448 



University of California Publications. 



[Geology 



Grus parvus Marsh, from the post-Pliocene of New Jersey 

 is described as "Somewhat smaller than Grus canadensis" 3 and 

 Coues speaks of it as "Nearly as large as the Sandhill Crane." 4 

 The species is not figured in either paper and no measurements 

 of the tibio-tarsus are recorded. The very small size of the 

 specimen from Rancho La Brea has lead the author to exclude it 

 from Marsh 's Grus proavus. 



GEUS CANADENSIS (Linn.). 



This species is represented by a complete tarsus, no. 12590 ; 

 and the distal end of a tibia, no. 12589. The details correspond 

 quite closely with those exhibited by a Recent specimen from 

 the American Museum of Natural History. The tarsus is of 

 average size. The tibia is appreciably smaller. 



In view of the limited amount of the fossil material it would 

 be unwise, perhaps, to do more than call attention to the fact 

 that in the case of four species of waders thus far discussed, 

 the fossil forms are smaller than their nearest relatives at present 

 to be found in the Western Hemisphere. 



ARDEIDAE, HERONS. 



AEDEA HEEODIAS Linn. 

 The Great Blue Heron is represented in the material thus far 

 examined by the right tarso-metatarsus. This specimen com- 

 pares quite perfectly with the corresponding bone of Ardea 

 herodias at present found in California. A subdivision of the 

 related Egretta candidissima has recently been made by Thayer 

 and Bangs 5 by a consideration of the length and robustness of 

 the trsus. The divergence of the Rancho La Brea specimen 

 from the Recent Ardea herodias, is, if anything, toward greater 

 robustness. In the absence of a series of skeletons it seems in- 

 advisable to make any distinction in case of the Rancho La Brea 

 form. 



3 Marsh, O. C, Am. Jour. Sci., 3rd ser., vol. 4, p. 261, Oct., 1872. 



4 Coues, E., Key to North Amer. Birds, 5th ed., vol. 2, p. 1090. 

 s Proc. N. Eng. Zool. Club, vol. 4, pp. 39-41, 1909. 



Issued August 5, 1910. 



