224 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[April 16, 1885, 



business blocks, two public school buildings costing $60,000, 

 an opera house with a seating capacity of twelve hundred 

 lately erected at a cost of $100,000, and many fine residences. 

 It hns gas works, a telephone exchange, a system of water 

 works lately finished at a cost of $150,000, one and one-half 

 miles of street railway in operation ; in short is a bustling, 

 energetic western town. Of the other towns the chief are 

 Tacoma, with a population of seven thousand, Olympia, the 

 capital of the Territory, population about three thousand, 

 and Port Townscnd, the port of entry of the Sound, popula- 

 tion two thousand, and several smaller places, with popula- 

 tions of five hundred and downward. 



From Seattle many lines of steamboats extend to all points 

 on the Sound, and any point near the water can be easily 

 reached by their aid. Methods of traveling back from the 

 water arc primitive, and a trip into the interior is generally 

 accomplished by going on horseback, or where this is im- 

 practicable, on foot. 



Game of many kinds is abundant throughout this region, 

 Through the tall firs the deer and elk wander, in many 

 places undisturbed by the hunter. On the marshes and lakes 

 wildfowl of all kinds abound, and in the thick covers 

 afforded by the heavy underbrush, the grouse, pheasant and 

 rail breed undisturbed. The elk is here in great numbers. 

 being most numerous in the wild regions of the Olympic- 

 Mountains. They are not found of late years near the settle- 

 ments, as they arc the first animal to take alarm at the rifle 

 of the hunter or the axe of the woodsman. They here follow 

 their custom elsewhere, and herd together in bauds, and the 

 hunter who is fortunate enough to find a band and kill one 

 can, if armed with a repeating rifle, kill nearly the whole 

 band, as they become confused in the presence of danger, and 

 huddle, together in a stupid manner, not knowing enough, 

 seemingly, to take advantage of the great speed with which 

 nature has endowed them. Instances are numerous of a 

 whole band having been killed by two hunters within a rl-< y's 

 travel of the settlements. Happily, however, suuh instances 

 are more rare latterly, owing to a raore sportsmanlike feeling 

 which is taking possession of our hunters of late years. The 

 idea is gradually dawning on our sportsmen that "it is not all 

 of hunting and 'fishing to kill and destroy. 



JJeer are far more numerous than elk,' and range over the 

 entire region west of the Cascades. They do not. seem to 

 recede before advancing civilization as do the elk, and they 

 are often killed within the corporate limits of Seattle. The 

 writer with a friend a few years ago was engaged in trout- 

 fishing in a small stream about two miles from the business 

 center of Seattle, his companion being armed with a rifle to 

 knock over any stray grouse that might appear. Crossing 

 over the stream on some logs, the rifleman ahead, I saw him 

 draw his rifle suddenly to his shoulder and fire and rush 

 forward into the bushes. Supposing he had killed a grouse 

 I leisurely followed him, and on reaching him found him 

 engaged in cutting the throat of a fine spike buck. We fast- 

 ened his legs together in the approved style and carried him 

 home, together with four grouse and about one hundred 

 trout. Not a bad day's sport in the outskirts of, at that 

 time, a. city of six thousand inhabitants. The deer of the 

 Sound country are of two species, the mule deer and the 

 blacktail, though the mule deer is rare on the Sound. There 

 are many localities on the Sound where, from lack of under- 

 brush, still-hunting is good, but the more common way of 

 hunting is by hounding. The writer with a party of three 

 others once killed twenty-eight in four days in this manner. 

 I relate this at the risk of being considered a ''deer hog." It 

 brings a slight blush of shame to my cheek even yet to re- 

 call it, although we made good use of them among our 

 friends. But for that act I have the excuse of youth to 

 offer, as it was a good many years ago. White deer are 

 numerous in some places on the Sound. The north end of 

 Whidby Island, one of the largest islands of the Sound, seems 

 to be a favored spot by these objects of superstition. I have 

 never been fortunate or unfortunate enough to kill one of 

 them. 



Of bear, we have the common black, the cinnamon, and 

 an occasional specimen of the grizzly, and one even more 

 dreaded than the grizzly, the "delate mesatcbie" bear of the 

 Indians. Of a dirty brown color, his muzzle presents a 

 grizzled appearance," from being sprinkled plentifully with 

 white hairs. He is as large as the grizzly, and his habits are 

 much the same. He is rather rare, fortunately, , for he is 

 regarded as being even more formidable than the grizzly. I 

 am glad to be able to add my testimony to that of "ISTess- 

 muk" concerning this bear which he described, or one very 

 neat like it, in your columns some time ago, and the exist- 

 ence of which was denied. Like him. what I know I know, 

 scientists to the contrary, notwithstanding. 



The common black bear is largely represented. Three 

 were killed last summer within the limits of Seattle. Cou- 

 gars are abundant and grow to a large size. The lynx or 

 wildcat is also plentiful. 



We have several species of grouse, and all abundant. This 

 is not intended to be a scientific treatise, and I will not en- 

 large upon the characteristics of any of the game or fish 

 mentioned. The males of the blue grouse before the passage 

 of the game law, afforded fine sport during the mating and 

 breeding: season, to the expert rifleman. During this season, 

 seated in the upper limbs of some tall fir tree the male bird 

 gives utterance to a "booming" sound, which is difficult to 

 describe. Close your lips and produce a grunting sound 

 deep in your throat and you have it as near as possible to 

 produce it, save that it has not one-tenth part of the deep- 

 ness and intensity of the real call. On a still day this call 

 can be heard for half a mile, and often a dozen of them can 

 be heard "hooting," as it is termed, at the same time. The 

 bird is supposably actuated by the same motives that the 

 cock-pheasant is in "drumming." Armed with a small-bore 

 rifle, and carrying a good field glass, the hunter may enjoy 

 a fine day's sport, or rather could, for the game law passed 

 in 1888 protects grouse during the season referred to. Guided 

 by their "hooting" one can single out the tree in which they 

 are sitting, and then a patient search with the glass reveals 

 their Avhereabouts. Sitting close to the trunk of the tree far 

 up, and almost the same color as the bark, thej r are some- 

 times difficult to find, even though they may be constantly 

 "hooting." When found you could take your time about 

 shooting, as they will sit for an hour under a continual fire, 

 if the aim of the hunter is so poor as to permit of it. The 

 head is the only approved place of hitting them, and when a 

 well directed shot takes the head off cleanly, and the heavy 

 thud caused, by their striking the ground is heard, the enjoy- 

 ment is nearly equal to that of wing-shooting. 



Pheasants or ruffed grouse are very numerous, and may be 

 found in almost any thicket, Quail," both Bob Whites and 

 California, were introduced into the Territory a number of 

 years ago, and are now abundant in many localities. High 

 up on the mountains may be found a great many ptarmigan. 



All manner of waterfowl are very abundant, and the flats at 

 the mouths of the larger rivers present fine shooting grounds. 

 Our duck hunting cannot be excelled. Wilson's jacksnipe 

 are also plentiful, as are many other species of snipe. 



1 find that I have omitted from the list of animals the 

 mountain goat, which is fouud ou the summits of the moun- 

 tains in large numbers. He is hunted by few save the pros- 

 pector or miner, as his home is among the inaccessible crags 

 of the wildest portions of the mountains. 



We have but few varieties of fresh-water fish, but what we 

 have are well represented, The trout is here in many of his 

 species, and is found in every stream in great numbers. 

 They have all of the characteristics of their Eastern brethren, 

 and rise, freely to the fly during all of the spring and summer 

 months. They commonly spawn during the latter part of 

 October, although their time for spawning varies in the dif- 

 ferent streams, being earlier in the smaller streams. The 

 different species of trout comprise nearly the whole of our 

 fresh-water fish. A species of chub inhabits most of the 

 lakes, and the common sucker is found in most of the larger 

 rivers. These, with the fresh-water sculpin or bullhead, 

 make up the list. Our streams are all clear and rapid, and 

 afford fine sport to the lover of the rod. 



As the subject of the most killing fly has lately been under 

 discussion in Forest and Stream, I may as well give my 

 experience in these waters. First of all 1 place the common 

 coachman, and all of the varieties of the coachman are good, 

 notably the royal coachman. The following list may all be 

 relied on to kill at almost any season with us: Canada, 

 Montreal, alder, brown hackles of any description, governor, 

 Abbey and the professors. We have nearly all salt-water 

 fish in great abundance, and a pleasant day's sport may be 

 enjoyed in taking some of them. There are seven or eight 

 species of salmon in our waters, and the sea trout is here in 

 all his glory He ascends the streams in September — later 

 than his Eastern prototype. I gave an account of the 

 manner of capture of our salmon in Forest and Stream 

 some time ago. They will not rise to the fly, either in fresh 

 or salt water. At least no combination of feathers has yet 

 been discovered that will tempt them. It may be that they 

 will in future years become educated up to that degree. The 

 facilities for getting about the Sound as I before said are 

 good. The sportsman may be dropped from a steamer with 

 his small boat at almost any point he may desire, and if he 

 wishes to be wmolly independent he may have a sloop, and 

 with the aid of the gentle breezes of this region travel in 

 safety to any point he may desire. The tides are not violent, 

 and high winds are almost unknown. 



As I write, I am sitting without a fire; the day is bright 

 and warm, the leaves are bursting from the buds, and it 

 seems as if summer is near at hand. I felt the impidses of 

 the angler stirring within me last evening, and gave my flies 

 and tackle an overhauling, and in the light of the discussion 

 that has been going on on the vagaries of fly nomenclature 

 found myself at the conclusion of my task utterly bewil- 

 dered, 1 found in my collection some forty varieties, not 

 more thau two dozen of which, with the aid of my own 

 knowledge and that gained by C. F. Orvis's plates, am I able 

 to identify. 



It makes no difference, of course, to the individual angler, 

 taking him alone, whether the flies have a name at all or not, 

 or whether they are called by one name or a dozen ; but when 

 we come to exchange thoughts upon the killing quality of 

 the different flies, it becomes confusing. Let us have a "sys- 

 tem. If we are mad over our hobby, let there be a method 

 in our madness. 



In conclusion, let me say, that the Puget Sound region, 

 with its wealth of timber and fine harbors, its game and fish, 

 its grand snow-topped mountains and fine climate, its vast 

 undeveloped fields of coal and iron, and its agricultural re- 

 sources, affords a magnificent field for the sportsman, the 

 tourist, the manufacturer, the capitalist or the farmer. For 

 any of these, who are provided with that requisite in any 

 country, energy and push, this country offers a rich reward. 



If any of Forest and Stream's readers wish for further 

 enlightenment I shall be happv to reply, as my lime will 

 allow, if addressed P. O. Box 520, Seattle, W. T. At.ki. 



Seattle, W. T.. March IS. 1885. 



iu\nl %§i$targ. 



THE BIRDS OF MICHIGAN. 



BY DR. MORRIS GIBBS. 



{Continued.) 



27. Anorfftwu troglodytes hyemalU (Vicill.) Coues — Winter 

 wren. 



A common species with us during six or eight months of 

 the year. It is recorded from all parts of the State; from the 

 most northern point, by Superior's chilly shores, to the 

 southern counties, and I think it safe to say that it summers 

 in every county in the State, but of course only rarely on our 

 southern borders. It is abundant in summer north of 43". 

 I have never yet found its nest, but on one occasion observed 

 the old bird carrying material in her beak, a delicate spray 

 of mossy texture, with which she was hastening over logs 

 and through the underbrush no doubt, intent on the con- 

 struction of a home. Covert gives the winter wren as win- 

 tering in mild seasons, but as yet, in quarters that I have 

 visited, I have failed to find it in December or January, 

 although it appeal's in February in advanced seasons. All 

 other collectors with whom I have communicated inform me 

 that the winter wren is most common in spring and fall, and 

 that the great majority of the birds are transient with us. • 



This species delights in secluded spots in the deepest 

 woods, and rarely if ever selects sparsely timbered tracts. 

 That the. bird in its migrations must, from necessity, pass 

 over large tracts of cleared land is patent, but the shy midget 

 is so cunning in its movements during migration, that it is 

 rare indeed, that an individual is detected crossing a field. 

 I have seen a bird of this species out of the woods but once 

 in my experience, and the devices resorted to in order to 

 elude my vigilance on that occasion were very amusing. 

 The bird fluttered along the ground, dodging between the 

 tyssocks of grass, and securing temporary hiding places 

 behind chips and small bushes. It finally reached a fence, 

 among the rails of which it played peek a-boo in an animated 

 manner for a few lengths when it utterly disappeared, having 

 undoubtedly crept into a hollow rail or secreted itself beneath 

 some one of the bottom rails next the ground. In such a 

 situation it is impossible to dislodge it, and only by the re- 

 moval of the covering can it be forced to show itself. In the 

 woods, collectors are often bothered about securing a speci- 

 men, the active fellows keeping well out of sight, and only 

 after the most patient waiting can a specimen be secured. 



Thrashing around in the brush and shooting at other birds 

 has not the slightest, effect of scaring it from its retreat. It 

 is extremely timid and very suspicious, and is the most re- 

 tired bird that 1 know of. A winter wren would live un- 

 known a century so far as the observations of the average 

 stroller are concerned, were it not for his song. But he must 

 and does sing on all occasions, and it is as utterly impossible 

 to quiet him as it is his more audacious cousin, the house 

 wren. Eyemahs is uot so obtrusive as the latter, and his 

 style of delivery is far superior, but the same incentives seem 

 to cause him to rattle away, and he is quite as difficult of 

 subjugation as aedo?i. 



The song is very beautiful indeed, and is as thrilling in its 

 inspiration as that of any of our birds. In inflection and 

 versatility it may be compared to the vivacious song of the 

 ruby-crowned kinglet, but is not quite so softly modulated 

 and is much longer and louder. The birds do not sing w itlj 

 their usual vigor when first arrived, but keep rather quiet 

 until the warmer days have come, only uttering a few faint 

 call chirps and guttural rattles while flitting hither and 

 thither in the brush. As soon as the warm days of April ap- 

 pear, the winter wren goes into ecstacies and shows his 

 appreciation of the pleasant weather in his most extravagant 

 efforts at song. This species rarely consorts with other 

 birds, and gives evidence of his independence by living by 

 himself. It is safe to say that he would readily become a 

 complete hermit if he had the opportunity; but the woods 

 are so full of birds that he cannot avoid them all. and is 

 brought into daily contact with the numerous songsters. 

 Sometimes he may be seen quite near a pair of chickadees, 

 hut I have often wondered if it were not more the insatiable 

 curiosity of the titmice, that caused them to thus affiliate. 

 The next instant the wren is off, and his rattling burst of 

 song is heard ten or fifteen rods away, utterly regardless of 

 the civility he should extend to the inquisitiveness of his 

 little neighbors. After July 15 but little is heard from our 

 short- tailed friend for some time; but later in the season, 

 sometimes in late October, the silvery jingle is heard issuing 

 from the densest piles of brush, as musical and vivacious as 

 ever. 



28. Tdmatodyies palusiris (Wils.) Baird — Long-hilled 

 marsh wren. 



A common species, but' confined, from the nature of its 

 nesting grounds, to certain localities. In many parts of the 

 State, the longbill, as well as the next SDecies, is extfemel y 

 rare, while in other sections one or both are abundant. This 

 wren is strictly confined to the shores of marshy lakes and 

 low sections partially covered with water, and is restricted in 

 its range. I have yet to learn of the capture of a specimen 

 in a locality where the nature of the land is high, dry and 

 sandy, and no lakes or sluggish streams were to he found. 

 Mr. Chapin reports this wren* as abundant in the northern 

 counties of the Lower Peninsula. We may say of this spe- 

 cies that it is a well-distributed bird, but from the nature of 

 its nesting habits confined to marshy tracts, and therefore 

 not frequently met with excepting by the collector. 



As I have never lived in a neighborhood where a colony of 

 these birds nested, it is impossible for me to say at what time 

 they make their appearance. However, they are exceedingly 

 abundant, and lively in their summer quarters by May 15, 

 and for the period of six weeks or more may be found nest 

 ing in abundance, sociable, noisy, and ever entertaining. 



In the northeastern part of Kalamazoo county, noted for 

 its many beautiful lakes and delightful camping grounds, 

 lies a clear sheet of water about, seven miles in length , 

 known as Gull Lake, Its shores are wild in part, but chiefly 

 cultivated by the farmers. This lake offers inducements to 

 the collector superior to those found in any other one local- 

 ity in the country. I have camped repeatedly there upon an 

 island of a few acres' area, and have fished, hunted and col- 

 lected on every part of its smooth, glassy surface, and ex- 

 plored the country around it in various directions. On the 

 west is a large marsh, which merges into cultivated fields on 

 the one side and into the blue waters of the lake on the other. 

 This favored section has tempted many collectors, and from 

 the bogs, morasses, cat-tails and rushes, many birds and eggs 

 have been taken. At least three sets of eggs new to us adorn 

 our collection, the result of wading in mud and water in this 

 old marsh. Gallinules, rails of two species, bitterns and 

 many smaller species of birds nest here, while many kinds 

 of waders are found during the migrations. 



Here are found in profusion the nests of the long-billed 

 wren, and in this marsh the habits of the cheerful castanet- 

 noted bird can be fully studied. In 1882 a number of sets 

 of eggs were collected, and three of us in a half day or less 

 counted over two hundred nests. If one thinks to secure 

 the eggs without getting wet and muddy, he may as well 

 stay at home and buy the eggs of some dealer, for the nests 

 that I have met With were invariably built over water from 

 one to four feet deep. The location's chosen by the birds are 

 such as to prevent the employment of a boat by the collector, 

 as the coarse marsh grass aud bushes arc too dense to permit 

 of the entrance of the boat into the chosen haunts. The 

 pleasures of collecting, in a situation of this nature, are very 

 great, notwithstanding the apparent discomfort attendant 

 upon encountering the water and mud, and with the con- 

 stant dread of going in over one's head, an occurrence by no 

 means rare. Each step takes us deeper into the water and 

 tangled grass, but also adds to the agreeable feelings of an- 

 ticipation, and as wo hear the wrens chattering on every 

 side, the rails and gallinules cackling among the. rushes, and 

 see a least bittern rise near us, we dash on impetuously, and 

 either trip up or come near it in our anxiety to collect a good 

 showing of eggs. Suddenly we spy a little green bunch of 

 grass placed about a foot and a half from the surface of the 

 water, and conuected by interlacing grass blades with the 

 surrounding stalks or rushes. 



The first nest incompleted but contains nothing; another 

 nest within a foot or so is also empty, and looks like a last 

 year's affair; the next one we examine contains six eggs. 

 We hear a shout from our companions at a distance, who 

 calls that he has found seven eggs in one nest. We are in- 

 duced to renewed exertions and continue our search. We 

 soon find another group of nests with the birds chattering 

 about in great numbers, but although there are fifteen or 

 twenty nests not one of them contains eggs, while in a little 

 group of four a few rods distant three are supplied. In two 

 or three hours of hard but exciting work we feel satisfied 

 that the ground has been fully covered, and go on shore to 

 blow the. eggs which are then* packed in the collecting can. 

 We have also secured several sets of eggs of rails, bittern 

 and some other common eggs. These with a number of 

 birds to skin are packed away, and all hands start for home, 

 twelve miles distant, fully satisfied with the day's trip. One 

 trip among the lonebills is enough for all time, so far as is 

 needed for the collection, if the birds are nesting abund- 

 antly, for a dozen or more sets may be readily taken in a 



