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Ta oe heed a ot ~~ - Dede Yd é 7 y . leis ll nets ae ee a + - ," . “ - = - - ae, 5 - ates » + oeree, ia. re wv « - ed Pe OE Et nee" « oo ¥4 - eae - - Pes _ “~< - ny ih ibaptin de cox Py wi : ° = y resigns Pa 0 On —— So < ma a none Sat ~ Pe AA ary a ae > on ied ~_—/> . oad a ade se ae- ae -. “ = ¥ = i - : a ~* Sie 7 re, Ow ew ey “PX oie ——-s —e- i ~~ y tory " . « > we REBouND /938 Hibrary of the Museum OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY, AT HARVARD COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, MASS, Bi <8 or Department of fhe Snferior: | U. S. NATIONAL MUSEUM. es i eee | LIBRARY VUS COME ZOOLOGS CAMORCOGE, (0, PROCEEDINGS OF THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. ye ‘_ > » t Pal a) 4 i ie * yt,’ Pon : CN Gor Fe ay X ‘ 1878. -: ___ PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. | LS $9. YOCIGOS S08 ET SeAMDUIAG AD & a {ze TABLE OF CONTENTS. Bean, Tarleton H. Description of a New Sparoid Fish, Sargus Holbrookii, from Savan- Mi See << aiwexei a 2) sass wee ce komik bie 2. oes anne S lai oddest TIF. aks daiwa sil sores On the Occurrence of Sticheus punctatus (Fabr.) Kroyer, at St. Michael's, Alaska. -..-.-- ——- Be the Identity of “peat tote i Putnamt Gill, with Pleuronectes glaber (Storer) Gill, See also under Goode and Bean. | Belding, E. A Partial List of the Birds of Central California..-...........-. ee Pe Pare Cook, Caleb. The Manufacture of Porpoise-Oil...............-.---..-.------..- | age SOR Dali, W. HEE. Descriptions of New Forms of Mollusks from Alaska contained in the Collec- tions of the National Museum ....-.-..-.. (Sows Sn Ries fon RNR Sadat, ted load de wenden Postpliocene Fossils in the Coast Range of Califormia..-..-...--...--.2s.2e00--------.00 5 Fossil Mollusks from Later Tertiaries of California. ....--..---2..---..26.2.22-------25- Note on Shells from Costa Rica Kitchenmidden, collected by Drs. Flint and Bransford -. ears or Cantorman Tertiary Fossils... -- 23.2 S22i 5s. Sinan cele nae ass +. ese deeds Descriptions of New Species of Shells from California in the Collections of the Na- III fe Se Se ek an ORR ep I see ltp SaSae iN oes dee td Report on the Limpets and Chitens of the se. 7 apa Arctic Regions, with Descrip- tions of Genera and Species believed to be new Edwards, Vinal N, On the Occurrence of the Oceanic Bonito, Orcynus pelamys (Linné) Deoy, ie Weneeeee SOMME, Mang . .. 2.020052 25 25 aus 25h. 5: hansed Seen ds gation done hs oceans eale Gill, Theodore. Synopsis of the Pediculate Fishes of the Eastern Coast of Extratropi- EE RECS os 5 san 7 20 aa ee aa ew ack wd oe RE ates FF zee Ste Gal Gee Antemnariide .. i. o226 42 ned foes sads 3 ewan se axdsacdoas 352-41 ous kee nse css — On the Preper Specific Name of the cami eae Sided Pterophryne te (GES a ag st tae bal Sea a ap ehbedeat wiris>- ondswt = «.2hesduceeud J GAGS BNO MME =< nk A wns See ck oo abs cawede Darter e Hep aa teks o cade cae 12k te Goode, G. Brown. The Clupea tyrannus of Latrobe. .............-..-22224----2-2200-seees — The Occurrence of Belone latimanus in Buzzard’s Bay, Massachusetts..-.....-.......--. — The Voices of Crustaceans. ..-.........-....--- Pat ake ie Sakis hates da tennl 12 Ba A Revision of the American Species of the Genus Brevoortia, with a Description of a rr erate Sheth, Idee Gs ee METIS. wade sgh deste ages o hach soni ans eda nee des os fe SSn ws The Occurrence of Hippocampus antiquorum, or an Allied Form, on Saint Ceorge’s Te ee ee —_ The Occurrence of the Canada Porcupine i oe 2 ele a ens fle ese eae On Two Fishes from the Bermudas mistakenly described as new by Dr. Ginther Goode, G. Brown, and Tarleton H. Bean. The Craig Flounder of Europe, Glyp- tocephalus cynoglossus, on the Coast of North America ............-.-------------+---------- — The Oceanic Bonito on the Coast of the United States ...............-------.--.-------- oe ae of Caulolatilus microps, a New Species of Fish from the Gulf Coast of we Descriptions of Two New Species of Fishes, Lutjanus Blackfordii and Lutjanus enn ens OIL ARE SO MPR Se ee aE So dete oop ube scanew co cindes sehen snes —— A Note upon the Black Grouper (Epinephelus nigritus (Holbrook) Gill) of the Southern —— Descriptions of Two Gadoid Fishes, Phycis Chesteri and Haloporphyrus viola, from the Deep-Sea Fauna of the Northwestern Atlantic. ...........---..--..2----2------ eee eee eee eee Description of Argentina syrtensium, a New Deep-Sea Fish from Sable Island Bank ...-. The Identity of Rhinonemus caudacuta (Storer) Gill with Gadus cimbrius Linn. .-..--.--- Note on Platessa ferruginea D. H. Storer, and Platessa rostrata H. R. Storer ......------- — On the Identity of Brosmius americanus Gill, with Brosmius brosme (Miller) White ... ul Page. 198 279 345 463 388 16 264 462 y~ avd hale ws eas IV | _ TABLE OF ee e Jackson, J.B.S., M.D. Arsenic Acid for protecting Anatomical Prepertons si m Jefferson, Lieut. J. P., Dr. Joseph Y. Porter, and Thomas Moore. an ; Destruction of Fish in_ the Vicinity of the Tortugas during the months of September and October, LOTS © tse eee ie oe eee oe eee eee eet enews sn dicec el 244 i 69 Jordan, David S., M.D. Notes on a Collection of Fishes from Clackamas River, Oregon-. 69 Jordan, David S., and Charles H. Gilbert. Notes on the Fishes of Beaufort Harbor, __ North Carsltha. 2. sod. oo oo oe ep ce nn 2 ee es Ce a » «Wt 365 Lawrence, George N. Catulogue of the Birds of Tiecaiien from Collections made for the Smithsonian Institution by Frederick A. Ober, together with his Notes and Observa- GONG 2 eos oe nes Sein Je ye os cece w a ence cece oa cee cece eeu e ne Ge nes oie etal ete ere ee pe Ar! Catalogue of the Birds of St. Vincent, from Collections made by Mr. Fred. A. Ober, * relias under the Directions of the Smithsonian Institution, with his Notes thereon................. 185 Catalogue of the Birds of Antigua and Barbuda, from Collections made for the Smith. = = sonian Institution, by Mr. Fred. A. Ober, with his Observations .................2-...---+--s 332. - Catalogue of the Birds of Grenada, from a Collection made by Mr. Fred. A. Ober for the © ig a Smithsonian Institution, including others seen by him, but not obtained ...........-.-...... 265 — } Catalogue of the Birds collected in Martinique by Mi. Fred. A. Ober for the Smithsonian 2 Tnstitntion .... 22... .ccac ence dade encca sp ne | Sms vam een ale eee An ee ee etme see ae eee 349 Catalogue of a Collection of Birds obtained in Guadeloupe for the Smithsonian Institu- tion, by Mr. Fred. A. Ober 2.0.2... cncesecccecuesiesstcuass cabagues=ssstneeky ene enene 449 A General Catalogue of the Birds noted from the Islands of the Lesser Antilles visited by Mr. Fred. A. Ober; with a Table showing their Distribution, and those found in the United StAEOR os Saco ccc mec c meet cnr easeee supe cpseccectnes cops dub ssinns ces aan Ameen 486 Lupton, Prof. N.T. On the Breeding Habits of the Sea-Catfish (Ariopsis Wilberti?) ....... 278 Merrill, Dr. James C., U.S.A. Notes on the Ornithology of Southern Texas, being a List of Birds observed in the Vicinity of Fort Brown, Texas, from February, 1876, to June, 1878.. 118 Poey, Felipe. Notes on the American Species of the Genus Cybiwim .......2.-.+.20++- devhen 3 Pratt, Capt. R.H., U.S.A. Catalogue of Casts taken by Clark Mills, Esq., of the Heads of Sixty-four Indian Prisoners of Various Western Tribes, and held at Fort Marion, Saint Augus- tine, Fla., in Charge of Capt. R. H. Pratt, UCB, Aucevunes sions dassenh pdpeypaeuen ene evden Se Ridgway, Robert. Ona New Humming Bird (Atthis Ellioti) from Guatemala............... 8 ek A Review of the American Species of the Genus Scops, Savigny .....-..-..--pecceeceeese 85 "RO Descriptions of Several New Species and Geographical Races of Birds contained in the 4 Collection of the United States National Museum. ......... cc... 220. cee soeesecwennnencctacs ne Description of Two New Species of Birds from Costa Rica, and Notes on other Rare sh hai . Species from that Cousihy...2.<. sou seeccoccccescsccucqucnscchewen cvckeestebunlsegapel ave oth 252 ANS Descriptions of New Species and Races of American Birds, including a Synopsis of the a7 y Genus Zyranmus, Cuvier : ....cccecenescaceecaccuchssscnse sen subascshaust nets lees sue aanneee 466 Stearns, Silas. A Note on the Gulf Menhaden, mrideaile patronus, Goode. ....20.c0 eeeeee USL vi Steindachner, Dr. Franz. Note on Percd Jlavescens .....-00.0-enseeeecenreeccenaseeares Pe Wilmot, Samuel. Notes on the Western Gizzard Shad, Dorosoma cepedianwm indiana = , : (Raf.) Jordan oestrone Sn teeeee eeeeeee Tree eee ee ee eee Ss | eee een wmee PT Ree eee eee eee eee seer enw nee SR i: 7 PROCEEDINGS OF THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 1878s. f a DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW FORMS OF MOLLUSKS FROM ALASKA CONTAINED IN THE COLLECTIONS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, By W. H. DALL. CHITONID Zi. Genus AMICULA Gray. Type A, vestita Sowerby. Subgenus CHLAMYDOCHITON Dall. Ch. t. ‘Amicule’ similiter sed branchize ambientes. Type Chiton amiculatus Pallas. Amicula proper has the branchiz median. Genus LEPTOCHITON Gray. Leptochiton Belknapi Dall, n. s. L. t. elongata, valde elevata, dorsualiter angulaté; albida plus minusve cinereo et nigro tincta; valvis elevatis, apicibus distinctis; mucrone centrali conspicuo; sculptura ut in LZ. alveolo, sed granulis in areis dor- sualis sparsim et quincuncialiter dispositis; valva postica sub apice con- cava, posticé sinuata; zona minima spicalis tenuibus versus marginem munita. Lon. 10, lat.3™™. Div. 90°. Hab.—North Pacific Ocean, in lat. 53° 08’ N., and lon. 171° 19’ W., at a depth of 1006 fathoms, black sand and shells. Brought up in the sounding-cup, on the sounding expedition of the United States ship Tuscarora, Capt. George E. Belknap, U.S. N., in 1874. This specimen comes from a greater depth than any specimen of the order hitherto collected. It is nearest to L. alveolus Sars, from the coast of Norway. Genus TRACHYDERMON Cpr. Subgenus TRACHYRADSIA Cpr. (Ms.). Trachydermon, valvis centralibus bi- seu pluri-fissatis. Type Chiton fulgetrum Reeve. Trachyradsia aleutica Dall, n.s. T. t. parva, rufo-cinerea, oblonga, fornicata; jugo acutissimo; mucrone Proc. Nat. Mus. 73——1 1 TS 2 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. submediano, apicibus prominentibus; areis lateralis inconspicuis; tota superficie quincuncialiter minute reticulata; intus, valv. ant. 16-, post. 11-, centr. 2-fissatis; dent. parvis, perspongiosis, late separatis; sub- grundis spongiosis, curtis; sinu parvo; zona squamulis minutis obsita, Lon. 6, lat. 3™™. Hab.—Western Aleutians, near low-water mark; Dall. This bears no marked resemblance to any of the other Alaskan species. Genus TONICELLA Cpr. Type Chiton marmoreus Fabr. Tonicella saccharina Dall, n.s. T. t. parva, oblonga, tota superficie saccharina, rufo et albescente picta; mucrone submediano, inconspicuo; areis lateralis inconspicue ele- vatis, albescentis; areis dorsualis sanguinosis, zeque quincuncialiter lente reticulatis; v. ant. 10-11-, v. post. 8-10-, v. centr. 1-fissatis; dent. par- vis spongiosis, sinu parvo; subgrundis spongiosis, mediocris; zon& coriacea ut in Tonicelle aliis: branchiw mediz. Lon. 6.5, lat. 4™™. Hab.—Aleutian Islands, three to thirteen fathoms; Dall. This species has the lustre of rock-candy, and is well marked by the contrast of the white lateral with the red dorsal areas. Genus SCHIZOPLAX Dall. Testa et zona Tonicelle simulans; valve centrales sulco jugali medi- ano, antico argute incise ; branchiz subambientes. ° Type Chiton Brandtii Midd. For this remarkable Alaskan form, distinguished from all other Chi- tons by its slit central valves, I propose to adopt a name suggested by Dr. Carpenter, who, on Middendortf’s figures, had intended to propose it as a subgenus of TYonicella. The specimens obtained by my party seem to be the first found since the original ones were obtained. A careful examination of the soft parts shows that in dentition and some other details sufficient basis for generic separation is found, confirming the testimony of the valve characters. The sulcus is usually filled by a horny or cartilaginous deposit. It may be added here that investigation of the characters of the radula in numerous species and genera of Chitons in the National Mu- seum shows a very remarkable uniformity of dentition. No larger groups than genera are indicated in the whole order, which, it appears, can hardly comprise more than one family; and it is doubtful if this can be divided into subfamilies by any characters yet elucidated. The dentition in all species examined has the formula 6* 2:1 +2 > 6, or 1 rt Of the teeth, the rhachidian appears always simply cusped ; PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 3 the two laterals present varied characters; the third uncinus, counting outward, is usually spatulate; while the remainder are mere bosses, or scales. The wide differences found in the few figures of the dentition of Chitons extant appear to be due to erroneous interpretation of the objects represented. The figures of Lovén are the most satisfactory. POSTPLIOCENE FOSSILS IN THE COAST BANGE OF CALIFORNIA, By W. H. DALL. The National Museum has received from Mr. G. F. Merriam, of San Luis Rey, Cal., specimens of Donaz californicus, Chione succincta, Olivella, biplicata, and Cerithidea sacrata, in a semi-fossilized condition. The first mentioned retained a considerable part of its pinkish interior coloration. These fossils (probably with other species) are stated by Mr. Merriam to be found in great abundance at the head of a caion in that vicinity, in the heart of the Coast Range, twelve miles from the sea in a direct line, and six hundred feet above tide-water. All the species are found living in abundance on the present sea-coast. This indicates a very recent elevation for this part of the coast, if the facts are correctly interpreted, and further specimens and details will be awaited with interest. NOTES ON THE AMERICAN SPECIES OF THE GENUS CYBIUM. By FELIPE POEY. [Translated by G. BRowN GOoDE, from MS. memorandum of Professor FELIPE PoEY.] Cybium caballa, Cuv. & Val. Cybium eaballa, CUVIER & VALENCIENNES, Histoire Naturelle des Poissons, viii, 1831, p. 187.—GtnTHER, Catalogue of the Acanthopterygian Fishes in the Collection of the British Museum, ii, 1860, p. 373.—Pory, Repertorio Fisico-Natural de la Isla de Cuba, i, 1867, p. 322; ii, p. 13; and in Synopsis Piscium Cubensium, op. cit., ii, p. 362. Cybium acervum, CUVIER & VALENCIENNES, loc. cit., p. 186 (nec typus). Vulgo :—Sierra. Differential Characters.—First dorsal with fourteen spines, without a black spot anteriorly. Body immaculate in the adult, spotted with yel- lowish in the young fish. The number of teeth increases with the age; in large specimens, it is 3°, The larger teeth are placed upon the middle of the jaw, those in the lower jaw being a trifle the longer. The lateral line is very sinuous upon the posterior portion of the body. The eye is larger than in Cy- bium regale. Bluish upon the back, whitish under the belly. First dorsal white; second dorsal and caudal dusky-bluish (bleu-noirdtre) ; pectorals bluish, as is also the anal, which, however, becomes white at its extremity ; ventrals whitish. 4 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. In the young fish, under the length of two or three feet, the sides are covered with round, irregular spots, of rather dirty yellow (jaune un pew sale). * Cuvier described a specimen which weighed twenty-two pounds; at that size, the fish is still young, and retains its yellow spots. Those ordinarily taken range in weight from twelve to twenty-five pounds, though they reach the weight of one hundred pounds. I have seen one which measured 285™™, Cybium regale, (Bloch) Cuvier. Scomber regalis, BLocu, Naturgeschichte der auslindischen Fische, taf. 333. Cybium regale, CUVIER & VALENCIENNES, op. cit., p. 184.—GUNTHER, op. cit., p, 372.—POEY, op. cit., i, p. 322; ii, p. 362. Vulgo :—Pintada. Differential Characters.—The first dorsal has seventeen spines and the spot uponitsanterior portion. Thelateral bands and spots are persistent through life. The teeth are 2° in aspecimen of moderate size. In the upper jaw, the median teeth are the larger; in the lower, their size is more nearly equal. The back is bluish, as are also the top of the head, the second dorsal and its finlets, the caudal, and the pectorals. The first dorsal is white, having in front a spot of deep-blue, which is prolonged far back upon the upper edge of the fin. The anal and the ventrals are white. The sides are sky-blue, with silvery lustre; the belly is white, with a bluish tinge. The sides are marked with broken longitudinal bands and round spots; these bands and spots are yellow, more or less golden, and with a reddish tint. The ordinary size is about twelve pounds, though they sometimes reach the weight of twenty. Cybium acervum, Cuv. & Val. Cybium acervum, CUVIER & VALENCIENNES, op. cit., p. 186. The specimens described by Cuvier were of five pounds weight. He claims to have received specimens from Martinique, from Santo Domingo, and from Cuba, those from the latter place sent by me. I can only say that I have not been able to find this species, and that I have not included it in my manuscript “ Ichthyologie”. According to Cuvier, it has seventeen spines in the first dorsal, and also tbe black spot. The body is immaculate, even in the specimens of five pounds weight. Cybium maculatum, (Mitchill) Agassiz. Scomber maculatus, MircHILL, Transactions of the Literary and Philosophical Society of New York, i, 1815, p. 426, pl. vi, fig. 8. Cybium maculatum, AGAssiz, in Spix, Selecta Genera et Species Piscium, 1829, p- 103, tab. lx.—Cuvirr & VALENCIENNES, op. cit., p. 181.—GUNTHER, op. cit., p. 372. The Cybium maculatum of the United States has the teeth somewhat conical and very pointed. It has seventeen dorsal spines and a black spot upon the first dorsal, PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 5 Cybium immaculatum, Cuv. & Val. Cybium immaculatum, CUVIER & VALENCIENNES, op. cit., p. 191.—GUNTHER, op. cit., p. 370, note 5. The Cybium immaculatum of Cuvier has the body immaculate in spe- cimens only six or seven inches long. Acanthocybium peto, Poey. Acanthocybium Petus, PozyY, Memorias sobre la Historia Natural de la Isla de Cuba, ii, 1860, p. 234, pl. xvi, fig. 1; Repert., ii, p. 363. Vulgo :—Peto. This genus differs from Cybiwm by its numerous dorsal spines, twenty- five in number. The type taken by Professor Gill has the teeth com- pressed, triangular. The Cuban species has the points of the teeth rounded. The caudal is very small. The lower jaw has its sides deeply notched and its extremity lower than its lateral edges. In spe- cimens of Jess than three feet, the body is covered with vertical bands of a vitreous lustre (glacées). It grows very large, sometimes attaining the weight of one hundred pounds. THE CLUPEA TYRANNUS OF LATROBE. By G. BROWN GOODE, Mr. Benjamin H. Latrobe, a surveyor of public lands, published, in 1802, a description of a clupeoid fish the affinities of which have never been satisfactorily determined.* Dr. DeKay, misled by the name “ ale- wife”, applied the specific name tyrannus to the northern species known to him by that popular name (Pomolobus pseudo-harengus), a usage which was concurred in by Dr. Storer and M. Valenciennes. In his earlier writings, Professor Gill referred the same name to the shad (Alosa sapidissima). Latrobe’s paper, and the name therein proposed, have lately been lost sight of; but there is little doubt that they refer to the menhaden, or mossbunker (Clupea menhaden, Mitchill, and Bre- voortia menhaden, Gill). The laws of priority demand that this species shall henceforth be designated Brevoortia tyrannus. The fishes of the Chesapeake and its tributaries have been very little studied until within the past three years, and the habits of the men- haden are so different in these waters and in the north that it does not seem surprising for Northern ichthyologists to have made mistaken identification of Latrobe’s specific name. A few years ago the Capes of Delaware were thought to define the southern range of the menhaden, while its peculiar parasite and its habit of ascending southern rivers were unknown. *A Drawing and Description of the Clupea tyrannus and Oniscus pregustaior. By Benjamin H. Latrobe, F. A. P. 8. < Transactions of the American Philosophical Society held at Philadelphia for promoting useful knowledge, vol. v, 1802, p. 77. 6 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. I shall soon publish a full discussion of this subject. At present, my conclusions may be stated as follows :— (1) The figure, while undeniably bad, resembles the menhaden very closely, while it cannot be intended to represent any allied species. The contour, were the missing dorsal fin supplied, is similar to that of the menhaden. The black spot upon the scapular region is constant in the menhaden only, though a similar one is occasionally seen upon the shad and alewife. (2) The name “ bay alewife” is the same now given to the menhaden in the Chesapeake and its tributaries. This is a strong argument: for although seventy-five years have passed since Latrobe wrote, the per- sistence of popular names is very remarkable, as I have elsewhere pointed out.* Moreover, Latrobe was also acquainted with a * her- ring” and a “shad”. These being eliminated, there is no other fish than the menhaden to which the description in question can refer. (3) The habits of the alewife, as described by Latrobe, are essentially the same as those of the menhaden at the present day. The alleged river-ascending habits of the *‘ bay alewife” were thought to throw its identity with the menhaden out of the question. This is no longer an obstacle. (4) The presence of the crustacean parasite is the strongest argu- ment of all. While this is found in the mouths of a large percentage of the southern menhaden, suggesting the local name of ‘* bug fish”, it has never once been found attached to any other species, although careful search has been made by several persons. The northern men- haden is free from this parasite. This is still another reason for the failure to identify on the part of northern writers. . Latrobe’s name has the priority over Mitchill’s by thirteen years. It is to be regretted that it is necessary to replace by another a name so, appropriate and of such long standing. JANUARY 1, 1878. THE OCCURBENCE OF BELONE LATIMANUS IN BUZZARD’S BAY, MASSACHUSETTS. By G. BROWN GOODE. A peculiar species of Belone was obtained at Wood’s Holl, in 1875, by Professor Baird. It was caught in the weir on Great Neck, owned by the Wood’s Holl Weir Company. On study, it proved to be the form described by Professor Poey under the name Belone latimanus, and hitherto known only from Cuba. A good water-color sketch (Cat. No. 795) was made by Mr. Richard, a photograph (Cat. No. 218) taken, and the specimen and a finely colored cast (Cat. No. 16121) are preserved in the National Museum. rg * Catalogue of the Fishes of the Bermudas, 1876, p. 15. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 7 It may be distinguished from the common species of our coast, Belone longirostris, (Mitchill) Gill, by many characters, the most salient of which are the more elongate form, the lesser proportionate length of the head, the much greater number of rays in the vertical fins (B. lati- manus has D. 25: A. 23. JB. longirostris has D. 13-16: A. 16-19), the broader and proportionately shorter pectorals, and the forked caudal. The length of the specimen was 49 inches (1244.6 millimetres), its weight 54 pounds (2381 grams). CoLor :—Back, top of head, and snout dark green in dead specimen, probably beryl-green in life. Fin-rays greenish-brown. Fin-membranes and protected parts, such as axils of pectoral fins, colorless. Sides light brownish, with silvery overwash. Belly, cheeks, throat, and lower part of lower jaw silvery-white. Eye greenish-yellow. Radial formula.—Branchiostegals XIV. D. 24: A. 25: C. 7-6+ 7-5: P. i3+ V¥..6: i JANUARY 15, 1878. THE VOICES OF CRUSTACEANS. By G. BROWN GOODE. The observations of Mr. Saville Kent and Mr. J. Wood Mason (Na- TURE, vols. xvi, p. 565, and xvii, p. 11) recall to mind some similar facts recently noted by me in the Bermudas. Several species of Alpheus were observed to have the power of pro- ducing loud clicking sounds. Two or three of the larger species are accustomed to lurk under flat stones near low-water mark. Some of these are two inches long. When one of them is taken between the fingers by an inexperienced collector, the sudden, convulsive snap almost invariably causes him to drop it. The effect is like that of a sharp blow across the knuckles. Some smaller species of the genus are found only in the cavities of a large aplysine sponge, abundant on the reefs. I have picked out seventy or eighty from a fragment of sponge not more than three inches in diameter. When the sponge is taken in the hand, the quick succession of clickings reminds one of the sound of instruments in a large telegraph office. When one of these animals is put in an earthen or glass vessel, it makes a much louder noise, resembling a quick tap with the finger-nail or the back of a knife upon the edge of the same vessel. This noise is produced by a convul- sive snapping of the last joint of the large claw, by a movement resem- bling that of the spring beetles (Zlateride), and the sounds are quite Similar. Possibly these movements may have a protective object, enab- ling the little decapods to escape from the grasp of enemies, or to work out from under the stones and loose sand in which they must often become buried. Another macrurous crustacean, Gonodactylus chiragra, known to the 8 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Bermudians as the “split-thumb”, from its power of wounding by a sharp appendage of the larger claws, produces a viciously sharp, snap- ping noise, apparently in the same manner with Alpheus. * The “ Bermuda lobster” (Panulirus americanus M. Edw.) makes a loud grating noise. Mr. Kent describes the voice of the allied species (Pa- linurus quadricornis) as being produced by the rubbing together of the spinous abdominal segments. In the species observed by me, the sound was produced by means of certain modifications of the lower joints of the antenne. There is at the base of each antenna, upon the anterior part of the cephalo-thorax, a broad elevated ridge, parallel with the axis of the body, which in an adult of eighteen inches would be about two inches long. The rounded crests of these ridges are closely em- braced by processes from the sides of the basal antennal segments. The profile of each ridge describes the segment of a circle, the centre of which is the centre of articulation of its accompanying antenna. When the antennz are moved forward and backward, their tips waving over the back of the animal, the close contact of the hard, smooth, chitinous surfaces produces a shrill, harsh stridulation, like the sound of filing a saw. I have never heard the noise when the animals were under water, though I have seen them waving their antennz. I have no doubt that they can thus produce vibrations perceptible to their mates at great distances, especially if their other senses are as acute as that of smell, which I have tested in avery curious manner. Both sexes are provided with the vocal organs. DECEMBER 25, 1877. ON A NEW HUMMING BIRD (ATTHIS ELLIOTI) FROM GUATEMALA, By ROBERT RIDGWAY. Having had occasion, recently, to examine some specimens of Hum- ming Birds, I happened to notice certain striking differences between two examples labelled “Atthis heloise”—one from Guatemala, belonging to Mr. D. G. Elliot, the other a Mexican specimen, in my own collection, obtained from M. Boucard. The differences observed between these were so obvious that I immediately inspected the series contained in the collection of the National Museum, and on comparison found them repeated in the specimens contained therein, including two males from Jalapa and one from the Volcan de Fuego, Guatemala. The former of course represent the true A. heloisw, being from the locality whence the types of that species were procured, and with them my Mexican ex- ample agrees in all essential particulars. Both the Guatemalan speci- mens, however, are very different from any of these, and undoubtedly represent a distinct species, which being, so far as I have been able to ascertain, hitherto unnamed, I propose to characterize as follows :— MA PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 9 ATTHIS ELLIOTI. “ Selasphorus heloise”, Sci. & Satv., Ibis, i, 1859, 129 (Guatemala); ib. 186C, 195 (Duefias, Guatemala).—Satvin, ib. 266 (Guatemala; Tierra Caliente, and slopes of Volcan de Fuego). “Atthis heloisa”, B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 465 (part: Guatemala references). Specific Characters.—Adult male:—Outer primary broad, the end not attenuated. Gorget uniform reddish-purple (much as in Calypte anne), without varying tints of violet, as in A. heloise. Jugulum wholly white; middle of the abdomen white; sides light rufous, slightly glossed with golden-green; crissum white, tinged with light rufous. Upper parts metaliic-green, decidedly Jess golden than in A. heloise. Tail with the basal half (approximately) bright cinnamon-rufous, the subterminal portion black; three outer feathers (on each side) tipped with rusty-white; the middle pair with the black portion above glossed with metallic-green anteriorly. Wings uniform dusky, the smaller coy- erts metallic-green. Wing, 1.35; tail, 1.00-1.05; culmen, 0.38-0.40. [Type, No. 20494, ¢ ad., Coll. U. S. Nat. Mus., Volcan de Fuego, Guate- mala. | With a very close general resemblance to A heloise, this species may be immediately distinguished by the very different form of the outer primary, the redder and more uniform color of the throat-gorget, and the shorter bill. The peculiar characters of the two may be contrasted as follows :— re 24616. i Althis heloisde.d. Jalapa. Dr. Heermann- . Atthis ellioti. 6, Guatemala, Bourcier. A. ellioti. Outer primary broad, the end not attenuated. Gorget uniform pur- plish-red, without varying violaceous tints. Wing, 1.35 ; tail, 1.00-1.05; calmen, 0.38-0.40. Hab.—Guatemala. A. heloise. : Outer primary very narrow, the end abruptly attenuated. Gorget reddish-violet, showing decided violet tints in certain lights. Wing, -1.30-1.50; tail, 0.95-1.10; culmen, 0.48-0.50. Hab.—Eastern Mexico. ; " * 10 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. The principal synonymy and characters of A. heloise are as follows:— ATTHIS HELOISZ. Ornismya heloise, Less. & DELATTR., Rev. Zool. 1839, 15 (Jalapa and Quatepu, S. E. Mexico). Mellisuga heloise, GRAY, Gen. B.i, 1849, 113, sp. 62. Tryphena heloise, BoNAP., Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1854, 257. Selasphorus heloise, GOULD, Monog. Trochilid. iii, 1852, pl. 141. Atthis heloise, REICHENB., J. f. O. 1853, App., 12.—GouLD, Introd. Trochilid. 8vo ed. 1861, 89.—EL.iorT, Illustr. Am. B. i, 1869, pl. —.—Cooper, Orn. Cal. i, 1870, 361 (El Paso, Texas; Mexico).—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B. ii, 1874, 465, pl. 47, fig. 6 (El Paso, Texas; Mexico). Specific Characters.—Adult male :—Outer primary very narrow, the end abruptly attenuated. Gorget violet-purple, with changeable tints in varying lights. Jugulum wholly white; middle of the abdomen white; sides light rufous, slightly glossed with golden-green; crissum white, tinged with light rufous. Upper parts metallic golden-green, more bronzy than in A.ellioti. Tail with the basal half (approximately) clear cinnamon-rufous, the subterminal portion black, with the three outer feathers (on each side) tipped with rusty-white; middle pair of feathers glossed with golden-green on the upper surface to the extreme tip. Wings uniform dusky, the smaller coverts golden-green. Wing, 1.30-1.5); tail, 0.95-0.10; culmen, 0.48—0.50. Of the three adult males of A. heloise now before me, the two from Jalapa are much alike; bat that in my own collection, which is evi- dently from another part of Mexico, although, unfortunately, the pre- cise locality is not stated on the label, differs in several very noticeable particulars. The bill is very much more slender, the wing shorter (about 1.50, instead of 1.50), and the general size decidedly less. Whatis most conspicuous, however, is the fact that the lateral feathers of the gorget are not elongated as in the Jalapa specimens, in which they are 0.25 to 0.50 of an inch longer than the longest feathers of the middle portion, while there is a mixture of bluish-violet in the gorget not observable in the other specimens. Itis barely possible that the longer lateral plumes of the gorget have been lost from this specimen; but in any event, the differences are quite sufficient to characterize a well-marked local race. JANUARY 29, 1878, FOSSIL MOLLUSKS FROM LATER TERTIARIES OF CALIFORNIA. By W. H. DALL. The National Museum has recently received from Mr. Henry Hemp- hill a series of fossil shells collected by him from the later Tertiary deposits of the Californian coast. Some of them are from the vicinity of Santa Barbara, but the majority are from San Diego, part of them PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. LF (marked w in the list) from the material obtained in sinking a well* at a distance of from ninety to one hundred and sixty feet below the surface of the earth, and not far from the present sea-level. The matrix is usually rather soft, composed of loosely aggregated grains of sand or fine sandy mud, occasionally hardened by infiltration of lime-bearing water. In the accompanying list, those species found living (R) at the present day in the fauna of the Californian coast, between San Francisco and San Diego, are marked L, those at present making part of the northern or Oregonian fauna N, and those belonging to the fauna of Lower Cali- fornia, the Gulf of California, Mexico, and Central America are marked S. The extinct species (I) fourm a very small proportion of the whole, as will be readily seen. 7907 | Laqueus californicus (Koch) Dall ...-.-.......-- San Diego. | Ba iy 2 eeOn GUUNEOE GIR on. nn snk menos euaaee “ R N, L eet (MIGDHEODE Wn ks cediws nace news wine « 1 R L 7910 | Periploma argentaria Conr ..........-..-----+- ¢ R L,S 1 | Solecurtus californianus Conr ...-....---..----- * R L,S er ne SUS CGEE oo. Ss tan nk cg ca wns Reennnns « a R L | aracome: indentates Cpr 2. 2. « . 2 nieces vecces esses : h L ye 7) “ R N, L 5 | Macoma (like) sabulosa Spengler ..-......... a 7 R N eS ee eee rrr ae rs R L mp acre Podegonaa TGS .. 22.5 22 o na wowace cncces R L 8 | Cumingia californica Conr...... ...-..---- ----- S R L ee - h L,S gue | Mactra californica Conr .... ..... <0 -----+-00»- af R TNS Ss SL) ee top ap pene a - R |N,L? 2 | Clementia subdiaphana Cpr ...--. .----.-------- ¥ R N, L Ee ee ee ere sf R L, § eran MCOUNONEY VBE. ons. 8 cna causeemenans “f R L.S 5 | Dosinia ponderosa Gray ....-. .----------- ----- “ R S Po eupes Grammer OORT. .'.. 2) /< sen ocean nin sena << : BR | NL 7 | Saxidomus aratus (jun.) Gld.......-........-. ‘% R L 8 | Petricola pholadiformis? Lam............------ s R 9 | Cardium procerum Sby: ---....------------«-.- e R S 7930 | Venericardia monilicosta Gabb ........---..---- ee R L 1 | Venericardia monilicosta Gabb ...--..-.--..--.-- Santa Barbara.| R L =~ | Lucia Nulialls Conr..............-..-- wre ee San Diego. R L os | Laome acuttlinedia Conr...... <.<<-0s-becsceds 3 ey AL 2) Aroa microdonta Cour, —- 2... < -in 6--sn5,0200, sesh - Sam F - 5 | Axinea profunda Dall, n. 8 ...... .---..---.---- “ F ; i pe eee DY oo Soe cane kone ago nance % R S Si ES OS 85 i Sa | a ee a ae S) an R L, § 5 |-Peoten islandicus Mull ...... ...... .-...--.---- y R N Petree MIME IG oooh a iin tage ace ee R N 7940 | Pecten ventricosus Sby. (var.?)....-..--.-..--.- “f R Ss 1 | Pecten expansus Dall, n.s..... Pea sanaaeieons wee ‘ EF - 2 | Pecten Stearnsii Dall, n. 8 \...<<..--.-...--- 44 < F ‘ 3 | Pecten Hemphillii Dall, n.8.......-......-..--. y F 2 4 | Pecten ? wequisulcatus Cpr. var .........--..---- ve R L,S 5 | Pecten ? paucicostotus Cpr. jun...--...---.----- a R L,S G | Janira dentata Sby. 22 cae. 5 22 + 2 n cc necacaasiee- $6 4p, R L,$ ey OC PEER dope sane dn on ds «ab doses eues > is R N, L S | Ostrea Veatohti Gabb-.u. 2225-50-22 0 ce acceces- a“ ¥ ; 9 | Anomia limatula Dall, n. 8 ......---.-..-.---- . ‘f F : 7350 | Rhectaxis punctocelata (Cpr.) Dall..........-.. = R L Li) Tornatina cerealis Gla. ... .2.. 022. .--20c esee ene « R N, L 2 | Tornatina eximia ? Baird......----...--- A = tf . R N *A list of species obtained from this well, with descriptions of new species, was published by me in the Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., v, pp. 296-299, 1874. . » * OE \ Md a ‘a ’ 12 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 7953 | Cylichna alba Brown .......--.-.--.+-.-------| San Diego. w. R N,L?. A Votoule. cylindrica Cpr ..2c-o.¢ tere mene pes ce aes oi R L a | Mélampus olitaceus Cpr oF... b. ese. Sek Ske a* R L 6 | Dentalium hexagonum Sby ......---.-----. ----- i R |S,L? «| Codulus justformis 7 PIM 2252 c bono Bac cies Seen or ? ‘ S'| Aemma mitra Keely. soho. £25 es ae i SS * R N,L S| domea tnsesen Eds 22 i fee dics eos cope " R N,L 7960 | Fissurella volcano ? Reeve........---.--------- 2 R Iu 1 | Fissurcllidea callomarginata Cpr ....-.--------- ny R L 2 | Chlorosioma Pfeiffert Phil .... ....«-. »-.--+ «<0 2 R L SD | Y VE BP OG on on eccece va ook pap eecee te “ ? Ss 4 | Crucibulum spinosum Sby ...-...---------+------ J R L,S 5 | Crepidula princeps Conr.. .... ..-<0«- i-o--scm=ms a R? N O | Crepiaula qguncs Shy ......->..5---2- ose Siancae ni R L 7 | Serpulorbis squamigerus Cpr .....--.----------- f R L,S 8 | Tarritelia, Coepart Cpr. Wal (on oo o< eanigies een eee ae. R L O11 Contheda sacrata Gid ..1. 3... J... cues cee amare . R L 7970 | Bittium quadrifilatum Cpr ..--...--.----------- Santa Barbara. | R L +4 Sate, aaperim Cor... .<.sanietieninipeaee ion vi R L 2 | Zitorina scutulata Gid .. .. 0.2.22 conn awescess c=) wee R N, L 3 | Lacuna vincta Mont.....----..-...--.---.-----| Santa Barbara. | R N 4} Lacuna solidula Loven .... 2... .cceceee sccees es San Diego. R N 5 | Rissoina (like) Woodwardi Cpr..............-- : . R Ss 6 | Myurella simplex Cor .. 2... --:. ones ween wena ee e R L,S 7} Drillia penicillataC pr... 250 snvows wives bau oe “ R L,S 8 | Drillio Hemphillit Stearns................-.--- - R S 9 | Surcula Carpenteriana Gabb.........--.------- % R L 7980 | Mangelia angulata Cpr...... ..-2- seenee cence: si R L 1 | Conus californica Hds .....cavcvore “ R L 6 | Naseo fossata VOR, . 6.22. weet te veseeeeee ve? “ R L 6 | Nassa perpinguis Hds....2..----- 02+. eeeeee eee * R L,§ 7 | Nasee tegula RVO ..0200 cowwwe vue wevenewew dawns w R L, 8 | 8 | Nassa mendica GIG .... 220. cwewwe wrwwwe se nwe'ese ‘ow. R N,L 9 | Astyris gausapata GId. Vars.... .----+ one weeee- Santa Barbara. | R L 8010 | Nitidella Gouldii Cpr ..........-eee eoeeee-- eee San Diego. R N, L 1 | Amphissa versicolor Dall .... 22.2.2 .ecees wee ee cs R L 2 | Amphissa versicolor Dall.......----2 se00 sence: -| Santa Barbara. | R L 3 | Monoceros engonotum Conr ...-+- -.+-+--- 225s San Diego. R L 4 | Cerostoma Nuttallii Conr ...-2. 1.222. se eeee eee " R L 5 | Pteronotus festivus Hinds.......-.-22 e-eee+--e- “ R L 6 | Trophon (orpheus jun.?) ..-. 2-2 22222 wees cones Santa Barbara.| R | N,L 7 | Purpura crispata Chemn ...... ...- edicts Ate San Diego. R | N,L 8 | Fusus Harfordi Stearns ...... .220cs00 veceee cee rs R | N,L? 9 | BSerpula ap. indét ....<-.evee+ cewete oth Sontaul ba ? . 8020 | Fish-teeth, one species, indet..... ee ey ? ? ee PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 13 This, it will be observed, contains one hundred and seven well deter- mined species, omitting several doubtful ones, of which ten are extinct and ninety-seven still found recent. Of these recent or still existing forms, twenty are found in the Californian fauna and northward at the present time. Eighteen more are found in the Californian fauna and southward, while forty-four are strictly Californian. Besides these, there are eight species belonging to the Oregonian or Arctic fauna, and no longer found living in the Californian region. Seven more are found on the west coast of Mexico, the Gulf of California, or Western Middle America, and, so far as known, no longer in the Californian region. One or two species are still found living in Atlantic seas, but not on the western shores of America. How far these peculiarities of distribu- tion may be explained by a restriction of their geographical range in modern times by some species, or by the association of fossils in one collection from beds of differing age, and consequently exhibiting the fluctuation of the northern and southern faunze based on varying temperatures of the sea, will be determined only by a most critical stratigraphical study of the localities. But in either case the problem is well worthy of solution. The very modern character of the beds is determined by the great majority of the species being still found living, and by the fact that some of them retain very evident traces of their original coloration. They are mostly in excellent preservation. The well fossils taken with those mentioned on p. 3 would give a vertical range of some six hundred feet for the Pliocene Tertiary beds of California. The species which appear to be new are as follows:— Axinea profunda, n. s. (7935). Shell subtriangular, ventral margin rounded, umbos erect, rather small. Area narrow, deep; marked by five or six lines meeting at an angle in the vertical of the umbo, one above another; anterior lines somewhat the shortest; exterior marked by twenty-five or thirty flat- tened ribs, separated by deep channels one-fourth as wide as the ribs, and by which the interior margin is crenulated. The ribs are crossed by thread-like close lines of growth, which may be elevated or obsolete on the ribs, but are sharply defined in the channels, which they partially fill up in some specimens. Toward the anterior and posterior margins; the sculpture is nearly obsolete. In eroded examples, this sculpture may be entirely altered, and such are hardly recognizable as the same thing. Interior smooth or lightly radiately striate, with a tendency to an elevated narrow ridge behind the anterior scar; hinge with teeth placed as if radiating from the centre of the valve, six to nine anteri- orly, and ten to fourteen posteriorly, with some ten or twelve small, crowded teeth between the two radiating sets, and placed perpendicu- larly and parallel withone another. Height, 32™; length, 50™ ; thick- ness, 20™; the last proportionally greater in the young. 14 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. This species differs in its sculpture from any of the recent species ascribed to the coast, and from A. barbarensis Conr. (Pliocene foss.) by its shorter, more elevated, and deeper form, as well as by details of sculpture. Pecten expansus, n. 8. (7941). Shell large, thin, with the upper valve flatter than the lower one, both with very slight convexity; outer surface of upper valves marked by sixteen to twenty sharp, radiating ridges, but slightly elevated, and whose sides shade off insensibly into the broad interspaces, which are but slightly depressed; faint indications of ridges appear between the principal ones. The entire surface is covered with fine, slightly raised, sharp lamellz, which are waved in some places so regularly as to pro- duce the appearance of a delicate reticulation, which, however, does not really exist; angle of the umbo about 120°; ears finely sculptured, like the rest of the surface, but with only faint indications of ridges, sharply differentiated from the rest of the shell, very short, broad; supra-foraminal ear with a sigmoid carve to the lateral margin; mar- gin of the other ear nearly straight; hinge-line straight; interior of the valve smooth, except for faint depressions corresponding to the ridges; peripheral margins not crenulated, even or nearly smooth. Lower valve with twenty-five or thirty dichotomous ribs, flattened above, but not sharply differentiated from the interspaces, sculptured with fine lines of growth or nearly smooth, with faint appearances of radiating striz. Peripheral margin somewhat crenulated by the ends of the ribs; interior marked by shallow channels corresponding to the ribs; ears rather small and distinctly but not strongly marked off from the rest of the valve; byssal notch rounded, moderately deep. Height of shell, 135™"; breadth of shell, 140™™; breadth of hinge-line, 65™™; thickness, 32™"; some specimens one-half larger. This shell is nearest P. propatulus Conr. (caurinus ? of Gould) from the Miocene of Oregon, but differs in all its details when compared. The Miocene shell has a sharper umbonal angle, larger ears with straight lateral margins, and strong and different sculpture; the ribs are not dichotomous, and are much more sharply defined, while the margins are strongly crenulated. It is possible that some of the indeterminate nominal species of Conrad may have been based on this species, but the wretched figures given by him seem to differ strongly so far as they show any characters, while his descriptions are quite worthless, as usual. Pecten Stearnsii, n. s. (7942). Shell moderately large, thin, regular; elegantly radiately ribbed. Upper valve flattened or even a little concave, with about twenty four regularly rounded, vaulted, even ribs, separated by slightly wider chan- nelled interspaces ; the whole surface covered with fine, sharp, concen- tric, regular lamelle, a little looped backward over the top of the ribs, but showing no appearance of reticulation anywhere; ears small, nearly PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 15 symmetrical, covered with more elevated, crowded, concentric lamella, especially near the margins; hinge-margin straight, or even a little concave toward the umbo; peripheral margins of the valves strongly and regularly crenulated and interlocking; interior regularly deeply grooved, to correspond with the external ribs; lower valve slightly con- vex, with about twenty-six regular even ribs, separated by channelled interspaces somewhat narrower than the ribs; the top surface of each rib is flattened with a broad, shallow groove in the middle, with one or two faint riblets on each side of the groove; the whole surface is cov- ered with concentric lamelle, like those of the upper valve, but less sharp, and about twice as crowded. Ears subequal, arched, covered with crowded, elevated lamella; byssal notch very small. Height of shell, 90™™; breadth, 100™™; breadth of hinge-line, 34™™; thickness, iw This very elegant species, while also showing some general resem- blance to P. caurinus Gld., forms a passage toward the section Janira, and differs in many details from any described west-coast species, recent or fossil, so far as figures and descriptions serve to indicate. Pecten Hemphillii, n. s. (7943). This species has a strong general resemblance to the last, and is best described by comparison with it. P. Hemphillii is smaller, with sixteen ribs, as against twenty-six in a P. Stearnsii of the same size, with which throughout it will be compared; the lateral margins of the ears are perpendicular and straight, instead of outwardly rounded; the hinge- line is perfectly straight, not slightly concave; the ribs on the lower valve are flattened above, with symptoms of a groove on the top surface, instead of beautifully roundly vaulted; the interspaces are of course wider; the raised concentric lamellz toward the periphery become long, coarse, and very crowded ; on the lower valve, the shell is more vaulted, with hardly any traces of the raised lamellz, and with larger, rude, hardly flattened, radiating ribs, which show no trace of grooving or riblets ; the ears and byssal notch are smaller and more coarsely sculp- tured. Height, 56™"; breadth, 63™™; breadth of hinge-line, 28™; thickness, 15™™. This species seems to approach Janira even more closely than the last, but the value of these sections of Pectinide is very questionable. Anomia limatula, n. s. (7949). Shell large, thin, irregular, with a rather thickened hinge-line; exter- nal surface rough (when not worn), like the fresh fractured surface of a piece of china-ware; a few faint radiating lines with the lines of growth comprise the sculpture; shell originally yellowish, and still retaining some of its color and lustre. Normal form apparently that of a Pecten without eurs. Breadth, 75™™; height, 70™™; arch of valve, 10-15™™. No lower valves were obtained. This large species is neither A. lampe Gray nor A. (Plac.) macroschisma Desh., which are the only recent spe- 16 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. cies known to inhabit these coasts, while the only fossil one, A. subcostata Conrad, a species from the Colorado Desert, appears to be different, as the name would imply. For this reason, I have attached a name to the rather imperfect material received from Mr. Hemphill. Scalaria Hemphillii, n. s. (7991). Shell in general resembling a robust specimen of S. indianorum, having from nine to twelve varices on the last whorl, coronated behind near the suture, wholly pure white; surface of the whorls beneath the varices longitudinally delicately sculptured, with alternate riblets and grooves. Length about an inch; apical angle about 30°. This species has the sculpture of SN. bellastriata, but the shape of 8S. indianorum, and is the only grooved species, except the former, which has yet been reported from this region. All the specimens are decol- late. The specimens were sent by Mr. Hemphill with the suggestion that they might prove to be new, and an examination has confirmed the suggestion. I take much pleasure in dedicating it to its discoverer. The two species of Cancellaria mentioned were obtained from the San Diego well some years since, but having been mislaid cannot at this moment be identified. Mamma nana Moller is now found living in Arctic seas and fossil in the Tertiary of Japan. WASHINGTON, February 3, 1878. THE MANUFACTURE OF PORPOISE-OIL. By Capt. CALEB COOK, of Provincetown, Mass. About the year 1816, sailors and fishermen having caught a porpoise on their voyage, would sometimes extract the oil from the jaw-bone and give it to carpenters and those who used oil-stones for sharpening their tools. Finding in this way that it did not gum nor glue, suggested the idea that it was just what was wanted for a nice lubricator. It was noticed that the weather at zero would not congeal it, neither would it corrode on brass. Watchmakers were then using olive-oil as the only fitting oil for watches; but by experimenting with the porpoise-jaw oil they found it superior to the olive or any other oil, consequently the sailors and fish- ermen found a ready market for all they were able to obtain. This state of things continued until the year 1829, when a shoal of blackfish, about forty in number, was taken at Provincetown, Mass., being the first for many years. Solomon Cook, of that town, took from the jaws of those blackfish a few gallons of oil, and sent it to Ezra Kel- ley, of New Bedford, Mass., a skillful watchmaker, to be tested for watch-oil. Mr. Kelley soon found that this oil was superior to the porpoise-oil, as it had more substance and less chill. He contracted with Solomon Cook to supply him from year to year until 1840, when Solomon Cook died, and his oldest son supplied Mr. Kelley until the 1. . ~* ‘ff > | wy WHS a W 18 Dp wile, ne a0 WUD UU ¢). QR 4, >. “£2 % ae iy Age Le i ee ; ea Oy sorte) cae), wy ib Ze yo, be aN Ca) wobYS 3% Don 6 aay Bx at, A) Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. I. Chitonide. Plate V. CAL “a PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 17 demand was so great that the jaws of the blackfish were not sufficient to supply the market. Porpoise-jaw oil can be refined a little by exposure to the cold at zero, and in that state, with the atmosphere at zero, it is strained through a cotton flannel strainer made in the shape of a cone, but when filtered through paper it is so limpid that it has no lubricating properties what- ever, and becomes useless. This oil is called porpoise-jaw oil, but is taken from the blackfish, belonging in the family of whales, by a method known only by myself. It is warranted not to congeal with cold at zero, though it will thicken and turn a little milky in appearance. It is warranted not to corrode on brass or rust on steel, and it will not glue on the finest watch. Ezra Kelley, of New Bedford, Mass., has made it a business for many years to put it up for watch use, and has led in the market, while B. H. Tisdale, of Newport, Rh. IL, and I. M. Bachelder, of Boston, are getting quite popular in the European market. Caleb Cook, youngest son of Solomon, from scientific experiments did discover, about the year 1842, that the melon-oil of the blackfish was far superior to the jaw-oil in every respect—so much so that Mr. Kelley, who had about this time become very popular in preparing this oil for the trade, would not buy it until he was told what it was pro- duced from; and from that time to the present, 1876, Caleb Cook’s blackfish-melon (watch) oil has been refined by Kelley, of New Bedford, Bachelder, of Boston, Tisdale, of Newport, and many others on a smaller scale, for the world’s use. Since the year 1842, Caleb Cook, of Province- town, Mass., claims to be the only person who understands the art of pro- ducing this oil free from all glutinous matter and fit for use. This, he says, is done by a process known only by himself—not by mixing other oils or liquids with it, but by extracting all the acid and gluten from it, and leaving the oil pure for the finest and most delicate machinery. This, he says, cannot be done by the chilling and straining process; for when it becomes perfectly transparent at zero, the lubricating properties are all gone, the oil runs off the pivots, spreads on the plates, dries up, the pivots cut, turn red, and the oil is worse than worthless, for the val- uable timekeeper is no longer what it was once for the want of oil with more substance and lubricating properties. Porpoise-jaw oil and blackfish-melon oil are worth from $5 to $15 per : gallon, according to supply. These oils are sold under the above trade- names, and also under the names “ watch-oil” and ‘clock-oil”. They are used largely by manufacturers of firearms, watches, and philosoph- ical apparatus. Smith & Wesson, of Springfield, Mass., the Ethan Allen factory, at Worcester, Bye & Johnson, of Worcester, the Howard Watch Company, the Elgin Watch Company, the Waltham Watch Company, and the clock-factories in Connecticut, use them constantly. " The philosophical-instroment makers use them for air-pumps, as they keep the leather always soft and pliable. Telegraph-instrument makers Proc. Nat. Mus. 73——2 Published July 1, 1878. 18 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. use them when they can get them. They are used in government light- houses for the clocks of revolving lights. The color of the oils is very light, and can be made very white by placing in the window, where they will bleach in a short time. One drop of water in one pint of the © cil will injure it very much. It may be interesting to know how those fish or whales are taken. They make their appearance about the shores of Cape Cod and Barn- stable Bay from early in the summer until early in winter; and when it becomes known that a shoal of blackfish is in the bay, the boats are manned and proceed at once to get in their rear; and, as the fish are at the surface of the water the most of the time, it is easy to tell how to manage to keep them between the boats and the shore. While in this position the men in the boats will make all the noise with their oars they can, and that will cause them to go in the opposite direction from the boats and toward the shore; and when the fish find that they are in shoal water, by seeing the sandy bottom, they become alarmed, and go with all their might till they run fast aground on the sand. The boats then row in their midst; the men with lance in band jump out of their boats into the water, and butcher them as a butcher would a hog, and it becomes one of the most exciting occasions that it is possible to | imagine, for the water flies in every direction, and the blood flows freely until death putsan end to the great tragedy. When the water ebbs and leaves them dry, their blubber is taken off, cut in slices, and the oil tried out. About thirty gallons upon an average is what one fish will make, and the melons will average about six quarts. The melons are taken from the top of the head, reaching from the spout-hole to the end of the nose, and from the top of the head down to the upper jaw. When taken off in one piece, they represent a half watermelon, weighing about twenty-five pounds. When the knife is put into the centre of this melon, the oil runs more freely than the water does from a very nice water- melon—hence the name melon-oil. About the same time that the blackfish made their appearance in our waters, another of the whale species made its appearance also, called by the fishermen “cowfish” and by the historian “‘grampus”. These whales are very much in the shape of the blackfish, only smaller, not so fat, and not so dark-colored. The oil from the melon of this fish is thought to be superior to anything yet found in the blackfish or the porpoise. It is of a very yellow color, and when reduced by the chill- ing and straining process it appears to have all the body and lubricating properties that are wanted for the very best watch-oil; but as it will take one year to determine it by practical experiments, it is thought best to keep it out of the market for the present. This fish has made its appearance in our waters but three or four times in the last forty years, or about once in ten years. The method of taking it is the same as for the blackfish. | PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 19 THE CRAIG FLOUNDER OF EUROPE, GLYPTOCEPHALUS CYNO- GLOSSUS, ON THE COAST OF NORTH AMERICA. By G. BROWN GOODE and TARLETON H. BEAN. - An unfamiliar pleuronectoid fish was found in our waters, in 1877, by the United States Fish Commission (Prof. 8. F. Baird, Commissioner). Numerous specimens were trawled in the deep water off Salem, Mass., on La Have Bank, and on the coast of Nova Scotia, off Halifax, in Halifax Harbor, and in Bedford Basin, Halifax. A careful study proves that they belong to a well-known European Species, the Pleuronectes cynoglossus of Linné, lately referred by Pro- fessor Gill to the genus Glyptocephalus of Gottsche. We also discover the identity of this species with Glyptocephalus acadianus, described by Gill, from a single specimen (No. 12685), taken by the Commission in 1872, from the herring-weir on Treat’s Island, Eastport, Me. Below are given detailed measurements of twenty-two individuals, including authentically named European specimens from the University of Christiania, and the Bonaparte Collection, the type of G. acadianus, three specimens from Massachusetts Bay, five from La Have Bank, and eleven from the vicinity of Halifax. The genus of Gottsche was carefully redescribed by Professor Gill in 1873,* and at the same time was published a full specific deseription of the Eastport specimen. Although this description is founded upon an individual which is among the most elongate of the series before us, it is thoroughly satisfactory for all, if the tendency to variation in the following particulars be noted.t (1) Height of body.—This is stated to be about 24 of length exclusive of caudal, and 34 in total length. In the series studied, the proportions of this element varied, stated in units of hundredths of total length (including caudal), from 0.245 to 0.375, No. 12685 having it 30. An equally wide variation in the European fish is recorded by Parnell.t The Pleuronectes elongatus of Yarrell is not nearly so elongated as No. 21061 a (the figure of Couch has height about 0.275); and since no other diagnostic characters have been described, we place it without hesitation in the synonymy of G. cynoglossus. (2) Height of caudal peduncle——This element is subject to very slight variation, measuring usually 0.07 of total in both European and Amer- ican specimens. The most elongate, slender forms have it slightly nar- rower. In No. 12685 it measures 0.06, and 0.065 in No. 21001 b. (3) Length of head.—This varies from 0.15 to 0.175. In No. 12685 the * On a new American species of Pleuronectoid (Glyptocephalus acadianus). By Theo- dore Gill, M.D. < Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, 1873, pp. 360-362. t Instead of having its radial formula D. 110; A. 100, as stated in the description, No. 12685 has it D. 107; A. 96. } Fishes of the Frith of Forth, p. 210, pl. xxxviii, and in Memoirs of the Wernerian Society, vii, p. 370. 20 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. length is 0.15, and in the European specimens 0.15 and 0.1575 (Christi- ania specimen). The smallest proportion is represented by specimens from Massachusetts Bay and Halifax. (4) Teeth—In number these are extremely variable. No. 12685, ac- cording to Gill, had on the blind side 17 above and 20 below, on the eye side 6 above and 7 below. A Salem specimen, larger and older, had on the blind side, above 26, below 28, on the eye side, above13, below 14. In young individuals, the teeth present the characters described by Gill, having the teeth on the eyed side conical and separated. This peculiarity disappears with age, all large specimens showing closely set incisorial teeth upon both sides of each jaw. (5) Length of pectoral.—This is extremely variable within limits of 0.09 and 0.14. This measurement refers to the fin upon the colored side. Its shape is also variable; it is sometimes pointed, sometimes obtuse, owing to difference in comparative length of the upper rays. It is usually black, with a narrow whitish tip. The number of rays varies from 9 to 14. (6) Length of ventrals.—This is also extremely variable on both sides. The range on the blind side is 0.0475 to 0.07, and on the eyed side 0.056 to 0.0775. The difference between the length of the two fins upon the same individual varies from 0.0025 to 0.0155. (7) Contour of lateral line—In some individuals this is essentially straight, in others considerably arcuated above the pectoral. This appears to be an individual variation. The two European specimens show a perceptible difference in this respect. In his diagnosis of Pleu- ronectes cynoglossus, Dr. Giinther states that the lateral line is straight, without curve. (8) Position of the eyes.—Dr. Giinther states that in P. elongatus the upper eye is in advance of the lower. This is doubtless quoted from Yarrell. Neither the figure of Yarrell nor that of Couch indicates any such character. (9) Scales in lateral line—The number cn the blind side ranges from 109 to 150, on the eye side from 110 to 140, there being no relation be- tween the different sides of the same fish. (10) Radial formula.—In the dorsal this ranges from 102 to 120; in the anal, from 87 to 100. There is no apparent relation between the number of rays and the relative proportions of height and length of body. A large number of rays in the dorsal. is usually accompanied by a relatively large number in the anal. (11) Transverse rows of scales—Their number above and below the lateral line is nearly equal. The range is about from 40 to 50. There appears to be no relation of number of transverse rows to comparative height of body. The thermal range of the species appears to be defined nearly by the limits 34° and 45° F. | iw 2 See eae ; , d ; — Jj > / 7 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 21 The synonymy of the genus and species stands somewhat as follows :— GENUS. Glyptocephalus, Gottscue, Archiv fiir Naturg. i, 1835, p. 156—BLEECKER, Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Amsterdam, xiiii—GILL, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1873, p. 360. SPECIES. Giyptocephalus cynoglossus (Linné) Gill. Pleuronectes oculis a dextris totus glaber, ARTEDI, Gen. 14, N. 3; Mus. Ichth. No. 39; Synon. p. 31, N. 3. Pleuronectes cynoglossus, LINNE, Syst. Nat. ed. x, i, 1758, p. 269; ed. xii, 1766, i, p. 456.—GUNTHER, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus. iv, 1862, p. 449. Glyptocephalus cynoglossus, GILL, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1875, p. 361. Pleuronectes pola, LACEPEDE, Hist. Nat. Poiss. (Suites 4 Buffon), 1819, iv, p. 401. Platessa pola, CUVIER.—PARNELL, Nat. Hist. Fish. Frith of Forth, 1838, p. 210, pl. xxxvilii— YARRELL, Hist. Brit. Fish. 1841, ii, p. 315.—Coucu, Fishes British Islands, iii, 1864, p. 190. Pleuronectes saxicola, FABER, Isis, 1828, p. 877. Glyptocephalus saxicola, GOTTSCHE, I. ¢. Pleuronectes nigromanus, NILsson, Prodr. Ichth. Scand. 1832, p. 55. Platessa elongata, YARRELL, op. cit. p. 318.—GUNTHER, op. cit. p. 450.—CovUucH, op. cit. p. 193. Glyptocephalus elongatus, GILL, op. cit. p. 362. Glyptocephalus acadianus, GILL, op. cit. p. 361, and in Barrp’s Report on Fish- eries of South Coast of New England, 1873, p. 794. Dr. Giinther suggests that the fish first cited by Fabricius (Fauna Groenlandica, p. 163), under the name of Pleuronectes cynoglossus, aud subsequently named by him Pleuronectes pinguis (Afhandling. Kongel. Danske Videnskabernes Selskabs, Naturvid. og Math., Copenhagen, vol. i, 1824, p. 45), is probably identical with this species. The true rela- tions of the Greenland fish have already been pointed out by Professor Gill (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1864, p. 218), as well as the curious misapprehension by which the synonymy of P. pinguis and the halibut has been confounded. The following tables give detailed measurements of twenty-three Specimens, and a list of all the specimens in the National Museum :— 22 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. TABLE I.—Catalogue of specimens in National Museum. o Sa &S | 9 Se 2 & Locality. ea |se tall be 21000 | 13 | Massachusetts Bay, off Salem.... 20001) 124) Dia Haw6 Hank wee wempaercies sae) seewue 21005 24 TEARIA® oe resco sehay cease n< se 50 eee 21017 3 | 27 milessouth by west from Che- bucto Head. , 21019 | 20 ease eatnees duis saee aan ena Cone 21032 OF ace tons dap ian agiss Saas ee rome 21047 2 Halifax (trawl 113 and 114) ...... 21056 4 SEH Fo ABR wise b's cone Pha 21057 Ah ee SAO a See a tata 2 a mie et cere wide aloyaie)| coment 210538 2 Midsichiabigs Bay (trawl 32, 90 fathoms). 21059 1) Halifax (trawl 54) 02 s2c2 cess 2.2 21060 did Halifax (trawwl44) . de sen ete 21061 3 | 27 miles off Chebucto (trawl 85)-. 21062 1 | Halifax (trawl 106, 111 fathoms) -. 21063 1 | Bedford Basin (trawl 111, 37 fathoms). 10068 IY) Buropesoeecss acca oocg sae ace aoe eee 17355 1.| Christiania, Norway....... 4... 5): 2s » i PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 27 STRATA OF THE SAN DIEGO PENINSULA. The long, low, narrow strip of land lying between San Diego Bay and the ocean is locally known as the Peninsula. It appears to have been pierced formerly by narrow channels or outlets by which the waters of the bay communicated with the sea, and even now, in heavy storms, the surf breaks over the barrier. At high-water mark is a stratum about four feet thick, containing fossils mingled in a confused manner, above which is a bed of fine sand extending to the surface of the pen- insula, and having a total thickness of some twelve feet. From the lower bed (A) were obtained the: following species :— Corbula luteola. Drillia Hemphillii. Tellina modesta. Mangilia angulata. Inecina Nuttallit. Odostomia gravida. Pecten paucicostatus. Turbonilla chocolata. Nucula exigua. Turbonilla virgo. Rhectaxis punctocelata. Turbonilla torquata. Tornatina cerealis. Eulima micans. Tornatina eximia. Scalaria indianorum. Volvula cylindrica. Cerithiopsis assimillata. Melampus olivaceus. Olivella biplicata. Dentalium hexagonum. Olivella boetica. Vitrinella sp. Nassa fossata var. Crucibulum spinosum. Nassa perpinguis. Crepidula adunca. Neverita, var. alta. Serpulorbis squamigerus. _ | Nitidella Gouldit. LTitorina scutulata. Amphissa versicolor. Lacuna solidula. Pteronotus festivus. Rissoina Woodwardi? Fish teeth and a sp. of Serpula. Myureila simplex. From the sand bed (B) were obtained,— Periploma argentaria. Macoma nasuta. Macoma secta. Mactra californica. Macoma indentata. In the lowest part exposed of bed A are found Cardium procerum, Dosinia ponderosa, and Anomia limatula, but they do not seem to be scattered through the general body of the stratum. STRATA OF THE MAINLAND. On the mainland near the town of San Diego, the land is rather low, gradually rising inland toward some bluffs. To the eastward of the town, or what is known locally as the “railroad land”, a stratum (A?) four or five feet thick is exposed at high-water mark, and, like the stratum A of the peninsula, contains a confused aggregation of fossils, at the bottom of which is a layer of the upper valves of Anomia lima- 28 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. tula, hardly mixed with any other species, and containing, so far as could be discovered, no perfect specimens or lower valves. Stratum . » PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 35 formulate the minor difierences to be observed between fish of the same species on different parts of our coast. A precisely parallel case is to be found in the shad of the different Atlantic rivers, which are well known to exhibit strong distinctive marks. Very possibly every school of menhaden has its own characteristics. In every case where | have had an opportunity to observe them, the individuals compésing the same school were closely similar to each other. The typical form of the species as now defined is taken from the coast of Southern New England and the Middle States. It has the height of the body about one-third of the total length, the head three-tenths of the total length, or a little more, the maxillary long (0.14 to 0.143) and exceeding the height of the dorsal. The species described by Spix under the name of Clupanodon aureus cannot be distinguished by any apparent specific characters from Bre- roortia tyrannus, since one or more of the specimens of the latter species before me partake of some of the peculiarities of the Brazilian form. There is, however, a general average of characters exhibited by the Brazil- ian specimens as well as by the figure of Spix, with which they closely agree, which seems to me to entitle them, for the present at least, to receg- nition as belonging to a distinct geographical variety. The distin mw ch a a ee oe 33 Distance from snout to nape ...........-.00.---fceenen a SOE HLL RS, 205 EN REE EE eT SI REE ee 0 ee eee | ee ee 12 Length of snout from perp. from centre of crbit.|........ Oe a SG tarde wi22 os 104 Length of operculum ...-... .--.--..-.-------- mas Ue ae efi ag eee ha Re SS 94 I go) TE Ee eae aa oe Been td 3 5) ie Fe | Se ee 143 eee iy SE ae oe nek ac ann inn 4- hapa’ ~~ fe hain ae ere 18 Distance from snout to centre of orbit......-....|........ lead Wadd bool See [e8s-. 2s 104 Dorsal : Ee O@O AOU NONE te, oe oy ok ie. ode Heme ds| en cues 46. Pectaas i See 523 ‘Length of base..... ee OE eee a ae lg aS TE 17 Origin of pectoral to origin of dorsal ............].......-- ot PEE Se rt [age 34 End of dorsal to end of anal ......--.....2-.eee0-|--ee-0-- ie eee oes Ser Hae AA 25 UN Reet Soop ewialey uLqnta|soees a cefvceces «- C4 See 12 IE ET SS "haa RET Te Eee soa, SIP. fone 36 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Table of Measurements—Continued. Currentimumber of specimien’......- 1. dedsecis...e. 5,152. 17,927. 19,046. , : Saint John’s Saint Jobn’s TOABUAR uited {--'- .e-cadot, deninte + co liek edie ; West Flouda. River, Florida. | River, Florida. Millim.| 100ths. | Millim.| 100ths. | atti, 100ths. | \eoo mse Re: —_—_——_— Anal: Distance fram, snout oe. a eine dena enic nes stor css ele 2s min amet eee eee GB er ehh 72 Length i Dag0; poss Lae toh apeeweabha owls Oual ome Oa lied may a" 8 See Least height of afl... 2... cite advance wide sess salanenne = sls gen ple om |neieeie aves lls eee ee Length of caudal peduncle........-.-...---scccs|cccceces hie ‘ ane ee Head : Greatest dough. 4: cis dicen dsevabenees Hk s0a% ees > ae eA Pee OF eae Distance from snout to mape ..........06-00-ee0s|-- + e--ne Oo. Laskaspay 19 .s aoe Greatest WIG. 550 cho tus deans un 0 ftw aw paw le Boe ee 1D Lidagiade Tihs San ames Width of interorbital area's. wc... oiscsicnicee cdf ieweew’ J iucs See feat ee evel toueae nits ae Length of snout from perp. from centre of orbit..|........ os Oey 10> licaap een Length:of operoalait. duss wx decon=c6de es sekeanel-t>'eveis ere ey abt Pr Length of maxi Gaon ok nictas fons > 25 bans s Orla Uk oe a +. gee PRs fe 19° 1.55 Yale Leneth of msndiyie s, oss via sa5 doth ones Kin cee heheeke { a Bee 40 tog ante Lengtl:of .baseusor 4. 15368 c eee, adic en Pee] cos eee | UT Wiletes sas UK). | aaa Origin of pectoral to origin of dorsal............|.......- ae. eRe Se 96 vadvnwte End of dorsal to end Of Qa0l ooo. i. dsc spcccctovele tuannnd OT lve semua eee Length of longest THY: «ssp «0s ¥e% ene bask ete | ee I ae PE 1Q}.,|,. ceva ow Length of leat. 89 . 220d. wpa sip ole ee 6 idhss tat Bittntrne vie de Length of external rays, super LOG’... «alin: pains aahslnn a plince tee Do BB: rane ine Sigs TATOTIOE 6.2: o's «'s.nin. «pees eel 29 Nae ema 27 | swcnwse Pectoral: Distance from sueut ...np059 »«va sh schnedelaseuenen rt ee ee Ne 45 aan COM GUN on amy » 5 cle sae nc Sepp tok ele eh cee ene 18 Tes bane BB jinind oa at Length of longest axillary appendage. ..........|.-00-n0c2| « feb ae ween de viehhes «yea 48, Jos asueas BP ei Lnteate ¢ RUE cicero vedinc sss tse seeesdunaeemadks Vee eee ee ees Bh :| eevee Origin of v shape to end of con Pee ep eer a ae ee nee Dihees. | wires etka TORRE vcascods «s chgpeaesuetesvisse nee 19 ie LS ilies tached 1 Anal rays........... eh ovepadenes sent capes eee eee ae ee | ee ey 21 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 37 Table of Measurements—Continued. Carrent number of specimen: .............-......... 14,846 a. 14,246 b. Var. aurea. |S) Set Ro eee aeaee ; Noank, Conn. | Noank, Conn. eee * Millim.| 100ths. | Millim.| 100ths. | Millim. | 100ths. 0 a ee ea eee EFAS Pore’ c 3.0 ie eee 2 Oh ea y: RIO, sore ais ant oa SEY orton Sade ae ha ation oe a Shee gee 35 Head: : (0) SLD a iene ee eee Gee ee eg Pet Pe pee Q74 Distance from: snont to nape ........-------.----|.--..--- ere EL AY OS HOTEL IS. 21 Length of snout from perp. from centre of orbit.|.--..--. sO! | Gel aE ae | 10 Renrth emepgranam. 2425. 2e: ae ea Sa a oe Be Ss Sh pote wap eee ofoa = epee MIRGT Or MRR UNED 2 nce wen 3 5c awn anim wasp = oo “COW CER ae | 12 |........ | 12 Length of mandible.........-... SAREE 25 SPE Fa so Beek Ce Bee ae | Pay Vesa oc 15 Distance from snout to centre of orbit .-........|.------- Me ee | a A ee BS eS Dorsal : LS SO a a as ae Sao | A Se ee 7 2. ol po oy EA aE EN Ee 1 er ed oe ee he ees tap" AE ca, (5 n5 RR Origin of pectoral to origin of dorsal. ...........|.----.-- eee ns Pe oe End of dorsal to end of anal ............-..2000.|---+--- = gE hen aap al oo) tiseed-la-nius << RRs Oi ORR TO ans oe sea de ane oe fade sy | komm dp - + Webcast 4 ow ae S 10 MN ONG «cece aes ot cece n pas cemeacsca-| somes =e iva aes er foe a dase 4 Aral: PereTCOMEMMMEM DS.) 2260s ok oo aon ct cae ttnseds = ys al ed as Me tease oes 73 pe LOR ABO ob tet hey St ose agnqse Laws Joab e eee BD. Fier ss cee ) Dia Wee 2 lee een Origin of anal to origin of dorsal................|.--.---- DU A Pra oa NE BREE > gem mm Ae Mammen Gay | aa. «42 5 om mins o- 1550565 Is wml de: ot) eee rei s /o 8 52- 5 EE es ie an San cnn nee ae Aedan ed - 2 Ca ee BCI chen as a 1 Caudal: Bo BO | ee eae ae Wee 5 Length of external rays, superior...........-.-.|-------. cj iy, Oe | oe FE eee 23 RP IOD a ond ox os eye |= petals bef Sea ae ae Pectoral: TE INN is Sin aod = acne» wins ba Tet ee re . ee 28 Dinmece gr tipiizrem sious . 22.222 2. ls. ad SSH! RSENS 3 3) 225 42 (2 > gentle a iA ESTE SORES EE es res Ses 15 Ventral: 2 ee | ee f St, bee wes An ee 49 wo PES. SAS eo 2 eee ES a EO (nee we COs Ae WM ibeces oc 8 Origin of ventral to end of dorsal ...............|..------ + ie Sane - ot (ES a SE SS Rl et ee eee ee ee eee het sacs - 9 Thy We Ree en RMN 8b fot, aM gown dks He men soaps ee uky BOb Eis toes | OO he Te AE 2 Son wi : | Var. aurea. Var. aurea. Current number of specimen ---..................-. cece ) M.C. Z. a. M. C. Z. b. age of Locality ...-.-.. at ORE SES SOG ee GES. = eae | Sambaia, Thayer | Sambaia, Thayer | aurea. Exp. Exp. | Millim. | 100ths. | Millim. | 100ths. | 100ths. ee ee ee ee oe RENIN SIR ot. on as Sees c a be cai «= Shy ws ! fees. oo BE ES cone nner oe Body: a OE Sa a Ee | a Rae eee SAN STAR 34 35 Head: | erat SOME nt igs oie Kew ees adn eeinw ccs cnc lasimmde cock oe Mt) OF 29 28 Pistance from suoub te nape 2 2 se haee aoc acs oo foes See tek iS a ee eee 22 2L Length of snout from perp. from centre of orbit.|.......-.. eg ee ee 10 Fa Leneth of maxilery -<4---:-.2--...<% SRS alls sci BE Seco bs pees OS lsuge Fe 14 13 ge ee” a eS ee ee ee Sen / oe eT a 17 152 Dorsal; Deane Treall MOOTEG of. 25 ay oo cv ob iin Ses 2 hace Sen as | ol) olan 48 49t Leper of longest ray 5-25: +3. --- desap- deceek 2s beeen ae ees 10 10; (Og Og aE eS ee eS Se ee ee See eee | Le eee - 3 5 5 Anal: PURASROO TOON ROE eo no wae mas a sfan man Sn ase a) [eons 0 73 73% SB en ae ee Ae ee ee ee Gi jacks tS 8k 5 ot pO gL aS eee ee ee. ee ee a oe aA biccee ot a. 3 32 ‘Candal : oR, a a er 6 |. ssesguae 5 DF Length of external rays, superior................|..-..--.-- QWripewo Hits 23 234 Pectoral: Distance from snout ......... 2.02.2 ceccee Ly 4f4) 52 e Pale ee ee 30 29 Distance of tip from snout .--....-..- a SS AS Oe ee ah..\ 22 5dssiad 47 44h ae ek SS, oS ae I ae Faas Nae eee A han erga 16 153 Ventral: ‘ Distance from snout ................ REND Re MS ee ae GR Sai vined d ofeas 52 514 Length ...... ae ER 2 eee Pats A ie eee ere 7 73 Dorsal rays ...... ee Hee eee pnn oS RET Ps Re _ Se Aen BE DRA [essen Je ois 38 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Brevoortia pectinata, (Jenyns) Gill. Diagnosis.—Proportions of head and jaws as in B. tyrannus. Height of body almost three-eighths of total length, and greater proportionally than in B. tyrannus. Fins nearly as in B. tyrannus, but uniformly aver- aging slightly more; the height of the dorsal somewhat less than three- twentieths of total length; that of the anal equal to or slightly less than half the length of the maxillary. The caudal fin is somewhat longer and more furcate, the length of the external rays never being less than five-sixths of the length of the head, while that of the medial rays remains proportionally the same as in the species first described. Inser- tion of ventral somewhat behind tip of pectoral, this fin and the dorsal being uniformly somewhat farther back than in B. tyrannus ; the inser- tion of the latter from one to four one-hundredths posterior to a point equidistant from the snout and the base of the median caudal rays, and, as in B. tyrannus, behind the vertical from the insertion of the ventrals. Seales very large, considerably serrated, and arranged regularly in 18 to 20 transverse and 50 longitudinal rows. Scales forming sheath at base of pectoral not large. Operculum smooth, or with inconspicuous and few striations. Squamation upon lobes of caudal extensive and conspicuous. % Variations.—The variations in the individual specimens studied are not of great importance, and are indicated in the table of measure- ments. Table of Measurements. | Current number of specimen....-..-...-...- 1709. M.C. Z. a. M. ©. Z. b. Aver- Tete y'.. .- os dances paditu hse Putas Sana Paraguay. | tio Grande. Rio Grande. age. Millim.| 100ths. Millim. 100ths. | Millim.| 100ths. | 100tha. | ' Extreme length 2... -c.vccsssa0+0 ode dae DORs editan ee i), a eee 203"|..3\ -sreutall ae ee Body : Greatest height...... 5 iat a alata nig’ @ ©) aaa) ea ee OO) | cw bake a oe ee 36 3H Head: Greatest length ....c005as=52 bwdeme aie eels Sane BD. ibs wnat BO bls Veen 30 32 Distance from snout to nape.........-..|-...---. i 7) on ee 21 21 Length of maxi llary...a.i. .:0863bddviee sl idtaes Oe TN a aire ats AS ible chive gee 14 14 Length-of mandible i... a8s.cees0t sack encode 1G . devesdnat 16 | weaves 16} 17 Dorsal: Distances from snout... as cds cues degucstaee aie ee OB iiacget 51 52 Length of longest ray ............--.e0 eae 98 .L eeu V7» |entbaaw 28 | 87 Pectoral : ) ) Eyistence from. PAU «4. < +0 \dend ssp ; ; |Millim. 100ths. | Millim.' 100ths. Millim | 100ths. Millim.| 100ths. | | Mistremo jeneth .......----b5---2-.-! Ge er eS!) oe ) 2 eerere re Srp Ps. Body: | ereatest heiht:. _....--..---..<-s eae eo ee $8 15222 28 415 Pensg heieht of tail .o4 22+ 0. -22525) 205. 2 - SLs otro. he eee ah ame oe 11 Length of caudal peduncle. ..-... ea scakes hy ero Bin he Sask we fic csars PGS SSeS res Head : | Greatest length .........--.--+--- cident rt gh ee oe Ce eee cae p oo-gg Distance from snout to nape -.... |--2+--2- pt ee ! oe SS eee 23 Greatest width .......-.--. ctl |oveeeee: gf; ae bibs «Bach hes 4 MPa 8 eae Length of snout from perp. from | Conire Of OLpitee..- 2c. --<5s: ~~ ee ae Ree et | 1 ae NS TM OTS: 11 Length of operculum .........-.. fortoee 1 lig (TS hg (hal Ft oe oad ee ee 12 PD ES a ee Sere Se See 2 fas BB+ ens =z 143 Length of mandible .........--.. Peas i: im oe a ee 19 xe 18 Distance from snout to centre of | ) Set gD SAREE gente Big hen <5 25505) ae eos ete pee 13 Dorsal: ) | Distance from snout ....-.-.---..|-------- $40dp 2c 28 Length of longest ray.........--- / iatnicieicins | =. paar eae sy ae ee 17 enpiivoer last ray ..--.....-----:|-~-+---4 ee ee D doin ges | Wott 2 9 Anal: Distance from spout -.......-.---|-.------ go Meee Er ve See ok 5 eee 69 Be ee eee eee ee ty ee / a ee 1. ee Phe 20 Origin of anal to origin of dorsal |.--.---- rae RE ee ey ea - LA ee 39 Length of longest ray............|.------- py ee | ee 7k es Rt Length of last ray ......-..-.-.-. oP ante Dy eeeLe Se Cee . Fx s.is 4h Caudal: | | Length of middje rays ..-........|.--. --. S$) 1gkiek: el eee ee a PEO 7 Length of external rays, superior.|.-...-.- ---.----.- RIGA Fie SG OPE ) 2. gl Ree 25 +- inferior .|-------. Sie epee kitde Sa Pee eRe fs SMR SES 2 ve 27+. Pectoral : ) Distance from snout -.-...-........|-------- he: es oe eee gt tl Bees Spe ere 35 32 Distance of tip from snout...--.-. eet gh dpa Ty: a Sree ae ide Soe 52 GRR RE Se: Rae ae SE ae oe Ee oe al ae 20 Length of longest axillary ap- ' . | ES ae ESS GS RS, PE | ct. ..5 | << coe Feces ees on oe Ventral: | Distance from snout ....-....-...-. | ban See ba se) each le B eros. Sea ee Oe ee 51 i Nhs pai a a aaa mre aaa | 10 |-.....-- 10 eget. a 93 Origin of ventral to end of dorsal |.....--.! < Een eo Baga hs a eee 35 Cg ag eel ee iF eee oe se A ae $28 io eh. ) CS eee je Oa ae iat ee Ee : dee oe 4 eR ook eae eae A ee Number of scales in lateral line....|47 to 50 bell as 47 to 50 |..-..--. | abt. 63 |......-.| abt. 65 bes 42 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Table of Measurements—Continued. Current number of specimen. .....- 891 c. 5,864 a. 5,864 b. 5864 ¢. OM er SS . with wp. < bin- nid sin todo wath Mouth of Tio Grande. 7 = ‘ehi, Bet ; le oz Millim.} 100ths. | Millim., 100ths. Millim. 100ths. | Millim.; 100ths, } Pxpreonte engi. .nja5)- > aselke occas = 49 Pithecmeet OG. Heian tans 81 | fa bbe of Te Ue. Body : Greatest, height ive... -----nsp0226) asenen. | Bs 3B. jewemesns |. 967 eagee 384 Head: | (Freatesh IGMP «.-.- = con 'e ocean = Om neem 2 7 Oro Sin sus nee 30: [t2. sae 33 Distance from snout to nape ..-..|....---- 2) Sl ea es WB DOGARS ee este | 94 Length of snout from perp. from / COMES OLrOLDIbteL sons cose sas ale aaecee DE Mes ae ees 12 es 10°) [eee il Lengthot opercaluny. 225.0... 59<¢)ee~~ else 5) eS, 1 ee 10 (tchae se 10 Demeter MAXMIATY .-~.2.c'..-0o2]--o2e0s Pe es a, pe eae ee HSS ESE! ER 144 Leacthof mandible... .0.1- ..=--diba«cousee fbr $5) Seem ces | by ae eer en LG sh Pee 174 Distance from snout to centre of | OPW brant. psetinate as oS eeeic mn ae eee 1 Ee re ee eee Seve ere Sets Spero | Dorsal : Distance fromisnont -2...5... cease eee epee 50 i] aay 57” tee 52 iRemeth Of base)... -- +. 9 eec-- aoa ai let soa 1G |. .ces os) SO fee 19 Origin of pectoral to origin of Goesal, onc... k eo hee 5 il) eee biaas Bp Pal Se 93° |: | 36 End of dorsal to end of anal......).....-... i ie a 31 dlc eee 26. Speed 25 Length of longest ray...-.-..-.-.|....+- r? Bp RE Rap 14) leu Soa lu) ol ee |. 14 Length of last tay -.. 2.0. - ER bs ee QD) | clans 6 0 | ee Pectoral: Distanee from snout ......565,-cn] beet sen ae ee 0 ee Ed Oy SP he 32 Distance of tip from snout. .... 1 res ee 43 wits Gia VR hoe. | 50 LOD PED 32 a,c = = <,2='5 5 vinie pas’ teh Ue Ae pk ie. | EeBente SAL 15°C co Gcaee Lt ils tee 19 Ventral : Distance from snout ....... drake cobnee ip iy ee 2: 58 ls uoteen 53: i] a a | 52 Wengght 4s: . sathdes tones bins bo ee ALS ob tee | Bi pier AP a OS | 10 Origin of ventral to end of dorsal.|........ > | Se an © 3B) ah, ob te A as DOLSAL TAYE ot o.h se ees eee nace te i a TENS reena een Das! Wen aS LD Yoel EE TARR ss cin a-ha nd anes deine ee > A eet SB Ab FAAS 2 0 Real EON ae 21 8 tad aa Number of scales in lateral line ..-.| 65 or |........ abt. 70 oe | 6b, 85. |. wae. bt. SE |i es seana more. | DESCRIPTION PISH FROUWU THE GULE COAST Or By G. BROWN GOODE and TARLETON H. BEAN. CAULOLATILUS MICROPS, A NEW SPECIES OF FLORIDA. The Smithsonian Institution has received from Mr. Silas Stearns, of the Pensacola Ice Company, Pensacola, Fla., a fish new to the fauna of the United States, and believed to be new to science. This fish was taken March 18, 1878, on the Snapper Bank, off Pensacola, in 35 fathoms of water. 29 teed} March sketched by Mr. Shindler. 20,971 of the Fish Catalogue. Caulolatilus microps is related to the Brazilian form Caulolatilus chrysops (Cuvier and Valenciennes) Gill, and the Cuban form Caulolatilus cyanops Poey, described in 1867.* It was packed in ice, and arrived in good condition, at the National Museum, where it was cast in plaster, and It is now a fine alcoholic specimen, No. Of the former, two specimens only * Repertorio Fisico-Natural de Ja Isla de Cuba, i, p. 312. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 43 are recorded: one, the type of the original description, one foot long, collected on the coast of Brazil by M. Gay, and probably now in the Museum in Paris; a second in the British Museum, a stuffed specimen, purporting to have been collected in the West Indies. Of Poey’s C. cyanops the National Museum possesses a fine specimen (Cat. No. 4750), 15 inches long, coilected and presented by Professor Poey. The Pensacola specimen, now under consideration, is two feet and three inches long, weighing nine pounds and one-quarter. Its color has faded, but a yellow blotch is still visible under the eye, similar to that mentioned in C. chrysops. A dark blotch is visible in and above the axilla of the pectoral. The following diagnosis is believed to characterize the peculiarities of the new form. It is accompanied by a table showing the detailed measurements of C. cyanops and C. microps, and another showing the relations of C. chrysops as far as they can be gleaned from the published descriptions. Caulolatilus microps, sp. nov., Goode and Bean. Diagnosis.—Height of body contained slightly more than three ard one-half times in its length, its width seven times, the species being higher and more robust than CU. chrysops and C. cyanops. Length of head equal to height of body, being in same proportion to total length as in C. cyanops (though less in proportion to height of body), and longer pro- pertionally than in C. chrysops. Width of interorbital area equal to half the length of snout, instead of four-fifths, as in C. cyanops. Length of snout greater than that of maxillary. Diameter of eye contained six times in length of head, instead of four times, as in C. chrysops, and three and three-fourths times, as in C. cyanops. Nostrils midway from eye te snout, and separated by a distance equal to diameter of eye. Dentition much as in C. cyanops. Fins all shorter than in C. cyanops, the anal and soft dorsal two-thirds as high. Caudal fin slightly emarginate. Pectoral not extending to first ray of anal, as in the other species, less than one-fourth of total length. Scales in lateral line 120, in transverse line 48, being smaller and more numerous than in C. cyanops. Radial Formula.—D. VII, 25; A.1,23; 0.17; P.1,16; V.I, 5, instead of D. VII, 24; A. 1,22; ©C.19; P.1,15; V. 1,5, as in C. cyanops, or D. VIUI, 24; A, Il, 22; C.17; P.17; V. 1, 5, as in C. chrysops. 44 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Table of Measurements. Current number of specimen. .......--.-+-- esate we ; Ono CT ODA: Conloiotilus qunpees, 971. 750. US A ER REN PS PE ie ee ee Ae Pensacola, Fla. .Cuba. Millim. 100ths. | Millim. 100ths. Fresh specimen. Alcoholic specimen. Egtrome length... .22 02. 5523). Aas SS Sa a eal gd 330) |. . Joi side. Length to end of middle caudal rays .......-.-.-------+--- UU eee BGS ho dare icin « Body : Greatest Hecht ....csop omen secenc recdens «cau orsuaees) esos eee re eee ey 24} Greatest width. ...... Be SWh bw enlew ae 6 «ot aa ates eh Soe eee 1A | odeustede 12 Height at ventrals . ...- .cccccccssccncccnccccncecss-0s|anenet saasme a ee 244 Teast nent of tail ... -. 2. 2 5... one sendee on vas ncese esl eeee eee Oo eke c seer 7 Leugth of caudal peduncle. ........---.-+> j-ccemasdeyhe-ase > eee OD | ete ale ; 11 Head : Greatest length ...0.225 22. penwinaseses anaes ccenae dnepsilinine hae ate Be Pe oe 28 Distance from snont to nape: ..-....- oe een nce e noose: | pease amene en] sa anes = ae ee 15 Greatest width.< 45.506. -Leppio- -ecmtwian aces s- = DePEly eae eeeeene TH, | sBegiages 133 Width of interorbital area -.. ~~. 5-032. oo es aa po ome ( Pl BA sb Lea gth of GAG. i240 5 - b- c\adas das 06). - 1p eee MM 25. tee 10 Length of maxillary .. 2... sceei esate hete sipebiteics ea ae es eee UO eee eee 13 Greatest height... 3... 20s pocn sweden gues ae nal tee ‘ ae ieee enema 8 Length of first spin . 2/5211)... 353 4.96. Basi. Be ie thy tas 5 eee ee 5 Length of second spine’... . 05. 4... 2 2 dt eb ge eee eee OF Vein tenes 6 Length of last spine +... 02 522. 2.5 268 OF eet ala aae eee oe re fiabin HUES 94 Dorsal (soft) : Length of base. ......-... podzan vcd ae Suga soak eee ott tik eeh wees Se eee eee 46 Length of first ray,. -....-«-<,-'> aaa = Yee AV 2g > eee eee y gos PR 104 Length of longest ray..............-.----- Poa etat Figiastoag seen ot Eres ba lee Length of last ray. .n«4a2-s-chi5) Sense oh coe eee ee es alee ee 5 Anal: Distance from anonut ¢ a s0:5.2, 4. o25sh Gus cmnsete terest SD” Medan cokes: 513 Boma thet WAGe icra oer ak ee aee saree tobe es oleae eee OL, IM NESE a Pee 374 Length of antecedent spine ......cc.0.---ceccennmcncnclecone ore a. viet cael 3 Lenerh of first tay... 2-2 copcces ane p panied gp eens’ gd Saba hala Des Py tee 5 it Length of longest ray .-........... nypmed ic cumpda’e deg sf aamebia 66 Es of (tH) i Sh Pine seade. (11th) 12 Lenpth of 1agt ray w/oa a coulapnus chen whee el aks dccakloeeewee ae BAH io ee aa een g 5 Caudal: eength of middle rays ) 2. 22. .n.a. . ons Jota ten Cae ee Reed Tid |. cosnveeas M1 Length of extemal] maye,; 23 15:5) 7d dante her ae oben beds4-ae et 1G; issu, taste 174 Pectoral: Distance from snout. . 2. i: 5. .43,.41g6/Sapd 2 athe beens EEE abot cole DO J-} swans ey 275 DORE «. ono cer ays ascot onde bath gapelinace ie Cape ee meee ee a | eaters 26 Ventral: Distance from snout 5.5... cs =--- apne aed kee te vee ee Coe A eee 31 Lomgtit ss $i. 524. is. ine ab - LES oho piekhine aie See en danse Fb aie ee ae 16 Branchiostegals... 5... aio .s eee Lae Wo te. acaba V 1. tc, = tenuanoe OTSA Loic cien onl 5 bees eda - 2d sake he eee WIIs25 ih Se didat WEIM2O i satelite. AMAL oo ins ce ccs onp seedh teed Cade op aeiaee eee TAO8 |, cc ened be BCT ear eee Caudal. .... 22225. .Uii «Lobb. Oa AT | bass 40 fiw ds dea ta-3 PeChOval oa nicy- vps: cmse sop oon oubwcg dase eee Eee pT Pee EndS bgsnadessses NWaentral | 21. =.» ide hetsabsinodnso> peng ate Te 5 eu cay a} pe oe ee b Number of scales in lateral line ........... ..c.ceeeeeeee- -Obb., 120 Aicaa gen d des 198 17-0 tye awe Number of transverse rows above lateral line....... ---- ee 16d dks soem Number of transverse rows below lateral line ........... Oo | - 3 -Cile ods 2 five dep es ae q a PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 45 Table showing Comparative Proportions of Atlantic Species of CAULOLATILUS. C. chrysops.* | OC. cyanops. | C. mécrops. : Height of body in total length.............. 43 | 42 34 Width of body in total length.-.-........-.... 10 e3 7 Ug yg i eee - 43 34 34 Interorbital width in total length ..........)............------ 12 142 oo Lg be es Re ee eee 10 re Meteninwiintotal lenethas - oo. gs di ie. |. esses. 10 8 Suout to orbit in total length ....... .--.....).-0s2..20065-<-00- 9 7 Rep Gist £6 20 73 6eC Lt S... Lite 4 3t 6 2. RPS Aa RR oe ae ie a 2 ae Nesr eye. ....... 3 distance from Midway from snoug snout to eye. to eye. He‘ght of dorsal in total length (of body) -.!. 124 134 than in cyanops, and _ | RRS RST SRO's sas eR Ts | i iiss 921 SS 10 OS SEY Seca Tarther from snomt | two-thirds as high. 3 Ree pe en See Se ee eee Saeed pee Se yee Less emarginate than | in the other species. ig: Sa i Se al Ind ant 2/5 sei re ne _ Extends to first | Extends to first | Does not reach first anal ray. anal ray. | anal ray. SEY ST a rr 110+ 108 - 120 ‘Transverse rows of scales’. ....5..2-..-...-- [-- anon cewenasncens 35 (L0 +25) 48 (13 + 35) | * These proportionate measurements, as taken from the ‘‘ Histoire Naturelle des Poissons”’, doubtless have reference to extreme length to end of external caudal rays. In this genus, however, the ditference thus admitted is not extremely large. APRIL 30, 1878. THE OCCUBRENCE OF HIPPOCAMPUS ANTIQUORUM, OR AN ALLIED FORM, ON SAINT GEORGE’S BANKS. By G. BROWN GOODE. A specimen of Hippocampus, measuring about five inches, was pro- cured by the United States Fish Commission from a mackerel schooner, which had captured it, in company with a school of mackerel, on Saint George’s Banks, in August, 1873. It was kept alive for some days, and an interesting fact was observed with regard to its habits, its tail appa- rently not being used for prehension. This specimen agrees very closely with H. antiquorum as described by Giinther, and is provisionally referred to that species; it does not agree with the description and figure of H. hudsonius, DeKay, a species which has never been accurately defined, and which may prove identical with H. guttulatus, Cuv. H, antiquorum is, then, an addition to the fauna of Eastern North America. The geographical range of the species is very wide; it has been recorded from the English coast, the Mediterranean at Malta and other points, Fernando Po, Japan, and Australia. Several specimens were collected in Bermuda in 1872 and 1877 in company with H. guttulatus. A specimen received by Storer from Holmes’s Hole was, in his first report, referred to H. brevirostris, Cuv., which is synonymous, according to Giinther, with H. antiquorum. Storer afterward adopted the name proposed by DeKay, but his description and figure refer to a form more nearly resembling that now under consideration. The following notes were taken from the fresh specimen, the colors while it was living :— No. 21044, U. S. Nat. Mus. Cat. Fish. 46 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Body rings, 1 4+- 10. Caudal rings, 37. Tubercles of body and tail elongated, slightly recurved, usually prolonged into slender filaments ; those on the 2d, 4th, and 6th body rings much larger than the others; tubercles prominent and filamentose upon the 4th, 6th, 9th, 12th, 16th, and 20th caudal rings. Ventral tubercles upon 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th body rings. Occipital crest very high, with five prominent tubercles, the anterior two with long filaments. Length of snout equal to dis- tance from posterior margin of orbit to gill-opening. Operculum marked with fine, radiating stria. Radial formula.—D. 19 (the first imperfect). P.18. V. 4. Color.—Yellowish-brown; the eyes and cheeks covered with radiating, wavy lines of light brown. Snout encircled by a narrow, undulating, white band near its middle. The Commission has an accurate sketch by Mr. Emerton. APRIL 30,'1878. DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES OF SHELLS FROM CALIFORNIA IN THE COLLECTIONS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. By W. H. DALL. Haliotis (? var.) assimilis, n. s. Shell solid, strong, not very thick, with a rather light pink, white and greenish nacre, usually with five open holes; spire more elevated than that of any other Californian species, consisting of two and a half or three whorls; aperture very oblique in adult specimens, the thickened margin of the columella narrow, somewhat concave, inclined sharply inward and upward, about three-fourths as long as the columellar side, of the aperture. Between the row of openings and the columellar edge, the space is unusually broad, marked midway by an obtuse carina, sep- arated from the row of holes by a shallow channel; surface reddish or dull greenish, with rather rough, crowded, unequal, spiral ribs and rounded, irregular, wavy, radiating undulations crossing the spiral sculpture obliquely. The muscular impression, in most specimens, is but lightly marked, and, except for occasional spot-like impressions, is smoothly nacreous, like the rest of the interior. Lon. 4.5 in, Lat. 3.0 in. Alt. of spire 1.5 to 2.0in. Aperture 3 inches wide and 3.75 long, in an adult pmb Habitat. an Diego, Cal.; in deep water only; thrown up by heavy otiniiel cas dead and worn when rs and everywhere rare. Mus. Cat. 31267. This species, or variety, has long been known to me and to most Californian collections, but has not hitherto been characterized, owing to the dead condition of most of the specimens found. Mr. Hemphill having forwarded two fresh specimens, it seems well to put it on record. The form is different from any other Californian species; the spiral PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. AZ sculpture is that of H. rufescens ; the radiating sculpture, except that it is not sharp or imbricated, recalls H. corrugatus, and the nacre is similar but less bright. These characters suggest the possibility of its being a hybrid between H. corrugatus and rufescens; but if this be the case, why should it not have a similar habitat? Those two species are litto- ral, but this is exclusively deep-water. I have received it from Dr. Canfield, Mrs. Capt. Lambert, and others, in past years, and have exam- ined some twenty specimens of all ages. Acmza (scabra var.?) Morchii, n.s. Shell conical, much elevated, with a sub-central recurved apex resem- bling that of Helcion pectinatus covered with close-set, rough, imbricated ribs and riblets, the coarse, imbricated, sharp lines of growth forming with the other sculpture a close reticulation in some specimens. Interior with a brown-mottled spectrum and margin, otherwise white; exterior dull grayish or greenish speckled. The imbrications on the principal ribs very strong, in some specimens forming small spines concave beneath. Lat. 16™™. Lon. 207”. Alt. 10™™. Tomales Bay, California, Hemphill, 16 specimens. Mus. Cat. 31268. This very peculiar form has the sculpture of A. scabra, but much exaggerated, and very nearly the profile of Helcion pectinatus. The recurved apex recalls that of A. persona. It would not be referred to any described Californian species if its characters, as they appear, were the only test. Butitis almost certain that all the species of Limpets and Siphonarie, which have this peculiar elevated shape, acquire it from a particular habitat which they seem to prefer. This may be the stem of a large Fucus, a shell, round pebble, or what not, as in the case of those species of Acmea usually (but wrongly) termed Nacella by Californian conchologists: Acmea asmi ; Liriola subspiralis ; ete. They all have a flattened or normal variety, though this is often very rare. Hence I consider the elevated form and pointed apex as probably due to a peculiar habitat, as in the other cases; a view which is borne out by a peculiar arcuation of the margin in most of the specimens, as if the creature had lived on a round shell or pebble. Eliminating the elevation as a permanent character, the shell, appa- rently very limited in its distribution, might well be a hybrid between A. scabra and A. persona. Whether this be the case or not, it is a very remarkable form, and well deserves a name, even if only of varietal value. We owe its discovery to Mr. Hemphill’s industry and eminent abilities as a collector. APRIL 30, 1878. 48 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS OF DOMINICA FROM COLLECTIONS MADE VOR THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION BY FREDERICK A. OBER, TOGETHER WITH HIS NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. By GEORGE N. LAWRENCE. _ In the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol. 1, p. 46, I called attention to the explorations in the Lesser Antilles that were being made by Mr. I. A. Ober, giving-an account of his progress up to that time in the island of Dominica, and stating that when his final collection from there was received, a catalogue of the birds obtained and noticed by him would be published. When his last collection came to hand, it was found that the publica- tion of the promised catalogue would be delayed; it was therefore deemed best to give a provisional list of the species in Forest and Stream; this appeared in the issue of December 6, 1877. On his second visit to Dominica, Mr. Ober had an attack of fever, which debarred him from concluding his explorations satisfactorily. Several species that were seen by him, but not procured, he was able to identify. A few other birds were heard of, but the descriptions given of them were insufficient for their identification ; these being undoubted inhabitants of the island are included in the catalogue, with such infor- mation as he could obtain concerning them. Some of these species Mr. Ober hopes to have procured for him by residents, who promised to make efforts to do so. Mr. Ober is entitled to much credit for his industry and perseverance thus far, and his notes testify that his heart is in the enterprise. | Besides birds, he has sent valuable collections in other branches of science. | I have received from him, by way of introduction to this catalogue, the following interesting account of the physical features of Dominica, with incidents of his movements, localities where birds were procured, etc. All of his communications and notes are designated by quotation- marks. The arrangement of this catalogue is the same as that of the Nomen- clator Avium Neotropicalium, by Messrs. Sclater and Salvin. “The island of Dominica is 25 miles in length by 16 in breadth. It is mountainous in character, consisting of a central ridge running north and south, from which chain project hills and spurs east and west; thus the entire island is but a succession of hills and valleys, the latter ever narrowing into ravines and gorges, from which pour foaming streams and torrents. “The coast-line is for the greater part bold and precipitous, some of the hills slope gently to the sea, and some of the valleys open upon spacious bays, which, though not deep, afford good anchorage on the Caribbean side for small craft. From the voleanic nature of this island,. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 49 being thrust up from the great ocean bed, the water all around it is of great depth, and vessels anchoring off Roseau, the principal town, often run out sixty fathoms of chain before bringing up. ‘“Thus when I speak of the small depth of the bays, I mean the small indentations they make in the general line of the shore. The valleys and low hills of the Caribbean shore are tolerably well culti- vated, principally in sugar-cane; the provision ground of the negroes reaching often to high hill-tops. ‘¢On the east or Atlantic side, called the ‘windward’ side of the island (from the fact that the prevailing wind here is the northeast trade), are a few fine, though isolated, sugar estates, situated where deep bays give opportunity for boats to land. The nature of the east side of the island is more rocky, and the seas more boisterous than the west or Caribbean slope. The almost unceasing trade-wind keeps the Atlantic in a tumult, in striking contrast to the calms of the Caribbean waters. ‘As this island is about midway the group known as the Lesser An- tilles, being in lat. 15° 20’ — 15° 45’; long. 61° 13’ — 61° 30’, it possesses much in its fauna that will prove of interest ; and doubtless some spe- cies will be found to inhabit it that exist neither north nor south of it; some that are found north but not south, and vice versa. Possessing as it does the highest mountain peak in any island south of Jamaica, and a range of mountains and hills of 2,000 to 3,000 feet in height, the essential character of the fauna is mountainous. In fact, along the coast and in the low valleys, very few birds are obtained more than the ordinary sparrows, hummingbirds, etc. Though not rich in either numbers or species, Dominica contains its best birds in high mountain valleys. Hach kind has its characteristic haunt and breeding place, as will be described hereafter, and the majority of them are in the mount- ains and mountain valleys. “ My first collecting ground was at Landat (see Forest and Stream), a mountain vale 1,500 feet above the Caribbean Sea, at the head of the Roseau Valley, which latter made up into the mountains from the sea for nearly five miles. The average temperature of this region was ten degrees lower than at Roseau, 1,500 feet below; at night a blanket (sometimes two) was necessary. I collected here for a month—the month of March—during which period I visited the famous Boiling Lake, a chain of lakes on the mountains, the near mountain peaks, and thor- oughly explored every accessible ravine and valley within a day’s walk. “After shipping my collections to the Smithsonian, I started for the central ‘windward’ portion of the island, where reside the last vestiges of the Carib Indians. With them I resided six weeks, in a cabin close by the Atlantic shore. It was while there that I procured the Imperial Parrot, and other birds of less note, by making forced marches into the high mountains. “T should note here that everything I needed had to be transported Proc. Nat. Mus. 73-——4 July 31, 1878. 50 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. over the rugged mountain trails, from the town of Roseau, a journey of a day and night, upon the heads of men and women. ‘“In May I returned to Roseau. In June I passed a week in Landat, finding little difference in the birds, except in the scarcity of the Hum- mingbirds and a few others. I also spent more than a week, in June, at Batalie, a lime plantation midway the west coast, where I found a few birds which I had seen in the mountains more abundant, and one species—the Tropic Bird—breeding in the cliffs. ‘During May and June I was exhausted by a low type of fever, the result of exposure, which greatly retarded my efforts to secure greater numbers of birds. From subsequent observation, however, and enquiry, Iam certain that nearly all the resident species have been obtained. The very few not procured will be noticed further on. ‘*On the 15th September I returned to Dominica, after a visit to some of the northern islands. Making my way at once to the mountains, I had opportunity to note the changes that the seasons would make in the time which had elapsed since my first visit. The Hummingbirds were in great abundance, the ‘Mountain Whistler’ nearly silent, and perdu; the Flycatchers same as usual ; Wrens about the same, but more in the deep woods; sparrows, finches, etc., in customary abundance; the ‘game birds ’"—‘ Perdix’, ‘Ramier’, and ‘ Tourterelles’—in abundance. ‘During this visit I succeeded in procuring the only species of Owl known in Dominica. The first was a female, September 18, sitting upon its nest, which contained three eggs freshly laid. The following day brought in the male; this was the only find of value. ‘‘ Strange to say, my old enemy, fever, visited me again, the first night I spent in the mountains; though I had been exempt from it for two months, and my last visit there had aidedinitscure. This discouraging welcome to Dominica (I do not, though, attribute it solely to the climate) prevented me from going out on a projected trip to the mountains beyond for the Parrot; I sent my men but they failed to get the bird. ‘The migratory species had arrived in small numbers—Golden Plover, Sandpiper, etc.—and the water of Roseau Bay was black in places with large flocks of the ‘twa-o00’, a species of tern. These birds only come before a gale and are harbingers of a storm. September being a hurri- cane month, very few sailing craft of any kind were about; being, especially in the French islands, hauled up, to remain so through October. ‘‘ Much to my regret, I was unable to procure the Parrot, but little larger than our Carolina Parrot, and the ‘ Diablotin’. The latter was, twenty years ago, in great abundance, breeding in the mountains ; but of late years it has become so scarce as to appear almost mythical. Its disappearance is attributed to the depredations of the ‘Manacon’, a worthless marsupial animal, introduced into Dominica years ago. Al- though the Diablotin is, probably, identical with the Petrel found in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica (the Prion Oaribbaa, as suggested by . PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Dl Prof. Baird); yet it would be very interesting to know exactly what it is. If itis possibly remaining, I have hopes of securing it, as my friend H. A. Alford Nicholls, M. D., of Roseau, has offered a large reward for it; if obtained, to be sent to the Smithsonian. ‘‘ Having been in the island during the breeding season, I procured many nests and eggs, which are, probably, little known. Nests and eggs of three species of Hummingbirds, the ‘Perdix’, Owl, and many smaller birds, were received. ‘‘There are few sea-birds resident here, or even visitors for the pur- pose of incubation, owing to the precipitous character of the coast, and the absence of small islands or detached rocky islets. ‘‘From Dominica I sailed south to St. Vincent, where I remain at this present writing (October). ‘‘Trusting you will make allowance for the many imperfections in this (necessarily) hasty sketch; and hoping to give you full and perfect descriptions when I have leisure to elaborate my notes, ‘‘T remain, faithfully yours, “TWREDERICK A. OBER. “Tt would be wrong in me to conclude without acknowledging the obligations I am under to a few gentlemen of Dominica. ‘““To the President of the island, C. M. Eldridge, Esq.,. for kindly let- ters of introduction to other islands ; for much proffered aid and a great deal of information. ‘‘To Dr. Imray, the oldest medical man in tke island, one who has done much to develope the natural resources of Dominica; a botanist of repute, especially an authority on Tropical plants, to him I am in- debted for many favors. Free access to a large and well-selected library was one of the many delights his generous nature afforded me. ‘“To the Hon. William Stedman, for many and delicate acts of kind- ness. “To Dr. H. A. Alford Nicholls, for numerous favors. I never can repay the debt I owe these two gentlemen, for the many and continued attentions during my stay. At the time when I was sick with fever, it was to the attentions of the one and the skilful medical attendance of the other, that my rapid recovery was due. The period of convales- cence, passed principally in their society, will continue a very pleasant remembrance. ‘¢ The information possessed by Dr. Nicholls upon wood and mountain life was freely placed at my disposal, and it was owing chiefly to his suggestions, that my collecting grounds were so judiciously chosen as to comprise within their areas the characteristic birds of the island. Upon botany and ethnology the doctor is well informed, and his collec- tions and herbarium promise to become very valuable. “These remarks will perhaps account for my protracted stay in the island, and for a lingering regret at leaving it.” 52 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Fam. TURDID. 1. Margarops herminieri (Lafr.).—Local name, ‘“ Morer”. ‘This curious bird inhabits the high woods; especially does it delight in the comparatively open places beneath the towering gomier trees, where perhaps a narrow trail has left the ground bare of leaves. There you will find where it has been scratching with its strong feet. Itis very shy, and being very good as food it is sought by the mountaineers, who call it to them by imitating its cry of distress. ‘Tris tea-color. Not abundant. ‘Length, ¢, 9in.; alar extent, 15; wing, 5; tail, 34.” Of this fine species there are five males in the collection, but no females, and Mr. Ober makes no allusion to their plumage. It has not before been recorded from Dominica. 2. Margarops densirostris (Vieill.).—Local name, ‘‘ Gros Grive ”. ‘These birds are much esteemed for their flesh, and are hunted with- out mercy, when the law allows. They are thus made very shy; at St. Marie, however, in the Indian section of Dominica, where they are not shot, they are very tame, and frequent the mango and bread- fruit trees about the habitations of the people. They lay in April and May. ‘‘Tris very pale straw color; bill horn color. ‘Length, ¢,11in.; alar extent, 174; wing, 54; tail, 52.” The sexes do not differ apparently in size or plumage; not before noted from Dominica. | 3. Margarops montanus (Vieill.).—Local name, “ Grive ”. ‘‘A bundant, but much reduced in numbers by being shot for food. In habits and actions much resembles the American Mockingbird, without his song, however. ‘Tris yellow. ‘Length, ¢, 94; alar extent, 143; wing, 432; tail, 4.” Numerous specimens of both sexes sent; no apparent difference between them; also not sent before from this island, The nest of this species is composed of fine roots loosely woven toge- ther; the inside with the smallest roots, but no soft lining; it is very shallow, and appears small for the size of the bird, having a diameter of but four and a half inches; there are two eggs of a uniform beauti- ful aqua-marine blue, measuring 1.20 x .75. Collected at Shawford Valley, May 10. 4. Cinclocerthia ruficauda, Gould.—Local name, “ Trembleur”. ‘‘Its name is given from its habit of quivering its wings. Abundant in the mountains and lower valleys. (See letter in Forest and Stream.) “Length, ¢,9in.; alar extent, 124; wing, 4; tail, 34.” | The sexes are alike in colors and dimensions. This species has not been obtained before in Dominica. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 53 5. “Thrush” ? “Another bird was described by several persons, something like the Thrush, but with yellow bill and legs. Its egg is like the Cuckoo’s in shape and color.” Of course, it can only be determined by examples. Fam. SYLVIID. 6. Myiadestes genibarbis, Sw.—Native name, ‘“‘Siffleur Montagne; Solitaire”. ‘The Mountain Whistler frequents the most gloomy and solitary mountain gorges, seeking the most retired situations—not so much from shyness as from some inherent proclivity. ‘Found on the borders of open glades in the morning when seeking its favorite food, the berries of a tall shrub. Never found below 1,000 feet altitude. Its mellow notes are first heard from a dark ravine above Shawford Valley as one ascends the mountains. (See Forest and Stream.) “Length, ¢, 74 in.; alar extent, 11; wing, 33; tail, 34.” The female differs from the male only in having a wash of brownish- olive across the middle of the back. There is a single specimen of the young; in this each feather of the upper plumage terminates with black, and has an adjoining subterminal round spot of bright rufous; the feathers of the under plumage are more rufous, with the terminal edge less distinctly marked with black; the throat and under tail-cov- erts are light rufous; the tail as in the adult. This specimen is spotted much in the same manner as the figure of the young of UW. ralloides, in Exotic Ornithology, by Messrs. Sclater and Salvin, pl. xxxii. The UM. armillatus of Bonaparte (Cons. Av.i, p. 335) agrees best with M. genibarbis, Sw., as he describes the parotic region to be black, striped with white, a character peculiar to that species. He has Swainson’s name aS a synonym, considering the two to be identical; he gives for the habitat Central America and the Antilles. Prof. Baird (Rev. Am. Birds, p. 421) proves that I. armillatus, Gosse, from Jamaica, is not M. armillatus, Vieill., and names it M. solitarius. The true habitat of Vieillot’s species is thus left unsettled, and I believe no authentic examples of it are known to exist in any collection. -Vieil- lot, in his original description (Ois. Am. Sept. i, p. 69, pl. 42), gives the Antilles as its habitat; afterwards (Enc. Méth. ii, p. 824) specifies Mar- tinique as a locality. Mr. Sclater (P. Z. S. 1871, p. 270) considers the last reference as prob- ably applying to M. genibarbis. Mr. Sclater also says :—‘‘ It is possible that MW. armillatus verus may be the species from St. Domingo, where there is an unknown representative of this form.” M. genibarbis is noted from St. Lucia by Mr. Sclater in his list of the birds of that island (P. Z. S. 1871, p. 263). The specimens from there he compared with two examples of M. genibarbis in the Swainson collec- tion at Cambridge, and found them to agree. 54 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Swainson erroneously supposed this bird to be a native of Africa; his figure of it (Nat. Lib. vol. xiii), to be correct, should have the chin and an elongated quadrate mark on the lower eyelid pure white. There are in the collection twelve adult specimens, which are appa- rently in full plumage, having the pure white chin and rictal stripe sep- arated by a black line, and the white patch on the lower eyelid; in the young example, the white marks are wanting. Fam. TROGLODYTIDZ4.. 7. Thryothorus rufescens, Lawr., Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. v. 1, p. 47. ‘Wren, 6, Landat, March 3, 1877. ‘¢ Found only in the deep, dark woods, or on their borders. I shot several, but lost them in the rank vegetation. They have a most de- licious song, like, I think, our Northern Wood Wren. Will have more extended notes at some future day. I just missed getting its egg. In June I found a nest, and had my boys watching it for eggs, but some one robbed it before me. When I left, I told the people of the valley to procure the eggs and save them for me. ‘It (the nest) was merely a few straws in a small hole in a bank, about six inches deep, with a diameter of four inches. ‘‘ Length, 44 in.; alar extent, 63; wing, 24; tail, 13. “Tris bright hazel. Abundant in the deep woods, but hard to find from its terrestria] habits. Native name, ‘Osenoli’.” In the first two collections, there being but the type-specimen, I re- quested Mr. Ober to get more; in the last collection are four others, but all are males. These were procured in September, and are of a darker or brownish-rufous, no doubt owing to the different season. Fam. SYLVICOLID/i. 8. Siurus nevius (Bodd.). ‘“ Wagtail—very scarce. ‘“‘Shot while feeding about the pools of the upper waters of the Roseau River, a rocky stream of cascades and water-falls. ‘‘ Length, 53 in.; alar extent, 94; wing, 34, °.” 9. Dendreeca virens (Gm.). ‘‘Only one seen; very ragged in plumage. “ Length, 5 in.; alar extent, 72; wing, 23, 3.” 10. Dendrceeca petechia (Linn.). ** Yellow Warbler, ‘Titien’, Shawford Valley, March 21. “Abundant on the plantations of the east coast, overgrown with guava-bushes. “Length, 5 in.; alar extent, 74; wing, 23, 2.” “A nest with eggs was taken at St. Marie in April.” The nest is well shaped and compactly formed; is composed of fine dried grasses, the outside of coarser materials, strips of bark, and long, sae ees PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 55 thin, flag-like leaves, intermixed with a little cotton. It seems large for the bird; it measures in outside diameter 5 inches; heigat, 24; depth of cavity, 13 inches. There are three eggs of a dull white, sparingly speckled with reddish-brown, except on the larger end, where the spots are confluent; two measure in length .75 of an inch and .50 in breadth; the other is .55 in breadth. 11. Dendracea plumbea, Lawr., Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. v. 1, p. 47. There are no notes which apply to this species. 12. Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.). ‘¢ Redstart, ‘Chat’. Not common. *“ Length, 5 in.; alar extent, 74; wing, 24, ¢.” Fam. VIREONIDZ. 13. Vireosylvia calidris var. dominicana, Lawr. ‘T think this bird is a summer visitor only, as I did not see it before March 19, and then only one. It increased in numbers in April and May; was abundant in the Indian Settlement. I send nest and eggs. Its note makes it conspicuous. ** Length, ¢, 64 in.; alar extent, 104; wing, 34; tail, 23.” “Local name, ‘ Chewick’. Iris hazel.” Male——Upper plumage olive-green, purer and brighter than in V. calidris ; cap of a clear ash, rather darker than that of var. barbatula ; a distinct blackish line along the edge of the crown; superciliary stripe ashy-white; cheeks with a tinge of buff; lores and a stripe behind the eye dusky; a blackish moustachial line along each side of the throat; the under plumage is grayish-white, purer on the upper part of the throat and abdomen; sides pale olive-green; under wing-coverts yellow; crissum pure pale yellow; the bill is large and darker than in its allies ; the upper mandible is blackish horn-color, the under whitish horn-color. The female differs in no respects from the male. The only necessary direct comparison with any of the West Indian or moustached form is with var. barbadense, Ridg.; that and the pres- ent bird only having a distinct dark line along the edge of the crown. The type of barbadense was kindly sent me by Mr. Ridgway: it is smaller than the Dominica species; the plumage above is of a lighter brownish-olive, the cap not so dark, the under parts of a pale yellowish or creamy-white, and the bill of a fleshy-brown color; in general color- ing they are quite unlike. The nest (marked “St. Marie, April 22,’77”) is not the beautiful struc- ture described by Dr. Brewer (N. Am. Birds, v. 1, p. 362) belonging to V. calidris of Jamaica, and does not appear to have been pensile; it is com- posed of fine grasses, intermixed on the outside with a coarser kind of a long, thin, ribbon-like form. There are but two eggs—perhaps not the full complement; they are of a dull white, rather closely spotted with 56 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. pale chocolate, confluent at the larger end; they measure in length .80 of an inch by .60 in breadth. The nest measures in outside diameter 34 inches; depth of cavity 14 inches. Fam. HIRUNDINID. 14. Progne dominicensis (Gm.). ‘“¢ Hirondelle” Resident. ‘“ The first seen was shot at Mountain Lake, 2,300 feet above sea-level, March 23; later in the season I found a few on the Atlantic side, in June, breeding in the cliffs at Batalie, on the Caribbean shore. ‘‘ Length, 72 in.; alar extent, 15; wing, 53, 3.” Fam. CAS REBIDZE. 15. Certhiola dominicana, Taylor.—Local name, “ Sucrier”. St. Marie. ‘‘T procured a series of these, that you might be able to determine better the local differences. ‘‘ Kverywhere abundant in lowland and mountain valleys; breeds in old plantations from March through to the rainy season. I send nests and eggs. ‘‘ Length, 42 in.; alar extent, 73; wing, 24. ‘‘] put in a few nests of these birds to illustrate the domed struc- ture—a character that prevails among the smaller birds—grass-birds, Sparrow and Sucrier.” There are two nests, globular in form, one containing three eggs, ob- tained at St. Marie, April 20,1877 ; the other with four eggs, in Shawford Valley, in April. For the size of the bird, the nest seems a bulky struc- ture, but is elaborately made; the inside is of fine grasses ; the outside of fine wiry stems of some plant, and the thin flag-like leaves spoken of in describing the nest of Dendreca petechia ; it has an outside diameter of 5 inches, the depth of the cavity 3 inches, across the opening 1? inches. The entrance is on the side. The eggs are dull white, some closely spotted with pale reddish-brown; others less so; some with the spots confluent at the larger end; others having them distinct. They measure .68 of an inch in length by .53 in breadth. Fam. TANAGRID Zé. 16. Euphonia flavifrons (Sparm.). ‘“ PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 57 sclateri, presented by Dr. Gundlach—this is much smaller than the above, measuring in length 44 in.; wing, 2; tail, 1,5. 17. Saltator guadeloupensis, Lafr.—Local name, ‘‘ Grosbec”’. ‘¢ Found among the bushes and low trees fringing the cleared valleys and open plateaus. Its clear note makes it a marked bird in the breed- ing season. Found eggs in May. Inhabitant of both coasts. Not abundant. ‘Length, 84 in.; alar extent, 124; wing, 4; tail, 33, *¢ Length, 83 in.; alar extent, 123; wing, 4; tail, 33, *¢ Nest obtained at St. Marie, Indian country, May 1, two to three eggs at a time.” The sexes do not differ in plumage. The nest is made of the stems of coarse grasses, and though appearing to be loosely put together, yet is quite compact; there are a few finer stems at the bottom of the cavity. The outer diameter is 53 inches, height 3 inches, depth of cavity 12 inches. The eggs are light greenish-blue, with a few irregular black markings on the larger end; the length is 1.06 of an inch, the width .80. af: 3. 1877; lays from Fam. FRINGILLID 2. 18. Loxigilla noctis (Linn.).—Local name, Moisson ; Pére Noir; Sparrow. “The male is black, the female gray, I bave no doubt, as they are always seen together. Very common, especially on old plantations; make their nests in low trees and stout shrubs. The nest sent, with three eggs, was obtained in Shawford Valley, March 21, 1877. ‘Length, 54 in.; alar extent, 9; wing, 3; tail, 23, ¢. “Length, 54 in.; alar extent, 83; wing, 22; tail, 24, °.” The nest under examination is placed in the upright trifurcated branch of a prickly shrub or tree, and is thus supported behind and on each side; it is a large and loosely formed structure, composed of fine stems of plants, dried leaves, and small, dried plants; it is covered over or domed, and has a large opening in front, the lower part, which is the nest proper, is more compact, and is lined at the bottom with fine, soft grasses or stems of plants; the height of the nest outside is 8 inches, the breadth 5; the opening in front has a diameter of 3 inches; depth of cavity, 2inches. The complement of eggsis three. Those sent differ much in size and appearance. One is nearly white, marked with minute pale spots of reddish-brown, quite evenly distributed; this measures .80 by .62 of an inch. Another, of about the same size, is more conspicuously spotted; at the larger end densely so; size, .78 by .07. The last is much smaller, the spots larger and darker; it is closely spotted all over, the spots not confluent at the larger end ; it measures .72 by .50. Mr. Sclater speaks of the single specimen from St. Lucia (P. Z. S. 1871, p. 271), and referred to this species as differing from a Martinique 58 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. skin in having “no rufous at all on the crissum, and the superciliary — mark shorter ”. Five males in the collection from Dominica have the under tail-corerts rufous, of the same shade as that of the throat; the rufous line running ~ from the bill is darker, and extends over the eye as far as upon a line with its centre. Probably the Dominica and Martinique birds are alike; but if other examples from St. Lucia prove to be without rufous cris- sums, it would seem to be a well marked variety. The female from Dominica is, above, a brownish-olive, having the face, sides of the head, and upper tail-coverts tinged with rufous; the wing-coverts and tertials are edged with bright rufous; the under plumage is of a dark ashy-olive; the under tail-coverts are pale rufous. Specimens of a Lozigilla collected in Guiana by Mr. A. H. Alexander (taxidermist), though similar in color and markings to examples of J. noctis from Dominica, are so much less in all their measurements that I think, at least, it may be considered a variety. The bill of the Guiana bird is much smaller, the under mandible of a brownish horn-color, be- ing black in the West Indian bird ; the under tail-coverts are of a paler rufous; the rufous of the throat more restricted, and the superciliary line extending beyond the eye. The measurements of the two are as follows :— Dominica bird, ¢, length, 54 in.; wing, 3; tail, 23; tarsus, ?. Guiana bird, ¢, length, 44 in.; wing, 2§: tail, 2; tarsus, &. Viewed together, the skin of the West Indian bird appears to be nearly twice the bulk of the other. I propose to distinguish the South American form by the name of Loxigilla noctis var. propinqua. Mr. Alexander obtained quite a number of this small species in Guiana, but he had disposed of most of them before they came under my notice. Three males examined were alike in size and coloring. I was unable to find a female among the birds collected by him: this is easily accounted for; his object in making collections being to secure the more showy and saleable males. Mr. Alexander informed me that they were not uncommon along the Essequibo River, and that he saw them also at Berbice. The only citation of Guiana as a locality for LZ. noctis that I have noticed is by Bonaparte (Cons. Av. i, p. 493), viz, “Surinam”; he also gives Martinique. 19. Phonipara bicolor (Linn.). “Si Si Yerbe; Grass-bird. } “Abundant everywhere; breeds in great numbers in Shawford Valley, three miles from the coast ; nests in lime-trees, “One with three eggs taken April, 1877; another with four eggs.” “Length, ¢, 42 in.; alar extent, 63; wing, 24. “Length, 2, 44 in.; alar extent, 64; wing, 24.” PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 59 The nest is globular in shape, and is composed of fine roots and stems of plants, intermixed with thin, flag-like leaves; it is 64 inches high and 53 inches broad; the opening is 2 inches across; depth of the cavity, 1} inches. The eggs are quite uniform in appearance; they are white, with a scarcely perceptible greenish tinge, sparingly speckled with reddish-brown, except on the larger end, where the examples vary in having the spots more or less confluent. They vary in size from .66 to .o7 of an inch in length, and in breadth from .54 to .50. ~ Fam. TYRANNIDE. 20. Elainea martinica (Linn.).—Local name, “Quick”. ‘ Rather abundant in the mountain valleys, especially in the lateral ravines bordering the glades of open pastures. In habits and cry resembling our Pheebe-bird. ‘“Tength, z, 62 in.; alar extent, 103; wing, 33. ‘Length, 2, 6in.; alar extent, 10; wing, 32.” Of this species, Mr. Ober sent nine examples. Mr. Sclater (P. Z.S. 1871, p. 271) considers £. riisit from St. Thomas ‘ undistinguishable” from EH. martinica. I have but one specimen of JL. riisit, which differs only from the Dominica bird in being light brownish-olive above; the upper plumage of EL. martinica is dark olive; the difference may be seasonal. Mr. Sclater also raises the question whether L. pagana ‘‘is really separable”; in five specimens, so-called, from Brazil, Guiana, and New Granada, the most marked difference from the West Indian bird is that the breast and abdomen are of a decided pale yellow. In Z£. martinica, the throat and breast are of a clear bluish-gray, the abdomen with just a tinge of yellow. Mr. Sclater (P. Z. 8S. 1870, p. 834) thinks that his £. subpagana will have to be reunited to EL. pagana. I have one example of this form, from the City of Mexico, which is of a bright yellowish-olive above, and the abdomen of a fine clear light yellow. These differences may be due to geographical position. 21. Myiarchus oberi, Lawr., Ann. N. Y. Acad. of Sci. v. 1, p. 48.—Local name, ‘ So- leil coucher ”’. *‘ It is so called because it utters its peculiar cry just at sunset; the hunters say when Soleil Coucher cries, it is time to make ajoussa, or camp. Obtained at Landat in March; not common. ‘‘ Length, ¢, 9 in.; alar extent, 123; wing, 4. “ Length, 2, 84 in.; alar extent, 124; wing, 4.” 22. Blacicus brunneicapillus, Lawr., Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci.v. 1, p. 161.—Local name, ‘‘ Goubemouche”. “‘ Everywhere abundant in the ravines and dark vallers of the mount- ains, “ Length, ¢, 53 in.; alar extent, 84; wing, 22; tail, 23.” et ned 60 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 23. Tyrannus rostratus, Scl. ‘‘ Pipere; Loggerhead.” ‘More an inhabitant of the lowlands than the mountains; found it abundant in St. Marie, Atlantic coast. ‘‘ Found a nest with two eggs, April 20, 1877. ‘Length, ¢, 94 in.; alar extent, 15; wing, 43. “ Length, ?,92in.; alar extent, 154; wing, 43.” The nest is rather loosely made, of small harsh-feeling roots and stems of plants, with no soft lining for the eggs; it is 44 inches wide, with a height of 2 inches, the cavity but half an inch deep. The two eggs are alike in size, but vary in shade of color: one is of a light reddish salmon color, with large conspicuous spots of a deep rusty-red, mostly around the larger end; the other is white, with a slight tinge of color, the spots smaller and less conspicuous. They measure 1.06 by .77. Fam. TROCHILIDE. 24. Eulampis jugularis (Linn.). ‘¢ Large Crimson-throat Hummingbird.” ‘¢ This species called ‘ Colibri’ in patois French. ‘‘This species is almost exclusively a frequenter of the high valleys of the mountains, though found lower down also. It delights in the plantain and provision grounds of the mountain sides, and there may be seen in early morning, glancing among the leaves, hovering over the flower clusters. In the open glades, also, it was abundant about the wild honeysuckle and flowering shrubs. It was easily approached, and many were caught for me by the little mountain boys, with native bird- lime, the juice (inspissated) of the bread-fruit tree. ‘‘T did not find it anywhere common on the east, or Atlantic side of the island. Took a nest and two eggs in June. It breeds later in the season than the smallest species (the Crested). Nest built in bread- fruit tree. Have nests of the three species. ‘‘Length, ¢,5in.; alar extent, 74; wing, 32. ‘Length, ?,5in.; alar extent, 74; wing, 3.” This would seem to be a very abundant species, as Mr. Ober procured | about fifty specimens. Most of these bear evidence of having been cap- tured with bird-lime. The female differs only in the color of the throat being somewhat duller. Mr. Ober speaks of having obtained “‘ nests of the three species” ; but none have been received. 25. Eulampis holosericeus (Linn.),. ‘Green or Blue-throated Hummingbird.” ‘‘ This is not so abundant as the others. It prefers shade and seclu- sion. I noticed the curious habit first in this species, that it possesses in common with the larger, of flitting about in the dark forest, where a PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 61 gleam of light would penetrate. It would dart and double with rapid- ity, occasionally fluttering on suspended wing, like a Hawk, then dart off to a neartwig, whence, after resting a while, it would renew its forage upon the diminutive insects sporting in the ray of dusky light. ‘“ Procured a nest and two eggs, in June, from a ‘cactus’ tree.” “Length, ¢, 43 in.; alar extent, 6; wing, 23.” 26. Thalurania wagleri (Less.). ‘‘ White-throat Hummer.” September, 1877. “This bird I found tolerably abundant, principally in the shady mountain paths of the ‘high woods’. I saw but one before (earlier in the year) in March, while on my way to the Boiling Lake. It may be the young of No. 368 or 369, but of this you can judge, as I send speci- mens of each kind. Inhabits the mountains. ‘‘ Length, 2°, 44in.; alar extent, 6; wing, 22.” Mr. Ober’s note given above refers to the female of this species, of which two examples were sent in his last collection ; also one male, No. 369; on the label of this specimen he wrote, ‘ Purple-throat Hummer, ¢?. Length, 43 in.; alar extent, 6; wing, 24.” (No. 368 is Eulampis holose- riceus.) This is the first allusion he has made to its being a distinct species, which is difficult to account for, as the male is also very differ- ent in appearance from the three other species found abundantly in the island. In his first collection, seven males of T. wagleri were sent, but there is no note or any comment to lead to the supposition that he con- sidered it a fourth species—the three regular forms heing the only ones spoken of. The female of this species appears to have been more rarely obtained than the male. It has the crown and upper tail-coverts bluish-green, the upper plumage and wing-coverts dark green tinged with golden; the middle tail-feathers are golden bronze, ending with greenish-blue; the other tail-feathers are greenish-blue, with their bases golden bronze, and ending with grayish-white; the lores, a line under the eye, and the ear-coverts are black ; the under plumage is ashy-white; the bill is entirely black. The procuration of the female establishes this species as being resi- dent in Dominica. 27. Orthorhynchus exilis (Gm.). ‘¢ Small Crested Hummer.” “This species is called by the natives, ‘ Fou, Fou,’ or ‘ crazy, crazy,’ from its eccentric motions in the air. “It is not uncommon along the coast and in the lower valleys. Al- most the only species on the Atlantic side in April and May. Very abundant everywhere. Took first nest, March 20, in Shawford Valley ; found others as late as June 20, at Batalie, on sea-coast. “In order of numerical abundance this species can be first, the Crim- son-throat second, the Blue or Violet-breast third. “‘ Length, 34 in.; alar extent, 43; wing, 2, 3.” Belin oes 62 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Fam. CYPSELIDA. 28. Chetura poliura (Temm.). ‘“ Swift. ‘¢This bird only appears after a rain, then in great numbers, darting swiftly about, disappearing as soon as it has ceased. In March saw but three at the Mountain Lake, 2,300 feet. In June they had descended to the valleys, and were even sporting about the seashore. ‘¢ They live and breed among the cliffs, high up the mountains and near the waterfalls of the Roseau Valley. Abundant also at Batalie, lower down the coast. “ Length, 3, 42 in.; alar extent, 103; wing, 3%.” I have never seen an example of C. poliura, but as the bird under investigation agrees in plumage quite well with the description of that species given by Mr. Sclater (P. Z. 8. 1865, p. 611), I have called it so provisionally; it differs, however, in dimensions, the wing especially being shorter. 29. “Swift.” ‘‘A species of Swift,intermediate in size between the small Swift and the large Martin.” This species has not yet been obtained. Fam. ALCEDINIDZ. 30. Ceryle alcyon (Linn.). ‘¢ Kingfisher.” ‘¢Seen in April on the windward side of Dominica, and again in Sep- tember on the leeward, or Caribbean side. In September it appears more plentiful. Undoubtedly a resident.” No specimen sent, but is this species without much doubt. Fam. CUCULID. 31. Coccyzus minor (Gm.). ‘‘Cuckoo; Manioc.” ‘‘Not very plentiful; unsuspicious, stupid; its cry similar to that of Yellow-billed Cuckoo, but more prolonged, sharper, and harsher. ‘Nesting in May; inhabits the low shrubs and trees of old clearings. ‘Length, 3,13 in.; alar extent, 164; wing, 54. ‘Length, 2, 134 in.; alar extent, 17; wing, 54.” Fam. PSITTACID2E. 32. Chrysotis augusta (Vig.). ¥4Oicero? |, :* ot ‘¢ Except in the rainy season, this bird can only be found in the high mountains, where grow the mountain palm, gomier, bois diadle,and other PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 63 trees of mountain growth, upon the seeds of which it feeds. It is there abundant, yet shy and difficult to approach. Its cry is harsh, resem- bling the call of a Wild Turkey. Morning and evening they call one to another for perhaps an hour; during the rest of the day they remain silent, except for an occasional cry. When a gun is fired, they all cry out, and then keep perfect silence. They do not seem to associate in flocks at this season, like the Parrot, but are found more often in pairs. They breed in the hollow tops of high trees, and the young are rarely taken. When caught young, they readily learn totalk. The only manner in which one is secured alive is by being wounded. ‘‘Tt descends to the valleys in the rainy season to some extent, but prefers the mountains. At that time they are very fat, excellent eating, and much hunted. ‘*T made an excursion into their mountain fastnesses, camping on their feeding grounds, but only secured three (though assisted by the Carib hunters), the country was so wild and the birds so shy. ‘Length, ¢, 21 in.; alar extent, 35; wing, 11. ‘‘Length, 2, 22 in.; alar extent, 36; wing, 12.” As specimens of the Imperial Parrot are exceedingly rare in collec- tions, and a description of it not readily available, I thought that one taken from the examples before me might prove useful. The male has on the front adjoining the bill a narrow line of a dark warm brown color; the feathers of the crown and occiput are of a rather dull bluish-green, with lighter terminations; the feathers of the hind neck, and extending around in front, are bronzy-green, with a broad subterminal band of dark bluish-purple, and ending with black; the feathers of the back, wing-coverts, flanks, and upper tail-coverts are of a bright, rather dark green, conspicuously edged with lighter or verditer- green; these terminal edgings are crossed with waving dark marks like water-lines; the tail-feathers are reddish-brown, having their bases green for a short space, the two middle feathers show more green; the edge of the wing is scarlet (not the flexure); the primaries have their outer webs bright dark green for two-thirds their length, the terminal third of a brownish-purple; the first quill is entirely, and the inner webs of the others are of a dark purple; all but the first primary have their outer webs incised ; the secondaries have their outer webs green; on the outer two a speculum of scarlet; the inner webs are dark purple; on the chin and sides of the throat adjoining, the feathers are dark brown, with coppery terminations; the ear-coverts are brown, ending with light bluish; the feathers of the lower part of the throat, the breast, aud abdomen are bronzy dark olive, broadly marked subterminally with an opalescent band of violet-purple and light blue, changeable in differ- ent lights, their terminal margins are black ; the upper mandible is dark ‘ horn-color, with a whitish mark on its side at the base; the under man- dible is lighter; the feet blackish-brown. The female specimen has the colors a little duet, and the speculum less bright, but it may be possibly younger. 64 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 33. “ Parrot.” ‘*‘ Not abundant. . “This bird, about the size of our Northern Carolina Parrot, but more robust, is very shy, keeping mainly to the higher mountains; sometimes descending to the inner valleys, to feed upon the wild guavas. ‘‘ It is sometimes captured by being wing-broken, and takes kindly to confinement, but unlike its larger brother, the Cicero, does not learn to talk. It congregates in small flocks. It is oftener shot in the months between September and February. A very beneficent law of Dominica prohibits the shooting of Parrots, Ciceros, Ramiers, &c., in any other months, thus ensuring protection during the breeding season. “d This species was not obtained by Mr. Ober. Fam. STRIGIDZE. 34. Strix flammea var. nigrescens, Lawr. “Owl. ‘Shawah.’ ‘¢‘ Very rare; its cry even is seldom heard. It haunts principally the mountains and higher valleys ; builds its nest in a hollow tree, or in the hollow of a large limb, and lays eggs elliptical in shape, white and gran- ular. In this case they were three in number, and from the appearance of the ovules, were the full complement. They were newly laid, Sep- tember 19.” I find this to be a very dark variety of Strix flammea. At my request, Mr. Ridgway sent me a specimen of the dark-plumaged form (var. guate- male, frem Costa Rica), spoken of in N.A. Birds, v. 2, p. 14. On compa- rison, the difference is very marked: the example from Costa Rica is above brown, intermixed with rufous, and closely freckled with fine whitish vermiculations; it is also marked, not closely, with whitish ovate spots surrounded with black; the color below is dark reddish- ochraceous, with black sagittate spots. The sex not given. It measures, length, 144 in.; wing, 13; tail, 6; tarsus, 23. The male from Dominica has the upper plumage of a fine blackish- brown, rather sparsely marked with small white spots; the tail is crossed with alternate bands of brown and light dull ochraceous freck- led with brown; the wings are the color of the back, somewhat inter- mixed with rufous; the under plumage is light reddish-ochraceous, marked with small round black spots (the color is lighter than the under plumage of the Costa Rica specimen); the ends of the ruff-feathers are dark reddish-brown; feathers around the eye, black; the face is of a. light reddish fawn color. ‘ Bill white; iris deep chocolate, half an inch in diameter.” : Length (fresh), 13 in.; wing, 10; tail, 43; tarsus, 2. r The female is of the same dark color above, with the white spotsso minute as to be scarcely perceptible; the tail is darker; the under plumage of a darker reddish-ochraceous than in the male (not so dark , - ¥ J 2 : a d : = PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 65 as that of the Costa Rica specimen), a few roundish black spots on the breast; on the abdomen the markings are in clusters, and irregular in form. Length (skin), 13 in.; wing, 93; tail, 42; tarsus, 23. Besides its much darker upper plumage, the Dominican form is of much smaller dimensions. The color of the eggs is dead white; they measure in length 1.60 by 1.22 in breadth. Fam. FALCONIDE. 35. Pandion haliztus (Linn.). ‘ Fish-hawk.” ‘¢‘ Seen circling over the sea in September.” 36. Buteo pennsylvanicus (Wils.). ¢¢ Mal fini’ St. Marie, Indian country. ‘This bird courses above the valley, uttering its ery of ‘ Mal fini, fini’. lt is not abundant; eats lizards as well as small birds. The largest of the Hawks here resident. Iris amber. ‘Length, ¢, 15 in.; alar extent, 32; wing, 104. “Length, 2, 15 in.; alar extent, 32; wing, 10.” 37. Tinnunculus sparverius var. antillarum (Gm.). *¢¢ Glee glee’ Nowhere abundant. “ Length, z, 103 in.; alar extent, 20; wing, 62.” The two specimens sent were submitted to Mr. Ridgway for deter- mination ; he wrote me as follows :—“* The Dominica Tinnunculusis iden- tical with that from St. Thomas, St: Bartholomew, and Porto Rico. It is what I have called ‘ sparverius var. dominicensis’, but I find upon further investigation that it should bear the name of antillarum, Gm.— dominicensis being, as I now conclude, the bird which I have cailed leu- cophrys.” Mr. Ridgway also wrote :—‘‘ You may mention that I have a male 7’. sparveroides, in the plumbeous plumage, from South Florida.” Fam. FREGATID. 38. Fregata aquila (Linn.). ** Man o’ War Hawk; Frigate Pelican.” “ Often seen flying at great height; said to breed on an inaccessible cliff on the southeastern side of the island.” Fam. PHA; THONID®. 39. Phzthon flavirostris, Brandt. “Tropic Bird. Abundant. ** Breeds in the cliffs near the Lime Plantation of Batalie, the prop- erty of Dr. {mray. They also breed in the cliffs of Mount David, near Proc. Nat. Mus. 73——5 July 30, 1878. 66 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Roseau. They appear from out their holes early in the morning, go out to sea to fish and return at 9 or 10; coming out again in the afternoon. A road winds at the base of the cliff, and thus they can be closely observed. They are said to reside here the year through, and commence incubating in April. ‘Length, ¢, 23 in.; alar extent, 36; wing, 114. ‘‘ Length, 2, 27 in.; alar extent, 36; wing, 114.’’ Fam. PELECANIDA. 40. Pelecanus fuscus (Linn.). ‘“ Brown Pelican.” ‘‘One or two seen; does not breed here, but probably on the nearest sandy island.” Fam. ARDEID AL. 41. Ardea candidissima (Gm.),. ‘“¢Gaulin blane.’ Not common. ‘In such rivers as that at Hatton Garden, which runs a long distance through a tolerably level valley, with broad shallows, banks well lined with bushes, with deep holes well stocked with fish, this bird is often found. Iris pale yellow. ‘‘ Length, 3, 214 in.; alar extent, 35; wing, 104 in.” 42. Ardea cerulea, Linn. ‘¢¢ Orabier noir.’ ‘¢ Shot in a stream far up the mountains, Iris straw-color. ‘‘ Length, 9, 214 in.; alar extent, 37; wing, 104.” 43. Butorides virescens (Linn.). ‘Green Heron. Common. ‘‘ Breeding season commenced in April; found eggs in June. Iris yellow. ‘ Length, 2, 194 in.; alar extent, 26; wing, 74.” Fam, COLUMBID AE, 44. Columba corensis, Gm. ‘6 ¢ Ramier,’ ‘Abundant in the high woods, never touches earth; makes its nest in the high gomier trees in May. Shot in numbers in the rainy season, then very fat and most delicious eating. Iris orange, shot with gold, with an inner circle around of darker color. “Length, ¢,16in.; alar extent, 28; wing, 9.” 45. Zenaida martinicana, Bp. ** ¢ Tourterelle,’ “ Breeds on rocks and cliffs along the coast (Caribbean), very plenti-— PROCHEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 67 ful. In the mountains not numerous; abundant in Indian country, coming about the huts even, not being troubled there. Found eggs in June at Batalie. “Length, ¢, 124 in.; alar extent, 19; wing, 7.” 46. Chamepelia passerina (Linn.). “Ground Dove. ‘ Bagas,’ ‘“ Not numerous on the hills; on Grand Savannah, near Batalie, Caribbean coast, abundant. Found eggs in June; the nest, a frail platform of grass stalks and sticks, placed on an old stump. ‘Length, 2, 62 in.; alar extent, 104; wing, 33.” 47. Geotrygon montana (Linn.). ‘¢¢ Perdix rouge’, 3; ‘ Perdix noir’, °. ‘Not uncommon in the high woods; called :Perdix or Partridge; robust; strong in short flight, and frequenting the ground; it more resembles that bird than a Dove. Iris yellow. “Length, ¢, 103 in.; alar extent, 193; wing, 63. ‘Length, 2,104 in.; alar extent, 18; wing, 6.” The two eggs sent are of a rather light salmon color, and immaculate; they measure 1.19 by .89. Fam. CHARADRIIDZ. 48. Charadrius virginicus, Borkh. ‘‘Golden Plover.” ‘Arrives in flocks, frequenting the ‘Grand Savannah’, staying but a short time.” 49. Strepsilas interpres (Linn.). “Only one seen, at Scott’s Head. The flocks of migratory Plover and Curlews visit Dominica but little, preferring lower islands, like Antigua and Barbuda to the rocky islands, where their favorite food is necessa- rily scarce. ‘‘ Length, 9 in.; alar extent, 183; wing, 6.” Fam. SCOLOPACID 2. 50. ‘‘Sandpiper.” Species undetermined ; seen, but not obtained. 51. Tringoides macularius (Linn.), ‘‘A resident species. In the hurricane months, the island is visited by numberless flocks of Plover. No other Sandpiper or Plover (I think) resides here. “Length, 2, 73 in.; alar extent, 124; wing, 33.” 68 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Fam. LARID/, oa. Lor.” ‘¢ Not procured, but I think is Sterna stolida.” 53. Sterna antillarum (Less.). Tern, ‘‘Very few seen; principally about Scott’s Head, the southernmost point of the island. “ Length, ¢, 8$in.; alar extent, 184; wing, 64.” 54. Sterna fuliginosa (Gm.). 66 6 'wa 00.’ ‘‘ When I reached Dominica, September 15, large flocks of this species were Skimming the water, apparently feeding upon the fish. There were hundreds. Wishing to get into the mountains at once, I neglected to get this bird, thinking it would be on the coast upon my return. Ina week, however, the squally weather which had brought them in had passed, and they also bad disappeared. I was able only to procure this mutilated specimen, which I send with regret.” 55. Sterna anestheta, Scop. “Tor” ‘St. Marie, Atlantic coast, April 20. This bird made its first appear- ance a week ago, coming from the open ocean, to breed upon a rock off this stormy shore. My Indian boys procured twenty eggs from the rock. The birds leave the island so soon as their young are fledged. “ Length, ¢, 143 in.; alar extent, 29; wing, 104. “Length, %, 154 in.; alar extent, 30; wing, 103.” Fam. PROCELLARID. 56. “*‘Diablotin.’” “Twenty years ago it was abundant. Said to have come in from the sea in October and November, and to burrow in the tops of the highest mountains for a nest. In those months it incubated, The wildest stories are told about it, and but for the evidence of such a man as Dr. Imray, I should treat it as a myth. Doubtless as you write, it may be identical with the Jamaica Petrel.” On first receiving the account of this bird from Mr. Ober, I wrote to Professor Baird, suggesting that it might be Puffinus obscurus, which species was found breeding in the Bahamas by Dr. Bryant. Professor Baird replied that he thought it was more likely to be Prion Caribbaa, discovered in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica a few years since. It is quite possible it may be an undescribed species, and its acquisi- tion is most desirable. It goes and comes, doubtless, mostly if not altogether at night. Ifthe burrows made by it could be found when the birds are incubating, probably they could be unearthed in the daytime, and thus be secured, PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 69 Its movements being like those attributed to evil spirits, probably suggested the name by which it is known. Dr. Bryant (Proc. Boston Soc. of N. H. v. 7, p. 132) gives the fol- lowing account of Puffinus obscurus :—“ The nest is always placed in a hole or under a projecting portion of the rock, seldom more than a foot from the surface, and never, as far as my experience goes, out of reach of the band. On being caught they make no noise, and do not resist at all. Why these birds and the Stormy Petrels never enter or leave their holes in the daytime, is one of the mysteries of nature; both of them feeding and flying all day, yet never seen in the vicinity of their breed- ing places before dark.” NOTES ON A COLLECTION OF FISHES FROM CLACKAMAS BIVER, OBEGON. By DAVID S. JORDAN, M.D. The United States National Museum has lately received from Mr. Livingston Stone a small collection of fishes obtained by him from the Clackamas River, a tributary of the Columbia in Oregon. The collec- tion comprises only six species, but each species (excepting Salmo tsap- pitch) is represented by several specimens, all in excellent condition ; and it so happens that each one of these is a species of special scientific interest, and one concerning which our knowledge has for one reason or another been incomplete. Jour of these species were first described by Richardson (Fauna Boreali-Americana, 1836), viz, Oncorhynchus quinnat, Salmo tsuppitch, Salmo clarki, and Gila oregonensis; another, Acrochilus alutaceus, was first made known by Professor Agassiz (Am. Journ. Sci. and Arts, 1855); and the last, Salvelinus spectabilis, by Dr. Girard in 1856. 1. ONCORHYNCHUS QUINNAT (Richardson) Gunther. California Salmon. Columbia Salmon. Quinnat Salmon. 1836—Salmo quinnat RICHARDSON, Fauna Bor.-Am. iii, p. 219, (described from notes by Dr. Gairdner). Salmo quinnat DEKay, Fauna New York, Fishes, p. 242, 1842, (copied). Salmo quinnat STORER, Synopsis Fish. N. A. p. 196, 1846, (copied). Salmo quinnat HERBERT, Frank Forrester’s Fish and Fishing, Supplement, p. 31, 1850. Salmo quinnat GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phila. viii, p. 217, 1856. Salmo quinnat GIRARD, Pac. R. R. Rep. Fishes, p. 306, pl. 67, 1858. ‘Salmo quinnat SUCKLEY, Nat. Hist. Wash. Terr. p. 321, 1860. Oncorhynchus quinnat GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vi, p. 158, 1866, (compiled). Salmo quinnat SUCKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, Rept. U.S. Fish. Comm. p. 105, 1874. Salmo quinnat NELSON, Bull. Ills. Mus. Nat. Hist. i, p. 43, 1876, (Illinois River). Salmo quinnat HaLLock, Sportsman’s Gazetteer, p. 359, 1877. Oncorhynchus quinnat JORDAN, Man. Vert. ed. 2d, p. 357, 1878. Oncorhynchus quinnat JORDAN, Catalogue Fresh-water Fishes N. A. p. 431, 1878. Salmo quinnat, U. 8. Fish Comm. Repts., and of writers on Salmon and fish cul- ture generally. 70) PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 1856—Fario argyreus GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phila. p. 218. Fario argyreus GiraRD, Pac. R. R. Surv. Rep. Fishes, p. 312, pl. 70, 1858. Salmo argyreus SUCKLEY, Net. Hist. Wash. Terr. p. 326, 1860. Salmo argyreus SUCKLEY, Monograph Salmg, p. 110, 1874. 1861—Salmo warreni SUCKLEY, Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist. N. Y. vii, p. 308. Salmo warreni SUCKLEY, Monograph Salmo, p. 147, 1874. Salmo warreni JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List, p. 144, 1876. This species, the most abundant and most valuable of the Salmonide of the Pacific coast, is represented in the present collection by nume- rous partly grown specimens, some black-spotted and some nearly plain silvery. The only question which now arises in the synonymy of this species is as to its distinctness from its congener O.nerka(Walbaum), (0. lycaodon Pallas). ‘The slender, more fusiform,and less compressed form of the latter species, as well as its fewer branchiostegals and less forked tail, seem to indicate specific difference. The types of Fario argyreus Girard, I have examined. ‘They are two in number, each about 8 inches long, and are evidently young quinnats. The original types of Salmo warreni are apparently lost. ‘There is, however, a bottle of small silvery fishes, young individuals of quinnat, in the National Museum, labelled by Dr. Suckley ‘‘ Salmo warreni?” There can be little doubt that the original types of Salmo warreni were similar specimens of a young Oncorhynchus, most likely the young of O. quinnat. There can be no possible doubt of the entire generic distinctness of the genus Oncorhynchus from Salmo, although the characters assigned to Oncorhynchus by Dr. Suckley have no such value. ‘Che great devel- opment of the anal fin and the peculiar form and dentition of the vomer are of much more importance than the booked jaws of the male, although neither character was noticed by Dr. Suckley. Indeed, this author includes most of the Oncorhynchi, under one name or another, in his subgenus Salmo. Thus the species termed by him quinnat, confluentus (= keta), argyreus (= quinnat), paucidens (= nerka), truncatus (= nerka), richardi (= nerka), kennerlyi, and warreni (= quinnat), are all hook-jawed species, with a long anal fin and an increased number of branchioste- gals, yet they are all referred by Dr. Suckley to his subgenus Salmo proper. An examination of the specimens of Oncorhynchus in the National Museum, including all of Dr. Suckley’s types excepting richardi and warreni, has convinced Dr. Gill and myself that they all belong to five species, O. gorbuscha, O. keta, O. nerka, O. quinnat, and O. kennerlyi. These are divisible into two very strongly marked subgenera, or perhaps even distinct genera,—Oncorhynchus, including the first four species named, and Hypsifario, Gill, including only kennerlyi. O. kennerlyi is very much smaller than the other species, and is much more compressed and of a different form. Its.form seems to me, however, rather an exag- geration of that of O. quinnat than a distinet type, and the resemblance is almost as great between quinnat and kennerlyi as between quinnat and gorbuscha. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 71 The species of Oncorhynchus at present admitted by Dr. Gill and myself may be briefly compared as follows :— a. Body more elongate, heavier forward and less compressed than in the next; jaws in the adult males very unequal; the lower jaw prolonged and hooked upwards; the upper jaw still more elongate and curled over the tip of the lower, the profile of the forehead being concave when viewed from the side; teeth of the premaxillaries and of the tip of the lower jaw greatly enlarged RES ere ER ee er ee (Subgenus Oncorhynchus.) b. Scales very small, in more than 200 transverse rows; smaller on caudal peduncle than on flanks; form much distorted in the adult males, the fleshy hump at the shoulders being greatly developed, and the caudal peduncle slender and rather elongate; the jaws greatly prolonged and curved; size small. (Pacific coast and streams, Washington to Kamtschatka.) ..---.-.--.--------,-© ORBUSCHA.* bb. Scales medium, in about 170 (155 to 180) transverse rows; form distorted, but less so than in the preceding, the fleshy hump considerably developed in the males, and the jaws greatly elongated and hooked; branchiostegals about 16. (Pacitic coast and streams, Oregon to Kamtschatka.) ....-....-...----- KETA.t bbb. Scales large for the genus, in about 133 transverse rows. c. Form elongate, not greatly compressed, the greatest depth in advance of the middle of the body; the males with the caudal peduncle rather slender, and with a well-marked fleshy hump, and with the jaws much elongated and dis- torted; caudal fin feebly forked; branchiostegals about 13. (Pacific coast and streams, California to Kamtschatka.) - ...... ..-.-..----.---.---- NERKA.} ce. Body elongate, compressed, the greatest depth (in female and immature speci- mens at least) being just under the dorsal fin; depth of body one-fourth of length, or a little more; head moderate, rather bluntly pointed ; less distorted in male specimens than in the preceding species; maxillary shortish, curved, reaching somewhat beyond eye; caudal fin more or less forked ; branchioste- gals15 or 16. (Coast and streams, California to Alaska.).........-... QUINNAT. aa. Body oblong, very strongly compressed, the dorsal region much elevated ; a nearly even slope from the snout to the base of the dorsal fin; dorsal fin unusually far back, the first ray being behind the middle of the body; head long, deep, compressed, but still wide ; mouth extremely large and very oblique; the jaws about equal in the females ; in the males, the lower jaw protruding beyond the upper, which is curled up like the snout of a snarling dog, showing the enlarged canines, the premaxillaries never hooking over the lower jaw, as is the case with Oncorhynchus proper; dentition as in typical Oncorhynchus. (Subgenus Hypsifario Gill.) *ONCORHYNCHUS GORBUSCHA (Walb.) Gill & Jordan.—Gorbuscha, Pennant, Arctic Zoclogy.—Salmo gorbuscha, Walbaum, Artedi Gen. 1792.—Salmo gibber, Bloch, Schneider, Ichthyologia, 1801.—Salmo proteus, Pallas, Zool. Rosso-Asiatica, 1811.—Salmo gibber, Suckley, 1861.—Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, Jordan, Man. Vert. ed. 2d, 1878. t ONCORHYNCHUS KETA (Walbaum) G. & J.—Keta vel kayko, Pennant, Arctic Zool- ogy.—Salmo keta vel kayko, Walbaum, 1792.—Salmo keta vel kayko, Bloch, Schneider, 1801.—Salmo lagocephalus, Pallas, 1811.—Salmo scouleri, Richardson, 1836.—Salmo conjlu- entus, 1861.— Oncorhynchus keta, Jordan, Man. Vert. ed. 2d, 1878. tONCORHYNCHUS NERKA (Walb.) Gill & Jor.—Nerka, Pennant, Arctic Zoology.— Salmo nerka, Walbaum, 1792.—Salmo lycaodon, Pallas, 1811.—Salmo japonensis, Pallas, 1811.—? Salmo paucidens, Richardson, 1836.—Salmo consuetus, Richardson, Voyage of the Herald, 1854.—Salmo dermatinus, Richardson, /. c. 1854.—Salmo canis, Suckley, 1¢61.— Salmo cooperi, Suckley, 1861.—Salmo scouleri, Suckley, 1861, (not of Rich.).—Salmo trun- catus, Suckley, 1861.—? Salmo richardi, Suckley, 1861.—Oncorhynchus lycaodon, Giinther, 1867.—Oncorhynchus nerka, Jordan, 1878. oe. 72 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. ‘d. Depth of body about .29 of length, its width only about .10; length of head .29 of length; the interorbital space about .09; maxillary, .12; mandible, .19; scales moderate, thin, partly imbedded in the skin along the back, but not closely imbricated, in number about 20-135-20; branchiostegals about 15; dorsal fin rather high—higher than long; adipose fin long and narrow, some- what spatulate; caudal fin well forked; general color red, somewhat spotted above; size small. (Habitat.—Pacific coast streams, Sacramento River to Fraser's River.) «s..sis «cscs sobh Jé08 hGewdki ee Leelee eee KENNERLYI.* The series of Oncorhynchi in the National Museum is by no means so complete as is desirable, except in the case of O. quinnat and O. kennerlyt. O. keta, O. nerka, and O. gorbuscha are represented only by skins, mostly dried and moth-eaten, and all in poor condition. A fuller series may show that more than five good species exist, or it may show that O. quinnat is really only-a variety of O. nerka. 2. SALMO TSUPPITCH Richardson. Tsuppitch Salmon. Black Trout of Lake Tahoe. 1836—Salmo tsuppitch RICHARDSON, Fauna Bor.-Am. Fishes, p. 224. Salmo tsuppitch DEKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, p. —, 1842. Salmo tsuppitch STORER, Synopsis, p. 197, 1846, Salmo tsuppitch HERBERT, Frank Forrester’s Fish and Fishing, Suppl. p. 39, 1850. Salmo tsuppitch SuCKLEY, Nat. Hist. Wash. Terr. p. 327. Salmo tsuppitch GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vi, p. 118, 1867. Salmo tsuppitch SuCKLEY, Monograph Salmo, p.'111, 1874. Salmo tsuppitch JORDAN, Man. Vert. ed. 2d, p. 358, 1878, A fine specimen of a trout from the Clackamas River enables me to make a probably correct determination of the hitherto unidentified Salmo tsuppitch of Richardson. The specimen seems to be identical with the so-called ‘* Black Trout of Lake Tahoe” (not the “Silver Trout of Lake Tahoe”, which is the species termed by Professor Gill and myself S. henshawi”), of which numerous specimens were collected in Lake Tahoe and in Kern River, California, by Mr. H. W. Henshaw. I feel less hesitation in identifying Richardson’s tswppitch with this species, from the fact that the fish does not seem ever to have been renamed by later writers. The following description was taken from the Clackamas Liver specimen. General appearance of Salmo henshawi, but with smaller scales, smaller, shorter head, and smaller mouth, besides wanting the hyoid teeth. Body elongated, somewhat compressed, the dorsal region moderately elevated. Head rather small, pointed and lengthened, its form quite distinctly conic, less convex than in spilurus, the top rather narrow and slightly keeled. Mouth moderate, not large, with rather weak teeth, the maxillary comparatively narrow and not extending much * Oncorhynchus kennerlyi (Suckley) Jor.—Salmo kennerlyi, Suckley, 1861.—Hypsifario kennerlyi, Gill, 1864.— Oncorhynchus kennerlyi, Jordan, 1878. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 73 beyond the eye; opercle more prolonged backwards than in spilurus, making the head appear longer. Pectoral fins smaller than in spilurus. Scales small, silvery, 28-180-29. Caudal fin short, rather faintly forked, but more so than in spilurus. Adipose fin rather small. Fins all small, the dorsal of the usual ‘sa- lar” pattern. Fin-rays: Dorsal, 2,11. Anal, 2, 10. Color dark above; head, body, and upper fins with small, round, black spots, very numerous, and nearly as close together before as behind; a few spots on the belly in some specimens. Measurements of specimen: Length, 12 inches; depth, .233 of length to base of caudal; head, .245; interorbital width, .07; maxillary, .10; mandible, .15; middle caudal rays, .11; outer caudal rays, .17. This species may be known from S. spilurus by the more forked tail, the longer and slenderer head, and the greater spottiness anteriorly. From S. irideus, it may be known by the much slenderer form, larger mouth, longer head, and much larger scales; from S. henshawi, which it most resembles, by the shorter head and by the lack of hyoid teeth; and from S. clarki, which it also resembles, by the want of hyoid teeth, and other characters. These black-spotted Salmon of the Rocky Mountain region and Pacific slope belong to a well-marked group, for which the name Salar, Valen- ciennes, may be retained as a subgenus of the genus Salmo. Although not by any means so different from the true Salmo (type S. salar L.) as are the genera Oncorhynchus, Cristivomer (type S. namaycush Walb.), and Salvelinus (type S. salvelinus L.), it is not impossible that future writers may consider Salar as a genus distinct from Salmo. The character of a single instead of a double row of teeth on the shaft of the vomer, sup- posed to distinguish Fario, Val., from Salar, has no generic value, and probably not even a specific value, at least as hitherto stated. In all the species properly referabie to Salar, the teeth are arranged alternately, each one pointing to the right or left, in an opposite direction from its neighbor. These teeth are therefore in a sort of quincuncial row, which in many or most instances appears as two distinct rows, and almost always is divided into two anteriorly. Most of the ‘*Salmon-trout” and “Trout” of Europe and Asia belong to this group, “Salar”. Although most of the species referred to Fario belong to Salar, it is not certain whether the type of Fario, F. argenteus Val., from France, is a Salar or a true Salmo. The figure looks to me liké a young Salmon (NS. salar). The American species of the subgenus Salar which are now consid- ered valid by Dr. Gill and myself may be compared as follows :— Common characters :~-River Salmon, not anadromous, with the vomer comparatively flat and not boat-shaped, its form essentially as in Salmo proper, the vomerine teeth extending for some distance along the shaft of the bone in two alternating rows or in one zigzag row, the teeth divergent and directed somewhat forward, not deciduous: scales. 74 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. moderate, comparatively thin and loose, appearing silvery, espe- cially in fishes which have entered the sea: fins small, the last rays of the dorsal somewhat elongate, the first ray usual'y less than twice the height of the last ray; caudal fin slightly forked, or more usually truncate, with a slight emargination, double-rounded when spread open: upper parts, especially the back, and the dorsal and caudal fins, more or less thickly covered with small, rounded, black spots; in some specimens, especially those which have been in the sea, these spots are more or less confluent, obscured or even obsolete: species not of the largest size, the sexual peculiarities not strongly marked =. .si0. .2S0ce. 20 SCLC OSE C3, SS a. Hyoid bone entirely destitute of teeth. b. Scales comparatively large, in 120 to 150 transverse series. c. Body more or less short and deep, compressed, the depth .24 to .33 of length. Head short, bluntish, convex above, obtusely carinate, about .25 of length: mouth small, smaller than in any other of the group, the maxillary bone of moderate width, scarcely reaching beyond the eye, .10 to .11 of length, the mandible about .15: eye large, about .05 of length: caudal fin moderately but very distinctly forked, more so than in any of the other members of the group; first long ray of dorsal about twice the height of the last ray: dorsal, 2, 11; anal, 2,11: scales about 28-135-28, varying considerably, but in all cases decidedly jarger than in any other of our species of Salar. Rivers from California to British Columbia west of the Sierra NOVAS 008 evecns ved ecdiccccces eeusun seeks buna me od tMneeae IRIDEUS. bb. Scales comparatively small, in 165 to 205 transverse series. d. Caudal fin somewhat forked: head rathersmall, about .25 of length, pointed and lengthened, conical, the upper outline rather narrow and not much convex, the carina slight: mouth moderate, the maxillary comparatively narrow and extending much beyond the eye: opercle considerably prolonged backward: scales small, 28-180-29: depth about .24 of length: body nearly equally spotted before and behind. Rivers west of Sierra Nevada..............-..- ds valeting TSUPPITCH. dd. Caudal fin double-rounded or truncate, not at all forked in the adult. e. Head not notably broad and flat, heavy and proportionally short, its upper outline strongly convex, both longitudinally and trans- versely: mouth very large, the maxillary extending much past the eye in the adult, the opercle not especially prolonged backward: dorsal fin notably high behind, its last rays more than } the height of the first, some of the middle rays shortest: scales small: depth of body about .24 of length: spots on body most numerous poste- riorly. Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevada south of the Colum- bia regiddi ..scces seckecbsucve snabnedeenehee van penaney SPILURUS. x. Scales medium, in 170 to 190 transverse rows: top of head gibbous, obtusely carinated. Headwaters of Rio Grande, Bear River, ete. Subspecies spilurus.”* xx. Scales small, in 190 to 205 rows: head more or less sharply cari- nated, much less gibbous. Generally distributed. Subspecies pleuriticus.t aa. Hyoid bone with an elongate band of small teeth between the bases of the first and second pairs of gill-arches (readily scraped off by careless observers, and possibly sometimes naturally deciduous). * Salmo spilurus Cope, 1872.—Salmo stomias var. spilurus Jordan, 1878. t Salmo pleuriticus Cope, 1872.—Salmo stomias var. pleuriticus Jordan, 1878, vent PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 175 f. “ Head large, broad, flat, not keeled, 4.25 in total length, equal to depth of body : muzzle obtuse: eye nearly 5 times in head: scales (small, as in var. pleuriticus) 42 below first dorsal ray: dorsal fin equidistant: caudal fin not notched. Kansas River.”—(Cope.)-...---.STOMIAS.* Jf. Head comparatively large, and long acuminate, .25 of length, its outline as a whole pointed, but the muzzle itself bluntish, its upper surface not much convex in either direction, very slightly carinated: mouth medium, the maxillary moderate, .12 of length, not reaching much beyond eye: patch of hyoid teeth small, and comparatively weak: body elongate, not greatly compressed, the depth .25 of length: dorsal fin small, its last rays % the height of the first: caudal fin short, quite distinctly forked: scales small, in 160 to 184 transverse rows: colors rather dark, back and sides more or less profusely covered with small rounded spots. Streams of California west of the Sierra Nevadas; Lake Tahoe.-..-.-................. HENSHAWL.t Sff. Head comparatively short and thick, .22 to .25 of length, its outline more cunvex, more or less distinctly carinated above: mouth rather small, but larger than in irideus, the maxillary not reaching far be- yond the eye: patch of hyoid teeth well developed: body moderately elongate, compressed; depth .24 of length: dorsal fin rather low, its last rays # the height of the first: caudal fin scarcely forked, rather more so than in spilurus: scales moderate or rather small: colors variable, the back and sides usually profusely, but variably spotted, silvery in sea-run individuals. Rio Grande to Upper Mis- Sar. ane weet to the Pactie 22.020 42sec) scenes dene xoe ce. CLARKI,. y. Scales moderate, in 155 to 165 rows; chiefly west of the Rocky (ON Rate le Rit My BERT Re py EF aS ole SE aah ael s Subspecies clarki. yy. Scales small, in 165 to 170 rows; chiefly east of the Rocky Mount- MET. Sek chelo. tecewk nda oo eue es wae ae Subspecies aurora. The American species of this subgenus Salar are very closely inter- related, and might almost be considered as varieties of a single poly- morphous species. The occurrence of forms apparently intermediate prevents me from considering aurora and pleuriticus as distinct species, although they may usually be readily recognized. Of the true subgenus Salmo, there seems to be but one species in America, the Salmo salar, our specimens being, so far as I can see, pre- cisely identical with the European. The land-locked Salmon of Maine, Salmo sebago, Girard, does not differ by any constant character from Salmo salar,and its permanent residence in fresh water is the only character of which I know on which a subspecies sebago could be based. Land-locked Salmon from Bergen, Sweden, in the United States National Museum, and land-locked Salmon from Sysiadobsis Lake, Maine, are to my eye precisely alike, and both are Salmo salar, Linnzus. * Salmo stomias Cope, 1872.—I have not seen this species, but Professor Cope writes me that if I had, | would certainly consider it specifically distinct from S. pleuriticus. Since the above was in type, I have examined a head of a large specimen of Salmo stomias from the Upper Missouri. It agrees fully with Professor Cope’s description. As it is a species with well-developed hyoid teeth, it is related to S. clarki, and S. hen- shawi, differing in the peculiar form of the head and the smaller size of the scales. t Salmo henshawi Gill & Jordan, Jordan, Man. Vert. ed. 2d, p. 358, 1878.—This fine Species is named in honor of Mr. H. W. Henshaw, the well-known ornithologist, who first brought specimens from Lake Tahoe. 76 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 3. SALMO IRIDEUS Gibbons. Pacific Coast Brook Trout. 1855—Salmo iridea GIBBONS, Proc. Cal. Ac. Nat. Sc. p. 36. Salar iridea GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phila. p. 220, 1856. Salar iridea GIRARD, Pac. R. R. Expl. Fishes, p. 321, 1858, pl. 73, £.5, and pl. 74, Salar irideus JORDAN, Catalogue Fishes N. A. p. 431, 1878. Salmo irideus GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vi, p. 119, 1867. Salmo iridea SUCKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, p. 129, 1874. Salmo irideus JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List, p. 144, 1876. Salmo irideus HALLOCK, Sportsman’s Gazetteer, and of writers on fish and fish- culture generally. Salmo irideus JORDAN, Man. Vert. ed. 2d, p. 358, 1878. Salmo rivularis AYRES, Proc. Cal. Ac. Nat. Se. p. 43. 1856—Fario gairdnert GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phila. p. 219, (not Salmo gairdneri Rich., a species with the ‘ caudal fin semilunate” and ‘no hyoid teeth”; hence neither the present fish nor S. clarkii Rich.). Fario gairdneri GIRARD, Pac. R. R. Expl. Fishes, p. 313, pl. 71, f. 1-4, 1858. 1858—Fario newberrii GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phila. p. 224, 1858, (substitute for gairdneri). Salmo newberrii SUCKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, p. 159, 1874. Salmo newberryi JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List, p. 144, 1876. 1858—Fario clarkiti GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phila. p. 219, (not Salmo clarkii Rich.). Foario clarkii GiRARD, Pac. R. R. Expl. Fishes, p. 314, pl. 71, f. 5-8, 1858. 1260—Salmo masoni SUCKLEY, Nat. Hist. Washington Terr. p. 345, (substitute for clarkit). Salmo masoni SUCKLEY, Monograph Salmo, p. 134, 1874. Salmo masoni JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List, p. 144, 1876. 1260—? Salmo gairdneri SUCKLEY, Nat. Hist. Washington Terr. p. 331, (not of Richardson). ? Salmo gairdneri SUCKLEY, Monograph Salmo, p. 114, 1874. 1867—Salmo purpuratus GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vi, p. 116, 1867, (in part; prob- ably not of Pallas, whose specimens came from Siberia, = Salmo mykiss Wal- baum, = Salmo muikisi Bloch, both names prior to Pallas, who gives ‘‘ Mykiss” as the vernacular name of purpuratus). Habitat.—California to British Columbia, in streams of or west of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges. This abundant Trout is represented by several specimens. In justifi- cation of the above synonymy, I may say that I have examined speci- mens purporting to be the types of irideus Gibbons, rivularis Ayres, newberrii Girard, masoni Suckley, and gairdneri Suckley, and that I have no hesitation in considering all (excepting gairdneri Suckley) as representatives of a single species. The type of S. newberrii, which Dr. Suckley was unable to find, is a well-preserved young fish, without hyoid teeth. It has a rather wider maxillary than is usual in irideus and rather smaller scales (33-146-33), and the vomerine teeth are in a single, somewhat zigzag row. Never- theless, I believe it to be an irideus, with which it agrees in every other respect. The types of S. masoni, the one a moth-eaten skin and the other a specimen in alcohol, are not different in any respect from the ordinary irideus. Notwithstanding Dr. Suckley’s statement that the scales in his type are “double the size of irideus”, his typical specimens have each about 130 scales in a longitudinal series, which is about the usual num- ber in trideus. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 17 The type of S. gairdneri, Suckley, is a large stuffed skin, badly stretched, and in very poor condition. Iam not able certainly to iden- tify it. As Dr. Giinther found about 130 rows of scales in his S. purpuratus, I have referred it to the present species rather than to S. clarki. As else- where stated, I consider it rather unsafe to identify fresh-water Salmon from America and Asia as belonging to the same species before the species of either region have been critically studied. 4. SALMO CLARKI Richardson. Subspecies CLARKI. Salmon Trout of the Columbia. 1836— Salmo clarkti RICHARDSON, Fauna Boreali-Americana, iii, p. 224. Salmo clarkii STORER, Synopsis, p. 197, 1846. Salmo clarkii HERBERT, Frank Forrester, Fish and Fishing, Supplement, p. 40, 1850. Salmo clarkii SUuCKLEY, Nat Hist. Washington Terr. p. 344, 1860. Salmo clarkii SUCKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, p. 112, 1874. Salmo clarkii JORDAN, Man. Vert. ed. 2d, p. 359, 1878. Salar clarkii JORDAN, Catalogue Fishes N. A. p. 430, 1875. 1856—Fario stellatus GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phila. p. 219. Fario stellatus GIRARD, Rept. Pac. R. R. Expl. p. 316, pl. 69, f. 5-8, 1858. Fario siellatus SUCKLEY, Nat. Hist. Wash. Terr. p. 346, pl. 69, f. 5-8, 1860. Salmo stellatus GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vi, p. 117, 1867. Salmo iridea var. stellatus SUCKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, p. 130, 1874. 1856—Fario tsuppitch GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila. viii, p. 218, (not Salmo tsuppitch Rich.). Fario tsuppitch GrraRD, Rept. Pac. R. R. Surv. Fishes, p. 300, 1858. 1858—Salmo gibbsii SUCKLEY, Ann. N. Y. Lyc. Nat. Hist. vii, p. 1, 1858, (substitute for isuppitch Grd.). Salmo gibbsii SUCKLEY, Nat. His. Wash. Terr. p. 332, 1860. Salmo gibbsiti GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vii, p. 119, 1867. Salmo gibbsii SUCKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, p. 141, 1874. Salmo gibbsii JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List, p. 144, 1876. 1861—Salmo brevicauda SUCKLEY, Ann. N. Y. Lye. Nat. Hist. vii, p. 308. Salmo brevicauda GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vi, p. 120, 1867. Salmo brevicauda SUCKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, p. 140, 1874. Salmo brevicauda JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List, p. 144, 1876. Subspecies AURORA. Missouri River Trout. Utah Trout. Yellowstone Trout. 1856—Fario aurora GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phila. viii, p. 218. Fario aurora GIRARD, Pac. R. R. Surv. Fishes, p. 303, pl. 68, 1858. Salmo aurora SUCKLEY, Nat. Hist. Wash. Terr. p. 343, 1860. Salmo aurora GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vi, p. 119, 1867. Salmo aurora SuCKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, p. 110, 1874. Salmo aurora JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List, p. 144, 1876. Salmo clarkii var. aurora JORDAN, Man. Vert. ed. 2d, p. 359, 1878. 1856—Salar lewisi GrrarD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila. viii, p. 219, 1856. Salar lewisi GIRARD, Pac. R. R. Surv. Fishes, p. 29, pl. 71, 1858. Salmo (Salar) lewisi SuCKLEY, Nat. Hist. Wash. Terr. p. 348, 1860. Salmo lewist GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vi, p. 122, 1867. Salmo lewisi SUCKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, p. 139, 1874. Salmo lewist JoRDAN & COPELAND, Check List, p. 144, 1876. 78 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 1856—Salar virginalis GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phila. viii, p. 229, 1856. Salar virginalis GIRARD, Pac. R. R. Expl. Fishes, p. 320, 1858, Salmo (Salar) virginalis SUCKLEY, Nat. Hist. Wash. Terr. p. —, 1860. Salmo virginalis GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vi, p. 123, 1867. Salmo virginalis Cope, Hayden, Geol. Surv. Montana, 1871, p. 469, 1872. Salmo virginalis SUCKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, p. 135, 1874. Salmo virginalis CopE & YARROW, Zodl. Lieut. Wheeler’s Expl. W. 100th Mer. .—, 1876. mie virginalis JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List, p. 144, 1876. 1872—Salmo carinatus Cope, Hayden’s Geol. Surv. Montana, 1871, p. 471, 1872. Salmo carinatus JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List, p. 144, 1876. 1874—Salmo utah SUCKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, p. 136, 1874. Salmo utah JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List, p. 144, 1876. Examination of a very large series of the Salars with hyoid teeth has convinced the writer that all (excepting S. stomias and WS. henshawt) be- long to a single species, although two, and possibly three, or even four subspecies or varieties may be distinguished. For this species the name Salmo clarki is the name to be retained, as almost the only import- ant character which Richardson was able to assign to this species is that of the patch of teeth on the hyoid bone. No other species of this group possessing this character is as yet known from the Columbia. Specimens examined from Utah, from the Rio Grande, from the head- waters of the Missouri, Yellowstone, Platte, and Snake Rivers, as well as the types of Fario aurora from the Columbia, possess much smaller scales than typical clarki (i. e., stellatus Grd.). These may be really spe- cifically distinct, but intermediate specimens occur; and until this Rocky Mountain species can be better defined as distinct from the Columbia River species, it is best to consider it as var. aurora of the latter. The typical specimens of Fario stellatus Girard are still preserved. I consider them as typical of Salmo clarki. This perfectly distinct species is almost the only one described by previous writers, which Dr. Suckley ventured to discard, he confounding it with S. wrideus, yet of all our species of Salar, irideus and clarki (stellatus) are technically the most distinct. The types of S. brevicauda Suckley are still preserved, but are almost decayed. One of them is certainly a clarki, probably sea-run; the other is past recognition. The types of Fario aurora are still preserved in the same condition as when first described and figured. They are well kept as to the bodies, but the scales are all rubbed off, an accident apparently not noticed by Dr. Girard’s artist, which accounts for the peculiar squama- tion shown in the published figure. These specimens are young, and very chubby; but as they have hyoid teeth and show no points of dis- tinction from VS. lewisi Grd., I identify them as belonging to the same species. The remarks of Dr. Suckley on the description of such speci- mens as new species are so pertinent that I will quote them here. ‘They would perhaps have sounded better, however, if he himself had sup- pressed his own Salmo warreni, Salmo gibbsii, aud other more or less purely complimentary species. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 79 “The naming of Salmonide, and the description of new species, based on the characters of young, partially grown fish, cannot be too strongly reprobated. There is already too much confusion in the synonymy of the different kinds; and if the practice of describing and naming new species from the characters of unidentified immature individuals is not stopped, the study of the relations of the species will become so com- plicated, that useful classification will be next to impossible, and the principal object and usefulness of scientific arrangement, such as sim- plifies the study of natural history in other branches, will be greatly impaired.”—(Suckley, Monograph Salmo, p. 113.) The types of Salar lewisi are still preserved. The onefigured by Girard seems to be a female specimen, in very flabby condition. It is quite deep- bodied and has a smaller head and mouth than is usual in this species. Other specimens from the same waters agree more or less completely in these respects with S. virginalis, so that it does not seem possible to consider the Missouri River Trout as even varietally distinct. The types of Salmo carinatus I have not seen. They were from the Yellowstone, and so far as the description is concerned seem to beloug to this species. The types of Salar virginalis are likewise preserved. They represent the ordinary form of this species in the Rocky Mountain region, and hence are typical of what I call var. aurora. The original type of Salmo gibbsii, a stretched skin in poor condition, is now lost. If the species is not identical with Salmo clarki, it is likely to remain uncertain. Salmo clarki Richardson is identified by Dr. Giinther with Salmo pur- puratus Pallas (Salmo mykiss Walbaum) of Kamtschatka. Giinther’s Salmo purpuratus, however, appears to be Salmo irideus, and not the present species, and an identification of a fresh-water salmon from Cali- fornia with a Kamtschatkan salmon is very uncertain. In regard to the migratory salmon, however, the case is different. 5. SALVELINUS SPECTABILIS (Girard) Gill & Jordan. Pacific Red-spotted Trout. 1856—Salmo spectabilis GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phila. p. 218, (not Salar spectchilis Valenciennes). Salmo spectabilis GIRARD, Pac. R. R. Expl. Fishes, p. 307, 1858. Salmo spectabilis SUCKLEY, Nat. Hist. Wash. Terr. p. 342, 12360. Salvelinus spectabilis JORDAN, Man Vert. ed. 2d, p. 360, 1878. Salvelinus spectabilis JORDAN, Cat. Fishes N. A. p. 430, 1878. 1861—Salmo parkei SUCKLEY, Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist. N. Y. vii, p. 309. Salmo parkit GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vii, p. 121, 1867. Salmo parkei SUCKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, p. 149, 1874. Salmo parkei JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List, p. 144, 1876. Salmo parkiti HALLOCK, Sportsman’s Gazetter, p. 347. 1861— Salmo campbelli SUCKLEY, Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist. vii, p.313, (substitute for epectabilis). Salmo campbelli GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vi, p. 148, 1867. Salmo campbelli SucKLEY, Monograph Genus Salmo, p. 118, 1874. Salmo campbelli HaLLock, Sportsman’s Gazetteer, p. 349. 80 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. The Charrs, or Salvelini, form a strongly marked group, which has several times been distinguished as generically or subgenerically differ- ent from the true Salmons. The absence of teeth on the shaft of the vomer has been the character most usually relied on to distinguish the Charrs. A more important character is, however, seen in the form of the bone, which is boat-shaped, with the shaft short and depressed. The Charrs are further distinguishable by the very small size of the scaies, and also by the coloration, they being always red-spotted, and. with the lower fins peculiarly colored. No one who examines tke skull of the Charr can doubt its generic distinctness from Salmo. The question of the nomenclature of the genus is a matter perhaps of some uncertainty. The group has long been known as Salvelini, but that name was hardly given by Nilsson in the usual generic or subgeneric sense, but merely as a plural noun referring to an assemblage of species. In 1836, Richardson used the name Salvelinus for the *“ subgenus” of Charrs. The use of the name.in nomenclature therefore dates from Richardson. 7 In 1842, DeKay founded his genus Baione on the young of one of the species of Charr (8S. fontinalis); Baione is therefore a synonym of Salve- linus, although given under a different supposition. Somewhat later, the genus Umbla was proposed by Rapp for those Salvelinit which have teeth on the hyoid bone. As Salmo salvelinus L., the presumable type of Salvelinus, has such teeth, Umbla probably is also amere synonym of Salvelinus. That the character of byoid teeth is not a generic one in this case is evident from the close relationship of. such species as S. oquassa and SN. spectabilis, with hyoid teeth, with S. fonti- nalis and SN. bairdi, species destitute of such teeth. The teeth in S. spee- tabilis and S. oquassa are too few and small for their absence or presence to be a generic character. In the subgenus Salar, the case is precisely the same. , In 1867, Dr. Giinther proposed a genus Hucho for the Salvelini with- out hyoid teeth. The genus cannot stand on that basis, but neverthe- less it appears to be valid, its type, Salmo hucho L. (Hucho germanorum Giinther), being a Pike-like fish, very unlike, both in form and habits, the genuine species of Salvelinus. The single known species of Hucho as thus restricted, inhabits the Danube. The remaining subdivision of the old genus Salmo, for which the name Cristivomer has been proposed by Dr. Gill and myself, is peculiar to the lakes of the northern part of America. The relations of Cristivomer are éntirely with Salvelinus, a fact which has not hitherto been noticed. Its vomer differs, however, from that of Salvelinus in being provided with a raised crest flush with the head or chevron of the bone. This crest is posteriorly free from the vomer for some distance, and is armed with a series of stout teeth. There is also” a strong band of hyoid teeth, the dentition generally being more com- plete than in most other Salmons. ) PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 81 The scales in Cristivomer are quite small, and the species are gray- spotted. There are probably but two species, Cristivomer namaycush * (Walbaum) and Cristivomer siscowet (Agassiz). The species of Salvelinus known within the limits of the United States are compared below. The species from British America, Salve- linus stagnalis (Fabricius) (= S. nitidus and S. alipes Rich.), S. rosst Rich., S. hoodi Rich., S. lordi Giinther, 8. arcturus Giinther, and S. tudes Cope, I have not seen. Most or all of them are probably valid. Salvelinus bairdi, of the Pacific coast, is very near Salvelinus fontinalis, and may be a variety of it; but never having seen it in life, 1 am not by any means prepared so to consider it. Common characters :—River Salmon, not anadromous, with the vomer boat-shaped, some- what carinate below; a few teeth on the posterior part of the chevron; none on the depressed shaft: scales very small, more or less imbedded in the skin, in 200-250 transverse series, those of the lateral line considerably enlarged . fins moderate, the Jast ray of the dorsal not lengthened, shorter than any of the other developed rays; caudal fin rather short, usually but little emarginate in the adult, forked in the young: sides of the body with round red spots; lower fins with a pale marginal band anteriorly, succeeded by a darker band; in sea- run specimens, these spots and other markings are often obliterated, and a more or less uniform silvery tint prevails: species not of the largest size, the sexual peculiarities not very strongly marked, the adult mule usually with a. fleshy projection at the tip of the lower jaw, which fits into a slight emargi-. nation of the upper jaw. a. Hyoid bone provided with a median band of teeth. b. Body elongate, slender, considerably compressed, the depth about .20 of the length of the body: caudal peduncle long and slender: head quite small, .21 of length of body; its upper surface flattish, .13} of length, the interorbital space about .07: mouth quite small, the maxillary short and moderately broad, .03 of length, not extending to the posterior margin of the eye; man- dible .12 of length; snout, .05: scales quite small, in about 230 transverse rows: caudal fin well forked; adipose fin rather small: coloration dark blue, the red spots confined to the sides of the body, round, smaller than the pupil: hyoid teeth numerous, small. Lakes of Maine ....--..-.---...----. OQUASSA.t bb. Body stout, not greatly compressed, the back elevated, the depth .24 of the length: head large, stout, broad, and flattened above, about .28 of length, its. upper surface .17 of length, the interorbital space .08: mouth large, the max-. illary extending beyond the eye .11 of length; the mandible, .16; the snout, .07: hyoid bone with very few (3 or 4), rather strong teeth (sometimes deciduous):. fins short, the caudal slightly forked ; adipose fin unusually large, its length in adults nearly twice that of the eye: scales very small, in about 240 trans- verse rows: red spots on the sides quite large, about the size of the pupil ; back covered with very distinct spots, similar to those on the sides, but rather smaller, the dorsal spots said to be cream-colored or greenish in life, rather than red. Streams west of the Sierra Nevada .........--...-... SPECTABILIS.. * Namaycush Salmon, Pennant.—Salmo namaycush Walbaum, 1792, = Salmo namaycusk Bloch, 1801,= Salmo pallidus Rafinesque, 1817, = Salmo amethystus Mitchill, 1818, = Salmo confinis DeKay, = Salmo symmetrica Prescott, 1851, Salmo adarondacus Norris, 1564, =. _ Salmo toma Hamlin, 1863. __-t Salvelinus oquassa (Girard) Gill & Jordan.—Salmo oquassa, Girard, 1854. Proc. Nat. Mus. 73-——6 August 6, i878. 82 FROCESVINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. aa. Hyoid bone without teeth. c. Body elongate, moderately compressed, not much elevated, the depth @ of length: head large and long, notably so in the adult, nearly .30 of length, 22 to .25 in the young; top of head .14 to .18 of length; interorbital space broad, .07 to .08} of length; snout rather conical and pointed, .09 of length, blunter in the young; mandible .22 of length in adult, .15 in young: eye small, nearly in a line with the axis of the body: scales very small, similar to those in the other species, in about 230 transverse rows: caudal fin little forked ; adipose fin quite small, shorter than the eye; pectoral and ventral fins not elongate: red spots about the size of the pupil, confined to the sides of the body, the back being nearly plain. Rivers west of the Sierra Nevada......... BAIRDI.* cc. Body oblong or elongate, moderately compressed, not much elevated, the depth .20 to .30 of length: head large, but not very long, its length .21 to .24 of length, the top about .14, the rather broad interorbital space about .07: mouth large, the maxillary reaching more or less beyond the eye, about .10 of length; the mandible about .15: eye large, more or less above the line of the axis of the body: scales very small, in about 230 transverse rows: caudal fin slightly lunate in the adult, forked in the young; adipose fin small; pectoral and ventral fins not especially elongate: red spots on body chiefly confined to the sides, rather less than the size of the pupil; the back and vertical fins more or less barred or mottled ; coloration often plain in sea-run individuals. Rivers from Little Tennessee in Georgia to Lake Superior and Hudson’s Bay. VONTINALIS.+ The original type of S. spectabilis and of S. campbelli, the latter being merely a substitute name, is still preserved in the National Museum. Although badly decayed, its identity with the species here called spec- tabilis is evident. The types of Salmo parkei are now lost, but that the species is the same as S. spectabilis seems unquestionable. The name spectabilis should now be retained for this fish, as the spectabilis of Valenciennes, being a Salar, belongs to a different genus. 6. GILA OREGONENSIS (Richardson) Jordan. 1836—Cyprinus ( Leuciscus) oregonensis RICHARDSON, Fauna Bor.-Americana, iii, p. 305, Leuciscus oregonensis DEKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, p. 215, 1842. Leuciscus oregonensis Cuv. & Vau., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, xvii, p. 326, 1844, Leuciscus oregonensis STORER, Synopsis Fishes N. A. p. 412, 1846, Ptychocheilus oregonensis GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phila. p. 209, 1856. Ptychocheilus oregonensis Girard, Pac. R. R. Expl. Fishes, p. 298, pl. 64, figs, 5-9, 1858. Leuciscus oregonensis GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus, vii, p. 239, 1868. Ptychochilus oregonensis JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List of Fishes, p. 151, 1876. Gila oregonensis JORDAN, Catalogue Fishes N. A. p. 424, 1878, 1855—Ptychocheilus gracilis AGassiz, Am, Journ, Sci, Arts, xix, p. 229. Specimens from the Clackamas River agree in all essential respects with the descriptions given by Agassiz, Girard, and Giinther. The * Salvelinus bairdi (Suckley) Gill & Jordan.—Salmo bairdii, Suckley, 1861. + Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill) Gill & Jordan.—Salmo fontinalis, Mitchill, 1814,— Salmo allegheniensis, Rafinesque, 1820.—Salmo nigrescens, Rafinesque, 1820.—? Salmo — hearnii, Rich., 182-.—Salmo canadensis, H. Smith, 1834.—Salmo erythrogaster, DeKay, — 1842.—Baione ’ fontinalis, DeKay, 1842.—Salmo immaculatus,H. R. Storer, 1850.—Salmo hudsonicus, Suckley, 1861. The names immaculatus and canadensis were given to the Canadian Salmon-Trout, which is a Brook-Trout run into the sea. , PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 83 teeth are 2, 4-5, 2, not 2, 5-5, 2, and the folding of the lips, which sug- gested the name Ptychochilus, is not an evident feature to me. This species, which is the type of the genus Ptychochilus, is a true species of the genus Gila as the characters of that genus are now under- stood. The general physiognomy is similar, the head is long, slender, and depressed, the mouth is very large and overlapped by the snout, the caudal peduncle is slender; the scales are similarly small and loosely imbricated, the dorsal fin is slightly behind the ventrals, the anal fin is not elongate; the lips are normal; the pharyngeal teeth are two-rowed, the inner row 5-4 or 5-5, and the intestinal canal is short. In all these respects, the type of Ptychochilus agrees with the type of Gila, and as no generic difference has been shown, Ptychochilus becomes a synonym of Gila. At present, the fishes called Clinostomus by Girard are referred to Gila. The two groups ought to be generically distin- guishable. The typical species of each are very different in physiog- nomy, but at present, as has been shown by Professor Cope, we are unable to draw a line between them. The other species referred to Ptychochilus are probably distinct from oregonensis, but should ve compared with species of Gila and with each other. If rapax and lucius have really the teeth 2, 4-4, 2, it may be necessary to frame a separate genus for them, as they would hardly be referable to Notropis or to Gila. 7. ACROCHILUS ALUTACEUS Agassiz & Pickering. Hard-Mouths. 1855 —Acrocheilus alutaceus AGASSIZ & PICKERING, Amer. Journ. Sci. Arts, xix, p. 96. Lavinia alutacea GIRARD, Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phila. 1856, p. 184. Acrochilus alutaceus GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. vii, p. 276, 1868. Acrochilus alutaceus JORDAN & COPELAND, Check List Fishes, p. 146, 1876. Acrochilus alutaceus JORDAN, Catalogue Fishes N. A. p. 418, 1878. Several fine specimens of this very interesting species are in Mr. Stone’s collection. As no detailed account has been given of the fish, and as none of the authors mentioned in the above synonymy, excepting Professor Agassiz, seem ever to have seen it, I give a description of one of the specimens. The relations of this genus are doubtless with Chondrostoma, but its teeth are fewer and differently formed. General form and appearance of the species of Gila, but the head not depressed, and more blunt forward. - Body elongate, not much compressed, its sides more so than the cau- dal peduncle; the greatest depth, over the ventrals, 4 inlength; caudal. peduncle very long and very slender, unusualiy broad, nearly terete, its length contained 4% times in the length of the body, its least depth 23 in length. Head moderate, 44 in length of body, bluntish, the profile considera- bly rounded, the interorbital space strongly convex. Mouth horizontal, 84 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. subinferior, overlapped by the broad, blunt snout, its breadth considera- ble, but the maxillary not extending far back, not to opposite the front of the eye. Upper jaw protractile, covered with a fleshy lip, inside of which is a small, straight, cartilaginous plate, similar to that on the lower jaw, but much smaller and not evident externally. Lower lip covered with a firm cartilaginous plate, sharp externally, the upper surface being formed by its bevelled edge. The transverse width of this plate is between four and five times its (longitudinal) breadth. The plate extends in nearly a straight line from one angle of the mouth to the other; its transverse width is contained 2? times in the length of the head. Hye rather large, 54 in head, 12 in snout, its position anterior and not high up, 24 in interorbital space. Fin-rays: Dorsal I,10. Ventrals, 9. Anal I, 9. Dorsal long, rather low, its first ray just behind the first ray of ventrals, about over the middle of the latter fin, midway between the snout and the middle of the base of the caudal fin ; caudal fin very long, the lobes about equal, longer than the head, widely forked, the accessory rays at its base very numerous and recurrent on the caudal peduncle; about eight of these may be distinguished on each side of the fin. Anal fin rather large; ventrals broad, not reaching vent. Pectorals moderate, not reaching two-thirds of the distance to the ventrals. Seales quite small, somewhat imbedded in the skin, very Joosely imbricated, or often scarcely imbricated at all, the exposed surfaces longer than high, profusely punctate; squamation quite irregular; the scales smaller on back and belly than on sides, most exposed on caudal peduncle. Scales 21-85-13. Lateral line broadly decurved. Coloration very dark, belly paler, but nearly all parts of the body studded with minute dark points. Teeth 5-4 (5 on the left side, 4 on the right), hooked, somewhat club- shaped, with a broad masticatory surface. Peritoneum black ; intestines much elongate, filled in this specimen with vegetable substance, apparently fine leaves and branches of a Sphagnum-like moss. Length of specimen examined, one foot. 8. MYLOCHILUS CAURINUS (Richardson) Girard. 1836— Cyprinus (Leuciscus) caurinus RICHARDSON, Fauna Boreali-Americana, iii, p. 304. Leuciscus caurinus DEKay, Zoology N. Y. Fishes, p. 215, 1842. Leuciscus caurinus CUVIER & VALENCIENNES, Hist. Nat.des Poissons, xvii, p. 325, 1844. Leuciscus caurinus STORER, Synopsis Fishes N. Am. p. 159, 1846. Mylocheilus caurinus GIRARD, Proc. Acad. Nat, Sci. Phila. p. 169, 1856, Mylocheilus caurinus G1raRD, Pac. R. R. Expl. x, p. 213, pl. 46, f. 1-4, 1858. Leucosomus caurinus GUNTHER, Cat. Fishes Brit. Mus. viiyp. 270, 1868, Mylochilus caurinus JORDAN & COPELAND, Bull. Buffalo Soc. Nat, Hist. p, 155, 1876, (name only). . Mylochilus caurinus JoRDAN, Catalogue Fishes, p. 427, 1878. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 85 1855— Mylocheilus lateralis, AGAssIz, Am. Journ. Sci. and Arts, p. 231. Mylocheilus lateralis GIRARD, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. p. 169, 1856. Mylocheilus lateralis GIRARD, Pac. R. R. Expl. p. 213, pl. 48, f. 5-8, 1858, Mylochilus lateralis JORDAN & COPELAND, Bull. Buffalo Soc. Nat. Hist. p. 155, 1876. 1856— Mylocheilus fraterculus GIRARD, Proc. Acad, Nat. Sci. Phila. p. 169. Mylocheilus fraterculus GIRARD, Pac. R. R. Expl. x, p. 215, pl. 45, f. 1-4, 1858. Mylocheilus fraterculus COOPER, Nat. Wealth Cal. by Cronise, p. 496, 1868. Mylochilus fraterculus JORDAN & COPELAND, Bull. Buffalo Soc. Nat. Hist. p. 155, 1876, (name only). Habitat.—Northern California to British Columbia. My specimens agree perfectly with Dr. Giinther’s description of his Leucosomus caurinus, which was taken in part from Richardson’s orig- inal types, except that the size of the eye in my fishes is proportionally larger. Agassiz’s account of Mylocheilus lateralis answers in a general way, except that I find no trace of anything which can be called a horny sheath on the jaws. There is nothing in Girard’s trivial description of Mylochilus fraterculus to indicate distinction. I therefore follow Dr. Giinther in considering M. lateralis and M. fraterculus as mere synonyms of M. caurinus. The genus Mylochilus resembles in form, squamation, etc., the genus Gila. It has, however, a much smaller mouth than most of the species of that genus. Its relations are rather with Pogonichthys and Platygobio, from both of which it differs in the peculiar form of its teeth as well as in the number of teeth. I find in the specimen before me the teeth 2, 5-5, 2, the teeth of the smaller row quite small and close together, and the innermost of the larger row much enlarged and trun- cate, gradually diminishing in size to the uppermost, which is slender, compressed, and hooked. I find no trace of a third row in my speci- mens. The genus Mylopharodon Ayres is perfectly distinct from Mylochilus, the upper jaw being non-protractile, the dorsal behind the ventrals, and no barbel at the angle of the maxillary. Mylopharodon thus far apparently contains but a single species, the types of Gila conocephala B. & G. and Mylopharodon robustus Ayres being, so far as I can see, conspecific. h- A BEVIEW OF THE AMERICAN SPECIES OF THE GENUS SCOPS, SAVIGNY. By ROBERT RIDGWAY. Previous to the publication, some two years since, of Mr. R. B. Sharpe’s _ admirable work on the Strigide,* I had paid considerable attention to _ the study of the American Scops-owls, but the lack of sufficient material prevented my reaching any very positive conclusion as to several forms of questioned validity. More recently, however, through the assistance of several friends, among whom I may name in particular Mr. Osbert - ea ere * Catalogue of the Striges, or Nocturnal Birds of Prey, in the Collection of the British Museum. By R. Bowdler Sharpe. London: Printed by order of the Trustees. 1875. 86 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Salvin, of England, and Mr. George N. Lawrence, of New York City. (both of whom have kindly loaned me their entire series), I have been enabled to bring together a collection amply sufficient to settle former doubts. The inference derived from a careful study of the materia! first in hand was, that a greater number of species existed than were usually recognized as valid; certain forms allied to S. brasilianus (Gwmel.), named, but generally considered synonymous with some other spe- cies, being represented by typical specimens, while there were no exam- ples of intermediate character, the differences between these several styles being moreover so obvious that it seemed scarcely possible they could intergrade. I was therefore quite convinced that additional material would confirm the view of their distinctness. Being thus prejudiced, as if were, in my views of the relationship of the several forms alluded to, I at first attempted to divide the new series accord- ingly. Determined and repeated efforts failed, however, until I fully realized the utter hopelessness of the attempt. Thus I was irresistibly, though quite against my previous convictions, led to the same conclu- sion as tbat reached by Messrs. Sclater and Salvin, and subsequently adopted by Mr. Sharpe, that the several supposed species allied to S. brasilianus are merely geographical, local, and individual variations of the same species. No other view seems justifiable, in view of the com- plete and unquestionable intergradation between the most extreme vari- ations. The only alternative is to allow a very much greater number of forms even than have been named, admitting at the same time the intergradation of each with the other. It has been remarked by an eminent author* that few, if any, birds vary more in their feral state, both individually and otherwise, than the owls, and that of all the genera of this family the present one is the most variable. In this opinion I fully agree, for I have rarely had amore difficult and, | may say, more unsuccessful task than my attempt to elucidate the several species and “races” treated in the present memoir. In the first place, the plumage is characterized by confused markings in the form of zigzags, “ herring-bone” picture, and minute vermicula- tions, having much the same general character in all, the difference between the several species in the pattern of coloration being exceed- ingly difficult of description. Next, there is the perplexing condition of ‘‘dichromatism”, the same species having two very distinet phases of plumage—a gray phase, which may be considered the normal dress, and a rufous phase, which is an extreme development of the variation called ‘“erythrism”. These two extreme phases, which it is to be remem- bered do not depend at all upon age, sex, or season, being purely an — individual peculiarity, are in each species so very unlike that corre- — sponding phases of the several really distinct species resemble one — * Sharpe, t.¢., p. 44. ’ PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 87 another very much more closely than do the two extreme phases of any one species! The geographical variations are ‘also unusually pro- nounced, while last, but by no means least of the obstacles presented, is the very great range of individual variation within even a limited area of country. Genus SCOPS, Savigny. = Scops, SAVIGN., Descr. de Egypte, 1809, 291 (type, Strix scops, Linn.).—Cass., in Baird, B. N. Am. 1858, 51.—CougEs, Key, 1872, 202.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B. iii, 1874, 47.—< SHARPE, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1875, 43 (includes Lophostriz, Less.). = Ephialites, Keys. & Buias., Witb. Eur. 1840, p. xxxiil (type, Strix scops, Linn.— Nec Schrank, 1802). ? Pisorhina, Kaup, Isis, 1848, 769 (type, Scops menadensis, Quoy & Gaim.). = Megascops, KauP, 1. c. (type, Strix lempiji, Horsf.). ? Acnemis, KAUP, l. c. (type, Scops gymnopodus, Gray). ? Ptilopsis, KAuP, l.c. (type, Strix leucotis, Temm.). = Lempijius, BonaP., Rey. et Mag. de Zool. 1854, 542 (type, Otus semitorques, Schleg.). Generic Characters.—Small owls with distinct ear-tufts, the tarsus more or less feathered (usually completely feathered), the wings ample (more than twice the length of the short, slightly rounded tail), the plumage exceedingly variegated with vermiculations, cross-bars, and mottlings; toes naked or bristled—never completely feathered, except toward the base. The above brief diagnosis is sufficient to characterize this group. In general aspect the species of this genus are miniatures of those which belong to the genus Bubo, and are perhaps as nearly related structu- rally to the latter as to any other members of the family. All the American species have the outer webs of the scapulars mostly light-colored (generally white, with a blackish terminal border—rusty- ochraceous in flammeolus and the darker forms of brasilianus), producing a more or less distinct stripe along each side of the dorsal region; the feathers of the upper and lower parts usually with blackish shaft- streaks, those beneath generally with narrow transverse bars; outer webs of the remiges with light-colored spots, and the tail more or less distinctly (never sharply) banded. All the species are, in some part of their range, dichromatic, having a bright rufous phase, quite different from the “‘ normal” grayish plumage. Key to the Species. A.—Toes and lower half (or more) of tarsus completely naked....1. S. nudipes. B.—Toes alone (or with merely lower end of tarsus) completely MMMOR rea dh eco wace se dae ad asco be tues So atoe wile te cs ag 2. S. brasilianus. 3. S. barbarus. 4, S. flammeolus. C.—Toes strongly bristled, sometimes densely feathered at base..5. S. asio. 6. S. cooperi. By the above characters, the American species of this genus are readily divided into three groups. It now remains to distinguish 88 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. between the species of each group, which is a much more difficult matter. Passing by group A., which contains only S. nudipes, the three species belonging to group B. may be distinguished as follows :— a.—Toes stout, with strong claws. Wing exceeding 5.75 inches (rare- ly less than 6.00, and ranging to nearly 8.00 inches); tail more than 3.15 .... i:ss-s9045-08they-e- eae Ba epee 2. S. brasilianus. b.—Toes weak and slender, with weak claws. Wing less than 5.75 inches (ranging in length from 5.10 to 5.60); tail less than 3.15 (2.60-3.10). Feathers of the outer margin of the face with their shafts pro duced into slender, soft, hair-like, curved bristles, forming a conspicuous ruff, the anterior side concave. Plumage coarsely spotted, above and below: .... .2-. 2. s6s ose se- an ee eee 3. S. barbarus. Feathers of the outer margin of the face with their shafts not conspicuously developed. Plumage finely vermiculated, above and below, the outer scapulars having orange-buff spots on the outer webs. ccs. Js 02-> ssn easement 4, S. flammeolus. The above brief diagnoses are probably sufficient to distinguish these three very distinct species in all their numerous variations. The differ- ences are very much more easily perceived than defined, the birds having an entirely different aspect when compared with one another. Of the three, S. brasilianus varies almost indefinitely, but may always be known by its much stouter toes and stronger claws, as well as by its larger size, even in the smallest race (8S. cassint), although the differ- ence in dimensions is sometimes so slight as to be perceptible only by actual measurement. S. barbarus is distinguished by the coarseness of its markings, which partake of the character of roundish or trans- versely-oblong spots, rather than fine vermiculations, and by the peculiar development of the shafts of the facial feathers. 8S. flammeolus is slightly smaller than S. barbarus, and of quite different build, having an extremely light and slender body, with small head, the wings thus seeming very long in proportion. As to colors, it may ordinarily be distinguished from all the other species by the pronounced orange-bufft tint of the outer webs of the outer row of scapulars, these being in most others white, or, if not white, of a more sombre shade of buff and ful- vous, the plumage being otherwise quite different. According to Mrs. M. A. Maxwell, who has in her finely-mounted collection of Colorado birds a very beautiful specimen, the iris of this species is of a deep hazel, or umber-brown; should this prove constant, it will afford an excellent character, since the iris in nearly if not all the other species is known to be a bright lemon-, or gamboge-, yellow. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 89 A.—Lower half or more of the tarsus completely naked, like the toes. 1. SCOPS NUDIPES. Bubo nudipes, VIEILL., Ois. Am. Sept. 1807, pl. 22. Scops nudipes, Cuv., Rég. Anim. 1829, 347.—STRICKL., Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 203.—Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. IX, 1868, 132 (Costa Rica).—SaLvw, P. Z. 8. 1870, 216 ( Veragua).— Sct. & Satv., Nom. Neotr. 1873, 117 (Costa Rica to Columbia).—SHARPE, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1875, 121 (Veragua; Costa Rica).—Bowc., Cat. Av. 1876, 91 ( Veragua). Ephialites nudipes, GRAY, Genera B. I, 1844, 38. Acnemis nudipes, BONAP., Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1854, 542. Strix psilopoda, VrEILL., Nouv. Dict. XVI, 1817, 46. Hab.—Costa Rica and Veragua. DiaGcnosis.—“Adult. Above sandy rufous, vermiculated with black, much darker on the back than on the head, the dorsal feathers black in _the centre, barred and spotted with sandy rufous, these bars more dis- tinct on the scapulars, the outermost of which are silvery white, exter- nally tipped with black; wing-coverts decidedly darker than the back, the innermost of the least series uniform blackish brown, the rest spot- ted and barred with sandy rufous, the bars especially broad on the greater series, some of which have a tolerably large buffy white spot near the tip of the outer web; spurious quills externally notched with sandy rufous, inclining here and there to whitish; primary coverts nearly uniform blackish brown, with a few bars of sandy rufous near the tips of the outer webs; quills blackish brown, the inner webs of the primaries quite uniform, excepting for a few yellowish bars near the bases of the interior feathers, the secondaries indistinctly barred with ashy brown on the inner webs, all the quills externally barred with sandy rufous, paler and more fulvons on the outer web of the primaries, the innermost secondaries mottled and barred with sandy rufous, and resembling the scapulars; tail blackish brown, with seven feebly indi- cated narrow bars of sandy rufous; head and neck decidedly clearer than the back, and somewhat inclining to chestnut, the feathers black in the centre, and laterally barred with the same, giving a generally barred appearance to these parts; lores and sides of face bright bay, the loral plumes blackish at tip, and the ear-coverts with a few indis- tinet cross bars of black; over the eye a few white-barred feathers, forming a faint eyebrow; ear-tufts lighter than the crown, orange rufous, broadly barred with black at the tips; under surface of body sandy rufous, many of the feathers coarsely vermiculated with black, the breast-feathers streaked and laterally barred with black, these black markings less distinct on the flanks and abdomen, on which parts are tolerably distinct bars of white; leg-feathers bright orange-rufous, with a few narrow brown bars on the tibia; under tail-coverts white, barred across with sandy rufous; under wing-coverts fulvous, thickly mottled with brown near the outer edge of the wing, which is white, the lower series dark brown, like the inner lining of the quills; bill yellowish; 90 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. : feet yellowish, claws horn-colour. Total length 10 inches, wing 6-8, — tail 4:1, tarsus 1:55, bare part of latter 0°85. (Mus. Salvin and Godman.) © ‘‘ Obs. My description is taken from a specimen obtained at Calobre, in -Veragua, by Arcé, and kindly lent to me by Mr. Salvin. He has at the same time lent me another specimen, obtained by the same collector in Costa Rica. This latter bird differs in several pvints from the one described, having more of the general aspect of Scops pennatus of the Himalayas; it is clear sandy in colour, the black forming regular bars across the plumage, the subterminal one very broad, and giving the appearance of large black spots to the upper surface; feathers of the crown centred with black, the sandy-colored interspaces forming very distinct spots, the ear-tufts being still lighter, and barred across with whitish ; the white spots on the scapulars, wing-coverts, and outer webs of primaries very distinct, as are also the white bars on the lower sur- face, many of them being apparent also on the chest-feathers; the quills barred with ashy brown on their inner webs, inclining to sandy buff on the secondaries. Total length 9°5 inches, wing 6°8, tail 4, tarsus 1°45, bare part of the latter 0°65.” The only specimens of this species which I have seen are several borrowed from Mr. Salvin, and returned to him without descriptions having been taken from them. I therefore quote Mr. Sharpe’s account of the species (I. ¢.). B.—Toes only, or with, at most, the extreme lower portion of the tarsus, completely naked, 2. SCOPS BRASILIANUS. a, brasilianus, Strix brasiliana, GMEL., 8. N. I, i, 1788, 289 (ex Briss., I, 499). Strix choliba, VrerLu., Nouy. Dict. xiv, 1817, 39 (ex Azara, Apunt. II, 218). Strix decussata, Licut., Verz. Doubl. 1823, 59. Strix crucigera, Sp1x, Av. Bras, I, 1825, 22, pl. 9. Strix undulata, Sp1x, t. ¢. pl. 10. ? Scops lophotes, Less., Traité, I, 1831, 107. Ephialites argentina, Licut., Nomencl. 1854, 7. B. atricapillus. — Strix atricapilla, “Natr.”, Tem™., Pl. Col. II, 1838, pl. 145, Ephialites watsoni, CASSLIN, Pr. Phila. Acad. IV, 1849, 123, y. ustus, Scops usta, Scu., P. Z. 8. March 9, 1858, 132, 6, guatemala. Scops brasilianus, subsp. 3. Scops guatemala, SuarPE, Cat. Striges Brit. Mus. 1875, 112, pl. ix. e. Cassini, Scops brasilianus, e. cassini, RipGw., MS. The above synonymy will serve to show what names I would bring — together under the specific head of Scops brasilianus (Gmel.) on account — ' PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES‘ NATIONAL MUSEUM. 91 of the complete intergradation of the forms which they designate; it will also indicate the number and names of the more pronourced races I have been able to make out, arranged in chronologica! sequence, the full synonymy of each being given separately further on. There are now before me 44 specimens of Scops-owls from Tropical America, different specifically from S. barbarus, S. flammeolus, and S. nudipes, and also very distinct from the hairy-toed members of the genus. This series appears, at first sight, to be made up of several distirict species, there being no less than six very pronounced types of coloration represented ; these different styles being so exceedingly different in appearance that in the absence of intermediate specimens no one would hesitate to recognize their specific distinctness. These different styles are more or less characteristic of separate geo- graphical areas; thus, the ‘brasilianus” type prevails over Eastern South America, ‘‘ustus” in Upper Amazonia and in Columbia, “ guate- male” in Central America, and ‘cassini” in Eastern Mexico. They thus partake somewhat of the nature of geographical races; were they strictly such, the case would be very much simplified; but such, unfor- tunately, is not the case, since it frequently occurs that extreme speci- mens of one form may be found in a region of which it is not typical, while several, if not all, of them may be represented in a sufficiently extensive series from a single district! Thus, we have true * guatemale” from Bahia, Brazil; pure brasilianus from Costa Rica and Guatemala; and a specimen apparently very much like “ustus” from Sta. Catarina, S. E. Brazil. In the absence of specimens of neutral or intermediate character, these facts would not be antagonistic to the theory of specific distinct- ness of the forms named above, but, on the contrary, would be decidedly confirmative, since they would do away with the probability that the variations are purely the result of geographical impress. Generalized specimens, however, or those which are not typical of either one or the other of the several reces, constitute a very large proportion of the whole.* It is in consideration of all these facts that we are led to conclude that the several particular forms we have named above, however distinct they may appear when the most specialized examples are compared, are but “strains” of a single species, tending toward the establishment of permanent geographical races (and in the course of time distinct spe- cies), but which, in consequence of the non-extinction of specimens of a generalized nature, have not yet passed the incipient stage. The variations in this species involve not only differences in the colors themselves, but in the character and distribution of the markings, scarcely two examples being exactly alike. Variations of a purely mediate between guatemale and brasilianus that it cannot be referred more properly to one than to the other. i 92 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. individual nature, however, are best treated under the head of each particular race. a. brasilianus. Le Hibou de Brésil, Briss., Orn. I, 1760, 499 (Brazil ; = rufous phase, with feathers of lower surface distinctly rufous below thesurface, and sharply barred). Strix brasiliana, GMEL., S. N. I, i, 1788, 289 (ex Briss., J. ¢.). Scops brasilianus, GRAY, Hand-l. I, 1869, 47 (part).—Sci. & Satv., P. Z. S. 1868, 629 (Venezuela); 1870, 782 (Merida, Venezuela); 1873, 304 (HE. Perw); Nom. Neotr. 1873, 117 (part).—SHarpE, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1875, 108 (Bahia; Para; Island of Mexiana; Upper Amazons ; Cayenne; Trinidad ; Caraccas ; Antioquia ; Columbia).—FInscu, P. Z. 8. 1870, 557 ( Trinidad*).—Bouc., Cat. Av. 1876, 91. Ephialites brasiliensis, GRAY, Genera B. I, 1844, 35. Otus brasiliensis, TEMM. & SCHLEG., Fauna Jap. 1845, 25. Scops brasiliensis, BoNap., Consp. I, 1850, 46.—Kaup, Contr. Orn. 1852, 112.— ScHLeG., Mus. P.-B. Oti, 1862, 21; Rev. Acc. 1873, 11. Megascops brasiliensis, KAUP, t. c. 228. Asio brasiliensis, BONAP., Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1854, 543. Choliba, Azara, Apunt. II, 1802-05, 218. Strix choliba, VIFILL., Nouv. Dict. XVI, 1817, 39 (ex Azara, l. ¢.), (= “ brasilianus” style, with feathers of lower parts distinctly orange-rufous below surface, etc.). Ephialites choliba, GRAY, Genera B. I, 1844, 38.—PEtz., Orn. Bras. 1870, 9. Scops choliba, D’ORB., Voy. Ois. 1835~44, 132.—TscuupI, Fauna Per. 1844, 118.— STRICKL., Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 204.—Lawre., Ann. Lyc. N. Y. VI, 1862, 462 (New Granada).—Scu. & Saty., P. Z. 8. 1866, 198. Strix decussata, LicuT., Verz. Doubl. 1823, 59. Scops decussata, BURM., Th. Bras. II, 1856, 126 (grayish phase). Stric crucigera, Sprx, Av. Bras. I, 1824, 22, pl. 9. Strix undulata, Spix, t.c. pl. 10. Ephialites argentina, Licut., Nom. 1854, 7.—ScHLEG., Mus. P.-B, Oti, 1862, 21. Scops argentina, GRAY, Handl. I, 1869, 47. ? Scops lophotes, LEss., Traité, I, 1831, 107.t\—PUCHERAN, Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1849, 22 * “One specimen, agreeing with Brazilian specimens.” t “Tout le dessus du corps brun foncé, ponctué de roux, mais par points trés-ténus, trés-rapprochés et trés-nombreux. Les dessous du corps roux, flammé de noir, formant une masse brune sur la poitrine; les hbuppes élargies 4 la base. Patrie inconnue. “ Observ. On doit ajouter 4 ce sous-genre le HIBOU CHAPERONNE, Strix atricapilla, * Temm., pl. 145, du Brésil, et le HiBOU NOCTULE, Strix noctula, Reinw., Temm., pl. 99, de Java et de Sumatra, qui est peut-étre l’espéce 25, Rtprite sous le nom de Scops de Java.” [ Lesson, l. ¢.] From the description alone, as quoted above, it is anabnieay impossible to decide to which of the races of 8S. brasilianus this reference belongs. It is quite as likely to be a synonym of the form we distinguish as atricapillus, Temm. (see p.95). Sclater and Salvin (Ex. Orn VII, 1868, p. 102), who have seen Lesson’s type, say that it is “ proba- bly only a paler form” of S. brasilianus. Another name, usually referred to S. brasili- : anus, but which we are in doubt about, is Scops portoricensis, Less. (Traité, I, 1831, 107.—‘‘ Scops de Porto Rico”). We have never seen a specimen of this genus from any of the West India islands, but think it quite likely that peculiar races exist there. Of this bird also, Messrs. Sclater and Salvin ‘‘ have seen the type-specimens, . . . in the Paris Museum, and have been unable to distinguish it from S. brasilianus.” We quote below Lesson’s description in full :— “Dun gris-roux glacé, strié en long de flammeches roux-brun, plus finement strié en travers; deux huppes élargies et triangulaires sur les cétés de la téte; taille un peu plus forte, et teinte. beaucoup plus blonde que l’espéce d’Europe. Habite Vile de Porto- Rico. (Mus. de Paris, Maugé.)” PROCHEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 93 ‘(critical).—Bonap., Consp. I, 1850, 46.—StrickL., Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 204.— Scr. & Satyv., Ex. Orn. 1868, 102 (in text)—Gray, Hand-l. I, 1869, 47. Asio lophotes, Bonav., Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1854, 543. ? Scops portoricensis, Less., Traité, I, 1931, 107—Pucheran, Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1849, 26 (critical). “ Ephialites portoricensis ”, L£ot., Ois. Trinidad, 1866, 57. REMARKS.—This style, which prevails over Eastern South America (Brazil, Paraguay, and Buenos Ayres), is characterized mainly by the very sharp definition of the cross-bars on the lower parts, these being usually nearly pure black upon an almost pure white ground, and by the very distinctly orange-rufous bases of the feathers, this color show- ing conspicuously on the lower surface wherever the plumage is disar- ranged. Thirty specimens are before me, the localities represented being the following:—Brazil (13), Paraguay (1), Buenos Ayres (1), Ecuador (Napo 1), Columbia (Antioquia 2, Bogota 2), Costa Rica (9), and Gua- temala (1.) Six specimens from Costa Rica, collected by Mr. J. C. Zeledon, are almost undistinguishable from one another; the uniform- ity of their characters being indeed remarkable for this species. Two others which greatly resemble each other are one from Bogota, in Salvin and Godman’s collection, and one in my own collection (No. 2270) from Guatemala. These are almost exactly alike; they have the upper parts of a dark grayish-brown color, very minutely and densely vermiculated with blackish, further relieved by occasional, inconspicuous lighter frecklings, and rather indistinct blackish mesial streaks, most obvious on the pileum; the feathers of the lower surface are distinctly bright buff below the surface, while the blackish mark- ings—both the transverse and the longitudinal ones—are sharply defined and very distinct. In their general aspect, these specimens agree very nearly with typical examples of the “ brasilianus” style, but are darker in their general coloring above, where the mottlings are finer and denser. A typical specimen of the style is No. 16431 (Nat. Mus.), from Para- guay. This has the lower plumage exactly like the two specimens described above, but the upper parts are lighter and more grayish, with the blackish mesial streaks in stronger relief. The Costa Rica speci- mens alluded to above greatly resemble this one, but are rather paler and more grayish. An extreme example is No. 12400 (Nat. Mus.), from Buenos Ayres. This has the lower parts as described above, except that the orange-buff of the basal portion of the feathers is brighter, and the black mesial streaks broader. The upper parts are light tawny, or sandy clay-color (not rufous), with very minute and inconspicuous transverse vermiculations, the black mesial streaks broad and conspicuous, especially on the pileum, where they form continuous stripes, while on the dorsal region they each have one or two expansions, so as to form a bead-like series. Quite similar to this, but darker above and with narrower streaks beneath, is a male in F Salvin and Godman’s collection from Antioquia, Columbia. 94 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. The most aberrant of the South American specimens before me is an example from Sta. Catarina, 8. E. Brazil (Mus. Salvin and Godman). This has the upper plumage much as in the specimen last described, but the outer webs of the scapulars are bright buff, instead of white, and the pileum is suffused with blackish, the streaks of this color being thus rendered less distinct. It isthe lower parts, however, which differ most: there is an entire absence of the usual sharply-defined, transverse, blackish markings, but in their stead exceedingly irregular aud ragged markings of rusty rufous, into which the very obvious but ill-defined broad mesial streaks gradually blend; the whole pectoral region, the throat, and the face have a uniform rusty-buff ground-color, relieved by few markings. This individual apparently approaches the form named by Sclater S. ustus. Besides the above variations, there is another, involving the intensity of the buff on the basal portion of the feathers of the lower parts; in many, this is so bright as to show conspicuously wherever the feathers are the least bit disarranged, while in others only the merest trace of it can be discovered by careful search. Between all these variations, however, there is every possible intermediate condition in different individuals. Mr. Sharpe (I. ¢.) remarks that this race does not assume the bright rufous phase so common in the form named guatemale. I have seen, however, a specimen from Bahia, an adult female, which is as brightly rufous as any specimen of guatemala, or, for that matter, even S. asio. The upper parts are deep brick-rufous, all the feathers with blackish shatt-streaks, these broadest on the pileum and back; the upper tail- coverts and the sides of the neck only are without these streaks. The outer webs of the exterior row of scapulars are pure white; the feathers of the dorsal region show falvous transverse spots on the basal portion, mostiy concealed, except where the feathers are disturbed, and larger across the nape than elsewhere. Each feather of the sides, flanks, and abdomen has a mesial streak of blackish-brown (with here and there a slight external suffusion of paler and more rusty-brown), which color expands into two rather wide, transverse, externally pointed spots on the basal half of the feather,—the terminal half having two or three narrow, finely zigzag, transverse lines of dark brown, here and there mixed with rufous,—making an average number of four bars on each feather, of which the two anterior are wider and more rufous. This specimen resembles the rufous phase of “ cassini” very much , more than that of ‘“ guatemala”, but is very much larger in all its dimensions. : | A young bird, from Costa Rica, in the collection of Messrs, Salvin and Godman, differs from the adult as follows: ground-color light- buff, deepest above, relieved by narrow transverse bars of dusky, — equally distinct above and below. 64 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 95 List of Specimens Examined.* ' W t his | bs ae Lt : a | & | 2 = = 4 Locality. Date. wwe ¢ = a = =z - = _ = is S = Biv] “ijalisiatia = = m | : EFiligaetotials& 12400 | U.S. eR EP ees ee eee 6.55 | 4.00 | -52/1L10; .® 16431 U.S. 2 2. VV nn nace ------ eee ee eee June, 1259 6.) i 00 | ae L@ -9 ee hee | Oe.) Banas oe ee Aug, 189/640/406)| .@/120|) .5 a i | See, ee ee eee ees ee eee 700/43/| .ciLwD!) .@ — |S &G.| —br. !..-.--- | ES ee a 66 /}420/ .@/120).-...-.. — |S &G.| —gr. | Brazil (Babia) -................. Facts Teen oo! 62/400) 57/19) .& ca OSS a) BE ere al ee Ps 6.20 |---._- -}1%9/} .90 err a OY te. 22). eo BE OE are 600/380) .55/110) .85 — |S &G.| adr. (St. Catherine’s) -.-......-. i ee 7.90) 520) .6|140) 100 — |S &G.j adb | Brazil .----....--..-...--.------|.------------- 6.90/440!...../128} .%& <= OS Se Se eer ee ee eS 660/400) -2)19| .S — |G@N.L| ¢ ¢g | Brasil (Bahia) --—---2--22-22---- at. Lae 6.3 | 3.70 2 | 1.0 | 75 i Gs Bi Eeh) 0 ms. hbo Ne Ce EEE, ELIA 6.40) 400/ .52}) 120 }-.-.... 0946 | U.S. | Og. | ‘Southern Brazil becls ube Soe pis Pa Si 7.50 | 490 -65 | 1.50 1.00 72035 | M.C.Z.| ad.g | Brazil (Pernambuco) -.-........-)...-..-..-..-- G&10}280) .@/L15; .& 30966 | U.S. | ad.r. | Ecuador (Napo) ---.............- poet Bees 6. £0 | 4.30 |____- 13, .Ss — |S&G) ¢r. | Columbia(Medellina)---........ prs or eee | 7.00 | 420 6} 12 -98 oie | Yd ee ie Cee | ered ean sans CASS (hres 75301}4@) .3/;1L2 .9 — |S &G_| adg | Columbia (Bogota) ----.........|.........---.- 740/430) .€0/115 10 — IG.N-Ei| ad¢ |...--- (AB edits S.C ed ae a, tr 7.30)/450| .5113/ .90 ae | el os | Genteeils 2228). 7.15} 440) .@}1L9) .% 30416 | U.S. | ad g | Costa Rica (San José) -.........|.............. 7.00) 410/ .53/112) .90 67876 | U.S. | juv.b. Os SEF eS PIE TT Te ee Paes a eee (ee DE SS SS “eR STE Pee A Gare Re Dy oe | *In these tables, the initials in the colamn headed Museum stand for the following: “ U.S.",—United States National Museum; “S. & G.”,— Museum Salvin & Godman; ‘‘G. N. L.”,= Museum of George N. Lawrence, esq. ; “ M.C. Z.”,— Museum of Comparative Zoolozy, Cambridge, Mass. ; “R. R.”,— Museum of R. Ridgway. In the next column, the letters g, r, and 5 indicate the gray, rufus, and brown (or intermediate) phases respectively. The measurement of the culmen does not imelude the cere; the tail is measured to the extreme base of the coecyx, and the middle toe to the base of the claw. Be ge ee dk i ee Ei eee 8. atricapillus? ? Strix atricapilla, “‘Natr.”, Teso., Pl. Col. IT, 1838, pl. 145. Scops atricapilla, STEPHENS, Shaw’s Gen. Zool. XIII, pt. 2, 1826, p. 51, pl. 39.—Crv., Rég. Anim. ed. 2, 1829, 347.—Bonap., Consp. I, 1850, 46.—Kaup, Contr. Orn. 1852, 112.—Srrickt., Orn. Syn. I, 1955, 202.— Burn., Th. Bras. IT, 1256, 122. Ephialites atricapilla, Gray, Genera B. I, 1844, 38, pl. 13, fig. 2 (head).—PEtz., Orn. Bras. 1870, 9 (?). Megascops atricapilla, Kaur, Trans. Zool. Soc. Lond. IV, 1859, 228. Asio atricapillus, Bonap., Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1854, 543. ? Ephialites watsoni, Cass., Pr. Acad. Nat. Sei. Phila. IV, Dee. 1848, 123; Journ. Phila. Acad. IT, 1852, 95, pl. xii, fig. 1. Seops watsoni, BonaP., Consp. I, 1550, 46.—Gray, Hand-l. I, 1569, 47. - Asio watsoni, Bonarp., Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1£54, 543. _ DrAGnosis.—Adult male, gray phase (Mus. O.S. & F. D. G., Engento do _ Gama, Brazil, Aug. 18,1826; Natterer).— Wing, 6.80; tail, 4.00; culmen, _ .00; tarsus, 1.15; middle toe, .80. Facial cirele, ear-tafts, and pileum - sooty-blackish, on the latter broken by minute grayish and faint falvous _ Mnottling, this prevailing on the forehead and eyebrows; outer webs of _ ear-tufts nearly uniform blackish, but inner webs conspicuously spotted or indented with pale fulvous and whitish. Orbital region dusky—con- _ §Spicuously so in front of and above the eye—the face growing paler on _ the cheeks, next the blackish facial ring, where the color is pale grayish, 96 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. indistinctly undulated with darker. Occiput crossed by a quite con- spicuous light-colored band, the feathers of which have the basal portion pale falvous and the terminal portion whitish, with irregular dusky bars. Upper parts in general finely mottled grayish-brown, with indistinct streaks and zigzags of dusky and minute mottlings of very pale ochra- ceous; outer webs of scapulars whitish, more or less stained with buff. Tail dusky, with about seven bands of pale fulvous, each inclosing a narrower and more irregular dusky band; outer webs of primaries marked with quadrate spots of dusky and pale fulvous, the latter smallest, growing deeper-colored toward the shaft, and having occa- sional dusky mottlings centrally, the former mottled with fulvous gray along the edges of the feathers. Lower parts uniform pale dull buff, the feathers with narrow, but distinct, dusky, mesial streaks, and with scat- tered, irregular cross-bars of the same color, the latter averaging about two on each feather, and situated near the end; on tke breast these markings more numerous and irregular, and the general surface broken by irregular spots of white. Tarsi pale buff, with faint mottlings of rusty-brown on the outer side; under tail-coverts with a sing‘e faint spot at the end of each feather. REMARKS.—The appearance of this owl] is peculiar from the dusky coloring of the face, especially around the eyes, the peculiar sbade of the pale buff lower parts (which lacks the bright orange tint of other races), the sparseness of the markings below, and in the pinkish tinge of the axillars and under wing-coverts. While it is all but certain that the specimen described above is the same as Hphialites watsoni, Cassin, there is considerable doubt as to its being equivalent to Strix atricapilla,Temm. The plate of the latter represents a much smaller bird, with altogether grayer tints above, and pure white, instead of fulvous, beneath. In fact, this plate calls instantly to mind the form described in this paper as SN. cassini (see page 102), and were it not that the habitat of Temminck’s bird is given, on good authority, as Brazil, I should not hesitate to identify it with the latter form. The writer examined some years ago the type-specimens of Ephialites watsoni, in the museum of the Philadelphia Academy, and as he recollects them they correspond quite closely, if not entirely, with the specimen described above. Still, they may be somewhat dif- ferent. The figure given by Cassin in the “Journal” of the Academy (p!. xii, fig. 1) is extremely inaccurate as regards the details of colora- tion; but it may be observed that the coloring represents almost exactly the peculiar shades which we consider one of the chief characteristics of the present form. The following is the original description of Ephialites watsoni, in full :— ‘Summit of the head black, with a few very minute pale spots, more numerous on the front and eyebrows. Shorter feathers of the ear-tufts black, others black also, but with their inner webs spotted or mottled with white. A-semicircle above the eye, extending to the ear-tufts, PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIOVAL MUSEUM. 97 black; rigid feathers at the base of the bill black, with pale grayish terminations; feathers immediately below the eye gray, mottled and broadly tipped with black. ** Discal feathers grayish white, many of them speckled, and all tipped with black, presenting a white and black semi-collar or ruff on each side of the neck. Plumage of the throat with fine alternate bars of black aud nearly white. “Neck above with a well-defined collar, the feathers ecmposing which are strongly fulvous, terminated with white and speckled with black. “ Back, rump, tail, and wing-coverts mottled and freckled with gray- ish white, upon a black ground, many of the feathers having about three to five very irregular transverse bands of whitish; on the wing-coverts and back some of the pale marks are almost circular with black centres ; others are of irregular form also enclosing centres of black. *‘ [ixternal webs of the primaries black, with subquadrate nearly white _ bars, nearly all of which have black centres, assuming, also, a more or less well defined square form. Internal webs of primaries with alter-. nate bands of different shades of black. ‘‘ Breast and entire inferior parts pale fulvous, every feather conspicu- ously marked on the shaft longitudinally with black, and with very irregular transverse bands and irregularly mottled with black; the. black markings most numerous and most irregular on the breast. Many of the feathers on the breast with very pale, nearly white spots, having somewhat the appearance of being distributed in pairs. ** Tail black, with about seven or eight narrow irregular grayish bands, many of which have central lines of black. **Tarsi feathered to the toes, pale fulvous white, mottled with black. ** Bill horn color at the base, whitish at the tip. ‘Total length (of skin) about 94 inches, wing 7, tail 35 inches. ‘Younger? Piumage above paler, with small spots’ and minute: freckles of grayish white, scarcely assuming the appearance of bands. ‘¢ Breast with the dark markings predominating, and tending to form a broad pectoral band; lower parts of the body bright fulvous, with black. marks. “ Hab. South America. “This species bears some resemblance to Ephialites atricapilla, (Natt.). Temm. pl. col. 145, but is much larger, and bas only one nuchal collar. The general color above is also much darker; the fulvous colouring of the inferior surface of the body is also a striking difference. “One specimen of this species in the Rivoli collection is labelled ‘ Ore- noque’, and another in the collection of the Academy is probably from South America.” _ The description given in the Journal of the Philadelphia Academy _ (vol. ii, p. 95) is essentially the same as the above. Proce. Nat. Mus. 73——7 August 15, 1878. hed | 98 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. y. ustus. Seops usta, Scu., P. Z. S. March 9, 1858, 132 (ga, Upper Amazons.—Mus. Norwich); Trans. Zool. Soc. Lond. IV, 1859, 265, pl. lxii—Gray, Hand-l. I, 1869, 47.—Bouc., Cat. Av. 1876, 91.—Sci. & Satv., P. Z. S. 1866, 198; Ex. Orn. 102. Scops brasilianus, subsp. a. Scops ustus, SHARPE, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1875, 111 (Sarayacu and Chamicuros, E. Peru; Venezuela ?). Habitat.—Upper Amazonia (Ega; SCL., l. ¢.; Chamicuros and Sara- yacu, EK. Peru, and Venezuela?; SHARPE, I. ¢.). This form I have never seen, and therefore have to give descriptions at second hand. The original one (Sclater, I. ¢.) is as follows :-— ‘¢ Supra saturate castaneo-brunnea, plumis omnibus nigro subtilissime vermiculatis ; facie et gula pure castaneo-brunneis, hac pallidiore: linea post regionem auricularem, cornuum capitis extantium marginibus latis et pileo supero nigris: alarum pennis pallide castaneo-brunneis nigro punctulatis, intus autem ochracenti-albidis, quinque et sex fasciis latis in pogonio externo, maculas quadratas efficientibus, nigris trans-vitta- tus; cauda ex eodem colore sed fasciis nigris pene obsoletis: subtus clarius brunnea, lineis augustis longitudinalibus, scapus plumorum occupantibus, nigris parce notata: tectricibus alarum inferioribus sor- dide albis: tarsis pallide fulvis: rostro et pedibus flavis. ‘‘ Long. tota 8.5, ale 7.0, caudx 4.0, tarsi 1.2. ‘“ Hab. Ega, on the Upper Amazon (H. W. Bates).” The above description, and the plate accompanying it, represent a form of Scops of which I have never seen typical examples. It seems clearly to belong to SN. brasilianus, of which it is probably a peculiar “ strain ”— hardly to be called the rufescent extreme (since the latter is to be found in the bright rufous phase of “ guatemale”), but rather showing a very highly-colored condition, in which the rufous tint is spread rather than intensified, so as to more or less completely obliterate the usual white markings. Thecase seems to be somewhat parallel to that of S. kennicotte as compared with S. asio, and is probably more or less closely connected with climatic peculiarities of the district inhabited by the race; for instance, an excessive rain-fall and a prevalence of denser and darker forests than generally exist to the eastward. According to Mr. Sclater (l. ¢.), this form “ is distinguishable from every South American member of the genus .... . by its rich brown coloring above and below, and by the longitudinal lines below not being crossed as in 8S. choliba and S. atricapilla.” Among the numerous specimens of Scops brasilianus in the series before me, is one which seems to approach quite nearly to the characters of this race, being devoid of sharply defined black bars below, where, jn their place, are extremely irregular ragged zigzags of rusty rufous, the blackish shaft-streaks being unusually broad, and externally suffused © with rufous; only the terminal half, or exposed portion, of the abdom- inal feathers is white, the entire breast, tibiae, and tarsus having a uniform deep ochraceous ground-color. Among other differences from t PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 99 typical brasilianus may be mentioned the deep buff or ochraceous outer webs of the scapulars, inner webs of the ear-tufts, and indeed all the markings of the upper surface, which are white in that form; these peculiarities being among the distinguishing features of the ustus type. This specimen, however, is from Sta. Catarina, S. E. Brazil. It belongs to the collection of Messrs. Salvin and Godman. In his description of this form, Mr. Sharpe describes what he terms its “gray phase”, but which seems to be decidedly more brown than gray, and, to judge from the description, quite different from anything I have seen. I quote the essential parts of the descriptions of this form given by Mr. Sharpe :— ‘‘Adult male (gray phase). General color above dull earthy brown, so finely vermiculated as to appear almost uniform at first glance, a few fulvescent cross markings more conspicuous on the scapulars and secondaries, very slightly indicated on the hind neck, and not forming a distinet collar; crown of bead rather blacker than the back, the feathers infinitesimally freckled with sandy rufous, the ear-tufts blackish, scarcely vermiculated at all;......... ear-coverts sandy brown, indis- tinectly barred across with blackish brown, and narrowly shaft-streaked with white ...... 3 rest of under surface ochraceous buff, thickly sprinkled with wavy lines and vermiculations of dark brown, especially on the side of the chest, some of the breast feathers streaked with black and barred across with white, the flanks scantily barred with dark brown, inclining to white near the tip, the markings scanty, as also on the under tail-coverts...... Total length 9.5 inches, wing 6.6, tail 3.9, tarsus 1.3. “Adult female (ru’ous phase). General characteristics as in the gray phase, but rufuus where the other bird is brown, and slightly more mottled on the upper surface with rufescent cross bars; below nearly uniform rufous, deeper on the chest, some of the feathers slightly streaked with black, more narrowly on the breast and abdomen ; on the chest a few dull brown vermiculations, the abdomen indistinctly barred with fulvous. Total length 9 inches, wing 6.55, tail 3.4, tarsus 1.3. ‘“‘ Obs. The principal characteristics of this race are the uniformity of its upper surface, and the comparative absence of streaks; scapulars fulvescent, not white. These remarks apply both to the brown and rufous phases, neither of which shows any collar on the hind-neck. - “ Hab. Upper Amazons.” 6. guatemale. “ Scops brasilianus”, LAWR., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1X, 1868, 132 (San José, Costa Rica).—Sat- VIN, P. Z. 8. 1570, 216 ( Veragua). a Wieianads subsp. @. Scops guatemale, SHARPE, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1875, 112, pl. ix, both phases (Guatemala; Acoyapa, Nicaragua; Costa Rica; Veragua). Scops guatemala, Bouc., Cat. Av. 1876, 91 (Central America). REMARKS.—In Central America, from Veragua to Guatemala, a form prevails which, in the absence of extralimital specimens or of examples 100 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. approximating one of the other styles, I should not hesitate to charac- terize as a distinct species. This style is “ S. brasilianus, subsp. f. Scops guatemale” of Sharpe (1. ¢.), to which probably as many as 90 per cent. of the specimens brought from those countries may be referred. It hap- pens, however, that while absolutely typical specimens of the ‘ brasili- anus” style do occur from both these countries, specimens of typical ‘“‘ guatemale” also oceur in Brazil, thus annulling the importance of geo- graphical considerations; while, as a farther proof of specific identity, the number of specimens which cannot be referred to either one or the other of these two forms, but which are in every: respect intermediate, is by no means small. The prominent features of this variety are, a confusedly-mottled, rather than regularly-barred, lower plumage, and a darker upper surface, there being little approach to that sharpness and clearness of all the mark- ings which characterize the other form; the bright orange-buff bases of the feathers of the lower parts, so usual (but not constant) in typical specimens of the ‘ brasilianus” style, is also absent in all the specimens I have seen. As in the latter variety, the individual variations in “‘ gua- temale” tend to great extremes, both as to the shades of coloration and the pattern of the markings; the principal of these are the following :— Gray extreme (spec. in Mus. Salvin & Godman, Coban, Vera Paz, Jan. — “O. S. 2352”):—Prevailing color above pale brownish, very coarsely mottled with pale buff and grayish-white, and with larger and very irregular spots of blackish, these nowhere assuming the form of shaft-streaks, even on the crown; sides of the forehead or ‘eyebrows ” appreciably, but not abruptly, paler (mottled whitish). Face, throat, sides of neck, and jugulum dirty whitish, finely and quite regularly undulated transversely with brownish, the dusky facial circle not dis: tinct. Rest of lower parts soiled white, the whole surface relieved by very irregular, ragged, and confused zigzag lines of dusky brownish, the feathers showing very irregular, but quite distinct, mesial, blackish streaks, with which the transverse markings unite, The above description is of a specimen representing the extreme gray- ish phase, so far as shown by the series before me; others, in Messrs. Salvin and Godman’s collection, exhibit a gradual transition to the rufous phase, scarcely two specimens being alike in the precise shade of brown, while positively none agree in the details of pattern. Thus, two males from Veragua (“Arcé, 2401”, and ‘“Areé, 1806”) have the — upper parts so nearly devoid of coarse mottlings as.to appear of anearly — uniform ligbt umber-brown. On the other hand, a specimen from Vera Paz (“O. S. 2348”) has the general dusky coloring above relieved by very conspicuous, large, and, in places, regularly-oblong, transverse spots of pale fawn-color. In the latter specimen, the white on the outer web of the scapulars is broken by transverse wide bars of mottled fawn and dusky, while in nearly all the others this white is unbroken, having only the terminal blackish border common to nearly all the species of the genus. . PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 101 There is also much variation as to the markings of the lower parts; usually, these are very numerous, and extremely ragged and zigzag, consequently appearing much confused; in two specimens, however, one from Choctum, Vera Paz, the other from Bahia, Brazil (Wucherer), the transverse markings are much fewer, wider apart, and more regular, the average interval being, in the latter specimen, as much as .25 of an inch! The most aberrant specimen in the series is one from Chiriqui (‘‘Areé, 1873”), which, however, appears, from the texture of its plumage, to be a young bird. In this all the markings are very fine zigzag vermicula- tions, there being no longitudinal streaks above or below, except a tew among the feathers of the breast. The shades of colors, however, are identical with those of others in the series. ) A specimen of gray plumage from Mazatlan, Mexico (No. 23793, Nat. Mus.; John Xantus), agrees strictly with the Choctum specimen de- scribed above in the markings of the lower parts; but the upper parts are grayer, with conspicuous mesial streaks of black, mostly of sagittate torm, agreeing exactly in this respect with a specimen of * brasilianus” from Pernambuco, Brazil, in the collection of the Museum of Compara- tive Zodlogy (No. 7805). The extreme rufous phase is represented in the series by two speci- mens from Guatemala (belonging to the Boston Society of Natural History). These are bright brick-rufous above, the outer webs of the scapulars pure white, in strong contrast, and the feathers of the pileum with mesial streaks of black,—thus very closely resembling the corre- sponding phase of S. asio. The face, throat, and jugulum are also of a paler, but quite uniform, rafous, relieved by few or no markings of any kind; the rest of the lower parts are white, the feathers with indistinct mesial streaks of dusky brownish and faint and ragged cross-bars of pale rufous. These specimens resemble the extreme rufous phase of *“ brasilianus”, as described above, except that there are no distinct blackish streaks on the back, where also the feathers are devoid of the basal fulvous spots, while the bars on the lower surface are much less distinct and regular. Two other specimens of this phase in the collection of Messes. Salvin and Godman are quite different. One, from Coban, Vera Paz, is a young bird, with remnants of the immature plumage. The new dress however, largely prevails. In this example, the whole dorsal region is varied by an exceedingly faint, yet obvious spotting of a paler rufous, and narrow blackish shaft-streaks, and the lower parts are much more distinctly and regularly barred, the bars being, moreover, of a consid- erably darker shade. It thus approximates quite closely to the rufous specimen of “ brasilianus” above referred to. The other specimen is from Las Salinas, Vera Paz (‘ March, O. 8. 2349”), and is still more different. The upper parts are so dark as to be almost chestnut, while the back is distinctly spotted with black. The breast is nearly uniform dark 102 EROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. ferruginous, with distinct and wide blackish shaft-streaks, and broken in the middle portion by whitish bars; the remainder of the lower parts’ are white, with the transverse bars of blackish so broad that the mesial streaks are rendered nearly obsolete. : Regarding the rufous phase of this variety, Mr. Sharpe remarks (L oy p. 114) :— : “The rufous phase of S. guatemale is quite different from anything: that I have seen from South America, being entirely of a foxy rufous color, with the head never darker than the back or showing any approach to a blackish patch; the back is generally rather narrowly streaked with black, as is also the head; and there are in some examples slight indica- tions of bars.” As stated on p. 94, however, the Brazilian bird does sometimes assume this bright ‘: foxy rufous” phase. A specimen in the bright rufous phase from Jalapa (S. E. Mexico; D’Oca; Mus. Salvin & Godman) differs from the two Guatemala speci- mens described above in the paler rufous of the pileum (where the usual black shaft-streaks are almost entirely absent), the paler rufous of the face and throat, the coarser and more ragged markings of the lower surface, and the paler tarsi. In other respects, however, it is identical. Compared with a rufous specimen of S. cassini, from the same locality, the differences are much more conspicuous. The latter is more like the corresponding phase of S. barbarus, being distinctly variegated above with paler spotting and numerous blackish shaft-streaks, and the picture of the lower parts more distinct. List of Specimens Examined. 26 > | Guatemals Win sash. sot) Wedel 4.6. eee GONTL sis ge 6.80 | 3.90 | .58 | 1.30 90 PE GO. no c-seg curse }ecacdeccecnecelsaesOQ.--necl —~ Geo) 50 Weeee0 ae On tae 2401. uke! Chitra, Veragua....-. | ———> —-, 1869 | S. & G@ og. |96.20] 3.60) .55] 1.12 . 85 2352 O.S.| Coban, Vera Paz .....| —— —, 1860 | ...do..... —g. |6.50]| 4.00] .52|1.20] .90 2348 O.S.| Vera Paz, Guatemala.|..-..........-| -.. ott — 9. 6.60 | 4.10 | .55 | 1.15 . 85 — | Choctum, Vera Paz ..| Feb —, 1862} ....do-..-... — g. 6.60 | 3.90 | .58 | 1.18 . 80 1806 Arcé.| Calovevora, Veragua .| —— —, 1862 |....do ....| of br. 6.60 | 3,25) ©. 58) 126 . 85 1873 Arcé;| Chirigul, sons stesenenn! Seaaece baecleae a Juv. gr. | 6.20 | 3.50 | .60 | 1.10 .c0 _ Bahia, Brazil ...:..... fie eu te ee da ae Ad. gr. | 6.50} 4.00 | .55 ) B25 . 80 2349 O.S.| La Salinas, Vera Paz .| Mar. —, 1860 |....do ..... Ad. red. | 6.50 | 4.00 | .55 } 1.18 . 85 _— Coban, Vera Paz ..... —— —, 1859 |....do..... Ad. red. |°6.50 |S. 80" |<. 0 1. 20 . 85 _— Pane mnie eee wscenctacses | BOSt, Soc...) Ad. red: «| 6:30. 13..800). 58" ete . 82 ces (Ge. po heeeeucal She ot pret cole ~- eo at Ad, red. | 6.48 | 3.70 | .55 | 1.30 . 82 23793 Fe eo } Ae. eee Preere er Dh sieact Ad. gr. | 6.00 | 3.70 | .50 | 1.18 . 82 — E. Mexico si besten o—— —, 1872 | §.& G....| Afired. | 6.20 | 200 | /b01 t..20 . 80 99978 | Costa Rica.. A Jha ke ute 0+ B esau Ad, gr. | 6.60 | 3.90 |..02cin|encsna}spese . €. cassini. Scops atricapillus (NaTrT.) STEPH.”, Ripaw., in B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. III, 1874, 48 (foot-note). Scops brasilianus, §. cassini, RipGw., MS. Habitat.—EKastern Mexico (Mirador; Jalapa). DIAGNOSIS.—Wing, 5.80-6.10; tail, 3.20-3.50; culmen, .45-.50 ; tar- sus, 1.20; middle toe, .80. Gray phase ; adult.—Above grayish-brown, finely mottled with lighter — and darker shades, the general dusky brownish hue interrupted by two conspicuous lighter bands, one across the nape, and the other across — PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 103 the occiput, where the pale brownish buff spots are very iarge and the darker markings correspondingly reduced in size. Beneath whitish, the feathers with ragged mesial streaks of blackish and transverse ver- miculations of the same. Rufous phase; adult.—Above cinnamon-rufous, with blackish shaft- streaks. Beneath white, with blackish mesial streaks and irregular transverse base of rufous and blackish. REMARKS.—This very distinct race, which I refer somewhat doubt- fully to S. brasilianus, so closely resembles S. maccalli, both in size and colors, that, were it not for the perfectly naked toes, certain specimens of the two could scarcely be distinguished. From S. barbarus, with which it agrees in the nakedness of the toes, it may be readily distin- guished by the much stouter feet (both relatively and absolutely), as well as by certain well-marked differences in the coloration. Of the other races of brasilianus, it most closely resembles the one we have described under the name of atricapillus (see p. 95), having, like that style, a very distinet lighter nuchal collar. It is considerably smaller, however, and presents well-marked differences in coloration, which may be expressed as follows :— S. ATRICAPILLUS.—Wing, 6.80; tail, 4.00; tarsus, 1.15; middle toe, 80. Ground-color below pale buff; face and crown nearly uniform dusky. Hab., Brazil. S. CASSINI.—Wing, 5.80-6.10; tail, 3.20-3.50; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, .80. Ground-color below white; face grayish or brownish white, coarsely barred with dusky ; crown coarsely spotted with blackish, pale brown, and grayish-white. Hab., Eastern Mexico. It will be seen by the above, that while cassini has the wing and tail very much shorter than in atricapillus, the feet are, on the other hand, actually longer, the two birds thus having quite different proportions, in view of which fact it may ultimately prove advisable to recognize in S. cassini a distinct species. Compared with S. barbarus, which is sometimes exceedingly similar in plumage, the difference in the feet is still more striking; while the only other form which resembles it—S. maccallihas the toes distinctly bristled, whereas in the present form they are perfectly bare. 27115 | U.S. Gr. ad. Mien, Wei et See 5 2s. hee x10) Fo DOL ce], 1.. 20 . 80 eae) UAE stGr at O44 0-5 do! 2200). seo he es ce. Nov. —, 1863| 5.90 | 3.40] .45/1.20| .80 12372 |M.C.Z.| Ruf. ad. Seioian Miewite 2s. 62... 22%: Apr. 9,1869| 5.80/ 3.20] .50|1.20| 0 3. SCOPS BARBARUS. “ Scops flammeola”, SALVIN, Ibis, 1861, 355 (nee Licht.). Scops barbarus, Sci. & Saty., P. Z. S. 1868,57: Ex. Orn. I, 1668, 101, pl. li; Nom. Neotr. 1873, 117 (Guatemala).—Gray, Hand-l. I, 1869, 47.—Suarps, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1875, 107 (Sta. Barbara, Vera Paz, Guatemala).—Bovwc., Cat. Av. 1876, 91. _ Habitat.— Guatemala. DIAGNOSIS.—Wing, 5.25-5.60; tail, 2.90-3.10; culmen, .45; tarsus, 1.00-1.05; middle toe, .70-.75. Shafts of the auriculars produced into 104 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. long, slender, hair-like bristles, forming a conspicuous ruff round the face, the anterior side concave. Gray phase (adult):—Above brown, thickly spotted with black, the black prevailing on the pileum; outer webs of scapulars white, bordered terminally with black. Beneath whitish, the feathers marked with transverse bars and mesial stripes of black, the white of opposite webs haviug the form of roundish vr oblong spots. Rufous phase (adult): —Above cinnamon-rufous, all the feathers (except upper tail-coverts) with wide and distinct mesial streaks of black. Be- neath white, the feathers wit shaft-streaks of black and wide cross- bars of rufous having black borders. REMARKS.—This very distinct species is apparently most nearly related to 8S. flammeolus, with which it agrees in the extreme weakness of the feet. It differs, however, from that form in being of much stouter build, more * fluffy” plumage, the head: appearing larger and the body stouter in consequence of the greater length and looseness of the feathers. The plumage also is quite different, the markings being altogether coarser. The differences between the two have been more precisely expressed on a preceding page. From S. cassini, which it sometimes very closely resemltles in colors, it may be immediately distinguished by its much weaker feet and different proportions, as follows :*— SCOPS BARBARUS.—Wing, 5.25-5.60; tail, 3.10; tarsus, 1.00-1.05; middie toe, .70-.75. Hab., Highlands of Guatemala. SCOPS CASSINI.—Wing, 5.80-6.10 ; tail, 3.20-3.50; tarsus, 1.20; mid- dle toe, .80. Hab., Eastern Mexico (Vera Cruz, ete.). 42776 | U. S. | Ad. | Central Guatemala....-. (?)...-..| 5.60 | 3.10 | .45 | 1.00 | . 7 S.&G.| Ad.gr. | Vera Paz, Guatemala. ... i Rom —, 1862 5.60 | 3.10 | .45 | 1.00 | . 70. [Type ] S. & G. | Ad.r. | Sta. Barbara, Guatemala.| Apr. —,1060 | 5.35 | 3.10 | .45 | 1.00]. 70. (Type. ] 4, SCOPS FLAMMEOLUS. “Strix flammeola, Licut., MS.,in Mus. Berol., wndé.” LEphialites flammeola, Licut., Nom. 1854, 7. Megascops flammeola, Kaur, Trans. Zool. Soc. Lond. IV, 1859, 226. Scops flammeola, Scu., P. Z. S. 1868, 96.—ScHLeG., Mus. P.-B, Oti, 1862, 27; Rev. Ace. 1873, 14.—Sci. & Saryv., P. Z. 8. 1868, 57; Ex. Orn. VII, July, 1868, 99, pl. 1.5 Nom. Neotr. 1873, 117 (Mexico; Guatemala).—Gray, Hand-l. I, 1870, 47,—EL- LIoT, Iilustr. Am. B. I, 1869, pl. xxviii—Covurs, Key, 1872, 203; Check List, 1373, 65, No. 319.—Ripew., in B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. II, 1874, 58, fig. (Guatemala; Mexico; Sierra Nevada, n. to Ft. Crook, Cal., where breeding) ; Field & Forest, June, 1877, 210 (Boulder Co., Col.; March.—‘‘ Iris umber- brown” !); Orn. 40th Par. 1877, 335, in text (Nevada, Cal.?).—HENSHAW, Orn. Wheeler’s Exp. 1874, 135 (30 m. south of Apache, Ariz. ; Sept. 11).—SHARPE, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1875, 105 (Duenas, Guat.; W. Mexico; Valley of Mexico).— Bouc., Cat. Av. 1876, 91 (Mexico). ' Flammulated Owl, COUES, I. ¢. Feilner’s Owl, B. B. & R., 1. ¢. Habitat.—Highlands of Guatemala and Mexico, north to latitude 40° in the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains of the United States. * Scops FLAMMEOLUS.—Wing, 5.10-5.60 ; tail, 2.60-3.00; tarsus, .90-1.00 ; middle toe, .60-.68.— Hab., Highlands of Guatemala, Mexico, and Western United States north to about 40°, . PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 105 DIAGNOSIS.— Wing, 5.10-5.60 ; tail, 2.60-3.00; culmen, .35-.40; tar- sus, .90-1.00; middle toe, .60-.68. Adult.—Above finely-mottled gray- ish, the feathers with irregular blackish shaft-streaks. Outer webs of scapulars more or less strongly washed with orange-rufous on a white ground; outer webs of lower middle wing-coverts white, forming con- spicuous spots. Ground-color below white, the feathers with very distinct mesial black streaks, from which proceed narrower transverse lines, mostly toward the end of the feathers. Juv.—Above finely-mot- tled grayish, but the mottlings all transverse and the shaft-streaks wanting ; below coarsely and rather dimly barred with dark grayish on a dull whitish ground, and with no longitudinal markings. Tris umber-brown ! (fide Mrs. M. A. Maxwell). REMARKS.—Specimens vary chiefly in the amount of rufous wash on different parts of the plumage. A wash of this color is usually present on the pileum, while it sometimes spreads over the face, throat, and back; Mr. Sharpe (J. c.) even mentions a specimen, from Guatemala, which is entirely orange-rufous above, and strongly pervaded by the same color on the lower surface, especially on the throat, where it forms a large patch. He also mentions “a perfectly gray bird, on which scarcely a tinge of orange coloring remains, either above or below, while the whole appearance of the specimen is dingy, owing to the closeness and frequency of the vermiculations.” I have never seen a specimen representing either of these extreme phases, all the speci- mens before me (seven in number) being of average coloration. Ade. | Orizaba, Moxnis.c0tiqce dee Feb. 3, 1865] 5.50 42157 U.S 2. 80 40 90 65 24172 U.S 3 juv.| Fort Crook, N. Cal......-. Aug. 23, 1260} 5.50 | 3.00 35 92 60 _ U.S. Ad. | 30 miles S. of Apache, Ariz .| Sept. 11, 1873 | 5.28 | 2.73 |...-...|.-.-.-]------ — | MAM. AG> | BanlderColorado*: ......55-jri-ss- ..<---- 5.50 | 3.10 35 | .95 60 — S. & G. Ad. | Duefias, Guatemala.... .... Jan. —, 1863 | 5.50 | 2.90 40 | 1.00 68 — S.& G BNE i eee Tee Se ee ae Spee — —, 1863] 5.50 | 2.90 40 | .90 60 — |S &G Ad) Valley ef Mexie@itccso hw |a2- hs. es. 510.) 25 35 | .90 60 * Tris umber- brown ! C.—Toes partly covered with hair-like, bristly feathers, the terminal scutellee only completely naked. In this group are included only S. asio, 8. trichopsis (?), and S. cooperi, all of which belong to the country north of the Isthmus of Panama, there being, so far as known, no South American species with hairy toes. The species of this group may be distinguished as follows :— S. ASIO.—Bars of the lower surface coarse, and frequently double, especially on the flanks. Hab., Whole of the United States; south to Guatemala; north to Sitka. S. TRICHOPSIS ?—Bars of the lower surface fine, nearer together than in S. asio, and more uniformly distributed. General aspect paler, with much finer vermiculatious. . S. COOPERI.—Bars of the lower surface in form of dense, fine, zigzag vermiculations. 106 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. = The differences between Scops asio and the species here called S. tri- chopsis do not, it is true, seem to be very great, according to the charac-. ters given above. Itis not the amount of differeuce, however, between these two forms which has induced me to recognize them as distinct species, but the constancy of the differences pointed out; S. asio having in every one of its numerous geographical and local races the bars of the flanks, etc., coarse and frequentiy double, while all the specimens of S. trichopsis which have come under my notice have these bars much finer and denser, with no disposition to be arranged in pairs. Mr. Sharpe also lays stress upon the same differential characters. 5. SCOPS ASIO. a. asio. Strix asio [=rufous phase], Linn., S. N. I, 1766, 182 (based on Noctwa aurita minor, Catesb., Carol. I, 73.—Asio scops carolinensis, Briss., Orn. I, 497). Scops nevia [= gray phase], GMEL., S. N. I, i, 1788, 289 (based on Mottled Owl, Arct. Zool. I, 1785, 231, no. 118, t. xi). Bubo striatus [ = gray phase], V1eILu., Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1€07, 54, pl. 21. ? “ Ephialites ocreata, LIcuT., in Mus. Berol.” A fb. macealli. Scops McCallii, Cass., Ilustr. B. Cal. Tex. &c. July, 1854, 180; in Baird’s Birds N. Am. 1858, 52. Scops asio, var. enano, ‘‘ LawR., MS.”, Ridgw., Bull. Essex Inst. V, Dec. 1873, 200. y: kennicotti. Scops kennicottii, Erxrov, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1867, 69; Illustr. Birds Am. 1869, p, xxvii, pl. ii. 6. floridanus. Scops asio, var. floridanus, RipGw., Bull. Essex Inst. V, Dec. 1873, 200. Scops asio, e. maxwellia, RipGw., Field and Forest, June, 1877, 210, 213. this widely distributed owl may be expressed as follows :— Colors smoky-brown or dusky umber, and pale fulvous, with little or none of pure Colors much. lighter, some shade of ashy-gray or grayish-brown above, pure white e. maxwellia. The chief differential characters of the several geographical races of white. Outer webs of scapulars pale fulvous. Never bright rufous. 1. Wing, 6.85-7.60; tail, 3.50-4.50. Apparently not varying to rufous Hab., The Northwest coast, from Oregon to Sitka; Idaho. ......---..--.---.y. kennicotti. beneath. Outer webs of scapulars pure white. Sometimes bright rufous, with white and black markings. . 2. Wing, 6.10-7.80; tail, 3.30-4.35. Varying, in the Eastern, but not in the Western, Province, to bright rufous. In the rufous phase, white prevailing on the lower surface, where the red markings are not broken into transverse bars. Jab., Whole of the United States, except the high western mountains, and the Gulf COBBE 2002s tence ence ccccescoccuc cos «sm tnmnE Enna a, asio. — 3. Wing, 5.50-6.00; tail, 2.75-3.10. Varying to bright Fafous; ; in the rufous phase, red icotrelling on the lower parts, where the markings are much broken into transverse bars. Hab., Florida and 8. Georgia........ cowoes ov ects PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 107 4. Wing, 5.50-5.90; tail, 2.80-3.50. Varying to bright rufous; gray phase like that of asio and floridanus, but the mottling above much coarser, and the nape with a strongly indicated collar of rounded white spots, in pairs, on opposite webs. Red phase much more spotted above than that of asio or floridanus. Hab., E. Mexico and highlands of Guatemala. ...-.........-...... B. maccalli. 5. Wing, 6.80-€.90; tail, 3.90-4.10. Not varying to rufous. General aspect much paler than any of the preceding; above pale ash-gray, or very pale cinnamon- gray, the white of the outer webs of the lateral scapulars very conspicuous, the white spots of the outer webs of the primaries sometimes confluent. Beneath pure white, much more sparsely marked than in asio and other races. Jiat., Mountains of Coloraap. .n5~ Saag 4s is ap doesn econ enon nya. & maxwellie: The characters given above are sufficient to distinguish typical speci- mens of several well-marked geographical forms of Scops asio. It is of course understood that specimens possessing intermediate characters frequently occur; but it is equally true that a very large majority of the specimens from either one of the regions indicated above are typical of the form characteristic of the locality. a. asio. The Little Owl, CATESBY, Carclina, I, 1731-’48, 7, pl. 7. Yoctua aurita minor, CATESB., I. ¢. Asio scops carolinensis, Briss., Orn. I, 1760, 497. Le Petit Duc de la Caroline, Briss., l. c. Strix asio, LINN., 8. N. I, 1766, 132 (based on Noctua aurita minor, Catesby, Carol. I, 7.— Asio scops carolinensis, Briss. I, 497).—GMEL., 8. N. I, i, 1788, 287.—Laru., Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 54; Gen. Hist. I, 1221, 314.—Daup., Tr. Orn. II, 1800, 216.—Suaw, Gen. Zool. VII, 1809, 229.—Wits., Am. Orn. V, 1812, 83, pl. 42, fig. 1.—TEmo., PI. Col. II, 1838, pl. 80 (gray phase).—Bownap., Ann. Lye. N.Y. I, 1826, 36; Synop. 1828, 36; Isis, 1832, 1139.—Jarp., ed. Wilson, I, 1831, 307.—Aup., Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 486; V, 1839, 392, pl. 97.—NuttT., Man. I, 1832, 120.—BREWER, ed. Wilson, 1852, 687.—Hoss., Nat. 1855, 165. Scops asio, BONAP., Comp. List, 1838, 6; Consp. I, 1850, 45.—Less., Traité, I, 1831, 107.—Kaup, Contr. Orn. 1852, 112.—Cass., Tlustr. B. Cal. Tex. &c. 1854, 179; in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 51.—HrErRm., Pacific R. R. Rep. II, 1855, 35.— STRICKL., Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 199.—BrREWER, N. Am. O6l. 1857, 65.—BarrD, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no, 49.—? ScuiEeG., Mus. P.-B. Oti, 1862, 27; Rev. Acc. 1873, 9.—Gray, Hand-l. I, 1869, 46.—Coopsr, Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 420.—Mayn., Naturalist’s Guide, 1870, 131 (Mass.).—Cours, Key, 1872, 202; Check List, 1873, 65, no. 318.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B. III, 1874, 49.—SHarpr, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1875, 114 (Delaware ; Toronto) —RipGw., Bull. Essex Inst. Oct. 1874, 172 (Sacramento, Cal.); Orn. 40th Par. 1877, 336, 389, 518, 571 (Sa- cramento and Nevada, Cal.).—D’HaMmonpy., Ois. Eur. 1876, — (Hurope).— Bouc., Cat. Av. 1876, 91. Bubo asio, VIEILx., Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 53, pl. 21—Avup., Synop. 1839, 29; Birds Am. I, 1840, 147, pl. 40.—DEKay, Zool. N. Y. 1844, pl. 12, figs. 25, 26.—Gr1raub, Birds L. I. 1844, 28.—Max., J. f. O. 1858, 23. Otus asio, STEPHENS, Shaw’s Gen. Zool. XIII, ii, 1826, 57—ScuireG., Fauna Japon. 1845, 25. Asio asio, Less., Man. Orn. I, 1827, 117. Ephialites asio, GRAY, Genera B. I, 1844, 38; List B. Brit. Mus. 1844, 96.--WooDH., Sitgreaves’s Exp. 1853, 62. Megascops asio, Kaup, Trans. Zool. Soc. Lond. IV, 1859, 228. 108 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Strix assio, capite aurito, corpore ferruginec, the litile screech owl, BARTRAM, Travels, 1791, 289. | . Red Owl, PENN., Arct. Zool. II, 1785, 231, pl. xi, fig. 1. Mottled Owl, PENN., t. ¢. pl. xi, fig. 2. Striz nevia, GMEL., §. N. I, i, 1788, 289.—Laru., Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 55; Gen. Hist. I, 1821, 321.—Daup., Tr. Orn. IT, 1800, 217—Suaw, Gen. Zool. VII, 1809, 230.—WILs., Am. Orn. III, 1812, 16, pl. 19, fig. 1. Asio nevia, Less., Man. Orn. I, 1827, 117.—Bonap., Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1854, 543. Otus nevius, CUV., Reg. Anim. ed. 2, 1829, 241. Surnia nevia, JAMES., ed. Wils. I, 1831, 96, 99. Bubo striatus, VIEILL., Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 54, pl. 21. “ Ephialites ocreata, Licut., in Mus. Berol.” “ Scops asio var. maccalli”, HeNsHaW, Orn. Wheeler’s Exp. 1874, 135 (Gila R., Camp Grant, and San Pedro, Arizona) ; ib. 4t0 Rep. 1875,405 ( Arizona and New Mexico). Without repeating here a detailed description of the plumages of this form, for which the reader is referred to the “ History of North American Birds” (vol. iii, pp. 49-51), a few remarks concerning local and geographical variations may suffice. The most noteworthy point in this connection is the apparently established fact that while this bird very frequently varies to bright lateritious-rufous in the East- ern Province of the United States (this erythrismal phase even very largely predominating in some localities*), it seems never to assume this plumage in the Western States and Territories. At the same time, there seems to be no difference whatever in specimens of the gray phase from the Atlantic States and California, as well as other of the Western States and Territories, if we except those districts inhabited by different races (i. é., kennicotti, maxwellic, etc.). There are now before me the fol- lowing specimens representing the adult of this phase, belonging tu my own collection: a pair from Nicasio, California, a male from Sacramento, a male from Arizona (San Pedro River), a female from Southern Illinois, a male from the District of Columbia, and another from Virginia, Of these, the two California specimens and the examples from Illinois and Virginia are so precisely similar that were their labels taken off or inter- changed it would not be possible to distinguish them by colors and markings. The Arizona example differs solely in being of a purer ash- gray shade, the others being of a more brownish-gray; the Sacramento specimen is similar to those from Nicasio, only lighter-colored, being a midsummer specimen, in faded plumage, while the others were killed in October, and consequently in possession of the new fall dress. The skin from the District of Columbia differs from the others in having a very decided cinnamon cast to the plumage, thereby exhibiting a ten- * Whether the relative number of specimens of the two phases in a given locality has anything to do with geographical or climatic considerations, 1 have not the mate- rial to enable me to determine. Certain it is, however, that while in the States bordering the Atlantic the gray phase is generally quite as common as the other, it is so extremely rare in the Lower Wabash Valley that I bave seen there but two indi- viduals in the course of many years’ observation, the red specimens constituting fully 95 per cent. of all. This has also been the experience of others whom I have questioned regarding the matter. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 109 dency toward the rufous phase; all the markings, however, are as in the grayish birds. The measurements of these specimens are as follows :— — |R.R.| ov ad. | Nicasio, Marin County, Cal.-.....-.....-. Mars. 2OURii al Oo I Se Ub oes 21 ak SO ie ae eee OY eee oar ee eee ee oe ee Mar. 29607!" 6. 60? 3265" 1252 os. oR oe Tos) Relea! sate | aeramonto, Cale © scmoc cee mma orcicee naa JRNe QL LBC 16s 10) [3 GO ane S49 | hh Bh. | ad. | Sam Pedro River, Arizona ....21.. 22.522: Oct. 24518 TS" > &. 6O.4-Sole (Ps. tao — |R.R.| 9 ad. | Mount Carmel, S. Il. ..............------ Octo cde ASIEN Go 406 3450) = oa) — |R.R.| o ad. | Fairfax County, Virginia............--..-. WU 4, tory G6. au o. t0 de cee eel ene e — | R:Ralc’ ad. |, District.of Columbia, --. ~~. «025 2.--05- Det Te TET 6. 39) 8s BE lee sumecihe aaa Three specimens in the rufous phase, also in my collection, measure as follows :— 953 | R.R.| ¢& ad. | Mount Carmel, Tll.-.......... Cee. baer May. 1, 1869) 5.90 | 3.20 |.2-..0).-2- <2 954 R.R.| o ad. i) 1 eee ine Ayman a Ee TS Sibi 73) Boe Be dh July 30,1870} 6.00 | 3.00 |......|...... 2606 | R.R.| Q ad. ‘District of Columbia.........--..------. Nov... .8, 1860)) 6550.) 3.60 |..2.--|...-.. The first of these specimens inclines very decidedly, both in measure- ments and plumage, to var. floridanus ; and, in view of the fact that typical specimens of Ortyx virginianus floridanus, Tinnunculus sparve- rius isabellinus, and other Southern forms occur in the same locality, may be perhaps best referred to that form. pB. maccalli. Scops McCallii, Cass., Illustr. B. Cal. Tex. &c. July, 1854, 180 (Texas ; Northern Mexico); in Baird’s B. N. Am. 1858, 52; ib. ed. 1860, pl. xxxix (part).—BarrRD, Mex. Bound. Survey, II, pt. iv, Birds, 1859, pl. 1; Cat. N. Am. B. 1058, no. 50.— STRICKL., Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 200.—Scxi. & SALv., Ibis, 1859, 220.—Gray, Hand-l. I, 1869, 47. “ Scops trichopsis”, GRAY, Hand-]. I, 1869, 47 (Sharpe).—Scn. & Satv., Nom. 1873, 117 (Mexico; Guatemala). Scops asio var. enano, ‘‘LAWR.”, RipGw., Bull. Essex Inst. V, Dec. 1873, 200 (ZH. Mexico ; Guatemala); in B. B. & R,, Hist. N. Am. B. III, 1874, 48 (do.). Scops enano, Bouc., Cat. Av. 1876, 91 (Mexico). Scops asio, subsp. y. Scops enano, SHARPE, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1875, 118 (Mexico ; W. Mexico). Habitat.—Eastern and Northern Mexico; Guatemala; Texas (Cassin). DriaGnosis.—Wing, 5.60-5.90; tail, 3.10-3.50; culmen, .45-.50; tar- sus, 1.00-1.15; middle toe, .70-.75. Gray phase (adult).—Similar to the gray adult of S. cassini, but toes bristled, the occipital collar nearly obsolete, and the nuchal collar less distinct. Red phase (adult).*— Above dull rusty, much broken across the nape by a collar of pale ochra- ceous spots, the whole surface elsewhere being also more or less mottled with paler rusty than the ground-color, and relieved by ragged mesial streaks of black. Lower parts pale rufous, each feather crossed near the end by a wide white bar, and with two to three narrow, somewhat irregular lines of blackish. Youny.t—Above brownish-gray, transversely mottled with darker and paler, and without dusky shaft-streaks. Below grayish-white, with *Duetas, Guatemala. In Mus. Salvin & Godman. tCoban, Vera Paz. In Mus. Salvin & Godman. 110 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. badly-defined bars of pale grayish-brown, the feathers somewhat ochira- ceous beneath the surface. Wings and tail as in the adult. REMARKS.—The gray phase of this form is exceedingly similar in gen- eral appearance to that of S. cassini, not only above but also on the lower surface. The upper parts are more coarsely mottled, however, and the pale bands across the lower part of the nape and occiput are less conspicuous, especially the latter. The rufous phase is more like that of S. barbarus, the upper parts in particular being quite similar, On the lower parts, however, there is more rufous, while the black cross- lines are more distinct as well as more numerous. The species may be distinguished from all the other Mexican and Tropical American species (except from S. cooperi, from Costa Rica) by the distinctly bristled toes. In the latter feature, it agrees with S. asio of the United States, but is considerably smaller, while the red phase is very different from the corresponding plumage of that species. It is also smaller, uoless compared with the small race bird distinguished as var. floridanus, which differs in colors and markings, as explained in the remarks respecting that form on page 113. The Scops McCallii of Cassin seems to be the present form rather than what has been so called by most subsequent writers (7. ¢., true asio and S. trichopsis ?), the description corresponding exactly, ide the habitat is nearly the same—. e., Texas and ‘‘ Northern Mexico”. S. McCallii is sicsaileea as follows :— ‘In form and general appearance like the preceding, (8S. asio), but much smaller; short and robust; wing with the fourth quill longest; tail short, slightly curved inwards; tarsi rather long, fully covered; toes partially covered with. long hair-like feathers. ADULT. JMale.— Much resembling in color the adult of the species immediately preced- ing, [7. €., S. asio,| but darker ; entire plumage above ashy brown, nearly every feather with a longitudinal stripe of brownish black, and with numerous irregular transverse lines and points of the same; under parts, ashy white, every feather with a longitudinal stripe of brownish black, and with well-defined but irregular transverse lines of the same; flanks and sides tinged with pale fulvous; quills brown, with several transverse bands of pale reddisb-white, assuming the form of quad- rangular spots on the outer webs, and pale reddish asby on the inner webs; tail ashy brown, with about ten narrow transverse bands on all except the two central feathers, well-defined on the inner webs; scapu- lar feathers and some of the greater coverts of the wings, edged with white; bill greenish horn-color, light yellowish at the tip; irides yellow. ‘‘ DIMENSIONS. ‘Total length, 74 to 8 inches; wing, 6; tail, 3 inches. Male. “HAB. Texas (Mr. Schott); Northern Mexico (Lieut. Couch). roe in Mus. Acad. Philada., and Nat. Mus., Washington City. “Oss. This encoun: very conaiieraliil resembles the adult or gray plumage of the Scops asio, but is uniformly much smaller and darker ~ =" aa + Ar '« ~- PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 111 in color. The transverse lines on the under surface of the body are better defined and more numerous.” In the above description, those characters which fit “enano”, and not ‘ trichopsis”, I have taken the liberty to italicize. In the “ Birds of North America” (p. 53), a rufous specimen is de- scribed, which renders it still more certain that Cassin’s Scops McCallii is the form which we have hitherto called ‘‘enano”. The specimen there mentioned as in the National Museum from Florida is not this form, but has since been made the type of S. asio var. floridanus.* . — | Boston Soc..| Gray ad. | Guatemala. .............- coe ) ee 5.60 | 3.30 55 | 1.05 | .70 —|S.&G...... Gray ad. | San Bernardo, Guatemala.| Oct. —, 1862) 5.70 | 3.10 |.50) 1.15 | .7 ON gua do | is 25. Gray ad. g. | V. de Fuego, Guatemala.) Jan. —, 1874 | 5.90 | 3.35 |.50) 1.12 | . 75 9] Ee Ruf. ad. Dueiias, Guatemala.-..-- | — —,1861/| 5.85 | 3.50 |.50) 1.05 | .72 —— $4 GOpesei owt Gray juv. | Coban, Vera Paz......... PESeee (He. 2S 5.60 | 3.25 |.45) 1.00 | .7 —|G.N.L...--. Gray ad. Ns ai hes 5 at nae on ees CVA edited VTA | ie ae hese | y: kennicottii. ? Scops asio, Coop. & SUCKL., Pacific R. R. Rep. XII, ii, 1860, 155 ( Washington Terr.).— LorpD, Naturalist in Vancouver I., II, 1866, 292. Scops kennicottii, ELLIoT, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1867, 69; Illustr. Birds Am. 1869, p. xxvii, pl. 11 (Sitka, Alaska ; March, 1866).—DaLL & Bannist., Tr. Chicago Acad. I, ii, 1869, 273 (do.).—BatrD, id. 311, pl. xxvii (do.).—Gray, Hand-l. I, 1869, 47, no. 492.—F mvscu, Abh. Nat. Brem. III, 1872, 28 (Alaska).—Bouc., Cat. Av. 1876, 91. Scops asio var. kennicotli, R1pGw. in Coues’ Key, 1872, 203.—CouEs, Check List, 1873, 65, no. 318 a.—B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B., ITI, 1874, 48, 53 (“from Columbia River northward ; Idaho’’). Scops asio, b. kennicottit, CoUES, Birds N. W. 1874, 303. Scops asio, subsp. a. Scops kennicotli, SHARPE, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1875, 117 ( Van- couver I.; ‘‘w. side Rocky Mts.’”). Kennicott’s Owl, Auct., l. ¢. Habitat.—The Northwest coast district, from Oregon to Sitka; Idaho ; Vancouver Island (Sharpe) ; British Columbia (Sharpe). Dracnosis.—Adult (¢, 59,847, Sitka, Alaska, March, 1866; Ferd. Bischoff. Elliot’s type):—Above umber-b:own, with a slightly reddish cast; feathers confusedly mottled transversely with dusky, and showing rounded spots of rufous, most conspicuous on the nape; each feather with a conspicuous mesial, broad, ragged stripe of black, these stripes most conspicuous on the forehead and scapulars; outer webs of scapu- lars light rufous, bordered terminally with black. Wings of a more grayish cast than the back, but similarly variegated ; lower feathers of the middle and secondary wing-coverts each with a large, oval, pale rufous spot, covering most of the lower web. Secondaries crossed by six narrow, obscure bands of pale rufous ; primaries with seven, some- what rounded, quadrate spots of the same on the outer webs, forming * Since the above was put in type, I have seen, through the courtesy of Dr. E. Coues, a series of this species collected in Southern Texas (by Mr. G. B. Sennett), and conse- quently the true S. maccalli. They agree exactly with typical ‘S. enano”, which fact therefore settles the question of the proper name of this form. 112 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. as many transverse series ; each light spot with a central dusky mot- tling. Tail more finely and confusedly mottled than the wings; the bands, though present, so indistinct as to be searcely traceable, and so irregular or badly defined as to be of uncertain number. Ear-tufts black and rusty, the former along the shafts, and in transverse spots; on the outer webs the black predominating, on the inner, the rusty. Lores and basal half of the frontal bristles white, the terminal half abruptly black; eyebrows about equally blackish and paler, the former bordering the Secvitennesis eye surrounded by dark snuff-brown; cheeks and ear-coverts pale rusty, transversely barred with deeper rusty ; facial circle not well defined, black. Chin and lores only white. Ground-color of the lower parts dilute-rusty, becoming white on the flanks; each feather of the throat, jugulum, breast, sides, and flanks with a broad mesial stripe of black, this throwing off very narrow, rather distant, bars to the edge; the spaces between these bars alter- nately paler and deeper dilute-rusty; the black marks broadest on the sides of the breast, where they have an external deep rusty suffusion ; the abdomen medially and the anal region scarcely maculate rusty- white; the lower tail-coverts each with a central, cuneate, longitudinal stripe of black. Tibi, tarsi, and lining of the wing plain deep rusty. Wing-formula, 3 = 4,5-2,6-1=9. Wing, 7.40; tail, 4.00; culmen, .65; tarsus, 1.50; middle toe, .80. No. 59,068 (Idaho; Dr. Whitehead), is considerably darker than the type, the ground-color above approaching snuff-brown; it differs, however, in no other respect as regards coloration ; the size (as might be expected) is considerably smaller, measurements being as follows: Wing, 6.80; tail, 3.50; culmen, .60; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, .80. Wing-formula the same as in type. No. 4,530 (Washington Territory; Dr. Geo. Suckley) is just interme- diate, in all respects, between typical kennicotti and asio, being refer- — able to either with equal propriety, though perhaps inclining rather more to the former. A very obvious character of this race is the smaller size, more quad- rate form, and more rufous color, of the spots on the primaries, and the greater indistinctness of the bands on the tail; but this is merely in consequence of the greater extension of the brown markings, thus necessarily contracting the lighter spots. In these respects only, does the Washington Territory specimen differ from the two typical examples — before me, having the larger, more whitish spots on the primaries, and more distinct bands on the tail, as in asio. There is a wonderfully close resemblance in general aspect between this form of Scops asio and SN. semitorques (Schleg.) of Japan, caused by the exceeding similarity in size, form, and coloration, both as regards tints and pattern. Indeed, the only very obvious difference cunsists in the distinctly white jugulum and well-defined lighter occipital and nuchal collars of semitorques, which has also the pencillings of the Ae PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 113 lower surface narrower or more delicate. The differences between the two may ve tabulated as follows :— S. SEMITORQUES.*—A well-defined nuchal collar, of mottled pale ochraceous; jugulum immaculate white centrally. Feathers of the lower parts with their transverse pencillings growing fainter toward the middle line, which is unvariegated white from the central jugular spot to the anal region. Wing, 6.60-7.25 ; tail, 3.60-3.85 ; culmen, .60; tarsus, 1.25-1.40; middle toe, .80-.90. Hab., Japan. S. KENNICOTTI.—No well-defined nuchal band; jugulum closely barred centrally ; feathers of the lower parts with their transverse pencillings not growing fainter toward the middle line, which is unva- riegated white only on the abdominal portion; the medial black streaks to the feathers of the lower surface much broader, and transverse pen- cillings rather coarser. Wing, 6.90-7.30; tail, 3.50-4.50 ; culmen, .60- .65; tarsus, 1.35-1.45 ; middle toe, .80-.90. Hab., North Pacific coast of North America from Sitka to Washington Territory, and Western Idaho. 6. floridanus. “ Scops asio”’, ALLEN, Bull. M. C. Z. II, 1871, 338. Scops asio var. floridanus, RripGw., Bull. Essex Inst. V, Dec. 1873, 200 (Indian R., Flo- rida); in B. B. & R., Hist. N. Am. B. IIT, 1874, 48, 51. Scops asio, subsp. 3. Scops floridanus, SHARPE, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1875, 118. Scops floridanus, Bouc., Cat. Av. 1876, 91. Habitat—Flerida and Lower Georgia. DIAGNOSIS.—Similar to var. asio, but much smaller, and the colors deeper. The gray stage very similar to that of var. asio, but the red — phase very appreciably different, there being a greater amount of rufous on the lower parts, the breast nearly uniformly colored, and the rufous broken elsewhere into transverse broad bars, connected along the shaft. Wing, 5.50-6.00; tail, 2.75-3.10. This extreme Southern form is much smaller than the more Northern ones, being about the same in size as S. maccalli of Guatemala and East- ern Mexico, and S. cassini, also from the latter country. The colors are also darker and richer. In the collection of the National Museum are two specimens of this race, one in each phase of plumage. The red one (No. 5,857, Indian River) measures, wing, 5.50; tail, 2.70; culmen, .55; tarsus, 1.05; mid- _ dle toe, .65. The colors are much darker than those of Northern and Western specimens; the rufous of the neck, all round, shows indistinct, darker, transverse bars; the black border to the white scapular spots is restricted to the tip of the feathers; the inner webs of the ear-tuft feathers are scarcely paler than the outer; the neck and face are deeper rufous, while on the lower parts this color predominates, and is disposed chiefly in transverse rays; and the tibie and tarsi are plain rufous. Only the middle of the abdomen and the anal region are pure white. * Otus semitorques, SCHLEG., Fauna Japon. Aves, 1845, 25, pl. 8. Scops semitorques, BonaP., Consp. I, 1850, 46.—SHarPEs, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1875, 83. Proc. Nat. Mus. 78 August 15, 1878. 114 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. e. maxwellie. ‘ Scops asio”, RipGw., Bull. Essex Inst. Nov. 1873, 185 (Colorado). Scops asio, e. maxwelliv, RipGw., Field and Forest, June, 1877, 210, 213 (Boulder Co., Colo- rado ; resident; breeding). Mrs. Maxwells Owl, Ripew., I. ¢. Habitat.—Mountains of Colorado (Boulder Co.; resident and breed- ing; Mrs. Maxwell). DIAGNOSIS.—Ground-color above pale gray or grayish-brown, felievedl by the usual ragged mesial streaks of black, and irregular mottlings and vermiculations of lighter and darker shades. The ground-color, how- ever, never inclining strongly to reddish, and not darker in shade than a very light ash-gray or brown. The white spots on outer webs of the primaries frequently confluent, the darker spots, in extreme cases, being hardly visible on the basal portion of the quills when the wing is closed. Face grayish-white, with faint vermiculations of darker grayish. No rusty gular collar, but in its stead sparse, narrow bars of brown or rusty on a white ground. Wing, 6.80-6.90; tail, 3.90-4.10; culmen, .60; tarsus, 1.45-1.50; middle toe, .80-.85. The characteristics of this form are remarkably constant, a series of a dozen or more specimens affording no instance of notable variation. 6. SCOPS TRICHOPSIS? ?Scops trichopsis, WAGL., Isis, 1832, 276 (Mexico).—Bonap., Consp. I, 1850, 46.— STRICKL., Orn. Syn. IJ, 1855, 201.—SaLvin, Ibis, 1874, 314.—Bovuc., Cat. Av. 1876, 91 (Mexico). Ephialites trichopsis, GRAY, Genera B. I, 1844, 38. Megascops trichopsis, Kaup, Trans. Zool. Soc. Lond. IV, 1862, 227. Asio trichopsis, BONAP., Rev. et Mag. Ce Zool. 1854, 543. Scops asio, subsp. 6. Scops trichopsis, SHARPE, Cat. Strig. Brit. Mus. 1874, 119 (JV. Mexico). “ Bphialites choliba”, LAwr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. VI, 1853, 4 (nec Vieill.). Scops asio var. maccalli, CoUES, Key, 1872, 203; Check List, 1873, 65, no. 318 b.—Ripew., in B. B. & R. III, 1874, 49, 52, Habitat.—Western Mexico, and the extreme southwestern portion of the United States (Texas; Cassin. New Mexico; Nat. Mus. Stockton, Cal.; Mus. G. N. Lawrence.) DIAGNosSIS.—Adult (No. 9,147, New Mexico, Feb. 10, 1854; Kennerly and Mollbausen) :—Above light ash-gray, minutely vermiculated with dusky and grayish-white, each feather with a distinct mesial stripe of blackish, showing in strong relief; these stripes broadest on the fore- head. Outer webs of the exterior row of scapulars white, without black terminal borders; outer webs of two or three lower, middle, and greater wing-coverts also white; outer webs of primaries marked with transverse series of white spots, these forming about eight bands across the larger quills. Tail crossed by about eight narrow, pale bands. LHar- coverts, cheeks, throat, and jugulum finely and uniformly barred trans- versely, or vermiculated, with dusky and grayish-white; the facial circle interrupted across the throat, where, in its place, is a series of PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 115 longitudinal, black dashes. Lower parts grayish-white, with numerous, very narrow, transverse bars of dusky, each feather with a mesial stripe of black, these stripes forming on the breast conspicuous spots; tibiz and tarsi dull soiled-white, spotted with dark brown; crissum immaculate white. Wing, 6.50; tail, 3.30; culmen, .55; tarsus, 1.15; middle toe, .70. Young, in down, but nearly full-grown (No. 16,932, Cape St. Lucas, Lower California; J. Xantus) :—Remiges and rectrices as in the adult. Rest of the plumage, above and below, including the head, narrowly barred with dusky and grayish-white, the former predominating above, the latter prevailing below; eyebrows and lores white; wing-coverts finely mottled transversely with dusky and white, the latter forming spots on the lower feathers; tibize and tarsi with numerous dusky bars. REMARKS.—An adult from Stockton, California (EK. S. Holden), kindly loaned me by Mr. Geo. N. Lawrence, and the only United States example, besides the dne described above, that I have seen, differs from the specimen from New Mexico in having the general tint of the plumage rather more brownish, and the mesial blackish streaks of the upper parts less distinct. It measures, wing, 6.20; tail, 3.10. The form of Scops-owl represented by the specimens described above, as well as by those from which Mr. Sharpe’s descriptions are drawn, is certainly to be distinguished from the several styles of S. asio treated in the foregoing pages; but whether it is a distinct species, or merely another geographical race of asio, cannot be decided without additional material. For the present, however, I keep it separate, on account of the different pattern of the markings on the lower plumage, which in S. asio is exactly the same in all the several races. There is also considerable doubt as to the name this form should bear. Wagler (l. c.) describes an owl from Mexico which may be this bird, but the only pertinent character which I am able to glean from his description is that the toes are bristled ; it is, therefore, either this bird or one of the forms of asio; but in identifying the Scops trichopsis of Wagler with the bird under consideration, I merely adopt the determi- nation of that name as made by Messrs. Sclater and Salvin, and, sub- sequently, by Mr. Sharpe. That this is the bird which Mr. Sharpe describes as Scops asio, ‘subsp. 6. Scops trichopsis” (l. ¢.), there can be no doubt, his description fitting perfectly the example described above, while his additional remarks on pp. 120, 121, show that he fully appreciated the character of the differences between it and true asio. We transcribe Mr. Sharpe’s remarks :— ‘Obs. This is a small race of S. kennicotti [qu. lapsus calam. for asio?|; but, as far as can be determined, it bas only a grey phase and no brown one. Its measurements distinguish it at once; and it may also be told by its narrowly barred under surface, every feather being streaked with black, and barred with the same, from the chin to the 116 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. lower abdomen and flanks. It is larger than Scops enano [i. e., maccalli}, and differs from that bird also in not having a rufous phase; the cross- barring of the under surface in the latter is of the same character in S. enano as in S. asio; that is to say, the bars are often double, whereas in S. trichopsis they are single and very distinct.” The specimens in the British Museum, two in number, are both from Western Mexico; and it would seem that the species is mainly confined to the Pacific slope of that country, though ranging sparingly into the Southwestern United States, where, however, true S. asto is much more common. 7. SCOPS COOPERI. Scops cooperi, RIDGWAY, MS. Hahitat.—Costa Rica. Sp. cH.—Very similar to the grayish style of S. brastlianus, but with he toes very distinctly bristled. Q ad. (No. 74,207, Santa Ana, Costa Rica, Sept. 4, 1875! José O. Zele- don):—Above grayish umber-brown, very finely vermiculated with dusky, the feathers of the pileum and back having mesial, chain-like streaks of blackish; outer webs of exterior scapulars somewhat varied with white spotting; outer webs of primaries marked with quadrate spots of pale fulvous, bordered with blackish, there being about ten of these spots on the longest quill (the fifth); tail crossed with narrow bands of the same color, likewise bordered with a narrower dusky bar, these light bands about 10-12 in number. Face brownish-white, finely but distinctly barred with dushy brown; superciliary region lighter and more coarsely mottled; face bordered laterally or posteriorly by a distinet narrow band of dusky spots. Lower parts white, densely marked with blackish and umber-brown zigzags, imparting a light brownish appear- ance to the whole surface; feathers of the tibiz* and tarsi light rusty- umber, thickly barred.with deeper brown. ‘Iris lemon-yellow; cere, bill and feet, yellowish green.” Wing, 7.00; tail, 3.75; culmen, .62; tarsus, 1.25; middle toe, 1.00. 2 juv. (No. 74,552, San José, Costa Rica, May 10, 1866; José C. Zele- don):— Toes distinctly bristled, excepting on the two or three terminal scu- telle. General color above light grayish-brown, relieved by very minute and rather indistinet, transverse vermiculations of dusky, and larger, but still inconspicuous, transverse marks of white, these larger and more obvious on the lower webs of the middle wing-coverts. RKemiges and rectrices pale grayish-brown, minutely vermiculated with dusky, and distinctly banded with pale reddish-fulvous (color of sulphate of man- ganese). Lower parts dirty-whitish, crossed everywhere with transverse vermiculations, or ragged, narrow lines of dusky, strongly suffused with brownish across the jugulum, where the vermiculations are minute and confused ; flanks and crissum with the bars broad and distinct, the inter-- spaces nearly pure white, and wider than the mottled-brownish bars. | Bill pale horn-color, yellowish at the end; “iris yellow”; claws very. rare" PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 117 pale horn-color, darker terminally. Culmen, .60; tarsus, 1.30; middle toe, .88* REMARKS.—It is very difficult to express, by a mere description, the points of difference in coloration between this new species and the grayish phase of Scops brasilianus. Specimens of the latter, collected in Costa hica, by Mr. Zeledon, are hardly appreciably different at a casual glance. Upon close comparison, however, it may readily be seen that the lower parts of S. coopert are much more densely vermiculated,{ the legs much more rufescent and more distinctly barred, the white variegation of the outer scapulars far less conspicuous, and the light bars on the remiges and rectrices narrower and more numerous. Compared with one of these specimens of S. brasilianus, having the wing the same length (7.00 inches), it is found that the tail of S. cooperi is much shorter, its length being only 3.75 instead of 4.25; this shortness of the tail in the present species causes the legs to appear proportionately longer, the claws reach- ing considerably beyond the end of the tail, while in S. brasilianus they do not reach to within half an inch of the tip. This greater elongation of the legs is not merely apparent, however, the tarsi being absolutely longer and the toes both longer and stouter ; the claws in particular are decidedly stronger than in S. brasilianus. It is not necessary, however, to make a minute comparison of markings and proportions in order to distinguish between these two species, the single character of the toes, being strongly bristled in S. coopert and absolutely naked in S. brasilianus, being sufficient for the purpose. S. cooperi is, moreover, the only bristly-toed member of this genus found south of Guatemala, so there is no need of confounding it with any other species of the same group. I have named this species, at the request of Mr. Zeledon, the collector of the type-specimens, after Mr. Juan Cooper, of Cartago, Costa Rica, a particular friend of his, to whom he is much indebted for many inter- esting contributions to his collections. *Being a very young bird, and the remiges and rectrices but partly developed, measurements of the wing and tail would of course be of no value. tNot more so, however, than in some specimens typical of the var. guatemale, Sharpe. 118 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. NOTES ON THE ORNITHOLOGY OF SOUTHERN TEXAS, BEING A LIST OF BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE VICINITY OF FORT BROWN, TEXAS, FROM FEBRUARY, 1876, TO JUNE, 1878. By JAMES C. MERRIEL, Assistant Surgeon U. S. Army. The post of Fort Brown, Texas, in the immediate vicinity of which most of the following observations were made, is at the extreme southern point of the State, in latitude 25° 53’ 16”, longitude 97° 13’. It adjoins the town of Brownsville, on the left bank of the Rio Grande, and across the river is Matamoras, in the Mexican State of Tamaulipas. Tbe nearest part of the Gulf coast is about eighteen miles distant. The surrounding country is level, and mostly covered with low chaparral; towards the coast this becomes more sparse, and gives place to extensive prairies, broken by shallow, brackish lagoons and sand ridges, with a scanty growth of cactus and yucca. The average annual temperature is about 73° Falrenheit; snow and ice are unknown, and slight frosts are rare. But little rain falls from March to Septem- ber. This region offers an excellent field for the ornithologist. Besides a very large number of northern migrants that either remain throughout the winter or pass farther south, there are many forms characteristic of the river valley, and other Mexican species, either regular summer vis- itors or stragglers that are new to the United States fauna. A namber ot the latter class were obtained within our limits for the first time,* and others by Mr. G. B. Sennett; but there are doubtless many more yet to be found.t Of the localities mentioned in this list, Brazos and Padre Islands are the parts of the Gulf coast nearest the fort; they are long, narrow sand ridges, almost destitute of vegetation. A similar formation is seen in the outer beach on the south shore of Long Island. Santa Maria and Edinburgh (now Hidalgo) are on the river, about twenty-eight and sixty miles respectively above the fort by road. Here the character of the country changes; the trees are much higher, and near the last-named settlement the land begins to rise. The avifauna, too, is somewhat dif- ferent, and three species{ in particular stop abruptly there. Asa matter of local interest, an asterisk is prefixed to those species that are known to breed within the limits of the fort and government reservation, * Thryothorus ludovicianus var. berlandieri, Vireosylvia Jlavoviridis, Cyanospiza versicolor, Myiarchus erythrocercus var. cooperi, Amazilia Juscicaudata, A. yucatanensis, Nyctidromus albicollis, Sturnella magna var. mexicana, Molothrus wneus, Buteo albicaudatus, Parra gymnostoma, and Podiceps dominicus. tSeveral species of Parrots are found about Vittoria, ninety miles south of Fort Brown, some of which must occasionally cross the Rio Grande. During the summer of 1877, two specimens of a Trogon were killed north of the river, one near Ringgold Barracks, the second at Las Cuevas, some miles lower down. They were described to me by the persons who shot them, but unfortunately they were not preserved. [Un- doubtedly T. ambiguus, Gould.—R. R. ] tCampylorhynchus brunneicapillus, Auriparus flaviceps, and Callipepla squamata, PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 119 I desire to express my indebtedness to Dr. T. M. Brewer and Mr. R. Ridgway for their assistance in many ways, and for their notes, which add so much to the value of the present paper. 1. Turdus fuscescens, Stephens. January 1, 1877. 2. Turdus migratorius, Linn. Occurs rather sparingly during the winter months.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 475.) 3. *Harporhynchus rufus var. longirostris, (Lafr.) This fine songster is a common resident, frequenting shady thickets and rarely seen in the open. In habits, it scarcely differs from the Eastern var. rufus, and the large number of nests found here were quite as well built as those found in New England. The usual number of eggs is three, often two, more rarely four: the ground-color varies from greenish to reddish-white, more or less thickly sprinkled with reddish and brownish dots and spots. One set is sparingly covered with large clouded blotches, giving the eggs an appearance unusual in this genus. Tifty-two eggs average 1.08 by .82, the extremes being 1.13 by .86 and .97 by .75. In some adult specimens, there is a decided tendency to whitish tips to the outer tail-feathers, as in var. rufus.—(H. rufus longi- rostris, SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 3.) 4. *Harporhynchus curvirostris, (Swains.) This Thrush is about as common as the preceding species, and is resi- dent. They are not often seen together, however, as this bird prefers more open and sunny localities, especially sparse chaparral, where the prickly pear grows. Here it passes much of its time on the ground, run- ning rapidly about in search of small land-shells and insects. I cannot confirm the praises of the song of this bird given by Couch and Heer- mann: it seems to me to be one of the most silent of the song Thrushes. Its alarm note is a sharp whit-whit. The nests are usually placed among the fleshy joints of the prickly pear, or in some of the many thorny and almost impenetrable bushes found in Southern Texas: they are often seen in the dense prickly hedges that surround most Mexican jacals. They are, as a rule, readily distinguishable from those of the Texas Thrasher and Mocking-bird by the almost invariable lining of yellow straws, giving a peculiar appearance to the nest. They are also more compactly built, are well cupped, and often have the edges well guarded by thorny twigs. The eggs are usually four in number: the ground- eolor is a deep greenish-blue (more rarely pale yellowish), rather sparsely sprinkled over the entire surface with very fine brown dots. They average 1.13 x .80: extremes 1.18 x .83 and .94 x .72.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 482.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 4.) 5. *Mimus polyglottus, (Linn.) A very common resident. By the 20th of May, many pairs have eggs 120 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. of the second brood.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 481.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 3.) 6. Galeoscoptes carolinensis, ( Linn.) A few seen during the migrations: some pass the winter here. 7. Sialia sialis, (Linn.) Uncommon. Two pairs, seen at Edinburgh in May, 1876, were un- doubtedly breeding.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 475.—-SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 6.) 8. Regulus calendula, (Linn.) Found in some abundance from November to March.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 476.) 9. Polioptila czrulea, (Linn.) Abundant during the migrations, a few passing the winter and a con- siderable number remaining to breed. A nest taken April 24, 1877, was placed on a dead lichen-covered branch of an ebony-bush about six feet from the ground. It was supported by three upright twigs, and was so well concealed that I did not notice it till the female flew off, though I had been standing with my head within a foot of it. It contained five eggs that would have hatched within a few days.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 485.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 6.) , 10. * Lophophanes atricristatus, Cassin. A common resident. The usual notes of the species are like those ot the Eastern Chickadee: it has, in addition, a loud whistling song, much like that of the Cardinal. A nest found near Edinburgh, April 26, 13876, was in a decayed branch, about fifteen feet trom the ground, and contained six nearly fledged young: the males had well-developed crests. The nest proper was composed of various soft materials like that of Parus atricapillus. About four weeks later, the same pair were mak- ing preparations for a second brood in an old Picus scalaris excavation just above my tent, but I was obliged to leave before any eggs were laid. A nest found about the middle of May of the following year was, Iam confident, of this species. It was in a vertical hole in a stump, enabling the five eggs to be plainly seen: these seemed somewhat larger than eggs of P. atricapillus, but otherwise were similar. As the parents were not seen, I left, intending to return in a short time, but was prevented from doing so for several days, when the eggs had been destroyed by some animal. Another nest, found April 18, 1878, was placed in a deep crack in the trunk of a tree: it contained several young.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 485.—_SEnnEWT, B. Rio Grande, 6.) NotTE.— An unidentified egg from Matamoras, but not distinguishable from one identified by Mr. Sennett as of this species, measures .62 by .48, is of an oval shape, has a white ground finely sprinkled over with purplish-brown dots. These are more abundant about the larger end, and forma ring arcund the latter. Fine, indistinet shell: markings give a purplish cast to the ground, which is, however, of a pure white.—T. M. B. — PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 121 11. Auriparus flaviceps, (Sund.) I have not observed this species in the immediate vicinity of Fort Brown, but it was rather common at Edinburgh in April and May, fre- quenting mostly amargosa chaparral. Several of its curious nests were found placed on horizontal branches of ebony and amargosa bushes about five feet from the ground. The outside was composed of thorny twigs well interlaced: the inside was warmly lined with fur and feath- ers. The entrance was at one side, barely large enough to admit the bird, and somewhat projecting, giving the entire nest an oval shape. The birds were excessively shy, and were obtained with difficulty.—(SEN- NETT, B. Rio Grande, 6.) 12. * Thryothorus ludovicianus var. berlandieri, Couch. A rather common resident, and found in all situations. Its song and habits are probably not different from those of the Great Carolina Wren. Although several pairs breed each year within the fort, I did not succeed in finding their nests, which I think were placed in somé thick brush piles and fences. At least two broods are raised, and the scarcely fledged young show the characteristic rufous of the under parts. A set of four eggs of this variety now before me, taken near Edinburgh in an old Woodpecker’s excavation, average .73 X .54. In three, the gronnd- color is white with a reddish tinge, thickly dotted with reddish and pale lilac, especially at the larger end. The fourth has the ground-color a warm reddish, like many eggs of the House Wren. A young brood fre- quented a pile of brush near camp at Edinburgh: they were very tame, coming into my tent and examining its contents with the greatest inter- est, not minding my presence in the least. The notes are loud and varied, but 1 am not able to say how much they may differ from those of var. ludovicianus.—(T. ludovicianus berlandieri, SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 8.) 13. *Thryomanes bewicki var. leucogaster, Baird. Thryothorus bewicki, Scu., P. Z. S. 1859, 372 (Oaxaca); Catal. 1861, 22, No. 141 (part).—Sci. & Satv.,Nom. Neotr. 1873,7,No. 11 (Mexico).—CovurEs & SENNETT, Bull. U. 8. Geol. and Geog. Survey Terr. vol. iv, No. 1, Feb. 1878, 9 (Brownsville and Hidalgo, ‘lexas).* Thryothorus bewicki var. leucogaster, BAIRD, Review, 1864 127 (San Antonio and Ringgold Barracks, Texas; Sta. Rosalia, Tamaulipas, and New Leon, Mexico). * Mr. Sennett’s specimens having been compared with the extensive series, embrac- ing the several races of this species, in the National Museum collection, prove to be the var. lewcogaster of Baird, and not the true bewicki. The National Museum possesses two specimens of the latter from Waller County and Brazos, Texas, but none from the Rio Grande, where probably only the var. leucogaster occurs, while it also probably does not penetrate farther into the State. The two specimens of true bewicki alluded to above were captured December 13 and 14, 1876, and were perhaps merely winter visitors. They are absolutely typical of the race,and, when compared with Mr. Sen- nett’s specimens, the great difference in coloring is at once apparent.—R. R. 122 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. A common resident about Fort Brown, but fifty or sixty miles higher up the river it becomes less abundant. Few birds have a greater vari- ety of notes than this species, and I have frequently been led by a strange song through dense chaparral only to find this little bird perched upon the topmost twig of an amargosa bush apparently enjoy- ing my disappointment. Their principal song is much like that of the Song Sparrow, but sweeter. It probably raises three broods, as I have seen it leading fully fledged young as early as March 27. Its nests are placed in a variety of situations. I have found them in an old Wood- pecker’s nest, placed between three or four joints of the prickly pear, forming a bulky structure, and among the twigs of various dense thorny bushes. A set of six eggs, now before me, average .68 X .50. 1 have no eggs of var. bewickii at hand with which to compare them. A second set of five, taken on the 2d of May from a nest among the joints of a cactus, are smaller than the preceding, averaging .62 X .50; the markings are much fainter and finer, and the two sets are quite different in appearance. Three other sets taken subsequently vary greatly in size and markings. In some, the latter are very fine and in- conspicuous; in others, there are heavy markings of reddish and lilac. Thirty eggs average .63 by .45, the extremes being .70 by .52 and .60 by .46. NotE.—The eggs of 7’. leucogaster, as compared with those of bewicki. and spilurus, exhibit many points in common, and do not vary more than the eggs of the same species are often found to differ. Nine eggs of the Texan form, leucogaster, are, in size, a trifle the largest, and all of them are much more deeply marked with larger and more confluent blotches of reddish-brown. In size, six eggs of bewicki, from Mount Carmel, Ill., collected by Mr. Ridgway, are not quite equal to leucogaster and a little less strongly marked, the spots being nowhere confluent. Five eggs of spilurus from California are still less in size, and their markings are smaller, fewer, and of a lighter color, one being of an almost immaculate white.—T. M. B. 14. Troglodytes aédon, Vieill. Rather uncommon during the winter months. 15. Troglodytes aédon rar. parkmanni, Aud. A single specimen of this variety was taken in the autumn of 1877. 16. Telmatodytes palustris, (Wils.) One obtained December 16, 1876. 17. Anthus ludovicianus, (Gmel.) Very abundant from October to March. I have seen a few as late as April 28.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 476.) 18. Mniotilta varia, (Linn.) Common during the migrations; a good mauy pass the winter.— } (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 476.) & PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 123 19. Helminthophaga chrysoptera, (Linn.) Several specimens taken in the spring.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 478.) 20. Helminthophaga pinus, (Linn.) One specimen taken at Edinburgh (Hidalgo) in May. 21. Helminthophaga ruficapilla, (Wils.) A male obtained in April approaches the supposed ‘ var. ocularis” in the restriction of the yellow of throat.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 478.— SENNETT, LB. Rio Grande, 12.) 22. Helminthophaga celata, (Say.) Rather common during the colder months.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, _ 478.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 12.) 23. Helminthophaga peregrina, (Wils.) Less common than the preceding. 24. Parula americana, (Linn.) Occurs during the migrations.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 476.—SEN- NETT, B. Rio Grande, 11.) 25. Parula nigrilora, Coues. Arrives about the third week in March, and passes the summer among thick woods and near the edges of lagoons where there is Spanish moss. Here they are quite common, and their song is constantly heard. ie be re fae —- - 2. ee a Trochilus fuscicaudatus, FRASER, P. Z.S. Feb. 11, 1840, 17 (Chachapoyas, Peru). Hylocharis fuscicaudatus, GRAY & Mircu., Genera B. I, 114, sp. 26. Saucerattia fuscicauda, REICHENB., Troch. Enum. 1855, 8, t. 696, figs. 4552-53. Trochilus riefferi, BowRCIER, Aun. Sci. Phys. et Nat. Lyon, 1843, 45; Rev. Zool. 1843, 103 (Fusagasuga, New Granada). Amazilius riefferi, Bonap., Consp.I, 1850, 78; Rev. Zool. 1854, 254.—Scti., P. Z. S. 1856, 140; 1857, 16 (Bogota); 1859, 145 (Pallatanga, Ecuador). Amazilia riefferi, REICHENB., Ay. Syst. Nat. 1849, pl. 39; Aufz. der Colibr. 1853, 10; Trochil. Enum. 1855, 8, t. 775, figs. 4798—’99.—GouLD, Morog. Trochilid. V, 1853, pl. 311.—Son., P. Z. S. 1859, 145; 1860, 94 (New Granada), 283 (Babahoyo, Ecuador), 296 (Esmeraldas, Ecuador) ; Catal. Am. B. 1862, 314, No. 1878 (Coban, Vera Paz; Baranquilla, New Granada; Esmeraldas, Ecuador).—Scui. & SALYV., Ibis, 1859, 130 (Guatemala); 1860, 40 (Duefas, Guatemala); 1864, 365 (Panama); Nom. Neotr. 1873, 92 (Mexico; Central America; New Granada; Ecuador).—SaLvyy, Ibis, 1860, 195, 270 (Coban, Vera Paz); P. Z.S. 1867, 156 (Veragua); Ibis, 1872, 320 (Nicaragua).—WyarTt, Ibis, 1871, 378 (San Nicolas, New Granada; alt. 3,000 feet). Polytmus riefferi, GRAY & MitcuH., Genera B. I, 1849, 108, No. 72.—Gray, Hand-list, I, 1869, 182, No. 1620 (S. Mexico; Guatemala; ‘“Andes.”— Subg. Amazili). Pyrrhophena riefferi, CABAN. & HEINE, Mus. Hein. III, 1860, 36.—Gou.Lp, Introd. Trochilid. 1861, 158 (“‘ Southern Mexico, Guatemala, and along the Andes to Ecuador”’); P. Z.S. 1870, 803 (Citado, Ecuador).—LawRr., Ann. Lye. N. Y¥. Oct. 23, 1565, 184 (Greytown, Nicaragua); ib. 1X, 1868, 127 (Costa Rica); Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 4, 1876, 33 (Guichi- covi, Isth. Tehvantepec).—MERRILL, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, I, Nov. 1876, 88 (Ft. Brown, Texas, June, 1876; 2 specimens). Eranna riefferi, HEINE, J. f. O. 1863, 188 (New Granada). Trochilus aglaiw, Bourc. & MuLs., Ann. Soc. Phys. Sc. Lyon, 1846, 329; Rev. Zool. 1846, 316 (hab. incog.).—MULS., Hist. Nat. Ois. Mouch. I, ——, 319. Polytmus aglaiew, GRAY & Mircu., Genera B. I, 1849, 109, sp. 73. Amazilius aglaiw, BONAP., Consp. I, 1850, 71. Saucerottia aglaiw, REICHENB., Aufz. der Colibr. 1853, 10. Chlorestes aglaiw, REICHENB., Troch. Enum. 185d, 4. Hemithylaca aglaiw, CABAN. & HEINE, Mus. Hein. III, 1860, 38, note 13. Ornismya amazili, DELATTRE, Echo du Monde Sav. No. 45, June 15, 1843, col. 1069. “ Trochilus arsinoides, Sauc., in Mus. of Berlin ” (GOULD). Trochilus dubusi, Bourc., Soc. Agric. Lyon, 1852, 141. Amazilia dubusi, REICHENB., Aufz. der Colibr. 1853, 10; Trochil. Enum. 1855, 8, pl. 778, figs. 4809~'10 Eranna dubusi, HEINE, J. f. O. 1863, 188 (Veragua; Guatemala; Costa Rica; S. Mexico). Amazilius dubusi, BoNaAP., Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1854, 254.—Sc1., P. Z. S. 1856, 287 ; 1859, 386; 1860, 296. Pyrrhophena dubusi, CABAN. & HEINE, Mus. Hein. III, 1860, 36. Eranna jucunda, HEINE, J. f. O. 1863, 188 (Babahoyo and Esmeraldas, Ecuador). Pyrrhophena sauvis, CABAN. & HEINE, Mus. Hein. III, 1860, 38 (Cartagena, New Granada). Eranna sauvis, HEINE, J. F. O. 1863, 188 (Cartagena). SP. cH.—Above metallic grass-green (varying to gulden-green), more \ 148 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. bronzy on the crown and rump; longer upper tail-coverts cinnamon- rufous. ‘Tail deep chestnut-rufous, the feathers tipped and edged for a greater or less distance from their ends with metallic greenish-bronze, glossed with purple; wing-coverts metallic green, like the back; rest of the wing uniform dusky slate, with a distinct violet purple gloss in cer- tain lights. Side of the head bronzy- green, the lores bright cinnamon- rufous. Throat, jugulum, breast, and sides metallic green, most brilliant on the breast and jugulum, where bright emerald in certain lights, duller and more bronzy on the sides; throat-feathers grayish-white beneath the surface, this color showing wherever the feathers are disturbed. Abdomen pale mouse-gray; crissum deep cinnamon-rufous; anal tufts and thighs cottony-white. Bill reddish at the base for a greater or less distance (pale brownish in the dried skin), the terminal portion black- ish; feet blackish. Wing, 2.00-2.35; tail, 1.45-1.70; culmen, .70-.90. Sexes alike in color. Young similar to the adult, but with the plum- age duller, the rump more extensively tinged with rufous and the fore- head washed with rusty. With very numerous specimens before me, representing various loca- lities, from Eastern Mexico to Guayaquil, Ecuador, I am unable to dis- cover any differences coincident with locality, even in specimens from the most remote districts. There is a considerable range of individual variation, involving the amount of blackness of the maxilla (some speci- mens having the upper mandible wholly b!ackish except the extreme base, while in others only the end is dark-colored), length of wing and bill, ete. These differences, however, appear to be purely individual, and not at all, so far as [ can see, local.—R. R. The occurrence of this species within our limits was noted in the Bul- letin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, vol. i, p. 88. I have nothing to add to the brief note there published. The specimen was captured by a soldier and brought to me. After describing the bird, I returned it to him, as he wished to keep it, but it escaped in a day or two. Found from Southern Texas to Ecuador. 125. *Amazilia yucatanensis. Trochilus yucatanensis, CABOT, Pr. Boston Soc. N. H. 1845, 74. (Yueatan.) Amazilia yucatanensis, GOULD, Monog. Trochilid. V, 1853, pl. 308.—MULs., Hist. Nat. Ois. Mouch. I, ——, 295. Pyrrhophana yucatanensis, GOULD, Introd. Troch. 1861, 157. Lranna yucatanensis, Heine, J. f. O. 1863, 187 (Yucatan). Amazilius cerviniventris, GOULD, P. Z. 8. June 10, 1856, 150 (Cordova, Mexico),— Scu., ib. 287 (Cordova); 1857, 17. Amazilia cerviniventris, GOULD, Monog. Troch. V, 1853, pl. 319 (Cordova).— Scx., Catal. Am. B. 1862, 314, No. 1877 (Tlacotalpam, 8. Mexico).—Sci. & Satv., Nom. Neotr. 1873, 92 (Mexico).—BouGarp, Catal. Avium, 1876, 350, No. 10,966 (Yucatan).—MERRILL, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, II, Jan. 1877, 26 (Fort Brown, Texas, Aug. 17, 1876).—Cours & SENNETT, Bull. U.S. Geol. & Geog. Surv. Terr. vol. iv, No. 1, Feb. 1878, 35 (Browns- ville. Texas). PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 149 Pyrrhophena cerviniventris, CABAN. & HEINE, Mus. Hein. III, 1860, 36 (note).—GouLD, Introd. Trochilid. 1861, 157 (Cordova). Eranna cerviniventris, HEINE, J. f. O. 1863, 187 (Cordova). Polytmus cerviniventris, GRAY, Hand-list, I, 1869, 132, No. 1079 Smee Subg. Amazili). Sp. cH.—Above metallic grass-green, varying to golden-green, duller on the crown and more bronzy on the upper tail-coverts, which are sometimes slightly tinged on the edges with rufous. Tail cinnamon- rufous, the intermediz more or less glossed with greenish-bronze (some- times entirely of this color); the other feathers bronze terminally, this color usually following the edge for a greater or less distance from the tip. Wing-coverts metallic grass-green, like the back; remainder of the wing uniform brownish-slate, with a very faint violet-purple gloss in certain lights. Throat, jugulum, and sides of the head and breast brilliant metallic-green, almost emerald in certain lights, the feathers dull white beneath the surface, thus breaking the continuity of the green, especially on the throat, where the feathers are broadly tipped with green. Rest of lower parts pale fawn-color, or dilute cinnamon- buff, deepest on the crissum ; sides glossed with bronze-green ; anal tufts and thighs cottony-white. Bill reddish (light brown in the dried skin), the terminal third blackish. Feetdusky. Wing, 2.15-2.20; tail, 1.50- 1.60, depth of its fork about 0.20; culmen, 0.80. Sexes alike in colora- tion, Haxs.—Hastern Mexico, from the Rio Grande Valley (United States side) to Yucatan. The two examples in the National Collection (No. 24,873, Jalapa, and 70,949, Fort Brown, Texas) differ in some minor details of coloration Thus, the former has the middle pair of tail-feathers entirely greenish- bronze, except a very small space on each web concealed by the longer upper tail-coverts; the bronzy ends of the other feathers are distinctly glossed with dark purple, and the outer pair of feathers have scarcely a trace of bronze at their ends. The latter specimen, on the other hand, has the basal two-thirds of the intermediz wholly rufous, the bronzy ends of the other feathers destitute of a purple gloss, and the outer pair of feathers very distinctly tipped with bronze and edged for their whole length with a darker shade of the same color. These differences, how- ever, are doubtless only individual, or, possibly, sexual. The Fort Brown specimen is a little the larger, but the difference in size is very slight. Neither bas the sex marked. I have not seen a specimen of the so-called ‘ yucatanensis, Cabot”, but follow Mr. Elliot (MSS.) in considering it the same as the bird after- wards described by Mr. Gould as cerviniventris.—R. R. This Hummer, also new to the avifauna of the United States, and heretofore known only from Mexico, was first taken on the 17th of August, 1876, and its capture noted in the Bulletin of January, 1877, p. 26. It proves to be an abundant summer visitor, and I have nowhere found 150 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. it so abundant as on the military reservation at Fort Brown. Here it seems perfectly at home among the dense, tangled thickets, darting rapidly among the bushes and creeping vines, an: is with difficulty obtained. A rather noisy bird, its shrill cries usually first attract one’s attention to its presence. A Hummer’s nest, undoubtedly made by this species, was found in September, 1877, within the fort. It was placed on the fork of a dead, drooping twig of a small tree on the edge of a path through a thicket: it was about seven feet from the ground, and contained the shrivelled body of a young bird. The nest is made of the downy blossoms of the tree on which it is placed, bound on the outside with cobwebs, and rather sparingly covered with lichens. Internally, it is Somewhat less than one inch in depth by one-half inch in diameter. The external depth is one and one-half inch. NovtE.—Besides these two species of Hummers actually taken, I have seen two others that are certainly new to our avifauna, but have not been able to capture them. One of these is a large, green species, with a long tail; the other, a very small bird, of a deep purplish-brown color. 126. Geococcy=x californianus, (Less.) This curious bird is abundant, and is a resident. Its food consists of insects, field-mice, small snakes, and snails. Of these latter, one spe- cies (a variety of Bulimulus alternatus) is very common, passing the dry season on bushes and cacti, and of this the bird is very fond. Quite large piles of the broken shells are constantly to be seen along the road- sides about some fallen branch on which the bird breaks them. Asa rule, the ‘‘ road-runner” is a silent bird, but occasionally it is heard to utter one of two notes. One is a “* kook-kook-kook-kook”, much like the call of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, but louder, and usually heard during the breeding season. The other is a note of alarm or anger: it is a low, growling sound, accompanied by a chattering of the bill. The nests are usually placed in low, thorny bushes, and are thick, clumsy structures, with but a slight depression for the eggs. The latter appear to be deposited at intervals of several days, and a perfectly fresh egg is often found with one on the point of hatching. I have never found more than four eggs or young in one nest.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1565, 466.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 36.) 127. *Coccyzus americanus, (Linn.) Not uncommon summer visitor; breeding rather plentifully—(DREs- . SER, Ibis, 1865, 467.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 38.) } 128. * Picus scalaris, Wagler. Common resident. In notes and habits, this little bird is so like the Downy Woodpecker that there is little to be said about it. Bighteen perfectly identified eggs now before me average .81 by .64, which is much less than the measurements given in Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway, II, 519.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 468.—SENNE:T, B. Rio Grande, 33.) Lee ee _ PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 151 129. Hylotomus pileatus, (Linn.) Late in May, 1876, I saw one specimen near Santa Maria, and have seen several holes that from their size were probably made by this bird.*—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 469.) MeEm.—Perhaps this was a Mexican species. 130. * Centurus aurifrons, (Wagl.) This handsome Woodpecker is found abundantly, perhaps rather more so than P. scalaris. Its habits and mode of nesting do not differ from those of other Woodpeckers of the same size. In places where there is only low chaparral, the poles of the government telegraph line are completely riddled by this bird. The eggs are usually four in number, and. are rather fragile; before they are blown, they are a beautiful shade of pink. Seven specimens average 1.03 by .76.—(SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 39.—C. flaviventris, DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 469.) 131. Strix flammea var. pratincola, Bon. This Owl seems to be a rather common resident. Near Hidalgo it breeds in holes in the banks of the Rio Grande, and in Brownsville a few nest in ruined buildings.—(S. pratincola, DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 330.—S. flammea americana, SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 39.) 132. Asio accipitrinus, (Pall.) During the latter part of January, 1877, a small gathering of these Owls frequented a patch of tall grass in an open field near Browns- ville.—(Brachyotus cassini, DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 330.) 133. Scops asio var. maccalli, Cass. Common resident. Near Hidalgo, on May 6, 1876, I captured a female of this race on her nest in an old hollow stump about five feet from the ground. There were two eggs, nearly hatched, placed on a few chips at the bottom of the hole: these were of a dull white color with yellowish stains, and measure 1.40 by 1.15 and 139by1.13. The parent made an interesting pet for a few days, but finally escaped from my tent with ons of the pegs to which it had been tied.—(NS. asio maccalli, SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 39.—S. maccalli, DRESSER, Ibis, 1863, 330.) 134. Bubo virginianus, (Gmel.) Probably resident. I have seen them occasionally in deep woods, and on one occasion in a perfectly open prairie, miles from timber of any size.—(SENNETT, Bb. Rio Grande, 39.) 135. Speotyto cunicularia var. hypogea, (Bon.) The Burrowing Owl is rather abundant during the winter months, but I do not think that any remain to breed.—(Athene hypogea, DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 330.) * This may possibly have been the Mexican species H. scapularis (Vigors).—R. R. 152 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 136. Falco communis var. nevius, Gmel. Rather common on the prairies near the coast during winter. a. anatum, DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 323.) 137. Falco fusco-czrulescens, Vieill. Until recently but two specimens of this beautiful Falcon had been taken within the United States, one in New Mexico, the other in Texas. During 1876 and 1877, I had occasionally seen a Hawk that I felt confident was of this species, but did not succeed in obtaining any specimens. On the 16th of June of the latter year, I found a nest placed in the top of a low Spanish bayonet growing in Palo Alto prairie, about seven miles from Fort Brown. After waiting a long time, I wounded the female, but she sailed off over the prairie and went down among some tall grass, where she could not be found: the male did not come within gunshot, though he twice rose from the nest on my approach. The nest was a slightly depressed platform of twigs, with a little grass for lining. The eggs, three in number, were rotten, though containing well-developed embryoes. They measure 1.81 by 1.29, 1.77 by 1.33, and 1.88 by 1.33 respectively. This set is now in Dr. Brewer’s collection. On May 7, 1878, a second nest was found within one hundred yards of the one just mentioned, and the parent secured. The nest in situa- tion and construction was precisely like the other, except that the yucca was higher, the top being about twelve feet from the ground. The eggs were three in number, all well advanced but one, with a dead embryo. They measure 1.78 by 1.34, 1.82 by 1.29, 1.73 by 1.32; the ground-color is white, but so thickly dotted with reddish-brown as to appear of that color; over these are somewhat heavier markings of deeper shades of brown. A single egg, without history, sent to me from Hidalgo, Texas, by Dr. S. M. Finley, U. S. A., measures 1.73 by 1.36: it is probably of this species, but its general appearance is much more reddish than either of the above sets. Since becoming more familiar with the habits of this Falcon, I have Several times observed it among yuccas and prickly pears on open prairies, and it is probably a not very uncommon summer resident in such places in this vicinity. NotrEe.—The egg referred to by Dr. Merrill as without history presents a very interesting problem, only to be solved when eggs precisely Similar can be found with their parentage satisfactorily established. It may be an egg of femoralis, but is quite as likely to be something else. It resembles in the color and peculiarities of its markings no eggs of the femoralis I have ever seen. It has neither the beautiful vandyke-brown markings of the egg figured in my Odlogy, nor any of the more abundant raw-sienna dottings found in both the speci- PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 153 mens from the Pampas, and which is the only color present in the specimens identified by Dr. M. Instead, it is marked all over its surface with handsome spots and blotches of a deep reddish-buff, almost cinnamon in shade, completely obscuring the ground. Excepting in size, it most resembles an egg of Hierofalco islandicus.—T. M. B. 138. Falco columbarius, Linn. Not uncommon during winter.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 323.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 42.) 139. Falco sparverius, Linn. Abundant from about the middle of September until the early part of April. AJl the specimens obtained were var. sparverius.—(SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 42.—Tinnunculus s., DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 323.) 140. *Polyborus cheriway, (Jacq.) A common resident, but more abundant in winter than in summer. This seems to be due to a partial migration, from the north, of birds in immature plumage, for the number of mature individuals does not seem tovary. Idonot think that the perfect plumage is acquired for at least two years. I have but little to add to the many accounts already given of this bird, except to say that, at times at least, it is more active than some of the descriptions would lead oneto infer. I have seen a Caracara chase a jackass-rabbit for some distance through open mesquite chapar- ral, and while they were in sight the bird kept within a few feet of the animal and constantly gained on it, in spite of its sharp turns and bounds. If one bird has caught a snake or field-mouse, its companions that may happen to see it at once pursue, and a chase follows very dif- ferent from what is seen among true Vultures. The nests are bulky platforms of smal]l branches, with a slight depression lined with fine twigs, roots, and grasses, or sometimes altogether without lining: they are placed in trees or on the tops of bushes, at no great height from the ground. Both sexes incubate. I have not found more than two eggs in one nest, and these are laid at an interval of three or four days. Eleven eggs average 2.28 by 1.84. The ground-color is a deep chocolate or red- © dish-brown, more or less thickly covered with several darker shades of the same.—(P. tharus, DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 329.-P. tharus auduboni, SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 42.) 141. Elanoides forficatus, (Linn.) This beautiful bird I have observed on but few occasions, and do not think that it breeds in this immediate vicinity. Nothing can be more graceful than its movements when pursuing insects, and for such a large bird it is very active.—(SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 42.—Nauclerus fur- catus, DRESSER, [bis, 1865, 325.) 142. Elanus leucurus, (Vieill.) Seen on a few occasions, but is rare. Je 154 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 143. Circus hudsonius, (Linn.) Probably the most common species of Hawk during the winter months, arriving in September and leaving in April. A large propor- tion are in immature plumage.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 328.—(C. cyaneus hudsonius, SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 40.) 144. Nisus fuscus, (Gmel.) Found sparingly in winter.—(Accipiter f., DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 324.) 145. Nisus cooperi, (Bon.) Like the last.—(Accipiter c., DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 323.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 42.) . 146. Antenor unicinctus var. harrisi, (Aud.) Resident and quite abundant. In its habits, this bird resembles the Caracara Eagle, but is not so active. The nests are hardly distinguish- able in situation or construction, and the two eggs are also deposited at an interval of three or four days. Six eggs average 2.08 by 1.62; they are dull bluish or yellowish-white, faintly stained with yellowish- brown.—(Oraxirex unicinctus, DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 329.— Buteo unicine- tus harrisi, SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 42.) 147. Buteo pennsylvanicus, ( Wils. ) Uncommon winter visitor.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 325.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 43.) 148. Buteo swainsoni, Bon. Occurs sparingly in winter.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 324.) 149. Buteo borealis, (Gmel.) A pair seen January 10, 1877, near Fort Brown, seemed to approach var. kridert in the extent and purity of white beneath, although the subterminal band of black on the tail was very distinct. The birds sailed several times quite near me, and I had avery good view of them.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 324.) 150. Buteo harlani, Aud. Karly in November, 1376, I observed a single specimen of this species sailing in easy circles at no great distance from the ground; but, not having my gun, I was unable to secure it.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 324.) 151. Buteo albicaudatus.—The White-tailed Buzzard. Aquila coliblanca, AZARA, Apune. I, 1803, 69. Buteo albicaudatus, VretLu., Nouv. Dict. LV, 1816, 477 (ex AZAR, l. c.).—STRICKL., Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 35.—Satvin, P. Z. 8. 1870, 215 (Veragua). Tachytriorchis albicaudatus, SHARPE, Cat. Acc. Brit. Mus. I, 1874, 162. Craxirex albicaudatus, RipGw., Pr. Ac. Nat. Sei. Phila. 1875, 92. Buteo (Craxirex) albicaudatus, Ripaw., t. c. 93 (monographic). Spizaétus leucurus, VIEILL., Nouv. Dict. XXXII, 1819, 59. Buteo leucurus, Larr., Rev. Zvol, 1849, 100. mn ee PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 155 Falco pterocles, TEMM., Pl]. Col. I, 1823, pls. 56 (adult) and 139 (young). Buteo pterocles, LEss., Man. I, 1828, 103.—Gray, Gen. B. I, 1849, 12; Hand- list, I, 1869, 8.—CaBAN., in Schomb. Guiana, III, 1848, 739.—Kaup, Contr. Orn. 1850, 75 (subgen. Tachytriorchis).—BuRM., Th. Bras. II, 1855, 49.—ScCHLEG., Mus. P.-B. Buteones, 1°63, 13; Rev. Ace. 1873, 110.— PELz., Orn. Bras. 1871,3, 396.—ScL. & Say. P. Z. S. 1870, 782 (Andes of Merida, Venezuela); Nom. Neotr. 1873, 119 (Mexico to Brazil).— Lawk., Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus. No. 4, 1876, 41 (Tapanz2, S. Mexico, July).* Tachytriorchis pterocles, KauP, Saug. Vég. 1844, 123.—Bonap., Consp. I, 1850, 17. Buteo albicauda, LEss., Traité, 1831, 81, pl. 15, fig.2.—PucHEéRAN, Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1850, 214. Buteo tricolor, HaRTL., Ind. Azara, 1847, 1 (nec D’ORB.) “Buteo erythronotus”, Scu., P. Z. S. 1859, 389 (Oaxaca) (nec King).—SaLvin & Sct., Ibis, 1860, 401 (Antioquia, Guatemala.)—Lawr., Ann. Lyc. N.Y. IX, 1868, 133 (San José and San Antonio, Costa Rica). “Buteo harlani” (supposed young), SHARPE, Cat. Acc. Brit. Mus.I, 1874, 191 (= juv.t). HAB.—The whole of Middle America, north to the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas (on the eastern side), Colima (west coast), and the City of Mexico (central plateau); Eastern South America as far as Paraguay. Diagnosis.—W ing, 14.50-18.00 ; tail, 7.70-10.50; culmen, .95-1.05 ; tar- sus, 3.30-3.70; middle toe, 1.55-1.80. Form: Third quill longest; first intermediate between sixth and eighth. Tail even in adult, slightly rounded in young. Color: Adult, tail white (the lateral feathers much tinged with ash), crossed by a broad subterminal band of black; the white portion crossed by faint lines or narrow bars of plumbeous. Above dark plumbeous; rump and lower parts pure white; throat plumbeous- black or bluish-plumbeous. Flanks, rump, and lining of the wing usually faintly barred with ashy, dusky, or rufous. ¢: Lesser wing- coverts with a restricted patch of rufous on the anterior portion; longer scapulars strongly tinged with rufous. ¢: Rufous patch on lesser wing- covert region extended over nearly the whole of its area; longer scapu- lars scarcely tinged with rufous. Young: Tail hoary-grayish (the inner webs mostly white), growing gradually darker terminally, and passing narrowly into dull whitish or rufous at tip; crossed by numerous nar- row and very indistinct bars of darker, these growing gradually obsolete towards the base.t General color brownish-black, the lower parts more or less variegated (most conspicuously on the posterior portions and on middle of the breast) with ochraceous or whitish. Kemarks.—The identity of specimens of the two plumages described in the diagnosis as “adult” and “young” is proven by specimens in which part of the tail-feathers are of one plumage and part of the other. Such a specimen is in Mr. Lawrence’s collection from the City of Mexico. The older individuals in the immature dress are colored as follows :— Tail hoary ash, growing darker terminally, and passing narrowly into * Tris hazel-brown ; cere greenish; fe+t yellow. t Fide SALVIN, Ibis, October, 1874, 314. ¢{ These bars are sometimes entirely obsolete on the outer webs. 156 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. brownish-white at the tip—the inner webs mostly white; the terminal — half with just discernible obscure bars of darker, these becoming gradu- ally obsolete on the basal half; sometimes they are entirely obsolete for the full length of the outer webs. Upper tail-coverts pure white, usually immaculate, but sometimes barred; inner webs of primaries ashy, the two or three outer ones more whitish, and sometimes barred with dusky. | In males, the middle of the breast, the tibiz, and crissum are usually ochraceous, irregularly spotted with brownish-black. The darker-colored individuals in this stage are distinguishable from the dark examples of the young of B. swainsont only by the very much stouter and longer tarsi. The adults vary but little. The white of the jugulum usually reaches forward medially into the plumbeous of the throat, and in one (¢ ad., Tehuantepec, Mexico; Sumichrast) it extends—interruptedly, however— to the chin. Another male from the same locality has the scapulars almost entirely rufous, with black shaft-streaks. The white of the lower parts in the adult is of a pureness and continuity strikingly character- istic of this species. A very young specimen from Paraguay has the tail more brownish, more distinctly barred, and more ochraceous on the tip; the upper tail- coverts are ochraceous, marked with broad crescentic bars of blackish, and the upper parts generally are variegated with ochraceous. The specimen collected by Dr. Merrill (No. 74,464) is an adult male in fine plumage. It agrees strictly with Mexican examples of correspond- ing sex and age. Dr. M. furnishes the following notes on this specimen :— ‘Length, 19.20; extent, 47.40; wing, 15.30; tail, 7.20. Feet and legs yellow ; cere greenish yellow; tip of bill dark, basal half bluish green ; iris brown.” Material ecamined.—United States National Museum, 13; Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 6; Museum of G. N. Lawrence, Esq., 1; other specimens,* 4. Total number of specimens ex- amined, 24. Measurements. ae! Wing. Tail. Culmen. Tarsus. Middle toe. | Specimens. J ad. 16. 30—16. 70 7.50— 9.00 . 95—1. 10 3. 30—3. 55 1. 60—1. 80 5 oJ juv.| 14.50—16. 75 8. 60— 8, 75 i. en 3. 30—3. 60 1, 55—1..65 3 ad. TF Gabe. 3 @: Chis): ... 1, OGms, 55) oe i | 1 Q? juv. | 17. 00—17. 75 8. 40—10. 30 .95—1 05 3. 30—3. 70 1. 60—1. 80 3 This fine Hawk is a rather common resident on the extensive prairies near the coast, especially about the sand ridges that are covered with yucea and cactus. Its habits appear to be like those of the allied spe- cies of Prairie Hawks. On the 2d of May, 1878, I found two nests, each * These are specimens collected on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec by Prof. F. Sum chrast, and not entered in the Register of the National Museum. r | a Sta Pe 4 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 157 placed in the top of a yucca growing in Palo Alto prairie, about seven miles from the fort. The nests were not more than eight feet from the ground, and were good-sized platforms of twigs, with scarcely any lining. While examining these nests, the parents sailed in circles over- head, constantly uttering a cry much like the bleating of a goat. Each nest contained one egg. The first was quite fresh, and measures 2.35 by 1.91. It is of a dirty-white color, with a few reddish blotches at the smaller end. The second egg was partly incubated. It resembles the first one, but the reddish blotches are rather sparsely distributed over the entire egg. It measures 2.35 by 1.85. 152. Rhinogryphus aura, (Linn.) Very common at all seasons. Deposits its eggs on the ground, some- times on the open prairie; at others, in more or less dense chaparral.* —(Cathartes a., DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 322.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 44,) 153. Catharistes atratus, (Bart.) About as common as the preceding species, and, like it, breeds on the ground. Ihave not heard of either species building in trees here, as they are said to do in other parts of Texas.—(Cathartes a., DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 322.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 45.) 154. Columba flavirostris, Wag]. This large and handsome Pigeon is found in abundance during the summer months, arriving in flocks of fifteen or twenty about the last week in February. Though not very uncommon about Fort Brown, it is much more plentiful a few miles higher up the river, where the dense woods offer it the shade and retirement it seeks. Three nests foundina grove of ash-trees, on the bank of the Rio Grande, near camp at Hidalgo, were frail platforms of twigs, such as are usually built by other Pigeons. Each contained one egg. It would appear from Mr. Sennett’s observa- tions, which are more complete than mine, that this Pigeon rarely, if ever, _ lays more than one egg. These are of a pearly whiteness, and average 1.50 by 1.08. Both sexes incubate. A perfectly fresh speeimen has the _ soft parts as follows :—Terminal half of bill pale horn-color; basal half light pink; margin of eyelids and a ring near its base deep pinkish-red; iris bright orange-yellow, lighter yellow at pupillary margin; legs and feet vivid purplish-red.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 23.—SENNETT, B. Rio _ Grande, 45.) 155. * Melopelia leucoptera, (Linn.) Very common during the summer months. Thé nests as a rule are smaller and more frail than those of the Carolina Dove, and the eggs _ have a decided creamy tinge, which is rarely lost after blowing, at least * [have looked carefully for 2. burrovianus, but without success, although Mr. Dresser (Ibis, 1865, p. 322) states that he bas seen it on Palo Alto prairie, not more than seven miles from the fort. 158 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. not for months. Thirty-four eggs average 1.17 by .88; extremes 1.30 by .95 and 1.05 by .80. The note is a deep, sonorous coo, frequently repeated, and heard at a great distance.—( DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 24.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 47.) ; 156. * Zenzedura carolinensis, (Linn. ) Although this species is found throughout the year, it is decidedly uncommon during the winter months; probably not more than 5 per cent. or less remain at that season. One habit noticed here I have not seen mentioned before,—that of occasionally occupying old nests of the Great- tailed Grackle for their second brood.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 24.—SEn- NETT, B. Rio Grande, 47.) 157. * Chamzpelia passerina, (Linn.) Quite abundant, particularly in summer. The small and rather com- pact nests are placed on the horizontal branch of a stout bush or tree, and are lined with a few straws. On one occasion, I found the eggs ina roughly made nest on the ground on the edge of a prairie.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 24.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 48.) 158. *Aichmoptila albifrons. Z{enaida] amabilis, MCCALL, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1851, 220 (between Mata- moras and Camargo). “Leptoptila albifrons, GRAY, List Spec. Brit. Mus. p. 15.”—BonapP., Consp. II, 1855, 74.—Sc ., P. Z.S. 1859, 363 (Jalapa); 1860, 289 (Babahoyo, Ecua- dor) ; 1864, 178 (City of Mexico); 1870, 838 (Honduras).—S cL. & SALV., Ibis, 1859, 222 (Duefias, Guatemala); P.Z.S 1864, 370 (Guatemala; Da- nama) ; 1868, 60 (Mexico; Guatemala) ; 1870, 838 (coast of Honduras) ; Now. Neotr. 1873, 133.—LAwR., Pr. Boston Soc. 1871, — (Tres Marias Islands, W. Mexico; common. Vulg.: ‘‘ Paloma”); Mem. Boston Soc. II, 1874, 305 (Mazatlan; Tres Marias; habits); Bull. U. 8. Nat. Mus, No. 4, 1876, 44 (Isth. Tehuantepec, ‘ Iris orange; bill black; bare or- bital space bluish; feet carmine ”).—Covurs, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, II, July, 1877, 82 (Hidalgo, Texas, April 18, 1877; not uncommon; breeding). ZEchmoptila albifrons, Cours & SENNETT, Bull. U. 8. Geol. and Geog. Surv. Terr. vol. iv, No. 1, 1878, 49 (Hidalgo, Texas). Peristera albifrons, BONAP., Consp. II, 1855, 74 (Mexico; ‘‘ Cuba”; ‘‘ Colum- bia”; “‘ Carthagena”),—Gray, Hand-list, II, 1870, 242 (Mexico. Subg. Leptotila). “ Peristera brachyptera, GRAY, MSS.” (SCLATER). [A good description of this species having already been given by Dr. Coues in Mr. Sennett’s paper, I give here only a list of references, mostly additional to those already published.—R. R.] This Pigeon is not rare in the vicinity of Fort Brown, but is shy and not very often seen. I can give nothing very definite in regard to its habits. The only nest I have found was taken on June 8, 1878, on the government reservation. It was about seven feet from the ground, supported by the dense interlacing tendrils of a hanging vine growing on the edge of a thicket. The eggs, two in number, were quite fresh. Pie 2m PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 159 They measure 1.16 by .86 and 1.19 by .89. They are much like eggs of M. leucoptera, but have a strong olive-buff instead of a creamy-buff tinge. 159. Ortalida vetula var. maccalli, Baird. The Chachalac, as the present species is called on the Lower Rio Grande, is one of the most characteristic birds of that region. Rarely seen at any distance from woods or dense chaparral, they are abundant in those places, and their hoarse cries are the first thing heard by the traveller on awaking in the morning. During the day, unless rainy or cloudy, the birds are rarely seen or heard; but shortly before sunrise and sun- set, they mount to the topmost branch of a dead tree, and make the woods ring with their discordant notes. Contrary to almost every description of their cry I have seen, it consists of three syllables, though occasion- ally a fourth is added. When one bird begins to ery, the nearest bird joins in at the second note, and in this way the fourth syllable is made; but they keep such good time that it is often very difficult to satisfy one’s self that this is the fact. I cannot say certainly whether the female utters this cry as well as the male, but there is a well-marked anatomical distinction in the sexes in regard to the development of the trachea. In the male, this passes down outside the pectoral muscles, beneath the skin, to within about one inch of the end of the sternum; it then doubles on itself, and passes up, still on the right of the keel, to descend within the thorax in the usual manner. This duplicature is wanting in the female. These birds are much hunted for the Brownsville market, though their flesh is not particularly good, and the body is very small for the apparent size of the bird. Easily domesticated, they become trouble- somely familiar, and are decided nuisances when kept about a house. _ Beyond Ringgold Barracks, this species is said to become rare, and soon to disappear; and it probably does not pass more than fifty miles to the north of the Rio Grande. The nests are shallow structures, often made entirely of Spanish moss, and are placed on horizontal limbs a few feet _ from the ground. The eggs, commonly three in number, are about the size and shape of common hens’ eggs; they are of a buffy-white, and are roughly granulated ; they average about 2.18 by 1.55.—( 0. maccalli, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 24.—0O. vetula, SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 50.) 160. Meleagris gallopavo, Linn. , Found in abundance in all suitable localities, but not in the immediate vicinity of the fort; birds taken here present the characters of var. mexicana well developed. Two eggs taken near Hidalgo by Mr. G. B. Senuctt, and presented to me, are quite unlike; one measures 2.41 by 1.84, and in color and markings is like a typical egg of the domestic turkey ; the other egg, 2.33 by 1.72, is of a pale creamy-white, the spots being few and very pale.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 25.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 53.) _ 161. Cupidonia cupido var. pallidicincta, Ridgw. ) I am informed by a person perfectly familiar with the bird that the _ Prairie Chicken is occasionally seen on the prairies about Miradores ranch, which is about thirty miles north of the fort and a few miles from the coast. This is probably about the southernmost point in the range of the bird.—(C. cupido, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 26.) 160 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 162. *Ortyx virginiana var. texana, Lawr. The Texan Quail is very common, and in its habits resembles the Hastern Quail in all respects, except that it does not lie well to a dog. They are with difficulty flushed, but run at once into chaparral, from which it is almost impossible to dislodge them. The only nest I suc- ceeded in finding was at the foot of a small stump, surrounded by a small, but dense, growth of offshoots; the nest was rather elaborately built of grasses, and was well domed. On the 21st of May, it contained sixteen fresh eggs. These average 1.15 by .93, the extremes being 1.18 by .95 and 1.12 by .92. Four odd eggs from different nests are rather larger than this average.—(O. teranus, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 27.—0. virginiana texrana, SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 53.) 163. Callipepla squamata, (Vigors.) This beautiful Partridge is found in great abundance at Ringgold Barracks about 120 miles from Fort Brown, but does not come very much farther down tbe river. Hidalgo is about the limit of their range in this direction, though on September 13, 1877, I killed one within two miles of the fort. This was one of a covey and the only one flushed, and I did not recognize it until I picked it up; the others were not distinctly seen, but were probably of the same species.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 28.) 164. Aigialitis vocifera, (Linn.) Common resident.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 33.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 53.) 165. Aigialitis wilsonia, (Ord.) Resident, breeding rather abundantly along the coast.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 34.) 166. Hematopus palliatus, Temm. Breeds on Padre and Brazos Islands.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 34.— SENNETT, BL. Rio Grande, 53.) 167. Strepsilas interpres, (Linn.) The Turnstone is found on the coast and adjacent.lagoons throughout the year, and I feel confident that it breeds in spite of the latitude. . Dur- ing May and June pairs in full plumage may daily be seen in the same localities.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 34.—-SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 54.) 168. Recurvirostra americana, Gm. : Common during winter, a few pairs remaining to breed.—(DRESSER, ; Ibis, 1866, 35.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 54.) PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 161~ 169. Himantopus mexicanus, (Miiller.) ~Common resident. Breeds in the marshes about the middle of May, making its nests on wet grassy flats and laying three or four eggs. The nests are platforms of straw and grasses, often wet, and barely keeping the eggs out of the water. Twenty-two eggs average 1.75 by 1.19, the extremes being 1.88 by 1.25 and 1.60 by 1.10.—(H. nigricollis, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 35.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 54.) 170. Gallinago wilsoni, (Temm.) Plentiful during the winter, though the great majority go farther south. The time of their arrival in the autumn is uncertain. In 1876, the first were shot on the 18th of September, and they soon became abundant; this was said to be at least a month earlier than usual. In 1877, the main flight arrived on the 28th of November, during a cold and wet ‘‘norther ”.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 36.) 171. Macrorhamphus griseus, (Gmel.) Common from September until April.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 36.) 172. Tringa alpina var. americana, Cass. On May 16, 1877, I found the Red-backed Sandpiper rather common about some lagoons in the salt marshes; the males were in full breed- ing plumage. 173. Tringa bairdii, Coues. Two females taken March 30, 1876, on a sand-bar in the river. 174. Tringa maculata, Vieill. Common during the migrations, returning in the latter part of July. They do not seem to pass the winter.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 36.—SEN- NETT, B. Rio Grande, 55.) 175. Tringa fuscicollis, Vieill. Common in winter. 176. Triniga minutilla, Vieill. Common in winter.—(Tringa wilsoni, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 37.) 177. Calidris arenaria, (Linn.) Common in winter on Padre and Brazos Islands, where I have also seen it in July. 178. Ereunetes pusillus, (Linn.) Common in winter.—(L. petrificatus, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 37.) 179. Micropalama himantopus, (Bonap.) ~ October 13, 1877.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 37.) _ 180. Actiturus bartramius, (Wils.) _ This species arrives in small flocks about the second or third week in _ March, and is found abundantly on the grassy prairies. On its arrival : Proc. Nat. Mus. 73——11 Oct. 2, 1878. 162 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. in spring, it is in poor condition, and soon goes farther north, though a few linger until about May 10. Late in July some reappear, and by the first of September they are abundant; by the middle of this month, they begin to leave, and few are seen or heard after the first week in October.— (DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 38. SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 55.) 181. Tryngites rufescens, (Vieill.) The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is found in the same localities and at the same seasons as the Upland Plover, which it closely resembles in habits, but is much less shy and suspicious.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 39.) 182. Limosa fedoa, (Linn.) Taken in spring and autumn.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 39.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 55.) 183. Symphemia semipalmata, (Gmel.) . Breeds rather plentifully in suitable localities. Four eggs, somewhat advanced in incubation, were found on May 2, 1877, placed on a few grass-blades under a weed in a dry part of the marsh. Two of the eggs were broken by the carriage-wheel ; the others measure 2.06 by 1.52 and 2.05 by 1.50. I donot think that any remain during winter.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 37.—TZotanus s., SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 55.) 184. Gambetta melanoleuca, (Gmel.) Abundant during the migrations, many passing the winter here.— (DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 38.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 55.) 185. Gambetta flavipes, (Gmel.) Like the last, but perhaps less common in winter.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 38.) 186. Numenius longirostris, W ils. Common during winter, many remaining to breed on the partially dry marshes near the coast. Found recently fledged young June 16.— (DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 40.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 55.) 187. Numenius borealis, (Forst.) Common during the migrations, some passing the winter.—( DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 40.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 56.) 188. Charadrius fulvus var. virginicus, Borck. Not rare in winter.—(C. virginicus, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 33.) 189. Tringoides macularius, (Linn.) Rather rare in winter.—( DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 38.) 190. Tantalus loculator, Linn. On the 10th of April, 1876, I saw a pair of these birds on the edge of a shallow lagoon near Fort Brown.—( DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 32.) wie i PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 163 191. Plegadis guarauna, (Gm.) Resident, but much more common in summer than in winter. On the 16th of May, 1877, Mr. G. B. Sennett and I visited a large patch of tulé- reeds growing in a shallow lagoon, about ten miles from the fort, in which large numbers of this Ibis and several kinds of Herons were breeding. The reeds covered an area of perhaps seventy-five acres or less, growing in water three or four feet in depth. Irregular channels of open water traversed the reeds here and there, but the bottom was comparatively firm, and there was little difficulty in wading in any direction. Besides the Ibises, the Great and Little White Egrets, Lou- isiana and Night Herons, and several other birds were breeding here. Often nests of all these species were placed within a few feet of each other, but there was a tendency towards the different kinds forming little nesting groups of ten or fifteen pairs. The reeds grew about six feet above the surface of the water, and were either beaten down to form a support for the nests, or dead and partly floating stalks of the previous year were used for that purpose. It was impossible to estimate the number of the Ibises and different Herons nesting here. On approaching the spot, many would be seen about the edges of the lagoon or flying to or from more distant feeding grounds, but upon firing a gun a perfect mass of birds arose, with a noise like thunder, from the entire bed of reeds, soon to settle down again. Both nests and eggs of the Ibises were quite unlike those of any of the Herons, and could be distinguished at a glance. The nests were made of broken bits of dead tulés, supported by and attached to broken and upright stalks of living ones. They were rather well and compactly built, and were usually well cupped, quite unlike the clumsy platforms of the Herons. The eggs were nearly always three in number, and at this date were far advanced in incubation; many nests contained young of allsizes. Fifty eggs now before me average 1.95 by 1.35, the extremes being 2.20 by 1.49 and 1.73 by 1.29; they are decidedly pointed at the smaller end, and are of a deep bluish-green color. On May 7 of the following year, I revisited this heronry, but there were no nests, and very few Ibises or Herons were to be seen. I am inclined to think that they moved to some other part of the extensive prairie, in several parts of which were beds of reeds similar to the one above described, but I was prevented by sickness from making any further investigations. The young, when first hatched, are clothed in blackish down; the bill is whitish, with dusky base. When nearly fledged, the wings and back have a very marked metallic lustre; the base of bill, with terminal one- fourth inch and a two-fifths inch median band, black; the intervening portions pinkish-white.—(Zbis ordi, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 32.—Falcinel- lus g., SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 56.) Ld ee = ‘ i a oe Lt : * 164 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 192. Ibis alba, (Linn.) A few observed at all seasons, but I was unable to find any locality where they nested.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 166, 32.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 58.) 193. Platalea ajaja, Linn. Not rare, but more common near the coast. It must breed in the vicinity —(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 33.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 58.) 194. Ardea herodias, Linn. Common resident. Found nesting abundantly on Padre Island by Mr. Sennett.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 31.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 58.) 195. Herodias egretta, (Gm.) Common resident, but more plentiful in summer. Breeds abundantly in the same locality as the preceding species. The nests, as a rule, were distinguishable by their large size; the eggs and young were also quite characteristic. Twelve eggs average 2.14 by 1.54.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 31.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 59.) } 196. Garzetta candidissima, (Jacq.) Abundant during the summer, a few passing the winter. Breeds in great numbers. Its nest and eggs are only to be confounded with those of the succeeding species.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 31—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 59.) 197. Hydranassa tricolor, (Miill.) Common summer visitant. I do not think that any are found here during winter. In visiting the heronry already referred to, the Louisi- ana Heron was found in abundance. The birds seemed more shy in leaving their nests than the two preceding. The nests and eggs closely resembled those of the Little White Egret, and could not be positively identified without seeing the parent; but, as a rule, the nests were smaller, and the eggs a little larger and of a deeper shade.—(SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 60.—Demiegretta ludoviciana, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 31.) 198. Dichromanassa rufa, (Bodd.) Not uncommon during the summer. In the latter part of March, 1878, Mr. Sennett found this species breeding in large numbers on Padre Island. The nests were placed on low prickly pears or on the ground.— (SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 60.—Demiegretta rufa, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 31.—Demiegretta pealii, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 31.) 199. Plorida czrulea, (Linn.) . Seen throughout the year, but most abundantly in summer. Breeds on Padre Island.—_(DREsSER, Ibis, 1866, 31.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 61.) — 200. Nyctiardea grisea var. nzevia, (Bodd.) ’ Rather common resident, but many go farther south in winter. — Found breeding with the other species among the tulés, but in fewer PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 165 numbers. The nests differed from those of the others by twigs and small branches being generally used in their construction, which must have been brought from a considerable distanee. They were but slightly above the surface of the water, and most of the nests contained nearly (fledged young.—W. gardeni, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866,.32.—N. nevia, SEN- NETT, B. Rio Grande, 61.) 201. Nyctherodius violaceus, (Linn.) Rather uncommon. Probably breeds at no great distance, but I found no nests.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 32.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 61.) 202. * Butorides virescens, (Linn.) Common in summer, but rare in winter. Several pairs breed within Fort Brown, placing their nests on horizontal branches of mesquite-trees. Several sets average 1.49 by 1.15.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 32.) 203. Botaurus lentiginosus, (Montag.) Occurs in moderate numbers during the migrations.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 32.) 204. Ardetta exilis, (Gmel.) A few pairs were seen in the heronry already referred to. No nests were found, but the birds unquestionably breed there.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 32.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 61.) 205. Grus americana, (Linn.) Not rare, especially on the prairies near the coast. I do not think that either species of Crane breeds in this neighborhood.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 30.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 61.) | ‘206. Grus canadensis, (Linn.) Decidedly more abundant than the White Crane during the winter months, and not so shy.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 30.) 207. Porzana carolina, (Linn.) Common during the migrations. Iam quite positive that a few pairs breed near here in suitable localities —(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 40.) 208. Gallinula galeata, (Licht.) Parents and eggs obtained on the 16th of May among beds of reeds.— (SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 61.) | 209. Ionornis martinica, (Linn.) Doubtless breeds, for I have taken young birds in September that were scarcely able to fly—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 41.) 210. Fulica americana, Gm. Very common resident. Breeds among patches of tulés, making a rather bulky platform of bits of dead reeds scarcely raised above the _ surface of the water. Fourteen is the greatest number of eggs I have _ found in one nest.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 40—SrnneET?r, B. Rio |i Grande, 62.) 166 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Family PARRIDA: The Jacanas. Parride, “Seiys, 1842”.—Gray, Hand-list, III, 1871, 69.—Sci. & Saty., Nom. Neotr. 1873, viii, 142.—BoucarD, Cat. Av. 1876, IX, 11. . < Rallide, Vicors (fide GRAY).—LILLJEBORG, P. Z.S. 1866, 17. = Parrine, GRAY, List Genera B. 1840,—; 2d ed. 1841, 91 (< Palamedeidw).—Gray & Mitcu., Genera B. 4to, III, 1849, 588 (< Palamedeide); Genera and Subg. 1855, 119 (< Palamedeide).—LILLJEBORG, P. Z.S. 1866, 17 ( < Rallide). < Palamedeide, GRAY, l. ¢. < Gallinulide, Bas. (fide GRAY). CH.—Small-sized wading birds, combining the general appearance of Rails and Plovers, but differing from either in the remarkable and ex- cessive elongation of the toes and claws, the latter nearly straight and much compressed, that of the hallux much longer than its digit and slightly recurved. The above brief diagnosis is sufficient to distinguish the Jacanas from all other wading birds. Their nearest allies appear to be the Plovers, from which they differ chiefly in the character of the feet, as pointed out above. The single American genus Parra, Lath., is further charac- terized by the presence of leaf-like lobes at the base of the bill, and a sharp, conical spur projecting from the inside of the bend of the wing, in the possession of which features they present a striking analogy to certain Plovers, as the genera Lobivanellus, Strickl., and Hoplopterus, Bonap. The genus Parra, of which there are several species, all Ameri- can,* is characterized as follows :— Genus PARRA, Linnzeus. < Jacana, Briss., Orn. V,1760,121. Type, Parra jacana,Auct. (Includes Hydralector, Wagl., and Metopodius, Wag].) < Gallinula, Ray (fide GRay). < Parra, Linn., 8. N. I, 1766, 259. Type, P. dominica, Linn.,= Lobivanellus brissoni, (Wagl.)! (Includes also Chauna and Jacana. )—LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 762. Type, P. jacana, Linn. (Includes Hydrophasianus, Wagl., Chauna, Illiger, and Metopodius, Wagl.)—Gray, Hand-list, III, 1871, 69 (subg. Parra). = Parra, Gray, List Genera, 2d ed. 1841, 91; Gen. and Subg. 1855, 119, No. 1976.— Gray & Mitcn., Genera B. III, 1849, 288.—Sc1., P. Z. 8. 1856, 282 (synopsis of species).—Sci. & SaLy., Nom. Neotr. 1873, 142 (list of species).—BoucaARD, Cat. Ay. 1876, 11 (list of species). Cu.—Remiges normal. Rectrices much abbreviated, very soft, entirely concealed by the tail-coverts. Forehead with large, leaf-like lobe, free laterally and posteriorly, adhering centrally and anteriorly; rictus orna- mented by a smaller lobe (rudimentary in P. gymnostoma). The above characters are chiefly those which distinguish the Ameri- can genus Parra from its Old World allies Hydrophasianus,+ Metopo- *For a synopsis of the species of this genus, see Sclater “On the American Genus Parra”, in Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1856, p. 282. t “ Hydrophasianus, Wagler, 1832.” Type, H. chirurgus (Scopoli). ee eS eS en PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 167 dius,* and Hydralector.t I am unable to state in just what essential particulars the two latter differ from Parra, never having seen speci- mens of any species of either form. The first, however, differs very widely in the great development of the rectrices, of which the inter- mediz are excessively elongated; in the curious attenuation of the primaries, which are, moreover, of very unequal length, and in the entire absence of lobes about the base of the bill. These characters I have drawn from figures of the single species, H. chirurgus (Scopoli), not hav- ing seen the bird itself. In addition to the generic characters given above, the following also may be mentioned :— Bill somewhat Plover-like in form, the basal half with the upper and lower outlines nearly parallel and decidedly approximated, the terminal half of the culmen strongly convex, the gonys nearly straight, and decidedly ascending terminally; nostrils small, horizontal, elliptical, situated about half-way between the anterior angle of the eye and the tip of the bill. Primaries 10, reaching to the tips of the tertials, the three outer quills longest and nearly equal, their inner webs slightly narrowed near the end. Tarsus and bare portion of the tibia covered by a continuous frontal and posterior series of transverse scutelle, these sometimes fused into continuous sheaths; middle toe (exclusive of its claw) about equal to the tarsus (sometimes a little shorter); outer toe equal to the middle toe, but its claw a little shorter; inner toe a little shorter than the outer, but its claw considerably longer; hallux about equal to the basal phalanx of the middle toe, but its claw reaching nearly, if not quite, to the end of the middle toe. 211. Parra gymnostoma. Parra gymnostoma, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 517.—Sct., P. Z. 8. 1856, 283 (S. Mexico to New Granada. Diagnosis and synonymy); 1857, 206 (Jalapa).— Sct. & SALyv., Ibis, 1859, 231 (Belize, Honduras; Peten, Guatemala) ; Nom. Neotr. 1873, 142.Tay1or, Ibis, 1860, 315 (Honduras).—SaLvIin, Ibis, 1870, 116 (Costa Rica); P. Z. 8. 1870, 218 (Costa Rica).—Lawr., Mem. Boston Soc. II, 1874, 312 (Mazatlan, Manzanillo Bay, Zacatula R., and Rio de Coahuyana, W. Mexico. Habits. Descr. nest and eggs) ; Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 4, 1876, 50 (Isth. Tehuantepec).—MERRILL, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, I, Nov. 1876, 88 (Ft. Brown, Texas; 1 pair; August). Parra cordifera, LEss., Rev. Zool. 1842, 135 (Acapulco. Descr. adult).—DEs Mors, Icon. Orn. 1845, pl. 42. Sp. cH.— Adult: Wing, 4.50-5.40; culmen, 1.15-1.40; tarsus, 1.90- 2.35; middle toe, 1.85-2.25.¢ Head, neck, jugulum, and extreme an- terior portion of the back uniform black, with a faint silky glossy-green gloss below. Rest of the plumage mainly uniform rich purplish chest- nut, with a faint purple gloss, brightest or most rufescent on the wings, * «© Metopodius, Wagler, 1832.” Type, Parra africana, Lath., fide Gray. t “ Hydralector, Wagler, 1832.” Type, Parra cristata, Vieill., fide Gray. t Extremes of thirteen examples. 168 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. more purplish on the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts, and of a rich ‘dark purplish maroon shade on the breast and sides; anal region, tibiz, and crissum duller and more grayish. Remiges (except the tertials) pale yellowish pea-green, bordered terminally with dull dusky, this border very narrow, and strictly terminal on the secondaries, but broader and involving more or less of both edges of the quills on the primaries, where it increases in extent to the outer quill, which has the entire outer web blackish ; alule and primary coverts dull blackish. Tail-feathers uni- form rich chestnut. ‘Iris dark brown; bill, alar spurs, and frontal leaf, bright yellow; upper base of bill bluish white, the space between it and the nasal leaf bright carmine; feet greenish” (Sumichrast, MS., fide Lawr., Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 4, 1876, p. 50). Young: Frontal leaf rudimentary. Pileum grayish-brown, bordered on each side by a wide and conspicuous superciliary stripe of buffy white, extending to the occiput; below this stripe, another narrower one of black or dusky, beginning at the posterior angle of the eye and extending along the upper edge of the auriculars to the nape, which is also of this color; remainder of the head, with the entire lower parts, except the sides, continuous buffy white, more strongly tinged with buff across the jugulum. Upper parts in general (except the remiges) light grayish-brown, the feathers bordered terminally with rusty buff in the younger stage, but uniform in older individuals; rump more or less tinged with chestnut. Sides and lining of the wing dusky black, but in older examples more or less tinged with chestnut. Remiges asin the _ adult; rectrices grayish-brown. The downy young is unknown, or at least if described I have been : unable to find out where. In the considerable series of specimens of this species contained in the collection of the National Museum, notable variations in size and proportions occur among specimens of the same age and sex, but apparently without regard to locality. Cuban specimens do not differ in the least from Mexican and Central American examples. The following note was published in the Bulletin of the Nuttall Orni- thological Club, vol. i, p. 88. I have nothing to add to it, except that during a recent visit to Washington Mr. Ridgway showed me some skins of this curious bird, and I was enabled to positively identify them with the birds I saw:—*‘ Early in August (1876) I saw a pair of water- birds quite new to me on the borders of a lagoon near Fort Brown. i was on horseback at the time, and did not have my gun, but had a good opportunity to observe them carefully. The next day I winged one of them, but it fell into a dense bed of water-plants, and could not be found, and the survivor disappeared. Respecting a letter describ- ing the bird as seen, Mr. Ridgway writes: ‘The bird you describe is un- doubtedly Parra gymnostoma; * * * the chestnut back and yellow (greenish-yellow) wings settle the species beyond a doubt.’ ” PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 169 212. Cygnus americanus, Sharpless. Early in January, 1878, a fine specimen was brought into Brownsville alive by a Mexican, who said that it was caught on a lagoon by one of his dogs. It must have been wounded, though I could see no sign of this. Either this species or the Trumpeter Swan is said to be not uncommon near the coast during winter. 213. Anser albifrons var. gambeli, Hartl. The first of the Geese to return in the autumn, usually about the first week in October. Comparatively few of this or the other species of Geese remain throughout the winter, but during the migrations this one is only surpassed in numbers by the Snow Goose. I have seen a flock of at least two hundred pass over Fort Brown as late as the 18th of April.— (A. gambeli, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 42.) 214. Chen hyperboreus, (Pall.) Very abundant, especially on the salt prairies near the coast.— (DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 41.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 62.) 215. Branta canadensis, (Linn.) Not rare, but the least common of the Geese in this vicinity.—(Ber- nicla c., DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 42.) 216. Branta hutchinsi, (Sw. & Rich.) More abundant than B. canadensis, but less so than A. gambeli.— {Bernicla h., DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 42.) 217. Dendrocygna autumnalis, (Linn.) . This large and handsome bird arrives from the south in April, and is soon found in abundance on the river banks and lagoons. Migrating at night, it continually utters a very peculiar chattering whistle, which at once indicates its presence. Called by the Mexicans patos maizal, or Corn-field Duck, from its habit of frequenting those localities. It is by no means shy, and large numbers are offered for sale in the Brownsville market. Easily domesticated, it becomes very tame, roosting at night in trees with chickens and turkeys. When the females begin to lay, the males leave them, and gather in large flocks on sand-bars in the river. My knowledge of the breeding habits is derived from Dr. S. M. Finley, U.S. A., who had ample opportunity of observing these birds at Hi- dalgo. The eggs are deposited in hollow trees and branches, often at a considerable distance from water (two miles), and from eight to thirty feet or more from the ground. The eggs are placed on the bare wood, _ and are from twelve to sixteen in number. Two broods are raised, and the parent carries the young to water in her bill. Twelve eggs received from Dr. Finley average 2.11 by 1.53, with but little variation in size: they are of the usual duck shape, and in color are a rather clear yellow- ish-white. The birds leave in September, but a few late broods are seen as late as November. The soft parts in a full-plumaged living male were 170 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. as follows: iris brown; bill coral-red, orange above; nail of bill bluish; legs and feet pinkish-white.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1862, 42.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 62.) ) 218. Dendrocygna fulva, (Gmel.) I cannot say much in regard to this species, though it is about as common as the preceding in this vicinity. Like the Corn-field Duck, it is a summer Visitant, and both species frequent the same places. The notes while flying are somewhat different. I know nothing definite in regard to the breeding habits, buf they probably do not differ much from those of the other bird. Dr. Finley tells me that he did not meet with it at Hidalgo. In afresh specimen, the bill was bluish-black; legs light slaty-blue.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 42.) 219. Anas boschas, Linn. Not uncommon during the winter months.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 42.) 220. Anas obscura, Gm. Not common; afew remain to breed on the marshes near the coast.— (DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 42.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 63.) 221. Dafila acuta, (Linn.) Rather plentiful—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 43.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 63. 222. Chaulelasmus streperus, (Linn.) Probably the most common Duck in this vicinity during the winter. My game register shows that a greater number of Gadwalls were killed each winter than of any other Duck. Some remain throughout the summer.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 43.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 63.) 223. Mareca americana, (Gm.) Rather common, especially in spring and autunn.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 43.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 63.) 224. Nettion caroiinensis, (Gm.) Common, especially during the migrations.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 43.) 225. Querquedula discors, (Linn.) Common, arriving early in September. A few remain during the winter, but the great majority go farther south, returning about the middle of March.—(DRrEssER, Ibis, 1866, 43.) 226. Querquedula cyanoptera, (Vieill.) Not rare during the migrations; more are seen in spring than in autumn. 227. Spatula clypeata, (Linn.) Very common in winter. I have seen several pairs on the marshes F during the breeding season.—(SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 63.) ——_— Se - a “> ae ee PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 171 228. Fulix marila, (Linn.) Rather rare.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 43.) 229. Fulix affinis, (Eyton.) Decidedly more common than the last.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 43.— Fuligula a., SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 63.) 230. Fulix collaris, (Donov.) A few specimens killed.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 43.) 231. Aythya americana, (Eyt.) Not uncommon.—(dthya a., DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 43.) 232. Aythya vallisneria, (Wils.) Rarer than the last species; but few specimens shot.—(thya v., DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 43.) 233. Bucephala albeola, (Linn.) Rather plentiful.—( DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 43.) 234. Erismatura rubida, (Wils.) Abundant. 235. Lophodytes cucullatus, (Linn.) A few seen during winter.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 44.) 236. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus, (Gmel.) Rather common, and seen at all seasons. I was unable to find any breeding places of this species, but they unquestionably nest near the coast, and also at no great distance from Hidalgo.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 45.—P. trachyrhynchus, SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 63.) 237. Pelecanus fuscus, Linn. Common resident. Found breeding abundantly on Padre and neigh- boring islands by Mr. Sennett in March, 1878.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 45.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 64.) 238. Plotus anhinga, Linn. Occasionally observed about Fort Brown, but appears to be more aburdantin the lagoons higher up the river.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 45.) 239. Graculus mexicanus, (Brandt.) Common resident. I did not find any nests, but think they are placed in the dense growth of trees and thorny bushes that borders most of the lagoons about here.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 45.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 64.) 240. Larus argentatus, Gm. Not rare along the coast in winter. One shot near Fort Brown on the 3d of March, 1877.—(SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 64.) 172 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. ni 241. Larus delawarensis, Ord. Common in winter.—(SENNETT, Lb. Rio Grande, 64.) 242. Chrceecocephalus atricilla, (Linn.) Common resident, breeding near the coast, and also on the salt prai- ries near the fort.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 44.—Larus a., SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 64.) 243. Sterna angiica, Mont. tather abundant. Found breeding in company with Forster’s Tern.— (SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 64.—S. aranea, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 44.) 244. Sterna caspia var. imperator, Coues. Breeds on Padre Island.—(SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 65.) 245. Sterna maxima, Bodd. Breeds on Padre Island.—(S. regia, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 44.) 246. Sterna cantiaca, Gm. Breeds on Padre Island.—(SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 65.) 247. Sterna forsteri, Nutt. On May 16, 1877, Mr. Sennett and I found a colony of these Terns nest- ing on a nearly submerged grassy island, among lagoons and marshes. They had but just begun to lay. About two dozen eggs were obtained, and a few parents shot for identification. The nests were slight depres- sions among the short grass, and the eggs were frequently wet.—(SEN- NELT, B. Rio Grande, 65.) 248. Sterna antillarum, (Less.) Common in summer, and some pass the winter. Deposit their eggs on sand-bars in the river.—(S. frenata, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 44.—S. superciliaris antillarum, SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 66.) 249. Hydrochelidon nigra, (Linn.) rather plentiful during sammer.—(H. plumbea, DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 45.) 250. Rhynchops nigra, Linn. Not rare in summer.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 45.—SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 66.) 251. Podiceps dominicus, (Linn.) A rather common resident. Several nests, undoubtedly of this Grebe, were found on May 16, 1877, while visiting the heronry already referred to. They were made of water-plants and pieces of reeds slightly fas- tened to one or two tulé-stalks, and forming a wet, floating mass. No eggs were obtained.—_(SENNETT, B. Rio Grande, 66.) | Note.—So far as it appears, Dr. Merrill’s claim (Bull. N. O. C. I, 88), _ to have been the first to have really added this species to the North PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 173 American fauna, must be admitted to be well founded. It was certainly ‘new to the American fauna”, unless it had been previously ascer- tained to be entitled to be so ranked. Unless Dr. Gambel’s attributing this bird to California be admitted, which it cannot be without confir- mation, no one can properly make any suchclaim. The Berlandier eggs— there were no birds—are unidentified, though probably genuine, but of Mexican origin. It is also included in Dr. Coues’s Birds of the North- west, where, however, it is only given as occurring “north to the Rio Grande”—not ‘north of the Rio Grande”. As Dr. Coues gives no authority for regarding it as known to be North American, but stops at the boundary line, the inference is that its presence was conjectural and not positive.—T. M. B. 252. Podilymbus podiceps, (Linn.) Occurs in winter.—(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 46.) Avuaust 1, 1878. ON A NEW SERRANOID FISH, EPINEPHELUS DRUMMOND-HAYI, FROM THE BERMUDAS AND FLORIDA. By G. BROWN GOODE and TARLETON H. BEAN. The National Museum possesses two specimens of a Serranoid fish, apparently undescribed, for which we propose the name Lpinephelus Drummond-Hayi, dedicating the species to Colonel H. M. Drummond Hay, C. M. Z.8., of Leggieden, Perth, Scotland, formerly of the British Army, by whom the species was first discovered at the Bermudas in 1851. The species is easily recognized by its numerous, small, star-like, white spots on a dark ground, a type of coloration not found in any other representative of this family hitherto described. A collection of water-color drawings, lent to the Smithsonian Institu- tion by Colonel Drummond Hay, contains an excellent sketch of one of these fishes, which was taken by him on the outer reef of the Bermudas in 1851. This specimen weighed 524 pounds. The drawing is on the scale of one-fifth. The smaller specimen (No. 16,795) is fifteen and three-quarters inches long. It was received in May, 1876, from Mr. E. G. Blackford, and was for some days on exhibition in the large glass refrigerator in the Gov- ernment Building on the Exhibition Grounds in Philadelphia. It was said to have been brought from Southern Florida by one of the New York market fleet. A cast of this fish was made, as well as an accurate sketch in water-colors. A second specimen (No. 21,255) was received early in May, 1878, from Mr. Silas Stearns of Pensacola, Fla. Its length is sixteen and three- quarters inches. The following description has been prepared from these two specimens. We have seen other specimens of this species in the 174 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. New York Aquarium, which were said to have been brought from the Bermudas. The fish belongs to the genus Serranus as defined by Giin- ther, and to the genus Epinephelus as limited by Gill, having, in distine- tion from the allied genus Trisotropis, nine rays in the anal as well as other characters. There is a remarkable uniformity in the measurements of the two specimens as given in tabular form below. That from Pensacola has longer fins, and the snout also a trifle longer. This is perhaps due to some slight distortion of the specimens, owing to the greater length of time which the first had been in alcohol. Epinephelus Drummond-Hayi, sp. nov., Goode & Bean. Diagnosis.—Length of head about one-third of total length (includ- ing caudal), and three-eighths of length without caudal. Greatest height of body equal to length of head. Least height of tail equal to half the length of external caudal rays, and approximately to that of snout. Przoperculum finely and evenly serrated; denticulations somewhat coarser at the angle. Suboperculum and interoperculum denticulated for a short distance on each side of their common junction. Maxillary bone nearly and mandibular quite reaching to a line drawn vertically through the centre of the orbit. Eye circular, its diameter contained six and one-third times in the length of the head, and slightly less than the width of the interorbital area, Which is half the distance from the snout to the centre of the orbit. Distance of dorsal from snout equal to the greatest height of the body, and twice the length of the mesial caudal rays or of ventral fin. The length of the first spine is less than half that of the second, and more than one-third that of the fourth, and longest. The length of the first ray is equal to or greater than that of the longest spine; that of the last ray, to the diameter of the eye. The distance of anal from snout equal to twice the height of the body at the ventrals; the length of its first spine about equal to that of the first of the dorsal; the length of the third spine equal to that of the snout. The length of the first ray is about equal to that of the maxil- lary; that of longest ray nearly half the length of head; that of the last ray nearly equal to that of the second anal spine. Caudal truncate when expanded; slightly emarginate when in nat- ural position ; covered with small scales nearly to its tip. Length of median rays half that of the head, that of external rays equal to two-thirds the distance from snout to pectoral, and also to the length of that fin. The distance of ventral from snout about twice its own length. Radial Formula.—D. XI, 16; A. III, 9; C. + 14 +; P. I, 16; V. I, 5. Seales in lateral line, 125; above lateral line, 32; below, 56-57. Color, light umber-brown, everywhere densely spotted with irregular, Bi Proc. Nat. Mus. 1878. | Plate I. Caprimulgus vociferus, f¢. Maryland. (3.) ~ Proc, Nat, Mus. 1878, Plate II. Maryland. (Nat. size.) en eee — ne, Plate III. Nat, Mus. 1878, Proc. ‘ (8) “OORXOTY ‘ZNIQ B10 A (‘0218 3@NT) “OOrxoyy “TE8T 201) VIIA ‘TE8T "PY P ‘nwmojsowwhs vung ‘po P ‘Nwmo souUhb ving (o719 ye N) ‘SUV GOLT, “aguRg *P ‘suoufrqw nyydowyogr ‘SULICW sory, ‘B6s8G *P ‘suoufiqyn nyydowyour 4 \ oe a =f rs ae ies : > tor “* » =e « ? J : ‘ i> > +. Jee Cen, ar b | . ~~ ea eg em a ——_—— Rasta ines neater wen - "ae ee 2 ee. eee regs a, to ears . . F ———— —s—-- PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 175 somewhat stellate, white spots, except upon the lips and under margin of the body. There are about forty of these patches between the gill- opening and the base of the caudal. A slight tendency to coalesce may be observed in the spots upon the sides. At Pensacola, this fish is called the Hind; at the Bermudas, it is the “John Paw”. Table of Measurements. Seerrenh WAIN Ber OL SPOCIMON (5.600. aos xe soseensces an cons eos 16,795. OT Zine S. Stearns. 0 er re omer hn re ee Bermuda. Pensacola, Fla. Millim. | 100ths. | Millim. | 100ths. Extreme length (to base of caudal) ...........-----..2202.--- eh eee Dy, otcadenaas Length to end of middle caudal rays......-..--...--.-------- WD Latics cnusy AB Neues ate Body: Ereateat Heizht (bebind ventrals). -. .. «2... 2. -.20s= esadfewsch wastd SR | wiicaswoce 38 ee er ee eee Pe eee ee er or) eer eee eg Caer es 36 eT a ee a ee eee ae, oer ee To | dees Sed 11 Head: 2 ee ee Pre ee ty eres) ee eee oe I > sh ten ct 38 ee PE EEE REC. coin nee rece wadews ctan|osesasece- , Ge, Meme ee 7 te oe a rere Pee 1O® [3 5-.56253 11 Length of operculum (to end of flap)..............--.---./.-----e00- og ere 12 Ree OL MAA RIUBTS 26 one cod hd- nis 50s bide 5ae olcsstit- Saks Se needs ee PR eae 17 MEDS: tae adit ces eee ne ches cence teen anwewenpuess wwnas he eS 203 Distance from snout to centre of orbit ...........-.....-.|.---..-.-. ae ee ee 14 EEN eles cae Gono aaawa ss euie Se que cl aiaaes ae Deew ae game ee ae 6 Dorsal (spinous) : ESI MOMEGS col ciaw cosa cece wesc csceames canbe ae ibe nee ee ee 39 ET ap 1 a a es so Eee eee eee = eee em ae aes eee

Sc aes a= co gh nals a atee SS DIS ass oo onl mom pieptae at Tas tock gaeieas 13 Tengen lonmeee tay 205822 s52 5/552. de08 ct - 2 scnn-|- nds en cee: (Oth) 24? |e 5-222 5. (4th) 15 ees Oe SI EO ee tan ois oka Saat @ a tecerg sooo onh lane dua: G, 7) tadedag see 6 Anal: Distance from snout ..-..- ia mie simcvrrert wate wa Shiwbesints Apis beans 6k CT | ee SE 70 Pee TN Mee os Se GM nade ee ede db ats vem idane babe o thane ses eens CT et ieee ae 16 I OF, TRG BIIDOS 8 0 och a ew anes op o8 wbnaet «Pen ates ooh setsd sae pe Pee ae 44 penne rr ED CRIINODS 6 08S SENS. C00 ok cnt e imme duken sfance woman’ See ee ew ain 9 TeGTEa OL, GATE REIS . os awit ates « deete' nash opine o Sods Sachesewow aes - WORT) pe ese 10 III PIN ee nao Sirians Spine tena namie en niiews oan ben Wout ome | ok ee 17 Lengiie al lengemie tay it -6 te ees ce ch es oe one shenne’~ mas fes od cabbinin (Gd) 23° [i .-ss252% (4th) 183 EE I tn Sg eld aete Pack wcddems two conhs | pede ne sek i, ae ee 8 Caudal: SEE Sie TRO BN ve cSEe nonlin toe bem soos e ingwamea beadecin os ES | a) wenaoe 19 Denote of externah sys) sos. 36k 5 55 2ad fae iid onic nbs o Sof acces uuu: Ee Oe 22 Pectoral: DintanGe frie abu 3s ones esis ed haben s assess eo deces ee, oe * hee~ 23... 34 PEN ak orga apes sake a see er ea Eel ant an netnge ode eaduleewwnys oes 3 an eee ae Ses 22 ‘Ventral : Pea aN GBONG . ~~ cc dak ned capa estan ceirdd nah anwe [Deseenae at Ce 40 TPR GP Ee atk db bn i dbos Sedat bartarde se sie ntthe ds feewes [J iszeicce! Deal kee ae a 19 i rae es Sa ee ee 2 j PCa C4 cuieerse sce Dosa) 224.3435 %. BE oid ocaase Wl sesssebeeeertudet tack PIT StS MAG |. ccucases I rete chetidha « Guin «acs == mtn ce IEW elas onc see gw SS) t= See FEL, 9 +}- 22 sheds OR CP i Sa SS eS eae eee ee Peer er ret eee Se ee ee + 14+ |..-.......- +14 + |.......... Rn SN we tet ah nitelnin « 20 2M opoa cee ieadiamie~ GAEL ooo 3216 Goss oa ecas 1-16 }......-.-- OW OMGIL Joc Sih we cA Pikerseescedsnds dedscd tees dts kL - cece = Ty hee a eae 8 a sates ae Number of scales in lateral line. .......---..-...----.---+---- DLS Pecorterts tg eee Number of transverse rows above lateral line...............- 2 gl pee bene hpage a ee SES: Number of transverse rows below lateral line ............... (5G)*| Suc. seisins Oe lisa vee WASHINGTON, May 25, 1878. 176 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. ‘ ) DESCRIPTIONS OF TWO NEW SPECIES OF FISHES, LUTJANUS BLACK- FORDII AND LUTJANUS STEARNSII, FROM THE COAST OF FLORIDA, By G. BROWN GOODE and TARLETON H. BEAN. Recent explorations on the coast of Florida have brought to light several undescribed species of large fishes. Some of them have already been named by us. Two species of Pristipomatoid fishes are character- ized below. Lutjanus Blackfordii, sp. nov., Goode & Bean. The well-known Red Snapper of our Southern coast has, strangely enough, never been scientifically described. This is due to an errone- ous identification of this species with a common West Indian form, Lutjanus aya, from which it differs in several particulars, notably in the size of the eye and of the scales. The species is dedicated to Mr. Eugene G. Blackford of New York City, to whom the National Museum is indebted for many hundreds of specimens of rare fishes, and by whose vigilant study of the New York fish-markets several species have been added to the fauna of the United States. We base our description upon a fresh specimen (No. 21,330), sent from Pensacola, Fla., May —, 1878, by Mr. Silas Stearns, which is twenty-six inches long, and weighs 114 pounds; also two well-executed casts, one, No. 12,515, obtained by Mr. Milner, in Washington City market, 1874, thirty inches long, and one, No. 20,978, thirty-three inches long, ob- tained from the Savannah Bank, March, 1878, by Mr. Goode. Diagnosis.—Body much compressed ; its upper profile ascending from the snout, with a slight concavity in front of eye to the origin of the spinous dorsal, thence descending in a long curve to the base of the caudal; under profile much less arched. Upper and lower jaw of even extent. The greatest height of the body equal to lengthof head. Least height of tail equal to one-third of the distance from the snout to the pectoral. Greatest height of head slightly less than one-third of total length, including caudal and three-eighths of length without caudal. Preoperculum finely and evenly serrated, except at the angle, where the denticulations are coarser: a slight emargination above the angle, in which is received an elevation upon the interopercular bone, and two shallower emarginations above. The maxillary falls short of the verti- cal line from the anterior margin of the orbit, the mandibular bone of that from the middle of the orbit. Eye circular; its diameter contained seven and one-third times in the total length of the head. Length of snout nearly equal to that of maxillary. Length of mandible equal to half the height of the body at ventrals, and equal to or slightly less - than distance from snout to centre of orbit. Distance of dorsal from snout about three times the length of snout; its length of base nearly equal to that of the pectoral. The length of its longest spine is equal ee es PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 177 to twice the second anal spine, and about three times that of the first dorsal spine. The first dorsal ray is twice as long as the first dorsal spine, its longest ray nearly equal to the first ray of the anal. Distance of anal fin from snout equal to two-thirds of total length (caudal excluded), twice as far from snout as is the pectoral; the length of its base slightly more than that of mandible; its first spine half as long as its second spine; its third spine slenderer, and slightiy longer than the second ; its first ray is about twice as long as its second spine ; its longest ray equal to middle caudal ray, or, in young specimens, much longer; its last ray half the length of the first. Caudal much emarginate, crescent-shaped; the median rays two- thirds as long as the external rays. Pectoral midway between snout and anal; its length twice that of the maxillary. Distance of ventral from snout equal to the height of the body; its length three times that of second anal spine. Radial Formula.—B. VII; D. X,14; A. III,9; C.+ 17+; P.1,16; ng apes Scales.—8, 50, 15. Scales extending half the length of the anal rays on the membrane; on the external caudal rays nearly to tip, and with slight traces upon the spinous dorsal in front of the spines; and in the soft dorsal somewhat more extended. Color.—Uniform scarlet. Centre of scales lighter, also belly, which is. silvered; inside of axil of pectoral darker maroon. This species is closely allied to the Lutjanus torridus of Cope, but dif-- fers in several particulars, notably (1) the smaller eye; (2) the greater: number of dorsal and anal rays; (3) the smaller and more numerous. scales; (4) the less emargination of the tail; (5) the shorter ventral fin (according to figure of Cope); (6) the higher occipital crest ; and (7) in coloration. Professor Cope’s type measured 14 inches ; ours range from 33 to 173. Lingual teeth in two patches; the anterior cordate, with emargina- tion posteriorly ; the other ovate-lanceolate, broadest anteriorly. Vom- erine patch a quadilateral figure, with concave sides, and with the longest sides posteriorly. Palatine patches somewhat spatulate, broadest posteriorly. | Proc. Nat. Mus. 73——12 Oct. 4, i878. 178 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Table of Mi easurements. Current number of specimen ... conse). ameecdace shes ssende pinicusy ated eae a eeeneee 21,330. Locality een e wae staan wqbltecs che euede- eee tate eee wor ewe www wes een eww wee eae Pensacola, Fla. Millim. | 100ths. Eetreme lenptes 20. PSs i ati ot cs co cee en sncwadeele nies as e/a ee eae ane O00: |... = Sceeem eee to end of middle caudal rayB. .. ..-ncsin so caeecsism ces satus s6es hs 4554-9 eee Body: SD raatenl height... .....-.0scccnne cose cca siadsewngseeb sSissesmitas | senses eeeeen Height at veritrals. co. oo. cece nde cn ee ae wens esmane ss cenenn emu a ae/e eels enn Least height of tail. ...... ...-- 7, A = EO epi 374 Height at ventrals....-.. #iesseee- Asi = ossek 354 |..------ ee eS Beere ---| 36% Seer Lg. Se ete ile pees EPP eg SP awd. Jas (Sp See BR, 2 Fess see 11 ead : Greatest length (to end of opercular flap) .}.....--. : ee ers Was Yeestrs 35 S58. Watsons 34 373 Width of interorbital area. ..............|....-.-- Tg SEL el Te: be eee oe eae 8 2: 8 RMI MEME Neon 5 cle Wf wcitin as ed algo ug {oan aps 62 js i aS _. eae el ee 14; Length of upper JAW iso. 0122442... 25s ae. cae ae ee ees 15 | Rep ia at OTE UA). LE 154 MOOUPUILON SHOMUSINO! ot co np asidah- cagsemauslcce saa ce ed Re ES a i, ees 183 Distance from snout to centre of orbit ...|........ PTR Beds: 18 | 4 SEES. rs: ees: 18 oe Rei ee ee Veen See Ts Som oo. 4, RASS 6 Dorsal (spinous): | Ss a ae rela oh ee 424 Length of base ..........- Petre stot ekey cece sg 264 ] 552. -%, re ae oe 6 he SRE ed 28 CT a ee re a Pee eee eRe Bg Fees oo See 43 Length of second spine ..............-...|..------ 9 pctv OY [haSxg ths Seay... £4 10 Length of longest spine ..............-..|.......- it a ae ee ng ee ae 6! ee ee 133 Dpmeerr er Wass PEINO 8s leet ute calf le cecs oe og CAE he Md RA Ee ahs ee 9 Dorsal (soft) : gp i le eee eee eee Bel bk oe aot en pacer es See EE oe 203 ee a See) ee eee | eee yg ERIN eee ae Lig Be Ree 93 Pn CeCNE THY .wcassel acc ctsaccleccas oe 10 Tsas555" A iste ex 1a pi es ee gd 12 ee ene ee ee nn oe oa 2S yee a] oe ee BASE a cen! 6 Anal: ; Distance from snout -...-....-...-.....-.|--..4.-- GBi scp Leas 8 “ee 2253. (i ae ee 724 EE MME Cee ios vase acco cme = cosfecasude- fal caeties iV ad oe iy Ae: 15 Borat et firntk apie 45223 ) 522545. - 16.35. |-b--Js2% i eee: Bb |opewedss Shiva) .. = f= 5 Lo AO le Se Sis omer) Bee aie Ye BBB im ee ei 94 Length of third spine. .-.........2.-.....}.......- Wythe se O45 \a522 ve: oe eee eee 93 A eS ot a lea ete ot oes oe Sf ROARED ae lak ta Fico 12 Renate nt longest FOF 5.93626. ea. ti ee $4) [isis > $40) |. i555 53} en eee 163 ol a Se “ab ae i eee, ieee ee CAG Neh gage 1 eee a8 + vege y a Caudai: Pov y Ce a ae 4, 2 Fae ee i aes i eS RS 17 Length of external rays ..............-.-|.-.-.--. iE) Mipeee ees p Ee RES MS Achbee o 26 Pectoral: Distance from snout ........-...----.---.|----.-.. Sa ee 354 |-----.-- Le ee 354 | ee le ee ea am Ninny ea A hl ae 5 iP Pee ee Sa Se es 32 Ventral: paneer ES, Pee eee i eee 384 |.----.-- ee ee - Re 394 NEN Bae Pa hast oa cla SAE eo sx Se. | eee wt ay hae eee ht os Deere yD (ees ee 21 a ee ae, 2 a A ok acon 1 Ree oe LES eke: foie SS Rake nee ¢ OE pe bo ee A Dt | ge eee BL Lg ee ma Peete TAS P25. os NE ES a ee och wy dd GiveG igen ad po ews (0: a || pis OE Ree ee Lg he eee SEE Siac fips Sakats Soe Sgt Ao 8 Re io 2” ee oe ee rs ee Wi te ately tee ao See tinet Scion se ebuees an eoie Ae Peet i ta Spaae Ay 8 5 ye gt ote 0S ee Se ne pee en eR 5 as i ae ecg A 4g) BESS No. of scales in lateral line .............-.. ee BO. 1)- Je 1 eo oe No. of transverse rows above lateral line. .. iy BS oe is tas PP eiae =< - gh ee No. of transverse rows below lateral line... MG feo a2s Le ae LBs) -beeres Mh |, o¢/- LS ee eee pounds. . 1d Tanne Be | .wsak- a pe plea ay - ae Sa Lutjanus Stearnsii, sp. nov., Goode & Bean. A single specimen of the Mangrove Snapper of Pensacola was sent by Mr. Silas Stearns, to whom the species is dedicated, as a slight acknowledgment of his services in securing for the United States National Museum large collections of fishes from the Gulf of Mexico aod fresh waters adjacent to Pensacola, Fla. Upon this individual (catalogue number 21,337), our description is based, having been drawn up from the fresh specimen. Its length is 193 inches. Besides the alcoholic preparation, the Museum has also a cast and a color-sketch. 180 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Diagnosis.—This species may be readily distinguished from ZL. Black- Jfordii by its different color, lower and less compressed body, shorter head, shorter pectorals and ventrals, and by other characters which appear in the table of measurements. Body similar to that of L. Blackfordit in shape. It greatest height equals length of head, twice length of mandible, and twice that of ven- tral. Its height at ventrals equals four times width of interorbital area. Least height of tail equals first anal ray and twice the last dorsal ray. Greatest length of head equals greatest height of body, twice length of mandible, and twice ventral length. The width of interorbital area equals one-fourth of height at ventrals and two-thirds of least height of tail. Length of snout equals second anal ray. Length of maxillary equals twice length of second dorsal spine, which equals second anal spine. The mandible equals the ventral in length. Eye contained slightly more than six times in greatest length of head. Distance of dorsal from snout equals three times, and base of spinous dorsal twice length of snout. First dorsal spine about equal to first anal. Second dorsal spine equals second anal and twice first anal. Longest dorsal spine (fourth) equals one-third of greatest length of head. Last dorsal spine about equal to half distance from snout to centre of orbit. Base of soft dorsal equals three times second spine of © dorsal. First ray of dorsal equals three-fourths of first anal ray, which equals least height of tail. Longest dorsal ray (fourth) equals twice diameter of eye, and the last equals half of Jeast height of tail. Distance of anal from snout equals slightly more than six times least height of tail; its length of base somewhat exceeds length of second anal ray.. First anal spine equals half the second, which is half the length of upper jaw. Third anal spine equals half second anal ray, which equals length of snout. First anal ray equals least height of tail; second equals length of snout, and last equals half length of snout. Middle caudal rays equal one-sixth and superior external rays one- fourth of total length. Inferior external rays slightly less than length of pectoral. Distance of pectoral from snout about equal to length of head. Its length almost twice least height of tail. ei Distance of ventral from snout nearly three times length of snout ; its length equals half length of head. Racial Formula.—B. VIL; D. X,14; A. III, 8; C.+ 17 +; P. 1,15; Vee. he Dy Scales.—6, 45, 14. : Color.—General color scarlet below, shading into reddish or purplish brown above. Plum color on sides and top of head. Below the lateral line, the posterior half of the exposed portion of the scales is white tinted with scarlet; the basal portion reddish and much darker. Under part — of head light scarlet. Vertical fins darker than the body. Pectoral -and ventral white roseate, | PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 181 Teeth.— Vomerine teeth in a patch shaped like a spear, with concave cutting edges and acutely produced angles. Table of Measurements. Peer rE Gt HNGCMION. 5. 220i, acca ons cel ol vad: ceed tee oe cu ced eodacoees 21 doe. NIE tere ea sa ssh we SOOO PURM ANNE H Cs aw dade wkae ae va eDS dae sedaneteadae so Pensacola, Fla. Millim. | 100ths. Peireme lonath without CONG ocemenems de nede oder ns spebie eb «deer op conan ea cede ae 490. |. 2.0% cudebee ay be CRUAM SIMUL CUEEE TICES In cole a oR eek oe Sacer c's a sacecebscacesteceee 501 (19 in.) ody: ee MeN Sn SSA, eed teh Eee ste Se Liga diene dade cS eas Swo~snc)escestecne 34 A POT. Cad -aceaberind ey geht 2 t0caons vaptheccurapdy « wwpinysel vt hans asybey - 32 (ese NEISHG OF CON ond an on con yen ads oo teeens deudanex RAMEE towns Shani acene fescue. «.. 12 Head : oe a yn phelps lied hl A a Foe apetileat i toe pat beat, 6 ihe iy. pase oi ps ne a ee ea 34 Width.of,interorbitalarem- ssccd’ o-.ck .seneleade sees. Kc ticecleaes edhe Saeed es 8 MeCN Se ee oe eda oo Seka Sat pws « akc G as bla Ban 6 ado Sone'n [ower 2 dees 13 eee OF ODSRCRIEM 16352545 occas ns otc. Sh gd Yee ces) d. Reel toy ous. | eacwqdek ln 11 ene Aer e Pea tehyn oh dam ded bn aie dn age tate Sak ween ok ache] + ced wgcees 14 Deno OL MAONGIIG ss. 4= 5." ates ak PCO 588857. SOAS Soe Ek. BAG. 2 17 Diminwee 16am BUOUL TO GENIC Of OFDIL .... a. coos a ne ceeadmeewsensnecdessces|--ccadaces 154 RI ANUP oe doit ie = ia a ais a.0 wed So dnd & bins we aw < gail hae Wpkg = a UB a bbe 54 Dorsal (spinous) : ENE MONE RS oe el crt one Lath ite ee bald délestuninieduatas Sogn ly ahnh i as ~- 393 LAGIILIL GL DPGGs CMA AaB Ane ee ee ee One RD Rete A age te =e roe re 26 nein OMY RN 2s Sel. Se wads oo nine +d atuiaaelbeee a bake on dvlted ds. peide «wine os 3h i RRM 2 88 eS a avin ac wcawwais cues Mahe Con acnah >: Seen Ra 6 BAAD © Sod wri ae 7 Pength ~ tempat Sy SAS CAUA SRR RECO Wa BE, ES oes ..: (4th) 113 foe CO Eg 1% Dork (soft) : Oy og ee ee eee Apres Oe a, Oe ee ee ta pe Pky, Cee 21 (eas Pi fe ge ee ee ae wor ee eee! fe ee eee et S| Serer Seen é 9 ENE ee ae Sin din aims nin SG cio diam wiss ga amines oa dee aE weno a dp 2 (4th) 11 IRON OURO Meer OEE NS hn 2 oui ain ver ewww wel diaecce Pdeeeurata deeb ee cols > anwee a. 6 Anal: arr SoS. Ts seek et shiva tenna al aduie Geen memece eg agen debanede se 73 Sian tn Ws ote FO si Ste bis sad. 2 RR Ute RE LI SEE A 134 rene RENNES 0 Ot 2k OL Ue Sie 8 Fg) eek eae nn cae de ewldblnn [eee nme > wes 34 a I. SRMENDENAN TAREINON S15 core wo wie no. aiolee Oo wo i Se dma 2 awe ove we oe eo wl bn SERPS EAC ED 7 aN MEET CORNET Natty tig aS Sle! Ghia a ue ans a Sarena a BS a ~ asl ape ee oe 25 64 PAPE TRI AE GAG AMES. enn Sac Sedb wih hts Uaek se ree. Arb tecbe ewhtian. SL LaietLe 12 OE Ty al oR Rallies alot Be ee apd oe a RE hy a aman Sena eee (2d) 13. Lenrtly of Inst raysts de pdt ved OA EH Fae Faden dab ie ces Won et AA ete les cea 64 Caudal: enn Akar SRMEMETOS WRC 2 5 aa bs wi usa ei be wh - GS ae ease Umea ae hee re 163 Length of external rays .........22-0chs-0s-0cesroad-thessnctens. Tee oid RO ada 38 Pectoral : Patines fries wBOat te Cot ALL St. nie atl eee loko en Sach. Ws Leics 334 PE a ae A a el Eh el a ae a Stal atin wm Wain 234 Ventral: PStANeO 1PON) SHOW. 0 seen oe OE ns eS crete: BA ehh ahi 3 -s- 384 UNE ten aie Sete ao a eee a ye cin nis Ok bk awe ce 2e 2 aa ee WS oa beers c bees 17 URN pe ee niga Se gn debs ae roe a dt Sedck cents Och tan ape hee eS en eee ee Bes ene BE a eee a recom Chast Sehane ody «8 rae aa RS MAU eee ee. ser cia SL ae ie 2 ete oa eS ERED ob Caddo 8 ee cae -. Sat is hs ee i eee I eee Ne aR a i eo al wings +17 + Te a ES ES ee ee eee el lS ae eee ee ee ee ee 4 eee oe CrEntstteeeeers roe ah ae te. SS aes Sk ee Ne a eee see < San ds SO |S Re ee es oe Pear ne suet Tateral Pine. 2200 0s ern. wis te tras Sec ec endaoncd ccseusct Sender 2 t eee Number of transverse rows above lateral line ...-.......- 2.222 enna en eee ne cee eee Grinee ta cesta Number of transverse rows below lateral line...... eer.) ot oe alas oss Et | ere eas A NOTE ON THE GULF MENHADEN, BREVOORTIA PATRONUS, GOODE. By SILAS STEARNS. The Gulf Menhaden are first seen about Pensacola in April. They enter the harbor in small schools, swimming at the surface, rippling the water as they go. I have never seen any large schools, perhaps not more than four or five barrels in one body; but the number of small schools which might be seen in a few hours at the right place and in a 182 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. favorable time would make an immense school or schools, if consolidated. The fishermen report them in small bunches outside and offshore. I have never seen one in the spring which would measure over six inches, and the greater number measure less than that; all the fishermen con- firm this. They seem to stay in brackish water until they get accustomed to the change, and lose their parasite,* and then go directly into the fresh water. About May 27, I hauled a seine in a fresh-water stream near the head of the bay, and caught nearly a barrel of Brevoortia patronus. Their color was darker, and I did not find any parasites in their mouths. Their stomachs were full of food, but I could find no traces of spawn or milt. I do not know exactly when they return from fresh water, but last October Major Staples and I caught about two dozen in a gill-net with a mesh of 34 inches. I remember that they were gilled very hard, and therefore judge that they must. have been quite large. Iam quite positive that they belonged to the same species. PENSACOLA, FLA., June 6, 1878. A NOTE UPON THE BLACK GROUPER (EPINEPHELUS NIGRITUS (HOL- BROOK) GILL) OF THE SOUTHERN COAST. By G. BROWN GOODE and TARLETON H. BEAN. Among the specimens from Pensacola sent by Mr. Stearns, there is the “ Jew-fish ” of West Florida, said to attain the weight of three or four hundred pounds. The specimen (No. 21,329) measures in length 29 inches, and weighs 16 pounds. It was described while in a fresh condition. SYNONYMY. Serranus~nigritus, HOLBROOK, Ichthyology of South Carolina, p. 173, pl. xxv, fig. 2.— GUNTHER, Catalogue of the Acanthopterygian Fishes in the Collection of the British Museum, I, 1859, p. 134. Epinephelus nigritus, GILL, Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Phila- delphia, 1865, p. 105; Report of the U. 8. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries for 1871-72, 1873, p. 806; Catalogue of the Fishes of the East Coast of North America, 1873, p. 28. DESCRIPTION. Diagnosis.—Body oblong, thick, tapering very gradually from the insertion of the dorsal and the end of the ventral. Its greatest height (behind ventrals) is contained three and one-sixth times in total length (caudal included) and about equal to length of head. The height of body at ventrals is slightly greater than one-third of total length with- *This species is infested by the same parasite which is so common in the mouths of the common Menhaden in Southern waters, the Cymothoa pregustator (Latrobe) Say. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 183 out caudal, double the greatest width of the poets and three times the least height of tail. Head a trifle longer than eat height of hey and slightly less than twice the length of the pectoral. The width of the interorbital area is half that of the head, and nearly doub‘e the diameter of the eye. The length of the snout is iii equal to that of the operculum. The preoperculum is finely serrated on its posterior limb, slightly produced at the angle, the edge of which is obtusely rounded, and armed with stronger denticulations. Upon the inferior limb in feoiil of the angle is one stout spine. Lips scaleless. Maxillary with a few minute scales arranged in a narrow band. Length of the upper jaw nearly half the length of head and quite half the greatest height of the body. Length of mandible about double that of the operculum. Length of mandible slightly more than that of pectoral. Eye circular, its diameter nearly nine times in length of head and nearly twice in width of interorbital space. Its anterior margin is mid- way between the tip of the snout and the posterior edge of the pre- operculum. Dorsal as far from the snout as ventral, its length of base three- fourths that of the head. The length of the first spine slightly exceeds the diameter of the eye, the second spine is as long as the base of the anal fin and about equal to the longest analray. The length of the last spine is twice that of the first. The length of base of soft dorsal is four-fifths that of the spinous dorsal, which is exactly double the length of the longest dorsal ray. The last ray is half as long as the first ray of the anal. The distance of the anal from the snout is three-fourths of the length of the body without caudal. Its length of base is equal to the length of the second dorsal spine. The relations of the length of the spines and rays of the anal fin are exhibited in the table of measurements. Caudal fin rounded, its middle rays half as long as the head, the exterior rays slightly shorter. The pectoral is very broad and rounded, its insertion considerably in advance of the end of the opercular flap. Its length slightly exceeds that of the middle caudal rays. Ventrals broad, distant from snout three-eighths of the length of the body and as long as the pectoral. The ventral spine is as long as the last dorsal spine. Scales of moderate size, with minute pectinations, truncate at the attached end. When detached, their shape is nearly oblong. Color, dusky brown above, lighter below; fins darker; no traces of markings upon body or fins. ” ~~, 2 3 184 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUY [ Table of Measurements. Current number of specimen...... eres eter este et eee ee eee ee eeee Sete eee ee esse eee fiaoaiaah height . 0.2.5. -nccwccnicnaenimincuse bsbbucebndepiceenese== age Greatest willie. .--——- 0-2-2 no ce ce peg Heicht at ventral .. .... 2.2 ..s0c ssenwnsacct cies =< nsns heneee ae == an Least heivht of tall . .....cene. no nsnapnapace=pgseee deeeeeeeeaaneeaane Head: Greatest length ........ +... .-- s020e50450<05+penasneskaapp aes siennee tne Greatest widthe.. na ooo cc on mtd a ne Sn Ll ‘Width of interorbital area ...... 2220-2 nccuctacenpsqucnhssunees eee Seen Toenpth ef suog6 oo 2... es ce ee scesin ceekce Meecben seuaes|scenendss Length of operculum ...... . .2..0< s2.svecen<0s o=gpe een ee Length of maxillary .......... 022.200 cencesc 252 ckbens bubuas spans Case eae ode ene Eeee Length of mandible... ..- 2-2 .-0«+s52-6e04te teeta oan heen eee Distance from snout te orbit... 20 22d aks .eannas coun lw aandas sencesedesedeo teense Diwneter of erbié...... ~cceee eeu a eee ee eS eS ee onpinidatecn ba ciuseanel Dorsal (spinous) : Distance from aneul ... ..n.--o asineospeh ouceanes cides eubesaanecsoneennalnee Length of last | ERY .coccnce> cr capnns segedasinddpn edicts chhaaneenanseadeeee Caudal : Length of middle rage ..c< -4:ccqnadbunddirhenredhtcestietnedudiasasaeaene sens Length of external CRGE . ccccvcacdccdcesccd . vbpe cbsudlb ene tebleuaedteduaesalliaaaal Pectoral : Distasive from emewd .0.5.csccs Jes cdcsncdsuvnayeunaioeedaeee dnashenreahacseee , @ aE ShakHH pEBERS Hs BENE _ - Eu £8 gf SABRE -....12 20 cccccddececacces cucene caseantedadendbannendwartananetn sae Branchiostegals ...... .. cose cccscceccenecseasee oseeeesbennsensannaiiaenee ooptenein’ Peal .. 2.221. crccecccccdocedascecscomdc cuseniiuas an unadaass esaeennne ee Number of scales in lateral line ...... cocccceccnccconuhbeko seemed dbase eee Number of transverse rows above lateral line cae. cponsdbutsedushgnanadede naka Number of transverse rows below lateral line. >...........-eces-------ceeceeceeee WASHINGTON, June 1, 1872. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 185 CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS OF ST, VINCENT, FROA COLLECTIONS MADE BY MR. FRED. A. OBER, UNDER THE DIRECTIONS OF THE SMITH- SONIAN INSTITUTION, WITH HIS NOTES THEREON. By GEORGE N. LAWRENCE. Before Mr. Ober’s final visit to Dominica, he made collections in An- tigua and Barbuda. These were left with the United States consul at Antigua, to be forwarded to the Smithsonian Institution when there was an opportunity todo so. This was in September, 1877; but they have not yet been received. . After completing his investigations in Dominica, he went to St. Vincent, whence be writes under date of October 9:—*“ cee . 09 . 093 . 098 . 09 . 093 . 694 Length of mandible: .o-.5o aun ce heemenet cae .10 . 104 . 104 . 104 «ae . 104 Diameter of Cys -.ple< don ht bopien dade eeenaiices . 064 . 064 . 063 . 065 . 063 . 064 Dorsal (spinous) : Distance from snont . is. issnascehesemsese koe . 41 - 413 -Al . 394 . 44 A 9 | Greatest height . .2vd.4 Saas Week eeee eae .10 . 103 «MO | hse ara hate eh . 10 Length of firstspine.:5. cavitdaccsshaveaervet vibe. . 04 . 04 . 034 . 03% . 03% . 04 Length of sdlond CDE: Od, pueda eek peote ant 2) ee JOT . 064 . 06 - 053 Length of last apine’.iscxsign enn os ccddewete chee 8 A 9 O'ts, teas hintaan . 08 . OFF Dorsal (seft): Length of fret ray..s. vvcuwasinatnesdeenn eae tees OT) pains poke aber tiles . 08 . 07 Length of longest ray ..\-<.'s «n<4 dedbeaates eatkins OTE wink os hie bes cal Shapes . 08 07 Length of last rays 22.04 ake saabeb een woke . 064 Se eer ee Pere Perey Anal: Distarce from snout 2... 2b Mob Le aes . 62 . 62 - 603 . 62 . 623 - 62 Length of firat splue;. . «.cse vel smcllat anal eunaneee . 04} 05 - 043 - 045 - 043 Length of second spine .i.5.232-2.ccukhescesenee . 084 . 083 . 084 . O84 054 . 0c Length of third gping. ii.asedeas eekeeb es . OFF . 07 . 083 - O74 . 08% 07% Length of frat ray .-..25..-deceanctmseeabeasetees . 074 . 084 . 08 - O74 . 083 . OT} Length of longest ray. 4.2. o.setctareds theeetan . 074 . 084 . 08 . O74 . 084 . O74 Length of laet rag .2. ies panddsadeceaoaneen . 064 A See en . 064 . 06 Caudal: Length of middle raye’s ...:..xss bivees vas baa . O94 10 . 093 -10 - 093 - 10 Length of superior external rays ............--. . 24 . 244 «Rael migra poten Siar 244 Pectoral: Distance from snout: ..<« / *"G-00-aa-Gen-aee) Cae ree, | fs SS" ROR AA yo enone orem = sees! OTGRREY A" TSA Be etsy OD ee nage eet ant) Re ee, Tier AAS oe ee 9ST-OF-HOON | FS90E 8 Bel sly he ee (Fate Op =| state oF Ss eee es On i Tos SORE VS) "732 735 Romane ope SS eee epren* a= eats rye oe Teer See oe ee SOY-TNZ-Sv-0}-O | ZA90E 2 Se BLT Pie a ER DOTA | ee ee ee ee ee a ee ee ee at CORRE ee et ee a ee 8 BRbweieo [ote TOTTORI, |B s See Bea — ea Opes lias ad - oe be che ale ae youd saey fe" *" 922-3" qnu-unt-os-vq9 | 02908 ae GEL | OF qr Rts wer LOM SOrT | Ths wena ose: sen geese erm dw (yy see mat acac «Kes Sinn ss ese nn pee Ad OURO RT jot. as. te ou da wa ere SR sas ce: og ee tie kt. ok Dire Ure RSS nee as ee a pea Beier fo. See OLUI-T-UIA | 8L90F ee aie OR TT." se> Sine OBS) ar Sher 2G A et ae oe WO Tad eee pies ere ct ag he DISMS tae. 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SPD CAS see ge ae REA es ees «2 ose DESMO EOM Mat tn. ae kOe Pree ———— se t— 206 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 30676 30677 30678 30679 30680 30681 30682 30683 NOTES ON THE PRECEDING LIST. CHEYENNES. | (1) Heap of Birds.—Chief. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Died October 9, 1&77. Ringleader. (2) Bear Shield.—Chief. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Killed Watkins. (3) Minimic.—Chief. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. . Ringleader. (4) Medicine Water.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, March 5, 1875. Charge 1st.—Wilful and deliberate murder. Did kill or assist in killing a party of surveyors, white men, consisting : of Capt. Oliver F. Short and his son, F. D. Short, James Shaw and his son, J. Allen Shaw, and J. H. Renchler, resi- dents of Lawrence, Kans. Also, Henry C. Jones. Charge 2d.—Abduction. Illegal detention. Kidnapping. Did carry off or assist in carrying off Catherine, Sophia, Julianne, and Mary Germain, aged, respectively, 18, 13, 7, and 54 years. Held the first two as captives from Septem- ber 11, 1874, until Mareh 1, 1875. (5) Long Back.—Subchief. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, March 18, 1875. Held and abused Germain girls. (6) White Man.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, March 5, 1875. | Accomplice in Short and Germain murders; pointed out by Medicine Water. (7) Rising Bull.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, March 5, 1875. Accomplice in above murders; pointed out by Germain girls. (8) Cohoe.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, J aueeer 9, 1875. Accomplice (pointed out by Big Moccasin and Medicine Water) in Germain murder. é PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 207 30684 (9) Bear’s Heart.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Accomplice (pointed out by Big Moccasin and Medicine Water) in Germain murder. 30685 (10) Star.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1575. No offence charged. 30686 (11) Howling Wolf (Minimic’s Son).— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 30687 (12) Making Medicine.—/Varrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 30688 (13) Antelope.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 30689 (14) Come-uh-see-vah (Wolf's Marrow).— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 30690 (15) Little Medicine.— Chief. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 30691 (16) Shave Head.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 30692 (17) Roman Nose.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 30693 (18) Big Nose.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory. April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 30694 (19) Squint Eyes.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 30695 (20) Little Chief— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 908 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 30696 (21) Matches.—VWarrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Perritory, April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 30697 (22) Buffalo Meat.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 30698 (23) Buzzard.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Ringleader. 30699 (24) Soaring Eagle.— Warrior. Arrested at Fort Wallace, Kansas, December 25, 1874. Brown murder, near Wallace. Had Brown’s pistol when captured by Lieutenant Hinkle. 30700 (25) Moconista.— Warrior. Arrested at Fort Wallace, Kansas, December, 25, 1874. Brown murder. 30701 (26) Left Hand.— Warrior. Arrested at Fort Wallace, ihnia December 25, 1874. Brown murder. 30702 (27) Chief Killer.— Warrior. Arrested at Staked Plains, Texas, September 24, 1874. Participated in the killing of the Germain parents and son and daughter, and in the carrying away into captivity of the four sisters. 30703 (28) Mochi.—Squaw. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, March 5, 1875. Put an axe in head of Germain girls’ father. Grey Beard.— Chief. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Jumped from the train en route, near Houston, Fla., May 21, 1875, and was shot by the guard and died in two hours. Ringleader. : Big Moccasin.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, Decem- ber 14, 1874. Died November 4, 1875. Camsheran by Captain Keys, cn pointed out by Medicine Water. Ringleader and murder. Lean Bear.— Chief. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Died July 24, 1875. Ringleader. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 209 Shaving Wolf.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne eos Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Died December 5, 1876. Ringleader. Spotted Elk.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne eed Indian Territory, April 3, 1875. Died January 2, 1877 Ringleader. ARAPAHOES. 30704 (29) Packer.— Warrior. ’ Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, March 5, 1875. Charge.—Wilfal murder. Killed Leon Williams, a Mexi- can herder in the employment of the United States Govern- ment, at Arapahoe and Cheyenne Agency. 30705 (30) White Bear.— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, March 5, 1875. Attempt to kill. Did shoot at, with intent to kill, F. H. Williams, an employé of the United States Government, at the Arapahoe and Cheyenne Agency. KIOWAS. Woman's Heart.—Chief. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, October 3, 1874. Released by order of the Secretary of War, April 18, 1877. Participated in the assaults on Amos Chapman and party, and on Major Syman’s train, near the source of the Washita River, Texas, September 9 to 13, 1874. Participated in the murder of Jacob Dilsey, on the North Fork of the Canadian River, below Camp Supply, near Cottonwood Grove, Indian Territory, November 21, 1873. CADDOES. 30706 (31) Huh-nah-nee.—Prominent Man. Arrested at Fort Sill, Indian Territory, April 7, 1875. Killed E. P. Osborne (Black Beaver’s son-in- Sar) near the Wichita Agency, Indian Territory, August 22, 1874. 30707 (32) White Horse.—Chi¢f. Arrested at Fort Sill, Indian Territory, 17th December, 1874. Led the party killing Manuel Ortego and Lucien Mundés, near Dr. J. J. Sturms, on the Little Washita River, Indian Territory, August 22,1874. Participated in the Howard’s Wells Texas massacre, 1872. Led the party killing the Lee family and abducting the Lee children, near Fort Griflin, Proc. Nat. Mus. 78-———14 Oct. 17, i878. Texas, 1872. Led the party killing Mr. Koozier, near Hen- rietta, Texas, and carrying his wife and four children in captivity, 1870. Led the party attacking the mail stage, dangerously wounding the driver, robbing the stage, killing, wounding, and robbing the stage of its mules, near John- son’s Station, 25 miles west of Fort Concho, Texas, July 14, 1872. Notoriously a murderer and raider. 30708 (33) Wo-haw (Beef).— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, October 3, 1874. Participated in the murderof Manuel Ortego and Lucien Munos. Was in the party killing Jacob Dilsey. 30709 (34) Bird Chief, alias Bird Medicine, alias Bad Eye.— Warrior and Leader. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, October 3, 1874. Participated in the assaults on Amos Chapman and party, and Major Syman’s train near the source of the Washita River, Texas, September 9 to 13, 1874. Led the party, killing Jacob Dilsey on the North Fork of the Cana- dian River, below Camp Supply, near Cottonwood Grove, Indian Territory, November 21, 1873. Was in the party killing J. H. Martin, Mr. Canala, and Mr. Himes near Ki- owa or Medicine Lodge Creek, Barbour County, Kansas, June 16, 1874. Participated in the murder of Earnest Modest; seized Modest by the wrist and held him while shotiar. shot him, near Wichita Agency, August 22, 1874. 30710 (35) Double Vision.—Peity Chief. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, Octgnet 3, 1874. Was in the party murdering Earnest Modest. Held the bridle of Romero’s horse all the time the murder of Earnest Modest was being accomplished. 30711 (36) Sa-a-mi-da (Bear in the Clouds).—Leader. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, October 3, 1874. Participated in the murder of Earnest Modest. Took care of the horses of the party, while the other Indians hammered Earnest to death with their hatchets. 30712 (37) Lone Wolf.—Chief. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territor y, Feb- ruary 18, 1875. Headed a party of Kiowas, killing two buffalo-hunters, Dudley and Wallace, on the Canadian River, below Adobe Walls, early in 1874; led a party of 100 Indians, more or less, in assailing a party of non-combatants, citizens of the United States, viz, E. P. Osborne, BH. H. Barrett, Jackson — Clark, and Charles Losson, and did murder, or aid in, assist, — 4 30713 30714 30715 30716 30717 30718 30719. 30720. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 211 and abet the murder, with firearms of three of the aforesaid non-combatants, viz, Osborne, Barrett, and Clark. (38) Zo-tom (Biter).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territory, Feb- . ruary 18, 1875. Was in party headed by Mah-mante, killing two colored men on Salt Creek Prairie, between Jackson and Belknap, Texas, 1870 or 1871. Participated in the attack on buffalo- hunters at Adobe Walls, early in spring of 1871. (39) On-ko-eht (Ankle).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territory, Feb- ruary 18, 1875. Bad man; was with Mah-mante, killing two colored men, &e. (40) Ohet-toint (High Forehead).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian ana Feb- ruary 18, 1875. Was with Mah-mante when he killed the man in the wagon; was with Lone Wolf killing two buffalo hunters. (41) E-tah-dle-uh (Boy).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territory, Feb- ruary 18, 1875. Was with Lone Wolf killing buffalo-hunters (Dudley and Wallace); was in the party attacking buffalo-hunters at Adobe Walls, early in spring of 1874. (42) Zo-pe-he (Toothless).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territory, Feb- ruary 18, 1875. Participated in the killing of two colored men. Went to Texas with a party of Comanches and participated in the killing of two men on the Clear Fork of the Brazos in the summer of 1873. (43) Tsah-dle-tah (White Goose).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territory, Feb- ruary 18, 1875. Was with Lone Wolf, killing two men, buffalo-hupters, Wallace and Dudley ; was prominent in the attack on troops at the Washita, August 22, 1874; helped to kill the white men Modest, Osborne, and others. (44) Zone-ke-uh (Teeth).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, February 18, 1875. Was with Mah-mante killing the two colored men. Was with Lone Wolf killing two buffalo-hunters, Dudley and Wallace. (45) Beah-ko (Old Man).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian acitiny. Feb- ruary 18, 1875. 212 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. __ 30721. 30722 30723 30724 30725 30726 30727 30728 Helped rob Shirley’s store at the Wichita Agency, In- — dian Territory, August 22, 1874. (46) To-un-ke-up (Good Talk).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territory, Feb- ruary 18, 1875. Stealing in Salt Creek Valley, Texas, late in 1871. Was with Lone Wolf killing Dudley and Wallace, buffalo-hunt- ers. . (47) Ko-ba (Wild Horse).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Torys Feb- ruary 18, 1876. Was with Mah-mante stealing a lot of mules in the Brazos country in 1872. Participated in the attack on General Davidson’s command at Wichita Agency, August 22, 1874. (48) Mau-ko-peh (Flat Nose).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territory, Feb- ruary 18, 1875. Stealing horses, and was with Mah-mante stealing a lot of mules in the Brazos country in 1872 (49) Au-lih (Wise).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Jndign Territory, Feb- ruary 18, 1875. Was with Lone Wolf killing Dudley and Wallace. Was with Mah-mante when he killed the man in the wagon. Stealing horses. Helped rob Shirley’s store. Participated in the attack on General Davidson’s command. (50) Ko-ho (Kicking).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territory, Feb- ruary 18, 1875. Was aie Lone Wolf killing Dudey and Wallace. Was with Mah-mante killing the two colored men. Helped rob Shirley’s store. Participated in the attack on General Davidson’s command. Stealing mules. | (51) To-o-sape (Bull with Holes in his. Bars).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territory, Feb- ruary 18, 1875. Was with Mah-mante killing the two colored men. Was with Lone Wolf killing Dargis and Wallace. Stealing mules, (52) Tsait-kope-ta (Bear Mountain).— Warrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territory, Feb. . ruary 18, 1875. Helped rob Shirley’s store. Stole horses. Was with Lone Wolf kiJling Dudley and Wallace. (53) Pedro.— Warrior. . Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territory, Feb- | ruary 18, 1875. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 213 Wichita Agency, Indian Territory, August 22, 1874.. Was in a party killing two white men below Fort Griffin, Texas, in the winter of 1872~73. One of the men was riding a mule, and the other a horse, at the time. Was a@ prominent character in the party robbing Shirley’s store. Stole horses and mules. Was with Mah-mante killing the man in the wagon. Ih-pa-yah (Straightening an Arrow).—JVarrior. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, February 18, 1875. Died October 5, 1875. . Stealing horses in or near the pals Creek Valley, Texas, in the spring of 1873. Co-a-bote-ta (Sun).— Warrior. Arrested at Sulphur Ct. H., Indian Territory, October 23,1874. Died May 24, 1875. Participated in the murder of Jacob Dilsey. Ah-ke-ah, alias Pah-o-ka (Coming to the Grove).— Warrior. Arrested at Cheyenne Agency, Indian Territory, October 3, 1874. Released by order of Secretary of War, April 18, 1877. Participated in the murder of Jacob Dilsey. Mah-mante, alias Swan (Man who Walks above the Ground).— Chief. Arrested at Salt Fork, Red River, Indian Territory, Feb- . ruary 13,1875. Died July 29, 1875. Led a party, killing two colored men, on the Salt Creek Prairie, between Jacksboro’ and Belknap, Texas, 1870 or 1871. Killed a man on the road seuth of Fort Griffin, Texas, some time in 1870. Two men were riding in a lone wagon, Mah-mante lay concealed and shot one. Led a party steal- ing a large lot of mulesin the Brazos country in 1871. One mule was spotted. Killed a white woman and child in re- venge for the loss of two of his men, while on a raid in South- western Texas, in fall of lS74. Was with Lone Wolf, killing two buffalo-hunters, Dudley and Wallace, &c. COMANCHES. 30731 (56) Eck-e-mah-ats (Buck Antelope. )— /Varrior. t Arrested at Elk Creek, Indian Territory, October 26, 1874. " Was in Texas with a party and stole horses about Decem- . ber, 1873. % 30732 (57) Wy-a-ko (Dry Wood).— Warrior. ; Arrested at Eli Creek, Indian mescenth October 26, 1874. Has been in Texas stealing horses; was iu Texas last in the winter of 1873-74. 214 FROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 30733 _ (38) Black Horse.—Chief. 30734 30735 30736 30737 (59) (60) (61) (62) Z ” I ® y bald. nt ‘ Arrested at Fort Sill, Indian Territory, March 7, 1875. Talked defiantly in council with Governor Davin at Fort Sill, Indian Territory, 1873. Killed a white man near Fort Cobb, Indian Territory, 1867. The man went in his com- pany on a hunt, and it was thought at the time that Black Horse procured him to go for the purpose of killing him. That the Indian Agent Leavenworth and an inn-keeper named Lewis had engaged him to do the job on account of some trouble they had had with the man, who was a bad character. Mad-a-with-t.— Warrior. Arrested at Fort Sill, Indian Territory, March 7, 1875. Died July 21, 1877. A raider. A bad man, Always trying to persuade young men to go off into Texas, always going himself. Ta-a-way-ite (Telling Something).— Warrior. Arrested at Fort Sill, Indian Territory, April 18, 1875. A raider. A bad man. Always stealing horses or on a war-path. Never brings his horses to Sill. Steals them, and takes them to the Quahada Camp on the Staked Plains. Pe-eh-chip (Tail Feathers).— Warrior. Arrested at Fort Sill, Indian Territory, April 18, 1875. He is one of the five fellows that shot their father and was outlawed; that Captain Lee (Tenth Cavalry) was sent down to Double Mountain after, in the fall of 1873. He has been on the war-path ever since. . Tis-cha-kah-da (Always Sitting Down in a Bad Place).— Warrior. Arrested at Fort Sill, Indian Territory, April 18, 1875. A bad man. Always off trying to steal horses, or on the war-path, &c. He is one of the desperadoes Captain Lee (Tenth Cavalry) was sent down to Double Mountain after late in 1873. Quoi-yo-uh.— Warrior. Arrested at Fort Sill, Indian Territory, April 8, 1875. Bad man. Stealing horses. Stole thirty or more horses from the Chickasaws. - Pa-voor-ite (Little Prairie Hill).—/Varrior. Arrested at Wichita Agency, Indian pa Decem- ber 25, 1874. Helped steal forty-six horses from near Fort Sill belong- ing to K[iowa?] and C/omanche?] Agency and John Mad- den, citizen, May 11, 1874. Thréatened to kill Mr. Clark, — Comanches inn- hs Conta: on the day of the Wachita disturb # on August 22, 1874. Drew pistol on sai: | PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 215 SYNOPSIS OF THE PEDICULATE FISHES OF THE EASTERN COAST OF EXTRATROPICAL NORTH AMERICA. By THEODORE GILL. The present sketch of the North American Pediculate Fishes is ex- tracted from a general work on the fishes of the corresponding region, which it is proposed to publish in instalments and as convenience may dictate. The issue of that relative to the Pediculates seems to be at least as much called for as any other on account of the recent addi- tions to our knowledge of the group and the rarity of the volumes in which those additions have been recorded. The recent discovery, too, of so many northern and deep-sea forms not far from our eastern coast renders it possible that any of the types herein enumerated may be found in the same waters, and the present synopsis may lead to their ready identification. The knowledge of the northern forms is chiefly due to Dr. Liitken. Synopsis of Families. la. Branchial apertures in or behind the inferior axillz of the pectoral fins; anterior dorsal ray superior; mouth more or less opening upwards; the lower jaw generally projecting beyond or closing in front of upper. 2a. Pseudobrachia with three actinosts ; pseudobranchiz not developed. da. Pectoral members geniculated, with elongated pseudobrachia; ventral fins Goveloper si. 2. os on Ss Reel ialliente jostae tlt ©. * ANTENNARIID2. 3b. Pectoral members not geniculated, with moderate pseudobrachia; ventral ee eee eo er eee eee CERATUD. 2b. Pseudobrachia with two actinosts; pseudobranchiz developed. 3. Pectoral members little geniculated, but with elongated pseudobrachia; ventral fins separated by wide interval]. -........---. .--...---- LOPHIIDE. 1b. Branchial apertures in the superior axillz of the pectoral fins; anterior dorsal ray in a cavity overhung by the anterior margin of the forehead; mouth sub- terminal or inferior, the lower jaw being generally received within the ie ile See heen aits don eats aaah ff bas nen MALTHEID2., ANTENNARITD 22. Pediculates with elongated geniculate pseudobrachia, provided with three actinosts, 7. ¢., Pediculates with a compressed body; the mouth opening upwards; the branchial apertures perforated in the lower axils of the pectorals; no pseudobranchiz; the dorsals represented by (1) at least a frontal or superior rostral spine, and (2) an oblong soft dorsal; the pectoral mem- bers distinctly geniculated, with elongated pseudobrachia and three actinosts; and with well developed and approximated ventrals. ANTENNARIINZ. u he ra) Antennariids with the body oval and with tumid abdomen, the head compressed, the mouth quite large; teeth on the palate as well as jaws; spinous dorsal represented by three spines; soft dorsal quite elevated ; and pelvic bones elongated. of ’ +f 0 ne 216 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. = PTEROPHRYNE.* Antennariines with skin naked and smooth; caudal peduncle free; mouth oblique ; dorsal spines completely exserted ; soft dorsal and anal expanded vertically; pectorals and wrists slender, and ventrals elon- gated. Pterophryne histrio. Common Frog-fish. Mouse-fish. 1758—Lophius histrio, Linné, Systema Nature, 10. ed., p. 237; 12. ed., t. 1, p. 403; Gmel. ed., t. 1, p. 1481. 1815—Lophius gibbus, Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y., v. 1, pl. 4, f. 9. 1837—Chironectes pictus, Cuv. g§ Val., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 12, p. 393, pl. 363. 1837—Chironectes tumidus, Cuv. § Val., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 12, p. 597. 1837— Chironectes levigatus, Cuv. § Val., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 12, p. 399. 1837—Chironectes nesogallicus, Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 12, p. 401. 1837—Chironectes marmoratus, Cuv. § Val., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 12, p. 402. 1839—Chironectes levigatus, Storer, Boston Journ. Nat. Hist., v. 2, p. 383; Rep. Ich. and Herp. Mass., p. 73. 1842—Chironectes levigatus, DeKay, Zoology of New York, Fishes, p. 165, pl. 27, f. 83. 1842—Chironectes gibbus, DeKay, Zoology of New York, Fishes, p. 164, pl. 24, £. 74. 1853—Chironectes levigatus, Storer, Mem. Am. Acad. Arts and Se., nu. s., v. 5, p. 270 Hist. Fishes Mass., p. 104, pl. 18, f. 3. 1861—Antennarius marmoratus, Giinther, Cat. Fishes in Brit. Mus., v. 3, p. 185. 1863—Pterophryne levigatus, Gill, Brae, Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila., a 15,] p. 90. 1878—Pterophryne histrio, Gill, Proe. U. S. Nat. Mus., v. 1, p. 216. Pterophryne with the skin of head and body, as well as dorsal fins, emitting cutaneous tentacles, which are generally most numerous on the second and third dorsal spines and abdomen ; the first dorsal spine short and filamentous with a smaller tip juaiponitee by asmall tag; the color light for the ground, with spotted white dots and marked with blackish brown around the ocular region, with several dark radii diverging from the eyes, and on the fins more or less interrupted blackish bands, five or six obliquely crossing the soft dorsal, three rectangularly crossing the anal, and others on the pectorals, ventrals, and caudal. An inhabitant of the Sargassum Seas, but occasional straggler to the North American coast. . CERATIID. Pediculates non-pediculate and deprived of ventral fins, 7. e., Pediculates diversiform in shape, with the mouth opening more or less upwards; the branchial apertures in the lower axils of the pectorals ; no pseudobranchie ; the dorsals represented by at least a frontal or ‘superior rostral spine, the pectoral members not geniculated, with short pseudobrachia and three actinosts, and without ventrals. Apparently inhabitants of the depths of the ocean in their adult con- dition, and, in some cases at least, near the surface in their juveelag state. All the known species are unicolored and blackish. | * Pterophryne, TTEPOD, wing, quasi fin, and gpurvy, toad. If considered to be too near .- Pterophrynus, the genus may be called Pterophrynoides: (dpvvoedyc, toad- like). | ie PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 217 Synopsis. la. Mouth moderate; cephalic spine with its basal element exserted and continuous with the distal; pyloric cceca developed (2). 2a. A second dorsal spine typically developed ; mouth with the cleft subvertica] ; 1st D. with few rays; branchiz in 23 pairs; branchial arches unarmed; skin with scattered spinigerous scutelle ...........-.---- CERATIINZ. Ceratias. la. Mouth moderate; cephalic spine with its basa] element subcutaneous, procumbent, and at right or acute angle with the distal; pyloric ceca none. 2a. A second dorsal spine developed ; branchiz in 2} pairs; branchial arches un- armed; body naked. 3. Body and Head compressed ; mouth with the cleft nearly horizontal, and mandibular articulation behind eye..-.-..-......---..--. ONEIRODINZ. : : Oneirodes. 2. No second dorsal spine developed; branchiz in $24 pairs; branchial arches armed with dentigerous tubercles; body with scattered tubercular scutelle. 3. Body and head compressed ; mouth with the cleft oblique; mandibular articulation under or behind eye. .-..---..---.---- HIMANTOLOPHINZ. 4a. Body oblong oval; dorsal fin with about 9 rays, and pectoral, with mhout iat eo a Ae: bee Himantolophus. 4b. Body short oval; dorsal fin with 4 rays, and pectoral with about atte ee ee oa hel hy en ali A g E PPS C Corynolophus. CERATIINA. Ceratiids with the bedy and head compressed ; mouth with moderate and almost or quite vertical cleft; branchiz in 23 pairs; branchial arches unarmed ; spinous dorsal represented by a rostral spine, as well as, generally, by a second, whose basal element is exserted ; soft with few rays, placed quite far back of the head ; pyloric cceca developed (2: CERATIAS.* Ceratiines with an oblong form; skin prickly; vomer toothless; cephalic spine elongated and with a dean capitate extremity; second dorsal spine well developed, and pectorals multiradiate (7. e., with about 20 rays). Ceratias Holbdliii. 1844—Ceratias Holbéllii Kroyer, Naturhist. Tidskrift, 2. rekke, b.i, pp. 639-649. 1861—Ceratias Holbolli Giinther, Cat. Fishes in Brit. Mus., v. 3, p. 205. Ceratias with cephalic spine reclinable beyond base of caudal fin, and caudal fin longer than body exclusive of head. Deep sea along Greenland (known from several specimens). ONEIRODIN 45. Ceratiids with the body and head compressed ; mouth with moderate and almost horizontal cleft; branchiz in 24 pairs; branchial arches unarmed ; spinous Corsal represented by a (1) rostral spine, whose basal * Ceratias, kepatiac, ov, P, one that has horns, in allusion to the frontal ray. ae ee aay Or al J Wy a fll * — rig , 8 218 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES aoe ee .UM. intermediate between the first and the dorsal fin; soft dorsal with a out 4 rays; and without pyloric ceca. ONEIRODES.* Oneirodin with oval form; the skin naked; the vomer dentigerous; and the cephalic spine with a bulbous termination, sarmounted by slen- der filaments in several transverse rows. Oneirodes Eschrichtii. 1871—Oneirodes Eschrichtii Liitken, Overs. over Dansk. Vidensk. Selsk. Forhandl., 1871, pp. 57-74 ; res. fr., pp. 9-18, pl. 2. Oneirodes with the terminal element of the cephalic spine rather — longer than the proximal subcutaneous; the caudal shorter than the distance between its base and the branchial apertures; and the color black except the terminal half of the spinal bulb, which is whitish. Deep sea off Greenland: known from a single specimen 205 millimetres long. HiIMANTOLOPHIN 4. Ceratiids with the body and head compressed, with moderate oblique cleft mouth, the mandibular articulation under the eyes; branchiz in 324 pairs; branchial arches armed with dentigerous tubercles; spi- nous dorsal represented only by a rostral spine, whose basal element is procumbent and subcutaneous; and soft dorsal with about 5—9 rays. HIMANTOLOPHUS.t Himantolophines of an oblong oval form, a dorsal of about 9 rays, and pectorals with about 12 rays each (?). Himantolophus Groenlandicus. 1837—Himantolophus Greenlandicus Reinhardt, Danske Vidensk. Selsk. Nat. og Math. Ath., 4. rekke, b. 7, p. 74. Himantolophus with the height of the body equal to two-fifths of the length, and the frontal ray provided with 11 tentacles (Liitken). Hubitat.—Sea ott Greenland (known only from the remains of a speci- men 23 inches Jong). ¥ CORYNOLOPHUS.+ Wa Himantolophines of an abbreviated oval form, a donna of about 5 | Ee rays, aud pectorals with about 17 rays each. oF SENET nr NTE SUE E *Oncirodts, ’overpodnc, dream-like, in allusion to the small and almost covered Rif ak tHimantolophus, iuac, Gvrog, a thong, and Aodoc, a tuft. oe { Corynolophus, «opvvy, ne, “a stick with a knob at the end”, or club, and Zooey a tuft. ae rr ., re PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 219 Corynolophus Reinhardti. 1878—Corynolophus Reinhardti, Liithen, K. Dansk. Vidensk. Selsk. Skr., Nat.og Math. Afh., 5. rekke, b. 5, p. 321, ete. Corynolophus with the height of the body equal to three-fourths of the total length, and the frontal ray furnished with 8 tentacles. Habitat.—Sea off Greenland (described from a specimen 14 inches long). LOPHIID/:. Pediculates with pseudobranchie, 7. e., Pediculates with the body differentiated into a wide depressed head and contracted conical trunk; the mouth opening forwards and upwards; the branchial apertures in the inferior axils of the pectoral members ; pseudo- branchiz; the spinous dorsal represented by a group of independent cephalic spines (3) and a small postcephalic finlet (with 3 spines); the pectoral members scarcely geniculated, but with elongated pseudobra- chia, and with three actinosts; and with ventrals well developed. LOPHIUS.* Lophiids with vomerine teeth. Lophius piscatorius. Bellows-fish. 1758—Lophius piscatorius, Linneus, Syst. Nat., 10 ed., t. 1, p. 236 (12 ed., t. 1, p. 402; Gm. ed., t. 1, p. 1479). 1815—Lophius foliatus, Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y., v. 1, p. 467. 1815—Lophius piscator, Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y., v. 1, p. 467. 1837—Lophius piscatorius, Cuv. § Val., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 12, p. 344, pl. 362. 1837—Lophius americanus, Cuv. §- Val., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 12, p. 381. 1839—Lophius piscatorius, Storer, Boston Journ. Nat. Hist., v. 2, p.320; Rep. Ich. and Herp. Mass., pp. 71, 404. 1842— Lophius americanus, DeKay, Zoology of New York, Fishes, p. 162, pl. 28, f. 87. 1853—Lophius americanus, Storer, Mem. Am. Acad. Arts and Sce., n.s., v.5, p. 267; Hist. Fishes Mass., p. 101, pl. 18, f. 2. 1861—Lophius piscatorius, Giinther, Cat. Fishes in Brit. Mus., v. 3, p. 179. 1861—Lophius americanus, Giinther, Cat. Fishes in Brit. Mus., v. 3, p. 181 (d. s.). 1872—Lophius piscatorius, Lyman, 6th Aun. Rep., In). Fish., p. 44 (Waquoit Weir). Lophius with a tridentate humeral spine, 11-12 rays in the dorsal fin, and the mouth behind the hyoid bone immaculate. Habitat.—Coast waters from Newfoundland to North Carolina. MALTHEIIDA. Pediculates with the branchial apertures in the superior axils of the pectorals, 7. ¢., Pediculates with a depressed body; the mouth subterminal or inferior, and the lower jaw generally received within the upper; the brancbial apertures in the superior axils of the pectoral fins; no pseudobranchix ; *Lophius, the ancient Latin name of the type of the genu-. ot” DU a ee ere “> the spinous dorsal represented by a tentacle in a cavity overhung be the s ‘ forehead, and the soft small and far behind; the pectoral members — wo: strongly geniculate, and with long pacudogniclae and three actinosts; and the ventrals well developed. . Inhabitants of temperate and tropical seas at moderate or great depths. MALTHEIN Z. | toes) Maltheids with a cordiform cephalic disk and a stout caudal portion, and with the frontal region elevated. - MALTHE.* Maltheines of unique genus. ° Malthe vespertilio.t 1758—Lophius vespertilio, Linné, Syst. Nat., 10 ed., t. 1, p. 236 (12 ed., t. 1, p. 402; Gmel. ed., t. 1, p. 1480). 1837—Malthea vespertilio, Cur. § Val., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 12, p. 440. 1837—Malshea nasuta, Cuv & Val., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 12, p. 452. (In part.) 1837—Malthza notata, Cuv. § Val., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 12, p. 453. (In part.) 1842—Malthea nasuta, DeKay, Znokiey of New York, Fishes, p. 167. (In part; not figure.) | 1842—Malthea notata, DeKay, Zoology of New York, Fishes, p. 167. ui 1842—Malthea vespertilio, DeKay, Zoology of New York, Fishes, p. 167. 1861—Malthe vespertilio, Giinther, Cat. Fishes in Brit. Mus., v. 3, p. 200. Malthe with the forehead produced into a more or less elongated sub- conical process, its width greater between the anterior angles of the orbit than between the posterior ones, and the frontal cavity higher than wide. Newfoundland to West Indies. Malthe cubifrons. 1836—Lophius (Malthe) cubifrons, Richardson, Fauna Bor.-Am., Fishes, p. 103, pl. 96. 1837—Malthxa nasuta, Cuv. § Val., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 12, p. 452. (In part.) 1¢42—Malthea nasuta, DeKay, Zoology of New York, Fishes, p. 166, pl. 28, f. 89. (In part, i. e. fig., copied from Richardson.) 1861—Malthe cubifrons, Giinther, Cat. Fishes in Brit. Mus., v. 3, p. 203. Malthe with the forehead decurved and in front with a brtton-like ‘tubercle, the width between the anterior angle of the orbit nearly equal *Maithe, ua207, the Greek name of a loose-bodied fish.— ee MaAOn signifie de la cire ra- mollie. 0. 1 trouve ce nom dans Oppien parmi ceux de plusieurs grands poissons cartila- gineux, et l’espéce qui le porte y est désignée comme remarquable par sa mollesse. Suidas, qui Ja place dans une énumération du méme genre, dit qu’elle est difficile & vaincre. Sur ces deux traits Bélon a pensé que la malthée était la baudroie, et, bien que son opinion n’ait pas été adoptée, et n’ait peut-étre pas di ’étre, M. Cuvier a cru pouvoir s’en prévaloir pour dériver de ué207 le nom de malthaa, qwil a donné d un petit genre démembré de celui des baudroies,”—Cuv. et. Val.. Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t.12, p. 438. = | t Whatever may be the value of the nominal species introduced by Cuvier and ate belong to one species. I think, “how ever, that formerly I saw a second species of ae 44 M. vespertilio type. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 221 to that between the posterior ones, and the frontal cavity much broader than high. Until lateiy, known from a single specimen obtained in Labrador by Audubon, the ornithologist, and now preserved in the British Museum. There is, however, a specimen in the collection of the Smithsonian In- stitution from St. Augustine, Florida, whence it was sent by Dr. J. M. Laing, U.S. A. The relations of the North American genera to the other members of the families in question will be exhibited in the subsequent notes. NOTE ON THE ANTENNARIIDZ. By THEODORE GILL. The relations of the only known North American representative of the family of Antennariids to the other members of the family is exhib- ited in the following analytical synopsis, which is essentially the same as that published by the author in 1863. In the present synopsis, how- ever, the most generalized forms (or those supposed to be such) are placed first and followed by those successively more aberrant or spe- cialized. The two species hitherto retained under the generic designa- tion Brachionichthys are also differentiated as distinct generic types. Dr. Liitken has recently expressed the opinion that Pterophryne and Histiophryne appear to be congeneric, but they really seem to be not even closely related. la. Head compressed; the rostral spine or tentacle as well as two other robust spines developed ; soft dorsal well developed. 2a. Body oblong claviform ; mouth comparatively small; palate unarmed ; second and third spines approximated and well connected by membrane and \ forming a fin; pelvic bones short............. BRACHIONICHTHYIN, 3a. First dorsal spine connected with second, and third with soft dorsal fin Sry Oi neIdGE AMBMPANE. 5 a5 5 oa Se Ss pense ox--- Sympterichthys. 3b. First dorsal spine free from second, and third from soft dorsal fin. Brachionichthys. 2b. Body oval, with tumid abdomen; mouth quite large; palate armed with teeth; second and third spines distant and not at all or scarcely con- nected ; pelvic bones elongated ..........-......---- ANTENNARIIN®. 3a. First and second dorsal spines disconnected; the first filamentous, with tentacle at end. 4a. D.12,A.7. Caudal peduncle free; skin smooth or scarcely granular; mouth oblique; wrists and pectorals slender; ventrals elongated; dorsal spines free from membrane; dorsal fin more than half as long as body; anal extended downward.................--- . Pterophryne. 4b. D.12, A. 7—8. Caudai peduncle free; skin rough with spines; mouth vertical; wrists and pectorals widened; ventralsshort; 3d dorsal spine partly immersed in skin; dorsal fin less than half as long as body; anal oblong............. wieder sea <6 xe ta eee Antennarius. ‘ . of , 222 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NAT -TIONAL 1M 4 4c, D. 15, A. 8. Caudal peduncle with dorsal and anal a brane ; skin smooth; mouth vertical; dorsal spines peaks from akon ween ee eclomee so asim phleis octane enn i 3b. First and second dorsal spines connected; the first slender, but rigi¢ with tentacle at end ..2. 2.1.02. 2600 sas == OES 9 1b. Head cuboid; a rostral spine or tentacle only developed ; soft dorsal low. : CHAUNACINE. Chaunas. The references to the original descriptions of these genera, as well as" to their typical species and habitats, are indicated in the following enu- meration :— BRACHIONICHTHYIN &. SYMPTERICHTHYS. Sympterichthys, Gill, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., v. 1, p. 222, 1878. Type: Sympterichthys levis = Lophius levis Lac. Sea near Van Diemen’s Land. ' BRACHIONICHTHYS. Brachionichthys, Bleeker, Natuurk. Tijdschr. Nederl. Ind., t. 7, p. 121, 1854. Type: Brachionichthys hirsutus = Lophius hirsutus Lac. Sea near Van Diemen’s Land. ANTENNARIIN 4. PTEROPHRYNE. Pterophryne, Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila., [v. 15,] p. 90, 1863. Type: Pterophryne histrio= Lophius histrio Linn. Tropicalia and warm streams in floating seaweeds. ANTENNARIUS- Antennarius, Commerson, Lacépéde, Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 1, p. 421, 1798. Les Chironectes (Antennarius), Cuvier, Régne Auimal, 1¢ éd., t. 2, p. 310, 1817. Chironectes, Cuvier, Mém. Mus. d’Hist. Nat., t. 3, p. 418, 1817 (not Illiger). Type: Antennarius chironectes Comm. Tropicalia, in coral groves chiefly. HISTIOPHRYNE. Histiophryne, Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila., [v. 15,] p. 90, 1863. Type: Histiophryne Bougainvillii = Chironectes Bougainvillii Cuv. § Val. Unknown. - SACCARIUS. Saccarius, Giinther, Cat. Fishes in Brit. Mus., v. 3, p. 183, 1861. Type: Saccarius lineatus Gthr. Sea off New Zealand. CHAUNACINAE. pad CHAUNAX. wae Ales Chaunax, Lowe, Trans. Zool. Soc. London, v. 3, p. 339, 1846-49, Type: Chaunax pictus Lowe. Atlantic Ocean off the island of Madeira, PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 223 ON THE PROPER SPECIFIC NAME OF TEE COMMON PELAGIC ANTENNARIID PTEROPHRYNE. By THEODORE GILL. The most common and widely distributed of the Antennariids, and which is the peculiar species of the high seas, has been entered in the most recent systematic lists under the names Antennarius marmoratus* and Pteropiryne picta.t In this connection, it has been assumed that the species had first received names from Bloch and Schneider in 1801. I propose, however, to show, (1) that the species itself had long before re- ceived a name from the founder of the binomial nomenclature, and (2) that neither of the names of Bloch and Schneider is referable to these species. Long ago recognizing that the names of Bloch and Schneider had nothing to do with a Pterophryne, but without the bibliographical aids for certainly ascertaining what name had priority, I have hitherto adopted the provisional name Pterophryne levigata, as Liitken has also recently done. 3. It behooves us, first, to inquire what was the basis of the Lophius histrio of Linneeus. In 1747, in his “ Wiastgéta resa forriittad ar 1746”, Linnzeus described, as ‘‘ Balistes, qvee Guaperva chinenis”, a small fish scarcely exceeding in length the last joint of the thumb, in the following terms, as translated in the German edition of 1765.4 ‘‘ Balistes, quae Guaperva chinensis. Corpus acutum, compressum. Dorsum antice gibbum. Pectus compressum, pinnis pectoralibus termina- tum, prominulum. Jatera corporis picta lituris lacteis, annularibus, interruptis, puncto centrali lacteo notatis. Caput magnum, thoraci immersum, dentibus minutissimis instructum. /ilamentum subulatum, erectum, loco narium. Pinna dorsalis anterior retrorsum falcato-sub- ulata, mollis, alta, e gibbere dorsi juxta caput enata, radio Il. Pinna dorsalis posterior radiis 12. Pinne pectorales brachiorum instar manu- bris instructae, et antrorsuam manuum instar inflexae (quod in pisci- bus singulare), radiis 10. Pinnae ventrales approximatae, radiis 5. Pinna caudae radiis 9. Pinna ani radiis 7. Iris oculorumalba. Magni- tudo totius piscis vix extimum pollicis articulum superat. Diversissima species a Guaperva Ionstoni T. VI. f. 6. quam ex America possideo. Die Figur dieses Fisches in natiirlicher Grésse ist die 5 auf der 3* Tafel, wo er bey @ von der Seite, bey ) aber auf dem Riicken vorgestellet ist, dass die Aerme an den pinnis pectoralibus deutlich in die Augen fallen.” The acute compressed body, the round milky spots, the small ros- tral filament (none is represented in the figure), the well developed fins, *Antennarius marmoratus, Giinther, Cat. Fishes in Brit Mus., v.3, p. 185, 1861; Bleeker, Atlas Ichthyologique Indes Orient. Néérland., t. 5, p. 23, 1865. tPterophryne picta, Goode, Bull. U. S. Nat Mus., No. 5, p. 20, 1876. ¢Linné, Reisen durch Westgothland. 8vo. Halle, 1765. p. 160, S. 138. the five rays of the ventrals, and the white irides all better suit the com: os mon Pterophryne than any other Antennariid. In 1754, in his Catalogue of the Museum of King Adolphus Fred-— erick,* Linnzus again described, under the name “Lophius tumidus”, evi- dently the same species, as follows :— ‘“tumidus. LOPHIUS pinnis dorsalibus tribus. Balistes que Guaperua chinensis. It. W. goth. 137. t. 3. f. 5. Guaperaa. Maregr. bras. 150. Will. icht. 50. t. B. 2. f. 2. Habitat in Pelago inter Fucos natantes. Corpus molle instar Ranae, adspersum ramentis cutaceis, Apertura branchiarum ad axillas brachiorum s. pone pinnas ‘pectorales, quae de- currit ad pulmones; alia apertura nulla, quod indicat affinitatem cum Ranis. Pinne in dorso tres: prima radio uno capiti insidet; altera pec- tori radio uno instructa; tertia dorso radiorum duodecim, quorum duo vel tres bifidi. Pectorales radiis 10, que ulnis s. brachiis instructe. Ventrales radiis 5, he ante pectorales basi ad pectus connexe. Ani radiis 7 bifidis. Caudae radiis 10 bifidis.” The soft body like that of a frog (and therefore naked and not rough) and the cutaneous filaments are additional characters which corroborate those given in the former work, and certify the relevancy of the descrip- tions to the common Pterophryne. The habitat is also not the least im- portant element in the determination of the Linnzan species, inasmuch as the true Antennarti, so far as known, frequent chiefly coral groves, while the Pterophryne is a pelagic species, principally affecting the floating sea-weeds. There can then be no reasonable doubt that the Antennariid of Linnzeus was the common Pterophryne. In 1758, in the tenth edition of the “ Systema Nature”, Linneeus first | introduced, aud in 1766, in the twelfth edition, retained, the name “ Lophius histrio”, and in the synonymy of the species included refer- ences to the two works just cited. The entire passage relative to the species is as follows, in the twelfth edition (p. 403):— ‘histrio. 3. L. compressus. : | Chin. Lagerstr. 21. Lophius pinnis dorsalibus tribus. Mus. Ad. Fr. 1. p. 56. Balistes s. Guaperua chinensis. It. wgoth. 137. t. 3. f. 5. Balistes s, Guaperua. Marcgr. bras. 150. Guaperua. Pet. gaz. t. 20." f. 6. Piscis bras. cornutus. Will. icht. 50. 1. BH. 2. f. 2. Guaperua. Osb. iter. 305. Lophius tumidus. Habitat in Pelago inter Fucum natantem. Pinnae D.I, 1,12 BP. 10... Ve Be cba Fe 07 Oe The reference to Petiver’s Gazophylacium was added in the twelfth — edition. * Musem S:¢ Rt M.ts Adolphi Friderici. Car. Linnzo. Fol. Holmiw, 1754. p. 56. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 225 Although the descriptions of Linnzeus are unequivocal and based solely on specimens of Pterophryne, in the synonymy above copied are confused several species. As he seems, however, only to have known through autopsy the species of Pterophryne, and to have been unpre- pared for the polymorphous character of the type, his confusion under the synonymy is not at all to be wondered at, and is paralleled by many modern naturalists, especially Giinther. His compatriot, Osbeck, had also the same species of Pterophryne in view in his description* of the Lophius histrio, viz :— “Die Flossquabbe, Lophius Histrio L. S. N. Lophius tumidus Mus. Reg. p. 56, und Linn. Westgoth. Reise Tab. 3, Fig. 3, aber der Faden ‘und die erste Riickenflossfeder sind an den Spitzen borstig, die Borsten weich. Der ganze Korper ist mit einer schleimigen Haut, und kleinen blattrigen Stiitzen (fuleris) bedeckt, die man ausser dem Wasser kaum bemerkt, weil sie fest anschliessen. Der Rachen und Bauch sind gross, damit sie viele Krebsarten oder junge Krebse verschlingen kénnen. Vielleicht hat die Vorsicht diesen Fisch deswegen so blittrig gekleidet, damit ihn die Raubfische mit dem Seegrasse verwechseln und nicht gar ausrotten mdchten.” The smooth skin and the tag-like appendages evidently proclaim the fish of Osbeck to be a Pterophryne. ; , It is also to be remarked that the naturalist who first recognized spe- cific differentiation among the Antennariids (Shaw), in his “General Zoology” (v. 5, p. 384, pl. 164), restricted the name to the Pterophryne, and gave, under the term Lophius histrio, a quite recognizable figure of that form, whose only great fault is the delineation of the first spine. Il. The names subsequently applied to Pterophryne now demand consid- eration. Those accepted by the latest systematists have been attributed to Bloch’s Systema Ichthyologiz, edited by Schneider, but, as will presently be shown, erroneously. In the Systema Ichthyologie (p. 142) only one species of Antennariids is admitted under the name Lophius histrio, but four varieties are distin- guished under it, viz :— Var. a, “Striated Loph. Shaw Miscell. No. 58” ; Var. b, pictus ; Var. ¢, marmoratus ;. and Var. d, ocellatus. As no references have been made to previous publications, except in case of var. a, it seems to have been generally assumed that the varietal names originated in the work in question. This, however, is not the case. | *Osbeck, Peter. Reise nach Ostindien und China. 8vo. Rostock, 1765. p. 400, Proc. Nat. Mus. 78-15 Dee. 9, 1878. 226 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. ae In 1794 (as appears from the dates on the plates), Shaw published a number of his ‘‘ Naturalists’ Miscellany”, in which he described three fishes under the generic name Lophius. These were designated as— (1) Lophius striatus (the Striated Lophius), pl. 175; (2) Lophius pictus (the Variegated Lophius), pl. 176, upper fig. and (3) Lophius marmoratus (the Marbled Lophius), pl. 176, lower fig. _ The originals of these are evidently the varieties (a, b, and c) of Lophius histrio admitted by Bloch and Schneider. It is quite clear that the first two were based on species of typical Antennarius (not Pterophryne), while the third is incomprehensible, and, if the figure is at all correct, must represent a factitious fish; it most certainly has nothing to do with Pterophryne. The other species, however, notwithstanding the bad figures, are readily identifiable. The Lophius striatus (as has recently been recognized by Giinther)* is the first name of an Antennarius peculiar to the Pacific, and quite dis- tinct from the Caribbean Antennarius scaber (=A. histrio Gthr.), with which it was at first confounded by Giinther.t The Lophius pictus was evidently based on the species or variety of Antennarius which was afterwards named Antennarius phymatodes by. Bleeker, and it agrees very closely, in the distribution of colors, with a specimen figured by that ichthyologist,{ and would probably be consid- ered by Giinther § as a variety of his Antennarius Commersonii. But whatever may be the value of the forms embraced under the name Antennarius Commersonit by Giinther,— whether species or varie- ties,—the name Antennarius pictus must be revived from Shaw, either especially for the Antennarius phymatodes of Bleeker or for the collection designated as Antennarius Commersonii. It has thus been demonstrated (1) that the Linnean name Lophius histrio was originally created for the common Pterophryne, and (2) that the names generally employed for the Pterophryne were originally ap- plied to very different forms, and members of even a different genus. Hence, if the laws of priority as formulated by the British and Amer- ican Associations for the Advancement of Science are to guide us, there can be no question that the species of Pterophryne must hereafter be designated as Pterophryne histrio; if, however, it is allowable to go be- hind even the tenth edition of the Systema Nature, and to take the oldest binomial name, without other considerations, the designation tu- midus must be revived. It seems best, how sil 3 to follow general usage. 7 *Giinther, Andrew Garrett’s Fische der Siidsee, v. 1, p. 162, 1876. .t+Giinther, Cat. Fishes in Brit. Mus., v. 3, p. 188. ¢ Bleeker, Atlas Ichthyologique des Indes Orientales Néérlandaises, t. 5, pl. 199, fig. 5, 1865.—It must be remarked that Shaw represents 5 ventral rays in his A. pictus, while Bleeker attributes 6 to his A. phymatodes. § Giinther, in Cat. Fishes in Brit. Mus., v. 3, p. 195, has referred Shaw’s name to ‘tne tennarius multiocellatus var. y. Ss tcecaiin'e but in the “TFische der Siidsee” did not refer to the L. pictus, and places the L. marmoratus as a anonym of A. Commicreett having evidently transposed the names of the two. ‘PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 227 NOTE ON THE CERATIIDE. By THEODORE GILL. Since the publication ofthe third volume of Giinther’s “ Catalogue of the Fishes in the British Museum” (1861), and the present author’s Note on the Pediculati .(1863), the then-monotypic family of Ceratiide has received notable additions, and this yee: 1878) one genus or rather type of hitherto doubtful character has been substaatiated, and two new allied ones added. All the representatives of the group appear to be inhabi- tants of the deep or open seas. The relations of the genera seem to be approximately as follows :— Synopsis. la. Mouth moderate; cephalic spine with its basal element exserted and continoyg with the distal; pyloric cceca developed (2). 2. A second dorsal spine typically developed; mouth with the cleft subvertical; 1st D. with few rays; branchiz in 2} pairs; branchial arches unarmed; skin with scattered spinigerous scutelle......-.......--. CERATIINE. 3a. A second dorsal, spine developed, and two fleshy tubercles behind it ; pec- torals with nearly 20 slender rays. ..........-.-- .----.------ Ceratias, 3b. No second dorsal spine developed, but two fleshy claviform tubercles exist- ing as in Ceratias ; pectorals with about 10 slender rays....Mancalias. 1b. Mouth moderate ; cephalic spine with its basal element subcutaneous, procumbent, and at right or acute angle with the distal; pyloric ceca none. 2a. A second dorsal spine developed; branchiz in 2} pairs; branchial arches un- armed; body naked. 3. Body and isda compressed; mouth with the cleft nearly horizontal, and mandibular articulation behind eye...---...---.-..----- ONFIRODINE . SG, 2b. No second dgrsal spine developed; branchizw in $2} pairs; branchial arches armed with dentigerous tubercles; body with scattered tubercular scutelle. 3a. Body and head compressed; mouth with the cleft oblique; mandibular articulation under or behind eye. ......-....-.--. HIMANTOLOPHIN&. 4a. Body oblong oval; dorsal fin with about 9 rays and pectoral wih OS ERPS ee See ar a ade Siem ee a Himantolophus. 4b. Body short oval; dorsal fin with 4 rays and pectoral with about 17. Corynolophus. 3b. Body and head depressed ; mouth with the cleft vertical or inclined for- wards ; mandibular articulation under or in advance of snout AEG EONICHTHYINE. Aigewonichthys. lc. Mouth enormous; (cephalic spine with its basal element subcutancous, procum- bent, and at an acute angle with its distal ?). 2. No second dorsal spine developed. Mouth with the cleft subvertical. ist D. with about 14 rays; branchiw in 24 pairs; branchial arches un- SimmANON. oh DCA ORO re Sul wn nd 5 hn Ss ae pee ng ee MELANOCETIN 2. Melanocetus. CERATIIN A. CERATIAS. -Ceratias, Kroyer, Naturhist. Tidskrift, 2. rekke, b. 1, p. 639, 1844. Type: C. Holbélli Kroyer. Deep sea otf Greenland. ine nN | Ae era ee Roe ‘Ta ae ; z } ‘ ‘a Al A 2 era > iy 1+ ig o ay, 998 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. MANCALIAS.* ; Mancalias, Gill, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., v. 1, pp. 227, 228, 1878. Type: M. uranoscopus = Ceratias uranoscopus, Murray, Wovrlle Thompson, Voyage of the Challenger, v. 2, p. 67, with fig., 1878. (Am. ed.) Atlantic Ocean (taken at a depth of 2,400 fathom+? vetween Canary and Cape Verde Islands. ONEIRO@VDINA. ONEIRODES. Oneirodes, Liitken, Overs, - et 4: K. Danske Vidensk. Selsk. Forhandl., 1871, pp. 56-74 (fr. pp. 9-79): Type: O. Eschratii Litken. Deep sea off Greenland. HIMANTOLOPHIN 4. HIMANTOLOPHUS. Himantolophus, Reinhardt, K. Danske Vidensk. Selsk. Nat. og Math. Afh., 4. rekke, v. 7, p. 74, 1837; Liitken, 1878. Type: H. Grenlandicus Reinhardt. Deep sea off Greenland (adults). CORYNOLOPHUS. Type: Corynolophus Reinhardtii = Himantolophus Reinhardtii Liitken. Deep sea off Greenland (adult), and open sea between Africa and America (young)? AG AONICHTHYIN 45. AAG ZONICHTHYS. Zigezonichthys, T. EL. Clarke, Trans. New Zealand Institute, v. 10, p. 245, 1878. Type: Au. Appellii T. #. Clarke. Deep sea off the island of New Zealand. ° MELA NOCETIN 4. MELANOCETUS. Melanocetus, Giinther, Proc. Zoo]. Soc. London, 1864, p. 301. Type: Melanocetus Johnsonii Giinther. Deep sea off the island of Madeira. In the words of Liitken,t ‘‘ the general form and the physiognomy es- pecially are quite similar in the [known] genera; common to all is, also, the absence of ventral fins, of the lateral line and its ramifications, of the © air bladder, of the pseudobranchiz, and of the teeth of the lower pha- ryngeal and palatine bones; { the smallness of the eyes and of the pectoral * Mancalias, from mancus, defective, with a quasi-diminutive termination, to corre- spond with Ceratias. The single specimen obtained was only 90 millimetres long. t Vidensk, Selsk. Skr., 5. rekke, Naturv.og Math. Afd., 1lte Bd. V, fr. tr., p. 343. t{In Melanocetus, according to Giinther, ‘‘ the vomer is armed with a transverse series of single teeth, and extends across the whole width of the roof of the mouth; the — palatine and pterygoid teeth are situated at some distance behind the vomer,and form / two bundles irregular in form”; but, according to Liitken (and since admitted by Giin- ey | ther), ‘the so-called palatine and pterygoid teeth” “belong in reality to the upper pharyngeals.” | pe eae. as y i, hey PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 229 fins, the short peduncles of the latter, the conformation of the teeth, the black color, the number of branchiostegal rays (6) as well as of the rays of the anal (4) and caudal (9), and the half-spongy consistence of the skeleton are also, apparently, characters common to all the [known| genera.” Another character shared in common by all the species, and at least as noteworthy as several of those thus enumerated by Dr Liitken, is the differentiation in the color of the extremity of the bulbiform termination of the cephalic spine. In all the known species (unless Melanocetus may be excepted), the apical portion or elements of the bulb are of a grayish or whitish color, and thereby quite abruptly differentiated from the rest of the spine, which is of a black color. Some special significance is probably inherent in this characteristic, and it is quite possible, if not probable, that the difference of color is expressive of a differentiation in histological structure, and that the grayish portions are phosphorescent. When the complicated “‘ angling” apparatus of the fishes of this group is considered, it will be thought not unlikely that their power of attrac- tion should be enhanced by a luminosity which may excite the attention or curiosity of their prey, and still more strongly tempt them within the easy reach of their capacious mouths. It is certainly scarcely likely that the characteristic in question, manifested as it is in such widely diverse types, should be a simple immaterial color feature, destitute of other significance. The not few pelagic and deep-sea animals that ex- hibit phosphorescence enhance the probability of the attribute suggested. The verity of the suggestion must, however, be established by histo- logical and physiological data. It can only now be assumed that there is a teleological import in the differentiation of color, and that it is more probable that the whitish area has a phosphorescent property than that it simply serves as a relief for the filaments of the bulb. Especially is this more probable in view of the great depths which the species in- habit, and the consequently limited quantity of light which they enjoy. That the provision, whatever it may be, is an effective one, is apparent from the variety of the forms already discovered, and it seems probable that the family is not only quite characteristic of, but well represented in, the depths of the ocean. As to Melanocetus, it is simply said, by Dr. Giinther, to have the ce- phalic filament ‘‘more than half as high as the head, and dilated into a small lamella at its extremity”. The ‘“lamelliform” character of the dilatation at least requires confirmation, and it is not very unlikely that the dilatation will be found not to be thin or compressed to such an extent as to be entitled to the designation of “lamella”, and that the ex- tremity will be ascertained to be whitish. The mode of articulation of the cephalic spine also requires investigation. Dr. Liitken has corrected Dr. Giinther’s error of mistaking pharyngeal teeth for palatine and pterygoid, but has not elucidated the points indicated. The several recognized genera are mostly widely differentiated, 930 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. and represent as many as five groups, distinguished by characters which are generally indicative of at least family value; but the close agree- ment which they otherwise exhibit among themselves forbids separation to that extent, and yet the groups seem, at any rate, to demand distine- tion as sub-families. We would scarcely be prepared to believe that two genera, distinguished, one by a compressed head, and the other by a depressed head, could be so nearly related as are apparently Himan- tolophus and Algewonichthys, but the modifications in question in these genera are probably expressive of the compression on the one hand, and the depression and bowing outwards on the other, at the hyoman- dibular articulations, and not of any fundamental osteological modifica- tions. With regard to the Himantolophines, there is occasion for difference © of opinion, and it may be that the Himantolophus Grenlandicus and Rein. . hardtii do not even differ specifically. The statements by Reinhardt as to the characteristics of the former are, however, unequivocal, and, as he appears to have been a careful and exact observer, they are probably correct, while those of Liitken regarding the latter are unquestionable. In view of the mode of variation in the family, the differences noted seem to the present author to be indicative of more than specific value, and consequently the respective species are considered as distant gene- ric types. There is a singular agreement between the type named Corynolophus and the Algconichthys of the New Zealand seas in the radial formula; and while such agreement might tend to throw doubts on the actual differences supposed to exist between Corynolophus and Hinantolophus, it tends far to confirm the generic value of the differ- ences, if they really exist. It may even be that the two genera are not as closely related as are Corynolophus and Avgwonichthys, but such is scarcely probable. The habitats given must be regarded simply as the expressions of our present state of knowledge, as it is more than probable that the ranges of most of the species are quite extensive in the bathmic zone in which they dwell. It is also probable that the number of representatives of the family will be considerably increased hereafter. A most interesting coincidence is the discovery, in the same year, of the closely related Himantolophine and A’gwonichthyine at antipodal localities. There are already, too, indications of several other types, apparently members | of the family, but too imperfectly known to be introduced into the sys- tem. The present state of our knowledge in respect to such imperfectly known forms is well summarized by Dr. Liitken in the following words :— *‘Les collections de petits poissons péchés en haute mer, du Musée de Copenhague, renferment en outre quelques Lophioides apodes d’une taille plus petite encore (5—8™™), trouvés en plein Océan Atlantique, qui annoncent peut-étre existence d’une troisitme espéce d’Himantolophe ou d’un genre voisin, et different de ? Himantolophus Reinhardti par le nombre des rayons (D: 6; A: 6; C: 10), probablement aussi par la —_ PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 231 taille moindre des adultes, puisque quelques-uns de ces embryons offrent déja un rudiment de huppe frontale analogue 4 celle que posséde le jeune Lophioide, dépourvu non-seulement de ventrales, mais aussi de dorsale et d’anale, indiquant ainsi, selon toute probabilité, existence dun type générique nouveau, que Von ne tardera point a découvrir a état adulte, 4 mesure que l’étude justement commencée de la faune abys- sale de l’océan aura fait de nouveaux progres. Peut-étre aussi que le “Oeratias uranoscopus” annoncé comme dragué par l’expédition sifameuse da “Challenger” a la profondeur surprenante de 2400 brasses, entre les iles Canaries et du Cap Vert, sera reconnu comme formant un genre a part—a en juger, par une photographie (reproduite en xylographie dans ‘The Atlantic” de Sir Ch. Wyville-Thomson, II, p. 69), qui m’a é°é com- muniquée avec la plus grande obligeance par feu M. Willemcoés-Suhm, dont la mort prématurée a été tant déplorée par ses amis et par ceux de la science. . ‘‘On trouvera dans le rapport préliminaire de M. Murray (Proc. Roy. Soc., xxiv, p. 590-94) des renseignements sur les profondeurs des huit localités ott ont été dragues, lors du voyage du “Challenger” des Lo- phioides bathyphiles, en partie probablement nouveaux pour la science. Dans son rapport préliminaire sur les draguages exécutés, en 1878, dans les profondeurs du Golfe de Mexique, M. Al. Agassiz fait mention dun poisson resemblant 4 un tétard enorme a téte ronde, gigantesque, cartilagineuse et sans yeux, et de quelques autres 4 téte allongée et deprimée, aux yeux trés petits et a filaments enormes pendant des extremités des rayons des nageoires pectorales et caudal.” NOTE ON THE MALTHEID. By THEODORE GILL. Since the publication of the great systematic works on fishes, the fam- ily of Maltheide has received a couple of notable additions which fur- nish a good idea of the range of variation occurring in the group and at the same time fully corroborate the justness of the segregation of its members under two distinct families. The distinctions thus apparent are indicated in the following analysis. All the genera are monotypic except Malthe. MALTHEID. la. Body with disk cordiform and caudal portion stout; frontal region elevated, and snout more or less produced or attenuated forwards........- MALTHEIN 2: Malthe. 1b. Body with disk subcircular or expanded backwards and caudal portion slender; frontal region depressed, and snout rounded and obtuse in front. HALIEUTAINZ. 2a. Palate edentulous; rostral tentacle developed ; carpus exserted from common membrane. 3a. Disk subtriangular; mouth small; branchiw reduced to 2 pairs (I, 0; II, Meeereeen ands TV, O—O): os ce cases celcccs secs iikquadhanns Dibranchus. 232 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 3b. Disk subcircular ; mouth large; branchiw in 2} pairs (1,0; II,1—1; III, 1—13 IV, 10)... one wpnwne ascces ae ant ndeace nese buckles ss unmet ae 2b. Palate dentigerous; rostral tentacle obsolete; carpus inclosed in common membrane. . 3. Disk subcircular; mouth small..../. 05.0 .seccbveedeus eeeese Halieutichthys. The genera have been made known as follows :— MALTHEINA. . MALTHE. Malthe, Cuvier, Regne Animal, 1° éd., t. 2, 311, 1817. Malthea, Cuvier § Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. des Paisnaue t. 12, p. 438, 1837. Type: Malthe vespertilio. Atlantic coasts of America from. Brazil to Labrador. HALIEUTASIN AB. DIBRANCHUS. Dibranchus Peters, Monatsber. K. Akad. Wissensch. Berlin, 1875, p. 736. Type: Dibranchus atlanticus Peters. Atlantic Ocean, in deep water, near the coast of Africa. HALIEUTZ&#A. Halieutza Cw. § Val., Hist. Nat. des Poissons, t. 12, p, 455, 1837. Astrocanthus Swainson, Nat. Hist. and Class. Fishes, etce., v. 2, p.—, 1839. Type: Halieutza stellata Val. & Wahl. Pacific Ocean, off China and Japan. HALIEUTICHTHYS. Halientichthys, Poey, Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila., [v. 15,] pp. 89, 90, 1863. Type: Halieutichthys reticulatus Poey. Atlantic Ocean, off the Island of Cuba. NOVEMBER 9, 1878. — CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, FROM COLLECTIONS MADE FOR THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, BY MER. PRED. A. OBER, WITH WIS OBSERVATIONS. By GEORGE N. LAWRENCE. These collections were made by Mr. Ober in August and September, 1877. They were left in charge of the United States consul at Antigua, to be forwarded to Washington when an opportunity offered, and were sent soon thereafter; but from want of a proper notification or some other cause, their arrival was not known, and they were supposed to i have gone astray. In July of this year, they were ascertained to be in a public store in ~ Brooklyn, where they had been since November, 1877. 7 The only bird sent of special interest is a species of Burrowing Owl from Antigua, which, on investigation, I considered to be undescribed. The names given by Mr. Ober, with his observations, are inclosed i in vi quotation-marks, rt PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 233 From - Antigua. Fam. TURDIDA. 1. Margarops densirostris (Vieill.). ‘Thrush. ‘In the valleys among the southein hills, where are about the only rivulets and trees, we find this bird. Itis not common, rather rare, and its song is heard only morning and evening; at this season little more than acall-note. Think itidentical with the ‘Gros Grive’—Large Thrush—of Dominica. Not yet out of moulting stage; resident.” Fam. SYLVICOLID. 2. Siurus nevius (Bodd.). ‘¢ Water Thrush. ‘‘Rare; along a river bed among the hills, very shy; when it would perceive me, it hastily ran along a few rods, and then darted into the thicket, reappearing at some distance up or down the-stream.” 3. Siurus motacilla (Vieill.). 4. Dendreca petechia (Linn.). “Yellow Bird. Length, 54; alar extent, 7; wing, 23. “ Not abundant; inhabits the acacia fields.” 5. Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.). ‘¢ Redstart. “ Rare ; seen only in the upper valleys of the southern hills. In per- fect plumage and fat: evidently not a migrant. The people told me it was with them all the year.” Fam. VIREONIDZ. 6, Vireosylvia calidris (Linn.). ‘Vireo. Iris hazel. ‘* Found among the poisonous Mancbhineel trees, near the coast.” Fam. CGfREBID AL. 7. Certhiola dominicana, Taylor. * Yellowbreast. ‘‘Abundant, but not in the numbers found in Dominica.” Fam. FRINGILLIDZE. 8. Loxigilla noctis (Linn.). t ‘Sparrow. Resident.” 9. Phonipara bicolor (Linn.). “Grass Bird. “In large numbers, probably the most abundant species, sharing this honor with the Loggerhead and Sparrow Hawk.” 234 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM, Fam. TYRANNIDZ. ee 10. Tyrannus rostratus, Scl. “Loggerhead. Resident. ‘‘ Hixtremely abundant; its cry of piperee, piperee, heard everywhere from morn till night. Old pastures its favorite haunt; but where the ‘Cabbage Palm’ is found (the Oreodoya olivacea) there the Piperee de- lights to stay, passing half the day perched upon the extreme tip of the terminal apex of the tree, leaving it only to chase and capture some insect flying by, or to sport a while with its mate.” Fam. TROCHILID A. 11. Eulampis holosericeus (Linn.). ‘“¢ Violet-breast Hummer. Rather numerous.” 12. Orthorhynchus exilis (Gm.). ‘‘Crested Hummer. Very common. ‘‘ More in the fields than the gardens; especially likes the Tamarind trees.” Fam. CUCULID:&. 13. Coccyzus minor (Gm.). ‘Four o’clock Bird. Sparsely distributed. Resident.” Fam. STRIGID AL. 14. Speotyto amaura, Lawr. ‘“Qwl. Length, ¢, 84 in.; alar extent, 215; wing, 63. ‘“ Length, 2, 84 in.; alar extent, 21; wing, 64. “Tris bright yellow. Called here, ae coo’, from its hoot at night. I considered it for a time as almost mythical, reports concerning its ex- istence were so conflicting. Some described it as a large Bat, others asserted that it was (judging from the size of its eyes) as large as a ‘Gui- nea Bird’; all agreed that it was a night-bird, that it lived in old drains, holes in the cliffs and ruined walls; and that its hoot would oie terror to the stoutest heart. ‘‘ Like its congener of Dominica, it has a bad name; and though it may not be called here, as in Dominica, the ‘ Jumbie Bird’ or bird of evil spirits—the name implies more than that—still it has the reputation of being a bad character. The blacks declare that it will not hesitate to tear the eyes out of any individual unfortunate enough to meet it at night. ‘Me rudder see de Debbil, any time’, is their forcible way of testifying to the powers, supernatural and otherwise, possessed by this poor Owl. Finding it impossible to shoot one, I offered a reward of two shillings for the first Owl brought me, and within three hours had three living birds which the men dug out of a cliff in the Chalk-hills. One that I kept two days gave frequent utterance to a chattering ery, espe- ay 2 “an es re ee ss” PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 235 cially if any one approached, but it did not hoot. It feeds upon lizards and mice, it is said.” Male.—Upper plumage of a fine deep brown color, marked with round- ish spots of light fulvous; the spots are smallest on the crown, hind neck, and smaller wing-coverts; they are conspicuously large on the other wing-coverts, the dorsal region, scapulars, and tertials; the quills are blackish-brown, with indented marks of pale reddish fulvous on the outer webs of the primaries, and large roundish paler spots on the inner webs ; under wing-coverts reddish fulvous sparsely mottled with black ; tail dark brown, of the same color as the back, crossed with four bars (including the terminal one), of light reddish fulvous, which do not quite reach the shaft on each web; bristles at the base of the bill black, with the basal portion of their shafts whitish; front white, superciliary Streak pale fulvous; cheeks dark brown, the feathers tipped with ful- vous ; upper part of throat pale whitish buff, the lower part grayish- white, with a buffy tinge, separated by a broad band of dark brown across the middle of the throat, the feathers of which are bordered with light fulvous; the sides of the neck and the upper part and sides of the breast are dark brown, like the back, the feathers ending with fulvous, the spots being larger on the breast; the feathers of the abdomen are pale fulvous, conspicuously barred across their centres with dark brown; on some of the feathers the terminal edgings are of the same color; the flanks are of a clear light fulvous, with bars of a lighter brown; under tail-coverts fulvous, with indistinct bars of brown; thighs clear fulvous, with nearly obsolete narrow dusky bars; the feathers of the tarsi are colored like the thighs and extend to the toes; bill clear light yellow, with the sides of the-upper mandible blackish; toes dull yellowish- brown. Length (fresh), 84 in.; wing, 63; tail, 34; tarsus, 14. The female differs but little from the male in plumage; the bars on the abdomen appear to be a little more strongly defined, and at the base of the culmen is a small red spot. There are two females in the collec- tion, the other also having the red spot; in one the tarsi are feathered to the toes, in the other only for two-thirds their length. Length of one (fresh), 8 in.; wing, 63; tail, 2£; tarsus, 14. Length of the other, 84; wing, 64; tail, 3; tarsus, 13. Mr. Ridgway suggested a comparison with his S. guadeloupensis, the type of which belongs to the Boston Natural History Society, and by the courtesy of Dr. Brewer I have been able to make it. Compared with guwadeloupensis, the prevailing color is dark brown, instead of a rather light earthy-brown, and the spots on the interscapu- lar region are much larger ; it is more strikingly barred below, the other having the breast more spotted ; the bars on the tail are four instead of six. In the Antigua bird each feather of the breast is crossed with but one bar, while those of the other are crossed with two. | = lg Ss a % Be 236 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUY a Mr. Ober (who arrived here November 13) informs me that he could learn of no species of Owl inhabiting Guadeloupe, nor does the museum > there possess a specimen. Fam. FALCONID A. 15. Pandion haliztus (Linn.). ‘‘Fish Hawk. Seen September 1st.” 16. Tinnunculus sparverius var. antillarum (Gm.). ‘Sparrow Hawk. ‘ Killee, Killee.’ ‘In large numbers all over the island. Resident.” 17. Buteo pennsylvanicus (Wils.)? ‘‘ Hawk (seen), resident. Apparently same as the larger hawk of Dominica.” 18. Falco? “A large black hawk spoken of as appearing with the flocks of ducks.” Fam. FREGATID 2. 19. Fregata aquila (Linn.). ‘¢Man o’ war Bird. ‘Resident. Plentiful in harbor of St. John’s.” Fam. PELECANIDZ. 20. Pelecanus fuscus (Linn.). ‘¢Brown Pelican. ‘ Breeds abundantly on small islands off the coast. Resident.” Fam. ARDEID AA. 21. Garzetta candidissima (Gm.). *¢ White Gaulin” Resident. ‘“‘ Everywhere abundant; frequents the dry hills and plains (feeding upon grasshoppers, lizards, &c.) in preference to the pools and moist tracts.” 22. Florida cerulea (Linn.). *“¢ Blue Gaulin.” Resident. “Abundant. Habits same as the preceding.” | 23. Butorides virescens (Linn.). ‘‘ Green Heron. “In small numbers. Resident.” (24. Ardea herodias (Linn.). — | ‘“¢ Great Blue Heron. i i ‘Said to arrive later in the season.” ; + he =) ee eee ; ra 7 s Wilt 2 a I 1 o> tel . ES PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 237 Fam. COLUMBID i. 25. Chamezpelia passerina (Linn.). ‘Ground Dove. Abundant everywhere.” 26. Columba leucocephala (Linn.). ‘‘White-headed Pigeon. ‘‘ Rare among the southern hiils. Think this their southern breeding limit, save perhaps Montserrat.” 27. Zenaida martinicana, Bp. ‘Turtle Dove. Not common among the hills.” Fam. TETRAONIDZ. 28. Orty=x virginianus (Linn.). “ Quail.” . ‘The pastures abandoned are fast becoming populated with quail; the acacia scrub forming agreeable shelter for them and protecting cover. So far as I can ascertain they were introduced; but at what period no one seems to know. They are now in sufficient numbers to make good sport. Think they breed at about the same season as the northern quail, as young but half-grown were plentiful in July and August.” The single specimen sent, a male, resembles most the primitive north- ern stock ; it differs in being smaller, the skin measuring in length 84 inches, wing 44, and in having the crown and hind neck blackish, in this character resembling var. floridanus, but not otherwise; the trans- verse markings below being of the same size as those of the northern bird, which in the Florida race are twice the width. In its upper plumage it is much like the male of O. cubanensis Gould (of which I have mounted specimens of both sexes), but they differ in their under plumage, the Antigua bird being like O. virginianus, but in O. cubanensis the black extends from the throat over the breast, and the feathers of the abdomen are rufous, with arrow-head markings of black and irregular tear-shaped white spots. The wing measures four inches. The female of O. cubanensis has transverse markings on the under surface as in the typical form, but more strongly defined and wider; but they are not so wide as in var. floridanus; the crown, hind neck, and sides of the head are blackish where reddish-chestnut prevails in the northern bird; the back is grayish-ash, with no appearance of the pink- ish-red, which exists in the female of O. virginianus on the back and on the upper part and sides of the breast. Fam. RALLID.ZE. 29. Rallus ? “Rail. Moor-hen. Resident; plentiful apparently, but shy.” 30. Fulica ? ** Coot.’ Not seen; migrant.” — ad | air a ale A. i Pale i “) , 2° See 2 rei) 238 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Fam. CHARADRITD. 31. Charadrius virginicus, Borkh. ‘‘ Golden Plover. “Sept. 7th, first of the season; generally arrive by last of August, or first storm after Aug. 25th. First of September rarely fails to bring — them, but this year no storm hastened them along and they are very late. They arrive in large flocks and spread over the pastures, hills and plains, affording exciting sport. It is not an unusual thing to bag three or four dozen in a morning. Every one owning a gun turns out, and great slaughter ensues. If suffered to remain, they would acquire fat and stay for weeks, but they soon wing their way further south. ‘““They are accompanied later in the season by Curlew, Yellow-legs, ete.” Fam. SCOLOPACID. 32. Himantopus nigricollis (Vieill.). ‘¢ Black-neck Stilt. ‘‘Rare; seen early in July.” 33. Gallinago wilsoni (Temm.). ‘‘ Koglish Snipe. ‘*Occasionally; authority of sportsmen.” 34. Ereunetes petrificatus (Ill.). ‘* Sandpiper. ‘Abundant, in flocks of four to six, along sandy shore. Resident.” 35. Symphemia semipalmata (Gm.). * Willet. Rare.” 36. Gambetta melanoleuca (Gm.),. ‘* Yellow-legs. “Tn all the salt ponds or ‘fleshes’; sufficiently numerous, at times, to afford sport; said to be resident in small numbers; I found it here early in July.” 37. Rhyacophilus solitarius (Wils.). ‘¢ Sandpiper. ‘Not common, but seen singly in every part of the island. I shot three specimens on the summit of McNish Mountain—the highest hill— where is a spring-hole of small size. From this mountain, by the way, the entire island can be viewed, as well as the islands of Barbuda, Gua- deloupe, Montserrat, Redonda, Nevis and St. Kitts—a most delightful prospect.” 38. Numenius hudsonicus (Lath.), | ‘Curlew. Not common.” . een if = * <= _—— 4a). Ls ee. qo ¥ ad. gee ee ae Mi ae Ce i> yeh haere SS PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 239 Fam. LARID:. 39. Sterna dougalli, Mont. “Tern. ‘Breeds in large numbers on the islands and rocks off shore; now finished breeding or young fully grown, though not iu perfect plumage.” 40. Sterna, sp.? “A larger Tern than the above, with black back; not many seen. Resident.” , 41. Larus atricNla (Linn.). “Gull. Resident.” Fam. ANATIDA. 42. Dafila bahamensis (Linn.). “Duck. Resident.” From Barbuda. Fam. TURDIDZ. 1. Cinclocerthia ruficauda, Gould. “Thrush. Grive.” Fam. SYLVICOLID:. 2. Dendreeca petechia (Linn.). ‘¢ Yellow Warbler. ‘‘ Not plentiful. Resident; breeds.” Fam. CH#REBIDA. 3. Certhiola dominicana, Taylor. “ Yellow-throat. Common; resident.” Fam. FRINGILLIDE. 4. Loxigilla noctis (Linn.). “Sparrow. Resident; breeds. ‘¢ Now in small flocks in the overgrown fields. Abundant.” 5. Phonipara bicolor (Linn.). “Grass-bird. Resident; breeds. ‘‘ Very familiar about yards. Abundant.” Fam. TYRANNID/E. 6. Myiarchus oberi, Lawr. ** Flycatcher. “‘ Infrequently met with in the thick laurel scrub; cry sharp at long intervals ; shy.” | , = wT, wu» —_ 240 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSE! oe ee 7. Tyrannus rostratus, Sel. “+ Loggerhead.’ “ Common; resident; breeds.” * Fam, TROCHILIDZ:, 8. Eulampis holosericeus (Linn.). | ‘“ Hummingbird. ‘Common, especially about the prickly pear and the cacti near the beach.” 6. Orthorhynchus exilis (Gm.). ‘* Crested Hummer. ‘* Most numerous. Saw only these two species, but Rev. Mr. Couley (one of the proprietors) described a larger species, visiting the island later, resembling exactly (be said) the Mango, of which he had a colored plate.” Fam. CUCULID. 10. Coccyzus minor (Gm.). “Cuckoo; ‘four o’clock bird’; not common.” Fam. FALCONIDZ. 11. Tinnunculus sparverius var. antillarum (Gm.). ‘“ Sparrow Hawk. ‘Very common; resident; breeds.” 12. Falco communis var. anatum, Bp.? ‘‘ Hawk; auswers to description of Duck Hawk; arrives with the flocks of Plover, ete., forages upon the wild-ducks.” Fam. FREGATIDZ, 13. Fregata aquila (Linn.). * Trigate Bird. “Resident; breeds, lays in June, some young yet in nest.” Fam. PHASTHONID AE. 14. Phzthon flavirostris, Brandt. ‘Tropic Bird. ‘* Breeds in cliffs at east end of island.” Fam. PELECANIDS. 15. Pelecanus fuscus (Linn.). ‘“ Brown Pelican. Breeds.” Fam. ARDEIDA. 16. Ardea herodias. ‘¢Great Blue Heron. 2? pind “Arrives with the migratory birds about Sept. 1st.” ¢ RLS Suse . “ ; PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 241 17. Herodias egretta (Gm.)? ‘A large White Heron was described to me as visiting the island.” 18. Florida czrulea (Linn.). ‘‘ Small Blue Heron. ‘Very numerous; resident; young white.” 19. Butorides virescens (Linn.). ‘‘Green Heron. Common; resident, breeds.” Fam. ANATID/:. 20. Dafila bahamensis (Linn.). “¢ White throat Duck.” Resident; not common.” 21. Clangula glaucion (Linn.). ‘Whistler. Migrant; arrives in October.” Fam. COLUMBIDZ:. 22. Columba leucocephala, Linn. ‘‘ White-head Pigeon. ‘‘ Resident; breeds in great numbers in June and July.” 23. Zenaida martinicana, Bp.? ‘Turtle Dove. Extremely abundant; breeds.” 24. Chamezpelia passerina (Linn.). “Ground Dove. Exceedingly numerous; breeds.” Fam. NUMIDID. 25. Numida meleagris, Linn. ‘¢Guinea Fowl. “ Plentiful; breeds abundantly ; thoroughly wild. Introduced over one hundred years ago.” Fam. RALLIDZ. 26. Rallus ? ‘Rail. Not common; resident.” 27, Fulica ? “6 Coot” Migrant.” Fam. CHARADRITD. 28. Charadrius virginicus, Borkh. * Golden Plover. “Arrive in immense flocks first storm (N. W.) after Sept.1st. Good shooting through September and October if weather is stormy; if fine, the bulk of them keep on.” 29. Aigialitis semipalmata (Bp.)? ** Ring-neck Plover. Not common.” Ye > a 942 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Fam. SCOLOPACIDA. 30. Himantopus nigricollis (Vieill.). ‘*‘ Black-neck Stilt. Not common. Resident”? 31. Gallinago wilsoni (Temm.). - ‘* Snipe. , “A species not seen by me, described by Mr. Hopkins (one of the lessees of the island) as an English Snipe, in color, flight and voice; in small numbers ; resident.” 32. Hreunetes petrificatus (IIl.). ‘¢ Least Sandpiper. ** Resident ; breeds; now in flocks of 4-6.” 33. Symphemia semipalmata (Gm.). ‘¢ Willet. Common; said to breed.” 34. Gambetta flavipes (Gm.). ‘‘ Yellow-legs (smaller). ‘‘ Common; resident, or nearly so.” 35. Rhyacophilus solitarius (Wils.) ? ‘¢ Sandpiper. ** Resident; solitary about the lagoons and fresh-water ponds.” 36. Numenius hudsonicus (lath.). “Curlew. Lesident; breeds; common.” Fam. LARIDZ. 37. Sterna maxima, Bodd.? ‘** Royal Tern. Seen only.” 38. Larus atricilla, Linn. “Gull. Breeds; resident.” Fam. PODICIPITIDZ:. 39. Podilymbus podiceps (Linn. )? *¢ ¢ Diver’ (Grebe 7). ‘Think it resident, as it is irregular in its appearance and disappear: ance.” | New York, November 14, 1878, PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 243 NOTE ON PERCA FLAVESCENS.* By Dr. FRANZ STEINDACHNER. Dr. Franz Steindachner, in the Sitzungsberichte of the Vienna Academy for July, 1878, makes some interesting statements regarding the American Yellow Perch, of which a translation is given below:— *‘Perca flavescens of Mitchill, Cuvier, and others, can be regarded only as a variety of Perca fluviatilis, and the opinion of the ichthyologists prior to Cuvier was the correct one. The pronounced striation of the operculum, which is a characteristic of P. flavescens, is not always present in American specimens, and Holbrook has already remarked in his description of Perca flavescens (Ichthyology of South Carolina, p. 3), ‘‘ with radiating striz more or less distinct.” During my stay at Lake Winnipiseogee, New Hampshire, I frequently saw specimens with very indistinctly striated, or with perfectly smooth opercles. A much stronger argument for the identity of Perca flavescens with Perca fluviatilis lies in the fact that in the vicinity of Vienna occasional individuals with more or less strongly furrowed opercles are taken, and also in the Neusiedler Sea; in the Sea of Baikal and its tributaries I obtained several specimens with very strongly striated opercles. During my travels in England I was able to find only the typical European form of Perca fluviatilis with the smooth opercle. In my opinion, only two species of Perca can be distinguished, namely, Perca fluviatilis, Linn., with two not very sharply defined varieties, viz, var. europea and var. flavescens or americana, and the high northern form Perca Schrenkii, Kessl. In the number of longitudinal and vertical rows of scales, Perca fluviatilis cannot be distinguished from P. flavescens, both varieties having 7 to 10 (generally 7-9) scales between the base of the first dorsai spine and the lateral line, in a vertical row. In Western North America there are known no members of Perca or any nearly allied genus, while in South America the rivers of Southern and Middle Chili and of Patagonia are inhabited by several (apparently only two) species of the Perca-like genera Percichthys and Percilia.” * Prepared by G. Brown Goode. - 244 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. ON THE DESTRUCTION OF FISH IN THE VICINITY OF THE TORTUGAS DURING THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, 1878. By Lieut. J. P. JEFFERSON, Dr. JOSEPH Y. PORTER, and THOMAS MOORE. The following information, relative to the dying of fish in the Gulf of Mexico during the month of September last, will be found of much interest, as bearing upon the sudden destruction in large numbers of marine animals, and their accumulation in geological strata.—EDITOR. Fort JEFFERSON, Dry TortuGAs, FLA., October 16, 1878. I have the honor to enclose herewith the skin of a fish* which was found on the beach here. I send it because many old fishermen say that they never before saw one like it. Some five or six were picked up from a multitude of other fish; and to report this great mortality among them is my principal reason for addressing you. Some three or four weeks ago, the fishing-smacks over in Florida Bay lost about all their fish in their wells, and attributed it to fresh water, which they sup- posed had from some cause or other come down in great volume from the mainland. On the 9th instant, the sailing-vessel which connects us with Key West met water of a dark color about midway between here and there, but saw no dead fish. On her return, on the night of the 11th, she struck it off Rebecca Shoals, about 25 miles east of here, and found it extending some 10 miles out in the Gulf. That same night it came down upon us here, and the next morning the beach and surface of the water, as far as the eye could reach, were covered with dead fish. The appearance of the water had entirely changed ; instead of the usual clear blue or green, it was very dark, like cypress water, and when viewed at depths over 10 feet, was almost black, precisely like the Saint John’s River. We could not perceive any change in the saltness of the water but not having any other means of determining this, had to depend upon taste. There was no appreciable change in temperature. From the fact that almost all the fish that first came - ashore were small and of such varieties as frequent shoal water, I infer that the dark water must have been of less density than the sea; still, great numbers of “ grouper” have been seen, and these are generally found in 3 or 4 fathoms, I believe. The destruction must have been very great, for here, on a key containing but a few acres, and with a very limited extent of beach, we have buried at least twenty cart-loads; they have come ashore in such numbers that it has been a serious mat- ter how to dispose of them. *This on examination by Professor Gill was pronounced to be Aulostoma coloratum, — , =" . ae, ene eS! F 7 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 245 It is said that in 1856 or ’57 there was a similar occurrence of limited extent over in the bay, and frequently the smacks fishing near shore wlong the coast meet fresh water which kills their fish; but all the fish- ermen here unite in saying that nothing of this kind has ever, to their knowledge, happened out on the reef. As to the extent of this I have no means of knowing; will endeavor to have forwarded with this, how- ever, copies of the Key West papers, which will probably contain a more complete account than I have been able to give. One other fact in con- nection with this: among the dead fish were mullet, which, I believe, run up fresh- or brackish-water streams. Almost all the conchs around here were killed also. Whether or not sponges, coral, &c., have been affected, we have not been able to determine, the weather having been too rough to visit the beds. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. JEFFERSON, Lieutenant Fifth United States Artillery. To Professor BAIRD. FoRT JEFFERSON, DRY TORTUGAS, FLORIDA, November 4, 1878. PROFESSOR: I have taken the liberty to forward you, by express from Key West, a box containing two “ribbon fish” preserved in alcohol. . One of them was brought over to me by Mr. Moore, lighthouse-keeper at Loggerhead Light. The remaining specimen of ‘ribbon fish” in the jar (which is perfect) was picked up on a neighboring key thisa.m. I am informed that these fish are a rare species, and very seldom seen. The destruction of fish in Florida Bay and in this vicinity has been great this season. I obtained some sea-water, but not having the appli- ance for analyzing it, I have also taken the liberty to enclose it in the same box with the jar of fish. Should you discover anything abnormal in the water which will ac- count for the recent destruction of the fish in this vicinity, I will be under many obligations if you will inform me. JOSEPH Y. PORTER, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Army, Post Surgeon. P. 8.—Since writing the above, Mr. Moore brought me some curious specimens of fish;* and a curious eel-like fish with but one eye, evidently an abnormality, has been found, which I have also enclosed in the box. * The following is a list of species of fishes forwarded by Dr. Porter.—Eprror. Aulostoma coloratum, Miill. & Trosch. Monacanthus pardalis, Riipp. Dactylopterus volitans, (Linn.) Lac. Blepharichthys crinitus, (Akerly) Gill. Ceratacanthus aurantiacus, (Mitch.) Gill. Belone sp. (head). 2946 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. The dark cypress looking water previously alluded to made its appear- ance here a day or so ago, but did not fortunately remain more than 24 — hours, but during that period there was again destruction of fish. Oct. 11th, at 7 a. m., saw the water a very dark color and dead fish drifting southwest; 9a. m., dead fish on the beach and drifting by as far as we could see east and west of the Key. Oct. 12th, 4 p. m., fish of all kinds on the beach, weighing from a few grains up to Jewfish, weighing about 150 lbs. Oct. 13, 14, 15, and 16.—Dead fish drifting on this Key and at Fort Jefferson, distance from this Key 3? miles. Names of some of the dead fish :— Jewfish, Common Garfish, t | | Yellow Tails, Sucking Fish, Mutton Fish, Lump Suckers, Grouper, Mureena, Skipjack, Armed Enoplossus, Runners, Pennant’s Globe Fish, Grunts, Horned Ostracion, Porgie, Great Pipe Fish, Pogie, Porcupine Fish, Three-tailed Porgee, Ribbon Fish, and fish we call Parrot, and numberless fish I have no name for. There is a fish called Snapper that we could not find dead, and have not seen since alive up to the 27th, but the water remains quite clear. Oct. 30 and 31.—The water colored a light brown. I do not see any fish dead or alive. THOMAS MOORE, Keeper of Loggerhead Light, Florida. Canthorinus occidentalis, (Giinther). Heliastes insolatus ?, Cuv. & Val.,—= Chromis Tetrodon levigatus, (Linn.) Gill. ( fide Gill). Chilichthys testudineus, (L.) Miill. Pomacentrus leucostictus, Miill. & Trosch. Ostracium quadricorne, Linn. Apogon sp., probably imberbis. Acanthurus nigricans, Linn. Pareques acuminatus, (Bl. Sch.) Gill. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 247 DESCRIPTIONS OF SEVERAL NEW SPECIES AND GEOGRAPHICAL RACES OF BIRDS CONTAINED IN THE COLLECTION OF THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL WIUSEUM. By ROBERT RIDGWAY. RHODINOCICHLA ROSEA. Specimens of this species from Western Mexico, while agreeing with Central American ones in the color of the throat, breast, etc., differ very conspicuously in their upper plumage, which is a clear slate-color, the flanks almost cinereous instead of dusky black. This difference is entirely constant in the four specimens before me, compared with five of the typical form. The Northern form being unnamed, it may be char- acterized as follows :— Rhodinocichla rosea, 3. schistacea (Ridgw. MS.). Cu.—Above clear slate-color, the wings darker, with paler, nearly cinereous edges to the feathers; lores and auriculars dark slate; entire sides clear slate, becoming more ashy on the flanks. Adult male: A con- tinuous superciliary stripe, the anterior half of which is intense rose- red, the posterior half rosy-white; chin, throat, malar region, middle of the jugulum, breast, and abdomen, and the whole crissum, pure, beautiful rose-red, most intense on the jugulum, narrower and paler on the abdomen ; edge of the wing and anterior lesser coverts also pure rose-red; lining of the wing partly grayish-white. Adult female: Simi- lar, but the red replaced by rich, tawny rufous, the middle of the abdo- men whitish. Bill horn-yellowish, the maxilla mostly dusky ; iris red (Xantus, MS.) or brown (Grayson, MS.); feet dark horn-color. Length, 8.25; wing, 3.45-3.60; tail, 3.75-3.90 ; bill, from nostril, .60-.65 ; tarsus, 1.00; middle toe, .70-.75. Hab—Western Mexico (Sierra Madre of Colima, Xantus; Rio Mazatlan, Grayson). The distinctive characters of the two forms may be contrasted as follows :— a. rosea.—Upper parts, sides, and flanks sooty-black, the flanks scarcely paler. Wing, 3.25-3.45; tail, 3.40-3.80; bill, from nostril, .52-.60; tarsus, 1.00-1.10; middle toe, .70-.80. Hab.—Central America (Panama; Veragua). B. schistacea.—Upper parts, sides, and flanks clear slate-color, the flanks almost cinere- ous. Wing, 3.45-3.60; tail, 3.75-3.90; bill, from nostril, .60-.65; tarsus, 1.00; mid- dle toe, .70-.75. Hab.—Western Mexico. In R&. schistacea, the red is very slightly paler than in R. rosea, but the difference can be appreciated only on close comparison; the rufous in the female, however, is equally deep. The number of tail-feathers is occasionally 13, this being the number possessed by specimen 30,160. A note on the label of Colonel Grayson’s male specimen is to the effect that the species is ‘‘a superb singer”. 248 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. a. Tosed. Hath 1 U.S ecs-| OF 80. | PADRAIG 2.2.0. inecac se ah eeeeonlE ee eee 3.45 | 3.80 | 0.60 | 1.00 | 0.70 45620 | USS". .2.|'\o' ad: | Veragua (Santa H6) 6. cee oleae bemreettee a 3: 35 4.'3.. 704 0) 55°) 105s Oa Peis 2 R.R ....] oO ad. |.--2--dO. a. wee ondismcs seawde sce: |enpnisuisiois ls tei] Ont. mem 0 iD min ener 53910 oS wesc] O AG.) Panama) .ccciec cease cio no steven | eee eee 3.25 | 3.40 | 0.52 | 1.00 | 0.75 45627 | U.S....| 9 ad. | Veragna, (Santa F6) 0: oc penleeneeeeee Peal 3.25 | 3.75 | 0.52 | 1.05] 0.75 iy 30160 | U.S ....| & ad. | Sierra Madre, Colima ........ Apr. —, 1863 | 3. 45 | 3.90 | 0.60 | 1.00 | 0. 70 8$4057'| US... ad. |" Mazatlan: 2.2. 2 teecee cess vee June —, 1862 | 3.50 | 3.80 |...... 1.00 | 0.70 30161 | U S....| of ad. | Sierra Madre, Colima ........ Apr. —, 1663 | 3.60 | 3.75 | 0.65 | 1.00 | 0.75 34058") U: 5 ...i} 2 ad. | Maza eee. eee eee er June —, 1862 | 3.45 | 3.75 |...... 1.00 | 0.70 EMBERNAGRA RUFIVIRGATA, Lawr. Specimens from Merida, Yucatan, of which there are three before me, differ from all other Mexican examples in the collection, as well as those from Texas, in the very sharp definition and dark color of the stripes on the crown, these being a very dark brown—almost black—anteriorly, the broad stripe between a pure ash-gray, without a trace of olivaceous tinge. The bill is also very much darker in color, the maxilla being quite black in some examples, while the feet are also of a darker brown color. In the light grayish color of the flanks and the very pale buff of the cris- sum, these Merida examples agree much more closely with Texas speci- mens than those from Mexico. Mexican examples are like those from Texas in the character of the head-stripes and in the color of the bill and feet, but they are very different in their lower plumage, not only from the true rujivirgata, but also from the Yucatan race, the flanks being a dark raw-umber tint, or deep drab, almost like the back, and in strong contrast with the white of the abdomen, while the crissum is of a deep fulvous, or dark grayish- buff. It thus appears that three well-marked geographical races of this speies may be defined, their characters being as follows :— A. Maxilla reddish-brown; legs and feet pale brown. Stripes of the head not sharply defined, uniform reddish umber-brown, the broad vertical stripe olive- green throughout, or only tinged with ash anteriorly. a. rufivirgata.—Bill slender, its depth .25, the length of the maxilla from the nostril to the tip being .35-.38. Flanks pale grayish-buff, or light grayish- fulvous; crissum pale buff. Wing, 2.60-2.65; tail, 2.50-2.70; tarsus, .90-.95; middle toe, .60. Hab.—Rio Grande Valley of Texas. B. crassirostris.—Bill very stout, its depth .28-.33, the length of the maxilla from the nostril to the tip being .35-.40. Flanks deep drab, or raw-umber brown; crissum deep fulvous. Wing, 2.55-2.75; tail, 2.30-2.70; tarsus, .85-.90; middle toe, .58-.65. Hab.—Mexico. B. Maxilla dark brown, or brownish-black ; legs and feet deep brown. Stripes of the head sharply defined, black anteriorly, chestnut mixed with black pos-- teriorly, the broad vertical stripe clear ash-gray throughout. y. verticalis—Bill slender, as in rufivirgata, its depth being .26-.28; its length from the nostril .35-40. Flanks and crissum pale, as in rufivirgata. Wing, 2.50-2.68; tail, 2.60-2.80; tarsus, .85-.95; middle toe, 60. Hab.—Merida, Yucatan. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 249 Following is a list of the specimens examined :— a. rufivirgata. eb sis | = mM Zs _~ i] = i) | aie ihe, a EE te Reels GB TiP aan T TS 2: Hates ee eens| 2. 60:)/2. 50; }.0. 38,5¢.0. 254] 0, 98]. . 0:60 Sesete Reese Go ake We Gs tenant oe? 28. 1876) 2: Go |) 2 70 10. 35 X 0.25 | 09a" | ~ 0.60 : * The first number indicates the length of the bill from the nostril; the second, its depth through the ase. B. crassirosiris. =o IG.NLL.. Jo ad. | CGEEGD YALE sc enon as Sasa eee et ot ee | 1: SBS"! 0. 40< 05321; 0:90'1 0:60 29229 | U.S..... O-ads | Onizabaic..s.cusnascauae May 4, 1858 | 2. = 2.40 | 0.35 0.30} 0.85 | 0.65 22443 | U.S..... oh ade oo Mesioe”? 22 pbs 2s )C Obese ses 2.55 | 2.70 | 0.38 0.33} 0:90] 0.65 23890 | U.S..... Q ad. | Venado Island, W. Mex.i; June —, 1861 | 2. 60 2.36 | 0.35> 0.28] 0.90} 0.58 tThis specimen is somewhat intermediate in coloration between rujivirgata and crassirostris, but seems decidedly nearer the former. It differs from both, however, in the very sharp definition of the stripes on the head, which, however, are clear, uniform chestnut, and in the bright buff-yellow cast of the crissum and tibia. It is quite possible that this specimen, which is not in good condition, may rep- resent a fourth race, peculiar to Western Mexico. y. verticalis. 39282 | U.S..... Q ad. 2an) Yucatan -...... May 25,1865 | 2.50 | 2.60 | 0.350. 26 37894 | U.S..... OB! enn ans ilk mated te senses Feb. 23) 1865 | 2.60 | 2.80 | 0.400. 28 0.90 | 0. 60 angerea EK. -:- g EL RORMORET: © RR pie Aaa fs Ie Bard 2.68 | 2.75 | 0.40 0.28) 0.95 | 0.60 l Following are the chief references to this species :— a. rufivirgata. Embernagra rufivirgata, Lawr., Aun. Lye. N. Y. April 28, 1851, 112, pl. v, fig. 2 (Rio Grarde, Texas).—BatrD, B. N. Am. 1858, 487 (Ringgold Barracks, Texas ; Nuevo Leon, N. E. Mexico); Mex. Bound Survey, I, Birds, 1859, 16, pl. xvii, fig. 2; Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, No. 373.—BuTcHER, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phil. 1868, 150 (La- redo, Texas).—CoukEs, Key, 1872, p. — ; Check List, 1873, No. 209.—B. B. & R. Hist. N. Am. B. II, 1874, 47, pl. xxviii, fig. 3—-MERRILL, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, I, Nov. 1876, 89 (Ft. Brown, Texas; descr. nest and eggs); Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. I, 1878, p. 128 (Ft. Brown, Tex.; biogr.).—SENNETT, Bull. U. S. Geol. and Geog. Survey Terr. IV, No. 1, 1878, 22 (Brownsville and Hidalgo, Texas; common). Brown-striped Olive Finch, Lawrn,, l. ¢. > Texas Finch, BatrpD, l. c. Green Finch, COUES, l.c. B. crassirostris. ? “ Zonotrichia plebeja, Licut.”, Bonap., Compt. Rend. XLIII, 1856, 413.* ““ Embernagra rufivirgata”, SCL., 'P. Z.8. 1856, 306 (Cordova); 1859, 380 (Playa Vicente) ; Catal. 1861, 117, No. 709 (Orizaba).—Lawnr., Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 4, 1876, 22 (Huemelula, Isth. Tehuantepec).—Sumicur., Mem. Bost. Soc. I, 1869, 551 (Vera Cruz; temp. and hot reg., up to 1,200 metres). Embernagra rujivirgata var. crassirostris, BAIRD, MS. y. verticalis +: “ Embernagra rufivirgata”, LAwn., Ann. Lye. N. Y. IX, 1869 (Merida, Yucatan). eT; Ihave at present no means of verifying this reference, and therefore adopt, ptovi- sionally at least, Professor Baird’s MS. name of crassirostris. tte S? a VR lels ba gy ~ Senos cous os 49 20 ss Es TS Actes Ye BUNGE 5 Sk erie Sudan owe oa soe neees 28 i) Rade SS ey eee err oe Cg Se 39 16 ry ee eer ) a ee 9 4 +h ey eee i eee 7 - Head : Se IE oo Saas. danse ceuseseesccnas 56 23 To det D0) 55 sewke Peg ee eer eee 6 22 2 es Pere en ee Se OS Ss eee ee 29 112 i ey peer Width of interorbital area.....................- 10 4% Set et ee eee SE a ae Sn ee 15 64 i) er Plates aeck ee 13 53 cn GEA mS EO Rs ig ae 28 114 3 eas te 14 }~<.2.265 a ES I ee a er 32 13 S9 Ties 3s Ly Sao see Distance from snout to centre of orbit......---. 24 10 Ln Pra SE ee eS 17 7 MS 38s. jt ee ae Dorsal (first) : Distance from snout ......- A ee oe 67 274 os oer | Bee os Ee 17 7 | hee oe eae Length of first ray ......-...-..- SER ES ERY See 8 15 64 Oia tenes / ols dan de DeAGer SObGNG THY. ..--.-.602.5-----..------- 2x 113 Ae op ee RE ee Se ee 117 48 - Sw ee ae EES ae ee 26 104 ot hee ‘os eee EE ee 3 14 | eee Aaa See Dorsal (second) : OR SR a ee 142 58 SH14%.2.: | : tae a nee 15 | ee eee eS Fy aa Length of longest ray (40th) .-...----........... 29 114 Li a 45 1.33 s2e pen eS Beit fis Ribena tases acm wd awcwsie 5 23 "ie, eee, FAP ee Peers al: pe 121 50 og (CORE ee jg Cee a2 IE ey sna Susana snc ensacaccnn ay abl 108 44 yy ee ye Des Oe I BIR aged alg t Ss eanecass-- = 9 Bele ctl tai aa: lense ows wnt vos Length of longest ray (37th).................-.- 20 83 es + i Ea pa eee Reena OE. TO Thad oa 5k on hig nits w'ewseie nie =o 6 A Ae ee ie ol ea eed ee See Caudal: Pieneill Of MNO PAYA. 6c. 25.5. sen. -- a. oa. 38 154 a Eee ee fs gh eR Length of external rays .....-.-.----...-...20- 36 143 te ae ei i Ae ‘Pectoral: | eeetenee TOME BNGAG 6 5.0 ccc mamas eee sec asn St oe 60 123 | = Be eee : a ee = elie BE tig te aby. 5 5 ected ebwahie neh eae eo 52 213 | a ee a - Ys aa entral: DigtauGeirdin BVOUE ..\.... 22. -kcknacesecenceacks 54 223 2 eee oe yl Ie eet @0 ree WEY wwitcus > sbtes esnecs ool beet 96 39 yg tee AER Ae PT epeGr OF MISIMCDUM, |. 5. 5. eos foe wos ae aud dane 165 68 el bye 0) Heuer of second ray... 224. oo ese nccc ewe en sen 15 63 ) _) aa Sou. . 21. Deep sea, midway between Cape of Good | Puerto Bueno, Magellan Straits, 55-70 Hope and Kergnelen’s Laud; east of fathoms. the mouth of Rio Plata, 600 and 1 375 fathoms. Description.—Extreme length of type-specimen (No. 21,837, U.S. N. M.) without caudal 0,435" (174 inches), with caudal 0.48u™; length of collateral type (No. 21,838) without caudal, 0.545"; with caudal, 0.603™. The shape of the body resembles that of the species of the genus Phycis, though somewbat shorter, higher, and more compressed, its greatest Leight contained about five times in its length (without candal), its height at the ventrals slightly exceeding one-eighth of its total pei kee ~ * Ichthyologie de Nice, 1810, p. 118, pl. xi, fig. 40. +Catalogue of the Acanthopterygii, Pharygognathi, and Ann in et oot lections of the British Museum, 1862, p. 358. | fi etd Se 7118 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 259 its height at the middle of the caudal peduncle one twenty-ninth of the same. Scales arranged in about 115 vertical rows and about 38 horizontal ones, about 11 being between the origin of the dorsal and the lateral line and about 27 below the lateral line. Lateral line slightly curved upward in the anterior fourth of its length. Length of head contained more than four and one-quarter times in that of the body; its width half its length and less than double that of interorbital area. The barbel is short, its length being scarcely equal to half the diame- ter of the orbit and about one-tenth the length of the head. The width of interorbital area is about equal to the longitudinal diameter of the orbit, in the larger specimen slightly greater. The diameter of the orbit is equal to or slightly greater thau one-fourth the length of the head. The length of the snout is equal to that of the operculum and less than width of interorbital area. The maxillary extends to vertical from posterior margin of the orbit, its length about equal to the greatest width of the head. Mandible equals one-eighth of total length without caudal. Snout equal to operculum in length, obtusely pointed, much de- pressed, its lateral outline subconical, a conspicuous keel extending backward along the lower line of the orbit to its posterior margin. The head and mouth closely resemble those of some species of Jlacru- rus, except that the keel is covered with small, smooth scales and is not overhanging. Lips scaleless. Teeth in the jaws imperfectly serial, villiform, recurved; a small ob- long patch of similar teeth on the head of the vomer; none on the palatines. | First dorsal fin inserted at a distance from the snout somewhat greater than twice the height of the body at the ventrals; its first ray is much prolonged, its length greater than that of the head, and nearly as long or longer (in the larger specimen) than the distance from the snout to the beginning of the dorsal. The second ray is contained less than four times, the third six times or less in the first, the fourth about ten times. The length of the base of second dorsal is somewhat more than twice the distance of its insertion from the snout; its greatest height, which is in the posterior fourth of its length (near the 40th ray), is contained about six or seven times in the length of its base. The vent is situated at a point equidistant from snoutand tip of cau- dal, under the 19th ray of second dorsal fin. The anal fin is inserted at a distance behind it equal to length of second anal ray. Its length of base is slightly more than half that of second dorsal. It has a consider- able depression in its middle outline. The last rays of dorsal and anal are of equal length, and are directly opposite each other. The caudal seems to be somewhat rounded. The length of the middle rays contained more than nine times in total length without caudal, and more than ten times in length including caudal. 260 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. Pectorals narrow, inserted under the base of first dorsal. In the smaller specimen they reach to the perpendicular from the ninth ray of the second dorsal, in length equalling the greatest height of the body. Ventrals inserted at a distance from tip of snout equal to half the’ length of anal base; the second ray nearly twice as long as the first, and in the smaller specimen, in which it is unmutilated, nearly as long as the head. Radial formula :—D. 4,53; A. 40; 0.5, 20 or 21,5; P. 1,19; V.6. Color.—Deep violet or blue. Table of Measurements. Gurrent number of specimen ...:-. -....scsseabssuernueeeee 21,837. 21,838. Tiocality .-.- i-- cssnc onesinw edsnan spon mau Goa eee Edge of Le Have Bank. 100ths Millim of Millim length Extreme length (without caudal).........-ccccscececccacees ANS eos demeatee G45: | tb .eeoue Length to end of middle caudal rays..............0.--...- oe oe ee 603-1 x dcaeapen Body : : Greatest height... 2s eewens 20 6 27 Length Of GUUROUNMGN. 22 onc sda teomegenstncd4s auaaeas 25 6 27 Length of maxillary... iccncssccavebusewn reactant esd at 49 11 62 Length of mandible ...... ee, 55 124 74 Distance from snout to centre of orbit...........---.-- 44 10 50 Diameter of orbit (longitudinal) ..............2....0e-- 27 6} 32 Dorsal (first) : Distance from enont. .i.. ais «due dcdeeeens > oh kdebeen cok 113 26 136 Length of base... .<.cccone'scetndetasnaneerat cides 16 4 25 Length of firet ray .« - sco. ssevdnceheh heel Pebr nee ene — 107 244 140 Leagth of sccond FRY ..64 sc kokpacnebllds ces sedaeabebed 25 6 33 Leneth of third ray -..-ccpucschpeabie dee kdasenaee 19 4} 22 Length of fourth fag ... canccanacddhbes repecniannasende 10 24 14 Dorsal (second) : Length of base .2.0c -+ici denne ws daensoaea nee eee 273 62 340 Distance fram snout .<...-.cccdiadepeanedsacahbeee ia, 133 305 160 Length of firat cay c. -sseisvactadeusears Séden the Wee ons 27 64 33 Length of longest ray (41st)..........- Pe ee ee ees py 7h 53 Length of last ray. ...-.cerccedushed sesabadpateranneeaen 8 @ fectiiccekvacatetpaie Anal: Distance from ‘snent ;.\. cass -obabdewsesbheusoueaaeee 266 61. |) Sbo02 ole Length of baee. ..occss«00cene casicdc oodm«mismnd ee ei olen ania ns 6.3 Dorsal (soft): Length of base. ...........bacees oo vedae ce soma amine ale dele oe np eee 24. Distance from snout ......5000 cccsae soneusunvae swisne cednue onste enniennnEi nnn 85 Anal: Distance from snout .......0cs0e cncececacscenencemeneniy sen cen pean anne 83 Lenigth of base. - oon. - 2 ese sasisiccos be owe om ed cw oitenblnpis oe ws eeu nen Tn 94 Length of first ray -.........0.cecues esweceecnceuscpauaununbeann en iin iene 3 Length of longest ray ... - 25.05.00 escece cece cecdeunbism bbb > one ine enn Tenn ce DQUQUN DO? IAB TAY o0.cccvcccndboudsesnncdanesntsaepeeeree fenscauen bey ems ekanmaeee 2. 66 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 263 Table of Measurements—Continued. | Millim. | 300th Caudal: | nn EYE, Sn ee eran soon newasn car naceeastacradende cs cuness if BT 4 Fo eee eR SUIRUIRDY ENA Ge he eter Ss 3 ote geen aa be dos ee eon ee FAR free 17 Eee ea. . thane k ine para otere wis wesw ed st aa dewwsaetems angen bee | oo | BEM ELS a eS ee ee ae a a See ee 50 I Le Se ed i doe Ge dbde mn seda bs fianaaghn cea=>> ca. 12 ED rare ea a ee ats onion Ab ae an Saon tons we beh yme eau ne- ¢ 6 35 Ree See kena tra Se ek har Sahn ol clea ache ta cierto nies 46 os om tne | Be ee ee el, a ee ee eee ae ee eae Ae ee a eee eee eee Beem WASHINGTON, November 23, 1878. ON THE CCCURRENCE OF THE OCEANIC BONITO, ORCYNUS PELAMYS, (LINNE) POEY, IN VINEYARD SOUND, MASSACHUSETTS, By ViNAL N. EDWARDS. Mr. P. Stewart has caught between 80 and 100 of them in his pound* in about three weeks. He caught 52 one morning. In Luce’s pound* they have caught between 60 and 70. They catch them witha northerly wind; none with the windoff shore. They will not livelong inthe pound, but will run themselves to death, and their brilliant blue color all fades out as soon as they are dead. Woop’s Ho.t, Mass., October 1, 1878. NOTES ON THE WESTERN GIZZARD SHAD, DOROSOMA CEPEDIA- NUW HETERURBRUW, (BAF.) JORDAN. By SAMUEL WILMOT. Sir: I send you by post a small fish taken by one of our fishermen at Sarnia on Lake Huron. It was sent to me by one of our officers, with a request that I should let him know what sort of fish it was. It seems they think it to be a young shad. Fish very similar in appearance to this one have been known in Lake Ontario and other of our waters for many years; I recollect them forty years ago. They were not taken numerously in those days, a few being captured at times in seines, and sometimes in gill-nets, which were set out in very deep waters in the lake for the purpose of taking salmon trout: those taken in the gill-nets would be sometimes a pound in weight; the great run of them, however, *These pounds are in Menemsha Bight, Martha’s Vineyard. - 1, ted uy “ ==»! 964 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. never exceeded three to six inches in length. Strange to say, how- © ever, that during the past four years these little fish have become so numerous throughout the length of Lake Ontario that millions can be taken in one haul of a seine almost anywhere along the shore of Lake Ontario during the month of June. The whole shore for a long distance out, during this time, becomes so dense with these little fish that people dip them out with their hats,—rather a novel method, but it is a fact, and given for illustration of their immense numbers: vast quantities of them die along the shore. In a few days, sometimes a fortnight, they all disappear, and we see nothing of them again till the following year, excepting an odd one that may be taken at times. They invariably run from two to six inches, seldem larger. They are not prized for food, being seldom eaten, and are not marketable. They have been called here the ** Moon Eye”, as they resemble the fish spoken of by me as having been taken in the deep waters, which have always been known by that name. Again, in 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876, and this year, these little fish have been alike abounding in myriads all along the north shore of Ontario. Since that time, the trout and other predaceous fishes have become very scarce in the lake, and these ‘* Moon Eyes” have conse- quently wonderfully increased in numbers, to such an extent as to spread themselves in the immense number spoken of all along the shore of the lake. The specimen sent may not be one of these ‘“* Moon Eyes”, but the resemblance is very great.* Professor BAIRD, Commissioner of Fisheries, &c., Washington, D. C. NEWCASTLE, November 23, 1577. THE OCCURRENCE OF THE CANADA PORCUPINE IN WEST VERRGUINAA. By G. BROWN GOODE. The National Museum has obtained from Mr. H. D. Renninger, of Washington, a living specimen of the Canada porcupine (Hrethizon dor- satus (Linn.) F’. Cuv.—var dorsatus), captured by him November 13, 1878, near Cranberry Summit, Preston County, West Virginia. This locality is in or near lat. 395 N., and this is believed to be the most southern oc- currence of the species. The inhabitants of Cranberry have never before known of the occurrence of porcupines in that region. | DeKay statedt that the species ranged south to the northern parts of Virginia and Kentucky. Mr. Allen believes that his statement was founded on a remark of Catesby. Audubon and Bachman write: “It *The fish received from Mr. Wilmot is the Western Gizzard Shad, Dorosoma cepedia- num heterurum, (Raf.) Jordan. tNat. Hist. N. Y. 1842, 1, p. 79. ¢ Quadrupeds of N. America, 1, 1846, p. 286. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 265 does not exist in the southern parts of New York or Pennsylvania. DeKay states that it is found in the northern parts of Virginia and Ken- tucky. We, however, sought for it without success in the mountains of Virginia, and could never hear of its existence in Kentucky.” ‘Professor Baird states* that the species is found as far south as Northern Pennsylvania in some localities, in which State it is not rare even now. Mr. J. A. Allen, the most recent writer on the porcupines, remarks,t that Professor Shaler had failed to hear of the species in Kentucky and Virginia. He was informed by Dr. J. M. Wheaton that a few porcu- pines still survive in Clark, Champaign, and Ross Counties, Ohio, and that it was common ten years since in Putnam County; and by Mr. E. W. Nelson that the species was formerly rather common, though never abundant, in all of the wooded region north of the Ohio River, but that it is not now found (west of Ohio) south of the forests of Northern Wis- eonsin and Northern Michigan. DECEMBER 12, 1878. CATALOGUE OF THE BIBDS OF GRENADA, FROM A COLLECTION MADE BY MR. FRED. A. OBER FOR THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITU- TION, INCLUDING OTHIERS SEEN BY HIM, BUT NOT OBTAINED. By GEORGE N. LAWRENCE. In my Catalogue of the Birds of St. Vincent, I stated that Mr. Ober expected to leave that island for Grenada on the 29th of February. He must have left about that time, as some of his notes from Grenada are dated early in March. Huis collection from there was received at the Smithsonian Institution on the 22d of May, and sent to me a few days after. It consists of but 66 specimens. In the following communication from Mr. Ober, he gives the geograph- ical position of the island, with other matters of interest. Under most of the species found there, are his notes of their habits, ete. His communications are marked with inverted commas. “Grenada, the southernmost of the volcanic islands, lies just north ~ of the 12th degree of latitude north of the equator, that parallel just touching its southern point. “It is about 18$ miles in length, from N. N. E. toS. 8. W., and 74 miles in breadth. “From Kingston, the principal town in St. Vincent, to St. Georges, that of Grenada, the distance is 75 miles; from the southern end of St. Vincent to the northern point of Grenada the distance is 60 miles; the intervening space being occupied by the Grenadines. *Mammals of North America, 1859, p. 568. t Monographs of North American Rodentia, by Elliott Coues and Joel Asaph Allen, 1877, p. 393, 966 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. “Tt is very rugged, the interior of the island being one mountain chain with its offsets, and there is a less area of fertile land than in St. Vincent. The valleys that make up from the coast, and the levels lying between the hills and some portions of the coast, however, are very fer- tile. It is not a promising island for ornithological research, though at first glance it would seem to be able to afford rich reward. ‘‘'The mountains in the interior are voleanic; there are several extinct craters, in the largest of which is an attractive lake, 2,000 feet above the sea; it is 24 miles in circumference and has an average depth of 14 feet. St. Georges, the only port of any size, lies on the southwestern coast, and is highly picturesque in location, but not so attractive in the eyes of an ornithologist as it might be; the surrounding hills are rocky, and those not rocky are cultivated, so that they are inhabited by very few birds. ‘Across the bay from the town, on the borders of the ‘lagoon,’ which is fringed with mangroves, may be found a few water birds, and in the sloping pastures at the foot of the high hills a small variety of the smaller birds. ‘‘The southern point, Point Saline, is an excellent place for the migra- tory birds: plover, duck, ete., which visit this island in quantities, and some points on the eastern coast are equally good. “T spent two weeks in and near St. Georges and St. Davids, and two weeks in the mountains and on the eastern coast. “As this island is so near the South American continent, being but 100 miles from Trinidad and 70 miles from Tobago, I expected to find some forms of animal life different from those in the northern islands among the resident species. But with the exception of now and then a straggler being blown to these shores, there is no species (if we may ex- cept two) that would indicate proximity to a great tropical country. ‘Some species common in the northern islands, from Guadeloupe to St. Vincent, have disappeared, and in one or two cases their places taken by others ; notably is this the case in the instance of Hulampis jugularis being replaced by Glaucis hirsutus. ‘There is no parrot as in St. Vincent, and the two species of thrush, locally known as the ‘ grives’—Margarops densirostris and M. montanus— do not exist here. Other minor differences occur, which will be apparent upon examining the catalogue. “The most interesting fact regarding the higher order of animal life, — is the existence here of an armadillo, once common in all the Lesser An- tilles, but now extinct in all the northern islands. “A species of monkey also lives in the deep forests of the mountains; a skin of one has been sent to the Museum. “The most interesting portion is undoubtedly that of the monntakel immediately adjacent to the mountain lake; but, if it were possible for a naturalist to spend an entire year in the island, doubtless the more southern portion would reward him better in species: for the season of Weeiet i — 7 ; -. ae a ine ee 8 SM PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 267 migration would probably bring many stragglers from the continent, that do not make a longer stay than a few days. “Tt is only a matter of regret with me that I could not give the requi- site time to this island during the ‘winter months’. I am satisfied, however, that the few resident species are now fully known. “FREDERICK A. OBER. ““My thanks are due to Wm. Sharpe, Esq., Wm. Simmons, Esq., Dr. Wells, Canon Bond of St. Andrews and John Grant Wells, Esq., for courtesies Shown me.” Fam. TURDID/. 1. Turdus nigrirostris Lawr. “Thrush (‘ Grive’). “Length, ¢,9in.; alar extent, 154; wing, 5. “Length, 2,9 in.; alar extent, 143; wing, 43. ‘Tn the deep woods one may be startled by a low note of alarm from this bird, like the single cluck of the Mocking-bird of the Southern States. Searching carefully, you may discover the author of it sitting upon a low tree, with head protruded, eagerly examining the surround- ings for the cause of the noise your coming makes. Discovering you, it hastily makes off, with a parting cluck. Its song is often heard in the high woods, strange notes, ‘ fee-ow, fee-00,’ ete., often repeated. Anothes cry it has when alighting and unexpectedly discovering your presence, similar to the cry of the Robin as heard at evening time in spring—a harsh cry mingled with softer notes. I have only found it in the high forests. It must be well along in the nesting period, judging from the condition of those dissected.” I was much pleased to find four specimens of this species in the col- lection, as but one was obtained in St. Vincent, and that had the plum- age somewhat soiled. These are in good condition and more mature: they have the color of the throat as originally described, i. e., the feathers of a dull white, with shaft-stripes of brown; there are no rufous termi- nations to the wing-coverts, as in the St. Vincent specimen; and the irregular rufous-brown markings on the upper part of the breast, as seen in that, are only just perceptible in two of the specimens: they have the breast and flanks of a darker shade of brown: the bills of these are not so dark throughout as in the type—shading into brown on their ter- minal halves: this difference of color is doubtless attributable to age. 2. Turdus carribezeus, Lawr. Ann. N. Y. Acad. of Sci. vol. 1, p. 160. Thrush. “Length, 94 in.; alar extent, 154; wing, 5. “Tris wine-red; naked skin around the eye, 3? inch wide, yellow; beak olive-green, tipped with yellow. I am positive that I heard this bird in St. Vincent, but only once, and did not obtain, or even fairly see it.. Its eryis peculiar, and once heard could not be mistaken. Itresem- “a 268 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM, | ai bles the ery of the Whippoorwill in the morning, just as it utters the ‘poor-will’, and just preceding the final cluck. It was not a stretch of the imagination, either, to fancy a cry like ‘how de dew’ (as uttered by the country gentleman when saluting an acquaintance), with the stress upon dew. It has also, when alarmed or when threading a strange thicket, the soft call-note of the Thrushes, similar to that of the grive or Mountain Thrush. It inhabits the thick growth of old pastures, and seems to prefer the dark recesses beneath the overhanging trees and bushes of the hillsides on the borders of the opens.” ‘3. Mimus gilvus, Vieill. ‘¢ Mocking-bird. “Length, 3, 94 in.; alar extent, 14; wing, 43. ‘Rather plentifully distributed on the hills sloping seaward; found also well up the sides of the mountains, but not in the high woods, nor far away from cleared land.” Fam. TROGLODYTID. ‘4. Thryothorus grenadensis, Lawr. Ann. N. Y. Acad. of Sci. v. 1, p. 161. “Wren; ‘God-bird,’ ‘Length, ¢, 5 in.; alar extent, 7; wing, 24. ‘¢ A sprightly bird, found in houses in the country, in the forests and in the towns. “Its song is a pleasing warble, and this, with its bright ways, make it a welcome visitor. The blacks will eat nearly every bird but this and the corbeau; but this, they say, ‘make you dead,’ for it is God’s bird. ‘Found an old nest in the house at Grand Etang, but the young had gone (‘it make child, but he go’), I was told. They were hatched in February. A nest under the veranda now has four young, recently hatched. Going down to examine them one day, I found one of them had about four inches of a ‘God’s horse’ (‘Walking-stick’) (Phas- mida) protruding from its mouth. The nest is of dried grass, lined with feathers. Had it not been that these little beggars excited feelings of compassion in my breast, I would have added the old ones to my col- lection, well knowing that they would be valuable acquisitions.” Fam. SYLVICOLIDZE. ‘5. Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.). “Only one seen. This was shot, but lost in the thick matting of the loose leaves that covered the ground. It was near the border of the mountain lake.” | Fam. VIREONIDZE. 1"; ‘6. Vireosylvia calidris var. dominicana, Lawr. “6 Vireosylvia. “Length, ¢, 6 in.; alar extent, 10; wing, 3g. . ee PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 269 “Length, 9, 6in.; alar extent, 93; wing, 34. “Through the woods came a strangely familiar note, ‘peow, peow’. The bird I could not discover at first, but thought I detected a note akin, and was confirmed that it was an old acquaintance of Dominica and St. Vincent, when I had it in my hand. Not very abundant.” Fam. HIRUNDINID/E. 7. Progne dominicensis (Gm.)? “ Progne. ‘One species seen, but never within shot; to all appearance, it was identical with that obtained in St. Vincent.” | Fam. CHAREBIDZE. *8. Certhiola atrata, Lawr. “Certhiola. Scarce. Resident. ‘Length, ¢, 44 in.; alar extent, 73; wing, 23. “This bird is not found in great numbers, as in some of the northern islands; indeed, I have seen it but twice—on the mangrove flats of Point Saline, where its habits were in great contrast to those of its northern congeners, being shy and retired, while in other islands bold and obtru- sive.” Fam. TANAGRID. 9, ’Buphonia flavifrons (Sparm.). . “Louis @Or. Rare. Resident. “Length, 5 in.; alar extent, 84; wing, 23. “T have nk seen this bird hows alive. These specimens were shot by A. B. Wells, Esq., of St. Davids. It is not easily discovered, more from .- , its rarity than from its shyness. Frequents the skirts of woods and nutmeg groves.” *10. Calliste versicolor, Lawr. ‘‘Sour-sop Bird. Abundant. Resident. “Length, ¢, 63 in.; alar extent, 94; wing, 3. “Length, 2, 6in.; alar extent, 94; wing, 34. “Though in St. Vincent I saw the bird only in small numbers and solely in the mountains, here itis everywhere. The same chattering cry, noisy in feeding, calling one to another, gregarious. is greedy in its search for food, a flock of from 8-12 may be seen swarming over a small tree or bush. It is very partial to the seed of the Sour-sop, which gives it its local appellation. It is now nesting.” Fam. FRINGILLIDZ. ‘ll. Loxigilla noctis (Linn.). “Length, ¢, 54in.; alar extent, 84; wing, 23. “Length, 2, 54 in.; alar extent, 83; wing, 23. “One of as most biizran birds, second only to the small ‘ grass bird’ _ (Phonipara bicolor).” 2970 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 12. Phonipara bicolor (Linn.). ‘6 Phonipara bicolor. ‘Si Si Zerbe.’ ‘‘ Wverywhere abundant, so common in fact that, thinking I could obtain it at any time, I devoted my attention to other rarer birds, and finally left without a specimen.” oe Fam. ICTERID. Vg -13. Quiscalus luminosus, Lawr. Ann. N. Y. Acad. of Sci. v. 1, p. 162. ‘Blackbird. Resident. ‘¢ Length, ¢, 104 in.; alar extent, 154; wing, 5. ‘Length, ?, 92 1n.; alar extent, 4: wing, 43. | ‘This bird iret occurs in the Grenadines. It has seldom been seen : in St. Vincent, although abundant on the small islands of Balliceaux and Bequia. The latter is not ten miles distant. It is there ae the ‘Bequia Sweet’, from its notes: ‘ Bequia sweet, sweet.’ “It is social, gregarious, seeming to delight in company, spending a great part of the day in sportive play. The first I saw were in Balli- ceaux, one of the northernmost of the Grenadines. I was struck with the similarity of a habit of theirs to one of the Boat-tailed Grakle of Florida and the South, as I had observed it on the banks of the St. John’s River. A party of them had come down to drink at a small pool in one of the pastures. After drinking, each male would lift its beak perpendicularly, spread out its wings and one leg, and give utterance to a joyous cry, as though giving thanks for the enjoyment afforded by the drink. Then the whole crew would join in a general outburst, both females and males. Then they would adjourn to a near fence rail, and keep up a social con- versation, stretching their legs and wings and showing their glossy feathers to the sun. The air would then resound with the cries, said by the islanders to be, ‘Bequia sweet, sweet, sweet.’ That was in Febru- ary. Though I then expected to bt ‘iidion to send home with the St. Vincent collection, I was disappointed, as our boat was smashed on a neighboring rock next day, and we were picked up and carried bi Sa Vincent without an opportunity for getting the birds. “In Grenada I found them in abundance again, flying in flocks and inhabiting exclusively the lowlands, the swamps and borders of the lagoons. It is easily attracted by unusual sounds, as I once proved while hunting Yellow-crowned Night Herons in a swamp on the eastern coast, by calling around me not less than forty, who filled the bushes and ie ees around and above me, staying a long while. “Think it is exclusively confined to Grenada and the Grenadines.” Fam TYRANNIDZ. 714. Blainea martinica (Linn.), “Flycatcher. Resident. Rather numerous. “Length, ¢, 73 in.; alar extent, 11; wing, 33. “Length, ?, 63 in.; alar extent, 105; wing, 34. Ee Eee ; ; q % Ms > : * a a PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 271 ¢15. Myiarchus oberi, Lawr. “Flycatcher. Not abundant. “Length, ¢, 9 in.; alar extent, 13; wing, 44. “Length, 2, 82; alar extent, 124; wing, 4. «16. Tyrannus rostratus, Scl. “T. rostratus. Resident. Abundantly distributed. “Length, ¢, 10 in.; alar extent, 153; wing, 5. “Length, ¢,9in.; alar extent, 143; wing, 43. “Occurring at all altitudes, but preferring the lowlands, open fields, and hills. Delights in a shrub with bare protruding prongs, or an open- foliaged tree like the trumpet tree and bread fruit. Its ery is a shrill ‘piperee, piperee’; hence itsname. Especially partial to the tall cabbage palm (palmistes), making its home in the fronds, and darting thence upon any passing insect. ‘More abundant in Antigua than elsewhere. Its large flat bill, the concealed flushes of yellow beneath the wings, and the beautiful silken feathers of saffron and crimson concealed in the crown, make it an interesting specimen in the hand, though it is a very ordinary looking bird as seen in activity.” 17. Tyrannus melancholicus, Vieill. “ Tyrannus The first seen. “Length, ¢,9in.; alar extent, 143; wing, 43. ‘‘ The first bird of this species shot seemed fatigued from a long flight, and I thought it must have come from another island, Tobago or Trini- dad. It has never been seen by those who observe the birds of the island. JI still think it a straggler from Tobago.” Two specimens are in the collection. This and the following species (Glaucis hirsutus) are the only South American forms that were procured, showing how strictly this and the islands north of it are defined as a distinct zoological province. In the islands to the south, viz, Tobago and Trinidad, the birds assimilate to those of the South American conti- nent. Fam. TROCHILID. -18. Glaucis hirsutus (Gm.). ‘Brown Hummer. (New to me.) “Length, ¢, 54 m.; alar extent, 632; wing, 23. “Length, 2, 54in.; alar extent, 63; wing, 23. “This species entirely replaces the Garnet-throat (Hulampis jugularis), of which latter I have not seen a single specimen. This one is confined to the same haunts, viz, the cool depths of the high woods, and is never seen in the valleys or below the last ring of high cliffs and forest-trees. So closely does the plumage of this hummer assimilate with the color of the fallen leaves, dry as well as green, that I lost my first specimen and found the others only by long search.” ' 7 fd: 272 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. ‘19. Eulampis holosericeus (Linn.). ‘‘Green-throat. ‘Colibri’ Scarce. ‘Length, 2,5 in.; alar extent, 64; wing, 24. ‘Feeding from the crimson flowers of a huge cactus, I saw this hum- ming-bird this morning, in a hedge row bordering the road to St. Davids. It does not occur in the abundance that I find of the small crested hum- mer, and I have not seen it in the mountains.” ‘20. Orthorynchus cristatus (Linn.). “ O. exilis? March 16th. ‘Length, d, 33 in.; alar extent, 5; wing, 2. ‘The crest seems brighter and deeper than in those of Dominica and St. Vincent. It is distributed profusely throughout high woods, hills, upper valleys, and sea-coast; everywhere I see its glancing crest, hear the whirring of its wings. Just a year ago I found a nest in Dominica; here in the mountains they have not yet built their nests, though it is possible they may have commenced in the lowlands. They are in the thickets between the Grand Etang and the deep woods, visiting the. different flowers so frequently that it seems to me they must be ex- hausted of sweets and insects.” Fam. CYPSELID. 21. Chzeturasp.? “YT was unfortunate with this bird, never getting one within range. — It is of the same shape, size, and color of the species obtained in Domi- nica. Only one species seen.” Fam. ALCEDINIDZ. 22. Ceryle alcyon (Linn.). “ Length, d, 124 in; alar extent, 204; wing, 64. ‘“‘ Though nearly a year has passed since I first saw the Kingfisher of these islands (in Dominica), this is the first island in which I have been able to shoot one. It is very shy, and somehow I have always just missed it, in Dominica as well as St. Vincent, in neither of which islands is it plentiful; and it was only by the most artful bushwhacking that I at last got this one. Not abundant; resident.” Fam. CUCULIDZ. +23. Coccyzus minor (Gm.). “Cuckoo manioc.’ Abundant; resident. “Length, ¢, 124 in. alar extent, 16; wing, 53. | ‘The har sh, cry, resenibling somerhail that of the Yellow-billed Our r koo, may be heard almost any day, proceeding from the low growth of | some overgrown pasture or hillside. we PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 273 “Of unsuspicious demeanor, this bird will allow a near approach; if it flies, it is but for a short distance, to a low tree or thick shrub, where, if unmolested, it hops about with apparently aimless intent, though keeping a good lookout for its food, butterflies, moths, etc. «Very common on the hillside beyond the Carenage.” » 24. Crotophaga ani, Linn. -*% Corbeau.’ Abundant; resident. “Length, ¢, 15 in.; alar extent, 17; wing, 6. “Length, 2, 14 in.; alar extent, 164; wing, 54. “Called the ‘Tick-bird’ in St. Vincent; here the ‘Corbeau’, French for Raven. Said,to have been blown over from Trinidad in a gale some years ago. It has increased wonderfully ; not held in favorable repute; eats ticks, bugs, etc., but also eats corn and guinea-grass grain. The same stupid unsuspicious bird everywhere; breeds abundantly ; ga- rious. Where one goes and persistently calls, the rest of the flock, from 6 to 12, will surely follow. In a tree or bush they cluster close together ; have a squeaking cry. ‘They build a large loose nest, and lay in it eggs of a greenish color. A curious habit of theirs is to build a second nest upon one already filled with eggs. The only nest I have examined had not a full comple- ment of eggs, and I cannot tell just what number they lay.” Fam. STRIGID. * 25. Strix flammea var. nigrescens, Lawr. “Owl; ‘Jumbie Bird” Rare. * Length, ¢, 12 in.; alar extent, 303; wing, 10. ‘¢In different parts of the island are the towers of ancient wind-mills, which, in various stages of ruin and dilapidation, are going to decay. Being made of stone, and generally covered with ivy and running vines, without roof and full of holes, they offer excellent places of abode for the owls, and there is rarely a ruin without its occupant to frighten the negroes to the verge of insanity with its nocturnal hootings. From a superstitious dread of the ‘Jumbie bird,’ and from the fact that these old mills are well hung with the nests of ‘ Jack Spaniard ’—a wasp, it is difficult to get a negro to climb into a tower to dislodge the owl. “‘T am indebted for this one to Mr. Goddard, the manager of the Estate of Clarke’s Court.” Fam. FALCONID. 26. Pandion haliztus (Linn.). ‘An infrequent winter visitor on the east or Atlantic coast.” +27. Buteo pennsylvanicus (Wils. ). “Length, ?, 154 in.; alar extent, 35; wing, 11. “At this time (March 25) it is engaged in incubation. Not abundant; resident.” Proc. Nat. Mus. 78——18 Feb. 13, 1879. * 274 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 28. Tinnunculus sparverius var. antillarum (Gm.). ‘Very rare, and, so far as I can ascertain, confined to the eastern eoast.” Fam. FREGATIDZ. 29. Fregata aquila (Linn.). ‘‘ Breeds on the rocks north and northeast of Grenada, sparingly, but in increased numbers on some of the smaller Grenadines.” Fam. PHA THONIDA. 30. Phzethon ethereus, Linn. ‘Cannot tell if it breeds in Grenada, but am of the opinion that it does. The specimens obtained in the northern Grenadines were included in the St. Vincent catalogue.” Fam. PELECANID. 31. Pelecanus fuscus (Linn.). ‘Breeds on the rocks north of Grenada as well as throughout the Grenadines.” 32. Sula fiber (Linn.). “Tnhabits the rocks off the northern coast. Most plentiful in the Grenadines.” Fam. ARDEID 4. 33. Ardea herodias, Linn. “‘ Wxtremely wild. I have seen it on different occasions, and in the different islands in different months, and pronounce it a straggling resi- dent (if this term be allowable), that is, one or two may remain after the spring migrations and may breed, though I have heard of no authentic instance of its breeding.” 34. Garzetta candidissima (Gm.). *¢¢ Gaulin blane.’ “Length, 23 in.; alar extent, 37; wing, 11. “The abundance of this species is in striking contrast to its scarcity in St. Vincent. This may be attributed to the increased extent of low wet land, swamps, and lagoons. “Only Antigua exceeds this island in the number of this species. As in Dominica and the other French-speaking islands, it is called the — ‘Gaulin blanc’, and the heron in the blue plumage ‘Gaulin noir’ or ‘bleu’. This is second in point of numbers of the herons, the ‘Gaulin bleu’ third, and the yellow-crowned fourth. The B. virescens is the most numerous of the whole. It breeds in the mangroves bordering the lagoon later in the season.” | tas 2 35. Florida cerulea (Linn.). ie “ “It is not so common as the ‘Gaulin blanc’ and exceedingly ahy?. PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 275 * 36. Butorides virescens (Linn.). “Length, g, 18 in.; alar extent, 25; wing, 7. “As my boat skirted the fringe of mangroves bordering the lagoon -eeross the bay from St. Georges, it ousted numbers of this small species. They would fly a little ways, then dive into tne deep foliage of the man- groves, where a very close inspection might detect it crawling among the spider-like roots, or threading its way through the mesh-work of aérial suckers seeking the mud. When started by the boat or gun, it gave utterance to its guttural cry, and as we moved along, the crackling and shutting of oyster shells accompanied us throughout.” 37. Nyctiardea violacea (Linn.). “A very shy and cautious bird, inhabiting the swamps near the sea- coast. I have at different times waited for hours for a shot at it in the deep mangroves, which it loves to frequent.” Fam. PLATALEID. 38. Platalea ajaja (Linn.). “A very rare migrant, said to have been seen here.” Fam. COLUMBID. 39. Columba corensis, Gm. ‘¢¢ Ramier.’ “Length, d, 16 in.; alar extent, 264; wing, 9. “T arrived at the Grand Etang, the lake in the mountains, about noon; within an hour, the only man living there started with me around the lake. After walking half an hour or so, we reached comparatively open woods, the ‘trees thick and very high. We heard a pigeon coo, and after some time found him perched on the topmost branch of a tall ‘figuer’ tree, so high up that I at first mistook him for a ‘grive’. At the report of my gun, he started wildly, flew afew yards upward, and then fell hurtling through the air, striking the ground with a thud. His crop was full of hard seeds, large as small bullets. They seem to be in these woods in good numbers.” “They are now (March 12th) mating. In November, December, and January, they visit the islands off the coast in great numbers, and are said even to extend their. flight to Tobago, in which latter island they - are not resident.” : .*40. Zenaida martinicana, Bp. “ twice Senet 164 Ventral Phatance from enous, . 6:52.52 icv aehaec obwa ees BO) REIL MALY, |, ees, © Se 23 PsN, - in w/b nntlad vie don 4 > 2 oe a eee? a ee 64 Branchiostegals -.... 2-260 20.5 25..ste