3 3tl 131 
 
 he haturalisfe 
 
WOLOGY 
 
T 11 E 
 
 NATURALISTS GUIDK 
 
 IN COLLECTING AND PRESERVING 
 
 OBJECTS OF NATURAL HISTORY, 
 
 A COMPLETE CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS 
 OF EASTKRX MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 BY o. J MAYNAKD. 
 
 V 
 
 WITH ILLUSTRATIONS P>Y E. L. \VKKKS 
 
 SALEM : 
 
 THE NATURALISTS' AGENCY. 
 
 BOSTON : ESTES & LAURIAT. 
 
 1877. 
 
Entered according to Act ot Congress, In they^ar 1870, by 
 
 K I K L l>s, use oo I>. & ft) . . 
 in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 THE great need of a good illustrated work to guide 
 young naturalists in collecting and preserving objects of 
 natural history has induced me to prepare the present 
 Manual. In this attempt I hope I have been in some 
 degree successful. I have spared no pains to bring to- 
 gether, in a comprehensive form, the results of many years 
 of experience in collecting and preserving objects of natu- 
 ral history, both for private cabinets and for scientific 
 museums. 
 
 No popular work of this kind has before been published 
 in America. Throughout the present work I have endeav- 
 ored to encourage the young to engage in the ennobling 
 study of Natural History, and to join the band of young 
 naturalists so rapidly increasing in our land. 
 
 I trust the reader will not by any means keep the teach- 
 ings of this book secret, as some taxidermists are wont to 
 counsel, but spread it broadcast among those who would 
 profit by the information I have herein attempted to con- 
 vey. It is intended for the NATURALIST, whoever and 
 wherever he may be ; and as it, comes from a colaborer in 
 the common field, it will, perhaps, be well received. 
 
 3427C8 
 
IV INTRODUCTION. 
 
 All of Part First is original. In preparing objects of 
 natural history I have in a great degree invented methods 
 of my own, and have not given in this work a single 
 one that I have not tested and proved equal to* all oth- 
 ers, if not superior. To avoid confusion, I have given 
 only the method which experience has taught me to l;e 
 the best. 
 
 In this connection my thanks are due to Mr. E. L. 
 Weeks, whose excellent illustrations will be found to add 
 greatly to the value of the work. 
 
 In Part Second I have thought proper to add a cata- 
 logue of the birds of Eastern Massachusetts, with notes, 
 as tending to enable the collector to obtain the rarer spe- 
 cies more readily, by specifying the localities and peculiar 
 .haunts in which they have been found by others. The 
 critical notes may, perhaps, be perused with interest by 
 the more experienced ornithologist. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 COLLECTING AND PRESERVING BIRDS. 
 
 SECT. PAGB 
 
 I. HOW TO COLLECT 3 
 
 II. How TO PREPARE SPECIMENS. INSTRUMENTS, MATERIALS, ETC. 10 
 
 III. MEASURING, SKINNING, AND PRESERVING BIRDS . . .18 
 
 MEASURING 18 
 
 SKINNING 22 
 
 DETERMINING THE SEX 27 
 
 CONTENTS OF STOMACH, ETC. 31 
 
 EXCEPTIONS TO THE USUAL METHOD OF SKINNING . 31 
 
 TAP.LE OF MEASUREMENTS 33 
 
 IV. MOUNTING SPECIMENS 34 
 
 MOUNTING FRESH BIRDS 34 
 
 MOUNTING DRIED SKINS 40 
 
 MOUNTING BIRDS WITH THE WINGS EXTENDED . . .41 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 COLLECTING AND PRESERVING MAMMALS. 
 
 SSCT. 
 
 I. COLLECTING ........... 43 
 
 II. MEASURING MAMMALS 45 
 
 SKINNING 40 
 
 METHOD OF PREPARING A BOOK FOR MEASURING MAMMALS 47 
 
 TAIJLE OF MEASUREMENTS 47 
 
 III. MOUNTING MAMMALS 50 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS FOR THE CABINET. 
 
 BEETLES, OR COLEOPTERA 55 
 
 BUGS, OR HEMIPTERA 57 
 
 GRASSHOPPERS, CRICKETS, ETC., OR ORTHOPTERA . . . .68 
 
VI CONTENTS. 
 
 MoTHS AND BUTTERFLIES, OK LllPIDOFTKXA .... 58 
 
 DhAGON FLIES, ETC., OK NEUKOPTERA .60 
 
 BEE.-, WASPS, ETC., ou HYMENOPTERA 61 
 
 FLIES, MosgurroEs, ETC., OK DIPTERA . ... 61 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES AND REPTILES. 
 
 SiCT. 
 
 I. FISHES . . 63 
 
 II. REPTILES 64 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS. 
 SECT. 
 
 1. CRUSTACEA . .69 
 
 COLLECTING MOLLUSKS 69 
 
 PRESERVING SHELLS 70 
 
 WORMS, ANIMAL PARASITES, JELLY-FISHES . . . 71 
 CORALS, SEA-ANEMONES, HYDROIDS AND BRYO/OA, STAR- 
 FISHES, SEA-URCHINS, HOLOTIIURIAS, OR SEA-CUCUMBERS, 
 
 SPONGES AND SEA-WEEDS 72 
 
 II. PREPARING SKELETONS 73 
 
 MOUNTING SKELETONS 73 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 COLLKCTIWO AND PRESERVING EGGS ...... 76 
 
 METHOD OF PREPARING A BOOK FOR RECORDING THE MEASURE- 
 MENTS OF EGGS 78 
 
 PART II. 
 
 CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS . . 81 
 
 INTRODUCTION 83 
 
 APPENDIX , ... 161 
 
 LNDEX . 169 
 
LIST AND EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 
 
 FRONTISPIECE. Centronix Bairdii, Baird. Baird's Sparrow, 
 taken at Ipswich, Mass. 
 
 PLATE I.* INSTRUMENTS used in preparing birds, etc., and for 
 blowing eggs. Fig. 1, Common Pliers; Fig. 2, Cutting Pliers ; Fig. 
 3, Tweezers ; Fig. 4, Scalpel ; Figs. 5 and 6, Egg-drills ; Fig. 7, 
 Blow-pipe ; Fig. 8, Hook for removing embryos from eggs. 
 
 PLATE II. WINGS, showing the positions of the different feathers, 
 as follows : 
 
 Fig. \. Wing of a Red tailed Hawk (Buteo borealts, Vieill.). 
 a indicates the primaries, or quills; b, secondaries; c, tertiaries; 
 d, scapularies ; g, greater wing-coverts ; f, lesser wing-coverts ; e, spuri- 
 ous wing, or quills. 
 
 Fig 2. Winy of a Coot , or Mud lien (Fulica Americana, Gmelin). 
 a indicates tlie primaries, or quills ; b, secondaries ; c, tertiaries ; 
 d, scapularies ; e, spurious wing, or quills. 
 
 The tertiaries and scapularies arc elongated in most of the aquatic 
 birds, and in some of the Waders. They are a /ways prominent, if not 
 elongated, on long-winged birds, such as the Eagles, Hawks, Owls, 
 Vultures, etc. ; while they are only rudimentary on short-winged birds, 
 such as the Thrushes, Warblers, Sparrows, etc. 
 
 PLATE III. HEAD OF THE BALD EAGLE (Baluehu teucocephafus, 
 Savi<rny), showing the different parts, as follows: a, the throat; 
 b, chin ; c, commissure, or the folding edges of the mandibles ; d, 
 under mandible; s, gonys; p, gape; g, upper mandible; h, culmen j 
 i, tip; j, base of bill; k, cere (naked skin at the base of the upper 
 mandible, prominent in the rapacious birds); 1, frontal feathers; 
 m, lores ; n, crown ; o, occiput. 
 
 * Plates I , IV., V., VI., VIII , IX , X-, and the frontispiece will be more fully 
 explained hereafter. 
 
viii LIST OF PLATES. 
 
 The irides are the colored circles that surround the pupil. The 
 color of these decides the so-called " color of the eye." 
 
 PLATE IV. ILLUSTRATES PREPARING SKINS Firjs. 1 and 2. 
 Corrugated hoard, used in drying skins ; d, skin on the hoard, in the 
 proper position. Fir/. 3. A "skin" prepared for scientific use; ^, la- 
 bel on which is marked the nurnher and sex. 
 
 PLATE V. DISSECTED SONG SPARROW (Melospiza mefodia, Baird), 
 illustrating the sexes in the breeding season, as follows : Fig. 1. An 
 adult female ( 9 ) ; 1,1, peculiar yellow glands ; 2, ovary ; 3, oviduct ; 
 4, lungs. Fit/. 2. An adult male ( ) ; 1, lungs; 2, peculiar yellow 
 glands ; 3, 3, testicles. 
 
 PLATE VI. DISSECTED SONG SPARROW, illustrating the sexes 
 of the young-of-the-year, in autumn, as follows: Fig. 1. A young 
 inale(^); 1, lungs; 2,2, yellow glands ; 3, 3, testicles. Fig 2. A 
 young female ( 9 ) > 1> 1 yellow glands ; 2, ovary; 3, lungs; 4, ovi- 
 duct. 
 
 PLATE VII. OUTLINE OF GROUSE, showini: the po-ition of the 
 different parts, as follows : a, the hack ; b, rump ; c, tipper tail- 
 coverts; d, under tail-coverts ; e, vent; f, tibia; g, tarsi; h, breast; 
 i, side; j, neck ; k, hind neck; I, abdomen ; m, feet ; n, throat. 
 
 PLATE VIII. ILLUSTRATES MOUNTING BIRDS. Figs. 1, 2. Arti- 
 ficial body ; a, bone of leg; h, wire bent ; c, wire clenched ; f, h, t-i'l 
 win*. Fig. 3. Mounted bird ; a, perpendicular line, showing the 
 position of the head compared with the feet and h-tse of the stand ; 
 b, b, wires for retaining the upper part of the wing in position ; c, c. 
 wires for retaining the lower part of the wing in position ; e, e, wires 
 for the tail ; d, showing the tail-feathers plaited ; f, stand. Fig. 4 
 Stand for mounting birds with the wings extended ; h, b, parallel 
 wires ; c, wires bent ; a, block of wood for the bottom of ibe stand, 
 Fig. 5. Head of Cedar-Bird, to illustrate th<> elevaiincr of the crest i 
 g, cotton on the pin ; b, feathers of the crest in position on tlie cotton. 
 
 PLATE IX. ILLUSTRATES MOUNTING MAMMALS Fi<). 1. A, 
 plank for supporting iron rods; 8, iron rod for supporting head ; 14, 
 cap, nut, and screw for fastening the end of tbe rod in the skull; 
 7, 7, 7, 7, iron rods to support the body ; 5, G", 5, 6, caps, <'te. for fastening 
 the upper ends of the rods to the plank ; 17, 17, 1 ". 17. cans, et<-. for 
 fastening the lower part of the rods to the stand (ID) ; 15, \\i e for 
 supporting the tail; 16, 16,16, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16, aiti.icial seed.. us of 
 
LIST OF PLATES. ix 
 
 hemp, prass, or plaster used as a substitute for the natural body. 
 Fig. 2. A, nut ; B, cap ; C, thread. 
 
 PLATE X. SKELETON OF A GROUSE, OR PRAIRIE HEN (Cupi- 
 (lon/<i cit/>i<!o, Baird). showing the different bones, as follows: 
 n, the skull ; b, vertebra of the neck; c, Jiumertis ; d, forearm; f, pha- 
 langes ; g, furcuhi ; h, sternum; i, marginal indentations; j, thigh? 
 k, tarsus; y, tibia ; m, rump ; n, coccygus; A, ribs; B, lower joint of 
 thigh. 
 
PART I. 
 
 DIRECTIONS 
 
 FOR COLLECTING, PRESERVING, AND MOUNTING 
 
 BIRDS, MAMMALS, FISHES, 
 
 ETC., ETC., ETC. 
 
PART I. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 COLLECTING AND PRESERVING BIRDS. 
 
 SECTION I. Hoiv to collect. Pei'sonal experience is a 
 good, and in fact the only adequate, teacher we can have 
 in learning any art. The need of such a teacher is felt by 
 none more than by the naturalist who wishes to bring to- 
 gether a complete collection of the birds of even his own 
 immediate district. Hence I trust I shall not be accused 
 of egotism, if, in this section, I endeavor to impart to the 
 reader some things that experience has taught me. 
 
 It is of first importance for the collector to gain as com- 
 plete a knowledge as possible of the notes and habits of 
 birds, and of the localities frequented by those he wishes 
 to procure. This knowledge may be gained by carefully 
 studying the writings of men who have paid par:i ular 
 attention to the subject. Too much dependence must not 
 be placed on books, as the best of these contain error as 
 well as truth ; besides, birds are very variable in their hab- 
 its in different localities. The collector must then depend 
 mainly upon himself. He must visit every locality, the 
 mountain top and the dark swampy thicket, as well as the 
 meadow, the plain, or the open forest, as in each of these 
 localities he will find species that he may no, meet else- 
 where. A little patience will help any on? through the 
 worst of places. 
 
 The quaking bog, where a misstep may plunge the adven- 
 turer into the slimy ooze, is also an excellent locality for 
 
S GUIDE. 
 
 certain species. But when the collector returns home wet 
 and hungry, fatigued and disheartened, as he now and 
 then will, let him not he discouraged. Try again ! the 
 next day, and even the next, if need be, until the desired 
 specimen is obtained. After all, the earnest naturalist will 
 be amply rewarded for the exercise of patience arid perse- 
 verance by securing a rare specimen. 
 
 The true naturalist never thinks of cold and disappoint- 
 ment, of days of fatigue and hours of patient watching, 
 when at last he holds in his hand the long-searched-for 
 bird. Ample reward is this for all his former trials ; he is 
 now ready to go into bog and through brier. And thus the 
 enthusiastic naturalist travels on, not discouraged by toil 
 and trouble, laughed to scorn by the so-called ''practical" 
 men, who are unable to appreciate his high motive. This, 
 however, he forgets w r hen in field or study he meets with 
 the cordial greeting of his brother naturalist, as they with 
 mutual interest relate their discoveries and adventures. 
 
 To the travelling collector a few special hints are neces- 
 sary. While visiting a remote region, but little known, 
 one should not neglect to shoot numbers of every bird met 
 with, even if they are common species at home, as they 
 will not only furnish data on the distribution of the species; 
 b* t they may present interesting characters peculiar to 
 that locality. If a certain species appears common, do not 
 delay collecting specimens, for peculiar circumstances may- 
 have brought them together ill unusual numbers ; at some 
 future time they may be rare. 
 
 A well-trained dog is of great value while collecting 
 birds, especially the Quails, Marsh Wrens, Sea-side and 
 Sharp-tailed Finches, in fact, all birds that are difficult to 
 start in open meadows and grassy places. While search- 
 ing thickets, great watchfulness should be observed, espe- 
 cially in the autumn, when many birds have no conspicuous 
 note, otherwise many of the more wary of the Warblers 
 
THE ART OF COLLECTING BIRDS. 5 
 
 will escape notice. The slightest chirp should be care- 
 fully followed ; the slightest motion of the branches closely 
 watched. If a bird is seen that is not fully recognized, it 
 should be shot at once, for in no other way can it be de- 
 termined whether it is not a rara avis. 
 
 By carefully watching the motions of birds, the collector 
 will soon become so expert as to be able generally to dis- 
 tinguish the diiferent species of Warblers, even at a dis- 
 tance. Carefully scrutinize also the tops of tall forest- 
 trees, as I have there taken, in autumn, some of the rarest 
 Warblers. 
 
 In spring male birds are quite readily found, as they are 
 then in full song ; but the same caution must be used in 
 collecting females that is practised in autumn, as they are 
 generally shy and difficult to find. Hence it is a good rule 
 always to secure the female first, when she is seen with the 
 male ; for, in spite of all the collector's efforts, he will find 
 that there will be four males to one female in his collection. 
 
 During winter some birds may be found in the thick 
 woods that one would hardly expect to find at this season, 
 such as the Robin, Golden-winged Woodpecker, etc. The 
 open fields should not be neglected even during snow- 
 storms, as it is then that such ordinarily cautious birds as 
 the Snowy Owl may be approached quite readily ; or the 
 capture of a Jerfulcon may reward the collector for a 
 disagreeable tramp. The salt marshes and sandy sea- 
 shores are the resort of a great many winter birds, and 
 the collector will perhaps find himself amply repaid for a 
 few visits to these localities at this season. 
 
 Do not neglect to collect the young of birds ; by pro* 
 curing specimens of these from the time they become fully 
 Hedged until they attain the perfectly mature plumage, 
 one becomes familiar with all the stages through which a 
 given species passes, and \vill thus avoid many errors into 
 which sonic of our eminent ornithologists have fallen, 
 
6 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 that of mistaking the young of certain well-known birds 
 for a different species from the adult, from not being ac- 
 quainted with the immature stages. All birds should be 
 taken that exhibit any unusual characters, such as unusu- 
 ally large or small bills or feet; or change of plumage, such 
 us very pale, or very bright, cases of albinism, etc. 
 
 The gun used by a collector should have a small bore, 
 not larger than No. 14, for shooting small birds ; for Ducks, 
 and other large water-birds, one of larger calibre will be 
 found more effectual. The best shot to use for small birds 
 is "Dust shot," if it can be procured ; if not, No. 12 will 
 answer. No. 8 will do for Ducks and large birds. For 
 Hawks and Eagles, Ealy's wire cartridges are the best. 
 
 In shooting small birds, load as lightly as possible. I'ut 
 in no more shot than is required to kill the bird. As you 
 can approach very near most small birds, you will Imd, 
 by experiment, that you can kill them with very little shot. 
 If too much powder is used, it will impel the shot with 
 so much force as to send it completely through the bird, 
 thereby making two holes, when less powder, by causing 
 less force, would have made only one, and the bird would 
 have been killed just as effectually. When shot goes into 
 the body of a bird, it generally carries feathers with it, and 
 in a measure plugs the hole ; but when it is forced through 
 and comes out, it often carries away a small patch of feath- 
 ers and skin, leaving an open wound, from which the blood 
 flows freely. 
 
 If the bird is not instantly killed by shooting, the 
 thumb and forefinger should be placed with a firm pres- 
 sure on each side of its body under the wings, when it will 
 soon die. This operation compresses the lungs and pre- 
 vents the bird's breathing. Besides mercifully ending its 
 suffering, its death causes the flow of blood in a great 
 measure to cease , for this reason it should be killed as 
 quickly as possible. 
 
THE ART OF COLLECTING BIRDS. 7 
 
 The mouth, nostrils, and vent should now be plugged 
 with cotton or tow. By blowing aside the feathers the shot- 
 holes may be detected ; if they bleed, or are in the abdo- 
 men or rump, a pinch of calcined plaster * should be placed 
 upon them ; this absorbs the blood, or any fluid that may 
 ooze out. When shot enters either the abdomen or rump, 
 it is apt to cut the intestines and set free the fluids con- 
 tained therein. If the blood has already soiled the feath- 
 ers, remove as much as is possible with a knife, then sprinkle 
 plaster on the spot, and rub the soiled feathers gently be- 
 tween the thumb and fingers ; this, if repeated, will gen- 
 erally remove any spots of blood, etc., if the operation is 
 performed before the blood becomes dry. When the blood 
 is dry, it is removed after the bird is skinned, as will be, 
 hereafter described. 
 
 Next make a note of the color of the eyes, feet, and bill 
 of the specimens, also note the color of the cere in birds of 
 prey, and the naked skin of the lores arid about the bill of 
 the Herons, also about the heads of the Vultures. After 
 smoothing the feathers carefully, place the bird in a paper 
 cone,f head first, then pin or twist up the larger end, tak- 
 ing care not to injure the tail-feathers. The blood can be 
 washed from the feathers of all the swimmers, but the bird, 
 in this case, should be allowed to dry before packing in 
 paper. If grease or oily matter has oozed out upon the 
 feathers, the bird should not be washed, but the plaster 
 be used as before, only in larger quantities. 
 
 All traces of blood should be instantly removed from 
 white feathers, as it is very apt to stain them if it remains 
 upon them long. The paper containing the bird should 
 
 * This is burned plaster or gypsum, and is used by stucco makers. 
 If it cannot he procured, the unburned plaster or common ground gyp*um 
 used by farmers, or air-slacked lime, pulverized chalk, or ashes, in fact, 
 anything that will absorb the blood, will answer. 
 
 t The leaves of an old pamphlet are about the right size for making 
 cones for small birds, and can be easily obtained. 
 
8 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 be placed in a light basket, a willow fish-basket is the 
 best for this purpose, suspended by a strap over the shoul- 
 der, and resting upon the hip. If there are but one or two 
 birds in the basket, it should be filled with grass, or loose 
 paper, to keep them steady, as otherwise they might re- 
 ceive injury by rolling from side to side. In packing birds, 
 avoid putting the largest at the top, as their weight will 
 cause the smallest to bleed. Do not hold a bird in the 
 hand any longer than is necessary; if possible, take it ly 
 the feet or bill, for the perspiration from the hand tends to 
 impair the gloss of the plumage. 
 
 A good collector must practise, in. order to become a good 
 shot. He must always keep his gun in readiness, for at 
 any moment a bird that he desires may start up at his feet, 
 or peer out from the bushes for only an instant before 
 flying away; by being ready, he will thus secure many 
 birds that he would otherwise lose. 
 
 To be in readiness at all times, the gun should be car- 
 ried in the hollow of the left arm, with the muzzle pointed 
 backwards, or with the stock under the right arm, with the 
 muzzle pointed towards the ground, which is undoubtedly 
 the safest way, especially if you are hunting with a com- 
 panion. Too much caution cannot be used in handling a 
 loaded gun, especially by a professional collector, who may 
 spend two thirds of his time with a gun in his hand. A 
 gun should never be carried in other than three ways, 
 the two above mentioned and directly over the shoulder. 
 If the collector becomes accustomed to these ways, which 
 are all perfectly safe, he will never think of any other. 
 Surely, this caution is necessary to one who is travelling 
 through all sorts of places, when a slip or a fall with a care- 
 lessly held gun might cripple him for life, by an accidental 
 discharge. 
 
 While passing through thick bushes, always carry the 
 gun under the arm, .as this prevents its accidental dis- 
 
THE .ART OF COLLl^CilNG BIRDS. 9 
 
 charge by the bushes catching the trigger or hammer. 
 Never allow the muzzle of the gun to point at any one, 
 even for an instant. All these things depend upon habit, 
 and will cause a thoughtful man, who has handled a gun for 
 a long time, to be much more careful than a person who 
 seldom takes one in his hands. The thoughtful man 
 prefers rather to avoid accidents to himself and others 
 by care in advance than to risk the chance of having to 
 mourn his carelessness afterwards. The various devices for 
 snaring birds are undoubtedly the best ways to secure them 
 without injuring their plumage. But the collector will 
 have to rely mainly upon his gun ; and by following the 
 above instruction regarding the light charges, he will find 
 that he will generally kill a bird without injuring its 
 plumage seriously. If he carefully attends to it afterward 
 in the way described, he will save himself much trouble 
 when he wishes to preserve it. 
 
 In an old French cook-book may be found a receipt for a 
 rabbit-stew, commencing with, " First, catch your rabbit," 
 etc., which rule is applicable to the collector. First, study 
 with attention the art of collecting. Many and long have 
 been the lessons in collecting that I have taken in long tramps 
 through sunshine and storm, in the bracing air ampng the 
 mountains of Northern Maine and New Hampshire, on 
 sandy islands and rocky shores, amid the luxuriant forests 
 and along the rivers and lagoons of semi-tropical Florida. 
 Hours of danger and perplexity have been mingled with 
 days of inexpressible pleasure, which all must experience 
 who study from the Great Book of Nature. Not easily, 
 then, I may add, have I learned what I am trying to im- 
 part to others in thoso ],;iges. 
 
 Since writing the preceding, I have been informed by 
 my friend, Mr. W. Brewster, of Cambridge, that in collect- 
 ing such small birds as the Warblers, Sparrows, Wrens, etc., 
 he has used a "blow-gun " to great advantage, constructed 
 1* 
 
10 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 somewhat after the pattern of the celebrated instrument 
 that is used by the natives of some portions of South 
 America to shoot poisoned arrows. His "gun" is made 
 of pine-wood, and is about four feet and a half long ; it is 
 bored smoothly the whole length with a quarter-inch hole. 
 For ammunition Mr. Brewster uses balls made of soft 
 putty. These, blown at birds, will hit them hard enough 
 to kill, if the gun be aimed rightly, which art can be 
 acquired by practice. This is certainly the preferable way 
 to collect small birds, as it does the plumage no harm. I 
 would suggest, however, that a tube of thin brass be used 
 in place of wood ; if it were longer, say six feet, it would carry 
 with greater force and more accuracy. Glass would be still 
 better, if it could be supported by wood to prevent break- 
 age, MS it would be much smoother. The balls of putty 
 should be made to fit moderately tight. I have never 
 tried this method myself, but Mr. Brewster has, in a satis- 
 factory manner, as described above. I only wait an oppor- 
 tunity to test them myself, and trust that others will do 
 the same. 
 
 SECTION II. How to prepnre Specimens. Instruments, 
 Materials, etc* The instruments needed in preserving 
 birds and mammals are : a pair of common pliers, Plate I. 
 Fig. 1 ; a pair of cutting pliers, Fig. 2 ; a pair of tweezers, 
 Fig. 3; a scalpel, Fig. 4; two brushes, one soft, the other 
 stiff ; a flat file, and needles and thread. 
 
 The materials needed are : wire of annealed iron of sizes 
 between 2<> and 10, also some very fine copper wire; 
 common thread, coarse and fine, also some very fine, soft 
 thread from the cotton-factories, this is wound on what 
 are called " bobbins " ; it is used in the manufacture of 
 cloth, cotton tow or hemp, and fine grass ; for the latter 
 the long tough kind that grows in the woods is the best. 
 
 * All the instruments and the wire may be procured at the hardware 
 stores in the cities or larger towns. 
 
MATERIALS, ETC. 
 
 11 
 
 Fig. 7 Fig. 4 
 
 Plate I. 
 
12 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 Arsenic is the best substance that can be used in preserv- 
 ing skins, and the only one necessary. Other preparations 
 are no better, and often much worse. Strange as it may ap- 
 pear to some, I would say avoid especially all the so-called 
 arsenical soaps; they are at best but filthy preparations ; 
 beside, it is, a fact to which 1 can bear painful testimony, 
 that they are especially when applied to a greasy skin 
 poisonous in the extreme. I have been so badly poisoned, 
 while working upon the skins of some fat water-birds that 
 had been preserved with arsenical soap, as to be made 
 seriously ill, the poison having worked into the system 
 through some small wounds or scratches on my hands. 
 Had pure arsenic been used in preparing the skins the 
 effect would not have been as bad, although grease and 
 arsenic are generally a blood poison in some degree ; but 
 when combined with " soap," the effect at least, as far as 
 my experience goes is much more injurious. 
 
 Arsenic alone will sometimes poison slightly the wound 
 with which it comes in contact, but no more than com- 
 mon salt. There will be a slight festering and nothing 
 more ; but, on the contrary, when combined with fat, a 
 poison is generated that must be carefully guarded against. 
 It sometimes works under the nails of the fingers and 
 thumbs, while one is at work skinning (especially if the 
 birds are fat). Rubber cots should be put upon the fingers 
 or thumbs the instant the slightest wound is detected, 
 whereby much pain may be avoided at a small cost. The 
 cots alluded to can be procured of almost any druggist for 
 ten ceit^s e$ch. 
 
 Arsenic* however, cannot be used with too #reat care, 
 as it is a deadly poison. In no case should it be left in 
 the way of children. I have a drawer, wide, long, and 
 shallow, in the bench at which \ work upon birds, wlwre 
 my arsenic is kept safely, and it .is always accessible. But 
 there is probably not so much danger attending the use 
 
, ETC. 13 
 
 of pure drv arsenic as people- generally suppose. I have" 
 been told repeatedly, by competent physicians, that the 
 small quantity taken, either by inhalation while using it; 
 or by numerous other accidental ways, would be beneficial; 
 rather than injurious; but be that as it may, 1 have used 
 dry arsenic constantly for ten years, and have not yet, 1 
 think, experienced any injurious effects from it. It must 
 be remembered that 1 have, of course, used it carefully. 
 \\hen used with care, in the ordinary manner, it is uni 
 doiihtedly the safest and the best material that can be 
 used in preparing skins for the cabinet. 1 have never yet 
 had a skin decay, or attacked by moths, that was well pre- 
 served by the use of arsenic. Arsenic is very cheap, vary- 
 ing from five to ten cents per pound by the wholesale, and 
 retailed at twenty-five cents by druggists, but when bought 
 by the ounce the price is enormous. 
 
 There is, however, another poison to which one is exposed 
 while skinning animals, which cannot be too carefully 
 guarded against, for it is much more injurious in its effects 
 than fat ard arsenic, I speak of the animal poison that 
 results from the first stage of decomposition. If on at warm 
 day one skins birds from which an offensive odor arises, 
 and a peculiar livid or purplish appearance of the skin 
 upon the abdomen is seen, and the intestines are distended 
 with an extremely poisonous gas, which is the source 
 of the offensive; sickening odor, there is danger of be- 
 ing poisoned. When this gas is inhaled, or penetrates th6 
 skin through the pores (which are generally open on a 
 warm day), a powerful and highly dangerous poison is apt 
 to be the result. 
 
 In a few days numerous pimples, which are exceedingly 
 painful, appear upon the skin of the face and other partfc 
 of the person, and upon those parts where there is a chaf- 
 ing or rubbing become large and deep sores. There is h 
 general languor, and, if badly poisoned; complete proslratibfe 
 
14 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 results; the slightest scratch upon the skin becomes a fes- 
 tering sore. Once poisoned in this manner (and I speak 
 from experience), one is never afterwards able to skin any 
 animal that has become in the least putrid, without ex- 
 periencing some of the symptoms above described. Even 
 birds that you handled before with impunity, you cannot 
 now skin without great care. 
 
 The best remedy in this case is, as the Hibernian would 
 say, not to get poisoned, to avoid skinning all birds that 
 exhibit the slightest signs of putrescence ; this is especially 
 to be guarded against in warm weather, and in hot cli- 
 mates, where I have seen a single hour's work upon putrid 
 birds nearly provo fatal to the careless individual. 
 
 If you get poisoned, bathe the parts frequently in cold 
 water ; and if chafed, sprinkle the parts, after bathing, 
 with wheat flour. These remedies, if persisted in, will effect 
 a cure, if not too bad ; then, medical advice should be pro- 
 cured without delay. 
 
 It is just as easy to skin fresh birds as putrid ones, 
 and much pleasanter, and in this way the evil will be 
 avoided. If it is necessary to skin a putrid bird, as in 
 the case of a rare specimen, a good bath of the hands 
 and face in clear, cold water will entirely prevent the 
 poison from taking effect, provided the skinning is not 
 protracted too long. But generally, if the bird is putrid, 
 I would advise the collector to throw it away, and obtain 
 others that are safer to skin. 
 
 If birds and mammals are injected, by means of a small 
 glass syringe, with a small quantity of carbolic acid at the 
 mouth and vent, it will prevent decomposition from taking 
 place immediately. After injecting, the mouth and vent 
 should be plugged to prevent the acid from staining the 
 feathers. Birds injected in this way for three successive 
 days will continue fresh for a long time, and, if kept in a 
 dry place, will harden completely without decomposing. 
 
MATERIALS, ETC. 15 
 
 They may afterwards be skinned, as will be described here- 
 after. Impure carbolic acid will answer as well as the 
 refined, and it is much cheaper. 
 
 The cust of this acid is trifling, and it will often prove 
 beneficial in preserving birds in warm weather when they 
 cannot be skinned immediately. But I would not advise 
 its use in preserving birds when it can possibly be avoided, 
 as it dulls the plumage, and is offensive in its odor in con- 
 nection with the juices of the birds while they are being 
 skinned. It is, perhaps, needless to add that this acid 
 is a dangerous internal poison; it also burns the skin 
 badly when allowed to come in contact with it, but all 
 injurious effects may be removed by applying oil to the 
 spot. 
 
 As a collector walks much, he must have something on 
 his feet that is easy and at the same time serviceable. I 
 have found that in stony countries like New England the 
 best things arc canvas shoes that lace up in front, tightly 
 about the ankles and over the instep, to prevent slipping up 
 and down, which is the worst possible thing that could 
 happen while on a long tramp ; the soles should be broad, 
 so that the toes may have room enough without crow-ling. 
 With such shoes I have found th it I coul.l walk farther 
 than with anything else, and be less wearied in the end. 
 If the feet are wet from walking in water, with canvas 
 shoes on them they will soon dry, as the water will all run 
 out upon walking a short time on dry ground. Anything 
 that is water-proof will be much too heavy to travel in, 
 besides being injurious to the feet. 
 
 In sandy localities, or on marshes, or in winter when the 
 snow covers the jrround, Indian moccasons are the easiest 
 and best things that can possibly be worn ; but in stony 
 places they are not of sufficient thickness to protect the 
 feet from receiving injury from the hard surface,' other- 
 wise they are exceedingly easy. They are not water-proof, 
 
16 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 BO that unless the snow is frozen in winter they are of no 
 use. These mocctisons win be procured almost anywhere 
 in Maine and New Hampshire, and sometimes in Boston. 
 They are manufactured mostly in Canada. For clothes, 
 perhaps the best that can be worn in summer is a suit 
 of fine canvas of some dark color, to correspond with the 
 foliage; in winter, white, to correspond with the snow; 
 in both cases the wearer is less conspicuous, and can ap- 
 proach his game much more readily. This cloth will not 
 wear out or tear easily, and is every way fitted for travel- 
 ling in the woods. 
 
 1 would next call attention to making stands on which 
 to put birds after they have been mounted, as one of the 
 necessities of the cabinet. Simple stands in the form of 
 the letter T (Plate VIII. Fig. 3, f) are generally wanted. 
 Any carpenter can make them. Different sizes will 1.6 
 needed, from one with the standard two inches high with a 
 cross-piece one inch long, to a foot standard \\ ith a six-incli 
 cross-piece, with bottoms to match. If made of pine, these 
 stands may be painted white, of a very pure unchanging 
 color, in the following manner. Buy white zinc at thirty 
 cents per pound, and nice frozen glue at from twenty -five 
 to thirty cents per pound ; dissolve the glue thoroughly in 
 hot water, then strain ; to a pint and a half of water use a 
 quarter of a pound of glue, to this add one pound of zinc, 
 stir well, with the vessel that contains it in boiling water, 
 then, with a brush, apply to the stands ; put on two coats. 
 If the paint has a yellowish cast, put in a few drops of 
 bluing ; it will change it at once. Thus you will find 
 that you have a nice white coat of paint that will remain 
 unchanged longer than oil colors. Any other color can be 
 used, if preferred, in the same manner. 
 
 "Fancy stands are made in the following way. For mossy 
 stands, select a wooden bottom of suitable shape and size, - 
 those with the edges bevelled are generally used, and 
 
MATERIALS, ETC. 17 
 
 with the pliers force a piece of wire into it in the centre, 
 then bend the wire in imitation of a branch or smill tree, 
 then wind it with hemp to give it the required shape ; 
 additional wires may be fastened on to represent the smaller 
 twigs. 
 
 The whole is now to be covered with a coating of glue, 
 and sprinkled with pulverized moss, or small pieces of 
 moss are placed upon it smoothly. If the work is per- 
 formed neatly, a perfect imitation of a little tree will be the 
 result, upon which the bird is placed. If artificial leaves 
 are to be used, they may be placed upon the twigs with 
 glue. 
 
 If, instead of a wire, a twig bent in the required form 
 can be procured, and fastened to the bottom with wire, 
 it may be covered with moss without winding with hemp. 
 The fancy stands seen with dealers in birds are generally 
 made of a substance called papier-mache, that is, manu- 
 factured of paper pulp and glue as follows : Tear paper 
 in small pieces and place it in water, let it stand over- 
 night. Then, as it will be entirely soaked, reduce it to 
 a perfect pulp, either by forcing it through a sieve or by 
 stirring it. When reduced to a pulp, drain the water 
 away. Dissolve a quarter of a pound of glue in a pint of 
 water ; mix with this a pint of pulp, heat it, and stir it 
 well ; then it is ready for use. Prepare a stand as de- 
 scribed. Mould the pulp upon it in any shape to suit 
 The fancy. It should have the consistency of putty, in 
 order to work well. If it is too thin, put in more of the 
 pulp . if too dry, more water. 
 
 With this substance you can imitate almost anything in 
 the shape of miniature trees, with hollows, knots, crooked 
 limbs, etc. By drawing over the whole, when finished, a 
 comb, the bark of a tree can be imitated exactly. When 
 perfectly dry, the limbs of the tree can be painted brown 
 in the manner described. The bottom of the stand is 
 
18 THE NATURALISTS GUIDE. 
 
 painted green, and sprinkled with a substance resembling 
 green sand, called " sinolt," which may be procured at 
 the painter's ; over this is sometimes sprinkled thin glass, 
 broken tine, which is called " frosting," and is also used by 
 painters. 
 
 Rocks can be imitated well with papier-mache. If stud- 
 ded with small pieces of quartz the effect is heightened ; 
 they then may be painted in imitation of granite, sand- 
 stone, etc. The sandstone is easily imitated by sprinkling 
 on sand before the pulp is dry. There are many other 
 things that may be imitated with this wonderful substance, 
 but, having given the preceding hints, I leave the reader to 
 experiment at his leisure upon them. 
 
 For the scientific cabinet I would advise the use of 
 the plain white stands as being much neater. The others 
 are only fit for ornament. 
 
 One other thing is necessary. Take a thin board, and 
 at intervals of two inches tack transversely strips of wood 
 (Plate IV. Fig. 1); then cut a strip of paper as wide as 
 the board, and with glue make it adhere at the top of the 
 strips and at the middle of the intervening space, so as to 
 form a corrugated appearance (Fig. 2). These are used in 
 drying skins of birds. Each board should have about 
 twelve such spaces, varying in width from two to four 
 inches, the boards varying in width from four inches to 
 one foot. These Ixmrds, with careful use, will last a long 
 time: 
 
 SECTION III. Measuring, Skinning, and Preserving Birds. 
 For measuring, a pair of dividers, or compasses, a steel 
 rule, divided into hundredths of an inch, and a longer 
 rule, divided into inches and half-inches, will be wanted. 
 To measure the bird, proceed as follows : Place the bird 
 upon its back upon the longer rule, with the end of the 
 tail at the end of the rule; the neck is stretched at full 
 length, without straining ; the bill must be pointed with 
 
THE ART OF PRESERVING BIRDS. 
 
 ly 
 
 g 
 
 a 
 
 e 
 
 Plate II. 
 
20 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 the rule. Record the number of inches upon a strip of 
 paper ; if there is a fractional part of an inch, measure it 
 with the dividers, and find how many hundredths it con- 
 tains upon the smaller rule, and record it. This is "the 
 length of the bird." 
 
 Stretch the wings out to the full length, with the bird 
 still upon its back; measure these from tip to tip as "the 
 stretch of wing." Measure the wing from the tip to the 
 carpel joint, or bend, with the dividers (Plate X. d), for "the 
 length of the wing." The tail is to be measured also 
 with the dividers from the tip to the root for "the 
 length of the tail." Measure the tarsus (Plate VII. g) as 
 " the length of the tarsus." Measure the bill, from the tip 
 of the upper mandible to the base (if the base is not well 
 defined, as in the Ducks, measure to the feathers) ; this is 
 "the length of bill along the culmen" (Plate III. h). 
 Measure from the tip of the upper mandible to the gape 
 (e) for " the 1 jngth from gape " ; also from the tip of 
 the lower mandible to the angle of the gonys (s) for " the 
 length of gonys " (c). In the Hawks, measure to the 
 cere. 
 
 The color of the eyes, feet, and bill is now observed 
 and recor.led, also the date of collection and the locality in 
 which the bird was collected. If the bird is in worn plu- 
 mage, the fact should be recorded, as this will affect the 
 measurements ; also if it is moulting or in perfect plu- 
 mage. As the rec >rds now made are only temporary, signs 
 
 may be used to save time, such as X would denote an 
 
 adult bird in perfect plumage, Y| would denote a 
 
 young bird in worn plumage, YY| 1 would denote a 
 
 young bird not a year old and moulting, this stage in the 
 life of the bird is called the "young-of-the-year." By 
 using some such signs as these much time will be saved. 
 When the collector becomes expert at measuring, he will 
 find that all small birds can be measured and recorded in 
 
THE ART OF PRESERVING BIRDS. 21 
 
22 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE, 
 
 about three minutes, and the larger ones in a little longer 
 time. 
 
 Skinning. First, have plenty of plaster near at hand, 
 liemove the cotton from the mouth and vent, -and place 
 a fresh plug in the mouth alone. The method now about 
 to be described is one that will apply to all birds, excepting 
 those to be hereafter named. 
 
 Place the bird upon its back ; with the forefinger and 
 thumb part the feathers on the abdomen, and a bare longi- 
 tudinal space will be discovered, extending from the breast 
 to the vent. With the scalpel divide the skin in the 
 centre of this bare space, commencing at the lower part of 
 the breast-bone, or sternum (Plate X. o), arid ending at the 
 vent. Now peel the skin off to the right and left, and 
 sprinkle plaster upon the exposed abdomen. Force the 
 leg on the right side up under the skin, at the same time 
 drawing the skin down until the joint (p) appears ; cut 
 through this joint and draw the leg out as far as the 
 tarsus or first joint (k) ; with the point of the knife sever 
 the tendons on the lower part of the leg, then by a single 
 scraping motion upwards they may all be removed, com- 
 pletely baring the bone ; treat the other leg in a like man- 
 ner, leaving both turned out as they were skinned. Place 
 the finger under the rump near the tail, then with the 
 scalpel cut through the backbone just in front of the coc- 
 cygus (n) entirely through the flesh to the skin, the 
 finger beneath is a guide to prevent cutting the skin. This 
 may be done very quickly after long practice, and there 
 is no danger of severi,g the skin if proper care be used. 
 Put on a fresh supply of plaster. Now grasp the end of 
 the backbone firmly between the thumb and forefinger, 
 and with the other hand pull the skin down on all sides 
 towards the head, until the joint of the wing, where the 
 last bone, or humerus (r), is joined to the body, appears ; 
 sever the bones at this joint, and draw the skin down 
 
THE ART OF PRESERVING BIRDS. 23 
 
 over the neck arid head. When the ears appear, with 
 the thumb-nail remove the skin that adheres closely to 
 the skull without breaking it, pull down to the eyes, then 
 cut the skin off close to the eyelids, taking care not to 
 cut or injure them; but be sure and cut close enough to 
 remove the nictating membrane, as it will otherwise cause 
 trouble. Skin well down to the base of the bill. Re- 
 move the eye with the point of the knife by thrusting 
 it down at the side between the eye and the socket, then 
 with a motion upward it can be removed without breaking ; 
 cut oft' enough of the back part of the skull to remove the 
 brains easily. Proceed to skin the wings; draw them out 
 until the forearm (Plate X. d) appears, to which the sec- 
 ondaries are attached; with the thumb-nail detach them 
 by pressing downward forcibly. Remove the muscles and 
 tendons as explained on the leg to the joint, where 
 the forearm joins the humerus (B), then divide, removing 
 the liumerus entirely. 
 
 Now open the drawer containing the arsenic, and with 
 a small flat piece of wood cover the skin completely with 
 it ; be sure that the cavities from which the brains and 
 eyes were removed are filled. Take up the skin and 
 shake it gently. The arsenic that remains adhering to it 
 is sufficient to preserve it, provided the skin is damp 
 enough ; if not, it may be moistened slightly. Now fill the 
 eye-holes * with cotton, tie the wing-bones with thread, as 
 near together as the back of the bird was broad, then 
 turn the skin back into its former position. Smooth the 
 feathers of the head and wings with the fingers. With a 
 few strokes of the feather duster, holding the skin up by 
 the bill, remove the plaster and arsenic that may be ad- 
 hering to the feathers. 
 
 If there is blood upon the feathers, it may be removed 
 if there is not much of it, and if it is dry with the 
 " * By which I mean the holes occupied by the eyes in the skull 
 
24 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 stiff brush by continuous brushing, assisted by scraping 
 with the thumb-nail. A living bird cleans blood from its 
 plumage by drawing each feather separately through its 
 beak, thereby scraping off the blood ; the thumb-nail 
 performs the part of the bill. If much bloody, with a soft 
 sponge and water wash away all traces of blood ; then 
 throw plaster upon the wet spot, and remove it before it 
 has time to harden or *' set." By repeating this opera- 
 tion, at the same time lifting the feathers so as to allow 
 the plaster to dry every part, and by using the soft brush, 
 the feathers will soon dry. In this way any stains may be 
 removed. 
 
 If the plumage is greasy, wash it with warm water and 
 strong soap long enough to remove every particle of fatty 
 matter that adheres to the feathers ; then rinse thorouyltlj 
 in warm water, afterwards in cold. Be sure and remove 
 all traces of the soap before putting on the plaster to dry, 
 as the soap will be changed by the plaster into a gummy 
 substance, which will be very difficult to remove. 
 
 After smoothing the feathers carefully, place the skin 
 upon its back. With the tweezers take up a small roll 
 of hemp or cotton, as large round and as long as the neck of 
 the body that was taken out, and place it in the neck of 
 the skin, taking care that the throat is well filled out ; th^n, 
 by grasping the neck on each side with the thumb and 
 finger, the hemp or cotton may be held in place, and tho 
 tweezers withdrawn. After placing the wings in the same 
 position as 'he bird would have them when at rest, with 
 the bones of the forearm pushed well into the skin, so that 
 they may lie down each side, and not cross each other, 
 with a needle and thread sew through the skin and the 
 first quill of the primaries by pushing the needle through 
 the skin on the inside and through the quill opposite, but 
 be sure that the wing is in the proper place. (If it is too far 
 forward, the feathers of the sides of the breast, that ought to 
 
THE ART OF PRESERVING BIRDS. 25 
 
 lie smoothly over the bend of the wing, will be forced up 
 and backward. If the wing is placed too far back, there 
 will be a bare spot upon the side of the neck, caused by 
 the wing-coverts, which help, in connection with the feath- 
 ers of the back, to hide the spot, being drawn either 
 down or back too far. If the wing is placed too low, the 
 same spot is seen, only it is elongated and extends along 
 the back between the secondaries and feathers of the back ; 
 if too high, the feathers of the back will appear pushed up, 
 and will not lie smooth for obvious reasons. When the 
 wing is in the right position, the feathers of the wing- 
 coverts and back will blend nicely and smoothly, and the 
 feathers of the sides of the breast will lie smoothly over 
 the bend of the wing ; the ends of the closed quills will 
 lie flat upon the tail, or nearly so.) Now draw the thread 
 through so that but an inch is visible inside the skin, 
 then push the needle through the skin from the outside 
 just below the quill that it came out through, draw the 
 thread through, and tie to the projecting end, thereby 
 fastening the wing firmly to the side ; proceed in this way 
 with the other wing. 
 
 Roll up loosely an oblong body of cotton or hemp of 
 the same size as the body taken out, place it in the skin 
 neatly, then draw the edges of the skin together where the 
 incision was made, and sew them once in the centre ; tie 
 the ends of the thread together. Take care to put the 
 needle through the etfye of the skin so as not to disturb the 
 feathers. Smooth the feathers on the abdomen. Cross 
 the feet upon the tail (Plate IV. Fig. 3), which is spread 
 slightly, then place tne sirni upon its back in the 
 rounded places of the drying-board, spoken of on page 
 18 (Fig. 1, d), taking care that the feathers of the 
 back are perfectly smooth. This rounded bed gives the 
 back a natural rounded appearance, which cannot be 
 mndo ensilv in any other WAJ. Place the head with t.ho 
 
26 
 
 THE NAllKALlSl'S GUIDE. 
 
 Fig. 2 
 
THE ART OF PRESERVING BIRDS. 27 
 
 bill horizontal with the back or bottom of the rounded 
 space, with the culmen (Plate IV., Fig. 1, d) nearly touch* 
 ing the paper. The skin must remain in this position 
 without being disturbed until perfectly dry, which in very 
 warm weather, with small birds, will be in about twenty- 
 four hours. 
 
 If this corrugated board cannot be procured, the skin 
 may be placed on its back upon a flat surface, with a 
 little cotton on each side of it to prevent its getting dis*- 
 placed. This is what is technically termed " a skin ? 
 (Fig. 3), and this method of making them is the best I 
 have ever seen practised, and one that I have used for 
 years as being the most expedient. The skins so made 
 are less liable to injury, being stronger than some others, 
 and are also very easily mounted. I have made in a 
 single day, in the manner described, fifty skins, and with 
 practice almost any one will be able to do the same ; teii 
 minutes being ample time for each, including the meas- 
 uring. 
 
 Before the skin is placed upon the board, it should le 
 labelled (Fig. 3, ) with a number corresponding to the 
 one placed upon the slip of paper containing the meas- 
 urements, etc., marked also for the sex of the bird, which 
 is done by using for the male the sign of the planet 
 Mars, thus <$ ; for the female the sign of the planet 
 Venus is used, thus 9- These signs are used by natural- 
 ists throughout the scientific world, and it is best to be- 
 come accustomed to them. 
 
 Determining the. Sex. The sex of the bird is determined, 
 not by the plumage, which will sometimes set tho student 
 at fault by its changes, and should never be trusted m de- 
 termining the sex, but by dissection, as follows : Take the 
 body of the bird after it has been removed, and cut with 
 the scalpel through the ribs (Plate X. A) on the sid^s 
 of the abdomen, thereby exposing the intestines ; raise 
 
28 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 these gently with the point of the knife, and beneath them 
 will be seen the sexual organs, which are fully illustrated 
 in the following diagrams. 
 
 PLATE V., Fig. 2, is an adult male () in the breeding 
 season. 1 shows the position of the lungs, 2 the pecu- 
 liar yellowish glands, in some birds bright yellow, in the 
 present case that of a song sparrow (Mdospiza melodin. 
 Baird) they are yellowish white, which, being present 
 in both sexes, if not examined closely, may be easily mis 
 taken, in the young female, for the testicles of the male. 
 3, 3, are the testicles, much enlarged in this, the breeding 
 season. The sex of a bird in this stage is easily deter- 
 Inined. 
 
 .," PLATE VI., Fig. 1, is a young male (<J)-i'n the- younr- 
 of-the-year plumage. The figures refer to the same parts 
 as explained in the preceding. It will be perceived tlmt 
 'the testicles (3) are much smaller. At different seasons. 
 the testicles vary in size between this and the preceding. 
 In some birds they are elongated, and black in color, 
 'as in the Herons; but they always occupy the same posi- 
 tions so nearly as to be readily distinguished. The pecu- 
 liar white glands (2) are in this instance very, prominent, 
 but they are readily known in all birds by their being flat, 
 "while the testicles are always spherical. . 
 '. PLATE V., Fig. 1. This is an adult fetiiale (9) in the 
 breeding season. 1,1, are the same peculiar glands observed 
 in the males ; 2 is the ovary, a mass of spheres at this 
 season quite yellow and prominent ; 3 is the oviduct, or 
 , : egg-passage, much enlarged in the present case, as it always 
 < is during the breeding season, when it assumes a thick, 
 swollen appearance, while at other times it is translucent, 
 '. much smaller, and resembles a narrow, whitish line, not 
 r readily perceived. : 
 
 fr ;PLATE VI., Fig. 2, is a young-of-the-year female rinau- 
 c- tuinn. .:.:.!, 1, the same white glands that at this stage"0f the 
 
THE ART OF PRESERVING BiRDS. 
 
 Plate V. 
 
30 
 
 THE ttAiUKALtePS GUIDE. 
 
 Pig. 
 
 Young 
 
 Plate VL 
 
THE ART OF PRESERVING BIRDS. 31 
 
 bird's life might at first sight be mistaken for the testicles 
 of the male, but, upon looking closely the ovary (2) can 
 be perceived, very small ; upon applying a magnifying-glass 
 it appears granular. 
 
 With these remarks and diagrams, I think any one with 
 ordinary ability will, with a little practice, be able to de- 
 termine this very important character in the scientific 
 study of birds. 
 
 Contents of Stomach, etc. The contents of the stomach 
 must next be examined, which is done by opening the giz- 
 zard and crop. A little practice will enable the collector 
 to state correctly what it contains, although the glass is 
 sometimes necessary, as in the case of small birds. This 
 is then recorded upon the slip of paper, which is put on 
 file, to be copied into a book, in the following manner, 
 leaving a page, or, if the book is not wide enough, two 
 pages, for each species, first placing the scientific name at 
 the head, as seen on the following page. 
 
 A book prepared in this manner, carefully indexed and 
 paged, will, when it is filled with the measurements of 
 birds, be of immense value for comparative measurements, 
 besides giving the collector a complete history of each of 
 his specimens. 
 
 Exceptions to the, usual Method of Skinning. All birds 
 are to be prepared in the preceding manner, with the fol- 
 lowing exceptions. 
 
 All Woodpeckers with a large head and small neck of 
 which the Pileated Woodpecker (Hylotomus pileattis, Baird) 
 is an example should be skinned in the same manner as 
 far as the neck, which should be severed, as it is impos- 
 sible to turn the skin over the head ; cut through the skin 
 on the back of the head, making a longitudinal insertion 
 of an inch or more, and draw the head through this. It 
 should be carefully sewn up after the skin is turned back. 
 Such specimens, when laid out to dry, should have the 
 
32 
 
 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 nig jo aopo 
 
 ma 
 
 3 
 
 0! 
 
 ! 
 
 IPX 
 
 jo 
 
 o 
 
 Of 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 rH 5 
 
THE ART OF PKKSKRVING BIRDS. 33 
 
 head so placed that the bill is turned at right angles with 
 the body, with the head resting on one side, and not on the 
 back as before. 
 
 All Ducks with large heads should be skinned in the 
 same way, with the exception that the ' insertion must be 
 made under the head, on the throat. Ducks, Herons, Geese, 
 large Sandpipers, and all other long-necked birds, should, 
 when placed to dry, rest upon the breast, with the head 
 and neck placed upon the back, and the head turned on 
 one side. Herons with very long necks should have them 
 bent once. The bill must be placed parallel with the neck 
 and pointing forward. 
 
 While travelling it is not always convenient to fill out 
 the bodies of large birds ; it is better to pack them flat, 
 with but little cotton in them, just enough, however, to 
 keep the opposite parts of the skin from coming in contact. 
 The neck should always be filled. When it is impossible 
 to procure stuffing for small birds, they may be packed flat ^ 
 also. 
 
 Birds that have been preserved with carbolic acid, even 
 after they have been lying for years, and have become 
 perfectly dry, may be skinned in the following manner : 
 Place wet cotton or hemp under the wings, in the throat, 
 and around the legs, and finally envelop the whole body 
 in a thick coating. Place it in a close box, and let it 
 remain a day or two until it is softened, then take it out 
 and remove the skin as before directed ; but more care will 
 have to be exercised than in skinning fresh birds. Alco- 
 holic specimens may be skinned; but the wet plumage had 
 better be dried in the air without plaster. Mr. A. L. Bab- 
 cock has a number of mounted birds in his collection at 
 Sherborne, Massachusetts, that were preserved in alcohol, 
 and sent from South America, 
 
 The beginner will find that some birds, such as the 
 Cuckoos, Pigeons, and Doves, are very difficult to skin over 
 2* c 
 
34 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 the rump without loosening the feathers; but this difficulty 
 will be overcome by using particular care while skinning the 
 spot that is tender. Some birds also have tender skin on 
 the breast, and in such cases it almost always adheres so 
 closely to the flesh that it is necessary to cut it away ; 
 this operation is somewhat tedious, but it is better than 
 to risk tearing the skin by pulling it. An example of this 
 is sometimes seen in the Wood Duck. 
 
 The best time to skin a bird is as soon as it is shot, 
 when the muscles are relaxed, as the plumage is then in 
 the best condition. In a short time the muscles become 
 rigid, when it is extremely difficult to remove the skin; 
 but the muscles soon relax again, and then you must skin 
 at once, as this is the first stage or the state imme- 
 diately preceding the first stage of decomposition. In 
 very warm weather this rigidness of the muscles sel- 
 dom occurs, then the bird rapidly decomposes. In warm 
 weather, birds should be kept on ice until wanted; for if 
 a bird remains only an hour in a warm room, or in the 
 sun, it will sometimes spoil, especially if the blow-flies 
 are allowed access to it. There is a species of blow-fly 
 that is viviparous ; I have seen such a fly alight upon 
 a fresh bird, and, after introducing her ovipositor into the 
 mouth of the specimen, exude an immense number of liv- 
 ing, though minute, maggots. These maggots spread over 
 the skin in all directions, moistening it with their slimy 
 bodies, and soon render the specimen unfit for use by 
 loosening the feathers. 
 
 It is difficult to remove the eggs of the common blow- 
 fly when they are once placed upon the feathers. It is 
 much better to prevent the flies from attacking specimens 
 which, if they are exposed during warm weather, they 
 will do very quickly by covering them, or placing them 
 immediately upon ice. 
 
 SECTION IV. Mounting Specimens. Almost any one 
 
THE WAY TO MOUNT BIRDS. 35 
 
 Plate VII. 
 
:6 -THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 can mount a bird, after receiving proper instruction ; but 
 to make it look lifelike and natural requires constant and 
 unceasing study of birds in their native haunts. The true 
 art, then, can only be acquired by the earnest student 
 of nature. The mere taxidermist, who constantly sits at 
 his bench and works on birds without studying from na- 
 ture, may acquire a certain degree of skill, but the atti- 
 tudes of many of his stuffed birds will appear awkward and 
 grotesque to the naturalist. 
 
 Therefore I say tio those who would learn to mount birds 
 in natural attitudes, study nature.. Have all attitudes that 
 every bird assumes engraved upon the brain, to be repro- 
 duced in the stuffed specimens; from the one assumed 
 by the delicate Warbler, that hops lightly from limb to 
 limb, or swings gracefully from the topmost bough of some 
 tall oak, to that of the mighty Eagle in his eager, down- 
 ward swoop upon his trembling prey. Watch the scream- 
 ing Gull in his almost innumerable positions upon the wing, 
 the nimble Sandpiper running along the shore, and the 
 gracefully floating Duck upon the water. After watching 
 these in their various natural attitudes, work ; but dp not 
 cease to study for improvement, for the work of man is yet 
 far from being perfect. 
 
 In mounting birds, skin as instructed in the preceding 
 section, but do not tie the wing-bones together. Having 
 cleaned and dusted the feathers, proceed to fill the neck to 
 the natural size, without stretching, with " shorts," or the 
 bran from wheat flour, or with hemp cut fine. Roll up 
 some fine grass moderately hard in the shape of an oblong 
 body (Plate VIII. Figs. 1, 2), then wind it smoothly with 
 thread. This body should be of the same proportionate 
 size as the one taken out, although not exactly of the same 
 shape, for reasons that will be seen when the bird is 
 mounted, but which cannot be easily explained. Have the 
 body perfectly smooth, and the curves regular on every part. 
 
THE WAY TO MOUNT BIRDS. 37 
 
 Place the body inside the skin. Now cut wires of the 
 right size (that is, large enough to support the bird when 
 mounted ; which can be learned by experience, although I 
 would advise putting in as large wires as can be used with- 
 o,.t splitting the skin of the tarsi) and proper length for the 
 wiring of the following parts : to go through the legs, for 
 the neck, and for the tail. Straighten the wires by rolling 
 them on the bench with a file, then sharpen them by hold- 
 ing the end obliquely against the edge of the bench and 
 filing from you, at the same time twisting the wire ; force 
 the wire cut for the leg up through the sole of the foot, 
 through the tarsus, along the leg-bone into the centre of 
 the side of the grass body (Plate VIII. Fig. 1, a), through 
 this so that the end will protrude for an inch; bend the 
 end down in. the .form of an L (Fig: 1, b), and again force 
 it into the body (;Fig f 1, c), thereby clinching it so that it 
 can have no motion whatever. The wire should protrude 
 out of the sole at least two inches (Fig. I, d). 
 
 Proceed in the same manner with the other .leg; if this 
 seems difficult at first, practice will soon overcome the 
 difficulty. Be sure and clinch the wires firmly, as they 
 will otherwise cause trouble. Force the wire cut for the 
 head down through the skull near the base of the bill 
 (Fig. 3, g) through the neck, but it must not come out 
 through the sjdn anywhere, through the body ^Fig. 1, e), 
 out the other jside, where it is clinched as before f-Fig. 1, c). 
 Force the wire cut for the tail through the bone left in 
 the tail, and under the tail,, .into the\ body (Fig. 1, f); 
 clinch as usual (Fig. 3, g). Bend the wir^c which should 
 protrude alxmt two inches beyond the end Q^ the tail 
 into the form of a T (Fig. 1, h); tile cross-piece is placed 
 about half the length of the tail ; on this the tail rests. 
 Pin up the incision by drawing the edges of the skin 
 together and forcing pins' thi-ou^i them into the body; 
 then smooth the feathers over the place. 
 
THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 Fag. 2 
 
 Plate VIH. 
 
THE WAY TO MOUNT BIRDS. 39 
 
 Fasten the bird upon the stand by passing the wires of 
 the feet through the holes in the cross-piece (Plate VIII. Fig. 
 3, h), then twist the ends of the wire around the ends of the 
 cross-piece (Fig. 3, s) to fasten it firmly. Place the bird in 
 position with the tarsi inclining backward (Fig. 3, i), so that 
 a line dropped from the back of the head, passing through 
 the b.dy, would pass down the centreof the stand (Fig. 3, a, a). 
 This is a natural rule, and one that applies to all perch- 
 ing birds. Next jiminge the wings in position by applying 
 the same rules that were given when making a skin ; in 
 this case, however, the following additional rule may be of 
 use. The end of the bone of the forearm should reach just 
 half the length and width of the body where it meets the 
 lower end of the thigh (see Plate X. B). Having arranged 
 the w r ing, pin it near the bend to the body (Plate VIII. 
 Fig. 3, b), also through the first primary quill (Fig. 3, c). 
 The wings should in some cases be. placed at a little dis- 
 tance from the body, as is natural with the Thrushes, and 
 some other species. This may be done by lengthening the 
 second wire (Fig. 3, c). Put the head in the proper posi- 
 tion, cut off the protruding wire (Fig. 3, g). Plait the tail- 
 feathers by placing the inner web over the outer (Fig. 3, d); 
 then place a piece of fine copper wire across the tail, and 
 fasten it to the ends of the cross-piece (Fig. 3, e). Fix 
 the artificial eyes in their proper position with glue or 
 putty : then wind the bird with the fine cotton on the 
 breast and shoulders and over the secondaries (Fig. 3, k); 
 this is to keep the feathers smooth while it is drying. 
 
 To mount a bird with the wings extended, proceed as 
 before explained, but raise the wings, and use longer wires 
 to pin them in position. Then, to hold the quills and sec- 
 ondaries in place, bend a wire over the whole width of the 
 wing, passing on each side of them. In skinning and 
 mounting Ducks, open under the wing. This is accom- 
 plished by making an incision on the side, from the place 
 
40 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 where the humerus joins the sternum (Plate X. B) to just 
 beyond the lower joint of the thigh (p), after which skin as 
 before. 
 
 If any feathers become twisted or bent, they may bo 
 instantly straightened by holding them in steam. If tho 
 feathers are to be smoothed, raise them with the fingers or 
 tweezers, and let them fall back in place ; they will gene- 
 rally come down smoothly. If the feathers come out, put a 
 drop of glue upon the end of each, and place it in the 
 proper position ; it will stay, when dry. In this way large 
 bare places may be covered. 
 
 Mounting dried Skins. To mount dried skins, remove 
 the stuffing with which they are filled, and supply its place 
 with dampened cotton, also wrap the legs well with it ; 
 place the skin in a box, where it must remain until it 
 becomes pliable, but not too soft, as it is then liable to drop 
 in pieces. It is to be mounted as described, excepting that 
 the neck is filled with cut hemp instead of bran. Birds 
 mounted from dried skins require more care in mounting, 
 and more binding to bring the feathers into proper posi- 
 tion, than fresh birds. 
 
 Never paint or varnish .the feet or bill of a bird; the 
 scales on the feet of birds are one of the most interesting 
 characters in the study of ornithology, and they cannot 
 readily be seen when covered with paint or varnish. In 
 mounting birds larger than a Robin, the muscles of the leg- 
 bone must be supplied by winding the tibia with hemp 
 until the original size and shape is attained. Particular 
 attention must be paid to the legs of the Waders and rapa- 
 cious birds. The exceptions to this rule are all swimming 
 birds ; as the tibia is buried in the body, it does not need 
 winding. 
 
 In mounting Humming-Birds with the wings extended, 
 especially from dried skins, there is no need of wiring the 
 leg. Place a single wire in the back part of the body, with 
 
THE WAY TO MOUNT BIRDS. 41 
 
 the point firmly clinched, and the end protruding back 
 from the abdomen for three or four inches. This wire will 
 sustain the bird. Always wire the feet in the usual way 
 if the bird is to be mounted in the attitude of rest. In 
 mounting other small birds, this method of wiring will an- 
 swer when the bird is represented as flying. Large birds, 
 when mounted in the attituda of flying, should be wired 
 in the usual manner, with the wires that extend beyond 
 the soles of the feet cut short ; then a wire is forced down 
 through the back and clinched under the body, with the 
 end pointing upward ; cut off this end so that it will pro- 
 trude but a half-inch beyond the skin, then bend it under 
 the feathers into the form of a hook or ring; to this fasten 
 a thread, and suspend the bird. To make the bird incline 
 downward, place the wire well back; upward, farther for- 
 ward, or nearer the head. Fine copper wire will answer 
 to suspend large birds in this manner. In mounting a 
 bird in this position, with the wings fully extended, care 
 should be taken that they are properly arched. 
 
 While arranging the wings, it is not convenient to keep 
 the bird suspended, aV it will not be sutnciently firm. 
 Sharpen two stout wires and fasten them at both ends 
 (Plate Vlil. Fig. 4, b, b), perpendicularly in a block of 
 wood (a), parallel to each other, and about two inches 
 apart. These wires should be at least four inches long. 
 Ueinl about an inch and a half of the ends down, parallel 
 with the block (c). Force these ends into the abdomen of 
 the liird th.it is being n.ounted, and it will be firmly held 
 in place while the different parts are being arranged, after 
 which it can be suspended as described. 
 
 Sometimes it is necessary to mount the skins of rare 
 birds when they are badly decayed. To mount skins in 
 this condition requires skill and patience, as well as a knowl- 
 edge of their different parts. The manner in which I have 
 mounted them is this : First, moisten the skin as de- 
 
42 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE, 
 
 scribed, then make a bod) 7 , as before, and place a wire of 
 the proper size and length in the us::al place for the neck, 
 and wind it with hemp to the natural size : place the head, 
 wings, feet, and tail in the proper position ; then, after 
 spreading glue upon the body, place each feather or piece 
 of skin carefully in its proper place, commencing at the 
 tail and working towards the head ; when this is finished, 
 bind the bird as usual. 
 
 Birds that have been mounted require at least ten davs 
 for the skin to dry before the thread is removed, which is 
 done by cutting down the back with scissors, after which 
 cut off all protruding wires, and unplait the tail-feathers 
 and smooth them. To elevate the crest of a bird, or anv 
 other naturally elevated feathers, such as the elongated 
 feathers on the necks of some species of Grouse, etc., roll a 
 piece of cotton into a ball, and force a pin or piece of sharp- 
 ened wire through it (Plate Vill. Fig. 5, g). Place this wire 
 or pin in the bird in such a manner that the feathers to 
 be elevated may rest on the cotton in a natural position 
 (Fig. 5, b). After the skin becomes hardened the cotton 
 may be removed, and the feathers will retain the desired 
 position. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 COLLECTING AND PRESERVING MAMMALS. 
 
 SECTION T. Collecting. Because mammals are not quite 
 as interesting at first sight as birds, the study of this 
 class of animals has been somewhat neglected ; and but 
 comparatively few naturalists are even aware of the ex- 
 istence of some of the smaller mammalia that live about 
 them. They are, however, worthy of special attention, and, 
 if studied, will soon be found particularly interesting. 
 
 In collecting mammals, excepting some of the krgcr 
 species, the gun is of but little use ; they rni.st be taken 
 almost entirely with traps. Shrews and Moles may be 
 frequently found where they have been dropped by cats, 
 who catch them, but do not eat them. In this way a 
 great many valuable specimens may be obtained. 
 
 Another way to procure Mice and Shrews is to turn over 
 old logs and stumps, under which these little animals fre- 
 quently hide, and while dazzled by the light's coming in 
 suddenly upon them, they may be readily seized in the 
 hand. Mice may also be trapped. 
 
 Squirrels may be shot or caught in traps ; Foxes, trapped, 
 shot, or dug out of their holes. Woodchucks are easily 
 trapped or di g out. Skunks are very disagreeable animals 
 to handle, but when one once becomes accustomed to 
 capturing them he can do it in perfect safety. The best 
 way is to catch them in a "box-trap" baited with the 
 head of a chicken ; when caught, immerse trap and skunk 
 in water until the animal is dead. Treated in this man- 
 ner, they will not emit any of their disagreeable scent. 
 By breaking the backbone with a stout stick, when the 
 
44 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDK. 
 
 animal is caught in a steel trap, the disagreeable emission 
 will be prevented. All animals should be killed either 
 by breaking the backbone or by compressing the ribs, to 
 stop the breath ; never by a blow on the head, as this is 
 liable to injure the skull, which must be preserved entire 
 for scientific investigation. 
 
 The following animals may be decoyed into traps by 
 means of peculiar scents : Foxes, Fishers, Martens, Minks, 
 Weasels, Wildcats of all species, Otters, Beavers, Bears, 
 Muskrats, and Raccoons. These scents are made of differ- 
 ent substances. The musk of the Muskrat, contained in 
 two glands situated just below the skin upon the back 
 part of the abdomen, will decoy Muskrats and Minks, and 
 perhaps Wildcats. This musk may be procured from the 
 male in early spring. After the two glands spoken of 
 are removed, they may be cut open, when the musk 
 which is a milky fluid will appear, and may be squeezed 
 out, mixed with alcohol, and kept for use. This musk is 
 used in the following manner : Cut a stick of pine about 
 six inches long, make a small cavity in one end ; into this 
 drop a little of the musk, fasten the stick in such a position 
 that the animal to be decoyed must place his foot upon 
 the trap in order to reach it. 
 
 Foxes, I have been informed by old trappers, are read- 
 ily decoyed by using the fetid scent of the Skunk in the 
 same manner. This scent is a greenish fluid, and is con- 
 tained in glands situated in the anal region ; it may be 
 obtained in the same manner as the musk, although the 
 operation is not pleasant. All of the above-named ani- 
 mals may be successfully decoyed by usinir an excessively 
 fetid scent prepared during warm weather in the follow- 
 ing manner: Take a good-sized eel or trout, and cut it 
 in small pieces ; place it in a quart bottle, cover the top 
 with gauze to keep the flies out, hang the bottle on the 
 south side of a fence or building, and let it remain two 
 
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING MAMMALS. 45 
 
 or three weeks, when the whole mass will become decom 
 posed ; then on the top will be found a thin layer of a 
 clear liquid having an ineffably disagreeable odor. This 
 fluid should be poured off carefully into a small phial and 
 closely corked ; it is to be used in the same manner as the 
 other scents.* 
 
 Bats may be shot, or taken during daylight beneath the 
 shingles of buildings, or in hollow trees. One or two spe- 
 cies, however, remain outside, suspended to a branch or 
 leaf of a tree. 
 
 Plaster may be used to absorb the flow of blood from 
 mammals, as well as from birds. 
 
 SECTION II. Measuring. To measure a mammal pre- 
 paratory to skinning: Place it upon its back, then with the 
 dividers measure the distance from the tip of the nose to 
 the front side of the eye, record this as " the distance from 
 the tip of the nose to the eye," then from the tip of the nose 
 to the ear ; this is "the distance from the nose to the ear"; 
 then from the tip of the nose to the occiput, or back of the 
 head, for " the distance from the nose to the occiput." With 
 the rule find the distance from " the nose to the root of the 
 tail," also the distance from "the tip of the nose to the tip 
 of the longest toe of the outstretched hind leg"; then 
 with the dividers find the length of the vertebra of the tail 
 from the root ; this is " the length of the tail to the end of 
 the vertebra." With the dividers, measure the hair on the 
 end of the tail for "the length of the hair." Measure the 
 length of the hind leg from the knee-joint to the tip of the 
 longest claw of the longest toe for " the length of the hind 
 leg." Measure the length of the front leg from the elbow- 
 joint to the tip of the longest claw of the longest tofi ; this is 
 "the length of the front leg." The width of the hand is 
 found by measuring the width of the outspread forefoot or 
 
 * This receipt was kindly given to me by Mr. George Smith of Wal- 
 tham, who ha c used it successfully, as I have personally witnessed. 
 
46 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE 
 
 hand. Now measure the length of the ear on the back 
 side, from the skull to the tip, for " the length of the ear." 
 Measure " the width of the muzzle " between the two nostrils. 
 In animals larger than a gray squirrel, measure the "girth" 
 with a tape-measure, or piece of string, just back of the 
 forelegs. 
 
 These measurements will answer for all excepting the 
 bats, in measuring which proceed as before ; but, instead 
 of the forelegs, find " the length of one wing," " the length 
 of the wing to the hook, or thumb," and " the stretch of 
 wings " as in birds. 
 
 Seals also vary slightly ; instead of the word " leg " 
 use " nipper," and find the width of the hind nipper as 
 well as the width of the fore one ; also, in addition, " the 
 distance between the fore-flippers." The sex of a mammal 
 is easily determined without dissecting. These measure- 
 ments are to be first recorded upon a strip of paper, as 
 in the birds, and afterwards copied into a book, as seen 
 on the next page. 
 
 Skinning. To skin a mammal, place it upon its back ; 
 make a longitudinal incision in the skin over the abdo- 
 men, extending 'from the root of the tail about one fourth 
 of the length of the body. Peel down each side, as in 
 skinning a bird, pushing forward the leg so as to expose 
 the* knee-joint ; sever the leg from the body at this place, 
 and clean the bone ; proceed in this manner with the other 
 leg. In small animals, sever the tail as close to the body 
 as possible, leaving the bone in ; but in large animals it 
 can generally be removed by placing two pieces of wood on 
 each side of the bone against the skin, holding them firmly 
 in place with one hand, and after giving a strong pull with 
 the other the tail will slip out easily. With some animals, 
 such as the Beaver, Muskrat, Skunk, etc., this cannot be 
 done ; then the skin of the tail has to be opened the whole 
 length, and the bone removed. Proceed to draw the skin 
 
COLLEOIING AND 1'RKSKRVING MAMMALS. 
 
 47 
 
 s 1 
 
 J. 
 
 '' '' 1 
 
 i 
 
 -K3 
 
 -K3 
 
 o* 
 
 i 
 
 CO 
 
 ' & 
 
 . g 
 
 |l 
 
 ! 
 
 S 
 
 3 
 ! o 
 
 S S S 
 
 Eye. 
 
 Nose to 
 
 to to to 
 
 fe s & 
 
 Ear. 
 
 CO 
 
 fe 
 
 | 
 
 to 
 
 8 
 
 Occiput. 
 
 I 
 
 Cn 
 
 i 
 
 co 
 
 s 
 
 Root of Tail. 
 
 1 
 
 s 
 
 1 
 
 Outstretched Hind Leg. 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 ^ End of Vertebra. 
 
 oo 
 
 I 
 
 cT 
 
 ^ OS 05 
 
 s a s 
 
 End of Hair. 
 
 S 
 
 10 
 
 9 
 
 CO 
 
 o 
 
 Hind Leg. 
 
 I 
 
 tO H* tO 
 
 Length. 
 
 3 S S 
 
 Width. 
 
 S *"* 5 
 
 Height of Ear. 
 
 B 
 
 1 
 
 js 
 
 Muzzle. 
 
 co 
 .5? 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 Girth. 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 Length. 
 
 '# 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 Width. 
 
 Top of head black. 
 
 s 
 a 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
48 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE 
 
 down towards the head, until the forelegs appear ; sever 
 these at the knee-joint, and clean the hone as before. Draw 
 the skin over the head, cutting off the ears close to the 
 skull. Use caution in cutting the skin from the eyelids 
 and in severing the lips from the skull, so as not to in- 
 jure their outward appearance. The skull is to be detached 
 entirely. Cover the inside of the skin well with arsenic, 
 and, if large, rub it in well with the hand ; but be sure 
 that every part is poisoned. 
 
 If there is any blood upon the hair, after the skin is 
 turned into its former position, if it is dry, remove it with 
 the stiff brush; if wet or very bloody, wash and dry with 
 plaster, as explained in birds. 
 
 Wind the leg-bones with sufficient hemp or cotton to 
 supply the place of the muscles ; then fill out the head, 
 neck, and the rest of the body to their natural size. Sew 
 up the orifice through which the body was removed neatly 
 over and over, drawing the edges of the skin together 
 nicely. 
 
 Label the skin by sewing a bit of card-board upon one 
 of the feet, or, if the animal is large, upon the ear, with 
 the number of the specimen and the sex marked upon it. 
 Clean the skull as much as possible with the scalpel ; if 
 it is a large animal, the brains may be removed through 
 the orifice where the spinal cord enters the skull. If this 
 opening is not large enough to remove them, they should 
 be left in. Roll the skull in arsenic, then label it with a 
 number corresponding to the one upon the skin, and lay 
 it by for future cleaning. The arsenic prevents insects 
 from attacking it. 
 
 Place the skin, if a small one, upon its side, with the 
 legs bent neatly ; if a large one, upon its breast, with the 
 legs stretched out on each side, the forelegs pointing for- 
 ward, the hind ones backward. This is what is technically 
 called a " mammal's skin." 
 
COLLLCTLXG AND PRESERVING MAMMALS. 49 
 
 Very large animals, such as Deer or Bears, should not 
 be filled out in this way, but placed flat. In skinning large 
 animals, make an incision in the form of a double cross, 
 by- making a longitudinal cut between the hind legs, from 
 the root of the tail to the breast, between the forelegs ; 
 then a transverse cut from the knee of the foreleg down 
 the inside of the leg to the opposite knee. The same 
 operation is repeated upon the hind legs. Then proceed 
 as before, only, when the skin has been removed from the 
 flanks, the animal -must be suspended to facilitate the re- 
 moval of the rest. 
 
 In skinning a mammal with horns, make a longitudinal 
 incision from the back of the neck to the occiput, or back 
 of the head ; then make a transverse cut across the head, 
 commencing about four inches beyond the right horn, and 
 ending about four inches to the left of the left horn, the 
 cut passing close to the base of the horns, thus forming a 
 T. Kemove the skin from the body as far as the neck, 
 which is cut at its junction with the body. The skull, horns, 
 and neck are drawn through the above-mentioned orifice. 
 
 In skinning large animals, it is well to take the diameter 
 of the eye before it is ; removed,, so that an artificial one 
 may be inserted of the same size, if the animal is to be 
 mountc^l, as the eyelids shrink .very much while drying. 
 All mammals should be skinned as soon as possible after 
 killed, especially small ones, as in a few hours 
 n ; vvill< commence ; then the hair will come out 
 
 While skinning the legs of ruminants, such as Deer, 
 , Sheep, etc., it will be found that the skin cannot be drawn 
 over the knee-joint ; then cut longitudinally through the 
 .skin below the knee, and after severing the bone at the 
 hoof and knee, remove it through this incision. The in- 
 cision should be about one fourth the length of the dis- 
 ; ;taiie, from the knee to the hoof. : 
 
 ; Hats are to be skinned in the ordinary manner, rcmoy- 
 .3 D 
 
50 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 ing the skin even to the tip of the phalanges of the wings j 
 then tie the wing-bones together, as explained in birds. 
 Place the bat upon a flat board to dry, and pin its wings 
 in the proper position for flight. When dry, stitch it upon 
 a piece of card-board. 
 
 While skinning mammals, it is sometimes necessary to 
 use plaster to absorb the blood and other juices that are 
 apt to flow ; but if care is taken not to cut the inner skin 
 over the abdomen it will not be needed. It is also some- 
 times necessary to plug the mouth and nostrils, especially 
 if blood flows from them. 
 
 SECTION III. Mounting Mammals. The art of mount- 
 ing mammals in lifelike attitudes can only be acquired by 
 experience. Hence the learner must practise the utmost 
 degree of patience and perseverance. As in the first 
 chapter I earnestly advised those who would be perfect to 
 study nature, I would here repeat that advice. And if 
 necessary while endeavoring to mount a bird, where the 
 feathers cover the minor defects, it is essentially much 
 more of a necessity to study nature carefully while striv- 
 ing to imitate the graceful attitudes and delicately formed 
 limbs of the smaller species of mammalia, or the full 
 rounded muscles and imposing attitudes of the larger 
 ones ; for in mammals the thin coat of hair will tend rather 
 to expose than hide the most minute imperfections. 
 
 Perfectly stutfed specimens can only be obtained by care- 
 ful measurements of all the parts, such as the size of the 
 legs, body, etc. 
 
 In skinning mammals to mount, it is best not to remove 
 the skull. Open it on the occipital bone, so as to remove 
 the brains ; clean well ; cover with arsenic ; then supply 
 the muscles removed, by using hemp wound tightly on 
 with thread. As the skin will shrink badly if it is stutfed 
 loosely, carefully fill out the space occupied by the mus- 
 cles of the legs in the same manner. Cut wirto for the 
 
THE WAY TO MOUNT MAMMALS. 51 
 
 feet, head, and tail, sharpen them on one end as directed 
 in mounting birds ; now roll up grass until it is not quite 
 as large round as the body, and about one third as long. 
 Fill the fore part of the skin with bran or cut hemp as far 
 back as the shoulders, and place the ball of grass against 
 this tilling, inside the skin. Now force the wires through 
 the soles of the feet and top of the head into this ball ; 
 clinch them firmly. After filling the skin of the tail with 
 bran, force the wire through the grass ball to the very end ; 
 then clinch the opposite end in the ball by cutting off the 
 part that protrudes and turning it in. 
 
 Fill the remaining parts of the skin with bran to the 
 natural size, and sew up the orifice carefully ; place the 
 animal in the proper position by passing the protruding 
 wires of the feet through holes in a board, clinching them 
 firmly on the under side. The skin may now be moulded 
 into shape with the hands, the hair carefully smoothed, 
 the eyes set in the head with putty, the protruding wires 
 cut off, and the specimen set away to dry. There are 
 but few rules to be followed in placing animals in posi- 
 tion, because they are almost infinite in variety. The most 
 imperative rule applies to the positions of the legs, which 
 are almost always the same ; and it should be studied with 
 particular care, as a slight deviation from it will impair 
 the lifelike attitude of the specimen. The rule is : Never 
 place the bones of the first joint (Plate IX. No. 1) and 
 those of the second joint (2) of the hind legs in a straight 
 line, but always at an angle, more or less ; while the two 
 bones of the forelegs (3, 4) should almost always be placed 
 in a straight line, always when the animal is standing 
 upon them. 
 
 In imitating that peculiarly graceful attitude assumed 
 by the squirrels while sitting upon their hind legs feeding, 
 after imitating the curve of the back, which not one in 
 a hundred can do naturally, place the joints of the hind 
 
52 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 legs so far up, and at such an acute angle, and the joints 
 of the forelegs down at such an angle, that the two will 
 almost touch. This rule should always be followed. 
 
 The preceding method may be applied when mounting 
 all animals below the size of a Newfoundland dog. Larger 
 animals are mounted in the following manner : Fill out 
 the space occupied by the muscles o/ the head and legs 
 in the manner already described. Procure five iron rods, 
 with a shoulder cut at each end, upon which fit a cap 
 (Plate IX. Fig. 2, B) ; on the extreme end have a thread 
 cut with a nut to fit (A), the distance between the nut 
 and cap should be about an inch and a half. Cut a piece 
 of plank, an inch and a half thick, about two thirds as 
 long and wide as the body of the mammal to be mounted ; 
 bore five holes in it, as indicated in Fig. 1, A. Fasten 
 one rod (8) firmly to the skull by drilling a hole through 
 the top and placing the cap in the proper position. Screw 
 the nut on well (14), and place the lower end of the rod in 
 the. hole in the plank prepared for it (11) ; fasten it firmly. 
 Now stuff the neck out with hemp to the proper size. Drill 
 a hole through the hoofs, or bottom of the feet, into the 
 hollow of the bones (2, 4) ; force the rod (7, 7, 7, 7) up 
 through this hole, through the stuffing of the legs, and 
 fasten them into the plank (5, 6). Force a wire into the 
 tail and clinch it firmly in the wood (15). By winding up 
 grass or hemp, imitate the various sections of the body 
 taken out, and place them in the proper positions (1(5), 
 making allowance for the plank and rods. Or a better 
 way is to take casts in plaster of the different parts and 
 place them in the proper position. 
 
 Everything must be solid, to avoid sinkings and depres- 
 sions in the skin. In this way the student can mount 
 an animal of any size by increasing the size of the rods and 
 plank. The ends of the rods must be fastened into a 
 plank stand (10) by passing them through holes drilled 
 in it (17, 17, 17, 17). 
 
THE WAY TO MOUNT MAMMALS 
 
 53 
 
 Plate IX. 
 
54 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 To mount a dried skin, first soak it in alum-water until 
 it is perfectly pliable, and then mount as before. The 
 water should iiot be too strongly impregnated with alum, 
 or it will crystallize upon the hair. About a quarter of a 
 pound of alum to a gallon of water are the proper propor- 
 tions. If the skull has been detached, replace it, or make 
 an artificial one of grass or plaster to take its place. Mam- 
 mals that have been preserved in alcohol may be skinned 
 in the usual manner and mounted. 
 
 To skin mammals for the fur alone, cut in a straight line 
 from the inside of the knee of one hind leg to the other. 
 Skin as before explained, only cut oft' the feet and detach 
 the skull. Stretch smoothly on a thin board, with the 
 wrong side out. The skin should be lengthened rather than 
 widened. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS FOR THE CABINET. 
 
 THIS interesting class of animals has for a long time 
 engaged the attention of students, yet it is surprising how 
 comparatively little has been written about those of Amer- 
 ica. The almost infinite number of species still affords 
 the young naturalist a wide field for careful investigation. 
 
 In collecting insects, the instruments used are : An insect- 
 net, made of fine muslin or of silk gauze, and stretched 
 upon a light steel wire frame, with a light handle, about 
 four feet long, attached ; several wide-mouthed bottles and 
 phials filled with strong alcohol ; insect-pins of the best 
 quality,' which can be procured at natural-history stores ; 
 tweezers smaller than those used for birds (Plate I. Fig. 3); 
 also, a small pair of pliers (Fig. 1) ; several soft-pine boards 
 about twelve by twenty-four inches, planed perfectly smooth, 
 will also be needed. 
 
 Boxes or drawers are necessary for the reception of the 
 dried specimens, lined with thick felting or cork to receive 
 the point of the pin that holds the insect and keeps it 
 upright. An excellent box lined with paper is sometimes 
 used to advantage, a description of which may be found in 
 the "American Naturalist," Vol. I. p. 156. 
 
 I hardly need state that a good microscope is indispensa- 
 ble in prosecuting the stuay of insects, although it may be 
 commenced without one. I shall take each order of insects 
 separately, and endeavor to explain how they are collected 
 and preserved, commencing with the 
 
 Beetles, or Coleoptera. fhe best way to preserve bee- 
 tles temporarily is by putting them instantly into strong 
 
56 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 alcohol; and as the collector will meet with specimens 
 everywhere, he should never be without a phial ready for 
 instant use. During spring and early summer thousands 
 of minute species may be captured in the air with the 
 net, especially j ust at night. During summer and autumn 
 a great many nocturnal species may be captured near a 
 light placed at an open window, or in the open air. Vari- 
 ous species may be found feeding upon plants during the 
 summer and autumn. A great many of the so-called car- 
 rion-beetles may be taken, during the same seasons, by ex- 
 posing the carcass of an animal. Some species inhabit 
 decayed wood, where diligent search should be made for 
 them, especially in the woods, under old stumps or in them. 
 Numbers of very beautiful beetles may be found in the 
 excrements of animals, and under them, also under stones 
 and logs of wood ; they are found beneath the bark of trees 
 and on sandy places, or in dusty roads. There are also a 
 few aquatic species to be found in the water or near it. 
 
 To mount large beetles, force the pin through the right 
 wing-covert near the thorax, and place the point in the 
 cork, with the beetle's feet resting on it ; place the feet 
 in the attitude of life, with the antennae in the proper 
 position, with a pin on each side of them to keep them 
 in place until dry. If the wings are to be extended, 
 place the beetle on the pin as described ; then, with an 
 awl, bore a hole in the pine board ; lay the insect upon 
 its back, with the head of the pin in the hole ; now open 
 the wing-coverts, and <spread the wings ; over the latter 
 lay a piece of card-board, and fasten it by placing pins 
 through it into the wood on each side. The wing-cov- 
 erts should not be fastened with a card, as it will flatten 
 them. When dry, remove the card, and the wings will 
 retain their position, when the beetle can be put in the 
 proper position in the insect-box. 
 
 Smaller beetles, less than an eighth of an inch long, 
 
BUGS, OR HEMIPTERA. 57 
 
 should bo fastened to a piece of mica or to a round bit of 
 card-board with a little gum-arabic, and the pin placed 
 through the mica or card, or they may be transfixed with 
 very line silver wire ; this wire must then be inserted in 
 a bit of cork, through which the common insect -pin is 
 placed. 
 
 Beetles that are collected in remote countries should 
 always be transported in alcohol. When they are to re- 
 main long in alcohol it should be changed once, then 
 they will keep for years uninjured. After they have been 
 in alcohol for two or three weeks there is no need of its 
 covering them, as a little in the bottom of the bottle will 
 keep them sufficiently moist; but they should never be 
 allowed to dry. 
 
 Beetles may be preserved in a weak solution of carbolic 
 acid as readily as in alcohol. This has the additional ad- 
 vantage of preserving the specimens that have been im- 
 mersed in it from the ravages of noxious insects for some 
 time. Glycerine can be used to advantage in preserving 
 beetles that have delicate colors which fade in alcohol ; 
 but they cannot be pinned without cleansing. 
 
 Bugs, or Hemiptera, may be found generally upon plants. 
 The common thistle (Cirsium lanceolatum] furnishes a pas- 
 ture for several species. Numerous representatives of this 
 order may be found on low bushes, and in the grass during 
 summer and autumn. At least one species may be found 
 in cheap boarding-houses during the midnight hours. The 
 almost endless variety of Plant Lice come under this head, 
 and may be taken everywhere on plants during summer 
 and autumn. 
 
 These insects, like the beetle, are first immersed in 
 alcohol, and afterwards placed upon pins, with the legs 
 arranged in natural positions, and the peculiar sucking- 
 tube, with which they are all provided, brought well for- 
 ward so as to be more easily examined. The numerous 
 3* 
 
58 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 aquatic species may be secured with a net ; they shotild 
 be carefully handled, however, to avoid the sharp sting, 01 
 piercer, with which some of them are armed. 
 
 Grasshoppers, Crickets, etc., or Orthoptera. Members of 
 this order may be found everywhere, the grasshoppers in 
 the open fields and woods, where they may be caught in 
 nets. The best way to kill them is to prick them on the 
 under side of the thorax with the point of a quill that 
 has been dipped in a solution of oxalic acid, if they 
 are not to be mounted instantly, wrap them in paper. 
 Crickets may be found in the ground in holes or burrows, 
 under stones, and in the grass ; a few species may he taken 
 on the leaves of trees or bushes ; some species of the well- 
 known Cockroach may be found in houses, and some under 
 stones and beneath the bark of trees. 
 
 All of the above may be mounted by placing the pin 
 through the thorax, and arranging the legs as before de- 
 scribed. The wings are also extended in the same man- 
 ner as the beetles', with the exception of the wing-coverts, 
 which are fastened with cards like the wings. 
 
 Walking-Sticks are found on low bushes or on trees, some- 
 times upon the ground. They are to be put into alcohol 
 to kill them, then mounted like the beetles. These in- 
 sects, when dry, require delicate manipulation while being- 
 moved, as they are vert/ fragile. When the colors of the 
 Orthoptera are to be preserved perfectly, place them in 
 pure glycerine. This is especially necessary in preserving 
 the larvae of grasshoppers. ( Jrasshoppers may be put into 
 alcohol if convenient, but it must he very strong. This 
 method will generally change the colors completely. Cock- 
 roaches and crickets should always be killed by placing 
 them in strong alcohol. 
 
 Moths and HutterlHes, or Lejridiqttera. - All butterflies 
 are diurnal, and are generally caught with the net. They 
 may be killed by pinching the body just below the wings. 
 
MOTHS AND liU ITEKFLIES, OK LEPIDOPTERA. 59 
 
 or by pricking between the forelegs with the quill and 
 oxalic acid used in killing grasshoppers. If they are 
 not to be mounted instantly, they should be packed in 
 pieces of paper doubled in a triangular shape, with the 
 edges folded. Butterflies may be reared from the egg by 
 capturing the impregnated female and confining her in a 
 box pierced with holes to allow fresh air to enter. In 
 this box she will deposit her eggs ; these are allowed to 
 hatch, and the larvse fed upon the leaves that they natu- 
 rally subsist upon. When sufficient time has expired they 
 will cease to feed, and form a pupa or chrysalis, and either 
 in a few weeks or the ensuing year come forth perfect 
 insects, when they should be instantly killed. In this man- 
 ner the collector will be able to secure fine specimens. 
 
 Although some few of the moths are diurnal in their 
 habits, the greater part are strictly nocturnal. A great 
 many specimens may be decoyed by the use of a bright 
 light. During the months of May, June, July, August, 
 and September, the following method may be practised 
 with advantage in securing many specimens. Mix coarse 
 brown sugar with alcohol enough to form a thick paste, 
 saturate rags thoroughly with this paste, and hang them 
 on trees or stakes in an open grove or wood at twilight ; 
 or daub some of the mixture upon the stakes or trees. 
 This mixture, thus exposed, will attract the moths. The 
 places should be visited every few minutes with a dark 
 lantern, taking care not to throw the light upon the spot 
 until near enough to catch the moths in the net if they 
 should attempt to escape. 
 
 Mr. F. G. Sanborn who informs me that he uses the 
 strong-smelling New England molasses in the above-de- 
 scribed manner with success rightly remarks "that motha 
 may be divided into three classes by certain species of 
 them being affected differently by the appearance of arti- 
 ficial light in the night. One class are powerfully attracted 
 
60 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 by it ; another class go about their usual avocations un- 
 mindful of it ; while a third class are instantly expdkd 
 by it." The third class are by far the most difficult to 
 capture. 
 
 Moths are easily reared from the eggs. In autumn and 
 winter numerous cocoons may be found upon trees and 
 bushes ; these, if kept in a warm room, will hatch in early 
 spring. 
 
 In mounting butterflies and moths I have practised the 
 same method as described in mounting beetles, and think 
 it superior to all others. In mounting these insects, how- 
 ever, it is well to use what is called a " sotting-needle," to 
 avoid rubbing the scales off the wings with the fingers. 
 
 The " setting-needle " is simply a common needle fas- 
 tened into a light stick ; two of these will be found use- 
 ful, one to hold the body of the insect firm, and the other 
 to place the wings and antennye in the proper position. 
 The eggs and larvae of the Lepidoptera should be placed 
 in alcohol. 
 
 There is a class of moths called Hawk-Moths, Sphinxes, 
 or Humming-Bees, some species of which are diurnal, and 
 some nocturnal. They are all difficult to capture un- 
 injured, as they fly rapidly, and, when caught in the net, 
 struggle fiercely. 
 
 The larva), when about to form the pupa, go into the 
 ground ; for this reason the box that contains those that 
 are being reared should be partly filled with moist earth. 
 They are mounted in the same manner as the other 
 Lepidoptera. All bright-colored insects when in the cabi- 
 net should be kept from the light as much as possible, 
 especially those belonging to the above order. 
 
 Dragon-flies, etc., or Nenroptera. Dragon-flies are, on 
 account of their quick motions, somewhat difficult to cap- 
 ture ; they are found flying over the fields and mead- 
 ows ; most abundant, however, in the immediate vicinity of 
 
BEES, WASPS, ETC., OR HYMENOPTERA. 61 
 
 bodies of fresh water. The lace-winged flies are also found 
 in the vicinity of water. The larvae of almost all of these 
 insects are aquatic. They emerge from the water perfect 
 insects. The larva) should be preserved in alcohol. The 
 perfect insects are killed with oxalic acid, and for trans- 
 portation are packed in paper like the butterflies. When 
 they are to be mounted, a copper wire is placed through 
 the body and head ; the wings are then spread, as before 
 described. 
 
 Bees, Wasps, etc., or H ymenoptera. Members of this 
 order may be found everywhere in the fields and woods. 
 Their larvie generally resemble grubs, or maggots, and 
 should be preserved in alcohol or glycerine. 
 
 The larva) of the Ichneumon-Fly are found in the bodies 
 of caterpillars. The larva) of other species are found in 
 the excrescences on various plants and trees. This class 
 of insects may be caught in a net and placed in alcohol, or 
 killed with oxalic acid. They are to be mounted as the 
 other winged insects ; the tongue must be brought forward 
 so that it can be examined when the insect is dry. 
 
 The nests of the Wood-boring Bees, the Paper-making 
 Wasps, and Hornets, the mud nests of the Mason Wasps, 
 the excrescences on trees and plants, should all be col- 
 lected and preserved dry after the larva) has been taken 
 out. Ants with their eggs and larva) may be put into 
 alcohol ; it is best to capture these fierce little insects with 
 the tweezers, to avoid their stings, which are sometimes 
 poisonous. 
 
 Flies, Mosquitoes, etc., or Diptera. These are the most 
 difficult of all insects to preserve, especially when they 
 have to be transported from a distance, as they mi.st all 
 be instantly pinned, with the exception of the Fleas, which 
 may be put into alcohol. 
 
 They may be caught everywhere by beating bushes by 
 the side of the roads and woods, then using the net. 
 
62 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 Some of the species are nocturnal (as those who have slept 
 in the open air in the woods during the warm months can 
 bear painful testimony), and may be attracted by artificial 
 light, as in the case of the moths, etc. Their larvae are 
 found in various situations, some being aquatic, others 
 feeding upon putrid flesh and fish ; they may be preserved 
 in alcohol. 
 
 In closing this chapter, I would impress upon the stu- 
 dent the absolute necessity of labelling every specimen 
 carefully, with the date and the locality in which it is 
 found ; this may be done by numbers referring to a 
 catalogue, as in birds and mammals, or upon a slip of 
 paper. Also take notes of various circumstances relative 
 to the habits observed at the time of capture, etc. 
 
 The best substance to protect cabinet specimens from 
 the attacks of injurious insects is benzine, placed in an 
 open vessel in each drawer or box. Camphor is also 
 good, but I think that its fumes tend to fade the brighter 
 colors of moths and butterflies. Spirits of turpentine is 
 good, but it evaporates much quicker than benzine. Car- 
 bolic acid is, next to benzine, perhaps the best substance, 
 if exposed in the same manner. 
 
 To mount insects that have been dried, place them in a 
 box containing wet sand, and let them remain until soft, 
 when they are mounted as before directed. I am informed 
 by Mr. F. G. Sanborn that a few drops of carbolic acid 
 mixed with the water used in moistening the sand will 
 prevent mould from forming upon them while they are 
 being softened. The same preventive might be put in 
 the water used in moistening the cotton for softening bird- 
 skins. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES AND REPTILES. 
 
 SECTION I. Fishes. Very many are they who at the 
 present day follow in the footsteps of the " Father of all 
 Anglers," the good Izaak Walton, concerning the mere 
 sport of angling ; but, alas ! there are few who, like him; 
 look with contemplative minds upon the great works of 
 Nature ; for the worthy Izaak was quite a naturalist, after 
 his fashion, and loved exceedingly to prate, in his quaint 
 style, of the wondrous birds, beasts, and fishes of which 
 he had seen or heard. Few, indeed, are they who, al- 
 though some of their happiest moments are spent by the 
 side of the clear mountain brook, with rod in hand, see in 
 the beautiful trout, that they with exultation draw froni 
 its sparkling home, anything more than a good dinner on 
 the morrow. 
 
 Yet there are a few earnest naturalists who love to 
 study the finny tribes as they ought to be studied. 
 Indeed, the science of Ichthyology can claim among its 
 most earnest students the greatest naturalist in our land: 
 Those who live inland do not possess the advantages of 
 making as extensive a collection of fishes as those who 
 reside upon the sea-shore ; nevertheless, they can all do 
 something for this branch of natural history. 
 
 In collecting fishes the instruments generally used are 
 nets and hooks and lines ; with these try and secure every 
 variety that can be found. Many species can be secured 
 from the markets, where fishes are exposed for sale, by 
 picking out the specimens that are needed. The bcs 
 way to preserve fishes is to put them into alcohol. All 
 
64 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 large fishes should also be injected with alcohol before put- 
 ing them in it. 
 
 There is, however, another method by which fishes may be 
 preserved ; that is, by skinning and stuffing. Thus : Open 
 the fish on the under side from the throat nearly to the end 
 of the body, or within a short distance of the root of the tail ; 
 then skin down each way, taking care not to scrape off any 
 of the pigment that covers the inside of the skin and gives 
 the fish its color ; cut off the fins close to the skin on the 
 inside, also the head at the gills; clean out the brains by 
 enlarging the hole in the occiput, where the spinal cord 
 enters the skull ; remove the eye from the outside, dust 
 arsenic into the orifice left, and fill it with cotto ; cover 
 the inside of the skin with arsenic; fill it to the natural 
 size with cotton, and sew it up; place a wire transversely 
 through the fins to keep them in position. 
 
 Another method is to remove the skin from one side, 
 and to clean the flesh out in this way ; the fish ia then 
 stuffed and placed upon its side, so that the opening will 
 not show. This method will answer very well for flat 
 fishes, but large ones must always be stuffed in the man- 
 ner first described. 
 
 SECTION II. Reptiles. Many a harmless snake or t >ad 
 has been sacrificed to ignorance and superstition. Indeed, 
 so strong is the general prejudice against the most com- 
 mon snakes, which are as incapable of inflicting an injury 
 as a mouse, that but few persons will hesitate to kill the 
 supposed venomous reptile at sight, if indeed they have 
 the courage to remain long enough in its vicinity to do so 
 valiant a deed. Such persons really believe that they are 
 removing a dangerous adversary of man from the face of 
 the earth. I would, however, advise them to glance for a 
 single instant at the history of these interesting al- 
 though, I will allow, somewhat disgusting-looking ani- 
 mals before they again shed innocent blood. All the snakes 
 
REPTILES. 65 
 
 in Massachusetts may be handled with impunity, with the 
 exception of two species, which are very rare. I refer 
 to the Copperhead and Rattlesnake. The prettily marked 
 Milk Snake, or Checkered Adder, arid the imaginary ter- 
 rible Water Snake, are quite harmless, although we are 
 everywhere informed by those who are ignorant upon this 
 subject that they are exceedingly venomous. So long as 
 people are erroneously educated in this belief, so long will 
 the poor snakes suffer unjustly. Snakes, with but few 
 exceptions, are neutral regarding the interest of man. 
 
 The best method of preserving snakes is to put them 
 into alcohol moderately strong, as otherwise the scales start 
 easily. Snakes may be benumbed by thrusting a pin into 
 their brains; in this way they may be carried from place to 
 place more readily than if they were uninjured. 
 
 Snakes may be skinned after making a longitudinal in- 
 cision, about two inches long, in the largest part of the 
 body, on the belly ; then by drawing back the skin, the 
 body may be divided, and the parts drawn out each waj 7 -. 
 The head should not be skinned. The eyes are removed, 
 as in the fishes, from the outside. The skin is now cov- 
 ered with arsenic and turned back. It is then filled with 
 bran to the natural size. It may, after sewing up the 
 incision, be placed in any position desired. Artificial eyes 
 are fixed in the head. 
 
 If the head is to be raised, run a sharpened wire 
 through the top of it, and through that section of the 
 neck and body that is to be elevated, through the skin into 
 a board, cut off the protruding end, and close the skin of 
 the head over it. After the skin becomes dry, the wire 
 can be taken out of the board, and cut off close to the body. 
 
 Turtles may lie preserved in alcohol, or they may be 
 skinned and mounted thus : With a small steel saw cut 
 out a square section on the under shell ; remove this find 
 draw the intestines, bones, and flesh of the legs, etc., out 
 
66 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 /of the hole thus formed ; skin the legs down to the toe- 
 nails, removing everything ; skin the head and neck ; cover 
 the inside of the shell and skin with arsenic. Turn the 
 feet and neck back, and stuff them to the natural sizo 
 with cotton. Fill the neck with bran ; roll up a small ball 
 of grass, place it inside of the shell ; then force a piece 
 of wire through it into the head, and clinch the end in 
 the ball. Pack cotton or hemp around the grass in the shell, 
 to keep it firm, and to fill up the empty space ; then re- 
 place the piece of shell taken out, and fasten it with glue 
 : or putty. 
 
 Now put the animal in the proper attitude upon a piece 
 of board, and arrange the feet in the natural position, and 
 pin them until dry ; place the head naturally. The eyes 
 should be removed from the outside, and artificial ones 
 substituted. If it is not convenient to skin a turtle, place 
 it in boiling water a few moments, when the softer parts 
 can easily be removed from the shell. In this case, how- 
 ever, the bones and skull should be cleaned, labelled, and 
 preserved with the shell. 
 
 For scientific specimens, toads and frogs must be pre- 
 served in alcohol. But they may be skinned in the follow- 
 ing manner : Open the mouth as wide as possible, and cut 
 .-through the bone of the neck or back from the inside ; do 
 not cut the skin ; then separate the flesh on the inside 
 all around. Take hold with the thumb and forefinger, or 
 -with a pair of pliers, of the backbone, and press the skin 
 downwards, and draw the body out. When the forelegs 
 appear, cut the bone and flesh off to the toe-nails, and pro- 
 ceed to perform the same operation with the hind legs. 
 Cover the skin with arsenic, and turn it back, the legs 
 *nay be easily turned by blowing into them with the 
 breath. Fill the body with bran, and support the head 
 in a natural position with cotton until dry. Remove the 
 eyes from the outside, and supply their place with artificial 
 
REPTILES. C7 
 
 ones, but be sure to place them in the proper position. 
 To place a frog or toad in a fancy attitude, place a ball of 
 gracs in the body, and wire the legs as described in small 
 mammals. 
 
 The best time to collect toads, and frogs is during the 
 breeding-season in spring. The salamanders may be found 
 under stones and logs in damp places ; also some species in 
 springs and clear running brooks, under stones. They 
 must be placed in alcohol at once. 
 
 Lizards and alligators may be skinned in the following 
 manner : Make an incision the whole length of the belly, 
 and skin as described in mammals, leaving the skull in. 
 Do not try to remove the skin from the top of the head, as 
 it will be likely to tear. The leg-bones should be cleaned 
 and left in. The reptile is then mounted in the same 
 manner as a mammal. Lizards and small alligators may 
 be put in alcohol. 
 
 The eggs of frogs and of salamanders may be preserved 
 in alcohol. The eggs of lizards, alligators, and turtles 
 may be blown in, the same manner as birds' eggs; but it is 
 well to place some in alcohol if they are in an advanced 
 state of incubation, as they will serve to illustrate the 
 growth of the embryo. But the egg must be broken 
 slightly to admit the alcohol to the embryo. 
 
 Last winter I accidentally made a discovery relative to 
 the preservation of tish and reptiles. While travelling in 
 Florida, I accidentally lost some alcohol. Being unable 
 to replace it, and having some reptiles to preserve, 1 put 
 about an ounce of carbolic acid into a glass jar, with half 
 a pound of arsenic ; to this 1 added a quart of water, I 
 will here remark that the waters of Florida are strongly 
 impregnated with lime. Into this composition I put some 
 reptiles and a few young mammals. After two weeks, the 
 jar was packed with others in a box, and sent North by 
 express. 
 
68 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 Upon arriving home, and opening the box, I found that 
 the jar had become broken, and the liquid had escaped. 
 The smaller reptiles, etc. I placed in alcohol ; but a rep- 
 tile known as the " Glass Snake " and a young Rabbit 
 were left out for want of room, set away and forgotten. 
 Upon looking them up about a month afterwards, I found, 
 to iny surprise, that the " snake " had dried completely 
 without shrinking in the least, and, moreover, it retained all 
 the peculiar glossiness of life! The Rabbit had not shrunk 
 any more than if it had been in strong alcohol. 
 
 Such is the result of an accident. Whether this discov- 
 ery will prove of general practical use in preserving reptiles 
 is yet to be proven. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS. 
 
 SECTION I. Crustacea. But few of these interesting 
 objects of natural history live away from the salt water. 
 The Crawfishes and a few others form the exceptions to 
 the rule. All Lobsters, Crabs, Shrimps, and Crawfishes 
 may be preserved dry. Wash them in fresh water, and, 
 if the specimen is large, remove the flesh as much as 
 possible by lifting the shield, or upper part of the shell. 
 The specimens should be placed in as natural an attitude 
 as possible to dry. When dry they should be handled 
 with care, as they break easily. If arsenic is put into the 
 body, it will help to preserve it and keep away noxious 
 insects. 
 
 Small Crabs, Shrimps, etc. should be injected with car- 
 bolic acid and dried carefully. Never place a specimen in 
 the sun to dry, but always in a draught of air in the shade. 
 A great many kinds of Shrimps or Sand-Fleas may be col- 
 lected from under sea-weeds on sandy beaches. 
 
 Collecting Mollu*1c. Many shells may be collected 
 on the sea-shore among the rocks at low tide. Some 
 of the more minute species may be found clinging to the 
 sea-weed that grows on the rocks. These require delicate 
 manipulation, as they are very fragile ; they are best re- 
 moved with the tweezers, and should be placed in wide- 
 mouthed bottles containing alcohol. Some species of cone- 
 shaped, univalve shells may be found clinging closely to 
 the rocks. They should be seized suddenly with the hand, 
 and, before the animal has time to contract itself, which 
 it will do very quickly, and then it adheres so closely as 
 
70 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 to render its separation from the rock without injuring 
 the shell extremely difficult, removed with a sliding 
 motion. 
 
 Many species may be found buried in the rnud and sand 
 below high-water mark. The exact locality where these 
 are hidden may be determined by searching for their 
 breathing-holes on the surface of the mud or sand ; then, 
 by carefully removing a few inches of the soil, the shell 
 may be detected. Numerous species may be taken in 
 deep water by dredging, or with a rake, such as is used in 
 gathering oysters, etc. 
 
 A great many shells may be procured just as they are 
 cast on shore from the action of the waves; these must 
 be washed in fresh water and dried. The different species 
 of smaller fresh-water shells may be found upon rocks, 
 aquatic plants, and on the surface of the mud. They 
 should be placed in alcohol. The larger species such 
 as the mussels may be taken by dredging. Numerous 
 shells of mussels may be found at the entrances of "the 
 holes of the muskrats ; of these the collector may take his 
 choice, as many of them are in excellent condition for the 
 cabinet. 
 
 The land shells, or snails, may be taken from the differ- 
 ent plants upon which they feed, or from under stones or 
 logs, especially in damp places. The smaller species should 
 be carefully removed with tweezers, as they are very fragile, 
 and placed in alcohol. 
 
 Preserving Shells. It is well to preserve in alcohol 
 numbers of all species of shells containing the animal. To 
 remove the contents from shells that are to be dried for 
 the cabinet, boil them a few moments, and clean them 
 with a bent pin or wire. The contents of the different 
 species of bivalves may be removed with a knife without 
 boiling, as by this method the shell retains its color much 
 better. The bivalves should have their shells closed and 
 
MISCELLANEOUS COLLKCTIONS 71 
 
 tied until dry. If the shells of mussels have a chalky ap- 
 pearance, it may be removed by immersing the specimen 
 for a few moments in a bath of diluted muriatic acid. All 
 shells should be carefully washed in fresh water with a 
 tooth-brush. 
 
 Never varnish a shell ; it shows bad taste to try to im- 
 prove upon nature in this way, besides injuring the speci- 
 men for scientific use. As some of the more fragile land 
 shells are liable to crack when drying, it is well to apply 
 a slight coating of g'im-arabic dissolved in water. This at 
 some future time may be easily removed. There are also 
 some species from which the epidermis is liable to peel ; to 
 prevent this, Mr. F. W. Putnam informs me that they 
 should be immersed in oil for a short time. 
 
 Worms. Marine worms may be found in the sand or 
 mud and under stories. They should be kept in strong 
 alcohol. Earthworms, Leeches, etc. must also be kept in 
 alcohol. 
 
 Many species of marine worms may be found in the 
 hulls of ships, or in wood that has been immersed in salt 
 water for some time. 
 
 Animal Parasites. Recently in this country, and for 
 some time in Europe, attention has been directed by emi- 
 nent naturalists to the parasites found on birds and other 
 animals, and in their intestines. These* should be placed in 
 alcohol. The parasites from each bird or animal should 
 be kept separate, in small phials, with the name of the bird 
 or animal from which it was taken attached, also the date 
 and locality. 
 
 The Jelly-Fishes may be found in deep water or near the 
 shore in countless numbers. There are a great many spe- 
 cies. They may be preserved in the following manner : 
 After catching them in a bucket, pour off the water, and 
 add strong alcohol, a little at a time. The animal will give 
 out water continually during this operation, and alcohol 
 
72 THK NATURALISTS GU.DE. 
 
 should be added until it dies, when the water will cease 
 flowing. It should then be removed from this solution 
 and placed in strong alcohol, where it must be kept 
 permanently. 
 
 Corals which generally grow at some distance from 
 the shore, and sometimes in deep water should be se- 
 cured with nets. They must first be washed in fresh water, 
 then dried in the shade. It is also desirable to preserve 
 specimens in alcohol. 
 
 Sea- Anemones are found attached to the rocks or buried 
 in the mud ; they should be plunged in strong alcohol 
 when fully expanded, but the alcohol should afterwards be 
 changed, as they give out large quantities of water. 
 
 Hydroids and Bryozoa. Incrustations on the rocks, sea- 
 weeds, and delicate tufts found growing on rocks, etc., 
 are called by these names. They may be dried or pre- 
 served in alcohol like the Corals. 
 
 Star-Fishes may be found among the rocks at low tide. 
 They should be killed by immersing in alcohol or fresh 
 water. Some species should be preserved in alcohol, where 
 they should be placed in as natural attitudes as possi- 
 ble, as when they become rigid it is impossible to alter 
 the position of the arms. They may be dried in the 
 sJiade by placing them in natural positions upon a board. 
 When dead, they should be dried instantly, as they will 
 decompose in a few hours if kept in a damp place. 
 
 Sea-Urchins may be taken in rocky pools at low water. 
 They may also be found under the sand on beaches, from 
 which they are frequently washed by the waves. They may 
 be preserved in alcohol, or dried like the Star-Fishes. 
 
 Holothurias, or Sea-Cucumbers, are found on flats or 
 under stones. They must be preserved in alcohol. 
 
 Sponges and Seaweeds should be dried in a draught. Very 
 pretty ornaments are made of the sea-mosses by washing 
 them in fresh water, and spreading upon dampened paper 
 
PREPARING SKELETONS. 73 
 
 with a fine needle; the glutinous matter contained in the 
 plants will cause them to adhere so firmly to the paper 
 when dried and pressed as to look like a very fine engrav- 
 ing or painting. When a collection of these are executed 
 by a skilful and artistic hand, and bound in a book, they 
 form a beautiful and interesting volume.* 
 
 SECTIO^ II. Preparing Skeletons. I will give the meth- 
 ods by which bones may be cleaned. To clean the bones 
 of large animals, first take off as much of the flesh as is 
 possible with a knife ; then put them in slatted boxes, and 
 place the boxes in a running stream, or between tide-marks 
 on the sea-shore. The boxes, being open, will allow the 
 entrance of Shrimp*, other aquatic animals, and insects, 
 who will devour the meat, while the water, having free 
 passage through, will perform its part. When well cleaned, 
 wash them in warm soap-suds, and, after rinsing, dry in 
 the sun and air; this will tend to bleach them. 
 
 The bones of smaller animals may also be cleansed in 
 this manner ; but the better way is either to boil them until 
 the flesh comes off easily, or to put them into water that 
 has been impregnated with chloride of lime ; in both cases 
 the bones will have to be cleaned afterwards with a knife 
 and a stiff brush ; they should be scraped as little as 
 possible. If kept in a dry place, exposed to the action 
 of the air, the bones will bleach constantly. 
 
 Mounting Skeletons. To mount the skeleton of a bird, 
 place a wire through the hole occupied by the spinal cord, 
 and fasten it in the skull ; this will hold the vertebra of 
 
 * As there is not a general interest manifested in the objects alluded to 
 in this section, I have given but few directions for collecting and preserv- 
 ing them, but such as will, perhaps, satisfy the general collector. Those 
 who are particularly interested in thorn will find in the pages of the vari- 
 ous numbers of the ''American Naturalist" more particular directions for 
 collecting and preserving each branch of this truly interesting class of 
 animals, written by the most competent and well-informed men in our 
 country 
 
 4 
 
74 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 the neck and tail, and other bones of the back, in position. 
 Next, force a wire through the hollows in the bones- of the 
 tarsi, tibia, and hips (Plate X. k, y, j) by drilling a hole 
 through each end; now fasten this wire to the broad bone 
 that coTers the back (m), by drilling a hole through on 
 each side and bending the wire down firmly (x), first over 
 then under the bone, where it meets the end of the oppo- 
 site wire ; twist the ends together. The wing, breast, and 
 other bones are now fastened on by drilling holes trans- 
 versely through the ends and running wires through and 
 twisting them (r, d). 
 
 The skeletons of mammals, fishes, etc. are mounted in 
 much the same manner. If large, they are supported on 
 iron rods. The wire used must be composed of brass or 
 copper, as iron corrodes easily. The fleshy or cartilaginous 
 parts of the feet should be removed, but not the outer or 
 horny portion of the bill. 
 
PREPARING SKELETONS. 
 
 75 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 COLLECTING AND PRESERVING EGGS. 
 
 No portion of natural history has received more atten- 
 tion than the science of Oology ; yet in very many cases 
 collections of eggs are made in such a careless manner as 
 to render them worthless, except as ornaments, on account 
 of the collector's not paying sufficient attention to identifi- 
 cation and authentication. 
 
 Let identification, then, he the collectors first care ; let 
 him make it a rule never to take an egg or nest until 
 he can surely tell to what species it belongs. The best 
 method of learning the name of the owner of the nest is to 
 shoot her, especially by collectors who have had but little 
 experience in studying birds ; while the more practised 
 ornithologist can generally tell at a glance, if the bird is 
 large, what it is. While collecting the eggs of the War- 
 blers and other small birds, the most experienced oologist 
 should never neglect to shoot the bird, even if he has to 
 watch for it a long time. 
 
 Nests and eggs should never be labelled on the author- 
 ity of a person who has found them, and only seen the 
 birds, but who is in a comparative degree unacquainted 
 with them. The nest should be seen in situ, and the bird 
 identified. I have known a great many errors to arise from 
 this source. 
 
 Commence early in spring to look for the nests of the 
 rapacious birds, and continue the search for these and 
 other nests until late in summer. I know of no rule to be 
 followed in finding nests. Search long and diligently in 
 every locality frequented by birds ; and watch them while 
 
OOLLKCTING AND PRESERVING EGGS. 77 
 
 building. Place straw, hay, cotton, hemp, or any of the 
 materials that birds use in constructing their nests, in 
 un exposed situation in a swamp or wood, then by watch- 
 ing the birds when they come to take it, and following 
 them, many nests will be found that would otherwise 
 escape notice. 
 
 To remove the contents of an egg, drill a small hole 
 in one side with a drill made for this purpose (Plate I. 
 Figs. 5, 6) ; two sizes of these drills will be required. Now, 
 with the blow-pipe of which two sizes are also needed, 
 (Fig. 7) applied to the lips, force a small stream of air 
 into the hole ; this will cause the contents, if fresh, to 
 escape at the one hole. To prevent breakage while drill- 
 ing the eggs of the Humming-Birds, or other small birds, it 
 is well to cover the outer surface with thin paper, gummed 
 securely on, and dried. 
 
 To remove the contents of an egg that has the embryo 
 partially developed, drill as before, only a larger hole is 
 necessary ; then with a small hook (Fig. 8) remove the 
 embryo in small pieces ; after which introduce water with 
 the blow-pipe to rinse the interior of the egg. If the con- 
 tents are allowed to remain in a few days, it will facilitate 
 their removal. If the egg is covered with paper, as in the 
 case of the Hurnming-Birds, the edges of the hole will be 
 less liable to be injured by the shell being broken while 
 using the hook. 
 
 Never make holes at the end of the egg, or on opposite 
 sides , but if this old method is still preferred, they should 
 both be made on one side, with the larger one nearest the 
 greater end. 
 
 The best method that I know of for authenticating eggs 
 is the following : After the egg is blown, place a number, 
 written with ink, upon it, corresponding with one placed 
 in the nest, then draw a line beneath it ; under this line 
 place the number of the egg in the nest : thus *-' would 
 
78 
 
 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 mean that the nest is No. 29, and the egg is the No. 4 of 
 .that nest; both of these numbers will refer to a book, 
 where all the particulars of the finding of the nest, the 
 locality, measurements of the nest, eggs, etc. in inches, 
 are recorded. 
 
 The method of preparing a book like that referred to 
 above may be seen in the following specimen : 
 
 O 
 
 8- 
 
 & 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 ill 
 
 O .J 
 
 SS 
 
 !_i_t 
 
 5 
 
COLLECTING AND PRESERVING EGGS. 79 
 
 The measurements of an egg are taken with the dividers 
 in hundredth** of an inch. The number is attached to the 
 nest. Nests, if composed of loose materials, must be kept 
 in boxes, separated from each other ; if lined with feathers, 
 benzine should frequently be applied, to prevent their being 
 attacked by nioths. 
 
PART II. 
 CATALOGUE 
 
 OF 
 
 THE BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS, 
 
 WITH 
 
 NOTES RELATIVE TO THEIR MIGRATION, HABITS, 
 
 ETC., ETC., ETC. 
 
PART II. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 ORNITHOLOGISTS of the present day are much indebted to 
 the earnest and enthusiastic men who studied the habits 
 of our birds in years past ; but truthful and careful though 
 they may have been, being but mtn, they were fallible. As 
 this is an age of advancement, it behooves us of the present 
 day, while we are in a measure guided by these teachings, 
 not to be biased by the'.r conclusions, that we may detect 
 the errors which they unconsciously committed. 
 
 If, while endeavoring to correct some deeply seated error 
 of the past, we disagree with our brother ornithologists, 
 let us, with the spirit of the true naturalist, who would 
 advance the study of Natural History, bring infallible proofs 
 of its being an error, thereby convincing without offending. 
 
 If in the following pages I unwittingly make mistakes, 
 I am ready to be convinced by sufficient proof. 
 
 In separating birds into species, too much dependence 
 has been placed upon exceedingly variable characters as 
 valid specific distinctions. For instance, the bill, although 
 in the main retaining its shape, is sometimes subject to 
 wide differences ; this is well illustrated in the Terns, 
 where they are extremely changeable in the length and 
 curve of the culmen ; they also vary in coloration ; yet 
 in determining species, these points are now, and always 
 have been, considered of value. 
 
 The comparative length of the quills is another very 
 
84 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 inconstant character, and in but few cases can it he de- 
 pended upon. This has been used as a distinguishing 
 mark in separating some of the smaller Flycatchers. I 
 have tested it, and found it to be valueless, as there is no 
 rule relative to age or sex by which. this is governed. 
 
 Again, intensity arid paleness of color have been almost 
 unanimously considered of specific value. Indeed, some 
 species have been formed wholly upon this peculiarity ! 
 (Witness Turdus Alicia.) Spots and bars on the wings, 
 and streaks on the rump, are characters changing with 
 age and season, and should never be, depended upon. 
 
 Another thing is the difference in size; any one who 
 has collected, and carefully measured, birds of one species 
 from one locality, in any numbers, will at once be con- 
 vinced of the absurdity of paying any attention to this 
 particular in determining specific characters. As perti- 
 nent, I wish here to announce a somewhat surprising dis- 
 covery that I have made. After a careful measurement 
 of over three thousand specimens, I have been convinced 
 of the fact, that birds for a certain period increase in size, 
 after which they gradually decrease. Whether the period of 
 decrease is limited or not during the life of the bird, I am 
 unable at present to state. The period of increase may also 
 be variable, both specifically and individually, which yet re- 
 mains to be proven. Both the increase and decrease are 
 proportional ; feet, bill, wings, and body alike keep equal 
 pace. This rule is not without its exceptions, but in the 
 majority of cases it is the rule, and I offer it to my fellow- 
 laborers to prove and use in their ornithological investi- 
 gations. 
 
 Besides those named, there are other distinctions used 
 in determining species, that in some cases are inconstant. 
 I think it advisable always, before attempting to sepa- 
 rate a supposed species from one closely allied, to procure 
 a sufficiently large number of specimens, and carefully 
 
INTRODUCTION. 85 
 
 study these seeming distinctions, and decide if they are 
 constant. 
 
 Specific characters are. I believe, sufficiently tangible 
 and constant in nature, and never need be mistaken ; this 
 will hereafter be illustrated. I would, however, first speak 
 strongly in disfavor of the growing belief in the hybridism 
 of birds, I do not believe that, generally speaking, hybrids 
 occur ; there are a few cases, but they are exceptions. In 
 many instances the so-called hybrids are but abnormal con- 
 ditions of plumage, that can be accounted for on entirely 
 natural grounds. But sometimes the ornithologist, in his 
 haste to make new species, has divided the two opposite 
 stages of color in one species, calling each by a different 
 specific name, and has afterwards found specimens that 
 in their peculiar plumage, size, etc. naturally form con- 
 necting links between the two ; in his perplexity as to 
 which of these to refer it, he has hit upon the fortunate (?) 
 expedient of calling it a "hybrid." Would it not have 
 been much better, if, at first, he had taken a large num- 
 ber of specimens, and, studying them, seen what the sup- 
 posed hybrids really were 1 
 
 I have yet to meet with a single instance of hybridism 
 even among local races, although these perhaps occur 
 but, I think, seldom among well-defined species while 
 undomesticated. 
 
 Species consists in a bird's having certain characters so ' 
 well defined, although inconstant (but never variable beyond 
 a certain point), that it may readily be distinguished from 
 others. Take, for an illustration, the Robin, a bird that 
 since its discovery has never had a single variety or local 
 race called a "new species" (at which I marvel greatly, how- 
 ever). The typical specimen has a clear red breast, black 
 head, and immaculate slate-colored back and wings, which 
 at once distinguish it from all others of the TurdiiKv. 
 We also have a Robin that is very light-colored, with the 
 
86 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 red almost obsolete, the wings sometimes spotted, and the 
 black of the head pale. Perhaps it is a much smaller 
 bird than the average, but no one thinks of calling this 
 a " new species " ; although, if it were not for the fact 
 that there are Robins presenting every shade in color and 
 difference in size between this and the typical specimen, 
 it would certainly be a good species. Why are not the 
 same variations, which we can here see at a glance, dis- 
 covered in the other members of this family 1 They cer- 
 tainly exist. But more of this anon. 
 
 The Robin has also characters that it bears in common 
 with other Turdince, which are its true generic characters. 
 If, then, we cannot establish a connecting link in the man- 
 ner described between one species and its nearest allies, 
 we may be sure that it never * mixes with others in breed- 
 ing, but always mates with one having the same pecu- 
 liarities as itself, although changeable to a certain point. 
 This constitutes a natural species. If, on the other hand, 
 we do find a connecting link, many times repeated in differ- 
 ent individuals, between a supposed species and its nearest 
 ally, we may be sure that they are one. 
 
 In the succeeding pages I have followed the classifica- 
 tion of Professor W. Lilljeborg, of Upsala, as adopted pro- 
 visionally by the Smithsonian Institution. The original 
 method being the ascending or progressive mode, while 
 the one used is the descending mode, with other minor 
 changes. 
 
 This classification is by far the best in use, although, 
 perhaps, not perfect. By the old methods the Vulture, 
 vile feeder of carrion, was placed first, and we were told 
 to look to him as king of the birds. But King Vulture 
 has been dethroned, and in his stead reigns the Thrush 
 king over all ; crowned for his sprightly intelligence and 
 
 * The well-known exceptions to this rule lire Qtlnpte* nuratut mixing 
 with C Mtxicnniu; two of the Junco$, and perhaps others 
 
INTRODUCTION. 87 
 
 lively song, and he has not his equal. As before, however, 
 the birds that approach nearest the fishes are rightfully 
 placed the lowest (Penguins, Grebes, Divers, etc.). 
 
 In writing the present catalogue I have received much 
 assistance from the excellent list of Dr. Eliot Coues ; also 
 from the very complete list of Mr. J. A. Allen, to whom I 
 express my sincere thanks for other services. I am also 
 under obligations, for valuable information, to Mr. William 
 Bre water, of Cambridge ; Professor S. F. Baird, of the 
 Smithsonian Institution ; Mr. H. B. Farley, of Chelsea ; 
 Mr. E. L. Weeks, of Newtonville ; Mr. J. F. Le Baron, of 
 Ipswich ; and especially to Mr. Henry A. Purdie, of West 
 Newton, for valuable notes concerning the time of migra- 
 tion, etc. 
 
 In giving the time of migration, I have taken the aver- 
 age for many years, or the earliest or latest date observed 
 during a similar period. 
 
 All information that I have received has been accredited 
 to the individuals who have given it. The occurrence of 
 all other birds, or notes upon them, I have given upon my 
 own authority. When facts about some particular species 
 are well known, having been published before, I have not 
 repeated them. 
 
 C. J. M. 
 
 NKWTONVILLK, September 20, 1869. 
 
CATALOGUE. 
 
 TURDID^E, THE THRUSHES. 
 
 1. Turdus migratorius, LINN. Robin. Common 
 summer resident ; abundant everywhere ; breeds as abun- 
 dantly A few winter regularly ; but I am inclined to think 
 that these are visitors from the north, and do not reside 
 during summer. The regular summer residents arrive in 
 the latter part of February, and depart in November. 
 
 2. Turdus naevius, GM. Varied Thrush. Has been 
 taken once, at Ipswich, in December. It is, however, en- 
 tirely accidental. 
 
 3. Turdus mustelinus, GM. Wood Thrush. Mod t 
 erately common summer resident ; nests on low bushes or 
 trees in swampy woods or thickets. I have found the nest, 
 with young, as early as June 4th. The usual time of nest- 
 ing in this section is, however, about June 1st. Arrives 
 from May llth to 18th, departs about the middle of Oc- 
 tober. 
 
 I have invariably found this bird exceedingly shy and 
 difficult to approach. It may be seen in early morning, find 
 during the evening twilight, in the breeding-season, perched 
 on the topmost bough of some tall tree, pouring out a flood 
 of delightful melody. In autumn it does not sing, and ia 
 seldom seen. 
 
 4. Turdus Pallasii, CAB. Hermit Thrush. Very 
 common during its migrations, especially in autumn, whew 
 
90 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 it is found everywhere in the woods. In the spring 1 it fre- 
 quents the swampy woods, and is more shy. Arrives from 
 the south from April 9th to 22d ; remains about two weeks, 
 when it departs northward. Arrives from the north about 
 October 1st. Becomes very plentiful by the 10th. By the 
 1st of November the greater part disappear, although a few 
 remain until quite late in the month. Have taken it in 
 Coos County, northern New Hampshire, on October 31st, 
 although the ground was covered with snow six inches deep 
 at the time ! also in Oxford County, Maine, as late as No- 
 vember Cth. 
 
 I have never heard it give any note, except a low chirp 
 of alarm, while passing through Massachusetts. A few 
 undoubtedly breed here. I have seen it at Hyannis on 
 July 3, 1868. There is also a nest containing four eggs, 
 labelled as belonging to this bird, collected at North Bev- 
 erly, June 14, 1868, by Mr. E. P. Emmerton, in the mu- 
 seum of the Peabody Academy of Science at Salem. 
 
 5. Turdus fuscescens, STEPH. Wilson's Thrush, 
 Tawny Thrush, " Veery." Common summer resident. Ar- 
 rives from April 30th to May 12th; leaves about the 1st 
 of September. Found everywhere in the woods, where it 
 breeds abundantlv. 
 
 6. Turdus Swainsonii, CAB. Olive-backed Thrush. 
 Rather rare spring and autumn migrant. Have taken it 
 from May 16th to June 1st in spring, and in autumn from 
 September 25th until October 9th. Frequents thick, swampy 
 woods and thickets, where, from its shy and retiring habits, 
 it is very difficult to detect. This bird is quite variable in 
 size and intensity of color, insomuch that ornithologists have 
 long considered specimens of a somewhat larger size (al- 
 though not always) and of a universally pale color, a "new" 
 and a "good species," called the "Gray-cheeked Thrush" 
 (Turdus Alicite, Baird). It is strange that when the wide 
 differences in this family are so well known and so generally 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 91 
 
 acknowledged, regarding the intensity of color and size, 
 that ornithologists will persist in regarding them as char- 
 acters of specific value. And more incomprehensible still 
 is the fact, that well-reasoning ornithologists cannot see 
 the often-repeated and perfectly natural connecting links, 
 both in intensity of color and size, between the two ex- 
 tremes, and understand the fact of their being connect- 
 ing links, but prefer rather to depart from the great and 
 (I believe) unvarying laws that the mighty Ruler of 
 the universe has established for the maintenance of spe- 
 cies inseparable since their creation, and call them "hy- 
 brids." 
 
 If in our furor for forming new species we admit such 
 intangible characters as these to be of specific value, we 
 cannot consistently stop here, but out of this one species 
 alone we must (governed by these laws) make at least six ! 
 For T have seen as many constant stages of plumage among 
 specimens of T. Sivainsonii, besides numerous so-called hy- 
 brids. But enough has already been written by Mr. J. A. 
 Allen in the " Memoirs of the Boston Society of Natural 
 History," Vol. I. Part IV., commencing on page 507, upon 
 this subject, to convince any one who will examine for 
 himself of the invalidity of "Alicice" as a species.* Mr. 
 Allen has given the subject much thought, and presents it 
 in the right light. 
 
 7. Seiurust aurocapillus, SWAIN. Golden-crowned 
 Thrush, " Oven-Bird. " A very common summer resident, 
 found everywhere i:i the woods. Its curiously covered nest 
 is placed on the ground. Arrives from May 2d to 10th; 
 leaves about the middle of September. 
 
 * Examine " ' Birds of Springfield,' Proceedings Essex Institute," Vol. 
 IV. pp. 56-58; also " American Naturalist. 11 Vol. II. p. 622. 
 
 t This genus which has long been placed with the Sylvicolidce, I think 
 closely allied to the true Thrushes. Its habits as well as its anatomical 
 structure, give it a place among the Turdidce. Members of this genus 
 might properly bear the name of Terrestrial Thrushes. 
 
92 THH NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 8. Seiurus noveboracensis, NUTT. Water Thrush, 
 "Water Wagtail." Not uncommon during the migrations. 
 Have taken it from May 15th to 27th. It passes Massa- 
 chusetts in September. It is found in swampy thickets, 
 and on the edges of streams, ponds, and pools of water. 
 It is not very shy, and in its actions reminds one of a 
 Sandpiper. It may possibly breed here, but I have never 
 detected it during the summer months. It has. while 
 with us in spring, a singularly pleasing song. 
 
 The Large-billed Water Thrush (Sdarm Ltidovicianus, 
 Bonap.) ought to occur, as I have seen a specimen that was 
 taken by my friend, Mr. Allen, near Springfield. 
 
 9. Harporhynchus rufus, CAB. Brown Thrush, 
 " Thrasher," k ' Ferruginous Mocking-Bird." Common sum- 
 mer resident ; breeds abundantly ; nests on low bushes or 
 on the ground, more frequently in the latter situation. 
 Arrives from April 23d to May 4th ; departs about the 
 1st of October. 
 
 10. Mimus Carolinensis, GRAY. Cat-Bird. One 
 of the most common and best known of all our birds ; also 
 very beneficial to the husbandman, in spite of the almost 
 universal prejudice against it. Breeds abundantly near 
 houses, in hedges, along the edges of woods, or in swampy 
 thickets. Arrives from April 29th to May 7th ; takes its 
 departure about the middle of October. 
 
 11. Mimus polyglottus, BOIE. Mockiny-Bird. Has 
 been taken in the western part of the State. I have 
 never seen a specimen in this region, but Mr. N. Vickery 
 informs me that he has seen one that was taken some 
 years ago in Lynn. 
 
 SAXICOLID.E, THE ROCK-!NHABITERS. 
 
 12. Sialia sialis, BAIRD. Blue-Bird. Common; 
 breeds abundantly in holes in trees or in martin-boxes. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 93 
 
 Arrives as early as February 27th; becomes common by 
 March 10th; leaves about the 1st of November. 
 
 SYLVIID.E, THE WARBLERS. 
 
 13. Regulus calendulus, LIGHT. Ruby-crowned 
 Kinglet. Common spring and autumn migrant. Arrives 
 in spring, from April 10th to 22d ; remains until the first 
 week in May ; arrives from the north the second, and de- 
 parts south the last, week in October. Found in the woods 
 and orchards everywhere. 
 
 14. Regulus satrapus, LIGHT. Golden-crowned King- 
 let. Abundant winter resident. Found everywhere. Have 
 taken it from October 14th until May 9th. Commonly 
 seen in company with the Chickadee. 
 
 The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila ccerulea, Sclat.) 
 is said to occur. I have never met with it in this section. 
 
 PARID.E, THE TITMICE. 
 
 15. Parus atricapillus, LINN. Black-capped Titmouse, 
 11 Chickadee." Abundant resident. Found everywhere ; 
 no bird is better known. Builds its nest by drilling a hole 
 in a partly decayed tree, generally a birch. It sometimes, 
 however, occupies other holes in trees. It builds its nest 
 about the first of May. 
 
 CERTHIID.E, THE CREEPERS. 
 
 16. Certhia familiaris,* LINN. Brown Creeper. 
 Resident. Rather rare during summer, but common in 
 winter. Found everywhere, in the woods, in orchards, 
 
 * The supposed difference between the American and European Certhia. 
 is not tangible, therefore the specific name of Americana becomes 
 eynonyme. 
 
94 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 and on the elm-trees in the streets of the villages. Said 
 to build its nest in May in holes of trees. 
 
 
 
 SITTID^E, THE NUTHATCHES. 
 
 1 7. Sitta Carolinensis, GM. White-bellied Nut- 
 hatch. Common resident, perhaps more so during spring 
 and autumn ; breeds. I have seen the young fully fledged 
 by June 6th. 
 
 18. Sitta Canadensis, LINX. Red-bellied Nuthatch. 
 Rather common winter resident. Arrives about the mid- 
 die of October. Perhaps a few remain to breed, as I have 
 taken it in the latter part of May. Found in the woods 
 everywhere. 
 
 TROGLODYTID.E, THE WRENS. 
 
 19. Troglodytes aedon, VIEILL. House Wren. 
 Common summer resident, but exceedingly local in its 
 distribution. In Newton it is very rare during the breed- 
 ing-season, while in Cambridge it breeds abundantly. Ar- 
 rives from April 30th to May 20th ; leaves about Oc- 
 tober 1st. 
 
 After a critical examination of a large series of Wrens 
 I have come to the conclusion that the so-called " Wood 
 Wren" (Troglodyte* America nu$, Aud.) is this species in 
 unusually dark plumage. I have in my possession birds 
 exhibiting the well-known marks of immaturity, as gene- 
 rally paler colors, with spots upon the wings. With such 
 birds the superciliary stripe is better denned. But this 
 character is variable, and cannot be depended upon. I 
 have also birds with generally darker colors, with the 
 superciliary stripe wanting or barely perceptible. The 
 wings are unspotted, and the breast exhibits faint undu- 
 lating transverse lines or bars of darker. These are the 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 95 
 
 extremes ; I have birds exhibiting every shade of color 
 between, but remarkably variable. 
 
 Upon these inconstant characters does the specific value 
 of Americana rest! Very pertinent then are the grave 
 doubts expressed by ornithologists as to its validity as a 
 species. The following is an accurate description of the 
 specific characters, with the more important synonymes, 
 and a table of comparative measurements. 
 
 Troglodytes aedon, VIEILL. House Wren, 
 
 Troglodytes neJon. VIELLOT, Ois. Am. Sept II. 1807, 32; PI. 
 
 CVIl. la. Xouv. Diet. XXXIV. 1819, 506. 
 BONAP., Obs. Wilson, 1825, No. 136. 
 
 * RKMI , K. Bor. Am. II. 1831, 316. 
 
 - - AUD.. Orn. Biog. I. 1831, 427: V. 1839; PI. 
 
 LXXXIII. IB. Syn. 1839, 75. IB. Birds 
 Am. II 1841, 125; PI. VIII. 
 * " B AIRI>, Birds N. Am. 1858, 367. 
 
 " SA M IJELS. Oni. and Otil. of N. Eng. 1867, 196. 
 
 " " COUKS, I* roc. Essex Inst. V. 1867, 278. 
 
 Sylcin domtstica WILSON, Am. Orn. I. 1808, 129; PI. VIII. 
 
 NUITAI.L, Man. I. 1832, 422. 
 RICH., List, 1837. 
 
 At'i>., Orn. Biog. II. 1834, 452: V. 1839, 469, 
 PI. 179. In. Birds Am. II. 1841, 123; PI. 
 119. IB Syn. 1839,75. 
 * ** IlAiitn, Birds N. Am. 1858, 368. 
 
 u COUKS, Proc. Essex Inst. V. 1867, 278. 
 
 SP. CH. ; Bill extremely variable in size, dark brown, 
 paler at the base of the lower mandible. Upper parts dark 
 brown, becoming more rufous on the rump and upper tail- 
 coverts ; middle of back and upper tail-coverts faintly barred 
 transversely with irregular lines of darker. The brown of 
 the back is exceedingly changeable ; when it becomes light- 
 colored, these bars are almost, if not quite, obsolete ; wings 
 distinctly and more regularly barred transversely with 
 black ; tail reddish brown, irregularly but distinctly barred 
 transversely with black, sometimes this black has a lighter 
 edging ; under parts dirty white, becoming pale brown on 
 
96 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 sides, abdomen, and under tail-coverts. Middle of breast, 
 sometimes, and sides, faintly and irregularly barred with 
 transverse lines of pale brown. During autumn and winter 
 this pale brown of the sides, abdomen, and under tail-cov- 
 erts, becomes quite rufous, and the bars on the sides much 
 more distinct. Abdomen and under tail-coverts more regu- 
 larly and distinctly barred transversely with dark brown ; 
 eyes brown. Feet varying from brown to paler, sometimes 
 almost white. In this stage it is the T. Americanos of 
 authors. 
 
 In younger stages the plumage differs from this in hav- 
 ing the upper parts paler, with the bars on the middle of 
 the back almost, and in some specimens quite, obsolete. 
 The bars on the wings are not as distinct, and there are 
 on the ends of the wing-coverts small triangular spots of 
 dirty white. There is generally a dirty- white superciliary 
 stripe over the eye. The middle of the breast is without 
 the faint barrings. The under mandible of the bill is 
 sometimes pale brown the whole length. This is the T. 
 aedon of authors.* 
 
 The first stage is somewhat uncommon, while the inter- 
 mediate and the last are of more general occurrence. 
 
 It will be seen by the table, that no rule can be fixed 
 where color can be made to coincide with size. 
 
 20. Anorthura hyemalis, UENNIE. Winter Wren. 
 Rare in this section during the migrations. I have seen it 
 in October and in April. I have never met with it in 
 winter, and doubt if it occurs during that season. I found 
 it very abundant in Oxford County, Maine, from October 
 12th to 22d, when it disappeared. Frequents low bushes 
 by the roadside and along stone walls. It is shy, and diffi- 
 cult to approach while it is in sight, as upon the appear- 
 ance of man it immediately hides. 
 
 21. Cistothorus stellaris, CAB. Lonrj-Ulled 
 
 * Occasionally the young-of-the-yeur assume the darker plum:<r of the 
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BIRDS OF KASTEBS MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
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98 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 Wren. Common in the large fresh-water marshes during 
 summer, where it breeds during the latter part of May. 
 
 22. CistOthoniS palustris, CAB. Short-billed Marsh 
 Wren. Rather more common than the preceding. Fre- 
 quents the same localities. It is exceedingly difficult to 
 procure, on account of its lying very closely when hunted. 
 
 MOTACILLID.E, THE WAGTAIL. 
 
 23. Anthus Ludovicianus, LIGHT. Tit-lark. Abun- 
 dant spring and autumn migrant along the coast. I am 
 informed by my friend, Mr. William Brewster, that it is 
 also abundant on the Fresh Pond marshes, near Cam- 
 bridge. It has the habit of jerking its tail like the Water 
 Thrushes. 
 
 SYLVICOLID^E, THE WOOD-WARBLERS. 
 
 24. Mniotilta varia, VIEILL. Black and White Creep- 
 er. Common summer resident. Abundant during the mi- 
 grations. Found in the woods everywhere. Arrives the 
 last week in April ; leaves the latter part of September. 
 Breeds. 
 
 25. Parula Americana, BON. Blue YeUow-bacM 
 Warbler. Summer resident. This beautiful little Warbler 
 seems to be a somewhat irregular visitor while migrating. 
 During the spring of 1867 it was very abundant ; in 18(58 
 I could find but two or three, although I searched dili- 
 gently for it ; while the season of 18G9 brought it in 
 particular abundance. Found generally in oak woods. 
 Arrives about the second week in May ; leaves in the mid- 
 dle of September. Mr. William Brewster informs me that 
 it breeds Quite commonly in certain localities. 
 
 26. Geothlypis trichas, CAB. Maryland Yellmv- 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 99 
 
 throated Warbler. Abundant summer resident ; breeds, 
 commonly in marshy or swampy places. Arrives from 
 May 1st to 13th ; leaves about the first week in October or 
 the latter part of September. 
 
 27. G-eothlypis Philadelphia, BAIRD. Mourning 
 Warbler. Very rare. May 21, 1866, Mr. William Brew- 
 ster shot a male in Cambridge, on the top of a tall tree. 
 Another specimen of the same sex was taken at the Fran- 
 conia Mountains, New Hampshire, on August 3, 1807. " It 
 was in company with four fully fledged young, which it was 
 feeding. The young, being shy, and in a thicket of low 
 bushes, were not procured. The old bird was catching flies 
 after the manner of the Flycatchers." * 1 have met with 
 this species but once ; that was in May, among low bushes, 
 in a swampy place. 
 
 28. Oporornis agilis, BAIRD. Connecticut Warbler. 
 Very rare, especially during spring. 1 can record but four 
 instances of its capture, a male, among low bushes, in 
 Newton Centre, on September 16, 1867, by Mr. L. L. 
 Thaxter ; I procured another male in September, 1868, 
 also among low bushes, in a swampy place. My specimen 
 was very shy. It was exceedingly fat ; I never met with a 
 bird more so. Mr. H. A. Purdie has also taken specimens 
 twice in September. 
 
 29. Icteria viridis, Box. Yellow-breasted Cknt. Ex- 
 ceedingly rare summer visitor. Shot a male in full plu- 
 mage in a swampy thicket in the spring of 1862. This 
 is the only instance recorded of its capture in this 
 locality. 
 
 30. Helminthophaga ruficapilla, BAIRD. Xa*h- 
 ville Warbler. Common on the migrations. A few breed. 
 Arrives from May 6th to 18th ; departs in September.: 
 Frequents the woods everywhere, generally keeping near 
 the tops of the trees or on the higher branches. 
 
 * MS. Notes of Mr. W. Brewster. 
 
100 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 31. Helminthophaga peregrina, CAB. Tennessee 
 Warbler. Very rare spring and autumn migrant. Be- 
 tween the 18th and the 24th of May, 1869, I shot four 
 specimens, all males, on apple-trees in Newtonville. This 
 is the first record of its capture in Eastern Massachusetts. 
 A pair, male and female, were shot by Mr. William Brew- 
 Bter, near Mount Auburn, on high oak-trees. It has a very 
 pleasing note. Its breeding place is unknown ; probably in 
 the northern sections of JSew England, however, it finds a 
 secure home. 
 
 32. Helminthophaga pina, BAIRD. fllue-wnged 
 Yellow Warbler. A A r. E. A. Samuels gives it as a very 
 rare summer resident. " In 1857, in the month of May, 
 about the 12th or 15th, 1 found a small flock in Dedhum, 
 Massachusetts."* It is also given, by other ornithologists, 
 as very rare. 1 have never met with it. 
 
 33. Helminthophaga chrysoptera, BAIRD. Golden- 
 winged Warbler. Rather common summer resident. Ar- 
 rives from May 15th to 29th. 
 
 I had long suspected this beautiful Warbler of breed- 
 ing with us ; this season my suspicions were confirmed. 
 The following is an extract from my note-book: 
 . " June 12, 1869. Walking this morning in a lane that 
 goes through a piece of woods in West Newton, my atten- 
 tion was attracted by hearing the sharp alarm-note of a 
 female of this species, who was sitting upon a small elm- 
 tree by the roadside, within a few yards of me. Knowing 
 by her actions that she had a nest in the immediate vicin- 
 ity, I retreated a few rods and watched her. In a few 
 moments she flew down into the grass and tall weeds at 
 the foot of the tree. I waited a little, then went quickly 
 to the spot ; after a short search I discovered the bird 
 sitting on the nest almost at my feet ! She instantly 
 flew off, and alighted upon a tree near by, disclosing to my 
 * "Ornithology and Oology of New England," 1867, p. 213. 
 
BIRDS OK '* EA<6TEfofc M ASS* A <S& *feV/I T& J '' 101 
 
 delighted gaze the eggs. They were the first I had ever 
 seen, and I was much pleased. Full well was I now repaid 
 for all my former searching through swampy thickets and 
 briery hedges for this bird's nest. 
 
 " The locality chosen was within a few feet of a lane where 
 an occasional pedestrian passed, and within eight rods of a 
 travelled road ! These facts are surprising, inasmuch as 
 the general habitat of this bird is in lonely, swampy places, 
 remote from man and his ways. About twenty rods away 
 was a swampy thicket; from this the land sloped gradually 
 up to the spot where the nest was placed. There was, 
 apparently, no attempt at concealment whatever ; to be 
 sure, at the time of discovery it was partly overshadowed 
 by some ferns and rank weeds ; but these must have 
 grown after the nest was built, and it was plainly percep- 
 tible to a person standing upright. It was placed upon 
 a small bit of green moss, without the slightest depression 
 of the ground ; indeed, the spot, if anything, was slightly 
 elevated above the surrounding surface. Over all waved 
 the branches of the pretty little elm upon which I first saw; 
 the bird. There were a few scattering oak and elm trees. 
 in the immediate vicinity. 
 
 " The nest is composed outwardly of large oak-leaves, of 
 the previous year, and grapevine bark, and is lined, not 
 very smoothly, with fine grass and a few horse-hairs. It 
 is large for the size of the bird, quite deep, and slightly 
 smaller in di imetcr at the top than in the middle. The 
 whole structure is not nearlv as neat as would be expected 
 from so small and elegant a bird, and reminds one strik- 
 ingly of the nest of the Maryland Yellow-throat. The 
 dimensions are: Depth externally 3.15 inches, internally 
 2.20. Diameter internally in the middle 2.25, at the top 
 1.90; diameter externally 3.50. 
 
 " The e<j</s are f'orr in number, very prettily marked,' 
 and proportionate 'to the size of the bird. No. 1 is per- 
 
102 r;iK N,A", C^ALISI'S. QUIDE. 
 
 feet in form ; measures .67 X .55, and is pure white, spotted 
 and blotched with reddish brown, thickly at the larger and 
 sparsely at the smaller ends. No. 2, also perfect ; measures 
 .66 X .55 ; is spotted at the larger end, but not as thickly 
 as No. 1 ; very sparsely at the smaller end. No. 3, per- 
 fect ; measures .66 X .55; but few spots on the larger 
 end compared with the others ; the spots on the smaller 
 end are few and scarcely perceptible. No. 4 is not so per- 
 fect in form, being smaller in the middle; measures .67X 
 .50 ; the spots on the larger end form an irregular ring 
 around a comparatively clear centre ; the egg is but little 
 spotted elsewhere. There was also a Cow-Bunting's eg<r in 
 the nest."* 
 
 It is a strange fact that among all the birds of this 
 species I have seen, I have never met with a female be- 
 fore. I will here give a short description, as compared 
 with the plumage of the male, of the one which I shot, as 
 it differs from that given by others. The yellow on the 
 \vings is as bright as in the male, and that of the crown 
 nearly as bright. Not as much white on the tail. The 
 throat and cheeks, black in the male, are in this case slate. 
 The middle of the back, which, in the perfectly mature 
 male, with which this should be compared, as it is evi- 
 dently a perfectly mature female, is of a beautiful pearl 
 gray, in this case is strongly tinged with the greenish 
 shade seen in young males. The under parts are yellow- 
 ish instead of a clear white. 
 
 I have invariably found this Warbler in swampy places, 
 generally on the edges of woods. 
 
 34. Dendroeca virens, BAIRD. Black-throated Green 
 Warbler. Abundant during the migrations ; but breeds 
 commonly. Arrives from April 30th to May 19th; de- 
 parts in September. Found everywhere in the woods, but 
 generally among pine-trees. 
 
 * "The nest is rnre, although I have seen half a dozen altogether " 
 Professor S F. Bum* in K|>i*t. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 103 
 
 35. Dendroeca coerulescens, BAIRD. Black-throated 
 Blue Warbler. Rare during the migrations. Have taken 
 it from May 15th to 24th. I have always found it in mixed 
 woods. ' k Although not generally common, I found it quite 
 plentiful during the season of 1869."* 
 
 36. Dendroeca coronata, GRAY. Ydlow-rumped 
 Warbler, " Myrtle-Bird." Very abundant during the migra- 
 tions. Arrives from April 20th to May 5th. I have seen it 
 from April 18th until the 1st of June. Appears about the 
 last week of September in great numbers, in straggling, de- 
 tached flocks ; remains until November 1st. Perhaps some 
 remain during the winter, at which time I have met with 
 it in great numbers in Florida. 
 
 37. Dendroeca castanea, BAIRD. Bay-breasted War- 
 bler. Exceedingly rare. Possibly breeds, as I have taken 
 a male on June 19, 1867. Arrives from May 17th to 22d. 
 I have never met with this species in autumn. (See D. 
 striata.) Mr. Brewster says that he has taken it in Wolf- 
 boro', New Hampshire, in May. Frequents the woods every- 
 where. 
 
 38. Dendroeca Blackburniae, BAIRD. Mrs. Black- 
 burn's Warbler, Bfadchttmitin Warbler. In some seasons not 
 uncommon during the migrations. Arrives from May Nth 
 to 27th : departs for the south in September. Found 
 everywhere, both in the woods and on apple-trees. 
 
 39. Dendroeca pina, BAIRN. Pint-creeping War- 
 bler, Pine Wdrblo-. Common during the migrations. A 
 few breed. Arrives from April 9th to 22d ; departs in 
 September. Found everywhere. 
 
 40. Dendroeca Pennsylvanica, BAIRD. Chestnut- 
 sided Warbler. Common summer resident ; breeds com- 
 monly. Arrives from May r>th to 19th; departs about the 
 second week in September. Found everywhere. 
 
 41. Dendrceca striata, BAIRD. Black-polled War- 
 
 * Mr. W. Brewster, in MS. 
 
104 THE NATL'KALISrS GUIDE. 
 
 bier. Very abundant spring and autumn migrant. I have 
 taken it in spring from May 15th until June 9th; in au- 
 tumn, from September 19th until the latter part of Oc- 
 tober, during this season it is very numerous. I think 
 the Sylvia autumnali^ Wils., is really the young of this 
 species. I have shot hundreds of this species in autumn, 
 but have never taken one or* the other (D. castanea). 
 
 42. Dendrceca aestiva, BAIRD. Summer Yellow- 
 Bird. The most coiu.no;) of the Dendrceca in summer; 
 breeds abundantly. Arrivvs from April 30th to May 8th ; 
 departs early in September. 
 
 43. Dendrceca maculosa, BAIBD. Black and Yellow 
 Warbler. Rather rare migrant, although common during 
 the spring of 1867. Arrives the third week in May; have 
 taken it from the 23d to the 27th ; have never met with it 
 in autumn. Freq- tents the woods everywhere. 
 
 44. Dendrceca palmarum, BAIRD. Red-Poll War- 
 bler, "Palm Warbler.' Al> aidant during the migrations. 
 I have taken it from April Dth to May 10th. In autumn it 
 arrives from the north about the middle of September, and 
 occupies about two weeks in passing. The most terres- 
 trial of all the Dendwa. Found everywhere. 
 
 45. Dendrceca discolo 1 :, BAIRD. Prairie Warbler. 
 Rather common summer resident. Arrives from May 13th 
 to 19th. Frequents the high sandy fields grown up to 
 bushes, or rocky hillside covered with barberry bushes, 
 where it breeds. Has a most peculiar song, which is al- 
 most indescribable. 
 
 I have never met with the Blue Warbler (Dendroeca 
 cceridea, Baird) although it perhaps rarely occurs. 
 
 46. Perissoglossa tigrina, BAIRD. Cape May War- 
 bler. Exceedingly rare spring and autumn migrant. I 
 have never met with it. Mr. W. Brewster has taken it 
 in an apple-tree on May 17, 1867. The late Dr. Henry 
 Bryant once showed me quite a number of skins, which he 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 105 
 
 said were taken in eastern Massachusetts, in spring, upon 
 apple-trees when in bloom. 
 
 47. Myiodioctes pusillus, Box. Black-capped Fly- 
 catchinf/ Warbler. Not uncommon during the spring mi- 
 grations. Have taken it from May 18th to 24th, but have 
 never seen it in autumn. It sings well ; has more of the 
 habits of a Warbler than a Flycatcher. Frequents thickets, 
 often by the side of a stream ; I have also shot it on the 
 tops of high trees. 
 
 48. Myiodioctes Canadensis, AUD. Canada Fly- 
 catching Wat-hi.tr. Common during the migrations. I 
 have taken it from May 22d to June 4th. It is said to 
 breed. Frequents low bushes on the edges of woods. 
 
 The Hooded Flycatching Warbler (Myiodioctes mitra- 
 tus, Aud.) may occur, but 1 have yet to meet with a single 
 well-authenticated instance of its capture. 
 
 49. Setophaga ruticilla, SWAIN. Redstart. Com- 
 mon summer resident. Arrives from May 5th to 19th; 
 last seen about September 10th. This species loves the 
 deep woods, where it builds its nest, generally in the fork 
 of a high limb, on some lofty tree. 
 
 HIRUNDINIDJE, THE SWALLOWS. 
 
 50. Hirundo hcrreorum, BARTOX. Barn Sivallow. 
 Very abundant summer resident. Arrives the last week in 
 April ; departs in early September. Nests in barns. 
 
 .51. Potrochelidon lunifrons, (JAB. Cliff Swallow, 
 Eaves Sunfbtw. Common summer resident. Arrives the 
 first week in May ; leaves in the latter part of August. 
 Breeds under the eaves of barns, generally in associations, 
 hundreds sometimes choosing one building ; hence it is 
 sometimes called the " Republican," or " Sociable Swallow." 
 Formerly nested under cliffs. 
 
 52. Tachycineta bicolor, CAB. White-bellied Swal- 
 
106 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 low, "White-bellied Martin." Abundant summer resi- 
 dent. Arrives from March 31st to April 12th; the first 
 of the Swallows in spring, also remaining the latest, de 
 parting about the middle of September. It congregates 
 upon the salt marshes during the latter part of August 
 and first of September literally by millions ; the air is so 
 completely filled with them that it is almost impossible to 
 discharge a gun without killing some. Nests in the mar- 
 tin-houses, or in holes in buildings. 1 was extremely in- 
 terested when, in company with my friend, Mr. Allen, we 
 found a nest containing six eggs, built in the primitive 
 manner, in a hole of an old blasted cedar-tree, upon the 
 Ipswich Sand-hills. The tree had probably stood there for 
 centuries. 
 
 53. Cotyle riparia, BOIE. hank Swalhiv. Abun- 
 dant summer resident, especially along the coast. Arrives 
 from May 1 3th to 2 1 st ; leaves the last week in August. 
 Breeds by the thousand in the sandy banks along our 
 shore, also in the interior. Both sexes assist in incuba- 
 tion. 
 
 f)4. Progne SUbis, BAIRD. Purple Martin, "Black 
 Martin." Common summer resident ; somewhat local in 
 its distribution ; very abundant upon Cape Cod, while in 
 some places in the interior it is rare. Arrives the last 
 week in April ; leaves about the last week in August. 
 
 YIREONIIXE,- - THK VIREOS. 
 
 55. Vireo olivaceus, VIEILL. J\e<J-eyed Vireo. Very 
 abundant summer resident. Arrives from May 4th to 
 19th ; leaves about the middle of September. Nests on 
 trees in the woods, where it is always found. 
 
 56. Vireo gilvus, BON. Warbling Vireo. Common 
 summer resident. Arrives from May 8th to 16th; last 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 107 
 
 seen September 17th. Frequents orchards; seldom seen in 
 the thick woods. Nests in trees, either in an orchard or 
 among scattering forest-trees, never in the deep woods. 
 This bird is easily distinguished from the other Vireos by 
 its warbling and continuous song. 
 
 The " Brotherly-love Vireo" ( Vireo Philadelphicus, Cass.) 
 may occur as a rare summer visitor, as it has been taken 
 in Maine. 
 
 57. Vireo sslitarius, VIEILL. Blue-headed Vireo % 
 "Solitary Vireo."- - Rather rare during the migrations. 
 Arrives about the last week in April, passes quickly 
 through ; found again in September. Frequents the woods 
 everywhere. Perhaps a few breed, for my friend, Mr. J. T. 
 Brown, Jr., has taken it in Jane, at Concord, Massa- 
 chusetts'. 
 
 58. Vireo flavifrons, VIEILL. Yellow-throated Vireo. 
 Rather common summer resident. Arrives from May 9th 
 to 15th; leaves about the first week in September. Fre- 
 quents open woods and orchards, where it breeds, nesting 
 on trees. 
 
 59. Vireo noveboracensis, Box. White-eyed Vireo. 
 Rather common summer resident in localities; rare in New- 
 ton, but common in the adjacent towns. Arrives from 
 May 10th to 16th. Frequents swampy places, where it is 
 somewhat difficult to procure, but is easily detected by 
 its loud and peculiar notes. Breeds ; builds its nest on 
 the lower branch of a small tree, or on a low bush ; it ia 
 generally hidden by the surrounding grass or foliage, and 
 is difficult to find. 
 
 AMPELID^, THE WAXWINGS. 
 
 GO. Ampelis garrulus, LINN. Bohemian Waxwing. 
 Accidental winter visitor from the north. The only in- 
 stances of its capture in the eastern section of the State, 
 
108 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 that I am aware of, occurred near Worcester, where several 
 were taken ; they were in the possession of Dr. Henry 
 Bryant, of Boston ; and Mr. J. A. A lion informs me 
 that Mr. S. Jillson took several at Berlin a few years ago. 
 Mr. William Bre water also saw a specimen, during Novem- 
 ber of 1809, at Watertown. 
 
 61. Ampelis cedrorum, BAIRD. Wdxwmcr, Cedar- 
 JSird, "Cherry-Bird," "VJamuJa Robin." Resident. Gen- 
 erally found through the winter ; not always abundant, 
 however. It becomes numerous in May, when it does con- 
 siderable injury to the fruit of apple-trees by devouring 
 the petals and stamens of the blossoms. It eats the small 
 fruits, also a large number of insects, especially canker- 
 worms, in the seasons when these pests rage. It breeds 
 late, not until the middle of June. During the latter part 
 of July it may be seen catching insects over ponds or 
 streams. During September and October it disappears ; 
 but in November it reappears, and until the next spring 
 feeds upon the berries of the cedar and rnountain-ash. 
 Gregarious at all times, it is, perhaps, less so during the 
 breeding-season, at which time it is seen in small parties. 
 
 LANIID.E, THE SHRIKES. 
 
 62. Collurio borealis, BAIRD. Great Nwthern, Sltri.ke.. 
 Winter visitor, but somewhat irregular in numbers at 
 various seasons. When the Lesser Red-Polls or the Pine 
 Finches are common, the Shrikes follow them and prey 
 upon them. Have known it to occur from October 6th 
 to April 10th. 
 
 TANAGRID.E, THE TANAGERS. 
 
 63. Pyranga mbra, VIEILL. Scarlet Tanayer. Rather 
 common summer resident. Arrives from May 10th to 2ith ; 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 109 
 
 remains until the latter part of September. Found in open 
 oak woods more plentifully during the spring migrations. 
 Nests on the top of small trees. 
 
 04. Pyranga aestiva, VIEILL. Summer Tanayer. 
 "Summer Red-Bird." Accidental. "Two were taken in 
 Lynn after a severe storm, April 21, 1852."* I saw one 
 in the collection of Mr. A. L. Babcock, at Sherborne, 
 which was taken near that place; this specimen was a 
 male in immature plumage. It has a loud and pleasing 
 song. 
 
 FRINGILLIDJE, THE FINCHES AND SPARROWS. 
 
 65. Finiccla Canadensis, CAB. Pine Grosbeak, 
 An irregular winter visitant. On November 4, 18G6, 
 large numbers appeared, and remained through the winter, 
 feeding upon the berries of the cedar ; by February 27, 
 1867, it disappeared ; it was also common during the win- 
 ter of 18G8-G9. 
 
 The true reason of the visits of this northern bird is 
 not, as many suppose, the severe winters, but its migra- 
 tions are regulated entirely by the supply of food. While 
 visiting northern Maine and New Hampshire in the au- 
 tumn of 1868, I observed that the cone-bearing trees, 
 upon the seeds of which this bird in a great measure 
 subsists, had but few cones upon them ; hence its abun- 
 dance in Massachusetts during the succeeding winter. It 
 is very unsuspicious, and may be taken with a noose upon 
 a pole ; is easily tamed, and will in a short time become 
 quite familiar. 
 
 66. Carpodacus purpureus, GRAY. Purple Finch. 
 Abundant resident. Breeds, nesting in cedar-trees. Found 
 during summer everywhere ; during winter, among thick 
 groves of cedar. Eagerly eats the petals and stamens 
 
 * S. Jillson, " Proceedings of the Essex Institute/' I. p. 224. 
 
110 THE NATURALISTS GUIDE. 
 
 of the apple-blossom ; also eats a few insects ; but gen- 
 erally feeds upon seeds. The plumage of the male of 
 the first, second, and third years is gray like the female; 
 on the fourth year it assumes the brighter male plumage. 
 Both sexes sing, the females not as loud as the males, 
 however. 
 
 67. Astragalinus tristis, CAB. Goldfinch, " Yellow- 
 Bird," "Thistle-Bird." Abundant resident; gregarious in 
 winter. Breeds late in June. 
 
 68. Chrysomitris pinus, BON. Pine Linnet, Pine 
 Fin<:h. Another irregular winter visitor, whose move- 
 ments are regulated by the supply of food, but in a differ- 
 ent manner from P. Canadensis ; it feeds upon the seeds 
 of weeds a great deal during winter ; in fact, they form its 
 principal supply of food after the seeds of the birch are 
 exhausted. When the snow is deep in the region north of 
 Massachusetts, and covers the weeds to such a depth that 
 they are not exposed, then we have a visit from this bird. 
 It was very numerous during the winter of 1859 -GO, 
 remaining until quite late ; after that time I did not meet 
 with it until the winter of 1868-69, when it was quito 
 common ; it remained until the last week in May. Its 
 nest has been found at Cambridge. 
 
 69. JBgiothus linarius, CAB. Red-Poll, Lr**er Red- 
 Poll Linnet. Irregular in its visits, and governed by the 
 same laws as the preceding, with the exception that it is 
 a more restless species. Common all the seasons that the 
 preceding have been, and in the winter of 1866-07. 
 Have taken it from the last of December until t .1 > 2. r )tli of 
 April. 
 
 The JRgiotku* " exilipes " of Coues (jE. canescens of other 
 ornithologists) is only a paler variety of this species, of 
 which, if we admit the inconstant characters used in con- 
 structing it (^E. "exilipes") as tangible, we have im almost 
 endless array of species. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. Ill 
 
 70. Curvirostra Americana, WILS. Red Crossbill 
 Irregular in its visits ; the same laws regulate its appear- 
 ance as govern P. CauadeMVs, and it is generally found the 
 same seasons. Frequents the pine woods. More numer- 
 ous in the winter of 1862 63 than 1 have ever seen it 
 before ; it remained until April, when it was in full plu- 
 mage and in full song. In the autumn of 1868 some in- 
 teresting facts relative to the movements of this bird 
 came under my notice. During the latter part of August 
 it became quite numerous, and some specimens were in 
 immature plumage ; this would seem to indicate that it 
 breeds in Massachusetts. Upon going to Albany, Maine, 
 later in the season, I was informed, by the farmers, that 
 in August the Crossbill had appeared in great numbers, 
 and had done great damage to the oats by eating them 
 and cutting oft' the heads. When the oats were harvested, 
 it disappeared ; and at that time (October 12th) tlure waa 
 not a single specimen to be found ! These were evidently 
 the birds that appeared in Massachusetts in the latter part 
 of August. Indeed, it passed 'south of Newton, MasRa- 
 chusetts, as upon my return, in November, not a bird 
 was to be found ! It breeds in winter in Maine, during 
 the month of February; this statement is made u;x>n the 
 authority of Mr. G. A. Boardinan, who lias taken their 
 nests and eggs at that time. It is also said to breed in 
 Massachusetts. 
 
 71. Curvirostra leucoptera, WILS. Whitc-winy&l 
 Crossbill. Being more northern in its habits than the pro- 
 ceding, it is seldom seen in this section. Common dur- 
 ing the winter of 1868-69. On October 21st it appeared 
 in great numbers at Albany, Maine ; December 3d it was 
 found at Ipswich, Massachusetts, where it feeds upon the 
 seeds of the beach-grass ; a few days later it was seen in 
 Newton in large flocks. It remained until late in April. 
 Perhaps breeds. I obtained a specimen on June 13, 1866, 
 
112 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 shot on an apple-tree in Newtonville ; it was filled with 
 canker-worms. 
 
 72. Flectrophanes nivalis, MEYER. Snow-Bunt- 
 ing. Abundant winter visitor, especially on the sea-shore. 
 I have seen thousands rise at the report of my gun, on the 
 Ipswich Sand-hills, where it feeds upon the seeds of the 
 beach-grass. This species, with the preceding four and 
 P. Canadensis, are, while with us, .al ways gregarious. Ar- 
 rives in November ; remains until April. 
 
 73. Flectrophanes Lapponicus, SELBY. Lapland 
 Lonyspur, Lapland hunting. Generally rare, but common 
 on tiie Ipswich Sand-hills, where it associates with the 
 preceding ; its note is different, being more shrill, but 
 it has much the same habits., I have seen it with the 
 Shore Larks, but have never met with it alone. Its pro- 
 portion to the Snow-Bunting was about one in every 
 hundred. 
 
 74. Chondestes grammacus, SWAIN. Lark Finch. 
 Exceedingly rare or accidental in autumn. One taken in 
 Gloucester, in 1845, by S. Jillson. 
 
 75. Centronyx Bairdii, BAIRD. Bairns Sparrow. 
 It is with pleasure that I add this unique sparrow to the 
 Catalogue of the Birds of Eastern Massachusetts. Previous 
 to the capture of this there was but one specimen extant, 
 which was one of the original birds captured by Audubon 
 upon the banks of the Yellowstone River, July 26, 1843. 
 My specimen, through the kindness of Professor S. F. 
 Baird, has been compared with the original, which is in his 
 possession, and pronounced identical ; but as mine differs 
 somewhat from his, I have thought best to give a descrip- 
 tion of it here. * 
 
 * " It differs in color just as clear autumnal birds differ from worn 
 breeding ones, tints paler, markings more suffused, etc. The stripe 
 along the top of head is paler, not as fulvous as in the type ; but in all 
 essential points it seems to be the same bird." Professor S. F. BAIKD, 
 in Epist. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 113 
 
 Centronyx Bairdii, BAIRD. Baird's Sparrow. 
 
 (See Frontispiece.*) 
 
 Emberiza Bairdii. AUD., Birds America, VII. 1843 ; PL 500. 
 G>turniculus Bairdii. BON., Syn. 1850, 481. 
 Ctntronyx Bairdii. BAIKD, Birds N. Am. 1853, 441. 
 
 g p> C H< Back grayish ; the middle of the feathers hav- 
 ing a black centre edged with rufous. Top of head streaked 
 with dusky and pale rufous, divided by a broad stripe of 
 pale yellowish white. There is also a whitish superciliary 
 stripe extending from the base of the bill to the back of 
 the head. Ear-coverts grayish, with a rufous tinge. Quills 
 brownish, edged with white on the outer web ; scapularies, 
 secondaries, and wing-coverts brownish-black, edged broad- 
 ly with rufous, brightest on the secondaries: scapulariea 
 also edged narrowly with white ; the ends of both rows of 
 wing-coverts narrowly tipped with white, forming two rather 
 indistinct bars across the wings. Tail brownish, with the 
 tips of the feathers and terminal half of the outer web of 
 the outer tail-feathers pale yellowish white ; the rest of the 
 tail-feathers narrowly edged with the same. Under parts, 
 incl ding under tail-coverts, pure white. Feathers of the 
 sides of the throat, with a broad band across the breast and 
 sides, streaked with rufous, with dusky centres. The throat' 
 is indistinctly spotted with dusky. A triangular spot on 
 the sides of the neck, below the ear-coverts, pale buff; 
 ears dusky. Bill dark brown, with the base of the under 
 mandible paler. Eyes and feet brown. 
 
 Differs from Pooecetts gramineus, which in general form it 
 resembles, in having a central stripe on the head, and a 
 general rufous appearance, also in having longer tarsi, toes, 
 and claws. With PaswcHlitf savanna it cannot justly bo 
 compared, as it is much larger, and has a shorter and more 
 
 * The convexity of the upper mandilrie is somewhat exaggerated in the 
 plate. 
 
114 
 
 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 JVBIO pain 
 
 MUJQ PUB aox pnjH 
 
 eoj, ippiui jo AU 
 
 ado SUOIB nig 
 
 ' Sa !AVJ U^J^^g 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 115 
 
 obtuse bill. Indeed, so nearly does it resemble the P. 
 gramineus, that amateur ornithologists to whom I have 
 shown it have unhesitatingly pronounced it to be that 
 species. 
 
 1 give the comparative measurements of the two speci- 
 mens, remarking that Professor Baird's was made from the 
 dried skin, while mine was taken from the fresh bird. 
 
 The Ipswich Sand-hills, where the specimen was pro- 
 cured, is a most peculiar placj. 1 never have met with its 
 equal anywhere. Years ago these Sand-hills, which are 
 three miles long by three fourths of a mile across, and con- 
 tain about one thousand acres, were covered with a thick 
 growth of pine-trees. Protected by these trees, and among 
 them, dwelt a tribe of Indians, whose earlier presence 
 is indicated, not only by tradition, but by numerous shell 
 heaps scattered over the Sand-hills at irregular inter- 
 vals. Indeed, even now the ashes of camp-fires may be 
 seen, apparently fresh. Upon the advent of the white 
 man, the usual event transpired, namely, the disappearance 
 of the trees ; and to-day, with the exception of a few scat- 
 tering ones at the southeasterly corner, near the house 
 of the proprietor of the Sand-hills, Mr. George Woodbury, 
 not a tree is to be seen. All is bleak and barren. The 
 surface of the ground, once covered with a slight deposit of 
 soil, has become a mass of shifting sands. Many times has 
 the present owner had cause to regret the want of tore- 
 sight in his ancestors in removing the trees, as the several 
 acres of arable land around the house are now covered 
 with sand, including a valuable apple-orchard. Upon this 
 orchard the sand has drifted to the depth of thirty feet. 
 Some of the trees present the curious phenomenon of ap- 
 ples growing upon limbs that protrude a few feet only 
 above the sand, while the trunk and lower branches are 
 buried ! The Sand-hills, in places, are covered with a 
 sparse growth of coarse grass, upon the seeds of which, 
 
116 THE XAlURALISrS GUIDE. 
 
 as I have remarked elsewhere, thousands of Snow-Bunt- 
 ings feed. There are, in some places, sinks or depressions 
 with the level of the sea. In these sinks, which, except 
 during the summer months, are filled with fresh water, 
 a more luxuriant growth of grass appears. Walking, on 
 December 4, 1868, near one of these places, in search of 
 Lapland Longspurs, I started a sparrow from out the tall 
 grass, which flew wildly, and alighted again a few rods 
 away. I approached the spot, surprised at seeing a spar- 
 row at this late d.iy so far north, especially in so bleak a 
 place. After some trouble 1 again started it. It flew 
 wildly as before, when I fired, and was fortunate enough 
 to secure it. It proved to be Baird's Sparrow. When I 
 found I had taken a specimen which I had never seen be- 
 fore, although at that time I did not know its name or 
 the interest attached to it, I instantly went in search 
 of more. After a time I succeeded in starting another. 
 This one, however, rose too far off for gunshot, and 
 I did not secure it. It flew away to a great distance, 
 when I lost sight of it. After this I thought that 
 among the myriads of Snow-Buntings that continually 
 rose a short distance from me I again detected it, but 
 I was perhaps mistaken. I am confident of having 
 seen it in previous years at this place, earlier in the 
 season. 
 
 To show the similarity of the, habits of these birds, even 
 in widely different localities, I give below extracts from 
 Audubon's account. '* During one of our buffalo hunts 
 (July 26, 1843) we happened to pass along several wet 
 places closely overgrown with a kind of slender, rush-like 
 grass, from which we heard the notes of this species, and 
 which we thought were produced by Marsh Wrens (Troglo- 
 dytes palustris). Messrs. Harris and J. G. Bell immediately 
 went in search of the birds. Mr. Bell soon discovered that 
 the notes of Baird's Bunting were softer and more prolonged 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 117 
 
 than those of the Marsh Wren. They had some difficulty 
 in starting them from the long and soinewhat close grass 
 to which this species seems to confine itself. Several 
 times Mr. Bell nearly trod on them before the birds would 
 take to wing ; and they almost invariably alighted again 
 within a few feet and ran like mice through the grass. 
 
 .... After a while, two were shot on the wing 
 
 I have named this species in honor of my young friend, 
 Spencer F. Baird, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania." 
 
 1 think it more probable that the birds which occur at 
 Ipswich are winter visitors from the north, than that they 
 are stragglers from so great a distance as Nebraska. As 
 might be expected, I heard no song-note at this season, but 
 simply a short chirp of alarm. 
 
 76. Passerculus savanna, BON. Savannah /Spar- 
 row. Common summer resident ; breeds abundantly along 
 the coast, and sometimes in the interior. Have taken it 
 from April 17th to November 12th. Frequents the fields 
 and marshes. 
 
 77. Focece^es gramineus, BAIRD. Bay-winged Spar- 
 row, "Grass Fin"h." Abundant; breeds in the fields every- 
 where. Arrives from April 5th to 20th ; leaves about the 
 1st of November. 
 
 78. C Dturniculus passerinus, BON. Yellow-winged 
 Sparrow. Not an uncommon summer resident ; breeds 
 regularly. Arrives the first or second week in May ; leaves 
 early in September. Frequents dry sandy places, or pas- 
 tures grown up to weeds. Very numerous on Nantucket 
 Island, where it breeds abmidantlv. 
 
 79. Coturniculus Henslowii, BON. Hemlow's 
 Sparrow. Very rare summer resident. Took two males 
 in a wet meadow on May 10, 1807. Song-note like the 
 syllables " see'-wick," with the first prolongedly and the 
 second quickly given. Said to breed. Mr. J. A. Allen in- 
 forms me that the specimens that he has taken have been 
 
118 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 found in the same situation as the preceding species, 
 namely, sandy fields. 
 
 80. Zonotrichia leucophrys, SWAIN. White-crowned 
 Sparrow. Very rare migrant. Took a female on May 
 27, 1869, in a swampy thicket by the roadside. I have 
 heard of hut few instances of its capture in this section. 
 
 81. Zonotrichia albicollis, BON. White-throated 
 Sparrow. Common during the migrations. Have taken 
 it from April 27th until May 20th, and from about Sep- 
 tember 1st to October lUta. Frequents the low bushes 
 and swampy thickets. 
 
 82. Amxnodromus moritimus, SWAIN. Sea-side 
 Finch. Said to occur commonly along the coast of our 
 State, which statement I doubt, as I have searched care- 
 fully for it from the mouth of the Merrimack River to the 
 extreme south shore, and have yet to meet with a single 
 living specimen ; neither does it occur on the Island of 
 Nantucket to my knowledge. Dr. Cones says it is abun- 
 dant in New Hampshire on the coast. It may rarely occur 
 on our coast during the migrations. Mr. Brewster informs 
 me that he has looked for it in vain at Rye Beach, New 
 Hampshire. 
 
 83. Ammodromus caudacutus, SWAIN. Sharp- 
 tailed Finch. Not common. 1 know of but one locality 
 where this bird is to be found ; that is, on the salt marshes 
 of Charles River. I have taken it there in the latter part 
 of June. It is difficult to procure, as it lies close, and has 
 to be shot while on the wing. It instantly conceals itself 
 in the grass when it alights. Mr. Brewster informs me 
 that it breeds Lite, the first week in July. Remains late. 
 " Have taken it in the marshes of Charles River the last 
 week in October.'' * Since writing the above, I have found 
 it quite common on the marshes at Ipswich during the last 
 week in September, 1869. 
 
 * J. A. Allen, " Proceedings of the Essex Institute," IV. 1864, p. 84. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 119 
 
 84. Junco hyemalis, SCLATER. Snow-Bird* Com- 
 mon winter visitant ; abundant in spring and autumn. 
 Have taken it from October 14th to May 20th. Found 
 everywhere. 
 
 85. Spizella monticola, BAIRD. Tree Sparrow, 
 Common winter visitor ; more abundant in spring and au- 
 tumn. Have taken it from November 2d to April 25th, 
 Seen everywhere, and with the preceding frequents cedar 
 woods in winter. 
 
 86. Spizella SOCialis, BUN. Chipping Sparrow. 
 Abundant summer resident. Found breeding everywhere. 
 Arrives from April 10th to 21st; leaves about the middle 
 of October. The most familiar and sociable of all our 
 Sparrows, hopping about our doors, and even entering 
 houses in search of food. 
 
 87. Spizella pusilla, BON. Field Sparrow. Com- 
 mon summer resident ; breeds on low bushes in high sandy 
 places, and rocky fields grown up to bushes. Arrives from 
 April 14th to 27th ; found in flocks with the preceding in 
 autumn, and departs at the same time. 
 
 88. Melospiza melodia, BAIRD. Song Sparrow, 
 Abundant summer resident. Comes earlier and remains 
 later than any of the summer Sparrows. Arrives from 
 February 20th to March 18th ; I have taken it on the 3d 
 of December. Mr. Brewster informs me that he has taken 
 it every month in the year; has even heard it sing in 
 January. 
 
 89. Melospiza palustris, BAIRD. Swamp Spar- 
 row. Common summer resident. Frequents bushy swamps 
 and marshes, and breeds in them. Arrives from March 
 27th to April 14th ; departs about the middle of Novem- 
 ber. It is probable that Audubon was mistaken when 
 he said that this bird was common in winter about Bos- 
 ton. It has a peculiar, and not particularly pleasing, 
 song during the breeding-season; but in autumn I have 
 
120 THE NATURALIST'S (JUIDE. 
 
 heard it sing with a low warbling note which was very 
 pleasant. 
 
 90. Melospiza Lincoln*!, BAIRD. Lincoln's Sparrow. 
 Very rare. Mr. 8. Jillson has taken it at Hudson on one 
 or two occasions in spring. 
 
 9 1 . Fasserella iliaca, SWAI N. Fox-colored Sparrow. 
 Common during the migrations. Have taken it in spring 
 from March 14th to April 13th. While with us at this 
 season it has a most pleasing song. Passes us in the 
 autumn in October. 
 
 92. Passer domestica, LEACH. European House 
 Sparrow. Introduced, but common already in localities ; 
 will soon, without doubt, be generally distributed. 
 
 93. Euspiza Americana, BON. Black-throated Bunt- 
 ing. Very rare summer visitor, or straggler, from the 
 south. My young friend, John Thaxtcr, shot a specimen 
 June 26, 1867; it was a female, and, as I should judge, 
 from the peculiar appearance of the ovaries and oviduct, 
 had laid her eggs ; while the bare and swollen appearance 
 of her breast seemed to indicate that she was incubating. 
 Mr. Samuels speaks of two instances of its capture.* 
 
 94. Guiraca Ludoviciana, SWATN. Rose-breasted 
 Grosbeak. Common summer resident. Breeds, nesting in 
 trees and bushes. Arrives from May 8th to 22d ; leaves 
 early in September. Frequents open woods. 
 
 The Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca ccerulefi, Swain.) perhaps 
 rarely occurs ; it has been taken in Calais, Maine, " where 
 it is very uncertain, but was common in the spring of 
 1861."t 
 
 95. Cyanospiza cyanea, BAIRD. Indigo- I!h-<f. 
 Common summer resident. Breeds, nesting in low bushes. 
 Arrives from May 10th to 22d ; in autumn found in flocks 
 
 * " Ornithology and Oology of New Knghnd," P 328. 
 
 t G. A. Boardman, " Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural His- 
 tory," IX. p. 127; J. A. Allen, "Proceedings of the Kssux Institute," IV. 
 1864, pp. 84, 85. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 121 
 
 with other Sparrows. Frequents roadsides, high sandy 
 fields, and rocky pastures. 
 
 The Cardinal, "Red-Bird" (Cardinalis Virginianus, Bon.), 
 according to Nuttull, occurs accidentally. I have never 
 met with it in this section. 
 
 90. Pipilo ery.hr ophthalmus, VIEILL. Towhee 
 JjtuttiiKj, "Ground Robin," " Che wink." Common sum- 
 mer resident. Breeds commonly, nesting on the ground 
 among low bushes, which it frequents. Arrives from April 
 to May 10th ; leaves by the first week in October. 
 
 ALAUDID^E, THE LARKS. 
 
 97. Eremophila alpestris, FORSTER. Shore Lark, 
 Common winter resident. Perhaps a few breed. Seen by 
 Mr. \V. Brewfeter, in July, 1869. Arrives early in the au- 
 tumn. Have seen it in spring as late as April 25th. Fre- 
 quents the ploughed fields, beaches, and marshes. Has the 
 habit of hiding in holes or beside stones. 
 
 , THE ORIOLES, STARLINGS, ETC. 
 
 98. Dolichonyx oryzivorus, SWAIN. Bob-o-link, 
 " Rice-Bird," " Reed-Bird." Abundant summer resident. 
 Breeds, nesting in the grass on the ground. Arrives from 
 April 30th to May 1 2th. During the first of September 
 it congregates in flocks of immense numbers upon the 
 sea-shore ; at this time both sexes are in the same plu- 
 mage. It is then shot for the table. While migrating, 
 it moves night and day ; indeed, almost any clear night 
 in August its metallic-like note may be heard high up in 
 the air. 
 
 99. Molothrus pecoris, SWAIN. Cow-Bird, " Cow- 
 
 6 
 
122 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 Bunting/' Common summer resident. Arrives from 
 April Gth to lUth; leaves by the last week in October. 
 Deposits its eggs in the nests of other birds, the only 
 example of polygamy among undomestieated birds in 
 North America. Gregarious throughout the year, but 
 more so in autumn. Often seen around cows in pursuit 
 of insects, sometimes alighting upon them ; from this 
 habit it derives its popular (Cow- Bunting) and speciiic 
 faxcorit) names. 
 
 100. Age'eeus Phoeniceus, V T IEILL. Red-winged 
 Blackbird, "Swamp Blackbird." Common summer resident. 
 Arrives from February 25th to March 10th; leaves by the 
 last of October. Nests in the marshes, generally on a tus- 
 sock ; sometimes in low bushes. I have found the nests 
 on an island in the m.irshes of Essex River, placed on trees 
 twenty feet from the ground ! In one case, where the 
 nest was placed on a slender sapling fourteen feet high, 
 that swayed with the slightest breeze, the nest was con- 
 structed after the manner of our Baltimore Orioles, pret- 
 tily woven of the bleached sea-wec^d called eel-grass. So 
 well constructed was this nest, and so much at variance 
 with the usual style, that had it not been for the female 
 sitting on it, I should have taken it for a nest of /. Balti- 
 more. It was six inches deep. 
 
 101. Xanthocephalus ioteroceph-alas, BAIRD. - 
 Yellow-lieaJed tila^kbird. A single specimen was procured 
 by my young friend, Frank Sanger, at Watertown, about 
 the 15th of October, 18G9. The wings, tail, and one foot 
 of this specimen are now in my possession. Through the 
 kindness of Mr. J. A. Allen, I have been enabled to com- 
 pare them with specimens of the same species in the Mu- 
 seum of Comparative Zoology, thereby identifying them. 
 This bird was in immature plumage, evidently the youiitf- 
 of-the-year. it was shot in an orchard. The occurrence 
 of this specimen in this section is singular, MS its usual 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. . U3 
 
 habitat is in the West ; its range eastward being about the 
 longitude of Chicago. 
 
 102. Sturnella magna, SWAIX. Meadow Lark, 
 " Marsh Quail." Resident ; common in summer, but few 
 winter here. Breeds in old fields. Gregarious in autumn 
 and winter. 
 
 103. Icterus Baltimore, DAUDIN. Baltimore Oriole, 
 " Golden Robin," " Fire Hang-Bird." Very common sum- 
 mer resident. Arrives from May 5th to 12th ; leaves about 
 the middle of September. Breeds, nesting generally on* tall 
 trees. I have heard a bird of this species that lived among 
 the woods of the islands in Essex River, where man is 
 seldom seen, sing with a louder, wilder note than usual, 
 as if it was influenced by the surrounding wildness and 
 its proximity to the sounding sea. This is the only bird 
 that I have met with which will readily devour the tent 
 caterpillar. 
 
 104. Icterus spurius, BON. Orchard Oriole, "Spu- 
 rious Oriole." Generally a rare summer resident, but 
 quite common in the spring of 1865 ; I saw a few in 1866. 
 Arrives about May 18th. Mr. Bre'wster says that he finds 
 a pair or two breeding every season. 
 
 105. Scolecophagus ferrugineus, SWAIN. Rusty 
 Grakle, " Rusty Blackbird." Common spring and autumn 
 migrant. Arrives from March 8th to 30th, remains into 
 April ; arrives from the North the last week in Septem- 
 ber, remaining into November. Very unsuspicious, and fre- 
 quents the bushes by the side of water. Generally seen in 
 small flocks, sometimes in company with the succeeding 
 species. 
 
 106. Qulscalus versicolor, VIEILL. Purple Gralde, 
 " Crow Blackbird/' Common summer resident. Arrives 
 from March 1st to 2()th ; remains into November. Breeds 
 in communities, generally nesting in tall trees ; but 1 have 
 found its nest, on the islands in the Essex River, on bushes 
 
1^4 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 six feet high. Other nests on the same islands weru 
 placed in trees, from twenty to forty feet trom the ground. 
 
 CORVID.E, THE CROWS. 
 
 107. Cyanura cristata, SWAIN. Blue Jay. Com- 
 mon resident. Nests in trees. Is a general nuisance ; 
 destroys the young and eggs of small birds; visits the 
 cornfields of the farmer in autumn, and carries away great 
 quantities of corn. Gregarious throughout the your, ex- 
 cept during the breeding-season. 
 
 108. Corvus Americanus, AUD. Croiv. Common 
 resident. Nests in trees. Appears on the sea-shore in 
 great numbers during the early winter, and continues until 
 spring, feeding upon the refuse left by the tide upon the 
 marshes. These winter visitors are said to be " Eastern 
 Crows/' or crows from Maine and the British Provinces. 
 
 TYRANNID.E, THE TYRANT FLYCATCHER. 
 
 109. Tyrannus Carolinensis, BAIRD. King-Bird, 
 "Bee Martin." Common summer resident. Breeds, nest- 
 ing on trees, generally in an orchard. Arrives from May 
 6th to 15th ; leaves about the middle of September. Fre- 
 quents open fields and orchards. 
 
 110. Tyrannus Dominicensis, RICH. Gray Kin</- 
 Bird. An immature specimen was taken by Mr. Charles 
 Goodall, at Lynn, on October 23, 18G8. The bird is 
 now in the possession of Mr. N. Vickery. It was shot upon 
 a tree near the roadside. The occurrence of this specimen 
 is a striking illustration of the straggling habits of some in- 
 dividuals among birds, its usual habitat being Florida and 
 the West Indies. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 125 
 
 111. Myiarchus crinitUS, CAB. Great Crested Fit/- 
 catcher. Very rare summer resident. Have taken it on 
 May 9th and 15th. Said to breed. Frequents the open 
 woods. 
 
 112. Sayornis ftlSCUS, BAIRD. Phoebe, Pewee. Com- 
 mon summer resident. Arrives from March 25th to April 
 12th. Have taken it as late as October 9th. Nests in 
 barns, under bridges, and under some projecting rock of a 
 ledge ; in the spring it may be found in the neighborhood 
 of these localities, but it occurs everywhere in autumn. 
 Although a strictly insectivorous bird, yet, when compelled 
 by hunger, it can be granivorous ; during a violent snow- 
 storm, April 2, 1858, I shot one whose stomach was com- 
 pletely filled with the seeds of the berries of the hawthorn 
 ( Cratceg >/s oxycantha ). 
 
 113. Contopus borealis, BAIRD. Olive-sided Fly- 
 catcher. Not a very rare summer resident. Breeds. " Nests 
 generally in the fork of a pine-tree; the only nest that I 
 ever found that was not placed in this situation was on the 
 outer limb of an apple-tree." * Frequents the open wood. 
 Arrives from May 12th to 24th; leaves early in Sep- 
 tember. 
 
 1 1 4. Contopus virens, CAB. Wood Pewee. Com- 
 mon summer resident. Arrives from May 19th to 28th; 
 leaver early in September. Breeds. The nest is composed 
 of moss, and is placed on the top of some high limb, and 
 reseinbbs a protuberance upon it ; for this reason it is 
 not easily detected. Frequents open woods. 
 
 If tho Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax Acadicns, Baird) 
 is found in eastern Massachusetts, I have yet to meet with 
 it. 1 think that this and the following are often confounded 
 by collectors, perhaps with good reason. 
 
 1 1 5. Empidonax Traillii, BAIRD. TrailCs Fly- 
 catcher, lutro in spring ; said to breed, however. I have 
 
 * MS. Notes of W. Brewster. 
 
126 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 met with it but once, on June 1, 1869, in a swampy 
 thicket ; it was very shy. I heard no note. 
 
 110. Empidonax minimus, BAIRD. Least Fit/- 
 cat Jier. Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives from 
 April 22d to May 5th ; leaves about the middle of Septem- 
 ber. Seen everywhere. Specimens differ in the intensity 
 of the olivaceous green upon the back ; those which are 
 found in the woods are much darker than those which in- 
 habit the orchards or straggling trees, these being often 
 quite gray. They are also exceedingly variable in size. 
 
 117. Empidonax flaviventris, BAIRD. Ydlow-hd- 
 lied FljMtJttr. On May 31, 1869, I shot the first speci- 
 men I had ever seen living; the next day (June 1st) I 
 took eight of both sexes in a few hours ! Between this 
 time and the 10th I took two or three more. I do not 
 doubt that it has occurred in previous seasons, but, being 
 unaccustomed to its low note, which is like the syl- 
 lable Pea very plaintively and prolongedly given, and 
 its retiring habits, I had not detected it before. The 
 specimens captured were all, with the exception of the 
 first, which was shot on a tall oak, taken in low, 
 swampy thickets. It keeps near the ground, is rather shy, 
 and upon the appearance of the 'intruder instantly ceases 
 its song. "Shot a specimen on May 25, 1869, in Water- 
 town, singing, with its peculiar note, in an apple-tree. I 
 have shot the female singing in the same manner, in Au- 
 gust, 1867, in Franconia, New Hampshire. The only note 
 I ever heard was the low Pea" * 
 
 I have yet to hear the "pleasing song" attributed to 
 this species and other members of the genus. I think 
 that the anatomical structure of the throat and larynx is 
 not of the complicated character seen in singing-birds ; and 
 therefore consider it a physical impossibility for members 
 of this genus to produce a variety of melodious notes. 
 * MS. Notes of W. Brewstcr. 
 
BIRDS OK KAbTKILN MASSACHUSETTS. 127 
 
 ALCEDINID^E, THE KINGFISHERS. 
 
 118. Ceryle alcyon, BOIE. Belted Kingfisher. Com- 
 mon summer resident. Breeds. Frequents the neighbor- 
 hood of streams and ponds. Arrives from March 21st to 
 April llth: remains into November; but I never have 
 seen it in winter, at which time it may rarely occur. 
 
 CAPRIMULGID.E, THE GOATSUCKERS. 
 
 111). Antrostomus vociferus, BOIE. Wlnppoor- 
 will. Common in the wild districts, where its rapid but in- 
 describably mournful notes may be heard in the evening 
 twilight. It also sings in the early dawn. Arrives from 
 May 19th to 24th. Breeds, nesting on the ground. 
 
 120. Chordeiles popetue, BAIRD. Niyht-Hawk. 
 " Bull Bat." Common summer resident. Breeds, nest- 
 ing on the ground. Arrives from April 7th to May 23d. 
 Much more diurnal in its habits than the preceding, often 
 seen flying about at midday. By the latter part of August 
 it migrates in large, straggling flocks, moving day and 
 night. While at rest in the daytime, it usually sits lon- 
 gitudinally upon a large limb of a tree ; the peculiar struct- 
 ure of its feet rendering it impossible for it to clasp the 
 limb and sit transversely, as is usual with other birds. 
 
 THE SWIFTS. 
 
 121. Chaetura pelasgia, STEPH. Chimney Svrift, 
 11 Chimney Swallow." Abundant summer resident. Breeds, 
 nesting in unused flues in chimneys. Arrives from May 
 1st to llth : have seen it as late as September 14th. 
 
128 THE NATURALISTS GUIDE. 
 
 TROCHILID^E, THE HUMMING-BIRDS. 
 
 122. Trochilus colubris, LINN. Ruby-throated 
 Humming -Bird. Common summer resident. Breeds, nest- 
 ing in trees. Arrives about the second week in May ; 
 have seen it as late as the 23d of September. 
 
 123. Argytira maculata, CAB. and HEINE. Lin- 
 nceus's Emerald. A single specimen of this beautiful little 
 bird was captured by Mr. William Brewster, at Cambridge, 
 in August, 1864 ; it was moulting, and apparently a fe- 
 male. How this little stranger should have come so far 
 from its usual habitat, which is northern South America, 
 is a mystery, and an event unheard of before. It certainly 
 could not have been caged, and in that manner brought 
 here, as it would not survive the passage. 
 
 I have carefully examined into the history of this speci- 
 men, and there seems no reason to doubt its being captured 
 in Cambridge. 
 
 CUCULTD^E, THE CUCKOOS. 
 
 124. Coccygus Americanus, BON. Yellow-billed 
 Cuckoo. Irregular in its visits ; during the summer of 1866 
 it was very numerous, while the following species was 
 rare ; since then this has been rare, while the other is 
 common. Arrives from May 18th to 23d. Frequents the 
 woods and ore- hards. 
 
 125. Coccygus erythrophthalmus, BON. Black- 
 billed Cuckoo. Rather common. (See remarks under C. 
 Americanus.) Frequents the woods and orchards. The 
 note of this species is not perhaps as harsh as the other. 
 They are both inveterate destroyers of birds' eggs. They 
 frequently sing at night. Both depart early in September. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 PICID^E, THE WOODPECKERS. 
 
 126. Picus villosus, LINN. Hairy Woodpecker. Resi- 
 dent ; but not common in winter, and rare in summer. I 
 am confident that the specimens of this and the follow- 
 ing species seen in winter do not come from the far north, 
 or even from northern Maine and New Hampshire, for this 
 reason : specimens shot in the sections above mentioned 
 have the white terminal portion of the tail stained by the 
 bark of the hemlock and other evergreen trees, upon which 
 they climb in search of food, with an indelible, bright 
 rufous or ochre color; this color is never seen on speci- 
 mens taken here, even during severe winters. They must 
 be resident individually by this infallible proof. 
 
 127. Picus pubescens, LINN. Doivny Woodpecker. 
 Resident. Abundant throughout the winter, not uncom- 
 mon in summer. 
 
 1 28. Picoides arctiCUS, GRAY. Black-backed Three- 
 toed Woodpecker. Exceedingly rare winter visitor. There 
 are a male and female in the museum of the Peabody 
 Academy of Science, at Salem, taken on November 21, 
 1855, in Essex County, by S. Jillson. 
 
 129. Picoides hirsutus, GRAY. Banded Three-toed 
 Woodpecker. Exceedingly rore winter visitor. Mr. Allen 
 informs me that. Mr. (J. O. Welch took a pair in Lynn. 
 
 1 30. Sphy rapicus varius, BAIRD. Yellow-bellied 
 Woodpecker. Not common during the migrations. Fre- 
 quents open woorV I do no t think it breeds. 
 
 131. Melanerpes erythrocephalus, SWAIN. Red- 
 headed Woodpecker. Exceedingly rare summer visitor, per- 
 haps accidental. 1 have never seen it living. A male 
 taken by S. Jillson, in Essex County, in 1855. One seen 
 by Mr. W. Brewster, iu summer, at Waltham. 
 
 132. Colaptes auratUS, SWAIN. Golden-winged Wood- 
 
 6* 
 
130 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 pecker, "Pigeon Woodpecker," "Yellow-Hammer," "Wood- 
 wall," "Flicker," "Sucker," "High-holder," "Wake-up." 
 Common resident. Breeds, nesting in holes in trees. Ar- 
 rives early, about the 1st of April ; remains until October 
 30th. A few remain all winter in the thick cedar woods. 
 Frequents open woods and Orchards ; in autumn is seen in 
 cornfields, at which season it is partly gregarious, but it is 
 always a sociable bird, preferring the company of its spe- 
 cies to solitude. Generally feeds upon ants or their larvae 
 and eggs. 
 
 STRIG1IXE, THE OWLS. 
 
 133. Strix pratincola, BON. Barn Owl. Mr. Vick- 
 ery informs me that ho mounted a specimen that was 
 taken in Lynn during the autumn of 1865. This is the 
 first authentic instance of its capture in this section. Mr. 
 Allen also informs me that it has been taken at Spring- 
 field. 
 
 1 34. Otus Wilsonianus, AUD. Lonf/-eared Oivl Ra- 
 ther common resident in this section. Breeds. Frequents 
 dark swamps and thick evergreen woods. This and the 
 following species are almost entirely destitute of sight dur- 
 ing the brighter light of day. 
 
 135. BrachyotUS Cassinii, UKEW. Short-eared Owl. 
 Common resident. Breeds. Frequents low bushes along 
 the sea-shore in the daytime ; starts up suddenly when ap- 
 proached, flies a short distance in a dazed, irregular man- 
 ner, and then alights. Also frequents cedar woods. More 
 common on the sea-shore than in the interior. 
 
 136. Syrnium cinereum, Aim. Great Gray Owl. 
 Rare winter visitor. Two specimens in the museum of 
 the Peabody Academy of Science, one taken during the 
 winter of 1866-67, by F. W. Putnam, in Salem ; another, 
 by James Bartlett, in Wenham, in February, 1859. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 131 
 
 137. Syrnium nebulosum, GRAY. Barred Owl. 
 Common resident. Frequents the thick woods every- 
 where. May be approached closely on a bright day, as 
 it is then almost deprived of sight. 
 
 138. Bubo Virginianus, BON. Great Horned Owl 
 Rather common resident. Frequents the thick woods. 
 Sees well in the daylight, and is difficult to approach. 
 
 139. Scops asio, Mottled Owl, "Red Owl," "Screech 
 Owl." Common resident ; nests in holes in trees. Very 
 variable in plumage, on which account many have sup- 
 posed there were two species. Mr. W. Brewster records 
 in the August number of the American Naturalist, 1869, 
 an instance of the young of a red mother being red and 
 gray; the red one heinf/ quite rufous, even when in the down, 
 and perceptibly different from the other. My young friend, 
 Frank Sanger, has also two young, both from the same 
 nest, one of which is red and the other gray ; there was no 
 difference in plumage, however, when they ivere both in the 
 down. Out of eight young which have fallen into my hands, 
 not one has been red. 1 have also a specimen in my posses- 
 sion, which I shot at Jullington, on the St. John's River in 
 Florida, which exactly divides these stages, or possesses both 
 colors so nicely blended and mixed that it is impossible to 
 decide which predominates. These cases alone prove that 
 we must look for other characters on which to base our 
 specific claims than merely the red and gray stages of 
 plumage. Throwing aside the claims that the red and 
 gray stages present as separate specific distinctions, is 
 there any rule that we can fix for this change of plu- 
 mage ] I think not ; further than the supposition which 
 I have not yet seen proven that perfectly mature birds 
 may all agree in color. But while under one year old 
 the gray seems to be the normal stage, and the red the 
 unusual stage. Out of twenty young-of-the-year speci- 
 mens of this species that have come under my personal 
 
132 THE NATURALISTS GUIDE- 
 
 observation, I have seen but three in the red plumage. 
 On the other hand, among more mature birds, I have, 
 out of perhaps forty specimens personally examined, found 
 but four or Jive in the gray! Mr. Allen informs me that 
 although such formerly was his experience, latterly he has 
 met with many more gray than red birds. By these evi- 
 dences I have become fully convinced that in the earlier 
 stages perhaps to the third year the coloration of 
 the plumage of Scops asio is exceedingly variable as a 
 species and somewhat individually, but in this last re- 
 spect it is more constant. The only doubt that now re- 
 mains is, Do birds of a certain age or period all assume 
 some particular plumage as a final one 1 I am now inclined 
 to think they do. Perhaps the final stage is graj ; but 
 this, as I said before, yet remains to be proven. It seems 
 to be an imperative law of nature for birds, no matter 
 how variable and inconstant their plumages in earlier 
 stages may have been, at some age or period to as- 
 sume a final one, with the specific characters variable in 
 a comparatively small degree, as heretofore pointed out. 
 
 This inconstancy of plumage is also illustrated in the 
 young of the Cedar-Bird (Ampelis cedrorum); mature speci- 
 mens of this species always have the peculiar, sealing-wax- 
 like, horny expansions of the shaft of the feathers on the 
 tips of the secondaries, and sometimes on the tips of the 
 tail-feathers. In the younger stages many are destitute 
 of them. I have, however, detected it upon the second- 
 aries, and even upon the tails, of birds in the nesting plu- 
 mage. 
 
 With these facts to guide us, we can but adopt the 
 above hypothesis relative to the final assumption of some 
 particular plumage by Scops asio, until it has been proven 
 that this is an exception to the governing and heretofore 
 unchanging law of nature. 
 
 This bird sees as well in the daytime as in the night 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 133 
 
 It is easily tamed, and may be allowed to go and come 
 at will, without fear of its taking its departure. I have 
 one in my possession that returns to rest in the daytime, 
 either in a building or on the trees near it, where I feed 
 him daily. 
 
 140. Nyctale Acadica, BON. Acadian Owl. Rare 
 resident; perhaps less so in winter. In September, 1867, 
 while encamped for the night upon the banks of Popalatic 
 Pond, in Medway, Massachusetts, I heard the peculiar 
 rasping notes of this species. There were several. Evi- 
 dently attracted by the light of our camp-fire, they came 
 directly overhead, alighting on the tall poplar-trees; but as 
 they remained in the impenetrable gloom that always sur- 
 rounds one who is by a fire, especially in the woods in the 
 open air at night, we were unable to secure a specimen. 
 
 141. Nyctale Richards onii, BON. Richardson's 
 Owl. Very rare. Mr. William Brewster has a fine speci- 
 men in his cabinet, taken at Mount Auburn, in December, 
 1865. "A specimen in the Museum of Comparative Zo- 
 ology, Cambridge, taken at Maiden." * 
 
 142. Nyctea nivea, GRAY. Snowy Owl. Not un- 
 common on the coast ; rare in the interior during winter. 
 Sees very well in the daytime ; is shy, and difficult to ap- 
 proach. 
 
 143. Surnia ulula, BON. Hawk Owl. Very rare 
 winter visitor. I have seen it but once. 
 
 FALCONID.E, THE EAGLES, FALCONS, AND HAWKS. 
 
 144. Aquila Canadensis, CASS. Golden Eagle. 
 " Ring-tailed Eagle." Perhaps rarely occurs as a transient 
 visitor. A specimen in the museum of the Peabody Acad- 
 emy of Science, at Salem, labelled " Essex Co." Mr. Allen 
 
 * J. A. Allen, " Proceedings of the Essex Institute," IV. 1864, p. 62. 
 
134 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 says it has been taken at "Lexington, near Boston, and 
 at Upton, in 1849." No record of its very recent cap- 
 ture, however, in this section. I have never met with it. 
 
 145. Haliaetus leucocephalus, SAVIG. W kite- 
 headed Eagle, " Bald Eagle." Not uncommon on the 
 sea-shore. I do not think it breeds now, but it did twenty- 
 five or thirty years ago. 
 
 1 46. Fandion Carolinensis, BON. Fish-Hawk. Not 
 a common summer resident, growing less so every year. 
 Perhaps t\ few breed in the interior, but it is doubtful. 
 
 147. FalCQ anatum, Box. American Penguin Fal- 
 con, " Duck Hawk," " Great-footed Hawk." Rare visitor. 
 I do not think it breeds ; no instance on record of its 
 doing so in this section. This species seems to prefer tho 
 more mountainous regions, especially during the breeding- 
 season. 
 
 148. Falco sacer, FORSTER. Jerfalcon, "White 
 Hawk." Very rare during winter, perhaps accidental. 1 
 have seen this species but once, November 4, 1868, 
 flying high above the snow-topped mountains of New 
 Hampshire, steering northward over the unbroken forests, 
 
 even thus early in the season covered with snow, and 
 almost a solitude, deserted by nearly all of the feathered 
 tribe. 
 
 149. FaICO COlumbariuS, GM. Pigeon Hawk. Not 
 an uncommon resident. I think it breeds, as I have a 
 specimen taken during the breeding-season, with all the 
 evidences of its incubating. Perhaps more uncommon dur- 
 ing winter. 
 
 150. Falco sparverius, LINN. Sparrow Hawk. Not 
 a very common resident. Breeds. 
 
 151. AstUT atricapillus, BON. Goshawk, "Part- 
 ridge Hawk," " Blue Hawk." Not uncommon in winter. 
 Some few undoubtedly breed. A pair remained in Wcs- 
 ton, near a heavily wooded district, during the brooding- 
 
bIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 135 
 
 season (1868); they evidently had a nest in the immedi- 
 ate vicinity. I have seen specimens taken in Massachu- 
 setts in full plumage quite frequently. 
 
 152. Accipiter Cooperii, BON. Cooper's Hawk. One 
 of the most common Hawks, called everywhere "Chicken 
 Hawk." Summer resident. 1 do not think any remain 
 during winter. Breeds, nesting in trees. 
 
 153. Accipiter fuscus, BON. Sharp-shinned Hawk, 
 " Pigeon Hawk." Common summer resident. Breeds. 
 
 154. Euteo borealis, VIEILL. Red-tailed Buzzard, 
 11 Red-tailed Hawk." Common resident ; exceedingly trouble- 
 some to farmers. This and B. lineatu* are the well-known 
 and formidable " Hen- Hawks." Nests in tall trees. ; 
 
 155. Buteo lineatUS, JAR. Red-shouldered Buzzard, 
 11 Red-shouldered Hawk," " Hen Hawk." Common resi- 
 dent ; usually more abundant in this immediate locality in 
 winter than during any other season. Breeds, nesting ifi 
 tall trees, generally in swampy places. 
 
 The following is a description of a Hawk of this species 
 which is remarkably light-colored. This specimen is so 
 different from others of the same species that it was at 
 first supposed to be the Buteo Cooperii, Cass., and was men- 
 tioned as such by Mr. J. A. Allen.* This specimen is also 
 milch larger than the average, as will be seen by the table 
 of measurements, and was evidently an immature bird, 
 which corroborates the rule given in the Introduction (p. 
 84) relative to birds decreasing in size with age. | 
 
 Des( ription of a light-colored specimen of B. lineatus.'f 
 
 Bill not very large, slightly lobed on the upper nianj- 
 dible ; color, dark brown. Upper parts dark brown, with 
 each feather spotted and barred irregularly with white an$ 
 pale rufous, the latter colors predominating on the head 
 
 i \ T !itur:ilit," Til. p. 519. 
 f Taken from a mounted specimen 
 
136 
 
 THK NATURALIST'S GUIDK. 
 
 and rump. Quills also dark brown, irregularly barred, and 
 edged with rufous Tail, on the upper parts, brown, lighter 
 beneath, tipped with dirty white, and with about twelve ir- 
 regular transverse bars of pale rufous, white at base above 
 and below. Under parts generally, with the exception of 
 the under wing-coverts, which are rufous and the tips 
 of the quills which are dark brown, pale buff, becom- 
 -ing almost white on the under tail-coverts, with a few 
 scattering sagittate and cordate spots of reddish brown on 
 the breast and sides. Stripes running from the gape down 
 the side of the neck, and a narrow one on the chin and 
 upper part of the throat brown. There is a pale buff 
 superciliary stripe. Lores dusky mixed with white ; tilme 
 tpale rufous, unspotted; tarsi long and slender, entirely 
 naked behind, feathered down about an inch in front. 
 There are thirteen transverse scales in front, and sixteen 
 'behind. The scales end abruptly in front and behind, on 
 the lower part of the tarsi, also on the upper part in front ; 
 'but behind they run greatly into smaller quinquangular 
 Scales ; feet not very strong ; claws much curved, and 
 proportionate to the size of the feet. 
 
 Measurement of B. lineatus 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 k 
 
 J 
 
 ! Y I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 1 6 S 
 
 T3 = 
 
 Locality. 
 
 Date. 
 
 ! 
 
 1 
 
 t 
 * 
 
 
 
 * 
 
 1 
 
 J 
 
 1 I 1 
 
 H U 
 111 
 
 
 
 .3 
 
 02 
 
 
 H 
 
 I 
 
 H 
 
 - 
 
 s s 5 
 
 
 1865. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 Nov. 17 
 
 22.00 
 
 _ 
 
 14.76 
 
 950 
 
 0.90 
 
 2.75 
 
 1.90 
 
 0.75 2.10 0.95 
 
 The specimen was shot among a thick growth of small 
 pines, beeches, etc., in a swampy place. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 137 
 
 156. Buteo Pennsylvanicus, BON. Broad-winged 
 Buzzard, " Broad-winged Hawk," " Hen-Hawk." Not very 
 common. I have never seen it in winter. Perhaps breeds. 
 
 157. Archibuteo lagopus, GRAY. Rougli-legged 
 Hawk, Rare winter visitor. Rather sluggish in its habits. 
 
 158. Archibuteo Sancti Johannis, GRAY. Black 
 Hawk. A magnificent specimen of this handsome Hawk 
 was sent to me by Mr. J. F. Le Baron, of Ipswich; it 
 was killed while flying over the marshes. This is the 
 only instance that 1 can record of its capture in this sec- 
 tion. 
 
 159. Circus Hudsonicus, VIEILL. Marsh Hawk. 
 Common summer resident. Breeds, nesting on the ground. 
 
 100. Cathartes aura, ILLIG. Turkey Vulture, "Tur- 
 key Buzzard." Accidental. " Two specimens shot in the 
 State in 1803." A gentleman who is perfectly familiar 
 with the appearance of this bird informs me that he saw .a 
 specimen flying over the meadows at Waltham in August, 
 1807. 
 
 161. Cathartes atratus, LES. Black Vulture, "Black- 
 headed Buzzard." Accidental. "One was obtained at 
 Swampscott, in November, 1850. Another was taken 
 the past season (September 28), at Gloucester, by Mr. 
 William Huntsford." * 
 
 COLUMBID/E, THE PIGEONS. 
 
 162. Ectopistes migratorius, SWAIN. Wild Pigeon. 
 Still common in localities, but growing less so every year. 
 Generally seen in autumn ; but a few winter. 
 
 163. Zenaedura Carolinensis, BON. Dove, "Tur- 
 tle Dove," "Carolina Dove." Not uncommon. Breeds 
 commonly at Cape Cod, early in the season. 
 
 * J. A. Allen, " Proceedings of the Essex Institute," IV. 1864, p. 81. 
 
138 THE NATURALISTS GUIDE. 
 
 TETRAONID^, THE GROUSE. 
 
 164. Tetrao Canadensis, LINN. Spruce PartriJfje. 
 Accidental. " Found in the hemlock woods of Gloucester, 
 in September, 1851."* 
 
 105. Bonasa umbellus, STEPH. Ruffed Grouxe, 
 " Partridge." Common in the wilder sections ; but from 
 the persecutions of sportsmen rapidly becoming extinct. 
 In localities where ten or fifteen years ago they were abun- 
 dant not one can be found to-day. Nests on the ground 
 in moist woods. 
 
 166. Cupidonia cupido, BAIRD. Pinnated Grouse, 
 " Prairie Hen." Said once to have been common in Massa- 
 chusetts, but now has become extinct on the main-land ; 
 etill may be found in small numbers on the islands of 
 Martha's Vineyard and Naushon. 
 
 PERDICID.E, THE PARTRIDGES. 
 
 167. Ortyx virginiana, BON. Quail. Resident; com- 
 mon in localities, but rapidly becoming extinct. Breeds, 
 nesting on the ground. 
 
 CHARADRIID./E, THE PLOVERS. 
 
 168. Charadrius Virginicus, BORCK. Golden Plover, 
 " Green Plover," " Three-toed Plover," " Black-back," 
 " Pale-bellied Plover," " Frost-Bird." Common spring and 
 autumn migrant. Frequents the hills near the sea-shore. 
 
 169. -Sgialitis vociferus, CASS. Killdeer Plover. 
 Rather rare summer resident. Said to have been common 
 years ago in localities. 
 
 * S. Jillson, " Proceedings of the Essex Institute," I. p. 224. 
 
BIRDS OF KAS1KRN MASSACHUSETTS. 13i) 
 
 170. .ffigialitis semipalmatus, CAB. Ring Plover. 
 'King-Neck," " Ox-eye. ' Alnmdant on the shore during 
 the migrations. 
 
 171. -ffigialitis melodus, CAB. Piping Plover, 
 "King-Neck." Common summer resident. Breeds abun- 
 dantly in June on the sandy shores. 
 
 The Wilson's Plover, " Ring-Neck " (^Egialitis Wilsonius, 
 Cass. ). Said to occur ; I have yet to meet with it. 
 
 1 72. Squat arola helvetica, CUVIER. Black-bellied 
 Plover, " Beetle-head," " Bull-head." Generally abundant 
 during the migrations, but sometimes not even common. 
 
 ^:, OYSTER-CATCHERS. 
 
 173. Haematopus palliatus, TEMM. Oyster-Catcher. 
 Accidental ; but one or two instances of its capture on 
 record. 
 
 1 74. Strepsilas interpres, ILLIG. Turnstone, "Chick- 
 en Bird," " Ited-legged Plover," " Black-heart," " Brant- 
 Bird." Rather common on the coast during the migrations. 
 Frequents rocky shores. 
 
 SCOLOPACID/K, THE SNIPES. 
 
 17"). Philohela minor, LINN. Woodcock. Common 
 summer resident. Arrives early in April. Breeds, nesting 
 on the ground 
 
 1 7(. G alii n ago Wilsonii, Box. Snipe, " English 
 Snipe." Vommoii during the migrations. Arrives early 
 in April , by November 30th they have all passed Massa- 
 chusetts on their nonthem migrations. 
 
 1 77. Macrorhamphus griseus, LEACH. Red-breasted 
 Snipe, " Robin Knipo," vt lirowii-back," "Dowitcher." Not 
 uncommon during the migrations. 
 
140 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 1 78. Calidris arenaria, ILLIG. Sanderling, " Shore- 
 Bird," " Beach-Bird." Abundant on the sandy shores and 
 beaches during the migrations. 
 
 179. Tringa canutus, LINN. Knot, "Gray-back." 
 Common spring and autumn migrant. 
 
 180. Arquatella maritima, BAIRD. Purple Sand- 
 piper, "Rock Snipe.' Never very common. Found on 
 the coast during spring and autumn. 
 
 181. Ancylocheilus subarquatus, KAUP. Curlew 
 Sandpiper. Accidental, or very rare. A few specimens 
 taken on our coast. 
 
 182. Pelidna Americana, COUES. American Dunlin, 
 " Red-back." Abundant spring and autumn migrant. Have 
 taken it late in November, i do not think it winters. 
 
 On June 18, 18G8, 1 saw and shot several specimens of 
 this Sandpiper about the fresh-water ponds on Ipswich 
 beach ; they were fat, and, upon dissecting, the females 
 did not exhibit any signs of breeding ; they were evidently 
 the young of the preceding year. 
 
 183. Actodromas maculata, CASS. Pectoral Sand- 
 piper, "Jacksnipe," " Grass Bird," "Fat-Bird." Common 
 during the migrations. Frequents the marshes. 
 
 184. Actodromas minutilla, COUES. Least Sand- 
 piper, " Peep." Abundant during the migrations. 
 
 185. Actodromas Bonapartii, CASS. Bonaparte's 
 Sandpiper, " White -rumped Sandpiper,'' " Grass- Bird." 
 Abundant during the migrations. Frequents the marshes. 
 
 1 8G. Ereunetes pusillus, CASS. Semipalmated Sand- 
 piper, "Peep." Abundant during the migrations. June 18, 
 1868, they were found in company with P. Americana, at 
 Ipswich, and were in the same condition. 
 
 187. Micropalama himantopus, BAIRD. Stilt 
 Sandpiper. Very rare. A single specimen captured in au- 
 tumn by Mr. W. Brewster, at Rye Beach, New Hampshire.* 
 
 * Mr. Brewster informs me that he took another at the same place 
 in the Inst vook in Au<mt, If 69. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 141 
 
 188. Symphemia semipalmata, HARTL. Wilfa, 
 "Stone Curlew," "Humility." Rather rare summer resi- 
 dent. Frequents sandy shores. Has a loud note of 
 alarm, which startles every bird on the shore within hear- 
 ing. I have seen large numbers of this species perched on 
 dead mangrove-trees in Florida. 
 
 189. G-ambetta melanoleuca, BON. Telltale, 
 " Stone Snipe/' " Winter Yellow-Legs," " Greater Tatler." 
 Common during the migrations. Arrives from the north 
 early in August. 
 
 1 ( JO. Gambetta flavipes, BON. Yellow-Legs, " Sum- 
 mer Yellow-Legs," "Lesser Tatler." Summer resident; 
 common during the migrations. I have seen it at Ips- 
 wich on the marshes throughout the summer. Perhaps 
 breeds. 
 
 191. Rhyacophilus solitarius, BAIRD. Solitary 
 Sandpiper, " Steelyard Bird." Not very common during 
 the migrations. Remains late in the autumn. On October 
 31, 1869, when the ponds were partly frozen over, I shot 
 a specimen in Errol, New Hampshire ; it was much emaci- 
 ated, but apparently well and lively. Although the birds 
 have been neen in summer, yet no case of their actually 
 breeding is recorded ; probably this is a case parallel with 
 those quoted nbovp (P. Americana and E. purittttf). 
 
 192. Tringoides macularius, Box. Spotted Sand- 
 piper, " Tip-up," " Teter-tnil." Common summer resident 
 both on the shore and in the interior. Arrives from May 
 1st to 8th ; leaves in September. Breeds, nesting, in the 
 interior, on the edge of a rye-field, or near ploughed land ; 
 on the coast, in the sand or nmong the rocks. 
 
 193. Actiturus Bartramius, BON. Bartrarris Sand- 
 piper, "Field Plover," "Hill- Bird," "Upland Plover," 
 " Gray Plover." Not an uncommon summer resident ; 
 quite common during the migrations. Frequents the dry 
 fields, where it breeds. Arrives about the last of April. 
 
142 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 194. Tryngites rufescens, CAB. Buff-breasted Sand- 
 piper, " Little Plover." Hare spring and autumn migrant ; 
 found on the sandy shores. 
 
 195. Limosa fedoa, ORD. Marbled Godivit, " Brant 
 Bird," " Badger-Bird." Rare during the migrations. Mr. 
 H. B. Farley informs me that he shot a specimen at 
 Ipswich on July 17, 1869. Winters in large numbers in 
 Florida, and I was assured, upon good authority, that it 
 remained during the summer, but the nest has never been 
 found ! How they propagated was a mystery to those un- 
 acquainted with its northern migration. 
 
 196. Limosa Huds:nica, SWAIN. Hudsonian God- 
 wit, " Goose-Bird," " Black-tail," " Spot-neck." Very rare 
 during the migrations. 
 
 197. Numenius Icngirostris, WILS. Long-billed 
 Curlew, "Sickle-bill." .Not uncommon during the migra- 
 tions, but very shy ; but few shot on this account. 
 
 198. Numenius Huds.nicus, LATH. Hudsonian 
 Curlew, "Dough-Bird," "Jack Curlew." Very rare on the 
 migrations. 
 
 199. Numenius borealis, LATH. Esquimaux Cur- 
 lew, " Flute." Not uncommon during the migrations. The 
 " Dough-Bird " of gunners. Very fat in autumn. 
 
 PHALAROPODID^, THE PHALAROPES. 
 
 200. Steganopus Wilsonii, COUEH. Wilson's Pha- 
 larope. Accidental on the coast. Audubon appears to be 
 the only one v.ho records it from this section. 
 
 201. Phalaropus fulioarius, BON. Red Phalarope. 
 Occasional during the migrations along the coast. 
 
 202. Lobipes hyperboreus, Cuv. Northern Phala- 
 rope. Not common during the migrations. 
 
 While migrating, the Phalaropes generally keep off the 
 coast. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 143 
 
 RECURVIROSTRID.E, THE AVOSETS AND STILTS, 
 
 The American Avoset (Recurvirostra Americana, Gin.) 
 may perhaps occur ; no well-authenticated instance of ita 
 capture in the State is on record. 
 
 203. Himantopus nigricollis, VIEILL. Black-necked 
 Stilt, " Lawyer." Occasionally seen along the sandy beaches. 
 
 Of this fact I am assured by gunners and others, who 
 have noticed it on account of its peculiarities, and ironi- 
 cally named it " Humility." 
 
 ARDEID.E, THE HERONS. 
 
 204. Ardea herodias, LINN. Great Blue Heron* 
 " Crane." Common summer resident. Probably breeds. 
 
 205. Herodias egretta, GRAY. Great White Egret. 
 Accidental. Two specimens in the Museum of Compara- 
 tive Zoology, taken at or near Hudson, by Mr. S. Jillson, 
 in the autumn of 1867; one or two other instances on 
 record of its capture in this section. 
 
 A magnificent mature specimen is in the fine collection 
 of Mr. N. Vickery, which was shot at Lynn, near the rail- 
 road station. 
 
 206. G-arzetta candidissima, BON. Snowy Heron, 
 or Little White EgreL Entirely accidental. "Have seen 
 one that was killed near Boston in 1862."* One other 
 instance of its capture is on record. This and the preced- 
 ing are stragglers from the south. 
 
 207. Florida caerulea, BAIRD. Little Blue Heron. 
 Rare summer visitor. I have met with it but twice in 
 this section. A few other instances of its capture are on 
 record. 
 
 J. A. Allen, " Proceedings of the Essex Institute," IV 164 D 86 
 
144 THE NATURALLSi'S GUIDE." 
 
 208. Ardetta exilis, GRAY, Least Bittern. Very 
 rare in summer. Mr. William Brewster has a specimen in 
 his cabinet, taken on the Fresh Pond marshes in Belmont, 
 August 11, 1808. 
 
 209. Botaurus lentiginosus, STEPH. Bittern, 
 " Meadow Hen," " Indian ieu,'' " Dunkadoo." Common 
 summer resident, Breeds, nesting in inaccessible places 
 in swamps and fresh marshes. Arrives early in April; 
 leaves in October. This species is rare on the sea-shore. 
 
 210. Butorides virescens, BON. "Green Heron," 
 " Mud-Hen," " Poke," " Chalk-line." Common summer 
 resident. Breeds, nesting in thickets and thick woods, 
 but more commonly on the sea-shore than in the interior. 
 
 211. Nyctiardea Gardenii, BAIRD. Night Heron, 
 " Qua-Bird," " JSquak," " Gooiy-gossit." Common summer 
 resident, breeding abundantly in communities, both on 
 the coast and in the interior. The young, when able to 
 fly, congregate on the sea-shore. Although nocturnal in 
 habit, it sees well by day. Arrives early in April ; leaves 
 in October. 
 
 As substantiating the hypothesis concerning the luminous- 
 ness of the peculiar spot on the breast of this Heron, 1 give 
 the following, as related to me by Mrs. H. B. Farley, of 
 Ipswich. 1 may state that Mrs. Farley, until after she had 
 related the story, had no knowledge of any particular in- 
 terest being attached to the fact she had discovered ; for 
 this reason she was an unbiased observer, which gives the 
 discovery additional importance- 
 
 " Three or four years ago 1 was sitting on the banks of 
 Ipswich River, just at twilight, waiting for my brother to 
 come for rne in a boat to convey me home. 1 was keeping 
 very quiet, when 1 saw a Heron alight within a few feet 
 of me, on the edge of the water. He was joined by others, 
 until there were about a dozen, then I observed that every 
 one of them had a luminous spot on its breast. This 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS 145 
 
 spot was not very bright, but, as it was quite dark by 
 this time, plainly perceptible. They presented a peculiar 
 appearance as they walked about, and 1 watched them 
 with interest for some time. This singular light sur- 
 prised me much, as 1 had never heard of anything like it 
 before." 
 
 It was in the autumn when Mrs. Farljy observed this 
 striking and interesting phenomenon, 
 
 ^12. Nyctherodius violaceus, REICH, Yellow- 
 crowned JS/tyht lit roii. Mr. Vickery informs me that he 
 shot a specimen in Lynn in 18(55. The bird was flying 
 over his head at the time. 
 
 213. Falcinellus Ordii, BON. Glossy Ibis. Acci- 
 dental or occasional N uttall records one or two instances 
 of its capture ; Cabot, one or two ; none recently, however. 
 Mr. Vickery also informs me that he has seen a specimen 
 of this tine bird, that was taken, fifteen years ago, at or 
 near Stafford Ridge, New Hampshire. 
 
 ^:, THE RAILS. 
 
 214. Rallus crepitans, GM.- Clapper Pail, "Salt- 
 marsh Hen." Accidental. Mr. J. F. Le Baron informed me 
 that he shot a specimen, some years ago, at Ipswich. Also 
 one taken by Mr. S. J. Cabot. 
 
 215. Rallus Virginianus, LINN. Virginia RaiU 
 Common summer resident. Frequents the bushy swamps. 
 Breeds early, nesting on some tussock Have seen tho 
 young running about by the first of June. 
 
 216. Porzana Carolina, VIEILL. Carolina Rail, 
 " Sora Rail," "Ortolan." Common summer resident. Fre- 
 quents the wet, open meadows, where it breeds. Both of 
 these species are much more common than most collectors 
 or sportsmen are aware of. 1 have been in a swamp where 
 
 7 J 
 
146 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 there were literally thousands of them, yet I was unable to 
 start more than two or three ! Indeed, without a good 
 dog, trained for the purpose, it is impossible to secure any 
 number. They leave early for the south. 
 
 217. Forzana noveboracensis, CASS. Yellow Rail. 
 Very rare during the migrations. Perhaps a few breed. 
 On September 8, 1868, my young friend, Frank P. Jackson, 
 was walking with me in the dusk of evening, through a 
 squash-field, on hiyk land, when he started up and shot a 
 specimen. There was a meadow twenty or thirty rods 
 away at the foot of the hill. It is a female, and diifers 
 from any I have ever seen, having a broad white eJying 
 to the secondaries ; so broad and prominent is this edging, 
 that it gave the bird the appearance of having white wings 
 while flying, in the imperfect light in which it was shot. 
 
 218. Fulica Americana, GM. Coot, "Mud-Hen." 
 Summer resident. Perhaps breeds. Generally seen dur- 
 ing the migrations. Frequents the weedy edges of ponds 
 and rivers. 
 
 219. Gallinula galeata, Box. Common Gallmule, 
 Florida Gallinule. Accidental. A specimen taken on the 
 Concord River marshes, in the fall of 1867, by Mr. T. 
 Dewing. " The Florida Gallinule probably breeds in the 
 Fresh Pond marshes, as I shot a young bird on October 9, 
 1868, and saw another."* 
 
 220. Gallinula martinica, LATH. Purple Gallinule. 
 Like the preceding. Accidental. A few specimens have 
 been taken in the State. 
 
 ANATID^, THE SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS, ETC. 
 
 221. Cygnus Am eric anus, SHAKPLKSS. Swan. Very 
 rare in winter, Mr. J. F. Le Baron informs me that in 
 
 * MS. Notes of Mr. W. Brewster. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 147 
 
 former years this bird was occasionally seen at Ipswich ; but 
 of late years it has not made its appearance. 
 
 The Snow Goose (Anser hyperboreus, Pallas) perhaps oc- 
 curs rarely in winter. 
 
 The White-fronted Goose (Anser Gambetii, Hartl.), liko 
 the preceding, perhaps rarely occurs in the State. 
 
 The Barnacle Goose (Bernicla leucopsis). This European 
 species has been attributed to this coast, but apparently 
 upon insufficient evidence. It may, however, occur, as it 
 has recently been detected and taken near the southern end 
 of Hudson's Bay.* 
 
 222. Bernicla brenta, STEPH. Brant. Common 
 spring and autumn migrant on the coast. 
 
 The Hutch in's Goose (Bernicla Hutchinsii, Bon.) perhaps 
 occurs rarely during the migrations, as it has been taken in 
 Connecticut. 
 
 223. Bernicla canadensis, BOIE. Wild Goose. 
 Abundant spring and autumn migrant. 
 
 224. Anas boschas, LINN. Mallard. Hare spring 
 and autumn migrant. 
 
 225. Anas obscura, GM. Black Duck. Abundant 
 winter % rex ; d'Mit. A few breed. 
 
 22<i. Dafila acuta, JENYXS. Pin-tail, "Sprig-tail, 11 
 " Pile-start.* 1 Rare winter resident along the coast. 
 
 227. Nettion Carolinensis, BAIRD. Green-winged 
 Teal. Common during the migrations. 
 
 228. Nettion crecca, KAUP. English Teal Strag- 
 gling from Europe ; entirely accidental. " Has been taken 
 in the State by Dr. H. Bryant, "f 
 
 229. Spatula clypeata, BOIE. Shoveller, " Spoon* 
 billed " Duck. Rare in spring and autumn. 
 
 230. Querquedula discors, STEPH. Bl 
 Teal Common spring and autumn migrant. 
 
 * Professor S. F. Bnird, in " American Naturalist," II. U6, p. 49. 
 f J. A. Allen, " Proceedings of the Essex Institute," IV. 1M34, p. ^ 
 
148 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 231. Chaulelasmus streperus, GRAY. Gadwall, 
 "Gray Duck." Rare in spring and autumn. 
 
 232. Mareca Penelope, BON. European Widgeon. 
 Straggler- from Europe. Mr. Samuels says it has been 
 taken in the State. 
 
 233. Mareca Americana, STEPS. American Widyeun. 
 " Baldpate." .Sot uncommon during the migrations. 
 
 234. Aix sponsa, SWAIN. \Vood Duck. Common 
 summer resident. 
 
 235. Fulix marila, BAIRD. Scaup Duck, " Black- 
 head, " Blue-hill." Not common on the migrations. 
 
 236. Fulix affinis, BAIRD. Little Black-head. Rare 
 during the migrations. 
 
 237. Fulix collaris, BAIRD. Ring-necked D,k. 
 Rare in spring and autumn. This and the three pre- 
 ceding frequent the ponds and rivers of the interior. 
 
 238. Aythya Americana, BON. Red-head. Rare 
 in autumn. 
 
 23 ( J. Aythya vallisneria, BON. Canvas-back. Rare 
 in autumn. Plentiful in Boston markets, but brought 
 from farther south. 
 
 240. Bucephala Americana, BAIRD. Golden-Eye, 
 " Whistler." Common during winter. Exceedingly shv. 
 
 241. Bucephala albeola, BAIRD. Bn$?-head, " But- 
 ter-ball," " Dipper." Not uncommon in autumn and winter. 
 
 242. Histrionicus torquatus, BON. Harlequin 
 Duck, "Lord." Very rare during winter. 
 
 243. Harelda glacialis, LEACH. Long-tailed Duck, 
 " Old Wife," " Old Squaw," " South Southerly." Abun- 
 dant spring and autumn migrant ; some winter. 
 
 244. Camptolaemus Labradorius, GRAY. Labra- 
 dor Duck. Rare during winter. 
 
 245. Melanetta velvetina, BAIRD. Velvet Duck, 
 " White- winged Coot," " Butter-bill." Common during win- 
 ter on the coast. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 149 
 
 246. Pelionetta perspicillata, KAUP. Surf-Duck, 
 " Coot." Common during autumn and winter. 
 
 247. CEdemia Americana, SWAIN. Scoter, "Gray- 
 winged Coot." Abundant during autumn; common in 
 winter.* 
 
 248. Somateria mollissima, LEACH. Eider-Duck. 
 Common during spring and autumn, also on the south 
 shore in winter. 
 
 249. Somateria spectabilis, LEACH. King Eider. 
 Rare in winter. 
 
 250. Erismatura rubida, BON. Ruddy Duck, "Loo- 
 by," " Dumb-Bird." Common during the migration in 
 spring and autumn. Seen on ponds in the interior. 
 
 25 1. Mergus Americanus, CASS. Sheldrake, " Goose- 
 ander," " Fish Duck," Common during the migrations. 
 Seen on ponds in the interior. 
 
 252. Mergus senator, LINN. Red-breasted Mergan- 
 ser, " Sheldrake," " Wheaser." Abundant during the mi- 
 grations. 
 
 253. Lophodytes CUCUllatus, REICH. Hooded Mer- 
 ganser, " Water-Pheasant." Not common during the mi- 
 grations. Abundant in Florida in winter. 
 
 PELECANID^:, THE PELICANS. 
 
 254. Pelecanus fuscus, LiNN.f Brown Pelican. Mr. 
 J. F. Le Baron is confident of having seen two of this 
 species at Ipswich some years ago. 
 
 255. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus, GM. White- 
 Pelican. Mr. Allen informs me that a specimen was re- 
 cently taken at Brant Point, Nantucket. 
 
 * Mr. E. C. Greenwood informs me that this, with the two preceding 
 species, is sometimes seen in summer. 
 
 f Erroneously given by Mr Allen as the succeeding species, " Ameri- 
 can Naturalist," III. p. 640. 
 
'150 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 SULID.E, THE GANNETS. 
 
 256. Sula bassana, Ross. Gamut, " Haglett." Com- 
 mon in winter otf the coast. 
 
 '257. Sula fiber, LINN. Booby. Given as rare in 
 Essex County, some years ago, by Mr. Putnam ; no record 
 of its capture recently. 
 
 GRACULID^E, THE CORMORANTS. 
 
 258. Graculus dilophus, GRAY. Double-crested Cor- 
 morant, " JShag." Not uncommon off the coast in winter. 
 
 259. GraculllS carbo, GRAY. Common Cormorant, 
 *'Shag." Common oft' the coast in autumn and winter. 
 
 LARHLE, THE GULLS, TERNS, ETC. 
 
 260. Buphagus Skua, COUES. Skua Gull. Said 
 to be rare on the coast ; perhaps doubtful. 
 
 261. Stercorarius pomarinus, TEMM. Pomarine 
 Skua or Jdger. Not uncommon along the coast in autumn 
 and wintor. 
 
 2f 2. Stercorarius parasiticus, GRAY. Arctic Jager. 
 Rare in winter off the coast. 
 
 263. Stercorarius Buffonii, COUES. Long-tailed 
 Jager, " Marlinspike." Not uncommon off the coast in 
 winter. 
 
 264. Larus marinus, LINN. Great Black-backed Gull, 
 "Saddle-back," "Coffin-carrier." Common during winter. 
 
 265. Larus glaucus, BRUNN. Glaucous Gull, " Ice 
 Gull." Rare in winter. 
 
 266. Larus leucopterus, FABER. White-winged Gull. 
 Not common in winter. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 151 
 
 267. Lams argentatus, BRUNN. Herring Gull 
 Common resident ; more abundant in autumn and winter. 
 Does not now breed anywhere in the State, although it did 
 formerly ; those remaining in summer are mostly immature 
 birds. 
 
 268. Lams Delawarensis, ORD. Ring-billed Gull. 
 Not uncommon along the coast in winter. 
 
 The Hutchin's Gull (Larus Hutchinsii, Richardson). A 
 specimen taken in Salem harbor, 1856, in the musenm of 
 the Peabody Academy of Science, labelled by Dr. Cones 
 as above ; it, however, looks very like an albino ; perhaps 
 L. argentatus. 
 
 269. Chroecocephalus atricilla, LEACH. Laughing 
 Gull. Not uncommon along the whole coast. Have found 
 it breeding at Muskegat Island, south of the main-land, and 
 near Nantucket. I should judge that there were a dozen 
 pairs breeding. Does not breed elsewhere on the coast. 
 Have seen an egg and bird taken at Tenant's Harbor, 
 Maine, by Mr. L. L. Thaxter, of Newton. I have seen the 
 bird late in November at Ipswich. 
 
 270. Chroecocephalus Philadelphia, LEACH. 
 Bonaparte's Gull. Common in autumn and spring, a few 
 winter. 
 
 271. Rissa tridactyla, BON. Kittiivake. Common 
 in autumn and winter. 
 
 The Marsh Tern (Gelochelidon Anglica, Bon.) is said to 
 occur ; if it does, I have yet to meet with it. 
 
 272. Thalasseus Caspius, Box. Caspian Tern. 
 Rare in winter. I have seen it upon one or two occa- 
 sions ; have also seen it in New York harbor in Decem- 
 ber. 
 
 273. Thalasseus acuflavida, CABOT. Cabot's Tern, 
 Sandwich Tern. Mr. Vickery has a fine specimen of this 
 bird in his cabinet, that he took at Cape Cod in the au- 
 tumn of 1866. He also saw another. This specimen ip 
 
152 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 in immature plumage. Its usual habitat is from Texas to 
 Florida and the West Indies. 
 
 274. Sterna hirundo, LINN. Wilson's Tern. Abun- 
 dant on the coast in summer. Breeds abundantly on the 
 sandy beaches and islands. This species, and also S. ma- 
 croura, are called, by popular writers, " Seamews." They 
 are also called " Tide Gulls' 1 and " Meous." 
 
 275. Sterna macroura, NAUM. Arctic Tern. Abun- 
 dant summer resident. 1 do not think it winters. Breeds 
 abundantly along the shore. Found it at Muskegat, breed- 
 ing apart from the other species. There is no difference 
 in the note between this and S. hirundo. 
 
 The descriptions heretofore given of this bird have been 
 meagre, and in many cases erroneous, tending to produce 
 doubt as to its validity as a species. But as the specific 
 characters are well denned, and certain of them so constant 
 as fully to establish its claim as a species, I purpose to 
 give here a full description of it, with a table of measure- 
 ments. 
 
 Sterna macroura, NAUM. Arctic Tern, Red-billed Tern. 
 
 Sterna macroura. NAUM., Isis 1819, 1847. 
 
 " macrura. LAWR., Birds N Am. 1858, p. 862. 
 
 " macroura COUES, Proceedings Phil. Acad. N. S., Dec., 1862, 
 
 p. 549. 
 
 Sterna arctea "TEMM , Mar. d'Orn., II., 1820, p. 742." 
 
 " " BON., Syn. 1828, No 287, p. 354. 
 
 " " Sw. & RICH., F B A., II., 1831, p. 414. 
 
 u " NUTT., Man . II . 1834, p 275. 
 
 * ** AUD., Orn. Biog , III., 1835, p. 296. IB. Birds 
 
 Am. VII. 1844, p 107; PI. CCCCXXIV.* 
 
 " " Dr H. Bryant, Pro Boston Soc. of Nat. Hist. VI., 
 
 1858, p. 12C. 
 
 SP. CH. Adult. Bill slender, slightly curved ; color, 
 bright carmine. Top of head and hind neck, black. Neck, 
 back, wing-coverts, scapularies, secondaries, breast, and 
 
 * Figures S. hirundo with black tip to bill. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 153 
 
 sides, a beautiful pearl gray, except the inner edge of 
 the secondaries, with their tips, and those of the scapu- 
 laries, which are white. Quills, with the upper parts gray, 
 dusky towards the tips, with the outer web of the outer 
 feather, and a narrow basal line along the inner web of 
 the terminal portion of each feather, black. Basal portion 
 and shaft of each feather, together with the margins of 
 the inner webs and whole under surface of the wing, white. 
 Rump, upper tail-coverts, tail-feathers, abdomen, and un- 
 der tail-coverts, pure white, except the terminal portion 
 of the outer webs of the two outer tail-feathers on each 
 side, which are dusky. The chin, upper part of the throat, 
 and a line running from the base of the bill under the eye 
 to the occiput, also white ; the chin and throat are some- 
 times tinged with ashy. The under eyelids are black. 
 Feet, small ; tarsus, short. The transverse scales on the 
 tarsi and toes are very much ridged ; the upper part 
 of the webs and under surface of the feet are covered 
 with small, pranulous protuberances ; both of these facts 
 give the feet a peculiar appearance. Color, bright ver- 
 milion. 
 
 Young. The yonng-of-the-year, the ensuing spring, 
 differs from this in having the bill longer, thicker, and more 
 curved, with a small part of the basal and a spot near 
 the tip of the upper mandible dusky ; the bill is not so 
 intense in color. There are a few white feathers near the 
 base of the bill in the black of the head. The upper parts 
 generally, with the exceptions of the wing-coverts, which 
 are darker, are lighter. The outer webs of all the tail- 
 feathers are dusky. The under parts are paler. The feet 
 are not so intense in color. 
 
 Youny-of-tke-t/ear in autumn* differs from the preceding 
 
 * This staerf 1 of p!nma<re his boen before unknown to authors, at which 
 1 am somewhat surpnspd The ^pecimens that I am describing wei*e shot 
 with the old, who exhibited considerable solicitude. 
 
154 
 
 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
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156 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 in having the forehead quite white; a few white feathers on 
 the back of the head ; the black is not quite as intense, or 
 more brownish. The feathers of the back are edged with 
 rufous. The shoulders are darker. The tail is not as 
 deeply forked, and the tips of the feathers are rufous. The 
 whole under parts are pure white. The white line from 
 the base of the bill is discontinued just in front of the ej r e, 
 and the portion occupied by it is quite dusky, almost black ! 
 The feet are dull orange. The bill is black, with the base 
 of the lower mandible orange. 
 
 The S. hirundo differs from this species, in the adult stage, 
 in having the beak longer and more curved, with the color 
 bright orange, and the terminal portion always black. 
 The pearl gray of the upper and under parts is never as 
 deep, while the lower part of the back is always quite pale, 
 so that the white of the rump is not as abrupt in its com- 
 mencement. The throat and chin are always white, with- 
 out the ashy tinge. The feet are larger, the tarsi much 
 longer. The tarsi also lack the ridged transverse scales ; 
 they are smoother; the webs are also smooth ; the color 
 is pale orange, never approaching the carmine of the 
 other. 
 
 In the next stage there is more white on the head of 
 S. hirundo ; the bill is almost black ; the rump tinged with 
 ashy. 
 
 Young-of-the-year birds are readily distinguished by the 
 rump of hirundo being ashy, the feet larger, the tarsi longer 
 with a smoother appearance. The bill is much the same 
 color, but in hirundo it is longer. It never has the dusky 
 appearance below the eye seen in macrmtra. 
 
 276. Sterna paradisea Roseate Tern. This, with 
 the two preceding species, is called the " Mackerel Gull " 
 on the more northern sections of the coast, while on the 
 south shore the two preceding are called "Te-arrs," from the 
 note ; this species is called " Hoyt " for the same reason. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 157 
 
 Common at Ipswich in autumn. Abundant on the south 
 shore during the breeding-season. Breeds on Muskegat 
 Island abundantly ; generally building a nest of sticks in a 
 hollow among the Sand-hills. 
 
 277. Sterna Antillarum, COUES. Least Tern, 
 "Jack-knifa Gull." Not as common as the preceding. 
 Breeds later, not until July ; lays from one to four eggs. 
 Have found a few breeding at Ipswich. Also breeds on 
 Nantucket. 
 
 Forster's Tern (Sterna Forsterii, Nutt). This speciea 
 appears to differ from hirundo in having the outer web of 
 the outer tail-feather white. I have never met with it. 
 
 278. Hydrochslidon fissipes, GRAY. Short-tailed 
 Tern. Rare in autumn. Mr. J. F. Le Baron shot a speci- 
 men at Ipswich, August 11, and saw another. 
 
 279. Haliplana fuliginosa, WAGL. Sooty Tern. 
 Mr. Samuels says he " found it breeding on Muskegat 
 Island." I think it occurs rarely. 
 
 PROCELLARID.E, THE PETRELS. 
 
 280. Puffinus major, FABER. Greater Shearwater. 
 Not uncommon off the coast in winter. 
 
 281. Puffinus Anglorum, TEMM. Hank's Shear- 
 water. Rare off the coast in winter. 
 
 282. Puffinus fuliginosus, STRICKL. Sooty Shear- 
 water. Common off the coast during spring, autumn, and 
 winter. 
 
 283. Procellaria pelagica, LINN. Stormy Petrel 
 Rare off the coast, 
 
 284. Oceanites oceanica, COUES. Wilson's Petrel. 
 Common off the coast. 
 
 285. Cymochorea leucorrhoa, COUES. Leach's 
 Petrel. Abundant off the coast. This and the two pre- 
 
158 THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE. 
 
 ceding are the " Mother Carey's Chickens " of sailors and 
 others. On September 9, 1809, after a gale, a specimen 
 was shot on Charles lliver, twelve miles from the sea ! 
 
 COLYMBID/E, THE DIVERS AND LOONS. 
 
 286. Colymbus torquatus, BRUNN. Great North 
 ern Diver, "Loon." Common in autumn, winter, and spring. 
 Breeds in western Massachusetts ; I do not think it does 
 in this section. 
 
 287. Colymbus arcticus, LINN. B lack-throated 
 Loon, or Diver. Very rare during winter. , 
 
 288. Colymbus septentrionalis, LINN. Red- 
 throated Loon, or Diver. The most common of all the 
 epecies during the winter and autumn, called everywhere 
 " Cape Race," or " Scapegrace," by gunners. 
 
 PODICIPID.E, THE GREBES. 
 
 289. Podiceps Holbollii, REINHARDT. Red-necked 
 Grebe, " Dipper Duck." Common during the migrations. 
 
 290. Podiceps CristatUS, LATH. Crested Grebe. 
 Common during autumn and winter. 
 
 291. Podiceps COrnutUS, LATH. Horned Grebe. Com- 
 mon during autumn and winter. This and the two pre- 
 ceding frequent the salt water exclusively. Are seldom 
 met with in full plumage. Called by gunners ' ; Devil 
 Divers" and " Water Witches," on account of their diving 
 to elude the shot ; their power of diving and remaining 
 Under water a long time is certainly marvellous. 
 
 292. Podilymbus podiceps, LAWK. Dabc.hi-k. 
 11 Dipper Duck." Common during the migrations . fre 
 quents the fresh waters. 
 
BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS 159 
 
 ALCID^E, THE AUKS AND GUILLEMOTS. 
 
 The Great Auk (Alca impennis, Linn.) must have been 
 quite common many years ago on the coast north of Cape 
 Ann. In the autumn of 18G7, and in company with Mr. 
 Allen in June, 18G8, I found in the shell-heaps on the 
 Ipswich Sand-hills, numerous bones of this now extinct 
 bird ; probably dropped there by the Indians,* who must 
 have killed them with their arrows, or other primitive 
 w r eapons, for food. 
 
 293. Utamania torda, LEACH. Razor-billed Auk, 
 " Tinker." Common in winter off the coast. 
 
 294. Fratercula arctica, ILLIG. Pufm, " Sea Par 
 rot." Not uncommon in winter otf the coast. 
 
 295. Uria grylle, LATH. Llack Guillemot, " Sea 
 Pigeon." Common in winter. 
 
 29G. Lomvia troille, BRANDT. Foolish Guillemot, 
 " Murre." Common off the coast in winter. 
 
 297. Lcmvia ringvia, BRANDT. Murre. Not uncom- 
 mon in winter off the coast. 
 
 298. Lomvia Svarbag, COUES. BrunnicKs Guille- 
 mot, Thick-billed Guillemot. Common off the coast h* 
 winter. 
 
 299. Mergulus alle, VIEILL. Sea Dove, "Doveke," 
 "Little Auk." Common winter resident. I have seen it 
 on Indian River, Florida. 
 
 * See account of Ipswich Sand-hills, pp. 54, 65 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 THE whole number of birds belonging to the fauna of 
 eastern Massachusetts is two hundred and ninety-nine,* 
 as will be seen by the Catalogue. Of these twelve have 
 been recently added, viz. : the Varied Thrush (Tardus 
 n'cvius), the Tennessee Warbler (Hebninthophaga pere- 
 yruia), the Baird's Sparrow (CeMronyx Bainlii), the Gray 
 King-Bird (Tyrannus Dominicensis), the Yellow-headed 
 Blackbird (Xanthocephaltis icterocepkalus), the Barn Owl 
 (titrix pratincola), the Hawk Owl (Snrtiui ulula), the Stilt 
 Sandpiper (MicTopalama himantopus), the Yellow-crowned 
 Night Heron (Nyctherodius violaceus), the Sandwich Tern 
 (Sterna cantiaca), the White Pelican (Pelecanus erythro- 
 rhynchus), and the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus fuscas). 
 
 In the following tables may be found a classification of 
 
 * The whole number of species given by Mr. J. A. Allen, in the " Pro- 
 ceedings of the Kssex Institute," Vol. IV. No. 2, August, 1864, as occurring 
 in the State, was two hundred and ninety-six. Of these, three have not 
 been found in eastern Massachusetts, viz. : IftlmintliKfili'tya cel'itu, Km- 
 pidminx Acadiciu, and Ccnturus CaroUnus. Those given upon doubtful or 
 insufficient evidence as birds of eastern Massachusetts, which are not in- 
 cluded in the present list, are nine, viz.: Parvs Hudwnicns, Girdimilis 
 Virginianus, JEyidlitii Wilsimiuf, Anser hyperboreus, Anser Gamhelii^ Bn'- 
 nicla I/utchinsii, Bernicla hncopsis, Procellaria (jlaciulit, and Sterna ara- 
 nea. Sixteen species are added in Mr. Allen's supplement (' American 
 Naturalist," Vol. III., pp. 505-519, 568-585, 631 -648, 1869), after ex- 
 punging four species from the previous list, increasing his catalogue to 
 three hundred and eight. Out of these, three are birds of western Massa- 
 chusetts, viz. : Ntmcltrusfiircatus, Sniurus Ludoricianus, and Serin/is mei'i- 
 dionalis. Two of those given in his supplement as birds of eastern Massa- 
 chusetts are not included in the present Catalogue, viz. : Buttto Qioperi (tiiA 
 included, for reasons given on page 135) and C'U'dutlis drf/tins, which, 
 as Mr. Allen justly remarks, was probably an escaped cage-bird. 
 
 K 
 
162 APPENDIX. 
 
 the birds of eastern Massachusetts, relative to their being 
 resident, migratory, or straggling species, etc. : 
 
 RESIDENT SPECIES THAT BREED. 
 
 1. Ainpelis cedrorum. 16. Falco columbarius.t 
 
 2. Anas obacura.* 17. Falco sparverius.J 
 
 3. Ablnigdliims tristis.t 18. Melospiza melodia.J 
 
 4. Astur atricapillus. 19. Nyctale Acadica. 
 
 5. Bonasa unibellus. 20. Ortyx Virgiiiiana. 
 
 6. Brachyotus Cassinii. 21. Otus Wilsoniaims. 
 
 7. Bubo Virginia-mis. 22. Parus atricapillus.t 
 
 8. Buteo lineatus. 23. Picus pubcscens. 
 
 9. Buteo borealis. 24. Picus villosus.t 
 
 10. Carpodacns purpureus.t 25. Passer domestica. 
 
 11. Certhia familiaris.* 26. Scops asio. 
 
 12. Colaptes auratus.t 27. Stumella magna.* 
 
 13. Corvus Americanus.t 28. Syriiiuin nebulosum. 
 
 14. Cupidonia cupido. 29. Turdus migratorius. 
 15. Cyanura cristata.t 
 
 * The greater part go north in summer, and south in winter. 
 
 t Those marked in this manner are not resident individually; that is 
 tho=e species that have passed the summer with us migrate to the south, 
 and others, who have passed the summer farther north, take their places. 
 &ee remarks on page 129 under the head of Picus rillosus. 
 
 t Of these species but few remain in winter, the greater part pass south. 
 
 Sometimes not to be found all winter. 
 
 RESIDENT SPECIES THAT DO NOT BREED. 
 
 1. Cymocliorea Icucorrhoa. 5. Oceanites oceanica. 
 
 2. Haliiietus leucocephalus. * 6. (Edemia Americana, t 
 
 3. Lams argentatus.t 7. Pelionetta perspicillata.* 
 
 4. Melanetta velvetina.J 
 
 * This eagle is quite frequently seen along our coast, even in summer. 
 but as it is not known to breed, and being a bird of strong flight, it is prob- 
 able that it is making daily excursions in search of food. 
 
 t Those that remain during the summer are generally immature birds, 
 probably the young of the previous year. See remarks on page 151, under 
 
 J These three species are given upon the authority of Mr. E. C. Green- 
 woo 1. <>f Ipswich. 
 
APPKNDIX. 
 
 163 
 
 REGULAR SUMMER VISITANTS THAT BREED. 
 
 1. Accipiter Cooperii. 
 
 2. Accipiter fuscus. 
 
 3. Actiturus Bartramius. 
 
 4. yEgialitis melodus. 
 o. ^Egialitis vociferus. 
 
 6. Agelseus phoeniceus. 
 
 7. Aix sponsa. 
 
 8. Ammodromus caudacutus. 
 
 9. Antrostomus vociferusr. 
 
 10. Ardea herodias. 
 
 11. Botaurus lentiginosus. 
 
 12. Buteo Pennsylvanicus. 
 
 13. Butorides virescens. 
 
 14. Ceryle alcyon. 
 
 15. Chcetura pelasgia. 
 
 16. Chordeiles popetue. 
 
 17. Chroecocephalus atricilla. 
 
 18. Circus Hudsonius. 
 
 1 9. Cistotliorus 'palustris. 
 
 20. Cistothorus stellaris. 
 
 21. Coccygus Americanus. 
 
 '22. Coccygus erythrophthalmus. 
 
 23. Contopus borealis. 
 
 24. Contopus virens. 
 
 25. Coturniculus Henslowi. 
 
 26. Coturniculus passerinus. 
 
 27. Cotyle riparia. 
 
 28. Cyanospiza cyanea. 
 
 29. Dendroaca aestiva. 
 
 30. Dendro2ca discolor. 
 
 31. Dendroeca Pennsylvania. 
 
 32. Dendroeca pina. 
 
 33. Dendroeca virens. 
 
 34. Doliclionyx oryzivorus. 
 
 35. Empidonax minimus. 
 
 36. Geothlypis trichas. 
 
 37. Guiraca Ludoviciana. 
 
 38. Harporhynehus rufus. 
 
 39. Helminthophaga ehrysoptera. 
 
 40. Helminthophaga ruficapilla. 
 
 41. Hirundo horreorum. 
 
 42. Icterus Baltimore. 
 
 43. Icterus spurius.* 
 
 44. Melospiza palustris. 
 
 45. Mimus Carolinensis. 
 
 46. Mniotilta varia. 
 
 47. Molotlirus pecoris. 
 
 48. Myiarchus crinitus.* 
 
 49. Nyctiardea Gardenii. 
 
 50. Parula Americana. t 
 
 51. Passerculus savanna. 
 
 52. Petrochelidon lunifrons. 
 
 53. Philohela minor. 
 
 54. Pipilo erythrophthalmus. 
 
 55. Pocecetes gramineus. 
 
 56. Porzana Carolina. 
 
 57. Progne subis. 
 
 58. Pyranga rubra. 
 
 59. Quiscalus versicolor. 
 
 60. Rallus Virginianus. 
 
 61. Sayornis fuscus. 
 
 62. Seiurus aurocapillus. 
 
 63. Setophaga ruticilla. 
 
 64. Sialia sialis. 
 
 65. Sitta Canadensis.t 
 
 66. Sitta Carolinensis. 
 
 67. Spizella pusilla. 
 
 68. Spizella socialis. 
 
 69. Sterna Antilaram. 
 
 70. Sterna hirundo. 
 
 71. Sterna macroura. 
 
 72. Stema paradisea. 
 
 73. Tachycineta bicolor. 
 
 74. Tringoides macularius. 
 
 75. Trochilus colubris. 
 
 76. Troglodytes aedon. 
 
 77. Turdus fuscescens. 
 
 78. Turdus mustelinus. 
 
164 APPENDIX. 
 
 79. Turdus Pallasii.t 83. Vireo noveboracensis. 
 
 80. Tyrannus Carolinensis. 84. Vireo olivaceus. 
 
 81. Vireo flavifrons. 85. Vireo solitarius.t 
 
 82. Vireo gilvus. 86. Zensedura Carolinensis. 
 
 * These species breed only in small numbers. Massachusetts is about 
 their extreme northern limit. 
 
 t These breed sparsely ; the greater part go north. 
 
 REGULAR SUMMER VISITORS THAT DO NOT BREED.* 
 
 1. Ereunetes pusillus. 3. Pelidna Americana. 
 
 2. Gambetta flavipes. 
 
 * But few remain ; the greater part go north. See remarks upon page 
 140, under the head of the preceding names. 
 
 IRREGULAR SUMMER VISITORS OR STRAGGLERS THAT 
 HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO BREED. 
 
 1. Euspiza Americana. 2. Gallinula galeata 
 
 IRREGULAR SUMMER VISITORS OR STRAGGLERS THAT 
 NEVER HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO BREED. 
 
 1. Ardetta exilis. 14. Mclanerpes erythrocephalus. 
 
 2. Argyria maculata. 15. Micropalama liimantopus. 
 
 3. Cathartes atratus. 16. Mimus polyglottus. 
 
 4. Cathartes aura. 17. Nyctherodius violaceus. 
 
 5. Chondestes grammacus. 18. Pelecanus fuscus.* 
 
 6. Falcinellus Ordii. 19. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus. * 
 
 7. Florida cserulea. 20. Pyranga testiva. 
 
 8. Gallinula martinica. 21. Rallus crepitans. 
 
 9. Garzetta candidissima. 22. Symphemia semipalmata. 
 
 10. Halipana fulignosa. 23. Strix pratincola.t 
 
 11. Herodias egretta. 24. Thalasseus acuflavida.t 
 
 12. Himantopus nigricollis. 25. Tyrannus Dominicensis. 
 
 13. Icteria viridis. 26. Xanthocephalus icterocephalus. * 
 
 * Generally immature specimens, commonly taken in early autumn- 
 t One specimen captured in autumn. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 165 
 
 That so many of these stragglers have been recently 
 added to the catalogue must be attributed to the in- 
 creased numbers of observers, rather than to the increase 
 of specimens. Numerous instances like the preceding 
 have undoubtedly occurred in the past, but from the 
 scarcity of observers they have passed unnoticed, or at 
 least unrecorded. 
 
 REGULAR SPRING AND AUTUMN MIGRANTS. 
 
 1. Actodroraua Bonapartii. 
 
 2. Actodromus maculata. 
 
 3. Actodromus minutella. 
 
 4. TEgialitis semipalmatus. 
 
 5. Ammodroinus maritimus. 
 
 6. Anas boschas. 
 
 7. Anorthura hy emails. 
 
 8. Antlius Ludovicianus. 
 
 9. Arquatella maritima. 
 
 10. Aythya Americana. 
 
 11. Aythya vallisneria. 
 
 12. Bernicla brenta. 
 
 13. Bernicla Canadensis. * 
 
 14. Calidris arenaria. 
 
 15. Charadrius Virginicus. 
 
 16. Dafila acuta. 
 
 17. Dendrceca Blackbumifle.t 
 
 18. Dendra-ca castanea. 
 
 19. Dendroeca cccrulescens. 
 
 20. Dendroeca coronata. 
 
 21. Dendroeca maculosa. 
 
 22. Dendrceca palmarum. 
 
 23. Dendroeca striata. 
 
 24. Empidonax flaviventris. 
 
 25. Erismatura rubida. 
 
 26. Fulica Americana. 
 
 27. Fulix affinis. 
 
 28. Fulix collaris. 
 
 29. Fulix niarila. 
 
 30. Oallinago Wilsonii. 
 
 31. Gambetta melanoleuca. 
 
 32. Geothlypis Philadelphia. 
 
 33. Harelda glacialis. 
 
 34. Helmmthophaga peregiina.^ 
 
 35. Hydrochelidon fissipes. 
 
 36. Limosa fedoa. 
 
 37. .Limosa Hudsonica. 
 
 38. Lophodytes cucullatus. 
 
 39. Macrorhamphus griseus. 
 
 40. Mareca Americana. 
 
 41. Myiodioctes Canadensis. || 
 
 42. Myiodioctes pusillus. 
 
 43. Nettion Carolinensis. 
 
 44. Numenius borealis. 
 
 45. Numenius Hudsonicus. 
 
 46. Numenius longirostris. 
 
 47. Oporornis agilis. 
 
 48. Pandion Carolinensis. 
 
 49. Passerella iliaca. 
 
 50. Perissoglossa tigrina. 
 
 51. Podilymbus podiceps. 
 
 52. Querquedula discors. 
 
 53. Regulus calendulus. 
 
 54. Rhyacophilus solitarius. 
 
 55. Scolecophagus ferrugineus. 
 
 56. Seiurus noveboraeensis.t 
 
 57. Sphyrapicus varius. 
 
 58. S(iuatarola helvetica. 
 
 59. Strepsilas interpres. 
 
 60. Trinsja ciuuitus. 
 
166 APPENDIX. 
 
 61. Troglodytes hyemalis. 64. Zonotrichia leucophrys. 
 
 62. Tryngites rufescens. 65. Zonotrichia albicollis. 
 
 63. Turdus Swainsonii. 
 
 * Probably breeds occasionally, as it certainly did in former years. 
 
 t Stragglers may remain and breed. 
 
 J Seen only in spring. 
 
 More common in autumn. 
 
 II Has been known to breed in the State. 
 
 OCCASIONAL OR IRREGULAR SPRING AND AUTUMN 
 MIGRANTS. 
 
 1. Ancylocheilus subarquatus. 8. Melospiza Lincoln!!. 
 
 2. Chaulelasmus streperus. 9. Nettion crecca.t 
 
 3. Empidonax Traillii. 10. Phalaropus fulicarius. * 
 
 4. Hsematopus palliatus. 11. Porzana noveboracensis. 
 
 5. Helminthophaga pina. 12. Procellaria pelagica.* 
 
 6. Lobipes hyperboreus. * 13. Spatula clypeata. 
 
 7. Mareca Penelope. t 14. Steganopus Wilsonii.* 
 
 * These probably pass outside regularly, but seldom alight upon the 
 shore, 
 f Accidental in autumn. 
 
 REGULAR WINTER VISITANTS. 
 
 1. Archibuteo logopus. 18. Larus glaucus. 
 
 2. Archibuteo Sancti-Johannis. 19. Larus marinus. 
 
 3. Bucephala albeola. * 20. Larus leucopterus. 
 
 4. Bucephala Americana. 21. Lorn via ringvia. 
 
 5. Camptolsemus Labradorius. 22. Lomvia Svarbag. 
 
 6. Chrcecocephalus Philadelphia. 23. Lomvia troille. 
 
 7. Collurio borealis. 24. Mergnlus alle. 
 
 8. Colymbus septentrionalis. 25. Mergus Americana. 
 
 9. Colymbus torquatus.* 26. Mergus serrator. 
 
 10. Ectopistes migratorius.t 27. Nyctea nivea. 
 
 11. Eremophila alpestus. 28. Plertroplmnes Lapponicus. 
 
 12. Fratercula arctica. 29. PIectroi)hanes nivalis. 
 
 13. Graculus carbo.J 30. Podireps comutus. 
 
 14. Graculus dilophus.t 31. Podiceps cristatus. 
 
 15. Histrionicus torquatus. 32. Podii-cjis Holbollii. 
 
 16. Junco hyemalis.* 33. Pumnus Angloram.J 
 
 17. Lams Delawarensis. 34. Puffinus fuliginosus.J 
 
APPENDIX, 167 
 
 Sj. Pulfiiius major. $ 41. Stercorarius pomarinus, 
 
 36. Regains satrapus, 42. Sula bassana. 
 
 37. Hissa tridactyla. 43. Thalasseus Caspius. 
 33. Somateria inollissima. 44. Uria grylle. 
 
 39. Spizeila moiiticola. * 45. Utamania torda, 
 
 40. Stercorarius BufFonii. 
 
 * A few winter, but the greater part pass south. 
 
 t Generally seen in autumn, but a few winter. 
 
 J Seldom seen ou the shore, but common off the coast. 
 
 WINTER VISITORS WHOSE OCCURRENCE MAY BE E 
 PECTED AT IRREGULAR PERIODS. 
 
 1. /Egiothus Unarms. 4. Curvirostra leucoptera. 
 
 2. Chrysomitiis pinus. 5. Pinicola Canadensis. 
 
 3. Curvirostra Americana. 
 
 IRREGULAR AND STRAGGLING WINTER VISITORS. 
 
 1. Ampelis garrulus. * 10. Picoides arcticus. 
 
 2. Aquila Canadensis. 11. Picoides hirsutus. 
 
 3. liuphagus skua. 12. Somateria spectabilis. 
 
 4. Centronyx Bairdii.t 13. Stercorarius parasiticus. 
 ,">. Colymbus arcticus. 14. Sula fiba. 
 
 (}. C'ygnus Americanus. 15. Sumia ulula. 
 
 7. Falco auatum. 16. Syrnium cinereum. 
 
 8. Falco sacer. 17. Tetrao Canadensis. 
 1). Xyctale Richardsonii. 18. Turdus nsevius.t 
 
 * Occasionally seen hi autumn. f But one specimen taken. 
 
INDEX TO PART II. 
 
 Alaudidae, 121. 
 AlcedinidsE, 126. 
 AlcidiB, 159 
 Ainpelidas. 107. 
 Anatidae, 146. 
 Appendix, 161. 
 Ardeidae, 143. 
 Auks, 159. 
 Avosets, 143. 
 
 Blackbirds, 121. 
 
 Caprimulgidce, 127. 
 
 Certhiidse, 93. 
 Charadriidee, 138. 
 Colurabidee, 137. 
 Colymbidse, 158. 
 Cormorants, 150. 
 Corridas, 124. 
 Creepers, 93. 
 Crows, 124. 
 Cuckoos, 128. 
 Cuculidffi, 128. 
 Cypselidae, 127. 
 
 Divers, 158. 
 Doves, 137. 
 Ducks, 147. 
 
 Eagles, 133. 
 
 Falconidae, 133. 
 Falcons, 133. 
 Finches, 109. 
 Flycatchers, 124. 
 Fringillidae, 109. 
 
 Gnnnets, 150. 
 Geese, 147. 
 Goatsuckers, 127. 
 GraculiclfP. 150. 
 Grebes, 158. 
 Grouse. 138. 
 Guillemots, 159. 
 Gulls, 160. 
 
 Hsematopodidse, 139. 
 Hawks, 133. 
 Herons, 143. 
 Hirundinidae, 105. 
 Humming-Birds, 128. 
 
 Icteridae, 121. 
 Ibis, 145. 
 Introduction, 83. 
 
 Ja'gers, 150. 
 Jays, 124. 
 
 Kingfishers, 126. 
 Kites, 133. 
 
 Laniidae, 108. 
 Laridae, 150. 
 Larks, 121. 
 Loons, 158. 
 
 Motacillidae, 98. 
 Nuthatches, 93. 
 
 Orioies, 121. 
 Owls. 130. 
 Oyster-catchers, 139. 
 
 Paridae. 93. 
 Partridges, 138. 
 Pelecanidre, 149. 
 Pelicans, 149. 
 Perdicidae, 138. 
 Petrels. ir7. 
 IMialaropes, 142. 
 Phalaropodido3, 142. 
 Picidse, 129. 
 Pigeons, 137. 
 Plovers. 138. 
 Podicipidre, 158. 
 Procellaridae, 157. 
 
 Rails. 145. 
 Rallidae, 145. 
 
170 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Recurvirostridse, 143. 
 Kock-Inhubiters, 92. 
 
 Sandpipers, 140. 
 Saxicolidse, 92. 
 Scolopacidse, 139. 
 Sheldrakes, 149. 
 Shrikes, 108. 
 Sittidae, 94. 
 Snipes, 139. 
 Sparrows, 109. 
 Starlings, 121. 
 "Stilts, 143. 
 Strigidae, 130. 
 Sulidoe, 150. 
 Swallows, 105. 
 Swans, 146. 
 Swifts, 127. 
 Sylvicolidae, 98. 
 Sylviidae, 93. 
 
 Tanagrida, 108, 
 
 Tanagers, 108. 
 Terns, 151. 
 Tetraonidae, 138. 
 Thrushes, b9. 
 Titmice, 93. 
 Trochilidae, 128. 
 Troglodytidae, 94. 
 Turdidae, 89. 
 Tyrannidce, 124. 
 Tyrant Flycatchers, 124 
 
 Vireonidsc, 106. 
 Vireos, 106. 
 Vultures, 137. 
 
 Wagtails, 98. 
 Warblers, 93. 
 Waxwings, 107. 
 Woodpeckers, 129. 
 Wood-Warblers, 98. 
 Wrens, 94. 
 
 THE END. 
 

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