ELISHA MITCHELL SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. 45 



Beside the VVoodv Plants of North Carolina* and a cataloerne 

 of the flowering plants and cryptogamsf of the State, the Rev. 

 M. A. Curtis prepared for publication a "Description of the 

 Quadrupeds'' and a ''Description of the Reptiles'' of Xorth 

 Carolina. It is unfortunate that an appropriation was not made 

 for the publication of these valuable reports; and still more so 

 that the manuscript copies are probably lost, as frequent search 

 has thus far failed to reveal their existence. In the letter! which 

 recommends the publication of the above two reports Mr. Cur- 

 tis says, "I have also in preparation, if desired, a 'Descrip- 

 tion of the Birds of North Carolina.'" The extent of his work 

 upon the birds of the State remains as yet unknown, whatever 

 portions of it were completed being wrapped in the same 

 obscurity which involves his work on the quadrupeds and rep- 

 tiles. 



The object of the present catalogue is the enumeration of the 

 birds which liavc been observed and absolutely identified within 

 the State since about 1880, though most of the work has been 

 done since 1884 and 1885; together w^ith notes on their occur- 

 rence, distribution, and nesting. The work is recognized as 

 incomplete in that it is a preliminary catalogue. The hope that 

 the publication now of the records of the work, so far as it has 

 progressed, may stimulate a desire in resident North Carolinians 

 in different parts of the State to collect material and record 

 observations of the birds to be found within our State limits; 

 and the knowledge that the present catalogue would not only 

 convey some useful information, but serve as a convenient 

 pamphlet for reference and check list, induces me to present it in 

 its present imperfect form. 



* Geological atnl Natural History Survey of North Carolina, Part III, Botany. 

 The Woody Plants of the State, with descriptions of the Trees, Shrubs, and 

 Woody Vines. 



ilbid. Part III, Botany. Containine: a catalogue of the Indigenous and Natu- 

 ralized Plants of the State. 1867. 



:}: Through the kindness of Professor Holmes I had the privilege of consulting 

 the letter from Rev. M. A. Curtis to His Excellency, Governor Worth, January 

 27, 1866. 



