444 
tt)EC. 2/ 1890- 
tites and tastes oi various individuals of our feathered pets 
with a variety of crawling things collected in the garden, 
but had never thought of offering any of such hairy crea- 
tures to them as. are the caterpillars of the tussock moth. 
We had read, .of course, that the cuckoo (or rain crow) 
varies his diet by feeding on such hirsute caterpillars, but 
this bird, half dovelike, half hawklike, is a great giant in 
comparison with with our delicate little pet, Philomela. 
Occasionally at this season of the second brood of these- 
caterpillari) the cuckoo's notes — but softened or subdued — 
are heard in our street, though owing to his slyness and 
wit of skillful concealment among the foliage, he is sel- 
dom caught sight of. But on several occasions we have 
been able to catch glimpses of him as he hirked in our 
maple. It is said that in feeding on such caterpillars the 
cuckoo bolts them down whole, and that afterwards the 
wooly parts are expelled from his bill compressed in the 
form of wads or pellets. This doubtless is true, though 
we have never witnessed either act of the performance. 
But now our nightingale is back and hunting again. 
Let us watch and learn of her ways. There! She has 
in plain sight snatched from the iron railing a full-grown 
tussock caterpillar and now runs with it under the spirea* 
bush. Now she drops it on a bare spot of hard ground; 
she pecks it, lifts it up and bangs it down again. She con- 
tinues to do this until, after many inspections, she finds 
it entirely deunuded of all its hairy covering; and now, 
quite a slender morsel as thus prepared, she deliberately 
swallows it. 
In the afternoon of the third day of Philomela's outing 
she came to the basement window sill, enticed by an 
offer of meal worms. While she was pecking them, as 
dropped from my hand, a cat came sneaking through our 
neighbor's courtyard to the corner of some herbage, 
within easy charging distance of our pet. Puss was quick- 
ly routed from her ambuscade, but our bird became so 
badly frightened that no coaxing or offer of tid-bits can 
prevail upon her to come near this spot again. 
We surmise that our pet must have had some narrow 
escapes from her feline foes, who so frequently _ come 
prowling through the courtyard, or lie in wait in the 
expectation- of making prey of the innocenc featheretl 
stranger. At times probably the friendly warnings of the 
vigilant and cunning sparrows may have saved her, as in 
many instances has been the case with the thrushes that 
sojourn with us for a short period during the autumn. _ 
Yesterday morning, peering down from an upper win- 
dow, I caught sight of our nightingale. She was under 
the spirea bush and busily taking breakfast. Then turn- 
ing my eyes to the left my attention was arrested by a 
pair of shining objects flashing and flickering at the edge 
of the mulberry clump growing at the further side of the 
courtyard, about five paces from the spirea. Presently, as 
from my point of vantage, curious, I gazed, the shining 
objects were discovered to be luminous orbs belonging to 
a slender flattened figure, of which I caught glimpses as it 
slowly curved around the border of the clump. Then, as 
the moving object approached and turned at an angle to 
the right, a cat's figure was revealed as now it stealthily 
crawled, and now glided snakelike for a space through the 
low herbage to the concealment "of an intervening stone 
step; then a brief period hidden and a pair of eyes glared 
furtively for an instant just over the verge of the terrace; 
next the cunning stalker ghded quickly to the cover of 
a nygelia shrub within 6 feet of the place where the busy 
bird yet hngered, apparently itnconscious of danger. A 
moment's pause, and while with bated breath my eyes 
were held fixed to the place where the enemy lurked, a 
furry mass, as if shot from a mortar, struck the spot 
where the bird stood, and I caught a glimpse as I gasped 
of a twisting body, glittering eyes, darting claws, a flutter 
of tiny wings a fraction of an inch above the claws and 
the flitting of a bird in safety from the scene. 
But in spite of the many perils by which she is sur- 
rounded in her novel haunts, Philomela is plump, .sleek 
and still, appears to be enjoying her days of gypsying. 
And toward evening, when the grateful coolness of the 
breeze reaches where we sit just beyond the doorstep, the 
gypsv strain somewhere in our own blood stirs within us 
as we look for the visits of this wild gentle thiiig which 
comes softly flitting nearly to our feet. Then, later, as 
twilight wanes, it is very pleasant to watch . her as in 
witching grace she glides about us and to and fro, until, 
like a denser spot of shadow among shadows moving, 
she is absorbed by the deepening darkness. 
Then when night has fallen around us as we sit, a hope 
for the morrow up springs, as we await, that Philomela 
will have one foe the less, as we yearn for a near enough 
sight on that cat, Thomas Proctor. 
■ Brooklvn, N, Y. 
The Animals Then. 
In a recent number of Science Mr. O. P. Hay pub- 
lishes an estimate erf the total number of fossil verte- 
brate animals which are known to have been found m 
North America north of Mexico. The list is the more 
interesting because it is the first wholesale attempt to 
estimate on this subject. Mr. Hay finds that the whole 
number of genera which he is willing to acknowledge 
as valid found in North America is 1,118, and the whole 
number of species 3,234- 
Of these the fishes are represented by 297 genera and 
1,110 species, the batrachians by 44 genera and 94 
species, reptiles by 209 genera and 598 species, birds by 
59 genera and 102 species, and mammals by 436 genera 
and 1,182 species. Besides these 63 genera and I47 
species have been described from foot prints alone, 
' The number of birds included here is noticeably small. 
Among them are 33 species which still exist. The author 
calls attention to the well-known fact that the tendency 
of birds' bodies to float for a long time after death would 
lead to their being devoured by large fishes and reptiles. 
There are more than a thousand species of birds now 
known as inhabiting North America, and birds were 
unquestionably very abundant in later geological times, 
but on the other hand it must be remembered that a 
very large proportion of birds are extremely small, and 
that their bony frame work is very delicate and extremely 
liable to destruction under a vast number of conditions. 
Locomotion of Serpents—Mimicry* 
HoLYOKE, Mass., Nov. 20. — Editor Forest and Stream: 
Your correspondent's query, in current issue of Forest 
AND Stream, as to why "a small green snake common to 
Massachusetts cannot run on a carpet" affords a fitting 
text for a few brief remarks concerning the locomotion of 
serpents. Likewise the reference by the same correspond- 
ent to the "buzzing" sometimes made by the blacksnake 
turns attention to the question of mimicry among this 
class of animals. 
Although destitute of limbs, most serpents are capable 
of rapid locomotion, both on the land and in the water. 
In the latter medium snakes swim after the manner of 
eels, wriggling in such a way as to offer resistance to the 
water by curved portions of the posterior part of the 
body, while the anterior parts are extended forward in 
more direct lines. On the surface of the ground it is, 
however, dift'erent. Here the snake progresses more par- 
ticularly by the use of its numerous ventral scales, which, 
having'their free ends pointing backward, are, as the body 
is curved from side to side and the movable ribs are ad- 
vanced, spread out and fixed against the irregularities of 
the ground, and then dropped back against the body as 
the hind parts are, in graceful curves, drawn up for the 
further advancement of the anterior portion of the body. 
These factors of progression, when rapidly executed, send 
the reptile swiftly over all surfaces that are not too smooth 
and regular. But this account of the mechanism of loco- 
motion scarcely suggests the swiftness or the beauty of 
what Ruskin calls "one soundless, causeless march ot 
sequent rings, and spectral procession of spotted dust, 
with dissolution in its fangs, dislocation in its coils. Star- 
tle it; the winding stream will become a twisted arrow; 
the wave of poisoned life will lash through the grass like 
Progression can also be effected by. sliding the body 
along against a fixed object, as a twig or stone. This 
manner of moving forward is not only employed to a cer- 
tain extent upon the surface of the ground, but is par- 
ticularly called into play by serpents when climbing. 
The reason why the "small green snake common to 
Massachusetts" (Liopeltis vernalis, De Kay), which m 
fact ranges the entire realm of North America excepting 
the Pacific and Sonoran regions, does not succeed in run- 
ning on a carpet is explained by its inability to secure a 
suitable "footing," if we may be pardoned the metaphor. 
This beautiful little snake is not one that often attempts 
very rapid progression, even on the ground, but enjoys 
lying idly among verdant grasses and foliage. Thus en- 
sconced, it requires keen eyes to detect its presence, so 
quiet will it lie and so like the surrounding green is its 
own color. . ^ ■ . \ ■ 
The common blacksnake (Bascamon constrictor), m 
common with certain other non-venomous serpents, cer- 
tainly makes use of its tail to apprise intruders of its 
presence. The first evidence the writer had of this oc- 
curred when he was but a mere youth. While crossing a 
hayfield one day in the month when cherries are ripe in 
New Jersey and the timothy is just filling out, he, much 
engrossed with devouring cherries from a large branch, 
carried in one hand, had his hat nearly Hfted from his 
head by the elevation of his hair, as, Hfting his eyes at a 
series of distinct and quickly repeated rappings, he beheld 
at his very feet a large blacksnake. The sidelong jump 
made must have likewise startled the ophidian, for, with 
head elevated quite to the top of the knee-high grass, he 
set a rapid pace for a nearby pile of stones and brush. 
This was a rapping, but we have since heard the black- 
snake "buzz," and also "rattle." . 
The buzzing or whirring sound was once distinctly 
heard by us as we approached a blacksnake with a view 
of capturing it in our hands. This snake, which meas- 
ured nearly 5 feet in length, did not'run at our approach, 
but remained coiled, and as we crept nearer and nearer 
vibrated its tail in precisely the same manner as does a 
rattlesnake; but the sound produced was only a faint 
buzzing. This snake, instead of running away, "showed 
fight," which led to its easy capture. 
The rattling sound was produced under precisely the 
same circumstances as the buzzing, except that in the 
latter instance the tail vibrated free in the air, while 111 the 
former it beat gently against some dried leaves, produc- 
ing a sound strikingly similar to the rattling of the rattle^ 
snake We have also observed our friend the "puft 
adder" do exactly the same thing, thus adding to its ap- 
parent relationship to certain of our venomous serpents. 
The question naturally arises. Is this conscious mim- 
icry?' When a harmless snake apparently seeks to intim- 
idate the disturber of its solitude, instead of seeking 
safety in flight, can we concede that it appreciates the 
full importance of the peculiar powers of the venomous 
serpent which it so admirably mimics? I believe not. 
There may be instinct in it, but surely not complete rea- 
soning as the chain of circumstances leading up to the 
conclusion is too complex. The vibrating and buzzing 01 
the tail are more to be likened to the pawing of an im- 
patient horse, while the manifestation of courage m fac- 
ing an intruder with flattened head, codings and hissings 
doubtless results largely from the fact that the reptile 
finds such doings more suited to its idle nature than run- 
ning- away, coupled with an inborn combative tendency. 
Moreover, these actions are as perfectly in accord with 
the anatomical structure of most non-venomous serpents 
as with the Crotalidce. Dr. J. Hobart Egbert, 
The Forest and Streak is put to press each week on Tujssday. 
Correspondence intended for publication should reach us at the 
latest >y Monday an4 a* mvch e*^'**^ practicable. 
Adifondacfc Deef Law Vtolatofs Ptimshed. 
At the meeting of the New York Fisheries, Game and 
Forest Commission last week, these convictions were re- 
ported : ^ r jt 
Joseph L. Kelley, of North Elba, Essex county, fined 
$n3.45 for killing deer out of season. 
De Witt C. Flanagan, of Long Lake, Hamilton county, 
fined $100.50, and Charles C. Robinson, of the same 
town, fined $25 for hounding deer out of season. 
Max S. Bevans, of Long Lake, for kdlmg deer out of 
season, had a judgment rendered against him for $i94-99. 
The charged negligence of duty by protectors was un- 
der discussion, and the Commission is reported to be 
ready to take action in a number of cases. 
md 0un. 
In Old Chesterfield. 
Having read the experiences of several huntsmen in tl 
Forest and Stream, I thought perhaps I might intere. 
some of you with little experience of mine in hunting tt 
noble and swift deer m old Chesterfield. Having bej^ 
born in a low flat country on tidewater, in Virginia, af 
not knowing anything about a hilly country, you n| 
know 1 was a greeny when I strucK some of the hiS 
hills on the noble James, for it was all new to me, T. 
scenery was grand. Ascending some of the high ban! 
on the James I looked down on the beautiful low grounc 
in the distance, with the corn in the shocks and catfl 
grazing in the large fields below, and the tinted forests 
the distance, where nature's hand had painted the leaV^ 
in their different hues. _ ' 
Having arrived at a small village some five miles if 
land from the James, I met my friends, who of cour 
were delighted to see and welcome me. You know h) 
it is in a small country town — when a stranger comes 
everybody wants to meet him and see what he looks li; 
I soon got acquainted and found my new friends v€ 
agreeable and kind. As it was a little early in the seas 
to hunt deer, I made myself contented sitting around 
the country stores on the counters telling fish stories ar, 
about the grand Chesapeake Bay and boating, which 
course was interesting to those who had never seen 
larger body of water than the James, from 150 to 200 fe 
wide. The days I would spend strolling around with it 
friends, the old pioneer deer hunters of that section. C 
course, the main topic of our conversation was about tl 
swift deer, their habits and where they crossed the diffe 
ent stands. Our main dependence was in the four lal 
deerhounds. Rattler, Mary, Music and Rover. Four b 
ter dogs never sounded their voices in the forest. Tiii 
went by fast, and I was well up in the life of the deer, il 
I thought, and in my mind I built great castles in the air-fl 
what I should do in the getting of game. There were I 
good many deer in the neighborhood at that time; vm 
could see their tracks crossing the stands going to ihm 
grazing ground. I never was a good shot at anything, haM 
ing to shoot from my right shoulder and sight will 
my left eye; so you see I was a daisy on a deer stand 'i 
this fix. I 
The day was set for the grand drive of the season. Ever* 
thing was in readiness and it fell to my luck to get a gom 
horse, for as the hunting grounds were several miles aAH 
we had to use horses to ride to our stands. At 4 A. q 
several heavy raps aroused me from my sweet slumbel 
and I was soon at the table. Everything was full of i\ 
hunt. There were five of us in the party, all good-naturt 
and full of fim. The old driver was soon on hand at 
gave several long blasts on his musical horn, which r 
sounded on the cool morning air for miles. There we 
but few seconds before all the dogs were barking at 0I 
feet; and you may know it was a musical time for a whil 
It made me have a queer feeling, such as I never had hi 
before. 
Oft' we started on our prancing steeds. Taking a roi 
that ran near the railroad track for a mile or so, on 01 
way we met our friend the railroad section boss comii 
up the track on a hand car. Knowing our plans, 1 
stopped to tell us that he had just seen two fine does crd 
the track a mile or so down. 
You may imagine our good feelings after that new 
Putting spurs to horses, we were soon where the gan 
had crossed shortly before. There was no trouble to g 
the dogs off, for hardly had we gotten there before all tl 
dogs were under full blast, hot on the trail, and music \ 
the air all around. We had to do our thinking quic 
We soon found we could head them off by taking a sho 
cut, so we put spurs to horses and flew over hill and dal 
We were soon at our stands, a mile away. Coming to. 
cross-road w-here two footpaths came into it, I was to 
to stand behind a small oak bush and tie my horse soij 
distance off from m.y back. The others rode down tl 
road a 'half mile or more, to take their stands. 
So there I was on my stand, listening to the sweet mus 
the hounds were making in the distance. It was grant 
Standing behind the oak bush with my gun cocked, wai 
ing for the precious moments to p^ss, I thought of hC 
I would have his skin tanned for a rug for my room, ai 
how my friends on the seashore would enjoy a quarter 
fine venison. I had but a few minutes to wait. The doj 
were within a half mile of me under full cry. Every mi; 
ute was bringing them straight for me. I began to feel 
little queer feeUng coming over me and began to get: 
trifle shaky about the knees. I thought it would soc 
be over, but not so, for lo and behold, loo yards off I sa 
two fine does coming as straight for me as if some O] 
had sent them to me. I remember putting the gun to q 
right shoulder and trying to sight down the barrel wr 
my left eye. Bang! bang! and I thought I could see the 
both drop through the smoke. Dropping my gun' 
started to see my first deer prize. What a beautiful rv 
I would have. But fate had planned it otherwise, t< 
when I got a few yards from my stand and out of tl 
smoke, I saw one run within a few yards of where I w 
standing, and the other I saw turn and go back into tl 
swamp. The dogs by this time were very close to thai 
and as luck would have it all of the hounds kept after t 
one that had passed so close to me, making for the nv( 
My buck fever having full control of me, and forgettii 
all about my gun and everything else but the thought 
the fast fleeting deer, I started off, running in the dir^ 
tion the game had gone. Not knowing the country we' 
I soon found myself on ihe banks of the James a mile I 
more away, viewing the far-off other side, where the del 
was in perfect safety. . . • ' 
After getting control of mysdf for the first timer sm 
■ I had taken my stand, I thought it would be best to r ^ 
trace my long run. So getting all the dogs together 
started back. After walking a good distance I saw 
companions coming to look for the man who had tri* 
to outrun a deer. Then 1 had to tell my tale of woe - 
make excuses for missing at so short a range. But 
was not all. After T had told them, as I thought, 
there was to tell.Jthey wanted to know where my gun \vt 
After pondering it over in my mind I did come to t< 
conclusion that I had had a gun when I started out. f 
