"Formerly a complete arrow-head appeared on the side of the mountain, a little 

 above where the springs are located, which was formed by the sage brush growing 

 between two ravines that converge towards a certain point; these, with the rocks at 

 the base of the brush, form the outline of a perfect 'arrow-head,' and of a shape such 

 as we often find among the flint implements of a former age. The sage brush, being 

 lighter in color than the surrounding vegetation, makes it visible for miles around. 

 "Whence the springs derive their name ; but its shape was somewhat obliterated at the 

 time of our visit, caused by portions of the sage being burnt. In the neighborhood of 

 these springs, and running back into the .mountains, are several small caiions, among 

 them one that is designated by the name of 'Cold Water Caiion,' called so, no doubt, 

 by the presence of a beautiful stream of ice cold water, which wound its way down 

 between the almost perpendicular sides and over the mighty boulders. The locality was 

 extremely picturesque. There are other caiions which were said to be equally interesting, 

 but this was the only one explored by us. In company with Mr. W. A. Caldwell, of 

 Crafton, I visited this locality, May 15, 1883, but more out of a curiosity to see the 

 springs than for what observations I might make concerning its bird-life. But, even 

 from an ornithological standpoint, I have never regretted that we made that trip. 

 Although we found the sides of the canon usually very abrupt a:nd perpendicular, there 

 were places where a few trees and bushes managed to make a foothold, the most con- 

 spicuous trees among them being alder, sycamore, and mountain-laurel. Among these 

 the Black-chinned Hummer, as well as the Costa, were breeding quite abundantly; these 

 Hummers constituted about all of the bird-life of the canon. Three nests of the latter 

 bird were discovered; but unfortunately but one set of eggs was secured. One set was 

 accidentally shaken from the nest, and the other nest was out of reach. Most of the 

 nests found were on trees and bushes overhanging the water. 



"On looking over my notes for that day I find the following enti-y, viz: 'We had 

 been noting how persistent the females were in occupying their nests, even after they 

 had been frightened away from them several times. In one case I held my hand about 

 a foot from one while she w^as on the nest, without any fear being evinced on her part, 

 until an attempt w^as made to catch her. This manoeuvre was repeated a number of 

 times, when she would always return to the nest and sit there as unconcernedly as 

 possible. Finally mj-^ companion struck at her with his hat and hit her, at the same 

 time striking the bough that the nest was on, precipitating her and the eggs into the 

 stream below.' A most tragic end, indeed, to such a peaceful existence! Incubation 

 was very far advanced in this set, as was proven by one of the eggs dropping upon a 

 flat Stone near the water's edge, on which a well-formed chick was deposited, which 

 would have hatched in a day or two. And as the other set, preserved, was quite well 

 along in the stages of incubation, it would seem that Costa's Hummer deposits its eggs 

 somewhat earlier than the Black-chinned. The nest of this bird, which is now before 

 me, measures 1.60 inches in diameter, outsides; 1.00 inch in diameter, inside, and 

 .60 inches in depth on the inside. It is altogether different in make-up from any of the 

 preceding nests described, having the appearance of a mass of spider's webs, small bits 

 of dried leaves and leaf-bud scales, interwoven in a compact mass. By examination I 

 also find that the birds have utilized the remains of an old nest in forming the founda- 



