THIRD REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR I 936 71 



lus crepitans), slate-colored junco ( J u n c o h i e m a 1 i s) 

 and Cedar waxwing (Ampelis cedrorum). The heron and 

 rail groups are larger than those previously attempted and are dis- 

 played in "all-glass" cases, an experiment which is not proving 

 wholly successful as the cases admit moisture. 



It is to be regretted that the unique collection of mounted poultry 

 was forced out of exhibition during the winter to accommodate the 

 agricultural offices, as there is a constant demand from visitors to 

 be shown the collection. 



The monograph of the Birds of A'e^v York has progressed satis- 

 factorily. During the past year a tabulation of all available infor- 

 mation regarding the birds of the State has been completed. This 

 includes the 22 books and local lists of New York birds which are 

 especially noteworthy, as well as the reports from about 100 

 observers in the dififerent counties of the State. This work which 

 was regarded practically completed a year ago, it has been necessary 

 to entirely review on account of the unreliability of some of the 

 reports previously tabulated and the acquisition of new knowledge. 

 These tables, it is believed, are now wholly reliable and furnish an 

 exhaustive account of the distribution of the birds in all parts of 

 the State. A study of the faunal areas of New York has been com- 

 pleted and maps prepared showing the distribution of the most 

 interesting Boreal and Carolinian species. The descriptive text has 

 been prepared for a large part of the water birds. At the rate the 

 work is moving, the first half should be completed within the present 

 year. Besides the paintings by Mr L. A. Fuertes, many photo- 

 graphs have been secured illustrating life histories or nesting habits- 

 and also some of the rare or unique specimens which have been 

 taken in the State. That portion of the work, however, which has 

 consumed the most time and yet makes' the least showing is the 

 sifting or investigation of reports of rare birds taken in the State. 

 The number of New York species now reaches 400 with several 

 reports still in doubt. 



The collection of mounted Mamvwls stands essentially as when 

 last reported. It is card-catalogued in the same manner as the birds. 

 A few specimens have been replaced during the year by fresh 

 mounts, and the group of red fox illustrated in last year's report 

 has been placed on exhibition on the fourth floor, where it is now 

 the center of attraction. Similar groups of other mammals are 

 contemplated. 



