8 



THE OREGON NATURALIST. 



rest of the evening in studying and discussing 

 the collection. This was, undoubtly, the most 

 enjoyable and instructive part of the whole 

 meeting. 



At 1 1 :30 the third annual meeting of the 

 Northwest Ornithological Association came to 

 an end. That we were all loath to leave 

 expresses it tamely; let it suffice to say, how- 

 ever, that the meeting was a success in every 

 respect, and that we each, one and all, parted, 

 feeling that we had been benefited by this 

 annual union and that our share of the work 

 for the coming year would be carried out to the 

 best of our ability. 



Owing to illness Sec. Arthur L. Pope was 

 unable to attend the meeting. It is hoped that 

 before long his health may be regained. 



The fourth annual will be held in Portland. 

 Darsie C. Bard. 

 Secretary, N. O. A. 



THE CALIFORNIA TOWHEE. 



OVERLAND JOURNEYS OF FIBER 

 ZIBETHICUS. 



W. K. SNVDER. 



The year 1895 was noted for its deficiency 

 of rain-fall in this section of Wisconsin. Beaver 

 lake fell some seven feet belc^w its highest water 

 mark. This drained many of the larger 

 adjacent marshes. The marshes are the home 

 of great numbers of Muskiats. When it froze 

 up in the fall the Muskrats had to look else- 

 where for a living. One morning I found one 

 trying to work his way under a rick of corn 

 stalks. Then they were found in the shed, 

 then in the pig pen, and even under the door- 

 steps. My home is about half a mile from a 

 large marsh. After a light snow one could 

 secure many by tracking them. A trapper 

 would follow along the edge of a marsh, find a 

 track and start on the trail and seldom failed to 

 find the quarry. Sometimes he would have to 

 follow it two or three miles. Whether they 

 left the marshes in search of food or water or 

 both I am unable to say. 



Beaver Dam, Wis. 



Although a common bird very little has been 

 written about it. It is to be found wherever 

 there is under-brush, along the willowy, bram- 

 bly edges of creeks winding through open coun- 

 try, in the wilds and thickets of hill and mount- 

 ain, among either sage brush or bracken close 

 to the waters of the Pacific, about civilization 

 as well, in copses and clearings, venturing fear- 

 lessly about gardens and door-ways, everywhere 

 a familiar bird, being just small enougii to es- 

 cape the pot-hunter, as "not worth while.'" 



In winter it is quiet save for an occasional 

 series of "chip-chip-chip," a note uttered about 

 every second, with as many notes as the bird 

 may desire. This note sounds so like friction 

 of an axle, that I have often paused to ascer- 

 tain if my bicycle was out of order. When 

 suddenly alarmed it utters a few loud, quick 

 chirps. In spring it becomes more restless anil 

 vehement in voice, betraying consideraI:)]e emo 

 tion when its nest is approached, by excitgd 

 "chirj s.' At this season it does a great deal of 

 scolding among its kin, uiteringa series of short, 

 sharp- notes as one bird chases another over a 

 short flight, seemingly acting more for soci- 

 ability than for danger An occasional intrud- 

 er is often routed by one Towhee, while both 

 may combine to drill the marauding California 

 Jay, and then their notes are almost a series of 

 angry squeals, I only detected one instance 

 of this Towhee's song, short and, pleasing more 

 from its novelty, perhaps, than from its sweet- 

 ness. 



The birds appear to remain mated for a life- 

 time, and late in summer, 5 or 6, prolwbly a 

 whole family, are often seen feeding close to- 

 gether, always quiet, and peaceful, going sober- 

 ly and industriously about their own affairs. 



The young usually leave the nest before they 

 can fly, and often h?ve I surprised one among 

 the weeds .md grass. When caught, the young 

 bird gives vent to the most piteous cries, never 

 failing to attract the attention of its parents 

 who flutter about and beg dislressfully for the 

 captive's release. No doubt many young are 

 destroyed by cats from this strange habit of 



