6 BIRDS OF OHIO. 



server is questioned, but it only indicates my own ignorance 

 of the conditions under which he worked. 



DEFINITION OF TERMS USED TO INDICATE RELATIVE 

 ABUNDANCE. 



Lack of any system for indicating what is meant by the 

 terms "Abundant/' "Common," "Tolerably Common," 

 "Rare," and "Casual," makes it necessary for each person 

 using them to define his own system. The terms "Acci- 

 dental," "Hypothetical," and "Introduced," are defined 

 where they are used, after the treatment of the species in the 

 body of the catalogue. 



In a general way, the term "Abundant" signifies that the 

 species to which it is applied are so numerous in individ- 

 uals as to force themselves upon one's notice. The English 

 Sparrow is the only bird to which this term can be applied 

 the year through. A number of species may be abundant at 

 certain times, as the Robin, Vesper Sparrow, Meadowlark, 

 Wood Pewee, and Bronzed Crackle. These and others may 

 be abundant in certain regions and not in others ; or in cer- 

 tain restricted localities and either less numerous or even 

 almost wholly absent from other localities near. 



A species is regarded as "Common" when a considerable 

 number of individuals may be found without much effort 

 or much expenditure of time. In the use of this term ac- 

 count must always be taken of the habits of the species to 

 which it is applied. Thus, the Oven-bird may properly be 

 entered as common in a region if it be remembered that it is 

 strictly a woods bird. "Common in woods" would be the 

 accurate designation. 



"Tolerably Common" is used to indicate the fact that the 

 individuals of the species designated are so few that they 

 must be searched for under normal conditions, and yet pres- 

 ent in the region. The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a fair ex- 

 ample in all parts of the state which I have visited. 



"Rare" is the term reserved for a species which is repre- 

 sented by so few individuals that a record of its occurrence 

 is regarded as unusual. In Lorain county the Golden Eagle 



