The last extreme of difference from typical _melodia_ of the east is seen in the variety _insignis_ from Kodiak. Here the size is very large: length, 7.00; extent, 10.75; wing, 3.20. The bill is very long (.73 from forehead), the color still darker brown and more uniform above; the median light stripe of vertex scarcely appreciable in some specimens; the superciliary scarcely showing, except as a whitish spot anteriorly. The bill and feet have become almost black. The following synopsis may serve as a means by which to distinguish the several races of this species, as also the two remaining positive species of the genus:— Species and Varieties. A. Lower parts streaked. 1. M. melodia. White of the lower parts uninterrupted from the chin to the crissum; the streaks of the jugulum, etc., broad and cuneate. _a._ Streaks, above and below, sharply defined, and distinctly black medially (except sometimes in winter plumage). Ground-color above reddish-gray, the interscapulars with the whitish and black streaks about equal, and sharply contrasted. Rump with reddish streaks. Wing, 2.70; tail, 2.90; bill .36 from nostril, and .30 deep. _Hab._ Eastern Province of United States, to the Plains on the west, and the Rio Grande on the south var. _melodia_.[2] Ground-color above ashy-gray, the interscapulars with the black streaks much broader than their rufous border, and the whitish edges not in strong contrast. Rump without streaks. Wing, 2.80; tail, 3.15; bill, .33 and .22. _Hab._ Middle Province of United States var. _fallax_.[3] Ground-color above nearly pure gray, the interscapulars with the black streaks much broader than the rufous, and the edges of the feathers not appreciably paler. Rump without streaks. Wing, 2.80; tail, 2.85; bill, .32 by .27. _Hab._ California, except along the coast; Sierra Nevada var. _heermanni_.[4] Ground-color above grayish-olive, the interscapulars with the black streaks much broader than their rufous border; edges of the feathers scarcely appreciably paler. Rump and tail-coverts, above and below, with distinct broad streaks of black. Wing, 2.40; tail, 2.50; bill, .37 and .24. _Hab._ Coast region of California var. _samuelis_.[5] Ground-color above olive-rufous, the edges of the interscapulars, alone, ashy; dorsal black streaks very broad, without rufous border. Rump streaked with black. Wing, 2.60; tail, 2.85; bill, .34 and .25. _Hab._ Puebla, Mexico var. _mexicana_.[6]