84: SYNOPSIS. 



with a single species, under tbis heading, which is indicated 

 by an asterisk (^) as are all the species. A minute inspection 

 will clearly show that we have a Vesper Sparrow before us, 

 described, as seen by the number following the name, on page 

 36. Consulting the opening lines under the name, we find 

 that a figure of its head is given on Plate VIII, Fig. 2. And 

 the form of its tail is given on Plato V, on which is figured 

 form of the tails of many of the genera. 



Should the tail be without white markmgs, we turn to sec- 

 tion B, printed in the same type as section A, and note first, if 

 the head be reddish brown. Should this be true, and there 

 are furthermore, no streaks beneath, which characters we find 

 given in section A in the running type, we next observe the 

 tail, and see if this is forked, and whether it appears to be 

 shorter than the wings. We can judge of this, by noting 

 whether the wings project down on the tail or not ; if they do 

 we may say that they are longer, and bO we consult the spe- 

 cies under section a. 



Now, under this section, we find three species given, two, 

 which are yellowish ashy beneath, with no dark line through 

 the eye. 



Thus it is best to look at once for the dark line through eye 

 and this, when present, readily can be seen, as it is very ap- 

 parent. Should it be found, we have, as is evident, the third 

 species, or Chipping Sparrow, before us, and by consulting 

 the description, given on page 10, can assure ourselves of this 

 fact by studying the more extended description there given. 



To the above example it may be added that it is of course, 

 well to keep the season of the years, when the observation is 



