9 



It was voted to suspend the second meeting of the Society 

 in December. 



Mr. Geo. K. Cherrie presented " Some Impressions of 

 Bird-Life in French Guiana." Mr. Cherrie's observations 

 were made mostly in and about the city of Cayenne, although 

 one trip to the interior was mentioned. Birds were abun- 

 dant about the city, and in addition to those collected in the 

 ordinary way, Mr. Cherrie obtained many specimens through 

 the local markets, where many varieties of birds are sold as 

 food. 



Interesting accounts were given of the habits of Tanagers, 

 Cotingas, Tyrant Flycatchers, Kingfishers, Jacamars, Hoat- 

 zin, and Hang-nests which breed unmolested in colonies in 

 the heart of the city, and of a species of Woodpecker which 

 has a sticky substance on its feet, allowing it to climb about 

 with impunity on the trunks of trees infested with ants. 



Mr. Cherrie disagreed with the popular idea that tropical 

 birds are as a whole notably more brilliant in plumage 

 than northern birds, and correspondmgly inferior in singing 

 powers. A large percentage of the birds of French Guiana 

 are dull of plumage, he said, while in volume and quality of 

 song he thought some of the Ant-thrushes, Wrens, and true 

 Thrushes equalled the best northern songsters. 



The paper was illustrated by skins of many of the birds 

 mentioned. 



Dr. Dwight called attention to the singular abundance of 

 Chickadees {Parus atricajnllus) in the city during the end of 

 September and beginning of October, even in the yards of 

 city houses. . 



Mr. Dutcher spoke of the work accomplished during the 

 past summer by the A. O. U. Committee on Bird Protection. 



December 8, 1903. — The President in the chair. Seven 

 members and nine visitors present. 



Miss H. Hamma was elected a Resident Member of the 

 Society. 



