1/4 Journal of Comparative Neurology and Psychology. 



Halben, R. Theoretisches iiber die Bedeutung des Pigmentes fiir den Sehakt 



der Wirbellosen, speciell der Protozoen. Biol. Centralbl., 1904, 24, No. 



8, 283-288. 



An argument, against Hesse, for the importance of pigment in 



light perception. A foot-note contains a discussion of the nature of 



light, which should be read by all students of phototaxis. G. w. 



Weysse, Arthur W- Notes on Animal Behavior. Science, N. S., 1904, 19, 

 No. 495, 955-957- 

 Discusses certain actions of a black-and-tan terrier, which by 

 many would be taken to exhibit a high degree of intelligence. Weysse 

 shows how, in these particular cases, much simpler explanationg can 

 be given, based on the ordinary habits of the dog. 



LEON J. COLE. 



Scott, William E. D. The Inheritance of Song in Passerine Birds. Remarks 

 on the Development of Song in the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Zamelodia 

 ludoviciana (Linnseus), and the Meadowlark, Sturnella magna (Linnreus). 

 Science, N. S., 1904, 19, No. 95, 957-959 ; Further Observations on the De- 

 velopment of Song and Nest-building in Hand-reared Rose-breasted Gros- 

 beaks, Zamelodia ludoviciana (Linneeus). Science, N. S., 1904, 20, No. 

 504, 282-283. 



Rose-breasted grosbeaks were taken from the nest when five days 

 old and after being kept in confinement until about eight months old 

 they sang a song that "could not be referred to the rose-breasted gros- 

 beak." Meadowlarks taken from the nest and kept in confinement, 

 besides having a peculiar song of their own, accompanied by a "par- 

 ade or dance," also imitated the songs of some German "blackbirds" 

 {Merula ftierula) with which they were associated. The conclusion is 

 "that birds are influenced in their early lives very strongly by any 

 noise that arrests their attention, even in a wild state, and that their 

 propensity to imitate and differentiate their normal methods of song [% 

 greatly exaggerated under the artificial state wherein they live when in 

 confinement." 



In the second paper the observations of the first are confirmed. 

 The songs of the grosbeaks came to resemble that of a green bulbul 

 [Chloropsis hardtvickii) which was kept in an adjacent cage. In May 

 the grosbeaks attempted to build a nest in the cage, but although sup- 

 plied with materials, they were unable to construct a nest for them- 

 selves, though they added a lining of feathers and cowhair to artificial 

 nests that were supplied. leon j. cole. 



