308 



These were (i) wot^decl upland, (2) low, wooded, bottom-land, and 

 (3) a wooded ravine with a small stream. 



There was an apparent scarcity here of reptile and mammal life 

 that could not be fully accounted for. 



Birds, at least in late summer, preferred the upland to the low- 

 land woods, and the margins, especially when bushy, to the interior. 



Food for birds and squirrels was abundant in Bates woods, 

 enough to support many more of these creatures than were present. 

 Competition for food, thus, was in all probability, an unimi)r)rtant 

 factor in determining the character of the vertebrate fauna. 



Game animals were scarce in the woods, undoubtedly because of 

 excessive hunting. 



The vertebrate fauna of Bates woods has undergone decided 

 changes, due to environmental transformations brought about chiefly 

 by man. Wilson in his "History of Coles County", mentions the 

 following vertebrates, now absent, which used to be in the wooded 

 part of the county : panther, wildcat, black timber wolf, large grav 

 wolf. bear. deer, badger, wild turkey, wild pigeon, Carolina parokeet, 

 and ruffed grouse. 



