YY 143 The West American Scientist. 144 50 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE TRADE Marks DESIGNS CopyRIGHTs &c. Anyone >nding a sketch and description may - quickly asertain our opinion free whether an inventions probably patentable. Communica- tions stricy confidential. Handbook on Patents sent free. )Idest agency for securing patents. Patents, aken through Munn & Co. receive special note, without charge, in the Sciattific American, A handsorely illustrated weekly. Largest cir- culation ¢ any scientific journal. Terms, $3 a year; fou months, $1. Sold by all newsdealers. MUNNE Co,s612r0aa0, New York Brane] Office, 625 F St., Washington, D. C. STAMPS. Wantd stamps in exchange for shells ORGOTT, San Diego, California. West American MOLLUSCA Descripions, notes, synonymy, bibliog- raphy, «tc., collected and published in 4-page $° numbers, at $1 for Vol. 1. {2 We also offer many species for sale —including over 2000 varieties. ORCUTT, San Diego, California. WADE & WADE Analytical Chemists and Assayers, 115% North Main st. (Tel. Green 1704), Los Angeles, Cal. Chemical Analysis, Assaying, Milling, Concentration and Cyanide tests, etc FINTZELBERG, THEODORE: Real Estate, Insurance, Commission, Notary Public. P. O. box 694. Express block. EDUCATICNAL, How to get a commercial education, the surest stepping stone to business suecess. Elkhart Normal School and Business Institute. Elkhart, Indiana. FOSSILS. 40 named tertiary fossils, $3 ORCUTT, San Diego, California. Botany of California! This work, in 2 large volumes, may be had for $12—$1 extra for transportation. AGB Botany of Southerg California’ is a pamphlet of about 70 pages, by Charles Russell Orcutt, editor of the West Am- erican Scientist, San Diego, California, containing a provisional check-list of the known species, with descriptions and economic notes concerning many. $1 ORCUTT, San Diego, California. Review of the Cactaces By Charles Russell Oreutt. Original descript- ions carefully compiled and reprinted, with synonymy, and bibliographical references as complete as the author’s library will permit. Illustrated. Copious excerpts, with field and garden notes. Vo). lis devoted to the Species of the United states, and issued in 4 parts at %® “Very valuable-.__.-- aboveall works that come tomy table I want a complete set of this.”—Thomas Meehan. Edition limited to 200 copies. ORCUTT, San Diego, California. To EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS >— We will give toany college or school, while present supply lasts (and we have 100,000 duplicate specimens), a collection of 100 varieties of shells, minerals, fos- sils, etc.—mostly Californian, named and mainly with printed labels, on the fol- lowing conditions:— 1—That the school shall provide a suit- able cabinet for its permanent preserva- tion and display. 2—That the school shall subscribe for I year to CALIFORNIA ART & NATURE, and pay transportation on specimens. Estimated value of collection is #10. Kindly cooperate with us in creating a greater interest in the study of nature in our schools. ART & NATURE COMPANY, No. 868 Fifteenth street, San Diego, California. The West American Scientist will be sent to new subscribers for one year for only 25 cents—payable in cash or anything of value for our library or museum. 45 MAR 1902 Sample copy free—please subscribe. The West American Scientist. ae Vol. XII. No. ro. March, 1902. Whole No. 112. HUMMINGBIRDS. Nearly 500 species and sub-species of hummingbirds are now known. These are divided among about 100 genera. They are found only in the American ; continent and its associated islands. ] Seareely any part of this area, except the colder arctic and antarctic regions, is without one or more species of hum- mingbird during some part of the year. In the cooler parts of this area they are only Summer residents, migrating to- ward the tropics as soon as the flowers cease blooming. Tropical species mi- grate but little or not at all. The traveling flight, if it may be so ealled, of our species is undulating, somewhat like that of a woodpecker. The shorter, common flights are direct, With regular wing strokes. These di- rect flights sometimes attain an aston- ishing velocity, most hummingbirds he- ing able to overtake almost any other bird they choose to pursue. They are peculiar among birds in being able to fly backwards, which they regularly do in backing out from any deep flower they may be feeding in. The flight is often erratic, and sudden pauses are frequently made, when the bird hovers as if suspended in air, the rapidly mov- ing wings being seen only as flickering mist about the body. Hummingbirds are nearly fearless, their extreme speed and dexterity in turning sharply enabling them to eas- ily avoid any other bird, showld it at- tempt to pursue them. They never _ alight on the ground, their short legs being: unfitted for walking. They perch on twigs or small branches, usually on those situated sufficiently in the open to _ give a good view of passing insects, a part of their food being caught in fight, flycatcher-like. A considerable part of their insect food is gleaned among the foliage of shrubbery and trees. Another portion is taken in flowers with the nectar found there. Sometimes nectar forms the greater part of their food. Hummingbirds are very active, their periods of rest being usually short, though frequent. Many species are pugnacious, but often the seeming quarrels are only frolics. Most species have favorite feeding grounds from which they are inclined to drive other birds. Though not able to injure other birds, their activity in attack is suffi- ciently annoying that most birds pre- fer to leave when thus requested to do so. The notes are quite varied in char- acter and several species have a song, consisting of a low more or less musi- eal warb:a. The body colors of most females and of many males are some shade of green, often tinged with gold. The males of many species are ornamented with gorgets, ruffs, crests or peculiarly shaped tail feathers, these being often of exquisite metallic colors. As is the usual rule among birds, the females are commonly plainly colored. The nesting habits of hummingbirds are similar in general character to those of other families of bush- or tree-nesting birds. The nests are com- monly saddled on some small branch, and are cup-shaped, open on the top. They are warm, thick-walled, well made structures and from their smati size and neat workmanship are dainty examples of bird homes. ‘Phe eggs are two in number, pure white, oval in ee 147 shape and rather large for the Size of the parent. Four genera and at least eight spe- cies of hummingbirds are known to @c- cur in California, or nine if the so- @alled Violet-throated Hummingbird is found to be a good species. Tle single known specimen was probably a hybrid. The Rufous Hummingbird (Selas- phorus rufus) is perhaps our most beautiful hummingbird. It has a very extended range, being found in sum- mer as far north as Cook’s Inlet in central Alaska and in winter as far south! as the table lands of Mexico. It ranges from: the Pacific Ocean east to Colorado and Montana. Its breeding range is from central California north to Alaska and east to the Rocky Moun- tains. The breeding season commences in April and extends to July. The nests are often placed in shrubs over- hanging small streams or footpaths. The nests are usually well stuccoed. Rufous Hummingbirds are best known in California as spring mi- grants. In March and April they are abundant in the valleys on their way north. The southward migrants in autumn pass principally through ‘the higher mountain ranges, as flowers are most abundant there at that season. The male Rufous Hummingbirds are very pugnacious but the females are . comparatively quiet and well behaved. Rufous Hummingbirds are often con- fused with Allen’s Hummingbirds (8. alleni), which occur with the former species in many localities in the mi- grations. The females of the two spe- cies are So similar that it takes a close examination by an.expert to distin- guish them. The males are similar in a general way, but the back of Allen’s Hummingbird is green, while that of the Rufous Hummingbird is cinnamon- rufous, occasionally, tinged with green. The range of Allen’s Hummingbi*d is not as wide as that of the Rufous. A few individuals winter in the Santa Barbara Islands and seem to be per- manet residents there. The bu'k of the species winter somewhere south of Cal- ifornia, but where is not 4efinitely known, from lack of accurate observa- tions. Its Summer range is from west eentral California northward probably throughout the Cascade Moustains, The West Anierican Scientist. 148 seemingly being most abundant not far north of San Francisco, perhaps be- cause more good observers have stud- ied them: there. Allen’s Hummingbird is said to be the most quarrelSome of the North American species. Its nesting habits are similar to those of the Rufous Hummingbird. Joseph Grinnell found a nest con- taining two eggs March 28th, on San- ta Catalina Istand. Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) is the commonest and best known species in California. It ranges over most of California and northern Low- er California, sometimes migrating in- to Arizona in autumn. In the coast valleys of central and southein Cali- fornia, Anna’s Hummingbirds are res- ident as a species though most abund- ant in winter. Their breeding season is long, January to July, one set hav- ing even been found in December near Los Angeles. Nests are placed in all sorts of places, at heights varying from two to forty feet from the ground. The greater number of those seen were placed in ornamental trees. The nests are composed of various sorts of ma- terials and are usually stuccoed on the outside with bits of lichens and moss. They are rather large and thick watl-, ed. The females are close sitters though surpassed in this respect by Costa’s Hummingbirds. It is probable that those individuals that breed, or are reared in the coast valleys in winter and early sp-ing, mi- grate to the pine regions of the mount- ains, being replaced by immigrants from the southern parts of the winter range of the species. The remaining species of Humming- birds found in California are:—Black- chinned Hummingbird (Trochilus alex- andri), a rather common resident of the southwestern United States. Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte cos- tae), ranging over much the same re- gion as the Black-chinned but not as common and found in more arid local- ities. Floresi’s Hummingbird (Selaspzores floresi), a very rare species, two males have been taken near San Francisco, California. Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selas- The West American Scientist. 150 phorus platycercus), a common Rocky Baverstock & Staples, Assayers and Mountain species, occuring in summer 322 W. ist street, Analysts. in the higher Sierra Nevada Mountains es Hngeles, Cal Minecioeatuned : 5 8 E in limited numbers. y Calliope Hummingbirds (Stellula Thoroughly equipped for 500 ib tests. calliope), a moderately common sum- mer resident of the mountains of west- Purchase your ern North America, breeding from the San Bernardino Mountains of South- FOOTWEAR at LLEWELYN’S, ern California northward to British 728 Fifth street. Columbia. FRANK STEPHENS. A Established 1884. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. Published monthly. Price 10c a copy; $1 a year; $10 for life. Charles Russeli Orcutt, Editor, Number 365 Twenty-first Street, San Diego, Californias, U. 8S. A. CACTI—Oreutt’s list for stamp. An excellent opportunity for the right man to engage in a _ profitable occupation. Correspondenee solicited. . Insurance Agent and Notary Public. DODSON, A. E:: No. 909 Fourth St., San Diego, Cal. PERIODICALS. AMERICAN BOTANIST: Binghamton, N. Y. Asa Gray bulletin: ii 4 6; ili 8-11; iv I 2 4-6; v I 2 4-6; vi—viii 1-6 each wanted. AMERICAN BCONOMIST: No. 1385 W. 23d st., New York, N. Y. AMBPRICAN ORNITHOLOGY: Chas. K. Read, Sta. A. Worcester, akeside, San Di H ia, Mass.; 59 cts a year (monthly). “The ei San Diego county, California best illustrated bird magazine.” Send 5 ‘ S 10 cts for 3 months’ trial. Pictures of This Hotel is a convenient place to birds, nests and eggs. % x . @) . stop on the way to and from the mines. BRYOLOGIST: IF Grane at..2 Brookiva N. Y. With the January number the Bryolo- gist becomes a bi-monthly. The feat- ures of the year will be a series of notes on nomenclature, by Mrs. Elizabeth G. Baths and electric bells. Britton; a continuation of the illurtrated series on the liceens by Mrs. Harris, and of the hepatics by Mr. Barbour; descrip- M | N ES. tions and illustrations of new and rare : é Bs mosses; popular articles with keys on Mines examined. Conservative reports the more difficuit genera, as well as tech furnished. Rare minerals, meteorites, nical articles by specialists. . Its pages gems, pearls, etc. wanted are open to receive notes and short arti- Among properties which have been in cles from students of the mosses, hepat- our hands for disposal, are mines or ics and lichens. {1a year, 20c. a copy— ‘prospects’ in great variety, including sample free. Vols. 1-4 and index, $1.50. Antimony, Copper, Gold, Iron, Lithium, Address Mrsr Annie Morrill Smith, Marble, Mica, Molybdenite, Nickel, Sul- 78 Orange st., Brooklyn, N. Y. phur, Wolframite, Zinc, etc. CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST: We would be pleased to submit prop- _No. 429 Wellington st., London, Ont, ositions to investors, or to list good im- G37302- | apyoc ATE: First Class in every respect. Telephone and telegraph. proved or undeveloped properties. ORCUTT, San Diego, California. Beaver Springs, Pa. CONDOR: MESSE CEE AVISTEN BT UI Okt Sar DAT Ts (oA oR YE NR SO eile ERA AT 15! The West American Scientist. 152) 64 Santa Clara, California. Bi-monthly bulletin of the Cooper or- nithological club. CURRENT ADVERTISING: Published monthly by Charles Austin Bates, New York. $2 a year. EN ANE BRING AND MINING JOUR- 253 Broadway, New York. “The best and most influential mining paper in the world.’’ Weekly edition, $5 @& year; monthly, $1.50 a year. Specimen copy free. HEALTH-CULTURE: No. 503 Fifth Avenue, New York. This popular paper is a practical wide- awake magazine of physical culture and hygiene. The editorials consider a number of timely topics. This maga- zine contains a great amount of maiscel- laneous matter pertaining to health cul- ture, including Answers to Correspond- ents, book notices, etce., and certainly well worth the price, 10 cents a number, or $1.00 a year. LADIES’ HOME JOURNAL: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Far surpasses its rivals, and become the highest type of artistic printing, with high literary merit. MEBRHAN’S MONTHLY: Devoted to general gardening and wild flowers. $2 ‘a year. Germantown, Phila- delphia, Pa. Each issue contains a col- ored portrait by Prang of some American wild plant or flower, with description, and various notes on herticulture. MINERAL COLLECTOR: No. 288 Greene street, New York, N. Y. The only magazine in the country de- voted entirely to mineralogy. Exchange page free to subscribers. Send for sam- ple copy. Published monthly, $1.00 a year. Now in its eighth year. Arthur Chamberlain, Editor. “MINING: Spokane, Washington. Journal of the northwest mining asso- oiation. $1 a yr. Monthly. % MUHLENBERGIA: No. 547 W. Walnut ’st., Lancaster, Pa A journal of botany edited and pub- lished by A. A. Heller. $1 a volume. “NAUTILUS: \ ene 19th and Race sts., Philadelphia, ae Devoted to the interests of concholo- gists. Monthly, $1 a year. OHIO NATURALIST: Columbus, O. Published by the biological elub of the Ohio state university. 50ec a year of 8 numbers. OOLOGIST: Albion, N.Y. PHILATHELIC West and Camera News: Sunerior, Nebraska POPULAR SCIENCE NEWS: No. 108 Fulton street, New York, N. Y. PRESS AND HORTICULTURIST: RAILROAD DIGEST: No 132 Nassau st., New York, N. Y. SENTINEL: Ramona, Cal. Published by John G. Overshiner—the only paper published in the 3d Supervi- soral District, which represents the hor- ~ gee ticultural, agricultural, mineral and com- mercial interests of the Back Countryin- particular and San Diego county in gen- eral. $1 avear. Advertising reasonable. VACCINATION: No. 182 N. 12th st., “erre Haute, Ind, Issued monthly for the Anti-Vaccina- tion society of America. VERMONT JOURNAL: Windsor, Vt. 50 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE TRADE MARKS DESIGNS ; CopPyYRIGHTS &c. Anyone sending a sketch and description may quickly ascertain our opinion free whether an invention is probably patentable. Communica. tions strictly confidential. Handbook on Patents sent free. Oldest agency for securing patents. Patents taken through Munn & Co. receive special notice, without charge, in the Scientific Aimericatt, A handgomely illustrated weekly. Jargest cir- culation of any scientific journal. Terns, $3 a year; four months, $1. Sold by all newsdealers. MUNN & C5,2618roaduay, Naw York Branch Office, 625 F St., Washington, D. C. West American MOLLUSCA Descriptions, notes, synonymy, bibliog- raphy, etc., collected and published in 4-page 8° numbers, at $1 for Vol. 1. (08 We also offer many species for sale —including over 2000 varieties. ORCUTT, San Diego, California. WADE & WADE Analytical Chemists and Assayers, 115% North Main st. (Tel Green 1704), Los Angeles, Cal. Chemical Analysis, Assaying, Milling, Concentration and Cyanide tests, etc. FINTZELBERG, THEODORE: Real Estate, Insurance, Commission, Notary Public. P. O. box 694. Express block. The West American Scientist will be sent to new subscribers for one year for only 25 cents—payable in cash ov» anything of value for our library or museum, 4 15 MAR 1902 bs 7a Se teas ‘Sample copy free —please subscribe. The West American Scientist. Vol. XII, No. 11. April, 1902. Whole No. 112 COLLECTED DES© RIPTIONS CACTI. OF > CFREUS PALMER? Engzelm. “Stems kranehing, 3 or 4 angled, 12-15 dm high; spines ‘n greenish-brown bunch- es; fluit grecnis’-ye low, its areolae bear- ing £-8 stout spines. Tyre, Pa’mer 70 of 1869 in hb Mo bot gar’. Sonora.’’—Coul- ‘ter, Cont Na Fb 3:'01. CEREUS TETAZO Weber. “Stout, branching, 10-15 m high; flowers freenish-wh'te, 6 cm long, in clusters of 10-20 from the yo:ngest areolae and with- out any wool; fruit ‘rregularly dehiscent, expos ng the ripe pu'p. Tyre, Weber spe- eimens ‘n hb Mo bot gard. Zapatalan, Ja- li--o.’—Covlter, Cont Na hb 3:409. CEREUS WEBERI Coulter. ‘Piant about 10 m Tigh, with a regular eancge abra form of branchng (2 main branches each producing near the base 2 other branches, all ascending), branches and main stem of same diameter, angled and glaucous; areolae 2-5 -m apart; spines . stout, bulbous at base; radials 10 or 11, 2-5 em long; central solitary, 6-10 cm long, laterally compressed, sometimes a littl deflexed; ‘owers iateral, white, ¢-1) ‘em long; fruit ‘as large as a small or- -arge’ cove'ed with small scales bearing axillary wool and spines. Type, Weber, materia! in hb Mo bot gard. ‘A few miles south of Tehuacan’, Puebla; Mex-_co.’— Coulter, Cont Na hb 3:410. Cereus Dasyacarthus Variety NEO MEXICANUS Coul'er. “Differs in the remote areolae (1.5 cm apari), fewer spines (11 radials and 4 cen- trals), which are much stouter, 10-12 mm long, radiating, scarcely (if at all) pecti- nate, and larger seed (1.5 mm in diameter). Wr.ght 366 in hb Mo bot gard. Southeastern New Cont Na hb 3:284. CEREUS PECTINATUS Variety CENTRALIS Coulter. “Plant 6-§ em high; centrals usually 4, the lowest very shcrt (8-4 mm) and cor- rect, the upper 2 or 3 as long as the radi- als (Scmetimes longer) and recurved. up- ward. Type, Wilcox of 1894 in Na hb. Ar- izona, near Fort Huachaea.’’—Coulter, Cont Na hb 3:386. CEREUS MARGINATUS DC. “Stem simple or branching at apex, erect, dark green, 5-7.5 cm in diameter, ribs 5-7, obtuse, with acute intervals, wool- ly through the whole length on account of the cen uent areo’ae; spines 7-9, short (4-6 mm) and conical, rgid, grayish (younger ones purplish-black, the central scarcely distinct from the rest); flower. brewnish purple, siender-tubular, 3-5 em long; fruit globular and spiny. Type unknown. From San Luis Potosi southwest through- out M