Editorial. 35 



fail to record the conditions under which the work was done: time 

 spent, time of day, character of country covered, weather, tempera- 

 ture. It will pay. 



The editor has already hinted that special investigations will be 

 attempted during the year. He is pleased to call attention to two 

 calls for help on life histories of two interesting and well known 

 birds, on another page. No doubt others will be announced later. 

 Every member should feel called upon to do what he can to con- 

 tribute notes for the use of those who undertake this work. Don't 

 make the mistake of withholding your notes because they are too 

 incomplete. They are likely to be just what is wanted to fill up a 

 gap in a chain of evidence. Those who undertake the investigation 

 feel assured that there are gaps in the life histories of these birds 

 which can be filled if persons will contribute what they know 

 about them. The object of these investigations is to bring together 

 the scattered notes. 



The following communication has just been received: 

 The Michigan Ornithological Club was re-organized at Detroit, 

 February 1.3, at a meeting called for that purpose at the residence 

 of Alex W. Blain. The following officers were elected: President, 

 A. B. Covert, of Ann Arbor (our oldest ornithologist) ; Vice-Presi- 

 dent, Dr. P. A. Moody, of Detroit; Secretary and Treasurer, Brad- 

 shaw H. Swales, of Detroit; Editor and Business Manager, Alex. W. 

 Blain, Jr. Considerable interest is shown in the Club and about 

 65 members have already joined, including nearly all the best or- 

 nithologists in the state. One of the main objects of the Club will 

 be Bird Protection, which the state sadly needs. A committee of 

 Edwin Arnold, of Battle Creek; James B. Purdy of Plymouth; Prof. 

 Walter B. Barrows, of the Agricultural College, was appointed to 

 act with Wm. Dutcher, of the A. O. U., in preparing the way for the 

 introduction of the A. O. U. law in the coming session of the legis- 

 lature. Another object is the compiling and publication of an au- 

 thentic state list. The Club will publish a quarterly bulletin under 

 the name of the former Club's publication, "The Bulletin of the 

 Michigan Ornithological Club." Monthly meetings will be held at 

 Detroit, with an annual meeting at Ann Arbor in co-operation with 

 the Michigan Academy of Science. 



Detroit, Mich. BRADSHAW H. SWALES. 



We heartily welcome to active work this sister organization 

 which did so much for Michigan ornithology during its former 

 activity. We predict for it a future full of valuable results. 



The following announcemnt of Dr. Elliott Coues' Revised 

 "Key" is of interest to all: — 



Messrs. Dana Estes & Co. announce that the fifth revised edition 

 of the "Key to North American Birds," by Dr. Elliott Coues, so 

 long and patiently awaited by the public, will be ready in the spring 



