138 Correspondence. [jan. 



stage of intellectual development, nor display the scientific knowledge, that 

 would entitle him to advancement. 



3rd. As to abolishing the classes and having but one grade of member- 

 ship much may be said. The establishment of an advanced class of 

 Fellows, membership in which is based upon scientific eminence, is an 

 almost universal custom in scientific societies and the value placed upon 

 such distinction seems proof enough of its desirability. The enlargement 

 of such a class immediately detracts from its significance. The 'Fellows' 

 of the A. O. U. represent the fifty leading ornithologists of America; 

 standards may become higher and higher but at any given time the Fel- 

 lows may always be so characterized. 



The class of Members was established some years ago, to meet just such 

 criticism as is contained in part in Mr. Bailey's letter, and represents 

 another grade of distinction, a stepping stone as it were to Fellowship. 

 This class was not originally provided for and the By-Laws have therefore 

 not remained stationary as Mr. Bailey states. 



The question of entrusting the business of the Union entirely to the Fel- 

 lows is a matter quite apart from the establishment of "advanced classes," 

 and it is here and here only, we think, that Mr. Bailey's views may find 

 support. 



This matter of enlarging the business body has as a matter of fact been 

 under consideration by the A. O. U. Council for some time and has the gen- 

 eral approval of the members. As the Union moreover is not a secret 

 society, and has no desire or intention of concealing its actions, it may 

 we think, be stated in this connection that there is every probability of the 

 adoption at the next meeting of a suggested plan whereby the Members 

 will be allowed to share with the Fellows the business management of the 

 society, thus bringing about the desired result. 



The entrusting of the business affairs to a small body of members was 

 never intended to create a " star chamber ' ' as Mr. Bailey infers but to relieve 

 the general membership of a burden and to permit of the entire open session 

 each year being devoted to ornithological matters. 



Whatever changes may be made in the way of enlarging the business 

 body of the Union we feel sure that the opening of business discussion to the 

 entire membership would be strongly opposed by Associates and Mem- 

 bers at large. The A. O. U. is not a political body and the details of its 

 business are not of very serious moment to the membership. Those who 

 attend meetings, come, in large part, from considerable distances; their 

 time is limited and the desire to enjoy the scientific and social features of 

 the gatherings, not to waste valuable time in prolonged discussions of minor 

 matters which would inevitably result from open business meetings. The 

 present plan of a preliminary business session before^ relatively small body 

 leaves three whole days for the discussion of ornithology, for which the 

 A. O. U. was organized. 



In regard to Mr. Bailey's proposed changes in the By-Laws, his statement 

 is a little misleading, and it is only fair to say that his communication was 

 sent to the Editor of 'The Auk' for presentation at the last meeting of 



