436 Canadian Record of Science. 



soon as possible, whether this influence is for good or evil. 

 The experience of the farmers in Britain and other countries 

 is cited, also that of Canadian agriculturists as far as it has 

 gone. The recent invasion of the Muskoka and Nipissing 

 districts by this sparrow, is descrided in connection with its 

 steady progress westward. The author's personal observa- 

 tions on its encroachment on the domains of the native 

 birds is given. He showed the bird to be essentially a grain- 

 feeder, although the young destroy many grasshoppers. On 

 the other hand, our native birds, as a class, are eminently 

 beneficial to agriculture, and therefore should not be suffered 

 to retreat before the invader. In conclusion, the author 

 gives a table showing the results of his dissection of over 

 100 gizzards of English sparrows, shot in the vicinity of 

 Toronto. 



A paper by Mr. Andrew Downs, " On the Birds and 

 Mammals of Nova Scotia," contains a list of the birds found 

 in Nova Scotia, whether permanent or migratory. Notes 

 are given of their observed distribution in the province, the 

 nature of the localities frequented by them, their food, 

 breeding and habits generally, with the times of arrival 

 and departure of the migratory species. A list is also 

 given of species that have been found, from time to time, 

 in the province, but which are not residents nor regular 

 visitors. 



Dr. Gr. M. Dawson continues his ethnological studies in 

 " Notes and Observations of the Kwakiool People of the 

 Northern Fart of Vancouver Island." This paper enumer- 

 ates the tribal subdivisions of the Kwakiool people, stating 

 the places inhabited by each, and giving particulars as to 

 migrations, changes in village sites, etc., in so far as these 

 can be ascertained. Notes on the mode of life and customs 

 of the people are then given, together with folk-lore, reli- 

 gious ideas, superstitions respecting "medicine" or "sor- 

 cery " and traditions attaching to particular localities. The 

 custom of the "potlatch " or "donation feast," as practised 

 by these people and other tribes of the coast of British Col- 

 umbia, is explained, and some suggestions offered as to the 

 mode to be adopted in bettering the condition of the Indians 



