BIRDS OF KANSAS. 183 



nesting in the Barren Grounds west of Franklin Bay. The 

 nests were in most instances mere depressions in the ground, 

 lined with a few grasses and leaves, dry and partially decayed, 

 and were almost always near small pools of salt or brackish 

 water, or inland near the edge of small ponds. Sometimes the 

 female would glide from her nest, and, pretending to be disabled, 

 would seek to entice away the intruder. If suddenly startled, 

 she would frequently utter disturbed cries. The eggs were 

 usually four in number, and were found from the 20th of June 

 to the 10th of July. At times the nests were hidden in tufts of 

 grass, but not always. When driven from her nest, the female, 

 if unmolested, would almost immediately return. In reference 

 to one nest, procured June 30th, on the coast of Franklin Bay, 

 Mr. MacFarlane writes: 'The nest from which these eggs were 

 taken was situated between two small, brackish lakes near the 

 sea shore. One of our party saw the female get off; and when 

 the nest was approached by him she uttered a shrill note of 

 alarm. After searching about for a few minutes, he failed to 

 find the eggs; and he then determined to hide himself, and 

 from his concealment ascertain where the female would alight 

 on her return. In a short time she was seen to return, accom- 

 panied by three companions, all of whom looked and moved 

 about; but not discovering anything, seemed to hold a brief 

 consultation, after which they separated, the female to her nest. 

 Another search failed to discover the eggs; and the female 

 again returned with the same birds, who appeared to be in a 

 state of great excitement, judging from the clatter they kept up. 

 After awhile they again separated, when the nest was found 

 and the parent secured. The report of the gun brought the 

 others once more to the spot; but they beat a hasty retreat. 

 The nest was a mere depression in the midst of some hay, and 

 lined with the same and a few withered leaves.' 



"The eggs of this species exhibit great variations in their ap- 

 pearance, in consequence of the difference in their size, the 

 manner of distribution and the number of the spots. The 

 ground is light drab, and the markings are of a pure bright se- 

 pia. In one set (S. I. No. 11272) of four eggs, the nest a 



