1850.] 213 







The following Preamble and Resolutions were then offered on the 

 part of Mr. George Ord, and unanimously adopted. 



The Academy deeply sensible of the death of their venerable mem- 

 ber, are impelled by a sense of duty, to give formal expression of their 

 sorrow at the loss of one, who, during the period of twenty-six years, was 

 zealously active in his exertions to advance those branches of know- 

 ledge for the cultivation of which this Institution was created. It is, 

 therefore, 



Resolved, That the Academy, in mourning the departure of a friend 

 whose long life was signalized by his devotion to scientific pursuits, 

 derive consolation from the reflection that their steadfast benefactor 

 was as conspicuous for his efficient benevolence, as for his integrity and 

 social virtues. 



Resolved^ That a copy of the foregoing, be transmitted to the family 

 of the deceased. 



June 24M. 



The Committee to which was referred the communication of Col. 

 McCall on Birds of Mexico, reported in favor of publication in the 

 Proceedings. 



'O"- 



Some Remarks on the Habits, ^'c, of Birds met with in Western Texas, between 

 San Antonio and the Rio Grande, and in New Mexico; with descriptions of 

 several species believed to have been hitherto undescribed. 



By Col. Geo. A. McCall, Inspector-General, U. S. Army. 



Falco, Li?in. 

 1. F. Perigrinus, iiww. Perigrine Falcon. 



In passing and re-passing through this extensive range of country, during a 

 period of twelve months, I naet with this Falcon but once at Santa Fe, in the 

 month of June. Here, two were seen ; one of which was killed. This proved to 

 be a female, of immature age and plumage, answering to the following descrip- 

 tion : 



Length, 17 3-] Oths inches; alar stretch, 38 5-lOths inches; front, eyebrows, lores, 

 chin, throat, and a crescent around the occiput, extending to the eyes, light 

 brownish white ; head, back, scapulars, greater and lesser wing coverts and 

 tail coverts dark dusky, each feather margined with light brown, giving a mot- 

 tled appearance ; primaries, secondaries, tertials dark dusky, broadly and closely 

 barred with pale brown; tail dusky brown, tipped with paler brown, and all, 

 except the two middle feathers, thickly barred on the inner vanes with pale 

 brown; all the lower parts brownish white, striped with dark brown; under wing 

 coverts dark dusky, each feather with two to four spots of dull white, and edged 

 with the same ; cere greenish yellow ; feet lighter ; iris hazle ; middle toe and 

 nail 2 7-lOths in. 



