44 
THE BIRDS OF WISCONSIN. 
was that thousands upon thousands gathered upon the mud 
flats and remained for much longer periods than now. At this 
time also we recognized no specific difference between 
scolopaceus and griseus, for although we were well aware of a 
difference, especially in the length of the bill, there was every 
intermediate degree in measurements between the larger and 
smaller in this respect, and we had not classed them as distinct 
species. Consequently, these remarks must unfortunately 
apply to both species, as at this day we are utterly at a loss to 
say which species predominated, though we think scolopaceus 
did. Our collection to-day contains but one of each species, 
so that this is no guide whatever. As to the numbers of 
dowitchers that frequented Lake Koshkonong thirty to thirty- 
five years ago, during May, June, July, August and September, 
we forbear to attempt an estimate, as the younger generation 
would set it down as fabulous. Common as they were, often 
through July, but always less in this month than any other 
from May to October, but very few bred. Young still unable 
or barely able to fly were taken on several occasions. There 
is positively no question that considerable numbers bred in 
Wisconsin from I860 to 1875 and in 1872 and 1873 as far south 
as Lake Koshkonong. In August the fully fledged young 
returned from the north in great flocks. The dowitchers were 
probably never as plenty on Lake Michigan as along the Rock 
River Valley. We incline to this opinion because Dr. Hoy 
did not find them in any numbers along the lake, and when he 
saw the flocks during a visit to Lake Koshkonong in June, his 
exclamations and gesticulations can only be imagined by those 
who were favored with his acquaintance. Xelson speaks of 
them only as a "rather common migrant" in northeastern 
Illinois in 1870. In Wisconsin at the present time they are 
known only during migrations and then sparingly. A few 
appear in May and June, and a very few at that, and again in 
August and September, but so irregularly that they may pass 
as rare. We have here a good illustration of what continual 
spring shooting can accomplish. For years the dowitchers 
were shot over decoys on Lake Koshkonong for the Chicago 
market, in May and the first half of June, until they have been 
practically exterminated. We are informed that from 1877 to 
1880 two men averaged ten dozen a day during May and June! 
Micropalaina liimantopus (Bonap.). STIIiT SAX DPI PER. 
Migrant and doubtless a former summer breeder to a 
limited extent. Of rather irregular occurrence, sometimes 
