1SS4.] Stephens ov Lcco)ites V/iras/irr, etc. 353 



propose merely a modification, to suit difterent emergencies, in 

 the composition of Mr. Secbohm's complex third term. 'I fail 

 to see any objection to this proposed modification, while, on the 

 other hand, it seems to ofler special advantages. 



Finally, a word on the composition of these polyonymal names. 

 Obviously the specific name of a group of subspecies should be 

 the earliest name applied to any member of the group ; this of 

 course should invariably form the second term in the designa- 

 tions of the several subspecies. Then follows the name of the 

 different subspecies as the third term, when relating to their 

 ordinary phases. When the third term becomes complex, through 

 an effort to designate intermediate forms between two formally 

 recognized subspecies, the first element of the complex term 

 should be that of the subspecies to which the intermediates are 

 most nearl}^ allied ; and so pn, as already explained. 



Doubtless for all ordinary occasions the simple trionymal form 

 will be sufficient, but when greater exactitude may be required or 

 seem desirable, as not infrequently happens, I certainly can see 

 no shorter or more explicit way of designating the facts in the 

 case than resort to the complex third term, with the above desig- 

 nated changes of position, etc., of its component elements. 



COLLECTING IN THE COLORADO DESERT— 

 LECONTE'S THRASHER. 



BY F. STEPHENS. 



During the last week of March, 18S4, I spent four days in the 

 extreme western end of the Colorado Desert, during which time 

 I picked up several items of intei'est to ornithologists. As some 

 reader of 'The Auk' may desire to try collecting on this desert, I 

 will give a few hints, especially as they may help others to a bet- 

 ter understanding of the 'lay of the covmtry.' 



The Southern Pacific Railroad enters the desert from the west 

 through the San Gorgonio Pass, between the San Bernardino 

 Mountains on the north, and the San Jacinto Mountains on 

 the south. These ranges, or spurs from them, diverge toward 



