FOREST AND STREAM 
149 
nose elevated with a kind of jerk which sends the earth 
forwards. After the grave is thus filled up, the earth is 
trodden ip, and undergoes another keen scrutiny all around, 
the bird beiug completely hidden. The beetle then makes 
a hole in the still loose earth, and having buried the bird 
and his own bride next buries himself. 
“The female having laid her eggs in the carcass of the 
bird in numbers proportioned to its size, and the pair hav- 
ing eaten as much of the savory viand as they please, they 
make their way out and fly away. The eggs are hatched 
in two days, and produce flat, scaly grubs, which run about 
with great activity. These grubs grow excessively fast, 
and very soon consume all that their parents had left. As 
soon as they are full grown they cease eating, and burrow- 
ing further in the earth become pupte. The length of time 
they remain in this state appears uncertain; but when nr 
rived at the perfect state they make round holes in the 
ground, from which they come forth.” — Newmun, p. 53. 
Of the unwearying industry shown by these beetles some 
idea maybe formed by the result of experiments conducted 
by M. Gleditch, as quoted by Kirby and Spence, from an 
interesting article in the “Acts of the Berlin Society” for 
1752. M. Gleditch found that “in fifty days four beetles 
had interred, in the very small space of earth allotted to 
them, twelve carcasses, viz., four frogs, three small birds, 
two fishes, one mole, and two grasshoppers, besides the en- 
trails of a fish and two morsels of the lungs of an ox. In 
another experiment a single beetle buried a mole forty times 
its owu bulk and weight in two days.” To this account the 
authors add the following pertinent remarks: — 
“It is plain that all this labor is incurred for the sake of 
placing in security the future young of these iudustrious 
insects, along with a necessary provision of food. One 
mole Avould have sufficed a long time for the repast of the 
beetles themselves, and they could have more conveniently 
fed upon it above ground than below. But if they lincl 
left thus exposed the carcass in which their eggs were de- 
posited, both would have been exposed to the imminent risk 
of being destroyed at a mouthful by the first fox or kite 
that chanced to espy it. 

EAGLES A ND GAM E COCKS. 
Claremont, March, 1875. 
Editor Forest and Stueabi 
I would wittingly comply with "Roamer's" request to put a good game 
cock against my white headed eagle, but that is now impossible, since 
the old bald head has gone where all good eagles go. I think the bird 
must have died of old age, as he had the appearance of being very old, 
though not so old, perhaps, as the one that lived at Vienna 104 years in 
couflnement. I have not had mine so long. Does “Roamer” imagine 
thut the best game cock that ever battled for victory, no matter how well 
heeled, could stand for an instant against a white headed eagle! For al- 
though the gome cock has the courage that can dare 
"The deadliest form thnt death can take, 
And dare it for the daring's sake," 
yet it goes for naught when matched with the eagle's prowess. 
I have bred game fowls for a dozen years, of the best strains there 
•are, merely for my owu amusement, never having sold them, and many a 
lino bird has sent forth his last challenge for buttle beneath the piercing 
eye und lowering mien of my eagle. Did “Roamer" ever hear the story 
•of the American game cock (a white headed eagle) pitted against the 
•champion of Sumatra 1 
Now, in regard to the white headed eagle having been chosen as the 
•emblem of our great and glorious country, wo have nothiog to do with 
'that. Perhaps the country is not so much honored by the representation 
us is the bird by being the representative. I cannot, however, think that 
the while headed eagle was chosen on account of any particular merit of 
the species, but rather on account of the peculiarity this bird has of so 
early assuming the white head, giving it a bald appearancc-^jke our 
country, young in years, but old in the trials and battles for independ- 
ence. 1 believe that onr forefathers generally did things with clear heads, 
and don't think that they greatly erred in honoring the bird in question. 
But perhaps the ant might better suit the fastidious, and have been a 
more worthy representative, as it is industrious, minds its own business, 
and we huve, I believe, as yet found out nothing particularly bad against 
Its moral character. However, I merely penned my other lines in de- 
fense of our eagle's powers physically, and not morally, as one might in- 
fer from “Roamer’s" former letter thnt this eagle was a clamsy, lumber- 
ing and cowardly bird. 
I do not regard It at all of uncommon occurrence Tor the white headed 
eagle to capture ils own prey, whether from the land or water. "Roamer" 
of course knows that the bald eagle is not considered a true eagle like 
the golden eagle, and although denominated a fishing eagle, lives equally 
well from the offerings of the sea and land. In fact I And it stated in 
Prof. Baird’s "Birds of North America" that the bald eagle preys "for 
much the greater part on living unimals." 
The white headed eagle is one of the swiftest of all the eagle tribe, and 
being fully aware of his own power of wing, oftentimes performs strange 
deeds in mid air that rather surprise us here below. It is rather Incon- 
sistent to speak of the eagle’s having courage enough to rob the power- 
ful osprey of his booty, or to cause the vulture, more frightened than in- 
jured, to cast forth his plunder, and yet to set forth the idea thnt this 
same eagle has not the courage to attack or beat off a bird "not bigger 
than a sparrow." 
Why, it is not the courage that is wanting, but the eagle in his strength 
regards this little bird as too insignificant to pay any attention to, and so 
permits it to enjoy its harmless sport. I think It really unfair to cast 
abuse upon the eagle because he conquers In mid air birds nearly or 
quite his equal in size, and does not molest the hurmlcss sport of birds 
the sparrow’s size. Truly I regard this as his great redeeming trait, and 
were it the opposite he would indeed be a rank coward. 
On the whole, friend "Roamer," take the bald eagle day in and day 
out, I think him not so bad a bird after all. My golden eagle now reigns 
euprumc in his solitary confinement, and is ready for a cat, small dog, or 
chicken. He is a magnificent specimen, of full size and plumage. His 
feathers shine with the gloss of health, and he bids fair to last many a 
day yet. Yoars very truly, Nimrod. 
Pine Grosbeaks.— The pine grosbeaks, to which we 
have made frequent reference the past Winter, were seen 
as far south as Meadville, Penn., which is remarkable, in- 
asmuch as these birds are inhabitants of Arctic America, 
and are only seen within the United States in very severe 
Winters. The Meadville Republican says:— 
"In the male bird the lees are black; bill brown; gen- 
eral color carmine red, not continuous above, however, ex- 
cept on l lie head; the feathers showing brownish centres 
on the back, where, too, the red is darker; portions of the 
breast, sides, wings, and tail ashy browD; wings with two 
white bands across the tips of the greater and middle co- 
verts. The female is ashy in color, brownish above, tinged 
with greenish yellow beneath; top of head, rump, and up- 
per tail coverts brownish gamboge yellow, with tail and 
wings as in male, though not so dark; the size of the birds 
is a little larger than the blue bird, und not us lurge as a 
robin. They appear in yards or gardens to feed on berries 
that may remain on the vmes or bushes in flocks of eight 
or ten, with seldom more than one or two male birds in 
each flock." 
ghe Rennet. 
THE SPRINGFIELD BENCH SHOW. 
W E print below the Circular and List of Premiumus 
of the Springfield (Mass.) Dog aud Gun Club, for 
their first annual Bench Show, to he held at the Ctly Hall 
in that city on the 28th and 29lh in&t. We trust that the 
energy displayed by the gentlemen who have organized 
this event will he duly rewarded by full lists of entries. 
The cups are of solid silver, handsomely designed and fit 
to grace any sportsman’s sideboard as mementos of the oc- 
casion. 
Mr. Skidmore sends her os one of the best of those adver- 
tised in our paper. She Is by Young Doctor, out of Bridget, 
both first prize wiuners at Birmingham, Crystal Palucc, &o! 
She is of a very dark liver color, without any while Mr. 
Whitman is well plessotl with her, as he has a dog of tho 
same breed, a splendid dog for ducks. 
The Stale Sportsmen’s Association of Kentucky, which 
was organized in September, 1874, is composed of memhers 
of the various clubs throughout the Stale. The member- 
ship amounts to over one hundred. The first tournament 
lakes place at Paris, Ky., in May 18, 1873-to continue five 
days. Besides the pigeon mutches, there will ho a Bench 
Show of pointers and setters. 
CIRCULAR. 
The great Interest and rivalry shown of Into throughout the country In 
the Importation and breeding of dogs of superior blood, especially of 
dogs for sporting purposes, will render nn exhibition of such animals 
highly useful nod interesting. 
The Rod and Gun Club of Springfield desire to bring about such nn 
exhibition. The club is young, having been recently organized, and has 
never been richly endowed. Therefore it does not feel Itself able to 
offer very high premiums. But It Is hoped und believed that the oppor- 
tunity offered of seeing a good many rare dogs together, to compare 
their respective mctlte, to effect sates, etc., will Induce the owners of 
dogs to bring them to this Show . 
This Bench Show will be open to all dogs. In the distribution of 
premiums, preference will be given to digs for sporting purposes, 
bnt dogs of every breed and variety are cordially Invited to the ex- 
hibition. 
An entry fee of two dollars efcch will be charged for all dogs mentioned 
In the premium list. 
Owners are requested to give notice of their intention to exhibit dogs 
as soon ns possible. Entries can be made at any time previous to and 
on the day of exhibition. Entry fee to accompany nomination. 
The rules and points used by the judges will be those of the London 
Kennel Club, except thnt a dog with mutilated tail or cars Is not barred. 
Dogs from nil parts of the United States are eligible. 
If in the opinion of the judges no dog in any class Is worthy of a first 
premium, it shall be in the discretion of the Judges to make such award 
as they may deem proper. 
AH communications, and applications for entries may be addressed to 
Robert O. Morris, Secretary, Springfield, Mass. 
LIST OP PREMIUMS. 
Class 1st.— Setters, Lnvt.rack.~YnT best dog, one year old und up- 
ward, a silver cup: second best dog, diploma; best bitefi, one year old 
nnd upward, silver collar; second best bitch, diploma; pedigree re- 
quired; best dog pup, under one year old, diploma; best bitch pup, di- 
ploma; pedigree required. 
Class 2d.— Seller*, Gordon.— For best dog, one year old nnd upward, 
silver cup; second hurt dog, diploma; pedigree required; best hitch, one 
year old nnd upward, silver collar; second best bitch, a diploma; pedi- 
gree required; best dog pup, tinder one year old, diploma; best bitch 
pup, under one year old. diploma; pedigree required. 
Class 3d .— Seller#, English, I< ish and Motive.— For best dog, ono year 
old and upward, silver cup; second best, diploma: with or without pedi- 
gree; best bitch, silver collar; second host, dlpbmu; with or without 
pedigree; best dog pup, under one year old, diploma; best bitch pup, dl- 
plomn. 
Clash 4tii.— FWnferz, English.— For best dog, one year old and up- 
ward. silver cup; second best dog, diploma; pedigree required: best 
bitch, one year old nnd upward, silver collar; second best bitch, diploma; 
best dog pup, uuderono year old, diploma; best bitch pup, diploma. 
Class Cm. — Pointer*, Spanish. — For best dog, one year old and up- 
ward, silver cup; second best dog. diploma; pedigree required; best 
bitch, one year old and upward, silver collar; second bust blicb. diploma; 
best dog pup. under ono year old, diploma; best bitch pun, diploma, 
Class 6th. — Pointers, Native. — WUli or without pedigree. For best 
dog, oneyeirold or upward, silver cup; second best, diploma; best hitch, 
one year old or upward, silver collar; second best, diploma; dog pi(T>, 
under one year old, diploma; best bitch pup, under one year old, di- 
ploma. 
Class Tin.— F ox Ilound *. Beagle s, Harrier*, Dachshund*.— For best 
dog in this class, one year old nnd upward, silver collar; second best, di- 
ploma; best bitch, one year old and npwurd, diploma; best dog pup, 
under one year old, diploma; best bitch pup, under one year old, di- 
ploma. 
Class 8tij. — English or Irish. Petrlevers, Clumber Spaniel*. Cocker*, 
Springers.— For best dot; In this class, one year old and upward, silver 
collar; second best, diploma; best bitch, one year old und upward, di- 
ploma; best dog pnp, under one year, diploma; best bitch pup, diploma 
Class Ora. — Terrier s. ScofcJi, Skye, Dandle Dinmonl, Hough. Coated. 
Pug, Black awl Tan Toy.— For best dog In this class, one yeur old and 
upwards, collar; second best, diploma; best bitch, one year old and up- 
wards, diploma; best dog pup, diploma; best bitch pup. diploma. 
Class Wto.— Newfoundland*. St. Bernard s . Collie *, Dalmatian*, 
Spilt, Blenheim Spaniel*, Poodles. Italian Greyhounds, Greyhound*.— 
For best dog in this class, one year old nnd upward, silver collar; second 
best, diploma; best bitch, one yeur old and upward, diploma; best dog 
pup under one year old, diploma; best bitch pop. a diploma. 
Class IItii.— Mastiffs. Bulls, Bull Terriers.— For best dog In this class, 
one year old and upward, silver collar; second best, diploma; best bitch, 
one year old and upward, diploma; best dog pup, under one year old, 
diploma; beat biicn pup, diploma. 
In addition to the prizes mentioned above, Forest and 
Stream offers a cup of the value of twenty-five dollars for 
the best specimen of dog or bitch, either setter or pointer, 
without regard to strain, on exhibition. 
The object is to secure unanimity amongst the ttporlameu 
of Kentucky and concert of action in regard to (he pre- 
servalion of gumo, the passage und enforcement of gama 
laws, and legislation requisite to protect the flue bred dogs 
which are being imported luto the Stato. 
DOCKED TAILS AND BENCH SHOWS. 
Editor Forrst and Stream:— 
West Trot, April S, i«b. 
Aa I understand It, one of the rules pertaining to Bench Shows ex- 
eludes entry for prizes lo a dog having been docked. Such being this 
case. Is it not going to have a tendency lo lessen the Interest which would 
otherwise be felt In these shows, If this rule were modified? The majurtty 
of our best dogs oro owned by sportsmen, and nlnoivon out of twenty do 
dock the tails of their doge, and It Is In my opinion a great Ido. sing to 
them. A caso just now occurs to mo. I met a frlond wlih Ids „-iior a 
few days since, and I noticed Ills dog carried Ids tall ns If It bud b«*n 
run over and broken. I asked him the mason, and he said It had not 
healed since lust season's shooting, uml was getting wot so, 1 surge. u-d 
taking u little off. which he said lie would do as soon as thu weather per- 
mitted. This dog wa» hunted till through the knit with a soro tall, 
caused by switching about tho bm.h, amt lias suffered all Winter with 
It. It might perhups huve come In contact with some poison, hut any 
dog Is liable to do the same. No sportsman Is going to sacrifice l ho 
comfort of his (log for the purpose of ontoilng him ui u dnj; show. Thus 
it will be seen the majority of onr bust dogs will not be represented. I 
am the possessor of a bitch whelp by Ranger, also a dog whelp by IT do 
of the Border, out of "Mohawk’s" Brosna and Kirby, which will compare 
favorably with anything levnr saw In the dog Hue. I should very much 
like to enter them at tho Watertown show, to bn held under ilia super- 
vision of "Mohawk," but they are disqualified. They have been ducked, 
as every other whelp lias which I have bred or raise I. I do not approve 
of docking so short as to disfigure a dog, but short enough top event 
them from whipping their tolls sore. What sportsman has not «o>n 
dogs come out of n thicket covered with blood, tho effect of whipping 
their tails so much, and If hunted every day, do they not sufior from itf 
Cannot this ruin lie modified somewhat, so us to permit dog* that have 
not been disfigured by the operation to Dr entered for prizes! Don't let 
us copy so closely after our "English cousins" lu over) thing pertaining 
to dog mid horse allows. In England they have very lluJoeover Shooting, 
and It Is uot necessary to shorten the tails of their dogs, In Uni country 
Ills nearly all cover shooting, except in tho Wu.i, uud there the tall 
grass and weeds are as bad as cover for a dog. Lei us get tip something 
original, Is thu prayer of Yours truly, J. II, FtTCurr. 
Wo agree with our correspondent entirely ns to the Im- 
propriety of excluding setters and pointers from bench 
shows in couscquoncu of docking, yet we do not think, 
with him, that all such dogs are either benefited or beauti- 
fied by docking. In regard to pointers, wo are convinced, 
from long experience, tlmt judicious (locking not only Im- 
proves their appearance but avoids the cruelty of working 
them with sore tails. With setters, however, it is very dif- 
ferent, the tail being so much letter protected by ihu 
feathering. A soro tail from hunting is nn exception, yet 
there are many setters having tails out of proportion in 
length, and some with an ttwkwurd crook near llto end, 
and all such can bo much improved in uppeurtinco by Judi- 
cious docking, a course we have always pursued; yet wo 
have bred some pointers, and many setters, which required 
no docking, their tails being Just about the proper propor- 
tion and shape, and any alteration of them would huvo 
marred their beuuty. 
The tail of a dog is a prominent feature, and should al- 
ways be so considered in a bencli sltow. Wo call (lie at- 
tention of our correspondent to the fact, that ul t he bench 
show of The Rod and Gun Club, to be held at Springfield, 
Muss., on the 28lh inst. , the rules und points used 
by the Judges will be those of the London Kennel Club, 
except thut a dog with a mutilated lull or curs Is not de- 
barred. 
IRISH RET RIEVERS. 
— Wc would suggest to gentlemen who may desire to 
send dogs to the Springfield Show, that if they will send 
notice of such intention to this office in ample time, we 
may be enabled to mako arrangements for a special car for 
their transportation. 

—We hope that the ruilroud companies will be suf- 
ficiently magnanimous to allow dogs en route to the 
Springfield Bench Show to occupy the smoking cur, 
if properly accompanied. In this connection we would 
call attention to the fact that baggage men of the Atlantic 
und Pacific Railroad Company have been instructed to 
collect as fares for dogs, fifty cents for the first 100 miles 
or fraction thereof, und twenty-five cents for each addi- 
tional 100 miles or fraction thereof ; for each gun, twenty- 
five cents for the first 100 miles, aud fiftecu cents for each 
additional 100 miles. It will not be long before dog rights 
will be fully recognized in all respects, legal and other- 
wise. 
Another Fine Importation — Mr. J. H. Whitman, of 
Chicago, Western Pastunger Agent of the Grand Trunk 
Railway, writes us that by the Allan steamer Scandinavian, 
which arrived at Portland, March 31st, he received from J. 
S. Skidmore, Esq., of Nantwick, England, the Irish water 
spaniel bitch Liffey, heavy in pups by one of bis prize dogs. | 
The following letter on the above subject la from Ihe 
peu of a gallant officer of Her Majesty’s service, whose ex- 
perience as a sportsmun entitles his remarks lo great weight. 
We hope to heur further from him on kennel subjocta gen- 
erally : — 
New Brunswick, April?, 1875. 
Editor Forest and Ntukam: — 
My fancy was a good d-al tickled by tho enquiries of a gantlaman In 
your issue of let ln-t., who ha» two flue Irish retrievers, but dove an 
exactly know whnt to do with them. 
A* retriever# arc special favorite# of mlnn, and I have been In the 
habit of hr liking my own fore, vural year# In En^lind and elsewhere, I 
will give you ray experience of what can be d me with them 
To begin with, a retriever ought to come to heel the moment he -eea 
hi# master ha# tile gun with him, h • should mark where tho game falls, 
bat never attempt to fetch It till ordered; who i told to ■ oeek doa-l" ho 
should run up to the place wheru the game full and If dead, And it »t 
once by scent; If only wounded, he should quickly lilt off thu root c nt 
and follow it up; having captured It, he snoiild tiring It buck to bU 
nia-tcr with tut ruffling a feather, ami give It Into ItU hand. When lie la 
perfectly steady at till# work, he should ba made to hunt covert* and 
rough ground, he will not »ot like a pointer or setter, but pule the g roe 
up, standing afterwards till told to retrieve. If a e'evor dog, he will 
generally manage to drive the game toward* yon, not from you. 
After the tlr-t of the aeaaoD in England a id Scotland, a good retriever 
Is. lo ray opinion, the beat dog a man can use. and 1 shoald mink it 
must be the same lo roost parta of IhuStilCi. I know I felt ihe want of 
one a few years ago, when solpc shooting In Louisiana. There Is no 
more companionable dog: he do-. - not want to be forever ranging like a 
setter, but remains near you at all time# 
This morning, while out riding. 1 accidentally dropped my whip Nell, 
being engaged with a bone, did not notice what had happened till I calk'd 
