came in shape
of a Viroo's nest, presumably the Red-eyed
species (Vireo olioaccvx) which contained (Uie
egg.

Leaving this we sped on and kept going
for a good while until we were brought to a
standstill by a loud "chip, chip, chip." We
listened a little while and it (^ame again, and
we started in pursuit of the maker, but did not
liear any more of it. We kept on in the di-
rection from whence it came, looking in every
bush and on the ground for the nest. Pres-
ently I saw it and squalled out "here it is,"
but on inspection it pioved to be a last year'.s
Hooded Warbler's (.S'j/ivanja Htifrnio) nest. It
was In a first-class state of preservation, and
was i)Iaeed in a little oak busli about two feet
high. Just as I was on the point of turning
away I happened to cast my eyes to a little
bush about one foot further on and tliere was
the female sitting on her nest innorentty

watching my movements. I put out my hand
towards her and she slipped off and hopped
along on the ground as if her wing or leg was
broken. I did not pursue her, but watched
her, and she, finding that I did not run after
her much, soon hopped upon a small limb,
when I shot her to be sure of the identifica-
tion.

Looking in the nest I beheld four as pretty
eggs as could be. This nest was in a small oak
bush and I think that it was the same pair
that built both nests. Two years ago I found
a nest near the same place and for this reason
think that it was the same pair of birds that
returned to their former summer home.

The next find was an incompleted Wood
Thrush's (Turdus mtistelinns) nest in a beech,
twenty-five feet up. The female was working
on it then, bringing material for lining. This
species is our commonest summer Thrush and
is a common breeder. Their usual nest com-
plement of eggs is fcnir.

We then left this piece of wood and cros.sed
the road to try our luck again. I was in pur-
suit of a Screech Owl (.SVops asio) when I
heard that peculiar note the female Hooded
Warbler makes when she is near the
nest. Forgetting the Screech Owl I hur-
ried on in search of the nest which I was
almost sure was somewhere near. I was not
disappointed either, for just ahead w.as the
nest snugly placed in a small oak sprout con-
taining two eggs. I think that the female had
just come off from laying the second egg when
I heard her, as I did not see her anywhere.
I left this nest for a complete set and once
more set out.

About a quarter of an hour after found us
standing still listening to another female of
the same species. We st.arted forwaid and
were soon gazing upon a nice set of three
eggs from which the female had just flown.
This nest was in a small myrtle bush, three
feet from the ground, and was in a very open

Copyright, 1891, by Frank B. Webster.

1'

i>8

OliNITII<)L()(il.ST

[Vol. 16-No. T

place of till' woods, aiul near a niiicli used
path. We left this also, hoping that the
female would lay another egg.

Onr ne.xt adventure was taking, or trying to
take, a I51ue-gray Gn.atcatcher's {PoUoptila
ca'rulea) nest. It was up a large oak, placed
out on a small limb, so that it could not be
reached with the hand. I fixed a wire fork in
the end of a hmg reed, and jjrepared to make
the ascent. When I got up even witli tlie
nest, it seemed farther out than ever and I
could just reach it witli the reed. I was ter-
ribly shaky, and the consequence was tliat I
pushed the nest off the limb, and out rolled
five fresh eggs.

We then visited a thicket in which the
Green Herons {Avdea mrexcenn) nested last
year but did not find anything except an
empty Catbird's (Qahoscoptes caroUnensix)
nest placed in the thickest clump of bamboo
briars I ever saw. Of course we wanted to
see %yhat was in it and were rewarded by a
good lot of scratches.

Leaving this place we started home, going
by the Hooded Warbler's nest No. 3. We
found her on and concluded to take the set.
Just as I put out my hand to take it we heard
a loud hum above us, and we commenced look-
ing around when my cousin pointed to a
small oak, and said "Yonder it is!" I looked,
and sure enough it was a Ruby-throated Hum-
mingbird's (Trochilus coliihris) nest placed on
a small limb about twelve feet from the
ground. Tlie curious part is, vce had to pass
right under the nest and limb to get to
the Warbler's nest. Now, why did she wait
until we reached the Warblei's nest, which
was at least ten feet further on, before she
left the nest? My cousin and myself both
tried to climb to the nest at the same time,
but did not make much headway as we were
in each other's way. At last I gave up and he
kept on to the nest. While going up he shook
the tree so much that one egg fell out, but
he secured the other egg and the nest
safely. The nest was a pretty structure and
strongly fastened to the limb. It was orna-
mented on the outside witli gray lichens, so
that it very much resembled the limb on which
it was placed. It is in no wise like a nest of
the Anna's Hummingbird (Trochilus anna) I
have that was collected in California, but the
eggs are indistinguishable, a fact noticed by
Davie in his book. Nests and Ei/us of N. A.
Birds. This witli the blowing of the eggs
we had taken concluded tliis day's search.
Tlie next day found us in the wood pretty

early, and our first find was a Hooded
Warbler's nest containing four eggs, incuba-
tion nearly one-half. Tliis nest was placed in a
clump of reeds, three and a half feetficmi the
groniul, that were growing in a small wet and
marshy swamp, thereby showing they are not
particular in selecting a nesting place, and
that they are not restricted to one kind of
ground. We had tramped a good ways and
were still tramping when the female Hooded
Warbler's noie came through the woods to ns
again. We hurried on and soon found the
nest which was phiced among the small twigs
growing on the side of a beech bush, nearly
two feet up. It contained tliiee fresh eggs,
which we took.

A little further on we found another nest of
the same spei ies, but it did not have any eggs
in it. The female was Hushed from the nest
where she had, I suppose, gone on to dejwsit
the first egg.

The next find was an American Crow's
(CorvJta nmerii-ujius) nest. It was placed in
the top of a pine tree, which, I think, was nearly
one hundred feet high.

Now we started to the Pine Warbler's nest,
spoken of before, to see what we could do in
the way of reaching it. When we got there
my cousin tried first to go up it, but soon gave
it up as too great an undertaking. I then tried,
and "sliinned" up a little oak standing near,
to near the top, and swung into a pine from
which I could reach the nest. I carefully
took the nest from the limb and placed it in
my hat and commenced descending. I
reached terra firma without any mishap, and
was the proud owner of a nice set of four eggs.
On blowing, incubation was found to be just
commenced. Then we took a set of five
Purple Mirtin, which ended our time with the
birds, at least for a wliile.

,/. ir. P. Smitliwick.
S.inft Snuci, N. C.

A Plea for Nest Collecting.

Be well assured, — oh yc that are eager, for
gain's sake, to lay your claws upon "naked
clutches" of eggs, — that to some of us, more
enthusiastic for nature, ijerhaps, than skilful
tor science, "clutches" without nests are like
that from which the glory is departed, — like
books without margins, brooks without mo.ssy
rocks, trees without their own peculiar leaves.
Moreover, to drop simile, they tell hut half a
story. They tell only what Niitxrr has done

July 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

99

for tlie bird, leaving all save the clutclies, —
and little he cares, entirely ignorant as to what
the bird has done for its prngeny that are to
l)e. "Severe!" eh? "Over-stated?" Go
to your cabinet, — what's tliis? "Sparrow
Hawk. Collected for Jonathan Egg-lioarder
by Tim Tree-shinner. Nest in maple tree,
high up." Now that's definite, isn't it, and
highly instrnctive. Here's another. "Tule
Wren, etc. Nest above water, two feet over
grass." Piay what does </(rtf mean ? In view
of these vaguenesses concerning location,
and miko-up and shape of nests, one depre-
cates tlie habit of taking eggs without nests,
— a habit widely prevalent, even whore nests
are small, shapely and easily transported. (I
liave in my cabinet a naked set of eggs of
Blue-winged VV^arbler, blown with bin holes,
too, though fresh, with but a meagre descrip-
tion of that dainty nest now mouldering with
the leaves, among which it was so snugly and
so cunningly placed.) Thus have we already
found two ample reasons why eggs should
alivays be, wliere practicable, accompanied by
netft-t. For one reascni, even as the gem has
its setting and the picture its frame, without
which either were stripi)eil of more than half
its beauty, so do the poor, naked eggs look
hard, awkward and desolate, when taken
from their excpiisite cups and removed from
the delicately blended neutral tints in the
nests that gave foil and character to the richer
colors of that which they contained. For the
other reason, the eggs tell us nothing whatever
about the skill, taste, and wisdom of the bird
that laid them, while man, clumsy creature,
with his hasty and indefinite datas, tells us
very little more.

One other reason. If the jioor bird has a
xnul what .sense of irony must fill that little
soul to find that the nest that cost so many,
Miiny days of toil and pains is left to her,
useless, through the despoiling of the eggs
that left her, by sliglit effort of nature, in a
few brief days ! " liottei- have taken it all,"
she cries, "and not have left to utter waste
that upon which all my love and skill have
been so toilfully spent!"

•'But nests are, many of them, so unattrac-
tive and so common." Do you really think
so ? What more common than the nest of the
Red-wing ? Yet I have seen <me that would
delight an ai list's eye, — the main structure
of newly-ripened yellow stems nf early matur-
ing grass, bent, crushed and interwoven, and
lined with the delicate brown leaves of the
sweet Hag, fluted aii<l ribbon-like in their

withering. Yet even the unattractive nests
may have a story to tell. They record, it
may be, both fauna and flora of the localities
whence they came. This nest of the Pine
Warbler, to clench my statement, speaks elo-
quently of the forest wliere it was made, with
its blending of pine needles and spider webs,
of stray wild feathers and slender strips of
grape vine.

My dignified young lawyer-brother, more of
an enthusiast for bird-study than he would
care to tell, (for did he not crouch and crawl
for hours to "mark down" a wary Marsh
Hawk last season ?) declared to me, one
sultry morning last vacation, his great interest
in the collecting of the nexts of birds. "Come
down to the bird-house and I'll show you
why," he said.

We unlock and open the door of the little
rustic pagoda that nestles among the oaks.
He takes down and opens a box containing a
few ".Smithsonian sweepings," and among
them a Red-poll's nest. "Do you see that?"
he said. Looking closely I discerned a human
hair! "And do you see that?" he added,
with impressive emphasis. Looking still more
closely I discovered — of all things on earth —
upon the hair the nit of a louse !

" There you see," the dignified brother said,
"the value of ciixumstantial evidence. This
nest is clearly authentic. It comes, as it pur-
ports to have come, fi'om nowhere else than
from the barbarous regions of unwashed
Alaska."

Forget, I beg of you, the uncoutliness of my

closing illustration; but remember, in the

coming months, to txke vvitli you into the

woods a greater interest in nests, a warmer

love for the homes of the birds. Save them

tenderly, p-eserve them carefully; and let

them find a safe and honored place among

those treasures, the collection of which is

wasto and wanton cruelty unless they lead

yim to a deeper reverence toward Him "for

whose pleasure they are, and were created."

P. B. Ppfibodi/.
JUirlingtnn, Kan.

A Curious Find.

On the 'idtli of April, my cousin, Thos. A.
Smithwi.k, took a set of Brown-headed Nut-
hatch of four eggs, which contained one single
Bluebird's egg. Can anyone else record a
case like this?* J- ir. P. Smithwick.

Sans Souci, N. C.

• See Hrief Notes.

IIMI

CRN IT 110 LOG I ST

[Vol. Ui-No. 7

A Pleasant Disappointment.

Laborers passing to their work early in tlic
morning of .May 2d stared in surprise at throe
strangely di-essed figures lieadcd for the rail-
road. No. 1, rubber boots, brown corduroy,
an ancient derby, a pair of climbers, a pistol
gun, a wooden box — Elmer Durfee; No. 2,
rubber boots, suit that matched the hat, hat
out of its sphere of ordinary usefulness, a
hatchet, a tin pail — Hervey Stuart; No. ;!,
rubber boots, moleskin tmuseis (of which the
original color was not visible), canvas coat,
slouch hat, climbers, fish creel, double bar-
reled gun — your humble servant.

About an hour and a half later tlie hayseeds
about .Sunfield, Eaton County, wei'e also set
all agog by the same trio. We had heard of
several Herons' nests in that vicinity and were
investigating the report.

A few Crovv.s' and Jays' nests were the sole
proceeds of the first woods, although it liter-
erally swarmed with migratory birds, and
many observations were made on the new
arrivals. In the woods, fields, on telegraph
posts, everywhere, was a jierfect swarm of
Red-headed Woodpeckers. One flew from a
little stump, and on approaching we found the
shells of a Bluebird's egg. I can understand
now why the "pecker wood" is so hated by
these birds. In the next woods a number of
Buteos' nests were rapped, but no old bird
appeared. Here a number of Crows were
engaged in teasing a poor, big, bewildered
Bubo, miich to their intense delight and the
latter' s as intense disgust. The Tanagers and
Grosbeaks were abundant, while for the first
time this season our cars were saluted with
the well-known " vireo vireo wear yo cho die
vir ur eo." Two more fields with their multi-
tudes of whistling Bobwhites and still no
heronry hove in sight; the outlook was dis-
couraging; we would be in Lansing before
long at this rate.

None of the inhabitants seemed to know
anything about it so we decided to go beyond
the next bond, after which we would try it in
the other direction from town. This laudable
intention in view, we tramped into a railroad
cut and there scared a rattling (or "rattled ")
Kingfisher from a hole in the bank. All three
hailed this as a change in luck and dug in at
once, only to find a finished nest with never
an egg.

" We should have telegraphed him that we
were coming," was tlie remark of onr philo-
sophical member.

The next bend revealed a long extent of
high maple woods and a Ked-tailed Hawk, so
back we turned, taking the other side of the
track for our return journey. Here, Golden-
winged Warblers were common, and we took
<a Crow's nest. Driven to desperation by our
ill luck, we gathered in the four eggs it con-
tained and soon found thai, having made a
start, we were in for still more. We made
the astonishingly rare discovery of a set of
four Robin's eggs.

On tlie other side of the town we entered a
maple woods, and about half way through a
iJuteo's nest with a suspiciously feathered
aspect w;is discovered. Elmer at once buckled
on his climbers for the ascent of the large
hard maple in which the nest was (ihued,
while the writer stood reaily to s])ot the bird
as she flew.

"She knows what is good fiu' her gizzard,"
remarked the spectator, when Mrs. Bnteo
refused to evacuate. At length she could
stand it no longer, and made her usual light-
ning dash, only to come crashing down at the
report of the gun. .She was unusually small
and light-colored, and had covered twt> rather
showy eggs. Again an oological bl.ank, until
the discovery of several sets of common eggs
caused Hervey to leave my climbers in his
excitement. It was not discovered until we
had gone half a mile or so, when Elmer and
myself sat on a log to await the return of the
search party. Save for the bird the forest
was perfectly still. Here above lis, near at
hand, comes the "wee see, wee see, wee see,"
of the Creeper, and away off in the swamp
rises the " bump Ijump bum bum bm b-r-r-i-r"
as tlu! Grouse booms. Next came a marsh or
swamp Formerly it had evidently been cov-
ered with tamaracks, but all these liad b<'en
cut down, and their upturned roots, branches
and limbs were piled promiscuously over (he
hundred or two acres. Water covered this to
the average depth of eighteen inches; average,
I say, for we soon found out that the maxi-
mum was considerably more. A half .a mile
from the edge of this swamp stood a single
black ash tree, in which were six Herons'
nests. The section hands said they were
occupied; so we waded in, figuratively and
literally. Now we woidd balance across a
narrow log, now- we would crash over a heap
of branches, now we would wade through the
shallow w.ater. I was leading, and was wading
along confidently enough when suddenly 1
struck one of the places where the water was
not average, and my right leg reacheil as far

Jrr.v 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

KH

towaids the bottom as its length warranterl.
Well, that water was not steam-heated, to say
the least, and as I ijoiued a gallon or so from
my boot and wrung a gallon or so more from
my clothes I am afraid I indulged in a little
forcible slang ! After this was a pause, then
llervey remarked in a gentle voice, "Doii'i
{vide (). it: O., April, 1891) get mad and swear
if you fall suddenly over a log into a muddy
pool of water. ... No ! get up calmly. Pa-
tience is invaluable to a collector." "Oh
bless it ! That don't say anything about using
your rubber boot as a bath-tub."

In the meantime, six awkward Herons
flopped off the nest and departed. On arriv-
ing at the tree we all bid, and before many
minutes one returned. She .saw me, but too
late. I gave her both barrels and down she
came.

The nests were from fifty-five to seventy
feet from the ground, and were nearly all on
such slender branches that it was impossible
to get to some of them. However, by aid of
a scoop, made of a forked limb and a pocket
liandkercbief, five sets were secured. The
other was out of reach. Though disappointed
in tlie number of sets we weie more than
satisfied with their size.

Set I. Nest three feet across; eggs, five.

Set If. Nest larger; eggs taken with scoop,
so it could not be examined; eggs, four.

Set II[. Nest four feet across; eggs, sncn;
six in nest and one impaled on sharp twig near
the edge

.Set IV. Taken with scoop; eggs, five.

Set V. Taken with scoop; eggs, six.

The sixth nest contained five eggs, but was
inaccessible.

That tree must have beaten the record for
large sets. I have never heard of any taken
in this state of more than five while the usual
number is three or four.

After packing thi^m we decided to atten\pt
an exit in another direction, but after pro-
(urcding a short distance found we were in for
it. To be sure the brush and logs were not
(Itiite so numerous but the water was deeper,
and it required skilful steering to pick a path.
We filled up our boots regularly now, except
Hervey, who seemed to.be in great luck.
Hesides this it rained hard, and the baskets
of eggs needed careful management. Once
Elmer stumbled, reached forward and gently
deposited his gun at the bottom of an icy
pool. Then hr had a cliance to think of don't,
as he reached down to the shoulder and fished
around in the slimy mud. We extricated

ourselves at last and made good time to the
railioad. Just at dusk we had a good oppor-
tunity of listening to the vesper evolutions of
a Woodcock. During the day we were busy
ornithologically as well as oologically, as our
record of seventy-seven species observed
proves. Our farmer friends informed us that
before the destruction of the swampy woods
hundreds of "them big, blue cranes" nested
in a colony. Stewart E. While.

(Jrand R.ipids. Mich.

A Pair of Pugnacious Blue Jays.

The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is in
many respects a very interesting bird, as
must be confessed by very many who di-slike it
for reasons obvious to anyone acquainted with
it. Look out when we may, in summer or
winter, we sec this handsome bird in his coat
of brilliant blue, or listen to its varied cry.
Everyone who closely watches this bird must
.admit that it possesses intelligence in no
mean degree, but, like some people, its intelli-
gence only increases its power to do evil, if it
chooses.

No bird loves its young more devotedly than
the Blue Jay, but it is a fact, though, that it
never appreciates the feelings of birds of
other species when it is relentlessly robbing
them of their little ones. It is altogether
different, however, when one attemps to rob a
Blue Jay's nest.

I will now relate the experience of the in-
habitants of my locality last summer. My
nearest neighbor is an elderly widow, a native
of the Emerald Isle. Close by the front part of
her house she has a good-sized red cedar
{JunipcruK virijiniana). A pair of Blue Jays
took possesion of this tree in the .summer of
ISSS, building their nest some five feet from
tlie ground and within three feet of the
house. My Irish neighbor watched the pro-
cess of nest building with a great deal of in-
terest, and would not have the "poor craythers"
disturbed. Those Blue Jays soon learned
every (uie who lived in the immediate
vicinity, and they would pick them out from
the many who passed by. Of course the
neighbors had to look at that nest and each
intrusion only served to rouse up the ire of
these watchful Blue Jays. At first they re-
sented these intrusions with loud cries, and
a great deal of scolding, in fact no neighbor

102

()UNITJIOLO(;iST

[\'<)1. 10- Nil. 7

could pass by the house without gettiiiR a
scokling. No one couUl step out of their
house in the immediate vicinity witlmut
getting a scolding. When we came to our
homes from "down town" we were met at
the southeast corner of tlie block and escorted
to our very doors, a stranger never being
noticed. The writer used often to stop and
parley with these birds, who wei-e always sure
to escort him from one end of the block to
his very door at tlu^ opposite end.

After the eggs were hatched the attentions
of the parent birds to the neighbors became
much more marked. Not infrequently I
would get a thump over the head as I passed
by on the sidewalk, my hat preventing any
injury, however. I often amused myself by
scolding back. As the little birds grew the
parents became more and more savage, and
soon became a serious nuisance. Often the
wrath and indignation as well as a torrent of ex-
pletives such as the Irish can only pour forth,
would be roused up, as my neighbor would
get a blow over the head or in the face. I tell
you she soon ceased to call them pet names.
These blows would usually come very unex-
pectedly, often startling my neighbor out of
her wits, which only made her the madder,
something plainly manifested by the rapid
action of her tongue. One day she had a
visitor, another elderly neighbor woman well
known to the liirds. This visitor was stand-
ing upon the walk in front of the house wlien
suddenly one of these birds pounced down
upon her head, striking with its bill with
such force that it not only penetrated the
woman's sun bonnet but made a painful
wound in the top of her head. .So it is no won-
der that these birds had the hearty dislike of
the whole neighborhood, and that we hurried
them away as soon as the Utile ones could tly
at all well.

Each season since this same pair has en-
deavored to build in the same spot, but every
time they do so my neighbor indignantly tears
down every vestige of a nest an<l forcibly and
energetically drives them away. She is Irish,
but in this case practises eviction with a
vengeance. She cares no more for the " poor
craythers." And none of ns ever care to have
any further experience with a family of Blue
Jays. One sununer with such a family is
sufficient.

Human being.s were not the only sufferers,
but robins and othei favorites, ev(!n cats, not in-
frequently getting a lively whipping. The
Blue .lay is beautiful, intelligent .and very

bravo, but he is an ac(inaintane<^ I would pre-
fer to keep a good ways off.

Wilfri'd A. liriithcrtim.
Kochostor, Mioh.

Stake-driver's" Nest.

Several lads of ovir neighborhood were once
making collections of birds' eggs, and trying
with zeal to add new varieties to our cabiiu'ts
and, it must be confessed, trying even harder
to outdo each other. For some grave offense
against the unwritten law of our company I
contrived for the ofTender a novel punishment,
which, if it failed to work as I intended, was
still a success in another way. Finding in the
barn two hen's eggs of strange size and color
and much alike in appearance, I took them to
a swamp near by, and, taxing my ingenuity,
made on an island of sedge-grass a nest which,
I flattered myself, would hardly be told from
the nest of some large water-bird. Placing
the eggs carefully in the nest I left the place,
knowing that the y(unig criminal whom I
wished to piuiisli would soon explore the
marsh for eggs, and that he would be com-
pletely hoodwinked as to the identity of the
strange nest. Immoderate bragging, I was
sure, would follow its discovery, and I
chuckled over the fall his pride would have
when he learned the authorship of his rare
"find."

As luck would have it the culpiit failed to
discover the nest, but a scicntillc young ocilo-
gist, Mr. A., ran across it soon after and, alive
to the importance of the discovery, skulked
about the vicinity in hope of shooting the
parent bird. But day after day passed and
the bird failed to put in its appearance, nor
did the number of eggs receive any addition.

At last, fearing that some one would blunder
on to the nest, Mr. A. carefully measured it,
and took full notes of its material and con-
struction. IJemoving the eggs, with great
jiainstaking he "blew" them by means of
drill and blow-pipe, and with his calipers took
accurate measurements of each. Then he
attacked his big ornithologies, and after Imurs
of study .and comparison joyously pronounced
tlieni a fine "set" of the Amc^riinn Bittern,
the "stake-driver" of all boys.

Bittern's eggs, you must know, are quite
rare, and we beard at once of Mr. A.'s new
oological acquisitions, but as I was a hid of
(deven and the learned gentleman ten ^ears

.h-Lv 1891.]

AND OO LOG 1ST.

103

my senior, I was not at all anxious to unde-
coive liim, myself.

But, in some way oi- other, the story leaked
ont, anil came to the ears of the scientist.
What became of the "Bittern's" e^ss I was
m-ver able to learn. Bayanl Wi/mdu.

Perry. Ohio.

Hunting Eagles' Nests in Nova
Scotia.

I was up at six on the morning of May 18,
1801, and 7 o'clock found me with gun and rod
on the coach bound for the eastward. After a
rough jolt over beastly roads I arrived at my
destination, thirty-five miles from home. After
taking a rest, I picked up my gun, shoved
some shells with No. 2 in barrels, put a few in
our pockets, an<l with guide leading with axe
and basket on his back, we lit out for Oak Lake,
four miles away, over the hill. On our way
-we passed by second lake, climbed up some
high mountains, over barrens, through swamps
and thick spruce groves. On the hills, thickly
covered with mighty ti-ees, the guide would
let up and proceed to mount and to take
observations and get bearings. It was a
mighty rough road to travel, but about
5.a0 P.M. we hit the Eagle's nest, situated
on the northeast side of a high hill, up
about sixty feet in crotch of large birch
tree. The guide chopped down two large
spruce trees and let them lodge in the lower
branches of tlie birch, then with basket on his
back started uji. After considerable trouble
he reached the nest, and swinging himself up
over it, sang out " Two young Eagles." " (lood
enough," says I, " Put them carefully in basket,
and bring do .\ n alive," which was done. All
this time the old female bird was flying around
overhead, but not within shot (I have often
read of these birds being so very savage and
attacking one, but have taken several nests
and found it most difficult to get them within
shot.) The nest was about five and one-half
feet in diameter, and had eels, suckers, etc., in
it. At 7 P.M. we were back to the house.

May l!)tli. Started at 8 a.m. for Salmon River,
went up in a boat two miles through salt
water, tramped one-third of a mile, and hit
Salmon River Lake, took boat up this two miles
to the head, then walked ona-fourth of a mile
when we arrived at camp, made tea, had some-
thing to eat and lit out about 11 a.m. for Log-
ging Lake, tramped tliree-cpiarters of a mile,
passing Round Pond on tlie way. Took boat

at Logging Lake and went up one and one-
half miles to the head, passing Eastern and
Trap Lakes. At head of Logging Lake is
where the river conies in, and here we found
the trout in hundreds. In about an hour I
landed with fly thirty odd fish, then went
ashore and followed river ui) to Fisher Lake,
which is head waters of the branch stream,
which we were then on. Fisher Lake is three
miles long, and is where fish make for the
winter. Took look round this lake but seeing
no nests came back to boat (leaving mile and
half of main river not fished). This comes from
another lake which is two miles long, and above
this lake is another called Hartman's Lake
with a mile of river fishing between the two.
Hartman's Lake is head waters of the main
stream.

On our way down Logging Lake we struck
through (with boat) the outlet of Eastern
Lake, and here I took with fly about fifty odd
fish. From this Eastern liake you can go in
boat to Trap Lake, but as it was getting on for
6 o'clock we turned for camp, which we hit
about seven in the evening, and on counting
trout found I had killed eighty, from three-
fourth to two and one-half pounds in weight.
These we caught from about 2.30 p.m. to (i p.m.
with one rod.

May 20th. Struck camp and left f(u- Maskell's
Pond, but found water too high, so kept on
down the river and made for Bakers Lake,
where I knew there was another Eagle's nest.
We found same on northeast side of higli hill,
way up in crotch of old birch, but was dis-
appointed to find it empty, and coiild not
account for it as old birds have been there all
the spring. We went further up the hill until
we reached the highest point of ground and
came out on a high flat bluff. Below, at our
feet, way, way down lay Baker's Lake, stretch-
ing up through the woods for three miles, and
close by could be seen Officers' and Admiral's
Lake, all grand fronting places. Away off to
to the south lay the village of Musquodobit,
southwest, Pt. Reswick settlement, and in tlie
distance Pt. Reswick and Mosquodobit Har-
bors, and beyond them the open sea, with
steamers and vessels Ijound to and fro. It was
a glorious sight and beyond me to describe.
After looking until we could look no more we
turned about, made for the boat, and getting
down the waters readied home at about 2 p.m.

May 21st. Leftat 7 a.m. for Lake Major. We
went up .leddoie Harbor two miles, called the
Eastern Branch, took our boat over the main
ro.ul and dropped into Oyster Pond Lake.

104

()UNlTilOLO(ilST

[Vol. 16-No. 7

Went u\> this two miles, tlieii landed, walked
one-quarter of a mile and readied the lake.
Here wo took boat again and went clean up to
the head, eight miles, passing on way Level
Spot Lake and Ilartman's Lake. This Lake
Major is a splendid hunting ground. The old
hunter I had with me jjointed out where he
had shot four bears about two years ago, and
another spot where he had killed a very large
one, and another place where a year ago he shot
an old she-bear and got three of the cubs, and
another point where two caribou fell to his
deadly aim, and different places where this
past few years between nine and eleven moose
have been gathered in. The moose arc more
plenty here now (so the hunter sa,ys) than they
have been for the past twenty years, and next
October, if spared, I intend to take them in.

At head of this lake I caught only a few
small trout. The river was too high and the
black flies were simply in millions. They
nearly carried one out of the boat, and one had
to tie his hat on to keep them from lugging
It off. In this spot last year two rods took in
one day one hundred and live trout. We
hunted all about for Eagles' nests but could
find none, although we saw several Fish
Hawks' nests, but did not bother them.

The stream that comes in at this lake is nine
miles long, when you hit Scraggy Lake, which is
seven miles long, so you see there are plenty f>f
rivers and any quantity of lakes, and fish can
be taken in hundreds, besides good ground for
big game. The RutTed and .Spruce or f^anada
Grouse are very plenty, an<I rabbits cannot be
counted. It is a grand country, with good
boat to get about and fine camps to stay in.
We came home that evening. Next day
about 3 P.M. I was in my own house and be-
fore me while I write is the pair of young Bald
Eagles, looking as large as lite and twice as
natural. H. An>itcn.

Halifax, N.S.

([uite abundant, and seemed entirely at home
in the dark recesses of the swamp. Among
other interesting species observed on the trip
were the I'arula Warbler (Compsollilypis
americana), which bieeds regulaily in New
Jersey wherever the beard moss ( t/sKcn) is to
be found, for this seems to be the only sub-
stance siiitable for its nest-building. I'rairic
Warblers, Whip-poor-wills and Pine Wail)lors
were likewise abundant aiul were preparing to
build, while liald Eagles, Fish Hawks, Hairy
Woodpeckers, f'ardinals and Tree Swallows
already had nests.

Numerous specimens were exhibited at the
meeting in illustration of the bird fauna of
this region.

Mr. Montgomery folhiwod with an interest-
ing pa|)er on tlie summer birds of the Maine
coast (see O. & O., ISitO), illustrating his
remarks by series of specimens.

Several interesting specimens recently shot
in the vicinity of Philadelphia were exhibited
and commented upon. Among these were a
White-crowned Sparrow taken at Wynnewood,
and a Cape May Waibler from Chester Co.

After a general discussion of the sjiring

migration, the meeting adjourned.

Witincr Stniif.
riiil.iclpipiiia.

Nesting of the Rough-winged Swal-
low in Saratoga County, N.Y

Proceedings of the Delaware Valley
Ornithological Club.

A regular meeting of tlu' club was held on
May I'.ltb at the Academy of Natural Sciences,
Philadelphia. Mr, Stone read a paper on the
birds of Beaver Swamp, southern New Jersey,
giving the results of a trip made during the
early part of May, by Messrs. Keed, Voelkor
and himself, in search of the Hooded Warlder
{Hylvania mitrrita).

This beautiful little bird was found to be

A pair of these birds made their appearance
here (Ballston, N. Y.,) on May 111, ISilO, anil
after debating between themselves foi a few
days coiu^luded to remain and breed. 'I'licy
selected for a masting site an old stone bridge
which spans a small stream running throu).li
our place, and there upon a ledge, behind an
opening between two of the stones, they built
their nest and roared their brood, and as soon
as the young, four in number, woie strong
upon the wing they all, on July 24th, left for
parts unknown. A single pair of them have
made their ai)pearance here again tliis sjuing,
coming on the 2d inst., a little over two weeks
in advance of last year, and they have shown
thoir satisfaction for their last year's home by
commencing to rebuild in the very same place
this year, and vvheie. undoubtedly, they will
rear thoir family in safety as it is impossible
to get at the nest. As this is the only in-
stance to my knowledge of their breeding in
this locality it may be of interest to the many
reailors of the O. A- <). .S. R. IiK/crxoll.

.IriA 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

105

The Coloration of Eggs.

Mr. J. Parker Norris' statement of his belief
tliat successive sets of eggs from the same
pair of birds bear a strong resemblance to each
other in shape, size and coloration was read
by me with great interest. I can jirove this to
be a fact in some cases, and believe that when
properly investigated it will prove a general
law.

The best confirmation of this I know of is in
the case of the Golden Eagle, which uses tlie
same nest year after year. After collecting
the eggs of some half dozen pairs for several
years I have learned to know the eggs of each
individual as well as I know the appearance of
my neighbor's dog. The eggs of one partic-
ular pair of eagles are always very large,
delicalely and beautifully maiked, and are
looked for anxiously the first thing, as an
especially fine prize. I believe that if shown
to-day the eggs of at least three pairs of eagles
I know in Santa Clara County I could witliout
hesitation describe the locaticm of the nest of
each set.

It is a fact of wonderful interest if, as seems
the case, the rule is a general one, and each of
the eggs of the (iuilleinot, so marvellously
diverse in ni.nrkings, are duplicated in the eggs
sub.sequently laid by the same bird. This will
not be hard to find out. When I next go to
the Farallones I think I will catch a Guillemot
and make it lay. Tlarri/ B. Taylor.

.\Lim«(ta, Cal.

This is tlie first set that has, to my knowl-
edge, been taken in this county for many
years. //. b. Hurd.

Minneapnlis, Minn.

[This was very poor "identification." — J.
P. N.]

Swainson's Hawk in Minnesota.

Last week a boy called at my liouse with the
information that he liad that afternoon taken
a set of four eggs from a Broad-winged Hawk's
nest. Thinking that he liad made a mistake
in the identity of tlie bird, as a set of four
eggs from a Broad-winged Hawk's nest is
very uncommon, I askc^d for a description of
the bird. But what was my surprise when lie
described veiy minutely a Swainson's Hawk.
Saying nothing to arouse his curiosity I placed
before him a series of sets of Hawks' eggs,
and asked him to pick out as near as possible
one that would comjiare with tlioso he had
found. And without the least hesitation he
picked up an egg of the Swainson's Hawk.

This was certainly enough to prove their
identification. Since that time I have exam-
ini'd them, and they are witliout a doulit the
eggs of the Swainson's Hawk.

Large Set of Grouse Eggs.

While walking through the woods on May
21, 1891, I flushed a Ruffed Grouse, and on
going to the spot was somewhat surprised to
find a set of twenty-one eggs. The nest was
on the ground and composed of oak leaves.
The eggs were light brown, and (juite a
number of them were .spotted. I left them as
this bird is nearly exterminated around here
now, and if they will breed I think it best to
let them. Is not this a large set, and could it
have been a double one? Davie gives the set
as from six to fifteen; Samuels as six to
thirteen. I should like to hear from others
about this. F. A. Jirnvm.

Heverly, Mass.

Measuring Heights Again.

The following method of measuring the
height of trees and other inaccessible objects
gives greater accuracy than any I know of,
where no instruments are used. It has, how-
ever, tlie disadvantage of being available only
when old Sol will lend his assistance. This
cimdition being given, however, every collector
will agree with me that the required apparatus,
which is his shadow, is the lightest part of his
outfit. The collector's shadow is ai)plied to
that of the tree as a measuring rod. The num-
ber representing their ratio multiplied by the
height of the collector gives the height of the
tree. It is important that the point measured
from on the giound should be directly under
the point whose height is to be measured. In
the case of projecting limbs or leaning trees
this point, of course, has to be estimated.
Ine<iualities of the ground will not interfere
with this kind of measuring, since both
shadows are affected similarly. Where the
foliage is too dense to allow the casting of the
collector's shadow it may be measured and
applied to that of the tree by means of an
extonipori zed measuring-rod.

The jirinciple on which this metliod depends
is the familiar one that two c(iual angled tri-
angles have their sides proportional. The two

lOG

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No.

pairs (if angles fixed by the shadows of the
collector and of the tree are not precisely
equal, but the difference Is so slight, owing to
the great distance of the sun, that it does
not need to be considered in this kind of
measurement. E. il. Kindle

A Nesting Joke.

While looking over the collection of a friend
who is well known to most of your readers, I
was amused at the data accompanying a set of
Osprey's eggs, taken last year in the Bristol,
R. 1., colony. These grounds are yearly vis-
ited by several old collectors, but on account
of the great area the several parties .seldom
interfere with each other.

Last year, however, my friend extended his
"beat," and was rewarded by finding many
trees containing nests, and eiich neatly labelled
for the benefit of a well-known gentleman
whom 1 will call A B C, the legends being to
the effect that Mr. X Y Z, equally well known,
had already been there. Consequently the
third party passed them by without troubling
himself to ascend. Finally he approached a
nest which he judged, from the actions of the
birds, to be of more than usual promise, but
was surprised to find a leaf torn from a note-
book and pinned securely to the bark of the
tree, on which was inscribed in lead pencil,
"To ABC. It looks well, but will not pay
you now," and signed by X Y Z, with date of
writing. As so many of the lalielled trees had
been accompanied by rather encouraging signs
my friend " smelled a rat," and determined to
investigate. His efforts were not in vain, for
a finely marked set of three eggs which were
taken from this nest "that would not pay"
now grace his cabinet, and the friendly note of
advice is securely fastened to the data slip.

My friend pointedly remarked that, judging
from the date of X Y Z's note, and the
advanced incubation of the set, the clutch
must have already been commenced when
X Y Z was there. Harry Gordon White.

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Washtenaw County, Mich.

in

breasted Grosbeak in its breeding haunts.
While passing through a wood bordering on
the Huron River, some two or three miles
west of Ann Arboi-, my attention was attracted
by a nest in a small bush along the pathway.
Closer inspection revealed the fact that it was
occuijied, and a moment later a female Rose-
breasted Grosl)eak flew off anil i>crcheil in a
tree near by.

The nest, placed about five feet from the
ground, was very loose in structure, being
composed mainly of twigs, and lined with a
few rootlets. The eggs were live in number,
four of the Grosbeak's and one Cowbird's.
They were of tlie usual size and color, and
were nuirked almost exactly alike.

Upon referring to tlie O. & O of last year
it will be seen that this species is mentioned
three times: in the first place as a " migrant"
in McLellan County, Texas; secondly, it is
reported as "rare" in Tioga County, N. Y.,
and lasily the August number informs us ihat
in Maishall County, 111., it was "formerly
quite a common breeder, but rare of late
years." Hi Warren's liirds of Pen imy Ivan in it
is stated that "twenty-five years ago this
species was a rather common summer resident
in Chester and Delaware Counties," where its
iiests and eggs had been repeatedly found, but
that now it is rarely seen in the summer time.
The fact of its breeding at this place would
seem to corroborate the.se statements, imply-
ing that its breeding limit is being extended
farther noith. W'illiird L. Maris.

Wasbtcn .wCn., Midi.

Addition to the List of the Birds
of Minnesota.

A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was taken at Min-
neapolis, Minn., on May 19, 1877, by R. S.
Williams, now residing in Great Falls, Mont.
Geo. G. CaniwcU.

On the twenty-third of May of the present
year it was my good fortune to find the Rose-

It is a little siir|irising the way our oiilogists
have neglected the taking of nests. There are
many that are exceedingly interesting and if
placed with the collection would be a source
of pleasure and of great assistance in the
stndy. P. li. V. strikes the key note.

Ji:iA- 18!U.]

AND OOLOGIST.

107

THE

ORNITHOLOGIST^^^OOLOGIST

A Monthly Maj^azine of

NATURAL HISTORY,

ISSl'ECIALLY DEVOTED TO THE .STUDY OF

THEIR NESTS AND EttCS,

and to the

INTERESTS OF NATURALISTS

Under the Editorial Manairenient of

FRANK I!. WEliSTER,
J. I'AKIvIiR NORRIS,
FRANK A. HATES,

Hyde Park, Mass.

I'hiladelplita. Fa.

lioston, iMass.

PUBLISHED AT THE

MUSEUM AND NATURALISTS' SUPPLY DEPOT

FRANK HLAKE WEUsTER CO.MPANY,

ISCOKl'Ull.\TKD,

HyDE Park, Mass., U. S. A.

The O. & O. is mailed each issue to every paid suli-
scriber. If you fail to receive it, notify us.

Editorial.

Taxidermy and Zoological Collecting, by
Wm. T. Hornaday.

We liavo rco('ivc<l a (-Mipy of tliis work just
liiihlislicil liy .Scribiioi- .Sons. To .say that tlif
work is valuable to any taxidevmi.st would be
(|uit,e superlluou.s. No one who knows of the
labors of the author, or who is in the sliohtest
dcsi'-t^ ac(iu:iiuted with American taxidermy
and its accomplishments, would rccjuire noti-
fication that this Prince of Taxidermists had
published anythiu'.; on the subject to incite
their curiosity or impel them to procure a
copy. Ou!' space at present will not jiermit
the extended notice of the work we would like
to give it an<l we leserve that for future refer-
ence, but we can but assure our readers that
in this work they will find a more perfect
vadf. mecnm than in anytliing it has ever
been our fortune to see. From title pa<;e and
frontispiece of the tiger's head (which we
have often remarked was worthy of a trip on
foot to Washington to see and study) to the
finis, the volume is replete with all that is
necessary to make a flnuoufjli workman.
Written in the pleasant and readable style
which always marks Ml-. Ilornaday's writings,
it is free from "padding" and of obsolete

and antiquated notions, receipts, etc. The
subjects are treated by a master workman in a
workmanlike manner, no (lights of pyrotech-
nical rhetoric in strained efforts to appear
sentimental, and above all no bare-faced egot-
ism; on the contrary the means and metliods
to be followed are given in terse, clear lan-
guage and plentifully interspersed with illus-
trations to exemplify. We fear, however, for
the author's peace of mind when he attacks
the Museums of the day in the methods of
mounting their specimens; it may lead up to
their demanding that valuable specimens be
mounted so that they will at least resemble
something which at some time or another had
life. It has been but for the past few years
and only, since the advent of the author,
Lucas, Ciitchley, and some others, that any of
these supposed-to-be public educators in
nature, have been other than a musty and
dusty collection of monstrosities, a sort of
catacombs generally presided over by a stuffy
old crank, who in his sleepy indolence thinks
of but little else than how he should appear
before the world in his egotistical resplen-
dence. The public are under more obliga-
tions than they know of to the author and his
associates in Washington for dragging our
national museum out of the dust and decay it
had long slumbered in, by doing magnificent
work, and to their energy, industry and ability
the marked advance made in the governmental
collections is largely due, and particularly in
the direction of popularizing the study of
natural history. Mr. Hornaday supplements
his labors very finely, by giving to the public
the instruction how to do likewise in so com-
plete a manner in this book, and it is to be
regretted that he should deem it necessary to
now say adieu. He is too young a man, too
well equipped by education and observation,
too well welcomed by the public to adhere to
a resolution made we hope without sufficient
reflection.

The subject is by no means worn out, the
end is not yet reached. While the progress in
the last few years has been marvellous there
is much yet to be accomplished, and this book
shows very clearly that the tendency of scien-
tific collections is towards better work in
mounting and grouping, and furthermore,
many who have been making a collection of
skins are finding that nicely mounted speci-
mens are as easily studied and much more
enjoyable to look upon.

Every branch of tlie work of a naturalist in
collecting an<l iireparing mamm.als, birds.

108

ORNITHOMJGIST

[Vol. Ifi-N... 7

insects, reptiles, tisli, etc., is very fully treated
upon, and is well worth the attention of any
whose line may be in but one of them.
The book is, as might be expected, comiiig
from Scribner Sons, all that can be desired
in typography. The price, S^i.oO, is very re.ason-
able, and we advise any who ai'c seeking for
light in taxidermy to secure a copy.

Brief Notes.

A Rusty Grackle was taken .lanuary 19, and
a Wilson Snipe February 20, at lIa<li.son, Wis. ;
both early.

Horned Larks were observed as late as Jan-
uary 4. Several Snowy t)wl» were taken in
December, at Madison, Wis. Albert Lano.

Horn(ep) Larks. — Blimbers: 'Til give
you one ornithological fact — larks are bred
from swallows." Briggs: " But 1 don't under-
stand." Blimbers: "Well, you just think it
over." — Boston I'o.st.

Found a Virginia Rail's nest, nine eggs, to-
day. May 2(1. Shot the bird at twenty feet
distance; will make the best skin 1 can. Can find
no authentic account of eggs being taken here
before. Samuel E. Bacon, .Jr., Erie, Pa.

A line specimen of Black Kail {Porzann
jrojiaJi'CH.si.s) shot in the District by R. L. .Jones,
May 2!l, lsi)l; was brought me to identify. It
is a very rare bird here, this being only aljout
the second specimen kno.vnto have been killed
in the District of Columbia. Edward .J. Brown.

A nest of the American Robin containing
three eggs, and one egg of the Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, was taken at iirookline, .vlass., .June
7, by R. II. Howe. It was located in an apjtle
tree about live feet from the ground. Mr.
Uowe brought the set to us.

A Snowy Owl was taken at Aiken, S. C,
during February, bs'.ll, ami being only wing-
tipped was kept in conlinement. Stranger how
far out of his latitude he had roamed, and
stranger still, one hundred and twenty miles
from the sea or any body of water. Geo. E.
Harris.

Gardner W. Hall took a set of seven eggs of
the Baltimore Oriole, June S, IsOl, Newton,
Mass.

Inclosed fmd -SI. 00, my subscription to O. it
O. Began with No. 1, Vol. II, of S. L.
Willard's Oiilogist. Have them all up to "01,
bound in three volumes, half sheep. Find
them very handy for reference. D. D. Stone,
Oswego, N. Y.

I recently mounted a Northern Phalarope
taken at Bangor, Me. I think 1 have the larg-
est pair of caribou antlers in the United States.
They were taken in Newfoundland. They are

very wide-spread, show forty-six fine prongs,
the front blade eleven inches wide, and come
out by the end of nose. Who can beat them ?
S. L. Crosby.

Harry A. Day, of (irinncU, Iowa, reports
that he took a set of two Whip-poor-will's eggs
on May 9, in a small oak grove. While the
occurrence is not phenomenal, the collector
generally feels i>retty well when he tinils the
nest of this bird.

Really one of the most attractive gi'oups
among our smaller animals is a i)air of skunks;
it is also (|uitc remarkable how few of our vis-
itors know what tliey are.

We have on our desk a new egg. The curious
feature of it is that it stands on one end. We
believe that Wilcox, Crittenden ife Co. are the
only collectors that offer them.

O. C. Poling is still on his collecting trip.
He must be making some line additions to his
collection.

Oliver Davie's Nests and Em/s of North
American. Birds is the great book for American
collectors. We never knew of any book of its
nature that has had such a run. Everyone
should have a copy. We have just received
from Mr. Davie the entire balance of his
edition.

We are very much pleased tr> hear from our
friend Harry R. Taylor. His communications
are, like his Eagle eggs, — desirable.

We liave many letters from taxidermists
asking us how to sew heavy skins, deers'
heads, etc , ciuiiplaining that they have great
trouble in doing so. We reply, you want a
hand guard and a set of needles. The guard
goes over the band and has a place in it to
force the needle through the pelt. With it yiui
can sew a heavy skin without troufile. Tlie
price is $2,00.

VVm. T. Ilornaday's new work on taxidermy
is a success, so far as the writer's elforts could
possibly make it. With it and the one Oliver
Davie will have out sh(U-tly the coming taxi-
dermist will never realize how we old fellows
had to struggle to find (Uit how to do it. Any-
one who intends to practise the art by having
the two books will save many a long hour.
They are a big investment.

We have never seen such a variety of bright
foreign bird skins as have been secured this
season. They seem to come into the market
by fits and starts.

A new embryo hook that bids fair to be
popular has just been introduced. It consists
of a bone liamlle in which the hooks can be
adjusted at will The handle is very neat and
pretty, and will last a lifetime. The handle
witli two hooks retails for 2.'> cents. Hooks
can be iditainecl separately.

July 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

109

Our museum is now open to the imblic. Sub-
scribers to the O. <k O. ;ire eordhillv invited to
cull.

Walter H. Buss called ii few days since and
repcu'ted that M. S. ('ulver of Medford, Mass.,
in .July, lsi)0, found the nest of a Ruby-throated
Hummer, located about ten feet from the
ground. Upon securing, found it contained
one egg of the ("owliiid, which completely
filled it. This is an addition to the lists of
tenements occupied.

There is no difficulty in securing the wings
and backs of the Scarlet Ibis, but it is n long
time since we have seen the whole skin of that
bird in condition suitable to mount.

The popularity of the .Japanned insect pins
seems to be increasing with our entomological
friends. Our first experiment, the exporting
of 200,000, was considered as one of doubtful
success, but we think they will be the pin of
the future, certainly they do not disfigure a
collection like the bright ones.

Of all the eggs that are seen in collections
we belive that none attract the eye and excite
so much comment as those of the Emu or Aus-
tralian Ostrich. The eggs mea.sure about
:")..")0 x:;.(iO, and are in color a dark green,
nearly the same shade as the Holland kitchen
curtain so common in use. The birds are
yearly becoming more scarce. It is reported
that the eggs retail in Melbourne at £1, and in
this country from $2. .50 to $o..")0. They are
very hard to obtain, being picked up in small
lots by our American dealers. For the past
two years we h.ave been securing all that were
olfered and now have enough to ofler them to
the subscribers of the O. ifc O. (only) at the
reduced rate of SI. 50 each, as long as they
last, if applied for before September 1st.

Ostrich eggs are another novelty much
souglit after liy the collector. Some five years
since, at a time when they were being sold at
$5.00 each, we made an arrangement with
an importei', a gentleman interested in ostrich
faitning in the West, and were enabled to offer
them to our subscribers at •'?1.50 each. The
result has been that since tl^at time we have
handled over 5000. Other dealers werw forced
to fall into line ai:d the established price is
$1 50. We find it difficult to fill our wholesale
orders.

Many of our rea<lers when they wish to take
a hunting nip vaeaticni invariably allow
thoughts of Florida to loom uj) in their nniiils.
Now there are other sections that in our
opinion offer inducements that slioidd not be
lost sight off. We i)resent to your attention a
report made by Mr. Attwater, <ine of (uir sub-
scribers, which cannot fail to interest
sportsmen.

Southwestern Game.

Professor H. P. Attwater. a naturalist well
known in many sections of the Uniteil States
an 1 Canada an<l particularly so in Texas and
Louisiana by reason of his valn.able museum
of collections which has been exhibited

throughout the entire South, has just returned
from a tour of the coast coiuitry of Southwest
Texas with a view of looking to the varieties
of game and fish of that section. The pro-
fessor was sent out by the Aransas Pass Railway
I Company and his report submitted to City
Ticket Agent Everett of San Antonio is pub-
lished in full below.

"In accordance with your instructions I
proceeded to the Gulf Coast on November 2(ith
and spent two weeks in the vicinity f>f Rock-
port and C'rupus Christi for the purpose of
procuring specimens of the birds and fish
peculiar to that region, and especially those
classed as game, and to gather information on
this subject that would be of interest to sports-
men, hunters and others.

"On account of the great number of species
that come under my nt)tice, and fin-ther, that
it would be impossible, in the short time I had
at my disposal, to do justice to the whole sub-
ject, I have thought best on this occasion to
confine myself chiefly to a brief i-eport of the
game I foimd in that region, and later on to
prepare a more comi>lete list of my observa-
tions, which will also include the fish and the
rest of the birds.

" 1 spent one week on the main land and the
remainder of the time camped among the
islands in Aransas Bay. I was prepared to find
a great game country, and will simply say that
it far exceeded my expectations.

"After considerable experience in ornitho-
logical exploration during previous years,
among the great water fowl regions of the
Northern Lakes, Minnesota, and the North-
west, I do not hesitate in pronouncing this the
finest game region I have ever come across.
Geese, Ducks, J^nipe and Plover of various
kinds were seen in countless numbers, and
Swans, Pelicans, Cranes, Herons, ('urlews,
Sandpipers, and many varieties of Gulls and
Terns were very numerous.

"(Juite a number of fishermen make a busi-
ness at this time of the year to hunt ducks
for market, and in convcr-sation with one jnan,
who had just come into Hockport from the
mouth of the Gaudalupe River with MOO C'an-
vas-backs, I obtained some interesting notes.
In the fall of 1S8S I was making observations
of migrating birds at Mitchell's Bay, on the
Canadian side of Lake St. Clair, one of the
most celebrated duck grounds in Canada, and
find on refertnce to my notes that the number
of ducks killed by this man alone this year
exceeds the entire'nmount as registered in two
of the pi incipal club houses during the whole
season in the locality mentioned and averaging
six guirs a day.

•■The regi()n around Aransas Pass is the
natin-al winter aliode of a great many varieties
of water fowl. It is here they lind their
favorite food among the shallow Ijays, channels
and marshes which extend for hundreds of
miles along the gulf in Texas, and it being
their natural winter home they lose much of
that shyness which they display during their
miirration to and from their breeding grounds
in the far north, consequently they are more
easily approached and bagged.

"Rabbits are common everywhere; three

110

ORNITIlOLOCiJST

[Vol. IG-No. 7

different species came under my notice; — the
great jack rabbit or mule ear, the swamp
rabbit and the cotton tail.

" Deer abound within reasonable distance of
any point on the railway or coast. On one
island where I camped for three days I saw
from bve to thirty deer every mornin"' when
goinj;' to a tank of water, and one was shot
witli Xo. 4 duck shot.

Wild turkeys roosted on the windmill. This,
"tiie noblest of American <;a.me birds, and tlie
orisinal ancestor of the domesticated turkey,"
is still common in most parts of .Southwest
Texas. The ran.»e has lieen gradually con-
tracted by its extermination in the more settled
parts of Texas, but the va-it region between
•San Antonio and the gulf being little settled
and proilucing pecans, acorns, wild tomatoes
and peppers in abundance, together with the
seclusion atforded by immense cattle pastures, it
will be, in my opinion, several generations be-
fore the wild turkey will be considered a rare
bird here Throughout the entire country
cpiail shooting may be put down as the finest
in the world. I have taken three different
species of these birds within twenty-five miles
of San Antonio.

Fishing on the waters around Aransas Pass
ceases to become an art. They bite at any-
thing. We caught them at any time and any-
how. At several places where we anchored
to prepare meals, plenty of oysters were found
while wading around the boat, and were
ad<led to our liill of fare.

The following list of game liirds and otliers,
many of which I prepareil skins, will prove
interesting:

Wild Turkey — Mpledr/rix ijiilhipavn mcriranii.

Quail (Texan Bob-white) — Ctilinnx rinjini-
anus te.ranns.

Scaled Partridge (Blue Quail) — Ciilliiwphi
N(piamata.

Whistling Swan — Oh>r cnlniiihianus.

Trumpeter Swan — Olor hiirciuiitor.

r'ana<la Goose — lirdnta cdiuidciixix.

White-fronted Goose — Anser dlhifronf:
tjfluihcli.

Snow Goose (called Brant here ) — C/ini
hype.rhnreii.
. Blue Goose — Chen ccerulesccnx.

Hooded Merganser — Lnphodyirst cvctiUntiin.

American Merga.nser — Mrrf/tniKrr iiiiicfl-
c.nnufi.

Mallard — Anas bocan.

Black Duck — Anas obscura.

Gadwall — Anns strepera.

Baldp ite — A nas anwrlcana.

Gn'cn-winged Teal — Anas cariilincnsis.

Blue-winged Teal — Anas disoors.

Shoveller — Spatula cb/pcatii..

Pintail (Sprigtail) — Dafila acuta.

Wood Duck — Aix spnnsa.

Bedbead — Aytht/a amcrlcana.

Canvas-back — Ay thy a valisneria..

Blucbill (Scaup Duck) — Aythya inarilii
nearctica.

Little Blucbill (Lesser Scaup) — Aylhya
aflinis.

' Butterl)all (Bufllehead) — r;//«r)7o?K7ia al-
beola.

Groat Blue Heron — Anh-a hrradias.

(ireat Wliite Egret — Ardea eyretta.

Whooping Crane — Grtis aniericana.

.Sand Hill (^'vano— Grus mexicana.

King Kail — Itallus eler/ans.

Virginia Bail — Ralliis viryinianus.

Florida GaUinide — (iaUinula rjalcata.

Coot — Fiiiica ami'rlranu.

Wilson's Sni|)e — Gallinai/o delicnta.

Yellow Legs (Plover) — Totaniis flaviprs.

Greater Yellow-legs — Tiitanus jnelanohucits.

Long-bill Curlew — Nuiiir^nius lonyiroslris.

Killdeer — yE'jialitix vocifera.

Semipalmated Plover — JE-jlalitls si-mipal-
niata.

Oystercatcher — Hmmntopus paUiatns.

Loon — Urinatnr imhir.

American White Pelican — Pclccaniis cry-
flirorhynrhiis.

Brown Pelican — P(decamis fuscus.

Flamingo — Phniricopterus ruber.

"To the Hon. Richard Wood, mayor of
Rockport, I am much indeljted for courtesies
received, and valuable assistance in the pur-
suit of my investigations; also to I. C. Fulton,
Esq., and Mr. E. L. Imlay who furnished me
with much valuable infnrmation, etc., and to
you, sir, for introductions and other material
help rendered.

"In conclusion, I would say to strangers
who visit this part of Texas with a view to
shooting and hunting, they will not be con-
fronted in the whole great region I explored
with club liouse game-keepers, or trespass
notices, and I can truly add from personal ex-
perience tluit the region may rightly be termed
the "sportsman's i)aradise." I remain,
"Yours respectfully,
"//. P. Attwater, Naturalist.
"San Antonio, Dee. 10, 1890."

(In Te-xas Commercial Rt-port.)

Correspondence.

Editar i>r O. A- O. :

I have just noticed the rcipiest that I
describe the difference between the alligator
and crocodile. 'I'lie greatest difference I could
oversee is in the sliape of the head, which is
more elongated in the crocodile, measuring at
tlie articulation of the jaws only about two-
thirds the width of the alligator. The large
[(uirth tooth on each side of the lower jaw is
received into a groove in the upper jaw, the
large lower tooth of the alligator into a cor-
responding hole in ui)per jaw; and I cannot
see anything nuue characteristic than the
narrowing of the muzzle behind tlie nostril,
caused by the groove just alluded to. The
feet in Imth are nearly the same, also the
articulation of the jaws. There is a long-
nosed crocodile in some of the West Indies,
St. Domingo and northern South America
said to grow to a, great length, also one in the
(ianges called (!avial, a liead so narrow as to

JiTLv 1891.]

AND OOIJXIIHT.

remind one of the head of a gar-fish. The
eggs of the crocodile are said to be partially
elastic from haviiiji but little lime in the com-
position. The eggs of the alligator are very
hard, almost like a piece of porcelain, to drill.
I spent part of a winter on the South Ameri-
can coast some years ago, near Berlice,
Demerara, Esseqnibo and Surinam, and the
alligator had a different look from the Florida
creature, in having a bunch behind the eyes,
and the natives said the crocodiles went to
sea in the salt water, and that the alligator
did not, and they did not consider either dan-
gerous as fish were abundant and they did not
have to go hungry. I don't think they have
cither in Euroiie. Dr. Livingstone speaks of
their abundance in Africa and their great size.
They arc common in Asia. I remember of
reading twenty-five or thirty years ago of a
very large one taken at the Philippines that
was twenty-seven feet long, ten feet in circum-
ference under the arm pits. The head and
soft parts attached weiglied over 400 pounds.
The skull measured about four feet, and was
sent to the Boston Society of Natural History,
wheie I saw it, and tliink it is there now.
Mr. Iliirnaday killed the largest one I ever
saw in Florida. It was fourteen feet long. It
was nicely mounted and sent to the Smith-
sonian Institution at W.asliington.

George A. Bixivihiuin.
CalaLs, Me.

Editor of O. & O.:

I have taken some rather scarce specimens
this spring that I thought you would like to
hear about. On March 7th I and a friend
shot a nice specimen of the common wildcat,
not very common though. My friend drew
first blood and I killed it. We chased it with
dogs, and killed it about four miles from this
place.

On the 2.5th of March I shot a fine pair of
Dusky Ducks at one shot. They were feeding
in a cove along the river. They are not very
plenty and are very wild when here. During
April, ducks were not as plenty as they gen-
erally are. There was no heavy storm. 1
shot specimens of 3uflfleliead, Golden-eye,
Lesser Scaup and American .\lerg;uiser, also
one Loon, a number of Horned (irebcs and a
Bonaparte's Gull.

Warblers wore quite plenty this last month.
I have taken this mouth a Pileated Wood-
pecker, May 2d, and two Pine Warblers. On
the l^tli I shot a Florida Gallinule and took a
set of five Brown Creeper's eggs. The nest

was located under the bark of an olii hemlock
stub in a pine and hemlock woods, the nest
loosely constructed, but had quite soft lining.
I saw the birds when they first began building

On the 21st I shot three Ring or Semipal-
mated Plover at one shot and took a set of
four ."ipotted Sandpipers.

Yesterday a fine $ Velvet or White-winged
Scoter was shot. I secured it for mounting.
It is the first I ever saw. I never heanl of a
Gallinule before in this county.

R. B. Simpxon.

Warren, I'.-i., M.ay 28, IS91.

Editor of O. <t O. ;

On the way to ferry this forenoon, June 10,
I was met by a couple of fishermen who asked
me if I had in my collection a "Gale" bird.
As I did not know any "sweet warbler" by
that name I said no, and would like to gaze
upon it. Therewith, we wended our way to
the lonely hut of the fishers, and they brought
forth alive in their hands a fine specimen of
the Red Phalarope that they had, in the early
HKuning, rowed up to in their boat and picked
up by hand. I have the specimen now, alive,
and he is a bright little chap. But was it not
a curious way to capture him! I think so;
hence my reason for advising you of the
matter.

.lune 19. The bird is still alive and doing
«ell. IJ- Austen.

H.ililsx.X.S.

Editor of O. d- O. :

I would like to hear from any O. * O. reader
who has in his collection eggs of the Robin
{M. initiratorid) taken in either of the follow-
ing states: Georgia, Alabama, or Mississippi;
or in Arkansas or Indian Territory near or
south of latitude 8.5°. Also along the Southern
border of Tennessee. My object is to try and
find the Southern breeding limit of this bird
in the .Mississippi Valley. Would like especially
to hoar from observers residing in above
States (in proximity to latitude 3.5°) as to
whether this bird nests in their localities.

J. T. Park:

W:irner, Tenn.

Editor of O. <fc O.:

It was with great sadness of heart that I
read the account of the death of .John 0. Ca-
hoon. It was the same patient face (pictured
in the May number of O. Ji O.) that leaned
over my shoulder and directed my unruly
fingers to skin and prepare my first bird. He

112

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-Nn. 7

was a friend worth having, always i-eady to
hclji tlif beginner in oniilliolosy :in(l liis deatli
will brins sorrow to all that knew him.

F. M. Draper.
(Uinton, Mass.

New Publications.

f)iir attiiiition has been called to a now or-
nithological work, Our C'nmmoa Binlx and
IIow to Know Them,, by John B. (irant, Charles
Seribner's Sons, an<l it is amazing to find that
such a work shoulil be offered by a reputable
book pidjlisher or dealer for sale. The writer
argues in the preface that this hook is intended
for herjinners in the study of ornithology, and
that it will relieve the student from " a serious
dilemma" by reason of his "dependence upon
books for guidance and his own untrained
observation." From our scrutiny, this book,
if he was in a dilemma before, will get him
into a more serious one. If Dr. J. A. Allen
was called upon for '-kindly advice" it would
seem strange that he did not suggest the filing
away of the manuscript for future reference
rather than its j)ublisliment. If he looked
over the manuscript he certainly ought to have
known that from the first plate and description
to the last of the sixty- four plates, there are not
over ten or a dozen that even an old and experi-
enced naturalist would dare to name from insjiec-
tion of them, and, as far as the descriptions are
concerned, they are on a par with the plates,
while the annotations are simply laughable,
particularly when the student is informed that
some of those described are "walkers"; al-
though we found no "junipers," "hoppers"
or "skippers," we fully expected to. The
author expresses his principal hope of aiding
the learner, and offers as his "chief excuse"
for the work he has indicted upon a gullible
and long-suffering people who buy books from
the title, particularly when they have the
stamp of a large and reputable publishing
house upon them, is the platen, taken from
photograph of specimens mounted by an
"expert taxidermist." The author ought to
make an abject apology to the public for such
humliugging pretence, for outside of some of
our puljlic musi'uras we have never seen such
a hodge-podge of execrable work dignified by
the name of taxidermy. We venture to say
that, as plates to represent anything that ever
wore feathers, such pot-bellied, broken-backed,
cock-eyed monstrosities, none such were ever

seen in life, and the subjects look more as
though they were the work of v(U'y young
beginners and had been culled out of an ash
heap. Plate XLVIII, Black and Yellow War-
bler, resembles that bird about as much as an
oyster does an ostrich. The buyers of this
book will find themselves most decidedly
"taken in" if they expect anytliing worth
even the time taken to glance through. It is
simply valueless except as a sample of what
dangers lie in a smattering knowledge of a
subject supplemented with a great ileal of
self-sufficiency, as an instance of which the
author remarks that "naturalists have not
always been wise in the names they have
bestowed," yet soon after informs the gentle
and unsophisticated reader that he " has fre-
quently allowed himself to make use of those
which seem to him more familiar." There is
but one thing more for him to do, select a few
friends and declare themselves the only select
scientific American ornithologists, and imnnul-
iately revamp, expunge, alter and add such
nomenclature as may seem to them " more
familiar," he will then be in direct line of the
modern ideas of ornithological progress; but
before he can hope to succeed he must abjure
any thought of making more plain and inter-
esting the study, as that would be heresy;
all the education necessary is sim])ly that he
should be "profoundly .skilled in nnnlytic.

Can calculate and rliviile,

A hair (feather) twixt south and southwest side."

Let him be careful to have his selectfew estab-
lished as the great ornithological lights, Iri/ vote
of themselves, .and if they are also cauti(uis to
carry their heads high, oblivious of anything
and everything except mutual admiration,
they may make enough believe that they alone
wear the pvuple of American ornithological
science, so that in time they will have quite a
tail to their l<ite. It is unnecessary to sjieak
of the typographical quality of the work, — the
tact that irrespective of the subject matter
nothing is spared liy the publisheis in wliat-
ever falls to them to do to make it all it siiould
be is too well known by the reading public.

We can furnish drying ovens, api)aratus for
inrtating larvae, breeding ca-ges, etc., as
described in Ilirnaday's new work, at shori,
notice, also the new Hornaday skiiniing knile
for mammals and heavy work, skin scrapers,
nest stands, etc. See Ilornaday's new and
eUMfant work described im l)ack of cover.

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND —

00L0GI8T.

$1.00 iior
Anniitn.

PUltLISHED liY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

Established, March, 1R7.5.

Single Copy
10 cents.

Vol. XVI.

HYDE PARK, MASS., AUGUST, 1891.

No. 8.

Copyright, tin, by Frank li. Webster.

114

ORNITHOLOGIST

[V(.l. IC-No. 8

William T. Hornaday.

To the readers of the O, & O., who are the
(^or.LKCTOiis and Taxidermists of Ameriea,
the name of William T. Hornaday Is already
familiar, and as time advances with ns, will
rank with (Uvikk, Swainson and Watku-
TON. A brief sketeh of a career that fairly
outrivals taUis of the iniat;inatiiin woidd rcMjuire
volumes of space.

Leaving collejic in 1S74 he yiehled to his
love of nature and entered the arena, hy
connecting himself witli Prof. Ward's Natnral
Science estahlishmont. The young taxidermist
* and naturalist student, by diligence and apti-
tude, soon showed evidence that he possessed
more than the ordinary ability, and the follow-
ing year saw him eijuipped and olT on his first
collecting trip abroad, Florida, and Cuba being
his destination. In Florida he "won his spurs"
as a collecting naturalist hy the discovery of
the true crocodile in that state. A full, detailed
account of tlie capture of a monster specimen
fourteen feet long (which is now in the
>fational Museum), with the attending exciting
struggle, convinced the establishment in wliDse
interest he was working that there was true
metal in his make-up. In Cuba he nearly lost
his life at the hands of an ignorant .Spanish
volunteer, who mistook him for an escape<l
l)risoner.

Two years later (lS7(i) founil liim making a
tour to the West Indies and SiMith America.
This trip proved to be a very successful one.
He secured many zolixigical specimens, and im-
miidiately upon Ins return Prof. Ward, with a
keen appreciation of Mr. Ilomaday's ability,
again sent him forth, this time on a more ex-
tended trip, covering India, C'eylon, the Malay
Peninsula, liorneo and around the world
Many of our readers have no doubt read the
story of this trip in Mr. Hornaday's book
7'mo Vears in the. Jiinr/le.* In India, among
otiicr tilings he secured many specimens of the
crocodile on the liiver Jumna. Page after
page could be filled in describing the shooting
of elephants, bears, tigers, itc. The largest
tiger, taken the year lie was there, was shot by
liim. It measured nine feet eight iiuhes and
weighed 49.") pounds. The Indian collection
tilled five large w.agons when ready to ship.
In Ceylon and the Malay Peninsula more cle.
phants, crocodiles, with many rare things, were
taken, including marine curios. Pas.sing to
Borneo he paid his respects to the orang utans,

• V«r s;i1e Ijy Frank ISIakc Wuli^tcr Ci

.'lice $S.m.

and from the swamps and jungles, teeming
with malaria and danger, he secured f<irty-
thrce specimens of these monkey-men. A
group of them prepared by him and now in the
National Museum is one of the wonders of
that institution. Three years were occupied
on this trip.

IJeturning, Mr. Ilorniiday devoted liis atten-
tion to Autistic Taxiuku.my, and developed
such remarkable skill that the attention of the
public was at once directed to him, and in 1K82
lie was appointed Chief Taxiiieumist to the
United .States National Museum, the highest
position that could be offered to the Professor.
This position he retained for eight years, and
during that time a remarkable advance was made
in the character of the collections there. During
this period he was sent to Montana, to secure
specimens of the American IJison (butl'ahi),
which were nearly extinct, and the government
recognized it as the last chance to ad<l them to
the collection. His usual success did not fail
and 2:i specimens were obtained, their skins
saved and skeletons as well. A groii]) of six
from this lot, preserved by him and now at the
museum, is claimed by tliose wlin liavc seen
them, to be the finest work of an AxiioiacvN

T.\XinEI!.MIST

T/zc Ej-teii)iiiint!on of the Aiiiei-ic((n lU.iati,
published by the Smithsonian Institution in
18S9, written by William T. Iloinaday, (see
O. & O., Vol. XV, No. 2, p. :V2) shows that if
there had been at the institutiim a iii:iii of his
stamp years ago to give warning, that noble ani-
mal might to-day have still in a great measure
been retained. Having wheeled the work in his
ilepartment well into line, he next gave his at-
tention to the establishment of the National
Zoological Park, wiiicii the W^vsiiinoton at-

TIIOIilTIES S.VY OWES ITS EXISTENCE MOKE TO
Ills EFFOIiTS THAN ANY OTIIEU MAN. The

park was established by Congress in 1880, in
accord with the i^ians and estimates of cost
mode tjy Mr. Hornaday, who was to ue rrs
SupEiiiNTENDENT, in charge of its iiraetieal
development. The park was placed under the
secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, »•/,</
xtrair/htway orerlhrevi all Mr. Jlorniidny's
plans, which led to the prompt resignation of
the latter, and when he went out the ]•.r^AI.^•s
of the enterprise went also, and it may be
safely said that it w-as a national eahunity, and
goes to show that imlilies and science do not
travel well together.

In our May issue we stated tliat we could not
unilerstanil how that institutidu cnuld allord to
part witli liiin. We think we now know why

August 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

115

it was done, and it does not reflect much credit
to the management.

Mr. Iloruaday went to Buffalo, N. Y.. wliere lie
is now secretary of the Union Land Exchange.
While there he completed his work, Taxidermy
and Zoolor/ical Collecting, notice of which was
given in our last issue, and which will be in the
hands of every enterprising taxidermist and
collector in our land. In looking over its
pages one cannot fail to notice the kind manner
which he refers to his companions in art, a
good word for all. We admire a man with
such a key note to his character.

Mr. H'ornaday was a leading spirit in the
Society of American Taxidebmists, which as-
sociation, by its exhibitions from time to time,
has done so much to elevate the standard of the
art in this country.

When taxidermy called forth Ilornaday, she
summoned a genius whose fame will remain
forever a bright light in the i-anks of our
American collector.s. F. li. II'.

Five Months in Newfoundland.

notes from

THE DIARY
BIGELOW.

OF IIO>rER

(Continued.)

The next four days were iiassed in this
vicinity with but little advantage, while wait-
ing for the schooner to come. Saw Wilson's
Snipe, Pectoral and Least Sandpipei's, Black-
bellied Plover, Kingneck, Osprey, Cormorants,
Tern, Herring Gulls, Sharp-shinned Ilawk and
Shore Lark.

At last all was ready, and on the 20th we
started on our way to Custlett. It was over
the same old road as before though somewhat
changed. We passed the night at Big Bara-
chois, about twelve miles from Placentia and
reached Custlett at 2 r.ii. of the next da.y.

On the 22d I shot my first Ptarmigan. Snipe
are hero, and we are getting a few, but the
walking on the marsh is terrible.

PTARMIGAN (WINTER PLUMAGE). I'"™'" "Coups' Key to North American Birds."

116

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 10-Nn. 8

The morning of the 2fith was blight and
clear as we steijpetl from the door to have a
day with tlie Ptarmigan. We liad borrowed a
(hig from a neighbor, and after a walk of four
miles went out upon the marsh. We entered a
large gulley and had walked nearly through it
before we started a flock, f 'ahoon and I both
fired at the same bird, which under the circum-
stances came to bag. A little fartlicr along
and another flock went up, from which Cahoon
got one, but I was too far away to get a sliot. I
marked them down though they flew a long
w.ay, in a row of " Tucks."

Going in that direction one got upto Cahoon,
another fell sti-uck by a charge from both of
us, and in a moment anotlier was u]) on my
side, and came to earth again without delay.

We each took one side of the "Tucks" and
soon another bird ro.se, twisted over toCalioon's
side and was doubled up in a twinkling. The
dog was very wild and kindly started two
flocks out of rifle range. After teaching liim a
few points in behavior we ranged ahead. Two
Snipe got up to me, one going straight aw.ay
and the other a right quarter. I tried to make
a double and made a double OO. I do not
think this gun shoots right.

The next bird was a Ptarmigan, ami it fell
riddled, for Gaboon and I for a third time lired
simultaneously.

While f(dlowing the "Tucks," I sighted six
Geese sitting in the marsh about ."lOO yards
away and we commenced to "stalk" them.
The ground was too open, however, for this
sort of work and they soon got up, but settled
again on a bit of high ground about a half mile
away. This spot was surrounded by gullies,
and while I attracted the attention of the birds
Cahoon crept along fin his hands and knees
until he gained the cover of the gullies, sixty
yards away. The advance was now easy,
until within 200 yards, when he was compelled
to work along in the grass, and though in plain
sight so slow were his movements that he got
within 12.5 yards. He now i)ut both barrels
into the thick of them and up went the six
geese into the air. One, however, had more
than he could carry and throwing his head
back returned to Mother Earth witli a
tlnul.

This was the end of our sport for the day
for we saw no more birds. We reacdieil
Custlett at 7 p.m. tired out, having covered
nearly twenty miles of marsh, nearly all the
way being knee deep in soft moss. Our bag
was eight Ptarmigan, one Snipe an<l a (Canada
Goose.

Other birds for the week were Golden Plover
and Pectoral Sandi)ipcr.

On the 2!)tli we took a north(^asterly direction
'vith the idea of striking tlie head of Ihc
Custlett Ilivei'. We were soon among the
Ptarmigan and clearly forgot the time, so that
we did not start for home until nearly five
o'clock. Darkness soon overtook us, ami if
iintti dark.

We tramped along mile after mile tlirougb the
mud and w.iter nj) to the knees, momentarily
exjiecting to fall into some hole. We avoi(h'd
the " tucks " as much as possilde and at last
by great good luck .and closely f(dlowing the
compass, we fimnd the road not far from our
lodgings.

This was only a sample, and on Friday tlie
same locality was visited, liut by a ditlerent
route, and this time we arrived home at a
seasonable hour, not having seen a bird in the
twenty miles' walk until we were witliin a half
mile of Custlett, when \w started a tlock of
Ptarmigan.

The other birds for the week were Swamp>
Savannnh and Fox .Sparrows; Common and
Iludsonian Chickadee; a Woodpecker and a
few Gulls and Ducks.

The next few days developed little of inter-
est except a very bad cold wliicli made me very
uncomfortable, so that I did little work, but
on the 9th the Ptarmigan were tried once
more. The wind was cold, blowing from the
north, when we stepped on the marshes. 'I'lie
first birds wiiieh went up sent the blood at a
rate which soon warmed us up, and I
wounded one of them, but he was not killed, and
put into a " tuck." I followed him and a fresh
bird got up in front of me which I dropped,
killed dead. At the same time my wounded
bird flushed, and Mr. Calioon stopped ins fur-
tlier progress.

On the other side of the liill the dog ixiinted
again and two birds got up, to come back to
earth again and repose in our game bags. It
was some time before we found again, but
when we did it was a large flock and I selected
an old cock-bird and di'opped him with a <lozen
somersaults. Cahoou followed suit, and a third
which we could not tell to whom it belonged
went lip into the air thirty or forty feet, set its
wings and sailed off. We ilid not fire at it
•ag.iin as we expected it would drop, but it scaled
out of range.

I found my liird not (piitc dead and w'ns
finishing it when uj) went another bird and
bang! went Calioon's gun. Down it c.ime and
uj) it went again going past my head like a

August 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

11'

PTARMIGAN SUMMER PLUMAGE). Fron' "( ™es' Key to North Aniprican Birds

lliisli. (':ili(Min wheeled, ami with a linequniter-
iiij; shot dropped it dead.

A few rods farther on a pair of birds got
up and I put light and left at them and both
dropped. I was congratulating myself on the
fine shot when Cahoon claimed one of them as
his bird. I yielded, but I think I shot that
bird.

We uf)W separated, and until we met again I
only got two Canada .Jays. On the other side
of .Vngus f'ove we raised a large Hook of Ptar-
migan which went off wild without giving us a
shot. Then two fine birds went up and one
came my way. Bang! never touched him.
Bang! ! and a charge of No 4's doubled him
up like a jack-knife. Cahoon did not start a
feather.

The next flushed to me, the dog having
j)assed it, and I put both barrels after him, the
second knocking out a few feathers and making
bis journey short. I had turned to find him

when just liehind me sounded " Gohiirk, gri-
h((rl,: i/ohack, Hi/iicr-r-r-r-r," and a big bird got
up, but a charge of 8's brought him down, and
he was my meat.

Other birds, Shore Larks, Chickadees, small
Hawk, Ravens, and a large flock of Koliins, the
only ones since September 1st.
(To be Continued.)

Outside " in Winter.

A very small proportion of those interested
in bird ways know anything of the every-day
life of those birds that follow the fisherman's
trade, and especially is It so in winter when
the summer boanlers have deserted tlie hotels
and boarding houses at the seaside resorts, and
the few, who may by chance reside in local-
ities favorable to such observations, imagine

118

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. ]G-No. 8

that the subject is uninteresting to others,
sinij)ly beeiiuse it is an old story witli them-
selves; wlioreas, to tlie less favored landsmen,
the subject is really fascinatiiif;, for with tlieni
"familiarity has not bred contemiit."

As I am myself a landsman, who has been
fortunate enougli to have spent a winter on an
island at the entrance of the harbor of one of
the greatest fishing ports of the world, I have
availed myself of the opportunity to keep an
eye out for any interesting items and "family
gossip" of the birds of the sea, for these ?)0)i
mots, if not as important as dry data of the
capture or occurences of the birds themselves,
are, at least, fully as interesting.

During the winter I was a frequent passen-
ger on the "trawlers" and " netters," besides
enjoying several cruises on a government vessel
in M issachusetts and Ipswich Bays, and was
"outside" ( to use the fishermen's phrase,) in
all kinds of weather, and saw many difl'erent
phases of bird life. One of the birds which I
shall ever associate with the ocean in winter
time, is the Kittiwakc, known by the fishermen
of Cloucester as tlie Jleterick, Jack (iull. Snow
Gull, Winter Gull, Frost-bird, etc.

From early November until late in March,
they are always present in greater or less num-
bers, and one never runs off-.shore far enough
to escape them. No weather is too boister-
ous to keep them in port. When the air is
frosty witli zero weather, or in the thickness of
a snow storiu, — and snow in thick at sea, —
be the water rough, or glassy in a dead calm,
tlie Meterick is always prescitt.

lie is Neptune's Chickadee, and is as confid-
ing and cheerful as liis counterpart of our
woods and orchards. His voice, too, is just as
"harmoniously harsh," and as full of minute
variations as with tliat good-natured fuss-
biulget. True, he has no syllabic sounds like the
"chick-a-dee-dee-dee," which startles one so
on a winter's day, when he fancies himself the
only animate being within gunshot; but there is
not .1 sound in the tJhickadee's conversational
vocabulary which has not a duplicate in that of
the Kittiwake, though the latter is far more
bashful than our Parii.s and nevcrsays anything
unless he feels perfectly at homo.

They are very graceful birds and equally
strong of fiight. Tliey remind me of the iish-
ing vessels which they follow, while the large
(Julls are like the coasting vessels, brave
enough on fair days, but mighty uneasy in
"easterly" weather, when they run for the
nearest road-stead and stay there until the
storm signals are taken down, liut no wind

turns the Meterick back, and tliey never eeme
into the harbors in any numbers, compared to
their ]ilentifulness outside.

1 have been sailing "on the wind," when it
blew a gale, and watched a Winter (iull which
sailed just over the peak of the main-sail (a
favorite position), and though I stared until
my neck was stiff, and my eyes afire I eould
not see a feather move in the wings. If we
heeled to a flaw, the bird slid to one side; if
we increased or .slackened our speed, he did
tlie same, and always keeping exactly the same
distance from the sail, and on several occasions
I have seen it preen the fcatheis of the breast
and nnder-jiaits, and even scratch its car with-
out losing headway.

The most favorable condition to .study the
ways of this bird is found by taking passage on
a "trawler," for wlicn the lisheimeu bring
their trawls aboanl to bait, tliey cho]> up frozen
herring for that i)ur])osc, and throw the heads
and tails overboard. A.s the Gulls are alw.ays
hungry and very tame, they will come along-
side, frequently alighting within a couple of
feet of the schooner's sides. In lighting, they
and all other Gulls which I have seen, hover
for a moment over the spot selected and then
.settle down, leaving their wings half sjircnil
.above their back for some little time, for what
leason, I am unable to guess, unless it is to
steady themselves, and when they take llight
they invariably face the quarter fiom which
the wind may be blowing.

.Someone has said that Gulls aie the Crows of
the sea, aiul ceitainly they are great scaven-
gers, but one article of which the Winter Gulls,
probably others, are very fond, is not gener-
ally known, viz. : fish eggs. On several occas-
ions, wiien 1 have thrown infertile spawn
over the rail, and seen these Gulls devour it
very greedily, and as the eggs of most salt
water fish float on the surface duiing the jieriod
of hatching, it is possible that the (iuUs make
way with no inconsiilerable numbers.

The other birds of this family, which aio
commonly seen are the Herring, lilack-backed,
and Glaucous Gulls, though none aie as
abundant as the Meterick, nor are they found
under all conditions; for, .although I have seen
the first two species out of sight of land, they
are much more common in-shoic. They both
occur in immature and adultjilumagcs throngli-
out the winter; while with the Herring (iulls,
the young is the more common, and is the
source from which the fishermen derive tlic
name of "Gray Gull." This title is given
indiscriminately to the young of either the

August 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

11!>

Herring or the Black-bucked Gull, while the
adult forms are known as the "White" or
"Sea (tuU" and " Minister," respectively. The
Glaucou.s Gull, which is sometimes found as an
associate of the two above mentioned, is also
termed "Minister," though usually qualified
by the adjective, "White," while I have heard
the Black-backed Gull .spoken of as "Black
Minister" and "Coffin-bird," on one or two
occasions. Another common name for (ilaucous
is "Owl Gull."

These larger Gulls are somewhat (luarrel-
some, a trait not common with the Kittiwakes.
A half-dozen birds will fight over a dead fish for
half an hour. They are also more awkward in
their movements than the Winter (Julls, and
are most ungraceful when alighting upon the
surface of the water, letting their feet dangle
in a most absurd manner, befcne settling down.
They commonly carry their feet extending
backward and slightly drooping, i.e., bent at
the tarsal joint, while on the wing, but the
Metericks either cover theirs entirely with the
under tail coverts, or else fold them back
closely against the downy feather's. They al.so
dive like Terns, which is .something which the
large Gulls never do. It is remarkable to see
how large a fish a Herring Gull will swallow,
{the Kittiwake is not a gourmand), and the con-
tortions of the bird while performing this feat
are both agonizing and ridiculous. I have seen
a bird of this species carry off successfully a
cod fully fifteen inches in length, but cannot
say positively that it was subsequently de-
voured.

The other birds which are most conspicuous
are the Razor-billed Auk, the Pigeon an<l Com-
mon Guillemot, and Least Auk or Sea Dove,
all known by the general title of ice birds,
though the I.,east Auk is also called " Dovc-
kie," and the Common Guillemot is known as
the "Murre," which is the same, I think, as
the " Mura" of some writers.

A much rarer bird is the Puffin, ( called Par-
akeet" ai'd "Sea-parrot,") which is quite
unsuspicious, and easily taken when seen, as
is the Sea-dove. One of the latter was killed
with a stone by one of the men at the Fish
Commission building, and many have been
reported to have been knocked down with
oars. They are all splendid divers and swim
a great distance under water. When on the
wing they Hy well, with short, quick strokes,
just cleai'ing the tops of the waves.

Nesting and Other Habits of the

Pine Warbler in Eastern North

Carolina.

Harry Gordon Wliite.

(_il(mcc..iter, Mass.

The Pine Warbler {Dendroira vigorMi) is a
common resident at all seasons in this locality,
ami generally commences nest-building early
in March, but in a great measure seems to be
influenced entirely by the weather. They
frequent mixed woods, and I occasionally find
them in isolated pine groves. In the spring
and summer they usually inhabit the higher
pines, but in autumn and winter may bo
found almost anywhere.

This species is mostly insectivorous, but in
winter consumes a large amount of vegetable
food, especially pine mast and sumac berries.
I have seen them hunting about on the ground
in the dead of winter, presumably after grass
.seed.

The female does all of the building, while
the male accompanies her back and forth on
his trips, diligently singing to her to cheer
her in the task. When the nest is building it
is the best time to find it, as the bii-d can
nearly always be detected in her business-like
flight, going directly into the tree next to the
one containing the nest or the one just beyond.
She gathers the material from all s<u-ts of
places, in trees and on the ground. I have
frequently seen feathers in the material that
composed the nest.

All the nests that I have seen w-ere found by
my cousin, T. A. Smith wick, and all but two
were taken by him or under his supervision,
and all were found this year, IS'.tl.

Nest No. 1. This, the first, nest was placed
on a horizontal limb of a pine, about thirty
feet up and twelve feet from the trunk. Al-
though not very high it was with some diffi-
culty reached; and this was accomplished by
j going up a beech near by and lifting it off with
a reed that had a wire fork fixed in the end of
it. The nest was empty, and was set back in
its former position so that the bird might use
it again if she w.anted to, but alas, she
never wanted to, and thus we weie foiled
in our first attempt to obtain the eggs
of this species ; but better luck awaited us.

Nest No. 2 was found by my cousin who
showed it to me when the bird was building.
It was in a pine about seventy feet up and
about six feet from the body. Near the first
of April he procured the services of a good-
sized colored boy to do the climbing, who
reluctantly went to the nest and brought it to

120

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 8

terra Jirma without niisliap. It cont;;iiiieil
four cygs, and was ot the usual coinposilion
as all other nests of this species.

Nest No. 3. This was tlie same pair tliat
built nest No. 1, as the nest was in a small
pine about thirty yards to the southeast.
About tlie first of May we concluded to take it
and run the chances of it containins tbo full
complement of eggs. It had to be readied by
climbing a small oak that stood near, and
swinging into a pine tbat grew up very near
the nest from which it was to be taken. My
cousin tried first, but never got high enough
to swing into the pine from the oak. Tie
came down and then I tried. I went right up
the oak, but was considerably wearied when I
reached the place from vvliere I was to swing
into the pine. After resting I caught hold of
one of the pine's limbs and pulled it to me.
Taking a good hold on the pine's body I boldly
stepped into it to show my cousin how easily
it was done; but I must confess tliat I felt
more as if I were stepping from the Niagara
Bridge to the Brooklyn Bridge tlian anything
else. It made me so nervous that I was
almost afraid to touch the nest or eggs, (jet-
ting composed a little, I cautiously palled the
nest from the limb on which it was placed
and was delighted to find that it contained
four eggs also. I put them into my hat and
.slid down the pine to the ground without
accident. The nest was as usual, and the
eggs were found, on blowing them, to be
perfectly fresh.

Another nest was found but was deserted
on account of the weather, I think. If a bad
spell of weather sets in after the nest is just
begun it is almost sure to be deserted; but if,
on the other hand, the nest is anyways nearing
completion it is not likely to be left unless the
weather is unusiially bad.

J. W. P. SmilJiwIrk.

Oological Notes for O. & O.

.Tune 11, 1801. To woods this afternoon.
Took the nest of Magnolia found on 7th; there
were four eggs in it: also took White-throated
Sparrow's nest found on 0th, with three eggs;
these were well incubated. Had another look
at my Ruby-crowned Kinglet's home. It still
lield six eggs, and .so left it, as did not think
sot was complete. Found two more Mag-
nolias' nests, one just bnilt, the other about
half built; these were placed on the little low

sjirnce trees. Exaniiueil the Yellow Warbler's
nest found on the .'jth; it held two eggs.

.luue 12th. Took the Ruby Kingh^t's nest
tliis evening ; it still held six eggs, and I con-
cluded set was complete. Both old birds were
close about me ; the J especially woidd come
right liandy, would raise his bright, ruby crest
and cry, "two-two-two-two." I did not shoot
either of the birds, as I have seen them so
often and watched them since the 2(!th of May
that it was not necessary, as their identity is
beyond dispute.

.June 14th. To woods this afternoon. Fouu<l
the Ruby Kinglet's nest that I was looking for
on the 7th; but fortunately for the birds, and
unl(utunately for me, it was full of young.
This nest was clean uj) to the top of a black
spruce tree about forty feet up, and pla<ed
underneath the brancli, and hanging to the
little twi^s. This nest, like one I found on
26th of May, could not be seen from the ground,
and wag hard to make out when up the tree
and close by it. I hunted for this on the 20th
of May, but could not place it.

Saw the $ Black-throated (iicen Warlilcr
on her nest, that I found building on May 20th.
This holds now four eggs.

Examined the Yellow Warbler's nest found
on May oth. There are now four eggs in
it.

Found i.wo Redstarts' nests about built.
Had look at Flycatcher's nest found buihliug
May ;^lst. There were no eggs in it on the 0th
inst., but it holds now tliree little wliite eggs

.June loth. Took nest of Flycatcher nu'n-
tioned above; it held four eggs.

Took nest of Yellow Warbler found May ."itli ;
it held four eggs.

Took nest of Black-throated Green Warbler,
found building May 20th; it held four eggs.

Found nest of Yellow-rump Warbler, on
limb of pine tree; did not examine it, will do
so later.

June Ifith. Looked at Yellow-rump War-
bler's nest mentioned above, disapi)oiuted to
fuid it contained young.

Found another Magnolia's nest, with four
eggs.

Took Redstart's nest, found building June
7th; it held four eggs. This was placed in
crutch of beech tree, about ten feet up ; eggs
quite fresh.

Tooknest of Flycatchers (they go " chebec"),
found building May 20tli;this had four wliite
eggs, not marked in any way; they were begin-
ning to incubate. Nest was up fully sixty feet
from ground, and was bard to secure. I sue-

AlKitlST IS'Jl.]

AND OOLOGIST.

121

ceedecl in blowing both these and Itedstart's
eggs very nicely.

The Junco's nest found building 9th inst.
has now four eggs in it.

.June 17th. To woods all day. Found nest
of Yellow-rump Warbler; this was way up in
a hemlock tree, about thirty feet, and placed
way out on a limb, and was very difficult to
secure. The 9 was seen, on and off the nest,
and w.is clo.se at hand when I was taking it.
The nest held four eggs. Greenish-white,
marked with brownish-purple spots, and were
quite fresh. Nest made outside with strips
of fine bark, and small twigs of fir tree, and
lined with horse hair and feathers.

F(uind two more nests of the Flycatchers.
One was up fully sixty feet in crutch of white
birch. 9 was i)n nest, $ Wiis on hand. Nest
held four white eggs; no markings, and
slightly incubated. Nest is made outside with
fine birch bark and little rootlets; inside is
lined with hair. Second nest was in same kind
of tree, about forty feet up. It held four eggs,
exactly like first nest, and was slightly incu-
bated. Nest made like first named, but inside
is lined with fine grass and feathers.

Tooknest of Flycatcher, found building May
.Wth. It was most difficult to take, being up
fully sixty feet, in crutch of white birch, — a
crooked (ree to shin, and not a limb on it for
nearly fifty feet. This held four eggs like the
others, but were fi-esh. The nest was smaller
outside than the others, and is made of pulp-
like vegetable matter, ant] lined with thistle
down. 9 was seen on and off the nest.

Way I found the two nests to-day was by
watching the $ feeding the 9 "" their nests.
With my glasses I could observe them nicely.

Took nest of Magnolia found on 10th inst.
It held four dull, whitish eggs, blotched heavily
with brown at the larger ends, and spotted all
over with brown. The eggs were quite fresh.
Nest WIS about three feet from ground,
on little spruce tree: outside composed of
twigs, small roots and grass; inside lined
with hair. 9 ^^^^ seen on the nest.

Took Magnolia's ncstfound on the 1 1th inst.
It held four eggs to-day. They are marked
on larger ends with a ring of brown blotches,
rest is a plain dull white. Nest similar to one
described above.

Took .1 unco's nest found building !)th inst.
This still held four eggs, as noted yesterday.
They were fresh. They are a beautiful set of
a dull greenish-white, blotched with reddisli-
brown very heavily at large ends, and slightly
marked all over. Nest on ground, way in un-

derneath a bank, and is composed of dried
grass, lined with hair.

Also found two Redstarts' nests, one just
completed, other containing three ejigs.'

June ISth. To woods all day, but did very
little. Took Redstart's nest named above, it
holding four eggs. Found another of the
Least Flycatcher nests up in crutch of white
birch tree. It held two white eggs. I left it
for bird to complete set. Found a nest on the
i ground, sunk in the moss, just built; saw no
bird, but think it is a Maryland Yellow-throat;
will see it later on.

Saw large fiock of Pine Grosbeak, Crossbills,
Hudsonian Chickadee, and three Bay-breasted
Warblers. Think last named have nest in the
vicinity, and will hunt it up.

Saw the $ and 9 Ruby Kinglets belonging
to the nest I took on the 12th; they have kept
about ever since. They may possibly build
again this season.

Was watching the 9 Ruby carrying insects
to her young, belonging to nest I found on 14tli.
The $ was also there, but simply assisted by
singing.

June l'.)th. Ran over to woods this evening,
after tea, and found another nest of the Least
Flycatcher. This is just built, and, as usual,
is up in crutch of a white birch tree.

Examined nest of Redstart, found on I2tli; it
held three eggs. Looked at Redstarts found
on nth ; no eggs in it yet.

June 20th. In the woods all day. Looked
at Flycatcher's nest found l.Sth; it still held
the two eggs.

E.xamined the nest on ground, found IStli,
no eggs in it yet.

Found, to me, two new nests, close by where
I found the Yellow Palm Warbler's nest. One
of these nests is on a little spruce tree, sus-
pended from the limbs, about three feet up;
other is in crutch of a little alder. These
nests are just built. Could not see the birds,
but suspect they are Flycatchers of some
description.

Saw the p.airof Bay-breasted Warblers, noted
on ISth, and started in to find the nest. I
began at quarter past one, and at four o'clock
exactly / hail it. Nest is up about twenty feet,
out on end of hemlock bough, but is not yet
completed. I watched the 9 for half an hour,
going to and from the nest, and with my
glasses could sec her quite plainly. This is first
find, for me, of this handsome Warbler, and I
am pleased at my success.

I noticed a pair of I^east Flycatchers hard at
work at their nest, and will look it up later on.

122

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 8

June 21st. Took tlie Redstart's iie.st to-day
tliat I found biiiUliiifj on 12tli, and that held
three eggs on the 19th. To-day it contained
firr. \est is the prettiest one yet, being lined
witli featliers and hair, and outside made of
strips of fine birch bark. $ was on tlie nest.

June 24th. liCft house at seven o'clock tliis
evening, and ran out to see Bay-breasted War-
blei''s nest. Tliis holds one egg now. The 9
was on the nest.

Looked at nest, found IStli on ground: until-
ing in it, and don't understaml it.

Looked at the two new nesti (I call tlieni
until I see and secure the birds). The one on
spruce ti-ee has one egg in it. Tlie one on tlie
alder has two eggs. Tliey don't look unlike
the Olive-sided Flycatcher, but are not so dis-
tinctly or so heavily marked. Could not get a
glimpse of tlie birds, and they are very shy;
will get them by and by.

June 2.'>th. Took nest of (Joldcii Warbler,*
found built on the 4th. This contained five
eggs. It was situated on edge of swamp, up
in crutch of small bushes, fastened at the sides
to the small branches. Nest is compact, cup
shaped, made of grayish fibres, stems of plants,
tops of ferns, and is thickly lined with thistle
down, a few feathers and some hairs. 9 "as
seen on nest. Eggs were very badly incubate<l.

Took Redstart's nest, found ITtli. This held
no eggs on ISlth, but contained four to-day.
Eggs were fresh; marked like other sets
described. Nest outside composed of tops of
ferns, pieces of bark, and horse hair ; insiile
lined with fine grass, hair and leathers. 9
seen on, the nest.

Found another (at present to me) new nest.
Tliis was in the middle of a beastly swamp.
Nest was well hidden, up in centre of some
dense bushes, saddled in the crutches and fast-
ened at the sides. It is long and cup shaped.
Length outside, five inches; circumference,
outside at top. eleven and one-fourth inches;
at bottom, eight and one-half inches; depth
inside, two inches; breadth inside, two inches.
Nest is made entirely of coarse dry hay, noth-
ing else, and lined with fine grass only. It
contained four eggs, fresh, with yellowish-
gray back-ground, clouded all over, as the
colors bad run, with heavy, dirty brown; back-
ground hardly shows. Saw bird for an instant.
It looked like Song Sparrow, longer in body,
darker in plumage, and made harsh chirping
sound. Query, — What shall we call it ?

Found and took Redstart's nest with four

* Siianucr YeIlow-l)ir<l.

eggs, placed on limb of black spruce, about
seven feet up. Outside composed of pieces
of cord, paper, rags, and bark; inside, hair,
grass, and feathers. Eggs were incubated.
9 on nest.

Found and took another Redstart nest.
This was also on limb of black spruce. Con-
tained four eggs. Nest same as above. Eggs
incubated. 9 en nest.

Found and took Hermit Thrush nest with
three eggs. This was on side of hill beneath
some ferns. Xest, outside composed of long
moss, shreds of bark and dry grasses; inside
lined with pine needles. Eggs greenisb-blne,
plain, and beginning to incubate. 9 scared otf
the nest.

Found and took two nests of (I presume)
the Song Sparrow. One was up fifteen feet in
.a spruce tree, clo.se into the trunk, and held
four large eggs, whitisli-green, thickly spot-
ted with reddish-brown. Nest outside is a
bulky affair, made of leaves, coarse grass and
weeds; inside lined with fine grass and black
horse hair. Eggs were fresh. 9 scared otf
the nest.

The other nest, same as above, but smallei.
It held four eggs marked like first set. Nest
was on low spruce tree, about five feet up.

Looked at Flycatcher's nest found on l.Stli,
with two eggs, but it was destroyed. This is
no doubt the work of the Red S(|uirrel, as that
rascal and the smalt boys have desi roved a
great many nests for me Ibis season.

Examined Flycatpher nest found on I'.llh.
It held three eggs; did not take it as four must
complete the set.

June 2()tli. Ran over to woods this evening
after tea, .and found the Ruby-throated Iluin-
mingljird's nest (been looking for this for
two seasons); it held one young one. Nest is
saddled on hanging limb of a white birch.

June 27th. To woods this afternoon. II
was raining hard. Found and took Redstart's
nest, witli four eggs. Eggs badly incubated.

Took Least Flycatcher's nest, found cm the
10th. It still held three eggs, as on the 251h.
Eggs were quite fresh. Nest sm.aller than
usual; very shallow, and made of pajier, hair,
and fine rootlets; inside lined with hair and
pine needles.

Examined the two neio nests, found 20th
inst.* They hold now three eggs each. They
are a buff color, marked with red spots. Nests
are bulky and different from other Flycatchers.
Could not see birds on nest or off. Will spend

• Since identifieil as Yellow-liellicd Flycatcher.

AUGIT.ST 1801.]

AND OOLOfilST.

123

a day with tliera next week, iiiid take tliem in.
Will tlien be in position to identify and give
full |);iitlonIars. H. Av.iten.

A Series of Eggs of the White-
bellied Nuthatch.

The eggs of the Whitc-bellied Nuthatch
(Sitta caroUnensls) exhibit con.siderablo varia-
tion both in shape and coloiation. .Some .sets
approach very near in apj)earance to eggs 'of
the Tufted Titmouse (Parus hicolor).

Set I. May .'), ISSS. Weavervillo, N. C.
Nest in hollow limb, forty feet up. Composed
of hair, feathers, etc. Five eggs, incubation
advanccil. White, speckled with chestnut and
lihu'-grny. The markings are much heavier
at tlie larger ends. (This is characteristic of
the eggs of this bird, and in describing the
subsequent sets it will not be referred to.)
. 71 X. .");■); .7:3 X. 'jo; .70x..i.5; .71 x.. 5.5; .7;!x..54.

Set II. March 2fi, 1SS7. Cooke Couuty,
Texas. Nest in an excavation made by the
bird in a dead stump. Com])osed of fur and
down. Eight eggs, fresh. This is a veiy
curious set. The ground color is light creamy
white; two of the eggs arc faintly speckled
with chestnut, a third a little more heavily
sijookled with the same color, a fourth a little
more heavily speckled, while the remaining
four arc quite heavily spotted with chestnut.
There are also a few sjjecks of lilac-gray on all
of them, but on this set as on all the others of
the series, this lilac-gray does not make itself
apparent unless closely looked for. One of
them is also distinctly i)yriform: ."Xx.'iT;
.70X.57; .71X.00; .74x.r>n; .0!)x.57; .71x..W;
.70x..")S; .71x.r)t^.

Set III. March 20, 18S7. Cooke County,
Texas. Nest in a dead stump. Made of
feathers, fur and nu)ss. Six et.'gs, fresh.
Creamy while, speckled and spotted with
hazel: .74x.5]; .72x..51; .7lx.52; .70x.r,2;
.72x..'il; .fiSx.ijl.

Set IV. May 9, 1SS8. Nazareth, Penn.
Nest in large Spanish oak about seventy-five
feet up. Made of lichens and bark of trees,
lined with horse and rabbit hair. Six eggs,
iuc\ibalion advanced. Creamy white, heavily
speckled and spotted with hazel. There are a
few specks of lilac-gray also: .7;jX.54; .T-'x.M;
.72x.r)(i; .72X.5.5; .72x.55; .73x..56.

Set V. .lune 7, 1882. Saybrook, Conn.
Nest in a hole in trunk of a large elm, twelve
feet up. Seven eggs, fresh. (Second set.)

Creamy white, sprinkled and speckled with
hazel: .74x.58; .75x.57; .74x.56; .74x..58;
.75x.r)(); .74X.56; .7">x.r)5.

Set VI. May 5, 1889. Nazareth, Penn.
Nest in red oak about seventy-five feet high.
Made of lichens, rabbit hair and bark. Eight
eggs, fresh. White, speckled and spotted
with hazel and lil.ac-gray: .72x..i9; .7f>x.r)0;
.73x.r)7; .7('ix.o0; .74x.57; .74x.57; .71x.r)(i;
.G9x..'J4.

Set VII. May 12, ISS9. Nazareth, Penn.
Nest in old a])ple tree, about four feet up.
Made of feathers, fungus growths, rabbit hair
and bark. Eight eggs, incubation advanced.
Two of them have a white ground color
speckled with vinaceous; but the remaining
six have a ])inkish-white ground color,
sprinkled with very minute specks of vin-
aceous. All have heavier maikings at the
laiger ends: .75x..51; .75x..59; .74x.59;
.74x..'J7; .75x.58; .74x.57; .73x.58; .74x..'>7.

Set VUI. May 14, 1S85. Nazareth, Penn.
Nest in a hollow tree, in woods. Eight eggs,
fresh. (This set has an especial interest as it
was collected by the veteran ocilogist, the late
E. llicksecker.) White, heavily speckled and
spotted with hazel. There are also a few
specks of lilac-gray: .74x.56; .77x.5.5;
.80x..5r); .77X.55; .7(;x..'')6; .lSx.r>'i; .77x.rw;
.71X.54.

Set IX. April H, 1887. Iredell County, N.
C. Nest of hair, feathers, etc., in an old
squirrel's den, in limb of large elm. Six eggs,
incubation begun. Pinkish white, thickly
speckled and spotted with hazel. There arc
also a few spots of lilac-gray: .70x..")5;
.74X.54; .71x.o4; .73x.5.t; .73x..54; .73x..54;
.73X..54.

Set X. May 17, 1884. Nazareth, Penn.
Nest ten feet up, in a squiriel's hole. Eight
eggs, fresh. White, very heavily speckled
and spotted with hazel and purplish-gray. A
beautifully marked set: .S0x..57; .79x.57;
.79x.5(i; .77X..50; .80x..')6; .81x.57; .Six. 57;
.78x.o7.

Set XI. May 14, 1887. Nazareth, Penn.
Nest in knot hole of chestnut, about seventy-
five feet up. Composed of lichens, rabbit
hair, cow hair and mouse fur; the latter being
the droppings fi-om a neighboring owl roost.
Eight eggs, incubation advanced. Creamy
white, heavily speckled and spotted with
liazel and a few spots of purplish-gray:
.76X.55; .77x.55; .74x.56; .75 x .50;,. 75 x .57;
.74 X .50; .75 x .56; .75 x .55.

Set XII. Miy 18, 1889. Nazareth, Penn.
Nest in white oak, twenty-five feet up. Mnde

124

ORNrniOI.OGIST

[V..1. Iti-No. 8

of cobwebs, rabbit hair and lichens. Seven
eggs, iiKuibation ailvanced. White, heavily
speckled and spotted with hazel: .70x.r)4;
.75X.55; .7:!x.55; .74x.54; .72x.r)5; .74x.r)5;
.75X.54.

Set XIII. Jl-iy 9, 18S8. Nazareth, Penn.
Nest in red oak, abo)it ninety feet up. Com-
posed of the Ijark of trees, lichens, wild cotton
and rabbit fur. Nine eggs, fresh. White,
very heavily speckled and spotted with hazel.
There are also a few spots of lilac-gray:
.74X.54; .77X..50; .77X..54; .73x..5r); .75x.W;
.7()X..57; .78x..o5; .7Sx..52; .73x..54. This is
a very beautifully marked set, and is tlie only
one in the series that contains nine eggs. It
is a very unusual number for this bird, for
although sets of ten have been taken they are
very r.are. From six to eight (especially the
latter number) would seem to be the usual
clutch.

Set XIV. May .'), 1SS8. Nazareth, Penn.
Nest composed of lichens and bark of trees,
lined with wool and rabbit hair. In white
oak tree, about seventy-five feet up. Five
eggs, fresh. Creamy white, very heavily
speckled and spotted with hazel and lilac-
gray. The markings on this set are much
more evenly distributed over the entire sur-
face than is nsu.al for this species: .77x.r)S;
.llx.hS; .l->x.r,-; .77X.57; .7Sx..-)7.

Set XV. April 24, 1S8.5. Lafayette County,
Miss. Nest in hollow limb of white oak tree.
Composed of feathers and lichens. Eight eggs,
fresh. White, heavily speckled and spotted
with hazel. There are a few spots of lilac-
gray also: .70X.57; .C9x.5S; .68x..')6; .6!lx..J7;
.6Sx..')7; .fi7x..57; .eSx.56; .C8x.57.

J. P. N.

The Nest of the Maryland Yellow-
throat.

All books and periodicals liave been accus-
tomed to assign the nest of this species to tlie
i/ronml. For many years I looked for it on
the ground, and looked in vain. During the
twelve years in which I was preparing for the
publication of my book. Our JiirdK in Their
Tldiintu, the nest escaped my search, though
I met the bird constantly, from Lake Superior
and Nova .Scotia to the southern states.

There is something very peculiar about
finding birds' nests. We may read all about
them and look for them, as we think, in just
the right place; but somehow they escape us.

Hy and by, to our great joy, we find one of the
very kind so long looked for; and now we can
find almost any number of that kind right
along. The secret of our success is, we have
had experience, we have become practical, we
have learned all the little circumstances of the
location of the nest and know exactly where
to look for it.

Any incorrect information, therefore, is
very misleading. So I found it to be in the
case of the nest of the Maryland Yellow-throat-
ed Warbler, — a wretchedly long name and not
very appropriate, but a name will stick. Since
coming to Washington, however, and spending a
great deal of time in growing fruit and veget-
ables on my small estate in the suburbs of the
city, where the bird is about as abundant as it
could well be, I have seen a largo number of
the nests. Not one of tliem han heen on the
ground. Placed in small bushes and in tus-
socks of gra.ss, it is often <piite near the
ground, never nearer, however, than two or
three inches, often as much as six or eight
inches, and in one case, of which I have been
credibly informed, as far as two feet from the
ground.

The nest, gracefully concealed by the ovei-
hanging grass or bushes, is neatly built, not
unlike that of the Indigo Hird, or that of the
P^iehl .Sparrow, and, like these, is lined with
borse-liair. The eggs, four in number gener-
ally, are clear white, speckled with reddish-
brown.

The nidification of this spcides is not con-
fined to low, swampy places, as one might
infer from the generally received impression
as to the habitat of the bird. It will take up
its abode in any suitable thicket where tall,
thick grasses and plenty of low bushes are
found. A raspberry or blackberry patch on
new ground, where clumps of bushes come up
annually around the stumjis, is a favorite
resort for this species, and as its lial>its are
strictly insectivorous it is a good servant in
such a locality. Probably it helps itself to a
few berries, as pretty much all the small
birds do; but is it not written "Thou shalt
not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn " ?
Who would grudge that happy and musical
little bird-servant a few rjrdinK of fruit in a
season".' The Catbird is about the woist
enemy to small fruit, especially the grajies;
but I do not allow my boys to shoot it. It is
ditficult to estimate the extent of service of
one such bird in a season in keeping down
noxious insects. J. II. Lfnirjille.

Smithsonian Institution. \\'.-ishin|iton, D. C.

August 1891.]

AND OOLOGrST.

l-2o

A Series of Eggs of the Phainopepla.

The ef;gs of the Pliiiinopei)Ia, or Black-
ci-estetl Flycatcher, (Phninnpcpla nitenn) are
uuiqiie ill their coh)ratioii. No other eggs of
any North American bird are like them, ami
they can be recognized at a glance.

Set r. June 27, ISSO. San Diego, Cal. Nest
in an elder, ten feet from the ground. Two
egg.s, fresh. Grayish, tliickly speckled with
olive-gray, slate-gray, and black: .S4x.00;
.8i)x.6l. The markings are scattered all over
the surface, but are a little heavier at the
larger ends. This is the case on most of the
larger sets.

Set II. Mayi2, 1SS5. Riverside, Cal. Nest,
a loose, slight structui'e, saddled on a horizon-
tal limb of a cottonwood tree. Two eggs,
fresh. Dull grayish, thickly speckled with
olive-gray, slate-gray, and black: .83x.(i2;
.82.\.0:5. The markings are evenly scattered
all over the surface.

Set III. April 10, ISSC. San Diego, Cal.
Nest in an alder bush. Three eggs. Light
grayish, thickly speckled, but more heavily at
the larger ends, with olive-gray, slate-gray and
black: .8Sx.64; .82x.C4; .S4x.ti2.

Set IV. June 8, 188:!. San Gorgonio Pass,
Cal. Xest in dead elder bush, ten feet from
the ground. Two eggs, incubation begun.
Dull giay, thickly speckleil with olive-gray,
slate-gray, and black: .S8x.62; .8.")x.02.

Set V. June 5, 18S;?. San Gorgonio Pass,
Cal. Nest on top of a limb, six feet from the
ground. Two eggs, incubation begun. I,ight
gray, thickly speckled, more heavily at the
laiger ends, with olive-gray, slate-gray, and
black: .8.">x.G:?; .82x..V,. (This latter egg is
unusually small.)

Set VI. June 20, 1880. San Diego, Cal.
Nest in an oak, fifteen feet from the ground.
Three eggs. Grayish, thickly sjieckled, but
moie heavily at the larger ends, with olive-
gray, slate-giay and black: .i)2x.0fi; .SK^x.Ol;
.8'J x .(K.

Set VII. June 20, 1887. Riverside, Cal.
Nest of weed stems, grass and leaves, lined
with twine. In a pepper tree, about fifteen
feet up. Two eggs, fresh. Drab-gray, thickly
si>eckled with mouse-gray. There is no black
on this set: .80 x .02: .88 x .6:3.

The statement on page 46.5 of Ridgway's
Mnniial of Nurfh Aiin'rlcitn Birds, that this
bird lays from ''two to live" eggs must be a
misprint, for two is a complete set, and nu>re
than three eggs have never been found.

J. P. N.

Notes from Raleigh, N. C.

A few of our noteworthy takes this season
are as follows: Ajjril 27tli, male Bacliman's
Warbler, and also set of four eggs (and both
birds) of Mountain Solitary Vireo. (The
birds were determined by Mr. Ridgway to be
intermediates, but perhaps nearer this sub-
species.)*

April 22d, Rcd-coekaded Woodpecker taken,
a female; May Otli, Golden-winged Wailjler,
male taken; May Sth and 11th, two Mountain
Solitary Vireos taken, both males; May 22d,
our second Bacliman's Warbler taken, a male
in full breeding condition.

In eggs we have taken one set Black Vul-
ture, one set Turkey Vulture, four nests of
Yellow-throated Warbler, one of which con-
tained young, one set of two Broad-winged
Hawks, besides sets of common species.

One of our Barred Owl stobs blew down, and
we found the eggs broken on the ground ;
another one contained young in the down.

During the past winter we took two Albinos,
one a Slate-colored Junco, two-thirds white,
the other a Field Sparrow, half white; we have
also had an Albino Robin brought us to mount.

We lately killed a Cottoiinioutli Mocassin
{Anaistrodoa insciKorus), which measured
nearly four feet and was a decidedly danger-
ous looking reptile. His cousin, a Copper-
head, fell a victim to us the same week. We
don't love poisonous snakes, you know.

ir. II. ,(■ C. S. ISrimhy.

Death of a Sapsucker.

Years ago, when considered too young to
handle a gun with safety, I was given, as a
compromise, free access to a bottle of strych-
nine, which was thought to be a less dangerous
weapon. Owls and Hawks were usually my
victims, but on one occasion a Yellow-bellied
Woodpecker suddenly dropped dead from an
apijle tree, a few seconds after taking a " dip "
of sap from a hole in which a small quantity
of my narcotic had been placed. This death
occurred about twenty-five years ago and is,
perhaps, a "first" in its way. Chronicled
now my record should run about as follows:
"9.22 A..M., October 10, 1806. Male returns,
dips, drops dead." (See Auk, Vol. VIII,
July, '91, p. 2.W.) .1. T. Park.

Warner, Tenn.

* This if. an ex.aiuple of fine .irt. — F. IJ. W.

12G

OUNiriinLOGIST

[Vol. If)- No. 8

Caprimulgidae on the Sea Island.

The Clmck-wiirs-vvidow came on April 12tli
this year, and the Night Hawk on tlie istli.
This was about tlie right time, thongli I have
known them both to vary a week cither way.
The Chucks are now (April 20th) in full song,
and as near as 1 can count them there are five
which join in concert close about my home
every night, as soon as the suu gets down. I
shall not interrupt the mu.sic by collecting for
about a month, for I want them to lay first.

The Night Hawk also lays here, and in the
fall migration may be calle<l " very abundant."
Judging from my record of times of laying,
they must often raise two broods.

The Whip-poor-will may be called quite rare.
I have obtained it twice — on the 14th of
March, 1887, and the 15th of March, 1884.
Have also seen it November 2, 1885, and heard
it once when the Chuck-will'.s-widows were in
full blast, but omitted to record the date.
This latter case would seem to show that they
may occasionally breed with us.

.Someone else ni.ay have a collecting pistol.
Finding I could not obtain No. 32 rim-lirc
long shells for my collecting pistol, L have
rigged a loading block and can now use the
shorts. I lengthen them with a cylinder of
pa])er, glued to the inside of the short shell,
then insert in a hole in a block that lets the
end come clear through and load through a
paper funnel, using pellets of soft newspaper
for wads; no wad on the shot; twist the
projecting end of the paper tube and ram it
down into the block. I find this nearly as
quick as the old way of loading with cut wads,
and the shells never stick. I can use several
sizes of .shot, marking on the paper with ink,
and it makes a nice Sunday gun for all sizes of
birds. I have killed Quail often and one Fish
Crow with it. Waiter TIo.rie.

Nesting of Yellow Palm Warbler at
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

On tlie 2(jth day of Last month (May), when
hunting for my Ruby Kinglet nest, I tramped
to and fro pretty considerably over a swampy
piece of ground, and, while thus covering tlie
ground, 1 startled from beneath my feet a
yellowish-looking bird, that fluttered along
dragging its wings and spreading the tail, show-
ing a couple of white spots on end of tail
feathers. I knew at once that the nest was
near, and, dropping my handkerchief to mark

the spot, I set to work, and in a very little
while was rewarded by finding the nest. This
was placed in a wet, damp piece of ground,
sunk a little below level of the soil and covere<l
over and partially concealed by a dead branch.
It contained four eggs. Aflcr examining it
for a while, I marked the spot, and resumed
my search for the Kinglets. After locating
the Kinglets, which took me from 2 o'clock
until 5.15, I came back to the nest on the
ground, and, drawing near it very carefully,
started the bird oil, and then, am sorry to say,
1 had to "gather her in," and, through your
kindness, she was identified A. O. U., No.
<JT2a. The dimensions of the nest are as
follows: Depth outside, from tcqi to bottom,
two and one-half inches; circumference out-
side on top, eleven and one-half inches; cir-
cumference outside at bottom, nine and three-
fourths inches; depth inside, one and three-
fourths inches; breadth inside, two inches.
Outside is made of grasses, stalks, pieces of
mo.ss, fine roots and hay. Inside is lined with
very fine grass, then a few black horse hairs,
and then a complete lining of feathers. The
eggs are about the size of those of the Black-
throated Green. They have a white back-
ground with a faint reddisli tinge, marked at
the larger end with a ring of blotches of red
and brown. Here and there in the ring ap-
pear some large blotches. The rest of the
egg is plain, dotted faintly with red, with one
or two scattering large blotches.

I have never noticed this bird stay about
here before in the breeding se.a.son. Have
seen an odd one in the early part of the
season, and .again towards the fall, when they
are migrating, and therefore consider my find
a rare one. 11. Austen.

The latest trust that h.as been formed is for
the purpose of securing all the available elk
heads ami horns that can be procuied, says
the Cathlamet Gazette. It is a well-known
fact that elk are getting steadily scarcer, and
in a few years they will be extinct like the
buffalo. Elk horns, when polished and
mounted by a skilled taxidermist, are very
beautiful and make handsome hall ornaments.
The elk trust has now parties out in the
mountains in Eastern Oregon, securing all
the elk heads that can be procured. John
W.allacky, a famous Indian elk hunter of this
place, has been out this week hunting elk.
lie says he has been otTcred ip50 apiece for all
the good specimens he can get by this
company.

August 1.S91.]

AND OOLOGIST.

127

THE

ORNITHOLOGIST^^OOLOGIST

A ^lonthly Magazine of

NATURAL HISTORY,

ESl'ECIALLY DEVI )Ti;i) T(.) THE STUDY OE

THEIR XESTS AND Elil'.S,

ami to the

INTERESTS OF NATURALISTS.

Under the Eilitnrial .Manafrenient of

FRANK li. WEIiSTER,
J. I'AUlvER MIRRIS,
FIIAXK A. liATES,

Hyilc Park, M:is;s.

l*llila(k>l[>hi;in Ta.

Boston, iMass.

PUBLISHED AT THE

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scriber. If you fail to receive it. notify us.

Brief Notes.

A good story is beiii<; told of a f'oliimlms
aveiniB laily wlio one day last week dro|)i)ed into
a down town niillinery establishment to ])ur-
cliase the tail feather of a barn-yard fowl for her
hat. The tiist store she went into they did
not kc('|) tlie article, and the clerk jdilifely
inriiiiiied the fair customer that the ])ro]ier
tiling to call for was a "cock's feather" oi-
"cock's tail." To Ilon^hton Jt Dutton's she
next turned her steps, and bohlly marching
up to a da|)per monstached clerk she called
for "one small cocktail." The clerk flushed to
the eTid of his pompadour, regained his bal-
ance, and stamrnere(l out that the well-known
II. & U.'s was not a barroom. The jiosition
was nnist enibarrassiug for a few monicnfs,
but llnally satisfactory explanations wcrc^
made on both sides, and the fair customer
de])ai(ed with the coveted "cocktail." —
Kecord.

TiiK Farai.i.on Cookeries, — Tiik Bheeh-
iNfi Peace of Tiiousaxos of .Sk.v Biitns off
San Francisco. — Next to the Behring Sea
seal slaughter there is nothing that concerns
Californians so closely on the Niuthern Pacific
as the wholesale pillaging of the nests of the
birds on the Farallon Islands. Three millions
of e^gs weie brought into the Snn Francisco
market from the Farallones in four years. In
an immense majority of cases the jiarent birds
]Moilnced oidy one egg; none more than three
eggs. The average import of sea birds' egirs
from the Farallones is 18n,0(i() annnally. By
courte.sy they are called the eggs of the Murre.

The Farallon rookeries afford a wonderful
example of the prolific power of nature. The
principal island, the South Farallon, on which
the lighthouse is .situated, may run short of
pi (table water in every dry season, Init the
lighthouse people would never starve for want
of animal food.

Of all the birds on the group the Puffins are
the most picturesque and entertaining to the
visitor and the ornithologist. Like most of
the Farallon sea birds the Puffin lays only one
egg, and that in a burrow. The Auk family
is, however, the principal contributor to the
egg poacher's wallet. In May there is a stir
among the small schooners and sailing craft in
San Francisco Bay, and each skipper woiks
his way out between the heads to the Faral-
lones. His crew, mostly composed of Giceks
and Italians, with a liberal sprinkling of
water-front castaways, land on the South
Farallon, usually on the ^ngar Loaf Rock, to
the northwest, because that is the spot where
the birds breed earliest. The cliffs are quite
rugged, with a perpendicular of nearly 180
feet. Accidents are not nnfrequent. Each
egg hunter has a shirt of special construction,
pi-ovided with an ojten front fiu' stowing away
the eggs, and a bed of soft seaweed about the
waist band tor the eggs to rest on. A good
hand will pick up and get away with 200 eggs
a day. In due course the egg jionchers gathi r
at the place of embarkation, and the unbroken
eggs are c(dlected in wicker baskets for ship-
ment on the schooners.

The egi; poachers have formidable rivals in
the Gulls, which not oidy ruthlessly plunder
the nests and carry off the egL's but enjoy a
feast on the newly fledged birds.

T'lie eggs of the "Murre," so called, aie
ipiite familiar objects in the grocery stores of
San Francisco about the end of Slay or tha
beginning of June. The earliest eggs are laid
two or three weeks befoie that, but the
poachers usually break them for feai' of biing-
ing addled or rotten eggs to maiket. The
egg of the Murre is distinctly conical in shape,
large at one end, small and pointed at the
other. The color of the egg varies remark-
ably. Some are of an ashy gray, with scant
brown strii)es, others of a full or sea uicen
with black stripes. Dealers often pick <nit
the brown and gray eggs and pass them off for
Plovers' efgs.

It is not till September that the Murres
desert the Farallones for other climes. By the
end of October the Murre rookeries are de-
serted — indeed, scarcely a bird of this species
remains on the islands. The Murres. the Oidls,
the Anks proper and the Cormorants have
taken I'p special qnarteis on the South Faral-
lon. The trail across the island from west to
east, trending' to the north at the lighthinise,
passes through nearly all the rookeries. The
great rookery is at the west end.

The (tuIIs are. next to the Mnrres, the most
populous of the colony. In April they swarm
on the Farallon group. It is to he said to tlie
credit of the Culls th.at they do not eat the
eggs or youuL' of their own kind, but they will
freely partake of the fishy eggs of the Cormor-
ant, and even carry off tiny rabbits as they

1:28

OIlNn ll<)L(XilST

[Vol. H;-No. 8

emeifie from the burrows. The Gulls are
socialile ami nest in colonie.-s, usually of einht
or ten pairs. Like most of the marine birds,
they spend little time in nest architecture.
Last year's nest will do, in most cases, and
this consists simply of a few handfuls of wceil
dumped down im tlie bare rock, and fashioned
internally and externally into a rudely circular
form. Unlike tlie Auks and Putlins, the Gulls
usually lay three eygs, most of which are
hatched and the fled;^lings reared, as the eggs
are useless for commercial purposes.

The Cormorants form a very numerous
colony during the breeding season. Of all tlu^
Farallon bints the Cormorants are the tamest
at tliis ])eric>d. If the visitor does not molest
the sitting bird as she springs up from the nest
and attempts to tly, the sitting process will be
resumed, the bird evidently fearing the rapacity
of the Gulls far more than the avarice or
cruelty of man. Three species of the bird
breed on the South Farallon. The Califoiuia
Brown Pelican, wliich is a sort of first cousin
to the Cormorant, has occasionally been seen.

Tlie Guillemot, anotlier representative of tlie
Auk family, is very common on tlie Farallon
group in some seasons. It is the last to arrive.
Like most of the marine birds the legs are set
far back, the feet being intended for diving
and wading rather than for walking. Whereas
the Gulls swoop noisily around when visitors
land on the island, the (Tuillennits, Puftiiis and
Auks all adopt a perpendicular position and
preserve a most ludicrous gravity. Their
sharply contrasting bbick ,and white plumage
lends additional comicality to their appearan(H',
and tliey look like nothing so mueii as a row
of society dudes and mashers, with claw-
hammer coats and white vests.

Tlie true Auks lay a single egg without any
marking whatever, and of all the visitors to
the islands they remain the latest.

In some years the ordinary feathered visitors
to tlie Farallones are reinforced by many land
birds and guests from s(uit]iern climes. Among
them are tlie Merganser, the Scoter, the White-
faced Ibis, the (ireat Blue and Snowy Heron,
the Coot, the Northern Plialaroiie, the Sand-
piper, the Curlew, the Black Turnstcme, the
l.'cd-tailed Hawk, the Prairie Falcon, the
AiiU'iican Osprey, and the Raven. Scores of
smaller birds, tlie Finches, Larks, Catbirds,
Blueliirds and Sparrows, visit the islansl in
suniiuer, but the Hock Wren is the only small
bird wiiich breeds on the group.

It is a, curious circumstance in connection
vvitli the eggs i>f tlie Murrc and its kindred
that th(< taste of consumers Iiecomes sated. In
the abstracrt the eggs are very cheap and con-
tain an immense amount of nutritions niitter
in a small compass, liut the rank lishy taste
cannot be banished by the highest culinary
skill, and the inference is that the bulk of the
eggs that find their way into the market are
put to some use of which the public is not
aware. Certainly very few indeed are con-
sumed as ordinary egg-; are consumed, even in
the p lorest San Franci.sco homes. Meansvhile
the dep.ipilatiin of the rookeries proceeds
year af'er year, absoliifely unchecked hy Federal
or .State Legi.slation. — .Sin Framdsco Clironiele.

Enclosed you will find a clipping from the
Terra Haute (Ind.) Etrniwj Gazelle, of June
27. How is this for bugs ?

)!''. IS. Vaulk, Terra Flaute.

TuE BiOdEsT Biius. — Can a person believe
what his own eyes see ? is a <piestion fre-
<iuently asked. A Gazette writer could hardly
do so this morning when he strolled into the
water works building and there saw one of the
strangest phenomena that evi'r mortal eye
beheld. The west side of the new pump house
and the east and west walls of thi^ old building
were literally covered with long, dark-cidoreil
bugs. Besides the walls of the building the
large smoke stack, a telegraph pole and wire
near the building, the .steamers Mallard and
.luniatta, and Charles Baldwin's house-boat
lying in the water immediately north of the
water-works, were lost to view by the bugs.
In some places the insects were several inches
thick and it was impossible to discern whether
the buildings were of stone or brick. They
hung together like swarms of bees and ^\ hen
the wind blew they shook like a field of wheat.
The windows in the old pump house were left
open last night and the bugs swarmed in there
by the million.s. At an early hour this morn-
ing one of the niglit firemen went into tlu;
room (m an errand and had only gone a few
steps inside when he fell to the lloor in a faints
ing lit and had to be carried outside. The
bugs were ccmgrega.ted so thickly that it was
impossible tor a time to breathe. Another
incident illustrating the vast number of bugs
occurred shortly after. A fishing party intend-
ing to go down the river on the Jlalla.rd drove
up in wagons to the river liaiiks. They were
about to cdiiimence unloading some articles
ciut of the wagon when the insects swarmed
around them so thickly that they were coin-
lielled to desert their wagons and fiee.

When the writer <'alled. Engineer Joe
McKinley was busily engaged in trying to wash
down the bugs with a hose. In this mann(U'
he succeeded in washing down the larger jxir-
tion of them, and in some places on the grcumd
wlieie they fell they were, without any exag-
geration, two feet deep.

The inse(!ts resemble a butterfly in shape.
They are a fraction over an inch long and of
dark color with long thin tails. The bugs
commenced making their appearance at about
10 o'clock last night .and from then on till tliis
morning the heavens seemed to be raining
bugs. The number was still further iniaeased
by the insects hatching on the walls of the
building.

The only name known for the insects is
"willow-bugs." "Willow-bugs" generally
swarm once a year, during a dry spell, but
they were never known to collect in such large
numbers before, nor were the bugs ever
noticed to be as large as now.

The above is no hot weather canard but an
absolute fact, and all of the statements made
are corroborated by Engineer McKinley.

We are imlebted to Messrs. Estes and I.nnriat,
publishers of Coues' Key. for loan i>f the culs
of Ptarmigan in this issue.

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND —

OOLOGIST.

SI. on per
Annum.

PUBLISHED BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

Established, March, 1875.

Single Copy
10 cents.

Vol. XVI.

HYDE PARK, MASS., SEPTEMBER, 1891.

No. 9.

Buzzards' Roost.

" Wo came, we saw, we coiiqiieied." Three
times we had essayed and three times failed,
but at last success crowned our efforls.

1 was not aware that the Turkey Vulture
{Cathartes aura) or Turkey Buzzard mine
commonly called, was still found in this
State, until we accidentally discovered one of
their favorite resorts and nesting sites last
spring. Four of us out for a hunt during May,
ISiiO, camped on the Des Moine.s River for a
couple of days, about twelve or fifteen miles
above the city, and while there saw as many
as fifteen sailing overhead out of gun shot.
They rested on the opposite side of the river
iu the woods where we could not reach them.
About two weeks later we drove out again but
witliout success, and again in May this year.

I made up my mind now that I must have a
specimen lu- "bust," so .Seager, who had been
one of us, an<l I made our plans to row up the
river, and reaching the spot, which we had
christened " Buzzards' Roost," to stay there
vintil the spoil was obtained.

.luly :!, IS'.M, we packed our provision.';,
blankets, guns, aminunition, etc., in the boat,
and at (i.:!) p.m. we left the dock. The sky was
clear, the air warm, and before dark we had
gone some eight miles, about a third of our
journey. Landing on a sand-bar a well-earned
lunch was eaten, when we rolled up in the
blankets on the sand and were soon asleep.
Xext morning our covers were wet with dew,
but a little <lainpuess was preferable to being
eaten up by mosquitoes, which swarmed by
thousands in the groves and meadows along
the river Ijut were singularly absent from the
sand-bars.

Rising early, after a draught of hot coffee
with luucli. we W' re on our way again by (!.:!0
A.M., and traversed the remainder of the
journey in three hours. The sceneiy is beauti-

ful, ever changing. Broad, deep meadows
running to the bluffs, grown with corn and
other grains or simply sown to grass, beautiful
groves, grand old growth of sycamore and fine
wooded hills, dotted with occasional farm
houses, made a charming panorama of which
the eyes never tired. Usually the river is too
shallow for even a skiff to run up more than
eightor ten miles at the farthest, but this year
the water has been unusually high all spring.

We were beginning to look out for the
"Roost" when suddenly the stream became
narrow and very swift. For about a mile we
were both compelled to pull with all our
strength to make any headway, although we
had been making good time all morning. We
were getting somewhat fagged out when we
saw two Buzzards light on the top of a dead
tree near the river bank.

Landing with some difficulty we pushed
through the heavy underbrush only to find
them gone. We were rewarded, however, by
plenty of mosquito bites and by finding a large
puff adder flattened out in the road, which but
for its bright beady eyes looked as if dead.

Embarking once more the current soon
became less rapid, and passing a bend we saw
at last our destination. As we drew near we
saw a large number of Buzzards roosting in
their favorite tree, but nearer still in the top
of a tree by our old camp jierched two others.
Landed without much trouble, and creeping
along the fence to the base of a tree, Seager
brought down a fine specimen. This was the
first I had ever obtained and the bald red head
and gallinaceous legs were surprisingly like
those of the turkey for a bird whose bill, shape
and flight so much resembled the large Hawk's.

We now turned our attention to those in the
large tree, but just as we were cautiously ap-
proaching, a young farmer came along seining
and alarmed the birds, which all took flight.
As they did not light again the remainder of

Copyright, 18)1, l>y Fk.vnk B. Webster.

130

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 9

the day was spout mcistly iiappiiii; on the bar
mider an avvninj; rigged ont of the oars and
bhmkets. As tlie sun went down we took a
walk around the bar, found several fresh
turtle nests, one containing thirteen large eggs.
Also found some of the bones of a dead calf
we discovered near camp on our last trip, and
dragged it on to the sand-bar in hopes of
attracting them close enougli for a good shot.
but in vain.

Bunked in our blankets on the bar again, and
in the morning as we lazily watched the sun
rise the Buzzvrds appeared again, one and two
sailing about, until finally about twenty-five
roosted in the tree sunning themselves. Making
a hasty toilet I rowed "Ses" across the river
and then returned to the bar to watch proceed-
ings. I could not see him but the report of
the gun and the fall of tviro birds showed me
he was getting in his work. To our surprise
only a few of them flew off; they soon return-
ing, he got two more shots but only one more
bird. This was a young one, though grown
and full feathered. One of the first two, the
one he had singled out for a target, was a fine
old fellow, the white of the bill contrasting
strongly with the bright red of the head.

Returning home I mounted him, and as an un-
usual as well as an odd looking bird it at-
tracts as much attention as a Bald and a
Golden Eagle, both fine specimens, by wliich
he stands.

We were much elated with our success and
after breakfast spent the rest of the morning
chasing butterflies, tiger beetles, sand wasps
and other insects with which the sand swarmed.
After a refreshing bath and lunch wc started
on our return journey, and after throe hours'
easy row landed at the boat house at Des
Moines. Our faces, necks and arms were well
sunburned, and the mosquitoes had managed
to get in numerous bills for settlement, but we
had obtained what we were after and had liad
a good row. Frank W. Shchlon.

Dee Moines, la.

Birds and Their Value.

A few evenings ago a friend and I were
returning from a hunt, and as the Western
Nighthawk was plentiful, we watched their
habits for some time, and afterward shot one.
Few people realize the quantity of insects that
tliese birds destroy. Upon dissecting the one
we killed, which was a male, I found its
stomacli contained tlic fidbnving lot of insects:

Tliroe water beetles that were one to one and
a quarter inches long, four or five smaller
beetles, six squash bugs, severiil moths and
one ant-lion, — all from one bird, and it was
catching more at the time we shot it. The
Xighthawk certainly does its share in de-
stroying insects which, in most cases, are
injurious to fruit and vegetables.

In several of our states there are laws jn-o-
tecting the different birds, and in sojiie cases
the Nighthawk is not on the list of protection,
but, on the other hand, you will find birds
that do less good to the farmer (as well as
others) heading the list.

At the last session of the Oregon State Leg-
islature a bill was introduced to protect song
and other birds. It was no doubt written by
one that knew little about them as, for
instance, the Indigo Bunting was down for
protection — a bird that was never known to
be found in this state. Perhaps Lazuli Bunt-
ing was the bird referred to.

If the people want to make a law for the
protection of birds that do the most good wliy
not let someone that understands their liabits
write out the bill? Tiien let them make
a clause to give collectors a permission to
collect for scientific purposes.

All Flycatchers are more or less beneficial,
and yet I think none were on the list. Speak-
ing of the latter reminds me of a little occur-
rence that liappened some few years ago.
During the fall and winter of '87 I spent sev-
eral months in Los Angeles, Cal., and one day
while on my way home from a collecting trip,
having w-alked some distance, I sat down under
an oraiige tree to rest. While there I spent
the time in studying the habits of dilTeient
birds when presently a Black Phcube flew to a
neighboring tree and at once began to catch
insects, when a dragon-fly, over three inches
long, flew by. The Pha'be made a <lart at it;
then the dragon-fly wcuild swiftly fly by the
Phadie. They kept this up for some time
when at last the Phoibe made a successful
dart. — it caught its prey. Next came the
funny parr, when it tried to swallow it. It
made several attempts and at last did so,
much to ray surprise.

There are several varieties of hawks that
really do good in the way of destroying insects
and small (piadrnpeds that are injurious to
grain, etc., yet they are often killed by the
farmer, mistaking them for others of the
family that kill pnnltry.

Clyde L. Keller.
Salem, Orejjcon.

September 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

131

Birds of Poweshiek County, Iowa.

COMMON OR RARE.

C. = Common.

K. = Rare.

T. C. = Tolerably Common.

DOES IT BREED.

= Rarely.
: Formerly.

3. Coli/mbus aiiritiif:,

6. Podili/iiibus podicepK,

7. Urinator imber,
•59. Larus franklinU,
00. Larnst y>hiladel[ihia,
GSI. Stx-rnn foriiteri,

77. llijdrochelldon nigra SHrinamensis,
120. Phalacrocorax dilophus,
12."). Pelecanus erythrorliynchos,
12!l. Mcri/nnxer amtricaniis,
loO. Menjanaer serrator,
liJl. Lophodytes rucull((lns,
132. Andit b<jxcli(ix,
138. Anax obscuru,
13.5. Anas strepera,
137. Anas ame.ricnna,
13S). Anas carolinensls,
140. A nas discors,

142. Spatula clypeata,

143. Dafila acuta,

144. Aix sponsa,

146. Aythya americana,

148. Aythya rnarila nrnrctira,

14S). Aytliya affiiiis,

1.50. Aythya lydlaris,

1.51. Glaucionetta clanyula anwrirana,

1.53. Charitonetta albeola,
101). C'Aen hyperbnrea,

171a. jlii.xe?' tdhifrons rinmheli,

172. Urnnt.a canadensis,

172. liranta bernicla,

181. O/or tinccinator,

1!I0. l!otnur)i!i lentiginonns,

l'.)l. Bntanrus exilis,

I'M. Ardea herodias,

201. ylrJea virescens,

202. Nycticorax nycticorax nwt-ius,
204. Gen.'* iimericana,

20.5. GrCK.s mexicana,
2U8. lialliis eler/ans,
212. liallus virt/iniamis,
214. Piirzana. caroUna,
219. GalliniUa r/aleata,
221. Ftiiica americana,
22S. Phllolicla minor,
230. Gallinar/o delicata,

239. Trinija macnlata,

240. Trinua fnsricollis,
242. Trimja minntilla,
246. Ereiinetes pusillus,

2.54. Tiitiinus inelanoleucus,
250. Tntanus flaxipes,

25(). Tdtanus solitarius,

258. Symphemia semipalmata innritala,

261. liartramia lonyicauda,

263. yl cfitis macularia,

272. Charadrius dominicus,

273. yEi/ialitis vocifera,

* Has been known to breed.

CHARACTER OF BIRD.

T. V. = Transient Visit.ant.
A. V. — Accidt-ntiil \ i>itant.
W. V. = Winti'i \ i^itant.
S. R. = Sumnii r Ki-Mdent.
R. = Resident.

Character
Common Does it of Bird
or Rare. Breed, at each

Horned Orebe, R. No

I'iod-billed Grebe, C.

Loon, R.

Franklin's Gull, "

Bonapart,e'.s Gull, "

For.sters Tern, "

Black Tern, T. C.

Double-crested Cormorant, E.

White Pelican, "

Goosander, "

Ked-breasted Merganser, "

Hooded Merganser, "

Mallard, V.

Black Duck, R.

Gad wall, T. C.

Baldpale, "

(ireen-winged Teal, C.

Blue-winged Teal, "

.Shoveller, T. C.

Pintail, "

Wood Duck, "

Ptedhead, "

Greater Bluebill, "

Lesser Bluebill, "

Ping-necked Duck, "

(iolden-eve, B. Xo

Butter-ball, T. C.

Lesser Snow Goose, I>.

White-fronted Goose, "

Canada Goose, T. C.

Brant, "

Trumpeter Swan, R.

Bittern, T. C.
Least Bittern,

Great Blue Heron, E. E.

(Jrcen Heron, C. Yes

Black-crowned Night Ilevon, E. "

Wliooping Crane, " No

Sandhill Crane, T. C.

King Kail, R. "

Virginia Bail, "

Sora Bail, T. C. R.

Florida Gallinule, R. Yes

Coot, C. R.

Woodcock, T. C. Yes

Wilson's Snipe, C. No

Pectoral Sandpiper, T. C. "

White-rumped Sandpiper, " "

Least Sandpiper, " "

Semipalmated Sandpiper, T. C. No

Greater Yellow-legs, " "

Lesser Yellow-legs, " "

Solitary Sandpiper, '• "

Western Willet, " "

Field Plover, " Yes

Spotted Sandpiper, " No

Golden Plover, " "

Killdeer, C. Yes

t Rarely breeds.

Stat
T

on.
V.

V.

S. R.
T. V.

S. K.
T. V.

T. V.

S. R.
T. V.

S. R.

132

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. IG-No. 9

277a. jEjialilis meloda circuincincta,

289. ColinuK virr/inianUs,

yOO. Buiiasa wnhelhis,

iiOo. Ti/mpannchus ainericanus,

3086. Pcdiocmtaa ph(Lsianellus campcslr

310. Meleaf/ris rjallopavo,

31.5. Ectopistes migratorius,

31(3. Zmiaidura macroura,

325. Cathartes aura,

327. Elanoides forficatus,

331. Circus hudsonius,

332. Acclpiter velox,

333. Acclpitvr cooi>eri,

337. Biiteo horealis,

338. liuteo harlani,

339. liuteo lineatus,

342. Buteo sioainsoni,

343. Buteo latissiinus,
347a. Archihuteo layopus sanrti-joJianii
348. Archihuteoferrurjineun,
352. Haiioietus leucocephalus,
357. ii'afco columbarius,
300. Falco sjiarverius,

364. Pandion halimetus carolinenxis,

365. Slrix pratincola,

366. .4sio wilsonianus,

367. ^sto accipitrimis,
36"<. Si/rnium nebulosum,

372. Nyctala acadica,

373. iftgascops asio,
375. iJiido virijinianus,
370. Nyctea tnjctea,

387. CoccyzuH nmericanux,

388. CoKCyzun erythrophthabnus,
390. Ceryle alcyon,

393. Dryobaies villosiis,

394. Dryobaies pubescens,
402. Sphyrapicus varius,
406. Melanerpes erythrocephalus,
409. Melanerpes caroiimis,
412. Colaptes auratus,

417. YliiS)-o.s<yi)iU.s vociferxis,

418. Phala'noptilus nuttalei,
420. Cliordeiles virijinianus,
423. ClKBtiira. pelapica,
428. TrocliiUis colubris,
444. Tyranmts tyrannus,
452. ifyiarclms crinitus,
45(). Saynrnis phwhe,
459. Contopus borealis,
461. Contopus virens.,
463. Enipidonax flaviventris,
405. Enipidonax acadicus,
HM'ia.Enipidounx pusillus trailli,
467. Enipidonax minimus,
474?). Otocoris alpestris praticola,
477. Cyanocitta cristafa,
488. Corvus americamts,

494. Bollchonyx oryzivorus,

495. Molothrus ater,

497. J::nnthocep!ialus xanthocephalns,

498. Ar/elaius phoeniceus,
501. Sturnella magna,
500. Icterus spurius,
507. Icterus galbula,
509. Scolecophagus caroiimis,
51U>. Quisr.alus quiscaius mneus,
514. Coccothraustes vespertina,
517. Carpodacus purpureiis,
.521. Loxia curvirostris.

Belted Piping Plover,

R.

No

T. V.

Bob Wliite.

T. C.

Ves

It.

Uutl'ed Grouse,

"

"

"

Prairie Hen,

1.

"

"

•;.s, Common .'Sliarp-tailcd (irouse.

K. R.

?

9

Wild Turkey,

Prob;

ibly c.xt

inet.

Passenger Pigeon,

R.

No

T. V.

Mourning Dove,

C.

Yes

S. R.

Turkey Buzzard,

R.

"

"

Swallow-tailed Kite,

"

No

T. V.

Marsli Hawk,

T. C.

Yes

S. R.

Sliarp shinned Hawk,

"

■1

V

Cooper's Hawk,

C.

"

"

Ked-tailed Hawk,

c.

Yes

S. R.

Harlan's Havvk,

R.

"

J

Eed-shouldered Hawk,

T. C.

"

a

Swainson's Hawk,

"

"

n

Broad -winged Hawk,

"

No

T. V.

(x, American Uougli-legged Hawk,

"

"

W. V.

Ferruginous Kougli-leg,

R.

Yes

S. R.

Bald Kagle,

1.1.

No

T. V.

Pigeon Hawk,

"

"

it

Sparrow Hawk,

T. C.

Yes

S. R.

American Osprey,

R.

No

T. V.

Barn Owl,

"

"

A. V.

Long-eared Owl,

T. C.

Yes

R.

Sliort-eared Owl,

"

R.

W. V.

Barred Owl,

"

Yes

R.

Saw-whet Owl,

K.

No

W. V.

Screech Owl,

C.

Yes

U.

Great-liorned Owl,

T. C.

"

"

Snowy Owl,

R.

No

W. V.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo,

C.

Yes

S. R.

Black-billed Cuckoo,

"

"

"

Belted Kingfisher,

T. C.

R.

T. V.

Hairy Woodpecker,

C.

Yes

R.

Downy Woodpecker,

t(

"

U

Yellow-bellied WoiKlpocker,

R.

4(

S. R.

Ked -lira (led Woodpecker,

C.

Yes

S. K.

Ked-bellied Woodpecker,

R.

"

( t

Flicker,

C.

"

It

Whip-poor-will,

T. C.

'•

(1

Poor-will,

R.

No

A. V.

Night Hawk.

C.

Yes

S. R.

Cliinmey .Swift,

"

"

"

Knhy-thVoated Humming Bird,

"

"

"

Kingbird,

'•

"

"

Gieat-crested Flycatcher,

"

"

u

Pewee,

■'

"

*'

Olive-sided Flycatcher,

a

No

T. V.

Wood Pewee,

0.

Yes

S. R.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher,

T. C.

No

T. V.

Acadian Flycatcher,

C.

Yes

S. H.

Traill's Flycatcher,

'^

"

"

Least Flycatcher,

T. C.

No

T. V.

Prairie Horned Lark,

c.

Yes

R.

Blue .lay.

"

"

a

Common Crow,

(I

(t

a

Bidjolink,

"

"

S. R.

Cowbird,

tl

"

"

Yellow-headed Blackbird,

K.

No

T. V.

Ked-winged Blackbird,

('.

Yes

S. R.

Meadow Lark,

"

"

"

Orchard Oriole,

"

"

"

B Utimore Oriole,

i:

"

"

Knsty Blackbird,

((

No

T. V.

Bronzed Grackle,

"

Yes

S. K.

Evening Grosbeak,

R.

W. V.

Purple Finch,

T. C.

No

T. V.

American Crossbill,

R.

"

"

Skptkmber

1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

13-S

o2S. Acanlhis linaria,

529. Splmm trixtis,

533. Spinus piiius,
Passer domesticus,

534. Plcdrophtnax nivalis,

530. C'alcarius lapponicits,
.537. C'alcarius 2>ictus,
538. C'alcarius oriiatus,
.540. Poowctes f/ramineus,
542a. Aminodramus sandwichensis sav-
anna,

545. Aminodramus bairdli,

546. Ammodrnmus savannarum passer-

in us,

547. Aiinnodramus henslouiii,

5.52. C'liundestes </rammacus,

5.53. Zunotricliia querula,
.554. Zonotrichia leucop/injs,
55y. Zonotrichia aVncoUis,
55',l. Siiizella monticola,
501). Hjiizella socialis,
501. Spizella pallida,
5():!. Sjiizella pusilla,
.507. Junco hyemaiis,
5S1. iletosiiizn idsciatu,
583. Melosjjtza lincolni,
5S4. Melospiza r/eoryiana,
585. Passerella iliaca,
587. Pipilo eri/t/iroplithabnns,
51)5. /labia ludoviciana,
51)8. Passerina cyanea,
(i04. .S'/«'2:a americana,
0U8. Piranr/a erytliromelas,
Oil. Proline suhis,
(H2. Petrochelidon lunifrons,
(il3. C'hclidoH erythroyaster,
014. Tachycineata hicolur,
010. CliiHcola rijjaria,
()17. S/elr/idopti'ryx serripennis,
018. Ainpelis yarrulus,
Oi'.l. Aiiipclis cedrorum,
021. Litnius horealis,
022(1. Lanius ludovicvmus excuhitoridcs,
iVli. Virco oliraccus,

027. p'treo r/ilrus,

028. Vire.oflnrifrons,
0:'il. I'jreo novehoracensis,
O!-!. Vireo bellii,
030. Mniotilt I varia,
(Ul. llefminthopliila pinus,
(U5. llclminlhopliiJa ruficapilla,
040. llehiiiiitiiopliita cclata,
017. Ileiminthop/iila pereyrina,
(>48. Compsothlypis americana,
050. Dendroica tiyrina,
052. Dendroica cestiva,
055. Dendroica coronata,
657. Dendroica miculosa,
05S. Dendroica cwrulea,
059. Dendroica pennsyhanica,
001. Dendroica striata,
072. Dendroica j^ialmarum,
074. Seiurus aurocapillus,
675a. Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis,
077. Geoililypisformosa,
OSIrt. Geot.lilypis trichas nccidentalis,
083. Icleria rirens,
085. Sylrani'i pusilla,
680. Sylrania canadensis,
687. Setophaga ruticilla.

Commou Redpoll,

T. C.

'•

W. V.

Aineiican Goklliuch,

(_;.

Yes

R.

Pine Siskin,

T. C.

No

W. V.

English Sparrow,

C.

Yes

R.

Snowflake,

R.

No

W. V.

Lapland Longspur,

"

"

(1

Smitli's Longspur,

T. C.

(1

't

Chestnut-collared Longspur,

R.

"

U

Grass Finch,

T. C.

Yes

S. R.

Savanna .Sparrow,

11

c.

(;

Baird's Bunting,

11

No

T. V.

Yellow-winged Sparrow,

C.

Y'es

S. R.

Henslow's .Sparrow,

T. C.

"

il

Lark Finch,

C.

i(

"

Harris' .Sparrow,

T. C.

No

T. V.

White-crowned Sparrow,

C.

>.(

"

White-throated Sparrow,

"

"

u

Tree Sparrow,

"

ii

W. V.

Chipping Sparrow,

11

Yes

S. R.

Clay-colored Sparrow,

T. C.

No

T. V.

Field Sparrow,

C.

Yes

s. i;.

Junco,

"

No

W. V.

.Song .Sparrow,

"

"

T. V.

Lincoln's Sparrow,

•T. C.

"

"

Swamp Sparrow,

it

"

i(

Fo.x Sparrow,

H

i L

"

Cliewink,

c.

Yes

S. R.

Hose-breasted Grosbeak,

"

"

"

Indigo Bunting,

tl

((

i(

Dickeissel,

"

k(

"

Scarlet Tanager,

R.

tt .

tt

Purple Martin,

C.

i(

It

Clitt Swallow,

i(

"

11

Barn Swallow,

a

((

t;

White-bellied Swallow,

c.

No

T. V.

Bank Swallow,

T. C.

R.

T. V.

Rough-winged .Swallow,

(t

No

"

Bohemian VVa.vwing,

R.

"

W. V.

Cedar Waxwing,

C.

R.

T. V.

Great Northern .Shrike,

T. C.

No

W. V.

W^liitc-rumped Shrike,

C.

Yes

.S. R.

Red-eyed Vireo,

T. C.

"

"

Warbling Vireo,

(1

"

(I

Yelhiw-throated Vireo,

**

((

"

White-eyed Vireo,

(t

u

li

Bell's Vireo,

H

(i

"

Black and White Warbler,

t(

No

T. V.

Blue-winged Yellow Warbler.

^ ^*

Yes

.S. R.

Nashville Warbler,

"

No

T. V.

Orange-crowned Warbler,

((

"

"

Tennessee Warbler.

(I

"

a

Parula Warbler,

ii

IL

li

Cape May Warbler,

n

li

it

Yellow Warbler,

c.

Yes

S. R.

Yellow-rumped Warbler,

'»

No

T. V.

Magnolia Warbler,

T. C.

"

4(

Cerulean Warl)ler,

T. C.

No

T. V.

Chestnut-sided Warbler,

"

'*

it

Black-i)oIl Warliler,

Li

((

U

Red-poll Warbler,

"

li

((

Ovenbird,

C.

Yes

S. R.

Grinnell's Water Thrush,

T. C.

"

((

Kentucky Warbler,

"

"

((

Western Maryland Vellow-thi

■oat, C.

**

((

Yellow-breasted Chat,

"

(t

((

Wilson's Black-cap,

t. C.

No

T. V.

Canadian W.arbler,

*'

*'

'*

American Redstart,

li

Yes

S. R.

134

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 9

703. MimiiK poli/'jlottos,

704. Galeoncopleii caroUnciiais,
703. Ilarporhi/nchus rufus,

721. Troglodytes ledon,

722. Troglodytes hieinalis,

724. Cistothorus stellaris,
72.5. Cistothorus palustris.

726. Certhia familiaris ainericana,

727. Sltta carolinennis,

725. SMa canadensis,
731. Pants bicolor,
735. Parus atricapilliis,
74S. Regulus satrxpn.

749. Regulus calendula,
150. Polioptila cwrulea,
7-5.5. Turdus mustelinus,

750. Turdus fuscescens,
757. Turdus alicice,

758n. Tardus ustulatus swainsonii,

75!)^. Turdus auualaschkw pallasii,

701. Me.rula migratoria,

700. Sialia sialia.

Mookiiinliii'd,
Oatbird,

Brown 'I'Ina.slier,
Houso Wren,
Winter Wren,
.Sliort-liilled Marsh Wren,
Long-l)illed Marsli Wren,
Hrown Creeper,
White-licdlied Xutliatcli,
Ked-liellied Xuthateli,
Tufted Titmouse,
Blaok-eapped Cliiekadee,
Goldeii-erowned Kinglet,
Kuby-erowned Kinglet,
Blue-yray Gnatcatcher,
Wood Tlirusli,
Wilson's Tlirush,
Alice's T'hrnsb,
Olive-bai'ked Tlirusli,
Hermit Thrush,
IJobin,
Bluebird,

V. R.

*

A. V

C.

"

"

((

u

,1

"

No

T. V

T. C.

Yes

S. 1!

"

No

T. V

C.

Yes

R.

c.

Yes

R.

T. C.

No

T. V

R.

"

A. V

C.

Yes

R.

"

No

T. V

R.

No

T. V

C.

Yes

S. R

T. C.

"

"

T. C.

T. V.

* Has been taken several times by I'rof. H. \V. Parker.
Iowa College Museum, Grinnell, la.

Carl Kelseij.

The Wood Duck.

In this section of eountry wlierc the axeman
has done but little as yet in felling the vast
forests of pine and hemlock, the sportsman
m.ay still pursue the wild deer and turkey and
the naturalist may wander to his heart's con-
tent thron<;h the forest and never see a human
being or a cultivated tield if he chooses. Here
in almost every little pond or lake tlie Wood
Duck is constantly met with. Behold him
and his mate swimming around in that little
clear place in yon leedy pond. As you emerge
from the wood and your thirsty horse comes
down the slope to drink, see them pause a
moment and then spring up in the air, making
the little dale resound with the whistling
sound produced by their wings as they dash
off through the forest to some other lake, or,
as they will often do, circle round and round
until you liave passed on and then settle down
again to their old feeding ground.

When thus taking wing, as far as I have ever
been able to observe, tUe female always leads,
the male following close behind; often, how-
ever, after getting fairly under way they dash
along side by side. Anyone living near a
body of water is quite familiar in spring with
the sight of a pair of Wood Ducks Hying
across the field every morning and evening to
the woods beyond, or sometimes pausing in a
tree near by a nest, tfliey usually begin these
trips to the forest early in March, and after a
great deal of fuss and flutter, the location at

I length being settled upon, the eggs .are soon
after deposited. .Inst how early they begin
to lay I could not say. The earliest I ever
found was on April 13th; it contained thirteen
fresh eggs. The nest was in a hollow stump
thirty feet from the ground. The entrance
had been made by a Yellow-shaftcil Flicker,
and it really seemed im])ossible for a duck to
pass in and out of <a hole of such small size.

The female was on the nest at the time and
remained there until 1 tore the hole open and
took her out with my hand. The nest was
lined with a thick layer of downy feathers
from the breast of the old bird. I have never
been .able to find a nest of the second laying,
it indeed a second brood is raised.

The latest date I have found them breeding
was May 4th, when after a climb of forty feet I
was rewarded by a nice set of eleven eggs;
these had just begun to show signs of incuba-
tion. The stump was hollow and the entrance
was at the top. Both of the above nests were
from one-half to three-fourths of a mile from
any lake. I have seen nests not over three
hundred yards from water, and again it would
be a mile and a half distant.

One nest w.as in a cultivated field; the other
so close to the highway that the wagon wheels
would often strike the stump in passing.

The Wood Duck does not confine itself to
the fresh water ponds and lakes alone, but is
also found along the coast. In May I noticed
them quite common near the month of Iho
.Suw.aniiee River, and the "Bellc-of-the-

Ski'tember 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

135

Suwannee" steaming slowly up the river
fiiglitened more than one pretty little pair of
ducks from some chunk or log near the river
bank.

When you want something that is really
good ju-st get a Wood Dnck and have it nicely
cooked; it can't bo beat. Once while camiiing
out at Levy Lake I helped eat one which
ta,sted better than anything I ever expect to
eat again. It was in .July; my partner and I
were out looking for "gator" nests. It was
about as hot as it often gets, and raining every
half hour or so, and the mosquitoes so thick it
was im])Ossible to aim without first brushing
them olf the gun barrel. Xo one, unless they
have "been there" themselves can anything
like appreciate our situation; in fact it was in
what wi^ call the rainy season. For two days
wo had had only jjotatoes and salt pork to cat,
it being too rainy for any game to be out, and
when on the evening of the second day I
brought down a young female Wood Duck from
a flock that flew over, I well remember how we
stripped it of its feathers, washed it in the
water from a horse-track, and sticking a stick
through it, without salt, and only ashes and
cinders to baste it with, we held it before a
little smoky lire until well charred on the out-
side and then tearing it limb from limb while
the inside was yet raw, and although we had
been born in a civilized country (State of
Illinois) we devoured it, cracked and sucked
the bones and vowed that it could not be beat.
You may have your steak and ham and eggs
l)ut for us give us Wood Duck.

F. G. Pearson.

.\ re her, Fla.

Ruddy Duck Breeding at Cape Cod.

In speaking of scientilic ornithology once
with a well-known scientist I am now re-
minded of his answer and quote it: " We are
very much inclined to find fault witli sports-
men and gunners who shoot for a living, ' pot
hunters.' It is popular, Ijut these same men
taught us much, and oruitliology lias secured
its most valuable contributions from them."
To illustrate: In 1872 the state dyked off an
immense salt raarsli in this town as a protec-
tion, a case where protection was a benefit,
to Provinoetovvn Harbor. In a year or two
there resulted ,a lake or pond of two or
three thousand acres, in depth not anywhere
more than fifteen feet, making one of the
grandest resorts for fresh water fowl ever
known, as many hunters can attest. Flags and
rushes grew profusely around its edges, and

Rails, Gallinules, Bitterns and Dusky Ducks
bred in large numbers. About 1S75 the Ruddy
Duck began to breed and has kept it up ever
since, although the ornithologists were claiming
it to be a fact (I think) chat they did not breed
in the United States.

During the summer of 1890, Mr. G. S.
Miller, Jr., secured two young in down and
was highly elated, — as he well might be, —
learning from a local gunner that they had
been breeding here for years.

The spring of the present year found Mr.
Miller, Mr. Wm. Brewster and the writer
searching for nests, but none were found.
After the former two gentlemen departed I
took up the search anew but without success,
yet about ten days after they were gone a man
told me the "dippers " were out, and I was out
after them, but try as I would the little chaps
were too secluded for me, and not until last
week did I see them, and then they were just
able to fly enough to keep out of range of my
gun. The same day I also saw four young
Dusky Ducks, but never a sign of the old ones
while they were breeding.

I do not know of any good collector who
hunted and collected here previous to 1887
except the lamented John C. C'ahoon. I wonder
how many more places within a few hours of
Cambridge can show a like record.

I mentioned in .\pril number of O. <& O. of
taking an adult $ Yellow-crowned Night
Heron. About six weeks ago another old bird
was seen but not secured. July 18th a young
9 was shot and I now have its skin.

The question which interests me now is, did
it hatch here and is this another case of rare
birds breeding ? Frederic L. Small.

Xortll Truro. July 24.

[We predict that it will be found that these
birds have been breeding in this locality. —
F. B. ir.]

Nesting of Some of the White Moun-
tain Birds.

Thinking our friends of the O. & O. would
like to hear of the birds of the White Hills, we
give a list of a few nests taken this season.

Blue Bird (S. sialis). May 1st. Set of four
eggs. Nest in piazza.

Broad-winged Hawk {IS. pennsylvanicus),
May loth. Set of two eggs, partially incubated,
one egg rather round, irregularly blotched
over entire surface, with smaller end heavily
marked, the other rather long, irregularly
blotched over entire surface but rather more

136

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 9

on lai'ger end. Nest placed in yellow birch
and well identified, as I got the male bird witli
eggs.

Flicker (C. auratus), May 24th. Set of six
fresh eggs. .June 2d, set of seven more from
the same pair.

Song SpaiTow (3/. melodia). May 24th. Set
of four eggs, partially incubated ; May SOtli,
set of five; .June 5th, set of five; June Stth, set
of five.

Bank Swallow (II. riparia), May 26th. Tlirec
sets of fresh eggs of four, five and six eggs
respectively.

Spotted S.andpiper (Trlnijoiiles maciilarius),
Mayolst. Set of four fresh eggs. This pair
of birds are old friends as tliey liave built in
my garden every year for five years.

Chipping Sparrow (S. socialis). May 31st.
Set of four fresh eggs. Other nests noted.

Robin (T. mujratorlux). Xests common here
as anywhere in New England, but have noticed
that all the nests this year have only three
eggs. Have seen quite a number, and have
taken some sets wliich were partially incubated.

Catbird (J/. caroUnenxix), June Gth. Set of
four fresh eggs.

Pewee (S. fuscus), June 7th. Set of five
fresh eggs.

Wilson's Tlirush {T. fuscescens),.T ane i)th. Set
of three fresh eggs. Nest placed on the upper
side of fallen spruce, very neatly made of
leaves, birch, grass and hair.

Wood Pewee (C. virens), .Tune 0th. Set of
tliree pretty eggs. Have never felt more satis-
faction tlian when I found the neat little domi-
cile of these interesting fly catchers. The nest
was in a grove of maples about twenty feet
from the ground built on a limb the width of
tlie nest and neatly covered with lichens the
color of the limb.

I^east Flycatcher (E. miniinun), June 10. Set
of four fresli eggs.

Slate-colored Snowbird {J. Injemnlls), June
nth. Have also seen the young with tlie old
ones flying about.

Field Sp.arrow (.S. pusilhi), June 12th. Set of
five fresh eggs.

Golden-crowned Thrush (8. anrncapilhiK),

June 12th. Set of five fresh eggs.

./. ir. Na>!l,.
N. Conway, N. H.

Skunks.

In reading your article in regard to your
skunks attracting so much nt)tice, would say
tliat among my collection the skunks attract

more attention than iinv other mammal, espec-
ially the live ones. I have about twenty young
(^nes, and when I bring out an armfull of them,
the visitors usu.illy keep at a proper distance,
until I tell them that the scent sack is removed,
and that they are perfectly harmless. Then
they think they are the prettiest little anim.als
they ever saw. I agree with them. I have
had and raised a great many kinds of native
nnimals, but never saw a prettier siglit
than it is in the early evening, when they are
all at pl.ay or feeding. A. E. Kibbe.

Mayville, N. V.

Some Notes on the Western Winter
Wren.

On .Saturday afternoon. May 9, 1801, I
arrived at Port Kells, a new town site some
ten miles above New Westminster, on the south
bank of the Frazer River, British Columbia,
where I remained the following week and took
some notes of the ain fauna of that locality.
Tlie next evening in company with my friend,
from whom ''the port" is named, I was pass-
ing along a path through a deep wood com-
posed largely of firs, alders and cedars, when
from out its deep shade came the soft, tremu-
lous song of a species of bird, which from the
close resemblance of the notes to those of its
congener of Ontario I at once recognized as
that of the Western Winter Wren. The time,
the place and the circumstances, all combined
to render this little effect of the Columbia wil-
derness imijressive on my memory. It was the
evening twilight, the second that I had seen in
that wild, strange country, and though it had
been warm through the day the evening air
was chilly, and as we came into " the open " air
the sun w.as disappearing behind the snow-
capped Cascades on the opposite side of the
Frazer, the whole scenery making one of the
most charming natural pictures that it is pos-
sible to conceive of, but I was weak and nerv-
ous from the combined effects of illness and
the excitement of the journey over the Selkirk
Mountains and down the awful and dangerous
canons of tlie Thompson and Frazer Rivers.
I was a stranger in a strange land, felt lonely,
was taking but little interest in the strange
and varied scenes around me, and at that
moment the chief desire of my heart was
to be back across the "Rockies" and home
again, when the song notes of this little "west
land " musician arose iii the pathless wood, and
falling (Ui my ear vividly recalled to my mem-

September

1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

137

ory my far distant liome and many a ramble iu
tlie widely different woods of Ontario. But
tliougli the song notes of this tenant of the
wild woods of '• the land of the setting sun "
closely resembles those of our Eastern Winter
Wren, there was in it this distinguishing dif-
ference,— it rose not so high and was more
scattered. It was as thougli tlie stream of a
tiny fountain, thougli issuing out and upward
in a column, failed to reach its intended ele-
vation and fell backward in scattering spray.
Two days afterw.ards I took a ramble to wh.at
is there known as " the Langly Prairie." a fine
agricultural settlement about six miles east
of Port Kells, and some miles south of the old
Fort Langly village on the Eraser River. The
first two miles, after leaving the clearing at
" tlie port, " was by a narrow road, cut and oc-
casionally crosswayed, through the most dense
and gloomy forest that I had yet seen. Be-
yond the roadw.iy it was almost impossible to
penetrate this wood, so thick stood the timber
and log-strewn the ground, and so tall were the
trees, and dense the foliage tliat the rays of
the sun could not in places reacli the surface of
the earth even at mid-day. For a time I felt
somewhat uneasy as I liad been told that I
might meet a bear, a wild cat, or even a
panther, and I carried only a walking stick.
But as I progressed onward, the rays of the
advancing sun filtering through tl*e deep foli-
age, in a measure dispelled the gloom of the
morning hours, wliile the streamlets rippling
their w.iy by the sides, or across the road, to-
gether with the varied call and song notes of
many birds, most of them new to me, lent an
agreeable cheerfulness to the otherwise awful
solitude. But of the different species of the
Columbian avifauna whose presence and vocal
etforts affected this wilderness none attracted,
and retained for the time, my attention more
than the Western Winter Wren. Here on
each side of the roadway numbers of them
were in full song, but tliough at times some of
them were only a few yards distant, yet owing
to the thickness of the foliage and lai'geness of
the leaves, their persons for the most part
were invisible. When a glimpse could be ob-
tained of the bird itself you see a little brown-
ish-colored creature with a turned-up tail, full
of life and song, whose whole body quivers
with emotion in the emission of its music, and
who seems so conscious of its own importance
in the economy of nature that it declines to
be interviewed by human kind, and when
closely approached immediately seeks the
deepest concealment.

For a time I stood and listened to the plea.s-
ing performances of these musicians of the
western wilds, and left with the impression
that there was in their serenades as much
manifestation of jealous rivalry as expressions
I of love aud joyousness.

Iu describing the localities where the subject
of discourse has its haunts and home, the stu-
dent of ornithology requires to be somew hat
particular — especially if the field is new —
for thereby the reader conceives more correct
ideas of the life history of the species by
wliose presence and voices the scenery is
affected. This species appears to be met with
in various regions west of the main chain of
the Rocky ilouutains, but I infer that like our
Winter Wren it is of rather local distribution,
inhabiting chiefly the densest woods in the
more level valleys, and does not much affect
the higher and more rocky mountain
regions, though occasionally met with in
glens and caiions amidst the most varied
mountain scenery.

When at Victoria, in Vancouver Island, I
interviewed Mr. John Fannin, curator of the
Government Museum, by whom I was shown
through the collection of that institution.
That gentleman, in addition to other informa-
tion relating to the natural history of British
Columbia, informed me that he had in the col-
lection a specimen of the nest and eggs of the
Western Winter \Vren that had been collected
on that island, and were previously unknown
to science, but there was no notable dif-
ference between tliem aud those of their
eastern representatives.

On May 22d, a little in the afternoon, on my
return from the Pacific coast, I again reached
"The Glacier," a station iu the heart of the
Selkirk Mountains, the surroundings of which
present to the gaze of the interested tourist
one of the most awe-inspiring scenes in nature.
Winter had not yet left this mountain dell,
snow in the shade was still deep, but as the
day was warm and the train made a short
stoppage, I with most of the other travellers
took a tour around the premises, and while
some geological specimens were picked up and
another look taken at the poor young captive
cinnamon bear and up at the steep mountains,
I paused a few moments to ascertain if there
was any evidence of bird life in the vicinity,
but I saw no creature in feathered garb and
no note of a bird fell upon my ear save
that, from among the thick firs that clothed
one spur of the mountain side, behind the
hotel, came the joyous, twittering song notes

138

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 9

of the Western Winter Wren, wliich seemed to

indicate that tlie performer had found a con-
f^enial home and was giving vent to its enjoy-
ment. The moment for departure came, tlie
train was again in motion, and as we passed
around the railway curve whicli almost en-
circles the glen and out through the tunnel hy
which it is entered I bade farewell to the
haunts and home of this interesting bird, and
the awful scenes wliich must forever brood the
\vin<4s of the shadow of death.

]\'m. L. Kells.

Lost in a Mangrove Swamp.

Naturally, I get lost sometimes. Every one
gets lost once in a while. But wlien you travel
about alone in thesortof out-of-the-way places
that I like, getting lost is rather a common
occurrence. .So when I started off for a few
day.s' hunt through the Mangrove Swamp
across the VVeealockale, and the people said I
must look out and not get lost I said " I don't
care if I do.'" But I did care though when
the time came. I think it was the most dis-
agreeable night but one that I ever passed.

I made my boat fast and started into the
swamp. As I took a look back at it a Cormor-
ant perched upon the stern, I found progress
through the swamp was a ditficnlt matter.
Tlie long, straggling Mangrove roots interlace
in a queer way at acute angles. There is
never a horizontal one to give a decent foot-
hold in climbing about, anil they are slippery
as can be. Taken all in all a mile of this sort
of progress was fully equal to ten of good
"dirt road," and by noon I relished the lunch
that I had brought with rae as only a hungry
and hearty man can. I found lots of coon
signs and some otter. Bear were plenty over
here I had been told, but I hadn't come across
any tracks. Cardinals and Maryland Yellow-
throats were the only plentiful land birds. A
few fish crows and Jackdaws were occasion-
ally heard, but during the noon heat the
swamp was still. Out of the wind the mos-
quitoes put ill some fine work, and once or
twice during tlie afternoon it occurred to me
that they would be pretty severe in the night.
I little imagined how severe they really were.

As the sun began to lower it grew cloudy,
and tlie life (if the inhabitants seemed to stir
up a little. Kingiisliers became numerous as
I got among some little rivers and pond holes.
Here Herons of several species seemed to be
congregating. I also saw two species of Ibis,

the Wood and Glossy. Anhingas were the
features of the scene farther on, and as I
heard the distant note of the sea and came to
a wide expanse of water I concluded it was
about time to turn back. Then came the dif-
ficulty. Which way was back? For this
water was riuiuiiig the wrong way, and I must
be near one end of the swamp and not across
it. Which end — north or south — I could not
tell. I struggled about for some time but
couldn't decide the question, and at last con-
cluded— which I knew all along — that I
didn't know where I was. A fine, drizzling
rain began to fall and I searched with all the
Sliced I could for some dry stuff to make up a
tire. After some time I caught sight of a
palmetto tree, and as I made my way towards
it darkness began to fall. I kept right on,
though, and at last, as the palmettos did not
a,p](ear, I found to my chagrin that. I had lost
that too. I scrabbled round with both hands
and got at some grass, then broke and lost a
match, and searching in my pocket found I
had only two more left As it would not do
to lose them I tore off the sleeve of my shirt
and rubbed wet powder into it, and soon had
a wee, small smouldering fire. All night long
I coddled and coaxed that tire. I could
scarcely stir from the smoke, the mosquitoes
were so thick, but every time a llame started
up I made a rush for some more dry wood,
and so kept the thing going.

.Some time towards morning I fell into a
doze, and when I woke with a start I found
only one or two weak embers liissing on the
wet ground, liow I did coax and wheedle
those little weak sparks. And what a high
carnival the mosquitoes held on me through
the whole operation. At last a tiny, flicking
flame rewarded my painful efforts. With
many a backward look for fear it might die
out before I could get more fuel, I crcjit otf to
leeward in the smoke and got some excellent,
dry material. As this gave forth a good, full,
leaping blaze it lighted up the big palmetto
tree not fifty feet away that I had been making
for when darkness overtook me. Its dry-
leaves soon gave me a roaring fire and light
enough to collect a good pile of wood. A few
of its broad, green leaves formed an excellent
bed and just before daylight I fell into a
refreshing and much-needed sleep.

When I woke the sun was over an hour higli,
and I thought first of all about breakfast.
.Making my way towards the water the first
tiling that met my gaze was a flock of Sjioon-
bills. There were seventeen of them on a

Ski'temhei; 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

ISO

sand-bar tliree or four rods off pruning tlieir
feathers and taking their morning bath. I
stood still and watched their graceful gam-
bols for some time, and would have done so
longer but a Llmpkin settled on a tree off to
the left and I felt compelled to break the
(piietude of the scene by electing him for the
good of the inner man. He fell in the water,
and as I waded in to pick him np I found a
bed of oy.sters. So here wa.s breakfast galore.

Well, to make a long story short, I travelled
about in that swamj) till near the middle of
the afternoon, following up my own back
track. IIow many times it crossed and re-
crossed itself I don't know, but it was a good
many. I was pondering the likelihood of
another night out when I caught sight of a
Col inorant perched some ways ahead, and as
1 passed him by I took a backward look and
behold ! he was perched on the stern of my
boat just exactly as I left him the morning
before.

There is a weird tale amongst the country
people about the "'loss bush." No one knows
tlie "loss bush" till he strikes bis foot
against it and then he is certain to get lost. I
have concluded that Mangroves are all "loss
bushes."

Sohcrt Cin-zon.

Curious " Sets of Eggs.

Referring to a cm-ious flnd, reported by
.Sniithwick, puts me in mind of a new nest of the
Flicker which I examined some seasons ago.
It contained several eggs of the English Sparrow,
together with a fresh one of the Flicker. The
Flicker was near the west, as was also the
Sparrow.

But a "find" wliicli I consider fully as
curious as Mr. Smithwick's consisted of a
Song Sparrow's nest containing four eggs of
that bird and two of the Maryland Yellow-
throat. Flushed Sparrow from nest, which was
placed slightly al)ovc the ground between
weed stalk, in a meadow.

Examined several hundred nests of the
English Sparrow this season, and secured from
one an almost perfect albino setof five eggs, two
of them being as white as .Martin's.

What do you tliink of a Yellow-breasted Chat
and a Catbird, nesting within a foot of eacdi
other, on a blai^kberry bush?

Have found double yolk Wren and Catbird
eggs. C. \V. Cr.xmlall.

Nesting of the Winter Wren.

As some of my observations regarding this
species (Troylodytes hiemalis) and its nesting
habits have already appeared in the columns
of the O. & O., I will now chiefly confine my
remarks to my experience of the seasons of
1890. The thrilling song notes of this wood-
land Wren were first heard by me in the spring
of this year in a piece of swamjiy woods on
the northeast corner of Wildwood on the 9th
of April. It may have arrived in this vicinity
a week or more earlier, for the weather was
sufficiently open, and it and the Brown Creeper
are well known to be the first of the minor
woodland birds of Ontario to affect its chosen
haunts with its presence and its song, at the
earliest opening of the spring; but not being
near its home, I had not been cheered before
that date by its enlivening lays. A few days
after, another was heard in full song among
the fallen brushwood on the opposite side of
the farm, where, on the 18th of the previous
November, I had seen and heard a specimen of
this species, the latest date on which I had
known this bird to occur in this country. As
I usually do in the early days of May, I took
a ramble in a piece of woods a mile south-
wards of this town, and saw several newly
made nests of this species in their usual nest-
ing places, i. e., the newly turned-up roots of
fallen trees, from which I had hoped to procure
some sets of eggs afterwards, but, revisiting
them on the 2.5th of that month, I was return-
ing disappointed, when I concluded to make a
short search in a piece of scattered woods to
the right of my way nearer home. Near the
outskirts of this wood, the newly turned-up
root of a medium-sized hemlock tree caught
my notice, and to it I directed my steps. The
tree in its fall had caught on a stub, so that
its top was still high off the ground, while its
root slanted like the half roof of a hut, the top
of which was seven or eight feet off the ground ;
and under this was a well sheltered nook. On
looking in. the nest of a Winter Wren at once
caught my view, for it was directly in front,
and towards the top of this natural wigwam,
and some of the vegetable fibers used in its
consti-uction hung downwards. Altogether it
was less compactly formed, and more exposed
to view, than the nests of this species generally
are, and more dry grass and fibers of vine
stalks and small bramble were employed than
this bird usually makes use of. The greater
part, however, of the outer portion of this
ball-shaped structure was composed of the

14((

OIINITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 0

common, greenish moss that glows on old logs
and trees in damp woods. Inside it was lined
with some dry grass, small feathers, and hair
from the tails of cattle or horses. Around the
entrance were variously arranged the dry stems
of hemlock leaves, a material always used hy this
species when it can procure them in the forma-
tion of its nest, and the entrance, always in
front and towards the top, was so like that of a
mouse-hole, that a person not acquainted with
the subject might easily mistake the whole
affair as a breeding .place of that little animal.
When removed from its site among the rootlets
and mould of the "turn-up," I found that its
circumference was about fourteen inches on
the outside, while inside it was about eiglit,
leaving from the entrance a soft and warm
cavity two inches deep, for the reception of
of the eggs, and the cradle of the young. I did
not at this time see either of the Wrens in this
vicinity, nor hear any of their notes, but wlien
I next visited the spot the song of the male
fairy made the echoes ring around. There was,
however.no mistaking the nest as that of the
Winter or Wood Wren, for there is no other
Canadian bird that makes a nest in any way
like it, though the eggs much resemble those
of the Chickadee, the Brown Creeper, and
some Warblers. From what I could see of the
inside of the nest, I inferred at once that it
"was finished and probably occupied, and I was
not disappointed, for on inserting a finger I
found that it c(mtained a number of eggs,
which I afterwards ascertained to be five, and
perfectly fresh, liut these differed consider-
ably in coloration from those that I had
previously seen. Before the contents were
extracted they had a pinkish hue; the general
color Is clear white, but the spotting of a pale
reddish color, which forms an irregular wreath
towards the larger end, is so small and in-
distinct as to be scai'cely visible except on a
close inspection.

Some five other nests of this species were
noticed this season, all in the roots of fallen
trees, but none of them were lined, and no eggs
were deposited therein, which causes me to
conclude that they were the work of the male
bird, and that the female had a true nest some-
where in the vicinity. The male Wren is an
active, restless little creature, always busy from
early morning till the close of evening, either
seeking f lod, emitting his song, making love
to his erpially active little consort, (juarrtflling
with rivals, or nesting, and in the latter art he
is quite an adept, and spends many of his j
leisure hours at this work, but he leaves the i

lining and finishing touches to the female, and

as she requires only one nest, in the selection

of this she appears to act quite independent of

the likes or dislikes of her fussy little partner,

though the nesting place that she finally chooses

is doubtless one, the outlines of which he had

previously formed, and in her choice she acts so

well and wisely as to their concealment that few

of them are discovered, and sets of her eggs are

ever likely to remain a rarity. Wilson, one of the

pioneers of .\merican ornithology, states that

he was not acquainted with the nesting habits

of this species, and the renowned Audubon

has recorded that in all his wilderness rambles

he met with but one nest of this species, and

butfew American ornithologists have been more

fortunate. This is the fourth nest with eggs

that I have seen in a period of twelve years'

collecting. The i)ast spring of 1801, this

species made its presence known, in this

vicinity, the last week in March, and now in

the early part of July is still in full song, but

no nests have been seen this season, and owing

to the destruction of much of its jirimitive

haunts its homes have been much disturbed,

and its hiding places variously changed. On

the evening of the 3d of May, while on my

way to the Pacific Coast, and when about ten

miles west of Fort William, our train having

stopped in a lonely place, I, among other

excursionists, dismounted and took a r.ambling

view of our surroundings, and listening to

ascertain if there was any evidence of bird life

in the vicinity, the thrilling song notes of this

little wild wood wanderer arose in the depths

of the wilds near by, and fell upon my ear, and

as the sounds died away on the chilly evening

air, it produced on my mind melancholy

feelings, recalling as it did to my memory

recollections of my now distant home, becoming

every hour more distant still, and to which I

might never return, as well as the scenes of my

early boyhood days, long for ever gone. This

was the only instance in which the music of

this species was heard by me, west of the great

lakes, until a week after. I detected the songs

of its congener, the Western Winter Wren, in

the wild woods of British Columbia.

]Vm. Krlls.
[.istowel, Can.

Notes from Middletown, Conn.

During the past season I found a Kingliird's
nest in what to me was a very peculiar situa-
tion. It was placed in the cave trough of a

September 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

141

house witliin twenty feet of a door, througli
which there was oontinuil jiassing. The nest
contained four young. The trough was of tin
and the birds must have got wet during every
rain.

I also saw a Chimney Swift whicli was
impaled on a liglitning rod wliich I suppt)se
It must have struck as it was diving down
the chimney C. E. Lincoln.

Mitlilletowii, Conn.

Turkey Buzzard Breeding in
Michigan.

From May 2.)th to 2Sth of this spring, Elmer
Durfeeand I occupied in exploring the marshes
of the Pottowattimie Club on the Kalamazoo
river. To give all our experiences in detail
would far exceed the limits of a magazine
article so I will briefly rehearse the principal
finds. The marsh is typical of its class; water
two or three feet, mud twenty or thirty feet
deep; overgrown with rushes, marsh grass and
wild rice; intersected by numerous bayous of
comparatively open water. With a fiat-
bottomed duck boat and a punting pole we
were enabled to explore the liayous in a
reasonably thortuigh manner, but the main
body of the marsh was inaccessiljle. Follow-
ing is a brief synopsis, in due order, of the
more important observations.

The American Bitterns were fairly common.
Towards evening every day their quaint cries
of plum jnidun were heard in several parts of
the marsh. While dragging for ducks' nests
in one of the few spots where a footing was
afforded, we ran across a nest of this species
containing Ave eggs. This was a stroke of
pure luck, as the bird was not discovered.

Least Bitterns were common, but it was too
early for eggs.

Great Blue Herons were extremely common.
At any time several could be seen flying.
Said to breed about eight miles from the marsh.

Florida Gallinulos were by far the most
abundant breeders. Hundreds of eggs could
be collected, and, in fact, the natives gather
them, when fresli, for food.

American Dunlin, Ring Plover, Solitary
and Least Sandpipers were shot, evidently
migrating.

The third day we visited a swampy woods, in
search of Wood Duck's eggs. Before entering
it, as the bird is seen in this country Ijut once

in two or three years, Elmer calling especial
attention to a Turkey Buzzard circling about.
After proceeding through the woods for some
distance we found a large sycamore and,
approaching for the pvirpose of rapping it,
Elmer found some kind of animal in a large
cavity at its foot. He at once called me, and,
on further investigation, resolved the unknown
into a Buzzard. With great excitement, and a
stick, we poked her to one side, uncovering a
clutch of two eggs. As .she declined to furnish
us with an opportunity for a wing shot, I
backed off and killed her with a charge of dust.
After raking the eggs out from their foul-
smelling depository, we held an impromiitu
war-dance, for this was the first set ever taken
in Michigan.

Whip-poor-wills were common along the
wooded i)ortions of the river and made their
presence known by their peculiar cries.

A nest with one egg of the Swamp Sparrow
was found.

Here the Bronzed Grackles seem to employ
their aboriginal method of nidiflcation. In-
stead of constructing nests of their own, as do
the civilized Quiscali of our country, they
employed hollow stumps.

Tree Swallows also were true to their name.
At that time they were engaged in the con-
struction of their nests. One fresh egg was all
we succeeded in piocuring.

Exactly one hundred species of birds were
recorded, of which twenty-four were found
breeding. To those situated as we are, far
from any water and almost destitute of water
birds of any kind, such a trij) was a treat long
to be remembered, especially since we estab-
lished a new record for Michigan.

Stewart E. WIdte.
fir.inil Rapids, Mich.

Si..\uonTER OF Spabrows. — One of the curi-
ous effects of Wednesday night's terrific rain
in Covington was the slaughter of thousands
of Englisli Sparrows. They were killed in
such vast numbers as to clog the sewer open-
ings and flood the streets for squares. The
street car stables were so flooded from this
cause that thirty horses and mules had to swim
out to keep from drowning. Cincinnati, July
31st.

[Dispensation of Providence to counteract
man's folly. — Ei>.]

142

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 9

Attention, Oologists!

If you will kindly drop your blow-pipes and
drills and give me your attention for a few
moments I would like to make a few remarks
upon the manner in wliicli a great many of
you prepare your specimens. In the first place
there are two species of oologists, although
they resemble each other very much when
seen with collecting box climbing the tallest
trees, or wading in the deepest quagmire; yet
their objects are very different. One class of
oologists collect entirely for scientific pur-
poses, sparing neither time or pains in prepar-
ing their specimens and removing the contents
through the smallest hole possible, intending
them solely for their own cabinets, except a few
duplicate sets for exchange for other kinds
not found in their locality. The other class
are those who collect solely for what dollais
and cents they may be able to obtain for their
specimens, and they are never very particular
how they prepare them; they seem to think
that a hole the size of a two-inch auger is
plenty small enough for the eggs of Hawks
and Owls, and a half-inch hole is just the thing
for the Warbler's. They will thrusta big drill
into a fine specimen in such a hurry as to
crack anil chip the egg, and then with the
blow-pipe remove the entire contents with one
breath, and yet they expect these same eggs
to eventually find their way into the cabinets
of careful scientific oologists. Such collect-
ing should be discouraged, for tliey not only
lack patience and wind to properly prepare
specimens, but they are constantly deceiving
those who buy them, and yet on their data
blanks you will generally find that these same
eggs were either fresh or slightly incubated.

I recently bought an egg of the l!cd-throated
Diver, that was recommended as strictly first-
class, and on its arrival I found that it would
require careful measurement with a good set
of calipers to tell which was the larger, the
egg or the hole. I also saw, in The Collectorn'
Monthly, a set of Golden Eagle's eggs adver-
tised for sale as a first-class set, and yet the ad-
vertiser was honest enough to say that the eggs
were blown with holes about the size <if a
dime.

Two or three years ago I had the pleasure
of examining a large collection of eggs
owned by Will C. Hrownell of this place, and
got by him of Frank H. Lattin of Albion,
N. Y. Mr. Brownell exchanged real estate to
the value of S2,.5f)0 for them, and I think I
can safely say that nine-tenths of them were

blown through these enormous, unnecessary,
large holes.

Now it is my opinion that one neatly
and carefully prepared set of eggs is worth
more than a dozen poorly prepared ones to
any scientific collector, who intends that his
eggs shall remain in his cabinet for an indefi-
nite period of time, and in view of these facts
I would appeal to all honest collectors and
dealers to at once declare all such poorly
prepared specimens as fourth class, and good
for nothing, or let the size of tlie holes
measure their value, and you will find a far
better class of eggs collected in the year 1W)2.

James B. Purdy.
Wayne Co., Plymouth, Mich.

The First Record of McCown's
Longspur Breeding in Minnesota.

I wish to record in the O. & O. the first
record of McCown's Longspur (BAj/ncAop/Huies
Mcr.owni) breeding in Minnesota. I found my
first nest June 5, 1890. It contained three
eggs; incubation over half. Had hard work
to save them. I sent them to Geoige G.
Cantwell to examine at Colorado Springs.
He wrote me that he thought there was no
doubt but that they were McCown's lyongspur
eggs. Not feeling quite satisfied I concluded
to wait until another season and make a more
thorough study of the bird.

On May 17, 1891, while on a collecting trip to
Lake Benton, Minn., I found it quite common
on the high and dry portions of the country.
I had the good fortune to collect five more
sets of eggs, all nearly fresh. I also shot a
number of the birds, both male and female,
and preserved their skins. Two pair were
owners of nests I had taken.

Mr. Cantwell says, in his list of Minnesota
birds, that the only record of the bird being
taken in Minnesota, was by himself in Lac-
qui-parle County, May, 1S89.

Will write up the bird's habits as I observed
them, and a description of the nest and eggs
sometime in the future. A. D. Ili-ovn.

Advertising Rates.
There seenrs to be a disposition on the part
of some who apply to us, to dictate the rates
that we are to charge. We have plainly
advertised our rates, and wlien we propose to
make a change will do so; meantime there is
no chance for a misunderstanding if the appli-
cant can read plain English.

SEPTKMr.EU 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

14S

ORNITHOLOGIST.^^'^OOLOGIST

A Montbly Magazine of

NATURAL HISTORY,

ESPECIALLY DEVOTED To THE STl'DV OE

THEIR NESTS AND EdGS,

aiul to the

INTERESTS OF NATURALISTS.

Lender the Editorial Management of

FRANK 1!. WEliSTER,
J. PAllICER NORRIS,
FRANK A. BATES,

Hyde Park. Mass.

Pbilailelpliia, Pa.

Boston, Mass.

PUBLI.SIIED AT THE

MUSEUM AND NATURALISTS' SUPPLY DEPOT

OF THE

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO.MPANY,

INCi>KPORATED,

HyDE Park, Mass., U. S. A.

The O. Sd O. is mailed each issue to every paid suh-
scriber. If you fail to receive it. notify us.

Brief Notes.

IJut, two more issue.s of this magazine will
reai-li our readers before the ('hristnias season
will arrive. \i the last minute each one is at
a loss what to obtain for presents. If your
friends are interested in nature, such works as
Ooues' Key, Hornaday's Ta.\idermy, Capen's
Oiilofjy, U.ivie.s' Xest and Eggs, and Davies'
Taxidermy, which we expect will be ready,
will be sure to give pleasure and be found
useful. A good, big ostrich egg is just the
thing to put into the boy's stocking, while a
Snowy or (ireat-horned Owl would jiercli
linely on the book-case. We, of course,
expjct that J on have a pair of ducks or gr(Uise
hung upon the walls of your dining-room.
You well know that for a dollar or so you can
get a nicely stuffed bird. A finely stuffed
I'heisant would be accepted Iiy your poorest
neighbor. In fact, there is no end to the
things that would prove a novelty, that you
can obtain at a natural history store. When
the season apjiroaches just think of this.

We were a little amused a few days since to
have four quotations befoi'e us offering eggs
sent out by an aspiring youth. The quotations
were different. They were sent to different
parties, and the price made to us was the
highest. Very, very funny.

Albert Lano of Madison, Minn., calls our
attention to an error in Brief Xotes, .July
issue, page 108. We gave his address as Wis-
consin. He also states that the two birds
mentioned were not early migr.ants, but had
remained in the locality all winter.

C. I. Goodale of Boston is now in VVashing-
ton. We understand that he has received an
appointment from the government.

E. A. Preble secured a set of five eggs of the
Chestnut-sided Warbler this spring. Four is
the usual number.

Frederic L. .Small writes that six young
Ruddy Ducks were secured at Provincetown,
Mass., Aug. 17, 1891. They were unable to

rty-

July O. it O., p. 98, correct to read as
follows: They only tell what nature has done
for the 'j/rd; leaving all save the clutclier, —
and little lie cares, — in ignorance, etc. P. B.
Peabody.

Thad .Surbur, White Sulphur Springs, W.
Va. , writes us that he intends to again con-
tinue the ])ublication of the Loun. We shall
be glad to see it once more.

We do not copy articles from other publica-
tions without giving credit. In one or two
cases of late we have been surprised to find
articles that would aj)pe.ar to have been copied
from our publication, but we have reason to
think the writers, in the excessive enthusiasm
of youth, have simply sent copies of their pro-
duction broadcast. While we are anxious to
receive notes and articles of interest we will
not publish articles from parties who send the
same to others.

We have recently received word that Chester
H. Parkhill, a subscriber to the O. & O., lost
his life a year ago. He was camping out with
a p.aity of friends on the shore of Lake Cham-
plain, being on a hunting and fishing excui--
sion. On the afternoon of August 21, 1890,
with two of his friends, he rowed to Button
Bay Point, which is opposite Westport, to
bathe in the open lake. They all jumped
from the boat. They soon discovered that the
strong wind was taking the boat from them.
Although they were all able swimmers they
were unable to overtake it, and finally tuined
for the shore, which was but a few rods dis-
tant. When lescuing boats from the camp
reached them it was found that young Parkhill
had sunk, beneath the waves. He had swum
strongly, and it is supposed that death was
caused by cramp in the throat .and stomach.
His bodv was recovered the following morning
from thirty-five feet of water, and taken to his
home at Cornwall, Vt. Of a bright and prom-
ising n.ature, he bade fair to be a leader among
the ornithologists in his state, and had a large
collection of birds .and reptiles from his
locality.

Harry Austen, Halifax, N. S., was in Boston
during the month of August. He hopes to
break his record next spring.

Harry G. White has been forced to neglect
some of his correspondence on account of
illness.

The way that a very few of the would-be
dealers in eggs are cutting prices just now is
sure to react against the interests of the col-
lectors. The regular dealers will be obliged
to cut down the rate that they will pay in
order to meet such cases.

144

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 9

Capt. N. E. Gould's new hotel at Chatham
bids fair to be one of tlic most popiil;!,!- resorts
in tlie state. 'J'iie smu'ers are rapiilly findint;
liini out.

Watson liisliop of Keutvillc, Nova .Scoti:i,,
made us a call hist month.

Quite a number of subscriptions to the
O. & O. expired iu .July. Kemember that we
continue seuding till otiierwise notified. Our
friends will eonfer a favor by renewing'.

B. H. Swales, Detroit, Midi., reports havin;;
found a set of eiglit eggs of the Ked-lieaded
Woodpecker, — a very unusual number, — also
a set of four eggs of the Woodcock on May
25, 1891, wliich is later than usual.

1 have received two rather odd sets of eggs
tliis season. Tlie first, that of tlie Chestnut-
sided Warbler, taken May 2U, of four eggs, one
of tliem being tlie smallest runt I liave
ever seen, measuring .2."> x .'^>2, less tlian a tliird
the size of the egg of tlie Ilunimiiigliird; the
other a Scarlet Tanager's. taken .June 4, con-
taining six eggs, three of them being Cow-
bird's. I liave heard of two being found in a
nest, but this is the first where there have
been three. C K. Reed, Worcester, Mass.

Thomas Rowland, the New York taxidei'-
mist, while on his summer outing a few days
since, called on us.

The complaints that are coming iu regarding
parties who are seniling otf commim eggs for
rare ones tiiat have a similar appearn,iice, are
becoming quite frequent. Those who get
caught will perhaps some day emiclude to
purchase from responsible parties.

The demand for Hornaday's Taxidermy
comes in from all quarters. (For sale at this
office.)

Again we find a change necessary. This
time we move from our old stand, 40!) Wash-
ington street, to 7 Franklin street. The ohl
stand has been occupied for many years by
some one in tlie natural history business.
i[any a sail-liearted maiden has cairied her
liet canary up the long .and weary stairs. Oc-
casionally a bull pup, knocked out in the
prime of life, or a cat, the victim of excessive
kindness, has been left, 'mid tears and wails.
Everything that can be imagined has been
there, — but the scene closes. At our new
place we shall carry a larsi'e display of every-
thing that the heart can desire, from a rattle-
snake to a monkey, from a horse-foot crab to
a buffalo. When yon pass by step in and see
if it is not so.

We .just received two skins of the California
Vulture, both males, and very fine.

.St. Domingo Crebc eggs have come, qiiilr a
shower.

For measuring heights we use a lOrt-foot
tape line anrl a smill basket with a good
supply of cotton in which we pack our egus
nicely. To the handh^ of this basket is at-
tached a. small snap which we snap into the

ring of our tape line, when we lower the
basket to the ground and have the exact
hei.uht to the inch. With tliis method
we think we can obtain the exact height
of our nest and be on the descent while friend
Bates is hunting up his sticks or friend White
is calculating his whorls. Monxback.

Correspondence.

Killtor of O. <t- O. .•

In .Inly number I see an article on Rose-
breasted Grosbeak in Washtenaw Cminty,
Mich. I found a nest of tliis bird this spring
on the 3()th of M.ay. It was on border of thick
woods near a stream. Had five eggs. Incu-
bation advanced. Female was shot and skin
is now in my collection. I also found nest of
American Dunlin or Red-backed Sandpijier
witli three fresh eggs in. Female of this also
shot and skin is in my collection. Are rhese
not rare finds or are they common ? I liave
never heard of them having been found in
Sanilac County before. IK. A. Oliljirhh

[Tlie eggs of the Red-backed Sandjiiper are
very rare in collections. — F. 11. 11'.]

Editor of O. <t- O..-

We see complaints from time to time iu
regard to the laws interferin.g with our favor-
ite study. The trouble is not with the laws or
the men who enacted them, but with the
people of the locality where they exist. The
people in all the older settled portions of our
country are so high-toned that they iinagiue
their oifijes must all be filled with m^ii of dis-
tinction who are in sympathy with the bulls
and bears of Broadway, N. Y. If you c'ontinue
to place these men in office the day is iu the
near future when you will be compelled to
obtain a permit to admire the birds of your
locality, and you will be compelled to state
the species yon prop j.^e to admire. Out here
we fill all our offices with men of our own
kind, and the result is, when we want birds,
their nests and eggs, we go out and get them,
and that settles it. When we want fresli meat
of the undoraesticated fauna we go out and
knock over a nice young buck of last year's
hatching, present the game warden with a
hind (piarter of the same, and that settles it.
Should the game warden be supplied with
fresh meat at the time, which lie frequently
is, we report what we did was in self-defense,
and that settle--^ it. There is not a law in our
land that will interfere with anyone if you
have the right kind of men to operate it.

Mossback.

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND-

OOLOGIST.

SI. 00 per

Annum.

PUBLISHED BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.
Established, March. 1875.

Single Copy
10 cents.

Vol. XVI.

HYDE PARK, MASS., OCTOBER, 1891.

No. 10.

Nesting of the Sooty Grouse.

Doubtless a few remarks ou tlie nesting luibits
of the Sooty (iroiise (Dendragapus obscurns
fulirjinosa) from one who has had abundant op-
portunities for observation will not prove unin-
teresting. My observations cover a ijeriod of
eleven years, most of which time I have been
a resident of Salem, Oregon. This point seems
to be the centre of the avian population in
Oregon, and the reason that there is a larger
variety of birdshere than elsewhere in the state
may be explained in a few^ words.

Salem is the centre of a well watered and
fertile country, producing phenomenal fruit
crops; is almost surrounded by hills; is
blessed with an almost perfect climate, having
neither the long droughts of California nor
the tedious rains of points farther north.

The face of the (H)untry is very diversified, —
a few hours' ride taking one into totally differ-
ent conditions of soil and temperature, and
consequently of flora and fauna. The result
is that this point is especially favorable for
ornithology.

The race of Di-n(h'u;iiiliii>< found here is not
iiuite typical fidlyinona, still nearer to that
than to (ihsruruH or richardsoni. These birds
are very numerous here, and are more desir-
able as game birds in the minds of Oregon
farmers and sportsmen than any other of our
native birds. Large numbers are killed by the
farmers during the " hooting" season, and still
more by city hunters, from the wheat fields in
the fall, still their numl)er has not diminished
alarmingly.

When the rainy season commences in the fall
the "Grouse" all disappeai-, and are not often
seen until the next sirring. Their disappear-
ance gave rise to a vast amount of speculation
among the early settlers, but it was at last
learned that the birds retired to the top of the
tall, thick fir trees, living on fir needles all

winter, only coming for gravel in the morning
and evening twilight.

From the tops of these trees during the
mating season comes the dismal hooting of
the male bird, — five short " hoots," repeated
at intervals of two or three minutes, from
daylight till dark, — sometimes when it is quite
daik. This hooting may be heard on warm,
sunny days even iu January, but becomes gen-
eral about February l.ith, and may be heard in
almost any fir grove for twelve or fifteen weeks.
It is said to be a " love call," but I confess
it does not sound very loving, for it seems to be
taken by other males in the vicinity as a chal-
lenge to combat.

About this time the females vary their diet
by an occasional meal of young grass, straw-
berry leaves, etc., and are frequently flushed.
The male is busy hooting and spends most
of his time in his tree till incubation is well
under way.

! The nest is usually situated iu the edge of
woods or in partly overgrown clearings, almost

! always protected and often well hid by fallen

I limbs or backberry bushes or small shrubs.

j The base of a .small, deciduous tree, surrounded
by grass and shrubs, seems to be a favorite
location.

The eggs are deposited on a few leaves, or,
according to tlie situation, on dry fir needles.
In the nest there are usually a few feathers
from the females. I liave found the nest in-
variably by flushing the bird.

Complete sets of eggs may be found as early
as April ■25th. and varying with the season from
that date until May 15th, although by the
latter date they are badly incubated.

This season I collected three sets of eggs

I April 28th, and two sets two weeks later,
making forty-two eggs in all. On June 12th I
found young birds which were able to fly.
Now, on August 2.')th, it is difficult to dis-
tinguish between the parents and young in the
field.

CopyriElit. 18;)1. by Fuaxk b. Webster.

14(;

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. K)

Measurements of the forty-two eggs just
spoken of give an average of l.'.iii x 1.33; the
extremes being 2.04x1.41 and 1.80.x 1.27.
The average number in a set, as far as my ex-
perience goes, is eight. Seven often, and
occasionally nine or ten.

On April 28, 1801, while collecting witli Mr.
Wm. Warner of Salem, we met a boy who,
when sutHoiently stimulated by coin of the
realm, proceeded to show ns what proved to be
a bonanza (for him at least).

The nest was situated close to the root of a
small ash tree and contained sixteen eggs.
Upon measuring them and examining them
carefully we could easily separate them into two
groups by color, markings and size; .seven in
one group and nine in the other. The eggs of
the smaller group were lighter, the spotting
less distinct and the eggs larger, (average size
1.96x 1.39), while in the group of nine the
spots were larger, well defined, with a tendency
to aggregation at the larger end of the egg,
and averaging 1.88 x 1.20.

We saw nolhing of either parent, but I
think it extremely probable that two females
laid in the same nest. Later on the boy
brought in an egg which he said he found in
the same nest, corresponding in size and color
to the group of seven.

The sportsmen here believe that the Grouse
is in great danger of extermination. The
Ring-neck Pheasant (Pliasianun torquatus) is
said to kill the young of the Sooty Grouse,
and to drive the parents out of the country,
but the matter seems to be merely heresay.
I can learn of no well authenticated case, and
nobody seems to have seen thom killing a
young bird.

I have seen a good many Grouse, old and

young, this season, all seeming to be able to

take good care of their skins, and none were

pursued by the raptorial King-neck.

Clinton T. Couke, M. I).
Siileni, Oregon.

Wanderings, No. ii.

ISIKOS TIIIJOUGH A l!IXO<LI..\H.

strange incidents occur in the life of a
naturalist, eh? "Necessity makes strange
bedfellows," and the new game laws create
strange methods in the necessity of pursuing
our favorite study without so violating the spirit
of the law. Why not apply for a permit to col-
lect ? Well, did you ever see a real "crank" who
wanted to be trammelled by the restrictions of

a permit as demanded under the present
regime. So "ye editor" does not dare tell his
many friends, whom he tortiu-es with his
monthly talks, when he shoots a particularly
fine .specimen unless it points to some scientific
fact, and then 'tis always shot by some other
fellow who has a permit (?). But then there
are many ways of getting by a stumj) in the
road; we can go around or we ran dig it uj).
Now, I supijose you are thinking " What the
mischief is this man driving at?" I do not
know myself, but I may find out before I
get through, and then I have perhaps beguiled
a mauvaise quatre heiire for some weai'y soul.
But to return to my muttons. There are
several kinds of binoculars. I can carry one
kind in the pocket of my coat when I walk
out and bring down the birds where I can
plainly distinguish them, and they have the
advantage that the birds act as natmally as
if no one was observing. I also carry a pair
of binoculars over my shoulder when 1 get
among the Grouse or the shore birds, but
which I used in the present instance I am not
going to tell you, as I told you the Game
Commissioners would be investigating me if I
said I used the latter, so I will leave you to
guess.

My good friend. Prof. A. W. Morse, had for
a long time extended an invitation to me to
visit the paternal estate at Sudbury, Mass.,
and as the flight of Warblers was on. May 17,
1S90, at daylight, rubber boots on, lunch in
one hand, coat in the other, more ijaraphernalia
in the other (no, not another hand but
wherever it Would stick), two tramps strolled
down the road, over the fence, and into the
woodland, where the birds were tuning their
pipes, and playing '• hardscrabble " for
breakfast.

The first rays of the morning sun were seiul-
ing their fiery aiTows toward the zenith, and
the dark shadows of night seemed reluctanlly
retreating before their shining shafts which
shot farther and farthei' toward the west.
The damp mists of the night slowly rose and
mingled their vapors with the ujijier air, and our
sleepy eyes were just getting wide open when
a Red-eyed Vireo opened his valves and dis-
charged a volle.v of disjointed notes across the
path, which as suddenly ceased when he heard
our footsteps, but reassured by our pacific
mien he resumed his avocation. Tripping
about over the branches, hopping over a knot,
pulling out a delicate mor.sel, iuul then lifting
his head, he povired out a volume of grateful
thanksgiving. His trim, Qu;iker-colored coat.

October 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

147

banded with black, showed against the green
of tlie oak as the tubes came in line with hira
in quiet harmony of color, and blended with
the foliage he made a picture to be remem-
bered arf a reminiscence of a master hand
would be. And was not this view by a master
hand ? The glasses showed him in all his
beauty and enabled us to watch his move-
ments without his being disturbed by our
presence. The game laws class him as non-
shootable, and we were law-abiding citizens.

The open oakwood gave way to larger
growth, interspersed witli tall pines, and bird
life was .scarce. We were rambling along the
moss-grown road, drinking in the health-giving

ten miles away, in the same county, the birds
were abundant almost everywhere, and that
too, with almost identical surroundings, as re-
gards the woodland and other conditions.
Here in Sudbury they seemed to be reason-
ably plentiful, and we found them at several
points in our journey.

A Chestnut-sided Warbler was the next one
to be added to our list and we came out into
the open once more and made for the edge of
the wood beyond the fields.

This was the spot for the Warblers, and a
Magnolia was the first of this family to show
up, but he was merely travelling nortliward
and we did not stop for him.

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. From Coues- Key to North American Birds.

ozone at every breath and chatting of the
various objects which ci'ossed our path, when
a bird note broke the stillness and we ex-
claimed with one voice '"That's a Tanager."

Tliere he was, a inagnificent male bird, in
the full glory of scarlet coat with black sleeves,
perched on the very tip-top of a tall pine,
which towered above all the rest. He sat there
like a spot of flame, above the dark green
foliage, lit by the bright rays of the rising sun.

Curious liirds tliese, the .Scarlet Tanagers.
They seem to be common enough and yet
they are not so often seen, at least it is the
fact in Massachusetts. They seem to be very
local II nd very particular in their selection of a
hmnc. In my boyhood days, although an
inveterate woods tramp, I scarcely ever saw
one of the birds, and there was only one
locality in the town where tliere was any
suretv of finding one in their season. Only

A bird flying througli tlieair, passing several
times down the course of an open bit of land
which bordered what had at one time been a
brook, lured us into a piece of swamp, and be-
fore long we located a bunch of twigs and
building material on the end of a pine branch,
some fifty feet above the ground. The glasses
showed that it was incomplete and we did
not climb but we stopped long enough to
identify the bird, which was a female Black-

; throated Green Warbler, as she made her

' frequent trips to and fro.

She almost always came froi" one direction,
down the course of the narrow open space
between the high woods, and returned in the
same path.

We found these birds quite plentiful during
the day, locating another nest and noting a

j number of the birds.

I A "rove near by in the lowLmd gave us a

U8

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 10

female Tanager with her plain yellow-throated
garb.

I think that there is about as much dissimi-
larity in the outward appearance of the two
sexes of this bird, as will be found in the list of
American birds, and their companionship is
not so close as to couple them in tlie eyes of
any but a very close observer.

The demands of the inner man turned us
toward the house for breakfast, but did not
prevent us from following a White-throated
Sparrow, who kept hopping along in the
underbrush and low .scrubby pines which
bordered the woodland.

These birds breed with us here but we never
find them in their perfection until we reach
the mountainous regions to the north of us.
Tlie song is shorter here an<l the bird more
retiring, although it indulges in its midnight
song, the same as it does farther north.

The versatility of this bird is wonderful and
the weary traveller has often been cheered on
his way by the sweet notes of this happy
little creature rising suddenly from the thicket
by the roadside in a burst of melody.

Breakfast over we turued to the southward
toward a large meadow, where the numerous
bogs and rivulets made long lines of wooded
hillock interspersed with swampy thickets.

This is usually the favorite resort of small
birds, both while breeding and on the migra-
tion. Why ? Perhaps because the damp hill-
sides and decaying vegetation of the swamps
furnish them with an abundance of food, and
perhaps it is something else, Qiiien sahe f But
the fact remains that this is the sort of a
place to find birds and this locality was no
exception to the rule.

Not a twitter was heard as we stepped over
a brook and stood upon one of these knolls,
all sound having ceased when wc came within
hearing.

Seating ourselves beneath the branches of a
big oak we silently awaited developments.
The first to break the silence was the ubiqui-
tous Titmouse, who saucily fiitted before our
eyes and piped his chick-a-dee-dee in our faces,
as much as to say " Who the dickens are
you ?"

Next caller was a fine male Redstart, decked
out in holiday garb of black and red, and then
came in rapid succession a Maryland Yellow-
throat, a Blackburnian, a Pine-creeping
and several Black-throated Green Warblers,
and on a sandy knoll, covered with pitch pine,
was a nest of the latter.

Tiring of this we returned again to the grove

visited this morning, found the Tanagers out
in force, and had a pleasant visit to these
shy birds, learning a great deal of their inside
character.

Another direction in the afternoon added
to the list a Black-throated Blue Warbler,
beside a repetition of some of the forenoon
experiences.

Warblers seem to love the vicinity of high
pines at this season of the year, as well as the
localities previously referred to, but in nearly
all cases there are hard wood hillsides near
by. Seldom liave I found many small birds in
the deep pine woods.

Train time then called me back to the city,
but I made a mental memorandum that the
place was worth visiting again.

Frank- A. Bates.

Nesting Notes, i8go.

April 1.3. Red-shouldered Hawk. T lok
two sets of three, and two sets of four eggs,
from nests situated in the vicinity of Highland
Park, a suburb of Detroit. Tlie nests were
generally situated in beech trees, about forty
feet from the ground, in high, dry woods.

May 18. Yellow Warbler. I found a four-
storied nest of this bird in a small thorn bush.
The first story contained one egg of the Cow-
bird firmly placed in the bottom of the nest;
the second story one egg, each, of the Yellow
Warbler and Cowbird; the third, two eggs of
the Cowbird; and the last story a set of four
fresh Yellow Warbler's eggs. I have aUo
found a threc-stcuied nest of this bii-d.

May 24. Olive-backed Thrush. Four eggs
and one Covvbird's in a nest situated in a low
bush. The nest was a very handsome struc-
ture, being composed of twigs with the green
leaves on them.

May 2.5. American Woodcock. While col-
lecting to-day I came across the nest of this
bird situated under some bushes in a swamp.
The nest was quite large, and was composed
of dried grasses and leaves. I also found
three nests with young.

May 26. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. A set of
five placed in a hemlock tree. I could see the
eggs from the gi'ound, the nest was so
fragile. I never found more than four eggs
before.

June 1. Myrtle Warbler. Set of four fresh
eggs from a nest placed in a small hemlock,
ten feet from the ground. The nest was com-
posed of fibers, down and small twigs, making

October 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

149

a firm and pretty structure. This is the only
nest of this bird I ever found.

June 4. Chestnut-sided Waibler. Four
eggs. Nest in a tliorn bush composed of
down, dried grasses, and lined witli hair and
the cotton seeds. These birds are quite
common heie.

June 4. Prairie Horned Larlc. Took sets
of four and five from nests situated near tlie
outskirts of tlie city. I have seen large,
fledged young in early April.

June o. Scarlet Tanager. Set of four
slightly incubated eggs from nest in a small
hemlock. The nest was very loosely com-
posed of dried grass and twigs.

June 12. American Redstart. Set of four
fiesh eggs. Xest in small maple tree.

Least Bittern. Set of three fresh eggs from
a nest situated in a marsli below Lighting
Islond in the Detroit River.

Horned Grebe. Found sets of seven,
five and four eggs. The eggs were all covered
with decayed weeds and flags, with a single
exception.

June li. Black Tern. These birds breed in
great numbers in the marshes around Detroit.
The usual number of eggs is three, i)laced on
the dciid weeds, often floating.

.luue 1:!. Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Set
of two fresh eggs from a nest placed in an oak
tree. The nest was a beautiful little structure
composed of down and lichens.

June 18. Lark Sparrow. Set of four fresh
eggs from a nest concealed under a clump of
clover. This is not a common breeder here.

July ;1. Acadian Flycatcher. Set of tliree
eggs from a nest placed in an oak tree in tlie
heart of quite a hirge woods. This bird seems
to like deep woods. The nest was composed
of flne grasses, bark iin<l dried weeds, and
lined witli hair. ii. Swalex.

Detroit, Mich.

Winter of 'go and 'gi.

A summary of last winters work in this
section of tlie country would reveal a disap-
pointing lack ot ornithological material.
The winter was the mildest on record, just
enough sharp, cold days thrown in to give a
flavor to the mass of dull, uninteresting series
that we have e.xiierienced. Tlie natural
residt was that winter birds were unusually
scarce, while the half-hardy species were
frightened away by the rather cold Thanks-
giving weather. We h.ad, therefore, but the
score or so of resident species to depend upon.

The first Snow Bunting, a single specimen,
was observed October 30th ; a flock of about
thirty was recorded November 21st, and the
third and last were discovered March 7th.

Three Snowy Owls only were exposed for sale
in tlie markets, though Mergansers were not
uncommon.

The first Tree Sparrows and Terns were
observed January 80th; Juncos, February lltli;
Golden Eyes and Herring Gull the 14tli ot tlie
same montli.

A Robin was heard calling February KUli,
but his cogenor the Bluebird did not appear
until the 23d.

The latter part of the montli witnessed the
arrival of various well-known early species
that it would be tedious to mention.

In regard to the winter birds: — One flock of
Horned Larks (no sub-species) was observed
November 1st.

For the first time in three years we have
had no Evening Grosbeaks. This was dis-
appointing, inasmuch as, relying on their
seemingly continued abundance, I had
promised skins to a number of friends.

Pine Grosbeaks are always extremely rare
so their absence caused no comment, but
Crossbills should surely have been more atten-
tive. One flock of the common variety and
one of White-winged constituted our share.

The previous winter, that of '89 and MIO,
Redpolls were present in thousands; every field
fairly teemed with them; but this year not a
single individual was observed.

Mo Lapland Longspurs, and stranger still,
no Northern Shrikes. At present we have a
fair variety with us; from thirty to thirty-
eight species may be observed in a morning's
walk.

OiJlogically one set of Great Horneds and
one of Barred Owls have been taken near
here. For some unexplained reason all the
Prairie Horned Larks have gone elsewhere
this year; usually they are abundant.

Buteos and Long-eared Owls are engaged in
building and in a week or so sets will be due.

Grand Rapids, Mich. Stewart E. White.

Florida Gallinule in Conn.

June 2.5th I found a set of twelve eggs of
the Florida Gallinule at Stratford. Conn. The
nest was on the ground, under some drift sea-
weed. When I tried to remove the nest it fell
to pieces. The bird is rare here, and this is
the first nest I know of being found.

Bridgeport, Conn. " ■ ^^- Lucas.

150

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 10

A Series of Eggs of the Maryland
Yellow-throat.

Unless one has seen a series of eggs of the
Maryland Yellow-throat {Gfothli/pls trichas)
he can form no idea of the great variation of
their coloration.

Set I. June 2, 1875. New London County,
Conn. Nest under side of tussock of grass in
boggy meadow. Four eggs, fresh. White,
faintly speckled at the larger ends only with
lilac-gray: .72x..'5:3; .Tix.52; .73x.54;
.70X..53. This set was collected by the cele-
brated oiilogist ".J. M. W." {Mr. C. L. Raw-
son) and contains the most lightly marked eggs
of this species that I have ever seen.

Set II. May 1.3, 1889. Raleigh, N.C. Nest
six inches above the ground, in clover. Four
eggs, fresh. White, speckled at the larger
ends with purplish gray, and a few spots of
black: .66x.48; .68x.50; .71x..51; .69x..V:!.

Set III. .June 12. Wilmington, Mass. Nest
in a tussock of rank grass. Four eggs, fresh.
White, speckled at the larger ends with
purplish gray and black: .G8x.51; .71x.53;
.70X.51; .69X.53.

Set IV. May 2.i, 1890. Chester County,
Penn. Nest in tuft of grass, on edge of woods.
Made of leaves, dried grass stems, etc., lined
with fine, dried grass. Four eggs, fresh.
White, heavily speckled, principally at the
larger en<ls, with lilac, russet and a few specks
of black: .66x. 51; .07x.5O; .()8x.52; .67x.51.
Two of the eggs of this set have each a singu-
lar, straggling line of black, as if drawn with
a pen. This style of marking occurs quite
frequently on eggs of this bird.

Set V. May 26, 1889. Chester County,
Penn. Nest in tuft of grass, six inches from
ground, near water. Made of leaves and
dried grass, lined with fine dried grass
and horse-hair. Five eggs, fre.sh. White,
delicately speckled in the form of indis-
tinct wreaths around the larger ends with
purplish gray and black: .64 x. 51; _ .6-1 x .51.
.64X.49; .64x.50; .63x.48. One of them has
one of the black "pen lines" referred to
above.

Set VI. June 2, 18S8. Montgomery County,
Penn. Nest in meadow, on ground near
stream. Made of leaves, lined with grass and
horse-hail'. Four eggs, incubation slight.
White, speckled with hazel, purplish and
black near the larger ends: .fi9x.52; .69x.52;
.68X.51; .67x.5]. The markings form indis-
tinct wreaths.

Set VII. June 3, 1881. Newton, Mass.
Nest under a clump of birch bushes, in a tus-
sock of grass. Four eggs, fresh. Light
creamy white, speckled and spotted with rus-
set, purplish and black: .72x.53; .73x.53;
.73X.53; .71x..53.

Set VIII. May 24, 1890. Chester County,
Penn. Nest in swamp, under leaf of swamp
c:ibbage. Four eggs, incubation commenced.
White, sprinkled and speckled at the larger
ends only with purplish and russet: .O.'jx.oD;
.65X.51; .64X..50; .05x..50.

Set IX. June 3, 1886. Chester County,
Penn. Nest in bunch of weeds, near grounil.
Made of leaves, etc. Four eggs, incubation
advanced. Wliife, sparingly spotted and
speckled, principally at the larger ends, with
russet and purplish gray: .71x.54; .Ii7x.54;
.68X.54; .65X..53.

Set X. June 10, 1878. Taunton. Mass.
Nest in the middle of a thick bunch of weeds,
four inches from the ground. Made of leaves
and coarse grass, lined with fine grass. Five
eggs, fresh. W'hite, heavily spotted and
speckled (for this species) with russet, vinace-
ous and purplish gray. The markings are
much heavier at the lai'ger ends: .08x.54;
.65X.54; .67x..55; .65x.53; .67x.55. One of
the eggs has one of the " pen lines" on it,
such as are described in Set lY, etc.

Set XI. May 24, 1889. Chester County,
Penn. Nest in tussock of grass, in a swampy
meadow, about six inches from the ground.
Made of dried grass, leaves, etc., lined with
fine dried grass and a tew horse hairs. Four
eggs, fresh. White, speckled and spotted,
principally at the larger ends, with russet
and lavender-gray: .64 x .49; .65 x .48; .65 x .49
.65X.47. One of the eggs has also a few
black specks at the larger end.

Set XII. ,Iune5, 1881. Montgomery County,
Penn. Nest on the side of a stream, beneath
a bush. Four eggs, fresh. White, speckled
and spotted with purplish gray and russet.
The markings are heavier at the larger ends:
.66X.51; .66X.50; .66x.50; .60x.49.

Set XIII. June 3. 1885. Montgomery
County, Penn. Nest in clump of grass, two
feet from the ground, near a stream. Made of
leaves, lined with fine roots. Four eggs, fresh;
White, spotted with puiplish gray, heliotrope-
purple, and russet. The markings are nearly
all grouped at the larger ends, where they
form wreaths. There are also a few spots of
black, and three of the eggs have " pen lines "
of the same color. One of these is as pro-

October 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

151

winged Blackbird (Agelahin phcenieeus).
.fl.ix.oO; .64X.51; .64x.51; .67x.51.

Set XIV. June 5, 1887. Chester County,
Penn. Nest of leaves, lined with grass, in
tussock in swampy woods. Four eggs, incu-
bation slight. VVliite, quite heavily spotted
with purplish gniy, burnt umber, and a few
spots of black. The markings are more or
less scattered over the surface, but are heavier
at the larger ends: .74x..52; .74x..'5;!; .74x..52;
.76X..52.

Set XV. .July 13, 188.5. Grand .Mauau, N. B.
Nest between a rose and alder bush. Four
eggs, fresh. White, heavily spotted, princi-
pally at the larger ends, with russet and
hazel. There are also a few specks of purplish
gray: .72x.55; .67x..54; .68 x.. 5.5; .67x.,'52.

Set XVI. June 12, 1890. Chester County,
Penn. Nest at foot of small bush. .Made of
dried grass, leaves, etc., lined with white
horse-hair. Four eggs, fresh. White, three
of them wreathed with specks and spots of
russet and purplish gray. The fourth has the
markings (of the same colors) mostly at the
larger end, but not in the form of a wreath:
.62X..50; .68X.52; .68x.52; .69x..5.S.

Set XVII. June 12, 1885. Grand Manan,
N. B. Nest in dead weeds, close to the
ground. Four eggs, fresh. White, spotted
wilh russet and purplish gray. The markings
are much heavier at tiie larger ends, and the
purplish gray is unusually conspicuous on this
set: .74X.54; .72x.54; .70x.54; .73x..55.

Set XVIII. June 12, 1885. Grand Manan,
N. B. Nest in laurel bushes, eighteen inches
from the ground. Four eggs, fresh. White,
with a faint creamy tint, speckled and spotted
with burnt umber and purplish gray. The
markings form indistinct wreaths around the
larger ends: .(iBx.5:J; .G7x..'i3; .G9x.54;
.05 X .51.

Set XIX. June 2A, 1884. Gr.aud Manan, N.
B. Nest in a bunch of laurels, eighteen inches
from the ground. Four eggs, fresh. White,
delicately wreathed around the larger ends
with specks of burnt umber, black and
purplish gray: .T-ix.hi; .72x.55; .76x.52;
.72 X .5:1

Set XX. July 4, 1885. Grand Manan, N.
B. Nest in laurel. Three eggs, fresh. White,
lieavily spotted, chiefly at the laiger ends,
wilh purplish gray and russet. The former
color is unusually prominent: .7:!x.52;
.75X.52; .74x..5:^.

Set XXI. May 22, 1888. New Haven, Conn.
Nest on the ground, in a swamp, close to a
cart patli. Five eggs, fresh. This is a most

remarkable set. The ground color is light
creamy white, and this is very he.avily spotted
and blotched, principally at the larger ends,
with purplish gray and russet. On three of
the eggs the markings form indistinct wreaths,
and on all of them the spots and blotches are
unusually large and prominent for this species:
.68X.54; .68x.54; .69x.55; .70x.53; .68x.55.
Set XXII. May 28, 1888. Leighton, Ala-
bama. Nest of strips of grass and grape-vine
bark, lined with fine grass, placed on ground
at foot of bush. Four eggs, fresh. White,
heavily speckled and spotted with laveuder-
gray and russet. The markings are more
evenly distributed over the surface than is
usual: .65X.51; .61x.51; .64x.51; .61x.50.
There are a few specks of black on this set.

Set XXIII. June 2, 1889. Chester County,
Penn. Nest in bunch of weeds, two inches
from ground, in swampy woods. Made of
leaves, grass, etc., lined with fine grass. Four
eggs, incubation slight. White, speckled,
principally at the larger ends, \vith purplish
gray and burnt umber: .G5x.49; .(J8x.51;
.67 X ..50; .08 x .51.

Set XXIV. June 14, 1882. Pelham, N. Y.
Nest in bunch of grass and growing weeds,
four inches from ground. Three eggs, incu-
bation advanced. _ This set contains two Cow-
bird's eggs, and it would seem to be rather un-
usual to find them in nests of this bird, for this
is the only set in the series that contains them.
White, speckled with purplish gray and black.
No russet or any shade of brown. This is
very unusual. The markings are chiefly at
the larger ends: .70x.5.3; .70x.52; .72x.54.

Set XXV. June 20, 1890. Chester County,
Penn. Nest on ground, at foot of small
bush, on edge of public road. Made of leaves,
etc. Four eggs, incubation slight. This is
without exception the most brilliantly colored
set of eggs of this bird that 1 have ever seen.
The ground color is white. Over this is
sparingly speckled with chestnut. Around
the larger ends are large blotches of the same
color and a number of specks of purplish gray :
.60X.51; .08X..52: .07x..52; .67x..52.

Set XXVI. June 18, 1881. Preston, Conn.
Nest outwardly of leaves, inside of grass.
On bog, outside of swamp, near a turnpike.
Four eggs, fresh. This is a strikingly beauti-
ful set, and was collected by "J. M. W." (Mr.
C. L. Kawson). Light creamy white, heavily
spotted with purplish, russet, purplish gray
and a few specks of black. The markings are
principally confined to wreaths at the larger
ends: .68x.54; .70x.54; .70x..55; .69x.55.

152

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 10

Set XSVII. June 22, 1885. Grand Manan,
N. B. Nest in spruce bush. Four eggs, fresh.
Wliite, spotted and speckled with russet and
]uirplish gray. The markings are nearly all
at tlie larger ends: .71 x.54; .75 x .53; .74 x.55;
.77 X .58. This set contains the largest eggs of
this l)ird tliat I have ever seen.

Set XXVIII. June!), I87'.». Saybrook,
Conn. Nest of leaves, lined with bark and
horse-hair. Four eggs, fresh. White,
speckled in the form of indistinct wreaths
near the larger ends, with purplish gray, burnt
umber and black: .71x.55; .71 x.55; .7ox.54;
.70 x.54.

WESTEHN M.\KYI.AND YEI.I.OW-TIIROAT.

So far as can be judged from a series of
lialf a dozen sets the eggs of the Western
Maryland Yellow-throat {Geothlypis trichas
oecidentalif!) average smaller, and are more
sparingly marked than those of its eastern
namesake.

Set I. May 24, 18S(i. Melbourne, Iowa.
Nest near the ground, in bunch of grass.
Made of coarse grass, lined with fine grass
and horse-hair. Four eggs, incubation begun.
White, delicately speckled at the larger ends
with russet, purplish gray, and one or two
specks of black: .07 x .50; .07 x .51 ; .09x.50;
.OOx.50.

Set II. May 7, 1880. Oxford, Miss. Nest
of coarse grass on outside, lined with a little
fine grass, placed in a bunch of rank grass,
near spring. Four eggs, fresh. White,
faintly speckled witli russet. Thi-ee of the
eggs are almost entirely unmarked: .()4x.51;
.05X..50; .02X.49; .e.Sx.49.

Set III. May 27, 1886. Oxford, Miss. Nest
of leaves and grass, lined with fine grass.
Placed in a bunch of rank grass in a marshy
place. Five eggs, incubation slight. Wliite,
sjieckled principally at the larger ends, with
]>urplish gray and burnt umber: .05x.52;
.OOx.52; .5<Jx.52 (almost round); .6:!x.52;
.n7x..52.

Set IV. June 1, 1880. Oxford, Miss. Nest
of dry grass and leaves, placed in .i rank bunch
of grass, twelve or fifteen inches high. Four
eggs, fresh. White, speckled chiefly at the
larger ends, with purplish gray and a few
specks of black: .04x.52; .OOx.52: .00 x.54;
.00 X. 5:!.

Set V. June 20, 1880, Melbourne, Iowa.
Nest on ground, in bunch of grass. Made of
coarse grass, lined witli fine grass and horse-
hair. Four eggs, fresh. White, speckled and
s])otted at the larger ends with pur]ilish gray.

burnt umber and l)lack: .(i5x.51; .00x.5n;
.OOx.51; .65X.50.

Set VI. May 28, 1887. Oxford, Miss. Nest
of coarse grass, lined witli fine grass. In
buncli of weeds, near old pond. Four eggs,
fresh. White, speckled at the larger ends
witli burnt umber, purplish gray and a few
specks of black: .05 x.54; .04x.5I; .Oox.SSi
.65X.51. J. P. N.

Trip After Fish Hawks and Herons.

All along the Virginia coast, at a di.stance of
from two to five miles from the shore, lies a
long chain of narrow, flat islands, many of
which consist simply of a mere sand bank on
the ocean .side, backed by a broad expanse of
low swampy ground, covered with rank marsh
grass, and, as might be expected, these places
form an exceedingly attractive liome for the
various species of sea birds which breed along
our coast. There are, liowever, also a number
of islands which, while consisting chiefly of
sand and swamp, are somewhat higher in
places and have been covered by a thick
growth of the tallest pine trees, and it is here
that the Oreat Blue Herons and Fish Hawks
hold undisputed possession.

On Smith's Island, off Cape (Jharles, is one
of the largest of these rookeries, and to it a
friend and myself determined to pay a flying
visit. Accordingly on the first of May, 1889,
well loaded with guns, ammunition, climbers
and otlier necessary collecting trajis, ne
boarded the steamer for Norfolk, arriving
there next day just in time to miss our boat
for Cape Charles. As a cotton centre Norfolk
may be a great success, but ornithologically
it is away below par, and we were glad to get
away in the evening, reaching the Cape after
a three hours' ride, and here much to our dis.
gu.st, we were obliged to spend the night with
ten long miles still separating us from the
ocean side.

By daylight next morning we were up and
out for a preliminary ramble through the
pines near our " hotel." Birds were abundant,
anil among others we made the acipiaintance
of .Summer Tanagers, Mockingbirds and Brown-
headed Nuthatches, three species rare or
wanting in the ari fauna of tiie district.

By this time our team was ready to take us
across to Brighton, on the ocean side of the
Cape, and immediately opposite Sm.ith's
Island. Hardly had we got clear of the town

OC'TORER 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

153

limits when we passed an Ospiey"s nest stuck
on tlie broken top of an enormous dead pine,
the height of which could certainly not have
been less than eighty feet. These birds breed
all the way over the Cape, and we saw nests
at nearly every negi'o clearing, often built
quite near the road.

Brigliton, we found, consisted of one farm
house, a grocery store, post-oilice and oyster
depot combined, and a large number of the little
two-masted, flat-bottomed sharpies so much
used by the oystermen who make this place
their headquarters. These boats are ex-
cellently adapted for use in the shallow
channels inside the islands, while notwith-
standing their light draft they are so seaworthy
tliat their owners do not hesitate to take trips
outside of considerable length.

A bargain was quickly struck witli one of
the boatmen, who in answer to our eager
inquiries as to wliether there were still any
birds on the island replied that there were
" heaps o' huks' an' crankys' nests," and
further intimated that lie could laml us in
their very midst.

The trees where tlii^ liirds were breeding
could be dimly made out some three miles
away, and by the time we had gotton two-
tliirds over we could easily distinguish the
immense nests of the Fish Hawks. ITjion
landing we found that the colony extended
over a space in the middle of the island per-
haps one-third of a mile square. Gazing
upon such a scene for the first time the sight
was to us an intensely interesting one. The
big birds were rising from their nests on every
side, until, as we got well into their midst, the
air seemed filled witli the long legs and necks
of the Herons and the shaij). narrow wings of
the Hawks.

The two species seem to dwell together in
the greatest harmony, the Herons being much
the more numerous. The Hawk.s' nests were
s<'attere(l indiscriminately throughout the
whole colony, this being doubtless due to the
fact that they build only on the tall, dead pine
stubs, having neither bark (u- limbs, and of
these there were comparatively few.

In the construction of their nests the birds
showed a singular uniformity, eacli pair
having a large mass of rubbish stuck on the
very top of their stub. There seemed to be
no exceptions to this rule, and as the stumps
averaged a good forty feet in height, collecting
any number of -eggs became an exceedingly
fatiguing occupation, and often after a diffi-
cult climb up a stump so rotten- that the

spurs .slipped at every step we found it quite
impo.ssible to obtain the eggs as there was no
way of ;/eUing upfront beneath the nest itself,
which loomed above us seldom less than five
feet in height and about as broad. It is remark-
able that all these nests are not blown down
by the heavy winter gales, as each year new
material is added, until they get so tall and
top-hea%'y that a slight push seemed sufficient
to send the whole mass crashing down. In
one case, while digging at the side of a nest,
I nearly pulled the wiiole structure over onto
my head, an event which, had it occurred,
would have brought my oological pursuits to
a sudden close indeed. The number of eggs
found was three in every case except
one set of four and some fresh sets of two,
probably incomplete. lu the sticks at the
bottom of one nest that held two eggs with
that rare and beautiful purple tinge, a Purple
(irackle had made her home and laid four
eggs.

After two hours of this work we were quite
willing to take a rest before paying our re-
spects to the Herons, for the whole place was
covered with water knee-deep, and we were
chilled through. It was probably the breaking
in of so much salt water tliat had killed all the
trees in the vicinity. Though most of the
trees on which the Herons nested were dead
they had not yet had time to decay or lose
their branches, like those monopolized by the
Ospreys, a fortunate cireiunstance for us, as
it made the climbing much easier, and by a
little care we could select tiees containing
three, four or five of the big platform nests.
These were always placed well up in the tree,
usually near the ends of the branches, some-
times within reach from the main trunk.
While conforming to the "platform" type in
the main, they were, nevertheless, large sub-
stantial structures with hollows quite deep
enough to prevent the eggs from rolling out,
even during such a stiff breeze as was blowing
at the time of our vi.sit.

While the eggs of the Ospreys were all
fresh those of the Herons were considerably
in<ubated. The commonest number was four,
many held five, while some were sitting on
three. The actions of the two species while we
were examining their nests was noticeably
different, for while the Hawks would fly boldly
within a few yards the Herons took pains to
keep at a most respectful distance high
overhead. As these birds are seldom dis-
turbed the colony is on the increase, presenting
in this respect a notable exception to the

154

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 10

rapid iliminution of most other species in
tlie vicinity.

Having' no desire to depopulate the place
we contented ourselves with such sets as were
needed in our cabinets and set out for home,
having filled at least one vacancy in our col-
lection of oological experiences.

Theodore W. Ricliardit.
Washington, D. C

A Trip to Cobb's Island, Virginia.

Having returned from a collecting trip at
Cobb's Island, Va., I thought an account of
the same might interest the readers of the
O. & O.

Arriving at Cobb's August 19, 1891, I at
once proceeded to work, and during my stay
collected among others the following speci-
mens: Forster's Tera (Sterna forsteri),Du\\-
itclier (Macrorhainplms yriseus), Turnstone
(Arenaria interjrres), VVillet (Lympheinia seml-
palmata), Robin Snipe (Trinya canutun), Ring
Plover (^fjialitis semipalmata), Sea-side Spar-
row (Ammodromus marUimus), Sharp-tail
bparrow (Ammodromus caudacutus). Black
Skimmer (lihi/ncops nigra), both adult and
young; also a young male Redstart {Setopliaya
ruficllla), very rare on Cobb's; Hudsonian
( 'urlew (Nu)iienius hudsonlcus).

I observed but did not collect the following
birds: Blue Heron (Ardea herodins). White
Egret (Ardea candidissima) , Laughing Gull
(Larus atricilla), Gull-billed Tern (Sterna
anylica). Oyster Catcher (Jlainatopus pdllia-
tun). Black-breasted V\ovev (Charadiuit squat-
arola), Least Sandpiper (Trinya minutilla),
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), Least Tern
(Sterna antiUnruin), Osprey (Pandion haliwtut!),
Kingbird (Ti/rannus tyrannus}. Red-winged
Hlackbird (Ayelaius phfeniceuii). Black Tern
(Ilydrochelidonniyru).

I was informed by reliable parties, that the
Least Tern a few years ago bred by thousands
on Cobb's and adjacent islands. But skin
hunters, shooting for luillinery purposes, came
there, and the result is that the Least Tern is
nearly exterminated. This slaughter has now
been stopped, not through government inter-
ference, but for the reason that nearly all the
Least Terns have been offered up as victims
on the altar of fashion. Edward J. Broxon.
Washington, D. C.

Notes from Dartmouth, N. S.

.luue 29, 1891. I took the two nests last
mentioned in my notes, under date of 27th.
They both still held three eggs. I shot one bird
belonging to each nest, and have sent them to
Frank Bhike Webster Co., Boston, for identi-
flcation (since identified as Yellow-bellied Fly-
catcher). The eggs are creamy white ground
color, with considerable variation in the mark-
ings, some being marked with a ring of large
red or reddish brosvn blotches near the larger
end, and between these Large blotches are
fine, little, minute red dots; others again
have one or two large red blotches on one side
oidy, near the larger end, and from that around
the egg some very small spots; while others,
again, have a ring of very plain, little, dark
red spots. Nest one, was up about three feet,
on a little spruce tree, and suspended from the
limbs by the brim. The other one was in the
crutch of an alder, up about three feet from
the ground. Both nests were close together,
say forty yards apart, and located in swampy
ground. Outside of nests are composed of
very coarse grasses, and lined with fine grass.
They are kind of cup-shaped and measure as
follows: Outside depth, tliree inches; circum-
ference at top, outside, ten inches; circum-
ference at bottom, outside, eight inches; dejith
inside, two and one half inches; breadth in-
side, two and one-half inches; breadth, out-
side, three and one-half inches. 1 watclied the
nest from four o'clock in the afternoon until
half-past six, before I succeeded in shooting
the birds. They were very shy and hard
to secure, as they would not come near the
nests, but kept off a respectable distance,
down low in the alders, and would cry, tu-tn-tu.

I examined the Biy-breasted Warbler's
nest found building on the 20tli inst., men-
tioned in previous notes. Tliis held one egg
on the 24th, but to-day it held two. This
being the 29th, five days have elapse<l and
only one egg has been added to the set. The
9 was on the nest, and stayed on same until I
went up the tree, shook the limb and scared
her off.

July 1st. Ran out this afternoon to see the
I5ay-breasted Warbler's nest; 9 "is on the
nest; it still held two eggs, as noted on the
29th of June.

July 3d. Ran out to Bay-breasted Warbler's
nest. This still held two eggs, and I con-
cluded the bird was trying to hatch a second
set, and would not lay any more eggs, so I
took them with the nest. The eggs were

OCTOBEU 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

155

badly incubated, but I succeeded in blowing
tliem nicely. This is the nest I found on
June 20th. The birds were then completing
the building of same; nest was twenty feet up
in a hemlock tree, aud out about seven feet on
end of bough, placed on the limb, with another
little limb, that shot out from the main limb,
close above it, completely sheltering and cover-
ing the nest. Eggs, two in number, with blu-
ish green tinge, speckled with reddish brown,
with a complete ring of dark red blotches
around the larger ends. Nest, outside of
pieces of dry hay and grass, small twigs and
pine needles; depth inside, one inch; breadth
inside, two and one-fourth inches; depth out-
side, two inches; breadth outside, four inclies.
J seen about nest .and viciiiity often; $ seen
on the nest and seen building it; both birds
seen and watched often. U. Auxten.

In Camp at Twin Lakes.

Seeing our trunks, camp stove and tent poles
safely stowed in the baggage-car, we boarded
the train, taking our grips and gun case with
us. [t was the "accommodation," leaving
Des Moines at 7.80, and due at our destination,
"Twin Lakes Cut," at IS. 30 o'clock, which
would give us lime to pitch the tent and get
settled before dark.

But alas for our plans! The train was
heavily loaded with fi-eight, and the paymaster
was aboard that day. Arrived at the "cut"
at 20.10, just ten minutes ahead of the passen-
ger which leaves Des Moines at 15.:30; — no
station whatever, our baggage was dumped
out, and the train sped on, we gazing heli)lessly
after it, the sky overcast with black, threat-
ening clouds, the night dark as pitch, and we
three pilgrims alone on a wide praiiie, without
a light visible.

'Twas out of the question to unpack and
camp there for the night, so, leaving our bag-
gage by a telegraph pole that it niiglit not get
lost in the tall grass, we tramped off down a
road crossing the track here, which would
eventually bring us to the lakes and the hotel.

That was an awful walk. We were stiff
from riding over a rough track all day in that
caboose; then we could not .see the road, but
felt for it as we walked along, stumbling
around in the deep ruts, against the tall, bor-
dering reeds or ploughing through the sand.
That gun case got heavy, too, I can tell you.

Presently we see a light ahead, and at last
approach a house lacing a large sheet of water.

But we are informed that we have yet the
best of the tramp ahead of us, so off we go
again, the road now becoming less laborious,
and finally, entering a grove, are greeted by
the baying of several dogs and the lights of the
hotel gleam through the trees. A larger sheet
of water, partiallj' fringed by trees, lies in
front of us.

After a cold supper, we retired to dream of
the fun ahead, — the sportsman, familiarly
known as " Les," of the game he will bag;
George, an artist, of the sketches to be made,
and your humble servant, the "bird stuffer,"
of the specimens and skins he will procure.

The next morning dawns clear, and after a
hasty breakfast I rode back with our host for
the baggage, which we find all right, and
returning get a good idea of the lay of the
country.

Nearly all rolling prairie, devoted, where
cultivated at all, to corn and hay. Sloughs
abimnd. The hotel, a two-story frame, situ-
ated in a gi-ove on a narrow isthmus between
the two lakes, faces north at the south end of
the larger, on the bank of which we set our
tent in a grove, about half a mile beyond. The
other lake, around which we tramped the
night before, is somewhat smaller, being
northeast and southwest, its banks almost
devoid of trees. It is here the ducks mostly
feed, as we shortly discovered.

After putting camp in order we cookeil oui-
first meal, consisting of frogs' legs, boiled
potatoes, bread and butter and coffee.

Les and I secured a boat at the hotel and
went up the north lake to explore. Returning
along the shore, soon gathered a load of drift-
wood that lasted us until our departure about
ten days later. A warm supper of bacon,
fresh biscuit and coffee put us in the best of
spirits, — and thus ended our first day at the
lakes.

We had been too busy to obtain any speci-
mens, but we saw that they were plentiful.
Ducks were abundant on the south lake and on
the ponds, as also several species of Snipe;
Hawks hovered over and around us continually.
Cranes and Herons common, besides many
smaller birds, such as Kingfishers, Swallows
and Finches. Gophers and ground squirrels,
with an occasiimal tree squirrel, common.
Skunks also plenty, but more about them
anon. The first and only specimen obtained
to-day was a Screech Owl, shot just at dusk
by our artist, near the tent.

About two o'clock we were awakened by
unmistakable heralds of an approaching storm.

156

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 10

so out we hustled to dig a trench around the
tt'nt, si)iirred on by great drops of rain. You
can imagine liow we made tlie sod fly. Putting
tilings in order we lay down, waiting for the
rain, but it came not until the next day, when
it poured down steadily from daybreak until
sixteen o'clock.

The time passed pleasantly, rapidly by,
spent tramping about the fields, rowing, fishing
and hunting Ducks, most of which were
obtained in early morning as they came in to
feed. Sunday morning I had quite an adven
ture. Les and I rose about 4.30 and tramped
around the lake to our duck grounds. Day
was just breaking as we hid in tall weeds near
edge of water, with the birds, mostly Teal
tliis time, settling within easy gunshot. Soon
laid low a goodly number, but could not get at
them. The water was not deep, but the
bottom was so spongy it was impossible to
wade any distance, our feet would stick fast,
and we could return only with the greatest
difficulty. This fact we discovered before, so
I volunteered to return to the other side and
row across in an old boat left there, and
gather up the spoils.

While making the way round I heard the
gun speak several times, so I knew the victims
were increasing in number and hastened my
steps. Shoving off the skiff, a flat-bottomed
affair but wide and light, I started. The first
part was easy, the water deep and clear; but
the Ducks lay several points farther up, where
it was shallow and grown nearly to the surface
with sedges. Soon rowing became very labo-
rious and then impossible, as I neared them,
so I poled the rest of the way. After some
little trouble I picked up several Blue and
(ireen-winged Teal, also a few Snipe.

Finding it impossible to land, had to return
as I came, without Les, and as he began the
walk back, 1 called out jokingly, I would
arrive first, my distance being much shorter
than liis.

But alas! I counted without my host. I
noticed now that the boat was leaking, and
poling became no easier as the shore receded,
iu fact I was making but little progress. The
water gained on me rapidly, and I began to
be al.armed. Had now re.ached deeper water,
but the boat sat so low I could not row it.
There was to bale it with only my hat. I was
in a fix. .Just then Les appeared on the shore
and made sarcastic remai-ks about hare
and tortoise, told me to come over there and
he would help me out — to hurry up or break-
fast would be cold — that I'd be late for

church, etc. An unlucky move gave the boat,
now almost full, a slight roll, but enough for
the water to pour over the side, and at the
same time wash overboard some of our hard-
earned game. The water was deep here and
the mud deeper still, so no chance to wade or
swim ashore. I knew not what to do. The
air was chilly, and standing ankle deep in
water did not make it warmer; but to my
surprise the boat sank no lower, the weeds
probably supporting it. So, inch by inch, I
gradually poled to shore, where Les helped
me land. A run up to camp, a change of
clothes and \Varm breakfast jiut me all right
again, thankful my little adventure was no
worse.

One morning, while I was busy making skins
and George at work on some sketclies he
wished to make, Les wandered off with his
gun. I finished my work at last, and began
preparations for supper about eighteen, but as
Les had not returned we waited lor him. The
sun sank to rest behind a bank of gorgeous
clouds, twilight came on, and the moon sailed
out in a clear, calm sky, but still no Les. We
were getting alarmed about him, and I was
just about to go to hotel, and start out to look
for him, fearing an accident, when way up
tlie road we heard his cheery whistle. He
appeared to be dragging soinetliing lieavy, but
our noses informed us what it was, and ue
scattered, warning him off from camp.

He said he had walked around the south
lake, and reaching tlie duck grounds had
waited for them to come in for the night.
While doing so, he saw a large animal coming
towards him. Recognizing it as a skunk he
laid it low with a load of duck shot, but was
surprised to see another and larger one close
on its heels. This he also knocked over, and
as they lay perfectly still he ai^proaclied. One
was not (luite dead, and you may imagine our
sensations as he told us how it gurgled when
he poked it with the gun and stood on its neck
to strangle it. However, nothing serious hap-
pened, and the odor we heard was simply from
the animals, so we allowed him to come into
camp and eat his supper, to which he did full
justice.

On the morning before we left, Les and I
went to south lake, as usual, for Ducks, hoping
to take a few home. We had poor luck, how-
ever, and returned to camp early. Finding
breakfast ready, we went to the lake to wash,
when I noticed out on the water a large bird
swimming about; appeared too large for a
Duck, but not large enough for a Goose Run-

October 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

157

ning back tor a gun, we shoved off and started
in pursuit. As we approached it took flight,
rising slowly and gradually, the long tail
dragging the water, but soon settled back
again. Saw then that it was a new bird to us,
depending on its swimming powers to escape.
Passed behind it to cut itofifrom the opposite
shore and then gave chase, I at the oars, Les
on the alert with the gun.

Tlie bird did not attempt to fly again but
dived, appealing soon with only head and neck
visible. Coming quite near now, shot at him,
iu vain, he disappearing from sight apparently
unharmed. But we were on the lookout, and
as lie arose Les knocked him over before he
had a chance to dive. Rowing alongside, I
pulled in what I knew at once, by the long,
hooked bill, yellow gular sack, webbed feet
and long, rounded tail, to be a Cormorant, the
first I had ever obtained. But he was not dead
yet, as I was informed by a vicious peck at my
bare arms while examining him, so I took
pains to secure him until we reached camp.

Breakfast was cold, and though very hungry
(I tell you we had appetites out tliere) we were
too elated to care for that. Referring to my
" Key," found tlie bird to be the Double-
crested Cormorant. The boys obtained three
more in the afternoon.

Below I give a list of birds obtained and
noted during our stay. They were numerous,
and I could have had others if time had
allowed, but being on a pleasure trip did not
devote all my time to work, so that many
birds were common tliere, though unfamiliar
to me, that I did not get. I am strongly
against destroying life simply for the practice,
and would allow no more birds killed than I
could use. As it was, the latter part of our
stay I was kept busy preserving those brought
in: Loon, Gull, Double-crested Cormorant,
Mallard, (rreen-winged Teal, Blue-winged
Teal, Wood Duck and others not identified,
American Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Black-
crowned Xight Heron, American Coot, Wil-
son's Snipe, Yellow-legs (and others), Killdeer,
Prairie Hen, Mourning Dove, American Osprey,
Marsh Hawk, Pigeon Hawk, Sharp-shinned
Hawk, American Sparrow Hawk, Red-tailed
Hawk (and others). Screech Owl, Belted King-
fisher, Downy Woodpecker, Red-headed Wood-
pecker, Flicker (and others). Night Hawk,
Chimney Swift, Kingbird, Plirebe, Blue .Jay,
Crow, Ked-winged Blackbird, Bronzed Black-
bird, Cow Blackbird, Barn Swallow, Catbird,
Brown Thrush, Chickadee, Robin, Bluebird.
Frank \V. Sheldon.

Large Set of Eggs of the White -
breasted Nuthatch.

In the August number of O. & O., under
the title of "Series of Eggs of White-breasted
Nuthatch," Mr. Norris in describing a set of
nine eggs speaks of it "as very unusual
number for this bird, set of ten very rare."
I thought it might be of interest to state that I
took a set of ten eggs of this bird on April
26, 1891. Nest was in white ash tree, 20 feet
up, in a natural cavity, and was composed of
rabbit's hair and muskrat fur. Incubation
advanced. M. B. Milh.

Macon, IVIif^h.

Late Nesting of the Bob White.

On August 30, 1891, George Wilkes, a neigh-
bor of mine, found a Quail's nest containing
thirteen eggs, and on August 31st, out of
curiosity I visited the nest, and found them
about half hatclied. They probably will not
be all hatched out and ready to leave the nest
before Septembei 1st. Who can beat that for
a late Quail's nest ? Jamen B. Purdy.

Plymouth, Michigan.

Additions to the List of the Birds
of Minnesota.

7.51. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (PoUoptila cce-
rulea). Collected at Minneapolis, Minn., by
Mr. Robt. S. Williams on May 19, 1877.

3.>5. Prairie Falcon (i*"aito mexicanus). Mr.
Chas. F. Carr of Madison, Wis., informs me
that he received a specimen of this species
last winter, in the flesh, with a lot of Snowy
Owls that were caught in steel traps in the
vicinity of Benson, Minn.

English Sparrow {P. domesticiis) , common
in the larger cities and fast becoming a
nuisance.

1.53. Buffie-he.ad Duck (Clangula albeola).
A common spring and fall migrant.

(The two latter were omitted from the list
by an oversight.)

Geo. G. Canticell.

Colorado Springs, Col.

158

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 10

THE

ORNITHOLOGIST^OOLOGIST

A Monthly Magazine of

NATURAL HISTORY,

ESPECIALLY DEVOTED To THE STUDY OF

Bill IDS,

THEIR NESTS AND EGCiS,

and to the

INTERESTS OF NATURALISTS.

Under the Editorial Managenient of

FRANK B. WEBSTER,
J. PARIvER NORRIS,
FRANK A. BATES,

Hyde Park, JIass.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Boston, Mass.

PUBLISHED AT THE

MUSEUM AND NATURALISTS SUPPLY DEPOT

OF THE

FRAN'K BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

I.NCORPORATED,

Hyde Park, Mass., U. S. A.

The O. & O. is mailed each issue to every paid sub-
scriber. If you fail to receive it, notify us.

EditoriaL

.lust one year ago we called upon the
naturalists of Massachusetts by their votes, to
help Gov. Brackett down and out, on account
of his ignoring their petition and rights. We
have repeatedly referred to the fact that Mr.
Lathrop of Springfield has publicly stated that
he would stamp out the business of the taxi-
dermist— as he is pleased to call everyone
who would add a bird to his collection — and
by so stating cannot hold the position as a
commissioner of fish and game in a fair and
unbiased manner. While this is a matter
that perhaps only interests our naturalists,
one has only to give the subject a little study
to see that, as commissioners, Messrs. Lathrop
and Brackett are weighed in the balance and
found wanting.

We advised the casting of votes in support
of Mr. Russell, and liad the pleasure of seeing
that gentleman elected, Mr. Brackett being
left like a flounder on the marsh at low tide.

It was with interest that we listened to Mr.
Russell's stump pioclamation that Massachu-
setts was a commission ridden state, and liis
advocating the abolishing of the same was
encouraging. But what has he done, — simply
allowed the same old fossils to remain,-^ and

now we advise that all who are interested in or-
nithology withdraw that support from him at
the com ing election. Cast no vote for a man for
governor who holds the office for a year without
making a move to rid this state of the
exi)ensive farce carried on by Messrs. Lathrop
and Brackett as tisli and game commissioners.

We believe that the ornithologist has as
ranch right to collect a song bird as the
sportsman has to shoot a game bird, tliat the
permit system in this state is a failure, and
owing to the incompetent and arbitrary
manner of granting by Messrs. Lathrop and
Brackett. Permits are given through political
pulls, sent witliout re(iuest to some, and with-
lield without cause from others. While the
sportsmen of this state ignore our rights how
can they expect that we can support them
in their efforts to enforce the game laws?

Brief Notes.

It required the service of two police to keep
the crowd from blocking up the sidewalk in
front of our new store one day last week.
Every one says that it is the best disjilay of the
kind ever seen. We don't know bvit that it
may be, but as a free museum it takes well.
The week ending Oct. 17tli was a very lively
one in the taxidermy department. We hope
that all our subscribers in the business will find
it the same. Here's to a good .season.

A large flock of about fifty Snowy Owls are
reported as being seen at Amherst, Mass ,
Oct. 12th. Two Caspian Terns were shot at
Marshfield, Sept, 2(5, 18ill. One was a young
of the year. A number of Duck Hawks are
reported just now.

A pet coon was on exhibition at our new
store — will eat a bird as (juickly as a cat.

The six-jjoint star fish that was advertised in
the O. it O., a while since, was sold to H. J.
Hindensman, Anacortes, Washington. We re-
ceived quite a number of requests for it, liut
all came too late, except that of Mr. H.

A Gambels Partridge Hew into the residence
of H. T. Dickson, 17 .Mystic avenue. Winches-
ter, Mass. Oct, I4th. The Kish and Game
A.s.sociati(m have liberated (juite a number of
these birds throughovit the state this season.

R. T. Fisher reports that he took a Black-
capped Vireo, Sept. 8th, at Lanesbonuigh,
Berkshire County, Mass.

Late this afternoon I saw a Partial Albino
Chipping Sparrow {Hpizplla socialis). Its head
and neck as far as the wings and the back to
the base of tail, pure white: wings, tail and
underparts spotted white and brown; legs and
feet pink. The bird was very tame and I

October 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

159

api)i-oached within a few feet, l)ut alas! the
old story, 1 had no gun. I should not be
surprised to hear of this bird being reported
from other localities in its southward journey,
since by its nature it will prefer the haunts of
man i-ather than the woods.

Shelley W. Denton.
Wellesley, Mass., Sept. 3, 1891.

Value of Bisoms' Hkad.s. It may not
be generally known that tirst-class stuffed
heads of the American Bison are now
selling for $liM to $0IJ0 eacli, and are not
abundant at these large prices. The scarcity
of specimens and figures demanded for them
has infiueuced taxidermists ta manufacture
these heads. This is easily done, as it is an
easy matter to mould ahead, i)aint the nose,
and attach the horns — either natural or arti-
ficial horus are used. A bide is then procured
aM<l drawn over the moulded head. Tliis is so
skilfully done that at a little distance none but
expeits can tell the artificial from the genuine
head. But while the artificial head serres the
purpose for furriers or for advertising pur-
poses, the scientific institutions require the
genuine heads, which are each year rapidly
increasing in value. A good bison hide could
formerly be purchased for two or three dol-
lars. At the present tin)e $2.5 would be readily
paid for a prime skin, and these skins would,
in some instances, be used to make artificial
beads.

It is said that the heads and hides of domes-
tic bison — those bred in captivity — lose the
characteristics of wild bison, and this also en-
hances the value of the old and genuine
hi.son beads.

Ten or twelve years ago the Union Pacific
Railway Company had mounted a large num-
ber of these heads — it is said they contracted
for them at six or seven dollars apiece — they
were used for advertising purposes, and dis-
tributed over this country and Europe. Since
tlie extermination of the bison became ajipar-
ent the railroad company, it is said, en-
deavored to recover as many as i>ossible, and
succeeded in securing ciuite a number, but as
they were not first-class heads when dis-
tributed, they were cjuite a poor lot when
recovered.

Fifteen yeais ago the writer knew of a lot of
twenty-five bison heads which were brought to

Boston and as no one could be found to pur-
chase them they rotted and were throvA n into

Boston harbor. At that time one C(ud(l jiur-

chase a good bison head for ten dollars. —
[Shooting & Fishing, Bostcni, "the leading
sportman's weekly."

A few days since four snakes' eggs were
handed to us. and in a day or so out came
some little milk adders, each about six inches
long. They at once fell to fighting ■iid biting
each other like imps.

A new addition to our happy family is a pet
coon. It is about half grown and kind and
gentle. ])layiiig about the house like a kitten.
It has its entire freedom, l)ut jirefers to re-
main indoors. If a dead sparrow is given to
it. it tears it to pieces ancl devours it raven-
ously. It also has a fondness for eggs.

Correspondence.

Editor of 0. tfc O.:

I have had the picture of our lamented
friend, John C. Cahoon, photographed and
enlarged to 11 xU, by 6. E. Gould of South
Lyon, iJich., who is master of his profession.
It now adorns my wall, and money would not
buy it. That honest, ojien countenance tells
its story at first sight. I am sorry to say that
1 had not the honor of his personal acquaint-
ance, yet I have seen so much of him through
the columns of the O. & O., that while reading
the sad account of his horrible fate I felt as if
a brother had passed away. Name if you can
the man who, in the same length of time, has
taken the risks and endured the privations he
has for our favorite science; if such a man
lives or has lived I want to know him, — I
want his picture also, for I am an admirer of
men of this type.

When the end of that fatal rope passed
thriuigh his hands ornithology lost one of its
most brilliant lights, a light not soon to be
replaced. The memory of Mr. Cahoon should,
and I think does, occupy a warm place in the
heart of every ornithologist in the United
States and Canada. His people have my
warmest sympathy. S. Eader.

Editor of O. ct O.:

Deak Sir — I send a few brief notes for
1891 : On Jan. 1st I saw a flock of nine Canada
Geese, the first of the year; is not this early
for them ? Also on Aug. 2d I saw an adult
Bald Eagle sailing over Voighfs Woods, near
this city. I saw my first Ked-headed Wood-
pecker, March 0th; Meadow Lark, Feb. 14th;
Red-shouldered Hawk, Feb. 14tb; Broad-winged
Hawk, Feb. (ith; Yellow Warbler, March 11th;
Indigo Bunting, March 11th; Wood Pewee,
ilarch 11th; Great Blue Heron, March 11th;
Chipping Sparrow, March 11th; Robin, Feb.
i'.jth; Duck, Feb. 2th: Bronzed Grackle, Feb.
.j4t], B. II. Swales.

l>etroir, Mioli.

Editor of O. <t O.:

I notice that the Wrens' eggs found in trees
are much darker and more densely spotted
than those found in the eaves and holes of
houses; I find no distinction in check list. It
has happened so with lialf a dozen sets of
each, collected at different places. Is there
any ditterence ? It w^as just yesterday that I
found quite a curiosity. It was a wild

160

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 10

Canary's nest with seven eggs in, built directly
in and on and covering three eggs in the nest of
another strange bird. I have not looked up the
eggs yet but they are the same shape and size
of the Canary's but are vphite, sparingly
spotted with exceedingly pale purple spots.
Nest is built of different material.

Hampden liuel.
Keokuk, Iowa.

Editor of O. ifc O.:

It may, perhaps, be of interest to you to
hear that I obtained a very fine specimen of a
Golden Eagle, about half grown, I should
think; and, singular to state, it was last
January, when the ground was covered with
four feet of snow and the cold was very
intense. I have hunted in these valleys and
over the mountains for many years and have
never seen anything of the kind at any time of
the year. My impression is that it escaped
from some private colle<ition or was driven
here in a storm. It was nearly starved. We
first observed it hovering over the railroad
track, then it swooped down under the coal
pockets and caught a large rat, then rose with
it in his talons and flew over onto an island.
Tlie next day it was repeated and was
certainly twenty-five rods high when he made
the swoop and caught the rat and had to rush
under the cars with it. One of the men threw
and disabled it. I have him mounted in my
parlor where it is much admired.

In making my body I made it larger tlian
the frame, a great deal, a.s I thought it looked
small for the skin, and when I commenced to
fill in with cotton 1 found it took nearly all I
had in the house. The poor thing was nearly
starved to death, which seems singular when
so many chickens might have been had on the
farms.

I also secured a Pigmy Owl the same month,

which is a rare treat in this section of country.

O. //. Simiiiona.
Susquehanna. I'a.

New Publications.

The Lahvddor Duck, a revised list of the
extant specimens in Xorth xVmerica, with his-
torical notes by William Dutcher, from The
Auk, Vol. VIII, No 2, April, 1891. An inter-
esting and carefully prepared contribution,
characteristic of the autlior.

The Journal of the Cincinnati Society of
Natural Ilixtori/. Vol. XIV, No. 2, July, 18'.)1,

among other articles containing a list of the
birds of Warren County, Ohio, by liaymond
W. Smith.

The Birds of Indiiina. prepared for the
Indiana Ilorticultural .Society, by Amos W.
Butler, published originally in the transac-
tions of the society. A limited number have
been issued for the convenience of the author
and others. It is well illustrated. It can be
procured at 50 cents per copy, from W. II.
Ragan, secretary, Greencastle, Indiana. Mr.
Butler, who has been a subscriber to tlu'
O. & O. for years, is a eailiiig ornithologist
in his section.

The Spy Glass, published by Greene and
Balliet, Arkansas City, Kansas, .'50 cents per
annum, is a new magazine in which the sub-
ject of natural history leads.

The Jerseyman, H.E. Deats, Klemington, N.J.,
Vol. 1, No. 2, September, 1891, now ready,
" an amateur journal devoted to airing the pet
opinions of the editor." It shows careful
editorship, and is of jdiilatelic tendency.

Article XXI, on the color pattern of the
upper tail coverts in Colaptes atiratus.

Article XXII, on the birds observed near
Corpus Christi, Texas, during parts of March
and April, 1891, by Frank M. Chapman.

Extracts from the Bulletin of the American
Museum of Natural History, Vol. Ill, No. 2.
,Vuthor's edition issued August 27, 1891. The
first article, which is illustrated, is worthy of
careful attention and shows tlie importance of
having a large series, in order to follow study
that is presented in the development of plum-
age. The author is becoming noted for
his valuable contributions in ornlflioldglcal
literature.

Testimonial of Hornaday's Taxi-
dermy.

II. H. and ('. .S. Brimley say: " .\nd iieie
we may say that after carefully going through
the book, we both consider it absolutely in-
valuable, an absolute necessity to every
taxidermist or collector iji any branch of
zoology. It is just the book that we have
always needed, and money could not buy our
copy if another was not to be had. Mr.
Hornaday has certainly done a great service
to the zoological world in placing his ideas
and experience before the public in smh a
way."

ORNITHOLOGIST

—AND-

OOLOGIST.

81.00 per
Annum.

PUBLISHED BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

Established, March, 187.5.

Single Copy
10 cents.

Vol. XVI.

HYDE PARK, MASS., NOVEMBER, 1891.

No. II.

Nesting of MacGillivray's Warbler.

Prying inti) tlie domestic arrangements of
tlii.s sprightly little Warl>ler (Geothi/liiis
mii'ciiiUirnii/i) has all the charm of uncer-
tainty, all the (lithculty which comes of
flashing through a bramhly brush, and mucli
of the unpleasant element wliich caused that
wondrous wise man of the jingle to jump into
another hu.sh and scratch them in again,
inasmuch as the bird's chief delight seems
to be somewhere near the eentie of a black-
berry bush, and the bigger and thornier the
bush the more frequently does liis lively
little song leak out between the leaves to tanta-
lize the enthusiast. Nobody but an enthusi-
ast would follow this will-o'-the-wisp long
in the thickets clo.se to the Willamette River
unless, indeed, a "Discourager of Hesitancy"
peeped over his shoulder.

I renewed my acquaintance with G.
macyilHvrai/i this la.st spring on April nth ( $ )
— two days later than my first meeting witli
his congenei', the Western Maryland Yellow-
throat ((?. t.riclMs oechlcntalix), and again on
the 18th (J), again on the 28th ($).

The main body of migrants did not arrive
until May 4th. They kept close to the river
bank in compan.y with Pileolated AVarbler
(Sylrimia piisiUH pileolata) in the sort of woods
MelosiJtzii and Ilahiti frequent near here, viz.,
Cottonwood and maple with a dense under-
growth of blackberry and salmon-berry liushes,
and were not on the hills with Audubon's and
Lutescent Warblers, though later on I found
them on the hills where a tir forest had been j
removed eight or ten years ago and a growth I
of scrub oaks, willows and the omniiiresent
blackberry were allowed to spring up.

They are never as abundant near .Salem as
the Western .Maryland Vellow-throat ((? trirhas
(iccidcnttiUs) and do not frequent the open
swamps — the "s.vales" — as do the latter.

and I have never seen them very far from
woods. The Maryland Yellow-throat (G.
trichas), on the contrary, I have seen along
ditches in perfectly open country. The river
and creek bottoms are their chief haunts in
the Willamette Valley.

In the foothills of the cascades there is a
large "burn" fifteen to twenty miles wide and
thirty miles long, having its centre a little
northeast from Salem, Here MacGilIivra}''s
W^aibler is common, and doubtless breeds, as
I have killed ailults in June but have never
found a nest there, the very high and thick
fern making it all but impossible.

During my residence in Salem I have seen
only nine nests of MacGillivray's Warbler con-
taining eggs — perhaps twenty containing
young, so that I consider the eggs collected
here more or less of a rarity. Of these nests
I found the earliest May i.5, 1887, and the latest
in the season June 8, 1891, though June 19,
1888, I found one containing five eggs already
pipjjed, (I .suppose I might have blown these
by the use of some of the artilicial digestive
ferments, ExIrarAmn pancreallx for example.)

For several seasons 1 have found nests con-
taining young in various stages of develop-
ment about July 1st, On June 4, 1887, I
found a nest containing three young, just
hatclied, and one addled egg.

This season I saw young able to tly June
30tli, and collected two sets of eggs, one noted
above, the other (1-4) May 18th, both fresh.

The nest is loosely constructed as compared
with that of other Warblers, and, for .so small
a bird quite bulky, more bulky than the nest
of G. tricliax. The bird seems to prefer tine,
dry, round straws, grass stems, rootlets, etc.,
rather than the flat blades of grass, strips of
inner bark and of tules and the skeleton leaves
of which tvlcliaii is so fond.

The nest of trichas approaches more nearly
that of meluspiza — at least in the vicinity of
Salem — while MacGillirraiji is nearer the

Cop.yright, 18.11, by Fb.\nk B, Webstek.

162

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 11

n3st of the Chipping SpaiTOW ( Spizella socialis),
or Gainbel's White-crowned Sparrow (Zono-
Irichia gambeli), or Grass Finch (ChnndeateK
t/ivninnaca).

All the nests I have found have heen lined
with horse hair, and were in the overgrown
clearings described above. About an equal
number on the hills- and along the river bot-
tom, less likely to be found at a great distance
from water and never in the swamps of buck
brush {Splnea doiiyldsi!) which tr!cli((x
inhabits here.

.V lilackberry liush seems to be a sine qua
lion in their choice of a location, but frequently
tile nest is placed in a low shi-ub having vines
running through it, — the blackberry is always
near at any rate.

I have been led to the discovery of the nest
in the majority of instances by the sharp
aUxrm note and manif<ist excitement of the
m lie bird, the alarm note being given in the
case of the first nest this season, when I came
within about fifty yards of the nest. After
being thus notified of the proximity of the
nest I have found it by the long fine straws
spoken of, suspiciously sticking out from the
clump of bushes.

Davies' description of the eggs is fairly
accurate. The variation in the ground color
and shade, size and number of the pen lines
an:l specks seeming to be greater in different
sets than the variation in size.

The average size of the nine sets mentioned
above (3-5,6-4) is .72x.:')2; the extremes,
.".")x..52 and .7Ix.4f), both in the same set.
(File markings of this set also varied consider-
ably.)

The birds are rarely seen during the last
month of their summer residence here as they
keep close on the grt)und in impenetralile
thickets of hazel and salmon-berry bushes, and
are quite silent. Early in September they
depart for the south. What their habits are
in other localities I do not know. These obser-
vations refer only to the bird as seen here.
s ileiii, Oregon. Clinton T. Cnoke, M. D.

Later Nesting of the Bob-white
from Michigan.

On September 22, 18!)0, while repairing an
olil fence, I found a Quail's nest of eleven eggs.
Nine of these hatched out the 29th, leaving
two addled eggs, which I have in my posses-
sion now. This beats Bro. Purdy's set four
weeks, besides being from one hundred miles
nortli. Ed. Van \Vinkl<\

Ciro, Mich.

A Series of Eggs of the American
Osprey.

The eggs of the American Osprey or I'Msli
Hawk (Pandion haliaetus caroiinensis) are
among the most beautiful of those laid by any
of the Raptorcs. While they are subject to
considerable variation there is an individuality
about tliem which makes it impossible tt>
confound them witli the eggs of any other
American bird.

The present .series has been selected with
great care, to show all tlie variations to which
they are subject.

Set I. May 12, 1887. Plum Island, N. Y.
Nest in tree, forty feet up. Tliree eggs, fresh.
Buffy yellow, heavily spotted and blotched
with chestnut. The markings are so heavy at
the larger ends that they are confluent and
obscure the ground color. (In describing sub-
sequent sets this cliaracteristic of eggs of this
bird will not be mentioned, as it is found on
all of them, unless stated to the contrary.)
One of the eggs has a few spots of puri>lish
gray: 2.39x1.77; 2.3.)xl.78; 2.34x1.77.

Set II. May 13, 1887. Plum I.sland, N. Y.
Nest in tree, about thirty feet up. Three eggs,
slightly incubated. Buffy yellow, heavily
spotted and blotched with chestnut and i)ur-
plish gray: 2.4(ixl.79; 2..5.5xl.77; 2.4.5 x 1.80.

Set III. May 13, 18cS7. Plum Island, N. Y.
Nest in tree, about thirty feet up. Three
eggs, fresh. Buffy yellow, heavily spotted
and blotched with chestnut and burnt umber.
One of the eggs has the markings grouped at
tlie smaller end: 2.80x1.80; 2.:Mxl.79;
2.33 x 1.80.

Set IV. May i:!, 1887. Gardiner's Island,
N. Y. Nest in tree about thii-ty feet up.
Three eggs, fresh. Buffy yellow, almost
entirely obscured by the quantity and size of
the blotches of chestnut. One of the eggs has
also a number of purplish gray s]iots:
2.40x1.70; 2.47x1.78; 2.42x1.79.

Set V. May 10, 1880. Gardiner's Island,
N. Y. Nest made of sticks, limbs and sea-
weed, in a dead tiee twenty feet from the
groun<l. Tliree eggs, fresh. Bufi'y yellow,
heavily spotted and blotched with hazel and
chestnut: 2.27x1.7.5; 2.21x1.75; 2.45x1.70.

Set VI. May 13, 1887. Pium I.sland, N. Y.
Nest in small tree. Three eggs, fresh, (^ne
of them buffy yellow spotted and blotched
with chestnut and purplish gray; the other
two buffy white spotted with chestnut:
2 51 X 1.87; 2.40x1.85; 2 59 x 1.!I2.

November

1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

163

Set VII. May 10, 1886. Gardiner's Island,
N. T. Nest a bulky affair, twenty feet up.
Three eggs, incubation slight. Uuffy yellow,
lieavily blotched and spotted with chestnut,
burut umber and purplish gray: 2.43x1.7.5;
2..Tlxl.81; 2.36x1.7.5.

Set Vni. May 13, 1887. I'luni Island,
N. Y. Nest in very high tree. Three eggs,
fresh. Two of them buffy yellow, the other
huffy white, all three spotted and blotched
with chestnut and purplish gray: 2.42x1.82;
2.54x1.711; 2.44x1,82.

Set IX. May 12, 1887. Plum Island, N. Y.
Nest in tree, about twenty feet up. Three
eggs, fresh, Buffy yellow, heavily spotted
and blotched with chestnut. One of the eggs
has the markings grouped fit the smaller end:
2.29x1.80; 2.:i4xl.78; 2.28x1.71.

Set X. May 12, 1886. Plum Island, N. Y.
Nest made of sticks and sea-weed, in tree.
Three eggs, incubation slight. Buffy yellow,
two of them spotted and bb>tched with chest-
nut. The thinl has no blotches, but is covered
with small spots of chestnut. This is a rare
type of marking: 2.42x1.83; 2.411x1.83;
2..56xl.82.

Set XI. May l:?, 1887. Plum Island, N. Y.
Nest in tree, about ten feet up. Three eggs,
incubation slight. Two of them bufty yellow,
heavily spotted and blotched with chestnut.
The third has a buffy white ground, spotted
with purplish gray and chestnut: 2.."i.5 x 1.79;
2.43 !£ 1.80; 2.:i4X1.76.

Set XII. May 18, 1886. Hog Island, Va.
Nest made of sticks, drift grass, sea^weed and
moss. Three eggs, fresh. Bufty yellow, two
of them heavily spotted and blotched with
burnt umber and purplish gray. The third
has a number of small spots of pur])lish gray
and burnt unibcr: 2.40x1.82; 2.27x1.77;
2..50X 1.S4.

Set XIII. .Maine. Nest of large sticks and
sea-weed, on top of high pine tree. Three
eggs, fresh. Bufty yellow, heavily blotched
with chestnut and purplish gray. On one of
the eggs the purplish gray markings are
unusually large and prominent, and the same
egg has one very large blotch of burnt umber:
2.:30xl.6S; 2.31x1.6!); 2.:iSxl.66.

Set XIV. Miy 14, 1881. Cobb's Island,
Va. Nest in Ciedar tree. Three eggs, fresh.
Buffy yellow, heavily blotched and spotted
with burnt umber. One of the eggs is marked
at the smaller end: 2.:Wxl.74; 2.:?8xl.78;
2.29 xl.79.

Set XV. May 12, 1881. Gardiner's Island,
N. Y. Nest in an oak, fifteen feet up. Three

eggs. Buffy yellow, blotched and spotted
with chestnut — one of them marked at the
smaller end, and another has also many spots
of purplish gray: 2.:Wxl.77; 2.36x1.76;
2.:33xl.81.

Set XVI. May 14, 1881. Gardiner's Island,
N. Y. Nest in white oak, twenty feet up.
Buffy white, two of them heavily spotted and
blotched all over with burnt umber. The
other is lightly marked with burnt umber,
except at the larg(a- end, but the general effect
of the egg is as if the colors had nearly all been
washed oft', and only a little left: 2.34x1.78;
2.:»x3.78; 2.:33xl.80.

Set XVII. May 13, 1887. Gardiner's Island,
N. Y. Nest in tree, thirty feet up. Three
eggs, fresh. Butt', heavily blotched and
spotted with chestnut. Some of the spots are
of a darker shade than others, and appear to
overlay the others: 2.39x1.70; 2.36x1.74;
2.:Wxl.74.

Set XVIII. May 10, 1882. Gardiner's
Island, N. Y. Nest in tree, forty feet up_
Three eggs. Buffy yellow, spotted and
blotched with chestnut and purplish gray.
Contrary to the usual type of markings on the
Osprey's eggs these are not very confluent:
2..30X1.73; 2.:?3xl.74; 2.Uxl.1\.

Set XIX. May 13, 188.5. Shelter Island,
N. Y. Nest of seaweed and sticks, lined with
seaweed, in a scrub oak tree, thirty-five feet
up. Three eggs, incubation commenced.
Buffy yellow, two of them spotted and blotched
with chestnut and purplish gray. The third
egg has much brighter markings, more of a
burnt sienna color. This last described egg is
of an elongated, odd shape: 2.50x1.69;
2.:«ixl.74; 2.:«xl.76.

Set XX. May 20, 1882. Shelter Island,
N. Y. Nest in black oak, twelve feet up.
Three eggs. Buffy yellow, heavily blotched
and spotted with chestnut and purplish gray:
2.:^6xl.75; 2.37x1.78; 2.40x1.77.

Set XXI. May 10. 1882. Gardiner's Island,
N. Y. Nest in an oak, thirty feet up. Three
eggs. Buffy white, two of them heavily
blotched and spotted with chestn\it and
purplish gray. The third egg is marked with
raw sienna, and the bright color makes a
beautiful contrast with the white ground color:
2.31x1.75; 2.:i2xl 76; 2.41x1.75.

SetXXII. May 16, 1882. Gardiner's Island,
N. Y. Nest in white oak, thirty feet up.
Three eggs. One of them butty yellow heavily
blotched and spotted at the smaller end with
chestnut; the other two buffy white blotched
with chestnut and purplish gray. One of the

164

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 11

hitter is a very striking egg. The larger end
and abont lialf of the sides are almost
entirely unmarked, while the smaller end is
almost wholly covered with very large blotches
of chestnut. Thus the smaller half of the egg
is almost entirely chestnut and the larger half
unmarked. The effect is very odd: 2.2.5 x 1.69;
2.30x1.74; 2.25x1.74.

Set XSrn. January 15, 1800. (This is not
a mistake, it is the correct date when this
remarkable set of eggs was taken.) Bay
Hundie, Florida. Nest in black mangrove,
six feet up. Made of sticks and lined with
grass and leaves. Two eggs, fresh. One of
them buffy yellow, evenly spotted and blotched
with russet; the other has a pure white ground
color and three-fourths of the surface is
unmarked. At the larger end there are a
number of confluent spots of chestnut. This
is a rare type of coloration for this species:
2.45x1.78; 2.41x1.80.

Set XXIV. June 2, 1881. Cobb's Island,
Va. Three eggs. Buffy yellow, heavily
spotted and blotched with chestnut and
purplish gray : 2.:3(ixl.79; 2.2!) x 1.74;2.:»x 1.80.
Two of these eggs are marked at the smaller
ends more heavily, and one of them exhibits
the curious coloration often seen on eggs of
the Caracara Eagle {Polyborus clieriway) where
one color appears to be overlaid by that of a
darker tint.

Set XXV. May 26, 1885. Cobb's Island,
Va. Nest in pine tree. Four eggs, incubation
advanced. Buffy yellow, heavily spotted and
blotched with chestnut: 2.:«lxl.81; 2.37x1.8:5;
2.55x1.77; 2.43x1.78. Four eggs are very
unusual for the Osprey.

Set XXVI. May 29, 1886. Cape May Court
House, N. J. Two eggs, fresh. One of them
buffy white and the other buffy yellow; both
heavily spotted and blotched with chestnut
and hazel. The latter color is overlaid in
places by the chestnut. There are .also a few
spots of purplish gray : 2.48x1.79; 2.66x1.83.

.Set XXVII. May 5, 1887. Shelter Island,
X. Y. Nest in buttouwood tree about forty
feet up. Three eggs, inculialion commenced.
Buft'y yellow, very heavily spotted and
blotched with burnt umber and purplish gray:
2.39x1.79; 2.:?4xl.80; 2.;Wxl.80. One of the
eggs has the smaller end entirely covered with
the blotches, totally obscuring the ground
color.

Set XXVIII. May 6, 1882. Shelter Island,
N. Y. Nest in white oak, eighteen feer, up.
Three eggs. Two of them have a butfy white
ground color, blotched and spotted with

chestnut, hazel and burnt umber. The third
has a ground color of vinaceous-cinnanion,
blotched and spotted with hazel: 2.33x1.74;
2.:58xl.80; 2.:J8xl.79. The contrast between
two of the eggs and the third (the one with
the vinaceons-cinn.anum) is remarkable, but
contrasts etpially striking are f<niud in many
sets.

Set XXIX. May 29, 1886. Cape May Court
House, N. J. Nest twelve feet up on end of
an inverted tree. Two eggs, fresh. Buffy
yellow; the smaller ends almost unmarked,
but the remaining part^ of the eggs are heavily
spotted and blotched with chestnut and
purplish gray: 2.21x1.58; 2.21x1.62. Very
small eggs for this species.

Set XXX. May 20, 1883. Shelter Island,
N. Y. Nest on the rjrannfJ, under a cedur bush.
Three eggs. Butt'y yellow, heavily spotted
and blotched all over the surface with chest-
nut and purplish gray. One of the eggs also
has some spots of burnt sienna, and on another
egg the martings are not confluent at the
larger end, and do not obscure the giound
color as is usual for them to do: 2.28x1.72;
2.:38xl.77; 2.:58xl.77.

Set XXXI. May 29, 1886. Cape May Court
House, N. J. Three eggs, fresh. This is a
very peculiar set. The ground color is a light
buffy yellow. One of the eggs is spotted (not
blotched) with hazel, and the others are
heavily spotted and blotched with chestnut
and burnt umber. One of the latter has the
chestnut with much less gloss than usual:
2.:52xl.83: 2.44x1.84; 2.49x1.81.

Set XXXII. May 8, 187-'. Carver's Ilai bor,
M.aine. Nest on top of spruce tree, twenty-
five feet up. Three eggs, flesh. Buffy yellow,
heavily blotched and spotted with chestnut
and purplish gray. It is somewhat remark-
able that .although the latter color is on
almost all specimens of the eggs of this
bird it is not noticeable on most of tlum
unless looked for. This is undoubtedly owing
to the greater quantity of rich chestnut and
also to the superior brilliancy of the latter
color: 2.40x1.89; 2.:Wxl.80; 2..i6xl.82.

Set XXXIII. May 18, 1882. Shelter Island,
N. Y. Nest thirty feet up in white oak.
Three eggs. One of them a bully white,
blotched and spotted with cinnani(ui and
burnt umber. (.\ rare type of coloration )
The other two are butt'y yellow, heavily spotted
and blotched with chestnut: 2.:!4xl.76;
2.:?6xl.75; 2.45 x 1.76.

Set XXXIV. May 29, 1886. Cape May
Court House, N. J. Xest in dead pine tree.

NovKMREi; 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

165

Tliiee eggs, fresli. Buffy yellow, one of tliem
having tliree-fourtlis of the surface almost
entirely unspotted and the other end covered
with chestnut (a rare type of coloration), the
other two heavily spotted and blotched with
chestnut and purplish gray: 2.49x1.81;
2.44 X 1.76; 2.4.5x1.81!.

Set XSXV. May 20, 1880. Cape May
Court House, N. .J. Nest in dead pine. Three
eijgs, iric ibation far advanced. Buffy yellow,
blotched and spotted with chestnut and pur-
plish gray: 2.4()X 1.74; 2.4.!> x 1.":!; 2..50x 1.7(3.

Set XXXVI. May 29, 1880. Cape May
Court House, N. J. Nest in dead pine. Three
eggs, fresh. A very peculiar set. The ground
color of two of them is buffy yellow. One of
these is marked with spots and blotches of
chestnut, but the egg looks as if most of the
color had been bleached off. (Perhap.s tlii.s
effect was proiluced by the chemicals in the
damp sea-weed with which the nest was lined.)
The other egg is spotted with russet and
chestnut, the latter color overlaying the former
on parts of the surface. The thiid egg is very
light buffy yellow, sparingly spotted with
chestnut and purplish gray, and not having
the larger end covered with confluent spots as
is usual for this species: 2.20x1.79: 2.44x1.81;
2.A0X 1.82.

Set XXXVII. May 10, 1882. Gardiner's
I.sland. X. Y. Nest in tupelo tree, twenty-five
feet up. Three eggs, buffy yellow, heavily
l)lotched and spotted with chestnut and pur-
plish gra., : 2.39 x 1.7:5; 2..S1 x 1.79; 2..38 x 1.78,

Set XXXVIII. May 0,1882. Shelter Island,
N. Y. Nest twenty-five feet up in a willow.
Three eggs Buffy yellow, very heavily
blotched and spotted with chestnut and pur-
plish gray. One of them has an unusual
quantity of the latter color: 2 46.x 1.80:
2.40x1.80: 2.48x1.79.

Set XXXIX. May 29, 1886. Cape May
Court House, N. .J. Three eggs, fresh. Two
of tlicui butty yellow, heavily blotched and
spotted with chestnut and purplish gray.
The other has a vinaceous-cinnamon ground
cohu' spofed and blotched with chestnut:
2.48x1.80; 2..")2xl.74; 2.28x1.7.").

Set XL. May 7, 1882. Plum Island, Long
Island, Long Island .Sound. Nf.tt made on the
grouud. Three eggs. Buffy yellow, heavily
blotched and spotted with cliestnut and pur-
plish gray. One of tlietn has an unusual
amount of the latter color on it: 2.:'4xl.74;
2.32x1.74; 2.24 x 1.72.

Set XLI. .May 29. 1886. Cape May Court
n.)use, N. .). Three eggs, heavily incubated.

Buffy yellow, heavily blotched and spotted
with chestnut and purplish gray: 2.34x1.90;
2.43x1.92, (remarkably broad, both this egg
and the preceding one); 2.46 x 1.86.

Set XL II. May 18, 1886. Hog Island, Va.
Nest in top of cedar. Three eggs, incubation
commenced. Two of them buffy yellow
heavily spotted and blotched with chestnut
and purplish gray; the third having vinaceous-
cinnamon ground color spotted and blotched
with chestnut and purplish gray. The latter
color is unusu.ally prominent on this egg, and
is not a reddish brown under the surface of the
shell, "authorities" to the contrary notwith-
standing: 2.27x1.74; 2.31x1.73; 2.44x1.80.

Set XLIII. May 17, 1882. Shelter Island,
N. Y. Nest in sassafras tree, twenty-eight
feet up. Three eggs. Buffy yellow, very
heavily spotted and blotched with chestnut
and purplish gray: 2.:'6xl.81; 2 40x1.77;
2.:58xl.74.

Set XLIV. .lune l.i, 1884. Vinalhaven, Me.
Nest in spruce, about thirty feet up. Three
eggs, incubation advanced. Buffy yellow,
heavily blotched and spotted with chestnut
and purplish gray. The markings are more
evenly distributed over the surface in this set
than is usual : 2.?,?, x 1.7.t; 2.29 x 1.79; 2.48 x 1.77.

Set XLV. May 29, 1886. Cape May Court
House, N. J. Nest in dead pine. Three eggs,
fresh. Buffy yellow, two of them very heav-
ily spotted and blotched with chestnut; the
other heavily spotted and blotched with burnt
sienna and chestnut. The spots obscure the
smaller end. A most beautiful egg:
2.38 X 1.83; 2.2^ x 1.87; 2.3.=) x 1.80.

Set XLVI. May 26, 188.">. Cape May
County, N. J. Nest in dead tree. Three
eggs, one fresh, the others nearly half incu-
bated. Buffy yellow, heavily blotched and
spotted with chestnut and traces of jiurplish
gray on one of the eggs: 2.4;i x 1.79; 2.31 xl.80;
2.48x1.78.

Set XLVll. May 29, 1886. Cape May
Court House, N. .J. Nest in dead pine.
Three eggs, fresh. Deep buffy yellow, very
heavily marked with large blotches and spots
of chestnut, burnt umber, and purplish gray.
A very dark, handsome set of eggs: 2. .5.5 x 1.87;
2..52xl.86: 2.48x1.87.

Set XLVIIL May 29. 1886. Cape May
Court House, X. J. Three eggs, fresh. Dark
buffy yellow, very heavily blotched and spotted
with burnt umber and chestnut. On one of
the eggs the markings are thickest at the
smaller end : 2.47 x 1.8.5; 2..50 x 1 84; 2.41 x 1.74.

Set XLIX. May 16, 1883. Cobb's Island,

166

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. n

Va. Nest in cedar. Three eggs, fresli. Two
of tliem liave a biiffy yellow ground cidor
heavily blotched and spotted with chestnut
and purplish gray; but the third has a vina-
ceous-cinnanion ground color, heavily spotted
with cliestnut and purplish gray, and the
latter color is unusually prominent: 2.43 x l.Sl ;
2.27x1.78; 2.38x1.81.

SetL. May 11, 1882. Plum Island, N. Y.
Nest placed on the r/roinid. Three eggs.
Dark buffy yellow, heavily blotched and
spotted with chestnut and burnt umber. The
latter color often overlays the former. One
egg has a good deal of purplish gray on it:
2.45x1.89; 2.47x1.80; 2.42x1.8-5.

Set LI. May 29, 1886. Cape May Court
House, N. J. Three eggs, fresh. One egg
has a buffy white ground color, spotted and
blotched with burnt umber; the other two
have a vinaceous-cinnamon ground color very
heavily blotched and spotted with chest-
nut and purplish gray. The latter two are
dark, handsome eggs: 2. Ifix 1.76; 2.28 x 1.71 :
2.34x1.79.

SetLII. May 10, 1882. Gardiner's Island,
N. T. Nest in a poplar, fifteen feet up. Three
eggs. Buffy yellow, spotted and blotched
with hazel and chestnut. One of them has
some purplish gray: 2.36x1.71; 2.:toxl.76:
2.42x1.77.

Set LIII. May 10, 1886. (iardincr's Island,
N. Y. Three eggs, fresh. Light buffy yellow,
heavily spotted and blotched with chestnut
and purplish gray. A beautiful set: 2.43 x 1.73;
2.50x1.80; 2.46x1.81.

Three eggs is almost the universal rule.
Four are unusual, and two tolerably freipient.

There is a peculiar smell about an Osprey's
egg that it never loses, no matter how long it
is kept. When a drawer full of them is pulled
out it is almost overpowering, but still it can
liardlv be ciiUed offensive. J. P. N.

A German Pet.

I was a great lover of animals all my liefetime,
even when I was only a littel fat, wadling
baby. I did not care for dolls but had my pet
animils, and sometime I startelet my mother
not littel when she found a big frog in her
bed: "Poor ting was so told!" or littel miece
in her coat sleeve, where I had them made a
soft bed. When I grew up I had quit a
menagerie, and remarkaljel was it how <Iiffer-
ent kinds and races, wich are sujiposet to be

fiends, I made agree together. I had one
pet, a quit peculiar kind, a headghogg. wich
gave us lots of funn. He had such cunning
littel ways dat we could not help to laf
about him. One of these was when the cats
came into the room; he would snore and
point all his needels over his head: but soon
he discovert one of them had her tail strecht
out, he would as slow and carefully, and
breathing hardly, sneak near the cat's tail,
and at once give a big .lump, and bit himself
tith on the tail. Now there begann a row,
ennough to chock us with latter. The cat
would start on a made runn an he would keep
on, till she jumpt on chairs and labels, then
he would have to give way, and often it was
not just a pleasant tumbel down for him. Hut
the greate.st joke we had was when we one
evening had company, and sat cheerfulle and
drank our tea. The littel fellow wasse on the
tabel. We gave him tea with cream, wicli he
lyket verry much. One of the gentelmans,
wich drank tea with rum, as it is a habit in
cool evening in Germany, snyd: "Lett the poor
raskal have a littel rum, too; he is a man, and
will lyke it." So we put a littel in his cream.
"O dat is puddy good!" hoggy sayd. "He
lykes more," sayd the gentelman; "O, left us
make the fellow drunk: wc will so w;U he will
do. I objectet, Imt \\ii:it wniild I dn when
yung lads ar full of jokes and wont their funn '.'
So the put more and more nun in, and at
last gave him a teaspoonfull of clear rum.
He drank a littel of it, but then he dropt
down, his legs way stretcht and the eyes
broken, lyke deal. His needels lay slapp and
he was weak as a rieg. I took him up, but he
dit not breath or move a limp. I carriet him to
the open window; I shaket him, put cool water
on his head, but not a sine of liefe. Then I
comencet to cry, and sayd, " You, horride
fellow, have killet my i)oor boggy." t'gly as
he might seem to others, I lyket him verry
much because he had given us so nuudi funn.

I had left the jioor creatin- on the window,
and alidut a hour later, when I was going to
rest, I touglit I will hurry him first: but
when I took him up I fcelct a littel moving in
his legs. " O Tana, dear, I iiuk he is not
deat!" I put him on the t;iln'l, and now
began the funnvest sight I ever have seen.

When the light fell on him he began slowly
to open his eyes with the same dreamy, stui)id
expression of a human druid<ard: then he
began to try tu left himself uimui his fdiidcgs,
tumbling down on his back over and over
again, till "ILilnl now it goes!" Now he

NOVKMBER 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

161

(Iragges him allong a littel, all the time his
hind legs lyke paraliset.

Now he made such funny movement and
looket so distresset and shamefull dat we
roaret with laughter. All at once he gave a
large jumpe down from the tahel, and now he
began to runn in starts, — here against the
wlial, down on his bark, up again, theire
against a bureau with a hard bump, down, and
so fort. Often when he tumbeld up after quit
a hard bruise, he would chake his head and
lui-k round in a helpless way, as if to say "I
can not understand iti everyting is just in my
way ! " So he runn on and on till, all exhaustet,
he fell down to sleep.

The other day he was as well as ever. But
in the evening when tea and rum was brought
and he smellet the later, he began to snorre
and spit and to runn away of Into a corner, to
hyde himself away, and never we could make
him touch or smell any spirits again.

Poor fellow 1 it was his fate to die on to
much drink. One morning we found him
head foremost (the littel hind legs picking in
the ayr), in a large pitcher of cream, drownet.

O. Borrin.

[We have taken the liberty to print Mrs.
Borris' letter verbatim et literatim, as we
judged that it would lose one-half its interest
in translation. — Eil.]

Five Months in Newfoundland.

(Continued.)

The last of the week the Kittiwake Gulls
came in large Hocks, following the herring,
which have now set in. The Gulls are hover-
ing about over the schools with their erratic,
zig-zag flight, swooping and diving into them
in their efforts to capture a meal. The large
(iulls are away out, and flying high. Guille-
mots in young plumage are sitting along the
shore, but are very shy. Three Eider Ducks
seen. In fact all the sea-birds have arrived,
but I do not know whether it is the wind or
the great quantities of "bait" which have
brought them in, — however, they seem to have
come to stay.

On October 11th, I found the Kittiw.ikes in
immense flocks following the herring which
are swimming about in great schools. The
Phalaropes were seen among the rocks.

Mr. Gaboon wante<l to visit his traps on the
14th, so I accompanied him to the marshes
back of Custlett. As we got well down we

began to flush Ptarmigan, but they were so
wild that we could hardly get within sight,
much less within shooting range.

We found muskrats in all the traps, but no
otter.

I tried to stalk two Black Duck in a pond-
hole some distance away, but after I had crept
about a quarter of a mile I saw them rise at a
distance of about sixty yards. I cannot imag-
ine what started them, but they were off before
I could get within range.

In the afternoon we found a flock of Ptar-
migan and each of us got one on the first rise.
They settled among some tucks, and following
them Gaboon got two and I got one.

We found a fine otter "rub" and plenty of
sign of fox, and a trap set in the other track.

The Platform Hills were before us and we
made the ascent, finding that the top was com-
posed of a blue stone, cracked and broken and
looking as if a glacier had rubbed over them,
as the tops are as round and even as a wave.*

On the top of a hill the dog disappeared,
while we were watching a hawk, sailing about
near by. .Suddenly up jumped three Ptarmigan
and made for the "tucks" about a mile away,
and away went the hawk in hot pursuit; they
all disappeared in the tucks, and from indica-
tions I should judge that he supped on
Ptarmigan.

Then we flushed a single bird %vild, marking
him down in a tuck some distance away, and
f(dlo\ving him for .some time, finally flushed
him, and he dropped at a double report from
both guns. He was dead sure enough, but
whose bird was it ?

We each got a bird out of the next flock,
and as it was growing dark and we were two
miles back in the marshes we turned toward
the settlement. We had .seen about twenty
Ptarmigan, all of which were feeding on the
edges of the "tucks," and appeared to be very
wild. The Shore Larks are very plenty, in
large flocks. Several large birds, probably
Goshawks, were chasing the Ptarmigan, and
some signs of Geese were found.

On the next day, October l.oth, Anthony
Magrath killed a Great Northern Diver, which
turned upon its back when first shot, with the
blood streaming over the water, but recovering,
righted itself and dived. l>arely dragging itself

* Xmte. — The geolog:y of the Avalon Peninsula
locates the rock as a portion of the Laurentian system ,
and as the general character of this rock is a hard, blue
siliceous slate, which would present just about the
appearance here described under the influence of the
jrl.u^iers and the weather of this latitude.— Ed.

168

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 11

uuder water for two or three hundred yards.
They must have wonderful vitality.

October l(5th, Anthony Magrath shut a
Mourning Dove (Zenaidura niacroura) in his
potato patcli. It was seen there yesterday,
and seemed quite tame and fearless. One was
shot here last year, and there are a few in tlie
museum at St. Johns, but they are quite rare.

On Saturday, the 18th, it was rather stormy
with the wind northeast, and I went up over
the "Lookout" for Ptarmigan. The first
flock starte<l at long range, and settled in the
tucks on the edge of a big ravine, where 1
followed them, but could not locate them for
some time. Finally 1 stopi)ed in tlie midst of
them and clapped my liands, when up jumiied
a bird, and T dropped him about sixty yards
away. He struck in tlie bottom of a ravine,
and I climbed down the side to get him,
finding him curled up under an immense tree,
stone dead. On my way up, I started two
more, liut could not shoot.

(Circled around the hill auil had come down
the opposite side a few yards wlien a l)ird
came up with his " Goback, Goback," and he
came back into my game bag. The weather
was exceedingly bad, and the wind blew so
that I took three shots at a Snipe, before he
came to bag, and finally turned back to our
lodgings. Large flocks of Robins are going
over all the time, also Shore Larks.

Ootoljer 19th brought in tlie first Snow
Bunting of the season, and on the morning of
the 20th we found a lieavy frost and ice threc-
eigliths of an inch thick on the ponds. Our
trami) to-day was toward the traps and over
the marshe.s. The ground was frozen just
enough to hold one up a moment and then
break through. VVitli tlie exception of a Fox
Sparrow and a few Chickadees, there were no
birds seen on the outward trip. Well out on
the marslies we saw some Shore Larks.
Robins were in large Hocks and appeared to l)e
travelling northward. One Bonaparte's Sand-
piper was on the ice in a little pond.

Wlien quite near the top the dog pointed a
flock of Ptarmigan, and Gaboon got one. VVe
found six muskrats in the traps and Gaboon
got another Ptarmigan.

The duck ponds were the next objective
point, and while passing through a little
marshy place between two hillocks, a pair of
Ptarmigan rose in front of us, and as quickly
came down to tlie crack of a barrel from each
of us: and we got another before we got to the
river.

While sitting here we saw a flock of l?lack

Duck alight about a mile away, and we turned
our footsteps in that direction. When quite
near I took the dog and located at a " tuck,"
where I thought tlie birds would come over,
while Galloon stalked the birds. After waiting
a long time I heard both barrels of Gaboon's
gun, and tlie dog jumped to run to him; I
pulled him down, and what did the wretch do
a bit after but turn on his back and set up a
howl that would have waked the dead, and
that when the ducks were within a hundred
yards; of course they turned off and tlew in
another direction. While lying there three
duck flew over me at about twenty yards with
wings set, but I refrained from shooting on
Galloon's account. They pitched in the end of
the pond nearest me and commenced calling to
the others whicli were being stalked.

Galloon shot three with his first barrel, and
another in the air, which drnjiped in the tucks
behind him

When I arrived on the scene only one duck
was to be seen, an<l that was in the middle of
the pond. Two had crawled under the over-
hanging banks whence the dog dislodged one.
which I stojiped with a load of sixes. There
was no other way to get the other liird and
Gaboon waded in and brought it out, though
the water was terribly cold.

F. A. But ex. Ell.
(To be continued.)

[Ill rei)ly to several inquiries we would
explain that a "tuck" is a bunch of low
undergrowth, applied here to a sort of semi-
recuuibeiit juniper. — El).]

Taking of a Connecticut Warbler in
Genesee Co., Mich.

iVliout the last of May as I was hiokiiig f(ir
a .second set of Ked-shouldered Hawks' eggs I
heard a note strange to me im the edge of an
almost impenetrable huckleberry swani]), and
approaching the swamp and keeping very quiet
I soon had the satisfaction of shooting the
bird, and that without injuiy to it. I found I
liad a stiange iiiril, and not lliinkiiig it was one
of the Warblers I did not know wheie to look
for a description oi it, but on writing a, de-
scription of it to Mr. Ridgway of the Smith-
sonian, he said it might be a Connecticut
Warbler, and on looking up the description
there is no question of its being that sjiecies.
The bird was in full song, and there were no
others seen or heard. Sininn'l Sjiiccr.

Goodricli. .^licli.

November 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

169

Mockingbird in Northwest Iowa.

My attention was called to a bird's loud and
peculiar sin<;ing from the top of a chimney
as I was noino; to my place of business last
spring, and which proved to be, on investiga-
tion, a Mockingbird. I walclied the bird and
soon found where its mate was building a
nest. In the yard where the house stood
were twii fir trees, and in the smaller of the
two was where the nest was located. It did
not differ from the ordinary nests of the
Mockingliird. was about four feet from the
ground, and tree not ovei' thirty feet from side-
walk. Here the mother bird laid her eggs
and liatclied four young birds which were
just as bad looking as any young i)ird. These
they carefully raised and guarded till they were
full grown, or very nearly so, when all at once
I missed them, and only occasionally did I
see or hear them for some time when I
again saw some young birds, a second hatch,
which stayed till near maturity, when they
all <lisappeared. I was suiprised to find them
breeding so far north as the northwest part of
Iowa. I should like to Jiear from others in
regard to this so we may be able to get the
breeding range located as near as possible.

A. I. Johnson.
Hull. Sinux Co., la.

Across the Lake of Bay St. Louis,
Miss.

Early in the morning of September 9. 1890, a
small skiff left the east bank of Bayou Glaire,
about a mile from its mouth, and started down
the bayou bound for the river .Jordan and the
lake. The said skiff contained ihree individ-
uals, viz.: myself, my host, Mr. 13., who
acted as captain, and a little colored boy
who acted as crew and answered to the name
of Fip. .\fter rowing down the bayou to its
mouth in sliort order, about half an hour
was spent in ijunching our way through the
lous inside the boom, and I don't think we
blessed the owner of tbit saw-mill much while
shoving his logs around.

Once through the boom we were out of the
bayou and in the .Jordan; a pixll of another
mile or so and we crosseil the bar and entered
the beautiful lake, and away oft' in the distance
we could see immense schools of fish jumping,
whiih mv fiiend pronounced mullets, but
afterwards said they were " those old sar-
dines." A few Gulls sat on some dead l>ushes
sticking up above water and a few yellow
butterrties flitted aimlessly over the lake.

It was now getting quite warm but we had
yet some eight miles or so of rowing before
us, and it grew pretty hot before we got to
our destination. However we got there at
last, and landed ou the shell beach in safety.
Right before us, but six miles away I suppose,
possibly more, was the railroad bridge across
the mouth of the lake, with a train just cross-
ing it, and behind us was a grove of live oaks,
pecans and other trees, surrounding a large,
well-built bvit uninhabited house which we
had planned to camp in.

We lauded, stowed our traps away in the
old house, and shouldering our guns set forth,
after sampling the water of a famous spring
near by. We tramped through a piece of
woods, then across an old field, where I shot
at a Sparrow Hawk, but missed him, and then
we went in an old scuppernry vineyard,
which, to say the least, w.as a caution. The
old grape arbors were half standing, half
fallen, the vines grew over everything and a
dense growth of a shrub called water myrtle
filled up whatever room there was to spare,
making one of the densest thickets I ever
struck. It had one alleviating feature, how-
ever; there were very few briars.

After crawling and creeping through this
thicket and arousing the suspicions of a stray
Towhee and a few White-eyed Vireos my
friend called out to me that he had found a
rat's nest. I hurried to him and he pointed
out an immense accumulation of sticks, larger
than any squirrel's nest, and measuring
about three feet in diameter each way. This
was placed in the tangled grape vines, about
seven feet high, and it wasn't till we punched
the rats out of the nest and shot them that 1
fully believed it was a bona fide rat's nest.
The rats were large, gray ones with the feet
and under parts white and rather short tails;
in fact they were wood rats of the genus
Neotonia, but I don't know whether they
were the common eastern form or not. I
hope they will prove something fresh.

We got three rats (adults) and three baby
rats out of this nest. Shortly after we found
anol her, this time on the ground and got one
more rat, then another in the vines again,
the biggest of the lot, about four by three feet
in dimensions, and got more rats, then some
empty nests and then we started back and
found another tangled thicket and more rats'
nests. The first one produced a big rat, the
second yielded nothing at first but on more
vigorous punching something came out that I
at first thought was the most tremendous rat

170

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. n

I had ever seen; a second glance told me
he was a possum and I felt disgusted. How-
ever. Our colored myrmidon Fip soon ended
that possum's career, and we proceeded on
our way, securing several more rats and
another "pos," which said "pos" emerged
from a nest we had just before got a big rat
from; whether the two were living in harmony
or not I don't know, anyway they were both
tliere.

We now proceeded back to camp and I set
to work on the rats wliilst Mr. B. and Fip pre-
jiared dinner. After dinner I kept on with
ray skinning iu the upper gallei-y of the house
while tlie rest went squirrel liunting. During
the course of that afternoon Fip brouglit
several lots of squirrels, all gray, and finally
about 5 P.M. Mr. B. and Fii) both came back
with three coons and five rats, and also a live
coon they had caught. All the coons and rats
had been smoked out of the same hollow tree,
but from different hollows. It was now dark
and we set to work and cooked a mess of
squirrel for supper, an<l didn't they taste
good?

After supper we had a good swim in the
lake by starlight, but the edge was taken off
my enjoyment by Mr. B. speculating as to how
soon a shark or a 'gator would catch one of us
by the leg, and that made me nervous every
time a little crab crawled over my toes.

Alter our swim we went back to the house
and my companions slept the sleep of the just,
while I wearily skinned my two remaining
rats and then also tried to get some slee]>, but
wasn't very succes.sful, as my friend, the live
coon, which had been shut up in an empty
room, disturbed me by climbing up to the top
of tlie door or window, I don't know which,
and then falling down again with a deafening
tliud, whicli didn't make me feel much broth-
erly love for him.

Next morning we got more rats, had another
good swim and started off liome again after
trying in vain to stalk a Little Blue Heron.
As we crossed the lake Barn Swallows were
skimming over tlie water everywliere, a few
Herring and Laughing Gulls sailed lazily over
the water or sat motionless on stakes here and
there. Once when I shot at a Gull and missed
him a flock of about twenty Peeps flew by,
and some larger Sandpipers got off a marsh
not far off and flew wildly here and there.

We linally got to the bayou again and once
more punched through the logs, starting a
Killdeer and a small flock of Spotted Sand-
pijiers that were running about on them.

On nearing Mr. B.'s house we heard .a perfect
fusilade going on, which proved to be a lot of
nigger boys sliooting "grassies," as they call
Bee Martins in the Creole tongue. Finally we
got to the landing and shortly were all ashore,
including the c<^ptive coon, who didn't seem
by any means reconciled to his fate.

One other specimen of interest was secured
on this trip, which I forgot to mention in its
proper place. Just before leaving the house
in the morning I inspected all the rooms that
were open and discovered a bat hanging on the
wall of one. After an exciting struggle he
was knocked down and added to the "collec-
tion." He was grayish-black in color, with
great, long ears an inch long or more, and two
great warts on his nose, one on each side,
which made his head look very funny. Alto-
gether, he was the strangest bat I had ever
seen, not excepting the Free-tailed Bats I
got at Greensboro, Ala.

This concludes the record of my trip to the
east side of Bay St. Louis Lake, on the Gulf
coast of Mississippi, September!! and 10, I8SK),
which will always be a pleasant and inl cresting
memory to e. C. .S. liriiidiij.

Raleigh, N. C.

The Western Semipalmated Sand-
piper.

On September 1, 1891, I took a little collect-
ing trip to Canarsie, L. L I shot a half dozen
or more Semipalmated, but didn't notice any
difference between them at the time. I
skinned the two best specimens in the lot and
one proved to be tlie western variety.

The difference in the length of the bills first
attracted my attention, one being three-eigliths
of an inch or more longer than the other.
Then on the long-billed one the rufous tinging
on the rump was stronger and more clearly
marked.

I thought there must be some difference in
the birds and so took them to my friend Prof.
Allen, of the Central Park Museum, who
identified them for me. One, as I knew, was
the pwsiHus, and the other the p. occidentnlis.
Coues apparently does not believe in the
Western Sandpiper, but if anyone saw my two
birds I think they could hardly doubt that
they were different types. As Prof. Allen
seemed to fancy them I gave them to him.
The pusillus was a 9 ; the other a $ ,

Il.in-ii Well), FU,,/(1.

November 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

171

ORNlTHOLOGlST.^'^OdLOGlST

A Monthly Magazine of

NATURAL HISTORY,

ESPECIALLY DEVOTEr> TO THE STUDY OF

BIRDS,

THEIK NESTS AND EdGS,

and t(i the

INTERESTS OF NATURALISTS.

Under the Editorial .Munajcenient of

FRANK B. WEBSTER,
J. PARKER NORRIS,
FRANK A. BATES,

Hyde Park, Mass.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Boston, .Mass.

PUBLISHED AT THE

MUSEUM AND NATURALISTS' SUPPLY DEPOT

OF THE

FR.lXIv BLAKE WEBVI'ER COMP.\NY,

IN-C'>KP'>KATED,

HVDE Park, .Mass., U. S. a.

The O. & O. is mailed each issue to every paid sub-
scriber. If you fall to receive it, notify us.

Brief Notes.

Some of tlie papers are flisciissing tlie use of
the gown by rdUege students. Hou would
straight jackets do "?

Now that the McKinley bill is in good work-
in'4 order and we have lo pay higher for many
things, how would it do for the taxidermists
to increase their ])rices?

No wonder that fine work is done in some of
the museums, — the time tliat tlie workmen
take would ruin a business concern.

A small Doe's head mounted with antlers
makes a very pretty fancy piece.

.Another Ring-billed (iull sent in to us from
Cape Cod, Oct. lilth.

The first Rocky Mountain (;oat of the sea-
son reaches ns from Alaska.

Henry E. Uerrv, publisher of the Hittfrn,
called on ns a few days since.

One Albino Chipmunk w-as brought in to
us to preserve, Oct. ITtli. Tlie stripes were of a
liglit buff color.

Woodcock shooting during the second week
in October was good, — so says W. W. Castle,
wlio secured and sent us seven dozen from
Maine.

Mr. Vickary of I,vnn, M iss , reports on
authority of Dr. C. Cobb of Montague, Mass.,
that a pair of jiure white albino Tree .swal-
lows built in the doctors bird house three

years ago, and when the nest was built a flock
of English Sparrows came and drove them off,
but not without a fight on the part of the
.Swallows.

'".J. .1. .Vudubon, animal iiaiuter. Celetirated
for being the first ornithological painter of the
age and for having brought to its completion
the largest sized collection of plates of birds
ever published.

1 The Birds of America, .5 vols., Svo., atlas
folio.

2. Ornitholofjical Bioyraphy.

'A. Synopxix of the Biidx of North America,
1 voh, Svo., London, 1839.

Of the first of these publications we have
already spoken in terms of unqualified praise,
and we rejoice it has been brought to a
completion, although its enormous expense
precludes us from possessing, and consequently
from consulting, it. We cannot, however,
speak in equal terms of approval of the biog-
rajiliy, which is confessedly only a field
naturalist, not a scientific one.

[It is sinjrular how two minds, possessing the same
tastes, can tie so diversified as lo differ in toto respect-
ing the very same objects. During the whole time of
.Mr. Audubon's residence in Paris he only visited the
Ornithological Gallery twice, (where I was studying
lor hours, almost daily), for the purpose of calling upon
me; and even then lie merely bestowed that sort of
passing glance at the maynifii^ent cases of birds which
a careless oliserver would, in sauntering into the room.]

He can shoot a bird, preserve it and make it
live again, as it were, upon canvas: but he
cannot describe it in scientific, and therefore
in perfectly intelligible, terms. Hence he
found it necessary, in this |)art of his work, to
call in the aid of others, but. being jealous tliat
any other name should appear on the title
page than his own, he was content with the
assistance of some one who, very good-
naturedly, would fall in witli his h unior. Thus,
in a scientific point of view, the character of
the twt) publications are very different. From
the same cause, also, we must attribute the
frequent introduction of young birds, as new
species discovered by himself. A want of
precision in his descriptions, and a general
ignorance of modern t)ruithology, sadly dis-
appoint the scientific reader; all which are
discerned in the Biography and are very
striking in the Synojixis. where he rejects
established names, (as Mylodoctes for Syhicola:
several other of >h-. Audidmn's new genera, I
am obliged to confess, are (piite unintelligible
to me), and coins new ones of his own. The
letier-press, however, i- relieved by a series of
w'ell-written episodes illustrating the manners,
the habits and the scenery of North Ameriia
and its inhabitants. We only suspect that Mr.
Audubon participates in the almost universal
blemish of his countrymen, in coloring his
narration (not his paintings) somewhat too
highly. He has. we believe, returned to live
upon his property in the United States; but
one of his sons is settled in London as an
artist, and will, no doubt, inherit something
of his fathei"s pictorial talents.''

The above little send-otT is found on p.age
1 16. Bioijraphy of Zooloyists. by William
Swainson. published in London, 1.S40. .\udn-

172

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. IR-No. 11

bon was not quite scientific enougli to suit.
"He could shoot a l)irfl and preserve it."
Had lie l>een on the stiii^e now he would have
a poor show to become an active member of
the A. O. U., but no doubt they would let him
in as an associate.

During the winter hundreds of pelts of foxes,
wild cats, coons and other animals will be
made into rui;s by the readers of this magazine,
and as usual the heads will be stuffed as we
call it "half heads." Many build the form or
filling in various ways while others merely fill
in with tow or excelsiur. The quickest,
easiest and best method is to use a papier
machi' form. These come in various sizes, are
light and strong and just the right shape.
With theui all tliat is necessary is to wet the
skin, draw it over the form and fasten it. The
forms are not expensive and with them it
requires very little skill to do good work. We
think that a trial would convin<'e anycnie that
they are labor-saving.

Using the Standard Natural History (Boston,
1885) as authority, there were at that date
about 400 species of Hummingbirds con-
taine<l in one hundred and twenty genera, and
that their general dispo.sitions are exceedingly
quarrelsome. They are found only in the new
world.

The average man is perhaps not aware that
there are people in this country who earn their
living by collecting and preserving spiders,
toads, etc. We recently received (piite an
invoice of Tarantulas, Ti-ap-door Spiders, Centi-
pedes, Scorpions and Horned Toads from a
party who makes it his entire business to
prepare these for the market. They are all
neatly preserved and mounted on cards in
boxes. As one looks at the Great Hairy
Tarantula he almost hesitates to touch it.
there is such a suggestion of a bite, and, by
the way, everyone who sees them asks "Is it
sure death if tliey bite you?" Uy no means,
— like tlie sting (d' the scorpion, a painful,
serious affair, but not usually fatal. Tlie Horned
Toads, with their briglit, black eyes, look as
if they were ready to step out. The nests of
the Trap-door Spiders are quite a curiosity,
.sections of soil cut out to sliow the holes of
these spiders with the close-fitting, hinged
cover.

There are about SOO species of s])iders in the
United States.

Alexander Wilson was born at Paisley in
1708. He landed in America in 1794. He first
contemplated his great work in 1804, completed
the first volume in ISiOs, the second volume in
1810. In the beginning of 1S13 the seventh
volume was published, and he died shortly
afterwards.

Bed bugs (Cinex lectulariiix) in some cases
are said to have wing pads hanging loose, as if
ready to change into wing coverts, but none
have been found fully winged. When they
get to flying about we are just going to carry
some of Blake's Cones in our pockets, keep
cotton saturated with kerosene oil in our ears
and go with our pants tucked into our boots.

Fourteen specimens of the Fenuginous
Pigmy Owl came to us in one lot. This is
considered a rare bird.

The edition of the Code and Check-liat pub-
lished by the A. O. U. is exhausted and there
is no prospect of a new edition being published.
The union wish their list to be accepieil by the
American ornithologists and seem to be unable
to keep the lists in the market, where the col-
lectois can olitain them. It is true they have
the cheap, abridged list but that does not fill
the bill. We think that they liad better brace
up or they may see a new list put out, and by
parties who will be able to furnish all the
copies that are wanted.

Aristotle was born in the first year of the
ninety-ninth Olympead, about :W4 B. C. All
records of the progress of Natural History
commence with him. He died in his (i3d year.

After the pelt is removed from an animal, in
absence of means to projierly cure it, the thing
to do is to rub the flesh side well with salt and
then hang it up to dry. Treated in this way it
will keep till it can he placed in the hiinds of
parties who can handle it piopeily, or till the
collector is able to attend to it. Spurtsmen
should remember this when they are on their
trips.

Condors are the largest birds of prey: they
have an extent of wings varying from eight to
twelve feet.

Many pecqile believe that snakes sting.
They never <lo. The belief no doubt arises
from two things, first from tlie histoiical stmy
of the asp that ended Mrs. Cleiqjatia's career,
and that snakes dart out their tongues, which
have the appearance of a stinger. They simply
bite, and the venom passes out thmugli a
cavity in the tooth or fang.

There are over forty species of Pheasants, a
fewof thebestknownin the American market are
the Silver Pheasant, from China: Lady Amherst
Pheasant, from ('hina: Beeve's Pheasant, from
North China: Scemmering Pheasant, from
.Japan (known as the Cojiper Pheasant); Versi-
color Pheasant, from .lapan: English Pheasant,
naturalized about 10511; the Tragiqians or
Horned Pheasant of India: Argus Pheasant,
from ui>per India: Peac<ick Pheasant, from
India; (ioldcn Pheasant, from <'hina; Inqieyan
Pheasant, from Himalayas: [ncras, from Inilia.

The sea mosses ccdiected in Boston Harbor,
mounted on cards, are very attractive and
many have availed themselves of the oppor-
tunity to procure them at the price of fifteen
cents per dozen. It is surprising how well
they retain the color. It is quite an art to
mount them in the attractive manner that has
been done by the collector.

We received from a Florida collector a dozen
skins of the .Vniericaii Egret in full ))liiinage.
It is some time since we received so fine a. lot.
We had almost begun to think that we wcmld
not get any more from that locality. We also
had a fine lot of Wood Dui'k come in. They
are not easy to obtain in the East.

NOVEMBEK 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

173

"A moth may be distinguislied from a
biittertiy by having the auteuna; variable in
form, ami the wings seldom elevated in repose.
The larger number tly only by night, cr, if
disturbed in the daytiniej they tty only a short
distance before alighting.""

At this season of the year the house-fly is
crawling away to roost for the winter. He
will return with the beautiful spring.

It is said that a copper-head snake was
taken at Purgatory, ."Sutton, Mass., Sept. 2(1,
IS'Jl, by W. H. Wilson. This is rather more
than extreme norlhern limit of the reiitile,
and probably came from the Jit. Tom family.

Terribly Lonesome. — "At last we are
alone!"

It was the man who spoke.

The woman trembled an<l lifted her eyes to
his face.

They were beautiful eyes, liut they were
tremulous eyes, eyes which look out from a
he irt which is iiresolute. fearful.

He stamjied with his heavy foot upon the
flo ir of the room.

The echoes Ijr aiglit back in their invisible
arms the sound, and let it rip|)le out again
until it struck the walls once more and fell
into the vast void of silence, says the Detroit
Free Press.

A bat, disturbed by the unusual activity,
darted from a coiner and blindly dashed in
eccentric convolutions about the dusty
building.

(ireat ropes of cobwebs hung down from the
ceiling, and across the corner of the room
dead flies swung lightly in the hammocks the
spiders had fastened there.

The dust rose in listless clouds from the
shock of the heavy footfall, and sank again,
overcome by its own inertia.

Even the air was resting.

The spirit of the desolation seemed to per-
vade the place.

The wom m looked furtively around upon
her dim surroundings, and shivered.

Tlie man laughed harshly.

■',\lone, I said,"' he growled.

"Yes,"' she murmured.

A faint light struggled in through the great
windows in front, thick with dust.

"Where are we?" she whispered, and
shivered as the liat dashed into her hair.

"Listen," he replied hoarsely; "we are in
a store which does not advertise." — Hoston
Herald.

Every naturalist is more or less of a s))ovts-
man, and all are ever glad to know when any
of the fraternity is turning out any new woi-k.
We are ])leased to announce that Mr. A. C
fiould, perlnps betteV known to the fraternity
as lialpli (irpenwdnd, the editor of our neigh-
bor. Shfiotiiui ri}id FixhiiHi, has in press a new
book on iloijem Amerh-nn Rifles.

We coaxed Bro. Oould a little and got the
following pointers: It will describe the mode
of manufncture: description of appliances
used liv riflemen; diiections for bullet makinc;
reloading cartridtres; positions adopted in
shooting, and in fact will be a manual for the

riflemen, from a practical standpoint, as all
will know who are acquainted with the author.
The book will be looked for with interest, as
it fills a new field in book work. It is pub-
lished by Bradlee Whidden, of Boston, which
will vouch for its appearance.

Dog and Tuktle Go to Sea. — Much excite-
ment was caused at Pablo Beach, Sunday, by
the peculiar manner in which .Jolin Dutton's
large Newfoundland dog Towser came to his
death. Saturday night .lohn Dutton and a
few friends patrolled the beach in search of
turtles. .Just before the last moonbeam had
faded, and while in front of the pavilion, all
hearts were gladdened with the sight of a
large turtle leisurely moving seaward. \Vithin
a few minutes the sea monster was a pris-
oner. .Assisted by his fiiends Mr. Dutton
hauled the turtle up to a point on the beach
beyond the wash of the tide and turned him
over on his back, expecting to call next morn-
ing with his cart and remove the captive to
his place of business.

Long before Dutton had turned over for his
second nap "i'oung America was on the beach
viewing the monster of the deep and wonder-
ing whence he came, and, as the wonder grew,
some boy sngt'ested that it would be a fine
joke to turn the turtle over and let him regain
his liberty. The suggestion was the progen-
itor of other plans, and finally the crowd
mutually agree<l that it would be a very huge
performance if in addition to giving the
turtle his liberty they at the same time tied
some strong dog to him for company and to
add zest to the occasion As it was Dutton's
turtle, whose dog would suit better than
Dutton's?

So, coaxing his big Newfoundland dog to the
beach, these imps strongly hound the dog to
the turtle, and then restored the turtle to his
normal condition. The turtle made for the
sea. The resistance of the dog, though bring-
ing into play all of his great ])ower. was
scarcely perceptible. .Steadily the turtle

dragged him down to the beach and into the
water. The dog howled piteonsly. He
seemed to recognize the end was near. The boys
in alarm hurried forward to repair the cruel
wrong, but, alas! too late. Tlie turtle was
out of siffht and so was the dog. — From the
Jacksonville Metropolis.

Freaks of Connecticut C.\ts. — The early
spring has developed some queer traits among
the animals in this state. A. E. Olmstcad, a
Moodns marketman, has a cat which gave
birth to three kittens a week ago. Evi<lently
thinking her family too small for her capacity
as a nurse, she left her box and went over to
a neighbor's rabbbit warren, where she found
a young bunnv. and taking it carefully by the
neck carried it to her home. She has fully
adopted it, nursing it at the same time with
her kittens, but she can't understand why the
young animal dnesn't pl.ay with her tail, as his
ifoster-sisters do.

f;elston Mitchell, also of Moodns. has a cat
which is even more odd than Mr. Olmstead's.
She has taken to her affections a young wood-
chuck which Mr. Mitchell captured several

174

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. n

weeks ago. She allows the woodchuck to
muse witli the kittens, and the mother cat
licks him and makes his toilet with the same
impartiality she exhibits toward her own
offspring.

Another cat story conies from Bridgeport.
"Mike" is ,1 brindle puss belonging to Miles
B. Ferris. Twenty eggs packed in sawdust
were standing in a window of Mr. Ferris'
saloon, when Mike took it into his head to go
to sleep on them. Every attempt has been
made to drive him away from the box, and
every inducement in the way of soft beds was
offered to him, but he persists on lying on
those eggs all day, only leaving them long
enough to eat and drink. Xext week the
period of incub.ation will have expired. What
Mike will do with the brood, If he is success-
ful, is an interesting question. But perhaps
he knows what he is about, and is hatching
them for his own especial benefit.

Milton Moshier of Sheltou heard sounds !
from liis piano the other morning, and know-
ing that no one was in tlie room he began to
believe in spirits. On investigation he found his
cat prancing up and down the keyboard, seem- ,
ingly delighted at the sounds produced. After
that she was watched, and whenever the piano
is left open she will play upon it to the best of
her ability. — New York Sun.

Oct. l.'ith, a boy brought in a fine $ Ameri-
can Crossbill; he reports the first Oct. lith
(three seen). I have not collected any since
Nov. 18, 1886. I have added several tine
specimens to my collection this year. Among
the rarest are a fine Alliino Coot, American
Swan. Pileated Woodpecker, Oray Eagle and
a Timber wolf. I now have between (Son and
700 specimens, all jjrepared after business
hours. Carl Fritz Henning, Boone, Iowa.

In closing his letter Mr. Henning expresses
his appreciation of the O. & O. His is a
sample of m.any letters that reach us as
renewals are sent in.

The big Cinereous Owl of the far north is
the biggest of all our owl tribe. In contrast
is the little Pigmy Owl of the west, which is
hardly larger than a big Sparrow. So small is
it that it is a marvel that it ever dares to stick
its talons into a mouse, for fear of being run
away with. — Exchange.

E. S. Felt has in liis possession a buffalo
skull taken from a well in A. H. Knecht's
feed lot at a depth of twenty-two feet below
the surface and at le.ast ten feet below tlie
present bed of Brush Creek. It must have
been tliere a great minv years as the surf.ace
. near by was covered witli large timber, some
trees being four feet and a half in diameter. —
Louisville, Kan.

David Hunt. .Ir., rei)orts that a Golden-eyed
Duck w.as in the pond at the Public (iarden,
Boston. Mass., at 6 p.m. of Saturd.ay, Nov.
31st. On approach he rose and flew toward
the river. The identification was positive as
he approached within tifty yards.

The family of Mockingbirds reported last
year from Marshfield. Mass., returned again
this year, and bred near by. They seem to
have become naturalized there. Reported by
H. A. Torrey of Rockland, Mass , as having
captured a young bird, Oct. ji2d. and ;saw
several about there.

They took u)) the collection for the heathen in Cathay,

Another for the naked kitls in Piam far away;

They passed around tht! plate attain to pay the sexton's

hill.
Another round — no money came — the church was

very still.
'•Why pay ye not?" the pastor said — his voice was

stern and deep —
"The Lord w(>uld be no ^h.-pherd if he diil not shear

his sheep."

— Ejti-hawje.

To preserve insects this solution is recom-
mended: Dissolve 1 oz. chloral in 5 ozs. water;
dissolve 15 grains sodium chloride and 30
grains potassium nitrate in a mixture of \%
ozs. each of glycerine and alcohol. Mix the
two solutions and filter. Prevents attacks of
dermestes and retards deterioration fiom age.

Foii f'niGOER Bites. — The following form-
ula is valuable for an application to chigger
bites: Sulpliurous acid and glyceiiiie, equal
parts; apply freely to the places attacked by
the ciiiggers. Collectors in the tro|)ics will
appreciate it.

Anti-mos<;uito P.vstii.s. — Charcoal, ")00
parts; powdered nitre, 80 parts; carbolic acid,
40 parts; insect powder, 2.")0 parts. Form
into a paste with tragacanth mucilage and
make into pastils. Mosquitoes will emigrate
to the next county.

Grease spots, if old, may be removed, sa> s
the American liookiiiakcr, from books, by
applying a solution of varying strength of
caustic potash upon the hack of the leaf. The
printing, which looks somewhat faded alter
the removal of the spot, may be freshened by
the application of a mixture of one part of
muriatic acid an<l twenty-five parts of water.
In a case of fresh gre.ase spots, carbonate of
potash (one part to thii-ty parts of water),
chloroform, ether or benzine renders good
service. Wax disapi>ears if, after saturating
withbenzineorturpentine.it is covered wiili
foldeil blotting papei-, and a hot flat-iion jiut
upon it. Paraftine is removed by boiliiii: water
or hot alcohol. Ink spots or rust yield to
oxalic acid in solution in hot water; chloride
of gold or silver spots to weak solution of
corrosive sublimate or cyanide of potassium.
Sealing wax is dissolved by hot alcohol, and
then rubbed oft' with cuttle-fish bone.

The pouch of a Pelican will hold six gallons
of water. If he only knew his natornl ailvan-
tages, what a gay old bird lie would be. —
Boston Post.

November 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

175

Correspondence.

Editor of O. <6 O..- The following extract
from a letter just received from a tlistinguisliecl
member of the A. O. U. needs little explana-
tion and less comment. It was called forth by
a single request for information as to the com-
parative (probable) helpfulness of the A. O. U.
and the newly organized O. & O. Association
centered at Washington.

" DE.\ii Silt: Vonr letter received and con-
tents noted. Respecting your question about
the A. O. U. or the new association, as you style
it, I cannot give you an unbiased answer. I am
one of the founders of the A. O. U., and its
w >rk spe:iks for itself. The A. O. U. will
keep on just the same no matter if, as you
put it, yon consent to have your name brought
forward for an associate member or not."

The writer of the above mistakes alike my
meaning and iny spirit, .lust this sort of pat-
ronizing talk it is that is widening the gulf
between an innumerable multitude of intelli-
gent field workers and the select, exclusive
circle of the ornitliological union.

P. B. Peabnih/.

New Books.

Xaturalists, as a rule, are proverbially lack-
ing in a superabundance of this world's goods,
and when a man of extensive means selects
the study of science as a hobby, and while
exercising it for his personal gratification also
makes use of his wealth to advance the cause
of scientific knowledge, he becomes a true
public benefactor of which, pitiful it is to say
it, we have but few. Among these few Mr.
Frederick Stearns, a prominent manufacturing
druggist of Detroit, Mich., stands in the front
rank. During the years 18ST and 18SS he
made extensive explorations for marine life in
the Bahama Islands and from the material
thus obtained, Mr-. .1. E. Ives of the Philadel-
phia Academy of tSciencc has prepared a paper
on some specis of Echinoderms, including a
new species of Amphinra from Andros Bank,
and named Stearnii in lumor of the discoverer.
Tlie pamphlet, whicli with others is before us,
is illustrated by a full-page plate, which is due
to Mr. Steam's liberality.

In 1889-90 Mr. Stearns visited .Tapan, and as
in the other case, Mr. Ives was so fortunate

as to come into possession of the material,
from which emanates a pamphlet of fourteen
pages of description with six full-page plates
on "Echinoderms and Arthopods from Japan,"
containing descriptions of several new species
and plates of others never before figured.

It is to be hoped that Mr. Stearns will be
long spared to carry out the work so well
begun.

Mr. Montague Chamberlain, known to most
of our readers through the medium of several
articles published in our columns, and from
his authorship of "The Catalogue of Canadian
Birds" and various other ornithological pub-
lications, now announces a new "Popular
handbook of ornithology of the United States
and Canada, based on Xuttall's Manual."

While Xuttall was never the peer of Audu-
bon nor Wilson, his works are deservedly
valued to a certain degree; and that bis man-
ual should be modernized and enlarged is
certainly commendable.

Mr. Chamberlain's work as a compiler and
tran.slator is of the best, and being a firm
admirer of Xuttall he will surely present to
his readers a faithful reproduction, and no
doubt will add much of value to the original
compilations, if we can judge from the speci-
men pages now before us.

The illustrations in a great measure will be
taken from drawings executed especially for
this book by Ernest Thompson, whose work,
although crude, is very true to nature. Two
volumes with colored frontispiece will be
furnished in brown 8vo., cloth, at .$8.00, from
the press of Little, Brown ife Co.

Vol. XII of the Tranftactions of Kansnn
Acddemy of Sciences contains a correction by
the author of the description of nests and
eggs given in Goss' Cataloyue of the Birds of
Kansas, deeming bis authority as unreliable,
and a note of second occurrence of the White-
faced Glossy Ibis in that state.

B. B. Smyth, of Topeka, presents a list of
flowers, which form a floral clock by their
hours of blooming. Among the interesting
points introduced is the theory that many
plants have preferences among insects, as
furnishing honey for them, and in this way
playing an important i)art in the fertilization
of the flower. An old subject, but finely
adapted to the circumstances. Vernon L.
Kellogg gives a list of seventy-six birds ob-
served at Estes Park, Colorado.

176

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 11

Goss' History of the Birds of Kansas.

In a volume of 700 octavo pages the late
Colonel N. S. (Joss of Topeka, Kansas, lias
chronicled his observations on the av! fauna
of this country.

He has departed from the regular beaten
track of manual writers, and, except in his
descriptions, has confined his text to a great
extent to reports of his own individual obser-
vations, in the collection of which he has
evidently travelled over the greater jiart of
accessible North America.

That he was a close observer goes without
saying, and that he was an indefatigable
worker is evident from the fact that he repre-
sents oii!) birds, all mounted by his own hand,
in the pliotogravure plates which illustrate
the book.

It is difficult to make any comparison on the
character of these plates, as it is almost an
unheard-of idea to use this method of illus-
tration for technical books.

The work done in this directicui has not
given universal satisfaction, since the various
shades of color, so important in the identifica-
tion of a bird, are not brought out by the
camera, even by the ortho-chromatic plates,
and for this reason process cuts, except
from pen and ink drawings, have not been
favorites with ornithological authors. Again,
the artist, especially if he be the writer, will
oftentimes unconsciously emphasize some im-
portant point without derogation to truth of
detail, which is of course impossible with the
)>li()togravure.

The letter-press is good as can be desired, ]
and teems with interesting information on
the habits of the birds treated. The book is
Issued from the pi-ess of Geo. W. Crane iS: Co. t

An EA<ii,E WiTir a Glass Eve. — A large
American Eagle flew on the ship William
.Starbuck, on Sept. 10th, in tlie Gulf Stream
and was picked up in an exhausted
condition The bird had a glass eye, with the
unintelligible initials of the supposed owner's
name in it. The bird's craw was entirely
empty, and it is supposed to have been
carried to sea by the force of the wind, and
was unable to reach the shore. — [Wade.
(Presumably one of Kurst's eyes, as all mcu of
sense use that make. )

Proceedings of the Delaware Valley
Ornithological Club of Phila-
delphia.

Meeting Octol)er (ith. Mr. Keed read a
paper on a nesting trip to the swamps of
Southern New .Jersey, made early in June.
Hooded Warblers were more common tliau
tliey were in May, when a former trip to tliis
locality was taken, and diligent search re-
sulted in the discovery of a nest with eggs.
This nest was placed in a, holly bush, a few
feet from the groinid, and was very deli-
cately constructed of thin strips of bark and
other vegetable fibres. Prairie Warblers were
found breeding in similar situations, though
their eggs were nearly ready to hatcli. A
very handsome nest of the Catbird was found
placed in a low bush in the midstof a great tuft
of the green beard moss, of which the Parula
Wai'bler usually constructs its nest. Whip-
poor-wills were very common, and were un-
doubtedly breeding in the deeper portions of
the swamps.

A beautiful collection of nests of Penn-
sylvania and New .Jersey birds, which had
been collected by members of the club for the
Academy of Natural Sciences, was on exhibi-
tion at the meeting.

JUeeting, October 20th. Mr. Morris lead a
paper on the summer birds of the Virginia
Coast, describing in detail a trip made by him
to Cape Charles during August of the present
year. Laughing Gulls were found breeding in
abundance and numbers of their grotcsipie
young were to be .seen scampering over the
sand or crouching low in the hollows which
constitute their nests, in the endeavor to con-
ceal themselves. Among the other birds
that breed along the shore were mentioned
the Common and Least Terns and Black
Skimmer, the latter being especially promi-
nent with its peculiarly shaped hill and narrow
wings.

Many migiants from the ni>rth had ali-c;i(ly
arrived, including HiulsoniaM Curlew, Least
and Semipalmated Sandpiper.s and other com-
mon shore birds, .\moug the rarer species
noted were Oyster Catidiers and lioyal Terns,
a pair of each having been seen.

Mr. DeHaveii exhihited an interesting alliino
specimen of the Sharp-tailed Kinch, which hi'
bad shot at Atlantic City.

N'ow is tlie time to suhscrilic to the (). A ( >.

ORNITHOLOGIST

— AND-

OOLOGIST.

81.00 per
Annum.

PUBLISHED BY FRANK B. WEBSTER.

Established, March, 1875.

Single Copy
10 cents.

Vol. XVI.

HYDE PARK, MASS., DECEMBER, 1891.

No. 12.

Reminiscences.

Did you ever, good reader, tal<e a trip back
to tlie old liome, after some years of absence,
and try to trace out the old familiar paths you
have travelled so many times'?

You mounted the hill, then topped with
sturdy pines, and the sides clothed with a
thrifty growth of oak and maple, but now bare,
and only covered with a growth of low under-
brush. You seated yourself upon a stone and
gazed upon the scene about you. There, on the
hill-side, was the thicket whence yon had
taken, one year, the nest of the Hlaek and
White Creeper; here was the little meadow,
from which came the nests of the Maryland
Yellow-tliroat; beyond the (irouse bred, and
farther on, where the wood ran into an open,
was the haunt of the Bob-white.

The brook, bordered with birch and alders,
the scene of many days with the Woodcock, is
now but a trickling thread among the stones
and roots, and a lumj) rose in your tliioat. and
a feeling of loneliness and desolation crept ovei-
you. as yon swei)t the panorama with eager
eyes, to find some spot which you could say,
'■Well, that looKs natural." Far away, where
the woodland succeeds to the meadow border-
ing the river, stands a huge rock, cracked and
seamc<l by the wear and tear of many wintry
storms and sumrner suns, rent into deep
crevices by the mighty convulsions of the
earth, when life was not. Here was a favorite
resort, and surely liere would be f(nind some-
thing of the old life.

Your steps were bent that way, and surely
enough there was the old fire-i)lace in a con-
venient crevice, still blackened by the smoke
of many fires. With e.ager liands you turned
over the rocks in a convenient corner and dis-
closed the remnants of an old tomato can or
broken-eared kettle, which revived the mem-
ories of many a feast on boiled eggs, snatched
from the lien-liouse as you ran by. You could

have had all the boiled eggs that you wanted
at home, but they tasted better out here, fla-
vored as they were with the perfume of the
pines, hemlocks, and cedars, and savored
with the spice of appetite.

The next call was at the corner grocery,
where, on rainy days, you used to edge nearer
the little knot of loungers about the great
stove and listen to the tales of wonderful hunt-
ing feats, which you firmly resolved to emulate
! when you got older, (you got older, but alas,
those feats were then as far distant as ever).

" Hello, Jack," says a familiar voice, "what
brings you back to the old place ? Come over
and see the folks; there are a few of us left
here." It is difficult to connect the bearded
young farmer with the smooth-faced boy of
fifteen years ago, who shared your bench at
school, roamed wMth you those woodland paths
and pulled hair and punched noses with you
in some boy's quarrel.

I Before you leave he says. " .J.ack, are you
such a crank on birds" eggs as you used to be ?
I heard you was, and was going to send you a
lot I found in the attic a few weeks ago. I
packed them all up and you can take them
with you if yon want them. I have no use for
them. Lost all my interest. Good-bye."

Do you want them ? No need to ask. When

I you get home, you pore over those old data

I blanks, which bring you messages as from

anotlier land long left behind. And this

reminds me, I have become the fortunate pos-

' sessor of a small cabinet of birds' eggs,

i through the kindness of my good fiiend Mr.

Wade, a former editor and publisher of this

magazine, who has lost his interest in them,

altliough he is as a great lover of nature and

.seeker after nature's truths as ever. "'Tis

an ill wind that blows no one good," and when

tlie wind blew away Bro. Wade's interest, it

blew the eggs my way, and I deposited them

at the rooms of my pet society, and then I go

at an odd hour and pore over them, reading

Oopyrijiht. 1831, by KitAVK B. Webstek.

178

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 12

tlie history attaclied to tliem, and I would I
could introduce some of my present readers to
some of these old exploits. Familiar names
rise up at every turn.

Hereisasetof "seven Kougli- wing Swallows,
collected May '-iO, 1ST8, by W. E. Saunders, in
the vicinity of London, Canada. Nest in hole
in l)ank, three and one-half feet in, two feet
down, eight and one-half feet above river."
Do you remember that set, Mr. Saunders ? I
will wager you do. Cannot you tell us about
it sometime ?

Here is a set of four Black- throated Bunting
from Indianola, Iowa. They came from F. T.
I'ember, another of our family. Brother Pem-
bcr called on us the other day; he has been a
subscriber since Volume 1, and intends to con-
tinue until death us doth part.

This set of (three, one Cowbird) Red-eyed
Vireos, collected June 17, 1S80, by S. L. Wil-
lard at Rockville, Ct., brings up memories
which are move interesting to me, and I pre-
sume many of my readers, than any other in
the collection, since they were taken while
Mr. Wilhird was the guest of Mr. Wade, for
the purpose of handing over this magazine to
him and coaching him on the conduct: thereof.
I presume that not one per cent, of our sub-
scribers know anything of the founder of the
magazine, whose coming, many assure us,
they each month await with impatience; and
fewer still know of his trials.

In March of 187.5, he, then a boy of sixteen
years, without Tuoney or outsi<le help, and with
l)ut little experience, recognizing the lack in
the literary world of a perioilical devoted to
ornithology, issued a little eight-page sheet
entitled " The Oiilogist,"' as his tad at that tijne
was in this direction, and the bulk of the con-
tents was devoted to that subject, with a small
admixture of other matter. Although a ci'ed-
itable production, considering the facilities at
hand, tlic editor, to use a slang phrase, "bit
off more than he could chew," and later on he
acknowledged the fact and moderated his
ambition.

This was issued with the assistance of an
unemployed printer, but the publisher and
l)roprietor was at a loss to pay his hill, as the
hrst number was a flat failure, no luospectus
or announcement, except in a small circle of
personal friends, having been sent out; how-
ever, he made a satisfactory adjustment of
the finances, and issued a .second number
which is a decided improvement on No. 1.
Means for the continuation of the i)aper were
now exhausted, as it was not up to the staiul-

ard of expectation of collectors, and Mr. Wil-
lard, discouraged at -the downfall of his idol,
withdrew it from the printer's hands.

Before long, bis ambitions, spurred on by a
tenacious hobby, received a new impetus, and
he set about another number, resolved to con-
tinue, if such a thing was within the bounds
of possibility. The heading had heretofore
been "set up," hut he now e.xpcnded his little
pocket money for a block of bo.xwood and set
himself to carve out a heading (which was a
marvel of singularity). He next added a small
font of type to the office, and negotiated with
a boy friend, some distance away, to print it
on his press, writing, setting up, and printiijg
one page at a time, and the May number
appeared with four original engravings. Tliis
was continued until the disposal of the press
by its owner, and our publisher was again
thrown upon the cold world. But lie had now
gone too far to back out, for he had made his
mark in amateur circles, and frequent clipping.s
were made from the columns of the magazine;
so he had a press made by a blacksmith large
enough to print a single page at an impression,
which size was the limit of his funds.

At the commencement of Volume II, he hail
secured the wherewithal to purchase an "ama-
teur" press of larger dimensions, which later
on, after he hail done some outside work in
the line of printing, was succeeded by a larger
one, upon which tlie work was done until Hie
spring of 1880, when it was handed over to
Mr. W.ade. Mr. Willard is now in Chicago and
identitied with one of the largest publishing
houses in the country.

Volume VI, issued by Mr. .losepli M. W.ade
at liockville, Ct., was a vast improvement over
the little Volume I, No. 1. of seven years be-
fore, for it was now a neat, ei'.;ht-page maga-
zine with cover, and was well illustrated and
printed, as Mr. W.ide was an enthusi.ast on
ornithological literature, and with means at
his disposal. He had an immense collection
of works of our most famous naturalists, in-
cluding hundreds of unpublished autograph
letters and sketches of .Vuduboii, Wilson, Bach-
man, Xuttall, and others, of lesser note. In
November he transferred his office to Boston,
having taken charge of the Boston .loiinial
of Commerce.

In December of 188:!, the duties of his posi-
tion had so increased that he was compelled to
lay aside his bobby, and sold out his interest
to Mr. F. B. Webster, who li;is since continued
the publication.

>Ir. Wade is now- lifty-nine years old. and

December 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

179

still in tlie swim, as lie is publishing Fibre and
Fabric, the best trade journal in the country,
and is to be found at his desk every day, the
same as ever. His years set lightly upon his
head in spite of the snows of winter, which are
whitening its locks. His interest in nature
has never lessened, and he is often a visitor at
our oflice.

Our next visitor is Jeri>me Trmnbly, who
took a set of five Rose-breasted Grosbeak, May
13. 187.'^, at Suramertield, Jlicli. The data
blank is a page of a book in itself, it is so com-
plete. Trombly is at Petersburg, Mich., and
continues his connection with the family.
When he sees this the wrinkles will gather
around his mouth, and he will think over many
pleasant memories of the past.

.lohn N'. Clark, .Saybrook, Conn., next claims I
our attention with a beautiful set of Cliicka- j
dees taken May 21. ISSO, eleven years ago, and !
friend Clark is still as deep in tlie swim as
ever.

Even as we write. Mr. Wade draws near our [
desk, and on being told of the work in hand
says, " Tell friend Clark that the matter con-
cerning the Osprey of I'lum Island and adja-
cent shores, is still alive and in my hands, and '
will appear in due time." .Mr. Clark furnished
a chapter in the history of this bird.

I have two or three sets taken by Delos
Hatch, Oak Villa, Wis., but I cannot find
them now. His name is as often on my pen
as any of my friends and expect to have it con-
tinue, as he is one of our regulars; and so the
story might go on.

Thus do a flood of reminiscences sweep over
the mind, oftentimes without other provoca-
tion than the sig'it of a single object, which
arouses memories, and these, in turn, bring up
otheis. till the brain wearies of its wanderings
and comes back to the practical affairs once
more. But can we say that it is not good to
tlius live over our boyhood days and again
gritu yttviiig by the asstx-iation?

Frdiil,- A. liatf.i.

Habits of the California Partridge
( Callipepla californica ).

No liird is better known to the inhabitants
of California than the California Partridge,
(in where vou mav, in the vallevs or on the

foot-hills, and you will hear his welcome call.
Usually a flue old male will be seen on guard,
perched upon a dead stub, rock, or on an
elevation so that he can view his immediate
surroundings, and should an enemy approach
he gives a signal of alarm and disappears with
the flock that have been feeding below. They
utter a series of clucking notes and run quickly
away and hide in the brush. You hunt for
them and will find yourself in their midst
before they fly; then they scatter in all direc-
tions. By remaining quiet for a short time you
will hear the males begin to call and the
whole flock will again get together.

The flesh of the California Partridge is
excellent eating, no less than 100,000 being
annually sold in the San Francisco market.
They are much sought after by hunters near
the towns and cities. They become very wild
and fly <iuite a distance at sighting the si>orts-
man.

Early in spring they pair off, and when the
nesting season begins the not-long-ago wild
birds change their habits and become tame.
They are now protected by law, and are but
little molested by man. They even come to
your door-yards on the outskirts of the city to
build their nests, and can be seen abundant all
along the country roads.

The nest is usually made in a tuft of grass,
or where it is well concealed by growing vege-
tation, and the old bird will not leave it until
you are within a step of her.

The young are very pretty but hard to
secure. They are very active, and in the
"rass it is almost impossible to And them.

One who is unfamiliar with hunting the
California Partridge, and who is not an expert
wing shot, often gets disappointed in the
number of birds that he bags. When there is
no brush near at hand they will fly into a live
oak tree and, although you saw fifty or per-
haps a hundred birds fly to the tree and you
are within thirty yai-ds of them, you cannot
see a single bird, yet they are all there hidden
amoniT the thickest branches aud leaves, and
you will be greatly surprised when they fly
that you did not see them before. The old
birds thrive and bectmie very tame in confine-
ment. They have been introduced into Eng-
land and are said to be doing finely.

Their food consists chiefly of seeds; they
also eat insects and grain. Farmers complain
of them little, and many will not allow them
to be shot on their premises, but to the grape
inower they are said to be a pest in a few
localities. Clarl- P. Streator.

180

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 12

Late Nesting of the Bob-white.

In the October O. & O., Mr. James B. Purely
of Plymouth, Mich., records a nest of the
Bob-white found at that place on August 30,
1891. The nest contained thirteen eggs, and
the next day, August 31st, they were about
half hatched.

Mr. Purdy wishes to know who can beat it
for a late Quail's nest. I have an egg of the
Bob-white in my cabinet which was collected
on Sejjtember 12, 1889, at Blue Rapids, Kansas,
by my cousin, W. F. Hoag. The nest con-
tained ten eggs, perfectly fresh, but he drove
over the nest before it was discovered and
brolce them all but one, which he kindly sent
to me. 1 presume there are many who have
later records of this bird's breeding than eitlier
Mr Purdy's or the one mentioned above. Let
us hear from those who live where the Bob-
white is an abundant breeder.

Bfnjnmin Uoa;!.

Ste]'hentf»\vn. X. Y.

An Afternoon Ramble.

Early Sund.ay morning, Noveml)er 1st, I
started for Ames, la., arriving there about
tliree o'clock, from tliere north to Gilbert Sta-
tion, a little village on the railroad. For-
tunately for me my young friend, Amim
.Shearer, was at the depot.

The night air was raw and chilly, the ciild
wind, blowing across the prairie, made us
hustle into the buggy and start for my friend's
home three miles distant.

We arrived at our destination in due time:
it yet lacked two hours before daybreak.

.Y cozy arm-chair by a warm fire is a very
good place to be at this time in the morning;
with several copies of your valuable magazine,
the O. ife O., the time passed quickly. After
dinner my young friend, who, I trust, is a
future ornithologist, asked me if I was ready
to go to the woods.

Always anxious to study birds in their na-
tive haunts, I informed my friend that nothing
would please me more than to st;irt at once.

In half an hour we arrived at tlie woods.
Juncos and .Sparrows greeted us everywhere,
the undergrowth of the creek bottom was full
of them, in troops sometimes numlicring
hundreds.

We had not been in the woods long before

my friend shot a fine Fox Sparrow. The report
of the gun, ringing through the quiet woods,
startled a Blue Jay at our left. After carefully
putting the Sparrow in the collecting bag we
started after the Jay. The harsh notes in the
distance betrayed the handsome fellow's
whereabouts; we soon had him in our collect-
ing bag to keep company with the Sparrow,
This familiar species is abundant in t'entral
Iowa.

Our ne.xt specimen w,as the beautiful Downy
Woodpecker — called Sapsuoker in our locality;
we approach him pretty close without em-
barrassing him in the least; lie was liaid at
work getting his dinner.

The Hairy Wooilpecker and Black-capped
Chickadee were abundant, but I have several
of each in my collection, so passed t'lem by.

We now started for Squaw Creek, one quarter
mile west. The first that we saw was two
ducks, but they were too quick fur us aiul
caught us napping. After that we kept our
eyes open and were soon rewarded by seeing
a Red Screech Owl in an old tree near the
water's edge. Amon shot at the Owl but un-
fortunately did not kill the jioor fellow. He
Hew a little ways but soon gave out and fell
into the creek, but managed to cross in a
remarkably short time and make his escape in
a hole in the bank. My friend tru'd to get the
Owl out of his retreat, but only succeeded in
getting Ills feet wet.

Disappointed because we did not get the
Owl, we started south along Squaw Creek, in
liiipes of having better luck. Hundreils of
liedwings and Rusty Blackbirds passed us.
.XuKui shot two young males and one female
out of the tlock. but 1 could not use them for
mounting.

It was now getting near supper time. We
were just thinking of starting for home when
we noticed a rabbit in the hollow of a stump.
This time I had to take the gun; a few kicks
and a handful of leaves, flying in the air,
proved that my shot had taken etlect; when I
got to the stump " Bonny" was dead.

The hedges along the road vvere literally
alive with .luncos. Fox, Tree, Harris and Field
Sparrows.

When we arrived at home supper was ready.
It is needless to say that we did .justice to the
meal for a few hours' ramble through the
woods gives anyone a good appetite.

I shall long remember this day and hope that
1 may soon have an oppcu'tnnity of again visit-
ing my friend. Curt Fritz Ilennunj.

lioone. Inwa.

DECliMBER 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

181

THE

ORNITHOLOGISTr.^'^OOLOGlST

A .Mc.nthly .M;if;aziiii^ nf

NATURAL HISTORY,

KSI'ECIALLY DEVOTKO TO THE STIDV OF

BIPIOS,

THEIR NESTS AM) E(i(;S,

and Ut the

INTERESTS OF NATURALISTS.

Under the Editorial .Man;tj;enient of

FRANK B. WEIiSTER,
J. PARKER NORRIS,
FRANK A. BATES.

Hyde Park, Mass.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Boston, Mass.

PUBLISHED AT THE

MUSEUM AND NATURALISTS SUPPh DEPOT

FR.\XIv Br..\[vE WEBSTER f'OMPANY,

INCi>KP. (RATED,

Hyde Pakk, Ma.ss., U. .'^. A.

The O. & O. is mailed eacb issue to every paid sub-
scriber. If you fail to receive it, notify us.

Editorial.

With this issue we close the sixteenth vol-
ume of this magazine. During the )>ast year
we have made it more general in character anil
hy so doing have increased the subscription
list. From our experience we are satisfied
that, while some would prefer to liave it
entirely and exclusively scientific, they form
so small a proportion of its readei s iliat it wi.l
he for the best interests to meet the views of
the vast majority, and in the coming year wt
shall open our columns still further to other
departments of n itural history and items that
make us smile. We hope that all our readeis
will assist us hy sending in notes of interest
from all sections of tlie country.

\Ve again call the attention of our readers to
the fact that a magazine of the nature of the
<). & O. is dependent to a certain extent upon
a class that is limited in number and so scat-
tered that they are very hard tt> reach. The
result is that the advertising that is necessary
is a heavy tax upon the financial resources
The course that we have jjur-sued has been to
send thousands of sample copies broadcast
throughout the country. There is another
source whicli, if available, would be a great
advantage. If each of our regular subscribers

or those who take the magazine year after
year would make an effort to secure a new
subscriber for 1892 it would make an in-
crease that would enable us to still further
improve the magazine. We are aware that
the public cannot be expected to work without
pay for what may be considered private inter-
ests, but the fact should not be lost sight of
that the entire proceeds of our subscription
list is devoted to the mag.azine to make it
instructive and entertaining, and we leave it
to them to consider if a small effort on their
part would not reap its reward.

Do not forget that we continue to send the
magazine if not otherwise requested. We
have adopted this course as it seems to meet
the wishes of the majority of our sv.bscribers.
While we hope that you all will extend your
kind support in 1892, should you wish it dis-
ccnitinued send us word at once.

A Labrador Duck for Sale.

Such a notice we think none of our readers
have seen for many ye.trs, an<l we doubt if they
will again. That the Labrador Duck is extinct
seems to be considered witlicuit question.
There are but a very few specimens known to
be in existence, of which there are less than
half a dozen in the hands of private individ-
uals and the balance in public institutions.
This would indicate that the chance to pur-
chase a specimen in tlie future is not likely to
occur. The one that we offer is a young male,
mounted and in tine condition. This first offer
is made in hopes that it may be retained in
this country, but we presume that, like many
rare things we have handled, it will be sold in
Europe.

Brief Notes.

As is our custom the color of the covers will
be changed with next issue. As volume after
volume is coiui)leted the field for distinctive
colors grows smaller. We shall shortly have
to go on tints which afford a wider range, and
no doubt the day will come wlien the reader
as he scans the aceumubited tiles will have his
vision mellowed by the more modern shades
sacli as subdued mouse, elephant's breath, (.ir
vapor on snow.

An enterprising bootblack, the proprietor of
a small ro.on, placed the sign on the door,
"/?oi)/.v Blacked fnside." A Harvard student,
who chanced lo piss, was not quite satisfied

182

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 1-2

with the phraseology and remarked, "Tou
never bhvck the inside of a boot do you ? " Tliis
was a puzzler and it was adnutted to be a mis-
take. After scratching his head the bootblack
asked the student if he. could not suggest a
change. With a little deliberation it was made,
" The Outside of Boots Blacked Inside," and
with mutual congratulations they parted.

Owing to the confusion it caused we were
obliged to remove the snakes from our win-
dow on Franklin street. The sounds that were
wafted in from the passing throng was nothing
but snaix, snaikes, schnakes, and pschnaiijues.

I had been hunting along the LI ino River in
Texas all the morning for wild turkeys without
success, and tiually threw myself down under
an oak to rest and imbibe a little as a precau-
tion against a possible future snake bite. Very
shortly I saw a big rattler, and a large lump
about half way down 1 suspected was a snuill
jack-rabbitt. The rabbit kicked now and then,
as though not enjoying the process of deglu-
tition, but the snake slept on, writes a New
York Sun correspondent.

A slight rustling at my left caused me to
turn, and I saw the crested head .and f winkling
eyes of a Chapparal Cock peeping around a
cactus leaf. Rattlers and Chapparal Cocks are
enemies, as every plainsman knows. A vision
of the infant Ch.apparalCocks which had fouml
a living tomb in this same snake doubtless
tiitted before the bird's eyes. After making
sure that his foe sleiit, the bird picked up a
dry cactus spine with bis bill. <lanced out mi
his long legs, and laid it down by the rattler.
Then he went back for another, and yet
another, until he had built a regular wall of
sharp spines around the dormant sn.ake. When
he had completed the work to bis satisfaction
he went back to the cactus shrub and waited.

l?y and by a last despairing kick of the rab-
bit caused the snake to r.aise its head. It came
in violent contact with one of the spines. It
gave the spine one just for luck, and got
pricked by another. This made the snake
furious, and it sent out right and left, wrig-
gling and twisting and putting the whole
weight of itself and the jack-ralibit into its
etTorts.

The Chapparal Cock got so excited that he
came boldly out and danced around in high
glee. 15ut he made no sound. The snnke
tiually got so irritated that it threw itself .at
full length on the spines, rolled around in
agouy, and then turned its deadly fangs on
itself and died. That was evidently the haj)-
piest moment of the bird's life. lie danced
and cackled an<l lauabed. It was such a con-
tagious laugh that I had to join in, when the
bird vanished, and I was left alone with the
dead snake. — Boston Herahl.

A Vf.hy B.\d Bird. — Some time ago a cap-
tain, who had been on a long voyage, ln-ought
home a parrot. The i)arrot who had been with
him, had learned some of the sayings of the
sailors, says the Ram's Horn. One evening the
cintain invited a friend to supper, and began
talkinsr about where he had been, to which the
parrot replied :

"That's a lie!"

The captain was rather cross at this, so he
covered the cage over. He still kept on with
the conveisation, and the parrot again re-
reuuvrked:

"What a lie!"

This so enraged the captain that he seized a
jug of water and threw it over the parrot, and
the bird screamed:

"All hands on deck; another thunder
storm!"

St. Paui,, Minn., Nov. I'.l. — Three children
of .\ndre\v Gulick were devoured by wolves
yesterday ten miles north of .St. Paul. A drove
of 12.T wolves were seen together in that
vicinity Monday. The Gulick children wan-
dered from home into the woods at noon and
were attacked and devouied by the beasts.
Twenty-iive men with hounds started (Jut after
the wolves and surrounded them in a swamp
and killed eleven of them.

: They have lately added a fine Royal Tiger to
[ the collection at Roger Williams Park, Provi-
I deuce, R. I. It has attracted a great deal of
' attention. They bid fair to lead Boston in
the establishment of zoological gardens. How-
ever, we have our tish .and game commissions
which make quite .a show and are reallv quite
Hoy.al.

The sickness and death of a baby seal at

Central Park in New York city has attracted

cunsideralile attention of the Press. In the

Xcir Yiii-k World after giving a delail of the

autopsy it slates, "It was turned ovei- to a

' taxidermist who yesterday had it looking as

j natural as life." Could any seal have a more

1 appropriate incninment'?

The Anchor line steamship Ethiopia was
,S(MJ miles east of .Sandy Honk last Satuida.y
uioming, Nov. 14th. It was a beaulilul
November day. The sun glistened upon the
'smooth and unruffled sea. The forty cabin
])assengeis who bad been stoim-tossed pris-
oners during the preceding eight days of the
voyage weie ])ronienading the decks.
] At 10.4.") A. M. Captain Wilson and Second
Officer Fife were on the bridge keeping a close
watch ahead. Suddenly a sjioutiiig numster
came t> the surfai-e of the almost jilacid ocean.
It w.is directly in the path of the ship and only
a few feet ahead. The ship was rushing
towards the monster at the rate of sixteen
miles an hour.

"It's a wlialel" sliouted the second officer.

There was no time to check the vessel's
speed. .'VImost before the astonished officers
realizeil it the ship's sharp iron (irow clashed
into the snorting. ]>ntiiug linbai'k.

The bbiw was a scpiare. incisive one. The
ship seemed to sail right through the whale,
which disappeared almost immediately, leav-
ing a trail of crimson as far as the eye could
see. A moment after bitting the wliale the
monster was sighted astern, floating lifelessly.
\ gaping hole was in its sides, ami the body
drifted away snrrountled by a bloody circle.

When the ship canu' in cullishm with the
whale the shock sent a thrill through her as
though she bad run i)ell-nu'll niiou a rocky

Decembek 1891.]

AND OOLOGIST.

183

ledge. She shivered from stem to stem, and
startled the passengers.

For a moment they stood looking at one
anotlier with bhmehed faces. They had no
i<lea wliat liad caused the ship to tremble, and
m uiy thought that slie had struck some sub-
merged wreck.

Tlie shock alarmed the passengers who were
below. 'I'liey rushed on deck and a panic
seemed imminent. C'aptain Wilson took in
the situation at once. He hurriedly left the
bridge .and appeared on deck.

'•Have no fear," he said, "we have only
kiUed a whale. The ship is not hurt."

His words allayed the fears of the passengers.

•■ It w.is a rather nxinsual occurrence," said
Officer Fife. " Frequently transatlantic ships
sight whales, but it is not an every-day occur-
rence to kdl one. Tlie whale loomed up before
us so suddenly that for a time I was dazed,
.lust imagine su<di a monster suddenly lifting
itself out of the ocean just aliead of yon! It
was enough to terrify the most courageous.
We struck it a very square blow. It sank
almost immediately. It was a ghastly sight.
The blood that Howcd from its wound colored
the ocein. The sliock was quite perceptible.
Few of the passengers knew what we had
struck until we t(dd tliem." — Xew York Sun.

One of our correspondents writes ns that she
has just lost her pet Laverack setter, and th.it
she could hardly reconcile herself to the loss.
Every one of our readers, who is a true lover
of nature, can sympathize with our friend in
her bereavement, for where can we suffer a
more severe loss than that of onr faithful dog,
who has shared onr walksafield. been onrcom-
l>anion at home, and greeted onr approach
with a wag of the tail, and many another
assurance of his fidelity in every h(uir of his
existence. So huig as we treat him well he
will never desert ns, which is more than we
can say of eitlier human friend or relative.

City Sportsman (sadly)— I see you have
■' Xo Trespass " signs all over your property.
Wliy are yon so afraid of having a few odd
ral)l>its shot ?

Exi)erienced F.irmer — Oh. it hain't the
rabbits I'm skeert about. It's th" cows. —
(Jood News.

Thought he lielouged to the M. F. * O.
V. .\sso.

X.vriK.vi, Hisp'UY. — Policeman — You must
not walk on the grass.

.Straii'.'er — There are some sheep over there
walkins' in it.

'• Yes, but they are stupid animals."

"Well, what am I? Do von take me for a
vegetable or a mineral '?" — Texas Siftings.

.\ new kind of bird has been discovered
in Wyoming. It has the head and beak of a
Hoot Owl. the body and neck of a rooster and
its tail is similar to tliat of a Peacock, and
when shot made a noise not unlike that of a
fTuinea Hen. The discoverer's friends recom-
mend bi-chloride of gold. — Boston Post.

The man whiv starts a new macazine shonld
he sure to put a little fire into it if lie wants to

see its circulation go '''way up." — Boston
Post.

It is the usual fate of the natural history
periodicals, that they start up and ./ice away
for a bit and then tliey yo v:ay up Salt Creek
and never return.

Caledonian Balsam. — At a recent meet-
ing of the Paris Societe de Therapeutique, Dr.
Forne calletl attention to a preparation which
he had named "Baume calfedouien," and
which appeared to consist of a solution of
kauri gum in an equal weight of 90 per cent,
alcohol. He stated that it has been used with
great success in the tre.atment of wounds and
ulcers of ;tU kinds. When a]iplied to a well
cleansed and dried wound it causes a slight
but brief sensation of burning, but after a few
moments the solvent evaporates, and the resin
is left as a very adherent varnish, which is
not .affected by friction or contact with water.
The preparation can also be used advantage-
ously for fixed bandages in the place of the
solulile silicate.

Collectors will find this very useful.

A valuable cement tor labelling speciniens,
etc., is made by mixing a piece of gum trag-
acanth the size of a hazel nut with two
ounces of warm water. It must stand for
several hours before it is fit to use. Souring
does not hurt it.

Paste to Affix Labels to Tin. — E. O. G.,

Bowling (ireen, Ky. — Tlie secret of success

I in nftixing labels lies in preventing the paste

t from drying too hard -and then cracking off.

! This may be (buie l>y adding glycerine or

calcium chloride to ordinary paste. Useful

in attaching labels to glass or to minerals.

"The male Ostrich of South Africa at the
time of breeding usually associates to himself

I from two to six females. The hens lay all
their eggs together in one nest, the nest being

1 merely a shallow cavity in the ground, of such

{dimensions as to be conveniently covered by
one of these birds in incubation. . . . The

I hens relieve each other in the office of incuba-
tion during the day, and the male takes his

' turn at night, when his superior strength is
required to protect the eggs or the new-tledged
young from jackals, tiger-cats and other

i enemies. . . . As many as sixty eggs are some-
times found in and around an Ostrich's nest,
but a sm.aller number is more common; and
incubation is occasi(UiaIly performed by a
sintrle pair of Ostriches. Each female lays
froni twelve to sixteen eggs. . . . The period
(it incubation is from thirty-six to forty days.
An Ostrich's egg is considered in its contents to
be equal to twenty-four hens" eggs. The Hot-
tentots cook them by placing one end of the
egg in hot ashes, making a small hole in the
other end through which they stir the
contents till sufficiently roasted. The feathers
that .are so desirable are from the wings." —
Goldsmith Animated Xature.

The Emu is said to lay six or seven eggs to
the clutch, and the Cassowary five eggs.

18.4

ORNITHOLOGIST

[Vol. 16-No. 12

The whale giv(3s bii-th but to one offspring,
■which is said to be about twelve feet long.

Theie are about fifty species of Toucans.
Their food consists mainly of fruit. They
are found only in the New World. The
Hornbills of tlie Old World are of another
order.

Mr. H. A. Pitman of Somerville has just re-
turned from a successful hunt. He secured a
fine Bull Moose.

To the members of the Fish and (iame
Association: In your charges against
the commissioners you had better droj)
the matter of continued extermination of in-
sectivorous birds in this state for millinery
purposes. There is nothing of the kind going
on. and you only show a lack of ordinary
observalion of facts. Two of the commis-
sioners, without question, should have been
bounced long since, but just let the song-bird
hue and cry drop.

In captivity the Ostiieh will continue to
lay like the common hen when the eggs are
taken away. They will re.ach from sixty or
seventy in number.

The Rhea or South American Ostrich lays
from ten to tvv'enty eggs. They are about tlie
size of the Emu, and of a pale greenish tint.

The Moas, an extinct bird of Australia and
New Guinea, were the largest birds; they stood
twelve to fourteen feet high and laid eggs ten
inches long by seven inches wide. Tliey were
exterminated by the natives but we have never
seen it alleged that it was done for millinery
purposes.

The Great Auk is supposed to have been
finally exterminated in 1844. The law list in
1884 by Prof. W. Blasius gives 70 authenticated
skins or stuffed birds and OS eggs as being in
existence, and only five are in American
Museums. One presented to a New York mu-
seum is' said to have been purchased by tlie
donor at a. cost of .s(;:i."). Tlie bird <-oidd not
fly while in this cruel world, being wingless.
liow it will get about in the other world we
canuot say; Its memory is perpetuated at a
great expense by the .\merican Ornithological
Union.

It is claimed that a great deal of large
game is killed in the state of Maine by Cana-
dians, who cross the line and pay no attention
to the state laws.

It is estimated that the sportsmen from
:Maine to New .lersey during the past season
killed 1,879,048, 702, .")1»1, 807 birds, mostly Peeps,
but they were not for millinery purposes.

The Labrador Duck is well known to our
readers as being extinct. The notes from Mr.
Dutcher, to which we referred in a recent
number, are well worth a place in the library.
The number tliat lu' gives as being on record
are about one-half that of the Great .\uk. We
have been asked the value. They are not for
sale, but we would name *7.")0 as the value of a
perfect specimen, eitlu'r mounted or in a skin.
Any orders received will be booked and tilled
as we obtain them.

The Common Guinea Hen is a native of
Africa. There they are found in large flocks.
Peacocks are from India and Ceylon.
They also go in large flocks. The beautiful,
long feathers with tlie eyes, usually known as
the tail feathers, are tlie upper coverts. Vast
quantities of them are sent from India to the
London market.

The circus gave Tecumseh, Ala., excitement
enough on .Sunday to last it for a year. Fore-
paugh's show travelled on four trains. As it
is against the (ieorgia law to run through the
state on ISunday, it was decided to stop at Te-
cumseh and feed the animals and rest. At all
the stations there were large crowds, and at
Tecumseh there were several hundred when
the last train approached. As it was slowing
down one of the ferocious lions managed to
tear olf the door of its cage. Hector, which
was the brute's name, thrust his head out
lighl in the faces of a jjfoup of negroes who
were standing on the ijihitform. They could
not have been worse scared if the Evil One,
who was thrown over the battlements of
heaven and was falling ail day till dewy eve,
had dropped down among them.

Hector made a leap, with open mouth, into
the crowd. Such a scattering and sucli a
yelling were never seen or heard in Alabama.
Some of the negroes fell down in .abject fright,
but the most of them struck oft for home
on a hard run. A dozen tried to climb tele-
graph poles. One man sprang down a well.
Hector lit on his feet, but rolled over and over.
When he got up there was hardly a man, woman
or child within fifty yards.

One woman, though, who had fainted, was
Iving near the lion. With one bound he was on
lier. his ugly teeth showing and his tongue
rolling out. The people who were looking
on were horrified. The tamer was along way
off. and there was no one near with a pistol
or rifle. To attempt to rescue her would be
almost certain death.

To the astonishment of every one the beast,
instead of inangling the womnn, simply sniffed
the body, turned it over with his paws, and,
after eveing it snspiciouslv. walked off
leisurely. He thouglit that the woman was
dead.

Hector was recaptured and rei-aged without
trouble. — .Vthmta Constitution.

In the early part of October. Mr. W. A.
Purcell. t.axiderniist of Halifax, N. S., obtained
a Crow (C. americaniis) which ha<l one of its
tail-feathers pure white, while the others were
of the normal color. About the 14th of the
same month a Snowflake (P. riirrdiis} was shot
near Halifax, — .an early date for the bird to be
ill tliat locality.

On .lime ")tli of this year Mr. Harry Piers,
of ll.alifax, N. S., obtained the nest and eggs
of the Winter Wren (T. hieiiinUs), at Spryfield,
not far from the above city. It contained six
egsxs and was built in wet moss clothing the
si^Fc of a granite rock, embedded in a bank a
few feet from the shore of the liocking-stone
(Kidston's) Lake. It was fully identified.

JANUARY, 1891.

CONTENTS.

VOL. XVI.. NO. 1. JANUARY, 1891

A Series al Ksrgs of the Red-shouldered H^wk
The Nmnljer of E^gs to a Set . . . .
Familiar Sew England Birds iu Alabama .

. .1. 1>. X.

. C. S. Briniley

. F. E. C. .

The Effect of Winter L'lion the Arrival ami Xestino; of Birds

atOrinnell, Iowa Carl Kelsey

A Jloonlight A<lventure Walter Hoxie .

How the Data of a I.arse Collection of Ej;ss are Kept . . J. I". X

Lapland Longspur Will de la Barre

English Sparrows hy the Thousand 7. 1*. X.

Birds of the North Atlantic Montague Chamberlain .

Probable Addition to the Avifauna of Kansas . P. li. Teabody .

Brief Notes

Editorial

New I'ublications

1

9

111

n
II

12

i:)

14
14

IC
10

JUST RECEIVED— A few choice skins of the Long-
Tailed Trojan. F. B. WEBSTER, Hyde Park, Mass.

BIRD SKINS FOR EXCHANGE.

Still ix the i;in<j. Wuuld be pleased to
hear from my old eorrespondeiits, and new-
ones too, in the bud line. I have a ^ood as-
sortment of skins from Minnesota, and many
desirable ones from this section.

CEO. C. CANTWELL,
10;"] Pike's Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo.

I am prepared to furnish accurate pen and
ink or pencil diavviiii;s and water or oil p.iint-
inos of l)irds, either from life or specimens.

Have furnished drawings for Vale College
and Webster's Dictionary.

A. H. VERRILL, NEW HAVEN, CONN.

EXCHANGE.

I still have a large number of first-class sets
of American eggs, which 1 will exchange for
standard bcxdcs in good condition.

Write, stating wliat you liave and what you
want.

HARRY C. PARKER, CHESTER, PA.

NOE'S CURIOSTY SHOP.

My large illustrated Natural History Catalogue for
189ris now ready for distribution. Sen't to any aiUlress
on receipt of a t'wo-cent stamp. FLETCHER '.M. XOE.
tI4 \\'est Market Street, Indianapolis, Ind.

The Semi-Annual,

DANBURY, CONN.

Iiulf r the eilitorial inaiia;;ement nf c. (". MAXFIEH>.

Daiiliury, Coim., anil LVM»S .H)NKS,

5 Elm Street, Ubeiiiii, Oliin.

All correspondenoe relative to the husine.'^s ol' the
Wilson ornithological Chapter shnnld be sent to Mr.
Jones. ' All other eorrespondenct!. renijttaiires, MftS..
etc.. shniild be sent to ('. < '. Maxtield. Box ni;4. Danlmry,
Conn.

Xo. 1 of Vol. Ill will appear about April 15, is:il. Nd.
2 will be issued about Oct. I'i. 18VU. The whole edition
will be the same style as the best edition of its prede-
cessor. The O. & (). SEMl-AXXrAL, and will be sold
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should be made by postal n(»te, rej^istcred letter or V.O.
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A limited number of unobjectionable advertisements
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KHA.NK K. LVXGLEV. ruiXTKK. HVDE t'AltK. MASS

Wm. G. Smith,

roLLECTOR OF

Birds, Mammals &. Eggs.

Also Heails, Rugs, Antlers, etc.

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I*artiesoau have speriniens riuiili-'i >a)iie rUiy an .skiiiiieil
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COLLECTORS.

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OENITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST,

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tions. :id edition, ISSil. Cloth
Paper ------

Maynard's Eggsof Xorth .Vmerican Birds.
Colored .illus. - - - - -

:i0.oo

(iO.Od

24 (III

00.00
7.50
7.50

..50

:',.0<t

2..50

4. (HI

:l.o6

4.00 American Wild Fowl Shooting - - sl'.OO

American (Janie Bird Shooting. Illus. - 2.(1(1
7.511 .\nu'rican Bird Fancier - - - - ,.-,ii

Brooks' Hand Book of Invcrtcljratc Zool-
2.50 I ogy. :^.02 pp.

Dana's Manual of .Mineralogy and Lith-
2.00 ! ology - - - - ' -

"*Xy'i*liing i" American Waters. Scott

.Jordan. Manual of \'ertebrates. -\
standard work

Linnean Society. Transactions. Vols.

S1.75 I aiul II, each ----- j.oii

1.25 Antelope and Deer of N. A. Catim - 2.50

Big (ianu'of X. .\. Shields - - - 5.(1(1
2.00 I Book of (iame Laws - - - * - .5(1

MISCELLANEOUS.

:i.(i(i

.'.(lo
!.(io

2.5(1

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO.

HVDI

F>HRK

7\^?^SS.

FEBRUARY, 1891.

VOL. XVI.

NO. 2

^

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k^

Iwxa

m

V-^#-p

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ll';,.^^,5L.,g *'^'^'"

^"''"^ '"'> ^H^^^el

PUBLISHED BY 1

FRANK B.

WEBSTER,

Hyde Pa

rk, Mass.

EnterpU at Uyt\v I*arU Post Office as Seooinl-Class Matter.

CONTENTS.

VOL. XVI., NO. 2, FEBRUARY,

189 1

How a Large Collectiiin 111 Eggs is Kept J.P.N 17

Nesting of the Whip-pimr-will I.H.Bowles 18

Looking Kackwarcl Walter Hoxie 18

Crane Island . . H. K. Hurd 19

Singular Capture of a Blark-throated Diver .... C.M.Jones ao

Nesting of the Sharp-sninned Hawk D. I>. Stone 20

The Least Bittern ana Loniv-billed Marsh Wren at Mud Lake W. C. Brownell, M.D 21

What is the Best Method of Keeping a Field Note-b(jok? . Horace G. Smith. Jr 22

Snow Buntings in Nova hiotia Harry Piers 23

Abnormal Eggs . S. R. Ingersoll 2a

A Crazy Bluebird John N. Clark 24

That Clangula . . P. B. Peabody 25

Nesting of thf^ Cedar Waxwing at Raleigh, N. C. . . . C. S. Brimley 25

Eggs of the Great Norrneni Diver H. L. Beadel 26

Nesting of the Bl.ick Kail at Raleigh, N. C C. S. Brimley 26

Hawks' Nests H. W. Beers ....*.... 26

Nesting of the Flammulated Screech Owl

Nesting of Henslow's Sparrow at Stephentown, N. Y. .

Nesting of the Broad-wmged Hawk at Raleigh, N. C. .

An Unexpected Fall

Late Nesting of the Wood Pewee

New Publications 28

2i)

Wm. G. Smith 27

Benjamin Hoag 27

C. S. Brimley 27

Wilfred A. Brotherton 28

James B. I'urdv 28

Editorial
Brief Notes
Correspondence

2'J

rUST KECKIVEU— A few choice skins of the Long-
Tailed Trojan. F. B. WEBSTER, Hyde Park, Mass.

BIRD SKINS FOR EXCHANGE.

Still in nil!; kino. Would be pleased to
hear from my old correspondents, and new
ones too, in the bird line. I have a (j;ood as-
sortment of skins from Minnesota, and many
desirable ones from this section.

CEO. C. CANTWELL,
105 Pike's Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo.

DRKin£INGS.

I am prepared to furnish accurate pen and
ink or pencil drawings and water or oil paint-
in<;s of birds, either from life or specimens.

Have furnished drawings for Yale College
•and Webster's Dictionary.

A. H. VERRIL.L, NEW HAVEN, CONN.

excHT^isce.

I still have a large number of first-class sets
of American eggs, which 1 will exchange for
standard books in good condition.

Write, stating vvliat yon have and what you
want.

HARRY C. PARKER, CHESTER, PA.

NOE'S CURIOSTY SHOP.

My large illustrated Natural History Catalogue for
18ill is now ready for distribution. Sent to any adilress
on receipt of a two-cent stamp. FLKTCHER M. NOE,
64 West Market Street, Indianapolis, Jnd.

The Semi-Annual,

DANBURY, CONN.

iKter the editorial management of C. C. MAXFIELD,
Diinbury, Conn., and LYXDS JONES,

5 Elm Street, Oberlin, Ohio.

All correspondence relative to the business <d' the
Wilson Urnitholoj;ieaI ChRptt-r should lie sent to l\lr.
Jones. All other correspondence, remittant-es, MSS.,
etc.. should be sent to C. C. Maxtield, Hox 024, Danbury,
Conn.

No. 1 of Vol. Ill will appear al)*mt April 15, 1891. No.
2 will be issued about Oct. 12, 1801. The whole edition
will be the same style as the best edition of its prede-
cessor, The O. *.V- O. SEMI-ANMiAL. and will be sold
;it the uuiforin price of 35 cents jier copy. Remittances
should be made by postal note, ref;istert-d letter oi- I'.O.
order. lNjstaj;e stamps not accepted.

A limited numlter of unobjectionable advertisements
will be accepted at the followinfj; low rates: Full pafj^e,
^.^i; half pat^e, $3; quarter pa^e. $1.50. Uates beinj^so
low, no advertisement for less than quaater pa^e will
be taken.

Without Money and Without Price!

ADVERTISE IN THE

OOLOGISTc;' ADVERTISER.

IT WON'T COST YOU A CENT,

And you will be entitled to the paiier kuee.
Send stamp for particulais.

C. H. PRINCe.

281 Miiiii SIreet - • Oaiiiclsoiivillo, Cuiiii.

Frank E. Lanolev, Printer, Hyde Park, Mass.

AMERICAN FLAMINGO.— We have just put up a
pair of these beautiful l>irils, selected from a
number that we have received. They are artistically
mounted in a large case, with appropriate decorations,
making a very attractive piece. Price $150.

We are mounting groups of birds in cases of a uni-
form size, made light and strong, **o that they can be
shipped to any part of the country. They will be espec-
ially designed for dime museums.

Our big Leather-back Turtle in itself would prove a
gold mine if exhibited at any shore resort the coming
season, while our double lamb would make any farmer
in the country drop a nickel in the slot to see it.

Information given upon application.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HVDB F»KRK, TUIKSS.

H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY,

RALEIGH, N.C.,

COLLECTORS.

First-class Bird and Mammal Skins and Eggs. Full
data in all cases. Write for Price List.

The Kansas City Scientist,

A continuation of THE NATURALIST, now in its fifth
volume, is an illustrated monthly magazine, devoted to
Art, Science and Literature. Official organ of the
Kansas City Academy of Science.

While of a necessity, to a certain extent technical,
its aim is to present scientific knowledge in as popular
a form as pctssible.

Published at $i.oo per year. Sample copy loc.

Address :
EDITOR SCIENTIST, KANSAS CITY, MO.

THE MICROSCOPE.

The Leading Journal of its Kind in
This Country.

Circulation continually increasing.
SUBSCRIBE FOR IT.

TRENTON,

NEW JERSEY.

LILY OF THE DESERT

A Great Novelty, grows in sand. Bulbs, $L00 each.

We make a specialty of Native American Palm and
Everti;reen Trees and Flower Seeds, Bulbs, Ferns, Cacti
and other plants.

ORCUTT SEED AND PLANT CO., San Diego. Cal.
Send 25 cts. for seed of Lathyrus splendeus.
**THE PRIDE OF CALIFORNIA."

Scientific Books,

C. R. URCUTT, Urnutt, San Diego, California.

American Osprey.

Devoted to

Ornithology and. Oology.

Published Monthly.
Only Twenty-five Cents per Annum
Every young Naturalist should subscribe.

PAUL B. HASKELL, Ashland, Ky.

H. M. FIELD.

F. B. ARMSTRONG.

FIELD & ARMSTRONG,

BIRD SmS AND EGGS

BROWNSVILLE, TEX.

Mr. Armstrong of this firm, who is well known as a
naturalist and taxidermist, will give special attention
to the collection, for scientific purposes, of all birds,
beasts and reptiles native to the interior and border of
Mexico, and will furnish careful data in regard to same.

Correspondence respectfully solicit-eti.

F=IELD Si KRTUtSTRONG.

Our A, H. C's— Accuracy, Brevity, Comj)leteness.

WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST

"Decidedly the best of it.s class."

An illustrated montlily magazine of poiiular science —

the 4inly one in the West.

$1.00 A YEAR. 10 CENTS A COPY.

For shells, address the editor, CHAS. RUSSELL
ORCUTT, San Diego, California.

BETTER THM EVER BEFORE!

Addition to editorial staff, more contributors, new
type, improved iiuality of paper; in fact, progression
ail along the line.

THE OBSERVER.

PORTLAND, CONN.
A medium of Interchange of observations; for all
students and lovers of nature ; devoted to all depart
ments of nature studies.

E. F. BICELOW, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER.

Associate Editors: M. A. BOOTH, F.R.M.S., Micro-
scopy, Longmeadow, Mass.; A. W. PEARSON, Ento-
mology. Norwich, Conn. ; C. ANTOINETTE SHEPARD,
Botany, New Britain, Conn.; C. A. HARGRAVE, Con-
chology, Danville, Ind.

The list of contributors is quite large and includes
some of the most prominent naturalists and educa-
tionists.

"Keep Your Eyes Open!"

(to observe the wonders and beauties of the out-door
world) is the motto of the Observer.

There is no other paper of the same character pub-
lished. •' IT SUPPLIES A NEED " is the unanimous
verdict. ,. .

Do you love the great out-door world, do vou en]oy
roaming over fields and through the woods, are you
interested in the birds, flowers, insects, rocks, etc., do
you wish to know more of the wonders and beauties of
nature? Have you a microscope or wish to get one?
Do you enjoy good interesting miscellaneous reading-.
If so, then subscribe for The Observer. Subscrip-
tion only 50 cts. a year. Send for free sample copy.

THE OBSERVER, Portland, Conn.

NATURE'S RET^LTVY.

The Only Pablicatiou in the

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

World Devoted Solely to

Popular >iitnral History.

THE AQUARIUM DEPARTMENT

Is coiKlucterl by Hugo Mnlertt, who will answer all queries relative to the construction and
conduct ot Aquaria.

THE NOTE AND QUERY DEPARTMENT
Is especially opened to record the observations and experiences of amateur naturalists who
desire to commune one with the other, and to give permanency and publicity to their field or
closet work.

Natuke's Reai-M is issued on the first of each month, and contains fifty- two pages, 7'^xlO
inches. It is printed on super calendered paper, and the mechanical execution is of the best.
Subscription, $2.00; single copies, 20 cents.

THE HARRIS PUBLISHING CO., 10 WARREN STREET, NEW YORK.

A FEW THINGS ON SALE AT OUR MUSEUM.

STUFFED ANIMALS.

Black Bear, weij^hed 000 lbs.. 7 ft. long;, on rookwnrk.

■ This ia an unusually large, showy piece of work.

V^iriiinia Deer, buck and doe, 1 piece on .sand rook.

Virginia Deer. '2. sin^ili' Inioks on sand rocks.

Puma, Colorado, on r(»ckwork.

Wildcats, several in various positions.

Coyotte, Colorado, very tine.

Lynx, Colorado.

Otcer, taken in Massachusetts.

Woodchucks, several, large and small. 1 black.

Possum, from "Old Virginia.""

Squirrels.Fox, Gray, Black, lilaok-bellied, Red, (1 round.

Agouti, from Mexico.

Coon, from Massachusetts.

Jack Rabbit, very large and fine.

Mink, several specimens.

Skunks, Mcveral, various markings. Beauties.

(iray Rabbit.

Red Fox, several.

Monkeys, sober, sad and frivolous.

Muskrats, House Rats, Moles, Bats, etc. •*■

EXPECTED AND IN PROCESS.

Buffalo (vearling), Moose, Caribou, Tiger Cat.
Fruit Bat (Indi;i).

ii Prices given to applicants."

HEADS.

Buffalo. 1 lar^e bull, extra tine.

Jinlfalo, 1 medium liull, extra fine.

liulfalo, 1 vearling.

Moose. 1 tinelv ntimnted, medium horns.

Caribou, 'I from Newfoundland, heavy horns. (The

horns on these are a marvel to calling sportsmen.)
Caribou. 1 from Quebec, long horns.
Caribou, from Maine, small horns.
Caribou, from Nova Scotia, heavy horns.
Polar Bear, tine and large (imported).
Elk. 1 from Montana, extra large horns.
Rocky Mountain Sheep, medium horns.
Antei<i])e, several, large and small horns.
Virginia Deer, several, all grades.
Silver P'ox, 2, mouth open. Rare.

BIRDS.

(A few of the most striking.)

Pair Sand Hid Crane. Florida.

Pair Wild Turkey. Florida.

Bald Eagle. 1 very large, and nearly black.

Bald Eagle, several young, and, nearly m.ilnre.

(lolden Eagle. 2 tine' specimens.

Wliite Pelican, Iowa.

Swan, ideal position.

Snow Geese, several, just mounted.

r.iOon, " Breaking."

(treat Blue Heron, several, very tine.

Peacock, '* tine specimens, drawing-room jiieces.

Great Gray Owls, several extra large and tine.

Snowy Owls, several, S'-' to $35.

Great Horned Owls, several.

Sub-arctic (ireat Horned Owls, several.

Arctic Great Horned Owl, 1 superb specimen.

liarn. Barred. Long-eared, .Short-earetl, Burrowing,
Florida Burrowing and Pigmy (►wis.

Hawks, Red-tailed, Cooper's, Red-shouldered. Sharji-
shinned, Sparrow, Pigeon; Marsh, adult and young;
Rough-legged, atlult and young.

Ducks, Malhird, Black, Wdod, Canvasback, Redhead,
Shoveller. Bablpate, Pintail, Loiigtail, Harleipiin,
Ruddy, W. \V. Scoter, Ameiican Scoter, Surf. Ring-
net:k, Jiarrow's Goldi^i-eye, American <; olden -eye,
American Eider, Butfle-head, Anierii-an Merganser,
Red-breasted Merganser. Hooded Merganser, Brant.
(Jre*n-wing, Blue-wing and Cinnanum Teal.

Game. Rulfed Grouse, Canadian Rufl'ed Grcuise, Ptar-
migan, fall and summer plumage. Spruce Grouse,
liob-white, California Quai'l. Plumed Quail, Pinnatid
Gnmse. Lesser Pinnated (Irouse, Woodcock, Sni) c,
Rails, Black-bellied Plover, Golden Plover, Iludscin-
ian Curlew, K-<kimo Curlew, L^mg-billed Curlew,
Turnstone. Willet. Killdeer, Avncct, Stilt. Yell»>w-
legs, etc.

Fancy, Orioles, Tanagers, Bluebirds. (Grosbeaks, War-
blers, <'reepers, Sparrows, etc.

FOREIGN.

Among the many that we have we merely ntention
thut as bait, for ■f5, we will send a beautiful speeimen
ot the " Cojijjer" Pheasant. This biid is imported from
China. We make this oifer to show a si)eci?nen of our
work. It makes a i>arlor ornament, and we guarantee
it to be A 1. (July a few.

HORSE-FOOT CRABS.

A very few (if the largest specimens, $i.'.00 each.

These are none of your 10-eent affairs. We procured
a lot at great expense, alive, and it has taken three

months' time to cure Them. The smallest is Inches

in diameter. Sjieak quickly or you h)se the chance.
We have had many •■alls in the past, but have never
been able to jjroeiire them.

We can mail the small ones at from 10 to 75 cents.

(Note: The»nuill ones are always found deail on the
beach, and re<piire no curing.)

STAR-FISH.

A lot of small ones Ju'^t r< eeived, mailed at In cents
each. In several thcuisand that we have handled we
have JUST onk with six i-ointh. This is a small
specimens, andV.ime from Cape Cod. This we will mail to
the tirst iiarty who orders for iiil.W), and he wlm gets it
has a corner in ibe market. The imrchaser's name will
be recorded in the euUiinns of this magazine. A chance
for a recor<l.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,
Museum and Supply Depot - - Hyde Park, Mass.

OFFICE, 409 WASHINGTON ST., BOSTON.

MARCH, 1891.

PUBLISHED BY

FRANK

B.

WEBSTER,

Hy

de Pa

rk, Mass.

Entered at Hyde rarlc ri>ht (Ifflee as Second-Class Matter.

CONTENTS.

VOL. XVI., NO. 3, MARCH, 189)

Wanderings No. 10 F. A. Hates

An Oologist on Skates I . .M . W . .

How the Collection ot Eggs at the National Museum is Kept, .J. V. N.

Five Months in Newfounillaml lliuniT L. ISigclow

A Few Notes from Cape Cod |-rrili'iii' I.. Small

Bunt Egg of Bobolink T. r. N

Oological Notes

Bill to Extend the Protection of the Law to Certain Species
of the Hawks and Owls

Irtinia Mississippiensis

Warm-weather Collecting

Col. N. S. Gos9

D. 1). .^tone

W. C. i'.nnvncll, M.I).

Walter llo.iic

33
37
38
40
42
42
42

43
44
45
45

New Publications *•''

Birds of Minnesota "''" •'•' '■' •*»•'''''' *5

Brief Notes *<>

Correspondence 47

SKINS WANTED.

We require many to fill up our stock,
which has been depleted liy the win-
ter's trade. We request all collectors
who make up good skins to send us a
list of what they have, and also what
they take this spring. We are open to
make exchanges or to purchase for
cash. If you only care to sell for
cash, state plainly the lowest price, as
we do not make offers.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

The Semi-Annual,

DANBURY, CONN.

I'nder the editori.al management of C. C. MAXFIELD,

IXanbury, Conn., and LYNDS JONES,

5 Elm Street, Oberlin, Ohio.

All correspondence relative to the business of the
Wilson Ornithological Chapter should be sent to Mr.
Jones, All other correspondence, remittances, MSS.,
etc., should be sent to C. C. M.axfleld, Box 524, Danbury,
Coun.

No. 1 of Vol. Ill will appear about April 15, 1801. No.
2 will be issued about Oct. 12, IWill. The whole edition
will be the same style as the best edition of its jirede-
cessor. The O. & O. SEMI-ANNt'AL, and will be sold
at the uniform price of 35 cents per copy. Ucmittances
should be made by postal note, registered letter or P.O.
order. Postage stamps not accepted.

A limited number of unobjecticmable advertisements
will be accei)ted at the following low rates : FuU i>age,
S.'i; half page, $3; ijnaiter page, $1.50. Rates being so
low, no advertisement for less than ,juarte: page will
be taken.

BIRDS' EGGS,

We have in stock to-tl.ay the tincst .and larg-
est a.ssortment evor offered for .sale. Every
collejje, museum and collector should have
our price list.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

FuANic E. L.\NOi.EV, Printer, Hvdr Park, Mams.

^affc ii'Stme^UrtG^ St. Louis, Mo.

- ^ r?^ArtiBtlc Metal Workers.'r^'-'*^*^*-'^

K*ilinga, CTeBiinRH. Netuncs, elo. Sj",!,]
fvcrlaaliiiE TemeWrj FENCES. ^"^
^bippedcTerywLere. Aeent9«-an
WiiM for Cfttologufi aad iiaUmAie.

Onbj $1 .00 for th'ifi space.

O TOR MY PETREL, an oniitliological
^^ inoiitlily devoted to the interests of all
Ornitholni^ists and Ooloj^ists; no yoniig Xat-
uralitst can atl'ord to be without it. .SnbscriiJ-
tion only zO cents per year; sample copy free;
subscribe at once!

M. SMITH & CO., Mendota, Illinois.

THE "STANDARD" FOR 1 S9 1 .
For Ornithologists, Oologists and Taxidermists.

The under3ij;nt;d have decided to complete a direc-
tory to be publishetl about Ajiril 1, which will meet the
demands of tlie North American Oologists, Urnitholo-
gistd and Taxidermists, for a new and strictly accurate
directory for the year 18D1. The cheap directories
lately issued have only emphasized this need. The
"Standard" will contain the names and addresses of
the princii)al Ornithologists. Oologists and Taxider-
mists (»l North America, cards of the principal dealers,
exchange and want notices. Natural flistory Press
Directory, etc. The work will be neatly printed on
good book paper and bound in heavy tinted covers.
Your name and address inserted free. Send in your
name and address, and mention your desire for a copy
on publication. It will then be sent you upon receipt
ot 15 <i*nts, otherwise it will cost you 25 cents. Send
for prospectus giving full particulars, advertising.
exchange and want notice rates, etc.

\V. A. CROOKS & CO., (Jilman, 111.

Mention this paper.

FOR EXCHANGE.

Skins of North American Passeves witli
complete data, for species not in my collection.
Please send lists of duplicates and desiderata.

C. W. CHAMBERLAIN,
51 Lincoln Street - Boston, Mass.

BIRDS IN THE MEAT.

Now is your time if you want line
specimens. We skin and send them to
yon fresh, all ready to .stuff. As we go
to press we received a fine lot of Red-
heads, Mallards, Ring-necks, Pintails,
Teal, Marsh Hawks, Murre, Gulls, etc.
We expect all kinds named in our list
in this number. If you want any do
not lose a day, but send in your orders.

PRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

409 Wa«hiiigton St. - _ - Boston, Mast*.

TAIT IT!

One liutdc Will Di> 12 Fux Skins.

The use of tlie Currier's Tanning Liquor lias
increased to such proportions tliat we have
arranged with Pj-of. Currier to manufacture
and handle it for the Whole World, and
shall establish agencies at different points.

I have used your Tanning Liquid on one Fox Skin,
and it worked tirst-elass; saves more than halt the
labor when compared with the way 1 have been in the
habit of doing them.

A. T. (jAMAGE, DamarLscotta, Me.

I have tried your Tanning Liquor and am very much
pleased with the results.

BURDON GAYLORU, E.asthampton, Mass.

I have used your tanning and am well pleased with
it. E. J. MOUEV, (Ireenlield, Mass.

The Tanning Liquor receive<l OK and is a great
success. FRANK L. BUEXS, lierwyn, Fa.

I am collecting muskrat skins. ... I like Dr. Cur-
rier's Liquor very much on them.

F. L. SM.\LL, North Truro, Mass.

Wc could jjrint hundreds of the same nature.

Every sportsman, naturalist and boy should
have a bottle. Don't forget, with it you can
tan any sKJn with very little trouble.

PRICE, $1 .00 PER BOTTLE.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

A

MERICAN FLAMINGO.— We have just put up a

piiir of these beautiful hiids, seleeteil from a

iiumher that we have receiveil. They are artistically
ULuunteil in a larne case, with appropriate tlecoratious,
making a very attractive piece. Price $150.

We are mounting' |;roups of binl.-^ in cases of a nni-
foriii size, nia<le lit;ht and strong, eo that they can be
shipped to any part of the country. They will be espec-
iall\ designed for dime museums.

u'ur big Leather-liaok Turtle in itself would prove a
gold mine if exhibited at any shore resort the coming
season, while our double lamb woultl make any farmer
in the country drop a nickel in the slot to see it.

Information given upon ajiplication.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HVDB PKRK, TVSKSS.

H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY,

RALEIGH, N.C.,

COLLECTORS.

First-class IJird and Mammal Skins and Eggs. Ft
data in all cases. Write for Price List.

The Kansas City Scientist,

A continuiitioii <•! THE NATUHALI8T. now in its tiftli
volume, is an illustrated monthly maj;azine, Oevoted to
Art, Scienre and Literature. Official organ of tlie
Kansas City Academy of Science.

While of a necessity, to a certain extent technical,
its aim is to present scientific knowledge in as pojuilar
a fnrin as possible.

Published at $i.oo per year. Sample copy loc.

Address :
EDITOR SCIENTIST, KANSAS CITY, MO.

THE MICROSCOPE.

The Leading Journal of its Kind in
Tliis Country.

Circulation continually incre?.siiig.

SUBSCRIBE FOR IT.

TRENTON, • - - NEW JERSEY.

LILY OFTHE DESERT

A Great Novelty, grows in sand. Bulbs, $1.00 each.

We make a specialty of Native American Palm and
Evergreen Trees and Flower Seeds, Bulbs, Ferns, Cacti
atid other plants.

ORCUTT SEED AND PLANT CO., San Diego, Cal.
Send 25 cts. for seed of Lathyrus splendeus.
"THE PRIDE OF CALIFORNIA/'

Scientific Books,

C. H. ORCUTT, OrcMitt, San DieRO, California.

American Osprey.

Devoted to

Ornithology and Oology.

Published Monthly.
Only Twenty-five Cents per Annum.
Every youn;^ Naturalist should suh8oribe.

PAUL B. HASKELL, Ashland, Ky.

H. M. FIELD.

F. B. ARMSTRONG.

FIELD & ARMSTRONG,

De?^UERS IN

BIRD SKINS AND EGGS

BROWNSVILLE, TEX.

Mr. Armstrong of this firm, who is well known as a
naturalist anil taxidermist, will give s]>ecial attention
to the collection, for scientific inirposes, of all birds,
beasts and reptiles native to the interior and border of
Mexico, and will furnish careful data in regard to same.

Correspondence respectfully solicited.

F^IEL-D St 7;:R7VYST-R0MC.

Our A, li, ("s— Accuracy, Brevity, CuMipIctcncss.

WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST

"Dci-iiiedly the best of its class."

An illustrated monthly magazine of ])opuIar science —

the only one in the West.

$1.00 A YEAR. 10 CENTS A COPY.

For shells, address the editor, ClfAS. Kl'SSELL
ORCUTT, San Diego, California.

ItETIl^K TH\K EVER WVMMVA

Addition to editorial start', more contributors, new
type, improved quality of paper; in fact, jirogressjon
all along the line.

THE 0BS"ERVER.

PORTLAND, < OX.\.

A medium of interchange of observations; for all
students and lovers of nature; devoted to all depart-
ments of nature studies.

E. F. BICELOW, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER.

Associate Editors: M. A. BOOTH, F.R.M.S., Micro-
scopy, Longmeadow, Mass.; A. W. PEARSON, Ento-
mologv, N..rwich. Conn. ; C. ANTOINETTE SHEPARD,
Rotany, New liritain. Conn.; C. A. HARGRAVE, Con-
chidogy, Danville, Ind.

The list of contributor.-^ is quite large and includes
some of the most i)roiuinent naturalists ami educa-
tionists.

"Keep Your Eyes Open!"

(to observe the wonders and beauties of the out d<jor
world) is the motto of the Observer.

There is no other paper of the same character pub-
lished. "IT SUPPLIES A NEED "is the unanimous
verdict.

l>o you love the great out-door world, do vou enjoy
roaming over Helds and through the wocnls, are you
interested in the birds, flowers, insects, rocks, etc., do
you wish to know more of the wonders and beauties of
nature? Have you a microscope or wish to get one?
Do you enjoy good interesting miscellaneous reading?
If so, then subscribe for The OBSEavEit. Subscrip-
tion only 50 cts. a year. Send for free sample copy.

THE OBSERVER, Portland, Conn.

Price-List of Birds in tlie Meat.

Rcd-bellied Xuthatch, *0

20

Cooper's Hawk,

SO 75

White-bellied Nutluitch,

20

Sliarp-shinned Hawk,

50

Great Xorthern Shrike,

30

American Goshawk, old,

3 50

Logger-head Shrike,

50

young.

1 50

Northern Wax wing,

75

Red-tailed Hawk,

1 00

Cedar Waxwing,

20

Red-shouldered Hawk,

1 00

Evening Grosbeak, female

,

50

Swainson's Hawk,

2 00

male,

75

Broad-winged Hawk,

1 00

Pine Grosbeak, red.

75

Amer. Rough-legged Hawk,

brown,

30

black, S2.50; mottled,

1 50

American Crossbill

25

Bald Eagle, old,

7 00

White-winged Crossbill,

50

young.

4 00

Common Redpoll,

15

Passenger Pigeon,

1 50

Snow Bunting,

20

Mourning Dove,

50

Per doz. ,

2 00

Spruce Grouse,

1 00

I^aplind Longspur,

30

Ruffed Grouse,

75

Ipswich Sparri>w.

50

Allen's Ptarmigan,

1 50

Cardinal Groslieak,

50

Prairie Hen,

1 00

Meadow Lark,

40

Common Sharjj-tailed

European Starling,

50

Grouse,

1 00

American Raven,

2

50

Sage Grouse. 3 50 to 5 00

Common Crow,

40

American Bittein,

1 00

Blue Jay,

20

Black-crowned Night

('anada Jay,

50

Heron,

1 00

Shore Lark,

20

American Woodcock,

1 00

Hairy Woodpecker,

20

V\ ilson's Snipe,

50

Downy Woodpecker,

15

Red-breasted Kail,

75

Black-backed three-toed

Virginia Kail,

50

Woodpecker,

50

Sora Rail,

35

Banded-backed Three-toed

American Coot,

50

Woodpecker,

2

00

Whistling .Swan,

4 00

Yellow-bellied Woodpecker,

40

Snow Goose,

2 00

Pileated Woodpecker,

1

00

Canada Goose,

2 00

Red-headed Woodpecker,

40

Brant,

1 50

Yellow-shafted Woodpecker

25

Mallard.

1 00

Belted Kingtisher,

50

Black Duck.

1 00

American Long-eared Owl

1

25

Gadwall.

1 00

Short-eared Owl,

1

00

Pintail.

75

Barred Owl.

1

00

Baldpate,

1 00

Great fJray Owl,

7

50

Shoveller.

1 00

Richardson's Owl,

3 00

Blue-winged Teal,

80

Saw-whet Owl,

1

25

(ireen-winged Teal.

80

Screech Owl, red,

1

00

Wood Duck.

2 50

Ki-ay,

1

00

Scaup Duck,

1 50

Great-horned Owl,

:!

00

Little Blackhead,

1 50

Arctic Horned Owl,*(; 00 ti

8

00

Ring-billed Blackhead,

80

Snowy Owl, $5 00 t(

7

00

Canvas-back,

3 00

American Hawk Owl,

:!

00

Redhead,

1 75

nuck Hawk,

3

00

Barrow's Golden Eye,

2 00

Pigeon Hawk.

60

American Golden Eye,

75

Sparrow Hawk,

00

Bufflehead.

00

Fish Hawk,

2

00

Harleipiin Duck, female.

1 00

Marsh Hawk, old male.

2

00

male.

2 50

brown plumage.

50

Old Squaw,

(iO

75 I American Eider,

$1 00

American Scoter,

1 00

Velvet Scoter,

1 00

Smf Duck,

1 00

Ruddy Duck,

75

American Sheldrake,

1 00

Red-breasted Sheldrake,

75

Hooded Sheldrake, old,

2 00

young,

75

Common Cormorant,

2 50

Double-crested "

2 00

Gannet, old.

3 50

young and female.

2 00

Kittiwake Gull, old.

50

young,

40

Glaucous Gull, old.

4 00

yoxmg.

2 00

(ireat Black-backed Gull

2 00

Herring Gull, old.

1 00

young,

60

Bonaparte's Gull,

50

Richardson's Jaeger,

1 00

Greater Shearwater,

2 00

Sooty Shearwater,

2 00

Red-necked Grebe, fall

plumage.

50

full plumage.

1 50

Horned Grebe, fall plunia

ge, 40

fidl plumage,

1 25

Thick-billed Grebe,

50

Loon, old.

2 50

young and female,

1 25

Red-throated Diver, old.

3 00

young.

75

Razor-billed Auk,

1 00

Common Puffin,

1 50

Dovekie,

1 00

Black Guilleniot, spring,

1 00

fall.

50

Common Guillemot, Muri

e,l 00

Brunnich's (Tuillemot,

75

Tern, full plumage.

60

mottled,

40

Sanderlings,

20

MAMMALS.

Gray Squirrel,

80 25

Fox Squirrel,

75

Coon,

2 00

Bear,

Fox,

3 00

Mink,

4 00

Weasel,

1 00

Order.s will be entered as received, and filled in order, when we have the birds come in.

DiEECTioxs FOR Ci.KANiNO. — Wash parts soiled with blood with lukewarm water, using a
sponge. Dry with plaster of Pari.s. Any slight stain from blood will fade out.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

Museum and Supply Depot - - Hyde Park, Mass.

SALESROOM, 409 WASHINGTON ST., BOSTON.

OOLOCISTS' SUPPLIES.

EfiO DRILLS. Small wire drill .
Large wire drill .

$0.15. Postjiaiil.
.20. "

EGO nUILLS. liest style, extra tine steel, No. 1, 3-32 inch liurr, short or Icnig handle

No. 2, 5-32 inch burr " "

No. 3, C-32 inch burr " "

No. 4, S-32 inch burr " "

No. 5, 12-32 inch burr, lon^ handle
No. G, 16-32 inch burr •' ■'

andle

. $0.25.

"

..■S5.

"

.50.

"

.75.

.

. 1.00.

. 1.60.

EWKUVO HOOKS. Very fine wire,

with handle §0.15. Postpaid.

Without handle 0(;.

I*ostiiaid.

EGG BLOWERS. Best . $0.25. Postpaid.
Cheaper I'.

^

""" islMiiiiiiiiiyiiylliiiillilliiiiJiiiuiiiJitf''"*-

FINTD FORCEPS, for removing cnihrj-o, $0.75.

EGG MEASURES. Steel, small
-I-ineli and nnn.^ . . ' .

SiO.75. Postpaid
I'.OO.

SCISSORS (Endir.vo-i. Straight i)oint3

(cheap) .eo.2.'-.. Postjiaid.

I OLLECTING BOX.

Pocket size

$0.75. I'ostagi' $0.12

DAT.V BLANKS, witli Sl>aec
f.)r name, locality, c<dlec-
tor's name, etc. ; large size,

per 100 $0.20.

Small size, per mo . .17.

CLIMBING IRONS . 3.50.

Postpaid

POCKET CASE. Leather. Con-
tains N<i. 1 drill, 25 cents ; No. 3
drill, .'•iO cents; No. 5 drill, $1.00;
best blower, 25 cents ; 2 emljryo
hooks, 30 cents ; best scissor.^,
$1..50; fine forceps, 75 cents;
(case value, $1.00) .... $5.no I'ostpaid.

POCKET CASE. Empty. Same
style as Taxidermist's pocket
case 1.00.

TRAYS FOR EGGS. r.asteboard-
the most convenient form to use
in the egg cabinet. Sizes 4xG,
4 X 3, 3 X 2, 2 X 1 1 -2. i)er dozen

CALIPER.S.toilsein measuring eggs
DATA BOOKS, with stub, large size

Small size

PINK COTTON, per yard .15, per lb.
BEGINNER'S SET. Drill, blow-
pipe, embryo liook, 25 data blanks

.12.

1

ostage ex

.cn.

PoStl

aid

.50.

"

.50.

"

1.00

Tho Egtjs of North American Birds. C J. Maynard ,
Nests and Kggs of N(»rth Ameriran liirds. Oliver Davie
Coues' Key to Nortli American Birds. Illustrated .

$1.50
I'aper, §tl.*2r.; <'Iotli, 1.7r»

Frank Blake Webster Company, Hyde Park, Mass.

Without Money and Without Price !

ADVERTISE IN THE

OOLOGISTS' ADVERTISER.

IT WON'T COST YOU A CENT,

And you will be entitled to the i)aper fuee.
Send stamp fdi- particulars.

C H. PRINCe.
281 Main Street - - Dauielsoiirille, Conn.

NOE'S CURIOSITY SHOP.

My l;irt;e illustratetl Naturul History Catalofi^ue for
18'Jl is nuw ready fur (listril>utiHii. Sent to any address
on receipt of a tVvo-cent stamp. FLETCHER M. NOE,
64 West Market Street, Indianapolis, Ind.

BIRD SKINS FOR EXCHANGE.

Sth.l in the KiNfi. Would be pleased to
liear from my old correspondents, and new-
ones too, in the bird line. I have a good as-
sortment of skins from Minnesota, and many
desirable ones from this section.

CEO. C. CANTWELL,
10.5 Pike's Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo.

READ this:

During the year we inteiifl sending out many circu-
lars containing lists of new goods tbatcome in. If you
are interested in any branch of Natural History,

Drop Us a Postal Card,

stating what you are interested in. We will enter
your name cm our trade lists and keep ynxi posted. In
writing, state that you wish to he put nn our trade lists,
under Ornithology, Oology, t;ntom<doijy. Marine ("uritt,
Fossils, Taxidermy, and give full name and address.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HYOE TARK ------- MASS.

PRETV^IUTV^S.

To any person sendinrj us TEN new subxcrlliert
we will send either of thefolloiclwj: —

OOLOGISTS' POCKET SET.

A OOLOGISTS' POCKET SET. ^R QQ
.l^Xi Value ^«/iiHI

This is the best set of Egg Tools we advertise.

2 EGGS FROM OUI! LIST. 0R QQ

"-i Your own selection. To list S>**i ww

3 TAXIl

-D- Hy list

FAXIDEP.MISTS' TOOLS.

$5.00

Til (tni/one nemlinr; lis FIVE nrii; subscrihrrs,
we will seuil innj [innils flml we /Kindle In l/ie
Ike amount iif $2a00a

To anyone si'iidiiin iix TWO nein snhseyihrrs,
one STUFFED 11IIH), iileely mounted.

Frank Blake Webster, Publisher,

HYDE PARK, MASS.

This space $1 .OO per issue. Try it.

This spaee $2.00 per issue. TBY IT.

LIVE SNAKES WANTED.

Pine Snakes.

King Snakes.

Rattle Snakes.

Leiigtli, Hve feet and longer. Parties
who can get them, address with price
and how many the)' can furnish and
wliat kinds.

W. J. SriERRATT,

263 North 2d St., Philadelphia, Pa.

h^ii^m&;

AGENCYiorN

pamphlet of information and ab-

ri< t of the laws, showing llo

I >i t tin Piter' 3, Caveats, Trade^

M irks. Copyrights, sent free..

Mdresa MUNN & CO.^

<x361 l^rondway,

^:^ 1U....T

TO ADVERTISERS!

The Ornithologist and Oologist is to-day one of the best advertising
mediums to reach Naturalists and Young Sportsmen and people who are inter-
ested in sports. During the present year we shall send out many sample copies
to increase its circulation. We now have subscribers in the following' States
and Territories. The circulation in the order named, Massachusetts leading: —

Massachusetts.

New York.

Pennsylvania.

Connecticut.

Illinois.

Can.ada.

Micliigan.

California.

Rhode Island.

Minnesota.

Maine.

Ohio.

Kansas.

Indiana.

Wisconsin.

Iowa.

Colora(U>.

Wasliinf;ton, D. C,

Texas.

New Hampshire.

Nebraska.

New Jersey.

Missouri.

Florida.

Vermont.

Oregon.

North Carolina.

.South Carolina.

Kentucky.

Virginia.

Georgia.

Arizona.

Alabama.

Tennessee.

Washington.

Louisiana.

Arkans.as.

Maryland.

West Virginia.

Parties who receive it, when through residing it, do not throw it away, as
they do with diiilies, liut being a Standard Magazink, hold it for future
reference. We know of many instances in which

Ailvertiseiiieiits Over Five Years (Hd Hav<' Brought Customers.

The fact that the class we mention are the ones who sultsc'ribe should not
be construed that they only require Natural History Goods. They are using
eveiy thing in the market, and we do not hesitate to state lliat

ADVERTISEMENTS IN THIS MAGAZINE

Will receive their closer attention than wlien offered through any other source.

OUR RKTES. $2.00 PER INCH.

Parties wishing to j)lace running ads. are requested to send copy for terms.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HYDE PARK

MASS.

••• NT^XURE'S REKLTV^.

A MONTLHY MAGAZINE.

The Only Publication in tlie World Devoted Solely to Popular .Natural History.

THE AQUARIUM DEPARTMENT
Is conducted by Hugo ilulertt, who will answer all ((ucries relative to the construction and
conduct of Aquaria.

THE NOTE AND QUERY DEPARTMENT
Is especially opened to record the observations and exiieriences of amateur naturalists who
desire to commune one with the other, and to give ijcrmanency and publicity to their lield or
closet woi'k.

Nature's Realm is issued on the first of each month, and contains fifty-two pages, 7!^xlO
inches. It is printed on super calendered paper, and the mechanical execution iv of tin- best.
Subscription, 4-2.0(1; single cojiies, 20 cents.

THE HARRIS PUBLISHING CO., 10 WARREN STREET, NEW YORK.

HI n /&•* loai

APRIL, 1891.

Entered at Hyde Park Tost Office as Second-Class Matter.

CONTENTS.

VOL. XVI., NO. 4, APRIL, 1891,

The American Anhinga T.(i. Pearson

Nesting of Wilson's Thrnsh in Western Pennsylvania . . W. K. (^lyde ToiM

Ornithology and Geology Harry (lordon White

A Series of Eggs of the Black-throated Green Warbler . . .J.P.N. .

Hints for " Jur." Collectors Stewart E. White

lleminiscences of an 01(1 Steel Trap H. II Uriiuley

Edward K. Green

The Coloration of Eggs .1. P. N. .

The Picid.T. of Michigan Stewart K, White .

The Birds of Long Point I. M. VV. . .

Some Curions Sets of the Baltimore Oriole's Eggs . . . .1, 1'. N. .
Capture of a Glaucous Gull at Long Lsland, N. Y. . . . Arthur It. Unwell

Hungry Shrikes (". E. I'.rown .

Variation in the Size of Cowbirds' Eggs I. P. N. .

Black Gyrfaloon Taken at Lynn, Mass A. M. Tufts .

Brief Notes

49

50
51

52
53
54
54
65
60
.69
(U
01
(11
01
01

Correspondence 04

The Yellow -crowned Night Heron Visits the Bay state . . Frederic L. Small 04

SKINS WANTED.

We require many to fill up our stock,
wliich has been depleted by the win-
tei-'s trade. We request all collectors
who make up good skins to send us a
list of what they have, and also what
they take this spring. We are open to
make exchanges or to purchase for
cash. If you only care to sell for
cash, state plainly the lowest price, as
we do not make offers.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

The Semi-Annual,

DANBURY, CONN.

Under the editorial management of C. C. MAXFIELD,

Danliury, Conn., and LYNDS JONES,

5 Elm Street, Oberlin, Ohio.

All correspondence relative to the business of the
Wilson Ornithological Chapter should be sent to Mr.
Jones. All other correspondence, remittances, MS.S.,
etc., ghoulil be sent to C. C. Maxfield, Box .'>24, Oanbury,
C()nn.

No. 1 of Vol. in will appear about April 15, 1801. No.
2 will lie issued about Oct. 12, 1891. The whole edition
will be the same style as the best edition of its jirede-
cessor. The O. & o". Si:MI-ANNUAL, and will be sold
at the uniform price of 35 cents per copy. Remittances
should he made by postal note, registered letter or P.O.
order. Postage stamps not accepted.

A limited number of unobjectionable advertisements
will be accepted at the following low rates : Full page,
$6; half page, $3; quarter page, $1..50. Rates being'so
low, no advertisement for less than quarte! page will
be taken.

BIRDS' EG6S.

We have In stock to-day the finest ami larg-
est assortment ever offered for sale. Every
college, museum and collector should have
GUI' price list.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

Frank E. Langlsy, Printer, Hyde Park, Mass.

Cabinet of Southern Curiosities

CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING SPECIMENS:

No. 1. COQUIXA.— The strange shell couglomeratiou
of which the ancient Fort, City Gates, and other
structures in St. Augustine were constructed cen-
turies ago.

No. 2. WHITE branch: CORAL. —From the Ba-
hama lislands.

No. 3. COTTON SEED.— A mammoth variety from
South Carolina. Will grow in the Northern garden.

No. 4. SEA BEANS.— Four varieties. These curious
productions of nature grow upon vines in sandy woil
bordering the ocean oii the Bahama Islands, and will
mature in the green-house at the N<jrth.

No. 5. BLEEDING TOOTH.— Resembling a tooth
bleeding — one of the most remarkable of all the sea
shells.

No. 6. COTTON BOLL.- Ticked from a Southern
cotton-field.

No. 7. TECTEN SHELL.— Much used for ornamental
and decorative purposes.

No. 8. EYE STONE.— A calcareous concretion found
in the stomach of the craw-fish. It will remove all
foreign substances from the eye, and one sh(»uUI
always be kept at hand.

No. 9. FLEXIBLE CORAL. — (Gorgonia). -A curious
vegetable growth, fioni Nassau, over which is a c^iral
formatinn dejtosited bv a marine animal.

No. 10. CONFEDERATE MONEY.— A piece of gen-
uine currency, issued by the State of North Carolina
during the Rebellion, each numbered and signed, an
issue found in but few colletitions.

No. U. ALLIGATOR'S TOOTH.— From a Florida alli-
gator.

No. 12. VEGETABLE SPOXGE.— A specimen of this
curious native growth, called in Spanish "Estra
Pajo," growsfreely in Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas.

This entire collection in strong partitioned box, each
Mpocimen labelled, postpaid for FIFTY CENTS.
Address,

FORT MARIOX STORK, St. Au^'uslino, Fla.

SKINS FROM YUCATAN,

Xanthnura Gautemalensis-*- Jay, $1

Cissolnpli;i Yu'M tunica — Jay, 1

Crotophag.i Su](;erostus — Groovebill, 1.00, l

Tyranniis .Mt'laiicholicus Couchi — Couchi's

Kingbird, 1.00, 1

Pitangus Derbianus— Derby Flycatcher, 2,

Myiarchus Mexicanus — Mex. Crested

Flycatcher, .75, 1

Myittzeletes Texensis — Giraud's Flycatcher, 1

Myiodynastes Luteineventris — Sulijhur-bellied

Flycatcher,
Lawrence Flycatcher,
Vermillion do.

Flatypsaris Aglaiae — Rose-throated Flycatcher,
Icterus Auratus — Oriole, 1.25

Icterus (-rularis- Oriole, 1.50

Hooded ( Jriole,

Trog.m .Mi.-lanocephalus— Yellow-bellied.
Kiiinoiiintiis Superi-iliaus — Mot- Mot,
Uoad Runners,
Praya Circo — Cuckoo,
Comerus Aztes — I'arrot,
CenturusDubuis — Woodpecker,
Centurus Rubri ventres— Woodpecker,
Ceophlocus Scapularis — Woodpecker,
White-winged Dove,
White-fronted Dove
Ortyx Nigrogularis- Quail,
Jacana,

Cardinalis Cocemens,
Tanagea Abbas,
Ground Dove,
Coluiiibiuallina Rufepenis,
CbacliaLica,
(Jreat-t:iiled Grackle,
Ca>-sifus l're\')>ti,
Dircs Suniiclir;isti,
Calloshuis Robustus,

Frank Blake Webster Company.

HYDE PARK, MASS.

WANTED.— A Kodak or other good automatic
camera; will give good exchange in Western
bird skins.

GEO. G. CANTWELL.
105 Pikee Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo.

xo

iusEis m mimm.

Wf carry a large stock of attractive specimens of

LAND AND

MARINE CURiO.

We are prepared to furnish at short notice attractive
displays.

Parties desiring such goods will receive prompt
reply to any communication.

FRANK BLAKE WBBSTER COMPANY,

409 Washington St., Boston.

Hyde Park, Mass

KLBINO CROJni.

A SKIN. —Taken in Massachusetts. — Pure white.—
$10 00. FKANK BL.\KE WEBSTER COMPANY.

COL-LECTORS!

We can furnish yon with a TUBE that you can use in
your breech loader, saine as .a hra-ss sliell. Tliis shell is
arranjied for a .■i2 cartridge, which can be loaded suit-
able for small birds.

Price of tube, $1 .00.

50 Brass shells, .60.

Loading tools, .75. Total, $2.85.

Tnese work nicely and those who have tried them
say th.at they would not be without.
FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

BIRDS' ECCS.

We cany the LARGEST AND FINEST
stock oft'eied for sale.

SEND FOR Ot'R CATALOGUE.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY

EGG COLLECTORS!

You will u<i\v want

D K V I E S' K E V,

A complete description ot nests and egg;?. Paper, $1.25.
Cloth, $1.75.

A complete description of nests and eggs. Cloth, $1.75.
ITU^RORTKNT.

The entire edition of Capen's Illustrated Work on
JCggsot New England Birds, that was offered for sale,
has been exhausted.

Hy a recent arrangement with Mr. Cai)en we have in-
duced him to part with a few copies that he intended
to retain for personal use, and we now have the pleas-
ure of offering once more the most elaborate work on
eggs ever attempted in this country.

The work is beautifully illustrated by Chromo Lith.
Engravings.

PKICG $1!2.00 and no discount.
There are only a few copies,

Frank Blake Webster Company,
BUFFALO YEARLING.

We have iust received a finelv i^repared specimen
of this now nearly EXTINCT AMERICAN MAMMAL.
In fact we doubt if there is another one now offered
for sale in the country. The importance of securing
it must be patent to those who understand the value of
rare things.

For particulars apply to

FJ^\NK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

^ffe^SSfw^)i7m:Gs, St. LouisJ^o

Artistic Metalworkers.

i:rM3,IronftniW.roOffiw-"ork.
liAiliQ^. CteBttnga. Ncttinira, ew. jlji,",]
EvcrlMtinE Ceroi-tery FENCES.
., ^tipped everywhere. Agents wantet

Only $1.00 /or fftis space.

STORMY PETREL, an ornithological
iin)]ithly devoted to the interests of all
Ornithologists and Oologists; no young Nat-
uralist, can attord to be without it. Subscrii>
tion only 20 cents per year; sample copy free;
subscribe at once!

M. SMITH & CO., Mendota, Illinois.

THE ''STANDARD" FOR 1891.

For Ornithologists, Oologists and Taxidermists.

The unilcrsijined have decided to complete a direc-
tory to be published about April 1, which will meet the
demands of the North American Oologists, Ornitholo-
gists and Taxidermists, for a new and strictly accurate
directory for the year 1S91. Tlie cheap directories
lately issued have' only emphasized this need. The
"Standard" will contain the names and addresses of
tin- ininii|.;il ( Miiithnlugists, Oologists and Taxider-
mists of \iirth America, cards of the principal dealers,
exehanjje and want notices. Natural History Press
Directory, etc. The work will be neatly printed on
jjood book paper and bound in heavy tinted covers.
Your name and address inserted free. Send in your
name and address, and mention your desire for a co})y
on publication. It will then be sent you upon receipt
of 15 cents, otherwise it will cost you 25 cents. Send
for pros])eetus giving full particulars, advertising,
exchange and want notice rates, etc.

W. A. CROOKS & CO., Oilman, 111.

Mention this paper. ____^_

FOR EXCHANGE.

Skins of Nortli American Passeres witli
comi>lete data, for species not in my collection.
Please senil lists of duplicates and desiderata.

C. W. CHAMBERLAIN,
51 Lincoln Street - Boston, Mass.

TAIT IT!

One Kottle Will Do 12 Fox Skins.

The use of the Currier's Tanning Liquor has
increased to such proportions tliat we have
arranged with Piof. Currier to manufacture
and handle it for the Whole WoJ!LI), and
shall establish agencies at different points.

IniHHT THBV KUL^ SK <•.

I have used your Tanning Liquid on one Fox Skin,
and it w(»rkfid first-class; saves more than lialf tlie
labor when com pared with the way I have been in the
habit of doing them.

A. T. OAMAGE, Damariscotta, Me.

I have tried your Tanning Liquor and am very much
pleased with the results.

HUllDON GAYLOKD, Easthanipton, Mass.

I have used your tanning and am well pleased with
it. E. J. MOREY, Greentield, Mass.

The Tanning Liquor received OK and is a great
success. FRANK L. BURNS, Berwyn, Pa.

I am collecting muskrat skins. ... I like Dr. Cur-
rier's Li{luor very much on them.

F. L. SM.\LL, North Truro, Mass.

We could print hundreds of the. same nature.

Every sportsman, naturalist and boy should
have abottle. Don't forget, with it you can
tan any sKin with very little trouble.

PRICE, $1 .00 PER BOTTLE.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

Yellow Crowned Night Heron.

Shot at "High Head," North Truro. Mass.,

APRIL 9, 18911

Thissiiecimen lias been tinely mounted and Is now
for sale. Here is an oiiportunity to obtain one of, if
not tlie rarest .Massachusetts visitants.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

HYDE TARK, .... MASS.

OOLOGISTS' SUPPLIES.

EOG DRILLS. Small wire drill
Large wire drill

JO. 15. rostpaiil.
.20.

ECtG drills. Best style, extra fine steel, No. 1, 3-32 incli l)urr. short or long handle

No. 2, 5-32 inch burr " " "

No. 3, C-32 inch burr " " "

No. 4, 8-.')2 inch burr " " "

No. 5, 12-32 inch burr, long handle .
No. C, 16-32 inch burr n " . .

S0.25.
..35.
.50.

1.00.
1.60.

l-ostjiaicl.

EMHU\(» ilinUvS. Very fine wire,
with handle
"Without handle . .

S0.15. Postpaid
.06. " I Cheaper

EGG BLOWERS. Best . §0.25. Postpaid.
a:,. "

EGG MEASURES. Steel, small . $0.75. Postpaid.
4-inrh and ram. .... 1.00. "

SCISSORS (Embryo 1. Straight points

(cheap) $0.25. Postpaid.

( OLLECTING BOX.

Pocket size . . .?0.75. Postape .¥0.12

DATA BLANKS, with space
for name, locality, collec-
tor's name, etc. ; large size,
per 100 . . . . . $0.20.
Sm.all size, per lOo . . .17.

CLIMBING IRONS . SStO.

Postpaid

POCKET CASE. Leather. Con-
tains No. 1 drill, 25 cents; No. 3
drill, 50 cents; No. 5 drill, $1.00;
best blower, 25 cents ; 2 embryo
hooks, 30 cents ; best scissors,
$1.50; fine forceps, 75 cents;
(case value, $1.00) . . . .

$5.0<j I'ostpaid.

POCKET CASE. Empty. Same
style as Taxidermist's pocket
case 1.00.

Extra fine cnrvf^d points, best
for use

TRAYS FOR EGGS. Pasteboard—
the m<ist convenient form to use
in the egg cabinet. Sizes 4x6,
4x3, 3x2, 2x11-2, per dozen .

CALIPERS, to use in measuring eggs
DATA BOOKS, with stub, large size

Small size

PINK COTTON, per yard .15, per lb.
BEGINNER'S SET. Drill, blow-
pipe, embryo hook, 25 data blanks

.12.

I'ostage ex

.00.

Postpaid

.50.

i<

.50.

"

The Eggs of North American Birds. C. J. Mayuard .
Nests and Eggs of North American Birds. Oliver Davie
Coues' Key to North Americ.in Birds. Illustrated .

. . . . $1.50

Paper, $1.25; Cloth, 1.75

7.60

Frank Blake Webster Company, Hyde Park, Mass.

Without Money and Without Price! An Offer of Unusual Interest

ADVERTISE IN THE

OOLOGIST^' ADVEETISER.

IT WON'T COST YOU A CENT,

And you will, be entitled to the paper free.
Send stamp for particulars.

C. H. PRINCe.
281 Miilii Street - - l>iiiiielsoiivilIe, Conn.

NOE'S CURIOSITY SHOP.

My UirgL- illiistrat»-<l Natural History Catalogue for
18U1 is now reailv for ilistrilHition. Sent to any address
on receipt of a two-cent .■^tanip. FLETCHER M. NOE,
64 West Market Street, Indianapolis, )nd.

BIRD SKINS FOR EXCHANGE.

Still in tub king. Would be pleased to
hear from my old correspondents, and new
ones too, in the bird line. I have a good as-
sortment of skins from Minnesota, and many
desirable ones from this section.

ceo: c. cantwell,

105 Pike's Peak Ave., Colorado Spi-iugs^Colo.

READ this:

During the year we intend .-iending out many circu-
lars containing lists of new goods that come in. If you
are interested in any branch of Xatural History,

Drop Us a Postal Card,

stating what vou are interested in. We will enter
your name on our tr.ade lists and keep you posted. In
writing, state that you wish to be put on our trade lists,
under urnithologv. Oology, Entomology, Marine Curio,
Fossils, Taxidei-niy, and give full name and address.

FRANK BL.\KE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HYDE P.A.RK ------- M.\SS.

PRETV^IUTVTS.

To any person sendin;/ us TE]^ new subscribers,
we will send either of the follovnnrj : —

Af^— OOLOGISTS' POCKET SET. $5,QQ

EGGS FROM OUR
Your own selection.

LIST.
To list

$5.00

3_ TAXIDERMISTS' TOOLS. Jti^i 0(1
__D4 Bv list ??'"-"■

To anyone sendinr/ us FIVE new subscribers,
we will send any ijoods that roe handle to the

the a?»OU»t O/ $2 aOOa

To anyone sending us TWO new subscribers,
one STUFFED BIRD, nicely mounted.

Frank Blake W^ebster, Publisher,

HYDE PARK, MASS.

We have just received a LAUOE SHAIIK, taken off
the Isle of Shoals. This huge creature measured
.about 14 ft. in length and weighed about 1200 lbs. It is
now being mounted. When completed it will be in
condition to be transported to any i)art of the country.
IT IS A DIME MUSEUM IN ITSELF.

For particulars address,

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HYDE PARK, ----- MASS.

This space $1 .00 per issue. Try it.

SWORD FISH HEADS.

We have just received a few hi-ads. They are
skinned froih back of the gills, and show the curious
formation of the animal that can stick his nose into
most anything.

PRice - - $"7-.oo.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

HYDE PARK, MASS.

This spare $2.00 per i.^sue. TRV IT.

A FEW Fi\E FOREIGN BUll) SRI\S.

Long-tailed Trogons,

$ rt.(Mi

Toucans, 3 varieties.

$2.00 to 3.on

Sulphur rump Taniiger.s,

1.25

Mina Birds,

3,011

Goat Sucker (Australia) 22 in. long.

x.oo

Laughing Jackass,

4.00

Piicrasia Pheasant — Pair,

10.110

(Perflated Turkey — vervfine.

20.00

Paradise FI\t atcher.

4.00

Brown Headed liaibet.

1.75

Green Headeil Satin .Merle,

2.50

Purjile Hcaited S.itin Merle,

2..'j0

Great Swift,

1.50

Yellow Winged Parrot,

l.OO

Cassicans,

* 1.00 to l.f.O

Red Breasted Larks,

1.00

Versicolor Pheasants,

4.00

Sommering Pheasants,

4.00

lEANE BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

409 WashiilKloM St. - - -

Boston, AlHSS.

NEW OFFER.

In a recent issue we offered a few " Copper" Pheas-
ants at a very low price. The lot was exhausted at
once and wc (liscontinued it.

We now make the following offer:

1 fliielj mounted Versicolor Plieas.ant, $6.50,

to any one who applies before the May issue of the
O. & O. is out. These birds are offered to show the
quality of our work, as an advertisement.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HYDE PARK, MASS.

AMERICAN FliAMINGO.— We have just put up a
pair of these beautiful birds, selected from a
number that we have received. They are artistically
mounted in a large case, with appropriate decorations,
making a very attractive piece. Trice SI50.

We are mounting groups of birds in cases of a uni-
form size, made light and strong, eo that they can be
shipped to any part of the country. They will be espec-
ially designed for dime museums.

(Vur big Leather-back Turtle in itself would jirove a
gold mine if exhibited at any shore resort the coming
seas(m, while our double lainb would make any farmer
in the country droi> a nickel iu the slot to see it.

Information given upon application.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

MVDE PKRK, 2VIKSS.

H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY,

RALEIGH, N.C.,

COLLECTORS.

First-class Bird and -Mammal Skins and Eggs. Full
data in all cases. Write for Price List.

The Kansas City Scientist,

A continuation of THE NATURALIST, now in its fifth
volume, is an illustr;ited niontlily magazine, devoted to
Art. Science and Literature, 'otlicial organ of the
Kansas City Academy of Science.

While of a necessity, to a oertain extent technical,
its aim is to present scientitie knowledge in as pojuilar
a form as jmssible.

Published at $r.oo per year. Sample copy loc.

Address :
EDITOR SCIENTIST, KANSAS CITY, MO.

THE MICROSCOPE.

The Leading Journal of its Kind in
^ Tliis Country.

Circulation continually increasing.
SUBSCRIBE FOR IT.

TRENTON,

NEW JERSEY.

LILY OF THE DESERT

A Great Novelty, grows in sand. Bulbs, $1.00 each.

We make a specialty of Native American Palm and
Evergreen Trees and Flower Seeds, IJulbs, Ferns, Cacti
and other plants.

ORCUTT SEED AND PLANT CO., San Diego, Cal.
Send 25 cts. for seed of Lathyrus splendeus.
"THE PRIDE OF CALIFORNIA."

Scientific Books,

C. R. ORCUTT, Ortiitt, San Diego, Ca:iforlli.^.

The Ornithologist and Oologist,

Under the Editorial Management of

FRANK B. WEBSTER,
J. PARlvER NORKIS,
FRANK A. BATES.

Subscription Rates, SI. 00. Foreign, SI. 50.

Back Vole., 9 to 14, Sl.OO each.

Communications relating: to Ooloficy should be di-
rected to J. PARKER NORRIS, Philadelphia, Pa.

AH other documents, orders, remittances, etc., to
FRANK B. WEBSTER, Hyde Park, Mass.

H. M. FIELD. r. B. ARMSTRONG.

FIELD & ARMSTRONG,

DeHL-ERS IN

BIRD SKINS AND EGGS

BROWNSVILLE, TEX.

Mr. .Armstrong of this firm, who is well known as a
naturalist an<l taxidermist, will give special attention
to the collection, for scientific purposes, of all birds,
beasts and reptiles native to the interior and border of
Mexico, and will furnish careful data in regard to same.

Corresi>ondence respectfully solicited.

F=IE1_D St KR7UYSTRONG.

Our A, B, f"s— .Vocur.xcy, Brevity, Completeness.

WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST

"Decidedly the best of its class."

Au illustrated monthly magazine of ])opular science—

the <inly one in the West.

$1.00 A YEAR. 10 CENTS A COPY.

For shells, address the editor, CHAS. RUSSELL
ORC'UTT, San Diego. California.

Increase the beauty and convenience of
VOVJR COLLECTION

NEAT LABELS,

Supplied by The Obsekvek, Portland, Ct.

Perfect in quality, and acknowledged the standard in
size and style. Send for Price List and Samples.

Have you seen

THe OBseR^eR

a medium of intarchange of observations for all

Students and Lovers of Nature. De-
voted to all Departments of Nature
Studies. Send for sample copy. Address

EDWARD F. BIGELOW,

Pulilisher and Printer,
No. 5 Waveelv Ave., - - Portland, Conn.

BIRD SKINS FROM FLORIDA.

WE .are receiving some freshly skinned birds from
Florida. Price .same as dried skins. Any party
wishing, hy dropping us a postal, will receive notice
of what we receive.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

TO ADVERTISERS.

The Ornithologist and Oologist is to-tla}- one of the best advertising
mediums to reach Natui-alists and Young Sportsmen and people who are inter-
ested in sports. During the present year we shall send out many sample copies
to increase its circulation. We now have subscribers in the following States
and Territories. The cii'culation in the order named, Massachusetts leading: —

Massachusetts.

New York.

Pennsylvania.

Connecticut.

Illinois.

Canatla.

Michigan.

t:alifoinia.

Rlioile Island.

Minnesota.

Maine.

Ohio.

Kansas.

Indian.a.

Wisconsin.

Iowa.

Colorado.

Washington, D. C.

Texas.

New Hampshire.

Nebraska.

New .leisey.

Missouri.

Florida.

Vermont.

Oregon.

Nortli Carolina.

South f^arolina.

Kentucky.

Virginia.

Georgia.

Aiizona.

Al.abania.

Tennessee.

Washington.

Louisiana.

Arkansas.

Maryland.

West Virgin

Parties wlio receive it, when through reading it, do not throw it away, as
they do with dailies, but being a Standard Magazine, hold it for future
reference. We know of many instances in which

Advertisements Over Five Years Old Have Bruiig:lit Customers.

The fact that the class we mention are the ones who subscribe should not
be construed that they only require Natural History Goods. They are using
everything in the market, and we do not hesitate to state that

ADVERTISEMENTS IN THIS MAGAZINE

Will receive their closer attention tlian when offered through any other source.
OV7R RKTeS. $2.00 RER INCH.

Parties wishing to place running ads. are requested to send copy for terms.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HYDE PARK,

MASS.

* MONTMIT M*a«<INC.

The Only Pablication in the World Devoted Solely to Popular Natural History.

THE AQUARIUM DEPARTMENT

Is conducted by Hugo Mulertt, who will answer all queries relative to the construction and
conduct of Aquaria.

THE NOTE AND QUERY DEPARTMENT
Is especially opened to record the observations and e.xpeiieuces of amateur naturalists wlio
desire to commune one with the other, and to give permanency and publicity to their field or
closet work.

Nature's Realm is i.ssued on the first of each month, and contains fifty.two pages, 7!<;xlO
inches. It is printed on super calendered paper, and the mechiinical execution is of the best.
Subscription, $2.00; single copies, 20 cents.

THE HARRIS PUBLISHING CO., 10 WARREN STREET, NEW YORK.

MAY, 1891.

Eutered at !I\(U' Park 1'o>t Oiijcf a-; Sci-nml-flass ivruttcr

CONTENTS.

VOL. XVI., NO. 5, MAY, 1S91,

Mr. Thomas P. Jackson's Collection of Eggs .... J. P. N. 6,5

The First Pages ot a '91 Note-Book H. H. Hurt! 07

Wanderings, No. 10 K. A. Hates GS

Five Months in Newfoundland Homer L. Bigelow

Hints on Measuring Heights H.irry Gordon White

More Hints on Measuring Heights F. A liate.^

Horrihle Fate F. B. W. . . .

Notes oq Egg Coloration Charles I!, Hnrtr .

How I Embalmed my Sparrow II. II liriiiil. y

Association of American Ornithologists A. I!. Fnriili:uii

70

Brief Notes

The Black Gyrfaloon in Vermont
Correspondence . .
New Publications

.1. V. .Melzer

7G
76

7a
79
80

SKINS WANTED.

We require m.any to fill up our stock,
which ha.s been depleted by the win-
ter'.s trade. We request all collectors
who make up good skins to send us a
list of what they have, and also what
they take this spring. We are open to
make exchanges or to purchase for
ca,sh. If you only care to sell for
cash, state plainly the lowest price, as
we do not make offers.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

Exchange Lists Given Away.

Now that the season for coUeotinj;- has opened, we
wish to assist our patrons in their work, and
instead of offering 'Exchange Lists for sale, to anyone
who will send us three 1 -cent stamps to pay postage,
we will mail twelve of our Bird and Egg'Exchange
Lists.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HYDE PARK, MASS.

APRILri89CNUMBER

OF THE

SEMI-ANNUAL

NOW READY.

Under the editorial iiianageiuent of I.ynd.s Jones,
5 Elm street, Oberlin, Ohio.

Published by C. C. Maxtield, Banbury, Conn.

Fifty pages of instructive and seientific sketches
from the pens of well-known naturalists. Many re-
ports of value to the members of the W. O. ('. of A. A.
It is printed on heavy book paper, with brand new
cover and frontispiece. Only one edition, similar to
the best edition of the old O. & O. Senii-Aunual.

Price,

Is selling rai)idly. Send for copy at once
samples.

35 cents per copy.

No free

printe*!
type, c;

ridcS. St-nd 2 st;iiii|>
irds, Arc. to fiiclorv.
KELSKY & CO ,

Prints cards, liibeN,
&c. Circular press $8.
Stnall newspaper size
|44. Do voiir own
printing :nul advertis-
"nt;. ISl ;i U e money
printing for others.
Fun tor spare hours.
T V pes L- 1 1 i n g easy,
. for caiiilogiit; of presses,

Meriden, Conn.

BIRDS' EGGS.

We have in stock to-day the liiiest ami harg-
est assortment ever olTeicd lor sale. Every
college, museum ami collector should have
our price list.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

Frank E. Langley, Pri.nteh. Hvde Park. Mass.

Cabinet of Southern Curiosities

CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING SPECIMENS!

Xo. 1. COQUI^'A.. — The stninj;e shell conglomeration
of which the ancient Fort, City Gates, and other
structures in St. Augustine were consrructert cen-
turies ago.

No. 2. WHITE BRANCH CORAL. —From the Ba-
hama Islands.

No. 3. COTTON SEED.— A mammoth variety from
South Carolina. Will grow in the Northern garden.

No. 4. SEA BEANS.— Four varieties. These curious
productions of nature grow upon vines in sandy soil j
bordering the ocean on the Bahama Islands, and will
mature in the green-house at the Nrirth.

No. b. BLEEDINd TOOTH.— Re>embling a tooth
bleeding — one of the most remarkable of all the sea
shells.

No. 6. COTTON BOLL.— Picked from a Southern
CO ton-field.

No. 7. PECTEN SHELL.— Much used for ornamental
and decorative purposes.

No. 8. EYE STONE.— A calcareous concretion found
in the stomach of the craw-fish. It will remove all
foreign substances from the eye, and one should
always be kei)t at hand.

No. 9. 'FLEXIBLE CORAL. — (Gorgonia). -A curious
vegetable growth, from Nassau, over which is a coral
formation <le])osited bv a marine animal.

No. 10. CitXFEDEUATE MONEY.— A piece of gen-
uine currency, issued by the State of North Carolina
during the Rebellion, each numbered and signed, an
is ^ue found in but few collfcticms.

No. 11. ALLIGATOR'S TOOTH.— From a Florida alli-
gator.

No. 1?. VEGETABLE SI'OXGE.- A specimen of this
curious native growth, called in Spanish " Estra
Pajo," ^row.s freely in Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas.

This entire collection in str*>ng i>artitioned box, each
specimen labelled, i.ostpaid for FIFTY CENTS.
Address,

FORT MARION STORE, St. An^'ustine, Fla,

TO

S m EIHI

We carry a large stock of attractive specimens of

LAND AND

SKINS FROM YUCATAN.

Xanthoura Gautenialensis — Jay, 91.50

Cissulopba Yucatanica — Jay, 1.25

('rotopliaga Sulcerostus — (Jroovebill, l.Ofl, 1.2.5
Tvranims Melancbolicus Couclii — Couchi's

Kilifcliird, 1.1)0, 1..50

Fitangus Derbianus — Derby Flycatcher, 2.0()
Myiarchus Mexicanus — Mex. Crested

Flycatcher, .75, 1.00

Myiozeletes Texensis — tiiraufi'.'^ Flycatcher, 1.25
Myindvnastes Luteineventris — Sulphiir-bellied

Flycatcher, 1..50

Lawrence Flycatcher, 2.00

Vermillion do. 1.25
Flatyps .ris Aglaiae—Rdse-throated Flycatcher, 1..50

Icterus Auratus — Oriole, 1.25. 1..50

Icterus (iularis — Oriole, 1 ..50, 2.00

Hooded Oriole, .75

Trogan Melanocephalus— Yellow-bellied, 2.00

Enmomotus Superciliaus — Mot-Mot, 1..50

Road Runners, 1..50

Praya Circo — Cuckoo, 2.00

Comerus Aztes — Parrot, 2.(H)

CenturusDiibuis— Woodpecker, 1 25

Centurus Rubriventris —Woodpecker, l.oo

Ceophlocus Scapularis — Woodpecker, 2.O0

White-winged Dove, 1..50

Whits-fronted Dove 1.50

Ortyx Xigrogularls — Quail, 1..50

Jacana, 2.00

Cardinalis Cocemens, 1.00

Tanagea Abbas, 1.25

Ground Dove, l.oO

Columbigallina Rufejienis, 1.50

Chachalaca, 2.50

Great-tailed Grackle, 1 00

Cassic'.us Prcvosti, 1.00

Dires Sumichrasti, 1.00

Calloshuis Robustus, 1.00

Prank Blake Webster Company.

UVDK I'AKlv, MASS.

A Kodak or other good automatic
ill give gooti exchange in Western

WANTED
camera;
bird skins.

GEO. 6. OAXTWELL,
105 Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo

MARINE CURIO.

We are prepared to furnish at short notice attractive
displays.

Parties desiring such goods will receive prompt
reply to any communication.

mm BL&RB WEBSTER COMPANY

409 Washington St., I'.oston.

Hyde I'ark, Mass.

KLBINO CROini.

SKIN. — Taken in Massachusetts. — Pure white. —
L SIO.OO. FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

COLL-eCTORS!

We can furni>h you with a TUBE that V'>u can use in
your breech loader, same as a brass shell." This shell is
arranged for a 32 cartridge, which can be loaded suit-
able for small birds.

Price of tube, $1 50.

TiU Brass shells, .60.

Loading tools, .75. Total, $2.85.

These work nicely and those who have tried them
say that they would not be without.
FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

BRIDS' EGGS.

Wo cany the LAKCiEST AND FINEST
stock offered for sale.

SEND FOR OCR CATALOGUE.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY
EGG COLLECTORS!

Vt)U will now want
D75VIES' KEY.

.\ coiniilete description ol nests and eggs. I'aper, $1.25.
Cloth, $1.76.

OK

TVtKVtSKRD'S KEY.

A complete description of nests and eggs. Cloth, $1.75.
ITV^PORTKIST

The entire edition of Capen's Illustrated Work on
Eggsot New England Birds, that was offered for sale,
has been exhausted.

Bv a recent arrangement with Mr. Capen we have in-
duced him to part with a few copies that he intended
to retain for personal use, .and we now have the pleas-
ure of offering once more the most elaborate work on
eggs ever attempted in this country.

The work is beautifully illustrated by Chromo LIth.
Engravings.

PKICE SIS. 00 and no discuuiit.
TJiere are only a few copies.

Frank Blake Webster, Company.
BUFFALO YEARLING.

We have just received a finely prepared specimen
of this now nearly EXTINCT AMERICAN MAMMAL.
In fact we doubt if there is another one now offered
for sale in the country. The iraport.ance of securing
it must be patent to those who understand the value of
rare things.

For particulars apply to

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY. '

/ny

ffM&<ri:fScme4^4inGK St. Louis, Mo,

rj Bji^Si^EA. Artistic MelalWorker8.',^^?SJj7r7S'T?.*i

l^^g^J^^i^i;rMi.Iri.na.ia \V.ro«'tfi.e-»urii. ?,','.|t?Vi'.'.'i'i'h|.'.7
^Jlfi^ vJs» KttiiiiJira.t.'reaiinfi. Ncttinirs.cw. \'.'.tlt',',",',','.'I t,\'J

Kttiiiijp. (,'reaiin).'-. Ncttincs.cw. y,',',

ETcrlaating remeicry FENCES. (0,'.

Sliippe'l overywboro. Aeeots wanted/^ ',

7Writ«(ur Cauloguouidi^Uu»U). **-*

OTORMY PETREL, an ornitliological
^ monthly devoted to the interests of all
Ornithologists and Oiilogists; no young Nat-
uralist can attord to be without it. .Subscrip-
tion only 20 cents per year; sample copy free;
subscribe at once!

M. SMITH & CO., Mendota, Illinois.

RARE EGGS IN SETS,

Tufted Puffin 1-1,

Man-'o-war bird 1-1,

Franklin's <iull 1-3, 1-3,

Hutciiin's (ioose 1-4,

Am. Wliite-lronted (xdose 1-3,

Ganibers (>uail I-I5,

Virginia RliiI I-s.

Am. Woodcijclv 1-4,

Am. liittern \-l.

Wild Turkey 1-G,

Chachalacca 1-3, 1-3,

Golden Eajiie 1-2,

BaldE.%ule 1-2, 1-2, 1-2,

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1-4,

Mississippi Kite 1-1,

Carracara 1-2,

Florida Burrowing Owl 1-4,

Harred Owl 1-2,

Chuek-wiir.«-widow 1-2,

Para(]ue 1-2,

iVhitc-neeked Raven 1-7, 1-S,

Arizona Jay 1-4, 1-3,

(.litlden-fronted Woodpecker t-7, 1-4, \-'A,

Red-bellied Woodpecker l-.""),

Baird's Woodpecker 1-3,

Downy Woodpecker 1-5,

Am. lHjiper 1-4,

Texas Cardinal 1-3.

FOREIGN ECCS.
European Teal 1-7,
European Snipe 1-4,
Ruff 1-4,
Lapwing 1-4,
Ring riover 1-4,
Red Grouse 1-G,
Ptarmigan 1-8,
Partridge 1-7.

Red-legged Partridge 1-8, 1-12,
English Pheas.^nt 1-10,1-10,
Starhng 1-0,
English Robin n-6.
Stone Chat 1-7,
Meadow Pipit l-.'i,
Siberian Wagtail 1-7.

SETS WITH NESTS. -VERY FINE.

Am. Eider n-5,

Bendire's Thrasher n-4,

Verdin n-4.

Parnla Warbler n-.l, n-4,

Mocker n-4.

Cal. Towhee n-3,

Red brilieil N'utlmtch n-6, n-5,

Swailison's W.arliler n-2,

Pine Warbler n-5, n-4,

Blaik rbruated Green Warblern-4,

M;mnoliii Warliler n-4,

Yellow-rumped Warbler n-.5.

Ruby-throated Hummer n-2,

Black-ehinned Hummer n-2,

Costa's Hummer n-2,

Anna's Hummer n-2.

Broad-tailed Hummer n-2.

Rufous Hummer n-2.

Blue Ciray (inatcatchers n-4, n-5,

AVhite Eyc<l, Red Eyed Vireos, and many others.

We have many fine, rare Sets. If you want any
send for our catalogues.

Frank Blake Web.ster Company,

Hyde Park, Mass.

WHAT ^ DIME WILL DO |

Every liOV and OIRL who loves to read splendid
Stories, Sketches and beautiful Poems should subscribe
for The AMERICAN YOUNG FOLKS, a beautiful
Illustrated Muntlily Magazine, establis^hed in 1875.
Its stories are the Very liest that can be obtained from
the foremost writers of Juvenile Literature, and every
issue is filled with good things. The regular subscrij)-
tionpriceisSl.OOayear.butif you will pUfp fPlIT^? flllT

lud

return

to us

AQTT TrUD riTMl^ '''-"*^ your name and address, we
ulLV Du UilliD will send you the magazine Six
Months (»n Trial. Address,
AMERICAN YOUN(; FOLKS, Manchester, N. H.

TAIT IT!

One Buttle Will Do 12 Fox Skins.

The use of the Currier's Tanning Liquor has
increased to sucli i)roportioiis tliat we have
arranged with Prof. Currier to manufacture
and handle it for the Whole World, and
sliall establish agencies at different points.

JaZHKT THEV Pkl-I- SKV.

I have usetl your Tanning Liquid on one Fox Skin,
and it worked" first-class ; saves more than hall" the
labor when compared with the way I have been in the
Iiabit of doing them.

A. T. (lAMAGE, Damariscotta, Me.

I have tried your Tanning Liquor and am very much
pleased with the results.

KURDON (lAYLORD, Easthampt.on, Mass.

I have used your t.anning and am well pleased with
it. E. .T. MOREY, Greenfield, Mass.

The Tanniftg Liquiu- received OK and is a great
suc<:ess. FRANK L. BURNS, Berwyn, Pa.

I am collecting muskrat skins. ... I like I)r. Cur-
rier's Liquor verv much on them.

F. L. SMALL, North Truro, Mass.

We could print liuiidreds of the same nature.

Kvery sportsman, naturalist and boy should
have a bottle. Don't forget, with it you can
tan any SKin with very little trouble.

PRICE, $1.00 PER BOTTLE.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron,

Shot at "High Head," North Truro, Mass.,

APRIL 9, 1891!

This specimen has been finely monnteil and is now
for sale. Hei'e is ;in opportunity to obtain one of, if
not the rarest Massarlui^elts visitants.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

HYIJE I'ARK, - - - - MASS.

FOR SKLE.
AMERICAN BISON,

FINELY MOINTKI). ALSO

1= O \J R HEKDS.

Basking Shark,

H feet long. Weighed 1,400 pounds.
l-'or particulars ajiply to

Frank Blake Webster Company.

OOLOGISTS' SUPPLIES.

EGG DRILLS. Small wire drill
Large wire drill

SO. 15. Postpaid.
.20.

EC.rj DRILLS. Best style, extra fine steel, Xo. 1, 3-32 incli burr, short or long handle

No. 2, 5-32 inch burr
No. 3, 6-32 inch burr "
No. 4, 8-32 inch burr "
No. 5, 12-32 inch burr, hint; hamll.- .
No. 6, 16-32 inch burr .' •• . .

$0.25. Postiiaid.
.35.
.50.

1.00.
l-.W.

KMIil;V<.> llt_H)KS. Very line wire,

with handle $0.15. Postpaid.

Without handle OC. "

KCG BLOWERS. Best . S0.25. Postjiaiil.
Cheaper 1.1. "

FINE FORCEPS, for removing embryo, §0.75.

EGG MEASURES. Steel, small . $0.7,5. Postpaid.
4-ini-h and mm. .... 1-00. *'

SCISSORS (Emliry.il. Straight points

(cheap) $0.25. Postpaid.

( OLLECTING BOX.

Pocket size

Postage $0.12

DATA BLANKS, with space
for name, locality, collec-
tor's name, etc. ; large size,

per 100 $0.20.

Small size, per 100 . . .17.

CLIMBING IRONS . 3..50.

Postpaid

POCKET CASE. Leather. Con-
tains No. 1 drill, 25 cents; No. 3
drill, 50 cents; No. 5 drill, $1.(X);
best blower, 25 cents ; 2 embryo
Inioks, 30 cents ; best scissors,
$1.50; fine forceps, 75 cents;
(case value, $1.00) .... ?5.0O

POCIvET CASE. Empty. Same
style as Taxidermist's pocket
case 1.00.

Postpaid.

TRAYS FOR EGGS. Pasteboard—
the most convenient form to use
in the egg cabinet. Sizes 4x0,
4x3, 3x2, 2x1 1-2, iier dozen .

CALIPERS, to use in measuring eggs
DATA BOOKS, with stub, large size

Small size

PINK COTTON, per yard .15, per lb.
BEGINNER'S SET. Drill, blow-
pipe, embryo hook, 25 data blanks

.12.

Postage ex

.60.

Postpaid

.50.

"

.50.

"

1. 00

The Eggs of North American Birds. C. J. Maynard $1-50

Nests and Eggs of North American Birds. Oliver Davie Paper, S;l.'2n; floth, 1.75

Coues' Key to North American Birds. Illustrated 7.50

Frank Blake Webster Compan/, Hyde Park, Mass.

Without Money and Without Price !

ADVERTISE IN THE

OOLOGISTS' ADVERTISER.

IT WON'T COST YOU A CENT,

And yell will lie L'lititlcd to the jiuper FiiEK.
Send stninii for partioulavs.

C. H. F=>RINCe.
2S1 Main Street ■ ■ Daiiielsdiiville, Conn.

My

NOE'S CURIOSITY

lari^f illustrated Natural Hi

SHOP.

itory Catalogue for

18'Jl"is now ready for distriljution. Sent to any aildress
on receipt of a two-cent stamp. FLETCHEK M. NOE,
G4 West Market Street, Indianapolis, Jnd^

This spiire $2.00 per i.tsue. TRY IT.

READ this:

During the year we intend sending out many circu-
lars containing lists of new goods that come in. If you
are interested in any branch of Natural History,

Drop Us a Postal Card,

stating what you are interested in. We will enter
yourname on our trade lists and keep you posted. In
writin^i-. state that you wish to be put on our trade lists,
under Oruitliolu^y" Uoln^y, Entomology, Marine Curio,
Fossils, Taxideiniy, and ^'ive full name and a<hfress.

FR.INK BLAKE WEBSTER COM PAW,

HYDE PARK ------- M.\SS.

PRETvnUTV^S.

To (iny person sendinfi us TEN new subscribers,
we will, send either of the folio jpiny: —

/•-_ OOLOGISTS' POCKET SET. $5,00

'alue
This_is the best set of Egg Tools we advertise.

2_ EGGS FROM OUR LIST. ^JR fin
D. Your own selection. To list ^O**'""

3d. TAXIDERMISTS' TOOLS. $5.00

By list

To anyone sendinr/ us FIVE new subscribers,
we loill send any f/oods that we handle to the
the amount of $2a00a

To anyone sendiwj us TII'O new subscribers,
one STUFFED BIRD, nicely mounted.

Frank Blake W^ebster, Publisher,

HYDE PARK, MASS.

An Offer of Unusual Interest.

We have just received a L.\R<:E Sll.VRK, taken off
the Isle of Shoals. This huye creature measured
about 14 ft. in length and weighed about l-'»0 M>8. It is
now being mounted. When completed it will be in
condition to be transported to any part of the country.
IT IS A DIME MUSEUM IN ITSELF.

For particulars address,

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HYDE PARK,

MASS.

This space $1 .00 per issue. Try it.

SWORD FISH HEADS.

We have just received a few heads. They are
skinned from back of the gills, and sIkiw the curious
formation of the anim.al that can stick his nose into
most anything.

PRICE - - $7.00.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

IIVDE I'.\RK, .MAS.S.

ANYONK h.aving specimens or Natural History
publications of any kind, that they are willing to
donate to the new Natural History Library, please semi
to NATURAL HISTORY LIISR.VRV ASSOCIATION,
Des Moines, Iowa. F. L. Engleliert. Sec'y.

Egg Collecting Tools.

Every Boy should send for
our Price List.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

HYDE PAKK, MASS.

A FEW FHE FOREKA BIRD SKI\%.

Long-tailed Trogons,

Toucans, 3 variei:ies.

Sulphur rump Tanagers,

Mina Hirds,

Coat Sueker (.Australia) 22 in. l.)ng

Laui;hin;;.Taekass,

I*ucrasia i'beasant — Pair.

Occelated Turkey —very fine,

I'aradisc l^'lveatcher,

Rrown Headed liarbet,

(ireen Headed Satin Merle,

I'urple Headed .Satin Merle,

Creat Swift,

Yellow Winged Parrot,

Cassicans,

Red Hreasted Larks, 1-00

Yersieoloi- Pheasants, 4.00

S<.mnu-nn^ Pheasants, l.iKl

lEANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

$ 9.00

$2.00 to 3.00

1.25

.•i.OO

S.OO

4.00

10.00

20.00

4.00

1.7.')

2.50

2.50

1.50

1.00

$1.00 to 1.50

409 Washington St.

Boston, Mass.

NEW OFFER.

In a recent issue we oltered a few "Copper" Pheas-
ants at a very low price. The lot was e.vhausted at
once and we discontinued it.

We now make the following offer :

1 finely mounted Versicolor Plieasant, $6.50,

to any one who applies before the .lunc issue of the
O. & O. is out. These hirds are oltered to show the
quality of our work, as an advertisement.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HYDE P.\.RK. MASS.

AMERICAN FLAMINGO.— We have just put up a
pair of these beautiful birds, selected frcim a
niunber that we have received. They are artistically
mounted in a large case, witli approjiriate decoratitms,
niakinj; a very attractive piece. Price $150.

We are mountinj^ groups of birds in cases of a nni-
form size, ma<Ie light and strong, so that they can be
shipped to any part of the country. They will be espec-
ially dt'eigiH'd" for dime museums.

o'ur \tiix Lt'athcr-liack Turtle in itself would prove a
gold mine if exhil»itftl at any shore resort the coming
season, while our double lamb w(juld make any farmer
in the country drop a nickel in the sh»t to see it.

Information given upon ajiplieation.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

MVDE PKRK. TV^HSS.

H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY,

RALEIGH, N.C.,

COLLECTORS.

First-class liinl and Mammal Skins anil Ef^j^s. Full
data in all cases. Write for Price List.

The Kansas City Scientist,

A continuation of THE N.\TURA.LIST, now in its fifth
volume, is an ilUistratefl mc)nthly maf^azine, ilevotetl to
Art, Science and Literature. OtJicial or^an of the
Kansas City .Academy of Science.

While of a necessity, to a certain e.^tent technical,
its aim is to present scientific knowledf^e in as popular
a form as possible.

Published at $i.oo per year. Sample copy loc.

.\ddress :
EDITOR SCIENTIST, KANSAS CITY, MO.

THE MICROSCOPE.

The Leading Journal of its Kind in
This Country.

Circulation continually increasing.
SUBSCRIBE FOR IT.

TRENTON,

NEW JERSEY.

LILY OF THE DESERT

A Great Novelty, grows in sand. Kulbs, Sl.oo each.

We make a specialty of Xative American I'alm and
Evt;rgreen Trees and Flower Seeds, Kulbs, Ferns, Cacti
and other plants.

ORCUTT SEED AND PLANT CO., San Die^^o, Cal.

Send 2.5 cts. for seed of Lathyrus splendcus.

"THE PRIDE OF CALIFORNIA."

Scientific Books,

C. R. ORCUTT, Orcutt, San Diego, California.

The Ornithologist and Oologist,

Under the Editorial JIanagement of

FRANK B. WEBSTER,
J. PARICER NORRIS,
FRANIv A. BATES.

Subscription Rat»s. SI. 00. Foreign, S1.50.

Back Vols., 9 to 14, 81.00 each.

Communications relatino^ to Oology shnnld be di-
rected to J. PARKER NORRIS, Philadelphia, Pa.

All other documents, orders, remittances, etc., to
FRANK B. WEBSTER, Hyde Park, Mass.

H. M. FIELD. F. B. ARMSTRONG.

FIELD & ARMSTRONG,

DeHLERS IN

BIRD SKINS AND EGGS

BROWNSVILLE, TEX.

Mr. Armstrong of this firm, who is well known as a
naturalist and taxidermist, will give special attention
to the collection, for scientific purposes, of all birds,
beasts and reptiles native to the interior and border of
Mexico, and will furnish careful data in regard to same.

Correspondence respectfully solicited.

Our A, B, C's — Accuracy, Brevity, Completeness.

WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST

"Decitledly the best of its class."

An illustrated monthly magazine of popular science—

the only one in the West.

$1.00 A YEAR. 10 CENTS A COPY.

For sliclls, address the editor, CHAS. RUSSELL
ORCCTT, San Diego, California.

Increase the beauty and convenience of
YOWR COL-L-ECTION

nV USING

NEAT LABELS,

Supplietl by The ObSElivEK, I'urtland, Ct.

Perfect in quality, and acknowledged the standard in
size and style. Send for Price List and Samples.

Have you seen

THe OBseR^eR

a mctliiim of interchange of observations for all

Sudents and Lovers of Nature. De-
voted to all Departments of Nature
Studies. Send for sample copy. Address

EDWARD F. BIGELOW,

l*ulilisher and Printer,
No. 5 Waverly Ave., - - Poktl.\nd, Cons.

BIRD SKINS FROM FLORIDA.

WE .are receiving some freshly skinned birds from
Florida. Price same as dried skins. Any parly
wishing, liy ilropping us a postal, will receive notice
of what we' receive.

FR.VNK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

EGG COLLECTORS.

We offer the foUowinti" chance to exchange your dupli
cate Gi^^s for hack numbers of the O. & O. Vols. 12,
13. 14 and 15 We have set aside 100 volumes which we
will exchanfre for eggs that we can use, at the rate of
$2.00 per vohime, at our list prices. The four volumes
contain
768 PACES OF VALUABLE INFORMATION.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

HYDE PAKK, .... MASS.

STAMPS. COINS. CURIOS. ^'aM^I
issues in the Stamp line. ACCUTO WANTFR

issues in the Stamp line

Forty-eij^lit page Coin, Stanij
and Curio Catalogue for stamp. VV. F. CREANY.
827 Brannan St.. San Francisco, Cal.

^UR_UATE;i',-

''^►izawBk

■ COMMOM PENCtLm

'"BIG MONE^
YOUR NAME ON THIS NOVELTY Ik

Bottle urlnk-Jf..l'uslai;e'Jc. -circulars JcAj;eut'[.t*;rms free, ''^w*

Address THALMAN MFG. CO.,

17 E. Kaltimore St., Haltiinore, Mil., T.S.,\.

BIRDS' ECCS.

Now, lioys, is your time to till up your collection,

$7 WORTH OF ECCS FOR $5.

And they will all be lirst-class.

SEND FOR OUR LISTS.
FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HYDE PT^T-tK, 3VIKSS.

TO BEAUTIFY THE HOME.

Handwme. Dnnable. Low Priced.

The new Declarative Ware (patented), manufactured
from Spanish Cork Karlc, is one of the most attractive
articles yet desi^xned for House, Garden or Lawn use,
especially adapted tor Flower Pots. It solves the yearly
spring problem of " How to arrange our flowers so they
may sliow to the best advantage." Odd pieces, stumps
for seats or any special designs of your own can be
matle at very short notice.

PRICE LIST. INSIDE MEASURE.

5 inches Diam. 4 inches high

6
8
10
12
13
14

10

12
13
14

$ .75
1.00
1.75
2.50
3.50
4.00
4.50

Wall Pockets for Vines, &c.

Small - - - $ ..50

Medium - - - .7.'>

Large - - - 1.00

Your orders are respectfully solicited.

CHAS. I. GOODALE, "

Patentee and Manufacturer.
144 Friend Street, Boston, Mass.

RKRE SKINS.

We have received a few of the following Skins. They
are in the moulting iilumaj;e, and while not as fine as
full plumage birds would be, will alford all a chance to
have a specimen in the cabinet. The price is very low :

Painted Redstarts, - - .50 cents.

Red-faced Warblers, - - 60 cents.

Townsend's Warblers, - - 50 cents.

Black throated Gray Warblers - 40 cents.

or the' four for SI. 50.

A few fine ones at our full list jirioe.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

HYDE PARK, MASS.

SHORE BIRD SHOOTING F=OR IS91.

•^^ N-EiA£ ••• H-OTE-L,i«-

Situated on the Beach, within 150 feet of

OHKTHKTV^ UICHTHOUSE,
A Delightful Locality to Spend the Summer Months. Will be Open from July 1, to Oct. 1,

Any parties who wish to enjoy an outing during the above dates, will find the locality offers all the induce,
ments that can be asked lor. The readers of the O. & O. will know the sport that is hail at Monomoy Ishind
and Chatham Beach, which joins.

GOOD TABLE, COMFORTABLE liOOMS AND COURTEOUS ATTENTION.

RT^TES RET^SONKBUE. Just the place to take the whole family for a quiet and invigorating rest.

Only a limited number will be accommodated, po apply early.

Captain N. E. Gould,

U. S. Life Saving Station, Chatham, Mass.

For full particulars, adtiress

••• NATURE'S REKL-7VT. •••

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

The Only Publication in the World Devoted Solely to Popular Natural History.

THE AQUARIUM DEPARTMENT

Is coiiflucted by Hugo Miilertt, who will answer all queries relative to the construction and
comiuct of Aquaria.

THE NOTE AND QUERY DEPARTMENT
Is especially opened to record the observations and experiences of amateur naturalists who
desire to commune one with the other, and to give permanency and publicity to their field or
closet work.

Nature's Rbai.m is issued on the first of e.ach month, and contains fifty-two pages, 7^x10
inches. It is printed on super calendered paper, and the mechanical execution iv of the best.
Subscription, $2.01); single cojiies, 20 cents.

THE HARRIS PUBLISHING CO., 10 WARREN STREET, NEW YORK.

JUNE, 1891

Entered at H\

„v.leFarkr..-...m,.,.,,- nM-CU.- Matter.

CONTENTS.

VOL. XVI., NO. 6, JUNE, 1891,

Frank A. JIates
Homer L. Itigelow

Insects Injurious to CoUectiona; Their Prevention and

Remedy

Five Months in Newfoundland

Oologioal Notes J. H. B

Nesting; of" the WiUet on Cobb'.s Island Theodore W. Ricliards

TInspolted Et;fi;s of Chippin;; Sparrow J.P.N

A Lazy Day

. 81

. 8;J

. 85

. 8G

. 8G

Walter Hoxie 87

Nestiiij^ of the Louisiana Water Thrush in Pliiladelphia Co.,

Pa. . H.K.Jamison

How I Send my Sparrows Home

Orchard Orioles Nesting Near Kinjibirds

A Ghnipse of the Nashville Warbler

The Great lUue Heron

Proceedings of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club of

Philadelphia

Stupid Laws of Michigan

American Harn Owl Taken in Massachusetts ....
Ancient Ornithological Notes Found in Ames' Almanack,

Published at Dedhani, Mass., in :72(J to 1775
A Tribute to His Memory

A.G. B., Jr 88

H. C. Campbell 88

J. W. Preston s'.i

Wilfred A. Bretherton oo

AVitmer Stone
Stewart E. White
Chas. K. Reed

S. R. IngersoH

92

i)2

03

Wm. C. Flint 03

Brief Notes m

Correspondence . 9G

BOYS!

We want you to help us increase tlie
circulation of the Oknh hologist and
0(;logist. If you will send us two
new subscribers, with the regular sub-
scription price, Two Dollars,, We will
send you by mail as a premium the
following beautiful eggs — one each:

Murre.

Razor-billed Auk.

Am. Eider Duck.

Herring Gull.

Ring-billed Gull.
You can easily secure subscribers
among your frientis, and thus make a
fine addition to your collection.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

HYDE PARK, MASS.

Exchange Lists Given Away.

Now that the' reason tvv oollec-ting has opened, we
wish to assist our j)ati"ons in their work, and
instead of offering Excllanji'G Lists for sale, to anyone
who will send us three 1-ceiit .stamps to pay postage,
we will mail twelve of our Bird and Egg E.\change
Lists.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

IIVDE I'.VKIC, JL^SS.

APRILllSSLNUMBER

OF THE

SEMI-ANNUAL

NOW READY.

Under the editorial managcement of Lyiids Jones,
5 Elm street, Oberlin, Ohio.

rublishetl hy C. C. Maxfield, Danbury. Conn.

Fifty pages of instructive and scientific sketTchcs
from the jiens of well-known naturalists. Many re-
ports of value to the members of the \V. (). C. of A. A.
It is printed on heavy book jiaper, with lirand uvw
cover and froutisjuece. Only one edition, siniilar lo
the best edition of the old O. tS: O. Senii-Annual.

Price,

35 cents per copy.

Is Selling rapidly. Send for copy at once. No free
samiiles.

Prints cards, labels
&c Circular press $8.
Small newspaper size
own
atlvertis-
money
printiiifT for others.
Fun tor spare hours.
Type-setting easy,
printed rules. Send 2 stamps for catalogue of presses,
type, cards. X'c. to factory.

KKLSEY & Co , Meriden, Conn.

IIMTIKG!i!^>-^:;:{°i
"EESS

BIRDS' EG6S.

We have in stock to-day tlie fiiie.st and larg-
est assortment ever offered for sale. Every
college, museum and collector should have
our price list.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

FbANK E. LANGLBY, I'KIJJTEB, HYDE PAEK, MASS.

Cabinet of Southern Curiosities

CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING SPECIMENS:

No. 1. COQUIXA..— The strange shell conglomeration
of which, the ancient Fort, City Gates, and otlier
structures in St. Augustine were constructed cen-
turies ago.

No. '2. WHITE BRANCH CORAL. —From the Ba-
hama Islands.

No. 3. COTTON SEED.— A mammoth variety from;
South Carolina. Will grow in the Northern garden.

No. 4. SEA BEAN8.— Four varieties. These curious
productions of nature grow upon vines in sandy soil'
lir)rdering the ocean on the Bahama Islands, and will
mature in the green-house at the North.

No. 5. BLEEDIN(i TOOTH.— Resembling a tooth
bleeding — one of the most remarkable of all the sea
shells.

No. t). COTTON BOLL.— Picked from a Southern
cotton-field.

No. 7. PECTEN SHELL.— Much used for ornamental
and decorative purjio-ses.

No. 8. EYE STONE.— A calcareous concretion found
in the stomach of the craw-fish. It will remove all
foreign substances from the eye, and one should
alwavs be kept at hand.

No. y. ' FLEXIBLE CORAL. — (Gorgoiiia). -A curious
vegetable growth, from Nassau, over which is a coral
formati'in deposited bv a marine animal.

No. 10. COXFKOERATE .MONEY.— A piece of gen-
uine currency, issued by the State of North Carolina
(luring the Rebellion, each numbered and signed, an
issue fiUidd in but few collections.

No. 11. ALLIGATORS TOOTH.— From a Florida alli-
gator.

No. 12. VEGETABLE SPONGE.- A specimen of this
curious native growth, called in Spanish "Esira
Pajn," grows freely in Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas.

This entire collection in strong partitioned box, each
specimen labelled, postpaid for FIFTY CENTS.

FORT MVRION STOKE, St. Angtisline, Fla.

SKIMS FROM YUCATAN,

Xiinthiiuru (iiaiteinalen^is — Jay, 5^1.50

Ciysuloi.h.i Vvu-ataiiica — Jay, " 1--Ji

<:r<it<'i.h itj;a Suloerostus — Groovebill Ani. 1,00, 1.25
TvraiHiu.s ,Melain-bolicus C'tmchi — Couch':^

Kingbinl, 100, I.oO

I'itaiigus Derhianus — Derby Flycatcher, 2.00
Mviarcbus .Mexicanus — .VIex. Crested

" Flycatcher, .7.5, 1.00

Myiozelctes Texensis — (iiraud's Flycatcbcr, 1 .25
.Myioclynastes Liiteineventrjs — Sulphur-bellied

Flycatcher, ■ 1-50

Lawrence Flycatcher, 2.00

Vermillion do. 1.2.5
I'latypsarisAglaiae—Uo.se-throated Flycatcher, l-.w

Icterus Auratus — Oriole, 1.2.">, 1.30

Icterus (iulari.s — Oriole, 1. 50, 2.00

Hooded Oriole, ."'
Trogon .Melanoceiihalus— Yellow-bellied Trogon, 2.00

Enmoniotus .Supercilianus — Mot-Mot, 1.50

Roail Runners, 1-60

Prava Circo — Cuckoo, 2.00

Conjerus Aztes— Parrot, 2.00

( iMiturns Dubuis— Woodliecker, 1.26

<'enturu> Kubnventris —Woodpecker. 1.00

Ceoiililocus Scapularis — Woodpecker, 2.00

White-winged Dove, 1.50

White-fronted Dove 1.50

Ortyx Xigrogulari.s — Qviuil, 1..50

.lacana, 2.00

Cardinalis Coceniens, 1-00

Tanagea Abbas, 1.25

(iiound Dove. l."0

Columbigallina Rufipennis, 1..50

Cbachalacca, 2,.50

(ir.-at-tailed (Crackle, 1 00

('a~-iru> rrcvosti. 1.00

Diri's Suniiclirastii. 1.00

Callosbuis Robustus, 100

Trank Blake Webster Company.

HYDK I'.VUK, MASS.

TO

Smd

We carry a lar^e stock of attractive specimens of

LAND AND

MARINE CURIO.

We are prepared to f urnioh at short notice attractive
displays.

Parties desiriufx such goods will receive prompt
reply to any communication.

FROK BLiKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

409 Washington St.. Boston.

Hyde I'ark, Mass.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SHEEP.

We expect four tine, large beads. These will be
mounted at once. For particulars apply to FR.^XK
BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY, Hyde Park, .Mass,

A

KUBINO CROin£

SKIN.— Taken in Massachusetts. — Pure white.—
.¥10 00. FRANK BLAKE WEB.STER COMPANY.

COL-UeCTORSI

We can furnish you with a TUBE that you can use in
your breech loader, same as a brass shell. This shell is
arranged for a 32 cartridge, which can be loaded suit-
able for small birds.

Price of tube, $1.50.

50 Brass shells, .60.

Loading tools, .75. Total, $2.85.

These work nicely and those who have tried them
say that they would not be without.
FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

BIRDS' EGGS.

We cany the LAKGE.ST AND FINEST
stock ottered for sale.

SEND FOR OIR (ATAI.OOl E.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY

Vols.XandXI,0.&0.

These two vohmjes are nearly exhausted, and we
shall be obliged to advance the price after July 1, 1S91

We have had such a ilemand for the back volumes,
that they will soon be out of the market.

Frank Blake WVbster (onipaiiy,

HYDE PARK, MASS.

We have just received two Parrots about 3 years
old. They have been in the State over two years, and
are in good health. Both talk. Anyone desiriug them
please communicate. Price furnished on application

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

Mr.SEl'M, HYDE PARK, MASS.

BUFFALO YEARLING.

We have iust received a finely prepared specimen
of this now nearly E.XTINCT AMERICAN MAMMAL.
In fact we doubt if there is another one now offered
for sale in the country. The importance of securing
it must be patent to those yvho understand the value of
rare things.

For particulars apply to

FR.\NK BLAKE WEBSTER CO.MPANY.

/U

Without Money and Without Price !

ADVERTISE IN THE

OOLOGISTS' ADVERTISER.

IT WON'T COST YOU A CENT,

And you will be entitled to the paper fkee.
Send stamp for particulars.

C. M. PRINCe.
281 Malii Street • • llanielsoiiville, Coiiii.

n;s spncp $2.00 per issue. TRY IT.

SWORD FISH HEADS.

We have just received a few heads. They are
skinned from buck of the gills, and show the curious
fornijition of the animal that can stick his nose into
most anything.

RRICE ~ - ST-OO.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

HYDK PARK, MASS.

RReTV^IUTV^S.

To any person sending us TEN new subscribers,
we will send either of the following: —

A-- OOL

OOLOGISTS' POCKET SET.

hie

This is the best set of Effg Tools we advertise.

'': $5.00

5_ EGGS FROM OUR LIST. 0K QQ
^fj' Your own selection. To list Vwi UU

3d. TAXIDERMISTS' TOOLS. $5,00

By list

To anyone sending us FIVE new subscribers,
we will send any goods thiit we handle to the
the amount of $2i00a

To anyone .^ending us TWO new subscribers,
one STUFFED BIRD, nicely mounted.

Frank Blake W^ebster, Publisher,

HYDE PARK, MASS.

Vols. I, II and III of
the Nuttall Ornitholog-
ical Club, in nuDibcrs, for which I will
pay a good price or give the three
volumes bound together in exchange.
L. S. FOSTER, New York City.

An Offer of Unusual Interest.

We luive ju.st rect-ived a LARGE SII.\RK, taken off
the Isle of Shoals. This !mge creature measured
about 14 ft. in length anil weighed about 1300 lbs. It is
now being mounted. Wlien completed it will be in
condition to be transi)orted to any part of the country.
IT I.S A DIJIE MUSEUM IN ITSELF.

For particulars address,

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HYDE PARK, - - _ _ - MASS.

TJds space $1 .00 per issue. Try it.

READ this:

During the year we intend sending out many circu-
lars containing lists of new goods that come in. If you
are interested in any liranch of Natural History,

Drop Us a Postal Card,

stating what you are interested in. We will enter
your name on our trade lists and keej) you posted. In
writing, state that you wish to be put on our trade lists,
under Ornitholngy" uotogy, Entomology, Marine Curio,
Fossils, Taxideruiy, and g'ive full name' and address.

FR.4NK BL.iKE WEBSTER COMPANV,

HYDE PARK .-..--- MASS.

Egg Collecting Tools.

Every Boy should send for
our Price List.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

HYDE PARK, MASS.

A FEW FI^E FOREIGN BIRD SKI^S.

Long-tailed Trogons,

Toucans, 3 varieties,

Suli'hiir rump Tanagers,

Mina Kirds,

(ioat Sucker (Australia) 22 in. long.

Laughing Jackass,

Pucrasia Pheasant — Pair,

occlatcd Turkey — very fine.

Paradise Flycatcher,

r.ruwn Headed Barbet,

(ireen Headed Satin Merle,

Purple Headed Satin Merle,

Oreat Swift,

Yellow Winged Parrot.

Cassicans,

Red Breasted Larks,

Versicolor Plieasants,

Soemmering Pheasants,

$ it.W)
$2.00 to 3.00

am
s.oo

4.00

10.00

20.00

4.00

1.76

2.S0

2.50

1.50

1.00

$1.00 to 1.50

1.00

4.00

4.00

IKANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

409 Washington St.

Boston, Mas^.

FOR SALE OR EXCHAN6E.

Fine sets from Assiniboia, N. W. Canada. The lot
includes Little Brown Crane, Semi-paluiated Plover,
Bonaparte's Gull, Baldpate, Canvas-back, Canada
(ioose. Trumpeter Swan, Wilson's Snipe, Marbled
(iodwit. Yellow-legs, Marsh Hawk, Rough-legged
Hawk, Short-eared Owl, North-west Flicker, Canada
Jay, Rusty Blackbird, Northern Shrike, rare Warblers
and other desirable species. For full list .send to

W. R.VIXE, Hayden St., Toronto, Canada.

EGG COLLECTORS, ATTENTION!

Now is your last chance to obtain the two best books upon your favorite science. We have
bought the balance of the edition of

The Nests and Eccs of North American Birds,

and another edition will not be issued for some time.

PRICE: Cloth $1.75, Paper $1.25.

BIRO NeSTING.

A Manual of Egg Collecting by Ernest Ingersoll,

we a short time ago announced as out of the market, but we have succeeded in procuring a few
copies which we offer at the

OLD PRICE. $1.25.

It will not take long to exhaust tliis small lot of the best Guide to the Egg Hunter, .and You
need it Xow. ,

We can also supply

TVTKVNKRD'S NEST MND EGGS

at the OLD PKICE, $2.00, bound in cloth, with colored plates.

Anil do not forget that there are less than 20 copies left of

CAPEN'S OOLOGY,

PRICE. SlS.OO.

We have everything else you want in the line of books, but the above are last chances.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

HYDE PARK, ___-_- MASS.

JOB PRINTING.

If you are in need of jjrinting of any description, send for an
estimate to

HYDE PARK, MASS.

Mf^ydScna^^(k St. Louis^Mo.

,?^ArtiBtlcMetalWorker3.*r^ ' '

VUvlmgs. (.feelings, Netcinss. ew. \','
Frcrlsaling r«niel*ry FENCES. f,','
Sbippedo»(irT where. AcpntswantOW,'/

OTORMY PETREL, an oniitliological
'^ iniiuthly devoted to the interests of all
Oniitliologists and Oologists; no young Xat-
uialist can afford to be without it. Subscrip-
tion only 20 cents per year; sample copy free:
subscribe at once!

M. SMITH & CO., Mendota, Illinois.

RARE EGGS IN SETS,

Tufted Puffiu 1-1.

Man-'(t-war bird 1-1,

Franklin's Cull 1-3, 1-3,

Hutcliin's (Uto.se 1-4,

Ain. \ViiiU'-ln»nted fJoose 1-3.

(iaitilK-ls <;uail 1-15.

\ irgiuia Kail 1-8.

Am. Woodcock 1-4,

Am. Bittern \-%

Wild Turkey 1-G,

Chachalacca 1-3,1-3,

(iolden Eajrle 1-2,

Uald I-:ai;le 1-2. 1-2, 1-2,

Shirji-sliinned Hawk 1-4,

.Missi^>i|)id Kite 1-1.

Caracara 1-2,

Fhu'ida Kurrowinf;: Owl 1-4,

Barred Owl 1-2,

Chaok-will's-widow 1-2,

Parauque 1-2,

VVhite-necked Uaveu 1-7, 1-8,

Arizona Jay 1-4, 1-3,

Kolden fronted Woodpecker 17. 1-4, 1-3,

Ued-bellied Woodpecker 1-5,

Baird's W»>odi>ecker 1-3.

I>owny Woodpecker 1-5.

Am. Dipper 1-4,

Texas Cardinal 1-3.

FOREIGN EGGS.

European Teal 1-7,

European Snipe 1-4,

Lapwinj; 1-4,

Ring Plover 14.

Red rjrouse 1-0.

Ptarmigan 1-8.

Partridge 1-7,

Ked-iegged Partridjce 1-8, 1-12,

English Pheasant 1-10,1-10,

Starling 1-G.

English Robin n-6,

Stone Chat 1-7,

Meadow I'ipit 1-5,

Siberian Wagtail 1-7.

SETS WITH NESTS. -VERY FINE.

Am. Eider u-5,

Bendire'.-* Thrasher n-4,

Verdin n-4,

Panda Warliler n-.3, n-4.

Mocker n-4,

Cal. Towhee n-3,

Red-bellied Nuthatch n-C, n-5.

Swainsou's Warbler n-2,

Pine Warbler n-5, n-4,

Black-throated Tireen Warbler n-4,

Rubv-tbntated Hummer n-2,

Bla'-k-< binned Hummer n'2.

Cosca'.-- lUiuiiiier n-2,

Anna's Humjni*r n-2.

Broad-tailed Hummer ii-2,

Rufous Hummer n-2.

Blue Oray Onatcatcher.'* n-4. n-5,

White Eyeit, Red Eyed Vireos, and many others.

We have many fine, rare Sets,
send for our catalogues.

If you want any

Frank Blake Webster Coiiipitii),

Hyde Park, Mass.

WHAT ^ P'ME WILL DO I

Every BOY and (ilRL who loves to read splendid
Stories, Sketelies and beautiful Foems should subscribe
for The .\MKR1CAN YOIXG FOLKS, a beautiful
Illustrated .Monthly Maj^azine. established in 1S75.
Its stories are the Very Best that can be obtained from
the foremost writers of .Juvenile Literature, and every
issue IS filled with ^<M)d tliinjrs. The regular subsi-rij)-
tion price is .Sl.noa year, but if vou will nrym IT 11 10 nil'P
and return it to us w i th LiU 1 1 UlO UU 1

A'JTT VPD TTM'^ ""'' .'■our name and address, we
UlJulDll Ullllri will send you the magazine SiJ.
Months (ui Trial. Address,
AMERICAN YorXU FOLKS, Manchester, N. H.

TflflriHSlEI

One Bulllc mil »» 12 Fiix Skins.

Tlie use of the Currier's Tannint; Li(iuor lias
increased to such pmiiiirtidiis tliat we liave
arranged with Prof. Curiiei- to in.iiinfactiire
and handle it for the Whole Would, and
shall establish agencies at different points.

jAiHPiX THEY T^X^S^ SKV.

I have used your Tannin*^ Litjuid on one Fox Skin,
and it worked" first-class; saves movf than half the
labor when compared with the way I have been in tlie
habit of doinj; them.

A. T. (TAM.-vriE, Damariscotta, Me.

I have tried your Tanuinjc Liquor and am very much
pleased with tlie results.

liURDON fiAYLORD, Easthampton, .Mass.

I have used your tanninj^ and am well iileased with
it. E. J. MOREY, (Jreenfield, Mass.

The Tanning Liquor received OK and is a great
success. FR.\NK L. BFRXS, Herwyn, Pa.

I am collecting muskrat skins. ... I like Dr. Cur-
rier's Liquor very much on them.

F. L. .S.VIALL, North Truro, Mass.

I have done some fine work with Currier's Tanning
on small skins — much belter than the sample piece
of skin you sent ine. I will seiul you a f-pecimen lo
see. I can give you a good testimonial, and when I
get settled will pr()bably I)e able to handle a quantity.
H. P. ATTWATER, San Anionia, Texas.'

Prof. Attwater had charge of the 'J'exas
State Natural History Exhibit at Xevv Orleans
Exhibition. 18S4.

VVe could print hundreds of the same nature.

Every sportsman, naturalist and boy should
have a bottle. Don't forget, with it yon can
tan any snin with vci'y little trnul)le.

PRICE, $1 .00 PER BOTTLE.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

AMERICAN BISON,

F1X1;LV .MOINTED. .\LSO

1= O \J R HEKDS.

Basking Shark,

14 feet long. Weighed 1,400 pounds.
For particulars apply to

' Frank Blake Webster Companv.

AMEUICAN FLAMINGO.— We have just put up a
pair <jf the^e beautiful Itirtls, selected from a
number that we have received. They are artistically
mounted in a larj;e case, with appropriate decorations,
making; a vf ry attractive piece. Price $150.

We are mounting >;roup5 of birds in cases of a uni-
form size, made li^ht and strong, «o that they can be
shipped to any part of the country. They will lie espec-
ially deiiig:ued fur dime museums'

Our Uij5 Leather-back Turtle in itself would prove a
gold mine if exhibited at any shore resort the coming
season, while our double lainb would make any farmer
in the country drop a nickel in the slot to see it.

Information given upon application.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HVDB PKHK, TWtKSS.

H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY,

RALEIGH, N.C.,

COLLECTORS.

Kirst-class Hinl and Mmninal Skins ami Eggs. Full
data in all cases. Write for I'rice List.

The Ornithologist and Oologist,

Under the Editorial Management of

FRANK B. WEBSTER,
J. PARKER NORRIS,
FRANK A. BATES.

Subscription Rnti-a. SI. 00. Foreign, SI. 50.

Back Vols., 9 to 14, SI. 00 each.

Communications relating to Oology should l)e di-
rected to J. PARKER NORRIS, Philadelphia, Pa.

All other documents, orders, remittances, etc., to
FRANK B. WEBSTER, Hyde Park, Mass.

1492.

COLUMBUS.

1892.

The Kansas City Scientist,

A continuation of THE NATl'R-VLlsr. now in its fifth
volume, is an illustrated monthly magazine, devoted to
Arc, Scien<'e and Liter.iturt^. othciul (trgan of the
Kansas City Academy of SiMcnce.

While of a necessity, to a C4*rtain extent technical,

its aim is to present S(;ieiititie knowledge in as popular
a form as possible.

Published at $r.oo per year. Sample copy loc.

Address ;
EDITO SCIENTIST, KANSAS CITY, MO.

THE MICROSCOPE.

The Leading Journal of its Kind in
This Country.

Ciiculation continually increasing.

SUBSCRIBE FOR IT.

TRENTON,

NEW JERSEY.

LILY OF THE DESERT

A (Ireat Novelty, grows in sand. Bulbs, $1.00 each.

We make a specialty of Native American Palm and
Everjireen Tree.s and Flower Seeds, Bulbs, Ferns, Cacti
and other plants.

ORCUTT .SEED AND PLANT CO., San Diego, C.al.
Send S.") cts. for seed of Lathyrus splendeus.
"THE PRIDE OF CALIFORNIA."

Scientific Books,

('. R. ORCUTT, Orcutt, San Diego, California.

The p.itent Egg. Have you seen this novelty? Size
of a ben's egg; always standing on end; durable
material, handsoniely enameled, and mailed postpaid,
tor 15 cents. For 25 cents we mail the egg and the
Necromancers' Chain of .38 running rings with operating
directions.

WILCOX, CRITTENDEN & CO.,

MIDOLETOWN, - - TOSS.

Our A, B. C's— Accuracy, Brevity, Completeness.

WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST

••Dividedly tile best of its class."

All illustrated monthly m.agazine of popular science—

the only (me in the West.

$1.00 A YEAR. 10 CENTS A COPY.

For shells, address the editor. CHAS. RUSSELL
ORCUTT, San Diego, Calitornia.

Increase the beauty and convenience of
V O L/ R C O I- L e C T I O N

BV USlNi;

NEAT LABELS,

Supplied by The Dijskhvek, Portland, Ct.

Perfect in quality, and acknowledged the standard in
size and style. Send for Price List and Samples.

ll;ive y<m seen

THe oBseR^eR

a medium of interchange of observations for all

Students and Lovers of Nature. De-
voted to all Departments of Nature
Studies. Send for sample copy. Address

EDWARD F. BIGELOW,

Publisher .and Printer,
No. 5 Waveklv Ave., - - Portl.isd, Cosk.

IRDS'EGGS!;rJc

to send in your urders and fill
up your collection.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

MUSEUM, HYDE PARK, MASS,

B

EGG COLLECTORS.

We offer thn folhiwing" chance to ext;hange your dujili-
cale eji^-s'fnr back nuinbers ot the O. *& O.* Vols. l'2i
13, 14 ami ITi We have set aside 101) volmnes which we
will exchiini;e for eggs that we cau use, at the rate of
S2.00 i)er vohime. at our list iirices. The fo\ir volumes
enntaiu
768 PAGES OF VALUABLE INFORMATION.

Prank Blake Webster Company,

HYDE PAKK, - - - - MASS.

S'
issues in the Stamp line.
Forty-eight page Coin, Staniji
and CurioV'atalogue for stamp. W. p. GR£ANY,
827 Hruniian St., San Francisco, Cal.

'TAMPS. COINS, cuaias. v:,i^i

AGENTS WANTED

^WITHOUT

YOUR NAME ON THIS NOVELTY 2fiC

Bottle of lnli:;r.-IVbl;ii:f-Jc.-llrcul^reJjAKfiit'»termit free. "^"'

Bottle u

Address THALMAN MFG. CO.,

17 E. Baltimore St., Baltimore, Md., U.S.A.

BIRDS' EGGS.

' Now, Boys, is your time to till u|i your eollertiftn.

$7 WORTH OF EGGS FOR $5.

Ami they will .ill be lirst-class.

SEND F=OR OUF=J LISTS.
FRANK BLAKK WEBSTER (O.Ml'ANV,

HVDE PKHK, 7VTKSS.

TO BEAUTIFY THE HOME.

Handsome. Diirabln. Low Pricftd.

The new I)eet)rutive Ware (patejiteilj, maiiufaotured
from Spauisli (.'oik B.trk, is one ttf the most attractive
articles yet desif^neii for House, (Jardcn or Lawn use,
especially adapted lor Flowerpots. It sol vest he yearly
siirinj; problem of " liow to arrange our flowers so they
may sliow to the best advantafxe.*' Odd i>leces, stumps
for seats or any special desij^ns of your own can be
made at very short notice.

PRICE LIST. INSIDE MEASURE.
I. 4 inches high - § .7.5

.5 inches

<;

8
10
12
l.f
14

111
12
13
14

-

i.on

^

2.511

-

.■i..'JU

-

4.011

4..W

\-c

a

..50

.7.5

1.00

Wall rockets for Vines,
Small

■Medium - . -

L.irgB
Your orilers are respectfully solicited.
CHAS. I. (iOODALE,

Patentee and Manufacturer.
144 Friend Street, Boston, Mass.

RKRE SKINS.

We have receiveil a fe«' of the following Skins. They
are in the moulting plumage, and while not as fine as
full plumage birds would be. will alford all achanee to
have a si>eeimen in the cabinet. Thr jiriee is very low :

Painted Redstarts, - - ftO cents.

Red-fac-'d Wariilers, - - .'iO cents.

Townsend's 'Varblers, - - ."io cents.

lilack throated (Irav Warblers - 40 cents.

or the' four for $1.50.

A lew tine ones at our full li-^t price.

Frank Klake Wch.ster (Company,

HYDE PARK, MASS.

SHORS BIRD SHOOTING I=OR 1S91.

Situated on the Beach, within ir.o yards of
■ CHf^THKTV^ l_IRe ST^iZlNG STATION.
A Delightful Locality to Spend the Summer Months. Will be Open frnin July 1, to <►«». 1,

Any parties who wish to enjoy an outing <Iuring the ahove dates, will find the locality ofters all the induce-
ments that can be asked lor. The readers of the O. <Sc O. will know the sport that is had at IMononioy Island
and Chatham Beach, which joins.

GOOJ) TABLE, (COMFORTABLE ROOMS AND COURTEOUS A TTENTION.
R?\TES RE?^SONHBL-E. .lu-t the place to take the whole family for a (juiet and invigorating rest.

Only a limitcfl uuml>er will l)e accommodated, so ajiplv early.
For fun panicubars. address- Q^p^.^,^ ^ £. GOULD,

U. S. Life Saving Station, Chatham, IVIass.

••• NATURE'S REMLTV^. •••

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

The Only Publication in the World Devoteci Solely to Popular Natural Histor)'.

THE AQUARIUM DEPARTMENT

Is conducted by Hugo Mulertt, who will answer all queries relative to the construction and
conduct of Atjuaria.

THE NOTE AND QUERY DEPARTMENT
Is e.specially opened to record the observations and experiences of amateur natur.alists who
desire to comnuine one with the other, and to give permanency and publicity to their field or
closet work.

^fATUR^;'s Realm is issued on the lirst of e.ach month, and contains lifty-two pages, 7!^xlO
inches. It is printed on super calendered paper, and the mechanical execution is of the best.
Subscription, $2.0i); single copies, 2(1 cents.

THE HARRIS PUBLISHING CO,, 10 WARREN STREET, NEW YORK.

JULY, 1891.

Entered at llyrte Park Post Office as Second-Class Matter.

CONTENTS.

VOL. XVI., NO. 7, JULY, 1891.

Two nays in thp Woods with the Rinis J. W. P. Smithwick 97

A Plea for Nest CoUci.ting P. B. Pealiixly OS

A Curious Find J. W. P. .Smithwick 0!)

A Pleasant Disappointment Stewart E. White inn

A Pair ot Pugnacious Blue Jays Wilfred A. lirotherton 101

A "Stake-driver's" Nest Bayard Wynian 102

Hunting Eagle's Nests in Nova Scotia H.Austen in.*?

Proceedings of the Oelaware Valley Orinthological Club . Wirmcr Stone 104

Nesting of the Rough-winged Swallow in Saratoga Co., N. y. .s. R. Ingerj>oll 104

The Colorati(m of Eggs Harry R. Taylor 10.5

.Swainson's Hawk in Jlinnesota H. B. Hurd 105

Large Set of Crouse Eggs F. A. Brown 105

Measuring Heights Again E. .M. Kindle 1(15

ANcsting,Joke H.arry (iordon White lofi

The Rose-l)rea>tcd Orosl)eak in Washtenaw Co.. Mioh. . Willaril L. Maris . . . ... . . lOG

Addition to the List of the Birds of ^Minnos'ita . (Jeo. G. Cantwcll ;fn;

Editorial 107

Brief Notes 108

Correspondence 110

New Puhlications 112

SHORS BIRD SHOOTING F=OR 1S91.

■^^N•E•V^Z •»• HOTEL. i^

Situated on the IJoach, within l.'>n yards of
CHJCCTHKTV^ 1-1 R© S;^iZING STATION.
A Ooli^htf III Locality to Spend the Snnnnor Mnnths. Will he Open frirni July 1, to Ori. 1.

Any parties who wish to onjoy an niitinp; ilnrinp; the aliovc dates, will tind the locality oilers all the indiiee.
nients that can be asked Tor. The readers of the O. A (). will know the .'iport that is had at -Monomoy Island
and Chatham Beach, which joins.

GOOD TABLE. COMFOJiTABLE ROOMS AND COURTEOUS, A TTENTION.

RKTES REKSONKBL-E. Just the place to take the whole family for a quiet and invi;;oraiinp: rest

Only a limited nnmher will be accommodated, so apply early.
For full particulars, address -^ _ ..,*.■ ^» ^n-.,,.—.

Captain N. E. Gould,

U. S. Life Saving Station, Chatham, Mass.

••• NATURE'S RETXL-TV^ •*•

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

The Only Puhlication in the World Devoted Solely to Popular Natural History.

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THE NOTE AND QUERY DEPARTMENT
Is ospeciillly opened to record the observations and o.xperionces of ainiteur natuialists wlio
desire to commune one with the other, and to give iiermmency and publicity to their (iehl or
closet work.

Naturr's Rk.m.m is issued on the fii-st ot cich month, and contains fifty-two pa^jes, 7!^xlo
inches. It is printed on super calendered paper, and the mechanical execution is of the l)est.
Subscription, $2. Oil; single copies, 20 cents.

THE HARRIS PUBLISHING CO., 10 WA!l?EN SrSEST, NEW YORK.

Frank E. Langley, Printer, Hvde P.vuk, Mass.

5t?e - Butterflies - of
fiew ET)(^\3Y)d

liY

Charles J. Maynard.

Cloth, quarto. Illustrated with HAND COLORED
PLATES.

Containing a dcsoriittion and a lijjurc in natural
colors of every nuttt^rrty which has ever been found in
the limits of tlie New Eiij;land States.

Price $7,00.

Prank Blake Webster Company,

BOSTON - - - - . MASSACHUSETTS

Increase the beauty and convenience of
V O \/ R C O L L e C T I O IS

Bv iT.mxd

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size and style. Send for Price List and Samples.

Have you seen

THE OBseR^zeR

a medium of interchange of observations for all

Students and Lovers of Nature. Devoted to
all Departments of Nature Studies. Send for
sample ropy. Addres.'<

EDWARD F. BIGELOW,

Publisher and Printer,
No.5 Waveblv Ave., - - Portland, Conn.

Our A, n, C'3— Accur.icy, Hrevity, Completeness.

WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST

"Decidedly the best of its class."

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the only one in the West.

$1.00 A YEAR. 10 CENTS A COPY.

For shells, address the editor, CHAS. RUSSELL
ORCUTT, S.au Diego, California.

FOR EXCHANGE.— First-class egg in sets, col
lected by myself on the lower Rio Grande, Texas.
A. O. U. Nos.— 335, 341, 419, 421, 573, 707, 293a, 594, 311
and others. Will sell flne sets of 293 1 I'heap for cash.
Address, after . I uly 21), D. B. ISCRROWS, Lac.n, III.

Send for onr Catalogue!

Every i>erson interested in any branch uf Natural
History should have a copy. We carry a large stock of

Supplies, Tools, Hird.s' Skins, Eggs,
Stuffed Birds and Animals, &c.

FKAVK BL.4KE WEBSTER COMPANY,

HVOe PKr-JK, 2VIHSS.

OR 409 Wasiiincton St., Boston, Mass.

CHARLES H. MARSH,

DILZURA, CALIFORNIA.
First-class skins of Southern California birds at low
rates. Price list for stamp.

Send a Two-cent Stamp to

JAMES P. BABBITT

for a CATALOGUE of

Birds' Eggs.

in HODGES AVENUE .... TAUNTON, MASS.

WANTED.— Male and Female of Adult Warblers, Nos.
80, 82, 89, 89a, 92, 103a, 106, 109, 113a, 132, 133, 134.
These must be Brst-class skins suitable for mounting.
W.C. P., Careof O. & O.

Notice of Dissolution.

Notice is hereby given that the partnershin hereto-
fore existing between H. M. FIELD and F.Ii. ARM-
STRONf: is dissolved.

The business will be continued under the style ot 1' .
H. ARMSI'RONG. Respectfully,

F. B. ARMSTRONG.

Hrownville, Texas, April 23, 1891.

Frank B. Armstrong,

HKAI.KII IN

BIRDS' SKINS AND EGGS,

HROWNVILLE, TEXAS.

Will give special attention to the collection, for
scientific purposes, of all liirds, Beasts, Reptiles
(native) to the interior and border ot Mexico, and will
furnish caretul data in regard to same.

Correspondence respectfully solicited.

FRANK B. ARMSTRONG.

LILY OFTHE DESERT

A (Jrcat Novelty, grows in sand. Bulbs, $1.00 each.

Wc make a specialty of Native American Palm and
Evergreen Trees and #lower Seeds, Bulbs, Ferns, Cacti
and other plants.

dnCUTT SEED AND PLANT CO., San Diego, Cal.
Send 25 cts. for seed of Lathyrus splendcus.
"THE PRIDE OF CALIFORNIA."

Cabinet of Southern Curiosities

CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING SPECIMENS:

Nu. 1. COQUINA.— The .strange shell congloiueratitin
of which the ancient Fort, City Gates, and other
8triicturos in Sc. Auj^ustine were constructed cen-
turies ago.

No. 2. WHITE BRANCH CORAL. —From the Ba-
hama Islands.

No. 3. COTTON SEED.— A mammoth variety from
South Carolina. Will (;row in the Northern garden.

No. 4. SEA BEANS.— Four varieties. Theao curious
productions of nature grow upon vines in sandy soil
bordering the ocean on the Bahama Islands, and will
mature in the green-house at the North.

No. 5. BLEEDING TOOTH.— Resembling a tooth
bleeding — ouo of the most remarkable of all the sea
shells.

No. 6. COTTON BOLL.- I'icked from a Southern
cotton-field.

No. 7. PECTEN SHELL.— Much used for ornamental
and decorative purposes.

No. 8. EYE STONE.— A calcareous concretion found
in the stomach of the crawfish. It will remove all
foreign substances from tlie eye, and one should
always be kept at hand.

No. 9. FLEXIBLE CORAL. — COorgonia). -A curious
vegetal)le growth, from Nassau, over which is a coral
formation depnsited by a marine animal.

No. 10. CONFEDERATE MONEY.— A piece of gen-
uine currency, issued by the State of North Carolina
durino; the Rebellion, each numbered and signed, an
issue f(mnd in but few collections.

No. 11. ALLIGATOR'S TOOTH.— From a Florida alli-
gator.

No. 12. VEGETABLE SPONGE.— A specimen of this
curious native growth, called in Spanish "Estra
Pajo,"^row8frQely in Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas.

This entire colieetion in strong partitioned box, each
specimen labelled, postpaid for FIFTY CENTS.
Address,

FORT MARION STORK, St. August ine, Fla.

Nests and Eggs of North
American Birds,

RV

OLIVER DAVIE.

Cloth, $1.75. raiicr, SI. 2.').

Every Collpctor .sjioiild have one.

Emu Eggs.

Regular Price, - - $2.50.

Any Subscriber to the O. & O. can have one
for $1.50, if orilcrcd at once.

Birds' Eggs Wanted.

Send ill a li.st of what you have for exchanfje.
Can u.se many common varieties.

THE MICROSCOPE.

The Leading Journal of its Kind In
This Country.

Circulation continually increasing.

SUBSCRIBE FOR IT.

TRENTON, - - - NEW JERSEY.

Mailing Boxes

Parties shipping offgs by mail will lind our
nested light wood boxes a great saving.
.Sizes -.—2% X 2% X 3 ; 3 x 2^ x 4'/, ; 3% x 3 x 4%.
150 for $5.00.

TlriK xiKicr $4.00 prr v'.s.sM.r. Try it.

Coues' Key to North
American Birds.

Illustrated. $l.r<i). The book for all hands.

Visit our Museum.

Hazelwood Station,
HYDE PARK, - WIASS.

Mementoes.

We have in stock a few skins collected by
the late .lohn C. Calioon, with data made out
by liim, attached. As we have had soine ai)pli-
cations fnmi parties for specimens collected by
him, we shall reserve the few that we have to
meet such demand so long as they last.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

Hyde Park, Mass.

Lilii in k Boston ol To-iay.

"The New Harry and Lucy,"

A >TOUV DV

EDWARD EVERETT HALE, D. D.

AND

LUCRETIA P. HALE.

THE LITERARY HIT OF THE SEASON!

This story takes it3 date from events which are
happening to -day in Boston. It touches
every phase of city life.

A STORY FOR ALL CLASSES.

Published exclusively in the

BOSTON COMMONWEALTH.

(In serial form)

To meet the demand the opening chapters have been
re-pnblished in full. Subscribers may receive the
opening chapters by ordering back to June 20.

Specials to New Subscribers.

From this date to Jan 1, 1893 for ^•Z.6(^, regular
price $2.50 per year.

The Commonwealth is the organ for members of the
various Lil.>rary and Scientitic societies of lioston, for
articles of general interest.

It has regular departments of a light nature, poetry,
fiction, <X:c. It is published weekly.

BOSTON COMMONWEALTH,

Boston, Mass.

WUAT A DIME WILL DO |

Every BOV and GIRL wlio loves to read splendid
Stories, Sketches and beautiful Poems should subscribe
for The AMERICAN YOUNG FOLIvS, a beautiful
Illuftrated Monthly Magazine, established in 1875.
Its stories are the Very Best that can be obtained from
the foremost writers of Juvenile Literature, and every
issue IS filled with good things. The regular subscrip.
tion price is $1.00 a year, but if you will pillll ITU TO flllT
and return it to us wi th UU 1 lUlO UU 1

AOTTTTrO nTlfr' »"<' yo'"' n.ame and address, we
OlLVljn Ululn will send you the magazine Six
Months on Trial. Address,
AMERICAN YOUNG FOLKS, Manchester, N. H.

One Bottle Will Ui) n Fox Skins.

The use of the Cmriei's Tanning Liquor has
increasofl to .such iiroiioition.s that we have
anantreil witli Prof, (unier to manufacture
and handle it for the Whole Would, and
shall establish agencies at different points.

SniHKT XHEV KI_I- SHV.

I h.ave used your Tanning Liquid on one Fox Skin,
and it worked tirst-class ; saves more than half the
labor when compared with the way I have been in the
habit of doing them.

A. T. GAMAGE, Damariscotta, Me.

I have tried your Tanning Liquor and am very much
pleased with the results.

BUKDON GAY'LORP, Easthamptnn, Mass.

I have used your tanning and am well pleased with
it. E. J. MOREY, Greentield, Mass.

The Tannine Liquor received OK and is a great
success. FRANK L. BURNS, Berwyn, Fa.

I am collecting muskrat skins. . • ,. I like Dr. Cur-
rier's Liquor very much on them.

F. L. SMALL, North Truro, Mass.

I have done some tine work with Currier's Tanning
on snake skins — much better than the sample piece
of skin you sent me. I will send you a specimen to
see. I can give you a good lestimonial, and when I
get settled will probably be able to handle a quantity.
H. P. ATTWATER, San Anionia, Texas.

Prof. Attwater had charge of the Texas
State Natural History Exhibit at Now Orleans
Exhibition, 1884.

We could print hundreds of the same nature.

Every sportsman, naturalist and boy should
have a bottle. Don't forget, with it you can
tan any sKin with very little trouble,

PRICE, $1 .00 PER BOTTLE.

Prank Blake Webster Company.

HVDE PKRK, 7V5HSS.

1492. COLUMBUS. 1892.

The patent Egg. Have you seen this novelty? Size
of a hen's egg; always standing on end; durable
material, handsomely enameled, and mailed postpaid,
for 15 cents. For '25 cents we mail the egg and the
Necromancers' Chain of 38 running rings with operating
directions.

WILCOX, CRITTENDEN & CO.,
.1I1DDLET0W.V, - - - co^■^^.

JXTST OTTT!

Taxidermy and Zoological Collecting.

A Complete Hand-book of 362 pages for the amateur Taxi-
dermist, Collector, Osteologist, Museum Builder,
Sportsman and Traveller.

Illustrated with Twenty-four Plates and Eighty-tlve Text Pictures

-BY-

WILLIAM T. HORNADAY

[For Eight Y«ars C'liifif Tuxiilerinist of the V. S. National Musaiini.]

It goes without sayinc; tliat this is the best work in the market for the use of
the Naturalist, since the author is at the head of his profession, ami he lias
spared no time nor trouble to make the book comijlete.

It not only covers all the ground as a text-book for the beginner, but any
Taxidermist will be repaid by a perusal, of its pages, and once read, it will lie
on the work bench, as a companion to the scissors and slciiining knife, for it is as
indispensable to one who desires to be a WORKMAN, as is the frame work
of the specimen itself.

PRICE $2.50.

We also carry a full line of Tools and Supplies, which

are mentioned in this book, and

many others besides.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER,
409 WASHINGTON STREET,

BOSTON. - . - - TV^MSS

AUGUST, 1891.

Entered at Hyde I'ark Post Office as Second-Class Matter.

CONTENTS.

VOL. XVI., NO. S, AUGUST, 1891

William T. Hornaday K. I!. \V 114

Five Months is Ncwfouiirtlauil 115

"Outside" in Winter Il;in y i^.ulon W nite 117

Nesting and Otlier Habits of the Pine Warbler in Eastern

North Carolina •'• W- P- Smitliwitk 119

Oological Notes for O. & O. • H. Austin 120

A Series of Eggs of the White-bellied Nuthatch . . . .1. !■. N 123

The Nest of the Maryland Yellow-throat J. II. I.angille 124

A Series of eggs of the Phainopepla .J. P. N 125

Notes from Raleigh, N. C H. H. & C. S. liriniley 125

Death of a Sapsucker J- T. Park 125

Caprimulgida; on the Sea Islands Walter Hnxie 126

Nesting of Yellow Palm Warbler at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia H.Austin 12G

Brief Notes 127

The Book for Ornithologists.

(5oiJ<?8' \{<iy to |N|or(:l7 j\n\((r\^3iY) Birds.

Fully illustrated and with a description of every bird. The book />ar
excellence for the Ornithologist, Sportsman and Tourist. See pages 115 and
117 of this issue for samples of illustrations.

PRICE ♦ $T.50.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

409 Washington st. - - - Boston, Mass.

Attention, Gunners !

If you wisli to enjoy .some good shore-bird shooting from August 1.5 to October you

will be sure to obtain it by visiting

CKPT. N. E. GOULD

— AT HIS —

New Hotel - - Chatham, Mass.

Captain <ioul<l has shot for years in the locality and knfiws all the points. He devotes his entire titne to his
guests on the gunning grounds. Parties who wish to make a collection of the shore birds will find every facility
to accomplish it. We have inspected his establishment and can heartily recommend it.— FK.\N1C BLAKE
WEBSTEK COMPANY.

Frank E. Langlev, Printer, Hyde Park, Mass.

0-

g&f/k-^Sc7Uf^M&. St, Louis, Mo

Artletlc Metal Worfeers.

Krai3. Iron iud Wire Uflici-work.
lUilin??. Crcitin^. Kettingfl. «W. Xy,
E«rl*3'iDE0*mewry FENCES. >A',]
Shipped OTeryw be ro, A«CDifl wMitSOjJi,*^
WiiLo fur CftuWguo oad £sUm&i«.

OTORMY PETREL, an ornithological
'^ monthly devoted to the interests of all
Ornithologists and Oologists; no young Nat-
uralist, can afford to be witliout it. Subscrip-
tion only 20 cents per year; sample copy free;
subscribe at once!

M. SMITH & CO., Mendota, Illinois.

Rare Eggs For Sale.

(Not for Exchange.)

A. O. U. Nos. 621, 629c, 6^8, 639, 645, 648,
6.5.5, 657, 661, 667, 671, 673, 674, 676, 681, 728.
Expected, 749.

These arc all very fine, with nests. No dis-
count from list.

FRAXK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.

YOUR NAME ON THIS NOVELTY %[,

BotUeyf Ink i:c.-rusUiKei;c,-C'irculantiAKt.uL'sltrjiia free. "*^"'

Address THALMAN MFG. CO.,

17 E. lialtimore St., Baltimore, Md., U.S.A.

BIRDS' EGGS.

Xow, r.oy.^, is your time tu till up your collection.

$7 WORTH OF EGGS FOR $5.

Ami they will all be lirst-class.

SE>4D F^OR OUR LIST.

BIRDS' EGGS.

We have received several large consignments of
Eggs of Birds of Xew England.

Any who wish to malte a complete collection will do
well to look these over.

List forwarded upon appplicatlon with stamp.

Prices are Very Low,

and much below any in tbe market.

(.iUICK is the word, or you will be too late.

FRANK BLAKE WEB.STER COMPANY

Without Money and Without Price !

ADVERTISE IN THE

OOLOaiSTS' ADVERTISER.

The Ornithologist and Oologist,

Under the Editorial Management of

FRANK B. WEBSTER,
J. PARKER NORRIS,
FRANK A. BATES.

Subscription Ratxg, SI. 00. Foreign, SI. 50.

Back Vols., 9 to 14, Sl.OO each.

Communications relating to Oolot^y should be di-
rected to J. FARKER NORRIS, Philadelphia, Pa. ,

All other documents, orders, remittances, etc., to
FRANK B. WEBSTER, Hyde Park, Mass.

IT WON'T COST YOU A CENT,

And you will be entitled to the paper free.
Send stamp for particulars.

C. H. PRINCe.
281 Main Street • ■ llauielsouville, Conn.

JUST RECEIVED!

10,000 Peacock Feathers, extra long.

500 Gross artificial leaves, varied
styles.

500 Assorted Bird Skins, See List.
Fancy Colored Grasses, Pampas
Plumes, &c,

Insect Pins.

We expect by steamer last of Aug. a
large shipment of Schluter's Insect
Pins. Bright, Japanned and extra long
for Taxidermists.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

BOSTON -------- MASS

rW! C! A r P DAMAGED SETS OF MISSIS-
UiN oA.u£li SIl'Pl KITE. p. B. PEABODY,
OWATONNA, MINN.

H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY,

RALEIGH, N.C.,

COLLECTORS.

First-class Bird and Mamm.al Skins and Eggs. Full
data in all cases. Write for Price List.

The Kansas City Scientist,

A continuation of THE NATURALIST, now in its fifth
volume, is an illustrated monthly magaznie, devoted to
Art, Science and Literature. Official organ of the
Kansas City Academy of Science.

While of a necessity, to a certain extent technical'
its aim is to jiresent scientific knowledge in as popular
a form as possible.
Published at $1.00 per year. Sample copy loc.

Address :
EDITO CIENTIST, KANSAS CITY, MO.

Scientific Books,

C. R. ORCUTT, Orcutt, San Diego, California.

.^

5f?<^ - Butterflies - of

BY

Charles J. Maynard.

Cloth, quarto.

Illustrated with HAND COLORED
PLATES.

Containing a description and a figure in natural
colors of every Butterfly which has ever "been found in
the limits of the New England States.

Pric© $7-00-

Prank Blake Webster Company,

BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS

Increase the beauty and convenience of
V O \J H C O I- I- © C T I O N

BY USING

NEAT LABELS,

Supplied by The Observer, Portland, Ct.

Perfect iu quality, and acknowledged the standard in
size and style. Send for Price List and Samples.

Have you seen

THE OBSERVER

a medium of intercliange of observations for all

Sttidcnts and Lovers of Nature. Devoted to
all Departments of Nature Studies. Send for
sample copy. Address

EDWARD F. BIGELOW,

rulilislier and l*rinter,
No. 6WAVEBLY Ave., - - Pohtland, Co>'n.

Our A, B, C's— Accuracy, Brevity, Completeness.

WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST

"Decidedly tbe best of its class."

An illustrated monthly magazine of popular science—

the only one in the West.

$1.00 A YEAR. 10 CENTS A COPY.

For shells, address the editor, CHAS. RUSSELL
ORCUTT, San Diego, California.

STUFFED BIRDS.— For the next thirty days wo will
quote to any one wanting stulled birds, prices
that will defy competition. If vou want any write
to us. F. B. WEBSTER COMPANY.

Send for our Catalogue!

Every person interested in any branch of Natural
History should have a co])y. We carry a large stock of

Supplies, Tools, Birds' Skins, Eggs,
Stuffed Birds and Animals, &c.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

409 Washington St., Boston, Mass.

A Glance into the Future.

OLIVER DAVIE will have an article in the
October Taxidfiniist on "The Skinning and Mounting
of some Menagerie Animals.'*

R. B. JROUSLOTi ^^ *^^ November Taxi"
dermist, will have an article on "Eral,>alming," clearly
explaining every detail of this method and giving the
formula for making the powder.

The September number will be full of splendid arti-
cles on Practical Taxidermy, Ornithology and Oology,
by the most popular writers.

If you are interested in any of the above it behooves
you to subscribe; only 35 cents per year; sample copy
free.

Address

The Taxidermist,
Medina, Ohio.

WANTED.— Male and Female of Adult Warblers, Nos%
SO, 82, S9, 8i»a, 92, 103a, lOG, 109, 113a, 132, 133,134.
These must be tirst-class skins suitable for mounting.
W. C. P.,Careof 0.& O.

William G. Smith,

Collector of Birds, Mammals and E{]cgs,

UO^EI-KND, cou.

All materials scientifically prepared.

Have made a great reduction in price.

Send stamp for new list.

Frank B. Armstrong,

DEALER IN

BIRDS' SKIN3 AND EGGS,

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS,

Will give special attention to the colloctitm, for
scientific purposes, of all Birds, Beasts, Reptiles,
native to the interior and bor(ier of Mexico, anil will
f urnibh careful data in regard to same.

Correspondence respectfully solicited.

FRANK B. ARMSTRONG.

LILY OF THE DESERT

A Great Novelty, grows in sand. Bulbs, $1.00 e.ach.

We make a sjieeialtv of Native American Palin and
Evergreen Trees and l^lower Seeds, Bulbs, Ferns, Cacti
and other plants.

ORCUTT SEED AND PLANT CO., San Diego, Cal.
Send 25 cts. for seed of Latliyrus splendeus.
"THE PRIDE OF CALIFORNIA."

Lite ii k BosteB ol To-day.

"The New Harry and Lucy,"

A STOKY BY

EDWARD EVERETT HALE, D. D.

AXD

LUCRETIA P. HALE.

THE LITERARY HIT OF THE SEASON!

Thi3 story takes its flate from events which arc
happening to -day in Boston. It touches
every phase of city life.

A STORY FOR ALL CLASSES.

Published exclusively in the

BOSTON COMMONWEALTH.

(In serial form)

To meet the demand the oiiening chapters have been
re-puliHshed iu full. Snb.scribers may receive the
ojiening chapters by ordering back to June 20.

Specials to New Subscribers.

From this date to Jau 1, 1893 for §2.50, regular
price S2.50 per year.

The Commonwealth is' the organ for members of the
various Library and Scientific societies of Boston, for
articles of general interest.

It has regular departments of a light nature, poetry,
fiction, &c. It is published weekly.

BOSTON COMMONWEALTH.

Boston, Mass.

WHAT

A DIME WILL

2^}

Every BOY and GIRL who loves to read splendid
Stories, Sketches and beautiful Poems should subscribe
for The AMERICAN YOUNG FOLKS, a beautiful
Illustrated Monthlv Magazine, established iu 1875.
Its stories are the Very Best that can be obtained from
the foremost writers of Juvenile Literature, and every
issue is tilled with good things. The regular subscrip.
tion price isSl.OOayear.butityou will piTni ITUTC! flllT
and return it to us wi th UU 1 1 UlO UU 1

AdlTTT'I'D DTMD ^''^ yo""" name and address, we
ulLVJjU Uillltj will send you the magazine Six
Months on Trial. Address,
AMERICAN YOUNG FOLKS, Manchester, N. H.

One Botllc Will Da 12 Fox Skins.

T!ie use of the Currier's Tanning Liquor has
increased to such proportions tliat we have
arranged with Prof. Currier to manufacture
and handle it for the Whole World, and
sliall establish agencies at different points.

inlHR-T THEV KUU SKV.

I have used your Tanning Liquid on one Fox Skin,
and it worked first-class; saves more than half the
lalior when compared with the way I have been in the
habit of doing them.

A. T. GAMAGE, Damariscotta, Me.

I have tried your Tanning Liquor and am very much
pleased with the results.

BURDON GAYLORD, Easthampton, Mass.

I have used your tanning and am well pleased with
it. E. J. MOREY, Greenfield, Mass.

The Tanning Li<iuor received OK and is a great
success. FRANK L. BURNS, Berwyn, Pa.

I am collecting muskrat skins. ... I like Dr. Cur-
rier's Liquor verv much on them.

F. L. SMALL, North Truro, Mass.

I have done some flue work with Currier's Tanning
on snake skins — much better tlian the sample piece
ofskinvou sent me. I will send you a specimen to
see. I can give you a good testimonial, and when I
get settled will probably be able to handle a quantity.
H. P. ATTWATER, San Antonio, Texas.

Prof. Attwater had charge of the Texas
State NTatural History Exhibit at ?few Orleans
Exhibition, 1884.

We could print hundreds of the same nature.

Every sportsman, naturalist and boy should
have a bottle. Don't forget, with it you can
tan any SKin with very little trouble.

PRICE, $1.00 PER BOTTLE.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

BOSTON, TVIHSS.

PARTIES

who are about ready to
purchase their fall and
winter stock of supplies will find it of
peculiar interest to send us a list of
what they want, if they are open to
Bargains.— Frank Blake Webster Co.

Cabinet of Southern Curiosities

CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING SPECIMENS:

No. 1. CUQUINA.— The stranj^e shell conglomeration
of which the ancient Fort, City Gates, and other
structures in St. Augustine were cousiruoted cen-
turies ago.

No. 2. WHITE BRANCH COKAL. — From the Ba-
hama Islands.

No. 3. COTTON SEED.— A mammoth variety from
South Carolina. Will grow in the Northern garden.

No. 4. SEA BEANS.— Four varieties. These curious
productions of nature grow upon vines in sandy soil
bordering the ocean on the Bahama Islands, and will
mature in the green-house at the North.

No. 5. BLEEDING TOOTH.— Resembling a tooth
bleeding — one of the most remarkable of all the sea
shells.

No. 6. COTTON BOLL.— Picked from a Southern
cotton-field.

No. 7. PECTEN SHELL.— Much used for ornamental
and decorative purposes.

No. 8. EYE STONE.— A calcareous concretion found
in the stomach of the craw-fish. It will remove all
foreign substances from the eye, and one should
always be kept at hand.

No. 9. FLEXIBLE <_■< )RAL. — (Gorgonia). -A curious
vegetable growth, fmm Nassau, over wliich is a coral
formation deposited l>v a marine animal.

No. 10. CONFEDERATE MONEY.— A piece of gen-
uine currency, issued by the State of North Carolina
during the Rebellion, each numbered and signed, an
issue found in but few collections.

No. 11. ALLIGATOR'S TOOTH.— From a Florida alli-
gator.

No. 12. VEGETABLE SPONGE.— A specimen of this
curious native growth, called in Spanish "Estra
Pajo," growsfreely in Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas.

This entire collection in strong partitioned box, each
specimen labelled, postpaid for FIFTY CENTS.
Address,

FOKT MARION STORE, St. AiignstiiiP, Fla.

THE MICROSCOPE.

The Leading Journal of its Kind in
This Country.

Circulation continually increasing.

SUBSCRIBE FOR IT.

TRENTON, - - - NEW JERSEY.

MOUNTE]^ BIRDS.

We have on hand consigned for sale

3 CoUectlis ol MM Ml

all of N.E., which we can sell at a

Very Low Figure.

These are worthy of the attention of
any desirious of making or completing
a collection.

Prices are very low.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

Nests and Eggs of North
American Birds,

OLIVER DAVIE.

Cloth, SI. 75. Paper, $1.25.

Every Collector should have one.

Emu Eggs.

Regular Price, - - $2.50.

Any Subscriber to the O. & O. can liave one
for $1.50, if ordered at once.

Visit our Museum.

Hazelwood Station,
HYDE PARK, . . IVIASS.

Mementos.

We have in stock a few skins collected by
the late John C. Gaboon, with data m.ade out
by him, attached. As we have had some appli-
cations from parties for specimens collected by
him, we sliall reserve the few that we have to
meet such demand so long as tliej^ last.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

Hyde' Park, Mass.

New Publications.

A Manual of North American Butter-
flies by CHARLES J. MAYNARD;
illustrated with ten hand-colored plates
and many wood cuts.

ONUV $1.50.

This is one of the most practical (vorks, and illns.
tratert in tlie most satisfactory manner that we have
seun on the subject.

That the price was within reach of all not only will
he of interest to Entomologists, but to any cme inter-
ested in any department of Natural History.
Send for it to

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO.

DID YOU EVER'^S-alia.uU.ang

face on a Horse-foot
^ it on the wall?
it takes the cake. Send 15 cents for one that is suit-
able, on which we will pencil the outlines, and try it. —
FRANK ULAKE WEJJSTER CO.

HORSE-FOOT CRABS.

llv mail 10 cents ; perdoz.
COM PAN Y.

Fine specimens, 1 to

li inches in diameter.

tiU cents. F. B. WEBSTER

JT7ST OXTT!

Taxidermy and Zoological Collecting.

A Complete Hand-book of 362 pages for the amateur Taxi-
dermist, Collector, Osteologist, Museum Builder,
Sportsman and Traveller.

Illustrated with Twenty-four Plates and Eighty-tlve Text Pictures

WILLIAM T. HORNADAY

[For Eight Ypai-s Cliipf Tuxiflermlst of the U. S. Aational Musenm.]

It goes without saying that this is the best work in the market for the use of
the Naturalist, since the author is at the head of his profession, and he has
spared no time nor trouble to make the book complete.

It not only covers all the ground as a text-book for the beginner, but any
Taxidermist will be repaid by a perusal of its pages, and once read, it will lie
on the work bench, as a companion to the scisi^ors and skinning knife, for it is as
indispensable to one who desires to be a WORKMAN, as is the frame work
of the specimen itself.

PRICE $2.50.

We also carry a full line of Tools and Supplies, which

are mentioned in this book, and

many others besides.

TWO YEARS IN THE JUNGLE,

The experience of a Hunter and Naturalist in India and the East, by
WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, U. S. Taxidermist, ( i vcfl, 8 vo., 572 pages,
57 illustrations. )

PRICe • • $3.00-

Frank Blake Webster Company,

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS,
409 WASHINGTON STREET, - - BOSTON, MASS.

Clearance Sale.

These offers good only to October \$ or until stock is exhausted.

Collection of Birds' Eggs, single, carefully selected ;
ninnbeied by the A. O. U. list :

25 different kinds

50

75

100

125

150

175

290

SI. 10
3.20
4.75
8.00
12.50
16.00
22.00
26.60

The above is a very low offer and gives all a chance
to secure a beautiful collection. In tilling the orders
we propose to select from stock actually on hand. It
is the greatest discount that we ever oifered.

Collection of Bird Skins :
25 dilferent kinds
50 " " .

75 "

100 "

125 " "

150 " "

175

200 " " .

5.00
12.00

20.nn

30.00
40.00
60.00
75.00
100.00

These will be correctly named and suitable for study.
With the SlOO collection a sportsman can quickly ob-
tain a more general knowledge of the birds that he
meets with, than by long and unsatisfactory hours of
study with all the books published. The discount that
is made on the JlOO series is greater than ever before
offered.

STUFFED BIRDS.

To any one wishing a collection of stuffed birds we
we are ready to quote very low rates. We have a large
stock and can make it an object to any one who wishes
to imrchase— either museum, school ur private party.

SUNDRIES.

Sword-fish Heads, S7.50, cut to . . SC.OO

Swoj'd-Hsh Swords, 1.00, " " . . . .7.';

.Sea Leaves, Bahama. 1.00, " " . . .50

(If by Mail 12 cents extra.)

Star Fish .10 I

Fiddler Crab .10 ^ „,„., „„

Sea Urchin .10 \ ^y "'="' .... 25c

llorse-.f 't Crab .10

25 small shells assorted, from Grand Cayman by mall 15c
Stuffed Ducklings, little beauties, $1.60, rediu*d to 75c
Emu Eggs, $2.50, by mail . . . $1.50

Sea Clam, single shell bleached, by mail . . .10

A collection of ten badges, such as were used in the
campaign of 1888, sold at 10 to 2.''>c each, .50

Volumes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 of O. * 0. 10.00

Note — Volumes 7 and 8 are out of the market. We
have only a few complete sets of the above, and the
above is a special price.

Volumes 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and li we will cxchivnge
for goods that we can use.

We have over

lOO.OOO SPECITU^EISS

at our Museum at Hyde Park, Mass. We are going
to put them on the uiarket, and if you want any ajiply
at once.

WE MEAN BUSINESS!

The next sixty days is our (hiU season and we intend
to clear out many things at a low price, in order to
make room for new stock. When the full trad« starts
up we shall not liave the time to devote to this line and
prices on goods not sold will advance to reguhir list.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

409 Washhif^ton street, . . . Boston, Mass.

SEPTEMBER, 1891.

Entered at Hyde Park I'ost (Jffice as Second-Class Matter.

CONTENTS.

VOL. XVI., NO. 9, SEPTEMBER, 1891

Hiizzardf*' Knost ■

liirilsanrt Their Value

Birds of Poweshiek County, Iowa .

TIic Wood Duck

Ruddy Duck lireedinp; at Cape Cod

N'esting of Some of the White mountain Dirds-

SliunlvS

Some Notes on the Western Winter Wren .
Lost in a Mangrove Swarap ....

Curious "Sets of Eggs"

Kcsting of the Winter Wren ....
Notes from Middletown, Conn.
Turkey Buzzard Breeding in Michigan

Slaughter of Sparrows

Attention, Oologists !

The First Record of McCown's Longspur Breed

Advertising Rates

Brief Notes

Correspondence

Frank W. Sheldon
Clyde L. Keller
Carl Kelsey .
F. C rearson
Frederic L. Suiall
,T. W. Nash
A. E. Kibbe .
Wm. L. Kells .
Robert Curzon
('. W. Crandall
Wm. Kells
C. E. Lincoln
Stewart E. White

.lames 1!. I'urdy
A. D. Brown .

120
130
131
1.34
13,5
135
1,30
13G
138
139
13!)
140
141
141
142
142
142
143
144

The Book for Ornithologists.

(^oui^s' l\<?y to )N|ortl7 /^m(?ri(;a9 Birds.

Fully illustrated and with a description of every bird. The book par
excellence for the Ornithologist, Sportsman and Tourist.

RRICE

ST.50.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Franklin Street, ... Boston, Mass.

Attezitioxi, Gunners !

If yoii wisli til LMijoy some sood shore-bird .sliootiug from August 1.5 to Octolxn' you

will be sure to obtain it by visiting

CKPT. N. e. GOUL-D

— AT Ills —

New Hotel - - Chatham, Mass.

Capt.ain Oould has shot for years in the locality and knows .all the points. He devotes his entire time to his
guests on the gunning grounds. Parties who wish to make a collection of the shore birds will fintl every facility
to accomplish it. We have inspected his establishment .and can heartily recommend it.— FRANK IlLAKE
WEliSTER COMPANY.

Frank E. Langlev, Printer, Hyde Park, Ma.ss.

5t?<? - Butterflies - of
flew EY)(^\ar)d

liY

Charles J. Mayiiard.

Cloth, quarto. Illustralcd with HAND COLORED
PLATES.

Contaiuinp a description and a fij;ure in natural
color.-i of every Butterfly which has ever been found in
the limits of the New England States.

Pric© $7.00.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS

Increase the beauty and convenience of
YOUR COL-LeCTION

Ijy USING

NEAT LABELS,

Supplied by The Obseuveu, Tortland, Ct.

Perfect in quality, and acknowiedtjed the standard in
size and style. Send for Trice List and Samples.

Have j^ou seen

THE OBSERVeR

a mcdiuna of intercliange of observations for all

Students and Lovers of Nature. Devoted to
nil Departments of Nature Studies. Send for
sample cop)/. Address

EDWARD F. BIGELOW,

rultlisher and Printer,
N0.5WAVERLY Ave., - - Portland, Conx

Our A, B, C's — Accuracy, Brevity, Completeness.

WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST

"I>eci(k'dly the In-^t of its class."

An illustrated monthly magazine of popular science—

the only one in the West.

$1.00 A YEAR. 10 CENTS A COPY.

For shell-s, address the editor, CHAS. UUSSELL
O.RCUTT, San Diego, California.

Send for our Catalogue!

Every persiin interesteil in any branch of Natural
History should have a ci>py. We carry a large stock of

.Supplies, Tools, Birds' Skins, Eggs,
Stuffed Birds and Animals, &c.

FKWK BL4KE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 Fbanklin St., Boston, Mass.

A Glance into the Future.

OLIVER DAVIE ^^'" have an article in the
October Taxidermist ou "The Skinning and Mounting
of some Menagerie Animals."

R. B. TROUSLOTf '° '''^ November Taxi-
dermist, will have an article on "Embalming," clearly
explaining every detail of this method and giving the
formula for making the powder.

The September number will be full of splendid arti-
cles on Practical Taxidermy, Ornithology and Oology,
by the most popular writers.

If you are interested in any of the above it behooves
you to subscribe ; only 35 cents per year; sample copy
free.

Address

The Taxidermist,

Medina, Ohio.

W.VNTED.— M.alc andFemaleof Adult W.arbIers,Nos.
80,82, 89, 8'Ja, 92. I03a. IOC, 109, 113a, 132, 133,134.
These must be first-class skins suitable for mounting.
W. C. P., Care of O. & O.

William G. Smith,

Collector of Birds, Mammiil.s and Eggs.

UOVEUHND, COL.

All materials scientifically prepared.

Have made a great reduction in price.

Send stamp for new list

Frank B. Armstrong,

DKALEU IN

STUFFED lilllOS.— For the next thirty days wc will
quote to any one w.mting stulTecl birds, prices
that will defy competition. If you want .any write
tons. F. B. WEBSTER COMPANY.

BIRDS' SKIN8 AND EGGS

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS,

Will give special attention to the collection, for
scientific purposes, of all Birds, Beasts, Reptiles,
native to the interior and border of Mexico, and will
furni^h careful data in regard to same

Correspondence respectfully solicited.

FRANK B. ARMSTRONG.

LY OF THE DESERT

A Great Novelty, grows in sand. Bulbs, Sl.OO each.

We make a specialty of Native American Palm and
Evergreen Trees and Flower Seeds, BuUis, Ferns, Cacti
and other plants.

ORCUTT SEED AND PLANT CO., San Diego, Cal.
Send 25 cts. for seed of Lathyrus splendeus.
"THE PRIDE OF CALIFORNIA."

'^Jiff^'^flTtG', St. Louis, Mo.

Artistic Metal Worker3,J^jf*^^^^{^

ll»;liaf:3. Creelicg^. NettitiM, eW.
EvcrlaJliiiE Ccnicterj FKNCES.

UftUlague utii 1^ ''""'"■ I

STORMY PETREL, an oniitliological
inoutlily devoted to the interests of all
Ornithologists and Oologists; no young Nat-
uralist can alloid to be without it. Subseiip-
tion only I'O ci nts per year; sample copy free;
subscribe at once!

M. S^[ITH & CO., Meudota, Illinois.

■MWTI

YOUR NAME ON THIS NOVELTY %p

BotUeof Ink ac.-l'u!>tttKeiic.-tlrculara&AB«»t'Bl«riiu* tree."*'"'

Address 'i'HAiMAN MFG. CO,,

IT E, Jl:iUiinnic St., llaltiliiore, .Md., r.S..\.

School Teachers!

We are prepared to furnish si)eciraens of
Natural History, suitable to use as object
lessons, at bottom prices.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.
7 Franklin Street, - - Boston, Mass.

- - Taxidermists, - -

When you have any Jiirds, Heads or Animals that
you want stnllcd,

Send . It • to • Us.

First-cl.rss work at popular prices.
FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

(Inoorijorated Taxidermists),
7 FuANKLiN St., - - Bosto:m, Mass.

Boa Constrictor,

A Large Skin, Nicely Tanned. This would

make .i iiobl>y Tr.ivclinp; Hag. For sale by

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 Franklin Street, Boston, M.ass.

SUBSCRIPTION TO TH©

Ornithologist and Oologist

$LOO F>EH YSKR,

HYDE I'AKK,

.■MASS.

Without Money and Without Price !

The Ornithologist and Oologisti

Under the Editorial Manat^^enient of
FRANK 11. WEHSTEU,
J. I'ARICEK NOllKIS,
FUAXK A. HATES.
Subscription R;it4-s, Sl.OO. Foreign, S1.60.

ISack Vol«., 9 to 14, «1.00 eaell.
Coininunieatioiis relating to O(»lo;^v sliouiti be di-
rected to J. TAlUvER NORRIS, Phiradeliihia, Pa.

All other dttuiinients, orders, renxittance-s, etc., to
FRANK B. WEBSTER, Hyde Park, Mass.

BIDES' EGGS.

We have jnst arranged with U. li. TROl'SLOT,

I\ansas City, and will receive

His Entire Stock of Birds' Eggs.

\Vc have also added a large number of
Fine Sets to our

Largest and Finest Stock
of Birds Eggs

ever carried by a dealer. If you want any call or write.

Frank Itlake VVeb>ter (loiiipaiiy.

7 FR.\NKL1N ST., - - BOSTON, MASS.

For Sale.

A COLLECTION OF STUFFED BIRDS,
Mostly collected in New England.
For particulars apply to

VV. P. H A D L E Y,
Arlington Heights, - - Mass.

H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY,

RALEIGH, N.C.,

COLLECTORS.

First-class Bird and M.amnial Skins and Ej^j;s. Fnll
data in all cases. Write for Price List.

ADVERTISE IN THE

OOLOGISTS' ADVERTISER.

IT WON'T COST YOU A CENT,

And you will be entitled to the paper free.
Send stamp for jiarticulars.

C. H. PRINCe.
281 Main Street - ■ Itnnielsonville, Conn.

The Kansas City Scientist,

a continuation of THE N.VTUIIALIST, now in its lifth
volnnie, is an illii^trati'd monthly magazine, devoted to
Art, Science and Litrrature. 'oilicial organ of tlie
Kansas City Academy '.)f Science,

While of a necessity, to a certain extent technical,
its aim is to present scientific knowledge in as popular
a form as possible.

Published at $i.oo per year. Sample copy loc.

Address :
EDITOR SCIENTIST, KANSAS CITY, MO.

Scientific Books,

C. R. ORCUTT, Onutt, San l-)iego, Califonda.

Cabinet of Southern Curiosities

CONTAINING THe FOLLOWING SPECIMENS:

N". 1. COQUINA. — The Strange shell cnngloiuL'rati<iii
of which the rincient Fort, City Gates, ami other
Rt:ructures in St. Augustine were constructed cen-
turies ago.

No. a. WHITE BR.VXCH CORAL. —From the Ba-
hama Islands.

No. :t. COTTO-V SEED.— A in.inimoth variety Ir.im
South Carolina. Will grow in the Northern garden.

No. 4. SEA DEANS.— Four varieties. These curious
productions of nature grow upon vines in sandy soil
bordering the ocean on the Bahama Islands, and will
mature in the grecn-hou.'^e at the North.

No. 5. BLEEDIS(J TOOTH.— Resembling a tooth
bleeding — one of the most re-.narkable of all the sea
shells.

No. G. COTTON BOLL. — Picked from a Southern
cotton-fleld.

No. 7. FECTEN SHELL.— Much used for ornamental
and decorative puriio-ses.

No. a. EYE STOXE.— A calcareous concretion found
in the stomach of the craw-fish. It will remove all
foreign substances from the eye, and one should
always be keiit at hand.

No. u. FLEXIBLE CORAL. — (Gorgonial. -A curious
vegetable growth, from Nassau, over w.jich is a coral
formation leposited bv a marine animal.

No. 10. CONFEDERATE .MONEY.— A piece of gen
uine currency, issued by the State of North Carolina
during the Reliellion, each numbered and signed, an
issue found in but few collections.

No. n. ALLIGATOR'S TOOTH.— From a Florida alli-
gator.

No. 12. VEGETABLE SPONGE.— A specnuen of this
curious native growth, called in Snani>h "Estra
I'ajo," growsfreely in Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas.

This entire collection in strong partitioned box, each
specimen labelled, postpaid for FIFTY CENTS.
Address,

FORT MARION STORE, St. Aufosliiie, Fill.

^IWl^ICROSCOPE.

The Leading Journal of its Kind in
This Country.

Circulation continually increasing.

SUBSCRIBE FOR IT.

TRENTON,

NEW JERSEY.

Emu # Ostrich Eggs.

$1.50 -

Each.

Since ,Tuly 1, 1891, we have sold over 500, and tlie
stock will soon be out. Apply early.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 Fii.vNKLiN St., - - Boston, Mass.

BOOKSHfOR HOLIDAY PRESENTS

TO THE BOYS.

Cones* Key to North American liirds, illustrated, S"-5(1

Capen's (.)oIogy cf New Entrland 15.00
Davis' Nests ;ind Eggs of North American liirds,

paper $1.25, cloth 1.75

Maynard's Nests and Eggs, illustrated, 2M)

Hornaday's Tuxideruiy, 2.50
Maynard's North American Butterflies,

illustnted, 1.50

Hrirris' Insects, G.oU

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Franklin St., Bo.ston, Mass.

STAMPS, COINS, CURIOS. I.VtJ't'^
i^:;.- eigh/;;age[;;;;!i;si:;mp mentsjwanted

aucl Curio Catalague for stamp. VV. F. CREANY,

827 Brannau street, San Francisco, California.

Foreign Bird Skins.

We have just received another Large lot of bright
foreign skins, consisting of

Parailist' Rlrds, Tan.igers, Jays, Oriole",
Toucans, Ti-ogons, I'liea^iuts, &c., &c,

now on exhibition at
7 FRANKLIN STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

FOR SALE.

Tarantulas and Horned Toads, neatly

mounted, <5l.00 each

Nest and Eg-AS of the Ruby-crowned King-
let expected and for sale.
Fruit Hats, skins from India, very large

and fine, 3.00 each

King Hummer, fine skin, perfect, 15.00

Whale's teeth, 25 cents to 4.00

Horse-foot, Fiddler, Hermit and Rock Crabs, .10 each
Sea Heaver, 50 cents to 1.00 each

Peacock Feathers, 100 for 1.00

Pampas IMumes, .10 each

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Friiiikliii St., Boston, Muss.

Every one Says
OH TV^Y!

Wlicn tliey see our display of Kggs in sets at
7 Franklin Street, Boston, Mu«s.

Free Museum.

Call at 7 Franklin St., Boston, Mass.

You can see more specimens of natural

liistiiry than in any other store in the country.

Over 10,000 People

Have looked in at our new store, on the
ground floor, during the past week.

7 FRANKLIN ST., BOSTON, MASS.

New Publications.

A Manual of North American Butter-
flies by CHARLES J. MAYNARD;
illustrated with ten hand-colored plates
and many Wdod cuts.

ONLY $1.50.

This is one of the most practical *vorks. and illus-
trated in the most satisfactory manner that we have
seen on the subject.

That the price was within reach of all not only will
be of interest to Entomologists, but to any one inter-
ested in any department of Natural History.
Send for it to

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO.

Christinas will Soon be Here.

HEADS FOR SALE:

KIk, (Jiirilii)ii, Deer, Antelope, Moose, Sheeji,
Polar Hear, Silver Fox; aho Antlcrx.
Anylhiufi wanted in this line for the holidays
we will pack and store at our mitseum, ready to
ship at the desired time.

FRANK "BLAKE IVEBSTER CO.,
7 Franklin St., - - - Boston, Mass.

WHAT

A DIME WILL

29]

BIRDS FOR SALE.

Owls $3 to $40.

Snowy Owls, Arctic (Ireat Horned Owls,

Sub-Arctic Oreat Horned Owls, Gre:it HorneiiOwls,
li.'irred Owls, ISarn Owls,

Sliort-earetl Owls, Hawk Owls,

Richanlson's Owls. Saw-whot Owls, Screech Owls.

Other Showy Birds.

Great Blue Heron,
SaniJhill Crane,
Swans,
Hawks.
and (!ame liirds,

Ward's Heron,
Flamingos,

l*clicans.
Peacocks, Plu-asants,

also

Many Small Birds, All Finely Mounted.

Christmas Will Sooii Be Here,

Any of the above, which are now on exhibition,
would be just the thing for the above occasion. Wc
can pack any specimen ready for sliiiiment antl hold it
till the requ'ired tinie.

THINK OF= THIS.

Frank Blake Webster Co.,

7 l''l!.\.XKI,IN ST., ItOSTOX, ILV.S.S.

Every liOY anil (UltL who love.< tu read ^ph'ndid
Stories, Sketches and beautitui Poems sliould snl)scril)e
for The ASIEUICAN VorXG FOLKS, u bciultiful
Ilhistraled Monthly Magazine. estaMi^hi'<l in IST.^i.
Its stories are the Very Hest that can be (jlilainid from
tlie foremost writers of Juvenile laterature. and every
issue is filled with good things. The ret^iilar subscrip-
tion price is$1.00aycar,butif you will pnm mijiQ nnm
and return it to us w i t h bU 1 1 Dlu UU 1

A^TI WD niM ' -^"'^ your name and address, we
OlLyiJtl Ullilu will send you the mag.azine Six
Months oTi Trial. Address,
AMERICAN YOUNO FOLKS, Manchester, N. H.

One Ktiltlc Will Dii I'! Fiix Skins.

Eye Stones.

\Vc want a ijuantity of the small valves ot shells that
arc i)icked up nn the coast of Florida and the West
Indies, and are known as Eye Stunes. Collectors who
are in a locality where they are found in quantity will
please quote price by the gallon.

We can use the foflowinj; at fair prices in exchange
for goods that we handle ; must be well cured ;

Sea Horaes, Horned Toads, Tarantulas, Rattlesnake
Rattles, Sea Fans, Bahama Star Fish, Alligator Eggs,
Snake Eggs.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 FRAXKI.IN ST., 1!0-;T0\. .\I.\SP.

GET 75T ONCe K

Bottle of Tannine.

You will want it to use this fall.

ONIaY Sl.OO,

And with it you can tan three deer skins.

FRANK BLAKE WEB.STEK COMPANY,

7 Franklin St., Boston, Mass.

The use of the (-'iiriier's Tanning Lii]uor has
increased to .such proportions that we liave
arranged with Prof. Cuiiier to nianufaeture
and liandle it for the Whole Woui.n, .and
shall establish agencies at dilferent points.

iMHKT THEV KL-U SKV.

I have used your Tanninji' Liquid on one Fox Skin,
anil it worked" first-class; saves more than half the
labor when compared with the way I have been in the
habit of doing them.

A. T. trAMAGE, D.amariscotta, Me.

I have tried your Tanning Liquor and am very much
pleased with tlie results.

liURDON (iAYLORD, Easthampton, Mass.

I have used your tanning and am well pleased with
it. E. J. MOREY, Oreenfield, Mass.

The Tanning Liquor received OK and is a great
success. FRANK L. BURNS, Uerwyn, Pa.

I am collecting muskrat skins. ... I like Dr. Cur-
rier's Liquor very much on them.

"F. L. SM.\LL, North Truro, Mass.

1 have done some fine work with Currier's Tanning
on snake skins — much better than the sample piece
of skin you sent me. I will send yon a ^peeiInen to
see. I can give yon a good lestimonial, and when I
get settled will probably be able to handle a quantity.
H. P. ATTWATER, San Anionio, Texas.

Prof. Attwater ha<l charge of the Texa.s
State Natural Uistory Exhibit at New Orleans
Exhibition, 1S84.

We could print liundreds of the same nature.

Every sportsman, naturalist and hoy should
have a bottle. Don't forget, with it you can
tan any sKin with very little trouble.

PRICE, $1.00 PER BOTTLE.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

BOSTON, ZVSHSS.

California Vulture.

(liidgway No. 4.')3.)

A First-class Skin in Full Phimagt- oj
this Rare Hird for sale.

Frank Blake Webster Co.,

7 Franklin Street, Boston, Mass.

JTJST O^yT!

Taxidermy and Zoological Collecting.

A Complete Hand-book of 362 pages for the amateur Taxi-
dermist, Collector, Osteologist, Museum Builder,
Sportsman and Traveller.

Illustrated with Twenty-four Plates and Eighty-tlve Text Pictures

WILLIAM t" HORNADAY

[For Eight Y^ars Chief Taxidermist of the U. S. National Mnsenm.]

It goes without saying that this is the best work in the market for the use of
the Naturalist, since the author is at the head of his profession, and he has
spared no time nor trouble to make the book complete.

It not only covers all the ground as a text-book for the beginner, but any
Taxidermist will be repaid by a perusal of its pages, and once read, it will lie
on the work bench, as a companion to the scissors and skinning knife, for it is as
indispensable to one who desires to be a WORKMAN, as is the frame work
of the specimen itself.

PRICE $2.50.

We also carry a full line of Tools and Supplies, which

are mentioned in this book, and

many others besides.

TWO YEARS IN THE JUNGLE,

The experience of a Hunter and Naturalist in India and the East, by
WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, U. S. Taxidermist, (i vol., 8 vo., 572 pages,
57 illustrations. )

PRICE • • S3. 00.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

WHOLESALE AND RETAfL DEALERS,
7 FRANKLIN STREET - - BOSTON, MASS.

Removal and

Grand Opening,

AX

No 7 Franklin Street,

(Two doors from Washington street.)

Boston, - - IVIass.

At our new and spacious store we now open to the inspection of the public

A large Assortment of Land and Marine Curio,

stuffed Birds, Stuffed Mammals, Eggs, Shells, Fossils,
Minerals, «S:c., &c.; also

Glass Shades, Glass Eyes, Tools, Supplies, and

All goods required in the pursuit of the study

of Natural History.

We, have given up our old stand at 409 Washington street.
CKL-L KNO SEE US

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Franklin street, - - Boston, Mass.

OCTOBER, 1891.

Entered at Hyde Tark Pnst Office as Second-Class Matter.

CONTENTS.

VOL. XVI. NO. lO, OCTOBER, 1891,

Nesting of the Sooty Grouse Clinton T. Cooke, M. I > Ur>

Wanderings, No. 11 .... l^rank A. Bates .,140

Nesting Notes, 1890 H. Swale-^ 14R

Winter of 90 and '91 Stewart K. White 149

Florida Gallinule in Conn NV. H. Lucas 149

A Series of Eggs of the iVIaryland Vellow-thioat . ,). 1'. X 150

Trip After Fish Hawks and Herons Theodore \V. Uichar.ls 152

A Trip to Cobb's Island, Virginia Edward J. lirown 154

Notes from Dartmouth, N. S. H.Austen 154

In Camp at Twin Lakes Frank \V. Sheldon I.55

LargeSetof Eggs of the White-breasted Nuthatch . . .M.B.Mills LIT

Late Nesting of the Bob White lames B. I'urdy 157

Additions to the List of the Birds of Minnesota . . (ie.i. <i. Cantwell 1.'.7

Editorial 158

Brief Notes : 168

Correspondence 159

New Publications li-'o

Testimonial of Hornaday's Taxidermy ■, liiD

The Book for Ornithologists.

^ou<^8' l\<?y to |\lort(7 flm(^ri(;a9 Birds.

Fully illustrated and with a description of every bird. The book pai-
excellence for the Ornithologist, Sportsman and Tourist.

PRICE ' $T.50.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Franklin Street, - . . Boston, Mass.

PAPIER MACHE HEADS,

We would call the attention of

Furriers axxd Tassidernxists

That we are now prepared to furnish the best quality of Papier Mache
Heads — suitable to use in mounting heads for mats and rugs. With them all
that is necessary is to stretch the skin over the horns and tack it on. saving a
great deal of time and obtaining the best results. Price list furnished.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 Franklin street, - - Boston, Mass.

Frank E. Langley, Printer, Hyde Park, Mass.

Cabinet of Southern Curiosities

CONTAINING THC FOLLOWING' SPECI MENS!

No. 1. C(^QUIXA. — The strange shell conglomeration
of which the ancient Fort, City Gatefc. and other
structures in St. Augustine were constructed cen-
turies ago.

No. 2. WHITE BRANCH CORAL. —From the Ba-
hama Islands.

No. 3. COTTON SEED.— A mammoth variety from
South C.irolina. Will grow in the Northern garden.

No. 4. SEA BEANS. — Four varieties. These curious
productions of nature grow upon vines in sandy soil
bordering the ocean on the Bahama Islands, and will
mature in the green-house at the North.

No. 5. BLEEDING TOOTH.— Resembling a tooth
bleeding — one of the most remarkable of all the sea
shells.

No. 6. COTTON BOLL.— Picked from a Southern
cotton-field.

No. 7. PECTEN SHELL.— Much used for ornamental
and decor.itive purposes.

No. 8. EVE STONE.— A calcareous concretion found
in the stomach of the craw-fish. It will remove all
foreign substances from the eye, and one should
always be kept at hand.

No. 9. FLEXIBLE CORAL. — (Gorgonia). -A curious
vegetable growth, from Nassau, over which is a coral
formation deposited bv a marine animal.

Xo. 10 CONFEDERATE MONEY.— A piece of gen-
uine currency, issued by the State of North Carolina
during the Rebellion, each numbered and signed, an
issue fiuind in but few collections.

No. 11. ALLIGATOR'S TOOTH.— From a Florida alli-
gator.

No. 12. VEGET.\BLE SPONGE.— A specimen of this
curious native growth, called in Spanish "Estra
Fajo," grows freely in Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas.

This entire collection in strong partitioned box. each
apocimen labelled, postpaid for FIFTY CENTS.
Address,

FORT MARION STORE, St. Aiigusliiie, Fin.

THE MICROSCOPET

The Leading Journal of its.Kind in
This Country.

Circulation continually increasiii'T.

SUBSCRIBE FOR IT.

TRENTOX, - - - NEW JERSEY.

STAMPS, COINS, CURIOS, m:^:^^
issues ii, th. st;,mi/ line. AGENTS WftNTED
Borty-ei^hr faui'C oin, Stamit

and Curio Cat^il.inue ti.r stamp. VV . F. GREANY,

S27 Brannan street, San Francisco, California.

Foreign Bird Skins.

We have juit received another large lot of bright
foreign skins, con.sisting of

Paradise Birds, Tanagers, Jajs, Orioles
Toucans, Trngons, l'liea-i:iiits, Ace., ie.,

now on exhiliition at
7 FRANKLIN STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

FOR SALE.

Tarantulas and Horned Toads, neatly

mounted, ¥1.00 each

Nest and Eggs of the Ruby-crowned King-
let expectad and for sale.
Fruit Bats, skins from India, very large

and fine, 3.00 each

King Hummer, iine skin, perfect, 15.00

Whale's teeth, 2.5 cents to 4.00

Horse-foot, Fiddler, Hermit and Rock Crabs, .10 each
Sea Beaver, 50 cents to 1.00 each

Peacock Feathers, 100 for 1.00

Pampas Plumes, 10 each

Frank Blake Webster Dompany,

7 Franklin St.. Boston, Mass.

Emu /^ Ostrich Eggs.

$1.50 - - Each.

Since ,Tuly 1, 1.S91, we have sold over 500, and the
stock will soon be out. Ajtply early.

FRANK BLAKE WEI3STER COMPANY,

7 Franklin St., - - Boston. Mass.

BOOKS FOR HOLIDAY PRESENTS

TO XME BOYS.
Coaes' K*^y to North American Birds, illustrated.
Capen's Oology of New Enjiland
Davies' Nests and Eggs of North American Birds,
I)ai)er §1.25, cloth
Maynard's Nests and Eggs, illustrated,
Hornaday's Taxidermy.
Maynard's North American Butterflies,

illnstr.t^d.
Harris' Insects, G.50

Frank Blake Webster Compmy,

7 Fu.VNKi.ix St., Boston, Mass.

57.50
I.''). 00

1.75
2.00
2.50

Trap-Door Spider Nests.

200 just shipped to us from California.

By mail 50 cents each.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Fra'ikliu Street, Boston, Ma<s.

Free Museum.

Call at 7 Franklin St., Boston, Mass.

You can see more specimens of u.itural
liistory tlian in any other store in the country.

Over 10,000 People

Have looked in at our new store, on the
wronnd floor, during the past week.

7 FRANKLIN ST, BOSTON, MASS.

New Publications.

A Manual of North American Butter-
flies by CHARLES J. MAYNARD;
illustrated with ten hand-colored plates
and m.iny wood cuts.

ONL-V S1.50.

This is one of the most practical .Yorks, and illus-
trated in the most satisfactory manner that we have
seen on the suliject. ■ , „ . , ■„

That the price was withm reach of all not only will
beof interest to Entomologists, but to any one inter-
ested in any departmentof Natural History.
.Segd for it to

FRANK HLAKE WEBSTER CO.

Christmas will Soon he Here.

HEADS FOR SALE:

Elk, Caribou, Deer, Antelope, Moose, Sheej),
Polar Bear, Silver Fox; also Antlers.
Anythlnrj wanted in this line for the holidays
we will pack and store at our museum, ready to
ship at the desired time.

FRANK "BLAKE WEBSTER CO.,
7 Franklin St., - - - Boston, Mass-

BIRDS FOR SALE.

Owls $3 to $40.

Snowy Owls, Arctir (Jreat Horned Owls-

Suli-Arctic Great Horned Owls, Great Horned Owls,
Barred Owls, Barn Owls,

Short-eared Owls, Hawk Owls,

Richardson's Owls, Saw-whct Owls, Screech Owls.

Other Showy Birds.

Great Blue Heron, Ward's Heron,

Sandhill Crane, Flaminsos,

Swans, Pelicans,

Hawks, Peacocks, Pheasants,

and Game Birds, also

Many Small Birds, All Finely Mounted,

Ohristmas Will Soon Be Here.

Any of the above, which are now on exhibition,
would be just the thing for the above occasion. We
can jj.ack any specimen ready for shipment and hold it
till the reiiuired time.

THINK OF THIS.

Frank Blake Webster Co.

7 f'RAXKLIN ST., BOSTON, MASS.

Remember

That wo have removed from

409 Wash. St.

to

7 Franklin St.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

WHAT

A DIME WILL

DO I

GET T^T ONCe PC

Bottle of Tannine.

You will want it to use this fall.

ONLaY sloo,

And with it you can tan three deer skins.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 Fkanki.ix St., Boston, Mass.

Every BOY and GIRL who loves to read splendid
StoribS, Sketches and beautiful Poems should subscrip-
tor The AMERICAN YOUNG FOLKS, a beautiful
Illustrated Monthly Magazine, established in 1875.
Its stories are the Very Best that can be obtained froul
the foremost writers of Juvenile Literature, and every
Issue is filled with g<)od things. The regular snb^criji'-
tion price is .$1.00ayear,butif you will nfffrfPUTO flllT

and address, we
magazine Six

and return it to

A SILVER DIMet!]iia%"„T'tife'

Months on Trial. Address,
AMERICAN YOUNG FOLKS, Manchester, N. H.

TflflflirlE!

One Biiltle Will Hit H Fox Skins.

The use of the Curriers Tanning Liquor lias
increased to such proportions tliat we have
arranged witli Prof. Currier to manufacture
and handle it for the AViiole Would, and
sliall establish agencies at different points.

5n£HKT THEV KUU SKY.

I have used your Tanning Liquid on one Fox Skin,
and it worked iir.st-class ; saves more than half thp
labor when compared with the way I have been in the
habit of doing thein.

A. T. (jAMAGE, Damariscotta, Me.

I have tried your Tanning Litiuor and am very much
pleased with tlie results.

BURDON GAYLORD, Easthampton, Mass.

I have used your tanning and am well pleased with
it. E. J. MOREV, Greenheld, Mass.

The Tanning Liquor received OK and is a great
success. FRANK L. BURNS, Berwyn, Pa.

I am collecting muskrat skins. ... I like Dr. Cur-
rier's Liquor very much i>n them.

F. L. SMALL, North Truro, Mass.

I have done some fine work with Cairrier's Tanning
on snake skins — much better than the sample piece
of skin you sent me. I will send you a epecnnen to
see. I can give you a good testimonial, and when I
get settled will probably be able to handle a quantity.
H. P. iVTTWATER, San Anionio, Texas.

Prof. Attwater had charge of the Texas
State Natural History Exhibit at New Orleans
Exhibition, 1884.

We could print hundreds of the same nature.

Every sportsman, naturalist and boy should
have a bottle. Don't toiget, with it you can
tan any sicin with very little trouble.

PRICE, $1 .00 PER BOTTLE.

Frank Blake Webster Compauy,

BOSTON, TUTT^SS.

California Vulture.

(Ridgway No. 453.)

A First-class Skin in Full Plumage of
this Rare S/a/ for sale.

Frank Blake Webster Co.,

7 Friiiikliii Strci-t, Hnninn. Mass.

6t7<? - Butterflies - of

BY

Charles J. Mayiiard.

Cloth, quarto. Illustrated with HAND COLORED
PLATES.

Containing a description and a figure in natural
colors of every Butterlly which has ever been found in
the limits of the New England States.

Priee $7-00-

Frank Blake Webster Company,

BOSTON .-VLiSSACHUSETTS

Increase the beauty and convenience of

V o w R c o I- I- e c T I o IS

BV USIN(J

NEAT LABELS,

Supplied by The Observer, Portland, Ct.

Perfect in quality, and acknowledged the standard in
size and style. Send for I'rice List and Samples.

Have you seen

THE OBSeR^eR

a medium of interchange of observations for all

Stiidenta and Lovers of Nature. Devoted to
all Departments of Natvre Studiest. Send for
sample <'opy. Address

EDWARD F. BIGELOW,

Publisher and Printer.
No.SWaverlt Ave., - - Portland, Conn.

Send for our Catalogue^

Every person interested in any branch of Natural
History should have a copy. We carry a large stock of

Supplies, Tools, Birds' Skins, Eggs,
Stuffed Birds and Animals. &c.

FK4\K BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 Franklin St., Boston, Mass.

A Glance mto the Future.

OLIVER DAVIE ^iH have an article in the
October Taxidermist on "The Skinning and Mounting
of some Menagerie Animals."

R. B. TROUSLOTi '° "*® November Taxi-
dermist, will have an article on "Embalming," clearly
explaining every detail of this method and giving the
formula for m.aking the powder.

The September number will be full of splendid arti-
cles on Practical Taxidermy, Ornithology and Oology,
by the most i)oi)ular writers.

If you are interested in any of the above it behooves
you to subscribe ; only 35 cents per year ; sample copy
free.

Address

The Taxidermist,
Medina, Ohio.

WANTED.— Male and Female of Adult Warblers, Nos.
80, 82, 89, 8!)a, 92, 103a, 106, lOD, n.3a, 132, 133, 134.
These must be first-class skins suitable ifor mounting.
W. C. P., Care of O. & O.

WiUiam G. Smith,

Collector of Birds, Mammals and Eggs.

l_OiZEL.KND, COU.

All materials scientifically prepared.

Have made a great reduction in price.

Send stamj) for new list

Frank B. Armstrong,

ItEALEB IN

Our A, B, C's— Accuracy, Brevity, Completeness.

WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST

"Decidedly the best of its class,"

An illustrated monthly magazine of popular science —

the only one in the West.

$1.00 A YEAR. 10 CENTS A COPY.

For shells, address the editor, CHAS. RUSSELL
ORCUTT, San Diego, California.

CjTUFFED BIRDS.— For the next thirty days we will
[^ quote to any one wantin^i; stuffed birds, prices
that will defy competition. If you want any write
tons. F. B. WEBSTER COMPANY.

BIRDS' SKINS AND EGGS,

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS,

Will give special attention to the collection, for
scientific purposes, of all Birds, Beasts, Reptiles,
native to the interior and border of Mexico, and will
furni.-h careful data in regard to same

Correspondence respectfully solicited.

FRANK B. ARMSTRONG.

LSLY OFTHE DESERT

A Great Novelty, grows in sand. Bulbs, Jl.oo each.

We make a specialty of Native American Palm and
Evergreen Trees and Flower Seeds, Bulbs, Ferns, Cacti
and other plants.

ORCUTT SEED AND PLANT CO., San Diego, Cal.
Send 25 cts. for seed of Lathyrus splendeus.
"THE PRIDE OF CALIFORNIA."

•fr-i-ff^ntc^f'mG; St. Louis, Ma

ArtlBtio Metal Workers

,.r«v Ir..n anl Wire tifficv-i-orh,
KAjlinr*. (-TestiQK". Netiinps, e\a.
FTfrlaating CtmeWrr FENCES.
Miippo4e"rj«liero. Aeenlswunto
^\ riu for CkUlosuaftnd ^UnulA.

STORMY PETREL, an ornitliological
inoutlily devoted to the interests of all
Ornithologists and Oiilogists; no young Nat-
uralist can afford to be without it. Subscrip-
tion only 20 cents per year; sample copy free;
subscribe at once !

M. SMITH & CO., Mcndota, Illinois.

WILSON'S

Plialarope Eggs

In sets of three .iml four, for sale .at sixty cents per
egg. Send stamji for price-list of sets anil singles.

Lake

W. E.
Forest,

PRATT,

School Teachers;

We are prepared to furnish specimens of
Natural History, suitable to use as object
lessons, at bottom prices.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.
7 Franklin Street, - - Boston, Mass.

- - Taxidermists, - -

When^ you have any Bird. Head or Animal tbat
you want stuffed,

Send • It • to • Us.

First-class work at popular prices.
FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

(Incorporated Taxidermists),
7 Franklin St., - - Boston, Mass.

Boa Constrictor,

A Large Skin, Nicely Tanned. This would

make a nobby Traveling Bag. For sale by
FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 Franklin Street, Boston, Mass.

The Ornithologist and Oologist,

Under the Eilitorial Management of
FR.VNK li. WEBSTER,
J. f'ARKEH NORRIS,
FRANK A. R.VTES.
Subscription l!at>'S, Sl.OO. Foreign, S1.60.

Back Volx., 9 to 14, «1.00 each.
Communications relating to Oology sliottkl be di-
rected to J. FARIvER NORRIS, I'hfladelphia, Fa.

All other documents, orders, remittances, etc., to
FRAJNK B. WEBSTER, liyde Fark, Mass.

Fur Hugs.

Wildcat, Head mounted, felt trimming . . SC.OO

Fox " ■' " '• . . 6.00

Coyotte " " .. .1 . , 8.50

Ii"..x (in White Goat 12.(io

Fox on Black fioat 10.00

Coyotte on White (loat 1:^.00

Fox, Cinnamon Bear trimming .... 12.00

Ocelot on Black Goat 12.011

Ocelot, felt trimming 8..')0

W'hite (ioat, size $■*. S5 and 7.00

Black lioat 4.00

Wood Fox, felt trimming ."i.OO

Cross Fox, open mouth, felt trimming, extra fine, 15.00

Frank Blake Webster ('(Miipany.

7 FRANKLIN ST., - - BOSTuX, .MASS.

Bird Nesting in North-west Canada

Finely illustrated with photo engravings and colored
plates.

PRIQH SSi.

To subscribers ordering; before Got. 30, $1.25.

The above book gives an aoeount of a collecting trip
in the northwest. It gives a full account of the
nesting habits of over 100 species, including Canada
Goose, Baldpate. Buttle-head, Canvas-back, Little
Brown Crane, Yellow-legs, Wilson's Phalarope, Snipe,
A voce t, American Goshawk, Kough-legged Hawk,
Hawk Owl, Pigeon Hawk, Bonaparte's Gull, etc.

The illustrations are worth the money.

Send 4 cents in stamps for circulars and sample
plates.

in£. R ?^ I IS E.
68 Hayden Street ----- Toronto, Can.

SUBSCRIPTION TO THE

Ornithologist and Oologist

$1.00 F=ER Ye7^R»

HYDE PARK, - - - - MASS.

Without Money and Without Price!

ADVERTISE IN THE

OOLOGISTS' ADVERTISER.

IT WON'T COST YOU A CENT,

And you will be entitled to tlie paper free.
Send stamp for particitlar.s.

C. H. PRINCe,
281 DIaiii Street - • l^iiuielsouville, Conn.

H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY,

RALEIGH, N.C.,

COLLECTORS.

First-class Bird and Mainin.al .Skin-; and E^^t^s. Ful 1
data in all cases. Write for Price List.

The Kansas City Scientist,

A continuation of THE NATl'RALIST, now in its fifth
volume, is an illustrate<i monthly ntagazine, devoted to
Art, Science and Literature, Ofhoial organ of the
Kansas City Academy of Science.

While of a necessity, to a certain extent technical
its aim is to present scientific knowledge in as popular
a form as possible.

Published at $i.oo per year. Sample copy loc.

Address :
EDITOR SCIENTIST, KANSAS CITY, MO,

Scientific Books,

C. U. ORCUTT, Orcutt, San l)icj,'u, California.

Taxidermy and Zoological Collecting.

A Complete Hand-book of 362 pages for the amateur Taxi-
dermist, Collector, Osteologist, Museum Builder,
Sportsman and Traveller.

Illustrated with Twenty-four Plates and Eighty-five Text Pictures

BY

WILLIAM T. HORNADAY,

[For Eight Y^ars Chiftf TaxiderraUt of the U. S. National Mnsenm.]

It goes without saying that this is the best work in the market for the use of
the Naturalist, since the author is at the head of his profession, and he has
spared no time nor trouble to make the book complete.

It not only covers all the ground as a text-book for the beginner, but any
Taxidermist will be repaid by a perusal of its pages, and once read, it will lie
on the work bench, as a companion to the scissors and skinning knife, for it is as
indispensable to one who desires to be a WORKMAN, as is the frame work
of the specimen itself.

PRICE. $2.50.

GAIVIE PIECES,

Mounted under Convex Glass; Oak Frames; Fine
Oil Finished Background.

These are of the finest work and warranted to be A No. 1.

Pair Wood Cooks - $25.00

Pair Bob Whites 20.00

Pair Red-breasted Snipe ------- 25.00

Pair Wood Ducks ^^-O"

Snow Owls (winter scene) ---■"" 00.00

Mallard (dead game on ash) - - - - - 18.00

Flock of Bob Whites (winter) ------ 50.00

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 FRANKLIN STREET - - BOSTON. MASS.

Novelty Jewelry.

Many specimens of Natural History can be made ornamental in more
ways than in the cabinet, and we have utilized many curious thin^^^s as orna-
ments for personal adornment. Natural History collectors are proverbially
"cranks," and delight in their crankiness (why not?). Any man can wear a
diamond or a ruby without comment, but it puts a stamp of originality upon
a man who wears one of our novelties, Show your colors !

Brazilian Green Beetles, mounted as scarf pins - . . . (each) $1.00.

Shark Teeth, " "".... " 1.25.

Fossil " " "".... " 1.00.

Alligator " " "".... " I.OO.

Arrow-heads, " n u . . . . " 1.50.

Conch-shell, " " " . . - . " .,35.

and a variety of Tiger Eyes, Coral, Agates, Hermatites, etc., in Pins and Shirt
Studs, in prices ranging from ;?o.35 to $1.00.

Because these goods are inexpensive, do not think that they are of cheap
quality, — we are only giving you wholesale rates on retail quantities.

THE PLANTS OF THE SEA.

We have made an agreement with parties who collect in the vicinity of the
famous Long Island light-house in Boston Harbor, a place replete with historic
interest as the scene of many well-known events in the history of our country,
to supply us with specimens of the

ALGAE OR SEA MOSSES

found in this locality, nicely mounted on cards. These mosses are perfect
gems of beauty, in graceful forms of filmy lace, and lines and patches of
delicate and brilliant colors. There is an almost endless variety, so that a
collection may be extended to many pages without tiresome reduplication,
even in the same species, and form a spectacle not to be excelled in any other
branch of Nature's productions.

Added to this, we can supply them at prices which place them within the
reach of all.

Mounted on cards, size, 2 x3 inches, $0.1.5 per dozen. Postago, $0.03.

" " " Sytx4'4 " .50 " " Sample, $0.05. " .03.

Six cards in covers, " 5 x6 " 4.50 " " " .50. Postpaid.

Frank Blake Webster Co.

7 FRANKLIN STREET, - - BOSTON, MASS.

NOVEMBER, 1891.

Entered at Hyde Park Post Office as Second-Class Matter.

CONTENTS.

VOL. XVI, NO. 11, NOVEMBER, 1891

Nesting of MacGillivray's Warbler Clintim T. Cooke, M. 1) IGl

Late Nesting of the Bob-white from Michigan .... Eil. Van Winkle 192

A Series of Eggs of the American Osprey J.P.N 1G2

A German Pet O. Borris 106

Five Months in Newfoundland F- A. Bates, Ed 167

Takingof a Connecticut Warbler in Genesee Co., Mich. . .Samuel Spicer 16s

Mockingbird in Northwest Iowa A. I. .lohn-on 169

Across the Lake of Bay St. Louis, Miss C. S. BriniU\v 109

The Western Semipalmated .Sandpiper Harry Webb Floyd I TO

Brief Notes 1"1

Correspondence 175

New Books 1 "5

Goss' History of the Birds of Kansas 176

An Eagle with a Glass Eye 176

Proceedings of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Chib of Philadelphia 176

Taxidermy and Zoological Collecting.

A Complete Hand-book of 362 pages for the amateur Taxi-
dermist, Collector, Osteologist, Museum Builder,
Sportsman and Traveller.

Illustrated with Twenty-four Plates and Eighty-tive Text Pictures

WILLIAM T. HORNADAY.

[For Eight Years Chief Taxidermist of the U. S. National Museum.]

It goes without saying tliat this is the best vvorl< in the market for the use of
the Naturalist, since the author is at the head of his profession, and he has
spared no time nor trouble to make the book complete.

It not only covers all the ground as a te.xt-book for the beginner, but any
Taxidermist will be repaid by a perusal of its pages, and once read, it will lie
on the work bench, as a companion to the scissors and skinning knife, for it is as
indispensable to one who desires to be a WORKIVIAN, as is the frame work
of the specimen itself.

PRICE, $2.50.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 FRANKLIN STREET - - BOSTON, MASS.

Frank E. Lajjglky, Pki.vtek, Hyde Park, Mass.

Christmas will Soon he Here.

HEADS FOR SALE:

Elk, Caribou, Deer, Antelojie, Moose, Slieej),
Polar Bear, Silver Fox; also Antlers.
Anything wanted in this line for the holidays
we will pack and store at our museum, ready to
ship at the desired time.

FRANK "BLAKE WEBSTER CO.,

7 Franklin St., - - - Boston, Mass.

BIRDS FOR SALE.

Owls $3 to $40.

Snowy Owls, Arctic Great Horned Owls,

Sub-Arctic Great Horned Owls, Great Horned Owls,
Barred Owls, Barn Owls.

Short-eared Owls, Hawk Owls,

Richardson's Owls, Saw-whet Owls, Screech Owls.

Other Showy Birds.

Great lilue Heion. Ward'.s Herun,

SaU'lhill Crane, Flamin^tos,

Swans, Pelicans,

Hawks. Peacocks, Pheasants,

and <rame liirds, also

Many Small Birds, All Finely Mounted.

(jhristm-.is Will Soon Be Here.

Any of the above, which are now on exhibition,
would be just the thing for the above occasion. We
c m iKick any specimen ready for shipuient and hold it
till the required time.

THINK OF= THIS.

WHAT

A DIME WILL

^0|

Frank Blake Webster Co.,

7 KRAXKLIN ST., BOSTON, -MASS.

Remember

Tliat we have removed from

409 Washington St.

to

Every liOVT and GIRL who loves to read splendid
Stories, Sketches and beautiful Poems should subscrip-
for The AMERICAN YOUNG FOLKS, a beautiful
Illustrated Monthly Ma^'azine. established in 1875.
Its stories are the Very Best that can be obl;ained f roul
the foremost writers of Juvenile Literature, and every
issue is Hlled with good things. The regular subscrip.
tion price isSl.OOayear.butifyou will piIiPniUTO flllT
and return it to us w i t h UU 1 1 QIO UU 1

AQTT TTfD 111111? ^'"' vour name and address, we
ulLVlill UllUlj will send you the magazine Six
Months on Trial. Address,
AMERICAN YOUNG FOLKS, Manchester, N. H.

7 Franklin St.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

GET HT OlSCe TK

Bottle of Tannine.

Y(.>u will vviiut it to u.se tlii.s fall.

ONLaY sloo,

And with it you can tan three deer skins.

FRAXK liLAKE WEBSTEH COMPANY,

7 Franki.ix St., Boston, Mass.

TAflrllNE!

One Bollle Will Do l'2 Fux Skins.

The use of the Currier's Tauning Liquor has
increased to such proportions that we have
arranged with Prof. Currier to manufacture
and handle it for the Whole World, and
shall establish agencies at different points.

SniHKT THEV KL.I- SKV.

I have used vour Tauning Liquid on one Fox Skin,
and it worked" first-class; saves more than half thf
labor when compared with the way I have been in the
habit of doing them.

A. T. GAMAGE, Damariscotta, Me.

I have tried your Tanning Liquor and am very much
pleased with the results.

BURDON CtAYLORD, Easthampton, Mass.

I have used your tanning and am well pleased with
it. E. J. MOREY', Greenfield, Mass.

The Tanning Liquor received OK and is a great
success. FRANK L. BURNS, Berwyn, Pa.

I am collecting muskrat skins. ... I like Dr. Cur-
rier's Liquor very much on them.

F. L. SMALL, North Truro, Mass.

I have done some flue work with Currier's Tanning
on snake skins — much better than the sample piece
of skin you sent uie. I will send you a specimen to
see I can give you a good testimonial, and when I
getseitled will probably be able to handle a quantity.
H. F. ATTWATER, San Antonio, Texas.

Prof. Attwater had charge of the Texas
State Natural History Exhibit at New Orleans
Exhibition, 1884.

We could print hundreds of the same nature.

Every sportsman, naturalist and boy should
have a bottle. Don't torget, with it you can
tan any SKiu with very little trouble.

PRICE, $1 .00 PER BOTTLE.

Frank Blake Webster Company.

BOSTON, TlrtHSS.

California Vulture.

(Kidgvvay No. 4.j:!.)

A First-class Skin in Full Plumagt at
this I • '^ird for sale.

Frank Blake Webster Co.,

T Franklin Street, Boston, Mass.

^^^Scnxs^^'jUrtG^ St. Louis»T49,-

Artistic l!L^X2XVJot^&t%.^^T:$r^^hi^^

r llriiij, Iron an I Wire C"Bce-^orlt. ^' '.liJViVvVlJfy^

K*iiings. Cres'.ine", KettinCT, ew.
FTcTlasiiag Cetnewry FENCE&
fc'hippedcTetywhcro.Acen*sw&ntC(
Witie lur C^aluguo and t.aUrnato.

STORMY PETREL, an ornithological
monthly devoted to the interests of all
Ornithologists and Oologists; no young Nat-
uralist can afford to be without it. Subscrip-
tion only 20 cents per year; sample copy free;
subscribe at once!

M. SMITH & CO., Mendota, Illinois.

School Teachers:

We are prepared to furnish specimens of
Natural History, suitable to use as object
lessons, at bottom prices.

FRANK BLAKE WEB.STER COMPANY.
7 Frankhn Street, - - Boston, Mass.

- - Taxidermists, - -

When you have any Bird, Head or Animal that
you want stuffed,

Send • It • to • Us.

First-class work at popular prices.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

(Incorporated Taxidermists),
7 Fkanklin St., - - Bostox, Mass.

Boa Constrictor,

A Large Skin, Nicely Tanned. This would

make a nobby Travelint;- Bag. For sale Ity

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 Franklin Street, Boston, Mass.

SUBSCRIPTION TO TH©

Ornithologist and Oologist

$LOO PER YSKR,
HYDE PAUK, - . - - MASS.

Frank B. Armstrong,

ItEALKK IN

BIRDS' SKINi^ AND EGGS.

browxsvillp:, texas,

Will give special attention to the collection, for
scientific purposes, of all Birds, Beasts, Reptiles,
native to the interior and border of Mexico, an(! will
furnish careful data in regard to ^aale.

Correspondence respectfully solicited.

FRANK B. ARMSTRONG.

The Ornithologist and Oologist,

Under the Editorial :\Ian:igeinent of
FRANK B. WEBSTER,
J. PARKER NORRIS,
FRANK A. BATES.
Subscription Ratf8. SI. 00. Foreign, SI. 60.

Back Vols., 9 to 14, SI. 00 each.
Communications relating to Oology should be di-
rected to J. PARKER NORRIS, Philadelphia, Pa.

All other documents, orders, remittances, etc., to
FRANK B. WEBSTER, Hyde Park, Mass.

Fur Hugg.

Wild Cat, Head mounted, felt trimming . . $0.00

Fox " " .. ,. _ _ 50(1

Coyotte " " ,1 .. . . 850

Fox on White Goat 12.00

Fo.x on Black Goat 10.00

Coyotte on ft'hite Go.at 12.C0

Fox, Cinnamon Bear trimming .... 12.00

Ocelot on Black Goat 12.00

Ocelot, felt trimming 8. SO

White Goat, size 30x0) in. . . . $4, $5 and 7.00

Black Goat 4.00

Wood Fox, felt trimming 5.00

Cross Fox, open mouth, felt trimming, extra fine, IS.OO

7 FRANKLIN ST., - - BOSTON, MASS.

William G. Smith,

Colleciur of BinU, Maaiinals and Eggs.

LOiiEL-HWD, COL.

AH materi.-ils scientifically prepared.

Have made a great reduction in price.

Send stamp for new list

H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY,

RALEIGH, N.C.,

COLLECTORS.

First-class liird and Mammal Skins and Eggs. Full
data in all cases. Write for Price List.

The Kansas Oity Scientist,

A continuation of THE NATURALIST, now in its fifth
volume, is an illustrated monthly magazine, devoted to
Art, Scifjice and Literature. OtJicial organ of the
Kansas City Academy of Science.

While of a necessity, to a certain extent technical
its aim is to present scientific knowledge in as popular
a form as possible.

Published at $i.oo per year. Sample copy loc.

Address :
EDITOR SCIENTIST, KANSAS CiTY,iV.O.

Scientific Books,

C. R. ORCUTT, Orcutt, San Diego, California.

The Book for Ornithologists,

?ou(^s' l\(?y to |\lortf7 flmijrleai} Birds.

Fully illustrated and with a description of every bird. The book par
excellence for the Ornithologist, Sportsman and Tourist.

RRice

ST.SO.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Franklin Street, - - - Boston, Mass-

Increase the beauty and convenience of
YOWR COLl-eCTlOM

BV USINX.

NEAT LABELS,

Supplied by The Observer, Portlauil, Ct.

Perfect in quality, ancVacknowledged the standard in
size and style. Send for Price List and Samples.

Have you seen

THE OBSERl^eR

a medium of iutercliange of observations for all

Sttidents and Lovers of Nature. Devoted to
all Dipartments of Nature Studies. Send for
sample copy. Address

EDWARD F. BICELOW,

Pulflislier and I'riiiter,
Xo. 5AVAVERLV Ave., - - Portl.^jjd, Conn.

Our A, B, C's — Accuracy, Brevity, Completeness.

WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST

"Decitletily the best of its class."

A.n illustrated monthly magazine of popular science—

the only one in the West.

$1.00 A YEAR. 10 CENTS A COPY.

For shells, address the editor, CHAS. UU.SSELL
ORCUTT, San Diego, California.

'^TUFFED BIRDS.— For the next thirty day.^ we will
^ quote to any one w.vnting stufled birds, prices
th.it will defv competition. If you want any write
to u^. F. B. WEBSTER CCMPAXY.

The Taxidermist.

A monthly nmgazine devoted to Practical Taxidermy
()rnitho1oL;v and Oology. .Monihly organ of the Wil-
son Ch;. pur ot ihc A. A".

Subscription, - 50 cents.

Sample copy free. Address

THE TAXIDER.MIST, .AKROX, OHIO.

Send for our Catalogue!

Every person interested in any branch of Natural
History should have a copy. We carry a large stock of

Supplies, Tools, Birds' Skins, Eggs,
.Stuffed Birds and Animals, &c.

FKVNK 3L1KE WEBSTER <'05rPANT,

7 Franklin St., Boston, Mass.

A Glance into the Future.

OLIVER DAVIE ^^'i'l liave an article in the
October Taxidermist on "The Skinning and Mounting
of ^ome Menagerie Animals."

R. B. TROUSLOT, in tiie November Taxi-
dermist, will have an article on "Embalming," clearly
explaining every detail of this method and giving the
fdrmula lor making the powder.

The September number will b^ full of splendid arti-
cles on Practical Taxidermy, Ornithology and Oology,
by the most popular writers.

If you are interested in any of the above it behooves
you to subscribe ; only 35 cents per year; sample copy
free.

Address

The Taxidermist,
Medina, Ohio.

WVN TED.— Male and Female of Adult Warblers, Nos.
SO, 82, 80. 8<U, 92, 103a. 106. 109. 113a, 132, 133.134.
These must be first-class skins suitable for mounting.
\V. C. P., Care of O. & O.

LILY OF THE DESERT

A Great Novelty, grows in sand. Bulbs, §1.00 each.

We make a specialty of Native American Palm and
Evergreen Trees and Flower Seeds, Bulbs, Ferns, Cacti
and other plants.

ORCUTT SEED AND PL.ANT CO., San Diego, Cal.
Send 25 cts. for seed of Lathyrus splendeus.
"the pride of CALIFORNIA."

Cabinet of Southern Curiosities

CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING SPECIMENS: I

No. 1. COyUINA.— The stranj^c shell CDnglomeration
of which the ancient Fort, City Gates, and other |
structures in St. Augustine were constructed cen-
turies ag().

No. 2. WHITE BRANCH CORAL. —From the Ba-
hama Islands.

No. 3. COTTON SEED.— A mammoth variety fr()ni
South Carolina. Will grow in the Northern garden.

No. 4. SEA BEANS.— Four varieties. These curious
productions of nature grow npcm vines in sandy soil
bordering the ocean on the Bahama Islands, and will
mature in the green-house at the North.

No. 5. BLEEDINO TOOTH.— Resembling a tooth
bleeding — one of the mo.st remarkable of all the sea
shells

No. G. COTTON BOLL.— Picked from a Southern
cotton-field.

No. 7. PECTEN SHELL.— Much used for ornamental
and decorative purposes.

No. 8. EYE STONE.— A calcareous concretitm found
in the stomach of the craw-fish. It will remove all
foreign substances from the eye, and one should
always he kept at hand.

No. II. 'FLEXIMLE CORAL. — (Gorgonia). -A curious
vegetable growth, from Nassau, over which is a coral
formation depnsitcd by a marine animal.

No. 10- CONFKlHOK.vr'E MONEY.- A piece of gen-
uine currenry. issued by the State of North Carolina
during the Rebellion, each numbered and signed, an
issue found in but few collections.

No. 11. ALLIGATOR'S TOOTH.— From a Florida alli-
gator.

No. 12. VEGETABLE SPONGE.- A specimen of this
curious native growth, caded in Spanish "Estra
P.IJO," grows freely in Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas.

Th 8 entire collection in strong partitioned box, each
specimen labelleiV, postpaid for FIFTY CENTS.
Address,

FOKT M.VRIOX STORK, St. AH^nstine, Fla.

THE MICROSCOPE.

The Leading Journal of its Kind In
This Country.

Circulation continually increasing.

SUBSCRIBE FOR IT.

TREXTON,

NEW JERSEY.

Emu 1^"^^ Ostrich Eggs.

$1.50 -

Each.

Since July 1, 1891, we have sold over 500, and the
stock win soon be out. Ajiply early.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 Franklin St., - - Boston, Mass.

BOOKS FOR HOLIDAY PRESENTS

TO THE BOYS.

Coues' Key to North American Hirds, illustrated, $7.50

Capen's Oolojiy of New En-^land 15. UO
Davies' Nests and Ej!:{i;s of North American Birds,

paper $1.25, cloth l.Tfi

Maynard's Nests and Eggs, illustrated, 2.00

Hornaday's Taxidermy, 2.50
Maynard's North American Butterflies,

illustrated, 1.50

Harris' Insects, 6.50

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Franklin St., Boston, Mass.

STAMPS, COINS, CURIOS. V/tJit"
^:^^-^^i^,:\^j:^^, ab^nts wanted

and Curio Catalague for stamp. W. F. CREANY,
S'JT Brannan street, San Francisco, California.

Foreign Bird Skins.

We have just received another large lot of bright
foreign skins, consisting of

Paradisft Uirds, Tiiii;ij?ers, Jays, O'iole-,
Toucans, Trogons, riieasants, tVc, &C-,

now on exhiliitiun at
7 FRANKLIN STREET, BO.sTOX, MA^S.

FOR SALE,

Tarantulas and Horned Toads, neatly

mtiunted, $1.00 each

Nest and Eggs of the Ruby-crowned King-
let for sale.
Fruit Hats, skins from India, very large

an<l fine, 3.00 each

King Hummer, fine skin, perfect, 15.00

Wlule's teeth, •2r^ cents to 4.00

Horse-foot, Fiddler, Hermit and Rook Crabs, .10 each
Sea Beaver, 50 cents to l.no each

Peacock Feathers, KiO for 1.00

Pampas Plumes. .10 each

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Franklin SI.. Bo.sdiii, Mis^^.

Trap-Door Spider Nests.

L'OO jii.st shipped to \i.s from California.

By mail 50 cents each

Frank Blake Webster Dompany

7 Frii'ililin Street, liosloii, Ma<s.

Free Museum.

Call at 7 Franklin St., Boston, Mass.

You can see mure speoiiiu'n.s of natural
history than in any otlicr .store in tlic country.

Over 10,000 People

Have looked in at our new store, on tlie
ground Hoor, during the past week.

7 FKAXKLIN ST., BOSTON, MASS.

New Publications.

A Manual of North American Butter-
flies by CHARLES J. MAYNARD;
illustrated with ten hand-colored plates
and many wood cuts.

ONUV $1.50.

This is one ot the most practical ^vorks. and illus-
trated in the most satisfaett)ry manner that we have
seen on the subject.

That the price was within reach of all not only will
be of interest tn Kntomol<)gists, but to any one 'inter-
este'd in any department of Natural History.
Send for it to

FRANK HLAKE WEBSTER CO.

Novelty Jewelry.

Many specimens of Natural History can be made ornamental in more
ways than in the cabinet, and we have utilized many curious things as orna-
ments for personal adornment. Natural History collectors are proverbially
"cranks," and delight in their crankiness (why not ?). Any man can wear a
diamond or a ruby without comment, but it puts a stamp of originality upon
a man who wears one of our novelties. Show your colors !

Brazilian Green Beetles, mounted as scarf pins - - . .

Shark Teeth, " ""....

Fossil " " ""-...

Alligator " " ""-...

Arrow-heads, " " "

Conch-shell, " "".-..

and a variety of Tiger Eyes, Coral, Agates, Hermatites, etc..
Studs, in prices ranging from $0.35 to ;^i.oo.

Because these goods are inexpensive, do not think that they are of cheap
quality, — we are only giving you wholesale rates on retail quantities.

(each)

$1.00.

((

1.25.

'■'■

1.00.

a

1.00.

*'

1.50.

li

.35.

n Pins

and Shirt

THE PLANTS OF THE SEA.

We have made an agreement with parties who collect in the vicinity of the
famous Long Island light-house in Boston Harbor, a place replete with historic
interest as the scene of many well-known events in the history of our country,
to supply us with specimens of the

ALGAE OR SEA MOSSES

found in this locality, nicely mounted on cards. These mosses are perfect
gems of beauty, in graceful forms of filmy lace, and lines and patches of
delicate and brilliant colors. There is an almost endless variety, so that a
collection may be extended to many pages without tiresome reduplication,
even in the same species, and form a spectacle not to be excelled in any other
branch of Nature's productions.

Added to this, we can supply them at prices which place them within the
reach of all.

Mounted on cards, size, 2 x3 inches, SO. 15 per dozen. Postage, $0.03.

" " " 3%x4'4 " .oO " " Sample, $0.05. " .03.

Six cards in covers, " 5 x6 " 4..50 " " " .50. Postpaid.

Frank Blake Webster Co.

7 FEANKLIN STREET - - BOSTON, MASS.

Papier Mache Heads

PRICe LIST OI= HKLF= HE7XDS.

Suitable for Mounting Heads fc

)r Rug-s.

No. 1, small

POLAR BEAR.—

No. 1, small . . $1.00

WILD CAT.—

.16

No. 2, medium . 1.20

No. 2, medium

.18

No. 3, large

1.30

No. 3, large

.25

GRIZZLY BEAR.—

No. 1, small

.95

HOUSE CAT.—

No. 1, small

.14

No. 2, medium

1.16

No. 2, large

.10

No. 3, large

1.20

BLACK KEAR.-

No. 1, small

.60

MINK, SABLE, ETC.

No. 1, small .

.10

No. 2. medium

.80

No. 2, medium .

.12

No. 3, large

.95

No. 3, large

.14

BROWN BEAR.—

No. 1, small

.60

TIMBER WO .—

No. 1, small

.40

No. 2, medium

.80

No. 2, medium

.45

No. 3, large

.■15

No. 3, large

.50

CUB BEAR.—

No. 1, small

.40

PRAIRIE WOLF.—

No. 1, suiall

.30

No. 2, uiedium

.50

No. 2, medium

.36

No. 3, large .

.60

No. 3, large .

.45

TKtER.—

No. 1, small

1.15

No. 2, medium

1.20

COYOTE.—

No. 1, small

.20

No. 3, large

1.36

No. 2, large

.25

LION.—

No. 1, small .

1.15

RED FOX.—

No. 1, small

.15

No. 2, medium

1.20

No. 2, medium

.16

No. 3, large

1.35

No. 3. large

.18

LIONESS.—

No. 1, small

.80

SWIFT FOX.—

No. 1, average

.15

No. 2, medium
No. 3, large

.90
1.00

GRAY FOX.—

No. 1, suiall .

.15

AFRICAN LEOPARD.

—No. I, small .

.60

No. 2, medium .

No. 3, large

No. 1, small

No. 2, large

- No. 1. small

.16
.18

INDIAN LEOPARD-

No. 2, medium
No. 3, large
No. I, small
No. 2, medium

.80
.90
.40
.50

COON.—

DOG, (Newfoundlaud)-

.15
.10
.30

BLACK PANTHER.—

No. 3, large
No. 1. small .

.65
.35

No. 2, mediuu)
No. 3, large

.40
.50

No. 2, medium

.40

DOG, (common). —

No. 1, small

.20

MOUNTAIN LION.—

No. 3, large
No. 1, small

.45
.30

No. 2, medium .
No. 3, large

.25
.30

No. 2, medium

.35

DEER.—

No. 1, medium

.70

No. 3, large

.40

No. 2, large

.80

JAGUAR.—

No. 1, small .

.CO

FAWN.—

No. 1, small

.40

No. 2, medium

.65

No. 2. large

.50

No. 3. large

.70

SEAL.-

No. 1, medium

.40

CANADA LYNX.—

No. 1, small

.20

No. 2, large

.80

No. 2, medium

.25

HYENA.—

No. 1, small

.30

No. 3. large

.30

No. 2, medium

.40

We have been to great expense to procure suitable machinery, casts and
patterns and are now ready to furnish anything in the line of flat or half heads
in any quantity and at short notice.

We especially call the attention of

Furriers and Manufacturers of Fur Goods to the fact that we can make any siztt
or shape that is desired, and that our new patterns that we shall rapidly intro-
duce will be found more practical in use than those in the market.
We also claim to be able to furnish these goods at

Prices That Defy Competition.

Frank Blake Webster Co.,

MANUFACTURERS OF PAPIER MACHE HEADS,

7 Franklin Street . - - Boston, Mass.

DECEMBER, 1891,

Entered at Hyde Park Poet Office as Second-Class Matter.

CONTENTS.

VOL. XVI, NO. 12, DECEMBER, 1S91.

Reminiscences Frank A. Bates 177

Habits ot the California Partridge (Callipepla caliornica. I . Clarlc P. Streator 179

LateNestingof the Bob Wliite Benjamin Hoag ISO

An Afternoon Ramble Carl Fritz HenniuK 180

Editorial 181

A Labrador Duck for Sale 181

Brief Notes 181

Taxidermy and Zoological Collecting.

A Complete Hand-book of 362 pages for the amateur Taxi-
dermist, Collector, Osteologist, Museum Builder.
Sportsman and Traveller.

Illustrated with Twenty-four Plates and Eighty-tlve Text Pictures

WILLIAM T. HORNADAY,

[For Eight Yftars Chi«f Taxi'lerniist, of the U. S. Xational lUuseiim.]

It goes without saying that this is the best work in the market for the use of
the Naturalist, since the author is at the head of his profession, and he has
spared no time nor trouble to make the bookcomplete

It not only covers all the ground as a text-book for the beginner, but any
Taxidermist will be repaid by a perus.il of its pages, and once read, it will lie
on the work bench, as a companion to the scissors and skinning knife, for it is as
indispensable to one who desires to be a WORKMAN, as is the frame work
of the specimen itself.

PRICE, $2.50.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 FRANKLIN STREET - - BOSTON, MASS-

Orxiith.ologists and Oolo^ists.
THE TAXIDERMIST

will grailually tench you the beautiful ^iit of taxidermy in all its phrases, and keep you
abreast with "all its advancements, besides it contains in my articles by the most brilliant
writers in your own chosen Helds. The free sample copy will explain all. Send for it. Address

THE TAXIDERMI8T, MEDIITA, OHIO.

Frank E. Langley, Printer. Hyde Park. .Mass.

Foreign Bird Skins,

Cardinal, Brazil .

. S0.50

Lyre Bird

. $10.00

Tucatan

.40

Mot-mot

1.25

Cassicaus, Tellow-rump

1.25

Merle ....

2.50

Chatterers

4.00 to 5.00

Manakins

. .40 to .60

Cock-of-the-Rock

.3.00

Oriole, Yucatan

2.00

Blue Creepers

.50

Yellow-headed .

1.25

Mandarin Duck

3.00

Paradise Birds, Minor

. 15.00

Paradise Flycatcher

3.00

Raggiana

18.00

Hummers, Amethyst
Blue-throated

1.00
1.00

Magnificent .
King

. 10.00
6.00

Parrot, Blue-Mountain

1.50

Curve-billed

.75

Tellow-wing

1.00

Emerald

. .40 to .60

Grass

1.00

Garnet-throat

1.00

Owl . . .

8.00

King

15.00

Rosewing

1.25

Ruby-topaz

1.25

Pheasant, English

5.00

Swallow-tailed .

1.25

Golden

. 12.00

Violet-eared

.75

Versicolor

3.00

Jacana

1..50

Soemmering .

3.50

Jay, European

1.50

Impeyan

8.00

Yucatan

1.25

Roller ....

1.25

Kingfisher, S. A.

1..50

Tanager, Crimson

1.25

India

1.25

Maroon

1.00

Australia

3.00

Sulphur-rump

1.25

Trogon, Long-tail

. 10.00

Lark, Red-breasted .

1.00

W M N T B D.

BIRDS IN THE MEAT.

We are now recei\'ing orders for birds in the flesh in excess of our ability
to fill through our regular channels, and we desire to open new sources of
supply. It will be impossible to give a schedule of prices, since that must be
governed by distance to be shipped and the liability of damage. If you can
supply any of these named we shall be glad to quote prices. We will be glad
to receive any rare varieties, but especially desire fine birds for mounting:

Pinnated Grouse,

Sharp-tail "

Sage "

Gambel's Partridge,

Quails, Californis and Virginian,

Bald Eagles (old birds, white heads).

Goshawk, adults.

Duck Hawk,

Snowy Owls,
Great Gray Owls,
Great Horned Owls,
Arctic Great Horned Owls,
Marsh Hawk (blue plumage).
Harlequin Ducks,
Black Squirrel.

Frank Blake VTebster Concipany,

7 FRANKLIN' STREET,

BOSTON, MASS.

CabinetofSouthei n Curiosities OTAMPS, COINS, CURIOS, lit

CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING SPECIMENS:

No.l. (."OQUIXA.. — The strange shell coiij;lonit;ratinii
of which the ancient Fort, City Gates, and other
structures in St. Augustine were constructed cen-
turies ago.

No. 2. WHITK BRANCH CORAL. —From the Ba-
hama Islands.

No. 3. COTTON SEED.— A mammoth variety from
South Carolina. Will grow in the Northern garden.

No. 4. SEA BEANS.— Four varieties. These curious
prndiK'tions of nature grow upon vines in sandy soil
bnrderint; the ocean on the Bahama Islands, and will
mature in the green-house at the North.

No. 5. BLEEDINO TOOTH.— Resembling a tooth
bleeding — one of the most remarkable of all the sea
shells.

No. 6. COTTON BOLL.— Picked from a Southern
cotton-tield.

No. 7. TECTEN SHELL— Much used for ornament il
and dec'Tativc purpose^.

No. 8. EVE sroN'E.— A calcareous concretion found
in the stoniiich of the craw-fish. It will remove all
foreign substances from the eye, and one should
always be kept at hand.

No. 9. FLEXIBLE CORAL. — (Gnrgonia). -Acuricms
vegetable growth, from Nassau, over which is a coral
formation deposited hy a marine animal.

No. 10 CONFEDERATE MONEY.— A piece of gen-
uine currency, issued bv the State of North Carolina
during the Rebellion, earU nninb._-red and signed, an
issue found in but few cnilfctions.

No. H. ALLIGATOR'S TOOTH.— From a Florida alii
gator.

No. 12. VEGETABLE SPO>fGE.— A specimen of this
curious native growth, called in Spanish "Esira
Pajo,'* grows freely in Florida. Cuba and the Bahamas.

This entire collection in strong partitioned box. each
spociuien labelled, postpaid for FIFTY CENTS.
Address,

FORT MARION STORE, St. Auj^ustine, Fla.

THE MICROSCOPE.

The Leading Journal of its Kind In
This Country-
Circulation continually increasing.
SUBSCRIBE FOR IT.

TRENTON,

NEW JERSEY.

Emu ^"^ Ostrich Eggs.

$1.50 - • Each.

since July 1, 1891, we h.ive sold over ,50«, and the
stock will soon be out. Apply early.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 Fr.^-NKI.ix St., - - Boston. Mass.

BOOKS FOR HOLIDAY PRESENTS

TO THE BOYS.

Coues' Key to Xortli American Birds, illustrated, ^IStO

Capen's Oology of New Enfcland 15.01)
Davies' Nests and Ej^gs of North American Birds,

paper $1. '25, cloth 1.7,

Maynard's Nests and Eggs, illustrated, 2.00

Hofnaday's Taxidermy, -2.50
Maynard's North American Butterflies.

illustrated, 1.50

Harris' Insects. 6.50

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Fii-VNKi.i.N .St., Boston. .M.^ss.

STAMPS, COINS, CURIOS. 1i'te^\^
i>Ma-s in the sta,,,,. ' !..„'. ABENTS WANTED
I'urtv-eijiht pa^eCoin, stamp

and Curio Catulague for stamp. W . F. CREANY,
827 Branuan street, San Francisco, Calitornia.

Foreign Bird Skins.

We have just received another large lot of bright
foreign skins, consisting ftf

Paradisfi Birds Taimffers, Jays, Orioles
Toucans, Trogons, Pheasuiits, &c,, &c.,

now on exhibition at
7 FRANKLIN STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

FOR SALE.

Tarantulas and Horned Toads, neatly

mounted, SI -00 each

Nest and Eggs of the Ruby-crowned King-
let for sale.
Fruit Bats, skins from India, very large

and fine, " ' 3.00 each

King Hummer, fine skin, perfect, 15.00

Whale's teeth, 25 cents to 4.00

Horse-foot, Fiddler. Hermit and R(ick Crabs, .10 each
Sea Beaver, 50 cents to 1.00 each

IVacock Feathers, UtO for 1.00

I'ampas Plumes. .10 each

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Fninklin St., ISoNtun, Muss.

Trap-Door Spider Nests.

'..'(Ill just shipped t<^i lis trmii Califttniia.

By mail 50 cents each.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Fni'ikliu (Street, liostou, Mii'is.

Free Museum.

Call at 7 Franklin St., Boston, Mass.

You can see more specimen.s of uatiiial
history than in any other store in tlie country.

Over 10,000 People

Have looked in at our new store, on the
firound flour, during the past weeli.

7 FKAXKLIN ST, BOSTON, MASS.

New Publications.

A Manual of North .American Butter-
flies by CHARLES J. MAYNARD;
illustrated with ten hand-colored plates
and many wood cuts.

ONLY $L50.

This is. one of the most i>raotical rt'orks, and illus-
tratetl in the most satisfactory manner that we have
seen (m the subject.

That the price was within reach of all not only will
be of interest to Entoni'ilnj^i'^rs. but to any one inter-
ested in any department 'il Vatural History.
Send f o"r it to

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO.

stiMiMmd St. Louis jwo. I LILY OF THE DESERT

ArtiBtlc MetalWorfeera.

■ u.1. Ir..a au'l Wire (.ie&«-work.

uUnKS. OrestinEi. Nettinn, eta.

crlutioc Cemewry FENCES.

MiippedoTOTjwbere. AeeofawM.-,

Wriu fur <;«ulAsuo A&d£aUiaM«.

STORMY PETREL, an ornithological
monthly devoted to the interests of all
Ornithologists and Oologists; no young Nat-
uralist can altord to be without it. Subscrip-
tion only 20 cents per year; sample copy free;
subscribe at once!

M. SMITH & CO., Mendota, Illinois.

School Teachers:

We are prepared to furnish specimens of
Natural History, suitable to use as object
lessons, at bottom prices.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY.
7 Franklin Street, - - Boston, Mass.

A Great Novelty, grows in sand. Bulbs, $1.00 each.

We make a specialty of Native American Palm and
Evergreen Trees and Flower Seeds, Bulbs, Ferns, Cacti
and other jjlants.

ORCUTT SEED AND PLANT CO., San Diego, Cal.
Send 25 cts. for seed of Lathyrus splendeus.
"the pride of CALIFORNIA."

- - Taxidermists, - -

When you have any Bird, Head or Animal that
you want stuffed.

Send • It • to • Us.

First-class work at popular prices.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

(Incorporated Taxidermists),
7 Franklin St., - - Boston, Mass.

Fur Rugs.

Wild Cat, Head mounted, felt trimming . . $6.00

Fox " •• .... . . 6.00

Coyotte " " .... . . 8.60

Fox on White Goat 12.00

Fox on Black Goat 10.00

Coyotte on SVbite Goat 12.00

Fox, Cinnamon Bear trimming .... 12.00

Ocelot on Black Goat 12.00

Ocelot, felt trimming 8.60

White Goat, size 30 x 60 in. . . . S4, S5 and 7.00

Black Goat 4.00

Wood Fox, felt trimming 6.00

Cross Fox, open mouth, felt trimming, extra fine, 16.00

Frank Blake Webster Company.

7 FRANKLIN ST.,

BOSTON, MASS.

Boa Constrictor,

A Large Skin, Nicely Tanned. This would

make a iiohliy Traveling Bag. For sale by

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO.MPANY,

7 Franklin Street. Boston, Mass.

SUBSCRIPTION TO THE

Ornithologist and Oologist

$i.oo

HYDE PARK.

RER YSKR.

MASS.

William G. Smith.

Collector of Birds, Mammals and Eggs.

l_OiZEl_KND. COI-.

All materials scientifically prepared.

Have made a great reduction in price.

Send stamp tor new list.

H. H. & C. S. BRIMLEY,

RALEIGH, N.C.,

COLLECTORS.

First-class Bird and Mammal Skins and Eggs. Full
data in all cases. Write for Price List.

Frank B. Armstrong,

DKALER IN

BIRDS' SKINS AND EGGS.

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS,

Will tjive special attention to the collection, for
scientific purposes, of all Birds, Beasts, Reptiles,
native ti> the interior and border of Mexico, and will
furni-h careful data in regard to same

Correspondence respectfully solicited.

FR\NK B. .ARMSTRONG.

The Kansas City Scientist,

A continuation of THE NATCRALLST, now in its fifth
volume, is an illustrated monthly magazine, devoted to
Art, Science and Literature. Ofiicial organ of the
Kansas City Academy of Science.

While of a necessity, to a certain extent technical-
its aim is to present scientific knowledge in as popular
a form as possible.

Published at $i.oo per year. Sample copy loc.

Address :
EDITOR SCIENTIST, KANSAS CITY, MO.

Scientific Books,

C. R. ORCl'TT. Drcutt. San Diego, California.

Christmas ivill Soon be Here.

HEADS FOR SALE:

Elk, Caribou, Deer, Antelojie, Moose, Sheep,
Polar Bear, Silver Fox; alxo Antlers.
AiiylJiimj wanted in this line for the holidays
ive will pack and store at our museum, ready to
ship at tin: desired time.

FRANK "BLAKE IVEBSTER CO.,
7 Frank/in St., - - - Boston, Mass.

BIRDS FOR SALE.

Owls $3 to $40.

Snowy Owls, Arctic (ireat Horned Owls.

Siib-Aretic Ureat Hnrned Owls, (ireut HornetlOwls,
Barred Owls, Barn Owls,

dhort-eared Owls, Hawk Owls,

Richariison's Owls, Saw-whet CUvls. .Screeeli Owls.

Other Showy Birds.

(rreat Blue llemn. Ward's Heron,

Pantihill Crane, Flamingos,

Swans, Pelicans.

Hawks. Peacocks, Pheasants,

and Game Birds, also

Many Small Birds, All Finely Mounted.

Christmas Will Soon Be Here.

Any of the above, which are now ou exhibition,
would be just the thing for the above occasion. We
can pack any specimen ready lor shipment and hold it
till the required time.

THirSK Ol= THISi.

WHAT

A DIME WILL

JDO|

Frank Blake Webster Co.,

7 FRANKLIN ST., BOSTON, MASS.

A Glance into the Future.

OLIVER DAVIE «'>" have an article in the
October Taxidermist on "The Skinning; aud Mounting
of some Menat^erie Animals."

R. B. TROUcJLOTi '" ^^^^ November Taxi-
dermist, will have an article on "Kmbalming,"' clearly
explaining every detail of this method aud giving the
formula for making tlie powder.

The September numl>er will be full of splendid arti-
cles on Practical Taxidermy, Ornithology and Oology,
by tlie most popular writers.

If you are interested in any of the above it behooves
you to subscribe ; only ^fi cents per vear; sample copv
■free.

Address

The Taxidermist,

Medina. Ohio.

Bottle of Tannine.

You will want it to use this fall.

ONLaY jbloo,

And with it you can tan three deer skins.

FRAXK BLAISE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 Franklin St.. Boston, Mass.

Every UOV ;iiiil<:lUL whc. luve.s t.p read spli-iulid
Stories, Slcteln-s ;tml beaiitilul l^netns ^iu.uld suh^crip-
fiir The AMERICAN VOCXG FOLKS, a lieautilul
lllustraleil -Montlily JIasrazine. established in 1875.
Its stories are the Very IJest that can he ohr,ained froul
tlie foremost writers of Juvenile Literature, and every
issue IS filled with K"od tuinffs. The re^uhir suhscrip'-
tion priceisSl.DOa vear, hut if you will fllTT TllTQ fllTT
and riturn it to us w i t h LiU 1 1 QlU UU 1

A^TI MVQ riTMi^ '^"'^ your name and address, we
UlLVlJU Ullllf) will send you the magazine Six
Months on Trial. Address,
.AMERICAN YOUN(i FOLKS, .Manchester, N. H.

One lliillle Will l)ii r> Fits Skins.

Tlie use of the Currier's Tainiiiis Liquor has
increased to such proportions that we have
arranged with Piiif. Currier to manufacture
and handle it for the Whole World, and
shall establish agencies at different points.

iniHHX THEV KUU SRV,

I have used your Tanning Liquid on one Fo.\ Skin,
and it worked' first-class ; saves more than half the
lahrtr when compared with the way I have been in the
habit of doing them.

A. T. (J.iMAfrE, Damariscotta, Me.

I have tried your Tanning Liquor and am very much
pleased with tlie results.

liURKON GAYLORD. Easthampton, Mass,

I liave used your tanning and .am well pleased with
it. E. J. MOREY, Greenfield, Mass.

The Tanning Liiiuor received OK and is a great
success. FRANK L. BURNS. Herwyn, Pa.

I am collecting muskrat skins. ... I like I>r. Cur-
rier's Liquor verv much on them.

P. L. S.MALL, North Truro, Mass.

1 have done some fine work with Currier's Tanning
on snake skins — much better than the sample piece
of skin you sent me. I will send you a ^]eclmen to
see. I can give you a goorl i.estimi>nial, and when I
get settled will probably be able to handle a quantity.
H. I'. ATTW.^TER, Sau Amonio. Texas.

Prof. Attwater had charge of tlie Texas
State .Vatural History Exhibit at New Orleans
Exhibition, IS'<4.

We could jirint liuiidreds of the same nature.

Every sportsman, naturalist aud boy should
have a bottle. Don't forget, with it you can
tan any si<in with very little trouble.

PRICE, $1 .00 PER BOTTLE.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

BOSTON. 7JVKSS.

California Vulture.

(Ridgway No. 4.'Jo. )

A First-iiass Skin in Full Plumage of
this Rare HirJ for sale.

Frank Blake "Webster Co.,

1 7 Franklin Street. Boston. Has*.

Christmas Coods.

.rifeJ wi"'"''** ''f '"'"1",*?"''? "P/^itli cheap, trashy goods, to be sold as Cliristmas
f, somenln'v'ir'i '-'"n / f "1 '"=^'^"^' ^'» ■^««» ^vish they had invested their >Mouey
■ u somethm- l«t «-,.uld have been of some use. How mucli better it wouhl be to give a pres-
ent hat wo|;ld be useful as well as ornamental and also enduring. '-A thing of beauty is a
joy torever We keep no cheap, .■lap-trap knick-knacks that will fall to pieces before the ink
IS diy on the price tag. but we can .show you in our regular stock such an assortment as will

FOR THE LADIES.

Fur Rugs in .Fapiinese Go,^t, Tiger C:U, Priiirie Wolf, Fox,
in various combinations, ranj^inij in pric.: from §4.00
to Sll'.OO.

.MOUXTEI) BIRDS.
Screech Owls, $4.0(1 to $5.00

Snowv Owls, 10.00 to 25.00

Greit Horned Owls, 10.00 to 15.00

Furnished witli ^lass shades at an advance of ahout
fiftv per cent., and a lar^e variety of miscellaneous, native,
and foreiiin hirds at very low prices.
Pampas Plumes, each,
Peacock Fealhers. per doz.,
Peacock Feather Dusters,
Beaut. lul shells and corals,

SCARF AND STAB PI.VS
Brazil Beetles in Gold Plate,
Arrow-heads, in Gold Plate,
Shark.teeth (fossil) in Gold Plate,
Shark leeth (recent) in Gold Plate.
Tiger-eye in Gold Plate,
Alligator Teeth, In Gold Plate.

FOR THE BOYS AND MEN

who are interested in the studv of Natural History, and
if they are not encourage them to be and vou will never
regret it.

$0.10

.15

5.00

10 to 10.00

Sl.O)
1.00
1.00
l.SO
.RO to .75
1.00

Pocket Case of Taxidermist Tools, IS 00

Pocket Case of Oologist Tools, s'oo

Complete Set of Tools, js'qo

Assortment of Leaves, Grass, Sands, etc., for case

decoration, 5_oo

Assortment of Glass Eves, 1.00 to 5 00

Assortment often Native Skins,
Assortment of ten Foreign Skins,

BOOKS.

Capen's Oologv,

Coues' Key to .\. A. Birds,

Ridgwav's Manual ot Birds,

.Mavnard's Butterflies of N. E.

Mavnard's Butterflies of N. A.

Harris' Insects,

Packards Common Insects,

havies' Eggs of N. A.,

Maynard s Eggs (Colored III.),

Mavnard's .Manual of Taxidermy,

Batty's ftlanual of Taxidermy,

.Manton's .Manual of Taxidermy,

Hornaclay's .Manual of Taxidermy (the finest work

in existence), 2.50

Trumbull's Names and Portraits of Game Birds, 2.60

5.00
10.00

$20.00

7..50

7.50

7.00

1.60

Plain 4.50, Colored 6.50

1.50

Paper 1.25, Cloth 1.75

Cloth 2.00

1.25

1.50

-50

FRAITK

7 Fkanklin Stkeet,

BLAKE WEBSTER

COMPAITY,

Boston,

Mass.

EIGHTH EDITION,

REVISED AND ENLARGED.

N.B. — The HoiTiii''>pathic Anmi;il ( l>irectory and Ref-
erence Hantl-hook) tor 1S91 is now in the hands of llie
printers and will be ready for deliverv earl\ in the year.
It will he the best edition yet issued, cuntatning imong
nthe'" matter of general interest 10 the profession, a com-
plete list of the Homceopathic Phys-cians (with P. O.
address) in Illinois. Indiana. Iowa. Ktnsas, Kentucky,
Michijjan, Missouri. Ohio, Nebraska. Pennsvlvania,
Tennessee and New York Citv It will be printed from
new type, on t;ood paper, ariistically bound in heavy
cover paper, and contain from sixty four to one hundred
pages.

A^ an advertising medium the Annual hns an estab-
lished reputation, and this enlarged and greatly improved
edition must necessarily strongly appt-al to all who
desire to keep their biisines-^ notices betore the profession
as Well as tlie general public A number of prominent
manufactui'eis, dealers and jtrofessional men have been
patrons annually since the first appearance of the publi-
cation in 1SS4, and are already booked for 1S92. Scrupu-
lous care is given It evt-ry advertisement, large r-r small.
All are properly indexed for ready reference. Kor sched-
ule of rates see blank Contract.

H. A. MUMAW, M.D..

Meilicol I'uljli.-ilier uinl Btinksellci-,
411 Main ."St. - - - Ei.kiiakt, Ind.

=^ 'BEAUTIFUL U^EST

(nil br;tLicli) with .set iif two eggs of

Bl^ck Chinned Hummins:-bird

witli (iris;iiiil ihila. I'cu sl.."iu |Mis(|iaiil.

JAMES P. -BABBITT.

HI Hodges Are..

Taunton. Ma-is.

;Tlie flrailfiflloiist aid Oolilst.

This magazine tor 1892 will be devoted to general Nat-
ural History. While it will be a publication of special
interest to naturalists and collectors as well as sportsmen,
tlie character ot its contents will be found attractive as
well as instructive to all.

This December number is a fine sample of the general
items and commnnic-^tions. The scientific commimica-
tions have been omitted to give space for the yearly index.

The regular issue is sixteen pages solid
reading matter.

Siibscriptinii Kate $1.00.

You cannot invest the sum in any m inner that will
secure the same amount of benefit. \Ve claim it to be

The leading magazine of its nature in
the world. Published by

The Frank Blake Webster Co.,

Hyde P.vkk,

M.\s

U.S.A.

Send for our Catalogue!

Every person interested in any l)rauch of Natural
History should have a copy. \Ve carry a large stock of

Supplies, Tools, Birds' Skins, Eggs,
Stuffed Birds and Animals. &c.

FRANK BL\KE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 Franklin St.. Boston. Mass.

The Book for Ornithologists,

^ou(?5' \{9y to |Nlortt? /1m<^ri(;a9 Birds.

Fully illustrated and with a description of every bird.
excellence for the Ornithologist, Sportsman and Tourist.

The book par

pRice

ST.50.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Franklin Street, - - - Boston, Mass-

Increase the beauty and convenience of
YOUR OOL-L^CTIOIS

BV USING

NEAT LABELS,

Supplied by The Observek, Portland, Ct.

Perfect in quality, and acknowledged the standard in
size and style. Send for Price List and Samples.

Have you seen

THE OBSER^eR

a medium of interchange of observations for all

Students and Lovers of Nature. Devoted to
all Departments of Nature Studies. Send for
sample copy. Address

EDWARD F. BIGELOW,

Publisher and Printer,

No. 5 WATBBLY Ave., - - PORTLAND, CONK.

Our A, B, C's— Accuracy, Brevity, Completeness.

WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST

"Decidedly the best of its class."

An Illustrated monthlv magazine of popular science—

the only one in the West.

$1.00 A YEAR. 10 CENTS A COPY.

For shells, address the editor, CHAS. KlISSELL
ORCUTT, San Diego, California.

STUFFED HIRDS.— For the ne.tt thirty days we will
quote to any one wanting stuffed birds, prices
that will defv competition. If you want any write
to us. F. B. WEBSTER COMPANY.

The Taxidermist.

A monthlv m.agazine devoted to Practical Tax ermy
Ornithology .ind Oology. Monthly organ of the Wil-
son Chapter of the A. A.

Subscription, - 50 cents.

Sample cojiy f I'ee. Address

THE TAXIDERMIST. .^KRON. OHIO.

FOR SALE.

A Labrador Duck,

Young Male, Mounted.
Tlie only one for sale in the World.

An Extinct Bird.

This is tlie most valuable urnitliological speci-
men that lias ever been offered for sale by any
dealer. You will never have another oppor-
tunity to purchase one.

This should not be allowed to go out of the
country.

ParticuLars will only be furnished to parties
who mean business. This is not a forced sale.

FRAN^K BLAKE WEBSTER COMPANY,

7 FUANKLIN ST., BOSTON, MASS.

FACTS.

WE sell Papier Mache Heads at lower prices than

any Jealer or manufacturer.
WE carry the largest stock of Birds' Eggs for sale in

America.
WE can furnish Stuffed Birds at prices to compete with

all.
WE are practical taxidermists of years' experience.
OUR work and our prices combined is our recommen-
dation.
WE deal in all goods required by naturalists.
VVE take subbcriptions for Oliver Davies' new

Taxidermy.
WE sell Hornaday's Taxidermy, price $2.50. Latest out.
VVE have all the copies of Capen's Oology that are for

sale-
WE sell Maynard's Butterflies, colored Illustrations, for

$1.50.
WE sell tlie only Tanning Liquor that is in the market.
WE sell Ostrich Eggs for $(.50, and Emu Eggs for $1.50.
WE have in stock Shells, Minerals, Curios, Stuffed Birds,

Mammals, etc.
OUR store is a legular museum that will pay to visit.

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO.,

7 Franklin Street, Boston, Mass.

•

W\^NTED.— Male and Female of Adult Warblers, Nos.
RO. »2. S9, 8'Ja, 92, 103a, 106. 109. 113a. 132, 133, 134.
These must lie tirst-cl.ass skins suitable for mounting.
W. r. r.. (are of O. \- O.

Novelty Jewelry.

Many specimens of Natural History can be made ornamental in more
ways than in the cabinet, and we have utilized many curious thin^^s as orna-
ments for personal adornment. Natural History collectors are proverbially
"cranks," and delight in their crankiness (why not.'). Any man can wear a
diamond or a ruby without comment, but it puts a stamp of originality upon
a man who wears one of our novelties, Show your colors !

Brazilian Green Beetles, mounted as scarf pins
Shark Teeth, " " "

Fossil " " " "

Alligator " " " "

Anow-heads, " " "

Conch-shell, " u n

>ach)

$1.00.
1.25.
1.00.
1.00.

1.50.
.35.

1 Pins

and

Shi

irt

and a variety of Tiger Eyes, Coral, Agates, Hermatites, etc.,
Studs, in prices ranging from ^0.35 to $1.00.

Because these goods are inexpensive, do not think that they are of cheap
quality, — we are only giving you wholesale rates on retail quantities.

THE PLANTS OF THE SEA.

We have made an agreement with parties who collect in the vicinity of the
famous Long Island light-house in Boston Harbor, a place replete with historic
interest as the scene of many well-known events in the history of our country,
to supply us with spf^cimens of the

ALGAE OR SEA MOSSES

found in this locality, nicely mounted on cards. These mosses are perfect
gems of beaut)', in graceful forms of filmy lace, and lines and patches of
delicate and brilliant colors. There is an almost endless variety, so that a
collection may be extended to many pages without tiresome reduplication,
even in the same species, and form a spectacle not to be excelled in any other
branch of Nature's productions.

Added to this, we can supply them at prices which place them within the
reach of all.

Mounted on cards, size, 2 x3 inches, $0.15 per dozen. Postage, $0.03.

" " " " .3!^x4^ ■' .50 " " Sample, $0.05. " .03.

Six cards in covers, " 5 x6 " 4.50 " " " .50. Postpaid.

Frank Blake Webster Co.

7 FE4NKLIN STREET - - BOSTON, MASS.

TANNINE.

(CURRIER'S TANNING LIQUOR.)

This is the only Tanning Liquor, with which amateurs can tan skins without
trouble, that is in the market. During the past year thousands have tried it.
It should be in the hands of every taxidermist and sportsman.

Price, $1.00 per bottle.

Read the directions and judge of its simplicity:

TMNNIN

For Tanning Skins that are to be used
for Mats or Robes.

This Liquor was used by Prof. Currier many years in preparinj; Sheep skins
for fancy mats. The ease and quickness with which it can l)e used will commend
it to all."

DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

If the .skin is fresh (not (Iryj wash it well in strong soap suds. This may be
done as soon as removed from the animal. Stretch it on a board, tlesli side out;
lot it remain till tlie water has drained off (not too dry). With a sponge or brush
apply the liquor to tlesh side, using care to dampen the entire
surface. It will act rapidly, if it is a heavy skin apply a second coat, and if there
are any spots that do not take apply more liquor to them. Be careful not to use
too much of the liquor. Before it is quite dry, rub the surface over with dry plaster
and sawdust and then sandpaper it smooth. To soften, rub the skin; it should
be done before too dry. Parties doing much heavy work should have a rubbing
board.

Dry Skins. Let them soak from two to three days in the regular pickle used
by taxidermists. Drain well and then proceed as witli fresh skins.

Very Greasy skins, such as coons, wash well in a pail of water with a
handful of borax. This will cut the grease. After rinsing and stretching go
over surface with plaster, then apply liquor.

PRICE, $100 PER BOTTLE.
(Sutticient to tan 12 fox skinn.)

SOLD BY DEALERS IN NATURALISTS' SUPPLIES AND DRUCrOISTS.

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 Franklin Street, - - - Boston, Mass.

-

Frank Blake Webster Company,

7 FRANKLIN STREET, - - - BOSTON, MASS.

The Spy Class.

Eilitcd ^mil pulilishcil liy

Greene & Baliet.

ONLY 50 CTS.
A YEAR.

Collectors. Naturalists, Scientists, Teachers and
Scholars, you can have this valuable twenty-page
monthly for only 50 cents a year. Advertising rates
made known on application.

We will give to the party who sends in the most sub-
scriptions before January 1. IS^'J, at r.O cents a year
paid in advance, a' DOUBLE BARREL
BREECH LOADING SHOT GUN. ten or
twelve guage. Send two-cent stamp Inr sample and
get a shot gun. A handsoniL' present with each sub-
scriptitm. Address either

ROY F. GREEXE.

Ark. City, Kansas, or ,

LETSOX BALIET,

Des Moines, Iowa.

Papier Mache Heads.

^ SA.1S/CFLB LOT,

P* ^\ ry ^K ^^\ve will seiul twenty varie ■

r \^ i\ ^OaV^w tics, consisting of

Fox, Coon, Martin, Wolf, Coyote, Bear,
Lvnx, Wild Cat.
Valued at $6 by our new reduced list

We will not send but, one lot lo tlie same
party at this rate, as our object in makinp; the
offer is to

INTRODUCE THE GOODS.

OtTor fjooil to Feb. 1, 1S92.

Frank Blake Webster Co.,

7 Fii.^NKLiN .Sr.. Boston. .Ma.ss.

Papier Mache Heads

PRICe L-IST OP HKL.P HEMDS.

Suitable for Mounting Heads for Rugs.

POLAR BEAR.

(IKIZZLY BEAR.

BLACK BEAR.

BROWN BEAR.

CUB BEAR.

TKiER.—
LION.—
LIONESS.—
AFRICAN LEOPARD.-
INDIAN LEOPARD.—
BLACK PANTHER.—
MonXT.^LN LION.—
JAGUAR.—
CANADA LVNX.—

No. 1,
Ni>. 2,
No. 3,
No. 1,
No. 2,
No. 3,
No. 1,
No. 2,
No. 3,
No. 1,
No. 2,
No. 3
No. 1,
No. 2,
No. 3,
No. 1,
No. 2,
No. 3,
No. 1
No. 2,
No. 3,
No. 1 ,
No. 2,
No. 3.
-No. 1
No. 2
No. 3,
No. I
No. 2.
No. 3,
No. 1.
No. 2
No. 3.
No. 1,
No. 2.
No. 3,
No. 1.
No. 2,
No. 3.
No. 1
No. 2
No. 3

small

Sl.OO

medium . 1.20

large

1.30

small

.9.5

medium

Ll.-i

large

1.20

small

.60

medium

.80

lar^e

.95

small

.60

medium

.SO

large

.95

small

.40

medium

.50

large .

.60

small

1.15

medium

1.20

large

1.35

small .

1.15

, medium

1.20

, large

1.35

, small

.80

, medium

.90

large

1.00

small

.60

, medium

.80

, large

.90

, small

.40

. medium

.50

, large

.65

.small

.35

. medium

.40

. large .

.45

, small

..W

. medium

.35

. large

.40

, suiall

.60

, uiedinni

.65

. large

.70

, small

.20

. luediuiu

.25

, large

.iO

WILD CAT.

No. 1, small

.16

No. 2, mediuui

.18

No. 3, large

.25

HOUSE CAT.

No. 1, suiall

.14

No. 2, large

.16

MINK, SABLE, ETC.

No. 1, small .

.10

No. 2, medium .

.12

No. 3, large

.14

TIMBER WOLF.

No. 1, small

.40

No. 2. medium

.45

No. 3, large

.50

PRAIRIE WOLF.

No. 1, small

.30

No. 2, medium

.35

No. 3, large .

.45

COYOTE.

No. 1, small

.20

No. 2, large

.25

RED FOX.

No. 1, small

.16

No. 2, medium

.16

No. 3, large

.18

SWIFT FOX.

No. 1, average

.15

GRAY FOX.

No. 1, small

.15

No. 2, medium

.16

No. 3, large .

.18

COON.

No. I, small

.16'

No. 2, large .

.16

DO(t, (Newfoundlaud)

No. 1, small

.30

No. 2. medium

.40

No. 3, large

.50

DOG, (common).

No. 1, small

.20

No. 2, medium

.25

No. 3, large

.30

DEER.

No. 1, medium

.70

No. 2. large

.80

FAWN.

No. 1, small

.40

No. 2, large

.50

SEAL.

No. 1. medium

.40

No. 2. large

.80

HYENA.

No. 1, small

.30

No. 2, medium

.40

We have been to great expense to procure suitable machinery, casts and
patterns and are now ready to furnish anything in the line of flat or half heads
in any quantity and at short notice.

We especially call the attention of

Furriers and Manuf^icturers of Fur Goods to the fact that we can make any size
or shape that is desired, and that our new patterns that we shall rapidly intio
duce will be found more practical in use than those in the market.
We also claim to be able to furnish these goods at

Prices That Defy Competition.

Frank Blake Webster Co.,

MANUFACTURERS OF PAPIER MACHE HEADS,

7 Franklin Street - - Boston, Mass.

Price List of Birds in the fleat.

Ked-bellied Nuthiitcli, *0
White-bellied Nutliatcli,
Great Xoitheiii ^ihiike,
Loggerhead Shrike,
Northern Waxwing, 1

Cedar Waxwing,
Evening Grosbeak, female,

male.
Pine Grosbeak, red,

brown,
American Crossbill,
Wliite- winged Crossbill,
Common Redpoll,
Snow Bunting.

Per doz., 2

Lapland Longspur.
Ipswich Sparrow,
Cardinal Grosbeak,
Meadow Lark,
American Raven, 3

Common Crow,
Blue Jay,
Canada Jay,
Shore Lark,
Hairy Woodpecker,
Downy Woodpecker,
Black-backed Three-toed

Woodpecker,
Banded-backed Three-toed

Woodpecker, 2

Yellow-bellied Woodpecker,
Pileated Woodpecker, 1

Red-headed Woo i pecker.
Yellow-shafted Flicker,
Belled Kingfisher,
American Long-eared Owl, 1
Short-eared OnvI, 1

Barred Owl, 1

Great Gray Owl, 7

Richardson's Owl, 3

taw-wbet Owl, 1

Screech Owl, red. 1

gray, 1

Great H irned Owl, 8

Arctic Horned Owl, $6 00 to 8
Snov?y Owl, $5 00 to

American Hawk Owl,

Duck Hawk,

Pigeon Hawk,

S] arrow Hawk,

Fii-h Hawk,

Marsh Hawk, old male,

brown plumage,
Cooper's Hawk.

Sharp-shinned Hawk,

SO

50

American Eider,

*il

00

American Goshawk, old.

3

50

American Scoter,

1

00

young,

1

50

Velvet Scoter,

1

00

Red-tailed Hawk,

1

00

Surf Duck,

1

no

Red-sliouldered Hawk,

1

00

Ruddy Duck,

75

Swainson's Hawk,

2

00

American Sheldiako,

1

00

Broad-winged Hawk,

1

00

Red-breusted SlieUlrnke,

75

Amer. Rough-legged Hawk,

Hooded Sheldrake, old.

^

00

black, .$2. .50; mottled

50

young.

75

Bald Eagle, old.

00

Common Cormorant,

2

50

young.

00

Double-crested '•

2

00

Passenger Pigeon,

50

(iannet, old.

:J

50

Mouriiing Dove,

50

young and female.

2

00

Spruce Grouse,

00

Kittiwake Gull, old.

50

Ruffed Grouse,

75

young.

40

.Allen's Ptarmigan.

50

Glaucous Gull, ohl

4

00

Prairie Hen,

00

young.

'J

00

Common Sharp- tailed

Gieat iilack-backed (iull

'J

00

Grouse,

00

Herring (iull. old.

1

00

S.age Grouse, 3 50 to

5

00

yonng.

60

Bob-white,

50

Bonaparte's Gull,

50

Gambel's Quail,

50

Richardson's Jaeger,

1

00

American Bittern,

00

Greater Shearwater,

:;

00

Black-rrowned Night

Sooty Shearw.afer,

2

00

Heron,

00

Ked-necked Giebe, fall

American Woodcock,

00

plumage,

50

Wilson's Snipe,

50

full i)lumage.

1

50

Red-breasted Rail,

75

Hoined Grebe, fall plum;

ge

40

Virginia Rail,

50

full plumage.

1

25

Sora Rail,

35

Thick-hilled Grebe,

50

American Coot,

50

Loon, old.

O

50

Whistling Swan,

4

00

youm; and female.

1

25

Snow Goose,

2

00

Red-throated Diver, idd.

o

00

Canada Gojse,

2

00

young.

75

Brant,

1

50

R.izor-billed Auk,

1

00

Mallard,

1

00

Common Puffin.

1

50

Black Duck.

1

00

Dovckie.

1

00

Gad wall.

1

00

Black Guillemot, sjiring.

1

00

Pintail,

75

f.all.

50

P.aldpate,

1

DO

Common Guillemot, Murre.l

00

Shoveller,

1

00

Brunnicb's (iuillemol.

75

Blue-winged Teal,

SO

Tei-n, full plumage,

(iO

Green-winged Teal.

SO

mottU'il.

40

Wood Duck,

2

.50

Sanderlings.

20

Scaup Duck,

i

50

Little Blackhead,

1

50

Ring-billed Blackhead,

80

MAMMALS.

Canvas-back.

:!

00

Redhead,

1

75

Gray Squirrel.

*0

25

Barrow's Golden Eye,

O

(10

Fox Squirrel.

75

American Golden Eye,

75

Coon.

2

00

BufHehead,

(iO

Bear.

Harlequin Duck, female,
male.

1

•>

00
.'•)0

Fox.
Mink,

3 liu

4 00

Old Squaw.

fiO

Weasel.

'

uu

sponge

Orders will be entered as received, and filled in order, when we have the birds come in.
Directions for Cleaning.— Wash parts soiled with blood with lukewarm water, using a
Dry with plaster of Paris. Any slight stain from blood will fade out.

Frank Blake Webster

FRANKLIN STREET, . . - -

Company,

BOSTO.N. MAS.-'

100103604

CO
J