crowned Night Herons, the total population of the colony- 

 being probably between six hundred and seven hundred birds. 



The second heronry, which is probably at least ten miles 

 distant from the first "as the crow flies," occupies a similar 

 but larger hammock. Here the number of herons breeding is 

 estimated at not less than one thousand, of which at least two 

 hundred are Snowies. Here also the Louisianas are the most 

 numerous, while Green Herons are present in hundreds, and 

 Black-crowned Night Herons are abundant. 



The hundreds of nests, most of which contained eggs or 

 young in various stages of development, are placed in the 

 "sparkleberry" bushes, yuccas, and palmettoes, most of 

 them within easy reach from the ground. Although these 

 two colonies have evidently been free for some time from 

 serious molestation, it is extremely desirable that immediate 

 steps be taken to ensure their future protection against the 

 unscrupulous enemy v/ho has so nearly succeeded in blotting 

 the Snowy Heron out of existence; and it is hoped that 

 definite measures for their protection will result through the 

 co-operation of the Museum with the South Carolina Audubon 

 Society. So relentless has been the war of extermination 

 which has been waged against this beautiful species during 

 the last quarter of a century that its reappearance as a breed- 

 ing bird on this coast is as surprising as it is gratifymg. If 

 the laws protecting it can be enforced and if the islands 

 where it breeds can be guarded carefully during the nesting 

 season, there is no apparent reason why the Snowy Heron 

 should not increase steadily in numbers and become once 

 more a familiar inhabitant of our marshes. 



Herbert R. Sass. 



48 



