a Mackay, Zhe Terns of Muskeget Island. 389 
northern side of Muskeget proper and has gained this year a 
little in length and width. In length it has now reached its 
westernmost limit; any future increase in area, owing to the nature 
of the ground, will probably be towards the eastward. Three 
nests, one of three eggs, and two of two eggs each were found in 
the marsh at the south side of Muskeget proper in July last. They 
were placed on top of some of the sand hillocks. I found in all 
thirty-two nests, containing seventy-nine eggs and one chick. 
There were no concealed or alley nests noticed this year, the 
birds apparently not considering such precaution necessary. 
They were also tamer than I have before observed them to be. 
One nest, located on. the top of the south ridge of the valley 
where they were breeding, had three well-worn, distinct path- 
ways leading to it. The nest and eggs were without any con- 
cealment. It would seem quite conclusive that these Gulls never 
alight oz the nest, but a little distance away and walk to it. There 
are more of these Gulls here this season than last; the increase 
is necessarily small, as the colony is not large. If undisturbed 
they will continue to return and do well, but I do not think they will 
submit to much harassing. A list of their nests and eggs is as 
‘follows. Only one chick was noted, about two days out of the 
shell. 
Muskeget Island, June 27, 1896. 
4 nests of I egg each, 14 
9 Ga ees On) 
Buc) 6“ 3 ce oe 57 
3 79 
On July 27, 1896, I went over all this ground a second time. 
With the exception of half a dozen or so, all the eggs had been 
hatched, as was evidenced by the many broken shells lying about. 
I found but one chick in the grass, although I searched very 
carefully, and I am puzzled to know where they hide themselves, 
as I did not see a single young bird in the air, nor did I July 30 
last year. The old birds were sitting all about, and concentrated 
on their breeding area, often in groups. I did not note a single 
dead chick'; I have in fact mever seen a dead one. I, therefore, 
think, taking everything into consideration, that these Gulls have 
