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ably loud noise, as if some one was tapping a tree-trunk with an 

 axe or hammer. After being informed that these sounds were made 

 by the Drummer Partridge I soon became accustomed to them. 

 This bird is the Ruffed Grouse, Bonasa muhellatus var. toijata. The 

 sounds are said to be produced by the bird beating a log or tree 

 trunk with its wings. 



Another closely allied member of the Grouse family, and of 

 somewhat similar appearance, is the Prairie Hen, TijnipanucJnis 

 americaniis. In size it slightly exceeds that of an English pheasant, 

 and being in great request as a table delicacy falls a frequent victim 

 to the sportsman's gun. Once, having penetrated rather deeply into 

 the dense undergrowth, I was startled to find myself almost tread- 

 ing upon a pair of these birds. The cock, displaying the handsome 

 plumage of its outspread tail, resolutely stood its ground, while his 

 mate speedily scuttled away with her brood. With apologies for 

 my intrusion, and with all the dignity at my command, I discreetly 

 beat a retreat. 



Two species of Woodpecker were often seen and heard, both in the 

 Ethelbert bush and in Winnipeg parks and gardens. One was the 

 Great Spotted Woodpecker, and the other, I believe, the Hairy 

 Woodpecker, Dendrocopiis villosus. On one occasion, while walking 

 by the river side in Assiniboine Park, I saw a young boy shoot down 

 a bird with his air-gun. The heartless lad coolly walked off without 

 even troubling to examine his victim. On searching the spot the 

 bird proved to be a Spotted Woodpecker, and at my request Dr. 

 Monro, who accompanied me, kindly dissected out its wonderful 

 tongue. This retains the strap-like ligaments which, passing 

 beneath the scalp, almost completely encircle the skull and extend 

 beyond its base. The tip, as may be seen, is finely barbed, and the 

 separate barbs again still more finely serrated. 



In spring time thaw sets in about the middle of April, when the 

 ground, after having been hidden throughout the Province by the 

 accumulated snows of the preceding five months, again becomes 

 visible. In an amazingly short time flowers and insects reappear, 

 revived after their long sleep by the now genial rays of the sun. In 

 collecting specimens I was principally occupied at the time with the 

 Manitoban I^lora. Incidentally I captured such insects as I could 

 find time and opportunity to pursue, chiefly for the purpose of 

 ascertaining what species occurred in the locality. Unfortunately, I 

 kept no entomological memoranda. My remarks on the insects will 



