NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 
27 
they are very slight structuresj being depressions in clumps of 
grass, lined with finer grasses. The marshes are also favorite local- 
ities for breeding, and in this case the nests are more elaborate, being 
built up from the ground, which is wet at high tide. The eggs were 
in all cases four, very slightly incubated. 
Ardea herodias, Linn. Great Blue Heron. There were two Heron- 
ries on Mockhorn Island, one of which contained some fifty nests ; 
as they were in a swamp I did not attempt to reach them, but pre- 
sume they had young. The other breeding place was on a neck of 
land that ran out from the main island^ and here the nests were all 
made in low, dead trees, and were immense affairs. Almost all con- 
tained three or four young, nearly grown ; some few contained fresh 
eggs, and others had them with large embryos. Whether these 
were second layings or not I am unable to say, but they undoubtedly 
were, as these birds are seldom disturbed. 
Ardea candidissinia^ Gm. Little White Egret. One bird was 
seen and a few may still breed in the Heronry, but it is exceedingly 
rare now where it was common a few years since, which may be 
accounted for by their being continually shot for the sake of their 
feathers. 
Ardea virescens, Linn. Green IHeron. Several, pairs were breed- 
ing, and all had fresh eggs, which were five in number, and most 
zealously watched by their parents. 
Railus longirostris Bodd. Clapper Rail. Very common, and breeds 
in immense numbers all through the marshes and high grass on the 
main land. Although seldom seen the number of nests found testify 
to their abundance, These are carefully concealed, but are betrayed 
by a habit the bird has of bending the surrounding grass over the 
nest, thus forming a complete cone which can be seen at a consider, 
able distance. These usually contained eight or ten eggs, but one 
that I found had fourteen, while others found nests with over twen- 
ty, but it is possible that these were the products of two females. 
Although immense numbers were being brought in every day by 
the eggers, nearly all of the nests found by me contained eggs near- 
ly hatched, and I think by the first of May their full complement 
must be laid. 
Larus atridlla^ Linn. Laughing Gull. This species is the most 
abundant on the island and breeds in large colonies on every 
suitable marsh. When one of their breeding places is approached 
the noise is perfectly deafening and their eggs can be picked up by 
the bushel. Never more than three in a nest were found but the 
birds are so frequently disturbed by eggers that it is doubtful if they 
ever succeed in raising a full brood. Residents inform me that as 
late as August fresh eggs may be taken. 
