Letters, Extracts, Notices, S^c. 635 



pistes migratorius) , the Californian Vulture {Pseudogryplms 

 californianus), the Carolina Paroquet [Conurus carolinensis) , 

 and the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis). 

 The first two of these birds are undoubtedly already extinct, 

 and the Heath Hen, formerly so abundant, is nearly so. 

 The Passenger Pigeon is still found in small numbers in the 

 north-west, but will not last many years. The Californian 

 Vulture is often destroyed by eating poisoned meat intended 

 for other animals, and will soon perish. The Carolina Paro- 

 quet is persecuted for the sake of its plumage, and few speci- 

 mens are now left, and the Ivory-billed Woodpecker is 

 " rapidly diminishing in numbers.^^ To this list an eighth 

 species must be added — Pallas's Cormorant {Phalacrocorax 

 perspicillatus), which, as has been previously stated (see Ibis, 

 1890, p. 382), is believed to have become extinct some years 

 aw. 



Occurrence of Grus leucogeranus in the Hebrides. — Mr. W. 

 Eagle Clarke writes to us to announce that he has "just 

 examined and identified a fine female of Grws leucogeranus, 

 Pallas, which was shot at Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, on 

 the 27th of August last. The bird was not killed outright, 

 "but survived for a few days in the possession of Dr. Mac- 

 Rury. 



"This Asiatic species is not only new to Britain and to 

 Western Europe, but has not, I believe, occurred west of 

 St. Petersburg, where, however, and in Eastern Europe 

 generally, it appears to be a rare casual visitant.'^ 



We hope to be able to give further particulars about this 

 interesting occurrence in our next number. 



Obituary. Sir O. B. C. St. John. — The death from pneu- 

 monia at Quetta of Col. Sir O. B. St. John, R.E., K.C.S.I., 

 who has been a member of the B. O, U. since 1873, cannot 

 be allowed to pass without a somewhat fuller notice than it 

 was possible to give in the last number of 'The Ibis,' when 

 the telegraphic report of the sad event had just reached this 

 country. Although Sir O. B. St. John's only contribution 



