38 y\.\CK.\\. Terns of Mtiske^^et Mofid. \ f^. 



and found 57 nests of three eggs. 31 nests of two eggs, ig nests 

 of one egg, and 6 nests with four eggs. He saw two chicks to-day, 

 thcjirst noted this season. 



On this same afternoon (June 15, 1894), I commenced an 

 exhaustive surv^ey of all the l^reeding grounds. To more fully 

 explain the situation of these on Muskeget Island proper (except- 

 ing South Point), permit me to state that there is an ancient shore- 

 line near the centre of the island, which is now nearly one-eighth 

 of a mile from the ocean. I perceived several years ago that all 

 accretions to the miin island had been added to the northern 

 side, and on examination also found that there were three other 

 similar and distinct shore-lines between the central one and the 

 ocean. These ridges form the most elevated portion of the 

 island, and run through its entire length. They are composed of 

 whitish sand, bare in many places, but in others covered with a 

 scant growth of beach grass and running ivy. The Wilson's and 

 Roseate Terns have selected these ridges, with their slopes and 

 valleys, for their breeding grounds, all other portions of the main 

 island, with the exception of the South Point, being little used by 

 them for this purpose. It is to this particular section that I 

 allude when describing Mr. Sandsbury's walks, as also in giving 

 the results of my own observations on Muskeget proper, always, 

 however, excepting the South Point, which will be described 

 separately. The results of investigations made on June 15 and 

 16, 1894, with the aid of Mr. Sandsbury, in discovering the nests, 

 I have tabulated in the following condensed form, giving a 

 summary of the nests and eggs found on those dates in each 

 place visited. 



June 15, 1S94, Muskeget Island proper. 

 " i6, " South Point, Muskeget Island. 34S 

 " " " South Point Island. 

 " " " Gravelly Island. 

 " " " South Beach. 



Total. 1254 ,3389 20 6 



Of the above nests on Muskeget Island proper, the birds being 

 mostly Wilson's Terns, with more or less Roseate Terns, 35 



