290 General Notes. [March 
tary and under control of the ganglion-cells. The contraction 
of the peduncle of Hamann withdraws the nettle-cell below the 
surface under certain circumstances. Contraction of the nettle- 
Some Rare Indiana Birds.—The present winter in Indiana 
has been remarkable for the occurrence in this State of several 
species of birds which are not often seen here. The rarest of 
these is perhaps the Evening Grosbeak ( Hesperiphona vespertina). 
On Saturday, January 22, Mr. Charles H. Bollman saw and shot 
a single specimen of this rare bird on the campus of the State 
University at Bloomington. On the same day, Mr. Cal. Meri- 
Ridgway Ornithological Club, who were enjoying a sleigh-ride in 
that part of Indiana. A few days later two other specimens were 
livan, and two each at Columbus and Greensburg. These no 
doubt represent not more than one-half of the number actually 
taken in the State. They were most abundant in November, and 
none have been reported since the Ist of January. Short-eared 
Owls have also been reported much more common than usual, _ 
~ and Bald and Golden Eagles have been taken with unwonted 
see Reni i ; 
In this connection it is proper to record the occurrence of the 
