rl04 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



to necessitate a new edition. All the former records were veri- 

 fied, and five additional state records, discovered since the pub- 

 lication of the list, were added, bringing the total number of 

 birds of which we now have satisfactory state records up to 391. 

 That the present list may be of greater use to bird students, 

 those species known to have bred in the State are so designated. 



Later on, he devoted his time very largely to the study of bird 

 skins, preparing descriptions of the different species, giving size 

 (measurements), coloration and its variations in the sexes, adult 

 and immature, in summer and winter plumages. A large series 

 of eggs has also been studied, measurements taken, and the color 

 markings described. 



He still has quite a large correspondence with our corps of 

 volunteer observers, and a great many letters have been written, 

 acknowledging reports sent in, asking for information on special 

 points or answering questions in regard to the occurrence or dis- 

 tribution of different species. 



A few additional observers have volunteered their assistance, 

 and much valuable information has in this and other ways been 

 secured. Important additions have also been made to our series 

 of photographs for illustrative purposes, and it is believed that 

 the series will ultimately be quite complete. 



Much time has also been spent in tabulating the local lists 

 sent in by those who have so kindly aided us in this work. All 

 the available literature on New York birds has been very care- 

 fully examined, data on distribution, migration, etc., have been 

 collected, and the matter is now in such shape that with the 

 time he is able to devote to this work outside of his other 

 duties, he expects to be able to conclude the preparation of his 

 final report not later than one year hence. 



Zoologic field work 



At my suggestion, Dr Paulmier has undertaken an investiga- 

 tion of the habits, life history and development of the edible 

 crab, CalUnectes liastatus, one of the most important of our 

 marine invertebrates. Early in the spring several preliminary 



