134 Letters, Announcements, S^c. 



stated that lie had found the colouring-matter to be very slightly 

 soluble in pure water, — but that if a trace of alkali was present, 

 it freely dissolved, forming a beautiful crimson solution. The 

 colouring-matter was then precipitated by the action of acids, 

 and proved to contain copper, of which substance the feathers 

 not rose-coloured gave no trace. 



We have to lament the loss of a young and promising or- 

 nithologist, a member of the B. 0. U., and already a contributor 

 to our pages. Mr. Chambers-Hodgetts, whose " Month in 

 Tripoli" appeared in this Journal just a year ago (Ibis, 1867, 

 pp. 97-104), died on the 13th of December last, at the early age, 

 we believe, of twenty-two years. Enthusiastically devoted to or- 

 nithological pursuits, and fond of oriental travel, we had hoped 

 he would become one of our most valued correspondents. 



The death also of Dr. David Scott, an occasional contributor, 

 has also been reported to us. Though not a professed naturalist, 

 he always took a great interest in the study of nature, and for 

 some years past was a diligent observer of birds in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Umballa, where, in the discharge of his duties, he 

 resided. Most of his manuscript notes are in the possession of 

 a gentleman now in this country ; and it is probable that we shall 

 be able to lay some of them before our readers. 



Her Majesty^s Government, on the representation of the 

 Council of the Zoological Society, having consented to allow a 

 zoologist to accompany the expedition to Abyssinia, our contri- 

 butor Captain Beavan was nominated to the post ; but he being 

 unfortunately incapacitated through illness from taking up the 

 appointment, it has since been conferred on Mr. William Jesse, 

 who is accordingly proceeding with all speed to join the expedi- 

 tionary force. 



Erratum in ' The Ibis ' for 1867. 

 Page 470, Hue I, for " older " read " other". 



