INTRODUCTION. 9 



birds of Maine from those of Florida. Hardly a species will be seen 

 that occurs in both places. 



5. Southern Arizona is characterized by certain Mexican species of 

 birds, some of which barely cross the boundary line, while others 

 extend somewhat farther north. These for the most part are not 

 birds of the low, hot valleys, as might be supposed, but species of the 

 central plateau region of Mexico. In Arizona they are inhabitants 

 of the higher mountains, and the Sierra Ancha is at nearly the 

 northern extreme reached by any of these birds. 



At the eastern approach to the Apache Trail, in the vicinity of 

 Bowie, the train passes through country of a different character from 

 other parts of the State. Here are long stretches of grassland, dotted 

 with yuccas, and in places extensively grown up with scattered mes- 

 quite thickets, totally unlike the cactus-covered desert a little farther 

 to the westward. This southeastern corner of Arizona possesses an 

 avifauna that is quite distinctive, as compared with the rest of the 

 State, and the traveler has an opportunity of seeing from the train 

 a few of the more conspicuous species. He is sure to encounter flocks 

 of the white-necked raven and an occasional Swainson hawk, common 

 in this eastern region, but not apt to be seen over the Apache 

 Trail proper. 



