abstracts: ornithology 19 



A translation of the mathematical part of "The entropy equation 

 of solid bodies and gases, and the universal quantum of activity," by 

 Simon Ratnowsky (Ber. Deutsch. Phys. Ges. 16: 232 . 1916) is appended. 



F. R. B. 



ORNITHOLOGY.— A new bullfinch from China. J. H. RiIvEy. Proc. 

 Biol. Soc. Wash. 31: 33-34. 1918. 



A new form of Pyrrhula erythaca Blyth, particularly interesting by 

 reason of its apparently widely isolated range in the mountains of Chili 

 Province, China, was discovered by Geo. D. Wilder, of Peking, China. 

 It differs from Pyrrhula erythaca erythaca . in smaller size and several 

 color characters. It is here named Pyrrhula erythaca wilderi in honor 

 of its discoverer. Harry C. Oberholser. 



ORNITHOLOGY. — A revision of the races of Toxostoma redivivum 

 (Gambel). Harry C. Oberholsbr. The Auk 35: 52-61. 1918. 



Of the four described forms of Toxostoma redivivum only one has 

 been generally considered valid. The study of a large amount of ma- 

 terial now makes it possible to recognize three geographic races. These 

 are, Toxosioma redivivum redivivum (Gambel) from southern California, 

 with which Toxostoma redivivum pasadenensis (Grinnell) is identical; 

 Toxostoma redivivum sonomae (Grinnell) from northern and central west- 

 ern California; and Toxostoma redivivum helvum (Thayer and Bangs) from 

 northern Lower California. H. C. O. 



ORNITHOLOGY. — Svuan Lake, Nicollet County, Minnesota, as a breed- 

 ing ground for waterfovul. Harry C. Oberholser. Fins, Feathers 

 and Fur 13: 1-4. 1918. 



A thorough biological survey of Swan Lake, Nicollet County, Minne- 

 sota, was made in 19 17 to ascertain its value as a breeding ground for 

 waterfowl. It appears to be one of the two or three best lakes in 

 Minnesota for this purpose. It is not deep, and is filled with a large 

 number of species of water plants, many of which furnish ideal food 

 for various kinds of water birds. During the three days from July 25 

 to 27, 191 7, twenty species of water birds were observed on the lake, 

 and forty-three species of land birds in its immediate vicinity. The 

 lake is valuable, especially to the state of Minnesota, as an aid in the 

 conservation of the game supply, and it should have permanent pro- 

 tection. H. C. O. 



