18 



ORNITHOLOGIST 



[Vol. 9-No. 2 



THE 



ORNITHOLOGIST 



— AND — 



OOLOGIST. 



A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF 



NATURAL HISTORY, 



ESPECIALLY DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF 



BIRDS, 



THEIR NESTS AND EGGS. 



DESIGNED A8 A MEANS FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF NOTES 

 AND OBSERVATIONS ON BIRD LIFE. 



FRANK B. WEBSTER, Publisher, 

 PAWTUCKET, E. I. 



Ornithology and Ornithologist. 



Having always been interested in the 

 study of ornithology, the writer has taken 

 more than an ordinary interest in the col- 

 umns of the O. and O. The benefit to 

 ornithologists of a publication devoted 

 exclusively to this branch of natural sci- 

 ence, is not, we apprehend, fully apprecia- 

 ted by all engaged in the study. Instead 

 of thoughtlessly perusing the columns of 

 a paper like this, year after year, readers 

 should stop and consider what is necessa- 

 ry to maintain, and the many advantages 

 to be derived from such a publication, and 

 then in his own way each should contrib- 

 ute to make it a success. Although entire- 

 ly unacquainted personally with the Edi- 

 tor of this journal, it is evident to me that 

 no mercenary motive attends its publica- 

 tion. Yet it must not be forgotten that 

 its issuance involves expense, and that no 

 obligation rests upon the publisher, al- 

 though financially able to meet this outlay. 

 We should therefore not be tardy with our 

 subscriptions or business patronage. But 

 the most important thing to be remem- 

 bered is this, that without the assistance 

 of active workers in the ornithological 

 field, this paper cannot be made a success. 

 It is impossible in the nature of things 

 for any one man alone, to present monthly 



an acce2Jtable paper. The theory of its 

 publication contemplates the aid and co- 

 operation of all sincere ornithologists and 

 particularly reliable correspondents in differ- 

 ent localities throughout the United States. 

 Without this, its object can never be ac- 

 complished. By "reliable correspondents" 

 we do not mean youth who think that to 

 jjossess a drawer or two of eggs in a fancy 

 case constitutes a naturalist, or who think 

 that to have a room ornamented with a 

 dozen mounted birds with bright plumage 

 renders them graduated ornithologists, 

 nor do we mean others engaged in collects 

 ing only for the purpose of having a col- 

 lection "as large as any in the state." But 

 we refer to those who have either a natur- 

 al or an educated taste for this branch of 

 Natural History — those who are interest- 

 ed in the study of ornithology as a science 

 and who desire to assist in its develop- 

 ment, and not those engaged in it as a 

 pastime or play. There are many expe- 

 rienced and enthusiastic field workers, 

 who are always silent and seldom heard of, 

 whose contributions would be of great 

 interest and value, if they would but de- 

 vote two hours a month to an item for the 

 O. and O. If anything new be discovered 

 let it be known by all — do not be selfish 

 with knowledge. Some time ago I inci- 

 dentally mentioned a peculiar characteris- 

 tic of some of the species of Humming 

 Birds to an esteemed correspondent and 

 was surprised to have him reply that he 

 " had supposed that he had a Patent on 

 that discovery." Let none of us " patent " 

 any of our discoveries — let them be free 

 to the use of all — conceal nothing new that 

 may be learned about our feathered friends, 

 disseminate the knowledge gained by ex- 

 perience and let all enjoy it and have the 

 benefit thereof. And now at the com- 

 mencement of the new year, let each re- 

 solve to do his part toward entertaining 

 and encouraging his co-workers. The 

 O. and O. affords a way in which one may 

 communicate with all. Let lis improve 



