Page:Condor3(5).djvu/25

 Sep., x9ox [ THE CONDOR the bird magazines to stimulate their interest by the interchange of thoughts and experi- ences. And again we ask: Have we suffered a decadence in our popular ornithological lit- erature ? The editors request of contributors who may in the future send in lists for publication, that when possible they send them in type- written form. This reduces the work of editing the manuscript to the minimum, and insures the saving of much time in proof-reading. Scientific names, at the best a bug-bear to com- positors, become subject to all sorts of con- structions when handed in in the form of hastily- prepared manuscript, such as results from the tedium of preparing a lengthy list. In the past it has usually been found preferable to typewrite lists rather than turn in the written copy with the risk of having to make copious alterations in the proof. The editors ask that they be spared this work, and that the type- writer be resorted to by correspondents in the preparation of fnture lists. From remarks made by members at a recent meeting of the Northern Division, it is appar- ent that the work of bringing into the Club those ornithologists who are not affiliated with any organized movement for the study of birds has but begun. There are conscientious and competent workers, far removed from the influences of co-operative bird study, who have in their note books reliable records which should have long ago been published. A num- ber of occurrences, each a record, were men- tioned, and it rests with the Club members wbo are possessed of the location of this buried knowledge to become instrumental in bring- ing it to light. It was also stated that not a single recorded instance of the Snowy Owl in California could be found, save for one or two stray notes which are not citable owing to the exclusive use of the vernacular name. There have been a number of Snowy Owls taken in the state and it now remains for the collectors to properly record them. The new constitution and by-laws of the Club have now been considered by both Divis- ions and will be adopted and in effect by Jan- uary , and they will be printed and distributed to members. The present constitution has been carefully prepared with a view to meeting all requirements incident upon the increased growth of the Club, and the provision for forming "chapters" where a number of mem- bers are conveniently grouped, will doubtless be taken advantage of by members far re- moved from the places of meeting. Beginning with 19o2 the annual dues of active members will be $2., this action having been taken at the urgent request of various members, who desire to see the Club increase its scope of work, as will be possible with its increased revenue. It is always a matter of felicitatiou to note improvement in our contemporary magazines. In this connection we congratulate Editor Swain of the Journal of the JViaine Ornitholog- ical Society for the excellent table of contents and appearance of the July number of this journal. Notable articles are 'Notes on the Piledted Woodpecker' by C. H. Morrell, being a record of the domestic life of a pair of these bids which frequented a beech grove, and 'Some Prehistoric Cave and Cliff Dwellers and Their Descendants' by Ora W. Knight, de- scribing the evolution in nesting sites and manner of nest-building of the various swal- lows. Other interesting notes and articles round out a distinctly valuable issue. With the passing of the summer months most of our field.workers have returned from their outings, and now comes the season of compiling notes and recording such occur- rences as may be of particular interest to their co-workers. in California much of the state has been covered by Club members, and we may therefore look for some good things in the line of collecting experiences. Let each mem- ber do his share of writing and we shall be surprised at the volume of material produced. As heretofore, illustrated articles are always desirable, especially when the photographs portray birds or some of their characteristics. Photographs of mere nests and eggs, without detail and of no especial value, should be avoided. With a State List promised at an early date, and with so cmnpetent and energetic an ornith- ologist as Mr. Grinnell in charge, it becomes the duty of every Club member to go through his notes and sift out all records which are likely to be of value and to assist in mapping the distribution of each species with which he is familiar. The September number of 21roerican Or- nilholoy contains an interesting article on the California Condor, together with some of the best photographs of its nests and nesttug-sites which have yet appeared. The zeal which Mr. Reed is displaying is certain to draw to his magazine many valuable bird photographs. With the Novenber issue of THE CONDOR will be published a complete list of active Club members. It is desirable that the ad- dresses of members be brought down to date, and to this end we request the attention of each member to the matter. Dr. R. W. Shufeldt announces to his friends his removal from Washington to 502 West 42nd street, New York City, N.Y. Official Minutes Southern Division. MAY. The May meeting was held at the residence of Buruell Franklin in South Pasadena, Pres- ident Daggett presiding, six members and sev- eral visitors present. H. A. Gaylord acted as