in the Interior of British North America. 319 



locality were five in number. This nest was situated in a tree 

 only 10 feet above a lake. 



A specimen and two eggs by M. Bourgeau, Saskatchewan 

 Plainsj July 9th, 1858. Skin 25 in. long, wing 17. This is 

 the first instance of the eggs of this bird having been collected ; 

 they are of a white colour, plain, or blotched more or less with 

 reddish brown. 



This bird feeds on the Ground- Squirrels so common on the 

 prairies ; hence, I suppose, its name of " Californian Squirrel- 

 Hawk.'^ 



It is a fine powerful bird, and, in distinction from other hawks, 

 is known to the Cree Indians by the name of Sa-qua-ta-mov, of 

 which word I can find no interpretation ; but they have shown 

 their knowledge by classing the Black Hawk, last mentioned, 

 along with this one, and calling it the black Sa-qua-ta-mov. 



The way in which birds adapt their habits to circumstances is 

 strikingly shown on the prairie, where hawks and ravens will 

 build even on low bushes ; and, again, along rivers where wolves 

 are numerous, Canada Geese sometimes lay their eggs in the 

 old nests of eagles. 



11. Circus hudsonius, Nos. 76, 92, 161. Saskatchewan 

 Plains to Rocky Mountains, 1858. 



This bird is abundant throughout the interior ; the indivi- 

 duals vary much in the colour and markings of their plumage. 

 From the fact, I suppose, of its feeding on snakes, it is known 

 among the Crees as the " Snake-hunter.^' I have, however, never 

 found anything but the remains of mice in the stomachs of many 

 of these birds which I have opened. 



In 1858 I observed it as early as April 1st near the forks of 

 the Saskatchewan ; while the spring following I did not observe 

 it before the 28th of that month at Red River Settlement. The 

 progress of the seasons of these two years was, however, very 

 difi'erent. 



12. Aquila canadensis. On Saskatchewan River till No- 

 vember 18th, 1858. Tail-feathers highly prized by the Indians. 



13. Haliaetus leucocephalus. Head, wing, and feet of 

 an example obtained by M. Bourgeau, Saskatchewan Plains, 



