Grayson.] 300 [June 7, 



They are remarkably tame, perhaps more so than any bird of this 

 order. One was captured by hand as it came into our camp and 

 perched upon the rude table on which I was at work ; its melan- 

 choly look appeared to be in keeping with the solitude of, and its 

 sombre plumage corresponding with the grey brush and brown vol- 

 canic rock composing its wild home. In form and appearance, when 

 alive, it resembles the common turtle dove. 



"The first specimen seen and captured was by my son, Edward 

 Grayson, whose name this evidently new species should bear, not for 

 this discovery alone, but for the assistance often rendered in making 

 my collections, and more particularly on this expedition, in which he 

 was indefatigable, even to enthusiasm, in aiding its progress as well 

 as the advancement of science, in the course of which he came to 

 an untimely death." 



6. Chamsepelia pallescens Baird. "Little Ground dove." 

 "This is a very common species on Socorro Island, as well as Tres 



Marias and main land, from whence they may have wandered to this 

 spot, where they continue to breed and remain permanently." 



STEIGIim 



7. Mierathene whitneyi (Cooper). "Socorro Owl." 

 "Remarks. Iris bright yellow. Tarsus and toes dull yellow and 



covered thinly to the end of toes with hair like feathers. Bill dark 

 bluish, the tip and inner edge of upper mandible white. Tarsus 

 short and claws very sharp and delicate. 



''Three specimens of this handsome little owl (perhaps the least of 

 the entire genus) were captured. The first was caught by my son 

 among the thick growth of trees that surrounds our camp, who came 

 running into camp, saying ' here is the prettiest little owl we have 

 ever seen.' It was caught with a running noose attached to the end 

 of a long rod and slipped over the head of the unsuspecting day 

 dreamer. Nearly all the birds were captured in this way. Contents 

 of stomach, bits of small land crabs." 



MNIOTILTIim 



8. Parula insularis Lawr. "Warbler." 



"Remarks. This bird seems to be identical with the Tres Marias 

 species, and is quite common on the Socorro. Is a little larger than 

 the Marias bird." 



