1875.] 451 [Brewer. 



with within our limits. At present I can find no evidence that will 

 warrant me in retaining them. 



Saxicola oenanthe Bechst. This species, included by Dr. 

 Coues, has never to my knowledge, been taken in New England, and 

 should not be retained. The specimen referred to by Mr. Cassin as 

 from Nova Scotia, was given him by me, and had been taken at 

 Cape Harrison, Labrador. 



Polioptila CSBrulea Sclat. I can find no authority for retain- 

 ing this among the birds of New England. It is of very rare 

 occurrence near New York city, two instances only being on record, 

 and is, so far as I am aware, wholly unknown in any New England 

 State. 



Oporornis formosus Baird. This species is given by Dr. 

 Coues, but apparently on conjecture. In my judgment it should be 

 excluded. 



Helmitherus Swainsoni Bonap. This bird, rare everywhere, 

 and unknown in New England, has been included in nearly every 

 list of New England and Massachusetts, and my name is given as 

 authority. This is a mistake, originating in the first place with Mr. 

 Audubon. It is not a New England bird. 



Dendroica cserulea Wils. This species has been included by 

 Mr. Putnam in his list of the birds of New England by a misunder- 

 standing on the part of his informant. I ascertained by careful 

 inquiry that the species meant was D. ccerulescens. I can find no 

 evidence that this bird has ever crossed our borders. 



Lophophanes bicolor Linn. I think this bird has no claim to 

 be included in the avi-fauna of New England. 



Collurio excubitoroides Sw. This species, given originally 

 by Emmons and by Peabody, appears to have no claim to be retained. 

 It is given by Dr. Coues as of very doubtful occurrence, and should 

 be excluded until its claim is established by positive 'proof. 



Hesperiphona vespertina Bonap. Dr. Coues includes this 

 species hypothetically. So far there is no positive evidence to cor- 

 roborate this claim, yet its presence as a straggler may be looked 

 for as possible in Vermont or New Hampshire. The nearest ap- 

 proach to our borders that has come to my knowledge is Elizabeth- 

 town, Essex Co., New York, where Rev. Dr. Cutting of Brooklyn, 

 saw one in the winter of 1875. 



Quiscalus major Vieill. This is a southern species; is not 

 known to occur, and should be excluded. 



