1S85.J Seton o?i Manitoba n Bin/s. 267 



tribes of birds had not yet distributed themselves in these north- 

 ern Provinces. Since their distribution in these parts the 

 Northumberland Straits have proved a barrier to their move- 

 ments which they have not yet learned to overcome. 



In studying the botany of the Maritime Provinces we find that 

 die same thing exists in regard to the plants of Prince Edward 

 [sland. Many plants of more southern habit, common to the 

 Provinces of the mainland, have been excluded from the Island 

 by its early separation from the continent. 



In the birds the fact shows the exceeding tardiness with 

 which they adopt new lines of migration, and, consequently, the 

 tenacity with which they adhere to established habits in their 

 migrations and distribution. 



It also reveals something of the great northward movement of 

 the feathered tribes which must have followed the recession of 

 the cold of the Glacial Period, pointing out those which were the 

 last to arrive within the limits of these Provinces. 



NOTES ON MANITOBAN BIRDS. 



BY ERNEST E. T. SETON. 



The Peregrine Falcon (Falco communis) is a regular sum- 

 tier resident of this country, although, for some reason as yet 

 inknown, it is not often seen on the Big Plain until August. 

 [ have had a number of good opportunities of studying the bird. 

 [t has several times visited the poultry-yard. On four occasions I 

 lave known the bold pirate to continue dashing round the barns 

 whilst shot after shot was fired at him ; on one of these he flew 

 )ff after the third shot, probably hurt. On another occasion he 

 was killed at the third shot, after killing his victim. On a third 

 :he fourth shot drove him off, and on yet another the fifth shot 

 wrought the bold bird to the ground. This last was a young 

 nale ; his injuries were very slight, and so he was kept alive and 

 sent to me. I kept him three weeks in captivity, and had a 

 rood opportunity of making notes. The vocal sounds uttered 

 >y this bird were three in number ; a hissing menace, like that 



