i so Bird - Lore although the material is renewed ;it intervals by moult. ( )n the other hand, the richly dressed male is subject to many changes. Commencing with the nest it has a natal down, which is followed by a juvenal plumage', this is suc- ceeded by the first winter plumage. These latter plumages are very much in color like that of the female bird. This carries the male bird until the following spring, when by moult an entire change in appearance rakes place and the Tanager assumes the first nuptial plumage of scarlet vermilion, which is worn until the post nuptial moult takes place after the breeding season and just prior to the southward migration. It is known as tin- adult winter plumage. The male at this moult assumes a plumage very much like that of the female bird, but he can always In- readily distinguished by his jet black wings, the- wings of the female bird being a brownish black. The bird student, especially the beginner, often wonders why it is that he fails to find any male Scarlet Tanagcrs in t he late summer, and it is only after the subject of moult and change in plumage is understood that such enigmas an- unraveled. During the post nuptial moult of the male the- plumage assumes a parti- colored appearance that is very singular. One of the most important and valuable contributions to the literature of ornithology was made a few years since, by Dr. Jonathan Dwight, Jr., in which he discussed the plumage and moults ol the passerine birds of New "l ork. The subject is treated so comprehensively and intelligently by the author that every nature teacher should procure a copy of this valuable treatise. It is practically impossible, in a leaflet of this size, to do more for the student than to refer him to a recognized authority on this interesting subject. A short quotation from tin- opening chapter of the book will show its value and scope: "The moultingof birds is a subject so complicated, so extensive, anil so difficult of study, that it is nor surprising to find it wrapped, even today, in dense clouds of ignorance which obscure the true principles under- lying it. It is my present purpose to demonstrate the principles dominating the plumages ami moults of no less than one hundred ami fifty North American species of the great order Passeres, or Perching birds, and at the same time indicate tin- wider application of these principles, which the study of other groups leads me to believe prevail among all species of birds, modified only by circumstances." Questions for Teachers and Students Use as ni.uiv as possible >>t the questions in E. 1.. No. 20; nearly all of them may be adapted. What is the hole ol a tree? Describe how the age of a tree can he determined. Who were the Druids? When and where did they live? Descrihe how forests store mois- ture? What species of Tanager is found in your locality? Describe change of plumage of male r.uiagcr. Have you ever seen one during process of change; give season? What are the primaries? What are the rectrices?
- The Sequence of Plumages and Moults of the Passerine Birds of New York, by Jonathan Dwight, Jr., Annals
N. Y. Acad. Scl., Vol, Mil, No. 1, pp. 7s to j6o, Oct, 19, 1900 (Plates 1 to VII),
