312 



Notes and JVezi's. [J<'ly 



force that he owed his successes and the promise of a brilliant career that 

 opened before him. He was a hard worker and a most persevering one, 

 never discouraged bj drudgery that would appal most men, and in con- 

 sequence a comprehensive thoroughness in details characterized all his 

 work. He possessed one strong element of success in his absolute fear- 

 lessness, both physical and mental. No risks or difficulties dismaj'ed 

 him, or stood in the way of undertakings from which other men shrank 

 back, but which his courage and tenacity of purpose enabled him to carry 

 to a successful end. He also possessed in a high degree a spirit of 

 scientific scepticism that made him cautious of accepting unconfirmed 

 statements of others without testing them bj* personal observation of his 

 own, and induced him to repeat, as far as opportunity offered, everj' im- 

 portant observation recorded by previous workers in the line of research 

 he might be following. The advantage he gained in a securer foundation 

 for his work and in a greater practical familiarity with his subject, can 

 hardly be overestimated. 



It is not merely the partiality of friendship that makes us see in his 

 early death a great loss to his profession and to science. Superior intel- 

 lectual qualities, unappeasable thirst for knowledge, reverence for truth, 

 and an earnest devotion to work, hold the sure promise of a life of high 

 usefulness and honor. Of the warm heart and absolute sincerity that 

 gave him so strong a hold upon those who knew him well, this is not the 

 place to speak. Indeed only those who have shared his friendship can 

 fully comprehend the loss his death involves. 



We learn that Mr. B. Qiiaritch of 15 Picadilly, London, will shortly 

 commence the publication of a new edition of Elliot's 'Monograph of the 

 Pittidie,' which was originally completed about thirty years ago. The new 

 work will contain all the known species of the family, a large number of 

 which have been described since the original work was completed, and the 

 text will be entirely re-written by Mr. Elliot, bringing the whole subject up 

 to date. The book will be issued in parts containing ten plates each, and it 

 is expected to finish the work in five parts. Information can be obtained 

 regarding the book from Mr. Qiiaritch. 



Dr. Ernst Hartert, having finished his Catalogue of the Caprimulgidae 

 for the British Museum Catalogue of Birds, has sailed for Venezuela, where 

 he intends remaining a year to collect the birds of that country and adjoin- 

 ing islands. He has selected a most inviting field, and we doubt not his 

 labors will be well rewarded. 



Through the kindness of Mr. George B. Sennett, we are able to pre- 

 sent with this number a colored plate of the Rio Grande Turkey, described 

 by Mr. Sennett in the last number of the 'Auk' (Vol. IX, pp. 167-169). 



