380 Letters, Extracts, and Notes, 



A new Gigantic Fossil Bird. — We learn from the last 

 number of 'The Condor,' vol. xii. p. 52, that a new gigantic 

 fossil bird has been discovered in the asphalt-beds near Los 

 Angeles, and described by Mr. Love Holmes Miller. The 

 species is new, as well as the genus, and has been named 

 Teratornis merriami, in honour of Professor John C. Merriam 

 of the University of California, through whose efforts the 

 fossil-beds of Rancho la Brea have been brought to the 

 attention of palaeontologists. 



The description is based on coracoids, sternum, and a 

 nearly complete skull. The fragments so far secured re- 

 present at least four individuals. The bird is probably 

 related to the American Vultures (Cathartidae), and was of 

 enormous size, much greater than that of any existing flying 

 bird. Since the limb-bones and feet are still unknown, final 

 conclusions as to its relationship must be postponed ; but it 

 appears probable that a new family will have to be established 

 for it. 



In the same beds are found remains of some extinct 

 Mammals (Smilodon and Paramylodori) of Pleistocene Age. 



The Bangs Collection of American Birds. — As we learn 

 from the ' Museums Journal' (vol. ix. p. 328), the private 

 collection of birds belonging to Messrs. E. A. and O. Bangs, 

 containing approximately 24,000 skins, has been acquired 

 by the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard College. 

 The specimens are mostly from North and Central America 

 and the northern part of South America, and comprise the 

 types of the many new species and subspecies recently 

 described by Mr. O. Bangs, whose numerous memoirs have 

 been frequently noticed in this Journal of late years. We 

 congratulate the authorities of the Museum of Comparative 

 Zoology on having obtained such a valuable addition to their 

 Bird-collection. 



The Rhodesia Museum, Buluwayo. — We are much pleased 

 to hear that the Directors of the British South Africa Com- 

 pany have granted a piece of land at Buluwayo for the site 



