VIII lULLKTIN NO, 40, rxiTKI) STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



lie joined The Lyct'Uin of Natural History in the City of New York 

 ill 1X4"), and now is a member, a lellow, and a patron of its sueeessor, 

 The New York Academy of Sciences. Upon the organization of The 

 Ameriran Oriiitliologists' Union, in 1SS3, lie became an active member, 

 and at its Hijilith Congress, November, ISOO, he was elected an honor- 

 ary member. Of Tlie Linna'an Society of New Y'^ork, he likewise is an 

 lumorary member, having been chosen as such April I'J, 1878. The 

 llritish Ornithologists' Union mad«' liim a foreign member in 1S72, an«l 

 he is also connected with a large number of kindred societies in this 

 and other countries. 



Throughout his scientific career Mr. Lawrence has commanded the 

 conlidence and respect of all of his contemporaries, with many of whom 

 he has formed cordial friendships, and it is with amazement that we 

 consider the long list of great names, from Vieillot to the i)resent time, 

 that since the birth of Mr. Lawrence liaNC impressed indelibly the bril- 

 liancy of their splendid genius on American ornithology. Wilson, Au- 

 dubon, Bonaparte, lirewer, Nuttall, Baird, Cassin, (iiraud, De Kay, and 

 many more have come, and passed on, during the stretch of one life. Of 

 a verity American ornithological science has been favored in its leaders 

 during the last fourscore years. 



The beneficial influence of the labors of Mr. Lawrence, with pen and 

 pencil, on the j)rogress of American ornithology has been great and un- 

 disputed, but it was particularly among the avifauna of the West In- 

 dies, Mexico, Central and South America that his most strenuous efforts 

 were exerted. All but 17 of the 310 new species of birds described by 

 him came from that region. Endowed with gieat power of analysis 

 and a remarkable patience, he applied these to the investigation of spe- 

 cific distinctions, and his conclusions have but rarely been questioned. 



A scrutiny of the titles of his numerous papei-s will fully indicate the 

 wide scope and excellent character of the work of this veteran orni- 

 thologist. 



L. S. F. 



New York City, Augtist J, 1891. 



