VOL. ora Andrew Fackson Grayson. 49 
biographies. The plates are drawn with exceeding care, and repre- 
sent the minutest features of the species; while, as it regards the 
fidelity of coloring, I do not believe they have ever beén excelled. 
I much hope that matters may ultimately be arranged to secure the 
publication of the work, as I want to see it appear, knowing it wil] 
be a worthy companion to the publications of Audubon, Gould and 
others.”’ 
A few of the original drawings were reproduced by wood cuts in 
Hutchings’ California Magazine and by colored lithographs (which 
by no means do justice tothe originals) in the Hesperian. 
The two original volumes of water-colored plates were presented 
to the University of California in 1879 by Mrs. Grayson-Crane, sub- 
ject to no other conditions than her right to hereafter publish the 
same and subtitute a printed copy for the original. A selection of 
the plates was exhibited at the Centennial Exposition at Philadel- 
phia in 1876. 
The appended biographical sketches of birds appeared to be un- 
published and are here presented for the sake of the information 
which is accurate and illustrates the close and careful attention which 
Mr. Grayson gave to the study of the habits of birds. 
ANHINGA or ‘SNAKE Birp.’’ Anhinga anhinga (Linn.) This 
remarkable species is usually met with along the shores of inland 
lakes, lagoons, bayous and rivers in the warmer latitudes, and never . 
on the sea-shore. Scarcely visiting the salt water es/eros, it is 
strictly a fresh water bird. Wherever there are streams or lagoons 
_ abounding in small fish, there it will be found the most abundant. 
Of all the divers or birds that pursue their prey by swimming be- 
low the surface, this one most excels. Its form is admirably 
adapted to rapid swimming and diving, and it can remain longer 
under water than any other of the feathered divers. 
It is sometimes gregarious, particularly in the breeding season, 
_ but may be as often met with solitary as in flocks. When fishing 
“it often comes to the surface, either to breathe or devour what it 
has captured, and when swimming on the surface its body is scarcely 
- perceptible and frequently entirely concealed, whilst its head and 
neck only are above the water. After it has satiated its hunger it 
“mounts some old log or dry branch overhanging the water and 
there spreads its wings to the sun in order to dry the plumage. If 
it should be molested at that time by an enemy, it does not attempt 
