314 ZOOLOGY. 
substances, considered the phenomenon due to their slow oxyda- 
tion. He believes this holds good in the case of the “cordoni 
luminosi” of the Pennatula, and thinks it to a certain amount sub- 
ject to the voluntary powers of the animal. He found similar phos- 
phorescent substances in the epithelium of Medusae, and in Pholas 
he saw two distinct organs inside the mantle which are furnished 
with the power of becoming luminous. Some Cheetopteri, Beroe 
and Pyrosoma were likewise examined, and a great similarity no- 
ticed in all these cases as regards the constitution of the phospho- 
rescent substance. In the spectroscope the light exhibits one 
broad ‘band like that given by monochromatic light, while, as is 
well known the phosphorescent light of Lampyris and Luciola is 
polychromatic.— The Academy. 
Tae Game Birps or tHe Nortawest.— The game birds of the 
northwest seem ina fair way to be thoroughly looked up. We 
notice a circular from Dr. Coues, published by command of General 
Terry, of the Department of Dakota, inviting the cooperation of 
all army officers serving in the Department, in the work of ascer- 
taining the precise geographical distribution of feathered game, 
their times of arrival and departure, breeding resorts, habits, etc. 
This is to be incorporated in a report on the “Ornithology of the 
Northwest,” to be published by the Department of the Interior, 
and forming one of the series issued by the U. S. Geological Sur- 
vey of the Territories, in charge of Dr. F. V. Hayden. The under- 
signed respectfully solicits the cooperation of those of his brother 
officers who may be interested in a certain portion of his work. 
With their friendly assistance, he hopes to largely increase, and 
render more precise, our present knowledge of the Game Birds 
inhabiting the region drained by the Missouri river and its tribu- 
taries. Under this head are.included : 
1. Grouse of several different species: the sharp-tailed grouse, 
or “chicken ;” the pinnated grouse, or prairie-hen; the ruffed 
grouse, or “ partridge ;” the dusky or ‘*‘ mountain” grouse; the 
ptarmigan, or “ snow” grouse; the sage-cock, cock-of-the-plains, 
and the quail. pe 
2. Wading Birds of various kinds: wood-cock, snipe, plover, 
-curlew and allied species. 
_ 8. Water Fowls of all sorts: swans, geese and ducks. 
-He desires to ascertain, with entire precision, the geographical 
