1877.] 149 [Bendire. 



187. Hydroehelidon nigra (Linn.). Black Tern. 



A common summer resident breeding in colonies on several of the 

 sloughs in the vicinity of Sylvies River. I obtained a number of 

 their eggs nearly fresh, June 1, 1876. 



188. Colymbus torquatus (Briinn). Loon. 

 Moderately common on Malheur Lake, and probably breeds there. 



189. Podiceps oecidentalis (Lawr.). Western Grebe. 



A common summer resident on the waters of Malheur Lake, and 

 undoubtedly breeding. 



190. Podiceps auritus var. calif ornicus (Hermann). 

 American Eared Grebe. 



A common summer resident, and breeding in colonies in several 

 localities in this vicinity. I have taken a number of their nests in 

 the season of 1876 containing from three to five eggs each. 



191. Podilymbus podiceps (Lawr.). Dab-chick. 



Also found on Malheur Lake, but not as common as the two pre- 

 ceding species; breeds. 



Mr. S. H. Scudder made some remarks on polymorphism 

 in our blue butterflies. 



Mr. C. So Minot gave a short account of the most recent 

 investigations upon the origin of vitality in the egg. 



The President announced the death of Mr. Edwin Bick- 

 nell, the well-known microscopist, and for some time a mem- 

 ber of the Society's Council. Prof. Hyatt spoke of the ex- 

 cellence of Mr. Bicknell's work in the preparation of micro- 

 scopical objects. 



The President exhibited and presented a number of valu- 

 able minerals, and an interesting specimen of slate from Mr. 

 W. O. Crosby, illustrating the nature of a " fault." 



The thanks of the Society were voted for the gifts. 



General Meeting. April 4, 1877. 



The President, Mr. T. T. Bouve, in the chair. Forty- 

 nine persons present. 



