I02 JOIRNAL (Jl- MAINK ORXITHOKOGIC AT. SOCIETY. 



a complete summary of characters of the orders and families com- 

 piled with reji^ard to those found in Maine. Then follows the lx)dy 

 of the book, devoted to full and accurate descriptions of each spe- 

 cies, their geographical distribution, and the county records. A full 

 life history of each bird is given, comprising dates of spring and 

 fall migration, notes as to abundance, observations on habitat, 

 description of song and call notes, habits, nesting season, approxi- 

 mate time of inculcation , description and measurements of eggs, 

 observations on young birds, and statements regarding food sup- 

 plies. The order followed is that of the A. O. V . check list. 'Ana- 

 lytical keys to the various orders and species have been given. 

 Under each sjiecies the various plumages are described in a few 

 words, and measurements given. The descriptions and measure- 

 ments are compiled largely from Ridgway, Chapman and Dwight. 

 Data relating to nests and eggs are taken as far as possible from 

 specimens actually in the author's collection, and which have been 

 collected in Maine. 



The author very candidly remarks that some species vary in 

 habits in different localities. For this reason he wishes it distinctly 

 understood that when he slates that certain things are so or not so, 

 regarding a species under discussion, such statements of the author 

 are to be understood as l^ing the results of his own observations in 

 the regions where he has observed the species. It is not denied 

 that others may have observed the opposite to be true of a species 

 elsewhere. The author's observations have been made in the regions 

 where he has gained his knowledge of the species, and he has 

 endeavored to describe and interpret things from his personal point 

 of view as carefully and accurately as possible. His contributions 

 to the sum of knowledge icgarding the period of incubation of many 

 species are especially valual)le, covering a ground which has not 

 been touched upon except in rare instances. 



Among the life histories, which are especially full and interest- 

 ing, are those of the Grebes, Loon, Herring Gull, various Ducks 

 and vSan(1pi]iers. Ruffed Grouse, Bald Eagle, the Woodpeckers, 

 Nighthawk and Whip-poor-will, Crow, Blackbirds, many of the 



