Nov., 1903 I 
THE CONDOR 
159 
lieve is the happy device whereby the little birds will still be protected “from all their human 
foes,’’ and the law will not be un-American, “nor in any way trammel’’ our “dearly cherished or- 
nithological freedom,’’ That many of the leading ornithologists of the country (who are pre- 
sumably among the “better-balanced’’) do object to the bond feature we can amply prove, if 
evidence is desired. 
In conclusion we might add that we sincerely regret that our critic has twisted and so entirely 
misconstrued our (to the western mind) really mild editorial. .Still with the friendliest intentions 
in the world we cannot help hoping that the next time he goes gunning for heretical Western 
editors, his efforts may be crowned with better success. — Wai.TER K. Fisher.] 
On the ‘Bonding Clause’ of the A, 0 . U. Model Law 
To THE Editor of the Condor: 
In the last Condor I note with approval some editorial objections to the bonding feature 
of the A. O. U. bird law. The utility and necessity of a license system in laws for bird protection 
are self-evident. But it appears to me that when the issuance of a license is properly safe- 
guarded and its misuse by the holder is attended by permanent forfeiture and, if necessary, simi- 
lar penalties to those inflicted for the breaking of game laws all reasonable requirements have 
been fully met. 
The necessity of securing a bond is objectionable from several points of view. In many cases 
it will work hardship even to the point of preventing the accomplishment of valuable ornithologi- 
cal work. This will be brought about by the delays incident to securing a bond by a stranger, 
especially where it will be desirable to work say for a week or two in a state and one’s time is 
limited. Or in the case of an ornithologist who would desire to work in several states during the 
same season. In such a case as that just mentioned, if a recent instance that has come to my 
knowledge is any criterion, the ornithologist would find it practically impossible to accomplish 
any work by the delays in securing the necessary bonds. In addition to this is the annoyance of 
having to ask friends to go upon one’s bond, for bonding companies are expensive and not al- 
ways available. If the laws for bird protection are aimed at those who destroy birds wantonly or 
for purposes of gain and not at field ornithologists then the bonding clause in the regulations 
governing the issuance of licenses to properly accredited ornithological students should be cut out. 
E. W. Nei.son. 
THE EDITOR’S BOOH SHIILE 
A New Procee-sterna from the Leeward Island.s, Hawaiian Group. By Walter K. 
Fisher. From Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. XXVI, pp. 559-693, Jan. 29, 1903. 
In this paper a new tern of the genus Procelsterna described. The birds were discov- 
ered, by the Albatross Hawaiian Expedition, on Necker Island, to the westward of the main Ha- 
waiian Group. So far as known this tern inhabits only Necker, French Frigale Shoal, and Bird 
Id. Singularly it is most nearly related to Procelsterua citieiea of Australian waters, and not 
to cerulea of central Polynesia. The eggs, downy chick, and juvenal plumage are also described. 
Birds of Laysan and the Leeward Islands, Hawaiian Group. By Walter K. 
Fisher. Extracted from U. S. Fish Com. Bull. 1903; pp. 1-39 plates i-io. 
In this readable as well as thoroughly scientific paper we find the ornithological results of the 
Albatross Hawaiian explorations in 1902. The recentness of the observations adds an element 
of freshness to the unusual accuracy and vividness of the descriptions; and thus we are given by 
far the most valuable account which has yet appeared of “the greatest bird island in the world.’’ 
Then too the fifty-two half-tones are fine examples of successful bird-photography, though we 
are disappointed that these could not have been reproduced at least in original size instead of re- 
duced. One is perhaps most struck by the wonderful fearlessness displayed by the individuals of 
nearly every species presented in the mammoth bird community. We can only share with the 
author the fear of the deplorable consequences which would follow the introduction of some 
predaceous animal such as the cat. For Laysan Island is small, only three miles long, and easily 
accessible over the entire surface. The unparalelled opportunity afforded for study of the habits 
and life-histories of the various sea-fowl can be appreciated only after reading Mr. Fisher’s faith- 
ful portrayal of his week’s visit with the birds of Laysan. 
