136 ZOOLOGY— BIRDS. 



twelve miles to the ni >rth of the fort, at an approximate elevation of 9,500 feet, 

 added numerous varieties to the list, many of which were not met with at 

 all farther down, and also afforded an opportunity of observing the vertical 

 range of many of the species. The timber consists mainly of the yellow 

 pine, which here attains a large size, interspersed with more or less spruce. 

 Of the deciduous trees, the aspens were the only numerous representatives ; 

 these grew in thick groves on slopes of the mountains, and often attain a 

 great elevation, sometimes, indeed, forming the timber limit above the pine. 

 The small streams are thickly skirted with many deciduous bushes and 

 shrubs, prominent among which are the willows and alders. The fauna at 

 this point is analogous to the Canadian. 



On returning to Fort Garland, I was afforded an opportunity of making 

 a week's trip to the summer cavalry camp established on the banks of the 

 Rio Grande, ninety miles northeast of the fort. Here I was most kindly 

 received by Captain Carraher and Lieutenant Pond, officers in charge, who 

 extended to me every courtesy and aid. 



The number and variety of the birds found along the Rio Grande 

 at this point did not differ in any noteworthy respect from those in the 

 vicinity of Fort Garland, and the collecting trips made into the mountains, 

 which rise a few miles from the banks, gave similar results to those obtained 

 at Mount Baldy. Returning to the post June 1 ( J, a short trip was made to a 

 series of alkali lakes, thirty miles northwest, and some interesting facts 

 obtained regarding the niditication of the water birds. The remaining time, 

 till July 2, was occupied in making daily excursions from the fort. 



In conclusion, I cannot refrain from mentioning the uniform courtesy I 

 received from each and all of the officers of the post. To Colonel Alexander, 

 the commanding officer, to Captain Jewett, and to Lieutenant Hartz, whose 

 hospitality I enjoyed during my stay at the post, I am greatly indebted. 

 Every possible aid in the prosecution of my work was extended. 



Leaving Southern Colorado July 2, I arrived at Fort Wingate, N. 

 Mex., the 12th. During 1 a week's delav, attendant on fitting out the several 

 parties, short trips were made into the neighboring region ; Dr. Newberry 

 and myself accompanying the party on each occasion, and making col- 

 lections in zoology. < hving to the rather desolate nature of the country, 



