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58 species, Picus auratus, the only woodpecker which the author observed, except a species at Monterey, which is probably not yet described." (393.) Trochilus colubris. T. rufus "which seems to inhabit almost the whole country from Nootka Sound to the Rio del Norte in Mexico." Hirundo Americana, Common Barn Swallow. H. lunifrons, Cliff Swallow. H. riparia, Bank Swallow. Caprimulgus Virginianus, Night Hawk. Alcedo Alcyon, Kingfisher. Tetrao urophasianus, Great Cock. T. obscurus (394). T. rupestris, Rock Grouse, "inhabits the mountainous regions of the North. T. umbellus, The Ruffed Grouse and T. leucurus, White-tailed Grouse are common in different places." The following are also mentioned; Tringa, Sand Piper; Charadrius, Plover; Numenius, Curlew; Totanus, Tatler; Limosa, Godwit; Scolopax, Snipe; Larus, Gull. Cygnus buccinator, The Swan. C. Bewickii? Anser albifrons, Laughing Goose. A. Canadensis, Common Wild Goose. A hyperboreus, Snow Goose. A. bernacla, Brant. Pelicanus onocratalus, White Pelican. Diomedia exulans. Diomedia fuliginosa.

As there are no new forms described and no facts of a very startling nature revealed, the account must therefore be chiefly of historical interest. Under most of the species more or less annotation is given, although I have quoted only here and there. In this connection it is well to remember that at that early date the extent of California was somewhat elastic, and in the mind of the author probably included the entire country west of the Rockies, north of Mexico, and south of Oregon. His travels were mostly in our California, however.

According to the author: "There are probably many yet undescribed birds and quadrupeds in this country." He adds: "The author's sketches in this department are necessarily rather those of a traveller than a naturalist, and he has been obliged to content himself with mentioning those species which casually came within his own notice. It is very probable that many inaccuracies may be detected both in his nomenclature and descriptions, but these may be excused by the circumstances under which his notes were taken, his lack of books of reference, and his imperfect acquaintance with the science of Zoology."

Stanford University, California.

 

 Monterey Bay Notes.—While collecting, at various times during the last four years, for the California Academy of Sciences, at Monterey Bay, several interesting species of birds were observed, and Mr. L. M. Loomis, Director of the Museum, has requested me to record the occurrence of some of the rarer ones, which is done herewith.

Brachyramphus hypoleucus, Xantus Murrelet. From November 24, 1904, to February 4, 1905, these murrelets were seen nearly every time a trip was made to the seaward of Point Pinos. The last one was seen on February 25. The most seen on any one day was twenty seen January 2, 1905. They were evidently moving southward, tho leisurely, for the majority were seen on the water, frequently in pairs. A series of thirty was taken.

Simorhynchus psittaculus, Paroquet Auklet. January 14, 1905, one was taken; and January 17, 1905, two more were secured. These three were all that were seen. They were out several miles from shore.

Podicipes holbœlli, Holbœll Grebe. From November 11, 1904, to February 4, 1905, these birds were seen every time the day's trip was made toward Monterey. On January 10, ten were seen. Usually not more than four or five were observed. They were most often seen within a radius of a half mile of the Monterey wharf. About fifteen specimens were obtained.

Sterna antillarum, Least Tern. At Moss Landing near the mouth of the Salinas River a small colony of these terns were feeding young, some of which were barely able to fly August 25, 1903. Several were taken.

Xema sabini, Sabine Gull. During the latter part of September, 1903, Sabine gulls were common off Point Pinos going south. Some eighty specimens were taken.

Harelda glacialis, Old-squaw. December 23, 1904, one specimen taken, the only one seen.—Author:Rollo Beck, Monterey, California.

