22 



Island, and few years pass that one or more are not reported, 

 usually in winter. 



Two other Whales {Balcena physalus Linn, and Agaphalus 

 gibbosus Erxleben) may occur occasionally. 



Odocoileus americanus {Erxleben). Virginian Deer. 



Formerly abundant throughout the island but it is now 

 restricted to an area about six miles long by four or five in 

 width, situated in the southeastern portion of Islip township 

 and the southwestern part of Brook Haven township. 

 There it is still plentiful, but doubtless would have long 

 since become only a memory of the past, but for the protection 

 afforded on the game preserves of " The Southsicle Sports- 

 man's Association," and those of a few private estates. Deer 

 are, however, steadily decreasing in numbers, notwithstand- 

 ing assertions to the contrary, and unless the laws are more 

 rigidly enforced to prevent reckless and indiscriminate 

 slaughter, both in and out of season, these beautiful 

 creatures will soon cease to grace our woodlands. The deer 

 now at large on Long Island have, I think, become more or 

 less mixed with those that have been introduced from a more 

 southern latitude. 



Sciurus carolinencis leucotis {Gapper). Northern Gray 



Squirrel. 



This form of the Gray Squirrel is the variety found on 

 Long Island. It is common in most sections where suit- 

 able timber and other requisites for its protection and food 

 exist. Specimens have been taken showing slight traces of a 

 rusty and grizzled appearance on the under parts of the body, 

 but they are of rare occurrence. 



The Fox Squirrel {Sciurus ludovicianus vicinus Bangs) 

 and Red Squirrel {S. hudsonicus loquax Bangs) are not found 

 on the island and a young Western Fox Squirrel (S. ludovici- 

 ayius), taken at Miller Place in 1898, is undoubtedly one 

 that had escaped from confinement. 



