154 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF CANADA. 



Its breeding-grounds seem to be to the north and northwest of 

 Hudson Bay. 



MUSEUM SPECIMEN. 



One taken in Toronto marsh by Mr. S. Herring in 1884. 

 232. Long-billed Dowitcher. 



Macrorhamphus scolopaceus (Say) Lawk. 1852. 



This species takes the place of M. griseus from Manitoba west- 

 ward. Although not common in eastern Manitoba it becomes 

 abundant to the west, and during migration this species is very 

 plentiful throughout the prairie region. As it arrives in great 

 numbers on the prairie in August its breeding-places are likely 

 south of the Arctic Circle. Besides covering much country east 

 of the mountains it is very abundant in Alaska, breeding as far 

 north as Point Barrow, where Murdoch says it is not common in 

 the breeding season. It is very rare in the Rocky Mountains, only 

 one being taken at Banff in 1891. Both Lord and Fannin say it 

 breeds in British Columbia, and Brooks found it common in 

 autumn in the Fraser valley. Spreadborough found it in large 

 flocks at Stubb Island, west coast of Vancouver Island, August, 

 1893. 



Breeding Notes. — This species arrives quite early at the Yukon 

 mouth, often by the lOth May. Towards the end of the month 

 it is plentiful and is beginning to breed. On June i6th, while cross- 

 ing a tussock-covered hill-top, over a mile from any water, I was 

 surprised to see a female of this species flutter from her nest 

 about six feet in front of me and skulk off through the grass 

 with trailing wings and depressed head for some ten or fifteen 

 yards. She stood, nearly concealed by a tuft of grass, and 

 watched me as I pillaged her nest of its treasures. The eggs, 

 four in number, rested in a shallow depression formed by the 

 bird's body in the soft moss, and without a trace of lining. 

 Other nests taken, were of the same character. By the last of 

 July the young birds can fly with their parents. {Nelson.) A few 

 nests of this species were taken between the 21st June and July 

 1st. The eggs were always four in number. (Mac/arlane.) 



MUSEUM SPECIMENS. 



Seven specimens taken at Indian Head, Assa., and Edmonton 

 and Banff, Alta., by Mr. W. Spreadborough. 



