1912] The Ottawa Naturalist 147 



This very beautiful new anemone Mr. Cairnes obtained from 

 two localities in the region, the first specimens are from some- 

 where north of the Orange Fork of the Black River, Long. 141, 

 Lat. 66, 10', the land having an altitude of some 2,000 feet. 

 These were taken on 21 June, 1911. Other specimens, and these 

 the best, are from between Teecat and Runt Creeks, the altitude 

 3,000 feet, and were gathered 26 June. This is perhaps the 

 most beautiful of American species of the genus, and the blue 

 color of the flowers is remarkable. I gladly dedicate the species 

 to Mr. Cairnes. Viewed as a whole the plant bears some sug- 

 gestion of Pulsatilla ; but the perianth is rotate, and from what 

 I see in the pistils as they exist in the flower, I am confident the 

 fruit when known will be shown to be that of genuine Anemone. 



POPULAR AND PRACTICAL ORNITHOLOGY. 



II. THE MARSH HAWK. 



By Norman Criddle. 



The range of this hawk covers approximately the whole of 

 North America. It breeds throughout the northern portion 

 of the continent, wherever the geographical conditions, more 

 particularly those relating to water and flora, are suitable. 

 These conditions being intermittent wood and open country, 

 preferably mixed with low land containing swamps or marshes, 

 though these latter are not essential in the choice of a breeding 

 site. In winter time it confines itself to the more southern 

 half of the United States. 



The Marsh Hawk is at once distinguished from all other 

 hawks by the wide and clear cut white band at the base of its 

 tail, a distinction that is not. possessed by any other kind. It 

 may also be easily told by its method of flight and manner of 

 hunting. There has, however, been some difference of opinion 

 about the colour phases of these birds. Some people with a 

 knowledge of ornithology claim that they have seen individuals 

 of the same coloured plumage nesting together as male 

 and female, while the majority agree that the colour phases 

 are merely sexual, the slaty grey bird being the male and the 

 brown individuals females. This latter is my experience, and 

 I have come in contact with many pairs covering a period of 

 nearly thirty years. All have answered to that description. 

 The young birds, however, are all of their mother's dress though 

 somewhat brighter coloured. It is quite possible that a few 

 individuals retain this first' plumage for another season, par- 



