at Dr. Reynolds' day before yesterday, I was immediately struck with the identity of the pattern of the white spots on the tails middle-western of our road-runner and the bird illustrated, both having the same number of spots, six, arranged in two parallel rows of three(when the tail is closed), the rows arranged longitudinally. The spots roughly on both are also of the same shape, elliptical, and appear to have areas bearing about the same proportions to the tails of the respect- ive birds, being also large and conspicuous. August 2lst. Rrs do not digest fur. It has now been observed several times that the dried excrement of these birds has appeared curiously felted. Examination has shown in each instance that it is due to the presence of the fur of the mice eaten passing through the digestive tract apparent- (I.e.: of the other material). ly unchanged and acting as a binder. Owing to the occurrence of a large proportion of lime from the bony framework of the mice also, the resultant product, when perfectly dry, is strikingly like the plaster mixed with hair used in building. This is the first evidence here mf that any portion of the food was indigestible. The miscellaneous assortment of pebbles, fibres, etc. occasionally disgorged by A and T in their infancy was not a portion of their food. but consisted of "junk" which they picked up presumably either as grindstones and abrasive material or in ignorance as to what properly constituted food. Possibly. also. an indication of improper feeding. This habit disappeared weeks ago. The disgorging act was observed perhaps a half dozen times altogether, although many times they have acted as if they were trying to disgorge something. This has been observed with Rhody also. Thrasher convention. This morning there was a "great" convention" of thrashers again. Five or 6 birds were here, 5 being actually seen simultaneous ly. and a babel of song. The birds were at the south west corner first, then part of them (including Brownie) went across the street,