Nov., ?9o31 ?'HE CONDOR ?59 lieve is the happy device whereby the little birds will still be protected "from all their human foes," and the law will not be un-American, "nor in any way trammel" our "dearly cherished or- nithological freedom." That many of the leading ornithologists of the country (who are pre- sumably among the "better-balanced")doobjectto the bond feature we can amply prove, if evidence is desired. In conclusion we might add that we sincerely regret that our critic has twisted and so entirely misconstrued our (to the western mind) re?lly mild editorial. Still with the friendliest intentions in the world we cannot help hoping that the next time he goes gunning for heretical Western editors, his efforts may be crowned with better Suceess.--WAL?'ER I<. FISHER.] On the 'Bonding Clause' of the A. O.U. Model Law To THE EDITOR OF THE CONDOR: In the last CONDOR I note with approval some editorial objections to the bonding feature of the A. O. U. bird law. The utility and necessity of a license system in laws for bird protection are self-evident. But it appears to me that when the issuance of a license is properly safe- guarded and its misuse by the holder is attended by permanent forfeiture and, if necessary, simi- lar penalties to those inflicted for the breaking of game laws all reasonable requirements have been fully met. The necessity of securing a bond is objectionable from several points of view. In many cases it will work hardship even to the point of preventing the accomplishment of valuable ornithologi- cal work. This will be brought about by the delays incident to securing a bond by a stranger, especially where it will be desirable to work say for a week or two in a state and one's time is limited. Or in the case of an ornithologist who would desire to work in several states during the same season. In such a .case as that just mentioned, if a recent instance that has come to my knowledge is any criterion, the ornithologist would find it practically impossible to accomplish any work by the delays in securing the necessary bonds. In addition to this is the annoyance of having to ask friends to go upon one's bond, for bonding companies are expensive and not al- ways available. If the laws for bird protection are aimed at those who destroy birds wantonly or for purposes of gain and not at field ornithologists then the bonding clause in the regulations governing the issuance of licenses to properly accredited ornithological students should be cut out. E. W. NELSON. THE EDITOR'S BOOI'i SHELF A NEw PROCELSTERNA FROM THE LEEWARD ISLANDS, HAWAIIAN GROUP. By WALTER K. FISr?ER. From Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. XXVI, pp. 559-693, Jan. 29, i9o3 . In this paper a new tern of the genus ?roce/sierna is described. The birds were discov- ered, by the /l/batross Hawaiian Expedition, on Necker Island, to the westward of the main Ha- waiian Group. So far as known this tern inhabits only Necker, French Frigale Shoal, and Bird Id. Singularly it is most nearly related to ?roce/sterna cine?ea of Australian waters, and not to ceru/ea of central Polynesia. The eggs, downy chick, and juvenal plumage are also described. BIRDS OF LAYSAN AND THE LEEWARD ISLANDS, HAWAIIAN GROUP. By WALTER K. FISHER. Extracted from U.S. Fish Corn. Bull. I9O3; pp. 1-39 plates I-?o. In this readable as well as thoroughly scientific paper we find the ornithological results of the ?4lbatross Hawaiian explorations in I9O2. The recentness of the observations adds an element of freshness to the unusual accuracy and vividness of the descriptions; and thus we are given by far the most valuable account which has yet appeared of "the greatest bird island in the world." Then too the fifty-two half-tones are fine examples of successful bird-photography, though we are disappointed that these could not have been reproduced at least in original size instead of re- duced. One is perhaps most struck by the wonderful fearlessness displayed by the individuals of nearly every species presented in the mammoth bird community. We can only share with the author the fear of the deplorable consequences which would follow the introduction of some predaceous animal such as the cat. For Laysan Island is small, only three miles long, and easily accessible over the entire surtace. The unparalelled opportunity afforded for study of the habits and life-histories of the various sea-fowl can be appreciated only after reading Mr. Fisher's faith- ful portrayal of his week's visit with the birds of Laysan.
