CD 23, 1882.1 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



148 



they need for fcheii ,;- . Uead per 



month '"'i horses, and f,i n cents u head* for cattle. Tv 



l head ol sheep in the county, and 1 think thej 

 feill shear on an ay* rage about four pounds of wool per head, 

 jftrd I guess the sheep are worth on die average al 

 pes hi ad. 



Mason is. not incorporated; the town is too small yet. 1 

 think we have ,!no populathm, and county about 2,700. In 

 ffi7P"itwas'600. Enowirrg the great interest you take in 

 Mason and Tessas generally, is my only excuse for taking up 

 so touch of your time. 



In connection I will now add an extract or two from the 

 lasi nuinlirr of the Texas Jburnai tf Oomineree, published at 

 Galveston, which is always ropleto'with Texas statistics and 

 tews: 



"This section (Erath county) has had an abundance of 



rani ; gra 

 bearing! 



Osgood and eattle 



i excellenl condition. They arc 

 9od price. Yearling steers, $11; two year old 

 and we add three year old beef cattle Erom $15 

 io ipso on rool in therange. "Nearly all of the young stock, 

 calw> and yearlings, of this section is under oontraci to be 

 Selivered toother ranchmen in April next." Tims these 

 frOung ones are broughl up to.dottbie iff value is one or two 

 years, feeding, perhaps, exclusively upon the wild lands of 

 rollers, and at no cost beyond that of herding and breeding, 

 fcyhioh is about one dollar 'per year, "Col. J. II. Holcomb 

 guiles andsays, 1; is only; 850 lambs my ewes have brought 

 me in one day and iwo nights. The Colonel is one of GUI' 

 enii rprising sheep growers." 



"The wheat croj) in this section (Fannin county) is very 



pro mining, and if everything rooks along we will have plenty 



gf biscuil this year." Fannin county with some thirty others 



■ tfheat and grain growing counties, together with 



i-'Xiog (cton Bid by si:?' in thi same open rteh Un-I; 

 prairie fields. The like, I believe, is nowhere to he found 

 in the world. 



".Mr. ,1. B. Wilson (Tom Green county) has recently sold 

 the 'J. D.' Stock of cattle, ranging on the Colorado river, to 

 o Chicago firm for $150,000. This is doing pretty well 



.when we consider that this prairie county is yet so new and 

 wild, that lards of antelope and deer continue to run over it. 

 These great stock raisers often go west with their herds a 



•little in advance of the Grangers, and so have the unlimited 

 aange of the prairies for nothing, while others pay the small 

 taxes on the land of a quarter or a half a cent to the acre. 

 This mode of the ranchmen is all right, it does not injure the 

 land to graze it, and they oulv pluck the golden fruit when 



it is ripe, while others of less enterprise stand and look on. 



'Mr. J. V.. Stevens has recently bought 800hea 

 ranging in Howard county, from Mr. Denmark, ] 

 a head." This is just about, double the price that 

 sold for for many years past, and it is not strangt 

 raisers'in Texas may smile, and grow fat and become rich. It 

 is no wonder that the poor man of yesterday becomes a' 'Catfjte 

 King" to-day, when it costs but about §3 to raise a three year 

 old beef, which sells for about $20 in the wild prairies. "Why 



erdshave 



• that stock 



should stock men not i 

 but it requires a little more c: 

 raising horses and mules. I 

 profits with cuttleand sheep. 

 I could continue this artich 



? Sheep raising yeb pays better, 

 ire. I cannot say exactly as to 

 mean as to the comparative 

 All domestic animals do well. 

 s to great' length, but the sub- 

 ject does not fall exactly within the design of your paper, and 

 I will therefore cut it short. 1 have written enough already 

 to let your readers have a kind of birds-eye view of stock 

 raising in Texas, and I have no doubt this will reveal some- 

 thing uew and of interest to them. 



That Texas is a splendid game country your readers all 

 now well know. Some five yi ara ago J commenced to write 

 this subject up, and I believe I was the first do so hi 

 your valuable paper. Fokest and Steeam. 



Maj, II. W. Mekkiel. 



New Eochelle, N. Y., March 6, 1882. 



ORNITHOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE. 



A YOUNG student of zoology recently asked advice con- 

 cerning the nomenclature for sonic of the common 

 birds of North America. He. was referred to the various 

 publications generally accepted as authorities, and a brief 

 explanation was given of the objects and necessities for the 

 Implication of scientific names, for which purpose Latin is 

 usually employed, in addition to the English names, which 

 are not infrequently numerous as applied to a single bird, 

 and perhaps Of local signification merely. 



Afterwards, coming for further advice, the student re- 

 marked that he had learned of a far greater number of Latin 

 names than English ones applied to birds; that each author 

 gave names differing from those of others for the same bird ; 

 and, showing a list of various appellations, asked which one 

 of them was correct. 



He was told to ■choose for himself from the many names 

 authorized, and to mention in connection with the term used 

 the name of the author quoted, lest, the identification be 

 confused or imperfect. There is absolutely no Single publi- 

 cation among the many of comparatively recent date relative 

 to North American birds, generally adopted as an exclusive 

 authority; nor is there any recognized author, or unison of 

 authors,. Whose writings adhere to any generally adopted 

 Systematic rule of nomenclature. 



It is a matter of deep regret to students of American 

 natural history, desirous of an acquaintance with nomen- 

 clature, that those who make this stiidv a profession do no] 

 prepare simple paths to knowledge that shallprOve i 

 tical value to the great multitude, thus devoting their own 

 experience and knowledge to the benefit of the world, rather 

 than confining it to a coterie of scientists who seem rather 

 to prefer tortuous, intricate and ever-changing paths, audio 

 seek the distinction that may come of innovations. 



At the animal dinner of the American Fishcultural Associ- 

 ation that occurred March 31, 1881, the president of the 

 association, Hon, Robt. 15. Roosevelt, of New York, good- 

 humoivdly remarked that, •'Before the advent of the Smith- 

 sonian in flshculturewe all knew a little, ichthyology, but 

 now they make new names so fast that we cannot keep up, 

 and he would call on Prof. Goode to give the latest atrocity 

 in nomenclature." 



Prcl Goode said thai "perhaps the president would be 

 best pleased with the restoration of the Russian name for 

 the California salmon, which is noy • 

 ot<-ht (I hope the epellihgis correct), and he would . tn 



gentleman to pronounce it as he cho 



But it is in the ornithological department of American 

 natural science that the abominations of modern 



concerning nomenclature are best illustrated. The practices 

 oi I lie leading ornithologists of the present da y in this country 

 :: decided tendency toward the multiplication in- 

 stead of the simplification of synonyms, and toward con- 

 fusion worse confounded, 



The distinguished ornithologist, P. L. Solater, hay re- 

 marked that "it will be generally allowed. T believe, by 

 all ornithologists that the sysiema avium is not i " 



arrangements and 

 by the criticisms of 

 s arisen to take its 

 d adoption." (Ibis, 



ible to our suhject. 

 occupied in biiild- 

 or parti, 



a very satisfactory state. The Cuvierhm 

 its modifications have been broken down 

 modern inquirers; but no other system hi 

 place, or, at all events, has secured \ en 

 July, 1SS0.) His remarks are well ftpplic 

 In fact each "modern inquirer" has been 

 ing walls that are speedily broken down, 

 other modern inquirers. Orders, families, genera, _ 

 species, have been divided and "subdivided" "ad libitum; 

 families created without a single gentr-l nunc charactertPtie 

 of the pedigree, or even indicative thereof; spedes divided 

 into genera with but a single individual for representation; 

 unlimited subdivisions for climatical, ideographical, and 

 minor local varieties. And instead of seeking .simplification 

 by the restriction of names to the fewest possible number, 

 and as far as practical by the reference of individuals to 

 well known genera and species, the practice of American 

 authors, almost without exception, appears to be in favor of 

 creating a new generic or specific name whenever there can 

 be assigned a plausible reason or excuse therefor. The 

 latest Smithsonian catalogue of North American birds (1881) 

 has a list of sixty-eight species, "eliminated from the cata- 

 logue of 1859," and a list of thirty-five "untenable species 

 and races of North American birds" described since 18o9." 



And yet there is now an average of but two species- to each 

 of the 379 genera named. And "there is a list of 160 "sub- 

 species," in addition to the 764 ''species" named. 



Cue of our leading ornithologists, Dr. Elliott Coues, whose 

 valuable writings are so well known, has manifested a, dis- 

 position to throw off some of the self-imposed trammels of 

 his associates. He remarks, "in the sucessive generic sub- 

 division which is now in vogue I find it necessary to restrict." 

 And in view of the practices in vogue, the following quota- 

 tion from the "Key to N. A. Birds," (1872), written in con- 

 nection with the. subject of gulls, "sub-familv Larinm," seems 

 apropos: 



"Some seventy-five species are currently reported; there are 



__ simply pre 

 postorous." 



The rule of priority of names is varied and adopted or de- 

 parted from as suits the views of each writer. Several of 

 our leading ornithologists have, "to a considerable extent," 

 adopted the Linnaean names of 175S, and the rather remark- 

 able statement has been made that "Linnaeus had no more 

 right to change his own names, once fully set forth, than any 

 one else has." Yet "European ornithologists Steadily refuse 

 ' ' recognize such names, on the ground that they do not take 

 Li ntueus's work until it finally left his hands in 1760." If 

 an author be denied the sole right to alter his own work, it, 

 would appear that European authorities grant him the first 

 right to do so. But even the Linngean names theoretically 

 adopted by modern American authorities are in many in- 

 stances so subjected to addition, subtraction or transposition, 

 as to render them barely possible of recognition for the 

 original. 



In reference to the law of priority, and the rules for 

 nomenclature as applicable to a certain' ease. Dr. Coues says: 

 "Is it Worth while to make the change? Gases like this 

 make one wish there were in our nomenclature some 'law 

 of limitation,' by which a name which has not been chal- 

 lenged for, say fifty years or a century, might then acquire 

 an inalienable right to recognition." And he then add'; that 



"in default of any such rule becomes in strictness the 



tenable name." 



Dr. Coues, more liberal in his views as thus expressed 

 than in the practice followed, has here given one of the many 

 tenable excuses for a change of name, and in so doing only 

 falls in with the custom of his associates in science. Truly, 

 if a name, has been generally known and used for the last 

 half century, what practical benefit can be derived from a 

 succession of changes, as the errors of each preceding name 

 maybe pointed out? Is it worth while for scientists to 

 create new names that are not, and probably never will be, 

 accepted by all and come into general use? * 



What matter if the bird known throughout North America 

 as a robin is not even a relative of the bird known as a ' 'robin" 

 in Great Britain? Is it practically desirable to attempt the 

 mnovatton of ihotdsr uams for the :.ird '> Our robin, known 

 as such throughout this country, and exempt from other local 

 names, has been for a very long period recognized by ornithol- 

 ogists as the 'robin or migratory thrush," and, classed as one of 

 the family TuriliSce, or true thrushes, was given the compre- 

 hensive appellation Tardus inigrqtorius. It was one of the 

 comparatively few birds, whose Latin name corresponded to 

 its established English name, and had been allowed to remain 

 unchanged. STet now, by the authority of one of our fore- 

 most American ornithologists, Robert Ridgway, Esq., (see 

 Smii.h.-r.ni m Ins. Catalogue, N. A. Birds, IScil,)" this bird is 

 no longer 7 ■ ".' . .■..-■■■.■■,..,■.■■■. but musi be- known this year 

 as "Merukt migrqtQvia" by all who wish to keep up with the 

 fashions of modern nomenclature. It seems as if the araving 

 for novelty', so characteristic of Americans, pervad 



ixtent of perverting 'its 



usi'iuln 



id that our i 



nithc 



a friendly competfti 



instead m setting desirable examples to the great public to 



which they should be practical t'eaehsrs. 



Numerous examples could be cited illustrative of the frc- 

 qiien! changes in our modern nomenclature. JTeW nan 

 denied, only to be adopted for a brief period, and then drop- 

 ped for a return to the old one, or still another ami aWwe 

 name adopted. 



The student, figuratively 

 setting toward firm laud. 

 of which will support nil 

 yield to the discouragement 



him, and cease his efforts to keep up, unless lie" fixes upon 

 some course and strikes out independently in rude efforts to 

 swim by himself, perhaps preferring the accustomed evils of 

 the past to the ever varying ones he knows less of. A nd may 

 not one wisely follow man)' of (he practically harmless errors 

 sanctioned by common usage, rather than seek to adopt the 

 multiplying intricacies of doubtful remedies? 



During the last few years the study of ornithology has re- 

 ceived a decided stimulus in America tlu'ough the' medium 

 of popular periodicals and other publications.. Yet much ol 

 this stimulus has been in such form as to promote among 



■iveno current 

 1st of drift stuff, none 

 great period, he must 

 eles that appear bef( 



new students a mania for collecting birds' skins and see 

 plausible points upon which to hang a new name, rathe] 

 seeking to add to the knowdedge »f themselves and (he world 

 by studying the life history of its creatures. 



A prominent naturalist of Great Britain once said. "The ig- 

 norance of your mere collector as regards the life history pf 

 anyone animal is truly marvellous, and yet these gentlemen 

 will debate by the hour as to whether Oblwribq Schimperi be 

 a 'good species' or a mere geographical sub-species, whatever 

 that may mean, of (,'. liro>." 



Nearly a century ago Oliver Goldsmith wrote that "natural 

 historians have hitherto, like ambitious monarch's; shewn a 

 greater fondness for extending their dimensions, than culti- 

 vating what they possess. While they have been labouring to 

 add new varieties to their catalogues, they have neglected to 

 study the history of animals already known." 



While the most of the leading ornithologists of America, 

 at I be present time, are laboring to add new" varieties to their 

 catalogues, but few, if any, have "neglected to study the his- 

 tory of those already known." 



But their discussions largely relate to the additions of new 

 varieties, and deductions drawn from the Studies ol dried 

 skins. And howmany of these would agree with their great; 

 predecessor Audubon, as regards the identification of birds, 

 and "place more value upon a thorough knowledge of the 

 habits and life history" of them, than upon the differences 

 of dried skins? 



Simplification and uniformity of nomenclature are greatly 

 needed. Yet most surely a frequent change of appellations 

 and the multiplication of synonyms will never bring about 

 either. And apropos to one of the least, evils of the 'custom 

 now in vogue, is the remark of J. A. Harvie-Brown, that "an 

 additional burden is laid upon memory, which should al- 

 ways be avoided if possible." 



Science has been defined by some one (our eminently prac- 

 tical scientist, Prof. S. F. Baird, we believe) [Dr. Coues.— 

 Ed. F. &S.] as "knowledge set in order." In the light of 

 this definition, may not. the fashion among the modern euro 

 thologists of North America be regarded as an exemplifica- 

 tion, in some respects, of knowledge set in disorder, and 

 thus a parody on science. 



Ornithology was not included as one of the ancient "seven 

 sciences," yet quite apropos to the subject is Pope's couplet: 

 "Good sense, which only is the gift of Heaven, 

 And though no science, fairly worth the seven. ' ' 



There has never been a time in the history of our country 

 when so many persons have manifested an interest in orni- 

 thology as at present, and there are hundreds of students 

 looking to the few noted specialists for practical instruction, 

 examples and rules, that shall prove simple, comprehensive, 

 accurate, and of a permanent nature. And the. prayer is 

 offered that some of our competent scientists will manifest 

 sufficient independence and wisdom (even if requiring some 

 sacrifice of theory) to mark out a practical path tor such 

 needs, by him who ever has been Jand through life will ever 

 be one of the students. ' Evef.ett Smith. 



Portiand, Maine, March 4, 1862. 



Geivekal SnEnrDAs's White Goat.— Chicago, March 9, 

 1 S82. — Professor R. A. Turtle, our well-known ta-ddermist. 

 had on exhibition at his rooms in Ogden Building last week, 

 a rare curiosity in the shape of the head and neck of a moun- 

 tain goal (Ap'>_"->i-us coluiiibianu*, Cones). Professor Turtle 

 tells me that there are only three other specimens of the 

 Aphcerns <■ ibni'Jnanws in existence. It is a fac simile of the 

 domestic goat with the exception of its horns, which re- 

 semble those of the African antelope. The horns are jet 

 black, seven inches and a half in length, and are slightly 

 curved. There is a slight hump near the shoulders, which 

 gives the neck a bulky look. The entire body, except the 

 legs, is covered with long milk-white hair, under which is a 

 covering of fine silky w r ool. Its eyes are hazel, with black 

 centres, and a long goatee sets it off with a very venerable, 

 appearance. It was killed on a lofty mountain peak near the 

 Misoula Valley, Montana Territory/ last January, by a trap- 

 per who had lain in wait for it along while; and* it was sent to 

 its present owner, Gen. Phil Sheridan, by his friend, Mr. Theo. 

 Sacked. _ General Sheridan placed it in the hands of Pre.et. 

 Turtle with instructions to spare neither pains or expense, 

 and the professor faithfully obeyed instructions, and mounted 

 now on an ebony shield, it looks as natural and lifelike as 

 when it nibbled the dark green grass on its native mountain 

 peak. It is now on exhibition at Matson & Oo.'s jewelry 

 store, corner of Slate and Monroe streets, where it is the 

 main attraction.— Ten-Bore. [Aplocerus rMmnbianus, while 

 not very common in collections, is by no means so rare as Mr. 

 Turtle states. We know of several specimens here in New 

 York city, and there are a number in Washington and else- 

 where. Still they are not abundant anywhere. They are 

 very difficult to kill on account of the bad places which thev 

 inhabit,] 



New Bird Books,— A new work, by Dr. Cones, will be 

 published at an early day which will engi , n ion of 



every student of our birds. It is entitled ■ e beck 



List of North American Birds, Second Edition, with a Dic- 

 tionary of the Etymology, Orthography and Orthoepy of the 

 Scientific Names, revised Io date and entirely rev. r'nten by the 

 Author." The importance of this work to 'all ornithologists 

 will readily be understood. It will be uniform in ize wiih 

 "De Coues Key to North American Birds.'" and it- price will 

 be §3._ It is stated that the continuation of Baird, Bewer 

 and Ridgway 's "Birds of North America" will soon be- issued. 



I i i conaietoftwo additional volumes, uniform with 

 the first three, to contain the water birds. ■ The work is aid 

 to be now in the hands of the compositors, and will no d> lib 

 be issued as soon as the work of manufacture can be be com- 

 pleted. W ,r e understand that the second volume of "New 

 rre; 1 and End I MV is now in press and will b<: eeo ei t:. 

 coming season. 



Sfbino Notes.— New London, Conn., March '.), 1882,— 

 February 28 Isaw several flocks of crow-blackbirds, which we 

 usually see before March 13. Bluebin:ls and English 

 sparrows have commenced to build, as also hawks and 

 I found a screech-owl's nest with five eggs March 2, and a red- 

 tail hawk's with three eggs the 7th. There arc four young 

 sparrows in one of my bird boxes at present. Does not this 

 look as though winter had left us? Sparrows, finches and 

 warblers are appearing and their ad a i .rove that 



theforci ad a :.;. Woodcbjieks and snake-' 



all left their winter quarters, the river is full of wild ducks, 

 andfoi i :. m: _ i flock* Cauad see have a ou 



i< ir home. Thisis a very rare occurrence 

 general rule, the geese fly very high and do not 61 op 

 al all. While out yesterday I flushed three miiiaio,y quail, 



