434 EXPLORATION OF WESTERN MISSOURI IN 1854. 
mostly the white-fronted species, here called “ blants.’”” Ducks not numerous; 
those we saw were mostly wood ducks. 
29th.—At Hill’s Landing this morning ; took a stroll through the woods while 
the boat was being “ lightered” over the bar; found a dead snake, about four 
feet in length, such as I never saw before; color above, greenish olive; beneath, 
reddish yellow ; scales on the sides smooth; those on the back slightly cari- 
nated. I regret that the head was so bruised and lacerated as to preclude an 
examination. 
30th.— Reached Lexington in the afternoon, glad enough; drove directly to 
the residence of my brother, J. D. Hoy, esq., who has been for many years a 
resident of Missouri. He is to accompany us in all our excursions in Missouri 
and Kansas. 
May 1st—Rainy day; occupied in looking over the specimens from Cooper 
county. 
3d.—Fished to-day in a small “branch” near the town; caught only a few 
fish. Warblers are not yet abundant; mostly males; the females have not yet 
come. 
5th.—Drove 12 miles to the Tabo, a miserable, muddy, sluggish, fever and ague 
stream. Suckers, catfish, shovel fish, and gars-are about the only species that 
can live in such villanous water. My son shot a fine male Vermivora protho- 
notaria 
7th.—Shot a mourning finch, Zonotrichia querula. Lincoln’s finch is a com- 
mon species here. 
9th.—Started for Utica; had to return, as the wind was too high for the 
ferry-boat to venture. 
10th.—This morning we were enabled to cross; had a charming drive of 40 
miles over one of the most beautiful countries I ever saw, mostly high rolling 
prairie in a state of nature; much of this rich land still remains subject to entry 
at government price. ‘The black-throated bunting is almost the only bird that 
inhabits these prairies. Had a spirited chase after a blue racer, which finally 
made good its escape by crawling into a “gopher mound.” Night overtook us 
before reaching Utica. We accepted an invitation to remain until morning with 
Colonel Gregory, a gentleman of wealth, formerly from North Carolina. 
11th.—At an early hour we arrived at Utica, a small thriving village pleasantly 
situated near the forks of North Grand river, in Livingston county, directly on 
the line of Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad, now in course of construction. 
12th—F ished with the minnow net in Grand river below the mill; caught 
great numbers of interesting specimens. Shot a Nerodia transversa, a rare 
species of water-snake, heretofore only found in Arkansas; it was basking on 
some drift-wood when it was discovered by one of the ladies of our party, who 
was wonderfully frightened, while | was greatly delighted. Such is education 
that an object of fear, and even disgust, may be converted into a source of 
delight, capable of exciting pleasurable and profitable reflections, thereby open- 
ing new sources of rational enjoyment, one of the highest aims of education. 
13th.—Crossed the river and drove to Chillicothe. Shot many birds, among 
them a mourning finch; there were 15 or 20 in company, but it being near night 
I only obtained a single specimen. The warblers are now here in their greatest 
numbers ; it is remarkable that there is so little difference in the first appear- 
ance of migratory birds here and at Racine, Wisconsin—certainly not more than 
three days at most, while vegetation here is not less than three weeks in advance 
of Racine. Made arrangements to have a large seine drawn in the river to-mor- 
row. 
14th—Rained all last night, which puts an end to our fishing here; this I 
greatly regret, for there are several species of fish I am exceedingly anxious to 
obtain, especially one species of salmo (?) called here salmon trout, a short- 
billed gar, and the padde fish, which are represented as being abundant. Grand 
