94 
Brewster on Southern Birds. 
58. Herodias alba egretta ( Gmel .) Ridgiu. American Egret. — A 
number of this snow-white species were observed in the swamps across 
the “lake” from Vicksburg. One was shot, and was found to have the 
long dorsal train of plumes. 
56. Oxyechus vociferus (Lhin.) Reich. Killdeer. — Observed only 
at Vicksburg. Will probably be found to breed here. 
60. Philoliela minor ( Gmel .) Gray. American Woodcock. — One 
specimen was shot at Vicksburg. 
61. Sterna aiitillarum ( Less .) Cones. Least Tern. — This beau- 
tiful little Tern was very abundant on a sandy point across the “lake,” or 
old bend of the river, opposite Vicksburg. We were told that these birds 
lay their eggs on the bare sand, and that these eggs hatch in an extraor- 
dinarily short time. 
IMPRESSIONS OF SOME SOUTHERN BIRDS. 
BY WILLIAM BREWSTER. 
Looking back on my first winter in the South I can recall no 
pleasanter experience than that of a stay of some four weeks at 
St. Mary’s, a town situated on the very border line of Southern 
Georgia. This place was then scarcely known to Northerners, 
although the crowded Florida steamers, on their way across 
Cumberland Sound, passed within sight of it and occasionally 
even touched at its wharf for some chance freight or a supply of 
fuel. But the village still retained a primitive quiet and sim- 
plicity that was all the more restful from its contrast with the 
bustling world outside. Now there are rumors of a railroad 
and daily trains from Savannah, with all the accompanying dese- 
crations. It is a pity that the march of modern improvements 
cannot spare a few such peaceful spots, but the “ levelling' 
process” seems universal and inevitable. 
A Northerner passing his first spring in the South will miss 
the marked distinction between the seasons upon which he has 
been accustomed to rely. The vegetation does indeed take a 
partial rest during the winter months, but it is checked rather 
than suppressed, and the reign of summer begins without that 
interval of preparation which we call spring. Most of the trees 
