380 
Letters, Extracts, and Notes . 
A new Gigantic Fossil Bird. —We learn from the last 
number of f The Condor/ vol. xii. p. 52, that a new gigantic 
fossil bird has been discovered in the asphalt-beds near Los 
Angeles, and described by Mr. Love Holmes Miller. The 
species is new, as well as the genus, anti has been named 
Teratornis merriami, in honour of Professor John C. Merriam 
of the University of California, through whose eftorts the 
fossil-beds of Rancho la Brea have been brought to the 
attention of palaeontologists. 
The description is based on coracoids, sternum, and a 
nearly complete skull. The fragments so far secured re¬ 
present at least four individuals. The bird is probably 
related to the American Vultures (Cathartidse), and was of 
enormous size, much greater than that of any existing flying 
bird. Since the limb-bones and feet are still unknown, final 
conclusions as to its relationship must be postponed ; but it 
appears probable that a new family will have to be established 
for it. 
In the same beds are found remains of some extinct 
Mammals ( Smilodun and Paramylodon) of Pleistocene Age. 
The Bangs Collection of American Birds. —As we learn 
from the f Museums Journal 9 (vol. ix. p. 328), the private 
collection of birds belonging to Messrs. E. A. and O. Bangs, 
containing approximately 24,000 skins, has been acquired 
by the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard College. 
The specimens are mostly from North and Central America 
and the northern part of South America, and comprise the 
types of the many new species and subspecies recently 
described by Mr. O. Bangs, whose numerous memoirs have 
been frequently noticed in this Journal of late years. We 
congratulate the authorities of the Museum of Comparative 
Zoology on having obtained such a valuable addition to their 
Bird-collection. 
The Rhodesia Museum , Buluwayo. —We are much pleased 
to hear that the Directors of the British South Africa Com¬ 
pany have granted a piece of land at Buluwayo for the site 
