vol. xxxvi] Geneml No(es ^ 577 



In the relative length of the wing it does not differ from the latter genus, 

 while in coloration it bears a strong resemblance to P. atroccerulea (the type 

 of the genus). 



T. dowi somewhat suggests T. nigroviridis in coloration, and while the 

 bill appears to average larger and stouter, yet some individuals agree 

 essentially with the latter. T. fucosus, closely allied to T. dowi, and T. 

 cabanisi (known only from the type specimen), associated with T. <l<>iri 

 and T. nigroviridis by Sclater, I have not seen. T. cabanisi, judging by 

 the colored plate in ' The Ibis ' (1868, pi. Ill), has a much larger and thicker 

 bill than its supposed allies. In T. heinei (atricapilla auct.) and T. argen- 

 tea the bill is depressed and much swollen laterally, the throat feathers are 

 bifurcate and the sexes are unlike in color. T. cyanoptera, while agreeing 

 in the last respect and to a considerable extent in coloration, has a thicker 

 bill. T. fidvicervix and T. melanotis are small-billed species not very dis- 

 similar to the species of Procnopis in color, but the bill is narrower and less 

 depressed. 



If Procnopis is to be recognized as a genus, Tangara nigroviridis must be 

 transferred to it. Even with this change, however, it is extremely doubtful 

 whether the distinction can be maintained, so complete is the intergradation 

 between the two groups. I suggest, therefore, unless we are ready to divide 

 Tangara into a number of ill-defined genera, an undertaking of doubtful 

 practicability, that Procnopis be united with Tangara. If this is done, 

 the latter genus will not be appreciably more heterogeneous in any respect 

 than it is at present. 



It may be noted that Tangara argentea was originally described as a 

 Procnopis in the paper in which the latter genus was described by Cabanis. 

 Also that Procnopis was not recognized by other authorities until Sclater 

 (in the British Museum Catalogue) decided that P. atroca:rulea was more 

 nearly allied to Diva (type D. vassorii) than to Calliste and united it with 

 Diva under the older name Procnopis. 



Under the arrangement suggested the three species of Procnopis will 

 stand as: 



Tangara vassorii (Boiss.) 

 Tangara branickii (Tacz.) 

 Tangara atrocwrulea (Tsch.) 

 W. DeW. Miller, American Museum of Natural History, New York City. 



Early Arrival of the Tree Swallow in Plymouth. — The Tree Swallow 

 is an " early bird " in Plymouth, as elsewhere. But Plymouth seems to be 

 unique, so far as the published records for eastern North America show, 

 as the station of the earliest arrival of this " early bird." The average date 

 for six years of first Tree Swallows seen at the Head of the Beach, Plymouth, 

 is March 16. This compares with the usual " first week of April " reports 

 from most places and with the Ipswich (on the other side of Massa- 

 chusetts Bay) ten-year average of March 28 and with the St. Louis ten- 

 year average of March 24 and with the Washington earliest date seen of 



