118 TRANSACTIONS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. [ VoL. ican 
Evening Grosbeak at Hamilton, Ont.— This bird was first 
observed here on December 19, feeding on the berries of the 
cedar; flock after flock passed along, going east, till near the end 
of January, when for a few days none were seen. I heard of them all 
along the north shore of the lake, as far down as Kingston. About 
February Io, the return migration began, and was very active while it 
lasted, but they were only noticed for three or four days. At this time 
they fed mostly on the seeds of such apples as were found still hanging 
on the trees in the orchards, the berry bushes being well cleared of fruit 
on the eastern trip. I made enquiry at different points west to find out 
if possible by what route they travelled, but Chatham was the only point 
where I heard of them, around Chicago they were not observed. Most 
likely they came down the east shore of lake Huron.—T. McCILWRAITH. 
Evening Grosbeak.—This bird is a common winter visitor to 
the Province of Manitoba, frequenting the woods along the banks 
of the Assiniboine River in great numbers; on the Red River 
it is common at times, but does’ not appear to settle down into 
permanent winter quarters there. In the Riding Mountains latitude 50° 
30’ I found it common in December 1884, the thermometer at the time 
ranging from 30° to 40° below zero. 
It is also found in all other parts of the Province that are heavily 
timbered, its favorite resorts being the groves of North-west maple or 
box elder, which usually grows on the banks of rivers or lakes, on the 
seeds of this tree it feeds, perhaps occasionally varying its diet with buds 
of-other deciduous trees. JI examined the stomachs of a great many 
in Manitoba, and never found anything else contained in them. Whilst 
here they seldom visit the low scrub or the ground, except in spring, 
when they will sometimes crowd thickly together on a bare spot, appar- 
ently seeking gravel for digestive purposes. 
They first arrive early in October, continually increasing in numbers 
until the 1st of December, when they reach the maximum, and they 
remain until about May 16th, when they all disappear together. 
The following are dates of their arrival and departure for three years : 
FIRST SEEN. LAST SEEN. 
1884, May 16th, several flocks. 
1885, October 12th, one flock. May 16th, many seen. 
1886, October Ist, a small flock. April 23rd, a few seen. 
Mr. Thos. S. Roberts records them as regular visitors in winter to 
Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in 1880 says he saw them last on May 3rd, 
though they usually stay much later, but the weather being very warm 
at that time, probably hastened their departure. At this place they 
