6 4 
General Notes. 
[January, 1883. 
1:873, was one of those beautiful days with which New Englanders are 
often blessed in autumn. The air was like crystal and scarcely a cloud ap- 
peared in the sky from dawn to dark. At my first glance out of doors, I 
saw that there was a great flight of Hermit Thrushes. They were in the 
woodbine about my window, in the roof gutter beneath it, and upon the 
ground, everywhere, in great numbers. Upon going out I found them 
actually swarming about the neighborhood. Business called me down 
town during the day, and in the latter part of the afternoon I found but 
few Thrushes in the outlying country. Next morning I awoke to find a 
violent rain-storm prevailing, which continued unabated until night. 
Now I believe in a liberal deduction from such facts as the above and, 
per contra, such as Mr. Henshaw relates about the Martins. Is it not fair 
to accept such occurrences as indicating: (1) That many birds are fore- 
warned of severe storms. (2) That they sometimes improve their oppor- 
tunity to get out of the way. (3) That they sometimes, especially in the 
spring, prefer to run the risk of exposure. — Nathan Clifford Brown, 
Portland , Maine. 
Migration of Birds in the Mississippi Valley. — [The following- 
circular. which has been sent us for publication, is self-explanatory, but it 
maybe well to add that several of Mr. Cook’ 6 reports for 1882 have already 
appeared in recent numbers of “Forest and Stream.” Ilis undertaking 
deserves the cordial support of all who are in a position to render him 
aid. — Eds.] 
Last year a number of ornithologists were induced to unite with me in 
conducting a series of observations on the migration of birds in the Mis- 
sissippi Valley. The results were so gratifying that the intention is to 
undertake the same again this winter and next year. As the value of the 
observations is greatly increased by making the stations more numerous, 
it is hoped that as many as possible may join in the work. The general 
plan will be during the winter to note carefully the habits and food of 
each species, and with the first approach of spring to note the date when 
each of the winter visitors begins to leave for the north ; when the bulk 
of each species passes, and when the last one is seen. Of those species 
that pass through to nest further north, note the arrival of the first one 
and of the bulk; the departure of the bulk and of the last one. Of those 
that remain to breed, note first arrivals; arrival of bulk; breaking up of 
flocks into pairs ; nesting; eggs; young; and any and all other interest- 
ing items concerning habits, actions, food, etc., which may come within 
notice. 
Any one in the Mississippi Valley who is willing to aid in the work will 
confer a favor by dropping me a postal card. It is not necessary that one 
be an expert ornithologist; all can record the movements of our common 
and well-known birds, a full knowledge of whose movements will serve as 
the best foundation for the study of the rarer species. To such as wish to 
help, a full statement of methods and aims will be sent. — W. W. Cooke, 
Jefferson , Wisconsin. 
