3a 



Mr. Rogers reported for Mr. Miller a Pine Warbler {Den- 

 droica vigorsi) at Plainfield, N. J., on December 8. 



Mr. Griscom recorded a Gannet (Sula hassana) at Long 

 Beach, L. I., on December 8. 



Mr. Grant reported a Fish Hawk {Pandion haliaetus caro- 

 linensis) on the Hudson near Englewood, N. J., on December 1. 



Mr. Weber reported the Ipswich Sparrow {Passerculus 

 princeps) at Long Beach on September 28, the earliest fall 

 date for Long Island. Mr. Griscom mentioned that he had 

 seen one on October 13, his earliest date. 



Mr. Helme reported an Arkansas Kingbird (Tyr annus 

 verticalis) on October 30 at Miller Place, L. L, possibly one of 

 those he saw last September. Dr. Dwight remarked that 

 one had been taken in the vicinity of Boston this fall. Mr. 

 Helme also reported a Purple Grackle (Quiscalus q. quiscula) 

 observed recently at Miller Place. Discussion of the Grackles 

 and their status in this neighborhood ensued. Mr. Rogers 

 reported two Grackles near Plainfield on December 1. 



The first paper of the evening, by Dr. F. A. Lucas, was 

 entitled "The Structure of Birds in Relation to their Habits." 

 The speaker pointed out most entertainingly how the structure 

 of birds was modified by their habits and vice-versa. Dr. Lucas 

 also spoke of the probable ancestry of some of the existing types 

 of birds as illustrated by extinct species, notably Hesperornis. 

 Discussion followed. 



The second paper of the evening, "Collecting Experiences 

 in the Middle West," was presented by Mr. Dwight Franklin, 

 who told of his search for the Bowfin (Amia calva) and the 

 Shovel-nosed Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) in Wis- 

 consin last summer. The breeding habits of these interesting 

 fishes were illustrated with photographs, some of which were 

 autochromes. Among other things a fine series of autochrome 

 photographs of the Least Bittern {Ixohrychus exilis) were 

 shown, a species which was breeding in the same lake as the 

 Bowfin. Specimens of some of the animals and fishes col- 

 lected were exhibited. 



December 26, 1912. — The President in the chair. Eighteen 

 members and twelve visitors present. 



