JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY, PAPERS AND COMMUNICATIONS

BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY, 1834—1837. $

PUBLISHED BY THEIR DIRECTION.

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HLLLIARD, GRAY, AND COMPANY.

MDCCCKXXVII.

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CONTENTS.

Officers of the Society, - = Bare f d Introduction, Artes delivered d before the Society at ening of en Tremont Street. By the er JF.

Gar Men s in n Defence P the Author of the " Birds of

merica y the Rev. Joun Mo ef à à Giben Py Wifatow hs A,

Clomid of Massalhuseils. By AUGUSTUS A. Gout,

Chiastolite, or Macle of Lancaster, By CHARLES T.

Jackson, M. servations 0n a Shell. in + the Cabinet of ‘the Bostiti be identical

n History, suppo Murex Aruanus of L Od an B TUN

Proboscidiferus of Lamarck. By fe Disney;

M. On certain uses of Geological Chang in Massachusetts. By Epwaky etm A. aM, p of Chanel Natural in Amher. ghey i ear Enumeration of Plant:

growing sp ence around Wilmington iri eei de with Remarks on some ao and Obscu NOR: By Moses A. reas

U, pon the ' Fcónomáj ef. some American Species of Hispa. y T. W. Harris, M. Descriptions of New North’ American iae In '

By T postai Say, Du ee inean Animal belonging to the Arata eille ; discovered in the Sea along the spite of the New South Shetland Islands. P James Excuts

; «Kf. aros Analysis of Chryso colla from the Holquin By

er Mines, near Gihara, AE E. ct M. p

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£s Contents.

hb. x cU. AME Descriptions of New m of North D wi noptera, and ` = By Tuomas Say Rr XIV. sad d ths Gaclogy of Poria aui lis. H icinity. - Epwarp Hircucocx, A. g a of |o i AM T C emistry and Natural History in mherst College, 306 E = XV. An Examination of the “ gue of the Marine and E. Fresh Water Fishes of Massachusetts, by J. V. ki

mith, M. D.,” contained in Proféssor Hitcheock’s 4 Report on the Geology, Miner meralogy, &c., of Massa. ï. à [ T , M. D. XVI. Chemical Analysis of Three Varieties of Bituminous kx "a em aii Anthracite. By C. T. Jackson, à » e L. Descriptions of a Species of. North dim e "Thon E Cosina

OMAS Mr. + 961 , iu Description of a New Species of the Gamis H, rargyra ; "x 4 some Additions = to the C aaa " the Fishes of Manian’ in Professor 8 ** Report,"

j po Hax | po M. D., ue 416

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udon’ s zine for / (s, 9

Mr. Tuomas M. Brew: 418 Additions to the C. ‘the Birds of Massa-

chusetts in m heock's * Report." — B. Mr. riptim ef a . Brew i iption of a New es of the Gemus Marginella — (Lam New Species af the Gonus Marg By 4 Capt. Jones Pre P. CovrHovv, E dw ë

s » - en UU n J. B. S. Jacksox, M.D. - ortoise. By `

E $ BOSTO N JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY. GONTENIR, 2 ; = j i a

Officers of hee — vu cre car So Introducti £ 5 ui Arr. I. Address delivered before the Society at the opening "E of their Hall in Tremont Street. By Rev. F. W | P. Greenwood - Remarks i in defence of the Anis of f the " Birds of America," By Rev. John Bachm Description of a Gibbon. " Winslow Lewis, ie

M. D. IV. Cicindele of Massachusetts By Augustus A. ‘Gould, M. D. Chiastolite or Macle of Éateirisk. By Charles T. Ë n, M. D. 55

V. VI. v3 on a Shell in à the Cabinet of the Mon T x * ` Society of Natural History, supposed to be identi- — cal with the Murex Aruanus of Linnwus and the Fusus Proboscidiferus of — By A. "— 63 * List of Members = > - 69 Six Plates. A ee 4 Ç é h`. í * VOL. L.—PART 1. 1 S x ye

OFFICERS OF THE ï BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR 1834-45.

Presivent, BENJAMIN D. GREENE.

Vice Presidents, JOHN WARE, F. W. P. GREENWOOD.

Corresponding Secretary, AMOS BINNEY.

Recording Secretary, D, HUMPHREYS STORER.

Treasurer, E. S. DIXWELL.

Dibrarian, CHARLES K. DILLAWAY.

Curators, Ê ğ GEORGE B. EMERSON, / JOSEPH W. McKEAN,

AUGUSTUS A. GOULD,

WINSLOW LEWIS, Jr. WILLIAM B. FOWLE, a GEORGE W. OTIS, Jr.

CHARLES T. JACKSON,

JOHN B. S. JACKSON.

Cabinet Beeper, ESTES HOWE.

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INTRODUCTION.

The Society under whose direction the present publication is made, having been established for the purpose of creating a taste for Natural His- tory, and of affording the means of acquiring and diffusing among their fellow-citizens a knowledge of this branch of science, have, in pursuance of the object of their institution, considered it ad- visable to publish such papers and communica- tions as may come into their hands, possessing sufficient interest to entitle them to be laid be- fore the public. Having but small claims to the character of naturalists, they are nevertheless desirous of contributing something to the com- mon stock of information, and they hope that the succeeding pages will evince the sincerity of their wishes, and the industry and zeal with which they have pursued their attamment.

This Journal which is published in conformity with the views above stated, will be devoted to Natural History solely, and articles on other subjects will not be admitted to its pages ; and a preference will always be given to new and in- teresting facts relative to the Natural History of

6 INTRODUCTION.

our own country. Descriptions of new objects . will be accompanied with coloured illustrations in every case where they are desirable and with- in the means of the Society, and the mechanical execution of the work will be equal to that of any similar publication. The frequency of its appearance will depend on the abundance of matters prepared for it; and the degree of sup- port accorded to it by thé public.

While the Society looks to its own members for the principal part of the materials of the work, its pages will be open to the use of scien- tific men in every part of the country, and their countenance and aid is respectfully solicited.

The Society does not hold itself responsible for any opinions or facts which the Journal may contain. These must depend on their own merits, and in case they are called in question, their defence will be left to their authors.

Boston, April 1, 1834.

k i :

-ART. I.—AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BEFORE THE BOS-

TON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY, at the opening of their New Hall in Tremont Street. By Rev. F. W. P. GREEN- woop. Aug. 21, 1833

WirH good cause, gentlemen, may we congratulate each other, at this meeting, on our condition and pros- pects as a Society. This spacious and delightfully situated apartment; these neat and well contrived cases and tables, already exhibiting treasures, the lustře of which is more pleasant to the eyes of science than the shining of silver and gold; this convenient furniture, these ample accommodations, are all indubitable evidences of our im- proved, established and promising state. Every thing wears a congratulatory aspect. Our countenances are full of animation. Even the mute representatives from the several kingdoms of nature, which here in new order surround us, seem to participate in our pleasure, and, rejoicing in their own deliverance from the damp and obscure region in which they had been hidden, to bid us welcome to upper air, and the comforts of our present abode.

On taking this new step in our progress, it is proper that we should look back on the ground over which we have passed. I will therefore offer a sketch of our his- tory, short and uneventful as it is, principally drawn from minutes which have been furnished me by our worthy and faithful Secretary.

| Our Society cannot boast of having been the first ever formed in this city, expressly for the purpose of attending to the pursuit and advancing the knowledge of natural history. Most of us can remember, and some of us, I be-

8 An Address delivered before the

lieve, belonged to the Linnean Society, which was in- stituted here, about fifteen years ago, with the same de- sign. This Society made some valuable collections, and for a while was conducted with spirit; but, from various causes, this spirit languished, the Society became inert, it was finally dissolved, and its collections were dispersed.

Though a few years elapsed, during which there was no united and systematic attention given to the great objects of natural science, it was impossible, that in a community like ours, this should long be the case. Ac- cordingly, on the evening of the 9th of February, 1830, a meeting of gentlemen desirous of forming a Society for

. the study of natural history, was held at the rooms of

Dr. Walter Channing, at which meeting, Dr. Channing having been chosen Chairman, and Simon E. Greene, Esq. Secretary, the subject was discussed, and it was voted that a committee of five be appointed to consider the purposes of the meeting, and to recommend at a

future day such measures as they should think advisable _

in order to the formation of a Society, and the best means of interesting the public in its favor; and that the com- mittee report at a meeting to be called by them at such time as they may appoint. The gentlemen chosen on this committee, were Dr. E Hayward, Dr. John Ware, Edward Brooks, Esq., Dr. Amos Binney, and George B. Emerson, Esq. At a meeting called by them the same month, a report was presented by the Chairman, which was accepted, and it was voted, that a Society on the plan proposed be now formed, and that Simon E. Greene and Amos Binney, Jr. be a committee to call upon gentlemen favorably disposed to the objects of the meeting for their signatures, and when a sufficient number have subscribed, to notify said subscribers of a meeting to be held for organizing the Society. Lad

EETA

Anah

at the opening of the Society’s Hall. 9

A meeting was held, according to notification, on the 28th of April, 1830. Dr. Channing having been chosen Moderator, and Theophilus Parsons, Esq. Secretary of the same, and the committee to obtain names having re- ' ported thereon, it was resolved, that the name of the society be 'T'uz Bosrow Socrgry or NaTvRAL HisTony. At this meeting, also, a committee was chosen to draft a constitution and by-laws.

On the 6th of May a meeting was held, at which the committee reported a constitution and by-laws, which were unanimously adopted. On the 13th of the same month, officers were chosen.

About this time a room was obtained on the ground floor'of the Athenzum building, in which collections were occasionally deposited, and the statute meetings were regularly held. But so early as October, 1830, we = a committee appointed to obtain a “ more suitable room,” —a proof that the Society were soon dissatisfied with their accommodations. In truth, the apartment which we lately occupied, and endeavored to improve, was wholly unsuitable for our purposes, being unfit, from its damp and sunless situation, for the reception of a cabinet. For a time, it was hoped that a room might be obtained in the Masonic Temple, ‘then about to be erected; but this hope was disappointed. We were more than con- soled, however, on learning, in February, 1832, that a hall might probably be procured for us, in an edifice pro- posed to be built by the proprietors of the Savings Bank. .

. Our expectations in this quarter were happily fulfilled.

Though we have been in existence as a Society but three

years, we have had three courses of public lectures ; two

in the Athenzum lecture room, and one in the Masonie

Temple. Owing partly to the central situation of the

Temple, and partly to the zealous exertions of our mem- VOL. I. — PART I. -R

10 Mr. Greenwood’s Address

bers to induce the public to give their attendance, the last course received so much favor, that the profits accru- ing from the sale of tickets, encouraged, and mainly enabled the Society to take a lease of the hall which we now occupy, and to fit it up with its appropriate furniture.

The possession of this hall has acted as a fresh stim- ulus to our exertions. In looking round on our riches, we cannot but feel grateful to the committee who have, I may venture to say, surpassed our expectations, though highly raised, in the superintendence of our interests, and also to those individuals of our number, whose liberality has so suddenly increased our stores. The collection of by Dr. Smith, is now, by purchase, the property of the Society. Dr. Charles T. Jackson has deposited with us a cabinet of minerals, which would any where be called a most valuable one. Dr. Binney has placed here his beautiful collection of shells. Dr. Lewis has sent us, beside other presents, a perfect ligamentary skeleton of the rhinoceros, which can speak for itself, being probably the best in this country. From other members we have received, and are constantly receiving acceptable donations.

Our library is yet small; but when it is considered that more than a third part of its present number of volumes has been added within the last two months, we are en- couraged to hope that it will ere long correspond in ex- tent and value with other departments.

But flourishing as our condition is, it may yet be much improved; and indeed the effect of successful accom- plishment on generous spirits, is only to prompt them to strive on, and do better and more. There is a plenty of room left in our cases, drawers, tables, for more minerals, insects, birds, shells—more contributions from every division of nature’s wide domain. Though we should

at the opening of the Society’s Hall. 11

not, even now, be ashamed to exhibit our hall to a sci- entific stranger, we must yet be aware that we have only made a beginning, an excellent one, it is true, but still a beginning—and that several departments must be much nearer to completeness than they are, before we can throw open our doors to the most learned and critical visiter, with a feeling of satisfaction and honorable pride, convinced that we are showing him what he will be gratified to see. k should be our object, in this re- ud to attend or comp such collections as may give a | good idea of the natural uu" ofour own country, and of our own section of our country. If I were travelling in Spain or Persia, I should desire especially, to examine some depository of the natural productions of Spain or Persia. If I were travelling in our Western States, I should prefer seeing a museum well stocked with their own curiosities, to one well stocked with all curiosities but their own. And so too, I presume, a traveller in New England, fond of natural history, will first of all desire to see those objects which illustrate the natural history of New England. For our own instruc- tion and gratification, indeed, and for the advancement of natural science among us, we shall gladly collect from every quarter and every coast and corner of the globe, from every sea and lake and river, whatever can be fur- nished to our purposes; and yet, for own sakes too, we shall least of all choose to be ignorant of the beings and things with which Providence has surrounded our own dwellings ; of the plants which spring from our native soil, the birds which fly in our own heavens, and whatso- ever passeth through the paths of our own seas. It will also greatly conduce to our e to the cultivation ofa taste for natural history in ourcom- munity, that we sh / nti ion of publish-

12 Mr. Greenwood’s Address

ing a Journal, in which the observations and discoveries of members and correspondents may be saved from ob- livion, and contributed to the general fund of scientific knowledge, and through which we may be brought into useful and pleasant fellowship with other scientific soci- eties, at home and abroad. Though such a work ought not to be undertaken, until after a mature consideration of . the whole ground of the enterprise, there is no doubt that

it would, if well conducted, meet with encouragement

and be rewarded with honor.

And by what means are we to secure the desirable objects which have been specified ? What is it which will enable us to store our hall with the beautiful and wonderful works of nature, fill our library with the need- ed volumes, and take a stand among the promoters of science and useful learning? It must be that zeal, with- out which no enterprise of any importance ever did or ever can succeed. It must be that true interest in our professed purposes, which will prompt us to devote, ac- cording to our ability, labor or means to their advance- ment. It must be that noble sentiment, flowing from the great fount of charity, which impels a man to give up something of that which he calls his own, something which he legally might, and which the selfish man always does devote to his strictly personal interests and pleasures —to give up something of this to the cause which he has espoused, to the good of others, to the common weal. It is very true that most of us are so connected, m our several professions, with those to whom our first and chief attention is due, that we cannot lawfully be absorbed in pursuits which are extraneous to our immediate obliga- tions ;— but we can take a little from our leisure, and a little from our indulgences, and a little from our rest, and make our very amusement and healthful recreation con-

at the opening of the Society’s Hall. 13

tribute to the welfare and growth of this Society. This we can do, and ought to do, if we mean that our connex- ion with the Society should be any thing more than nom- inal. Some of our members have already given animating examples to the rest of us. The public will in time second our efforts, and regard us with favor as those who are'working for the public benefit, and seeking to raise yet higher the literary reputation, already eminent, of our fair city.

As I have congratulated you, therefore, gentlemen, on the bright prospects of our Society, permit me to com- mend those prospects and all its future interests to your untiring attention, to your love of good learning, to your love of country. Nor would you excuse me—I could not excuse myself—were I not reverently to commend them to yet higher regards, to the blessing of Him, the Eternal Author of Nature, and Source of being,- »

* Who fosters with a parent's care 'The tribes of earth, and sea, and air."

APPENDIX.

Since the opening of the Society’s Hall, a new spirit has been excited. Semi-monthly meetings, well attend- ed, have succeeded to those interviews, at which a few zealous members only, could be collected, once a month. Written communications on subjects connected with the different branches of Natural History, or reports upon objects previously presented to the Cabinet, or both, have

een liberally offered at each meeting ; and the initiation of sixty-two members since our first meeting in the Hall, is the best evidence that the interest in Natural History is

Valuable additions have been made to each department

14 Mr. Greenwood’s Address, &c.

of the Cabinet. Many perfect skeletons of animals have been presented and deposited. Among these, deserve to be mentioned, those of the Hydrocherus Capybara, Mus- tela Canadensis, Cervus Virginianus, Iguana tuberculata, Emys serpentina. The Crania of the Felis tigris, Sus scropha, Sus babirussa, Lacerta Crocodilus and Cervus Virginianus, should not be passed unnoticed. ,

About forty species of Birds now enrich our cases, among which is a magnificent specimen of the Sea Eagle, ( Falco fulvus) and seven other species of Falco—nine species of Duck, the Strix nebulosa, Quiscalus versicolor, Tetrao cupido, Scolopax borealis, Sterna arctica, Uria alle, Uria troile, Ardea virescens, &c.

Large additions have been made to the Entomological Cabinet, which now contains about 3000 species, well arranged; the majority of which are natives of New England.

Numerous specimens have Da added to the Cabinet of Minerals, of which, a collection of Lavas and Sulphurs from St. Vincents, Montserrat, and St. Lucia, and Petrifac- tions from Antigua, and a magnificent Beryl from Ackworth, N. H., by far the largest known in the world, measuring 3 feet 4 inches in circumference, are worthy of mention.

A valuable collection of Reptiles has been received from Surinam.

The contributions of a few individuals have laid the foundation of a collection of Crustacea, and have filled a case with Corals and Madrepores.

The Botanical department has not been forgotten. ‘To this belong about 900 species of plants, mostly from our own vicinity.

The Library is rapidly increasing. Upwards of 70 volumes, many of which are rare and valuable, have been added by Jonan, since August last. D. H, S

+

ART. II.—REMARKS IN DEFENCE OF THE AUTHOR OF THE “BIRDS OF AMERICA.” By rue Rev. Jonn Bacnmay, Charleston, South Carolina. — before the Boston Society of Natural History, Feb. 5, 1834

Sin:

I have observed in your interesting and valuable Journal a number of remarks calculated to impeach the veracity of Mr. Audubon as a traveller and naturalist, and to injure him in the estimation of the community as an author. Although from my profession and habits I feel no disposi- tion to enter into controversy, yet having had opportuni- ties which few others possess, of becoming acquainted with the occupations and literary acquirements of that gentle- man, and being prompted, not by feelings of private friend- ship alone, but by a desire that full justice should be awarded him for those expenses, sacrifices and privations which he has undergone, Ï take the liberty of stating what I know on this subject, and Ï have reason to believe, from the characters of the writers, who have doubted his

* This article was originally written for Loudon's Magazine, in order that the attacks upon the veracity of Mr. Audubon might be met, in the land where it was first questioned. It was, at the same

publish itin our own country ; for although the naked fact, that Mr. bon’s statements have been questioned by the learned in for- eign lands, may — gain extensive currency, the experiments, by which his statements and views have been so triumphantly vindicat- ed, may not be so readily brought to sry knowledge by means of an English Journal. We have confined ourselves almost entirely to what is valuable in a scientific point of view, n several por- c MM inn nature hich would be su- perfluous to an American reader. (Pub frudus

16 Remarks in Defence of the Author

veracity and the authenticity of his works, that with that generosity of feeling so distinctive of those who are en- gaged in liberal and kindred pursuits, they will be grati- fied to assign him the meed of praise which he so un- doubtedly merits.

It appears that exception has been taken to two articles by Mr. Audubon,— one on the habits of the rattle snake ( Crot- alus,) and the other on the habits of the turkey buzzard (Cathartes aura, TuLIG.). The latter publication is now lying before me, the former I have not had an opportunity of seeing; but from what I gather from some communications in your Journal, it appears that he ascribed to the rattle snake some of the habits of the common black snake ( Col- uber constrictor, Linn.) such as ascending trees in search of game, feeding on squirrels, &c. He also mentioned the re- markable fact of its living a considerable length of time in confinement without food, and of its being found in the water, at a considerable distance from the shore. -

I do not wish either to defend or perpetuate error, and acknowledge that the rattle snake appears to be a heavy and sluggish reptile ; yet it will be recollected that there are now found in this extensive country at least five well defined species of rattle snake, and that the "habits of some of these are very litle known to natural- ists. 'The fact is now pretty well established, and is gen- erally admitted by naturalists in this country, that one or more of our species of rattle snakes in the South and West have been seen on fences and on trees to a consid-

erable height. The letters of Col. Abert of the uU”

S. Topographical Engineers and others who have had the best means of ascertaining these facts, published in the American Journals, go far to prove that the observa- tions of Audubon in this respect have not been exagge- rated. Under an impression that some of these statements

iss xm i os D e ed È PER ie dE E EM d a m$ Toa et Ce am c iibi al re a DR E Jen TEE Bam IURE A ie eR Ae qom EUER 3 ` USA eS E

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AS RB meh ei i ec PRÉC.

of the “ Birds of America.” 17

may be new to your readers, I take the liberty of sending you the following extract from the letters of Col. Abert published in the Monthly American Journal of Geology and Natural Science, Nov. 1831, page 221.

* [ have been informed that some of our learned city gentlemen have doubted the truth of his (Audubon’s) representation of the rattle snake attacking a mocking bird’s nest (Turdus polyglottus, Linn.) from an opinion that the rattle snake does not climb ; an opinion by the way, more common in our cities, than with the hunters in the wilds in which this reptile is generally found. But as I am possessed of some facts on this subject, which prove that the rattle snake does climb, I will in justice to Mr. Audubon relate them to you.”

* Ist. When Lieut. Swift of our army was engaged on the survey in Florida in 1826, his attention was suddenly called to a group of his men within about one hundred feet from where he stood. ‘They had just killed a snake, which the men assured him they had seen seize a grey squirrel on the limb of a tree, about fifteen feet from the ground and fall to the earth with it. When Lieut. Swift had arrived at the place, the snake was already dead and much mangled. He did not examine it forthe rattles, but his Florida hunters, who are as familiar with the ap- pearance of the rattle snake as we are with that of the chicken, told him that it was a rattle snake.”

* 9d. General Jessup, the Quarter Master General of

_ our army, assured me in conversation a day or two since, that he had seen the rattle snake upon bushes, and par- ticularly stated one case in which he had seen a snake of that kind up a Paupau tree ( Porcelia triloba, Punsu). He added that in one of his excursions in the woods of the West he had actually witnessed a scene similar to that of Mr Di aa Ng a ai m aa 1

vor. LVE > WE

dn

*

18 Remarks in Defence of the Author

But he does not recollect whether in this instance it was a rattle snake or not.”

3d. General Gibson, the Commissary General of our army has also assured me that he has seen the rattle snake upon bushes and upon the top rail of fences. He likewise stated a case in which he saw a rattle snake in

the fork of a tree about eight feet from the ground, coiled”

and at rest. ‘The tree stood by itself and the diameter of its trunk was upwards of one foot. He knocked the snake out of the fork and killed it. I could cite many other cases, “ but I prefer limiting myself to these, as I am personally acquainted with the gentlemen named, and received their stories from their own mouths.”

« Now after these facts I cannot suppose that anty's rea- sonable man will doubt the ability of the rattle snake to climb. Both Generals Jessup and Gibson are well ac- quainted with this snake, and good observers and fond of the woods. The latter particularly so, being now one of our most expert sportsmen, and has been during his life stationed in almost every State of our Union. He is also particularly attentive to the habits of the animals which in the course of his amusement, he seeks either to obtain or to destroy.”

I am in possession of unpublished certificates (of a similar character with the above,) from Dr. Cooper, re- cently President of the South Carolina College,

"That the rattle snake sometimes takes to the water,

ani 400076 cònssderable distance fonr ha rek"

water is a fact now fully established. Dr. Leitner, a German botanist, now residing in this city, and on whose veracity the fullest reliance can be placed, authorizes me to state, that in exploring the Floridas during the last ies, be met: viti: ocning qe

d

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Dia Mis LM She aie hea au ron

pecs eae touche dA V DIP Ras tap So or E NEU.

of the “ Birds of America.” 19

Bay, on the western coast of Florida, a mile from the shore. This was also witnessed by Dr. Randolph and Mr. Hackley who were in company.

How long this reptile can subsist without food I am unable to say. I have seen a rattle snake eat in confine- ment ; but of four or five that were kept in the Charleston Museum during the whole of the last summer, not one of them tasted a morsel of food, although rats and other living animals were placed in their cage. That the rattle snake in its native woods feeds on squirrels as well as on rabbits (Lepus Americanus, GmeL.) and rats is well known. I have myself seen the largest of our squirrels ( Sciurus vulpinus, GwEL.) cut out from the body of a rattle snake, as well as a Florida rat (Arvicola Floridana, Ongp) and the latter animal (a circumstance not generally known) occasionally breeds on trees as well as the former. In what manner these quadrupeds were captured, whether by stratagem, or by being seized in their nests at night, or by being run down in the manner of the black snake, no one is able positively to state or to contradict. Possibly,

tle snakes may yet be discovered to be `

in their habits, possessing a degree of activity at night

which is not exhibited by as, unless hard pressed by hunger. The hunters of Carolina who go in pursuit of deer by torch-light, speak of their frequently meeting the rattle snake in their nightly walks, actively engaged in search of prey. On a subject, then, where there exists such a diversity of opinion, let us not too hastily condemn “aman who describes what he asserts he has seen, since so many of his statements which at first appeared some- what incredible, have been corroborated by the recent observations of naturalists. E to the experiments of Audubon. m. power of smelling usu: d to the turkey buzzard,

*

20 Remarks in Defence of the Author

( Cathartes aura, Yurxa.) Facknowledge that he has adopted views opposed to the long established opinions of naturalists. But no one who will read his paperon the subject, con- taining a full detail of a number of experiments on the habits of this vulture, can deny, that if he intended to deceive the world, he certainly chose. a subject where detection of error was easy and certain. In our southern cities, these birds, with a kindred species (Cathartes iota, Bonar.) commonly called the carrion crow, are so abun- dant in our streets and on our house-tops as to have become a nuisance. . Mr. Audubon, in his frequent visits to this city, has fearlessly invited investigation on this subject. During his absence, he has written to me on several occasions, urging me to make farther experiments-

On the 16th of December, during a visit of Mr. Au- dubon to this city, I commenced a series of experiments on the habits of the vultures (C. aura et C. iota) particularly as regards their powers of smell and sight, which continued with little intermission till the 31st. Written invitations were sent to all the Professors of the two Medical Colleges in this city ; to the officers some of the members of the Philosophical Society, such other individuals as we believed might take an interest in the subject. Although Mr. Audubon was present during most of this time, and was willing to render any assistance required of him, yet he desired that we might make the experiments ourselves ; that we might adopt any mode that the ingenuity or experience "s others could suggest for arriving at the most correct conclusions. The manner in which these experiments were made, together with the result, I now proceed to detail.

There were three points on which the veracity of Audubon had been assailed. 1. Whether is the Vulture gregarious? 2. Whether he feeds on fresh as well as

*

TOUT E

of the * Birds of America.” 21

putrid flesh? 3. Whether he is attracted to his food by the eye or the scent ?

I. Whether the vultures of this country are gregarious ?

That vultures during the breeding season, and occa- sionally at other times, fly singly, is well known ; but such is also the case with all our birds that usually keep in flocks, witness the wild pigeon ( Columba migratoria, Lin.) and the robin (Turdus migratoria, Lin.) and many of our water birds. But that our vultures are in the true sense of the word gregarious, is a fact well established. In most cases, in the interior of our State, as well as in the environs of this city, considerable numbers are found in company, from three or four to forty or fifty. ‘They hunt for their prey in company ; they feed together on the same car- rion; they perform their gyrations in great numbers to- gether, and they roost together.

I have visited their roosting. places, a sight well worth travelling many miles to observe. In some deep swamp or occasionally on high ground, surrounded by a thicket of vines and thorny shrubs usually composed of Zizyphus volubilis, ErrroTT, and several species of the Smilax and Rubus, the buzzards resort for years together to spend their nights. Here, on some dead tree, and fre- quently on several that may be standing near each other, they are crowded so close together, that one or two hundred may be counted on a tree, and frequently thirty or forty on a single branch. The ground and bushes within a certain extent are covered with the excrements, which

by their acidity, have destroyed the whole undergrowth

of shrubs and plants, and every blade of grass, so that the surface presents an appearance of -beving enti

several thick coatings of whitewash. aiit IIl. Whether our vultures cones on fresh, as well as putrid food ? On als is head it ry to make

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22 Remarks in Defence of the Author

experiments, it bemg a subject with which even the most casual observer amongst us is well acquainted. The roof of our market house is covered with these birds every morning, waiting for any little scrap of fresh meat that may be thrown to them by the butchers. At our slaughter- pens, the offal is quickly devoured by our vultures whilst it is yet warm from the recent death of the slaughtered animal. I have seen the Cathartes aura a hundred miles in the interior of this country, where he may be said to be altogether in a state of nature, regaling himself on the entrails of a deer which had been killed not an hour before. Two years ago, Mr. H. Ward, (who is now in London, and who was in the employ of siilibdenepiical Society of this city) was in the habit of at the foot of my garden in the suburbs of Charleston, she fresh carcasses of the birds he had skinned ; and in the course

of half an hour both species of vulture, and particularly

the Cathartes aura, came and devoured the whole. Nay, we discovered that vultures fed on the bodies of those of their own species that had been thus exposed. A few days ago, a vulture that had been killed by some boys in the neighborhood, and had fallen near the place where we were pt our epu attracted, on the

him in the repast. In this instance, the former chased away the two latter to some distance, an unusual occur- rence, as the black vulture is the strongest bird and gen- erally keeps off the other species. We had the dead bird lightly covered with some rice chaff where it still remains undiscovered by the vultures.

-~ HI. is the vulture attracted to its food by the sense of smell, or of sight? A numberof experiments were tried

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