94 Brewster on So?{thern Birds. 



58. Herodias alba egretta ( G';;;^/. ) /?/V/^:t'. American Egret. — A 

 number of this snow-white species were observed in the swamps across 

 the "lake" from Vicksburg. One was shot, and was found to have the 

 long dorsal train of plumes. 



56. Oxyechus vociferus {Linn.) Reich. Killdeer.— Observed only 

 at Vicksburg. Will probablv be found to breed here. 



60. Philohela minor {Gmcl.) Gray. Americ.\n Woodcock. — One 

 specimen was shot at Vicksburg. 



61. Sterna antillarum {Less.) Coucs. Least Tern. — This beau- 

 tiful little Tern was very abundant on a sandy point across the ■•lake," or 

 old bend of the river, opposite Vicksburg. We were told that these birds 

 lay their eggs on the bare sand, and that these eggs hatch in an extraor- 

 dinarilv short time. 



IMPRESSIONS OF SOME SOUTHERN BIRDS. 



BY WILLIAM BREWSTER. 



Looking back on my first winter in the South I can recall no 

 pleasanter experience than that of a stay of some four weeks at 

 St. IMary's, a town situated on the very border line of Southern 

 Georgia. This place was then scarcely known to Northerners, 

 although the crowded Florida steamers, on their way across 

 Cumberland Sound, passed within sight of it and occasionally 

 even touched at its wharf for some chance freight or a supply of 

 fuel. But the village still retained a primitive quiet and sim- 

 plicity that was all the more restful from its contrast with the 

 bustling world outside. Now there are rumors of a railroad 

 and daily trains from Savannah, with all the accompanying dese- 

 crations. It is a pity that the march of modern improvements 

 cannot spare a few such peaceful spots, but the *•• levelling 

 process " seems universal and inevitable. 



A Northerner passing his first spring in the South \\\\\ miss 

 the marked distinction between the seasons upon \\ hich he has 

 been accustomed to rely. The vegetation does indeed take a 

 partial rest during the w inter months, but it is checked rather 

 than suppressed, and the reign of sumnier begins without that 

 interval of preparation which we call spring. Most of the trees 



