The illustration faithfully portrays three birds taken at Miller's, Indiana, on the beach of Lake Michigan. The color of the legs, which are obscured by the shadow of the body, is a pale, slaty blue. [Illustration: THE WESTERN WILLET (Symphemia semipalmata inornata.) 1/4 Life-size. FROM COL. CHI. ACAD. SCIENCES. COPYRIGHT 1900, BY A. W. MUMFORD, CHICAGO.] Though the Willets are restless and noisy birds, they are much less so, and, indeed, quite unconscious of their surroundings when nesting. Regarding their habits at this time, Dr. Coues has told us that if they "become thoroughly alarmed by too open approach, particularly if the setting bird be driven from her nest, there is a great outcry, violent protest and tumult where there was quietude. Other pairs, nesting near by, join their cries till the confusion becomes general. But now, again, their actions are not those they would show at other times; for, instead of flying off with the instinct of self-preservation, to put distance between them and danger, they are held by some fascination to the spot, and hover around, wheeling about, flying in circles a little ways, to return again, with unremitting clamor. They may be only too easily destroyed under such circumstances, provided the ornithologist can lay aside his scruples and steel himself against sympathy." It is to be hoped that all the States, frequented by the Willets, will enact proper legislation which will amply protect these interesting waders. Frank M. Woodruff. * * * * * Autumn once more begins to teach; Sere leaves their annual sermon preach; And with the southward-slipping sun Another stage of life is done. The day is of a paler hue, The night is of a darker blue, Just as it was a year ago; For time runs fast, but grace is slow! Thou comest, autumn, to unlade Thy wealthy freight of summer shade, Still sorrowful as in past years, Yet mild and sunny in thy tears, Ripening and hardening all thy growth Of solid wood, yet nothing loth To waste upon the frolic breeze Thy leaves, like flights of golden bees. --Frederick William Faber. CRUEL TREATMENT OF BIRDS DEMANDED BY DAME FASHION. All of my readers probably know in a general way that Dame Fashion is responsible for the destruction of the lives of many birds, but they may not know to what extent this is true.