NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 27 



they are very slight structures, being depressions in clumps of 

 grass, lined with finer grasses. The marshes are also favorite local- 

 ities for breeding, and in this case the nests are more elaborate, being 

 built up from the ground, which is wet at high tide. The eggs were 

 in all cases four, very slightly incubated, 



Ardea herodias, Linn. Great Blue Heron. There were two Heron- 

 ries on Mockhorn Island, one of which contained some fifty nests; 

 as they were in a swamp I did not attempt to reach them, but pre- 

 sume they had young. The other breeding place was on a neck of 

 land that ran out from the main island, and here the nests were all 

 made in low, dead trees, and were immense affairs. Almost all con- 

 tained three or four young, nearly grown ; some few contained fresh 

 eggs, and others had them with large embryos. Whether these 

 were second layings or not I am unable to say, but they undoubtedly 

 were, as these birds are seldom disturbed. 



Ardea candidissima, Gm. Little White Egret. One bird was 

 seen and a few may still breed in the Heronry, but it is exceedingly . 

 rare now where it was common a few years since, which may be 

 accounted for by their being continually shot for the sake of their 

 feathers. 



Ardea virescens, Linn. Green Heron. Several pairs were breed- 

 ing, and all had fresh eggs, which were five in number, and most 

 zealously watched by their parents. 



Rallus longirostris Bodd. Clapper Rail. Very common, and breeds 

 in immense numbers all through the marshes and high grass on the 

 main land. Although seldom seen the number of nests found testify 

 to their abundance, These are carefully concealed, but are betrayed 

 by a habit the bird has of bending the surrounding grass over the 

 nest, thus forming a complete cone which can be seen at a consider, 

 able distance. These usually contained eight or ten eggs, but one 

 that I found had fourteen, while others found nests with over twen- 

 ty, but it is possible that these were the products of two females. 

 Although immense numbers were being brought in every day by 

 the eggers, nearly all of the nests found by ine contained eggs near- 

 ly hatched, and I think by the first of May their full complement 

 must be laid. 



Larus atridlla, Linn. Laughing Gull. This species is the most 

 abundant on the island and breeds in large colonies on every 

 suitable marsh. When one of their breeding places is approached 

 the noise is perfectly deafening and their eggs can be picked up by 

 the bushel. Never more than three in a nest were found but the 

 birds are so frequently disturbed by eggers that it is doubtful if they 

 ever succeed in raising a full brood. Residents inform me that as 

 late as August fresh eggs may be taken. 



