160 Hen shaw on Melospiza meloda and. its Allies. 



and that by no means the largest, is present from Lituya Day, which 

 is slightly farther north than Kodiak. Possibly its insular habitat 

 may be deemed sufficient to account for the marked peculiarities of 

 this giant among Sparrows. So far, in fact, as color is concerned, 

 although in this respect insignis is well marked, the step from rujiwk 

 appears an inconsiderable one as compared with that of size. But, 

 as has been stated, no intermediate specimens arc at hand to prove 

 such a close relationship, and, as analogy in cases like the present 

 has proved far from being always a safe guide, I deem it safer to let 

 insignia stand upon its merits until its claim to distinct specific 

 rank be actually disproven. 



The following measurements are given to show the average size 

 of the various races : — 



