26 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 



I give the comparative measurements of the two specimens, remarking that 

 Professor Baird's was made from the dried skin, while mine was taken from the 

 fresh bird.i 



The Ipswich Sand-hills, where the specimen was procured, is a most peculiar 

 place. I never have met with its equal anywhere. Years ago these Sand-hills, which 

 are three miles long by three fourths of a mile across, and contain about one thousand 

 acres, were covered with a thick growth of pine-trees. Protected by these trees, and 

 among them, dwelt a tribe of Indians, whose earlier presence is indicated, not only 

 by tradition, but by numerous shell heaps scattered over the Sand-hills at irregular 

 intervals. Indeed, even now the ashes of camp-fires may be seen, apparently fresh. 

 Upon the advent of the white man, the usual event transpired, namely, the disappear- 

 ance of the trees ; and today, with the exception of a few scattering ones at the 

 southeasterly corner, near the house of the proprietor of the Sand-hills, Mr. George 

 Woodbury, not a tree is to be seen. All is bleak and barren. The surface of the 

 ground, once covered with a slight deposit of soil, has become a mass of shifting 

 sands. Many times has the present owner had cause to regret the want of foresight 

 in his ancestors in removing the trees, as the several acres of arable land around the 

 house are now covered with sand, including a valuable apple-orchard. Upon this 

 orchard the sand has drifted to the depth of thirty feet. Some of the trees present 

 the curious phenomenon of apples growing upon limbs that protrude a few feet only 

 above the sand, while the trunk and lower branches are buried ! The Sand-hills, in 

 places, are covered with a sparse growth of coarse grass, upon the seeds of which, as 

 I have remarked elsewhere, thousands of Snow Buntings feed. There are, in some 

 places, sinks or depressions with the level of the sea. In these sinks, which, except 

 during the summer months, are filled with fresh water, a more luxuriant growth of 

 grass appears. Walking, on December 4, 1868, near one of these places, in search 

 of Lapland Longspurs, I started a Sparrow from out the tall grass, which flew wildly 

 and alighted again a few rods away. I approached the spot, surprised at seeing a 

 Sparrow at this late day so far north, especially in so bleak a place. After some 

 trouble I again started it. It flew wildly as before, when I fired, and was fortunate 

 enough to secure it. It proved to be Baird's Sparrow. When I found I had taken a 

 specimen which I had never seen before, — although at that time I did not know its 

 name or the interest attached to it, — I instantly went in search of more. After a 

 time I succeeded in starting another. This one, however, rose too far off for 

 gunshot, and I did not secure it. It flew away to a great distance, when I lost sight 

 of it. After this I thought that among the myriads of Snow Buntings that continually 

 rose a short distance from me I again detected it. but I was perhaps mistaken. I am 

 confident of having seen it in previous years at this place, earlier in the season. 

 ********** 



' The comparative measurements (in inches) of the two birds are given as follows by Mr. 

 Maynard : — 



Length Wmg Tail Bill above Bill along gape Tarsus Middle toe Hind toe 



a7id claw and claw 



