94 



covering the nest completely on the outside with living blades, so that 

 it is comparatively difficult to find. The nest of the long-bill, placed 

 high in the cat tails, is easily found, in fact the searcher is bewildered 

 by finding three or four nests at one glance, most of which are invari- 

 ably empty. It would be interesting to know if the authors of this note 

 referred to, took specimens of the bird when the locality was visited be- 

 fore. The Short-billed Wren inhabits a much more restricted region 

 than the other species, and has not, as far as I am aware, been reported 

 as common from any other point in Ontario, and as the long-bill is 

 abundant in every suitable locality in Western Ontario, New York 

 State and all adjacent parts south and west, the chances are that the 

 Short-billed Wren if present at Kars at all, is rare. Nevertheless, it is 

 found in its greatest abundance through the States along the Atlantic, 

 and as its numbers gradually diminish the nearer they approach 

 Ontario, it is not impossible that they have been found as stated. I have 

 observed the long-bill species in abundance in the marshes at Toronto, 

 Rondeau, Point Pelee, and Lake St. Clair, and in smaller numbers in 

 little pieces of bulrush marsh through the country, and in all these 

 places they have shown their industry by building several unused nests 

 for every one that is built for breeding purposes, but even then, their 

 numbers are such that the collector has no difficulty in securing all the 

 eggs he may desire. Their song is a medley of unmusical chatter, de- 

 liver* d generally on a short flight into the air, but often while perched 

 on a dead bulrush stalk, and while they are not easily approached if sit- 

 ting in a conspicuous place, their assurance is such that they will often 

 come fearlessly to within 8 or 10 feet and sing and chatter at the in- 

 truder at a great rate, very likely making a big hullabaloo over his ap- 

 proach to the very nest they have decided not to use. 



London, Ont. W. E. Saunders. 



-:o:- 



EXCURSIONS. 



The next general excursion of the Club will be held on Saturday, 

 9th August, to Eastman's Springs, on the Canada Atlantic Railway. 

 The train will leave Elgin street station at 2 p.m. 



The following low rates have been arranged, which should secure a 

 large attendance ; — Members of the Club, 25c ; non-members, 30c ; 

 cirfldren, 15c. Tickets must be bought from the Club. 



September Excursion by vans to Kirk's Ferry on 6th September. 



