182 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 



outline of the culminicorn is not so concave as in cuhninata ; does not bcgio 

 to curve downwards so immediately from the forehead ; does not dip so low 

 down at the middle of the bill ; is less flattened and depressed on top, and has 

 a more decidedly rounded transverse outline. The culminicorn has considera- 

 bly more of lateral extension downwards before it reaches the lateral sulcus. 



The outline of the frontal feathers shows an approach to the character seen 

 m fuliginosa ; the root of the culmen extending nearly as far up on the fore- 

 head as in czulans. Still the outline is a simple concavity, not a sharp reent- 

 rant angle. On the sides of the lower mandible the feathers start a little pos- 

 terior to their termination on the upper and curve downwards and considera- 

 bly forwards with a decidedly convex outline. 



The base of the culminicorn and latericorn are transversely rugose ; the cor- 

 rugations being mainly parallel with the outline of the frontal feathers. 



The lateral sulcus is gently curved from base to unguis ; and on its ungual 

 extent is less deflected than in any other species. The interramicorn is promi- 

 nent ; and extremely elongated before it finally looses itself in the submental 

 space. 



In the dried specimen the bill presents none of the bright parti-coloration of 

 culminata, chlororhi/}7cha, and cauta ; while its color as well as its shape are 

 sufficiently diverse from those oi melanophrys. It is a plain uniform olivaceous 

 brownish ihronghout ; the ungues darker, and inclining to black ; the extreme 

 tip of the upper mandible yellowish. That this color is not an evidence of 

 immaturity is evinced by the plumage which is palpably that of a fully adult 

 bird. 



Ctiord of the culmen 5 00 inches. Height of bill at base 1-75 ; at middle 

 sli'^htly over one inch ; at unguis 1-12. Width at base 1-45. Tarsus 3-00; 

 middle toe 4-'75, outer toe 4-60, inner toe 4'00. Wing about 20 00 ; tail about 

 9-00. 



The coloration of the plumage is that of melannphri/s and the rest of this 

 group, with this exception : The whole under surface of the wings is concolor 

 with the upper ; whereas in the other species a large area is white. 



In carefully examining the superb series of Albatrosses in tbe Philadelphia 

 Academy, which contains examples of all known species except olivaceirostris 

 and ffibhosa, I find a specimen of which the preceding paragraphs are descrip- 

 tive. It is unlabelled as to name, locality or donor; and Mr. Cassin has no 

 recollection whence it was obtained. I find it impossible to refer it to any 

 known species ; and am therefore constrained, somewhat reluctantly, to regard 

 it as a previously undescribed one. I am autopically familiar with all the re- 

 cognized species except olivaceirostris and yibbosa. The former of these is said 

 to have a bill " 3 inches and three-eighths long from the gape to the tip, and of 

 a uniform olive ^reen, and in form more slender and elegant," etc. ; with which 

 description the characters of our bird are totally discordant. There is no 

 " peculiar swollen and raised form of the upper mandible " suggestive of the 

 name ffibhosa, or rendering its reference to that species admissable. 



From clikrorhyncha, adminata, and cauta it is at once distinguished by the 

 color of the bill and especially by the laternl extension downwards of the base 

 of the culminicorn, and its coalescence with the latericorn, thus cutting off the 

 naked space which exists behind the nostrils of these species. 



Af^reeing in this latter respect with melanophry s , the shape no less than the 

 coloration of the bill, as well as the peculiar color of the under surfaces of the 

 wings forbid its reference to that species. Until these features are shown to 

 be accidental, or not incompatible with the variations to which melanophrys is 

 subject, the species must be regarded as a valid one; since there are no others 

 than those above compared, to which it bears any sort of resemblance. 



I trust that this speci'-s may prove valid, if for no other reason than that it 

 may continue to bear the name I have fixed to it in pleasant remembrance of 

 years of uninterrupted friendly intercourse ; although Professor Theodore Gill 

 needs no such slight tribute from me, to enhance the enviable reputation to 



[May, 



