A A. K. Fisher, In Metnoriam : T/ioinas McThvraith. \\m 



Mr. Mclhvraith evidently worked out his early ornithological 

 problems alone and had to depend largely on his own resources for 

 the identification of the specimens he was collecting and mounting. 

 His ' List of Birds of Hamilton, C. W.,' published in the Canadian 

 Journal, in July, i860, was arranged after the system of Audubon, 

 showing pretty conclusively that the personal aid and encourage- 

 ment of Professor Baird, that great man to whom so many natural- 

 ists are profoundly indebted, had not reached him, though he 

 probably had some of Professor Baird's publications in his library. 

 The absence of published records of the birds of Ontario, and of 

 ornithological companions did not discourage him, for with patient 

 observation and study he soon was able to outline a list which 

 served as a foundation for his later works. This experience, 

 coupled with his genial, friendly nature, made him ever anxious 

 to give encouragement and advice, and many there are who will 

 miss his long and instructive letters. My own correspondence 

 with him commenced in the winter of 1884. In the course of 

 time his letters came with a good deal of regularity and were 

 always interesting whether they related to field experiences, the 

 routine of everyday life or were more strictly personal in their 

 character. Our intercourse closed with a letter which I wrote 

 about a month before his death, for on the double anniversary of 

 Christmas and his birthday I rarely neglected to write to wish him 

 the compliments of the season. I afterwards heard through his 

 son that he was pleased when he received the letter but was too 

 indisposed to pen even a brief acknowledgment. 



His style was always lucid and entertaining, whether in private 

 correspondence or in published papers, and it is much to be 

 regretted that his publications were not more numerous. His 

 earliest contribution to ornithological literature appeared in the 

 'Canadian Journal of Industry, Science and Art,' for July, i860, 

 under the title ' List of Birds observed in the vicinity of Hamilton, 

 C. W., arranged after the system of Audubon.' "The object," 

 he says, " in preparing the following list, has been to afford such 

 information as may be of use, should inquiry at any future period 

 be made regarding the birds frequenting this part of the country. 

 In its present state, the list has been drawn up from observations 

 made during occasional excursions within a period of four years. 



