Page:Condor3(2).djvu/24

 5 2 THE CONDOR [ Vol. IV birds named for states. Thusa glance through the checklist shows thirteen species referred substantively to California, while five are modified by Californian. Similarly we find Canada Jay and Canadian Warbler. These names are inconsistent somewhere and one form of name should used be throughout. Cer- tainly either Canada Grouse or Canadian Ruffed Grouse should be changed. Just one more point and I will close. In spite of our checklist, which is supposed to regulate the use of names, there is a growing disregard of the A.O. U. trivial names. In some cases older names are used and in others new names are coined. Sierra Junto for Thur- ber's Junco, Valley Quail for Valley Partridge, Turkey Buzzard for Turkey Vulture are ex~ ampies from recent publications. I cannot do better than to quote a paragraph from Dr. Merriam's letter as clearly stating my own feeling in the matter: "Your inquiry with respect to the A.O.U. tendency in common names gives me an op- portunity to state that I place no weight what- ever on the fact of the adoption or rejection of a particular name, or form of name, among the common names of birds a:; used in the A. O. U. checklist. In other words, my position is and has always been that the A. O.U. rul- ing on points of scientific nomenclature should carry great weight, but that in matters of com- mon English names of species every man is at liberty to use whatever name he pleases. What- ever one's views may be on this matter, the fact remains that so large a number of writers do use common names different from those in the Code that it is absolutely necessary in many cases to give the scientific name if the record is of any value." Respectfully, RICItARD C. MCGREGOR. San Francisco, Feb. 7, z9oL PARASITES IN BIRDS. EDIa'OR Tx: CONDOR:--In Vol. II, page 9I of TE CONDOR I note a communication re- garding tapeworms in young mountain quail, and in Vol. III, page I5 a communication on further tapeworm observations. Let me say that these observations are not unique; so far as statistics are to hand quail are moderately frequently infected in various parts of the world. The most accurate statistics at hand, in a recent paper on the parasites of birds in the Rhine provinces, Germany and Switzerland showsthat out of six hundred thirty (630) birds examined only one hundred eighty (8o) or =8 per cent were free from parasites, while 23 or 35 per cent harboreft tapeworms in varying numbers. Other authorities state that in Europe the true partridges are infected in six out of seven cases, or in eightout of eleven cases. The same is true of allied species. It may positively be said that these species are not dangerous to man further than that, if present in sufficient numbers, they are detri- mental to the. general health of the bird. In various parts of France and Gernmny, tape- worm epidemics among game birds have fre- quently been noted. I have, however, a some- whatextensive smmnary of the results of these studies which will appear in the present number of the Proceedings of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union. To this will be add d the records of collections made here from various kinds of birds and by many observers. I will be glad to identify species for your correspondents, if they will send me specimens. It is not always possible to give an accurate identification from a single specimen where the species is imperfectly known, and it is necessary that the tapeworm should have both head and ripe segments. Specimens may be sent in alcohol preferably after preservation in corrosive sublimate mixture, or in 5 per cent solution of fortool into which the parasites may be put immediately after removal from the host. The accumulation of data regardtilE these forms is of great scientific and economic importance. I shall gladly avail myself of all the help which ycur correspondents may be able to give. Very truly yours, HENRY B. WARD. University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebr. Publications Reviewed LAWS REGULATING TI-IE TRANSPORTATION AND SALE OF GAME. By T. S. Palmer and H. W. Olds. Bulletin No. T4, Biological Survey pp. 88 and table of closed seasons. This publication is by far the most complete and practical compendium of game laws yet given the public, covering as it does all the statutes now in effect, including federal, state, or in many instances county laws. Full informa- tion concerning market hunting, shipment of game, transportation of live game for propaga- tion, close seasons and numerous other points of importance are dealt with at length, accompan- ied by numerous tables and maps in detail. It is impossible to review at length such a valuable addition to our knowledge of the game laws, and we advise the reader to procure a copy of this publication and to keep it where it may be consulted freely. By this means will each in- dividual appreciate the vast amount of compi- lation necessary to produce such a complete digest as well as the amount of solid informa- tion it contains.--C. B.