xlvii 
[Vol. X. 
The diflFerence of the results obtained is very great in cases 
of birds with a very hollow wing, such as Game-birds, and 
in no case are the lengths quite the same. 
“ Next the tail : we measure to the tips of the longest 
feathei’s, but sometimes from the point where these enter the 
skin, sometimes from the oil-gland, sometimes, again, from 
the ends of the feathers within the skin. 
“ Then the bill : it is sometimes measured from the 
naso-frontal suture to the tip (culmen), or from where the 
plumes of the forehead impinge upon the culmen, whether at 
the middle of the culmen or from more advanced feathers on 
the sides thereof, or, again, it is measured from the cere, or 
from the nostril, or from the gape. Usually a pair of com- 
passes is employed (straight measurement), but sometimes a 
tape (for the curve) . 
“ As to the tarsus, a small difference results from mea- 
suring it in front or behind. 
It appears obvious that it is high time to take measures 
concerning our measurements, and make rules for our rules ! 
The B.O.C. could probably bring about this desirable result. 
1 would suggest that the Club should adopt one certain 
method of measurement as the normal method, and that, if 
no indication is given that any other method has been 
adopted, it should be understood that the normal measure- 
ment has been made. Any departure fi'om this method 
should be specially stated. Following the precedent of the 
Stricklandian Code, some one distinguished ornithologist 
should be asked to draw up a Code of Rules of Measurement. 
Those interested in the matter could communicate privately 
with him. His Code would be submitted to the B.O.C. and 
finally, in the hope of obtaining international acceptance, to 
the Ornithological Congress in Paris next J une.^^ 
Mr. Heatley Noble exhibited a pair of eggs of the 
Spine-tailed Swift from Nerochinski, and also the nest, eggs, 
and nestling birds of White’s Thrush {^Oreocic.hla varia'), 
which had been obtained from Mt. Fuji Yama, in Japan, 
l)v Mr. Alan Owston. He considered that these eggs were 
