548 COLOR AND GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF — 
larger, thicker, and rather longer nat the fourth pair, and inserted se near the head; 
the terminal vate s much swollen, ovate, the preceding joint being slenderer than the 
others. The second pair coal e about sale as long as the first pair. It is deep scarlet-red, 
and the body a ‘aa limbs ly covered with short, stout hairs. 
This species, though quite different in the form of the body, yet 
in the proportions and form of the legs and mouth-parts is con- 
generic with the European Trombidium papillosum of Hermann, 
which is said to live on the trunks of trees and in moss. 
THE RELATION BETWEEN THE COLOR AND THE 
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF BIRDS. 
BY ROBERT RIDGWAY. 
te 
Tue July number of the Naruratist contains a criticism of m 
paper on the relation between color and geographical distribution 
of birds* which is doubtless by this time familiar to the readers 
of this journal. The tone of this criticism renders it necessary 
for me to reply to it; but in doing so I shall endeavor to use as 
little space as possible, and limit my defence to the statement of 
a few simple truths, which I hope will answer the purpose as well 
as a lengthy discussion. 
The specific charges made against me are two in number: (1) I 
am accused of ‘‘appropriating Mr. Allen’s work without acknowl- 
edgment” to the latter author; and (2) of dishonestly claiming 
originality in the concéption of certain laws and of cases illustra- 
ting them. These charges are preferred severally in the following 
words : — ‘the writes as if his views were both novel and original, 
which is not the case. To speak plainly, the paper is based en- 
tirely upon Mr. Allen’s views, without the slightest allusion to 
this author; and is illustrated chiefly by cases already published, 
yet without proper references.” 
As regards Mr. Allen’s work, I am not only willing, but 
desirous, that he should receive all the credit due him for his 
well accomplished task of elucidating the laws of climatic color- 
kfin th iii 
hical Distribution in Birds, as exhibited 
DA hones catoamanaal Am. Journ. Sci. iv, Dec., 1872, p. 454; V, Jan., 1873. 
p. 39. h 
