PASSERES FRINGILLID^. 145 



southern and western portions of the state." It seems, 

 therefore, that the reference given above should stand as 

 the first published record for the state. During the entire 

 summer of 1894 this sparrow was found in considerable 

 numbers about Oberlin, and several specimens were taken. 

 I have looked for it in vain every year since then. There 

 are no other reports of its occurrence within the state. 



200. (549.1.) Ammodramus nelsoni (Allen). — . 



Nelson Sparrow. 



Synonyms: Ammodramus caudacutus nelsoni. 

 Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. 



To Mr. Robt. J. Sim, of Jefferson, belongs the honor 

 of adding this interesting bird to our state list. The bird 

 was captured in the vicinity of Geneva, Ashtabula county, 

 on May 17, 1902, and sent to me for identification. It 

 proved to be a fine specimen in full spring dress. When 

 captured the bird was on a bit of high, almost barren ground 

 which lies between two arms of the extensive marsh near 

 the lake shore. It seems probable that this secretive bird 

 may be found sparingly throughout the state in suitable 

 places. 



201. (552.) Chondestes grammacus (Say). 98. 



Lark Sparrow. 



Synonyms: Chondestes grammaca, Fringilla grammaca. 



Lark Finch. 

 Wheaton, Field Notes, I, 1861, 129. 



The appearance and spread of this, one of the most beau- 

 tiful singers among the sparrows, is very interesting. Dr. 

 Wheaton records the first ones seen in 1861. In 1882 it 

 had spread well over the southern half of the state, at least 

 as far as the Scioto river, but was not known north of the 

 central portion. In 1890, when I came to Oberlin, it was 

 not known in Lorain county, but two years later Mr. L, M. 

 McCormick found it on the Vermilion river bottoms. Since 

 that time it has been found regularly, but in small numbers 

 in the western half of the county, and has also reached 



