CO Mackay, Terns of Muskeget Island. \ l \tn 



still another nest and eggs. Disturbing the birds on our landing, 

 we were immediately surrounded by a throng, all vigorously pro- 

 testing against our entry. Mr. Sandsbury and I found here 68 

 nests which contained i egg each ; 280 nests with 2 eggs each; 

 52 with 3 eggs each ; and 6 with 4 each ; no nest with 5 eggs was 

 observed. It causes me some solicitude to think that if in any 

 season the above house is occupied, not a bird will nest on this 

 island, there being only sufficient room for one occupant. I am, 

 however, of the belief that if such should be the case, the birds 

 will locate on the other islands, if they can find undisturbed 

 occupation. 



On July 29, 1895, 1 again visited Muskeget Island and took a 

 survey of all the breeding grounds. As will be perceived by 

 the following result, incubation was drawing to a close, most 

 of the young birds now being able to fly. At times when dis- 

 turbed on Muskeget Island proper they would rise in such 

 numbers as to remind me of a snow storm. The result of this, 

 my second trip, is tabulated as follows : — 



July 30, '95. Muskeget Island proper. 

 " 3°> '95- South Point, Muskeget Island. 

 " 3°> 95- South Point Island. 

 " 29, '95. Gravelly Island. 



Totals, 



Of the above nests on Muskeget Island proper, 80 contained 

 each 1 egg ; 77, 2 eggs ; 9, 3 eggs ; no nest of 4 or 5 eggs was 

 observed. 



On South Point, Muskeget Island, 13 nests contained each 1 

 egg; 19, 2 eggs ; 1, 3 eggs ; no nest of 4 or 5 eggs was observed. 

 On South Point Island, 2>2> nes ts contained each 1 egg ; 39, 2 

 eggs; 2, 3 eggs; 1, 4 eggs; no nest with 5 eggs was observed. 

 On Gravelly Island, 36 nests contained each 1 egg ; 20 nests, 2 

 eggs; 3 nests, 3 eggs; and 2, 4 eggs. No nest of 5 eggs was 

 observed anywhere during the entire season, nor was there any- 

 thing unusual or peculiar in the appearance of any of the eggs 



