238 OBSERVATIONS ON THE CHANGES OP 



those exertions and sacrifices which have removed the obstructions in 

 the paths of science, and have tended to interest, enlighten and instruct 

 us. Their errors were the results of circumstances beyond their con- 

 trol ; and the best service we can render them, or their memories, is to 

 supply the materials which will render their works immortal. In our 

 researches after truth, in science, where the wisest are liable to err, it 

 is not only admissible, but a duty which we owe to mankind, to point 

 out, in the language of courtesy and respect, the mistakes into which 

 we conceive our superiors to have fallen. Our distinguished natural- 

 ists we should claim as a portion of our country's choicest wealth, and 

 in them, as in the railroads w^hich are spreading comfort and sociality 

 over every quarter of our land, we should all strive to have an interest 

 and hold a share, in order that we, in our turn, may pass along with 

 greater safety and comfort. 



Specimens elucidating some of the Points treated of in this Communi- 

 cation. 



No. 1. Lepus Americanus; obtained on the 20th of October. Exa- 

 mined the animal in the flesh. It was shedding its hair. On the 

 back and a spot on each of the sides, the reddish summer fur still re- 

 mains. On the sides and near the tail the lighter winter fur is visible. 

 The difference of colour is sufficiently apparent. 



No. 2. Fringilla Savanna'^ 13^ oiFehYxmry. Moulting around the 

 throat, and extensively on the neck, breast and back. The feathers on 

 the breast coming forward nearly white. 



No. 3, 4. F. Savanna', May 4. The fresh moulting nearly com- 

 pleted, and the summer colours restored. In these specimens the moult 

 had extended to the larger feathers in the tail and wings. 



No. 5. Fringilla tristis, male ; 16th of March. The summer fea- 

 thers appearing bright yellow on the breast. Other specimens had the 

 feathers coming out pure black on the crown. 



No. 6, 7, 8, 9. Fringilla Pensylvanica,\Yh\{e Throated Sparrow; in 

 various stages of moulting. Obtained in March and April. 



No. 10. Bombycilla Carol inensis ; 23d of February. Young fea- 

 thers appearing on the breast. 



