xoo THE CONDOR [ Vol. II areas. But it is only these conditions combined with the destruction of the young birds by the chipmunks, that give the latter supremacy in the moun- tain forests. Stop the damage that is being done to their young by the chip- munks and the birds would increase as rapidly here as they do elsewhere, for here as in other localities they have accommodated themselves thoroughly to the existing conditions imposed on them by the nature of their surroundings, except when it comes to the mischiev- ous little chipmunks. With these rodents, so far, I believe they have been unable to cope. If we go into this conclusion in detail, we find that it is borne out by facts, for in the mountain gorests of this section, large upland areas densely clothed with timber, are found to be practically devoid of bird life, and only the drumnfing of the woodI)ecker, the quitring note of the nuthatch and the frequent chatter of chipmunk or squirrel attracts the atten- tion of the wanderer; but as one approaches the damp or brush-covered flats along the streams We become aware of a change, for from all sides come the notes or songs of birds innumerable and the roar of the cataract only serves as a setting for the pleasing note of the Water Ouzel. Here we find not only the great bulk of the flowering plants, but the birds whose very existence is in a great measure dependent on their blossoms or seeds; and here too we find the chipmunk, feeding as readily off of wild gooseberries, sunflower seed or columbine root, while here is where he does more damage to growing birds than elsewhere, because their nests are met with more frequently. From a close study of the birds themselves, I have found that those birds which nest on or near ground other than marsh land, are much less apt to rear their young to nmturity, while those that nest in or near marshy soil or marsh grass or in the vicinity of occnpied buildings are comparatively free from molestation by chipmunks. Pileolated Warblers, Juncos and simi- lar birds belong to the former class and are much scarcer here than the)- should be, 'while robins, sparrows, bluebirds and others rear from one to two broods annually in safety. The chipmunks are continually prying around old logs, bushes or trees that are situated on dry land, but they cease their investigations as soon as they come to marshy soil, marsh grass or localities frequented by man. In illustration of this I will add that a great many birds took advantage of the hotel and cottages this year, by nesting near them, and in no case did their young come to harm and chip- munks were seen very rarely in the vicinity of their nests while the place was overrun with people, but as soon as they had materially decreased in num- bers, chipmunks increased in like amount but could not injure the young birds as they were nearly all gone. might also show how several species of flycatchers have held their own here and are numerous, owing to the acute- ness of their vision, which enables them to outwit these little animals, and sev- eral other instances of special faculties rendering aid to their avian owners could' be introduced, but [ believe have at least outlined the suhject so that others may follow it out more in detail. It is also not assuming much to say that in such a region of cone-bearing trees, the family ?icidce would be much better represented were it not for the presence of the chipnmnks, who very probably take advantage as occasion offers, to visit the birds' homes while they are absent in quest of focd for their young. Curiosity in the young, tempered by wariness in the older ones has, I feel sure, led them far in this work of destruction, for originally I do not believe chipmunks were in any way carnivorous. In conclusion, the advan- tage that the chipmunks possess over the birds of their habitat, is a more diversified food supply, making their annual increase many times larger than
