122 Letters, Extracts, Notices, ^c. 



away, estimated that more than a thousand were killed. 

 But even this was hut a small portion of what were seen in 

 the air about the tower. It is to be regretted that no person 

 competent to determine the species of the birds killed on 

 this occasion was present when they were first observed. I 

 understand that a few of them afterwards fell into such 

 Lands, but I have heard no report. From the testimony of 

 those who saw them they appear to have been, for the most 

 part, the smaller song-birds." 



The Ridgivay Ornithological Club. — Mr. H. K. Coale sends 

 us the subjoined summary of the recent proceedings of the 

 Ridgway Ornithological Club of Chicago. 



Aug. 12th. Mr. George L. Toppan read a paper on 

 ''Spring Notes for Cook and Lake Counties, 111., and Lake 

 Co., Ind." A paper from Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, entitled '^The 

 Future of American Ornithology,^'' was also read. Dona- 

 tions of skins, eggs, and ornithological literature were received 

 from resident and corresponding members. 



Sept. 9th. Mr. J. G. Parker, Jun., read a paper on the 

 " Ornithology of Sauk and Colombia Counties, Wisconsin," 

 illustrated with skins of the rarer species, 



Oct. 14th. A paper by Robert Ridgway, entitled " List 

 of the Birds found breeding within the corporate limits of 

 Mount Carmel, 111.," was read. The subject of publishing 

 the Proceedings of the Club was discussed and favourably 

 thought of, although definite action will not be taken until 

 the November meeting. 



Ornithological Works in Progress. — Our President, Lord 

 Lilford, is endeavouring to gather together what little is 

 known of the Birds of Cyprus, and is making plans for a 

 further investigation of the avifauna of tnat island during" 

 the approaching spring. He would be glad, we are sure, to 

 receive any information on this subject. It is certainly high 

 time that steps should be taken to make us better acquainted 

 with the natural history of this recently acquired portion of 



