274 TRANSACTIONS OF THE [1895 



Ardella exilis (191). Least Bittern. 



Common during summer, this little bird is seldom seen except 

 by those wlio look for it, and owing to the marshes in which it 

 lives, not always to be found by those who do. 



On May 12 ('94, Wholey), six were noted in Patapsco 

 Marsh, but that they are here earlier is shown by nests contain- 

 ing 5, 3 and 1 eggs, respectively, which were noted at the same 

 place on May 17 ('93, A. Wolle), and in the last week of Sep- 

 tember, 1894, one was brought to A. Wolle, who kept it alive 

 for some time in his shop window. The latest date for eggs is 

 July 8 ('92), when four nearly fresh were collected at Sparrow's 

 Point. It also possibly occurs more or less regularly on inland 

 swamps. In May, 1893, one was caught alive in Dulaney's 

 Valley by Mr. Dukehart. 



Ardea herodias (194). Great Blue Heron. 



Between March 30 ('93, Gray) and November 19 ('90, Resler) 

 this species is noted with more or less regularity, but so far I 

 have been unable to find a "heronry" in Maryland. 



In winter it has been observed at Back River on December 

 7 and 21 ('92, Resler). Noted at Hagerstown (Small), and 

 Cumberland (Shriver). 



Ardea egretta (196). American Egret. 



Irregular during late summer and early fall, this species has 

 been noted from July 5 ('82), when one was at Gunpowder 

 Falls a short distance below the Belair Road, to September 1 

 ('93 A. Wolle), when one was at Gunpowder Marsh ; on September 

 23 ('94, Tylor) two were at Ocean City. 



In Dulaney's Valley, one out of a flock of 9 was shot by Mr. 

 Thos. Peerse in front of his house, and another Avas taken by 

 Mr. Dukehart in the fall of 1893. 



Possibly some may nest in Maryland, as "Mr. Wm. Palmer 

 has known this species to nest in Arlington Cemetery, Va." 

 (C. W. Richmond, Auk, v, 19), and ^'vip to 1877 they bred 



