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?2o THE CONDOR [ Vol. II Following the introduction are chapters on Birds' Nests and Eggs; Egg Collecting and its Object; Photographing Nests and Young Birds; Hints on the Rearing and Keeping of Birds, and finally the explanatory notes which refer to the "key." The chapter on the care of captive birds contains much of interest and value to lovers of pet birds. After a list of the approximate dates at which the various birds may be found nesting, the "key" begins, covering x4o pages of the work. The birds have been divided into nine chapters, grouped according to the nature of the nesting site; e. g. Open Nests on the Ground, etc.; Nests in Holes in Trees, Stumps or Logs; Semi-pensile, Pensile or Hanging Nests, etc. A short description of the male and fentale of each species is given, followed by notes on the bird's habits, nest and eggs. Fifty-two photographic plates by the author are distributed through the text, illustrating nests and eggs in silu, as well as a number of wild birds from life. Too much praise cannot be accorded some of Mr. Dugmore's results with the cronera, the half-tones in general being of a high order. Sixteen fnll-page colored plates of nests and eggs are also embod- ied in the work, the result of the &color photo- graphic process. It is to be regretted that these were permitted to enter the volume, for they suffer by comparison with the excellent half-tones and' are possessed of the fault com- mon to most such plates--inaccuaacy and too intense coloration. However ?ird ]-lromes is a praiseworthy volume, well calculated to interest and set aright the ever-increasing army of new bird students, to whom the work is doubtless intended to primarily appeal.--C. B. NOTES ON SoME BIRDS OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CAI,IFORNIA. By John Van Den burgh. (Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc. Vol. XXXVIII, pp I57-I8O). This is a list prepared by Mr. Van Denburgh from fourteen years' observation in Santa Clara county, Cal., and xIO species and sub-species are recorded, some being merely mentioned as occurring, while others are followed by inter- esting and quite copious notes. Mr. Van Den- burgh's observations are confined to Los Gatos and Palo Alto, points along the western range bordering the county, and the lack of notes from other diversified portions of the county necessarily affects the completeness of the list, which point, however, is already suggested by the author. The list forms an excellent basis for a thorough. county list, to which other observers may add from time to time, and Mr. Van Denburgh deserves credit for recording the results of his observations.--C. B. Official Minutes of Southern I)ivision. The regular meeting of the Division was held July 28 at the studio of Roth Reynolds, 34x?o?o South Spring Street, Los Angeles. In the absence of Mr. McCormick, Mr. Grinnell was elected president pro tent. The names of Miss Mollie Bryan of Orange and Harry Put- nam of Pasadena were proposed for active membership. The museum problem ?s set aside until the next meeting: Mr. Swarth exhibited six skins of the American Titlark and one skin of the Black-bellied Plover in full spring plumage. Mr. Wicks exhibited a pho- tograph of the nest and eggs of the Dusky Poorwill, taken this season. The following papers were read: "Facts and the Use We Make of Them," by Roth Reynolds; "The American Titlark in Spring Plumage in Los Angeles Co., Cal.," by H. S. Swarth; "Nesting of the Rivoli Hummingbird," by O. W. How- ard. After a lengthy discussion the meeting adjourned. A U(; UST. The regular meeting was held Aug. 3 , at the residence of Joseph Grinnell in Passadena. Twelve members were present, with Dr. Fordyce Grinnell as a visitor. Miss Mollie Bryan of' Orange and Harry Putnam of Pasadena were elected to active membership. Roy Pendleton of Los Angeles, was proposed for membership. The question of establishing a public museum ?s referred to, and after considerable discus- sion was postponed indefinitely. Upon motion all funds remaining in the Division treasury were ordered remitted to the Northern Division for publication purposes. A paper prepared by Dr. F. M. Pahner on NuttaWs Poor-will, was read. After enjoyable refreshments the mentbers inspected Mr. Grinnell's magnificent collection of birds. The Division then adjourn- e(1 to ?neet in Los Angeles Sept. 2 7. HOWARD ROBERTSON, Sec'y. Southern Division. The regular meeting of the Northern Divis- ion was postponed until September ?5th, and the minuies will appear in the next issue of the CONDO?. The meeting will be held at the home of C. Barlow, in Santa Clam. H. R. Painton of College Park, formerly principal of the Ahnaden School, has accepted the principalship of the public school at Pesca- dero, on the ocean shore--a region highly interesting to the ornithologist. Mr. Chas. R. Keyes, one of the old "tried ,and true" ornithologists of Iowa,' has located in Califdrnia and is filling the chair of instructor iu German in the University of California. Mr. Keyes' advent into Californian fields will be warmly welcomed by members of the Cooper Club and others.