4 JOURNAL OF MAINE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



important feature of the society, and hoped a marked interest might 

 be taken in its publication by all our members. 



6th. The society should make a more extensive study of varia- 

 tions and thus advance the science of evolution ; also dissection and 

 the stud}' of the skeleton and structure of the bones, to advance our 

 knowledge of comparative anatomy. 



7th. Embryology of birds needs the attention of our members. 

 He spoke of the marked interest shown in the society by its mem- 

 bers and the public. It has a future before it, and can be made 

 larger and better, and accomplish that which the society may well 

 be proud of. 



Mr. Walter C. Rich was here introduced. He gave a most 

 interesting paper and talk on the variations and comparisons of the 

 Ruffed Grouse [Boiiasa itmln-Ilus) and the Canadian Ruffed Grouse 

 {Boiiasa i(iubelh(S togata). This paper was one of the most interest- 

 ing and instructive features of the meetings. It was listened to with 

 a great deal of pleasure. Mr. Rich had a large series of specimens 

 of Grouse from Portland and vicinity, and Mr. Norton had, for 

 comparison, several specimens of Lhnbcllus from the type locality. 

 Mr. Rich's specimens showed a broad range of variation in col- 

 ors and markings, some of his Maine birds being nearer typical of 

 Umbellus than some of the birds from the type locality. One speci- 

 men was unique in being albinistic. Much interest was shown by 

 the members and visitors in examining the large series of specimens 

 on exhibition. 



The subject was then opened for discu.ssion. Prof. Knight 

 spoke of the change in color of the plumage of the Finches in cap- 

 tivity occasioned by a change in foods, and suggested that the differ- 

 ence in localit}^ with a difference in foods, might have some bearing 

 on the difference in color of the plumage of the Grouse. 



Prof. Hitchings spoke of the change in color of insects by a 

 change of food and asked: "If insects change in color through a 

 change in food, why not birds?" He spoke of a half-grown Grouse 

 he had once in captivity. In two months it was so tame it would 

 take food from his hand. 



