Page:Condor11(2).djvu/41

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Mar., 1909 PUBLICATIONS satrapa olivaceus was collected, this constitut- ing the southernmost breeding record for Cal- ifornia. Forty-eight species are believed to be permanently resident, sixty-eight species suln- ruer visitants, and twenty-three transients only. The avifauna of the San Bernardino moun- tains "in common with that of the other high mountains of southern California, bears closest resemblance to that of the Sierra Nevada of east central California. A tendency toward increase in size of such San Bernardino species as are subject to geographical variation is quite noticeable; so that in certain cases, such as the hermit thrush and creeper, the San Bernardino birds are somewhat intermediate in the direc- tion of the Rocky Mountain races. Other species, like the Stephens fox sparrow and gray flycatcher, show large size, but are with- out parallels in the Rocky Mountain region. With variable birds in the mountain systems of California, there seems to be a general in- crease in size from the north towards the south, a reversal of the case on the Atlantic coast." Numerous half-tones illustrating the region and its characteristic trees and shrubs add greatly to the interest and value of the paper. Few regions offer such opportunities as the western United States for the kind of research of which "The Biota of the San Bernardino Mountains" is a good example. Americans have not been loath to take advantage of these opportunities, and it is safe to say also that the results thus far obtained have fully justified the labor. There is much more to do, and the watchword should be quality rather than quan- tity. XVe can well afford to make each contri- bution a careful and well-matured one. The present report certainly fulfils all these re- quirements and is a most excellent piece of work. Frankly, however, the reviewer can not wholly reconcile himself to the title, the neologistic tendency of which is somewhat academic.--W. K. I?ISHER. MINUTES OF COOPER CLUB MEETINGS NORTHERN DIVISION DECEMBER.--The December meeting of the Cooper Ornithological Club was held at the home of Walter If. Fisher, Palo Alto, Califor-' nia, on the evening of December 12, 1908. There were present: F. W. Weymouth, J.. Dixon, W. P. Taylor, C. H. Richardson, J. Grinnell, J. O. Snyder, E. Heller, J. R. Pem- berton, Chase Littlejohn, H. W. Carriger, Walter Fisher, H. S. Swarth, W. O. Emerson, J. S. Hunter and S.S. Berry. The ?ninutes of the previous meeting were read. On motion of Mr. Cartiger the date of REVIEWED 75 the next meeting was changed in the minutes from December 19 to December 12, in order that ihe present meeting might be a regular one. Motion carried and the minutes changed. Otherwise minutes approved as read. Secre- tary was instructed to cast the ballot for F. Hanford and S. G. Jewett, and in accordance they were elected to membership. The motion was made by Grinnell that all exchanges received by the Business Manager of THE CONDOR be retained by him for his personal use. Seconded by Richardson. After considerable discussion by Grinnell, Fisher, Emerson and Hunter, the motion was carried. It was reported that Lee Chambers was in charge of the publication of Avifauna No. 5, and that the work was progressing rapidly. Two hundred dollars had already been raised. Grinnell moved that the Ten-Year Index of THE CONDOR be made Avifauna No. 6; sec- onded by Snyder. Carried and so ordered. Moved by Grinnell that the nominations for Business Manager be opened. It was ex- plained that Mr. Law had made arrangements whereby he could take charge and would with- draw his resignation. Mr. Law was nominated by Grinnell, seconded by Pemberton. Mr. Grinnell moved that the Constitution he amended so as to create the office of Assistant Business Manager. Carried and so ordered. Fisher suggested that the annual Club din- ner be held on the evening of January 16. He stated that he would make arrangements and would inform the members. Aftdr the business meeting talks were made by Mr. Dixon on the second Alexander Expe- dition to Alaska, and by Mr. Richardson on the birds of the region near Mecca, California. During the discussion of the talks refresh- ments were partaken of. The meeting ad- journed about 1 A.M., and was decidedly one of the most enjoyable that the Northern Division has had for years. J. S. HUNTER, Secretary. JANU?R.--The January meeting of the Cooper Ornithological Club was held in the rooms of the Oakland Chamber of Cmmnerce on the evening of January 9, 1909, President D'Evelyn in the chair. Fourteen other mem- bers were present. Minutes of the December meeting were read and approved. A letter was read by Mr. Emerson from Dr. Palmer regarding the proposed changes in the State Game law, particularly regarding the ex- tending of the open season for ducks. Mr. Palmer asked that the Club oppose any meas- ure of the sort. Mr. Emerson was appointed a committee of one to keep in touch with Sac- ramento and report any changes that are to be ?nade in the present laws. Dr. D'Evelyn spoke concerning the change