6 BIRDS OF OHIO. 
server is questioned, but it only indicates my own ignorance 
of the conditions under which he worked. 
DEFINITION OF TERMS USED TO INDICATE RELATIVE 
ABUNDANCE. 
Lack of any system for indicating what is meant by’ the 
terms “Abundant,” ‘Common,’ ‘“Tolerably Common,” 
“Rare,” and “Casual,” makes it necessary for each person 
using them to define his own system. The terms “Acci- 
dental,” “Hypothetical,’ and “Introduced,” are defined 
where they are used, after the treatment of the species in the 
body of the catalogue. 
In a general way, the term “Abundant” signifies that the 
species to which it is applied are so numerous in individ- 
uals as to force themselves upon one’s notice. The English 
Sparrow is the only bird to which this term can be applied 
the year through. A number of species may be abundant at 
certain times, as the Robin, Vesper Sparrow, Meadowlark, 
Wood Pewee, and Bronzed Grackle. These and others may 
be abundant in certain regions and not in others; or in cer- 
tain restricted localities and either less numerous or even 
almost wholly absent from other localities near. 
A species is regarded as ‘““Common” when a considerable 
number of individuals may be found without much effort 
or much expenditure of time. In the use of this term ac- 
count must always be taken of the habits of the species to 
which it is applied. Thus, the Oven-bird may properly be 
entered as common in a region if it be remembered that it is 
strictly a woods bird. ‘Common in woods” would be the 
accurate designation. 
“Tolerably Common” is used to indicate the fact that the 
individuals of the species designated are so few that they 
must be searched for under normal conditions, and yet pres- 
ent in the region. The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a fair ex- 
ample in all parts of the state which I have visited. 
“Rare” is the term reserved for a species which is repre- 
sented by so few individuals that a record of its occurrence 
is regarded as unusual. In Lorain county the Golden Eagle 
