1 70 Hodge, A Last Word on the Passenger Pigeon. LAprU 



most part of trees. The case was evidently one of crowding a 

 number of pairs of Mourning Doves into a small, preferred island 

 of nesting cites. Reasons for unusual elevation were also patent. 

 A number of cats were in evidence and the lower branches of the 

 spruce trees drooped so badly that the birds were forced to choose 

 the higher branches. I circled the place and found practically 

 all the Doves, and climbed the trees and examined a number of the 

 nests. There was no evidence of any Pigeons mingled with the 

 Doves in the locality. This report came from Pleasant Valley, 

 New York. 



The three other reports which required inspection were investi- 

 gated by Professor I. N. Mitchell of Milwaukee, who generously 

 donated his time in making the trips. His first journey was to, 

 possibly, the most likely spot on the continent — northeastern Wis- 

 consin. The informant, Mr. Ben Fagg, had seen Pigeons in or 

 near a large black ash swamp. With Mr. Mitchell he attempted 

 to relocate the birds, but the region proved too difficult and the 

 hunt was abandoned. Mr. Fagg insisted on paying the $5 forfeit, 

 and it was received, but with the understanding that it would be 

 returned, if he could show us Pigeons there later. A portion of 

 Mr. Fagg's letter is cited below in another connection. 



In response to insistent reports — informant had lived in Michi- 

 gan all his life, knew the birds intimately, had located a flock of 

 from 300 to 500, a number of which came to his barnyard daily for 

 salt, etc. etc. — Mr. Mitchell twice visited this man in southwestern 

 Michigan, but could find absolutely nothing but a few Mourning 

 Doves in the neighborhood. The man offered to forfeit not only 

 $5 but $10, if he w^as mistaken in the birds, but when the time came 

 to pay he "didn't have the money." 



This concludes all there is to say on the search for nesting 

 Pigeons during the season. My best acknowledgments are due 

 to Colonel Anthonj'^ R. Kuser and all those who followed his lead 

 in continuing their offers of rewards for the past season. With 

 the plan as projected two years ago there is no fault to find. It 

 has worked admirably in awakening the country to the problem, 

 and this awakening can, and doubtless will, be utilized in saving 

 other species which are in present danger. It might be in order to 

 suggest in this connection that a committee be appointed which 



