Nov., 1912 
MINUTES OK COOPER CLUB MP:p:TINGS 
23o 
commoner species witli accompanying figures 
of pellets, are added for the benefit of the 
agriculturist. The result of the stomach and 
pellet examinations are given in tabular form. 
Data consisting of the date, locality, and the 
kind and number of insects and animals mak- 
ing up tbe food, is given for each stomach 
and pellet examination. These tables answer 
for the owls, therefore, two ciuestions sub- 
mitted by the author in his introduction : How 
much food do birds consume? and; What 
kind of food do they take? 
According to the tables, the field mouse 
{Microtiis arvalis), and the Waldmaus {Atus 
sylvatictis) and the house mouse (Mtis inus- 
niliis) is the food most often taken. Shrew.s, 
sparrows, frogs, and insects, and even occa- 
sionally larger mammals such as the rabbit 
rmd weasel, were found to make up a small 
percentage of tbe food. 
Evidence of the occurrence of certain small 
mammals abundant in Germany but seldom 
recorded in Hungary, was presented by tbe 
discovery of an Ackermans (Microtus agres- 
tis) in the stomach of an Uhu (Bubo bubo), 
and of the nordische Wuhlratte (Mus ratti- 
cefs) in the stomach of a Waldkauz (Syrnium 
aliico). 
Constant reference to the results of similar 
investigations in Germany strengthens the ev- 
idence. The large number of pellet examina- 
tions recorded, shows the interest taken in 
this line of work in Germany. Of the Schlei- 
creule (Strix flammea) alone, 703, 9,472, 
and 2,821 pellets have been examined by thiee 
different investigators. 
Dr. Greschik’s doctor’s thesis entitlea ; 
■‘Bcitrage zur Kenntnis der Molaren der 
einheimischen Murinen,” published in 1910 
Aqiiila, was a contribution of permanent value. 
The determination of seeds, insects, and ani- 
mals found in the stomachs of birds is not an 
easy task, and the presentation of improved 
methods adds to the accuracy and efficiency 
of future workers in the field. The method 
of determining species of mice by means of 
tooth characters described by Dr. Greschik 
furnishes a dependable metbod of determin- 
ing species. 
We therefore recognize in Dr. Greschik’s 
lircsent contribution the same admirable type 
of work as that to be seen in his thesis. The 
desire to furnish “positive data’’ as to the 
food of birds is the ideal that should lead and 
influence every economic ornithologist. May 
the day be hastened wheti still more of thir. 
type of work will be seen in our ornitholo- 
gical and agricultural publications. — H. C. 
Bryant. 
Michigan Bird Lh'E. By Walter Br.vj- 
i-ORD Barrows, S. B. [Special Bulletin of the 
Department of Zoology and Physiology, 
Micliigan Agricultural College, 1912, pp. i-xiv, 
1-822, 70 pis., 152 figs, in text]. 
This should be an extremely useful book 
to anyone interested in Michigan birds — to 
the specialist desiring accurate, thorough in- 
formation regarding the species occurring in 
the state, to the student endeavoring to iden- 
tify birds, either alive or in the hand, or to 
the “average citizen” out for sport or recrea- 
tion, who chances upon some interesting 
specimen. The treatment seems adequate to 
meet any of these contingencies. Descrip- 
tions are brief, but accurate, bringing out 
clearly the salient features of the species. 
The accounts of the life histories and status 
within the state of the various species treat- 
ed, have evidently been most carefully drawn 
up ; and in the doubtful cases, such as Bonasa 
II. umbellus and B. u. togata, the facts in the 
case are impartially submitted, while the con- 
clusions drawn seem sound and sensible. 
“Keys” are used, but not to excess, and there 
is a sufficiency of excellent illustrations so 
that the person needing the “key” (and who 
but seldom uses it) will in many cases be 
able to utilize the pictures as short cuts to 
the information desired. 
The introduction may be profitably read 
and studied by ornitbologists of any region, 
tbe author’s remarks on distribution, the 
changes produced by varying conditions in 
the state, methods of study, migration, and 
kindred subjects being eminently interesting 
and suggestive. 
On the whole this account of the birds of 
Michigan appeals to the reviewer as a most 
admirable piece of work. Not the least of 
its merits is the fact that it has been pub- 
lished in such a way as to be obtainable by 
those who will most need and appreciate it. — 
H. S. SWARTH. 
MINUTES OF COOPER CLUB 
MEETINGS 
SOUTHERN DIVISION 
August. — The August meeting of the South- 
ern Division of the Cooper Ornithological 
Club was beld on August 29, 1912, in the 
Committee Room of the Museum of History, 
Science and Art. Mr. F. S. Daggett was 
elected temporary chairman. 
The following members were present : 
Appleton. Daggett, Law, Rich, Zahn. 
The minutes of the Southern Divsion for 
July were read and approved. Upon motion 
of Dr. Rich, seconded by Mr. Zahn, and duly 
carried, the Secretary was instructed to cast 
the unanimous ballot of those present elect- 
ing to active membership, Messrs. Samuel 
Hubbard, Jr., Jesse J. Wood, William A. 
