18S3.] 
The American Ornithologists' Union . 
221 
THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. 
On September 26, a convention of American ornithologists 
met in the library of the American Museum of Natural History 
in New York, to organize an American Ornithologists’ 
Union, pursuant to the following call : — 
Cambridge and Washington, 
August i, 1883. 
To 
Dear Sir : 'bf 
You are cordially invited to attend a Convention of American 
Ornithologists , to be held in New York City, beginning on September 26, 
1883, for the purpose of founding an American Ornithologists’ Union, 
upon a basis similar to that of the “British Ornithologists’ Union.” The 
place of meeting will be announced hereafter. 
The object of the Union will be the promotion of social and scientific 
intercourse between American ornithologists, and their co-operation in 
whatever may tend to the advancement of Ornithology in North America. 
A special object, which it is expected will at once engage the attention 
of the Union, will be the revision of the current lists of North American 
Birds, to the end of adopting a uniform system of classification and no- 
menclature, based on the views of a majority of the Union, and carrying 
the authority of the Union. Other important matters will be doubtless 
presented for consideration at the first meeting. 
It is proposed to hold meetings at least once annually, at such times and 
places as may be hereafter determined, for the reading of papers, the dis- 
cussion of such matters as may be brought before the Union, and the 
transaction of the usual business of a scientific society. 
Those who attend the first meeting will be considered ipso facto Found- 
ers of the American Ornithologists’ Union. Active and Correspond- 
ing Members may be elected in due course after organization of the 
Union, under such rules as may be established for increase of membership. 
Details of organization will be considered at the first meeting. 
Should you favor this proposition, and propose to attend the first meet- 
ing, please so signify to any one of the undersigned. 
J. A. Allen, Cambridge, Mass., 
Editor of the Nuttall Bulletin. 
Elliott Coues, Washington, D. C., 
Assoc. Editor of the Nuttall Bulletin. 
William Brewster, Cambridge, Mass., 
President of the Nuttall Club. 
