158 Henshaw on Melospiza 7neloda and its Allies. 



have been taken as representing all that was known of samiiells. 

 Bnt no fewer than forty-six specimens are now at hand that agree 

 well with the type, and are unquestionably referable here. 



In point of fact, it is samuelis alone that occurs in summer along 

 and near the Californian coast, and nearlj^ all published accounts of 

 the habits, nesting, etc. of the Song Sparrow of California are to 

 be taken as referring to it. 



This form rests chiefly upon its small size, it being considera- 

 bly the smallest of all the races, and the very dark, almost black, 

 color of its prominent streakings. But it is upon a basis of size 

 alone that it can be separated from heenaanni, both agreeing in 

 essential points of coloration. In fact, the question might well be 

 raised whether it is necessary to recognize by distinct names two 

 forms from this region. I have, on the whole, deemed it expedient 

 to do so, as the difference of size, especially of bill, in specimens from 

 the respective habitats of the two is pronounced and quite constant, 

 readily sufficing in the great majority of cases for their identifica- 

 tion. Thus, in over thirty specimens of heermanni from Stockton, 

 kindly furnished by Mr. Belding, I find no marked differences, and 

 all agree in comparatively large size and stout bills. 



A series of nine males of samuelis from Oakland, for the opportu- 

 nity of examining which I am indebted to the courtesy of Mr. D. S. 

 Bryant, are similarly constant to the coast type, so far as size is 

 concerned, but vary somewhat in coloration. The differences are 

 chiefly as to number and size of the black markings below. Two 

 of the nine are the darkest, and on the whole the most typical, ex- 

 amples of samtcelis that I have seen. 



Of the var. mexicaita, Ridgway, from Southern Mexico, little can 

 be said, since the name rests upon a single specimen. This appears 

 to be recognizable from the other races by its rather peculiar colora- 

 tion, the streakings being very broad as well as black and by its 

 smaller (except samuelis) size. More specimens aie necessary to 

 determine its true I'elations. 



Var. guttata next invites attention. This is characterized by a 

 generally darker, more rufescent type of color ; the streaks on the 

 dorsum are very indistinct, in some specimens almost wanting. 

 The bill is proportionately more slender than in any of the preced- 

 ing forms. The typical home of this variety is the Columbia River 

 region, coastwise. But long before this point is reached, evidence 

 is afforded by specimens of intermediate character of the change to 



