1877.] 247 [Ilalsted. 



Cyanospiza ciris, one, a male, in splendid dress; seen Feb. 9. 



Mimus polyglottus (?), ?, killed Feb. 28, only one seen. 



Vireosylvia olivacea (?), ?, killed March 15, only one seen 

 in the Bahamas by me. This bird was seen by me only on two morn- 

 ings (March 14 and 15), uttered no note, was feeding on gumbo- 

 limbo berries with V. crassirostris (Bryant), where the latter have 

 fed daily since December. 



Polioptila coerulea, only one seen on this island, March 18. 



Section of Botany. May 23, 1877. 



Mr. R. W. Greenleaf in the chair. Seventeen persons 

 present. 



Mr. B. D. Halsted described the climbing mechanism of 

 the Japanese Ampelopsis, arriving at four conclusions : 



1 . The clinging disks terminate tendrils which are homologous 

 with main stems. 



2. While approaching a support, these disks flatten themselves 

 on the inner side. 



3. The surface of the disk is papillose and excretes a sticky sub- 

 stance. 



4. The irregular contraction of the tendril draws the vine to its 

 support. 



Dr. W. G. Farlow exhibited a specimen of a fungus para- 

 sitic on birch catkins. 



Dr. G. L. Goodale sent six species of Violets for exhibition. 



Dr. Farlow stated that Mayflowers had been found at two 

 localities within six miles of Boston. 



Section of Entomology. May 23, 1877. 

 Mr. E. P. Austin in the chair. Seven persons present. 

 The following paper was read : — 



