86 THE BIOLOGICAL REVIEW. 



On August 24, 1894, while Mr. P. Jacobs and a friend were 

 out boating on Ashbridge's Bay, Toronto, they observed some- 

 thing in a small clump of reeds, which appeared to them like a 

 large bat. On approaching it, they found it to be a Cory's 

 Least Bittern (Ardetta neoxena). 



Mr. Jacobs endeavoured to capture it alive, and succeeded 

 in approaching within three feet of it, but his companion killed 

 it with a paddle. It proved to be a young male, about two- 

 thirds grown, with down on its feathers; coloration similar to 

 that taken May 26, 1894. (See antea, pp. 52-53.) Both these 

 birds are in my collection. 



The stomach contained about fifteen small bass, about one- 

 half inch long, and the larva of a large dragon fly. 



Toronto. J. H. Ames. 



NOTES ON CORY'S BITTERN (ARDETTA NEOXENA) 

 AND A COMPARISON OF THE SEVEN TORONTO 

 SPECIMENS. 



That the history of this remarkable bird may be more 

 readily understood, I have taken the liberty of presenting a 

 summary of what has been published regarding it, and of 

 describing the difference between the seven specimens captured 

 at Toronto. 



A most peculiar circumstance in the history of this bird, is 

 that it has only been recorded from two isolated and widely 

 separated localities, viz.: Southern Florida and Toronto, Ontario; 

 and it is interesting to note that not until 1890 was it observed 

 in Toronto, some four years after it was discovered in Florida. 



In 1893 another was captured here, and this year (1894) nve 

 have been secured. 



Quite a number have been observed, but only five taken, in 

 Florida since the type was obtained. This fact would lead to 



