192 



ORNITHOLOGIST 



[Vol. 13-No. 12 



stand it is in Massacliusetts, we of New York 

 surely, have little prospect of being successful 

 in our efforts to carry on our studies within the 

 bounds of the law. 



Then another question, are there no natura- 

 lists under eigliteen years of age? I^et some of 

 our older and experienced friends speak, and 

 tell how young they began to have a liking for 

 scientific pursuits, and how well they would 

 have succeeded if shut off from all opportuni- 

 ties for their studies in their youthful years. 



As was stated in one of your editorials. 

 " many a farmers boy is today an enthusiastic 

 naturalist," and if they are excluded from the 

 l)rivileges granted to those a few years older, 

 they will either break the laws, or be so dis- 

 couraged as to give up the study, or if en- 

 thusiastic and patient enough to wait till they 

 attain to the required age they may thus be 

 compelled to lose some of their very best 

 opportunities for gaining tlie desired know- 

 ledge. 



True, there is a prevailing dislike for tlie 

 " small boy," and doubtless many of them do 

 abuse their privileges, but it seems to me that 

 anijone who is willing to accede to the demands 

 of the law and collect for scientific purposes 

 only, should be permitted to do so. 



Awaiting information and advice, I am 

 Yours respectfully, 



Arthuk H. Howell. 



Lake Grove, Long Island. 



Mocking Bird at Newport, R. I. 



Ei>nuii otO. iV:. O. :— 



Wlule sketching along the Clifl'Walk at New- 

 port, R. L, a week or so ago (Nov. 2.) I was 

 much surprised to see a mocking bird amcmg 

 the slirubbery. When first seen, it was per- 

 ched upon the roof of a rustic arbor and sing- 

 ing in a low tone. 



As I remained perfectly still, it was not 

 alarmed, but when I made a sudden movement, 

 it flew to a thicket near by, and the white of 

 the tail, and wing-bars was very conspicuous. 

 At one time I was not further than ten feet 

 from the bird, and there can be no room for 

 doubt as to the species. 



Yours truly, 



Harry Gordon White. 



Haverhill, Mass. 



Editor of O. & O. 

 Dear Sir, — 



It is mine to report the occurrence. In this 

 vicinity of two rare birds. 



The first, a Red-bellied AVoodpecker {Ccn- 

 turus carolinus) Ridgw. 372, identified by Will 



P. Chase and John P. Chase of this place, June 

 2nd, 1885. 



The second, a Yellow-bellied Woodpecker 

 S'phyrapicits varius) Ridgw. 3G9, found with a 

 nest of four young in an orchard apple-tree, 

 June .oth, 1886. 



These birds have never been taken in this 

 county, (to my knowledge) before or since the 

 dates given. 



The avi-fauna of Orleans County is now in 

 preparation and promises to show, when com- 

 pleted, the names of over two hundred well 

 authenticated birds. 



Respectfully, 



Neil F. Posson. 

 Medina, N. Y, 



Editor O. & O.— 



Will you inform me whether the Arctic Tern 

 in flying, hold the legs straight out behind, in 

 the manner of most water fowl, or does it draw 

 them up and forward in the manner of the 

 domestic pigeon? W. 



" From my observation of the Alb.atross and 

 the larger gulls which always fly with their 

 feet extended, I believe that the Tern do the 

 same." James Clark. 



" It is my opinion that Tern draw their feet 

 up when flying." John C. Cahoon. 



Perhaps those engaged in observing the 

 moonlight flights of birds across the disc of a 

 telescope can decide this — also, please, do they 

 ever wink at you wliile crossing? Editor. 



Editor of O. & O.— 



Mr. Frank Lyon of this place has an Albino 

 chipmunk which was captured near here. 

 Wlien first seen it was on a rail fence and was 

 captured by putting an umbrella over it. It is 

 pure white and has pink eyes. When I saw it, 

 it had just been captured and ate readily from 

 the hand, Mr. Lyon says it is now quite tame 

 and sometimes chirps like a common chipmunk. 



Alden Loring. 



Owego, New York. 



Editor of the Ornithologist and Oologist:— I 

 wish to express througli the columns of your valua- 

 ble magazine my sympathy with anil appreciation of 

 the manner in which you are staniling up for the 

 rights of the working taxidermist and naturalist of 

 this country. 



In your editorials of August and September you 

 have written good plain English and I for one, as a 

 taxidermist and ornithologist am very nuich pleased 

 to see these matters stirred up. 



Keep right on, friend editor, in the track you are 

 pursuing, hang to the truth and I am sure that at the 

 end of 1888 there will be the most gloriiius sunset that 

 has ever yet shone upon the 0. & O.— Taxidermist. 



