Page:Condor13(2).djvu/40

 78 THE CONDOR Vol. XIII OPEN LETTERS 'EXPANSION OF THE A. O. U. CHECK-LIST Editor THE CONDOR: I always wondered why the American Or'ni- thologist's Union did not live up to its name and include in the first Check-List all the species of America, that is, North America as far as the Isthmus of Darien. Of course I re- alized that at the time the Mexican boundary was a convenient division line, although merely an arbitrary one, because we fell over it into Lower California without much of any comment. In looking over the zone map in the new Check-List, we cannot but see how vividly the whole question presents itself. It is only a question of another decade when the very nature of events will demand that onr Check- List shall cover all of North America, and not merely a part of it. On the west, including Lower California as we do, we already parallel Mex- ico nearly half of its length. On the east Florida extends to about the 25th degree,and onr country nctw has permanent possessions among the islands to the south. The Panama Canal Zone is permanently occupied and forms a nat- ural boundary much more definitely than the Mexican line to the north. Ridgway, when he formulated plans for his great work, must have seen the handwriting on the wall, for he in- eludes all this territory. As a forecast of what the future has in store, one has but to note the extensive work that is quietly going on to the south of us. The National Museum, through Nelson and others, has covered an immense section. The Field Museum, through Dear- born and Ferry, has invaded Costa Rica and many of the islands. The American Museum of Natural History is also in the field, as are an immense number of private collectors. Now our government has already taken steps to cover the Canal Zone completely; and this is only the start! A decade or two ago the American Ornithol- ogist's Union was a pretty small band, with a big proposition, spread out as far as the Pacific, before it. Instead of being satisfied with local growth, as many societies might have been, this same A. O. U. quickly grasped its oppor- tunity and spread during this period until it is powerfully entrenched in every state of the Union. A more loyal group 0f..:ornithologists does not exist in the world! :,.It rhakes one feel that this prompt response to conditions as they arise, will cause the 'nien who have so safely guided the A. O. U. in the past to meet the conditions which are so rapidly shaping for a till further expansion when the next Check-List is published ten years hence. By that time most of the states will have published state lists each giving the statu of every spe- cies within its boundaries; but a hmch more comprehensive understanding can be had of our migratory birds, if the territory of the Check-List includ everything north of the natnral division at and including the Canal Zone. What do C. O. C. fiiembers think of the proposition as a whole? You know the west has made the A. O. U. sit up and look, more than once. Why can't we start something going along these lines? Of course I haven't brought the facts together properly or fully; but riterely touched here and there. I feel, however, that we are fast approaching a point where we can begin to agitate, and within a few years, at most, the whole thing will loom up as a necessity apparent to all. FRANK S. DAGGETT Chicago, January 5, 1911 PERSONAL, TO CO(PER CLUB MEMBERS: In accepting the responsibility imposed up- on me by the favorable action of the Cooper Club in endorsing my proposal for a cooperat- ive work upon The Birds of California, I do so in full confidence that the members of the Club will really cooperate. Indeed, our very name pledges us to Cooperation. While it is true that any leader receives a large amount (often an undue one) of credit for any success- ful enterprise, it is still more true that all who help have a righttosay "zoedid/t." That is just what I should wish for "The Birds of California." If, then, you ask me how you may help, I say: l*irst, by pnblishing in THE CONDOR those interesting notes you have meant all along to send in sometime. Practically every observer has or has had nnique opportunities in the case of several species. Let us hear about these soon, so that the results may be available for assimilation in "The Birds of California." Then, too, being a bit of a stranger, and having to make the most of five all too brief seasons, I shall appreciate any personal guid- ance afield which you may care to offer. I shall be especially glad to hear of any unusual photographic opportunities, whether of nest- ing or flocking birds. Please be patient here. I cannot always rush across the state to photo- graph a single nest, even though it be a rare one. But if your opportunities "stack up" at a fav- orable time, or if yon are able to mark down something good for another season, it would be a great courtesy to advise me. Those of you who use the camera are sure to have some choice numbers which ought to appear in "The Birds of California." Don't be bashful. It's your book. On the other hand, if someone else sends in something bet- ter for final selection, we know that you won't feel hurt that we cannot use all of your mate- rial. We shall all want our book to be the best possible, whoever gets credit for it. Of course you will let me put the business side of the enterprim up to yon at the earliest