Page:Condor6(6).djvu/32

Nov., I9O 4 [ THE CONDOR I73 birds entered from the top as this was the ouly opening large enough to admit them. All went well until the young were able to leave the nest. But now how to get out? They had never gone through the upper passage and therefore did not know the route to the outer world. The old birds diligently fed and cared for their broods that were rapidly growing in size D when flually they became aware of their folly and gave up in despair. The young were left to their own fate. The globes in which the nests were situated are transparent and are i5o feet above the ground. The young could see the green world below, hear the twitter of other birds that were flying about aud yet they were unable to leave their confinement. The old birds could be seen flying about, in distress throughout the day and unable to give any relief. Now imagine the miserable deaths these poor little creatures met. After a new power plant had been erected men were ordered to clean the towers and nmke all necessary repairs. On one occasion I saw au electrician take six full grown young from a single globe, besides many individuals out of the others. This is probably one instance out of a hun- dred that shows how bird life is affected as civilization advances. The scissor-tailed flycatcher often builds its nest on the cross bars of the towers.--A. E. SCttUTZE, Austin, Te.ras. MINUTES OF MEETINGS Jetty.--The July meeting was held July 9, at the residence of H. R. Taylor, Alameda. Eleven members aud ten visitors were present, and President Taylor occupied the chair. Three new active members were elected, viz., Messrs. Walter Dean, L. Stejneger, and S. F. Rathbun. Communications from Mr. William Bre. wster and Dr. Jonathan Dwight, Jr. were read, and five per- sons were proposed for membership, viz., Miss E. F. Kuhls, and Messrs. A. H. Snow, H. C. Ober- holser, R. H. Johnson, and C. H. Rose. Mr. W. K. Fisher was appointed chairman of the In- formation Comnfittee. Mr. Emerson spoke on "The Identification of Birds in the Field," and two papers were also presented one by Mr. Mailliard, "California Jays and Cats," and one by Mrs. Florence Merriam Bailey, "A Dusky Grouse and her Brood in New Mexico." The authors not being present the papers were read by the Secretary and by Mr. Fisher. Meeting adjourned to meet at San Anselmo, Sept. io, I9O 4. SEPTEMBER.--The September meeting was held at the residence of H. H. Sheldon, San Anselmo, Sept. m. The snmll atteudance was noticeable, only five members and two visitors being present. Mr. (;rinnell occupied the chair in the absence of Mr. Taylor. Five new mem- bers were elected, as follows: Miss Elsa F. Kuhls, Messrs. A. H. Snow, H. C. Oberholser, R. H. Johnson, and C. H. Rose. Mr. J. Proctor was proposed for membership. Mr. Grinnell addressed the Club regarding tile financial condition of THi? CON DOR. He informed the Club that it was in a mo-t satisfactory condition, and that the year would close with a snmll balance on hand. Mr. Johnson's pat'er "Notes on Unusual Nesting Sites of the Pacific Yellow-throat," was read by Mr. (;rinnell, and Mr. Thompson spoke on "Tile Anatidte of Morro Bay." The Club then ad- journed to meet in Oakland, Nov. 5. ?9o4. Novl,;Mm;.l?.--The Club met Nov. 5 at the home of Miss Heleu Swett, Oakland. Nineteen members and seven visitors were present, and President Taylor occupied the chair. The order of b miuess was reversed aud the program was immediately proceeded to. Mr. Seale gave a most interesting address on the "Birds of the South Seas," and Mr. Taylor read Mr. Silloway's paper "Notes {rom Flathead ?9o4. TM Busiuess was thee takeu up, and Air. J. W. Procter, Stanford Univer- sity, was elected to active ummbership. The following were proposed for membership: Messrs. t[. It. Elbert, Stanford University; 1'. J. Fair, Palo Alto; W. A. Bryan, Honolulu; E. S. Currier, Tacoma, Washragtoe; C. P. Smith, t'alo Alto; aud Dr. E. A. Mearns, Washington, I). C. The following were nominated as officers for ?9o5: president, Joseph Mailliard; senior vice- president, Miss Heleu Swett; junior vice-pres., J. O. Snyder; secretary, Charles S. Thompson; treasurer, Joseph (;rinnell. Mr. Fisher proposed that tile January meeting shouht be held at some restaurant in San Francisco, and the members preseut voted unanimously that the annual meeting should be held at such restaurant as should be decided upou by the cq_mmittee appointed for that purpose by Pres. Taylor. Tile Club approved Mr. Fisher's action in placing the magazines and books of the Club in the Barbara Jordan Ornithological Library at Stanford University. Adjourned to meet in San Francisco, January I4, I9O5. CtIARLES S. THOMPSON, Secretary.