VOL. II. | Andrew Fackson Grayson. 45: 
I shall endeavor to procure for you alcoholic specimens of the Ailgaro ( Mya- 
destes obscurus), Have you ever received specimens of this bird from eastern Mexico? 
I saw two other varieties while in the City of Mexico (in cages), one of which is 
called Clarinde by the natives. Its notes are very melodious, and its colors much 
darker than the variety found on this side—more of a lead color. The other one I 
saw there also differs in color, the under parts, under tail coverts yellowish, tail 
longer than either of the two mentioned. I could not procure one for less than 
$12 to $20, cage birds. 
I shall hope for your co-operation in my work. Any advice or information you 
may find it convenient to give me will be highly appreciated, and I at the same 
time will continue my contributions. ~ 
I will now proceed with the list of birds I send you with this. Mrs, Grayson 
sends her highest regards, with many thanks for the letter you wrote her. 
Yours truly, A. J. GRAYSON. 
The allusion to the contract with the Academy of Sciences may 
be explained as follows: 
Mr. Grayson had previously visited the City of Mexico and been 
presented to the Emperor Maximilian and the Empress Carlota, 
both of whom took a deep interest in the water-colored drawings of 
the “Birds of Western Mexico,’’ and retained his portfolio one 
week for examination. Through the intercession of Maximilian 
the accompanying contract (translated) was made with the Imperial 
Academy of Sciences and Literature. It was through this society, 
only, which was not in any way connected with the political govern- 
ment, that Grayson was assisted at all, in a financial way, to carry 
on his great undertaking. 
Mr. Grayson had become a member of the ay se sn Society 
in the City of Mexico. 
With the downfall of the Imperial government ended Giayson s 
contract. The new government would assume none of the obliga- 
tions nor indebtedness of the old one, and the plates, yet unpub- 
lished, remained in his possession. 
Mr. A. J. GRAYSON, 
AND THE IMPERIAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES AND LITERATURE. 
Record No. 28.—Mr. Rio de la Loza read a second time the opinion presented 
by the. Mathematical Physical Class respecting the application of Mr. Grayson that 
the Academy should assist him to publish a work which he is writing upon Mex- 
ican ornithology, and the suggestions of which are as follows: 
The undersigned, appointed a committee to suggest in the business committed 
ete them, have the honor to propose the following: 
_. **The Physical Mathematical Class have examined attentively the collection 
ns Presented to the “any bg Mr. Grayson, and assembled in session on the 24th 
