150 



averaged as follows: first, three eggs; second, two eggs; third, one 

 egg. When the nests are built upon a small lake, where the water is 

 too deep for their nest to rest upon the bottom, they generally build 

 a slight nest of grass stems upon a floating bog, mass of dead reeds 

 or old muski'at houses, but a well built nest will be found in nine 

 cases out of ten. Early in May, when farmers are ploughing near a 

 place frequented by these terns, they often follow behind the plough 

 and pick up the earth-worms and larva? exposed. 



An unfledged young one, which I once took home became very famil- 

 iar in a few hours, and would come, upon being called by a squeaking 

 uoise, and take a fly from my fingers. It was also quite expert at 

 capturing flies upon the floor, but it was some time before it learned 

 to distinguish between a fragment of dirt or a nail head and the 

 insect. Although but little over a week old it could run rapidly from 

 place to place and appeared quite contented with its change of quar- 

 ters, and but for an unfortunate accident v.'hich caused its death would, 

 I think, have been easily raised. 



Family COLYMBID-Sl. 

 Genus Colymbus Linn. 



309. C. torquatus Briinn. Loon. Very common winter resi- 

 dent upon Lake ^Michigan. Formerly nested commonly among the 

 small lakes in this portion of the state, but now it is of uncommon 

 occurrence during summer. 



310. C. arcticus Linn. Blagk-throated Loon. A very rare 

 winter visitant upon Lake Michigan. There is a specimen in Dv. 

 Hoy's collection, taken at Kacine, and a second specimen was cap- 

 tured and preserved at Milwaukee. 



311. G, septentrionalis Z(j(«. Rkd-throated Loon. Very com- 

 mon winter resident upon Lake Michigan. Arrives late in autumn and 

 leaves early iu spring. 



Family PODICIPID-^. 

 Genus Podiceps Lath. 



312. P. cristatus Linn. Chested Ghebe. Eatlier common upon 

 Ltike Michigan in winter. Although Mr. Ridgway states (he informs 

 me on Mr. Kenuicolt's authority) that it is resident in the northern 

 portion ot the state, I have yet to see one during the summer. 



313. P. griseigena var. holboUi Jxeinh. Ked-necivei> Grebe. 

 Kallu'r uncommon winter resident upon Lake Michigan. 



314. P. cornutus Lath. Hoi-.ned Grebe. Next to the Carolina 

 Grebe, our most abundant species. Occurs commonly during the 



