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 Nov., 1914 FORTY-FIVE YEAR HISTORY OF THE SNOV'Y HERON IN UTAH 247 records of Utah breeding birds, we had hoped to complete very soon; but a recent eommtnication from H. W. Carriger containing a just rebuke from Professor Grinnell for withholding these records, has hastened their trauserip- tion. Lest we had forgotten some detail of Mr. Knudson's reminiscences, and in the hope of gathering some new bit of information, Sunday last, August 30, we again visited him to hear anew his story. He told us of the many offers made him for the purchase of these lands, but he had loved and protected the wild- fowl from boy-hood and could not part with them now--only to the Govern- ment would he sell, which could offer the birds even more protection by estab- lishing a well guarded' preserve. A few years ago a diminished supply of water from the Bear River threatened the destruction of these marshes; but since the construction of an immense power plant, a permanent supply of water is assured, and these wonderful breeding grounds teeming with bird life will remain a heritage to posterity. Since the building of the Lucin Cut-off, which keeps the salt water of the Lake confined to the mouth of the bay, the Bear River is gradually freshening, and the saline matter is slowly being washed out, making it more healthful and affording better food for the birds. FROM DIARY AND FIELD NOTES Bear River, Utah, April 22, 23, 1910.--Of sixty-four nests counted by Ed- ward Treganza, only a few contained eggs. A single colony found nesting in company with the Great Blue and Black-crowned Night Heron. Here the rushes were solid enough to sustain one's weight. Each years' tules withering, bowed their heads to the water until successive years' growths matted one upon an- other, undulating in parched yellow waves, the troughs of which the herons chose for their nests. Along the ragged edges where the new, green growth appeared, an occasional nest was found constructed of broken down reeds and rushes woven into a secure platform and resting but a few inches above the water. Bear River, Utah, May 1, 2, 1910.--G. R. Walker, J. A. Mullen and the Treganzas again visited the Snowy Heron rookery. Nearly all the nests at this date contained full clutches ranging from three to six eggs, four and five being the usual complement. Following are the measurements of four sets taken from this colony. Set of six Set of six Set of five Set of eight 1.73xl.30 1.71xl.29 1.65xl.36 1.28xl.60 1.71xl.29 1.68xl.26 1.62xl.25 1.27xl.64 1.77xl.30 1.70xl.31 1.65xl.22 1.28xl.66 1.75xl.275 1.73xl.27 1.61xl.235 1.28xl.67 1.72xl.29 1.67xl.27 1.67xl.34 1.31xl.68 1.79xl.22 1.71xl.30 1.31xl.60 1.29xl.59 1.25xl.73 The set of eight is exceptionally large, but only one egg gives indication of having been. deposited by another bird. Both size and color of this egg shows considerable variation from the others. Bear River, Utah, April 11, 12, 1911.--Edward Treganza made an effort to reach the rookeries, hoping to secure some Great Blue Heron eggs, and to ascertain if any of the Snowy Heron had arrived; but on the night of April 11 a terrible storm blew up, bringing with it a heavy fall of snow and a sudden plunge downward of the thermometer.