Xi 
Of birds which have been from time to time recorded, 
and rejected, which would with little or no probability 
have been kept in confinement from the nature of their 
food, and other causes; there are one Vireo, one Fly- 
catcher, three Swallows, one Martin, one Bee-eater, and 
one Roller. 
How is it with exotic Mammalia which are quite as 
likely to escape from confinement as Birds, are they 
recorded with even comparative frequency as ‘occurring’ 
in these Islands. 
There is also the consideration of drzef, and easy 
Reference to individual species; to which end, is it not to 
be desired that the American system, or some system on 
the same lines should be adopted: all their birds are 
known immediately by the Vumber they bear on their List; 
and if, later, another kindred bird has to be introduced a 
distinguishing Letter is added; thus 
The Snow Goose (Chen Hyperboreus), is 591. 
The Lesser Snow Goose of Cassin (Chen Hyperboreus 
Albatus), is 591a. 
Four Buzzards, 436a, b, c, and d, have been added after 
No. 436, Buteo Borealis. 
Our Bird List, however, is not likely to be so 
largely added to, as to have the natural objection raised 
to this plan: no doubt the system, if having its conveni- 
ence, is open to objection. The egg collector has been 
one of those most accommodated, it being so simple, and 
so less disfiguring to write 591a on an egg, in place of 
‘Cassin’s Snow Goose,’ especially if it is to be done in 
indelible ink, as has been insisted upon by one of our 
legislators. 
I would venture to suggest that if, in course of time, 
the Monograph of the Birds of the World, drawn up in his 
Catalogue of Birds of the British Museum, by Mr. Sharpe 
b2 
