110 [October, 1846. 



Mr. Gambel read a continuation of his ' Remarks on the 

 Birds of Upper California,' which was referred to Messrs. 

 Cassin, Townsend, and Woodhouse. 



On motion of Dr. Morton, the Curators were authorized to 

 receive on deposit, and to furnish accommodations in the 

 Hall, for the large and interesting collections of Dr. M. W. 

 Dickeson, deposited on this evening. 



Meeting for Business, October 27, 1846. 



Vice President Morton in the Chair. 



The committee on Mr. Gambel's paper read at last meet- 

 ing, reported in favor of publication. 



Remarks on the Birds observed in Upper California. 



By William Gambel. 



[Continued from page 48, vol. iii.J 



PASSERES. 



Hibondo thallassina, Swains. Violet-green Swallow. 



This beautiful species I fonnd passing to the northward through Califor- 

 nia, in the spring. 



Hirundo fu'lva, Vieill. Republican Swallow. 



This is the most abundant swallow on our western coast, and arrives in 

 California about the latter part of February or beginning of March. They 

 immediately resort to the neighborhood of the towns, missions and farm- 

 houses, and soon commence repairing their old retort-shaped nests, with 

 which sheltered walls, the eves, and even window frames of the houses, are 

 sometimes nearly covered. The nest is also frequently made on the trunks 

 of large trees in the woods. They are very loath to quit their old nesting 

 places, and will persist in building them up, however often they may be 

 destroyed either by the rain or the inhabitants. 



Chelidon bicolor, Vieill. White-bellied Swallow. 



This is also a common species, and a few appear to remain all winter, but 

 the greater part arrive about the latter part of February. At Santa Barbara, 



