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FOR  THE   PEOPLE 

FOR  EDVCATION 

FORSCIENCE 

LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  AMERICAN  MUSEUM 

OF 

NATURAL  HISTORY 

vH-iA'-^^C': 


~A 


i 


U 


STUDENT  OF  BIRDS> 


Their  Nests  and  Eggs. 


VOLUME  IV, 


Albion,  n.  y.  : 

FiiANK   H.   LATTFN,  Published, 
1887 


JOHN  P.  SMITH, 
PRINTER  AND  BOOKBINDER, 
ROCHESTER,  N.  Y, 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


Index  to  Vol.  TV. 


Agasslz  Association  and  its  Work Page  93 

Beaver  Co.,  Pa.,  Notes .'*9 

Bills  ot  Birds 14 

Bird  Dance,  A T6 

Birds  Eggs,  Largest  Collection  of 82,97 

Birds  of  Chester  Co. ,  Penna. , 2 

Bird  surgery T.t 

Blackbird,  Red-wing 6 

Bluebird lo,  12 

Bob-white 3 

Bookof  Datas T8 

Bunting,  Indigo T,  105 

Buzzard,  Turkey 93 

Canadian,  Winter  Bird  Notes 7T 

Catbird 9 

Cat,  Too  Clever  tor  the 77 

Chat,  Yellow-breasted 9,  81 

Chautauqua,  (^uery  from  — 13 

Chester  Co.,  Pa.,  Birds  of ' 1 

Chewink 7,  89 

Chickadee lo,  so,  89,  91, 102 

Climbing  Large  Trees 92 

college  Hill,  O. ,  Notes  from So 

Collect,  How  to 74 

conn..  Notes  from 84 

Cow-bird 6,  79 

<'ow-blrd.  Destroy  the 95 

Crow,  American 6 

Crow  Roosts  of  New  Jersoy 94 

Cuckoo,  Black-billed 4,  8C,  85, 105 

"     Yeliow-bllled .....4,79,  105 

Dlckcissel, 7 

Dove,  Mourning 3,  89 

Duck,  Wood 2 

"Field Notes"....  .• 87 

Fort  Washington,  Pa.,  A  day  in  the  Woods 78 

Flicker 5 

Flycatcher,  Acadian 6 

Crested 5,81 

Yellow-breasted 103 

Flycatchers,  Nesting  of  the  Trail's  and 

Acadlnn 96 

Galllnule,  In  the  Haunts  of  the  Purple 73 

Gannet 99 

Gnatcatcher,  Blue-gray 85 

Goldflnch,  American 6 


Grakle,  Purple 6 

Grosbeak,  Cardinal 80 

Rose-breasted 89 

Grouse,  Ruffed , 3 

Hawk,  Broad-winged 4 

"    Cooper's 3,  90 

"    Marsh 13 

"    Red-sliouldered 84 

"    Red-tailed 4, 13,  92,93 

"    Sparrow 4 

Hawking 92 

Heron,  Great  White 9n 

"     Green 2,  85 

How  to  Collect 74 

Hummingbird,  Costa's 79 

Ruby-throated 5,  72,  81 

Jay,   Blue 6 

Jay,   Eggs  of  Florida 76 

Kans  as ,  A  days  Collecting  in  Southern lOs 

Kl  deer 3 

Kingbird 5,  79 

Kingfisher,  Belted 4,  85,  105 

Kinglet,  To  a  Golden-crested 83 

Kite,  Swallow-tailed 9 

Lark,  Meadow 6,  81, 103 

Large  Sales 90,  104 

Largest  Collection  of  Birds'  Eggs 82,  97 

Late  Collecting 105 

Loon 79 

Martin,  Purple 7,  81 

Mass.,  Newsy  Letter  from 13 

' '     Notes  from 102 

Mockingbird 9,  103 

Museum,  National 88 

Nebraska,  From 84 

Nesting,  Very  Late 12 

Nest,  Two  Storied  Lark's 103 

Nest,  To  see  if  it  contains  Eggs  etc 79 

Nlghthawk 5 

No  tes  from  Spoon  River  Region ,  Ills 71 

Nuthatch,  White-breasted lo 

Ohio,  From 85 

Oology 82 

Oriole,  Baltimore 6 

Orchard 6 

Owl,  American  Hawk 71 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


Owl,  Great  Horned 4_ 


LoDg-oared. 


92,93 


"    Screech 4,  79_  S4 

"    Snowy 77_  79 

Pelican,  White ]0] 

Pewee,  Wood '        5 

Pho?be,  (Pewee) 5 'sq 

Sandpiper,  Bartramlan ' .  3 

Spotted 3 

S  h  ades ^g 

Shrike,  Great  Northern '.'.'.'.'.'.'.so 

"Siamese"  Robin  Nests '.'.'... ss 

Smithsonian  Inst.,  Ornithological  Dept .ss 

Sparrow,  Field 7 

"        Grasshopper j 

Paternal  Fidelity  of  Song 72 

Song ..........7 

"       Vesper - 

Spoon  River,  Ills.,  Notes  from ''.'.".V.'.'.'.'.Vi 

Sullivan  Co..  N.  Y.,  Notes  from ..'..'...  83 

Surgery,  Bird *.!!".  '75 

Swallow.  Bank ."."....'    "s  's2 

"       Barn '''"'''Z^i^s.  si 

"     cm 7.S1 

Rough-winged 82 

"^^^^ 8,  82 

Violet-green §2 

Whlte-hellied s  09 


Swallows,  Nesting  of  our c,i 

Tanager,  Scarlet.  ' 

Thrasher,  Bendire's. 
Brown . 

Rufons-vented  or  Crlssal 76 

Thrush,  Wood '  "j,, 

Titmouse,  Tufted ^q'^^ 

'To^liee .■."■.■.■.■.■.■.7.' 89 

"     Canon gg 

VIreo,  Red-eyed .".*..*....    ^^ 

"    Warbling ...8 

"    White-eyed g 

"    Yellow-throated g 

Vulture,  Turkey .3 

Warbler,  Chestnut-sided ..11,  102 

Kentucky g 

Yellow g 

Waxwlng,  Cedar h 

Weasel,  White 13 

Whip-poor-will "  ,...". .5 

Woodcock,  American '.V.s.'u 

Woodpecker,  Downy .I.so 

Hairy 4 

Red-headed so 

Wren,  Carolina \   ^ 

House 9  gjj 

Long-billed  Marsh '..9 

Yellow-throat,  Marjland 9 


THE  OQLOGIST. 

Vol.  4,  No  1.     ALBION,  N.  Y.,  JAN.  &  FEB.,  1887.      \  b.-monthlv 


1  25c.  Per  Year. 


BIRDS  OF  CHESTER  COJTNTY,  PENN. 
Prepared  by  C.  J.  Pennock,  Kennett  Square 

The  accompanying  list  of  birds  of  Chester  county  is  compiled  from  the  writer's  ob- 
servations and  the  lists  of  the  late  Vincent  Barnard,  the  venerable  Ezra  Michener  M  D 
and  that  of  Dr.  H.  Warren.  It  is  designed  to  embrace,  as  nearly  as  possible,  a  complete 
list  of  species  known  to  have  been  foimd  within  our  limits:  a  few,  as  noted,  are  now  ex- 
tinct; several  others  noted  as  stragglers  occur  so  seldom  that  the  ordinary  observer  will 
perhaps  never  meet  with  them. 

It  was  i)repared  originally  for  the  Penn'a  Board  of  Agriculture  and  appeared  in  their 
29th  and  30th  report,  issued  in  IMarch,  1886,  The  entire  list  has  been  revised  and  new 
notes  and  observations  added,  uj)  to  December  1st,  1886.  In  the  original  list  the  names 
and  arrangement  of  species  was  according  to  Dr.  Coues'  Check  List,  but  at  the  sug^'-estion 
ot  the  compiler,  thereby  making  the  list  of  greater  value  in  the  future,  the  pubHsher  of 
The  OoLomsT  has  transijosed  it  to  correspond  with  the  new  A.  O.  U  List  The  brief 
notes  on  food  supi)ly  was  intended  as  an  index  of  the  value  of  the  species  to  the  a-a-icul- 
tunst.  As  It  now  appears,  several  species  are  given  as  summer  resident  that  ori-nuallv 
were  recorded  as  probably  breeding  or  migrant,  from  the  fact  that  they  have  been '^ found 
nestmg  durmg  tlie  past  season. 

_  .Species  in  the  following  list  marked  B.,  M,,  or  W.,  indicate  that  the  observation  ou 
Its  occurrence  w^as  by  \'incent  Barnard.  Ezra  Micliener,  M.  D.,  or  Dr.  Warren  respect- 
ively. ' 

Barnard's  ]i.st  appeared  in  1860,  and  comprised  one  hundred  and  ninety-one  species 

Michener  s  first  list,  in  1863,  did  not  include  aquatic  birds,   and  numbered  one  hundred 

and  fitleen.     His  second  list  comprised  two  liundred  and  thirty-two  species    several  of 

whu-h  lie  believed  would  he  found  within  our  limits;  unfortunately,  he  does  not  desio-nate 

•wlncii  these  are.  "  '^ 

Dr.  Warren's  list  of  1879  is  the  most  valuable  for  present  reference,  as  each  species 
has  his  record  or  authority  for  its  occurrence.     It  contains  two  hundred  and  eighteen 

1.     Colymhns  Jwlbivllii  (Holba-ll's  grebe).     A  rather  rare  fall  and  spring  visitor 
L     Col!nnhu8auritu.'<(\\oYm'dgri^]K).     Rarely  met  with  as  aniigrant 
-S     Jodilj/m/Mis   podiceps    (pied-billed    grebe— '•  hell-diver ").  ^  A    rather    common 
Diig'i  HUt.  ^ 

4,      Uvinator  imber  (loon).     Occasionally  met  with  as  a  migrant 
in  our  li    ' '•"*  ^^"'^'^^^'^^'^''^^  (Bonaparte's  gull).     Several  specimens  have  been  taken  with- 

6.  Sterna  Mrundo  (common  tern).  According  to  Dr.  Warren  Mr  C  D  Wood 
has  prepared  specimens  taken  in  the  county. 

7  Sterna  fuliginosa  (sooty  tern).  At  least  three  instances  of  its  capture  are  on 
recor  I  from  our  county.  ^ 

8.  Hydrochelidon  nigra  surinamensis  (black  tern).  Dr.  Warren  records  the  capture 
or  a  male  and  female. 

9.  Puffinusjaajor  (greater  shearwater).  "  This  powerful  bird,  despite  its  strenirth 
and  endurance  of  wing,  was  storm-stranded  witliin  our  borders  and  perished  durin?  a 
severe  storm  of  wind,  rain,  and  sleet."— (Micliener.)  '^ 

10.  Ocmnodroma  leuwrhoa  (Leach's  petrel).  As  far  as  I  know,  Dr  Warren's 
record  of  a  single  specimen  is  the  only  instance  of  the  taking  of  this  bird  within  the 
limits  ot  our  county. 

1 1  Merganser  americanus  (American  merganser).  Occurs  occasionally  late  fall  and 
early  spring  along  the  streams.     "Common".    (W.) 

12.  Merganser  serrator  (red-breasted  merg^mser).     Given  in  Micliener's  list 

13.  Lophodytes  cucuUatus  (liooded  merganser).     Rarely  met  with.     Bernard  .savs 
i'reciuent.       According  to  Warren,  "  Rare."  ' 

14.  Anas  hoschas  (mallard).     A  not  very  common  migrant.     (M.  &  W.) 


THE     OOLOGIST. 


15.  A/tas  obsriira  {])huk  duck).  Given  by  Buriiiinl  as  rare.  Micheiier  also  gives  it. 
Occurs   occasionally. 

16.  Annfi  penelope(v,-idgeon).     A  rare  migrant.     (M.) 

17.  Anas  carolinendx  {grceii-y\-ingi.'x]  tt'n]).     Of  rare  occurrence.     (M.) 

18.  Spatula  clypeata  (slioveller).     Rare.     (B.  and  M.) 

19.  Dafila  acutu  (pintail).     Given  in  1881  list  of  Michener. 

20.  Air  upon.m  (wood  duck).  Rather  common  on  migrations  and  probablj-  breeds 
rarely.  Barnard  says,  "Frequent:"'  Warren,  "  Occasional,"  and  Michener,  "  So  far  as  I 
have  I)eeu  informed,  this  is  the  only  *i-ild  duck  that  has  deigned  to  ne.st  and  breed  in  this 
county;  unlike  its  kin,  it  prefers  a  hollow  tree  for  a  nesting  place."'  During  the  spring 
of  1886  two  broods  of  Wood  Ducks  were  found  in  Chester  comity. 

21.  Aythya  americana  (redhead).     "Occasional  winter  visitant."    (Warren.     (M.) 

22.  Aythya  valliftneria  (canvass-back).  Probably  a  casual  visitor  on  the  migra- 
tions.    (M.) 

23.  Aythya  marila  neartica  (American  scaup  duck).     Occurs  occasionally.     (M.) 

24.  Aythya  nffiniK  {\<ifi^cT  ^C3Mp  dwck).  Rather  comm(m  on  streams  and  ponds;  in 
small  flocks  in  spring  and  fall. 

25.  Aythya  rollans  (ring-necked  duck).     Appears  in  Michener's  list. 

26.  Olaucionetta  damjula  americana  (American  golden-eye).     Given  by  Michener. 

27.  Charitonetta  albeola  (buffle  head — butter  ball).  Frequent!}^  met  with  when 
migrating. 

28.  Clanijiila  hyemalis  (old-squaw).     Occurs  but  rarely.     (M.) 

29.  Erimnatura  ruhida  (ruddy  duck).  I  have  known  of  several  instances  uf  the 
capture  of  this  species  in  our  county.     "  Rare,"  (B  );  "Frequent,"  (W.) 

30.  Branta  canadensis  (C-anada  goose).  Common  in  spring  and  fall  flying  on  its 
migrations,  but  rarely  stops  in  our  limits. 

31.  Olor  columbinnus  (whistling  swan).  Rare  migrant.  Given  by  Michener  in 
later  l^^t.     Not  given  by  B.  or  W.     I  have  never  seen  it  in  Chester  county. 

32.  Tantalus  loculator  (wood  ibis).  A  very  rare  sti'aggler.  One  specimen  was 
taken  a  number  of  years  ago  by  the  late  Vincent  Barnard. 

33.  Botaurns  lentiginoses  (American  bittern).  Common  in  some  parts  of  the  coun- 
try. M.  gives  it  "resident;  common."  I  have  found  no  positive  record  of  its  nest  hav- 
ing been  found,  but  specimens  have  been  shot  throughout  the  summer  months.  Warren 
has  a  specimen  taken  December  8,  1879. 

34.  Botaurvs  exilis  (least  bittern).  Given  in  Michener's  later  list.  Not  given  by  B. 
or  W.     Probably  of  rare  occurrence. 

35.  Ardea  herodias  (great  blue  heron).  Rather  common  in  spring  and  fall  as  a  mi- 
grant; may  breed,  but  I  have  never  met  with  its  nest  nearer  than  the  borders  of  the  Dela- 
ware river,  twenty  miles  di.stant. 

36.  Ardea  egretta  (great  white  egret).  Of  accidental  occurrence.  Given  by  Bar- 
nard, who  says  "seldom  found."  Warren  had  a  .specimen  taken  in  adjoining  county  of 
Lancaster.     I  have  never  .seen  it  here. 

37.  Ai'dea  candidissima  (snowy  heron).     Rare;  occurs  as  a  straggler  only. 

38.  Ardea  viresc£ns  (green  heron).  An  abundant  summer  resident;  frequently 
breeds  in  colonies  of  six  to  ten  pairs;  nest  in  trees  and  bushes,  a  few  sticks  loosely  put 
together  sufficient  to  hold  the  three  or  four  pale-blue  eggs.  Food,  fish,  frogs  and  insects 
from  mansh-land  mainly. 

39.  Nycticora.r  ruivius  (black-crowned  night  heron).  Common  in  spring  and  fall; 
probably  breeds;  nesting  similar  to  that  of  green  heron. 

40.  Orus  canadensis  (little  brown  crane).  Given  by  B.  and  M.  Both  these  records 
are  based  on  the  same  occurrence,  as  I  am  informed,  by  the  venerable  Dr.  Michener, 
who  tells  me  that  about  1840  a  flock  of  about  five  individuals  passed  along  the  west 
branch  of  the  White  Clay  creek,  flying  northward,  and  one  was  shot  and  mounted  by 
him.  This  bird  was  in  the  doctor's  collection  for  years.  Later  it  went  to  Swarthmore 
college  and  perished  in  a  fire  a  few  years  ago. 

41.  Rnllas  virgiaianus  (Virginia  I'ail).  Breeds  occasionally;  two  nests  have  been 
taken  within  a  mile  of  Kennett  Square,  one  about  1878,  by  A.sher  Palmer;  the  other  by 
some  boys  in  1883.  Both  nests  were  in  swamps  near  streams.  I  have  an  egg  in  my  col- 
lection from  the  latter  nest. 

42.  Porzana  Carolina  (sora).     Rather  common  migrant. 

43.  Porzana  noveboracensia  (yellow  rail).  Given  by  Michener  in  his  1881  list.  I 
have  never  .seen  this  bird  in  our  county. 

44.  Qallinula  galeata  (Florida  gallinule).     Not  common;  occurs  only  as  a  migrant. 


THE     OOLOGIST. 


45.  Fnlica  nmericana  (American  coot).     A  rather  rare  migrant. 

46.  Phalaropiis  lobatus  {r\ovi\\(ii'i\  YihixhiYOT^Q).     A  nortliern  .straggler.     (M.) 

47.  PMlohela  minor  (American  woodcock).  Common  summer  resident;  sometimes 
rears  two  l)roods,  in  April  and  June;  nest  on  the  ground  in  woods  or  thickets;  eggs,  4; 
pale,  spotted  witli  dark-brown  or  luiiber;  lood,  worms  from  jjanip  ground. 

48.  Gallinago  delicat-i  (Wilson's  snipe).  Not  uncommon  as  a  migrant;  frequents 
streams  and  low  meadows. 

49.  Mac)'orhamp7ius  ff7'iseiis  (dowitcher).  I  have  never  met  with  this  species. 
Given  by  Michener. 

50.  Tringa  m(icul(((a  (\wi,'Un'a\  ■■iin\dpiY)(ir).     Given  by  Michener.     Straggler,  if  at  all. 

51.  T'nw^rt  we«^/<«7/rt  (least  sandpiper).     Migrant;  not  abundant, 

52.  Trinc/a  alpina  {duulin).     A  rare  straggler.     (M.) 

53.  Totanus  uHlanoleunis  (greater  yellow-legs.     As  a  migrant.     (B.  and  M.) 

54.  Totaims Jlavipes  (j^ellow-legs).     Migrant;  rare. 

55.  Totanus  solitarins  (solitary  sandpiper).     Migrant;  not  uncommon. 

56.  Bartramia  longicauda  (Bartramian  sandpiper).  Rather  common;  nests  in 
meadow  and  grass  tields;  eggs  resemble  closely  those  of  the  Avoodcock;  food,  mainly  in- 
sects. 

57.  Actitii'  iiuicnlnria  (spotted  sandpiper).  An  abundant  summer  resident;  fre- 
quents streams  and  borders  of  ponds;  nests  on  ground,  frequently  at  a  distance  from 
water;  eggs,  fonr;  light-brown,  with  dark  spots;  food,  aquatic  and  other  insects. 

58.  iV'Mwemws  to«,i7irc>s<?7s  (long-billed  curlew).     Rare,  if  at  all.     (M.) 

59.  Charadrius  squatarola  (black-bellied  plover).  A  rare  migrant.  Given  by 
Michener  as  a  summer  resident. 

60.  Charadri'is  dominicuH  (American  golden  plover).     A  rare  migrant. 

61.  v£'yia?zY(?s  wc2/(?/'a.  (killdeer).  Abundant,  except  in  mid-winter;  occasionally  res- 
ident throughout  the  year;  eggs  laid  on  bare  ground  or  old  pasture  tields,  four  in  num- 
ber, with  dark  spots;  rears  two  broods  generally;  food,  insects  largely. 

63.  Colinus  virginianus  (bob-white).  Common  resident;  eggs  laid  on  ground  under 
brush  or  along  fence;  eggs,  8-15  or  more;  sharply  pointed  at  one  end;  food,  seeds, 
grain,  A:c. 

63.  Cotnrnix  dactylifionans  {n\igrc\io\-y  (.{VL-d\\).  An  imported  species.  Several  have 
been  shot  in  our. county. 

64.  Bonasa  ambellas  (ruffed  grouse).  Resident  where  found;  rather  abundant  in 
northern  part  of  the  county;  rarely  found  in  southern  part;  nests  on  the  ground  beside  a 
bush  or  log;  eggs,  8-12;  pale  brown;  granivorous. 

65.  Ectopistes  inigratonus  (passenger  pigeon).  An  irregularly  abundant  spring  and 
fall  visitor.     Food  consists  of  acorns,  beech  nuts,  berries,  insects,  and  seeds  generally. 

66.  Zenaiditra  mncwura  (mourning  dove).  Very  abundant  except  during  colder 
months.  A  few  remain  throughout  the  winter  generally.  Nest  in  low  trees  in  orchards 
and  along  streams.  Eggs,  2,  white.  Occasionally  lay  in  deserted  nest  of  robin  or  other 
S))ecies.     Food,  seeds;  in  fall  resort  to  freshly  sown  wheat  tields. 

67.  Cathartes  aura  (turkey  vulture).  Abundant  throughout  the  year,  except  in  ex- 
treme cold  weather,  when  they  repair  further  south.  A  few  build  within  the  limits  of 
our  county  annually.  Eggs,  2-3,  and  closely  resemble  those  of  the  domestic  turkey, 
with  spots  generally  larger  and  more  contined  to  the  larger  end.  Food  consists  of  car- 
rion, which  they  discover  by  sense  of  sight. 

68.  Mississippiensis  icUnia  (Mississippi  kite).  A  southern  straggler.  The  only 
record  of  its  occurrence  in  our  county,  .so  far  as  I  am  informed,  is  by  the  late  Vincent 
Barnard,  who  saw  an  individual  October  20,  1852. 

69.  Circus  Jiudsonit/s  {Tnarah  hawk).  Abundant  in  spring  and  fall;  food  fconsLsts 
largely  of  mice. 

70.  Aceipiter  velox  (sharp-shinned  hawk).  Probably  resident,  so  given  by  B.,  M. 
and  W.  I  have  never  met  with  the  nest  here.  A  small,  active  species,  quite  destructive 
to  small  birds,  mice,  &c. 

Since  the  above  was  printed  Mr.  Thos.  Jackson  informs  me  that  he  found  a  nest  of 
tliis  species  in  our  county  several  years  ago,  from  which  three  eggs  were  taken.  I  also 
tind  I  have  overlooked  a  record  of  Dr.  Warren's  having  foimd  two  ne.sts  in  this  county. 

71.  Arcipiter  cooperi  (Cooper's  hawk).  Resident;  quite  abundant.  This  with  the 
red-tailed  hawk  are  the  two  so-called  "  chicken  hawks,"  and  this  species  in  particular 
is  destructive  to  poultry.  They  nest  early  in  Maj,  in  woods;  eggs,  4-6,  bluish  white, 
sometimes  speckled  with  liglit  brown. 


THE    OOLOGIST. 


72.  Accipitcr  atn'cKpill IIS  {Xmericiin  goshawk).  Winter  resident;  not  nnfrequently 
met  with. 

73.  Buteo  borealis  (red-tailed  b8\vk).  Abundant;  a  resident;  nest  of  sticks,  in 
woods,  early  in  April;  eggs,  2-4,  light,  with  brown  splotches;  food,  rabbits,  squirrels, 
poultry,  &c. 

74.  Bute/>  Uneatns  (red-shouldered  hawk).  Common  as  a  winter  resident;  may 
occur  as  a  summer  resident,  so  given  bj'  B.  and  Dr.  W. 

75.  Buteo  latissiiuus  (broad- winged  hawk).  Resident;  not  abundant;  nest  similiir  \.o 
that  of  Cooper's  hawk;  eggs  smaller,  and  spotted. 

76.  Arclubuteo  lagopus  santi-johan/us  (American  rotigh  legged  hawk).  A  winter 
resident;  rather  rare. 

77.  AqiiUa  chrysai'tos  (golden  eagle).     Very  rare;  occurs  at  intervals,  spring  and  fall. 

78.  HaliaHuH  loiccephaltis  (bald  eagle).  Occasional  in  spring  .'uid  fall.  A  nest 
said  to  have  been  found  in  the  county  a  number  of  years  ago.  Food  consists  of  tish, 
snakes,  &c. 

79.  Fako  islanchis  (white  gyrfalcon).  Given  by  Dr.  Warren  as  having  been  taken 
on  one  occasion  in  our  county.     A  straggler  from  the  far  north. 

80.  FaUo pevegriiius  (inatum  (duck  hawk).     Very  rare;  as  a  winter  resident  onlj-. 

81.  Falco  colli mbarius  (pigeon  hawk).     A  rather  rare  winter  resident. 

82.  Falco  sparnerins  (sparrow  hawk).  Very  abundant;  breeds  in  holes  in  decayed 
trees,  often  selecting  an  isolatcd'chestnut  in  an  open  tield;  eggs,  5,  light,  covered  thickly 
with  brown  spots  or  blotches;  food,  mice  largely. 

83.  Pandion  haliaetiis  carolinensis  (American  osprey).  Abundant  in  spring  and 
fall.  Given  by  Dr.  Warren,  in  list  of  1879,  as  breeding  in  the  county;  not  in  his"  later 
list.  I  have  never  found  il  breeding  here,  but  have  heard  that  a  nest  was  at  one  time 
found  on  the  Brandywine  in  this  county. 

84.  Strix  pmtincola  {A.mencnnh'dvn  owl).  Extremely  rare  or  accidental;  this  spe- 
cies is  generally  resident  where  found,  and  has  been  captured  in  our  county;  given  bj'  B. 
and  M. 

85.  Asio  wilsonianus  (American  long-eared  owl).  Abundant  at  times  in  fall,  winter 
and  spring;  breeds  rarely;  eggs,  4-7,  white;  nest  usually  of  sticks;  a  deserted  crows'  nest 
is  sometimes  occupied. 

86.  Asw  acciplrinus  (short-eared  owl).     Winter  resident;  not  uncommon. 

87.  Si/rnium  neb ulosum  {harred  ow\).  Resident;  not  very  abundant  generally;  nest 
and  habits  similar  to  the  great-horned  owl. 

88.  Nyctala  acadica  (saw-whet  owl).  Rare;  probably  resident,  although  I  know  of 
no  instance  of  the  nest  having  been  found  in  our  county.     Given  by  Michener  as  resident. 

89.  Megaseops  asio  (screech  owl).  Well  known,  and  a  rather  abundant  resident; 
nests  in  hollow  trees,  frequently  in  orchards,  especially  if  marsh  or  meadow  land  is  near 
by;  eggs,  4-6,  white;  food,  small  birds,  mice,  &c. ;  in  May  and  June,  while  the  young 
are  being  cared  for,  they  are  very  destructive  to  numerous  small  insectivorous  birds. 

90.  Bubo  virgiiiian IIS  (gre-AiYiomeA  oyv\).  Common;  resident;  rears  young  in  cavi- 
ties of  decayed  tree  or  deserted  nest  of  hawk  or  crow;  eggs,  2-4,  pure  white,  nearly  as 
large  as  those  of  the  domestic  fowl;  food,  rabbits,  mice,  chickens,  &c. 

91.  Nyetea  nyctea  (snowy  owl).  Given  by  Michener  as  a  rare  winter  resident.  I 
have  never  met  with  it. 

92.  Coccyzus  americaniis  (yellow-billed  cuckoo).  Quite  similar  to  the  following; 
both  are  called  "  rain  crows."  Hal )its  and  food  same.  Eggs  of  this  species  larger  and 
generally  paler  in  color.  I  have  found  this  species  much  more  abundant  than  the  follow- 
ing.    Dr.  Warren  found  the  reverse. 

93.  Coccyzus  erytltroplithahnuH  (black-billed  cuckoo).  Occurs  only  as  a  summer  res- 
ident; nests  in  thickets  and  woods;  eggs,  3-5,  dark-green  or  bluish-green.  Food  of  this 
and  last  species,  insectiverous  and  largely,  in  season,  of  tent  caterpilhxr. 

94.  Ceryle  alcyon  (belted  kingtisher).  Abundant  as  a  summer  resident;  rarely  re- 
mains throughout  mild  winters;  nest  in  hole  in  bank  along  roadside  or  stream,  often  six 
to  eight  feet  deep;  eggs.  6-7,  pure  white,  are  deposited  at  rear  of  excavation  on  bare 
ground  or  on  bones  of  fishes  undigested  by  old  bird. 

95.  Dryobates  mllosus  (hairy  woodpecker).  Resident;  common,  but  never  abund- 
ant; nests  early  in  April,  in  a  hole,  which  the  birds  excavate,  usually,  in  or  near  a  swamp 
bordering  or  near  a  woods;  eggs,  4-5,  white,  like  those  of  all  the  woodpeckers;  food,  in- 
.sects  entirely,  or  mainly. 


THE     OOLOGIST. 


96.  Dryobates  puhescem  (downy  woodpecker).  An  alnmdant  resident;  nests  in 
orchards  and  edge  of  woods,  in  holes  similar  to  the  other  woodpeckers;  a  very  active  and 
industrious  species,  always  on  the  go,  and  of  great  value  in  ridding  trees  of  injurious 
borers,  &c.  ,       j.  ,  , 

97.  DryohnteK  horealis  (red-cockaded  woodpecker).  A  straggler  from  the  south. 
"Accidental,  very  rare."  The  above  quotation,  without  the  author,  appears  in  Warren's 
list;  not  given  by  B.  or  M.  .  •  j 

98.  SpJ/i/ra pirns  rariiis  (yellow-bellied  sapsucker).  Rarely,  as  a  winter  resident; 
occurs  in  fall' and  spring;  a  true  "sapsucker;"  the  structure  of  tongue,  and  its  dependent 
habits,  are  different  from  all  other  of  our  native  species;  feeds,  to  a  considerable  extent, 
upon  inner  bark  and  sap  of  trees,  often  to  the  detriment  of  the  vegetation. 

99.  veophla'iis  pileatiis  (pileated  woodpecker).  Rare;  doubtful  if  it  has  been  ob- 
served for  several  years  in  our  county;  breeds  and  is  resident  in  many  portions  of  the 
•wooded  portions  of  the  State;  very  shy;  mainly  insectivorous;  the  king  of  the  northern 
woodpeckers  and  a  handsome  species.'  A  recent  southern  writer  observed  this  species 
feeding  on  grubs,  beetles,  &c.,  obtained  from  the  ground  by  scratching,  and  dissected 
one  that  had  eaten  "  two  immen.se  caterpillars."     (M.  B,  W.) 

100.  Mdanerpes  erythrocep/uUus  (red-headed  woodpecker).  Irregular;  sometimes 
very  abundant  as  a  winter  resident;  often  none  remain  during  the  winter  months;  usually 
common  as  a  summer  resident;  food,  generally  insectivorous;  fond  of  fruits  and  corn  in 
the  milk  state,  but  to  no  harmful  degree. 

101.  Melanerpes  cavolinus  (red-bellied  woodpecker).     Winter  resident;  rather  rare. 

103.  Golaptes  auratus  (flicker).  One  of  the  best  known  of  our  woodpeckers;  abund- 
ant until  cold  weather;  usually  a  few  are  resident;  nest  around  farm-houses  or  in  trees,  in 
almost  every  location;  eggs,  6-10,  glossy  white;  a  species  of  inestimable  value,  and  should 
never  be  wantonly  shot,  as  is  too  often  the  practice;  said  to  be  a  great  ant-eater. 

103.  Antrostomus  vociferus  (whip-poor-will).  Not  very  abundant;  a  summer  resi- 
dent; nests  on  ground;  eggs,  2,  white,  or  nearly  so,  wiih  pale  lilac  or  bluish  spots;  accord- 
ing to  Warren  rears  two  broods;  strictly  insectivorous. 

104.  Clwrdeiles  virginianus  (nighthawk).  Common  summer  resident;  most  abund- 
ant spring  and  fall;  breeds  freciuently  in  colonies;  deposits  two  eggs  on  bare  ground, 
which  are  much  darker  tlian  those  of  the  whip-poor-will. 

105.  Chivtura  pelagim  (chimney  swift).  An  abundant  and  well-known  summer 
resident;  nests  in  chimneys  exclusively  now;  formerly  built  in  hollow  trees,  as  they 
still  do  in  uninhabited  parts  of  the  country;  nests  of  sticks,  half  cup-shaped,  of  twigs, 
held  together  and  to  walls  by  adhesive  secretion  from  the  bird's  throat;  eggs,  5-6,  pure 
white;  insect  feeding  entirely. 

106.  TrochUm  cob/bris  (ruby-throated  hummingbird).  Common  resident  during 
the  warmer  portions  of  the  year;  builds  on  horizontal  limb,  in  woods,  orchard  or  shade 
tree.  The  nest  is  a  delicate  structure  made  u])  of  cotton  down  from  plants  and  other 
like  soft  material,  and  placed  on  top  of  limb  or  in  a  fork,  covered  with  lichens  held  on  by 
.spiders'  web;  eggs,  2,  white;  food  largely  insectivorous. 

107.  TyrannHn  tyrannus  (kingbird).  Abundant;  a  summer  resident;  nests  about 
farm  buildings,  frequently  selecting  an  old  pear  tree;  eggs,  4-5,  cream  with  chocolate 
spots;  frequents  neighborhood  of  bee-hives  and  lunches  off  the  inhabitants;  food  entirely 
insectivorous.  The' kingbird,  pewee  and  all  the  other  flycatchers  are  among  the  best 
friends  of  the  farmer.  From  their  first  arrival  they  are  ever  on  the  alert  for  flying  in- 
sects, which  they  capture  with  a  quick  dart  from  a  convenient  perch,  often  to  return  to 
the  same  spot  to  await  another  victim. 

108.  Myiarchus  crinitus  (crested  flycatcher).  Rather  common  summer  resident; 
breeds  in  holes  in  trees,  fence  rails,  or  occasionally  in  bird-boxes  around  the  house;  eggs, 
4-6,  almost  covered  with  lines  and  streaks  of  dark  brown.  The  nest  frequently  has  a 
cast-off  snake  skin  at  the  entrance  or  about,  presumably  for  protection  from  marauding 
vermin.     Insectivorous  to  a  valuable  degree. 

109.  Sayornu  phoahe  {\i[\ix^he).  A  common  and  well-known  summer  resident.  In 
mild  winters  "a  few  are  resident;  saw  one  December  27,  1883,  and  one  January  9,  18S4; 
nest  about  barns  and  houses,  bridges,  and  under  overhanging  banks,  &c. ;  eggs  cream 
white,  frequently  with  fine  spots;  4-5  in  number. 

110.  Gontopus  borealis  (olive-sided  flycatcher).     Rare  migrant.     (M.  and  W.) 

111.  GontopiiH  nrens  (wood  pewee).  Abundant  summer  resident;  nests  on  top  of  a 
horizontal  limb  in  a  fork  near  end  of  branch;  nest  small  and  covered  artistically  with 
licln  ns;  eggs,  3-4.  cream  white,  with  dark  spots;  food,  insects. 

112.  Einpidoaax  flacidentrls  (yellow-bellied  flycatcher).  Migrant;  not  comiTfon. 
(.M.  and  B.) 


THE     OOLOGIST. 


118.  Eiiipidonax  acddicvs  (Acadian  llj'catcber).  Irregularly  abundant  as  a  summer 
resident;  frequents  open  woods,  especially  beech  timber;  nests  on  extreme  end  of 
brauclies,  often  overhanging  water;  nest  of  beech  blossoms  largely,  very  slight,  placed  in 
a  horizontal  fork  and  pendant;  eggs,  3-4;  usually  3,  cream  white,  with  reddish-brown 
spots  on  larger  end. 

114.  Kmpidoiiax  pusillus  truillii  (Traill's  flycatcher).     Rare  migrant. 

115.  Empidonax  ininiiniis  (least  Jlycatcher).  Migrant;  rather  common,  although 
never  abimdant. 

116.  Otocoris  nlpestn's  (horned  lark).  Irregular  winter  visitor;  generally  appear  in 
flocks. 

117.  Cyanocitta  cristata  (blue  jay).  Common  resident;  nests  generally  on  border  of 
woods  or  in  thickets;  eggs,  4-6;  green  or  drab,  with  darker  spots.  This  bird  bears  a  bad 
name,  and  is  supposed  to  be  destructive  to  smaller  species. 

118.  Corrus  cornx  sinuntus  {KvaavicAWYiVfen).     A  ver_y  rare  straggler.     (M.  &  B.) 

119.  Con-US  Amei'ieaniis  (American  crow).  An  abundant  resident;  nests  in  tali 
forest  trees,  or  sometimes  quite  low,  even  in  orchards  occasionallj';  eggs,  4-6;  blue,  with 
dark  spots.  Opinions  differ  largely  as  to  the  value  of  this  bird;  from  a  farmer's  stand- 
point, he  will  ste;d  3'oung  birds  and  chickens,  tear  up  corn,  and  break  up  the  nests  of 
3'oung  birds  ;  but  whether  he  has  enough  good  traits  to  overbalance  these  bad  ones,  I  am 
not  at  present  assured. 

120.  Corns  ossifragus  (fish  crow).     Rare  resident,  if  it  occurs  at  all      (M.  B.  &  W.) 

121.  Dolichonyx  oryzivorus  (bobolink — reed-bird).  Abundant  as  a  migrant  under 
the  above  names  in  spring  and  fall  respectively. 

122.  Molo.th.rus  ater  (cowbird).  Abundant  summer  resident;  eggs  probably  4-5;  are 
deposited  in  the  nests  of  other  species,  notably  those  of  yellow  warbler,  golden-crowned 
thrush,  vireos,  wood  thrush,  and  scarlet  tanager;  food,  insects  and  seeds. 

123.  Agelaius  jjJiit'niceus  {YeA-vfmge^hhvckhh-A).  Abundant  as  a  summer  resident; 
nest  on  ground  and  low  bushes  along  streams,  and  in  marshy  localities;  eggs,  4-5;  pale- 
green  with  dark  spots  and  streaks.  This  species  associates  with  purple  grakles  in  the 
spring  and  fall  in  large  flocks,  and  are  then,  at  times,  c[uite  destructive  to  crops. 

124.  Sturiiella  viagna{uiei\(\o'^-\'AY^).  Abundant  resident;  in  flocks  except  during- 
the  breeding  season;  nests  on  the  ground;  eggs  4-5;  white,  with  reddish  spots;  food, 
mainly  seeds. 

125.  Icterus  spurius  (orchard  oriole).  An  al)undant  summer  resident;  nests  in 
orchards  and  small  shade-trees,  in  an  upright  fork,  built  of  green  grass,  often  lined  with 
wool;  eggs,  4-6;  pale  green,  with  dark  lines  and  spots  ;  food,  largely  insectiverous. 

126.  Icterus  galbiilai^SiWhwovQ  oy'wIg — "hanging- bird.")  A  common  and  well-known 
summer  resident;  nest,  deep,  pendant,  constricted  at  mouth;  made  of  strings,  wool,  yarn, 
grass,  etc.,  placed  on  end  of  hanging  limb;  eggs,  4-6;  somewhat  similar  to  those  of  the 
swamp  blackbird;  food,  largely  insectivorous. 

127.  Scolecophngus  caroUnus  (rusty  blackbird).     Migrant;  rather  common. 

128.  Quiscalus  quiscula  (purple  grakle).  A  common  and  abundant  summer  resi- 
dent; breed  mostly  in  vicinity  of  dwellings;  eggs.  4-5;  brown  or  light-green,  with  dark 
spots;  congregate  in  large  flocks  spring  and  fall,  when  they  sometimes  do  considerable 
damage,  especially  in  the  fall  on  ripening  corn  ;  their  focxl  during  spring  and  summer  is 
largely  insectivorous,  particularly  grubs  and  cut-worms  from  freshly-plowed  sod;  thej^ 
undoubtedly  destroy  some  newly -sprouted  corn  in  spring  also. 

129.  Pinicola  enucleator  (pine  grosbeak).  Rare;  occurs  only  as  a  winter  visitor,  in 
severe  weather. 

130.  Pa««(?r  rfomesi?c?;s  (•'English  sparrow.")  Resident;  occurs  everywhere;  pugna- 
cious, hardy,  destructive  ;  quarrelsome  with  his  neighbors,  and  a  general  nuisance;  nests 
anywhere;  food,  mainly  seeds  and  grain. 

131.  Carpodacus  purpureus  (purple  finch).     An  abundant  migrant;  a  seed-eater. 

132.  Lui'ia  curvirostr  minor  {A.mQr\c-d\i  CYOHfihiW).  Rare;  only  found  as  occasional 
winter  visitor. 

133.  Loxia  leucopetra  (white-winged  crossbill).  Rare  straggler  from  the  north;  only 
found  in  winter. 

134.  Acanthus  linaria  (redpoll).  Winter  resident;  not  regular;  occurs  occasionally 
in  large  flocks;  food,  seeds  of  weeds  and  grass. 

135.  /S)J^«,^/s  ^mii's  (American  goldfinch).  Abundant  resident;  in  flocks  until  April 
or  May;  feeds  largely  on  seeds;  nests  in  July  and  August,  along  roadside  and  near 
houses,  in  trees;  eggs,  4-5;  pale  blue. 

136.  Spinus  pinits  (pine  siskin).     Only  as  a  winter  straggler;  rare. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


137.  Plectroplienax  nivalis  (snowflake).  As  a  winter  resident  only;  it  is  occasionally 
found  in  flocks. 

138.  Calcarius  lapponiciis  (Lapland  longspur).  Rare  winter  straggler.  Not  given 
by  Barnard,  but  liis  cabinet  contained  a  .specinien  taken  in  the  county  after  1860,  when 
his  list  was  published.     (M.) 

139.  Poocates  f/ramineiis  (vesper  sparrow).  Abundant  summer  resident;  rarely 
occurs  as  a  winter  resident;  rears  two  or  three  broods;  nests  on  ground  in  grass  fields  and 
elsewhere;  eggs,  4-5;  food  largely  of  grass-weed  seeds. 

140.  Aminodramus  sandioicensis  savanna  (Savanna  sparrow).  Migrant;  rather 
common. 

141.  Ammodramvs  sai-annann))  passerinus  (grassho]i-per  sparrow).  A  rather  common 
siunmer  resident;  nests  similar  to  bay-winged  bunting;  eggs,  3-4;  lighter,  being  white, 
with  pale  brown  spots,  mostly  on  larger  end.  Food  of  all  the  sparrows  is  mainly  seeds  of 
grass  and  weeds.  These  birds  are  not  at  all  injurious — excepting  P.  domestieus — and 
de.stroy  a  limited  amount  of  injurious  insects. 

142.  AmmodraiHus  savaiinarum  henlown  (Henslow's  sparrow).  Rare.  Warren's 
Forest  and  Stream  list  gives  an  instance  of  its  possible  occurrence,  nesting  in  Chester 
county,  not  in  his  later  list.     Given  by  M.  T.  B.     Probably  does  not  breed. 

143.  ZoTi/ifriehia  leueojihri/s  (white-crowned  speirrov,-).     Migrant  only;  usuallj'  rare. 

144.  Zonotri/chia  albicollis  (white-throated  sparrow).  A  common  migrant,  occa- 
sionally as  a  winter  resident. 

14o.     SpizcllK  ni.ontic'/la  [tree  sp-Arvovf).     Winter  resident;  food,  weed-seed  largely. 

146.  SpiztUa  socialis  {chipping  STpnrrow).  Summer  resident;  common;  nests  around 
houses;  eggs,  3^;  blue,  with  dark  spots.    • 

147.  Spizella  jnisilla,  (field  sparrow).  Abundant  summer  resident;  rears  two  or 
three  broods;  nest  placed  on  ground  or  in  low  bush;  eggs,  4,  pale-green,  with  brown 
spots,  usually  most  abundant  at  larger  end. 

148.  Jditco  Jiyeinalis  (slate-colored  junco).  Abundant  winter  resident;  occurs  in 
flocks  with  the  tree  sparrow. 

149.  Melospiza  fasciata  (song  sparrow).  Abundant  resident;  breeds  on  ground  or 
in  low  bu.shes;  rears  two  or  three  broods;  eggs,  4-5,  usually  spotted  all  over  with  brown 
spots. 

150.  Melospi'za  lincolni  ilAncoin's  spiirvovf).     Probably  occurs  occasionally.     (M.) 

151.  Melospiza  (/eorgi ana  (swamp  sparrow).  Common  migrant;  occasionally  breeds; 
a  ne.st,  with  eggs,  taken  in  this  vicinity  in  1885,  and  I  noted  the  birds  here  late  in  May. 

152.  Passe rella  iliaca  {fox  sparrow).     An  abundant  migrant;  occurs  in  small  flocks. 

153.  Passerella  iliaca  nnalasclieensis  (Townsend's  sparrow).  The  only  specimen 
extant  Avas  shot  in  Chester  county  in  1833;  a  doubtful  specimen  of  this  time. 

154.  Pipilo  erythro'pthalmus  (towhee).  Abundant  summer  resident.  Possibly  occurs 
throughout  mild  winters  to  a  limited  extent;  frequents  clearings  and  edge  of  woods;  nest 
on  ground;  eggs,  4,  light,  with  numerous  brown  spots;  food,  seeds  and  insects. 

155.  Cardinalis  cardinalis  (cardinal).  Common  resident;  rears  two  broods  usually; 
nests  in  woods  and  thickets,  preferring  low  ground;  eggs,  3-4,  sometimes  5,  light,  with 
spots  of  various  shades  of  brown.     Food,  mainly  seeds. 

156.  Ilahia  ludomcian-a  (rose-breasted  grosbeak).  Not  abundant  as  a  migrant; 
probably  lireeds  rarely.     Dr.  Warren  gives  an  instance  of  its  breeding  in  past  years. 

157.  Ouiraca  carulea  (blue  grosbeak).  Appears  on  Michener's  list;  a  straggler 
from  tlie  south. 

158.  Passerina  cj/anea  (indigo  bunting).  Abundant  summer  resident;  nests  along 
road.side  and  in  briars;  eggs,  3-5,  pale  blue;  food,  seeds,  grasshoppers  and  insects. 

159.  Spisa  americana  (dickcissel).  A  not  very  abundant  summer  resident;  nests  in 
hedge  rows,  &c. ;  eggs,  4-5,  pale  blue, 

160.  Piranr/a  erythromelas  (scarlet  tanager).  An  abundant  summer  resident;  nests 
in  open  woods,  frecjuently  on  border  of  woods,  along  roadside;  eggs,  3-5;  blue,  with 
brown  spots;  food  consists  of  seeds  and  insects. 

161.  Piranga  rubra  (summer  tanager).     Straggler  from  the  south.     (M.  B.  W.) 

162.  Progne  suhis  (purple  martin).  An  abundant  summer  resident;  breeds  generally 
in  boxes  about  Imildings;  eggs,  3-5;  pure  white;  feed  on  insects  exclusively. 

163.  Petrochelidon  Innifrons  {cliS.  awixWow).  Common;  a  summer  resident;  breeds 
in  colonies  frequently;  nests  of  mud  lined  with  feathers,  on  outside  of  barn  or  shed,  and 
covered,  the  entrance  being  through  a  hole  at  side;  eggs  similar  to  those  of  the  barn 
swallow;  insectivorous  entirely. 


THE     OOLOGIST. 


164.  Chelidron  evythof/aster  (barn  swallow).  An  alnindant  summer  resident;  nests 
z««/'rf<' barn.s and  sheds,  on  top  or  against  rafters,  &c. ;  nest  open  above;  eggs,  3-5;  light 
cream  or  white,  with  dark  spots;  food,  insects  exclusively. 

165.  lachyriiu'td  bicolor  (tree  swallow).  Common  migrant.  Have  never  taken  a 
nest  ill  Chester  county.  Breeds  along  the  Susquehanna  river  at  Peach  Bottom,  and  else- 
where in  adjoining  county  of  Lancaster;  nests  in  hollow  trees;  eggs,  4-5;  pure  white; 
insectivorous. 

166.  Clivirola  ripai'ia  (bank  swallow).  Summer  resident;  abundant;  frequents 
banks  around  quarries,  along  streams,  &c. ;  nest  placed  at  rear  of  a  hole  a  foot  or  more 
deep,  excavated  for  the  purpose;  eggs  pure  white,  5-9;  insect-eating. 

167.  Steigicl/yptenx  serripenms  (rough-winged  swallow).  According  to  Dr.  "Warren, 
breeds  in  our  own  county;  not  uncommon  in  spring  and  fall. 

168.  ADipelis  cedonan  {cadiXY  viSLXwm^^),  Abundant  resident;  gregarious  in  winter 
and  spring;  nests  in  orchards  and  elsewhere;  eggs,  4-5;  pale  blue,  with  dark  spots;  food, 
fruit,  seeds,  &c. 

169.  Lanius  borealis  (northern  shrike).  Winter  resident;  rather  gommon,  but  never 
abundant,  usually  solitary. 

170.  Vireo  olivaceiis  (red-eyed  vireo).  Abundant  summer  resident;  frequents 
woods,  thickets  and  vicinity  of  buildings;  nest,  round,  cup-shaped,  pendant  from  crotch; 
eggs,  3-4;  white,  with  a  few  dark  spots  on  larger  end;  food,  mainly  of  insects. 

171.  Vireo  gilvus  {wAxhXmg  Yiveo).  Abundant  in  summer;  breeds  in  orchards  and 
around  houses;  nest  and  eggs  similar  to  preceding. 

172.  Vireo  flavifrons  {yaWow-thYOiiied.  vivQo).  Rather  rare  summer  resident;  breeds 
along  border  of  woods  and  in  thickets;  nests  larger  and  more  handsome  than  of  the  other 
species  of  vireo,  covered  generally  with  hanging  lichens  attached  by  cobwebs;  eggs,  3-4, 
with  redder  spots  than  those  of  the  red-eyed  vireo. 

173-.      Vireo  solitaries  (blue-headed  vireo).     Rare  migrant,     (M.  B.  W.) 

174.  Vireo  iioveboracensis  (white-eyed  vireo).  Rather  common  as  a  summer  resident; 
breeds  in  open  woods  and  thickets;  nest  similar  to  those  of  the  other  vireos. 

175.  Mniotilta  varia  (black  and  white  Avarbler).     Migrant;  rather  common. 

June  18,  1886,  Mr.  Jackson  writes  me:  "A  week  ago  to-day  8.  B.  Ladd  and  myself 
met  H.  G.  Parker  *  *  *  ^nd  we  put  in  the  day  collecting.  The  most  im- 
portant find  of  the  day  was  a  nest  and  five  young  birds  of  the  black  and  white  creeper. 
They  were  nearlj"  ready  to  leave  the  nest,  and  together  we  fully  identified  the  parent 
birds  at  close  quarters.  We  also  saw  a  female  feeding  a  young  bird  from  another  nest, 
that  was  just  able  to  fly.  This,  I  believe,  adds  another  species  to  our  county  breeders, 
does  it  not  ? 

176.  Protonotwria  citrea  (prothonotary  warbler).     Rare;  migrant.     (M.  &  B.) 

177.  Helmitherus  mrmimrus  (worm-eating  warbler).  Rare;  summer  resident;  two 
or  three  nests  have  been  taken  by  Mr.  T.  H.  Jackson,  near  West  Chester;  I  saw  a  pair 
of  birds  last  of  June,  1885,  evidently  with  nest;  nest  on  ground  in  woods.  Mr.  Jackson 
and  Mr.  Ladd  took  several  nests  with  eggs  during  the  season  of  1886. 

178.  Helminthrophila  pim/s  (blue-winged  warbler).  A  not  vmcommon  summer  resi- 
dent; nests  on  ground. 

179.  Hrlniinlhrophilii  chrysoptera  (golden-winged  warbler).     Migrant;  not  abundant. 

180.  Heliiiintliriip]iiht  ritfieapilla  (Nashville  warbler).     Migrant;  not  common. 

181.  IlelmintJirophila  p)eregrina  (Tennessee  warbler).     Migrant;  (B.  M.  W.) 

183.  Compsiiihlypris  antericana  (Parula  warbler).  Common  as  a  migrant;  probably 
breeds  rarely;  one  was  shot  in  July,  1884,  by  M.  P.  Barnard. 

183.  Dendroica  tigrina  (Cape  May  warbler).     Rare  migrant;  (M.  B.  W.) 

184.  Dendroica  fpstim  (yellow  warbler).  Abundant  summer  resident;  nests  in 
bushes;  frequents  vicinity  of  streams;  eggs,  4-5.  The  nest  of  this  bird  usually  contains 
one  or  more  eggs  of  the  cow  bunting.  I  have  found  a  nest  of  this  species  that  had  been 
remodeled  by  the  parent  birds  twice,  each  time  by  building  the  sides  higher  and  putting 
in  a  new  bottom  to  cover  under  an  es^g  of  the  cow  bunting. 

185.  Dendroica  ccerulescens  (black-throated  blue  warbler).     A  common  migrant. 

186.  Dendroica  coronata  (myrtle  warbler).     One  of  the  most  abundant  migrants. 

187.  Dendroica  masculosa  (magnolia  warbler).     Migrant;  not  abundant. 

188.  Dendroica  cwrulea  (cerulean  warbler).     Rare  migrant. 

189.  Dendroica.  pensylvanica  (chestnut-sided  warbler).  Occurs  commonly  as  a 
migrant.     "I  am  inclined  to  think  they  occasionally  breed  here."     (Warren). 

190.  Dendroica  caslanea  (bay-breasted  warbler).     Migrant;  not  common. 

191.  Z)e;if??*02icffl  s^/'mto  (black-poll  warl)ler).     Common  migrant. 


THE    OOLOGIST. 


193.  De /id roira  Blackbui'nia'  (BlackhurnmnwaThler).  Common  migrant.  "Breeds 
rarely."    (Warren). 

193.  Dcnrlroica  domimca  (yellow-throated  warbler).     A  rare  migrant. 

194.  Dt'ndroira  towtixiiidi  (Townsend's  warl)ler).  Rare;  migrant.  "Mr.  C.  D. 
Wood,  of  Philadelphia,  killed  near  Coatesville,  Chester  county,  a  male  of  this  species." 
(Warren).     M.  and  W. 

195.  Dendfoica  i4gorsii  {puw  vf'AYlAtiY).     Migrant;  not  abundant. 

196.  Dendroica  palmnriuii  (palm  warbler).     Common  migrant. 

197.  De/irfr^/ica  duro^«?'  (prairie  warbler).     Migrant;  rare. 

198.  SciuruH  (virorrpUliiH  (oven-bird).  Common  summer  resident.  'BniVls  &  covered 
nest  on  the  ground,  hence  the  name  of  "oven-bird." 

199.  Seiiinis  noveburaccnsis  (water- thrush).  Rather  common  as  a  migrant.  Prob- 
ably a  few  breed. 

200.  Seiurnx  motacilla  (Louisiana  water-thrush).     Rare  migrant.     (M.  B.  W.) 
201.'     Geothlypis formom  (Kentucky  warbler).     Summer  resident;    rather  common; 

nests  on  ground;  eggs  4-5;  light,  with  reddish  spots  at  larger  end. 

802.     Geof/di/j)it<  (((/ilix  (Connecticut  warl)ler).     Migrant;  not  ver}"  abundant. 

203.  (hothlyim  jAilmlelphia  (mourning  warbler).  Rare  migrant.  June  19th,  1886, 
a  female  of  this  species  was  brought  to  me,  having  been  picked  up  dead  a  few  days 
before;  a  male  bird  was  seen  in  Uie  same  vicinity  about  June  12th.  The  inference  is 
probably  that  these  birds  were  already  and  would  have  nested  in  the  immediate  locality. 

204.  Oe/>thli/pis  trirlias  (Maryland  yellow-throat).  Abundant  summer  resident; 
rears  two  or  three  broods;  nests  in  low,  damp  places,  generally  near  woods;  eggs,  3-4; 
light,  with  more  or  less  abundant  light  spots  of  pink  or  reddish  color;  rarely  without 
spots. 

205.  Ictevia  virens  (yellow-breasted  chat).  Summer  resident;  apparently  more 
abundant  than  fifteen  years  ago;  nests  in  thickets;  eggs,  4-5;  light,  with  pale  brown 
spots;  food,  largely  insects;  a  handsome  and  shy  bird. 

206.  Sylvania  mitrata  (hooded  warbler).     Migrant;  not  very  abundant. 

207.  Sylvania  piisilla  (Wilson's  warbler).     Migrant  only;  rather  common. 

208.  Sylvania  canadensis  (Canadian  warbler).     Rather  common  as  a  migrant. 

209.  Setopliago  ruticilla  (American  redstart).  Common  migrant.  "Probably 
breeds."    (Warren). 

210.  Anthns  p>ensilv((nicus  {A.\n(ix\c^n  pipit).  Winter  resident,  in  flocks;  common; 
fall  and  spring. 

211.  Mimiis  •pnlyglottos  (mockingbird).  Rare;  summer  resident;  nest  and  parent 
birds  taken  by  the  late  V.  Barnard,  one  mile  east  of  Kennctt  Square;  a  specimen  shot 
near  same  place,  1873;  eggs,  4-5;  blue,  with  reddish-brown  spots;  food,  seeds  and  insects. 

312.  Galeoscoptes  rarolincnsis  (catbird).  Abundant;  summer  resident;  nests  in 
thickets,  bushes  and  briars;  eggs,  4;  dark  greenish-blue;  food,  seeds  and  small  fruits, 
especially  grapes. 

313."  Harporliynclnis  rufiis  (brown  thrasher).  Common;  summer  resident;  nest 
placed  on  the  ground  or  in  a  bush,  and  is  often  quite  bulky;  frequents  hedge-rows  along 
roadside;  eggs,  4-5,  j'^ellowish-browu,  with  abundant  dai'ker  spots;  food,  insects  mainly, 
grasshoppers,  &c. 

314.  Tliryotlwrtisludovicianus  {Carolina  vtrew).  Resident;  not  abundant;  breeds  in 
holes  around  houses,  mills  and  liridges;  eggs,  5-^6;  light  ground-work,  thickly  spotted 
with  reddish-brown;  insect  cater  almost  exclusively. 

315.  TItryothoriis  hemekii  (Bewick's  wren).  "Very  rare."  (Barnard.)  Given 
also  by  M. 

216.  Troglodytes  aedon  (house  wren).  Abundant;  summer  resident;  nests  about 
houses  in  holes  and  bird-houses;  eggs,  5-8,  almost  covered  with  red-brown  spots;  food, 
insects. 

217.  Troglodytes  liiemalis  (winter  wren).     Common;  winter  resident. 

218.  Cistotliorus  stellaris  {shori-hiVmd  \naxii\\\\VQn}.     Rare,  if  at  all.     (B.  and  M.) 
Jime  11,  1886,  while  collecting  a  series  of  eggs  of  long-billed  marsh  wren,   I  took  a 

set  of  3  eggs — probably  incomplete — of  this  species.     This  was  a  few  miles  south  of  our 
county  line,  in  the  state  of  Delaware. — Sec  The  Oologist,  Vol,  III.,  No.  5,  page  58. 

219.  Cistothorus  paliistris  {\ong-'bi\\vA\vii'Ars\\Yfr(i\i).  Given  by  Michener;  occurs  in 
summer  only,  if  at  all;  breeds  in  marshes  near  Wilmington  and  Newport,  Delaware,  ten 
miles  south  of  county  line. 

Under  date  of  June  13.  1883,  Mr.  T.  11.  Jackson,  of  West  Chester,  writes  me  : 
"About  the  middle  of  May  I  discovered  a  pair  of  long-billed  marsh  wrens  in  a  swamp 


lo  THE    OOLOGIST. 


near  West  Chester  (Chester  county.)  At  that  time  they  liad  constructed  about  four  or 
five  nests.  Yesterday,  June  13,  t  again  visited  the  locality,  and  after  searching  about 
twenty  empty  nests,  at  last  came  upon  the  right  one,  containing  six  eggs.  They  had 
probably  been  sat  on  several  days,  but  I  secured  them  with  the  nest.  *  *  * 
I  do  not  think  there  is  more  than  a  single  pair  in  the  locality,  but  it  seems  incredible  that 
they  should  make  so  manj'^  nests." 

"220.     Ce rt/i ia  f(ninlian.s  a/iierirand  (hrown  creeper).     Abundant; _  migrant,    and  at 
times  a  winter  resident:  have  never  met  with  tlie  nest,  but  may  breed;  insectivorous. 

221.  Si'tfa  caroUnnixlx  (white-breusted  nuthatch).  Resident;  common;  nests  in  holes 
on  border  of  woods;  eggs,  6-10;  same  color  as  those  of  chickadee. 

222.  ISitta  cnn(id(mii<  (red-breasted  nuthatch).  Migrant;  rare;  given  by  Barnard  as 
a  "resident" — evidentij'  a  mistake. 

2z'd.  Parus  birolor  (tufted  titmouse).  Resident;  nests  in  woods  and  along  streams, 
in  a  hole  in  tree  or  decayed  stump;  eggs,  4-6;  white  or  creamy,  with  reddish  spots;  food, 
insects  for  the  most  part. 

224.  Parus  nrticapUlus  (chickadee).  An  abundant  resident;  nests  in  holes;  eggs, 
6-12;  white,  with  light-red  spots;  food,  largely  insectivorous.  * 

225.  Parus  caroUiiensis  (Carolina  chickadee).  Closely  resembles  the  preceding. 
(B.  &  W.) 

226.  Regulvs  mtrapa  (golden-crowned  kinglet).  Migrant;  frequently  winter 
resident. 

227.  Begulus  calendula  (ruby-crowned  kinglet).     Migrant;  quite  abundant. 

228.  Polioptila  ca'rulm  (blue-gray  gnatcatcher).     Migrant.     (B.  &  M.) 

229.  Tardus  nmsieUnus  (wood  thrush).  Summer  resident;  common;  nests  in 
woods,  five  to  twenty  feet  high;  eggs,  4-5;  pale  blue;  food,  insects. 

230.  Turdusfusciseem{^\\iions,l\a-\xsh).  Migrant;  common;  found  along  streams 
and  border  of  woods. 

231.  Tardus  ustulatus  swainsonii  (olive-backed  thrush).  Migrant;  not  very 
abundant. 

232.  Tardus  aonalaschko;.  pallasii  (hermit  thrush).  Migrant;  common;  insectiv- 
orous. 

233.  Merula  migratoria  (American  robin).  Breeds  abundantly,  nesting  in  almost 
any  situation;  a  few  remain  all  winter;  food,  mainly  worms,  grubs  and  some  small  fruits. 

234.  Sialia  sialis  (bluebird).  Resident,  except  in  coldest  winters;  nest  in  holes; 
eggs   4-6;  pale-blue,  rarely  pure  white;  insectivorous. 

To  the  above  list  are  the  following  species,  or  supposed  species,  that  have  been  ac- 
credited to  our  county: 

ArcMbuteo  lagopws  (rough-legged  hawk).     Same  as  black  hawk. 

Opororrds  tepricotis  (Michener's  warbler).  Described  years  ago  by  Nutiall  from  a 
species  taken  by  Dr.  Michener  in  our  county;  now  believed  to  be  the  young  of  oporornis 
agilis. 

Meleagis  gallip'im  americaaa  (wild  turkey).  Extinct;  said  to  have  formerly  oc- 
curred. 

Cupidonia,  cupido  ("prairie  hen  " — pinnated  grouse).     Extinct. 
Summary  of  above  list : 

Resident 38 

Summer  resident * 60 

Winter  visitant 24 

Migrant 95 

Straggler 17 

Extinct 3 


Barnard's  list,  1860 191 

Michener's  (partial),  1803 115 

Warren's,  1880 218 

Michener's,  1881 232 

Warren's  list  of  residents  and  summer  residents,  1885 79 


THE     OOLOGIST. 


1 1 


Nesting       of       the       Chestnut-sided 
Warbler. 

Bi'iidroi'ca  Peniixijlvaii ica. 


It  is  only  in  recent  years  that  this  species 
came  under  my  observation,  or  that  I  be- 
came acquainted  with  its  nesting  habits. 
In  all  the  rambles  of  my  early  days,  in  the 
township  of  Peel,  where  I  began  my  obser- 
vations of  the  varied  sights  and  sounds  of 
nature,  and  developed  a  love  for  the  science 
of  ornithology,  this  bird  was  unknown  to 
me,  though  the  Redstart,  a  species  found  in 
close-  association  with  it  here,  was  there 
quite  common;  and  I  might  here  remark 
tliat  in  my  boyhood  days  and  rambles,  I 
have  seen  birds  and  nests  never  since 
noticed,  and  which  I  now  believe  to  be 
very  rare. 

In  the  last  years  of  my  residence  in 
North  Wallace,  I  got  some  glimpses  of 
this  bird,  and  saw  some  old  nests  that  I 
now  know  to  have  been  occupied  by  this 
species,  but  not  until  the  early  summer  of 
1883  did  I  see  its  eggs  and  identify  it. 

Early  in  the  month  of  June  of  that  year, 
as  [  was  taking  a  ramble  in  a  piece  of 
second-growth  woods,  on  the  west  of  this 
town  I  discoversd  in  a  small  beech  under- 
wood, about  four  feet  off  the  ground,  a 
newly-made  nest,  which  I  knew  at  once 
from  the  manner  in,  and  the  material  of 
which  it  was  formed,  belonged  to  a  species 
whose  eggs  I  had  not  yet  taken.  This  nest, 
a  tyi)e  of  all  the  others  observed,  was 
placed  in  a  small  fork,  and  composed  of 
pieces  of  tiberous  bark,  vines,  leaves,  root- 
lets, and  lined  with  a  small  quantity  of 
hair.  This  composition,  however,  was  not 
as  neatly  or  compactly  put  together  as 
some  other  species  of  the  Warblers  are  in 
the  habit  of  doing,  but  in  this  nest,  during 
the  following  week,  five  of  the  birds  own 
eggs  and  a  Cowbirds  was  deposited.  When 
the  set  was  completed,  the  bird  began  to 
incubate,  and  sat  so  closely  that  I  could 
easily  take  a  description  of  the  marking  of 
her  plumage  on  the  upper  jjarts,  which 
enabled  me  to  identify  her  as  the  Chestnut- 
sided  Warbler,  and  I  have  since  had  abun- 
dant opportunity  to  coutirm  that  decision. 


A  few  days  after,  near  the  same  place,  I 
found  another  nest  of  the  same  species, 
placed  in  a  cluster  of  raspberry  vines,  and 
containing  two  of  its  own  eggs,  and  two 
Cowbird's. 

In  the  season  of  '84  I  saw  no  nests  of 
this  species,  but  in  the  following  year,  four 
nest  of  this  bird  was  observed  in  this  same 
piece  of  woods.  Two  of  these  contained 
»hree  eggs  each,  one  had  four  and  a  Cow- 
bird's,  and  in  the  other  three  Cowbird's 
were  found,  and  not  one  of  the  bird's  own. 

During  the  past  season  more  nests  of  this 
species  were  observed  in  different  places, 
in  this  vicinity,  than  in  any  other  year, 
which  seems  to  indicate  that  it  is  becoming 
more  abundant. 

The  scolding  notes  of  this  bird  are  a 
sharp  "chirp,"  but  its  song  is  the  repetition 
of  one  or  two  soft  but  pleasing  notes 
uttered  more  in  the  tone  of  a  loud  whisper 
than  in  the  higher  voice  of  melody,  usual 
to  manj^  of  the  warblers;  yet  when  imder 
its  impulses  the  performer  seems  to  be  in 
the  enjoyment  of  supreme  happiness,  and 
doubtless  obtains  as  much  of  that  desirable 
element  as  falls  to  the  lot  of  human  mor- 
tals. 

The  eggs  of  this  species  are  of  a  clear 
white  hue,  beautifully  spotted,  especially 
at  the  larger  end,  with  brownish-purple, 
size  .65X.49,  and  when  the  first  set  is  taken 
it  will  soon  afterwards  nest  again,  but  the 
month  of  June  is  with  it  the  chief  period 
of  reproduction. 

The  general  habitat  of  this  species  is  in 
low,  thick,  seeond-growth  hard  woods, 
where  the  ground  beneath  is  dry,  and 
where  there  is  an  intermingling  of  young 
maple,  beech,  and  raspberry  vines,  and 
usually  not  far  from  the  edge  of  the  open 
fields — for  it  seldom  penetrates,  at  least  for 
nesting  purposes,  more  than  a  few  rods 
into  the  high,  thick  woods.  It  seems  to  be 
rather  sociably  inclined,  not  onl}'  with  its 
own  kind,  but  also  towards  other  species 
of  the  Warbler  family,  and  several  nests 
may  sometimes  be  found  in  the  .same 
vicinity,  and  near  to  that  of  a  Kedstart, 
or  Indigo  Bird,  but  its  nest  is  always  near 
to  the  ground,  seldom  more  than  an  eleva- 
tion of  two  or  three  feet. 

Wm.  L.  Kells, 

Listowel,  Ont. 


T2 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


EDITSB  AITB  FUBLISHES  BI-U01TTHL7 

PRANK  H.  LATTIN,    -    ALBION,  N.  Y. 

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list  in  each  January  issue  of  the  future. 


Next  issue  will  contain  a  list  of  many 
new  and  valuable  specimens,  and  also  lots 
of  "odds  and  ends,"  which,  although 
off  ered  f  or  a  "song,  "will  prove  of  value 
to  our  patrons.  We  have  several  thousand 
dollars  worth  of  specimens  stowed  away, 
doing  no  one  any  good.  We  intend  to 
dispose  of  them  this  season  even  if  we  have 
to  give  them  away. 


Very  Late  Nesting. 


On  October  26th,  1885,  two  Blue  birds' 
eggs  were  taken  about  three  miles  west  of 
here  under  the  following  circumstances. 
A  Downy  Woodpecker  had  made  a  hole  in 
the  stump  of  an  apple  tree.  Thinking  the 
bird  might  lay  I  requested  a  friend  to  watch 
it.  After  a  time  they  deserted  it,  but  what 
was  his  surprise  to  tind  a  Blue-bird  fly  out 
as  he  passed  a  few  days  after.  On  looking 
into  the  hole  he  found  one  Blue-bird's  egg. 
Next  day  there  were  two  and  on  the  third 
day  he  found  the  nest  deserted.  The  two 
eggs  were  removed  on  that  day  and  were 
of  course  perfectly  fresh.  Was  not  this 
remarkably  late  nesting  ? 

CiiAS.  A.  Keeleu. 

Milwaukee,  Wis. 


The  Scientific  Amcriran,  publisiied  by 
Miinn  &  Co.,  of  New  York,  during  forty 
years,  is,  beyond  all  question,  the  leading 
paper  relating  to  science,  mechanics  and 
inventions  published  on  this  continent. 
Each  weekly  issue  presents  the  latest  scien- 
tific topics  in  an  interesting  and  reliable 
manner,  accompanied  with  engravings  pre- 
pared expressly  to  demonstrate  the  sub- 
jects. The  Scientific  American  is  invaluable 
to  every  person  desiring  to  keep  pace  with 
the  inventions  and  discoveries  of  the  day. 


THE  OOLOGIST 


13 


A  Newsy  Letter  from  Massachusetts. 


FAJitnr  of  the  Oologht: 

I  have  been  a  subscriber  to  the  Oolo- 
GisT  ever  since  it  commenced  its  existence, 
and  have  made  some  exchanges  with  and 
some  purcliases  of  the  popular  editor.  I 
can  congratulate  I>ira  on  his  wonderful 
success  in  both  editing  his  magazine  and 
handling  so  many  natural  history  speci- 
meus.  1  also  have  been  very  much  inter- 
ested in  the  many  articles  that  have  appeared 
from  time  to  time  in  the  columns  of  this 
popular  magazine,  from  different  parts  of 
this  country,  more  especially  in  an  article 
from  the  pen  of  Dr.  W.  S.  Strode,  of  Illi- 
nois, entitled,  "A  DifHcult  Climb  After  a 
Red-tailed  Hawk's  Nest,"  found  in  the 
May  and  June  numbers. 

It  recalled  an  experience  I  had  in  1883 
with  the  same  variety  of  bird.  While  liv- 
ing at  hoDie,  in  Buckland  Co.,  Mass.,  I 
found  a  nest  of  the  Red-tailed  Hawk  in 
my  father's  wood  lot,  not  far  from  the 
house,  on  a  very  tall  and  large  beech  tree' 
It  was  full  thirty  feet  to  the  tirst  limb,  aud 
then  ten  or  twelve  feet  to  the  next.  I  knew 
that  if  I  succeeded  in  reaching  the  first, 
which  was  a  small  one,  it  would  be  ex- 
tremely difficult  to  climb  to  <he  second. 
Anyone  who  lias  ever  climbed  a  beech 
tree,  knows  that  the  bark  is  very  smooth, 
and  it  is  almost  impossible  to  "  stick  to  it" 
in  climbing.  I  soon  found  that  even  with 
the  help  of  ladders  I  couldn't  ascend  the 
tree.  It  stood  on  a  side  hill,  and  so  I 
climbed  a  small  tree  on  the  upper  side  and 
soon  discovered  that  some  fifteen  feet  from 
me  were  three  fine  eggs.  I  went  to  the 
house,  got  a  long  pole,  nailed  a  piece  of  tin 
in  the  form  of  a  circle  to  the  end,  and  fas- 
tened to  it  a  small  bag  made  out  of  a  stock- 
inet. I  then,  with  the  help  of  my  brother, 
scooped  the  three  Red-tailed  Hawk's  eggs 
out  of  the  nest,  and  safely  reached  the 
ground  with  them. 

As  they  were  fresh  laid  eggs  I  soon  had 
them  blown  and  added  to  my  cabinet.  I 
took  these  three  eggs  from  that  nest  April 
10,  1882.  The  old  birds  never  nested  there 
again,  but  May  17,  of  the  same  year,  a 
little  over  a  month  after,  I  took  five  Coop- 


er Hawk's  eggs,  all  fresh  laid,  from  the 
same  nest,  in  the  same  manner,  and  with 
the  same  success. 

1  have  a  nice  collection  of  eggs  obtained 
both  by  collecting  and  exchange,  but  busi- 
ness cares,  etc.,  have  prevented  me  from 
adding  many  eggs  to  my  cabinet,  during 
the  past  two  or  three  years. 

1  remember  here  a  little  incident  that 
happened,  I  think,  in  1872,  when  I  was 
teaching  in  Capron,  Boone  Co. ,  Illinois.  I 
went  out  to  look  for  Prairie  Chicken's 
nests,  in  company  with  one  of  my  scholars, 
in  a  slough  near  by  C(^vered  with  tall  grass. 
As  we  were  beating  around  in  the  grass  we 
heard  a  hissing  sound.  My  companion  said 
it  was  a  rattlesnake,  and  advised  me  to  run. 
I  had  never  seen  such  a  reptile,  so  we  went 
to  a  rail  fence  and  got  a  couple  of  stakes, 
with  which  to  protect  ourselves,  and  com- 
menced to  look  for  his  snakeship.  Wlien, 
lo!  after  a  few  minutes,  we  saw  standing 
ing  on  the  edge  of  a  large  nest  on  the 
ground,  three  little  Marsh  Hawks,  and  they 
were  hissing  for  all  they  were  worth.  They 
were  saucy,  spunky,  little  chaps.  I  picked 
up  two  half  shells,  as  mementoes,  and  have 
them  yet.  That  was  the  first  and  last. 
Marsh  Hawk's  nest  I  have  ever  found. 

E.  G.  Ward,  Three  Rivers,  Mass. 


A  Q,uery  from  Chautauqua. 


I  have  been  reading  your  paper  for  the 
last  few  mouths  with  a  great  deal  of  pleas- 
ure. I  think  it  veiy  interesting  for  the  old, 
as  well  as  the  young,  if  interested  in  natu- 
ral history,  and  I  would  advise  all  to  take 
advantage  of  you  very  liberal  offer  and 
"  subscribe  at  once."  I  would  like  to  ask 
through  your  paper  if  all  weasels  turn 
white?  Some  claim  that  they  remain  white 
the  year  round,  but  I  am  well  satisfied  tliat 
they  change  as  I  have  been  mounting  some, 
and  the  first  one  caught,  about  the  first  of 
November,  was  partly  changed.  Another 
caught  about  the  24th  of  the  same  month 
was  pure  white,  except  the  end  of  the  tail. 

I  must  speak  of  the  Resurrection  Plant, 

as  being  one  the  prettiest  and  most  curiou,s. 

of  plants.     It  causes  universal  admiration. 

A.  E.  KiBBE,  Mayville,  N.  Y, 


14 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


The  Bills  of  Birds. 


In  order  to  seize  food  quickly  and  easil}^ 
and  to  reach  every  part  of  the  plumage 
■with  oil,  a  bird  must  have  somew^here  in 
its  body  quite  freedom  of  motion  ;  the 
back  and  breast  must  be  firm  and  strong 
for.tlie  attachment  of  the  muscles  of  flight, 
but  in  the  neck,  with  its  ten  to  twenty-three 
vertebrae  freely  moving,  we  have  this  de- 
mand supplied.  The  neck  is  like  a  long, 
bony  spring,  at  the  end  of  which  are  the 
two  mandibles  of  bone,  covered  usually 
with  horny,  sometimes  with  skin-iike  mem- 
brane. The  lower  mandible  is  freely  artic- 
ulated with  the  skull,  and  in  parrots,  the 
upper  also,  but  in  most  birds  the  latter  is 
joined  to  the  skull  by  elaitic  bony  plates, 
which  break  the  force  of  shocks  caused  by 
pecking. 

There  is  a  very  curious  arrangement  by 
which  the  lowering  of  the  under  mandible 
raises  the  upper.  A  small  bone  rests  with 
one  end  on  the  palate  and  the  other  on  the 
bone  articulating  the  lower  jaw  with  the 
skull.  When  the  lower  jaw  falls  this  small 
bone  acts  as  a  lever,  is  pushed  forward 
against  the  palate  and  lifts  it. 

The  horu}'  bill  covering  answers  partiall}' 
the  place  of  teeth,  and  is  homologous  to  the 
whalebone  of  whales,  and  the  nails  and 
claws  of  mammals.  It  is  sometimes  ridged 
and  creased  strongl}'  on  the  outside,  as  in 
Auks,  the  depressions  sometimes  going 
through  into  the  bone.  In  Anatides  the 
covering  is  ridged  on  the  inside,  and  so 
forms  a  sort  of  strainer,  very  needful  for 
Ducks  and  Geese,  who  fill  their  bills  with 
muddy  water,  and  strain  it,  leaving  the 
food  "high  and  dry"  between  the  "teeth." 
But  this  family  also  eats  vegetation,  and  it 
.seems  to  me  these  ridges  ar^  useful  in 
bruising  and  cutting  grass,  although  I  have 
never  seen  this  opinion  given. 

Some  authorities  say  that  nostrils  are 
always  present  in  birds,  though  sometimes 
rudimentary  or  obsolete.  Others  deny  this. 
In  most  cases,  however,  there  are  two 
nostrils  .situated  near  the  base  of  the  upper 
mandil)le.  In  the  Apteryx  of  New  Zea- 
land, the   nostrils   are   at   the   tip.     These 


external  organs  of  smell  are  of  very  vari- 
ous size  and  shape,  and  are  often  protected, 
either  by  a  scale  or  close-lying,  bristly 
feathers.  The  Woodpeckers  characteristi- 
cally have  the  latter,  to  furnish  protection 
from  dust  and  falling  chips,  occa.sioned  by 
their  chiseling,  hammering  habits. 

Audubon  proved  that  sight,  not  smell,  is 
the  strong  sense  in  Vultures,  but  in  Snipes 
the  bill  is  covered  with  a  sensitive,  nervous 
membrane,  and  in  typical  Snipe  the  lower 
jaw  bone  is  perforated  to  receive  blood- 
ves.sels  and  nerves.  The  bill  is  thus  made 
a  tit  instrument  for  finding  food  in  the 
mud.  The  nostrils  sometimes  opsn  in  the 
cere — a  dense,  fleshy  substance  at  the  base 
of  the  bill  of  some  birds,  which  serves  as 
a  touch  organ,  but  whose  full  function  is, 
I  believe,  unknown. 

The  large  bills  of  Toucans  and  Hornbills 
are  supplied  with  air  from  the  lungs,  by 
means  of  "air  cells,"  and  so  made  more 
easilj^  supportable. 

The  use  of  the  bill  are  various,  and  there 
is  a  wonderful  adaptability  of  the  shape, 
size,  strength  and  structure  of  bills  to  indi- 
vidual needs.  In  Woodpeckers,  for  in- 
stance, it  is  interesting  to  note  the  loss  of 
strength,  size,  and  acuteness,  from  the 
immense  gleaming  ivor}^  of  Campephilus 
down  to  the  slender  curved  bill  of  the 
flicker,  used  largely  in  eating  insects  from 
the  ground.  In  birds  of  prey  the  bill  is  a 
veritable  butcher's  knife;  in  Ducks  a  neat 
strainer  and  grater;  in  Kingfishers  a  spear; 
in  Humming  Birds  a  pump,  and  in  Swal- 
lows and  Goatsuckers,  a  broad,  deep  fly- 
trap, well  guarded  with  bristles. 

Most  birds  use  the  bill  in  nidification, 
noticeably  Woodpeckers  and  Orioles,  all 
use  it  in  lubricating  and  cleansing  the 
plumage;  Parrots  to  climb  by;  Swifts  to 
break  olf  twigs  in  flying;  Woodpeckers  to 
sound  their  love  call,  both  sexes;  and  most 
land  birds  to  carry  the  ordure  of  the  young 
from  the  nest.  Swallows  are  exceptions  to 
this  last  rule.  Their  bill  being  exceedingly 
short  it  would  be  very  disagreeable  for 
them  to  perform  this  function,  even  if  their 
nesting  habits  required  it. 

I  hope  I  have  said  enough  to  show  you 
that  the  study  of  this  imi)ortanl  and  primal 
member  of  Aves  ofl:er  rich  reward  in  its 
variety  and  discoveries  of  wonderful  adap- 
tation. S.  L.  W. 


THE     OOLOGIST. 


Exchanges  and  Wants. 


Brief  special  announcements,  "  Wants, "  "  Ex- 
changes," inserted  in  this  department  for  25  cents  per 
25  words.  Notices  over  25  words  charged  at  the  rate 
of  one-half  cent  per  word.  No  notice  inserted  for  less 
than  23  cents.  Notices  which  are  merely  indirect 
methods  of  soliciting  cash  purchasers  cannot  be  ad- 
mitted to  these  columns  under  any  circumstances. 
Terms,  cash  with  order. 

Wanted.— To  exchange  birds'  eggs  with  collectors 
throughout  Mexico,  United  States  and  Canada.  W. 
L.  NEWTON,  129  North  Bunker  Hill  Ave.,  Los 
Angeles,  Cal. 

S3. 00  worth  of  eggs,  Nos.  170  A  and  274,  in  sets, 
with  data,  for  an  $2.50  International  Stamp  Album  ; 
very  latest  edition  wanted.  HENRY  F.  DUPREY, 
Dixon,  Cal. 

Wanted. — Back  numbers  of  any  Ornithological 
Magazine  in  exchange  for  first-class  western  birds' 
eggs.     WILL  W.  PRICE,  Riverside,  Cal. 

Will  exchange  a  pair  of  mounted  Cross  Bills  and 
skin  of  Barred  Owl  for  a  set  of  Red-tailed  Hawk  eggs. 
W.  H.  LUCAS.  West  Stratford,  Conn. 

Eggs,  single  or  in  sets,  exchanged  for  same.  Cor- 
respondence solicited.  Address,  EDWARD  E.  FOX, 
1,010  Chicago  Opera  House,  Chicago,  III. 

A  collection  of  50  varieties  of  eggs,  single  or  in  sets, 
in  exchange  for  others.  Address,  Dr.W.  S. STRODE, 
Bernadotte,  Fulton  Co.,   111. 

I  would  like  to  exchange  Natural  History  Maga- 
zines, single  or  in  volumes  (good  condition)  for  the 
same  in  full  volumes  ;  send  list.  CHARLIE  COOK, 
Box  113,  Odin,  111. 

For  Exchange. — First  and  second-class  single  eggs 
for  fir.st-class,  in  sets,  with  data.  My  second-class 
specimens  at  one-half  rates.  OTHO  C.  POLING, 
Qui.  cy,  111. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  birds'  eggs,  in  sets,  with  full 
data.     E.  R.  BENNETT,  M.D.,  Richmond,  111. 

To  Exchange. — First-class  sets  and  singles  of  North 
American  bird  eggs,  with  full  data  Correspondence 
solicited.     JAMES  McCLAMROCH,  Kirklin,  Ind. 

Will  exchange  for  revenue  stamps,  silver  three-cent 
pieces,  or  fossils.  ERASTUS  CORNELL,  Box  409, 
Marshalltown,  Iowa. 

Wanted. — To  ex;hange  first-class  eggs  in  sets,  with 
collectors  throughout  the  United  States  and  Canada. 
Send  for  my  list.  FRANK  M.  WOODROW,  Box 
51,  Newton,  Iowa. 

Will  exchange  one  package  of  flower  seeds  for  one 
of  stones.  W.  F.  GAGER,  Box  34,  Cresco,  Howard 
Co.,  Iowa. 

Correspondence  desired  with  ornithologists  and 
oologists  ;  Ohio  and  Kentucky  preferred.  L.  O.  PIN- 
DAR, Hickman,  Ky. 

I  have  vols.  24  and  25  of  the  Forest  and  Stream,  un- 
bound, good  as  new,  containing  over  1,000  pages,  to 
exchange  for  birds'  eggs.  W.  H.  FOOTE,  43  Fenn 
street,  Piltsfield,  Mass. 

<  To  Exchange. — Foreign  and  United  States  coins. 
Confederate  money  (early  issues),  new  2c.  letter  sheet, 
etc.,  for  Indian  relics,  coins.  Two  each,  wild  pigeons, 
Tanager's  eggs.  E.  G.  WARD,  Box  2i9,Three  Riv- 
ers,  Hampden  Co.,   Mass. 


I  will  exchange  Golden  Days,  vol.  VII,  from  No. 
26  to  52,  for  eggs  394,  420.  4^1,  each  accompanied  with 
data.  HENRY  E.  BERRY,  Damariscotta,  Lincoln 
Co.,  Maine. 

Wanted. — One  first-class  Emeu  egg.  Will  pay  cash 
for  same.  Eggs  blown  in  two  holes,  for  exchange 
cheap.  JAMES  B.  PURDY,  Plymouth,  Wayne  Co., 
Mich. 

1883  shield  and  V  nickels,  without  "  cents,"  and 
other  coins,  for  birds'  eggs.  C.  B.  JOHNSON,  Red- 
wing, Minn. 

A  new  pair  of  Lovell  roller  skates,  cost  $3.50  ;  also 
400  stamps  in  a  Scott's  stamp  album,  for  birds'  eggs, 
in  sets  or  single.  W.  TEASDALE,  3,668  Lindell 
avenue,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Bog  iron,  magnetic  iron,  or  red  sandstone,  for  min- 
erals or  fossils  ;  write  first.  CHARLES  P.  SMITH, 
Jr.,  P.  O.  Box  232,  Burlington,  N.  J. 

Sets  of  Nos.  658,  666,  743,  763,  to  exchange  for  land 
and  fresh  water  shells,  minerals,  or  crustaceans,  by  A. 
K.  FAIRCHILD,  Whippany,  N.  J. 

Geological  specimens,  birds'  eggs,  coins  and  postage 
stamps  •  also  a  fe*'  marine  specimens  to  exchange  for 
the  same.  FRED.  C.  TOMLINSON,  1,007  Walnut 
street,  Elmira  N.  Y. 

Exchange.— A  hunting-knife  (without  sheath)  and 
specimen  of  conglomerate,  jet  and  a  razor  shell,  for 
first-class  birds'  eggs.  D.  H.  VAN  PELT,  Lansing- 
burgh,  N.  Y. 

I  wish  to  exchange  vol.  6  Golden  Days  for  minerals, 
curiosities,  or  books.  M.  V.  SLINGERLAND,  Otto, 
N.  Y. 

Will  exchange  215  United  States  Revenue  Stamps 
for  the  best  offer  of  first-class  birds'  eggs.  HOW- 
ARD S.  BAKER,  177  Troup  street,  Rochester.  N.  Y. 

Sets  of  Nos.  157,  214,  231,  261,  and  ocean  curiosities, 
for  birds'  eggs,  etc.  A.  D.  AKIN,  Schaghticoke, 
N.  Y. 

Minerals,  coins,  cocoon,  and  a  good  fife,  to  exchange 
for  birds'  eggs,  minerals,  or  Indian  relics.  C.  H. 
TANN,  139  Fifth  avenue,  Lansingburgh,  N.  Y. 

Wanted.— A  collector  of  birds'  eggs,  in  my  locality, 
to  correspond  and  exchange  with.  JOHN  W.  HOYT, 
Jr.,  Mt.  Vernon,  N.  Y. 

A  good  violin,  in  good  condition,  for  birds'  eggs,  in 
sets  or  single  ;  former  preferred.  H.C.CAMPBELL, 
Lansingburgh,  Rensselaer  Co.,  N.  Y. 

Wanted. — Unused  printed  postal  cards  in  quantities. 
Send  sample  and  state  exchange  or  c<ish  price. 
FRANK  H.  LATTIN,  Aloion,  N.  Y. 

Will  exchange  a  large  hobby-horse,  pair  roller  and 
pair  ice  skates  for  a  good  collection  of  birds'  eggs, 
coins  or  stamps.  P.  C.  HARTELL,  No.  341  West 
83d  street,  New  York  City. 


Wanted.— To  exchange  birds'  eggs  with  collectors 
throughout  the  United  States  and  Canada.  ARTHUR 
PRINCEHORN,  No.  102  West  Bloom  street,  Mans- 
field, Ohio. 


I  will  exchange  vol.  12  St.  Nicholas  for  birds'  eggs, 
or  birds'  eggs  for  same.  HEYWARD  LONG,  Mar- 
tin's Ferry,  Ohio. 

A  ne  plus  ultra  camera,  Waterbury  lense,  5x8,  for 
birds'  eggs  or  stamps  ;  good  condition.  Correspon- 
dence desired.  B.  K.  WILBUR,  Byrn  Mawr,  Mont- 
gomery Co.,  Pa. 


THli     OOLOGlSr 


1  have  the  following  sets  to  exchange  for  sets  not  in 
my  collection  :  i2'4',  i3'4,  23)4.  E.  S.  l{,  26i'4',  289^, 
3i5"4:.     D.  T.  MAY,  Poland,  Mahoning  Co.,  Ohio. 

Three  paper-bound  books  of  "  Camr>ing  Out  "  ser- 
ifs, by  Stephen's  (new),  for  a  set  of  tirst-cl.  ss  eggs, 
Nos.  161,  361,  or  4Q3  preferred.  7  numbers  Mineralo- 
gist and  Antiquarian  .nd  12  numbers  Tidings  from 
Nature,  for  eggs  in  sets.  FRANK  1..  BURNS,  Ber- 
wyn,  Pa. 

Will  exchange  a  pair  of  roller  skates,  good  as  new, 
for  birds'  eggs,  single.  H.  WICKHAM,  Beaver 
Beaver  Co.,  Pa. 


To  Exchange. — Brass  fishing  reel,  etc.,  for  birds' 
e  gs  or  a  copy  of  In-ersol's  Birds  Nesting.  W.  L. 
MARIS,  Box  2,122,  West  Chester,  Pa. 

To  Exchange. — Birds'  eggs,  in  sets  or  single  eggs, 
for  the  same.  CLINTON  EARL,  525  Penn  street,- 
Reading  Pa. 


Wanted. — A  printing  press  and  scroll  saw,  I  offer 
in  exchange  first-class  eggs  with  data.  J.  A.  SIXG- 
LEY,  Giddings,  Texas. 

Warned. — To  exchange  mounted  birds  for  the  same, 
or  for  first-class  sets  of  e-gs  with  data  ;  Raptor es-px^- 
ferred.     CHAS.  D.  OLDRIGHT,  Waco,  Texas. 

Desirable  sets  of  V'rmont  birds'  eggs  for  Lake  Su- 
perior or  Colorado  agates,  sea  shells  and  southern  or 
western  birds' e.^gs.     E.   H.  MILLARD,  Danby,  Vt. 

T  will  exchange  bird  skins  or  mounted  specimens  for 
same,  or  for  Indian  relics.  MINER  B.  HAYWARD, 
Waybridge,  Vt. 

I  will  exchange  starfish,  sea  urchi  s,  barnacles,  sea 
moss,  chitons,  and  other  sh.lls  found  on  the  Straits 
of  Juan  de  Fuca,  for  minerals  or  vegetable  fossils. 
FR\NCIS  L.  BASH,  Port  Townsend,  Washington 
Territory. 

I  ■.>  ill  exchange  aset  of  436  b  ^  and  a  single  egg  of 
413,  286,  287,  for  a  pair  of  climbers,  strapped  und  com- 
plete.    E.  R.  BRADY,^Pomeroy,  Washington  Ter 

Will  exchange  first-class  skins  with  collectors  in  the 
United  States  and  Canada.  W.  E.  SAUNDERS, 
Lo   don,  Ont. 


A  Hecia  rubber-tire,  steel-spoked  bicycle,  vols,  6 
and  7  Golden  Days,  for  first-cla^s  birds'  eirgs,  in  sets 
with  data.     C.  W.  BURNSIDE,  Odebolt,  Iowa. 

MINERAL   WORK. 


We  have  left  a  few   unique  pieces  of 
]\[inera]  work,  which  will  be  sent  prepaid 
at  the  following  very  low  prices.      Each 
piece  is  made  up  with  about  30  different 
Minerals,    each     specimen     is    numbered. 
This  number  corresponds  with  those  given 
on  an  accompanying  catalogue,  which  gives 
b(jth  name  and  locality  of  the  mineral. 
Ink  stands,       -        -        -        -      $0.80 
Pin  Cushions,       -        -        -        -       .80 
Horseshoe  photo  frame,  satin  lined,   .80 
Horseshoe  frame  for  Cabinets,  satin 

lined. 1.50 

FRANK  H.  LATTIN. 

Albion,  N.  Y. 


The  Perkins  Wind  Mill. 


WARRANTED 

not  to  blow  down  unless  tlie  Tow- 
er coes  with  it  ;  or  against  any 
wind  that  does  not  disable  substantial  farm  buildings  ; 
to  he  perfect  ;  to  outlast  and  do  better  work  than  any- 
other  mill  made. 

We  manufacture  both   Pumping  and   Geared  Mills 
and  carry  a  lull  line  of  ^Vind  Mill  Supplies. 

Send  for  Catalogue,  Circular  and  Prices. 
Address,  PERKINS  WIND  MILL  &  AX  CO., 

Mishaw  ka,  Indiana. 

SEKS  IOC.  for  information  on  Stuffing  and  Mounting 
Birds  and  Animals.     BIRD  CO.,"  Cadiz,  Ohio. 

For  30c.  I  will  send 
postpaid  2o  varieties 
of  fine  Vermont  miner- 
ils,  some  of  which  are 
sold  by  no  other  dealer  ;  or,  add  loc.  e.xtra,  and  I  will 
send  free,  with  name  on,  i  doz.  gold,  beveled-edgtd, 
motto  cards.     W.  P.  MILLARD,  Danby,  Vt. 


MINERALS. 


FOR  Q  A  T  li'  —My  black  walnut  egg  case 
1.  vJrV  OAl_ilL. will  hold  2O0  sets,  from  small 
sets  of  hummers  to  large  ones  of  ducks,  etc.  ;  best  of 
workmanship.  Terms  very  low.  Fine  specimens  of 
mounted  red  squirrels  on  natural  stump,  at  $2.50  each  i 
without  Slump,  $2.00  each.  Address,  G.  F.  BREN- 
NINGER,  Beattie,  Marshall  Co.,  Kansas. 

BIRDS'  EGGS  FOR  SALE  CHEAP. 

We  will  send,  postage  paid,  the  following  eggs  for 
only  $1.00  (postal  note)  : 

American  White  Pelican,  California  Gull, 

Great  Blue  Heron,  Mallard  Duck, 

Black-billed  Magpie.  Black  Skimmer, 

Yellow-headed  P.lackbi'd,  Coot. 

Address  S.  W.  &  W.  D.  DENTON,  Wellesley, 
Mass.  tS^^  Send  2c.  stamp  for  our  Catalogue  of 
Australian  and  American  birds'  eggs, 

MINERALS  AT  REDUCED  RATES. 

ALSO  

Birds'  Eggs,  Curiosities,  Shells,  Instruments,  &c. 

SEND  STAMP  FOR  LIST. 
DICKINSON    &    DTJRKEE, 

Sharon,  Wis. 

TAI/r  MflTIPE  —SONG  BOOKS,  containing 
I  AlxL  l»U  I  luLi  a"  of  the  popular  songs  of  the 
day  ;  price,  3c.  each,  2  for  5c.,  5  for  loc,  or  15  for  25c. 
Sent  postpaid  ;  stamps  taken. 

A  few  rare  sets  of  eggs  for  sale  cheap. 

Address,  FRANK  M.  WOODROW, 

Box  51,  Nev   n,  Iowa. 


,  5<2,s    ®;.  "-"iri^""""™"™"'— "••••■■■"•"■••■•■*^ '■■■■• ■*4~—...—"'     / 


^s. 


THE%ffliM 


.«.•••• 

***•« 


n0^. 


'^^b'M^^  Bi-Monthly.  ^^^^J^      25c.  per  Year.       <^^ 


Vol.  IV. 


ALBION,  N.  Y.,  MARCH-MAY,  1887.         No.  2. 


r-^^   When    anstvering    Advertisements, 
always  mention  the  "  Oologist." 

*7W£  OOLOGIST,  * 

FOR  1887, 

Will  be  sent  Post-paid  to  any  part  of 
the  "World  for 

ONLY  25  CENTS. 

PUBLISHED   BI-MONTHLY. 

Sixteen    pages     of    Valviable    Infor- 
nicttion  eacli  Issue. 

Indispensable  to  the  Collector  of  Natural 
History  Specimens,  especially  the  Oologist. 


A    Free  Excliange  Notice  of  20    Wonh  to 
Eixry  SubscHber. 


Subscribe  or  renew  at  t>nce,  by  accepting 
one  of  the  following 

4  LIBERAL  OFFERS. 

Offer  No.  1.  For  25  cents  The  Oologist 
for  1887,  and  one  exchange  notice  of  20 
words. 

No.  2.  For  27  cents.  Oologist  for  1887, 
Exchange  Notice,  and  The  Oologists 
Hand  Book. 

No.  3.  For  28  cents.  Oologist  for  1887, 
Exchange  Notice,  and  1  Resurrection 
Plant. 

No.  4.  To  any  person  sending  us  an  order 
amounting  to  one  dollar  or  over,  for 
anything  we  advertise,  we  will  will  give 
free,  without  additional  charge,  The 
Oologist  for  1887,  and  the  Exchange 
Notice. 

You  can  accept  only  one  of  the  above  offers.     Let 
us  hear  from  you  at  once. 

Address, 

FRANK  H.  LATTIN,  PuTolisher, 

Albion,  N.  Y. 


Agents  Wanted  ! 

Small  Investment. 

Light  Samples. 
Quick  Sales. 

Big  Profits. 

Send  for  particulars. 

PERFECT  CARPET  STRETCHER  CO., 

Just  Out ! 


Send  2c.  stamp  for  my  new  16  page  Cata- 
logue of 

NEW^  ZEALAND,  AUSTRALIA  AND  NEW 
GUINEA  BIRDS'  SKINS  AND  EGGS. 

I  have  for  sale  the  largest  and  finest  stock 
ever  offered  before  in  this  country,  includ- 
ing 

Xjyre  ^ird.s, 

Slxd.s  of  Fa.rski^lse, 

And  many  other  rare  and  interesting  species. 

Address 

S.  W.  DENTON, 

Wellesley,  Mass. 

Send  stamp  for  catalogue  of  American  Birds' 
Skins  and  Eggs,  if  you  have  not  already  seen 
it. 

Buffalo  Horns 

During  our  travels  last  season  we  purchased 
a  job  lot  of  fine  polished  Buffalo  Horns,  from 
Montana.  To  close  them  out  we  otter  tliem  at 
less  than  one-half  what  they  can  be  purchased 
at  in  tlie  far  West. 

Single  Horns,  75c.  to  $3.00;  pairs  $3.00  to  $1.00. 
FRANK  H.  LATTIN,  Albion,  N.  Y. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


'T^     T_T      -p^ 

CHAUTAUQUA  MINERAL  COLLECTION 

IS    COMPOSED    OF 

•^-F  lO0•^  DIFFERENT -^  MINERALS  •^•^ 

From  all  parts  of  the  World,   viz:     Europe,    Asia,    Africa,    Oceanica,   North 
America,  South  America,  West  Indies,  and  Greenland. 

Aad  will  be  sent  post-paid,  accompanied  with  complete  descriptive  Hand  Book,  at 
reduced  price  of 

OTsTH.'^r   $i.oo. 

Tlie  following  Minerals  are  found  in  this  collection,  viz  :  Actinolite.  Agate,  Alabaster, 
Albite,  Amethyst,  Anhydrite,  Anthracite,  Apatite,  Argentiferous  Galena,  Asbestus, 
Asphaltum,  Barite,  Borax,  Buhrstoue,  Cairngorura,  Calamine,  Calcite,  Calc  Spar,  Cannel 
Coal,  Cassiterite,  Catlinite,  Celestite,  Chalcedony,  Chalk,  Chalycopyrite,  Chromite, 
Coquina,  Cryolite,  Malachite,  C.yanite,  Dawsonite,  Dendrite,  Dolomite  "Electric  Stone," 
Trypolyte,  Enstatite,  Fibrolite,  Flint,  Flos  Ferri,  Fluorite,  Franklinite,  Galenite,  Garnet, 
Gold  Ore,  Gypsum,  Indurated  Clay,  Hematite,  Iceland  Spar,  Jasper.  Labradorite,  Lead 
Carbonate,  Leelite,  Lignite,  Limonite,  Lodestone,  Magnesite,  Magnetite,  Marble,  Marca- 
site,  Mex.  Onyx.  Muscovite,  Milky  Quartz,  Coke,  Natrolite,  Obsidian,  Wood  Opal, 
PeacockCoal,  Pearl  Spar.  Pet.  Wood  and  Palm,  Phologopite,  Porphyry,  Pumice,  Pyrites, 
Quartz  Xtal,  Ro.se  Quartz,  Graphite,  Satin  Spar,  Selenite,  Serpentine,  Sil.  Wood,  Emery, 
Sphalerite,  Stibnitc,  Stilbite,  Talc.  Crocidolite  Rensselaerite,  Tourmaline,  Tufa,  Varis- 
cite,  Wavellite,  Willcmite,  Williamsite,  Wollongonite,  Wood  Jasper,  Zincite. 

AU  post-paid  for  only  $L00.     Address,  FRANK  H.  LATTIN,  Albion,  N.  Y. 


A  WELL-TRIED  TREATMENT 

^^\  FC 


„  ^  -1  200 

Drs. 

STARKEY       -\ 

AND   PALEN  ^ 

have  the  liberty   to      \ 
refer  (in  proof  of  their 
standing     as      Physicians)      ~\^^ 
to   the    following-named   well-     ^ 
known    persons    who    have    tried 
their  Trcitmeiit  :        Hon.    William 
D.  Kelley,  Member  of  Congress,   Phila 
Rev.   Victor   L.   Conrad,   Editor    Lutheran 
Observer,   Phil.i.;     Rev.    Chas.    W.    Gushing, 
Lockport,  N.  V.  :   Hon.  William  Penn  Nixon,  Ed 
itor  Inter-Ocean,  Ciiicaijo,  111.  ;  Judge  H.  P.  Vrooman, 
Quenein",Kan  ,  &  ihoiis  inds  of  oth  -r-.  in  every  pa 
"  COMPOUND   OXYGEN  — ITS    MODE 


FOR       CONSUMPTION,      ASTHMA,       DYSPEPSIA,      CA- 
TARRH,     HAY     FEVER,     HEADACHE,     DEBILITY, 
~,       RHEUMATISM,      NEURALGIA,      and    ail    Chronir 
nd  NetTous  Disorders 


COMPOUND   OXYGEN"   being  taken  into 

the  system,  the  Brain,  Spinal  Marrow,  and  the 
Nerve-Ganglia — "  Nervous  C'-ntres  " — are 
nourished  and  made  more  active.    Thus 
the  Fountain  Head  of  all  activiiy, 
both  mental  and  physical,  is  re- 
stored to  a  state  of  integrity . 
and  the  nervous  system, 
the  organs,  and  the 
f  the  world.   ^"^,^    I    \J  '--._,        muscles    all    act 

OF    ACTION  x,^  morekinrlly 

-  and  eir 

cienily 


pRee 


AND   RESULTS"   is  the  title  of  a  book  of  two  hundred  pages, 

published    by    Dr-.     Starkey    and     Palen.    which    gives    to    all    inquirers 

full  information  as  to  this  remarkable  curative  ..gent  and  a  record  of  surprising      ^ 

cures  in  a  wide  range  of  chronic  cases — many  of  them  after  being  abandoned  to  die  by  other  physicians.      It 

will  be  mailed  free  to  aoy  address  on  application. 

Drs.  STARKEY  &  PALEN,  1527-1529  Arch  St.,  Phila.,  i^a. 


THE     OOLOGIST. 


LITTLE 


THE 

BROWN  *  JUG. 


The  latest  craze.  The  most  popular 
bangle  or  charm  ever  invented.  Millions 
sold  during  the  past  three  months.  Sample 
post-paid,  5  cts.  Six,  all  different,  for  35 
cts.  Any  wide  awake  boy  or  girl  can  sell 
Jugs  enough  at  school  before  the  holidays, 
to  purchase  their  Christmas  Gifts.  Send 
for  samples  and  terms. 

FRANK  H.  LATTIN, 
Albion,  N.  Y. 

ILLU.STRATED 

MLAGAZIJSTE. 

Greatly  enlarg-ed  for  1887. 
The  Best  mag-azine  of  its  class. 

CLEAN.     WIDE-AWAKE.      CHEAP. 

Price.  $2.00  a  year.  Large  discounts  to 
clubs.  Sample  copies  of  previous  issues 
free.  Sample  copies  of  current  numbers 
10  cents  each  (.half  price). 

■X*.  &.  A.ic-tJ3Li:M.-r  cfi;  S»oxx, 

PHILADKLPHIA,    PA. 

The  Perkins  Wind  Mill. 


It  has  been  in  constant  use  for 
i6   years,  with  a   record  equaled 

by  none. 

^HTARRANTED 

not  to  blow  down  unless  the  Tow- 
er goes  with   it  ;    or  against  any 

wind  that  does  not  disable  substantial  farm  buildings  ; 

to  be  perfect  ;  to  outlast  and  do  better  work  than  any 

other  mill  made. 

We  manufacture  both   Pumping  and   Geared  Mills 

and  carry  a  lull  line  of  ^Vind  IVlill  Supplies. 

Send  for  Catalogue,  Circular  and  Prices. 
Address,  PERKINS  WIND  MILL  &  AX  CO., 

Mishawaka,  Indiana. 

$50  PTT77T  V  '5°  Scrap  Pictures  and  Mottoes,  i 
Piize  rUZlZlLIr  Finger  Ring,  i  Prize  Puzzle  and 
Sample  Kook  of  Visiting  Cards  sc.  A.  M.  EDDY, 
Albion.  N.  Y. 


THE  SECURITY 

Mutual  Benefit  Society, 

OK  NEW  YORK:. 
233  Broadway,     -     New  Yotk. 


President^  Sec'y  and  Treas., 

A.  L.  SOULARD.  WM.  D.  CHANDLER. 

Vice-Presidents., 

E.  A.  QUINTARD,         J.  F.  MORSE. 

D/KECTOKS, 
A.  G.  GOODALL, 

President  .\ni.  Bank  Note  Co.,  Eew  York, 
O.D.BALDWIN, 

President  Fourth  National  Bank,  New  York, 
R.  CARMAN  COMBES, 

President  E.xchange  Fire  Ins.  Co.,  New  York, 
A.  L.  SOULARD, 

President  Sterling  Fire  Ins.  Co.,  New  York. 
E.  A.  QUINTARD, 

President  Citizens'  Savings  Bank,  New  ^  ork. 
WM.  D.  SNOW, 

Secretary  Am.  Loan  and  Trust  Co.,  New  ^  oik. 
HENRY  C.  ROBINSON, 

Of  Porter  Bros.  &  Co.,  New  "S  ork. 
WM.  B.  FULLER, 

With  H.  B.  Claflin  &  Co.,  New  York. 
HENRY  B.  PIERCE, 

Of   Hutchinson,  Pierce  &  Co.,  New  \  ork, 
E.  D.  WHEELER,  M.  D., 

.Medical  Director,  New  ^  ork. 

ONLY  TWELVE  ASSESSMENTS 

have  been  levied  from  i88i  to  1886,  aver.Tiging  three  a 
year,  and  making  the  cost  for  assessments  to  a  man  of 
40  years  iess  than  five  dollurs  a  year  for  each  $1,000 
of  insurance. 

Send  for  Circulars.    Agents  Wanted. 

Remunerative  employment  offered  to  energetic  and 
reliable  men. 

SPECIAL   OFFER   TO  TBACHIRS 

A  Quarterly  Journal  of  Ornithology,  $3.00  a 
year.  75  cents  a  single  number.  Pubhshed  for  The 
A})tericti?i  Ornitho/og'isis'  Union,  J.  A.  Allen,  Ed- 
itor. Associate  Editors  :  Elliott  Coues,  Robert  Ridg- 
way,  William  Brewster,  Montague  Chamberlain. 

"THE  AUK  "  will  present,  as  heretofore,  timely 
and  interesting  papers  on  the  subject  to  which  it  re- 
lates, and  its  readers  may  feel  sure  of  beihg  kept 
abreast  of  the  advances  in  the  science.  "THE 
AUK  "  is  primarily  intended  as  a  communication  be- 
tween Ornithologists.  While  necessarily  to  some  de- 
gree technical,  it  contains  a  fair  proportion  of  matter 
of  a  popular  character.  Its  notices  of  recent  litera- 
ture cover  the  whole  field  of  North  American  Ornith- 
ology, and  with  the  departments  of  "General  Notes" 
and  "Notes  and  News"  render  the  journal  indispen- 
sable to  those  wishing  the  latest  and  fullest  intelli- 
gence of  the  subject. 

L  S.  FOSTER,  Publisher,  35  Pine  St.,  N.  Y. 

iS^When  answering'  Advertisements, 
al-wrays  mention  "  The  Oologist." 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


AETHING  NEV 


The  Square  Flange,  Oval  Glass  Wall  Shade 

INVENTED   AND   MANUFACTURED   BY 

RAND  &  REED,    -     Practical  Taxidermists, 

OF  WORCESTER,  MASS. 
This  Shade  is  designed  to  fill  the  long  felt  want  of  Taxidermists,  and  others  having 
game  birds,  wreaths,  waxwork,  and  many  other  wall  ornaments  needing  a  cover  to  pre- 
serve them  from  dust. 

This  invention  does  away  with  the  old  style  of  a  box  back  of  the  frame,  bringing  the 
object  to  the  front  where  it  can  be  seen  and  admired.  The  shade  is  made  both  in  oval 
and  round  form  with  a  square,  tlat  iiange,  and  can  be  framed  in  any  ordinary  picture 
moulding  by  any  one,  making  an  article  convenient  and  cheap  for  all  to  use. 

"N'othiag  of  the  kind  has  been  manufactured  before  excepting  an  imported  French  oval 
shade,  the  merits  of  which  are  that  an  oval  frame  has  to  be  made  expressly  for  it,  which, 
with  the  import  duties,  makes  it  a  very  expensive  article.     Our  Shade  comes  within  the 
means  of  all.     At  present  we  shall  make  the  Oval  Shade  in  Shade  in  four  sizes. 
10x14  for  Quail,  Snipe,  Woodcock,  etc. 
14x20    "   Medium  sized  Ducks,  Grouse,  etc. 
20x28    "    Large  size  and  pairs  of  Ducks,  etc. 
22x30    "   Large  spread  birds.  Gulls,  Hawks,  Owls. 
We  wish  to  call  the  upecial  attention  of  TaxidermMs  to  this  Shade  for  covering  all  birds 
in  screen  or  panel  form,  as  it  preserves  and  beautifies  them  and  can  be  used  with  profit. 
We  can  also  furnisli  Fancy  Wood  or  Plush  Panels  with  suitable  frame  and  birds  mounted 
in  the  most  artistic  manner,  all  complete  if  desired,  at  reasonable  prices. 


RAND  &  REED, 


368  1-2  Main  Street, 

Send  for  prices. 


Worcester,  Mass. 

Mention  this  paper. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


•    TEN    YEARS    AGO.    on 

December  26th,  1876,  The 
CHICAGO  DAILY  NEWS 
was  founded.  It  was  the  pio- 
neer of  low-priced  journahsm 
in  the  west.  From  the  hirst 
the  controlling  conviction  of 
its  managers  has  been  that  a 
"  cheap  paper "  should  be 
cheap  only  in  price ;  that  its 
news  should  be  as  fresh  and 
complete,  its  editorial  discus- 
sion as  able,  and  its  general 
tone  and  character  as  pure, 
and  healthful  as  its  best  and 
highest-priced  contempooary 
This  has  been  its  ideal.  How  well 
it  has  succeeded  in  the  actual  at- 
tainment of  so  high  a  standard  is 
best  evinced  in  the  fact  that  it  now 
regularly  prints  and  sells  over 
1 50,000  papers  a  day, — a  larger  cir- 
culation than  that  of  all  other  Chi- 
cago dailies  combined. 

The  CHICAGO  DAILY 
NEWS  is  an  INDEPENDENT 
newspaper.  It  is  not  partisan. 
Neither  is  it  neutral.  It  is  a  paper 
of  positive  opinion,  expressed 
without  fear  or  favor.  It  seeks 
the  patronage  of  people  who  love 
country  more  than  party. 

The  CHICAGO  DAILY 
NEWS  is  the  only  2  cent  paper 
in  the  west  that  is  a  member  of 
the  Associated  Press.  It  prints 
ALL  THE  NEWS. 

Sold  by  all  news  dealers  at  two  cents  per 
copy.  Mailed  to  any  address,  postage  prepaid, 
for  six  dollars  per  year,  or  for  a  shorter  term  at 
rate  of  fifty  cents  per  month.  Address  Victor 
F.  Lawson,  Publisher  The  DAILY  NEWS,  12  , 
Fifth  Ave.,  CHICAGO,  ILL. 

The  CHICAGO  WEEKLY 
NEWS — 8  pages,  64  columns — is 
the  largest  dollar  weekly  in  Amer- 
ica. 


Know  About  Gardening. 

For  scciniiif;'  the  best  results  in  useful  ami 
ornanicntal  uiU-deiiinK' one  slioulil  liave  a  good 
H\e  .jdinnal  on  tliis  subject.  Such  a  c  me,  useful, 
ably  nuuiamMl  ami  cheaii,  is  found  in  Poin'i.AR 
(iAKDKM.NC.  The  paper  treats,  (in  the  one  hand 
of  Howets,  P(it-|ilaiUs,  Lawns  ami  (he  Beauti- 
ful of  (iardeniny;  on  the  other,  taivin>;  up  Fruit 
and  N'ejit 'tallies,  and  the  .Marketin;j'  nusiness  in 
all  liranelies.  In  st>  le,  it  is  exsutly  adapted  to 
the  wants  of  the  penple,  beinj?  plain,  luaetkal 
and  to  tlie  point;  no  wasteot  words;  <n,iiiavin^s 
and  printing,'  the  l)est.  A  yearly  vohune  em- 
braces over  1,(K)0  main  subjects  and  1.50  engrav- 
ing's, and  giV(;s  as  nnnh  i  lioice  inattfr  on  garden- 
ing ns  six  cptniiioH  hoo/cs  that  vion/d  cost  $9.00.  Its 
PKICE  IS  BUT  ONE  DOLLAR  a  vear  post- 
paid.         POPULAR  GABDEITINQ  PUB.,  Buffalo,  "&.  7. 

Lovett's  Guide  to  Fruit  Culture. 

Tells  the  whole  ^;tol•y  about  the  fruits,  (giving- 
their  defects  as  well  as  their  merits),  how  to 
plant  cultivate  and  prune  them,  etc.,  and  the 
way  to  obtain  them  by  mail,  ex]>ress  or  freight. 
Rarely  have  we  foumi  such  a  fund  of  \alual)le 
insormation  in  such  a  cleara]id  condensed  form. 
The  GUIDK.  is  a  bonk  of  se\ent.\-  pages,  elegantly 
printed,  svunptuously  illustrated  tlu-oughout, 
and  eml)elished  witli  a  lieautitiul  rlu-omo-litlio- 
graiihii'  coxcr  and  several  artistically  e.\ecute(l 
colored  jilatesof  fiuits.  It  is  mailed' apiilicants 
lorten  cents,  or  witiiout  ]ilates  for  ti\ c  cents. 
Pami>hlets  and  circidars  mailed  free.  .Vddre.ss 
J.  T.  LOVKTT,  Little  Silver,  N.  J. 


NEW  HOME  SEWING  MACHINE  G.ORAMGUASS 

CHICAGO   -  30  UNION  SQUARE,N.Y-    DALLAS, 


ST  LOUIS,  MO. 


ATLANTA, GA 


TEX, 

SANFRANCISCO.CAL 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


Exchange  Extraordinary. 


I  WANT  the  folhving  Birds'  Kggs,  either  singly  or  in  sets: 

Nos.  2,  4,  7a,  10,  13a,  15a,  19,  ^,  24,  26,  27,  28,  29,  a5,  36,  37,  38,  50,  51a,  57,  59a,  60a,  61,  61a,  61b,  69,  70, 
72,  75,  77,  81,  86,  95,  99,  107, 114, 115,  123a,  125a,  138, 1X5,  139, 139a,  141,  143,  145,  146,  148,  149b,  153,  154,  155, 
156,  157,  161,  162,  164,  168,  168a,  170,  179,  19;ia,  196, 197a,  198a,  201,  202,  206,  218,  225,  226,  231a,  233,  237a,  2;W, 
238a,  241,  245,  246,  248,  249,  256,  257,  26:3,  263a,  264,  272,  278a,  280,  281,  282a,  282b,  287,  293,  303,  313,  315,  316, 
317,  320,  321,  323,  325,  :325a,  326,  3X5.  336,  338,  340,  a51,  452,  a53,  a54,  3;)6,  357,  a57a,  358,  359,  360,  »Jl,  ;361a,  :>62, 
369,  371,  372,  376,  377,  378a,  379,  382,  385,  387,  388,  389,  396,  397,  402b,  405,  405a,  406,  411,  413,  414,  416,  417,  420, 
422,  423,  425,  430,  431,  4^33,  4*3,  4;35,  436,  436b,  443,  443,  447,  448,  451,  453,  454,  455,  459,  470a,  473,  474,  475,  477, 
478,  478a,  479,  487,  488,  490,  491,  497,  498,  500,  501,  504,  506,  507,  514,  516,  517,  518,  519,  530,  531,  534,  525,  526, 
526a,  539a,  552,  556,  557,  561,  566,  570,  573,  573,  574,  577,  581,  582,  583,  585,  594,  604,  605,  609,  610,  611,  612,  613, 
614,  617,  619,  620,  633,  634,  636,  637,  638,  640,  641,  642,  646,  649,  679,  680,  681,  683,  691,  693,  695,  705,  712,  721,  731, 
733,  736,  738,  740  764,  764a,  and  eg'gs  of  any  species  not  mentioned  in  my  catalogue.  I  want  eggs  in 
large  or  small  quantities.  Send  list  of  what  you  have  with  lowest  exchange  price.  Nothing  but 
flrst-olass  oggs  wanted  at  any  price. 

I  ALSO  WANT  one  good  Safe,  1  Book  Case  and  Seeretary  combined.  1  Office  Table, 
1  Hall  Lamp,  2  Hanging  Lamps,  75  yards  best  "Velvet  or  Brussels  Carpeting,  150  yards 
best  Ingrain  Carpet,  1  Parlor  Suit  of  Furniture,  latest  style  and  worth  at  least  $100. 
1  Road  or  Jogging  Cart,  1  extra  Single  Harness,  1  bouble  barrel  breach  loading  Shot 
Gun.    I  can  use  good  job  lots  of  Specimens  or  Curiosities  of  any  kind  at  low  rates. 

For  any  of  the  above  I  WILL  GIVE  in  exchange  two  city  lots  on  Alexander  St.,  Rochester, 
N.  Y.  One  70  acre  tract  of  land,  suitable  tor  truck  or  small  fruit,  within  30  miles  of  Philadelphia, 
100  of  New  York  and  within  two  mUes  of  two  R.  R.  Stations  on  different  Railroads;  school  and 
church  within  1  mile;  best  of  water,  climate  and  soil.  One  new  Parlor  Cabinet  Organ.  Two  new 
$50.00  Sewing  Machines.  One  new  10  ft.  Windmill.  One  new  3-ton  Wagon  Scales.  One  new  Fan- 
ning Mill.  One  new  10-shot  Marlin  Repeating  Rifle.  One  new  set  of  Johnson's  Encyclopaedia, 
best  in  use,  cost  $.56.00.  One  nearly  new  Webster's  Unabridged  Dictionary.  One  Pi-inting  Press 
and  Outfit,  cost  $130.00,  in  good  condition.  Jenk's  Comprehensive.  Commentary  of  the  Bible,  ii 
vols.,  new.    History  of  the  two  Americas. 

I  will  also  give  Birds'  Eggs,  Supplies,  Publications,  Specimens,  or  anything  advertised  or 
offered  for  sale  by  myself,  either  in  regular  Catalogue  and  List  or  in  "  Closing  Sale  "  Lists.  I  will 
sell  anything  I  offer  in  exchange  at  reduced  rates  for  Cash,  and  if  you  can  fiu-nish  me  with  any 
of  my  wants  and  cannot  use  anything  that  I  offer  in  exchange,  write  me  fuU  description  with 
with  lowest  cash  price  and  I  may  purchase  of  you,  but  I  will  not  pay  cash  for  anything  that  I  can 
obtain  in  exchange. 

I  can  use  Avorks  of  any  standard  author  bound  in  good  Lilirary  binding.  Also  good  plants  or 
vinse  of  almost  any  standard  or  new  variety  of  small  fruit  in  exchange  for  Birds'  Eggs  or  Speci- 
mens. 

All  articles  mentioned  in  my  list  of  wants,  except  Specimens,  must  be  either  new  or  as  good 
as  new. 

Send  me  at  once  a  list  of  what  yon  have,  with  full  description  and  lowest  exchange  or  cash 
price,  and  state  what  you  can  use. 

Address 

FRANK   H.   LATTIN, 

ALBION,  N.  Y. 

*j(.*  Tliis  exchanire  notice  will  hold  good  uutil  July  1st,  1887. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


ALLIGATOR, 
SHELL 

AND 

Sea  Bean  JeiRrelry. 


Send  stamp  to  the  Publisher  of  the  Ooiaxust 
for  List. 


BIRDS'  EGGS  FOR  SALE  CHEAP. 

We  will  send,  postage  paid,  the  folluwing  eggs  for 
only  $i.oo  ^postal  note): 

American  White  Pelican,  California  Gull 

Great  Blue  Heron,  Mallard  Duck, 

Black-billed  Magpie,  Black  Skimmer, 

Yellow-headed  Blackbird,  Coot 

Address  S.  W.  &  W.  D.  DENTON,  Wellesley 
Mass,  ^^^r"Send  2c.  stamp  for  our  Catalogue  of 
Australian  and  American  birds'  eggs. 


A  FEW  PRICES  OF  OUR 

JOB   PRINTING. 

We  print  and  deli\-er  free  to  you 

oOOGoodNo.  6  White  Enveloi)esfor    -    -    $1.3.5 

500  First-class  Note  Heads, 1..50 

500  Cards, 1.00 

Send  stamp  for  estimate  on  any  jjrinting-  yon 
want  and  we  will  save  .you  money.  Satisfaction 
g-uaranteed. 

A.  M.  EDDY, 

67  Main  Street,  Albion,  N,  Y. 


All  "  Closing  Sale  "  prices  prices 
quoted  in  Sept.  and  Oct.  OOLO- 
GIST,  including  Birds'  Eggs,  Min- 
erals, Shells,  Curiosities,  etc.,  will 
hold  good  until  June  15th,  1887,  at 
which  date  the  balance  of  our 
stock  will  be  Catalogued  and  sold 
in  large  lots,  or  offered  at  Auc- 
tion. 

The  prices  at  which  we  are  now 
offering  specimens  at  retail  are 
less  than  usual — wholesale  rates. 

If  you  have  not  a  copy  of  Sep- 
tember and  October  OOLOGIST 
write  for  a  copy.  If  you  send  an 
order  from  the  above  mentioned 
list  be  sure  and  mention  Extra 
Specimens,  to  be  used  as  substi- 
tutes. If  you  want  to  buy  Min- 
erals by  the  lb.  or  cwt. — or  Shells 
and  Curiosities  by  the  do/,,  or  100 
— send  list  of  wants  and  let  us 
quote  you  prices. 

Our  School,  Museum  and  Sum- 
mer Resort  Trade  is  large.  If 
we  have  anything  on  our  list 
which  you  can  use,  it  will  pay 
to  ORDER  EARLY. 
Faithfully, 

FRANK  H.  LATTIN. 


THE     OOLOGIST. 


ID  .A.^V  XIE"  S 

EGG  CHECK  LIST 

AND  KEY  TO 
-THE    NESTS   AND   EGGS 

OF 

IVORTH  AMERICAN   BIRDS. 

SECOND  EDITION  :   Revised  and  Enlarged. 

lllnstraled  Witli  Seven  Full  Page  Engravings, 

By  Theodore  Jasper,  A..  M.,  M.  D. 


This  work  has  become  indispensable  to  all  students 
of  Oology  ;  assisting  them  in  identifying  N.sts  and 
Eggs  while  in  the  field,  and  has  taken  the  place  of 
those  expensive  works,  usually  beyond  the  reach  of 
many  collectors.     The  New  Edition  contains      • 

FULL  AND   ACCURATE   DESCRIPTIONS 

of  all  the  Nests  and  Eggs  of  the  Land  and  Water  Birds 
of  North  America  known  to  date,  togethei  with  the 
breeding  range  and  habitat  of  the  species  and  orniih- 
ological  synonyms.  It  contains  in  the  neighborhood 
of  200  pages  and  is  bound  in  heavy  antique,  inted 
papei. 

PRICE,  BY  MAIL,  $1.00. 

Address  all  orders  to 

FRANK  3.  LATTIN,  Gen'l  Wholesale  Agi., 

IDENTIFICATION  ! 


During  the  past  few  years    we  have   cheerfully  at- 
tempted to 

IDENTIFY  ALL  SPECIMENS 

our  friends  have  sent  us,  and  this  without  remunera- 
tion ;  but  owing  to  the  fact  that  we  are  now  leceiving 
packages  by  the  dozen  for  this  purpose,  and  that  our 
time  is  more  than  occupied  with  our  regular  business, 
in  the  future  we  shall  be  obliged  to  charge  our 
friends  in  addition  to  return  postage  the  following 

I?,.A.TE  S  = 

Single  or  first  Specimen, 
Second  to  tenth  Specimen, 
Eleventh  Specimen  and  over. 


the: 


CONTAINS 


10  <5ts. 
3  <5ts.  each. 
2  (its.     " 


The  above  rates  for  identifying  we  think  very  rea- 
sonable. We  have  spent  several  years  in  handling 
and  studying  specimens  of  various  kinds,  and  have  on 
hand  a  very  large  stock  with  which  comparisons  can 
be  made.  We  also  have  the  leading  «  orks  to  use  as 
reference.  The  advantage  of  having  specimens 
properly  identified  is  invaluable  to  collectors. 
Address, 

FRANK  H.  LATTIN,  Albion,  N.  Y. 


86  Pages  of  Valuable  Information. 

It  gives  our  regular  price  list  of  oological  specimens 
and  supplies  (the  most  complete  ever  sent  out  bv  any 
dealer).  It  gives  :iie  common  and  scientific  names  of 
all  North  American  birds,  arranged  and  numbered 
according  to  Ridgeway  s  (the  Smithsonian)  nomencla- 
ture of  1881;  it  gives  the  numbers  used  in  Baird's 
check-list  of  1859  and  those  used  in  Coue's  of  1883  ; 
it  gives  the  value  of  the  eggs  of  over  500  species  of 
North  American  birds,  this  fact  alone  making  the 
catalogue  invaluable  to  collectors  as  a  basis  of  ex- 
change. It  names  the  various  families  into  which  the 
birds  of  North  America  are  divided,  and  enumerates 
the  birds  belonging  to  each  family.  It  gives,  approx- 
imately, the  r^umber  of  eggs  in  a  clutch  of  every 
American  bird.  It  tells  how  to  prepare  specimens  for 
cabinet,  how  to  pack  them  for  transportation,  with 
many  other  useful  hints.  A  copy  of  our  new  hand- 
book and  catalogue  will  be  sent  postpaid  for 

ONLY   25  CENTS. 

or  we  can  furnish  the  HANDBOOK  bound  in  cloth 
and  gilt  for  50  cents. 

ADDRESS 

ALBION,  Orleans  Co.,  N.  Y. 

The  Oologists' Directory 

By  DAVIS  &  BAKER. 


Is  now  ready  for  delivery  and  contains  the  names  aid 
addresses  of  over  four  hundred  collectors  of  Oologi- 
cal, Ornithological,  and  Taxidermal  specimens,  and 
twenty-one  pages  of  advertisements  of  the  leading 
dealers. 

TMs  Directory  is  tlie  Best  and  Cheapest 

ever  offered  collectors,  and  is  worth  double  the  amount 
for  which  it  sells. 

It  is  printed  in  good,  suitable  type,  on  heavy  tinted 
paper,  and  bound  in  antique  Japanese  covers. 

PRICE,  POSTPAID, 

ONLY    THIRTY    CENTS. 

—  ADDRESS, 

WHOLESALE    AGENT. 

JLlbion,  New  Yorh, 


THE  OQLOGIST. 

Vol.  4,  No  2.    ALBION,  N.  Y,  MAKC  H-MAY,  1887.    ]  b.-month.v. 


'  25c.  Per  Year. 


Notes   Ornithological   and   Otherwise 
from  Spoon  River  Region,  Illinois. 


Constantly  travelling  over  a°large  section 
of  country  comprising  every  variety  of 
river,  creek,  timber,  bvisli  and  prairie  land, 
and  ever  on  the  alert  |f or  all  forms  of  bird 
•and  animal  life,  there  is  not  much  of  it  in 
this  region  but  comes  undtr  my  observa- 
tion sooner  or  later. 

A  few  extracts  from  my  note  book  will 
serve  to  show  what  dsiily  comes  under  my 
notice,  and  also  show  what  the  more  com- 
mon winter  residents  are  in  Central  Illinois. 

Jan.  10th — Taking  my  gun  and  a  couple 
of  boys,  crossed  the  river  on  the  ice  to  a 
grass  slough  in  a  field.  Snow  one  foot 
deep.  Climbing  up  a  small  tree  I  had  the 
boys  beat  the  high  grass  from  different 
directions  towards  the  tree.  Shot  seven 
rabbits  before  getting  down.  liagged  two 
more  before  getting  back  to  town.  Total, 
nine  rabbits.  Tine,  one  hour  and  thirty 
minutes. 

Jan.  11th — A  farmer  to-day  brought  me 
an  Albino  Squirrel  that  he  had  shot  in  some 
oak  woods.  A  very  beautiful  specimen, 
snow  white,  with  pink  eyes.  Have  care- 
fully mounted  it  and  consider  it  quite  an 
acquision  to  my  collection  of  skins  and 
curiosities.  It  is  undouljtedly  the  common 
red  or  fox  squirrel  whicli  are  very  abun- 
dant here.  I  now  find  a  number  of  persons 
who  claim  to  have  either  killed  or  seen 
them.  Yet  in  twenty  years,  during  which 
time  I  have  killed  hundreds  of  Red  and 
Gray  Squirrels  this  is  the  only  one  I  have 
ever  .seen. 

Jan.  12th— While  six  miles  west  on  the 
praiiie  saw  six  American  Hawk  Owl, 
Surned  funerea  in  one  evergreen  tree. 
They  were  quite  tame,  and  I  drove  by 
within  two  rods  of  them  and  they  did  not 
fly.  I  had  my  gun  with  me  and  could 
have  bagged  the  lot,  but  possessing  a  skin 


I  did  not  see  fit  to  needlessly  slaughter 
them.  A  cattle  feeder  near  by  told  me 
that  a  fiock  of  fifteen  had  been  about  his 
premises  for  several  days.  When  they 
were  not  hawking  about,  sitting  in  the 
evergreen  trees  in  his  door  yard.  I  have 
not  been  able  to  find  them  nesting  here, 
only  appearing  din-ing  severe  cold  weather, 
and  on  the  praries  only,  departing  for  the 
north  when  milder  weather  appears. 

Jan  13th — Saw  a  pair  of  Buteo  Pennsyl- 
vanicm,  Broad-winged  Hawks,  also  two 
flocks  of  Ciipklonia  Cupido,  Prairie  Hens. 
These  flocks  were  on  the  prairie  and  about 
four  mOes  apart.  Thirty-two  in  one  flock 
and  seventeen  in  the  other. 

Jan  14th — Weather  warmer.  Snow  melt- 
ing. Bird  life  more  active.  The  following 
is  some  of  the  birds  I  observed  in  a  thirty 
mile  round  : 

Several  pairs  of  Buteo  borealis.  Red-tailed 
hawks. 

Shot  an  AhIo  Americdnus,  Long-eared 
Owl. 

Saw  several  Great  Northern  Sheiks. 

Many  Jays,  Juncos,  Winter  Wrens,  B.  C. 
Chickadees,  Tufted  Titmice.  Several  Car- 
dinals. A  White-bellied  Nuthatch.  Many 
DownJ^  Hairy,  and  Red-naped  Wood- 
peckers. Three  Ruffed  Grouse  whicli  flew 
out  of  a  bush  covered  with  a  bitter-sweet 
vine,  the  scarlet-red  berries  being  the  attrac- 
tion that  drew  them  there. 

Counted  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight 
crows  passing  over  me  between  sun-down 
and  dark  to  their  roost  eight  miles  north- 
west. A  few  evenings  later  I  again  counted 
(jne  hundred  and  thirty-two  in  one  flock 
flying  10  the  same  place.  At  this  roost,  in 
mild  weather,  hundreds  of  them  come 
every  night.  It  is  a  Jack  or  Yellow  Oak 
grove  of  about  twelve  acres  at  the  margin 
of  th(;  prairie  and  surrounded  on  all  sides 
by  cultivated  fields,  and  is  probably  the 
largest  crows  roost  nearer  than  Kentucky, 


72 


THE   OOLOGIST 


In  my  night  rides  now  I  am  constantly 
on  the  qui  vive  for  the  music  of  the  Bubo 
Virgtm'anus,  locating  their  haunts  for  fur- 
ther investigation  about  February  20th. 
They  are  in  pairs  now,  and  the  "deep,  de- 
liberate hoot"  of  the  one  is  immediately 
followed  by  the  "shallow,  quick,  nervous 
note"  of  the  other.  Have  the  readers  of 
the  OoL.  ever  noticed  this  difference  in  the 
notes  of  the  sexes.  Doubtless  they  have. 
Thos.  H.  Jackson  of  West  Chester,  Pa., 
writes  me  that  he  has  often  remarked  it. 
1  have  been  aware  of  it  since  my  boyhood, 
and  have  reasoned  by  analogy  that  the 
tiner,  nervous  scolding  voice  must  of  course 
i)elong  to  the  female.  A  pair  of  them  have 
commenced  housekeeping  in  a  large  syca- 
more just  across  the  river  from  my  house, 
and  late  in  the  evenings  they  seem  to  have 
many  cares  and  responsibilities  to  discuss. 
The  Bubo's  liave  nested  in  this  tree  many 
times  in  years  past,  and  often  later  a  pair 
of  Aix  Sponsa's,  American  Wood  Duck, 
would  occupy  the  same  nest. 

Dr.  W.  S.  Strode, 
Bernadotte,  Fulton  Co.,  Illinois. 


■Wonderful  Peculiarities  of  the  Ruby- 
throat  Humming-bird. 


About  the  latter  part  of  May  in  the  year 
1883,  as  I  was  rambling  through  my 
orchard  one  day,  I  observed  a  Ruby-throat 
Humming-bird  darting  from  one  tree  to 
another  and  I  stopped  to  observe  its  mo- 
tions, when  the  thought  occurred  to  me 
that  there  might  be  a  nest  near  by,  so  I 
seated  mysslf  under  one  of  the  trees  and 
waited  for  further  developments.  She  was 
seated  on  a  dead  limb  of  one  of  the  trees 
when  presently  she  darted  to  a  limb  on  the 
next  tree,  and,  lo  !  there  was  her  nest  about 
ten  feel  from  the  ground  and  looking  like 
a  little  moss  knot.  It  contained  two  eggs 
slightly  incubated.  Of  cours'i  I  gathered 
them  nest  and  all,  and  in  three  or  four  days 
I  discovered  her  builning  another  nest  on 
an  adjoining  tree,  and  in  eight  days  from 
the  time  I  took  the  first  nest  she  had  an- 
other nest  completed  and  two  more  eggs 
which    I   also  gathered.      The  bird  then 


moved  back  to  the  tree  where  she  first 
built,  only  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  tree, 
and  built  again.  A  friend  of  mine  found 
the  nest  this  time,  and  on  the  seventh  day 
it  contained  one  egg  and  on  the  eighth  day 
when  he  went  to  gather  it  he  found  that 
some  unknown  person  had  broken  off  the 
limb  and  had  taken  it  nest  and  all,  and  siiJl 
not  being  discouraged  she  again  built  her 
fourth  nest  on  another  tree  close  by,  and  in 
eight  days  from  the  time  the  last  was  stolen 
it  was  completed  and  contained  two  eggs. 
The  next  spring  of  1884  the  bird  came 
back  and  built  her  nest  within  ten  feet  of 
where  I  first  found  her  nest  the  year  be- 
fore, and  the  next  year  of  1885  my  orchard 
was  sowed  to  wheat,  and  not  caring  to 
tread  down  the  standing  grain  I  did  not 
look  for  it  but  I  am  certain  she  nested  there 
that  season  for  I  saw  her  gathering  down 
from  the  blossoms  of  a  kind  of  willow  that 
grows  in  marshy  places  and  fiy  directly 
into  the  orchard,  and  last  summer,  June 
24th,  1886,  I  again  found  her  nest  within 
four  feet  of  where  I  first  found  her  nest 
three  years  before.  I  again  gathered  it, 
and  on  the  eighth  day  when  I  knew  there 
would  be  another  nest  I  was  too  busy  to 
look,  but  on  the  tenth  day  being  Sunday 
July  fourth,  I  again  walked  out  in  the 
orchard  with  perfect  confidence  in  finding 
another  nest,  and  I  was  not  disappointed, 
for  on  looking  around  a  short  time  I  found 
it  again  with  two  eggs  slightly  incubated. 
It  was  undoubtedly  the  same  bird  that 
built  all  these  nests  and  clung  to  her  nest- 
ing place  so  long.  It  is  a  wonder  what  can 
be  learned  by  the  study  of  natural  history. 
James  B.  Purdy, 

Plymouth,  Mich. 


Parental  Fidelity  of  the  Song 
Sparrow. 


Having  just  finished  reading  a  short 
article  on  "  bird  surgery  "  (a  cojiy  of  which 
1  enclose)  induces  me  to  relate  an  experi- 
ence showing  the  remarkable  experience  of 
a  pair  of  Song  Sparrows.  During  the 
latter  part  of  May,  1886,  while  engaged  in 
removing  an  old  pile  of   willow  brush  I 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


73 


Ciinie  unexpectedly  upon  a  nest  of  the 
Song  Sparrow.  The  nest,  made  of  willow 
leaves,  small  twigs  and  weeds  and  lieavily 
lined  with  hay,  was  situated  about  six 
inches  above  ground  and  loosely  attached 
to  several  branches.  In  moving  the  bush 
the  nest  had  been  torn  from  its  position.  It 
contained  one  young  bird  which,  together 
with  the  rest,  I  placed  in  a  brush  heap 
about  fifteen  feet  distant.  1  located  the 
ne-t  as  nearly  in  the  original  position  as 
possible,  fixing  it  firmly  amongst  the 
branches  and  about  six  inches  above  the 
ground  thinking  that  perhaps  the  parent 
birds  would  spy  out  and  succor  their  oll'- 
spring. 

"  What  was  my  surprise  on  returning  about 
two  hours  later  to  find  the  nest  ocbupied 
by  four  young  birds  and  the  old  birds  in 
the  vicinity  making  a  great  cry  at  my  in- 
trusion. The  young  were  large  enough  to 
have  jumped  over  the  side  of  the  nest  on 
being  disturbed  or  they  might  have  been 
thrown  from  the  nest  by  the  violent  manner 
in  which  it  had  been  handled,  but  they 
clearly  could  not  have  got  back  into  the 
nest  themselves  as  it  was  at  'too  great  a 
distance  from  its  former  location,  and  was, 
moreover,  above  ground.  The  only  con- 
clusion is  that  the  parents  on  returning  had 
found  three  young  birds  on  the  ground  and 
also  the  fourth  in  the  nest,  and  carried  and 
placed  all  in  it,  quite  a  diificult  feat  as  the 
young  were  more  than  half  grown.  I 
visited  the  nest  again  on  the  next  day  and 
found  but  two  young  in  it.  I  searched  on 
the  ground  about  the  nest  but  was  unable 
to  find  any  trace  of  the  missing  birds.  The 
parents  were  chattering  and  scolding  in  the 
vicinity,  clearly  proving  that  they  had  ac- 
cepted the  situation  and  had  no  idea  of 
abandoning  their  offspring. 

H.  A.  Koch,  College  Hill,  O. 

In  the  Haunts  of  the  Purple  Gallinule. 


The  Purple  Gallinule,  {lononiis  mnrtin- 
ica)  is  intimately  associated  with  our  WiU"m 
and  sparkling  aquatic  scenes  of  June.  At 
tliis  glorious  season  of  the  year,  he  is  at  the 
heighth  of  his  brilliant  career,  and  lends  a 
bright  charm  to  wherever  he  frequents. 


At  what  time  this  bird  makes  his  appear- 
ance in  the  northern  region  of  the  Gulf,  I 
have  not  definitely  ascertained;  suffice  it  is 
to  say  here  that  April  hears  his  voice  call- 
ing his  mate  from  the  rank  profusion  of 
vegetation  in  our  small  streams  and  swamps. 
About  the  middle  of  May  nest  building  is 
begun,  and  early  in  June  finds  the  eggs  de- 
posited and  incubation  going  on. 

For  the  benefit  of  those  who  are  unac- 
quainted with  the  haunts  of  the  Purple 
Gallinule,  I  will  try  to  describe  it  for  them. 
We  will  step  into  our  pirogue  and  paddle 
up  the  Bayou  in  seai-ch  of  their  breeding 
grounds.  It  is  a  bright  June  morning,  and 
all  of  nature's  awakened  energy  is  volum- 
inously displayed.  We  will  have  to  paddle 
vigorousl3\  as  the  warm  season  has  filled 
the  stream  with  a  dense  series  of  gill-like 
grasses,  to  filter  the  slowly  moving  current, 
and  which  impedes  our  progress  consider- 
ably. From  the  surface  of  the  water 
myriads  of  tiny  fiowers  are  peeping  into 
the  blue  sky  above  and  breathing  the  warm 
June  air.  On  either  side  of  us,  a  dense 
growth  of  rushes  8  or  9  feet  in  height  winds 
along  the  Bayou's  length;  and  here  and 
there  is  an  opening  through  them,  where 
the  settler  paddles  his  pirogue  ashore. 
Odors  of  the  Louisiana  Lotus  laden  the  air, 
and  occasionally  we  catch  glimpses  of  its 
pale  yellow  petals  through  the  openings. 

We  have  paddled  half  a  mile  above  the 

town  of  H ,  from  whence  we  started, 

when  we  hear  a  Gallinule's  loud  cackle.  A 
little  further  on  he  .springs  from  the  rushes 
and  disappears  up  the  Bayou.  We  paddle 
to  where  he  sprang  from.  Ah !  there  is  the 
nest!  A  slight  bending  inward  of  the 
rushes  betrays  this  nest.  It  rests  three- 
fourths  up  the  clump  of  rushes,  is  composed 
of  green  rush  blades,  and  is  about  a  foot  in 
diameter.  Half  a  dozen  buff  eggs,  speck- 
led with  madder  and  light  purple  lay 
cradled  in  it. 

Hark!  up  the  tortuous  trail  of  rushes  we 
hear  voices  of  Gallinules,  and  we  accord- 
ingly push  off  to  their  retreat.  Along  the 
way  we  visit  the  nests  and  find  them  con- 
forming in  construction  with  the  preceed- 
ing  descriijed  one. 


74 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


Having  obtained  all  the  information  pos- 
sible regardiiiii'  tlu'ir  nesting,  we  return 
home. 

A  curious  fact  coimected  with  the  nesting 
of  the  Purple  Gallinule  is  their  building 
several  nests,  but  making  use  of  only  one. 
Where  they  have  a  nest  of  eggs  you  will 
always  find  one  or  more  fresldy  made  un- 
occupied ones.  Probably  these  sham  nests 
are  made  to  detract  attention  from  the  one 
containing  the  eggs. 

The  Gallinules'  nests  are  often  despoiled 
by  the  Water  IVEoccasin,  Ancistrodon  jnsciv- 
orus.  I  have  on  several  occasions  witnessed 
nests  in  which  the  eggs  had  been  broken 
and  their  contents  partaken  of  by  this  rep- 
tile. * 

I  was  one  day  attracted  by  the  loud  cries 
of  a  pair  of  Gallinules,  and  from  the  tone 
of  one  of  them  I  concluded  it  was  in  dis- 
tress. Hastening  thither,  I  saw  that  some- 
thing had  seized  one  of  the  birds  from  off 
its  nest  of  eggs  and  was  bearing  it  away 
through  the  grass  and  rushes.  I  tried  my 
utmost  to  discover  what  animal  had  cap- 
tured it,  but  did  not  succeed,  and  it  is  a 
mystery  to  me  to  this  day.  E.  C.  W. 

HouMA,  La.,  Feb.  19th,  1887. 


How  to  Collect. 


The  American  Woodcock 


The  American  Woodcock,  although  not 
very  rare,  is  seldom  met  with  in  this  county. 
Years  ago,  it  is  said,  this  species  of  game 
bird  was  plenty,  but  the  continuous  raids  of 
the  sportsmen  thinned  them  out.  I  know 
of  two  places  where  the  old  birds  build 
their  nests  and  rear  two  broods  each  year, 
but  I  have  been  unable  to  visit  them. 

About  the  latter  part  of  April,  '86,  I 
found  a  nest  of  the  Woodcock;  it  was 
placed  on  the  ground,  under  a  small  "  haw  " 
bu.sh;  it  was  simply  a  slight  depression, 
about  the  size  of  a  Robin's  nest  on  the  out- 
side, and  an  inch  deep,  lined  with  leaves. 
The  eggs  were  four  in  number,  the  ground 
color  was  buff,  covered  with  blotches, spots, 
and  dots  of  different  shades  of  brown,  but 
chiefly  at  the  larger  end.  They  measured 
about  1.40  by  1.20  inches. 

I.  W.  .Jacobs, 
Waynesboro,  Pa. 


Editor  of  tlie  Oologint : 

Observing  that  the  writers  for  The  05l- 
OGiST  mostly  relate  their  experience,  with- 
out giving  the  young  collector  many  points 
as  to  how  to  mUect,  owing,  possibly  to  their 
modesty,  and  having  begun  collecting  eggs 
at  the  early  age  of  ten  years,  and  having 
had  actual  experience  in  the  field  every 
season  since  that  time,  embracing  eleven 
years.  I  decided  to  attempt,  in  this  article 
to  give  the  beginner  an  idea  of  the  inodiin 
operandi,  practiced  by  collectors  in  this 
section . 

Of  two  amateur  oologists,  I  am  the 
younger  brother.  Possibly  more  than  one 
reader  of  The  Oologist  is  cognizant  of  the 
fact  that  some  of  the  laziest  collectors  con- 
sider the  younger  brother  a  most  excellent 
fellow  to  "bark"  trees,  blow  an  inch  em- 
bryo through  a  3-32  inch  hole,  and  perform 
quite  a  number  of  other  operations,  such  as 
the  vivisection  of  terrapins  for  the  purpose 
of  making  certain  oological  investigations; 
even  if  he  be  unsuccessful,  it  is  "no  trouble" 
to  look  on."  Such  expressions  as,  "  It's  not 
high  " — standing  on  the  ground  and  looking 
up,  "  Don't  comedown  now;  j'ou  are  nios' 
2  'em!"  "A  back  out!"  "The  tree  is 
sound,"  "Yes,  it  will  hold  you,"  "The 
wind  {!)  is  not  blowing  much,"  and  others 
of  similar  import,  are  just  as  familiar  as 
the  Ten  Commandments.  Sometimes  they 
are  more  fiattering,  however,  and  "  I'd  just 
'  hug  all  wretchedness '  to  be  able  to  climb 
like  you. "  ' '  You  are  the  '  beat'nest '  fellow 
to  go  out  on  limbs  "  and  others  of  kindred 
significance,  are  thrown  at  him  with  much 
suavity,  because  they  are  supposed  to  be 
like  the  infallible  patent  medicine,  "  pleas- 
ant to  take;  "  yet  there  comes  a  time  when 
all  such  things  as  those  lose  their  magnet- 
ism, and  are  of  no  avail,  and  then  it  is  with 
decided  reluctance,  if  at  all,  that  the 
younger  brother  tussles  with  the  bark  with 
the  "  pernicious  activity  "  of  former  days. 

It  always  gives  us  a  peculiarly  tired  feel- 
ing to  have  boys  who  cannot  climb,  tell  us 
that  height  does  not  affect  them.  The 
writer  has  found  that  a  great  deal  depends 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


75 


on  where  one  is  standing  and  which  waj' 

he  is  looking.  The  egg  that  is  hiid  seventy 
or  eighty  feet  from  terra  firma  is  not  in  my 
heat,  and  I  do  not  want  it.  The  climbers 
vised  here  have  been  such  as  nature  gave  us, 
the  introduction  of  the  climbing  irons  being 
quite  a  recent  thing. 

Now  as  to  how  to  hunt  nests.  Hunting 
at  random  for  the  egg  in  general  is,  perhaps, 
the  best  way  for  the  beginner,  as  variety 
and  quantity  are  what  he  needs;  yet,  after 
getting  started,  it  is  better  to  adopt  wliat 
may  be  termed  still  hunting.  To  follow 
this  you  should  know  the  song-,  of  all  male 
birds  and  the  time  when  each  species  begins 
to  nest.  The  song  of  the  male  will  enable 
you  to  locate  the  pair  of  birds,  as,  in  case 
of  most  of  our  small  birds,  he  stays  near  by 
where  the  female  is  building.  After  find- 
ing the  male,  you  can  station  yourself  near 
by  and  wait  until  you  see  the  female  fly  by 
with  building  material,  to  her  nest.  The 
male  sometimes  tiies  toward  her  as  she  goes 
to  the  nest.  After  finding  one  nest,  you 
can  continue  on  until  you  come  to  another 
pair  of  birds,  and  so  on.  After  finding  the 
nests,  you  can  observe  their  situation  and 
return  a  week  or  two  later  when  they  have 
completed  their  sets,  and  make  collections. 
This  will  give  you  a  better  chance  to  ob- 
serve the  habits  (jf  the  birds,  and/r^.v//  <i(/gs, 
which  are  not  only  easier  blown,  but  make 
a  much  more  desirable  shell  for  the  cabinet. 
As  incubation  advances,  the  shell  assumes 
a  dull,  sleek  appearance,  and  becomes 
brittle. 

In  case  of  Ruby -throated  humming  bird, 
you  need  spend  no  time  on  the  male,  but 
may  locate  the  female  and  her  nest  by  the 
noise  of  her  wings.  In  one  season  tlie 
writer  found  57  new  nests  of  this  species  in 
this  way.  In  another,  85;  another,  38;  an- 
other 21.  Total  for  the  four  seasons,  141. 
Of  Blue-gray  Guatcatcher,  which  is  mod- 
erately rare  here,  have  taken  over  30  in  one 
season.  In  an  hour  and  thirty  minutes,  I 
have  found  six  nests  of  the  Hummer,  and 
in  two  hours,  four  nests  of  the  Pine-creep- 
ing Warbler. 

This  mode  of  Imnting  is  most  available 
where  the  eggs  of  the  rarer  small  birds  arc; 


desired  on  some  species  it  could  not  be  prac- 
ticed. The  best  time  for  this  hunting  is 
from  6  to  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  as  most  of  the 
building  ing  is  done  during  those  hours. 

Now,  Mr.  Editor,  doubtless  you  think  I 
should  not  presume  to  give  so  much  fath- 
erly advice,  nor  consume  so  much  space, 
but  should  you  think  this  of  no  interest, 
grant  it  space  in  the  wast(!-basket,  and  you 
will  do  me  a  favor  which  will  be  appre- 
ciated. Oologically, 

K.  B.  McLaughlik, 

Feb.  8th,  '87.  Statesville,  N.  C. 


Bird  Surgery. 


Dr.  Walter  S.  Morgan,  of  Leavenworth, 
Kan.,  sends  to  the  Medical  Record  this 
curious  account  of  what  may  be  called 
avarian  surgery,  related  to  him  in  1876,  by 
the  late  Joseph  O'Brien,  Esq.,  of  Cleveland, 
Ohio.  "On  going  into  his  barn,  Mr. 
O'Brien  discovered  a  swallow's  nest,  and, 
being  a  natural  observer  and  lover  of  ani- 
mals, he  climbed  to  the  nest  and  found  in 
it  two  J'^oung  swallows,  one  being  smaller 
and  less  vigorous  than  the  other,  and  hav- 
ing a  slighter  covering  of  feathers.  Upon 
taking  the  young  bird  in  his  hand  he  was 
astonished  to  find  one  of  its  legs  very  thoi-- 
oughly  bandaged  with  h(n*sehair.  Having 
carefully  removed  the  hairs  one  by  one  he 
was  still  more  astonished  to  find  that  the 
nestling's  leg  was  broken.  Mr.  O'Brien 
carefully  replaced  the  bird  in  its  nest  and 
resolved  to  await  further  developments. 
Upon  visiting  the  ' '  patient "  the  next  day 
the  leg  was  again  bandaged  as  before.  The 
bird  surgeon  was  not  again  interfered  with 
and  the  case  being  kept  under  observation, 
in  about  two  weeks  it  was  found  that  the 
hairs  were  being  cautiously  removed,  only 
a  few  each  day,  and  finally  when  all  were 
taken  off  the  callus  was  distinctly  felt,  and 
the  union  of  the  bone  evidently  perfect,  as 
the  bird  was  able  to  fiy  off  with  its  mates. 
Such  instances  may  seem  incredible  to  those 
not  yet  fully  prepareil  to  accept  the  axiom 
of  the  scientists,  viz. :  '  that  the  intelligence 
of  animals  differs  from  that  of  man  only  in 
degree  and  not  in  kind." 


76 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


Eggs  of  the  Florida  Jay. 

{A  Floridana.) 


Having  lately  received  a  set  of  these  rare 
eggs,  a  descriptiou  may  be  of  interest  to  the 
readers  of  this  paper;  they  are  a  little  larger 
than  those  of  the  Blue  Jay,  which  they  re- 
semble in  color,  although  slightly  more 
pointed  than  the  latter.  The  markings 
also,  ri-semble  splashesrather  than  dots;  the 
nest  is  rather  neatly  made — for  a  Jay. 
There  is  a  sort  of  sub-structure  of  small 
twigs,  interlaced  in  a  very  complicated 
manner;  on  this  is  placed  very  fine  grass, 
fashioned  into  a  nearly  flat  nest  about  four 
inches  in  diameter,  and  three-quarters  of  an 
iucli  deep.  The  set  of  'four  was  taken  on 
Indian  River,   Fla.,  (from   alow  bush)  on 

April  26th,  1886.  Wm.  D.  Grier, 

Boston,  Mass. 


Rufus-vented  or  Crissal  Trasher ;  Ben- 

dire's  Thrasher ;  and  Canon 

Towhee. 

During  the  past  two  years  I  spent  at  the 
Pima  Agency  in  Arizona,  I  became  inter- 
ested in  the  study  of  Oology,  and  so  make 
the  following  notes  on  the  nesting  of  the 
above  birds,  and  hope  it  will  be  of  interest 
to  the  readers  of  the  Oologist. 

RUPUS-VENVED  THRASHERS,  (17). 

The  first  eggs  collected  this  past  season, 
were  brought  me  by  a  Pima  Indian  boy,  on 
March  1st,  a  fine  set  of  two  eggs  of  a  dark 
green  color.  The  nest  was  placed  in  a 
thicket,  near  the  Gila  R.,  about  three 
feet  from  the  ground,  composed  of  twigs, 
lined  with  grasses  and  vegetable  fibers,  the 
eggs  slightly  incubated.  After  this,  every 
afternoon,  in  company  with  a  party  of 
Pima  boys  to  find  the  nests,  we  would 
make  a  trip  of  two  or  three  miles  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Agency.  We  examined  a 
number  of  nests,  and  in  most  of  them 
found  two  or  three  young  birds,  so  I  found 
I  had  been  too  late  to  collect  any  eggs  of 
the  first  brood. 

I  commenced  to  find  eggs  of  the  second 
brood  about  the  first  of  April,  and  of  the 
third  brood  about  June  1st.  The  number 
of  eggs  in  the  set  is  usually  three,  some- 
times two,  and  very  rarelj'  four. 


bendire's  thrasher,  (14«.) 
Of  these  eggs  I  took  my  first  set  on 
March  3d,  which  was  placed  in  a  slight 
nest  of  twigs,  about  four  feet  from  the 
ground,  in  a  palo-verde  tree.  This  bird 
does  not  place  its  nest  in  the  bushes, 
like  (17),  but  always  in  a  palo-verde  tree  or 
in  the  cholla  cactus.  I  did  not  get  many 
of  these  eggs  again  until  the  last  of  March, 
when  I  had  several  sets  brought  in.  The 
eggs  differ  very  much  in  markings,  some 
being  something  like  the  eggs  of  the  Shrike 
and  others  like  the  Mocking  Bird. 

CANON    towhee. 

This  bird  is  the  most  common  here. 
They  begin  to  lay  about  the  first  of  April, 
the  number  of  eggs  being  three  or  four. 

The  nest  of  this  bird  is  usually  near  the 
river,  in  thickets  and  bushes,  sometimes  in 
cotton-wood  trees,  as  high  as  twenty  feet 
from  the  ground,  composed  of  twigs,  bark, 
grass,  vegetable  fibre,  etc. 

Among  the  common  birds  of  this  section 
are  13a,  15,  15«,  26,  28,  56,  57,  240,  460, 
431,  436c,  and  483. 

RoswELL  S.  Wheeler, 

Pima  Agency,  Arizona. 


A  Bird-Dance. 


Mr.  C.  F.  Holder,  the  naturalist  of  New 
York  Central  Park,  thus  describes  a  curious 
dance  of  birds  :  Among  the  birds  of  the 
western  hemisphere  the  cock  of  the  rock 
ranks  next  to  the  crane  in  the  strangeness 
of  its  evolutions.  The  bird  is  confined  to 
South  America,  and  is  about  the  size  of  a 
small  pigeon  ;  has  a  bright  orange  web  in 
the  male,  with  a  plume  like  arangement 
upon  the  head.  It  is  a  proud  bird,  princi- 
pally building  its  nest  in  rocky  places  not 
frequented  by  man.  At  the  commence- 
ment of  the  breeding-season  a  party  of 
birds,  numl)ering  from  ten  to  twenty, 
assemble,  and  sele'cting  a  clear  space  among 
the  rocks  form  a  ring  or  circle,  facing  in- 
ward. Now  a  small  bird  takes  its  place  hi 
the  centric  and  begins  to  hop  about,  toss  its 
head,  lift  its  wings,  and  go  through  all  the 
the  strange  movements  possible,  which  ap- 
pear to  be  watched  with  great  interest  by 
the  rest.  When  the  performer  is  thoroughly 
exhau.sted  he  retires  to  the  circle,  and  an- 
other bird  enters  the  ring,  and  so  on,  until 
all  have  been  put  through  their  paces 
when  the  pairs  probably  make  their  selec- 
tion. Often  the  birds"  are  so  exhausted 
after  the  dances  that  they  can  hardly  fiy, 
lying  panting  on  the  rocks — Fnnn  the 
Miirch  Swiss  Vn'.ss. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


77 


Too  Clever  for  the  Cat. 


Last  summer,  while  watching  a  motlicr 
Blackbird  feeding  her  young,  she,  seeing  a 
a  cat  approaching,  and  fearing  the  loss  of 
her  brood,  attracted  the  attention  of  the 
stealthy  animal  by  flying  down  to  the  fence 
upon  which  the  cat  was  crouched,  and  then 
by  feigning  a  broken  wing  and  hopping 
along  with  plaintive  chirps,  just  in  front  of 
her  enemy  (but  always  just  out  of  his  reach), 
she  succeeded  in  luring  him  to  a  safe  dis- 
tance. Then  she  immediately  took  flight, 
and  by  a  circuitous  route,  returned  to  her 
nest.  P.  S.  Maloney, 

Phila.  Pa. 


Winter  Bird  Notes. 


Tlie  weather  since  the  advent  of  January, 
has  in  general  been  cold  and  stormy,  with 
a  few  thaws,  and  the  evidence  of  bird  life 
has  not  been  very  manifest,  at  least,  in  a 
number  of  species  that  usually  make  their 
appearance  in  this  vicinity  during  the  win- 
ter mouths.  The  European  Sparrows  are 
here  in  large  numbers,  and  evidently  deter- 
mined to  remain,  though  we  occasionally 
notice  that  the  Northern  Shrike  is  contin- 
ually subtracting  one  of  their  nnmber.  The 
Sno\y-buntings  are  always  here,  sometimes 
in  large  flocks,  from  the  first  snow-fall  till 
the  arrival  of  many  of  our  spring  birds 
herald  the  approach  of  spring.  Almost 
every  day  that  we  visit  the  evergreen  woods, 
we  are  greeted  by  the  cheery  notes  of  the 
Chickadee,  and  often  bj^  those  of  the  Gold- 
en-crowned Kinglet,  but,  strange  to  say,  so 
far  this  winter,  we  have  failed  to  observe 
either  species  of  the  Nut-hatches,  Crossbills, 
Finches,  or  Grosbeaks,  and  very  few  Blue- 
jays,  or  Hairy  AVood- picker  shave  put  in  an 
appearance.  A  few  owls  have  been  ob- 
served, and  one  that  has  lately  been  seen 
wandering  in  this  neighborhood,  from  the 
description  given,  I  have  reason  to  believe, 
was  a  specimen  of  the  Great  Grey  Owl.  On 
the  27th  of  January,  i^me  specimens  of  the 
Horned  Lark  were  seen,  and  since  then 
they  have  become  more  common.  This 
was  the  earliest  date  that  I  ever  remember 
to  have  observed  the  advent  of  this  species. 


On  the  5th  inst.  the  peculiar  "  croak"  of 
the  Raven  was  heard  coming  over  the  woods 
and  soon  after  a  pair  of  these  birds  were 
observed  flying  southward.  This  is  the 
second  pair  of  these  birds  that  I  have  no- 
ticed in  this  vicinity,  and  both  were  seen 
near  the  same  place,  and  near  the  same 
period  of  the  year,  the  other  pair  having 
been  observed  in  '85.  Wm.  L.  Kells. 
Listowel,  Feb.  7th,  1887. 


Snowy  Owl. 


While  hunting  on  the  prairie  neai'  here, 
on  the  27th,  I  surprised  a  Snowy  Owl  asleep 
in  a  bare  spot  in  the  center  of  a  al>out  40 
acres  of  weeds.  My  near  approach  fright- 
ened him  and  he  started  to  fly,  but  I  fired 
and  he  dropped.  Is  this  not  rather  early 
for  them  here,  and  is  this  a  usual  place  to 
find  them  in?  He  measured  sixty  inches 
exactly  from  tip  to  tip  of  wings.  I  never 
saw  but  one  other  here  and  that  was  in 
December  of  1884. 

Geo.  B.  Holmes. 

Fernwood,  Ills. 

Measurements:  Alar  spread,  4  feet  11 
inches.  Description:  Front  of  head  and 
part  of  breast  white;  crown  white,  marked 
with  a  shade  of  brown. 

Wings  white,  marked  with  brown  in  bars 
running  cross-wise  of  feathers. 

Wing  coverts  about  the  same  as  wings  ; 
tail  coverts  white;  tail  white,  marked  with 
parallel  bars  running  cross- wise. 

Under  tail  prevails  pure  white:  breast, 
white,  mottled  with  a  faint  shade  of  brown. 

Feet  covered  with  white  down,  very 
thick  to  the  toes  Feet  consisting  of  four 
claws  and  very  large. 

Eyes  resemble  those  of  Great  Horned 
owl,  but  a  little  larger. 

The  bird  which  I  have  just  described  is 
a  rare  visitor  in  these  parts.  The  bird 
from  which  I  take  the  above  description 
was  shot  near  this  village  on  the  night  of 
November  26,  1886.  It  is  now  in  my  pos- 
.session,  and  a  ni(;er  bird  for  mounting  I 
have  never  seen. 

Albert  G.  Prill. 

Springville,  N.  Y. 


78 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


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JOTTINGS. 


Our  regular  business  has  caused  the  delay 
of  this  issue. 


Our  new  twenty -page  catalogue  for  the 
ornithologist,  oologist  and  taxidermist  is 
one  of  the  best  and  most  complete  of  the 
kind  ever  issued.     Send  for  it. 


Next  Oologist  will  not  be  issued  until 
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logue of  our  surplus  stock,  including  min- 
erals, fossils,  curiosities  of  all  kinds,  coins, 
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Special  attention  is  called  to  the  few 
sample  descriptions  on  another  page,  taken 
from  Davie's  invaluable  work.  Only  a  few 
copies  are  left  ;  the  price  is  .$1.00  per  copy. 
You  will  find  it  worth  three  times  that 
amount. 


A  sample  copy  of  this  Oologist  goes  to 
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and  taxidermist  in  America.  We  think  you 
can  glean  35  cents  worth  of  information 
from!  ts  pages  during  '87.  Try,  and  be 
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Carefully  read  every  advertisement  in 
this  Oologist,  but  stop  long  enough  after 
reading  the  full  page  advertisement  of 
Messrs.  Rand&  Reed,  of  Worcester,  Mass., 
to  send  for  their  list  of  shades  and  then 
order  one  or  more  of  them,  we  will  guar- 
antee you  will  never  regret  it.  If  you  are 
not  a  taxidermist  they  will  tit  you  up  the 
shade  complete  for  your  parlor,  dining- 
room,  or  ofUce.  ' '  Lattin  "  has  a  sample 
of  this  firm's  handiwork  in  a  Ruffed 
Grouse,  handsomely  mounted  on  a  rich 
plush  panel,  framed  in  a  fine  heavy  gilt 
frame  and  covered  with  one  of  those 
shades  for  his  dining-room.  Words  can 
not  express  its  beauty  and  attractivenes — it 
is  both  artistic  and  life-like,  and  this  shade 
brings  the  specimen  right  to  the  front 
where  it  can  be  seen  and  admired.  We 
would  not  exchange  our  dining-room  piece 
for  a  fifty-dollar  painting. 


In  regard  to  the  value  of  our  new  "Book 
of  Dates"  and  "  Field  Notes,"  we  allow  a 
few  of  the  leading  oologists  to  speak  : 

"  No  person  making  a  study  of  nests  and 
eggs  can  afford  to  be  without  these  two 
valuable  books.  Oologists  will  certainly 
lose  no  time,  money,  and  valuable  notes 
and  records  without  these  necessary  articles 
in  the  field.  You  may  depend  upon  my 
patronage  for  these  books  annually. 

Oliver  Davie." 

"lam  Justin  receipt  of  'Field  Notes' 
and  '  Book  of  Dates '  which  you  so  kindly 
sent  me.  Of  the  latter,  I  can  say  .with 
Chancellor  Winchell,  '  It  occupies  worthily 
an  important  place  absolutel}"  unfilled  to 
this  time. '  Of  the  former,  it  is  just  what 
I  have  long  needed,  and  you  deserve  as 
much  credit  for  the  inception  of  these  as 
for  the  tasteful  mani^^r  in  which  they  are 
executed.  Harry  G.  Parker." 

"  They  are  l)oth  necessities  indeed,  and 
every  live  collector  should  find  a  place  for 
them  in  his  drawer  of  iudispensables. 

Saml.  B.  Lado. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


79 


The  large  private  collection  of  birds 
eggs  of  Mr.  Harry  G.  Parker  is  being  sold. 
it  contains  about  400  species  in-  sets,  in 
series  mostly,  and  includes  some  very  rare 
and  desirable  things — prices  about  one- 
third.  Write  for  what  3'ou  want,  with 
stamp.  Address  Harry  (jr.  Parker,  Chosler, 
Pa. 

Newsy  Items  From  Our   Note  Book. 


A.  M.  Linsley,  Northford,  Ct.,  found, 
last  season,  a  Chipping  Sparrow's  nest 
built  inside  of  a  nest  of  the  Orchard  Oriole. 

W.  W.  Price,  Riverside,  Cal.,  writes 
that  he  found  a  nest  of  the  Costa's  Hum- 
ming-bird on  January  28th,  containing  two 
young. 

Neil  F.  Posson,  ^ledina,  N.  Y.,  writes: 
"A  pair  of  Great  Xorthern  Shrikes  have 
been  staying  aruuud  the  outskirts  of  the 
town  all  this  winter. 

W.  A.  L.  Oxford,  Mass. ,  wants  to  know 
through  the  columns  of  The  Oologist, 
how  snares  are  made  to  catch  birds  that  are 
wanted  to  identify  eggs'? 

A.  D.  Akin,  Schaghticoke,  N.  Y.,  is 
making  preparations  for  an  extensive  col- 
lecting tour  through  S.  W.  United  States, 
Mexico,  and  Central  America. 

Hon.  M.  A.  Root,  Olympia,  W.  T.,  has 
our  thanks  for  a  copy  of  "  The  Resources 
of  Washington  Territory,"  in  which  we 
find  the  list  of  the  birds  of  the  Territory  of 
special  interest. 

S.  R.  Morse,  Supt.  Public  Instruction, 
Atlantic  City,  N.  J.,  has  one  of  the  tinest 
collections  of  Marine  Algase  in  the  U.  S. 
His  collection  received  the  highest  award 
at  the  New  Orleans  Exposition. 

J.  D.  Sornborger,  Guilford,  N.  Y., 
writes  : — There  was  a  King  Bird  that  built 
her  nest  in  a  willow  that  overhung  water 
when  robbed  of  her  tirst  set  of  eggs  built  a 
second  nest  on  top  the  tirst  one  and  laid 
four  eggs  in  it. 

H.  C.  Oberholser,  says  : — I  am  a  friend 
of  the  Oologist,  and  as  a  subscriber  watch 
impatiently  for  each  issue.  1  have  seen 
several  of  the  papers  published  on  orni- 
thology and  oology,  but  none  of  them  do  I 
like  as  well  as  yours. 

A.  E.  Kibbe,  Mayville,  N.  Y.,  has  been 
in  luck:  "  It  has  been  a  great  winter  for 
Snow}"^  Owls.  I  have  mounted  six  very 
nice  ones.  I  also  captured  two  small 
Screech  Owls.  I  shot  them  in  the  night. 
One  was  the  color  of  a  red  fox.'' 


The  President  of  the  Young  Ornitholo- 
gist's Association,  s^nds  a  report  of  the  as- 
sociation— but  as  the  names  and  list  of 
birds  he  .sends  cannot  possibly  be  of  interest 
to  more  than  20  of  tlie  20.000  readers  of 
this  issue,  we  are  obliged  to  place  on  file. 

II.  C.  Lillie,  Hanford,  Cala.,  says: — I 
wish  yoiu'  jKiper  unlimited  success,  and  am 
well  satisfied  with  in.  It  is  the  best  and 
cheajx'St  paper  of  its  kind  that  I  have  seen, 
which  says  a  good  deal,  for  I  have  now 
over  r)0  sample  copies  of  papers  on  birds. 

Chas.  F.  Morrison,  Ft.  Lewis,  Colo., 
issues  a  circular  "  To  all  interested  in  orni- 
thology and  oology  in  the  State  of  Colo- 
rado," under  the  auspices  of  the  Colorado 
State  Ornithological  Association.  Their 
field  is  comparatively  new  and  their  work 
cannot  help  but  l)e  of  value. 

R.  D.  Goss,  New  Sharon,  la.,  writes: — 
Allow  me  to  congraiulate  you  in  the  suc- 
cess you  have  had  since  I  first  made  your 
acquaintance  through  a  small  advertise- 
ment in  the  Youth's  Coiapaaion  in  '83.  I 
believe,  "Honor  to  him  whom  honor  is 
due."     May  you  still  prosper." 

D.  J.  Bullock,  Marshalltown,  Iowa,  says: 
While  collecting  eggs  this  summer  I  ran 
across  the  nest  of  a  Black  throated  Bunting 
which  contained  three  eggs  of  that  bird, 
one  of  the  Yellow  billed  Cuciioo,  and  one 
of  the  Cow-bird.  Is  it  not  rare  for  the 
Cuckoo  to  lay  in  other  birds'  nests? 

John  C.  Lynch,  Stockbridge,  Mass., 
wn'ites:  "  For  many  years  a  loon  has  lived 
on  the  Schuylkill,  near  Philadelphia,  but 
the  other  day  it  flew  into  the  Zoological 
Gardens  and  was  captured.  Around  its 
neck  there  was  a  silver  collar,  bearing  the 
inscription,  'Nemo,  the  hermit.  1808."  The 
head  keeper  of  the  Gardens  says  he  has  no 
doubt  of  the  great  age  of  the  bird.  Have 
any  other  readers  of  The  Oologist  read 
accounts  of  such  aged  birds?  If  so  I  wish 
they  would  publish  them.  Where  and  how 
would  I  have  to  send  to  get  a  permit  to  kill 
birds  for  study? " 

F.  W.  Aver,  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  sends  the 
following  "pointer:"  "To  sec  if  a  nest 
conlains  eggs  or  not,  without  climbing  to 
the  nest,  take  a  piece  of  looking  glass  about 
four  inches  scj[uare,  and  tie  a  string  aromid 
as  if  tying  up  a  common  package,  and  leave 
the  ends  so  a  stick  can  be  fastened.  This 
enal)les  the  collector  to  see  the  interior  of 
the  nest  The  longer  the  stick,  the  less  you 
have  to  climb,  if  the  nest  does  not  contaih 
eggs.  This  is  a  great  scheme,  and  if  ten 
nest  does  not  contain  eggs,  it  does  not  in- 
jure the  nest  as  if  a  person  had  to  reacii 
and  often  tear  the  nest,  and  is  handy  if  the 
tree  or  bush  is  hard  to  climb. 


8o 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


11.  F. ,  llillsboro,  Ohio,  adds  the  follow- 
ing to  the  record  of  lale  nesting:  "Last 
month,  between  the  2r)th  and  28th  inst. ,  a 
friend  of  mine  kept  telling  me  that  he  knew 
where  a  new  Woodpecker's  nest  wiis.  I 
accompanied  him  there,  and  in  it  were 
three  Red-headed  Woodpecker's  eggs,  ready 
to  hatch.     It  was  on  the  28th  of  December. 

Hon.  E.  M.  Goodwin,  Hartland,  Vt., 
queries  : — Will  the  exchange  notice,  and 
reading  The  Oologist  during  the  year,  get 
me  in  the  way  of  a  specimen  hunter  again 
in  my  old  age  ?  I  commenced  collec'ting 
"  specimens  "  away  back  in  '50,  and  have 
had  to  ride  my  hobby  betimes  ever  since, 
and  will  so  long  as  I  tarry  among  these 
beautiful  forms  in  earth,  and  air,  and  sea. 


Great  Northern  Shrike,  etc. 


One  pleasant  day  about  the  first  of  March, 
I  was  attracted  to  my  window  by  the  cries 
of  a  bird  evidently  in  distress.  They  were 
of  short  duiation  and  were  soon  explained. 
A  Great  Northern  Shrike  or  "Butcher 
Bird"  had  seized  an  English  Sparrow,  and 
had  borne  him  to  the  snow-covered  ground. 
When  I  first  observed  them  the  Shrike  was 
attacking  his  victim's  head  with  his  own 
beak.  The  former  uttered  no  sound  during 
the  entire  time  that  I  watched  him.  By 
his  savage  onslaughts  he  soon  despatched 
the  sparrow,  which  he  then  took  in  his 
claws  and  flew  to  a  tree  near  at  hand.  He 
flew  low  and  acted  as  if  the  Sparrow  was 
somewhat  a  burden  to  him  Very  soon 
he  again  took  flight  and  was  lost  to  view 
in  the  woods  on  the  hillside.  He  has  since 
been  seen  two  or  three  times.  The  Great 
Northern  Shrike  is  very  rare,  liere,  and,  to 
7ny  knowledge,  does  not  breed  in  this  vicin- 
ity. The  one  I  saw  was  somewhat  smaller 
than  a  Robin;  under  parts  white,  wings 
and  tail  black.  The  bill  was  sharp,  and 
the  upper  maudible  carved  downwards. 

Have  heard  Blue  Jays  several  times  lately 
and  think  they  must  remain  here  during 
the  winter.  Have  seen  Black-capped  Chick- 
adees quite  frequently  for  the  past  month. 
On  March  3d  I  heard  a  Pho'be  Bird,  the 
first  one  of  the  season. 

H.  C.  Oberholsek. 

Shelburne  FsUls,  Mass.  March  8,  1887. 


Notes  from  College  Hill,  Ohio. 

The  following  taken  from  my  notebook, 
arc  the  species  found  breeding  here  this 
.season  (1886). 

The  first  nest  found  April  21,  was  a 
Bluebirds,  containing  six  fresh  eggs.  It 
was  situated  in  an  excavation  in  a  dead  ap- 
ple tree;  also  on  same  date  a  Mourning 
Doves,  containing  two  eggs. 

April  22 — A  Purple  Grackle's  nest,  sit- 
uated in  the  top  of  an  evergreen  tree.  The 
nest  contained  five  fresh  eggs;  also  same 
date,  Robin,  four  fresh  eggs. 

April  23 — Blue  Jay,  five  fresh  eggs. 

April  25 — t^row,  two  nests,  one  contain- 
ing five  eggs,  in  which  incubation  was  well 
advanced,  the  other  four  eggs  nearly  fresh. 
Both  nests  were  placed  in  evergreen  trees 
and  were  quite  easy  of  access. 

April  27 — Chipping  Sparrow,  four  fresh 
eggs. 

May  1 — English  Sparrow,  six  fresh  eggs; 
Downy  Woodpecker,  two  nests,  one  con- 
taining four  the  other  six  fresh  eggs.  These 
nests  are  the  first  containing  eggs  that  have 
been  found.  Both  were  situated  in  apple 
trees,  in  holes  but  a  few  feet  from  the 
ground;  also  same  date,  Pewee,  five  eggs, 
slightly  incubated.  The  nest  was  situated 
on  the  tiebeam  under  a  small  wooden  bridge 
over  a  ravine,  a  favorite  nesting  place  of 
the  species. 

May  2 — Flicker,  eight  fresh  eggs.  Black 
Capped  Chickadee,  two  nests  situated  in 
apple  trees,  in  holes  excavated  in  dead 
liml)s.  The  nests  were  made  of  moss  and 
cowhair,  very  smooth  and  soft,  making  a 
fitting  nesting  place  for  the  clutch  of  six 
delicate  eggs  that  each  contained.  Che- 
wink,  four  fresh  eggs.  Field  Sparrow, 
four  fresh  eggs.  Also  one  egg  of  that  pest 
the  Cow  bird;  it  was  the  sole  occupant  of 
a  Chipping  Sparrow's  nest  that  had  in  all 
probability  been  deserted. 

May  3— Cardinal  Grosbeak,  three  eggs 
highly  incubated.  Two  nests  of  the  Song 
Sparrow,  each  containing  four  eggs  highly 
incubated.  The  nests  were  situated  at  the 
base  of  a  tuft  of  grass  in  a  clover  meadow. 

May  5 — Brown  Thrush,  three  eggs. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


8i 


May  9  Wood  Thrush,  three  fresh  eggs. 
Catbird,  one  fresh  egg. 

May  11— Summer  Yellowbird,  four  fresh 
eggs. 

May  16 — Indigo  Bunting,  two  fresh  eggs. 
Yellow  Breasted  Chat,  two  nests,  four  and 
five  eggs  respectively.  This  bird  breeds 
abundantly,  its  nests  being  generally  found 
in  thickets  and  blackberry  bushes  Orchard 
Oriole,  five,  and  i>ne  C'owbirds. 

May   17 — Black-billed    Cuckoo,  3    eggs. 
This  date  is  unusually  early  for  a  nest   of. 
the  species,  their  breeding  season  generally 
beginning  about  a  month  later. 

May  18  -  Summer  Redbird,  throe  fresh 
eggs.  Baltimore  Oriole,  tive  I'ggs  slightly 
incubated. 

May  19 — Acadian  Flycatclier,  three  fresh 
eggs. 

IVlay  20 — House  Wren,  six  fresh  eggs. 

May  23 — Yellow-billed  Cuckoo, four  eggs, 
very  large  embryo.  Scarlet  Tanager,  three 
fresh  eggs.      Warbling   Yireo,   four  fresh 


Nesting  of  our  Swallows. 


May  26 — Ruby-throated  Hummingbird, 
containing  two  fresh  eggs.  This  is  the  first 
nest  of  the  species  that  has  been  known  to 
be  found  in  five  years,  exceptina;  one  taken 
in  1885,  which  the  young  were  just  leaving. 

May  27— Red-headed  Woodpecker,  three 
eggs.  Kingbird,  four  eggs.  Meadow 
Lark,  five  eggs.  This  ne.st.  although  the 
first  found,  is  much  nearer  the  end  than  the 
beginning  of  the  breeding  season  of  the 
species. 

June  1 — Wood  Pewee,  three  fresh  eggs. 
Rough-winged  Swallow,  six  fresh  eggs. 

June  6 — Bank  Swallow,  two  eggs. 

June  7 — Gt.  Crested  Flycatcher,  one  egg 
and  three  small  young.  The  nest  of  this 
bird  is  rarely  found  here,  this  being  the 
second  nest  I  have  any  record  of;  the  other 
being  discovered  by  the  falling  of  a  dog 
wood  snag  and  its  contents  thus  destroyed. 

July  8 — American  Goldfinch,  two  nests 
containing  four  and  five  eggs  resjiectively, 
and  both  situated  in  ornamental  maple 
trees. 

The  nests  cited  above  are  the  first  of  the 
species  that  were  discovered,  and  as  a  rule 
indicate  the  beginning  of  the  breeding  sea- 
son of  the  species. 

H.  A.  Koch. 


The  following  descriptions  are  taken 
from  Davie's  "  Egg  Check  List  and  Key  to 
the  Nests  and  Eggs  of  North  American 
Birds:" 

ir)2.  Purple  Martin— PKOCNKsrHis.  Pure 
glossy  white,  oblong  oval,  ()ointed  at  one 
end,  and  measure  from  .95  to  1.  in  length 
by  .08  in  width;  the  eggs  are  from  four  to 
six  in  number.  The  Martin,  conspicuous 
for  its  striking  color  and  screaming  crack- 
ling noise,  breeds  throughout  its  United 
States  range.  It  originally  built  in  hollow 
trees,  and  some  of  the  "  old  fogies"  do  yet, 
but  those  who  find  suitable  nesting  places 
in  eaves  and  cornices  of  biuldings  or  in 
boxes  prepared  for  their  use,  are  tlius  bred 
to  American  ideas  and  never  return  to  their 
old  log  cabins  in  the  air.  This  jolly  fellow 
who  puts  life  into  the  quiet  streets  of  coun- 
try towns,  and  large  cities,  also,  by  his 
noise  and  activity,  constructs  a  nest  out  of 
anything  that  is  handy,  leaves,  twigs, 
.straws,  bits  of  string  rags  and  paper. 

Hab.  North  America. 

153.  Cliflf  Swallow  —  petrochelidon 
LUNiFRONS.  White,  marked  with  dots, 
blotches  and  points  of  reddish-brown, chiefly 
about  the  larger  end,  less  elongated  than 
those  of  the  Barn  Swallow,  but  the  markings 
of  the  two  are  hardly  distinguishable;  on 
an  average,  the  eggs  in  size  are  a  trifle 
larger;  four  to  five  and  sometimes  six  in 
number.  The  "  Republicans,"  as  they  are 
sometimes  called,  or  Eave  Swallows,  are 
known  to  occur  nearly  throughout  North 
America,  and  to  breed  from  Pennsylvania 
to  the  Arctic  and  from  the  Atlantic  to  the 
Pacific.  As  the  name  implies,  and  as  al- 
most every  one  knows,  this  bird  fixes  its 
queer  bottle-shaped  nest  to  the  perpendicu- 
lar faces  of  rocks  and  hard  embankments, 
also  on  the  walls  of  houses  and  under  shel- 
ter of  the  eaves.  The  nests  are  not  always 
retort  or  fiask-shaped,  some  nests  have  no 
necks,  and  the  degree  of  perfection  in  style 
depends  upon  circumstances.  The  nests 
are  made  entirely  of  uuid,  tempered  by  the 
bill  of  the  bird.  "  The  nest  is  well  lined  with 
straw,  wool  and  feathers  They  are  always 
foimd  in  colonies  during  the  breeding  sea- 
son. 

Hal).  Nortli  Aiu(,Tkui  at  large. 

154.  Barn  Swallow^ — uiri:ndo  kkyturo- 
GASTRA.  White,  marked  with  spots  and 
blotches  of  bright  reddish-brown,  chiefly  at 
the  larger  end;  they  are  three  to  five  or  six 
in  numl)er  and  appear  rather  narrow  for 
their  length;  size  .68  to  .78  in  length  by  .50 
to  .56  broad.  The  well-known  nest  of 
pellets  of  mud,  lined  with   hay  and  often 


82 


Till-:  GO  LOG  I  ST. 


wilh  feathers,  is  placed  upon  the  rafters  or 
under  llie  eaves  of  a  barn  or  other  building. 
In  tlie  nest  of  this  bird  "rant"  eggs  are 
frequently  found,  and,  as  in  many  other 
cases  of  all  the  more  common  birds,  gener- 
ally a  set  of  pure  white  or  abnormal  eggs 
is  not  uncommon.  Distributed  during  the 
breeding  season  throughout  United  States 
and  Canada. 

Hab.  North  America. 

15.5.  White-bellied  Swallow — tachycin- 
ETA  BicoLOR.  White,  un.spotted,  oblong- 
oval:  the  eggs  are  from  four  to  seven,  and 
occasionally  nine,  in  number  and  measure 
from  .70  to  .78  in  length  by  .50  to  .55  in 
breadth.  This  Swallow  breeds  from  lati- 
tude 38'  to  high  Arctic  regions,  and  is  res- 
ident throughout  the  year  in  the  plateaus 
of  Mexico.  It  nests  in  old  excavations  of 
woodpeckers  or  natural  cavities  of  dead 
trees,  always  in  the  vicinity  of  water.  The 
nest  is  composed  of  leaves  and  grass  thickly 
lined  with  feathers.  This  bird  often  accepts 
the  boxes  .set  up  for  its  accommodation,  but 
it  is  not  easy  to  induce  them  to  occupy  such 
artificial  domiciles. 

Hab.  Temxierate  America. 

156.  Violet-green  Swallow^ — taciiycin- 
ETA  THALASSINA.  Purc  white:  four  or  five 
in  number,  size  .80  by  .50.  This  lovely 
Swallow  is  common  from  the  central  plains 
of  JS'orth  America  to  the  Pacific  coast.  It 
breeds  abundantly  in  California,  Oregon 
and  Washington  Territory,  and  is  the  most 
characteristic  Swallow  of  the  pine  regions 
of  Arizona,  and  has  been  found  in  consid- 
erable abundance  in  Colorado,  nesting  in 
ail  suitable  localities,  and,  like  the  Eave 
Swallow,  usually  in  colonies.  It  nests  in 
knot-holes  of  oak  and  other  deciduous  trees 
and  in  the  deserted  excavations  of  wood- 
peckers, and  more  recently  it  has  been 
found  nesting  under  the  eaves  of  houses, 
like  the  Cliff  Swallow.  The  nest  is  made 
of  dry  grasses,  lined  with  a  thick  mass  of 
feathers.  It  has  also  been  found  nesting  in 
holes  in  banks. 

Hab.  Western  and  Middle  Province  of  United 
States ;  south  to  Guatemala ;  east  to  Upper 
Missovu'i. 

157.  Bank  Swallow — cotile  riparat. 
White:  three  to  six;  oval;  size  .72  by  .47. 
The  Bank  Swallow,  or  Sand  Martin,  found 
throughout  Europe,  is  also  equally  conmion 
throughout  North  America,  and  breeds  in 
the  greater  part  of  its  range.  The  holes  in 
which  this  bird  nests  are  excav.ited  by  the 
bird  in  the  perpendicular  face  of  banl< ;  the 
depth  ranges  from  two  to  four  feet.  The 
termination  is  usually  somewhat  enlarged 
and  the  bottom  is  thinly  covered  with  a  few 
twigs,  gra.sses  and  feathers.  In  suitable 
localities  immense  numbers  will  occupy  a 


large  bank  and  so  perforate  it  with  holes  so 
as  to  present  the  appearance  of  a  huge  hon- 
eycomb alive  with  bees. 

Hab.  Europe,  A.sia,  Africa,  America. 

158.  Rough-winged  Swallow — stelgid- 
oi'TERYx  SERRiPENNis.  Immaculatc  white; 
four  to  six  in  number,  closely  resembling 
those  of  the  Bank  Swallow,  but  average  a 
little  larger,  perhaps  .75  by  .55.  This  bird 
breeds  throughout  most  of  its  United  States 
range,  nesting  in  the  crevices  of  stone  walls 
and  arches  over  bridges,  sometimes  in  a 
chink  in  the  boarding  of  a  building;  almost 
invariably  over  running  water.  The  nest 
is  simply  constructed  of  grasses,  straws, 
and  lined  with  feathers. 

Hab.  United  States  from  Atlantic  to  Pacific,  and 
ad.ioining-  British  Provinces. 


Oology ;    The    Largest    Collection    of 
Birds  Eggs. 


We  clip  the  following  from  Youthful 
Ambitions: 

"There  are  few  collections  made  by  the 
lovers  of  nature  oi-  art  that  are  more  simply 
charming  and  interesting  than  that  of  a 
fine  variety  of  bird's  eggs.  Although  I 
object  to  all  needless  disturbance  of  the 
structures  of  and  interference  with  the 
duties  of  God's  creatures,  I  think  in  behalf 
of  science  and  for  the  gratification  of 
oological  tastes  we  are  perfectly  justified  in 
securing  ail  varieties  of  birds  eggs  that  will 
add  interest  to  our  collections. 

' '  The  exquisite  coloring  and  delicacy  of 
the  diverse  yet  similar  formations  which 
hold  the  birds  that  '  might  have  been'  are 
varied  delightful. 

*  *  -X-  *  *  * 

"A  collection  of  eggs  that  would  in  any 
regard  approach  completeness  must  be  the 
work  of  a  life  time.  Dr.  Phil.  Edward  A. 
Baldamus,  of  Coburg,  Germany,  who  is 
said  to  have  the  largest  collection  in  the 
world,  has  devoted  his  time,  labor,  money, 
and  talent  to  securing  them  since  1834. 
His  collection  now  numbei's  18,741  eggs, 
representing  1,667  varieties.  Dr.  Baldamus 
has  secured  the  nests  of  many  birds,  and 
has  them  in  his  cabinet  with  complete  .sets 
of  eggs.  One  must  have  seen  this  incom- 
parable collection  to  realize  its  beauty  and 
magnitude. 

Mrs.  S.  L   Oberholtzer, 

Norristown,  Pa." 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


83 


Interesting  Notes  from  Sullivan  Co., 
N.  Y. 


Editor  Oologist  : 

As  I  have  spunt  most  of  the  past  few  sum- 
mers in  New  York,  I  send  you  a  few  notes 
from  Sullivan  county,  N.  Y.. 

The  first  thing  which  struck  me  as  pe- 
culiar was  in  the  nesting  of  the  House 
Wren.  I  found  them  much  given  to  using 
the  nests  of  other  l)irds.  For  instance,  I 
found  a  large  number  of  cases  where  an  old 
Barn  Swallow's  was  taken  possession  of  by 
them,  the  nest  filled  nearly  full  of  coarse 
sticks  and  the  inside  lined  with  soft,  downy 
feathers. 

Another  case  was  as  follows  :  Two  boys 
made  a  small  bird-house  of  a  tin  can  and 
fastened  it  in  a  tree  close  to  the  house.  In 
a  short  time  a  pair  of  blue-birds  had  built 
a  nest  therein  and  had  laid  fdur  eggs.  At 
this  juncture,  however,  a  pair  of  Avrens  ap- 
pealed and  in  the  absence  of  the  blue  birds, 
invaded  the  nest,  ejected  the  eggs  by  tlmrst- 
iug  their  bills  into  them  and  tossing  them 
from  the  nest,  and.  coming  off  victors  in 
repeated  battles  with  the  blue-birds,  filled 
up  the  nest  with  sticks  and  there  made 
t/ieir  nest.  The  wrens,  which  were  very 
abundant,  had  also  a  bad  reputation  as  nest 
rob])ers,  and  I  myself  knew  of  their  throw- 
ing ths  eggs  from  nests  of  the  Song  Spar- 
row and  Grass  Finch,  I  took  sets  of  wrens 
as  late  as  August  14,  this  summer. 

On  .July  21,  1886,  I  found  a  nest  of  the 
Chimney  Swift  made  in  the  usual  manner, 
but  glued  to  the  wall  on  the  indde  of  a 
wagon  house,  about  fifteen  feet  from  the 
floor  and  directly  over  n  large  window 
which  was  always  open  and  through  which 
the  parent  ])irds  had  access  to  the  nest. 
When  I  found  it,  it  contained  two  young 
birds  about  four  days  old, — they  left  the 
nest  by  July  30.  Whenever  any  one  ap- 
proached the  nest,  whicli  was  in  the  upper 
story  of  the  wagon  house,  the  young  birds 
made  a  suprisingly  loud,  harsh,  grating 
noi.se  ;  moreover  they  were  constantly  fall- 
ing down  and  climbing  up  tlie  side  again 
by  sticking  their  sharp  claws  into  the 
wood. 


On  June  3,  1885,  1  found  a  Song  Spar- 
row's ne.st  placed  in  the  top  of  an  alder 
bush  about  five  and  one  half  feet  from  the 
ground.     It  contained  young. 

At  the  end  of  the  gable  roof  of  the  house 
where  I  was  stopping,  on  a  sort  of  shelf, 
projecting  from  one  of  the  eves,  were  three 
"  Siamese  "  Robin's  nests,  placed  in  a  row, 
.sides  touching  and  interwoven  with  each 
other;  and  the  remarkable  thing  is  that  for 
four  or  five  years — as  I  was  assured  on  un- 
disputable  authority — three  pairs  of  Robins 
had  regularly  returned  in  the  spring,  taken 
possession  of  the  nests  and  raised  their 
broods  in  harmony.  It  is  altogether  proba- 
ble that  the  same  pairs  returned  each  year. 
Have  any  of  the  Oologist.  readers  known 
of  a  similar  instance?  Several  other  peculiar- 
ities which  I  noted'I  will  reserve  for  another 
time. 

W.    J.    V.    OSTEHIIOUT. 

Providence,  K.  I. 


To  a  Golden-crested.  Kinglet. 

ON    NOVEMBEK   3d,   1886. 


Beautiful  bird  of  the  ever  green  wilderness; 
Oft  have  I  Avandered  where  might  be  thy 

nesting-place. 
Is  it  in  the  cedar  or  June's  airy  shade? 
Or  in  the  top  of  the  spruce,  is  thy  nursery 

made  ? 
Is  it  in  the  north,  by  the  Hudson  Bay  shore? 
Or  on  Labrador's  coast,  where  the  wild  bil- 
low's roar? 
Or  the  ever  green  hills,  whence  the  Ottawa 

comes. 
Where  the   jay  and  the   raven   have  their 

winter  homes? 
O  tell  me  satrapa  that  I  too  may  tell, 
The  place  where  in  summer  ye  chose  for  to 

dwell. 
For  I  know  that  in  autumn,  3^e  chose  here 

to  come; 
And    in   our  deep  wildwoods   make   your 

winter  home; 
And  is  active  and  cheery  when  snow  closeth 

the  gmund. 
And  the  cliill  blasts  of  winter  are  drifting 

around ; 


84 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


But  when  winter's  over,  and  spring  comes 
again, 

We  miss  for  a  season  thy  pleasing  refrain; 

Wliere  then  do   you  go  with  your  bright 
golden  crest, 

To  seek  in  seclusion  a  place  for  they  nest? 

Then  I  wish  I  might  see,  when  in  summer 
I  roam. 

In  some  deep  tangled  wildwood,  the  place 
of  they  home. 

And  gaze  on  thy  nest  amid  deep  sheltered 
bowers. 

Where  the  green  garb  of  summer  is  ming- 
led with  flowers; 

Where  no  voice  of  a  foe,  or  dread  sound  of 
a  gun, 

May  disturb  thy  retreat  till  tliy  purpose  is 
done; 

Come  again  to  our  woodlands  when  sum- 
mer is  done, 

And  low  in  the  south  sinks  the  late  autumn 
sun, 

When  the  birds  of  our  summer,  to  the  trop- 
ics have  flown ; 

And  the  leaves  of  the  forest  are  withered 
and  gone; 

When  the  white  snow  of  winter  lies  deep  on 
the  ground; 

And  the  cold  Arctic  breezes  are  blustering 
around; 

When  but  few  other  birds  will  so  cheerily 
sing, 

Till  our  winter  departs  at  the  voice  of  the 
spring. 

Wm.  L.  Kells. 

— ♦-♦-♦ 

From  Nebraska. 

Editor  Oi'ilogist  : 

Reading  the  descriptions  of  collecting 
trips  in  the  The  Oologist  reminds  me  of 
the  "best  day "  I  have  ever  had.  It  was  in 
the  season  of  1885,  which,  by  the  way,  is 
the  year  in  which  I  became  interested  in 
oology,  when  I  decided  to  go  on  a  collect- 
ing trip.  As  there  is  no  one  in  Geneva 
besides  myself  interested  in  oology  I  went 
alone.  In  order  to  reach  the  river  wiiere  I 
meant  to  go,  I  had  to  cross  a  large  prairie 
farm,  just  the  place  to  collect,  so  of  course 
I  commenced    hunting  for    nests  of    the 


Prairie  Hens  and  Killdeers.  I  had  been 
tramping  around  awhile  and  had  found 
three  sets  of  Killdeer's  (one  set  had  two 
eggs  and  the  others  three  each)  when  I  was 
startled  by  a  loud  whirr,  and  looking  down 
saw  within  three  feet  of  me  a  nest  of  the 
Prairie  Hen  containing  nine  eggs.  You  can 
easily  see  how  elated  I  felt.  Well,  I  passed 
on  trying  to  find  more  but  did  not  until  I 
came  to  the  river  ;  there  of  course  I  found 
plenty  of  such  a.s  Blue  Jays,  Catbirds, 
Thrush  etc.,  etc.,  and  was  beginning  to 
despair  of  finding  anything  rare,  when  1 
looked  up  and  saw — well,  I  felt  like  "  yell- 
ing right  out " — for  it  was  the  nest  of  a 
Great  Horned  Owl.  But  there  was  one  difl^i- 
culty.  I  had  just  got  a  new  pair  of  climb- 
ers, and  did  not  know  how  to  use  them  as 
well  as  I  do  now  ;  but  finally  I  got  up  and 
got  the  eggs — three — down  safely.  After 
hunting  around  a  while  longer  I  started 
home,  richer  by  many  specimens  than  I 
had  been  in  the  morning. 

Anton  Dworak. 

Geneva,  Neb. 

Interesting  Notes  From  Connecticut. 


The  Screech  Owl.— May  6th,  1884, 
while  crossing  an  orchard,  my  brother  who 
was  investigating  an  old  apple  tree,  shouted 
to  me  that  he  had  found  a  hawk's  nest. 
Running  across  the  lot  I  was  soon  in  the 
tree.  At  a  glance  I  saw  it  was  a  screech 
owl,  and  running  my  hand  down  the  hole, 
I  pulled  her  out.  She  was  in  the  red 
feathers,  which  seem  to  be  the  most  com- 
mon here,  gray  ones  being  seldom  seen. 
The  hole  which  was  formerly  occupied  by 
a  flicker,  was  handsomely  lined  with  Blue 
Jay,  Thrush,  Chewink  and  other  feathers. 
The  nest  contained  five  pure  white  eggs. 
Incubation  was  so  far  advanced  that  it  was 
diflicult  to  blow  them. 

The;  Red-shouldered  Hawk. — This  is 
one  of  our  most  common  hawks.  The  nest 
of  this  hawk  is  placed  on  the  high  trees  in 
swampy  woods.  The  nest  is  composed  of 
sticks  and  leaves,  and  lined  with  sprays  of 
green  cedar.     The  number  of  eggs  is  given 


THE  OOLOCIST. 


85 


by  some  authors  as  four  or  five.  I  have 
never  seen  more  than  three,  although  I  have 
found  several  nests.  The  eggs  are  of  a 
dirty  white,  spotted  and  blotched  with 
brown. 

Green  Hekon. — A  common  summer 
resident;  breeds  in  colonies  of  25 or  30  pair; 
nests  in  small  oaks  or  chestnuts;  nest  is 
composed  of  a  few  sticks  put  together  as  if 
the  bird  was  in  a  hurry.  In  fact  the  eggs 
may  sometimes  be  (counted  from  the 
ground.  Have  often  seen  the  eggs  roll  out 
while  climbing  the  trees.  Eggs  4  to  6  in 
number,  pale  blue  in  color. 

Belted  Kingfisher. — Common  breeds; 
sometimes  remains  throughout  the  winter; 
nests  in  a  hole  in  a  sand  bank,  sometimes 
dug  to  a  depth  of  8  feet.  I  remember  one 
hot  day  I  dug  14  feet  in  a  high  bank,  and 
was  rewarded  with  one  broken  egg.  The 
number  of  eggs  is  usually  7,  pure  white, 
always  laid  upon  the  bare  groimd  at  end  of 
burrow.  I  have  never  found  any  mate- 
rial of  any  kind  in  the  hole. 

Black-billed  Cuckoo. — Common  sum- 
mer resident;  nests  in  low  bushes;  nest 
made  of  sticks  and  leaves,  loosely  put  to- 
gether; eggs  bluish-green.  Some  authors 
give  the  number  of  eggs  as  4  or  5,  but  I 
have  never  seen  more  than  three,  rarely 
over  two.  W.  H.  Lucas, 

West  Stratford,  Conn. 


From  Ohio. 


Arrivals  for  188H: 

February  11,  House  Wrens;  19,  Robins. 

March  14,  King-bird;  15,  Bobohnk;  16, 
Killdeer;  25,  Turtle  Dove. 

April  13,  Purple  Martin;  21,  Spotted 
Sandpiper;  25,  Baltimore  Oriole;  27,  Cat- 
birds. 

June  21,  Ruby-throated  Hmnming  bird. 

The  following  are  some  large  sets  found 
here  last  year:  Blue  Jay,  6;  Pewee,  5,  and 
1  young;  Baltimore  Oriole,  6;  Flicker,  9 
and  11. 

Birds  that  remained  here  during  this 
winter:  English  Sparrows,  Song  Sparrows, 
Chipping  Sparrows,  Black-capped  C'hicka- 


dees,  Bhie  Jays,  Tufted  Titmouse,  Screech 
Owl,  Blue  birds.  1  Catbird,  Crows,  Belted 
Kinglishers. 

Kingtishers  stay  here  during  the  coldest 
winters,  but  it  puzzles  me  where  they  get 
their  food  when  the  creeks  are  frozen  over. 

The  following  are  some  of  my  important 
finds  last  season: 

Five  sets  of  tlie  Purple  Grakle;  one  of 
these  contained  a  runt  egg,  no  larger  than 
a  Blue  bird's. 

Three  nests  of  the  Mourning  Dove;  one 
of  these  was  a  few  sticks  placed  across  the 
top  of  an  old  Robin's  nest. 

Two  sets  of  English  Sparrow.  They 
build  chiefly  in  pine  trees,  a  large  bulky 
nest,  entrance  in  the  side.  They  lay  a  new 
complement  as  soon  as  the  last  one  has 
hatched  out. 

Two  sets  of  Blue  Jay.  These  generally 
build  in  pine  trees. 

Several  sets  of  Pewees.  Their  nests  are 
numerous  on  the  rocks  along  the  creek. 
About  half  the  eggs  I  find  have  dots  on  the 
larger  end.  They  hatch  two  or  three 
broods  in  a  season. 

June  16^ — One  set  of  Field  Sparrow. 

June  26 — One  set  of  White-throated 
Sparrow. 

July  5 — One  set  of  Cardinal  Grosbeak. 
"D..  T.  M." 
Poland,  Ohio. 


Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher. 

{PoUoptila  eaeriden . ) 


This  beautiful  little  bird  is  one  of  our 
smallest  .summer  residents,  ranging  next  in 
size  to  the  Humming  birds  (TrocMeidae). 
It  arrives  in  this  locality  about  the  15th  of 
March,  and  immediately  becomes  abundant; 
in  fact  the  "  woods  are  full  of  them."  On 
all  sides  they  are  heard  uttering  their  sim- 
ple long  drawn  out  c-h-e-e — c-h-e-e — c-h-e-e. 
At  times  while  hiniting  for  flies  and  small 
insects,  they  will  warble  a  very  pretty  little 
song,  which  is  very  soothing  and  pleasant 
indeed.  I  have  for  hours  watcJied  this 
graceful  little  creature  flitting  to-and-fro 
among  the  green  foliage  of  some  thick 
wood;  here  they  woidd  stop  a  moment  to 


86 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


examine  a  piece  of  bark,  and  then  they 
would  tiit  out  into  space  to  catch  a  passing 
fly,  tlien  immediately  back  again  to  the 
same  tree,  and  thus  from  hour  to  hour  they 
would  pass  the  time  away. 

Altliough  they  arc  very  abundant  in  these 
woods,  their  nests  are  extremely  hard  to 
find;  and  you  very  rarely  have  the  fortune 
of  finding  one  unless  the  birds  are  caught 
in  the  act  of  building.  The  nest  is  an  ele- 
gant little  structure,  (very  much  resembling 
a  knot  on  a  tree)  constructed  of  mostly  tliis- 
tle-dowu,  woven  tightly  together  in  a  cup 
form,  and  closely  covered  with  star  shaped 
lichens  from  the  bark  of  the  elm  tree.  The 
linning  is  generally  composed  of  the  orange 
colored  catkin  of  the  red  elm  tree.  As  a 
general  thing  it  is  flatly  placed  on  a  hori- 
zontal limb  of  the  elm — (this  being  its  fa- 
vorite tree);  but  I  have  found  it  in  the  forks 
of  a  peach  or  other  small  trees.  The  eggs 
are  from  four  to  six  in  number,  although 
I  have  never  taken  over  four  in  this  locality, 
and  have  frequently  taken  sets  of  three,  far 
advanced  in  incubation.  Their  color  is  of 
a  greenish-white,  spotted  and  blotched  with 
reddish-brown,  with  lilac  shell  markings. 
Their  average  size  is  .55  x  .45  inches. 

The  birds  begin  nesting  about  the  15th  of 
April,  and  fresh  eggs  may  be  obtained  as 
late  as  June  25th. 

A  second  brood  is  raised. 

Edwin  C.  Davis. 

Gainesville,  Texas. 

Exchanges  and  Wants. 


Brief  special  announcements,  "  Wanti,"  "  Ex- 
changes," inserted  in  this  department  for  25  cents  per 
25  words.  Notices  over  25  words  charged  at  the  rate 
of  one-half  cent  per  word.  No  notice  inserted  for  less 
than  25  cents.  Notices  which  are  merely  indirect 
methods  of  soliciting  cash  purchasers  cannot  be  ad- 
mitted to  these  columns  under  anj'  circumstances. 
Terms,  cash  with  order. 

Brass  Tenor  Horn  Bellup  (Jaubertt  Co.,  Paris,)  for 
best  offer  second-hand  Naturalists'  Books  or  Eggs. 
E.  S.  CHENEV,  Huron,  Dak. 

Wanted,— To  e,\change  single  Bird's  Eggs  with 
collectors  in  United  States  and  Canada.  WILLIE 
CARIlY,   Rochelle,  Ills.     P.  O  Box,  268. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  a  foot-power  bracket  saw 
for  a  copy  of  Ridgeway's  Nomenclature  and  a  set  of 
Red-tailed  Hawk's  Eggs,  with  data.  Write  to  ED- 
WARD J.  GARLAND,  624  N.  Fifth  .street,  Spring- 
field. Ills. 


Both  first-class  and  end-blown  Birds'  Eggs  to  ex- 
change for  Birds'  Eggs,  in  sets.  Sea  Birds'  Eggs 
espe-idUy  desired.  W.  E.  PRATT,  2513  Indiana 
avenue,  Chicago,  Ills. 

Will  exchange  Maryland  Printing  Press  (2  x  4)  for 
Vols.  X.  and  XI.  "  Ornithologist  and  Oologist." 
WILL  HELLER,  P.  O.  Box  1,289,  Freeport.  Ills. 

To  Exchange.  —Tobacco  Tags  for  the  same,  or 
for  firr,t-cliss  Birds'  Eggs.  M.  G.  MATTESON, 
3,822  L,angley  avenue,  Chicago,  Ills. 

One  used  Postal,  first  edition,  for  any  fir^t-class 
Egg  from  Southern,  Eastern,  or  far- Western  States. 
BENNIE  A.  COTTLOW,  Shelbyville,  Ills. 

Eggs  in  sets  or  single  for  single  Eggs  or  Eggs  in 
pairs.     W.  M.  PIERCE,  Meacham,  Ills. 

A  font  of  Type,  two  volumes  "  Youth's  Compan- 
ion "  and  a  pair  of  Skates  for  Birds'  Eggs,  in  sets, 
with  data.     W.  P.  GREGG,  Paris,  Ills. 

One  hundred  varieties  of  first-class  Eggs  in  cabinet, 
two  pair  of  Deer  and  Buffalo  Horns,  etc.,  etc.,  to 
exchange  for  foreign  or  United  States  Coins,  Frac- 
tional, Colonial  or  Confederate  Currency,  Bonds, 
Autographs,  etc.  FRANK  O.  NELSON,  Box  909, 
Monmouth,  Ills. 

To  Exchange. — Single  Eggs,  Nos.  263,  375,  378, 
387,  for  some  not  in  my  collection.  J  AS.  ZOLLER, 
Greensbiirg,  Ind. 

First-class  Birds'  Eggs,  in  sets,  with  data,  or  single, 
for  same.     J.  S.  &  A.  PYFER,  Melbourne,  la. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  a  few  sets  of  first-class 
Eggs.  Write  for  list,  and  tell  me  what  you  have.  L. 
DUNCAN  KILBONE,  Marshalltown,  la. 


First-class  Eggs  of  Nos.  13,  63,  278  and  460,  for 
every  2  Arrow-head,  i  Spear-head,  or  single  spec  of 
Nos.  47,  60,  128,  135,  482.  Offers  received  in  Eggs 
for  an  Indian-hammer  and  15  Arrow-heads.  D.  J. 
BULLOCKS,  Box  784  Marshalltown,  la. 

"The  Three  Midshipmen,"  by  W.  H.  G.  Kingston 
(cost,  $1.25),  or  "  Thaddeus  of  Warsiw,"  for  best 
offer  N.  H.  papers.  Write  first  to  ALBERT  GAR- 
RETT, No.  1,425  Kentucky  street,  Lawrence,  Kan. 

Volumes  V.  and  VI.  "  Golden  Days  "  for  first-class 
Birds'  Eggs,  in  sets,  with  data.  EVERETT  E. 
JOHNSON,  Sabatis,  Me. 

Australian  or  Xew  Guine.i  Bird  Skins  to  exchange 
for  Bicycle,  Scientific  Books,  or  sets  of  N.  A.  Eggs. 
S.  W,  DENTON,  Wellesley,  Mass. 

Fish- Hooks,  Trolling-Spoons  and  Fly-Books  to 
exchange  for  Eggs  or  Oologists'  Instruments.  W.  B. 
Fisher,  Norwood,  Mass. 

Five  Egg  Drills  (cost,  82  cents),  or  a  small  Tele- 
scope for  6  or  8-foot  Rubber  Tubing;  two  numbers 
"  Young  Oologist"  for  any  one  of  following  numbers, 
viz.:  Nos.  I,  2,  3  or  14.  GEORGE  M.  ELLISON, 
16  Sumner  street,  Lynn,  Mass. 

I  wish  to  correspond  and  make  exchanges  with  col- 
lectors of  Woods.  WALTER  A.  LOVETT,  Ox- 
ford, Mass. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  after  May  isth,  for  fiist- 
class  Eggs  in  sets,  with  data.  Skins  from  Essex 
County,  Mass.     WM.  D.  GRIER,  Beverly,  Mass. 

Eggs  of  1887;  collecting  to  exchange  next  July 
Corre'spondence  solicited.  J.  E.  KEAYES,  188 
Dundas  street,  London,  Ont. 


THE    OOLOGIST. 


One  Flute  Harmonica,  nickel-plated  ;  one  Bell,  two 
basses,  and  one  pair  of  Roll.r  Skates  to  exchange  for 
Coins.  Medals  or  Tokens.  ED.  VAN  WINKLE, 
Caro,   Mich.  

Wanted.— To  exchange  Eggs,  and  correspond  with 
collectors  in  the  United  States  and  Canada.  Distant 
States  preferred.  Address,  K.  W.  CLAY,  Box  1,917 
Ann  Arbor   Mich. 


I  have  Minerals,  Stamps,  Coins  and  Eggs  to  ex- 
change. A.  T.  WARREN,  Portland  Block,  St.  Paul, 
Minn.  

To  Exchange.—"  The  American  Field,"  several 
vears-  also,  Silver  Watch  and  Hunting  Knife,  for 
Birds''  Eggs  or  Books.  FRANK  HARRIS,  La 
Crescent,  Minn. 

Offered. — Seventy  species  of  inland  and  50  of  marine 
ShelK  for  other  Shells.  Send  your  list  for  ours. 
JOHN  M.   H(,)LZINGER,  Winona,  Minn. 

I  have  a  CuK's  44-calibre  Navy  Revolver  and  a  lot 
of  other  articles  to  exchange  for  Coins,  Eggs,  etc. 
ANTON   DWORAK,  Geneva,  Neb. 


Marinfe  \lg£e.  Shells,  Sea  Curiosities  (all  correctly 
named),  for  Alga;,  She  Is.  or  Birds'  Eggs.  All  letters 
answered.     S.  R.  MORSE,  Atlantic  City,  N.J. 

A  Eood  small  Printing  Press  for  a  collection  of  Min- 
erals or  Arrow-heads.  E.  D.  COUNSELLOR, 
Millville,  N.  J. 

Malchite,  Azurite,  Cryscolla.  Cuprite  and  Limonite 
for  Eggs  in  sets  ur  single.  LEO  MAHLER,  116  E. 
Fifty-ninth  street,  New  York  city. 

First-class  Eggs,  single  or  in  sets,  in  exchange  for 
others.  Correspondence  solicited.  ZACH  TAY- 
LOR, Lock  Box  23,  Dunkirk,  N.  Y. 


To  Exchange.— Stamps,  Egg,  and  JirA-ciass chmh- 
ers  (style  No.  2),  without  straps  for  first-class  Eggs. 
(Sets  with  full  data  preferred).  J  IJ.  SORNBOR- 
GER,  Guilford,  Chenango  County,  N.  Y. 

To  Exchange.— A  set  of  Spotted  Eggs  of  American 
Goldfinch  for  best  offer.  Also,  sets  and  single  Eggs 
for  same.     VERDI   BURTCH,  Branchport,  N.  Y. 


.  For  Exchange.— A  black-walnut  Egg  Case,  having 
five  draws,  each  24x14x2  inches.  The  bottom  of  the 
draws  co  ne  out,  leaving  slits  for  partitions.  Will 
exchange  it  for  sets  or  singles  (Birds'  Eugs),  instru- 
ments or  Books  on  Ornitho  ogy  or  Oology.  Write 
first      VAN  LEWIS,  Potsdam,  N.  Y. 


I  will  exchange  "  Youths'  Companion,"  vol.  59,  for 
the  best  offer  in  Birds'  Eggs.  H.  C.  GUTCHESS, 
Port  Byron,  N.  Y. 


To  Exchange.— Firs' -class  Eggs  for  the  same.  A 
set  of  six  Eggs  of  149^  for  a  set  equally  rare.  NEIL 
F.  POSSON,  Medina.  N.  Y. 


I  will  exchange  300  assorted  foreign  Stamps  for 
back  volumes  of  the  OoLOGiST,  bound.  A.  L.  W.\L- 
LACE,  Cortland,  N.  Y. 


Will  exchange  my  collection  of  Bjrds'  Eggs  and 
Case  for  trio  Langshans  or  offers.  EDWIN  POW- 
ELL, Ghent,  N.  Y.  

Will  exchange  a  pair  of  Roller  Skates  and  some 
American  Birds'  Eggs  for  Eggs,  with  data  blanks. 
FRANK  STEVENS.  Sandy  Hill,  N.  Y. 

"  Groove-billed  Crotophaga  "  and  Wilson's  "  Phala- 
rope"  for  Eggs  not  in  my  collection.  Hawks  and 
Buzzards  wanted.  Only  first- class  given  and  first- 
class  wanted.  GEO.  H.  STUART,  3D.,  Chestnut 
Hill,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 


Wanted. — To  exchange  Birds'  Eggs  with  collectors 
throughout  the  Ui.ited  States  and  Canada.  Water 
Birds'  Eggs  preferred.  Correspondence  solicited. 
WALTER  F.  WEBB.  Barkers,  Niagara Couniy,N.Y. 


Wanted.— Correspondence  on  Natural  and  Mental 
Science.  For  Exchange—"  Livingstone's  Travels,' 
and  other  good  works,  for  books.  J.  B.  NICHOLS, 
Cazenovia,  N.  Y. 

"  Study  of  Savage  Weapons,"  "  Mound  Builders 
in  Michigan."  "  Taxidermists'  Guide,"  to  exchange 
for  Stone  Hatchets  or  offers  in  Indian  Relics.  W.  A. 
HAKES,  125  Liberty  street,  Binghamtcn,  N.  Y. 

Birds'  Eggs,  in  sets  or  single,  to  exchange  for  same 
or  Indian  Relics.  I  will  give  any  one  of  the  follow- 
ing Eggs  for  every  fine  Arrow-head  received  :  Nos.  i, 
i4g«,248,  282  or  289.  CHAS.  W  TREAT,  Brook- 
lyn, Ohio. 

L.  S.  Fossils  for  a  good  Phacops  Trilobite,  "Steele's 
Geology,"  Minerals,  or  Indian  Relics  of  Slate  <  r  Cop- 
per.    W.  H.  BEAN,  Lebanon,  Ohio. 

Eggs  of  Nos.  12,  13,  233,  258,  261,  263,  248,  480,  579 ; 
also,  second-class  Eggs  (half  rates)  for  fir.-,t-class 
Eggs  not  in  my  collection.  HARRY  S.  DAY,  Fre- 
mont, Ohio. 

I  will  exchange  volumes  V.,  VI.  and  VII.  "  Golden 
Days"  (unbound  and  in  good  condition)  for  best 
offer  of  Birds'  Eggs.  C.  S.  HORNKR,  1,202  Willson 
avenue,  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

Papers  published  before  and  during  the  war  to 
exchange  for  Birds'  Eggs,  in  sets.  WM.  !• .  LEWIS, 
Martins  Ferry,  Ohio. 

A  good  Imperial  Stamp  Album,  with  162  foreign 
Stamps  and  45  United  Slates  Stamps,  in  exchange  for 
Birds'  Eggs.  EDWARD  WELLS,  2,121  N.  Twen- 
tieth street,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

To  Exchange.— Printing  Press,  T>  pe,  Telegraph 
Instrument,  Arrow-heads,  Tin  Tags  and  Birds'  Eggs 
for  Eggs  in  sets.     J.  VV.  JACOBS,  Waynesburg,  Pa 

I  have  over  500  first-class  Single  Eggs  which  I  will 
exchange  at  one- third  catalogue  rates  for  good  Sets. 
SAMUEL  B.  LADD,  West  Chester,  Pa. 

Wanted.— To  exchange  Birds'  Eggs  for  the  same. 
Send  list.  J.  PERCY  MOORE;  1,931  Judson  Place, 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Wanted.— To  exchange  Eggs  with  collectors  in  the 
West  and  South.    W.  E.  CLYDE  TODD,  Beaver,  Pa. 


Thirty  different  Stamps  for  100  different  postmarks, 
or  five  Stamps  for  ten  foreign  postmarks.  WILLIS 
R.  PERRY,  Lock  Box  4,  Canton,  Pa. 

I  will  exchange  V  Nickels  without  "cents"  for 
Indian  Relics  or  Foreign  Stamps  and  Confederate 
Money.  CLARENCE  R.  JACKSON,  No.  138 
Church  street,  Nashville,  Tenn. 

Eggs  and  Stamps  for  Eggs.  C.  J.  THOMSON, 
746   N.  Twentieth  street,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

The  thirteenth  edition  of  Durbin's  Catalogue,  ten 
numbers;  Vol.  1 1,  of  "  The  Capital  City  Philatelist,' 
50  all  different  Stamps,  some  rare.  No.  2,  Vol.  I.  of 
the  "  Naturalists'  Companion  "  and  five  philatelic 
papers,  for  the  best  offer  in  first-class  Birds'  Eggs. 
Write  first  Single  Eggs  wanted.  Accepted  offers 
answered.  HENRY  R.  SHARPLES,  Box  1968  West 
Chester,  Pa. 


One  hundred  and  fifty  first-class  side-blown  Birds 
Eggs  to  exchange  for  Coins,  Stamps,  fine  specimens 
of  Indian  Arruw-h^ads  and  Minerals.  WILLIS  P. 
ARNOLD,  Shannock,  R.  I. 


THE    OOLOGIST. 


Twenty  dollars'  worth  of  Eggs,  in  sets,  with  data, 
to  exchange  for  a  Shotgun,  Minerals,  Fossils,  Foreign 
or  Ancient  Coins.    JOE  J.  WILSON,  Greensburg,  Pa. 

If  wishing  to  e.xchange  Birds'  Eggs,  send  list  and 
receive  mine  Address,  P.  S.  MALONEY,  No.  2,126 
N.   Twentieth  street,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

For  Exchange. — A  Pointer  Puppy,  with  perfect 
pedigree,  worth  $20,  and  Maltese  Kittens,  for  Bird 
Eggs,  with  data.  Correspondence  solicited.  PET 
ASBURY,  Greenvil  e,  S.  C. 

1  want  to  e.xchange,  for  first-class  Bird  Eggs,  a 
22-caiibre  Rifle.  Correspondence  solicited.  E.  F. 
HUTCHES,  O  and  Thirty-second  streets,  Galveston, 
Tex. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  Minerals,  Birds'  Eggs,  in 
sets,  land  and  fresh-water  Shells,  for  the  same  with 
collectors.     E.  M.  GOODWIN,  Hartland,  Vt. 

To  Exchange. — The  follow  ing  single  Eggs  :  47,  67, 
204,  207,  286,  287,  300,  240b  408,  413,  425,  436/',  477 
and  many  others.  E.  R.  BRADY,  Pomeroy,  Wash. 
Ter. 

Fine  Fossils  and  Shells  for  Indian  Relics  and  Fos- 
sils ;  also,  Stamps  and  Coins  for  the  same.  JAS  W. 
JONES,  Port  Townsend,  Wash.  Ter. 

I  wish  to  exchange  174  numbers  of  "  Youths'  Com- 
panion "  for  Books  on  Ornithology,  Birds'  Eggs  or 
pair  of  Climbers,  with  straps  complete.  J.  DE 
WITT  HAWKS,  P.  O.  Box  544,  Beloit,  Wis. 

I  will  exchange  a  good  Magic  Lantern,  twenty- 
three  slides,  for  first-class  eggs,  with  data.  WILL 
BACON,  Baraboo,  Wis. 

Nickels  ot  1883  to  exchange  for  Bird  Skins  and 
Eggs.  Serd  list  and  stamp.  W.  W.  GILMAN, 
Stoughton,  Wis. 

N  jtice. — Coins,  foreign,  to  exchange  for  Prehistoric 
Indian  Relics.  Send  lists.  Z..L.  WELMAN,  Box 
450  Stoughton,  Wis. 


To  Exchange  — Prize  Holly  Scroll  Saw  and  Min- 
erals for  Birds'  Eggs,  in  full  sets,  with  data.  Nests 
desired  also.     Address,  Box  435,  Sharon,  Wis. 

Pr.is  ined  Darts  and  South  Sea  Relics  to  exchange 
for  Rare  Skins,  Nests,  Eggs  and  Indian  Relics.  H. 
ATT  WATER,  London,  Ont. 

Eggs  !  Eggs  !  !  Eggs  !  !  !  I  have  a  lot  of  rare,  iirst- 
<;lass  Birds'  Eggs,  in  sets,  with  data,  to  exchange  for 
singles.  Send  your  lists  by  return  mail  and  receive 
mine      LOUIS  B.  SCHINDLER,  Lake  City,  Minn. 

After  spending  two  seasons  in  Arizona,  I  now  have 
^  number  of  perfect  sets  for  exchange.  ROSWELL 
S.  WHEELER,  Alameda.  Cal. 

To  Exchange. — Single  Eggs  of  Nos.  627a,  436,  574, 
^88,  666a,  571,  494,  for  a  set  of  152^^,  with  full  data. 
E.   E.  SHAILER,  TylerviUe,  Conn. 

Ripidolite,  Kyanite,  Jasper,  Talc,  Epidote,  Albite> 
Cummingtonite,  Actinolite,  and  Tourmaline,  all  large 
specimens,  for  Shells,  Fossils  or  Minerals.  No  small 
specimens  accepted.  H.  I.  CARD,  Lock  Box  54, 
Willimantic,  Conn. 

Will  exchange  the  last  half  of  Vol.  VII.  and  first 
ten  numbers  of  Vol.  VIII.  "Golden  Days"  for  Bird 
Eggs.  W.  LIN  FRED  DUNBAR,  Box  250,  West 
Stratford,  Conn. 

I  will  exchange  fine  Minerals  for  Fossils,  Eggs, 
Minerals,  Indian  Relics,  etc.  WM.  C.  BANKS, 
Cove  Mills,  Stamford,  Conn. 


Pop  Corn. 

We  ha^'f  on  hand  a  few  biisbels  of  Rice  Pop 
Corn,  the  best  jjoppins  variety  g-r<iwn,  whieli 
we  offer  for  sale  at  the  following'  low  juices: 
1  Peek,      -----------      40  cents. 

1-3  Bushel,      --- 75  cents. 

1  Bushel, S1.25. 

Sacks  fi'ee.    Send  in  yonr  order  before  it  is  too 
late.     We  warrant  it  to  both  please  and  pop. 

FRANK  H.  LATTIN,  Albion,  N.  Y. 


Our  New  Catalogue 

Instruments,  Supplies  and  Publications  for 
the  OoLOGiST,  Ornithologist  and  Taxidek- 
MiST,  is  just  out.  It  contains  twenty  pases  of 
valuable  information.  If  you  have  not  re- 
ceived a  cojiy  send  a  3c.  stani))  at  once  to 

FRANK  H.  LATTIN, 

Albion,  N.  Y. 

BROWN    LEGHORNS. 


Eggs  for  Hatching, 


f  1. 50  per  13. 


Carefully  and  seciu-ely  packed  in  light  baskets. 
Safe  deliver^'  jinaranteed. 

I  bejian  lirecding-  Brown  Leghorns  10  years 
ago,  and  althduuh  not  an  exhibitor  my  fowls 
have  taken  the  first  i)rize  where  ever  shown. 
M,\  Iheeding- Pen  for  1SS7  is  one  of  the  best.  I 
hinc  (inly  a  U-w  eggs  to  spare.  Fowls  and 
Chicks  after  August  1st. 

FRANK  H.  LATTIN,   Albion,  N.  Y. 

***For  the  first  order  I  receive  from  any  State 
or  Territory,  I  will  give  a  Due  Bill  good  for 
$1.00  payable  in  anj'thing- 1  advertise. 


ONE  ITOTE 

at  the  polls  determined  the  United  Stutcs  Sensf- 
torship  in  New  Jersej'.    Just  $1..50  will  secure 

you  the  American  Agricu/turist  for  ISST,  which 
for  half  a  century  has  been  the  recognized  lead- 
ing jierioilicul  iif  its  character,  and  now  con- 
tains far  mure  illustrations,  and  now  i-ontains 
far  nioj'e  illustrations,  is  larger  in  e\  ery  way 
and  better  than  e\-er. 

The  JUVENILE,  HEARTH  and  HOUSE- 
HOLD DEPARTMENTS  haxe  been  enlarged, 
and  HUMBUG  E.\posin-es  are  to  receive  addi- 
tional attention. 

1000  OEIElItlAL  ILIUSIKAIIOHS,  ^:^^& 

American  Agriculturist  CdUtains  nearly-  1,(XKJ  or- 
iginal illustrations  of  animals,  i>lants,  etc.,  etc. 

Homes  of  Our  Farmer  Presidents.  ^'"l-:x;:-?;j 

is  now  iiublishing'  and  sending  free  to  all  sub- 
sciibers,  at  an  outlay  of  ovei-  $30,000,  superb 
Kng Taxings  (1S.\;.'I  inches  in  size)  of  tlu'se  Homes, 
together  witli  si>ecial  descriplixc  papers 

Send  Six  Cents  for  mailing  you  Grand  Double 
Number,  32-page  Premium  List,  and  Sample 
Proof  of  Engravings  of  "Homes  of  our  Farmer 
Presidents,"  together  with  Description  by 
James  Parton.     Address 

DAVID  W.  JUDD,  Pub., 

751  Broadway,  N.  Y. 
CANVASSERS  WANTED  EVERYWHERE. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


NEW  FOR  1887  1 


FIELD  NOTES! 

Oological  and  Ornithological. 


Many  valuable  notes  are  annually  lost  and  forgotten, 
occasioned  by  collectors  not  carrying  a  note  book, 
while  in  the  field;  to  supply  the  demand,  we  have 
just  gotten  up  one  of  the  best  and  most  suitable  we 
have  ever  seen.  This  new  note  book  (which  we  call 
"FIELD  NOTES"),  contains  120  pages  best  note 
paper,  ruled  and  cross-ruled,  over  30  lines  to  the  page; 
size  of  each  page,  3K '"■  x6in.,  sewed  at  the  ends, 
and  bound  in  good  leather  bound  canvas  covers,  with 
heavy  rubber  band  attached  to  end,  to  keep  the  book 
closed  while  not  in  use;  fastened  to  the  inside  of  the 
cover  is  a  handy  pocket,  for  carrying  datas,  etc.;  also 
a  calendar  for  1887.  It  is  neat,  handy,  useful,  dura 
ble,  toney  and  invaluable.  It  must  be  seen  and 
carried  in  the  field  to  be  appreciated.  Money  will 
cheerfully  be  refunded  to  all  not  more  than  pleased 
with  it. 

Sample,  post-paid,  50cts.,  or  5  Copies  for  12. 

FRANK  H.  LATTIN, 

Albion,  N.  Y. 


COINS  SENT  ON  APPROVAL. 

Agents  wanted  for  sale  of  rare  stamps 
from  sheets. 

LIBERAL  COMNIISSION 

W.  F.  GREANY, 

827  Brannan  St.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 

MIHERALS  AtIeDUCED  RATES. 

Birds'  Eggs,  Curiosities,  Shells,  Instruments,  k. 

SEND   STAMP  FOR  LIST. 

DICKINSON  &  DURKEE, 

Sharon,  Wis. 
A  large  collection  of  First-class  Birds'  Egg-s 

in  sets,  with  data,  at  25  per  cent    less  than  list  prices. 
W.  R.  GRAY,  Albion.  N.  Y. 


The  Cosmopolitan 

The  handsomest,  most  entertaining-,  low  price, 
illustrated  family  magazine  in  the  world. 
($2.50  per  year,  with  a  $2.25  premium 
free.)  Sixty-four  beautifully  printed  pages  in 
each  numbpr,  filled  w'l'i  short  stories,  sketches, 
travels,  adventures,  brinht  and  brief  scientific 
and  liten-iry  articles,  by  distin  ,'uished  American 
and  foreign  writers,  such  as  J  ilian  Hawthorne, 
Harriet  Prescott  Spofford,  George  Parsons 
Lathrop,  Louise  Chandler  Moulton,  J.  Mac- 
donald  Oxiey,  Ella  Wheeler  Wilco.x,  H.  H. 
Boyesen,  Catherine  Owen,  Rev.  R.  Heber 
Newton,  Alph.nse  D.audet,  Paul  Heyse,  Count 
Tolstoi,  Th.  Dostoivskv,  William  West.^'l  and 
many  others.  Also  enterlaininfj  .f  U  VE!\  IEiE< 
and  inv  iluable  HOIJSKKOL.D departments. 
On^ormore  il'ustrated  articles  and  several  full- 
page  engravmgs  in  every  riumber. 

A  Shannon  ^er   and 

Bill  F  le  or  a  .joannon 
Sheet-Music  Binder 
Free     to    every 
Subscriber. 
Thfse     premiums      sell 
everywhere     for     $2.25 
each.     The  Fi  e  is   be  most 
perfect  device  ever  invent- 
ed for  the  preserv'tir.  1  and 
classification     (alphabetic- 
ally and  according  to    ate) 
of  all    letter",    bills,   etc. 
Any  paper  can  be  referred 
to,  taken  out  and  put  back 
without     disniibin?      the 
oLhers.     With  the  Binder 
one  can  insert  or  tai<e  out 
any  piece  of  music  without 
disturbing  at ;■  other  sheet. 
Get  SAMPi.E'COPY  at  NEWS  STAND  or 
send  20  Cents  to  publishers. 

AaENTS  WANTED.  Bia  COMMISSIONS  PAID. 
Schlicht  &  Field  Co..  Ruchester,  N.  Y. 


IBEXjXjII^'CriEeTT'S      ZD-A-iT^Sk-E:. 


50  FINE  FOSSILS  FOR  ONLY  $3,00. 

H.  D.  PULL,  Morris,  Ills. 

%*  Headquarters  for  Mazan  Creek 
Fossils.  Finest  in  the  world.  Choice  col- 
lections from  $1.00  to  $100.00.  Samples, 
by  mail,  of  Fossil  Fern,  &c.,  25  cents. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


THE 


Resurrection  Plant 


ONE  OF  THE 

GREATEST  CURIOSITIES 


OF  THE   AGE. 

This  singular  pl.-.nt  is  really  one  of  the  wonders  of 
creation.  Imagine  a  bunch  of  withered  looking, 
curled  up  shoots,  brown,  stiff,  and  apparently  dead, 
resembling  a  bird's  nest.  Place  it  in  water,  in  half  an 
hour  what  a  transformation  !  The  withered  looking 
bunch  has  now  opened  and  is  transformed  into  a 
lovely  patch  of  green  moss,  entire  y  covering  an 
ordinary  plate.  In  its  native  habitat,  when  the  dry 
season  sets  in.  the  plant  curls  up  into  a  round  ball  and 
is  wafted  away  by  winds  from  place  to  place,  some- 
times for  hundreds  of  miles,  when  at  last  it  reaches  a 
moist  spot  it  gradually  unfolds  itself,  makes  new  roots 
and  thrives  in  its  new  found  home. 

Directions — Place  the  dry  plant  in  water  entirely 
covered  for  two  hours,  then  take  out  and  put  in 
■shallow  dish  with  only  roots  in  water;  after  remaining 
in  water  for  a  few  days,  allow  the  plant  to  dry  up 
again,  then  perform  the  operation  as  before  The 
plant  will  never  die,  and  wdl  open  and  shut  as  often 
as  placed  in  and  taken  out  of  water. 

The  plant  must  be  see  i  to  be  appreciated,  and 
knowing  that  where  we  sell  one  of  these  plants  we 
are  almost  certain  of  selling  several  more,  we  offer 
them  at  the  following  very  low  prices,  viz  :  i  plant, 
po^t-paid,  for  only  15  cents;  2  plants  for  25  cents; 
10  for  $1.00,  or  25  for  $2.25;  or  better  still,  we  will  send 
you  one  of  these  plants  and  the  Oolgist  for  1887,  for 
only  28  cents, 

PRANK  H.  LATTIN,  Albion,  N.  Y. 

-y  jy  w  I  pvpRMY  MADE  EASY.  STUFF- 
I  IjL  )C  '  '-'  ^  ing  Birds  by  a  new  method. 
Skinning  unnecessary.  The  receipt  for 
a  chemical  composition  that  preserves  and  hardens  the 
flesh,  leaving  the  body  perfectly  natural  in  form  and 
color,  with  complete  directions  for  preserving  and 
mounting  birds  by  this  process. 

Write  for  full  particulars  to 

Stoughtoii,  -  .  -  Wisconsin. 


CONTAINS  OVER  100  PAGES, 

within  which  are  found  fifty  articles  of  length  and 
over  one  hundred  short  ones  besides  many  advertise 
ments  and  exchange  notice^;  of  the  more  valuable 
contributions  mi^ht  be  mentioned  the  following,  viz.: 

One  Day  on  Chester  Island  w'th  the  Marsh  Wrens  ; 
Biids  of  Cor  land  Co.,  N.  Y.  ;  several  articles  on 
Cabinet  Making  ;  Nest  of  Black  and  White  Creep- 
er ;  Summer  Birds  about  Washington  ;  A  Water 
Blowpipe;  Vagary  of  a  Collector  ;  My  First 
Hunt  tor  Tern  Eggs  ;  N.  C.  Notes  ;  Nest  of  Brown 
Creeper;  History  of  a  Bird  Box;  I(^wa  Notes; 
Red-tailed  Hawk's  Nest  ;  A  Review  of  the  Check 
Lists  of  North  American  Birds,  &c.  ;  Maine  as 
a  Field  for  the  (Jrnithologist  ;  Nest  of  Whooping 
Crane  ;  Spring  Notes;  Chester  Co.,  Pa.  ;  Chewink 
Nests  in  Tree  ;  A  Day  on  Long  Island  :  Collect 
Single  Eggs.  Illinois  Notes  ;  Marsh  Wrens  ;  Minn. 
Notes  ;  and  many  others. 

The  articles  in  above  list  printed  in  capitals  contain, 
alone,  information  worth  many  times  my  price  for  the 
whole  set.     We  have  left  a  few  hundred 

Complete  Sets  of  Vol.  III., 

and  so  long  as  supply  lasts,  will  send  one  of  them  by 
return  mail  for 

ONLY  40  CENTS. 

^p&~  Single  copies  of  any  issue  of  Vol.  III.,  8c.  each. 


Datas  in  Book  Form. 


We  have  just  issued  the  handiest  and  best  article 
in  the  Data  line  ever  sent  out — 

IT  CONSISTS  OF  100  OF  OUR 

New  No.  8  Data  Blanks, 

With  Stub  Attachment, 

perforated,  so  as  Data  can  easily  be  torn  from  stub, 
nicely  and  strongly  bound  in  board  covers  (check- 
book form)  When  Data  is  torn  from  book,  there 
remains  a  2-in.  stub,  with  blank  for  writing  the  essen- 
tial parts  of  the  data — also  for  writing  how,  when, 
to  whom,  and  for  what  disposed.  If  you  wish  to  copy 
the  Data  in  full,  you  can  do  so  by  writing  description 
on  back  of  the  stub.     Sample  leaf  for  stamp 

tS'"  If  you  could  see  a  sample  book,  you  would  use 
no  other. 

SAMPLE,  35cts.;  3  for  11.00;  10  for  13.00. 

FRANK  H.  liftTTIN, 

.Albion,   N.  Y. 

:^xfi.x>i5'    E:c3rC3rS- 

Send  for  reduced  price-list  I  have  a  number  of 
both  Nos.  686  and  688  that  i  will  seU  for  5c.  a  piece, 
or  ssc.  per  doz.      Adore-s. 

L.  M.  SPAULDING.  Albion,  N.  Y. 

'^pW  When  answering  Advertisements, 
always  mention  "The  Ooloi;i,st." 


THE     OOLOGlST. 


EVERY:  YOUNG:  PERSON 

Who  lakes  pleasure  in  scientific  matters  should 
subscribe  at  once  for 

The  Swiss  Cross, 

The  monthly  magazine  of  the 

AGASSIZ    ASSOCIATION. 


Kegin  with  the  fir^t  number — that  of  January,  1887. 

Subscription  price,  $1.50  a  year.    Send  15  cents 

for  sample  copy. 

N.  D.  C.  HODGES,  Publisher, 

47  Lafayette  Place.  New  York. 

^^Mention  The  Oologist. 


WILL  SEND 


circulars  free. 
R.  W.  FORD, 


Terms  for  2c.  stamp. 

Bristol,  Conn. 


to  any  part  of  U.S.  A.,  Birds 
P^ggs,  Birds  set  up  and  Squir- 
rels set  up,  from  four  counties.  Books,  Novels, 
I  Letter  Writers  of  all  kinds.  Write  for  prices.  Ad- 
dress, R.  A.  DESBROUGH,  So.  Oxford,  Chenango, 
county,  N,  Y. 


(HAVE  A  FEW  CHOICE  SETS  OF  EGGS  for 
sale  cheap,  such  .is  European  Merlin,  Kestril,  Buz- 
zard. Sea  Eagle,  Hawk  Owl,  Ruff,  Whimbrel  and  Skua 
Gull.  \V.  RAINE, 

262  Victoria  street,  Toronto,  Canada. 

A  GENTS  WANTED 
SUPERIOR  RUBBER  STAMPS. 


SEND  FOR   REDUCED    PRICE    LIST 


:ESGr<3r!&. 

Sets  with  data  of  No.  686,  13  cents.     Send  5c.  Dostage. 
L.  M.  SPAULDING.  Albion,  N.  Y. 

OVER    1,000,000 

CURIOSITIES  AND  SPECIMENS, 

at  less  than 

WHOLESALE  PRICES, 

Must  be  sold  duringr  the  ensuing-  season 

REGARDLESS  OF   COST. 


Additional  lists  of  rare  and  desirable  curios  in  each 
future  Oologist,  until  everything  is  sold.  Read  our 
list  of  Bargains  in  this  i2sue.  Early  orders  receive  the 
best  specimens.  Evety  order  filled  or  acknowledged 
by  return  m.iil.  Our  mail  business  is  the  largest  of 
the  kind  in  the  world.  Sales  during  past  four  months 
exceed 

$6,000  00. 

Every  specimen  warranted  to  please  or  money  re- 
funded. Snow  our  lists  to  your  friends,  and  send  us 
at  least  one  trial  order.  If  you  can  use  extra  copies 
of  this  issue  of  The  Oologist,  send  2c.  for  each  copy 
required  to 


FRANK  H.  LATTIN, 

Albion,  N   Y 


n  I  H  ^  ttnk  P  Ra^pber^y, Johnston's  Sweet 
iM  I  II  I  '  U  Un  1  early,  good  bearer,  very  su- 
ri  I     fv  I  I  ^    perior   in   quality.     '^T/ie  sweetest 

tm  ■■!  I  %f  m\  gronifi."  Valuable  for  evaporating. 
Erie  lilackb'y,  (Jmario  Strawb'y  and  Empire  St. 
Gri.pcs    R.  JOHNSTCJN,  ShortsviUe,  Ont.  Co.,N.Y. 

O^^^   FINE  OREGON  BIRD-ARROW 

^9\M\^\^  Points,  wholesale  and  retail  ;  Sioux 
Buckskin  K-  lies;  Bad  Lands,  D.  T.  Fossils;  Minerals 
in  large  variety.     HI.  catalogue  free 

L.  W.  STILWF.LL, 
Deadwood,  D.  T. 

TLJE  NEATEST  AND  HANDIEST  THING 
n  i.ut  ;      The    New    Stub    Data-Blank 

Sook.  100  blanks  bound  ni  heavy  board  covers. 
only  50  cents,  cheap  at  75  cents.  Send  for  sample 
leaf.  "      ZACH  TAYLOR. 

Lock  Box  23,  Dunkirk,  N.  Y. 

AUSTRALIAN 

BIRDS'  EGGS. 

Rare!      Cheap!     Haiidsonie ! 

Send  stamp  for  new  catalogue  of  Amer- 
ican and  Australian  Birds'  Eggs,  for  sale  by 

S.  W.  cfe  W.  D.   DENTON, 

Wellesley.  -  Massachusetts. 

Eggs  and  Blanks  Cheap! 

Will  send  any  of  the  follouing,  postpaid,  on  receipt 
of  price  in  Postal  Note  ; 

FIRST-CLASS  EGGS.    |        DATA   BLANKS, 
Seven  varieties, only  $  .35     Printed   on   good   paper — 

204,  Lark  Finch 18  |  white  or  tinted. 

3go,  Groove-bil'd    ro-  Per  doz 05 

tophaga ; 2.50     Per    50 10 

494,  Green  Heron. . .     .12  |  Per  loo 18 

Above  offers  good  only  as     ong  as   present  supply 
lasts.     IVIention  The  Oologist. 

MARSHALL  COUSINS, 

522  Union  St.,  -  -  Eau  Claire,  Wis. 

50  First-class    Birds'  Eggs, 

Worth  $5.00,  for  $3.00.     Write  for  List. 
IVr.    T.    CLECKLEY, 

457  Gretne  St.,  .  -  -  Augusta,  Ga. 

TAXIDERMISTS !~ 

Send  for  Price  List  to  ALMON  E.  KIBBIi:, 
dealer  in  Fir.st-cl»«ss  Taxideriiii.st  Materials. 
Artificial  Kyes  a  specialty.  I  also  mount 
Birds  and  Mammals,  and  keep  a  fine  stock  of  same  on 
hand.  SEND  FOR  FKICE  LIST  ANL>  TRY 
ONE  ORDER.  Mayville,  Chautauqua 
County,  N.  V. 

The  Flowers  that  Bloom  in  the  Spring 

Have  nothing  to  do      itht'iiscase,   for    it  isn't   a  card 

case,  hut  a  Little  Russia  Leather  Account 
Book  and  Memorandum  Combined.     If  you 

want  to  know  all  about  it,  send  your  name  on  a 
postal  to 

nsTEHiSonsr  book:  oo., 

Plymouth,  .  -  .  Connecticut. 


THE.  OOLOGIST. 


CORNISH  ORGANS.  WEBSTER. 


Reduced  to  almost  cost  to  build.    Buy  direct  of  Otd 
Established  Manufacturers,  and  avoid  paying  Mi('.c1lo« 

mens  profits.      Wo  quote  below  a  few 

Warranted   ,,  s  FECIAL    BARGAINS! 

.M  C'ltriais  8  Sets  Jj^^^/Srt 
tH7stop8 Only  545^0 

t^!^r  $60,00 

"REMEMBER! 

We  do  not  wish  yon  I"* 
send  us  a  cent  antif  after 
VLU  hftve  received  Organ, 
tested  i  t  and  found  it  satis- 
factory, Itisonly  neces- 
sary to  send  us  references 
::3  to  ynur  responsibility, 
and  Or,::.-!!!  will  be  shipped 
vou  on  10  day's tcGt  trial. 
If  it  suiUs  you  are  to  send  us 
Its  prill  ,  and  pay  freight; 
If  itdoesnoteu-'t,  ynu  can 
return  it  and  we  will  pay 
frt^ight  both  ^'v.ys. 

REFERENCEi    Thou<!iTid8  of  Happy  Purchasers  cover- 

LARGE  ILLUSTRATED  CATALOGUE  FREE.    Address, 
CORNISH    &   CO.y  WASHINGTON.  N.J, 


With  or  without  Patent  Index. 


IT  IS  THE  STANDARD 

Atithonfy  in  the  Gov't  Printing  Office,  and  with 
the  U.  S.  Supreme  Court,  and  is  recommended  by 
tlie  State  Sup'ts  of  Schools  in  3(1  States. 

In  addition  to  various  useful  tables  the  latest 
issue  of  this  work  comprises 

h-      . 

U)  I- 

•  ■     -  118,000  Words,  :M<iv)  Engraving.s. 


OQ  111 


DICTIONARY, 


A  GAZETTEER  OF  THE  WORLD, 

•2.-1,000  Titles,  (Just  arldod)  and 

A  BIOGRAPHICAL  DICTIONARY, 

nearly  lo,(ion  Xoted  Persons, 

ALL  IN  ONE  BOOK. 


It  is  an  invaluable  companion  in  every  School 

and  at  every  Fireside. 
G.  &_C.  MERRIAM  &  CO.,  Pub'rs,  Springfield,  Mass. 


THIS  GREAT  PREMDH  pke:., 


ABSOLUTELY 


For>fV»  OVI<^  UTAIlCoTml/l  the  well-known  Literary  and  Farm  Paper,  now  in  its  5tli  year,  has  already  over 
rclllll  d.[IU  nUUoClUJllij  lOOjOOOsubscriliersandis.withoutquestion.themnstpopularfarmondnome 
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department  that  niiiiiey  can  procure.  It  has  been  our  custom  each  year  to  olf  er  some  preat  Premium,  worth  in  itself  many  times  more  than 
the  price  of  the  paper.to  secure  new  subscribers,  knowincj  that  if  once  subscribers  they  will  never  leave  us,  and  we  propose  to  add 
100,000  new  fnib«cVlbers  diirinir  the  next  «  months,  if  money  and  enterprise  will  accomplish  it.  This  year  we  offer  the 
premium  ilhistrated  above.  It  has  beautiful  Gold  Plated,  Ensraved  Hunting  Cases,  Is  n  stem. winder  and  stem- 
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as  well  as  the  time  of  dav.  A  cold  plated  Chain  Roes  with  eaels.  It  is  entirely  new,  being  patented  Feb.  9,  ISSS, 
nd  will  not  be  sold  I>v  watch  «leal«'r9  «»r  .fewelers.     We  own  the  patent  exclusively  and  it  can  only  be  secured 

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„ _,  _nd  the  only  way  you  can  secure 

sto  send  $1.00  for  one  year's  subscription  to  Farm  and  Household,  when  jt'will  be  sent  you, safely  packed,  by  return  mail.  Free  and  Post- 
paid, as  a  premium.     JCeferenceH  :  We  have  been  so  long  before  the  public  as  enterprising  publisherB,  that  we 
■         •     ■  .     -  ..    .  ,    .g^     Any  Bank,  Merchant,  Publish.  "  ... 


newspaper  publishe 
you  of  our  absoh 
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no  doubt,  t"  most  of  their  readers. 


_Expr. 


well-known  toall 
Agent  in  Connecticut  can  tell 


yon  Of  our  absolute  puBygH's  YXM.  AND  HOUSEHOLD,  WALLINGFORD,  CONN 


THE     OOLOGIST. 


MAHXjZXT 


Forlart-'c  or  small  ganii — 32  calibre, -10  grains  puwiler;  38  cal.  55  Ri 

40  cal.  60  fir. ,  45  cal  70  and  85  gr.    The  strongest  shooting  rifle  macii 

Perfect  accuracy  guaranteed  and  the  onlv  absolutely  safe  rifle  on  toe 

ket.  Prices     n  J%  V  T     A  im  Gnll.-rv,  Sporting  and  Tnr- 

reduced.      J2^3bJJU^^X%X«'   get  Itilles,  world  renowned.    The  standard 

for  target  shooting,    liuntins.  and  shouting  gal Icrii-s.     All  calibres  from 22 to  45   Madeln 

fourteen  different  styles,  prices  from  $18.00  up.    Send  for  Illustrated  catalogue. 

MARLIN  FIRE  ARMS  CO.,        -       New  Haven,  Corin. 

Two  targets  made  with  one  of  our  22  calibre  rifles,  twenty  consecutive  shots 
at  sixty  feet,  after  fifty  shots  had  already  been  fired  and  no  cleaning  during  the 
entire  seventy  shots.  These  guns  carry  off  nearly  all  the  prizes  at  target  matches 
because  tliey  are  always  accurate  and  reliable. 


PETRIFIED   KELP! 

Specimens,  Each  25  cents. 
JAMES  W.  JONES.         -  Port  Townsend.W.  T. 

THE 

ELDREDGE 


M-^» 


SEWING 
MACHINE 

WITH 

Automatic. 

Self-threading 
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The  ELDREDGE  "  B  "  is  sold  with  the 

guarantee  of  being  the  BEST 

that  can  be  MADE. 


AGENTS  WANTED. 


ELDREDGE  MANUFAGTURiNG  CO. 

39  Broad  Street.  I    363  &  365  Wabasli  Ave., 

NEW  YORK.    I  CHICAGO,  ILL. 


Down  With  High  Prices ! 

30  TO  70  PEE.  CENT.  OFF 

ONE    THOUSAND    DIFFERENT  ARTICLES 

Sold  Direct  to  Consumers. 

The  "little  Detective,"  $3.00 

Ij.  D,  Postal  gives  Postage  in  CENTS. 

"Weighs  from  U  oz.  to  25  lbs. 

PAMILT  SCALES,  240  lbs.,  $5. 
Platform  Scaies,  $11  to  $20. 

ForpsanOMsmltlis' Tools. 

Farmers'  Forge,  SglO. 
Forgre  3ind  lilt  of  Tools,  8*35. 
Farmers  can  go  odd  lobs,  saving  tlma 
and  money.    Anvils,  Vises.  &c.,  &c. 

WAGON  SCALES. 

Only  manufacturers   In  America 
using  nothing  but  the  best  of  Entjllsh 
bteelforbearlng.sof  all  Scales: 
2-Tor!  (6x12)840. 

3-Ton  (7x1  3)  $50. 

.  4-Ton  (8xl4)$60> 

ii  Beam  Box  and  Brass  Beam    ■with 

'i  each  Scale. 800  othervarletles.  Also, 

,  c  Trucks,  Wheelbarrows,  Corn  Shell- 

-:r  ers,  Feed  Mills,  Copy  Presses,  Mon- 

_     ev  Drawers,  Clothes  Wriugera  und 

all  Hardware  Specialties. 

SAFES  OFTLL  sizes. 

No.  4,  weight  1,100  lbs.,  »50. 

SEWING  MACHINES, 

PRICES  REDUCED 
FROM    1S65    TO    «18. 

A  beautiful  Machine,  per- 
fectly finished.  Improvement 
on  the  yinger  pattern.  Black 
Walnut  Furniture,  contain- 
ing a  full  set  of  latest  Im- 
proved Attachments.  War- 
ranted perfect.  Save  money. 
Send,   for    Oiroulara. 

Chicago  Scale  Co., 

151  S.Jefferson  St., Chicago,IU 


THE  OOLOGIST 


For    Anyone    Seeking     Self-improvement,    This    Great    Work    is    a 

Liberal    Educator. 


It  is  edited  by  forty  of  America's  most  distinguished  scholars,  each  a  specialist  in 
the  department  he  edits. 

More  than  two  thousand  of  the  most  eminent  specialists  of  this  country  and  Europe 
have  been  employed  by  the  editors  to  write  on  subjects  of  which  they  have  made  a  life- 
long study.     The  names  of  the  writers  are  appended  to  their  articles. 

The  publishers  claim  that  their  Universal  Cyclopaedia  (Revised  Edition,) 

1.  Is  the  only  new  Cyclopaedia  now  in  the  market. 

2.  It  it  the  only  Cyclopaedia  made  by  a  thoroughly  organized  body  of  scholars. 

3.  It  is  the  only  Cyclopedia  ever  made  from  a  thoroughly  American  point  of  view. 

4.  It  excels  all  other  Cyclopaedias  injts  scope  of  letters  treated, 

5.  It  is  the  cheapest  Cyclopaedia  extant. 

6.  Critical  scholars  declare  that  it  has  no  rival. 

7.  It  is  rapidly  supplanting  all  other  Cyclopedias. 

Our  claims  are  endorsed  by  hundreds  who  are  exchanging  Appleton's  American 
Cydopcedia,  latest  edition,  and  the  Uh  Edition  of  Encyclopoedia  Britanriica,  as  far  as 
published,  for  Johnson's  and  paying  the  difference. 

All  our  leading  institutions  of  learning,  including,  Yale,  Harvard,  Columbia, 
Dartmouth,  Williams,  Amherst,  Brown,  Cornell  University,  Hamilton,  Rochester 
University,  Richmond,  Syracuse,  etc.,  concur  in  pronouncing  Johnson's  the  best. 


AINSWORTH  R.  SPOFFORD,  Librarian  of  Congress 

At  Washington,  says:    "Johnson's  Cyclodaedia  is  a  work  which  is  found  in  the  library 
of  Congress  to  answer  more  questions  satisfactorily  than  any  other  work  of  reference." 

For  further  particulars,  either  to  BUY  or  SELL  this  great  work,  address 

J.  W.  NICHOLS,  Manager  of  Sales, 

II  Great  Jones  Street, 

NEW   YORK    CITY. 

Mention  the  Ooi.ogist. 


Bi-Monthly. 


25c.  per  Year. 


Vol.   IV. 


ALBION,  N.  Y.,  JUNE-SEPT.,  1887.       No.  3-4. 


tW^   WJieti    anstveriiiff    Adverfisetneiits, 
always  mention  the  "  Oologist." 

JTOR  SALE. 

A  Fine  Walnut  Egg  Cabinet, 

will  hold  400  to  5C0  sets,  both  large  and  small.  Reason 
for  selling:  it  is  too  small  for  my  collection.  /Mso  i,oocj 
eggs  in  sets  to  exchange  for  desirable  sets.  For  par- 
ticulars write  to  PHILO  SMITH,  Jr., 

Greenville,  Ills. 

prnrinTo  i    for  8  kinds  ink,  15  cts 

nLuLir  I  U  !      10  cts  for  3  Handy  Water  Pens. 
J.  E.  BALLERY,  CoUamer,  O. 


18  Varieties  of  First-class  Eks! 


Including  300,  2^7,  qs^,  iq8,  282,  26irt.  etc.,  and  our 
new  20  pp.  CATALOGUE,  and  TRIAL  ORDER 
Certificate  for  75  ct?.,  J>ostal  note. 

DICKINSON  &  DURKEE, 

Sharon,  Wis. 

EGGS  AT  A  BARGAIN  ! 

I  have  100  varieties  of  eggs,  such  as  Am.  Peregrine 
Falcon,  Roseate  Spoonbill,  Am.  Hawk  Owl,  Black 
Vulture,  Lapwing,  etc.,  that  I  am  selling  cheap.  They 
are  in   original  sets,  with  Data.     Write  for  prices. 

Parties  having  first-class  eggs  in  original  sets  with 
full  data  for  sale,  will  do  well  to  send  me  list  with 
LOWES!  prices.  Sets  not  in  my  collection  taken  in 
exchange.     Address, 

T.  V.   WILSON,   Lock  Box  246,  Austin,  Ills. 


u 


I've  Got  A  Little  List. 

Send  10  two- cent  stamps  for  a  copy  and  sample 
of  the  CHEAPEST  and  best 


Specimens  in  all  branches  of  Natural  History  put 
up  to  order  and  satisfaction  guaranteed. 

TEN   NAMED  SPECIES  OF 

MARINE    SHELLS, 

Post  Paid,  for   15  Cts. 

"W.  W.  ■Worthington,  Taxidermist, 

Shei.tkh  I.si,.\nd,  N.  V. 


Glitterino;  Gold  Oiiartz. 

FOR   WATCH    CHARMS. 

Just  from  the  Rockies.  This  beautiful  charm  is 
a  mass  of  bright  yellow  quartz.  It  cannot  be  de- 
scribed; must  be  seen  to  be  appreciated  Sent  to 
everyone  that  owns  a  watch  for  25  cts.  Silver  pre- 
ferred, but  stamps  taken.  FRED.  D.  SNYDER. 
Barre  Centre,  N.  Y. 

Tlie  Following  Collection  Sent,  Post  Paid,  for  aOO. 


WITH  DATA. 

-I    set    of    5,    No.    13    I       6 — I  set    of 


No.  153 
"  261 
"  278 
"    304 


3  —  1     ^^       ^^     4,  12  8—1 

4 — I     "       "     4.       "       22  g — I  "       " 

5—1      "        "      2i       "     460    I      10— I   "        "      3,       "     735 

Blown  through  one  smoothly  drilled  hole  in  the  side. 

Send  for  Stamp  List.         Address, 

H.  E.  FRY,  Box  391,  Emioria,  Kan. 

TAPA  PI  flTH  Made  from  the  bark  of  trees  by 
I  Hr  n  llLU  I  rii  the  cannibals.  Specimens  15 
cts.  each,  or  2  for  25  cts.   RoY  P.  Jones,  London,  Ont. 

pOR  SALE  OR  TO   EXCHANGE. 

Following  first-class  sets  with  full  data  :  Nos.  400, 
588,  593,  605,  606,  608,  611,  614,  619,  620,  631,  658, 
and  705.  P.  O.   LOCK  BOX  2, 

North  Granville,  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y. 

1A  Varieties  of  Side  Blown,  Correctly  Iden- 
V  tified  Eggs  for  25  cts.  To  the  first  five  per- 
sons ordering  I  will  send  an  egg  catalogued  at  25  cts. 
or  over.  1  o  the  next  five  one  catalogued  at  15  cts. 
or  more.  T.   R.   FOSTER, 

Watseka,  Ills. 

I  WILL  SEND,   POST  PAID,  ONE 

"Nests  and  Eggs  of  North  American  Birds," 


for  eighty  cents. 


OLIVER    DAVIE, 

PERRY  J.  JOHNSON, 

Box  161.  Dassel,  Minn. 


Beautiful  Subcarboniferous  Crinoids. 

Will  send   a  box  to  every  Chautaquan  at  from  15 
cents  to  $1.50.     Also, 

Cherokee  Arrow  Heads  at  80  cents  per  dozen. 
MUM  'GEO.  W.   ROBINETT,   Flag  Pond,  Va. 

A  Single-Barrel  Breech-Loading  Shot  Gun 

top  snap,  rebounding  lock,   pistol  grip.     S8.00.      Gun 
nearly  new.  F.  H.  METCAI.F, 

75  Appleton  St.,  Holyoke,  Mass. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


^  ^  ^  ^ 

ATTENTION! 

AGENTS  WANTED 


—  FOR- 


RUBBER  STAMPS, 


Quick  Safes. 


Large  Profits. 


COLLECTORS 

can  easily  earn  enough  to  buy  a  large  cllection  in  a 
few  evenings,  by  speal  jng  to  your  merchants.  Send 
for  Agents'  Prices. 

Circulars   Free  I 
R.   W.   FORD,     -    BRISTOL,   CONN. 


^fECTFikTlWUR 


K°>* 


NEVER 
UT  OF  ORDER. 


NEW  HOME  SEWING  MACHINE  G.ORI\RMASS. 


CHICAGO   -  30  UNION  SQUARE.N.Y-    DALLAS, 

ILL.  '  — " 

ST  LOUIS.  MO 


ATLANTA. GA  .,.„.„.  „^,  J^^„^; . , 
'  SANFRANCISCO.CAL 


Down  With  High  Prices ! 

30  TO  70  PER  CENT.  OFF 

ONE    THOUSAND    DIFFERENT  ARTICLES 

Sold  Direct  to  Consumers. 

The  "  Little  Detective,"  $3.00 

Ii.  J>.  Postal  givcB  Postage  in  CENTS. 
Weighs  from  3^  oz .  to  25  lbs. 

FAMILY  SCALES,  240  lbs.,  $5. 
Platform  Scales,  $H  to  $20. 

Forges  guiBMsmitlis' Tools. 

Farmers'  Forge,  SSIO. 
Forgre  and  K.lt  of  Tools,  9g3S. 
Farmers  can  ao  odd  loha,  saving  tlina 
and  money.    Anvils,  Vises.  &c.,  &c. 

WAGON  SCALES. 

Only   manufacturers   In  America 
using  nothing  but  the  best  of  EnsHsH 
Steel  for  bearings  of  all  Scales; 
2-Ton  (6x12)840. 

3-Ton  1 7x1  3.1  $50. 

4-Tosi  (8x14)860. 
Beam  Box  and  Brass  Beam  with 
each  Scale.  800  other  varieties.  Also, 
;  Trucks,  Wheelbarrows,  Corn  Shell- 
^  era,  Feed  Mills,  Copy  Presses,  Mon- 
ey Drawers,  Clothes  Wringers  and 
all  Hardware  Specialties. 

SAFES  OFTLL  sizes. 

No.  4,  weight  1,100  lbs.,  S50. 

SEWING  MACHINES, 

PRiCES  REDUCED 
FROM    mes    TO    SIS. 

A  beautiful  Machine,  per- 
i'fectly  finished.  Improvement 
on  the  Singer  pattern.  Black 
AV'aluut  Furniture,  contain- 
ing a  full  set  of  latest  Ira- 
proved  Attachments.  War- 
ranted perfect.  Save  money. 
Send   for    Oiroulars. 

Chicago  Scale  Co., 

151  S.Jeffer8<ynSt.,CMcaoo,Itl 


A  GENEROUS  AND  EXTENSIVE  LOAN. 

An  earnest  Christian  lady  makes  the  following 
offer  to  our  readers: — "I  will  loan,  free  of  postal  and 
all  charges  to  such  of  your  readers  as  will  promise  a 
careful  reading  and  to  pay  return  postage  after  reading 
it,  a  book  which  in  interesting  style  shows  the  Bible 
to  be  a  self-interpreter,  and  its  teachings  grandly  har- 
monious, viewed  in  the  light  of  sanctiiied  reason  and 
common  sense. 

"I  want  to  put  this  book  into  the  hands  of  all  the 
skeptically  inclined,  as  an  aid  and  guard  against  the 
growing  scientific  skepticism.  It  is  not  dry,  musty 
reading,  but  truly  'meat  in  due  season'  to  the  truth- 
hungry.  The  light  of  this  precious  little  volume  has 
made  the  Bible  a  new  book,  a  treasure,  a  mine  of 
wealth,  to  many  as  well  as  to  myself.  And  I  feel  th.-it 
I  cannot  better  use  my  means  than  in  circulating  this 
work  by  the  thousand." 

Address  Postal  Card  to 

MRS.  C.  B.   LEMUELS, 

Allegheny,  Pa. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


-THE- 


Resurrection  Plant 


ONE  OF  THE 

GREATEST  CURIOSITIES 

OF  THE    AGE. 

This  singular  pUnt  is  really  one  of  the  wonders  of 
■creation.  Imagine  a  bunch  of  withered  looking, 
•curled  up  shoots,  brown,  stiff,  and  apparently  dead, 
ri'sembling  a  bird's  nest.  Place  it  in  water,  in  half  an 
hour  what  a  transformation  !  The  withered  looking 
bunch  has  now  opened  and  is  transformed  into  a 
lovely  patch  of  green  moss  entire  y  covering  an 
ordinary  plate.  In  its  native  habitat,  when  the  dry 
•se.tson  sets  in,  the  plant  curls  up  into  a  round  ball  and 
is  wafted  away  by  winds  from  place  to  place,  some- 
times for  hundreds  of  miles,  when  at  last  it  re.iches  a 
moist  spot  it  gradually  unfolds  itself,  makes  new  roots 
and  thrives  in  its  new  found  home. 

Directions — Place  the  dry  plant  in  water  entirely 
covered  for  two  hours,  then  take  out  and  put  in 
sli,-illow  dish  with  only  roots  in  water;  after  remaining 
in  water  for  a  few  days,  allow  the  plant  to  dry  up 
again,  then  perform  the  operation  as  before.  The 
plant  will  never  die,  and  will  open  and  shut  as  often 
as  placed  in  and  taken  out  of  water. 

The  plant  must  be  ses  i  to  be  appreciated,  and 
knowing  that  where  we  sell  one  of  these  plants  we 
are  almost  certain  of  selling  several  more,  we  offer 
them  at  the  following  very  low  prices,  viz  :  i  plant, 
post-paid,  for  only  15  cents;  2  plants  for  25  cents; 
10  for  Si. 00,  or  25  for  #2.25;  or  better  still,  we  will  send 
you  one  of  these  plants  and  the  Oolgist  for  1887,  for 
only  28  cents, 

TEANK  H.  LATTIN,  Albion,  IJ.  Y. 

A^^^  KINE  OREGON  HIRD-ARROW 
^3^^^^^^  Points,  wholesale  and  retail  ;  .Sioux 
Buckskin  Relics;  Bad  Lands,  D.  T.  Fossils;  Minerals 
in  large  variety.     111.  catalogue  free 

L.  W.  STILWELL, 
Deadwood,  D.  T. 

HE  NEATEST  AND  HANDIEST  THING 
out :      The   New   Stub    Data-Blank 

Sook.  lOo  blanks  bound  in  heavy  board  covers 
-only  50  cents,  cheap  at  7^  cents.  Send  for  sample 
Ceaf.  "      ZACH  TAYLOR, 

Lock  Box  23,  Dunkirk,  N.  V. 


T 


A  Quarterly  Journal  of  Ornithology,  ^3.00  a 
year.  75  cents  a  single  number.  Published  for  The 
American  Ornithologists'  Union.  J.  A.  Allen,  Ed- 
itor. Associate  Editors  :  Elliott  Cones,  Robert  Ridg- 
way,  William  Brewster,  Montague  Chambeilain. 

"THE  AUK  "  will  present,  as  heretofore,  timely 
and  interesting  papers  on  the  subject  t  <  which  it  re- 
lates, and  its  readers  may  feel  sure  of  beihg  kept 
abreast  of  the  advances  in  the  science.  "THE 
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Loon I .  e;o- 


.00 
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Send  stamp  for  sample  of  labels,  printed  on  card- 
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[HE  ftLLEGER  QRGANS 


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In  be  perfect  ;  to  outlast  and  do  better  work  than  any 

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32 
Oh 
O 
H 
xjh 

U 

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ft 
H 

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Pictures  and  Mottoes,  i 


5c.     A.  M.  EDDY, 


BIRDS'  EGGS! 

Following  first-class  sets  will  be  sent  by  return  mail 
at  prices  named. 

Set,  10  Burrowine  Owl #2.00 

"       5  Sparrow  Hawk i .  50 

"       5  ^iarsh  Hawk 1.50 

"       4   Rough  Legged   Hawk 30c< 

"       5  Willow  Ptarmigan 2.00 

"       4  Snowy  Plover 2.00 

"       4   Long-billed  Curlew 2  ,  20 

"       2   Red-throaied   Diver i   50 

"     10  Cal.  Quail ,     i.ici 

"       5  RoadRunner  1.20 

"       4  Glossy  Ibis  i  .20 

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Can  furnish  anything  in  the  gun  line.     Write  me 
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THE  OOLOGIST. 


Vol.  4,  No.  3-4.  ALBION,  N.  Y.,  JUNE-SEPT.,  1887. 


Bl-MONTHLY   . 

2SC.  Per  Yea  r. 


A  Day's  Tour  in  the  Woods  at  Fort 
Washington,  Pa. 


On  May  28,  1887,  I  left  the  station  with 
my  chum  for  a  day  in  the  woods.  Walk- 
ing along  a  road  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
from  the  station  we  came  to  a  Kingbird's 
nest,  a  Vireo's  nest,  and  a  Baltimore  Oriole's 
nest,  all  in  a  buttonwood  tree,  but  could 
not  get  them.  A  little  farther  on  we  came 
to  another  Vireo's  nest  which  was  so  high 
that  neither  of  us  would  climb  up,  so  we 
left  the  nest  saying,  we  could  get  it  on  the 
return  trip,  (I  will  merely  ?ay  we  never  got 
it)  for  when  we  returned  each  of  us  was 
too  tired  to  climb  up.  Walking  on  we 
came  to  a  lime  quarry  in  which  we  found 
a  bank  swallows  nest  with  live  eggs  in  it. 
Incubation  was  so  advanced  it  made  them 
difficult  to  blow.  Then  we  started  for  a 
place  called  Militia  Hill;  on  the  way  there 
we  found  a  Catbird's  nest  with  four  eggs, 
and  a  Wood  Thrush's  nest  with  four  eggs, 
but  did  not  disturb  either.  We  found  an 
Owl's  with  nothing  in  it  soon  after  we 
entered  the  woods.  We  had  not  proceeded 
far  before  we  saw  lots  of  birds,  but  could 
not  find  their  nests.  At  last  we  found  a 
Red-eyed  Vireo's  nest  with  four  fresh  eggs 
in  it;  the  nest  was  about  three  feet  from 
the  ground  and  as  we  approached  it  the 
bird  did  not  show  the  least  fear,  and  did 
not  fly  oft"  till  we  were  so  near  we  could 
have  easily  touched  lier;  we  looked  at  her 
eyes  and  could  distinctly  3ee  the  red  in 
them.  Pushing  deeper  in  the  woods  we 
came  to  a  spot  where  the  trees  were  few 
and  some  bushes  were  growing.  In  the 
bushes  we  found  a  Indigo  Bunting's  nest 
with  one  egg  in  it,  each  of  us  wanted  it, 
but  we  knew  where  to  get  more  and 
decided  to  leave  the  one  in  the  nest  alone. 
We  left  the  woods  and  came  out  on  a  road 
which  we  walked  along  till  we  came  to  a 
tree  in  wliich   a  pair  of   Kingbirds  were 


making  a  big  fuss,  we  looked  all  aroimd 
the  tree  but  could  find  nothing  but  a 
Robin's  nest,  which  of  course,  we  did  not 
take.  We  walked  along  till  we  came  to  a 
house  and  asked  where  we  were,  but  to 
our  surprise  they  told  us  we  were  on  the 
wrong  side  of  the  woods  and  a  long  ways 
from  the  station.  We  retraced  our  steps 
along  the  road  in  silence,  for  we  were  both 
tired,  and  the  sky  overhead  was  dark,  and 
it  looked  as  if  we  were  going  to  get  a 
drenching,  but  it  passed  over  without  rain- 
ing, and  when  the  sun  came  out  we  both 
felt  better.  We  walked  as  directed  and 
came  out  all  right.  We  took  dinner  with 
a  friend  of  ours  who  lived  there.  After 
dinner  we  felt  all  right  and  started  across 
the  fields  to  a  woods  where  we  found  a 
Flicker's  nest  with  one  egg,  which  we  left. 
Passing  through  the  woods  we  started 
across  a  field,  when  I  came  within  one-half 
a  foot  of  putting  my  foot  on  a  Towhee 
Bunting's  nest,  with  three  eggs  in  and  one 
Cowbird's  egg  also.  I  would  not  have 
found  the  nest  had  not  the  old  bird  flew 
off,  as  it  was,  it  took  us  quite  a  while  to 
find  it,  as  we  did  not  see  where  she  flew 
from.  We  crossed  the  field  and  came  to  a 
road  which  we  walked  along.  We  had  not 
gone  far  when  I  looked  up  in  a  tree,  when 
lo!  to  our  surprise,  I  saw  not  ten  feet  from 
the  ground  a  Summer  Redbird's  nest  with 
three  eggs  in,  and  all  were  fresh.  You  had 
better  believe  we  were  glad  as  these  were 
the  first  of  this  kind  we  had  ever  found. 
We  walked  on  farther,  but  while  we  were 
walking  we  noticed  a  Kingfisher  acting- 
very  funny,  farther  on  we  came  to  a  hole 
in  a  bank  which  we  supposed  washer  nest, 
we  had  no  shovels  or  any  implements  to 
dig  with,  so  we  got  a  few  sharp-pointed 
sticks  and  began  to  dig.  After  we  dug 
about  a  foot  my  chum  said  he  was  going 
to  see  how  far  back  it  ran,  and  got  a  long 
stick  and  stuck  it  in,  but  to  our  dismay  it 


88 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


ran  back  about  six  feet.  I  at  once  said  it 
was  no  use,  but  my  chum  would  not  listen 
to  me,  but  kept  on  digging,  so  I  left  him  at 
it  and  started  along  the  road  a  little  ways; 
when  I  came  back  he  was  still  digging,  and 
said  he  felt  the  old  bird;  I  told  him  I  did 
not  believe  him,  and  we  were  contradict- 
ing each  other  when  it  began  to  rain  and 
thus  settled  the  arg-ument.  As  it  was  late 
advanced  in  the  afternoon  we  started  for 
our  friends  house;  it  stopped  raining  just  as 
we  reached  it.  We  took  supper  with  our 
friend  and  after  supper  we  went  fishing 
with  him,  and  after  tramping  all  over  the 
country  in  the  dark,  and  being  bitten  by 
all  kinds  of  night  bugs  and  insects,  we 
caught  one  small  eel.  We  got  home  about 
10:3u  p.  M.,  and  stayed  at  our  friend's  house 
all  night.  Thus  ended  our  day's  tour  in 
the  woods.  R.  R.  Deakden,  Jr.. 

Philadelphia,  Pa. 


The   National   Museum — Department 
of  Birds  -  Their  Nests  and  Eggs. 


Perhaps  some  of  the  older  readers  will 
recollect  the  infancy  of  the  National  Mu- 
seum, when  it  was  contained  in  a  few 
cabinets  of  diverse  curiosities  kept  in  the 
Patent  Office. 

Now  they  till  both  Smithsonian  and  Na- 
tional Museum  buildings. 

The  latter  was  finished  in  1S82,  at  an 
expense  of  over  $250,000. 

The  Smithsonian  is  now  known  as  the 
West  Hall,  and  both  are  under  the  same 
staff  of  officers.  Prof.  S.  F.  Baird  is  the 
head  of  this  staff,  as  well  as  of  the  United 
States  P^ish  Commission  and  Bureau  of 
Ethnology. 

Robert  Ridgway,  as  curator,  presides 
over  the  Department  of  Birds. 

The  museum  library  now  contains  about 
0,000  volumes  and  5,000  pamphlets,  bound 
and  unbound. 

The  library  of  general  interest  is  in  the 
northeast  corner  of  the  museum,  but  those 
works  relating  to  this  department  are  for 
the  convenience  of  workers,  kept  in  the 
Ornithological  Laboratory,  which  occupies 
a  LTallery  of  the  West  Hall  and  where  origi- 
nal investigation  is  still  pursued. 


The  departments  of  Ornithology  and 
Oologj'  now  occupy  most  of  the  space  on 
the  lower  floor  of  the  West  Hall.  Of  the 
l)irds'  eggs,  which  are  first  seen,  I  have  no 
certain  account  as  to  number,  but  presume, 
from  a  hin'ried  observation,  that  the  most 
of  ou]'  N^orth  American  birds  are  repre- 
sented. The  larger  number  of  these  eggs 
are  arranged  in  cases  to  the  right  and  left 
of  the  door  of  entrance.  This  part  of  the 
collection  is  in  sets,  each  set  being  in  a 
separate  saucer  of  the  proper  size.  Many 
of  these  eggs  are  disfigured  by  being  end- 
blown.  Most  of  the  eggs,  and  birds  also, 
have  lately  been  provided  with  new  labels, 
giving  number,  scientific  and  common 
names  and  habitat. 

The  remainder  of  the  eggs  are  in  nests  in 
upright  cases  ranged  along  tlie  further  side 
of  the  hall.  Nearly  all  of  these  are  gifts, 
as  will  be  seen  by  the  data,  which  also  give 
the  collector's  name. 

These  are  of  much  interest  to  the  oolo- 
gist.  The  l)irds,  of  which  there  is  about 
150,000  specimens,  next  claim  attention. 

Of  this  number  about  four-fifths  are  held 
in  reserve  for  purposes  of  study  and  ex- 
change. The  early  Smithsonian  men  were 
especially  interested  in  Inrds,  hence  this 
large  collection. 

This  immense  amount  of  material  has 
been  brought  in  from  all  parts  of  the  globe. 

Many  of  the  specimens  bear  labels  affixed 
years  ago  by  Audubon,  Bachman,  and  the 
naturalists  of  the  Geological  Surveys,  the 
Wilkes  exploring  expedition,  and  of  many 
arraj%  naval  and  Arctic  expeditions. 

Parts  of  this  collection  have  at  different 
times  passed  through  the  hands  of  natural- 
ists, and  have  furnished  the  material  for 
manj'  valuable  books. 

The  "types  "of  himdreds  of  novel  spe- 
cies, including  all  of  Audubon's  and  most 
of  Wilson's,  are  treasured  in  the  store- 
rooms, and  many  of  Audubon's  pictures  of 
our  birds  adorn  the  walls  of  this  hall.  The 
mounted  birds  are  displayed  in  the  order 
of  Ridgway "s  arrangement.  These  must 
be  seen  to  be  appreciated,  as  a  satisfacti)ry 
de.sciiption  is  impossible.  1  think  in  the 
Natiomil    Museum  the    United   Slates   has 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


89 


given  its  citizens  educational  advantages 
of  wliich  they  may  well  be  proud.  That 
this  museum,  free  and  of  interest  to  all, 
will  and  does  help  the  advancement  of 
science  in  this  country  is  certain.  Though 
it  was  not,  like  Bartram's  gardens,  the 
birthplace  of  American  botany  and  ornith- 
ology, it  has  since  sheltered  and  supported 
them.  I  hope  all  Americans  interested  in 
ornithology  may  have  an  opportunity  to 
visit  this  their  country's  monument  to  that 
science.  A.  B.  F., 

Bennings,  D.  C. 


Beaver  County,  Pa.,  Notes. 


Feb.  4. — Saw  a  flock  of  ab(jut  fifteen 
Cedar  Waxwings  on  a  tree  near  the  river. 
They  were  feeding  on  the  berries  of  the 
tree,  and  were  quite  tame,  allowing  me  to 
approach  very  close  to  them.  There  were 
two  robins  among  them. 

March  26. — A  flock  of  Canada  Geese, 
which  had  alighted  near  the  mouth  of  Rac- 
coon Creek,  were  fired  upon  ])y  a  party  of 
lumbermen  upon  a  raft,  whereupon  they 
immediately  took  flight,  soon  assuming  the 
triangular  form.  This  is  the  first  instance 
I  know  of  wild  geese  alighting  within  our 
limits. 

April  11. — First  set  for  '87,  being  a  set  of 
two  Mourning  Dove,  fresh,  taken  out  of  a 
shallow  nest  in  an  apple  tree,  composed  of 
rootletts,  dried  grass  and  a  few  small  twigs. 
One  egg  is  very  long,  the  other  nearly 
spherical.     Birds  seen. 

May  9. — Took  a  set  of  three  Chewink  or 
Towhee,  nearly  fresh,  out  of Ja  bulky  nest 
on  the  ground  composed  of  grape  vine 
bark,  lined  wiih  pieces  of  stiff  dried  grass. 
The  nest  contained  one  egg  of  the  Cow- 
l)ii-d,  which  is  rather  remarkable,  as  the 
Cowbird  usually  deposits  its  eggs  in  the 
nests  of  birds  smaller  than  itself. 

May  12. — Saw  a  Summer  Yellowbird 
stealing  horsehairs  from  the  nest  of  a  Chip- 
ping Sparrow  as  yet  unfinished,  and  flying 
with  them  to  its  own  nest  some  rods  dis- 
tant. The  Chipping  Sparrow  drove  it  off 
several  times,  but  it  returned  again. 

May  14. — Black  cappe  i  Chickadee,  nine 
nearly  fresh  eggs.    Nest  composed  of  moss 


lined  with  what  appeared  to  be  cowhairs; 
placed  in  a  hollow  fence  post  sixteen  inches 
from  the  top.  The  old  bird  was  on  the 
nest,  and  I  had  a  hard  time  inducing  her 
to  leave. 

May  16. — Rose-breasted  Gi'osbeak,  four 
fresh  eggs.  Nest  composed  of  dried  weeds 
lined  inside  with  finer;  situated  in  a  small 
apple  tree  seven  feet  from  the  ground,  and 
so  thin  that  the  eggs  could  be  counted  from 
below.  This  bird  is'  very  common  here; 
the  ne.sl  is  usually  made  in  apple  trees;  a 
nest  found  in  June  contained  five  young 
birds. 

May  28. — Took  a  set  of  six  House  Wren, 
one  egg  having  the  spots  around  the  smaller 
instead  of,  as  usual,  the  larger  end.  The 
ne.st  was  situated  in  a  hollow  post,  and  was 
composed  of  twigs,  dried  grass,  horsehairs, 
feathers,  etc. ,  and  lined  with  blue  feathers 
and  a  large  piece  of  cast  off  snake-skin. 

June  3. — To-day  I  found  the  nest  of  a 
Tufted  Titmouse  in  the  hollow  knot  hole 
of  a  tree  on  the  border  of  a  woods.  It  con- 
tained several  young  birds,  the  exact  num- 
ber I  do  not  know,  being  unable  to  get 
them  all  out.  The  old  birds  were  identi- 
fied at  close  quarters.  This  is,  1  believe, 
the  first  instance  known  of  the  Tufted  Tit- 
mouse breeding  in  this  county.  On  the 
same  day,  as  I  was  walking  along  in  a  piece 
of  dry  woods,  a  bird  flew  out  which  1 
recognized  as  a  Whippoorwill.  A  half 
hours  search  resulted  in  the  discovery  of 
two  young  birds,  just  hatched,  on  some 
leaves  under  a  huckleberry  bush  with  not 
even  a  semblance  of  a  nest.  The  old  bird 
w^as  much  alarmed,  and  would  every  once 
in  a  while  fly  to  a  rail  fence  near  by,  and 
while  sitting  lengthwise  on  the  top  rail, 
extended  her  wings  downward — looking  as 
if  she  was  straddling  the  rail  with  her 
wings,  and  making  a  piteous  cry,  mean- 
while causing  her  wings  to  tremble  vio- 
lently— a  habit  1  never  read  about  before. 

June  8. — Wood  Pewee,  three  eggs,  nearly 
fresh. 

June  16. — Cedar  Waxwings,  five  eggs, 
incubation  advanced. 

July  27. — American  Goldfinch,  five  fresh 
pure  lohile  eggs.        W.  E.  Clyde  Todd. 


90 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


EDITED  AND  PUBLISHED  BI-MONTHLY 

FEANE  H.  LATTIN,    -    ALBION,  N.  Y. 

Correspondence  and  items  of  interest  to  the  student 
of  Birds,  their  Nests  and  Kggs,  solicited  from  all. 

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JOTTINGS. 


T.  D.  Pekhy,  of  Savannah,  Ga.,  adds 
sets  of  the  Swainson's  Warbler  and  Florida 
Chewink  to  this  season's  work. 


W.  E.  Hall,  Jr.,  of  Salem.  N.  C,  is 
furnishing  a  series  of  articles  on  the  birds 
of  that  State,  for  the  Pi'oph'x  PrfHn,  of  that 
city. 


We  clip  the  following  troni  the  Liberty- 
ville  (111.)  Lake  County  Call,  of  July  27th  : 

On  Monday  a  Hock  of  Great  White  He- 
rons was  noticed,  flying  over  the  river 
woods,  and  a  party  of  local  Nimrods  went 
after  them.  They  brought  Imck  three  of 
them  on  their  return;  and  they  are  now  in 
the  hands  of  our  local  taxidermist,  Mr.  L. 
W.  Nichols,  for  mounting.  The  bii'ds  are 
pure  white  in  color,  stand  between  three 
and  four  feet  high,  and  have  a  spread  of 
nearly  live  feet,  and  are,  withal,  very  beau- 
tiful. 


Collectors  will  do  well  to  read  the  card 
of  Mr.  M.  H.  Bickley,  of  Chester,  Pa.,  in 
this  issue.  His  labels  are  really  superb,  and 
are  well  worth  the  price  he  asks  for  a  set. 
Send  the  stamp  for  sample,  and  see  for 
yourself. 


June  last  we  sent  Mr.  C.  S.  Hobbie 
(Hampton,  la.)  our  entire  stock  of  small 
fossils.  As  Mr.  H.  does  not  care  for  so 
many  duplicates,  he  wishes  to  exchange 
for  desirable  specimens  of  any  kind,  min- 
erals preferred. 


A  New  Feature  in  Webster's  Una- 
bridgp:d  Dictionary. — The  publishers  of 
Webster  have  recently  added  to  the  Una- 
bridged a  "  Pronouncing  Gazetteer  of  the 
World,  containing  over  25,000  Titles,  briefly 
describing  the  countries,  cities,  towns,  and 
natural  features  of  every  part  of  the  globe." 
It  covers  a  hundred  pages. 


A.  V.  Ch.\mberlain,  of  Minneapolis, 
Minn.,  writes:  "This  spring  one  of  the  col- 
lectors of  this  city  found  a  nest  of  the  Coop- 
er's Hawk,  containing  one  egg.  He  took 
the  egg,  and  put  in  its  place  a  hen's  egg. 
He  left  the  nest,  and  went  there  again  in 
two  days  and  found  another  egg,  which  he 
took  also.  He  repeated  his  visits  every 
other  day  till  he  had  obtained  ^  set  of  four, 
when  the  Hawk  left.  Is  this  not  remark- 
able ?  Often  they  leave  after  climbing  the 
tree  once." 

Among  our  large  sales  to  dealers  during 
the  past  few  months,  we  desire  to  mention 
the  following  : 

1st.  To  Mr.  C.  S.  Hobbie,  of  Hampton, 
la. ,  we  have  closed  out  our  entire  stock  of 
named  fossils.  He  will  exchange  duplicates 
for  almost  anything  in  the  curiosity  line, 
minerals  preferred 

2d.  To  Prof.  J.  A.  Singley,  oi  Giddings, 
Tex.,  we  have  sold  our  entire  slock  of  sci- 
entifically named  shells.  Conchology  is 
one  of  the  professor's  specialties;  and  live 
collectors  will  do  well  to  send  for  his  lists. 

8d.  We  have  sold  to  Messrs.  Dickinson  & 
Durkee,  of  Sharon,  Wis.,  an  almost  com- 
l)lete  line  of   everything   we   handle.     Our 


THE-  OO  LOG  I  Sr. 


9' 


dealings  with  these  .sentlemen  have  always 
proven  of  the  most  salisfactory  nature;  and 
we  can  not  well  avoid  giving  them  the  kind 
word  they  deserve.  Their  new  20-page 
catalogue  assures  tlie public  that  they  mean 
business. 


Again  the  Oolocist  is  late,  late,  vert 
i.ATE,  in  reaching-  its  friends  and  patrons. 
This,  we  can  assure  you,  is  no  fault  of  the 
OoLooisT,  as  all  blame  can  be  traced  direct 
to  its  publisher:  and  the  publisher  was  un- 
able to  spare  the  time  to  get  it  out  at  an 
earlier  date.  The  next  issue  of  the  05lo- 
GiST  will  not  be  out  until  December,  at 
which  date  we  e.xpect  to  be  in  our  new 
quarters  and  settled;  and  not  only  this,  but 
from  i^reseut  outlook  it  seems  most  likely 
that  the  Oologist  will  no  longer  be  slight- 
ed, but  that  a  competent  person  will  be  en- 
gaged by  its  ])ublisher  to  have  entire  charge 
of  it  for  1888.  Should  this  prove  true,  we 
can  assure  our  friends  that  for  the  ensuing 
year  the  Oologist  will  be  a  monthly  publi- 
cation and  on  tiine. 


G.  McL.,  of  Austin,  Tex.,  writes:  "Does 
the  Swallow-tailed  Kite  rob  the  nests  of  its 
own  species  ?  It  robs  the  nests  of  Crows, 
Hawks,  and  any  other  small  birds  that  it 
can  find.  I  noticed  a  Caracara  Eagle  Hying 
peacefuUj'^  over,  when  two  Kites  gave  pur- 
suit and  caught  up  with  him.  They  robbed 
him  of  the  food  he  had  for  his  young  ones, 
and  flew  off  with  it  to  their  nest.  They  can 
truly  be  called  the  'Arabs  of  the  Air. '  I 
have  found  one  set  of  one  badly  incubated, 
and  a  .set  of  three  fresh  eggs,  of  this  Kite. 
I  don't  know  whether  the  one  was  the  set, 
or  whether  some  other  Kite  had  taken  the 
others.  When  you  get  within  reach  of  the 
nest,  the  Kites  will  soar  perhaps  fifty  feet, 
and  come  at  you  like  '  greased  lightning.' 
I  came  very  near  being  knocked  out  of  a 
tree  by  one  of  these  infuriated  Kites." 


Black-Capped  Chickadee. 


Pitrns  Atricapilbix. 
While  a  great  deal  has  been  written  con- 
cerning this  interesting  little  bird,  but  little 
has  been  said  of  its  nidification.     As  it  is 


one  of  our  commonest  residents,  I  have  had 
ample  opportunity  to  note  its  nesting  habits, 
and  following  give  a  few  notes  on  the  same 
from  this  section  of  the  country. 

The  nest  is  in  a  rotten  stump,  brancli  or 
tree,  occasionally  in  a  log  or  post,  but  in 
most  all  cases  in  a  stump.  The  height  and 
position  range  from  six  inclies  to  thirteen 
feet,  the  last  noted  being  in  a  rotten  bnmch 
of  a  willow  tree,  but  is  usually  from  one  to 
three  feet.  Of  every  nest,  excepting  two, 
of  ..early  two  hundred  examined  they 
have  been  excavated  by  the  Chickad(;e; 
these  were  in  a  natural  cavity  and  a  hole  in 
a  post,  thus  showing  that  a  nest  not  exca- 
vated by  the  bird  is  a  rare  exception— in 
tills  localit\-.  The  hole  ranges  from  six  to 
twelve  inches  in  depth,  either  starting  from 
the  sides  or  top  of  the  stumi»,  very  irregular 
in  its  course. 

The  nest  proper  is  composed  of  moss, 
hair,  fur,  or  most  any  soft  material,  but 
mainly  of  cow  or  horse  hair,  together  with 
more  or  less  moss,  this  last  being  placed  on 
the  bottom.  I  have  never  found  any  grass, 
and  in  only  a  few  cases  feathers  or  fibres, 
in  the  construction  of  a  nest. 

The  eggs  range  from  five  to  nine,  usually 
seven,  occasionally  six  or  eight :  pure 
white,  the  rosy  blush  being  lost  in  blowing, 
speckled  with  reddish  spcjts  I'anging  from 
the  size  of  a  pinhead  to  that  of  the  point. 
I  have  collected  several  specimens  that 
were  without  markings.  The  spots  are 
mostly  at  the  large  e4id,  sometimes  forming 
a  circle  and  often  a  complete  blotch.  The 
average  measurements  are  .58  by  .47. 

One  notable  nest  found  contained  four 
eggs  of  the  Chickadee  and  one  of  the  Blue, 
bird  (Sialia  Sialif<).  Judging  from  the  nest, 
the  Chickadees  had  furnished  the  hole  and 
partly  lined  it,  when  the  Bluebird  took 
possession,  as  their  usual  nest  of  grass  fol 
lowed,  and  had  laid  one  egg,  when  they 
were  driven  away  and  the  Ciilckadees  once 
more  were  masters.  They  had  then  fin- 
ished with  a  small  amount  of  hair,  and  had 
laid  four  eggs  when  I  secured  the  set. 

They  commence  building  about  the  mid 
die  of  April   and   have  finished  laying  the 
first  week  in    May.     The  young   birds  are 
out  of  the  nest  by  the  first  of  June. 

James  B.   Gheen,  Des  Moines,  la. 


92 


THE  OO  LOG  I  ST 


Hawking. 


Of  all  the  egg  collecting  1  think  hawking 
is  the  most  exciting,  as  well  as  dangerou.s, 
on  account  of  the  great  height  at  which 
they  generally  build  ;  but  the  collector  is 
well  rewarded  when,  after  a  laborious  and 
dangerous  climb,  he  beholds  his  tirst  set  of 
handsome  Hawk  eggs  as  they  lay  in  the 
nest.  And  how  much  more  highly  prized 
are  eggs  secured  in  this  manner  than  a  set 
secured  by  exchanging  or  purchasing. 
After  several  successful  seasons'  collecting, 
I  will  give  the  readers  of  The  Oologist  a 
description  of  what  I  lind  to  be  the  best 
outtit  for  such  an  expedition.  First,  a 
good-sized  box  filled  with  sawdust  (which, 
by  the  way,  I  find  to  be  much  better  than 
cotton,)  for  your  eggs;  a  sharp  hatchet;  a 
pound  or  two  of  spikes;  about  100  feet  of 
f-inch  rope;  a  ball  of  stout  twine,  and  last 
but  not  least,  a  good,  big  lunch  (for  egg 
collectors  are  always  hungry  while  in  the 
woods,  at  least  I  am),  and  a  good  pair 
of  climbers.  My  climbers  have  two-inch 
spikes,  and  are  made  especially  for  thick- 
bark  trees.  They  will,  however,  answer 
for  any  kind  of  a  tree.  With  this  outfit  I 
defy  any  tree  in  the  country.  I  prefer  a 
cold  or  rainy  day  in  which  to  hunt  for 
hawks'  eggs,  as  the  old  bird  is  most  sure  to 
be  on  the  nest  should  there  be  eggs  in  it. 
If  possible,  take  a  companion  along  with 
you;  put  the  bulk  of  the  outfit  on  him, 
and  be  sure  and  make  as  much  noise  as 
possible,  so  as  to  frighten  all  the  hawks  in 
the  county,  and  thereby  make  an  extra 
amount  of  useless  climbing  for  yourself — 
for,  if  you  are  quiet,  you  can  generally 
count  on  Mr.  Hawk  being  at  home  or  in 
the  immediate  vicinity.  I  very  seldom 
climb  a  tree  unless  I  see  the  Hawk  around 
or  am  positive  it  is  a  new  nest. 

Do  not  be  afraid  of  starting  out  too  early 
in  the  Spring.  I  always  like  to  get  the  lay 
of  the  land,  etc.  Better  too  early  than  too 
late.  You  can  invariably  look  for  Red- 
Tails  on  high  ground,  both  in  clearings  and 
in  heavy  timber.  Horned  Owls  and  Red 
Shoulder  Hawks  in  bottom  land,  and  in 
fact  most  anywhere  suits  them.  Buzzards 
in  hollow  logs  and  stumps. 


You  c;in  look  for  Horned  Owls  from 
February  1st  to  March  1st — have  never 
found  their  eggs  later.  Red-Tails  from 
March  1st  to  May  1st,  and  they  invariably 
lay  again  after  being  robbed  the  first  time; 
you  can  generally  look  for  their  second  set 
al)out  a  month  after  they  have  been  robbed 
of  the  first,  and  generally  in  the  same 
locality  but  seldom  in  the  same  nest.  I 
have  secured  two  sets  each  season  from  the 
same  pair  of  Hawks  for  the  last  four 
seasons  and  in  the  .same  grove  (a  ten  acre 
grove).  My  first  pair  of  Red-Tails  taken 
was  on  March  25.  It  was  snowing  and 
sleeting  (luite  hard.  The  nest  was  in  a 
sycamore;  it  was  coveied  with  sleet,  and  it 
was  impossible  to  get  up  with  the  climbers. 
The  wind  was  blowing  .so  hard  that  I  could 
not  throw  a  string  over  the  lowest  limb, 
which  was  at  least  fifty  feet  up,  so  I  could 
not  use  my  rope  ;  but,  nothing  daunted,  I 
made  a  good  fire  and  started  to  nail  cleats 
all  the  way  up.  It  was  slow,  tedious  work, 
for  I  had  to  come  down  every  few  minutes 
and  thaw  myself  out  and  then  go  at  it 
again,  and  was  finally  rewarded  with  a 
handsome  set  of  three  fresh  eggs.  I  arrived 
home  dripping  wet,  tired  and  hungrj^  but 
none  the  worse  for  my  trip.  I  consider 
the  cleats  and  ropes  much  safer  than  the 
climbei"s  and  generally  use  the  rope  myself, 
as  it  is  much  (quicker  than  nailing  on  cleats, 
though  possibly  not  quite  so  safe.  I  will 
now  give  a  list  of  the  sets  of  Raptores,  etc  , 
that  I  have  had  the  good  fortune  to  secure 
in  the  last  two  seasons  only,  and  at  some 
other  time  the  incidents  connected  with  the 
collecting  of  the  several  sets  : 

March  10,  1886— Set  a,  great  Horned 
Owl;  the  eggs  were  2,  placed  in  an  old 
Red-tail's  nest,  in  an  oak,  60  feet  up.  Incu- 
bation, advanced. 

March  25 — Set  a,  3  eggs;  Red-tail  Hawk; 
nest  in  an  oak,  67  feet  up.  Incubation,  5 
days. 

March  25— Set  b,  'S  eggs;  Red-tail  Hawk; 
nest  in  an  oak,  45  feet  up.  Inciiliation,  4 
days. 

March  29 — Set  c,  2  eggs;  Red-tail  Hawk; 
nest  in  an  oak,  55  feet  up.  Incubation, 
about  l. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


93 


March  31 — Set  d,  3  eggs;  Red- tail  Hawk; 
nest  in  a  sycamore,  75  feet  up.  Tncuha- 
tidii,  7  da^'s. 

April  2— Set  r,  2  eggs;  lled-tail  ilawk; 
nest  in  an  ehu,  70  feet  up.     Fresh. 

April  ()— Set/,  2  eggs;  Red-tail  Hawk; 
nest  in  an  oak,  58  feet  up.     Ineuhation,    i. 

April  9— Set  g-,  2  eggs;  Red  tail  Jlawk; 
nest  in  an  oak,  70  feet  up.     Advanced. 

April  15— Set//,  2  eggs;  Red-tail  Hawk; 
nest  in  an  oak,  65  feet  up.     Advanced. 

April  24 — Set  i,  3  eggs;  Red-tail  Hawk; 
nest  in  a  wild  cherry.  45  feet  up.     Fresh. 

April  G — Set  a,  3  eggs;  Red  shotdder 
Hawk;  nest  in  a  sycamore,  50  feet  up. 
Incubation  begun. 

April  15— Set  />.  8  eggs;  Red-shoulder 
Hriwk;  nest  in  an  oak,  50  feet  u)).  l^eady 
to  hatch. 

April  17 — Set  A,,  3  eggs;  Red-shoulder 
Hawk;  nest  in 

April  15 — Set  a.  2  eggs;  Turkey  Buz- 
zard: nest  in  a  stump,  on  the  ground. 
Fresh. 

April  21— Set  b,  2  eggs;  Turkey  Buz- 
zard; nest  in  hole  in  a  sycamore,  40  feet 
up.     Fresh. 

April  23— Set  .t:  2  eggs;  Turkey  Buz- 
zard; nest  in  hole  in  a  sycamore,  20  feet 
up.     SUght. 

February  5,  1887— Set  l>,  3  eggs;  great 
Horned  Owl;  nest  in  a  stump,  25  feet  up. 
Fresh. 

February  10 — Set  c,  2  eggs;  great  Horned 
Owl;  nest  in  an  oak,  50  feet  up,  in  a  Red- 
lail's  nest.     Fresh. 

March  17— Nest  with  2  young  Horned 
Owls,  in  an  old   Red-tail's  nest,  70  feet  up. 

March  19 — Nest  with  3  broken  eggs  of 
Horned  Owl,  in  an  old  Red-tail's  nest,  40 
feet  up. 

March  12— Set,;;  2  eggs;  Red-tail  Hawk; 
nest  in  an  oak,  60  feet  up.     Fresh. 

March  12— Set  k,  2  eggs;  Red-tail  Hawk; 
nest  iu  an  oak,  55  feet  up.     Fresh. 

March  19— Set  I,  3  eggs;  Red-tail  Hawk; 
nest  in  an  oak,  30  feet  up.     Slight. 

Mandi  21— Set  vt,  2  eggs;  Red-tail  Hawk; 
nest  in  a  scaly  bark,  60  feel  up.  Incuba- 
tion, i. 


'  March  21— Set  n,  3  eggs;  Red-tail  Hawk; 
nest  in  a  scaly  bark,  75  feet  up.  Incuba- 
tion, \. 

March  28— Set  «,  3  eggs;  Red-tail  Hawk; 
nest  in  scaly  bni-k,  65  feet  up.     Slight. 

T  also  have  about  six  more  sets  of  Red- 
tails  in  view  and  four  sets  of  Buzzards. 
Phti.o  Smith.  Jk., 

Greenville,  Ills. 

The     Agassiz    Association    and    lis 
Work. 


It  is  probably  unnecessary  for  me  to  ex- 
plain how  the  A.  A.  came,  or  why,  or 
what  its  work  is;  yet  I  cannot  refrain  from 
saying  a  word  or  two  about  it. 

The  second  number  of  The  Swiss  Gross 
lies  before  me.  As  I  devoured  its  contents, 
my  mind  went  back  to  Mr.  Ballard's  invi- 
tation in  the  St.  Mc/iolas  for  Nov.,  1880, 
comprising  the  present  status  of  the  asso- 
ciation with  the  beginning,  I  am  fairly 
astounded.  Then  there  was  a  little  Natural 
History  society  in  "  the  Berkshire  Hills  of 
old  Massachu.setts ; "  now  there  is  an 
organization  with  a  thousand  chapters  and 
ten  thousand  members,  and  that  little 
Lenox  chapter  has  "put  a  girdle  round 
about  the  earth." 

The  object  of  the  association  as  set  forth 
by  its  constitution,  is,  "to  collect,  .study 
and  preserve  natural  objects  and  facts." 
An  eminent  authority  recently  wrote  that 
for  some  time  yet  natural  history  must  be 
a  study  of  almost  pure  observation.  Ob- 
servation alone  can  at  present  furtlier  our 
knowledge  of  nature.  No  one  doubts  the 
truth  of  this;  and  it  naturally  follows  that 
the  best  work  for  training  the  observing 
powers  is  natural  instory. 

The  value  of  this  work  as  a  Irainmg  for 
the  observing  powers  of  children  is  being 
more  fully  recognized  every  day.  The 
children  accumulate  facts  and  develop 
language,  but  they  also  learn  to  u.se  tlieir 
e\'es  and  ears  intelligentli/.  The  eyes  and 
the  ears  are  the  most  dii('(;t  channels  to  tiie 
brain. 

Further,  natural  objects  are  the  natural 
handiwork   of   the   Creator;  a  bird  is  the 


94 


THE  OO  LOG  I  ST 


embodiment  of  a  thousand  divine  concep- 
tions; tlie  strata  of  the  rocks  are  but  the 
leaves  of  His  liistory  of  the  world.  The 
more  clearly  we  can  comprehend  His 
works,  the  more  closely  we  shall  approach 
to  an  understanding  of  his  thoughts  and 
the  clearer  idea  we  shall  have  of  His 
thoughts,  and  the  clearer  idea  we  shall 
have  of  His  greatness  and  goodness. 

I  have  been  considering  the  value  of 
natural  history  study  as  a  means.  It  is  not 
worth  while  as  an  end  ?  When  we  see  such 
men  as  Linnaeus,  Cuvier,  Gray,  Darwin, 
Agassiz,  Audubon  and  Baird,  giving  their 
whole  lives  to  a  common  pursuit,  we  feel 
that  it  must  be  a  worthy  one.  The  grand 
achievements  of  the  U.  S.  Fish  Commis- 
sion are  one  result  of  Prof.  Baird's  labors 
in  natural  history.  Millions  yet  unborn 
will  receive  and  enjoy  the  fruitage  of  those 
labors. 

From  the  ranks  of  the  A.  A.  will  come 
our  future  scientists.  From  among  its 
members  will  come  men  and  women  who 
will  investigate  the  habits  of  destructive 
insects.  They  will  tell  us  when  and  how 
to  attack  them;  what  remedies  to  use;  and 
of  what  natural  agencies  to  take  advantage, 
in  order  to  suppress  or  exterminate  them. 
They  will  introduce  and  successfully  culti- 
vate new  and  useful  plants;  they  will 
improve  the  quality  of  our  domestic  cattle; 
they  will  encourage  the  natural  allies  of 
mankind,  and  will  in  turn  profit  by  the 
kindly  atRces  of  these  friends.  The  vast 
natural  resources  of  our  country  will  be 
more  fully  developed,  and  agriculture  and 
business  will  prosper. 

Success  to  the  A.  A. ! 

C.  H.  Wilder, 

Bristol  Center,  N.  Y. 


Crow  Roo§ts  of  New  Jersey. 


New  Jersey  can  truly  be  called  the  home 
of  the  crows,  the  dense  pine  woods  afford 
them  shelter  from  the  piercing  winter 
winds  and  snows,  and  the  marshes  along 
the  creeks  and  bays  afford  them  many  a 
choice  morsel  that  could  not  be  found 
farther  inland.    The  latter  part  of  fall  they 


begin  to  migrate  from  several  of  the  ad- 
joining states,  congregating  in  small  flocks 
or  divisions.  A  crow  roost  can  easily  be 
located  hy  observing  the  direction  of  their 
flight,  in  the  evening,  about  4  o'clock  p.  m., 
they  start  in  irregular  detachments  in  a 
straight  line  for  their  roost,  but  about  five 
and  just  before  dusk  a  continual  string 
reaching  for  miles  may  be  seen.  As  a  gen- 
eral thing,  a  crow  roost  is  situated  on  or 
near  the  banks  of  a  creek  or  stream.  Out 
of  the  five  roosts  that  I  have  known  all 
were  thus  located. 

It  is  an  amusing  and  interesting  spectacle 
to  watch  them  arrive  at  their  roost;  they 
pour  in  from  every  point  of  the  compass 
aud  seem  to  have  beaten  tracks,  straglers 
joining  in  witli  the  rest  as  they  fly  by.  I 
think  each  division  or  flock  liave  their  own 
feeding  grounds,  from  which  they  return 
to  mingle  with  their  neighbors  at  night  and 
tell  of  their  adventures,  luck,  etc. ,  at  least, 
as  each  detach  ment  arrives  thej'  greet  each 
other  with  a  perfect  babel  of  crow-language. 
In  one  detachment  of  a  roost  that  I  am  the 
most  acquainted  with,  on  the  Rancocas 
River,  there  was  one  crow  that  had  some- 
thing the  matter  with  his  breathing  appa- 
ratus (probably  heaves),  it  could  be  heard 
as  far  as  seen,  and  made  a  noise  resembling 
the  braying  of  a  donke}"  at  a  distance,  he 
was  called  the  "donkey"  by  several  fellows 
that  used  to  amuse  themselves  by  shooting 
them  as  they  flew  over  the  road;  this  crow 
was  seen  and  heard  every  day  for  weeks, 
thus  proving  that  each  flock  of  a  roost  had 
their  own  feeding  grounds. 

I  well  remember  my  first  acquaintance 
with  a  crow  roost;  another  young  man  and 
myself  were  taking  a  canoe  trip,  gunning- 
for  muskrats  by  moonlight;  bnt  as  they 
proved  scarce  we  concluded  to  visit  a  pine 
bough  hut  we  built  the  year  before  to  camp 
in;  we  found  it,  but  not  as  we  left  it,  the 
winter  winds  and  snows  had  completely 
wrecked  it.  I  commenced  to  laugh,  when 
all  at  once  a  noise  as  loud  and  more  varied 
than  thunder  was  heard  all  over  the  woods, 
scared  I  well,  I  guess  we  were,  our  "hair 
stood  on  end  "  for  the  length  of  a  second; 
but  we  soon  found  the  cause  of   the  hub- 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


95 


bub  and  proceeded  with  our  breech-loaders 
to  practice  wint^  shots  by  moonlight. 

Crowds  of  fellows  sometimes  visit  these 
roosts  on  moonlight  nights  with  guns  and 
create  great  havoc,  sometimes  killing  a 
hundred  or  so  this  way.  After  two  or 
three  visits  like  this  to  a  roost,  the  crows 
invariahlj-  change  their  quarters;  I  have 
known  two  or  three  roosts  that  were  broken 
11])  this  way.  A  crow  roost  is  of  no  benetit 
to  a  woods,  especially  young  pines,  after  a 
winter's  roosting  the  ground  is  completely 
covered  with  the  broken  limbs  of  twigs, 
and  has  the  appearance  of  being  struck  by 
a  hurricane  or  hailstorm. 

The  largest  roost  that  1  am  acquainted 
with  takes  in  about  twenty-live  to  thirty 
acres  of  pine  trees,  and  a  rougli  estimate  of 
the  number  of  cniws  roosting  there  would 
he  from  300,000  to  400,000.  1  would  like 
to  hear  from  some  of  your  readers  their 
experience  in  this  line.  E.  M. 

Swainson's  Warbler — Its  Discovery — 
Rediscovery. 

In  the  good  old  "antebellum"  days, 
there  lived  in  the  city  of  Charleston,  a 
worthy  minister.  Dr.  Bachma)i,  pastor  of 
the  Archedale  Lutheran  Chunh.  NovV  Dr. 
Bachman  was  a  great  sportsman,  but  unlike 
most  hunters,  he  was  very  observent, 
studying  carefully  all  the  animal  life  he 
met  with.  Finally  the  study  of  "  our  birds 
in  their  haunts"  became  the  main  object  of 
his  tramps. 

One  day  while  rambling  in  the  viciuity 
of  Charleston,  he  came  across  this  little 
bird,  and  not  being  familiar  with  it, 
brought  it  down  with  his  gun  for  closer 
ins])ection.  This  examination  resulted  in 
the  addition  of  anotlur  hrancli  to  the  family 
of  warblers. 

In  naming  the  bird.  Dr.  Bachman,  having 
previously  given  his  name  to  one  of  the 
warblers  in  merit  of  having  discovered  it, 
called  this,  his  third  "  tiud  "  [he  had  discov- 
ered and  named  Bachman's  Finch]  after 
Swainson,  whose  name  as  an  ornithologist 
is  known  to  all  oologists. 

Being  peculiar  to  such  a  couutry  as 
neighbors  Charleston.     It  is  uol  surprising 


that  Swainson's  warbler  was  not  heard 
from  after  Dr.  Bachman's  death,  which 
occurred  more  than  twelve  years  ago;  for 
great  indeed  was  the  enthusiasm  and  love 
of  nature  that  moved  him  to  endure  the 
heat  and  raostpiitoes  of  Lower  Carolina 
searching  for  the  rare  little  bird.  At 
length  ornithologists  at  the  North  not 
hearing  anything  of  the  new  l)ii-d  for  such 
a  leugtli  of  time,  and  not  knowing  tliat 
there  was  no  one  down  here  who  made 
birds  their  study,  gradually  came  to  the 
conclusion  that  it  had  become  extinct. 
However,  Mr.  Brewster,  [one  of  the  associ- 
ate editors  of  the  Auk,  is  he  not?]  was  not 
satisfied  with  this  general  conclusion  and 
to  satisfy  himself  as  to  its  truth  he  came 
South  one  or  two  years  ago. 

Reaching  Charleston  and  informing  Dr. 
Manigaull  of  his  purpose  Dr.  Manigault 
recommended  Mr.  A.  T.  Wayne  to  him  as 
being  one  who  knew  the  neighboring 
country  thoroughly,  and  who  therefore 
would  be  of  great  service  to  him;  so  Mr. 
Brewster  got  Wayne  to  assist  him  in  his 
searching.  Although  after  long  and  tedious 
hunts,  they  discovered  the  object  of  their 
labor  on  James  Island,  which  lies  across 
the  Ashley  River  from  Charleston  three  or 
four  miles. 

The  condition  of  this,  tlie  first  Swain- 
son's Warbler  taken  since  Dr.  B's  death, 
showed  that  it  had  just  reached  tliat  sec- 
tion after  a  long  journey. 

Later  on  Mr.  Wayne  took  a  number  of 
them  and  after  a  vast  amount  of  fatigue 
succeeded  in  taking  two  or  three  of  their 
nests.  For  accurate  account  of  the  nests 
and  eggs  he  took  (see  "  Davie's  Key  "). 
Mr.  Wayne  was  the  first  to  take  the  eggs 
of  this  bird  for  in  Dr.  Bachman's  day 
oiMogy  was  not  the  study  that  it  now  is. 

Mr.  Wayne  has  sold  quite  a  number  of 
specimens  to  museums  and  ornithologists 
for  which  he  gets  a  large  price. 

Swainson's  Warbler  is  a  beautiful  little 
gieenlit  resembling  very  closely  the 
' '  Worm-eating  Warbler. " 

Mr.  Brewster  was  surprised  to  find  that 
the  Blue  Grosbeak  is  not  an  uncommon 
breeder  with  us. 

THOi\i.\s  D.  PoitcjiKR,  Wellington,  S.  C 


96 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


Destroy  the  Cowbird. 


COLI.RGE  Hill,  Ohio,  July  i,  1887. 

Out  this  morning  with  my  22-calibre 
rifle,  I  ?hot  a  number  of  grown  young  of 
the  above-named  pests,  which  are  now 
abundant  and  unwary.  I  have  made  it  a 
point  for  the  past  few  years  to  kill  and 
destroy-  every  bird  of  this  species  I  could. 
Their  habit  of  laying  their  eggs  in  the 
nests  of  other  and  smaller  birds  is  so  well 
known  that  little  need  be  said  in  regard 
to  it. 

We  can  renienil)e]"  how  often  we  have 
found  a  nest  of  some  very  desirable  species 
and  after  a  perhaps  difficult  climb,  found 
it  to  contain  an  egg  of  "  Molothrus  aier," 
and  that,  as  a  consequence,  the  legitimate 
occupant  had  deserted  ;  or  again,  that  we 
have  found  a  nest  in  course  of  constPuction, 
and  that,  upon  returning  a  week  or  so  later, 
it  contained — not  what  we  expected,  but, 
to  our  chagrin,  an  egg  of  the  cowbird,  and 
naught  else.  I  am  also  inclined  to  the 
opinion  that  in  many  cases  the  cowbird, 
upon  depositing  one  of  its  eggs  in  a  nest, 
throws  out  or  otherwise  destroys  one  of 
the  eggs  the  nest  already  contained.  Of 
course  this  is  not  always  the  case,  but  in 
the  majority  of  instances  it  is  found  that  a 
nest  containing  egais  of  the  cowbird  does 
not  contain  a  full  clutch  of  its  distinctive 
eggs;  Again,  how  often  have  we  found  a 
small,  fragile  nest  containing  one  or  more 
eggs,  which  we  found,  when  we  visited  it 
at  a  later  date,  had  in  the  meantime  been 
spyed  out  by  a  female  cowbird,  and  that, 
in  her  efforts  to  deposit  an  egg  in  it,  she 
had  partially  overturned  it  and  spilled  the 
contents.  There  is  but  one  consolation  in 
such  cases,  and  that  is  that  the  parents 
usually  desert  the  nest,  and  the  cowbirds' 
egg  is  left  to  incubate  itself.  But  the  above 
is  not  by  any  means  the  greatest  injury 
that  this  plague  inflicts  on  bird  life.  The 
trouble  really  conies  after  incubation  has 
been  completed.  Almost  invariably  the 
other  species  are  smaller  and  weaker.  The 
young  C'owbird  is  naturally  unusually 
strong  and  vigorous,  and  after  a  few  days 
manages  to  secure  the  lion's  share  of  the 


food,  and  tiuis  starves  the  balance  of  the 
fledglings:  or,  failing  in  this,  he  soon 
becomes  so  large  that  he  has  not  "elbow 
room"  in  the  nest  with  the  others,  and  so 
crowds  them  overboard  to  perish.  This 
state  of  affairs,  bad  as  it  is,  is  yet  made 
worse  by  the  fact  that  the  Cowbird,  not 
satisfied  with  one,  often  deposits  two,  and 
sometimes  three  eggs  in  one  nest,  thus 
destroying  all  chance  that  the  parents  have 
of  rearing  offspriiig. 

We  have  several  times  found  instances 
in  which,  when  a  Cowbird  had  laid  an 
egg  in  an  otherwise  unoccupied  nest,  the 
birds  had  roofed  over  the  egg,  thus  making 
a  new  bottom  to  the  nest.  But  why  is  it 
that  they  do  not  violently  eject  the  egg 
from  the  nest,  thus  easily  and  effectually 
ridding  themselves  of  it?  Now,  my  object 
in  writing  the  above  has  not  been  so  much 
to  tell  the  readers  of  The  Oologist  w^hat  I 
suppose  they  already  full  well  know,  but 
to  draw  their  attention  to  it,  and  to  ask 
them,  one  and  all,  to  show  that  most  inap- 
propriately named  bird,  the  Cowbird,  no 
mercy.  Destroy  him  whenever  you  can. 
Shoot  him.  If  you  find  any  of  his  young 
or  eggs  in  any  bird's  nest,  throw  them  out: 
and  if  you  do  not  desire  the  eggs,  break 
them,  for  I  would  venture  to  say  that,  as  a 
rule,  every  Cowbird 's  egg  destroyed  means 
life  to  three  young  birds  of  some  better 
species  and  a  diminution  of  the  number  of 
Molothrns  Atcr.  H.  A.  Koch. 


Nesting  of  the  Trail's  and  Acadian 
Flycatchers. 

There  is  a  piece  of  beech  and  maple 
woods  dark  and  shady,  through  which 
runs  a  small  brook,  not  far  from  my  resi- 
dence that  seems  to  be  a  very  favored  resort 
for  many  varieties  of  small  woods  l)irds 
during  the  breeding  season.  I  began  May 
10th,  1887,  toolv  three  sets  of  three  each 
with  nests  of  the  Acadian  Flycatcher.  In 
every  instance  the  nest  was  placed  in  a 
fork  at  the  end  of  a  beech  limb  usually  not 
over  five  or  six  feet  from  the  groimd. 
From  that  date  until  the  22d  of  June  I  had 
taken  seventeen  sets  of  this  very  interesting 
and  somewhat  retired  little  Flycatcher  from 


THE  OOLOCIST. 


97 


tlie  same  piece  of  woods  excepting  four 
sets  taken  in  an  adjoining  timber  tract  not 
over  lialf  a  mile  distant;  tlie  nest  was  com- 
posed of  tlie  blossoms  of  the  beech,  tine 
rootlets,  a  few  fine  grasses  and  cobwebs, 
woven  together  and  bound  to  the  fork  in 
which  it  was  invariably  located  in  a  very 
loose  wably  manner.  The  eggs  were 
usually  three  (seven  sets  of  four  were 
taken)  in  number  of  a  pale  creamy  white, 
quite  pointed  at  smaller  end  with  numerous 
spots  clearly  defined  of  a  rusty  reddish 
brown,  more  profuse  at  the  upper  middle 
and  larger  end  of  the  eggs.  The  sharp 
chirp  of  the  female  often  repeated  was  an 
infalable  guide  to  its  nest. 

Later  in  the  season  when  most  of  our 
breeders  had  ceased  tlieir  domestic  duties 
in  this  direction  did  1  begin  to  search  for 
some  sign  of  the  Trail's,  which  I  had  reason 
to  know  from  previous  experience  were 
sure  to  be  found  amongst  the  alder  bottoms 
of  a  small  river  several  miles  from  our 
town.  I  paid  my  first  visit  to  them  July 
1st,  and  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  secure 
four  full  sets,  all  fresh  and  very  fine.  I 
also  discovered  two  pairs  building  which  I 
collected  on  my  next  trip.  One  set  more 
taken  from  a  small  red  willow  completed 
mj'  finds  thus  far,  and  1  gave  them  up  feel- 
ing well  satisfied. 

The  eggs  of  these  birds  are  not  dis- 
tinguishable from  each  other  except  that 
the  number  of  the  Trail's  is  usually  four, 
while  those  of  the  former  are  more  often 
three. 

It  is  of  the  nest  I  wish  to  speak,  Davie 
says  the  nest  of  this  species  is  not  so  com- 
pactly built  as  those  of  the  Acadian. 

He  is  surely  wrong,  this  bird  builds  a 
very  compact  and  snug  little  nest,  very 
much  resembling  the  Redstart,  and  it  is 
usually  placed  in  the  fork  of  an  alder-I)ush, 
and  as  we  have  to  rely  on  its  nest  tor  identi- 
fication it  is  more  than  likely  that  some  of 
our  collectors  that  relied  upon  Davie's 
statement  have  sets  wrongly  marked,  as  the 
Trail's  certainly  builds  the  more  svibstantial 
nest  of  the  two. 

Will  C.  Brownell. 

Plymonth,  Mich. 

Experience  With  a  Great  Horned  Owl. 


One  cold  day  on  the  20tli  of  March,  1887, 
H  friend  of  mine  and  myself  started  out  to 
limit  up  a  Great  Horned  Owl's  nest  which 
we  thought   to   be   in   a  small   stretch   of 


woods  by  the  creek,  after  searching  the 
woods  thoroughly,  as  we  thought,  we  were 
beginning  to  retrace  our  steps  when  my 
friend  looked  up  and  saw  a  large  hole  in  an 
elm  some  twenty  feet  up,  and  said,  "I 
believe  that  is  the  nest." 

As  we  had  no  climbing  irons  at  that  time 
we  did  not  care  to  climb  the  tree  unless  we 
were  sure  it  was  the  nest,  so  we  threw  up 
clubs  and  pounded  against  the  tree  to  see 
if  we  could  (if  it  was  a  nest)  scare  the  old. 
owl  out,  but  all  with  no  success,  and  were 
beginning  to  despair  when  I  found  a  long 
fence-board,  and  by  considerable  pushing 
I  managed  to  boost  my  friend  to  the  first 
limb  ;  after  that,  it  was  not  so  hard  for 
him. 

When  he  had  got  about  five  feet  from 
the  nest,  the  old  bird  fiew  out,  and  sure 
enough  it  was  the  Great  Horned  Owl. 

The  nest  was  nearly  as  large  as  a  bushel 
basket  and  about  as  deep;  it  contained  the 
eggs.  He  had  just  time  to  note  this  when 
I  heard  a  whizzing  noise,  and  looked  up 
and  saw  the  old  owl  strike  him  on  the  left 
temple  with  so  much  force  that  it  nearly 
knocked  him  over  backwards  out  of  the 
tree. 

He  did  not  at  first  know  what  had  struck 
him  and  kept  calling  down  to  me  to  stop 
throwing  up  clubs.  In  a  minute  he  found 
out  what  was  the  matter,  and  began 
descending  when  the  old  bird  made  another 
dive  at  him,  but  did  not  touch  him.  When 
he  reached  the  ground  I  went  up  and 
secured  the  eggs.  They  were  slightly 
incubated.  H.  B.  Hurd, 

Minneapolis,  Minn. 


The  Largest  Collection. 

In  your  March-May  number  it  is  stated 
that  Dr.  Phil.  Edward  A.  Baldamus  of 
Coburg.  Germany,  has  the  largest  collection 
of  birds  eggs  in  the  world. 

Last  January  Mi\  Philip  Crowley,  Croy- 
don, P^ngland,  favored  me  with  a  catalogue 
of  his  collection  and  I  find  that  he  has 
listed  2,493  species  and  varieties,  besides 
this,  in  his  letler  he  states  that  be  has  added 
about  600  species  to  his  collection  since  the 
catalogue  was  printed,  wliii'h  will  bring 
the  number  up  to  about  3.10U  on  the  18th 
of  January,  1887.  Now,  as  Dr.  Baldamus' 
collection  numbered  only  1,667  species  and 
varieties,  it  will  be  seen  that  instead  of  the 
Doctor's  being  the  largest  collection  Mr 
Crowley's  will  nearly  double  it. 

J.  A.  SiNGLEY. 

Friend  S.  is  correct.  We  have  a  cata 
logue  of  Mr.  C.'s  collection.  There  an- 
other English  collectors,  we  believe,  having 
collections  larger  than  the  Dr.'s.  — Ed. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


BIRDS' EGGS!      BIRDS' EGGS! 

All  prices  ((uoted  on  this  page  are  for  (JASH  ONLY.  Orders  amounting  to  less 
than  50  cents  must  contain  5  cents  additional  for  packing  and  return  postage.  When 
ordering,  always  mention  a  few  extra  specimens  that  can  be  used  as  substitutes. 

ALL  PRICES  GIVEN   BELOW  EXPIRE    NOVEMBER    15,    1887. 

Remit  in  most  convenient  manner.     Stamps  accepted. 

Address  all  Orders  Plainly  to  FRANK  H.  LATTIN,  Albion,  N.  Y. 

SECOND  CLASS. 

Catbird $  .01 

Cliff  Swallow 01 

Bluebird 01 

Heerman's  Song  Spar- 
row   05 

Ground  Dove 10 

Black-necked  Stilt 30 


Olive-backed  Thrush . .  .| 

.30 

Bronzed  Grackle $ 

.05 

Hermit  Thrush 

.40 

Common  Crow 

.08 

Mockingbird 

.08 

Black-billed  Magpie. . . 

.30 

Catbird 

()'', 

Blue  Jay 

Scissor-tailed  Flycatch- 

05 

Brown  Thrasher  .    ... 

.03 

Least  Tit 

.15 
•'0 

er      

.10 
03 

Cactus  Wren 

Kingbird;  Bee  Martin. 
Great      Crested      Fly- 

Blue   Yellow     backed 

Warbler 

.20 

catcher 

.10 

Summer  Yellow-bird. . 

.03 

Nighthawk;  Texan... 

.60 

Black -and-yellow  War 

Yellow-billed  Cuckoo  . 

13 

bier 

.40 

Groove-billed       Croto- 

Black  poll  Warbler  . . . 

.40 

phaga 1 

.00 

Large-billed    Water 

American  Barn  Owl. .  . 

.50 

Thrush 

.55 

American     Long-eared 

Loggerhead  Shrike. . . . 

.12 

Owl 

.50 

White-rumped  Shrike. 

.08 

Cooper's  Hawk 

.25 

Cliflf  Swallow 

.03 

Red-shouldered  Hawk. 

.50 

Barn  Swallow 

.03 

Mourning  Dove 

.04 

Summer  Redbird 

.20 

Ground  Dove 

.25 

English  Sparrow 

.03 

Bob- white;     American 

Crimson  House  Finch. 

.05 

Quail    

.10 

Green-backedGoldtinch 

.25 

Texan  Quail 

.10 

Western  Yellow-winged 

American  Egret 

.15 

Sparrow 

.30 

Green  Heron 

.10 

Lark  ^'inch 

07 

Black-crowned     Night 
Heron 

Western  Lark  Finch . . 

.12 

.15 

White-crowned      Spar- 

Wild Turkey 

.75 

row  

.25 

Wilson's  Plover 

.25 

Gambel's  White-throat- 

Clapper Rail 

.08 

ed  Sparrow 

.25 

Sora  Rail 

.10 

Black  Snowbird 

.25 

Florida  Gallinule 

.10 

Heerman's  Song  Spar- 

American Coot 

.08 

row 

.12 
.25 

American   White  Peli- 
can   

.75 

Spurred  Towhee 

Cal.  Brown  Towhee. .  . 

.15 

Florida  Cormorant 

.25 

Cardinal  Grosbeak.  .  .  . 

.05 

Brandt's  Cormorant  . .  . 

.40 

Rose  breasted  Grosbeak 

.12 

Black  Skimmer 

.15 

Blue  Grosbeak 

.45 

Great     Black-backed 

1 

Painted  Bunting 

.10 

Gull 

.40 

Black-throated  Bunting 

.07 

Ring-billed  Gull 

.35 

Dwarf  Covvbird 

.25 

Laughing  Gull . 

.15 

Yellow-headed    Black- 

Forster's Tern 

.25 

bird  

.07 

('ommon  Tern 

.08 

Red  -  and  -  buff  -  should- 

.03 

Least  Tern 

.08 
.10 

ered  Bhickbird.  ... 

Thick-billed  Grebe.... 

Brewer's  Blackbird  .  .  . 

.06 

California  Guillemot  .  . 

.25 

Great-tailed  Grackle. . . 

.30 

Dom .  Pigeon 

.03 

Boat-tailed  Grackle  . . . 

.10 
.05 

Guinea  Fowl 

04 
.20 

Purple  Grackle 

Alligator 

FOREIGN    EGGS. 

European. 

Y'ellow  Hammer 10 

Song  Thrush 10 

Blackbird 06 

Missel  Thrush 18 

Hedge  Accentor 12 

Robin 12 

Whinchat 12 

Les.ser  White-throat. .  .      .12 

Sedge  Warbler 15 

White  Throat 10 

Willow  AYarbler 15 

House  Sparrow 15 

Greenfinch 10 

Linnet 10 

Bullfinch 20 

Rook 15 

Jackdaw 20 

Magpie 25 

Wren    12 

Ring  Dove 10 

Pheasant 15 

Partridge 15 

Redshank 22 

Red-necked  Phalarope.      .40 

Moorhen 10 

Little  Grebe 40 

Tern 08 

Great  Tit 25 

East  India. 
Striated  Bush  Babbler.      .50 

Weaver  Bird 60 

Corby 60 

Bank  Mynah 50 

African. 

Ostrich 2.00 

Emeu 2.50 

Second  class  specimens  of  species  not  mentioned  on  the  above  list  can  generally  be  furnished  at  ^2  first 
class,  regular  prices. 

Davie's  Check  List  and  Key  with  tiand-Book  and  Directory,  or  if  you  prt  fer,  \\  ill  put  you  in  a  copy  of 
"Field  Notes"  in  place  of  last  two  named  books,  all  f«»i'  only  one  dollar. 


THE     OOLOGIST. 


Exchanges  and  Wants. 


Brief  special  announcements,  "  Wants, "  "Ex- 
changes," inserted  in  this  department  for  25  cents  per 
25  words.  Notices  over  25  words  charged  at  the  rate 
•f  one-half  cent  per  word.  No  notice  inserted  for  less 
than  25  cents.  Notices  which  are  merely  indirect 
methods  of  soliciting  cash  purchasers  cannot  be  ad- 
mitted to  these  columns  under  any  circumstances. 
Terms,  cash  with  order. 


I  have  a  first-class  1)  h  Int  Urass  Cornet  and  a  32-cal. 
Revolver  to  exchange  for  first-class  Birds'  Eggs. 

H.  E.  FRY,  Box  391,  Emporia,  Kansas. 

I  will  give  100  post  marks  and  35  tobacco  tags  for 
Nos.  q3,  258,261,  271,  315,  E.  Sparrow  single  eggs. 

CHAS.  T.  HEPBURN,  Ft.  Scott,  Kansas. 

I  have  a  few  packets  of  stamps,  50  varieties  in  each, 
to  exchange  for  eggs. 

A.  McFARLANE,  Lawrence,  Kansas. 

To  Exchange. — Gulliver's  Travels  and  Baron  Mun- 
chausen, Single  eggs  Nos.  361,  i4ga,  237,  312,  93,  for 
Single  eggs.     IRA  M OTTER,  Lawrence,  Kansas. 


Will  exchange  Postage  Stamps  for  named  Fossils, 
Indian  Arrow-heads  or  Birds'  Eggs.     Write  first  to 

Mrs.  S.  S.  GILSON,  Peabody,  Mass. 

Northern  Maine  : — I  desire  to  make  the  acquain- 
tance of  a  North  of  Maine  collector  ;  object,  excha'  ge 
or  purchase.  C.  O.  TROWliRIDGE,  Framingham, 
Mass. 

Birds'  Eggs,  side  blown,  insets  or  single,  with  data, 
for  the  same,  or  for  books  or  birds  and  eggs. 

FRANK   BURRILL,  Lisbon  Centre,  Me. 

150  species  of  Birds'  Eggs,  offered  in  exchange 
for  those  not  now  in  my  collection.  Address,  with 
(ffers,  FREDERICK  STEARNS,  (Personal!  Detroit, 
Mich 


Wanted. — To  correspond  and  exchange  with  collec- 
tors in  United  States  and  Canada.  R.  A.  POWELL, 
Box  184  Marshall,  Mich. 


Offered. — A  first-class  set  of  No.  81,  with  nest,  for 
N,  A.  Birds'  Eggs  not  in  my  collection. 

JEROME  TROMBLEY,  Petersburg,  Mich. 

Youths  Companions,  1883  and  1884,  for  offer  in 
Birds'  Eggs  o  Climbing  Irons.  Dozen  Falcon  Steel 
Pens  for  V  nickles  (no  cents).  W.  C.  OLDFIELD, 
Cedar  Springs,  Mich. 

A  pair  of  climbers,  strapped  ready  for  u.se,  for  first- 
class  Birds'  Ecgs,  in  sets,  with  data.     Address, 
(JRANT    H.    ROUSE,   42   Hancock    Ave.,   Detroit, 
Mich. 

Tin-Tags,  Curiosities  and  Stamps,  for  Eggs,  single 
©r  in  sets.  First-class  wanted.  AUSTIN  CAS- 
WELL, Box  A,  Ann  Arbor.  Mich. 

Will  exchange  one  pair  of  Steel  Climbing  Irons  for 
Eggs,  or  Books  on  Birds.  A.  H.  FEATHRRSTON, 
Box  734,  Red  Wing,  Minn. 


To  Exchang'. — First-class  Eggs,  in  sets,  with  data, 
for  same.  Send  list  and  get  mine.  Some  fine  '■ets,  149. 
M.  CRAWFORD,  Kahoka,  Mo. 

Oil  Paintings  exchanged  for  Moundbuilders  and 
Indian  relics,  Buffalo,  Deer,  Elk  and  Antelope  horns, 
Rooks,  Music,  and  other  specimens.  P.  L.  ONG, 
1-iclede,  Mo. 


To  Exchange. — First-class  Birds"  Eggs,  single  or  in 
sets,  for  the  same.  FRED  MONTMORENCY, 
care  B,  &  M.  R.  R.,  Omaha,  Neb. 

Nickel  Ore,  Porphory,  Labradorite,  Petrified  Wood. 
Epidote,  Iron  Ore  and  Calcite  Crystal,  al!  large 
specimens,  for  Fossils  or  Minerals.  No  small  speci- 
mens accepted.  GEO.  B.  CARR,  12  Linden  Street, 
Manchester,  N.  H. 

I  will  exchange  Bird  Skins  for  same,  with  data. 
Correspondence  solicited  with  all  collectors. 

EDW.  A.  SWIFT,  Elmira,  N.  Y. 

I  have  a  15-shot  Colts  Repeating  Rifle,  central  fire, 
32cal.,  used  but  litt'e,  g  jod  as  new,  which  I  will  ex- 
change for  the  first  offer  of  Birds'  Eggs  consisting  of 
not  less  than  250  different  species.  Rifle  cost  .I23.50. 
VAN  H.  LEWIS,  Potsdam,  N.  Y. 

Will  exchange  125  numbers  of  "  Harper's  Young 
People  "  and  200  picture  advertising  cards,  for  first- 
class  Birds'  Eggs  with  data.  C.  M.  W.  ALDRICH, 
Greenport,  N.  Y. 


Eggs  Nos.  7,  12,  22,  41,  63,  93,  99,  123,  148,  154,  157, 
E.  S.  217,  278,  257,  etc.,  for  Eggs  in  sets.  ED.  M. 
DEAN,  Williamsville,  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y. 


Thirty-six  numbers  of  "Golden  Days,"  commenc- 
ing October  30,  1886,  for  best  offer  of  Western  Birds' 
Eggs,  in  sets  or  single.  HAROLD  C.  COOK,  Pots- 
dam, N.  Y. 

I  wish  to  correspond,  make  exchanges,  and  purchase 
with  collectors  of  wood.  I  have  over  400  specimens. 
Correspondence  solicited.  LOUIS  W.  HAHN,  80  E. 
Third  St.,  Dunkirk,  N.  Y. 


Wanted. — The  addresses  of  papers  devoted  to 
birds,  also  sample  copies  of  same.  GEO.  L.  WHITE, 
Mt.  Morris,  N.  Y. 

To  Exchange. — First-class  Eggs,  in  singles  or  sets, 
for  eggs  not  in  my  collection.  W.  B.  DALEY, 
Chatham,  N.  Y. 

Birds'  Eggs  in  pairs,  for  same  in  sets,  with  data,  or 
single.  Write  for  lists.  Correspondence  solicited. 
FRANK  STERLING,  Cutchogue,  L.  I.,  N.  Y. 

Correspondence  solicited  with  Ornithologists  and 
Oologists  in  this  state.  Minerals  and  fossils  for  same. 
F.  L.  WILSON,  Elma,  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y. 

I  will  exchange  Mark  Twain's  "  Tramp  Abroad '' 
for  first-class  eggs  DOLPH  HENDERSON,  P.  O. 
Box  43,  Durham  N.  C. 

To  Exchange. — First-class  eggs  in  sets  and  single 
for  first-class  sets.  Send  list.  FRED  C.  WAITE, 
Hudson,  Ohio. 

To  Exchange — Tobacco  Tags  for  Birds'  Eggs,  single 
Or  insets.  First-class  eggs  preferred.  LUTHKR 
H.  LEWIS,  .Martin's  Ferry,  Ohio. 

Will  Exchange  Birds'   Eggs,   single,  with  collectOLs. 
in  U.  S.,  southern  and  western  states  preferred.     H 
H.  WICK  HAM,  Beaver,  Pa. 

Anthracite  Coal  Fossils  in  exchange  for  Fossils, 
Indian  Relics,  and  Birds'  Eggs  in  sets.  N.  S.  DAVIS, 
Sup't  Schools,  Scranton,  Pa. 


To  Exchange' — 50  cloth-bound  books  in  fine  condi- 
tion, valued  at  $75,  for  the  best  collection  of  eggs  in 
sets.  FRANK  S.  ROSE,  2429  Montgomery  Ave., 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Birds'  Eggs,  in  sets  and  single,  for  the  same. 
JOSEPH  A.  STEINMETZ,  1124  South  Broad  St. . 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 


THE    OOLOGIST. 


Vol.  I  Young  Oologist,  Vol.  3  Oologist,  for  best 
offer  in  first-class  American  Birds'  Eggs,  with  data, 
WEBSTER  C.  SPAYDE,  Steelton.  Dauphin  Co.,  Pa. 

Second  class  Eggs  (half  rates)  in  sets  or  single,  to 
exchange  for  first-class  eg's  in  sets  A.  HERBERT 
GRUBB,  West  Chester.  Pa. 


To  Exchange. — Birds'  Eggs  in  sets  or  single,  for  the 
same  in  complete  sets  with  full  data.  Send  lists,  and 
receive  mine  by  return  mail.  J.  W.  JACOBS, 
Waynesburgh,  Pa. 

I  have  about  5000  Arrow  Heads  to  exchange  for  Sea 
Shells,  Eges,  or  Minerals.  Fine  ones  preferred. 
CASPER  LOUCKS,  York,  Pa. 

I  will  exchange  a  Telephone  with  300  feet  of  copper 
wire  for  Birds'  Eggs.  ROBIN  PATTERSON, 
Beaver,  Pa. 

Fine  Earthquake  Specimens,  for  the  best  offer  in 
Birds'  Eggs.  Eggs  in  sets  preferred.  W.  B.  GADS- 
DEN, Box  87,  Summerville,  S.  C. 

To  Exchange.—"  Odd  Folks  at  Home,"  by  C  L. 
Mateaux,  illustrated,  second  edition,  nearly  new,  for 
pair  of  Strapped  Climbing  Irons.  W.  A.  COLLIER, 
Jr.,  32  West  Court  St.,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

Wanted. — Stamps,  Eggs  and  Curiosities.  Send  list. 
GAYLE  L.  RIVERS,  Magnolia  Hall,  Sewanee,  Tenn. 

Five  new  '"  W.  M.  C".,  i6-guage  brass  cartridges; 
($4  00  per  100)  for  a  No.  47,  140,  204,  277,  or  si6. 
W.  A.  COLLIER,  Jr.,  32  W,  Court  St.,  Memphis, 
Tenn. 

Would  like  to  exchange  coins  and  stamps  for  Hawk, 
Guillemot,  Tern,  Owl,  Heron,  Duck,  and  GuU  Eggs. 
Address,  V.  HUBERICH,  care  J.  A.  Bowles,  1208 
Lavaca  .St.,  Austin,  Texas. 

I  will  exchange  Horned  Toads  (alive)  for  Birds' 
Eggs  of  all  kinds.  Would  prefer  Hawks,  Owls,  or  Sea 
Birds.  Write  first.  JOHN  A.  DONALD,  Decatur, 
Texas. 

To  Exchange. — Fine  named  sets  of  eggs,  for  a  pair 
of  Guinea  Pigs  or  White-eyed  Rabbits.  STEPHEN 
W.  KEARNEY,  S  .n  Antonio,  Texas. 

Rare,  Match,  Medicine,  and  Document  Stamps  to 
exchange  for  Birds'  Eggs  in  sets,  with  data.  Vf.  W. 
WESTGATE,  opp.  Glenwood  Cemetary,  Houston, 
Texas. 

I  will  exchange  Eggs,  nicely  blown  through  one 
hole,  for  other  Eggs  not  in  my  collection.  Datas 
wanted.  KERD.  M.  STEPHENS,  Box  845,  Ogden 
City,  Utah. 

I  wish  to  exchange  Utah  Birds'  Eggs  with  all 
collectors.  Write  and  get  my  list.  C.E.AUSTIN, 
Ogden,  Utah. 


Will  exchange  set  of  s^/iy  catalogue  price  $2.40,  for 
a  copy  of  Davie's  New  Key  in  good  condition. 
CHAS.  P.  COLLINS,  Strafford,  Vt. 

One  pair  of  Peck  &  Snyder's  Nickel-Plated  Club 
Skates,  size  q]4,  for  first-class  Eggs,  single  or  in  sets. 
E.  BUTLER,  Amherst  Court  House,  Va. 

To  Exchange. — '"  Manual  of  the  Vertebr.is,"  by 
David  S.  Jordan,  for  Climbing  Irons,  style  No.  2. 
Address,  WALTER  D.  PORTER,  Jefferson,  Wis. 


Wanted. — To  exchange  eggs  of  244^:^,  582^4,  361  J, 
for  490,  11,326.387,656.  DARCY  BIGGAR,  Fulton, 
Ro:kCo.,  Wis. 

To  Exchange. — "  Davies  Egg  Checklist"  for 
"  Manton's  Taxidermy,"  also  a  'i'ucatan  Jay  Egg  for 
offer.  Accepted  offer  answered.  A.  C.  DARLING, 
Simcoe,  Ont.,  Canada. 


To  Exchange.— lEight  vols.  Youth's  Companion  for 
Eggs,  Insects,  Fossils,  or  other  cabinet  specimens, 
also  Insects  for  Insects.  E.  W.  LINCOLN,  Green- 
ville, Mich. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  Birds  Eggs,  side  blowm 
(one  drilled  hole)  in  complete  sets  with  full  data- 
Mr.  Lattin's  price  list  as  basis  of  exchange. 

Wanted. — Nos.  7,  135,  150,  I51,  152,  155,  166,  173, 
186,  187,  261,  263,  271,  273,  300,  360,  061,  378,  382,  387, 
388,  402,  407,  412,  412a,  425,  426,  433,  436,  439,  449,  459, 
475,  480,  486,  497,  513,  516,  526a,  527,  529,  530,  542,  549, 
550,  555,  556,  557,  560,  563,  576,  589,  593a,  594,  595,  Dog, 
612,  610,  610,  622,  623,  625,  629,  633,  658,  640,  660,  661, 
673,  674,  677,  691,  695,  697,  709,  712,  714,  715,  722,  723. 

Can  offer  Nos.  21,  69,  70,  72,  179,  210,  279,  282,  299, 
351,  306,  406,  407a,  416,  420,  422,  435,  4:2  488,  506,  572, 
514,  518,  524,  526,  561,  573,  577,  580,  6ci,  604,  60s,  606, 
668,  611,  613,  627,  642,  650,  658'  663,  666,  671,  680,  686, 
6S9,  693,  698,  705,  721,  738,  740,  742,  743,  760,  763  and 
many  other  English  Eggs.  ROBERT  WILLIAMS, 
Kirg;,Iand,  R.  S.  O.,  England. 

For  Exchange.  — A  No.  i  Sets  of  Brandts,  Bairdsi 
and  new  A.  O.  U.  species,  Farralon  Connorants  J^' 
Western  Gull  3,  Tufted  Puffin,  Cassins  Auklet  {• 
Pigeon  Guillemoc  Jo,Calafornia  Guilliniot  i-.  iVone 
but  Jirst-class  sets  wanted.  \\ .  OTTO  EMERSON, 
Box  85,  Haywards,  Alameda  Co.,  California. 

California  Pine  Cones,  Arrow  Heads,  Stamps,  Post- 
marks, Advertising  Cards,  and  Bird  Eggs  to  exchange 
for  Birds  Eggs.  Send  list.  NASON  R.  CHRISTIE, 
Beckwith,  Cal. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  first-class  Bird  Eggs  in  the 
United  States.  CHAS.  LOMONT,  Santa  Rosa. 
Sonoma  Co.,  California. 


Horned  Toads  and  many  varieties  Californian  Birds 
Eggs  for  Eastern  or  Southren  Eggs.  Write  for  list. 
E.  L.  MENEFEE,  Los  Gatos,  Santa  Clara  Co.,  Cal. 

The  following  single  Eggs  for  exchange  :  Clappe"" 
Rails,  Great  Crested  Flycatcher,  Chewink,  Yellow- 
Brested  Chat,  etc.  Send  lists.  C.  S.  BROWNELL, 
Deep  River,  Conn. 


I  will  give  vol.  7  and  8,  to  date.  Golden  Day,  a 
volume  of  The  Oologist  and  a  Printing  Outfit  for 
Samuels  ■' Our  Northern  and  Eastern  Birds."  E.  A. 
CKANDALL,  Box  476,  New   London,  Conn. 


I  will  exchange  Eggs,  Stamps,  Arrows,  Coins, 
Plants,  (mounted  and  named)  for  same.  Please  write. 
E.  A.  SCOVILLE,  Oxford,  Conn. 

For  Exchange. — A  healthy  small  White  Squirrel, 
with  pink  eyes,  (a  rare  pet),  for  good  Breech-Loading 
Shot  Gun,  old  American  Silver  Dollars,  or  both. 
RUFUS  ROGERS,  75  Broadway,  New  Haven,  Conn. 

An  Alligator's  and  Snowy  Heron's  Egg  for  best 
offer.     G.  W.  COCKELL,  Putnam,  Conn. 

To  Exchange. — Birds  Eggs,  in  sets  or  single,  for 
Eggs  in  sets.  Correspondence  solicited.  A.  L. 
QUAINTANCE,  Archer,  Fla. 

Will  exchange  Fine  Florida  Shells  and  Curios  fo"" 
Naturalist's  Books,  Tools  or  Microscope.  CHAS.  S- 
McPHERSON,  P.onifacio,  Hillsborough  Co.,  Florida. 

Eggs,  single  or  in  s-ts,  to  exchange  for  the  same. 
Correspondence  solicited.  Address,  T.  GILBERT 
PEARSON,  Archer,  Alachua  Co.,  Florida. 

VVanted. — To  exchange  Birds  Eggs  with  collectors 
throughout  Mexico,  U.  S.  and  Canada.  Correspond- 
ence .solicited.  T.  V.  WILSON,  141  Monroe  St., 
Chicago,  Ills. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


Pair  of  Roller  Skates,  Good  Lance  Wood  How  and 
Books  for  Telegraph  Key  and  Sounder  or  Printer's 
Outfit.     H.  D.  ROGERS,  Moss  St.,  Peoria,  Ills. 

A  fine  collection  of  Mazon  Creek  Fossils,  also  choice 
specimens  cif  '^'inerals  for  e.xchange.  Send  for  list. 
J.  G.  WAIN  WRIGHT,  Waukegan,  Ills 

For  Exchange. — A  fine  Steam  Yacht,  length,  26  in., 
for  Fine  Eggs  in  sets.  Write  to  PHILO  SMITH,  Jr., 
Greenville,  Ills. 


A  fine  3  Lens  Pocket  Microscope  and  a  Telesccope 
Power,  15  diameters,  for  Books  or  NJagazines  on  Orni- 
thology. Write  first.  F.  M.  NEEDHAM,  Hinsdale, 
Ills. 

I  wish  to  exchange  Bird  Eggs  with  collectors 
thrrughout  the  United  States  and  Canada.  BERT 
WILSON,  Appanoose,  Handcock  Co.,  Ills. 


First-class  Etigs  for  exchange,  both  in  sets  and 
single,  with  data'.  Correspondence  solicited.  S.  W. 
.ALLEN,  care  Abner  Piatt  &  Co.,  Stock  Yards, 
Chicago,  Ills. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  Foreign  Stamps  for  first- 
class  Birds  Eggs  in  sets.  Correspondence  solicited. 
JAMES  LEVY,  212S  Michigan  Ave.,  Chicago,  Ills. 

To  exchange. — First  class  Skins  of  151,  254,  263, 
^22,  369.  375,  420,  4Q4,  526a,  557,  for  others.  Corres- 
pondence solicited.  W.  FORREST  WEST,  Greens- 
burg,  Ind. 


Wanted.  An  Egg  of  Californian  Condor.  I  offer 
in  exchange  a  32  Cal.  Revolver,  u.sed  but  little,  good 
as  new.     VAN   LEWIS,  Potsdam,  New  York. 


Indian  Relics  and  Minerals  in  exchange  for  the 
same.  Correspondence  solicited.  CHARLES  J. 
COOPER,  Box  16,  Toledo,  Iowa. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  a  Nickel-Plated  Hand 
Bracket  Saw  with  five  blades  for  best  offer  of  Eggs 
from  east  or  south.  CHAS.  N.  STACK,  Avoca, 
Iowa. 

Will  exchange  a  few  Iowa  Birds'  Eggs  for  some 
from  a  Southern  State,  as  Texas,  etc.  B.  R. 
GRIFFITHS,  Marathon,  Buena  Vista  Co.,  Iowa. 

SCO  Tin  Tags,  all  different,  for  sale  or  exchange. 
Flobert  Rifle  22  short  preferred  in  exchange.  Corres- 
pondence solicited.  HARRY  P.ALLORD,  Roledo, 
Iowa. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  No.  735  579,  580,  47S,  498, 
431,  260,  289,  and  many  others  ;  send  stamp  and  list. 
H.  B.  HURD,  618  Jewett  Place,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

To  exchange  the  following  :  Second-class  eggs,  357, 
257,  382,  473,  263,  351,  135,  289,  for  best  offer  of  first- 
class  eggs  ;  onlv  accepted  offer  answered.  B.  F. 
BASSETT,  Barre,  Mass. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  eggs  with  any  amateur 
collector,  distant  state  preferred.  Send  list  and  get 
mine.     L.  H.  DAGGETT,  Monmouth,  III. 

First-class  eggs  in  sets  to  exchange  for  same.  Also 
first-class  eggs  of  Cal.  Guillemot.  Address  T. 
LILIENCRANTZ,  969  Broadway,  Oakland,  Cal. 


Wanted. — To  exchange  birds  eggs  for  a  pair  of 
guinea  pigs,  or  a  pair  of  white  rabbits,  or  a  Smith  and 
Wesson  pistol.  STEPHEN  KEARNY,  San  Antonio, 
Texas. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  for  Bird's  Eggs  in  large  or 
small  quantities.  Send  lists,  and  if  vou  cannot 
exchange,  quote  lowest  cash  price.  FRANK  H. 
LATTIN,  Albion,  N.  Y. 


Wanted. — To  exchange  birds  eggs  for  the  same, 
with  collectors  in  U.  S.  and  Canada  ;  only  first-class 
eggs  taken.  Corresponcence  solicited.  E.  GODSO, 
Plattsburg,  N.  Y. 


A  nickle  hand  bracket-saw  and  outfit,  also  Pecks 
Compedium  of  Fun,  containing  540  pages  and  qo. 
engravings,  and  nicely  bound.  I'or  Foreign  Eggs 
(single).  A.  W.  NOLTE,  Roland  St.,  Los  Angelos. 
Cal. ^_ 

Fossils. — To  exchange  for  anything  in  the  specimen 
line.  Minerals  preferred.  C.  S.  HOBBIE,  Hamp- 
ton, Iowa. 

Wanted. — A  large  Heztograph .  I  will  give  in 
exchange  first-class  birds  eggs,  single  or  in  sets.  T. 
V.  WILSON,  Lock  Box  246,  Austin,  Ills. 

Wanted.  To  exchange  eggs  with  co  lectors  in  the 
north  and  West.     F.  L.  SMITH,  Brandon,  Vt. 

EGGS  .  eggs;  !  EGGS  !  !  !— Would  like  to 
receive  exchange  lists  from  field  collectors  having 
authentic  and  nicely  prepared  sets  of  birds  eggs  for 
exchange  I  have  the  following,  and  more  than  a 
hundred  other  species  to  trade  for  those  that  would  be 
new  to  my  collection.  Western  Grebe,  Tufted  Puffin. 
Cassin's  Auklet,  Pigeon  CUiillemot,  Western  Gidl, 
Great  Black-backed  Gull.  Ring-billed  Gull,  Caspian 
Tern,  Booby,  Bran  t's  Cormorant,  Baird's  Cormorant, 
Ruddy  Duck,  ^^  hooping  Crane,  Yellew-crowned 
Night  Heron,  Purple  Gallinule,  (Jolden  Plover,  Texan 
Bob-white.  Plumed  Parti idge.  tiround  Dove,  Turkey 
Vulture,  Harris's  Hawk,  Audubon's  Caracara,  Bur- 
rowing (jwl,  Groove-billed  Ani,  Chuck-will's-wicow, 
Texan  Nighthawk,  Black-chinned  Hummingbird,. 
Costa's  Hummingbird,  Say'.s  Phoebe,  Baird's  Fly- 
catcher, Desert  Horned  Lark,  Ruddy  Horned  Lark, 
Pinon  Jay,  Bryants  Marsh  Sparrow,  Gambel's  Spar- 
row, Bell's  Sparrow,  Green-tailed  Towhee,  Cannon 
Towh'e,  Texan  Cardinal,  Blue  Grosbeak,  Kentucky 
Warbler,  Baird  s  Wren,  Tufted  Titmouse,  Plain  Tit- 
mouse, Phainopepla.  Nests  can  be  furnished  with 
some  of  these  sels.  Have  no  eggs  for  sale.  A.  M. 
INGERSOLL,  Box  712,  San  Diego,  California. 

Wanted. — To  exchange  cheap  reading  matter  for 
minerals  or  for  first-class  birds  eggs  in  sets  with  data. 
Correspondence  desired.  ALLLN  L.  TAFT,  Oxford, 
Mass.  

For  Exchange. — Robin,  Catbird,  Bluebird,  Wood- 
thrush,  Barn  Swallow,  Kingbird,  Field  Sparrow, 
Yellow  Hanas,  Stamps,  and  many  other  eggs,  for  type 
or  eggs.  Correspondence  desired  with  all  collectors. 
R.  A.  EDWARDS,  Brooks,  Maine. 

Fossil  corals  (Devonian)  fine  showy  cabinet  speci- 
mens (polished)  collections  from  $1  50  and  up.  Ad- 
dress JOHN  T.  PAINTIN,  Coralville,  Johnson  Co., 
Iowa,  (Box  56). 

I  have  a  large  list  of  rare  and  common  birds  eggs  in 
sets  to  exchange  for  others  in  sets,  with  data.  Send 
list  and  receive  mine  in  return.  EUWIN  C.  DAVIS, 
P.  O.  Box  405,  Gainesville,  Texas. 

Wanted.— To  exchange  Bird's  Eggs  or  specimens 
for  a  good  Lady's  Banjo.  PUBLISHER  OOLOGIST 
Albion,  N.  Y. 

Exchange. — 679,  680,  685,  6gi,  656.  491,  571,  27s, 
123.  for  760,  505,  436,  439,  394,  47.3.  477.  128,  474. 
GILLIN  &  MANN,  \mbler,  Montg.  Co.  Pa. 

OUR  NEW  CATALOGUE  OF 

BIRDS-  Eaas, 

Shells,  Minerals,  Curiosities,  Naturalists' 
and  Taxidermits'  Instruments  and  Sup- 
plies, etc.,  is  just  out.  It  contjins  20  pages  and 
prices  that  will  astonish  you.  Catalognie  and  Trial 
Order  Certificate,   5  one-cent  stamps. 

DICKINSON  &  DURKEE,  Sharon,  Wis. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


nETHING  NEV 


The  Square  Flange,  Oval  Glass  Wall  Shade 

INVENTED    AND   MANUFACTl'UED    JIY 

RAND  &  REED,    -     Practical  Taxidermists, 

OF  WORCESTER,  MASS. 
This  Shade  is  designed  to  till  the  lonsj-  felt  waut  of  Taxidermists,  and  others  having 
game  birds,  wreaths,  waxwork,  and  many  other  v/all  ornaments  needing  a  cover  to  pre- 
serve them  from  dust. 

This  invention  does  away  with  the  old  style  of  a  box  back  of  the  frame,  bringing  the 
object  to  the  front  where  it  can  be  seen  and  admired.  The  shade  is  made  both  in  (>val 
and  round  form  with  a  square,  flat  flange,  and  can  be  framed  in  any  ordinary  picture 
moulding  by  anj'  one,  making  an  article  convenient  and  cheap  for  all  to  use. 

Nothing  of  the  kind  has  been  manufactured  before  excepting  an  imported  French  oval 
shade,  the  merits  of  which  are  that  an  oval  frame  has  to  be  made  expressly  for  it,  which, 
with  the  import  duties,  makes  it  a  very  expensive  article.     Our  Shade  comes  within  the 
means  of  all.     At  present  we  shall  make  the  Oval  Shade  in  Shade  in  four  sizes. 
10x14  for  Quail,  Snipe,  Woodcock,  etc. 
14x20   "   Medium  sized  Ducks,  Grouse,  etc. 
20x28    "    Large  .size  and  pairs  of  Ducks,  etc. 
22x30    "    Large  spread  birds,  Gulls,  Hawks,  Owls. 
We  wish  to  call  the  special  attention  of  Taxidermists  to  this  Shade  for  covering  all  bii'd.t 
in  screen  or  panel  form,  as  it  preserves  and  beautifies  them  and  can  be  used  with  profit. 
We  can  also  furnish  Fancy  Wood  or  Plush  Panels  with  suitable  frame  and  birds  mounted 
in  the  most  artistic  manner,  all  complete  if  desired,  at  reasonable  prices. 


RAND  &  REED, 


368  1-2  Main  Street. 


Worcester,  Mass. 


Send  for  prices.     Mention  this  paper. 


THE    OOLOGIST. 


__  'T-^   TT    t:;^  

CHAUTAUQUA  MINERAL  COLLECTION 

IS    COMPOSED    OF 

•^•^  1O0  + DIFFERENT^  MINERALS -^-f- 

From  all  parts  of  the  World,   viz :     Europe,    Asia,    Africa,    Oceanica,    North 
America,  South  Am^erica,  West  Indies,  and  Greenland. 

And  will  be  sent  post-iniid,  accompanied  with  complete  descriiUive  Hand  Book,  at 
reduced  price  of 

O^TXTX^    $1.00. 

The  following  Minerals  are  found  in  this  collection,  viz  :  Actinolite.  Agate,  Alabaster, 
Albite,  Amethyst,  Anhydrite,  Anthracite,  Apatite,  Argentiferous  Galena,  Ashestus, 
Asphaltum,  Barite,  Borax,  Buhrstone,  Cairngorum,  Calannne,  Calcite,  Calc  Spar,  Cannel 
Coal,  Cassiterite,  Catlinile,  Celestite,  ("halcedony.  Chalk,  Ohalycopyrite,  Chromite, 
Coquiua,  Cryolite,  Malachite,  Cyanite,  Dawsonite,  Dendrite,  Dolomite  '"  Electric  Stone," 
Trypolyte,  Enstatite,  Fibrolitc,  Flint,  Flos  Ferri,  Fluorite,  Franklinite,  Galenite,  Garnet, 
Gold  Ore,  Gypsum,  Indurated  Clay,  Hematite,  Iceland  Spar,  Jasper.  Labradorite,  Lead 
Carbonate,  Leelite,  Lignite,  Limonite,  Lodestone,  Magnesite,  Magnetite,  Marble,  Marca- 
site,  Mex.  Onyx,  Muscovite,  Milky  Quartz,  Coke,  Natrolite,  Obsidian,  Wood  Opal, 
Peacock  Coal,  Pearl  Spar,  Pet.  Wood  and  Palm,  Phologopite,  Porphyry,  Pumice,  Pyrites, 
Quartz  Xtal,  Rose  Quartz,  Graphite,  Siitin  Spar,  Selenite,  Serpentine,  Sil.  Wood,  Emery, 
Sphalerite,  Stibnite,  Stilbite,  Talc.  Crocidolite  Rcnsselaerite,  Tourmaline,  Tufa,  Varis- 
cite,  Wavellite,  Willemite,  Williamsite,  Wollongonite,  Wood  Jasper,  Zincite. 

All  post-paid  for  only  $1.00.     xiddress,  FRANK  H,   LATTIN,  Albion,  N.  V. 


\\^^  A  WELL-TRIEO  TREATMENT 

Drs.  ^  \-      FOR      CONSUMPTION,      ASTHMA,       DYSPEPSIA,      CA- 

STARKEY        .^^  j^  TARRH,     HAY     FEVER,     HEADACHE,     DEBILITY, 

AND   PALEN  PA^r-  RHEUMATISM,      NEURALGIA,      and    all    Uironu- 

have  the  hberty   to  V"  Vrf  fc  and  Nervous  Disorders. 

refer   (in  proof  of  their         --^^^  ^  \^^ 

standing     as      Physicians)    ^\  -^  ^,^       "COM  POU  N  D   O  XYGEN  "  being  taken  into 

to    the    following-named    well-      ^-         OOOf^  the  system,  the  F.rain,  Spinal  Marrow,  and  the 

known    persons    who    have    tried  ,^  ^^  f\  Nerve-Gangli.i—"  Nervous  Centres  "—are 

Their   Treatment:        Hon.    'William        \  »  "-^^       nourished  and  made  more  active.    Thus 

D.  Kelley,  Member  of  Congress,   Phila.:        \  -.  \,         the  Fountain  Head  of  all  activity , 

Rev.   Victor  L.  Conrad,   E<htor    Lutheran      \-        rHJ^f?   "^     both  mental  and  physical,  is  r. - 
Observer,    Phila   :     Rev.    Chas.    W.    Cushing,  ••&£  \^      stored  to  a  state  of  integrity , 

Lockport,  N.  Y.  ;   Hon.  William  Penn  Nixon,  Ed-  ^  ^^-^       and  the  nervous  system, 

itor  Inter-Ocean,  Chicago,  111.  ;  Judge  H.  P.  Vrooman,         -^^  T^^        ^  '^^  organs,  and  the 

Quenemo, Kan. ,&  thousands  of  others  in '-very  part  of  the  world.      ^,^     f   ^J  \v.,^^       muscles   all    aci 

"  COMPOUND   OXYGEN  — ITS    MODE    OF    ACTION  V*^  more  kindly 

AND   RESULTS  ••   Is  the  title  of  a  book  of  two  hundred  pages,  f   O/l  and  effi- 

puhlished    by    Dr-.     Starkey    and     Paleii,    wbich    gives    to    all     inquirers  -^    ^^W,  "■        ciently 

full  information  as  to  this  remarkable  curative  .^gent  and  a  record  of  surprising 

ciires  in  a  wide  range  of  1  hronic  cases — many  of  them  after  being  abandoned  to  die  by  other  physicians.     It 
will  be  mailed  fn-c  to  any  address  on  application. 

Drs.  STARKEY  &  PALEN,  I527-I529  Arch  St.,  Phila.,  i^a. 


THE     OOLOGIST 


33  -A.  "ST  I  E '  S 

EGG  CHECK  LIST 

AND  KEY  TO 
THE   NESTS   AND  EQQS 

OF 

IVORTH  AMERICAN   BIRDS. 

SECO.VD  EDITION  :   Revised  and  Enlarged. 

Illustrated  Witli  Seven  Full  Page  Engravings, 

Ky  Theodore  Jasper,  A..  M.,  M,  X>.. 


This  work  has  becouie  indispensable  to  all  students 
of  Oology  ;  assisting  them  in  identifying  N.sts  and 
Eggs  while  in  the  field,  and  has  taken  the  place  of 
those  expensive  works,  usually  beyond  the  reach  of 
many  collectors.     The  New  Edition  contains 

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^v 


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'%^^~i^<,^2r  \ 

.'■'^'■''*  fi^^  Monthly.  ^fj^      2^°-  P®^  Year.       <^^'" 


Vol.  IV. 


ALBION,  N.  Y.,  OCT.-DEC,  1887. 


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J!^^^    When    nHSwering     Afluertisentents, 
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Directions — Place  the  dry  plant  in  water  entirely 
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THE     OOLOGIST. 


Birds  of  Eastern  North  America. 

U'l'    C.    J.    MAVNAKD. 

This  work  was  published  some  ten  years  ago.  It 
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obtained  during  the  past  year. 

At  the  time  of  our  purchasing  Mr.  Maynard's  com- 
pl  te  stock  of  eggs  we  also  purchased  the  remaining 
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plates 1  25 

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tain from  2  to  10  pl.\tes ....  i  00 

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plates 75 

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31  plates 75 

Set  92  contains  108  pages 60 

Set  93         "         100     "       60 

Set  94         "           80     "       50 

Set  95         "           64     "       50 

Sets  96,  97  contains  32  pages,   35 

Sets  98  to  103  contains  24  pages 25 

Sets  104  to  108  contains  S  pages 15 


Index    to    Birds    of    Eastern    North. 
America. 

Pages  2,  Robin.  6,  Olive-backed  Thrush.  8,  Her- 
mit Thrush.  10,  Wilson's  Thrush.  12,  Oven  Bird. 
14,  Water  Thrush.  16,  Mocking  Bird.  19,  Cat 
Bird,  21,  Brown  Thrush.  23,  Blue  Bird.  25,  Gol- 
den-crowned Kinglet.  27.  Ruby-crOwned  Wren.  28, 
Silvery  Warbler.  30,  Black-capped  Titmouse.  32, 
Crested  Titmouse.  33,  Brown-headed  Nuthatch.  35, 
White-bellied  Nuthatch.  37,  Great  Carolina  Wren. 
39,  House  Wren.  40,  Winter  Wren.  42,  Long-billed 
Marsh  Wren.  43,  Short-billed  Marsh  Wren  44, 
Titlark.  45,  Worm-eating  Warbler  47,  Swainson's 
Warbler.  49,  Black-polled  Warbler.  51,  Yellow- 
rumped  Warbler.  52,  Yellow  Red-polled  Warbler. 
54,  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler.  55,  Cape  May 
Warbler.  56,  Black  and  Yellow  Warbler.  58,  Yellow 
Warbler.  59,  Prarie  Warbler.  6c,  Yellow-throated 
Warbler.  62,  Orange-crowned  Warbler.  63,  Nash- 
ville Warbl--r.  65,  Blue  Yellow-backed  \^'arblcr.  66, 
Maryland  Yellow-throat  Warbler.  67,  Black  and 
White  Creeper.  69,  Redstart.  71,  Purple  Martin. 
72,  While-bellied  Swallow.  73,  Barn  Swallow,  75, 
Bank  Swallow.  76,  Rough-winged  Swallow.  77, 
Cedar  Bird.  78,  Red-eyed  Vireo.  So,  White-eyed 
Vireo.  81,  Blue- headed  Viero.  62,  Loggerhead  Shrike. 
84,  Yellow-rumped  Creeper.  85,  Summer  Red  Bird 
86,  Nonpareil.  87,  Black-headed  Kinch.  8q,  Ameri- 
can Goldfinch.  91,  Pine  Goldfinch.  93,  Black  Snow, 
bird.  95,  Chipping  Sparrow.  97.  Field  Sparruw. 
98,  White-throated  Sparrow. 

Pag  s  100,  Savannah  Sparrow,  lot.  Pallid  Sparrow. 
103,  Bay-winged  Sparrow.  104,  Lark  Sparrow.  ic6. 
Fix-colored  Sparrow.  108,  Cardinal  Grosbeak,  no. 
Purple  Finch.  112,  Red-eyed  Towhee.  113,  White- 
eyed  Towhee.  115,  Song  Sparrow.  117,  Swamp 
Sparrow.  119,  Black  and  White  .Shore  Finch.  121, 
Gray  Shore  Finch.  122,  Sharp- tailed  binch.  125, 
Pine  Wood  Finch.  127,  Yellow-winged  Sparrow. 
I2Q,  Bobol  nk.  131,  Cow  Blackbird.  134,  Red- 
winged  Blackbird.  137,  Yellow-headed  Blackbird. 
139,  Meadow  Lark.  142,  B;iltimore  Oriole.  1.4, 
Orchard  Orio  e.  146,  Rusty  Orackle.  148,  Purple 
Grackle.  151,  Boat-tailed  Grackle.  153,  American 
Raven.  155,  American  Crow.  159,  Fish  Crow.  162, 
Blue  Jay.  164,  Florida  Jay.  167,  Canada  Jay.  I70, 
Great  Crested    Flycatcher.       172,    King   Bird.      174, 


THE     OOLOGIST 


Gray  King  Bird.  176,  Olive-sided  Flycatcher.  178, 
Wood  Pewee.  i8i,  Phoebe.  183,  Least  Flycatcher. 
186,  Traill's  Flycatcher.  188,  Acadian  Flycatcher 
iqi,  Velio  *-belUed  Flycatcher.  ig4,  Belted  King- 
fisher.    iqS,  Night  Hawk. 

Pjges  202,  Whippoorwill.  205,  Chuck-will's  Widow. 
208,  Chimney  Swift.  212,  Ruby-throated  Humming 
Bird.  216,  Black-billed  Cuckoo.  2i8,  Yellow-billed 
Cuckoo.  220,  Mangrove  Cuckoo.  223,  Yellow-bellied 
Woodpecker.  226,  Red-bellied  Woodpecker.  229, 
Red  headed  Woodpecker.  231,  Golden-winged  Wood- 
pecker. 234,  Pileated  Woodpecker.  237,  Ivory-billed 
Woodpecker.  230,  Haiiy  Woodpecker.  242,  Downey 
Woc'dpecker.  244,  Cockaded  Woodpecker.  245, 
Black-backed  Three-toed  Woodpecker.  248,  Carolina 
Parokeet.  254,  Barn  Owl.  256.  Birred  Owl.  258, 
Great  Gray  Owl.  260,  Great  Horned  Owl.  262, 
Short-eared  Owl.  265,  Long-eared  Owl.  267,  Snowy 
Owl.  270,  Mottled  Owl.  274,  Acadian  Owl.  276, 
Richardson's  Owl.  277,  Hawk  Owl.  279,  Burrowing 
Owl.  282,  Marsh  Hawk,  284,  Kverglade  Kite.  2go. 
Swallow-tailed  Kite.  292  Mississippi  Kite.  293, 
Blaik-shouldered  Kite.  295,  Sparrow  Hawk.  297, 
Pigeon  Hawk.     299,  Perigrine  Falcon 

l\iges  301,  Jer  Falcon.  303,  Sharp-shinned  Hawk. 
304,  Cooper's  Hawk.  306,  Goshawk.  30S,  Red- 
tailed  Hawk.  310,  Harlan's  Hawk.  311,  Red- 
shouldered  Hnwk.  313,  Swainson's  Hawk.  315, 
Broad-winged  Hawk'  317,  Rough-legged  Hawk. 
319,  Golden  Eagle.  321,  VVhite-headed  Eagle.  324, 
Ospre\.  326,  Caracara  Eagle.  328,  Tu  key  Buz- 
zard. 331,  Black-headed  Buzzard.  333,  White-headed 
liove  335,  Wild  Pigeon.  338,  Carolina  Dove.  339, 
Zeiiaida  Dove.  340',  Ground  Dove.  341,  Key  West 
Dove.  343,  Blue-headed  Dove.  345,  Wild  Turkey. 
347.  Spruce  Grouse.  348,  White  Ptarmigan.  345, 
Kock  Ptarmigan.  350,  Prairie  Grouse.  351,  Ruffed 
Grouse.  355,  Quail.  357,  Black -bellied  Plover.  358. 
Golden  Plover.  359,  Mountain  Plover.  360,  Killdeer 
Plover.  361,  Wilson's  Plover.  363,  Ringneck  Plover, 
363,  Piping  PloveJ.  365,  Oyster  Catcher.  366,  Turn- 
stone 368,  American  Avocet  ;  Black-necked  Stilt, 
370,  Wilsons's  Phalarope.  371,  Northern  Phalarope. 
372.  Red  Phalarope.  373,  American  Woodcock.  375, 
Wilson's  .Snipe.  376,  Red-breasted  Snipe.  378,  Stilt 
Sa'idpiper.  379,  Semipalmated  Sandpiper.  380,  l^east 
Sandpiper  ;  Baird's  Sandpiper.  381,  Pectoral  Sand- 
piper. 382,  Bonaparte's  Sandpiper.  383,  Purple 
Stndpiper.  384,  Red-backed  Sandpiper.  3?=;,  Curlew 
Sandpiper ;  Red-breasted  Sandpiper.  3S6,  Sander- 
ling.  387,  Ruff.  388,  Bartram's  Sandpiper.  390, 
Buff-breasted  Sandpiper.  391,  Spotted  Sandpiper. 
392,  Solitary  Tattler.  393,  Lesser  Yellowlegs.  394, 
Greater  Yellowlegs  ;  Willet,  396,  Hudsonian  Godwit; 
Marbled  Godwit.  39S,  Long-billed  Curlew.  399, 
Hudsonian  Curlew. 

Pages  4go,  Esquimaux  Curlew.  401,  White  Ibis 
402,  Glossy  Ibis.  403,  Roseate  Spoonbill.  404,  Wood 
Ibis  405,  Great  Blue  Heron.  407,  Florida  Heron. 
408,  Great  White  Heron.  409,  White  Heron.  410, 
S  owy  Heron.  411,  Peale  s  Egret.  412,  Reddish 
Egret.  413,  Louisiana  Heron.  414,  Little  Blue 
Heron.  415,  Little  Green  Heron.  416,  Night  Heron. 
418,  Yellow-crowned  Night  Heron.  419,  American 
Bittern.  420,  Least  Bittern.  422,  Sandhill  Crane. 
424,  White  Whooping  Crane.  425,  Courlan.  427, 
Clapper  Rail.  428,  King  Rail  ;  Virginia  Rail.  430, 
Carolina  Rail.  431,  Yellow  Rail.  432,  Little  Black 
Rail;  Florida  Gallinule.  433,  Purple  Gallinule.  434, 
Coot  435,  Scarlet  Ibis.  436,  Whistling  Swan.  437, 
Trumpeter  Swan  ;  Snow  Goose.  438,  White- fronted 
Goo^e  ;  Canada  Goose.  440,  Brant  Goose  ;  Mallard 
Duck.  44t,  Black  Duck.  443,  Pin-tail  Duck.  444, 
Gadwall  Duck  ;  American  Widgeon.  445,  Englisn 
Widgeon.  446,  Blue-winged  Teal.  447,  Green- 
winged  Teal,  448,  Shoveller  Duck  ;  Wood  Duck. 
449,  Greater  Black-head.  450,  Little  Black-head  ; 
Ring-necked  Duck.  451,  Red-head  Duck  ;  Canvas - 
back  Duck.  452,  Golden  eye  Duck.  453,  Barrow's 
Golden  eye  ;  Buffle-head.  454,  Harlequin  Duck. 
455.  Long-tail ;  Labrador  Duck.  456,  Kider  Duck. 
457,  King  Eider  ;  Scoter  Duck.  438,  Surf  Duck. 
459,  Velvet  Duck  ;  Ruddy  Duck.  460,  Mergansei. 
461,  Red-breasted  Merganser.     462,  Hooded  Mergan- 


ser. 463,  Gannet.  465,  Booby  Gannet.  466,  White 
Pelican.  467,  Brown  Pelican.  469,  Black  Cormorant 
470,  Common  Cormor.iut  ;  Snake  Bird.  472.  M.an-of- 
War  Bird.  473,  Yellow-billed  Tropic  Bird.  474, 
Marsh  Tern.  475,  Caspian  Tern  ;  Royal  Tern.  476, 
Sandwich  Tern  ;  Common  Tern.  477,  Forster's  Tern. 
478,  Arctic  Tern  ;  Rosca(e  Tern.  479,  Least  T  em. 
480,  Sooty  Tern.  481,  Short-tailed  Tern  ;  Noddy 
Tern.  482,  Black  Skimmer  ;  Glaucous  Gull.  483, 
White-winged  Gull  ;  Great  lllack-backed  Gull.  484, 
HerringGull.  485,  Ring-bilkd  (lull  ;  Laughing  Gull. 
486,  Bonaparte's  Gull  ;  Kittiwake  Gull.  487,  Fork- 
tailed  Gull  ;  Ivory  Gull.  488,  Pomarine  Skua  ;  Rich- 
ardson's Skua  ;  tiuffon's  Skua.  489,  Fulmar  Petrel  ; 
Black-capped  Fulmar.  490,  Leach's  Petrel.  491, 
Wilson's  Petrel;  Stormy  Peirel.  492,  Greater  Shear- 
water ;  Dusky  Shearwater.  493,  Great  Loon.  494, 
Red-throated  Loon;  Black-throated  Loon.  496, 
Horned  Grebe  ;  Pied-billed  Grebe  ;  497,  Razor-billed 
Auk.  498,  Common  Puffin.  499,  Little  Auk.  500, 
Black  Guillemot  ;  Murre.  247,  Banded  Three-toed 
Woodpecker.     495,  Reel-necke.1  Grebe. 

Appendix. 

Pages  503,  Wood  Thrush  ;  Large-billed  Water 
Thrush.  504,  Carolina  Titmouse  ;  Hudsonian 
Titmouse  ;  Red-bellied  Nuthatch.  505,  Brown 
Creeper  ;  Bewick's  Wren  ;  Horned  Lark.  506, 
Prothonotary  Warbler;  Black -throated  Green 
Warbler  ;  Blue  Warbler  ;  Blackburnian  Warbler ; 
Bay-breasted  Warbler.  508,  Chestnut-sided  Warbler; 
Kirtland's  Warbler ;  Blue-winged  Yellow  Warbler. 
509,  Golden-winged  Warbler;  Lawrence's  Warbler; 
White-throated  Warbler.  510,  Bachman's  Warbler. 
Tennnesee  Warbler  ;  Mourning  Warbler  ;  Connecti- 
cut Warbler.  511,  Kentucky  Warbler;  Yellow- 
breasted  Chat  ;  Canada  Flycatching  Warbler.  512, 
Hooded  Warbler  ;  Wilson's  Black-cap  ;  Cliff  Swallow. 
513,  Bohemian  Wa.\-wing;  Phrladelphia  Vireo;  Warb- 
ling Vireo.  514,  Yellow-throated  Vireo  ;  Great 
Northern  Shrike  ;  Scarlet  Tanager.  515,  Indigo  Bird; 
Red  Poll  ;  Pine  Grosbeak.  516,  Snow  Buntinij  ;  Lap- 
land Longspur  ;  Tree  Sparrow  ;  White-crowned 
Sparrow.  517,  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak  ;  Blue  Gros 
beak  ;  Lincoln's  Sparrow.  518,  Red  Crossbill  ; 
White-winged  Crossbill  ;  Henslow's  Bunting  ;  Black- 
throated  Bunting.  519  and  520,  Accidental  or 
irregular  visitors  and  stragglers,  521,  E.xtinct 
species  ;  Doubtful   species,  523-32,  Index. 


/ 


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THE  OOLOGIST. 


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IS    COMPOSED    OF 

4.^  lOO^  DIFFERENT -J-  MINERALS^•^ 

From  all  parts  of  the  World,   viz :     Europe,    Asia,    Africa,    Oceanica,   North. 
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The  following  Minerals  are  found  in  this  collection,  viz  :  Actinolite.  Agate,  Alabaster, 
Albite,  Amethyst,  Anhydrite,  Anthracite,  Apatite,  Argentiferous  Galena,  Asbestus, 
Asphaltum,  Barite,  Borax,  Buhrstone,  Cairngorum,  Calamine,  Calcite,  Calc  Spar,  Cannel 
Coal,  Cassiterite,  Catlinite,  Celestite,  Chalcedony,  Chalk,  Clialycopyrite,  Chromite, 
Coquina,  Cryolite,  Malachite,  Cyanite,  Dawsonite,  Dendrite,  Dolomite  "Electric  Stone," 
Trypolyte,  Enstatite,  Fibrolite,  Flint,  Flos  Ferri,  Fluorite,  Frauklinite,  Galenite,  Garnet, 
Gold  Ore,  Gypsum,  Indurated  Clay,  Hematite,  Iceland  Spar,  Jasper.  Labradorite,  Lead 
Carbonate,  Leelite,  Lignite,  Limonite,  Lodestone,  ]\lagnesite,  Magnetite,  Marl)le,  Marca- 
site,  Mex.  Onyx,  Muscovite,  Milky  Quartz,  Coke,  Natrolite,  Obsidian,  Wood  Opal, 
Peacock  Coal,  Pearl  Spar,  Pet.  Wood  and  Palm,  Phologopite,  Porphyry,  Pumice,  Pyrites, 
Quartz  Xtal,  Rose  Quartz,  Graphite,  Satin  Spar,  Selenite,  Serpentine,  Sil.  Wood,  Emery, 
Sphalerite,  Stibnite,  Stilbite,  Talc.  Crocidolite  Rensselaerite,  Tourmaline,  Tufa,  Varis- 
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THE  OOLOGIST. 


Vol.  4,  No.  5-6.     ALBION,  N.  Y.,  OC T.-DEC,  1 887. 


J       Monthly. 
I  2SC.  Per  Year. 


Gannet. 

Sula  hassana  Biiiss. 

*  *  *  Twelve  miles  to  the  northwanl 
of  the  Magdalen  group,  is  a  little  islet 
known  as  Bird  Rock,  while  about  half  a 
mile  to  the  southwest,  is  a  rather  smaller 
rock,  called  the  Little  Bird,  aud  a  chain  of 
submerged  reefs  extend  between  the  two. 
As  there  is  a  strong  current  sweeping  across 
this  hidden  ledge  at  certain  times,  the  place 
is  considered  very  dangerous  by  the  rather 
timid  fisherman  who  sail  from  the  neigh- 
boring ports.  One  day  in  .June,  1873,  I 
stood  on  the  northern  end  of  Bryon  Island 
and  gazed  with  longing  eyes  at  a  little 
white  spot,  twelve  miles  away,  which  I 
knew  was  a  celebrated  Bird  Rock,  but 
owing  to  the  disreputable  name  wdiicli 
these  rocks  have  justl}^  acquired  among 
fishermen,  it  was  not  until  several  days 
later,  that  in  company  with  two  friends,  I 
found  myself  on  board  a  little  schooner, 
bound  for  the  spot  whereon  I  had  fixed  my 
desires.  We  started  earlj^  in  the  morning 
but  it  was  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
before  we  reached  the  place,  for  the  wind 
was  light.  In  spite  of  this,  however,  there 
was  quite  a  surf  dashing  up  the  clifts, 
which  so  alarmed  our  timid  captain  that 
he  would  not  allow  the  schooner  to  go  very 
near,  but  anchored  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
away . 

The  fog  through  wliicli  we  had  hitherto 
been  sailing,  scaled  off  at  this  moment, 
disclosing  to  our  gaze  one  of  the  grandest 
sights  that  we  ever  beheld,  for  directly  in 
front  of  us,  rose  a  huge,  rocky  bastion,  the 
precipitous  sides  of  which  were  occupied 
by  myriads  of  Auks,  Guillemots,  and 
Puffins,  thousands  of  snowy  plumagetl 
Gannels  floated  in  air  over  the  high  clifts, 


*  *  *  From  this  aiticic,  as  well  as  the  one  on  the 
White  Pelican^  we  have  omitied  "  O' servatims," 
"  Dimensions,"  and  "  Descriptions  of  Birds,  Ne»ts 
and  Eggs,"  as  given  m  the  original. 


while  the  water  below  was  thickly  dotted 
with  various  species.  After  this  display, 
we  were  exceedingly  anxious  to  land,  but 
our  skipper  took  his  time,  yet  at  last,  we 
stood  on  a  sandy  beach,  at  the  foot  of  a  per- 
fectly perpendicular  cliffs  which  rose  a 
hundred  and  fifty  feet  over  our  heads  ; 
thus  we  would  have  had  the  utmost  dif- 
ficulty in  reaching  the  top,  had  it  not  been 
for  the  kindness  of  the  keepers  of  the  light 
that  had  been  placed  on  the  top  of  the 
island  some  three  years  previous.  They 
having  noticed  our  arrival,  had  lowered  a 
bucket  which  was  suspended  by  a  crane, 
and  we  stepping  into  it,  slowly  ascended, 
swinging  back  and  forth  as  we  went  up- 
ward, until  we  reached  a  narrow  shelf,, 
some  thirty  feet  from  the  top,  on  which  we 
stepped,  climbed  a  ladder,  and  found  our- 
selves on  the  top  of  Bird  Rock,  which 
although  only  about  an  acre  in  area,  fur- 
nished ground  enough  to  fully  occupy  my 
attention  for  some  time,  as  shortly  after 
our  arrival  the  sea  rose,  and  our  not  very 
courageous  captain,  fearing  for  the  safety 
of  his  ship,  weighed  anchor,  sailed  away, 
and  left  us  on  this  lonely  islet,  where  we 
were  obliged  to  remain  ten  days. 

Among  the  most  noticeable  birds  on  the 
rock,  were  the  Gannets,  and  they  occupied 
a  considerable  space  on  the  northwest  side 
of  the  upper  portion.  '  Here  the  soil  was 
completely  denuded  of  vegetation  and  the 
bulky  nests  which  were  composed  of  sea- 
weed, were  placed  in  long  rows,  al)out  a 
foot  apart,  reminding  one  strongly  of  hills 
of  corn.  This  regularity  was  due  to  the 
fact,  that  the  Gannets  are  quarrelsome 
birds  and  wiM  not  permit  another  to  ap- 
proach within  striking  distance  when  they 
are  sitting.  Early  in  the  morning,  when 
all  the  birds  were  on  the  nests,  they  pre- 
sented a  singular  appearance,  for  there  was 
fully  a  quarter  of  an  acre  of  Gannets. 
They  wei-e  remarkably  unsuspicious,  allow- 


lOO 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


ing-  one  to  approacli  within  a  few  feet  of 
thein,  but  wlien  fairly  startled,  thej^  would 
all  scramble  helter-skelter,  to  the  edge  of 
the  cliff,  when  the_y  would  launch  out  into 
the  air,  with  loud  cries.  The  hideous  din 
made  by  this  living  cataract  as  it  poured 
down  from  above,  startled  those  which 
nested  on  the  shelves  of  the  cliffs  beneath, 
causing  them  to  take  wing,  thus  increasing 
their  numbers  to  such  an  extent,  that  wlieu 
we  reached  the  edge  of  tlie  precipice,  there 
were,  at  least,  ten  thousand  Gannets  before 
us,  flying  high  over  the  surging  waves.  A 
sight  like  this  is  rarely  seen  and  strongly 
reminded  one  of  a  snow  storm,  when  the 
countless  flakes  whirl  in  wild  confusion. 
At  tirst,  the  birds  hovered  directly  about 
the  island  but  quickl}^  assumed  a  systematic 
method  of  flight,  which  I  afterward  ob- 
served was  constantly  practiced  by  them. 
They  would  approach  the  rock,  coming  so 
near  that  we  could  almost  feel  the  wind 
caused  by  their  huge  wings,  and  curving 
outward,  would  describe  an  immense  circle 
of  half  a  mile  or  more  in  diameter  ;  as  each 
followed  its  neighbor  in  this  singular 
course,  the  whole  soon  formed  a  huge 
wheel  which  whirled  swiftly  around  for 
some  time,  when  the  birds  would  disperse. 
We  found  that  the  Gannets  of  Bird  Rock 
deposited  one,  or  rarely  two,  eggs,  pure 
white  at  first,  but  these  soon  became 
soiled,  as  the  birds  are  far  from  being  neat. 
Wh'!n  disturbed,  every  bird  would  disgorge 
some  fish  before  flying  away,  and  thus  the 
ground  was  strewed  with  the  half  digested 
contents  of  their  stomachs,  which,  when 
the  hot  sun  shown  on  it,  soon  gave  out  an 
intolerable  stench.  The  Gannets  were 
always  repairing  their  nests  and  frequently 
one  would  come  flying  in  with  a  mass  of 
dripping  sea  weed  which  it  had  taken 
from  the  water,  and  pitching  heavily  upon 
the  shelf,  would  arrange  it  on  its  nest. 
But  no  sooner  had  tlie  bird  placed  it  in  a 
satisfactory  manner,  when  perhaps  it  would 
be  seized  by  some  neighbor  that  had  been 
watching  the  operation  and  now  en- 
deavored to  appropriate  the  material  for  its 
own  use.  The  theft  although  boldly  i)erpe- 
trated,  was  not  always  successfully  acrom- 


plished,  for  the  victim  of  this  outrage 
would  stoutly  contest  the  prize  by  striking 
out  fiercely  with  its  powerful  bill,  often 
causing  the  plunderer  to  relinguish  its 
booty.  A  violent  struggle  would  then 
ensue,  during  which  many  blows  would  be 
rapidly  exchanged,  while  each  vociferously 
proclaimed  its  rights.  The  noise  of  the 
strife  frequently  attracted  the  attention  of 
the  birds  which  were  in  the  immediate 
vicinity,  and  sometimes  a  third,  or  even  a 
fourth,  evidently  mates  of  the  contesting 
parties,  would  join  in  the  fray,  until  two, 
locking  bills,  would  pull  and  tug  for  a 
time,  then,  losing  their  footing,  roll  over 
and  over,  for  the  shelf  was  an  inclined 
plane,  until  reaching  the  edge  of  the  cliff, 
they  would  go  down  .still  clinging  to  each 
other.  When  falling,  they  seldom  endeav- 
ored to  spread  their  wings,  but  striking 
violently  upon  some  projecting  rock,  would 
bound  off  and  drop  half  stunned  into  the 
water  far  beneath.  The  Murres  were  breed- 
ing in  close  proximity  to  this  place  and  if 
one  chanced  to  approach  too  near  the  irri- 
table Gannets,  it  was  seized  by  the  neck 
and  unceremoniously  dropped  over  the 
precipice. 

I  found  that  the  Gannets  which  occupied 
the  rocky  shelves,  were  quite  bold  and 
when  I  endeavored  to  make  my  way  along 
the  slippery  ledges,  supported  by  a  rope, 
they  would  attempt  to  dispute  my  passage, 
striking  out  fiercely  at  me  with  their  strong 
bills.  The  young  Gannets,  of  which  there 
were  several  on  the  shelves,  are  naked 
when  hatched  and  very  helpless,  being 
fed  by  regurgitation.  Fishes  are  taken  into 
the  stomach  of  the  parent  and  reduced  into 
a  perfectly  transparent  fluid  which  is 
somewhat  gelatinous,  and  which  is  ejected 
in  small  quantities  into  the  mouths  of  Ihe 
offsprings  ;  then  when  a  little  older  they 
eat  half  digested  fish.  Mackerel  appeared 
to  form  the  principal  diet  of  the  Gannets 
while  I  remained  in  the  Gulf  of  St.  Law- 
rence, and  the  birds  capture  these  agile  fish 
by  flying  over  the  water  to  the  height  of 
fifty  feet  or  more,  then  diving  when  they 
perceive  one  in  the  proper  position  to 
secure,     often    becoming    submerged    for 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


lOI 


some  minutes  after  xho  phmge.  Their 
pre}'  whifili  is  swiillowed  whole  and  often 
living,  is  frequently  very  large,  and  I  have 
seen  mackerel  at  least  eighteen  inches  long, 
lying  ui)on  the  rocks  where  they  had  been 
disgorged.  Although  the  Gannets  are 
heavy  birds,  they  ride  lightly  upon  the 
water,  as  tlKy  are  provided  with  large  air 
cells  that  are  situated  along  their  sides,  l^e- 
tween  the  skin  and  body,  and  can  be 
inflated  at  will.  Bird  Rock  is  the  southern- 
most breeding  ground  of  this  species  on  our 
coast  and  probably  the  largest,  for  I  esti- 
mated that  there  were,  at  least,  twenty 
thousand  Gannets  nesting  on  the  great  and 
lesser  rocks.  They  winter  along  the  coast 
from  New  Jersey  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. — 
From  "  Maynard's  Birds  of  Eastern  North 
America." 

White  Pelican. 


Pelecanus  erythrorliyncltus  o.  m. 
I  found  the  magnificent  birds,  which 
form  the  subject  of  the  present  sketch, 
quite  common  on  Indian  river  in  winter, 
but  they  only  occupy  the  limited  section  of 
country  which  lies  between  the  Haulover 
Canal  and  Merritt's  Island.  The  White 
Pelicans  were,  however,  remarkably  abun- 
dant on  the  Gulf  coast  about  Cedar  Kej's, 
but  did  not  occur  in  any  numbers  much 
south  of  this  point.  When  feeding,  these 
fine  Pelicans  swim  along  the  water  and  cap- 
ture their  prey  by  thrusting  their  long  bill, 
and  occasionally  the  entire  head,  beneath 
the  surfa(!e  of  the  water,  then  tTie  bill  is 
raised,  the  pouch  contracted,  forcing  the 
water  from  among  the  fishes  wliich  are 
swallowed  at  once.  During  calm  weather, 
they  feed  in  the  open  water  of  the  Gulf  but 
when  high  winds  occur,  they  visit  the  more 
quiet  lagoons  and  bayous  among  the  tlats. 
After  satisfying  their  hunger,  they  will  sit 
for  a  time  on  the  outer  sand  bars  or  reefs, 
often  gathering  b,y  thousands,  but  will 
shortly  rise  in  small  companies,  flying  in 
wedge  shaped  flocks,  or  in  ranks  like  geese 
or  swans,  but  move  witli  alternate  flapping 
and  sailing  and  thus  rise  to  a  great  height, 
when   tluy  will  circle  about   an   hour   or 


more  on  motionless  wings,  not.  however,  in 
regular  order  but  crossing  and  recrossing 
one  another  in  eccentric  gyrations.  Later  in 
the  day  they  return  to  roost,  passing  the 
night  on  the  reefs.  They  are  very  shy  at 
all  times,  equally  so  at  night,  for  they  can 
see  during  the  hours  of  darkness  nearly  or 
quite  as  well  as  Owls,  and  when  approached 
will  rise  and  fly  to  the  nearest  reef.  The 
only  way  in  which  I  was  successful  in 
obtaining  a  shot  at  them,  was  by  sailing, 
when,  as  they  always  rise  into  the  wind,  I 
would  sometimes  manage  to  secure  one. 
These  birds,  in  spite  of  their  large  si7,e, 
are  exceedingly  gentle  in  disposition  and 
easily  tamed,  and  one  that  I  brought  north, 
he  having  been  slightly  wounded  in  the 
wing,  remained  with  me  for  three  years, 
when  he  died.  This  bird  never  attempted 
to  injure  anj^  thing,  even  permitting  young- 
chickens  to  run  about  him,  and  as  they 
walked  over  his  huge  feet,  he  merely 
glanced  down  at  them  to  see  what  they 
were  doing.  .Johnny,  as  he  was  called, 
was  very  intelligent  and  always  knew  those 
who  were  kind  to  him,  recognizing  them 
with  a  grunt,  his  only  note,  while  he  would 
frequently  take  their  hands  in  his  long  l)ill 
and  gently  squeeze  them.  He  allowed 
every  one  who  came  to  see  him,  to  caress 
him,  and  was  alwaj's  ready  to  receive 
company.  .Johnny  ate  not  only  fish  but 
meat,  and  the  quantity  which  he  devoured 
was  surprising,  for  he  often  consumed  six 
or  eight  pounds  at  a  meal.  Not  that  he 
was  a  glutton,  for  when  he  was  satisfied, 
no  temptation  would  induce  him  to  take 
another  morsel.  liis  favorite  method  of 
eating  was  to  have  his  food  thrown  to  him, 
when  he  would  catch  it  in  his  beak,  slip  it 
into  his  pouch,  then  he  would  wait  until  I 
grasped  him  by  the  bill,  when  I  w^ould 
raise  it  and  slip  ke  his  head  until  the  food 
passed  downward  into  his  stomach.  No 
confinement  whatever  was  necessary  for 
Johnny  as  he  never  showed  the  slightest 
propensity  to  wander,  excepting  in  autumn, 
when,  having  some  idea  of  migrating,  he 
would  waddle  away  from  the  house  a  few 
hundred  yards,,  then,  evidently  surprised 
to  find  himself  on  strange  ground,  would 


102 


THE  OOLOGIST 


raise  his  liead,  gaze  about  him  distractedly, 
when  perceiving  his  home,  would  spread 
his  long  wings  and  come  back,  half  run- 
ning and  half  flying  This  performance 
would  be  repeated  several  times  in  a  season, 
but  always  terminated  as  related.  My  bird 
had  many  quaint,  interesting  habits  and 
during  his  short  life  among  us  made  many 
friends  who  will  long  remember  Johnny 
Pelican.  The  late  Captain  Dummitt  in- 
formed me,  that  upon  one  occasion,  the 
White  Pelicans  bred  in  considerable  num- 
bers on  a  small  island,  in  the  lagoon  just 
south  of  Mosquito  Inlet,  but  this  is  unusual 
and  they  have  never  repeated  it,  the  species 
general!}^  migrating  northward  in  April  to 
nest  on  the  inland  waters  of  the  northwest. 
— From  "  Maynard's  Birds  of  Eastern 
North  America." 


Black-Capped  Chickadee. 


On  the  21st  of  April,  1887,  while  out 
collecting  birds'  eggs,  my  attention  was 
attracted  to  a  small  round  hole  about  four 
feet  from  the  ground,  in  an  old  fence  post 
It  seemed  to  have  been  made  recently,  and 
thinking  it  might  belong  to  some  species  of 
Woodpecker  or  other  I  approached  it  and 
rapped  with  a  stone  on  the  post.  What 
was  my  surprise  at  seeing  a  little  Black- 
Capped  Chickadee  fly  out  and  light  on  a 
tree  near  by.  Thinking  that  it  might  con- 
tain eggs,  and,  being  anxious  to  secure 
them,  I  broke  the  hole  open  and  to  my  dis- 
appointment found  that  the  birds  had  just 
began  to  build.  There  were  a  few  pieces 
of  dryed  grass  at  the  bottom  of  the  hole, 
and  that  was  all.  I  w^aS  rather  vexed,  hav- 
ing already  destroyed  the  nest  and  besides 
not  having  secured  any  eggs  out  of  it.  A 
thought  struck  me.  I  instantly  picked  up 
all  the  pieces  that  had  been  torn  from  the 
post,  procured  a  tack  hammer  and  some 
very  line  tacks  and  proceeded  to  tack  on 
all  the  pieces  as  they  had  been  originally. 
I  soon  finished  this  task  and  went  away. 
On  the  29th  of  the  same  month  I  visited 
the  nest  and  was  pleased  to  see  that  the 
Chickadees  had  taken  to  their  old  home 
again.  I  approached  and  tore  it  open  once 
more;   and   fuond    two  delicate   little  eggs 


half  buried  in  hair  and  dried  grass.  I 
took  tliese  fearing  some  person  would  find 
the  nest,  as  the  post  was  very  suspic'ous. 
The  eggs  were  white  with  rosj'  bluish  specks 
all  over,  mostl}^  at  the  larger  end,  with 
reddish  brown  dots.  They  measure  .58.K.47. 
The  Black-Capped  Chickadee  is  very 
abundant  at  this  locality  in  winter.  Most' 
all  go  away  when  the  warm  weather  comes. 
I  am  unable  to  tell  where  they  go,  but  I 
think  they  seek  some  colder  climate.  They 
are  a  very  hardy  little  bird  and  are  also 
very  useful  in  eating  larva?  and  insects. 
The  number  of  eggs  laid  is  five  to  eight, 
sometimes  as  many  as  leu  are  found  in  a 
nest.  They  construct  their  nest  in  hollow 
fence  posts,  decayed  stumps  of  trees,  and 
hollow  logs.  The  nest  is  generally  warm 
and  soft,  being  composed  of  hair,  fur, 
moss,  dry  grass  and  feathers. 

H.    H.    WiCKHAM, 

Beaver,  Pa. 
liotes  from  Massachusetts. 


On  the  8th  of  June  last,  while  in  tlie 
woods  not  far  from  here,  I  came  suddenly 
upon  a  female  Ruffed  Grouse  with  eight 
or  ten  young.  My  approach  startled  her 
from  domestic  cares,  and  imitating  a 
wounded  bird  she  tluttered  painfully  away 
in  one  direction,  while  her  pretty  brown 
chicks  scattered  in  another ;  in  half  a 
minutd  there  not  being  one  to  be  found. 
The  parent  bird,  though  keeping  out  of 
sight,  uttered  at  intervals  a  cry  closely  re- 
sembling the  wail  of  a  child. 

On  JunS  15th,  during  one  of  my  collect- 
ing excursions,  I  discovered  a  nest  of 
Chestnut-sided  Warbler,  five  and  one-half 
feet  from  the  ground  in  the  upright  fork  of 
a  slender  maple  sapling.  The  nest  wa.s 
composed  of  grass,  leaves,  straws,  etc., 
and  contained  three  young,  apparently  not 
long  out  of  the  shell,  together  with  one 
fresh  egg  of  indigo  bunting.  I  should  like 
to  ascertain  if  any  other  of  the  Oologist's 
readers  have  ever  found  eggs  of  the  latter 
in  the  nests  of  other  birds.  It  seems,  at 
least  to  me,  a  strange  occurance. 

H.  C.  Oberholser, 
Shelburne  Falls,  Mass. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


103 


The  Yellow-breasted    Flycatchei-. 


This  merry  little  bird  is  numerous  iti  the 
southei'n  San  Joaquin  valley.  Their  noisy 
chatter  will  always  indicate  their  nesting 
place.  The  Yellow -breasted  Flycatcher  is 
a  brave  little  bird,  defending  its  nest  and 
driving  away  all  strange  birds  They  build 
their  nests  in  anj'^  suitable  place,  and  are 
always  satislied  with  their  homes. 

I  remember  one  that  built  on  an  old  wind- 
mill. When  the  breeze  would  start  the 
wheel  it  would  fill  the  air  with  discordant 
sounds  and  rattle  away  within  three  feet  of 
the  nest.  I  may  add  that  the  old  birds 
succeeded  in  raising  their  young.  Another 
pair  built  their  nest  in  an  old  slaughter 
house  where  every  day  several  men  were 
working.  The  nests  are  built  of  anything 
and  everything,  strings,  twigs,  weeds, 
rootlets,  lined  with  cotton  or  wool  and 
feathers. 

The  eggs  are  beauties — a  rich  creamy 
white  spotted  with  reddish  brown  spots. 
These  spots  sometimes  form  a  complete 
circle  around  the  larger  end.  The  eggs  are 
seldom  over  five  in  number. 

H.  C.  L.,  Los  Angeles,  Cal. 


The  Mocking-Bird. 


No  other  bird  can  equal  the  mocking- 
bird in  his  wonderful  power  of  imitation. 
He  is  the  king  of  songsters.  I  have  sat  for 
hours  listening  to  the  melodies  from  the 
throats  of  these  singers.  The  Nightingale, 
whose  song  is  known  over  the  world,  finds 
in  the  Mocking-bird  its  superior. 

The  Nightingale  may  be  called  the  ((ueen 
of  the  night,  on  account  of  its  midnight 
song  ;  but  the  Mocking-bird  is  the  king  of 
day.  It  can  pour  forth  the  sweet  sounds 
of  tiie  Nightingale  in  broad  daylight,  inter- 
mi.xtnl  with  the  songs  of  other  birds.  The 
beautiful  notes  of  the  canary  and  the  angry 
cry  of  the  hawk  are  uttered  in  the  same 
moment,  perfect  enough  to  deceive  the  best 
trained  ear. 

A  week  or  two  ago,  1  had  for  a  morning 
entertainment  the  jVIocking-bird  and  his 
lays.     In  the  morning  as  soon  as   old  Sol 


begins  to  east  his  rays  of  light  over  the 
land,  the  Mocking-bird  would  be  stirring. 
Flitting  about  among  some  pepper  trees, 
alighting  here  and  there,  singing  part  of  a 
song,  and  flying  off  to  finish  it  some  place 
else,  chasing  one  another,  and  mimicing 
all  the  familiar  sounds  ;  thus  they  would 
pass  the  day. 

I  found  the  mocking- birds  numerous  in 
back  hills  of  the  Coast  Range  mountains, 
in  San  Luis  Obispo  County. 

I  stopped  one  day  to  shoot  a  Coyote  that 
persisted  in  gazing  at  me,  I  took  my  gun 
and  clambered  up  a  small  hill  on  which 
he  stood.  The  hill  was  sparsely  covered 
with  greasewood.  I  had  not  proceeded  far 
before  I  came  on  to  a  large  band  of  Mock- 
ing birds.  I  counted  over  25  in  one  flock 
and  I  think  that  there  were  over  100  within 
a  radius  of  100  yards.  It  is  needless  to  say 
that  Mr.  Coyote  didn't  stop  to  watch  those 
Mocking  birds,  so  I  didn't  get  a  shot  at 
him.  This  hill  was  several  miles  from  any 
house.  No  water,  except  what  was  in  an 
old  well  at  a  sheep  camp  within  ten  miles. 
I  have  found  their  nests  as  early  as  April 
20.  They  are  not  very  particular  where 
they  build.  I  have  generally  found  their 
nests  in  hedges  and  often  in  willow  trees. 
The  nests  are  built  of  grass,  small  twigs, 
weeds,  and  lined  with  wool,  laorsehair  and 
roots.  The  eggs,  genei'ally  four  to  six  in 
number  are  of  a  light  gi-eenish  blue  ground 
with    blotches    of    yellowish    brown   and 

purple.  ll.VHRY    P.    LiLLIE, 

Los  Angeles,  Cal. 


A  Two-Storied  Meadow  Lark's  Nest. 


While  collecting  in  the  field  in  the  slim- 
mer of  '86,  I  found  a  nest  of  the  Meadow 
Lark  containing  three  fresh  eggs.  On 
taking  the  nest  up  I  found  still  another  nest 
containing  one  egg  of  the  same  species 
with  the  incubation  advanced.  Have  you 
or  any  of  the  readers  of  the  Oologist  ever 
heard  of  a  case  of  this  kind  ?  If  so,  I 
should  like  to  hear  from  them  through  the 
columns  of  this  paper. 

Walter  1).  Porter, 
Jefferson,  Wis. 


I04 


THF.  OOLOGIST. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


EDITED  AND  PUBLISHED  BI-MONTHLY 

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We  desire  to  call  particular  attention  to 
the  advertisement  of  Messrs.  R.  B  Trouslot 
&  Co.,  of  Valparaiso,  Ind.,  that  appears  in 
this  Oologist.  Mr.  Trouslot  has  long  and 
favorably  been  known  as  a  collector,  and 
also  a  publisher  of  scientific  works.  Last 
fall,  having  determined  to  become  a  dealer 
in  natural  history  specimens  and  supplies, 
and  finding  that  "Lattin"  could  supply' 
his  wants  better  than  an}^  other  wholesale 
dealer,  he  came  to  Albion  on  October  38th; 
before  leaving  our  shop  we  sold  him  a 
stock  of  birds,  eggs,  specimens  and  sup- 
plies amounting  to  $3,350.00,  the  largest 
sale  we  ever  made  a  single  person  at  one 
time.  Mr.  Trouslot  now  carries  the  largest 
stock  of  any  dealer  west  of  the  state  of 
New  York,  and  ^should  any  of  our  friends 
see  fit  to  patronize  him  we  can  assure  them 
that  their  orders  will  not  only  receive 
prompt  and  careful  attention,  but  they  will 
also  be  filled  to  their  entire  satisfaction. 
Mr.  Trouslot  is  no  novice  at  the  natural 
history  business.  He  has  had  many  years 
experience  as  a  collector.  The  large  and 
fine  collection  of  birds  and  insects  in  the 
college  at  Valparaiso  was  furnished  by  Mr. 
Trouslot. 

We  clip  the  following  from  the  Iloosier 
Herald,  as  it  gives  a  sliglit  idea  of  the  mag- 
nitude of  Mr.  Trou.slot's  stock: 

Eggs  from  South  Africa  are  a  rarity  in 
these  parts  and  scarcely  an  hour  passes  but 
what  the  curiosity  of  the  many  passing 
students  halts  them  at  Trouslot  &  Co.'s 
show  windows.  Besides  the  ostrich  <ggs, 
the  smallest  of  which  is  15.^  inches  in  its 
least  circumference,  there  are  several  large 
black  ones  which  were  sliijiped  from  dis- 
tant Australia  and  are  called  Emu  eggs. 
These  retail,  Mr.  Trouslot  told  us,  at  i*;2!50 
each.  We  didn't  order  very  many  dozens, 
merely  contenting  ourselves  with  looking 
at  them.  We  were  then  invited  to  the 
"  den  "  where  we  undoubtedly  saw.  so  far 
as  we  know,  the  largest  and  finest  oological 
collection  in  the  state  of  Indiana.  It  em- 
braced, besides   many   rare    and    peculiar 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


105 


specimens  more  than  a  hundred  flamingo 
eggs  and  a  set  of  Bahama  cuckoo  eggs, 
held  at  $100. 

We  looked  at  eggs  till  our  eyes  fairly 
ached.  There  were  blue  eggs  and  yellow 
eggs  and  white  eggs  and  green  eggs  and 
red  eggs  ;  eggs  spotted  and  streaked  and 
blotched  and  brown  all  over.  Diminutive 
hummer's  delicate  eggs  and  eggs  from 
Africa's  enormous  ostrich.  Eggs  from  all 
the  slates,  from  all  the  continents  ;  by  the 
dozen,  by  tlie  bushel  :  from  two  cents  to 
$50. 00  eiich.  Eggsactly,  and  if  you  wish  to 
see  all  we  have  seen,  just  call  on  the  gentle- 
manly proprietors  and  you  will  be  cordially 
received. 


Late  Collecting'. 


Collecting  practically  ends  with  June  till 
the  following  spring,  yet  the  breeding  sea- 
son of  man}'  birds  extend  into  July  and 
August.  This  season,  '87,  I  have  had 
pretty  good  luck  during  the  hot  months,  as 
will  be  .seen  bj'  the  following  notes: 

July  4.  Found  a  set  of  three  eggs  of  the 
Wood  Thrush;  incubation  conunenced.  I 
took  nearly  forty  eggs  of  this  species  the 
past  season. 

July  9.  Nest  of  the  Baltimore  Oriole 
containing  four  eggs;  nest  very  curious, 
made  entirely  of  fine  dead  grass  woven 
together  in  the  shape  of  a  bag. 

July  13.  Took  a  clutch  of  three  eggs  of 
the  Yellow-l)illed  Cuckoo;  incubation  com- 
menced; nest  in  chestnut  sapling.  Si  feet 
up  ;  situated  in  a  large  brier  patch  ;  nest 
made  of  dead  twigs,  leaves  and  chestnut 
blossoms  Also  a  nest  of  the  Vesper  Spar- 
row containing  four  slightly  incubated  eggs. 

July  15.  The  Black-billed  Cuckoo  was 
the  victim  to-day  ;  a  handsome  set  of  ff)ur 
in  various  states  of  incubation,  from  com- 
menced to  advanced  ;  nest  in  a  chestnut 
saplmg  5A-  feet  from  the  ground,  and  within 
a  few  yards  from  where  I  found  the  Cuckoo 
nest  on  the  131  h,  composed  of  dead  twigs, 
leaves,  weeds  and  l)ark  ;  lined  with  pieces 
of  green  leaves. 

July  18.  A  nest  and  four  eggs  of  the 
Indigo  Bunting,  in  a  blackberrj'  bush  ;  nest 
C()nii)osed  of  dead  leaves,  grass,  weeds  and 
the  silk  fi'om  caterpillars'  nest ;  lined  with 
hor.seliairs.  Also  a  very  pretty  set  of  Ked- 
eyed  Vireoeggsfour  in  number ;  incubation 
couunenced. 

July  23.  Set  of  three  eggs  of  the  Song 
Sparrow  in  a  blackberry  bush  ;  incubation 
•commenced. 


July  28.  I  ran  across  a  nest  containing 
one  young  and  one  chipped  egg  of  the 
Black-billed  Cuckoo  ;  nest  in  a  dogwood 
sapling  0  feet  uj),  composed  of  dead  twigs, 
leaves,  strips  of  bark  anil  chestnut  blossoms; 
lined  sparsely  with  horsehair.  This  is  the 
first  Cuckoo's  nest  1  have  found  witli  any- 
thing but  vegetable  substance  in  its  makeup. 

August  5.  Red-eyed  Vireo — three  eggs 
nearl}^  hal(;hed. 

August  27.  American  Goldfinch,  four 
eggs ;  incubatioti  commenced  ;  nest  in  a 
phim  tree  ;  made  of  grape  vine  bark,  fine 
dead  grass  and  wool,  lined  with  thistle 
down  ;  a  very  pretty  nest. 

F.  L.  B.,  Berwyn,  Pa. 
.^^~. 

A   Day's    Collecting'   in  Southern 
Kansas. 


One  day  last  spring  my  chum  and  I 
started  out  for  a  day's  tour  in  the  woods. 
We  started  along  the  river  southeast  of 
town,  and  before  we  had  gone  far  we  dis- 
covered a  nest  in  an  elm  tree  tree.  My 
chum  volunteered  to  climb  after  it.  When 
he  had  got  about  half  way  up  to  the  nest, 
I  noticed  two  blackbirds  fl3'ing  about  the 
tree  and  I  thought  then  that  it  was  their 
nest.  Sure  enough,  when  he  got  up  to  the 
nest  what  did  it  contain  but  five  half-grown 
Blackbirds.  You  can  imagine  we  were  not 
very  well  pleased  with  our  find,  especially 
my  chum,  who  had  a  hard  climb  after  the 
nest. 

Our  next  find  was  a  Redbird's  nest  in  a 
hedge,  containing  four  eggs,  highly  incu- 
bated. We  continued  along  the  river  and 
found  a  good  many  uosts,  but  they  were 
mostly  common,  such  as  Catbirds,  Brown 
Thrashers  and  Turtle  Doves. 

When  about  a  mile  and  half  from  town 
we  found  a  Kingfislier's  nest  in  a  hole  in  a 
bluff  overlooking  the  river.  It  contained 
five  eggs  about  foui-  feet  back,  and  we  had 
a  hard  dig  to  get  them.  We  were  very  hot 
and  tired  when  we  got  them,  but  we  felt 
amply  paid  when  we  had  got  the  five  pretty 
white  eggs  safely  blown.  We  also  found 
a  Bank  Swallows  nest  with  four  fresh  eggs 
in  it. 

As  we  were  walking  along  the  railroad 
track,  on  our  return  home,  a  train  come 
along,  and  I  stepped  up  on  a  pile  of  ties  to 
wait  until  it  passed.  As  I  did  .so  a  bird 
fiew  up,  I  looked,  and  lo  !  and  behold  !  it 
had  flown  off  its  best  and  tliere  were  five 
Gt.  Crested  Flycatcher's  eggs  in  it.  As  we 
neared  home;  we  took  a  set  of  Kingbird  and 
Blackbird's  eggs,  both  fresh.  When  we 
arrived  home  we  were  tired  but  satisfied 
with  our  day's  tour. 

ClIAKLKS   T.    HeVBURN, 

Fort  Scott,  Kansas. 


THE    OOLOGIST. 


Exchanges  and  Wants. 


Brief  special  announcements,  "  VVanti,"  "  Ex- 
changes,"' inserted  in  this  department  for  25  cents  per 
25  words.  Notices  over  25  words  charged  at  the  rate 
of  one-half  cent  per  word.  No  notice  inserted  for  less 
than  25  cents.  Notices  which  are  merely  indirect 
methods  of  soliciting  cash  purchasers  cannot  be  ad- 
mitted to  these  columns  under  any  circumstances. 
Terms,  cash  with  order. 

Eggs  in  Sets. — Nos.  88,  97,  gg,  141,  i8g,  314,  333.  402, 
425,  4g2,  405,  507,  557,  696,  and  many  others.  CHAS. 
K.  DOE,  Box  495,  Providence,  R.  I. 


To  Exchaiige. — First-class  eggs  and  woods  for 
first-class  eggs.  Correspondence  with  collectors  de- 
sired. Send  list  and  w.ints.  THOS.  D.  PORCHER, 
Willington,  N.  C. 

Three  volumes  youth's  Comfianion  ('83,  '84,  '85), 
for  pair  of  climbers,  and  eggs  in  sets  with  data  ;  also 
eggs  for  same.  DANIEL' G.  KAPRIEIAN,  Hamil- 
ton. N.  Y. 

A  pair  of  Acme  Lever  Skates;  an  Imperial  Stamp 
Album,  150  Foreign  Stamps  ;  and  Secor's  American 
Bird  Warbler,  for  best  offer  of  second-class  bird  eggs. 
C.  D.  PLATT,  426  Main  street,  Bridgeport,  Conn. 

Birds  eggs  in  sets  and  single,  to  exchange  for  same. 
CHAS.  LOMONT,  Santa  Rosa,  Sonoma  Co.,  Cal. 

I  will  give  25  genuine  arrowheads  to  the  person  who 
will  send  me  the  best  assortment  of  birds'  eggs  in  sets 
or  single  A.  CALDERVVOOD,  Santa  Rosa,  Sono- 
ma Co.,  Cal. 

First-class  eggs  of  123,  149:1,  300,  431,  516,  555,  580, 
etc.  (some  sets),  for  best  offers  of  .second-class  eggs. 
Correspondence  solicited.  ARTHUR  E.  PRICE. 
Grand  Park,  Ills. 

To  Exchange  — Eggs  of  Long  Island  birds  for  oth- 
ers. Correspondence  solicited  from  all.  All  letters 
answered.  FRANK  U.  SILLECK.,  230  Monroe-st., 
Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

I  have  40  varieties  of  eggs  iii  full  sets,  to  exchange 
for  others ggs  or  books  on  Ornithology.  Send  list  and 
receive  mine.      DR.  W.  S.  STRODE,  Bernadotte,  111. 

To  Exchange.— Bird's  pggs,  in  sets,  with  full  data, 
for  such  sets  as  I  may  want  ;  also  one  new  Ballard 
Rifle,  22-cal.,  for  sale,  or  to  exchange  for  eggs  in  sets. 
H.  W.  DAVIS,  Box  34.  North  Granville,  N^  Y. 

To  Exchange. — Alligator  Arms,  P'lorida  Moss,  and 
Flints  fr  )m  Thonotossa  Lake,  Florida,  for  birds'  eggs. 
Write  first.      WILLARD    ELIOT,  Thonotossa.  Fla. 

I  will  exchange  sea  curiosities,  minerals  and  stamps, 
for  all  kinds  of  curiosities,  minerals,  stamps,  coins, 
etc.,  suitable  for  cabinet.  A.  D.  FULLER,  Wake- 
field, Mass. 

Magazines,  in  good  order,  papers,  rare  old  books 
and  bird's  eggs,  for  birds'  eggs,  curiosities  and  sea 
shells.  E.  A.  CANSDELL,  Princeton,  xMercer  Co., 
Missouri. 

A  first-class  egg  of  Nos,  7,  13,  22,  149a,  181,  197,  154, 
iS7i  3'5-  258,  261,  460,  and  Eb.  for  6  fine  Indian  Arrow 
Heads  or  two  fine  Spear  Heads.  ARTHUR  B. 
ROBERTS,  Weymouth    Medina  Co.,  Ohio. 

To  Exchange.— Birds'  eggs,  in  sets,  and  singles  for 
sets.  Send  list  to  E.  F.  KOCH,  College  Hill,  Hamil- 
ton Co.,  O. 


Naturalist's  labels  printed  to  order,  in  exchange  for 
specimens.  Two  Indiana  Geologic  il  Reports  (fine 
ones)  for  same  from  another  state.  J.  O.  SNYDER, 
Waterloo,  Ind. 

To  Exchange. — -no  Foreign  Stamps,  Frank  Leslie's 
Monthly  Magazines^  a  stem-winding  watch,  a  Colt's 
sJx--hooter,  and  specimens  of  mounted  Horned  Frogs, 
for  first-class  birds'  eggs.  Send  stamp  for  list  of  my 
eggs.  E.  F.  HUTCHES,  O  and  32d-St.,  G..;veston, 
Texas. 

A  large  list  of  eggs  in  sets,  for  exchange,  all  first- 
class,  with  data.  Send  duplicate  list.  G.  NOBLE,, 
Savannah,  Ga. 

Two  small  Alligators,  worth  $2.00,  for  Nos.  5,  480, 
388,  420,  498,  361,  289.  293,  282a,  488,  Ridgeway'.s 
Nomenclature.  Write  first.  VVILLARD  ELIOT, 
Thonotossa,   Fla. 

I  have  birds'  eggs  and  sundries  to  exchange  for 
articles  in  the  sporting  line,  that  I  can  use,  and  eggs 
or  skins  of  gams  birds.  E.  A.  SHEPHE  KD,  5520 
Wentworth-Ave  ,  Chicago,  Ills. 

Wanted, — Eggs  of  all  Humming  Birds  and  nest  ; 
also  eggs  of  sea  birds.  Correspondence  solicited  with 
CaUfornia collectors.   H.  W.  FISK,  Fort  Howa  d,Wis. 

Wanted. — ^Eggs,  single  or  sets,  of  foUowine  :  337, 
338,  341,  425,  431,  473.  480,  516,  582,  585,  594,  609,  i5i8„ 
627,  664,  666,  690,  691,  721,  723,  742,  743,  641.  HARRY 
W.  FISK,  Fort  Howard,  Wis. 

Will  exchange  a  pair  of  Muscovy  Ducks  for  climb- 
ing irons.  No,  2.  preferred,  strapped  for  use.  Address 
R,  W.  PATTERSON,  Lock  BOX  247,  Parkersburg, 
W.  Va. 

A  printing  press  and  outfit  to  trade  for  coins  ;  also  a 
large  lot  of  Indian  relics  to  trade  for  fine  crystallized 
minerals.  Curiosities  for  fossils.  WILL  P.  ARNOLD, 
Shannock,   R.  I. 

Minerals  to  exchange  for  the  best  offer  ot  Indian, 
relics.  For  further  information  apply  to  LEfc^  T. 
GAUCHAT,  P,  O.  Box  135,  Clarksville,  Tenn. 

I  have  the  following  eggs  to  exchange  :  Nos.  i,  7,. 
12,  22,  ES..  211,  214,  231,  248,  278,  278b,  282,  and  304.. 
Send  list,  many  common  eggs  wanted  FRANK  L. 
BURNS,  Berwyn,  Pa. 

Marine  shells,  star  fish  and  other  marine  curiosities. 
for  first-class  birds'  eggs,  in  sets,  with  datn.  Send 
lists.  Correspondence  solicited.  C.  M. W. ALDRICH, 
Greenport,  N.  Y. 

Twenty-five  varieties  of  Mounted  Birds,  including. 
Hawks,  Owls  and  Ducks,  for  others,  or  large  eggs. 
Will  give  good  exchange  for  a  pair  of  Hawk  Owls  in^ 
the  meat      W.  H.  LUCAS,  West  Stratford,  Conn. 

One  snare  drum  and  rosewood  drum-st/cks,  a  pair 
of  roller  skates,  minerals  and  from  225  to  255  of  the 
Golden  A  rgosy  to  exchange  for  minerals  and  Indian 
relics.     HARVEY  MARTIN,  139  Fifth-Ave.,  Lans- 

ingburgh,  N.  Y. 

I  have  fine  minerals  to  exchange  for  same.  W.  B.. 
AUCOTT,  Willow-ave.,  Germantown,  Philadelphia^ 
Penn. 

Wanted  to  exchange,  a  No.  10  Crimping  Machine 
for  instruments  or  for  a  copy  of  "  Inger.soli's  Birds' 
Nesting,"  or  other  books.  ED.  D.  McCR.\KY. 
2525  Fifth-ave,  Birmingham,  Ala. 

I  will  exchange  Guinea  pigs  and  mounted  birds  for 
eggs  in  sets,  or  birds  in  meat,  would  like  Saw-\\  het 
()wls,  American  Crossbill.  Yellow-headed  blackbirds, 
and  many  others.     A.  E.  KIBBE,  Mayvdle,  N.  Y. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


I  will  exchange  a  38-cal,  rim  fire  revolver,  in  good 
•condition,  value  ?s.oo,  for  best  offer  of  eggs.  CLAR- 
ENCE W.  ROWLEY,  Norwood,  Mass. 

I  wish  to  exchange  first- :lass  eggs  for  eggs  or  books 
■on  birJs.  Send  list  and  receive  mine  by  return  mail. 
TOM  STUART,  Clarinda,  Iowa. 

Forty  numbers,  American  S/a?/si)ntn  (i873-'74), 
valuable  information  including  "  A  Naturalist's  Trip 
to  Florida,"  by  C.  J.  Maynard;  several  articles  on 
Natural  llislory,  by  Drs.  Elliot  Coues  and  Robert 
Ridgeway;  several  short  but  inieresting  stories  writ- 
ten by  sportsmen  ;  and  a  great  deal  more  of  valuable 
matter;  also  four  numbers  of  Forest  and  Stream, 
and  three  of  Chicago  Field,  to  exxhange  for  birds' 
eggs  in  sets  or  single.  H.  C.  CAMPBELL,  Lansing- 
burgh,  Rens.  Co.,  N.  Y. 

To  Exchange. — No.  436..  1-3  data,  for  a  cood  book 
about  birds  or  a  good  electric  battery.  Accepted  offers 
answered.     C    H.  SLATING,  Almont,  Mich. 

Kggs,  single  and  in  pairs,  to  exchange  for  eggs  in 
sets  with  data.  CHAS.  S.  CALWELL,  1223  Ogden 
street,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Eggs  in  Sets — Nos.  88,  97,  go,  141.  i8g,  314,  333, 
402,  425,  4q2,  495,  507,  S57,  fgo,  and  many  others. 
CHARLES  E.  DOE,  B6x  495  Providence,  R.  L 


We  want  you  to  subscribe 
for  the  OOLOGIST  at  once. 
If  you  cannot  spare  the  cash, 
we  can  use  iirst-class  Bikds' 
Eggs,  or  Natural  History 
♦Specimens  of  any  kind,  what 
offers. 


ELEGANT  AND  USEFUL 


Bill 


o 


THE  JOHNSON  REVOLVING  BOOK  CASE. 

With  Lndependent  Shelves  Adjustable  to  Books 

OF  ANV  Height. 

A   SUPERB    PKKSENT. 

INVALUABLE  TO 

I.a-w.yer.s,         Clergymen,         Physicians, 

Editors,  Baiiker.s,  Teachers, 

Mer«-hants.  Students, 

and  all  who  read  Books. 

CHEAPEST!     STRONGEST!    BEST! 

Made  of  Iron,  finished  in  black,  \^■ilh  beautifid  gilt 

ornamentation,  it  cannot  w.Trp.  check,  split,  get  out  of 

orrier.  or  wear  out.     Kach  shelf,  Iti  in.  square,  will  hold 

IG  vols,  size  of  Appleton's  Cj'clopasdia.     Holds  more 

books  in  less  space  than  any  other  device. 

No.  1,    For  Table,  to  hold  1  tier  of  books,.  .  .$10.00 

"    ^"i    "         ■'  "        2  tiers  ■'       ...      12.00 

"    2.      "     Floor,        "        2     "  "...     13.00 

"    3.      "  •  "        3     "  "...     15.00 

"    1.      "        "      .      "        4     "  ."      •    ■     18. 00 

The  best  size  for  general  use  is  No.  3. 

Shipped,  carefully  packed,  on  receipt  of  price. 

SATISFACTION  GUARANTEED. 

Descriptive  price  list  containing  testimonials  Free. 

Illustrated    Catalojjue    of    .Stationery    and 

Novelties,  nearly  200  pnsres.sent  nn  receipt  o'f  2.5rts 

ANDERSON  &  KRUM  STATIONERY  CO., 
7  Bond  Street,  New  York,  N.  Y 


The  BEST 


WAS 


\\o  will  fru.nrantcp  the  "LOVEI.,!.  WA.SIIEK"  lu  do 
l)<  tu  r  worli  anil  do  it  easier  ami  in  less  time  I  ban  any 

I  mac  liiiif  in  tbi.'  worbi.  Warranlcil  live  years,  and  if 
1         I    t  wukIi  till- clothes  clean   without  rubbing,  we  v  ill 

I  lui  i  the  money. 

ACEE^TS  WANTED! 

m  every  county.  W<-  f'AN  SHOW  PKOOF  that  Agpnts 
aiemiUing  from  S^.l  to  !jil.jO  per  month.  Farmers 
mil  SiL'dil  to  g.'nii  iluriiji;  the  winter.  l.aiiies  have  great 
s  selliim   this  \\  a^lier.     Ketail  price  only  $15.    ^am- 

II  t  llinse  (b -iirint;  an  ;m<'ncy  S'-i.  Also  the  felebrated 
Ivt  \STONE  VVl{IN<;EUSat  niannfarturers'  lowest 
II  \\<'i!ivito  tlie  St  liiiest  investi^at  icin.  Send  your 
td  lIL^s  on  a  postal  can!  lor  further  parliculars. 

**  LOVELL  WASHER  CO.,  Erie,  Pa. 


THE  OOLOGIST. 


SPECIALr     INDUCEMENTS 


IN 


Systematic  Collections  of  Birds'  Eggs,  Etc, 


Collectors  Can  Get  a  Good  Start  for  Little  Money  From  the  Following  Series. 


All  ecgs  are  first  class  side- blown,  wiih  one  hde, 
and  accompanied  by  full  data. 

.\tihe  following  prices  we  guarantee  safe  arrival, 
and  prepay  all  postage.  Send  money  any  way,  except 
loose  in  your  letter. 

Sample  copies  each  of  The  West  Ainerican  Scient- 
ist, The  Hoosier  Naturaliit  and  'J'ke  Western 
Natutaiist,  for  aix  cents  in  stamps.  (Pub.  price  of 
three,  is  22  cents.) 

Notice.  We  will  give  with  each  of  the  following 
series,  without  extra  charge,  a  year's  subscription  to 
T/ie  IVest  American  Scientist,  $1.00,  Vol.  II  of 
The  Hoosier  Naturalist,  complete,  $  .60,  and  a  year's 
subscription  to  The  Western  Naturalist,  %  .50,  or 
we  will  send  the  three  to  one  address,  $2.10,  on  receipt 
of  $1.25. 

Series  No.  1,  for  $4.50.  Represents  sixteen 
Orders,  twenty  families,  ^30  eggs),  including  Laugh- 
ing Gull,  Gannet,  f'lamingo,  Wilson's  Plover,  Cooper's 
Hawk,  Night  Hawk,  Scarlet  Tanager,  etc $5.oq 

The  three  magazines 2.10 

Total     $7  ■  iQ 

Series  No.  2,  for  $2  75.  Represents  twelve 
Families,  fifteen  Species  (30  eggs),  of  the  order 
Passeres.  including  Scissor-tailed  Flycatcher,  Mexican 
horned  Lark,  Yellow-headed  Blackbird,  Scarlet  Tana- 
ger, White-rumped   Shrike,  Bell's  Vireo,  etc.... $2. 65 

The  three  magazines 2.10 

Total $4-75 

Series   No.  3,  for   $5.30.     Represents  eleven 

Species  (25  eggs),  of  the  Family  Ardiadce,  including 
Lea'^t  Bittern,  Great  White-Heron,  European  Heron, 

Yellow-crowned  Night  Heron,  etc $6.25 

T he  three  magazines —  . .   2.10 

Total $8.35 

Series  No.  4,  for  $4.25.  Represents  five 
Spec  ies  of  Kafitores,  including  Red-bellied  Hawk, 
S wain  son's  Hawk,  Black  Vulture,  etc $4-55 

The  three  magazines 2.10 

Total $6.75 


Series  No.  5,  for  $12.00.  Representing  ten 
Families  of  the  ()rder  Pa^scres  (30  species,  with  from 
100  to  120  eggsl,  in  original  sets,  including  Least  Tit, 
Mar\  land  Yellow- throat,  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak, 
Painted  .  Bunting,  White-rumped  Shrike,  Dwarf 
Cow-bird,  Bobolink,  Boat-tailed  Crackle,  Black- 
biled  Magpie,  Scissor-tailed  Flycatcher,  etc.. $15. 67 

The  three  magazines 2.iO' 

Total $17-77 

Series  No.  6,  for  $2.75.  Comprises  fine 
specimens  of  Alligator  eggs.  Shark's  egg.  Skate's  egg. 
Sawfish  saw,  Barnacle't,  Star-fish,  Sea  Urchin,  Sand 
Hollar,  Soldier  Crab,  Piuk  Coral,  Resurrection  Plant, 
Bleeding  Tooth-shell,  Sea  Fan  and  Bean  Initial 
Watch  Charm $2.30 

The  three  magazines 2.10 

Total $4.40 

Series  No.  7.  fo^  $2.00. 

Includes  Davies'  Egg  Check  List $1.00 

Blow  Pipe 15 

Egg  Di ill   15 

Embryo  Hook 10 

Calliper  Rule 25 

The  tnree  magazines 2.10 

Total $3-75 

Series  No.  8,  for  $20-50. 

Includes  (about  200  eggs)  : 

Series  No.  2 $2 .  65, 

Series  No.  3 6.25 

Series  No.  4 4. 55 

Series  No.  5 15-67 

The  three  magazines 2.10 

Total $31.22 

Series  No.  9,  for  $3.65. 

Trap-door  Spider's  Nest    $1.50 

Trapdoor   Spder,  nicely  stuffed  and    mounted 

on  card  board , •     i  .50 

Series  No.  6   2 . 30 

The  three  magazines 2.10 


Total. 


Address,  Plainly, 


•9 


37  &.  39  College  Ave.,  VALPARAISO,  IND. 


•\*  The  OoLOGTST  will  be  ^ani  free  during  '88  to  any  person  ordering  one  of  the 
above  series. 


THE  (3()L0GIST. 


ARTIFICIAL  GLASS  EYES. 


Our  Slock  of  Glass  E^-es  is  undoubtedly 
the  largx'st  west  of  Boston.  We  will  con- 
tinue to  sell,  as  heretofore  at  biy  discounis 
from  regular  rates.     Try  us.     List  Free. 

ENTOMOLOGISTS  !  We  have  a  full 
supply  of  Insect  Pins,  "good  as  the  best 
and  cheap  as  the  cheapest."  Our  cork  is 
the  best  for  the  money  ever  brought  into 
the  market.  Our  setting,  or  mounting 
boards  are  first-class  and  cheap. 

OOLOGISTS  should  send  for  our  prices 
on  oological  supplies  of  all  kinds,  before 
ordering  elstwhere. 

BOOKS.  We  can  supply  you  with  any 
book  desired,  and  oftentimes  at  less  titan 
pubUt<her'>i  prices.  We  make  a  specialty  of 
scientific  publications.     List  Free. 

PAPERS.  ^Ye  receive  subscriptions  for 
all  periodicals,  many  of  them  at  greatly 
reduced  rates.      List  Free. 

yVe  especially  call  your  attention  to  the 
following  : 


BIG    REDUCTION 

IN    PRICES   OF 

North  American  Eggs, 

RIDGWAY'S   NOMENCLATURE. 

I,  7c;  4a,  37c;  47,  22c;  67,  4c;  88,  22c;  161, 
21c;  204a,  15c;  275,  45c;  301,  15c;  372,  22c; 
378,  4c;  387,  15c;  395,  48c;  470«,  75c;  480, 
9c:  490,  15c;  494,  9c;  495,  lOc;  496,  35c; 
522,  35c;  571,  10c;  574,  10c;  579,  lOc.  585, 
75c;  658,  50c;  673,  15c. 

i>roTic;E3. 

By  Special  arrangement  with  the  pub- 
lishers of  The  Oologist  we  will  send  it  for 
one  year,  free,  to  every  person  purchasing 
gO(xls  from  us  to  the  amount  of  two  dollars, 
providing  they  mention  that  they  saw  the 
advertisement  in  The  Ooi.ooist. 

The  Hoosier  Naturalist. 

Vol.  II,  Complete.  Price  60  Cents. 
This  magazine  contains  a  vast  amount  of 
interesting  Natural  History  Lore,  many 
illustrations,  and,  inciudiug  the  advertise- 
ments, makes  a  volume  of  nearly  350  pages. 
It  will  be  mailed yj-ee,  with  all  orders  for 
curiosities  or  eggs  at  reeular  rates  amount- 
ing to  $1.50. 

Address  all  orders  to 

R.  B.  Trouslot  &.  Co., 

37  &  39  Col.  Ave.,     Valparaiso,  Ind. 


THE  CHICAGO  DAILY  NEWS 

is  a  complete  newspaper  in  all  that 
constitutes  the  best  tyj)e  of  American 
journalliun.  It  s  a  niember  of  the 
Associated  Press,  and  is  the  only  'i- 
cent  inoriiinir  paper  in  Cheago  that 
possesses  this  first  essent  al  to  a  com- 
plete news  serv  ce.  In  addition  it  has 
its  own  private  leased  wires  connect- 
ing its  office  with  Washington  and 
New  York.   It  pnnts  all  the  news. 

THE  CHICAGO  DAILY  NEWS 

Is  an  independent  paper,  It  recog 
nizes  the  utility  of  nolitical  parties  as 
means  for  the  accomplishment  of 
pioper  ends,  but  it  declines  to  regard 
anv  mere  party  as  afltsuoject  for  un- 
questioning adoration.  It  is  unbiased 
in   its  presentation  of  political  news. 

THE  CHICAGO  DAILY  NEWS 

Is  a  '  short-and-to-tlie-po  nt"  paper. 
It  leaves  to  the  'blanket-sheets"  the 
monopoly  of  tiresome  and  worthless 
amplification.  It  says  all  that  is  to 
be  said  in  the  shortest  possible  man- 
ner.    It  is  a  paper  for  busy  people. 

IHE  CHICAGO  DAILY  NEWS 

Now  prints  and  sells  over  175,000 
copies  per  day— a  larger  c.rcula- 
tion  tl'.an  that  of  all  the  other  Ch  caff  > 
dailies  combined.  Sold  by  all  news 
dealers  at  two  cents  per  copy.  Mailed 
to  any  address,  postage  prepaid,  for 
six  dollars  per  year,  or  tor  a  shorter 
term  at  rate  of  fifty  cents  per  month. 
Address  Victor  F.  Lawson,  Publisher 
the  DAILY  NEWS,  123  Fifth  Ave.. 
Chicago,   111. 

I'he  Chieago  Weekly  News 

Eight  pages,  64  columns,  is  the  largest 
dollar  weekly  in  America. 

10 


THE  0(3LOGIST. 


A  RARE  CHANCE. 

I  am  now  on  the  e round,  prepared  to  collect,  and 
will  put  up  fine  cabinet  specimens  to  order,  at  the 
following  low  rales: 

Mocking   Bird $   .18 

B.  G.  Onatcatcher 

Carolina  Chicadee     

Loggerhead  Shrike 

Summer  Red'jird 

Sliarptailed  Kinch 

Seasiile   Tinch 

Flo  ida  'I'owhee 

Painted  Bunting 30 

Boat-tailed  Grackle 35 

Fish  Crow o 60 

Chuckvvills  Widow i 

Red-cockaded   Woodpecker 

Red-belied  Woodpecker       

Ground  Dove 45 

American  Kgret 3 

Snosvy    Heron      1.50 

Louisi 'na    Heron       75 

Little  Blue  Heron 

Am.  Oyster  Catcher i  50 

Belted  Piping  Plover 40 

Wilsons  Plover 

Red-breasted  Snipe   35 

Red-backed  Sandpiper '. 30 

Marbled  God  wit i 

Clapper  Rail 

Hooded  Sheldr,.ke r 

Black  Skimmer 75 

Laughing  Gull i 

Royal  Tern ; 90 

Least  Tern 50 

Prices  of  others  on  application. 
Address, 

W.  W.  WORTHINGTON, 

DOBOY,  McIntosh  Co.,  Ga. 

BIRDS    EQQS    CHEAP. 

During  the  past  summer  I  received  several  cases  of 
eggs  from  my  own  collectors,  whom  I  employ,  in  Ice- 
land, Greenland,  Holland,  Lapland  and  North  West 
Canada.  Having  more  set*;  than  I  desire  for  my  own 
cabinets,  I  intend  to  clear  out  all  my  duplicates,  by 
offering  them  at  the  following  low  prices  • 

Each. 

Golden  Eagle $6 

Sea  Eagle   , 1.50 

European  Hawk  Owl 85 

Richardson's  Owl 85 

Snowy  Owl 1.50 

European   Merhn 30 

European  Kestril   

Iceland  Gy rfalcon 4 

Blue  Throat  Warbler     35 

Stonechat . .  .  .    07 

White  Wagtail 

Skylark 07 

Great  Northern  Shrike 30 

Snow  Bunting 35 

Willow  Ptarmigan 40 

Long  Billed  Curlew 35 

Glosy  Ibis 

Snipe 

Dunlin 

Whimbrel 

Black  Tail  Godwit /..... 

Whistling  Swan i 

Widgeon  Duck 

Harlequin 


Sea 


up. 


Barrow's  Goldeneye 

KittiwaUe         25 

Glancon's  Gull 50 

Skua  Gull 50 

Fulmar   30 

Red-throated  Diver 35 

Several  other  species,  in  sets  or  singles,  cheap. 

Send  Two  Cent  Stamp  for  full  list. 
WALTER  RAINE,  Walton  St.,  Toronto,  Can. 


For  the  Holidays. 

I  have  a  few  line  specimens  of  Birds  and  Mammals 
that  I  will  sell  at  rea  unable  prices.  Any  one  wishing 
to  buy  will  please  favor  me  with  a  call. 

I  have  fine  Snowy  Owls.  Horned  Owls,  Red  and 
Gray  Screech  Owls.  Also  water  birds:  Loons,  Gulls, 
Herons,  Ducks,  Grebe,  and  a  variety  of  small  Ijirds. 
I  can  furnish  birds  in  cases,  shades,  or  without. 

Satisfaction   Guaranteed  or   Money  Refunded. 
Prices  Quoted  on  Application. 

I  also  keep  the  Irish  Belfast  Game  Fowls,  the  best 
in  the  market.  I  will  sell  single  or  in  pairs.  Would 
exchange  for  first-class  eggs,  in  sets,  not  in  my  col- 
lection. 

A.   E,   KIBBE,   Mayville,  N.  Y. 


CHELL  MONEY  of  the  Solomon  Island  Savages, 
^     12  pieces,  post  paid,  25  cents. 

H.  P.  ATWATER,  Chatham,  Ontario. 


BIRDS   EGGS    FOR   SALE    CHEAP. 

First  class  eggs,  of  570  and  580,  in  sets  of  from  one 
to  six,  for  five  cents  per  egg.  On  orders  under  twenty- 
five  cents,  enclose  five  cents  to  pay  postage. 

Address,  W.  E.  PRATT,  2513  Indiana  Ave., 

Chicago,  III, 

We  are  Offering  Rare  Bargains 

through  our  Trial  Order  Certificates.  Send  five  one- 
cent  stamps  for  a  Trial  Order  Certificate,  and  our 
New  Catalogue  of  Birds'  Eggs,  Shells,  Miner- 
als, Curiosities,  Naturalists'  Instruments,  and 
Supplies,  etc.  E.xamine  our  prices  ;  they  will 
astonish  you. 

DICKINSON  &  DURKEE, 

SHARON,  WIS. 


READY  DECEMBER  ist 

A  new  price  list  of  Birds'  Skins  and  Eggs. 

READY     JANUARY     ist,    1888. 

Price-list  of  Land,  Fresh  Water  and  Marine   Shells. 
Either  list  will  be  sent  on  receipt  of  2  cent  stamp. 
J.  A.  SINGLEY.  Box  58, 

GiDDiNGS,  Lee  Co.,  Texas. 

The  Oldest  and  Largest  establishment  in  the  U.S. 
making  a  Specialty  of  Mail  Orders. 

JOB  PRINTING,  post-paid  by  mail. 
Letter  Heads,  Bill  Heads,  Envelopes  and  Busi- 
ness Cards,  35  cts.  per  lOO,  500  for  $1.50.  All 
kinds  of  Job  Printing  neatly  executed.  Send  stamp 
for  samples.  We  make  a  specialty  of  printing  for 
collectors.  Send  for  sample  copy  of  the  Peoples' 
Press. 

ROBERT  M.  RULISON,  Flushing,  Mich. 

BIRDS'  EGGS.— Brown  Pelican,  15  cts.  ;  Florida 
Cormorants,  20 cts.;  Louisiana  Heron,  10  cts  ;  Laugh- 
ing Gull,  15  cts.  First  class  eggs,  with  data,  sent 
post-paid.  Stamps  accepted,  but  postal  note  on 
Bonifacio,  Fla.,  preferred. 

CHAS.  S.  McPHERSON,  Bonifacio,  Florida. 


AMNH   LIBRARY 


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