Manchester, 1897. 



45 



for discussing any subject pertaining to our chosen study — ornitliology — that 

 may present itself at the moment. This cannot fail in being one of the most 

 enjoyable and profitable meetings of the congress and members should make 

 every possible effort to arrange their \vork so as to be present at this session. 



At the following sessions the Association will proceed with the reading of 

 scientific papers— i. e. ornithological — which will be of consummate interest to 

 all present. All members that attend will participate in the" discussions which 

 follow the reading of each paper. Ainong the subjects that will be presented 

 will be found "The Use of the Camera in Ornithological Observations," "The 

 Closely Related Spices of the Wrens and Shrikes," also many others of equal 

 interest. One session will be given over to the discussion of "Ways and Means 

 of Observing and Collecting Ornithological Specimens and Taxidermical Work." 

 Every member will come prepared to give at least one new "wrikle" in collect- 

 ing and preparing material or on observations. 



The report of the compilation committee, with following discussions, will 

 form a session of not the least interest. It is anticipated that before another 

 congress the catalogue "Birds of Iowa" will be ready for publication. The 

 question of how, when and where will this be published will be thoroughly dis- 

 cussed and a decission passed. The public session will not be omitted, at which 

 a number of papers of both a popular and scientific nature, will be read. 



It is designed te make this one of the greatest scientific meetings ever held 

 within the state. The leading ornithologists of Iowa will be there and all can- 

 not fail to be benefited by what they 'hear. 



^%^%i>.x.->.v.y:,,,,ii'--^ 



Xpw b(ll)k^ 111(1 othii [>ul)li( ituiiiswill 1)1 n\ieue(l in *his department. Authors wishing 

 put)liv:itioiis ie\ie\ved shiiuld siiiiil tlii'iu li> the I'.ditor. u lio will (^x.-nnine them personsilly and 

 Liive them due fou.siderntiou. 



"Some Common Birds" in their relation to agriculture, by F. E. L. Beal. 

 This is a continuation of the inestimable work being done in economic ornithol- 

 ogy by tl^e Eiolrpical Sinvey of the U. S. Eept. rf Apiiculti re. This bulktin 

 contains the results of systematic investigation of the food habits of about 30 of 

 our grain and insect eating birds, belonging to ten different families. The limit 

 of the biilletin precludes giving more than a very brief statement regarding the 

 food of each species. The past investigation of this department lias placed an 

 economical value on liirds that were previously thought to In^ injurious in their 

 relation to agriculture. May this systematic work be continued, for indeed 

 more commendable work could not be done than to teach the agriculturitts 

 which are his feathered friends and how to protect tliem, as well as how to 

 guard aeainst the attack of liis foes. 



