THE WILSON QUARTERLY. 41 



appropriates old nests. Where is the nest situated. Proxi- 

 mit}^ to dwellings. Actions when its nest is disturbed. 

 Whether its cry is different than at other times. Study 

 carefully all about the eggs ; number, size, shape, color. 

 Period of incubation. Whether the male assists in nidifi- 

 cation. How long the young remain in the nest after 

 hatching. What is their food. Whether they differ from 

 the old in color. Whether there are marked phases of 

 plumage during development. 



"4th. Habits after the breeding season closes. Note: 

 How long families remain together. When the moult 

 begins ; when it ends. How the birds employ their time. 

 Economic bearing : Relations to poultry ; to rodents ; to 

 insects. 



"Whatever other points not given above occur to you, 

 or appear as you proceed with your study, do not fail to 

 make a note of them." 



The benefit of the season's work to you will be measured 

 by the earnestness and faithfulness of your own individual 

 work. 



NOTES. 



Mr. Maxfield, the former publisher of the Semi-Annnal, 

 has found it impossible to publish the October number. 

 His business was such that time could not be given to the 

 paper. All will be sorry that this is so. To make good the 

 loss we will forward to each member any back number of 

 the Semi-Aniiual, or an extra number of the Quarterly, at 

 their option. 



We take pleasure in calling the attention of all to the 

 work of Capt. Chas. E. Bendire, Smithsonian Institute, 

 Washington, D. C. The Capt. is preparing the life his- 

 tories of North American birds, accompanied by plates of 

 eggs, especially of the rarer species, and many illustrations. 

 He desires information from all who may have interesting 

 notes upon any species included between A. O. U. 382 and 



