17 



green ; head, neck, and outer vanes of quill feathers the same ; 

 outer vanes of quill feathers inclining to brown, inner edge of these 

 vanes brownish yellow. 



The other specimen was of the Greater Paradise bird, Paradisea 

 apoda of Linneus. Introduced into Europe by Ant. Pigafetta. It is 

 a native of New Guinea. Furnished by nature with powerful claws, 

 which are removed by the natives in preparing the birds for sale. 

 Hence arose the story from which the specific name is derived, 

 that they were by nature destitute of feet. On which opinion are 

 founded the further fables that they live and breed on the wing, 

 feed on dew and the odor of flowers, have no digestive appara- 

 tus, &c. 



Mr. Abbot also made a report from the Committee on 

 Ornithology, on the condition of that department. 



The birds in cases and those in drawers were carefully exa- 

 mined, and their condition found to be good. No injury from in- 

 sects or dampness was detected. A different arrangement is desi- 

 rable, and is contemplated as soon as more room can be obtained 

 for that purpose. The cabinet contains specimens of 70 varieties 

 of American birds. 



The Chair announced the following donations to the Li- 

 brary : 



Transactions American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, 

 from the Society. 



Silliman's Journal, Vol XL. No. 2, from the Editors. 



Annals and Magazine of Natural History. No. 41. Lond. 1841. 

 Courtis Fund. 



Constitution and By-laws of National Institution for promotion of 

 Science, Washington. 



Mr. Poinsett's Discourse pronounced before that Institution. 



Directions for making collections in Natural History, by H. 

 King. 8vo. 1841 ; from the Institution. 



Naturalist's Library, 12mo. 8. Lond. 1833-6. Audubon Fund. 



Reports of the Meetings of the Brit. Association for the Advance- 

 ment of Science, 8vo. 4. Lond. 1825-36. From the Sons of Na- 

 thaniel Bowditch. 



Stuffed specimens of Corvus Americanus and Emberiza nivalis, 

 prepared and presented by Mr. Bryant. 



Ant Eater from South America, by S. Abbot Lawrence. 

 3 



