present species. The plate shows the hind toe somewhat developed, but not more so than would be the case with that of the 
Academy’s specimen when alive. The plate, therefore, appears to represent the present bird, and I cannot agree with my friend Dr. 
Cotjes, that the description, which is so limited and unsatisfactory, should “certainly have precedence” over the illustration. Pallas’ 
figure represents the present bird in every respect, save perhaps that the feet are too dark ; yet those of the specimen may have 
become darker after drying, as those of the one in the Academy are certainly not a “light straw yellow.” 
I regret that my investigations in this matter should lead to a different result from that of Dr. Coues, in his able review 
of the LaridcC ; and unwilling though I may be to reopen any vexed question, yet, being convinced that Pallas’ figure represents a bird 
identical with the R. BracJiyrhynehus of Gould, — if the law of priority has any force, — I am obliged to reduce the latter’s appellation 
to a synonym, and replace that of Pallas to what I deem its rightful position. 
The mantle is dark plumbeous gray, extending nearly to the tips of the secondaries and tertials, which are white. First primary 
has the shaft and outer web black ; inner, gray at the base, narrowing as it proceeds, until, within two and a half inches of the tip, 
it occupies not more than half the width of the web, and terminates. The second has the outer web gray to within four, and the inner 
also gray to within three inches of the tip. The third is like the second, save that the gray extends to within two inches of the tip, 
which has a small gray, apical spot. In the fourth the gray extends still farther, and the apical spot is larger. The fifth is tipped with 
white, this separated from the gray by a bar of black. Sixth white at tip, with a subapical spot of black on one or both webs. Rest 
like the last, but without any black. Bill light yellow. Tarsi and feet yellowish. 
The figure is the natural size. 
