172 1875. July 20. "Junk of Pork" which I did not visit. The latter gentleman also affirmed that at the time of his last visit at least a thousand terns were breeding on the islands & he could not account for the small number that I saw. Certainly 40 pairs would be a large estimate of the number as I found them. Leaving the island about sundown we had a very rough passage back but reached Peaks Island by 8 P.M. and taking the 9 P.M. Steamboat for the city I passed the night again at the Peeble house. I forgot to mention the fact that a flock of about 100 lesser egrettes came off the smaller island at my first shot and quickly disappeared. All were in immature plumage and we saw about the same number last night at Scarborough resting on the flats. Probably the bird never breeds the first year. July 21 In the forenoon visited Willys Taxidermy shop. He had 5 Ardetta gulls & a fine Herodias egretta all shot at Portland this season. Also some for 5 Sons. Quetables taken then last winter. He has taken his Princeps the 15 of March last and ever two Mil. Lincoln's at different times. The harlequin duck used to occur frequently in days in large flocks but is now rarer. Took the 2.35 train on the B. & M. for home and arrived in Boston at 7. Found everything all right as usual.