AVARHLKK S<)X(iS. J<) 



In this paper a, c, o and u are long, but /" as in it. Double 

 vowels represent a prolongation of the note which the syllable 

 represents. The consonants have the sounds which their posi- 

 tion necessitates. In addition to syllables, a sy.stem of dots 

 and dashes, which I have found valuable in field work, is 

 given where greater clearness seems to be gained by its use. 

 The chromatic scale has not been used enough in the printed 

 descriptions, nor in my own field work, to make its use here 

 practicable. It would no doubt prove of great value if used 

 for every species, furnishing means for fairly exact compari- 

 sons, but when employed only here and there and for but a 

 few species the gain over arbitrary characters would be slight. 



The method employed for presenting the subject differs 

 from that usually employed. 'Instead of treating the species 

 separately and in systematic order, it has seemed better to 

 largely disregard the sj-stematic arrangement for the .sake of 

 grouping the .songs according to similarities exhibited in 

 method of delivery, expression, or what not. Assuming an 

 evolution of song, the order within the group is, .so far as 

 practicable, from the most primitive to the most .specialized. 

 But where a type has been taken, the order is from the ones 

 mo.st similar to those most dissimilar to the type. This leads 

 us to speak briefly of the probable origin of bird song. 



Mr. Charles A. Witchell, in his book, " The Evolution of 

 Bfrd Song,"-'^ .says in .substance, that voice probably grew out 

 of grunts and hisses accidentally uttered during extreme fright 

 or during combat. These became call notes by bringing to 

 the aid 'of the one in di.stre.ss those of his own kind as helpers. 

 Call notes grew into call songs by the repetition of the simple 

 call notes, modification naturally following to produce, in time, 

 a song more or less different from the call note. And I may 

 add, the call .songs have grown into passion .songs by a process 

 of still further modification induced by an overilow of phy- 

 sical and perhaps mental vigor at certain seasons, no doubt 

 emphasized by the migratory habit of the larger proportion of 

 the class. We cannot stop to follow out the steps in the de- 

 velopment of bird song here. Tho.se who desire to do .so 

 should read the book above referred to. 



*The Evolution ok Bird-Song ; | With | Observations on the Influence of | Heredity 

 and Imitation. 1 Bv Charles .\. Witrliell. | London. ' .Adam and Cliarles Black. 1K96. 



