Trippe.] QAP [October 16, 
161. Co ymbus torquatus. Observed occasionally in spring 
flying northward. 
162. Podilymbus podiceps. Rather common; spring and fall. 
Many species which undoubtedly occur, and which I believe I have 
seen, are omitted from the list, not having been taken, or identified 
beyond the possibility of mistake. Of these are, Accipiter Cooperii, 
Buteo lineatus, B. pennsylvanicus, Scops asio, Empidonax flaviveniris, 
Cistothorus palustris, Sitta canadensis, Carpodacus purpureus, and 
many species of water-fowl, common throughout the Western States 
in spring and fall. 
Prof. E. S. Morse gave an account of the various opinions 
held by naturalists as to the systematic position of Dentalium 
and showed that in many characteristics the genus approaches 
the tetrabranchiate cephalopods. Prof: Morse also spoke of 
the structure of Rhynchonella, which he had observed alive 
in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. He exhibited a specimen 
preserved in alcohol, in which the arms were still protruded, 
thus confirming-the correctness of Prof. Owen’s views as to 
their power of extension. 
Prof. Shaler exhibited a two-fanged tooth from a sperm 
whale, an anomaly perhaps due to reversion. 
The Secretary read the following extracts from a letter by 
Mr. C. W. Lovett relating to a supposed case of the death 
from fright of a night heron : — 
« As Mr. Edward Ames, of this city, (a gentleman well known to 
me), and some others were passing through one of the Marshfield 
meadows, a qua bird, or night heron, was surprised on the edge of a 
small brook which they were about to jump. As the bird arose, 
within some eight or ten feet, Mr. Ames gave a loud yell, at the 
same time jumping the brook, when to his surprise the bird fell to 
_ the ground lifeless. Upon examining the bird there appeared to be 
no wound or hurt upon any part of the body, which seemed to be in 
a perfectly healthy condition. 
“Mr. Ames, from whom I received this statement, eed me 
that he had been previously told that the bird could be frightened to ” 
