ORNITHOLOGY. 39. 
describe it to me as a climber, and also said it was in the habit 
of making a loud noise before rain. I having associated the name 
of this bird with the true Woodcock, and not finding the slightest 
resemblance in their habits as described by him, I gave the sub- 
ject no further thought, considering the identity of such a bird a 
myth. When some time afterwards, I mentioned the subject to 
Mr. Enoch Stevens, who had removed from Darlington to the 
Rondeau, he informed me that he not only remembered them 
well, in his younger days, in Darlington, but had occasionally seen 
them near his place, in the large woods at the Rondeau, and 
promised when he returned, to send me a couple of specimens, 
which in time, I duly received, and found to be (Hylotomus Pil- 
eatus) or Peliated Woodpecker. 
These woodpeckers were once quite plentiful through the woods 
of the front Townships, but have long since retired to the inner 
- recesses of the more primeval forests. It is third in size to any 
that is yet known. The largest of the species is the Mangrove 
Woodpecker, of California; the second, the Ivory Billed Wood- 
pecker, found on the Mississippi river ; the third, the Pileated 
Woodpecker, found in the most northern portions of Canada. 
When seen flying, it is fully as ‘large as a crow; it has a white 
streak running down each side of the neck, and a red patch on 
the top of the head. 
The Gralatorial birds comprise the waders, and we find them 
well represented in our locality. They inhabit the margin of riv- 
ers and lakes, while some are found in the tall grass and rushes, 
that grow so abundantly in our marshes. The Blue Heron is the 
largest of the waders that visit us ; it is found trequently in the 
marshes, and nests in tsnaiiteratile numbers on Burr's Island, 
Scugog Lake. Of the Bittern, we have two species, the American 
Bittern, and the Least Bittern. The former is known also, as the 
Indian Hen, Dunkadoo, and Stake Pounder. It may be heard 
during the summer months, just before sunset, making a loud and 
booming noise, which it repeats at regular intervals. Its flesh is 
considered delicate and good. 
The Plovers, Sandpipers, Curlews, Coots, and Water-Rails, also 
belong to this order, Of the last group, we have three species : 
the Virginia Rail, Clapper Rail, and Sora Rail, all of which, in 
