TREE YUCCA FOREST, NEAR PALMDALE 



The ascent was tedious, and the sun torrid; but the descent over a con- 

 glomerate escarpment some ninety feet in height was rewarded by a set, 1/4, of 

 the darkest eggs of this species which I have ever seen, so dark indeed, that I 

 first exclaimed "Duck Hawk!" increduously. The amiable birds did not omit 

 to offer comments anent my skill as a rope artist; and the female made some beau- 

 tiful stoops at my head — always a solace under such circumstances. Ah mel 

 What a rascal is the oologist who enjoys such objurgation! But I'll own to it. 

 And as the indignant lady stood upright in her empty cell and glowered at us in 

 full retreat, I turned and blew her a kiss and promised to come back another year. 



The Owens Valley — Mono Trip 



f Tn all the world no trip like this" is the slogan of some transportation 

 line — I've forgotten which. I'm sorry that the phrase is preempted, for I should 

 like to have used it in this connection. Too bad! I will not try to make it over, 

 to adapt it by inserting the word "oological;" for as sure as we did so, we should 

 receive forty inquiries, another season, about hotels and best roads, and Where 

 did you get so-and-so? and Do you suppose I can get out on those islands? and 

 Will you help me get permits, etc., etc.? 



You see the dilemma. If we tell the truth, all of it, with names and dates 

 and precise specifications, we shall be responsible for a wave of destruction 

 sweeping along the Lincoln Highway and devastating its freshest pastures. 

 There could be only one outcome of such a course in a state so much in the lime- 

 light as California — withdrawal of private privileges and a body blow to collec- 

 tors' rights. Perhaps it will come to that, anyhow; but the M. C. O. will accept 

 no responsibility for bringing that condition of things to pass. Therefore, our 

 readers will excuse us if in this and related accounts we are purposely vague 

 about localities, and if we decline to erect sign posts. Of course certain localities 

 will have to take the gaff, anyhow, sooner or later — Mono Lake, Mammoth, 

 Red Rock Canyon — ■ or else go under the reserve system. 



But all reluctances aside, it is doubtful if the tourist or stranger, whether 

 oological or tempermental, could find in a reasonable distance, or so easily, a 

 greater variety of scenery, cover, and temperature, than lies between the ocean 

 shore at, say, Santa Barbara and the crest of the Sierras at, say, the Pinnacles 

 via Owens Valley. The amazing contrasts of paradise and desert, of lands 



