12 Bulletin No. 24. 



Study the physical geography of the regions inhabited by the different 

 races of Song Sparrows. Note differences in climate, due to temperature 

 and humidity, also variations in altitude ; and try to correlate them with 

 the variations found in Song Sparrows. 



It will be interesting to compare Song Sparrows with other species of 

 Sparrows to see which are most closely allied and what characters are 

 common. It is a good plan to attempt the construction of a Sparrow 

 "tree." This may be largely a matter of guess work, but the attempt 

 will help in obtaining a clearer conception of phylogenetic relationships. 

 R. M. Strong, // Mellen St., Cambridge, Mass. 



THE WORK FOR l899. 



This year, as heretofore, our work is naturally divided into two sorts : 

 The more general study of the superficial features of bird life, often 

 resulting in a glimpse into the inner life and thus throwing more or less 

 light upon the many problems before us ; and the more specialized work 

 asked for by our committees. The general work requires less time and 

 effort, and is often more entertaining to most of us. It certainly occupies 

 a large place in present day bird study, and must always do so among 

 those to whom it is merely a recreation or change from other activities 

 and duties. It has its legitimate place and is certain to do great, good. 



The co-operation asked for by the committees on special investigations 

 is work of the sort that must, from its nature, advance our knowledge of 

 the birds materially if entered into with anything like heartiness by even 

 a few. This is what we are organized for. It is for this purpose that 

 our Chapter has continued these ten years to agitate the question of co- 

 operative study among ornithologists everywhere It is not too much 

 to say that if every member would devote even what little time he 

 may have at his disposal to the study of the Flicker, during the next six 

 months, and make a report of that study to Mr. Burns in August, more 

 would be known about that species than has ever been written. So it is 

 with any subject upon which information has been asked. It seems 

 difficult for us to understand that in this, as in everything else, it is the 

 little things that count. The value of such reports lies in the range of 

 comparison that is made possible by the work of individuals. It is not 

 so much new things that are wanted as it is old things carefully studied 

 and restated Here a slight change and there a slight change made 



