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Pr ae ant. f Px; - ae OF ™ Po ee ae a t ’ Lay i lm 24 po i / : ry) Vs 7 | Ly f zo a Jor. X1X. No. 1 CNET} a 1 Ns shie > SOCIETY - BULLETIN® SSS SS RANE SSNS SS Published b y THE NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY Ht AM i A MM AT MT HTN ANA : i AACA SOCORRO ATCO UST NATTA TTT EAT DEEPSEA PTE LADS PATPPD TUDO TREATY OPE PN REF TY A AO COT RP OCC LO COMO COMODO) ON VOW ON MAO OOAATOUOAAT PAE PASO ONTOON TN OOODNYOOOQOO OOOO POUT CCQ MOOD COE Co TACT TPIT! im u R F R EUND 1912 a ra ey bes val Sal Yk Sy Pee 2 @ffcers of the New York Zonlogiral Soriety President Henry Fareriztp OsBorn. Serretary ~ Creasurer Maprison Grant, 11 Wall Street. Percy R. Py.vz, 30 Pine Street. Executive Cuonmitier Mapison Grant,. Chairman. Percy R. Pyne, Samurt THoRNE,* T'rank K. Srurais, Wituram Wuirte NILEes, Won. Pirrson HamittTon, LIsPENARD STEWART, Watson B. DickerMaAN, Henry Farrrietp Ossorn, Ea Officio. Board of Managers Ex Officio The Mayor of the City of New York. The Pruesipent of the Department of Parks. lass nf 1915 F. Augustus SCHERMERHORN, CureveLanp H. Doner, Emerson McMituin, Porcy R. Pyne, C. Lepyarp Buatr, AntTHOoNY R. Kuser, Grorce B. GRINNELL, Freperick G. Bourne, Warson B. Dickerman, Groree C. Crark, W. Austin WapswortH, Mortimer L. Scuirr. Glass pf 15917 Henry Farerieip Osgorn, Cuarves F. Dirrericu, Wn. Pierson Hamitron, Wiuiram C. Cuurcnu, James J. Hitt, Rosert S. Brewsrer, LIsPENARD STEWART, Groree F. Baker, Epwarp S. Harkness, H. Casimir pe Ruam, Grant B. Scutey, WixuramM B. Oscoop FIeLp, Glass pf 1918 Levi P. Morton, SamurL THORNE * Ocpen MiLtLs, ANDREW CARNEGIE, Henry A. C. Taytor, Lewis RurHerrurD Morais, Mapison GRANT, Frank K. Srureis, ArcHer M. HuntTineron, Wituram Wuire Niwes, Georce J. Goutp, Henry M. Titrorp. General Officers Wituiam T. Hornapay, Director of the Park. Cuartes H. Townsenp, Director of the Aquarium. H. J. Suorter, Assistant Secretary. R. L. Cerero, Assistant to the Treasurer. C. Grant La Farer, Architect. H. De B. Parsons, Consulting Engineer. Dr. Grorce S. Huntineton, Prosector. Officers of the Zoological Park Wituiam T. Hornapay, Director. H. R. Mircue.t, C. Wituiam Breese, H. W. Meret, G. M. BreerBower, Raymonp L. Dirmars, Le S.iCranpann; W. Rem Buarr, Witiram MuitcHet., Eutwin R. Sanporn. Officers of the Aquarium Cuarutes H. Townsenp, Director. Louis L. Mowpray. Wasnineton I. DeNyse. Rogsert SUTCLIFFE. Dr. Grorcr A. MacCauuivum, Pathologist. * Deceased. Z2O0RO WA OLG A CoA bt Ss Ore IE Y.> BUA EN CONTENTS FOR JANUARY, 1916 PAGE Dionne ISTO): (GA OND NE ONS Hs ie 52 eNO. dan ti 2 oR ICN Me ENC Rb NE eR Ra CO NU Ue ol ee De ee Cove ExOsEVGP, OD NUN QD Eu RIN perenne Pain. ool Ce ae NIELS yao! inch) eed hue a Frontispiece RopEenT Contection Ss ec RT eV Ook sonata UD ge A 2 5 VES eM NaN er UM ee R. L. Ditmars 1301 ANITA TUTE INO) LENE Gores Se Ue au esa a ROR Le ec aa h ve Be Ste SCN eg Richard Deckert 1306 Bae ORUNIG WAN URE nes ee een es NTO NRO ne eh AMMEN d Ns cc Po Me ume C. Wm. Beebe 1307 OUI O rR MOA ES UALR OIN: coerce ee Pe te Non An eens 1S as ee W. TT. Hornaday 13818 Orrruary—Charles Bredericltadetlol deme: a0 cts ae ut ge W.T. Hornaday 1319 NAVsiesipy, I) Eytiaia) “EMO I0). 2 oe Ne ner ee ae Oe gD nena eee W. T. Hornaday 1319 Nai oale nea Rove Gant O Nima) See wee a nie ein Sadi: Sa ke, Re Madison Grant 1320 TeviSter OR TENGE ROR STs waar oo Mae SER gt WN Be Sy RK. L. Ditmars and L. S. Crandall 1321 PUAN AE eA OVANI Sy ce ee emneNeROINE eS Ro AUST UA fg sO Maes a ne een meh cy Meese OP ae Richard Deckert 1324 ET IEAUN ETS VS ol O CONROINUE eee et, fe Naga I TN Teac W. T. Hornaday 1825 SNAKES AND Tur Mexican War ee ee 1325 Iraty Srors Birp SLAUGHTER 1326 A GIANT POLYPOD!UM FFRN Some of the fronds of this fern are over eleven feet long ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN Published by the New York Zoological Society Vor XIX. JANUARY, 1916 NumeBer 1 THE RODENT COLLECTION IN THE REPTILE HOUSE By Raymonp L. Dirmars. BOUT eight years ago, while the writer was making a tour of the zoological parks and gardens in the United States he noted in one of these collections an attempt to exhibit a series of the smaller rodents. The animals were in glass cases, and provided with sleeping boxes or bunches of cotton wool. In not a cage was a specimen visible and the only indication of the species represented was in the explanatory mat- ter on the labels. Two years later, while on a similar trip among the zoological collections of Europe, sev- eral series of rodents of like arrangement were noted. The advice elicited was to the effect that while the smaller rodents were of interest from their markedly varied form and coloration, the practicability of using up space in an endeavor to exhibit them was very doubtful. This con- dition resulted from the following difficulties: 1. The nocturnal habits of the greater number of species, resulting in persistent hiding in the nests during the day. 2. The short lives of most of the species, owing to improper environ- ment and lack of exercise. 3. The difficulty of obtaining new specimens. This latter con- dition was due to a general lack of interest among animal dealers in the very small mam- malia. After these preliminary observations of other attempts to exhibit the smaller rodentia, the writer determined upon a series of experiments in the New York Zoological Park, for the pur- pose of successfully exhibiting a varied series of the gnawing animals, but in such a way that the specimens could be seen, and at the same time kept in good health, and enabled to live a reasonable length of time. The first series of animals for our experiment consisted of several species of spermophiles, kangaroo rats and miscellaneous mice. Thus the experimental group embraced both nocturn- al and diurnal species. As it was realized that the nocturnal species would retire within sleeping boxes during the day, their shelter was in the nature of a scant handful of hay. It was believed that without some kind of a shelter from observation, they would be excessively nervous and soon would die. The cages of the diurnal species were pro- vided with about six inches of packed earth, to provide them exercise in burrowing. The cages were of a type commonly known as “ter- raria,’ with four glass sides, the glass sliding in grooves. Each case was provided with a top of fine wire netting or screening. Our early experiments with these cages taught us many things. The nocturnal rodents so skill- fully collected their hay in corners that when they crouched motionless beneath the nesting material their bodies could barely be seen. With the diurnal species there was an immediate tendency to dig burrows in the earth, and re- main under cover the greater part of the day. The four glass sides and mesh tops of the cases were found to be a poor arrangement for proper ventilation. Moreover, it was difficult to clean the inside of the glass. When the cover was slid to one side, even though ever so carefully, the more nervous specimens were liable to leap up to the sides and escape. It was by frequent changes of this experi- “mental series of cages that we evolved a satis- factory and valuable exhibit of rodents. We now have a large series of cages, about fifty in MUVd TVOIDO'IOOZ HHL NI NOILOWTIOO AILda d- LNAGOU ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN number, and in them the specimens are at all times in view. We have also established sur- prising records of the longevity of certain species as captives. The principal difficulty encountered with the rodents was the tendency to make nests in cor- ners; and thus hide from observation. This was met by cutting up the hay bedding. It was put through a cutting machine, and reduced to sec- tions about three-quarters of an inch long. With this chopped medium the animals were unable to make a nest, although they would scoop up a mound of it in a corner, using the concave center of this as a base to which they returned after all trips about the cage. The temperature of the exhibition hall (75° F.) was such that warmth in bedding was not really necessary. This is a condition that never should be over- looked in providing for the comfort of small mammals in captivity. Real shelter having been thus eliminated, the writer was doubtful as to whether or not the more timid species would fare well. After a number of weeks that anxiety ceased. In the changes that were observable, the condition of the specimens was improved by the ventilation brought about through the removal of long fibre nesting materials. The pelage of all the speci- mens appeared fuller, and of better lustre. The ventilation of the cage was then improved by removing the back panel of glass, and sub- stituting fine wire netting. A sliding panel was then attached to the mesh cover of the cage; and through this the keeper in charge could reach any portion of the interior in placing feed and cleaning glass without fear of the animals escaping, as the man’s sleeve closed the orifice. The writer believes these studies of the needs of small rodents, and the practicability of really showing them to our visitors, have resulted in the best possible cage for the exhibition of such animals. As the rodent collection now stands, the animals are kept in cases twenty-two inches long, twelve inches wide and twelve inches in height. We have also found that these dimen- sions are in many cases sufficient to enable us to insert glass partitions, thus increasing the number of compartments. We use shelter boxes only in those cages where litters of young are being reared. Several illustrations accompany- ing this article demonstrate the cage arrange- ment and construction, and the method of label- ling the collection. It is not always the largest animals that are « of most marked interest or economic importance. If the smaller species can be shown in a manner 1303 that quickly engages the visitor’s attention, something worth while has been accomplished. It is among the rodents that we find animals of great importance to man, both from the econ- omic point of view in the damage they do, from the spread in infectious disease, and because of the commercial use of a few. To add to the value of the collection of rodents we have arranged in close proximity a series of glass-fronted cases containing those species of snakes, principally North American, that are of real value as destroyers of the nox- ious gnawing animals. ‘rom the interest evinced by our visitors we would say that the collection described is very desirable in a collection of living zoological specimens. The expense in cage construction is very small, averaging slightly over two dollars per cage; there is a great variety of animals, and the specimens themselves, involve but slight cost in purchase. To obtain the necessary specimens is, however, no easy matter. The greater number of these come from collectors and trappers who make a specialty of capturing small specimens. Through eight or ten years’ correspondence we have located various parties engaged in this work, and now we are able to keep the collection at a uniform standard of interest and importance. Fortunately, the ship- ping of specimens is not a difficult matter. Rodents travel safest in tin cases, properly ven- tilated, of course, and when supplied with a variety and abundance of food they require no attention for a week or more of travel. Owing to the ability of rodents to live for lengthy periods without water (if supplied with vegetable food), their safe transportation is greatly facilitated. Some of our most valuable specimens have been eight or ten days en tran- sit in tin pails with perforated covers wired on to their tops. Among the particularly interesting species now on exhibition are the Indian Jeroboa (Alactaga indica), Egyptian Jerboa (Dipus aegyptius), Egyptian Desert Mouse (Meriones crassus), Porcupine Mouse (Acomys cahirinus), and the European Marmot (Citellus citellus). Among the New World species are the Bushy- tailed Wood Rat, often called the Pack Rat (Netoma cinerea), Arizona Wood Rat (Netoma pinetorum), Western Gopher Rat (T’homomy’s fulvus), Gila Chipmunk (Yamias dorsalis), Western Chipmunk (Kutamias quadrivittatus), and the Flying Squirrel (Sciwropterus volans). Owing to our system of regularly feeding all of these rodents during the middle of the day, and limiting the amount of food so that it will ‘SUOLUTOdS SNOLMIVA PUB SLop1O IY} JO JUSWISULIIG OY} PUY S[EqeR] VATALIOSOp dy} JO osn NOILOUTIOON WIULddud-INaGOU HHL tO NOLLOUS ae ssyuapo wodn spaef esp ‘Sayons type S111)! 'SOIDIS MeULH A UdopsMAY INOS JOR IL fquey) ‘qeodned opnane svf0} ge QynUugy foyaoy oe error me tos sheajso(y $eafoigy Paying Pf J? weed wraysoayimos {opto} “oopnB agnyog “ine AOD VASO) 7 wd rep. g” po ouolts¥” a MOA abd at pay ‘held JUN] D St AMG [Pb LL “MINde op aE EQg *DIMAD[IJO) Of ONXAL Ma 1WLQVH + pag) ‘sippsdop sUIHaLy ‘yunmdiyg vty uipstl Of asso DUSHUY YilON 4/3607 ‘)o,GO}{ MERE (47) SPIO ‘yunuadiy J dU] SoyeAYSNI]L o1N49Id SILL, Somme oy opens smovosted #93 J moran oy) 04 autrttitwt ST ‘RYUUS TIE S71) ‘Sps0g) ALIN OL IpMO YY Weds (1g Wday NOG! 21/9"), (wy) ‘onpmpel, spony ‘ayuug, PUL arene oe : "HIB 04 aanjonaysoqy ‘9° MdASIMY LAO ‘OLN ‘fauiqug) ‘ morpavyotd snpaqrg ‘apiydoutsads SMOSpADYIy eats : “Mind 0} eaigoné) Say “DIMAOJIR) O] Oday” Msg” *1D}N *(paing) ‘symstop sn1Kn 7 gnmdiyy D}1) ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN 1305 KANGAROO RAT be quite consumed before the next feeding hour, we have brought about a condition of diurnal activity. Prior to a given feeding time the en- tire collection is active, which results in all its members being displayed most satisfactorily. At such times it is interesting to note such strictly nocturnal creatures as the jerboas and flying squirrels moving about their cages in lively fashion. The excellent condition of the rodents series is largely attributable to the devoted attentions of Keeper George Palmer. It is rather difficult to find men sympathetically interested in the very small animals, but Keeper Palmer has shown unflagging interest and care in studying and ministering to the wants and ways of his small subjects. Many of the cages, and all of the nesting boxes and accessories, were built by him in a work shop at the Reptile House. The food supply of the collection is inexpensive. It includes carrots, celery, lettuce, stale white bread, whole and cracked corn, sunflower seed, and the small seeds most commonly used as bird food. - It is important to note the degree of popular interest in this collection, aside from the more Coan es Si THIRTEEN-LINED SPERMOPHILE EGYPTIAN JERBOA systematic interest of those actually engaged in the study of animals. At any time of the day a glance at the rodent series will show a num- ber of the animals alert and moving. The big pack-rat may be gathering mouthfuls of cut hay, or carefully carrying bread cubes from one cor- ner of his cage to another. Noting some dis- turbance in his small world, he vigorously stamps his feet, then ostentatiously clears a space about him by shoving away the hay with his forefeet, as if preparing to fight. In a nearby cage several desert spermophiles turn endless somersaults by running up the glass panel, and leaping downward from the top. In the cage next to them are the vigorous and vividly striped California chipmunks. Some of the rodents play like kittens, and from various cages come cheery whistles, chirps and chatter- ings. Among the spermophiles there are several species that are remarkably bird-like in their ealls. We have devoted a small group of cages to remarkable color phases of domesticated mice. Here may be seen a number of interesting types of albinism. The most striking of these are the breeds known as “pink-eyed fawns” and VISCACHA 1306 “pink-eyed lilacs.” The former is a pale brown mouse, with the gleaming pink eyes of the per- fect albino, while the latter is a purplish-maltese animal. To the average visitor the most inter- esting among the domestic breeds are the so- called “waltzing” mice. This animal has been bred with a view to the deterioration of that part of the brain that relates to equilibrium and direction. They spin or “waltz” in such in- cessant and rapid gyrations that sawdust and hay particles fly from the scene of action, and the animal “dances” in a perfectly cleared space. AQUARIUM PATHOLOGIST. Dr. George A. MacCallum, of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, has been appointed Pathologist to the Aquarium. BOARD OF MANAGERS’ MEETING. The Annual Meeting of the Board of Man- agers will be held at the Down Town Associa- tion on Tuesday, January 18, 1916, at 3 o'clock Bee us, a si all ALBINO FROG Photographed with common color phase to show the marked difference. AN ALBINO FROG. By Ricwarp Deckert. LBINOS, or animals lacking color pig- ment in their structure, are not rare. An- imals like the rabbit, guinea pig, rat and mouse have been deliberately bred to albinism for hundreds of years. Occasionly an albino horse, dog, raccoon or opossum is met with, ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN and among birds, geese, ducks, pea-fowl, guinea- fowl, crows and sparrows there often are true albinos. Among reptiles, albino specimens of the milk snake, garter snake and alligator have been ex- hibited in the Zoological Park Reptile House. This year we are able to exhibit, for the first time in the United States, an albino frog. This interesting rarity, for such it surely is, was captured by Henry Snyder, the son of our Head Keeper of Reptiles, at Scarsdale, Westchester County, New York, and by him was presented to the Zoological Park. When this specimen first was seen with some normally colored green frogs, it was thought to be a diseased specimen, but the young collec- tor wisely considered it worth while to take home the specimen and show it to his father. Mr. Snyder immediatly realized the rarity and im- portance of the find. Out of the thousands of frogs that during the past fifteen years have been caught for our reptile collection, no one who has caught and otherwise handled many thousands of frogs for quite a number of years, ever previously has secured an albino specimen. The writer has recently examined all available records, and has failed to find any mention of an albino frog having been caught in the United States. Europe can show records of several species of frogs and toads in which albinism occurs from time to time, but this is the first specimen recorded for America. The specimen referred to is a common pond frog, (Rana clamitans) such as may be found in almost any brook, ditch, pool or freshwater swamp. Its color is a waxy yellowish white on all upper surfaces, and milky-white underneath ; the eyes are brilliant red, with a narrow gold rim around the pupil. Our specimen is a a female about two and three quarter inches in length of head and body, and therefore not quite adult. At first it was very timid, darting around its cage with nervous agility, bruising its head against the screen top and glass sides whenever anyone came near it. After nearly three months of captivity, however, it has lost its nervous fear, and will come from its hiding place under the moss provided for it and hunt the roaches, mealworms and earthworms which form its food. It will also sit for hours on a large flat stone in the center of its cage, ap- parently quite content with its surroundings. Of course this frog is enjoying special care, and we look forward to keeping it for a reason- ably long time. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN UTINGA JUNGLE EXPLORING A TREE AND A YARD OF JUNGLE. By C. WirxiiaM Bexrse, Curator of Birds. I. N oblique glance will sometimes reveal more vital things than a direct gaze. As with vision so I found it in my occupa- tions during a fortnight spent in Para, Brazil. As | have already indicated,* my principal mo- tive was to superintend the assembling and transportation to our Zoological Park of a con- siderable portion of the animals and birds in the Para Zoo. With the arising of many unex- pected difficulties, it seemed as if this under- taking would not leave me free for a moment. The party not in power even took it up as a political issue, and the newspapers were filled with excited editorials condemning our presence and object. But these things settled themselves, and at calm intervals I took a tram to the sub- urbs, and chose Utinga as a base for jungle work. Utinga is a large tract of jungle, re- stricted from public occupation in order to pro-_ tect the water-works station. For a day or two “Zoological Society Butirrin, July, 1915. 1307 I roamed aimlessly about, shooting any inter- esting birds I came across in the usual collector's fashion. Then I realized that if any worth- while results were to be achieved, it was only by restricted, intensive observation. This I car- ried out in two ways. ie On the first tramp I took in the jungle I noticed a number of small birds in the upper branches of a tree which grew alongside of a trail near our camp. When I had passed that way several times I realized that this particular tree had some powerful attraction for birds of many species. Knowing the shortness of time at my disposal I determined to concentrate my efforts on this wild cinnamon, called by the natives Canella do Matto. Once having my attention called to this bird tree, I kept on the watch for others. Several hundred yards away I discovered a real giant, towering high above all the surrounding growth. This I named the Toucan Tree as it appeared to be especially attractive to these birds. It was covered with an abundance of good-sized scarlet fruit, the size of which accounted for the presence of medium and large birds, such as toucans, caciques, trogons and kiskadees, in- stead of smaller callistes and flycatchers. A third berry-laden tree half a mile to the east- ward straight through the jungle, bore oblong, vellow-skinned fruit, appealing especially to woodpeckers and flycatchers, and from brief glimpses in passing, the constant abundance of birds would have furnished as interesting a list as at the tree near our camp. I began my study of bird life in the wild cinnamon tree by stealthy approaches, working my way through the jungle until I was close underneath. I soon found that this was quite unnecessary, as the birds among the upper branches paid no attention either to me or the sound of my gun. Three hours of constant ob- servation beneath the tree resulted in many hours of pain from strained neck muscles. On the third day I brought out a canvas steamer chair and placing it in the trail at a convenient spot, found it to be ideal for observation. I could recline so that looking straight upward was no effort. With gun on my knees, glasses around my neck, note-book and dead birds on a stump within reach, I had discovered a truly de luxe method of tropical bird study. The biting flies, gnats and mosquitos made it impos- sible to sit absolutely quiet for more than a minute, and the ants soon found that the legs of the chair gave easy access to one’s person. 1308 On the whole, however, I was too much absorbed in the novelty of the method of work and its unexpected results to give any thought to the annoyances. The principal jungle flower was the heliconia, whose scarlet, jagged spikes glowed brightly against the dark foliage. Variegated jeanne were abundant and hen the slanting sun struck through the jungle, it often appeared vivid with color. Black capuchin monkeys of more than one species were occasionally seen and I saw as many as nine in a band. Three-toed sloths were common as were agoutis and small squir- rels. But during my -pentiodls of watching, no mammal came near the tree. The more common sounds were the usual ones of light jungle. Tinamou called and answered one another, gold- birds lifted their wonderful voices far away in the forest, toucans yelped, caciques squeaked and gurgled overhead, cicadas shrilled and buz- zed aol great bees and hummingbirds whirred past. After the daily rain, tiniest of frogs would each strike up a single, shrill note, un- ceasingly reiterated. My business was chiefly with the birds which I could observe from my canvas seat. I spent from two to six hours each day for a period of one week in the immediate vicinity of the tree and during that time identified ninety-seven species of birds, none of which were more than a few yards from the trail. A further division of these is as follows: Aerial species flying overhead ...... 7 Birds of the surrounding jungle. 14 Birds observed in the tree... 76 Of the seven aerial species, one was a vulture, one a nighthawk, one a swift and four were swallows. These all came into view at one time or another across the patch of sky visible be- vond the upper branches of the tree. Now and then birds of prey appeared, but at such great elevations that I was unable to identify them. The fourteen birds of the surrounding jungle may be divided thus: One tinamou, dove, wood- pecker, kingfisher, trogon, ani and woodhewer ; two antbirds, two flycatchers and three finches. In one or two instances these were birds of adjoining fields which had strayed a little way into the undergrowth. The majority, however, were typical of the lower jungle strata, either terrestrial or living in the low undergrowth. This series of strata of bird life visible to me as I sat quietly, hour after hour, was very striking, a phenomenon which would never come to one while moving about through the jungle. Bound to the ground were the tinamou, and ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN almost as terrestrial were the rustling ground doves. In the lower underbrush finches, synal- laxis and antbirds moved restlessly; a little higher, manakins whirred about and woodhewers hitched up the trunks. Then came the birds of the upper branches—callistes, tanagers, fly- catchers, toucans and parrakeets. Then the low fliers—the swallows, martins, swifts and night- hawks and finally the vultures, hanging like the faintest of motes in the sunlight high above the earth. The tree was smooth-barked, richly decorated with lichens and while only about fifteen inches in diameter at a man’s height above the ground, it was very tall in proportion. The first branch- es were small, mostly dead and about sixty feet up. From this point the trunk split into lesser divisions and lifted its topmost foliage into the full tropical light and heat a hundred and ten feet above the ground. The berries were small, round and three-parted and, like the leaves, slightly acrid, with a spicy, aromatic flavor. A few minutes after dawn I have counted eight birds in the tree and a half dozen would sometimes linger until dusk. As a rule, however, there were few in sight until 7:30 or 8:00 A. M., after which there would be a continual coming and going until the heat of mid-day drove all to shelter. The larger number of afternoon visitors came after the rain was over. Sunshinc had much to do with the presence of the birds, and a cloudy half-hour meant but scant notes as I sat beneath. With the reappearing ef the sun, the birds weuld again begin to flock from the surrounding jungle. Abundance of species and relative fewness of individuals is a pronounced characteristic of any tropical fauna. This was beautifully shown by my first two days’ collection from the tree, col- lecting, too, which was quite indiscriminate in character, very different from the more careful picking and choosing with which I shot on suc- ceeding days. The first day I secured sixteen birds, all of different species. The second morn- ing I got fourteen, all different, and only one of which was represented in the lot of the pre- vious day. Thus in five hours’ time I secured thirty specimens of twenty-nine species. From the entire district of Para, three hundred and seventy-nine birds have been recorded. In this single tree within a week’s time and during a period of intermittent observation I found sey- enty-six species. : The bird visitors to the tree arrived in one of two characteristic ways. Many came direct and swiftly, singly or in pairs, flying straight and with decision as if from a distance. = Ss) AY-j _ ea] jen} ie N 5s ZS Poly ae Ne as — om Fra Tacs 5 & a3 ela a3 a 8 oN Zz ov oO 4 6a) = | a & 8 oO & o Ss Ee os m & a, a zo Q 48 = wo 2s je ©) = Go] g [o) _ i. i Me ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY other trips to Africa, as I had in hand certain discoveries of mineral and other resources that I felt sure would attract attention, so that he could go back again if he wished. Ota’s experience in New York is well known. It resulted first in a sensational story about putting him in a monkey-cage as an exhibit, and later on in an effort to give him an educa- tion. The Zoological Park simply gave him temporary employment in feeding the anthro- poid apes, and a safe and comfortable home for a short time, while I was engaged in private affairs which needed my attention after these years of absence in Africa. After Ota started on his school course, he became interested in it and so attached to his friends in the work, that when I offered him a chance to return to Africa with me on my next expedition he would not go. Later on I offered him an opportunity to work here on the Pan- ama Canal, but he still stood firm on his first position. I never thoroughly understood his mental at- titude, but he was one of the most determined little fellows that ever breathed. Possibly he was trying to prove all the time that he was not a pygmy, as that term, even in Africa, al- ways conveys the idea of difference from and inferiority to other people. I never addressed him as one. To me he was very human; a brave, shrewd, even smart little man, who pre- ferred to match himself against civilization than to be a slave to the Baschilele. All hon- or to him, even though he died in the attempt! His manner of going was an apparent con- fession of defeat; but Hannibal and Mare An- tony were big souls that succumbed in the same way after they saw that they had undertaken the impossible. I wish I had been near Ota Benga, with an opportunity to try to cheer up his- spirit; but doubtless his friends there did all they could. He left Africa because he would not be a slave, and he preferred to die in America rather than endure a confinement against which his spirit rebelled. The chains of civilization still were chains to him. I never believed that the sort of education which seems to be the standard to-day was suit- ed to him; nor did I encourage that educational experiment. At the same time I was not will- ing to combat his chance along that line, espe- cially since his other friends sincerely believed it wise. Even had he gone back to Africa, he might have fared no better. His country is now torn by war made by the white men among themselves, and a war far more terrible than any the pygmies ever waged. In fact, I have lately heard that Ndombe’s peaceful kingdom BULLETIN 1379 was utterly broken up by the Belgians just be- fore King Albert came to the throne, and that Ndombe’s son was put in prison on some trivial charge. Between the impossible conditions of Ota Benga’s own land, and those which he could not surmount on ours, the homeless pygmy found no abiding-place. Can we wonder that he gave up his life as an unsolvable problem? It was no less a man than Alfred Russell Wallace who wrote me a short time before he died, and be- fore the European war started: “The human race has not made much real progress in five thousand years.” STATUS OF THE ALLIGATOR IN 1916. By Raymonp L. Drrmars. URING a collecting trip in April and May covering a considerable area of the low-grounds along the Savannah River, the writer had excellent opportunities for study- ing the present status of the alligator. ‘The observations made are particularly interesting when compared with conditiens noted on the same ground fifteen years ago, during which period there has been much alligator hunting, and the crafty reptiles have adopted tactics for self preservation that are foreign to their form- er habits. Like many other wild creatures threatened with extinction, the alligator is fighting hard for its life. In its battle fer existence it has certain advantages over other animals. Its ability to recover from gun-shot wounds, unless wounded in a vital part, and its habit of remain- ing close to sheltering, muddy water constitute important factors in self preservation. Despite the alleged low mentality of reptiles, the alligator appears to have developed a fear of man and of guns equivalent to the sagacity of the modern bear. Throughout the greater part of its former distribution, the big reptile has retreated from the rivers and from expos- ure to hostile observations from boats, and has taken up its abode in swamps that are remote and little disturbed. Fifteen years ago the writer spent some weeks collecting reptiles about thirty miles in- land from Savannah, in the extensive low grounds on the South Carolina side of the Savannah River. At that time alligators were yet fairly common in the river, and frequently were seen in the big open lakes that connect with the river during freshets. Back in the cypress low-grounds, which are thick, difficult ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN COLLECTING WAGON A primitive type of South Carolina conveyance places to reach and extending about two miles from the stream were occasional alligators, but we noted few indications of their existence. At that time, the river steamboats carried veritable arsenals in immediate readiness on the tops of their pilot houses. The appearance of an alligator caused a general fusillade. Fisher- men going into the lakes invariably carried guns for the diversion to be found in shooting at every alligator that appeared. These forms of persecution have driven the reptiles to cover, but have not wholly accomplished their exter- mination. During the spring of the present year, the writer and Keeper George Palmer so success- fully covered this same area in another collect- ing trip for turtles, lizards and snakes that it resulted in the capture of over five hundred specimens. We expected to find the alligator almost exterminated, and were not surprised to learn that these reptiles are “pretty scarce” along the Savannah River and larger bodies of open water. During a series of trips into the dense cypress swamps, however, the discovery was made that alligators are even yet fairly numerous. ‘They had retreated into these pro- tecting swamps, and multiplied in greater num- bers than formerly were seen on the river. The accompanying illustrations convey an im- pression of the vast area and inaccessibility of these cypress swamps. Their scenery is weird and impressive, and their atmosphere, to human beings, is decidedly unwholesome. They shelter legions of moccasins, and various species of bloodsucking insect pests, some of which bur- row under the skin and cause dangerous sores. On entering the swamp, one is immediately impressed by the spectacle of great trees that swell at the base like the neck of a bottle, and sometimes are so boldly corrugated as to ap- pear like a compressed mass of organ pipes. Many of these trees are a hundred feet high, and some are much higher, and their foliage is fine and feathery, like that of the northern larch. In some areas not a ray of sunlight strikes the ground, although there is a peculiar, and really bright effect of lighting that is due to ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN 1381 HUNTING FOR LIZARDS In the cool of the early morning these active creatures hide under the bark reflections from the mud-encrusted tree trunks and cypress knees. ‘The great river backs into these swamps during freshets, and stains the trunks from six to ten feet high to the color of its coffee-colored waters. This dries out to a pinkish-brown color, and imparts an effect like a weird stage setting for an allegorical opera. In these swamps the crafty adult ‘gator selects a pool, then burrows under the bank until it has constructed a deep, under-water eavern in which to retreat. The pools teem with fish of various kinds, and some of these are of large size. In nesting time, July and August, the female crocodilian selects a par- ticularly secluded spot, then scrapes together a great mound of dead twigs, leaves and mud. The mound is from six to ten feet in diameter, and from three to four feet deep. In this nest the parent buries her eggs, which have a very hard and brittle shell. Incubation comes from a certain amount of artificial heat generated by the mound of decomposing vegetation; and the young hatch in about eight weeks. The alligators observed by the writer in the cypress swamps were extremely shy. In mak- ing our way toward the pools, it was necessary to go with the utmost care in order to avoid stepping upon brittle twigs, or rustling the leaves of bushes. Their sight is so keen that it is necessary to advance very slowly, using bushes and tree trunks as screens. Coming in this way to a bayou we observed an alligator about eleven feet long sprawled upon the bank, with fore and hind feet stretched in abandon. The mouth was open and the eyes appeared to be shut. Nearby were about a dozen small specimens ranging in length from two to four feet. All were on the opposite side of the pool from where we stood. We had consumed about twenty minutes in our stealthy progress to the pool, over the last three hundred feet, and we crouched behind an enormous cypress trunk smothered in vines. One of the party, sinking in the ooze. threw out an elbow to save himself. On the instant it seemed that every alligator in the bayou had received an electric shock. ¥ aK]. el 3 I K ey) CONTENTMENT AFTER THE JOURNEY NORTH Photo by E. R.S. Our captive is slightly over eight feet long 1382 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN 1383 HEART OF THE CYPRESS SWAMP The modern alligator has retreated into these vast, inaccessible areas The big specimen went into the water with a crash, sending up a geyser of muddy spray. The rush of the smaller reptiles was prac- tically simultaneous, and it was followed by the appearance of many infant gators that had been prowling among the cypress knees. They came from all directions, running like fright- ened chicks, all seeking the protecting water. Our experiences in a number of bayous were quite similar. The writer photographed one batch of alligators coming to the surface and crawling out on the bank; but this was done only after constructing a blind for the camera and waiting, motionless, for over an hour. Dur- ing this time some great blue herons and snowy egrets were much interested, coming within twenty feet of us, with darting of heads and staring of pale yellow eyes. Several ‘gators rising near these birds caused a big heron to take flight, and the crash of his wings as he went through the trees sent the reptile colony to the bottom for another long wait. During one of the bayou excursions we noted an alligator diving into a water hole not more than six feet in diameter. When we sounded this hole, we found it to be five feet deep, with an under-water tunnel running off at a sharp vertical slope to a distance of twelve feet. Our collecting wagon was not over a mile away, on a corduroy road, and we returned for a steel alligator hook, an axe and coil of rope. A slender young cypress was cut and the hook attached to it. A half hour's manoeuvering enabled us to hook the reptile that was located in that under- ground retreat. It remained motionless until the hook had firmly caught, then so furiously did it struggle that to drag it out was a her- culean task. The hook had penetrated a fore- foot, and we brought the animal to the surface for a view of its size, and to determine upon methods for its subjugation. A noose was made, the creature was again hauled out, when the rope was slipped over the jaws, a loop thrown around and behind the forefeet, and thence over the jaws again. Then we tied the reptile to a cypress tree, and made ready to bind him more securely. 1384 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN AN ALLIGATOR’S BASKING ,.PLACE The ripples mark the place where a big specimen has just dived into the water The struggles of the reptile were fast and vigorous. We worked on a platform of bark hastily torn from a decaying tree, and which prevented our sinking to our knees in the swamp. Between showers of mud thrown up by the alligator’s tail, we looped the creature’s jaws in a way to form a rope muzzle with about ten feet attached for pulling. We hauled him a full quarter-mile out of the thicker part of the swamp, thence led the wagon a tortuous route between the trees to meet -the captive. Lifting the animal to the wagon, we bound him to the floor upon paddings of Span- ish moss, then drove ten miles over corduroy roads to the pinelands and our collecting base. We had rented an empty house as our camp, and having no cage for the alligator, were in doubt what to do with him until morning, when a shipping crate could be built. Our trouble- some specimen was eight feet long and about two hundred pounds in weight. Threatening to destroy the wagon, and hissing furiously he caused us some anxiety, until the idea occurred of locking him in our best bedroom. With much prudence we moved out furniture and baggage, before the alligator went in. His initial struggles with his new surroundings shook the house, and a blow of his head loosened the door fastenings. But in the end the room held him, and the next morning a crate was built for shipment to the North. This fine specimen is now on exhibition in the Reptile House, and in the large pool with a specimen almost matching him in size that hatched from a batch of eggs collected in the same neighborhood fifteen years ago. Fortunately, for the future status of the alligator, the market for hides has reached such a low ebb that traffic in skins is no longer worth while. A large dealer in leather goods informed the writer that the skin of a four foot reptile —the size most preferable in “the trade’—is worth but fifty cents, and that the finest dressed hide, all ready for cutting into desirable sizes for manufactured articles, is worth only two dollars. This latter value involves tanning only by the best processes. As a fashion, the use of alligator hide has “gone out.” ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN TEXAS WHITE-TAILED DEER Sixteen Point Buck BIG GAME OF THE TEXAS BORDER: By CuapMan GRantT.* WO four-point antlers hung on a_ back T porch in Texas; tied together by a two- foot cord; their bases smoothed off and polished, evidently used as handles. Nothing to excite interest, but I wondered what purpose they could serve. Upon inquiring I was told in a matter-of-fact way that they were used for “rattling up deer.” “You climb into a mes- quite, early of a frosty morning, rattle the horns and bucks will run up to you.” “You can shoot them if there are no rangers around.” This is quite enough. I laughed indulgently to show that I could not be gulled into “holding the sack,” for any Texas version of our classical “snipe hunts.” A wily buck running up to watch a gentleman in a tree rattling the antlers of one of his, the buck’s, deceased relatives was too wild a fancy to fool any one. However, hunting deer by “rattling” is a recognized offence in Texas, and forbidden by *The observations in “Big Game of the Texas Bor- der” were made by the author during a two-years’ service as 2nd Lieutenant of the Fourteenth U. S.’ Cavalry in the border patrol. Mr. Grant is now on the reserve list for Ist Lieutenant, of Cavalry, U. S. Volunteers.— Eprror. 1385 the game laws. Buck deer begin to fight when cold weather sets in, which is about the second half of November or the first part of Decem- ber. The poacher secures two antlers and climbs into a mesquite tree so that he can get a fair view around him. ‘Then, with his rifle in a convenient place, he takes an antler in either hand and brings them together with a crash, rattling the points and drawing them apart. On a clear, cold morning this noise can be heard a long distance. The rattling is repeated several times, but the technique varies with each hunter. Each claims more or less exclusive knowledge of just how it should be done, based generally on his remembrance of the sounds of conflicts between bucks that he has witnessed. They all admit that old, dry antlers do not emit the proper sound. Large bucks are the first to respond. Occa- sionally they may be seen a quarter of a mile away, coming at a gallop. Sometimes from ten to fifteen bucks can be assembled in half an hour, the smaller ones coming more stealthily, and the does very rarely or not at all. The un- scrupulous hide-hunter used to slaughter many deer in this way where game was abundant. One might imagine this a prosaic way to hunt, but all who have tried it agree that it is most thrilling. SWOLLEN NECK OF BUCK This occurs during the rut 1386 ZOOLOGICAL The first time I saw a doe running with one fore leg held up in front of her, I thought that she had been wounded, especially since she ran this way until out of sight. Later I saw a doe and two fawns feeding, and approached within a few yards, up-wind. Finally the doe saw me move, and gave one of their peculiar, whistling snorts that can be heard a very long distance. I stood motionless and she regarded me for several minutes, but seeing no further move- ment, was undecided whether to start feeding again or not. I moved again, and she turned and trotted off, holding one fore foot high in air for several steps and then bringing it down smartly with an impact that I could plainly hear. She snorted several more times while running away, and struck at intervals with one and then the other fore foot. The fawns were striking the ground also, and all three disap- peared over the hill with white tails waving from side to side, every hair erect. It was a noisy and conspicuous cavalcade. I have seen this time and again. When a bunch of deer is started, the smaller fawns are often left behind, or else remain out of curiosity. It may be that they have so recently lost their baby spots that they are undecided whether to run or freeze. The food of the white-tail consists for the most part of small, black-thorn twigs which are nipped off and swallowed, thorns and all. Later they are chewed fine in the cud. The common opuntia, or prickly pear, also is a favorite with them. It is at first difficult to distinguish be- tween the sound made by a steer breaking “pear and that made by a deer. Cactus is a nourishing food, and during dry years, ranch- men send Mexicans over the range with gaso- line torches to burn the thorns off of the pear. Cattle and goats follow after the torch, finding food and drink in the succulent leaves. Eating unburned pear year after year generally kills cattle, because abscesses form on their jaws. Deer do not seem to suffer in this way. Deer, wild cats, peccaries and rabbits all have a coat- ing of thorns, large and small, immediately be- neath their skins, resembling a coating of felt with a generous interspersion of mesquite thorns. I believe that these thorns remain in the animal throughout life, as they lie in the connective tissue immediately beneath the skin, and do not cause inflammation. Besides, the older the animal the more thorns he seems to have. Mexicans make seccinas of deer meat, known in the west as “jerkey.” The meat is split into thin sheets, sparingly salted and _ peppered, piled and allowed to drain for a few hours, and then hung in the shade. The hanging portions SOCIETY BULLETIN are propped apart with small twigs so that the air can circulate freely. Blowflies do not bother the meat, but wasps eat their fil] until it hard- ens; which in the dry season does not take long. In rainy weather the meat must be hung in the windiest place available. The seccinas are either stored dry or, better yet, are toasted over coals till brown, when they will keep indefinite- ly. Toasted venison is a delicious and sustain- ing food, and can be eaten like stick candy, with- out further preparation. Pinole in Texas is not simply ground, popped popcorn as it is in the west, but is made of equal parts of toasted and ground seccinas, ground and parched corn and brown sugar. This makes a remarkably sus- taining and delicious food. White-tail deer seem to get along amicably with their small neighbor, the collared peccary or “jabaline’’ (pronounced hay-a-le-fie), as I have seen eight or ten deer feeding among a bunch of, possibly, twenty peccaries in thorn brush. There are many stories current of the ferocity of these little pigs. Many hunters claim that they are dangerous, and attack when wounded or to protect their young. Close in- quiries failed to elicit any authentic informa- tion of anyone actually being hurt by them, but numerous stories prevailed of hunters being treed by infuriated peccaries. Judging by the rapidity with which these little pigs can travel through the brush, I believe it would be very difficult for an active man to climb a tree, even were one right at hand, before being over- taken. I have shot peccaries, and had a bunch of from five to fifteen scurry past me under the brush in open formation. Those that passed nearby would see me, and snap their tusks and raise their manes, and I believe that this helter- skelter scurry for safety is often mistaken for a charge when really the little pigs are merely running in the direction in which they were headed when startled. I am positive that I could not successfully have escaped by climb- ing a tree had they really been after me. The flesh of a young sow is delicious food, but that of the older animals, or the boars, is very musky and not fit for food. The musk-sac must be removed from the animal as soon as it is killed, if the flesh is to be used. Both sexes bear a scent-gland, analogous to the oil sac of birds, on the pelvis, about eight inches above where the tail should be. The gland lies just below the skin and is not di- rectly attached to the body. It is about two inches in diameter and half an inch thick. The musk is very strong and similar to that of the skunk. I believe the scent is used as a warning to pursuers, and also to enable the young to ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN COLLARED PECCARY find the mother. One moonlight night I walked into a herd of sleeping peccaries which started up with grunts, snorts and a clicking of tusks. A wave of musk of great intensity arose and spread so quickly that I feel sure that it liter- ally must have been forcibly ejected from the glands. MHabitually, the boars rub their backs on low limbs to leave their trade mark behind and thus m.-: out their range. Young peccaries arrive at any season of the year, so that at any time one is likely to come upon a nest containing one or two little reddish pigs. If taken and raised on a bottle they be- come affectionate pets, and later develop into very jealous and ferocious watch dogs; but for the safety of strangers they must be killed or confined when a couple of years old. Little black pigs follow their mothers right among the full-grown pigs of both sexes. Pigs may be found anywhere; on hill tops, along streams, on the flats, any place at any time; their little tracks making lacework over the ground after a rain, showing in many places where the pigs walk on the extreme tip of the hoof when expecting danger. The first intima- tion that one gets of the proximity of pigs is their strong odor, by which they actually can be followed by man. 1387 When the pigs detect the presence of an ene- my, they snort and click their razor-edged tusks, but as soon as the enemy is located they make off, deploying in fan-shape formation, to come together again when danger is past. They root for their food, which seems to be princi- pally vegetable, although grubs also undoubted- ly are eaten. Cactus, or nopal, forms a con- siderable portion of their diet, as it does of the deer, wood rats and other animals. The peccaries of the Texas border were near- ly exterminated some years ago by hide hunters who used dogs. I found a little negro who killed his pecearies with a penknife! The dog would seize the pig by one ear and hold on until our hero ran up, seized piggy by the other ear and cut his throat. Peccaries cannot be hunted with a jacklight, as deer are illegally hunted, because their eyes do not shine. Their eyes are small, and possibly the pigs have more sense than to stare at a strange light. It will not be long before peccaries are exterminated throughout the partially settled country, be- cause they are easily followed by dogs, and they have a fatal failing for going over their old range despite the changes wrought by man. Thus it is not unusual to see a band passing through a yard, or even a camp of soldiers. A MEXICAN AND HIS PET DEER AN IMMATURE WOOD IBIS He might have been saved ITEMS OF INTEREST. Avian Castaways.—Gulls, petrels, gannets and other sea birds are a refreshing sight at sea to break the monotony of the otherwise barren air. Perfectly at home on the water or flying, they derive their food and drink from the sea. Land birds blown to sea at night during migra- tion and alighting upon a steamer for succor from the waste of water give rise to entirely different emotions. The bewildered birds for- get their fear of man as a rule, and will suffer themselves to be closely approached. Little warblers flit about the decks and rigging seek- ing insects that have been blown to sea by the same wind that took them out of their course. Their fate is generally the same, however; a few sips of salt water that remains in puddles after the sailors have washed down the decks cause their wings to droop, they become less active, and either fall an easy prey to the ship’s cat, or crumple up into pitiful little puffs of feathers and die. Larger birds, such as hawks, generally alight upon the wireless antennae and will ride sometimes for two days until their keen eyes detect land. The only bird that I have noticed show any hesitancy about alighting was a barn swallow. Again I saw a bat far at sea. He paid no at- tention to the ship, but bore straight on, hope- lessly unorientated. Among the birds that I ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN have seen aboard coastwise vessels are the king- fisher, robin, redstart, yellowthroat, great blue heron, purple martin, mourning dove, osprey and various hawks. The little castaways appeal to me as pecu- liarly pathetic, and I always place fresh water where they can get it; but it is doubtful if they are ever saved to find their way ashore. The immature wood ibis in the accompanying cut might have been saved, as we came within sight of land the day following his advent, but he was very guileless and besides the sailors enjoy stewed “‘crane.’—C. G. Collecting Reptiles—The Curator of Rep- tiles has returned from a trip to the low grounds bordering the Savannah River, Georgia, spending fourteen days in collecting work. Five hundred and sixty reptiles were caught, erated and successfully shipped to New York without losses of any kind. Turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes and batrachians were repre- sented in the shipment, to the number of forty- seven species, and the total net weight of the specimens collected was slightly over five hun- dred pounds. There was a particular neces- sity for this trip, owing to the fact that our supply of Old World reptiles stopped abso- lutely, at the beginning of the war. In addi- tion to the specimens that were obtained, the southern trip also yielded photographs and scientific observations. A TINY CASTAWAY A little warbler far out at sea ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN A BASHFUL ORANG A Bashful Orang-Utan.—Young orang-utans are usually bold and confiding, and delight to be carried about by anyone who takes an in- terest in them. We have an exception to the rule, however, and this is Datu. He was born in the spring of 1912, and while playful enough in his roomy cage, where he impishly delights in teasing his immediate chums—another young orang and a chimpanzee—he steadily refuses to make friends among the keepers. Keeper Engeholm is the only member of the Monkey House staff who can handle Datu without em- ploying vigorous measures. If Engeholm for a moment leaves the ape while the latter is out for exercise, he manifests his rage with the most fearsome screeches. Datu is particularly bashful in the presence of the camera. When the instrument is made ready, there is a furtive search for friendly ob- jects to serve as hiding places. The two photo- graphs here shown portray Mr. Sanborn’s difficulties. In the first instance Datu refused to be photographed on the table and retired beneath it. After many attempts he was in- duced to remain on the table, but only when a stool was provided as a canopy of partial seclusion. New Anthropoids.—Despite the fact that the serious war conditions have practically elimin- ated the foreign animal-market, we _ have managed to obtain another specimen of chim- panzee which adds strength of numbers to our series of anthropoid apes. ‘There now are three chimpanzees, representing two species, and one orang-utan. The newest arrival among the anthropoids is a female about three years old, of the white-faced type known as Pan chim-. panzee, and was captured near the Gaboon Coast. Our other chimpanzees are not tract- able, and can not be handled. The newcomer, 1389 which we call “Fanny,” is particularly wel- come, as she is altogether docile and delights to be carried about by her keeper. Mammal House Repairs.—Owing to the gen- erous amount of water and disinfectants nec- essarily used in the cleaning of collections like those of the Small-Mammal House, the cages of that building have become so disintegrated by rusting, that it has become necessary to re- place them. The new compartments have been designed particularly to eliminate grooves and channels where water could accumulate. Few of our visitors realize the great amount of labor involved in cleaning the cages of this building. Without this work, the musky odors produced by a collection of civets, mustelines, small canines, felines and various other animals would render the building unpleasant for visitors. There are over one hundred and twenty cages in this building, and each of these must be scrubbed and scoured every morning before visitors enter. To further purify the air we have an electric ozonating apparatus in opera- tion during the day. Cementing the Wild-Fowl Pond.—In_ con- junction with the repair work in the Small- Mammal House, is the installing of a cement bottom in the Wild-Fowl Pond. Occasional sickness among the water-birds has demon- strated the necessity of treating the pond so that it can be emptied, and the bottom washed, at regular periods. This improvement effects a series of small-mammal cages on the west- erly shore. With the water out of the pond, the cages for coypu rats and otters are receiv- ing their share of attention, and an interesting installation will mark the filling of the pond and return of the ducks, geese and other water- fowl from their temporary quarters. HE WAS INDUCED TO REMAIN ON THE TABLE ONLY WHEN SHELTERED BY THE STOOL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN BANDED CURASSOW NESTING IN THE ZOOLOGICAL PARK There is no authentic record of these birds breeding in captivity, prior to this instance. Shipping Deer—We suggest to those in- terested in the purchase of deer, and who fre- quently write the Park about duplicate speci- mens for disposal, that spring is a very bad time for shipments. The bucks are growing their new antlers and being “in velvet” at this time, they are easily injured. It is almost im- possible to crate and ship a buck with velvet antlers without the latter becoming cut or bruised with the consequent loss of much blood. Moreover, the does give birth to fawns dur- ing May and June, which renders their ship- ment practically impossible during those months. If deer are to be shipped in the spring, it should be not later than March. In every way the autumn is the preferable time for shipping.—R. L. D. Vulture Habits—Playfulness and _ evident pleasure in human society are traits which one would hardly expect to find in birds of the habits of vultures. Yet many of the New World species possess these characters to a marked de- gree, as has already been noted in the Butur- TIN, in the case of the California condor. The king vulture is equally well endowed, and but for a single drawback, the friendly demeanor and brilliant coloration of an adult, hand-reared bird, would make it a charming pet. Its dietary needs are not difficult to meet, but its unfortu- nate habit of returning a meal, some time after ingestion, if it is sufficiently displeased, is not a recommendation to close companionship. Seri- ously, however, the friendliness of really tame king vultures is most engaging as well as inter- esting, and brings these birds many favorsand attentions which otherwise they might not re- ceive. Savage Hawks.—Fortunately for our small birds, the American goshawk is less abundant than its fellow-marauders, the sharp-shin and the Cooper hawk, and except on rare occasions, confines its depredations to the northern por- tions of the continent. Cannibalism is not the only trait shared by these three villains, for all are difficult to keep in captivity. They are wild and intractable, characteristics markedly differ- ent from those of most hawks in confinement. Moreover, they demand a continual diet of birds, which are not always easily supplied. With the goshawk, our experience has been somewhat limited, as the species is seldom to be obtained. In December, 1915, however, we acquired a superb specimen, which had been captured at Watertown, New York. This bird is becoming very steady, and as it does not in- sist that all of its food shall be feathered, may prove to be the happy exception.— L. S. C. GENERAL INFORMATION MEMBERSHIP IN THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Membership in the Zoological Society is open to all interested in the objects of the organiza- tion, who desire to contribute toward its support. The cost of Annual Membership is $10 per year, which entitles the holder to admission to the Zoological Park on all pay days, when he may see the collections to the best advantage. Members are entitled to the Annual Reports, bi-monthly Bulletins, Zoologica, privileges of the Administration Building, all lectures and special exhibitions, and ten complimentary tickets to the Zoological Park for distribution. Any Annual Member may become a Life Member by the payment of $200. A subscriber of $1,000 becomes a Patron; $2,500, an Associate Founder; $5,000, a Founder: $10.000. a Founder in Perpetuity, and $25,000, a Benefactor. Application for membership may be given to the Chief Clerk, in the Zoological Park; C. H. Townsend, N. Y. Aquarium, Battery Park, New York City, or forwarded to the General Secretary, No. 111 Broadway, New York City. ZOOLOGICAL PARK The Zoological Park is open every day in the year, free, except Monday and Thursday of each week, when admission is charged. Should either of these days fall on a holiday no admis- sion fee is charged. From April 15 to October 15, the opening and closing hours are from 9 o'clock A. M. until one-half hour before sunset. From October 16 to April 14, the opening and closing hours are from 10 o'clock A. M. until one-half hour before sunset. NEW YORK AQUARIUM The Aquarium is open every day in the year: April-October, from 9 o'clock A. M. to 5 ocleck P. M.; November- March, from 10 o'clock A. M. to 4 Solel P. M. No admission is charged. | PUBLICATIONS Annual Report No.1............ Paper $ .40 Official Guide to the New York ; s rt fs Dees eel Nauta thet oF 75 Cloth $1.00 Zoological Park (Hornaday)....................... 25 re hi ; and a each. . i a * me Souvenier Books: Series No. 3, 48 pages, 7x9 inches, 73 cis ow 8, Ncuen t i 100 “ 1.95 illustrations from four color plates............... 50 ee oh “9 “40 oh ce ee or 150 (By mail, postage 3 cents extra.) NE “ “11, 12, 18, 14, 15. : Souvenir Postal Cards: Series of 72 subjects in colors, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, CACHE aes 7 1.00 oe 1.25 sold in sets of 24 cards, assorted subjects......... 25 Our Vanishing Wild Life (Horna- : (By mail, postage 2 cents per set extra.) day) postpaid..............:. 1.65 Photogravures Series of 12 subjects in sepia. Animals Destruction of Our Birds and Mam- and views in the Zoological Park. Sold in sets mals (Hornaday)...........-. i 15 of 2 subjects. Per set, postpaid................. .25 Notes on Mountain Sheep of North : Souvenir Map-Fan: A combined fan and map of the America (Hornaday).......... 40 Zoological Park Gage pune atm ndlao inte Sedo oid Ge 10 The Caribou (Grant)............ i 40 .60 (By mail, postage 2 cents extra.) ‘The Origin and Relationship of the Panorama of the Zoological Park: Reproduced in colors Large Mammals of North Amer- : from an original drawing in perspective. Sold Tee CCLATID no eae “ 1.09 labor inetolderitonnaty sce ence l= sre ly cranes sents 10 ; sy i By mail, postag xents e) ) The Rocky Mountain Goat (Grant) 1,00 f ae posta ee gents ora 3 ‘ 5 Enlargements: 11X14 inches. 12 subjects in black and Zoologica Vol. 1. Nos. 1-11 inclusive, re SCOT aye ENG OV cc IMCL amon Ce ee eee ey nee staat niente 25 SOD es ys Fey ne 2.30 DUOLONe MBO WII CAGI ue) euieoac et aeihay cs nee Pome lient ci 35 Zoologica Vol. 1. Nos. 12, 13 and 14. A‘ 25 Hand Colored (10 Subjects), each................ 15 x ifieigg No. ie hac ec Rather 8 ie a Photo - Letter: (folding) 18 pictures, photogravure... 2 for .10 aa toe paige Sh in hanagi ies “ rs “8 s “ik . ANGOLOISHT ere 2for .10 e Pah AER HLL ROR RSA ee me 30 New York Aquarium Nature Series i Pe eA OV UPR ENG str 3 25 Sea Shore mlbiten (NVaiviel) emanate fone ace eo aes ss cael onenens $1.20 12 Ee ACA eve Cnr ae 7 25 : Cultivation of Fishes in Ponds (Townsend)............ .20 i i ree) a ee as On id 25 | Chameleons of the Sea (Townsend) ...........-..--..- 15 ' ea yr SHUT ey bit enn 3 25 Northern Elephant peal low nsend) PUTA TT e oeL tetany toa 25 i \ an Care of Home Aquaria (Osburn)............+..-...-.- 25 Bulletin Nos. 1, 6, 8, 35, 43 and 46 .. Out of Pr int porpoise in Captivity (Townsend). -.-.cs-cs:-. Ba aes Bulletins—Bi-monthly......-.. 20c. each; Yearly by mail 1.00 | Natural History of the Whale Shark (Gudger).......... 30 Bulletin Nos. 5 to 23 inclusive, set, cloth bound, Aare xeb esta ee 5.00 : = SUNT OMG OMamnie Tee ae ee a ea oe ip eee ane) etic uayeae ete: 10.00 Aquarium Post Cards: Colored. In sets, each..... Bel ickts) Bublicaions for sale at 111 Broadway, Zoological Park and the New York Aquarium. Wo XTX. No.5 OD SEPTEMBER, 1916 : Published by | J THE NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL aes mn Cpe tain SE UHM en CEP LUE ui THUR FREUND 1912 New York Zoological Sorivty General Orrice, 111 Broadway, New York Ciry. President Henry FarrFietp Osgorn. Hirst Vice-President and Secretary Mapison GRANT. Serond Vice-President Frank K. Srureis. Oreagurer Percy R. Pyne, 20 Exchange Place. Asst. Greasurer Tue Farmers’ Loan anp Trust Co. Exerutinve Comumitter Won. Pierson HamitLtTon, Frank K. Srurais, -Henry FairFietp Osporn, ex officio LisPENARD STEWART Watson B. DicKERMAN, Antuony R. Kuser, Mapison Grant, Chairman. Percy R. Pyne, Wittiam Waite NItes, Board of Managers £x officin: The Mayor and The Presioenr Department of Parks, City of New York. Glass of 1917 Cuarues F. Dietrericu, James J. Hitt Georce F. Baker, Grant B. Scutey, Henry FarrFieLp Osgorn, Witiiam C. CuurcnH, LisPENARD STEWART, H. Casimir pE Ruam, Wo. Pierson HamiLton, Rosert S. Brewster, Epwarp S. Harkness, Wiziam B. Oscoop Frexp. Class nf 1918 Levi P. Morton, ANDREW CARNEGIE, Mapison GRANT, Witiiam Wuire NI es, Henry A. C. Taytor, Frank K. Sturais, Georce J. GouLp, Ocpen MILLs, Lewis RutHerFurD Morris, ArcHer M. Huntineton, Henry M. Titrorp, E. C. Converse. Class of 1919 CiLeveLanp H. Dopee, C. Lepyarp Buratrr, Freperick G. Bourne, W. Austin WapswortH, F. Augustus SCHERMERHORN, Percy R. Pyne, Georce B. GRINNELL, Grorce C. CLark, ‘Emerson McMittin, AntHony R. KuseEr, Watson RB. DicKERMAN, Mortimer L. ScHIFr. General Officers Wituram T. Hornapay, Director, Zoological Park. Cuartes H. Townsenp, Director, New York Aquarium. R. L. Crerero, Bursar. C. Grant La Fares, Architect. H. De B. Parsons, Consulting Engineer. Grorce S. Huntineron, Prosector Officers of the Zoological Park Wittiam T. Hornapay, Director. H. W. Merxet, Chief Forester. W. Rew Buarr, Veterinarian. H. R. Mircuetu, Chief Clerk. Raymonp L. Dirmars, Curator, Reptiles. C. Witi1aM Besse, Curator, Birds. G. M. Brerrgeower, Engineer. L. S. Cranpatu, Asst. Curator, Birds. Wituiam MitcuHet.t, Cashier. Exwin R. Sansporn, Photographer and Editor. Officers of the Aquarium Cuarues H. Townsenp, Director. Wasuineton I. DeNysez, Assistant. CHapMAN Grant, Assistant. Louis L. Mowsray, Assistant. Rospert SutcuirFe, Clerk. Grorce A. MacCatuivum, Pathologist. coniat | nstiz qansor Ug, oS ; % mm SER DL GiO 22 Ne . “ional Muses ZO) Or eO EG IC AC TS OL | hel BoULE bene IN CONTENTS FOR SEPTEMBER, 1916 PAGE WC O@WING VSIA AGT cee ee eee oe EPDM ears ate pasate) arms Vel mbsala Mela ae Tn ape RrulR als k Frontispiece INGigmbtieng@ VSL ANTIATANS aw VE UON ree Wiliam Beebe 13938 PicTURES FROM THE RESEARCH STATION ccc cece eee RU Sen Ue py OG ce PA Pe 1400 Vampire Beesa Monkey Blaeck-Necked Aracari Toucan Akawai Indian Benab GREATEST VICTORY FOR THE Bap oicciicccccccccccccccccccsccceccccceeececeecneeeeneeeseeeecn eee eh W. T. Hornaday 1404 INiirexvvaelll lors tors io Spore een terol nts aus marlon one end ce SU cio oe new equi rm Site ae ie UO oat eel a ee son 1404 NAern= CMiviPnNniG SALAMANDER 28 = 6 lo ee Richard Deckert 1405 (oars aesserm JARO ee eet aio eee ee ste Raymond L. Ditmars 1406 ]Birmroayopnre: (CoA IS TRU se ae i eta cineca NOE I eer cle Teese eG. 1409 Vawramnis @is RPS RTOS ie ee eee a rome R. 1. Ditmars, L. S. Crandall 1410 Our Shy Giraffe Red Squirrels Prairie-“Dog” Feud Tropical Specimens Some Huge Frogs New Horned Snake Great Ant-Eaters An Industrious Elephant A Guilty Basarisk : Wasps aT THE TROPICAL RESHARCHY STATION .eccccccccccccc cece cccccececeeeceeceeeseeecceseneecceeeeee Paul G. Howes 1412 (Gi O UNG AU Aen nn eons ave NG ie ee Pe mat, VM Aiea, ARORA INAS ele ba So 25 Cover YOUNG HOATZIN 3 Unlike all other living birds, the young Hoatzin uses his fingers and claws in climbing. 13892 LOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN Published by the New York Zoological Society Vou. XIX SEPTEMBER, 1916 Numper 5 NESTLING HOATZINS AT HOME By Witu1am Breese. Illustrated by the Author and Paul G. Howes. HE flight of the hoatzin resembles that of a an over-fed hen. ‘The hoatzin’s voice is no more melodious than the cry of a pea- cock, but less sonorous than an alligator’s roar. The bird’s grace is batrachian rather than avi- an, while the odor of its body resembles that of no bird untouched by dissolution. Still, zoo- logically considered, the hoatzin is probably the most remarkable and interesting bird living on the earth today. It has successfully defied time and space. For it, the dial of the ages has moved more slowly than for the rest of organic life, and although living and breathing with us today, yet its world is an affair of two dimensions—a line of thorny saplings threaded along the muddy banks of a few tropical waters. A bird in a cage cannot escape, and may be found month after month wherever the cage is placed. > a) > SEP Giekete aldeke mektamamnuas | Vou. XX. No.3 c) | MAY, 1917 ALIN | SOCIELY BULLETLN iia | Mi Published by | : | . | iB THE NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY SOS Sema ei Se Pa ny en STITT STAT TT TTTRTITTVF TU, HIE i Eee bbe ae ni eT Ue ae TE TE tide da APES quae sata Sea ~ 7 : : ; , ; TuUUR FREUND 1912 Hirst Wice-Preatdent Mapison GRANT. Oreagsurer New York Zoological Society General Orricr, 111 Broadway, New York Ciry. President Henry FairFieLp Ossorn. Second Vice-President Frank K. Srurais. Asst. Creasurer Percy R. Pyne, 20 Exchange Place. Secretary Mapison GRANT. Executive Commiticr Wm. Pierson HamittTon, Frank K. Srureis, LISPENARD STEWART Mapison Grant, Chairman. Percy R. Pyne, WivuiaM Wuirte NILes, Board of Managers Tue Farmers’ Loan anv Trust Co. Watson B. DickERMAN, AntHony R. Kuser, Henry FarrFieLp Osporn, ex officio Ex ofticia: The Mayor and The Presioent Department of Parks, City of New York. Glass of 15918 E. C. Converse. Henry A. C. Taytor, Frank K. Sturais, Gerorce J. Goutp, Levi P. Morton, ANDREW CARNEGIE, ‘Mapison GRANT, Wituiam Waite NI ss, Glass nf 1919 C. Lepyarp Buair; FrepEerIcK GILBERT BourNeE, Wma. Austin Wapswortu, Emerson McMittuin, _ Percy R. Pyne, GrorGce Brrp GRINNELL, GrorGe C. CiarkK, CrieveLtanp H. Dopes, Class of 1920 George F. Baker, Grant B. ScHLEy, Wm. Pierson Hamitton, Rosert S. Brewster, General Officers Henry FairFiecLp Osgorn, Witiiam C. CuHurcH, LisPENARD STEWART, Cuartes F, Dierericu, Ocpen MILLs, Lewis RurHerFurRD Morais, ArcHuer M. Huntineron, Henry M. Titrorp, AntTHony R. Kuserr, Watson B. DickERMAN, Mortimer L. ScuirFr, Freperic C. Watcort. Epwarp S. Harkness, Wituiam B. Oscoop Fie, A. Barton HeEpgurn, Wizt1am Woopwarb. Witiram T. Hornapay, Director, Zoological Park. R. L. Cerero, Bursar. H. De B. Parsons, H. R. Mitcuett, Chief Clerk. Raymonp L. Ditmars, Curator, Reptiles. WituraM Beese, Curator, Birds. L. S. Cranpatu, Asst. Curator, Birds. Wasuincton I. DeNvysez, Assistant. Louis L. Mowpgray, Assistant. CuarLes H. Townsenpn, Director, New York Aquarium. . C. Grant La Farce, Architect. Grorce S. Huntineton, Prosector Officers of the Zoulogical Park Wituiam T. Hornapay, Director. H. W. Merkeu, Chief Forester. W. Rew Buarr, Veterinarian. G. M. Berrgeower, Engineer. Witiram MircuHe.t, Cashier. Exiwin R. Sanzorn, Photographer and Editor. Consulting Engineer. Officers of the Aquarinn CHarues H. Townsenp, Director. Rozsert SutcuiFrrFe, Clerk. Ipa M. Me ten, Secretary. Grorce A. MacCatuivm, Pathologist. Photographed at Laredo, Texas. GREAT SEIZURE OF PARADISE PLUMES At Laredo, Texas, on January 29, 1916, Abraham Kallman was caught smuggling into the United States 527 skins of the Greater Bird of Paradise, worth at least $52,700, for which he paid a fine of $2,500 and spent six months in jail. The skins were turned over to the New York Zoological Society, for educa- tional purposes. The seizure was made by Deputy Collector of Customs Ed. Cotulla, and Inspectors Robert Rumsey, Jr. and John C. Chamberlain. CONTENTS FOR MAY, 1917. AAISKGpTIN GMO AVC KS NigSiy ell Oily Eaki Nioke eae Pg eet ee eerie ina Ug etl aly LS Frontispiece AW Sera TON I WARNE Etre aa TS SG ah ae et CA ee ate Ue aU eee ene S. N. Leek 1481 HS OINADTIN Gon © OMT PYACNIVat bc ANS san pe me ieee TE Tete VeN LLNS tel TD ga See a he aa ee See 1489 PAVIA AUN GUSTS ON LNG S)WiE DE Nei seeei ae eo ete ee ees (Swedish Nordstjernan) 1489 Wanted! An AUTOMOBILE WWW Sle RN ea ete a SR ae ANG) Oe RN 1489 SWESCRIBERS WhO PGR OPN OAT MICE SHAR CHa VV(QRIKG si y2 9 Ske eee eee eee 1490 EAN NVA POLUUINI DEE SUB SOR MEET ONS: hae sent ttee oie eames WEE bc ae Bae MA Sel as ee, ot Me aoe he 1490 SYANITAURAVG MED QIN (US fou ENON A ete pene © teen opeen ite oe ert t Hoy i See ci vib a St eZ W.T. Hornaday 1490 IO)iairiogin Wistar van ee OTe eres a eae eee W.T. Hornaday 1491 Huntine Reprines 1n THE SoutTu meas 2 escih BNR 0 ey ek iO Raymond L. Ditmars 1498 RAISING THE ETAG on BaArp Court, ZOoLoGican PARK (20 Cover SUHH#NON LVAD NI SNIVINQOW HHL AO LNO ANVO WIA ONIAUVIS AHL GNV ‘ATOH S\NOSHYOVE NI AUAAUS SVM UALNIM DHL rea tise “ 1480 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN —n Published by the New York Zoological Society Vou. XX MAY, 1917 NumBer 3 WHITE PATCH (The Biography of an Elk.) By S. N. Leek. E WAS born on Slate Creek near Mount Lydia in Jackson’s Hole very early in the morning of May thirtieth, a small, weak and helpless body mounted upon long, un- gainly legs. He made several ineffectual at- tempts to get up, but was forced to lie still and rest. After several more attempts he succeed- ed, but with legs spread far apart. In attempt- ing to take a step, he fell to the ground. Sey- eral times he tried before he successfully stood. He braced himself for a few minutes, then took several wabbly steps, and again fell. He then lay still for some time. In the meantime the sun appeared over the eastern hills, and its warmth revived the fawn. After a few attempts, he got to his feet, and the cow elk stood by his side and let him lean against her body. He tried a few, feeble steps and a short time later he took a little breakfast. This gave him renewed strength, and he was able to wallx some little distance in a hesitating, wabbly way, finally to fall over a log, where he lay utterly tired out. The cow lay down by him for a few minutes, then got up and went to a spring not far away, for a drink. As soon as the cow had gone, a coyote appeared to search for the fawn that instinct told her was not far away. White Patch (for, henceforth, that is to be his name), lay near the prostrate tree, his white spots blending with the spots of sunlight that filtered through the foliage above. The brick- red color of his blend with the dry pine needles and grass carpet made his outline hard to dis- cern, even by a practiced eye. lay outstretched not a movement could be ob- served. Suddenly he heard a slight rustling As White Patch. of the grass, and then the coyote stepped upon a fallen tree scarcely ten feet away, and looked about. Her sensitive nostrils sniffed the warm, damp air, and her ears were alert for the least sound. Although she was on a hunt for food for a hungry family, even with three senses alert she failed to locate the helpless fawn, and finally passed on. Soon the cow elk returned from the spring and coaxed White Patch to his feet. He again nursed, and as his mother fed on the tender grass, he followed, gaining strength each min- ute. ‘The next day when his mother went to the spring White Patch went with her. He could now walk about without staggering, and could even run a short distance in awkward play. For a week they remained in this quiet re- treat. Once more during that time White Patch saw the skulking coyote, but now he was strong and swift, and his mother was near, so he felt no fear. One afternoon as the shadows of the trees began to lengthen on the ground, the cow elk started off into the dark woods, and White Patch followed after. The plain, well beaten path led them among prostrate logs and great trees. As they were passing beneath a large tree he noticed a strange smell. Among the branches overhead there was a slight movement and a great animal sprang toward him. He leaped nimbly to one side, and ran with all his might. Long he ran, without trail or sense of direction. Finally he saw many animals like his mother that allowed him to approach, but did not ca- ress him as his mother did. He felt very lonely 1481 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN WHITE PATCH LAY CLOSE TO A FALLEN TREE and hungry. He called and called for his mo- ther, but she failed to appear. He feared to hunt for her in the great forest where he had seen the strange animal. It soon grew dark and the weird noises of the coyote’s mournful call frightened him very much. Then, away off in the dark woods he heard a mother’s voice calling her lost child,—it was his mother’s voice calling to him. He answered, as loud as he could, and when at last she ap- peared in the opening, he ran to her. She had given him up as lost, but her mother love urged her to hunt and call. Her pleasure was great as she caressed him. No more they ventured into the thick wocds, but remained with the herd. Nearby was an alkali lick where they went nightly to sip the brackish waters. White Patch had many com- panions of his own age, and happy times they had as they raced about among the herd. Often he lost his mother, and called wildly until she answered. Once he heard a booming sound not far away, and they all ran through the woods and over the hills, to get away from the terrible sound. They ran for miles, and White Patch saw one of his playmates washed away and drowned in a swollen mountain stream. In the mad rush White Patch lost his mother. Each little spotted fawn soon found its parent, and finally he heard her voice and went to her. But until dark, and all that night at intervals, the poor, distracted mother whose baby was drowned in the river, called and called in vain. As the weeks passed White Patch grew lusty and strong. His spots had faded and gone, and he could keep up with his mother in a race. Her red coat had turned gray and he was be- ginning to look like her. Although quite tall, he was slenderly built, and his legs seemed very long for his body. One never-to-be-forgotten morning he heard a shrill bugle-call that frightened him very much. Again he heard the strange, thrilling sound, and a great bull elk walked out of the woods, and passed among the cows and calves. He feared, yet he admired that huge creature with those massive antlers. In the herd there was none other so noble as this new-comer. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN THE FAWNS, UNABLE TO STAND THE RIGORS OF WINTER, DIED ONE BY ONE The great head was held high, his antlers lay along his back, and his shrill bugle-call rever- berated over the mountain side. Later on White Patch ceased to dread the dark woods, and he became used to the bugle- call. He learned that in mad flights from dan- ger it sometimes served to keep the herd to- gether: One day the bugle-call from the herd of White Patch was answered just as fiercely, and another great antlered king walked from the woods. ‘The challenge of the monarch of his herd had been accepted. Warily the two bulls appreached, for each knew the other’s prowess and strength. Their horns met with a crash. Back and forth through the herd they fought, their sharp hoofs and great weight tearing up the ground, while cows and calves quickly made way for them. Gradually the new-comer was pressed back. In vain he tried to gain the up- per hillside. Suddenly he sprang away, wheeled and ran, but not before a cruel thrust from one of the tines of the victor had torn a deep fur- row along his unguarded flank. It was now early autumn, and from many di- rections were heard strange booming sounds, and frightened herds were seen madly fleeing from one mountain to another. Very early one morning that awful roar was heard close by, and instantly it sent the whole herd flying in wild panic for the green timber. At first White Patch was so terror stricken that he could not flee. Fear held him spell-bound. He had seen the great antlered monarch of the herd stag- ger, and fall with a crash. He saw two men run from the wocds, rush up to the fallen king, and clasp their hands over him in congratula- tion! How different were the feelings of White Patch, who, could he have spoken, would have said: “By what right do you enter God’s sanctuary. and desecrate it by destroying one of His most magnificent creatures?” And yet, they were not altogether bad, or they would have shot and killed the fawn which stood within easy range. But now, awakened from his trance, terror lent wings to the feet of White Patch, and madly he fled to overtake the herd. The next day the herd was joined by another antlered elk,—the vanquished bull with the wounded flank. T1d4a GNV GHYADOVLS HOUVNOW CHUYAILNV LVAYS AHL 1484 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN 1485 THAT SUMMER, WHITE PATCH ASCENDED TO THE SUMMITS OF THE MOUNTAINS Soon after the first snow came, at first light and feathery, and beautiful. White Patch and his companions had great sport racing through it. Later on the clouds became more dense, and the snow storms increased until all the grass was buried out of sight. Very soon the snow was a foot deep. Up to that time the elk had remained far back and high up in the moun- tains, but now, under the wise leadership of the mother of White Patch they began to de- scend. In single file, they toiled downward, through the glistening snow-field until they passed below the snow, and again came to where grass, only, covered the ground. White Patch marvelled much as he looked back from whence they had just come, and saw all the mountain tops glistening white with snow. As they continued to descend they fell in with other elk, and their herd became many times larger than when they were in the higher country. In the greater company there was much excitement and confusion. Many more large bull elk had appeared and they were fight- ing continually, their great horns rattling to- gether at frequent intervals. Added to this, was the incessant bugling, and the constant call- ing of the cows and calves to locate each other. Then more snow fell, piling up deeper in the higher mountains and extending far down to the valley, as the long lines of elk descended. More ellk appeared and joined the moving masses un- til they formed a tremendous crowd, all steadily moving down to the lower country. White Patch, in his dreams during the bright sunshine of summer, had foreseen that they must leave their beautiful summer home because of intense cold and much suffering for food, and now the snow and winter were upon them. The male elk seemed to lose all interest in the herd and went on ahead, as though they knew and dreaded the high mountains in winter. Soon the main bunches of elk overtook the males and joined the great herd that were already scat- tered over the wind-swept mountain slopes. The cold was now intense; and in their search for food they spread apart, breaking up into small bands. With White Patch and his mother there were scarcely twenty-five elk. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN THE ANTLERS, OF WHICH WHITE PATCH HAD BEEN SO PROUD, DROPPED OFF During the day they rested, or roamed over the wind-swept hills, and during the night they descended to the creek bottoms among the wil- lows. They could no longer get the alkali salt to keep them healthy. Grass was scarce, and hard to find. The willow twigs they ate along the creek caused them to “‘lose their cud” ; as the cattlemen say. The cows were no longer able to nourish their calves, and White Patch saw his late companions, one by one, grow thin and weak, and succumb to hunger and the cruel, winter weather. But his robust condition given him by his prime-conditioned mother enabled him to withstand the long winter, though only a shadow of his former self. As the snow began to go and he got a little green grass, he gained in strength. When the herd he was with got to the first alkali-lick on the way to their summer home, he improved very fast, and his old and faded winter coat of hair began to fall off. But what concerned him most, however, was the throbbing in his head, where a small knot began to appear over each eye. He remained with the herd, and as spring advanced cows began to join, each with a little spotted fawn as he remembered the com- panions of his youth. And though they played the same games and ran just as swift races, he had no inclination to join them. His old gray coat was all gone, he had a new red suit, and his horns were growing a curving spike with one point, each covered with short red hair, and he was very proud and took good care of them. His red coat began to turn a light cream trimmed with brown in the flanks, and his “tusks” were grown to considerable size. Again he heard the bugle-call, and a great male elk joined the herd. This fellow White Patch thought very cruel. Several times he barely escaped being gored by him, and he was not sorry when, a few days later, another bugle was heard and another antlered king came from the woods. The new-comer advanced and of- fered to give battle, but the cruel male was a coward, and seeming to see the battle going the wrong way he discreetly withdrew. One day when all seemed peace and content- ment, and the elk were lying in the green tim- ber, busily chewing their cud, like a lightning bolt from a clear sky, four gray animals sprang among them. In a moment all was consterna- tion and flight. As if by prearranged plan, the gray intruders fell upon a yearling female and quickly pulled her to the ground. Thus was one of the few remaining young companions of White Patch snatched away. The gray wolves had taken toll from the herd. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN JUST BEFORE SUNSET THE GREAT ELK AND HIS HERD APPEARED ON THE MOUNTAIN SIDE The early snows again drove the elk down from the high mountains, and now White Patch had to look out for himself. Early in the win- ter he had shed the two middle incisor teeth from his lower jaw in the front, and with no front teeth on the upper jaw, he was in a poor way for rustling. When the snow got so deep that it covered all the grass, and he had to depend solely on willow browse, he grew very thin, and spring found him emaciated and weak. Among the cliffs on the hillside, he hunted out and cropped the earliest green grass, and this gave him strength. Then the horns of which he had been so proud, dropped off. He soon fell in with a few more about his age, and together they went back toward the summer range. They visited all the salt licks as they came to them, and this, with spring grass, gave them health and vigor. The new horns of White Patch grew rapidly and in place of one plain spike, each horn de- veloped four points. In the fall, when the vel- vet began to loosen and hang in long strips, he worked diligently, rubbing the horns in the. brush to get the velvet loose and to polish them. He felt very proud of his new horns, and felt anxious to show them to the other elk. Boldly he walked toward the herd, until he saw a great pair of towering antlers coming toward him. He faltered, then turned to flee, he was almost too late, for those great horns nearly reached his flank. At another herd he got the same kind of a reception from the leader, and he felt him- self an outcast; doomed to wander alone. With his late companions who had been no more successful than himself in joining the herds, he wandered about the summer range until the snow began to fall. They were then strong and rugged, and went farther back in the mountains. With his strong hoofs White Patch pawed away twelve inches of snow in the mountain parks, down to the rich grass beneath. Occasionally he heard rumblings on the steep mountain sides as the great weight of the upper layers of snow crashed in avalanches through to the bottom. He paid no attention to this till one day, as the snow settled, he heard a great roar on the mountain side above him. His wild instinct told him of great danger, and he sprang forward and ran with all his might. A great mass of snow, filled with shattered trees 1488 and rocks, rushed toward him. The mighty mass swept past him, and he looked about for his late companions. Only eight were in sight. Seven had been carried away by the avalanche, and now were buried beneath hundreds of feet of snow and ground-up trees in the gulch below. Early in the spring they started for the sum- mer range; wading the great snow drifts, to get to the alkali salt. In March, White Patch lost one horn by the regular shedding process, and he caught the other in the sage brush and pulled it off. This summer White Patch and his few remaining companions went higher in the moun- tains, almost to their summits, where the snow drifts lay on the ground nearly all summer. Here they spent an inactive summer. They ate the rich grass, drank the pure, sparkling water, and made regular trips to the lick. His new horns had commenced to grow and they were now much heavier. There were five points on each. His body was filling out, and he was get- ting much stronger, and his tusks were nearly mature. During the early fall, White Patch heard again that terrible booming sound which every elk fears and dreads. It was repeated; and two of his companions fell. In his mad rush from the place, White Patch got separated from his companions and wandered alone for days. White Patch spent the winter in the snow; and in the spring his old horns fell off and new ones came. This time there came a pair of six points, and they were also massive, and heavy. With them he went forth in the early fall, no longer a stripling. When he joined the herd he was met by an- other bull elk, seemingly his equal. After a fierce struggle, he conquered his adversary and drove him off into the woods with a terrible wound in his side. For the remainder of the season he was supreme. He kept all other males from his herd and when a cow started to wander away he promptly and firmly herded her back. White Patch spent the next winter near his old place in the canyon, at the head of the lower valley, where the grass grew rank on the north slope. Here, by pawing the snow down hill, it was easy to uncover grass and eat his fill. In the spring, when his old horns fell off his new horns had seven points each. They were mas- sive, of great length, and spread widely, such as now are rarely seen; and when he joined the herd in the fall his great size and grand wea- pons commanded respect. He had no battles to fight. All made way before him. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN At a certain camp-fire one night late in Sep- tember, a guide remarked: “I saw old Broad- Horn and his bunch again today. They are up on Bike Mountain.” “Is he really as big as you say?” queried one of the sportsmen. “Big!” exclaimed the guide, “He’s a mon- ster! His horns have seven points on each side, and the spread will measure fully 65 inches.” ce . . . 9? Tomorrow morning we will go for him, said the sportsman. The next morning as the sun rose over the eastern hills, the hunters reached the top of Bike Mountain. It was a large table-land, with pine and spruce timber in varying stages of maturity. As the sun rose, they heard old Broad-Horn bugle. There was no mistaking that harsh, gruff voice. The hunters saw a swaying tree, and so lo- cated the great elk, in the act of polishing his horns. “Bang! bang! bang!” went the high powered rifle. At one of the reports the big bull was seen to stagger, but on his trail no blood could be found. In fact, the bullet had gone through one horn, cutting a clean hole at the entrance, and knocking out a big piece. Several days later, on the north slope of Mt. Lydia, that elk bunch was again seen by the same guide, who had trailed it the entire dis- tance. Camp was moved nearby, and just be- fore sunset the great elk and his herd appeared on the mountain-side above. It was in an easy place to approach, and it looked bad for old Broad-Horn; but just at that moment a snow squall came up, and behind the thick cur- tain of the storm the big bull again escaped. That night his bunch of elk descended the mountain below the snow, and there was no trail to follow. That winter was very severe on the elk in Jackson’s Hole. A snow storm of considerable depth, followed by rain, locked the elk’s winter range beneath a coating of ice. Sufficient hay could not be procured to feed the starving ani- mals, and the loss and suffering among them was fearful. This unusual condition drove the big bull from his favorite canyon into the feed- yard with the other elk. Old Broad-Horn was king of the feed-yard, as he was monarch of the woods and mountains. He feared nothing but the author of that ter- rible booming sound, and he could not help but ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN flee whenever he heard it. Once it had killed his ideal of an elk, once it had killed two of his companions at his side, and near the base of one of his horns was the hole made by the bul- lets that had sought his life. This made him very shy and wary, and though he was often seen for several hunting seasons, no hunter succeeded in laying him low. The experiences set forth above are such as happen to every perfect male elk that reaches full maturity. It shows the dangers that beset them on every side, and the gauntlets they must run for existence. Through it all the plan of nature is plain: First, the males will not breed till the new horns are fully matured. This causes the calves to be born about June first. One month earlier, the calves would perish during the cold spring storms; and one month later, the calves would succumb the following winter, because they would be too immature to stand both the sever- ity of the weather and the shortage of food. Naturally the strongest, most robust males keep the decrepit bulls and the immature males from the herd during the mating season. The physically weak and imperfect animals are culled out by the rigors of winter, and thus the deteriorations of the herd is prevented. The young and helpless fawns are endowed with protective coloring to blend with their surround- ings, and born without scent, to save them from predatory animals. Bonding Company Pays.—The members ot the Society will recall, no doubt, the serious damage by water to the walls of the Elephant House through the faulty construction of the roof, shortly after the building was completed. It was found necessary to replace the flat, tarred roofs entirely, and to remove over one- half of the tiles from the main building, tar that portion and lay the tiles again, at a cost to the City of $2,250 which was paid for by a special appropriation. It is interesting to note that the City at last has received this sum from the Surety Company that was on the bond of the contractor. This is the only instance within our knowl- edge wherein a bonding company or bondsman has made good to the city a loss incurred through imperfect work on the part of a con- tractor. Crossbreeding American Bison in Sweden.— The Director of the Government Museums Eth- nographic Department, Professor C. V. Hart- 1489 men, has secured from Germany, for the Muse- um, a herd of nine American Bison, recently landed in Stockholm. Experiments are to be made in crossing them with native cattle so as to create a hybrid form, valuable for draught purposes and as_ beef cattle. The herd has, during the period of one month, been housed in a suitable spot near “Hassel backen” assigned by the Government; thence, in the spring to be conveyed to a wooded island off the coast, rich in hill and meadow land and well inclosed by stout fencing. This place has been allotted to the herd by a prominent personage belonging to Sweden’s castled gentry.—Swedish Nordstjernan, New York. Translated by Palmyre de C. Mitchell. Wanted! An Automobile—For the use of the Zoological Society in the Zoological Park, a medium sized five or seven passenger open touring car is much needed. The Society’s car- riage horse is no longer living, and it is not ad- visable that the former arrangement of horse- and-coupe shall be continued. On account of its many obligations and ex- penditures, the Society cannot be asked to pur- chase an automobile of a size and kind suitable for the needs of the Park. The fund once avail- able has been spent in arousing and equipping Company A of the Zoological Park Guards. In this extremity, the very least that we can do—and possibly the most, also,—is to inform the members of the Society of the existing need, in the hope that some good friend will dis- cover himself, or herself, in possession of a “used” Cadillac, a Studebaker, a Hudson, a Reo, or some car of similar size and cost, which could without too great a sacrifice be bestowed upon the Society. A large and heavy car would not be quite the thing for our needs; because we are forced to practise economy in the cost of maintenance. Weeeelva Ele WAR STOPS TROPICAL STATION WORK The work of the Tropical Research Station will be abandoned temporarily. Because of the uncertainty of maritime travel, the Society does not deem it wise to risk the lives of any of the men necessary to the con- tinuance in the wilderness of the Station duties. Funds are available, and at the first oppor- tunity the activities of the Tropical Laboratory 1490 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN Bepartments : Mammals Aquarium W.T. Hornapay. C. H. TownseEnpD. Birds Reptiles WILLIAM BEEBE. Raymonp L. Dirmars. LEE S. CRANDALL. Published bi-monthly at the Office of the Society, 111 Broadway, New York City. Yearly by Mail, $1.00. MAILED FREE TO MEMBERS. Copyright, 1917, by the New York Zoological Society. Each author is responsible for the scientific accuracy and the proof reading of his contribution. ELwin R. Sanporn, Editor and Official Photographer Vou. XX, No. 3 INOENC., IG ey will be resumed. Subscribers to the fund for this work are as follows: Mortimerpies,Schittes= se 5s = $1,000 Cleveland@h Dodve == 1,000 Cap WedijardeB aires oes ee 1,000 FAURE War CALM CCl Crm e ma eee 1,000 Geaoncemda7 Golde 1,000 Dio baleieesentree net amelie $5,000 ANIMAL FUND SUBSCRIPTIONS The Board of Managers of the Society have donated the following sums for the purchase of animals: i koreinmonvere Je SON se ee $1,000.00 Eredericke Grab Ourne pene ree 1,000.00 Obert Sse brewster: <-ssse center meen 1,000.00 eRe: ess MEVANe yo a at Se mareere sa 0 1,000.00 evenmyg Vice ui tongs pct ot ete ee one 1,000.00 Georger ie ake. nea ee ee 1,000.00 Weispenarde Stewart jest eee 500.00 diwandiSs, scliemikaes senses eeeete co ee 500.00 inlay (Cenaneei@- le sa a 500.00 A\- Jelena JS Weyol Owe ee 500.00 Charles hs Dieterich. 2) see 300.00 Georsen@s Clarks] SPER AE Saloec tiene a 250.00 $8,550.00 In response to a letter to the members of the Society, the following amounts were sub- scribed to the same fund: Jina Mion garantie ein See eee 250.00 Th ouis sie Ouray tema uae renee stare 200.00 New bold hiding mes ateamenas meemnennine 100.00 Jz Santordse ares ee ee eee eee 100.00 William Ace DnB coisa eee 100.00 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN Muss Katharine DirBoist2 ee 100.00 SHH GAOL Lees, PASTE OE coer tees ctedencym bier 100.00 James pO one lacie: ee eee eran 100.00 Nii; Sea Gre or Sem Vemdlibiatc hier, eee 100.00 Mircea Wane GaNicliol guess >. ae enn 50.00 aliases Wola AUS ING | epee et eect 50.00 Georce se Gould eee ene 25.00 Eranizpibio lini ett ct ee eae 25.00 1 (a liber Dip = ea nc pe es ce ean om eh 25.00 Rachar diving Eo ewes. teem cone enne 25.00 ChanlesmWalsie rsa te eae neat 25.00 WSSP SV lili a. 3.00) 4s: 2a cae ene ree ane 25.00 Oscar Diresslem = 5. eS 20.00 Mrs. Catherine D. Vernon ......................... 15.00 Marsh. Po aR ayaie se oe eee 15.00 Wowitses Flan ee se ee eer ee en 15.00 Wimls ei Roclkewood = sre as mes 10.00 elise Bye iseaiyornn Onl Pee pee oe eee 10.00 Cale C arp emit emirates sek oe eesti eat eae 10.00 Manele lentclxenus eee 10.60 Miitiss mannan layers laisse eee ee 10.00 IOI Sia! SOOO Oo eee eu 10.00 James WAew LO Coe ee eee 10.00 Ered iSauten unseen e 2G tes Reece ee 10.00 Eleniys Mehl O ies 2. os ek ee oe oe 10.00 dwardel Parkers sss Soe ee 2s 10.00 Georgegil ea entissee. see eee 10.00 Molara, JES IO)5 1BeNSON a 5.00 Berd JOCtIN Ge ries sm el eet nee oes 5.00 [One Vaile aAcChkSOns steer een eee 5.00 Miss Marion Scofield 22a ~ 5.00 WPojball’ 402 Raa eS Goi 5s ee see oe ae $1,595.00 Miamiato ens ae sees Gr Gi ots view Re ores 8,550.00 $10,145.00 The Society will require about $4,000 addi- tional for the purchase of animals during the current year. THE SALARY BONUS FUND By W. T. Hornapay. Every year, for the past fifteen years at least, we have labored with the Board of Esti- mate and Apportionment to secure for our low- salaried employees all the pay increases that there seemed to be the faintest hope of obtain- ing. Each year a very small number of trifling increases have been secured, but the annual total has been painfully small. It is worthy of remark that with the sole ex- ception of the Assistant Curator of Birds, more years than we can accurately remember have elapsed since the pay of any staff officer of the Park has been augmented. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN Late in the year 1916, it was reliably re- ported that the Mayor, the Board of Estimate and the Board of Aldermen proposed to in- crease the salaries of all city employees re- ceiving less than $1,200 per year to the extent of ten per cent. Without a moment’s loss of time we entered an urgent claim that in that wholesale increase the employees of the Zoolog- ical Park should participate. ‘The needs and the claims of our 154 men and women, who came within the twelve hundred dollar limit, were set forth in the strongest terms to the Mayor, the Comptroller and others. Finally, it came to pass that the Board of Es- timate and the Board of Aldermen really did in- crease by ten per cent the pay of 18,448 city employees; but our own force was penalized by being left out in the cold. That such a force should be so treated was not only disheartening, but positively demoral- izing. ‘The situation as it stood meant for the families of scores of our men actual privations by deprivation of such prime necessaries of life as food, clothing and medicine. In this emergency, an appeal was made to the Board of Managers of the Zoological Society, for a subscription fund of $11,600 with which to give to each Park employee, during the year 1917 only, a monthly gift or bonus in cash amounting to ten per cent. on all salaries under $1,300 per year. It was stipulated that if done, this action would carry no promise for any fu- ture year, for the simple reason that the Society could not be expected to repeat this effort. The response of the Board of Managers was prompt and generous. At the annual meeting of the Board, this matter was given first consider- ation, as being the most important business. The sum required was subscribed by the Man- agers named in the following list: Emerson McMillin (20%) ........... $2,280 i diwardaioem llaxkniessi essen 2,000 Cleveland EleeD odveie se eae 1,500 Mortimer 1. Schitt) (10%) 2. 1,140 Wm. Pierson Hamilton 0. 1,000 CRU C OniViers ego een esc Melua 1,000 Jayna bRENGY (CAMA ENS: cel charmer crrencscrceh hearer 1,000 Ocenia Minch a eens ese see Caen eee 1,000 Giraiiaites ses S.ClNG Ny ge ere ee mee es $11,420 The first payment from this fund, for the month of January, was made on the pay-day of February 2; and never was a systematic gift toward the cost of living more gratefully and thankfully received. beneficiaries, the staff officers of the Park are In addition to the direct: 1491 profoundly grateful, first because of the relief to the families of the men, and also because it saved the morale of the force from a crushing blow. There are reasons for the hope that for the future the city will grant to our men an in- crease similar to that bestowed upon the fortu- nate 18,448 last December. DEFENSE MEASURES AT THE ZOOLOGICAL PARK. WAR with a great nation always is a leap in the dark. No one can say to what it will lead, or the total extent of its effects. Realizing that the Zoological Park now must be placed on a footing of self defense against all internal disorders, and also realizing the duty of every citizen to do his bit, the Zoological Park force has made a beginning in taking up the general burden of civilization. The first step was to erect two tall flag poles, one at the north end of Baird Court fifty-five feet high, another on Rockingstone Hill forty- five feet high. On Saturday, March 31, at 4 oclock, on a fine afternoon, the flag on Baird Court was raised, with an appropriate cere- mony. The occasion was improved by the Boy Scouts of the Bronx for a general mobilization, and the Boys turned out in battalion formation, 900 strong, with their fife, drum and bugle corps, company colors and a Red Cross field unit of five tents. The Band of the Catholic Protectory, at Van Nest, rendered valuable co-operation through- out, and played the patriotic airs very accept- ably. A patriotic and inspiring address was de- livered by Hon. Douglas Mathewson, Borough President, which was followed by an address from Dr. Hornaday. Having been asked by the Bronx Branch of the American Red Cross to aid the work of that organization, the Park officers, with the ap- proval of the Zoological Society and the Mayor, erected a raised floor in the north half of the Lion House, ninety feet long and twelve feet wide, to be occupied as a “Zoological Park Working Base.” Sixteen sewing machines were installed, and a suitable outfit of worl tables. The officers of the Park formed a Zoological Park Defense Committee, and at once set out to raise funds by subscription, to finance all the Red Cross work done in the Park. In view of the great quantity of materials required, es- pecially in woolen cloth, this is no trifling mat- 1492 ter. At least $5,000 will be required, and that sum must be raised. Subscriptions are urgently invited; and checks may be sent to William I. Mitchell, Treasurer, Zoological Park. Thus far the subscription list stands as follows: William Pierson Hamilton 0. Five Friends of Mr. Hamilton 250.00 Nally les tellormeadays 2 eee eee 100.00 Cleveland eit Dod ge os eee 100.00 cispenardm@stewanrk =e sue ee 100.00 Brenig bur wish. 1.) nace eee 100.00 Miortiment is Schitis. - a. oe seen 100.00 Kredenick Go ourmes 2 ees 50.00 eeaR eS Nii tele lilt cote aren enn enact aeons 50.00 Geoy Noo Remhardt. . Sand 4,each.. | -40 Fe -60 (By mail, postage 3 cents extra.) 5 5 a5 «15 1.00 ‘ 5 Seen oe 06 al REIL ae ea a 1.00 oo 1.25 Animals in Art Stamps: Album of 82 Pages, providing 0 cc SQ est OMe se 1.25 ss 1.50 space for mounting 120 art stamps in four colors 2G of “ 11, 12, 18, 14, 15. made from selected photographs of animals taken 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, each....... oa 1.00 ot 1.25 in the Zoological ee complete will stamps ae ‘ Bae AEE: Our Vanishing Wild Life (Horna- FE ee ae ore eee day) postpaid... sorte estes 1.65 Wild Animal Stamp Primer: 96 page cloth bound book Destruction of Our Birds and Mam- és containing 49 animal stories, illustrated by 50 four- mals (Hornaday)............. 15 color stamp reproductions....... fe rode eeateoaeteye ate taoes .85 Notes on ee ee of North (By mail 7 cents extra) America (Hornaday).......... 40 a : : : : “ Photogravures: Series of 12 subjects in sepia. Animals The Caribou (Grant)............ a flu and views in the Zoological Park. Sold in sets The Cnet and Hele tionsiip me the of 2 subjects. Per set, postpaid................. 25 Lar, ammals o or mer- : a *(Grant) Ye Se a Ramee Maen en oe 1.00 SOC ene ig Bam A combined fan and map of the A F o OOlOLICRI MP ATK aie shea etsicheqetencn ae aie toe eee 10 The Rocky Mountain Goat (Grant) 1,00 (By mail, postage 2 cents extra.) doolonice Wiel 2, NOs tM nelusixe; or 2.80 Panorama of the Zoological Park: Reproduced in colors perce srias Wings cebeea teamicdnas ot aya ot ee 3 from an original drawing in perspective. Sold Zoologica Vol. 1. Nos. 12,18 and14. +25 filatrorninetoldenstonnce rnin mens een 10 “ poe NSE fe patina ne men “s a (By mail, postage 2 cents extra.) “ Mtn Let amet ae oUt hast 95 Enlargements: ee X14 inches. 12 subjects in black and as gS Sine ara SSS SE Ry ah Cae ast ae 30 Whe rea estar tr 2 one ea lceeseteuatee meen enere cole caeoaa hate tans 25 oo MERA nee Uenatonccenecese oe os 95 IDIOMA, IK PIGEONS nbn Sc ona seGmeeemeG one 35 me erst JE Ft mate) (ener mene *s 25 Hand Colored (10 Subjects), each................ 15 : irate Ate ea set eie z 2 Photo-Letter: (folding) 18 pictures, photograyure... 2 for .10 “ Used Care ereqaile eames ee aH “ 5 7h i. sf Rees As @OlOYS iniviex esate 2for .10 Pepe ies elem it aey, aie 8 25 Zoopathologica Vol. I. No.1...... i 25 ner Mork Aquarium Nature Series ¢ ine cf We Bbrowares i 25 Seay Shorevunfe (Mayer) in cas. cictete oan te arebeed eke cueratanas oes 1.20 Bulletin Nos. 1, 6, 8, 35, 48 and 46... 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In sets, each.... ea 5O5 Publications for sale at 111 Broadway, Zoological Park and the New York Aquarium. New York Zoological Society GeneRAL Orricr, 111 Broadway, New York Ciry. President Henry Farrrirtp Osporn. Hirst Vice-President Mapison GRANT. Second Vice-President Frank K. Srureis. Asst. Greasurer Tut Farmers’ Loan anp Trust Co. Oreasurer Percy R. Pyne, 20 Exchange Place. Secretary Mapison GRANT. Executive Committee Wm. Pierson Hamitton, Frank K. Srurais, LisPENARD STEWART, Watson B. DickermMan, Antuony R. Kuser, Hanry Farrrintp Oszorn, ex-officio Mapison Grant, Chairman. Percy R. Pyne, Witiiam Wuite NILes, Board of Managers £x offcin: The Mayor and The Presipenr Department of Parks, City of New York. Levi P. Morton, ANDREW CARNEGIE, Mapison GRANT, Witiram Wuirer NILEs, Percy R. Pyne, Georce Birp GRINNELL, GrorGcE C. Criark, CieveLtanp H. Dones, Henry FarrrieLtp Osporn, *Wirttiam C. CuurcH, LIisPENARD STEWART, Cuartes F. Dietericyu, Wittram T. Hornapay, Director Zoological Glass of 1918 Henry A. C. Taytor, Frank K. Srureis, GerorGeE J. GouLp, Ocpen Mitts, Glass of 1919 C. Lepyarp Brair, Freperick Ginpert Bourne, Wm. Austin Wapswortu, Emerson McMituin, Glass of 1920 Georce F. Baker, Grant B. Scutey, Wo. Prerson Hamitton, Rosgert S. Brewster, General Officers Lewis Ruruerrorp Morris, ArcHrEeR M. Huntineton, Henry M. Trvrorp, E. C. Converse, ANTHONY R. Kuser, Watson B. Dickerman, Mortimer L. Scuirr, Freperic C. Watcorr, Epwarp S. Harkness, Witiiam B. Oscoop FIeLp, A. Barton Hepspurn, ~— Witi1am Woopwarp. Park. Cuartes H. Townsenn, Director, New York Aquarium. C. Grant La Fareer, Architect. R. L. Cerero, Bursar. H. Dr B. Parsons, Consulting Engineer. Grorce S. Huntineron, Prosector. Officers of the Zoological Park Witiram T. Hornapay, Director. H. W. Merket, Chief Forester. W. Reiw Brat, Veterinarian. H. R. Mircue tz, Chief Clerk. Raymonpv L. Ditmars, Curator, Reptiles. WituiaM Berse, Curator, Birds. G. M. Bresrsower, Engineer. L. S. Cranpatu, Asst. Curator, Birds. WitiiamM Mitrcwrery, Cashier. Exwin R. Sansporn, Photographer and Editor. Officers of the Aquarium Cuartes H. Townsenp, Director. Wasuincton I. DeNysz, Assistant. Rosert Sutcuirre, Clerk. Louis L. Mowsray, Assistant. Ipa M. Metten, Secretary. GrorGe A. MacCatuium, Pathologist. * Deceased. BAO Ow O- GAG Ate 3s OC LEAN BULL he se CONTENTS ° SEPTEMBER, 1917 = ee PAGE IRANI PAUN DNA OWEN; Pree tert, pA ee tene ed te nea DERI ee UN a ee, ee. AS OE a Frontispiece Oi Evie Leann ayeioee: See een aetna Bee ee ee Lee S. Crandall 1521 IDaras,; Teena WY louise cs, (Ocenia eee ee area ee Illustration 1522 LOR TION MO EI HNO EeE © Cig ee: Sak ale Way te EY Sea AWARE ys 8 SelM EA a aie Illustration 1523 SIAN IN Wem V UO G NEON WEI ein a eee ee PEN een Reet ICO ae See el Cee ee Illustration 1524 SSEINEDE AUC IMIV ACTED ip Gri Sogo corel res Pence ne eg ee olen eee Ph ee eee Illustration 1525 PANUWISAIVRYAIE TAGNTn Ess TERI) a © OMTUiUAE TNT ON aes meee mae se eee ieee ee ke ele Lee S. Crandall 1525 OP AS ref Crp SON ENG eva ane oe in eae air alias ate Celt Mclean et Bea es oa, an 8 a te Illustration 1526 ANRABIRANTETUART. IMAI (CO sea U NOTATIONS ce ee ee etn cee a lee R. LE. Ditmars 1527 ZS OF OG TOINE pally ARKO NGOSISE'S|y rel wate ede er alee wl ant SNE LR LEO ies MN ee a R. L. Ditmars 1528 IFUTeN GM W AUTRE oe VVEANIGTNAVES 1) See nae Unser nat Uy SBA ev eh 2 ee aed Illustration 1529 REE OWS SIS HN NEDA FASE AB DE Ge eet ere ot ear Ie Wa) ee eee ee Illustration 15380 \Wrosie Avronsyantervaneiney DRNa VRS CUNO) eccepeecdentnscet ech enceaeete eee le cg tet ceeten ete fllustration 1581 NO OMAR DE sIGAINIGIANR OO!) he Oe an Maho aed Pent near atl, tin Cory eM te Ate, eae Se Illustration 1531 RUST MWAUIA DERN AUNT. AUB Ven eee tet ree Fhe eT el eas a ee eee Illustration 1582 SUELO Roos ANCI HID RAN\ MAUI LAU Vapreen nts oe ieritIin Se ren bd) i Dual od ec ee ee een eee Illustration 1533 IB IGAUC Kee ACRE ICAUN GIA OOM ee a cae steele ee oe A Win Je RN ee! eh ie Illustration 1588 (GARIACN IED AEN AWEAUNTIID VCO WANT Getler Aer re 0s as OR eee nea he oe Illustration 1584 FESTA BEAUNITD BAY COILING Bete PA int eee eae ake Oy Sm al Nee VIE ore ieee he Illustration 1586 (SBIASG a CUE GATE IIN ACH DN DN ak aan ie EAL 9 ae IE eer Oo BRC Soe ener wotehe ane Oh Illustration 15387 SOE. ARR C Atta) SIRTC Elcwme ew vee eeae sec Ne TN AE LN ie ee ee Illustration 1588 Cover ‘ladaay oY} Aq [[@YS OY} WI, paswa[ot SYM PIG JSO[[VUIS OYJ, “Plo syaom ONNOA AONV OWE YIVN LINGV dail} JNogeE a1¥ Syolt[o oy, 1520 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN Published by the New York Zoological Society Vou. XX. SEPTEMBER, 1917 NuMBER 5 OUR EMU FAMILY By Lee S. Cranpatv. HEN our devoted male emu first became a father, his inexperience in rearing emus was equalled by our own. Young parents are proverbially foolish, and when a mother with advanced ideas refuses to accept the responsibility of caring for her offspring, a domestic calamity threatens. But feminine slackers are quite the usual thing in emu families. Ages before the first lady of our own race conceived the idea that she was much too busy to be bothered with the care of babies, Mrs. Emu had turned over to her mate the drudgery of the nursery. She felt that the production of eight or nine deli- cately-tinted green eggs, artistically etched over with a darker shade, was burden enough for one who wished to be more than a mere house- hold slave. In Australia, emus at liberty breed from April to November. Just why our birds should decide that, in New York, January offered the most suitable conditions, still is a mystery. Ai any rate, our first emu egg appeared on a frosty morning early in 1915. Its advent caused little excitement in the emu colony. The prospective father appeared unsuspicious of impending fate. The mother was indifferent concerning the future. Their combined intelligences were unequal to the task of protecting the egg from frost, and instinct had had no experience with such an emergency. The egg froze and burst. Birds are actuated chiefly by instinct. Since this influence, unaided, seemed insufficient to cope with 10° Fahrenheit, reason, in the form of a rounded stone coated with green paint, 1 In Australia the summer month of January is the equivalent of our July. 2 BULLETIN, Vol. XVIII, No. 5, September, 1915. 15 9 al 1 came to its assistance. The female emu was persistently watched by her keepers and the in- stant the next egg appeared, the stone was substituted for it. Not that it really mattered, for neither bird was at all interested. By this means, six perfect eggs were accu- mulated. When instinct suddenly convinced the male that nothing could be more attractive than reclining on a bed formed of three large, hard stones, the six eggs were entrusted to his care. As already recorded, after many difh- culties, caused by the untried state of all the principals, one baby bird was safely hatched and finally reared. After this successful experience, we all felt that emu broods would become a matter of yearly routine. But we had planned without proper consideration of father-love. The emu was fond of his chick. There could be no doubt of that. So deep was the mutual attachment that neither bird could endure life beyond the sight of the other. As autumn approached, we viewed the strength of this feeling with some misgivings, for the period of courtship was ap- proaching, and there was no indication that filial affection would tolerate encroachment. In November, it became evident that father and son must be separated if the mother was to be restored to her rightful position. The chick, now well grown, was driven into an ad- joining corral, separated by a wire fence. An emu’s method of combatting material obstacles is to kick, hard. A wire fence is a dangerous antagonist, because it is too springy to be af- fected by a blow, but is very likely to enmesh M. G. *plO SYUOUT daIl[y YNogV are spllq SUNOA OT, ATINVA ONY ONIMOW WNO 1522 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN 1523 A PORTION OF THE EMU FLOCK The peaceful appearance of the Emus in the illustration is not a true index of their normal state. the trip-hammer feet. The distress of both birds took such a violent form that only a quick reunion prevented damage to property and limbs. But, however distressing it might be, the fam- ily bond had to be severed. After a struggle, the young bird was seized and carried bodily to a large stall inside the Yak Shelter. Here were only smooth, discouraging walls to kick against, and the prisoner soon became recon- ciled. In spite of our well-meant efforts, a connu- bial reconciliation did not take place. The male finally came to tolerate his erstwhile mate, but that was all. Autumn chilled to winter, and with the coming of spring, the young bird emerged from his indoor imprisonment and re- joined his parents. He was now nearly as large as they, and distinguishable only by the prac- ticed eye. Early in the next winter, there were evi- dences of renewed affection between the old pair. In February, 1917, matters had so well progressed that a frozen egg was found one morning in a corner of the corral. Now came a demonstration of the value of experience. A stone egg was quickly produced and placed on the floor of the indoor shelter. The bird showed the deepest interest in the substituted egg, and covered it carefully with straw and debris, which was rearranged daily. The in- difference of callow youth had been replaced by the solicitude of maturity. Our emu had become a professional father. The female was, if possible, even more ir- responsible than ever. Her eggs were deposit- ed in every corner of the enclosure, at inter- vals varying from four days to a week. Only the vigilance of her keeper prevented the loss of every one. As each egg was laid, a wooden or stone imitation was placed in the shelter. Here they were received, covered and duly inspected in good faith by the male. After six had accumulated, the bird became broody and spent much of his time in sitting about on the ground. He continued to look af- ter the eggs, but made no effort to begin incu- bation. Twe vestibules lead to the inner room occu- pied in winter by the emus. We had wished the bird to make his nest in the smaller one, for its dimensions were more suitable for ar- ranging the nest. But the vagaries of instinct again became evident. The bird refused to brood there. A lovely nest of fresh, green sod. occupied by five attractive dummy eggs, could not lure him. He often peeked in at the door of the proposed nursery, but although the eggs had been there from the first, he now refused to enter. *O[]UOS ALSULPOOXO SI UoUlOods Ino ‘yoods¥ oo19y JO YANoy) LV “Aep oY} SULINp Job sureutat pu JIGVY Ul [VUINJOOU S14 ‘S[AVO OY} PUB SYMBYZYSIU oY} UoIMJoq YUL] SULQOUUOD BV SI PIG sulreodde-ppo sit, HLONOWDOUN ANMV.L 1524 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN 1525 SEMIPALMATED GEESE The reduced webbed formation between the toes indicates an adaptation to terrestrial life. This Goose is becoming very rare in Australia; its native habitat. Fearing that the fatherly impulse might pass, we removed the nest from the first vestibule to the one of the bird’s choice. It evidently accorded with his notion, for he lost no time in taking up his eight weeks’ vigil. Three eggs, perhaps frosted, later had to be removed, but eventually three beautifully- striped chicks appeared. The third had dith- culty in extricating itself, and was saved by the efficiency of the keeper. The young birds have grown beyond expectation, and are much brighter and more active than the one of two years ago. Perhaps it is not surprising, for their father is now a model foster mother. THE AUSTRALIAN BIRD COLLECTION. By Lee S. Cranpatu. HEN Ellis S. Joseph arrived from Aus- tralia in November, 1916, with a largé assortment of live birds and mammals, we were quite amazed by their diversity. Our enthusiasm served as a stimulus, and Mr. Jo- seph was moved to assert that later on he would show us something new and surprising. On July 7, 1917, he again reached New York, prepared to make good his promise. Two seventy-foot horse cars were required to transport the huge collection from Victoria, B. C., to New York. Cages of all shapes and sizes were piled high, and even a hasty exam- ination revealed many rarities not previously imported. Mammals and reptiles were well represented, but of birds there was a truly amazing display. All were in excellent condi- tion, Mr. Joseph being a much harassed, but uncommonly efficient modern Noah. An attempt to describe all of the birds of the collection would involve a review of Aus- tralian ornithology that would strain the capac- ity of the Butitetrn. We must confine our- selves to a notice of a few of the more striking species. From a zoological viewpoint, the two tawny frogmouths, (Podargus strigoides) certainly are 1526 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN CAPE GANNET Although birds of strong flight, none of the Gannets can rise from the ground. They are helpless on land unless they can project themselves from some elevation. the most important. To native Australians, the bird is known as the “frog-mouthed owl,” a term which, like many colloquial names, is sin- gularly apt. The bird’s exact position in sys- tematic zoology is still a matter of some doubt, but by most authorities it is considered to be related closely to the goatsuckers and the gua- charo or oil-bird, and more distantly to the owls. In appearance, the frogmouth is a huge night- hawk, the cavernous gape being armed with a strong, horny beak. Appetite and capacity are well co-ordinated, for this weird creature is able to bolt mice and sparrows in numbers that would discourage any other bird of similar size. Outside a few groups, white birds are scarce; consequently, the white goshawk, (Leucospiza novae-hollandiae), is of peculiar interest. Cer- tain other accipitrine birds, such as some of the gyrfaleons, are mainly white, but all carry markings of one sort or another. The white goshawk is truly white. The only bits of color upon it are found in the yellow legs and black beak, which serve to intensify the purity of the bird’s plumage. cS Such conspicuous coloration in a predaceous bird, by warning intended victims of its ap- proach, might be expected to interfere with its success in life. But the great multitudes of white cockatoos found in Australia make the snowy coat of the goshawk an asset. Small birds are said to view its approach with little concern, doubtless mistaking the marauder for a harmless cockatoo—an avian wolf in a sheep’s skin of feathers. Few white goshawks have been kept in cap- tivity, and the species may rightly be consid- ered one of the rarest of the birds of prey. Australia abounds in brightly-colored parra- keets, many of which are represented in our collection. Probably the most brilliant of ali is the red-capped or pileated parrakeet, (Pur- pureicephalus pileatus). It is green above, with red crown, greenish yellow cheeks and rump, and violet breast. This splendid bird is becom- —s ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN 1527 ing rare and, Mr. Joseph says, ours is the only specimen he has seen in fourteen years of active collecting. He found the bird in a bushrang- ers hut in the forests of the southwest. It quickly changed hands for the modest sum of five shillings, with “three bob for the cage.” The histories of our birds, before they reach us, if they could be wholly known, would re- veal much of interest. Among so many celebrities, the birds of para- dise are still conspicuous. The arrival of our first specimens, not many years ago, created a sensation; but now we are seldom without at least one species. Still, adult males in fuil plumage remain the most wonderful of our birds, and consequently the fine pair of Count Raggis bird of paradise, (Paradisea raggi- ana), are decidedly welcome. The male ap- pears to have acquired the ornamental flank plumes this year for the first time, so we may look for a further increase of glory. It is sel- dom that two birds of paradise will share a cage, but these are as affectionate as love-birds. Ordinarily, one thinks of pigeons as quiet birds, occasionally possessing ornamental mark- ings or appendages, but usually dull in general color. This is quite true of most of the mem- bers of the family Columbidae, which furnishes the majority of the species commonly seen in captivity. But there is another great group, the Treronidae, or fruit pigeons, which rivais the parrots in the brillianey of its greens, reds and purples. The fruit pigeons, as a whole, are not easily kept in captivity and, moreover, are exceedingly rare, a combination which am- ply explains the infrenquency with which they are exhibited. Mr. Joseph has brought us two beautiful species, the painted fruit pigeon, (Ptil- opodiscus coronulatus), and the purple-crowned, (Lamprotreron superba), the former from the Aru Islands and New Guinea, the latter from Australia. So far, they have belied their repu- tation for delicacy, and now are in the best of health. THE AUSTRALIAN MAMMAL COLLECTION. By Raymonp L. Dirmars. OR the second time since the annihilation of the European animal market by the war, we have received a large and varied con- signment of mammals, birds and reptiles from Australia, as well as a number of particularly interesting South African species. This is the second demonstration of the skill and perse- verance of Mr. Ellis S. Joseph, of Sydney, Aus- tralia, in successfully gathering and transport- ing large collections of animals, and journeying with them practically half way around the world, during times when extraordinary ship- ping difficulties are to be encountered. Mr. Joseph's two trips have resulted in mak- ing our collection of kangaroos and other Old World marsupials probably the most extensive ever exhibited in the United States. In fact we are now exhibiting as many species of kan- garoos as are listed in the Royal Zoological Society's Gardens, at Victoria, Australia, where all sources of supply are immediately available for the gathering of kangaroos, and which main- tains the best collection in the world. In the imposing series of marsupials that we are exhibiting, are forms that parallel in development, size and appearance the repre- sentatives of various widely different orders of mammals. The strictly carnivorous and wolf- _like thylacine is a striking example. It is the largest of the carnivorous marsupials. Another is the wombat, in form like a huge woodchuck, but precisely like a rodent in habits. The phal- angers are remarkably like lemurs in form, ac- tions and habits, while the flying phalangers in becoming adapted to long, scaling leaps, have undergone development like the flying squirrels and so closely resemble those types that an ex- pert might be deceived upon a superficial exam- ination of them. A series of photographs is herewith presented to show the striking forms of our new acces- sions. This number of the Buttetin also con- tains a descriptive article of the collection of birds that were part of Mr. Joseph’s consign- ment. A number of the species in the latest aggre- gation of Australian arrivals are new to our collections. There are several species that have never before been exhibited alive in the United States. Among the kangaroos, the most remark- able type is the West Australian rat kangaroo, (Boettongia campestris). When sitting upright this animal is only fourteen inches high. It is particularly interesting and remarkable because of the strange development of the tail. It is one of the smaller types, in which the tail is of no use as a support, as with the larger and typical kangaroos. The appendage is of marked importance, however, from two points of view. The tail appears almost naked, much swollen, corrugated, and apparently segmented into rings. It is actually a reservoir for the storage of fatty nourishment and enables the animal to pass periods of several weeks within the burrow without eating. After a period of such fasting, ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN Departments : Mammals Aquarium W.T. Hornapay. C. H. TownsEND. Birds Reptiles WILLIAM BEEBE. LEE S. CRANDALL. Raymonp L. Ditmars. Published bi-monthly at the Office of the Society, 111 Broadway, New York City. Yearly by Mail, $1.00. MAILED FREE TO MEMBERS. Copyright, 1917, by the New York Zoological Society. Each author is responsible for the scientific accuracy and the proof reading of his contribution. ELwin R. Sanzsorn, Editor and Official Photographer Vou. XX, No. 5 SEPTEMBER, 1917 the diameter- of the tail is so greatly reduced by the absorption of fatty nourishment that the appendage is of the normal size of other small species of rat kangaroos that lack the charac- teristic described. Four species of the genus Boettongia are known, and all are remarkable in another use of the tail, which is employed for seizing and carrying grasses with which the animal makes its nest. A hollow is scooped in the ground, and the entrance being thus on a level with the surrounding herbage, is closed up with grass which the rat kangaroo drags af- ter it. This skillfully designed lair is extremely difficult to detect. Another particularly interesting species is the short-tailed wallaby, (Macropus brachyarus). Here is another of the smaller species, in which the tail is not used as a prop or support in assuming a sitting posture. Moreover, the ap- pendage is so short it appears as if half of it had been lost. This species has, proportion- ately, the shortest tail of all of the kangaroo species, and may be immediately recognized by this unique development. Other of the new kangaroos are interesting from their large size and rarity in collections. Among them is a huge example of the black wallaroo, (Macropus robustus), that stands ful- ly five feet high, and is very savage. There are two specimens of the exceptionally rare ring-tailed wallaby, (Macropus ruficollis), and an example of the tree kangaroo, (Dendrolagus bennettianus). No more incongruous type of animal than a kangaroo in a tree, can be imag- ined, but this animal has become adapted to an arboreal life by acquiring elongated digits, which grasp like a hand. Curiously enough, its tail has not become prehensile, and while it is a sure climber, and ascends lofty trees, its prog- ress is slow and not at all graceful. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN The elaboration of our kangaroo collection results in a splendid series of these animals oc- cupying the long row of cages on the easterly side of the Small-Deer House. ‘This collection is especially interesting just now, as five mem- bers of the collection are carrying young in the pouch, thus illustrating the characteristic meth- od of caring for the progeny among the marsu- pials. Within a short time they will be seen leaving the pouch, and again entering the re- ceptacle as they become tired. Two species in the new collection that appear to have arrived alive in the United States for the first time, are the curious rabbit-eared ban- dicoot and the opossum mouse. The former, known technically as Perogale lagotis, is of the size and form of a rabbit as regards body and limbs, but possesses an extremely long and pointed snout, minute eyes and a long, tufted tail. It is insectivorous. The opossum mouse (Phascologale calura), is one of the smallest known pouched animals, similar in form and size to a field mouse. It is nocturnal and the food largely consists of insects. The latter spe- cies is exhibited in the Reptile House, together with the delicate flying phalangers, which re- quire special care and even temperature. Among miscellaneous mammals brought by Mr. Joseph is the Australian water rat, (Hy- dromys chrysogaster), a fish-eating species, and several of the smaller carnivora of South Africa. The cages in the Reptile House also contain specimens of the Australian collection. Here were added a number of species of turtles, liz- ards and snakes. Among the latter are several of the more deadly types, with which Australia is so plentifully provided. These are the pur- ple death adder, the brown snake and the bandy bandy snake. The venomous serpents of Aus- tralia are close allies of the cobras, and the greater number of them flatten the neck in co- bra fashion, although they do not rear upward or assume such spectacular positions in threat- ening an enemy as do their formidable allies of Asia and Africa. ZOOLOGICAL PARK NOTES. Park Military Work.—Company A of the Zoological Park Guards continues drilling and improving in military discipline and precision. The company is incorporated in the battalion of the Home Defense League attached to the 68th Precinct of the Police Department. The growth and increasing efficiency of the League has been particularly gratifying, and the vari- RING-TAILED WALLABIES It is quite obvious that the alternate bands of black and white around the tails suggest the common name. ‘THUARh gg TH RING-TAILED WALLABY AND YOUNG The well-grown baby Wallaby is barely able to squeeze into the mother’s pouch. 1529 “9UIR] OS oq OF OOTKSULY V OJ [VNSNUN STI J ‘SULIG SIU UL PUNOI YI ALO 07 Loda90¥ OY} FIUWAod | [LAN JI BUY 9[]US Os SI soIqeI[BAA BS9Y] JO OUO SHIAVTIVM GHITTHa-Snodne 1530 WEST AUSTRALIAN RAT KANGAROO A conspicuous feature of this animal is the thick tail, which serves as a food supply in cases of necessary fasting. WOODWARD KANGAROO A large animal with delicate, tawny gray pelage. 153] *HOTJOUIODO] §,.1OYJZOUT VY} OF JUSUILpedut OU SIayo Aquq oY} JO YSIOM OUT, “UOpURGR JSOWYN ay YILA Yonod syq Jo yo ssuvy [VUIUY SUNOA oY L, AGVTITVM GATIVI-ASNYE S 1532 SHORT-TAILED WALLABY This animal is characteristic in having a tail proportionately much shorter than any other Wallaby. BLACK-FACED KANGAROO When angered, this specimen stands erect, and while supporting itself on i!s powerful tail, strikes out savagely with its hind feet, and fairly may be called a dangerous animal. 1583 3 = me —— our shag area van \eoee? ° Ce eed 4 ; “ : 4 GRANT ZEBRA AND HER YOUNG OFFSPRING After long hesitation, the little animal took the hay from the keeper’s hand. Both animals are quite gentle, but like most of the Zebras, very timid. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN ous units frequently are assembled for regi- mental drills in the city armories. A regimen- tal review of fourteen hundred men of the Bronx took place on August 14, at the 22nd Regiment Armory, and the balconies were thronged with the men’s relatives and friends. Company A of the Zoological Park was given honor place in the line, owing to smart appear- ance during preliminary evolutions. The com- pany was assigned to lead in both regimentai review and parade. The 23rd Regiment Band and the Police Drum and Fife Corps officiated. Company A has been drilled in rifle practice at an excellent range near Nepperhan, N. Y. The men visit the range in squads, and are in- structed in the use of the United States Army rifle, and the operation of standard targets. At first the work consisted of operating the panel targets from the pits, and preliminary practice at 100 yards. When the work settled down to firing at 200 yards, a number of our men made excellent scores. Application has been made to have the men of the Company listed in the National Rifle Association, when this work on the target range will include firing for scores for which the Government awards medals for sharpshooters and marksmen. Australian Reptiles—Among various other zoological eccentricities, the snakes of Australia rival the strange mammals and birds of that country. In most countries the majority of the species are non-venomous. In Australia the great majority of the snakes are poisonous. Moreover, they are most deceptive in appear- ance. Some of the most deadly among them look precisely like the harmless snakes of other regions. Several species of these strange and interesting types are on exhibition in the Rep- tile House. The deadly black-snake appears much like the perfectly inoffensive black racer of the United States. The brown snake, an- other of the cobra allies, might readily be mis- taken for the common coachwhip snake of the southern United States. Another is the tiger snake. It resembles a small, harmless water snake. cently so deceived in a collection of Australian serpents that he declared the tiger snakes to be nonvenomous, and expressed his willingness to handle them. Before he could be prevented from doing so, he endeavored to pick up a docile appearing specimen, by the tail. The snake turned like a flash and bit his finger; and he died a few hours later. Two-tailed Lizard—A curious lizard has ar- rived from California. It possesses two per- fectly formed tails. This remarkable develop- A showman in San Francisco was re-— ment has been previously illustrated in the Rep- tile House, and attracted much interest. The abnormality is produced by the characteristic of lizards to grow an entirely new tail if the original member is lost in fighting or escaping from an enemy. ‘The appearance of a second tail is brought about by the original appendage being nearly severed, but finally becoming firm- ly attached by tissue developing about the in- jury. The near loss of the tail excited the growth of a new appendage, which persisted in development, despite the retention of the orig- inal tail. The second appendage grows from the seat of injury, and has pushed the first tail to one side, producing a decorative and forked appearance. Communal Swans and Beavers.—An interest- ing sight may be enjoyed any sunny afternoon at the Beaver Pond. In cur colony of nine flourishing beavers there is a large female that is particularly tame. A pair of mute swans has been living in the beaver enclosure during the past summer, warily guarding a lone young- ster. The little swan is clad in soft, gray, downy plumage in strong contrast to its parents. Its several brothers and sisters were killed by large snapping turtles that unknown to us lurked in the beaver pond, but now lurk there no more. When the swans are fed upon the shore, the large female beaver joins the group. The incongru- ous gathering of the snowy adult swans, their woolly, gray youngster and the big beaver, form an unusual sight. Climate Affects Deer Antlers—It appears that the abnormal spring, with its long con- tinued cold and rain, and the long dry period in August, sensibly affected the antlers of our native deer. The ultimate effect, however, has been to hasten the development of the antlers, and most of the big bucks were “out of velvet’ by the latter part of August. The antlers usu- ally continue growing through the month of August, and the “velvet” is rubbed off about the middle of September. This year our elk were in fighting trim a month too early. The condition brought discomfort to the deer as the season of biting flies was still at its height, and it was necessary to place the bucks in smaller yards where their fighting propensities could be kept in safe bounds. Elk Herd Bests Flies—During the summer, the elk herd enjoyed especial protection from the biting cattle flies by bathing in a pond ad- joining their range. This lake is rightfully in the range of the white-tailed deer. We tried the experiment of permitting the elk to run with the smaller deer, and perfect harmony ‘g0R|d SI} Ul U10g JJVO PUOaS OY} SESIYL ‘A[pPoe}UeyzUOd OAT] PUL OATIYY STRUTLU OUT, AGVd GTO AVG-YNAON WHA ANV GNVTH *[Wapl sl Yoopped purly oy, 1536 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN 1537 AUSTRALIAN GRAY PHALANGER This Phalanger and several related species are often called Australian opossums. prevailed. The elk were turned out early each morning, after feeding, and at once they trotted to the pond. This body of water is quite broad, but shallow, and after splashing about for a time the entire herd would lie in the water, and doze or ruminate in defiance of the flies. Wild Babies.—A beautiful male specimen of Grant’s Zebra was born at the Park on the 24th of June. This gorgeously striped youngster and his mother are on exhibition in one of the big yards immediately west of the Zebra House. Among other hoofed animals that were born during the summer are an eland, a yak, and several each of American bison, elk, white- tailed deer, red, fallow, axis and sika deer. Nature Scorns Artifice—In one of the num- bers of the BuLLeriIn mention was made of a curious horned rattlesnake on exhibition, that was actually a reptile with a grafted horn that had undergone an ingenious surgical operation. The Indians often thus decorate the big rat- tlers of the Boundary Region. Our specimen excited much comment, as the horn protruded fully an inch from the head, and we were in- terested to learn what might happen when the snake shed its skin. That important event has taken place and the results were quite different from our anticipation. Several days before the shedding, the snake’s head swelled to great ex- tent and when the reptile emerged from its skin it crawled away hornless. A large circu- lar sear on the reptile’s head indicated Nature's refusal to abide by the artificial adornment. “Toto’s’ Clown Days Are Passing. several years the orang-utan “Toto” has been the clown of the Park’s collection. This ani- mal’s extremely amusing capers have delighted many thousands of visitors, particularly chil- dren. ‘Toto has now outgrown the infant class, and is developing a hint of the sullen demeanor characteristic of the adult orang-utan. He is far less affectionate and confiding with Keeper Engeholm. Of late he has evinced a habit of “making faces,” which is, in a way, a threat. Toto is about seven years old, and has been on exhibition with us nearly five years.—R. L. D. For OSTRICH f the nuptial dance, performed by the male Ostrich during the breeding season. SOUTH AFRICAN An unusual picture of a phase o The upper picture shows the bird just before the curious performance was started. 15388 GENERAL INFORMATION MEMBERSHIP IN THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Membership in the Zoological Society is open to all interested in the objects of the organiza- tion, who desire to contribute toward its support. The cost of Annual Membership is $10 per year, which entitles the holder to admission to the Zoological Park on all pay days, when he may see the collections to the best advantage. Members are entitled to the Annual Report, bi-monthly Bulletins, Zoologica, privileges of the Administration Building, all lectures and special exhibitions, and ten complimentary tickets to the Zoological Park for distribution. Any Annual Member may become a Life Member by the payment of $200. A subscriber of $1,000 becomes a Patron; $2,500, an Associate Founder; $5,000, a Founder; $10,000, a Founder in Perpetuity, and $25,000, a Benefactor. Application for membership may be given to the Chief Clerk, in the Zoological Park; C. H. Townsend, N. Y. Aquarium, Battery Park, New York City, or forwarded to the General Secretary, No. 111 Broadway, New York City. ZOOLOGICAL PARK The Zoological Park is open every day in the year, free, except Monday and Thursday of each week, when admission is charged. Should either of these days fall on a holiday no admis- sion fee is charged. From April 15 to October 15, the opening and closing hours are from 9 o'clock A. M. until one-half hour before sunset. From October 16 to April 14, the opening and closing hours are from 10 o'clock A. M. until one-half hour before sunset. NEW YORK AQUARIUM The Aquarium is open every day in the year; April 15 to October 15, 9 A. M. to 5 P. NE October 16 to April 14, 16 A. M. to 4 P. M. Open free to the public every day in the year. PUBLICATIONS Annual Report No.1...:........ Paper $ .40 Souvenir Books: Series No. 3, 48 pages, 7x9 inches, 78 - is s Gh ag aa orca “ 15 Cloth $1.00 illustrations from four color plates. .......... -50 mt i > 3 and 4 each.. |, a 3 fe (By mail, postage 3 cents extra.) “ “ Rae aterm ee ai os Gaye 1.00 “1.95 | Animals in Art Stamps: Album of 32 Pages, providing “ ob Segawa TO; Sanches a 1.35 0 1.50 space for mounting 120 art stamps in four colors “ “ “* 11, 12, 18, 14, 15. made from selected photographs of animals taken 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,each....... - 1.00 vs 1.25 in the Zoological Park, complete with stamps....... 75 Our Vanishing Wild Life (Horna- (By mail, postage 6 cents extra.) day) postpaid ................ ene 1265 Wild Animal Stamp Primer: 96 page cloth bound book Destruction of Our Birds and Mam- af containing 49 animal stories, illustrated by 50 four- mals (Hornaday)...........-. 15 color stamp reproductions....... Staci: Skee Slayers ciety Notes on Pape acer of North (By mail 7 cents extra America (Hornaday).......... 40 : : : : : 2 “ Photogravures: Series of 12 subjects in sepia. Animals The Caribou (Grant). OC ia oe 1) and views in the Zoological Park. Sold in sets The Origin and Relationship of the of 2 subjects. Per set, postpaid................. -25 Large Mammals of North Amer- ‘ : {eno (Grantee es ae ne 1.00 Bonu Es A combined fan and map of the 6 “ oological Par Ebel ead ial otek iptena enone uaaenel ph costae hcote sien te -10 The Rocky ee Goat ee nD (By mail, postage 2 cents extra.) poe Nal te Nose inclusive, “ 2.30 FONG, of the Zoological Park: Reproduced in colors GARDE SEAR Toe Beet IR ag eR TY a Mt Se OETA ‘ie : rom an original drawing in perspective. Sold Zoologica Vol. 1. Nos. 12, 18and14. ~ +25 flat or in fader form... aay EAN atin chan nse ast se 10 * Pah he NO: ie Fetes xi ee (By mail, postage 2 cents extra.) a fey eo cand AB) ee wet te 25 Enlargements: 11x14 inches. 12 subjects in black and “ COPE OATES: (yg real uel um ae 30 Wi Ke EACH reste unm iellaieketa aches ee velesstene ened aise a 25 “ OO Nidal Saa Sat gi) icana nel aia) gatas ts 95 Duotone *Browm neaehim servis ldieute wield ys yore 35 i bees Ban sential Yay rave lie es S83 my 95 Hand Colored (10 Subjects), each................ 75 y if i a arate ge ie +29 Photo-Letter: (folding) 18 pictures, photogravure... 2 for .10 Z8and4..... 25 “ec sé 4“ ss 4 “ tL fea SINC gene aN “ ‘95 A COJOTS(t7s, lencier's 2for .10 Zoopathologica Vol, I. No.1 ...... ay 25 New York Aquarium Nature Series ea ION Ee rae nay Sea Shore Life (Mayer) aie heise tubcpadte Runs Tener ee MSEC ee Glove eves ate $1.20 Bulletin Nos. 1, 6, 8, 35, 43 and 46... Out of Print Cun aed of Hishes pa Ponts AVavensene) aldetettahs sake gatevona 20) : é ? : ameleons o EFSEar CROWNSENG)) iso leis cic srsiciela sielsnuers 15 Bulletins; Bi-monthly..- +" ies te: each, Yearlysby mail'1-00" |’ Norther Blephant Seal (Townsend)......-.-. sss oc.0 25 Bulletin Nos. 5 to 28 inclusive, set, cloth bound, ........ 5.00 | Care of Home Aquaria (Osburn)...........-eeeecceeee 125 rs 24 to 60 A hie aba LU ata ee neap te 10.00 Porpoise in Capt Ibyy (Townsend). . Ae eae Ma eeicien 25 Official Guide to the New York Natural History of the Whale Shark (Gudger).......... -30 Zoological Park (Hornaday).............--22-.+00- 25 | The Gaff-Topsail Catfish (Gudger)..... altel Se oxeas an Kahane pep 30 Souvenir Postal Cards: Series of 75 subjects in colors, Inmates of the Aquarium (a book of views)............ 125 sold in sets of 25 cards, assorted subjects......... 25 ; FT MORE (By mail, postage 2 cents per set extra.) Aquarium Post Cards: Colored. In sets, each..... Me ees Publications for sale at 111 Broadway, Zoological Park and the New York Aquarium. Vou. XX. No. 6 Dy, NOVEMBER. 1917 SOCIELY BULLETIN hs MAA i = SS WEAN SS) MESSED => i LS SS i SAA SERN ~ es = = ———— E oa = 7. a poh ee bi 0 7 | | Published b y THE NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OAT ATTA TEESE OOOO TANTRA TTT UAE ee eee mi | TLE tT 0D Se aes Mid OU let Ho obo det 6 ECO Ue Ci DT HTLIVOVLTETPTERONTY CVC O ET ‘TWUR FREUND 1012 New York Zoological Society GENFRAL OrFice, 111 Broadway, New York Ciry. Hirst Vice-President Mapison GRAnvT. Greasurer Percy R. Pyne, 20 Exchange Place. Mapison Grant, Chairman. Percy R. Pyne, Witiiam Wuire Nes, Ex offirin: The Mayor Levi P. Morton, ANDREW CARNEGIE, Mapison GRANT, Wiviiam Wuire NILes, Percy R. Pyne, Georce Birp GRINNELL, Greorce C. Ciark, CLEeveLAND H. Dopee, Henry FarrrieLtp Ossorn, *Wittiam C. Cuurcu, LisPENARD STEWART, Cuarurs F. Dietericyu, Wm. Pirrson Hamitton, Frank K. Srureis, LisPENARD STEWART, — President Henry Fairrintp Osgorn. Second Vice-President Secretary Mapison GRANT. Executive Conunitice Board of Managers Class of 1918 Henry A. C. Taytor, Frank K. Srureis, GerorGE J. GouLp, Ocpen Miu, Glaze of 1919 C. Lepyarp Buair, FREDERICK GILBERT BouRNE, Wn. Austin WapswortH, Emerson McMiItuin, Glass of 1920 Grorce F. Baker, Grant B. ScHLey, Wo. Pierson Hamitton, Rosert S. Brewster, General Officers Frank K. Srurais. Asat. Greasurer Tot Farmers’ Loan anp Trust Co. Watson B. Dickerman, AntTHONY R. Kuser, Henry Farrrietp Ossorn, ex-officio and The Present Department of Parks, City of New York. Lewis RutHerForD Morris, ArcHrer M. Huntineron, Henry M. Titrorp, E. C. Converse. AnTHONY R,. KuseEr, Watson B. DickerRMAn, Mortimer L. Scuirr, Freperic C. Watcort, Epwarp S. Harkness, Wiuiiam B. Oseoop Fiero, A. Barton Herpurn, Witi1am Woopwarp. Witiram T. Hornapay, Director Zoological Park. Cuartes H. Townsenp, Director, New York Aquarium. C. Grant La Fares, Architect. Grorce S. Huntineton, Prosector. R. L. Crerero, Bursar. H. De B. Parsons, Consulting Engineer. Officers of the Zoological Park Wixiuiam T. Hornapay, Director. H. W. Merxet, Chief Forester. W. Rew Buair, Veterinarian. H. R. Mircuery, Chief Clerk. Raymonp L. Dirmars, Curator, Reptiles. WitiraM Beese, Curator, Birds. G. M. Berersower, Engineer. L. S. Cranpvatu, Asst. Curator, Birds. Witiiam Mircurpy, Cashier. Euiwin R. Sansorn, Photographer and Editor. Officers of the Aquarinm Cuarurs H. Townsenp, Director. Wasuineton I. DeNyse, Assistant. Ropert SutcuirFe, Clerk. Louis L. Mowsray, Assistant. Ipa M. Metten, Secretary. Grorce A. MacCautuivum, Pathologist. * Deceased. REE ater ZOO ZGOGeCAL SOC TE LY BULLE DIN AQUARIUM NUMBER CONTENTS FOR NOVEMBER, 1917 PAGE GuUILEDMOTS ON DOGOSLOF VOLCANO, BERING SHA 222 ee Frontispiece BR pe ene E KON ee AGS IAC DV Ol CIAUN Oler =) eo women ee eee glee ae Nee ee ee C. H. Townsend 1541 ATT eva oe DATO Ya wid RCV. DY es ese ee am 090 Neue NO a oa UC a Re ee Ida M. Mellen 1544 (COmoRne GEONNGES “OR MIsHieSace sent hoo ty eats an) ee Se UTE eh eee C. H. Townsend 1545 AMS DIAUIneAlY OB STR aioe ee ete Pie ee DED ae Nor imite tet eee ee) C. H. Townsend 1547 FS OMS NOME EG OINGCISEUEVVEVA KOC Elareeenn: ane se ee eee W. I. De Nyse 1547 GENER IY MGA 0 AD 5 eS eek A mF Re gM ga aD DR alee eae W.I. De Nyse 1548 SYACB IE HITISI: Wee petite se Ones MM Meabnetee eee kN cornnt elt ed de a ee ce C. H. Townsend 1549 POR AUG WA SE eV IPAUNT = OVER Breede sts ice ee Real Ue et Ae ee ees C. H. Townsend 1550 Miri MER MIG CRABL oe se 8 nel Wa Oe ae a I le eRe NE UREN tt ct L. L. Mowbray 1551 BENE MBN PACK Regt KAR Ae tek tptretas 1 Sere ae) 2 ae ee eae Smt ne eee eae. Ida M. Mellen 1552 TER EMISMIOR MeN DORE Site ecteetes stn in Colleen ioe i ah | a ae eee C. H. Townsend 1558 A New Book on SMALu AQUARIA Larcer Exuisition Tanks Youne Orance FILEFISH REFRIGERATING PLANT Fisues From FuLoripa Fur Seat Herp in 1907 An AguartumM oF Forry Yrars AGO Huee Snarrine TurtTiLes TWENTy-FouR Ways oF SPELLING A FisuH’s NAMB ooo. ec ceccceccccseeecenceeneeeeeeeeoes Ida M. Mellen 1558 Vas ONIMAD ‘ONVOTOA AHOTSODOE NO SLOWATIIND 1540 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN Published by the New York Zoological Society Vou. XX. NOVEMBER, 1917 NuMBER 6 BIRD LIFE ON A SEA VOLCANO By C. H. Townsenp Illustrated from photographs made on the U.S. S. Albatross, 1891. T HERE is no reason why pictures showing animal life in out of the way places should not be published by the Zoologi- cal Society, even if they do not relate directly to the work of the Zoological Park and the Aquarium. The photographs of sea birds reproduced in this Butuetin, have been brought to light be- cause they deserve a better fate than to remain buried in a private photograph file. They were made by the writer and his assistants in 1891 while serving with the Fisheries Steamship Albatross. Bogoslof Volcano in Bering Sea, where the photographs were made, has had a century-long struggle with the sea for its existence and is of alluring interest quite aside from its ornitho- logical wonders. It rose from the sea on May 7, 1796, and its birth was accompanied by earth- quake. Volcanic rocks were hurled as far as Umnak in the Aleutian Islands, thirty miles away. It has changed in height and form many times since then. In 1806, lava flowed from it into the sea. In 1888, its voleanic ashes fell on Unalaska Island forty miles away. The ever changing form of Bogoslof has been recorded by many vessels. During recent years, beaches connecting the newer and older parts of Bogoslof have appeared, disappeared and re- appeared. The writer has observed marked changes during successive visits. Bogoslof has been a stronghold of the sea birds from the beginning, but the bird tenants must have been ejected often with great vio- lence. On the rough volcanic pile the birds nest almost anywhere. While there are portions of nest builders. the voleano from which they are excluded by clouds of steam and sulphurous vapors, they nest so close to such areas that the eggs in some places are doubtless warmed as much by the voleanic heat of the rocks as by the sitting birds. I have climbed among nesting guille- mots where the rocks were heated enough to warm my chilled fingers. There are enough dead birds in some places to show that they often fly too close to the danger zones, not al- ways being able to discriminate between hot steam or poisonous vapors, and the dense fog banks that drift about the island. Nevertheless they multiply amazingly and their numbers can only be described as myriads. The guillemot makes no nest, laying its large single egg on any ledge wide enough to hold it, so that the egg comes in direct contact with the rock. The great mass of the birds of Bogoslof are guillemots, (Uria lomvia arra), but there are a few puffins and kittiwake gulls. Perhaps the scarcity of nest-building birds can be ex- plained by the total lack of nest-making mate- rials such as grasses and dry seaweeds. Bogos- lof has neither land nor sea vegetation and is unique in this respect as compared with other bird islands. The guillemots hold almost undis- puted possession, while on other bird islands of the region they share the cliffs with puffins, ful- mars, kittiwakes, auklets, cormorants and other Birds like puffins, fulmars and auklets, seeking deep crevices for their nests, would have a hard time on Bogoslof where deadly vapors may ooze forth almost anywhere. The numbers of guillemots to be seen on the rocks at a given time do not indicate the actual 1541 HOTSO9Od AO SLHDIGH AHL NO SLOWATTIIO oe a : : : g SR Sy ‘ 7 : _ oS LOE 154 RING SEA r] A STEAM-SWEPT BIRD ROOKERY ON BOGOSLOF VOLCANO, BE 1544 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN GUILLEMOT FROM BOGOSLOF VOLCANO bird population. There are such numbers on the wing, or on the surface of the sea, at the same time, that the observer visiting the island soon decides that most of the guillemots are not at home. They cover the adjacent waters everywhere and keep flying off shore in bands so great that the island seems to be encircled with a wide belt of swiftly moving birds. They meet the ap- proaching ship when still miles away, and are so numerous in the water that they scarcely keep clear of the oars of the landing boats. The guillemot is a staple in the food supply of the Aleutian and Pribilof natives. The thick, meaty breasts are wholesome and palatable, and one soon gets used to eating them. As the sup- ply of birds is large, it could be drawn upon for war time food in case of necessity. It ought not to take long to load a refrigerator ship with guillemots at Bogoslof. THE SPADEFOOT TOAD By Ipa M. Me.uien HE spadefoct, though one of our common toads, is least often seen because of its habit of spending a large portion of its life—perhaps a couple of years together—un- derground, and coming forth, as a rule, only during the night. Great humidity is required to DISTANT VIEW OF BOGOSLOF VOLCANO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN 1545 SPADEFOOT TOADS draw the spadefoot out of the ground by day- light for better air, and then it protrudes only its round, sleepy head with the eyes closed, looking more like a dirty red pebble than a live animal. Its eyes, being vertically pupiled like a cat’s, are fitted for seeing better in the dark, and it appears blinded by day. It troops forth in great numbers in the springtime, however, and takes to the ponds like other toads, to breed. Though the spadefoot is even a trifle smaller than the common toad, it is said at this time to make more noise than the bullfrogs. For purposes of observation at home, the hardy tadpoles of the spadefoot toad are most interesting. The under surface being transpar- ent, reveals the beating of the heart, the long intestinal coil, and nearly the whole physiology of the animal, without need of dissection or magnification. In a few weeks after hatching— which generally occurs the day after the eggs are laid—the legs, beginning with the hind ones, push gradually through the skin, and the tail is absorbed when the tadpoles are about five weeks old. Beg The pollywog eats nothing during *the few ‘days when its tail is being dissolved by blood and lymph and phagocytes, for the tail thus taken into the body serves to nourish it while the little creature is losing his round, sucking mouth and acquiring a new large one with teeth in the upper jaw and otherwise getting ready for the approaching, wonderfully different life on land. His auburn jacket is exchanged for .a brown land coat, preparatory to assuming the reddish aspect of the adult. ; Most of the tadpoles are content to wait till their tails are gone before seeking the new world, but a few—about one in seven—are so eager for terrestrial life that they set out, tails and all. The name spadefoot is derived from small, bony protuberances on the hind feet, that are thought to assist like a spade when the toad burrows. A few digs with his-hind feet, and back he slides into the earth as though sinking in quicksand. The eggs of the spadefoot are laid like those of frogs in jelly-like clusters or masses, and not in the polka-dot strings peculiar to most toads. NEW PAINTINGS SHOWING THE COLOR CHANGES OF FISHES. N an article published in the Report of the Zoological Society, in 1909, the director cf the Aquarium described the instantaneous changes in color practiced by many of the trop- ical fishes exhibited there. It was illustrated by such photographs as it was possible to make, showing the changes that take place, but these were few in number and in no case presented more than two or three of the color phases which the fishes are capable of assuming. A few months ago the Executive Committee provided a fund for the painting of some of the species conspicuous for their changes in color and markings. One of the fishes much given to masquerad- ing in different guises is the spade fish, (Chae- todipterus faber). Although without brilliant colors of any kind, its three shifts from black to white are very striking and are well shown in the accompanying photographic reproduction of Mr. Murayama’s painting. The change from one phase to another may occur at any moment. A tropical fish may exhibit all of its various garbs within an hour, or may do nothing inter- < En eam a We Z < COE aN rE aerrrerrren ornate aAY AMA HioMur THE SPADE FISH, (CHAETODIPTERUS FABER) From a painting by H. Murayama. Showing three phases of color, any one of which it can assume instantly. 1546 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN esting for several hours. In order to keep the record of the brush going without waste of time, the artist keeps two or three species under ob- servation at once, using a separate canvas for each. When one species refuses to perform, another in an adjoining tank may be more ac- commodating, and the artist has merely to turn to the other easel. In this way the finny masqueraders are all caught eventually at their tricks. Sixteen species have already been painted in the vari- ous transformations which they are capable of making, in one case eight changes in color being shown. It is proposed that these pictures be pub- lished in color by the Zoological Society, to- gether with the results of recent observations on the color changes of fishes——C. H. T. A BLUE LOBSTER HE Aquarium has a specimen of the American lobster which is so remarkable that it would attract instant attention anywhere. It is not only a giant among its kind, weighing over thirteen pounds, but has a brilliant blue color. It has been intimated that the color of our specimen is a forgery, but the lobster was re- ceived alive on June 30, and has been seen by thousands of persons. When it died an artist was engaged to make a painting of it before any change in color could take place. It has been handsomely mounted, and whatever color was lost in the process has been restored from the original color sketch. This lobster as mounted, with the large claw in a curved position, is twenty-nine inches long, and must have been at least thirty-two inches before mounting. It will be exhibited beside another mounted lobster which died in the Aquarium, having a length of thirty-eight inches and a weight of twenty-one pounds. Incidentally the largest known lobster, weighing thirty-four pounds and now in the American Museum of Natural History, died in the Aquarium. Blue lobsters have long been known, but are of quite rare occurrence. There are a few de- scriptions of such specimens in the literature of the lobster, and the Aquarium has received blue lobsters at different times, some of them sent from distant points as great rarities. Our large blue lobster is, like most of those described, of an intense indigo blue above, shad- ing into a clear blue on the sides and under 1547 parts. The color is merely the result of some unusual condition of the shell pigments. It was presented by Mr. Edward B. Tuthill, of Montauk, Long Island, and presumably was captured in that region.—C. H. T. SOME NOTES ON THE WEAKFISH (Cynoscion regalis ) By W. I. DeNysxr HE weakfish is one of our most common food fishes, and is caught in far greater quantities than the bluefish. It makes its appearance in this locality about the first week in May and remains until the beginning of No- vember, when it leaves for the south. It ar- rives in scattered numbers, only a few being caught by the fishermen until about the first of June, when large catches are made and this con- tinues until the fish migrate in the fall, although there may be weeks of poor fishing between their coming and departure, owing to weather conditions. In its feeding habits, the weakfish is nearly as voracious as the bluefish, and the larger specimens, weighing from fifteen to twenty-five pounds, are very destructive to young fish. They even will eat the young of their own spe- cies, a trait that I never have known the blue- fish to display. Very large specimens seldom frequent the shallow water bays, though those of small and medium size do so. They enter the bays with the flood-tide in search of food, and swim among the beds of eel grass, feeding on shrimps, small fish, worms and small crabs. Many blue crabs just out of the shell and in the soft stage, are eaten by them. Often, I have found the stomachs of medium-sized weak- fish to contain shrimp, small blue crabs, rock crabs, minnows, spearing, tomcod, blackfish, sea bass, striped bass, mullet, herring, menhaden, bluefish, anchovies, sand lance, marine worms of different species, and on several occasions, young weakfish. Though the weakfish is quite as much of a gormand as the bluefish, I never have seen it destroy fish after its appetite had been satiated as the bluefish do. It is a well-known fact that when bluefish have eaten till they can hold no more, they will swim among schools of small fish and cut them to pieces with their strong teeth and jaws. In the fall of 1886, I had the pleasure of seeing schools of large weakfish on the surface of the water off the Sandy Hook Light Ship, so 1548 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN Departments : Mammals Aquarium W.T. Hornapbay. C. H. TownsxEnp. Birds Reptiles WILLIAM BEEBE. Lge S. CRANDALL. Raymonp L. Dirmars. Published bi-monthly at the Office of the Society, 111 Broadway, New York City. Yearly by Mail, $1.00. MAILED FREE TO MEMBERS. Copyright, 1917, by the New York Zoological Society. Each author is responsible for the scientific accuracy and the proof reading of his contribution. ELwin R. Sanporn, Editor and Official Photographer Vout. XX No. 6 NOVEMBER, 1917 gorged with food that they were scarcely able to move or swim beneath the surface. We sailed among them, towing squids astern, but they failed to bite, only one being hooked in the stomach and brought aboard. We then launched a small boat from the yacht, and went among them, armed with two gaffs, succeeding in gaffing twenty-five that weighed on an average twelve pounds each. Our small boat, with the combined weight of two men and the fish, had aboard about six hundred pounds, and we were compelled to return to the yacht and unload for safety. We then made grapples by tying three long- shanked bluefish hooks together and attaching a bluefish line and an eight ounce sinker to each grapple. Again we cruised among the fish and caught thirty by casting our grapples and haul- ing the line in rapidly, hooking them in various parts of the body. Every cast did not reward us with a fish, but with four men casting the returns were frequent. We were two hours among the weakfish before they sank, and ob- served about four acres of them on the surface at one time. THE MULLET (Mugil cephalus) By W. I. DeNyse HE common mullet is found on the Atlan- tic Coast from Cape Cod southward and generally moves in very large schools. The first mullet make their appearance in this locality about the fifteenth of June and are usually young specimens traveling in small schools of two or three hundred. About the first of September larger mullet are seen asso- ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN ciating with the smaller ones, and the schools also increase in size, comprising several thou- sand. The mullet is much sought after by the local seine netters, for when a catch of them is made, it is always large, several tons being taken; and they sell very well in the market. The mullet caught in this vicinity are small fish, running three to the pound. Occasionally larger ones are taken, weighing two or three pounds. Fishing for mullet with a seine is very exciting work. The seiner must be quick with his boat and row fast to circle a school, and after the school is surrounded, the mullet will escape the fisherman unless he gets the ends of the seine ashore quickly. Then, too, after the net is well up to the shore, the fish commence to jump over the cork line, sometimes leaping in such numbers that the eye cannot count them; yet a great many are saved from the haul by the net. If a second seine is placed around the one containing the fish, no mullet will es- cape over the second, and many a fisherman, by this maneceuver, has scored a good day’s work. The mullet is a very oily fish, and only a small quantity can be eaten at a meal by most people. Immense numbers are salted in the south, and sold in the Southern and Middle States. “It is the most generally popular and most abundant food-fish on our southern sea-board. Its abundance puts it within the reach of every- body, blacks as well as whites. “The mullet is a bottom-feeder, and prefers still, shoal water with grassy and sandy or muddy bottom. It swims along the bottom, head down, now and then taking a mouthful of mud, which is partially culled over in the mouth, the miscroscopic particles of animal or vegeta- ble matter retained, and the refuse expelled. When one fish finds a spot rich in the desired food, its companions immediately flock around in a manner reminding one of barn-yard fowls feeding from a dish.” The mullet makes good bait for catching almost all kinds of fish, and is much sought after by anglers. In this locality they often hibernate, and are caught in winter by fisher- men spearing for eels beneath the ice. They lie on the bottom in the soft mud from twelve to fifteen inches below the surface, just above the eels that always go deeper. The writer has taken mullet with the eel spear through holes cut in the ice in Hog Creek, Sheepshead Bay, Long Island. One winter, in particular, large catches of them were made at this place by eel spearers. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN 1549 SABLEFISH, (ANOPLOPOMA-FIMBRIA) Photographed by C. H. Townsend. Taken on the U,S. Fisheries Steamship Albatross. THE SABLEFISH A New Name on THE Bitw or Fare By C. H. Townsenp OMMENCING with the exploitation of the C tilefish in 1915, the Bureau of Fisheries has continued to render an important service to the country in making known the good qualities of several fishes that have long been overlooked in the fishing industry. The list includes the tilefish, grayfish, burbot and sablefish. The last being a Pacific Coast species, is not yet well known in eastern mar- kets; but it has commenced to figure in official statistics of the fisheries. During the six months ending June 30, 1917, there were landed at Seattle, Washington, 1,033,980 pounds of sablefish valued at $39,- 697. This is making remarkably good progress, considering that the campaign to popularize the consumption of sablefish was inaugurated in January. Readers of the Butietin will be interested in seeing what this fish looks like. Its cod-like appearance is well shown in the accompanying photograph made by the writer on board the U. S. Fisheries Steamship Albatross in 1891 when attached to that vessel in the investiga- tion of our northwest coast fisheries. The thirteen fishes shown had an average weight of twelve and one-half pounds—the largest weighing twenty-eight pounds and hay- ing a length of fifty-one inches. They were taken on trawl lines set in the Straits of Fuca, at a depth of 125 fathoms. We met with sable- fish at many points between Oregon and the Alaska Peninsula, and a few specimens have been taken as far south as Southern California. It has been taken by fishing vessels west of Queen Charlotte Island in 250 fathoms of water, which is rather deeper than American fishermen care to operate, although the Japan- ese fish habitually in even greater depths. ZOOLOGICAL PORTUGUESE MAN-OF-WAR, (PHYSALIA ARETHUSA) The picture shows the animal feeding on an anchovy. Photographed by L. L. Mowbray. The sablefish is one of the best of food fishes, as the writer can testify from many months’ personal experience with it. Judging from the number consumed by the eighty men compris- ing our ship’s company, it is a safe fish for anyone to buy if it should appear in our eastern markets. The attendance at the Aquarium to Novem- ber 1, was 1,457,244. The minute stinging cells are visible as small dots on the more thread-like tentacles. SOCIETY BULLETIN THE PORTUGUESE MAN-OF-WAR By C. H. Townsenp HIS Portuguese man-of- T war, (Physalia arethusa) is an inhabitant of the warmer parts of the Atlantic, but is carried far northward by the Gulf Stream and often drifts ashore along our coast. It is the most conspicuous cf the jelly-fishes, as its air-filled float is sometimes more than six inches in length, and has along its top a highly colored crest or sail which can be low- ered at will. Beneath are many tentacles and protruding mouth parts. According to Mr. —E. L. Mowbray of the Aquarium staff, it appears about the Ber- muda Isiands in vast numbers in February, March and April, after prolonged southerly winds, the sea being literally covered with them. Great num- bers are driven by winds into the bays and stranded on the beaches. East of the Bermu- das, he has sailed through areas that were thickly covered with them for 150 miles. The tentacles of the Man- of-war can hold fishes over six inches in length, although usually taking those of smaller size. It of course takes hold of anything with which its long tentacles come in contact, and as the tentacles can stretch down forty or fifty feet, all sizes of fishes may be entan- gled. The largest fishes doubt- less break away. The tenta- cles are covered with stinging cells which soon weaken and disable its prey. They are then gradually drawn closer to the body, where the numerous protruding and dise-tipped stomachs seize and absorb the soft parts, leaving the bones and scales almost intact. The sting of the tentacles is instant and painful to the human hand. There is a species of small fish, (Nomeus gronovii) known as the Man-of-war _ pilot, which is apparently immune to the paralyzing ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN touch of the tentacles, as it lives habitually under their shelter. Several of these fishes may accompany a single Man-of-war. When disturbed by larger fishes they seek refuge among the trailing tentacles, where pursuing fishes often meet their fate. The remarkable immunity of the pilots may be due to some secretion of the fish which actually pre- vents the adherence of the stinging cells of the tenta- cles, as the fishes dart freely among them for pro- tection. The writer has taken many of them with a long-handled dip net when cruising with the Fisheries Steamer Alba- tross in the Gulf Stream. As many as ten of these little fishes have been secured in lifting a single Physalia from the water. G, 78, IP. THE HERMIT CRAB (Petrochirus bahamensis ) By L. L. Mowsray From some primitive kind of crustacean which discovered the advantages of a portable shelter has been derived the hermit crabs. The larg- est of the marine hermits is found in Bermuda, Florida, and the West Indies. The name hermit or soldier crab is of ancient date and is applied to this ensconced crustacean MAN-OF-WAR PILOT, (NOMEUS GRONOVII) From alcoholic specimens. Photographed by L. L. Mowbray. HERMIT CRAB OF THE WEST INDIES 1551 cs Photographed by L. L. Mowbray. as it resembles a hermit in his cell or a soldier in armor. It was long doubted if the hermit would actually attack an animal in its shell for the purpose of obtaining a suitable dwelling. This fact has been well established, and after the animal has been killed the hermit will eat it. One of the most interesting things in the her- mit’s life is to watch it examining an empty shell before entering it. A short while ago I made some moving pictures of the life of the hermit crab and after showing the crab in its shell I removed it and showed the animal walk- ing about in an aquarium without its house. An empty Strombus shell was then placed in the aquarium and the hermit approached it with caution, circled it and then turned it over so that the lip was up, and with the greatest cau- tion crawled over it inserting its large biting claws into the shell and gradually going in fur- ther and further until it was perfectly satisfied there was nothing therein. Making a quick turn of the body, it thrust its tail into the shell, moving about three or four times to the right and left, and after satisfying himself that the shell would answer the purpose, proceeded to move away, of course, dragging the shell with it. It is necessary for the hermit crab to change its shell frequently. As it grows it must have a larger covering, and sometimes it so happens that it cannot find a suitable shell and will ake anything that it can get into and carry away. I have seen them carrying an enamel ean, the bowl of a clay pipe or a small bottle- 1552 While writing this article two hermit crabs were fighting in the aquarium tank where there are a dozen or more specimens. The victor lost his right biting claw in the fray and without showing the least concern drew the body of the victim out of the shell and ate the softer parts. It was impossible to get a picture of the fight owing to the lateness of the hour. THE WATER BEAR By Iva M. MELLEN HE most elusive animal in the world, and, fl if we omit the horse shoe crab, (Limu- lus) and the headless fish, (Amphiozus), perhaps the most remarkable, is the water bear, Tardigrade. The horse shoe crab and the headless fish are not so difficult to obtain and place under ob- servation, but a microscopist may look for a water bear many moons ere his search will be rewarded; and then, though he give it but a tea- spoonful of water to roam in, he may not find it a second time—so extremely minute is the alluring creature. After several years of intermittent micro- scopy, I found a water bear. She favored me with her presence two days and on departing left a souvenir of inestimable value,—her old skin with two eggs inside, and these hatched. She measured not more than 16/1000 of an inch, and her offspring were, of course, consid- erably smaller. Tardigrada, meaning slow walker, is not the most appropriate name that could have been be- stowed. It does not convey the impression of perpetual motion which one receives on viewing the animals. The eight tiny feet never rest, their long claws grasping at everything near them as their owner incessantly works his way about. Except for twice too many feet and no tail, the Tardigrade slightly suggests the bear in its aspect and is therefore commonly called water bear and bear animalecule. Some of its early describers—a popular notion then prevailing that bears lick their cubs—hazarded the guess that it resembled an unlicked bear cub. As a matter of fact, no one knows whether bears lick their cubs or not, since the she-bear (as I am informed by Mr. Hollister of the Washington Zoo) retires into complete seclusion for six weeks when the young are born and would kill them if disturbed, at least during the first few days; and there is really no known animal to ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN THE WATER BEAR From a drawing by Ilda M. Mellen. which the Tardigrade may be likened with cer- tainty. In the matter of classification, it has been called an animaleule, a crustacean, a worm, and a spider. While it lives amicably with proto- zoa, flat worms, rotifers and snails, it is zoo- logically evasive and something of an aristo- erat, refusing to be closely associated with any other animal, yielding to no real grouping at all, but occupying a separate heading all by itsel{f—at present near the spiders—under the large order of jointed-footed animals. This is rather awkward, because there are no joints whatever in its feet, and latest rumor is that it will next find itself back among the worms, from which group of animals it is now thought to be an offshoot. The Tardigrada are remarkable creatures; not only remarkable to look upon, but wonder- fully put together. They are male and female. Besides head, feet and claws, they possess a mouth, pharynx, cesophagus, teeth, stomach, muscles, and sometimes eyes—but never any tail. The body is composed of beautiful, regu- lar cells that delight the physiologist, especi- ally the student of histology, the science of the tissues; yet the Tardigrade possesses no con- nective tissue. It has a brain, a nerve cord, a chain of ganglia, and optic nerves, and an or- ganism that exhibits no signs of degeneration ; yet the animal boasts neither lungs, gills, kid- neys, heart, nor blood vessels. Certain bacteria and other vegetable organ- isms have been observed flourishing in its body fluid, but work no apparent injury to their busy host. Outwardly it appears defenseless. Its teeth are used only on the plants it eats, and its claws are never set in the hide of, friend or foe, so far as we can ascertain, but serve only to grasp surrounding objects to help the tiny crea- ture over his watery ground; but the salivary glands are said to secrete poison. Europeans first recorded the Tardigrades and described species that live in salt water as well as fresh. The fresh-water species has generally ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN been found in plankton—the floating matter of the water—in wet moss, and other small plants of the rivers, swamps and ponds. Low temper- ature is evidently pleasing to the water bears, for, rare at all times, they are still more rarely found in summer than during the cooler months. In Illinois they have been observed from Oc- tober to May. The one here pictured was found toward the last of May in a balanced aquarium where she had probably been all win- ter, having taken up her abode for the time being with various other minute animals in the dead egg of a red ramshorn snail. There it was that she cast her skin and left her progeny. The latter's small feet traveled around and across the egg a great many times. An egg 1/32 of an inch in diameter was, of course, a little world in itselfi—a microcosm—to such in- finitesimal creatures. They showed no haste to leave it and seek their fortunes in the deep, ex- pansive lake wherein the egg reposed—in a watch crystal. Another specimen, since discovered in Au- gust, was groping among the stems of some stalked protozoans attached to the shell of a Potomac snail. Some of the bear animalcules live on land, and on the roofs of houses, others in moist sand. Some live only in temporary pools, others in the seething ocean; and far removed from civ- ilization, still others dwell high up in the Arc- tic mountains. Some travel about in tiny coats of mail. One species—that which lives in moss —suffers no permanent injury from drying up, surviving terrible heat and drought. It is said that even after years of dessication, a drop of water will bring it to life. Without heart or blood vessels, the fluid in the body which serves as blood need not necessarily be peculiar to this Tardigrade; and perhaps that is the queerest thing about him. When it has dried up, a touch of moisture will replace it and serve quite as well. During drought, therefore, the members of this species remain like invisible particles of dust. A drop of rain, and back to life they come. The restlessly active little water bear has his place somewhere in the great scheme of life on earth, self-intent and self-content, and quite un- aware that he has been found out by giants studying zoology, whose infinitely larger brains than his are so severely taxed to discover what manner of beast he is. “Solicit not thy thoughts with matters hid.”—Little did Milton know the temptations of the microscope. ITEMS OF INTEREST By C. H. Townsenp A New Book on Small Aquaria.—In Gold- fish Varieties and Tropical Aquarium Fishes, Mr. William T. Innes presents a useful guide to aquaria and related subjects. Among the subjects dealt with are the fresh-water aqua- rium, goldfish varieties, hardy native fresh- water fishes, tropical aquaria, marine aquaria, terraria, fish foods, diseases, plants, construc- tion of aquaria, etc. The author is equipped jby long experience for his task, and has performed it so well that the book will take an important place among manuals devoted to the subject. The following quotations contain the essen- tials of aquarium management: “The main causes for failure, in the order of their importance, are overcrowding, overfeed- ing, sudden temperature changes, lack of proper plant life, insufficient lighting.” As to overcrowding, the rule given is: “One inch of fish to one gallon of water— that is, in a ten-gallon aquarium of the usual oblong shape, well planted and in a good light, one could successfully keep ten one-inch, or five two-inch, or two five-inch fish. “Fish should never on any account be fed more than will be consumed at once. “Do not subject the fishes to any sudden change of temperature, either higher or lower .... A sprinkling pot is excellent for adding water to the aquarium. “Tf oxygenating plants are not used the fishes become restless, come to the surface to breathe air, and may finally die of suffocation unless the water is changed. “Select for the aquarium a place close to a window with a good strong light, preferably one where it will get two hours of direct sun a day.” In conclusion, the author gives a list of very sensible Dont’s, which, if well considered by the amateur, ought to carry him far on the way to success. The book is well printed, well illustrated, and its matter is well presented. Undoubtedly it will introduce many to the pleasant art of keep- ing aquaria. Larger Exhibition Tanks——The picture of sturgeon and dog shark shows the effect that can be produced in the enlarged exhibition tanks that have been constructed in the Aqua- rium during the past two years. The work of enlarging tanks will be resumed soon and it is (ItHd AOH: Z ey 0) ‘u S IOQGUUS “Y PdaLOY UIM[H AQ poyduicojoyd IV) ‘ HSIWa Td AONVUO ONNOA 1554 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN hoped that all of the glass-fronted tanks on the ground floor will be large enough to hold really large fishes. The number of fishes that can be kept in such tanks is greater, as there is’ more swimming space. Young Orange Filefish—The young of this species are quite different in appearance from the adults, having oblique, broad black bands, while the adults lack the bands and are con- spicuously yellow. The photograph of the young filefishes presented herewith may be com- pared with one published in this BuLietin in November, 1912, showing the large adult fishes. _ This species usually maintains an oblique po- sition both when quietly poised in mid-tank and when moving in its slow fashion. It is com- mon all along our coast in summer and autumn and is often found in large schools. Refrigerating Plant.—One of the most im- portant improvements in the mechanical depart- ment of the Aquarium has been the recent in- stallation of the refrigerating engine and con- denser in new quarters. To comply with Fire Department require- ments for the separate enclosing of such ma- chinery, it became necessary to remove the re- frigerating plant to a position where the acci- dental liberation of ammonia gas would not be dangerous to visitors. This was accomplished by the construction of a room outside of the en- gine room, on top of the broad outer wall of the building. Advantage was taken of the change, to abandon the bulky tank and coil sys- tem and install a condenser of the more modern double-tube pattern, which requires less space and gives better results. The accompanying photograph shows the ex- terior of the new structure. The area made va- cant by the removal of this machinery permit- ted the enlargement of two exhibition tanks and the consequent increase of space to be devoted to exhibits. Fishes From Florida.—On September 12 Mr. Mowbray of the Aquarium staff, went to Key West for the purpose of making a cooperative collection of fishes for the New York and De- troit aquariums. The collection was made under very trying conditions, owing to stormy weather. About 600 specimens were collected and were loaded on the steamer in a gale of wind and rain. The ship was delayed several hours, owing to the. weather, but sailed that night. The gale reached its height about midnight and the fishes in the shipping tanks were subjected to uncommonly 1555 NEW QUARTERS FOR THE REFRIGERATING PLANT rough treatment. Some 160 succumbed or were too badly bruised to be of any exhibition value and were thrown overboard; but 447 specimens finally landed at the Aquarium. Fur Seal Herd in 1917.—The preliminary census of the Alaska fur seal herd for 1917, as reported from the Pribilof Islands on August 16, totaled 463,374 seals of all classes. A steady increase in the herd has been re- corded each year since ocean sealing was dis- continued by international agreement in De- cember, 1911. The catch made at sea that year was 12,700, mostly breeding females, and the herd on the islands was numbered at 123,600, although it was subsequently an- nounced that this figure was too low. In 1912, with no losses of breeding females from ocean sealing, and no losses of pup seals by starva- tion as a result of being left motherless, the herd numbered 215,738; the census having been made with greater care than ever before. 1556 iets GREAT N NEW WOR Mn uM, W.G.Gou ia Rete e Gi we: MOP AIXTORE. : BOSE LIVING WONDERS OF THE vidios FROM EVERY SEA, EXHIBITED IN TRON B GLASS TANKS,1T0 60 FEET IN LENGTH, ONSTANT STREAM OF WATER BROUGRT FROM THE ATLANTIC OCEAN & KFPT IN CIRCULATION BY POWERFUL STEAM ENGINES AT ENORMOUS EXPENSE AN AQUARIUM OF FORTY YEARS AGO From an old print owned by the N. Y. Aquarium. The total for 1917 shows that the herd has more than doubled in five years, and the half million mark is almost in sight. The number of breeding females is ascer- tained each year by actual counting of pups born, the number of which for 1917 is an- nounced as 125,712. In five years more the seal rookeries of the Pribilofs will begin to look like old times. An Aquarium of Forty Years Ago.—The pic- ture of the “Great New York Aquarium,” shown herewith, is from a large lithograph now in the library of the Aquarium in Battery Park. The Aquarium, located on the corner of Broadway and Thirty-fifth Street, was found- ed by W. C. Coup, and was opened to the pub- lic on October 11, 1876. Shortly after the project was set on foot, Messrs. Charles Reiche & Brother, dealers in animals, became associ- ated with Mr. Coup, who later withdrew and was succeeded by Dr. H. Dorner, of the Ham- burg Zoological Garden and Aquarium, who became manager. The Aquarium contained 16 large glass- fronted wall tanks, and 12 large table aquaria for marine exhibits. In addition to 14 table aquaria for fresh water exhibits, there were a large trout tank and two fish-hatching troughs. The fresh water supply was derived from the City system, and the sea water was circulated by a steam pump from a reservoir under the floor. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN A guide to this Aquarium by Dr. Dorner, published in 1877, “describes nearly all the ani- mals that have been or are on exhibition.” It enumerates 132 species of fishes, a small num- ber of invertebrates, and a few aquatic vertebrates such as tur- tles and salamanders. There were three floor pools usually devoted to seals and alligators. One of the pools was occupied for a short time by a white whale, (Delphinapterus leu- cas). Mr. W. I. De Nyse, now ot the staff of the Aquarium, was connected with the Broadway institution for three years. He states that at first the Aquari- um was successful financially, but later its exhibits were not well kept up and the interest of the public declined. The central floor space was finally cleared of aquatic exhibits to make room for vaudeville attrac- tions; but the favor of the public was not re- gained, and the Aquarium soon ceased to exist. Huge Snapping Turtles—The Aquarium has received from Louisiana three specimens of the alligator snapping turtle, (Macrochelys lacer- tina), one of them unusually large, weighing 10114 pounds. Their weights and lengths are as follows: 1.—1011% pounds, carapace 24 inches, total length 4 feet 9 inches. 2.—87 pounds, carapace 27 total length 4 feet 9 inches. 3.—70 pounds, carapace 21 length 4 feet. A very large mounted snapper of this spe- cies from Memphis, Tennessee, that died in the Aquarium some years ago, weighed 106 pounds. Its total length was four and one-half feet, and the length of carapace twenty-three inches. inches, inches, total These large and vicious turtles inhabit the lower Mississippi and rivers of the Gulf States. They are the largest of the fresh water turtles with the possible exception of the Podocnemis expansa of the Amazon River. The greatest known weight of a Macrochelys lacertina is 140 pounds. It is used as food and often sold in southern markets. The powerful jaws can break a stick the size of an ordinary broom handle. ONE OF THE NEWLY ENLARGED EXHIBITION TANKS Showing common Sturgeon, (Acipenser stwrio) and smooth Dogfish, (Mustelus canis). _ ; Sah \ ae GIANT SNAPPING TURTLES FROM THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI Photographed by Elwin R. Sanborn. 1557 1558 ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN SECTION OF A FUR SEAL ROOKERY Photograph made twenty years ago by C. H. Townsend. TWENTY-FOUR WAYS OF SPELLING A FISH’S NAME ORMERLY a man was not considered ac- complished unless he could spell his name several different ways. Even in his will his utmost versatility was displayed in this respect—a procedure which would, in all likelihood, invalidate the document under mod- ern process of probate. Sometimes each of the children spelled the name a different way, and in some of the old New England graveyards several variations occur in the stones of a fam- ily plot. The irritation of people nowadays when their names are not spelled in precisely one way, is an amusing illustration both of the reversal of fashion and the hold that fashion has upon us. In the naming of a certain fish, however, the old custom still prevails, and our ancestors are quite outdone in the case of this giant pike whose name is spelled in at least twenty-four different ways: Ways beginning with Ma Maskallonge Maskalonge Mascalonge Mascolonge Maskalunge Maskinoje Maskanonge Maskinongé Maskenonge Mask-Kinongé Mas Kenosha Masquallonge Maskenozha Masquinongy (Of these, Mas Kenosha, Maskinongé and Mask-Kinonge are names given to the fish by the Ojibway Indians.) Way beginning with Mo Moska longe Ways beginning with Mu Muscalonge Muskallunge Muskalinge Muskalonge Muskallonge Muskellunge Way beginning with an N Noscononge And it is written in French Masque longue, also Masque allongé—that is to say, “long face.” The question of a settled form for spelling the name of this fish was considered at the Aquarium several years ago, and Muskallunge was decided upon. This spelling has been used ever since in Aquarium publications. I. M. M. GENERAL INFORMATION MEMBERSHIP IN THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Membership in the Zoological Society is open to all interested in the objects of the organiza - tion, who desire to contribute toward its support. The cost of Annual Membership is $10 per year, which entitles the holder to admission to the Zoological Park on all pay days, when he may see the collections to the best advantage. Members are entitled to the Annual Report, bi-monthly Bulletins, Zoologica, privileges of the Administration Building, all lectures and special exhibitions, and ten complimentary tickets to the Zoological Park for distribution. Any Annual Member may become a Life Member by the payment of $200. A subscriber of $1,000 becomes a Patron; $2,500, an Associate Founder; $5,000, a Founder; $10,000, a Founder in Perpetuity, and $25,000, a Benefactor. Application for membership may be given to the Chief Clerk, in the Zoological Park; C. H. Townsend, N. Y. Aquarium, Battery Park, New York City, or forwarded to the General Secretary, No. 111 Broadway, New York City. ZOOLOGICAL PARK The Zoological Park is open every day in the year, free, except Monday and Thursday of each week, when admission is charged. Should either of these days fall on a holiday no admis- sion fee is charged. From April 15 to October 15, the opening and closing hours are from 9 o'clock A. M. until one-half hour before sunset. From October 16 to April 14, the opening and closing hours are from 10 o’clock A. M. until one-half hour before sunset. NEW YORK AQUARIUM The Aquarium is open every day in the year; April 15 to October 15, 9 A. M. to 5 P. M; October 16 to April 14, 10 A. M. to 4 P. M. Open free to the public every day in the year. PUBLICATIONS Annual Report No.1............ Paper $ .40 Souvenir Books: Series No. 8, 48 pages, 7x9 inches, 78 ss “ ho tte eee sees we 15 Cloth $1.00 illustrations from four color plates. ............. 50 i fs iV and each. . ie ae e aon (By mail, postage 3 cents extra.) “ “ Ope ee apap OSS: “ 1.00 “1.95 | Animals in Art Stamps: Album of 32 Pages, providing Ke bs SE Qe mel nee eens: ey 1.25 Hy 1.50 space for mounting 120 art stamps in four colors us Ke “* 11, 12, 18, 14, 15. made from selected photographs of animals taken 19. 20, 21. each....... Hs 00 ee 1.35 in the Zoological Park, complete with stamps....... .75 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, each 1. , Our Vanishing Wild Life (Horna- - (By mail, postage 6 cents extra.) day) postpaid....-........... 1.65 | Wild Animal Stamp Primer: 96 page cloth bound book Destruction of Our Birds and Mam- = containing 49 animal stories, illustrated by 50 four- mals (Hornaday)............. 15 color stamp reproductions. ..................002. 85 Notes on oa sucey of North (By mail 7 cents extra) America (Hornaday).......... 40 i F é F igs s “ Photogravures: Series of 12 subjects in sepia. Animals The Caribou (Grant)............ at “60 and views in the Zoological Park. Sold in sets ube Origin ne Heconousiy oe tue of 2 subjects. Per set, postpaid................. 25 a i ica “(Grant) Poet BT eT a aes Neund SE E % 1.00 Souvenir Map-Fan: A combined fan and map of the het occnininiarieG oat (Grip) “s 1,00 Zoological Park Gennee aes pee SEA, er 10 eee er : : ae : ae epee A 2.80 Eanor cana: of the Zocvavical Park: Reproduced in colors : ze rom an original drawing in perspective. Zoologica Vol. 1. Nos. 12,18and14. -25 flat or in folder form... = aes ad e De +e got Seer it fest NO: iz ere Ihe it 2 (By mail, postage 2 cents extra.) " eueencen trandessz: 2 25 Enlargements: 11x14 inches. 12 subjects in black and “ SER AGES cai Setar Pyar mee 0 30 Midis Cervo ibecrposseecie Cae eee Faso 5 So eee 25 e japanese eee emencrcictaycee ‘A 25 Duotone; Brown; eachecae ic cicuidenieree - soc cs 35 CS iki Hing ecerssn) Baek cia Mapa + 125 Hand Colored (10 Subjects), each................ 15 3s Rie ive nc ee pita © i 2 Photo-Letter: (folding) 18 pictures, photogravure...2for .10 if UE RE SIAR rig gree ema “ On f 2 = i ATCOIONS): «.s «is« ave afor .10 Zoopathologica Vol, I. No.1...... br 25 New York Aquarium Nature Series 2 see, -25 Sea Shoreyinites (Mayer) ronuciclertaeteaiste) =. «ois nicole mratel $1.20 Bulletin Nos. 1, 6, 8, 35, 48 and 46 .. Out of Print eure ton pe eles oe onde ay ayneend) Lancs steve eee 2 : ? ‘ : ameleons o . OW SENG) sehenels. sds este aia oalelerepee é Bulletins—Bi-monthly....-'. « 2 goe, cach. \Wearly by rnaill.00- | nerthern: Elephant Seal (Townsend).....-<.>.-