ELISHA MITCHELL SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. 51 



few men in various parts of the State devote their spare time to 

 the study of the birds of their section, recording the result of 

 their observation ; let a general knowledge of the habits and use- 

 fultiess of birds become a part of the instruction in the common 

 schools, and ere long the birds will be in such popular favor 

 that thev will be encourag-ed to come and stav, instead of beino; 

 gradually driven to remote regions and to possible extinction. 



Explanation of terms in the catalogue. In arranging the cata- 

 logue I have followed the "Canons of Nomenclature" adopted 

 bv the American Ornit hoi ovists Union. 



The catalogue enumerates 255 species and subspecies. 



An Appendix is added, consisting of 81 species and sub- 

 species, which we may reasonably expect to take, with careful 

 work, within the limits of the State. This would make in all 

 336 species and subspecies, and there is a hopeful possibility of 

 the number being still farther increased by the appearance of 

 casual and accidental visitors. 



The numbers in parenthesis correspond with those of the A. 

 O. U. Check List of North American Birds. 



The vernacular name adopted by the A. O. U. is placed 

 immediately following the scientific name, and in some cases 

 synonymic vernacular names are added in quotation. 



(Coll. of 1877) refers to specimens which were collected at 

 Chapel Hill, during the spring of 1877, by several students at 

 the University. 



(Univ. Coll.) refers to the specimen deposited in the Univer- 

 sity museum. Any one wishing to donate specimens to the 

 University may be assured that they will be well cared for, and 

 properly labelled. 



The numbers marked * are species known to breed in the 

 State. Many others breed, but we have as yet no positive evi- 

 dence of the fact. 



