592 MR. E. w. WHITE ON BIRDS [June 20, 



rely upon his own resources in a way that renders collecting very 

 arduous, besides being at times an object of suspicion. Owing to 

 my bad state of health, I did not commence operations upon the 

 avifauna of this part of the Neotropical region until the year 1880 ; 

 and then my trips to Oran, jNIisiones, and other promising districts 

 were, from one cause and another, generally so hurried, that, as I was 

 unable to remain in desirable spots even for a few days, much less 

 through the season (a step so essential to the observation of the 

 habits of birds), not only will my notes be characterized by some- 

 what of baldness, but certain families, such as the Alcedinidse, will 

 be found entirely, and others, such as the Strigidse, but poorly 

 represented, which undesirable result has been further contributed 

 to by the loss of some of my manuscripts. 



It is not to be inferred from this, however, that many species of 

 these families have not come under my observation, but simply that 

 as yet they form no part of my private collection. However, to the 

 remarks and data herewith furnished I have paid much attention 

 to secure accuracy, and I indulge in the hope that they will be con- 

 sidered of some value. With regard to the nomenclature, in which 

 I have followed the ' Nomenclator Avium Neotropicalium ' of Messrs. 

 Sclater and Salvin, I anticipate there will be found few inaccuracies 

 of any import, although Buenos Aires does not possess the facilities 

 which London enjoys for the accurate determination of species. 



My earnest desire is to be able before long to supplement the 

 present with additional notes, until this country shall be pretty well 

 exhausted of its feathery inhabitants. 



Bueuos Aires, May 5, 1882. 



[I have examined several series of Mr. White's birds, and have 

 great pleasure in testifying to the general accuracy of his determi- 

 nations. But, as he has given me full authority over his MS., I have 

 thought it right to add a few remarks in certain cases when I have 

 not seen specimens and there is some cause to doubt. These 

 remarks are indicated by my initials. — P. L. S. 



London, June 12, 1882.] 



1. TURDUS LEUCOMELAS, VieiU. 



(S . Concepcion, Misiones, Arg. Rep., June 23, 1881. 



5 . Santo Tome, Corrientes, Arg. Kep., May 11, 1881. 



2 . Concepcion, Misiones, Arg. Rep., June 20, 1881. 



Iris dark brown. 



Shot in the woods around the old Jesuit ruins. These birds are 

 plentiful all over Misiones, and are often kept as cage-birds, as they 

 have a pleasant whistle. 



2. TuRDUS RUFIVENTRIS, Vicill. 



cJ. Oran, Salta, Arg. Rep., Nov. 18, 1880. 

 Iris sepia. 



During my sojourn in Oran I did not meet with many of this 

 species ; but in the dense woods of Misiones they are abundant ; and 



