l6 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



CaL, Jan. 5, 1882) has the back narrowly reticulated with 

 white. This specimen is distinguishable at a glance irom 

 the winter examples of facificus in the collection by the 

 streaking on the pileum, which appears to be a diagnostic 

 character in lumme. 



Cerorhinca monocerata. Rhinoceros Auklet. — Soli- 

 tary Rhinoceros Auklets on the water near the shore 

 were the only ones observed previous to the forenoon of 

 January 12th, when there was quite an extensive move- 

 ment. The birds appeared in pairs from the northward, 

 and passed down the coast without halting. A number 

 of the specimens taken during my stay had patches of 

 hardened asphalt on the lower parts. This substance was 

 also found on numerous other birds, particularly Auks 

 and Fulmars. One California Murre had its breast and 

 abdomen completely encased and its wing feathers firmly 

 glued together. The unfortunate bird was very lean, 

 probably being unable to secure food in its helpless con- 

 dition. Mr. A. W. Anthony has explained how the birds 

 get the asphalt on their plumage. He states (' Zoe,' vol. 

 iv, p. 365) that small, soft sticky blotches, from a sub- 

 marine source, occur floating on the surface of the sea, 

 in this adhesive condition becoming attached to the feathers, 

 afterwards hardening into a solid mass. 



At Monterey many of the examples I obtained of the 

 light phase of the Pacific Fulmar presented a greasy and 

 stained appearance, which was apparently caused by 

 mineral oil, for patches of considerable extent were found 

 on the water, and Fulmars were inclined to congregate 

 upon them. 



In four December and January Rhinoceros Auklets — 

 two adults and two young — there is indication of the horn- 

 like process at the base of the upper mandible. 



