Recent Literature. 85 



The Ratbbun-Fowlcr list of the Birds of Central New York lias already 

 been noticed in this journal (Vol. Ill, pp. 34, 35). Its title is " Complete 

 List of the Birds of Cayuga, Seneca, and "Wayne Counties." Like Wil- 

 lard's list, it assumes too much. Ornithologists of larger experience are 

 more modest, and seldom employ the term " complete " in connection 

 with their own works. The paper in question, however, was evidently 

 prepared with some caution, and when carefully revised (in which task its 

 author is now engaged) will certainly constitute a valuable contribution to 

 the Ornithology of the State. 



In the "Auburn Daily Advertiser" of September 3, 1877, under the 

 heading " Ornithological," T. J. "Wilson, M. D., remarks : " I would 

 make the following annotations to Mr. Frank R. Rathbun's ' List ' from 

 my own observations." He then goes on to mention sixteen species ; and 

 among other equally instructive sentences, occur these : " Tardus muste- 

 linus. Found breeding in great numbers on Howland's Island." " Parus 

 atricapillus. Found breeding along the river in numbers, in June 

 '76." " Geothlypis trichas. Breeds commonly on Howland's Island, but 

 leaves for the South in July." " Gollurio borealis. A not uncommon 

 winter visitor. I have one now taken by my brother in '76." Unfortu- 

 nately the author does not deem it necessary to mention, directly, to what 

 portion of the State his list pertains (though " Central New York" is evi- 

 dently implied), but if " Howland's Island" and "the river" fall within 

 the limits of the United States, the above information is certainly of great 

 value ! He also states that " Rallus crepitans " was taken on Seneca River 

 in August, '75, but, if not too presumptuous, I would beg leave to suggest 

 that the bird may prove to be R. elcgans. The finding of a nest (two eggs) 

 of the Black Rail (Porzana jamaicensis) " in the reeds below Cayuga, May 

 30, '75," is likewise mentioned, and, if correct, is really a valuable note. 



By far the best of these recent lists which I have seen, is that of " The 

 Summer Birds of the Adirondack? in Franklin County, N. Y," by Theo- 

 dore Roosevelt, Jr., and H. D. Minot. Though not redundant with infor- 

 mation, and mentioning but ninety-seven species, it bears prima facie 

 evidence of reliability, — which seems to be a great desideratum in bird- 

 lists nowadays. Based on the sound principle of exclusion, it contains 

 only those species which the authors have themselves observed there, and 

 consequently furnishes that which was most needed, i. e. exact and thor- 

 oughly reliable information concerning the most characteristic birds of the 

 limited region (Franklin County) of which they treat. 



For the benefit of those who have not had experience in this matter, 

 and who may be contemplating publication, I would suggest the observ- 

 ance of four simple general rules, which, if adhered to, will place the 

 authors of future " Local Lists" beyond unpleasant [criticism, and save 

 much ill-feeling. 



- 1. Never mention a species unless you have positive proof that it has 

 actually been killed in the region under consideration. 



