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FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 

AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 

fEsIiTF-  Smith 

REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 

Stamford,  Connecticut. 

Phones  2916  and  2917,  Stamford 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 

has  good  transportation  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

I have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates,  Shore  and  Inland 
Residences,  Farms,  Acreage,  Cottages  and 
Building  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selected 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Renl 
tn  all  locations. 

Would  be  pleased  to  have  you  call  or  write. 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  Conn. 


NEW  ENGLISH  TYPE  DWELLING 

AT  SHIPPAN  POINT  ON  SOUND 


FIRST  FLOOR:  Wide  hall  through  center  of  house,  reception  room,  extensive  living  room  with 
large  fireplace,  very  large  handsomely  finished  dining  room  with  fireplace,  bright  breakfast 
room,  library,  pantry,  kitchen,  maid’s  room,  lavatory. 

SECOND  FLOOR:  Five  master’s  rooms  and  three  baths,  three  maids’  rooms  and  bath. 

BASEMENT:  Large  laundry,  drying  room,  store  rooms.  Inside  garage  for  two  cars. 

House  attractively  finished 
throughout,  having  electric  light, 
gas,  city  water.  About  two  acres 
of  land,  beach  privileges. 

PRICE  $55,000.  Terms 

WORTH  875,000 


arr 


^ -TA.  M O /V  £2  CO/V/V. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


I 


A.  M.  BOLES 

REAL  ESTATE  AND 
INSURANCE 

SOUND  BEACH.  RIVERSIDE  AND 
VICINITIES 

Office 

SOUND  BEACH  AVENUE 
Opp.  R.  R.  Station 

SOUND  BEACH,  CONN. 

Telephone  546 


The  Walter  Stewart  Co. 

The  Leading  Grocers 
CHOICE  GROCERIES, 

FLOUR  AND  FEED. 
SIX  STORES 

Sound  Beach,  New  Canaan, 

Darien  and  Springdale 

Telephone  Connection 


EVERYTHING 

ELECTRICAL 

FOR  THE  HOME 

From  Garret  to  Cellar 

Electric  Heaters,  Sewing 
Machines,  Irons,  Vacuum 
Cleaners,  Washing  Ma- 
chines, Percolators, 
Toasters,  etc.,  etc., 

— at — 

THE  STAMFORD  ELEC- 
TRICAL CONTRACTOR 

INCORPORATED 

221  Atlantic  Street 


LAYLAND  GARAGE 

SOUND  BEACH,  CONN. 

Telephone  580  Sound  Beach 

General  Auto  Repairing,  Storing, 
Washing  and  Polishing 

TAXI  SERVICE 

Day  and  Night  Service.  Reasonable  Rates 

D.  MAHER  SONS 

LEHIGH  COAL,  HYGEIA  ICE 

BUILDING  MATERIAL,  LIME,  LATH, 
BRICK,  SAND,  CEflENT,  DRAIN  PIPE 

Tel.  130  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

LOUIS  A . SPE Z Z ANO 

GENERAL  CONTRACTOR 
Post  Road, 

Riverside,  Connecticut. 

Telephone : Sound  Beach  145. 


S.  G.  JUDD  STORE 

HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 
Telephone  352 

White  and  Gray  Enamel 
Ware 

Galvanized  and  Tin  Ware 
Aluminum,  Crockery  and 
Glass  Ware 

Baskets,  Cutlery 

43  BANK  STREET 
Stamford,  _ _ Connecticut 


II 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Stamford  Business  Directory 


HOTEL  DAVENPORT 

H.  S.  MOREHOUSE  HOTEL  CO. 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


EVERYTHING  FOR  LADIES'  WEAR 

CALL  ON 

Moltasch,  Ladies’  Outfitter 

3io  ATLANTIC  ST.,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 


Tdepkone,  270  Uptown  Office:  STARK  BROS 

271  40  PARK  ROW 

CHAS.  F.  WATERBURY 
David  Waterbury  & Son 
COAL  DRAIN  PIPE  WOOL 

Crushed  Stone  tor  Walks  and  Drives 
YARDS:  Canal  Dock.  STAMFORD.  CONN. 


Telephone  169  Insurance  Appraisals  Made 

WM.  T.  FINNEY,  INC. 

ANTIQUES,  SECONDHAND 

FURNITURE,  STORAGE 

Office  and  Auction  Rooms 
35  Atlantic  Street,  Stamford,  Conn 

Corsets  Fitted  Free  by  Expert  Corsetiere 

Phone  989 

LA  SARETTE  CORSET  SHOP 

STAMFORD  THEATRE  BUILDING 
Stamford  Connecticut 


BORG  BROTHERS 

Chemical  and  Analytical  Laboratoriei 
for  Special  Research  Work 

539  MAIN  ST. 

STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

JOHN  PHILLIPS 

Dealer  in 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES 

463  Main  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

FOR  FINE  MILLINERY 
NEWSTAD’S 

3 BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

FRANK  M.  WEST 
HARDWARE 

Paints,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Etc.  House  Furnishings 

7c  ATLANTIC  STREET  Tel.  Con 

R.  F\  VOSKA  & SOM 

TAILORS 

444  Atlantic  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

Drs.  W.  H.  and  E.  W.  Pomeroy 
DENTISTS 

The  Gurley  Building, 

324  Main  St.,  opposite  City  Hall. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


III 


CAMERAS 

ALWAYS  READY 
EASY  TO  OPERATE 

Insert  the  film  and  the  camera  is 
ready  to  operate,  and  so  easy,  by  the 
mere  process  of  pressing  a button 
or  lever.  Failure  is  impossible  if  the 
camera  is  pointed  right.  Even  a child 
can  use  them  with  expert  results. 
Everybody  wants  a camera  and 
everybody  should  have  one  and  our 
assortment  gives  ample  opportunity 
for  selection  with  due  consideration 
to  the  saving  of  money  as  well  as 
getting  results. 


EST.  1847 


313  Atlantic  St..  STAMFORD.CONN. 


Phillips  Gift  Shop 

Gifts  for  All  Occasions 

Diamonds,  Watches, 
Jewelry,  Silver- 
ware, Cut  Glass, 
Clocks,  Sterling 
and  Ivoroid  Toilet 
and  Manicure  Sets, 
Novelties,  Etc. 

Usual  Amount  of  Engraving  Free. 

A Small  Deposit  Reserves  Any  Article 
Selected. 

Exclusive  Agency  Gorham 
Silverware. 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 

232  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn. 
Established,  1897 

THE  HALLMARK  STORE 


LOG  CABINS 
CRAFTSMEN'S  HOMES 
RUSTIC  TEA  HOUSES 
BUNGALOWS 
ENTRANCE  GATES 
PERGOLAS 

GRAPE  AND  ROSE  ARBORS 
GARDEN  FURNITURE 
FENCES 

FLOWER  STANDS 
BRIDGES 
BIRD  HOUSES 

RIVERSIDE,  CONN. 

PHONE  SOUND  BEACH  600 


CONN.  RUSTIC  CONSTRUCTION  CO 

ARCHITECTS- 
CRAFTSMEN 

R.  EHLERS 
Greenwich  180 


IV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


270  MAIN  STREET 


Telephone  3415 


V*HIT£ 
WET  WASH 


STAGE  STREET 

Stamford,  ....  Connecticut 


Phone  969 

THE  MEANING  OF  WET  WASH: 

If  you  have  been  accustomed  to  doing  wash- 


ing the  old-fashioned  way,  you  will  appreciate  learning  something  about 

THE  WHITE  WET  WASH 

1.  The  cost  is  less  than  home  washing,  any  way  you  figure  it. 

2.  We  wash  EVERYTHING — white  clothes,  colored  clothes,  wool,  silk,  yes,  even 
blankets  and  rugs,  without  any  additional  charge,  or  worry  on  your  part.  You  just  put 
everything  you  want  cleaned  in  the  bag  that  we  furnish  you  and  tie  a string  around  the 
top  of  it,  and  we  do  the  rest. 

3.  Prompt  and  punctual  service — we  call  on  the  same  day,  mostly  the  same  hour 
each  week,  or  every  other  week,  as  you  may  choose,  and  deliver  your  whole  bundle  back 
to  you  in  twenty-four  hours,  if  in  Stamford,  clean,  sweet  and  almost  ready  to  iron; 
if  in  any  outlying  district,  in  forty-eight  hours. 

4.  Twenty-five  pounds  weighed  dry — only  $1.50 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


V 


A JUNE  SELLING  OF  EXTRAORDINARY  INTEREST 

Covering  a long  period  of  service  the  Special  Sales  of  this  Store  have  become  recog- 
nized factors  in  home  economy.  Strict  adherence  to  the  highest  standards  prevails  through- 
out all  Sales,  exactly  as  in  the  everyday  dealings  of  the  Store.  This,  together  with  a 

keenly  sympathetic 


AND  TRIMMING  STORE 


'll i Atlantic  St. 


“A  Pleasant  Place  to  Shop,  with  Always  Something  New’ 


understanding  of  the 
seasonable  needs  of 
the  public,  gives  what 
the  Store  patrons  are 
pleased  to  term  a ser- 
vice of  rare  value. 
Take  the  time  to  go 
through  the  various 
departments  with  see- 
ing eyes.  You  will  find 
this  occasion  the  gate- 
way to  economy. 


Established  1853 

THE  GETMAN&  JUDD  CO. 

Lumber  and  Timber  of  all  Kinds 

SPECIALTY:  High-Grade  HARDWOOD  FLOORING 

sfcoroughly  Kiln  Dried  and  stored  in  Steam  heated  build- 
lag  until  delivered  to  our  customers.  Our  steadily  in- 
creasing trade  in  this  specialty  proves  the  fact  that 
dte  country  home  is  not  complete  until  fitted  out  with 
this  beautiful  and  sanitary  furnishing.  Old  Residences 
any  be  greatly  improved  by  laying  thin  floors  over  the 
•Id  ones. 

CANAL  DOCKS,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone  2180 


Homes  Near  to  Nature 

Should  he  so  constructed  as  to  give  lasting  satisfaction. 
Our  method  of  manufacturing  dependable  Interior  an 4 
Exterior  house  trim  from  thoroughly  kiln  dried  material 
by  skilled  mechanics  insures  such  satisfaction. 

THE  5T.  JOHN  WOOD  WORKING  CO. 

Canal  Docks  Stamford  conn. 

Telephone  781 
DIRECTORS 

WALTON  FERGUSON.  Pres.  W.  W.  HEROV 
W.  D.  DASKAM,  Vice  Pres,  Dr.  F.  H.  GETMAN 

W.  H.  JUDD,  Sec.  and  Treas.  F.  W.  BOGARDUS 
J.  G.  WIGG,  General  Manager. 


SEE  US  AND 

SEE  BETTER 

Protect  your  eyes  from  the  daily 
strain  and  sun’s  rays. 


CAMERAS  and  SUPPLIES 
Developing,  Printing 
and  Mounting  .... 

W.  A.  McClelland,  Inc.,  Optomttrists-Opticisns 
Stamford  345  Atlantic  St.,  {Connecticut 


STAMFORD  STEAM  LAUNDRY,  Inc. 

Deliveries  to  Sound  Beach  and  Shippan. 
OFFICE  10-12  SUMMER  PLACE 
Telephone,  249.  Stamford,  Cona. 


THE  GAMBLE  MILL  WORK  CO. 


SASH,  DOORS,  BLINDS,  TRIM, 
ETC. 

520  Steamboat  Road 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

LEON  DERAN 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

133  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn. 

Phone  594 

Portraits  Commercial  Photography 

Copying  and  Enlarging 


Tis  not  in  mortals  to  COMMAND  success,  but  we’ll  do  more,  we’ll  DESERVE  IT. — Addison. 


Advertising  Ostermoor  Mattresses. 

It  is  but  justice  to  Ostermoor  & 
Company  and  to  its  genial  manager, 
Mr.  Edwin  A.  Ames,  that  we  say  a 
kind  word  of  appreciation  of  the  Oster- 
moor mattresses  which  have  been 
thoroughly  tested  at  our  Rest  Cottage 
of  Little  Japan.  Guests  and  students 
have  spoken  in  delight  of  the  good 
night’s  rest  among  the  trees,  well  fit- 
ting them  to  carry  on  their  nature 
studies  and  to  enter  heartily  into  all  the 
activities  of  ArcAdiA.  Two  more  mat- 
tresses recently  received  will  be  put  into 
use  at  once. 

We  call  attention  to  the  Ostermoor 
advertisement  in  this  number  of  our 
magazine  and  invite  our  Members  and 
friends  to  obtain  full  particulars  of  these 
high  grade  mattresses,  cushions  and 
springs.  Much  of  one’s  time  is  spent  in 
bed  and  the  work  done  in  the  remain- 
ing hours  depends  largely  on  how  rest- 
ful are  those  hours  in  bed.  It  does  not 
pay  to  have  anything  short  of  the  best, 
and  the  best  are  sold  at  very  reasonable 
prices. 


More  Roses  Needed! 

A shy  young  man  had  been  calling 
on  “the  sweetest  girl  in  the  world”  for 
many  months,  but,  being  bashful,  his 
suit  had  progressed  slowly. 

Finally  she  decided  she  ought  to  set 
things  going,  so  the  next  time  he  called 
she  pointed  to  the  rose  in  his  coat  and 
said,  “I’ll  give  you  a kiss  for  that.” 

A crimson  flush  spread  over  his 
countenance,  but  the  exchange  was 
made.  Then  he  grabbed  his  hat  and 
started  to  leave  the  room. 

“Where  are  you  going?”  she  asked  in 
surprise. 

“To  the — er — florist  for  more  roses,” 
he  called  back  from  the  front  door. 


Cinnamon  Vine  Sensation. 

Really  the  interest  aroused  among 
our  readers  by  the  full  page  announce- 
ment and  the  two  page  article  by  Mr. 
A.  T.  Cook  of  Hyde  Park-on-the-Hud- 
son,  New'  York,  telling  of  the  wonders 
of  cinnamon  vines  might  be  described 
as  a cinnamon  sensation.  Many  have 
hailed  his  announcement  with  delight 
and  are  glad  to  know  what  is  one  of 
the  best  vines  for  verandas,  trellises  and 
rustic  tvork. 

This  wronderful  vine  is  not  in  the 
experimental  stage  but  has  been  thor- 
oughly tried  out  and  found  to  be  vrorth 
while.  We  can  strongly  recommend 
correspondence  with  Mr.  Cook  regard- 
ing it. 


Putting  in  Personality. 

Jean,  the  negro  chef  at  a certain 
country  club,  makes  hash  that  has  no 
equal.  The  fame  of  the  dish  is  great, 
but  the  secret  of  its  excellence  eluded 
everyone  until  one  day  a member  of  the 
club  complimented  Jean  on  his  skill. 

“How  do  you  do  it?”  he  asked.  “I 
never  get  hash  like  yours  anywhere 
else.” 

Jean’s  black  face  glow^ed  with  pleas- 
ure at  the  compliment.  “Beef  is  nothin’.” 
he  replied,  “potatoes  is  nothin’,  pep- 
pah’s  nothin’,  onions  is  nothin’ ; but 
when  I frowes  myself  into  de  hash — 
dat’s  what  makes  it  what  it  is !” — 
Youth’s  Companion. 


C.  C.  CLARK’S 

TAXI  SERVICE 

SOUND  BEACH  CONNECTICUT 

TAXI  CABS— BAGGAGE  TRANSFER 
PROMPT  SERVICE  OUR  MOTTO 
Telephones: 

546  SOUND  BEACH 
From  2 A.  M.  to  7 A.  M. 

271  SOUND  BEACH 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


VII 


WHETHER  YOU  ARE  GOING  TO  A 
WEDDING  OR  GRADUATION, 

You’ll  be  interested  in  the  quality  and  distinctiveness  of  the 
smart  clothes  we  are  showing  for  young  men. 

The  next  few  weeks  are  weeks  of  weddings,  graduations  and 
other  functions  and  we  offer  clothing  that  is  worthy  quality 
in  all  details — style,  fit,  fabric  and  tailoring — this  is  assurance 
of  economy — the  economy  of  long  service  and  lasting 
satisfaction. 

GOOD  SUITS,  $30,  $35,  $45,  $50 

WHITE  FLANNEL  TROUSERS,  $9.50 

STRAW  HATS,  $2,  $3,  $4,  $5 

Correct  accessories,  too — Hats.  Shirts,  Neckwear  and 
Hosiery.  Quality  merchandise — all  investments  in  good 
appearance. 

THE  HARTWELL -DELAP  COMPANY 

48  and  50  Park  Row 
“THE  LIVE  STORE” 


GOOD  HEALTH’S  BEST  FRIEND  IS  WHOLESOME  FOOD 


THE  BEST  INGREDIENTS  make  the  BEST  BREAD! 

Beech  Nut  Bread  is  made  of  Pure  Granulated  Sugar,  Pure  Leaf  Lard.  Pure 
Malt  Extract,  Pure  Fleischmann’s  Yeast,  Pure  Milk  and  Plenty  Of  It,  and 
Pure  \\  heat  Hour — and  each  of  these  wholesome,  healthful  ingredients  is  the 
finest  quality  that  money  can  buy. 

•NATURALLY— BEECH  NUT  BREAD  IS  MORE  NOURISHING,  AS  WELL 
AS  MORE  DELICIOUS! 

Baked  Solely  by  the  Marsh  Bakeries,  Inc. 


VIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


MOTORS 

FIXTURES 

APPLIANCES 

MODERN  LABOR  SAVING  MACHINES  FOR 

THE  HOUSEHOLD 

The  Downes-Smith  Co. 

Electrical 

Contractors 

Stamford,  Conn. 

79  ATLANTIC  STREET 

THE  GRUBER 

MAHER BROTHERS 

COMPANY 

CORPORATION 

LUMBER,  COAL  AND  WOOD 

STAMFORD’S  EXCLUSIVE 

LIME,  LATH,  BRICK 

WOMAN’S  SHOP 

CEMENT,  PLASTER,  ETC. 

298  Main  Street 

Office  and  Yards: 

Stamford 

STEAMBOAT  ROAD 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

Telephone  2294 

Telephone  1228 

THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


IX 


Burdett-McGillivray  Company 

SPLASH!  I 

The  Bathing  Season  is  On 

And,  of  course,  bathing  suits  and  accessories  are  needed.  So  we  urge  all 
swimmers  to  come  and  see  our  complete  showing  of  suits,  caps  and  shoes. 

ADVOCATE  BUILDING  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Merrill  Business  College 

Our  Secretarial  Course  prepares  both  Young 
Men  and  Young  Women  to  hold  responsible 
positions. 

Bookkeeping,  Shorthand,  Stenotypy. 

Typewriting  and  English  Branches 

SOUTH  NORWALK  STAMFORD  PORT  CHESTER 


STRAW  HATS 

New  shapes — new  straws— new  weaves — 
all  measuring  up  to  our  highest  standards 
of  quality.  In  block,  braid  and  band  they 
are  the  Hats  for  men  seeking  something 
that’s  truly  individual. 

THE 

COMES-NORTHROP  CO. 

445  MAIN  STREET 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


SEEDS  THAT 
GROW 

We’re  in  a position  to  render  you 
prompt,  efficient  service  at  prices  below 
those  of  other  reliable  seed  houses.  We 
carry  a complete  line  of 

Vegetable  and  Flower  Seeds,  Lawn 

and  Garden  Tools,  Fertilizers, 

Insecticides,  Etc. 

Our  prices  include  free  delivery.  This 
alone  should  be  a good  inducement  to 
patronize  home  trade. 

ALWAYS  AT  YOUR  SERVICE 

MORAIO  BROTHERS 

FLORISTS 

447  Atlantic  St.  64  Purchase  St. 
Stamford.  Conn.  Rye,  N.  Y. 

Place  Your  Order  at  Either  Store 


X 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


The  Trading  Place  of  Over  Half  a Century 

THE  C.  0.  MILLER  CO. 

ATLANTIC  SQUARE  Established  53  Years  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

SUMMER  MAKES  ITS  DEMANDS 

OURS  THE  SERVICE  TO  SUPPLY  THEM 

THE  NEW  APPAREL— so  full  of  comfort  for  the  SUMMER  DAYS— 
we  are  ready  to  supply. 

THE  NEW  HOME— REFURNISHINGS.  Th  ings  more  charming  and  so  much  less 
costly  than  heretofore,  await  your  selection.  Things  for  Outdoor  Vacationing,  for  a 
day  or  for  an  entire  season,  will  be  found. 

Your  home  and  its  furnishings  are  a problem  easily  solved  in  our  House  Furnishing 
Department,  where  you  will  find  the  things  that  go  toward  making  home  comfort  and 
bringing  a welcoming  look  to  indoors,  attractiveness  to  porches  and  semi-outdoor  rooms. 
With  such  weather  comes  the  need  for  new  things,  new  clothing. 

WE  ARE  READY.  With  stock  of  greatest  amplitude,  with  the  most  beautiful  wearing 
apparel,  with  styles  that  reflect  the  new  modes  in  most  authentic  manner. 

Our  Domestic  Department  is  replete  with  crisp  new  merchandise  of  standard  quality 
based  on  today’s  low  market  costs. 

Our  largely  increased  business  is  due  to  the  confidence  customers  have  placed  in  this 
store. 

THE  C.  O.  MILLER  CO. 

Established  53  Years 


ATLANTIC  SQUARE 


STAMFORD,  CONN. 


The  LOCKWOOD  & PALMER  Co. 


Wholesale  and  Retail 
Dealers  in 

HARDWARE 

AGRICULTURAL 
IMPLEMENTS 
House  Furnishings,  Etc. 


TO  O L S 

OF 

All  Kinds 


92  PARK  PLACE 
(Cor.  Summer  Street) 
STAMFORD,  - CONN. 
Telephone  Connections 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 

SHE  LEADS  IN  BEAUTYAND  INTEREST 

FROM  tK 

fc  HOMES  TO  NATURE'S  REALMS.  Og 
PS  EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW,  MANAGING  EDITORSH 






— - --  ' - ■■  - JJS..  - ? 

Published  monthly  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut, 
Subscription,  Si. 50  a year  Single  copy,  15  cents 

Entered  as  Second-Class  Matter  June  12,  1909,  at  Sound  Beach  Post  Office,  under  Act  of  March  3,  1897. 
Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special  rate  of  postage  provided  for  in  Section  1103,  Act  of  October  3,  1917, 

authorized  on  June  '27,  1918. 


Volume  XIV.  JUNE,  1921  Number  1 

Rabbit  Tales. 

By  Clifford  E.  Davis,  Cumberland,  Maryland. 


In  passing-  through  a thick  forest 
after  a heavy  fall  of  snow  I saw  before 
me  the  cross  trail  of  a fleeing  rabbit. 
He  was  advancing  with  terrific  leaps 
inspired  only  by  fear ; far  back  in  the 
woods  I heard  the  baying  of  a hound. 
Knowing  that  in  the  deep  snow  the 
game  could  not  go  far  before  being 
caught,  I struck  after  it  on  the  run. 
The  trail  crossed  a streamlet,  and  up 
the  opposite  hillside,  steep  as  a roof. 
Up  I scrambled,  falling,  slipping,  pull- 
ing myself  up  by  weeds  and  bushes,  till 
I reached  the  top,  where  the  rabbit 
went  into  an  old  peach  orchard  full  of 
tangled  vines.  Here  I could  go  faster. 
I dodged,  ducked  and  ran.  On  through 
a strip  of  timber,  out  into  an  old  hill- 
side field.  The  rabbit’s  jumps  were 
growing  shorter,  the  trail  fresher.  Then 
the  tracks  ceased  abruptly.  There  was 
no  sign  of  the  rabbit.  I looked  carefully, 
far  and  wide,  but  not  another  track 
could  I discover.  I was  frankly  puzzled. 
Where  had  that  rabbit  gone?  Finally 
I looked  closer  at  a tiny  brown  spot  in 
the  snow  that  I had  observed  before 
but  had  mistaken  for  a hunch  of  dead 
leaves,  lying  to  one  side  four  feet  from 
the  tracks.  There  I found  bunny  buried 
deep  in  the  snow,  head  and  all.  As  I 
hauled  him  out  we  both  panted.  Its 
heart  was  throbbing  with  fright  and 


fatigue,  but  I stroked  its  fur  and  talked 
soothingly  to  it.  After  a few  struggles 
it  rested  quietly.  I took  it  home,  put  it 
in  the  chicken  house  and  that  evening 
turned  it  loose.  A hunter  asked  me, 

“Why  the  d 1 didn’t  you  kill  it?” 

After  saving  its  life  I preferred  to  see 
it  go  free.  Next  day  I passed  that  way 
again  and  saw  where  a dog  had  plunged 
along  on  the  trail,  hunting  for  himself 
and  in  the  closed  season.  He  would  have 
had  the  little  creature  if  I had  not  cut 
in  ahead  and  saved  its  life. 

Hunters  chasing  a rabbit  lost  it  near 
my  house  and  it  dived  into  a ditch, 
swam  under  water  into  my  milk  house, 
and  when  I entered  it  was  sitting  by 
the  door.  It  plunged  into  the  water, 
swam  to  the  wall  and  tried  to  leap  up 
to  a shelf  but  fell  back.  I caught  it  and 
set  it  outside  the  door  and  away  it 
went  to  safety. 

One  used  to  come  every  day  all  sum- 
mer and  sit  outside  my  window  under  a 
rosebush,  asleep,  despite  the  cat  that 
sat  in  the  window  five  feet  from  it  and 
the  dog  that  barked  in  the  other  yard. 
About  sunset  it  would  awake  and  go 
out  for  food.  As  there  was  poultry  net- 
ting all  around  the  yard  it  was  safe 
from  dogs,  but  one  day  before  the 
open  season  a neighbor  called  on  busi- 
ness and  I heard  him  shoot  within  a 


Copyright  1921  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


stone’s  throw  of  the  house.  When  he 
came  in  the  dog  kept  sniffing  eagerly 
at  his  coat  pocket  and  he  looked  un- 
easy. The  rabbit  never  returned  and  I 
have  my  suspicions.  To  some  men 
their  stomach  takes  the  place  of  a heart. 

Another  big  rabbit  came  close  around 
the  house  frequenting  a tree  of  Fall 
Rambo  apples.  Early  one  morning  I 
"was  aroused  by  the  shrieks  of  a rabbit 
in  pain,  and  jumping  out  of  bed  I saw 
a huge  hawk  just  sailing  out  of  sight. 
A few  scraps  of  torn  fur  were  all  that 
was  left  to  mark  the  tragedy  and  this 
within  pistol  shot  of  the  house.  The 
offer  of  a quarter  brought  me  the 
hawk’s  body,  however,  which  as  a fit- 
ting revenge  I boiled  for  the  cat. 

All  last  winter  I kept  two  apples  in 
a sheltered  spot  and  a rabbit  that  lived 
under  my  house  came  out  each  night 
and  ate  them.  After  nightfall  as  we  sat 
reading  we  would  hear  it  romping 
about  under  the  floor  and  next  morning 
the  garden  bore  witness  in  the  snow  to 
the  rabbit’s  moonlight  capers.  Some- 
times we  could  sit  at  the  window  and 
watch  it  frolic.  When  the  snow  dis- 
appeared it  left  for  the  uplands. 

Though  I have  lived  on  a farm  ever 
since  my  birth,  fifty  years  ago,  and  like 
rabbit  meat,  I have  never  yet  killed  a 
bunny.  When  I caught  them  in  the 
snow  by  hand  and  they  begged  for  life 
I turned  them  loose.  To  shoot  one 
seemed  unbearably  cruel.  Application 
of  the  Golden  Rule  would  prevent 
much  cruelty  and  would  and  should 
prevent  all  mob  law. 

The  Challenge  of  the  Ruffed  Grouse. 

BY  W.  H.  H.  BARKER,  M.  D„  HARVEY,  IOWA. 

“Boom,  boom,  bm-r-r-r-r”  come  the 
echoes  from  a forest  copse,  and  the  alert 
ear  catches  the  sound  of  the  ruffed 
grouse’s  challenge  to  his  fellows,  a 
challenge  that  may  mean  love  or  war. 
He  is  denied  a voice  to  proclaim  his 
wishes  and  needs  must  substitute  his 
wings.  He  is  a wary  and  alert  member 
of  the  feathered  folk  and  is  ever  solitary 
when  he  chooses  thus  to  make  his  lo- 
cality known,  and  wary  and  alert  as 
well  must  be  the  human  eye  that 
catches  a glimpse  of  the  performance. 

Few  indeed  may  boast  that  they  have 
been  able  to  catch  sight  of  the  bird  in 
this  unique  act.  So  few  have  ever  wit- 
nessed it  that  writers  on  natural  history 
are  not  agreed  as  to  how  it  is  accom- 


plished, one  at  least  asserting  that  it 
is  the  result  of  the  rapid  beating  of  the 
wings  against  the  breast.  This  could 
not  produce  the  widely  vibrating  sound 
so  often  heard  and  so  easily  recognized. 

Feathers  beating  against  feathers,  no 
matter  how  vigorously,  could  not  pro- 
duce that  loud  “boom.”  It  requires  a 
sounding  board  and  this  sounding 
board  is  found  in  the  trunk  of  a fallen 
tree,  usually  of  hard  wood  and  free 
from  bark  or  moss.  On  this  the  male 
bird  perches,  his  body  parallel  with 
the  length  of  the  tree.  Then  drooping 
his  wings  below  the  level  of  his  feet, 
he  rapidly  beats  his  “tattoo”  on  the 
sides  of  this,  his  sounding  board.  Be- 
tween the  oft  repeated  challenges  his 
eyes  and  ears  are  alert  to  the  slightest 
sound  and  at  the  least  disturbance  he 
disappears  and  is  away  to  his  hiding 
place  in  the  depths  of  the  woods. 

To  gather  the  data  of  this  record  took 
months  of  effort  and  study.  The  man- 
ner of  its  accomplishment  may  not  be 
without  interest.  Having  noted  the 
habitual  resort  of  one  of  these  birds 
and  having  located  his  sounding  board 
as  well,  careful  and  extensive  prepara- 
tions had  to  be  made  to  catch  him  un- 
awares in  the  act  of  issuing  his  chal- 
lenge. If  once  disturbed  and  driven 
from  one  place  he  will  not  return  to  it 
till  after  a lengthy  interval.  In  these 
intervals  nearly  a full  year  elapsed  be- 
fore the  bird  was  “trained”  sufficiently 
to  return,  after  I had  made  numerous 
attempts  to  witness  his  performance 
As  a dense  copse  surrounded  the  place 
a “hide”  became  necessary.  This  was 
made  in  the  form  of  a round  brush  pile 
with  a peephole  of  small  dimensions 
through  its  center.  It  was  a long  time 
after  this  “hide”  was  made  ere  the  wary 
bird  returned.  At  last  the  well-known 
sound  was  heard,  and  I approached  the 
“hide”  on  hands  and  knees,  crawling 
only  as  all  sounds  were  deadened  by 
the  beating  of  wings.  Through  the  tele- 
scope hole  in  the  heap  of  brush  I ob- 
tained. at  a distance  of  about  thirty 
feet,  a splendid  view  of  the  bird  in  full 
action.  Again  and  again  was  the  view 
repeated,  each  time  the  eye  reaching 
the  point  of  vision  just  as  the  performer 
struck  his  first  note. 

After  a score  or  more  of  careful  ex- 
aminations the  bird  had  yielded  up  the 
secret  of  his  dramatic  performance,  the 
prying  eye  was  satisfied  and  the  scene 


THE  DRAGON  FLY 


3 


changed  to  one  of  tragedy.  A rifle  shot 
rang  out  and  mingled  its  sound  with 
that  of  the  beating  wings,  and  the  gal- 
lant bird  had  paid  the  penalty  with  its 
life.  The  long  wing  feathers  of  the 
dead  bird  were  distinctly  worn  and 
roughened  where  they  had  come  in  con- 
tact with  the  hard  wood  of  the  fallen 
tree,  a bur  oak,  and  the  one  point 
chosen  for  use  showed  the  roughened 
sides  distinctly  smoothed  by  long  use, 
thus  doubly  establishing  the  method  by 
which  the  ruffed  grouse  voices  his  pres- 
ence to  the  listening  ear,  both  of  his 
own  kind  and  of  man  as  well. 


The  Dragon  Fly. 

BY  DR.  J.  B.  PARDOE,  BOUND  BROOK,  N.  J. 

These  aeroplane-like  creatures,  said 
to  be  the  most  swiftly  flying  of  all  in- 
sects, are  often  spoken  of  as  the  swal- 
lows of  the  insect  world.  Like  those 
birds  they  not  only  fly  swiftly  but  they 
feed  upon  the  wing. 

Dr.  J.  G.  Wood,  in  his  book,  “Half 
Hours  with  a Naturalist,”  says,  “Its 
movements  through  the  air  are  so 


spite  of  the  confined  space  which  pro- 
hibited the  full  use  of  its  wings.  Its 
appetite  is  immense.  It  will  eat  a but- 
terfly almost  instantly.  A lion’s  appe- 
tite cannot  be  compared  with  that  of  a 
dragon  fly. 

The  dragon  fly  is  considered  a useful 
insect  as  it  eats  large  quantities  of  flies, 
gnats  and  mosquitoes.  Most  of  us  wish 
it  would  eat  all  the  mosquitoes,  espe- 
cially the  malarial  kind  that  nearly 
stand  on  their  heads  when  at  rest,  and 
whose  bites  cause  the  malaria  fever  and 
so  much  suffering. 

When  a youngster  I was  told  that 
the  dragon  fly  was  the  devil’s  darning 
needle  and  that  it  would  sew  up  my 
mouth  and  ears ; also  that  it  was  a 
snake  feeder.  I often  watched  them, 
hoping  they  would  lead  me  to  a snake 
so  that  I could  see  the  snake  fed.  I 
thought  they  must  be  wicked  insects 
or  they  would  not  associate  with  the 
devil.  When  about  seven  years  of  age 
I left  the  town  to  visit  my  grandfather, 
who  lived  on  a large  farm.  He  warned 
me  to  avoid  the  bees  with  the  big 


THE  DRAGON  FLY. 

Cut  lent  by  “Photo-Era,”  Boston. 


rapid  and  its  wings  so  powerful  that 
no  other  insect  can  escape  them  when 
once  the  dragon  fly  gives  chase.” 

Its  wing  power  is  marvelous.  There 
is  a well-known  anecdote  of  a swallow 
chasing  a dragon  fly  into  a greenhouse 
and  vainly  endeavoring  to  catch  it,  in 


stingers.  One  evening  I saw  one  of 
these  big  bees  with  a long  stinger  on 
the  side  of  the  barn.  When  I started 
to  walk  away  it  darted  in  my  direction. 
When  I stopped  it  would  alight  on  the 
side  of  the  barn.  I tried  to  walk  away 
again  but  it  came  after  me.  I called 


4 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


loudly  for  help.  My  uncle  came  run- 
ning to  see  what  the  trouble  was.  I 
told  him  a big  bee  would  not  let  me  go. 
He  laughed  and  said,  “That  fellow  only 
wanted  to  see  where  you  are  going.” 
I never  forgot  the  supposed  attack  of 
that  large  insect.  It  was  a terrible 
thing  to  me  then  and  made  a great  im- 
pression. 

Children  are  often  terrified  by 
thoughtless  persons  who  tell  them  that 
bears  will  get  them  and  snakes  will 
eat  them.  Many  false  impressions  are 
thus  created  and  last  for  years.  Nearly 
every  boy  will  kill  a snake  unless  told 
about  their  usefulness.  The  Reptile 
Study  Society  of  America,  with  head- 
quarters in  New  York  City,  and  Dr. 
Allen  S.  Williams,  its  Director,  have 
done  much  in  teaching  us  about  harm- 
less reptiles,  especially  about  those  that 
are  of  benefit  to  mankind. 

The  picture  of  the  dragon  fly,  just 
out  of  its  shell,  was  made  on  the  edge 
of  Lake  Hopatcong,  New  Jersey.  With 
my  guide  I had  been  to  visit  an  Indian 
Rock  Shelter.  Returning  by  way  of 
the  lake,  we  discovered  the  dragon  fly 
over  a rock.  The  light  being  poor,  I 
could  not  get  a good  snap  shot,  and 
my  tripod  was  useless  as  I had  lost  the 
screw.  The  good  old  guide,  being  a 
man  of  steady  nerves  and  good  judg- 
ment, got  down  on  his  bands  and 
knees  and,  bracing  himself,  told  me  to 
use  his  back  as  an  emergency  tripod.  I 
did  not  have  much  faith  but  tried  it  and 
the  result  turned  out  to  be  satisfactory. 


Fish  Facts. 

BY  D.  H.  DECKER,  WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

There  were  diving  beetles,  whirligigs 
and  other  little  water  folk  in  the  pond 
where  the  frogs  and  toads  laid  their 
eggs  and  where  the  tadpoles  developed 
into  little  frogs  and  tiny  toads,  but  there 
were  no  fish. 

Nevertheless  there  were  a little  lake 
and  a big  river  near-by,  also  a creek 
joining  the  lake  and  river,  and  in  them 
were  abundant  fish  of  many  kinds. 
There  was  the  chub  to  be  caught  as 
soon  as  the  ice  went  out,  then  the  suck- 
ers, the  pickerel,  the  perch,  the  bull- 
head, the  bream  and  the  bass  among 
which  the  small-mouth  variety  was 
plentiful. 

Every  one  who  has  caught  pike  and 
pickerel  knows  that  they  have  teeth 
but  how  many,  I wonder,  know  that  the 


chub  and  the  sucker  possess  teeth.  We 
sometimes  have  trouble  in  removing 
the  hook  from  the  mouth  of  a sucker 
because  the  mouth  is  so  small,  but  in 
our  attempt  to  do  so  we  appreciate  the 
fact  that  there  are  no  sharp  teeth  bor- 
dering the  lips  as  there  are  in  the  pick- 
erel, the  perch  and  the  pike.  No,  the 
sucker’s  lips  are  smooth  and  soft  and 
there  is  not  a tooth  in  sight.  Yet  the 
sucker  has  a fully  developed  set  of 
teeth.  They  are  even  covered  with 
enamel  quite  like  our  own. 

That  a sucker  had  teeth  was  an- 
nounced in  our  zoology  class  by  one  of 
the  girls  and  it  amused  me  much  for  I 
felt  sure  that  some  fisherman  had  been 
spinning  a yarn  about  the  innocent  soft- 
mouthed  sucker.  After  class  the  girl 
maintained  that  she  had  seen  the  teeth 
and  would  bring  a set  to  school.  That 
evening  I dug  up  some  fish  heads, 
among  which  was  one  of  a red-fin 
sucker  that  had  weighed  some  seven 
pounds.  I took  the  head  to  pieces  care- 
fully and  found  just  back  of  the  gills  a 
pair  of  bony  arches  with  bony  projec- 
tions along  one  edge  and  these  projec- 
tions capped  with  pearl-like  enamel. 
They  were  quite  a respectable  set  of 
teetb  and  the  enamel  had  worn  down 
so  that  they  resembled  human  teeth. 
They  were  really  in  the  throat  and  were 
not  located  one  above  and  the  other 
below  the  passage  so  as  to  mesh  to- 
gether. They  were  both  located  in  the 
upper  wall  of  the  passage  and  worked 
up  and  down  on  to  the  cartilaginous 
arched  floor  of  the  passage  over  which 
all  food  on  its  way  to  the  stomach  must 
pass  and  be  crushed. 

This  incident  excited  my  curiosity  as 
to  teeth  of  fish  in  general  and  I began 
to  investigate  such  fish  as  I caught  to 
learn  what  kind  of  teeth  they  had  and 
where  they  were  carried.  I found  that 
the  chub  which  also  has  smooth  lips 
carries  a set  in  the  same  place  and  man- 
ner as  does  the  sucker,  but  the  indi- 
vidual teeth  instead  of  being  flat  at  the 
ends  are  sharp  and  somewhat  hooked. 
They  are  however  covered  with  enamel 
which  is  pearly  and  white  while  that  on 
the  sucker’s  teeth  was  yellow.  I have 
no  doubt  but  that  there  are  other  fresh- 
water fish  with  teeth  in  the  throat  but 
I have  not  found  them  because  of  lack 
of  opportunity. 

I discovered  another  surprising  thing 
about  the  fish  of  our  brooks.  Any  one 


HUMMING  BIRD  NEST 


with  a little  care  can  observe  the  same 
thing.  The  bullhead  or  pout,  and  I have 
no  doubt  its  larger  cousin,  the  catfish, 
watches  over  its  young.  Pike,  perch 
and  pickerel  will  eat  their  own  fry  as 
readily  as  that  of  other  fish,  but  the 
bullhead  guards  its  fry  till  they  leave 
school.  On  several  occasions  I observed 
in  shallow  water  schools  as  large  as  my 
hat,  and  formed  of  tiny  bullheads.  On 
the  approach  of  danger,  such  as  a 
marauding  perch,  an  old  bullhead 
would  rush  from  a near-by  cover  and 
stir  up  the  mud  under  the  school  till 
all  were  lost  to  view.  At  another  time 
on  the  approach  of  a perch  an  old  bull- 
head darted  toward  the  perch  and  after 
driving  him  off  retired  to  cover.  I was 
on  the  brook  early  one  morning,  for 
that  is  the  time  to  fish  in  fresh  water, 
when  I saw  the  weeds  in  motion  a little 
way  out  from  the  bank.  1 crept  close 
and  saw  in  a small  clear  space  a school 
of  young  bullheads  each  about  as  large 
as  a whirligig,  and  near-by  in  the  edge 
of  the  weeds  a large  bullhead.  I 
watched  for  a time,  then  dropped  my 
hook  in  near  the  school.  Instantly  the 
old  one  came  for  it,  picked  it  up,  carried 
it  away  for  several  feet,  dropped  it  and 
returned  to  cover.  I dropped  the  hook 
in  again,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
school,  and  immediately  another  old 
bullhead  came  out  from  the  weeds  and 
picked  up  the  hook  but  in  carrying  it 
off  it  caught  in  his  lip  and  I swung  him 
out  on  to  the  bank.  Then  I dropped  in 
again  and  swung  out  a second  big  one. 
1 dropped  in  yet  another  time  and  a 
big  one  carried  the  hook  off  and 
dropped  it.  I knew  therefore  that  there 
were  at  least  three  bullheads  watching 
that  one  school  and  giving  close  atten- 
tion to  duty.  It  was  a surprising  and 
interesting  thing  to  learn  first-hand  that 
some  fish  mother  their  young.  There 
are  many  other  interesting  things  to  be 
learned  from  our  brooks,  things  that 
appeal  to  youth  more  than  when  learned 
from  books. 


The  so-called  “fur  seals”  are  not  true 
seals  at  all,  but  fur-coated  sea  lions. 
They  have  pointed  external  ears,  and 
they  can  turn  their  hind  feet  forward 
to  walk  on  land.  The  true  seals,  on 
the  other  hand,  have  no  external  ears, 
and  their  hind  legs  are  for  swimming 
only. 


a 

Humming  Bird  Nest  on  Electric  Light. 

Hartford,  Connecticut. 
To  the  Editor : 

1 have  mailed  to  you  the  humming 
bird’s  nest  which  you  saw  here  a year 
ago,  and  of  which  you  wished  a photo- 
graph. Our  attempts  have  not  met 
with  conspicuous  success,  so  we  have 


decided  to  present  it  to  you  for  your 
museum,  and  perhaps  your  own  pho- 
tographer will  be  able  to  make  a good 
picture  of  it. 

The  light  hung  on  a bungalow  porch 
in  Miramar,  near  Santa  Barbara,  Cali- 
fornia, and  was  turned  on  each  evening 
from  inside  the  bungalow  without  dis- 
turbing the  birds.  It  was  only  when 
some  one  climbed  up  or  became  too 
friendly  that  they  left  the  nest.  After 
the  nest  had  been  deserted,  it  was  cut 
down  at  the  request  of  my  father,  who 
sent  it  to  me. 

I hope  it  will  be  of  interest  to  some 
of  your  visitors. 

Alice  L.  Welch  er. 


Chlorophyl  canopy  over  my  head, 

Lying  out  here  in  my  hammock  bed; 

While  through  each  rift  in  the  leafy  crown, 
A star  of  Heaven  is  looking  down. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


The  Heavens  in  June. 

By  Professor  Samuel  G.  Barton  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


OUR  map  of  the  heavens  for  June 
has  one  feature  of  unusual  in- 
terest. It  has  been  possible  for  us 
to  mark  on  the  map  the  position  of  the 
planet  Mercury.  This  planet  is  very 
seldom  above  the  horizon  at  the  time 
for  which  the  maps  are  made,  g P.  M. 
Mercury  is  often  called  the  “elusive 


fore  and  after  June  io  constitute  one 
such  period.  The  sun  at  this  time  being 
far  north  of  the  equator  sets  late,  and 
Mercury  being  near  its  greatest  dis- 
tance east  of  the  sun  sets  at  a longer  in- 
terval than  usual  after  the  sun.  As 
shown  on  the  map  Mercury  is  below 
the  well-known  twin  stars,  Castor  and 


NORTH 


Figure  1.  The  Constellations  at  9 P.  M.,  June  1.  Hold  the  map  so  that  the  direction 
faced  is  at  the  bottom;  that  is,  if  facing  east  hold  east  at  the  bottom  as  south  now  is. 


planet”  because,  being  the  planet  clos- 
est to  the  sun,  it  is  seldom  seen  far  from 
the  sun.  It  sets  soon  after  the  sun  or 
rises  just  before  the  sun  and  hence  can 
be  seen  only  in  the  twilight  in  those 
brief  periods  when  its  distance  from  the 
sun  is  unusually  large.  A few  days  be- 


Pollux,  well  to  the  north  of  west.  Mer- 
cury is  brighter  than  either  of  these 
stars.  The  planet  will  be  very  close  to 
the  ground  at  9 P.  M.  To  see  the  planet 
one  should  look  soon  after  the  sun  has 
set. 

Jupiter  and  Saturn  are  now  in  the 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


7 


western  part  of  the  sky.  They  will  soon 
be  in  unfavorable  positions,  leaving  the 
evening  sky  without  conspicuous  plan- 
ets. On  June  29  Mars  passes  the  sun 
and  becomes  a morning  star.  It  is  too 
close  to  the  sun  to  be  seen  now.  Venus 
is  brilliant  as  a morning  star.  Summer 
begins  when  the  sun  attains  its  great- 
est distance  north  of  the  equator,  as  it 
does  June  21,  6:36  P.  M. 

5|c  jf:  sfc  ijc  sf: 

The  Pons-Winnecke  Comet. 

The  path  of  this  interesting  comet  is 
shown  in  Figure  2.  The  ordinary  comet 
approaches  the  sun  in  an  approximate- 


Jupiter.  Such  a comet  is  called  a peri- 
odic comet.  There  are  about  thirty  such 
comets  which  are  called  Jupiter’s  great 
family  of  comets.  The  outer  planets 
also  have  small  families  of  comets.  This 
comet  revolves  about  the  sun  in  a pe- 
riod of  about  five  and  one-half  years 
and,  as  the  figure  shows,  once  in  each 
period  comes  close  to  the  sun  and  the 
earth.  We  can  see  the  comet  only  in 
that  part  of  its  path.  From  B to  P the 
comet  is  above  the  plane  of  the  earth’s 
orbit  and  elsewhere  below.  The  angle 
between  the  two  planes  is  nineteen 
degrees. 


ly  parabolic  path  and  leaves  the  sun 
to  return,  if  at  all,  after  an  exceedingly 
long  period  of  time.  This  comet  in  com- 
ing in  toward  the  sun  passed  near  the 
great  planet  Jupiter.  Jupiter  so  changed 
its  path  that  instead  of  leaving  the  sun 
it  moved  about  the  sun  in  the  elliptical 
path  shown.  Jupiter’s  influence  is 
shown  by  the  facts  that  the  part  of  the 
comet’s  path  farthest  from  the  sun  lies 
near  the  orbit  of  Jupiter  and  that  the 
comet  crosses  the  planes  of  the  earth’s 
and  Jupiter’s  orbits  near  the  orbit  of 


This  comet  was  discovered  by  Pons, 
in  France,  June  12,  1819.  On  March  8, 
1858,  Winnecke,  at  Bonn,  Germany,  dis- 
covered a comet  which  proved  to  be 
the  same  comet.  Hence  we  call  it  the 
Pons-Winnecke  comet.  A comet  was 
seen  by  Pons  for  three  days  in  1808. 
This  may  have  been  the  same  comet. 
The  calculations  necessary  to  prove  the 
identity  have  not  been  made.  A comet 
which  was  seen  in  1766  also  appears 
likely  to  have  been  another  appearance 
of  this  same  comet.  Since  1859  the 


8 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


comet  has  been  known  to  be  a periodic 
comet  and  its  return  has  been  expected 
at  regular  intervals  of  between  five  and 
six  years.  The  comet  was  seen  in  1863, 
1869,  1875,  1886,  1892,  1898,  1909  and 
1915.  It  was  not  seen  in  1880  and  1904 
because  of  its  unfavorable  positions  at 
those  times. 

The  comet  is  a periodic  comet  of 
short  period  which  has  been  seen  many 
times.  For  this  reason  alone  it  is  in- 
teresting. It  has  never  been  a conspicu- 
ous comet.  None  of  these  short  period 
comets  are.  Their  many  returns  to 
positions  near  the  sun  seem  to  exhaust 
their  power  to  produce  tails  and  gradu- 
ally wear  the  comet  itself  away. 

The  influence  of  Jupiter  on  the 
comet’s  path  is  great.  In  1819,  for  in- 
stance, the  inclination  of  the  plane  of 
the  comet’s  path  to  that  of  the  earth 


was  io°  43',  and  the  comet’s  perihelion 
distance  was  72,000,000.  These  quan- 
tities are  now  190  and  94,000,000 
miles,  respectively.  The  comet  was  at 
A,  the  point  farthest  from  the  sun. 
about  August,  1918.  At  this  time  Jupi- 
ter was  at  C.  This  close  approach  to 
fupiter  has  changed  the  comet’s  path 
to  a considerable  path  in  the  last  revo- 
lution. 

Figure  2 shows  that  a part  of  the 
comet’s  path  lies  very  close  to  that  of 
the  earth.  The  comet  is  now  in  this  part 
of  its  path.  This  part  is  shown  in  more 
detail  in  Figure  3.  In  considering  this 
figure  the  fact  must  be  borne  in  mind 
that  the  comet  does  not  move  in  the 
same  plane  as  the  earth.  Until  June  16 
the  comet  is  above  or  north  of  the 
earth’s  plane  ; after  that  date  it  is  south. 
The  angle  between  the  two  planes  is 
nineteen  degrees.  This  angle  is  shown 
on  the  figure. 

As  we  knew  about  where  the  comet 


would  be  when  close  enough  to  be  seen, 
search  was  made  for  it.  It  was  seen 
first  by  photography,  having  been  dis- 
covered by  Professor  Barnard  of  the 
Yerkes  Observatory  on  a plate  taken 
for  the  purpose  on  April  10.  The  posi- 
tions of  the  comet  and  the  earth  at  ten 
day  intervals  are  shown  in  the  figure. 
The  earth  moves  with  a nearly  uniform 
velocity  of  i8j^  miles  per  second.  The 
comet  moves  with  a velocity  which 
varies  with  its  position.  When  nearest 
to  the  sun  June  13  it  moves  at  the  rate 
of  twenty-four  miles  per  second,  the 
velocity  elsewhere  being  slightly  less. 
Thus  the  comet  gained  on  the  earth  and 
passed  it  in  May.  Because  of  the  in- 
clination, however,  the  comet  was  not 
closest  to  us  at  that  time.  This  occurs 
early  in  June. 

This  comet  passes  through  the  plane 
of  the  earth’s  orbit  on  June  16.  Its  dis- 
tance from  the  sun  at  that  place  is  al- 
most exactly  equal  to  the  distance  of 
the  earth  from  the  sun  at  that  place,  so 
that  there  is  very  nearly  a real  inter- 
section of  the  paths  themselves.  If  the 
comet  and  the  earth  reached  this  point 
at  the  same  time  the  bodies  would  be 
very  close  together  indeed.  As  will  be 
seen,  the  comet  passes  this  point  June 
16  and  the  earth  June  25,  so  that  the 
bodies  are  far  apart  at  the  time,  as  the 
comet  is  nine  days’  motion  ahead  of 
the  earth,  about  18,000,000  miles. 

Even  if  the  intersection  were  exact 
the  chances  of  collision  are  so  small  as 
to  be  negligible,  as  the  earth  is  so  small 
and  space  so  large.  If  the  head  of  the 
comet  were  1,000,000  miles  in  diameter, 
and  that  is  about  the  largest  known, 
the  earth  might  collide  with  the  head 
about  nine  hours  before  or  after  passing 
the  intersection.  In  this  case  the  only 
observed  efifect  would  be  a fine  meteoric 
shower.  If  the  nucleus  of  the  comet, 
which  is  the  solid  part,  were  as  large 
as  the  earth,  which  is  the  size  of  the 
largest,  the  collision  could  only  occur  in 
the  eight  minutes  before  or  after  the 
earth  passed  the  intersection.  In  this 
case  there  might  be  some  damage  where 
the  collision  occurred.  The  fulfillment 
of  such  conditions  is  so  unlikely  that  a 
collision  with  a comet  is  an  exceedingly 
remote  possibility.  No  comet  has  been 
known  to  have  approached  the  earth 
closer  than  that  of  1770,  which  was  1,- 
400,000  miles  away. 

When  the  earth  passes  through  the 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


9 


point  of  intersection  on  June  25,  or 
thereabouts,  a meteoric  shower  is  ex- 
pected. Such  a shower  was  observed 
when  the  comet  appeared  in  1916.  This 
will  probably  be  the  most  interesting 
thing  to  be  observed  in  connection  with 
the  visit  of  the  comet,  as  the  comet  it- 
self will  not  be  bright. 


Beneath  the  Ocean  Surface. 

BY  CHARLES  NEVERS  HOLMES,  NEWTON, 
MASSACHUSETTS. 

Above  the  ocean  surface  there  is  air, 
beneath  it  there  is  water.  Both  air  and 
water  have  weight,  both  are  being 
drawn  towards  our  earth’s  center. 
Fresh  water  weighs  about  773  times 
as  much  as  air ; that  is.  62 ’4  pounds 
per  cubic  foot.  Ocean  water  is  heavier 
than  fresh  water,  owing  to  the  salts 
which  it  contains,  and  one  cubic  foot 
of  ocean  approximates  64  3/ 10  pounds. 
Our  world  possesses  an  ocean  area  of 
about  140,000,000  square  miles,  and  in- 
asmuch as  the  average  oceanic  depth  is 
about  24/10  miles,  the  total  amount  of 
water  in  our  earth’s  oceans  approxi- 
mates 336,000.000  cubic  miles.  Accord- 
ing to  these  statistics,  the  total  oceanic 
weight  approximates  3,000,000,000,000,- 
000.000.000  pounds ; that  is,  one  and 
one-half  quintillion  tons  are  pressing 
against  the  bottoms  and  shores  of  our 
oceans.  In  other  words,  our  oceans 
weigh  about  one-four  thousandth  of  our 
world’s  weight,  and  about  one-fiftieth 
of  our  moon’s  weight. 

It  has  been  stated  that  a cubic  foot 
of  sea  water  weighs  about  643/10 
pounds  and,  therefore,  a cubic  inch 
weighs  about  .037  of  a pound.  There- 
fore, for  each  inch  that  we  descend  be- 
neath the  ocean  surface,  there  will 
be  an  additional  .037  of  a pound  upon 
every  square  inch  of  our  body.  That  is. 
since  the  total  area  of  an  adult  human 
body  approximates  1,900  square  inches, 
at  one  foot  beneath  the  ocean  surface, 
the  pressure  upon  an  average  man’s 
body  will  amount  to  about  844  pounds. 
In  other  words,  at  12  inches  beneath 
the  surface,  there  would  be  a weight 
upon  each  square  inch  of  our  body  of 
.444  of  a pound.  And,  as  we  descend 
into  oceanic  depths,  this  pressure  will 
increase  directly  as  the  depth.  At  one 
hundred  feet  it  would  amount  to  100 
times  .444  of  a pound  per  square  inch, 
or  100  times  844  pounds  pressure  upon 
our  whole  body,  about  42  1/5  tons.  If 


one  thousand  feet  below  the  ocean  sur- 
face, the  pressure  upon  each  of  us 
would  approximate  422  tons.  Such  be- 
ing the  oceanic  pressure  upon  a small 
object  like  a human  body,  what  must 
be  the  stupendous  pressure  upon  a huge 
object  like  a sinking  ship? 

It  is  evident,  since  water  is  prac- 
tically incompressible,  since  any  sink- 
ing body  is  heavier  than  the  same  bulk 
of  the  surrounding  water,  and  inasmuch 
as  oceanic  pressure  is  equal  in  every 
direction,  that  a sinking  body  will  de- 
scend to  the  very  bottom  of  the  Pacific 
or  some  other  ocean.  Now,  the  very 
bottom  of  the  Pacific,  as  far  as  is 
known  at  present,  has  the  great  depth 
of  about  32,000  feet  or  6 miles.  If  we 
multiply  32,000  feet  by  12  inches,  we 
obtain  the  distance  in  inches  from  the 
top  to  the  bottom  of  our  largest  ocean. 
Then,  by  multiplying  384,000  inches  by 
.037  of  a pound,  the  result  gives  us 
what  would  be  the  approximate  weight 
upon  each  square  inch  of  our  body  were 
we  10  sink  to  the  very  bottom  of  the 
Pacific.  The  answer  is  a little  over 
7 tons!  But  there  are  about  1,900 
square  inches  upon  the  body  of  an 
average  man,  so  that,  at  the  very  bot- 
tom of  the  Pacific,  such  a body  would 
be  crushed  by  a total  pressure  of  ap- 
proximately 13,500  tons.  Those  of  us 
who  dwell  at  sea  level  are  surrounded 
by  an  atmospheric  pressure  of  14  tons 
per  each  individual,  but  were  we  to  be 
placed  suddenly  at  the  bottom  of  our 
greatest  ocean,  we  should  be  instantly 
destroyed  by  a weight  equal  to  about 
964  atmospheres.  And  were  a cubical 
block  of  iron,  35  feet  in  each  of  its  three 
dimensions,  about  the  size  of  an  ordi- 
nary dwelling  house,  to  sink  to  the  very 
bottom  of  the  Pacific,  the  total  oceanic 
weight  upon  the  six  sides  of  this  iron 
block  would  approximate  7,514,640 
tons.  The  sides  of  such  a large  block, 
provided  it  were  hollow,  would  cer- 
tainly have  to  be  very  thick  and  strong 
in  order  to  sustain  a total  pressure  of 
15  billion  pounds. 


Nature  is  our  steadfast  neighbor, 
Ever  at  our  beck  and  call, 

And  between  us  there  is  never 
Any  sign  of  boundary  wall; 

All  her  purlieus  standing  open, 
Waiting  for  our  lagging  feet, 

And  whene’er  we  deign  to  enter, 
Always  sure  of  welcome  sweet. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


IO 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


An  Observatory  and  a Garden  on  a 
Factory  Roof. 

Here  is  perhaps  the  most  original 
observatory  and  roof  garden  in  all  the 
world.  They  are  unique.  Mr.  Albert 
F.  Schroeder.  the  General  Manager  of 
The  Globe  Machine  & Stamping  Com- 
pany of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  has  put  on  the 


ish  bungalow,  a formal  garden,  a sun- 
dial and  a fountain  as  well  as  an  open- 
air  moving  picture  theater  for  the  Globe 
employees. 

What  more  can  you  expect  up  there 
in  the  air  where  land  is  cheap?  It  seems 
to  be  a good  suggestion  for  many  a 
house  in  the  city  where  a garden  and 


roof  of  his  factory  an  effective  little 
observatory  and  surrounded  it  by  pic- 
turesque features  including  a kitchen- 
vegetable  garden,  a greenhouse,  a Span- 


many  other  nature  interests  might  be 
placed  on  the  flat  roof.  The  only  addi- 
tional thing  that  we  can  suggest  to 
Mr.  Schroeder  is  an  apiary.  But  he 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


might  fear  that  the  bees  might  not  be 
entirely  tractable.  To  be  pursued  to 
the  edge  of  the  roof  might  not  be  agree- 
able to  his  guests. 

When  Mr.  Schroeder  was  only  thir- 
teen years  of  age  he  had  for  several 
years  previously  been  reading  the 
standard  works  on  astronomy  and 
geology.  In  “The  Youth’s  Companion” 
he  read  an  article,  “How  to  Make  a 
Telescope.”  A curtain  pole  about  forty 
inches  long  and  two  inches  in  diameter, 
he  wound  with  heavy  packing  paper  to 
a thickness  of  about  a quarter  of  an 
inch,  liberally  brushing  glue  between 
the  layers.  It  is  not  necessary  for  us  to 
go  into  details,  because  we  think  he  will 
send  a reprint  of  the  article  in  “Popular 
Astronomy”  of  February,  1921,  to  those 
who  are  interested. 

The  telescope  in  his  observatory  is 
an  Alvan  Clark  of  five  and  one-half  inch 
objective.  The  revolving  dome  is  of 
steel  made  by  the  Globe  factory 
mechanics. 

Mr.  Schroeder  sets  a good  example 
to  other  mechanics  who  have  not  been 
able  greatly  to  advance  their  school 
education.  He  has  demonstrated  the 
fact  that  the  grand  and  beautiful  things 
of  the  universe  may  be  enjoyed  with 
comparative  ease  and  much  pleasure. 
He  is  a good  missionary.  He  is  friendly 
among  his  employees,  kind  and  com- 
panionable. The  library  of  his  club- 
room  in  the  factory  contains  about  forty 
books  on  astronomical  subjects  in 
which  the  employees  are  encouraged  to 
interest  themselves.  Those  who  as  a 
result  manifest  some  advance  in  knowl- 
edge or  even  in  curiosity  are  invited  to 
use  the  observatorv. 


God’s  Out-of-Doors. 

The  cool  green  woods  are  beckoning, 
The  hills  are  calling  too, 

A challenge  are  the  mountain  tops 
That  loom  into  the  blue. 

Each  little  brook  a welcome  sings, 

The  fields  invite  to  roam. 

The  breezes  and  the  flower  scents 
Are  luring  us  from  home. 

The  ocean,  sparkling  in  the  sun, 

Is  more  insistent  still, 

And  every  little  dancing  wave 
Doth  summon  with  a will. 

In  all  this  generous,  gracious  land, 

E’en  to  its  farthest  shores, 

There  is  no  place  in  Summer  time 
Quite  like  God’s  Out-of-Doors. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


I I 

Prohibition  Benefits  Natural  History! 

A new  weapon  has  been  placed  in 
the  hands  of  the  “drys.”  Before  the 
adoption  of  national  prohibition  one  of 
the  only  two  skulls  of  the  mammoth, 
Elephas  primigenius,  adorned  a Cincin- 
nati barroom,  the  proprietor  of  which 
refused  all  offers  for  it.  Now  that  his 
business  has  been  legislated  out  of  ex- 
istence, the  skull  has  been  acquired  at 
a modest  price  by  the  U.  S.  National 
Museum. — “Scientific  American.” 

Of  course  prohibition  should  bene- 
fit natural  history,  not  merely  in  the 
semijocose  manner  set  forth  in  this 
item,  but  in  a variety  of  ways.  We  have 
in  mind  that  not  merely  the  money  for- 
merly spent  in  drink  should  now  go  to 
education  but  that  the  efforts  and 
money  of  prohibition  workers  who 
claimed  they  were  w'orking  in  behalf 
of  the  betterment  of  humanity,  espe- 
cially of  the  children,  should  now  go  to 
institutions  like  The  Agassiz  Associa- 
tion and  others. 

Prohibition  is  a fact,  whether  we  like 
it  or  not,  and  whether  we  agree  that  it 
is  working  out  well  or  not.  It  is  prob- 
able that  there  are  yet  a few  little  de- 
tails to  be  attended  to  but  in  the  main 
it  is  perfectly  safe  for  those  who  wish 
to  say  civilization  advances  through  the 
channels  of  education.  But  turn  from 
education  to  institutions  that  dissemi- 
nate knowledge. 

Then  there  is  another  class  of  work- 
ers. Those  who  have  labored  so  faith- 
fully in  behalf  of  equal  suffrage  for  the 
woman  as  for  the  man.  The  work  is 
over  and  we  cordially  invite  the  woman 
to  turn  her  attention  to  our  educational 
work.  There  are  good  many  phases  of 
child  welfare  that  do  not  come  within 
the  strict  scope  of  the  naturalist’s  insti- 
tutions, but  in  the  main  one  may  say 
that  the  more  the  attention  of  children 
and  of  parents  is  turned  to  the  great 
out  of  doors  the  better  it  will  be  for  the 
sane  and  safe  democracy  of  America. 


Naturalists  interested  in  locusts, 
grasshoppers,  crickets  and  their  allies, 
will  welcome  Albert  P.  Morse’s  “Man- 
ual of  the  Orthoptera  of  New 
England.”  The  volume  contains  some 
360  pages,  with  nineteen  plates,  and  is 
Volume  35,  Number  6,  of  the  Proceed- 
ings of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural 
History. 


A Chapter  of  the  Agassiz  Association.  (Incorporated  1892  and  1910.)  The  Law  of  Love,  Not  the  Love  of  Law. 


Humane  and  Nature  Education. 

This  old  world  at  present  peculiarly 
needs  humane  and  nature  education. 
It  needs  greater  kindness  and  more 
altruism.  Thoughtfulness  and  appre- 
ciation of  other  forms  of  life  were  never 
needed  so  much  as  at  present. 

There  was  a time  when  training  in 
the  humanities  was  looked  upon  as  a 
sort  of  mussy  fad  by  oversentimental 
people,  but  the  last  few  years’  events 
in  the  world  war  and  the  strange  state 
of  unrest,  clamor  and  faultfinding  that 
followed  showed  that  the  greatest  thing 
in  all  this  world  is  love,  and  that  love 
must  be  applied  not  merely  to  one’s 
own  family  or  to  congenial  friends ; it 
must  be  like  sunshine,  radiating  and 
warming  up  everything  within  its  rays’ 
reach.  It  is  not  enough  to  like  the  fel- 
low that  likes  you.  It  is  not  enough 
to  seek  the  things  that  cater  imme- 
diately to  one’s  own  prosperity.  There 
must  be  a broader  appreciation  of 
everybody  and  everything  everywhere. 
The  scope  of  the  humanities  is  extend- 
ing. There  was  a time  when  it  was 
thought  sufficient  to  stop  by  court  sen- 
tences or  reprimands  the  man  from 
pounding  his  horse  or  the  boy  from 
kicking  his  dog.  But  now  we  see  that 
the  mere  stopping  of  cruelty  is  not 
enough.  There  must  be  back  of  that 
a kindly  sentiment  that  will  incite  re- 
gard for  the  distant  star,  the  diatom  of 
the  ditch  or  the  people  of  Japan  or  Ger- 
many. What  is  even  more  difficult  than 
distance  in  miles  to  overcome  is  re- 
moteness of  another  fellow’s  sphere  of 
activity.  Capital  must  understand  labor 
and  labor  must  understand  capital.  For 
either  class  not  to  pound  the  other  is 
of  vastly  more  consequence  spiritually 
and  utilitywise  than  it  is  merely  to 


force  a man  to  stop  beating  his  horse. 

We,  the  Members  of  The  Agassiz 
Association  with  our  special  ideals,  are 
not  altogether  in  sympathy  with  some 
of  the  things  which  to  the  unthinking 
would  seem  self-evidently  in  harmony. 
Take,  for  example,  much  of  this  talk  of 
“back  to  nature.”  It  is  not  altogether 
commendable  when  it  means  no  more 
than  greater  personal  comfort  and  a 
beautiful  estate  in  the  country  with  the 
best  flower  garden,  record  making  hens 
and  prize  bulls  with  a liberal  sprinkle 
of  Packards  and  Locomobiles.  That 
may  be  going  to  nature  and  it  may  not. 
It  all  depends.  It  may  be  in  a spirit  of 
the  good  of  humanity  and  it  may  not. 

A commendable  example  of  an  estate 
with  highly  altruistic  purposes  is  that 
of  Laddin’s  Rock  Farm,  owned  by  Wil- 
liam L.  Marks,  not  far  from  ArcAdiA. 
Mr.  Marks  has  spent  much  money  upon 
roads,  trees,  shrubbery,  and  then  he  has 
said  freely  and  cordially  to  the  public, 
“Enjoy  it.”  Now  there  is  real  appre- 
ciation of  nature  and  real  appreciation 
of  humanity. 

The  same  spirit  has  animated  hosts 
of  contributors,  Members  and  workers 
for  The  Agassiz  Association.  All  have 
combined  to  build  and  carry  on  beauti- 
ful ArcAdiA  under  altruistic  principles 
and  ideals  hardly  equalled  by  any  other 
organization. 

But  to  return  for  a moment  to  this 
“back  to  nature”  movement.  It  is  not 
merely  the  rich  man  who  may  be  in 
danger  of  forgetting  the  other  fellow, 
but  also  the  technical  biologist  who 
may  be  so  absorbed  in  his  own  involved 
and  intricate  researches  as  to  forget  to 
stimulate  the  interests  of  those  who  do 
not  know  so  much  or  to  help  them. 
Learning  like  dollars  may  be  hoarded 


THE  EDUCATIONAL  HUMANE  SOCIETY 


13 


in  a miserly  manner,  but  blessing  on 
those  with  dollars  and  blessings  on 
those  with  great  learning  and  blessings 
on  those  with  kindly  spirit  who  at  the 
present  time  are  radiating  the  sunshine 
of  cordiality  to  other  people. 

The  big  problems  of  the  world  will 
not  be  solved  by  bayonets,  nor  by 
trusts,  nor  by  labor  unions,  but  as  they 
have  always  been  by  the  greatest  thing 
in  the  world,  and  that  is  kindness  of 
heart  and  helpfulness  to  other  people. 


Inspirations  and  Suggestions  for 
Walking. 

[Quotations  from  Editor  al  in  Recent  Num- 
ber of  “The  New  York  Journal.”] 

Now  that  the  piping  days  of  Spring 
are  here,  take  a walk ! 

Ride  first  to  where  you  can  walk  to 
some  profit.  Go  out  to  some  suburban 
station.  All  the  better  if  you  never 
heard  of  it.  Get  off  the  train  and  hike 
out. 

Go  down  the  green  lane  and  cross 
the  brook,  climb  the  hill  and  wander 
through  the  woods,  along  the  road  to 
nowhere. 

Discover  the  sky  and  surprise  the 
violet.  Watch  the  robin  and  spy  out 
the  fern.  Sit  long  and  silently  upon  a 
log  until  the  little  folk  of  the  forest 
lose  their  shyness  and  play  their  antics 
before  you. 

Realize  that  there  are  many  silent 
worlds  besides  your  own,  circles  known 
to  woodchucks  and  unknown  to  society, 
and  spheres  of  influence  among  feath- 
ers and  fur  of  which  Downing  Street 
and  Washington  reck  not. 

Walk  on  and  suck  the  sweetness  of 
the  health-laden  breeze,  steal  glimpses 
of  the  virgin  beauty  of  the  apple  blos- 
soms, wonder  at  the  far-off  hawk 
poised  in  the  high  air,  learn  peace  from 
the  wide-eyed  cows  and  frolic  zest  from 
the  shaggy  colt. 

Walk ! 

Walk  enough  and  you  will  walk  out 
of  your  pigeonhole,  your  party,  your 
set.  your  niche,  your  cult,  and  into  your 
proper  soul. 

Which,  heaven  knows,  will  be  a far 
country. 


Buttercups. 

As  soon  as  the  fragile  flowers  unfold 
The  sun  transmutes  them  into  gold. 

— Emma  Pe:rce. 


Glasses  When  Using  Microscope? 

Andover,  Massachusetts. 
To  the  Editor: 

The  question  of  wearing  glasses 
when  using  a microscope  still  puzzles 
certain  of  your  correspondents.  The 
facts  are  simply  these : 

If  the  trouble  of  the  eye  is  in  the  fo- 
cusing— that  is  to  say  if  the  eye  is 
myopic,  hyperopic  or  presbyopic — the 
error  may  be  offset  by  altering  slightly 
the  focus  of  the  microscope.  In  these 
cases  glasses  should  not  be  worn  for 
microscopic  work,  since  the  micro- 
scope itself  will  adjust  the  focus  better 
than  the  glasses  can  do  it. 

But  if  the  trouble  with  the  eye  lies  in 
the  irregular  curvature  of  its  lenses — 
that  is  to  say,  if  the  eye  is  astigmatic — 
then  glasses  will  have  to  be  worn  for 
work  with  a microscope  for  precisely 
the  same  reason  as  for  any  other  work. 

A simple  test  of  whether  one  should 
or  should  not  keep  his  glasses  on  is 
this : 

Assuming  that  the  glasses  have  been 
properly  fitted  by  a competent  oculist, 
hold  them  at  arm’s  length,  and  look 
through  the  glass  of  the  “sighting”  eye 
at  lettering  about  a half  inch  in  height. 
Rotate  the  glasses  about  the  line  of 
vision.  If  the  letters  change  shape, 
wear  the  glasses  with  the  microscope. 
If  the  letters  do  not  change  shape,  leave 
them  off. 

Edwin  Tenney  Brewster. 


Reversed  Ice  Cone. 

Audenried,  Pennsylvania. 
To  the  Editor : 

The  cone  of  ice  which  you  picture 
and  describe  on  page  137  of  The  Guide 
to  Nature  for  February  differs  from 
mine  as  follows : 

In  mine  the  water  shot  out  of  a 
small  hole  in  a pipe,  extending  hori- 
zontally over  the  creek  bank  and  form- 
ing a body  with  the  small  end  at  the 
pipe  and  the  larger  end  away  from  it, 
just  the  reverse  of  the  one  in  upper 
New  York  State.  The  whole  form  was 
connected  with  the  pipe  by  a stem  of 
ice  only  as  thick  as  a baby’s  wrist,  the 
water  shooting  through  it  under  con- 
siderable pressure.  The  inside  of  the 
ice  had  the  form  of  a cone. 

Charles  D.  Romig. 


Extend  interest  in  our  work  among 
your  friends.  Send  addresses. 


x+4E 

AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION’ 

® ® $ $ # 

K<« 

Established  1875  Incorporated.  Massachusetts,  1892  Incorporated,  Connecticut,  1910 


Mary  Augusta  Bigelow 
wife  OF 

THE  EDITOR  OF  THIS  MAGAZINE 

BORN  PORTLAND.  CONNECTICUT.  JULY  1.  1853 

DIED  - BIRCHEN  BOWER. ” ARCADIA:  SOUND  BEACH.  CONNECTICUT. 

MAY  14.  1921 


B9 


Mrs.  Bigelow’s  life  ideally  exempli- 
fied the  threefold  work  of  The  Agassiz 
Association:  Church.  Home,  School. 

1.  Church.  A devoted  member  of 
the  Episcopal  Church.  She  was  for 
many  years  a member  of  the  choir  of 
Trinity  Church,  Portland.  Connecticut, 
and  an  active  worker  in  various  socie- 
ties in  that  church.  For  the  past  twen- 
ty-four years  she  was  a member  of  St. 
John’s  Episcopal  Church.  Stamford, 
Connecticut,  and  for  a number  of  those 
years  was  an  active  worker  in  the  Girls’ 
Friendly  Society. 

2.  Home.  As  an  only  child  she  lov- 
ingly cared,  for  many  years,  for  an  in- 
valid father  and  mother,  and  was  also  a 
devoted  wife  and  mother.  She  is  sur- 
vived by  two  daughters — Miss  Nellie 
Pelton  Bigelow  and  Miss  Pearl  Agnes 
Bigelow;  a son — Woodbridge  Fuller 
Bigelow,  and  three  grandchildren — 
Doris  Clement  Bigelow,  Sherman  Dean 
Bigelow  and  Elizabeth  Goodman 
Bigelow. 

3.  School.  Previous  to  her  mar- 
riage she  was  a school-teacher  for  sev- 
eral years  and  has  always  been  actively 
interested  in  education.  She  has  been 


a worker  in  The  Agassiz  Association 
for  thirty-one  years,  beginning  in  ’90 
as  assistant  editor  and  proof  reader  of 
“The  Observer”  Magazine  at  Portland. 
Connecticut,  for  a number  of  years  the 
official  organ  of  The  Agassiz  Associa- 
tion. Into  the  work  of  our  beloved  As- 
sociation she  entered  even  more  extend- 
edlv  fourteen  years  ago  and  continued 
that  interest  almost  to  the  hour  of  her 
death.  For  several  years  she  kept  the 
bank  and  advertising  accounts  and  oc- 
casionally in  the  earlier  years  assisted 
in  other  clerical  work.  She  rend  the 
proofs  of  every  number  of  The  Guide 
to  Nature,  with  the  May  number  com- 
pleting Volume  XIII  only  a few  days 
before  her  final  illness  of  a week. 

The  funeral  service,  conducted  by  the 
Reverend  Gerald  A.  Cunningham  of  St. 
John’s  Episcopal  Church  of  Stamford, 
was  held  in  the  Welcome  Reception 
Room  of  ArcAdiA  on  the  afternoon  of 
Mav  16.  The  interment  was  in  Trinity 
Cemetery,  Portland,  Connecticut,  on 
May  17.  and  the  service  at  the  grave 
was  conducted  by  the  Reverend  \\  . E. 
Hooker.  Portland.  Connecticut. 


What  Our  Visiting  Parties  Do. 

ArcAdiA,  the  Home  of  The  Agassiz 
Association,  has  been  as  definitely 
planned  and  equipped  to  carry  on  the 
work  of  that  Organization  as  is  a fac- 
tory to  produce  a certain  class  of  goods. 
The  purposes  of  The  Agassiz  Associa- 
tion as  set  forth  in  the  Charter  of  In- 
corporation may  be  summed  up  as  “the 
general  diffusion  of  knowledge”  of  na- 
ture. That  work  is  carried  on  not  only 
in  the  spirit  of  education  but  also  of 
recreation  permeated  by  a spiritual  and 
a poetical  point  of  view.  We  welcome 
all  creeds  or  no  creed.  All  phases  and 
all  ages  of  humanity  we  meet  on  the- 
common  ground  of  loving  appreciation 
of  Mother  Nature. 

The  program  of  the  day  is  as  follows : 

Parties  arrive  at  11:00  A.  M.  (or  a 
little  after  that  if  they  come  by  train 
from  New  York). 

1.  The  address  of  welcome  at  Hick- 
ory Home  on  the  Pavilion  of  Little 
Japan. 

2.  Disposal  of  wraps,  packages,  lunch 
boxes,  etc. 

3.  Committees  set  the  tables  on  the 
Pavilion,  make  coffee,  cook  bacon  and 
eggs,  etc.,  on  the  grills.  Members  of 
the  party  not  thus  occupied  spend  their 
time  in  social  conversation,  examina- 
tion of  the  books  in  the  Rest  Cottage, 
playing  the  piano,  singing,  etc. 

4.  Lunch  is  served  on  the  Pavilion. 
This  usually  occupies  about  an  hour 
completed  bv  the  restoring  of  tables, 
dishes,  etc.,  to  their  perfect  order  ready 
for  inspection  about  1 :oo  P.  M. 

5.  A walk  through  Nymphalia  with 
explanations  and  inspirations  pertain- 
ing to  wild  nature.  This  is  really  a 
communion  with  nature  in  her  most 
primitive  form  as  it  would  be  difficult  to 
find  in  all  the  state  a wilder  tract  of 
swamp  land. 

6.  Demonstrations  with  the  honey- 
bees in  our  Educational  Apiary. 


7.  Visiting  the  Astronomical  Observ- 
atory and  learning  the  fundamental 
principles  of  popular  astronomy. 

8.  Visiting  the  Office,  Laboratory 
and  the  formal  garden  where  are 
pointed  out,  in  sharp  contrast  to  the 
wild  of  Nymphalia,  the  beauties  of 
formality  in  ideally  balanced  landscape 
architecture  on  small  premises.  This 
is  to  show  the  possibilities  of  really 
good  arrangement  in  a small  yard. 

9.  Chair  of  Natural  History— a five 
minute  talk  in  the  Welcome  Reception 
Room. 

10.  Phonographic  Optical  Projection 
of  Welcome. 

it.  A lantern  slide  talk  on  the  pur- 
pose of  ArcAdiA  and  of  The  Agassiz 
Association  concluding  with  projection 
microscope  exhibition  not  equalled  any- 
where else. 

12.  Brief  visit  to  Little  Japan  for 
social  greetings  and  talking  over  the 
affairs  of  the  day. 

Parties  arriving  at  4:00  P.  M.  usually 
remain  until  10:00  or  10:30  P.  M.,  hav- 
ing practically  the  same  program  with 
the  exception  that  the  honeybee  demon- 
strations come  immediately  after  the  in- 
troductory talk. 

Rules  of  ArcAdiA. 

1.  Parties  must  keep  together  while 
on  the  grounds.  They  are  permitted  to 
divide  only  in  doing  down  to  the  stores 
at  the  end  of  Arcadia  Road.  This  point 
is  absolutely  insisted  upon.  At  no  time 
are  visitors  permitted  on  the  grounds  of 
ArcAdiA  without  a guide  from  the  Of- 
fice, and  parties  may  be  divided  only 
when  each  section  has  obtained  such  a 
guide.  This  is  seldom  if  ever  necessary. 

2.  Nothing  is  to  be  picked  in  Ar- 
cAdiA— not  even  a leaf. 

3.  Parties  conducted  around  the 
premises  must  go  single  file  because 
walks  are  narrow  and  there  must  be  no 
stepping  out  of  the  path.  V e keep  wild 
nature  clear  up  to  the  walks  and  every- 


XII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


thing  must  be  untrampled  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  ground  of  the  apiary 
where  it  is  impossible  for  those  who 
participate  in  the  demonstrations  to 
keep  on  the  walks. 

4.  Reading  newspapers  is  not  per- 
mitted except  by  those  who  remain 
overnight.  Our  facilities,  contributed 
by  our  Members  and  friends,  must  be 
used  to  best  possible  advantage.  We 
follow  the  instructions  of  Henry  David 
Thoreau  to  read  not  “The  Times”  but 
the  “Eternities.”  For  those  who  desire 
to  read  there  are  about  a thousand  na- 
ture books  on  the  premises.  A book  on 
almost  any  phase  of  nature  will  be  sup- 
plied on  request. 

5.  Dishes  and  other  conveniences 
must  be  left  in  the  same  good  condition 
in  which  they  are  found,  ready  for  fur- 
ther use. 


About  sixty  members  of  The  Brook- 
lyn Institute  of  Arts  and  Sciences  spent 
Saturday,  May  7,  at  ArcAdiA,  having 
the  usual  program  of  six  hours  in 
length. 

Sunday,  May  8,  The  Rambling  Club 
of  Paterson,  NTew  Jersey,  spent  the 
same  time  with  similar  program.  All 
expressed  themselves  as  greatly  inter- 
ested in  the  work. 


Contributions  to  Little  Japan. 


Mrs.  C.  O.  Miller,  Stamford-  $10.00 
Colonel  J.  H.  Graham,  Sound 

Beach  5.00 

Mrs.  Theodore  Peters,  New 

York  City 15.00 

Mrs.  Herman  LeRoy  Edgar, 

Dobbs  Ferry  - on  - Hudson. 

N.  Y. 5.00 

Mr.  J.  B.  Whitney,  Brooklyn, 

N.  Y. 5.00 

King’s  Daughters,  Sound 

Beach  5.00 

Mr.  Charles  D.  Romig,  Au- 

denried,  Pa. 1.00 


$46.00 

Previously  acknowledged-  $2,561.17 


Total $2,607.17 


Contributions. 

Mrs.  Zenas  Crane,  Dalton, 

Mass. $20.00 

Mr.  Russel  A.  Cowles,  New 

York  City 5-°° 


“Explorer  in  God’s  Country”  25.00 

Mrs.  Albert  Crane,  Stamford  10.00 

Mr.  William  J.  Johnson,  New 

York  City 15.00 

Dr.  S.  S.  Goldwater,  New 

York  City 5.00 

Mr.  Theodore  H.  Cooper,  Ba- 
tavia, N.  Y 5.00 

Mrs.  Henry  Lee  Higginson, 

Boston,  Mass. 10.00 

Mr.  Arthur  L.  DeGroff,  New- 
ark, N.  J. 25.00 

Honorable  Francis  O.  Wins- 
low, Norwood,  Mass 10.00 

Miss  Susan  S.  Fessenden, 

Passadena,  Cal. 3.00 

Mr.  Frank  S.  Fay,  Meriden, 

Conn. 3.00 

Mr.  Arthur  A.  Carey,  Wal- 
tham, Mass. 3.00 


WANTED:  A GIFT  OF  $5,000. 

Forty-six  years  of  youthful  activities 
— -we  are  the  Association  that  never 
grows  old  or  out  of  date. 

Forty-six  years  of  dependence  upon 
the  living — we  have  never  deprived  any 
one  of  the  joy  and  satisfaction  of  seeing 
how  contributed  money  was  spent,  thus 
inciting  to  repeated  gifts  from  nearly 
every  one. 

Though  death  has  taken  from  us 
many  of  our  most  liberal  contributors, 
we  have  superlative  faith  that  some- 
where will  be  found  the  one  to  give  us 
the  five  thousand  dollars  to  be  used  in 
a detailed  plan  under  the  personal  ap- 
proval of  the  contributor. 

We  make  moderate  amounts  of 
money  go  a long  way.  We  point  with 
pride  to  every  detail  of  our  record  of 
almost  a half  century.  There  have  been 
only  two  managers  of  The  Agassiz  As- 
sociation, the  former  for  thirty-two 
years,  the  present  for  fourteen,  and 
neither  has  received  salary  for  the 
executive  management  of  The  AA. 

No  other  charitable  and  educational 
organization  has  a better  Board  of 
Trustees.  They  represent  a wide  range 
of  territory  and  interests— characteris- 
tic of  The  AA. 


ARCADIA 


XIII 


The  United  States  Post  Office  De- 
partment at  Washington  carefully  in- 
vestigated 'l'he  Agassiz  Association  and 
because  of  its  altruistic,  educational  and 
noncommercial  purposes  awarded  a 
special  low  rate  of  postage  to  its  official 
magazine. 

The  Treasury  Department  Internal 
Revenue  also  carefully  investigated  and 
exempts  from  income  tax  The  Agassiz 
Association  and  all  gifts  to  it. 

W’e  have  gladly  and  freely  helped 
many  other  organizations  in  their  na- 
ture interests.  We  untiringly  render 
free  services  at  ArcAdiA  to  rich  and 
poor,  young  and  old.  To  us  come  a wide 
range  of  visitors.  Our  correspondents 
include  every  phase  of  humanity. 

We  invite  detailed  investigation. 

We  need  and  merit  a gift  of  $5,000. 
Do  it  now.  Do  not  wait  until  you  are 
dead.  We  want  to  give  the  donor  the 
joy  and  satisfaction  of  knowing  just 
how  advantageously  the  money  will  be 
expended. 

We  always  have  been  a lively  organ- 
ization for  the  living,  by  the  living. 

Faithfully  yours, 

Edward  F.  Bigelow. 
President  The  Agassiz  Association.  Inc. 


Retrenchment. 

One  of  our  good  friends  in  response 
to  a request  for  a contribution  to  our 
deficit  of  income  and  excess  of  expense 
writes  that  now  is  the  time  for  retrench- 
ment. That  is  the  way  in  which  we  feel 
about  the  great  part  of  fool  things  that 
humanity  is  and  has  been  doing.  Indeed 
at  times  we  must  confess  that  feeling 
about  our  own  work.  It  does  seem  as 
if  the  burden  was  coming  on  us  a little 
too  hard,  and  that  retrenchment  is 
necessary.  But  when  we  are  about  as 
discouraged  as  we  possibly  can  be  along 
comes  a letter  of  appreciation  of  our 
work  and  is  so  helpful  that  we  take 
hold  with  a grip  firmer  than  ever  before 
and  we  determine  not  to  retrench  to 
the  slightest  degree  in  any  part  of  our 
efforts. 

ATo  one  outside  of  the  inner  workings 
of  ArcAdiA  and  The  Agassiz  Associa- 
tion correspondence  can  understand 
how  severe  this  burden  is,  and  how 
much  we  appreciate  the  fact  that  we 
cannot  let  go  even  if  we  would.  We 
can  spare  no  efforts  in  justice  to  the 
work  and  particularly  to  our  good 
friends,  past  and  present.  It  isn’t  ours 
to  reason  why ; it  is  ours  to  do — so  long 
as  we  live.  Good  friends,  the  world  has 
retrenched  on  a great  many  fool  things 
and  we  hope  there  has  come  a time  for 
more  retrenchment  in  matters  savage 
and  warlike,  but  as  for  retrenchment  in 
matters  of  education,  that  is  an  un- 
thinkable idea.  The  situation  is  the  re- 
verse as  George  Washington  said  at 
the  close  of  the  Revolution  in  his  fare- 
well address : 

“Promote,  then,  as  an  object  of  pri- 
mary importance,  institutions  for  the 
general  diffusion  of  knowledge.” 


The  Agassiz  Association  and  Gifts  to  it  are  FREE  from  Income  Taxes. 
TREASURY  DEPARTMENT 
Internal  Revenue  Service 

Hartford,  Conn.,  April  13.  1921. 

Office  of  the  Collector,  District  of  Connecticut. 

Agassiz  Association,  Inc.,  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

SIRS: 

With  further  reference  to  your  letter  of  February  28th,  1921,  you  are  advised  that 
the  Commissioner  of  Internal  Revenue  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  has  considered  all  facts 
as  presented  relative  to  the  activities  of  your  association  and  has  decided  that  you  are 
exempt  from  the  filing  of  income  tax  returns  under  the  provisions  of  the  Revenue  Act  of 
1918. 

The  Commissioner  has  further  stated  that  amounts  contributed  to  your  association 
by  individuals  may  be  deducted  in  the  income  tax  returns  of  said  individuals  to  the  extent 
provided  in  Section  214  (a)  (’ll)  of  the  Revenue  Act  of  1918. 

Very  truly  yours, 

JAMES  J.  WALSH,  Collector. 


XIV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


EVERY  paper  in  i he  Lindenmeyr  Lines  is  a good  paper  because 
it  comes  from  a good  mill,  because  it  has  passed  all  the  tests 
of  our  experts  and  because  it  sells  at  a fair  price. 

1 he  Lindenmeyr  Lines  include  Warren’s  Standard  Printing 
Papers,  Strathmore  Expressive  Papers,  Buckeye  Covers,  Old  Hamp- 
shire Bond,  Brookdale  Linen  Bond,  Princess  Covers,  Neapolitan 
Covers,  Wonderfold  Enameled  and  other  well  liked  papers. 

H enry  Lindenmeyr  & Sons 

ESTABLISHED  1859 

32-34-36  Bleecker  Street,  NEW  YORK. 


80-84  Clinton  St. 
NEWARK,  N.  J. 


16-18  Beekman  St. 

NEW  YORK. 


58-60  Allyn  St. 
HARTFORD,  CONN. 


LAGUNA  MARINE 
LABORATORY 


Six  Weeks  beginning  June  29,  1921. 
Laguna  Beach,  Orange  County, 
California. 

Courses  in  Marine  Zoology,  Ento- 
mology, Etc. 

Write 

THE  DEPARTMENT  OF 
ZOOLOGY 

POMONA  COLLEGE 

Claremont,  California 


ORCH  I D S 

We  are  specialists  in  this  kind  of  plants. 
We  collect,  import  and  grow  orchids  from 
all  parts  of  the  world  where  orchids  grow. 

We  will  be  glad  to  fill  your  order  for 
one  plant  or  a thousand  according  to  your 
requirements. 

Our  beautiful  Catalogue  and  special 
lists  on  application. 

LAGER  & HURRELL. 

Orchid  Growers  and  Importers 
SUMMIT,  N.  J. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XV 


DODhous^ren  A SUMMER  HOME  ! 

4 compartments,  28  A11  song  birds  raise  two,  and 

inches  high,  18  inches  usually  three,  broods  of  young 
in  diameter.  each  year,  selecting  a new  nest- 

ing site  for  each  brood  of  young, 
so  if  your  houses  are  put  out 
now  they  are  sure  to  be  occupied. 

DODSON  HOUSES 

win  the  birds.  Built  by  a bird- 
lover  who  has  spent  a lifetime 
studying  their  habits  and  how  to 
attract  them  to  beautiful  Bird 
Lodge,  his  home  on  the  Kan- 
kakee River. 

Free  Bird  Book  sent  on  re- 
quest, illustrating  Dodson  Line, 
giving  prices;  also  beautiful  col- 
ored bird  picture  free. 

JOSEPH  H DODSON 

Pres.  American  Audubon  Ass’n. 
714  S.  HARRISON  AVE., 
KANKAKEE,  ILL. 

Dodson  Sparrow  Trap  guaranteed  to  rid  your  community 
of  these  quarrelsome  pests.  Price  $8.00. 


Girl  Scouts  camp,  hike  and  live  close  to 
Nature.  Read  about  their  good  times  in 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 

A Magazine  for  Girl  Scouts  and  Girls 
who  love  Scouting. 

The  American  Girl  will  bring  you  suggestions 
for  parties — stories  and  other  things  besides. 

Send  for  sample  copy  to 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 
189  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City. 

$1.50  a year  — Single  copy  15c 

Teacher — “Where  was  the  Declara- 
tion of  Independence  signed?” 

Bright  Pupil  — “At  the  bottom, 
mum.” — Cincinnati  Enquirer. 

Early  Training  Counts. 

The  detail  had  just  arrived  near  the 
front  lines  when  the  captain  looked 
around  and  noticed  a private,  hatless 
and  coatless. 

“Where’s  the  rest  of  your  uniform?” 
he  demanded. 

“Back  where  we  came  from.” 

"Go  back  and  get  it." 

The  private  vanished  and  later  reap- 
peared, correctly  uniformed,  but  with- 
out his  rifle. 

“Where’s  your  gun?” 

“Left  it  back  where  we  came  from.” 

“Listen !”  bellowed  the  captain. 
“You’re  a fine  soldier.  What  were  you 
in  civilian  life?” 

“Plumber’s  assistant.”— The  Ameri- 
can Legion  Weekly. 


What  will  the 
negative  slow? 

There’s  density  and  definition;  detail  in 
high  lights  and  shadows;  correctness  of 
perspective;  color  value — consider  all 
these.  For  the  negative  can  show  only 
what  the  lens  throws  upon  it.  And  any 
picture  worth  taking  at  all  is  worth  tak- 
ing as  well  as  it  can  be  taken.  In  other 
words,  take  it  with  one  of  the 

BAUSCH  & LOMB 
PHOTOGRAPHIC  LENSES 

In  poor  light — cloudy  or  rainy  outdoors, 
on  porches  or  indoors — good  snapshots 
— better  than  many  a time  exposure — can 
be  made  easily  through  Bausch  & Lomb 
Tessar  Anastigmats  (Ic,  f:4.5  or  lib 
f:6.3).  And  in  bright  sunlight  they  stop 
the  fastest  action  blurlessly. 

Ask  your  dealer  to  put  Tessar 
Anastigmat  on  your  camera. 
Then  you  will  see  how  pleasur- 
able photography  can  be. 

Bausch  & [omb  Optical  (a 

NEW  YORK  WASHINGTON  SAN  FRANCISCO 

CHICAGO  ROCHESTER.  N.  Y.  London 

Leading  American  Makers  of  Photo- 
graphic Lenses,  Microscopes,  Projection 
Apparatus  (Balopticons),  Ophthalmic 
Lenses  and  Instruments,  Photomicro- 
graphic Apparatus,  Range  Finders  and 
Gun  Sights  for  Army  and  Navy,  Search- 
light Reflectors,  Stereo-Prism  Binoculars, 
Magnifiers  and  Other  High  Grade  Optical 
Products. 


XVI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BEGINNER’S  BEEKEEPING  OUTFIT 


MEDINA, 

OHIO 


THE  A.  I.  ROOT  COMPANY 

Write  to  either  address  for  details. 


23  LEONARD  ST., 
.NEW  YORK  CITY 


PHOTOGRAPHERS 

Professional  and  Amateur 
IV rite  at  Once 
for  the 

Willoughby  Bulletin 

NO.  137G 

of 

New  and  Used 

CAMERAS  LENSES 

PHOTOGRAPHIC  EQUIPMENT 

New  issue  now  ready 

CHAS.  G.  WILLOUGHBY,  Inc. 

no  WEST  32ND  ST,  NEW  YORK 


Direct 

nRT 

Service. 


Established 
15 

YEARS. 


CJlJlhinre' 

SortU'tiro  OuancSt. 
<31eu)T)ork 

Telephone  ;Worth  1945 

DesiCiiuTlllMtrator 

CHalftone  b Line  Cuts' 
“ ’ ~ Wood  Cuts 


£ 


LECTROTYPES 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XVII 


TRADE-  m** 

(rayolA 

An  Artists'  Drawing  Crayon 

The  box  pictured  contains 
24  crayons  of  the  very  best 
quality.  For  artists  and 
Students  of  Nature,  to  be 
used  for 
sketching  and 
general  color 
work. 

“Crayola”  is 
put  up  in  all  de- 
sirable styles 
of  packing,  6 
to  24  colors  in 
a box. 

Color  charts  and 
catalog  on  request. 

BIN  NET  a 
SMITH  CO., 

81  Fulton  St.. 
New  York. 


A NEW  ARRIVAL 


Ask  your  dealer,  he  should  carry  Goerz 
Cameras  in  stock.  For  further  description  write  to 

C.  P.  Goerz  American  Optical  Company 

317  G EAST  34TH  STREET,  NEW  YORK  CITY. 


GOERZ  ROLLFILM  TENAX 
(2 Va  x 314  in.) 

First  shipment 
of  tins  LATEST 
model  of  high 
grade  Roll  film 

Cameras  just  in. 

N e w pleasing 
design,  light  and 
compact. 

Novel  construc- 
tional features  for 
easy  and  accurate 
operation. 

Highest  perfec- 
tion of  lens  and 
shutter  equipment, 
offering  the  choice 
of  three  high 
grade  -Goerz  ana - 
stigmat  lenses , 
Dogmar  F: 4.5 
Dagor  F: 6.8 
Tenastigmat  F: 6.3 
Compur  Shutter 
with  speed  range 
from  1 second  to 
1/250  of  a second, 
(J4  actual  size.)  time  and  bulb  ex- 

posure, 

A smaller  model,  the  GOERZ  V.  P.  ROLL- 
FILM  TENAX  (I^x2j4  in.)  of  much  the  same 
design  as  the  2x/±  x 3*4  in.  size  has  been  intro- 
duced on  the  American  market  some  time  ago  and 
has  met  with  the  greatest  favor  among  camera 
enthusiasts. 


SAVE 5 MONEY 
ON  REPAIRS 


s 

y 

■V 

'EY  **  C hailo  If.  Sicu;n  fluid  Cc. 


OBLAnOMA  CITY 


Color  Cards  and  Descriptive  Literature  re- 
lating to  our  Paint,  Enamels,  Stains,  an  d Var- 
nishes will  be  gladly  sent  in  response  to  in- 
quiries addressed  to  our  Home  Office 

FULTON  AND  CLINTON  STREETS 

Brooklyn  New  York 


TtlE  BRYOLOGIST — The  only  magazine  in  the  Eng 
lish  language  devoted  wholly  to  articles  dealing  with 
Mosses,  Hepatics,  and  Lichens.  Of  interest  to  be 
ginners  and  advanced  students  alike.  Bimonthly,  pub^ 
lished  by  the  Sullivant  Moss  Society,  an  organization 
for  mutual  help  in  moss  study.  Special  curators  to 
assist  beginners.  Membership  fee,  $1.50  per  year,  i« 
eluding  the  Bryoloeist;  subscription  alone,  $1.25;  Cana 
dian  postage  10  cents  extra.  Address  Edward  B.  Cham- 
berlain, 18  West  89th  Street,  New  York  City. 


AQUATIC  LIFE  monthly  magazine  will 

^ increase  your  enjoyment 

of  the  life  in  nature’s  streams  and  in  your  home 
aquarium.  Written  by  scientists  to  entertain  all 
nature  lovers  who  like  to  paddle  in  water  and 
study  its  many  forms  of  life.  A journal  of  popu- 
lar aquatic  biology,  not  merely  a fish  fanciers’  mag 
azine.  Specimen  copy  free  on  request.  Subscrip- 
tion, $1.25  per  year.  Joseph  E.  Bausman,  Put>- 
lisher,  542  East  Girard  Avenue,  Philadelphia. 


THE 

AMERICAN  MICROSCOPICAL  SOCIETY 

(Founded  in  1878) 

Publishes  Its  TRANSACTIONS  as  a 
Quarterly  Journal  of  Microscopic  Research. 
For  information,  write  to 

P.  S.  WELCH,  Secretary 

ANN  ARBOR,  MICHIGAN. 


XVIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BOBBINK  & ATKINS 


Visit 

Nursery 


1 Vo  r lcVs 

Choicest  ZM 

rsery&Gre 

ro  ducts 

wn  In  Ac  - 


Ask  for 
Catalog 


ROSES 

EVERGREENS 
TREES  AND  SHRUBS 
OLD-FASHIONED  FLOWERS 
FRUIT  TREES  AND  BUSHES 
SPRING-FLOWERING  BULBS 
LILACS — Ask  for  Special  List.  You  will  be  interested  in  this 
collection  when  you  see  the  large  number  of  varieties. 

Nurserymen  and  Florists 

RUTHERFORD,  NEW  JERSEY 

Established  1868 


“Egypt”  is  a new  conception  by  a new  con- 
cern; a compelling  fragrance  originated  for  the 
woman  who  demands  originality,  refinement  and 
culture  in  every  particular  of  her  toilet.  In  its 
odd,  hand-painted  bottle,  “Egypt”  will  grace  the 
most  artistic  and  esthetic  boudoir. 

Originators  and  Sole  Manufacturers 

THE  EGYPT  LABORATORY 
Stamford,  Connecticut 


Place  your  order  now  for 

SPRATT’S 

FISH  AND  MEAT 
FIBRINE  DOG  CAKES 

They  are  invaluable  as  a change  of 
diet,  especially  during  the  summer 
months. 

Write  for  sample  and  send  2 cent 
stamp  for  catalogue  "Dog 
Culture 

Spratt’s  Patent  Limited 

Newark,  New  Jersey 

San  Francisco  St.  Louis  Montreal 
Factory  also  in  London,  Eng. 


P.  O.  Box  471. 


It  yields  comfortably  to  the  shape  of 
the  body,  is  soft  yet  firm,  and  induces 
perfect  relaxation  and  rest.  The  Oster- 
moor  Mattress  is  scientifically  built,  not 
stuffed  like  horsehair:  it  cannot  get  out 
of  shape  and  is  sanitary.  Replace  with 
Ostermoor  as  your  old  mattresses  be- 
come uncomfortable. 

At  your  dealer’s,  or  we  will  ship  direct; 
express  prepaid.  Write  for  144-page  Cat- 
alog— mailed  free. 

Ostermoor  & Co.,  114  Elizabeth  St, 
New  York. 

Canadian  Agency: 

Alaska  Bedding  of  Montreal,  Ltd.,  Montreal 


:■ 


BRUNSWICK  SCHOOL 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

A Preparatory  Day  School  (or  Boys 
in  Stamford,  Greenwich  and 
Port  Chester 

Calls  the  attention  of  possible  patrons 
to  the  fact  that  the  enrolment  for  the 
coming  year  is  complete  in  respect  to  the 
primary  and  lower  school  departments. 
In  these  sections,  further  applications 
can  receive  favorable  attention  only  in 
case  of  unexpected  withdrawals.  There 
are  still  some  vacancies  in  the  Upper 
School. 

Primary  School,  for  boys  6 to  11 
Lower  School,  for  boys  10  to  14 
Upper  School,  for  boys  13  to  19 

For  catalogue,  or  special  information, 
address 

GEORGE  E.  CARMICHAEL, 

Head-master. 

Telephones : 

Office,  Greenwich  318 
Home,  Greenwich  553 


Telephone  179 


THE  BARTLETT  WAY 


Tfe  Bartlett  Wav 


is 

THE 

RECOGNIZED 

STANDARD 

of 

TREE 

SURGERY 


Our  work  is  not  local  in  scope  but  is 
available  to  all  tree  owners  within  a 
large  radius. 

The  F.  A.  Bartlett 
Tree  Expert  Co. 

“Tree  Specialists” 

STAMFORD.  CONNECTICUT 

Westbury  - --  --  --  - L.  I. 

Morristown N.  J 

Chestnut  Hill  -------  Pa. 


BOX -BARBERRY 

THE  NEW  DWARF  HEDGE  PLANT 

A dwarf  form  of  the  popular  Thunberg’s  Japan- 
Barberry.  It’s  quite  dwarf,  with  small,  dainty 
foliage.  It  can  be  trimmed  into  any  form  and 
kept  down  to  six  inches  high  if  desired. 

ABSOLUTELY  HARDY 

Box-Barberry  will  thrive  almost  anywhere.  The 
winter  of  1917-18  did  not  injure  Box-Barberry  in 
the  least.  It  produces  a perfect  low  border  for 
the  formal  gardens,  quite  taking  the  place  of  the 
old  Box,  which  is  far  from  hardy. 

You  are  cordially  invited  to  visit  the  nurseries 
at  Edgevvood  and  see  this  wonderful  Box-Barberry 
growing,  both  as  a Hedge  Plant  and  in  the  Nursery 
Row. 

Send  for  1921  Catalog. 

WOODMONT  NURSERIES,  Inc. 

Box  1003,  New  Haven,  Conn. 


ALL  ROADS  LEAD  TO  ROME 


Everything  That's  New 

IN 


Summer  Furniture 


Agents  For 

HOOSIER  KITCHEN  CABINETS  HARDMAN  PECK  PIANOS 

SIMMONS  BEDS  AND  MATTRESSES  PATHE  PHONOGRAPHS 
OSTERMOOR  MATTRESSES  BOHN  SYPHON  REFRIGERATORS 

BLOCH  BABY  CARRIAGES  COLD  STORAGE  REFRIGERATORS 

The  Rome  Company 

23-29  BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 


PALACE  DRESS  SHOP,  Inc. 

INVITES  YOUR  EARLY  INSPECTION 
OF  ITS  DISTINCTIVE  ASSORTMENT 
OF  WEARING  APPAREL  FOR  THE 
MATRON  AND  MISS 


EXCLUSIVE  AGENTS 
FOR 

BETTY  WALES  and  VERITE 

WE  SPECIALIZE  IN  MODELS  TO  SLENDERIZE 
THE  FIGURE  OF  GENEROUS  PROPORTIONS 

278  Atlantic  Street 


Stamford,  Conn 


CHAKLES  WILLIAM  ELIOT 

NOv  iij; I 


The  Guide 
To  Nature 

SOUND  BEACH,  CONN. 

Edward  F.  Bigelow.  Editor 

VOL.  XIV  JULY,  1921  No.  2 


FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 

AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 

JBue-F-  Smith 

REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 

Stamford,  Connecticut. 

Phones  2916  and  2917,  Stamford 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 

has  good  transportation  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

I have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates.  Shore  and  Inland 
Residences.  Farms.  Acreage,  Cottages  and 
Building  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selected 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Rent 
to  all  lccations. 

Would  be  pleased  to  have  jou  call  or  write. 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  Coiu>. 


NEW  ENGLISH  TYPE  DWELLING 

AT  SII1PP.AN  POINT  ON  SOUND 


FIRST  FLOOR:  Wide  hall  through  center  of  house,  reception  room,  extensive  living  room  with 
large  fireplace,  very  large  handsomely  finished  dining  room  with  fireplace,  bright  breakfast 
room,  library,  pantry,  kitchen,  maid’s  room,  lavatory. 

SECOND  FLOOR:  Five  master’s  rooms  and  three  baths,  three  maids’  rooms  and  bath. 

BASEMENT:  Large  laundry,  drying  room,  store  rooms.  Inside  garage  for  two  cars. 

House  attractively  finished 
throughout,  having  electric  light, 
gas,  city  water.  About  two  acres 
of  land,  beach  privileges. 

PRICE  S55.000.  Terms 

WORTH  $75,000 


: Uair 


STA  MFORD  SA  V/NGS  BANK  BL  DG.  Tel  20/ 


S TA  M F Ond  cro/v/v. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


I 


A.  M.  BOLES 

REAL  ESTATE  AND 
INSURANCE 

SOUND  BEACH.  RIVERSIDE  AND 
VICINITIES 

Office 

SOUND  BEACH  AVENUE 
Opp.  R.  R.  Station 

SOUND  BEACH,  CONN. 

Telephone  546 


The  Walter  Stewart  Co. 

The  Leading  Grocers 
CHOICE  GROCERIES, 

FLOUR  AND  FEED. 
SIX  STORES 

Sound  Beach,  New  Canaan, 

Darien  and  Springdale 

. Telephone  Connection 


EVERYTHING 

ELECTRICAL 

FOR  THE  HOME 

From  Garret  to  Cellar 

Electric  Heaters,  Sewing 
Machines,  Irons,  Vacuum 
Cleaners,  Washing  Ma- 
chines, Percolators, 
Toasters,  etc.,  etc., 

— at — 

THE  STAMFORD  ELEC- 
TRICAL CONTRACTOR 

INCORPORATED 

221  Atlantic  Street 


C.  C.  CLARK’S 

TAXI  SERVICE 

SOUND  BEACH  CONNECTICUT 

TAXI  CABS— BAGGAGE  TRANSFER 
PROMPT  SERVICE  OUR  MOTTO 
Telephones: 

546  SOUND  BEACH 
From  2 A.  M.  to  7 A.  M. 
271  SOUND  BEACH 

D.  MAHER  SONS 

LEHIGH  COAL,  HYGEIA  ICE 

BUILDING  MATERIAL,  LIME,  LATH, 
BRICK,  SAND,  CEMENT,  DRAIN  PIPE 

Tel.  130  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


LOUIS  A.  SPEZZANO 

GENERAL  CONTRACTOR 

Post  Road, 

Riverside,  Connecticut. 

Telephone:  Sound  Beach  145. 


S.  G,  JUDD  STORE 


HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 
Telephone  352 

White  and  Gray  Enamel 
Ware 


Galvanized  and  Tin  Ware 
Aluminum,  Crockery  and 
Glass  Ware 

Baskets,  Cutlery 


43  BANK  STREET 
Stamford,  _ _ Connecticut 


A Solid  Fact. 

“What  is  the  hardest  thing  about 
skating  when  you’re  learning?” 

“The  ice.” — Boston  Transcript. 


II 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


Stamford  Business  Directory 


HOTEL  DAVENPORT 

H.  S.  MOREHOUSE  HOTEL  CO. 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


EVERYTHING  FOR  LADIES'  WEAR 

CALL  ON 

Moltasch,  Ladies’  Outfitter 

aio  ATLANTIC  ST.,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

U - - 1 

Telephone,  270  Uptown  Office:  STARK  BROS 

271  40  PARK  ROW 

CHAS.  F.  WATERBURY 
David  Waterbury  & Son 

COAL  DRAIN  PIPE  WOOD 

Crushed  Stone  for  Walks  and  Drives 
YARDS  Canal  Dock.  STAMFORD.  CONN. 


Telephone  169  Insurance  Appraisals  Made 

WM.  T.  FINNEY,  INC. 

ANTIQUES,  SECONDHAND 

FURNITURE,  STORAGE. 

Office  and  Auction  Rooms 

35  Atlantic  Street,  Stamford,  Conn 

Corsets  Fitted  Free  by  Expert  Corsetiere 

Phone  989 

LA  SARETTE  CORSET  SHOP 

STAMFORD  THEATRE  BUILDING 
Stamford  Connecticut 


BORG  BROTHERS 

Chemical  and  Analytical  Laboratories 
for  Special  Research  Work 

539  MAIN  ST. 

STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

JOHN  PHILLIPS 

Dealer  in 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES 

463  Main  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

FOR  FINE  MILLINERY 
NEWSTAD’S 

3 BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

FRANK  M.  WEST 
HARDWARE 

Paints,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Etc.  House  Furnishings 

7r  ATLANTIC  STREET  Tel.  Con 

R.  F.  VOSKA  & SOIV 

TAILORS 

444  Atlantic  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

Drs.  W.  H.  and  E.  W.  Pomeroy 
DENTISTS 

The  Gurley  Building, 

324  Main  St.,  opposite  City  Hall. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


III 


CAMERAS 

ALWAYS  READY 

EASY  TO  OPERATE 

Insert  the  film  and  the  camera  is 
ready  to  operate,  and  so  easy,  by  the 
mere  process  of  pressing  a button 
or  lever.  Failure  is  impossible  if  the 
camera  is  pointed  right.  Even  a child 
can  use  them  with  expert  results. 
Everybody  wants  a camera  and 
everybody  should  have  one  and  our 
assortment  gives  ample  opportunity 
for  selection  with  due  consideration 
to  the  saving  of  money  as  well  as 
getting  results. 


EST.I847 

3 1 3 At  I ant. c St.,  StAMFORD.CONN. 


Phillips’  Gift  Shop 

Gifts  for  All  Occasions 

jn.  Diamonds,  Watches, 

Jewelry,  Silver- 
ware.  Cut  Glass, 
/bo  c l o c K s , Sterling 

V AXI)  Iv<)KOI,)  Toilet 

and  Manicure  Sets, 
Novelties,  Etc. 

Usual  Amount  of  Engraving  Free. 

A Small  Deposit  Reserves  Any  Article 
Selected. 

Exclusive  Agency  Gorham 
Silverware. 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 

232  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn. 

Established,  1897 

THE  HALLMARK  STORE 


CONN.  RUSTIC  CONSTRUCTION  CO 


ARCHITECTS- 

CRAFTSMEN 

R.  EHLERS 
Greenwich  180 

LOG  CABINS 
CRAFTSMEN'S  HOMES 
RUSTIC  TEA  HOUSES 
BUNGALOWS 
ENTRANCE  GATES 
PERGOLAS 

GRAPE  AND  ROSE  ARBORS 
GARDEN  FURNITURE 
FENCES 

FLOWER  STANDS 
BRIDGES 
BIRD  HOUSES 

RIVERSIDE,  CONN. 

PHONE  SOUND  BEACH  600 


IV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE — ADVERTISEMENTS 


270  MAIN  STREET 


Telephone  3415 


V*HIT£ 
WET  WASH 


STAGE  STREET 

Stamford,  ....  Connecticut 


Phone  969 

THE  MEANING  OF  WET  WASH: 

If  you  have  been  accustomed  to  doing  wash- 


ing the  old-fashioned  way,  you  will  appreciate  learning  something  about 


THE  WHITE  WET  WASH 


1.  The  cost  is  less  than  home  washing,  any  way  you  figure  it. 

2.  We  wash  EVERYTHING — white  clothes,  colored  clothes,  wool,  silk,  yes,  even 
blankets  and  rugs,  without  any  additional  charge,  or  worry  on  your  part.  You  just  put 
everything  you  want  cleaned  in  the  bag  that  we  furnish  you  and  tie  a string  around  the 
top  of  it,  and  we  do  the  rest. 

3.  Prompt  and  punctual  service — we  call  on  the  same  day,  mostly  the  same  hour 
each  week,  or  every  other  week,  as  you  may  choose,  and  deliver  your  whole  bundle  back 
to  you  in  twenty-four  hours,  if  in  Stamford,  clean,  sweet  and  almost  ready  to  iron; 
if  in  any  outlying  district,  in  forty-eight  hours. 

4.  Twenty-five  pounds  weighed  dry — only  $1.50 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


V 


TO  KEEP  THE  WEE  ONES  COMFY 

To  keep  them  comfortable  and  well  and  good-natured  through  the  long 
Summer  days  means  quantities  of  fresh  underthings  of  reliable  make.  The  ser- 
vice offered  in  such  departments  by  the  Store  has  passed  the  experimental  stage. 

We  can  recommend 
to  you  now,  with 
assurance,  the  little 
garments  you  will 
find  grouped  here 
for  special  selling. 
They  are  of  good 
materials,  well  de- 
signed, carefully  made 
and  certain  to  wear. 


S'T A M FOND  • • CONN 


'in  Atlantic  St. 


“A  Pleasant  Place  to  Shop,  with  Always  Something  New.” 


Established  1853 

THE  GETMAN&  JUDD  CO. 

Lumber  and  Timber  of  all  Kinds 

SPECIALTY:  High-Grade  HARDWOOD  FLOORING 

thoroughly  Kiln  Dried  and  stored  in  Steam  heated  build- 
ing until  delivered  to  our  customers.  Our  steadily  in- 
treasinf  trade  in  this  specialty  proves  the  fact  that 
Ike  country  home  is  not  complete  until  fitted  out  with 
this  beautiful  and  sanitary  furnishing.  Old  Residences 
assy  he  greatly  improved  by  laying  thin  floors  over  the 
•Id  ones. 

CANAL  DOCKS,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone  2180. 


Homes  Near  to  Nature 

Should  he  so  constructed  as  to  give  lasting  satisfaction. 
Our  method  of  manufacturing  dependable  Interior  and 
Exterior  house  trim  from  thoroughly  kiln  dried  material 
by  skilled  mechanics  insures  such  satisfaction. 

THE  ST.  JOHN  WOOD  WORKING  CO. 

Canal  Docks  Stamford  Conn. 

Telephone  781 
DIRECTORS 

WALTON  FERGUSON.  Pres.  W.  W.  HEROV 
W.  D.  DASKAM,  Vice  Pres,  Dr.  F.  H.  GETMAN 

W.  H.  JUDD,  Sec.  and  Treas.  F.  W.  BOGARDUS 
J.  G.  WIGG,  General  Manager. 


SEE  US  AND 

SEE  BETTER 

Protect  your  eyes  from  the  daily 
strain  and  sun’s  rays. 


CAMERAS  and  SUPPLIES 
Developing,  Printing 
and  Mounting  .... 

w.  a.  McClelland,  i«c^  optom»trists-Optici»n$ 
Stamford  34S  Atlantic  St.,  [Connecticut 


STAMFORD  STEAM  LAUNDRY,  Inc. 

Deliveries  to  Sound  Beach  and  Shippan. 
OFFICE  10-12  SUMMER  PLACE 
Telephone,  249.  Stamford,  Conn. 


THE  GAMBLE  MILL  WORK  CO. 

DEALERS  IN 

SASH,  DOORS,  BLINDS,  TRIM, 
ETC. 

520  Steamboat  Road 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

LEON  DERAN 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

133  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn. 

Phone  594 

Portraits  Commercial  Photography 

Copying  and  Enlarging 


’Tis  not  in  mortals  to  COMMAND  success,  but  we’ll  do  more,  we’ll  DESERVE  IT. — Addison. 


Remarkable  Opportunity  in  Sea-View 

Home  and  Farm  in  a Quaint,  His- 
torical Town. 

Sixty  acres  facing  a beautiful,  ma- 
rine bay.  Twenty  acres  under  cultiva- 
tion with  a well  kept  orchard  of  pear, 
plum  and  apple  trees.  Two  thousand 
six  hundred  feet  of  water  front  with 
private  dock  for  boats  drawing  ten  feet 
of  water.  Two  barns,  henhouses,  sheds, 
cement  hothouse  and  garage.  Resi- 
dence has  eight  rooms  and  two  baths ; 
running  water  of  excellent  quality.  All 
buildings  in  good  condition.  Possi- 
bilities for  developing  a practical  and 
ideal  estate.  For  full  particulars  ad- 
dress the  editor  of  this  magazine,  Ed- 
ward F.  Bigelow,  ArcAdiA:  Sound 
Beach,  Conn. 


The  Traveller. 

A crocodile  from  Calabar 
Went  travelling  to  Malabar: 

“I  had  not  thought  it  were  so  far 
Or  else  I’d  stayed  in  Calabar!” 


We  Welcome  a Health  Cooperator. 

“With  good  health  everything ; with 
bad  health  nothing.”  These  were  the 
words  of  an  invalid  to  the  editor  of  this 
magazine  several  years  ago  with  the 
special  request  that  they  be  reiterated 
by  him  at  every  opportunity.  Of  course 
every  reader  of  The  Guide  to  Nature 
knows  that  we  advocate  outdoor  occu- 
pations and  interests  not  only  from  the 
mental  and  moral  but  from  the  physi- 
cal standpoint.  One  must  have  an  in- 
centive to  go  afield.  There  must  be 
joy  and  enthusiasm  in  whatever  is 
done. 

In  the  same  spirit  in  which  we  rec- 
ommend the  personal  benefits  of  an  in- 
teresting hike,  a camping  trip,  the  study 
of  the  interests  of  nature,  we  also  be- 
lieve it  within  the  scope  of  our  maga- 
zine to  recommend  healthful,  strength 
giving  foods.  Proverbially  bread  is  the 
staff  of  life  and  the  beechnut  is  equally 


well-known  as  a synonym  of  all  good 
things.  The  beech  is  rather  the  most 
hugable  and  lovable  of  trees.  We  like 
to  get  near  it,  to  pat  its  smooth  bark, 
to  admire  its  clean  trunk  and  to  gaze, 
upward  through  its  cool  branches. 
There  is  in  its  beauty  something  poetic- 
al, classical,  yes,  even  musical  if  we 
go  back  to  Virgil.  It  represents  joy  and 
happiness  and  is  the  concentration  of 
health  giving,  joyful,  outdoor  activities. 

The  Marsh  Bakeries  of  Stamford 
from  long  experience  have  evolved  the 
best  form  of  bread  now  on  the  market 
in  this  vicinity.  We  like  their  name, 
“Beech  Nut,”  for  this  bread.  They  evi- 
dently understand  that  good  things 
come  from  Mother  Nature,  and  they 
are  giving  us  wholesome,  palatable, 
health  promoting  bread  for  our  activi- 
ties in  nature’s  realms.  Long  may  the 
Marsh  bakeries  be  gratefully  regarded 
by  a bread  appreciating  public ! 


High  Grade  Lenses  at  Low  Prices. 

Readers  of  this  magazine  are  famil- 
iar with  the  strong  stand  taken  by  its 
editor  that  every  photographer  should, 
even  at  personal  sacrifice  if  necessary, 
obtain  a high  grade  anastigmat  lens. 
We  are  glad  to  announce  that  Charles 
G.  Willoughby,  Inc.,  iio  West  Thirty- 
second  Street,  New  York  City,  is  issu- 
ing a special  bulletin  giving  interesting 
information  along  that  line.  The  bulle- 
tin is  known  as  No.  137G  and  we  cor- 
dially invite  our  readers  to  send  for  a 
copy  at  once,  referring  to  The  Guide  to 
Nature.  Mr.  Willoughby  has  stand- 
ard makes  from  our  best  opticians.  Per- 
sonal information  and  advice  will  be 
given  by  the  editor  of  this  magazine 
upon  request. 

Another  reason  why  men  don’t  go 
back  to  the  farm  is  that  it  cost  them 
all  they  had  to  get  away. — Washington 
Post. 


TIIE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


VII 


A MAN  FINDS  CONTENTMENT 


in  knowing  that  he  is  right  in  appearance — in  knowing  that 
his  clothes  are  in  good  style,  and  of  fine  quality ; being  prop- 
erly dressed  is  a pleasure  that  is  part  of  the  joy  of  living. 


SEE  THE  NEW  HOT-WEATHER  SUITS 

— Air-O-Weaves — just  arrived.  Developed  in  Palm  Beaches. 
Mohairs,  Tropical  Worsteds,  and  Gabardines.  Models  for  all 
men — tall  stout,  short  or  broad  shouldered.  Splendid  invest- 
ments at  $18.00,  $20,  $22.50,  $25 


Stein  Bloch  Clothes  Young’s  Hats 

Kuppenheimer  Clothes  Manhattan  Shirts 


THE  HARTWELL -DELAP  COMPANY 

48  and  50  Park  Row 
“THE  LIVE  STORE” 


GOOD  HEALTH’S  BEST  FRIEND  IS  WHOLESOME  FOOD 


THE  BEST  INGREDIENTS  make  the  BEST  BREAD! 

Beech  Nut  Bread  is  made  of  Pure  Granulated  Sugar,  Pure  Leaf  Lard,  Pure 
Malt  Extract,  Pure  Fleischmann’s  Yeast,  Pure  Milk  and  Plenty  Of  It,  and 
Pure  V heat  Flour — and  each  of  these  wholesome,  healthful  ingredients  is  the 
finest  quality  that  money  can  buy. 

■NATURALLY— BEECH  NUT  BREAD  TS  MORE  NOURISHING,  AS  WELL 
AS  MORE  DELICIOUS! 

Baked  Solely  by  the  Marsh  Bakeries,  Inc. 


VIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


MOTORS 

FIXTURES 

APPLIANCES 

MODERN  LABOR  SAVING  MACHINES  FOR 
THE  HOUSEHOLD 

The 

Downes-Smith  Co. 

Electrical  Contractors 

Stamford,  Conn. 

79  ATLANTIC  STREET 

THE  GRUBER 
COMPANY 


MAHER BROTHERS 
CORPORATION 


STAMFORD’S  EXCLUSIVE 
WOMAN’S  SHOP 


LUMBER,  COAL  AND  WOOD 
LIME,  LATH,  BRICK 
CEMENT,  PLASTER,  ETC. 


298  Main  Street 
Stamford 


Telephone  2294 


Office  and  Yards: 
STEAMBOAT  ROAD 
Greenwich,  Conn. 
Telephone  1228 


the  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


IX 


Burdett-McGillivray  Company 

SPLASH! 

The  Bathing  Season  is  On 

And,  of  course,  bathing  suits  and  accessories  are  needed.  So  we  urge  all 
swimmers  to  come  and  see  our  complete  showing  of  suits,  caps  and  shoes. 

ADVOCATE  BUILDING  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Merrill  Business  College 

Our  Secretarial  Course  prepares  both  Young 
Men  and  Young  Women  to  hold  responsible 
positions. 

Bookkeeping,  Shorthand,  Stenotypy. 

Typewriting  and  English  Branches 

SOUTH  NORWALK  STAMFORD  PORT  CHESTER 


THE 


COMES-NORTHROP  CO. 

445  MAIN  STREET 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


STRAW  HATS 

New  shapes — new  straws — new  weaves— 
all  measuring  up  to  our  highest  standards 
of  quality.  In  block,  braid  and  band  they 
are  the  Hats  for  men  seeking  something 
that’s  trul}f  individual. 


New! 

Exclusive! 

Distinctive! 


SEEDS  THAT 
GROW 

We’re  in  a position  to  render  you 
prompt,  efficient  service  at  prices  below 
those  of  other  reliable  seed  houses.  We 
carry  a complete  line  of 

Vegetable  and  Flower  Seeds,  Lawn 

and  Garden  Tools,  Fertilizers, 

Insecticides,  Etc. 

Our  prices  include  free  delivery.  This 
alone  should  be  a good  inducement  to 
patronize  home  trade. 

ALWAYS  AT  YOUR  SERVICE 

MORAIO  BROTHERS 

FLORISTS 

447  Atlantic  St.  64  Purchase  St. 
Stamford.  Conn.  Rye,  N.  Y. 

Place  Your  Order  at  Either  Store 


X 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


The  Trading  Place  of  Over  Half  a Century 

THE  C.  0.  MILLER  CO. 

ATLANTIC  SQUARE  Established  53  Years  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

SUMMER  MAKES  ITS  DEMANDS 

OURS  THE  SERVICE  TO  SUPPLY  THEM 

THE  NEW  APPAREL— so  full  of  comfort  for  the  SUMMER  DAYS— 
we  are  ready  to  supply. 

THE  NEW  HOME — REFURNISHINGS.  Things  more  charming  and  so  much  less 
costly  than  heretofore,  await  your  selection.  Things  for  Outdoor  Vacationing,  for  a 
day  or  for  an  entire  season,  will  be  found. 

Your  home  and  its  furnishings  are  a problem  easily  solved  in  our  House  Furnishing 
Department,  where  you  will  find  the  things  that  go  toward  making  home  comfort  and 
bringing  a welcoming  look  to  indoors,  attractiveness  to  porches  and  semi-outdoor  rooms. 
With  such  weather  cotpes  the  need  for  new  things,  new  clothing. 

WE  ARE  READY.  With  stock  of  greatest  amplitude,  with  the  most  beautiful  wearing 
apparel,  with  styles  that  reflect  the  new  modes  in  most  authentic  manner. 

Our  Domestic  Department  is  replete  with  crisp  new  merchandise  of  standard  quality 
based  on  today’s  low  market  costs. 

Our  largely  increased  business  is  due  to  the  confidence  customers  have  placed  in  this 
store. 

THE  C.  0.  MILLER  CO. 

Established  53  Years 


ATLANTIC  SQUARE 


STAMFORD,  CONN. 


The  LOCKWOOD  & PALMER  Co. 


Wholesale  and  Retail 
Dealers  in 

HARDWARE 

AGRICULTURAL 
IMPLEMENTS 
House  Furnishings,  Etc. 


TO  O L S 

OF 

All  Kinds 


92  PARK  PLACE 
(Cor.  Summer  Street) 
STAMFORD,  - CONN. 
Telephone  Connections 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 

SHE  LEADS  IN  BEAUTYAND  INTEREST  £ 

HOMES  TO  NATURE'S  REALMS. 


EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW,  MANAGING  EDITOR! 


Published  monthly  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 
Subscription.  $ 1 .50  a year  Single  copy,  15  cents 

Entered  as  Second-Class  Matter  June  12,  1909,  at  Sound  Beach  Post  Office,  under  Act  of  March  3,  1897. 
Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special  rate  of  postage  provided  for  in  Section  1103,  Act  of  October  3,  1917, 

authorized  on  June  27,  1918. 

Volume  XIV.  JULY.  1921  Number  2 


The  Bruce  Museum. 

The  People  of  the  Towns  of  Greenwich,  Stamford  and  Vicinity  Are  Cordially 

Invited. 


THE  Bruce  Museum, near  the  Green- 
wich depot,  has  been  for  several 
years  in  process  of  development 
and  the  work  is  still  going  on.  It  is  open 
to  the  public  every  day  in  the  year,  even 
including  Sundays  if  special  arrange- 
ment is  made  with  the  curator.  The  mu- 
seum was  taken  over  by  the  town  last 
autumn  although  the  equipment  is  still 
continuing  under  the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees with  Edward  F.  Bigelow  as 
Curator  and  Paul  G.  Howes  as  As- 
ssitant  Curator. 

For  lack  of  funds  the  water  was 
turned  off  and  there  was  no  heat  in  the 
building  during  the  winter.  It  is  greatly 
to  be  desired  that  in  the  near  future 
that  condition  be  remedied. 

With  the  summer  exhibition  by  the 
Greenwich  Society  of  Artists  in  the  gal- 
lery of  the  museum  quite  naturally 
there  is  an  added  interest,  and  for  that 
reason  as  well  as  for  the  more  comfort- 
able temperature  the  number  of  visitors 
increases.  Miss  Cora  Parker  has  been 
engaged  for  the  summer  months  as 
docent  and  will  assist  in  making  not 
only  the  gallery  but  the  other  depart- 
ments available  to  visitors. 


Three  floors  are  devoted  to  the  pur- 
poses of  the  museum;  viz.,  natural  his- 
tory, history  and  art.  More  than  four 
years  of  intense  effort  have  been  spent 
by  the  curators  and  those  interested  in 
the  development  of  collections.  The 
material  now  displayed  in  its  authen- 
ticity and  beauty  cannot  be  rivalled  in 
any  other  small  museum  in  the  East. 

On  the  main  floor  is  the  room  de- 
voted to  American  mammals,  in  which 
most  of  the  species  now  inhabiting  the 
state,  together  with  those  formerly  liv- 
ing in  it,  are  displayed  in  their  natural 
surroundings.  Some  of  these  exhibits 
required  months  of  preparation  as  even 
the  leaves  of  the  woodland  trees  and 
the  blossoms  of  wild  flowers  are  repro- 
duced in  wax.  Such  large  animals  as 
the  black  bear  with  young,  elk.  Vir- 
ginia deer,  and  others  are  represented, 
together  with  a host  of  beautifully 
mounted  smaller  mammals,  including 
bats,  jumping  mice,  shrews,  beaver, 
porcupine,  squirrels,  foxes  and  pec- 
caries. 

Owing  to  their  special  interest  a few 
foreign  animals  have  been  added, 
among  which  will  be  found  the  giant 


Copyright  1921  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


i6 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


kangaroo  of  Australia,  lioness  and 
young  and  the  pigmy  deer  of  Asia. 

On  the  second  floor  will  be  found  the 
ornithological  collection.  Here  are  all 
the  native  birds  beautifully  mounted 
and  classified  so  that  anybody  may  eas- 
ily identify  any  bird  that  he  has  seen. 
There  are  also  four  large  groups  illus- 
trating the  seasons  in  bird  life — spring 
in  the  woods,  spring  and  summer  on 
the  shore,  fall,  and  winter.  These  are 
finely  executed  habitat  groups  with  the 
foliage  and  vegetation  done  in  wax. 
They  take  up  an  entire  room. 

A new  exhibit  of  great  interest  on 
this  floor  and  one  of  the  finest  in  the 
museum  is  the  Paul  G.  Howes  collec- 
tion of  local,  northern,  western  and 
South  American  birds’  nests  and  eggs 
collected  personally  in  various  parts  of 
the  world,  and  now  publicly  displayed 
for  the  first  time  in  a specially  designed 
case  of  plate  glass.  This  collection 
shows  typical  forms  of  all  the  most 
beautiful  and  intricate  nests  and  is  a 
revelation  to  any  one  who  sees  the 
beauty  in  nature’s  work.  The  eggs  of 
some  of  the  South  American  birds  are 
like  gems  in  their  lovely  colorings.  Fif- 
teen nests  with  tiny  eggs  of  humming 
birds  from  Venezuela  are  displayed, 
and  also  the  first  nest  ever  found  of  a 
ground  thrush,  collected  by  Mr.  Howes 
in  the  Colombian  Andes  at  an  altitude 
of  over  nine  thoucand  feet  in  the  heavy 
forests  of  that  region. 

Other  recent  additions  of  immense 
interest  are  the  specimens  lent  by  Mr. 
A.  W.  Bahr,  recently  returned  from 
China,  and  consisting  of  the  eggs  of 
immense  birds,  one  of  them  from  a long 
extinct  species.  This  specimen  is  twice 
as  large  as  the  egg  of  an  ostrich. 

On  the  third  floor  will  be  found  the 
local  and  foreign  entomological  collec- 
tion consisting  of  twenty-five  cases  of 
labelled  and  perfect  specimens,  charts, 
photographs,  models,  etc.  There  are 
four  rooms  on  this  floor  devoted  re- 
spectively to  minerals  and  gems  and 
precious  ores,  paleontology  (fossils), 
Indian  relics  and  historical  objects. 

The  geological  and  mineralogical 
collections  are  very  fine.  Many  gems 
and  beautiful  mineral  specimens  from 
all  over  the  world  are  exhibited,  to- 
gether with  interesting  photographs, 
models  of  topography  and  explanatory 
matter.  A large  series  of  fossils  illus- 
trates the  past  history  of  life  on  the 


earth,  and  models  show  such  interest- 
ing things  as  the  evolution  of  the  horse 
from  its  tiny  ancestor  and  extinct  rep- 
tiles of  the  Connecticut  valley. 

Another  new  exhibit  on  this  floor, 
just  started,  is  the  series  of  models  in 
natural  colors  of  the  common  fungi  of 
Connecticut. 

The  collection  of  Indian  relics  and 
culture,  mostly  supplied  by  Mr.  George 
P.  Rowell  of  Stamford,  is  one  of  the 
finest  in  the  building,  consisting  of 
many  thousand  chipped  flints,  arrow 
points,  paintings,  celts,  agricultural  im- 
plements and  specimens  of  beadwork. 
This  collection  is  not  as  yet  in  its  final 
arrangement. 

The  historical  collection  is  also  very 
fine  and  illustrates  the  culture  of  our 
colonial  days.  A short  inspection  of 
this  collection  gives  one  a clear  insight 
into  the  homes  and  lives  of  our  fore- 
fathers. 

All  the  magnificent  material  that  con- 
stitutes the  collections  of  the  Bruce 
Museum  is  displayed  in  the  finest  ob- 
tainable museum  cases  of  plate  glass 
and  steel,  which  have  cost  a great  out- 
lay, both  in  labor  and  money,  but  the 
results  obtained  are  a compliment  to 
those  who  have  faithfully  worked  to 
make  this  institution  unique  among 
museums. 

French  Boy  Scouts  and  God  in  Nature. 

One  of  our  good  friends  sends  a copy 
of  “The  Catholic  Transcript”  of  Thurs- 
day. April  7,  marking  an  article  that 
calls  attention  to  the  fact  that  in  France 
the  Roman  Catholic  Boy  Scouts  are 
taught  and  urged  to  recognize  God  in 
nature,  thereby  cultivating  a love  of 
plants  and  animals.  The  scoutmaster 
in  planting  a camp  offered  a prayer 
from  which  we  quote  as  follows : 

“Grant  that  my  word  may  be  a light 
to  their  path,  that  I may  show  them 
Thy  Divine  imprint  in  the  world  Thou 
hast  created.  Teach  them  Thy  holy 
law,  and  lead  them  on  to  Thee,  my  God, 
into  the  camp  of  rest  and  joy  where 
Thou  hast  set  Thy  tabernacle  and  ours 
forever.” 

Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow  has  been  re- 
cently elected  vice-president  of  the  New 
York  Public  Lecture  Association,  of 
which  he  has  been  a director  for  several 
years.  He  has  been  a lecturer  for  the 
New  York  Board  of  Education  for 
twenty-one  years. 


PRESERVING  CONNECTICUT’S  W ILD  FLOWERS 


17 


Preserving  Connecticut’s  Wild 
Flowers. 

From  Miss  Amy  R.  Thurston,  Litch- 
field. Connecticut.  Secretary  of  the 
Connecticut  Wild-flower  Preservation 
Committee  of  the  Garden  Club  of 
America,  we  have  received  a series  of 
six  articles  explaining  the  reasons  why 
certain  of  our  Connecticut  wild  flowers 
are  in  danger  of  extermination  and  in 
need  of  protection  from  the  public.  The 
flowers  for  which  special  appeal  is  made 
are  lady’s-slippers,  Calopogon,  pogonia 
and  other  common  orchids.  There  is 
also  an  appeal  for  mountain  laurel, 
trailing  arbutus,  hepatica,  jack-in-the- 
pulpit.  trilliums,  Solomon’s  seal,  fringed 
gentian,  cardinal  flower  and  several 
others. 

An  appeal  is  also  made  to  stop  the 
abuse  of  parks  and  of  favorite  sites  for 
picnics  by  the  scattering  of  lunch  ref- 
use. It  is  pointed  out  quite  emphat- 
ically that  many  persons  are  in  the 
habit  of  carving  names  and  all  sorts  of 
designs,  notably  that  of  the  human 
heart,  on  the  beeches.  It  is  claimed  that 
such  disfigurement  may  be  seen  on  al- 
most any  fine  beech  of  roadside  or  park. 

This  statement  holds  true  of  the  won- 
derful beeches  at  the  entrance  to  Bruce 
Park  in  Greenwich.  There  are  two  of 
the  finest  beeches  in  all  Connecticut, 
and  they  should  be  a great  pride  to 
every  resident  of  this  vicinity.  It  is 
most  astonishing  that  these  beautiful, 
magnificent  trees  should  have  been 
desecrated. 

Here  at  ArcAdiA  we  are  trying  to 
develop  the  beauty  spot  of  Sound 
Beach,  making  it  so  far  as  possible  a 


harmony  of  wild  and  cultivated.  Yet 
innumerable  passers-by  seem  to  look 
upon  it,  especially  the  portion  devoted 
to  wild  nature,  as  a dumping  ground 
for  all  sorts  of  trash.  It  requires  the 
labor  of  some  one  every  two  or  three 
days  to  pick  up  papers,  cigarette  boxes, 
cracker  boxes,  milk  bottles  thrown 
upon  our  grounds.  It  is  indeed  dis- 
couraging that  so  many  have  no  regard 
whatever  for  the  appearance  of  park 
or  village.  It  makes  one  wonder 
whether  we  are  not  only  just  beginning 
to  emerge  into  the  era  of  civilization 
and  still  have  to  learn  a number  of  the 
fine  things  of  life.  It  should  not  require 
so  much  time  and  effort  to  protest 
against  the  desecrations  of  nature.  Why 
is  it  that  many  choice  and  rare  flowers 
are  being  pulled  up  by  the  roots  and 
idly  torn  to  pieces?  What  is  the  innate 
characteristic  of  the  human  being  that 
will  do  that  kind  of  thing? 

We  even  have  to  caution  some  of  our 
apparently  most  appreciative  visitors 
at  ArcAdiA  against  picking  the  best 
and  rarest  things.  It  seems  not  to  be  a 
lack  of  appreciation.  Several  times  a 
choice  thing  has  been  picked  before  we 
could  state  our  rule  that  nothing  is  to 
be  picked.  Startling  experiences  along 
that  line  make  us  appreciate  the  great 
task  before  us. 

The  most  astonishing  thing  of  all, 
however,  is  to  see  passers-by  look  with 
admiration  upon  ArcAdiA  and  even  to 
hear  them  make  kindly  remarks  as  to 
its  beautiful  appearance,  and  then  to 
see  them  leave  on  its  grounds  candy 
wrappers,  papers,  cigarette  boxes  and 
the  like.  We  have  come  to  have  a 


MRS.  FANNIE  E.  BLAKELY'S  BUNGALOW  IN  LOWER  CALIFORNIA. 

See  her  article,  “Spring  in  Southern  California,”  on  page  181  of  our  number  for  May,  1921. 


iS 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


kinder  feeling  toward  these  infants  of 
the  human  race.  They  are  evidently 
just  beginning  to  learn  and  have  not 
progressed  very  far  in  their  lesson. 
Fortunately,  however,  the  beginning 
class  is  small.  The  great  mass  of  hu- 
manity will  thoroughly  sympathize 
with  us  in  our  endeavors  to  beautify 
Sound  Beach  and  with  this  Wild-flower 
Preservation  Committee  in  the  effort  to 
save  the  fast  disappearing  choice  plants 
of  the  state. 


Jack’s  Cousin. 

BY  WILLIAM  H.  HUSE,  MANCHESTER.  N.  II. 

We  are  all  acquainted  with  Jack 
standing  in  his  living  pulpit  with  his 
striped  sounding  board  overhead  and 


wild  calla  that  floats  on  the  water  of 
our  northern  swamps  and  sends  its 
roots  down  to  the  mud  below.  There 
is  another  cousin  that  pushes  its 
mottled  spathe  up  through  the  frozen 
ground  and  ice-cold  water  and  offers 
its  pollen  to  the  early  bees.  These  little 
workers  are  in  nowise  repelled  by  its 
odor  that  is  disliked  by  the  delicate  and 
that  gives  it  its  name  of  skunk  cabbage. 

It  is  of  still  another  cousin  that  I 
write — one  that  lives  in  the  distant  Pa- 
cific isles  and  is  found  here  only  among 
the  tender  plants  in  greenhouse  and 
garden.  Its  name,  as  registered  in  the 
botanists’  card  catalogue  of  vital  sta- 
tistics, is  Amor pho phallus  rivieri.  There 
may  be  some  who  prefer  its  common 


LOOKS  LIKE  HUGE  JACK-IN-THE- PULPIT! 


pleaching  silent  sermons  not  intended 
for  human  ears.  What  are  his  sermons 
that  enter  the  human  understanding 
without  sound  waves?  Well,  that  is 
another  story.  We  are  hunting  now  for 
his  relatives.  He  has  a cousin  in  the 


name,  which  is  snake  palm,  even 
though  it  is  not  a palm  and  only  re- 
motely suggests  a serpent. 

The  summer  before  the  appearance 
of  the  blossom  that  is  shown  in  the 
illustration  a leaf  was  produced  with  a 


MICRO-LAND 


19 


petiole  two  inches  in  diameter  at  the 
base  and  about  two  feet  tall.  At  the 
top  three  branches  divided  and  sub- 
divided until  the  top  was  about  four 
feet  in  diameter,  well  covered  with 
leaflets  and  an  ornament  to  the  garden. 

Late  in  the  following  winter  a bud 
started  to  grow  from  the  dry  conn  and 
rapidly  developed  into  the  mammoth 
blossom  that  excelled  the  calla  in  size 
if  not  in  beauty  and  perfume.  When 
full-grown  it  lacked  but  an  inch  of  be- 
ing four  feet  from  the  top  of  the  corm 
to  the  summit  of  the  dark  purple 
spadix.  The  spathe  was  nearly  eighteen 
inches  in  height  and  nine  inches  in 
diameter  at  the  top.  The  stem  was  mot- 
tled much  like  the  petiole  of  the  leaf.  Its 
appearance  was  attractive  but  not  so 
much  can  be  said  of  its  odor.  Its  rela- 
tionship to  the  skunk  cabbage  was  un- 
mistakable. Two  other  cousins  belong- 
ing to  the  same  genus  are  known  to 
the  hothouse  world.  The  A.  simlcnsc 
is  a smaller  plant  with  all  the  odor  of 
the  larger  condensed  into  a small  space. 
The  A.  titanum  produces  the  largest 
flower  known  with  a spathe  six  feet  in 
depth  and  nearly  three  feet  in  diameter. 


Micro-Land. 

BY  THEODORE  II.  COOPER,  BATAVIA,  X.  Y. 

Any  one  wishing  to  travel  in  little 
known  parts  of  the  world  and  see  rare 
sights,  unusual  forms  of  animal  and 
plant  life,  weird  things  which  he  has 
never  dreamed  existed,  may  do  so  at 
very  little  cost.  It  may  be  well  to  men- 
tion that  this  land  has  never  been  fully 
explored,  so  it  is  possible  that  you  will 
see  something  new. 

You  will  need  some  equipment  to 
make  this  excursion  but  the  equipment 
will  be  the  only  expense  as  you  will 
not  have  far  to  travel.  The  necessary 
equipment  may  be  bought  from  the 
Bausch  & Lomb  Optical  Company, 
Rochester,  New  York.  It  consists  of  a 
microscope  and  some  slides  and  cover 
glasses.  If  you  are  able  to  get  a polar- 
izer and  analyzer,  microtome  and  dis- 
secting instruments  so  much  the  better, 
but  before  buying  these  it  will  be  well 
to  procure  a book  or  two  on  microscopy 
and  learn  how  they  are  used. 

On  the  fifth  of  July  last  year  my 
brother  and  I took  a walk  in  the  coun- 
try after  supper  and  I brought  home, 
among  other  things,  some  tiger  lilies. 


I put  them  in  some  water  in  a beaker 
in  my  laboratory  and  after  about  a 
week  put  a drop  of  this  water  under 
my  microscope.  I found  three  different 
kinds  of  animal  life  in  it.  One  kind  was 
very  plentiful.  It  would  stretch  out  its 
long  “tail”  and  then  suddenly  contract 
as  quickly  as  a piece  of  rubber  band. 

A friend  of  mine,  Donald  Mayled, 
called  upon  me  one  night  and  I asked 
him  if  his  knife  was  sharp.  He  assured 
me  that  it  was,  but  when  we  looked  at 
it  through  the  microscope  it  looked  like 
a crosscut  saw. 

It  is  not  my  purpose  here  to  write  a 
discourse  on  the  methods  of  microscopy 
but  perhaps  one  or  two  points  are  so 
important  to  the  beginner  that  it  would 
not  be  advisable  to  omit  them.  In  the 
first  place  a compound  microscope  is  an 
instrument  which  requires  a reasonable 
amount  of  care  in  handling  and  should 
not  be  left  in  a place  where  dust  may 
collect  on  it  or  an  inexperienced  person 
try  to  use  it  and  run  a chance  of  ruin- 
ing the  objective.  Never  try  nor  allow 
any  one  else  to  try  to  take  apart  the 
system  of  lenses  in  the  objectives. 
When  not  in  use  keep  the  instrument 
in  its  case  or  under  a bell  jar. 

I do  not  expect  that  all  who  read 
this  article  will  purchase  microscopes, 
but  I hope  a few  at  least  will  be  in- 
clined to  learn  more  about  micro-land 
and  trust  they  will  not  consider  their 
time  and  money  lost  which  they  spend 
to  visit  it. 


The  Green,  Green  Grass. 

Who  will  sing  the  green,  green  grass 
Upspringing  everywhere? 

Changing  the  brown  and  barren  land 
Into  a garden  fair. 

Carpeting  the  valleys  wide, 

Covering  the  hills, 

Bordering  with  luscious  growth 
Little  purling  rills; 

Freshening  the  orchard  slopes, 
Beautifying  lawns, 

Making  old  earth  shine  like  new, 

In  sunsets  and  in  dawns; 

Turning  fields  to  verdant  slopes, 
Meadows  to  fairy  floors, 

Creeping,  creep'ng  slowly  up 
To  our  very  doors. 

The  while  its  beauty,  spread  afar, 

Joy  to  all  doth  bring, 

The  brilliant  emerald  warp  it  forms 
For  the  pattern  of  the  Spring. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


The  Heavens  in  July. 

By  Professor  Samuel  G.  Barton  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


IF  we  continue  the  arc  formed  by  the 
stars  in  the  handle  of  the  big  dipper 
in  Ursa  Major  we  follow  a stream 
of  stars  in  Bootes  to  the  brilliant  red 
star,  Arcturus,  at  A.  A further  exten- 
sion of  the  same  arc  leads  us  to  another 
bright  star,  Spica  of  Virgo,  at  B. 
Some  months  ago  actual  measurement 


The  result  showed  that  Arcturus  was 
19,000,000  miles  in  diameter  and  its  vol- 
ume roughly  11,000  times  that  of  the 
sun.  As  these  results  were  much  more 
difficult  to  obtain  than  those  upon 
Betelgeux  the  achievement  is  more  re- 
markable. They  indicate,  however,  that 
there  are  but  few  stars  whose  diameters 


NO  (STM 


Figure  1.  The  constellations  at  9 P.  M..  July  1.  (Hold  the  map  so  that  the  direction  faced  is  at  the 
bottom;  that  is,  if  facing  east  hold  east  at  the  bottom  as  south  now  is.) 


showed  that  the  diameter  of  Betelgeux 
or  Alpha  Orionis  was  300,000,000  miles. 
The  second  application  of  the  same 
method  was  to  the  star  Arcturus  which 
was  supposed  to  be  the  second  largest 
star  but  much  smaller  than  Betelgeux. 


are  large  enough  to  be  found  by  these 
methods. 

If  we  draw  a line  from  north  to  south 
on  our  map  we  find  that  it  passes 
through  the  serpent  constellations. 
Lowest  in  the  south  is  the  well  marked 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


21 


constellation  Scorpio  (the  scorpion) 
with  its  bright  reddish  star  Antares. 
Next  above  this  are  Ophiuchus  (the 
serpent  holder)  and  Serpens  (the  ser- 
pent which  he  is  holding).  In  this  case 
we  have  one  constellation  crossing  an- 
other. Just  south  of  the  zenith  is  Her- 
cules, the  kneeler,  upside  down  as  we 
see  him,  with  his  head  toward  the  head 
of  Ophiuchus  and  his  foot  resting  on 
the  head  of  Draco,  the  dragon.  Her- 
cules holds  a branch  in  his  left  hand 
in  which  serpents  are  entwined.  Draco 
is  one  of  the  circumpolar  constellations 
which  may  be  seen  nearly  at  all  times 
but  is  in  its  best  position  this  month. 
It  will  be  seen  to  make  a semicircle 
about  the  little  dipper,  Ursa  Minor,  and 
then  turn  and  end  in  a diamond-shaped 
head  just  north  of  Hercules.  This  ar- 
rangement of  men  and  serpents  in  these 
constellations  can  scarcely  be  acciden- 
tal. No  theory  as  to  the  reason  for  the 
arrangement  is  well  established.  At- 
tempts have  been  made  to  trace  the 
story  of  the  Garden  of  Eden  in  these 
constellations. 

The  Planets. 

The  positions  of  Jupiter  and  Saturn 
are  marked  on  the  map.  This  is  the 
last  month  in  which  they  may  be  seen 
well.  Venus  is  a brilliant  morning  star. 
It  is  at  its  greatest  western  elongation 
July  i.  It  may  be  seen  in  the  east  be- 
fore sunrise.  Mercury  is  similarly  at  its 
greatest  western  elongation  July  28. 
On  July  4 the  earth  is  at  the  point  of 
its  orbit  farthest  from  the  sun.  At  this 
time  the  earth  is  about  3,000,000  miles 
farther  from  the  sun  than  in  January. 
In  order  to  show  the  nature  of  the 
earth’s  motion  the  orbit  of  the  earth  is 
usually  represented  as  an  ellipse  in 
which  the  flattening  is  much  exagger- 
ated. The  real  orbit  of  the  earth  is  so 
nearly  a true  circle  that  if  accurately 
represented  in  a figure  a very  minute 
examination  would  be  necessary  to 
show  the  departure  from  a true  circle. 
The  boundary  of  the  map  in  Figure  1 
is  a true  circle.  If  the  earth’s  orbit  were 
represented  by  this  circle  the  repre- 
sentation would  be  accurate  to  about 
one-thousandth  of  an  inch. 

The  moon  in  its  path  among  the  stars 
always  hides  the  stars  behind  it.  At 
times  it  passes  between  us  and  some  of 
the  brighter  stars — occults  them,  as  as- 
tronomers term  it.  Two  such  occupa- 
tions occur  this  month.  On  July 


19  Rho  Sagittarii  disappears  behind  the 
moon  at  3:11  A.  M.  as  seen  from  Wash- 
ington and  at  nearly  that  time  else- 
where. It  remains  hidden  forty-one 
minutes.  On  July  30  Delta  Tauri  is 
similarly  occulted.  This  occupation  be- 
gins at  4:08  A.  M.  and  lasts  seventy 
minutes. 

ifj  ;f:  :fc 

Do  the  Stars  Move? 

Do  the  stars  move  ? Whatever  is 
meant  by  the  question  the  answer  is 
yes.  Our  map,  Figure  1,  shows  the  posi- 
tions of  the  stars  at  9 P.  M.  July  1,  for 
a latitude  of  forty-five  degrees  north. 
Change  any  of  these  factors  and  the 
appearance  of  the  sky  will  be  different. 
The  earth  rotates  on  its  axis,  carrying 
the  observer  with  it.  once  in  a day ; 
hence  everything  not  on  the  earth  will 
appear  to  move  in  the  opposite  direc- 
tion just  as  the  scenery  appears  to  move 
when  riding  in  a train.  For  this  reason 
the  stars  appear  to  rotate  from  east  to 
west  as  though  fixed  on  a great  sphere 
whose  axis  is  that  of  the  earth.  This 
axis  of  rotation  of  the  sky  is  now  near 
the  north  star.  For  this  reason  the  stars 
are  not  in  the  same  position  at  different 
times  of  the  night.  Then,  too,  the  earth 
moves  about  the  sun.  As  the  direction 
of  the  sun  changes  due  to  the  earth’s 
revolution  about  it  so  does  the  direction 
opposite  to  the  sun  change  and  this  is 
the  direction  in  which  we  see  stars  ; that 
is,  at  night.  Hence  as  we  are  looking  in 
a different  direction  at  night  at  different 
times  of  the  year  we  see  different  stars. 
For  this  reason  the  stars  we  see  at  9 
P.  M.  July  1 are  not  the  same  as  those 
we  see  at  the  same  time  August  1.  On 
August  1 at  seven  o’clock  they  will  be 
in  the  same  positions  as  they  were  at 
9 P.  M.  July  1,  for  in  a month  the  earth 
has  moved  one-twelfth  of  the  way 
around  in  its  orbit,  a month  being  one- 
twelfth  of  a year,  and  one-twelfth  of 
the  twenty-four  hours,  the  time  of  the 
earth's  rotation,  being  two  hours. 
These  are  the  large  changes  in  the  po- 
sitions of  the  stars  and  the  only  ones 
considered  in  the  map  for  a fixed  lati- 
tude. Anything  which  changes  the  po- 
sition of  the  observer  relative  to  the 
stars  will  change  their  apparent  po- 
sitions. 

The  next  most  important  motion  of 
the  earth  is  a gradual  change  in  the 
direction  of  the  axis  of  the  earth.  Much 
as  a spinning  top  changes  the  position 
of  its  axis  of  rotation  so  the  rotating 


22 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


earth  changes  its  axis  of  rotation.  At 
present  the  axis  lies  in  the  direction  of 
the  north  star  (Polaris),  E,  Figure  i, 
but  it  was  not  always  so  and  will  not 
always  be  so.  The  pole  moves  in  a 
circle  of  radius  twenty-three  and  one- 
half  degrees  about  a center  at  C (Fig- 


which  we  now  see,  including  Sirius,  the 
brightest  of  all  the  stars,  and  a portion 
of  the  constellation  Orion.  The  summer 
constellations  now  will  be  winter  con- 
stellations then  and  vice  versa.  The 
north  pole  of  the  sky  is  now  about 
seven  minutes  closer  to  the  pole  star 


ure  i).  The  circle  is  shown  in  Figure 
2.  The  complete  motion  in  this  circle 
requires  about  26,000  years.  The  axis 
will  be  farthest  from  its  present  posi- 
tion in  half  of  this  period  or  13,000 
years,  when  Vega  at  D.  Figure  1,  will 
be  the  bright  star  closest  to  the  pole 
but  by  no  means  as  close  to  the  pole 
as  our  present  pole  star.  At  that  time 
Polaris  applied  to  the  present  pole  star 
will  be  an  anachronism. 

This  motion  of  the  axis  makes  slow 
but  sure  changes  in  the  apparent  posi- 
tions of  the  stars.  In  13,000  years  our 
present  pole  stars  will  be  forty-eight 
degrees  from  the  pole,  moving  about 
it  much  as  Vega  now  does.  The  dip- 
pers would  hardly  be  called  circum- 
polar constellations.  We  should  then 
be  able  to  see  the  star  nearest  to  the 
sun,  Alpha  Centauri.  and  the  Southern 
Cross,  but  we  would  not  be  able  to  see 
some  of  the  choicest  portions  of  the  sky 


than  it  was  in  1900.  The  difference, 
which  is  now  sixty-seven  minutes,  will 
be  reduced  to  its  smallest  amount, 
about  thirty  minutes,  in  two  hundred 
years.  After  that  the  two  separate. 
When  this  motion  was  discovered  in 
125  B.  C.  the  pole  was  twelve  degrees 
from  the  present  pole  star. 

All  of  these  motions  and  a number 
of  others  are  caused  by  motions  of  the 
earth  and  are  not  motions  of  the  stars 
themselves.  The  stars  change  their 
positions  by  very  small  amounts  due  to 
motions  of  the  stars  themselves,  but 
these  motions  are  so  very  slow  that 
very  long  periods  of  time  are  necessary 
before  the  change  could  be  seen  with 
the  naked  eve. 


How  matchless  Nature’s  beauties! 

How  blind  unseeing  eyes! 

From  out  our  lives,  how  tragic 
So  much  to  sacrifice! 

— Emma  Peirce. 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


23 


What  is  the  Weight  of  Our  Atmos- 
phere? 

BY  CHARLES  N EVERS  HOLMES,  NEWTON, 
MASSACHUSETTS. 

We  all  know  that  the  atmosphere 
consists  of  nitrogen  and  oxygen,  mixed 
with  several  other  gases.  Of  these 
gases,  oxygen  is  somewhat  heavier  than 
nitrogen  but,  as  we  are  well  aware,  air 
is  very  light ; indeed,  water  is  773  times 
heavier  than  air.  Nevertheless,  air  has 
weight,  and  the  total  atmosphere  has 
an  enormous  weight.  The  reason  why 
we  are  not  instantly  overwhelmed  by 
atmospheric  pressure  is  that  its  inward 
pressure  is  counteracted  and  balanced 
by  its  outward  pressure.  However,  if 
we  climb  a mountain  we  are  sometimes 
troubled  when  the  air  pressure  outside 
of  our  eardrum  becomes  less  than  the 
air  pressure  inside  of  our  eardrum. 

The  atmosphere  has  been  estimated 
to  extend  about  300  miles  above  our 
earth’s  surface.  It  covers  a total  terres- 
trial area  of  197,000.000  square  miles. 
Such  being  the  case,  it  seems  a little 
less  remarkable  that  each  square  inch 
of  our  body  is  receiving  a counteracted 
and  balanced  pressure  of  almost  15 
pounds.  That  is  to  say,  since  the  body 
of  an  average  man  possesses  about  1,900 
square  inches,  his  body  is  sustaining  a 
total  neutralized  pressure  approximat- 
ing 14  tons!  Or,  in  other  words,  a sur- 
face as  large  as  a square  20  feet  by  20 
feet — 400  square  feet — would  receive  a 
counteracted  atmospheric  weight  of 
about  423  tons.  If  only  one-half  of  this 
423  tons’  energy  could  be  applied  to  a 
movable  surface  20  feet  by  20  feet — if 
only  one-fourth  of  this  atmospheric 
pressure  could  be  utilized — what  a 
revolution  in  aeronautic  science  would 
result ! 

It  has  been  estimated  that  the  total 
volume  of  our  atmosphere  weighs  ap- 
proximate!}' 1/1,200,000  the  weight  of 
the  terrestrial  globe.  Now,  since  the 
weight  of  the  terrestrial  globe  has  been 
satisfactorily  approximated  at  6,000,- 
000,000.000.000,000,000  tons,  it  follows, 
from  that  estimate  of  1/1,200,000,  that 
the  total  volume  of  our  atmosphere 
weighs  about  5,000,000,000,000,000  tons. 
Let  us  verify  this  estimate.  The 
barometer  has  proved  that  at  sea  level 
our  atmosphere  exerts  a pressure  of 
about  147/10  pounds  per  square  inch. 
It  is  certain  that  all  of  the  atmospheric 
weight  must  press  upon  the  197,000.000 


square  miles  of  terrestrial  surface;  that 
is,  upon  about  790  quadrillion  square 
inches.  Therefore,  if  we  multiply  the 
earth’s  surface  of  about  790  quadrillion 
square  inches  by  144/10  pounds  (the 
average  atmospheric  pressure),  we  ob- 
tain the  approximate  weight  of  our 
atmosphere — 5,695,000,000,000,000  tons. 
This  weight  of  5,695  trillion  tons  is 
greater  than  the  older  estimated  weight 
of  5,000  trillion  tons,  and  is  probably 
nearer  correct.  That  is,  the  total  weight 
of  our  atmosphere  approximates  5 7/10 
quadrillion  tons. 

We  may  verify  these  figures  another 
way.  It  has  been  calculated  that  if  the 
whole  of  our  atmosphere  were  concen- 
trated to  sea  level  density,  it  would  rise 
about  26,000  feet  instead  of  300  miles. 
Such  a concentrated  atmosphere  would 
contain  approximately  141  quintillion 
cubic  feet.  Now  a cubic  foot  of  air 
weighs  about  1 293/1000  ozs.  Accord- 
ingly by  multiplying  14T  quintillion 
cubic  feet  by  1 293/1000  ounces,  we  ob- 
tain 182  313/1000  quintillion  ounces, 
which,  divided  respectively  by  16 
ounces  and  2,000  pounds,  approximate 
5,695,000,000,000,000  tons,  which  verify 
the  preceding  calculation  very  closely. 
It  must  be  admitted,  therefore,  that  our 
earth’s  atmosphere  has  a tremendous 
weight,  although  its  weight  approxi- 
mates only  1/276  that  of  the  terrestrial 
waters. 


The  Evergreen  Wood. 

In  the  evergreen  wood  it  is  always  June, 
Perennial  freshness  reigns, 

And  not  a footfall  can  be  heard 
As  we  saunter  through  its  lanes. 

For  carpet  moss,  both  thick  and  soft, 

Is  spread  from  tree  to  tree. 

Its  emerald  freshness  a delight, 

As  far  as  eye  can  see. 

The  spruces  and  the  fragrant  fir, 

That  fill  such  haunts  as  these. 

Are  overtopped  by  lofty  pine, 

The  king  of  forest  trees. 

And  at  their  bases  nestle  ferns, 

As  in  the  Summertime, 

For  Winter  ferns,  like  conifers, 

Are  ever  in  their  prime. 

Bright  poly-podys  cushion  rocks, 

Inviting  us  to  rest, 

Which  we  are  never  loath  to  do, 

At  their  unique  behest. 

Yes,  Summer  dwells  in  the  spicy  wood, 

E’en  to  the  end  of  the  year; 

Until  it  dons  its  ermine  white, 

And  gives  us  Winter  cheer. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


“The  Oologist.” 

Dr.  Frank  H.  Lattin  was  born  in 
Orleans  County,  New  York,  and  at  a 
very  early  age  evinced  an  intense  love 
for  natural  history.  Like  all  boys  of 
the  late  “70’s”  and  early  “8o's”  he  be- 
gan by  “making  a collection  of  birds’ 
eggs.”  Of  an  intensively  active  mind 
and  body,  he  soon  outstripped  the  other 
boys  of  his  locality,  and  in  May,  1884, 
issued  the  first  number  of  “The  Young 
Oologist,”  an  unusually  well  gotten  up 
boys’  paper  of  fourteen  pages,  the  first 
article  in  which  was  from  the  pen  of 
the  millionaire  naturalist,  J.  P.  Norris, 


FRANK  H.  LATTIN. 


of  Philadelphia,  who  in  his  day  amassed 
the  leading  private  collection  of  Ameri- 
can birds’  eggs. 

Lattin  published  his  “Young  Oolo- 
gist” monthly  in  two  volumes  until 
June,  1885,  when  it  suspended  publica- 
tion only  to  reappear  in  a January-Feb- 
ruary,  1*886,  number  as  “The  Oologist.” 


Fie  continued  this  publication  of  “The 
Oologist”  regularly  until  May,  1886, 
when  he  took  into  partnership  the  well- 
known  naturalist,  Walter  F.  Webb,  of 
Rochester,  New  York.  During  this  time 
Webb  became  without  doubt  the  lead- 
ing dealer  in  oological  specimens  in 
the  United  States,  and  made  a wonder- 
ful display  of  these  specimens  at  the 
World’s  Fair  at  Chicago  in  1893.  In 
May,  1894,  Lattin  again  resumed  entire 
ownership  of  “The  Oologist.”  He  con- 
tinued uninterruptedly  until  1904,  when 
he  took  in,  as  editor  and  manager  of 
the  magazine,  Ernest  H.  Short.  During 
the  period  from  1886-1904  Lattin  was 
truly  the  leading  oologist  of  the  United 
States,  and  “The  Oologist”  during  that 
period  was  unquestionably  the  leader  of 
its  class. 

Practically  every  student  of  birds, 
their  nests  and  eggs  of  the  present  day 
was  in  his  time  a subscriber  to  Lattin’s 
“Oologist”  as  well  as  a patron  of  it. 
And  to  this  day  it  is  no  uncommon 
thing  for  the  present  management  of 
“The  Oologist”  to  receive  mail  ad- 
dressed to  “F.  H.  Lattin,”  saying  the 
writer  was  a patron  of  his  twenty-five 
or  thirty-five  years  ago,  or  an  old  sub- 
scriber to  “The  Oologist,”  and  inquir- 
ing if  it  is  still  published. 

After  Lattin  retired  from  the  active 
management  of  “The  Oologist”  he  be- 
came the  leading  physician  of  his  terri- 
tory and  later  became  much  interested 
in  horticulture,  particularly  apples,  for 
which  Western  New  York  is  famous. 
Making  his  usual  success  of  this  apple 
business,  he  became  connected  with 
most  of  the  societies  connected  with 
horticulture  in  Western  New  York,  and 
a Life  Member  of  the  New  York  State 
Horticultural  Society.  In  recent  years 
Dr.  Lattin  has  been  much  in  politics, 
having  been  elected  and  re-elected  a 
member  of  the  New  York  Legislative 
Assembly,  where  he  is  now.  An  evi- 
dence of  his  popularity  in  his  home  dis- 
trict is  the  fact  that  each  election,  seven 
or  eight  in  number,  has  been  by  an 
ever  increased  majority.  In  the  New 


EDITORIAL 


NEST  AND  EGGS  OF  ESCONDIDO  PAIR  OF  GOLDEN  EAGLES  WITH  EDITOR  OF  THE 

OOLOGIST  AT  NEST. 


York  Assembly  Dr.  Lattin  has  taken 
his  usual  front  rank  position,  and  is  one 
of  the  influential  members  of  that  body. 

On  January  I,  1909,  Ernest  H.  Short, 
of  Chili.  New  York,  took  over  the  own- 
ership of  the  magazine,  having  had 
editorial  control  and  management  from 
1904.  during  which  time  the  magazine 


suffered  much  in  appearance,  prestige 
and  patronage. 

In  March,  1909,  Short  sold  “The 
Oologist”  to  R.  Magoon  Barnes  of 
Lacon,  Illinois,  who  has  continued  its 
publication  ever  since  as  owner,  pub- 
lisher and  editor.  The  change  was  for 
the  better,  and  it  now  enters  upon  its 


26 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


Volume  XXXYI1I,  January  ist,  1921, 
secure  in  its  field  as  one  of  the  leading 
ornithological  publications  in  the  coun- 
try, as  well  as  the  only  publication  in 
America  devoted  to  oology.  Its  sub- 
scribers are  found  in  every  state  in  the 
Union  and  most  foreign  countries. 

Mr.  Barnes,  the  present  owner  of 
“The  Oologist,”  is  a lawyer  by  profes- 
sion, and  an  ardent  bird  student  and 
collector,  having  now  the  largest  pri- 
vate collection  of  North  American 
birds’  eggs  in  existence  outside  of  The 
United  States  National  Museum.  He  is 
also  Curator  of  Oology  of  the  Field 
Museum  of  Natural  History  of  Chicago, 
and  has  but  recently  completed  on  his 
home  place  at  Lacon  a private  museum 
building  fifty  by  thirty-two  feet  in  size 
with  two  floors  and  a basement  all  fully 
equipped. 

“The  Oologist”  has  outlived  about  a 
hundred  similar  amateur  bird  publica- 
tions that  have  been  started,  flourished 
for  a time  and  died.  Truly  there  must 
be  a “place  in  the  sun”  "for  the  little 
“Oologist”  to  have  enabled  it  to  outlast 
so  many  of  its  kind,  and  to  live  to  begin 
its  thirty-eighth  annual  volume.  There 
is  no  magazine  known  in  which  the  sub- 
scribers individually  seem  to  take  a 
more  personal  interest,  or  between 
which  and  its  readers  there  is  a more 
real  bond  of  sympathy. 


The  Little  Animals’  Point  of  View. 

Our  good  friend.  Mr.  Theodore  H. 
Cooper  of  Batavia.  New  York,  sends  us 
an  interesting  account  of  his  explora- 
tions of  a marsh  in  company  of  Don 
Mayled,  a fourteen  year  old.  good-na- 
tured. intelligent  boy.  who  is  rapidly 
developing  an  interest  in  nature.  Mr. 
Cooper,  who  in  our  April  number  was 
pictured  in  his  library,  tells  of  his  suc- 
cess in  interesting  his  friend  by  showing 
him  how  much  the  pussy  willow  looks 
like  real  fur  when  viewed  under  a mag- 
nifying glass.  He  points  out  that  the 
picture  of  a puddle  has  upon  close  study 
revealed  a great  many  interests  and 
looks  like  the  approach  to  the  bend  of  a 
small  stream  or  a clear  spot  in  a swamp 
with  bushes  on  each  side  and  yet  it  is 
only  a puddle  three  or  four  feet  across. 
Setting  up  the  camera  much  lower  than 
the  point  of  view  of  the  human  observer 
the  camera  lens  portrayed  some  inter- 
esting reflections,  and  he  wisely  tells 
us  when  we  find  a pool  to  look  at  it 


from  various  heights.  When  we  lower 
our  eye  to  the  height  of  a mouse  we 
see  an  entirely  different  landscape  than 
when  standing. 

This  also  calls  to  the  mind  of  the 
editor  a suggestion  that  one  may  travel 
far  and  wide  in  varied  scenery  by 
photographing  any  one  place  at  differ- 
ent points  of  view  at  different  seasons 
of  the  year. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  travel  far  to  get 
foreign  lands.  A man  once  saw  his 
friend  peering  in  the  grass  and  upon  in- 
quiring what  he  was  doing  received  the 
reply,  “I  am  traveling  in  a foreign 
land.”  Whittier  somewhere  says  some- 
thing similar,  which  I am  quoting: 
"The  eye  may  well  be  glad  that  looks 

Where  Pharpar’s  fountains  rise  and  fall; 

But  he  who  sees  his  native  brooks 
Laugh  in  the  sun,  has  seen  them  all.” 

We  especially  like  this  view  of  Mr. 
Cooper  and  his  friend.  It  is  exactly 
what  we  are  trying  to  bring  out  in  our 
Rest  Cottage  here  at  ArcAdiA,  the 
spirit  of  the  Japanese  in  their  nature 
study.  A single  flower  in  a vase  affords 
enough  joy  for  a day.  I am  glad  that 
these  two  young  men  have  found  the 
joy  of  studying  a little  pool  in  the  dried 
grass  in  a swamp. 

Let  me  say  to  other  boys  that  there 
is  more  in  a pool  than  chasing  frogs 
and  throwing  stones  at  the  turtles  and 
yelling  like  a lunatic  if  you  happen  to 
see  a snake.  The  pool  itself  is  joy 
enough  for  a day.  I wish  I could  get 
my  young  friends  everywhere  to  realize 
this  point  of  view  that  Mr.  Cooper  and 
his  young  friend  are  so  well  portraying. 

A Robin’s  Unique  Nest. 

BY  A.  ASHMUN  KELLY,  DOWNINGTOWN,  PA. 

When  our  women  folks  went  to  take 
in  the  wash  they  were  surprised  to  find 
that  some  choice  lace  that  had  been 
placed  on  the  line  was  missing.  Later 
the}'  observed  a robin  sitting  on  the  line 
with  his  gaze  directed  to  a garment  to 
which  he  soon  flew  and  began  to  pull 
at  a part  of  it.  Knowing  that  a pair 
of  robins  had  built  a nest  in  the  tree 
near-by,  the  folks  thought  that  perhaps 
the  birds  had  taken  the  lace  into  their 
nest.  Investigation  proved  this  to  be 
correct,  as  the  lace  formed  a part  of 
the  nest  walls.  After  the  robins  were 
done  with  the  nest  the  lace  was  re- 
covered, but  in  hardly  a good  condition. 


EDITORIAL 


27 


America-Japan  Magazine. 

We  have  been  tavored  with  several 
back  numbers  ot  “America-Japan,” 
published  in  Tokyo,  Japan.  This  maga- 
zine contains  much  interesting  reading 
and  is  evidently  doing  good  work  in 
helping  Japanese  and  Americans  to  un- 
derstand one  another.  Of  that  under- 
standing there  is  need.  Here  at  Ar- 
cAdiA  we  have  always  believed,  as  evi- 
denced by  the  establishment  of  our  Lit- 
tle Japan,  in  cultivating  friendly  rela- 
tions with  that  rapidly  growing  na- 
tion, as  we  believe  in  the  innate  good- 
ness, faithfulness  and  effectiveness  of 
the  Japanese  people.  But  more  than  all 
that,  we  believe  that  they  have  an  ideal 
point  of  view  in  their  love  of  nature 
and  its  aesthetic  portrayal.  The  trouble, 
so  far  as  there  is  any  trouble  and  1 do 
not  believe  there  is  much,  is  that  we 
often  misunderstand  the  Japanese 
methods  and  possibly  they  sometimes 
misunderstand  ours.  As  this  magazine 
so  nicely  puts  it,  “The  story  used  to  be 
told  of  the  good  missionary  who 
preached  long  and  earnestly  to  a Jap- 
anese audience  about  the  dignity  of 
human  life.  But  as  he  unfortunately 
said  ninjin  (carrots)  instead  of  ningen 
(mankind)  his  polite  audience  misun- 
derstood him  altogether.  He  was  talk- 
ing of  one  thing  and  they  were  thinking 
of  something  very  different.” 

The  editor  of  The  Guide  to  Na- 
ture especially  appreciates  “America- 
Japan”  as  a magazine  of  peace 
and  good  will,  but  in  addition  he 
personally  appreciates  it  because  John 
Trumbull  Swift,  schoolmate  of  the 
editor  of  The  Guide  to  Nature, 
is  editor  of  “America-Japan,”  in  Tokyo. 
John,  you  work  away  at  the  big  Jap- 
anese end  of  the  line  and  we  will  tell 
our  people  here  in  Little  Japan  the  good 
qualities  of  your  adopted  people  and 
show  our  people  the  artistic  decorations 
of  our  Rest  Cottage  by  your  people.  As 
Thoreau  said  that  there  should  be  a 
little  of  spring  in  all  seasons,  so  I think 
the  more  of  Japan  you  can  scatter  to 
our  Little  Japan  over  in  America  the 
better  we  will  hyphenate  America- 
Japan. 

Nature’s  Mirror. 

BY  BERNARD  E.  JOHNSON,  GLADYS,  VIRGINIA. 

Where  the  water  ripples  onward 

On  its  journey  to  the  sea, 

Still  traveling  downward,  onward, 

It  forms  a mirror  for  nature  and  for  me. 


Nature  in  Japan. 

[From  a personal  letter  from  a school- 
mate, Professor  John  Trumbull  Swift,  to  the 
editor  of  this  magazine.  Not  "to  the  Editor’’ 
but  “My  dear  Ed."  How  much  a slight 
variation  means!] 

Nature  in  Japan  is  particularly  at- 
tractive because  Japan  is  an  island 
country  and  her  picturesque  scenery  is 
all  close  together  within  a compara- 
tively small  area.  Her  hills  and  valleys 
are  close  to  the  sea.  Paths  lead  along 
almost  every  ridge  so  one  has  every- 
where glimpses  of  inland  mountains  or 
blue  waters  which  give  to  walking  a 
double  pleasure.  \\  hat  increases  this 
pleasure  immensely  is  the  simple  fact 
that  there  are  no  fences  and  one  may 
walk  almost  anywhere  in  the  country. 

Life  in  Japan  is,  according  to  the  na- 
ture of  the  people,  largely  arranged  ac- 
cording to  convention.  In  the  winter 
the  thing  to  do  is  to  go  out  into  the 
suburbs  to  some  garden  to  view  the 
plum  blossoms  which  begin  to  bloom 
in  January.  What  is  admired  is  not  a 
young  tree  full  of  bloom,  but  some  old 
stump  with  just  a half  dozen  scattered 
flowers  upon  it.  In  April  we  have  the 
flowering  cherry  which  is  the  national 
emblem  of  the  Japanese  people,  beauti- 
ful but  short-lived.  The  trees  are  so 
full  of  bloom  that  when  the  wind 
strikes  them  we  have  the  “cherry  snow” 
which  is  always  admired.  Of  cherry 
trees  the  weeping  cherry  is  the  most 
beautiful.  I remember  one  seen  years 
ago  in  the  mountains,  a wild  tree,  tall 
and  slender,  as  graceful  as  any  willow, 
standing  like  a great  fountain  of  coral 
pink  against  the  dark  green  of  the  hills 
about  it.  The  August  flower  is  the 
morning-glory,  the  fad  of  elderly  gen- 
tlemen who  devote  much  time  to  cul- 
tivating the  plant  in  pots,  and  develop- 
ing it  in  size  and  color.  Of  the  latter 
there  are  a great  variety  of  tones.  To 
secure  the  best  results  one  has  to  get 
up  at  midnight  and  water  one’s  plants 
so  that  the  flowers  may  be  fresh  and 
full  when  they  open  at  sunrise. 

The  autumn  flower  is  the  chrysanthe- 
mum which  is  also  the  imperial  flower 
of  the  country.  Then  it  is  that  the  won- 
derful gardens  of  the  Akasaka  palace  in 
Tokyo  are  opened  to  favored  visitors 
and  one  wanders  along  winding  paths 
under  ancient  pine  trees  interspersed 
with  brilliant  maples  until  the  spaces 
devoted  to  the  crysanthemums  are 
reached.  Many  tourists  come  in  the 


28 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


autumn  specially  with  the  hope  of  be- 
ing present  at  this  function. 

These  are  the  four  cardinal  flowers  of 
the  country,  but  much  is  also  made  of 
the  azaleas,  the  magnificent  giant  peony, 
the  yard  long  wisteria  and  the  iris. 
Gardens  devoted  to  these  flowers  are 
favorite  resorts  in  the  springtime.  For 
those  who  can  get  away  from  town  in 
May,  certain  mountain  slopes  are  flow- 
ered with  the  lily  of  the  valley  which 
grows  wild  and  in  great  profusion.  In 
speaking  of  flowers  we  must  not  forget 
the  remarkable  blossom  of  the  monkey 
slipper.  This  tree,  with  its  gnarled  and 
contorted  trunk  apparently  devoid  of 
bark  and  so  smooth  that  even  the  mon- 
key slips  when  he  tries  to  climb  it.  puts 
out  bunches  of  deep  pink  flowers  which 
last  from  late  July  even  to  October, 
giving  the  tree  its  second  name  of  hun- 
dred day  flower. 

To  me,  as  I think  I said  to  you  some 
years  ago,  it  is  a most  interesting  fact 
that  the  mountains  of  Japan  produce  a 
flora  that  has  many  points  of  contact 
with  that  of  New  England.  It  is  strange 
that  this  resemblance,  as  it  were,  should 
thus  skip  America’s  Pacific  slope  and 
touch  earth  again  on  the  corresponding 
eastern  coast  of  the  American  conti- 
nent. Tokyo  and  other  places  on  the 
sea  level  have  almost  entirely  an  ever- 
green foliage.  Pines  and  live  oak  of 
various  kinds  with  the  cryptomeria 
make  up  the  greater  part  of  the  trees. 
Two  thousand  feet  up  on  the  mountains 
one  gets  the  white  and  black  birch,  the 
beech,  chestnut,  hazelnut,  oak  and  the 
home  flowers.  You  know  I found  the 
trailing  arbutus  some  twenty  years  ago 
when  climbing  the  volcano,  Yake-dake, 
in  the  Japanese  Alps. 

Two  or  three  hundred  miles  south 
from  there,  one  spring,  Mrs.  Swift  and 
I were  following  the  mountain  path 
when  we  saw  something  which  struck 
both  of  us  as  so  funny  that  we  broke 
into  a laugh.  Many  mountains  are  re- 
forested with  cryptomeria  trees  whose 
deep  brown  trunks  give  a peculiar 
warm  and  artificial  appearance  to  the 
mountain  side.  Our  little  footpath  led 
amongst  these  to  the  edge  of  the  forest 
through  which  the  sunlight  broke  as 
through  the  great  windows  of  some  old 
cathedral  and  right  ahead  of  us  on 
either  side  of  the  path,  looking  east, 
were  a lot  of  ladv’s-slippers,  while 
plum  in  the  middle  of  the  path  facing 


them  rose  a sturdy  jack-in-the-pulpit. 
I often  think  of  that  sylvan  congre- 
gation. 

In  Japan  the  common  variety  of  the 
jack-in-the-pulpit  is  called  the  “snake’s 
looking-glass,”  because  the  spadix  is 
prolonged  several  inches  outside  the 
spathe,  sometimes  even  down  to  the 
ground,  and  looks  not  unlike  a young 
snake  that  has  stuck  its  head  into  the 
flower  to  admire  itself. 


“Divorce  Between  Matter  and  Form.” 

English  has  in  recent  years  devel- 
oped into  a department  by  itself  and 
as  a consequence  the  other  departments 
are  left  without  any  English.  One 
wing  of  the  faculty  devotes  itself  to 
form,  the  other  wing  to  matter.  The 
student  who  divides  his  time  between 
them  rarely  gets  the  two  things  to- 
gether, rarely  realizes  that  they  belong 
together.  This  is  no  wonder,  for  his 
instructors  sometimes  do  not  believe 
that  the  two  things  belong  together. 
The  litterateur  sneers  at  the  scientist 
and  the  scientist  returns  the  compli- 
ment with  interest. 

The  more  the  student  concentrates 
his  work  the  worse  he  comes  out.  If 
he  specializes  in  language  he  acquires 
an  elegant  style  but  has  nothing  much 
to  say  with  it.  If  he  specializes  in 
science  he  will  know  a great  deal  but 
he  will  have  no  style  about  him.  The 
result  is  that  the  graduating  class  of  a 
college  has  come  to  resemble  in  mental 
equipment  the  natives  of  the  South  Sea 
Islands  where,  the  supply  of  clothing 
being  short,  they  divided  it  up  and  ap- 
peared at  church  half  of  them  wearing 
coats  and  the  other  half  trousers.  This 
divorce  between  matter  and  form,  be- 
tween the  idea  and  its  expression,  is  a 
serious  defect  of  our  educational  sys- 
tem.— By  Edwin  E.  Slosson  in  “A  Plea 
for  Popular  Science.” 


Mere  size  does  not  count  for  much 
with  Nature;  she  is  all  there,  in  the 
least  as  in  the  greatest. 

But  the  big-lettered  and  startling 
headlines  in  Nature’s  book  occupy  the 
real  nature-lover  less  than  does  the 
smaller  print.  The  big  and  exceptional 
things  all  can  see,  but  only  the  loving 
observers  take  note  of  the  minor  facts 
and  incidents.  — John  Burroughs  in 
“Field  and  Study.” 


TH  E 

Agassiz  association1 


Established  1875  Incorporated,  Massachusetts,  18S2  Incorporated,  Connecticut,  1910 


Reorganization  of  Pittsfield  A Chapter 
No.  i. 

Officers:  President,  Mrs.  A.  B.  Haw- 
ley; Vice-President,  Mr.  C.  Dudley 
Holman ; Corresponding'  Secretary, 
Mrs.  F.  C.  Saul;  Treasurer,  Mr.  War- 
ren Phelps. 

A meeting  was  Held  on  October  28, 
1920,  in  the  lecture  room  of  the  Berk- 
shire Athenaeum  for  the  purpose  of 
reorganizing  the  Pittsfield  (Massa- 
chusetts) A Chapter  No.  1 of  The  Agas- 
siz Association.  Though  there  were  but 
six  or  eight  present  at  that  meeting, 
officers  were  chosen  and  plans  made 
for  work  during  the  winter.  It  was  so 
late  in  the  fall  that  there  was  not  much 
time  for  walks  into  the  country,  but  so 
far  as  possible  at  every  meeting  we 
have  had  on  exhibition  some  specimen 
from  one  or  all  of  the  three  kingdoms. 

It  was  thought  best  to  call  upon 
either  residents  or  visitors  to  this  part 
of  the  country  to  speak  to  us  on  various 
subjects.  Mr.  Harlan  H.  Ballard,  Hon- 
orary Vice-President  of  The  Agassiz 
Association  and  a member  of  our  Chap- 
ter, spoke  to  us  of  the  work  of  The  AA 
and  of  Berkshire  County,  Massa- 
chusetts, as  an  especially  fine  section 
for  the  study  of  birds.  It  is  in  the  path 
of  the  migratory  birds  and  so  has  the 
advantage  of  those  nesting  here  and  of 
many  passing  through  on  their  way  to 
nesting  places  farther  north.  He  also 
called  attention  to  the  fact  that  in  the 
flowers  we  have  those  which  grow 
above  limestone  bottom  and  those 
which  do  not.  This  peculiar  under 
formation  also  makes  the  section  more 
or  less  rich  in  fossils.  He  also  told  us 
what  he  has  found  out  about  mush- 
rooms and  various  other  things. 

Mr.  S.  Waldo  Bailey,  one  of  our 
members,  is  a great  help  in  our  study 
of  ferns,  flowers  and  birds. 


Mr.  F.  C.  Saul,  another  member,  gave 
us  a lecture  on  the  honeybee,  its  nature 
and  habits. 

Mr.  Keegan,  also  a member,  told  us 
of  the  fish  in  the  lakes  of  this  region 
and  what  the  state  has  done  in  this 
work. 

Mr.  Sloper,  not  a member,  told  us  of 
the  Whitney  estate  and  its  importance 
in  relation  to  the  water  supply  of 
Pittsfield. 

In  January  we  began  to  bring  speci- 
mens of  birds  from  the  museum  and  to 
study  the  habits  and  nesting  places  of 
the  specimens  exhibited. 

With  the  coming  of  spring  with  all 
its  life  and  beauties  we  have  taken 
several  walks.  One  was  to  see  some 
orchids  being  raised  in  Mr.  Cooley’s 
greenhouse.  Later  we  were  so  fortu- 
nate as  to  secure  Mr.  Lincoln  to  tell 
us  of  the  wild  orchids  of  this  part  of 
the  country.  We  have  enjoyed  our 
walks,  and  there  are  many  around 
Pittsfield,  for  bird  study. 

The  Berkshires  being  the  home  of 
the  Indian,  Mr.  H.  C.  Darling  told  us 
something  of  the  relics  which  have 
been  found  here. 

One  evening  was  given  to  the  review 
of  the  life  and  work  of  John  Burroughs, 
another  to  the  work  the  Boy  Scouts 
are  doing,  and  another  to  the  carrier 
pigeon,  its  training  and  work. 

Those  in  charge  of  the  museum  have 
asked  us  to  record  the  incoming  birds, 
both  those  which  nest  here  and  those 
which  are  migratory.  Through  the 
kindness  of  the  Boy  Scouts  we  have 
been  furnished  with  a number  of  bird 
houses  which  have  been  placed  in  favor- 
able positions  by  AA  members. 

Mr.  Edward  Avis  lectured  in  the 
auditorium  of  the  high  school.  The 
Agassiz  members  helped  advertise  and 
sell  tickets  for  this  lecture  and  it  was 
one  to  do  one’s  heart  good. 

We  desire  eventually  to  establish  a 
bird  sanctuary  and  to  interest  more 
people  in  the  wonderful  possibilities  of 


XII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


the  study  of  nature  in  Berkshire 
County.  Interest  and  enthusiasm  are 
increasing  and  our  membership  is 
growing. 

Mrs.  F.  C.  Saul, 
Corresponding  Secretary. 


Contributions. 

Mr.  Clarence  H.  Crandall,  Sound 

Beach  $i.od 

“Good  Friend” 25.00 

Mr.  Theodore  FI.  Cooper,  Ba- 
tavia, X*.  Y. 3.00 

Mr.  John  D.  Chapman,  Green- 
wich   10.00 

Mr.  Charles  H.  Lounsbury, 

Stamford 5.00 

Dr.  George  E.  Vincent,  Green- 
wich   10.00 

Miss  Elizabeth  D.  Ferguson, 

Stamford 25.00 

Honorable  Schuyler  Merritt, 

Stamford 10.00 

Fir.  Worcester  R.  Warner,  Tar- 

rytown-on-Hudson,  NT.  Y 15.00 

Dr.  George  F.  Kunz,  New  York 

City 10.00 

“Sympathetic  Friend” 50.00 

“A  Friend  of  Dr.  Bigelow” 

(This  form  of  publication  by 

request) 50.00 

Visitors  1.00 

Mr.  Arthur  L.  DeGroff,  New 

York  City 25.00 

New  York  Microscopical  So- 
ciety   10.00 

Fir.  Oliver  D.  Flead,  Greenwich  10.00 


Financial  Report  of  The  Agassiz  Associa- 
t'on,  Inc.,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Con- 
necticut. 

(Accepted  by  the  Board  of  Trustees  at  the 
Annual  Meeting  on  Agassiz’s  Birthday,  May 
28th,  1921.) 

Summary — Cash  Received. 

April  1.  1920,  to  March  31,  1921,  inclusive. 


From  The  Guide  to  Nature $5,404.82 

From  Contribut'ons  to  Little  Japan  527.53 
From  Members’  Dues,  Contribu- 
tions, etc.  - — 1,337.07 


Total $7,269.42 

Summary — Cash  Paid. 

April  1,  1920,  to  March  31,  1921,  inclusive. 

For  The  Guide  to  Nature $5,184.15 

For  Little  Japan 320.46 

For  General  Expenses  and  Im- 
provements   , — 1,668.11 


Total  $7,172.72 


Sound  Reach,  Connecticut. 
The  above  is  a correct  summary  of  cash 


received  and  paid  from  April  1,  1920,  to 
March  31,  1921,  inclusive. 

(Signed)  EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW, 

President. 

Subscribed  and  sworn  to  before  me  this 
12th  day  of  May,  1921. 

(Signed)  RALPH  P.  HOWARD. 

Notary  Public. 

Auditors’  Statements. 

Stamford,  Connecticut. 

This  is  to  certify  that  I have  examined 
the  details  of  which  the  foregoing  is  a sum- 
mary and  find  all  to  be  correct. 

(Signed)  CLARENCE  E.  THOMPSON. 

Subscribed  and  sworn  to  before  me  this 
12th  day  of  May,  1921. 

(Signed)  RALPH  P.  HOWARD, 

Notary  Public. 

I have  gone  over  the  record  books  of  The 
Agassiz  Association  for  the  past  year,  and 
find  them  well  and  properly  kept.  The  ex- 
penditures all  seem  to  have  been  made  in 
the  interest  of  the  Association  and  the  fur- 
therance of  its  aims. 

(Signed)  HIRAM  E.  DEATS, 
Member  of  Board  of  Trustees. 

Address:  Flemington,  New  Jersey. 

May  28,  1921. 

We  hear  much  complaint  nowadays 
of  the  middlemen  in  commerce.  They 
are  too  numerous,  it  is  said,  there  are 
too  many  links  in  the  chain  connecting 
producer  with  consumer.  But  in  the 
scientific  field  the  fault  is  quite  the 
opposite.  There  are  too  few  middle- 
men, not  enough  qualified  persons  en- 
gaged in  the  transmission  of  newly  dis- 
covered truth  to  the  masses.  V riters 
of  all  sorts  have  multiplied  amazingly 
and  acquired  unprecedented  skill,  with 
the  exception  of  writers  of  popular 
science.  In  this  branch  of  literary  art 
there  is  perhaps  not  an  actual  decline 
as  compared  with  fifty  years  ago,  but 
at  least  it  may  be  safely  said  that  it  has 
not  kept  pace  either  with  the  advance 
of  science  or  with  the  growth  of  scien- 
tific education. — By  Edwin  E.  Slosson 
in  “A  Plea  for  Popuar  Science.” 

Water  does  not  taste  good  to  us  until 
we  are  thirsty.  Before  we  ask  ques- 
tions we  must  have  questions  to  ask, 
and  before  we  have  questions  to  ask  we 
must  feel  an  awakened  interest  or  curi- 
osity. Action  and  reaction  go  hand  in 
hand  ; interest  begets  interest ; knowl- 
edge breeds  knowledge.  Once  started 
in  pursuit  of  nature  lore,  we  are  pretty 
sure  to  keep  on.  When  people  ask  me, 
“How  shall  we  teach  our  children  to 
love  nature?”  I reply:  “Do  not  try  to 
teach  them  at  all.  Just  turn  them  loose 
in  the  country  and  trust  to  luck.’  It  is 


ARCADIA 


XIII 


time  enough  to  answer  children’s  ques- 
tions when  they  are  interested  enough 
to  ask  them.  — John  Burroughs  in 
“Field  and  Study.” 

WANTED:  A GIFT  OF  $5,000. 

Forty-six  years  of  youthful  activities 
— we  are  the  Association  that  never 
grows  old  or  out  of  date. 

Forty-six  years  of  dependence  upon 
the  living — we  have  never  deprived  any 
one  of  the  joy  and  satisfaction  of  seeing 
how  contributed  money  was  spent,  thus 
inciting  to  repeated  gifts  from  nearly 
every  one. 

Though  death  has  taken  from  us 
many  of  our  most  liberal  contributors, 
we  have  superlative  faith  that  some- 
where will  be  found  the  one  to  give  us 
the  five  thousand  dollars  to  be  used  in 
a detailed  plan  under  the  personal  ap- 
proval of  the  contributor. 

We  make  moderate  amounts  of 
money  go  a long  way.  We  point  with 
pride  to  every  detail  of  our  record  of 
almost  a half  century.  There  have  been 
only  two  managers  of  The  Agassiz  As- 
sociation, the  former  for  thirty-two 
years,  the  present  for  fourteen,  and 
neither  has  received  salary  for  the 
executive  management  of  The  AA. 

Xo  other  charitable  and  educational 
organization  has  a better  Board  of 
Trustees.  They  represent  a wide  range 
of  territory  and  interests — characteris- 
tic of  The  AA. 


' The  United  States  Post  Office  De- 
partment at  Washington  carefully  in- 
vestigated The  Agassiz  Association  and 
because  of  its  altruistic,  educational  and 
noncommercial  purposes  awarded  a 
special  low  rate  of  postage  to  its  official 
magazine. 

The  Treasury  Department  Internal 
Revenue  also  carefully  investigated  and 
exempts  from  income  tax  The  Agassiz 
Association  and  all  gifts  to  it. 

We  have  gladly  and  freely  helped 
many  other  organizations  in  their  na- 
ture interests.  We  untiringly  render 
free  services  at  ArcAdiA  to  rich  and 
poor,  young  and  old.  To  us  come  a wide 
range  of  visitors.  Our  correspondents 
include  every  phase  of  humanity. 

We  invite  detailed  investigation. 

We  need  and  merit  a gift  of  $5,000. 
Do  it  now.  Do  not  wait  until  you  are 
dead.  We  want  to  give  the  donor  the 
joy  and  satisfaction  of  knowing  just 
how  advantageously  the  money  will  be 
expended. 

We  always  have  been  a lively  organ- 
ization for  the  living,  by  the  living. 

Faithfully  yours, 

Edward  F.  Bigelow, 
President  The  Agassiz  Association,  Inc. 


The  Agassiz  Association  and  Gifts  to  it  are  FREE  from  Income  Taxes. 
TREASURY  DEPARTMENT 
Internal  Revenue  Service 

Hartford,  Conn.,  April  13,  1921. 

Office  of  the  Collector,  District  of  Connecticut. 

Agassiz  Association,  Inc.,  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

SIRS: 

With  further  reference  to  your  letter  of  February  28th,  1921,  you  are  advised  that 
trie  Commissioner  of  Internal  Revenue  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  has  considered  all  facts 
as  presented  relative  to  the  activities  of  your  association  and  has  decided  that  you  are 
exempt  from  the  filing  of  income  tax  returns  under  the  provisions  of  the  Revenue  Act  of 
1918. 

The  Commissioner  has  further  stated  that  amounts  contributed  to  your  association 
by  individuals  may  be  deducted  in  the  income  tax  returns  of  said  individuals  to  the  extent 
j provided  in  Section  214  (a)  ('ll)  of  the  Revenue  Act  of  1918. 

Very  truly  yours, 

JAMES  J.  WALSH,  Collector. 


XIV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


EVERY  paper  in  The  Lindenmeyr  Lines  is  a good  paper  because 
it  comes  from  a good  mill,  because  it  has  passed  all  the  tests 
of  our  experts  and  because  it  sells  at  a fair  price. 

The  Lindenmeyr  Lines  include  Warren’s  Standard  Printing 
Papers,  Strathmore  Expressive  Papers,  Buckeye  Covers,  Old  Hamp- 
shire Bond,  Brookdale  Linen  Bond,  Princess  Covers,  Neapolitan 
Covers,  AVonderfold  Enameled  and  other  well  liked  papers. 


H enry  Lindenmeyr  & Sons 

ESTABLISHED  1859 

32-34-36  Bleecker  Street,  NEW  YORK. 


80-84  Clinton  St. 
NEWARK,  N.  J. 


16-18  Beekman  St. 

NEW  YORK. 


58-60  Allyn  St. 
HARTFORD,  CONN 


H.  P.  Kj erskog- Agersborg,  in  “The 
American  Naturalist”  for  September- 
October,  calls  attention  to  some  neg- 
lected sea  foods  on  which  any  ingenious 
seasider  might  well  experiment.  Along 
with  other  suggestions,  he  notes  that 
caviar  might  be  made  from  the  eggs  of 
starfish,  the  remainder  of  the  body  be- 
ing used  for  fertilizer.  Thus  it  might 
become  profitable  directly  as  well  as 
indirectly  to  keep  down  these  pestilent 
enemies  of  the  oyster.  Many  peoples 
in  Europe,  he  points  out,  eat  snails, 
either  steaming  them  as  we  do  clams 
in  their  shells,  or  as  we  also  treat  clams 
and  oysters,  removing  them  from  the 
shell  and  frying  in  butter  or  making 
broth.  We  have  in  this  country  several 
large  and  abundant  species  of  snails,  the 
culinary  possibilities  of  which  have 
hardly  begun  to  be  explored. 


The  various  subjects  discussed  in 
your  magazine  are  very  ably  handled. 
They  would  be  interesting  to  young 
and  old.  I was  agreeably  surprised  at 
the  field  covered  because  it  has  opened 
for  me  new  avenues  of  interest. — C.  H. 
M.  Eyre,  Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania. 


ORCHIDS 

We  are  specialists  in  this  kind  of  plants. 
We  collect,  mport  and  grow  orchids  from 
all  parts  of  the  world  where  orchids  grow. 

We  will  be  glad  to  fill  your  order  for 
one  plant  or  a thousand  according  to  your 
requirements.  _ . 

Our  beautiful  Catalogue  and  special 
lists  on  application. 

LAGER  & HURRELL, 

Orchid  Growers  and  Importers 
SUMMIT,  N.  J. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XV 


DODhous^ren  A SUMMER  HOME  ! 

4 compartmerts,  28  All  5ong  birds  raise  two,  and 
inches  high,  18  inches  usua  ly  three,  broods  of  young 
in  diameter.  each  year,  selecting  a new  nest- 

ing site  for  each  brood  of  young, 
so  if  your  houses  are  put  out 
now  they  are  sure  to  be  occupied. 

DODSON  HOUSES 

win  the  birds.  Built  by  a bird- 
lover  who  has  spent  a lifetime 
studying  their  habits  and  how  to 
attract  them  to  beautiful  Bird 
lodge,  his  home  on  the  Kan- 
kakee River. 

Free  Bird  Book  rent  on  re- 
quest. illustrating  Dodson  Line, 
giving  prices;  also  beautiful  col- 
ored bird  picture  free. 

JOSEPH  H.  DODSON 

Pres.  American  Audubon  Ass'n. 

714  S.  HARRISON  AVE., 
KANKAKEE.  ILL. 

Dodson  Sparrow  Trap  guaranteed  to  rid  your  community 
of  these  quarrelsome  pests.  Price  $8.00. 


Girl  Scouts  camp,  hike  and  live  close  to 
Nature.  Read  about  their  good  times  in 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 

A Magazine  for  Girl  Scouts  and  Girls 
who  love  Scouting. 

The  American  Girl  will  bring  you  suggestions 
for  parties — stories  and  other  things  besides. 

Send  for  sample  copy  to 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 
189  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City. 

$1.50  a year  — Single  copy  15c 

I am  not  advocating  “nature-faking,” 
or  sentimentality,  or  aestheticism,  or 
any  other  mode  of  thought  or  habit  of 
mind  which  passes  for  “love  of  nature” 
but  is  really  a form  of  self-indulgence. 

I am  only  suggesting  that  the  time  has 
come  when  societies  for  the  Prevention 
of  Cruelty  to  Animals  should  make  way 
for  societies  for  the  Promotion  of 
Friendship  with  Animals;  when  the 
test  of  a nature-lover  should  not  be 
whether  he  knows  a golden-crowned 
kinglet  when  he  sees  one,  but  whether 
he  can  love  a barnyard  rooster  as  a 
friend,  not  merely  as  a prospective 
roast ; when  the  test  of  a dog-lover 
should  be,  not  whether  he  can  love  a 
pampered,  pedigreed  winner  of  blue 
ribbons,  but  whether  he  can  love  what 
Sydney  Smith  called  an  extraordinarily 
ordinary  dog;  and  the  test  of  a citizen 
of  the  world  should  be  whether  he 
feels,  not  only  his  brotherhood  with 
men,  but  his  brotherhood  with  every 
lowliest  creeping  thing  that  lives  and 
eats  and  dies  on  the  earth. — By  Robert 
M.  Gay,  in  “The  Atlantic  Monthly.” 


Wlial  will  the 

negative  show? 

There’s  density'  and  definition;  detail  in 
high  lights  and  shadows;  correctness  of 
perspective;  color  value— -consider  all 
these.  For  the  negative  can  show  only 
what  the  lens  throws  upon  it.  And  any 
picture  worth  taking  at  all  is  worth  tak- 
ing as  well  as  it  can  be  taken.  In  other 
words,  take  it  with  one  of  the 

BAUSCH  & LOMB 
PHOTOGRAPHIC  LENSES 

In  poor  light — cloudy  or  rainy  outdoors, 
on  porches  or  indoors — good  snapshots 
— better  than  many'  a time  exposure — can 
be  made  easily  through  Bausch  & Lomb 
Tessar  Anastigmats  (Ic,  f:4.5  or  lib 
f:6.3).  And  in  bright  sunlight  they  stop 
the  fastest  action  blurlessly. 

Ask  your  dealer  to  put  Tessar 
Anastigmat  on  your  camera. 
Then  you  will  see  how  pleasur- 
able photography  can  be. 

Bausch  & [omb  Optical  (5. 

NEW  YORK  WASHINGTON  SAN  FRANCISCO 
CHICAGO  ROCHESTER,  N.  Y.  LONDON 

Leading  American  Makers  of  Photo- 
graphic Lenses,  Microscopes,  Projection 
Apparatus  (Baloptlcons),  Ophthalmic 
Lenses  and  Instruments,  Phctomicro- 
graphic  Apparatus,  Range  Finders  and 
Gun  Sights  for  Army  and  Navy,  Search- 
light Reflectors,  Stereo-Prism  Binoculars, 
Magnifiers  and  Other  High  Grade  Optical 
Products. 


XVI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BEGINNER’S  BEEKEEPING  OUTFIT 


MEDINA, 

OHIO 


THE  A.  I.  ROOT  COMPANY 

Write  to  either  address  for  details. 


23  LEONARD  ST., 
,NEW  YORK  CITY 


PHOTOGRAPHERS 

Professional  and  Amateur 
W rite  at  Once 
for  the 

Willoughby  Bulletin 

NO.  137G 

of 

New  and  Used 

CAMERAS  LENSES 

PHOTOGRAPHIC  EQUIPMENT 

New  issue  now  ready 


GHAS.  G.  WILLOUGHBY.  Inc. 

no  WEST  32ND  ST., 


"Direct 
Art 
Service.  \ 


1 


Established 

/5 

YEARS. 


Ljjfilimt’s 

j 3ortt)4u)oDuanejk 

<31eu)TJork 

Telephone  jWorth  1945 


NEW  YORK 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XVI  r 


TRADE.  " 

(rayolA 

An  Artists'  Drawing  Crayon 

The  box  pictured  contains 
24  crayons  of  the  very  best 
quality.  For  artists  and 
Students  of  Nature,  to  be 
used  for 
sketching  and 
general  color 
work. 

“Crayola”  is 
put  up  in  all  de- 
sirable styles 
of  packing,  6 
to  24  colors  in 
a box. 

Color  charti  and 
catalog  on  request. 

£ INN  FT  <x 
SMITH  CO., 

81  Fulton  St., 
New  York. 


A NEW  ARRIVAL 


GOERZ  ROLLFILM  TENAX 
(2Va  x 314  in.) 

First  shipment 
of  this  LATEST 
model  of  high 
grade  Roll  film 
Cameras  just  in. 

New  pleasing 
design,  light  and 
compact. 

Novel  construc- 
tional features  for 
easy  and  accurate 
operation. 

Highest  perfec- 
tion of  lens  and 
shutter  equipment, 
offering  the  choice 
of  three  high 
grade  -Goerz  ana- 
stigmat  lenses, 
Dtogmar  F:4.5 
Dagor  F: 6.8 
Tenastigmat  F:6.3 
Compur  Shutter 
with  speed  range 
from  1 second  to 
1/250  of  a second, 
(%  actual  size.)  time  and  bulb  ex- 

posure. 

A smaller  model,  the  GOERZ  V.  P.  ROLL- 
FILM  TENAX  (l$4x2}4  in.)  of  much  the  same 
design  as  the  2l/\  x 3*4  in.  size  has  been  intro- 
duced on  the  American  market  some  time  ago  and 
has  met  with  the  greatest  favor  among  camera 
enthusiasts. 

Ask  your  dealer,  he  should  carry  Goere 
Cameras  in  stock.  For  further  description  write  to 

C.  P.  Goerz  American  Optical  Company 

317  G EAST  34TH  STREET,  NEW  YORK  CITY. 


Some  Noise. 

A sufferer  who  lives  close- to  a rail- 
road yard  in  the  suburbs,  wrote  the  fol- 
lowing to  the  railroad  company,  com- 
plaining about  the  racket  made  by  a 
switch  engine,  according  to  the  Boston 
Globe : 

“Gentlemen : Why  is  it  that  your 

switch  engine  has  to  ding  and  dong  and 
fizz  and  spit  and  clang  and  bang  and 
buzz  and  hiss  and  bell  and  wail  and 
pant  and  rent  and  howl  and  yowl  and 
grate  and  grind  and  puff  and  bump  and 
click  and  clank  and  chug  and  moan  and 
hoot  and  toot  and  crash  and  grunt  and 
gasp  and  groan  and  whistle  and  wheeze 
and  squawk  and  blow  and  jar  and  jerk 
and  rasp  and  jingle  and  twang  and 
clack  and  rumble  and  jangle  and  ring 
and  clatter  and  yelp  and  howl  and  hum 
and  snarl  and  puff  and  growl  and 
thump  and  boom  and  clash  and  jolt  and 
jostle  and  shake  and  screech  and  snort 
and  snarl  and  slam  and  throb  and  crink 
and  quiver  and  rumble  and  roar  and 
rattle  and  yell  and  smoke  and  smell  and 
shriek  like  hell  all  night  long? — “Green- 
Avich  News  and  Graphic,”  March  4. 


TiiL  Bl<  YOLOGIST — The  only  magazine  in  the  Eng 
lish  language  devoted  wholly  to  articles  dealing  witfe 
Mosses,  Hepatics,  and  Lichens.  Of  interest  to  be- 
ginners and  advanced  students  alike.  Bimonthly,  pub- 
lished by  the  Sullivant  Moss  Society,  an  organization 
for  mutual  help  in  moss  study.  Special  curatori  to 
assist  beginners.  Membership  fee,  $1.50  per  year,  10 
eluding  the  Bryoloeist;  subscription  alone,  $1.25;  Cana 
dian  postage  10  cents  extra.  Address  Edward  B.  Cham 
berlain,  18  West  89tb  Street,  New  York  City. 


AQUATIC  LIFE  monthly  magazine  will 

~ increase  your  enjoyment 

of  the  life  in  nature’s  streams  and  in  your  home 
aquarium.  Written  by  scientists  to  entertain  all 
nature  lovers  who  like  to  paddle  in  water  and 
study  its  manv  forms  of  life.  A journal  of  popu- 
lar aquatic  biology,  not  merely  a fish  fanciers’  mag 
azine.  Specimen  copy  free  on  request.  Subscrip- 
tion, $1.25  per  year.  Joseph  E.  Bausman,  Pub- 
lisher, 542  East  Girard  Avenue,  Philadelphia. 


THE 

AMERICAN  MICROSCOPICAL  SOCIETY 

(Founded  in  1878) 

Publishes  Its  TRANSACTIONS  as  a 
Quarterly  Journal  of  Microscopic  Research. 
For  information,  write  to 
P.  S.  WELCH,  Secretary 

ANN  ARROR.  MTCHT O \ V 

Earn  $5  Day  gathering  Ferns,  Barks, 
Roots  and  Herbs  from  the  fields  and 
roadside.  We  teach  you.  Free  Book. 
Botanical  B,  West  Haven,  Connec- 
ticut. 


XVIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BOBBINK  & ATKINS 


gS^Horlcls 
r Choicest, 
irseiy&Greej 
®Pro  ducts 

.In  A’ ' E 


Nursery 


ROSES 

EVERGREENS 
TREES  AND  SHRUBS 
OLD-FASHIONED  FLOWERS 
FRUIT  TREES  AND  BUSHES 
S P R I N G- F L O W E R I N G BULBS 
LILACS — Ask  for  Special  List.  You  will  be  interested  in  this 
collection  when  you  see  the  large  number' of  varieties. 
Nurserymen  and  Florists 

RUTHERFORD,  NEW  J 

Established  1868 


“Egypt”  is  a new  conception  by  a new  con- 
cern; a compelling  fragrance  originated  for  the 
woman  who  demands.  originality,  refinement  and 
culture  in  every  particular  of  her  toilet.  In  its 
odd,  hand-painted  bottle.  “Egypt”  will  grace  the 
most  artistic  and  esthetic  boudoir. 

Originators  and  Sole  Manufacturers 

THE  EGYPT  LABORATORY 

Stamford,  Connecticut 


Place  your  order  now  for 

SPRATT’S 

FISH  AND  MEAT 
FIBRINE  DOG  CAKES 

They  are  invaluable  as  a change  of 
diet,  especially  during  the  summer 
months. 

W rite  for  sample  and  send  2 cent 
stamp  for  catalogue  “Dog 
Culture." 

Spratt’s  Patent  Limited 

Newark,  New  Jersey 

San  Francisco  St.  Louis  Montreal 
Factory  also  in  London,  Eng. 


p.  O.  Box  471. 


It  yields  comfortably  to  the  shape  of 
the  body,  is  soft  yet  firm,  and  induces 
perfect  relaxation  and  rest.  The  Oster- 
moor  Mattress  is  scientifically  built,  not 
stuffed  like  horsehair;  it  cannot  get  out 
of  shape  and  is  sanitary.  Replace  with 
Ostermoor  as  your  old  mattresses  be- 
come uncomfortable. 

At  your  dealer's,  or  we  will  ship  direct; 
express  prepaid.  Write  for  144-page  Cat- 
alog— mailed  free. 


BRUNSWICK  SCHOOL 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

A Preparatory  Day  School  for  Boys 
in  Stamford,  Greenwich  and 
Port  Chester 

Calls  the  attention  of  possible  patrons 
to  the  fact  that  the  enrolment  for  the 
coming  year  is  complete  in  respect  to  the 
primary  and  lower  school  departments. 
In  these  sections,  further  applications 
can  receive  favorable  attention  only  in 
case  of  unexpected  withdrawals.  There 
are  still  some  vacancies  in  the  Upper 
School. 

Primary  School,  for  boys  6 to  11 
Lower  School,  for  boys  10  to  14 
Upper  School,  for  boys  13  to  19 

For  catalogue , or  special  information, 
address 

GEORGE  E.  CARMICHAEL, 


Ostermoor  & Co.,  114  Elizabeth  St., 
New  York. 

Canadian  Agency: 

Alaska  Bedding  of  Montreal,  Ltd.,  Montreal 


Head-master. 


Telephones: 

Office,  Greenwich  318 
Home,  Greenwich  553 


Telephone  179 


THE  BARTLETT  WAY 


Bartlett  Wav 


is 

THE 

RECOGNIZED 
STANDARD 
of 

TREE 
SURGERY 

Our  work  is  not  local  in  scope  but  is 
available  to  all  tree  owners  within  a 
large  radius. 

The  F.  A.  Bartlett 
Tree  Expert  Co. 

“Tree  Specialists’’ 

STAMFORD.  CONNECTICUT 

Westbury  --------  L.  I. 

Morristown  - --  --  --  N.J 

Chestnut  Hill - Pa. 


BOX  - BARBERRY 

THE  NEW  DWARF  HEDGE  PLANT 

A dwarf  form  of  the  popular  Thunberg’s  Japan- 
Barberry.  It’s  quite  dwarf,  with  small,  dainty 
foliage.  It  can  be  trimmed  into  any  form  and 
kept  down  to  six  inches  high  if  desired. 

ABSOLUTELY  HARDY 

Box-Barberry  will  thrive  almost  anywhere.  The 
winter  of  1917-18  did  not  injure  Box-Barberry  in 
the  least.  It  produces  a perfect  low  border  for 
the  formal  gardens,  quite  taking  the  place  of  the 
old  Box,  which  is  far  from  hardy. 

You  are  cordially  invited  to  visit  the  nurseries 
at  Edgewood  and  see  this  wonderful  Box-Barberry 
growing,  both  as  a Hedge  Plant  and  in  the  Nursery 
Row. 

Send  for  1921  Catalog. 

WOODMONT  NURSERIES,  Inc. 

Box  1003,  New  Haven,  Conn. 


ALL  ROADS  LEAD  TO  ROME 


Everything  That's  A rew 

IN 


Summer  Furniture 


Agents  For 


HOOSIER  KITCHEN  CABINETS  HARDMAN  PECK  PIANOS 

SIMMONS  BEDS  AND  MATTRESSES  PATHE  PHONOGRAPHS 
OSTERMOOR  MATTRESSES  BOHN  SYPHON  REFRIGERATORS 

BLOCH  BABY  CARRIAGES  COLD  STORAGE  REFRIGERATORS 

The  Rome  Company 

23-29  BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 


CE  DRESS  SHOP,  Inc. 

INVITES  YOUR  EARLY  INSPECTION 
OF  ITS  DISTINCTIVE  ASSORTMENT 
OF  WEARING  APPAREL  FOR  THE 
MATRON  AND  MISS 


EXCLUSIVE  AGENTS 
FOR 


ITY  WALES  and  VERITE 

WE  SPECIALIZE  IN  MODELS  TO  SLENDERIZE 
THE  FIGURE  OF  GENEROUS  PROPORTIONS 


278  Atlantic  Street 


Stamford,  Conn, 


<-'7 


CHARLES  WILLIAM  ELIOT  MUS  COMp  ZOQL 
NOviialLi>l  LIBRARY. 


FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 

AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 

■Smith 

REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 
Stamford,  Connecticut. 

Phones  2916  and  2917,  Stamford 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 

has  good  transportaiion  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

I have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates,  Shore  and  Inland 
Residences.  Farms,  Acreage,  Cottages  and 
Building  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selected 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Rent 
in  all  locations. 

Would  be  pleaded  to  have  70a  call  or  write. 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  Conn. 


NEW  ENGLISH  TYPE  DWELLING 

AT  SHIPPAN  POINT  ON  SOUND 


FIRST  FLOOR:  Wide  hall  through  center  of  house,  reception  room,  extensive  living  room  with 
large  fireplace,  very  large  handsomely  finished  dining  room  with  fireplace,  bright  breakfast 
room,  library,  pantry,  kitchen,  maid’s  room,  lavatory. 

SECOND  FLOOR:  Five  master’s  rooms  and  three  baths,  three  maids’  rooms  and  bath. 

BASEMENT:  Large  laundry,  drying  room,  store  rooms.  Inside  garage  for  two  cars. 

House  attractively  finished 
throughout,  having  electric  light, 
gas.  city  water.  About  two  acres 
of  land,  beach  privileges. 

PRICE  S55.000.  Terms 
WORTH  S75.000 


STA  MFORD  SA  VINOS  BANK  BL  DC. 


Te!  20/ 


O 


A? 


O 


/V 


3 


TA 


M 


C 5 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


I 


A.  M.  BOLES 

REAL  ESTATE  AND 
INSURANCE 

SOUND  BEACH.  RIVERSIDE  AND 
VICINITIES 

Office 

SOUND  BEACH  AVENUE 
Opp.  T.  R.  Station 

SOUND  BEACH,  CONN. 

Telephone  546 


The  Walter  Stewarl  Co. 

The  Leading  Grocers 
CHOICE  GROCERIES, 

FLOUR  AND  FEED. 
SIX  STORES 

Sound  Beach,  New  Canaan, 

Darien  and  Springdale 

Telephone  Connection 


EVERYTHING 

ELECTRICAL 

FOR  THE  HOME 

From  Garret  to  Cellar 

Electric  Heaters,  Sewing 
Machines,  Irons,  Vacuum 
Cleaners,  Washing  Ma- 
chines, Percolators, 
Toasters,  etc.,  etc., 

— at — 

THE  STAMFORD  ELEC- 
TRICAL CONTRACTOR 

INCORPORATED 

221  Atlantic  Street 


C.  C.  CLARK’S 

TAXI  SERVICE 

SOUND  BEACH  CONNECTICUT 

TAXI  CABS— BAGGAGE  TRANSFER 
PROMPT  SERVICE  OUR  MOTTO 
Telephones: 

546  SOUND  BEACH 
From  2 A.  M.  to  7 A.  M. 

271  SOUND  BEACH 

D.  MAHLR  SONS^ 

LEHIGH  COAL,  HYGEIA  ICE 

BUILDING  MATERIAL,  LIME,  LATH, 
BRICK,  SAND,  CEflENT,  DRAIN  PIPE 

Tel.  130  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

LOUIS  A.  SP E Z ZANO 

GENERAL  CONTRACTOR 
Post  Road, 

Riverside,  Connecticut. 

Telephone : Sound  Beach  145. 


S.  G.  JUDD  STORE 


HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 

Telephone  352 

White  and  Gray  Enamel 
Ware 

Galvanized  and  Tin  Ware 
Aluminum,  Crockery  and 
Glass  Ware 

Baskets,  Cutlery 

43  BANK  STREET 
Stamford,  _ _ Connecticut 


A Solid  Fact. 

“What  is  the  hardest  thing  about 
skating  when  you’re  learning?” 

“The  ice.” — Boston  Transcript. 


II 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Stamford  Business  Directory 


HOTEL  DAVENPORT 

H.  S.  MOREHOUSE  HOTEL  CO. 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


EVERYTHING 

FOR  LADIES'  WEAR 

CALL  ON 

Moltasch, 

Ladies’  Outfitter 

aio  ATLANTIC 

ST.,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone,  270 

Uptown  Office:  STARK  BROS 

271 

40  PARK  ROW 

CHAS.  F.  WATERBURY 
David  Waterbury  & Son 

COAL  DRAIN  PIPE  WOOL 

Crushed  Stone  for  Walks  and  Drives 
YARDS:  Canal  Dock.  STAMFORD.  CONN. 


Telephone  169  Insurance  Appraisals  Made 

WM.  T.  FINNEY,  INC. 

ANTIQUES,  SECONDHAND 

FURNITURE,  STORAGE. 

Office  and  Auction  Rooms 
35  Atlantic  Street,  Stamford,  Conn 

Corsets  Fitted  Free  by  Expert  CorseHere 

Phone  989 

LA  SARETTE  CORSET  SHOP 

STAMFORD  THEATRE  BUILDING 
Stamford.  Connecticut 


BORG  BROTHERS 

Chemical  and  Analytical  Laboratories 
for  Special  Research  Work 

539  MAIN  ST. 

STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

JOHN  PHILLIPS 

Dealer  in 

HOOTS  AND  SHOES 

463  Main  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

FOR  FINE  MILLINERY 
NEWSTAD’S 

3 BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

FRANK  M.  WEST 
HARDWARE 

Paints,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Etc.  House  Furnishing* 

7r  ATLANTIC  STREET  Tel.  Con. 

R.  F.  VOSKA  & SON 

TAILORS 

444  Atlantic  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

Drs.  W.  H.  and  E.  W.  Pomeroy 
DENTISTS 

The  Gurley  Building, 

324  Main  St.,  opposite  City  Hall. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


III 


CAMERAS 

ALWAYS  READY 

EASY  TO  OPERATE 

Insert  the  film  and  the  camera  is 
ready  to  operate,  and  so  easy,  by  the 
mere  process  of  pressing  a button 
or  lever.  Failure  is  impossible  if  the 
camera  is  pointed  right.  Even  a child 
can  use  them  with  expert  results. 
Everybody  wants  a camera  and 
everybody  should  have  one  and  our 
assortment  gives  ample  opportunity 
for  selection  with  due  consideration 
to  the  saving  of  money  as  well  as 
getting  results. 


EST. 


3 1 3 At  lantic  St..  STAMFORD.CONN. 


Phillips’  Gilt  Shop 

Gifts  for  All  Occasions 

Diamonds,  Watches, 
Jewelry,  Silver- 
ware, Cut  Glass, 
Clocks,  Sterling 
and  Ivoroid  Toilet 
and  Manicure  Sets, 
Novelties,  Etc. 

Usual  Amount  of  Engraving  Free. 

A Small  Deposit  Reserves  Any  Article 
Selected. 

Exclusive  Agency  Gorham 
Silverware. 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 

232  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn. 
Established,  1897 

THE  HALLMARK  STORE 


CONN.  RUSTIC  CONSTRUCTION  CO 


ARCHITECTS- 

CRAFTSMEN 

R.  EHLERS 
Greenwich  180 

LOG  CABINS 
CRAFTSMEN'S  HOMES 
RUSTIC  TEA  HOUSES 
BUNGALOWS 
ENTRANCE  GATES 
PERGOLAS 

GRAPE  AND  ROSE  ARBORS 
GARDEN  FURNITURE 
FENCES 

FLOWER  STANDS 
BRIDGES 
BIRD  HOUSES 

RIVERSIDE,  CONN. 

PHONE  SOUND  BEACH  600 


IV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


GOOD  HEALTH’S  BEST  FRIEND  IS  WHOLESOME  FOOD 


THE  BEST  INGREDIENTS  make  the  BEST  BREAD! 

Beech  Nut  Bread  is  made  of  Pure  Granulated  Sugar,  Pure  Leaf  Lard,  Pure 
Malt  Extract,  Pure  Fleischmann’s  Yeast,  Pure  Milk  and  Plenty  Of  It,  and 
Pure  Wheat  Flour — and  each  of  these  wholesome,  healthful  ingredients  is  the 
finest  quality  that  money  can  buy. 

■NATURALLY— BEECH  NUT  BREAD  IS  MORE  NOURISHING,  AS  WELL 
AS  MORE  DELICIOUS!  \ 

Baked  Solely  by  the  Marsh  Bakeries,  Inc. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


V 


TO  KEEP  THE  WEE  ONES  COMFY 

To  keep  them  comfortable  and  well  and  good-natured  through  the  long 
Summer  days  means  quantities  of  fresh  underthings  of  reliable  make.  The  ser- 
vice offered  in  such  departments  by  the  Store  has  passed  the  experimental  stage. 

We  can  recommend 

THE  LACE  AND  TRIMMING  STORE  to  y0U  now,  with 

assurance,  the  little 
garments  you  will 
find  grouped  here 
for  special  selling. 
They  are  of  good 
materials,  well  de- 
signed, carefully  made 
and  certain  to  wear. 


'll!  Atlantic  St. 


‘A  Pleasant  Place  to  Shop,  with  Always  Something  New.’ 


Established  1853 

THE  QETMAN&  JUDD  CO. 

Lumber  and  Timber  of  all  Kinds 

SPECIALTY  : High-Grade  HARDWOOD  FLOORING 

Aaroughly  Kiln  Dried  and  stored  in  Steam  heated  build- 
ing util  delivered  to  our  customers.  Our  steadily  in- 
arauinf  trade  in  this  specialty  proves  the  fact  that 
•ouatry  kome  is  not  complete  until  fitted  out  witb 
LhU  beautiful  and  sanitary  furnishing.  Old  Residences 
may  be  greatly  improved  by  laying  thin  floors  over  the 
•id  net. 

CANAL  DOCKS,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone  2180 


Homes  Near  to  Nature 

Should  he  so  constructed  as  to  give  lasting  satisfaction. 
Our  method  of  manufacturing  dependable  Interior  ui 
Exterior  house  trim  from  thoroughly  kiln  dried  materinl 
by  skilled  mechanics  insures  such  satisfaction. 

THE  ST.  JOHN  WOOD  WORKINQ  CO. 

Canal  Docks,  Stamford  Conn. 

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VI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


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THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


VII 


Burdett-McGillivray  Company 

DRY  GOODS  EXCLUSIVELY 

WHERE  THE  NEWEST  THINGS  ARE  ALWAYS  SHOWN  FIRST 

ADVOCATE  BUILDING  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

PHONE  268 


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Men  and  Young  Women  to  hold  responsible 
positions. 

Bookkeeping,  Shorthand,  Stenotypy, 

Typewriting  and  English  Branches 

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Distinctive ! 


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all  measuring  up  to  our  highest  standards 
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that’s  truly  individual. 


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VIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATU RE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


The  Trading  Place  of  Over  Half  a Century 

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THE  WORLD  IS  READY  TO  BUY  THINGS  AGAIN 

And  this  Fall  promises  normal,  rational,  gratifying  retail  business. 

BUT  PRICES  ARE  DOWN  NOW — New  goods  are  in  stock  now  and  coming 
all  the  time— DRESS  GOODS,  COTTONS,  READY-TO-WEAR  GOODS, 
CRETONNES  AND  DRAPERIES,  RUGS  AND  HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 

at  the  new  low  prices. 


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Dealers  in 

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THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 

SHE  LEADS  IN  BEAUTY  AND  INTEREST  j 

ill  FROTH.  Jj*? 

HOMES  TO  NATURE'S  REALMS. 


EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW,  MANAGING  EDITOR! 


, - _ „ 

ri'iJ  1 ^ 

Published  monthly  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut, 
Subscription,  $1.50  a year  Single  copy,  15  cents 

Entered  as  Second-Class  Matter  June  12, 1909,  at  Sound  Beach  Post  Office,  under  Act  of  March  3,  1897. 
Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special  rate  of  postage  provided  for  in  Section  1103,  Act  of  October  3,  1917, 

authorized  on  June  '27,  1918. 


Volume  XIV.  AUGUST,  1921 


Number  3 


The  Nautili 

By  Charles  Johnson,  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History. 


The  “Paper  Nautilus”  ( Argonauta ) 
and  the  “Pearly  Nautilus”  (Nautilus) , 
while  belonging  to  the  same  class  of 
mollusks — Cephalopoda,  are  very  dif- 
ferent creatures  and  represent  two 
widely  separated  groups.  The  Nautilus 
secretes  a true  shell,  divided  by  septa 
into  chambers  with  a central  siphuncle. 
The  animal  has  about  ninety  arms  or 
tentacles,  arranged  in  four  groups. 
When  swimming  with  the  tentacles  ex- 
tended radially  from  the  head  it  re- 
sembles a sea-anemone. 

The  Argonauta  is  closely  related  to 
the  Octopus  or  Polypus  and  has  eight 
arms.  The  Argonauta  shell  is  not, 
strictly  speaking,  a true  shell,  but  a 
shell-like  structure  confined  to  the  fe- 
male and  only  partly  a secretion  of  the 
mantle,  the  greater  portion  being 
formed  by  the  two  expanded  or  vela- 
mentous  arms.  Internal  partitions  are 
lacking  and  the  structure  serves  as  a 
nest  for  the  eggs.  The  male  resembles  a 
small  octopus,  being  less  than  one- 
fourth  the  size  of  the  female.  It  was  not 
until  the  middle  of  the  last  century  that 
the  male  was  accurately  described. 
There  were  also  heated  discussions  as 
to  whether  the  shell  was  actually  made 
by  the  Argonauta.  or  whether  the  polyp 


had  not  usurped  the  shell  of  some 
heteropod  mollusk  allied  to  Carinaria. 
It  was  the  two  expanded  arms  referred 
to  above  that  partly  secrete  and  partly 
cover  and  hold  the  shell,  that  were 
taken  for  sails  by  the  early  authors  and 
that  have  made  the  Argonauta  famous 
in  both  prose  and  poetry. 

“Learn  of  the  little  Nautilus  to  sail, 

Spread  the  thin  oar  and  catch  the  driving 
gale.”  (Pope.) 

Some  specimens  attain  a much 
greater  size  than  others  and  on  this  ac- 
count have  brought  large  prices.  A 
specimen  of  Argonauta  co/npressa  Blainv., 
from  the  Indian  Ocean,  in  the  collec- 
tion of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural 
History,  measures  10 ji  inches  in  its 
greatest  diameter.  It  is  said  to  have 
cost  the  donor.  Col.  Thos.  H.  Perkins, 
$500.  (See  The  Nautilus,  vol.  33,  p. 
74,  1920.)  There  is  also  a very  large 
example  of  Argonauta  nodosa  Solander, 
in  the  American  Museum  of  Natural 
History.  New  York,  that  measures  87^ 
by  11  inches. 

One  species,  Argonauta  argo  var.  ameri- 
cana  Dali,  is  frequently  found  on  the 
Florida  coast.  It  is  occasionally  car- 
ried northward  by  the  Gulf  Stream,  to 
meet  an  untimely  end  in  the  cold  north- 


Copyright  1921  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


30 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


ern  currents.  A living  specimen  was 
captured  at  Long  Branch,  N.  J.,  in  Au- 
gust, 1876.  (See  American  Naturalist, 
vol.  XI,  p.  243.)  Prof.  A.  E.  Verrill 
records  and  figures  a young  living 
specimen  of  this  species,  captured  while 
swimming  at  the  surface  about  100 


miles  south  of  the  eastern  end  of  Long 
Island.  Shells  of  this  species,  some  of 
them  entire,  were  dredged  by  the 
steamer  Fish  Hawk,  south  of  Martha’s 
Vineyard  in  64  to  365  fathoms  (See 
Trans.  Conn.  Acad.  Sci.,  vol.  5,  p.  364, 
1881). 

The  writer  is  indebted  to  the  Boston 
Society  of  Natural  history  for  the  use 
of  the  accompanying  cut. 


Persons  who  have  been  most  success- 
ful in  persuading  the  trailing  arbutus 
to  grow  in  captivity  recommend  a 
north  or  northwest  exposure  on  the 
borders  of  woodland,  and  a fairly  dry 
soil.  The  land  must  not  be  “sweet,” 
and  must  never  be  limed.  Most  fer- 
tilizers are  under  suspicion,  but  epsom 
salts  is  favored  both  for  arbutus  and 
for  laurel  and  rhododendron. 


How  Did  the  Dog  Get  There? 

BY  F.  H.  SIDNEY,  WAKEFIELD,  MASS. 

Albert  Miner,  a Boston  and  Maine 
Railroad  yard  conductor  who  lives  in 
Somerville,  Massachusetts,  had  an  un- 
usual experience  with  a Belgian  shep- 
herd dog.  \\  hen  Miner  was  homeward 


bound,  he  ran  across  this  dog  wander- 
ing about  the  streets  in  Brest,  France. 
He  petted  it  and  bought  doughnuts  and 
fed  it.  The  dog  tried  to  follow  Miner 
aboard  ship  but  was  unable  to  do  so. 
A month  after  Miner  landed  in  Amer- 
ica, he  found  this  same  dog  on  his  door- 
step in  Somerville.  He  hasn’t  the  least 
idea  how  the  dog  made  his  way  over 
from  Brest  and  out  to  Somerville,  but 
he  still  has  the  dog  and  would  not  part 
with  it  for  any  amount  of  money. 


The  shrubberies  fairly  light  the  park 
When  blossom  time  is  here; 

In  winter  they  made  a shining  mark, 

When  days  were  short,  and  nights  were  dark, 
And  now  a second  robe  of  snow 
Has  failed  upon  their  shoulders  low, 

To  mark  the  season’s  ebb  and  flow, — 

Their  gala  time  of  year. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


THE  NAUTILUS. 


A FEW  CONES 


3* 


A Few  Cones. 

BY  WILLIAM  H.  HUSE,  MANCHESTER,  N.  H. 

The  Pinus  rigida,  commonly  known 
as  pitch  pine,  torch  pine,  sap  pine  and 
candlewood  pine  in  various  localities,  is 
found  from  southern  Ontario  to 
Georgia  and  from  the  Atlantic  shore  to 
the  western  slopes  of  the  Appalachian 
mountain  ranges.  It  is  the  pine  of  the 
“pine  barrens”  of  New  Jersey  and  Long 
Island  and  is  nowhere  classed  as  a val- 


other  species.  I have  seen  pitch  pines 
hardly  three  feet  high  with  one  or  more 
cones  hanging  from  the  top  or  branches 
and  an  old  tree  is  often  well  covered 
with  ripe  and  ripening  cones.  These 
cones  are  often  in  bunches  of  two  or 
three  or  more,  but  all  records  were 
smashed  by  the  tree  that  bore  the 
bunch  of  cones  represented  in  the  ac- 
companying picture.  This  curiosity 
was  found  many  years  ago  at  the  top 
of  a pitch  pine  tree  in  Manchester,  New 


AN  ASTONISHING  BUNCH  OF  CONES. 


liable  tree  because  of  its  light,  coarse- 
grained, brittle  wood.  It  is  remarkable 
because  of  its  ability  to  send  up  sprouts 
from  its  stumps  and  is  said  to  be  the 
only  pine  that  can  send  up  shoots  after 
injury  by  fire. 

The  pitch  pine  is  also  somewhat 
noted  for  its  fruit  bearing,  producing 
more  cones  and  seeds  than  most  of  the 


Hampshire,  taking  the  place  of  the  ter- 
minal bud.  Why  there  should  be  such 
an  extraordinary  production  of  fruit  is 
a question  that  naturally  comes  to  one’s 
mind.  The  end  and  aim  of  every  plant 
is  to  perpetuate  the  species.  If  any 
accident  occurs  that  might  tend  to  in- 
terfere with  this  purpose  there  is  often 
an  extra  effort  made  to  overcome  the 


32 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


difficulty.  It  is  possible  that  some  acci- 
dent killed  the  terminal  bud  and  the 
vital  forces  of  the  tree  sent  an  extra 
supply  of  sap  to  the  spot  to  remedy  the 
trouble.  If  that  were  the  case  the  un- 
usual stimulation  produced  fruit  buds 
instead  of  leaf  or  branch  buds  and  the 
result  was  the  bunch  of  cones,  nearly  a 
hundred  in  all,  that  was  found  and  car- 
ried home. 


A Good  Fossil  Bed. 

BY  THEODORE  IT.  COOPER,  BATAVIA,  N.  Y. 

In  a recent  number  of  “Science”  it 
was  pointed  out  that  the  number  of  in- 
vestigators in  pure  science  must  in- 
crease if  applied  science  is  to  progress 
as  rapidly  in  the  future  as  it  has  in  the 
past. 

Those  who  pursue  science  for  its  own 
sake  and  who  make  it  their  business  to 
learn  new  facts,  whether  they  are  of 
any  material  value  to  any  one  or  not, 
supply  the  material  upon  which  the  in- 
dustrial sciences  depend. 

The  geologist  looking  for  fossils  is 
the  disciple  of  pure  science.  The  geolo- 
gist who  searches  for  oil  or  iron  is  the 
follower  of  applied  science,  but  the  min- 
eralogist is  benefited  by  knowing  some- 
thing of  the  philosophy  of  the  paleon- 
tologist. We  who  pursue  geology  as  an 
avocation  are  usually  of  the  pure 
science  type.  We  look  for  fossils,  col- 
lect them  and  leave  economic  geology 
to  the  utilitarian. 

Mr.  K.  B Mathes  and  I recently 
visited  a remarkably  good  exposure  of 
early  strata  and  added  several  fine 
specimens  to  our  collections.  It  was  a 
surprise  to  me  to  find  such  an  abun- 
dance of  good  specimens.  Most  of  those 
I had  found  previously  were  fragmen- 
tary but  there  was  no  need  to  pick  up 
fragments  this  time.  We  saw  one  large 
piece  of  coral  over  a foot  in  diameter. 
The  shale  in  which  they  are  embedded 
is  soft  and  there  was  one  place  on  the 
bank  of  a small  stream,  and  at  the  foot 
of  a high  and  partly  disintegrated  shale 
bank,  where  one  could  go  along  with  a 
chisel  and  pry  up  brachiopods,  crinoid 
stems,  spirifers  and  perfect  specimens 
of  coral.  We  found  a few  nodules  of 
iron  pyrites.  Trilobites,  the  most  in- 
teresting of  the  lower  forms  of  fossil 
life,  are  not  so  plentiful  but  we  found 
three  fairly  good  specimens. 

A good  specimen  of  trilobite  is  not 
found  every  day  and  any  one  having  a 


good  collection  of  these  is  to  be  con- 
gratulated. Mr.  Mathes  through  a long 
period  of  local  collecting  has  obtained 
such  a collection  and  it  was  my  good 
fortune  to  be  able  to  look  them  over.  I 
particularly  noticed  one  specimen  very 
complete  and  about  eight  inches  long. 

If  those  who  live  in  localities  unfa- 
vorable for  collecting  fossil  coral  will 
write  I will  send  samples  of  such  kinds 
as  I have  found. 


Wasp’s  Boating  and  Flying. 

There  is  a black  wasp,  Priocnemis 
flavicornis,  occasionally  seen  on  Fall 
Creek  at  the  Cornell  Biological  Field 
Station,  that  combines  flying  with 
water  transportation.  Beavers  swim 
with  boughs  for  their  dam,  and  water 
striders  run  across  the  surface  carrying 
their  booty,  but  here  is  a wasp  that  flies 
above  the  surface  towing  a load  too 
heavy  to  be  carried.  The  freight  is  the 
body  of  a huge  black  spider  several 
times  as  large  as  the  body  of  the  wasp. 
It  is  captured  by  the  wasp  in  a water- 
side hunting  expedition,  paralyzed  by 
a sting  adroitly  placed,  and  is  to  be 
used  for  provisioning  her  nest. 

It  could  scarcely  be  dragged  across 
the  ground,  clothed  as  that  is  with  the 
dense  vegetation  of  the  waterside ; but 
the  placid  stream  is  an  open  highway. 
Out  on  to  the  surface  the  wasp  drags 
the  huge  limp  black  carcass  of  the 
spider  and,  mounting  into  the  air  with 
her  engines  going  and  her  wings  stead- 
ily buzzing,  she  sails  cross  the  water, 
trailing  the  spider  and  leaving  a wake 
that  is  a miniature  of  that  of  a passing 
steamer.  She  sails  a direct  and  un- 
erring course  to  the  vicinity  of  her  bur- 
row in  the  bank  and  brings  her  cargo 
ashore  at  some  nearby  landing.  She 
hauls  it  up  on  the  bank  and  then  runs 
to  her  hole  to  see  that  all  is  ready.  Then 
she  drags  the  spider  up  the  bank  and 
into  her  burrow,  having  saved  much 
time  and  energy  by  making  use  of  the 
open  waterway. — Professor  J.  G.  Need- 
ham, Ithaca,  New  York,  in  his  “Life  of 
Inland  Waters.” 


The  emerald  hill  this  morning' 

Is  ’broidered  all  in  white, 

Where  dainty  ladies’  tresses 
Have  blossomed  overnight. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


rHE  FLORAL  EMBLEM  OF  THE  AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION  33 


The  Floral  Emblem  of  The  Agassiz 
Association. 

We  gratefully  acknowledge  the  kind- 
ness of  “Photo-Era”  of  Boston,  Massa- 
chusetts, in  lending  us  the  cut  of  the 


Dr.  Shufeldt  Nature  Teacher. 

We  are  pleased  to  note  that  Dr.  R. 
W.  Shufeldt,  well  and  favorably  known 
to  our  readers  from  his  many  interest- 
ing contributions  to  this  magazine,  has 


wonderfully  beautiful,  expressive  and 
dreamy  photograph  of  white  water 
lilies.  This  is  indeed  one  of  the  finest 
portrayals  of  this  beautiful  flower  that 
we  have  ever  seen.  The  hazy  back- 
ground and  the  sharp  foreground  form 
a combination  that  gives  all  the 
photographic  effect  that  can  be  desired. 

Have  any  of  our  camerists  tried  to 
photograph  this  wonderfully  beautiful 
plant  ? 


been  assigned  as  nature  study  teacher 
in  the  Summer  School  of  the  George 
Washington  Universitv,  Washington, 
D.  C. 

Dr.  Shufeldt  is  undoubtedly  stirring 
up  much  interest  among  the  students. 


Oxford  University  is  organizing  an 
expedition  to  Spitzbergen  to  cost  about 
fifteen  thousand  dollars. 


34 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


Useful  Flies. 

Downingtown,  Pennsylvania. 
To  the  Editor: 

Last  winter,  whenever  the  sun  shone 
warm,  our  attic  windows  fairly 
swarmed  with  large  flies,  long  bodied, 
black,  sluggish,  humpbacked  fellows 
with  yellowish  legs  and  wings.  I man- 
aged to  kill  most  of  them  from  time  to 
time,  so  that  very  few  lived  to  con- 
tinue the  tribe  at  our  place.  Since  then 
I have  learned  from  a book,  “Insects 
and  Man,”  that  they  are  good  flies  to 
have  around  one’s  house,  for  their  food 
consists  of  the  larvae  of  the  clothes 
moth  and  of  fleas.  I presume  that  their 
presence  in  such  numbers  was  owing 
to  there  being  so  much  clothing,  so 
many  carpets,  etc.,  stowed  away  in 
the  attic,  but  so  far  as  we  know  there 
are  no  moths  or  fleas  in  the  attic.  I 
think  the  big  flies  kept  us  free  from 
those  destructive  insects.  It  used  to  be 
thought,  as  I have  read,  that  the  larvae 
of  these  flies  fed  on  old  carpets  and 
clothing,  and  hence  it  was  called  the 
carpet  fly. 

Do  not  we  often  destroy  life  through 
ignorance?  It  seems  so.  Better  the 
idea  of  the  Hindu,  who  holds  all  Jife 
to  be  sacred. 

A.  Ashmux  Kelly. 

Of  this  fly  (Scenopinus  fenestralis)  Dr. 
Howard  in  “The  Insect  Book”  states 
as  follows : 

“Its  specific  name,  fenestralis,  is  due 
to  its  window-loving  habit.  The  larvae 
of  these  flies  are  long  and  very  slender, 
white  in  color  and  with  apparently 
many  joints  to  the  body.  They  are  fre- 
quently found  under  carpets  and  in  de- 
caying wood ; also  in  woolen  blankets, 
and  Riley  has  stated  that  he  found  one 
in  human  expectoration.  This,  how- 
ever. was  probably  accidental.  The 
manager  of  a storage  warehouse  no- 
ticed many  of  these  slender,  white 
larvae  under  carpets  sent  in  by  his  cus- 
tomers for  storage.  He  was  worried  at 
their  number,  since  he  supposed  that 
their  presence  might  indicate  the  ad- 
vent of  some  new  kind  of  carpet  moth. 
He  was  assured,  however,  that  they 
were  considered  as  predatory  in  habit, 
and  that  they  feed  upon  clothes  moths 
and  other  insects  found  in  such  places, 
such  as  book-lice.  Nowhere,  however, 
does  there  appear  to  be  any  record  of 
any  definite  observations  on  this  point. 
One  observer  tells  me  that  he  tried  to 


decide  this  question,  but  that  the  in- 
sect intended  for  prey  turned  out  to 
be  more  aggressive  and  ate  up  the 
Scenopinus  larva.  They  are  apparently 
always  especially  abundant,  as  I am 
informed  by  Mr.  Chittenden,  in  the 
sweepings  in  feed  stores,  and  the  flies 
are  always  to  be  found  around  the  win- 
dows in  such  establishments.  The 
probability  is  very  strong  that  they 
feed  upon  such  small,  soft-bodied  in- 
sects as  flour-mites  and  book-lice.  Mr. 
Pergande  tells  me  that  he  has  seen 
them  eat  the  pupae  of  one  of  the  little 
stored-grain  beetles  and  also  disabled 
house-flies  which  he  had  ofifered  them, 
as  well  as  their  comrades  of  their  own 
species.” 


Twin  Water  Elms. 

Albion,  Indiana. 

To  the  Editor. 

I am  sending  you  a photograph  of 
two  large  water  elm  trees  which  are 
completely  grown  together  several  feet 


above  the  ground.  I made  a thirteen 
mile  trip  in  an  automobile  to  photo- 
graph this  tree. 


Rollin  Blackman. 


The  new  Czecho-Slovak  Republic 
has  already  established  its  own  Weath- 
er Bureau  at  Prague. 


The  Heavens  in  August. 

By  Professor  Samuel  G.  Barton  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


THE  constellations  visiblethismonth 
are  shown  on  Figure  i.  The  names 
applied  to  these  groups  of  stars 
have  come  down  to  us  from  days  so  re- 
mote that  no  records  exist  of  times 
when  they  were  not  applied.  A few 
names  were  applied  in  historic  times 
but  they  are  not  those  of  important 


the  constellations  are  named.  In  but  a 
few  cases  is  there  any  apparent  re- 
semblance between  the  arrangement  of 
the  stars  and  the  figure.  In  Figure  2 
are  shown  the  stars  in  Ursa  Major  and 
the  figure  of  the  bear  as  imagined,  so 
far  as  we  can  tell,  by  those  who  called 
this  group  a bear.  It  will  be  seen  that 


WORTH 


Figure  1.  The  constellations  at  9 P.  M.  (Standard  Time),  August  1.  Hold  the  map  so  that  the 
direction  faced  is  at  the  bottom;  that  is,  if  facing  east  hold  east  at  the  bottom  as  south  now  is. 


northern  constellations.  A familiar  pas- 
sage often  cited  to  show  the  age  of  the 
constellations  is  found  in  Job  9:9  in 
which  reference  is  made  to  the  Bear 
(Ursa  Major),  Orion  and  the  Pleiades. 
The  maps  from  ancient  times  show  us 
the  outlines  of  the  figures  from  which 


the  brighter  stars  do  not  lie  at  any  im- 
portant points  in  the  figure.  The  three 
stars  in  the  handle  of  the  dipper  seem 
to  designate  the  tail  of  the  bear,  but  no 
living  bear  has  a tail  such  as  is  found 
in  this  drawing.  The  man  who  drew 
the  bear  was  an  ancient  nature  faker. 


36 


THE' GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


Any  other  drawing  than  a bear  includ- 
ing the  stars  would  fit  the  arrangement 
of  the  stars  as  well.  Yet  these  names 
have  been  applied  to  these  groups  of 
stars  from  the  ancient  times  to  the 
present.  In  earlier  times  stars  were 
often  spoken  of  as  stars  in  certain  parts 


gard  them,  except  for  briefly  naming 
remarkable  stars  as  Alpha  Leonis,  Beta 
Scorpii,  etc.,  by  letters  of  the  Greek 
alphabet  attached  to  them. 

“The  constellations  seem  to  have 
been  almost  purposely  named  and  de- 
lineated to  cause  as  much  confusion  and 


of  the  figure,  thus  Aldebaran  was  the 
eye  of  Taurus  (the  bull)  and  Betelgeux 
was  in  the  shoulder  of  Orion.  This 
method  of  designating  the  position  of 
stars  has  long  since  passed  from  com- 
mon use. 

Sir  John  Herschel  has  aptly  de- 
scribed constellations  as  “uncouth  fig- 
ures and  outlines  of  men  and  monsters 
which  serve  in  a rude  and  barbarous 
way  to  enable  us  to  talk  of  groups  of 
stars,  or  districts  in  the  heavens,  by 
names  which,  though  absurd  and 
puerile  in  their  origin,  have  obtained  a 
currency  from  which  it  would  be  diffi- 
cult to  dislodge  them.  In  so  far  as  they 
have  really  (and  some  have)  any  slight 
resemblance  to  the  figures  called  up  in 
the  imagination  by  a view  of  the  more 
splendid  ‘constellations’  they  have  a 
certain  convenience ; but  as  they  are 
otherwise  entirely  arbitrary,  and  corre- 
spond to  no  natural  subdivisions  or 
groupings  of  the  stars,  astronomers 
treat  them  lightly  or  altogether  disre- 


inconvenience  as  possible.  Innumerable 
snakes  twine  through  long  and  con- 
torted areas  of  the  heavens,  where  no 
memory  can  follow  them  ; bears,  lions 
and  fishes,  large  and  small,  northern 
and  southern,  confuse  all  nomenclature, 
etc.  A better  system  of  constellations 
might  have  been  a material  help  as  an 
artificial  memory.” 

Popular  opinion  has  long  since  de- 
manded groupings  and  names  which 
are  of  real  assistance  in  locating  and 
identifying  the  stars.  In  a few  cases  the 
old  arrangements  are  sufficiently  ap- 
propriate. In  our  map  this  might  be 
said  of  Draco  (the  dragon),  Corona 
(the  crown),  Sagitta  (the  arrow)  and 
Scorpio  (the  scorpion),  assuming  that 
the  long  tail  is  in  view,  and  Serpens 
(the  serpent).  On  the  other  hand  popu- 
lar usage  replaces  Ursa  Major  and  Ursa 
Minor,  the  greater  and  lesser  bears,  by 
the  names,  the  big  and  little  dippers,  be- 
cause the  stars  are  arranged  in  the  form 
of  dippers  and  not  in  the  form  of  bears. 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


37 


So  many  prefer  to  call  Cygnus  (the 
swan)  the  northern  cross  since  the  stars 
are  arranged  in  that  form.  Many  are 
familiar  with  the  great  square  in 
Pegasus,  the  W in  Cassiopeia,  the  A of 
Perseus  and  the  Y of  Aquarius,  etc. 
Many  constellations,  however,  have 
little  resemblance  to  any  familiar 
objects. 

A few  suggestions  along  this  line 
may  be  of  help.  The  head  of  Draco  is 
well  defined.  If.  however,  we  combined 
one  of  the  stars  of  Hercules  with  three 
in  the  head  of  Draco  we  have  a fine 
diamond-shaped  figure  as  shown  in  Fig- 
ure i.  Four  of  the  stars  of  Ophiuchus 
and  Serpens  also  form  a diamond 
including  in  its  area  two  bright 
stars  near  each  other.  These  two  stars 
attract  the  attention  and  serve  as  a 
good  starting  point  for  tracing  out  for 
the  two  constellations,  Ophiuchus  and 
Serpens.  Lyra  is  easily  located  by  rea- 
son of  its  chief  star.  Vega,  the  bright- 


T i / 

! / 
10  X. 

L \ / 


Figure  3.  Resemblance  of  Hercules  to  a 
butterfly. 

est  star  north  of  the  equator.  Two  faint 
stars  form  with  Vega  a triangle  with 
equal  sides,  and  the  southernmost  of 
these  two  stars  with  three  others  form 
a good  parallelogram.  Some  like  to 
locate  Sagittarius  by  the  group  of  stars 
resembling  a little  dipper  shown  on  the 
eastern  side  of  the  constellation  in  Fig- 
ure i.  Aquila  is  easily  identified  from 
the  presence  of  the  brilliant  star,  Altair, 
with  a fainter  companion  on  either  side, 
the  three  stars  lying  nearly  in  a straight 
line.  The  Wye  or  Y of  Aquarius  is 
formed  of  the  four  stars  near  Figure  i. 
Bootes  may  be  found  by  considerin  g it 
as  an  extension  by  fainter  stars  of  the 
handle  of  the  big  dipper.  This  contin- 
uation leads  to  the  very  bright  reddish 
star,  Arcturus,  at  B,  and,  if  extended 
further  still,  leads  to  Spica  in  Virgo  at 
C.  Cephus  lies  between  Ursa  Minor 


and  Cassiopeia.  It  may  be  seen  to  con- 
sist of  a parallelogram  surmounted  by  a 
triangle.  Hercules  is  often  said  to  be 
difficult  to  locate.  It  lies  between 
Corona  and  Lyra.  Some  of  the  brighter 
stars  in  it  are  arranged  somewhat  in 
the  form  of  a capital  H.  The  stars  may 
also  be  looked  upon  as  representing  a 
butterfly  flying  toward  Corona.  This 
idea  is  illustrated  in  Figure  3. 

The  Planets. 

None  of  the  planets  are  shown  on  the 
map.  Jupiter  and  Saturn  are  visible 
low  in  the  west  earlier  in  the  evening. 
Uranus,  invisible  to  the  naked  eye,  is 
in  Aquarius.  It  is  an  evening  star  after 
August  31.  On  August  3 the  earth 
passes  through  the  plane  of  Saturn’s 
rings  for  the  third  and  last  time  during 
the  passage  of  the  plane  of  the  rings 
through  the  earth’s  orbit.  The  earth 
passed  through  the  plane  of  the  rings 
November  5,  1920,  and  February  22, 
1921.  From  August  3 the  rings  will 
begin  to  open.  They  will  open  wider 
and  wider  for  seven  years  and  then  be- 
gin closing.  It  will  be  fifteen  years,  or 
half  of  the  period  of  Saturn’s  revolution 
about  the  sun,  before  they  will  be  seen 
on  edge  again.  When  it  is  seen  again 
in  the  early  evening  next  spring  the 
rings  will  be  opened  enough  to  show 
their  real  character. 


Where  Age  Improves  Germination. 

The  seed  of  some  garden  vegetables 
is  never  saved  by  amateurs  for  the  rea- 
son that  the  plant  is  a biennial,  and 
doesn’t  make  seed  until  the  second  year. 
Cucumber  seed  is  seldom  saved,  prob- 
ably for  another  important  reason,  and 
that  is  the  germination  factor.  Cu- 
cumber seed  only  a year  old  is  charac- 
teristically poor  seed.  Germination 
improves  with  age.  Seed  houses  never 
plan  to  sell  cucumber  seed  which  is  not 
at  least  two  years  old.  Seedsmen,  as 
the  professional  gardener  is  perfectly 
well  aware,  know  that  cucumber  seed  is 
at  its  best  at  three  years ; that  it  is  ex- 
cellent at  five  years.  Not  only  does 
aged  cucumber  seed  have  higher  germi- 
nation, but  it  produces  much  stronger 
plants.  Plant  cucumber  seed  fifteen 
or  even  twenty  years  old,  and  a great 
deal  of  it  often  will  come  up. — Scien- 
tific American. 


A Really  Interested  Friend. 

We  like  the  letters  from  Mr.  Theo- 
dore H.  Cooper  of  Batavia,  Xew  York. 
We  have  been  able  to  publish  some 
things  he  has  written  and  would  gladly 
publish  more  if  we  could  find  room  in 
the  present  crowded  condition  of  The 
Guide  to  Nature. 

Mr.  Cooper  writes  delightfully  of  his 
observations  of  a spider  viewed  under 
a magnifying  glass,  telling  how  it 
moved  first  one  leg  and  then  another 
in  ascending  a “high  cliff’’  on  the  sur- 
face of  a boulder,  seemingly  to  look 
around  like  a man  who  has  climbed  a 
hill  to  get  his  bearings. 

He  concludes  an  extended  letter  of 
interesting  observations  afield  by  tell- 
ing of  a faithful  friend  who  is  always 
interested  in  what  he  is  doing: 

“Very  often  of  late  when  returning 
home  from  the  woods  I pass  a friend, 
whose  picture  I enclose,  who  always 
seems  glad  to  see  me.  and  who  as  yet 
has  not  asked  me  what  profit  I find  in 
tramping  around  the  fields  like  a hobo. 
She  seems  not  so  much  interested  in 
what  I have  found  or  what  I have  to  say 
as  in  myself.” 

(The  picture  enclosed  was  that  of  a 
cow  i) 


The  Ignorance  of  the  Uninterested. 

A “queer-bird”  they  called  him. 

The  neighbors  thought  he  was  a 
vagrant. 

When  a policeman  interrogated  him. 
he  began  to  tell  him  about  some 
cuckoos  or  something  that  the  disin- 
terested “arm  of  the  law”  was  totally 
ignorant  of  and.  for  that  reason, 
asked:  “Do  you  live  around  here?” 
thought  the  “poor  nut”  was  demented. 

With  a snort  of  derision,  the  officer 

“Oh.  no,”  answered  the  old  gentle- 
man. “I’m  living  in  New  York,  but  I 
come  here  every  spring  to  be  with  the 
birds.  I’m  very  fond  of  birds.” 

“Well,”  said  the  officer  bluntly, 
“some  of  the  folks  around  here  are  com- 
plaining. They  think  you’re  a queer 
bird  yourself.” 

“Do  they?”  exclaimed  the  amazed  old 


gentleman.  “How  very  extraordinary 
— here’s  my  card — it  may  explain 
matters.” 

The  card  read:  “Professor  Malcolm 
Ogilvie,  New  York  Ornithological  So- 
ciety, 53  Jane  Street.  New  York.” 

’Twas  ever  thus! 

Years  ago  Bradford  Torrey  describes 
a like  experience  and  it  has  happened 
to  those  interested  in  nature  since  the 
beginning : 

“While  I stood  peering  into  the 
thicket,  a man  whom  I knew  came 
along  the  road  and  caught  me  thus  dis- 
reputably employed. 

“Without  doubt  he  thought  me  a lazy 
good-for-nothing : or  possibly  (being 
more  charitable),  he  said  to  himself, 
‘Poor  fellow ! he’s  losing  his  mind.’ 

“Take  a gun  on  your  shoulder,  and 
go  wandering  about  the  woods  all  day 
long,  and  you  will  be  looked  upon  with 
respect,  no  matter  though  you  kill 
nothing  bigger  than  a chipmunk ; or 
stand  by  the  hour  at  the  end  of  a fishing 
pole,  catching  nothing  but  mosquito- 
bites.  and  your  neighbors  will  think  no 
ill  of  you. 

“But  to  be  seen  staring  at  a bird  for 
five  minutes  together,  or  picking  road- 
side weeds  ! — well,  it  is  fortunate  that 
there  are  asylums  for  ‘the  crazy.’ 

“Not  unlikely  the  malady  will  grow 
on  him  ; and  who  knows  how  soon  he 
may  become  dangerous? 

“Something  must  be  wrong  about 
that  to  which  we  are  accustomed. 

“Blowing  out  the  brains  of  rabbits 
and  squirrels  is  an  innocent  and  de- 
lightful pastime,  as  everybody  knows ; 
and  the  delectable  excitement  of  pull- 
ing half-grown  fishes  out  of  the  pond 
to  perish  miserably  on  the  bank,  that, 
too,  is  a recreation  easily  enough  ap- 
preciated. 

“But  what  shall  be  said  of  enjoying 
birds  without  killing  them,  or  of  taking 
pleasure  in  plants,  which  so  far  as  we 
know,  cannot  suffer  even  if  we  do  kill 
them  ?” 

Another  instance  of  the  same  lack  of 


EDITORIAL 


39 


understanding  through  the  ignorance 
of  disinterestedness,  is  told  in  the 
memoirs  of  Thomas  Bellerby  Wilson, 
a man  of  great  wealth  and  a lover  of 
all  things  in  nature;  a patron  of  the 
Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  and 
donator  of  hundreds  of  thousands  of 
dollars  to  the  cause : 

“During  his  residence  in  New  Lon- 
don (Chester  County,  Penn.,  1833-1841) 
tradition  reports  the  surprise  of  the 
people  in  that  vicinity  when  they  saw 
him  in  his  long  walks  along  the  brooks 
and  through  the  fields,  groves  and 
woods,  with  his  botany  box  on  his  back, 
his  entomological  net  in  his  hands,  the 
handle  of  his  geological  hammer  ex- 
tending from  his  coat-pocket  and  his 
hat  covered  all  around  with  beetles, 
butterflies  and  other  insects  which  he 
had  pinned  thereon.” 

So  the  words  of  that  wise  philosopher 
of  years  gone  by,  Samuel  Johnson,  come 
back  with  added  meaning:  “Nothing 
has  retarded  the  advancement  of  learn- 
ing more  than  the  disposition  of  vulgar 
minds  to  ridicule  and  vilify  that  which 
they  cannot  understand.” — I.  Foster 
Moore  in  editorial  in  the  Bridgeport 
(Conn.)  Post. 

This  reminds  me  of  the  arrest  of  a 
doctor  in  Hartford,  Connecticut,  a few 
years  ago  on  the  supposition  that  he 
was  crazy  because  he  was  out  with  a 
net  at  night  searching  around  the  elec- 
tric lights  for  moths.  It  is  said  that  it 
cost  the  policeman  who  arrested  him  a 
box  of  cigars  when  the  doctor,  who 
fully  appreciated  the  joke,  arrived  at 
the  station  house.  He  was  one  of  the 
most  prominent  physicians  of  Hartford 
but  the  policeman  had  not  before  made 
his  acquaintance. 


A Nest  of  Floating  Bubbles. 

“Aquatic  Life”  publishes  an  interest- 
ing article  on  the  peculiar  nest  of  the 
fighting  fish.  The  little  ones  are 
hatched  within  a nest  of  floating  bub- 
bles, and  should  one  tumble  out  and 
settle  to  the  bottom  of  the  water,  the 
male  fish  sucks  the  recreant  youngster 
into  his  mouth,  goes  near  the  surface  of 
the  water  and  literally  gives  the  little 
fellow  a “blowing  up”  into  his  bed 
again.  We  quote  from  the  article  as 
follows : 

“The  male  blew  a number  of  bubbles 
on  the  top  of  the  water.  Rising  to  the 
surface,  a mouthful  of  air  was  taken 


and  retained  for  two  or  three  seconds, 
during  which  time  it  received  a coat- 
ing of  mucus.  The  bubble  thus  formed 
was  blown  at  the  surface,  and  the 
operation  repeated  until  a circular  mass 


TIIE  FLOATING  BUBBLE  NEST. 


was  produced,  three  inches  in  diameter. 
Another  layer  of  bubbles  was  next 
blown,  which  had  the  effect  of  raising 
the  first  out  of  the  water.  Seven  or 
eight  layers  were  formed  in  all,  but  as 
the  later  bubbles  were  blown  only 
under  the  central  portion,  a dome- 
shaped structure  resulted.  So  viscid  is 
the  secretion  enclosing  the  bubble  that, 
though  exposed  to  the  air  for  ten  or 
twelve  days,  it  still  fulfilled  its  func- 
tion. 


THE  FISH  THAT  MAKES  BUBBLES. 

“On  the  third  day  the  nest  was  com- 
pleted and  breeding  commenced.  * * * 
After  the  eggs  are  extruded  the  male 
takes  up  a position  below  his  mate  and 
secures  them,  to  the  number  of  six  or 
so,  in  his  mouth.  He  there  gives  them 
a coating  of  mucus  and  places  them 
beneath  the  bubbles,  to  which  they  ad- 
here. The  scene  is  re-enacted  until 
from  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hun- 


40 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


dred  eggs  are  produced.  The  female  is 
not  allowed  in  the  vicinity  of  the  float- 
ing nest  when  laying  is  completed,  and 
the  male  is  untiring  in  the  care  of  the 
eggs,  constantly  moving  their  position 
and  recoating  them  with  mucus. 

“On  the  third  day  the  eggs  hatched  ; 
the  young  fishes  remained  beneath  the 
bubbles  for  some  time,  but  occasionally 
showed  a tendency  to  sink.  They  were 
immediately  taken  in  charge  by  the 
watchful  father  and  replaced.  In  a day 
or  two  numbers  disposed  to  leave 
the  shelter  of  the  nest  increased  to  such 
an  extent  that  the  male  could  not  pos- 
sibly secure  them  all,  though  he  fre- 
quently had  seven  or  eight  in  his  mouth 
at  once.  He  would  search  for  them 
most  diligently  at  the  bottom  of  the 
aquarium,  and  securing  some  carry 
them  back  to  the  cradle.  Many  were, 
however,  eaten  by  the  female.” 

Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow  and  daugh- 
ter, Miss  Pearl  Agnes  Bigelow,  spent 
the  month  of  July  in  Kineowatha  Camp 
for  girls  at  Wilton,  Maine.  They  took 
with  them  eleven  girls — Mary  Kane, 
Sound  Beach,  Zora  Cheever,  Green- 
wich, and  nine  from  New  York  and 
New  Jersey.  Several  of  the  girls  are 
from  Miss  Spence’s  School,  New  York 
City,  where  Dr.  Bigelow  has  been  a 
teacher  for  many  years.  Dr.  Bigelow 
also  took  three  boys  to  Camp  Kineo, 
Harrison,  Maine.  He  will  go  to  Camp 
Mystic,  Mystic,  Connecticut,  for  the 
greater  part  of  August,  taking  with  him 
from  New  York  City  one  girl  who  has 
been  with  him  in  camps  in  Maine  and 
New  Hampshire. 


Capturing  a Sturgeon. 

BY  F.  H.  SIDNEY,  WAKEFIELD,  MASS. 

During  the  June  drought  that  caused 
low  water  in  the  streams  of  this  section 
a huge  sturgeon  became  grounded  in 
one  of  the  pools  of  the  Merrimac  River 
at  Lawrence,  Massachusetts.  Thou- 
sands of  people  gathered  on  the  foot- 
bridge and  watched  the  monster  fish 
trying  to  free  itself  until  finally  the 
police  had  to  clear  the  bridge  of  people 
for  fear  of  a collapse  of  the  structure. 

One  man  began  shooting  at  the  stur- 
geon with  a rifle  but  the  fish  and  game 
warden  put  a stop  to  this  as  prohibited 
by  a state  law.  Several  unsuccessful 
attempts  were  made  to  capture  the  fish. 
Three  barrels  of  unslacked  lime  were 


poured  into  the  pool  but  even  that  had 
no  subduing  effect  on  the  fish.  Finally 
several  men  with  spears  and  gaffs 
effected  the  capture. 

The  sturgeon  was  nine  feet  long  and 
weighed  three  hundred  pounds.  The 
captors  placed  it  on  exhibition,  charg- 
ing twenty-eight  cents  a head  to  view 
the  monster,  and  realized  several  hun- 
dred dollars  from  the  venture. 


Robins  Liked  The  House. 

Carpenters  building  a house  in  Rome, 
N.  Y.,  found  that  a robin  had  flown 
through  an  open  window  and  built  a 
nest  over  the  inside  of  a window  casing. 
The  nest  was  destroyed,  but  the  next 
day  a start  was  made  on  a new  one. 

Eight  times  this  was  done,  the  bird 
immediately  starting  a new  nest  as  soon 
as  the  other  was  destroyed.  The  owner 
of  the  house,  hearing  of  the  bird’s 
heroic  efforts  to  build  a home,  and  be- 
ing in  a position  to  know  that  only 
through  heroic  effort  is  a home  possible 
these  days,  ordered  that  the  room  con- 
taining the  nest  be  left  undisturbed 
until  after  the  nesting  season. — N.  Y. 
World. 

English  Sparrows  and  Corn  Pollen. 

BY  MISS  HARRIET  E.  WILSON,  PORT 
MATILDA,  PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  English  sparrow  has  serious 
faults,  among  them  those  of  roosting 
around  the  house  and  on  porches,  and 
of  eating  pea  blossoms,  besides  keeping 
other  birds  away. 

But  they  have  at  least  one  redeem- 
able habit,  that  of  fertilizing  the  corn. 
Two  summers  ago  I observed  a flock 
on  the  blossoms  of  my  sweet  corn 
actively  dusting  themselves.  The  pol- 
len floated  about  like  dust  and,  lighting 
on  the  silk,  produced  an  excellent  yield 
of  good  corn.  Last  summer  I noticed 
a similar  occurrence,  only  the  flock  was 
smaller. 

Some  years  ago  the  bumblebees  had 
to  be  ruthlessly  destroyed  and  the 
clover  seed  proved  a failure  in  many 
localities.  The  bumblebees  fertilized 
the  clover  by  carrying  pollen  from  one 
blossom  to  another. 


Various  persons  have  been  reporting 
in  “Science”  observations  of  rainbows 
by  moonl  ight.  Th  ese  seem  to  be  very 
uncommon,  and  are  usually  described 
as  almost  white. 


AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION 


Established  1875  Incorporated.  Massachust  tts,  1892  Incorporated.  Connecticut.  1910 


The  “Fun”  of  Playing  Chemist. 

BY  THEODORE  IT.  COOPER.  BATAVIA,  N.  Y. 

To  be  made  sweet  and  pure  again  by  the 
chemistry  of  the  soil. — Burroughs. 

When  I was  about  twelve  years  old 
I used  to  look  into  the  laboratory  at 
school  and  gaze  with  awe  at  the  strange 
looking  apparatus  and  instruments  in 
there,  and  wonder  what  could  be  done 
with  them.  I used  to  want  to  pour  out 
some  of  the  magic  liquids  in  those 
bottles  and  see  the  genii  rise  from  them. 
A great  many  men  go  through  life  with 
the  same  ignorance  and  are  awed  by 
anything  more  delicate  than  an  alarm 
clock  or  a monkey  wrench.  To  me  it 
seemed  that  a man  who  knew  how  to 
use  such  delicate  and  complicated  para- 
phernalia must  be  a wizard  and  able  to 
do  wonderful  things.  I wished  to  be 
able  to  do  this  too,  for  we  are  prone  to 
imitate  those  whom  we  admire  or  re- 
spect. 

I noticed  one  round  bottle  with  a 
long  neck  which  was  bent  over  side- 
ways (a  retort,  of  course)  and  asked 
several  men  what  it  was. 

One  old  farmer  said,  “Mebbe  that’s 
for  their  alchemy.” 

“What’s  that?” 

“The  black  art.  A secret  way  of  mak- 
ing medicine  and  very  strange,  very 
strange,”  said  he,  shaking  his  head 
mysteriously. 

I saw  that  I could  learn  nothing  from 
my  acquaintances  so  I went  to  the 
library  and  asked  for  a book  on  al- 
chemy. The  librarian  gave  me  “First 
Steps  in  Scientific  Knowledge,”  and  on 
my  way  home  I learned  the  first  of 
those  “secrets”  and  began  to  see  what 
it  was  all  about.  Numerous  experiments 
in  physics  and  chemistry  were  outlined 
in  the  book  and  I performed  such  of 
these  as  I could.  One  day  I was  boiling 
down  some  salt  and  water  to  see  if  the 
salt  could  really  be  redeemed.  I had 
supposed,  and  I venture  to  say  that 
there  are  a great  many  men  right  now 
that  think  the  same  thing,  that  salt 


when  it  dissolved  became  part  of  the 
water  and  would  go  up  in  steam.  My 
relatives  did  not  take  kindly  to  this  way 
of  spending  my  spare  time,  but  wanted 
me  to  help  with  the  farm  work,  and  in 
this  instance  one  of  them  asked,  “What 
are  you  doing  there?” 

“A  chemical  experiment.  This  is  a 
solution  of  chloride  of  sodium.” 

“Where  did  you  get  it?  Don’t  monkey 
with  that  stuff"  around  here.  You’ll 
blow  the  place  up.” 

1 borrowed  more  books  from  the 
library  and  tried  a great  many  simple 
experiments,  but  as  my  acquaintances 
were  against  it  and  I could  get  no 
money  for  chemicals  or  apparatus,  I 
dropped  my  studies  in  this  line  and  took 
up  astronomy.  But  I left  it  only  tem- 
porarily for  my  interest  in  the  subject 
was  fanned  every  time  I got  a peek  into 
the  laboratory  or  saw  a picture  or  heard 
a reference  made  to  chemistry.  After  a 
lapse  of  five  or  six  years  I began  earn- 
ing money  for  myself  and  I lost  no  time 
in  buying  books,  chemicals,  apparatus. 

There  is  a peculiar  charm  which  ap- 
peals to  me  in  making  some  iodine  crys- 
tals to  look  at  with  my  microscope,  or 
growing  a herd  of  animalcules  in  a test 
tube,  or  in  the  electrolysis  of  water. 
Though  most  of  my  acquaintances 
wonder  what  interest  there  can  be  in  a 
“lot  of  bottles  of  dope”  as  they  call  it, 
I still  continue  to  spend  my  spare  time 
doing  such  things  and  shall  continue 
until  I find  a more  profitable  pursuit 
which  is  just  as  much  “fun.” 


The  game  and  fur  bearing  animals 
of  New  York  State,  if  capitalized,  are 
worth  not  less  than  $53,000,000 ; they 
return  an  annual  dividend  of  more  than 
$3,200,000 ; and  they  cost  the  State  for 
their  protection  and  increase  the  nomi- 
nal sum  of  $182,000.  This  cost  of  pro- 
tection and  increase  is  thus  less  than 
six  per  cent  of  the  annual  dividend. — 
“The  Conservationist.” 


42 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


“Our  Lord’s  Candle.” 

BY  MRS.  FANNIE  E.  BLAKELY,  LOS  ANGELES, 
CALIFORNIA. 

I spent  the  summer  solstice  among 
the  hills,  climbing  the  long  ascent  from 
Los  Angeles  in  the  Richardson  Com- 
pany’s auto  stage  and  alighting  at 
Tujunga  in  the  noon  brightness  of  mid- 
summer day. 

In  California’s  floral  calendar  this  is 
the  festal  time  of  “Our  Lord’s  Candle,” 
the  Spanish  California  name  for  the 


“A  FOUNTAIN  OF  LIVING  ENERGY.” 


yucca,  the  Spanish  needle  or  Spanish 
bayonet  of  Mexico.  On  the  wide  ex- 
panses of  the  mesa,  the  steep  sides  of 
the  foothills,  the  barren  wastes  of  the 
arroyo,  its  immense  sprays  of  flowers 
rise  like  majestic  candles  to  a height  of 
fifteen,  sometimes  twenty,  feet.  Each 
plant  stands  isolated  from  its  fellows 
with  a space  of  a hundred  or  more  feet 
between  it  and  its  nearest  neighbor. 
This  withdrawn  and  solitary  habit  adds 
to  its  dignity  and  impressiveness,  and 
makes  it  visible  at  a great  distance. 
Seen  on  the  farthest  hillsides,  too  re- 
mote for  the  eye  to  distinguish  them  as 
flowers,  they  seem  to  spring  out  of  the 
dark  myrtle  green  of  the  chaparral  like 
jets  of  luminous  foam. 

Standing  near  one  of  these  floral 


giants  that  seems  to  lift  itself  like  a 
great  altar  light  into  the  cloudless  blue 
of  the  sky,  I find  myself  awed  and  silent 
as  in  the  presence  of  a foaming  cascade. 
A cascade  it  is  in  truth,  reversed  and 
upspringing.  a fountain  of  living 
energy. 

In  no  situation  does  the  plant  impress 
me  more  than  when  growing  on  the 
desert  levels  where  the  mountain 
gorges  pour  down  their  storm  floods. 
Here  where  the  water  torn  expanse 
ridged  with  drifts  of  boulders,  gravel 
and  sand,  gleams  under  the  fierce  sub- 
tropical sun  like  the  blanched  ribs  of 
the  world,  this  marvelous  flower  lifts  its 
cream  white  spray  straight  as  a mast 
and  motionless  as  if  carved  in  alabaster, 
springing  up  like  a white  flame  into  the 
white  radiance  of  “the  beautiful,  awful 
summer  day.” 


Transfiguration. 

A few  nights  later,  beside  a small  fire 
we  had  built  in  the  cool  of  evening,  I 
tried  to  tell  old  Donald  something 
about  the  Transfiguration,  how  Christ 
had  gone  up  on  the  mount  with  Peter 
and  John  and  James,  and  what  had  hap- 
pened there. 

“It  wasn’t  that  Christ  himself  was 
actually  changed  as  he  prayed  on  the 
mountain  top,”  I said  to  Donald.  “The 
change  was  in  Peter  and  John  and 
James,  who  in  these  moments  saw 
Christ  with  a new  vision  and  a new 
understanding.  The  Transfiguration 
was  simply  a mental  process  of  their 
own  ; they  saw  clearly  now  where  be- 
fore they  had  been  half  blind.  And  I 
am  wondering  if  this  old  world  of  ours 
wouldn’t  change  for  us  in  the  same  way 
if  we  saw  it  with  understanding,  and 
looked  at  it  with  clean  eyes?” — James 
Oliver  Curwood  in  “God’s  Country.” 


Spiral  Lightning. 

BY  CHARLES  D.  ROMIG.  AUDENRIED,  PENN. 

Some  years  ago  a tall  hemlock  tree 
in  this  place  was  struck  by  lightning. 
On  examination  I found  a neat  spiral 
channel  cut  through  the  bark  from  top 
to  bottom  of  the  tree  trunk.  The  spiral 
or  groove  was  about  two  inches  wide 
and  as  deep  as  the  bark  was  thick.  The 
interesting  part  is  that  this  tree  was 
not  otherwise  damaged.  Usually  the 
result  of  a lightning  stroke  is  a broken 
trunk,  but  here  is  only  the  even  and 
uniform  spiral  cut  in  the  bark. 


LITERAK 


NOTICES 


The  Age  of  Innocence.  By  Edith  Wharton. 
New  York  City:  D.  Appleton  and  Com- 
pany. 

We  call  attention  to  this  book  on  account 
of  its  quaintness  and  delightful  style.  It  is 
mainly  a love  story  but  incidentally  portrays 
customs  in  the  old  times. 


Bird  Stories.  By  Edith  M.  Patch.  With 
Illustrations  by  Robert  J.  Sim.  Boston, 
Massachusetts:  The  Atlantic  Monthly 
Press. 

This  little  volume  is  the  second  in  a series 
of  nature  study  books  by  the  entomologist 
of  the  University  of  Maine,  whose  “Hexa- 
pod Stories”  have  endeared  her  to  many 
little  boys  and  girls.  It  is  intended  for 
slightly  older  children  than  those  for  whom 
the  “Hexapod  Stories”  are  written,  and  con- 
tains a wealth  of  information  in  the  same 
well-chosen  language  so  well  suited  for 
children. 


Trees  of  Indiana.  By  Charles  C.  Deam.  In- 
dianapolis, Indiana:  Division  of  For- 
estry, Department  of  Conservation. 

It  is  pleasing  to  note  the  interest  in  trees 
manifested  in  Indiana.  We  hope  that  that 
interest  will  extend  to  other  states.  The  first 
edition  of  this  book,  ten  thousand  copies, 
was  exhausted  in  about  three  years,  the  sec- 
ond edition  in  1919.  That  there  is  still  a 
demand  for  the  work  is  proved  by  the 
appearance  of  this  issue,  which  has  been 
carefully  revised.  The  result  is  a beautifully 
illustrated,  handsome  and  commendable 
volume. 


The  Melody  of  Earth.  An  Anthology  of 
Garden  and  Nature  Poems  from  Present 
Day  Poets.  Selected  and  Arranged  by 
Mrs.  Waldo  Richards.  Boston,  Massa- 
chusetts: Houghton  Mifflin  Company. 

This  is  a collection  of  comparatively  re- 
cent poems  on  nature.  It  is  divided  into 
chapters  with  special  reference  to  gardens. 
It  also  tells  us  of  wings  and  song,  pastures 
and  hillsides,  lovers  and  roses  and  under- 
neath the  bough.  The  selections  are  well 
made  and  bring  to  the  readers  many  beauti- 
ful productions  not  read’ly  obtainable  else- 
where. In  the  classified  form  the  continuity 
of  the  subject  affords  special  delight. 


Territory  in  Bird  Life.  By  H.  Eliot  Howard. 
With  Illustrations  by  G.  E.  Lodge  and 
H.  Gronvold.  New  York  City:  E P. 
Dutton  and  Company. 

An  investigation  of  the  importance  of 
breeding  territory  in  bird  life.  The  battles, 


so  marked  a feature  of  bird  life  in  the  spring, 
are  shown  to  be  directly  related  to  the  pos- 
session of  territory,  and  the  origin  of  migra- 
tion is  traced  to  the  seasonal  competition  for 
territory. 

The  author’s  conclusions  have  an  impor- 
tant bearing  on  various  biological  problems, 
and  are  supported  with  a wealth  of  per- 
sonal observations  showing  much  skill  and 
knowledge. 


Nantucket  Wild  Flowers.  By  Alice  O.  Al- 
bertson. New  York  and  London:  G.  P. 
Putnam’s  Sons. 

This  book  is  for  the  many  friends  of 
flowers  who  live  in  Nantucket,  for  others 
who  have  felt  the  lure  of  this  happy  hunthig 
ground;  for  all  who  find  pleasure  in  the  dis- 
tinct and  varied  flora  of  that  unique  island. 


Secrets  of  Earth  and  Sea.  By  Sir  Ray 
Lankester.  New  York  City:  The  Mac- 
millan Company. 

This  volume  is  a successor  to  “Science 
from  an  Easy  Chair”  (Series  I and  II)  and 
“Diversions  of  a Naturalist”  by  the  same 
author.  It  is  a collection  with  some  re- 
visions and  additions  of  articles  that  have 
been  published  in  periodicals.  It  therefore 
has  the  delightful  variety  of  a scrapbook 
with  a little  more  of  continuity.  The  pub- 
lishers tell  us  that  the  chapters  form  a 
seres  that  will  enable  the  reader  to  take  a 
wide  view  beyond  the  ordinary  history  of 
the  last  three  or  four  thousand  years,  going 
back  to  the  emergence  of  man  from  the 
manlike  apes,  back  to  the  time  of  the  big 
animals,  cave  drawings  and  primitive  cere- 
monies. The  book  answers  such  questions 
as,  How  did  Swastika  come  to  be.  What  is 
the  biggest  beast  on  earth,  and  Why  is  the 
water  blue.  The  reading  ;s  rather  scrapoy, 
yet  it  is  entertaining.  The  casual  reader 
would  doubt  the  assertion  that  the  book 
affords  a consistent  synopsis,  since  it  ram- 
bles about  much  like  ordinary  conversation, 
one  interesting  item  suggesting  another 
somewhat  remote. 


Treasure  Mountain.  By  Edna  Turpin.  New 
York  City:  The  Century  Company. 

It  is  hard  to  imagine  the  girl  who  would 
not  enjoy  this  exciting,  rapidly  moving  tale 
of  life  among  the  mountain  whites  of  Vir- 
ginia. The  fifteen  year  old  heroine  is  camp- 
ing with  a party  of  friends  on  the  shores 
of  a mountain  lake.  She  climbed  up  a dan- 
gerous cliff  on  the  edge  of  a waterfall  after 
an  orange  colored  orchid  and  almost  lost 
her  life  in  doing  so,  but  lived  to  regret  her 


44 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


foolhardy  and  thoughtless  destruction  of 
this  beautiful  and  rare  plant. 

Through  the  influence  of  the  leaders  of  the 
camp  a band  of  young  people  called  .“Flower 
Friends”  was  organized,  and  they  devoted 
themselves  to  transplanting  and  replanting 
some  of  the  rarer  native  plants  of  the  region 
to  suitable  localities.  It  is  not  stated  whether 
they  succeeded  with  all  of  them,  but  the 
cardinal  flower,  Indian  pipe,  grass-of-Par- 
nassus,  ferns,  etc.,  were  some  of  the  plants 
with  which  they  experimented.  It  is  doubt- 
ful if  the.  Indian  pipe,  wrhich  is  a true  para- 
site. could  be  successfully  transplanted.  In 
fact,  much  of  the  d;fficulty  with  orchids, 
arbutus,  laurel,  rhododendron,  hemlocks, 
etc.,  is  due  to  the  fact  that  there  are  sym- 
biot  c fungi  on  their  roots  and  they  require 
sour  soil  and  no  manure  or  cultivat’on. 

The  Garden  clubs  of  America  are  advo- 
cating the  making  of  wild  flower  gardens, 
but  it  is  a question  whether  the  protection 
of  the  natural  habitats  would  not  be  best  — 
E’izabeth  G.  Button,  Secretary-Treasurer 
Wild  Flower  Preservation  Society  of 
America. 


God’s  Country.  The  Trail  to  Flappiness.  By 
James  Ol’ver  Curwood.  New  York  City: 
Cosmopolitan  Book  Corporation. 

I suggested  to  the  pub’ishers  that  they 
send  us  an  editorial  copy  of  this  book  on 
account  of  my  belief  that  it  will  interest  our 
readers.  I was  impelled  to  do  this  by  reason 
of  an  enthusiastic  telephone  message  from 
one  of  our  friends  who  has  discovered  that 
he  is  livng  in  God’s  Country,  and  that  he  is 
fa’thfully  following  the  trail  to  happiness. 
The  author  maintains  that  he  has  found  the 
heart  of  nature.  He  has.  It  has  opened  it- 
self to  him.  He  has  learned  much  of  its 
language.  But  he  came  to  th  s understand- 
ing through  appalling  adventures  and  much 
bloodshed  as  a hunter  of  big  animals  in  the 
wild.  He  has  learned  to  appreciate  the  im- 
portance of  life  in  every  form  and  is  now 
trying  to  give,  as  he  states,  a c'earer  vision 
of  what  has  happened  hi  recent  vears:  “The 
mad  cuesting  of  a thousand  milh'on  people 
for  a spiritual  thing  which  thev  cannot  find.” 

Amidst  a mu'tiplicitv  of  religions  he  says 
that  he  has  found  one  that  fills  the  soul  with 
faith  and  confidence.  There  are  many  asser- 
t;ons  in  the  book  which  some  of  us  cannot 
accept  but  it  is  consistent  in  his  claim: 
“Nature  is  God.  It  is  God  that  lives  in  the 
rose,  in  the  violet,  in  the  tree,  just  as  he 
lives  in  the  heart  of  man.  It  is  God  that 
breathes  in  the  grass  which  makes  the  earth 
sweet  to  tread  upon,  and  it  is  God  that  lives 
in  the  song  of  birds.  His  ‘Ffe’  is  all-en- 
compassing, the  vital  spark  of  all  existent 
things.”  The  author  advances  a long  step 
farther  than  John  Burroughs  in  his  “Accept- 
ing the  Universe.”  Instead  of  denying  the 
existence  of  God,  he  accepts  all  nature  as 
God.  He  closes  his  argument  with  these 
thoughtful  words: 

“Yes:  the  world  is  crying  aloud  for  a great 
faith,  even  as  it  smashes  itself  into  moral 
fragments  on  the  rocks  of  its  own  egoism 
and  its  own  selfishness.  But  there  has  come 
a rent  in  its  armor,  and  as  it  commits  crimes 
and  plans  for  st'll  greater  crimes,  it  also 
begins  to  realize  its  colossal  wickedness. 


And  in  its  terror  it  shrieks  aloud  for  a mani- 
festation of  the  Divine  Power.  It  demands 
proof. 

“And  aga’n  I say  that  the  proof  is  so 
near  that  the  world  looks  over  its  head — 
and  does  not  see  it.  Not  until  man’s  egoism 
crumbles  will  he  understand.  For  ghosts 
will  not  come  back  from  the  dead  to  quiet 
his  frenzies,  nor  will  angels  descend  from 
out  of  the  heavens.  The  Divine  Power  is 
too  great  and  all-encompassing  for  that. 
God,  speaking  of  that  power  as  God,  is  not 
a trickster.  He  is  not  a mountebank.  He  is 
not  a lawyer  arguing  his  case.  He  is  Life. 
And  this  Life  That  Never  Dies  has  no  favor- 
ites. Such  is  my  humble  faith.” 

As  a kind  of  benediction  he  describes  an 
old  unpainted  farmhouse  in  a little  sleepy 
valley  that  he  loves  and  wherein  dwell  an 
aged  couple  in  poverty  and  in  suffering,  yet 
in  that  house  there  are  happmess  and  true 
fa'th.  Fie  says  that  all  nature  seems  to  re- 
joice in  that  faith,  that  the  birds  build  their 
nests  under  the  porches  and  there  is  melody 
in  the  trees.  He  asserts  that  faith  in  the 
goodness  of  nature  is  an  equivalent  to  faith 
in  God  and  is  what  all  mankind  needs. 

“Here  are  suffering — and  peace;  few  of 
the  riches  of  man,  but  an  unlimited  wealth 
of  contentment  and  faith.  These  two,  pris- 
oned to  the  end  of  their  days,  have  found 
what  all  the  world  is  seeking.  The  little  old 
house  of  the  hollow,  even  with  its  -tragedy, 
is  glad.  And  life  has  made  it  so,  the  under- 
standing of  life,  the  voice  and  living  presence 
of  life  as  it  whispers  about  me  now  in  the 
golden  sheen  of  Indian  summer.” 


Waiting  in  the  Wilderness.  By  Enos  A. 
Mills.  Garden  City,  New  York:  Double- 
day, Page  & Company. 

Like  his  previous  book,  “Adventures  of  a 
Nature  Guide,”  this  is  a tale  of  life  among 
the  peaks  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  its  pri- 
vations and  dangers,  its  beauty,  its  adven- 
ture— and  its  peace.  Again  Enos  A.  Mills 
opens  for  us  a window  upon  the  cool  vistas 
of  nature  and  lets  in  a draught  of  refreshing 
mountain  air. 

It  is  full  of  Mr.  Mills’  delightful  and 
characteristic  humor. 

If  you  love  the  outdoors,  if  you  enjoy 
writing  that  stirs  and  stimulates  and  keeps 
you  absorbed,  even  though  it  is  not  fiction, 
you  will  like  this  book. 

To  a Fern. 

BY  CHARLOTTE  E.  SMITH,  GREENWICH,  CONN. 

O beaut'ful  fern,  all  day 
By  the  brook  you  wave  and  turn 
In  the  wind,  in  the  wind; 

All  day  you  turn  your  head 
In  your  cool  and  shady  bed, 

Little  fern,  little  fern. 

O dear  little  fern,  when  I saw  you  last 
You  were  small  and  half  hidden 
In  the  moss  and  the  grass, 

But  now  you’re  straight  and  tall, 

The  loveliest  fern  of  all, 

At  last,  at  last! 


PUBLISHERS 


P 

NOTICES 


’Tis  not  in  mortals  to  COMMAND  success,  but  we’ll  do  more,  we’ll  DESERVE  IT. — Addison. 


The  Low  Price  of  Milk. 

Considered  merely  as  a beverage,  and 
a mighty  good  beverage  it  is,  aside 
from  its  food  value,  there  is  much  to 
be  said  and  has  been  said  in  favor  of 
milk. 

But  from  one  point  of  view  a fact 
that  stands  out  conspicuously  I have 
not  seen  mentioned.  This  is  a wonder 
especially  when  we  remember  the  jokes 
that  have  been  tossed  at  the  dairyman 
about  the  pump  and  the  well  in  connec- 
tion with  milk.  Isn’t  it  astonishing  that 
ginger  ale,  sarsaparilla  and  other  so- 
called  “soft  drinks’’  should  cost  more 
than  milk?  How  is  it  that  a pint  of 
ginger  ale  is  sold  for  twenty  cents  and 
a quart  of  milk  for  fifteen?  Certainly 
the  small  amount  of  ginger  and  flavor- 
ing and  sugar  should  be  cheaper  than 
the  slow  and  laborious  process  of  rais- 
ing the  cows  through  two  or  three 
years  of  nonproduction,  then  giving 
them  the  assiduous  attention  they 
should  have,  extracting  the  milk  by  a 
slow  process,  delivering  it  at  the  un- 
canny hours  of  the  early  morning, 
working  perpetually  with  ice  under 
sanitary  conditions,  then  selling  it  for 
less  than  half  the  price  of  soft  drinks 
that  require  seemingly  not  one-tenth 
the  labor  and  cost.  It  behooves  every 
manufacturer  of  soft  drinks  to  explain 
why  plain  water,  a little  flavoring,  a 
little  sugar  with  no  special  expense  for 
handling  should  cost  twice  as  much  as 
the  best  milk. 

We  have  recently  had  a milk  week  in 
which  we  were  urged  for  the  benefit  of 
our  health  to  drink  more  milk.  One 
argument  that  might  have  been  used, 
and  it  seems  to  be  a good  one,  is  that 
milk  should  be  used  universally  until 
these  ginger  ale  manufacturers  reduce 
their  prices  to  a reasonable  figure.  A 
duty  that  they  owe  to  the  public  is  to 
explain  why  things  are  thus  and  so.  To 
any  one  who  looks  at  the  subject  im- 
partially, it  would  seem  reasonable  that 


milk  should  cost  at  least  six  times 
more  than  a little  flavored  water  that 
needs  no  ice  nor  special  care  to  preserve 
it.  Jokes  are  out  of  order  against  the 
dairyman  for  he  can  discard  the  pump 
and  the  well  and  beat  them  both  hands 
down — milking  into  a pail. 

I enjoy  and  greatly  appreciate  The 
Guide  to  Nature  and  consider  it  one  of 
the  most  important  magazines  pub- 
lished, as  its  message  is  so  great  and 
yet  simple  enough  to  be  understood  by 
every  one. — Mrs.  R.  S.  Slater,  North- 
port,  New  York. 


A Letter  of  Appreciation. 

Stamford,  Connecticut. 
To  the  Editor : 

I have  been  asked  by  the  faculty  and 
students  of  the  Merrill  Business  Col- 
lege to  perform  the  pleasant  duty  to 
address  these  lines  to  you,  to  thank 
you  and  the  Misses  Nellie  and  Pearl 
Bigelow  for  the  great  kindness  shown 
us  during  our  recent  visit  to  ArcAdiA. 

There  are  times  when  the  heart  is 
not  capable  of  furnishing  the  words 
that  should  be  used,  and  I find  myself 
in  that  position  today,  knowing  that 
words  can’t  express  even  part  of  our 
gratitude  to  you.  We  are  sure  that  the 
goodness  of  your  nature  alone  prompts 
you  to  act  kindly,  and  not  the  hope  for 
anything  like  a return  ; but  we  trust 
you  will  accept  this  token  of  apprecia- 
tion from  those  who  spent  a pleasant 
day  in  the  Home  of  Mother  Nature, 
thanks  to  your  kind  and  generous  heart. 

Though  the  time  flies  and  the  years 
of  our  life  are  passing  along  like  the 
passing  of  a summer  breeze,  like  the 
melting  of  the  morning  dew  in  the  gar- 
dens of  ArcAdiA,  yet  the  waves  of  time 
can’t  carry  away  impressions  like  those 
of  the  day  we  spent  in  the  Home  of 
The  Agassiz  Association,  as  they  are 
carved  deeplv  in  our  memory. 

THE  MERRILL  BUSINESS  COLLEGE, 
By  lames  Cookorelos. 


X 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


In  the  Home  of  The  Agass'z  Association. 

(Written  on  the  clay  the  Merrill  Business 
College  students  visited  ArcAdiA.) 

Our  life  is  much  like  a railroad, 

Just  a right-of-way  and  two  streaks  of 
rust, 

There  are  no  return  tickets  issued. 

And,  of  course,  make  the  trip  we  must. 
Onward  we  travel  so  swiftly, 

Nor  linger  we  by  the  way 
To  see  in  all  God’s  creations 
The  beauties  of  just  one  day. 

I’ll  tell  you  of  a trip  we  made — 

It  won’t  take  very  long — 

To  dear  old  Dr.  Bigelow’s  place, 

Just  five  and  forty  strong. 

We  were  students  of  Merrill  College, 
Invited  to  spend  the  day 
At  the  ArcAdiA,  to  study  Nature 
And  learn  of  the  wonderful  way 
She  has  of  revealing  her  secrets 

Of  Life’s  mysteries.  The  tint  and  the  glow 
Is  found  in  the  tiniest  insect 
That  lives  where  the  Calamus  grow. 

We  left  the  “ArcAdiA  Special”  at  the  corner 
And  walked  slowly  down  the  street, 
Passed  the  sign  that  bade  us  “Welcome,” 
Which  assured  us  we  need  not  retreat. 
W£  were  greeted  in  “Little  Japan”  by  the 
Doctor; 

And  the  clasp  of  his  hand  made  us  feel 
We  were  boys  and  girls  of  one  family; 

One  Father,  One  World,  and  One  Ideal. 

He  talked  to  us  there  for  a little  while, 

Then  led  us  out  under  the  trees, 

And  gave  us  a wonderful  demonstration 
Of  what  love  can  do  with  the  bees. 

Some  had  the  courage  to  follow  him 
Close  to  the  bees  and  their  hives, 

While  others  remained  far  in  the  back 
Ready  to  make  a dash  for  their  lives. 

The  Misses  Leary,  Epstein  and  Bennett, 
Messrs.  Carlson,  Skiba,  Chick  and  Alfau, 
Miss  Hecht,  Miss  Spesha,  were  the  true 
students 

Of  Nature;  understanding  Love  and  its 
law. 

The  bees  buzzed  love  in  their  ears, 

Crawled  affectionately  on  their  clothes, 
They  played  with  them  fondly,  but  the  noise 
they  made 

Seemed  to  those  in  the  background  a 
warning  to  go. 

It  was  a wonderful  lesson  Dr.  Bigelow 
taught  us — 

For  long  in  our  memory,  I know,  it  will 
cling — 

Of  a love  so  real,  so  true,  so  divine, 

That  could  rob  a bee  of  its  sting. 

Then  for  a trip  to  the  swamp  we  started, 
Where  the  lilies  love  to  grow, 

Mr.  Bullfrog  blinked  us  a greeting, 

And  an  invitation  to  go 
Right  into  the  heart  of  the  swamp, 

To  the  place  they  call  “The  Retreat,” 


Where  huckleberry  bushes  grow  up  high 
And  ferns  and  sweet  grass  at  our  feet. 

We  lingered  a while  in  this  Sanctum  Sanc- 
torum, 

Not  a sound  of  the  outside  world  was 
heard, 

The  leaves  of  the  trees  preached  a sermon — 
Like  Jack  in  the  Pulpit,  they  said  not  a 
word — 

But  we  heard  with  the  ears  of  a nature-lover 
The  rustle  of  the  leaves  on  the  trees, 

And  the  fragrance  of  the  sweet-fern  con- 
vinced us 

That  Life,  not  Death,  is  all  mysteries. 

The  path  led  us  back  to  the  pavilion 
Where  the  tables  were  set  for  our  lunch. 
We  were  all  very  happy,  but  hungry — 

A hungry,  frolicing,  rollicking  bunch — 
The  boys  cut  the  wood  and  made  the  fire, 
And  the  girls  cook  the  “goods”  on  the 
grill— 

And  but  for  the  thunder,  the  storm  and  the 
lightning, 

We  might  have  been  lingering  there  still. 

• — Jean  Dawless. 

The  Guide  to  Nature  is  always- 
looked  forward  to  and  its  contents  so 
beautifully  arranged  the  writer  could 
not  offer  any  suggestion  only  to  say  we 
hope  every  home  is  subscribing. — Mrs. 
Alida  J.  Cumming,  Sound  Beach,. 
Connecticut. 


Get  your  meats  and  poultry  tender, 
Roasts  or  fries  or  stew  or  bakes ; 

And  for  trimmings  we  can  serve  you, 
Nearly  everything  it  takes. 

Did  you  ever  try  our  sea  food  ? 

Clams  or  oysters,  smelt  or  cod, 

Eat  the  best,  like  many  others. 

Now  is  the  time  and  here  the  shop. 
There^s  another  fact  w'e’ll  tell  you, 

R ight  and  just  we  always  are  ; 

And  we’ll  send  you  what  you  ask  for,. 
Let  your  home  be  near  or  far. 

Make  a promise  that  you’ll  try  us, 

And  a promise  we  will  make ; 

Ready,  we  will  always  serve  you, 
Keeping  quality  up  to  date ; 

Ending  now  our  little  poem, 

Take  our  tip,  purchase  now,  don’t  wait. 

Phones  2550,  2551,  2552. 

486  Main  Street,  Stamford,  Conn. 

Five  per  cent  discount  for  cash  and  carry. 


We  clearly  understand  Einstein’s 
theory  that  the  universe  is  finite — or 
we  think  we  do — but  what  puzzles  us 
is:  What’s  outside  of  it? — New  York 
Call. 


XI 


One  of  the  fly-eating  bats  will  con- 
sume twenty  or  thirty  flies  at  each 
meal,  catching  them  as  it  flies  along 
and  eating  them  while  still  on  the  wing. 

WANTED:  A GIFT  OF  $5,000. 

Forty-six  years  of  youthful  activities 
— we  are  the  Association  that  never 
grows  old  or  out  of  date. 

Forty-six  years  of  dependence  upon 
the  living — we  have  never  deprived  any 
one  of  the  joy  and  satisfaction  of  seeing 
how  contributed  money  was  spent,  thus 
inciting  to  repeated  gifts  from  nearly 
every  one. 

Though  death  has  taken  from  us 
many  of  our  most  liberal  contributors, 
we  have  superlative  faith  that  some- 
where will  be  found  the  one  to  give  us 
the  five  thousand  dollars  to  be  used  in 
a detailed  plan  under  the  personal  ap- 
proval of  the  contributor. 

We  make  moderate  amounts  of 
money  go  a long  way.  We  point  with 
pride  to  every  detail  of  our  record  of 
almost  a half  century.  There  have  been 
only  two  managers  of  The  Agassiz  As- 
sociation, the  former  for  thirty-two 
years,  the  present  for  fourteen,  and 
neither  has  received  salary  for  the 
executive  management  of  The  AA. 

No  other  charitable  and  educational 
organization  has  a better  Board  of 
Trustees.  They  represent  a wide  range 
of  territory  and  interests — characteris- 
tic of  The  AA. 


The  United  States  Post  Office  De- 
partment at  Washington  carefully  in- 
vestigated The  Agassiz  Association  and 
because  of  its  altruistic,  educational  and 
noncommercial  purposes  awarded  a 
special  low  rate  of  postage  to  its  official 
magazine. 

The  Treasury  Department  Internal 
Revenue  also  carefully  investigated  and 
exempts  from  income  tax  The  Agassiz 
Association  and  all  gifts  to  it. 

We  have  gladly  and  freely  helped 
many  other  organizations  in  their  na- 
ture interests.  We  untiringly  render 
free  services  at  ArcAdiA  to  rich  and 
poor,  young  and  old.  To  us  come  a wide 
range  of  visitors.  Our  correspondents 
include  every  phase  of  humanity. 

We  invite  detailed  investigation. 

We  need  and  merit  a gift  of  $5,000. 
Do  it  now.  Do  not  wait  until  you  are 
dead.  We  want  to  give  the  donor  the 
joy  and  satisfaction  of  knowing  just 
how  advantageously  the  money  will  be 
expended. 

We  always  have  been  a lively  organ- 
ization for  the  living,  by  the  living. 

Faithfully  yours, 

Edward  F.  Bigelow, 
President  The  Agassiz  Association,  Inc. 


The  Agassiz  Association  and  Gifts  to  it  are  FREE  from  Income  Taxes. 
TREASURY  DEPARTMENT 
Internal  Revenue  Service 

Hartford,  Conn.,  April  13,  1921. 

Office  of  the  Collector,  District  of  Connecticut. 

Agassiz  Association,  Inc.,  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

SIRS: 

With  further  reference  to  your  letter  of  February  28th,  1921,  you  are  advised  that 
the  Commissioner  of  Internal  Revenue  at  Washington,  D.  C.\  has  considered  all  facts 
as  presented  relative  to  the  activities  of  your  association  and  has  decided  that  you  are 
exempt  from  the  filing  of  income  tax  returns  under  the  provisions  of  the  Revenue  Act  of 
1918. 

The  Commissioner  has  further  stated  that  amounts  contributed  to  your  association 
by  individuals  may  be  deducted  in  the  income  tax  returns  of  said  individuals  to  the  extent 
provided  in  Section  214  (a)  (’ll)  of  the  Revenue  Act  of  1918. 

Very  truly  yours, 

JAMES  J.  WALSH,  Collector. 


XII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


EVERY  paper  in  The  Lindenmeyr  Lines  is  a good  paper  because 
it  comes  from  a good  mill,  because  it  has  passed  all  the  tests 
of  our  experts  and  because  it  sells  at  a fair  price. 

The  Lindenmeyr  Lines  include  Warren’s  Standard  Printing 
Papers,  Strathmore  Expressive  Papers,  Buckeye  Covers,  Old  Hamp- 
shire Bond,  Brookdale  Linen  Bond,  Princess  Covers,  Neapolitan 
Covers,  Wonderfold  Enameled  and  other  well  liked  papers. 

H enry  Lindenmeyr  & Sons 

ESTABLISHED  1859 

32-34-36  Bleeckcr  Street,  NEW  YORK. 


80-84  Clinton  St. 
NEWARK,  N.  J. 


16-18  Beekman  St. 

NEW  YORK. 


58-60  Allyn  St. 
HARTFORD,  CONN. 


“Science”  for  April  22,  1921.  has  for 
its  initial  article  a long  account  of  Sher- 
burne Wesley  Burnham,  the  astron- 
omer, who  died  last  spring  at  the  age 
of  eighty-three.  The  interesting  point 
in  his  career  for  readers  of  The  Guide 
to  Nature  is  that  he  was  entirely  self- 
taught,  having  hardly  more  than  a dis- 
trict school  education.  He  worked  most 
of  his  life  as  a court  stenographer  and 
clerk.  He  became  interested  in  astron- 
omy shortly  after  he  was  twenty  and 
by  the  time  he  was  thirty-two  he  had 
gone  far  enough  with  his  chosen  science 
to  buy  himself  a six  inch  glass  and  be- 
fore he  was  thirty-six  he  was  pub- 
lishing: through  the  Royal  Astronomical 
Society  and  corresponding  with  pro- 
fessional astronomers  all  over  Europe. 
Later  he  was  on  the  staffs  of  both  the 
Lick  and  the  Yerkes  Observatories, 
where  he  did  much  of  his  work  with  the 
two  largest  glasses  in  the  world  be- 
tween Saturday  night  and  Monday 
morning  and  on  his  other  holidays,  do- 
ing a full  week’s  work  between.  His 
special  field  was  double  stars  but  he 
was  the  first  to  see  Halley’s  comet  on 
its  return  in  1909.  It  all  shows  what  a 
student  of  nature  can  do  if  only  he  uses 
his  spare  time. 


ORCHIDS 

We  are  specialists  in  this  kind  of  plants. 
We  collect,  import  and  grow  orchids  from 
all  parts  of  the  world  where  orchids  grow. 

We  will  be  glad  to  fill  your  order  for 
one  plant  or  a thousand  according  to  your 
requirements. 

Our  beautiful  Catalogue  and  special 
lists  on  application. 

LAGER  & HURRELL, 

Orchid  Growers  and  Importers 
SUMMIT,  N.  J. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


XIII 


dodhous^ren  A simmer  home  ! 

4 compartments,  28  All  song  birds  raise  two,  and 
inches  high,  18  inches  usually  three,  broods  of  young 
in  diameter.  each  year,  selecting  a new  nest- 

ing site  for  each  brood  of  young, 
so  if  your  houses  are  put  out 
now  they  are  sure  to  be  occupied. 

DODSON  HOUSES 

win  the  birds.  Built  by  a bird- 
lover  who  has  spent  a lifetime 
studying  their  habits  and  how  to 
attract  them  to  beautiful  Bird 
Lodge,  his  home  on  the  Kan- 
kakee River. 

Free  Bird  Book  sent  on  re- 
quest. illustrating  Dodson  Line, 
giving  prices;  also  beautiful  col- 
ored bird  picture  free. 

JOSEPH  H DODSON 

Pres.  American  Audubon  Ass’tt. 

714  S.  HARRISON  AVE., 
KANKAKEE.  ILL. 

Dodson  Sparrow  Trap  guaranteed  to  rid  your  community 
of  these  quarrelsome  pests.  Price  $8.00. 


Girl  Scouts  camp,  hike  and  live  close  to 
Nature.  Read  about  their  good  times  in 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 

A Magazine  for  Girl  Scouts  and  Girls 
who  love  Scouting. 

The  American  Girl  will  bring  you  suggestions 
for  parties — stories  and  other  things  besides. 

Send  for  sample  copy  to 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 
189  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City. 

$1.50  a year  — Single  copy  15c 

I am  not  advocating  “nature-faking," 
or  sentimentality,  or  aestheticism,  or 
any  other  mode  of  thought  or  habit  of 
mind  which  passes  for  “love  of  nature” 
but  is  really  a form  of  self-indulgence. 

I am  only  suggesting  that  the  time  has 
come  when  societies  for  the  Prevention 
of  Cruelty  to  Animals  should  make  way 
for  societies  for  the  Promotion  of 
Friendship  with  Animals;  when  the 
test  of  a nature-lover  should  not  be 
whether  he  knows  a golden-crowned 
kinglet  when  he  sees  one,  but  whether 
he  can  love  a barnyard  rooster  as  a 
friend,  not  merely  as  a prospective 
roast ; when  the  test  of  a dog-lover 
should  be,  not  whether  he  can  love  a 
pampered,  pedigreed  winner  of  blue 
ribbons,  but  whether  he  can  love  what 
Sydney  Smith  called  an  extraordinarily 
ordinary  dog ; and  the  test  of  a citizen 
of  the  world  should  be  whether  he 
feels,  not  only  his  brotherhood  with 
men,  but  his  brotherhood  with  every 
lowliest  creeping  thing  that  lives  and 
eats  and  dies  on  the  earth. — By  Robert 
M.  Gay.  in  “The  Atlantic  Monthly.” 


What  will  the 
negative  stow? 

There’s  density  and  definition;  detail  in 
high  lights  and  shadows;  correctness  of 
perspective;  color  value — consider  all 
these.  For  the  negative  can  show  only 
what  the  lens  throws  upon  it.  And  any 
picture  worth  taking  at  all  is  worth  tak- 
ing as  well  as  it  can  be  taken.  In  other 
words,  take  it  with  one  of  the 

BAUSCH  & LOMB 
PHOTOGRAPHIC  LENSES 

In  poor  light — cloudy  or  rainy  outdoors, 
on  porches  or  indoors — good  snapshots 
— better  than  many  a time  exposure — can 
be  made  easily  through  Bausch  & Lomb 
Tessar  Anastigmats  (Ic,  f:4.5  or  lib 
f:6.3).  And  in  bright  sunlight  they  stop 
the  fastest  action  blurlessly. 

Ask  your  dealer  to  put  Tessar 
Anastigmat  on  your  camera. 
Then  you  will  see  how  pleasur- 
able photography  can  be. 

Bausch  £?  Lomb  Optical  (5. 

NEW  YORK  WASHINGTON  SAN  FRANCISCO 

Chicago  ROCHESTER.  N- Y.  London 

Leading  American  Makers  of  Photo- 
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Gun  Sights  for  Army  and  Navy,  Search- 
light Reflectors,  Stereo-Prism  Binoculars, 
Magnifiers  and  Other  High  Grade  Optical 
Products. 


XIV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


BEGINNER’S  BEEKEEPING  OUTFIT 


MEDINA, 

OHIO 


THE  A.  I.  ROOT  COMPANY 

Write  to  either  address  for  details. 


23  LEONARD  ST., 
,NEW  YORK  CITY 


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LENS 

$79 

Features: 

Self  Capping  Shutter 
Automatic  Setting 
Revolving  Back 
Self  Eredting  Hood 
Rising  Front 
Cooke  Lens  5 in.  Focus 

Circular  on  Request 

Charles  G.  Willoughby,  Inc. 

110  West  32d  Street,  New  York 


'Direct 

flRT 

Service. 


Established 
15 

YEARS. 


C-lHjlhnu's 

I .Tortu-liro  Duane  St.  I 

* .lieu'  IJork  j 

Telephone  :Vorth  1945 

111 

‘DesiOner)  llu^  trator 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XV 


An  Artists'  Drawing  Crayon 

The  box  pictured  contains 
24  crayons  of  the  very  best 
quality.  For  artists  and 
Students  of  Nature,  to  be 
used  for 
sketching  and 
general  color 


“Crayola”  is 
put  up  in  all  de- 
sirable styles 
of  packing,  6 
to  24  colors  in 
a box. 


Color  charts  and 
catalog  on  request. 


Now  in  Three  Sizes 

GOERZ 

Rollfilm 
Tenax 

(l'/l  s 2^  inches ) 
(2%  x 3 \\  inches ) 
(i'/s  x 454  inches) 


We  have  just 
added  a new  size 
(3’/i  x 4J4)  in  this 
compact  and  light 
hand  camera.  Each 
has  the  same  novel 
features  and  high 
grade  construction 
that  has  made  the 
Tenax  so  popular. 
But  whatever  the  size,  you  are  assured  of  brilliant, 
sharp  pictures,  for  the  lenses  used  are  either  the 
Goerz  Anastigmat  Dogmar  F:4.5,  Dagor  F:6.8  or 
the  Tenastigmat  F:6.3.  Enlargements  up  to  8x10 
can  be  made  without  loss  of  satisfactory  definition. 
The  Compur  Shutter  gives  speeds  from  1 second  up 
to  1/250  second,  with  time  and  bulb. 

Ask  your  dealer  to  show  you  these  high  grade 
cameras . If  he  hasn't  them , write  us. 

C.  P.  Goerz  American  Optical  Company 

317  G EAST  34TH  STREET,  NEW  YORK  CITY. 


An  Advertising  Artist. 

Some  men  never  let  an  opportunity 
slip.  They  make  the  most  of  every 
chance,  as,  for  instance,  a certain  organ- 
grinder  who  once  played  his  organ  out- 
side the  house  of  Mascagni,  the  famous 
composer.  Mascagni  is  often  driven 
wild  by  hearing  his  music  “murdered” 
on  piano-organs,  and  on  this  occasion 
he  left  his  house  and  interviewed  the 
street  musician.  He  did  not  send  him 
away.  He  merely  took  the  handle  of 
the  instrument,  turned  it  around  faster, 
and  quickened  the  time.  The  organ- 
grinder  smiled  his  thanks.  Next  day 
he  again  appeared  in  the  street.  This 
time  his  organ  bore  a large  placard  on 
which  was  inscribed : “Pupil  of  Mas- 
cagni.”— The  Argonaut  (San  Fran- 
cisco). 


The  Apple  Coats  and  Suits. 

One  clothing  merchant  uses  the  apple 
as  a trade-mark.  He  claims  there 
wouldn’t  have  been  any  clothing  busi- 
ness if  it  hadn’t  been  for  an  apple. — 
W ampus. 


THE  BRYOLOGIST — The  only  magazine  in  the  Eng- 
lish language  devoted  wholly  to  articles  dealing  with 
Mosses,  Ilepatics,  and  Lichens.  Of  interest  to  be- 
ginners and  advanced  students  alike.  Bimonthly,  pub- 
lished by  the  Sullivant  Moss  Society,  an  organizatiom 
for  mutual  help  in  moss  study.  Special  curators 
assist  beginners.  Membership  fee,  $1.50  per  year,  in- 
cluding the  Bryoloeist;  subscription  alone,  $1.25;  Cana- 
dian postage  10  cents  extra.  Address  Edward  B.  Cham- 
berlain, 18  West  89tb  Street.  New  York  City. 


AQUATIC  LIFE  monthly  magazine  will 

~ increase  your  enjoyment 

of  the  life  in  nature’s  streams  and  in  your  home 
aquarium.  Written  by  scientists  to  entertain  all 
nature  lovers  who  like  to  paddle  in  water  and 
study  its  many  forms  of  life.  A journal  of  popu- 
lar aquatic  biology,  not  merely  a fish  fanciers’  mag 
azine.  Specimen  copy  free  on  request.  Subscrip- 
tion, $1.25  per  year.  Joseph  E.  Bausman,  Pub- 
lisher, 542  East  Girard  Avenue,  Philadelphia. 


THE 

AMERICAN  MICROSCOPICAL  SOCIETY 

(Founded  in  1878') 

Publishes  Its  TRANSACTIONS  as  a 
Quarterly  Journal  of  Microscopic  Research. 
For  information,  write  to 
P.  S.  WELCH,  Secretary 
ANN  ARBOR. MICHIGAN 

Teacher — “Do  you  know  the  popula- 
tion of, New  York?” 

“Not  all  of  them,  ma’am  ; we’ve  only 
lived  here  two  years.” — The  American 
Boy. 


XVI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BOBBINK  & ATKINS 


Visit 

Nursery 


Ask  for 
Catalog 


ROSES 

EVERGREENS 
TREES  AND  SHRUBS 
OLD-FASHIONED  FLOWERS 
FRUIT  TREES  AND  BUSHES 
S P R I N G- F L O W E R I N G BULBS 
LILACS — Ask  for  Special  List.  You  will  be  interested  in 
collection  when  you  see  the  large  number  of  varieties. 

Nurserymen  and  Florists 

RUTHERFORD,  NEW 

Established  1868 


this 


JERSEY 


“Egypt’’  is  a new  conception  by  a new  con- 
cern; a compelling  fragrance  originated  for  the 
woman  who  demands  originality,  refinement  and 
culture  in  every  particular  of  her  toilet.  In  its 
odd,  hand-painted  bottle,  “Egypt”  will  grace  the 
most  artistic  and  esthetic  boudoir. 

Originators  and  Sole  Manufacturers 

THE  EGYPT  LABORATORY 

Stamford,  Connecticut 

P.  O.  Box  471. 


Place  your  order  now  for 

SPRATT’S 

FISH  AND  MEAT 
FIBRINE  DOG  CAKES 

They  are  invaluable  as  a change  of 
diet,  especially  during  the  summer 
months. 

W rite  for  sample  and  send  2 cent 
stamp  for  catalogue  “ Dog 
Culture " 

Spratt’s  Patent  Limited 

Newark,  New  Jersey 

San  Francisco  St.  Louis  Montreal 
Factory  also  in  London,  Eng. 


BRUNSWICK  SCHOOL 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

A Preparatory  Day  School  for  Boys 
in  Stamford,  Greenwich  and 
Port  Chester 

Calls  the  attention  of  possible  patrons 
to  the  fact  that  the  enrolment  for  the 
coming  year  is  complete  in  respect  to  the 
primary  and  lower  school  departments. 
In  these  sections,  further  applications 
can  receive  favorable  attention  only  in 
case  of  unexpected  withdrawals.  There 
are  still  some  vacancies  in  the  Upper 
School. 

Primary  School,  for  boys  6 to  11 
Lower  School,  for  boys  10  to  14 
Upper  School,  for  boys  13  to  19 

For  catalogue,  or  special  information, 
address 

GEORGE  E.  CARMICHAEL, 

Head-rnaster. 

Telephones: 

Office,  Greenwich  318 
Home,  Greenwich  553 


Telephone  179 

THE  BARTLETT  WAY 

is 

TTHE 

RECOGNIZED 

STANDARD 

TREE 

SURGERY 

Our  work  is  not  local  in  scope  but  is 
available  to  all  tree  owners  within  a 
large  radius. 

The  F.  A.  Bartlett 
Tree  Expert  Co. 

“Tree  Specialists” 

STAMFORD.  CONNECTICUT 

Westbury  - --  --  --  - L.  I. 

Morristown N.  J. 

Chestnut  Hill Pa. 


BOX - BARBERRY 

THE  NEW  DWARF  HEDGE  PLANT 

A dwarf  form  of  the  popular  Thunberg’s  Japan- 
Barberry.  It’s  quite  dwarf,  with  small,  dainty 
foliage.  It  can  be  trimmed  into  any  form  and 
kept  down  to  six  inches  high  if  desired. 

ABSOLUTELY  HARDY 

Box-Barberry  will  thrive  almost  anywhere.  The 
winter  of  1917-18  did  not  injure  Box-Barberry  in 
the  least.  It  produces  a perfect  low  border  for 
the  formal  gardens,  quite  taking  the  place  of  the 
old  Box,  which  is  far  from  hardy. 

You  are  cordially  invited  to  visit  the  nurseries 
at  Edgewood  and  see  this  wonderful  Box-Barberry 
growing,  both  as  a Hedge  Plant  and  in  the  Nursery 
Row. 

Send  for  1921  Catalog. 

WOODMONT  NURSERIES,  Inc. 

Box  1003,  New  Haven,  Conn. 


Osfefmbor 


It  yields  comfortably  to  the  shape  of 
the  body,  is  soft  yet  firm,  and  induces 
perfect  relaxation  and  rest.  The  Oster- 
moor  Mattress  is  scientifically  built,  not 
stuffed  like  horsehair:  it  cannot  get  out 
of  shape  and  is  sanitary.  Replace  with 
Ostermoor  as  your  old  mattresses  be- 
come uncomfortable. 

At  your  dealer’s,  or  we  will  ship  direct; 
express  prepaid.  Write  for  144-page  Cat- 
alog-mailed free. 

Ostermoor  & Co.,  114  Elizabeth  St, 
New  York. 

Canadian  Agency: 

Alaska  Bedding  of  Montreal,  Ltd.,  Montreal 


ALL  ROADS  LEAD  TO  ROME 


E very  thing  That's  New 

IN 


Summer  Furniture 


Agents  For 

HOOSIER  KITCHEN  CABINETS  HARDMAN  PECK  PIANOS 

SIMMONS  BEDS  AND  MATTRESSES  PATHE  PHONOGRAPHS 
OSTERMOOR  MATTRESSES  BOHN  SYPHON  REFRIGERATORS 

BLOCH  BABY  CARRIAGES  COLD  STORAGE  REFRIGERATORS 

The  Rome  Company 

23-29  BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

PALACE  DRESS  SHOP,  Inc. 

INVITES  YOUR  EARLY  INSPECTION 
OF  ITS  DISTINCTIVE  ASSORTMENT 
OF  WEARING  APPAREL  FOR  THE 
MATRON  AND  MISS 


EXCLUSIVE  AGENTS 
EOR 

BETTY  WALES  and  VERITE 

WE  SPECIALIZE  IN  MODELS  TO  SLENDERIZE 
THE  FIGURE  OF  GENEROUS  PROPORTIONS 

278  Atlantic  Street  Stamford,  Conn, 


S/m 


UHAnLto  WILLIAM  ELIO  I 
I \ . 


Jim 


LIBRARY 


FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 

AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 

^esOFF- Smith 

REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 

Stamford,  Connecticut. 

Phones  2916  and  29T7,  Stamford 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 

has  good  transportation  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

I have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates,  Shore  and  Inline 
Residences,  Farms,  Acreage,  Cottages  and 
Buflding  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selected 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Reo 
In  all  locations. 

Would  be  pleased  to  hare  you  call  or  write 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  Coot. 


NEW  ENGLISH  TYPE  DWELLING 

AT  SHIPPAN  POINT  ON  SOUND 


FIRST  FLOOR:  Wide  hall  through  center  of  house,  reception  room,  extensive  living  room  with 
large  fireplace,  very  large  handsomely  finished  dining  room  with  fireplace,  bright  breakfast 
room,  librarv.  pantrv.  kitchen,  maid’s  room,  lavatory. 

SECOND  FLOOR:  Five  master’s  rooms  and  three  baths,  three  maids’  rooms  and  bath. 

BASEMENT:  Large  laundry,  drying  room,  store  rooms.  Inside  garage  for  two  cars. 


House  attractively  finished 
throughout,  having  electric  light, 
gas.  city  water.  About  two  acres 
of  land,  beach  privileges. 

PRICE  $55,000.  Terms 
WORTH  *75.00(1 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


I 


A.  M.  BOLES 

REAL  ESTATE  AND 
INSURANCE 

SOUND  BEACH,  RIVERSIDE  AND 
VICINITIES 

Office 

SOUND  BEACH  AVENUE 
Opp.  R.  R.  Station 

SOUND  BEACH,  CONN. 

Telephone  546 


The  Walter  Stewart  Co. 

The  Leading  Grocers 
CHOICE  GROCERIES, 

FLOUR  AND  FEED. 
SIX  STORES 

Sound  Beach,  New  Canaan, 

Darien  and  Springdale 

. Telephone  Connection 


EVERYTHING 

ELECTRICAL 

FOR  THE  HOME 

From  Garret  to  Cellar 

Electric  Heaters,  Sewing 
Machines,  Irons,  Vacuum 
Cleaners,  Washing  Ma- 
chines, Percolators, 
Toasters,  etc.,  etc., 

— at — 

THE  STAMFORD  ELEC- 
TRICAL CONTRACTOR 

INCORPORATED 

221  Atlantic  Street 


C.  C.  CLARK’S 

TAXI  SERVICE 

SOUND  BEACH  CONNECTICUT 

TAXI  CABS— BAGGAGE  TRANSFER 
PROMPT  SERVICE  OUR  MOTTO 
Telephone 

271  SOUND  BEACH 

L).  MAHER  SONS 

LEHIGH  COAL,  HYGEIA  ICE 

building  material,  lime,  lath, 

BRICK,  SAND,  CE/IENT,  DRAIN  PIPE 
Tel.  130  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

LA  BELLE  BAKERY 

297  Atlantic  Street 
STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

louis  aTspezzano 

GENERAL  CONTRACTOR 

Post  Road,  T] 

Riverside,  Connecticut, 

Telephone : Sound  Beach  145. 


S.  G.  JUDD  STORE 

HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 

Telephone  352 

White  and  Gray  Enamel 
Ware 

Galvanized  and  Tin  Ware 
Aluminum,  Crockery  and 
Glass  Ware 

Baskets,  Cutlery 

43  BANK  STREET 
Stamford,  _ _ Connecticut 


II 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Stamford  Business  Directory 


HOTEL  DAVENPORT 

H.  S.  MOREHOUSE  HOTEL  CO. 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


EVERYTHING  FOR  LADIES’  WEAR 

CALL  ON 

Moltasch,  Ladies’  Outfitter 

210  ATLANTIC  ST.,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 


Telephone,  270  Uptown  Oftice:  STARK  BROS 

271  40  PARK  ROW 

CHAS.  F.  WATERBURY 
David  Waterbury  & Son 

COAL  DRAIN  PIPE  WOOD 

Crushed  Stout  for  Walks  and  Drives 
YARDS:  Canal  Dock.  STAMFORD.  CONN. 


Telephone  169  Insurance  Appraisals  Made 

WM.  T.  FINNEY,  INC. 

ANTIQUES,  SECONDHAND 

FURNITURE,  STORAGE. 

Office  and  Auction  Rooms 

35  Atlantic  Street,  Stamford,  Conn. 

Corsets  Fitted  Free  by  Expert  Corsetiere 

Phone  989 

LA  SARETTE  CORSET  SHOP 

STAMFORD  THEATRE  BUILDING 
Stamford  Connecticut 


BORG  BROTHERS 

Chemical  and  Analytical  Laboratories 
for  Special  Research  Work 

539  MAIN  ST. 

STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

JOHN  PHILLIPS 

Dealer  in 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES 

463  Main  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

for  Tine  millinery 

NEWSTAD’S 

3 BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

FRANK  M.  WEST 
HARDWARE 

Paints,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Etc.  House  Furnishings 

7r  ATLANTIC  STREET  Tel.  Con. 

R.  F.  VOSKA  & SO  INI 

TAILORS 

444  Atlantic  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

Drs.  W.  H.  and  E.  W.  Pomeroy 
DENTISTS 

The  Gurley  Building, 

324Main  St.,  opposite  City  Hall. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


III 


CAMERAS 

ALWAYS  READY 

EASY  TO  OPERATE 

Insert  the  film  and  the  camera  is 
ready  to  operate,  and  so  easy,  by  the 
mere  process  of  pressing  a button 
or  lever.  Failure  is  impossible  if  the 
camera  is  pointed  right.  Even  a child 
can  use  them  with  expert  results. 
Everybody  wants  a camera  and 
everybody  should  have  one  and  our 
assortment  gives  ample  opportunity 
for  selection  with  due  consideration 
to  the  saving  of  money  as  well  as 
getting  results. 


EST. 


313  Atlantic  St..  STAMFORD.CONN 


Phillips’  Gift  Shop 

Gifts  for  All  Occasions 

Diamonds,  AVatches, 
Jewelry,  Silver- 
ware, Cut  Glass, 
Clocks,  Sterling 
and  Ivoroid  Toilet 
and  Manicure  Sets, 
Novelties,  Etc. 


Usual  Amount  of  Engraving  Free. 

A Small  Deposit  Reserves  Any  Article 
Selected. 

Exclusive  Agency  Gorham 
Silverware. 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 

232  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn. 
Established,  1897 

THE  HALLMARK  STORE 


CONN.  RUSTIC  CONSTRUCTION  CO 


ARCHITECTS- 

CRAFTSMEN 

R.  EHLERS 
Greenwich  180 

LOG  CABINS 
CRAFTSMEN  S HOMES 
RUSTIC  TEA  HOUSES 
BUNGALOWS 
ENTRANCE  GATES 
PERGOLAS 

GRAPE  AND  ROSE  ARBORS 
GARDEN  FURNITURE 
FENCES 

FLOWER  STANDS 
BRIDGES 
BIRD  HOUSES 

RIVERSIDE,  CONN. 

PHONE  SOUND  BEACH  600 


IV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


GOOD  HEALTH’S  BEST  FRIEND  IS  WHOLESOME  FOOD 

THE  BEST  INGREDIENTS  make  the  BEST  BREAD! 

Beech  Nut  Bread  is  made  of  Pure  Granulated  Sugar,  Pure  Leaf  Lard,  Pure 
Malt  Extract,  Pure  Fleischmann’s  Yeast,  Pure  Milk  and  Plenty  Of  It,  and 
Pure  Wheat  Flour — and  each  of  these  wholesome,  healthful  ingredients  is  the 
finest  quality  that  money  can  buy. 

NATURALLY— BEECH  NUT  BREAD  IS  MORE  NOURISHING,  AS  WELL 
AS  MORE  DELICIOUS! 

Baked  Solely  by  the  Marsh  Bakeries,  Inc. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


V 


THE  LACE  AND  TRIMMING  STORE 


THE  ADVANCE  FALL  MODE  IS  WITH  US 

Like  a freshening  breeze,  the  first  of  the  new  Fall  Fashions  has  descended 
upon  us.  Just  to  look  over  the  smart  fabrics,  the  clever  things  in  Laces  and 
Dress  Trimming  in  the  advance  showing  is  a pleasant  foretaste  of  the  delight- 
ful things  to  come 
when  the  new  Fall 
Mode  is  fully  de- 
veloped in  all  its 
splendor.  You’ll 
find  thorough  en- 
joyment in  this  au- 
thentic forecast. 


"Til  Atlantic  St. 


“A  Pleasant  Place  to  Shop,  with  Always  Something  New.” 


Established  1853 

THE  QETMAN&  JUDD  CO. 

Lumber  and  Timber  of  all  Kinds 

SPECIALTY:  High-Grade  HARDWOOD  FLOORING 

thoroughly  Kiln  Dried  and  stored  in  Steam  heated  build- 
tag  uatil  delivered  to  our  customers.  Our  steadily  in- 
ereaaimg  trade  in  this  specialty  proves  the  fact  that 
the  country  home  is  not  complete  until  fitted  out  with 
this  beautiful  and  sanitary  furnishing.  Old  Residences 
■ay  he  greatly  improved  by  laying  thin  floors  over  the 
•M  net. 

CANAL  DOCKS,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone  2180. 


Homes  Near  to  Nature 

Should  he  so  constructed  as  to  give  lasting  satisfaction. 
Our  method  of  manufacturing  dependable  Interior  aad 
Exterior  house  trim  from  thoroughly  kiln  dried  material 
by  skilled  mechanics  insures  such  satisfaction. 

THE  ST.  JOHN  WOOD  WORKINQ  CO. 

Canal  Docks,  Stamford  Conn. 

Telephone  781 
DIRECTORS 

WALTON  FERGUSON.  Pres.  W.  W.  HEROY 
W.  D.  DASKAM,  Vice  Pres.  Dr.  F.  H.  GETMAN 

W.  H.  JUDD,  Sec.  and  Treas.  F.  W.  BOGARDUS 
J.  G.  WIGG,  General  Manager. 


SEE  US  AND 

SEE  BETTER 

Protect  your  eyes  from  the  daily 
strain  and  sun’s  rays. 


CAMERAS  and  SUPPLIES 
Developing,  Printing 
and  Mounting  .... 

W . A.  MCCLELLAND,  inc„  Optometrists-Optician* 
Stamford  345  Atlantic  St.,  Connecticut 


STAMFORD  STEAM  LAUNDRY,  Inc. 

Deliveries  to  Sound  Beach  and  Shippan. 
OFFICE  10-12  SUMMER  PLACE 
Telephone,  249.  Stamford,  Conn. 


THE  GAMBLE  MILL  WORK  CO. 

DEALERS  IN 

SASH,  DOORS,  BLINDS,  TRIM, 
ETC. 

520  Steamboat  Road 
Greenwich,  Conn. 

LEON  DERAN 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

133  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn. 

Phone  594 

Portraits  Commercial  Photography 

Copying  and  Enlarging 


VI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


MOTORS 

FIXTURES 

APPLIANCES 


MODERN  LABOR  SAVING  MACHINES  FOR 
THE  HOUSEHOLD 

The  Downes-Smith  Co. 

Electrical  Contractors 

Stamford,  Conn. 


79  ATLANTIC  STREET 


THE  GRUBER 

MAHER BROTHERS 

COMPANY 

CORPORATION 

STAMFORD’S  EXCLUSIVE 

LUMBER,  COAL  AND  WOOD 
LIME,  LATH,  BRICK 
CEMENT,  PLASTER,  ETC. 

WOMAN’S  SHOP 

298  Main  Street 

Office  and  Yards: 

Stamford 

STEAMBOAT  ROAD 

Telephone  2294 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

Telephone  1228 

THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


VII 


Burdett-McGillivray  Company 
PRETTY  THINGS  TO  EMBROIDER 

With  the  children  back  to  school  and  quiet  and  peace  reigning  supreme 
once  again,  the  thoughts  of  women  with  deft  fingers  are  certain  to  turn  to 
the  embro'dering  and  pretty  things.  And  here  they  will  find  hundreds  of 
pieces  of  pretty  stamped  pieces  of  every  good  design  and  fabric,  as  well  as 
yarns  and  other  needed  accessories  at  prices  that  will  add  zest  to  this  de- 
lightful pastime. 

Advocate  Building  Stamford,  Conn. 

PHONE  268 


Merrill  Business  College 


Our  Secretarial  Course  prepares  both  Young 
Men  and  Young  Women  to  hold  responsible 
positions. 


Bookkeeping,  Shorthand,  Stenotypy, 

Typewriting  and  English  Branches 

SOUTH  NORWALK  STAMFORD  PORT  CHESTER 


HOW  WILL  YOUR 
NEW  HAT  LOOK  IN 
A MONTH? 

’Most  any  hat  looks  good  when 
it’s  new.  A few  of  them  look 
good  after  long  service. 

Perhaps  you  have  noticed  the 
difference. 

’Twill  pay  you  to  get  the  better 
kind. 

There’s  no  pleasure,  or  comfort, 
in  a soft  hat  that  grows  stiff  as  a 
board  after  the  first  rain,  and 
fades  in  the  sun. 

Try  a NORTHROP  HAT  this 
Fall.  They’re  good  hats. 

THE 

COMES-NORTHROP  CO. 

445  MAIN  STREET 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


OUR  FALL 
CATALOG 

of  BULBS,  HERBACEOUS 
PERENNIALS,  ROSES, 
GRAPES,  ETC.,  is  ready. 

If  you  have  not  received  a 
copy,  send  for  it  today.  It’s  free. 

We  want  you  to  know  that 
we’re  here  to  serve  you.  Yes,  at 
your  service. 

MORAIO  BROTHERS 

SEEDSMEN,  NURSERYMEN, 
FLORISTS. 

Rye,  N.  Y.,  and  Stamford,  Conn. 


VIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


I-* V- 

The  Trading  Place  of  Over  Half  a Century 

THE  C.  0.  MILLER  CO. 

ATLANTIC  SQUARE  Established  1868  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

BUY  NOW  IN  STAMFORD 

The  C.  O.  Miller  Co.  has  many  inducements  to  make  it  worth  while  to  BUY 

NOW. 

We  have  called  in  our  Fall  merchandise  earlier  than  usual — goods  bought  at  the 
lowest  price  level.  Prices  of  goods  in  stock  that  were  bought  earlier  have  been 
revised  to  meet  the  present  lower  level.  The  prices  are  so  different  from  last 
Fall — so  pleasantly  so — the  merchandise  is  so  superior  and  our  store  service  and 
equipment  so  improved  that  we  feel  sure  you  will  wish  to  BUY  NOW  and 
HERE  and  clear  the  slate  early  for  your  Fall  activities. 

There  again,  if  people  will  do  this  generally,  it  will  help  bring  back  the  pros- 
perity of  the  nation. 

Every  basic  condition  of  the  nation  is  right  for  big  prosperity.  Let’s  get  it 
started  soon  as  possible  by  speeding  up  the  demand  for  merchandise  by  the 
purchase  of  merchandise  which  will  keep  our  factories  and  labor  employed. 

PRICES— ARE— DOWN— NOW 

WILL— YOU— DO— YOUR— PART? 


THE  C.  O 

ATLANTIC  SQUARE  : : 


MILLER  CO. 

: : : : STAMFORD,  CONN. 


The  LOCKWOOD  & PALMER  Co. 


Wholesale  and  Retail 
Dealers  in 

HARDWARE 

AGRICULTURAL 
IMPLEMENTS 
House  Furnishings,  Etc. 


TO  O L S 

OF 

All  Kinds 


92  PARK  PLACE 
(Cor.  Summer  Street) 
STAMFORD,  - CONN. 
Telephone  Connections 


Published  monthly  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 
Subscription,  $1.50  a year  Single  copy,  15  cents 

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Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special  rate  of  postage  provided  for  in  Section  1103,  Act  of  October  3,  1917, 

authorized  on  June  :27,  1918. 


Volume  XIV. 


SEPTEMBER,  1921 


Number  4 


The  Attendance  at  the  Bruce  Museum. 


It  is  gratifying  to  all  connected  with 
the  Bruce  Museum  to  observe  that  per- 
sons from  all  parts  of  the  surrounding 
country  are  using  the  building  and  con- 
sulting the  collections. 

Not  only  do  many  persons  visit  the 
museum  daily  but  many  others  use  the 
telephone  to  arrange  for  special  visits 
from  schools  and  from  classes  in  nature 
study.  At  first  interest  was  lacking 
because  the  average  smaller  museum 
contains  only  a comparatively  useless 
collection  of  curios  and  knickknacks 
covered  with  the  dust  of  disinterested 
ages,  but  it  soon  became  known  that 
Greenwich  possessed  a museum  entire- 
ly up-to-date,  beautifully  appointed  and 
as  fine  in  its  exhibition  material  as  any 
other  institution  of  its  size  in  the  coun- 
try. It  is  appreciated,  for  one  reason, 
because  the  curators  have  endeavored 
to  procure  complete  collections  of  the 
local  fauna.  Visitors  frequently  come 
to  identify  a bird  or  other  animal  that 
they  have  seen,  while  still  others  study 
the  entire  collections  to  make  them- 
selves acquainted  with  the  local  species 
of  birds,  insects,  minerals,  shells,  etc. 

Another  important  function  of  the 
museum  is  to  aid  schools  in  nature 
work  and  exhibits.  Collections  of  birds, 
etc.,  are  lent  to  any  school  desiring 
them. 


It  is  interesting  to  note  that  since  the 
opening  of  the  museum  visitors  have 
come  from  every  state  in  the  Union 
except  only  ten,  and  from  foreign 
countries  including  England,  Russia, 
France,  Italy,  Sweden  and  Canada. 

The  number  registered  for  the  past 
three  months  is  five  hundred  and  four, 
and  since  the  opening  two  thousand 
one  hundred  and  eighty ! This  will 
doubtless  be  surprising,  but  many  per- 
sons visit  the  museum  that  neglect  to 
register.  It  is  noteworthy  that  one- 
fourth  of  all  those  registered  since  the 
opening  have  come  in  the  last  few 
months,  a fact  that  plainly  points  to  the 
growing  interest  in  the  collections. 

Now  that  the  museum  is  so  favorably 
established,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  more 
funds  will  be  forthcoming  to  further 
and  enlarge  the  work.  No  museum  can 
be  successful  and  stand  still.  The  col- 
lections must  be  enlarged  and  other 
features  be  added  in  order  to  continue 
the  educational  work  and  to  keep 
abreast  of  the  times.  Illustrated  talks 
on  educational  subjects  should  be  given 
regularly  through  the  school  year,  and 
a moving  picture  machine  should  be 
installed  for  the  same  purpose.  It  is  the 
sincere  desire  of  the  curators  and  of  all 
concerned  that  these  features  may  be 
added  to  the  museum  in  the  near  future. 


Copyright  1921  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


46 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


It  is  pleasing  to  note  that  numerous 
art  students  visit  the  gallery  and  other 
collections,  and  that  the  room  for  rest 
and  reading  is  used  by  increasing 
numbers. 

Work  has  been  progressing  on  the 
magnificent  collection  of  shells  pre- 
sented to  the  museum  by  the  Smith- 
sonian Institution  of  Washington.  This 
collection,  which  contains  nineteen 
hundred  specimens,  will  soon  be  on  ex- 
hibition in  the  department  of  fossils 
and  shells.  Another  exhibit  soon  to  be 
put  on  view  is  a preparation  showing 
the  similarities  among  embryonic  mam- 
mals, and  additional  snakes  are  also  in 
preparation.  New  and  welcome  colonial 
relics  have  been  donated  by  Mr.  Oliver 
G.  Uockwood  and  Mr.  George  P. 
Rowell. 


Eugenics  and  Euthenics. 

BY  ERIC  KNIGHT  JORDAN,  STANFORD  UNI- 
VERSITY, CALIFORNIA. 

(Note  to  the  Editor:  An  examination  paper  as  it 

was  written  by  my  son,  aged  seventeen,  who  has  just 
completed  his  freshman  year  at  Stanford. — Dr.  David 
Starr  Jordan.) 

Through  the  study  of  bionomics  one 
learns  something  of  the  “laws”  or, 
rather,  ways  of  action  of  living  things 
in  their  relation  to  development  from 
generation  to  generation.  One  learns, 
by  actual  observation,  that  the  forms 
of  living  things  are  always  changing  in 
their  characteristics,  and  that  the 
changes  are  always  in  the  direction  of 
better  adaptation  to  the  conditions  of 
life,  and  are  always  divergent,  tending 
toward  the  production  of  new  types. 
The  chief  underlying  factors  in  this 
“evolution”  of  living  things  are:  nat- 
ural selection  or  the  tendency  for  the 
individual  better  equipped  for  life 
among  his  surroundings  to  survive  and 
produce  offspring,  and  the  principle  of 
heredity  with  variation,  by  which  the 
individual  resembles  its  parents  but 
never  exactly  resembles  either  of  them 
or  any  other  individual. 

One  learns  that  man,  a definite  spe- 
cies, is  merely  an  outcome  of  the  opera- 
tion of  these  laws,  a part  of  the  whole 
system  of  natural  evolution,  and  in  no 
wise  a separate  creation.  Man,  as  a de- 
velopment of  this  evolution  of  living 
things,  is  subject  to  all  the  laws  of  na- 
ture and,  for  that  matter,  is  still  in  a 
process  of  change  under  their  influence. 

These  latter  facts  are  the  basis  of  the 
science  of  eugenics,  the  art  of  having  in- 
dividuals well  born,  and  euthenics , the 


art  of  having  them  well  brought  up. 
With  the  lower  animals  it  is  found  that, 
by  the  breeding  together  of  types,  off- 
spring of  any  desired  characteristics 
may  be  developed  as  long  as  there  is 
variation  of  the  parents  in  that  direc- 
tion. So  also  it  is  with  man  ; if  good 
stock  breeds  with  good,  good  offspring 
will  result,  but  if  bad  breeds  with  bad, 
the  offspring  will  be  bad.  For  instance, 
the  breeding  of  goitered  half-wits  with 
other  goitered  half-wits  produced  the 
cretins,  almost  a distinct  race,  all  of 
very  low  mentality,  and  all  with  goitre. 
Their  further  development  was  finally 
stopped  by  segregation  of  the  males 
and  females. 

As  to  the  practice  of  eugenics,  al- 
though it  is  undoubtedly  true  that  if 
the  breeding  of  our  men  and  women 
could  ever  be  scientifically  controlled 
by  a Uuther  Burbank,  it  would  be  pos- 
sible to  produce  any  type  of  race  de- 
sired, actually  it  is  probable  that  any 
enforcement  of  the  principles  of 
engenics  can  be  only  negative  ; that  is, 
the  segregation  of  the  unfit  from  the 
fit  and  from  each  other,  rather  than 
any  system  of  forced  marriage  between 
partners  chosen  by  others. 

The  laws  of  euthenics,  dealing  with 
the  influence  of  environment  and  not 
based  so  much  on  observation  of  the 
lower  animals  as  of  man  himself,  are 
also  of  great  importance.  Though  an 
individual  is  born  with  only  certain 
definite  possibilities,  drawn  either  from 
or  through  his  parents,  and  though  his 
later  environment  can  never  add  to 
these,  yet  the  influence  of  this  environ- 
ment may  either  draw  out  these  possi- 
bilities to  their  fullest  or  dwarf  them 
utterly.  Thus  the  practice  of  euthenics, 
by  providing  education,  etc.,  though  it 
cannot  increase  the  inborn  potentiality, 
can  provide  that  the  men  and  women 
that  should  exist  may  become  actu- 
alities. 


June  Tide. 

Under  the  spreading  maples 
I lie  in  my  hammock  here, 

And  marvel  at  the  richness 

That  comes  with  June  each  year. 

So  little  while  before 

The  leaves  were  locked  up  tight, 

’Tis  as  if  Pandora's  box 
Had  been  opened  overnight, 

And  its  contents  flown  to  the  winds, 
Which  have  carried  them  far  and  wide, 
Till  now  all  things  are  whelmed 
In  a green  and  surging  tide. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


OUR  FRIEND,  TAMIAS,  THE  STEWARD 


47 


Our  Friend,  Tamias,  the  Steward. 

The  scientist  who  watches  the  habits 
of  animals  calls  it  Tamias,  the  steward, 
because  it  has  such  foresight  in  pro- 
viding a supply  of  good  things  for  the 
time  of  storm  or  of  scarcity.  But  I im- 
agine that  the  Indians  were  more  at- 
tracted by  its  peculiar  call  than  by  its 
habit  of  storing.  Perhaps  they  liked 
better  what  it  had  to  say  than  what  it 
did  and  so  they  called  it  chipmunk,  a 
name  that  is  uncertain  in  origin,  yet  is 
evidently  imitative  of  its  call.  The  chip- 
munk is  a little  fellow  but  he  has  been 
the  cause  of  much  argument  because  he 
has  a wide  range  of  characteristics. 
Most  of  us  think  of  him  as  a gentle, 
dear,  little  home  body  that  sits  on  the 
stone  wall  or  rail  fence  or  in  some  se- 
cluded place  on  the  ground  and  “chips” 
for  our  benefit.  He  is  endeared  to  us 
because  of  the  wonderful  stories  told  of 
his  gentleness  and  lack  of  fear,  espe- 
cially in  the  northern  woods.  I know 
a man  who  is  accustomed  to  lie  on  his 
back,  put  a peanut  on  his  forehead 
when  the  chipmunk  will  mount  the 
man’s  head,  eat  the  peanut  and  drop  on 
the  man’s  closed  eyes  the  fragments  of 
the  shell.  I saw  a woman  sit  in  a tent 
and  surrounded  by  several  girls  at  the 
rest  hour  of  the  camp,  when  a chip- 
munk came  in  as  he  was  accustomed 
to  do  every  day,  climbed  into  the 
woman’s  lap,  and  there  feasted  on  the 
peanuts  that  she  held  between  her 
thumb  and  finger.  To  tantalize  the 
little  beggar  she  held  the  peanut  far- 
ther and  farther  away  and  he  kept 
stretching  up  and  up.  No,  you  will  not 
catch  me  in  exaggeration  for  I shall 
not  tell  you  how  long  that  chipmunk 
seemed  to  become ; I fear  you  would 
doubt  my  word. 

There  is  another  phase  to  this  little 
ground  squirrel  that  has  always  excited 
argument.  How  does  he  dig  his  burrow 
and  leave  no  loose  earth  around  the  en- 
trance? Some  persons  claim  that  the 
burrow  which  the  chipmunk  finally 
uses  as  a home  is  the  result  of  digging 
from  the  other  end  and.  abandoning 
that  end,  thus  making  a semicircular 
tunnel  in  the  ground.  Others  say  that 
it  carries  away  the  earth  in  its  cheek 
pouches  as  it  carries  grain.  A friend 
of  mine  says  that  he  has  solved  the 
problem.  Chipmunks  that  he  kept  in 
captivity  loosened  the  earth  and  packed 
it  in  firmer  by  pressure.  Every  farmer’s 


boy  knows  that  if  he  digs  a post  hole, 
sets  the  post  in  it,  and  packs  the  earth 
around  it,  he  will  have  hardly  enough 
to  fill  the  hole.  The  chipmunk  seems  to 
have  learned  how  to  do  that  kind  of 
thing. 

There  is  still  another  impressive 
argument.  Some  claim,  with  the  au- 
thority of  observation,  that  our  dainty 
little  fellow  is  one  of  the  most  fiendish 
rascals  on  earth.  He  has  been  known  to 
attack  a bullfrog,  tear  off  the  flesh,  and 
be  so  completely  engrossed  in  his  sav- 
age act  that  he  could  not  be  driven  away. 
He  seemed  to  be  insane  with  an  attack 
of  savagery.  He  cared  nothing  for  any- 
body nor  anything.  He  only  desired  to 
fight.  It  is  a curious  fact  that  the  dainty, 
cleanly  little  fellow  that  stores  up  noth- 
ing but  nuts  and  grain  eats  all  sorts  of 
objectionable  things,  such  as  small 
birds,  birds’'  eggs,  grasshoppers  and 
even  snakes.  He  is  also  reported  to  be 
fond  of  snails.  The  chipmunk  is  a home 
body  but  to  ascertain  how  much  of  a 
home  body  various  experiments  have 
been  made. 

Air.  Seton  to  identify  a certain  chip- 
munk put  it  in  a bowl  of  deep  blue  and 
purple  dye.  The  chipmunk  splashed,  as 
he  says,  “in  such  vigorous  protest  that 
everything  within  three  feet  looked 
very  blue.”  Soon  it  became  quieter  and 
Mr.  Seton  even  induced  it  to  eat  bread 
while  sitting  in  the  bowl  of  dye.  When 
the  chipmunk  was  well  colored  it  was 
easily  identified  all  summer.  Most  of 
the  color  disappeared  except  on  the 
breast,  throat  and  feet.  The  dye  had 
little  affinity  for  the  fur.  Chipmunks 
are  extremely  sociable  and  much  given 
to  making  calls  on  one  another.  In  some 
parts  of  the  country  the  little  animals 
are  common.  When  they  come  out  of 
their  winter  quarters  in  the  spring,  they 
make  the  woods  ring  with  their  social 
cries.  Sometimes  as  many  as  fifty  will 
come  out  together  and  hold  a social 
reunion. 


The  Pheasant. 

Ruby,  emerald,  topaz, 

Are  the  gems  the  pheasant  wears, 

To  brighten  the  brown  of  his  feathers, 
Like  the  forest  through  which  he  fares. 

When  fled  are  the  flowers  of  Summer, 

And  the  gay,  painted  leaves  of  the  Fall, 

He  combines,  in  his  wonderful  plumage, 
The  exquisite  tints  of  them  all. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


48 


A New  Variety  of  Water  Lily. 

The  white  water  lily  is  the  floral 
emblem  of  The  Agassiz  Association. 
We  are  therefore  interested  in  anything 
pertaining  to  this  beautiful  flower.  We 
are  grateful  to  “Gardeners’  Chronicle” 
for  lending  the  accompanying  cut  of 
a new  water  lily,  “Mrs.  Edward  Whit- 
aker,” with  petals  of  a delicate  blue  and 
stamens  a golden  yellow.  This  was 
exhibited  by  George  H.  Pring,  flori- 


The  Revelations  of  a Knot  Hole. 

BY  W.  H.  H.  BARKER,  M.  D.,  HARVEY,  IOWA. 

Many  years  ago  the  writer,  sitting 
in  a closed  room  on  a sunny  day,  ob- 
served a keen  beam  of  sunlight  that, 
streaming  through  a knot  hole  in  the 
weather  boarding  and  wall  of  the  room, 
fell  on  the  floor  at  his  feet,  and  there 
made  a distinct  spot  of  light.  Glancing 
at  this  bright  spot  he  noted  that  it 
was  almost  circular.  Wondering  at  its 


A BASKET  BOUQUET  OF  THE  NEW'  WATER  LILY,  MRS.  EDWARD  WHITAKER. 

With  petals  of  a delicate  blue,  shading  into  a deeper  blue,  and  stamens  a golden  yellow,  exhibited 
by  George  H.  Pring,  floriculturist  of  the  Missouri  Botanical  Garden,  and  awarded 
the  National  Association  of  Gardeners’  gold  medal  at  the  convention  in  St.  Louis. 


culturist  of  the  Missouri  Botanical 
Garden,  and  by  the  National  Associa- 
tion of  Gardeners  was  awarded  a gold 
medal  at  the  convention  in  St.  Louis. 

In  the  cut  the  petals  appear  to  be  a 
beautiful  white.  Light  blue  sometimes 
in  a photograph  makes  a better  white 
than  a pure  white  does. 


'Twas  a stately  banquet,  as  we  saw  at  a 
glance, 

Our  own  fair  lilies,  the  lilies  of  France, 
And,  fresh  from  their  purlieus,  protected 
from  cold. 

Rare  orchids  of  crimson,  and  orchids  of  gold. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


perfect  figure,  he  cast  his  eye  upward 
to  find  the  opening  through  which  the 
light  entered,  and  was  surprised  to 
see  an  aperture  that  was  small  and 
irregular  in  shape.  It  seemed  an 
anomaly.  Close  observation  repeated 
under  many  conditions  brought  out  the 
fact  that  sunlight,  at  any  time  of  day, 
entering  an  aperture  and  falling  on  a 
level  surface  at  some  distance  from  the 
point  of  entrance,  does  not  take  the 
form  of  the  aperture  but  has  a tendency 
to  obliterate  the  angles  and  to  round 
them  into  curves.  Let  any  one  inter- 
ested note  the  dancing  sunlight  that 


PEAT  IN  CONNECTICUT 


49 


falls  on  the  ground  beneath  any  shade 
tree  on  a sunny  day.  It  will  be  observed 
that  the  figures  cast  are  circular.  This 
effect  is  interesting  to  note. 

On  what  law  of  nature  does  it  de- 
pend and  what  is  its  signification? 

sje  sf:  s|«  s|c  s|c 

These  observations  are  not  very  defi- 
nite as  to  the  size  of  the  hole  but  they 
seem  to  me  to  be  correct.  Any  such 
small  hole  makes  what  is  known  as  a 
pinhole  camera.  An  image  of  the 
scene  outside  is  formed  on  the  screen 
which  is  the  wall  or  side  of  the  room. 
The  images  seen  were  not  of  the  hole 
but  of  the  sun  itself.  Hence  they  were 
elliptical  or  circular.  In  times  of  solar 
eclipse,  when  the  sun  is  not  circular, 
the  images  are  of  the  same  shape  as  the 
sun.  and  discussions  of  eclipse  often 
state  that  if  one  looks  under  trees  the 
crescent-shaped  images  of  the  sun  will 
be  seen  on  the  ground,  or  if  the  sun 
shines  in  a dark  room  through  a small 
hole  the  eclipsed  sun  can  be  seen.  I 
have  often  seen  this.  I heard  a colan- 
der, the  ordinary  household  utensil, 
suggested  as  a thing  full  of  small  holes, 
each  of  which  gives  a small  image  of 
the  sun,  but  in  trying  it  I did  not  have 
much  success.--Professor  Samuel  G. 
Barton.  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


A Flower  Fantasy. 

The  Spring  is  a-blush  with  color, 

It  fairly  glints  and  glows; 

It  poses  among  the  seasons 
As  a great,  warm-hearted  rose. 

A water-lily  floating 

On  the  cool  lake’s  placid  breast, 

Best  typifies  the  Summer, 

Its  serenity  and  rest. 

A peony’s  crimson  beauty 
Suggests  the  Autumn  blaze, 

When  it  proudly  rears  its  sumptuous  head, 
And  the  sunlight  o’er  it  plays. 

The  gleaming  white  of  dogwood 
Most  rivals  Winter’s  snow. 

And  is  emblematic  of  the  time 
Of  cold  and  firelight-glow. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


Not  all  snails  which  kill  and  eat 
clams  operate  by  boring  through  the 
shell.  Some,  it  appears,  smother  the 
clam  by  enveloping  its  syphon  with  the 
foot  until  the  victim  is  smothered  and 
dies.  Then,  of  course,  the  shell  opens 
and  the  snail  devours  the  body. 


Peat  in  Connecticut. 

Mr.  Edgar  S.  Weed  of  Stamford  has 
presented  ns  with  an  interesting  speci- 
men of  peat  which  he  states  was  found 
some  ten  feet  in  the  ground  in  digging 
a well  on  Clinton  Avenue,  Stamford. 
The  specimen  was  referred  to  Profes- 
sor William  North  Rice  of  Wesleyan 
University,  Middletown,  Connecticut, 
and  he  writes  as  follows : 

“Deposits  of  peat  are  very  numerous 
in  Connecticut.  The  area  of  any  indi- 
vidual deposit  is  usually  not  very  great. 
As  regards  their  geological  history,  it 
may  be  said  that  they  are  among  the 
consequences  of  the  events  connected 
with  the  Glacial  period.  The  irregular 
deposits  of  drift,  which  were  left  in 
helter-skelter  fashion  when  the  ice 
melted  away,  obstructed  the  courses 
of  many  of  the  small  streams,  and 
made  numerous  changes  in  the  direc- 
tions of  drainage.  In  many  places  the 
surface  of  the  drift  was  marked  by  shal- 
low basins  which,  after  the  retirement 
of  the  ice,  were  occupied  by  water 
forming  lakes  and  ponds.  Ponds  of 
various  sizes  are  still  very  numerous 
in  Connecticut,  as  in  all  glacial  regions, 
but  many  of  the  lakes  that  existed  im- 
mediately after  the  Glacial  period  have 
been  filled  up  or  drained.  Often  a transi- 
tional stage  in  the  filling  or  draining  of 
a lake  is  represented  by  a swamp.  Nat- 
urally swamps  are  very  numerous  in 
Connecticut.  A lake  may  be  filled  by 
sedimentary  material  brought  in  by 
rainwash  or  by  inflowing  streams,  or 
it  may  be  filled  in  large  part  by  the 
accumulation  of  the  products  of  de- 
composition of  vegetable  deposits.  In 
the  latter  case  we  have  a peat  bog.” 

To  Wild  Gardens. 

M ild  gardens  by  the  roadsides. 

And  clambering  up  the  hills, 
Carpeting  the  meadows, 

And  bordering  the  rills; 

Wild  gardens  on  the  mountains, 

And  by  the  Summer  sea, 

With  denizens  of  butterflies. 

And  swift,  industrious  bee; 

Rioting  in  color. 

Sweet  with  perfume  too, 

Brightening  every  vista, 

Framing  every  view; 

Nature’s  truant  children, 

Roaming  at  your  will. 

With  beauty  you’re  incarnate, 

With  joy  our  summer  fill. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


5° 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


In  Appreciation  of  My  Friends,  Liter- 
ary and  Other. 

BY  THEODORE  H.  COOPER,  BATAVIA,  N.  Y. 

In  front  of  me  are  my  chemicals  and 
apparatus  from  which  I have  derived 
more  pleasure  than  I can  well  express. 
I have  lived  with  my  books  and  this  ap- 
paratus, and  have  absorbed  knowledge 
from  them  as  leaves  absorb  sunlight.  I 
have  not  “studied”  science  or  books  in 
the  ordinary  sense  of  the  word.  I have 
grown  into  them.  Every  day  for  years, 
for  a few  minutes  a day  at  least,  I have 
dipped  into  books  and  sat  in  my  library 
with  them  at  my  elbow.  Through  my 
“ playing  ” and  tinkering  with  my  mi- 
croscopes, test  tubes,  beakers,  etc.,  they 
have  become  my  friends.  I know  them 
and  I should  be  lonesome  if  long  sepa- 
rated from  them. 

When  I am  about  to  buy  a book  or 
an  instrument  I ask,  “Is  it  interesting? 
Will  it  be  stimulating  of  thought?  Will 
it  help  me  to  understand  something 
about  which  I wish  to  know?  Is  it 
something  that  it  will  be  a joy  to  pos- 
sess ?” 

I have  things,  many  things,  that  are 
much  more  valuable  to  me  than  they 
would  be  to  anyone  else,  but  only  for 
the  reason  that  1 know  more  about 
them.  When  I look  at  one  of  my  test 
tube  racks  it  suggests  pleasing  recol- 
lections. I made  it  one  night  when  I 
was  a night  fireman.  It  was  the  first 
test  tube  rack  I ever  had,  and  about  the 
first  that  I ever  saw.  I had  but  little 
apparatus  then,  and  how  I used  to 
watch  for  the  expressman  to  come  with 
that  box  of  glassware  from  Eberbach’s. 
I had  read  and  read  about  chemistry 
and  about  making  experiments,  and 
now  I was  to  have  some  apparatus  of 
my  own.  The  pleasure  in  anticipating 
was  not  less  than  the  experimenting 
itself.  The  same  with  books.  How 
eagerly  I have  watched  for  the  post- 
man. He  has  brought  me  more  good 
things  than  I could  enumerate  in  a 
good  sized  volume.  A new  book  by 
Burroughs,  or  on  one  of  my  favorite 
sciences,  or  a letter  from  a distant 
friend — I cannot  express  just  the  feel- 
ing of  welcome  companionship  a letter 
from  some  new  correspondent  has  so 
often  brought  me.  No  one  ever  had  a 
more  affectionate  regard  for  his  corre- 
spondents than  I have.  I should  make 
a poor  hermit  unless  I could  have  a 
good  sized  mail  box  at  my  cave. 


With  me  a test  tube  is  not  a tool;  it 
is  a friend.  My  books  talk  to  me,  advise 
me,  cheer  me  should  an  unfortunate 
event  afflict  me.  I never  study  them. 
I ask  them  questions ; I philosophize 
with  them.  When,  as  is  often  the  case, 
my  purse  is  slim,  Thoreau  and  a host 
of  others  come  down  from  their  shelves 
and  tell  me  how  much  more  I already 
have  than  I really  need.  When  I have 
been  disappointed  at  not  receiving  an 
answer  to  a letter,  or  on  finding  that 
the  book  I ordered  is  out  of  print,  Walt 
Whitman  and  Burroughs  make  the 
matter  dwindle  to  nothing  by  a broad 
sweep  of  the  pen. 

I have  only  a small  room  with  books 
and  a desk  on  two  sides  and  apparatus 
on  the  other  two,  but  what  a mine  of 
good  things  there  is  here  for  my  in- 
quisitive and  reflective  mind.  I sit  here 
and  read  or  think  for  hours  at  a time. 
I do  not  know  what  my  books  have  cost 
me ; I keep  no  ledger. 

I have  no  newspapers  and  know 
nothing  about  the  latest  crimes  that 
have  been  committed.  I am  not  a re- 
former. I am  satisfied  with  things  as 
they  are.  I am  so  intent  upon  enjoying 
the  good  qualities  of  my  friends  that  I 
have  no  time  to  consider  how  much 
better  those  qualities  might  be.  No 
doubt  evil  people  exist,  but  for  every 
evil  one  there  are  two  good  ones.  It  is 
easy  for  me  to  accept  this  majority.  I 
have  no  quarrel  with  the  money-makers 
nor  with  those  who  have  viewpoints 
differing  from  mine.  They  have  the 
same  right  to  their  opinion  that  I have 
to  mine.  May  they  always  get  as  much 
pleasure  from  following  their  chosen 
pursuits  as  I have  had  from  following 
mine. 

I have  lived  in  the  city  and  in  the 
country.  I have  found  it  good  to  live  in 
either  place.  If  you  are  of  an  easy- 
going, peaceful  disposition  it  is  easy  to 
find  friends  in  either  place,  and  enemies 
too  if  you  are  so  inclined.  But  when 
I know  there  is  a hornet’s  nest  on  one 
side  of  the  fence  I usually  take  the 
other.  There  is  a good  old  saying  that 
it  is  better  to  bend  than  to  break. 


The  newly  discovered  Arctic  lands 
north  of  North  America  and  hardly 
ten  degrees  from  the  pole  support 
thirty  indigenous  species  of  insects, 
seven  spiders,  five  birds  and  nine 
mammals. 


BETSY  AND  HER  ER I ENDS 


5i 


Betsy  and  Her  Friends. 

BY  WILLIAM  H.  HUSK,  MANCHESTER,  NEW 
HAMPSHIRE. 

Betsy  was  a wood  turtle  and  I hope 
still  is.  Brought  to  school  by  a boy 
one  day,  she  was  given  the  freedom  of 
the  classroom  and  for  a year  or  more 
made  herself  at  home  among  the  pupils’ 
feet,  showing  no  fear  and  attracting 
little  attention  from  the  children  after 
the  first  few  days.  We  found  her  to  be 
almost  omnivorous  with  a preference 
for  vegetable  food,  and  soon  she  learned 
to  take  food  from  a human  hand  with- 
out hesitation.  The  only  thing  she 
tasted  but  once  was  a chocolate  cream 
of  the  sticky  kind.  Her  confidence  in 
me  induced  her  to  take  one  bite  but  she 
had  so  much  difficulty  in  swallowing  it 


visitors  before  or  after  the  sessions. 
The  children  learned  the  names  of  the 
common  species  and  I doubt  if  many 
of  the  boys  afterwards  took  pleasure  in 
killing  the  wild  specimens  that  they 
found. 

It  was  while  we  had  all  the  specimens 
together  that  I learned  that  they  were 
affected  in  some  way  by  music.  The 
teacher  reported  that  they  appeared  to 
be  listening  when  the  music  lesson  was 
in  progress.  The  next  music  period 
found  me  in  the  room  watching  them. 
Before  the  lesson  began  the  turtles  were 
moving  slowly  about  but  the  moment 
the  singing  commenced  every  head  was 
up  in  a listening  attitude,  and  1 failed  to 
see  a movement  of  head  or  foot  till  the 
music  lesson  was  ended.  What  their 


“BETSY.” 


that  she  would  never  touch  another. 
She  took  food  from  me  but  would  sel- 
dom take  it  from  strangers. 

The  sand  on  the  floor,  brought  in  by 
the  children,  wore  the  skin  on  the  soles 
of  her  feet  almost  to  the  quick,  and  the 
teacher  of  the  room  was  seriously 
thinking  of  making  chamois  skin  socks 
for  her  when  I transferred  her  to  the 
pen  with  our  other  turtles  in  another 
room.  Here  were  representatives  of  all 
the  species  found  in  the  state — not  a 
large  number.  They  were  the  common 
painted,  spotted  and  wood  turtles,  the 
less  common  snapping,  musk  and 
Blanding’s  box  turtles,  and  the  com- 
mon box  turtle  which  is  very  uncom- 
mon in  New  Hampshire,  being  found 
only  in  the  extreme  southern  portion 
of  the  state.  Two  southern  species  com- 
pleted the  collection,  and  the  turtle  pen 
was  a never  ending  source  of  interest 
to  the  pupils  that  passed  through  the 
room.  Seldom  was  the  “zoo”  without 


sensations  were  of  course  I could  not 
tell.  It  is  reasonable,  however,  to  be- 
lieve that  they  were  pleasant,  for  had 
they  been  otherwise  the  turtles  would 
have  appeared  restless.  There  are  some 
people  who  cannot  sing  a note  and  yet 
are  fond  of  music.  Are  they  all  re- 
lated ? 

I finally  decided  to  give  up  my 
menagerie  and  turned  the  turtles  loose. 
The  next  summer  I found  the  empty 
shell  of  a Baur’s  turtle  that  came  from 
Florida  but  found  no  remains  of  the 
northern  species.  I sincerely  hope  that 
they  lived  “happy  ever  after.” 


“If  you  are  thinking  of  giving  your 
boy  the  present  of  an  air  rifle,”  warns 
the  Bulletin  of  the  Audubon  Society, 
“don’t  do  it.”  Among  other  excellent 
reasons,  if  the  boy  is  under  fifteen,  the 
Massachusetts  law  makes  you  liable  to 
fifty  dollars  fine ! 


The  Heavens  in  September. 

By  Professor  Samuel  G.  Barton  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


THE  bright  planets,  Jupiter  and 
Saturn,  which  have  been  objects 
of  interest  in  the  evening  sky  for 
many  months,  are  now  too  close  to  the 
sun  to  be  seen.  The  sun  passes  Saturn 
September  21  and  Jupiter  the  next  day. 
These  planets  will  then  be  morning 
stars  for  about  six  months.  On  Sep- 


occurs  at  intervals  of  about  twenty 
years.  There  are  no  periods  in  tempera- 
ture changes  of  this  length.  For  un- 
known reasons  the  temperatures  of  dif- 
ferent years  vary  to  a considerable  ex- 
tent with  a tendency  toward  cycles. 
The  period  which  seems  to  be  most 
marked  is  one  of  thirty-five  years.  The 


■SO  UT  1-1 

Figure  1.  The  constellations  at  9 Y.  M„  September  I.  (Hold  the  map  so  that  the  direction  faced  is 
at  the  bottom;  that  is,  if  facing  east  hold  east  at  the  bottom  as  south  now  is.) 


tember  14  Jupiter  passes  Saturn,  or  is 
in  conjunction  with  it  as  the  astron- 
omers call  it.  This  conjunction  has  been 
ascribed  as  the  cause  of  the  unusually 
high  temperatures  prevailing  this  year. 
I have  seen  no  good  reason  for  accept- 
ing this  as  a cause.  Such  a conjunction 


range,  however,  is  not  great.  No  reason 
for  this  period  is  known.  As  tempera- 
ture changes  on  the  earth  as  a whole 
are  primarily  due  to  changes  on  the 
sun  there  have  been  many  attempts  to 
find  the  reasons  for  the  changes  in  the 
sun’s  condition.  In  particular  attempts 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


53 


have  been  made  to  connect  temperature 
changes  with  sunspots.  The  tempera- 
tures are  slightly  higher  at  sunspot 
minimum  and  it  is  now  the  time  of 
sunspot  minimum.  As  the  period  of  the 
sunspots  is  nearly  the  same  as  the  pe- 
riod of  Jupiter’s  revolution  about  the 
sun,  attempts  have  been  made  to  asso- 
ciate the  two.  Saturn  also  and  other 
planets  have  been  suspected  of  having 
an  influence.  The  subject  is  still  under 
investigation. 

None  of  the  brighter  planets  are  now 
visible  in  the  early  evening.  Uranus  is 
in  Aquarius  but  not  visible  to  the  naked 
eye.  Venus  is  brilliant  as  a morning 


fourteen  minutes  longer  than  the  night. 

This  lengthening  of  the  day  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  night  comes  from  the  fact 
that  the  sun  is  counted  as  rising  when 
its  upper  edge  first  appears  above  the 
horizon  and  considered  as  setting  when 
its  upper  edge  disappears.  The  refrac- 
tion due  to  earth’s  atmosphere  raises 
the  sun  a distance  about  equal  to  its 
diameter  so  that  we  see  it  rise  about 
two  and  a half  minutes  sooner  than  we 
otherwise  should  and  set  later  by  the 
same  amount.  The  fact  that  we  use  the 
edge  of  the  sun  instead  of  the  center 
makes  another  minute  difference  in  the 
times  of  rising  and  setting.  In  high  lati- 


Figure  2.  Chart  showing  times  of  sunrise  and  sunset,  length  of  day  and  night, 
etc.,  for  latitude  forty  degrees. 


star.  On  September  13  it  makes  a close 
approach  to  the  planet  Neptune.  At 
seven  o’clock  in  the  morning  of  that 
day  the  two  planets  are  closest,  five 
minutes  apart.  As  Neptune  is  always 
invisible  to  the  naked  eye  a telescope  is 
necessary  to  see  this  planet. 

jfj  :fc  S(C  5jc 

The  Equinox. 

On  September  23,  9:20  eastern  stand- 
ard time,  the  sun  crosses  the  equator 
going  southward  and  autumn  com- 
mences. This  time  is  called  the  au- 
tumnal equinox  because  the  day  and 
night  are  of  equal  length.  Strictly 
speaking,  however,  this  is  not  true.  On 
this  day  the  sun  rises  at  5:49  A.  M. 
and  sets  at  5 156  P.  M.  The  day  is  thus 


tudes  these  differences  are  greater.  It 
will  be  noted  that  the  sun  does  not  rise 
and  set  at  six  o’clock  even  disregarding 
these  effects.  This  arises  from  the  fact 
that  our  time  is  based  upon  the  mean 
sun,  which  is  at  this  time  about  eight 
minutes  behind  the  real  sun.  Moreover 
the  times  of  sunset  and  sunrise  are  al- 
ways expressed  in  the  mean  time  of 
the  observer,  whereas  we  ordinarily 
use  standard  time,  which  is  the  mean 
time  at  the  place  adopted  as  standard. 
As  this  may  differ  a half  hour  or  more 
from  the  mean  time  at  the  place  of  the 
observer,  or  even  more  than  an  hour 
and  a half  if  daylight  saving  time  is 
used,  the  almanac  times  may  differ 
greatly  from  the  time  of  the  event  by 
the  watch. 


54 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


In  Figure  2 are  shown  the  portions 
of  the  twenty-four  hours  which  are 
night  (in  black),  daylight  and  twilight, 
in  the  different  months  of  the  year,  for 
latitude  forty  degrees.  From  this  figure 
may  be  read  the  times  of  sunrise  and 
sunset  and  the  duration  of  twilight. 
The  twilight  is  shortest  about  March  3 
and  October  1 and  longest  at  the  sum- 
mer solstice,  June  21.  Its  length  varies 
from  an  hour  and  thirty  minutes  to  two 
hours.  The  figure  shows  that  the  day- 
light decreases  from  fifteen  hours  one 
minute  at  the  summer  solstice,  June  21, 
to  nine  hours  nineteen  minutes  at  the 
winter  solstice.  December  22. 

:*c 

Daylight  Saving. 

The  purpose  of  the  daylight  saving 
scheme  is  that  we  should  sleep  during 
the  hours  of  darkness  and  reserve  the 
daylight  for  our  activities.  During  the 
winter  when  the  days  are  short  we  ordi- 
narily do  this,  but  during  the  summer 
we  do  not.  From  May  1 to  August  3. 
for  instance,  the  sun  rose  earlier  than 
five  o’clock.  Those  sleeping  as  late  as 
five  o’clock  wasted  the  daylight  and  the 
morning  twilight  too.  The  twilight, 
however,  is  less  important,  not  only 
because  the  light  is  less  intense  but 
also  because  some  of  the  twilight  time 
must  be  used  to  secure  eight  hours  of 
sleep. 

The  reasons  for  daylight  saving  time 
exist  principally  in  the  middle  latitudes. 
At  the  equator,  for  instance,  the  sun 
rises  at  nearly  the  same  time  each  day, 
varying  only  from  6:11  A.  M.  in  Feb- 
ruary to  5 :qo  in  November.  There  is 
no  reason  for  a time  in  part  of  the  year 
different  from  that  in  use  in  the  other 
parts.  In  high  latitudes  where  there  is 
a great  variation  in  the  time  of  sunrise 
throughout  the  year  there  is  also  little 
need  of  daylight  saving  time.  In  Figure 
3 the  times  of  sunrise  and  sunset  are 
shown  for  the  equator  and  for  a latitude 
of  sixty  degrees,  which  is  about  the 
latitude  of  the  southern  coa-^t  of  Alaska. 
At  the  latter  place  the  change  from 
short  days  to  long  days  is  very  rapid. 
The  sun  rose  at  six  o’clock  on  March  20 
and  at  five  o’clock  April  g.  1 he  days 
increased  nearly  two  hours  in  length 
in  this  brief  interval  of  twenty  days. 
When  the  days  are  short  the  daylight 
would  all  be  used  as  here  in  winter. 
When  the  days  are  long  there  is  more 
davlight  than  can  be  used,  so  that  con- 


servation is  not  necessary.  Farther 
north  there  is  still  less  need  of  daylight 
saving  plan.  At  the  pole  itself,  where 
it  is  about  equally  light  or  dark 
throughout  the  twenty-four  hours,  it 
matters  little  when  one  sleeps. 

If  the  hours  from  8 P.  M.  to  4 A.  M. 
were  devoted  to  sleep  the  daylight 


r 7 r 

< ° ■ 


Figure  3.  Times  cf  sunrise  and  sunset 
at  equator  and  in  latitude  sixty  degrees. 


would  be  conserved  everywhere.  There 
is.  however,  a human  disinclination  to 
rising  before  the  sun.  “Early  to  bed 
and  early  to  rise”  is  a good  rule — for 
the  other  fellow.  Hence  we  have 
adopted  habits  suited  to  winter  rather 
than  the  whole  year  and  the  habit  once 
formed  of  doing  things  at  definite  hours 
we  object  to  change.  If  the  sun  is  shin- 
ing we  do  not  object  to  rising  earlier 
in  itself  but  after  rising  at  seven  we 
hate  the  thought  of  rising  at  six.  If  we 
call  it  seven  we  are  satisfied  provided 
the  hours  of  duty  are  also  set  forward, 
for  it  would  be  difficult  to  rise  before 
our  duties  compelled  us  to.  The  whole 
reason  for  daylight  saving  time  is  thus 
a psychological  one. 

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 

The  New  Celestial  Object. 

For  a few  minutes  before  and  after 
sunset  on  August  7 a celestial  object 
brighter  than  Venus  was  seen  near  the 
sun  by  five  observers  at  the  Lick  Ob- 
servatory. The  number  and  character 
of  the  witnesses  make  the  reality  of 
the  observation  unquestionable.  The 
object  was  three  degrees  east  of  the 
sun  and  one  degree  south  of  it.  The 
object  was  believed  to  be  either  the 
nucleus  of  a comet  or  a nova  (new 
star).  In  either  case  it  was  a very  re- 
markable object.  The  great  comet  of 
1843  was  discovered  very  near  the  sun 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


55 


with  the  naked  eye  as  was  this  object. 
This  comet  was  probably  the  brightest 
ever  recorded.  No  nova  has  appeared 
which  has  been  as  bright  as  Venus,  so 
far  as  we  know.  If  the  object  were  a 
comet  its  motion  would  soon  carry  it 
away  from  the  brilliant  sun  and  make 
it  conspicuously  visible.  If  a nova  its 
position  among  the  stars  would  not 
change  but  the  sun’s  apparent  motion 
among  the  stars  would  take  the  sun 
eastward  a degree  each  day  and  thus 
after  a time  enable  us  to  see  the  star 
without  the  interference  of  the  brilliant 
sunlight.  A nova  decreases  in  bright- 
ness rapidly.  When  the  sun  is  suffi- 
ciently far  from  the  position  in  which 
the  object  was  seen  we  can  examine  the 
region  and  perhaps  identify  the  object 
as  a nova. 

Although  careful  search  has  been 
made,  so  far  as  I know  the  object  has 
not  been  seen  since  its  discovery.  The 
report  from  Germany  that  we  passed 
through  the  tail  of  a comet  on  August 
8 seems  to  be  without  foundation.  The 
fact  that  the  object  was  near  the  sun 
made  it  probable  that  it  was  a comet. 
The  failure  to  find  the  object  again  now 
makes  it  more  probable  that  the  object 
was  a nova.  Were  it  not  for  the  fact 
that  the  nonexistence  of  an  intramer- 
curial planet  of  this  brightness  seems 
so  conclusively  proven  we  might  think 
that  it  was  such  a planet.  Several  ob- 
servers of  earlier  times  have  claimed 
that  they  have  seen  such  a planet. 


The  Breeze. 

BY  MAUD  A.  NEWCOMB,  NEW  YORK  CITY. 
A fresh  little  breeze 

Stirs  the  blades  of  grass. 

And  puffs  at  the  butterflies 
As  swiftly  they  pass. 

It  makes  the  leaves  dance, 

And  bends  the  slim  trees — 

Th  s gay  and  frolicsome 
Fresh  little  breeze. 

It  scatters  the  petals 
From  lilac  and  rose, 

It  frouses  your  hair. 

As  it  playfully  blows. 

And  it  jostles  you  rudely. 

And  never  says  ‘ Please” — 

But  you  love  it — this  frolicsome, 
Fresh  little  breeze. 

The  little  spring  birds 

Snuggle  warm  in  their  nests, 

As  the  wild,  merry  breeze 
Rumples  feathery  breasts. 

And  the  sheep  in  the  pasture  brook 
Up  to  their  knees 
Just  sniff  at  this  frolicsome, 

Fresh  little  breeze. 


The  book  of  nature  is  always  open 
winter  and  summer  and  is  always  with- 
in reach,  and  the  print  is  legible  if  we 
have  eyes  to  read  it.  But  most  persons 
are  too  preoccupied  to  have  their  atten- 
tion arrested  by  it — John  Burroughs  in 
“Field  and  Study.” 


August  brings  the  jewel-weed 
To  make  the  roadsides  gay 
With  amber  and  with  topaz  glints 
Like  sunbeams  there  at  play. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


NATURE. 

BY  HAROLD  GORDON  HAWKINS,  WESTFIELD,  MASSACHUSETTS. 

When  that  day  comes  that  I shall  feel  no  more 
The  magic  influence  of  Nature’s  lure. 

When  she  shall  cease  to  keep  my  weak  soul  pure 
With  sagest  teaching  of  her  world-old  lore. 

When  I lose  power  to  garner  from  her  store 
Of  matchless  beauty  thoughts  that  can  conjure 
My  mind  from  lesser  things  and  swiftly  sure 
Direct  it  to  a higher  plane  once  more ; 

When  Nature’s  voices  cease  to  speak  to  me, 

When  all  her  grandeur  is  to  me  as  nought, 

And  worthless  are  the  bounties  she  may  give. 
When  my  dull  soul  knows  such  despondency 
That  it  denies  her  works  a single  thought, 

Then  let  me  die  for  I have  ceased  to  live. 


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fU^W^'UZSS umt3GS&tSi&l5$0 

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W/hPiT  YOU  WP^MT  „ .. 

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ch , Conn. 


The  Swift  Motions  of  Small  Animals. 

BY  W.  H.  H.  BARKER,  M.  D„  HARVEY,  IOWA. 

Swiftness  of  motion  is  an  essential 
requisite  of  many  wild  animals  of  the 
smaller  kind.  It  is  one  of  their  most 
important  means  of  defense.  Perhaps 
no  known  animal  possesses  this  in  a 
higher  degree  than  the  weasel.  He  is 
the  “lightning  flash”  among  all  animal 
life.  A single  instance  will  illustrate 
this.  The  writer  was  once  standing  on 
a board  sidewalk.  At  his  feet,  almost 
at  his  toes,  was  a two-inch  auger  hole 
in  a plank.  Through  this  was  suddenly 
thrust  the  head  of  an  audacious,  full- 
grown  weasel  with  a whistling  call  and 
a challenge  for  a fight.  A swift  kick 
sent  him  chattering  out  of  sight,  only 
instantly  to  reappear,  with  head  and 
shoulders  through  the  hole.  Half  a 
dozen  times  were  the  kicks  and  the 
swift  dodges  repeated.  Then  occurred 
a change  of  program.  Calculating  time 
closely  a kick  was  given  before  the 
head  was  seen,  and  it  caught  the  little 
animal  unawares,  and  of  course  ended 
the  performance  on  both  sides.  But  the 
kick  had  caught  only  the  tip  of  the  little 
animal’s  nose  as  he  came  up  and  not  as 
he  went  down. 

Not  often  does  the  little  fox  squirrel 
give  man  a chance  to  attest  his  quick- 
ness. The  writer  has  had  one  oppor- 
tunity to  make  such  a test.  As  I was 
standing  close  beside  a large  forest 
tree,  a young  but  full-grown  squirrel 
suddenly  thrust  its  head  almost  in  my 
face.  Short  of  rations,  out  on  a tramp 
in  the  woods  and  hungry,  here  it 
seemed  was  a chance  for  a meal. 
Hatchet  in  hand,  a lightninglike  stroke 
was  made  at  the  little  imp.  but  when  it 
struck  the  tree  the  squirrel  was  on  the 
other  side.  The  weapon  was  scarcely 
recovered  when  the  squirrel  was  back 
ready  for  another  trial  of  skill.  The 


blow  and  the  dodging  were  repeated 
again  and  again  but  to  no  purpose. 
Finding  all  efforts  to  capture  the  little 
scamp  were  useless  we  let  him  sit  and 
chatter  at  us  in  pure  squirrel  delight  at 
our  discomfiture.  We  went  our  way, 
having  learned  another  lesson  as  to  na- 
ture’s ways  of  shielding  her  little  people 
in  times  of  danger,  and  inwardly  ad- 
miring the  agility  of  my  would-be  cap- 
ture. 


An  Unusual  Rattlesnake. 

BY  F.  H.  SIDNEY,  WAKEFIELD,  MASS. 

Mr.  R.  M.  Smith  and  his  son,  Robert, 
of  Sheffield,  Massachusetts,  with  a 
forked  stick  captured  alive  at  Black 
Rock.  Mount  Washington,  Massa- 
chusetts. a white  rattlesnake  which  has 
been  shipped  to  Mr.  Raymond  L.  Dit- 
mars,  Curator  of  the  New  York  Zoo- 
logical Park.  Mr.  Ditmars  saw  this 
snake  last  year  when  rattlesnake  hunt- 
ing on  the  mountain  but  it  got  away 
from  him.  The  rattler  is  two  feet  long 
and  has  two  rattles  and  a button.  Its 
eyes  are  pink  and  its  white  skin  is 
dotted  with  pink  spots.  The  specimen 
is  said  to  be  the  only  one  of  its  kind  in 
existence. 


Black  Snake  Warnings. 

BY  C.  D.  ROMIG,  AUDENRIED,  PENNSYLVANIA. 

While  viewing  from  some  rocks  dur- 
ing cool  weather  I nearly  trod  on  a 
large  black  snake  coiled  there  and 
which  gave  warning  by  rattling  the  dry 
leaves  with  its  tail  in  a way  similar  to 
that  of  a rattlesnake.  The  tail  seemed 
to  vibrate  rapidly  on  the  leaves. 

This  I have  observed  before  and,  as 
I recall,  in  cool  weather.  It  may  be  a 
sign  of  fear  or  of  helplessness.  In  warm 
weather  the  black  snake  usually  runs 
away  as  fast  as  possible  when  attacked. 


THE  FUN  OF  SEEING  THINGS 


57 


Novel  Pinning  Board. 

Ontario,  California. 

To  the  Editor: 

I have  found  out  something  so  good 
while  here  for  the  summer  school  that 
I must  pass  it  along. 

1 am  mailing  you  a small  log  of  yucca 
flower  stalk,  Spanish  dagger,  which 
grows  in  the  mountains  and  gravelly 
wastes  among  the  foothills  here  in 
southern  California  and  elsewhere  in 
the  arid  southwest.  The  pith  makes 
the  most  excellent  pinning  board  for 
spreading  insects.  It  is  actually  a 
pleasure  to  work  upon  it.  I whittled 
out  one  for  the  children  and  we  have 
put  it  to  use  already.  I find  it  no  trouble 
to  cut  up  with  a ripsaw.  There  is 
enough  material  in  the  piece  for  two 
boards  including  the  middle  pinning 
strip  and  cleats.  I put  the  one  I made 
together  with  common  straight  pins. 
The  stuff  can  be  cut  as  thin  or  as  thick 
as  one  likes. 

These  stems  are  useful  material  if 
taken  before  beetles  destroy  the  pith. 
I found  old  stems  untouched  by  larvae 
among  others  that  were  practically  hol- 
lowed ; near-by  were  fresh  stems  just 
dropping  their  petals  yet  riddled  with 
punctures  as  though  struck  by  charges 
of  bird  shot.  I found  in  one  stalk,  a 
fresh  one,  literally  hundreds  of  beauti- 
fully tinted  blue-green  larvae  of  a small 
moth.  With  them  were  found  many 
small  grubs  of  some  three  or  four  kinds 
and  an  occasional  large  one  resembling 
the  goldsmith.  I have  never  seen  such 
noble  plants,  environment  considered, 
except  it  be  trees. 

Frank  B.  Hopkins. 

Mr.  Hopkins  very  kindly  sends  us 
drawings  showing  how  he  makes  the 
pinning  boards  and  has  contributed  to 
ArcAdiA  a large  piece  of  the  yucca 
stalk. 


Broom  Holds  Water. 

BY  C.  D.  ROMIG,  AUDENRIED,  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Dip  a broom  in  water  and  quickly 
take  the  handle  horizontally  in  both 
hands  and  with  one  hand  twirl  it  slow- 
ly, using  the  other  hand  as  a bearing, 
and  hardly  a drop  of  water  will  fall, 
after  a little  practice,  even  when  the 
broom  is  soaked  completely  full. 

This  is  useful  in  an  emergency  for 
sprinkling  floors  or  to  dampen  anything 
on  fire,  or  for  similar  purpose,  and  was 
discovered  in  this  way  by  the  writer. 


English  Sparrows  Injure  Corn. 

Lawrence,  Kansas. 

To  the  Editor: 

I read  in  the  August  number  of  Tiie 
Guide  to  Nature  the  short  article  by 
Miss  Wilson  on  English  sparrows  and 
corn  pollen.  My  experience  with  corn 
and  sparrows  was  not  so  fortunate. 
She  thought  they  fertilized  the  corn 
and  they  may  have  in  her  case,  but  in 
my  case  they  began  to  eat  it  before  it 
was  ripe  enough  for  the  disturbance  on 
it  to  fertilize  the  silk.  They  ate  so 
greedily  that  by  the  time  the  pollen  was 
ripe  enough  to  fall  either  of  itself  or 
by  their  movements  in  it  so  much  was 
gone  that  the  ears  of  corn  were  very 
poorly  filled.  I never  had  seen  English 
sparrows  so  thick  in  the  corn  patch  and 
I never  before  had  such  poorly  filled 
ears. 

Mary  M.  Palmer. 


Cities  and  Plant  Growth. 

The  farther  away  from  a city  they 
are  the  better  the  lichens  grow.  A 
lichen  is  seldom  seen  on  a tree  or  a 
rock  within  the  settled  portions  of  a 
city  and  its  immediate  suburbs.  But 
the  reverse  is  true  with  gardens.  The 
nearer  to  the  city  the  more  numerous 
and  luxuriant  the  gardens.  This  ob- 
servation is  prompted  by  a recent  rail- 
road trip  through  New  England.  Gar- 
dens are  frequent  along  the  city  por- 
tions of  the  railroad  but  in  the  strictly 
farming  territory  they  are  not  numer- 
ous. Some  six  hours’  railroad  riding 
through  the  state  of  Maine  revealed 
not  a single  garden  that  could  be  fa- 
vorably compared  with  many  in  Sound 
Beach,  notably  our  own  ArcAdiA  gar- 
den. Why  is  that?  One  wonders 
especially  in  Maine  what  garden  truck 
the  farmers  live  on  as  the  garden  crops 
or,  for  that  matter,  other  crops  are  few 
and  far  between.  Nearly  all  the  tillable 
land  appears  to  be  devoted  to  hay  with 
seldom  any  crop  requiring  plowing  and 
planting. 

Two  Crescents. 

A crescent  moon  in  a sunset  sky, 

A silver  scimiter  poised  on  high, 

To  cleave  the  darkness  of  the  night, 

And  let  us  share  its  Heavenly  light. 

A crescent  isle  in  a sunset  sea, 

Beck’ning  afar  to  you  and  me: 

And  we’re  hasting  o’er  the  ocean’s  calm. 
To  seek  anew  its  rest  and  charm. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


58 


Real  vs.  Trash  Reading. 

15Y  THEODORE  H.  COOPER,  BATAVIA,  N.  Y. 

It  is  surprising  to  the  naturalist  to 
see  the  books  and  magazines  that  are 
on  sale  at  the  average  bookstore  and 
that  are  read  by  those  who  are  pre- 
sumed to  be  out  of  infancy.  As  Thoreau 
said,  “Why  do  they  read  their  A,  B,  C’s 
all  their  life?"  Erotn  the  “Turrubul 
Sam”  and  the  eternal  triangles  of  the 
“moovis”  they  turn  to  the  latest  novel 
on  the  same  subject. 

An  extraordinary  tree  or  some  other 
curiosity  may  find  its  way  to  the 
papers.  It  is  exploited  for  its  value  as 
a curiosity  though  and  not  as  an  object 
of  nature.  For  “natural  nature”  the 
average  person  cares  very  little.  I have 
tried  to  interest  some  of  them  and  I can 
echo  the  editor  of  one  of  our  western 
magazines  when  he  observes,  “They 
don’t  care  a hang  about  it  and  never 
will.” 

What  a relief  it  is  to  turn  from  the 
contorted,  spectacular  nature  that  rep- 
resents the  scientific  feature  of  most  of 
our  magazines  to  the  simplicity  and 
naturalness  of  The  Guide  to  Nature. 
The  common,  near  at  hand  things  that 
we  can  all  see  are  shown  in  this  maga- 
zine, and  those  are  the  things  worth 
knowing  about. 

Arcturus  is  more  interesting  to  me 
than  Canopus  because  I can  see  it.  A 
crow  is  more  interesting  than  a condor 
because  we  have  seen  it  and  heard  it 
caw.  Things  are  of  interest  in  propor- 
tion to  how  much  we  know  about  them. 
The  best  way  to  make  ordinary  things 
of  interest  is  to  read  about  them. 
The  Guide  to  Nature  furnishes  such 
reading.  It  was  only  by  the  accidental 
finding  of  a copy  of  “The  Ob- 
server” that  I came  to  know  of  this  de- 
lightful little  magazine,  for  since  the 
average  man  in  the  street  would  not 
find  anything  of  interest  in  it  the  book- 
stores do  not  have  it. 


The  fruit  of  Ulota  phyllantha,  a rare 
moss,  was  long  unknown,  and  until  it 
was  found  by  Thomas  Howell  in  Ore- 
gon in  1885  had  not  been  described. 
While  working  atKewin  “a  sharp- 
eyed  American  lady  (Airs.  Britton  of 
Columbia  College)  found  five  capsules 
on  the  specimens  collected  by  Schim- 
per  himself  at  Killarney,  Ireland,  but 
which  had  not  been  noticed.” — (Braith- 
waite  British  Mosses,  Vol.  2,  p.  97. 
1889.) 


A Rope  of  Dust. 

BY  CHARLES  D.  ROMIG,  AUDENRIED,  PENN. 

On  an  automobile  trip  one  summer 
day  my  attention  was  called  to  a whirl- 
wind about  a block  ahead  of  us  on  the 
edge  of  a village.  The  roads  were 
dusty  and  the  wind  had  caught  the  dust 
up  so  that  it  looked  exactly  like  a rope 
hanging  from  the  sky. 

No  doubt  this  was  a young  tornado, 
too  young  to  do  any  harm.  This  rope 
of  dust  was  about  as  thick  as  a garden 
hose  and  for  a brief  period  appeared 
to  be  truly  vertical.  The  length  must 
have  been  more  than  two  hundred  feet. 


The  Mountain  Top. 

A delectable  mountain  top  it  is, 

Breezy,  cool  and  sweet, 

Where  moss  and  potentilla  make 
A carpet  for  our  feet. 

Where  lady  spruces  trail  their  robes 
Over  ledges  bare. 

And  garlands  wreathe  of  clustered  cones 
In  their  fragrant  hair. 

Where  little  birches  straggle  up, 

The  evergreens  among, 

And  worthy,  withe-rod’s  blushing  fruit, 
To  be  of  poets  sung. 

Where  there  is  spread  before  our  eyes 
A panorama  rare, 

Of  hill  and  dale,  of  wood  and  field, 

With  homesteads  nestled  there. 

A silver  river  winding  down, 

To  merge  into  the  sea, 

With  islands  dotting  all  the  bay 
As  far  as  we  can  see. 

A lake  embosomed  in  the  hills, 

A perfect  mirror  there, 

Reflecting  wooded  shores  and  farms, 

And  all  its  framework  fair. 

With  distant  mountains  looming  up, 

Into  the  ether  blue, 

To  ho'd  our  beauty-seeking  eyes, 

While  limiting  the  view. 

A wonder  mountain  top  indeed, 

Its  magic  half  untold, 

But  making  us,  with  every  climb, 

Richer  a hundred  fold. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


Professor  Frank  G.  Speck,  of  the 
University  of  Pennsylvania,  has  had 
published  by  that  university  an  inter- 
esting monograph  on  the  “Bird-lore  of 
the  Northern  Indians.”  The  pamphlet 
contains  much  of  popular  interest  and 
is  adapted  to  the  general  reader  as  well 
as  to  the  professional  ornithologist. 


THE  FUN  OF  SEEING  THINGS 


59 


Look  Up  and  Down. 

‘‘Look  up  and  not  down,”  a revered  seer 
wrote. 

Hut  I say  look  up  and  down; 

Look  up  at  the  sky,  and  the  rounded  hills, 
And  the  peaks  that  on  us  frown. 

Look  up  at  the  twinkling  stars  at  night, 
And  the  planets’  steady  glow; 

Trace  out  the  constellations  there, 

As  they  silently  come  and  go. 

Look  up  at  the  trees  with  the:r  groined  limbs 
That  cathedral  arches  make; 

At  the  continent  clouds  that  are  drifting  by 
With  the  shadows  in  their  wake. 

Look  down  at  the  greensward,  velvet 
smooth. 

So  refreshing  to  the  eye. 

At  the  wondrous  forms  and  tints  of  flowers 
That  pass  in  procession  by. 

Look  down  at  the  riotous  wealth  of  life 
That  covers  each  foot  of  soil; 

At  tranquil  streams  with  their  silver  gleams. 
And  the  rapids’  swift  turmoil. 

Look  down  at  the  sand  of  the  ocean  strand, 
Hardened  by  thunderous  shocks, 

And  be  sure  to  look,  at  extreme  low  tide, 
For  “aquariums”  'mong  the  rocks. 

“Look  up”  and  down,  ‘ look  out”  and  in, 
“Look  forward”  where  you  stand; 

Look  all  about,  wherever  you  are, 

And  always  “lend  a hand.” 

— Emma  Peirce. 


The  mountain  laurel  in  some  places 
is  becoming;  exterminated  by  its  ad- 
mirers, who  use  it  for  Christmas  dec- 
orations. 


The  Massachusetts  Audubon  So- 
ciety has  a “movie”  based  on  Longfel- 
low’s “The  Birds  of  Killingworth” 
which  will  be  seen  during  the  coming 
year  by  a million  children. 


The  list  of  the  beetles  of  North 
America  printed  by  Samuel  Henshaw 
in  1885  contained  nine  thousand  species. 
Charles  W.  Leng’s  new  catalogue  has 
almost  nineteen  thousand. 


A new  Chinese  natural  history  mu- 
seum, the  first  in  the  republic,  is  to  be 
one  outcome  of  the  expedition  to 
central  Asia  which  the  American  Mu- 
seum is  sending  out.  The  expedition 
is  to  furnish  the  new  institution  with 
duplicates  of  all  its  collections,  and  also 
to  take  along  a number  of  Chinese 
students  for  training  in  collecting 
methods. 


LITERARY  NOTICES. 


Clouds.  By  Geo.  Aubourne  Clarke.  New  York 
City:  E.  P.  Dutton  & Company. 

This  is  an  elaborate  treatise  of  the  sub- 
ject, yet  it  is  written  simply  and  concisely. 
It  will  be  a delight  to  the  teacher  of  meteor- 
ology or  of  general  nature  study  as  well  as 
to  that  increasing  class  who  are  taking  more 
and  more  interest  in  a study  of  the  weather. 
The  photographic  illustrations,  full  page 
plate  after  full  page,  are  all  that  the  lover 
of  photography  and  of  good  engraving  and 
printing  can  desire.  They  beautifully  de- 
pict every  form  and  variety  of  cloud  known 
to  science. 


The  Way  of  a Trout  with  a Fly.  By  G.  E. 
M.  Skues.  London,  England:  A.  & C. 
Black,  Ltd.  American  Agents:  The 

Macmillan  Company,  64  & 66  Fifth  Ave- 
nue, New  York  City. 

This  sumptuous  volume  will  delight,  from 
the  literary  as  well  as  the  practical  point  of 
v:ew,  every  expert  lover  of  trout  fishing. 
Each  phase  of  the  subject  is  discussed  in 
detail,  including  the  characteristics  of  the 
trout,  and  not  excluding  some  of  those  pos- 
sessed by  the  whipper  of  trout  streams.  The 
book  contains  not  only  practical  advice  but 
sundry  observations,  psychological,  jocular, 
wise  and  otherwise.  The  illustrations  are  in 
every  way  praiseworthy. 


Life  of  Aifred  Newton.  B'-  A.  F.  R.  Wollas- 
ton. New'  York  City:  E.  P.  Dutton  and 
Company. 

The  letters  and  journals  of  Professor 
Newton  of  Cambridge  University,  England, 
who  died  in  1907,  have  been  collated  bv  Mr. 
Wollaston,  one  of  his  pup’ls,  in  an  interest- 
ing and  appreciative  memoir.  The  w’ork  has 
reauired  the  painstaking  labor  of  several 
years.  The  biography  is  of  general  interest 
to  all  students  of  science  but  ;s  more  espe- 
cially so  to  those  wrho  were  the  professor's 
personal  friends.  Much  of  the  book  is  too 
personal  to  be  of  general  interest.  Professor 
Newton  wras  an  enthusiastic  and  accom- 
plished naturalist  and  scientist. 


A bill  before  the  Maine  legislature 
will  make  a state  park  of  the  region  of 
Mt.  Katahdin,  Maine.  The  district  is 
in  the  central  part  of  the  state,  very- 
wild,  inaccessible  and  little  known.  The 
mountain,  5.248  feet  at  its  highest  and 
therefore  taller  than  anything  else  in 
New  England  except  two  or  three  of 
the  Presidential  Range,  has  no  proper 
peak,  but  is  a squarish  plateau  with  a 
long  curved  ridge  extending  off  from 
it  and  somewhat  higher,  much  like  the 
body  of  a tadpole  and  its  tail. 


6o 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


“My  Window.” 

“My  window”  rainbow  greeting  gives, 

When  on  the  Avenue  we  go, 

With  some  blooms  brighter  than  the  dawn, 
And  others  chaste  as  Winter’s  snow. 

Orchids,  roses,  friendly  rivals, 

In  the  floral  contest  there, 

Japonicas  among  the  fairest, 

In  a group  where  all  are  fair! 

Chrysanthemums  in  all  their  phases, 
“Buttons”  to  the  queenly  blooms, 

That  just  now  in  their  profusion, 

Lend  a grace  to  all  our  rooms. 

Cyclamen,  those  errant  beauties, 

Reveling  in  brilliant  tints, 

Though  not  outshining  primrose  neighbors, 
With  their  softer,  paler  glints. 

Snapdragon’s  spikes  of  shell-like  petals, 
Dipped  in  sunset  rose  and  gold, 

Charming  now,  among  exotics, 

As  in  grandmother’s  garden  old. 

Other  flowers  their  prestige  lending, 
Fragrant  violets  and  sweet  peas, 

With  maiden-hair  and  smilax  forming 
A graceful  foil  for  all  of  these. 

When  Wintry  blasts  without  are  raging, 
The  Summer  a forlorn  “has-been,” 

How  more  than  cheery  to  those  passing, 
This  sumptuous  flower-warmth  within! 

— Emma  Peirce. 


A member  of  Professor  J.  B.  Wood- 
worth’s class  in  geology  at  Harvard, 
while  working  in  an  old  quarry  in  Attle- 
boro, had  the  remarkable  fortune  to 
discover  the  footprint  of  a creature  un- 
known to  science.  The  animal  must 
have  been  of  some  size,  since  the  front 
foot  gave  an  impression  an  inch  and  a 
half  long,  and  the  hind  foot  one  of 
nearly  two  inches  and  a half.  Ap- 
parently the  unknown  beast  was  a rep- 
tile, of  the  general  type  of  the  great 
dinosaurs  which  made  the  well-known 
tracks  at  Turner’s  Falls  and  elsewhere 
in  the  Connecticut  valley.  But  the 
rocks  in  which  the  newly  discovered 
tracks  appear  are  much  older  than  the 
Age  of  Reptiles.  In  fact,  they  probably 
belong  to  a time  shortly  before  the  Coal 
Period.  Since  the  most  ancient  similar 
creature  thus  far  discovered  is  from  the 
Coal  Measures  of  Ohio,  this  new  find 
may  prove  to  be  the  earliest  known 
reptile. 


A will-o’-the-wisp  is  Spring, 

Ever  dancing  before  our  eyes, 

Yet  ever  holding  aloof, 

The  dearly  coveted  prize. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


Fireflies. 

Little  fairy  lanterns 

Flitting  here  and  there, 

Bearers  quite  invisible 
In  the  darkened  air. 

Spangling  dusky  tree-tops 
Jewels  on  the  flowers, 

Giving  lightest,  daintiest  touch 
To  the  evening  hours. 

Gleaming  in  the  grasses, 

Lighting  fields  afar, 

Now  and  then  one  soaring  high, 

And  taken  for  a star: 

Fitful  flickering, 

Flame  and  then  eclipse, — 

’Twere  hard  to  do  you  justice,  quite, 
With  our  human  lips. 

— Emma  Peirce. 

Moles,  whose  diet  is  largely  earth- 
worms, eat  these  almost  continuously 
during  waking  hours. 

The  Alaskan  salmon  fisheries  alone 
yield  yearly  more  than  seven  times  the 
entire  original  purchase  price  of  the 
Territory.  Yet  these  fish,  unless  some- 
thing is  done  promptly,  seem  destined 
to  go  the  way  of  the  New  England 
salmon,  now  almost  extinct,  but  which 
once  were  abundant  beyond  all  count- 
ing. 

The  earliest  mathematical  work 
printed  in  America  has  been  supposed 
to  be  that  by  Isaac  Greenwood,  first 
Hollis  professor  of  mathematics  and 
natural  philosophy  in  Harvard  College, 
which  appeared  at  Boston  in  1729.  It 
now  transpires  that  one  Juan  Diez  pub- 
lished at  Mexico  City  in  1556  a 
“Sumario  Compendiso,”  some  twenty- 
four  pages  of  which  were  devoted  to 
arithmetic  and  algebra.  Only  four 
copies  are  known  to  survive. 

The  long  sought  spawning  ground 
of  the  eel  seems  at  last  to  be  definitely 
located  in  the  Atlantic  Ocean  south- 
west of  Bermuda.  New-hatched  eels, 
only  a third  of  an  inch  long,  have  been 
dredged  here.  When  they  have  grown 
to  the  length  of  one  inch  they  start  on 
their  long  migration,  which  finally 
carries  them  into  the  rivers  of  Europe 
and  North  America.  Young  eels  have 
been  taken  in  mid-Atlantic  at  a depth 
of  two  and  a half  miles. 


The  Junior  Audubon  Society,  at 
latest  accounts,  had  1,446,956  members. 


THE  FUN  OF  SEEING  THINGS 


IX 


Discover  Something  of  Interest  and 
Point  To  It  With  Delight 


“WHAT 

IS 

THIS” 


In  Outdoor  Rambles  in  Woods  and  Fields  by 
Boys  and  Girls,  Men  and  Women 

ASK  QUESTIONS 

????????? 

ooooooooo 

Send  it,  for  full  information,  to 

The  Guide  to  Nature 

ARCADIA 

Sound  Beach,  Connecticut 

The  Young  Folks  Are  Delighted,  And  So  Are 
The  Older  Ones,  Too 

tnnn  niimif 

ooooooo  ooooooooo 

P.  S. — Do  not  forget  to  inclose  Stamped  and  Self- 
Addressed  Envelope. 


N OW 

I 

KNOW 


X 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


“Ferns  in  the  Woods.” 

BY  CHARLES  NEVERS  HOLMES,  NEWTON,  MASSACHUSETTS. 


Within  a forest  fen 
Afar  from  homes  of  men, 

Aloof  from  trodden  way, 

Where  people  seldom  stray, 
Within  a lone  retreat 
Where  solitude  is  sweet, 

And  birch  trees  gleam  so  white 
’Mid  mingled  shade  and  light, 
The  visitor  discerns 
A gorgeous  growth  of  ferns. 


Ferns  that  are  dwarfed  or  tall, 
Ferns  which  are  large  or  small, 
Fronds  that  are  coarse  or  fine, 
Fronds  of  superb  design, 

Some  ferns  which  seek  the  light 
And  some  that  shrink  from  sight, 
Which  flourish  in  the  shade 
Beside  a sunny  glade, 

Within  a forest  fen 
Afar  from  homes  of  men. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


XI 


WANTED:  A GIFT  OF  $5,000. 

Forty-six  years  of  youthful  activities 
— we  are  the  Association  that  never 
grows  old  or  out  of  date. 

Forty-six  years  of  dependence  upon 
the  living — we  have  never  deprived  any 
one  of  the  joy  and  satisfaction  of  seeing 
how  contributed  money  was  spent,  thus 
inciting  to  repeated  gifts  from  nearly 
every  one. 

Though  death  has  taken  from  11s 
many  of  our  most  liberal  contributors, 
we  have  superlative  faith  that  some- 
where will  be  found  the  one  to  give  us 
the  five  thousand  dollars  to  be  used  in 
a detailed  plan  under  the  personal  ap- 
proval of  the  contributor. 

We  make  moderate  amounts  of 
money  go  a long  way.  We  point  with 
pride  to  every  detail  of  our  record  of 
almost  a half  century.  There  have  been 
only  two  managers  of  The  Agassiz  As- 
sociation, the  former  for  thirty-two 
years,  the  present  for  fourteen,  and 
neither  has  received  salary  for  the 
executive  management  of  The  AA. 

No  other  charitable  and  educational 
organization  has  a better  Board  of 
Trustees.  They  represent  a wide  range 
of  territory  and  interests — characteris- 
tic of  The  AA. 


The  United  States  Post  Office  De- 
partment at  Washington  carefully  in- 
vestigated The  Agassiz  Association  and 
because  of  its  altruistic,  educational  and 
noncommercial  purposes  awarded  a 
special  low  rate  of  postage  to  its  official 
magazine. 

The  Treasury  Department  Internal 
Revenue  also  carefully  investigated  and 
exempts  from  income  tax  The  Agassiz 
Association  and  all  gifts  to  it. 

We  have  gladly  and  freely  helped 
many  other  organizations  in  their  na- 
ture interests.  We  untiringly  render 
free  services  at  ArcAdiA  to  rich  and 
poor,  young  and  old.  To  us  come  a wide 
range  of  visitors.  Our  correspondents 
include  every  phase  of  humanity. 

We  invite  detailed  investigation. 

We  need  and  merit  a gift  of  $5,000. 
Do  it  now.  Do  not  wait  until  you  are 
dead.  We  want  to  give  the  donor  the 
joy  and  satisfaction  of  knowing  just 
how  advantageously  the  money  will  be 
expended. 

We  always  have  been  a lively  organ- 
ization for  the  living,  by  the  living. 

Faithfully  yours, 

Edward  F.  Bigelow, 
President  The  Agassiz  Association,  Inc. 


The  Agassiz  Association  and  Gifts  to  it  are  FREE  from  Income  Taxes. 
TREASURY  DEPARTMENT 
Internal  Revenue  Service 

Hartford,  Conn.,  April  13,  1921. 

Office  of  the  Collector,  District  of  Connecticut. 

Agassiz  Association,  Inc.,  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

SIRS: 

With  further  reference  to  your  letter  of  February  28th,  1921,  you  are  advised  that 
the  Commissioner  of  Internal  Revenue  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  has  considered  all  facts 
as  presented  relative  to  the  activities  of  your  association  and  has  decided  that  you  are 
exempt  from  the  filing  of  income  tax  returns  under  the  provisions  of  the  Revenue  Act  of 
1918. 

The  Commissioner  has  further  stated  that  amounts  contributed  to  your  association 
by  individuals  may  be  deducted  in  the  income  tax  returns  of  said  individuals  to  the  extent 
provided  in  Section  214  (a)  (’ll)  of  the  Revenue  Act  of  1918. 

Very  truly  yours, 

JAMES  J.  WALSH,  Collector. 


XII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


EVERY  paper  in  The  Lindenmeyr  Lines  is  a good  paper  because 
it  comes  from  a good  mill,  because  it  has  passed  all  the  tests 
of  our  experts  and  because  it  sells  at  a fair  price. 

The  Lindenmeyr  Lines  include  Warren’s  Standard  Printing 
Papers,  Strathmore  Expressive  Papers,  Buckeye  Covers,  Old  Hamp- 
shire Bond,  Brookdale  Linen  Bond,  Princess  Covers,  Neapolitan 
Covers,  Wonderfold  Enameled  and  other  well  liked  papers. 


H enry  Lindenmeyr  & Sons 

ESTABLISHED  1859 

32-34-36  Bleecker  Street,  NEW  YORK. 


80-84  Clinton  St. 
NEWARK,  N.  J. 


16-18  Beekman  St. 

NEW  YORK. 


58-60  Allyn  St. 
HARTFORD,  CONN. 


The  Appalachian  Mountain  Club, 
which  is  devoted  both  to  natural  his- 
tory and  to  the  outdoor  life,  now  num- 
bers 2,873  members,  has  a yearly  in- 
come above  $20,000,  and  a reserve  fund 
of  nearly  $22,000.  It  maintains  three 
permanent  outing  places,  the  largest 
of  which  cares  for  ninety  persons  at  a 
time,  and  had  last  year  a total  atten- 
dance on  its  outings  and  excursions  of 
4,483.  Among  other  benefits  to  the 
public,  the  club  maintains  254  miles  of 
mountain  trails,  at  a yearly  cost  of 
eight  dollars  per  mile.  (Appalachian 
Mountain  Club  Bulletin,  Feb.,  iq21* 
PP-  73-4-) 

The  tourmaline  deposits  of  Mt.  Mica. 
Maine,  were  discovered  in  1820;  but 
were  not  worked  systematically  until 
1881.  The  best  days  of  the  quarry  are 
probably  now  passed. 


The  old  botanical  magazine,  “Plant 
World,”  is  to  continue  publication 
hereafter  as  a quarterly  under  the  title 


ORCHIDS 

We  are  specialists  in  this  kind  of  plants. 
We  collect,  import  and  grow  orchids  from 
all  parts  of  the  world  where  orchids  grow. 

We  will  be  glad  to  fill  your  order  for 
one  plant  or  a thousand  according  to  your 
requirements. 

Our  beautiful  Catalogue  and  special 
lists  on  application. 

LAGER  & HURRELL, 

Orchid  Growers  and  Importers 
SUMMIT,  N.  J. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XIII 


dodhous^ren  A SIMMER  HOME  ! 

4 compartments,  28  All  song  birds  raise  two,  and 
inches  high,  18  inches  usually  three,  broods  of  young 
in  diameter.  each  year,  selecting  a new  nest- 

irg  site  for  each  brood  of  young, 
so  if  your  houses  are  put  out 
now  they  are  sure  to  be  occupied. 

DODSON  HOUSES 

win  the  birds.  Built  by  a bird- 
lover  who  has  spent  a lifetime 
studying  their  habits  and  how  to 
attract  them  to  beautiful  Bird 
lodge,  his  home  on  the  Kan- 
kakee River. 

Free  Bird  Book  sent  on  re- 
quest, illustrating  Dodson  Line, 
giving  prices;  also  beautiful  col- 
ored bird  picture  free. 

JOSEPH  H.  DODSON 

Pres.  American  Audubon  Ass'n. 

714  S.  HARRISON  AVE., 
KANKAKEE.  ILL. 

Dodson  Sparrow  Trap  guaranteed  to  rid  your  community 
of  these  quarrelsome  pests.  Price  $8.00. 


Girl  Scouts  camp,  hike  and  live  close  to 
Nature.  Read  about  their  good  times  in 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 

A Magazine  for  Girl  Scouts  and  Girls 
who  love  Scouting. 

The  American  Girl  will  bring  you  suggestions 
for  parties — stories  and  other  things  besides. 

Send  for  sample  copy  to 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 
189  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City. 

$1.50  a year  — Single  copy  15c 

At  a dinner  to  Colonel  Roosevelt 
after  his  return  from  South  America 
some  of  the  guests  who  had  been  in 
Colombia  got  to  bragging  about  a gi- 
gantic tropical  blackberry,  a single  fruit 
of  which  would  fill  a tumbler.  Now 
comes  Wilson  Popence,  explorer  for 
the  Office  of  Foreign  Seed  and  Plant 
Introduction,  and  in  “The  Journal  of 
Heredity”  (Vol.  XI,  No.  5,  pp.  195-203) 
proves  that  there  really  is  such  a plant. 

The  plant  itself  is  not  especially  large 
— about  as  high  as  a man’s  shoulder,  but 
its  leaves  are  the  size  of  a magazine 
page  and  as  for  the  fruit,  single  berries 
are  two  and  a half  inches  in  length  and 
decidedly  broader  in  proportion  than 
our  blackberry. 

And  this  is  the  wild  form.  What 
would  it  do  under  cultivation  ! 


The  State  Ornithologist  of  Massa- 
chusetts is  planning  a two-volume  book 
illustrated  in  color  on  the  birds  of  the 
state,  similar  to  the  well-known  work 
on  the  New  York  birds  which  appeared 
a few  years  ago. 


What  will  the 
negative  show? 

There’s  density  and  definition;  detail  in 
high  lights  and  shadows;  correctness  of 
perspective;  color  value — consider  all 
these.  For  the  negative  can  show  only 
what  the  lens  throws  upon  it.  And  any 
picture  worth  taking  at  all  is  worth  tak- 
ing as  well  as  it  can  be  taken.  In  other 
words,  take  it  with  one  of  the 

BAUSCH  & LOMB 
PHOTOGRAPHIC  LENSES 

In  poor  light — cloudy  or  rainy  outdoors, 
on  porches  or  indoors — good  snapshots 
— better  than  many  a time  exposure — can 
be  made  easily  through  Bausch  & Lomb 
Tessar  Anastigmats  (Ic,  f:4.5  or  lib 
f:6.3).  And  in  bright  sunlight  they  stop 
the  fastest  action  blurlessly. 

Ask  your  dealer  to  put  Tessar 
Anastigmat  on  your  camera. 
Then  you  will  see  how  pleasur- 
able photography  can  be. 

Bausch  £?  Lomb  Optical  (5. 

NEW  YORK  WASHINGTON  SAN  FRANCISCO 

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Leading  American  Makers  of  Photo- 
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light Reflectors,  Stereo-Prism  Binoculars, 
Magnifiers  and  Other  High  Grade  Optical 
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XIV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  N A TU RE — ADVERTISEMENTS 


BEGINNER’S  BEEKEEPING  OUTFIT 


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THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XV 


TRADE. 

(rayolA 

An  Artists'  Drawing  Crayon 

The  box  pictured  contains 
24  crayons  of  the  very  best 
quality.  For  artists  and 
Students  of  Nature,  to  be 
used  for 
sketching  and 
general  color 
work. 

“Crayola”  is 
put  up  in  all  de- 
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of  packing,  6 
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Color  charts  and 
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GOERZ  “Dogmar” 

Anastigmat  F: 4.5 

Extreme  speed  when  you  want  it,  but  speed  with- 
out the  danger  of  flat  or  fogged  negatives  which 
has  been  the  great  drawback  of  high  speed  lenses. 
The  “Dogmar”  gives  brilliant  negatives  at  all 
speeds. 

And  then  for  landscape  views  and  artistic  por- 
traiture out  of  doors,  the  two  halves  of  the  lens 
with  the  smaller  stops  offer  a wide  use. 

The  Dogmar  is  very  compact  and  can  be  used  to 
advantage  in  hand  or  reflecting  cameras. 

Ask  your  dealer  to  show  you  the 
“Dogmar.”  If  he  hasn’t  one, 
write  us. 

C.  P.  Goerz  American  Optical  Company 

317  G EAST  34TH  STREET,  NEW  YORK  CITY. 


The  statement  often  made  that  Mt. 
Mitchell  in  North  Carolina  is  “the  high- 
est peak  east  of  the  Rockies”  is  really 
quite  without  foundation.  Mt.  Mitchell 
is  6,711  feet  high  and  therefore  sur- 
passes Mt.  Washington  by  more  than 
four  hundred  feet.  But  the  highest  sum- 
mit east  of  the  Rockies  is  really  Harney 
Peak  of  the  Black  Hills  in  South  Da- 
kota, which  the  United  States  Geologi- 
cal Survey  makes  to  be  7,242  above  the 
sea.  Moreover  it  is  by  no  means  cer- 
tain that  Mt.  Mitchell  is  even  the  h igh- 
est  peak  east  of  the  Mississippi.  There 
is  another  in  the  same  region,  Mt.  Le 
Conte,  on  the  line  between  North  Caro- 
lina and  Tennessee,  inaccessible  and 
rarely  visited,  which  is  suspected  of  be- 
ing a few  feet  higher  than  Mt.  Mitchell. 
The  precise  facts  have  not  been  offi- 
cially determined. 


Dr.  Hornaday  suggests  that  hunting 
licenses  shall  be  granted  to  individual 
gunners  only  once  in  two  years,  so  that 
while  there  will  be  shooting  each  year, 
only  half  as  many  persons  will  be  out 
at  once. 


TtiE  BRYOLOGIST — The  only  magazine  in  the  Eaf- 
lish  language  devoted  wholly  to  articles  dealing  with 
Mosses,  Hepatics,  and  Lichens.  Of  interest  to  be- 
ginners and  advanced  students  alike.  Bimonthly,  pub- 
lished by  the  Sullivant  Moss  Society,  an  organization 
for  mutual  help  in  moss  study.  Special  curators  to 
assist  beginners.  Membership  fee,  $1.50  per  year,  in- 
cluding the  Bryoloeist;  subscription  alone,  $1.25;  Cana- 
dian postage  10  cents  extra.  Address  Edward  B.  Cham- 
berlain. 18  West  89tb  Street,  New  York  City. 


AQUATIC  LIFE  monthly  magazine  will 

^ increase  your  enjoyment 

of  the  life  in  nature’s  streams  and  in  your  home 
aquarium.  Written  by  scientists  to  entertain  all 
nature  lovers  who  like  to  paddle  in  water  and 
study  its  many  forms  of  life.  A journal  of  popu- 
lar aquatic  biology,  not  merely  a fish  fanciers’  mag- 
azine. Specimen  copy  free  on  request.  Subscrip- 
tion, $1.25  per  year.  Joseph  E.  Bausman,  Pub- 
lisher, 542  East  Girard  Avenue,  Philadelphia. 


THE 

AMERICAN  MICROSCOPICAL  SOCIETY 

(Founded  in  1878) 

Publishes  Its  TRANSACTIONS  as  a 
Quarterly  Journal  of  Microscopic  Research. 
For  information,  write  to 
P.  S.  WELCH,  Secretary 

ANN  ARBOR.  MICHIGAN 

Best  wishes  for  your  further  success 
with  this  bright  entertaining  and  most 
instructive  paper. — John  M.  Sheridan, 
Brooklyn.  New  York. 


XVI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BOBBINK  & ATKINS 


Visit 

Nursery 


Ask  for 
Catalog 


ROSES 

EVERGREENS 
TREES  AND  SHRUBS 
OLD-FASHIONED  FLOWERS 
FRUIT  TREES  AND  BUSHES 
SPRING-FLOWERING  BULBS 
LILACS — Ask  for  Special  List.  You  will  be  interested  in  this 
collection  when  you  see  the  large  number  of  varieties. 

Nurserymen  and  Florists 

RUTHERFORD,  NEW  JERSEY 

Established  1868 


“Egypt”  is  a new  conception  by  a new  con- 
cern; a compelling  fragrance  originated  for  the 
woman  who  demands  originality,  refinement  and 
culture  in  every  particular  of  her  toilet.  In  its 
odd.  hand-painted  bottle.  “Egypt”  will  grace  the 
most  artistic  and  esthetic  boudoir. 

Originators  and  Sole  Manufacturers 

THE  EGYPT  LABORATORY 

Stamford,  Connecticut 


Place  your  order  now  for 

SPRATT’S 

FISH  AND  MEAT 
FIBRINE  DOG  CAKES 

They  are  invaluable  as  a change  of 
diet,  especially  during  the  summer 
months. 

Write  for  sample  and  send  2 cent 
stamp  for  catalogue  “Dog 
Culture 

Spratt’s  Patent  Limited 

Newark,  New  Jersey 

San  Francisco  St.  Louis  Montreal 
Factory  also  in  London,  Eng. 


P.  O.  Box  471. 


Ostermoor 


It  yields  comfortably  to  the  shape  of 
the  body,  is  soft  yet  firm,  and  induces 
perfect  relaxation  and  rest.  The  Oster- 
moor Mattress  is  scientifically  built,  not 
stuffed  like  horsehair;  it  cannot  get  out 
of  shape  and  is  sanitary.  Replace  with 
Ostermoor  as  your  old  mattresses  be- 
come uncomfortable. 

At  your  dealer’s,  or  we  will  ship  direct; 
express  prepaid.  Write  for  144-page  Cat- 
alog— mailed  free. 


BRUNSWICK  SCHOOL 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

A Preparatory  Day  School  for  Boys 
in  Stamford,  Greenwich  and 
Port  Chester 

Calls  the  attention  of  possible  patrons 
to  the  fact  that  the  enrolment  for  the 
coming  year  is  complete  in  respect  to  the 
primary  and  lower  school  departments. 
In  these  sections,  further  applications 
can  receive  favorable  attention  only  in 
case  of  unexpected  withdrawals.  There 
are  still  some  vacancies  in  the  Upper 
School. 

Primary  School,  for  boys  6 to  11 
Lower  School,  for  boys  10  to  14 
Upper  School,  for  boys  13  to  19 

For  catalogue,  or  special  information, 
address 

GEORGE  E.  CARMICHAEL, 


Ostermoor  & Co.,  114  Elizabeth  St., 
New  York. 

Canadian  Agency: 

Alaska  Bedding  of  Montreal,  Ltd.,  Montreal 


Telephone  179 

THE  BARTLETT  WAY 

is 

Tfo  Bartlett  Wav  THE 

T RECOGNIZED 
STANDARD 

TREE 

SURGERY 

Our  work  is  not  local  in  scope  but  is 
available  to  all  tree  owners  within  a 
large  radius. 

The  F.  A.  Bartlett 
Tree  Expert  Co. 

“Tree  Specialists” 

STAMFORD.  CONNECTICUT 

Westbury  --------  L.  I. 

Morristown N.  J. 

Chestnut  Hill Pa. 


Head-master. 

Telephones : 

Office,  Greenwich  318 
Home,  Greenwich  553 


BOX  - BARBERRY 

THE  NEW  DWARF  HEDGE  PLANT 

A dwarf  form  of  the  popular  Thunberg's  Japan- 
Barberry.  It’s  quite  dwarf,  with  small,  dainty 
foliage.  It  can  be  trimmed  into  any  form  and 
kept  down  to  six  inches  high  if  desired. 

ABSOLUTELY  HARDY 

Box-Barberry  will  thrive  almost  anywhere.  The 
winter  of  1917-18  did  not  injure  Box-Barberry  in 
the  least.  It  produces  a perfect  low  border  for 
the  formal  gardens,  quite  taking  the  place  of  the 
old  Box,  which  is  far  from  hardy. 

You  are  cordially  invited  to  visit  the  nurseries 
at  Edgewood  and  see  this  wonderful  Box-Barberry 
growing,  both  as  a Hedge  Plant  and  in  the  Nursery 
Row. 

Send  for  1921  Catalog. 

WOODMONT  NURSERIES,  Inc. 

Box  1003,  New  Haven,  Conn. 


ALL  ROADS  LEAD  TO  ROME 


E ve  r y th  i ng  That's  A Tew 

IN 


Furniture 


Agents  For 

HOOSIER  KITCHEN  CABINETS  HARDMAN  PECK  PIANOS 

SIMMONS  BEDS  AND  MATTRESSES  PATHE  PHONOGRAPHS 
OSTERMOOR  MATTRESSES  BOHN  SYPHON  REFRIGERATORS 

BLOCH  BABY  CARRIAGES  COLD  STORAGE  REFRIGERATORS 

The  Rome  Company 

23-29  BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 


PALACE  DRESS  SHOP,  Inc. 

INVITES  YOUR  EARLY  INSPECTION 
OF  ITS  DISTINCTIVE  ASSORTMENT 
OF  WEARING  APPAREL  FOR  THE 
MATRON  AND  MISS 


EXCLUSIVE  AGENTS 
FOR 

BETTY  WALES  and  VERITE 

WE  SPECIALIZE  IN  MODELS  TO  SLENDERIZE 
THE  FIGURE  OF  GENEROUS  PROPORTIONS 

278  Atlantic  Street 


Stamford,  Conn 


CHARLES  WILLIAM  ELIOT 

NO 1/  22  u->l 


BRARY 


FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 

AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 

JEsDeF-  SmIth 

REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 

Stamford,  Connecticut. 

Phones  2916  and  2917.  Stamford 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 

has  good  transportation  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

I have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates,  Shore  and  Inland 
Residences,  Farms,  Acreage,  Cottages  and 
Building  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selected 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Rent 
in  all  locations. 

W ould  be  pleased  to  have  yon  call  or  write. 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  Ceon. 


NEW  ENGLISH  TYPE  DWELLING 


AT  SHIPPAN  POINT  ON  SOL ND 


FIRST  FLOOR:  Wide  hall  through  center  of  house,  reception  room,  extensive  living  room  with 
large  fireplace,  very  large  handsomely  finished  dining  room  with  fireplace,  bright  breakfast 
room,  library,  pantry,  kitchen,  maid’s  room,  lavatory. 

SECOND  FLOOR:  Five  master’s  rooms  and  three  baths,  three  maids’  rooms  and  bath. 

BASEMENT:  Large  laundry,  drying  room,  store  rooms.  Inside  garage  for  two  cars. 

House  attractively  finished 
throughout,  having  electric  light, 
gas,  city  water.  About  two  acres 
of  land,  beach  privileges. 

PRICE  $55,000 


arr 


.E  $55,000.  Terms 

WORTH  $75,000 


STA  MFORD  SA  V/NGS  BA/V/f  BL  DG.  Tel  20/ 


S ~T  A /^i  F~  O /V  CD 


orv  sv. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


I 


A.  M.  BOLES 

REAL  ESTATE  AND 
INSURANCE 

SOUND  BEACH.  RIVERSIDE  AND 
VICINITIES 

Office 

SOUND  BEACH  AVENUE 
Opp.  R.  R.  Station 

SOUND  BEACH,  CONN. 

Telephone  546 


The  Waller  Stewart  Co. 

The  Leading  Grocers 
CHOICE  GROCERIES, 

FLOUR  AND  FEED. 
SIX  STORES 

Sound  Beach,  New  Canaan, 

Darien  and  Springdale 

. Telephone  Connection 


EVERYTHING 

ELECTRICAL 

FOR  THE  HOME 

From  Garret  to  Cellar 

Electric  Heaters,  Sewing 
Machines,  Irons,  Vacuum 
Cleaners,  Washing  Ma- 
chines, Percolators, 
Toasters,  etc.,  etc., 

— at — 

THE  STAMFORD  ELEC- 
TRICAL CONTRACTOR 

INCORPORATED 

221  Atlantic  Street 


C.  C.  CLARK’S 

TAXI  SERVICE 

SOUND  BEACH  CONNECTICUT 

TAXI  CABS— BAGGAGE  TRANSFER 
PROMPT  SERVICE  OUR  MOTTO 
Telephone 

271  SOUND  BEACH 

D.  MAHER  SONS™ 

LEHIGH  COAL,  HYGEIA  ICE 

BUILDING  MATERIAL,  LIME,  LATH, 
BRICK,  SAND,  CE/IENT,  DRAIN  PIPE 

Tel.  130  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

LA  BELLE  BAKERY 

297  Atlantic  Street 
STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

LOUIS  A.  S PEZZANO 

GENERAL  CONTRACTOR 
Post  Road, 

Riverside,  Connecticut. 

Telephone : Sound  Beach  145. 


S.  G.  JUDD  STORE 

HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 
Telephone  352 

White  and  Gray  Enamel 
Ware 

Galvanized  and  Tin  Ware 
Aluminum,  Crockery  and 
Glass  Ware 

Baskets,  Cutlery 

43  BANK  STREET 
Stamford,  _ _ Connecticut 


II 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Stamford  Business  Directory 


HOTEL  DAVENPORT 

H.  S.  MOREHOUSE  HOTEL  CO. 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


EVERYTHING 

FOR  LADIES’  WEAR 

CALL  ON 

Moltasch, 

Ladies’  Outfitter 

210  ATLANTIC 

ST.,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone,  270 

Uptowm  Office:  STARK  BROS 

271 

40  PARK  ROW 

CHAS.  F.  WATERBURY 
David  Waterbury  & Son 

COAL  DRAIN  PIPE  WOOD 

Crushed  Stone  for  Walks  and  Drives 
YARDS:  Canal  Dock.  STAMFORD.  CONN. 


Telephone  169  Insurance  Appraisals  Made 

WM.  T.  FINNEY,  INC. 

ANTIQUES,  SECONDHAND 

FURNITURE,  STORAGE. 

Office  and  Auction  Rooms 
35  Atlantic  Street,  Stamford,  Conn 

Corsets  Fitted  Free  by  Expert  Corsetiere 

Phone  989 

LA  SARETTE  CORSET  SHOP 

STAMFORD  THEATRE  BUILDING 
Stamford.  Connecticut 


BORG  BROTHERS 

Chemical  and  Analytical  Laboratories 
for  Special  Research  Work 

539  MAIN  ST. 

STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

JOHN  PHILLIPS 

Dealer  in 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES 

463  Main  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

FOR  FINE  MILLINERY 
NEWSTAD’S 

3 BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

FRANK  M.  WEST 
HARDWARE 

Paint*,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Etc.  House  Furnishings 

yr  ATLANTIC  STREET  Tel.  Con 

R.  F.  VOSKA  & SO  INI 

TAILORS 

444  Atlantic  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

Drs.  W.  H.  and  E.  W.  Pomeroy 
DENTISTS 

The  Gurley  Building, 

324Main  St.,  opposite  City  Hall. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


III 


CAMERAS 

ALWAYS  READY 
EASY  TO  OPERATE 

Insert  the  film  and  the  camera  is 
ready  to  operate,  and  so  easy,  by  the 
mere  process  of  pressing  a button 
or  lever.  Failure  is  impossible  if  the 
camera  is  pointed  right.  Even  a child 
can  use  them  with  expert  results. 
Everybody  wants  a camera  and 
everybody  should  have  one  and  our 
assortment  gives  ample  opportunity 
for  selection  with  due  consideration 
to  the  saving  of  money  as  well  as 
getting  results. 


EST.  I8“»7 


313  Atlantic  St.,  STAMFORD.CONN. 


Phillips’  Gift  Shop 

Gifts  for  All  Occasions 

Diamonds,  Watches, 
Jewelry,  Silver- 
ware, Cut  Glass, 
Clocks,  Sterling 
and  Ivoroid  Toilet 
and  Manicure  Sets, 
Novelties,  Etc. 

Usual  Amount  of  Engraving  Free. 

A Small  Deposit  Reserves  Any  Article 
Selected. 

Exclusive  Agency  Gorham 
Silverware. 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 

232  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn. 
Established,  1897 

THE  HALLMARK  STORE 


CONN.  RUSTIC  CONSTRUCTION  CO 

ARCHITECTS- 


CRAFTSMEN 

R.  EHLERS 
Greenwich  180 

LOG  CABINS 
CRAFTSMEN  S HOMES 
RUSTIC  TEA  HOUSES 
BUNGALOWS 
ENTRANCE  GATES 
PERGOLAS 

GRAPE  AND  ROSE  ARBORS 
GARDEN  FURNITURE 
FENCES 

FLOWER  STANDS 
BRIDGES 
BIRD  HOUSES 

RIVERSIDE,  CONN. 

PHONE  SOUND  BEACH  600 


IV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


B 0 N B ON  S C H OC 0 LATE  8 

DELICIOUS  FOUNT  A I N D R I N K S 


270  MAIN  STREET 


S T A M F O R D , 


CONNECTICUT 


Telephone  3115. 


GOOD  HEALTH’S  BEST  FRIEND  IS  WHOLESOME  FOOD 


THE  BEST  INGREDIENTS  make  the  BEST  BREAD! 

Beech  Nut  Bread  is  made  of  Pure  Granulated  Sugar,  Pure  Leaf  Lard,  Pure 
Malt  Extract,  Pure  Fleischmann’s  Yeast.  Pure  Milk  and  Plenty  Of  It,  and 
Pure  Wheat  Flour — and  each  of  these  wholesome,  healthful  ingredients  is  the 
finest  quality  that  money  can  buy.  , - 

NATURALLY— BEECH  NUT  B QEALJ,’ IS  MORE  NOURISHING,  AS  WELL 
AS  MORE  DELICIOUS! 

Baked  Solely  by  the  Marsh  Bakeries,  Inc. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATO  RE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


V 


LINGERIE  TO  MAKE  ONE  PROUD 

A charming  new  atmosphere  of  refinement  pervades  the  entire  line  of  Fall 
models  in  all  manner  of  Lingerie.  This  is  especially  noticeable  in  the  higher 
grade  of  silks  and  crepes,  in  the  increased  amount  of  self-trimming  and  the  re- 
strained use  of 
trimming  store.  laces.  Little  touches 

of  real  lace  instead 
of  elaborate  quan- 
tities of  a cheaper 
kind  are  every- 
where in  evidence 
a n d characterize 
most  of  the  new 
muslin  garments. 


S^TAMFOao  -CONN 


'll!  Atlantic  St. 


“A  Pleasant  Place  to  Shop,  with  Always  Something  New  ' 


Established  1853 

THE  GETMAN&  JUDD  CO. 

Lumber  and  Timber  of  all  Kinds 

SPECIALTY:  High  Grade  HARDWOOD  FLOORING 

thoroughly  Kiln  Dried  and  stored  in  Steam  heated  build- 
lag  until  delivered  to  our  customers.  Our  steadily  in- 
creasing trade  in  this  specialty  proves  the  fact  that 
the  country  home  is  not  complete  until  fitted  out  with 
this  beautiful  and  sanitary  furnishing.  Old  Residences 
■ay  be  greatly  improved  by  laying  thin  floors  over  the 
•Id  ones. 

CANAL  DOCKS,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone  2180. 


Homes  Near  to  Nature 

Should  he  so  constructed  as  to  give  lasting  satiifactiem. 
Our  method  of  manufacturing  dependable  Interior  a *4 
Exterior  house  trim  from  thoroughly  kiln  dried  material 
by  skilled  mechanics  insures  such  satisfaction. 

THE  ST.  JOHN  WOOD  WORKING  CO. 

Canal  Docks.  Stamford  Conn. 

Telephone  781 
DIRECTORS 

WALTON  FERGUSON.  Pres.  W.  W.  HEROY 
W.  D.  DASKAM.  Vice  Pres.  Dr.  F.  H.  GETMAN 

W.  H.  JUDD,  Sec.  and  Treas.  F.  W.  BOGARDUS 
J.  G.  WIGG,  General  Manager. 


SEE  US  AND 

SEE  BETTER 

Protect  your  eyes  from  the  daily 
strain  and  sun’s  rays. 


CAMERAS  and  SUPPLIES 
Developing,  Printing 
and  Mounting  .... 

W.  A.  McCLELLANO,  Inc.,  Optometrlsts-Opticians 
Stamford  34S  Atlantic  St..  Connecticut 


STAMFORD  STEAM  LAUNDRY,  Inc. 


Deliveries  to  Sound  Beach  and  Shippan. 
OFFICE  10-12  SUMMER  PLACE 
Telephone,  249.  Stamford,  Conn. 


THE  GAMBLE  MILL  WORK  CO. 

DEALERS  IN 

SASH,  DOORS,  BLINDS,  TRIM, 
ETC. 

520  Steamboat  Road 
Greenwich,  Conn. 

LEON  DERAN 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

133  Atlantic  St,  Stamford,  Conn. 

Phone  594 

Portraits  Commercial  Photograph* 

Copying  and  Enlarging 


VI 


THE  GL  IDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


MOTORS 

FIXTURES 

APPLIANCES 

MODERN  LABOR  SAVING  MACHINES  FOR 
THE  HOUSEHOLD 

The 

Downes-Smith  Co. 

Electrical  Contractors 

Stamford,  Conn. 

79  ATLANTIC  STREET 

THE  GRUBER 
COMPANY 


MAHER BROTHERS 
CORPORATION 


STAMFORD’S  EXCLUSIVE 
WOMAN'S  SHOP 


LUMBER,  COAL  AND  WOOD 
LIME,  LATH,  BRICK 
CEMENT,  PLASTER,  ETC. 


298  Main  Street 
Stamford 


Telephone  2294 


Office  and  Yards: 
STEAMBOAT  ROAD 
Greenwich,  Conn. 
Telephone  1228 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— LOCAL 


VII 


Choosirg  the  Right  Kind  of  Plsasu~es. 

In  a very  interesting  talk  by  the 
Reverend  William  J.  Long  before  the 
Kiwanis  Club  of  Stamford,  Connecti- 
cut. he  quite  rightly  stated  that  the  im- 
portant question  is  how  we  choose  our 
pleasures : 

“You  are  busy  men,  meeting  the 
problems  of  a rough  and  busy  world ; 
but  under  your  skins  you  are  every  one 
of  you  natural  men,  and  when  the  even- 
ing comes  or  the  holiday  comes  you 
turn  instinctively  to  pleasure,  as  other 
creatures  do,  or  as  flowers  turn  to  the 
light;  for  play  is  in  your  blood,  and  in 
one  form  or  another  you  must  have  it 
or  become  animated  machines,  unnat- 
ural, inhuman. 

“Now  I beg  you  to  remember,  for 
your  boy’s  sake  more  than  for  your 
own,  that  what  a man  chooses  for  his 
pleasure  is  quite  as  important  as  what 
he  chooses  for  his  work.  Indeed,  from 
the  viewpoint  of  philosophy  (which  is, 
as  you  know,  the  eternal  viewpoint  or 
an  honest  try  for  it)  the  selection  of 
your  pleasure  is  more  important  than 
the  selection  of  your  work.  Most  men 
and  all  boys  who  go  wrong  go  in  the 
direction  of  their  false  pleasures.  You 
never  heard  of  a man  who  took  to  drink 
or  gambling  or  wife-beating  or  licen- 
tiousness because  of  the  demands  of  his 
daily  work;  but  you  have  heard  of 
many,  and  know  a few,  who  follow  the 
primrose  path  of  pleasure  to  a bad  end. 
To  choose  the  right  pleasure  is  to  in- 
crease your  manhood  and  the  joy  of 
living  manfully ; to  choose  the  wrong 
pleasure  is  to  head  for  the  “Dewey 
Club,”  or  the  jail  or  the  reform  school, 
or  some  other  institution  where  we  put 
those  who  don’t  know  how  to  play. 

“For  this  reason,  largely,  I am  urg- 
ing you  to  have  one  form  of  pleasure 
that  takes  you  to  the  great  outdoors. 
And  take  your  boy  with  you.  You  can 
do  more  for  him  than  the  boy  scouts ; 
and  there  by  the  trout  stream,  or  over 
the  campfire  where  you  have  cooked 
dinner  like  two  healthy  and  hungry 
boys  together,  he  will  take  and  remem- 
ber the  advice  that  passes  over  his  head 
in  home  or  school.  The  outdoor  object 
may  be  birds  or  pictures  or  botany  or 
fishing  or  nature  study — what  you  will ; 
so  long  as  you  are  outdoors,  away  from 
the  false  gods  of  civilization,  you  are 
right  and  sane,  yes.  and  are  getting  a 


lot  of  good  fun  that  you  need  quite 
as  much  as  you  need  bread  and  meat. 
Any  such  pleasure  is  wholesome  for 
the  body,  for  muscles  and  appetite  and 
restful  sleep.  It  is  wholesome  also  for 
the  soul,  for  broad  and  kindly  views 
of  life,  for  courage  and  self-control,  for 
silence  and  harmony  and  peace.  One 
of  the  best  things  about  this  pleasure 
is  that  it  grows  on  you  and  with  you. 
You  enjoy  it  as  a boy;  you  enjoy  it 
more  and  more  as  you  grow  old.  The 
man  who  has  an  outdoor  recreation 
always  knows  what  to  do  with  his  day 
off  or  his  week  off ; before  the  good 
day  comes  he  is  happy  anticipating 
and  preparing  for  it.  I need  not  am- 
plify. You  who  go  fishing  know  well 
what  1 mean.” 

Let  us  say,  for  the  benefit  of  our 
readers  who  are  not  local,  that  at  the 
present  time  the  chief  topic  in  mind  in 
Stamford  is  the  Dewey  Club,  a gam- 
bling place  that  has  been  brought  out 
into  the  limelight  by  the  raid  of  bandits 
and  the  killing  of  a young  man,  gener- 
ally regarded  as  respectable  and  much 
liked.  It  is  claimed  that  it  was  his  first 
visit  to  that  notorious  gambling  place 
because  of  curiosity  and  time  hanging 
heavily.  He  met  his  death  because, 
soldierlike,  he  very  bravely  refused  to 
hold  up  his  hands  and  have  his  pockets 
searched  by  the  raiders. 

To  return  to  Dr.  Long’s  speech, 
which  the  local  daily  says  was  inter- 
rupted by  prolonged  applause,  he 
argues  quite  rightly  if  we  keep  our 
pleasure  in  the  great  outdoors  it  is 
different. 

We  are  sure  that  all  who  appreciate 
this  magazine  and  the  work  of  The 
Agassiz  Association  heartily  agree 
with  Dr.  Long  that  the  great  need  at 
the  present  time  is  what  to  do  with 
pleasure  whether  it  be  the  outcome  of 
generally  shorter  hours  of  labor  or  of 
business  depression  which  throws  a 
great  many  people  out  of  work.  The 
problem  is  and  always  has  been  “things 
that  Satan  finds  for  idle  hands  to  do.” 
The  greatest  of  all  earthly  blessings  is 
work,  liking  for  it  and  the  ability  to  do 
it.  By  that  we  mean  not  merely  voca- 
tion but  avocation.  Keep  busy  at  some- 
thing. When  the  bread  earning  hours 
have  been  completed  look  forward  with 
enthusiasm  to  taking  up  the  pleasures 
of  outdoors  and  the  interests  thereof. 
We  are  sure  that  every  thoughtful  per- 


VIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Lower  Prices 

One-third  lower  prices  than  last  fall,  but  no  decline  in  quality — one  of  the 
important  things  to  know  this  fall  about 

OUR  CLOTHING  FOR  MEN  AND  BOYS 

Suits  and  Overcoats  in  elegant  fabrics — Herringbone,  Pencil  Striped,  Check 
and  Plaid  patterns — less  form-fitting;  smart  open  notched  lapels;  overcoats 
looser  and  with  buttoning  belts.  The  finest  clothing  we’ve  ever  shown. 

FOR  BOYS  FOR  MEN 

2-Pant  Suits  Suits  and  Overcoats 

$13.50,  $15.00  $25,  $30,  $35,  $45 

THE  HARTWELL  - DELAP  COMPANY 

48  PARK  ROW  Phone  689  STAMFORD,  CONN. 


son  will  agree  with  Dr.  Long  that  no 
other  class  of  avocation  has  been  found 
to  appeal  to  so  wide  a range  of  people. 
Everybody  likes  the  back-to-nature 
movement  in  some  form  whether  it  be 
outdoor  sports  or  outdoor  thoughts. 

Here  is  a corollary  to  all  these.  \\  ell 
meaning  citizens  are  much  more  ready 
to  enthusiastically  join  in  stamping  out 
the  bad  than  they  are  in  promoting  the 
gfood  institutions.  Evervbody  in  this 
vicinity  has  quite  rightly  taken  keen 
interest  in  all  this  episode  of  the  Dewey 
Club  but  it  looks  as  if  the  sacrifice  of 
one  of  Stamford’s  young  men  would 
have  some  compensating  features  in 
that  soldierlike  he  was  led  to  give  his 
life  not  realizing  the  good  that  would 
come  to  the  community  in  general. 

But  on  the  other  hand  all  good  citi- 
zens should  join  enthusiastically  in 
promoting  institutions  that  raise  life  to 
a higher  standard  and  give  mentality  as 
well  as  spirituality  something  definite 
to  cling  to  and  enlarge  scope  of  activi- 
ties. There  never  was  a time  when 
the  ringing  words  of  George  Washing- 
ton in  his  farewell  address  should  be 
more  carefully  heeded : 


“Promote,  then,  as  an  object  of  pri- 
mary importance,  institutions  for  the 
general  diffusion  of  knowledge.” 


IOMost  Popular  bulbs  2 

FOR  FALLamdWINTER 


GOLDEN 
SACRED  LILY 
PURITY 
FREESIA 

5 Tulips,  in 
eluding  Darw  in.  Parrot 
nd  Mayflowering;  Giant 
us  and  Poet’s  Narcissus. 

10  large  bulbs 
...Mailed  for  25  cts._ 

I ! J Beautiful  and  complete  Catalogue  \ 

1 -*1  Fre°.  Shows  great ' ariety  of  Bulbs, 

■ Hardy  Perennials,  Window  Plants,  - 
1So»ads.  B^rrips,  Fruits,  etc. 

Inhn  I pu;i«  Childs  Inr  . FI nm  1 Park.  N.  Y. 


MCARDLE’S  SEED  STORE 

Florist  and  Seedsman 

SEEDS,  PLANTS.  BULBS,  INSECTICIDES  AND 
FERTILIZERS 

BIRD  HOUSES,  FEEDING  DEVICES  AND  BIRD 
FOODS 

Telephone  317  Merritt  Building 

Greenwich,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


IX 


Burdett-McGillivray  Company 
PRETTY  THINGS  TO  EMBROIDER 

With  the  children  hack  to  school  and  quiet  and  peace  reigning  supreme 
once  again,  the  thoughts  of  women  with  deft  fingers  are  certain  to  turn  to 
the  embroidering  and  pretty  things.  And  here  they  will  find  hundreds  of 
pieces  of  pretty  stamped  pieces  of  every  good  design  and  fabric,  as  well  as 
yarns  and  other  needed  accessories  at  prices  that  will  add  zest  to  this  de- 
lightful pastime. 


Advocate  Building 


Stamford,  Conn. 


PHONE  268 


Merrill  Business  College 

Our  Secretarial  Course  prepares  both  Young 
Men  and  Young  Women  to  hold  responsible 
positions. 

Bookkeeping,  Shorthand,  Dictaphone, 

Typewriting  and  English  Branches 

SOUTH  NORWALK  STAMFORD  PORT  CHESTER 


IN  THE  FALL 

you  need  HATS  that  will  stand 
all  kinds  of  weather,  and  come 
back  smiling  when  the  sun 
appears. 

You  can  choose  any  one  of  many 
new  Fall  styles  in  NORTHROP 
HATS  with  assurance  that  it 
will  serve  you  long  and  com- 
fortably. 

$3.00,  $3.50 

Silk  Lined.  Union  Made. 

THE 

COMES-NORTHROP  CO. 

445  MAIN  STREET 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


OUR  FALL 
CATALOG 

of  BULBS,  HERBACEOUS 
PERENNIALS,  ROSES, 
GRAPES,  ETC.,  is  ready. 

If  you  have  not  received  a 
copy,  send  for  it  today.  It’s  free. 

We  want  you  to  know  that 
we’re  here  to  serve  you.  Yes,  at 
your  service. 

MORAIO  BROTHERS 

SEEDSMEN,  NURSERYMEN, 
FLORISTS. 

Rye,  N.  Y.,  and  Stamford,  Conn. 


X 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


The  Trading  Place  of  Over  Half  a Century 

THE  C.  0.  MILLER  CO. 

ATLANTIC  SQUARE  Established  1868  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

LOOKING  THROUGH  THE  DOOR  TO  AUTUMN 

The  new  season  approaches.  You  can  feel  it  in  the  air.  The  days  grow  shorter,  the 
evenings  longer.  Social  doings  are  becoming  more  active.  There  is  new  interest  in  the 
INSIDE  of  every  home. 

Eyes  of  housekeepers  are  more  observant.  There  are  so  many  things  they  want  to 
do,  to  brighten  up  the  home,  to  add  to  its  comforts  and  beauty.  They  know  just  where 
the3'  want  a new  rug;  they  know  just  which  windows  are  demanding  new  draperies. 
They  see  where  new  dressings  for  bureaus  and  buffets,  new  utensils  for  the  kitchen,  new 
china  and  glass  for  the  dining  table  are  wanted. 

We  have  been  preparing  through  the  summer  months  to  be  most  helpful  in  these 
home  refurnishing  activities.  The  wanted  things  are  here — best  obtainable  kinds  and 
so  much  lower  in  price  than  heretofore. 

Housekeepers  will  find  it  so  much  easier  and  more  satisfactory  to  solve  their  fur- 
nishing problems  while  looking  at  the  actual  goods  on  our  floors. 

Come  when  you  will — take  all  the  time  >-ou  wish — no  hurry — no  obligation  to  buy — 
we’ll  thank  you  for  the  visit  just  the  same. 

THE  C.  O.  MILLER  CO. 

ATLANTIC  SQUARE  : ; ; : : : STAMFORD,  CONN. 


The  LOCKWOOD  & PALMER  Co. 


Wholesale  and  Retail 
Dealers  in 

HARDWARE 

AGRICULTURAL 
IMPLEMENTS 
House  Furnishings,  Etc. 


TO  O L S 

OF 

All  Kinds 


92  PARK  PLACE 
(Cor.  Summer  Street) 
STAMFORD,  - CONN. 
Telephone  Connections 


Published  monthly  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 
Subscription.  S 1 .50  a year  Single  copy,  15  cents 


Entered  as  Second-Class  Matter  June  12,  1909,  at  Sound  Beach  Post  Office,  under  Act  of  March  3,  1897. 
Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special  rate  of  postage  provided  for  in  Section  1103,  Act  of  October  3,  1917, 

authorized  on  June  27,  1918. 


Volume  XIY. 


OCTOBER,  1921 


Number  5 


ARCADIA  AND  THE  BRUCE  MUSEUM 

The  Importance  of  these  Educational,  Natural  History  Institutions,  espe- 
cially to  the  People  of  Greenwich,  Stamford,  and  Their  Vicinity. 

By  Edward  F.  Bigelow,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 


THESE  two  educational  institu- 
tions have  been  developed  under 
my  executive  management,  each 
under  the  direction  of  its  efficient 
Board  of  Trustees.  It  is  therefore  espe- 
cially fitting  that  I give  the  people  of 
this  part  of  Fairfield  County,  who  can 
most  readily  make  personal  use  of  both 
institutions,  a distinct  and  well  marked 
understanding  of  what  have  been  the 
ambitions  and  purposes  in  establishing 
these  institutions,  what  has  already 
been  accomplished,  what  it  is  purposed 
to  do  in  the  future,  and  why  I hope  to 
obtain  a large  measure  of  local  co- 
operation. 

ArcAdiA,  the  older  institution,  is 
primarily  for  nature  study,  while  the 
Bruce  Museum,  near  the  Greenwich 
railroad  station,  is  primarily  for  exhibi- 
tion of  the  objects  of  natural  history, 
history  and  art  that  have  been  col- 
lected. studied  or  produced  by  other 
workers.  Of  course  the  museum  also 
inspires  study  and  quite  naturally  Ar- 


cAdiA has  on  exhibition  specimens 
that  have  been  studied,  but  these  minor 
products  in  no  way  change  the  main 
purposes  of  either  institution. 

And  it  should  be  noted  further  that 
the  two  are  in  no  sense  competitive. 
They  are  intended  to  be  and  are  active- 
ly co-operative.  In  the  schools  we  have 
been  taught  the  verbal  distinction — 
established  originally,  I believe,  by 
Professor  L.  H.  Bailey — that  science 
considers  chiefly  the  subject  but  nature 
study  the  pupil.  A similar  distinction 
exists  between  the  two  institutions  in 
Fairfield  County.  The  Bruce  Museum 
points  primarily  at  the  things  while 
ArcAdiA  regards  first  of  all  the  student 
and  thinker. 

ArcAdiA  has  been  developed  under 
the  auspices  of  The  Agassiz  Associa- 
tion. This  was  organized  in  Lenox, 
Massachusetts,  in  1875.  and  soon  after 
was  transferred  to  Pittsfield,  thence  in 
1907  to  Stamford.  Connecticut,  and  in 
1909  to  Sound  Beach.  The  six  build- 


Copyright  1921  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


62 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


ings  of  the  old  ArcAdiA  were  moved 
to  the  present  location  in  1911.  Since 
then  seven  new  buildings  have  been 
added. 

On  the  front  door  of  the  office  is  a 
panel  with  the  words,  “Study  Nature,” 
quoted  from  the  famous  slogan  of 
Louis  Agassiz  at  his  laboratory  on  the 
Island  of  Penikese  in  1873.  These  two 
words  reveal  ArcAdiA’s  purpose — 
ArcAdiA,  a place  for  the  observer,  the 
thinker,  the  inquirer.  It  is  a place  in 
which  any  organization  may  leave  its 
workaday  world  in  Stamford,  in  Green- 
wich, and  in  their  vicinity,  and  as- 
semble for  education  and  recreation  in 
nature.  It  is  not  a picnic  ground.  It 
will  not  be  at  the  disposal  of  visitors 
who  seek  it  only  for  that  purpose. 
There  must  be  the  intent  of  serious 
communion  with  Mother  Nature.  A 
minimum  amount  of  fun,  frolic,  so- 
ciability and  good  things  to  eat  must 
be  minor  matters  in  order  to  secure  the 
privileges  of  the  place  and  the  time  of 
the  managers.  “Study  Nature”  here 
stands  supreme.  Those  who  come  with 
serious  intent  will  never  be  disap- 
pointed and  will  never  be  unwelcome. 

Here  on  the  part  of  every  one.  young 
or  old,  rich  or  poor,  wise  or  otherwise 
they  will  find  enthusiastic  zeal  for  ob- 
servation. The  institution  believes  in 
the  supremacy  of  the  individual,  each 
in  his  own  favorite  realm  of  seeing  and 
telling. 

The  Agassiz  Association  is  under  the 
management  of  a Board  of  nine  Trus- 
tees: Edward  F.  Bigelow.  Ph.  D., 
Sound  Beach,  Conn.,  President  and 
Treasurer:  Honorable  Homer  S.  Cum- 
mings, Stamford,  Conn.,  Secretary; 
Harlan  H.  Ballard — Originator,  1875. 
and  President  for  thirty-two  years — 
Pittsfield,  Mass..  Honorary  Vice-Presi- 
dent : Hiram  E.  Deats,  Flemington,  N. 
J.,  Business  Adviser  and  Auditor;  Dr. 
David  Starr  Jordan.  Chancellor  Leland 
Stanford  Junior  University.  Calif., 
Dean  of  Council ; Dr.  Leland  O.  How- 
ard. Chief  of  Bureau  of  Entomology, 
Washington.  D.  C..  Naturalist  Adviser; 
Reverend  Charles  Morris  Addison.  D. 
D.,  Cambridge.  Mass  ; George  Sher- 
rill. M.  D..  Stamford.  Conn.;  (Miss) 
Nellie  P.  Bigelow.  Sound  Beach,  Conn., 
Secretary  to  the  President  and  Assist- 
ant Editor  of  The  Guide  to  Nature. 
A circular  giving  full  particulars  of 
that  incorporation  will  be  mailed  tc 
any  one  upon  application. 


The  Bruce  Museum. 

The  Bruce  Museum  in  the  large  stone 
building  near  the  Greenwich  railroad 
station  was  established  August  4,  1908, 
by  the  late  Robert  M.  Bruce.  He  gave 
his  homestead  and  $50,000  to  the  Town 
of  Greenwich  for  “a  natural  history, 
historical  and  art  museum  for  the  use 
and  benefit  of  the  public,  in  such  man- 
ner and  under  such  rules  as  may  be  pre- 
scribed by  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town 
and  Trustees.”  The  museum  was  to 
be  developed  by  a Board  of  Trustees 
appointed  in  the  Deed  of  Trust.  The 
original  Board  of  Trustees  was  as  fol- 
lows : E.  C.  Benedict,  William  J. 

Smith.  Edmund  C.  Converse  and  W. 
H.  Truesdale  of  Greenwich  and  Edwin 
L.  Scofield  of  Stamford.  This  Board 
was  succeeded  on  March  1,  1918,  by 
the  following:  Frederick  A.  Hubbard, 
Walter  M.  Anderson,  Wilbur  S.  Wright 
and  Augustus  I.  Mead  of  Greenwich. 

Part  of  the  development,  notably  the 
construction  of  the  gallery,  was  made 
by  the  original  Board,  under  the  execu- 
tive management  principally  of  the  late 
William  J.  Smith.  Apparently  that 
Board  was  puzzled  to  know  how  to 
continue  the  work  because  in  the  first 
week  of  1912  they  inserted  in  the 
Greenwich  papers  a half  page  adver- 
tisement asking  for  information  as  to 
what  was  required  and  as  to  available 
donations  of  exhibits.  I at  once  con- 
ferred with  the  Honorable  Edwin  L. 
Scofield  and  occasionally  thereafter  for 
over  three  years,  receiving  on  Novem- 
ber 23,  1915,  definite  request  to  go 
ahead  and  prepare  plans.  These  were 
accepted  at  a joint  meeting  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  and  the  Board  of 
Selectmen  on  May  22.  1916,  and  pub- 
lished to  the  extent  of  three  columns  in 
local  papers. 

I devoted  almost  nine  years  to  the 
development  of  the  museum  (from 
January,  1912,  to  October,  1920)  with- 
out any  money  remuneration.  Have 
since  then  recewed  fifty  dollars  a month 
from  the  Town  as  Curator.  The  Town 
accepted  the  museum  in  the  autumn  of 
1920.  Its  development  has  been  and 
still  is  under  the  care  of  a Board  of 
Trustees.  The  work  continues  at  pres- 
ent under  the  combined  auspices  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  and  the  Board  of 
Selectmen  (Oscar  D.  Tuthill.  Harold 
W.  Allen  and  John  Broderick)  of  the 
Town  of  Greenwich.  There  is  also  an 


ARCADIA  AND  THE  BRUCE  MUSEUM 


Advisory  Board  representing  the  vari- 
ous educational  interests  of  the  Town : 
Fred  A.  Springer,  Public  Schools; 
Leonard  Ochtman,  Artists;  Niel  Mor- 
row Ladd,  Birds.  In  1916  the  late  Hon- 
orable Edwin  L.  Scofield  of  Stamford, 
Chairman  of  the  original  Board  of 
Trustees  and  writer  of  the  Deed  of 
Trust,  recpiested  me  to  develop  the 
museum.  That  work  I have  done  with 
the  unanimous  cooperation  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees.  No  one  could  have 
been  more  heartily  sustained  by  any 
organization  than  I have  been  by  the 
Board  of  Trustees.  For  that  coopera- 
tion I am  grateful. 

The  gifts  and  loans  to  the  museum 
have  been  noted  from  time  to  time  in 
the  local  publications,  and  a record  has 
been  made  of  the  large  number  of  vis- 
itors, not  only  local  callers  but  those 
from  all  parts  of  the  United  States  and 
from  many  foreign  countries.  The 
Bruce  Museum  is  in  a class  by  itself 
so  far  as  it  has  been  developed,  and  its 
development  has  been  along  the  lines 
of  praiseworthy  endeavor.  It  has  been 
our  purpose  that  a museum  in  this  com- 
munity should  be.  so  far  as  we  could 
make  it,  the  best  in  the  world,  and  even 
now  some  things  in  it  are  not  excelled 
by  those  in  any  other  museum. 

The  exceedingly  moderate  amount 
appropriated  by  the  Town  is  not  nearly 
enough  for  the  full  development  of  the 
museum,  nor  for  its  adequate  use  as  an 
educational  institution.  It  is  hoped  that 
the  Town  will  appropriate  more  and 
it  is  even  more  earnestly  desired  that 
public-spirited,  philanthropic  citizens 
of  Greenwich  may,  in  like  manner,  not 
be  backward  in  coming  forward. 

ArcAdiA  has  also  thus  far  achieved 
its  great  work  with  a limited  amount 
of  money.  No  other  educational  insti- 
tution in  the  world  has  made  the  dollar 
go  so  far  and  accomplished  so  much  as 
has  The  Agassiz  Association  in  its 
forty-six  years  of  existence. 

Personally  and  on  behalf  of  the  ex- 
cellent boards  of  management  of  both 
institutions,  I point  with  pride  to  what 
has  been  achieved,  not  only  in  develop- 
ment but  in  work.  I call  attention  hope- 
fully to  the  enlarged  scope  of  activities 
for  the  future  and  invite  the  fullest  in- 
vestigation of  every  detail  pertaining 
to  each  institution.  Both  must  advance 
to  greater  usefulness  to  the  public  for 
all  time.  They  are  for  the  public  and 


63 

must  be  supported  by  the  public.  Hav- 
ing planned  and  watched  every  detail 
of  the  development  of  both,  and  having 
joyously  noted  the  successes  so  far  as 
it  has  been  possible  for  them  to  go,  I 
have  unbounded  faith  in  the  greater 
possibilities  for  all  time.  Visit  these 
instituitons,  work  for  them,  not  in  the 
spirit  of  idle  curiosity,  not  with  the 
feeling  that  they  belong  to  some  one 
else,  but  that  you  have  a vital  respon- 
sibility to  accomplish  in  cooperating  to 
increase  their  usefulness. 

Earnestly  and  faithfully  yours, 
Edward  F.  Bigelow. 

President  of  the  Agassiz  Asso- 
ciation, 

Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 

Curator  of  the  Bruce  Museum, 

Greenwich,  Conn. 


Five  New  Instructive  Exhibits  at  The 
Bruce  Museum.  440  Visitors 
Register  in  August. 

The  curators  are  glad  to  announce 
that  the  interesting  and  instructive 
collection  of  North  American,  African, 
Australian,  Indo-Pacific  and  South 
American  shells  are  now  classified,  la- 
belled and  on  exhibition  at  The  Bruce 
Museum.  Greenwich.  This  collection 
in  the  second  floor  hallway  was  donated 
by  the  United  States  National  Museum 
at  Washington  and  contains  about 
eighteen  hundred  specimens.  In  pack- 
ing and  shipping  the  specimens  many 
of  the  shells  became  misplaced  and  their 
scientific  names  on  the  labels  were  in 
great  confusion.  This  necessitated  the 
examination  of  the  entire  lot  in  order 
that  the  correct  name  be  attached  to 
each. 

A three  and  a half  foot  iguana  lizard 
has  been  placed  on  view  temporarily 
in  the  mammal  room  on  the  first  floor. 
This  reptile,  strange  and  terrifying  in 
appearance,  is  common  in  South  Amer- 
ica and  in  the  West  Indies.  It  possesses 
a white  flesh  and  is  frequently  used  for 
food  in  the  islands  under  the  name  of 
“mountain  chicken.”  The  assistant 
curator  has  tasted  it  in  his  native  land 
and  found  it  to  be  palatable  and  not  un- 
like chicken. 

Two  giant  sea  turtles  have  also  been 
put  on  view.  These  are  remarkable  for 
their  beautiful  shells  and  enormous 
hawklike  bills.  Another  South  Ameri- 
can exhibit  of  interest  is  the  huge  nest 
of  a social  wasp.  It  is  creamy  white 


64 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


in  color,  nearly  four  feet  long  and  as 
hard  as  wood.  It  is  made  of  pulp  by  the 
insects  which  capry  the  material  in 
small  bits  to  the  nest.  Thousands  of 
wasps  laboring  together  finally  pro- 
duced the  big  nest. 

In  the  geological  room  on  the  third 
floor  the  commercial  ores  and  ores  of 
the  precious  metals  are  arranged  with 
their  products.  Thus  the  crude  ore  of 
tin,  for  instance,  is  shown  with  many 
of  the  manufactured  products  produced 
from  it.  The  crude  ores  from  which 
silver,  mercury,  tin,  lead,  arsenic,  co- 
balt, copper,  sulphur,  iron,  etc.,  are 
made  are  shown  together  with  some  of 
their  finished  products.  The  work  on 
this  exhibit  is  now  in  progress. 

In  addition  to  this  the  geological  de- 
partment has  been  enriched  by  a col- 
lection of  the  common  rocks  that  form 
the  crust  of  the  earth.  These  are  fully 
labelled  and  are  interesting. 

In  the  bird  hall  an  exhibition  has 
been  arranged  showing  the  largest  and 
the  smallest  eggs  known  and  interme- 
diate sizes.  The  smallest  is  that  of  a 
humming  bird.  The  largest  is  one  of 
an  extinct  species  while  in  between  are 
eggs  of  hawks,  emu  and  ostrich.  The 
largest  is  thousands  of  times  greater  in 
volume  than  that  of  the  humming  bird 
and  it  seems  almost  unbelievable  that 
both  were  laid  by  species  of  the  same 
order. 

Attendance  is  increasing  day  by  day 
and  the  collections  are  increasing  in 
value,  but  the  Museum  is  in  urgent 
need  of  funds  which,  it  is  hoped,  will 
be  supplied  at  once.  The  work  must  be 
expanded,  especially  now  that  the 
school  year  has  begun.  Educational 
work  of  great  value  can  be  accom- 
plished if  support  be  given  to  the  Mu- 
seum’s plans.  Nothing  strikes  home  so 
quickly  in  the  mind  of  a child  as 
graphic  illustration,  and  no  institution 
could  be  in  a better  position  to  teach  by 
graphic  methods  than  The  Bruce 
Museum. 

The  Museum  is  a big  advertisement 
for  this  part  of  Fairfield  County,  in  ad- 
dition to  its  educational  possibilities, 
in  that  it  is  much  talked  of  in  many 
places. 

People  have  come  from  New  York 
and  other  places  by  train,  motor  and 
boat  for  the  sole  purpose  of  visiting  the 
collections.  They  have  told  the  cura- 
tors and  caretakers  that  the  Museum  is 


unique  in  a number  of  ways.  Curators 
of  other  museums  have  come  here  and 
expressed  delight  at  the  Bruce’s  meth- 
ods and  displays,  and  we  are  only  four 
years  old  ! 

The  town  of  Deerfield,  Massachu- 
setts, possesses  a small  museum  con- 
taining only  historical  relics,  but  Deer- 
field is  famous  for  that  museum.  Green- 
wich is  an  enormously  rich  and  cul- 
tured town.  Its  people  are  known 
everywhere.  No  town  could  be  more 
distinctly  placed  on  the  map  of  money, 
art  and  culture.  Now  it  is  becoming 
conspicuous  on  the  map  of  science. 


Water  Eats  Iron. 

BY  C.  D.  ROMIG,  AUDENRIED,  PA. 

This  article  refers  to  water  in  anthra- 
cite coal  mines.  It  is  usually  a clear 
amber  color  with  a strong  acid  taste 
and  not  fit  to  drink.  In  some  mines  it 
is  so  strong  that  a constant  dropping  on 
a shovel  from  the  roof  of  the  mine  will 
eat  a hole  through  it  in  a single  night  or 
a few  nights  at  the  most.  A saw  will 
be  ruined  in  a week  or  two  if  allowed 
to  lie  in  this  water.  Iron  or  steel  bolts 
are  worn  away  like  worm-eaten  wood. 
In  some  cases  iron  pumps  are  useless 
and  in  this  event  it  is  necessary  to  sub- 
stitute bronze,  brass  or  other  copper 
composition  metal  which  may  not  be 
as  strong  but  which  resists  the  wear  of 
the  water  better  than  iron. 

A continual  spray  of  this  water  on 
anthracite  will  in  a day  turn  the  coal 
into  peacock  or  rainbow  colors,  after 
which  it  turns  to  bronze  and  then  to  a 
yellow  which  is  the  color  of  all  ditches 
where  this  water  flows.  One  peculiarity 
I often  noted  in  a certain  ditch  where 
a wrought  iron  pipe  lay  exposed  was 
that  ordinarily  the  pipe  was  rusty,  but 
when  the  mine  water  covered  it  the 
pipe  assumed  a rich  purple  color  with 
a velvet  finish  which  made  it  look  like 
anything  but  iron. 

As  yet  there  is  no  special  use  for 
the  water,  which  is  usually  called  sul- 
phur water. 


Wild  life  sanctuaries  in  Pennsyl- 
vania alone  now  number  twenty-four 
in  size  from  1,800  to  3.000  acres  each. 
Plans  now  under  way  will,  by  the  end 
of  1921,  bring  the  number  up  to  forty. 
The  average  cost  of  maintaining  such 
tracts  is  a little  less  than  $1,200  a year. 


The  Heavens  in  October. 

By  Professor  Samuel  G.  Barton  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


OX  the  first  day  of  the  month  there 
is  a total  eclipse  of  the  sun.  The 
eclipse  is  visible  only  in  the 
southern  parts  of  South  America  and 
on  ocean  areas.  The  total  eclipse  be- 
gins October  i,  5:27  A.  M.,  Eastern 
Standard  time,  and  the  eclipse  is  last 
seen  as  a total  eclipse  at  9 :_|4  A.  M.  The 


one  minute  and  fifty-two  seconds  as  a 
total  eclipse. 

Of  much  greater  interest  to  us  is  the 
total  eclipse  of  the  moon  which  occurs 
two  weeks  later  on  the  evening  of  Oc- 
tober 16.  On  this  evening  the  moon 
passes  through  the  shadow  of  the  earth 
and  is  almost  but  not  quite  totally 


Figure  1.  The  constellations  at  9 P.  M.,  October  1.  (Hold  the  map  so  that  the  direction  faced  is  at 
the  bottom;  that  is,  if  facing  east  hold  east  at  the  bottom  as  south  now  is.) 


eclipse  is  visible  as  a total  eclipse  over 
a strip  of  ocean  about  one  hundred  and 
seventy  miles  wide.  This  strip  lies  just 
south  of  Cape  Horn  and  extends  south- 
ward to  the  South  Pole.  Only  a few  un- 
inhabited islands  lie  in  it.  so  that  no 
scientific  observations  of  the  eclipse 
will  be  made.  The  eclipse  lasts  at  most 


eclipsed.  About  a sixteenth  of  the 
moon’s  diameter  will  not  lie  within  the 
shadow.  The  conditions  of  the  eclipse 
are  shown  in  Figure  2.  The  moon 
moving  eastward  first  comes  into  con- 
tact with  the  earth’s  shadow  in  the 
position  i,  the  contact  occurring  on  the 
northeastern  part  of  the  moon.  This 


66 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


contact  occurs  at  4:14  Eastern  time. 
The  middle  of  the  eclipse  occurs  in  po- 
sition 2 at  5 :54.  This  is  the  maximum 
eclipse.  A little  of  the  southern  portion 
of  the  moon  is  still  outside  of  the 
shadow.  The  last  contact  with  the 
shadow  occurs  at  position  3 at  7 :34- 
The  western  side  of  the  moon  is  the 
last  to  emerge  from  the  shadow. 

The  entire  moon  will  be  distinctly 


There  will  be  no  eclipse  of  the  moon 
next  year. 

5J:  :«c 

The  Planets. 

There  are  no  planets  visible  to  the 
naked  eye  in  the  early  evening.  Some 
of  the  planets  may  be  seen  under  un- 
favorable conditions  before  sunrise  in 
the  east.  On  October  25  Venus  passes 
Jupiter.  At  this  time  the  two  brilliant 


visible  even  when  deeply  immersed  in 
the  shadow.  The  earth’s  atmosphere 
bends  a considerable  portion  of  sun- 
light into  what  would  otherwise  be  a 
black  shadow.  This  light,  which  is  of 
a reddish  tinge,  illuminates  the  moon. 

The  beginning  of  the  eclipse  will 
not  be  visible  in  the  United  States,  as 
the  moon  has  not  risen  when  the  eclipse 
begins.  The  time  of  moonrise  varies 
with  the  position  of  the  observer  and 
the  kind  of  time  he  uses.  In  the  posi- 
tion of  Philadelphia  (five  hours  west 
longitude  40°  north  latitude)  the  moon 
rises  at  5:17  P.  M.  The  time  at  other 
places  will  not  differ  greatly  from  this. 
Only  those  on  the  eastern  coast  will  see 
the  maximum  eclipse.  Those  farther 
west  using  Central  time  will  find  that 
the  moon  has  risen  from  the  middle  of 
the  eclipse  and  those  still  further  west 
will  see  no  eclipse  at  all,  as  the  moon 
will  not  have  risen  until  the  eclipse  is 
over.  This  will  be  true  west  of  Denver. 


planets  will  be  quite  close  together. 
Saturn  is  near  by  and  Mars  also  is  near. 
These  four  planets,  all  of  the  planets 
visible  to  the  naked  eye,  except  Mer- 
cury, which  is  seldom  visible,  are  then 
in  the  same  constellation,  Virgo.  Un- 
fortunately this  interesting  and  un- 
usual clustering  of  the  planets  is  visible 
only  in  the  morning  twilight.  The  po- 
sitions of  the  planets  are  shown  in  Fig- 
ure 3. 

Mercury  may  be  seen  very  low  in  the 
southwest  in  the  early  evening  twilight 
for  a few  evenings  about  October  7. 

:jc  :»c  ;jc  >fe  jjc 

Uranus. 

Until  comparatively  recent  times  the 
above  mentioned  five  planets  were  the 
only  ones  known.  They  are  the  only 
ones  plainly  visible  to  the  naked  eye. 
These  with  the  sun  and  moon  made  up 
seven  moving  bodies.  One  day  of  the 
week  was  dedicated  to  each,  Sunday 
for  the  sun,  Saturday  for  Saturn,  etc. 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


Seven  then  became  a sacred  number 
representing  completeness.  It  thus  be- 
came a fixed  idea  that  there  were  no 
more  planets,  and  even  after  the  inven- 
tion of  the  telescope  had  made  visible 
great  numbers  of  stars  which  were  not 
visible  before  few  if  any  suggested  that 
there  might  be  planets  which  had  not 
yet  been  seen. 

On  March  13,  1781,  Herschel,  while 
examining  celestial  objects  with  a 
seven-inch  reflecting  telescope,  noted 


67 

within  the  lives  of  persons  now  living. 
Herschel  himself  called  it  “Georgium 
Sidus,”  that  is,  George’s  star,  in  honor 
of  King  George  III.  It  was  known  by 
this  name,  or  as  “The  Georgian,”  the 
English  equivalent,  as  late  as  1850. 
Others  gave  it  a name  harmonizing 
with  the  names  of  the  other  planets  and 
called  it  Uranus,  a name  now  in  uni- 
versal use. 

The  planet  had  been  seen  previously 
by  several  astronomers,  but  they  had 


MARS 

• 

SATURN 

• 

• 

~Vy  VIR.GINIS 
&VIRGINIS  • 

• • VEMU5 

JUPITER^ 

Q VIRGIN  IS 

Figure  3.  The  positions  of  the  planets  October  25. 


something  peculiar  about  one  of  the 
stars  which  he  saw.  It  looked  somewhat 
different  to  him  from  the  ordinary  stars. 
It  looked  a little  larger  and  less  bril- 
liant than  a star.  He  turned  a higher 
magnifying  power  on  it  and  watched  it. 
After  two  days  he  saw  that  it  had 
moved  a little.  He  announced  that  he 
had  discovered  a comet.  Other  astron- 
omers received  the  information  and 
they,  too,  noted  the  changes  in  the 
position  of  the  object.  These  observa- 
tions showed  that  the  object  did  not 
move  in  parabola,  or  nearly  in  one,  as 
comets  do.  The  object  was  found  to 
be  moving  in  a circular  orbit.  \ his 
forced  the  conclusion  that  the  object 
was  really  another  planet.  That  there 
should  be  another  comet  was  not  sur- 
prising, but  that  there  should  be  an- 
other planet  was  a thought  entirely 
foreign  to  the  minds  of  men  at  the 
time,  even  to  those  of  astronomers  and 
to  that  of  the  great  astronomical  dis- 
coverer, Herschel.  The  conclusion  that 
the  object  was  a planet  did  not  come 
naturally  at  all. 

Some,  thinking  to  honor  the  discov- 
erer. called  the  planet  Herschel,  a name 
used  by  some  for  a long  time,  even 


not  noticed  any  difference  between  the 
planet  and  other  stars.  It  is  most  re- 
markable that  Herschel  noticed  a dif- 
ference, for  astronomers  found  it  diffi- 
cult to  see  any  difference  when  they 
had  had  their  attention  called  to  it. 
Probably  few,  if  any,  other  astron- 
omers looking  through  Herschel’s 
telescope  would  have  noted  the  pecul- 
iorities  which  aroused  his  suspicions 
of  an  unusual  object. 

The  planet  is  now  in  Aquarius  in 
the  position  marked  on  Figure  i.  It 
is  just  a little  too  faint  to  be  seen  with 
the  naked  eye.  Very  little  optical  as- 
sistance is  sufficient  to  show  it.  Its 
appearance  in  a small  instrument  is  like 
that  of  stars.  As  it  is  just  east  of  the 
faint  star  in  Aquarius  marked  on  the 
map,  the  planet  should  be  easily  found. 
There  are  no  stars  in  the  vicinity  to 
confuse  with  it.  There  is  a faint  star 
a little  southeast  of  the  star  on  the 
map  and  quite  close  to  it.  A map  of  the 
fainter  stars  in  this  section  will  be 
printed  next  month. 

;jc 

The  Comet. 

Although  it  is  not  now  visible  here, 
it  may  interest  the  readers  to  know 


68 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


that  the  brilliant  object  discovered  near 
the  sun  on  August  7 at  the  Lick  Ob- 
servatory was  seen  in  the  early  morn- 
ing west  of  the  sun  on  August  9 at  the 
Lowell  Observatory.  For  some  reason 
this  fact  was  not  announced  until  the 
end  of  the  month.  This  proves  that  the 
object  moved  and  was  a comet.  Its 
position  would  now  be  unfavorable  for 
observations  in  the  northern  hemi- 
sphere.   

America’s  Oldest  Astronomical  Ob- 
servatory. 

BY  CHARLES  NEVERS  HOLMES,  NEWTON, 
MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  oldest  astronomical  observatory 
in  the  United  States  is  that  which  was 
erected  at  Williams  College  in  1838. 
In  1834  Professor  Albert  Hopkins 
sailed  for  Europe  to  obtain  the  neces- 
sary astronomical  instruments,  and 
when  he  returned  in  1836  he  and  some 
of  his  students  quarried  the  rock  from 
which  this  primitive  observatory  was 
built.  It  was  dedicated  on  June  12, 
1838,  and  was  of  course  named  the 
“Hopkins  Astronomical  Observatory. 
It  may  well  be  called  the  pioneer  ob- 
servatory of  America,  although  there 
was  a small  astronomical  observatory 
constructed  by  the  University  of  North 
Carolina,  in  1826. 


The  Edges  of  the  Universe. 

Astronomers  in  years  long  gone  by, 
as  well  as  in  our  own  times,  contrib- 
uted so  much  real  and  demonstrable 
knowledge  to  the  sum  of  human  in- 
formation on  that  sublime  science  that 
it  is  well  always  to  bear  in  mind  the  dis- 
tinction between  what  has  actually  been 
discovered  and  proven,  and  that  purely 
speculative  astronomy  which  is  all  that 
may  be  applied  in  studying  that  vaster 
field  of  the  universe  of  which  our  en- 
tire solar  system  as  we  know  it  is  but 
a small  component  part.  Still,  even  in 
the  light  of  all  that  has  been  accom- 
plished in  astronomical  research,  there 
is  something  very  like  a challenge  to 
ridicule  in  an  outgiving  from  the  Amer- 
ican Astronomy  Association’s  confer- 
ence in  Middletown,  in  this  State,  last 
week.  If  that  outgiving  is  correctly 
reported  in  the  press,  we  are  informed 
that  it  takes  light,  traveling  at  the  rate 
of  186,000  miles  a second,  a period  of 
t, 000,000  years  to  travel  from  one  edge 
of  the  universe  to  the  other.  It  is  a 
great  pity,  having  shown  how  far  the 
edges  are  apart,  not  to  have  thrown 


some  light  on  what  those  “edges”  are — 
are  they  just  plain  stone  walls,  for  ex- 
ample, and  particularly,  what  is  on  the 
outside  of  them? — Editorial  in  “The 
Daily  Advocate,”  Stamford,  Connecti- 
cut, September  6,  1921. 

* * * * * 

COMMENT  BY  OUR  PROFESSOR  BARTON. 

I was  present  at  the  meeting  in 
Middletown.  I did  not  hear  the  state- 
ment in  question  but  it  may  have  been 
made  as  stated.  There  is  nothing  what- 
ever ridiculous  in  it.  No  doubt  what 
makes  it  appear  ridiculous  is  a misun- 
derstanding on  the  part  of  the  reader 
as  to  the  meaning  of  the  word  universe. 
As  commonly  understood  the  word 
universe  includes  all  created  things 
and  hence  there  is  but  one  universe.  In 
astronomy  the  word  is  used  in  a dif- 
ferent sense  and  frequently  used  in  the 
plural.  Thus  we  speak  of  the  spiral 
nebulae  as  island  universes ; that  is, 
universes  or  systems  separated  from 
ours  and  other  universes.  The  state- 
ment quoted  was  merely  a statement  in 
regard  to  the  dimensions  of  our  uni- 
verse and  does  not  imply  that  all 
created  things  lie  within  those  dis- 
tances.— Samuel  G.  Barton,  University 
of  Pennsylvania. 


A Friendly  Chipmunk. 

BY  F.  H.  SIDNEY,  WAKEFIELD,  MASS. 

Mr.  Frank  P.  Busiel,  First  Vice- 
President  of  the  New  England  Asso- 
ciation of  Railroad  Veterans,  who  lives 
at  East  Andover,  New  Hampshire,  is 
fond  of  animals.  He  and  a little  chip- 
munk living  in  a stone  wall  near  Mr. 
Busiel’s  home  are  on  friendly  terms, 
the  chipmunk  often  climbing  on  Mr. 
Busiel’s  shoulder  and  there  eating  corn 
from  his  hand.  After  filling  the  pouch 
with  corn  the  chipmunk  will  skip  away, 
hide  the  corn  in  his  cache  and  return 
for  another  load. 


A single  quart  of  sea  water  may  con- 
tain more  than  a hundred  times  as 
many  living  creatures  as  there  are  stars 
visible  to  the  eye  on  the  clearest  night. 


The  perennial  question,  “How  does 
a bird  soar?”  continues  to  occupy  the 
attention  of  Mr.  John  Burroughs  and 
several  other  contributors  to  the 
“Atlantic.”  As  usual,  there  is  no  agree- 
ment as  to  the  facts,  and  no  reasonable 
theory.  And  yet  the  problem  appears 
simple  enough  ! 


£ AND 


Information 


A Trout  That  Ate  Mice. 

Sundown  Hill,  Riverside,  Connecticut. 
To  the  Editor : 

I send  you  the  photograph  of  a large 
brook  trout  and  the  contents  of  his 
stomach  when  taken — nine  field  mice. 
The  trout  was  caught  by  my  friend,  J. 
E.  Barbour,  of  Paterson,  New  Jersey, 
in  the  St.  John’s  River,  Gaspe,  Canada. 
June  20,  1921.  He  also  took  the  photo- 
graph. 

The  St.  John  is  one  of  a number  of 


with  spruce  and  balsam,  rising  from 
the  water’s  edge.  Coming  down  the 
side  of  one  of  these  cliffs,  an  immense 
bald  rock,  is  a considerable  waterfall, 
and  probably  there  are  others  which  1 
did  not  see.  It  is  probable  that  the  mice 
gorged  by  the  trout  had  been  washed 
down  the  side  of  one  of  these  cliffs  by 
a shower.  Once  in  the  St.  John  the 
current  might  carry  them  miles  before 
they  could  make  a landing. 

I happen  to  know  that  mice  are  good 


THE  TROUT  AND  THE  MICE  TAKEN  FROM  ITS  STOMACH. 


rivers  that  flow  out  of  the  Gaspe  penin- 
sula into  the  Bay  of  Chaleurs.  It  comes 
down  out  of  the  high  country  with  a 
steady,  unbroken  rush.  It  is  a long 
water  hill.  You  go  up  it  very  slowly 
creeping  along  the  shore  with  two 
husky  guides  in  each  canoe  shoving 
against  the  bottom  with  steel  shod 
poles ; coming  down  it  is  like  a running 
horse  under  you.  There  are  steep  cliff" 
sides,  some  of  them  beautifully  wooded 


swimmers.  I remember  catching  a 
number  of  deer  mice  in  a wire  trap  at 
a camp  in  the  woods.  I took  them  out 
in  the  canoe  to  drown  them,  but  losing 
the  heart  to  do  it,  I let  them  out  near 
shore.  They  swam  well  and  going 
through  the  margin  of  lily  pads  one  of 
them  was  captured  with  a great  splash, 
probably  by  a bullfrog. 

Irving  Bach eller. 


70 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


The  Psychology  of  Killing. 

New  Haven,  Conn. 

To  the  Editor : 

On  page  XIII  of  the  August  number 
of  The  Guide  to  Nature,  you  quote 
from  an  article  by  Robert  M.  Gay  in 
“The  Atlantic  Monthly,”  the  idea  sug- 
gested being  no  doubt  uplifting,  but 
where  does  Mr.  Gay  get  off  in  his  ar- 
gument as  applied  to  the  average  per- 
son who  has  occasion  to  know  a “barn- 
yard rooster.” 

I believe  I am  correct  in  stating  that 
barnyard  fowl  are  usually  grown  for 
revenue  which  means  the  ultimate  kill- 
ing of  the  birds.  Can  one  kill,  or  per- 
mit to  be  killed,  a creature  that  he 
truly  loves  ? 

With  kindest  regards. 

Ernest  Francis  Coe. 

[FROM  PERSONAL  LETTER  IN  REPLY.] 

In  your  interesting  letter,  which  I 
received  while  I was  in  camp,  you  raise 
a suggestive  question.  Personally  I 
am  of  the  opinion  that  the  love  that 
one  applies  to  natural  objects  is  not  at 
all  inconsistent  with  killing.  Theoret- 
ically, from  your  point  of  view,  we 
should  love  the  rose  and  never  pick  it 
from  the  bush,  but  I think  that  those 
who  gather  the  most  roses  love  them 
the  most.  You  may  recall  my  article 
about  the  sportsmen  being  the  best 
lovers  of  our  wild  birds.  I formerly 
thought  that  those  who  prattled  senti- 
ment and  gush  about  the  lovely  birds 
were  the  real  bird  lovers.  Now  I think 
that  the  sportsmen  who  actually  propa- 
gate and  protect  the  birds  at  certain 
times  of  the  year  are  true  lovers.  I also 
am  disposed  to  think  that  the  one  who 
loves  roosters  and  hens  the  most,  and 
cultivates  them  as  a business,  is  the 
one  who  most  frequently  kills  them. 
The  person  who  has  no  liking  for  a 
rooster  would  never  feed  it,  and  even  if 
he  does  kill  it  after  a long  period  of 
feeding  his  real  love  for  the  rooster  is, 
I believe,  none  the  less.  I admire  the 
look  of  pride  and  love  on  the  faces  of 
the  exhibitors  of  fine  stock  at  the 
poultry  show. 

Some  of  the  most  ardent  lovers  of 
Belgian  hares  whom  I have  ever  known 
use  them  as  food  for  the  family.  They 
play  with  the  animal  during  its  life 
and  then  kill  it  painlessly. 

But  psychology  is  an  uncertain 
“ologv.”  Here  in  Stamford  certain  per- 
sons steal  trees  from  Dr.  Morris’s  beau- 


tiful estate  to  celebrate  the  birth  of 
Christ.  Several  years  ago  at  a meeting 
of  the  newspaper  editors  of  Connecti- 
cut we  compared  notes,  and  found  that 
the  Baptist  clergyman  that  published  a 
religious  paper  was  more  grossly  and 
frequently  cheated  than  any  of  us. 
Isn’t  this  a queer  world  and  isn’t  psy- 
chology one  of  the  queerest  things  in  it  ? 

I am  wondering,  to  revert  to  the 
original  question,  if  any  one  really  did 
love  a rooster  and  not  kill  it ; that  is, 
have  not  all  the  chicken  lovers  gone 
into  the  chicken  business?  Many  per- 
sons visit  ArcAdiA  and  fall  into  ecsta- 
sies about  the  loveliness  of  the  study  of 
nature.  Those  who  really  love  nature 
do  not  indulge  in  so  much  fizz  and 
froth  but  devote  themselves  to  the 
study ; even  misfortune  and  a whack  on 
the  head  can  not  keep  them  out  of  it. — 
Edward  F.  Bigelow. 

FROM  A LATER  LETTER  FROM  MR.  COE. 

I am  extremely  interested  in  your 
expression  of  opinion  as  to  the  rela- 
tion between  love  and  killing,  and  I 
consider  that  you  have  worked  out 
your  argument  very  clearly.  “Pride 
and  love”  are  not,  I believe,  necessarily 
handmaidens.  To  me  the  word  “love” 
is  the  most  subtle  word  in  the  world. 
Most  of  us  have  tucked  away  in  our 
heart  a very  personal  definition  of  what 
it  means.  Perhaps  it  is  just  as  well  to 
detach  the  word  “love,”  anyway,  from 
consideration  in  relation  to  our  ordi- 
narv,  commonplace  activities  to  which 
we  are  habituated.  Otherwise,  prac- 
tically all  of  us  will  be  obliged  to  own 
up  to  inconsistency  of  action,  com- 
pared with  our  highest  ideals.  Gush 
is  cheap.  “Fizz,  froth  and  enthusiasm” 
are  mere  bubbles.  You  certainly  have 
an  opportunity  to  detect  the  real  from 
the  pseudo  right  at  ArcAdiA. — Ernest 
Francis  Coe. 

Mr.  Ernest  F.  Coe  has  retired  from 
the  Elm  City  Nursery  Company  and 
will  devote  his  entire  time  in  the  future 
to  landscape  work.  His  office  is  951 
Forest  Road,  New  Haven,  Connecticut. 
We  cordially  recommend  Mr.  Coe  as  a 
good  landscape  architect  and  all-round 
naturalist  and.  even  more  emphatically, 
as  a royal  good  fellow. 


The  American  Association  for  the 
Advancement  of  Science  has  now 
slightly  more  than  ten  thousand 
members. 


CORRESPONDENCE  AND  INFORMATION 


7 1 


The  Vibrating  Spider  and  Her  Web. 

Springdale,  Connecticut. 
To  the  Editor: 

You  may  recall  that  a year  or  so  ago 
my  boy  found  a big.  gold  bedecked 
spider  in  the  garden,  and  that  you  gave 
him  the  creature’s  name,  sex,  habits, 
etc.  The  other  day  I found  another 
specimen,  and  for  an  hour  watched  her 
performance  on  the  slack  rope.  Above 
her  web  were  stretched  two  cables  each 
about  five  feet  long.  She  was  perched 
on  the  middle  of  one  and  from  her  body 
to  the  upper  hawser  was  a short  sec- 
tion of  web.  By  pulling  the  latter  she 
managed  to  swing  back  and  forth  for  a 
distance  of  about  six  inches.  She  kept 
doing  this  actively  until  I was  tired  of 
watching  her.  Now  why  all  this  exer- 
tion? Was  she  out  to  get  the  air?  Was 
it  simply  a vagary  or  was  the  exercise 
to  assist  digestion  of  a fly  feast  that 
she  had  just  enjoyed,  or  do  you  give 
it  up  as  I do?  Not  very  important  per- 
haps but  Fabre  would  have  worked  six 
months  to  solve  the  riddle. 

Ambrose  H.  Horton. 

From  a second  letter  about  a week 
later : 

I have  it ; the  whole  performance  was 
a coquettish  lure  for  the  unfortunate 
mate  who  after  a brief  honeymoon  was 
destined  to  be  gobbled  up  by  his  too 
ardently  affectionate  spouse.  I didn’t 
witness  the  tragedy  but  saw  the  corpus 
— what  there  was  left  of  it. 


Sprouts  of  Pitch  Pine. 

West  Newton,  Massachusetts. 
To  the  Editor : 

On  page  31  of  the  August  issue  Mr. 
William  H.  Huse  states  that  the  pitch 
pine,  Pinus  rigida,  “is  remarkable  be- 
cause of  its  ability  to  send  up  sprouts 
from  its  stumps.”  I should  like  to  in- 
quire if  Mr.  Huse  has  seen  these  shoots 
acquire  any  larger  size — in  other  words, 
if  they  produce  saplings. 

I have  a wood  lot  of  some  twenty 
acres  of  pitch  pines  at  Centerville,  on 
Cape  Cod,  and  have  made  a study  of 
this  pine,  but  I find  that  shoots  will 
often  start  from  newly  cut  trees,  yet 
these  are  abnormal  in  regard  to  the 
leaves,  which  are  not  in  groups  of  three, 
as  is  usual,  but  are  single,  as  are  the 
young  of  all  pines  that  I have  seen  in 
their  first  year.  The  new  shoots  of 
stumps  that  I have  observed  soon  die, 


seldom  if  ever  surviving  over  the  first 
winter. 

It  would  seem  that  the  young  pines 
when  in  extreme  youth  assume  an  an- 
cestral method  of  leaf  growth,  and  it  is 
interesting  to  note  that  the  trees  when 
in  a weakened,  pathological  condition 
also  revert  to  the  same  primitive 
method  of  leaf  production. 

C.  J.  Maynard. 


An  Astonishing  Experiment  and 
Statement. 

BY  F.  H.  SIDNEY,  WAKEFIELD,  MASS. 

Crickets  are  very  fond  of  their 
homes,  and  prefer  to  stay  near  where 
they  were  born.  If  a cricket  is  carried 
away  it  will  use  its  wings  to  fly  back. 

I have  taken  crickets  from  my  gar- 
den, pasted  a small  bit  of  paper  on 
their  backs  to  identify  them,  then  car- 
ried them  five  miles  away  in  an  auto- 
mobile and  turned  them  loose.  The  very 
next  day  I found  the  marked  crickets 
in  their  accustomed  place  in  my  garden. 

People  in  Spain  are  very  fond  of  the 
cricket’s  song,  and  they  keep  crickets 
in  tiny  cages  in  order  to  hear  their 
cheery  song.  Only  one  crickets  is  kept 
in  a cage,  for  two  crickets  shut  up  to- 
gether will  fight  until  one  is  dead,  for 
crickets  always  live  alone.  Spanish 
children  fish  for  crickets  by  tying  an 
ant  to  a thread  and  dropping  it  into  the 
cricket’s  hole.  The  cricket  fastens  on 
to  the  ant  and  is  pulled  up  like  a fish. 

COMMENT  BY  DR.  LUTZ. 

This  observation  is  rather  unusual. 
Very  few  of  the  crickets  that  I would 
expect  to  occur  in  Massachusetts  have 
wings  sufficiently  developed  to  enable 
them  to  fly  five  feet,  much  less  five 
miles.  In  every  generation,  however, 
there  are  a few  individuals  that  have 
long  wings  and  can  fly  but  I would  not 
expect  them  to  fly  five  miles  in  any 
length  of  time,  much  less  in  one  even- 
ing, and  still  less  back  to  the  exact 
place  from  which  they  started. 

On  the  other  hand,  insects  are  won- 
derful things  and  we  are  always  finding 
out  new  wonders.  The  crickets  that 
can  fly  do  fly  and  are  frequently  at- 
tracted to  lights ; also  the  male  crickets 
use  their  front  wings  to  chirp  with. — 
Frank  E.  Lutz,  Curator,  Department  of 
Entomology  of  the  American  Museum 
of  Natural  History,  New  York  City. 

Will  other  readers  please  experiment 
on  this? — Ed. 


LITERAK 


°®««©S8®<5® 


NOTICES 


Ameboid  Movement.  By  Asa  A.  Schaeffer, 
Ph.  D.  Princeton,  New  Jersey:  Prince- 
ton University  Press. 

The  author  has  two  objects  in  presenting 
this  account  of  his  investigations  of  ame- 
boid movement.  The  first  is  to  offer  the 
latest  material  on  the  subject  in  a convenient 
form  for  the  student  of  medicine,  the  psy- 
chologist, the  physiologist,  the  evolutionist 
and  the  general  biologist.  The  second  is  to 
present  the  thesis,  that  moving  organisms  in 
which  orienting  organs  are  absent  or  not 
functioning  always  move  in  orderly  paths; 
that  is,  in  helical  or  true  spiral  paths. 


The  Book  of  Nature  Stories.  Bv  H.  Wad- 
dingham  Seers.  New  York  City:  Dodd, 
Mead  and  Company. 

Each  one  of  these  stories  has  been  chosen 
with  a definite  aim,  either  because  it  is  the 
life  story  of  some  very  familiar  plant  or 
animal,  or  because  it  has  been  found  by  the 
author  to  be  peculiarly  attractive  to  the 
child  mind,  or  because  it  offers  a simple 
introduction  to  the  great  truths  of  evolu- 
tion. The  author’s  language  is  simple  and 
direct  and  the  mistake  is  not  made  of  repre- 
senting the  subjects  as  too  human.  Every 
child  lucky  enough  to  get  a copy  of  the 
book  will  be  introduced  to  a world  full  of 
romance,  wonder  and  deli  ght. 


Einstein’s  Theories  of  Relativity  and 
Gravitation.  A Selection  of  Material 
from  the  Essays  Submitted  in  the  Com- 
petition for  the  Eugene  Higgins  Prize 
of  $5,000.  Compiled  and  Edited  and  In- 
troductory Matter  Supplied  by  J.  Mal- 
colm Bird.  New  York  City:  Scientific 
American  Publishing  Company. 

A broad  background  of  scientific  knowl- 
edge and  of  scientific  habit  of  thought  is 
needed  to  prepare  the  mind  of  the  layman 
to  comprehend  the  Einstein  theory  of  rela- 
tivity. To  prepare  this  background  is  the 
aim  of  this  book  which  is  the  outcome  of  a 
five  thousand  dollar  prize  placed  in  the  hands 
of  the  “Scientific  American”  for  securing 
within  three  thousand  words  the  best  popu- 
lar explanation  of  the  theory. 

Many  contributions  were  received.  These 
have  been  examined  and  selected  with  care. 
The  book  contains  excerpts  from  many  of 
the  essays,  and  the  winning  one,  by  Lyn- 
don Bolton,  British  Patent  Office,  Condon, 
and  several  others  in  full.  The  value  of  the 
book  is  increased  by  the  great  skill  and 
care  with  which  the  compiler  has  explained 
the  contest  and  its  conduct  and  the  reason 
for  what  at  first  glance  seems  an  extraordi- 
nary arrangement  of  the  resultant  material. 
The  work  has  been  so  carefully  done  that 


the  result  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of 
the  three  hundred  and  forty-five  pages 
should  be  welcomed  as  popular  reading. 


More  Hunting  Wasps.  By  J.  Henri  Fabre. 
New  York  City:  Dodd,  Mead  & Com- 
pany. 

In  October,  1915,  Henri  Fabre  passed 
away  quietly  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety- 
two,  at  his  modest  home  in  the  south  of 
France.  For  the  last  twenty  years  he  had 
been  able  to  devote  his  entire  time  to  the 
dearest  wish  of  his  life — the  uninterrupted 
study  of  his  little  insects. 

His  life  work  is  embodied  in  “Souvenirs 
Entomologique,”  comprised  in  ten  volumes, 
of  which  this  is  one.  The  publication  of 
these  volumes  brought  to  the  aged  philoso- 
pher a world-wide  fame  and  an  especial 
recognition  and  veneration  from  his  native 
France. 

His  praises  come  from  all  sources.  Dar- 
win, long  years  ago,  referred  to  him  as  “a 
savant  who  thinks  like  a philosopher  and 
writes  like  a poet.”  In  the  preface  to  the 
English  edition  of  his  works,  Maeterlinck 
calls  him  "The  Insects’  Homer”  and  accords 
him  the  distinction  of  having  inspired  his 
own  masterpiece,  "The  Life  of  the  Bee.” 


Field  Book  of  Insects.  By  Frank  E.  Lutz, 
Ph.  D.  New  York  City  and  London: 
G.  P.  Putnam’s  Sons. 

Members  and  friends  of  The  Agassiz  As- 
sociation will  be  especially  interested  in 
this  book,  since  the  author,  in  his 
preface,  says  that  he  had  us  in  mind 
when  preparing  it.  We  are  grateful  for  this 
thoughtfulness,  and  take  pleasure  in  espe- 
cially recommending  the  work  to  our  ob- 
servers. Dr.  Lutz  is  well-known  to  our 
readers  because  he  is  one  of  the  technical 
entomologists  that  have  sympathetic  regard 
for  the  amateur  and  the  novice.  He  has 
prepared  his  book  for  such  observers.  He 
says  the  title  might  justly  be  “Answers  to 
Common  Questions  about  Insects.”  He  has 
had  many  of  these  common  questions  from 
this  office.  We  are  glad  that  he  has  so 
thoroughly  and  faithfully  worked  out  a 
manual  that  is  convenient  in  size,  yet  ex- 
tended and  complete  in  contents. 

The  book  also  contains  hints  concerning 
collecting,  breeding,  preserving  and  classi- 
fying insects,  giving  “catch  characters,1” 
rather  than  lengthy  descriptions,  by  which 
commonly  observed  insects,  and  insects 
which  would  repay  observat:on,  may  be  rec- 
ognized; it  outlines  interesting  or  economic- 
ally important  life  histories,  and  it  offers 
an  untechnical  but  scientifically  accurate 
text. 


^T4> J p 

(P  £ ; 1 I 1 L ; 

AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION' 

If  ® © © ® @ $ 

Kstablished  1875  Incorporated.  Massachusetts,  1892  Incorporated.  Connecticut,  1910 


Death  of  a Sustaining  Member. 

It  is  with  personal  grief  and  genuine 
sympathy  to  the  members  of  his  family 
that  we  announce  the  death  of  Merwin 
Porter  Snell,  Ph.  D.,  of  Sound  Beach, 
Connecticut,  on  Friday.  September  23. 

The  Agassiz  Association  regarded 
Dr.  Snell  as  one  of  its  most  appre- 
ciative and  loyal  members.  His  hearty 
personal  interest  and  financial  coopera- 
tion began  when  ArcAdiA  became  a 
Sound  Beach  institution  in  1909. 

He  never  became  a “has  been”  in  na- 
ture study.  He  was  enthusiastically  in- 
terested in  animal  and  plant  life, 
and  his  conversation  showed  especial 
thoughtfulness  with  reference  to  God’s 
works. 

He  was  not  only  keenly  interested  in 
science  but  in  religion  and  theology. 
He  was  a devoted  member  of  the 
Roman  Catholic  Church  and  always 
able  to  give  a reason  for  the  hope  that 
was  in  him.  He  was  thoroughly  in- 
formed not  only  in  the  history  of  his 
own  church  but  in  that  of  all  others. 
In  many  of  the  comparatively  modern 
beliefs  he  could  undoubtedly  have  re- 
sponded to  a catechism  better  than 
some  who  maintain  those  beliefs.  He 
wanted  to  be  technically  informed 
whether  it  was  a matter  of  church  his- 
tory or  of  some  plant  he  found  grow- 
ing by  the  wayside. 

He  was  a frequent  visitor  at  Ar- 
cAdiA and  often  introduced  his  call 
with,  “What  is  this?  I found  it  near 
my  home.”  After  the  specimen  was 
identified  and  explained  he  would  lead 
on  to  other  things,  showing  a wide- 
awake interest  in  everything  he  read 
or  observed.  He  surely  met  the  condi- 
tions of  AA  membership  in  the  prac- 
tice of  our  slogan,  “See,  think  and  tell.” 
He  was  an  omniverous  seeker  for 
knowledge  and  a lover  of  humanity  in 
dispensing  it. 

“The  Daily  Advocate”  of  Stamford 
says  of  him : 

“Dr.  Merwin  Porter  Snell,  who  died 
at  the  Stamford  Hospital  yesterday. 


had  been  a resident  of  Sound  Beach  for 
fifteen  years.  He  came  here  from  .St. 
Louis,  where  he  had  lived  for  many 
years.  Dr.  Snell  received  his  Doctor  of 
Philosophy  degree  at  the  Albertus 
Magnus  Catholic  University,  Kansas 
City.  He  was  afterwards  connected 
with  the  Catholic  University  at  Wash- 
ington, and  at  one  time  was  in  another 
college  in  Arkansas.  He  spent  most  of 
his  life  writing  on  philosophical  sub- 
jects. Dr.  Snell  is  survived  by  his 
mother,  A I rs.  Mary  C.  Snell;  his  wife, 
Mrs.  Minnie  L.  Snell  ; two  children. 
Misses  Margaret  and  Priscilla ; four 
brothers,  Theodore  T.,  Charles  L.,  Wil- 
liam A.  and  Clarence  E. ; and  two  sis- 
ters, Miss  Cora  L.  Snell  and  Mrs.  Jo- 
seph M.  Long.  Dr.  Snell  was  fifty- 
eight  years  old.  The  funeral  service 
will  be  held  on  Monday  morning,  in 
St.  Catherine’s  Church,  Riverside.  In- 
terment will  be  in  Woodland  Ceme- 
tery. Stamford.” 


The  Work  of  The  Agassiz  Association. 

Dr.  David  Starr  Jordan,  Chancellor 
Leland  Stanford  Junior  University, 
Stanford  University,  California,  writes 
to  Dr.  Bigelow  on  September  3,  1921, 
telling  of  his  heart)"  interest  in  the  work 
of  The  Agassiz  Association  and  his  de- 
sire that  it  may  be  properly  financed. 
“Dear  Mr.  Bigelow: 

“I  have  been  for  many  years  inter- 
ested in  your  work  and  in  that  of  The 
Agassiz  Association  under  your  direc- 
tion. I remember  once  when  Professor 
Agassiz,  my  teacher,  came  before  the 
Legislature  at  Boston.  One  man  said 
that  he  did  not  know  much  about  the 
value  of  Agassiz’s  studies  but  he  for 
one  was  not  willing  to  stand  by  and  see 
so  brave  a man  struggle  without  aid. 
I have  had  the  same  feeling  in  regard 
to  you. 

“Your  work  is  one  greatly  in  need  in 
our  country.  The  study  of  nature  is 
the  best  remedy  for  many  of  the  dan- 
gers into  which  the  nations  of  the  world 
are  falling:  greed,  glory,  and  fight — 


74 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


three  abominations  which  the  love  of 
birds  and  flowers  may  help  to  dispel.  I 
trust  that  friends  of  nature  study  may 
make  it  possible  to  endow  the  institu- 
tion so  fully  that  it  may  become  a per- 
manent feature  in  the  educational  work 
of  the  nation.  It  will  help  new  Agas- 
sizs  and  new  Bigelows  to  arise  when 
they  are  needed. 

“I  may  say  that  one  of  the  efficient 
professors  in  Stanford  University, 
Edwin  Chapin  Starks,  was  first  drawn 
to  biological  study  through  The  Agas- 
siz Association,  and  that  his  first  ac- 
quaintance with  me  came  from  my 
answer  to  a question  which  he  had  sent 
to  you. 

“I  remember  with  great  pleasure  my 
visit  to  Sound  Beach  in  1912.  I was 
strongly  impressed  with  the  field  of 
work  and  I have  always  maintained  the 
importance  both  moral  and  mental  of 
an  education  which  brings  young 
people  into  contact  with  actual  facts, 
things  which  they  see  for  themselves 
and  which  come  to  them  with  a force 
beyond  that  of  any  tradition  or  con- 
ventional belief. 

“Sincerely  yours, 

“(Signed)  David  Starr  Jordan'.” 


Contributions. 

Left  in  Office  by  Unknown  Contrib- 


utor   $10.00 

Air.  Thomas  W.  King,  Sound 

Beach 10.00 

Aliss  Carrie  M.  Jacobs,  Hamil- 
ton, Ohio .50 

Nature  Lover  100.00 

“Explorer  in  God’s  Country” 25.00 

Airs.  Helen  Root  Adams  and 

daughters  5.00 

Hearty  Assistant,  Sound  Beach_  20.00 
Southern  Botanist  5.00 


Miscellaneous  Contributions. 

Airs.  Allan  F.  Kitchel,  Sound  Beach: 
AYorm  of  the  genus  Mermis  sensu  lato. 

Misses  Barbara  and  Elnora  Kitchel. 
Sound  Beach:  Dragon  fly. 

Air.  Philip  O.  Gravelle,  South 
Orange,  N.  J. : Set  of  forty-three  stere- 
opticon  slides. 

Air.  H.  E.  Deats,  Flemington,  N.  J. : 
Key  tags. 

Afaster  George  Santy,  Sound  Beach: 
Twin  squashes. 


Air.  Ellis  B.  Noyes,  Portsmouth,  Va. : 
Card  index  of  references  to  illustra- 
tions of  grasses  in  pamphlets  previous- 
ly contributed. 

Aliss  Alargaret  D.  Jefferson,  Brook- 
lyn, N.  Y. : Bird’s  nest. 

Thomas  A.  Edison,  Inc.,  Orange,  N. 
J. : Another  liberal  supply  of  records 
for  the  Edison  Diamond  Disc  Phono- 
graph presented  to  The  Agassiz  Asso- 
ciation by  Thomas  A.  Edison  in  1916. 

Dr.  Francis  Rolt-AYheeler,  Bee  Tree 
P.  O.,  North  Carolina : Chambers  of 
the  nest  of  a mud  dauber  wasp  con- 
taining larva  and  pupa  and  food  sup- 
ply of  spiders. 

Airs.  Alary  V.  Crandall,  Sound 
Beach : Caterpillar  of  Papilio  turnus 

butterfly. 

Alaster  Stanley  Potter,  Sound  Beach: 
Pipefish  ( Syngnathus  fuscuvi). 

Airs.  Newton,  Sound  Beach:  Walk- 
ing stick  insect ; limonite  geode  and 
remarkably  good  specimen  of  serpula 
on  a cjuahog  shell. 


The  New  York,  New  Haven  and 
Hartford  Railroad  Company  has  re- 
cently contributed  another  supply  of 
old  plank  from  discarded  railroad  plat- 
forms. These  will  be  used  for  the  foun- 
dations of  new  walks  in  Nymphalia, 
our  nature  study  park. 


White  Herons  at  Bridgeport  Seaside. 

Our  good  friend,  I.  Foster  Aloore,  of 
Bridgeport,  Connecticut,  sends  us  a 
clipping  from  the  “Bridgeport  Post”  in 
reference  to  five  American  egrets  that 
have  been  feeding  on  the  flats  where 
hundreds  of  people  pass  each  day.  The 
birds  seem  to  realize  that  they  are  pro- 
tected, and  are  affording  good  oppor- 
tunities for  observing  them.  The  egret, 
as  almost  everybody  knows,  has  been 
hunted  for  its  beautiful  plumes  but  the 
Federal  Aligratory  Treaty  Act  now 
gives  the  birds  protection  over  all  the 
United  States.  The  only  time  that  they 
are  hunted  in  Connecticut  is  when 
Game  Warden  AYilbur  F.  Smith  gets 
after  them  with  his  camera.  The  paper 
referred  to  speaks  of  this  and  of  Mr. 
Smith’s  impression  that  the  Bridgeport 
Park  System  cooperates  heartily  in 
protecting  the  birds. 


What  ArcAdiA  is  For. 

“Bigelow,  the  trouble  with  you  and 
your  ArcAdiA  is  that  you  never  get 
anywhere.  You  mean  right  and  you 
work  hard  but,  hang  it  all,  the  thing 
isn’t  practical.  You  don’t,  for  example, 
tell  anybody  how  to  raise  more  corn  to 
the  acre,  but  advise  them  to  look  at  the 
stars  at  night.  Let  me  tell  you  that  is 
all  bosh.  This  is  a practical  age.  You 
want  to  get  right  down  to  hard  tacks 
and  do  something  worth  while  with 
your  talent  and  hard  work.  I read  your 
article  in  ‘The  Advocate’  but  I do  not 
see  that  you  said  a single  word  about 
what  ArcAdiA  is  really  for.  Why, 
hang  it.  man,  you  don’t  land  anybody 
anywhere.  You  are  up  in  the  air  like 
the  stars.” 

So  said  a prominent  and  successful 
professional  man  who  met  me  on  the 
sidewalk  one  morning  recently.  He  was 
smiling  and  emphasized  his  remarks  by 
sundry  slaps  on  my  shoulder  and  a 
twinkle  in  the  eye  and  a smile  that  told 
me  he  didn’t  believe  a word  that  he 
was  speaking.  He  was  trying  to  give 
paternal  advice  to  a young  man.  Such 
conduct  was  so  unusual,  the  experience 
was  so  novel  to  him.  that  he  suddenly 
discovered  that  he  was  joking,  and  ran 
away. 

I took  the  trolley  car  to  Sound  Beach. 
On  it  I met  a prominent  man  with 
genial  manner,  a man  who  is  generally 
supposed  from  his  occupation  to  glory 
in  the  supremacy  of  mind  over  matter. 
Today  he  was  more  material  than 
mental. 

“Well,”  he  said.  “I  suppose  you,  like 
the  rest  of  us,  find  it  hard  to  get  along 
nowadays.  Business  does  seem  to  be 
having  a pretty  hard  pull.”  I smiled 
encouragingly  as  if  I thought  that  the 
only  purpose  in  life  is  to  keep  on 
pulling. 

“I  suppose.”  he  continued,  “that  you 
know  better  than  I do  what  you  are 


driving  at.  but  let  me  give  you  a few 
pointers.  I was  reminded  of  them  by 
those  Scheeper’s  gardens.  I am  told 
they  make  a lot  of  money  selling  rasp- 
berry plants  and  such  things.  It  oc- 
curred to  me  that  you  are  well  placed 
for  that  kind  of  business.  You  could 
get  rich  if  you  would  join  in  and  tell 
people  how  to  raise  things.  I wouldn’t, 
if  I were  in  your  place,  be  fussing  about 
the  beauty  of  butterflies,  but  I would 
tell  folks  how  to  get  rid  of  garden  pests, 
what  is  the  best  way  to  raise  this,  that 
and  the  other  thing ; how  to  take  care  of 
a cold  frame,  and  oh.  well,  you  know, 
all  things  along  that  line.  People  really 
want  to  know  nowadays.” 

He  then  began  his  second  chapter  of 
advice,  but  I interrupted,  “What  do 
they  want  to  know  and  why  do  they 
want  to  know  it?” 

“There  you  go  again.  I know  what 
you  want  me  to  say.  You  want  people 
to  study  weeds  and  bugs,  not  how  to 
raise  crops.  I don’t  see  any  use  in  such 
swosh.  Tear  up  the  weeds.  Do  some- 
thing downright  practical.  I read  your 
magazine  but  I don’t  see  anything  in  it 
that  tells  me  how  to  do  things  unless 
it  is  to  watch  a bullfrog  jump.”  Then 
like  a horse  that  breaks  into  a gallop 
he  burst  into  laughter. 

Arrived  at  ArcAdiA  I was  looking 
over  the  mail  when  two  visitors, 
women,  were  announced.  I was  de- 
lighted to  meet  them.  They  were  smil- 
ing, pleasing  in  appearance,  well 
gowned  and  vivacious.  Almost  simul- 
taneously they  started  but  at  the  be- 
ginning one  got  the  inside  track,  and 
pranced  like  this: 

“So  you  are  Mr.  Bigelow?  Delighted 
to  meet  vou.  Heard  a good  deal  about 
you  and  your  wonderful  work  here. 
Lived  down  on  the  shore  all  summer. 
Been  up  here  a lot  of  times.  Didn’t 
know  till  the  other  day  there  was  such 
a place  as  ArcAdiA.  A lady  told  me  I 


XII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


ought  to  come  up  and  see  the  funniest 
place  she  ever  saw.  She  didn't  know 
what  it  was  all  about,  but  very  inter- 
esting. At  any  rate  you  have  a beauti- 
ful grove  and  lots  of  bees  and  things. 
So  will  you  please  show  me  around? 
Tell  me  what  it  is  all  about,  what  you 
are  doing.  So  sorry  I didn’t  know  about 
it  before.  I am  just  going  back  to  the 
city.  Wish  we  had  got  acquainted 
months  ago.  I know  you  live  an  ideal 
life.  I would  like  to  know  how  you  get 
so  much  enjoyment  out  of  your  work. 
There  isn’t  anything  I love  better  in 
all  the  world  than  nature.  I just  adore 
it.  I have  been  interested  in  it  all  my 
life”  . . . 

I ventured  meekly  to  inquire  how  it 
was  that  with  her  intense  interest  in 
nature  she  had  never  heard  of  our  little 
natural  history  institution.  She  ex- 
plained that  although  she  had  been 
through  ArcAdiA  Road  many  a time 
(on  her  way  to  the  golf  links,  I in- 
ferred) she  had  never  noticed  the  build- 
ings nor  the  trees  until  that  woman  told 
her  about  them. 

I will  not  take  the  space  nor  the  time 
to  continue  an  account  of  this  enter- 
taining monologue,  nor  cite  instances 
of  other  people  who  have  just  heard  of 
ArcAdiA  and  want  to  know  what  we 
are  doing. 

What  is  ArcAdiA  for?  The  trouble 
is  in  the  “for.”  The  mind  that  thinks 
only  in  terms  of  utility  will  not  find  in 
the  dictionary  a definition  of  that  word 
“for.”  Such  a mind  will  give  it  up  as 
hopeless.  But  by  those  who  believe 
that  life,  this  life,  the  life  that  we  are 
living  here  and  now.  is  worth  living  in 
all  its  heavenly  possibilities,  in  all  the 
heights  of  spiritual  aspirations  as  an 
end  in  themselves  regardless  of  any  re- 
ward that  may  come  in  the  future,  then 
by  such  persons  ArcAdiA  is  rightly 
understood. 

It  is  for  those  who  believe  that  life  is 
more  than  corn  crops  and  “punkins” 
and  raspberry  vines,  that  the  develop- 
ment of  a human  being,  who  shall  go 
through  life  looking  at  God’s  work  by 
the  wayside,  is  worth  more  than  to  rush 
onward  intent  only  on  social  or  any 
other  little  circle  of  ideas.  We  believe 
in  broad,  sympathetic  interests.  The 
study  of  nature  does  not  forbid  the  pur- 
suit of  corn  crops  nor  the  training  of 
“punkin”  vines,  nor  the  sight  of  the 
stars ; does  not  look  exclusively  at  the 


money  that  comes  from  garden  prod- 
ucts, but  knows  that  the  best  crop  of 
the  garden  does  not  come  out  of  the 
garden.  The  fun  of  doing  it  is  worth 
more  than  eating  the  products. 

What  is  ArcAdiA  for?  For?  To 
prevent  us  from  rushing  over  the  road 
of  life,  not  merely  for  a few  months  but 
for  threescore  years  and  ten  or  more ; 
to  help  us  to  see  some  of  the  things  by 
the  wayside.  For?  To  help  us  to  live, 
to  help  us  to  die,  to  help  us  to  help  the 
other  fellow  when  we  find  him  stum- 
bling along  the  road.  For?  I wonder 
what. 

The  greater  part  of  life  must  be 
workaday,  must  be  utilitarian,  but  as 
we  journey  along  the  road  let  us  take 
time  to  live.  It  is  a delight  to  be  social 
but  at  the  best  or  the  worst  life  must 
be  lived  alone.  It  is  well  to  be  called 
the  brightest,  the  best  looking  or  the 
best  dressed  member  of  a social  group, 
but  it  is  better  to  have  resources  in 
one’s  self,  to  see  and  to  think  and  to 
live  with  the  best  company  in  all  the 
world,  one’s  own  cultured,  intelligent 
self.  What  is  ArcAdiA  for?  ArcAdiA 
is  to  teach  and  to  help  us  to  realize  that 
life  is  worth  living,  and  worthless  un- 
less we  know  how  to  live.  It  tries  to 
take  people  out  of  a circumscribed  shell 
or  a little  rut  in  their  own  round  of 
eternal  utility,  to  broaden  them,  to 
make  them  more  charitable,  to  incite  in 
them  a kindly  feeling  for  the  other  fel- 
low. to  look  above  and  to  gain  inspira- 
tion from  looking  up  ; to  be  pure,  to 
render  a helping  hand.  ArcAdiA  is  to 
solve  the  problems  of  the  present  time 
which  are  all  out  of  human  selfishness. 
The  great  war,  Bolshevism,  the  strug- 
gle of  capital  with  labor,  the  increasing 
power  of  money  and  the  greater  diffi- 
culties of  making  a living  are  all 
the  outcome  of  tangled  selfishnesses 
coupled  with  an  idea  that  money  is  the 
whole  thing,  or  that  to  raise  more  corn 
is  the  sole  object  of  life. 

We  are  carrying  on  work  at  this  in- 
stitution not  with  the  intention  to  show 
the  entertaining  things  of  nature,  but 
the  nature  that  transmutes  itself  into 
a broader  and  better  human  life.  We 
believe  that  the  lovely,  the  pure,  the 
beautiful  are  worth  while  in  them- 
selves. These  are  what  the  visitor  will 
find  at  ArcAdiA. 

What  is  ArcAdiA  for? 

For  you. 


ARCADIA 


XIII 


EPWORTHIANS  AT  ARCADIA. 


Visit  to  Nymphalia.  Nature  Talk  and 
Picnic. 

The  Epworth  League  of  the  Meth- 
odist Church  had  one  of  its  most  enjoy- 
able outings  Saturday  afternoon,  this 
being  at  ArcAdiA,  where  the  young 
people  were  royally  entertained  by  Dr. 
Edward  F.  Bigelow  and  his  daughters. 
Once  more  the  rain  threatened  to  spoil 
all  the  carefully  laid  plans  of  the 
Leaguers,  but  twenty-six  of  them  were 
determined  to  have  a good  time,  in 
spite  of  the  weather,  and  they  were 
richly  rewarded  for  their  perseverance. 
Included  in  the  company  were  a num- 
ber of  members  of  the  Waterside  Ep- 
worth League,  and  a fine  opportunity 
was  given  for  two  chapters  to  become 
more  intimately  acquainted. 

During  the  afternoon  Dr.  Bigelow 
gave  the  young  people  a trip  through 
the  buildings  of  Little  Japan,  then  over 
board  walks  through  Nymphalia,  and 
on  to  the  Observatory  and  the  Apiary. 
At  supper  time,  tables  were  spread  on 
the  outdoor  platform,  under  the  trees, 
and,  in  addition  to  their  own  lunches, 
the  Leaguers  were  privileged  to  sample 
some  of  the  delicious  product  of 
the  Apiary,  and  were  also  provided 
with  quantities  of  grapes  from  the 
ArcAdiA  vines. 

Immediately  after  supper,  the  month- 
ly business  meeting  of  the  League  was 
held  in  Welcome  Reception  Room,  the 
president,  Harold  Searles,  presiding, 
after  which  Dr.  Bigelow  entertained 
the  company  with  a nature  talk,  illus- 
trated with  beautiful  stereopticon  slides 
and  microscopic  projections.  The  party 
broke  up  with  songs  and  cheers  for 
Dr.  Bigelow  and  ArcAdiA.  and  the 
Leaguers  arrived  in  Stamford  at  about 
eleven. — The  Stamford  Advocate. 


Girl  Scouts  of  Glenbrook. 

Eighteen  Glenbrook  Girl  Scouts  with 
their  captain.  Airs.  E.  L.  Prescott,  spent 
a most  delightful  afternoon  and  even- 
ing in  ArcAdiA  last  Saturday  as  guests 
of  Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow.  Arriving 
a little  before  four  o’clock,  the  party 
was  greeted  bv  Dr.  Bigelow  at  the  en- 
trance to  Little  Japan. 

After  depositing  lunch  boxes  and 
wraps  in  their  proper  places,  the  pur- 
pose of  each  building  in  the  group  was 
explained,  calling  especial  attention  to 


the  torii  under  which  one  must  pass 
to  enter  the  Rest  Gottage,  which  is 
tastefully  decorated  with  Japanese 
screens,  parasols  and  vases  of  flowers 
for  which  exquisite  taste  the  Japanese 
are  noted. 

The  girls  were  all  interested  in  won- 
derful mirrors  which  are  used  for 
photographic  purposes  showing  one 
exactly  as  you  are  from  every  side — six 
pictures  at  one  time.  These  mirrors  are 
in  the  newest  building,  the  Annex, 
which  has  just  been  completed  and  ac- 
commodates larger  overnight  parties 
than  heretofore. 

The  six  hour  program  is  most  in- 
teresting. First  a walk  through  the 
winding  paths  of  the  natural  park,  stop- 
ping here  and  there  to  rest  and  learn 
front  nature  itself.  This  park  is  called 
Nymphalia  because  it  is  the  home  of 
Nymphs  of  nature  study. 

The  Apiary  was  most  interesting  but 
warnings  were  given  to  be  a bit  care- 
ful as  the  bees  are  especially  savage  at 
this  time  of  the  year,  when  they  have 
their  big  summer’s  gathering  of  honey 
to  protect. 

Supper  was  cooked  at  the  grills  and 
served  at  the  tables  on  the  Pavilion, 
and  after  being  cleared  away  there  was 
a Scout  sing  in  the  Rest  Cottage. 

At  dark  the  wonders  of  the  telescope 
in  the  Observatory  and  a lecture 
with  lantern  and  microscopical  slides 
brought  to  a close  the  most  interesting 
time.  Hearty  thanks  were  extended  to 
Dr.  Bigelow  for  his  kindness. — Glen- 
brook Correspondent  of  “The  Stamford 
Advocate.” 


These  are  busy  times  in  ArcAdiA. 
Visitors  have  had  appointments  as  fre- 
cjuently  as  we  could  attend  to  them. 
The  regular  six  hours’  program  is  a 
novelty  in  the  entertainment  of  young 
people.  Where  else  in  the  world  can 
be  found  any  other  program  of  six 
hours  in  length  which  the  young  people 
have  several  times  requested  be  ex- 
tended to  eight?  Where  can  such  a 
urogram  be  found  that  will  hold  their 
interest  unabated  to  the  end,  and 
beyond ? 

ArcAdiA  is  a busy  place,  and  it  is  so 
beautiful  and  interesting,  especially  at 
this  time  of  the  year,  that  we  are  spar- 
ing no  pains  to  use  it  as  advantageously 
as  possible. 


XIV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


EVERY  paper  in  The  Lindenmeyr  Lines  is  a good  paper  because 
it  comes  from  a good  mill,  because  it  has  passed  all  the  tests 
of  our  experts  and  because  it  sells  at  a fair  price. 

The  Lindenmeyr  Lines  include  Warren’s  Standard  Printing 
Papers,  Strathmore  Expressive  Papers,  Buckeye  Covers,  Old  Hamp- 
shire Bond,  Brookdale  Linen  Bond,  Princess  Covers,  Neapolitan 
Covers,  Wonderfold  Enameled  and  other  well  liked  papers. 


H enry  Lindenmeyr  & Sons 

ESTABLISHED  1859 

32-34-36  Bleecker  Street,  NEW  YORK. 


80-84  Clinton  St. 
NEWARK,  N.  J. 


16-18  Beekman  St. 
NEW  YORK. 


58-60  Allyn  St. 
HARTFORD,  CONN. 


In  addition  to  the  attention  neces- 
sarily given  to  visitors  the  pressure  on 
the  office  has  been  stronger  than  ever 
before.  Innumerable  specimens,  in- 
quiries by  telephone  or  by  letter  have 
come  in.  That  telephone  bell  has  for 
days  been  ringing  incessantly. 


The  grape  arbors  are  heavily  laden. 
Even  in  an  off  year  several  bushels  of 
grapes  are  produced.  V hen  the  sixty 
new  vines  set  out  last  spring  come  into 
bearing,  something  will  be  doing  in 
grapes  and  we  are  not  interested  in 
wine  making  either.  Our  visiting 
friends  are  treated  liberally  to  grapes 
and  honey. 


The  Apiary  has  required  much  time, 
owing  to  the  extensive  increase  of  ma- 
terials supplied  last  spring  by  The  A. 
I.  Root  Company,  Medina,  Ohio.  The 
number  of  hives  is  now  twenty-one. 
With  the  exception  of  perhaps  two  or 
three  every  colony  is  strong  and  active. 
The  warm  weather  of  September  has 
afforded  a favorable  opportunity  for 
gathering  goldenrod  nectar. 


ORCHIDS 

We  are  specialists  in  this  kind  of  plants. 
We  collect,  mport  and  grow  orchids  from 
all  parts  of  the  world  where  orchids  grow. 

We  will  be  glad  to  fill  your  order  for 
one  plant  or  a thousand  according  to  your 
requirements. 

Our  beautiful  Catalogue  and  special 
lists  on  application. 

LAGER  & HURRELL, 

Orchid  Growers  and  Importers 
SUMMIT,  N.  J. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XV 


dodhous^ren  A SIMMER  HOME  ! 

4 compartments,  28  All  song  birds  raise  two,  and 
inches  high,  18  inches  usually  three,  broods  of  young 
in  diameter.  each  year,  selecting  a new  nest- 

ing site  for  each  brood  of  young, 
so  if  your  houses  are  put  out 
now  they  are  sure  to  be  occupied. 

DODSON  HOUSES 

win  the  birds.  Built  by  a bird- 
lover  who  has  spent  a lifetime 
studying  their  habits  and  how  to 
attract  them  to  beautiful  Bird 
Lodge,  his  home  on  the  Kan- 
kakee River. 

Free  Bird  BopK  sent  on  re- 
quest. illustrating  Dodson  Line, 
giving  prices;  also  beautiful  col- 
ored bird  picture  free. 

JOSEPH  H DODSON 

Pres.  American  Audubon  Ass’n. 

714  S.  HARRISON  AVE., 
KANKAKEE.  ILL. 

Dodson  Sparrow  Trap  guaranteed  to  rid  your  community 
of  these  quarrelsome  pests.  Price  $8.00. 

Girl  Scouts  camp,  hike  and  live  close  to 
Nature.  Read  about  their  good  times  in 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 

A Magazine  for  Girl  Scouts  and  Girls 
who  love  Scouting. 

The  American  Girl  will  bring  you  suggestions 
for  parties — stories  and  other  things  besides. 
Send  for  sample  copy  to 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 


189  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City. 

$1.50  a year  — Single  copy  15c 


FEED  THE  BIRDS 


THE  PACKARD 
Automatic  Food-House 

KEEPS  THE  FOOD  DRY;  AVOIDS  WASTE; 
LASTS  YEARS;  AND  COSTS  75c. 

Two  for  $1.25 — Why  Pay  More? 

by  mail,  postpaid  in  New  England; 
elsewhere  add  postage. 

Special  Mixture  Bird  Food 

A balanced  ration;  best  for  the  birds, 
best  for  use  in  the  food-house. 

8 lbs.  for  $1.25,  postpaid  in  New 
England.  Elsewhere  add  postage. 

Everything  for  Wild  Birds.  Catalog  Free. 

Address  WINTHROP  PACKARD 
Canton,  Mass. 


What  will  tie 
negative  slow? 

There’s  density  and  definition;  detail  in 
high  lights  and  shadows;  correctness  of 
perspective;  color  value — consider  all 
these.  For  the  negative  can  show  only 
what  the  lens  throws  upon  it.  And  any 
picture  worth  taking  at  all  is  worth  tak- 
ing as  well  as  it  can  be  taken.  In  other 
words,  take  it  with  one  of  the 

BAUSCH  & LOMB 
PHOTOGRAPHIC  LENSES 

In  poor  light — cloudy  or  rainy  outdoors, 
on  porches  or  indoors — good  snapshots 
— better  than  many  a time  exposure — can 
be  made  easily  through  Bausch  & Lomb 
Tessar  Anastigmats  (Ic,  f:4.5  or  1 1 b 
f:6.3).  And  in  bright  sunlight  they  stop 
the  fastest  action  blurlessly. 

Ask  your  dealer  to  put  Tessar 
Anas.tigmat  on  your  camera. 
Then  you  will  see  how  pleasur- 
able photography  can  be. 

Bausch  & Lomb  Optical  (5. 

NEW  YORK  WASHINGTON  SAN  FRANCISCO 

Chicago  ROCHESTER.  N- Y.  London 

Leading  American  Makers  of  Photo- 
graphic Lenses,  Microscopes,  Projection 
Apparatus  (Balopticons),  Ophthalmic 
Lenses  and  Instruments,  Photomicro- 
graphic Apparatus,  Range  Finders  and 
Gun  Sights  for  Army  and  Navy,  Search- 
light Reflectors,  Stereo-Prism  Binoculars, 
Magnifiers  and  Other  High  Grade  Optical 
Products. 


XVI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BEGINNER’S  BEEKEEPING  OUTFIT 


MEDINA, 

OHIO 


THE  A.  I.  ROOT  COMPANY 

Write  to  either  address  for  details. 


23  LEONARD  ST., 
,NEW  YORK  CITY 


79 

Victory 

Reflex 


2J4x3J4  (T.  P.  England) 


Including  Film  Pack  Adapter  and 
3 Plate  Holders. 


THIS  is  a remarkably  low  price  for  this  fine 
camera  with  world  famous  COOKE  F 4.5 
LENS  plus  these  features: 

Self  Capping  Shutter  Self  Erecting  Hood 

Automatic  Setting  Rising  Front 

Cooke  Lens  5 in.  Focus  Revolving  Back 

Circular  on  Request 

Charles  G.  Willoughby,  Inc. 

110  West  32d  Street,  New  York 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XVII 


An  Artists'  Drawing  Crayon 

The  box  pictured  contains 
24  crayons  of  the  very  best 
quality.  For  artists  and 
Students  of  Nature,  to  be 
used  for 
sketching  and 
general  color 
work. 

“Crayola”  is 
put  up  in  all  de- 
sirable styles 
of  packing,  6 
to  24  colors  in 
a box. 

Color  charts  and 
catalog  on  request. 

EINNZY  <* 
SMITH  CO., 

81  Fulton  St., 
New  York. 


<SOERZ 


The  universal  lens  for 
amateur  and  commer- 
cial photography. 


Perfectly  corrected — 
Wide  angle  at  small 
stops — 

Long  focus  with  the 
single  element. 
Uniform  illumination 
Sharp  definition — 


Ask  your  dealer. 


, CP.  GOERZ  AMERICAN  OPTICAL  COMPANY , 

k 3 1 7 6 EAST  34  tm  street  : new  vork  city 


B!RD-L0RE 

A Bi-Monthly  Magazine 
EDITED  BY  FRANK  M.  CHAPMAN 

500  Pages,  6 Colored  Plates 
150  Photographs 

Price  yearly,  one  dollar  and  a half. 

It  will  tell  you  how  to  study  b'rds,  how 
to  form  and  conduct  bird  clubs,  how  to 
make  nesting  boxes,  feeding  stands  and 
bird  baths.  You  may  consult  its  Advisory 
Council,  take  part  in  its  bird  censuses  and, 
in  short,  become  one  of  the  great  frater- 
nity who  finds  in  birds  ‘ the  most  elo- 
quent expression  of  nature’s  beauty,  joy 
and  freedom.” 

We  will  be  glad  to  mail  you 
a specimen  copy  on  request. 

D.  APPLETON  & CO. 

Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania 


TtiE  BRYOLOGIST — The  only  magazine  in  the  Eng- 
lish language  devoted  wholly  to  articles  dealing  witi 
Mosses,  Hepatics,  and  Lichens.  Of  interest  to  be- 
ginners and  advanced  students  alike.  Bimonthly,  pub- 
lished by  the  Sullivant  Moss  Society,  an  organization 
for  mutual  help  in  moss  study.  Special  curators  to 
assist  beginners.  Membership  fee,  $1.50  per  year,  »»- 
eluding  the  Bryoloeist;  subscription  alone,  $1.25;  Cana- 
dian postage  10  cents  extra.  Address  Edward  B.  Cham- 
berlain. 18  West  89tb  Street.  New  York  City. 


THE 

AMERICAN  MICROSCOPICAL  SOCIETY 

(Founded  in  1878) 

Publishes  Its  TRANSACTIONS  as  a 
Quarterly  Journal  of  Microscopic  Research. 
For  information,  write  to 
P.  S.  WELCH,  Secretary 

ANN  ARBOR.  MTCHTGAV 

Best  wishes  for  your  further  success 
with  this  bright  entertaining  and  most 
instructive  paper. — John  M.  Sheridan. 
Brooklyn,  New  York. 


XVIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


r 'Gnq^ptji 

«^Sei 

k ili-1  Wm 

|ipro  ducts 
Iptown  In  Antenc< 


BOBBINK  & ATKINS 


Visit 

Nursery 


Ask  for 
Catalog 


ROSES 

EVERGREENS 
TREES  AND  SHRUBS 
OLD-FASHIONED  FLOWERS 
FRUIT  TREES  AND  BUSHES 
S P R I N G- F L O W E R I N G BULBS 
LILACS — Ask  for  Special  List.  You  will  be  interested  in  this 
collection  when  you  see  the  large  number  of  varieties. 

Nurserymen  and  Florists 

RUTHERFORD,  NEW  JERSEY 

Established  1868 


“Egypt”  is  a new  conception  by  a new  con- 
cern; a compelling  fragrance  originated  for  the 
woman  who  demands  originality,  refinement  and 
culture  in  every  particular  of  her  toilet.  In  its 
odd,  hand-painted  bottle,  “Egypt”  will  grace  the 
most  artistic  and  esthetic  boudoir. 

Originators  and  Sole  Manufacturers 

THE  EGYPT  LABORATORY 
Stamford,  Connecticut 

P.  O.  Box  471. 


ALWAYS  ASK  FOR 


SPRATT’S 

DOG  FOODS 


“The  backbone  of  the 
present  Canine  Race/’ 

Write  for  samples  and  send  2-cent 
stamp  for  Catalogue  “Dog  Culture.” 

Spratt’s  Patent  Limited 

Newark,  New  Jersey 

San  Francisco  St.  Louis  Montreal 
Factory  also  in  London,  Eng. 


I ■ 


Ostermoor 


It  yields  comfortably  to  the  shape  of 
the  body,  is  soft  yet  firm,  and  induces 
perfect  relaxation  and  rest.  The  Oster- 
moor  Mattress  is  scientifically  built,  not 
stuffed  like  horsehair;  it  cannot  get  out 
of  shape  and  is  sanitary.  Replace  with 
Ostermoor  as  your  old  mattresses  be- 
come uncomfortable. 

At  your  dealer’s,  or  we  will  ship  direct; 
express  prepaid.  Write  for  144-page  Cat- 
alog— mailed  free. 

Ostermoor  & Co.,  114  Elizabeth  St, 
New  York. 

Canadian  Agency: 

Alaska  Bedding  of  Montreal,  Ltd.,  Montreal 


BRUNSWICK  SCHOOL 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

A Preparatory  Day  School  for  Boys 
in  Stamford,  Greenwich  and 
Port  Chester 

Calls  the  attention  of  possible  patrons 
to  the  fact  that  the  enrolment  for  the 
coming  year  is  complete  in  respect  to  the 
primary  and  lower  school  departments. 
In  these  sections,  further  applications 
can  receive  favorable  attention  only  in 
case  of  unexpected  withdrawals.  There 
are  still  some  vacancies  in  the  Upper 
School. 

Primary  School,  for  boys  6 to  11 
Lower  School,  for  boys  10  to  14 
Upper  School,  for  boys  13  to  19 

For  catalogue,  or  special  information, 
address 

GEORGE  E.  CARMICHAEL, 

Head-master. 

Telephones: 

Office,  Greenwich  318 
Home,  Greenwich  553 


■ 


Telephone  179 


THE  BARTLETT  WAY 


^gBardett_\VW 

W 


is 

THE 

RECOGNIZED 

STANDARD 

of 

TREE 

SURGERY 


Our  work  is  not  local  in  scope  but  is 
available  to  all  tree  owners  within  a 


large  radius. 


The  F.  A.  Bartlett 
Tree  Expert  Co. 


“Tree  Specialists’’ 


STAMFORD. 
Westbury  - ■ 

Morristown 
Chestnut  Hill 


CONNECTICUT 
- - - - L.  I. 

N.  J 

Pa. 


BOX  - BARBERRY 

THE  NEW  DWARF  HEDGE  PLANT 

A dwarf  form  of  the  popular  Thunberg’s  Japan- 
Barberry.  It’s  quite  dwarf,  with  small,  dainty 
foliage.  It  can  be  trimmed  into  any  form  and 
kept  down  to  six  inches  high  if  desired. 

ABSOLUTELY  HARDY 

Box-Barberry  will  thrive  almost  anywhere.  The 
winter  of  1917-18  did  not  injure  Box-Barberry  in 
the  least.  It  produces  a perfect  low  border  for 
the  formal  gardens,  quite  taking  the  place  of  the 
old  Box,  which  is  far  from  hardy. 

You  are  cordially  invited  to  visit  the  nurseries 
at  Edgewood  and  see  this  wonderful  Box-Barberry 
growing,  both  as  a Hedge  Plant  and  in  the  Nursery 
Row. 

Send  for  1921  Catalog. 

WOODMONT  NURSERIES,  Inc. 

Box  1003,  New  Haven,  Conn. 


Portraits  and  Habits  of  Our  Birds 

Two  volumes  beautifully  bound  in  green  cloth.  Il- 
lustrated with  photographs  and  One  Hundred  of  the 
finest  colored  pictures  of  birds  that  have  been 
issued  in  this  country. 

The  drawings  are  by  Fuertes,  Horsfall,  Brooks  and 
Sawyer.  The  text  and  pictures  comprise  the  first 
one  hundred  Audubon  Educational  Leaflets. 

One  of  the  most  splendid  books  ever  issued  for  bird- 
students. 

These  Books  are  Sold  at  Cost 
$4-00  Each  Prepaid 

Separate  Educational  Leaflets  with  colored  pictures  of  birds  may  be  pur- 
chased at  5 cents  each.  List  on  application. 

NATIONAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  AUDUBON  SOCIETIES 

1974  BROADWAY,  NEW  YORK  CITY 


PALACE  DRESS  SHOP,  Inc. 

INVITES  YOUR  EARLY  INSPECTION 
OF  ITS  DISTINCTIVE  ASSORTMENT 
OF  WEARING  APPAREL  FOR  THE 
MATRON  AND  MISS 


EXCLUSIVE  AGENTS 
FOR 

BETTY  WALES  and  VERITE 

WE  SPECIALIZE  IN  MODELS  TO  SLENDERIZE 
THE  FIGURE  OF  GENEROUS  PROPORTIONS 

278  Atlantic  Street 


Stamford,  Conn, 


FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 

AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 


REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 

Stamford,  Connecticut 

Phones  2916  and  2917,  Stamford 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 

has  good  transportation  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

I have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates,  Shore  and  Inland 
Residences,  Farms,  Acreage,  Cottages  and 
Building  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selected 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Renl 
In  all  locations. 

Would  be  pleased  to  have  jou  call  or  write 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  Cobb. 


fESLiE-F- Smith 


NEW  ENGLISH  TYPE  DWELLING 

AT  SHIPPAN  POINT  ON  SOUND 


FIRST  FLOOR:  Wide  hall  through  center  of  house,  reception  room,  extensive  living  room  with 
large  fireplace,  very  large  handsomely  finished  dining  room  with  fireplace,  bright  breakfast 
room,  library,  pantry,  kitchen,  maid’s  room,  lavatory. 

SECOND  FLOOR:  Five  master’s  rooms  and  three  baths,  three  maids’  rooms  and  bath. 

BASEMENT:  Large  laundry,  drying  room,  store  rooms.  Inside  garage  for  two  cars. 

House  attractively  finished 
throughout,  having  electric  light, 
gas,  city  water.  About  two  acres 
of  land,  beach  privileges. 

PRICE  S35.000.  Terms 

WORTH  875.000 


arr 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


I 


C.  C.  CLARK’S 

TAXI  SERVICE 

SOUND  BEACH  CONNECTICUT 

TAXI  CABS— BAGGAGE  TRANSFER 
PROMPT  SERVICE  OUR  MOTTO 
Telephone 

271  SOUND  BEACH 

D.  MAHER  SONS 

LEHIGH  COAL,  HYGE1A  ICE 

BUILDING  MATERIAL,  LIME,  LATH, 
BRICK,  SAND,  CEMENT,  DRAIN  PIPE 

Tel.  130  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

LA  BELLE  BAKERY^ 

297  Atlantic  Street 
STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

LOUIS  A.  SPEZZ  A NO 

GENERAL  CONTRACTOR 
Post  Road, 

Riverside,  Connecticut. 

Telephone : Sound  Beach  145. 


EVERYTHING 

FOR  THE  HOME 
From  Garret  to  Cellar 

Electric  Heaters,  Sewing 
Machines,  Irons,  Vacuum 
Cleaners,  Washing  Ma- 
chines, Percolators, 
Toasters,  etc.,  etc., 

— at — 

THE  STAMFORD  ELEC- 
TRICAL CONTRACTOR 

INCORPORATED 

221  Atlantic  Street 


S.  G.  JUDD  STORE 

HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 

Telephone  352 

White  and  Gray  Enamel 
Ware 

Galvanized  and  Tin  Ware 
Aluminum,  Crockery  and 
Glass  Ware 

Baskets,  Cutlery 

43  BANK  STREET 
Stamford,  _ _ Connecticut 


A.  M.  BOLES 

REAL  ESTATE  AND 
INSURANCE 

SOUND  BEACH.  RIVERSIDE  AND 
VICINITIES 

Office 

SOUND  BEACH  AVENUE 
Opp.  R.  R.  Station 

SOUND  BEACH,  CONN. 

Telephone  546 


The  Walter  Stewart  Co. 

The  Leading  Grocers 
CHOICE  GROCERIES, 

FLOUR  AND  FEED. 
SIX  STORES 

Sound  Beach,  New  Canaan, 

Darien  and  Springdale 

. Telephone  Connection 


II 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Stamford  Business  Directory 


Telepkoae,  270  Uptown  Office:  STARK  BROS 

271  40  PARK  ROW 


GHAS.  F.  WATERBURY 
David  Waterbury  & Son 
COAL  DRAIN  PIPE  WOOD 

Crushed  Stone  for  Walks  and  Drives 
YARDS:  Canal  Dock.  STAMFORD.  CONN. 


Telephone  169  Insurance  Appraisals  Made 

WM.  T.  FINNEY,  INC. 

ANTIQUES,  SECONDHAND 

FURNITURE,  STORAGE. 

Office  and  Auction  Rooms 
35  Atlantic  Street,  Stamford,  Conn 

Corsets  Fitted  Free  by  Expert  Corsetiere 

Phone  989 

LA  SARETTE  CORSET  SHOP 

STAMFORD  THEATRE  BUILDING 
Stamford  Connecticut 


BORG  BROTHERS 

Chemical  and  Analytical  Laboratories 
for  Special  Research  Work 

539  MAIN  ST. 

STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

JOHN  PHILLIPS 

Dealer  in 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES 

463  Main  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

FOR  FI  N E M ILL  I N ER  Y 
NEWSTAD’S 

3 BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

FRANK  M.  WEST 
HARDWARE 

Paint*,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Etc.  House  Furnishing* 

7r  ATLANTIC  STREET  Tel.  Con. 

re.  F.  VOSKA  & SON 

TAILORS 

444  Atlantic  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

Drs.  W.  H.  and  E.  W.  Pomeroy 
DENTISTS 

The  Gurley  Building, 

324Main  St.,  opposite  City  Hall. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


III 


CAMERAS 

ALWAYS  READY 

EASY  TO  OPERATE 

Insert  the  film  and  the  camera  is 
ready  to  operate,  and  so  easy,  by  the 
mere  process  of  pressing  a button 
or  lever.  Failure  is  impossible  if  the 
camera  is  pointed  right.  Even  a child 
can  use  them  with  expert  results. 
Everybody  wants  a camera  and 
everybody  should  have  one  and  our 
assortment  gives  ample  opportunity 
for  selection  with  due  consideration 
to  the  saving  of  money  as  well  as 
getting  results. 


Phillips’  Gift  Slop 

Gifts  for  All  Occasions 


Diamonds,  Watches, 
Jewelry,  Silver- 
ware, Cut  Glass, 
Clocks,  Sterling 
and  Ivoroid  Toilet 
and  Manicure  Sets, 
Novelties,  Etc. 


Usual  Amount  of  Engraving  Free. 

A Small  Deposit  Reserves  Any  Article 
Selected. 


Exclusive  Agency  Gorham 
Silverware. 


SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 

232  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn. 

Established,  1897 

THE  HALLMARK  STORE 


ARCHITECTS- 

CRAFTSMEN 

R.  EHLERS 
Greenwich  180 

LOG  CABINS 
CRAFTSMEN'S  HOMES 
RUSTIC  TEA  HOUSES 
BUNGALOWS 
ENTRANCE  GATES 
PERGOLAS 

GRAPE  AND  ROSE  ARBORS 
GARDEN  FURNITURE 
FENCES 

FLOWER  STANDS 
BRIDGES 
BIRD  HOUSES 

RIVERSIDE,  CONN. 

PHONE  SOUND  BEACH  600 


IV 


THE  GLIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


GOOD  HEALTH'S  BEST  FRIEND  IS  WHOLESOME  FOOD 


THE  BEST  INGREDIENTS  make  the  BEST  BREAD! 

Beech  Nut  Bread  is  made  of  Pure  Granulated  Sugar,  Pure  Leaf  Lard,  Pure 
Malt  Extract,  Pure  Fleischmann’s  Yeast.  Pure  Milk  and  Plenty  Of  It,  and 
Pure  Wheat  Flour — and  each  of  these  wholesome,  healthful  ingredients  is  the 
finest  quality  that  money  can  buy. 

NATURALLY— BEECH  NUT  BREAD  IS  MORE  NOURISHING,  AS  HELL 
AS  MORE  DELICIOUS! 

Baked  Solely  by  the  Marsh  Bakeries,  Inc. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


V 


NEW  IMPORTATIONS  OF  HAND  EMBROIDERED  GARMENTS 

It  seems  to  be  a whimsy  of  every  dainty  woman  to  love  handwork  on  her 
Undergarments.  These  adorable  models,  grouped  for  special  selling,  aie  exam- 
ples of  exquisite 

and  trimming  STORE.  needle-craft  and  1 1 ne 

sheer  fabrics,  the 
sort  you  like  to 
finger  and  admire — 
and  wear.  Some  are 
in  pastel  shades  em- 
broidered in  colors. 
Many  are  all  white 
with  knots  of  gay 
“A  Pleasant  Place  to  Shop,  with  Always  Something  New.”  ribbon. 


THE 


LACE 


Established  1853 

THE  GETMAN&  JUDD  CO. 

Lumber  and  Timber  of  all  Kinds 

SPECIALTY:  High  Grade  HARDWOOD  FLOORING 

thoroughly  Kiln  Dried  and  stored  in  Steam  heated  build- 
fag  uatil  delivered  to  our  customers.  Our  steadily  in- 
treatise  trade  in  this  specialty  proves  the  fact  that 
tht  coumtry  home  is  not  complete  until  fitted  out  with 
this  beautiful  and  sanitary  furnishing.  Old  Residences 
say  he  greatly  improved  by  laying  thin  floors  over  the 
•14  oiet. 

CANAL  DOCKS,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone  2180 


Homes  Near  to  Nature 

Should  he  so  constructed  as  to  give  lastiag  satisfaction. 
Our  method  of  manufacturing  dependable  Interior  am4 
Exterior  house  trim  from  thoroughly  kiln  dried  material 
by  skilled  mechanics  insures  such  satisfaction. 

THE  ST.  JOHN  WOOD  WORKING  CO. 

Canal  Docks,  Stamford  Conn. 

Telephone  781 
DIRECTORS 

WALTON  FERGUSON.  Pres.  W.  W.  HEROV 
W.  D.  DASKAM.  Vice  Pres.  Dr.  F.  H.  GETM  AN 

W.  H.  JUDD,  Sec.  and  Treas.  F.  W.  BOGARDUS 
J.  G.  WIGG,  General  Manacer. 


I 

SEE  US  AND 

SEE  BETTER 

Protect  your  eyes  from  the  daily 
strain  and  sun’s  rays. 


CAMERAS  and  SUPPLIES 

Developing,  Printing 
and  Mounting  .... 

W.  A.  MCCLELLAND,  Inc,  Optomatrists-Opticians 
I Stamford  345  Atlantic  SI..  Connecticut 


STAMFORD  STEAM  LAUNDRY,  Inc. 

Deliveries  to  Sound  Beach  and  Shippan. 
OFFICE  10-12  SUMMER  PLACE 
Telephone,  249.  Stamford,  Conn. 


THE  GAMBLE  MILL  WORK  CO. 


DEALERS  IN 

SASH,  DOORS,  BLINDS,  TRIM, 
ETC. 

520  Steamboat  Road 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

LEON  DERAN 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

133  Atlantic  St,  Stamford,  Conn. 

Phone  594 

Portraits  Commercial  Photograph* 

Copying  and  Enlarging 


VI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


MOTORS 

FIXTURES 

APPLIANCES 

MODERN  LABOR  SAVING  MACHINES  FOR 
THE  HOUSEHOLD 

The 

Downes-Smith  Co. 

Electrical  Contractors 

Stamford,  Conn. 

79  ATLANTIC  STREET 

THE  GRUBER 
COMPANY 


MAHER  BROTHERS 
CORPORATION 


STAMFORD’S  EXCLUSIVE 
WOMAN’S  SHOP 


LUMBER,  COAL  AND  WOOD 
LIME,  LATH,  BRICK 
CEMENT,  PLASTER,  ETC. 


298  Main  Street 
Stamford 


Telephone  2294 


Office  and  Yards: 
STEAMBOAT  ROAD 
Greenwich,  Conn. 
Telephone  1228 


OUR  LARGEST  AND  RAREST  BAT 


VII 


OUR  LARGEST  AND  RAREST 
BAT. 

A Magnificent  Specimen  of  the  Great 
Northern  Hoary  Bat  Captured 
in  Sound  Beach. 

Mr.  Charles  Ditman,  gardener  for 
Mr.  James  W.  Brice  of  Sound  Beach, 
captured  and  presented  to  The  Agassiz 
Association  a magnificent  specimen  of 
the  hoary  or  great  northern  bat 
( La-si uriis  cinereus).  This  bat  is  in  this 
vicinity  only  in  migrations  from  its 
summer  northern  home  to  the  warmer 
south  for  winter. 

This  particular  specimen  measures 
one  foot  three  and  one-half  inches  from 
tip  of  wing  to  tip ; is  four  and  one-half 
inches  in  length,  and  one  and  three- 
quarters  inches  across  the  back.  The 
fur  is  beautifully  tipped  with  silver 
from  which  it  takes  its  name,  hoary 
bat.  The  head,  eyes  and  ears  are  of 
unique  and  beautiful  appearance,  far 
excelling  the  common  red  bat  in  every 
respect.  Almost  every  one  has  seen 
the  red  bat  at  least  in  flight  in  early 
twilight,  but  the  hoary  bat  is  seldom 
seen  anywhere  by  any  one,  as  even  in 
the  northern  home  it  flies  only  after 
twilight. 

“American  Animals”  (Stone  and 
Cram)  says: 

“The  hoary  bat  is  the  largest  bat  of 
the  Northern  and  Middle  States,  and 
is  the  rarest  of  all  our  Eastern  species. 
Even  in  the  North,  where  they  make 
their  home  among  the  forests  and 
mountain  wildernesses,  they  are  seen 
only  occasionally,  and  still  less  fre- 
quently are  specimens  secured. 

“To  the  southward  of  the  Canadian 
fauna  the  hoary  bat  occurs  only  as  a 
migrant  during  the  winter  months, 
early  spring  and  late  autumn,  and  it  is 
here,  if  anything,  a rarer  sight  than  in 
its  true  home  to  the  northward.  I have 
known  of  specimens  being  secured 
about  Philadelphia,  but  in  spite  of 
many  evenings  spent  in  looking  for  it 
at  times,  when  its  occurrence  seemed 
most  likely.  I have  never  been  success- 
ful in  obtaining  a glimpse  of  this  in- 
teresting bat.” 

Dr.  C.  Hart  Merriam  gives  a graphic 
description  of  the  difficulty  of  even  see- 
ing one  in  the  far  northern  home,  and 
the  almost  impossibility  of  securing 
one,  even  when  it  “shoots  by  seeming- 


ly as  big  as  an  owl  within  a few  feet 
of  your  eyes.” 

Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow,  who  chloro- 
formed this  specimen  at  ArcAdiA,  says 
this  is  the  first  he  has  ever  seen. 

Mr.  Paul  G.  Howes  of  Shippan  Point, 
who  is  mounting  it  for  the  Bruce  Mu- 
seum, says  he  has  previously  seen  only 
one — about  five  years  ago. 

Mr.  John  Schaler,  taxidermist,  Stam- 
ford, says  be  has  seen  only  two  and 
both  of  those  were  many  years  ago. 
One  he  saw  at  night  flying  around  a 
near-by  ice  house  and  shot  it.  The 
other  he  found  clinging  to  his  Lima 
bean  vines. 

Mr.  Ernest  Thompson  Seton  says  in 
“Life  Histories  of  Northern  Animals: 

“The  Bat  is  one  of  the  masterpieces 
of  Creation.  It  exemplifies,  in  high  de- 
gree, the  perfect  beast  with  perfect 
senses,  equipped  with  perfect  flight,  so 
there  be  few  indeed  that  in  the  scale 
outrank  it.  And  the  Prince  among  these 
winged  ones  is  the  magnificent  Hoary- 
bat,  whose  imperfect  history  is  before 
us.  To  the  general  and  generous  gifts 
of  its  tribe  it  adds  great  size,  with 
corresponding  higher  power,  a furry 
robe  of  exquisite  beauty — a combina- 
tion indeed  of  Sable,  seal,  and  Silver- 
fox — and  last,  a blameless  life.” 


The  “Distant  Husband”  and  the  Bear. 

The  following  missive  was  received 
by  the  forest  ranger  of  the  Pasadena 
district  and  read  recently  at  the  annual 
dinner  of  the  Sierra  Club  in  Los  An- 
geles : 

“Kind  and  Respected  Cir: 

“I  see  in  the  paper  that  a man 

named  J S was  atacted  and  et 

up  by  a bare  whose  cubs  he  was  trying 
to  git  when  the  she  bare  came  up  and 
stopt  him  by  eatin  him  up  in  the  moun- 
tains near  your  town.  What  i want  to 
know  is  did  it  kill  him  or  was  he  only 
partly  et  up  and  he  from  this  place  and 
all  about  the  bare.  I don’t  know  but 
what  he  is  a distant  husband  of  mine. 
My  first  husband  was  of  that  name  and 
I supposed  he  was  killed  in  the  war  but 
the  name  of  the  man  the  bare  et  being 
the  same  i thought  it  might  be  him 
after  all  and  i thought  to  know  if  he 
wasn’t  killed  either  in  the  war  or  by 
the  bare  for  I have  been  married  twice 
since  and  their  ought  to  be  divorce 
papers  got  out  by  him  or  me  if  the  bare 
did  not  eat  him  all  up.  If  it  is  him  you 


VIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Lower  Prices 

One-third  lower  prices  than  last  fall,  but  no  decline  in  quality — one  of  the 
important  things  to  know  this  fall  about 

OUR  CLOTHING  FOR  MEN  AND  BOYS 

Suits  and  Overcoats  in  elegant  fabrics — Herringbone,  Pencil  Striped,  Check 
and  Plaid  patterns — less  form-fitting;  smart  open  notched  lapels;  overcoats 
looser  and  with  buttoning  belts.  The  finest  clothing  we’ve  ever  shown. 

FOR  BOYS  FOR  MEN 

2-Pant  Suits  Suits  and  Overcoats 

$13.50,  $15.00  $25,  $30,  $35,  $45 

THE  HARTWELL  - DELAP  COMPANY 

48  PARK  ROW  Phone  689  STAMFORD,  CONN. 


will  know  it  by  him  having  six  toes 
on  the  left  foot.  He  also  sings  base  and 
has  a spread  eagle  tattoed  on  his  front 
chest  and  a ankor  on  his  right  arm 
which  you  will  know  him  if  the  bare 
did  not  eat  up  these  parts  of  him.  If 
alive  don’t  tell  him  I am  married  to 

J- W for  he  never  liked  J . 

Mebbe  you  had  better  let  on  as  if  i am 
ded  but  find  out  all  you  can  about  him 
without  him  knowing  anything  what  it 
is  for.  That  is  if  the  bare  did  not  eat 
him  all  up.  If  it  did  i don’t  see  you  can 
do  anything  and  you  need’nt  take  any 
trouble.  My  respeks  to  your  family  and 
please  ancer  back. 

“P.  S. — Was  the  bare  killed.  Also 
was  he  married  again  and  did  he  leave 
any  property  worth  me  laying  claim 
to?” — Plywood  Panels. 


“Promote,  then,  as  an  object  of  pri- 
mary importance,  institutions  for  the 
general  diffusion  of  knowledge.” 


GOLDEN 
fSACREDLILY' 

PURITY 
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5 Tulips,  in- 

^eluding  Darwin,  Parrot ' 

•nd  Mayflowering;  Giant } 
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10  large  bulbs  w 
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Beautiful  and  complete  Catalogue 
Free.  Shows  great  variety  of  Bulbs, 

Hardy  Perennials,  Window  Plants, 

Seeds,  Berries,  Fruits,  etc. 

John  Lewis  Childs,  Inc.,  Floral  Park,N.  Y, 


THE  GREENWICH  CAB  CO.,  INC. 

Garage,  Taxi  Service,  Tires  and 
Supplies. 

81  Railroad  Ave.,  Greenwich,  Conn. 


MCARDLE’S  SEED  STORE 

Florist  and  Seedsman 

SEEDS,  PLANTS.  BULBS,  INSECTICIDES  AND 
FERTILIZERS 

BIRD  HOUSES,  FEEDING  DEVICES  AND  BIRD 
FOODS 

Telephone  317  Merritt  Building 

Greenwich,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


IX 


Burdett-McGillivray  Company 

GLOVES  FOR  WOMEN 

Gloves  correctly  chosen  tell  a silent  but  effective  story  of  good  taste  displayed  by 
the  wearer.  Old  style  or  ill-fitting  gloves  are  no  better  than  an  old  styled  or  misfit 
dress  or  suit.  Why  mar  your  appearance,  when  every  approved  style  and  color  in  every 
size  is  here  at  modest  prices? 

Advocate  Building  Stamford,  Conn. 

PHONE  268 



Merrill  Business  College 

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OUR  FALL 
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of  BULBS,  HERBACEOUS 
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If  you  have  not  received  a 
copy,  send  for  it  today.  It’s  free. 

We  want  you  to  know  that 
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MORAIO  BROTHERS 

SEEDSMEN,  NURSERYMEN, 
FLORISTS. 

Rye,  N.  Y.,  and  Stamford,  Conn. 


X 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


THE  C.  O.  MILLER  CO. 

The  Trading  Place  of  Over  Half  a Century 

FIFTY-FOURTH  ANNUAL  CHRISTMAS  SALE 

We  extend  to  the  Public  of  Stamford  and  vicinity  a cordial  invitation  to  make  this 
store  your  Christmas  Headquarters. 

We  have  never  had  so  large  a stock  of  Christmas  goods  or,  in  fact,  goods  of  every 
description,  as  now. 

We  have  been  busy,  busy,  busy,  getting  ready  for  the  demand  that  we  knew  would 
fall  upon  us. 

The  Time  is  Now 

and  This  Great  Store  is  Ready  for  Christmas — with  its  fine  stock — with  its  courteous, 
helpful  service — with  its  easy  access  from  all  near-by  towns — with  its 

Moderate  Prices  for 

high  grade,  honest  merchandise  backed  by  over  half  a century  of  successful  retailing 
experience. 


THE  C.  0.  MILLER  CO. 

EST.  1868 

[54th]  Atlantic  Square  Stamford,  Conn.  [54th] 


The  LOCKWOOD  & PALMER  Co. 


Wholesale  and  Retail 
Dealers  in 

HARDWARE 

AGRICULTURAL 
IMPLEMENTS 
House  Furnishings,  Etc. 


TO  O L S 

OF 

All  Kinds 


92  PARK  PLACE 
(Cor.  Summer  Street) 
STAMFORD,  - CONN. 
Telephone  Connections 


Published  monthly  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 
Subscription,  $ 1 .50  a year  Single  copy,  15  cents 


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authorized  on  June  27,  1918. 


Volume  XIV.  NOVEMBER,  1921 


Number  6 


A Little  Arcadia  in  the  Heart  of 
Stamford,  Conn. 

By  Edward  F.  Bigelow,  ArcAd  iA : Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 


ALMOST  in  the  heart  of  the  city 
of  Stamford,  Connecticut,  really 
in  the  heart  of  one  of  the  most 
modern  developments,  Quintard  Ter- 
race, I have  found  an  oasis.  Here  is 
nature  amidst  the  arid  conventionali- 
ties of  the  latest  development  of  real 
estate  interests. 

I had  been  told  by  one  who  is  well 
versed  in  recently  developed  homes, 
suburban  and  otherwise,  that  here  I 
would  find  something  to  delight  my 
eye,  here  I should  find  picturesque, 
wild  nature. 

The  house  itself  and  the  front  door- 
yard  convey  an  impression  of  artistic 
taste  in  architecture.  A pleasing  sight 
is  the  stone  veranda,  stone  porch,  well 
arranged  shrubbery  in  formal  manner 
at  the  edges  of  a small  but  closely 
mowed  lawn,  yet.  as  I rang  the  door- 
bell, I began  to  fear  that  after  all  it 
will  be  only  formal  nature  study  that 
I shall  find  here,  perhaps  with  a slight 
flavoring  of  originality,  but  for  real 
Arcadian  nature  I shall  probably  look 
in  vain.  After  I had  introduced  myself 


I was  told  that  the  artist  was  busy  for 
the  moment,  but  to  make  myself  at 
home  in  the  surroundings  where  a little 
work  had  been  done  in  rustic  gar- 
dening. 

As  I walked  by  the  side  of  the  house 
I was  surprised  by  the  croaking  of  a 
frog  that  sounded  not  unlike  the  bark- 
ing of  a dog.  No  more  unlikely  place 
for  such  warning — or  was  it  welcome? 
— could  be  imagined,  but  a frog  it  was 
in  a stone  bordered  pool.  I thought  at 
the  time  that  the  frog’s  cry  was  merely 
coincident  with  my  entrance,  but  later 
when  Mr.  L.  V.  Carroll  arrived  and  I 
asked  him  to  show  me  how  he  ar- 
ranged the  plants  and  feeds  the  frog  he 
said,  “Do  you  know  that  frog  is  a 
good  watchdog?  It  barks  at  every  one 
that  comes  on  the  premises.”  A frog 
under  these  conditions  might  well  be 
called  a “barking”  animal. 

Mr.  Carroll  had  to  work  with  a rough 
and  to  most  persons  an  unpromising 
back  yard.  An  owner  of  less  artistic 
taste  would  have  cleared  up  the  rub- 
bish and  set  out,  perhaps,  a few  formal 


Copyright  1921  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


MR.  CARROLL'S  FAVORITE  PASTIME  IS  TO  PLAY  WITH  PLANTS  AND  FROGS  IN  THE 

GARDEN  POOL. 


THE  PLANT  EMBROIDERED  PATH  TO  THE  RUSTIC  GARDEN. 


A LITTLE  ARCADIA 


evergreens  with  the  intervening  space 
well  mowed ; but  not  so  with  Mr.  Car- 
roll.  He  saw  the  possibilities  of  chang- 
ing that  crude  material  into  beauty. 
The  rough  stones  were  rearranged  with 
as  little  formalism  as  possible  in  the 
limited  space.  He  laid  out  a miniature 
garden  and  at  one  end  constructed  this 
pool  for  aquatic  plants  and  as  a home 
for  fish  and  frog.  The  beauty  of  his 
own  place  is  enhanced  by  the  adjoin- 
ing rustic  garden,  the  property  of 
Mrs.  Thomas  Harvey,  and,  indeed,  Mr. 
Carroll  was  personally  aided  by  Mrs. 
Harvey  in  his  gardening  so  that  the 
hillside  upon  which  he  had  to  work 


// 

cement,  for  he  himself  got  out  the 
stones  and  laid  every  one  in  the  cement. 

Mr.  Carroll,  who  is  a specialist  in 
color  art,  came  to  Stamford  from 
Chicago  a few  years  ago.  His  work  is 
well-known  in  covers  of  “House  and 
Garden”  and  “The  House  Beautiful” 
and  catalogues  of  Barrett  roofing,  etc. 
With  him  for  four  years  has  been  asso- 
ciated Major  B.  Felton  of  Danbury, 
Connecticut.  Major  Felton’s  specialty 
is  commercial  advertising  designs  in 
work  for  large  concerns  such  as  Cleve- 
land Motor  Company  and  the  Cheney 
Talking  Machine. 


MR.  CARROLL’S  FAVORITE  SKETCHING  PLACE  ON  THE  STONE  STEPS  HE  MADE. 


slopes  into  a charming  Valley  in  Eden 
with  the  Forest  of  Arden  on  the  other 
side.  In  the  back  yard  of  Mr.  Carroll’s 
home  are  several  patriarchal  trees  that 
hover  over  the  little  garage  in  loving, 
picturesque  manner. 

“What  of  all  this  do  you  especially 
like?  I wish  to  photograph  you  show- 
ing you  in  company  with  something 
that  you  especially  like.”  I said  to  Mr. 
Carroll. 

“I  really  ought  to  like  these  stone 
steps  because  I worked  harder  on  them 
than  on  anything  else.” 

Mr.  Carroll  is  addicted  not  only  to 
brush  and  paint  pot,  but  to  trowel  and 


An  October  Thanksgiving. 

The  woods  are  aflame  with  color, 

The  hills  with  tapestries  hung, 

The  blue  of  the  sky  and  the  river 
Are  such  as  the  poets  have  sung. 

’Tis  a feast  for  the  eye  and  the  spirit. 
While  the  picnic  is  under  way, 

And  makes,  for  the  joyous  partakers, 
An  October  Thanksgiving  day. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


The  old  garden  of  Linnaeus  at  Up- 
sala,  Sweden,  which  had  fallen  into 
decay,  is  being  restored.  The  house 
will  be  used  for  an  extensive  collection 
of  furniture,  books  and  other  belong- 
ings of  the  great  botanist. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


78 


Stingeth  Like  an  Adder. 

BY  WILLIAM  H.  HUSE,  MANCHESTER,  N.  H. 

The  adder  is  the  only  venomous 
snake  in  England.  Its  bite  is  a more 
or  less  serious  matter,  but  it  is  incapa- 
ble of  stinging.  The  earliest  mention 
of  its  ability  to  emulate  the  bees  and 
their  relatives  is  probably  in  Proverbs 
in  the  advice  to  abstain  from  wine  for 
“at  the  last  it  biteth  like  a serpent,  and 
stingeth  like  an  adder.”  Marginal  notes 
in  some  editions  of  the  Bible  give 
“basilisk”  as  the  Plebrew  word  trans- 
lated “adder.”  The  Douay  version  ad- 
heres more  closely  to  the  original  and 
has  “will  spread  abroad  poison  like  a 
basilisk.”  It  is  presumed  that  when  the 
English  revisers  of  King  James’s  time 
came  to  the  passage  they  feared  that  the 
basilisk  threat  would  be  lost  on  the 
English  inebriate  and  so  used  the  name 
of  the  only  poisonous  reptile  on  the 
island. 

The  English  settlers  in  New  England 
gave  the  name  of  adder  to  at  least  three 
snakes  that  they  found  there,  presum- 
ably because  their  mottled  appearance 
suggested  the  reptile  across  the  sea. 


They  could  reason  and  naturally  con- 
cluded that  as  the  English  adder  was 
poisonous  these  must  be.  Furthermore 
the  adder  could  sting  and  therefore 
these  must  be  endowed  with  the  same 
power.  So  the  misinformation  has  come 
down  through  the  generations.  I was 
informed  when  a boy  that  the  milk 
snake,  the  water  snake  and  the  spread- 
ing adder  ( Heterodon  platirhinos ) were 
all  poisonous,  and  that  the  last  was 
possessed  of  a deadly  poisonous  breath. 
Fortunately  I have  learned  better. 

It  is  surprising  to  see  how  general 
the  superstition  still  is.  Boys  catch 
snakes  to  take  out  their  “stingers”  if 
they  do  not  actually  kill  them.  Some 
locate  the  stinger  in  the  tongue  and 
some  in  the  tail.  Recently  an  intelli- 
gent man  told  me  of  seeing  a snake 
strike  a board  with  its  tail  and  with 
such  force  that  it  punctured  the  wood 
and  enabled  a spectator  to  lift  both 
board  and  snake.  The  wonderful  event 
occurred  when  he  was  a boy,  so  that 
imagination  or  forgetfulness  would 
doubtless  explain  the  phenomenon. 

Not  long  ago  a local  paper  printed 
the  following: 


AUTUMN. 

By  A.  R.  Harper,  Columbus,  Ohio. 

The  jay  with  weird  cry  heralds  fall, 

Along  the  road  the  glowing  plumes  of  goldenrod 

Blend  with  the  aster’s  violet  hue, 

And  ’mid  their  fading  foliage  nod. 

A soft  grey  haze  hangs  over  all, 

The  brook  is  choked  with  dying  leaves ; 

The  robins  wing  to  roost  in  drifting  flocks, 

And  swallows  sit  in  chattering  rows  along  the  eaves. 

The  corn  is  stacked  in  marshaled  rows, 

With  golden  pumpkins  in  between. 

On  every  side,  from  bulging  cribs, 

The  harvest’s  plenty  may  be  seen. 

And  as  the  shadows  longer  grow, 

The  earth  is  resting,  half  asleep, 

Content  to  dream  of  labors  past, 

While  men  her  golden  harvest  reap. 

So  may  I,  when  I come  to  pass 

Those  last  few  hours  in  the  afterglow, 

Find  the  fruits  of  my  labor  good  to  see, 

And  in  peace  watch  the  shadows  grow. 


“STINGETH  LIKE  AN  ADDER” 


79 


“A  ten  year  old  daughter  of  Fred 
Andrews,  a farmer  residing  in  the  Gore 
district  of  Warner,  was  bitten  by  an 
adder  while  picking  strawberries  in  a 
field  near  her  home  a few  days  ago, 
and  is  in  a serious  condition  as  the  re- 
sult. Beginning  with  a violent  swelling 
of  the  injured  limb,  her  whole  body  is 
now  swollen  and  she  has  been  attacked 
with  frequent  spasms.  Book  scientists 
claim  that  the  adder,  a checkered  snake 
common  in  the  fields  of  our  state,  is 
not  poisonous,  but  this  is  the  second 
case  in  that  vicinity  where  the  bite  of 
this  variety  of  snake  has  been  followed 
by  serious  results. 

“A  farmer  in  the  town  of  Newbury 
was  bitten  in  the  foot  by  an  adder  a few 
years  ago  and  showed  signs  of  poison 
similar  to  those  exhibited  by  the  An- 
drews girl.  Physicians  saved  him  at 
the  time,  but  he  remained  in  poor 
health  for  a year  or  two  and  died.” 

The  story  would  not  have  been  worth 
following  up  if  it  had  not  been  almost  a 
local  affair  and  if  the  reporter  had  not 
referred  to  me  as  one  of  the  “book 
scientists.”  (I  was  grateful  for  the 
“scientist”  part  of  the  fling.)  A few 
weeks  before  I had  nearly  sent  him  out 
of  the  editorial  window  by  taking  in  a 
live  water  snake.  I got  statements 
from  the  father  and  from  the  physician 
who  attended  the  girl.  I found  that 
she  did  not  know  what  bit  or  stung  her. 
There  was  a mottled  or  spotted  ap- 
pearance of  the  skin  and  the  father 
concluded  that  she  must  have  been  bit- 
ten by  a spotted  adder.  The  conclusions 
were  evidently  owing  to  stories  of  the 
terrible  effects  of  snake  bites  told  by 
those  who  were  old  enough  to  know 
better.  At  the  time  of  my  investigation 
the  young  woman  had  recovered  from 
all  but  the  fright. 

I had  previously  known  of  the  sec- 
ond case  mentioned  and  that  the  snake 
bite  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  man’s 
death. 

Thus  superstition  and  ignorance, 
along  with  their  resultant  fears,  are 
passed  on  from  generation  to  genera- 
tion, slowly  but  surely  counteracted  by 
such  influences  as  those  of  The  Agas- 
siz Association. 


The  best  collection  of  Maine  minerals 
in  the  world  is  that  of  the  Boston  So- 
cietv  of  Natural  Historv. 


White-footed  Mice  Resemble  Squirrels. 

In  Dr.  Robert  T.  Morris’s  interesting 
book,  “Nut  Growing,”  he  makes  the 
following  comment  upon  the  white- 
footed mouse : 

“The  white-footed  mouse  is  nearly 
as  destructive  as  the  squirrel,  particu- 
larly in  relation  to  thin-shelled  nuts.  I 
had  a large  number  of  hybrid  acorns 
and  chestnuts  covered  with  paper  bags 
in  one  year  when  the  ripening  season 
approached  and  imagined  these  nuts  to 
be  all  safe,  but  later  discovered  a very 
small  hole  in  each  bag  close  to  a limb. 
In  the  bag  a handful  of  shells  showed 
where  the  white-footed  mouse  had 
eaten  the  nuts  at  his  leisure,  safe  from 
his  enemies,  the  owls.  White-footed 
mice  climb  trees  nearly  as  well  as 
squirrels  do — a fact  which  is  not  gen- 
erally known  because  of  the  nocturnal 
habits  of  this  species.” 

From  observations  made  in  the  Rest 
Cottage  of  Little  Japan  we  can  add  that 
the  white-footed  mouse  manifests  al- 
most no  characteristics  of  a mouse  for 
it  does  not  have  even  the  mouse  smell 
and  is  almost  wholly  squirrel-like  in 
methods.  In  the  construction  of  the 
Rest  Cottage  a hole  was  left  at  the  base 
of  the  chimney  where  it  could  not  well 
be  discovered  until  a facing  board  had 
been  removed.  This  gave  free  access 
to  the  white-footed  mice  and  they 
brought  in  acorns,  stored  them  away 
and  ate  them  after  the  manner  of  squir- 
rels. They  also  helped  themselves  to 
the  cotton  lining  of  some  of  our  com- 
fortables, making  literally  comfortable 
nests  for  themselves.  For  over  a year 
their  raids  on  the  building  defied  all  at- 
tempts to  keep  them  out  because  the 
place  of  access  was  not  even  suspected. 
There  were  however  some  compensa- 
tons  to  the  annoyance  and  the  damage 
in  the  interesting  observations  that 
were  made  of  the  method  in  which 
acorns  were  stored  between  the  folds  of 
comfortables  and  in  the  cotton  made 
nests  in  various  places.  Perhaps  the 
most  interesting  and,  as  the  children 
would  say,  “the  cutest”  of  all  was  the 
filling  of  shoes  and  slippers  with  acorns, 
especially  a pair  of  baby’s  slippers  left 
in  a bureau  drawer. 


The  banners  of  the  sunset 
Are  swift  unfurled  on  high, 

A setting  for  the  silver  moon, 
Suspended  in  the  sky. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


The  Heavens  in  November. 

By  Professor  Samuel  G.  Barton  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


THE  faint  summer  constellations 
are  now  disappearing  over  the 
western  horizon.  'The  brilliant 
winter  constellations,  led  by  I aurus 
and  the  Pleiades,  are  appearing  in  the 
east.  The  big  dipper  in  Ursa  Major  is  in 
its  most  unfavorable  position  low  in  the 
north.  The  Milky  Way  lies  nearly  east 


pression  that  the  stars  visible  on  a dark 
night  are  too  numerous  to  count.  In 
reality  we  cannot  see  more  than  two 
thousand  at  any  one  time.  In  some 
places  the  stars  are  very  scarce.  This 
is  true  in  the  large  area  included  in  the 
great  square.  In  Figure  2 I have  drawn 
the  square  including  all  stars  to  the 


MOI2TM 


Figure  1.  The  constellations  at  9 P.  M.,  November  1.  (Hold  the  map  so  that  the  direction  faced  is 
at  the  bottom;  that  is,  if  facing  east  hold  east  at  the  bottom  as  south  now  is.) 


and  west.  Fomalhaut,  the  southernmost 
figure  first  magnitude  star  visible  here, 
may  be  seen  in  the  south  at  A,  Figure 
i.  Near  the  center  of  the  map  lies  the 
well-known  “great  square  of  Pegasus." 
One  of  the  stars  which  form  this  nearly 
perfect  square  belongs  to  the  constella- 
tion Andromeda.  It  is  a common  im- 


sixth magnitude;  that  is,  all  of  the 
stars  usually  considered  as  visible  to 
the  naked  eye.  There  are  just  nine  such 
stars  in  the  square.  The  figures  beside 
the  stars  represent  their  magnitudes 
and  the  individual  names  of  the 
brighter  stars  are  also  given.  The  star 
at  the  upper  right-hand  corner  is  some- 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


times  called  Scheat  but  this  name  is 
not  used  as  frequently  as  the  others. 
It  is  a variable  star.  The  magnitude 
varies  between  2.2  and  2.7.  It  is  an  in- 
teresting observation  to  pick  out  a 
dark  night  and  search  for  these  fainter 
stars.  It  will  be  seen  that  most  of  them 
lie  near  the  diagonals  of  the  square. 
If  the  stars  are  not  seen  with  the  naked 
eye  they  may  be  found  easily  with 
opera  glasses.  Some  may  be  able  to 
see  even  fainter  stars  than  those 
marked. 

Just  south  of  the  great  square  lies 
the  group  of  faint  stars  forming  the 


magnitude.  At  E is  Vulpecula  et 
Anser  (the  little  fox  ancLgoose)  usually 
known  as  Vulpecula.  It  is  known  prin- 
cipally by  reason  of  the  fact  that  the 
dumb-bell  nebula  is  found  within  its 
bounds.  At  F,  just  at  the  edge  of  the 
map.  is  Scutum  Sobieski  (Sobieski’s 
shield),  usually  known  simply  as 
Scutum.  At  G is  Sculptor  and  at  II 
Fornax  (the  furnace).  At  I,  Camelo- 
pardalis (the  giraffe). 

The  Planets. 

None  of  the  brighter  planets  are  vis- 
ible in  the  early  evening.  Venus,  Jupi- 


Figure  2.  Stars  brighter  than  6.0  magnitude  in  the  great  square  of  Pegasus. 


“Circlet  in  Pisces.”  Near  the  great 
square  are  several  of  the  constellations 
which  are  least  well-known  by  reason 
of  their  faintness  and  small  size. 
Pegasus  is  the  winged  horse.  B is  at 
the  center  of  Equuleus  (the  little 
horse).  Delta  Equulei  is  a visual 
double  star  whose  period  is  the  short- 
est of  any  known.  The  period  is  under 
six  years.  West  of  Equuleus  is  Del- 
phinus  (the  dolphin),  well-known  as 
Job’s  coffin.  It  consists  principally  of 
a rhombus  of  third  magnitude  stars. 
West  of  this  at  C is  Sagitta  (the  ar- 
row). At  D lies  Lacerta  (the  lizard). 
It  contains  no  star  brighter  than  3.8 


ter  and  Saturn  are  in  the  constellation 
Leo,  and  Mars  in  the  next  constella- 
tion Virgo.  Neptune  is  also  in  Leo. 
These  planets,  except  Neptune,  which 
is  not  visible  to  the  naked  eye,  may  be 
seen  in  the  east  before  sunrise.  As 
they  are  closely  grouped  the  planets 
are  of  unusual  interest  at  this  time.  The 
planet  Mercury  can  be  seen  low  in  the 
southeast  just  before  sunrise  for  a few 
mornings  about  November  16.  The 
planet  Uranus  alone  can  be  seen  in 
the  early  evening.  This  is  a little  too 
faint  to  be  seen  with  the  naked  eye. 
With  opera  glasses  or  other  slight  op- 
tical assistance  it  can  be  seen  easily. 
Its  position  is  marked  on  Figure  1. 


82 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


In  Figure  3 the  fainter  stars  in  the 
neighborhood  are  shown,  although 
there  is  little  chance  of  a mistake  in 
finding  the  planet.  The  stars  joined 


by  the  line  are  those  joined  in  Figure  1. 

:*c  :jc  ;fc  5$:  ijc 

November  Meteors. 

This  is  the  best  month  of  the  year 
for  the  observation  of  meteors.  The 
Leonids  appear  to  shoot  in  all  direc- 
tions from  the  constellation  Leo.  They 
can  be  seen  only  late  at  night.  The 
middle  of  the  period  when  they  may 
be  seen  is  November  14.  They  may  be 
seen  on  other  nights  about  this  time. 
The  Andromedids  come  from  Andro- 
meda, which  is  nearly  overhead  in  the 
early  evening.  These  meteors  may  be 
seen  in  the  early  evenings  about  No- 
vember 26. 

:jc  iji 

Eclipse  of  Algol. 

The  star  Algol  or  Beta  Persei  at  K, 
Figure  1,  is  partially  eclipsed  at  inter- 
vals of  a little  less  than  three  days.  The 
star  will  be  faintest  November  18, 
10:06  P.  M.,  and  November  21.  6:55 
P.  M.  The  star  should  be  located  and 
its  brightness  noted  on  nights  previous 
to  the  eclipses.  Several  hours  are  re- 
quired for  complete  eclipses. 

At  L.  Figure  1,  is  the  great  nebula  in 
Andromeda,  an  object  faintly  visible  to 
the  naked  eye  on  dark  nights. 

Diameter  of  Stars. 

Less  than  a year  ago  announcement 
was  made  that  the  diameter  of  the  star 
Betelgeuse  had  been  measured.  The 
revised  results  showed  that  the  dia- 
meter of  this  star  is  238.000,000  miles. 
It  was  believed  that  this  was  the 
largest  of  all  stars.  Later  observations 
by  the  same  observers  have  shown  that 
Antares  in  the  constellation  Scorpius  is 
still  larger.  Because  of  uncertainty  in 


the  distance  of  this  star  its  diameter 
cannot  be  stated  with  great  accuracy. 
The  smallest  value  resulting  from  the 
use  of  the  different  determinations  of 
the  distance  makes  the  diameter  280,- 
000.000  miles  and  thus  the  volume  31,- 
000,000  times  that  of  the  sun.  Antares 
is  not  on  the  map.  It  may  be  seen  very 
low  in  the  southwest  in  the  very  early 
evening. 

The  distance  of  the  Pleiades  (the 
group  of  stars  at  M,  Figure  1)  has 
been  determined  recently.  The  results 
show  the  distance  to  be  about  325  light 
years. 


In  November. 

Think  you  the  earth  is  dreary 
Because  November’s  here? 

Are  you,  then,  a-weary 

Of  this  dull  month  o’  year? 

Come  with  me  to  the  woodland, 
Where  Nature  hath  precious  store; 

Where  color  you’ll  find,  and  beauty, 
And  many  a treasure  more. 

See  ferns  as  green  as  summer, 
(Those  that  love  winter,  too.) 

Spreading  their  fairy  circles 
The  winding  pathway  through. 

The  spruces,  pines  and  hemlocks 
Are  fresh  as  it  were  June, 

And  balsam  firs  as  fragrant 
As  with  the  birds  attune. 

The  mosses,  in  profusion, 

Wear  brightest  green  of  all. 

And  the  exuberance  of  summer 
Refreshingly  recall. 

Where  will  you  find  such  tissues 
As  young  birch  saplings  show? 

With  a riot  of  brilliant  shadings 
Their  boles  are  all  aglow. 

Buds,  too,  revel  in  color, 

Bronze  and  green  and  brown; 

Rose  in  the  dainty  moosewood, 

Gold  in  the  willow’s  crown. 

Now,  can  you  call  it  dreary, 

When  gems  like  these  abound? 

Though  you  may  indeed  be  weary 
Before  the  half  is  found. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


The  Massachusetts  Audubon  Society, 
Newberry  Street.  Boston,  furnishes  its 
check  lists  of  birds  free  to  all  who  ask 
for  them.  Many  persons  keep  these 
lists  each  year  and  turn  their  records  in 
at  the  society’s  office.  Even  children 
send  in  lists  of  sixty  to  more  than  a 
hundred  species  seen. 


Camping,  an  Education  and 
An  Inspiration. 


I once  knew  a marked  example  of 
the  educational  inspiration  that  a camp 
gives  to  a girl.  She  was  about  fifteen 
years  of  age,  bright,  vivacious,  witty, 
popular  with  her  friends  and  the  ad- 
miration of  every  adult  that  met  her. 
I was  one  day  expressing  my  admira- 
tion to  some  friends  who  had  long 
known  her  in  her  western  home.  They 
expressed  surprise  at  her  wonderful 
popularity  in  the  camp  and  made  this 
sententious  remark.  “Yes,  she  has  de- 
veloped into  a wonderful  type  of  popu- 
lar girl,  but  it  was  camping  that  did  it. 
She  was  not  so  in  her  own  home  before 
she  went  to  camp.  Camping  seems  to 
have  emphasized  every  good  quality 
that  she  had  and  developed  some 
others  that  even  her  parents  had  not 
suspected.” 

Parents  that  have  had  no  personal 
experience  in  high  grade  camps  can- 
not realize  what  a wonderful  developer 
camp  life  is.  Ralph  W aldo  Emerson 
said  the  best  part  of  a boy’s  education 
is  that  which  he  gets  on  his  way  to 
and  from  school.  If  Emerson  had  lived 
to  see  the  modern  camp,  the  thought 
that  he  has  buried  in  that  laconic  sen- 
tence he  could  have  paraphrased  into 
another  like  this:  “Two  months  in  a 
good  summer  camp  are  worth  more 
than  a year  in  a boarding  school.” 
That  is,  the  best  education  is  obtain- 
able from  outdoor  life  and  enthusiasm. 
It  is  neither  sentimental  nor  bookish. 
It  is  the  actual  thing,  a kind  of  per- 
sonal reality.  I have  in  my  possession 
many  photographs  and  lantern  slides 
of  girls  that  have  developed  in  camps 
into  what  one  might  call  royal  good 


girls.  It  is  a satisfaction  to  gaze  on  such 
whole-souled,  hearty,  natural  girls. 
They  show  a brightness  and  a vivacity 
far  superior  to  that  that  can  be  devel- 
oped by  books.  I do  not  say  this  to  the 
discredit  of  thorough  scholarship.  Far 
from  it.  But  you  know  that  old  say- 
ing, “A  good  mind  in  a sound  body,”  is 
not  asserting  that  the  one  is  better’ than 
the  other  but  that  they  are  a partner- 
ship. The  school  develops  the  mind, 
the  body  is  incidental ; the  camp  re- 
verses the  condition.  Both  are  needed 
for  complete  development. 

But  you  ask,  “How  does  the  camp  do 
this?  How  does  the  camp  differ 
from  any  other  picnic?”  The  camp  is 
not  a picnic,  and  the  question  is  diffi- 
cult. One  may  observe  the  fact  yet 
not  be  able  to  explain  the  fact.  Al- 
though I have  had  extended  dealings 
with  girls  in  camps,  I do  not  profess, 
I do  not  assert  my  ability  to  propound 
a complete  theory,  but  I should  say 
that  there  is  something  about  all  young 
people  that  is  gangish.  I do  not  know 
that  the  word  is  in  the  dictionary  but 
you  see  it  exemplified  every  day  in  a 
camp.  W e older  ones  have  resources 
in  ourselves.  We  can  get  along  fairly 
well  even  in  solitude  but  even  we  fre- 
quently feel  the  need  of  other  human 
beings  to  whom  we  may  speak. 
Healthy,  happy  girl  or  boy  is  usually 
contented  only  with  others  of  the  same 
age. 

Sometimes  it  is  a painful  blow  to 
parents  to  learn  that  we  are  not  so 
much  to  our  children  as  we  supposed. 
The  real  inspirations  to  young  people 
come  from  those  with  whom  they  as- 
sociate. and  the  more  intimate  and  per- 
sonal the  association  the  greater  the 


84 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


influence.  A good  camp  is  composed 
of  youthful,  selected  personalities.  It 
is  a sort  of  melting  pot  to  mint  the 
best  youthful  characteristics.  One  can- 
not analyze  every  psychological  or 
physical  phase  of  the  problem.  There 
are  other  things  in  life  in  the  same 
category. 

You  are  laboring  under  a loving  de- 
lusion when  you  think  you  are  all  in 
all  to  your  child.  “I  could  not  bear  to 
have  her  away  from  me.  She  knows 
that  mother  is  the  best  friend  she  has 
in  the  world.”  That  may  be  true,  yet 
the  fond  mother  has  her  limitations. 
There  are  many  things  that  she  cannot 
do  to  that  child  and  when  she  attempts 
to  take  the  entire  responsibility  the 
greater  the  danger  of  doing  injury  to 
her  beloved  daughter.  “It  would  be 
absolute  cruelty  to  her  and  to  me  to 
take  my  daughter  away  from  me  for 
two  months  in  the  summer,”  exclaims 
the  fond  mother.  “You  do  not  know 
what  companions  we  are  and  what 
good  times  we  have  in  each  other’s 
company.” 

Oil,  yes,  I do.  I know  all  about  it. 
One  of  the  defects  of  human  nature  is 
to  think  that  the  whole  world  centers 
in  us.  I have  felt  in  that  same  way.  I 
thought  that  in  many  things  the  cogs 
would  get  blocked  and  wedged  if  I was 
not  around  to  manage  the  machine.  It 
comes  as  a painful  mental  jolt  to  learn 
that  much  as  I am  appreciated  certain 
others  are  appreciated  even  more.  I 
was  once  talking  with  a fond  mother 
about  her  personal  relation  to  her 
daughter,  and  how  her  daughter  adored 
her.  . A few  minutes  later  she  called 
the  daughter  into  the  room.  I wish  I 
could  have  taken  a photograph  of  the 
look  of  astonishment  that  came  into 
that  mother’s  face  when  the  daughter 
expressed  in  emphatic  terms  her  un- 
willingness to  go  that  summer  to  the 
country  home  but  her  special  desire  to 
accompany  Daddy  Bigelow  to  camp. 

The  mother  was  appalled.  “Do  you 
mean  to  say  that  you  would  rather  go 
with  him  than  with  your  father  and 
me  to  our  summer  home,  and  have  all 
the  parties  and  everything  else  that  we 
would  give  you?”  When  the  girl  left 
the  room  I said,  “She  has  come  to  one 
of  the  turning  points  in  her  life.  If  I 
may  paraphrase  all  that  she  has  said, 
‘Now,  dear  mother,  when  I was  a baby, 
I thought  like  a baby  and  you  treated 
me  like  a babv.  but  now  I have  become 


a girl  and  I like  to  do  things  for  my- 
self in  a girlish  way  like  other  girls.’  ” 

That  is  all  there  is  to  it.  The  mother 
had  no  reason  to  think  the  daughter 
was  rejecting  her  affection.  The  girl 
appreciated  her  mother  as  much  as 
ever,  even  more  perhaps,  but  she  was 
entering  upon  a new  era  when  she  did 
not  want  to  be  led  around  at  the  end 
of  an  apron  string.  She  wanted  to  do, 
think,  act  for  herself.  That  was  some 
two  years  ago.  The  girl’s  development 
has  been  all  that  any  fond  mother  and 
father  could  have  desired.  It  has  been 
a delight,  because  both  parents  had  the 
good  sense  to  learn  then  and  there  that 
they  were  not  as  important  as  they 
imagined  for  the  development  of  that 
girl.  They  accepted  the  condition  in 
the  right  spirit  and  in  the  words  of  the 
novel,  “They  lived  happily  ever  after- 
wards.” 

No  amount  of  parental  love  can 
compensate  her  for  the  loss  of  young 
companionship.  Bread  may  be  the  staff 
of  l.fe  but  other  things  are  needed  to 
make  the  handle  to  the  staff.  Home  in- 
fluence, school-teachers  are  necessary, 
so  far  as  they  go,  but  there  are  other 
concomitants  as  necessary,  and  any 
parent  who  can  afford  it  yet  deprives 
a girl  of  two  months  in  a camp  is  un- 
consciously, through  her  mistaken  af- 
fection, depriving  that  daughter  of  one 
of  the  most  important  conditions  of 
development  of  girl  nature. 

There  is  another  argument  equally 
fallacious  and  no  less  subtle.  “Oh, 
yes,  I know,  Mr.  Bigelow.  You  are  a 
naturalist  and  think  all  the  world 
swings  around  trees  and  birds,  flowers, 
bugs  and  such  things  and,  yes,  I will 
give  you  credit  for  outdoor  life  in  gen- 
eral.” Then  comes  that  delightful  smile 
intended  to  clinch  the  argument,  “I 
agree  with  you  perfectly.  From  my 
childhood  I have  adored  all  those 
things  and  realized  the  value  they  have 
been  to  me  and  am  thoroughly  deter- 
mined not  to  deprive  my  daughter  of 
the  benefits  of  any  of  them.  So  every 
summer  we  take  her  to  our  country 
home  where  are  the  most  picturesque 
roads  you  have  ever  seen ; she  has  a 
pony  to  ride ; the  governess  takes  her 
into  the  back  yard  and  lets  her  play  in 
a nice  tent  that  we  got  especially  for 
her.  You  should  come  and  see  the  de- 
lights of  that  little  tent  in  our  back 
yard.  She  has  the  sweetest  governess 
in  the  world  and  they  are  as  fond  of 


THE  OUTDOOR  WORLD 


each  other  as  any  two  sisters  could  be.” 

Dear  mother,  you  mean  every  word 
of  that.  Honestly  you  do,  but  pardon 
me.  I would  like  to  leave  the  room  to 
shed  tears  of  sorrow  at  the  hopeless- 
ness of  your  fond  delusion.  That 
daughter  endures  the  governess  and 
the  little  tent,  partly  because  she  has 
not  known  anything  else  and  partly 
because  she  cannot  get  anything  else. 

But  some  day  if  you  will  visit  a good 
camp  you  will  realize  that  you  are  on 
the  wrong  road.  The  esprit  de  corps  of 
a girl’s  camping  with  her  peers  is  just 
about  as  different  from  that  governess 
and  her  little  tent  in  the  back  yard  as 
were  Robinson  Crusoe  and  his  man, 
Friday,  from  the  social  set  in  which 
you  so  much  delight.  You  do  not  em- 
ploy a dancing  master  and  retire  from 
the  world  to  hop  upon  some  little  lone 
platform  in  the  valley.  No,  you  like  to 
get  in  the  set  with  others.  You  like  to 
feel  you  are  one  of  many.  You  are  at 
home  with  those  whose  society  you 
love  and  who  love  you.  Unless  you 
want  to  wring  tears  of  compassion 
from  me.  do  not  tell  me  another  word 
of  that  little  tent  with  the  sweet  gov- 
erness and  the  tree  in  the  back  yard. 
It  is  about  as  far  removed  from  camp- 
ing for  a girl  as  the  north  pole  from 
the  equator.  The  governess  is  right 
until  the  girl  is  about  nine  years  of 
age.  The  value  of  the  teacher’s  contin- 
uous presence  with  the  child  ends 
where  the  camp  begins  and  that  is 
when  the  girl  is  about  nine  years  of 
age.  No,  that  is  not  too  young.  Do 
you  not  know  that  the  girl  is  always  a 
little  older  in  her  ambitions  than  she  is 
in  your  mind? 

Haven’t  you  and  I lived  long  enough 
to  learn  the  simple  lesson  about  which 
we  sometimes  theorize,  sometimes  talk, 
yet  sometimes  fail  to  let  it  permeate 
our  life  so  as  to  result  in  action  ? Love 
is  the  greatest  thing  in  the  world.  It 
is  the  love  and  the  companionship  of 
human  beings  that  engender  happiness. 
It  is  not  banks,  it  is  not  automobiles, 
no,  I will  be  frank  and  take  you  into 
my  own  field,  it  is  not  even  good  old 
Mother  Nature.  With  my  appreciation 
of  the  delights  of  the  forest,  the  fields, 
the  meadows,  the  microscope,  the  teles- 
cope, the  grandeur  of  the  heavens  and 
the  wonders  of  the  invisible,  I will  be 
frank  with  you  and  say  that  all  these 


85 

things  put  together  in  a day  do  not 
give  me  a tithe  of  the  happiness  that  a 
kind  word  of  love  and  appreciation 
sometimes  gives.  Expressions  of  com- 
radery  do  not  come  from  trees  nor  but- 
terflies, but  from  people,  and  the  nearer 
those  people  are  to  your  own  walk  in 
life,  the  better  they  understand  you  as 
you  know  they  do,  and  the  greater  is 
the  happiness  their  appreciation  gives 
you.  That  is  the  secret,  that  is  why  a 
girl  likes  camp.  She  is  with  her  com- 
peers. She  matches  her  royal  good  na- 
ture with  that  of  others,  and  when  she 
goes  to  bed  at  night  in  her  bungalow, 
she  is  not  grateful  to  her  canoes  nor 
her  horses,  nor  even  to  the  councilors, 
nor  the  good  food  of  the  dining  room, 
but  what  makes  her  happy  is  that  she 
has  had  a good  time  with  girls  who 
have  responded  in  kind  to  her  own  na- 
ture. She  has  made  them  happy  and 
they  have  reciprocated  in  kind. 

Let  me  tell  you  that  the  best  thing 
you  can  do  for  your  daughter  is  to  send 
her  away  from  you  for  a summer  to  a 
first-class  camp.  Send  her  with  some 
one  that  knows  camps  and  will  see  that 
she  gets  started  on  the  right  road  in 
the  right  spirit.  It  may  come  as  a 
shock  to  you  if  I tell  you  that  I can 
take  your  daughter  out  of  a beautiful 
home  and  insure  her  happiness  in  a 
high  grade  camp  and  do  her  a better 
and  greater  service  than  father  and 
mother  both  can  do.  If  I had  started 
out  with  that  proposition  it  would  have 
immediately  incited  a spirit  of  opposi- 
tion and  antagonism.  You  would  have 
said,  “We  are  more  to  our  daughter 
than  you  or  any  camp  in  the  world  can 
be.”  But  is  it  "true? 

The  great  art  of  getting  along  in  this 
world  is  after  all  to  be  a good  mixer. 
The  world  is  made  up  mostly  of  people. 
It  is  these  people  that  can  make  or  un- 
make our  prosperity,  increase  our  ad- 
versity and  bring  us  happiness  or  sor- 
row. Let  us  start  early  to  learn  the  les- 
son of  getting  along  with  others. 

I have  already  said  a good  deal  but 
there  is  much  more  I should  like  to  say, 
but  that  I reserve  for  personal  conver- 
sation. Invite  me  to  call  on  you  some 
evening,  and  I will  answer  all  the  ques- 
tions you  wish  to  ask.  Address  Edward 
F.  Bigelow,  ArcAdiA  : Sound  Beach, 
Connecticut. 


86 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


Photographic  Initials  of  Poultry. 

Through  the  kindness  of  “The  Poul- 
try Item,”  Sellersville,  Pennsylvania, 
we  publish  a cut  of  the  photographic 
initials  P.  P.  F.  formed  by  the  single 
comb  white  Leghorns,  and  taken  at  the 
Pennsylvania  Poultry  Farm,  Lancas- 
ter, Pennsylvania.  Most  of  us  have 
seen  the  American  dag  and  other  de- 
signs made  with  human  beings  prop- 
erly arranged,  and  some  elaborate  fig- 


ures of  the  soldiers  during  the  war,  a 
comparatively  easy  task  as  the  actors 
were  under  orders  and  would  “stay 
put.”  But  this  poultry  farm  excels  us 
at  ArcAdiA  if  the  owners  can  make  a 
white  Leghorn  hen  stay  for  half  a min- 
ute where  she  is  put. 

Another  thing  that  interests  us  in 
this  unique  photograph  is  the  fact  that 
the  hens  are  so  evenly  distributed  over 
the  letters.  We  suppose  the  design  was 
marked  out  with  food  attractive  to 
these  restless  birds,  but  that  does  not 
solve  the  problem.  According  to  our 
experience  with  white  Leghorns,  in 
such  conditions  they  would  pile  them- 
selves together  two  or  three  deep  in 
one  spot,  eat  that  place  clean  and  pro- 
ceed to  clear  up  another  without  the 
slightest  hesitation. 

Observe  that  there  are  only  six  or 
seven  scattering  or  detached  hens  in 
the  entire  picture.  With  so  big  a flock 
it  is  astonishing  that  so  few  were  af- 
flicted with  the  hen’s  usual  lack  of  com- 
mon sense,  especially  among  hens  so 
nervous  as  the  white  Leghorn.  We  un- 
derstand that  the  white  Leghorns  at 
the  Pennsylvania  Poultry  Farm  are 
good  layers.  “The  Poultry  Item”  has 
published  their  remarkable  record.  But 
the  magazine  has  not  done  justice  to 
the  photographer’s  skill  nor  to  the  un- 
usual common  sense  of  the  hens 
— or  shall  we  say  their  commendable 
obedience  ? 

We  therefore  offer  our  appreciation 
of  the  photographer’s  technique,  and 
feel  sure  that  even  the  professional 
artist  will  recognize  the  difficulties  that 
have  been  so  perfectly  overcome.  In 
regard  to  the  docility  of  the  hens  we 
are  speechless. 


Our  Camping  Place. 

Around  our  camping  place, 

As  far  as  we  can  see. 

Unbroken  forest  reigns, 

In  its  entirety. 

Tiers  on  tiers  of  trees 
In  deepest  living  green, 

Rear  majestic  heads, 

And  dominate  the  scene. 

With  the  ocean  they  compare 
As  an  impressive  sight. 

Or  with  the  mountains  vast, 

Or  starry  hosts  at  night. 

Their  breath,  the  breath  of  life, 

Is  offered  free  to  all 
Who  leave  for  such  retreat 
A city  roof  and  wall. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


THE  OUTDOOR  WORLD 


87 


An  Eleven  Inch  Wasp  Nest. 

BY  FRAN’CIS  ROLT-WHEELER,  BEE  TREE  P.  0., 
NORTH  CAROLINA. 

I send  you  herewith  a small  box  con- 
taining chambers  of  the  nest  of  a mud 
dauber  of  the  wasp  family.  It  was 
built  on  the  door  of  my  bungalow.  The 
chambers  forwarded  contain,  in  the 
upper  one,  a larva  beginning  the  pupa 
stage ; in  the  lower,  larva  in  the  larval 
form.  You  will  notice  also  several 
specimens  of  a spider,  apparently 
pierced  in  the  ganglion  or,  as  Fabre 
suggests,  in  the  body  only,  and  para- 
lyzed as  is  the  manner  of  certain  wasps 
preparing  a food  supply  for  carnivor- 
ous larvae. 

The  nest  was  approximately  eleven 
inches  in  length  but  this  morning,  pos- 
sibly because  of  an  unwitting  violent 
closing  of  the  door,  one-half  of  the  nest 
was  found  fallen  on  the  ground.  The 
spiders  were  in  the  state  forwarded. 
Some  were  clearly  dead,  others  as  clear- 
ly alive  but  unable  to  move,  yet  others 
able  to  make  slight  movements.  We 
have  closely  observed  this  wasp  build- 
ing her  nest,  yet  have  never  observed 
her  bringing  in  any  such  spiders. 


Butterflies  and  the  Droppings  of  Birds. 

From  Dr.  Francis  Rolt-Wheeler,  Bee 
Tree  P.  O..  North  Carolina,  comes  this 
interesting  note  on  butterflies : 

We  have  observed  many  butterflies 
here  which  nourish  themselves  mainly 
on  the  droppings  of  birds,  softening 
them  with  liquid  excrement.  These  but- 
terflies are  attracted  by  anything  white, 
such  as  a small  morsel  of  paper  or  a 
piece  of  broken  china.  They  are  seen 
here  in  great  numbers. 


Heard  the  Piping  Note  of  a Worker 
Bee. 

In  a personal  letter,  Mr.  Frank  B. 
Hopkins,  Esparto,  California,  makes 
note  of  the  following  astonishing  ob- 
servation : 

“Have  you  ever  been  able  to  locate 
a laying  worker?  Mr.  Ralph  Benton, 
son  of  Frank  Benton,  was  conducting 
classes  in  bee  culture  at  Ontario  this 
summer.  One  day  while  inserting  a 
frame  of  queen  cells  we  were  able  to 
locate  a worker  by  her  piping  note. 
Such  plaintive  evidence  of  anxiety  and 
distress  I have  seldom  heard  from  a 
lowly  creature.  There  was  an  appeal 


in  it  to  me,  as  though  the  poor  thing 
recognized  the  end  of  her  usefulness 
and  was  singing  like  the  wives  of  old 
before  their  sacrifice  on  the  pyre.” 
Not  all  of  11s  who  have  worked  ex- 
tensively with  honeybees  have  heard 
even  the  piping  of  the  queen,  much  less 
the  piping  of  a worker  bee.  1 his  is  an 
unusual  observation  by  a trustworthy 
observer. 


A Brave  Nuthatch. 

New  Haven,  Connecticut. 
To  the  Editor: 

The  other  day  a nuthatch  came  to 
an  elm  tree  in  front  of  my  home.  A 
pair  of  English  sparrows  were  on  the 
ground  near  by  and  one  of  them  flew 
on  to  the  tree  very  near  the  nuthatch 
intending  to  drive  it  away.  But  instead 
of  leaving  the  sparrow  in  possession 
the  nuthatch  raised  his  wings,  spread 
them  out  as  wide  as  possible  and  made 
a whirring  sound.  The  sparrow  flew 
over  to  his  mate  on  the  ground  and 
after  a short  consultation  they  both 
flew  to  the  tree,  one  on  each  side  of 
the  nuthatch,  determined  to  drive  him 
away.  But  no!  the  brave  little  bird  re- 
peated his  first  performance  with  the 
result  that  both  sparrows  were  fright- 
ened away,  and  so  long  as  I was  able 
to  observe  they  did  not  have  the 
courage  to  return. 

Sincerely  yours, 

May  F.  Fifield. 


A November  Bit. 

Merely  a woodland  pool 
Upon  whose  surface  floats 

A handful  of  autumn  leaves, 

Like  little  fairy  boats. 

Bare  are  the  trees  around, 

For  summer  has  passed  us  by; 

But  beauty  lingers  still 

For  the  nature-loving  eye. 

— Emma  Peirce. 

Little  Mary  came  into  the  house  be- 
draggled and  weeping. 

“My  goodness,”  cried  her  mother ; 
“what  a sight  you  are!  How  did  it 
happen  ?” 

“I  am  s-sorry,  mamma,  but  I fell 
into  a mud-puddle.” 

“What ! with  your  best  new  dress 
on  ?” 

“Y-y-yess,  I didn’t  have  time  to 
change  it.” — Central  Wesleyan  Star. 


Portrait?  and  Habits  of  Our  Bird?.  Pre- 
pared by  Various  Authors.  Edited  by 
T.  Gilbert  Pearson.  Illustrated  with 
One  Hundred  Colored  Plates  by  Louis 
Agassiz  Fuertes.  R.  Bruce  Horsfall.  Ed- 
mund J.  Sawyer.  Allan  Brooks  and  R.  I. 
Brasher:  also  Sixty-nine  Photographs 
and  Drawings  from  Nature.  In  Two 
\ olumes.  Xew  York  City : National  As- 
sociation of  Audubon  Societies. 

Here  is  the  embodiment  of  a good  idea. 
For  many  years  we  have  been  using  the  edu- 
cational leaflets  of  the  National  Association 
of  Audubon  Societies  because  they  contain 
so  much  valuable  text  and  so  many  accurate 
illustrations,  although  they  have  the  disad- 
vantage of  inconvenient  reference.  These 
leaflets  have  now  been  skillfully  edited  by 
Mr.  Pearson  and  arranged  in  two  convenient 
and  well  bound  volumes.  The  text  is  easy 
reading.  The  subheads  are  catchy  and  sug- 
gestive. There  is  an  even  balance  between 
half-tones  from  photographs  and  illustra- 
tions from  beautiful  drawings.  The  various 
chapters  represent  a wide  range  of  author- 
ship by  our  best  ornithologists.  Considering 
it  in  all  its  aspects  it  is  one  of  the  most  in- 
spiring books  about  birds  that  have  come  to 
our  desk.  After  only  a short  reading  the 
reader  wants  to  hasten  out  to  the  fields  to 
see  and  study  the  living  bird'. 

We  welcome  this  delightful  work  of  the 
Audubon  Societies  and  hope  it  will  be  eager- 
ly sought  by  Members  of  The  Agassiz  Asso- 
ciation and  by  our  personal  friends.  We 
recommend  it  heartily  and  assure  the  reader 
that  money  invested  in  the  purchase  of  these 
books  will  pay  a satisfactory  dividend  al- 
though the  purchaser  may  already  have  a 
set  of  the  leaflets. 


The  Strange  Adventure?  of  a Pebble.  By 
Hallam  Hawkswort’n.  New  York  City: 
Charles  Scribner’s  Sons. 

The  poorest  part  of  this  book  is  on  the 
front  cover.  The  title  is  misleading.  The 
author  has  written  a popular,  elementary 
geology  using  a pebble  as  the  text,  but  with 
about  the  same  degree  of  fitness  with  which 
one  might  detail  the  history  of  agriculture 
under  the  title.  A Kernel  of  Corn.  The 
author's  attempt  to  popularize,  evidently  for 
youthful  readers,  the  story  of  the  physical 
constitution  of  the  earth  by  referr’ng  to  the 
earth  as  a large  pebble  is  juvenilizing  for 
the  reason  that  to  a child  a pebble  means  a 
pebble.  A pebble  does  not  connote  the 
earth  nor  the  nebular  hypothes:s  nor  the 
story  of  evolution.  Aside  from  the  mis- 
nomer and  aside  from  the  general  a r of 


overpatronizing  the  dear  little  child,  the 
book  is  a fairly  good  one.  The  author  "‘talks 
down’’  to  the  child.  Some  children  may  like 
to  be  patted  on  the  head  by  a literary  or  a 
scientific  man  and  called  ‘My  dear  Johnny’ 
or  My  dear  Susie.’  Mr.  Hawksworth’s  fault 
is  not  so  great  as  the  more  common  one  of 
personifying  inanimate  objects.  We  are 
pleased  to  note  that  he  does  not  make  the 
old  earth  hop  around  on  Brownie  legs  nor 
load  great  boulders  in  a gocart.  He  has, 
however,  approached  that  method  by  ex- 
pressing serious  facts  in  terms  of  play  but 
even  that  is  not  bad  when  he  calls  his  lit- 
erary notes.  ‘ Hide  and  Seek  in  the  Library.” 
There  is  throughout  the  book  a delightful 
simplicity  and  pleasing  directness  of  style. 
The  language  is  in  the  main  better  than  the 
thought,  evidently  the  result  of  the  author's 
earnest  and  commendable  desire  to  simplify 
the  subject  for  little  folks.  He  has  done 
more  than  that.  He  has  prepared  an  inter- 
esting book  for  older  persons.  Scientific 
subjects  may  be  stated  simply  but  not  in  the 
style  of  ‘‘Dear  little  Oootsie.  Tootsie.”  We 
hope  the  author  will  write  another  book  in 
a similar  simplicity  and  directness  of  style, 
but  without  his  present  painfully  patronizing 
manner.  At  present,  when  he  is  making 
some  of  his  best  and  most  interesting  state- 
ments he  assumes  an  attitude  of  talking 
from  the  colossal  heights  of  "knowing-k- 
ail” down  to  those  who  do  not  know  much 
of  anything.  The  author  is  well  informed 
in  his  subject.  It  may  be  that  what  we 
have  said,  including  what  seems  to  be  un- 
favorable criticism,  is  really  laudatory  of  the 
book.  Perhaps  the  reader  who  has  no  special 
training  in  the  study  of  nature  will  be  de- 
lighted with  the  subject  matter  and  by  the 
author’s  friendly  although  patronizing  con- 
descension. Some  persons  may  like  to  think 
of  our  old  earth  as  a b g pebble.  In  that 
case  what  wou’d  they  call  us  little  chaps 
that  live  on  the  surface  of  the  pebble? 


Waste  Places. 

So  lavish  Mother  Nature. 

So  prodigal  her  store. 

That  even  bare,  waste  places 
Must  e’er  be  sicklied  o’er 
With  the  mantle  of  her  beauty. 

With  a web  of  color  bright. 

That  flashes  in  the  sunshine 
As  facets  catch  the  light. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


AUNT  HANNAH 

SEES  ARCADIA 

Finds  It  a Storehouse  of  Knowledge 
Having  to  Do  with  Nature. 


STILL  IN  INFANCY 

AS  TO  DEVELOPMENT 


Has  a Great  Field  in  Which  to  Use  Its 
Opportunities. 

[From  The  Daily  Advocate,  Stamford, 
Conn.,  Oct.  4,  1921.] 

To  the  Editor  of  The  Daily  Advocate: 

Nestled  in  a wooded  setting  at  Sound 
Beach,  Connecticut,  is  ArcAdiA,  the 
nature  spot  of  an  interesting  study. 
I was  led  to  turn  my  face  in  that  direc- 
tion, knowing  that  a modest  little 
magazine.  The  Guide  to  Nature,  had 
its  source  of  publication  from  that 
center. 

With  a turn  of  mind  to  scan  the  con- 
tents of  books  offered  to  the  reading 
public,  I noted  its  purpose  and  aims,  its 
artistic  beauty  of  finish.  I purposed  at 
the  first  opportunity  to  make  ArcAdiA 
my  point  of  special  interest. 

Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow,  the  manag- 
ing editor.  I had  never  come  into  per- 
sonal acquaintance  with.  His  spirited 
greeting  and  readiness  of  welcome 
were  so  strikingly  apparent  of  one  who 
had  something  to  sell,  I apprehended 
he  wanted  me  to  buy  out  the  entire 
outfit.  I soon  found  it,  however,  the 
very  reverse  of  purpose.  The  only 
thought  in  mind  when  I came  into  view 
of  the  surrounding  was,  have  I lived  in 
Stamford  so  long,  and  overlooked  this 
nature  spot  of  informal  wildness,  with 
its  interesting  enclosure,  its  field  of 
educational  value,  the  character  of 
work,  the  endeavor  set  forth  to  present 
to  the  public  so  varied  an  exhibition  of 
nature’s  common  things  in  such  an  un- 


common method,  the  harmony  which 
I beg  to  note  could  not  be  better  ex- 
pressed than  to  say  it  stands  quite  in 
compact  with  the  personal  proportions 
of  the  good  doctor  himself,  and  carries 
with  it  the  pleasing  cordiality  of  his 
personality. 

I have  before  let  it  be  known  to  the 
people  of  Stamford  that  I am  not  in 
accord  with  what  is  so  insistently  ad- 
vised of  school  studies,  that  knowledge 
is  to  be  taken  largely  out  of  books. 
Academically,  it  may  be  advanced  of 
conception,  but  when  the  wisdom  gath- 
ered and  stored  comes  of  the  Great 
Teacher  out  in  the  open  daylight,  in  the 
practical  lead  of  the  senses  which  come 
in  contact  with  nature’s  range  of 
beauty,  even  of  her  wildness,  and  from 
the  living  creatures  which  have  the 
freedom  to  follow  habits  in  the  wild, 
here  in  ArcAdiA  is  noted  this  character 
of  life.  These  treasures  of  interest 
out  of  a fund  limited  of  resource  as  I 
have  gathered  of  information  in  my 
ramble  over  this  field  of  study,  be  it 
indeed  of  wonderful  accomplishment. 

The  amiable  enterprise  of  The  Agas- 
siz Association  under  management  of 
Dr.  Bigelow  is  not  without  suspicion 
of  the  fact  that  it  needs  the  help  of 
more  liberal  support  than  has  come  to 
it.  It  isn’t  all  for  Sound  Beach  that  I 
make  this  suggestion.  “Stamford  is  my 
home,”  and  there  is  such  a thing  as 
selfish  reflection  that  has  outreaching 
relationship  to  the  surrounding  coun- 
try, and  Stamford  stands  to  come  into 
its  beneficial  welfare  as  well.  The  cause 
in  fact  is  country-wide,  and  appeals  of 
educational  value  everywhere.  Stam- 
ford’s School  Committee  may  not  sanc- 
tion all  I am  about  to  say  on  this  point, 
but  I believe  that,  if  one  day  of  the 
week  were  allowed  the  High  School 
pupils  to  lay  aside  their  books  and  de- 
vote the  day  at  ArcAdiA.  it  would  ad- 


XII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


vance  their  minds  and  strengthen  their 
intellects  to  enable  them  to  obtain  cer- 
tificate of  school  clearance  some  weeks 
ahead  of  what  is  possible  under  any 
system  of  tutelage  they  or  the  school 
faculty  now  use,  and  of  which  in  this 
respect  they  seem  not  to  have  been 
appraised  of.  The  beauty  expressive  of 
ArcAdiA  is  the  lifting  thought  above  a 
pecuniary  profit,  the  love  of  nature  it- 
self. It  would  be  of  little  worth  for 
one  whose  eyes  seek  curiosity  alone, 
and  of  transitory  interest. 

Nature’s  Storehouse. 

I take  it,  ArcAdiA  is  of  storehouse 
character  out  of  which  to  obtain  knowl- 
edge leading  up  to  the  Author  of  all 
being,  setting  forth  in  the  order  of  wis- 
dom the  adaptations  to  the  uses  or- 
dained of  nature.  Yet  even  the  one 
curious,  who  “sees  and  tells,”  may  out 
of  a latent  sense  become  enthused,  and 
so  led  to  grasp  the  true  sense  of  it. 

I noted  in  a letter  by  Dr.  Bigelow, 
appearing  in  The  Daily  Advocate  of 
September  20,  among  other  things 
which  he  mentioned  under  the  ques- 
tion, “What  is  ArcAdiA  for?”  is:  “To 
help  us  to  live,  to  help  us  to  die,  to  help 
us  to  help  the  other  fellow  * * * the 
nature  that  transmutes  itself  into  a 
broader  and  better  life.”  I saw  in 
ArcAdiA  a nature-study  park,  where 
are  to  be  found  things  of  pleasing  in- 
terest of  an  informal  wildness.  The 
more  wild  and  disorderly  of  character, 
paradoxically,  the  truer  and  correctly 
beautiful  does  it  present  itself  to  the 
mind  of  him  who  looks  upon  it. 

I did  not  expect  to  find  elephants. 
Of  the  charming  little  four-footed  crea- 
tures to  be  observed  were  the  squirrels 
— the  nimble  feet  with  the  bushy  tail 
curled  over  the  body  when  respectfully 
engaged  in  disposing  of  some  selected 
morsel  he  has  secured  from  the  locality. 

But  of  the  bees  and  the  honey  of 

bees.  A hive  of  bees  has  only  one 

mother  and  several  thousand  good-for- 
nothings  that  are  kept  to  be  slaugh- 
tered at  a proper  time  of  the  season, 

and  sixty  or  more  thousand  workers  to 
provide  provender  for  the  children.  A 
funny  thing  of  the  bee  is  that  it  swal- 
lows all  the  nectar  it  gathers,  and,  after 
a while,  it  comes  up  manufactured  into 
honey  and  is  then  packed  away  into 
cells. 


Visit  to  Thirteen  Buildings. 

ArcAdiA  has  thirteen  buildings — 
Welcome  Reception  Room,  Office, 
Laboratory,  Wood  - House,  Birchen 
Bower,  Astronomical  Observatory, 
Botany  Bungalow,  Pet  House,  Apiary, 
Rest  Cottage,  Annex,  Serving  House 
and  Storage  Building.  To  each  of  these 
we  were  admitted  and  shown  the  par- 
ticular uses  made  of  them.  Nymphalia 
the  home  of  the  nymphs  of  nature 
study ; exhibitions  with  compound  and 
projection  microscopes  of  best  make; 
an  astronomical  observatory  with  six- 
inch  Clark  telescope.  Little  Japan  has 
Japanese  decorations,  Japanese  ever- 
greens and  shrubs  from  Japan,  a beau- 
tifully decorated  interior.  We  were 
taken  throughout  the  enclosure  of 
about  five  acres,  and  lastly  treated  to 
microscopical  views  of  plant  life  and  of 
insect  nature.  “Knowledge  is  power” 
is  true,  but  behind  it  is  Capital,  the  me- 
dium by  which  it  attains  its  potency. 

ArcAdiA,  though  established  at 
Sound  Beach  but  ten  years  ago,  is 
practically  in  infancy  as  to  develop- 
ment. The  field  is  mighty  large,  and 
the  work  of  that  character  which 
stands  but  second  in  order  to  Chris- 
tianity itself,  because  in  it  is  included 
all  of  moral  grandeur  that  Christianity 
itself  possesses,  and  what  heart  and 
mind  of  man  accepts  of  truths  of  which 
the  heavens  contain  and  of  what  is 
found  in  God’s  secrets  revealed  in  His 
footstool  beneath.  Dr.  Bigelow  has 
opened  to  the  world  in  his  study  of 
nature  his  life’s  interest  and  is  deserv- 
ing of  an  appreciation  which  I am  sur- 
prised has  not  been  accorded  him.  Man- 
kind at  large  is  so  superficially  consti- 
tuted, they  do  not  naturally  tend  to 
more  than  what  commercially  concerns 
them.  To  cultivate  the  fields  for  bread 
and  barter  in  the  markets  is  the  sum- 
mum  bonum  of  their  aspirations.  To 
grow  corn  and  pumpkins  for  money 
value  alone  is  to  miss  the  real  pleasure 
in  living  in  God’s  creation.  One  might 
think  of  the  millions,  and  the  posses- 
sion of  millions  of  wealth,  among  so 
many  that  little  more  than  a few  might 
be  born  at  least  with  a generosity  and 
with  liberality  enough  to  bestow  and 
bequeath  to  the  support  and  mainte- 
nance of  at  least  one  such  ArcAdiA 
as  found  at  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 


ARCADIA 


XIII 


Its  Head  a Busy  Man. 

Dr.  Bigelow  betrays  in  all  his  utter- 
ance a persistent  confidence  that  some- 
where at  some  time  somebody  will  so 
loosen  up  on  his  bank  account  as  to 
place  within  his  use  a fund  consistent- 
ly ample  to  found  a Nature  University 
that  will  live  on  when  the  present  field 
workers  are  freed  from  this  life’s  ener- 
gies. It  is  with  much  sympathy  I con- 
fess on  behalf  of  my  friend,  Dr.  Bige- 
low, when  I beheld  the  amount  of  labor 
laid  out  and  in  prospect  before  him  at 
his  desk  and  in  the  laboratory,  the 
work  in  hand  in  management,  of  duties 
attached  to  the  young  ArcAdiA,  the 
publication  of  The  Guide  to  Nature, 
responsive  calls,  and  almost  the  last 
telling  me,  “We  answer  any  question 
of  a nature  character  the  people  want 
to  know.” 

Dr.  Bigelow  has,  besides  his  many 
personal  friends,  a large  acquaintance 
with  some  others — Mr.  Liberality,  Mr. 
Kindness,  Mr.  Cordiality  and  their 
country  cousins  and  aunts. 

Aunt  Hannah. 


Observations  of  Nature  in  ArcAdiA. 

There  are  seven  gray  squirrels  in 
ArcAdiA.  We  have  had  nearly  that 
number  for  several  years.  They  have 
the  freedom  of  the  premises,  and  oc- 
cupy a little  house  in  one  of  our  trees 
and  in  the  back  yard  of  one  of  our 
neighbors,  and  for  a part  of  the  year 
they  have  nests  of  leaves  in  the  tree 
tops.  They  amuse  themselves  by 
scampering  over  the  premises  as  well 
as  over  a large  part  of  Sound  Beach. 
They  are  fond  of  running  on  the  tele- 
phone cables. 

This  year  they  have  acquired  an  en- 
tirely new  habit — that  of  taking  an  ear 
of  sweet  corn  from  the  garden  and 
carrying  it  to  the  top  of  the  fence  or 
even  into  the  tree  top  where  they  strip 
off  the  husks  in  shreds,  eating  the  corn 
and  apparently  all  of  the  cob.  We  have 
never  yet  found  a cob  that  they  have 
dropped  but  only  nearly  pulverized 
pieces.  There  are  some  indications  that 
they  eat  the  pith  as  well  as  the  corn, 
chewing  it  off  as  they  would  gnaw  a 
nut.  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  in  all 
their  audacity  in  helping  themselves 
to  our  corn  they  have  not  left  some- 
where on  the  premises  a corncob  and 
apparently  not  all  the  husks.  It  is  pos- 


sible that  they  may  be  using  the  husks 
to  line  their  nests,  yet  on  that  point  we 
have  no  direct  evidence  other  than  that 
the  amount  of  husks  around  the 
grounds  does  not  equal  the  number  of 
ears  that  they  are  taking. 

This  is  evidently  a new  venture  for 
the  squirrels  and  they  are  in  the  stages 
of  learning  how  to  climb  up  a grape- 
vine arbor  and  carry  with  them  an  ear 
of  corn.  It  was  interesting  recently  to 
witness  the  slow  dawning  of  the  fact 
that  a corncob  may  be  carried  much 
more  easily  by  the  end  than  by  the 
middle.  A squirrel  with  a cob  held  in 
the  middle  made  repeated  efforts  to  go 
up  the  wire  netting  on  which  the  grape- 
vines are  growing.  Finally  he  discov- 
ered that  the  logical  method  is  to 
hold  the  ear  by  one  end  and  climb  up 
backward.  Since  the  squirrel  family 
and  probably  none  of  its  predecessors 
had  ever  had  any  experience  with  the 
ears  of  green  corn  there  was  something 
in  their  conduct  that  approached  pretty 
closely  to  reason  and  invention. 

The  frequent  statement,  made  by 
those  who  do  not  keep  bees  but  do  have 
grapes,  that  the  bees  ruin  their  grapes 
is  without  the  slightest  foundation  in 
fact  so  far  as  the  extensive  crop  of 
grapes  near  our  large  Apiary  is  con- 
cerned. We  have  never  had  a complaint 
from  Sound  Beach  of  bees  eating 
grapes,  but  we  did  have  one  case  where 
the  people  thought,  though  incorrectly, 
that  the  bees  punctured  the  peaches.  It 
was  found  that  the  punctures  were 
made  presumably  by  birds  and  the  bees 
merely  helped  themselves  to  the  exud- 
ing juice.  I have  read  the  statement  in 
bee  journals  that  this  explains  the  bees’ 
attention  to  the  grapes,  but  here  in 
ArcAdiA  they  are  not  guilty  of  even 
that.  There  are  bushels  of  grapes  with- 
in a few  rods  of  the  Apiary  and  never 
yet  have  we  seen  a bee  on  a grape. 
They  will  not  notice  the  grapes  even 
when  a bunch  is  laid  at  the  entrance  of 
the  hive.  We  are  planting  sixty  more 
grapevines  this  year.  We  feel  confident 
that  they  will  be  immune  from  inter- 
ference by  bees.  It  seems  strange  that 
such  a myth  ever  gained  such  credence. 
Barnum  was  right  when  he  said  that 
people  like  to  be  fooled  and  delight  in 
fooling  themselves. 


XIV 


THE  GLIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


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ORCHIDS 

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THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XV 


dodhous^ren  A SIMMER  HOME  ! 

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Dodson  Sparrow  Trap  guaranteed  to  rid  your  community 
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There’s  density  and  definition;  detail  in 
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XVI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BEGINNER’S  BEEKEEPING  OUTFIT 


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THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XVII 


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AMERICAN  MICROSCOPICAL  SOCIETY 

(Founded  in  1878) 

Publishes  Its  TRANSACTIONS  as  a 
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For  information,  write  to 
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Best  wishes  for  your  further  success 
with  this  bright  entertaining  and  most 
instructive  paper. — John  M.  Sheridan, 
Brooklyn,  New  York. 


XVIII 


THE  GL  IDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BOBBINK  & ATKINS 


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S P R I N G - F L O W E R I N G BULBS 
ACS — Ask  for  Special  List.  You  will  be  interested  in  this 
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Ostermoor 


It  yields  comfortably  to  the  shape  of 
the  body,  is  soft  yet  firm,  and  induces 
perfect  relaxation  and  rest.  The  Oster- 
moor Mattress  is  scientifically  built,  not 
stuffed  like  horsehair;  it  cannot  get  out 
of  shape  and  is  sanitary.  Replace  with 
Ostermoor  as  your  old  mattresses  be- 
come uncomfortable. 

At  your  dealer’s,  or  we  will  ship  direct; 
express  prepaid.  Write  for  144-page  Cat- 
alog-mailed free. 

Ostermoor  & Co..  114  Elizabeth  St., 
New  York. 

Canadian  Agency: 

Alaska  Bedding  of  Montreal,  Ltd.,  Montreal 


BRUNSWICK  SCHOOL 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

A Preparatory  Day  School  for  Boys 
in  Stamford,  Greenwich  and 
Port  Chester 

Calls  the  attention  of  possible  patrons 
to  the  fact  that  the  enrolment  for  the 
coming  year  is  complete  in  respect  to  the 
primary  and  lower  school  departments. 
In  these  sections,  further  applications 
can  receive  favorable  attention  only  in 
case  of  unexpected  withdrawals.  There 
are  still  some  vacancies  in  the  Upper 
School. 

Primary  School,  for  boys  6 to  11 
Lower  School,  for  boys  10  to  14 
Upper  School,  for  boys  13  to  19 

For  catalogue,  or  special  information, 
address 

GEORGE  E.  CARMICHAEL, 

Head-master. 

Telephones : 

Office,  Greenwich  318 
Home,  Greenwich  553 


Telephone  179 

THE  BARTLETT  WAY 


Hie  fiarllett  Wav 


is 

THE 

RECOGNIZED 
STANDARD 
of 

TREE 
SURGERY 

Our  work  is  not  local  in  scope  but  is 
available  to  all  tree  owners  within  a 
large  radius. 

The  F.  A.  Bartlett 
Tree  Expert  Co. 

“Tree  Specialists” 


STAMFORD. 
Westbury  - ■ 

Morristown 
Chestnut  Hill 


CONNECTICUT 
- - - - L.  I. 
- - - - N.  J 
Pa. 


KEEP  YOUR  EYES  OPEN ! 
DON’T  BE  BLIND ! 

It  is  a terrible  calamity  to  be  wholly  or 
partly  blind  and  know  it. 

It  is  also  unfortunate  to  be  wholly  or 
partly  blind  and  not  know  it. 

You  have  arrived  in  a wonderfully  in- 
teresting and  beautiful  world  containing 
thousands  of  entertaining,  instructive  and 
inspiring  things. 

If  you  have  not  seen  them,  you  are 
blind  to  them.  You  should  hold  out  your 
hands  and  say,  “Please  guide  me  among 
these  wonderful  things,  please  help  me 
to  see!” 

THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE  will  do  this. 

It  is  published  by 

THE  AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION,  Inc. 

at  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

At  $1.50  per  year. 

EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW,  Editor. 

SEE!  THINK!  TELL! 

The  greatest  joy,  the  greatest  satisfac- 
tion in  the  world  is  comprised  within 
these  three  words. 


Portraits  and  Habits  of  Our  Birds 

Two  volumes  beautifully  bound  in  green  cloth.  Il- 
lustrated with  photographs  and  One  Hundred  of  the 
finest  colored  pictures  of  birds  that  have  been 
issued  in  this  country. 

The  drawings  are  by  Fuertes,  Horsfall,  Brooks  and 
Sawyer.  The  text  and  pictures  comprise  the  first 
one  hundred  Audubon  Educational  Leaflets. 

One  of  the  most  splendid  books  ever  issued  for  bird- 
students. 

These  Books  are  Sold  at  Cost 
$4-00  Each  Prepaid 

Separate  Educational  Leaflets  with  colored  pictures  of  birds  may  be  pur- 
chased at  5 cents  each.  List  on  application. 

NATIONAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  AUDUBON  SOCIETIES 

1974  BROADWAY,  NEW  YORK  CITY 


PALACE  DRESS  SHOP,  Inc. 


INVITES  YOUR  EARLY  INSPECTION 
OF  ITS  DISTINCTIVE  ASSORTMENT 
OF  WEARING  APPAREL  FOR  THE 
MATRON  AND  MISS 


EXCLUSIVE  AGENTS 
FOR 

BETTY  WALES  and  VERITE 

WE  SPECIALIZE  IN  MODELS  TO  SLENDERIZE 
THE  FIGURE  OF  GENEROUS  PROPORTIONS 


278  Atlantic  Street 


Stamford,  Conn, 


• • 


:on 

library 


3cnx% 


MAR  1 3 1964 

HARVARD 
N1VERSITY. 


PUBLISHED  BY 

THE  AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION 

ARCADIA:  SOUND  BEACH,  CONNECTICUT 
EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW,  Managing  Ed.tor 
Subscription,  $1.50  a Year.  Single  Copy,  15  Cents 


FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 

AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 

jEsIiTF-  Smith 

REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 

Stamford.  Connecticut. 

Phones  2916  and  2917,  Stamford 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 

has  good  transportation  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

I have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates,  Shore  and  loianc 
Residences,  Farms,  Acreage,  Cottages  anc 
Building  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selected 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Ren 
tn  all  locations. 

Would  be  pleased  to  have  70U  call  or  writ* 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  Conr. 


/NEW  ENGLISH  TYPE  DWELLING 

AT  SHIPPAN  POINT  ON  SOUND 


FIRuLFIg00iR:  Wl!,e  1,.aH  through  center  of  house,  reception  room,  extensive  living  room  with 
fireP,ace>  very  large  handsomely  finished  dining  room  with  fireplace,  bright  hreakfast 
cmnZFk  *lbTrary’  Pantry,  kitchen,  maid’s  room,  lavatory.  K 

RA^m?mFtLO(?K:  Five  master’s  rooms  and  three  baths,  three  maids’  rooms  and  bath 

1 . Large  laundry,  drying  room,  store  rooms.  Inside  garage  for  two  cars. 

House  attractively  finished 
throughout,  having  electric  light, 
gas.  city  water.  About  two  acres 
of  land,  beach  privileges. 


^ RICE  §55.000.  Terms 

WORTFI  $75,000 


• • 


PUBLISHED  BY 

THE  AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION 

ARCADIA:  SOUND  BEACH,  CONNECTICUT 
EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW,  Managing  Editor 
Subscription,  $1.50  a Year.  Single  Copy,  15  Cents 


FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 

AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 

fEsDTF-  Smith 

REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 
Stamford,  Connecticut. 

Phones  2916  and  2917,  Stamford 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 

has  good  transportation  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

I have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates,  Shore  and  Inland 
Residences,  Farms,  Acreage,  Cottages  anc 
Building  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selected 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Rer. 
to  all  locations. 

Would  be  pleased  to  have  yon  call  or  writ* 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  Coer. 


NEW  ENGLISH  TYPE  DWELLING 

AT  SHIPP  AN  POINT  ON  SOUND  Vt 


FIRST  FLOOR:  Wide  hall  through  center  of  house,  reception  room,  extensive  living  room  with 
large  fireplace,  very  large  handsomely  finished  dining  room  with  fireplace,  bright  breakfast 
Qrro°m’  horary,  pantry,  kitchen,  maid’s  room,  lavatory. 

9ive  Poster's  rooms  and  three  baths,  three  maids’  rooms  and  bath 
I : Large  laundry,  drying  room,  store  rooms.  Inside  garage  for  two  cars. 

House  attractively  finished 
throughout,  having  electric  light, 
gas,  city  water.  About  two  acres 
of  land,  beach  privileges.  Ms 

PRICE  $55,000.  Terms 

WORTH  $75,000 


]arr 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


I 


A.  M.  BOLES 

REAL  ESTATE  AND 
INSURANCE 

SOUND  BEACH,  RIVERSIDE  AND 
VICINITIES 

Office 

SOUND  BEACH  AVENUE 
Opp.  R.  R.  Station 

SOUND  BEACH,  CONN. 

Telephone  546 


The  Walter  Stewart  Co. 

The  Leading  Grocers 
CHOICE  GROCERIES, 

FLOUR  AND  FEED. 
SIX  STORES 

Sound  Beach,  New  Canaan, 

Darien  and  Springdale 

. Telephone  Connection 


EVERYTHING 

ELECTRICAL 

FOR  THE  HOME 

From  Garret  to  Cellar 

Electric  Heaters,  Sewing 
Machines,  Irons,  Vacuum 
Cleaners,  Washing  Ma- 
chines, Percolators, 
Toasters,  etc.,  etc., 

— at — 

THE  STAMFORD  ELEC- 
TRICAL CONTRACTOR 

INCORPORATED 

221  Atlantic  Street 


C.  C.  CLARK’S 

TAXI  SERVICE 

SOUND  BEACH  CONNECTICUT 

TAXI  CABS— BAGGAGE  TRANSFER 
PROMPT  SERVICE  OUR  MOTTO 
Telephone 

271  SOUND  BEACH 

1).  MAHER  SONS  ' 

LEHIGH  COAL,  HYGE1A  ICE 

building  material,  lime,  lath, 

BRICK,  SAND,  CEnENT,  DRAIN  PIPE 
Tel.  130  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

LA  BELLE  BAKERY 

297  Atlantic  Street 
STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

LOUIS  A.  SPEZZANO 

GENERAL  CONTRACTOR 
Post  Road, 

Riverside,  Connecticut. 

Telephone'.  Sound  Beach  145. 


S.  G.  JUDD  STORE 

HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 

Telephone  352 

White  and  Gray  Enamel 
Ware 

Galvanized  and  Tin  Ware 
Aluminum,  Crockery  and 
Glass  Ware 

Baskets,  Cutlery 

43  BANK  STREET 
Stamford,  _ _ Connecticut 


II 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Stamford  Business  Directory 


HOTEL  DAVENPORT 

H.  S.  MOREHOUSE  HOTEL  CO. 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


EVERYTHING  FOR  LADIES'  WEAR 

CALL  ON 

Moltasch,  Ladies’  Outfitter 

210  ATLANTIC  ST.,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 


Telephome,  270  Uptown  Office:  STARK  BROS 

271  40  FARE  ROW 

GHAS.  F.  WATERBURY 
David  Waterbury  & Son 

COAL  DRAIN  PIPE  WOOD 

Crus htd  Stons  for  Walks  and  Drives 
YARDS : Canal  Dock.  STAMFORD.  CONN. 

Telephone  169  Insurance  Appraisals  Made 

WM.  T.  FINNEY,  INC. 

ANTIQUES,  SECONDHAND 

FURNITURE,  STORAGE. 

Office  and  A action  Rooms 

35  Atlantic  Street,  Stamford,  Conn 

Corsets  Fitted  Free  by  Expert  Corsetiere 

Phone  989 

LA  SARETTE  CORSET  SHOP 

STAMFORD  THEATRE  BUILDING 
Stamford.  Connecticut 


BORG  BROTHERS 

Chemical  and  Analytical  Laboratories 
for  Special  Research  Work 

539  MAIN  ST. 

STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

JOHN  PHILLIPS 

Dealer  in 

HOOTS  AND  SHOES 

463  Main  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

FOR  FINE  MILLINERY 
NEWSTAD’S 

3 BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

FRANK  M.  WEST 
HARDWARE 

Paints,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Etc.  House  Furnishings 

18  PARK  ROW  Tel.  Con. 

R.  F.  VOSKA  & SOM 
TAILORS 

444  Atlantic  St.  Stamlord,  Conn. 

Drs.  W.  H.  and  E.  W.  Pomeroy 
DENTISTS 

The  Gurley  Building, 

324Main  St.,  opposite  City  Hall. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


III 


CAMERAS 

ALWAYS  READY 
EASY  TO  OPERATE 


Insert  the  film  and  the  camera  is 
ready  to  operate,  and  so  easy,  by  the 
mere  process  of  pressing  a button 
or  lever.  Failure  is  impossible  if  the 
camera  is  pointed  right.  Even  a child 
can  use  them  with  expert  results. 
Everybody  wants  a camera  and 
everybody  should  have  one  and  our 
assortment  gives  ample  opportunity 
for  selection  with  due  consideration 
to  the  saving  of  money  as  well 


getting  results. 


as 


Phillips’  Gift  Shop 

Gifts  for  All  Occasions 

Diamonds,  Watches, 
Jewelry,  Silver- 
ware, Cut  G l ass, 
Clocks,  Sterling 
and  Ivoroid  Toilet 
and  Manicure  Sets, 
Novelties,  Etc. 

Usual  Amount  of  Engraving  Free. 

A Small  Deposit  Reserves  Any  Article 
Selected. 

Exclusive  Agency  Gorham 
Silverware. 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 

232  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn. 
Established,  1897 

THE  HALLMARK  STORE 


CONN.  RUSTIC  CONSTRUCTION  CO 


ARCHITECTS- 

CRAFTSMEN 

R.  EFILERS 
Greenwich  180 

LOG  CABINS 
CRAFTSMEN’S  HOMES 
RUSTIC  TEA  HOUSES 
BUNGALOWS 
ENTRANCE  GATES 
PERGOLAS 

GRAPE  AND  ROSE  ARBORS 
GARDEN  FURNITURE 
FENCES 

FLOWER  STANDS 
BRIDGES 
BIRD  HOUSES 

RIVERSIDE,  CONN. 

PHONE  SOUND  BEACH  600 


IV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BONBONS  CHOCOLATES 

DELICIOUS  FOUNTAIN  DRINKS 


270  MAIN  STREET 


STAMFORD, 


CONNECTICUT 


Telephone  3415. 


GOOD  HEALTH’S  BEST  FRIEND  IS  WHOLESOME  FOOD 


THE  BEST  INGREDIENTS  make  the  BEST  BREAD! 

Beech  Nut  Bread  is  made  of  Pure  Granulated  Sugar,  Pure  Leaf  Lard,  Pure 
Malt  Extract,  Pure  Eleischmann’s  Yeast,  Pure  Milk  and  Plenty  Of  It,  and 
Pure  Wheat  Flour — and  each  of  these  wholesome,  healthful  ingredients  is  the 
finest  quality  that  money  can  buy. 

NATURALLY— BEECH  NUT  BREAD  IS  MORE  NOURISHING,  AS  WELL 
AS  MORE  DELICIOUS’ 

Baked  Solely  by  the  Marsh  Bakeries,  Inc. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


V 


SILK  HOSIERY  YOU’LL  WANT  FOR  CHRISTMAS  GIFTS 

Advices  from  the  Silk  Hosiery  Section  suggest  the  advantages  of  early 
shopping.  Right  now  a special  advance  Christmas  Selling  is  in  progress — Spe- 
cial styles,  special 

the  lace  and  trimming  STORE  qualities,  s p e c i a 1 

colorings  and  many 
special  prices.  Your 
gift  requirements 
and  personal  needs 
will  be  most  satis- 
factorily served  from 
the  standpoints  of  both 
value  and  preferences 

“A  Pleasant  Place  to  Shop,  with  Always  Something  New  ” 


Established  1853 

THE  GETMAN&  JUDD  CO. 

Lumber  and  Timber  of  all  Kinds 

SPECIALTY:  High-Grade  HARDWOOD  FLOORING 

\fcoroughly  Kiln  Dried  and  stored  in  Steam  heated  build- 
fimg  uatil  delivered  to  our  customers.  Our  steadily  in- 
.reaiiag  trade  in  this  specialty  proves  the  fact  that 
the  country  home  is  not  complete  until  fitted  out  with 
rhi«  beautiful  and  sanitary  furnishing.  Old  Residences 
May  he  greatly  improved  by  laying  thin  floors  over  the 
•Id  oaet. 

CANAL  DOCKS.  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone  2180 


Homes  Near  to  Nature 

Should  he  so  constructed  as  to  give  lasting  satisfaction 
Our  method  of  manufacturing  dependable  Interior  and 
Exterior  house  trim  from  thoroughly  kiln  dried  material 
by  skilled  mechanics  insures  such  satisfaction. 

THE  ST.  JOHN  WOOD  WORKING  CO. 

Canal  Docks  Stamford  Conn. 

Telephone  781 
DIRECTORS 

WALTON  FERGUSON.  Pres.  W.  W.  HEROV 
W.  D.  DASKAM,  Vice  Pres.  Dr.  F.  H.  GETMAN 

W.  H.  JUDD,  Sec.  and  Treas.  F.  W.  BOGARDUS 
J.  G.  WIGG,  General  Manager. 


SEE  US  AND 

SEE  BETTER 

Protect  your  eyes  from  the  daily 
strain  and  sun’s  rays. 


CAMERAS  and  SUPPLIES 
Developing,  Printing 
and  Mounting  .... 

W . A.  MCCLELLAND,  Inc.,  Optomatrlsis-Opticiang 
Slumlord  345  Atlantic  St.,  Connecticut 


STAMFORD  STEAM  LAUNDRY,  Inc. 

Deliveries  to  Sound  Beach  and  Shippan. 
OFFICE  10-12  SUMMER  PLACE 
Telephone,  249.  Stamford,  Conn. 


THE  GAMBLE  MILL  WORK  CO. 


SASH,  DOORS,  BLINDS,  TRIM, 
ETC. 


520  Steamboat  Road 

Greenwich,  Conn. 


THE  GREENWICH  CAB  CO.,  INC. 

Garage,  Taxi  Service,  Tires  and 
Supplies. 

81  Railroad  Ave.,  Greenwich,  Conn. 


VI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NOTH  RE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


MOTORS 

FIXTURES 

APPLIANCES 

MODERN  LABOR  SAVING  MACHINES  FOR 
THE  HOUSEHOLD 

The 

Downes-Smith  Co. 

Electrical  Contractors 

Stamford,  Conn. 

79  ATLANTIC  STREET 

THE  GRUBER 

MAHER BROTHERS 

COMPANY 

CORPORATION 

STAMFORD’S  EXCLUSIVE 

LUMBER,  COAL  AND  WOOD 
LIME,  LATH,  BRICK 
CEMENT,  PLASTER,  ETC. 

WOMAN’S  SHOP 

298  Main  Street 

Office  and  Yards: 

Stamford 

STEAMBOAT  ROAD 

Telephone  2294 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

Telephone  1228 

M ISCELLAiNEOUS 


Free  Vaudeville. 

A vaudeville  show  is  an  unnecessary 
feature  in  the  life  of  the  Little  School- 
teacher. In  her  classroom  she  gets  out 
of  life  what  she  considers  more  than 
her  share  of  fun.  I'll e first  examination 
of  the  year  brought  forth  the  follow- 
ing illuminating  answers,  which  she 
feels  she  must  share  with  less  fortunate 
folks : 

A permanent  set  of  teeth  consists  of 
eight  canines,  eight  cuspids,  two  molars 
and  four  cuspidors. 

Bacteria  is  distributed  by  drinking 
after  people  and  by  all  means  chewing 
their  gum. 

Franklin  went  to  Boston  carrying  all 
his  clothes  in  his  pocket  and  a loaf  of 
bread  under  each  arm. 

The  alimentary  canal  is  in  the  north- 
ern part  of  Indiana. 

Sixty  gallons  makes  a hedgehog. 

Dew  is  caused  by  the  swetting  of  the 
earth. 

I he  stomach  forms  a part  of  the 
Adam’s  apple. 

Hardships  suffered  by  the  Southern- 
ers after  the  Civil  \\  ar : 1 he  wives  of 

aristocrats  and  of  gentle  birth  patiently 
made  their  husbands’  trousers  out  of 
their  own. 

The  hair  keeps  things  from  getting 
into  the  brain. 

The  nails  would  get  very  long  if  we 
did  not  bite  them  off  occasionally. 

Gender  shows  whether  a man  is  mas- 
culine, feminine  or  neuter. 

The  three  heavenly  bodies  are  the 
Father.  Son  and  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Henry  Wadsworth  Longfellow  was 
born  in  Portland,  Me.,  while  his  par- 
ents were  travelling  on  the  Continent. 
He  made  many  fast  friends;  among  the 
fastest  were  Alice  and  Phoebe  Cary. — 
New  York  Sun. 

PRESENTS  FOR  THE 
HOLIDAYS 

Pleasing  Gift  Articles  and  Choice 
Candies. 

Our  High  Grade  Soda  Fountain  Adds  to 

the  Delights  of  Shopping  Here. 

THE 

LAWRENCE  DRUG  STORE 

192  Atlantic  Street 


Troubles  of  an  Astronomer. 

Church  — Who’s  your  friend  you 
were  just  talking  to? 

Gotham — Oh,  that’s  Prof.  Stargazer, 
the  astronomer. 

“He  looks  disappointed.” 

“He  is.” 

“Looking  for  a new  star,  I suppose?” 
“No;  for  a new  house.” — Yonkers 
Statesman. 


THE  LYMAN  HOYT’S 
SON  & COMPANY 

GIFTS  THAT  ENDURE 

The  unusual,  the  beautiful,  the  practi- 
cal sort. 

Odd  Chairs  and  Tables,  Lamps,  Clocks, 
Pictures,  Pottery,  Bookends,  Fire  Sets, 
Andirons,  Desk  Sets,  Incense  Burners, 
Flags  of  All  Nations,  Humidors,  Smok- 
ing Stands,  Candlesticks,  Etc. 

Picture  Frames  to  order. 

“ Furniture  That’s  Different  ” 

THE  LYMAN  HOYT’S 
SON  & COMPANY 

Atlantic  Square  Stamford,  Conn. 
Busy  Since  1837 


BELLE  MEAD  CANDIES 

Apollo  Candies 

Palmer’s  French  Ivory  Smoking  Stands 
Perfume  Sets 

Books,  Postals  and  Booklets 

THE 

WM.  H.  JONES  DRUG  STORE 

421  to  427  Main  Street 


Stamford, 


Conn.  Stamford, 


Conn. 


VIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


APPROPRIATE  GIFTS 

FOR  MEN  AND  BOYS 

which  show  good  taste  and  good  sense 

The  Christmas  present  which  reflects  utility  as  well  as  sentiment  has 
a two-fold  value.  Combine  both  these  desirable  features  in  your 
gifts.  The  suggestions  given  below  by  no  means  exhaust  our  stock 
of  articles  suitable  for  gifts  for  Men  and  Boys.  Come  in  the  store  and 
look  about.  We  will  help  you  in  making  selections. 

SUIT  OF  CLOTHES  OVERCOAT 

MACKINAW  HAT  GOLF  CAP 

SWEATERS  SPORT  HOSE 

MADRAS  SHIRTS  UNDERWEAR 

HANDKERCHIEFS  SILK  TIES  BATH  ROBES 

HOUSE  COATS 


RAINCOAT 
GLOVES 
SILK  SHIRTS 
COLLARS 

PAJAMAS 


QUALITY  — VALUE  — ECONOMY 


THE  HARTWELL  - DELAP  COMPANY 


48-50  PARK  ROW 


Phone  689 


STAMFORD.  CONN. 


Another  Hit  on  the  Professor. 

1'  Professor  X,  a very  absent-minded 
man,  was  being  shaved  by  the  barber. 
] After  the  operation  he  continued  to 
j occupy  the  chair,  and  the  barber,  think- 
j ing  he  had  dozed  off,  said,  “Asleep, 
'•  sir?” 

The  professor  started.  “Bless  me, 
no!”  he  exclaimed.  “I  am  not  asleep. 
The  fact  is  I am  frightfully  near- 
sighted. When  I took  my  glasses  off 
I was  no  longer  able  to  see  myself  in 
j the  mirror  opposite  and  naturally  I sup- 
posed I had  already  gone  home.” — Bos- 
ton Transcript. 


English  as  It  Sounds. 

Here  is  a singular  incident  showing- 
how  easy  it  is  to  mistranslate  an  over- 
heard remark. 

Said  Mrs.  A,  one  of  the  overhearers : 
“They  must  have  been  to  the  zoo,  be- 
cause I heard  her  mention  ‘a  trained 
deer.’  ” 

Said  Mrs.  B : “No,  no.  They  were 
talking  about  going  away  and  she  said 
to  him,  ‘Find  out  about  the  train, 
dear. 

Said  Mrs.  C : “I  think  you  are  both 


wrong.  It  seemed  to  me  they  were  dis- 
cussing music,  for  she  said,  ‘A  trained 
ear’  very  distinctly.” 

A few  minutes  later  the  lady  herself 
appeared  and  they  told  her  of  their  dis- 
agreement. 

“Well,”  she  laughed,  “that’s  certain- 
ly funny.  You  are  poor  guessers,  all  of 
you.  The  fact  is,  I’d  been  out  to  the 
country  overnight  and  I was  asking  my 
husband  if  it  rained  here  last  evening.” 
— Boston  Transcript. 


The  Naturalist  Photographer. 

“Pa.  what’s  a naturalist?” 

“A  naturalist,  my  boy,  is  a queer 
codger.  He’d  much  rather  photograph 
a strange  fish  than  a bathing  beauty  in 
a one-piece  suit.” — Birmingham  Age- 
Herald. 

MCARDLE’S  SEED  STORE 

Florist  and  Seedsman 

SEEDS,  PLANTS,  BULBS,  INSECTICIDES  AND 
FERTILIZERS 

BIRD  HOUSES,  FEEDING  DEVICES  AND  BIRD 
FOODS 

Telephone  317  Merritt  Building 

Greenwich,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


IX 


Burdett-McGillivray  Company 

THE  CHRISTMAS  STORE  FOR  USEFUL  GIFTS 

It  is  so  easy  to  select  something  useful  and  practical — a pair  of  gloves, 
handkerchiefs,  a waist,  a petticoat,  stockings,  a handbag,  dainty  lingerie, 
neckwear,  a bit  of  needlework. 

The  whole  store  is  filled  with  many  beautiful  articles  suitable  for  C hrist- 
mas  giving,  all  moderately  priced. 

Advocate  Building  Stamford,  Conn. 

PHONE  268 


Merrill  Business  College 

Our  Secretarial  Course  prepares  both  Young 
Men  and  Young  Women  to  hold  responsible 
positions. 

Bookkeeping,  Shorthand,  Dictaphone, 

Typewriting  and  English  Branches 

SOUTH  NORWALK  STAMFORD  PORT  CHESTER 


FOR  A MAN’S 
CHRISTMAS 

Choosing  gifts  to  please  men  is  very 
easy — if  you  know  how. 

Doing  it  is  easy  if  you  bring  your  list 
to  this  men’s  store. 

We  cater  to  men  all  year  ’round.  It’s 
our  all  year  business  to  please  them. 
Everything  we  sell  is  chosen  to  sat- 
isfy their  critical  taste. 

W hy  worry  now,  or  be  sorry  later 
when  it  is  so  very  easy  to  be  abso- 
lutely sure  of  a whole-hearted  “thank 
you”  on  Christmas  morning? 


THE 

COMES-NORTHROP  CO. 

445  MAIN  STREET 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


OUR  FALL 
CATALOG 

of  BULBS,  HERBACEOUS 
PERENNIALS,  ROSES, 
GRAPES,  ETC.,  is  ready. 

If  you  have  not  received  a 
copy,  send  for  it  today.  It’s  free. 

We  want  you  to  know  that 
we’re  here  to  serve  you.  Yes,  at 
your  service. 

MORAIO  BROTHERS 

SEEDSMEN,  NURSERYMEN, 
FLORISTS. 

Rye,  N.  Y.,  and  Stamford,  Conn. 


X 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATO  EE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


The  Trading  Place  of  Over  Half  a Century 

THE  C.  0.  MILLER  CO. 

EST.  1868 

NOW  COMES  THE  SEASON  OF  CHRISTMAS 

and  it  finds  the  store 
Ready  with  Merchandise 
Ready  with  displays  of  special  attraction 
Ready  with  improved  service 
Ready  with  the  new  low  prices 
At  Christmas  Time 

THIS  STORE  IS  A VERITABLE  GIFT  SHOP 

brimful  of  helpful  suggestions 

Just  drop  in  tomorrow  and  see  for  yourself. 

On  our  third  floor  the  Christmas  assortments  of  china,  cut  glass  and  novelties  are  in 
much  greater  assortment  than  usual.  The  new  electric  lamps  and  shades,  in  our  special 
room,  you  must  be  sure  to  see.  On  the  second  floor  every  inch  of  space  is  occupied 
with  displays  of  ladies’,  misses’  and  children’s  ready  to  wearables. 

Large  stocks  of  waists,  dresses  and  eoats  offer  excellent  gifts.  Our  Drapery,  Lug- 
gage and  Carpet  Departments  follow  next — full}'  stocked  and  at  your  service. 

The  first  floor  is  resplendent  with  newly  illuminated  cases — with  every  department 
trying  to  outdo  the  other — trying  to  outdo  each  other  in  attracting  and  serving  you. 

Do  not  delay.  “ SHOP  EARLY  ” is  good  advice. 


[54*] 


THE  C.  O.  MILLER  CO. 

Atlantic  Square  Stamford,  Conn. 


[54th] 


The  LOCKWOOD  & PALMER  Co. 


92  PARK  PLACE 
(Cor.  Summer  Street) 
STAMFORD,  - CONN. 
Telephone  Connections 


Wholesale  and  Retail 
Dealers  in 

HARDWARE 

AGRICULTURAL 
IMPLEMENTS 
House  Furnishings,  Etc. 

TO  O L S 

OF 

All  Kinds 


GIFT  OF 

CHARLES  WILLIAM  ELIOT 

<2.  <&  *T  jlVt-.  \ A CL  'is 


Published  monthly  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 
Subscription,  51.50  a year  Single  copy,  15  cents 

Entered  as  Second-Class  Matter  June  12,  1909.  at  Sound  Beach  Post  Office,  under  Act  of  March  3,  1897. 
Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special  rate  of  postage  provided  for  in  Section  1103,  Act  of  October  3,  1917, 

authorized  on  June  27.  1918. 

Volume  XIV.  DECEMBER,  1921  Number  7 


The  Advantages  Offered  by  Caged  Animals. 


The  Humane  Societies  are  saying  a 
good  deal  about  the  discomfort  of  pets 
not  properly  cared  for.  These  well 
meaning  remarks  are  right  so  far  as 
they  refer  to  actual  cruelty  caused  by 
lack  of  care.  In  that  respect  we  heart- 
ily agree  with  them,  but  to  the  con- 
siderate naturalist  it  is  evident  that 
one  may  become  better  acquainted  with 
a four-footed  animal  or  a bird  in  cap- 
tivity than  by  any  other  method.  This 
we  found  true  with  a raccoon  that  was 
a resident  in  ArcAdiA  and  was  at  first 
fed  by  the  aid  of  a nursing  bottle  and 
afterward  treated  to  toast  and  ginger- 
bread, his  favorite  diet.  That  coon 
came  to  us  without  any  seeking.  In 
fact  there  was  nothing  to  do  but  “bring 
it  un”  or  let  it  die  in  babyhood.  Never 
again  do  1 want  to  go  coon  hunting. 
In  fact  I have  not  been  coon  hunting 
for  half  a century  and  I will  never  go 
again. 

Recently  my  daughter  discovered  an 
osprey  standing  by  our  Welcome  Re- 
ception Room  apparently  uninjured 
and  looking  around  as  kindly  and  in 
as  friendly  a manner  as  if  that  were 
the  proper  place  for  an  osprey.  Fear- 
ing the  sharp  talons  I put  on  heavy 
gloves  but  these  were  not  necessary, 
as  the  bird  made  no  effort  to  escape  nor 
to  scratch  or  bite.  It  seemed  at  once 


perfectly  at  home.  It  would  not  eat 
fish  voluntarily  but  a liberal  supply 
was  put  down  its  throat.  On  examina- 
tion we  found  that  one  leg  had  been 
injured,  evidently  by  a shot.  The  un- 
injured wings  were  large  and  beauti- 
ful and  measured  more  than  five  feet 
from  tip  to  tip. 

I thought  I knew  an  osprev  because 
I had  read  and  admired  Air.  Clinton  G. 
Abbott’s  monograph  on  this  interest- 
ing bird  and  especially  appreciated  the 
beautiful  photographs  by  himself  and 
Mr.  Howard  H.  Cleaves  with  which  he 
illustrates  it.  But  even  their  studies 
and  extended  experience  in  photo- 
graphing ospreys  have  left  unknown 
some  desirable  things  that  one  learns 
in  the  actual  handling  of  the  bird.  The 
books  say  that  an  osprey  is  a harmless 
bird  but  this  one  proved  to  be  more 
than  that. 

There  waS  something  in  its  attitude 
that  would  endear  it  to  any  one  holding 
it.  With  its  sharp  claws  and  with  its 
formidable  looking  beak  there  surely 
was  something  decidedly  dangerous  in 
its  appearance  but  only  in  appearance. 
The  fact  that  the  bird  refrained  from 
attack  gave  one  a feeling  for  it  closely 
akin  to  love  and  suggested  the  delight- 
ful thought  that  that  love  might  be  re- 
ciprocated. which  as  an  actual  natural 


Copyright  1921  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


yo 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


history  fact  it  probably  was  not.  But  if 
one  were  disposed  to  philosophize  per- 
haps the  osprey’s  deceptive  appearance 
of  love  is  not  the  only  case  of  that  kind 
that  has  occurred  in  this  world. 

The  bird’s  eyes  had  a kindly  and 
beautiful  look  and  its  physical  expres- 
sion was  all  that  could  be  imagined  to 
increase  the  attractiveness  of  such  a 
beautiful  bird.  It  is  with  some  consid- 
erable degree  of  self-control  that  I re- 


the  glass  for  the  north  side  of  his  nest 
and  his  window  was  the  size  of  a quar- 
ter dollar.  I had  to  cut  it  off  the  glass 
where  it  had  been  well  fastened  by 
about  three  circles  of  its  form. 


An  Artistic  Grasshopper  or  Cricket. 

BY  C.  D.  ROMIG,  AUDENRIED,  PENNSYLVANIA. 

This  season  I found  on  a lawn  a 
number  of  odd  forms  of  clover  leaves. 
As  a rule  the  three  on  a stem  were 


THE  WOUNDED  OSPREY  THAT  CAME  TO  ARCADIA  AND  WAS  TENDERLY  CARED  FOR 

TILL  IT  DIED. 


frain  from  telling  the  reader  that  that 
osprey  actually  reflected  my  daughter's 
facial  expression  of  pleasure  as  she 
fondled  it.  But  then,  as  Caesar  said, 
“People  easily  believe  that  which  they 
wish,”  and  I fear  that  I.  with  other 
lovers  of  pets,  like  to  think  that  the 
osprey  was  enjoying  the  caresses. 

If  it  didn’t  that  was  not  our  fault 
for  we  did  all  we  could  up  to  the  time 
when  it  seemed  best  to 'set  the  bird 
free  by  placing  it  as  a beautifully 
mounted  specimen  in  the  Bruce  Mu- 
seum at  Greenwich. 


Hornet’s  Nest  on  Window. 

BY  C.  D.  ROMIG.  AUDENRIED,  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Recently  I found  a small  hornet’s 
nest  fastened  to  the  middle  sash  of  a 
garage  window,  through  which  I was 
able  to  watch  the  hornet  at  work.  The 
insect  saved  time  and  material  by  using 


much  alike,  no  matter  how  freakish 
the  form.  In  a few  cases  each  leaf  was 
pierced  by  a small  hole  that  I was  told 
was  the  work  of  hoppers.  It  appears 
that  the  hopper  closed  each  leaf  like  a 
book,  just  one  fold  and  one  bite  a la 
sandwich  and  the  trick  was  done.  The 
leaf  when  it  opened  had  a uniform 
shape  and,  odd  enough,  the  triplets 
were  alike  excepting  perhaps  where  the 
hopper  had  been  interrupted. 

A Suggestion. 

Mr.  Romig  has  sent  us  a number  of 
the  clover  triplets  and  there  surely  is 
uniformity  of  the  holes  similar  to  cut- 
ting folded  paper.  It  is,  however, 
somewhat  to  be  doubted  “that  the  hop- 
per closed  each  leaf  like  a book.”  Can 
it  be  that  the  hopper  eats  only  after 
dark  when  the  clover  leaves  are  folded 
in  “sleep?” — Ed. 


A HUG!*:  AMERICAN  SNOWBALL 


9i 


A Huge  American  Snowball. 

BY  CHARLES  XEVF.RS  HOLMES,  NEWTON, 
MASSACHUSETTS. 

Of  course  all  of  us  have  at  some  time 
in  our  lives  thrown  one  or  more  snow- 
balls. Even  older  men  like  to  see  how 
far  they  can  hurl  one  of  these  closely 
compacted  balls,  to  compare  the  dis- 
tance it  will  go  with  that  which 
it  went  many  years  ago.  And  if  the 
thrower  be  a man  who  has  completed 
his  fiftieth  year,  he  will  probably  derive 
little  satisfaction  from  his  attempt. 


aware,  more  snow  is  precipitated  dur- 
ing some  years  than  during  other 
years.  Therefore,  we  must  compute 
the  average  annual  snowfall.  This  av- 
erage annual  snowfall  amounts  to  as 
much  as  ten  to  thirty  feet  in  the  Sierra 
Nevada  region,  to  about  eight  feet  in 
the  state  of  Maine,  while  in  certain 
parts  of  our  country  there  is  little  or  no 
precipitation.  Our  forty-eight  United 
States  contain  a total  area  of  about 
eighty  trillion  square  feet  and,  if  we 
subtract  from  this  the  area  upon  which 


A NATIONAL  UNITED  STATES  SNOWBALL,  COMPARED  WITH 
/64  WASHINGTON  MONUMENTS  AND  9 A GREAT  PYRAMIDS. 


164 

WASHINGTON 

MONUMENTS 


17  N7/LES 


Not  only  his  range  but  also  his  ac- 
curacy will  be  sadly  impaired.  He  will 
not  be  able  to  hit  even  a barn  door,  and 
it  may  be  that  he  cannot  throw  a snow- 
ball as  far  as  that  door. 

(You  don’t  “hit”  me,  even  at  sixty- 
one!  E.  F.  B.) 

Now  snowballs  vary  in  size  accord- 
ing to  the  individual  bigness  of  the 
hands  which  form  them.  Some  boys 
and  girls  make  large  snowballs,  other 
boys  and  girls  very  small  ones.  It  is 
probable  that  a snowball  having  a 
diameter  of  about  two  and  one-half 
inches  would  approximate  the  average 
size  of  all  the  snowballs  which  were 
ever  thrown.  Of  course  several  boys 
together  can  roll  up  a tremendous 
snowball,  but  neither  they  nor  all  the 
boys  and  girls  in  this  country  could 
make  a snowball  as  huge  as  the  one 
about  to  be  described.  Such  a snowball 
would  be  formed  from  the  total  amount 
itf  snow  falling  upon  the  United  States 
during  the  period  of  one  year. 

We  all  know  that  such  a national 
snowball  would  be  a stupendous  one. 
To  find  out  how  large  it  would  be,  we 
first  compute  the  total  amount  of  snow 
falling  upon  the  Lhiited  States  during 
the  course  of  one  vear.  As  we  are  well 


a lesser  amount  of  snow  descends,  we 
have  left  seventy  trillion  square  feet, 
upon  which  will  fall  an  annual  average 
of  a little  under  six  feet.  Then  if  we 
multiply  seventy  trillion  square  feet  by 
this  annual  average,  we  obtain  four 
hundred  trillion  cubic  feet,  and  400,- 
000,003,000,000  cubic  feet  approximate 
the  total  average  yearly  snowfall  in  the 
United  States. 

If  this  stupendous  amount  of  snow 
were  spread  all  over  our  country,  over 
its  3,026,789  square  miles  of  territory, 
each  of  these  square  miles  would  con- 
tain about  one  hundred  and  thirty-two 
million  cubic  feet  of  snow.  In  other 
words,  each  square  mile  of  the  United 
States  would  be  buried  under  some- 
what less  than  five  feet  of  snow.  And 
were  all  this  frozen  precipitation  to 
descend  suddenly  upon  the  city  of 
Washington,  our  Capitol,  would  be 
covered  to  a depth  of  about  thirty-nine 
miles.  And  the  city  of  New  York  would 
be  snowed  under  to  a depth  of  about 
eight  and  two-thirds  miles.  If  all  of 
this  snowfall  were  concrete,  it  would 
make  a road  fifty  feet  wide  and  one 
foot  thick,  extending,  approximately, 
one  and  one-half  billion  miles.  Or  all 
this  concrete  would  build  a solid  tower, 


92 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


1,000  feet  in  length  and  breath  at  its 
base,  over  75.000  miles  in  height.  And 
if  ten  million  boys  and  girls  made 
snowballs  from  this  stupendous  snow- 
fall. at  the  rate  of  2.000.000  per  second, 
never  stopping  until  all  this  snow  was 
used  up,  it  would  take  these  boys  and 
girls,  provided  they  didn’t  grow  up  and 
die  in  the  meantime,  about  thirteen 
hundred  and  forty  years.  Nevertheless, 
such  a long  time  is  not  remarkable 
when  we  consider  that  the  total  amount 
of  snow  falling  annually  upon  the 
United  States  would  make  more  than 
eightv-four  quadrillion  snowballs ! 

And  now  let  us  suppose  that  all  this 
snow  were  rolled  into  one  stupendous 
snowball — what  would  be  the  real 
magnitude  of  such  a frozen  sphere? 
In  the  first  place,  this  huge  American 
snowball  would  have  a diameter  of 
about  seventeen  miles.  That  is  to  say, 
its  diameter  would  more  than  extend 
the  length  of  New  York  City.  Then,  its 
circumference  would  approximate  fifty- 
four  miles  and  its  surface-area  nine 
hundred  and  thirty-nine  square  miles. 
In  other  words,  its  surface-area  would 
equal  about  three  times  that  of  New 
York  City.  As  we  already  know,  the 
volume  of  this  huge  snowball  approxi- 
mates four  hundred  trillion  cubic  feet, 
and  four  hundred  trillion  cubic  feet  ap- 
proximate twenty-seven  hundred  cubic 
miles.  As  we  should  expect,  it  would 
be  a very  heavy  snowball,  weighing 
about  1.250.000.000.000  tons.  Were  it 
to  melt  suddenly,  all  the  water  com- 
posing it  would  fill  a cubic  reservoir 
which  would  be  nearly  six  and  one-half 
miles  in  each  of  its  three  dimensions. 


Some  Mice  Are  Good  Swimmers. 

New  York  City. 

To  the  Editor : 

In  the  current  number  of  The  Guide 
to  Nature  my  friend.  Irving  Bacheller, 
has  certainly  presented  an  interesting 
photograph  of  a trout  and  nine  mice 
from  its  stomach.  Unless  careful  ex- 
amination of  the  mice  was  made  in  re- 
lation to  species  there  might  be  some 
question  if  these  were  “ordinary”  field 
mice.  A number  of  the  lesser  rodents 
are  first-rate  swimmers  and  take  to 
the  water  without  hesitation.  The 
beaver  mouse,  however,  habitually  lives 
in  the  water  much  of  the  time  and  is 
found  swimming  about  among  the 
reeds  in  shallow  waters  where  it  forms 


a prey  for  many  other  fish  beside  trout. 
Pike  and  perch  are  particularly  fond 
of  the  beaver  mice  which  constitute 
rather  an  important  part  of  their  food 
supply,  and  I have  found  this  mouse 
a number  of  times  in  the  stomach  of 
the  jackfish  or  great  northern  pike. 

Among  a good  many  mice  which  I 
have  examined  from  the  stomachs  of 
various  fishes  when  traveling  in  the 
North,  the  beaver  mouse  is  the  only 
one  which  I remember  to  have  found 
serving  as  fish  food  supply.  Doubtless 
any  other  mouse  crossing  a stream 
would  be  eagerly  seized  by  a trout  or 
any  other  fish  which  enjoyed  a de- 
licious morsel.  I once  found  about 
twenty  young  pickerel  in  the  stomach 
of  a two  pound  trout  which  I caught  in 
the  Grand  Lake  Stream  in  Maine. 

Yours  truly, 

Robert  T.  Morris. 


Evergreen  Ferns. 

From  every  knoll  they're  waving. 

As  in  the  Summer  sweet. 

And  when  we  cross  the  woodland, 
Are  crowding  round  our  feet. 

The  "spinulose,”  so  graceful. 

The  hardy  "evergreen.” 

The  "Christmas  fern,”  suggestive 
Of  many  a festive  scene: 

The  little  "poly-podys” 

Clambering  o’er  the  rocks. 

And  in  the  swampy  places. 

The  "crested”  shield,  in  flocks. 

With  Autumn  glories  vanished, 

They  give  us  welcome  cheer, 

And  the  green  torch  of  the  Summer 
Keep  verdant  through  the  year. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


Boulevard  des  Ants. 

BY  I>0.\  C.  SEITZ,  COS  COB.  CONNECTICUT. 

About  midsummer  I noticed  a dark 
streak  about  half  an  inch  wide  in  the 
grass  leading  between  a flagstone  at 
the  foot  of  our  piazza  steps  and  a Bald- 
win apple  tree  ten  feet  away.  Investi- 
gation showed  that  it  started  at  a hole 
near  the  corner  of  the  flag  and  was  a 
well-worn  road  whereby  a colony  of 
big  black  ants  made  their  way  smooth- 
ly to  the  tree  to  milk  the  colonies  of 
aphids  dwelling  on  the  leaves.  The 
grass  had  been  entirely  removed  and 
a fine  Boulevard  des  Ants  resulted — 
the  insects  keeping  strictly  up-to-date 
in  the  matter  of  good  roads. 


A LONG-LIVED  WOOD-BORER 


93 


A Long-lived  Woodborer. 

From  its  burrow  in  the  top  piece  of 
an  old  birch  book-case  at  Mt.  Pleasant, 
Iowa,  a soft  white  wood-boring  grub 
was  shaken  recently,  when  the  owner 
discovered  the  newly  made  opening  and 
conical  pile  of  wood  chewings  that  had 
been  thrust  out.  There  is  nothing  un- 
usual about  finding  grubs  in  wood,  but 
this  particular  wood-boring  larva  has 
a strange  history. 

The  matured  larva  was  given  to  the 
writer  and  placed  in  a box  to  complete 
its  development.  It  pupated  in  about 
two  weeks  and  in  a few  days  the  adult 
beetle  emerged.  It  was  Ebur'ia  quadri- 
geminate  Say,  a longicorn  commonly 
known  as  the  honey-locust  borer,  and 
is  recorded  as  developing  in  hickory, 
ash  and  honey  locust. 

Mrs.  Doe,  who  owns  the  book-case, 
is  certain  that  the  board  in  which  the 
grub  fed  and  grew  from  egg  to  a ma- 
tured larva  is  no  less  than  forty  years 
old,  as  the  book-case  has  been  in  the 
possession  of  the  Does  for  at  least  that 
many  years. 

Just  how  and  why  this  creature 
should  have  spent  so  many  years  in 
this  humdrum  life  between  the  narrow 
walls  of  a thoroughly  seasoned  birch 
board  only  five-eighths  of  an  inch  thick, 
and  never  once  coming  out  for  air  or 
water  seems  remarkable  indeed. 

Mr.  J.  McNeil,  writing  in  the  “Ameri- 
can Naturalist,”  tells  of  two  longicorns 
of  this  same  species  emerging  from  an 
ash  door-sill  that  had  been  in  place 
nineteen  years.  In  that  case  the  rela- 
tion of  the  tunnels  to  the  solid  brick 
wall  on  which  the  door-sill  rested  seems 
to  have  made  it  certain  that  the  eggs 
were  laid  in  the  wood  before  the  house 
was  built.  This  case  seems  to  outstrip 
any  known  insect  record  in  point  of 
longevity. 

H.  E.  Jaques. 

Iowa  Wesleyan  College, 

Mt.  Pleasant,  Iowa. 

— Science. 


’Tis  a dear  little  magazine  and  al- 
ways a welcome  visitor. — Miss  Roberta 
F.  Moore,  Shreveport,  Louisiana. 

To  American  Beauties. 

American  beauties,  divine  of  breath, 

And  dyed  with  sunset  hues, 

You,  'mong  the  fairest  of  the  fair, 

For  roses  I would  choose. 

—Emma  Peirce. 


Mouse  Gymnastics. 

BY  G.  HENRY  HALE,  TAKOMA  PARK,  n.  C. 

Imprisoned  squirrels  and  white  rats 
and  mice  exercise  themselves  turning 
wheels,  but  who  would  expect  it  of  an 
unconfined  mouse? 

At  the  head  of  the  attic  stairs,  just 
outside  of  my  room,  was  a large  empty 
squirrel  cage  with  a wheel  perhaps  six- 
teen inches  in  diameter. 

I was  wakened  one  night  by  a 
squeaking,  such  as  would  be  made  by 
the  turning  of  the  wheel,  proceeding 
from  the  direction  of  the  cage.  After 
listening  quietly  for  a while,  I lighted  a 
match  and  saw  the  wheel  slow  down 
to  a stop. 

After  this  I heard  the  little  fellow 
nearly  every  night.  He  seemed  to  have 
adopted  the  wheel  as  part  of  his  regu- 
lar routine.  One  night  I determined  to 
see  him  and,  making  my  way  very 
softly  to  the  vicinity  of  the  cage,  I 
lighted  a match  and  succeeded  in  see- 
ing him  escape.  Perhaps  it  was  a week 
before  he  returned.  Then  came  the  old 
program  about  the  same  time  every 
night. 

One  night  I was  particularly  restless, 
and  the  little  fellow  kept  it  up  for  some 
time  till  finally  I crept  across  the  floor 
and  jammed  my  heel  viciously  against 
the  cage.  I suppose  that  was  too  much 
of  a fright  for  the  little  fellow,  for  he 
never  came  back  after  that. 


Pear  Growing  in  Bird’s  Nest. 

Mr.  K.  B.  Mathes  of  Batavia,  New 
York,  reports  an  interesting  observa- 
tion of  a chipping  sparrow’s  nest  on 
the  bough  of  a pear  tree.  Over  the  nest 
hung  a ripened  pear  so  low  that  it 
just  fitted  the  cup  of  the  nest.  Under 
the  pear  he  found  three  eggs  uninjured. 
Upon  blowing  them  he  discovered  that 
they  were  slightly  decayed  from  age, 
but  were  not  incubated,  thus  showing 
that  they  had  been  abandoned  while 
fresh. 


The  trees,  with  complement  of  leaves, 
That  made  a verdant  screen. 

Are  now  but  slender  silhouettes. 

That  frame  the  views  between. 

— Emma  Peirce. 

It  is  a wonderful  little  magazine,  and 
I always  look  forward  to  its  arrival. — 
Kenneth  F.  Cooper,  Owego,  New  York. 


The  Heavens  in  December. 

By  Professor  Samuel  G.  Barton  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


VEGA,  tile  brightest  of  the  sum- 
mer stars,  is  now  in  an  incon- 
spicuous position  in  the  north- 
west (at  A,  Figure  i),  while  Sirius,  the 
brightest  of  the  winter  stars  and  the 
most  brilliant  of  all.  is  just  appearing 
in  the  southeast  at  B,  accompanied  by 
many  other  bright  stars.  Cygnus,  the 


head.  This  constellation  is  often  iden- 
tified by  its  resemblance  to  the  letter 
W.  It  represents  a woman,  Cassiopeia, 
seated  on  her  throne.  In  this  part  of 
the  sky  we  find  constellations  named 
for  Cepheus,  mythological  king  of  the 
Ethiopians,  Cassiopeia,  his  queen,  and 
Andromeda,  his  daughter,  who  was 


NOTSTH 


Figure  1.  The  constellations  at  9 P.  M.  December  1.  . (Hold  the  map  so  that  the  direction  faced  is  at 
the  bottom;  that  is,  if  facing  east  hold  east  at  the  bottom  as  south  now  is.) 


northern  cross,  now  stands  in  its  nat- 
ural upright  position  in  the  west.  The 
dippers  in  the  north  are  in  unfavorable 
position.  Cassiopeia,  which  lies  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  pole  from  the  big 
dipper  (Ursa  Major),  is  nearly  over- 


chained to  the  rock  to  be  devoured  by 
the  sea  monster,  but  who  was  happily 
rescued  by  Perseus.  Rescuer  and  res- 
cued married,  of  course,  and  we  sup- 
pose lived  happily  afterward.  They  are 
placed  as  adjacent  constellations. 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


95 


Cassiopeia  had  compared  her  beauty 
favorably  with  that  of  the  sea  nymphs. 
They  were  so  indignant  that  they  sent 
the  sea  monster.  When  Cassiopeia 
was  honored  by  being  placed  in  the  sky 
as  a constellation  her  enemies,  the  sea 
nymphs,  succeeded  in  having  her 
placed  near  the  pole  so  that  half  of  the 
time  she  would  be  turned  head  down 
in  humility. 

Fhe  constellation  is  often  called  Cas- 
siopeia’s Chair.  If  we  look  at  the  stars 
we  can  imagine  that  we  see  the  form  of 


Figure  2.  Queen  Cassiopeia  seated  on  her 

throne. 

the  chair  on  which  Cassiopeia  sits  (the 
top  of  the  chair  turned  toward  the 
pole).  But.  as  often  happens  in  such 
cases,  when  we  examine  the  figures  as 
they  have  come  to  us  from  ancient 
times  we  see  that  the  real  chair  bears 
no  resemblance  to  the  one  we  have 
picked  out.  nor  to  any  other  arrange- 
ment of  the  stars. 

1 he  star,  Eta  Cassiopeiae,  at  C,  Fig- 
ure i,  is  a very  interesting  double  star. 
It  consists  of  a bright  orange-colored 
star  with  a fainter  one  close  to  it  of  a 
purple  color.  Purple  is  not  a common 
color  among  stars.  The  contrast  makes 
this  among  the  most  interesting  colored 
double  stars  in  the  whole  sky.  Unfor- 
tunately, it  is  not  seen  well  with  small 
instruments.  This  star  is  more  than  a 
double  star  ; it  is  a binary  star — that  is, 
a double  star  whose  members,  or  com- 
ponents as  they  are  called,  move  about 
each  other’s  orbits.  The  revolution  in 
the  orbit  requires  about  three  hundred 


years.  This  star  is  one  of  about  a dozen 
binary  stars  whose  distances  have  been 
fairly  well  determined.  When  the  dis- 
tance and  the  period  are  known  we  can 
use  the  law  of  gravitation  to  determine 
other  facts  about  the  star.  Eta  Cas- 
siopeiae is  found  to  be  about  sixteen 
light  years  away,  say  ninety-three  tril- 
lions of  miles  ; that  is,  a million  times  as 
far  as  the  sun.  This  means  that  it  is 
among  the  nearer  stars.  From  this  dis- 
tance we  learn  that  the  stars  are  474 
times  as  far  from  each  other  on  the 
average  as  the  earth  and  sun;  that  the 
two  stars  combined  are  1.2  times  as 
massive  as  the  sun  and  that  they  give 
out  1.4  times  more  light. 

* * * * * 

The  Winter  Solstice. 

1 he  sun  is  farthest  south  December 
22 . 4 ;o8  A.  M„  Eastern  Standard  Time. 
On  this  day  the  sun  gives  least  light 
and  heat  to  those  north  of  the  equator, 
lo  the  whole  earth  it  gives  nearlv  the 
greatest  amount,  as  we  are  closest  to 
the  sun  at  this  time  of  the  year  At 
this  time  winter  begins.  This  is  the 
shortest  day  and  on  this  day  the  sun 
rises  farthest  south  of  west  and  is 
lowest  in  the  sky  at  noon. 

I hree  days  after  the  solstice  we  cele- 
brate Christmas.  The  two  events  are 
related.  Feasts  were  held  in  celebra- 
tion of  the  winter  solstice  by  many 
peoples  as  far  back  as  can  be  traced. 

his  was  quite  natural,  as  this  event 
marked  the  turning  point  from  cold  to 
warm  and  from  death  to  life  in  the 
^egetable  kingdom.  V hen  there  was  a 
desire  to  celebrate  the  birth  of  Christ, 
disputes  arose  as  to  the  date  of  his 
birth  and  various  dates  in  widely  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  year  were  selected 
as  the  proper  time  for  the  celebration. 

1 he  present  time  was  eventually 
chosen  largely  with  a view  of  concil- 
iating the  pagans  who  had  been  accus- 
tomed to  the  solstice  celebrations  at 
this  time.  The  first  authentic  document 
which  assigns  December  25  as  the  date 
of  the  birth  of  Christ  was  written  A.  D. 
354-  stating  that  “year  1 after  Christ  in 
the  consulate  of  Caesar  and  Panins, 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  was  born  on  De- 
cember 25.  a Friday  and  the  15th  day  of 
the  new  moon.  Xo  celebration  is  men- 
tioned. It  may  be  noted  that  Decem- 
ber 25  1 A.  D.  w^as  Sunday  and  not 
Friday. 

The  Latins  held  a feast  for  Mithras, 


96 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


their  sun  god,  on  December  25.  This 
was  called  the  feast  of  the  unconquered 
sun,  referring,  of  course,  to  the  change 
in  the  motion  of  the  sun.  Those  who 
celebrated  January  6 as  Christmas  ac- 
cused the  Romans,  who  adopted  De- 
cember 25,  of  sun-worship  and  of  de- 
liberately and  arbitrarily  selecting  this 
date.  This  seems  very  probable,  as 
analogies  between  the  birth  of  Christ 
and  the  creation  of  the  sun  are  found  in 
the  language  of  the  sun.  Christ  was 
called  the  “true  sun”  and  “our  new 
sun.”  for  instance. 

If  sun-worshippers  have  not  fixed  the 
date  of  Christmas  itself  they  have  at 
least  had  much  to  do  with  the  charac- 
ter of  the  celebration.  Yule  was  a name 
applied  to  the  months  of  December  and 
January,  before  and  after  the  winter 
solstice.  The  name  and  the  Yule  log 
associated  with  it  have  become  at- 
tached to  Christmas.  The  mistletoe  of 
the  Druids  and  the  candles,  also  relics 
of  heathen  festivals  for  the  sun,  have 
become  attached  to  Christmas.  Be- 
cause of  its  pagan  associations  the 
Puritan  Parliament  of  1644  forbade  the 
celebration  of  Christmas,  a view  still 
shared  by  some  sects. 

:ji  :fc  ;*c 

Eclipse  of  Algol. 

None  of  the  naked  eye  planets  are 
visible  in  the  early  evening.  Algol,  the 
eclipsing  variable  star,  at  A,  Figure  1. 
will  be  eclipsed  December  8,  11:49  P. 
M.,  December  11  at  8:39  P.  M.,  De- 
cember 14  at  5:27  P.  M..  and  December 
30  at  10  :20  P.  M. 

The  Barritt-Serviss  Star  and  Planet 
Finder. 

Here  at  ArcAdiA  we  are  convinced 
by  the  frequent  use  of  the  Barritt- 
Serviss  Star  and  Planet  Finder,  that 
it  is  by  far  the  best  thing  of  the  kind 
that  has  ever  been  put  on  the  market 
although  we  are  familiar  with  a num- 
ber of  other  makes  that  have  been  sent 
to  11s.  The  Barritt-Serviss  map  is  sim- 
ple, attractive  in  appearance,  and  prac- 
tical. For  descriptive  circular  address 
Mr.  Leon  Barritt,  Publisher,  Arbuckle 
Building.  367  Fulton  Street,  Brooklyn, 
Nmv  York. 

M-.  Barritt  also  publishes  “The 
M^n-hlv  Evening  Sky  Map,”  which  is 
i"  ri-N  -~nce  a competitor  but  a welcome 
r n " "tor  with  our  own  monthly  de- 
p"  f d^votAp  to  stars  and  planets. 


Great  Merit  in  Relativity! 

One  nice  thing  about  the  theory  of 
relativity  Dr.  Einstein  explained  to  the 
New  York  reporters.  Asked  what  he 
would  advise  the  layman  to  do  about 
the  theory,  he  replied,  “Nothing  at  all ; 
tell  him  not  to  worry;  it  won’t  hurt 
him.”  This  is  not  only  reassuring,  but 
it  is  one  of  the  most  transparent  state- 
ments so  far  made  concerning  the 
theory. 

To  our  mind,  in  times  like  these,  any- 
thing that  we  should  do  nothing  about, 
that  we  should  not  worry  over,  and  that 
won’t  hurt  us,  is  entitled  to  the  highest 
place  in  human  estimation.  There  are 
so  many  of  the  other  kind  of  things  that 
the  theory  of  relativity  shines  out  like 
a beacon  light  in  an  unusually  dark 
night.  If  Dr.  Einstein  could  now  find 
something  else  we  do  not  have  to  do 
anything  about,  then  there  would  be 
two  of  them,  and  relativity  might  not 
be  so  lonesome. — Springfield  Union. 


One  of  the  strangest,  most  poetic 
phases  of  the  relation  between  the  great 
blue  mountains  and  the  great  blue  sea 
is  that  waves,  as  they  approach  the 
shores  of  continents  bordered  by  moun- 
tain ranges,  rise  higher  and  higher  ; and 
the  higher  the  mountains,  the  higher 
rise  the  waves.  These  waves  are  not 
driven  by  wind  or  tide  but  seem  drawn 
forward  by  some  strange  power.  This 
power,  however,  is  no  stranger  than 
the  one  that  makes  us  fall  and  bump 
our  noses  when  we  stub  our  toes — the 
power  of  gravitation,  according  to 
which  all  masses  attract  each  other.  It 
is  the  mass  in  the  mountains  that 
exerts  a pull  on  the  waves;  and  the 
greater  the  mountains  the  greater  the 
pull,  of  course.  In  the  Indian  Ocean, 
for  example,  around  the  head  of  the 
Arabian  Sea,  the  waves  rise  far  above 
sea  level,  largely  because  there  is  be- 
yond them,  on  the  land,  one  of  the 
greatest  mountain  masses  in  the 
world. — Hallam  Hawksworth  in  “The 
Strange  Adventures  of  a Pebble.” 

But  if  I may  not  so  attain  to  this  side 
of  nature  for  the  clog  of  chilly  blood 
about  my  heart,  may  the  country  and 
the  streams  that  water  the  valleys  con- 
tent me,  and  lost  to  fame  let  me  love 
stream  and  woodland. — The  Georgies 
of  Virgil. 


CORRESPONDENCE 

~~  Information 


and 


Nature  Notes  from  Cedar  Heights. 

Stamford,  Connecticut. 
To  the  Editor : 

My  eyrie  home,  surrounded  by  na- 
ture, “and  nothing  else,’’  gives  me  some 
advantages  in  watching  the  birds,  etc. 
I have  watched  often  a bevy  of  crows 
annoying  a hawk,  chasing  him  from 
tree  to  tree,  cawing  at  him  and  making 
feints  to  strike  him.  but  paying  great 
respect  to  the  reach  of  his  sharp  beak 
and  claws. 

Usually  the  hawk  sits  in  silent  scorn 
waiting  for  the  crows  to  tire  out  and 
disappear.  But  recently  I saw  a hawk 
scatter  a big  flock  of  these  black  teasers 
by  the  sheer  force  of  his  angry  onset. 
Evidently  the  crows  were  pestering 
one  hawk  near  by  in  the  woods  when 
its  mate,  losing  patience,  started  from 
a distance,  and  flying  rather  low  over 
me,  scattered  the  whole  black  flock  by 
his  furious  charge.  I think  I never  saw 
a bird  fly  so  fast,  probably  seventy 
miles  an  hour  at  least,  and  he  screamed 
with  terrifying  anger  as  he  went, 
straight  as  a rifle  bullet,  at  the  bunch 
of  crows. 

Another  phase  of  bird  life,  a peace- 
ful and  beautiful  phase,  was  when  hun- 
dreds of  crows  and  starlings  took  a no- 
tion to  stage  an  aerial  dance  together. 
Both  birds  will  often  gather  by  them- 
selves in  flocks  and  go  through  grace- 
ful evolutions,  gyrations  and  spirals, 
but  this  time  the  crows  and  starlings 
rehearsed  together,  the  smaller  and  the 
larger  birds  cutting  across  each  other’s 
orbits  in  a most  beautiful  aerial  dance, 
somewhat  as  if  a whirlwind  had  caught 
a few  thousand  leaves,  large  and  small, 
and  whirled  them  aloft  in  intermingling 
circles. 

Charles  H.  Craxdall. 


Remarkable  Snake  Story. 

Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

To  the  Editor: 

When  I was  between  the  ages  of 
four  and  eighteen  years,  I spent  every 
summer  on  a farm  in  Clermont  County, 


Ohio.  My  hobby  was  guns  and  I was 
always  prowling  around  the  creeks, 
woods  and  places  where  animals  and 
reptiles  abound.  One  sunny  afternoon 
1 and  two  other  boys  were  walking  up 
the  creek  hunting  green  frogs  when  I 
came  upon  two  dead  water  moccasins 
(snakes).  One  had  swallowed  the 
other  for  1 could  see  the  tail  sticking 
out  of  the  mouth  of  one.  I pulled  out 
the  snake,  making  note  which  one  had 
done  the  swallowing,  and  the  smaller 
snake  had  swallowed  another  snake 
four  inches  longer  than  itself.  I sur- 
mised that  they  had  been  fighting  and 
the  little  one  had  been  the  more  fortu- 
nate; therefore  one  was  smothered  and 
the  little  one  choked  by  the  tail  of  the 
larger. 

1 his  piece  of  narration  is  poor,  but  I 
assure  you  my  story  is  absolutely  true 
as  well  as  my  observation.  If  this  is 
anything  new  to  you — which  I doubt — 
I am  only  too  glad. 

Yours  respectfully, 

Alfred  R.  Hill. 

1 he  Moose  Hill  Bird  Sanctuary  in 
Sharon,  Massachusetts,  last  year  regis- 
tered nearly  three  thousand  visitors,  as 
against  thirteen  hundred  the  year  be- 
fore. 


The  Youthful  Fir. 

Arrow-straight  it  stands  among 
The  spruces  on  the  ledge, 

Where  rythmic  roll  of  waves  is  heard 
Just  below  the  edge. 

A striking  contrast  are  its  leaves 
And  smoothly  rounded  bole. 

With  balsam  blisters  through  its  length, 
Of  which  we  take  our  toll. 

And  at  the  top,  in  contrast,  too, 

The  tall,  upstanding  cones, 

(With  sparkling  nectar  brimming  o’er) 
In  deeper,  purplish  tones. 

One  of  a goodly  company, 

Crownmg  the  cliffs  with  green, 

And  making  this  far  northern  shore 
Among  the  fairest  seen. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


Seeking  Thoughts  in  Nature. 

In  those  charmingly  girlish  articles 
by  Opal  Whitely  that  attracted  the 
world’s  attention  when  originally  pub- 
lished in  “The  Atlantic  Monthly,”  Miss 
Whitely  said  that  she  was  looking  for 
thoughts  in  nature.  That  is  a charming 
idea  and  one  that  is  more  commonly 
held  by  both  boys  and  girls  than  we 
older  persons  are  likely  to  realize.  The 
child  always  wants  a story  or  to  make 
one.  Those  who  are  familiar  with  the 
astonishing  popularity  of  “The  St. 
Nicholas  League”  for  the  past  quarter 
century  have  been  more  and  more  im- 
pressed by  tbe  fact  that  children,  girls 
especially,  like  to  be  literary  producers. 
We  have  perhaps  been  too  active  in 
entertaining  the  child  with  reading 
stories  and  too  little  in  having  the  child 
produce  her  own  stories. 

Then  too.  among  older  people,  those 
who  have  gone  to  nature  for  thoughts 
have  gotten  at  the  real  heart  of  things, 
and  some  of  them  have  so  thoroughly 
thought  out  matters  that  they  have 
made  themselves  immortal  We  are 
familiar  with  the  classic  statement  by 
Thoreau  that  he  went  out  to  \\  alden 
Pond  and  built  a hut  in  which  to  think. 
His  fame  would  not  have  extended 
bevoml  his  own  day  and  neighborhood 
if  he  had  gone  there  only  to  swim  and 
fish.  It  is  his  thought,  his  ideals,  even 
if  we  do  not  always  agree  with  him. 
that  have  made  him  beloved  for  all 
time. 

Who  cares  how  many  fish  Dr.  Van 
Dvke  caught,  the  size  of  any  one  of 
them?  He  might  have  certified  to  the 
physical  size  and  quantity  of  his  fish 
before  all  tbe  notary  publics  and  he 
would  not  have  endeared  himself  to 
fishermen  everywhere  as  he  has  by  his 
“Little  Rivers.” 

It  was  not  fish  that  Izaak  Walton 


caught.  It  is  what  he  thought  while  he 
was  catching  them  that  has  for  all  time 
made  his  name  a synonym  for  a good 
fisherman.  It  is  thought  that  gives  joy 
as  well  as  pain.  Mind  is  superior  to 
matter. 

What  caused  the  modern  high  grade 
camp  to  spring  into  its  present  well 
deserved  popularity?  Not  merely  a con- 
tinuation of  the  old-time  sportsman’s 
or  family  camp  where  it  was  only  a 
matter  of  a gun,  a rod.  a frying  pan 
and  a bed  of  hemlock  boughs.  It  was 
the  interpolation  of  the  literary  ele- 
ment. Writers  not  fishermen  have  made 
fishing  popular,  and  magazines  and 
books  dealing  with  rod  and  gun  have 
spread  abroad  the  present  day  en- 
thusiasm. When  we  look  for  thoughts 
we  are  seeking  something  more  endur- 
ing than  material  things  as  well  as 
more  inspiring. 

Prominent  among  all  the  camps  that 
place  thinking  among  the  chief  joys  is 
Kineowatha.  On  the  hills,  in  bunga- 
lows. in  country  roads  and  mountain 
climbing,  in  groups  on  the  haymow  and 
on  the  big  rock  at  the  top  of  the  hill, 
have  been  evolved  by  these  enthusias- 
tic girls  poems  and  songs  and  descrip- 
t;ve  articles  that  would  do  credit  to  a 
citv’s  literary  workshop. 

LTnaided  but  not  uninspired  by  en- 
thusiastic, cultured  councilors  they 
have  in  joy  produced  a'ticlss  that  have 
made  the  “Kineowatha  Kamper”  a fa- 
mous camping  magazine.  The  man- 
agers appreciate  the  possible  literary 
value  of  a good  vacation  for  July  and 
August,  and  print  the  magazine  in  fine 
form.  Its  contents  are  not  forgotten  as 
in  many  camps.  The  literature  pro- 
duced by  these  girls  is  one  of  the 
charming  inspirations  of  the  camp 

At  the  end  of  the  year  the  weeklv 
issues  of  the  “Kamper”  are  bound  with 


THE  OUTDOOR  WORLD 


99 


an  attractive  cover  and  illustrations 
into  an  attractive  volume.  One  reads 
these  poems  and  songs  with  a feeling, 
Is  there  anything  supernatural  about 
these  hills  of  Wilton,  Me.,  or  any  un- 
usual genius  in  the  girls?  It  is  both. 

The  environment  has  much  influence, 
but  the  associates  have  more.  There 
among  cultured  men  and  women  the 
girls  are  encouraged  to  give  expression 
to  their  own  individual  talent.  They 
receive  the  expression  of  appreciation 
from  their  associates,  the  kind  of  com- 
mendation that  we  all  value. 

To  receive  an  unabridged  dictionary 
at  the  end  of  the  school  year  as  a prize 
for  some  essay  is  not  nearly  so  thrilling 
as  suddenly  to  hear  a song  sung  by  the 
whole  Pow-wow  when  that  song  comes 
fresh  from  the  heart  of  some  enthusias- 
tic fellow  camper.  The  girls  surprise 
themselves,  to  say  nothing  of  the  camp 
managers  and  the  parents.  Can  it  be 
possible  that  my  Susie,  Julie  or  Emma 
wrote  that  poem?  Why,  that  essay  sur- 
passes anything  we  have  ever  seen  pro- 
duced in  our  school ! 

You  are  right,  father  and  mother.  It 
is  not  written  for  the  sake  of  writing 
but  for  the  sake  of  expressing.  The 
girl  feels  the  song  and  the  poem.  The 
environment  is  inspiring.  It  is  feeling 
not  form  that  makes  good  literature 
whether  it  is  in  “Kineowatha  Kamper” 
or  Walt  Whitman’s  brag  of  self.  One 
overlooks  personal  idiosyncrasies,  yes, 
one  even  delights  in  them,  if  accom- 
panied by  enthusiastic  thought,  if  there 
is  something  vital  to  thrill  and  inspire 
the  hearts  and  lives  of  others.  Here 
girls  are  taught  to  find  themselves.  It 
is  worth  the  time  expended  and  the 
cost  to  obtain  the  literary  expression 
alone  of  this  camp.  Many  a girl  has 
gone  home  feeling  not  only  that  she  has 
discovered  the  paradise  of  nature,  but 
a mine  of  literary  expression  within  her 
own  capabilities.  Here  the  joy  of  self- 
expression  and  the  grace  of  naturalness 
are  given  free  scope  and  are  encouraged 
to  grow  into  all  possible  fullness. 

For  one-third  of  a century  I have 
edited  literature  by  young  people,  have 
encouraged  them  to  write,  have  taught 
to  that  effect  in  the  schools,  yet  I un- 
hesitatingly say  that  some  of  the  most 
charming  of  all  literary  expression,  of 
all  freedom  from  artificiality  have  been 
the  articles,  poems  and  songs  published 
in  “Kineowatha  Kamper.” 


If  you,  father  or  mother,  would  like 
to  know  more  of  this  kind  of  work,  if 
you  realize  that  personality  as  well  as 
physique  is  what  you  want  to  develop 
in  July  and  August  camping,  then  get 
further  particulars  in  this  matter  by 
writing  or  telephoning  to  Edward  F. 
Bigelow,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Con- 
necticut. 


To  Readers  of  The  Guide  to  Nature 

Who  Are  Not  Members  of  the  AA. 

BY  A MEMBER. 

1'hose  who  are  broad-minded  enough 
to  realize  that  “the  world  is  full  of  a 
number  of  things”  besides  those  which 
civilized  man  has  invented,  and  know 
that  an  appreciation  of  natural  ob- 
jects does  not  necessarily  imply  a 
wishy-washy,  sentimental  view  of  those 
things  should  have  enough  interest  in 
the  progress  of  natural  science  to  join 
The  Agassiz  Association. 

The  Agassiz  Association  is  not  a 
personal  affair,  it  does  not  confine  its 
interests  along  any  special  lines;  it  is 
essentially  a naturalist’s  organization 
and  its  members  are  of  all  ages  and 
study  all  branches  of  natural  science. 
It  seems  to  hold  a place  among  scien- 
tific societies  similar  to  that  that  John 
Burroughs  held  among  scientists. 

There  is  no  red  tape  connected  with 
a membership  in  The  Agassiz  Associa- 
tion. Every  one  picks  out  what  he  likes 
and  lets  the  rest  go.  To  join  the  Asso- 
ciation merely  proves  the  individual 
member’s  mind,  and  distinguishes  the 
really  interested  from  the  half-hearted. 
It  is  not  enough  merely  to  r§ad  The 
Guide  to  Nature.  Any  one  who  pre- 
sumes to  be  a naturalist  should  be 
proud  to  be  a member  of  so  old  and 
well  established  an  association.  Per- 
sonal gain  has  never  been  the  motive 
of  the  chief  workers  but  a desire  to 
help  and  to  encourage  those  who  are 
learning  to  like  natural  objects  or  nat- 
ural science. 

We  cannot  all  devote  as  much  time 
to  these  things  as  we  might  like  to  do, 
but  at  least,  when  we  have  found  the 
intellectual  pleasures  and  had  our 
views  broadened  by  what  Burroughs 
called  “the  beauty  and  wonder  of  the 
world,”  we  should  aim  to  interest  and 
awaken  others.  A pleasure  shared  is 
doubled.  Let  us  pull  together.  Our  bit 
is  more  effective  when  used  through 
an  agency  like  The  Agassiz  Asso- 
ciation. 


Curing  Chronic  Rheumatism  With  the 
Sting  of  Bees.- 

BY  J.  R.  SCHMIDT,  IX  AMERICAN  BEE  JOUR- 
NAL, HAMILTON,  ILL. 

That  rheumatism  can  be  cured  by 
the  sting  of  the  honeybee  is  the  firm 
belief  of  George  Renner,  of  Cincinnati, 
who  is  taking  this  novel  treatment  to 
eradicate  the  disease  from  his  system. 


Each  Wednesday  and  Sunday  morning 
Mr.  Renner  visits  the  apiary  of  Fred 
Muth  and  submits  to  being  stung  by 
the  honeybees.  At  first,  when  Mr.  Ren- 
ner could  just  hobble  along  with  the 
aid  of  crutches,  as  high  as  ten  stings 
were  the  strenuous  treatment,  but  now 
Renner  can  walk  without  the  aid  of  a 
cane,  and  only  two  stinging  bees  are 
applied  twice  a week.  This  novel  treat- 


APPLYIXC  A HONEYBEE  TO  CURE  RHEUMATISM: 


THE  INTEREST  IN  INSECTS 


IOI 


merit,  painful  as  it  may  seem,  is  a wel- 
come relief  for  the  incessant  pain  of  the 
rheumatism. 

“At  first  the  sting  of  the  bees  was 
very  painful  to  me  and  the  swellings 
resulting  from  the  stings  were  great, 
but  as  my  system  gradually  became 
inoculated  with  the  poison  from  the 
stings  the  pain  and  swelling  grew  less 


Poetic  and  Rheumatic. 

Not  every  “estate”  with  a poetic  or 
romantic  name  squares  up  to  its  cog- 
nomen. One  case  in  point  is  ‘hat  of  a 
beautiful  estate  in  Orange  Countv.  N. 
Y.,  which  the  gentle  bred  wife  of  the 
new  owner  christened  “The  P>irches,” 
because  she  admired  the  name.  But 
there  was  not  a birch  tree  on  the  prop- 


A “CLOSE  UP”  VIEW  OF  THE  STINGING. 


in  proportion.  I can  now  take  the  stings 
without  flinching  and  feel  very  little 
pain  at  all.  It  certainly  is  curing  me.” 
Fred  Muth  explains  the  strange  cure 
this  way:  “It  is  a well-known  fact  that 
the  sting  of  the  honeybee  is  made  pain- 
ful by  the  formic  acid  which  enters  the 
wound  when  the  bee  stings.  This  acid 
is  contained  in  a tiny  little  bag  attached 
to  the  thick  end  of  the  stinger.  When 
a honeybee  stings,  this  little  bag  of  acid 
and  the  surrounding  muscles  break 
away  from  the  body  of  the  bee  and  the 
bee  flies  away  and  dies,  while  the  sting, 
propelled  by  the  adhering  muscles, 
sticks  into  the  flesh  and  keeps  on  im- 
bedding itself  deeper  and  deeper,  at  the 
same  time  pumping  the  formic  acid  into 
the  wound.  Physicians  have  found  that 
formic  acid  counteracts  rheumatism, 
and  when  introduced  into  the  system, 
in  many  cases,  causes  a cure.  Allowing 
one’s  self  to  be  stung  by  the  honeybees 
is  introducing  formic  acid  into  the  sys- 
tem, which  in  turn  counteracts  rheu- 
matism. 


Copper  was  mined  during  the  war  at 
Blue  Hill,  Maine. 


ertv,  and  although  thousands  of  dollars 
were  spent  in  an  endeavor  to  propagate 
a grove  of  birches  on  the  premises  to 
make  it  At  the  name,  it  all  came  to 
naught  — the  birches  would  simply 
neither  grow  nor  live  there. 

Professor ' Walter  King  Stone,  the 
artist,  who  fills  a chair  in  the  art  and 
architecture  college  of  Cornell  Univer- 
sity, and  spends  his  summers  at  his 
country  place.  “Twin  Doors,”  near 
Canaan,  Conn.,  believes  in  observing 
the  proprieties  in  bestowing  a name. 
He  has  just  purchased  a residence  in 
Ithaca,  N.  Y.  A brook  runs  through 
the  rear  of  the  grounds,  and  Mr.  Stone 
is  considering  the  idea  of  calling  his 
place  “Lumbago,”  on  account  of  the 
“creek  in  the  back.” — The  Greenwich 
News  and  Graphic. 

A little  cloud-ladder  runs  up  to  the  blue. 
Oh,  would  we  could  mount  it,  and  take  a 
peep  through 

To  where  stars  and  planets  their  lone  vigil 
keep 

Above  us  through  sunshine  as  well  as 
through  sleep. 


— Emma  Peirce. 


102 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


An  Educational  Apiary  Smashed. 

BY  EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW,  ARCADIA:  SOUND 
BEACH,  CONNECTICUT. 

I he  educational  apiary  under  the 
management  of  The  Agassiz  Associa- 
tion at  ArcAdiA,  Sound  Beach,  Con- 
necticut, has  met  with  a serious  catas- 
trophe. In  the  heavy  storm  of  Sep- 
tember 30  the  cable  fastenings  that 
held  together  two  parts  of  a huge  oak 
broke  and  the  smaller  part,  some  two 
feet  in  diameter  at  the  base,  crashed 
to  the  ground,  crushing  about  a dozen 
hives.  Fortunately  only  about  half  of 
the  outdoor  hives  came  within  the  area 
of  the  falling  limb  and  the  near-by 
apiarian  laboratory  was  untouched. 

The  oak  tree  is  one  of  the  largest  in 
the  vicinity,  measuring  eleven  feet  in 
circumference.  Something  like  three 
hundred  dollars  has  been  spent  upon  it 
in  cavity  work,  bolting  and  cabling.  It 
is  a relic  of  the  days  of  the  Indians 
and  of  later  years  when  there  was  not 
the  appreciation  of  trees  that  has  been 
brought  about  by  The  Agassiz  Asso- 
ciation and  other  organizations  in  more 
recent  times.  For  something  like  a 
hundred  years,  perhaps  more,  ending 
about  half  a century  ago,  there  was 
near  this  tree  a pond.  In  the  winter- 
time skaters  built  bonfires  under  the 
tree  sometimes  on  one  side  of  the  trunk 
and  sometimes  on  the  other.  In  the 
summertime  came  picnic  parties  of 
clam  diggers  that  judging  from  the 
cartloads  of  clamshells  must  have  dili- 
gently feasted  for  many  years.  The  re- 
sult was  that  the  trunk  of  the  tree 
actually  had  clear  through  it  an  ex- 
cavation tuneled  by  lire. 

With  the  coming  of  The  Agassiz  As- 
sociation to  this  picturesque  spot  ten 
years  ago  efforts  were  at  once  made  to 
retain  the  tree  and  barring  the  recent 
disaster  the  efforts  have  been  success- 
ful. The  main  part  of  the  tree  is  still 
standing.  In  no  part  of  the  country 
could  there  have  been  obtained  a more 
picturesque  place  for  an  apiary  and  the 
one  here  located  has  become  known 
the  world  over.  Several  leading  con- 
cerns in  motion  pictures  have  here 
taken  pictures.  Still  photographs  in- 
numerable have  been  published  in  vari- 
ous bee  and  other  journals.  The  apiary 


has  had  the  hearty  cooperation  of  The 
A.  I.  Root  Company  and  of  local  bee- 
keepers. It  is  used  wholly  for  educa- 
tional purposes,  the  honey  produced 
being  given  away.  Last  year  eight 
hundred  pounds,  mostly  in  sections, 
were  distributed  among  students, 
friends,  and  visitors  to  ArcAdiA. 

All  over  the  country  I have  demon- 
strated the  handling  of  honeybees  with- 
out glove  or  veil,  and  have  done  so 
many,  many  times  in  this  apiary.  But 
here  was  a situation  to  try  the  strong- 
est of  nerves  and  the  greatest  of  faith 
in  kindly  methods  of  dealing  with 
honeybees.  A number  of  the  hives, 
some  with  three  or  four  supers,  some 
with  extra  stories,  were  crushed,  and 
others,  standing  on  foundation  boxes 
for  convenience  in  handling,  were  com- 
pletely overturned.  The  difficulties  of 
the  situation  were  increased  by  the 
fact  that  it  occurred  near  the  end  of 
the  honey  flow  and  the  bees  were  ready 
to  rob,  in  fact  they  had  nothing  else  to 
do.  The  result  was  bedlam  let  loose. 
There  were  bees  everywhere — to  the 
right,  to  the  left  and  in  front  and  in  back, 
to  say  nothing  of  overhead,  and  they 
were  as  mad  as  yellow  jackets.  Owing 
to  the  difficulty  of  getting  in  among  the 
limbs  a veil  was  not  much  assistance 
but  almost  a hindrance.  I had  to  cut 
my  way  to  the  crushed  and  overturned 
hives  amidst  an  army  of  swarming, 
fighting  bees.  Within  two  hours,  how- 
ever, I had  all  but  one  of  the  hives 
under  control  and  that  one  had  to  fight 
it  out  for  itself  until  I could  take  time 
the  next  day  for  the  more  laborious 
work  of  cutting  a path  to  that. 

The  catastrophe  was  announced  in 
the  local  papers  and  the  scene  of  action 
was  visited  by  a number  of  people.  Mr. 
L.  C.  Root,  the  veteran  beekeeper  of 
Stamford,  Connnecticut,  said  that  in  all 
his  experience  he  had  never  even  heard 
of  such  an  occurrence.  Presumably  no 
great  amount  of  honey  was  actually 
lost  to  the  apiary  as  a whole  but 
an  immense  amount  most  certainly 
“changed  hands’"  in  a very  short  time 
and  the  depredations  were  not  entirely 
stopped  for  nearly  a week. 

Beekeepers  often  know  of  the  terrors 
of  a swarm  of  bees  tipped  over  by  a 
cow  or  horse  but  think  of  several  pros- 
perous colonies  turned  over  at  such  a 
critical  time  as  a warm  day  just  at  the 
end  of  the  honev  flow. 


The  Tendency  to  Dance  in  the  Woods. 

The  modern  schools  of  dancing,  such, 
for  example,  as  the  Noyes  School  of 
Rhythm  in  New  York  City,  by  holding 
their  summer  session  in  the  wilds  near 
Cobalt,  Connecticut,  have  based  their 
success  on  a fundamental  element  of 
human  nature.  Buried  in  the  heart  of 
almost  every  one  is  the  principle  of 
the  fairy,  elfin  or  sprite.  We  all  like 
to  wander  like  the  will-o’-the-wisp 
when  we  enter  the  woods. 

That  innate  element  of  human  na- 
ture is  clearly  brought  out  by  John 
Muir  in  “The  Mountains  of  California 

“Our  guide,  a jolly,  rollicking  Ital- 
ian, led  us  into  the  heart  of  the  hill, 
up  and  down,  right  and  left,  from  cham- 
ber to  chamber  more  and  more  mag- 
nificent. all  a-glitter  like  a glacier  cave 
with  icicle-like  stalactites  and  stalag- 
mites combined  in  forms  of  indescrib- 
able beauty.  We  were  shown  one  large 
room  that  was  occasionally  used  as  a 
dancing-hall  ; another  that  was  used  as 
a chapel,  with  natural  pulpit  and 
crosses  and  pews,  sermons  in  every 
stone,  where  a priest  had  said  mass. 
Mass-saying  is  not  so  generally  devel- 
oped in  connection  with  natural  won- 
ders as  dancing.  One  of  the  first  con- 
ceits excited  by  the  giant  Sequoias  was 
to  cut  one  of  them  down  and  dance  on 
its  stump.  We  have  also  seen  dancing 
in  the  spray  of  Niagara  ; dancing  in  the 
famous  Bower  Cave  above  Coulter- 
ville  : and  nowhere  have  I seen  so  much 
dancing  as  in  Yosemite.  A dance  on 
the  inaccessible  South  Dome  would 
likely  follow  the  making  of  an  easy  way 
to  the  top  of  it.” 

We  find  at  Arc  \i>i  A an  interesting 
confirmation  of  the  predominance  of 
the  spirit  of  dancing  over  the  religious 
element.  We  built  our  Welcome  Re- 
ception Room  in  the  form  of  a chapel 
with  an  electric  Swiss  Cross  in  the  ceil- 
ing, intending  it  for  meetings  of  stu- 
dents and  visitors  in  the  spirit  of  our 


large  motto  on  the  wall,  “Per  Naturam 
ad  Deum.”  Several  churches  and  Sun- 
day schools  have  held  sessions  there, 
but  no  stranger  entering  the  room  for 
the  first  time  has  ever  spoken  of  its  re- 
ligious aspect,  but  almost  invariably 
said,  “What  a lovely  place  to  give  a 
dance,”  although  it  is  not  fitted  up  like 
a dance  hall  and  is  not  such,  but  has 
rugs  on  the  floor  and  a center  table 
with  books. 

In  more  recent  years  we  have  built 
Little  Japan,  designed  for  similar  pur- 
poses and  emphasized  by  the  Japanese 
sacred  emblem  of  a torii.  As  the 
groves  were  God’s  first  temples  the 
grove  seemed  a good  place  in  which  to 
bring  out  the  religious  idea  of  nature 
study,  yet  the  remark  of  the  stranger 
is,  “What  a lovely  place  to  have  dances. 
I suppose  you  have  them  frequently.” 

During  the  several  years  that  we 
have  used  the  equipment,  there  has 
been  only  one  occasion  in  Little  Japan 
when  dancing  was  a prominent  feature. 
We  are  hoping  to  be  surprised  some 
day  by  the  remark,  “What  a lovely 
place  for  a vesper  service  as  the  setting 
sun  is  casting  long  shadows  under  the 
trees.” 


Where  Do  Automobilists  Go  and  What 
Do  They  See? 

In  “The  American  Magazine”  for 
September,  George  Ade  has  an  article 
brimful  of  humour  and  philosophy  on 
the  modern  rush  of  things  as  typified 
by  the  speeding  automobilists.  In  a 
fine  burst  of  humor  Ade  tells  us  how 
to  get  acquainted  with  a town  on  short 
notice. 

“Don’t  annoy  the  postmaster  and 
don’t  go  near  the  bank.  The  banker 
will  think  that  you  want  a check 
cashed.  Drive  right  into  the  heart  of 
Main  Street  and  pull  up  in  front  of  a 
red-white-and-blue  pole.  The  barber  is 
the  lad  for  you.  He  is  always  sociable, 
and  he  can  immediately  put  you  in 


XII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


possession  of  the  local  traditions  and 
scandals.  If  there  is  anything  in  the 
whole  countryside  worth  visiting  he 
can  give  you  the  needed  information, 
surrounded  by  details. 

“Tell  him  that  as  you  drove  in 
through  the  residence  district,  you 
were  more  than  favorably  impressed 
and  that  you  have  stopped  off  for  a 
visit — and  what  is  there  to  see?  He 
will  immediately  submit  a list  of  at- 
tractions, which  may  include  the  Car- 
negie Library,  a blind  pig,  and  a milch 
cow  that  took  first  prize  at  the  state 
fair. 

“Or,  better  yet,  he  will  ask  Elmer  to 
finish  the  man  he  is  shaving,  and  he 
will  put  on  his  coat  and  take  you  out 
to  meet  the  town  celebrity.  It  may  be 
the  old  soldier  who  gave  General 
Hooker  a lot  of  good  advice  at  Lookout 
Mountain,  or  the  woman  who  has  been 
working  twenty-two  years  on  a patch 
quilt  which  will  eventually  have  sev- 
enty-five thousand  pieces  of  silk  in  it. 
Or  he  may  want  to  show  you  the  birth- 
place of  the  man  who  played  the  slide 
trombone  with  Sousa’s  Band  for  seven 
years.” 

In  humor  and  philosophy  the  make- 
up man  has  kept  pace  with  the  author. 
Here  are  three  of  his  titles  descriptive 
of  three  photographs : 

“This  is  the  road  that  passes  George 
Ade’s  country  place.  Hazelden,  in  In- 
diana. He  declares  that  the  motor 
speedmaniacs  streak  by  in  clouds  of 
dust,  unable  to  see  anything,  except 
the  roadway,  the  speedometer,  and  the 
undertaker.” 

“These  are  the  charming  gardens  at 
Hazelden.  W hen  Ade  found  that  the 
guide  books  had  advised  tourists  to 
stop  and  ramble  through  his  grounds, 
he  thought  he  would  be  swamped  with 
visitors.  But  not  a motor  pauses  in  its 
mad  flight.” 

“This  is  the  Hazelden  golf  course, 
where  George  Ade  pauses  in  his  play  to 
watch  the  speed  fiends  shoot  past.  They 
never  see  him,  however,  or  the  golf 
links,  or  the  clubhouse,  or  anything. 
Their  cervical  vertebrae  have  become 
locked  and  they  cannot  turn  their 
heads.” 

We  wish  the  famous  author  had 
called  at  ArcAdiA  before  he  wrote  his 
article.  We  could  have  given  him  sev- 
eral pointers,  notably  one  of  a woman 
who  had  been  passing  by  on  Arcadia 
Road  for  several  vears,  but  had  not 


seen  our  institution.  A skillful  writer 
like  Ade  could  have  written  something 
worth  while  if  he  had  known  about  the 
two  business  men  who  rushed  into  the 
office  and  shouted,  “We  have  heard 
about  ArcAdiA  and  have  fifteen  min- 
utes in  which  to  see  it  before  we  catch 
the  train.  Hurry,  and  let  us  do  it  as 
quickly  as  possible.” 

In  a leisurely  way  the  manager 
looked  at  his  watch.  “So,”  he  said, 
“_you  have  fifteen  minutes  in  which  to 
do  two  things.  You  cannot  do  both  in 
that  time  and  I judge  that  to  you  catch- 
ing the  train  is  the  most  important. 
Do  it.” 


The  many  witch-hazels  of  large 
growth  are  now  in  luxuriant  full  bloom 
at  ArcAdiA  and  are  attracting  much 
attention.  Probably  in  no  other  place 
either  wild  or  cultivated  in  this  part  of 
the  state  can  witch-hazel  be  seen  in 
bloom  to  so  good  advantage.  Several 
vears  ago  Dr.  Bigelow  set  out  a large 
number  of  these  shrubs  in  memory  of 
his  boyhood  days  in  Colchester,  Con- 
necticut, when  he  roamed  the  woods 
as  hunter  and  trapper  and  nature  stu- 
dent. Some  of  these  shrubs  have  now 
grown  to  a height  of  twelve  feet  and 
in  their  broad  expanse  are  much  more 
effective  than  they  are  usually  in  the 
wild  woods.  They  often  continue  in 
bloom  until  after  the  middle  of  Decem- 
ber and  may  well  be  called  the  last 
flower  of  the  year. 


The  Connecticut  Construction  Com- 
pany has  just  completed  the  liberal 
amount  of  rustic  work  that  they  began 
a vear  ago  in  Little  Japan.  I his  final 
touch  has  been  given  to  the  new  Annex 
completed  this  spring.  Rustic  work  has 
also*  been  supplied  in  liberal  amount 
for  the  Alcove  in  Nymphalia  and  for 
some  other  parts  of  ArcAdiA. 

The  November  Wood. 

The  wood  is  revealing  its  secrets 
Since  screening  leaves  have  flown, 

And  giving  to  us  with  abandon 
What  it  held  for  its  very  own. 

For  even  exuberant  summer 
Vouchsafed  us  but  a part, 

But  now,  almost  with  reverence, 

We  gaze  into  its  heart. 

— Emma  Peirce. 

The  largest  single  crystal  of  apatite 
ever  found  in  Maine  is  valued  at  five 
hundred  dollars. 


LITERAK 


©S3®®® 


NOTICES 


Fishes  in  the  Home.  By  Ida  M.  Mellen. 

New  York  City:  New  York  Zoological 

Society. 

Small  fishes  may  be  made  available  for 
nature  study  in  any  home.  This  handbook, 
beautifully  printed  and  with  many  attractive 
illustrations,  tells  the  whole  story.  We  cor- 
dially recommend  it  to  our  readers  who  wish 
information  regarding  home  aquaria.  In  a 
way  everybody  loves  an  aquarium  but  com- 
paratively few  know  how  to  manage  it,  as 
is  evinced  by  the  large  number  of  small 
globe  monstrosities  that  find  a ready  sale  in 
many  stores.  A thing  that  is  worth  doing 
at  all  is  worth  doing  well.  If  you  like  to 
have  fish  in  the  home  get  this  handbook  and 
do  the  work  well.  Do  not  make  the  aquatic 
pets  miserable  by  a lack  of  proper  care  and 
of  proper  surroundings. 


Nut  Growing.  By  Robert  T.  Morris.  New 
York  City:  The  Macmillan  Company. 

Our  local  readers  will  be  especially  inter- 
ested in  this  book  because  Dr.  Morris  is  so 
well  and  favorably  known  in  this  vicinity 
not  only  as  a surgeon  but  as  an  enthusiast 
in  growing  nuts  at  his  picturesque  farm  in 
the  northern  part  of  Stamford.  He  has  told 
the  story  in  his  interesting,  philosophic  style 
but  with  every  practical  detail. 

Nuts  supply  all  essentials  of  human  food 
and  are  coming  into  more  general  use.  Nut 
trees  promise  to  become  an  important  part 
of  the  new  agriculture.  So  eminent  a physi- 
olog  st  as  Dr.  Kellogg  advocates  nuts  as  a 
staple  of  human  diet.  Dr.  Morris  explains 
the  possibility  of  an  extension  of  this  line 
of  food  supply.  Especially  valuable  is  his 
description  of  methods  of  nut  tree  growing 
which  avoid  the  difficulty  of  grafting  and 
are  applicable  to  all  sorts  of  tree  grafting. 


The  Salvaging  of  Civilization.  By  H.  G. 

Wells.  New  York  City:  The  Macmillan 

Company. 

Not  only  because  Mr.  Wells  has  come  into 
special  prominence  with  his  much  discussed 
"Outline  of  History”  but  because  of  its 
merits  as  a study  of  what  the  human  race  is 
doing,  this  book  is  interesting  and  important 
to  the  general  reader,  particularly  from  the 
human  evolutionary  aspect.  Not  all  of  us 
have  the  pessimistic  fears  that  trouble  Mr. 
Wells  and  induce  him  to  believe  that  we  are 
going  to  be  shipwrecked  as  a race,  but  all 
of  us  will  find  it  interesting  and  beneficial 
to  look  upon  both  sides  of  the  question.  Mr. 
Wells  tenaciously  supports  his  side  of  the 
argument.  His  heart  is  in  the  subject.  He 
has  produced  interesting  reading.  His  ad- 
vocacy of  historical  literature  for  the  safety 
of  the  human  race  is  indeed  a notable  com- 


pliment to  the  value  of  letters.  He  puts 
almost  the  entire  stress  of  salvaging  upon 
what  he  calls  the  coupling  up  of  our  present 
Bible  with  other  good  literary  material  so 
as  to  make  an  enlarged  “Bible  of  Civiliza- 
tion.” 


American  Boy’s  Book  of  Wild  Animals. 
By  Dan  Beard.  Philadelphia  and  Lon- 
don: J.  B.  Lippincott  Company. 

What  can  be  more  fascinating  to  the  real 
boy  than  wild  animals?  He  is  always  eager 
to  get  out  where  some  of  them  have  their 
haunts.  Dan  Beard  in  his  latest  addition  to 
the  Woodcraft  Series  offers  the  next  best 
thing  to  a trip  into  the  wild  itself.  His  new 
book  is  filled  with  incident  and  adventure — 
stories  of  bears,  wild  cats,  deer,  opossum 
and  all  the  small  furry  things  that  dash  and 
scamper  away  at  the  sound  of  man’s  ap- 
proach. 

The  author  is  National  Scout  Commis- 
sioner for  the  Boy  Scouts  of  America  and, 
next  to  Sir  Robert  Baden-Powell,  there  is 
probably  no  man  who  is  in  so  close  touch 
with  the  work  of  this  organization  or  who 
has  a wider  knowledge  and  greater  love  of 
the  w’Td,  its  ways  and  its  denizens.  He  has 
the  gift  of  being  able  to  make  real  and 
interesting  to  youthful  readers  all  the  things 
which  he  writes  about  with  so  much  en- 
thusiasm, and  it  is  through  this  gift  that 
his  previous  books  on  woodcraft  have  gained 
so  widely  in  favor  among  those  who  are  to 
become  the  best  in  national  manhood. 

Uncle  Dan  has  spent  most  of  his  life  in 
the  open;  his  experiences  with  wild  animals 
have  been  numerous;  some  of  them  exciting; 
the  mosl  interesting  of  these  are  told  as 
only  the  author  knows  how. 


A Book  About  the  Bee.  By  Herbert  Mace. 
New  York  City:  E.  P.  Dutton  and  Com- 
pany. 

We  hail  with  delight  this  interesting  book. 
It  goes  directly  to  the  natural  history  of  the 
hive  and  is  therefore  in  perfect  harmony 
with  the  spirit  of  this  magazine.  The  author 
says  and  we  heartily  agree  with  him: 

“Out  of  a list  of  thirty-five  ‘bee  books’ 
which  I have  looked  over,  no  less  than 
twentv-eight  are  practical  handbooks.  Five 
are  highly  scientific  works,  and  the  other 
two  are  almost  of  a metaphysical  nature,  in 
that  the  bees  are  only  used  as  a peg  on 
which  to  hang  a dissertation  on  human  life 
and  conduct. 

“Everyone  does  not  want  to  keep  bees; 
few  people  feel  intensely  interested  in  de- 
tailed descriptions  of  the  internal  anatomy 
of  the  insect;  while  it  is  not  every  reader 
who  is  pleased,  on  getting  half-way  through 


XIV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


a book  about  bees,  to  find  that  under  the 
sugar  coating  of  a peep  into  the  wonders 
of  Nature  is  a pill  designed  to  remedy  the 
evils  of  Society.  These  are  all  legitimate 
works,  very  good  and  useful  to  those  who 
need  them.  but.  if  one  may  judge  from  the 
interest  shown  by  one’s  friends  and  neigh- 
bours when  the  subject  of  bees  is  introduced, 
a plain  account  of  the  life  and  death  of  the 
busy  occupants  of  the  darksome  hive  would 
be  more  readily  welcome.” 


The  Forest  Service.  United  State' 
Department  of  Agriculture,  reports 
that  no  less  than  thirty-three  states 
have  now  provided  for  some  sort  of 
forestry  activities  and  twenty-five  of 
these  share  in  the  federal  cooperative 
forest  protection  fund,  allotted  to  states 
maintaining  an  effective  fire  detection 
and  suppression  system. — Science. 


From  Miss  Fannie  A.  Smith,  Private 
School.  Bridgeport,  Connecticut. 

“Our  Alumni  and  teachers  realize 
how  fortunate  they  were  in  being  able 
to  hear  such  an  unique  and  inspiring 
talk  as  Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow  gave 
us  at  our  annual  Alumni  Meeting.  We 
sincerely  hope  to  have  the  pleasure  of 
hearing  Dr.  Bigelow  again  in  the  near 
future.” 


THE  AMERICAN 
ANNUAL  OF 
PHOTOGRAPHY,  1922 

The  World’s 
Finest  and  Most 
Popular  Annual. 

Full  of  Inter- 
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More  than  200 
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24  Supple- 
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A Complete 
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Paper  Cover,  $1.75 
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GET  IT  FROM  YOUR  DEALER 
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GEORGE  MURPHY.  INC. 

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CECRCC  MCRPHY 


Mrs.  Dow’s  School,  Briarcliff  Manor, 
New  York. 

November  5.  1921: 
Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow. 

Sound  Beach.  Connecticut. 

My  dear  Dr.  Bigelow  : 

In  your  visits  of  the  last  three  years 
to  Briarcliff  I feel  that  you  have  done 
much  through  your  excursions  with  the 
girls,  your  walks  and  your  lectures 
with  the  lantern  slides  to  develop  in 
them  a love  of  nature  and  the  wonders 
of  outdoor  life,  but  your  lecture  last 
week  with  the  microscope  projections 
quite  transcended  anything  which  you 
have  done  for  us  Heretofore.  In  fact  it 
seems  to  me  one  of  the  most  important 
scientific  achievements  that  has  come 
under  my  notice. 

If  vou  can  reveal  the  secrets  of  the 
microscope  to  large  audiences  of  voting 
people  as  you  did  for  us  you  will  cer- 
tainly be  making  a great  contribution 
to  scientific  teaching.  I wish  you  all 
success  in  developing  your  work  along 
this  line ! 

Yours  very  sincerely. 

("Signed)  Edith  Cooper  Hartman*. 


AQUARIUM  NEWS 

Published  every  month  under  the  direction  of  the 
Ridgewood  Aquarium  Society,  Ridgewood.  Brook- 
lyn. New  York  City.  New  York.  Devoted  to  the 
study  of  all  kinds  of  fish,  including  native  and 
tropical,  also  everything  appertaining  to  the  care 
and  maintenance  of  the  home  aquarium,  terrarium, 
etc. 

Price  $1.50  yearly.  15c  single  copy. 

Harry  A.  Schuler.  Editor  A.  F.  Eimbeck,  See’;; 
59  Hopkins  Avenue.  105  Lewis  Avenue, 

Jersey  City.  New  Jersey.  . Brooklyn,  Xew  York. 


SARGENTS  HANDBOOK  OF 

AMERICAN  PRIVATE  SCHOOLS 

AX  ANNUAL  SURVEY  and  Review  describing  PRI- 
VATE SCHOOLS  of  all  classincatior.s  and  SUMMER 
CAMPS  for  Boys  and  Girls. 

.4  COMPEXDI  CM  for  Educators. 

A GUIDEBOOK  for  Parents,  supplying  intimate  in- 
formation, which  makes  possible  a discriminating 
choice 

COMPARATIVE  TABLES  give  the  relative  Cost,  Size. 
Age.  Special  Features,  etc. 

INTRODUCTORY  CHAPTERS  rev'ew  interesting  De- 
velopments of  the  ^ ear  in  education. 

EDUCATION  SERVICE  Bureau  will  be  glad  to  advise 
and  write  you  intimately  about  ary  School  or  Camp 
in  which  you  are  interested.  W rite  full  particulars. 

CONSULTATION  BY  APPOINTMENT. 

7th  edition.  $96  pp.,  S4.00  postpaid. 

Circulars  and  Sample  Pages  on  Request. 

PORTER  E.  SARGENT,  14  Beacon  St.,  Boston 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE — 4DV  ERT1SEM  ENTS 


XV 


dodhous'Ten  A SIMMER  HOME  ! 

4 compartments,  28  All  song  birds  raise  two,  and 
inches  high,  18  inches  usually  three,  broods  of  young 
in  diameter.  each  year,  selecting  a new  nest- 

ing site  for  each  brood  of  young, 
so  if  your  houses  are  put  out 
now  they  are  sure  to  be  occupied. 

DODSON  HOUSES 

win  the  birds.  Built  by  a bird- 
lover  who  has  spent  a lifetime 
studying  their  habits  and  how  to 
attract  them  to  beautiful  Bird 
lodge,  his  home  on  the  Kan- 
kakee River. 

Free  Bird  Book  sent  on  re- 
quest. illustrating  Dodson  Line, 
giving  prices;  also  beautiful  col- 
ored bird  picture  free. 

JOSEPH  H DODSON 

Pres.  American  Audubon  Ass’n. 

714  S.  HARRISON  AVE., 
KANKAKEE.  ILL. 

Dodson  Sparrow  Trap  guaranteed  to  rid  your  community 
of  these  quarrelsome  pests.  Price  $8.00. 

Girl  Scouts  camp,  hike  and  live  close  to 
Nature.  Read  about  their  good  times  in 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 

A Magazine  for  Girl  Scouts  and  Girls 
who  love  Scouting. 

The  American  Girl  will  bring  you  suggestions 
for  parties — stories  and  other  things  besides. 
Send  for  sample  copy  to 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 
189  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City. 

$1.50  a year  — Single  copy  15c 


FEED  THE  BIRDS 

THE  PACKARD 
Automatic  Food-House 

KEEPS  THE  FOOD  DRY;  AVOIDS  WASTE; 
LASTS  YEARS;  AND  COSTS  75c. 

Two  for  $1.25 — Why  Pay  More? 

by  mail,  postpaid  in  New  England; 
elsewhere  add  postage. 

Special  Mixture  Bird  Food 

A balanced  ration;  best  for  the  birds, 
best  for  use  in  the  food-house. 

8 lbs.  for  $1.25,  postpaid  in  New 
England.  Elsewhere  add  postage. 

Everything  for  Wild  Birds.  Catalog  Free. 

Address  WINTHROP  PACKARD 
Canton,  Mass. 


What  will  flie 
negative  slow? 

There’s  density  and  definition:  detail  in 
high  lights  and  shadows;  correctness  of 
perspective;  color  value — consider  all 
these.  For  the  negative  can  show  only 
what  the  lens  throws  upon  it.  And  any 
picture  worth  taking  at  all  is  worth  tak- 
ing as  well  as  it  can  be  taken.  In  other 
words,  take  it  with  one  of  the 

BAUSCH  & LOMB 
PHOTOGRAPHIC  LENSES 

In  poor  light- — cloudy  or  rainy  outdoors, 
on  porches  or  indoors — good  snapshots 
— better  than  many  a time  exposure — can 
be  made  easily  through  Bausch  & Lomb 
Tessar  Anastigmats  (Ic,  f:4.5  or  1 1 b 
f:6.3).  And  in  bright  sunlight  they  stop 
the  fastest  action  blurlessly. 

Ask  your  dealer  to  put  Tessar 
Anastigmat  on  your  camera. 
Then  you  will  see  how  pleasur- 
able photography  can  be. 

Bausch  & [omb  Optical  (5. 

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Leading  American  Makers  of  Photo- 
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XVI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATU RE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BEGINNER’S  BEEKEEPING  OUTFIT 


MEDINA, 

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Special 

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THE  CL  IDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XVII 


An  Artis's'  Drawing  Crayon 


The  box  pictured  contains 
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Dagor  F:6.8 
the  universal  lens 
Dogmar  F:4.5 
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it  is  equipped  with  a Goerz  lers, 
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Goerz  Cameras  are  made  in  sev- 
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BIRD-LORE 

A Bi-Monthly  Magazine 

EDITED  BY  FRANK  M.  CHAPMAN 

500  Pages,  6 Colored  Plates 
150  Photographs 

Price  yearly,  one  dollar  and  a half. 

It  will  tell  you  how  to  study  b'rds,  how 
to  form  and  conduct  bird  clubs,  how  to 
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nity who  finds  in  birds  ‘ the  most  elo- 
quent expression  of  nature’s  beauty,  joy 
and  freedom.” 

He  will  be  glad  to  mail  you 
a specimen  copy  on  request. 

D.  APPLETON  & CO. 

Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania 


TilE  BRYOLOGJST — The  only  magazine  in  the  EiJg 
lish  language  devoted  wholly  to  articles  dealing  wufc 
Mosses,  Hepatics,  and  Lichens.  Of  interest  to  Ik 
ginners  and  advanced  students  alike.  Bimonthly,  pufc 
lished  by  the  Sullivant  Moss  Society,  an  organiz«uio» 
for  mutual  help  in  moss  study.  Special  curators  u 
assist  beginners.  Membership  fee,  $1.50  per  year,  »•» 
eluding  the  Bryoloeist,  subscription  alone,  $1.25,  Can 
dian  postage  10  cents  extra.  Address  Edward  B.  Cham 
berlain,  18  West  89tb  Street,  New  York  City. 


AQUATIC  LIFE  monthly  magazine  will 

~ increase  your  enjoyment 

of  the  life  in  nature’s  streams  and  in  your  home 
aquarium.  Written  by  scientists  to  entertain  all 
nature  lovers  who  like  to  paddle  in  water  and 
study  its  manv  forms  of  life.  A journal  of  popu- 
lar aquatic  biology,  not  merely  a fish  fancier^’  mag 
azine.  Specimen  copy  free  on  request.  Subscrip- 
tion, $1.25  per  vear.  Joseph  E.  Bausman,  Pub- 
lisher, 542  East  Girard  Avenue,  Philadelphia. 


CAMERA  CRAFT 

Claus  Spreckels  Bldg.,  San  Francisco,  Calif. 

Practical  and  informative  for  amateur,  com- 
mercial and  portrait  photographers. 

Its  advertising  pages  keep  you  up-to-date. 

To  be  enlarged  Januarv  1st,  1922,  and  sub- 
scription price  raised  to  $1.50.  Up  to  that  date 
we  will  accept  subscriptions  at 

$1.00  PER  YEAR 

for  one  or  more  years. 

Canadian  postage  25c  Foreign  postage  50c 

Sample  on  request. 


XVIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BOBBINK  & ATKINS 


Visit 

Nursery 


Ask  for 
Catalog 


ROSES 

EVERGREENS 
TREES  AND  SHRUBS 
OLD-FASHIONED  FLOWERS 
FRUIT  TREES  AND  BUSHES 
S P R I N G- F L O W E R I N G BULBS 
LILACS — Ask  for  Special  List.  You  will  be  interested  in 
collection  when  you  see  the  large  number  of  varieties. 


this 


3 RU 


h 


Nurserymen  and  Florists 

THERFORD,  NEW  JERSEY 

Established  1868 


“Egypt”  is  a new  conception  by  a 1 e\v  con- 
cern; a compelling  fragrance  originated  for  the 
woman  who  demards  originality,  refinement  and 
cm  ture  in  everv  particular  of  her  toilet.  In  its 
odd,  hand-painted  bottle.  “Egypt”  will  grace  the 
most  artistic  ard  esthetic  boudoir. 

Originators  and  Sole  Manufacturers 

THE  EGYPT  LABORATORY 

Stamford,  Connecticut 

P.  O.  Box  471. 


ALWAYS  ASK  FOR 

SPRATT’S 


DOG  FOODS 


"The  backbone  of  the 
present  Canine  Race.” 

Write  for  samples  and  send  2-cent 
stamp  for  Catalogue  “Dog  Culture.” 

Spratt's  Patent  Limited 


Newark,  New  Jersey 

San  Francisco  St  Louis  Montreal 
Factory  also  in  London,  Eng. 


It  yields  comfortably  to  the  shape  of 
the  body,  is  soft  yet  firm,  and  induces 
perfect  relaxation  and  rest.  The  Oster- 
moor  Mattress  is  scientifically  built,  not 
stuffed  like  horsehair;  it  cannot  get  out 
of  shape  and  is  sanitary.  Replace  with 
Ostermoor  as  your  old  mattresses  be- 
come uncomfortable. 

At  your  dealer’s,  or  we  will  ship  direct; 
express  prepaid.  Write  for  144-page  Cat- 
alog— mailed  free. 

Ostermoor  & Co.,  114  Elizabeth  St., 
New  York. 

Canadian  Agency: 

Alaska  Bedding  of  Montreal,  Ltd.,  Montreal 


BRUNSWICK  SCHOOL 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

A Preparatory  Day  School  for  Boys 
in  Stamford,  Greenwich  and 
Port  Chester 

Calls  the  attention  of  possible  patrons 
to  the  fact  that  the  enrolment  for  the 
coming  year  is  complete  in  respect  to  the 
primary  and  lower  school  departments. 
In  these  sections,  further  applications 
can  receive  favorable  attention  only  in 
case  of  unexpected  withdrawals.  There 
are  still  some  vacancies  in  the  Upper 
School. 

Primary  School,  for  boys  6 to  11 
Lower  School,  for  boys  10  to  14 
Upper  School,  for  boys  13  to  19 

for  catalogue,  or  special  information, 
address 

GEORGE  E.  CARMICHAEL, 

Head-master. 

Telephones: 

Office,  Greenwich  318 
Home,  Greenwich  553 


Telephone  179 

THE  BARTLETT  WAY 


Ute  Bartlett  Wav 


is 

THE 

RECOGNIZED 
STANDARD 
of 

TREE 
SURGERY 

Our  work  is  not  local  in  scope  but  is 
available  to  all  tree  owners  within  a 
large  radius. 

The  F.  A.  Bartlett 
Tree  Expert  Co. 

“Tree  Specialists” 


STAMFORD. 
Westbury  - ■ 

Morristown 
Chestnut  Hill 


CONNECTICUT 
- - - - L.  I. 

N.  j. 

Pa. 


KEEP  YOUR  EYES  OPEN ! 
DON’T  BE  BLIND ! 

It  is  a terrible  calamity  to  be  wholly  or 
part^  blind  and  know  it. 

It  is  also  unfortunate  to  be  wholly  or 
partly  blind  and  not  know  it. 

You  have  arrived  in  a wonderfully  in- 
teresting and  beautiful  world  containing 
thousands  of  entertaining,  instructive  and 
inspiring  things. 

If  you  have  not  seen  them,  you  are 
blind  to  them.  You  should  hold  out  your 
hands  and  say,  “Please  guide  me  among 
these  wonderful  things,  please  help  me 
to  see!” 

THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE  will  do  this. 
It  is  published  by 

THE  AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION,  Inc. 

at  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

At  $1.50  per  year. 

EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW,  Editor. 

SEE!  THINK!  TELL! 

The  greatest  joy,  the  greatest  satisfac- 
tion in  the  world  is  comprised  within 
these  three  words. 


CHRISTMAS  GIFTS 

SUGGESTIONS  FOR  NATURE -LOVERS 

“Handbook  of  Birds  of  Eastern  North  America,”  by  Frank  M.  Chapman.  Describes 
plumage  of  every  bird  found  in  Eastern  North  America.  “The  bird  bible  of  the 
bird-student.”  Price  $4.15  postpaid. 

“Burgess  Bird  Book  for  Children.”  A book  for  very  youthful  readers.  Price  $3.15 
postpaid. 

“Tales  from  Birdland,”  by  T.  Gilbert  Pearson.  Illustrated  by  Charles  Livingston  Bull. 
Experiences  with  birds  in  the  open  woven  together  with  human-interest  stories. 

Price  80  cents  postpaid. 

“Our  Winter  Birds,”  by  Frank  M.  Chapman.  Interesting  for  beginners  and  advanced 
students.  Price  80  cents  postpaid. 

“Portraits  and  Habits  of  Our  Birds.”  Contains  100  splendid  colored  plates  of  birds. 
Two  volumes.  Sold  at  cost,  $8  postpaid. 

“Bird-Lore.”  Beautifully  illustrated  bi-monthly  magazine.  Has  the  greatest  circulation 
of  any  bird  magazine  in  the  world.  Subscription  price  $1.50. 

Audubon  Field  Glass  for  bird-study.  Complete  with  case  and  strap.  $7.50. 

Lemaire  Opera  Glass.  Unsurpassed  for  field  work.  With  case  $12. 

NATIONAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  AUDUBON  SOCIETIES 

1974  Broadway,  New  York  City 


PALACE  DRESS  SHOP,  Inc. 

INVITES  YOUR  EARLY  INSPECTION 
OF  ITS  DISTINCTIVE  ASSORTMENT 
OF  WEARING  APPAREL  FOR  THE 
MATRON  AND  MISS 


EXCLUSIVE  AGENTS 
FOR 


BETTY  WALES  and  VERITE 

WE  SPECIALIZE  IN  MODELS  TO  SLENDERIZE 
THE  FIGURE  OF  GENEROUS  PROPORTIONS 


278  Atlantic  Street 


Stamford,  Conn, 


It  yields  comfortably  to  the  shape  of 
the  body,  is  soft  yet  firm,  and  induces 
perfect  relaxation  and  rest.  The  Oster- 
moor  Mattress  is  scientifically  built,  not 
stuffed  like  horsehair;  it  cannot  get  out 
of  shape  and  is  sanitary.  Replace  with 
Ostermoor  as  your  old  mattresses  be- 
come uncomfortable. 

At  your  dealer’s,  or  we  will  ship  direct; 
express  prepaid.  Write  for  144-page  Cat- 
alog— mailed  free. 

Ostermoor  & Co.,  114  Elizabeth  St., 
New  York. 


Canadian  Agency; 

Alaska  Bedding  of  Montreal,  Ltd., 


Montreal 


BRUNSWICK  SCHOOL 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

A Preparatory  Day  School  for  Boys 
in  Stamford,  Greenwich  and 
Port  Chester 

Calls  the  attention  of  possible  patrons 
to  the  fact  that  the  enrolment  for  the 
coming  year  is  complete  in  respect  to  the 
primary  and  lower  school  departments. 
In  these  sections,  further  applications 
can  receive  favorable  attention  only  in 
case  of  unexpected  withdrawals.  There 
are  still  some  vacancies  in  the  Upper 
School. 

Primary  School,  for  boys  6 to  11 
Lower  School,  for  boys  10  to  14 
Upper  School,  for  boys  13  to  19 

For  catalogue,  or  special  information, 
address 

GEORGE  E.  CARMICHAEL, 

Head-master. 

Telephones: 

Office,  Greenwich  318 
Home,  Greenwich  553 


Telephone  179 


THE  BARTLETT  WAY 


TJ»e  Bartlett  Wav 


is 

THE 

RECOGNIZED 

STANDARD 

of 

TREE 

SURGERY 


Our  work  is  not  local  in  scope  but  is 
available  to  all  tree  owners  within  a 
large  radius. 

The  F.  A.  Bartlett 
Tree  Expert  Co. 


“Tree  Specialists” 


STAMFORD. 
Westbury  - ■ 

Morristown 
Chestnut  Hill 


CONNECTICUT 
- - - - L.  I. 
- - - - N.  J. 
Pa. 


KEEP  YOUR  EYES  OPEN! 
DON’T  BE  BLIND ! 

It  is  a terrible  calamity  to  be  wholly  or 
partly  blind  and  know  it. 

It  is  also  unfortunate  to  be  wholly  or 
partly  blind  and  not  know  it. 

You  have  arrived  in  a wonderfully  in- 
teresting and  beautiful  world  containing 
thousands  of  entertaining,  instructive  and 
inspiring  things. 

If  you  have  not  seen  them,  you  are 
blind  to  them.  \ 011  should  hold  out  your 
hands  and  say,  "Please  guide  me  among 
these  wonderful  things,  please  help  me 
to  see!” 

THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE  will  do  this. 

It  is  published  by 

THE  AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION,  Inc. 

at  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

At  $1.50  per  year. 

EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW,  Editor. 

SEE!  THINK!  TELL! 

The  greatest  joy,  the  greatest  satisfac- 
tion in  the  world  is  comprised  within 
these  three  words. 


CHRISTMAS  GIFTS 


SUGGESTIONS  FOR  NATURE-LOVERS 

“Handbook  of  Birds  of  Eastern  North  America,”  by  Frank  M.  Chapman.  Describes 
plumage  of  every  bird  found  in  Eastern  North  America.  “The  bird  bible  of  the 
bird-student.”  Price  $4.15  postpaid. 

“Burgess  Bird  Book  for  Children.”  A book  for  very  youthful  readers.  Price  $3.15 
postpaid. 

“Tales  from  Birdland,”  by  T.  Gilbert  Pearson.  Illustrated  by  Charles  Livingston  Bull. 
Experiences  with  birds  in  the  open  woven  together  with  human-interest  stories. 
Price  80  cents  postpaid. 

“Our  Winter  Birds,”  by  Frank  M.  Chapman.  Interesting  for  beginners  and  advanced 
students.  Price  80  cents  postpaid. 

“Portraits  and  Habits  of  Our  Birds.”  Contains  100  splendid  colored  plates  of  birds. 
Two  volumes.  Sold  at  cost,  $8  postpaid. 

“Bird-Lore.”  Beautifully  illustrated  bi-monthly  magazine.  Has  the  greatest  circulation 
of  any  bird  magazine  in  the  world.  Subscription  price  $1.50. 

Audubon  Field  Glass  for  bird-study.  Complete  with  case  and  strap.  $7.50. 

Lemaire  Opera  Glass.  Unsurpassed  for  field  work.  With  case  $12. 

NATIONAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  AUDUBON  SOCIETIES 

1974  Broadway,  New  York  City 


PALACE  DRESS  SHOP,  Inc. 

INVITES  YOUR  EARLY  INSPECTION 
OF  ITS  DISTINCTIVE  ASSORTMENT 
OF  WEARING  APPAREL  FOR  THE 
MATRON  AND  MISS 


EXCLUSIVE  AGENTS 
FOR 

BETTY  WALES  and  VERITE 

WE  SPECIALIZE  IN  MODELS  TO  SLENDERIZE 
THE  FIGURE  OF  GENEROUS  PROPORTIONS 

278  Atlantic  Street  Stamford,  Conn, 


jRsaamm- . 


COMP.  ZOOL 

LIBRARY 


JANUARY,  1922 


VOL.  XIV 


1922 


EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW,  Managing  Editor 

PUBLISHED  MONTHLY  BY 

HE  AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION,  AR  A^iA  : Sound  Beach,  Conn 

Subscription,  S1.50  a Year;  Single  Copy,  15c 


FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 

AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 

||  fFsIiTF- Smith 

REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 
Stamford,  Connecticut. 

Phones  2916  and  2917,  Stamford 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 


has  good  transportation  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

I have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates,  Shore  and  Inland 
Residences,  Farms,  Acreage,  Cottages  and 
Building  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selected 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Rent 
in  all  locations. 

Would  be  pleased  to  have  jou  call  or  write. 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  Coon. 


You  Remember  that  Beautiful  Home 

NEAR  TO  NATURE  AT  SHIPP  AN  POINT 


IT’S  SOLD. 


that  was  advertised  here? 

OF  COURSE  IT  WAS  SOLD. 
That’s  the  purpose  of  our 


REAL  ESTATE  AGENCY 


and  our  advertisement  right  in  this  space. 

We  have  many  more  desirable  homes. 
Better  write,  telephone  (Stamford  201)  or  call. 


G.  HARRY  ABBOTT 

Stamford  Savings  Bank  Building  Stamford 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


I 


A.  M.  BOLES 

REAL  ESTATE  AND 
INSURANCE 

SOUND  BEACH.  RIVERSIDE  AND 
VICINITIES 

Office 

SOUND  BEACH  AVENUE 
Opp.  R.  R.  Station 

SOUND  BEACH,  CONN. 

Telephone  546 


The  Waller  Slewart  Co. 

The  Leading  Grocers 
CHOICE  GROCERIES, 

FLOUR  AND  FEED. 
SIX  STORES 

Sound  Beach,  New  Canaan, 

Darien  and  Springdale 

Telephone  Connection 


EVERYTHING 

ELECTRICAL 

FOR  THE  HOME 

From  Garret  to  Cellar 

Electric  Heaters,  Sewing 
Machines,  Irons,  Vacuum 
Cleaners,  Washing  Ma- 
chines, Percolators, 
Toasters,  etc.,  etc., 

— at — 

THE  STAMFORD  ELEC- 
TRICAL CONTRACTOR 

INCORPORATED 

221  Atlantic  Street 


C.  C.  CLARK’S 

TAXI  SERVICE 

SOUND  BEACH  CONNECTICUT 

TAXI  CABS— BAGGAGE  TRANSFER 
PROMPT  SERVICE  OUR  MOTTO 

Telephone 

271  SOUND  BEACH 

D.  MAHER  SONS  == 

LEHIGH  COAL,  HYGEIA  ICE 

BUILDING  MATERIAL,  LIME,  LATH, 
BRICK,  SAND,  CEHENT,  DRAIN  PIPE 

Tel.  130  Sound  Beach,  Conn, 

LAURENCE  TAYLOR 

HARDWARE 

PAINTS  OIL  WINDOW  GLASS 

HOUSEHOLD  UTENSILS 

Boles  Block,  Next  to  Post  Office  Phone  95 
Sound  Beach 

LA  BELLE  BAKERY 

297  Atlantic  Street 
STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 


S.  G.  JUDD  STORE 

HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 

Telephone  352 

White  and  Gray  Enamel 
Ware 

Galvanized  and  Tin  Ware 
Aluminum,  Crockery  and 
Glass  Ware 

Baskets,  Cutlery 

43  BANK  STREET 
Stamford,  _ _ Connecticut 


II 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Stamford  Business  Directory 


HOTEL  DAVENPORT 

H.  S.  MOREHOUSE  HOTEL  CO. 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


EVERYTHING  FOR  LADIES'  WEAR 

CALL  ON 

Moltasch,  Ladies’  Outfitter 

210  ATLANTIC  ST.,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 


felephoae,  270  Uptown  Office:  STARK  BROS. 

271  40  PARK  ROW 

CHAS.  F.  WATERBURY 
David  Waterbury  & Son 
COAL  DRAIN  PIPE  WOOD 

Crushed  Stone  for  Walks  and  Drives 
YARDS:  Canal  Dock.  STAMFORD.  CONN. 


Telephone  169  Insurance  Appraisals  Made 

WM.  T.  FINNEY,  INC. 

ANTIQUES,  SECONDHAND 

FURNITURE,  STORAGE. 

Office  and  A action  Rooms 
35  Atlantic  Street,  Stamford,  Conn 

Corsets  Fitted  Free  by  Expert  Corsetiere 

Phone  989 

LA  SARETTE  CORSET  SHOP 

STAMFORD  THEATRE  BUILDING 
Stamford-  Connecticut 


BORG  BROTHERS 

Chemical  and  Analytical  Laboratories 
for  Special  Research  Work 

539  MAIN  ST. 

STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

JOHN  PHILLIPS 

Dealer  in 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES 

463  Main  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

FOR  FINE  MILLINERY 
NEWSTAD’S 

3 BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

FRANK  M.  WEST 
HARDWARE 

Paint*,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Etc.  House  Furnishings 

18  PARK  ROW  Tel.  Con. 

R.  F.  VOSKA  & SO  INI 

TAILORS 

444  Atlantic  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

DR.  W.  HTPOMEROY^ 

DENTIST 
The  Gurley  Building 

324  Main  Street,  Opposite  City  Hall 

Stamford,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


III 


THE  GRUBER 

Phillips'  Gift  Shop 

Gifts  for  All  Occasions 

COMPANY 

jw.  Diamonds,  Watches, 

J ewelry,  Silver- 
ware.  Cut  Glass, 
r>o  Clocks,  Sterling 

V a-  J AND  Ivoroid  Toilet 

^ C<?%.  and  Manicure  Sets, 

Novelties,  Etc. 

STAMFORD’S  EXCLUSIVE 

WOMAN’S  SHOP 

Usual  Amount  of  Engraving  Free. 

A Small  Deposit  Reserves  Any  Article 

Selected. 

Exclusive  Agency  Gorham 

298  Main  Street 

Silverware. 

Stamford 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 

232  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn. 

Telephone  2294 

Established,  1897 

THE  HALLMARK  STORE 

A Zoological  Study. 

Lifting  yourself  by  your  boot  straps 
seems  easy  compared  with  the  feat  of 
the  marsupials  that  the  teacher  in 
Harper’s  Magazine  questioned  Johnny 
about.  “What  are  marsupials?”  she 
asked  the  little  fellow. 

“Animals  that  have  pouches  in  their 
stomachs,”  came  the  quick  reply. 

“And  for  what  purpose  do  they  use 
the  pouches?”  continued  the  teacher, 
ignoring  the  slight  inaccuracy  of  the 
reply.  “I  am  sure  you  know  that  too.” 

“Yes’m,”  said  Johnny  promptly. 
“The  pouches  are  for  them  to  crawl 
into  and  conceal  themselves  when  pur- 
sued.”— The  Youth’s  Companion. 


Townly — “Do  you  often  have  to  rush 
to  catch  your  morning  train?” 

Subbubs — “Oh,  it’s  about  an  even 
break.  Sometimes  I am  standing  at  the 
station  when  the  train  puffs  up  and 
other  times  it  is  standing  at  the  station 
when  I puff  up.” — Boston  Transcript. 

Praise  great  estates,  farm  a little  one. 
- — The  Georgies  of  Virgil. 


“You  Must  Do  It  Yourself.” 

No  one  can  write  your  book  of  Na- 
ture for  you ; you  must  do  it  yourself. 
She  will  never  fail  to  inspire  you;  the 
light  that  shines  across  the  fields,  the 
wind  that  murmurs  through  the  wood 
and  the  soft  beauty  that  is  blended  in 
the  depths  of  the  distance  are  all  wait- 
ing for  your  heart  to  open  and  take 
them  in.  Once  you  understand  clearly 
that  it  is  not  what  some  one  else  has 
written  about  Nature  that  should  guide 
you,  but  what  you  see  and  interpret 
yourself  that  matters,  you  are  on  the 
right  road  and  your  book  has  a perma- 
nent entry. — From  a very  interesting 
illustrated  article  by  Frederick  B. 
Hodges,  “The  Book  of  Nature,”  in 
“Photo-Era  Magazine”  (Boston)  for 
June,  1921. 

A small  fish,  the  “top  minnow” 
(Gambusia) , is  proving  highly  efficient 
for  eradicating  malarial  and  yellow- 
fever  bearing  mosquitoes.  Among  other 
advantages  over  oil  the  fish  do  not  spoil 
the  water  for  drinking,  and  the  cost  is 
much  less. 


IV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


n o y i:  o y s c h o g o l a t is  s 

DEL  ICIOU  S F O u N T A I N D II  I y K S 


270  MAIN  STREET 


S T A .M  F O II  D 


C O X N E CTICU T 


Telephone  3415. 


GOOD  HEALTH’S  BEST  FRIEND  IS  WHOLESOME  FOOD 


THE  BEST  INGREDIENTS  make  the  BEST  BREAD! 

Beech  Nut  Bread  is  made  of  Pure  Granulated  Sugar,  Pure  Leaf  Lard,  Pure 
Malt  Extract,  Pure  Eleischmann’s  Yeast,  Pure  Milk  and  Plenty  Of  It,  and 
Pure  Wheat  Flour — and  each  of  these  wholesome,  healthful  ingredients  is  the 
hnesl  quality  that  money  can  buy. 

NATURALLY— BEECH  NUT  BREAD  I 5 MORE  NOURISHING,  AS  WELL 
AS  MORE  DELICIOUS  I 

Baked  Solely  by  the  Marsh  Bakeries,  Inc. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


V 


IRRESISTIBLE  FINERIES  IN  LACES  AND  EMBROIDERIES 

The  discerning  will  discover  in  this  Sale  of  fine  Laces  a multitude  of  treas- 
ures for  the  glorifying  of  lingerie,  frocks,  blouses,  negligees,  for  deep  flounces 

and  for  flowing 
sleeves. 

Scarcely  less  al- 
luring are  the  ex- 
quisite Embroider- 
ies in  every  desir- 
able width.  Entire 
frocks,  blouses,  petti- 
coats, camisoles  may 
be  beautifully  fash- 
ioned from  some  that 
are  happily  low  priced. 


S^TA  M FOf*p  ■ ■ CONN  ■ 


'll!  Atlantic  St. 


‘A  Pleasant  Place  to  Shop,  with  Always  Something  New.” 


Established  1853 

THEGETMAN  & JUDD  CO. 

Lumber  and  Timber  of  all  Kinds 

SPECIALTY:  High-Grade  HARDWOOD  FLOORING 

thoroughly  Kiln  Dried  and  stored  in  Steam  heated  build- 
tag  u m ti  1 delivered  to  our  customers.  Our  steadily  in- 
ereasiag  trade  in  this  specialty  proves  the  fact  that 
the  country  home  is  not  complete  until  fitted  out  with 
this  heautiful  and  sanitary  furnishing.  Old  Residences 
Bay  he  greatly  improved  by  laying  thin  floors  over  the 
•Id  oaet. 

CANAL  DOCKS,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone  2180. 


Homes  Near  to  Nature 

Should  he  so  constructed  as  to  give  lasting  satiafactioa. 
Our  method  of  manufacturing  dependable  Interior  am  4 
Exterior  house  trim  from  thoroughly  kiln  dried  materia) 
by  skilled  mechanics  insures  such  satisfactioa. 

THE  ST.  JOHN  WOOD  WORKING  CO. 

Canal  docks,  Stamford  Conn. 

Telephone  781 
DIRECTORS 

WALTON  FERGUSON,  Pres.  W.  W.  HERO  If 
W.  D.  DASKAM,  Vice  Pres.  Dr.  F.  H.  GETM  AN 

W.  H.  JUDD,  Sec.  and  Treas.  F.  W.  BOGARDUS 
J.  G.  WIGG,  General  Manager. 


SEE  US  AND 

SEE  BETTER 

Protect  your  eyes  from  the  daily 
strain  and  sun’s  rays. 


CAMERAS  and  SUPPLIES 
Developing.  Printing 
and  Mounting  .... 

W.  A.  McClelland,  Inc- Optom«trists-Opticlans 
Stamford  345  Atlantic  St.,  Connecticut 


STAMFORD  STEAM  LAUNDRY,  Inc. 

Deliveries  to  Sound  Beach  and  Shippan. 
OFFICE  10-12  SUMMER  PLACE 
Telephone,  249.  Stamford,  Conn. 


THE  GAMBLE  MILL  WORK  CO. 

DEALERS  IN 

SASH,  DOORS,  BLINDS,  TRIM, 
ETC. 

520  Steamboat  Road 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

THE  GREENWICH  CAB  CO.,  INC. 

Garage,  Taxi  Service,  Tires  and 
Supplies. 

81  Railroad  Ave.,  Greenwich,  Conn. 


Catching  the  Interests  of  Nature. 

As  long  ago  as  I can  remember  I 
heard  that  mythical  story  many  times 
repeated  of  the  cat  harnessed  to  a 
merry-go-round  or  old-fashioned  cider 
mill,  with  a mouse  dangling  in  front  of 
her.  All  day  that  cat  to  capture  the 
mouse  pulled  and  pushed  the  merry- 
go-round  attached  in  some  way  to  a 
machine  as  John  Burroughs’s  dog  was 
fastened  in  a treadmill  and  did  the 
churning. 

I have  many  times  pictured  that  cat 
tugging  at  that  windlass  in  pursuit  of 
that  mouse.  I do  not  believe  a cat  ever 
did  anything  of  the  kind,  although  by 
my  skepticism  I am  spoiling  a good 
allegory  that,  like  many  other  alle- 
gories, does  not  meet  the  test  when  ap- 
plied to  the  conditions  of  human  life. 
We  think  the  little  story  is  delightful, 
and  we  sympathize  with  the  cat  be- 
cause so  many  of  us  are  chasing  the  un- 
attainable or  making  water  balls,  those 
airy  nothings  that  bubble  to  the  sur- 
face when  our  emotional  nature  is 
touched. 

Many  well-meaning  schools  and 
equally  well-meaning  households  por- 
tray nature  study  to  children  as  the 
dangling  mouse  or  as  the  will-o’-the- 
wisp  floating  just  out  of  reach  under 
the  trees  in  the  orchard.  The  teacher 
says:  “My  dear  little  child,  isn’t  it  de- 
lightful to  think  about?  Isn’t  it  beau- 
tiful to  look  at?  Wouldn’t  you  like  to 
make  air  balls  and  run  after  the  will-o’- 
the-wisp?”  When  I hear  a song  about 
the  delights  of  the  woods  and  fields,  or 
a story  about  the  wonderful  antics  of 
some  animal  or  the  peculiar  maneu- 
vers of  a bird,  or  that  romance  about 
the  fish  that  never  was  caught,  I think 
of  the  mouse,  the  cat,  the  bubbles  and 
the  will-o’-the-wisp.  Let  us  throw  away 
these  pleasing  little  tales,  these  imag- 


inings, and  seek  the  joyous  light,  and 
catch  the  elusive  animals  instead  of 
dreaming  about  them.  Go  where  they 
are  and  get  into  touch  with  them. 

Idle  best  part  of  a fish  story  for  a 
young  person  is  to  play  at  being  a fish. 
Get  into  the  water  where  the  fishes  are 
and  dive  and  swim  as  they  dive  and 
swim.  In  all  the  world  there  is  no  other 
fishing  like  that. 

What  pastoral  scenes  have  been  de- 
picted by  poets  and  artists  of  the  de- 
lights with  Uncle  Josh  and  Aunt  Sue 
on  the  old  farm.  Their  life  is  idyllic. 
How  pastoral  it  is  to  follow  the  cows 
from  the  pasture  and  around  the  barn. 
Isn’t  it  charming  to  ramble  through  the 
quiet  meadows,  by  the  rippling  brooks, 
with  the  song  of  the  meadow  lark  drop- 
ping from  the  sky?  Pleasing  little  im- 
aginings, aren’t  they?  But  the  will-o’- 
the-wisp  and  the  bubbles  and  the  mouse 
keep  their  distance.  Why  read  the 
beautifully  illustrated  magazines  about 
country  life;  why  read  The  Guide  To 
Nature  ; why  not  abandon  the  printed 
page  and  get  the  reality  and  make  it 
your  own  ? 

That,  parents,  should  be  the  modern 
realization  of  these  dreams  of  the 
country  in  song  and  story  for  the  child. 
Former  generations  dreamed  about  liv- 
ing in  fairyland  ; modern  young  folks  in 
a well  ordered  camp  are  perfectly  at 
home  there.  All  that  the  musician  has 
told  us  of  ringing  rocks,  the  poet  of  the 
charms  of  the  daisy  and  “wee  little 
mousey,”  the  sportsman  of  freedom 
from  the  cares  of  the  city,  the  preacher 
in  the  pulpit  of  the  glory  of  the  firma- 
ment that  sheweth  His  handywork,  and 
of  the  satisfactions  of  living  near  to 
His  works,  are  all  realized  when  your 
boy  or  girl  goes,  to  a first-class  camp. 
Through  the  ages  a few  God  inspired 
men  and  women  thought  this  but  left 


MISCELLANEOUS 


VII 


it  for  modern  generations  to  accom- 
plish. Said  Wilson  Flagg: 

“Then  will  you  feel  that  mankind  are 
unhappy  only  as  they  wander  from  the 
simplicity  of  nature  and  that  we  may 
regain  our  lost  paradise  as  soon  as  we 
have  learned  to  love  nature  more  than 
art,  and  the  heaven  of  such  a place  as 
this  more  than  the  world  of  cities  and 
palaces.” 

In  a beautiful  home  on  Riverside 
Drive,  New  York  City,  a little  girl 
climbed  on  my  lap  as  I sat  in  an  arm- 
chair, while  her  grandmother  sat  at 
one  side  and  her  mother  in  front  of  me, 
and  said  : “Are  you  going  to  take  me 
to  where  the  fairies  live?  Are  there 
truly  tall  trees  out  there,  like  I see  in 
the  picture  books  ? Can  you  walk  under 
them?  Are  there  birds  and  butterflies 
too  ? Can  I see  them  ?” 

“Yes,”  I said,  “little  Estelle,”  (this 
name  is  fictitious  but  the  account  is  of 
an  actual  experience)  “in  three  weeks 
you  and  I and  happy  playmates  will  for 
the  first  time  go  into  that  fairyland,  and 
you  may  write  to  tell  your  mother  and 
grandmother  that  fairyland  is  true.”  It 
was  a joy  to  see  the  little  child’s  soul 
leap  into  her  eyes.  Three  weeks  later 
the  dream  came  true  under  tall  trees. 
She  who  had  left  New  York  and  the 
care  of  her  parents  had  for  the  first 
time  entered  into  the  child’s  kingdom 
of  happiness  further  and  deeper  than 
any  adult  can  realize. 

The  child  delights  to  read  about 
fairyland  and  to  think  about  it,  but  to 
realize  it  and  to  live  in  it  is  happiness 
beyond  words.  Little  Estelle’s  expe- 
rience I have  seen  repeated  time  and 
again  and,  father  and  mother,  the 
fonder  you  are  of  that  daughter  the 
more  you  will  want  her  to  be  another 
one  of  the  great  band  of  little  Estelles. 
You  can  buy  a book  with  beautiful 
illustrations  of  fairyland  but,  please,  I 
beg  of  you,  do  not  turn  it  into  a will-o’- 
the-wisp,  do  not  make  it  as  tantalizing 
as  that  mouse  before  the  cat,  but  make 
the  beautiful  fairylands  of  this  world, 
as  Whittier  calls  them,  the  real  things 
of  childhood  and  let  your  little  Estelle 
enjoy  every  bit  of  the  paradise  while 
she  may.  It  is  better  than  the  world  of 
cities  and  palaces. 

How  shall  you  do  this?  Write,  or 
telephone  for  a personal  call,  to  Ed- 
ward F.  Bigelow.  ArcAdiA  : Sound 
Beach,  Connecticut,  and  he  will  tell 
you. 


Holes  Upside  Down. 

Two  men  were  waiting  for  a train 
and  one  said : “I  will  ask  you  a ques- 
tion, and  if  I can  not  answer  my  own 
question,  I will  buy  the  tickets.  Then 
you  ask  a question,  and  if  you  can  not 
answer  your  own,  you  buy  the  tickets.” 
The  other  agreed  to  this.  “Well,”  the 
first  man  said,  “you  see  those  rabbit- 
holes?  How  do  they  dig  those  holes 
without  leaving  any  dirt  around  them  ?” 
The  other  confessed : “I  don’t  know. 
That’s  your  question,  so  answer  it  your- 
self.” The  first  man  winked  and  re- 
plied : “They  begin  at  the  bottom  and 
dig  up !”  “But,”  said  the  second  man, 
“how  do  they  get  at  the  bottom  to  be- 
gin?” “That’s  your  question,”  was  the 
first  man’s  rejoinder.  “Answer  it  your- 
self.” The  other  man  bought  the 
tickets. — Boston  Post. 

This  alleged  joke,  copied  from  the 
“Boston  Post”  by  “The  Literary  Di- 
gest,” has  been  widely  circulated.  It  is 
a revision  of  an  old  New  England  folk- 
lore tale  that  in  the  revision  has  from 
the  natural  history  standpoint  been 
badly  damaged.  There  is  earth  around 
rabbit  holes  but  none  around  chipmunk 
holes.  John  Burroughs  calls  attention 
to  the  fact  that  from  time  immemorial 
what  the  chipmunk  does  with  its  earth 
has  been  a moot  question,  but  so  far 
as  can  be  ascertained  the  first  explana- 
tion of  the  problem  was  made  by  The 
Guide  to  Nature  in  an  article  pub- 
lished a few  years  ago  in  regard  to  a 
pet  chipmunk.  In  February,  1909,  Mr. 
Frank  S.  Morton,  Portland,  Maine, 
states  the  old  problem  and  then  ex- 
plains : 

“As  I imagined  it  would  be,  the 
earth  was  a great  source  of  comfort 
and  immediately  on  being  placed  in  it 
she  would  begin  to  dig.  She  made  the 
earth  fly  so  that  I one  day  placed  my 
hands  at  the  side  of  the  jar  so  that  the 
earth  would  not  fly  over  the  room.  She 
began  packing  the  earth  against  my 
hands  and  was  soon  halfway  to  the 
bottom  of  the  jar.  It  was  then  that  I 
observed  that  after  digging  away  the 
dirt  with  her  fore  feet  like  any  bur- 
rowing animal,  and  throwing  it  under 
her  body,  she  whirled  around  and  be- 
gan tamping  and  packing  it  away  with 
her  head,  using  it  as  a battering  ram 
and  packing  in  the  earth  at  each  side 
and  when  possible  at  the  top.  To  fur- 
ther try  her  I placed  my  hands  down 


VIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


MOTORS 

FIXTURES 

APPLIANCES 

MODERN  LABOR  SAVING  MACHINES  FOR 
THE  HOUSEHOLD 

The 

Downes-Smith  Co. 

Electrical  Contractors 

Stamford,  Conn. 

79  ATLANTIC  STREET 

over  the  pile  of  earth  so  that  they 
formed  sort  of  an  outer  covering  to 
tunnels  she  was  digging,  and  she  con- 
tinued packing  the  earth  against  my 
hands  so  that  it  formed  a complete  and 
solid  tunnel,  my  hands  holding  it  in 
place.” 

A curious  fact  is  that  the  story  has 
wandered  around  perhaps  for  cen- 
turies. I recall  hearing  it  repeatedly 
told  in  my  boyhood  by  persons  who 
frequented  saloons.  It  was  a stock 
story,  intended  to  put  the  bill  on  the 
other  fellow.  My  grandfather,  then  over 
eighty,  frequently  told  me  he  had 
heard  the  story  in  his  boyhood  from 
his  parents  and  his  grandfather,  but 
invariably  the  chipmunks  were  the  per- 
formers. 

I can  understand  how,  in  these  days 
of  prohibition,  drinks  should  become 
tickets,  but  what  made  the  change  from 
chipmunks  to  rabbits? 


How  to  See  Venus! 

Posted  in  a women’s  college  by  in- 
structress in  astronomy : “Anyone 

wishing  to  look  at  Venus  please  see 
me.” — Boston  Transcript. 


Phone  953-5  H.  Eichenbaum,  Prop. 

THE  ATLANTIC  TRUNK  AND 
UMBRELLA  SHOP 

Stamford's  Uumbrella  Hospital 

285  Atlantic  Street 
(Opposite  Catholic  Church) 

Near  Worth  Street  Stamford,  Conn. 


LOUIS  A.  SPEZZANO 

GENERAL  CONTRACTOR 

Post  Road, 

Riverside,  Connecticut. 

Telephone : Sound  Beach  145. 


MCARDLE’S  SEED  STORE 

Florist  and  Seedsman 

SEEDS,  PLANTS,  BULBS,  INSECTICIDES  AND 
FERTILIZERS 

BIRD  HOUSES,  FEEDING  DEVICES  AND  BIRD 
FOODS 

Telephone  317  Merritt  Building 

Greenwich,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


IX 


Burdett-McGillivray  Company 

EVERY  COAT  AND  DRESS  IN  THE 

STORE  TAKES  CLEARANCE  PRICES 

And  just  because  these  garments  are  greatly  reduced  does  not  in  any 
way  impair  the  true  worth  of  any  one  of  them.  For  remember,  clearance 
time  for  us  means  the  use  of  drastic  action  to  accomplish  our  aim  in  the 
shortest  possible  time. 

Advocate  Building  Stamford,  Conn. 

PHONE  268 



Merrill  Business  College 

Our  Secretarial  Course  prepares  both  Young 
Men  and  Young  Women  to  hold  responsible 
positions. 

Bookkeeping,  Shorthand,  Dictaphone, 

Typewriting  and  English  Branches 

SOUTH  NORWALK  STAMFORD  PORT  CHESTER 


FINE  TIES 

The  more  you  see  them,  the  more 
you’ll  like  these  beautiful  ties.  They 
are  that  sort  of  color  and  design. 
They  are  the  sort  that  serve  you 
well.  During  January  you  can  get 
them  far  below  their  rightful  prices. 

THE 

COMES-NORTHROP  CO. 

445  MAIN  STREET 


OUR  FALL 
CATALOG 

of  BULBS,  HERBACEOUS 
PERENNIALS,  ROSES, 
GRAPES,  ETC.,  is  ready. 

If  you  have  not  received  a 
copy,  send  for  it  today.  It’s  free. 

We  want  you  to  know  that 
we’re  here  to  serve  you.  Yes,  at 
your  service. 

MORAIO  BROTHERS 

SEEDSMEN,  NURSERYMEN, 
FLORISTS. 

Rye,  N.  Y.,  and  Stamford,  Conn. 


STAMFORD, 


CONN. 


X 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


The  Trading  Place  of  Over  Half  a Century 

THE  C.  0.  MILLER  CO. 

EST.  1868 

THE  SEASON  FOR  NEW  BUSINESS  IS  AT  HAND 

Our  aim  all  the  time,  day  in  and  day  out,  is  to  give  REAL  VALUES  and  REAL 
SERVICE  with  merchandise  of  merit,  worth  all  of  the  price  we  ask. 

This  business  is  not  built  on  underselling,  but  on  the  giving  of  Value  and  the  estab- 
lishing of  confidence  and  continuous  business. 

At  the  same  time,  you  will  often  meet  with  very  agreeable  bargains  throughout 
the  store. 

THE  NEXT  THIRTY  DAYS 

will  be  devoted  to  "Stock  Reducing  Sales”  of  winter  goods — to  make  room  for:. New 
Merchandise  that  is  arriving  daily. 

These  sales  include  great  values  in  Blankets,  Comfortables,  Linens,  Household 
Goods. 

Our  entire  stock  of  Winter  Coats,  Women’s  and  Misses’  Silk  and  Cloth  Dresses, 
Sport  Skirts,  many  Rugs,  Remnants  of  Linoleum,  Odd  Pairs  of  Curtains,  Bedspreads. 
The  items  listed  here  are  only  a few  of  the  many  values  which  will  speak  for  themselves 
during  these  sales. 

NEW  GOODS  JUST  IN 

Ginghams,  Tissues,  new  Embroideries,  Camel’s  Hair  Coating,  Polo  Coating,  Premier 
Crepe  in  colors,  China,  Cut  Glass,  Muslin  Underwear  and  wash  goods,  all  emphasizing 
the  newer  ideas  for  the  NEW  SEASON. 


THE  C.  0.  MILLER  CO. 


Atlantic  Square 


Stamford,  Conn. 


The  LOCKWOOD  & PALMER  Co. 


Wholesale  and  Retail 
Dealers  in 

HARDWARE 

AGRICULTURAL 
IMPLEMENTS 
House  Furnishings,  Etc. 


XO  O L S 

OF 

A.11  Kindis 


92  PARK  PLACE 
(Cor.  Summer  Street) 
STAMFORD,  - CONN. 
Telephone  Connections 


GIFT  OF 

flHARl.ES  WILLIAM  ELIOT 

2.  ? % i)j-  \ a 5 o 


Published  monthly  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Connecticui. 
Subscription,  $1.50  a year  Single  copy,  15  cents 

Entered  as  Second-Class  Matter  June  12,  1909,  at  Sound  Beach  Post  Office,  under  Act  of  March  3,  1897. 
Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special  rate  of  postage  provided  for  in  Section  1103,  Act  of  October  3,  1917, 

authorized  on  June  27,  1918. 

Volume  X I V JANUARY,  1922  Number  8 


A Trifurcated  Pine. 

BY  WILLIAM  H.  HUSE,  MANCHESTER,  N.  H. 

The  white  pine  ( Pinus  strains),  one  of  trunk  normally  exteilds  through  to  the 
the  tallest  and  noblest  trees  in  the  East,  top  of  the  tree  without  dividing  into 
has  an  excurrent  trunk.  That  is,  the  larne  branches  as  do  the  maples,  elms 


THE  THREE  PARTED  PINE  BY  THE  LAKE. 


Copyright  1922  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


104 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


and  others.  A whorl  of  branches  grows 
around  the  trunk  every  year,  while  the 
trunk  itself  adds  a longer  or  shorter 
extension  with  a terminal  bud  sur- 
rounded by  other  buds,  the  forerunners 
of  next  year’s  branches.  Thus  the  ap- 
proximate age  of  a white  pine  may  be 
determined  by  counting  the  whorls  of 
branches,  adding  five  years  for  the 
growth  near  the  ground  where  all 
evidence  of  limbs  has  been  hidden  by 
the  growth  of  the  trunk. 

Thus  it  is  when  all  is  well.  Accidents, 
however,  occur  with  trees  as  with 
people.  Occasionally  the  terminal  bnd 
is  broken  off  or  insects  destroy  it.  The 
tree  must  then  do  something  out  of  the 
ordinary  or  lose  its  distinctive  charac- 
ter and  appearance.  Usually  one  of  the 
branches  in  the  uppermost  whorl,  like 
a big  brother  taking  the  place  of  the 
lost  head  of  the  family,  grows  gradu- 
ally into  a vertical  position  and  so  con- 
tinues the  trunk  with  a curve  where  the 
branch  became  the  head. 

Occasionally  two  or  more  branches 
make  the  same  start  in  their  vertical 
growth.  Then  one  either  gets  ahead 
and  the  others  eventually  die,  or  both 
or  all  continue  to  grow  and  the  tree 
develops  two  or  three  trunks  from  the 
point  at  which  the  terminal  bud  was 
destroyed.  Until  a few  years  ago  there 
stood  in  the  suburbs  of  Eranklin  in  this 
State  a tall,  two  parted  white  pine  that 
was  the  first  thing  seen  by  travellers 
approaching  the  city,  as  it  stood  on  the 
top  of  a high  hill. 

The  three  parted  pine  shown  in  the 
accompanying  picture  stands  on  the 
shore  of  Lake  Massabesic  in  the  out- 
skirts of  Manchester  and  is  a distinct 
addition  to  the  beauty  of  the  lake  shore 
as  it  stands  in  a row  with  five  large 
pitch  pines  (P.  rigida)  that  fortu- 
nately grow  on  city  land  at  the  water’s 
edge  and  so  will  probably  not  be  cut 
down  for  lumber  in  the  near  future. 
The  three  trunks  of  the  white  pine  start 
about  ten  feet  from  the  ground,  and 
many  years’  growth  have  brought  their 
sides  close  together  with  just  room  for 
small  people  to  crowd  in  between  when 
a photographer  is  at  hand  to  take  a 
picture. 


Leaves  are  all  a-flutter 

With  the  whispering  breeze. 
What,  think  you,  it  tells  them, 
Sleeping  on  the  trees? 

— Emma  Peirce. 


DEATH  OF  WILLIAM  H.  HUSE. 

A marked  copy  of  the  Manchester, 
New  Hampshire,  “Ledger”  brings  to 
us  the  surprisingly  sad  news  of  the 
sudden  death  of  Mr.  Huse  on  Decem- 
ber 2.  He  had  recently  sent  us  the 
preceding  article,  “A  Trifurcated 
Pine,”  and  several  others  which  we 
have  in  type.  There  have  also  been 
articles  by  him  in  previous  numbers. 

The  newspaper  tells  us  that  he  was 
the  principal  of  a local  school  and 
prominent  in  church  work.  He  was 
nearly  sixty  years  of  age. 

Personally  and  on  behalf  of  the  mem- 
bers and  friends  of  The  Agassiz  Asso- 
ciation we  extend  sympathy  to  the 
members  of  his  family. 

On  the  Old  Mohawk  Trail. 

BY  CHARLES  NEVERS  HOLMES,  NEWTON, 
MASSACHUSETTS. 

Blazed  by  the  war-lust  of  untutored  minds 
Through  pathless  forests,  over  vales  and 
hills, 

The  Mohawk  Trail  'mid  sun  and  shadow 
winds 

Past  deep  ravines  and  rock-environed  rills. 

From  crowded  streets  and  surging  surf  afar, 
It  winds  through  pleasant  Greenfield  to 
the  west, 

O’er  Shelburne’s  hills  and  higher  Florida, 
Across  the  tunnelled  Hoosac’s  slopes  and 
crest. 

Like  waves  around  that  crest  the  mountains 
rise, 

Grand  monuments  rough  hewed  by 
change  and  time, 

Stupendous,  steel,  a gulf-like  valley  lies, 
And  Greyrock  looms  supremely  and 
sublime. 

Where  painted  savage  ravaged  hill  and  vale 
The  white  man’s  car  ascends  the  Mohawk 
Trail. 


A Late  Cuckoo. 

Mr.  William  H.  Huse  of  Manchester, 
New  Hampshire,  writes  as  follows: 

“It  may  interest  you  to  know  that 
on  October  20  a yellow-billed  cuckoo 
was  brought  to  me  by  children  who 
had  found  it  unable  to  fly.  It  was  little 
more  than  skin  and  bones,  and  died 
that  night.  I suspect  that  it  found  little 
to  eat  so  late  in  the  season  in  this  lati- 
tude, and  died  of  starvation.  This  is 
the  latest  date  that  I have  for  the  yel- 
low cuckoo  in  Manchester.” 


THE  BEADED  LIZARDS 


'°5 


The  Beaded  Lizards. 

BY  ALLEN  S.  WILLIAMS.  DIRECTOR  REPTILE 
STUDY  SOCIETY  OF  AMERICA. 

North  America  has  the  distinction, 
proud  or  otherwise,  of  having  the  only 
definitely  poisonous  lizard  in  the  world. 
This  is  a southwestern  genus  of  two 
species  and  is  a habitant  of  arid  re- 
gions, practically  a type  of  desert  life. 
These  close  cousins  are  termed  beaded 
lizards,  and  an  inexplicable  thing  about 
them  is  that  they  exist  in  widely  sepa- 


The  northern  form,  “pink,  or  red- 
dish yellow  and  black,  head  mottled 
with  the  lighter  hue.”  Southern  spe- 
cies, “pale  yellow  and  black,  head  en- 
tirely black.”  I he  skin  is  covered  with 
closely  set  beadlike  tubercles,  impart- 
ing a remarkable  similarity  to  Sioux 
Indian  bead  work.  The  form  of  these 
lizards  presents  a stout  body  with  short 
limbs  and  a short,  thick,  rounded  tail. 
An  adult  Gila  monster  attains  a length 
of  about  twenty  inches,  while  the 


THE  GILA  MONSTER. 


rated  localities.  The  northern  species 
inhabits  Arizona  and  New  Mexico,  and 
is  there  best  known  under  its  formid- 
able cognomen  of  “The  Gila  Monster.” 
This  name  is  derived  from  the  long  and 
crooked  Gila  River  and  the  name  ob- 
tains the  Spanish  pronunciation,  with 
the  G sounded  as  H,  so  “heelah”  is  the 
proper  sound. 

The  generic  scientific  term  for  this 
family  is  Helodermatidae,  and  the  Gila 
monster  is  termed  Heloderma  suspect um , 
while  its  southern  cousin,  living  far 
down  in  southwestern  Mexico  and 
northern  Central  America,  is  termed 
Heloderma  horridum.  Dr.  Raymond  Lee 
Ditmars,  Curator  of  the  New  York 
Zoological  Park,  in  “The  Reptile 
Book.'  thus  succinctly  specifies  the 
difference  in  appearance  between  the 
two  species  so  far  as  coloration  is  con- 
cerned : 


beaded  lizard  grows  larger.  Ditmars’s 
own  measured  record  being  twenty-six 
and  one-half  inches. 

In  our  own  “Southwest”  the  popular 
view  of  these  animals  is  that  they  are 
to  man  “deadly  poison.”  The  natives 
take  delight  in  exaggerating  the  effects 
of  the  bites  of  these  animals,  although 
they  probably  believe  much  of  what 
they  tell.  The  late  Edward  Drinker 
Cope,  in  many  respects  America’s  fore- 
most herpetologist,  christened  the  Gila 
monster  Heloderma  suspect  um  because  at 
that  time,  maybe  forty  years  ago,  the 
creature  was  only  resting  under  sus- 
picion of  possessing  poisonous  poten- 
tialities. Dr.  S.  Weir  Mitchell  was  a 
pioneer  investigator  who  early  defi- 
nitely established  the  fact  that  this 
weird  looking  lizard  really  is  venom- 
ous. Since  then  this  subject  has  been 
thoroughly  investigated  and  a sum- 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


106 

mary  is  complete  ip  the  ,bpok  of  Dr. 
Leo  Loeb,  who  led  a staff  of  eleven 
competent  coadjutors  in  a thorough 
research  under  the  auspices  of  the  Car- 
negie Institution  of  Washington  and 
the  results  were  published  in  1913  by 
the  Institution,  entitled  “The  Venom 
of  Heloderm.” 

The  truth  about  the  toxic  powers  of 
beaded  lizards  reveals  that  their  venom 
is  powerful  enough  to  kill  fowls  and 
small  mammals  but  is  inadequate  to 
produce  a fatal  result  to  man.  In  his 
fascinating  and  valuable  brochure, 
“Poisonous  Animals  of  the  Desert” 
(Bulletin  No.  83),  Dr.  Charles  T.  Vor- 
hies,  Zoologist  of  the  University  of 
Arizona,  Tucson,  the  author  declares 
that  investigations  have  failed  to  estab- 
lish a single  reliably  authenticated  in- 
stance of  a human  being  having  died 
from  the  effects  of  a beaded  lizard’s 
bite.  Dr.  Vorhies  emphatically  de- 
clares that  there  is  no  defensible  rea- 
son for  native  or  tourist  to  destroy 
these  animals,  urging  that  they  should 
be  spared  as  an  interesting  and  pictur- 
esque figure  of  the  characteristic  fauna 
of  our  southwestern  arid  region. 

The  Gila  monster  and  I are  old 
friends.  I have  possessed  specimens, 
off  and  on,  for  twenty-five  years.  If 
taken  young  these  lizards  can  be  tamed 
like  all  other  of  the  world’s  wild  crea- 
tures. While  I have  faith  enough  to 
handle  specimens  that  I know  are 
tamed  with  a certain  degree  of  free- 
dom, I do  not  permit  them  any  possi- 
bility of  biting  me  any  more  than  T do 
a rattlesnake.  A characteristic  of  the 
beaded  lizards  is  that  they  have  strong 
jaws  and  bite  like  a snapping  turtle 
and  hold  on  with  the  tenacity  of  a 
bulldog.  As  Ditmars  points  out,  a 
docile  and  quiet  “tamed”  Heelah,  who 
is  sluggish  in  a cool,  shady  place,  will 
rear  up  like  a lion  rampant  and  fight 
everything  and  everybody  if  placed  on 
sand  in  the  hot  sun.  While  the  beaded 
lizards  have  not  needle  sharp  fangs,  the 
teeth  of  the  nether  jaw  are  grooved  on 
the  forward  side  and  the  venom  Hows 
along  the  groves  from  a fan-shaped 
row  of  containers  in  the  tissues  of  the 
jaw. 

The  feeding  habits  of  these  lizards  in 
their  habitats  have  not  been  not  been 
fully  observed  and  reported.  In  cap- 
tivity they  are  as  easy  to  keep  as  any 
kind  of  reptile  I have  known,  for  they 
feed  readily,  like  various  other  lizards, 


on  chopped  meat  and  raw  hens’  eggs. 
The  most  delightful  tidbit  known  in  the 
menu  of  a captive  “Heelah”  is  a choice 
mouse  omelet — a dead  mouse  beaten  up 
in  raw  egg. 


Delight  for  Lovers  of  Shakespeare. 

It  is  indeed  an  acceptable  Shakes- 
pearean festival  that  E.  H.  Sothern 
and  Julia  Marlowe  have  for  several 
weeks  been  presenting  to  delighted 
audiences  at  the  Century  Theatre,  New 
York  City.  They  began  on  October  31 
with  “Twelfth  Night,”  following  it  by 
“Hamlet,”  “The  Taming  of  the  Shrew” 
and  “The  Merchant  of  Venice.” 

Every  lover  of  Shakespeare  and  of 
education  in  general  knows  the  decided 
educational  advantages  derivable  from 
performances  by  actors  so  efficient  as 
Sothern  and  Marlowe,  who  have  re- 
turned to  the  New  York  stage  after 
some  seven  years  of  absence.  We  can 
but  voice  the  cordial  good  wishes  of 
lovers  of  English  and  of  education  in 
offering  words  of  appreciation  to  these 
efficient  portrayers  of  Shakespeare’s 
plays.  Sothern  and  Marlowe  have  en- 
deared themselves  in  the  hearts  of 
people  of  all  ages.  It  is  generally  sup- 
posed that  Shakespeare  appeals  chiefly 
to  the  adult  but  these  accomplished 
actors  have  proved  that  even  young 
children  catch  the  spirit  and  feel  the 
superiority  of  these  high  class  dramas 
when  they  are  properly  presented. 


The  Glen. 

BY  MAUD  A.  NEWCOMB,  NEW  YORK  CITY. 
There’s  a quiet  glen, 

Full  of  shadowy  places. 

Where  the  air  is  cool, 

And  the  sun  embraces. 

Where  chipmunks  play, 

And  sounds  are  sweet, 

And  flowers  unbidden 
Bloom  close  to  my  feet 

Where  the  wind  in  the  trees 

And  the  streams  flowing  under 
Both  joyously  sing 

Of  a world  full  of  wonder. 

Where  a waterfall  splashes 
Its  rainbow  spray 
Over  rocks  that  are  mossy 
And  tinted  gray. 

Where  the  lines  of  the  mountains 
Stretch  softly  green 
Through  the  fairest  country 
That  ever  was  seen. 

There’s  rest  for  the  body, 

And  peace  is  there, 

And  it’s  joy  to  be  free 
I11  the  open  air. 


The  Heavens  in  January. 


By  Professor  Samuel  G.  Barton  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


IN  January  we  naturally  look  for- 
ward to  see  what  is  to  occur  in  the 
starry  heavens  during  the  twelve 
months  to  come.  During  the  year  we 
have  the  smallest  possible  number  of 
eclipses,  namely,  two.  There  must  be 
two  eclipses  of  the  sun  every  year. 
There  are  no  eclipses  of  the  moon  this 


occur.  In  1915  the  eclipses  were  both 
annular  eclipses  which  could  be  seen 
principally  over  water  areas.  This 
year  the  first  eclipse  is  an  annular  one 
on  March  27.  It  has  no  great  scien- 
tific importance.  A very  small  partial 
eclipse  may  be  seen  under  very  unfa- 
vorable conditions  from  a part  of 


NORTH 


Figure  1.  The  constellations  at  9 P.  M.,  January  1.  (Hold  the  map  so  that  the  direction  faced  is  at 
the  bottom;  that  is,  it  facing  east  hold  east  at  the  bottom  as  south  now  is.) 


year.  This  is  not  very  unusual.  It 
occurred  in  1904,  1908  and  1915,  and 
will  occur  again  in  1926,  1929  and  1933. 
At  these  times,  excepting  1908,  only 
two  eclipses  of  the  sun  occurred  or  will 


Florida,  but  cannot  be  seen  at  all  from 
other  parts  of  the  United  States.  The 
second  eclipse  is  a total  eclipse  occur- 
ring on  September  20.  This  can  be 
seen  principally  from  Australia  and 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


108 

the  near-by  islands.  The  path  in  which 
the  eclipse  can  be  seen  as  total,  about 
one  hundred  miles  wide,  cuts  directly 
across  Australia  and  most  of  the  ob- 
serving stations  will  be  located  there. 
It  lasts  as  a total  eclipse  for  about  five 
minutes.  This  is  a long  duration  for 
an  eclipse.  Astronomers  will  utilize 
it  as  a means  for  further  testing  the 
Einstein  theory  and  for  other  pur- 
poses. Expeditions  will  be  sent  from 
United  States,  England.  Canada  and 
Germany.  Special  lenses  for  the  pur- 
pose are  now  being  made  at  Pitts- 
burgh. No  part  of  the  eclipse  can  be 
seen  from  here.  We  will  see  no  eclipse 
in  19  22. 

^ ^ 

The  Planets. 

Mercury  is  a morning  star  from  Feb- 
ruary 14  to  April  24  and  from  June  18 
to  August  7 and  from  October  15  until 
December  8.  At  other  times  it  is  an 
evening  star.  It  will  be  seen  best  in 
the  early  evening  about  May  23.  Venus 
is  a morning  star  until  February  9.  an 
evening  star  until  November  25,  then 
a morning  star  for  the  remainder  of  the 
year.  It  will  be  in  best  position  in 
August,  September  and  October.  Mars 
will  be  a morning  star  until  June  10, 
then  an  evening  star  for  the  remainder 
of  the  year.  It  will  be  nearest  to  the 
earth  on  June  18,  at  a distance  of  43,- 
000,000  miles,  and  will  then  be  brighter 
than  Sirius,  the  brightest  fixed  star, 
and  as  bright  as  Jupiter,  but  not  as 
bright  as  Venus.  This  will  be  quite 
a favorable  year  for  seeing  this  planet 
but  not  as  favorable  as  the  year  1924. 
When  nearest  to  the  earth  the  planet 
is  always  far  south  and  hence  seen  bet- 
ter from  the  southern  hemisphere. 

A story  has  been  circulated  that  a 
large  telescope  is  to  be  constructed  at 
a place  in  the  southern  hemisphere 
where  Mars  will  be  directly  overhead, 
for  the  purpose  of  observing  it.  1 his 
telescope  is  to  lie  made  by  revolving  a 
large  mass  of  mercury  at  the  bottom  of 
a well.  This  is  not  a new  idea.  It  has 
been  known  for  a very  long  time  that 
a mass  of  fluid  revolved  uniformly 
about  a vertical  axis  will  assume  the 
form  of  a paraboloid  of  revolution 
which  is  the  form  in  which  the  mirror 
of  a reflecting  telescope  is  ground. 
Clean  mercury  is  a very  fine  reflecting 
surface.  Hence,  in  theory,  the  idea  of 
such  a telescope  is  fine.  In  practice 


it  is  different.  The  parabolic  mirrors 
of  astronomical  telescopes  must  be 
made  with  an  accuracy  of  a few  mil- 
lionths of  an  inch.  No  large  body  of 
mercury  can  be  revolved  with  a steadi- 
ness which  will  give  the  surface  any- 
where nearly  the  accuracy  of  form  nec- 
essary for  astronomical  observation. 
The  experiment  was  tried  many  years 
ago  by  Professor  Wood  of  Johns  Hop- 
kins University.  He  was  the  first,  I 
think,  to  try  it.  As  was  expected  by 
many,  he  failed  to  have  success.  There 
is  no  likelihood  that  such  an  experi- 
ment would  be  any  more  successful 
now.  I do  not  expect  to  see  it  tried. 

Jupiter  will  be  a morning  star  until 
April  4,  then  an  evening  star  until 
October  23,  then  a morning  star  until 
the  end  of  the  year.  Saturn  is  a morn- 
ing star  until  March  25,  an  evening 
star  until  October  4,  and  then  a morn- 
ing star  until  the  end  of  the  year. 
Uranus  is  an  evening  star  until  Feb- 
ruary 28,  a morning  star  until  Septem- 
ber 4,  then  an  evening  s.tar  until  the 
end  of  the  year.  Neptune  is  a morning 
star  until  February  4,  an  evening  star 
until  August  9,  then  a morning  star 
until  the  end  of  the  year.  The  planets 
will  be  quite  interesting  during  the 
summer  months. 

^ ^ ^ 

The  Calendar. 

The  Roman  Emperor,  Julius  Caesar, 
found  the  calendar  of  his  time  so  illogi- 
cal and  confused  that  he  determined 
to  make  a new  one.  He  sought  the  ad- 
vice of  an  Egyptian  astronomer, 
Sosigenes.  They  established  the  calen- 
dar which  with  a few  modifications  is 
in  use  today.  One  modification  con- 
cerns us  here.  Sosigenes  arranged  the 
months  alternating  thirty-one  days  and 
thirty  days  except  that  February  had 
but  twenty-nine  instead  of  thirty  days 
in  ordinary  years.  The  seventh  month 
of  31  days  was  named  July  in  honor  of 
Julius  Caesar.  Ilis  successor,  Augus- 
tus, named  the  eighth  month  August  in 
honor  of  himself  and,  in  order  that  it 
should  not  have  fewer  days  than  the 
month  of  Julius,  increased  its  length 
from  thirty  days  to  thirty-one  days, 
taking  a day  from  February  for  the 
purpose.  Then,  in  order  to  avoid  three 
consecutive  months  of  thirty-one  days, 
September  was  shortened  to  thirty 
days  and  the  remaining  months  alter- 
nating from  that  point  as  they  now  do. 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


109 


In  this  way  the  comparatively  simple 
calendar  of  Sosigenes  was  upset  and  a 
complexity  introduced  into  the  calen- 
dar which  has  remained  there  these 
two  thousand  years,  forcing  millions 
to  learn  that  “thirty  days  hath  Sep- 
tember.” There  has  been  much  agita- 


Year’s  day,  a day  with  no  other  title. 
It  is  not  January  1 nor  is  it  named  as 
a day  of  the  week.  If  the  day  before 
it  is  Sunday,  December  31,  the  day 
following  is  Monday,  January  1.  This 
is  followed  by  four  quarters  of  three 
months  each,  the  first  and  second 


fsTew/  Years  Day 
First  Quarter 

January 

February 

March  'J 

Second  Quarter 

April 

May 

June 

Third  Quarter 

July 

August 

September 

Fourth  Quarter 
Leap  Da y 

October 

November 

December 

Monday 

1 a 15  22  29 

6 13  20 

27 

4 11  10  25 

Tuesday 

2 9 16  23  30 

7 14  21 

20 

5 12  19  26 

Wednesday 

3 10  17  24 

1 8 IS  22 

29 

6 13  20  27 

Thursday 

4 11  18  25 

Z 9 16  23 

30 

7 14  21  20 

Friday 

5 12  19  26 

3 10  17  24 

1 0 15  22  29 

Saturday 

6 13  20  27 

4 11  16  25 

2 9 16  23  30 

5unday 

7 14  21  20 

5 12  19  2 6 

3 IO  17  24  31 

Figure  2.  Calendar  proposed  by  The  American  Committee  on  the  Reform  of 
the  Calendar.  The  above  figures  apply  to  the  months  named  above  them. 


tion  for  relief  from  this  unscientific 
calendar. 

Those  seeking  a change  naturally 
look  to  astronomers  for  leadership  and 
advice.  If  the  change  is  to  be  made  it 
must  be  by  agreement  between  nearly 
all  of  the  nations.  The  matter  stands 
thus:  In  July,  1919,  the  representa- 

tives of  astronomy  in  the  allied  and 
associated  nations  met  in  Brussels  to 
create  the  International  Astronomical 
Union.  Belgium,  France,  Great  Brit- 
ain, Italy  and  the  United  States  were 
represented.  Calendar  reform  was  not 
the  principal  purpose  of  the  Union,  but 
it  is  the  subject  we  are  now  discussing. 
Thirty-two  committees  were  consti- 
tuted for  various  duties,  the  last  of 
which  was  the  Committee  on  the  Re- 
form of  the  Calendar.  Cardinal  Mer- 
cier  was  made  honorary  chairman ; 
Bigourdan,  a Frenchman,  chairman : 
Campbell  and  Crawford  are  the  Ameri- 
cans on  the  committee. 

In  addition  to  the  international  union 
there  is  an  American  section  of  the 
union  with  its  corresponding  commit- 
tees. Jacoby  serves  in  addition  to  the 
two  named  above  on  the  com- 
mittee on  the  reform  of  the  cal- 
endar. This  American  committee  ex- 
pects to  suggest  to  the  international 
committee  the  following  reformed  cal- 
endar: The  years  to  begin  with  New 


months  to  consist  of  thirty  days  and 
the  third  of  thirty-one  days.  This  ac- 
counts for  the  365  days  of  an  ordinary 
year.  In  leap  year  another  day  is 
added,  preferably  at  the  end  of  the 
year,  and  this  day,  like  New  Year’s 
day,  is  not  a day  of  a week  or  month. 
This  may  be  called  Leap  day.  The 
calendar  in  print  would  appear  as 
shown. 

The  following  advantages  may  be 
noted : The  quarters  are  of  equal 

length  ; the  extra  day,  the  thirty-first, 
always  falls  on  Sunday,  making  the 
same  number  of  week  days  in  each 
month.  The  first,  fifteenth  and  thir- 
tieth, important  business  days,  always 
fall  on  week  days ; holidays  fixed  by 
date,  such  as  July  4th,  always  fall  on 
the  same  day  of  the  week.  The  calen- 
dar is  the  same  for  any  year.  It  seems 
likely  that  if  the  new  calendar  is 
adopted  a fixed  date  will  be  adopted 
for  Easter.  This  has  also  been  urged. 

At  the  invitation  of  Italy  the  Inter- 
national Astronomical  Union  meets 
this  year  at  Rome — in  April,  I think. 
Tt  meets  at  intervals  of  three  years. 
Suggestions  will  be  received  from  other 
countries.  Actual  adoption  of  a new 
calendar  could  only  be  made  by  action 
by  the  legislative  bodies  of  the  various 
countries. 


Where  Snowbirds  Sleep  on  Cold 
Winter  Nights. 

BY  L.  B.  CUSHMAN,  NORTH  EAST,  PA. 

After  a severe  snowstorm  in  zero 
weather,  when  the  wind  has  piled  the 
snow  in  big  drifts  and  swirled  it  into 
every  crack  and  cranny,  I often  think 
of  our  winter  birds,  and  wonder  which, 
if  any,  are  passing  comfortless  nights. 
A few  species  would  be  naturally 
housed  in  holes  excavated  by  wood- 
peckers, but  not  all. 

My  thoughts  have  run  especially  to 
the  snowbirds  ; not  that  they  are  more 
sensitive  to  the  cold  than  others;  per- 
haps because  in  winter  they  so  greatly 
outnumber  all  the  other  birds  here. 

Where  do  they  go  when  night 
comes?  Being  so  thoroughly  a ground 
bird,  they  would  naturally  be  supposed 
to  sleep  on  the  ground.  But  in  case 
all  ground  is  hidden  under  the  deep 
snow,  would  they  then  take  to  the  hem- 
lock trees  or  to  the  grapevine  bowers? 
Would  they  huddle  together  on  top  of 
the  snow,  taking  advantage  of  what 
protection  some  windbreak  might  af- 
ford ? 

My  books  give  me  no  light.  I have 
seen  ruffed  grouse  dive  into  the  snow 
for  protection.  Perhaps  snowbirds  do 
the  same.  Doubtless  there  are  those 
who  can  speak  from  actual  observation. 

In  furtherance  of  that  idea,  I wrote 
to  Professor  Lynds  Jones  for  informa- 
tion. He  is  editor  of  “The  Wilson 
Bulletin,”  the  official  organ  of  the 
Wilson  Ornithological  Club,  of  Chi- 
cago, and  is  also  in  charge  of  the  De- 
partment of  Animal  Ecology  in  Ober- 
lin  College.  Professor  Jones  has  had 
a great  deal  of  actual  field  experience, 
and  is  perhaps  our  best  authority  on 
the  habits  of  birds  frequenting  this  lake 
shore  country.  Here  is  what  he  says: 
“Mr.  L.  B.  Cushman,  North  East,  Pa. 

“Dear  Sir  : I have  your  letter  of  the 

nth,  asking  about  the  roosting  habits 
of  the  snow  bunting. 


“It  was  my  fortune  to  have  to  walk 
three  miles  to  attend  Iowa  College 
(now  Grinnell)  while  I was  pursuing 
my  education.  This  walk  led  a quarter 
of  a mile  through  a woods,  and  the  re- 
mainder of  the  way  over  hills  and 
across  the  prairie  where  both  horned 
larks  and  snow  buntings  were  common. 
Since  the  first  recitation  came  at  7 
o’clock,  sun  time,  it  was  necessary  for 
me  to  start  before  daylight  during  the 
winter  months. 

“On  these  walks  it  was  a common 
thing  for  me  to  rout  from  their  snowy 
beds  both  the  larks  and  the  buntings. 
They  were  securely  hidden  beneath  the 
light  snow,  and  when  I approached 
would  dart  out  with  a protesting  cry, 
only  to  dive  headfirst  beneath  the  snow 
again  a few  rods  away. 

“Here  in  Ohio  I have  found  the  larks 
doing  the  same  thing,  and  also  hiding 
at  night  beneath  the  dry  grasses  of  the 
fields.  I think  that  this  tucking  of 
themselves  away  beneath  the  snow  at 
night  is  a common  practice  of  open- 
country  birds.  Certainly  the  prairie 
chickens  practice  it  regularly.  I have 
seen  them  do  it. 

“Yours  sincerely, 

“Lynds  Jones.” 

From  this,  it  is  evident  that  the 
snowbirds  dive  into  the  snow  when  it 
is  new  and  loose,  each  one  by  itself,  do 
not  bunch  together,  and  there  spend 
the  night  rather  comfortably,  for  they 
are  a hardy  bird,  inured  to  the  cold. 
In  case  the  snow  is  hard,  it  would  seem 
natural  for  them  to  bunch  on  top  of  it 
in  some  protected  nook — pile  up  like 
a lot  of  young  pigs — and  each  contrib- 
ute to  the  warmth  of  the  rest.  Im- 
agine two  or  three  hundred  birds  in  one 
pile! 

Birds  have  no  external  ears  and  no 
chain  of  bones  in  the  middle  ear.  Yet, 
apparently,  their  hearing  is  acute  and 
they  seem  to  locate  sounds  accurately. 
More  observations  are  needed  on  these 
points. 


ORNITHOLOGY 


1 1 1 


Bird  Notes  Around  Stamford,  Conn. 

BY  PAUL  G.  HOWES,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

It  is  gratifying  that  the  birds  are 
coming  back;  that  civilization  is  not  to 
exterminate  them  all,  and  that  the 
widespread  and  general  sympathy  for 
real  rigid  bird  protection  is  bringing 
great  results  that  are  truly  great  in 
every  sense  of  the  word.  Witness  this : 
A few  years  ago  it  would  have  been 
impossible  to  find  black-crowned  night 
herons  meeting  anywhere  near  Stam- 
ford where  I live.  My  house  stands 
less  than  three  hundred  yards  from  the 
water  of  Long  Island  Sound  with  a 
clear  view  of  all  its  beauties.  At  low 
tide  three  years  ago  an  occasional 
heron  of  the  species  in  question  flew  in 
for  the  purpose  of  feeding,  but  they 
were  scarce  at  best.  Since  that  time 
they  have  increased  very  remarkably 
until  they  now  are  common  birds,  as  of 
yore.  Several  stayed  all  winter  last 
year,  owing  to  the  mild  season,  and 
the  culmination  came  during  the  spring 
of  1921,  when  I found  a breeding  col- 
ony, a real  old  time  rookery,  and  near 
by  were  fifteen  nests  of  the  green 
heron  to  boot ! For  the  good  of  the 
birds  that  nesting  place  will  remain  an 
ornithological  secret  for  the  present,  at 
any  rate. 

Late  in  the  summer  (end  of  July)  I 
visited  the  place  and  found  two  fine 
American  egrets  in  company  with 
other  herons.  This  is  my  second  rec- 
ord of  this  bird  and  a mighty  pleasing 
one. 

In  1911  I recorded  the  breeding  of 
the  killdeer  at  Long  Ridge,  Connecti- 
cut, nine  miles  from  my  house.  Last 
year  (1920)  a pair  bred  in  the  same 
field  that  I found  the  nest  in.  They 
raised  their  young  successfully.  This 
spring  they  were  back  there  and  un- 
doubtedly bred,  while  a second  pair 
nested  on  the  sands  a few  hundred 
yards  from  my  house. 

At  Long  Ridge,  a pair  of  black  duck 
have  returned  to  a certain  swampy 
thicket  on  my  brother’s  farm  for  two 
seasons.  They  spend  the  summer  and 
undoubtedly  breed,  but  so  far  I have 
been  unable  to  locate  the  nest.  Their 
actions  and  the  fact  that  in  the  fall 
there  is  a small  flock  of  the  ducks,  sub- 
stantiates this  supposition  very  strong- 
ly. I have  no  doubt  but  what  I will 
find  the  nest  next  year,  as  the  birds 


return  to  the  identical  spot  in  the 
spring. 

For  the  first  time  in  many  years  a 
pair  of  red-headed  woodpeckers  raised 
their  young  near  my  house  this  year. 
On  August  first  the  two  old  ones  and 
four  noisy  young  were  living  in  some 
dead  oaks  near  by.  This  is  good  news 
indeed ! 

Here  is  the  biggest  surprise  of  all. 
In  June  I was  calling  on  a friend  in 
Stamford.  Near  the  house  at  which  I 
was  calling  stood  another  one  wi  th 
large  columns  supporting  the  spacious 
porch  on  which  several  people  were 
sitting.  These  columns  were  hollow 
and  so  placed  that  from  the  top  near 
the  porch  roof  an  entrance  could  be 
gained  to  the  inside  of  any  one  of  them. 
As  I sat  on  the  porch  of  my  friend’s 
house  I heard  a loud  squawking  noise 
coming  from  one  of  the  columns  of  the 
other  house,  and  as  I turned  to  look  in 
that  direction,  a female  sparrow  hawk 
arrived  with  a garter  snake  and  was 
greeted  by  four  half  grown  young  that 
piled  from  the  column  to  be  fed  on  the 
ledge.  The  birds  paid  no  attention 
whatever  to  the  people  on  the  porch 
nor  the  automobile  that  entered  the 
driveway.  As  far  as  I could  see  the 
entire  family  of  hawks  were  as  tame 
as  robins.  I have  never  seen  anything 
like  it  before. 

These  few  observations  give  a fair 
index  to  the  ultimate  results  of  bird 
protection.  The  laws  that  we  have  to- 
day, mean  that  in  twenty  years  condi- 
tions will  be  as  they  used  to  be.  We 
devastated  Easterners  won't  have  to 
go  to  the  far  northwest  to  see  gulls 
and  shore  birds  and  the  other  ones  that 
make  the  heart  leap  when  they  lay 
their  eggs. 

As  for  the  smaller  birds,  they  are 
undoubtedly  increasing  also.  Orchard 
orioles  breed  commonly  in  the  sapling 
maples  along  the  streets  where  new 
houses  have  been  built.  They  seem  to 
prefer  these  little  trees  that  have  been 
transplanted  and  have  been  set  back 
in  the  process.  Again  I have  noticed 
that  the  warblers  are  easier  to  find 
than  they  used  to  be  and  the  martins 
are  coming  back  occasionally. 

I have  been  convinced  that  gulls 
breed  near  Stamford  for  some  time 
past,  because  more  of  them  stay  each 
summer  when  the  time  for  departure 
northward  comes.  Since  the  breeding 


I 12 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


season  1 have  been  informed  of  a place 
not  ten  miles  from  my  house  where 
many  nested  this  year.  Next  spring  we 
shall  see.  I look  forward  to  the  com- 
ing of  the  greatest  of  all  seasons  with 
keener  joy  than  ever. — The  Oologist. 


Good  Work  By  Our  Game  Warden. 

Mr.  Wilbur  F.  Smith  is  ever  on  the 
watch  for  transgressors  of  the  game 
and  bird  laws.  One  would  suppose 
that  his  duties  would  lie  almost  wholly 
within  the  domain  of  game  birds  but. 


SONG  BIRDS  TAKEN  FROM  TWO  ITALIANS  AT 
WILTON,  CONNECTICUT. 


strange  to  say,  he  has  ever  to  keep 
watch  against  the  slaughter  of  our 
beautiful  song  birds.  The  accompany- 
ing illustration  shows  twenty  such  that 
he  took  from  two  Italians  at  Wilton, 
Connecticut.  The  list  includes  eight 
robins,  four  catbirds,  four  flickers,  two 
jays,  one  thrasher,  one  woodpecker. 


In  Behalf  of  the  English  Sparrow. 

BY  THEODORE  II.  COOPER,  BATAVIA,  N.  Y. 

Sparrows,  swallows  and  crows  are 
my  favorite  birds,  but  when  I look  over 
the  current  nature  magazines  I find 
little  said  about  them.  This  seems 
strange  as  they  are  common  birds  and 
have  become  like  old  friends. 


I find  that  most  bird  lovers  are  never 
weary  of  exalting  the  more  brightly 
colored  and  rarer  forms,  but  as  I have 
seldom  seen  such  they  are  not  so  in- 
teresting to  me. 

To  the  real  naturalist  it  is  painful  to 
hear  such  expressions  as,  “There  is 
only  one  bird  we  hate.  There  is  only 
one  bird  we  take  pleasure  in  killing. 
Bird  lovers  will  doubtless  recognize  the 
English  sparrow  as  the  despised  spe- 
cies.” Indeed!  And  why  so?  I fail 
to  recognize  any  species  as  despicable. 
I put  up  several  feeding  places  and 
boxes  outside  my  laboratory  window 
last  year,  and  sparrows  were  the  prin- 
cipal part  of  my  bird  visitors.  I took 
particular  pains  to  ascertain  whether 
or  not  they  would  drive  away  other 
birds,  but  according  to  my  observation 
they  molested  no  bird  that  cared  to 
come.  If  it  had  not  been  for  the  spar- 
rows, my  bird  visitors  would  have  been 
few,  for  the  others  are  wild  and  timid, 
and  therefore  less  familiar  and  friendly. 

There  are  those  who  like  to  go 
abroad  with  a high  power  telescope  to 
see  some  scarlet  and  yellow  bird  “to 
get  notes  on,”  as  they  say,  but  the  com- 
mon, everyday  natural  object  is  good 
enough  for  me. 

The  naturalist  need  not  go  south  to 
see  Canopus  while  he  has  not  yet  seen 
Alcor.  One  star  will  furnish  ample 
material  for  his  imagination,  but  the 
idle  curiosity  seeker  will  not  be  satis- 
fied until  he  has  pointed  his  telescope 
at  the  sun  without  the  sun  glass,  and 
got  his  eyes  burnt. 

Those  who  are  honestly  interested 
in  geology  will  not  be  so  concerned 
about  the  great  museums’  collections 
of  fossils  as  they  are  about  the  under- 
lying structure  of  their  own  landscape, 
and  the  forces  which  have  produced  it. 
The  fragment  of  a fossil  protruding 
from  a rock  will  be  as  interesting  to 
them  as  a skull  of  Triceratops. 

Those  who  scorn  the  English  spar- 
rorv  evidently  have  not  heard  that, 
“The  dear  God  who  loveth  us.  He  made 
and  loveth  all.’’ 


Much  of  the  bird  plumage  now  sold 
in  the  stores  and  alleged  to  have  been 
imported  before  the  present  law  for- 
bade such  importation  is  probably 
smuggled.  Many  bird  lovers  are  re- 
ported to  be  refusing  to  trade  at  places 
where  such  feathers  are  carried. 


EDITORIAL 


The  First  Woodcraft  Dinner. 

The  first  annual  dinner  of  the  Wood- 
craft League  of  America  was  held  at 
the  Pennsylvania  Hotel,  New  York 
City,  December  8.  In  the  earliest 
plans  it  was  estimated  that  there  mi  ght 
be  two  hundred  present  and  provision 
was  made  for  that  number.  Imagine 
the  delightful  surprise  when  five  hun- 
dred appeared  and  the  great  disap- 
pointment when  foulr  hundred  were 
turned  away.  This  attendance  and  the 
added  applications,  together  with  the 
evident  enthusiasm  at  the  dinner,  must 
be  gratifying  to  the  managers  of  the 
Woodcraft  League,  especially  to  Mr. 
Ernest  Thompson  Seton  and  his  sec- 
retary, Philip  D.  Fagans.  Every  de- 
tail was  carefully  observed.  An  enor- 
mous number  of  souvenirs  from  the 
wild  woods  in  the  form  of  birch  bark, 
Christmas  ferns,  hemlock  branches, 
ground  pine  (lycopodium),  etc.,  was 
supplied  through  the  personal  labors 
of  Mr.  Seton  for  the  table  decorations. 

The  W oodcraft  League  is  rapidly 
growing.  We  congratulate  the  organ- 
ization. In  the  spirit  of  real  nature 
study  it  seems  to  come  close  to  the 
true  all-round  nature  study  for  young 
and  old.  It  approaches  nearer  the 
work  and  purpose  of  The  Agassiz  As- 
sociation than  any  other  society  of 
which  we  have  knowledge.  The  only 
difference  is  this : the  work  of  The  AA 
is  along  perhaps  what  we  might  call 
direct  or  at  least  more  technical  lines 
of  nature  study.  We  go  back  to  the 
primitive  home  of  the  earliest  settlers 
for  our  emblems,  while  the  Woodcraft 
goes  to  the  Indians  past  and  present 
and  deals  more  especially  with  the  de- 
lightful myths  and  emblematic  signifi- 
cance of  nature  lore. 

When  Mr.  Ernest  Thompson  Seton 
and  the  Boy  Scouts  parted  company  all 
the  world  wondered.  A variety  of 
opinions  were  expressed  as  to  the  rea- 
son for  his  leaving  the  position  of  Chief 
Scout  of  the  Boy  Scouts  of  America, 
but  whatever  may  have  been  the  cause 
the  result  has  been  bad  for  the  Boy 


Scouts  of  America  and  good  for  the 
establishment  of  the  new  organization. 
Mr.  Seton  was  the  idol  and  the  ideal, 
the  hero  for  the  Boy  Scouts,  the  per- 
sonification of  all  that  is  great  and  good 
in  the  woods  and  fields.  Probably  he 
was  too  much  so  and  one  can  but  sur- 
mise that  jealousies  arose.  Nothing 
succeeds  less  than  too  much  success 
under  some  circumstances.  But  what 
was  a loss  to  the  Boy  Scouts  is  evi- 
dently a gain  to  Mr.  Seton.  In  the 
Woodcraft  League  he  can  give  full 
scope  to  his  appreciation  of  Indian  lore 
and  his  ideal  of  nature  study.  He  can 
teach  young  and  old  to  rub  wood 
against  wood  to  make  a fire,  and  have 
all  dance  around  the  flames  as  much 
as  he  pleases.  He  is  at  liberty  to  in- 
spire all  classes  with  a love  for  nature. 
Some  of  us  can  but  be  surprised  that 
the  Indian  features  have  proved  so 
valuable  an  aid,  but  that  they  have  thus 
proved  is  evident  to  even  the  most 
casual  observer. 

Perhaps  it  is  best  after  all  that 
Seton’s  nature  study  should  be  devel- 
oped through  the  League  rather  than 
through  the  Boy  Scouts.  The  Boy 
Scouts  have  so  many  other  things  to 
take  their  attention  that  they  have  not 
much  time  nor  leisure  left  for  the  real 
out-of-doors,  other  than  athletic  and 
“gang”  spirit.  It  is  evident  also  that 
the  Boy  Scouts  give  but  little  encour- 
agement to  any  one  who  would  try 
faithfully  to  develop  nature  study 
affairs.  According  to  the  conception 
of  the  management,  the  scope  of  the 
work  does  not  include  this  item.  Per- 
haps they  are  right,  perhaps  not.  At 
any  rate  every  one  must  admit  that  the 
Boy  Scouts  have  been  successful  in 
developing  their  chosen  pursuits. 

The  Agassiz  Association,  the  oldest 
organization  for  outdoor  observation 
for  all  people,  young  and  old,  extends 
cordial  greetings  and  good  wishes  to 
this  youngest  organization,  the  Wood- 
craft League.  There  is  work  enough 
for  all  and  it  is  a joy  to  see  that  work 
being  so  well  done. 


?) 


^5 5j 


(ORRESPONDENCE 


X 


2 


Jp-"  AND 


Information^ 


The  Psychology  of  Killing. 

(See  page  70,  October,  1921,  number.) 

Newton,  Massachusetts. 

To  the  Editor: 

It  seems  to  me  that  any  one  who 
kills  for  the  pleasure — as  the  so-called 
sportsman  kills — can  have  in  his  whole 
being  not  one  spark  of  love  for  animal 
life.  The  man  who  truly  loves  ani- 
mals and  nature  studies  them  as  John 
Burroughs  studied  them.  He,  to  my 
mind,  was  a true  sportsman.  He  lived 
with  them,  made  friends  of  them. 

The  man  who  goes  every  fall  to  hunt 
with  his  gun,  and  returns  glorying  over 
his  trophies,  is  a bad  example  for  our 
young  children.  The  destructive  tend- 
ency is  so  strong  in  most  of  us  that 
it  seems  to  me  every  nature  magazine 
should  try  to  develop  the  constructive 
tendency  in  our  young  people,  to  help 
them  live  and  let  live.  To  do  away 
with  all  unnecessary  killing  should  be 
the  aim  of  every  nature  publication. 

Very  sincerely  yours, 

(Mrs.)  Marguerite  A.  R.  Holmes, 
(comment  by  the  reverend  william 

J.  LONG.) 

Stamford,  Connecticut. 

To  the  Editor : 

You  ask  me  kindly  for  an  expression 
of  opinion  concerning  a certain  letter 
which  condemns  hunting  and  hunters. 
Frankly,  I think  that  the  letter  is  of  a 
kind  which  admits  no  other  opinion. 
There  are  people  who  believe  that  all 
hunting  is  wrong,  and  there  are  people 
who  believe  that  moderate  hunting  is 
right.  Hunters  understand  the  first 
point  of  view  and  respect  it;  but  those 
who  condemn  hunting  are  sweeping  in 
their  denunciation.  That  is  a signifi- 
cant difference. 

You  will  therefore  excuse  me,  please, 
if  I make  no  argument  in  defense  of 
those  who  hunt ; but  perhaps  you  may 
be  glad  to  have  a plain  statement  of 
fact  from  one  whom  five  hundred 
sportsmen  asked  to  be  president  of 
their  Fish  and  Game  League  because 


they  knew  him  to  be  a naturalist  who 
stands  for  the  preservation  of  wild 
life : 

1.  The  writer  of  your  letter  says, 
“It  seems  to  me  that  any  one  who  kills 
for  the  pleasure — as  the  so-called 
sportsman  kills — can  have  in  his  whole 
being  not  one  spark  of  love  for  animal 
life.'’  Here  is  utter  misunderstanding. 
Sportsmen  do  not  kill  for  the  pleasure 
of  killing ; they  hunt  for  the  pleasure 
of  hunting,  which  is  a very  different 
matter.  In  some  of  their  happiest  days 
afield  there  is  no  killing  whatever. 

2.  One  man  kills  a lamb  or  a chicken 
which  trusts  him  and  feeds  from  his 
hand ; another  kills  a deer  or  a wood- 
cock which  rushes  away  at  the  mere 
sound  of  his  footsteps.  One  killing  is 
a crude  matter  of  business,  and  the 
creature  has  absolutely  no  chance  for 
its  life;  the  other  killing  calls  for  pa- 
tience, skill,  knowledge  of  the  woods, 
and  the  game  has  nine  chances  in  ten 
of  escape.  The  deer  and  woodcock  no 
less  than  the  lamb  and  chicken  are  used 
for  food. 

Personally,  if  T had  to  make  choice 
between  these  killings,  I would  shoot 
the  woodcock,  or  try  to,  rather  than 
take  the  axe  to  the  chicken.  The  only 
refuge  is  to  turn  vegetarian,  which 
lands  us  in  a contradiction.  The  lamb 
and  deer,  which  eat  grass,  and  the 
chicken  and  woodcock,  which  eat  in- 
sects, are  taking  life  as  surely,  as  the 
man  who  eats  meat.  Moreover,  the 
insect  and  the  grass  feed  upon  other 
forms  of  living  things.  The  very  dirt 
under  our  feet  swarms  with  life  that 
is  constantly  being  destroyed  and  re- 
newed, and  in  the  glass  of  water  which 
quenches  our  thirst  is  enough  animal 
life  to  populate  a universe. 

3.  Some  of  the  most  devoted  lovers 
of  wild  life  I know  are  sportsmen.  They 
guard  every  innocent  thing  that  lives, 
game  included,  and  are  always  ready 
to  give  time  and  money  to  bird  and 
animal  protection.  To  them  largely  we 
owe  the  absolute  prohibition  of  killing 


CORRESPONDENCE  AND  INFORMATION 


song  birds ; to  them  wholly  we  owe  the 
laws  that  protect  game  for  ten  or  eleven 
months  every  year,  the  bag-limit  that 
stops  indiscriminate  killing  in  the  short 
open  season,  the  establishment  of 
hatcheries  and  game  farms  for  restock- 
ing onr  streams  and  covers,  the  setting 
aside  of  bird  and  game  refuges  where 
no  hunting  is  allowed,  and  a score  more 
reforms  which  all  aim  at  the  one  same 
thing;  namely,  that  our  children  shall 
find  abundant  wild  life  in  our  woods 
and  fields.  They  do  not  talk  of  them- 
selves as  nature  lovers ; but  “by  their 
works  ye  shall  know  them.” 

4.  The  letter  mentions  John  Bur- 
roughs as  an  alleged  type  of  the  true 
nature  lover;  but  the  writer  evidently 
has  not  read  his  works,  especially  the 
newspaper  and  magazine  articles  which 
do  not  appear  in  his  published  books. 
The  fact  is  that  he  often  bunted,  and 
that  aside  from  bunting  he  did  a lot  of 
killing  (shooting  birds  to  identify  them, 
for  example)  which  most  sportsmen 
object  to  as  needless  cruelty. 

Very  sincerely  yours, 
William  J.  Long. 

(comment  by  the  editor.) 

I have  frequently  visited  John  Bur- 
roughs at  Riverby  and  Slabsides.  At 
least  once  a year  for  ten  years  I took 
with  me  a company  of  boarding  school 
girls.  Mr.  Burroughs  frequently  en- 
tertained and  instructed  us  by  telling 
us  graphically  and  in  detail  of  the 
necessity  of  killing  the  woodchucks  on 
his  premises.  At  one  visit  Mr.  Bur- 
roughs stood  on  a high  rock  and 
pointed  out  to  the  girls  the  beauties  of 
the  Hudson  River  that  he  said  could  be 
seen  for  forty  miles.  Just  below  where 
he  was  standing  a girl  and  I saw  in  the 
crack  in  the  rocks  a black  snake.  When 
the  others  knew  of  this  discovery  they 
unanimously  requested  that  it  be  pulled 
out  by  the  tail,  and  that  was  done. 
Holding  that  living  snake,  which  I 
think  was  about  five  feet  long,  the  girls 
debated  as  to  whether  it  should  be 
freed  or  killed.  Mr.  Burroughs  acted 
as  a judge  and  apparently  enjoyed  the 
discussion.  His  verdict  was,  “Not  that 
I love  the  snake  less  but  that  I love  the 
birds  more.  Kill  it.”  We  did  so  by 
crushing  the  head  with  Mr.  Bur- 
roughs’s help.  I have  photographs  and 
lantern  slides  of  the  event  and  have 
often  told  the  story  for  the  past  ten 


1 15 

years  or  more.  Mr.  Burroughs  always 
took  the  stand,  kill  when  the  killing  is 
for  the  welfare  of  human  beings  or  of 
other  forms  of  life. 


New  Jersey  Reptile  Students  Dine. 

The  Hotel  Robert  Treat,  Newark, 
was  the  scene  on  Tuesday,  November 
15,  of  a remarkable  assemblage  of  en- 
thusiastic students  of  a not  generally 
popular  form  of  nature — reptiles.  Sev- 
enty New  Jersey  members  and  their 
guests  of  the  Reptile  Study  Society  of 
America,  headquarters  782  East  175th 
Street,  New  York  City,  of  which  Allen 

S.  Williams  is  the  founder  and  direc- 
tin', dined  together  and  afterward  lis- 
tened to  speakers  whose  talks  were 
both  valuable  and  witty.  As  a finale  a 
remarkable  array  of  serpents  and  liz- 
ards appeared  upon  the  scene  from  the 
private  collection  of  members  of  this 
unique  society  and  also  from  the  Rep- 
tile House  of  the  New  York  Zoological 
Park.  These  reptiles  were  all  handled 
with  the  greatest  interest  by  the  diners, 
including  a big  boa  constrictor,  with 
the  exception  of  large  specimens  of 
rattlesnakes,  water  moccasins  and  cop- 
perheads, which  came  as  guests  of  the 
society’s  chief  huntsman,  Mr.  Arthur 
L.  Gillam,  of  Flushing,  Long  Island. 
These  representatives  of  North  Amer- 
ica’s thanatophida  were  released  on 
tables  and  floor  and  recaptured  by  Mr. 
Gillam  to  show  just  how  the  thing  is 
done  expertly  and  with  assurance  of 
“safety  first”  to  captor  and  captive. 

Mr.  Burnham  W.  King  of  East 
Orange,  author  and  amateur  ornitholo- 
gist, was  toastmaster,  and  Mr.  Gayne 

T.  K.  Norton,  chairman  of  the  society’s 
publicity  committee,  of  Manhattan, 
was  chairman  of  the  dinner  committee 
and  won  praise  and  credit  for  the  suc- 
cess of  the  dinner.  The  guest  of  honor 
was  Raymond  Lee  Ditmars,  curator  of 
mammals  and  reptiles  of  the  New  York 
Zoological  Park  and  author  of  “The 
Reptile  Book”  and  “Reptiles  of  the 
World.”  Mr.  Ditmars — a native  of 
Newark — described  in  detail  the  new 
thirteen-foot  king  cobra  recently  ac- 
quired by  the  Bronx  Zoo  and  classed 
him  as  the  most  dangerous  animal  on 
earth  today.  Mr.  Ditmars  then  related 
a hair-raising  experience  with  two 
murderous  Seminole  Indians  while  he 
was  sleeping  alone,  on  a collecting  trip, 
in  a hut  on  an  island  in  a southern 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


1 16 

swamp,  but  saved  His  auditors  from 
death  by  heart  failure  by  the  timely 
climax  that  he  “woke  up”  and  that  it 
was  but  a bad  dream. 

T.  Gilbert  Pearson,  president  of  the 
National  Association  of  Audubon  So- 
cieties, though  a “bird  man,”  is  an  en- 
thusiastic and  well  beloved  member  of 
the  Reptile  Study  Society  and,  as  al- 
ways when  speaking  at  the  society’s 
dinners,  charmed  and  fascinated  his 
listeners  with  his  stories,  wit  and 
humor  and  obvious  bonhommie.  Mr. 
Pearson  is  rated  one  hundred  per  cent 
for  veracity  as  a snake  hunter  for  he 
told  in  detail  how  for  years  he  has  been 
hunting  rattlesnakes  in  Florida,  the 
Carolinas,  Texas  and  even  New  Jersey 
and  has  never  yet  succeeded  in  catch- 
ing a glimpse  of  one,  which  is  some- 
what different  from  Mr.  Gillam’s  record 
of  bagging  an  average  of  three  a day 
for  one  hundred  days  in  Florida. 

Mr.  Williams  sketched  the  society’s 
origin,  development  and  program  and 
won  a lot  of  space  in  next  day’s  New- 
ark daily  newspapers  by  predicting  that 
within  ten  years  Newark  would  cover 
the  Hackensack  meadows  and  mi  ght 
even  absorb  Jersey  City  and  Hoboken, 
and  that  Newark’s  opportunity  for  a 
great  contribution  to  natural  science 
would  be  the  erection  of  a municipal 
reptile  house  with  an  auxiliary  snake 
park,  after  the  lines  of  Dr.  Vital, 
Brazil’s  world  famous  institution  at 
Butantan,  Sao  Paulo.  Brazil,  with  the 
assurance  that  as  a publicity  generator 
it  would  get  Newark  in  the  newspapers 
and  magazines  of  the  whole  civilized 
world. 

An  evidence  of  a member's  enthusi- 
astic interest  was  the  arrival  of  Amer- 
ica’s noted  surgeon,  Dr.  Howard  A. 
Kelly  of  Baltimore,  usually  y-clept  in 
the  newspapers  “The  Radium  King,” 
who  came  on  a flying  trip  just  to  eat 
and  hobnob  with  his  fellow  reptile 
students. 

The  Reptile  Study  Society  was  or- 
ganized May  i,  1916,  has  six  hundred 
members,  with  one  or  more  in  every 
state  of  the  U.  S.  A.,  and  is  rapidly 
growing.  Its  next  annual  dinner  will 
be  late  in  February,  1922,  at  some  Man- 
hattan hotel,  and  its  next  yearly  spring 
snake  hunt,  Sunday,  May  7,  1922.  start- 
ing from  Great  Notch,  New  Jersev.— - 
A.  S.  W. 


Helping  the  Boys  Get  Started. 

BY  THEODORE  H.  COOPER,  BATAVIA,  N.  Y. 

There  are  days  when  a person  wants 
something  to  do,  when  things  become 
dull  around  home  and  he  longs  to  get 
out  and  have  new  adventures  and  ex- 
periences. 

Few  boys  care  for  the  wishy-washy 
kind  of  “nature  study,”  but  if  the 
reader  resembles  me  he  will  like  to  go 
out  to  the  woods  in  his  neighborhood 
and  climb  the  biggest  tree  he  can  find, 
and  imagine  himself  a monkey  or  an 
Indian,  or  go  through  the  woods  like 
a pirate  looking  for  loot  to  take  home. 

Is  your  eye  as  sharp  as  an  eagle’s? 
Can  you  detect  a crow’s  nest  among  the 
branches,  or  a branch  itself  which  is 
worth  noting  because  it  is  so  sinfully 
crooked  or  unusual  in  some  other  way? 
W ould  you  make  a good  detective ; can 
you  ferret  out  insects  hidden  under 
loose  bark,  or  see  the  squirrels,  birds, 
etc.,  before  they  see  you?  Supposing 
you  had  to  live  in  the  woods  where 
there  are  wild  animals,  are  you  cunning 
enough  and  strong  enough  to  climb  a 
tree  quickly?  Do  you  know  the  best 
roosting  places  in  the  trees  of  your  lo- 
cality? Is  there  a cave  where  you  could 
get  in  out  of  the  rain  as  the  cave  men 
used  to  do? 

The  other  day,  when  I was  in  the 
woods,  I saw  an  owl  and  a large  turtle, 
although  such  things  are  not  plentiful 
around  here  because  the  woods  have 
been  cut  off  considerably. 

Almost  everybody  has  a collection  of 
something  or  other.  Some  collect 
stamps  and  old  coins ; others,  Indian 
relics,  old  guns,  etc. ; still  others  have 
curious  stones,  birds’  eggs,  sea  shells, 
or  they  trade  samples  of  these  for 
strange  and  interesting  things  from 
other  parts  of  the  world.  I have  col- 
lections of  all  these  things,  and  have 
obtained  some  by  exchanging. 

What  I want  to  do  is  to  help  boys 
get  started  in  collecting  the  things  that 
interest  them  most.  It  doesn’t  matter 
where  you  live,  or  in  what  circum- 
stances you  are  at  present,  write  to  me, 
telling  me  what  you  are  especially  in- 
terested in  and  what  vou  have  to  trade, 
if  anything,  and  I will  help  you  to  get 
what  you  want,  if  I can.  Perhaps  you 
are  interested  in  astronomy,  micro- 
scopy, chemistry,  or  some  other  de- 
partment of  science.  If  you  are  at  all 
interested,  please  correspond. 


Tijc 

SS  J>£  “**-•««••.-•''  ; * * ^ *-*  ; '■•—••»..•*•'■’  ; 

AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION’ 


Established  1875  Incorporated,  Massachusetts.  1892  Incorporated.  Connecticut,  1910 


Contributions. 

Mr.  R.  L.  Agassiz,  Hamilton, 

Mass.  $20.00 

A Nature  Lover i.oo 

Mr.  Elisha  P.  Cronkhite,  New 

York  City 25.00 

Mr.  S.  C.  Hunter,  New  Ro- 
chelle, N.  Y 25.00 

“A  Friend  of  Dr.  Bigelow”  (this 
form  of  publication  by  re- 
quest)   25.00 

Mrs.  Theodore  Peters,  New 

York  City 25.00 

Mr.  E.  D.  Bird,  Greenwich to.oo 

Mr.  Hugo  V.  Loewi,  White 

Plains,  N.  Y. 20.00 

Mr.  Joseph  E.  Peloquin,  Bridge- 
port, Conn. 1.00 

Mr.  Edward  A.  Burdett,  Stam- 
ford   2.00 

Mr.  Charles  A.  Bruun,  Kansas 

City,  Missouri 10.00 

Mrs.  Mitchell  Kennerley,  New 

York  City 5.00 

Appreciative  Friends,  Sound 

Beach 20.00 

Mr.  Charles  H.  Knapp,  Sound 

Beach 18.75 

Mr.  Harry  C.  Frost,  Sound 

Beach 10.00 

Mrs.  H.  Durant  Cheever,  New 

York  City 5. 00 

Mr.  Robert  Stewart,  Sound 

Beach 25.00 

Mr.  C.  W.  Kress,  New  York 

City  25.00 

Mr.  William  J.  Johnson,  New 
York  City 15-00 


Sound  Beach. 

Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow  lectured 


Monday  evening,  December  5,  at  the 
dinner  of  the  Sunrise  Club  at  the  Cafe 
Boulevard,  New  York  City.  The  sub- 
ject was  “Girls,  the  Loveliest  of  All 
God’s  Creations.” 


Miscellaneous  Contributions. 

Mr.  George  B.  Windsor,  Stamford: 
Four  photographic  negatives  of  botan- 
ical interest. 

Mr.  Leon  Barritt,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. : 
Barritt-Serviss  Star  and  Planet  Finder. 

Miss  Margaret  Brooks,  S o u n d 
Beach  : Shells  from  the  Panama  Canal 
and  a bird’s  nest. 

Mrs.  J.  Allen  Butler,  Portland, 
Conn.:  Copy  of  “The  Youth’s  Com- 

panion” of  Thursday,  December  2, 
1847,  Vol.  XXI,  No.  31. 

Mrs.  Newton,  Sound  Beach:  Horse- 
shoe crab,  barnacles  and  miscellaneous 
pebbles  and  shells. 

Mr.  George  Maurer,  New  York  City: 
Framed  “ArcAdiA”  in  marqueterie,  in 
duplicate. 

We  have  long  read  of  your  work  in 
your  periodical  and  have  had  a faint 
impression  that  you  were  engaged  in 
a praiseworthy  enterprise,  but  we  were 
not  prepared  to  find  the  Bruce  Museum 
and  ArcAdiA  of  such  high  character 
and  such  models  of  what  educational 
institutions  should  be. — Chas.  G.  Root, 
Waterbury,  Connecticut. 


But  here  is  something  about  vol- 
canoes that  will  surprise  most  people. 
They  throw  mud,  they  throw  stones, 
but  they  don’t  smoke.  What  we  call 
smoke  is  the  steam  that  makes — or  at 
least  helps  make — the  explosion.  It 
often  has  the  color  of  brown  smoke 
because  of  the  rock  which  has  been 
blown  into  dust.  Neither  do  volcanoes 
make  “ashes.”  What  is  called  “ash” 
is  this  rock  powder,  made  when  the 
rocks  are  blown  into  pieces  by  the  sud- 
den expansion  of  the  water  in  them  into 
steam. — Hallam  Hawksworth  in  “The 
Strange  Adventures  of  a Pebble.” 


XII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


WANTED:  A GIFT  OF  $5,000. 

Forty-six  years  of  youthful  activities 
— we  are  the  Association  that  never 
grows  old  or  out  of  date. 

Forty-six  years  of  dependence  upon 
the  living — we  have  never  deprived  any 
one  of  the  joy  and  satisfaction  of  seeing 
how  contributed  money  was  spent,  thus 
inciting  to  repeated  gifts  from  nearly 
every  one. 

Though  death  has  taken  from  us 
many  of  our  most  liberal  contributors, 
we  have  superlative  faith  that  some- 
where will  be  found  the  one  to  give  us 
the  five  thousand  dollars  to  be  used  in 
a detailed  plan  under  the  personal  ap- 
proval of  the  contributor. 

W e make  moderate  amounts  of 
money  go  a long  way.  We  point  with 
pride  to  every  detail  of  our  record  of 
almost  a half  century.  There  have  been 
only  two  managers  of  The  Agassiz  As- 
sociation, the  former  for  thirty-two 
years,  the  present  for  fourteen,  and 
neither  has  received  salary  for  the 
executive  management  of  The  AA. 

No  other  charitable  and  educational 
organization  has  a better  Board  of 
Trustees.  They  represent  a wide  range 
of  territory  and  interests — characteris- 
tic of  The  AA. 


The  United  States  Post  Office  De- 
partment at  Washington  carefully  in- 
vestigated The  Agassiz  Association  and 
because  of  its  altruistic,  educational  and 
noncommercial  purposes  awarded  a 
special  low  rate  of  postage  to  its  official 
magazine. 

The  Treasury  Department  Internal 
Revenue  also  carefully  investigated  and 
exempts  from  income  tax  The  Agassiz 
Association  and  all  gifts  to  it. 

We  have  gladly  and  freely  helped 
many  other  organizations  in  their  na- 
ture interests.  We  untiringly  render 
free  services  at  ArcAdiA  to  rich  and 
poor,  young  and  old.  To  us  come  a wide 
range  of  visitors.  Our  correspondents 
include  every  phase  of  humanity. 

We  invite  detailed  investigation. 

We  need  and  merit  a gift  of  $5,000. 
Do  it  now.  Do  not  wait  until  you  are 
dead.  We  want  to  give  the  donor  the 
joy  and  satisfaction  of  knowing  just 
how  advantageously  the  money  will  be 
expended. 

We  always  have  been  a lively  organ- 
ization for  the  living,  by  the  living. 

Faithfully  yours, 

Edward  F.  Bigelow, 
President  The  Agassiz  Association,  Inc. 


The  Agassiz  Association  and  Gifts  to  it  are  FREE  from  Income  Taxes. 
TREASURY  DEPARTMENT 
Internal  Revenue  Service 

Hartford,  Conn.,  April  13,  1921. 

Office  of  the  Collector,  District  of  Connecticut. 

Agassiz  Association,  Inc.,  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

SIRS: 

With  further  reference  to  your  letter  of  February  28th,  1921,  you  are  advised  that 
the  Commissioner  of  Internal  Revenue  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  has  considered  all  facts 
as  presented  relative  to  the  activities  of  your  association  and  has  decided  that  you  are 
exempt  from  the  filing  of  income  tax  returns  under  the  provisions  of  the  Revenue  Act  of 
1918. 

The  Commissioner  has  further  stated  that  amounts  contributed  to  your  association 
by  individuals  may  be  deducted  in  the  income  tax  returns  of  said  individuals  to  the  extent 
provided  in  Section  214  (a)  ('ll)  of  the  Revenue  Act  of  1918. 

Very  truly  yours, 

JAMES  J.  WALSH,  Collector. 


*®®©®®<2>©sp®e  & 


LITEKAK 


°^««>©sa®<5® 


NOTICES 


New  Creations  in  Plant  Life.  An  Authori- 
tative Account  of  the  Life  and  Work  of 
Luther  Burbank.  By  W.  S.  Harwood. 
New  \ork  City:  The  Macmillan  Com- 

pany. 

This  is  a revision  of  a book  well-known 
to  our  readers  as  we  have  given  each  of  the 
severeal  editions  a special  notice.  All  those 
interested  in  the  work  which  Luther  Bur- 
bank is  doing  with  flowers  and  plants 
should  read  the  book.  We  believe  that  all 
our  constituency  is  thus  interested  and  that 
many  will  be  glad  to  have  this  great  plant 
breeder  himself  tell  what  he  has  done,  how 
he  has  done  it,  and  especially  the  difficulties 
he  has  encountered  and  how  he  has  strug- 
gled to  overcome  them.  He  success  has  been 
great  and  is  well  merited. 


The  Life  of  Jean  Henri  Fabre.  By  the  Abbe 
Augustin  Fabre.  Translated  by  Bernard 
Miall.  New  York  City:  Dobb,  Mead 
and  Company. 

If  all  writers  on  scientific  subjects  were 
as  interesting  as  M.  Fabre,  many  would 
agree  with  him  that  scientific  investigation 
is  one  of  the  great  joys  of  life — many  who 
now  shudder  at  the  prospect  of  reading  a 
book  on  biology,  anthropology  or  any  other 
“ology”.  For  Fabre  was  a great  magician. 
He  was  the  good  fairy  of  the  scientific 
world,  describing  his  discoveries  and  obser- 
vations of  his  friends,  the  insects,  with  a 
keen  sense  of  humor,  a quick  appreciation 
of  the  dramatic  and  a grace  and  charm  of 
expression  that  have  never  been  equaled  in 
the  history  of  science. 

In  October,  1915,  Henri  Fabre  passed  away 
quietly  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-two, 
at  his  modest  home  in  the  south  of  France. 
For  the  last  twenty  years  he  had  been  able 
to  devote  his  entire  time  to  the  dearest  wish 
of  his  life — the  uninterrupted  study  of  his 
little  insects. 


Life  and  Letters  of  Henry  Lee  Higginson. 
By  Bliss  Perry.  A vitally  human  record 
of  an  American  soldier,  citizen,  man  of 
affairs,  patron  of  education  and  music, 
master  of  friendship.  Boston,  Massa- 
chusetts; The  Atlantic  Monthly  Press. 

The  primary  interest  of  this  biography 
to  members  of  The  Agassiz  Association  and 
other  readers  of  this  magazine  is  the  fact 
that  Mrs.  Higginson,  still  living,  is  the 
daughter  of  Louis  Agassiz.  Mr.  Higginson 
was  also  closely  associated  with  Professor 
Alexander  Agassiz  and  with  other  members 
of  the  family. 

The  book  merits  attention  by  reason  of 


Mr.  Higginson's  prominence  in  military, 
banking  and  especially  in  musical  affairs. 
For  a long  time  he  supported  the  Boston 
Symphony  Orchestra. 

The  biographer,  well-known  as  a skillful 
writer,  has  done  his  work  well.  From  the 
great  mass  of  data,  letters,  etc.,  that  must 
have  been  placed  at  his  disposal,  he  has 
selected  and  put  into  acceptable  shape  that 
material  which  the  reader  will  be  glad  to 
have.  The  book  should  be  interesting  not 
only  to  Bostonians  and  to  Members  of  The 
Agassiz  Association,  but  should  have  signi- 
ficance to  the  general  public  as  Major 
Higginson’s  life  was  such  as  should  be  in- 
spiring to  any  one  anywhere.  He  had  deal- 
ings with  so  many  public  interests  that  his 
life  is  a parallel  comment  upon  world  mat- 
ters, notably  the  Civil  War  and  the  great 
World  War.  He  died  November  14,  1919. 
Had  he  lived  four  years  longer  he  would 
have  been  eighty-five  years  of  age. 

The  editor  of  this  magazine  had  the  pleas- 
ure of  personal  acquaintance  with  Major 
Higginson  and  greatly  enjoyed  a friendly 
chat  with  him  at  his  office  in  Boston.  He 
gave  one  the  impression  in  personal  conver- 
sation of  great  ability  and  of  great  kindness 
of  heart,  and  of  thorough  familiarity  with 
educational  and  musical  matters,  although 
he  was  what  would  generally  be  called  a 
man  of  affairs.  His  friendship  was  highly 
prized  by  those  that  had  intimate  acquaint- 
ance with  him.  Mr.  Perry  has  done  his  work 
well  as  might  naturally  be  expected.  He 
is  a skillful  writer  and  author  of  note.  He 
has  given  us  a pleasing  and  inspiring  book. 


The  Ravine. 

High  on  the  wooded  hillside, 

In  the  heart  of  the  forest  wide, 

A little  ravine  lay  hidden, 

Running  the  path  beside. 

Emerald  mosses  lined  it, 

E’en  to  its  outer  rim. 

And  ferns  in  fairy  circles, 

Were  filling  it  to  the  brim. 

’Twas  one  of  Nature’s  jewels, 
Embedded  in  casket  green. 

That,  but  for  rare  good  fortune, 

Would  never  have  been  seen. 

The  maker  of  all  this  beauty, 

Up  there  under  the  blue, 

A tiny  rill  of  water, 

Now  leaping,  now  trickling  through. 

- — Emma  Peirce. 


XIV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


THE  FAME  OF  JACOBS  BIRD-HOUSES  IS 
KNOWN  IN  EVERY  LAND 

Beautify  your  grounds  and  help  your  bird  neighbors 
by  using  JACOBS  colony  houses  for  Purple  Mar- 
tins, individual  nest  boxes  for  the  Bluebird,  Wren, 
Chick-a-dee,  Swallow,  Flicker,  Tit-mice,  and  Wood- 
pecker. 

Bird  Baths  and  Drinking  Fountains. 

Feeding  Devices  for  Winter  Birds. 

Sparrow  Traps  and  Bird- 
Banding  Traps 

Beautifully  illustrated  booklet  FREE. 

JACOBS  BIRD  HOUSE  AND  MFG.  CO. 

Mrs.  Dow’s  School,  Briarcliff  Manor, 

New  York. 

November  5,  1921. 

Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow, 

Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 

My  dear  Dr.  Bigelow: 

In  your  visits  of  the  last  three  years 
to  Briarcliff  I feel  that  you  have  done 
much  through  your  excursions  with  the 
girls,  your  walks  and  your  lectures 
with  the  lantern  slides  to  develop  in 
them  a love  of  nature  and  the  wonders 
of  outdoor  life,  but  your  lecture  last 
week  with  the  microscope  projections 
quite  transcended  anything  which  you 
have  done  for  us  heretofore.  In  fact  it 
seems  to  me  one  of  the  most  important 
scientific  achievements  that  has  come 
under  my  notice. 

If  you  can  reveal  the  secrets  of  the 
microscope  to  large  audiences  of  young 
people  as  you  did  for  us  you  will  cer- 
tainly be  making  a great  contribution 
to  scientific  teaching.  I wish  you  all 
success  in  developing  your  work  along 
this  line  ! 

Yours  very  sincerely, 
fSiened)  Edith  Cooper  Hartman. 

SARGENT’S  HANDBOOK  OF 


THE  AMERICAN 
ANNUAL  OF 
PHOTOGRAPHY,  1922 


The  World’s 
Finest  and  Most 
Popular  Annual. 

Full  of  Inter- 
esting and  Prac- 
t i c a 1 Informa- 
tion. 

More  than  200 
Beautiful  P i c - 
tures. 

24  Supple- 
ments in  Color. 

A Complete 
Photographic 
Formulary. 

The  Best  of 
All  the  Annuals. 


Paper  Cover,  $1.75 
Clothbound  Edition,  $2.50 
Postage  Extra 

GET  IT  FROM  YOUR  DEALER 
Sole  Trade  Agents: 
GEORGE  MURPHY,  INC. 
57  East  9th  St.,  New  York 


V 


Over  39  years  continuous  in- 
dorsement by  tile  birds 


AMERICAN  PRIVATE  SCHOOLS 

AN  ANNUAL  SURVEY  and  Review  describing  PRI- 
VATE SCHOOLS  of  all  classifications  and  SUMMER 
CAMPS  for  Boys  and  Girls. 

A COMPENDIUM  for  Educators. 

A GUIDEBOOK  for  Parents,  supplying  intimate  in- 
formation, which  makes  possible  a discriminating 
choice. 

COMPARATIVE  TABLES  give  the  relative  Cost,  Size, 
Age,  Special  Features,  etc. 

INTRODUCTORY  CHAPTERS  review  interesting  De- 
velopments of  the  Year  in  education. 

EDUCATION  SERVICE  Bureau  will  be  glad  to  advise 
and  write  you  intimately  about  any  School  or  Camp 
in  which  you  are  interested.  Write  full  particulars. 

CONSULTATION  BY  APPOINTMENT. 

7th  edition,  896  pp.,  $4.00  postpaid. 

Circulars  and  Sample  Pages  on  Request. 

PORTER  E.  SARGENT,  14  Beacon  St.,  Boston 


AQUARIUM  NEWS 

Published  every  month  under  the  direction  of  the 
Ridgewood  Aquarium  Society,  Ridgewood,  Brook- 
lyn, New  York  City,  New  York.  Devoted  to  the 
study  of  all  kinds  of  fish,  including  native  and 
tropical,  also  everything  appertaining  to  the  care 
and  maintenance  of  the  home  aquarium,  terrarium, 
etc. 

Price  $1.50  yearly.  1 5c  single  copy. 

Harry  A.  Schuler,  Editor  A.  F.  Eimbeck,  Sec’y 
59  Hopkins  Avenue,  105  Lewis  Avenue, 

Jersey  City,  New  Jersey.  Brooklyn,  New  York. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE — ADVERTISEMENTS 


XV 


DODSH°oNusrEN  A SUMMER  HOME  ! 

4 compartments,  28  All  song  birds  raise  two,  and 
inches  high,  18  inches  usually  three,  broods  of  young 
in  diameter.  each  year,  selecting  a new  nest- 

ing site  for  each  brood  of  young, 
so  if  your  houses  are  put  out 
now  they  are  sure  to  be  occupied. 

DODSON  HOUSES 

win  the  birds.  Built  by  a bird- 
lover  who  has  spent  a lifetime 
studying  their  habits  and  how  to 
attract  them  to  beautiful  Bird 
Lodge,  his  home  on  the  Kan- 
kakee River. 

Free  bird  Book  sent  on  re- 
quest, illustrating  Dodson  Line, 
giving  prices;  also  beautiful  col- 
ored bird  picture  free. 

JOSEPH  H DODSON 

Pres.  American  Audubon  Assn. 
714  S.  HARRISON  AVE., 
KANKAKEE.  ILL. 

Dodson  Sparrow  Trap  guaranteed  to  rid  your  community 
of  these  quarrelsome  pests.  Price  $8.00. 

Girl  Scouts  camp,  hike  and  live  close  to 
Nature.  Read  about  their  good  times  in 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 

A Magazine  for  Girl  Scouts  and  Girls 
who  love  Scouting. 

The  American  Girl  will  bring  you  suggestions 
for  parties — stories  and  other  things  besides. 
Send  for  sample  copy  to 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 
189  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City. 

$1.50  a year  — Single  copy  15c 


FEED  THE  BIRDS 

THE  PACKARD 
Automatic  Food-House 

KEEPS  THE  FOOD  DRY;  AVOIDS  WASTE; 
LASTS  YEARS;  AND  COSTS  75c. 

Two  for  $1.25 — Why  Pay  More? 

by  mail,  postpaid  in  New  England; 
elsewhere  add  postage. 

Special  Mixture  Bird  Food 

A balanced  ration;  best  for  the  birds, 
best  for  use  in  the  food-house. 

8 lbs.  for  $1.25,  postpaid  in  New 
England.  Elsewhere  add  postage. 

Everything  for  Wild  Birds.  Catalog  Free.  I 

Address  WINTHROP  PACKARD 
Canton,  Mass. 


What  will  the 
negative  stow? 

There’s  density  and  definition;  detail  in 
high  lights  and  shadows;  correctness  of 
perspective;  color  value — consider  all 
these.  For  the  negative  can  show  only 
what  the  lens  throws  upon  it.  And  any 
picture  worth  taking  at  all  is  worth  tak- 
ing as  well  as  it  can  be  taken.  In  other 
words,  take  it  with  one  of  the 

BAUSCH  & LOMB 
PHOTOGRAPHIC  LENSES 

In  poor  light — cloudy  or  rainy  outdoors, 
on  porches  or  indoors — good  snapshots 
— better  than  many  a time  exposure — can 
be  made  easily  through  Bausch  & Lomb 
Tessar  Anastigmats  (Ic,  f:4.5  or  lib 
f:6.3).  And  in  bright  sunlight  they  stop 
the  fastest  action  blurlessly. 

Ask  your  dealer  to  put  Tessar 
Anasitigmat  on  your  camera. 
Then  you  will  see  how  pleasur- 
able photography  can  be. 

Bausch  & [omb  Optical  (5. 

NEW  YORK  WASHINGTON  SAN  FRANCISCO 

CHICAGO  ROCHESTER.  N.  Y.  London 

Leading  American  Makers  of  Photo- 
graphic Lenses,  Microscopes,  Projection 
Apparatus  (Balopticons),  Ophthalmic 
Lenses  and  Instruments,  Photomicro- 
graphic Apparatus,  Range  Finders  and 
Gun  Sights  for  Army  and  Navy,  Search- 
light Reflectors,  Stereo-Prism  Binoculars, 
Magnifiers  and  Other  High  Grade  Optical 
Products. 


XVI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


MODEL  BEEKEEPING  OUTFITS 


Write  for  free  booklet,  “Bees  for  Pleasure  and  Profit.” 

THE  A.  I.  ROOT  COMPANY 


230  W.  Huron  Street 
CHICAGO,  ILL. 


West  Side  Station 
MEDINA,  OHIO 


23  Leonard  Street 
NEW  YORK,  N.  Y. 


cAt 


Special 

CHRISTMAS 
OFFERo 

limited  number  of 

Eastman 

No.  1 Autographic 

KODAK 

SPECIALS 

.37 


29— 


W 


Was  $58.73  in  1920 

E made  a special  purchase  of  this  1920 
model  that  enables  us  to  offer  it  at 


HALF  ITS  FORMER  PRICE 

Here  is  a Royal  Gift  to  give — a really  fine, 
high  type  camera  with  Bausch  Lomb  Special 
Anastigmat  Lens  F-6.3  and  Optimo  Shutter. 
Pictures  214x314 
MAIL  ORDERS  FILLED 

Charles  G.  Willoughby,  Inc. 

110  West  32nd  Street  - New  York 


2)/rece 

(ART 

Service. 


Established 

15 

YEARS. 


Lfljlliiiu'b 

DortiMiroDuanejk 

<Tleu)T]cirk 

Telephone  Worth  1945 

| ‘DesiOntT-)  IIu$trator 

i'TONE  & Line  Cuts~ 
Wood  Cuts 


I 


Electrotypes 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XVII 


An  Artists'  Drawing  Crayon 

The  box  pictured  contains 
24  crayons  of  the  very  best 
quality.  For  artists  and 
Students  of  Nature,  to  be 
used  for 
sketching  and 
general  color 
work. 

“Crayola”  is 
put  up  in  all  de- 
sirable styles 
of  packing,  6 
to  24  colors  in 
a box. 

Color  chart 1 and 
catalog  on  request. 

BINNZT  <x 
SMITH  CO., 

81  Fulton  St., 
New  York. 


Dagor  F:6.8 
the  universal  lens 
Dogmar  F:4.5 
the  ultimate 
High  speed  lens 


WHY  a Goerz?  Because  you 
want  results.  And  a Goerz 
gets^  results,  not  only  because 
it  is  equipped  with  a Goerz  lens, 
but  because  of  its  simple,  sturdy 
construction  and  the  extreme 
nicety  of  workmanship  that  as- 
sures every  moving  part  working 
accurately,  always. 

Goerz  Cameras  are  made  in  sev- 
eral types  and  sizes  to  suit  all 
needs.  You  have  the  choice  of  the 
Goerz  “Dagor,”  the  universal  lens 
or  the  Goerz  “Dogmar,”  the  ulti- 
mate high  speed  lens,  free  from 
coma  or  flare. 


High  Speed  Ango 
For  experienced 
photographers: 

3'A  x 4*4 

4x5,  10  x 15  cm. 
5 x 7 


Ask  your  dealer  to  let  you 
see  the  different  types  of 
Goerz  Cameras  and  the  re- 
sults they  produce. 


C.  P.  GOERZ  AMERICAN  OPTICAL  CO. 
317G  East  34th  Street,  New  York  City. 

Makers  and  importers  of  photographic,  optical  and 
scientific  instruments. 


BIRD-LORE 

A Bi-M  onthly  Magazine 

EDITED  BY  FRANK  M.  CHAPMAN 

500  Pages,  6 Colored  Plates 
150  Photographs 

Price  yearly,  one  dollar  and  a half. 

It  will  tell  you  how  to  study  birds,  how 
to  form  and  conduct  bird  clubs,  how  to 
make  nesting  boxes,  feeding  stands  and 
bird  baths.  You  may  consult  its  Advisory 
Council,  take  part  in  its  bird  censuses  and, 
in  short,  become  one  of  the  great  frater- 
nity who  finds  in  birds  ‘ the  most  elo- 
quent expression  of  nature’s  beauty,  joy 
and  freedom.” 

We  will  be  glad  to  mail  you 
a specimen  copy  on  request. 

D.  APPLETON  & CO. 

Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania 


TtlE  BR  YOLOGIST — The  only  magazine  in  the  Rag- 
lish  language  devoted  wholly  to  articles  dealing  with 
Mosses,  Hepatics,  and  Lichens.  Of  interest  to  be- 
ginners and  advanced  students  alike.  Bimonthly,  pub- 
lished by  the  Sullivant  Moss  Society,  an  organizatio» 
for  mutual  help  in  mos9  study.  Special  curators  to 
assist  beginners.  Membership  fee,  $1.50  per  year,  i»- 
cluding  the  Bryologist;  subscription  alone,  $1.25;  Caaa- 
dian  postage  10  cents  extra.  Address  Edward  B.  Cham- 
berlain, 18  West  89th  Street,  New  York  Citv. 


AQUATIC  LIFE  monthly  magazine  will 

^ increase  your  enjoyment 

of  the  life  in  nature’s  streams  and  in  your  home 
aquarium.  Written  by  scientists  to  entertain  all 
nature  lovers  who  like  to  paddle  in  water  and 
4tudy  its  manv  forms  of  life.  A journal  of  popu- 
lar aquatic  biology,  not  merely  a fish  fancier*:’  mag 
azine.  Specimen  copy  free  on  request.  Subscrip- 
tion, $1.25  per  year.  Joseph  E.  Bausman,  Pub- 
lisher, 542  East  Girard  Avenue,  Philadelphia. 


CAMERA  CRAFT 

Claus  Spreckels  Bldg.,  San  Francisco,  Calif. 

Practical  and  informative  for  amateur,  com- 
mercial and  portrait  photographers. 

ITS  ADVERTISING  PAGES  KEEP 
YOU  UP-TO-DATE 
$1.50  Per  Year 

Canadian  postage  25c  Foreign  postage  50c 

Sample  on  request. 


XVIII 


TIIE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BOBBINK  & ATKINS 


Visit 

Nursery 


Ask  for 
Catalog 


ROSES 

EVERGREENS 
TREES  AND  SHRUBS 
OLD-FASHIONED  FLOWERS 
FRUIT  T R“E  ES  AND  BUSHES 
S P R I N G - F L O W E R I N G BULBS 
LILACS — Ask  for  Special  List.  You  will  be  interested  in  this 
collection  when  you  see  the  large  number  of  varieties. 

Nurserymen  and  Florists 

RUTHERFORD,  NEW  JERSEY 

Established  1868 


“Egypt"  is  a new  conception  bv  a new  con- 
cern: a compelling  fragrance  originated  for  the 
woman  who  demands  originality,  refinement  and 
cn'ture  in  every  particular  of  her  toilet.  In  its 
odd,  hand-painted  bottle.  “Egypt”  will  grace  the 
most  artistic  ai  d esthetic  boudoir. 

Originators  and  Sole  Manufacturers 


THE  EGYPT  LABORATORY 


Stamford, 


Connecticut 


ALWAYS  ASK  FOR 

SPRATT’S 


DOG  FOODS 


“ The  backbone  of  the 
present  Canine  Race.” 

Write  for  samples  and  send  2-cent 
stamp  for  Catalogue  “Dog  Culture.” 

Spratt’s  Patent  Limited 

Newark,  New  Jersey 

San  Francisco  St  Louis  Montreal 
Factory  also  in  London,  Eng. 


P.  O.  Box  471. 


Ostermoor 


It  yields  comfortably  to  the  shape  of 
the  body,  is  soft  yet  firm,  and  induces 
perfect  relaxation  and  rest.  The  Oster- 
moor  Mattress  is  scientifically  built,  not 
stuffed  like  horsehair;  it  cannot  get  out 
of  shape  and  is  sanitary.  Replace  with 
Ostermoor  as  your  old  mattresses  be- 
come uncomfortable. 

At  your  dealer’s,  or  we  will  ship  direct; 
express  prepaid.  Write  for  144-page  Cat- 
alog— mailed  free. 

Ostermoor  & Co.,  114  Elizabeth  St., 
New  York. 


BRUNSWICK  SCHOOL 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

A Preparatory  Day  School  for  Boys 
in  Stamford,  Greenwich  and 
Port  Chester 

Calls  the  attention  of  possible  patrons 
to  the  fact  that  the  enrolment  for  the 
coming  year  is  complete  in  respect  to  the 
primary  and  lower  school  departments. 
In  these  sections,  further  applications 
can  receive  favorable  attention  only  in 
case  of  unexpected  withdrawals.  There 
are  still  some  vacancies  in  the  Upper 
School. 

Primary  School,  for  boys  6 to  11 
Lower  School,  for  boys  10  to  14 
Upper  School,  for  boys  13  to  19 

For  catalogue , or  special  information, 
address 

GEORGE  E.  CARMICHAEL, 

Head-master. 

Telephones : 


Canadian  Agency: 

Alaska  Bedding  of  Montreal,  Ltd.,  Montreal 


Office,  Greenwich  318 
Home,  Greenwich  553 


Telephone  179 

THE  BARTLETT  WAY 


KEEP  YOUR  EYES  OPEN! 
DON’T  BE  BLIND ! 


*TTt«  Bartlett  Wav 


is 

THE 

RECOGNIZED 

STANDARD 

of 

TREE 

SURGERY 


Our  work  is  not  local  in  scope  but  is 
available  to  all  tree  owners  within  a 
large  radius. 


It  is  a terrible  calamity  to  be  wholly  or 
partly  blind  and  know  it. 

It  is  also  unfortunate  to  be  wholly  or 
partly  blind  and  not  know  it. 

You  have  arrived  in  a wonderfully  in- 
teresting and  beautiful  world  containing 
thousands  of  entertaining,  instructive  and 
inspiring  things. 

If  you  have  not  seen  them,  you  are 
blind  to  them.  You  should  hold  out  your 
hands  and  say,  “Please  guide  me  among 
these  wonderful  things,  please  help  me 
to  see!” 


The  F.  A.  Bartlett 
Tree  Expert  Co. 

“Tree  Specialists” 

STAMFORD.  CONNECTICUT 

Westbury  --------  L.  I. 

Morristown  - --  --  --  N.  J. 

Chestnut  Hill Pa- 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE  will  do  this. 

It  is  published  by 

THE  AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION,  Inc. 

at  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

At  $1.50  per  year. 

EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW,  Editor. 

SEE!  THINK!  TELL! 

The  greatest  joy,  the  greatest  satisfac- 
tion in  the  world  is  comprised  within 
these  three  words. 


SUGGESTIONS  FOR  NATURE -LOVERS 

“Handbook  of  Birds  of  Eastern  North  America,”  by  Frank  M.  Chapman.  Describes 
plumage  of  every  bird  found  in  Eastern  North  America.  “The  bird  bible  of  the 
bird-student.”  Price  $4.15  postpaid. 

“Burgess  Bird  Book  for  Children.”  A book  for  very  youthful  readers.  Price  $3. IS 
postpaid. 

“Tales  from  Birdland,”  by  T.  Gilbert  Pearson.  Illustrated  by  Charles  Livingston  Bulk 
Experiences  with  birds  in  the  open  woven  together  with  human-interest  stories. 
Price  80  cents  postpaid. 

“Our  Winter  Birds,”  by  Frank  M.  Chapman.  Interesting  for  beginners  and  advanced 
students.  Price  80  cents  postpaid. 

“Portraits  and  Habits  of  Our  Birds.”  Contains  100  splendid  colored  plates  of  birds. 
Two  volumes.  Sold  at  cost,  $8  postpaid. 

“Bird-Lore.”  Beautifully  illustrated  bi-monthly  magazine.  Has  the  greatest  circulation 
of  any  bird  magazine  in  the  world.  Subscription  price  $1.50. 

Audubon  Field  Glass  for  bird-study.  Complete  with  case  and  strap,  $7.50. 

Lemaire  Opera  Glass.  Unsurpassed  for  field  work.  With  case  $12. 

NATIONAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  AUDUBON  SOCIETIES 

1974  Broadway,  New  York  City 


EVERY  paper  in  The  Lindenmeyr  Lines  is  a good  paper  because 
it  comes  from  a good  mill,  because  it  has  passed  all  the  tests 
of  our  experts  and  because  it  sells  at  a fair  price. 

The  Lindenmeyr  Lines  include  Warren’s  Standard  Printing 
Papers,  Strathmore  Expressive  Papers,  Buckeye  Covers,  Old  Hamp- 
shire  Bond,  Brookdale  Linen  Bond,  Princess  Covers,  Neapolitan 
Covers,  Wonderfold  Enameled  and  other  well  liked  papers. 

H enry  Lindenmeyr  & Sons 

ESTABLISHED  1859 

32-34-36  Bleecker  Street,  NEW  YORK. 


80-84  Clinton  St. 
NEWARK,  N.  J. 


16-18  Beekman  St. 
NEW  YORK. 


58-60  Allyn  St. 
HARTFORD,  CONN. 


FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 


AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 


REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 

Stamford,  Connecticut. 

Phones  2916  and  2917,  Stamford 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 

has  good  transportation  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

I have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates,  Shore  and  Inland 
Residences,  Farms,  Acreage,  Cottages  ano 
Building  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selectee 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Rec 
in  all  locations. 

WonM  bp  plpftspd  to  have  700  call  or  write. 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  Coer. 


SOUND  BEACH 

50  Minutes  From  New  York 

We  have  a good  Golf  and  Country  Club, 
also  bathing,  boating  and  fishing.  This 
is  the  coolest  place  in  summer,  with 
water  on  three  sides  of  the  town.  Beach 
near  Station. 

We  rent  only  to  the  best  class  of 
people. 

Could  I interest  you  or  your  friends  to 
buy  a place  or  rent  one  for  this  coming 
summer? 

FARMS  OF  ALL  KINDS 
FOR  SALE 

E.  BENJ.  LOCKWOOD 

Notary  Public 
Real  Estate  and  Insurance 
Telephones  216,  200 

No  Trouble  to  Show  Property. 

Property  in  Shippan  Point,  Stamford, 
Sound  Beach  and  Riverside. 


WANTED 

FURNISHED  HOUSES 

FOR 

SUMMER  SEASON 

1922 

Have  a large  number  of  clients  looking 
for  High  Class  Furnished  Houses.  List 
yours  early  and  get  the  highest  rentals. 

G.  HARRY  ABBOTT 

REALTOR 

Stamford  Savings  Bank  Building 
Stamford,  Connecticut. 

Telephone  201 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


I 


A.  M.  BOLES 

REAL  ESTATE  AND 
INSURANCE 

SOUND  BEACH.  RIVERSIDE  AND 
VICINITIES 

Office 

SOUND  BEACH  AVENUE 
Opp.  R.  R.  Station 

SOUND  BEACH.  CONN. 

Telephone  546 


The  Walter  Stewart  Co. 

The  Leading  Grocers 
CHOICE  GROCERIES. 

FLOUR  AND  FEED. 
SIX  STORES 

Sound  Beach,  New  Canaan, 

Darien  and  Springdale 

. Telephone  Connection 


EVERYTHING 

ELECTRICAL 

FOR  THE  HOME 

From  Garret  to  Cellar 

Electric  Heaters,  Sewing 
Machines,  Irons,  Vacuum 
Cleaners,  Washing  Ma- 
chines, Percolators, 
Toasters,  etc.,  etc., 

— at — 

THE  STAMFORD  ELEC- 
TRICAL CONTRACTOR 

INCORPORATED 

221  Atlantic  Street 


C.  C.  CLARK’S 

TAXI  SERVICE 

SOUND  BEACH  CONNECTICUT 

TAXI  CABS— BAGGAGE  TRANSFER 
PROMPT  SERVICE  OUR  MOTTO 
Telephone 
271  SOUND  BEACH 

D.  MAHER  SONS 

LEHIGH  COAL,  HYGE1A  ICE 

BUILDING  MATERIAL,  LIME,  LATH, 
BRICK,  SAND,  CEDENT,  DRAIN  PIPE 

Tel.  130  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

HARDWARE 

LAURENCE  TAYLOR 

PAINTS  OIL  WINDOW  GLASS 

HOUSEHOLD  UTENSILS 

Boles  Block,  Next  to  Post  Office  Phone  95 
Sound  Beach 

LA  BELLE  BAKERY^ 

297  Atlantic  Street 
STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 


S.  G.  JUDD  STORE 

HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 

Telephone  352 

White  and  Gray  Enamel 
Ware 

Galvanized  and  Tin  Ware 
Aluminum,  Crockery  and 
Glass  Ware 

Baskets,  Cutlery 

43  BANK  STREET 
Stamford,  _ _ Connecticut 


II 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Stamford  Business  Directory 


HOTEL  DAVENPORT 

H.  S.  MOREHOUSE  HOTEL  CO. 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


EVERYTHING  FOR  LADIES'  WEAR 

CALL  ON 

Moltasch,  Ladies’  Outfitter 

210  ATLANTIC  ST.,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 


Telephone,  270 
271 


Uptown  Office:  STARK  BROS 
40  PARK  ROW 


CHAS.  F.  WATERBURY 
David  Waterbury  & Son 

COAL  DRAIN  PIPE  WOOD 

Crushed  Stone  for  Walks  and  Drives 
YARDS:  Canal  Dock.  STAMFORD.  CONN. 


BORG  BROTHERS 

Chemical  and  Analytical  Laboratories 
for  Special  Research  Work 

539  MAIN  ST. 

STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

JOHN  PHILLIPS 

Dealer  in 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES 

463  Main  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

FOR  FINE  MILLINERY 
NEWSTAD’S 

3 BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

FRANK  M.  WEST 
HARDWARE 

Paints,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Etc.  House  Furnishings 


18  PARK  ROW  Tel.  Con. 


Telephone  169  Insurance  Appraisals  Made 

WM.  T.  FINNEY,  INC. 

ANTIQUES,  SECONDHAND 

FURNITURE,  STORAGE. 

Office  and  Auction  Rooms 

35  Atlantic  Street,  Stamford,  Conn 

Corsets  Fitted  Free  by  Expert  Corsetiere 

Phone  989 

LA  SARETTE  CORSET  SHOP 

STAMFORD  THEATRE  BUILDING 
Stamford-  Connecticut 


R.  F.  VOSKA  & SON 

TAILORS 

444  Atlantic  SI.  Stamford,  Conn. 

DR.  W.  H POMEROY 

DENTIST 
The  Gurley  Building 

324  Main  Street,  Opposite  City  Hall 

Stamford,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


III 


MOTORS 

FIXTURES 

APPLIANCES 

MODERN  LABOR  SAVING  MACHINES  FOR 
THE  HOUSEHOLD 

The 

Downes-Smith  Co. 

Electrical  Contractors 

Stamford,  Conn. 

79  ATLANTIC  STREET 

THE  GRUBER 

Phillips’  Gift  Shop 

Gifts  for  AU  Occasions 

COMPANY 

j*\  Diamonds,  Watches, 

Jewelry,  Silver- 
ware,  Cut  Glass, 
fi-io  a'A  Clocks,  Sterling 

l:.V*\*JAND  Ivoroid  Toilet 

STAMFORD’S  EXCLUSIVE 

and  Manicure  Sets, 
Novelties,  Etc. 

WOMAN’S  SHOP 

Usual  Amount  of  Engraving  Free. 

A Small  Deposit  Reserves  Any  Article 
Selected. 

Exclusive  Agency  Gorham 

298  Main  Street 

Silverware. 

Stamford 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 

232  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn. 

Telephone  2294 

Established,  1897 

THE  HALLMARK  STORE 

IV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


GOOD  HEALTH’S  BEST  FRIEND  IS  WHOLESOME  FOOD 

THE  BEST  INGREDIENTS  make  the  BEST  BREAD! 

Beech  Nut  Bread  is  made  of  Pure  Granulated  Sugar,  Pure  Leaf  Lard,  Pure 
Malt  Extract,  Pure  Fleischmann’s  Yeast,  Pure  Milk  and  Plenty  Of  It,  and 
Pure  Wheat  Flour — and  each  of  these  wholesome,  healthful  ingredients  is  the 
finest  quality  that  money  can  buy. 

NATURALLY— BEECH  NUT  BREAD  IS  MORE  NOURISHING,  AS  WELL 
AS  MORE  DELICIOUS! 

Baked  Solely  by  the  Marsh  Bakeries,  Inc. 


LOCAL 


V 


Gifts. 

Colonel  A.  E.  Humphries,  reputed  to 
be  the  richest  man  in  Colorado,  during 
a recent  serious  illness,  made  this 
pledge:  “If  God  will  grant  me  an  ex- 
tension of  life,  I shall  give  all  I have 
and  all  I shall  make  in  the  future  to 
the  forwarding  of  His  glory  through 
helping  His  children.” 

His  life,  which  was  despaired  of  at 
the  time,  was  spared,  and  now  he  has 
commenced  the  task  of  fulfilling  his 
pledge.  While  on  the  sick-bed  and 
near  the  bourne  from  which  no  trav- 
eler returns,  he  realized  that  life  was 
the  one  thing  which  could  not  be  pur- 
chased by  gold  and  in  the  hour  of  un- 
rest turned  to  his  Creator.  Here  is  a 
truism  from  his  lips  that  few  people 
in  this  world  realize:  “Money  buys 
little  unless  the  giver  goes  with  the 
gift.” 

There  are  so  many  people  that  give 
with  their  hands  and  not  with  their 
hearts  that  the  gift  generally  accom- 
plishes but  little  in  helping  their  fel- 
lowmen.  Some  donate  large  sums  to 
charitable  institutions  because  they  be- 
lieve it  is  an  obligation  they  owe ; 
others  because  it  brings  a certain 
amount  of  publicity  and  laudable  com- 
ment from  which  they  derive  a satis- 
faction and  glory  they  could  not  ob- 
tain otherwise.  They  like  to  be  known 
as  benefactors  or  philanthropists.  Such 
gifts  are  gifts  made  from  purely  a sel- 
fish motive  and  are  like  the  house  that 
was  built  upon  sand. 

But  Colonel  Humphries  is  a man 
who  has  been  upon  the  threshold  of 
the  eternal  shadows,  and  his  experience 
has  mellowed  him  and  given  him  a 
greater  and  broader  outlook.  He  real- 
izes what  a frail  thing  life  is,  and  has  a 
greater  sympathy  with  his  fellowmen. 


When  a man  has  gone  through  such  an 
experience,  his  gifts  must  come  from 
the  heart. — “The  Stamford  Advocate.” 

Our  local  daily  paper  thus  effectively 
points  out  the  especial  value  of  gifts 
that  come  from  the  heart.  Our  late  be- 
loved friend,  Commodore  E.  C.  Bene- 
dict, well-known  as  one  of  Greenwich’s 
generous  philanthropists,  was  fond  of 
expressing  the  same  idea  in  his  favorite 
quotation  from  Joaquin  Miller’s  “Peter 
Cooper :” 

“For  all  3’ou  can  hold  in  your  cold  dead  hand 
Is  what  you  have  given  away.” 

It  is  strange  that  more  people  do  not 
realize,  as  this  editorial  writer  says, 
what  a frail  thing  life  is.  Every  issue 
of  every  paper  contains  obituary  no- 
tices and  every  issue  also  contains  no- 
tices of  the  fool  things  done  by  human 
beings.  Why  isn’t  the  lesson  learned 
that  life  is  short,  that  it  should  be  well 
lived  in  getting  acquainted  with  this 
beautiful  and  interesting  world  and  in 
helping  our  fellow  human  beings?  Love 
is  indeed  the  greatest  thing  in  the 
world  and  it  should  radiate  to  all  na- 
ture and  all  humanity. 


I am  with  you  heart  and  soul  in  the 
good  work  you  are  doing,  and  so  I 
am  renewing  my  allegiance  for  another 
year. — W.  H.  H.  Barker,  M.  D.,  Har- 
vey, Iowa. 


Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow  of  Sound 
Beach  has  been  elected  First  Vice- 
President  of  The  New  York  Flute 
Club,  of  which  George  Barrere  is 
President.  This  club  includes  nearly 
all  the  flute  players  of  New  York  City 
and  surrounding  towns.  There  are 
several  members  in  Stamford  and 
vicinity. 


44s“  ^ Purchase  st 

Conn.  j g..  ^ ^ | ■— i^i  C*  ' Rye,  N.  Y. 


FL OR/ ST 3 

-\s~ 


SEEDS 


BULBS 

and  everything  for  the 

GARDEN  AND  LAWN 


PLANTS 


SEND  FOR  OUR  GARDEN  GUIDE 
IT’S  FREE 


VI 


TI1E  GUIDE  TO  NATURE — ADVERTISEMENTS 


TRIMMING 


NATIONAL  SILK  WEEK 
Featuring  Special  Spring  Silk  Values 

Just  about  the  most  alluring  spot  in  the  whole  store,  in  point  of  beauty  as  well  as  price 
interest,  is  the  Silk  Section  in  all  its  spring  glory.  No  preceding  season  within  our  recol- 
lection has  developed 
such  wholly  fascinat- 
ing silken  weaves  nor 
such  delectable  new 
colorings.  In  honor  of 
National  Silk  Week, 
wonderful  special  Silk 
values  are  being  fea- 
tured, and  will  con- 
tinue as  a part  of  the 
interesting  program 
throughout  the  month 
of  February. 


'll!  Atlantic  St. 


‘A  Pleasant  Place  to  Shop,  with  Always  Something  New.’ 


Established  1853 

THE  GETMAN&  JUDD  CO. 

Lumber  and  Timber  of  all  Kinds 

SPECIALTY:  High  Grade  HARDWOOD  FLOORING 

thoroughly  Kiln  Dried  and  stored  in  Steam  heated  build- 
ing until  delivered  to  our  customers.  Our  steadily  in- 
creasing trade  in  this  specialty  proves  the  fact  that 
Ike  country  home  is  not  complete  until  fitted  out  with 
this  beautiful  and  sanitary  furnishing.  Old  Residences 
Bay  he  greatly  improved  by  laying  thin  floors  over  the 
•Id  ones. 

CANAL  DOCKS,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone  2180 


Homes  Near  to  Nature 

Should  he  so  constructed  as  to  give  lasting  satisfaction. 
Our  method  of  manufacturing  dependable  Interior  and 
Exterior  house  trim  from  thoroughly  kiln  dried  material 
by  skilled  mechanics  insures  such  satisfaction. 

THE  ST.  JOHN  WOOD  WORKING  CO. 

Canal  Docks,  Stamford  Conn. 

Telephone  781 
DIRECTORS 

WALTON  FERGUSON,  Pres.  W.  W.  HEROT 
W.  D.  DASKAM,  Vice  Pres.  Dr.  F.  H.  GETMAN 

W.  H.  JUDD,  Sec.  and  Treas.  F.  W.  BOGARDUS 
J.  G.  WIGG,  General  Manager. 


SEE  US  AND 

SEE  BETTER 


Protect  your  eyes  from  the  daily 
strain  and  sun’s  rays. 


CAMERAS  and  SUPPLIES 
Developing,  Printing 
and  Mounting  .... 

W.  A.  McClelland.  I«c„  Optom.trlsts-Optlcians 
Stamford  345  Atlantic  St..  Connecticut 


STAMFORD  STEAM  LAUNDRY,  Inc. 

Deliveries  to  Sound  Beach  and  Shippan. 
OFFICE  10-12  SUMMER  PLACE 
Telephone,  249.  Stamford,  Conn. 


Tele- 

phone 


808 


THE  GAMBLE  MILL  WORK  CO. 

DEALERS  IN 

SASH,  DOORS,  BLINDS,  TRIM, 
ETC. 

520  Steamboat  Road 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

THE  GREENWICH  CAB  CO.,  INC. 

Garage,  Taxi  Service,  Tires  and 
Supplies. 

81  Railroad  Ave.,  Greenwich,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEM ENTS 


VII 


Burdett-McGillivray  Company 

EVERY  COAT  AND  DRESS  IN  THE 

STORE  TAKES  CLEARANCE  PRICES 

And  just  because  these  garments  are  greatly  reduced  does  not  in  any 
way  impair  the  true  worth  of  any  one  of  them.  For  remember,  clearance 
time  for  us  means  the  use  of  drastic  action  to  accomplish  our  aim  in  the 
shortest  possible  time. 

Advocate  Building  Stamford,  Conn. 

PHONE  268 

Merrill  Business  College 

Our  Secretarial  Course  prepares  both  Young 
Men  and  Young  Women  to  hold  responsible 
positions. 

Bookkeeping,  Shorthand,  Dictaphone, 

Typewriting  and  English  Branches 

SOUTH  NORWALK  STAMFORD  PORT  CHESTER 


FINE  TIES 

The  more  you  see  them,  the  more 
you’ll  like  these  beautiful  ties.  They 
are  that  sort  of  color  and  design. 
They  are  the  sort  that  serve  you 
well.  During  February  you  can  get 
them  far  below  their  rightful  prices. 

THE 

COMES-NORTHROP  CO. 

445  MAIN  STREET 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


SOUND  BEACH  PHARMACY 

Kodak  Supplies  Developing  and  Printing 

STATIONERY 

Sound  Beach,  Connecticut 
E.  S.  Donovan  Phone  Sound  Beach  19 

MCARDLE’S  SEED  STORE 

Florist  and  Seedsman 

SEEDS,  PLANTS,  BULBS,  INSECTICIDES  AND 
FERTILIZERS 

BIRD  HOUSES,  FEEDING  DEVICES  AND  BIRD 
FOODS 

Telephone  317  Merritt  Building 

Greenwich,  Conn. 


Phone  953-5  H.  Eichenbaum,  Prop. 

THE  ATLANTIC  TRUNK  AND 
UMBRELLA  SHOP 

Stamford’s  Umbrella  Hospital 

286  Atlantic  Street 
(Opposite  Catholic  Church) 

Near  Worth  Street  Stamford,  Conn. 


VIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


The  Trading  Place  of  Over  Half  a Century 

THE  C.  0.  MILLER  CO. 

EST.  1868 

LOW  CLEARANCE  PRICES 

MEAN  MORE  THAN  THEY  HAVE  FOR  YEARS,  FOR  PRICES  ARE 
NO  LONGER  DROPPING! 

For  many  months,  not  so  long  ago,  prices  seemed  to  be  lower  each  time  you  went 
to  buy. 

NOW  IT’S  DIFFERENT! 

Almost  all  regular  prices  are  as  low  as  they  are  likely  to  go  soon,  and  when  any 
decisive  opportunities  come  to  buy  wanted  goods  at  reduced  prices,  it  is  good  economy 
to  BUY  WHILE  PRICES  AREDOWN. 

That’s  why  Present  Clearance  Prices  have  such  tremendous  meaning  for  people  who 
have  certain  needs  that  may  be  satisfied  while  price-reductions  are  available. 

Many  groups  of  seasonable  merchandise  are  greatly  reduced  in  price,  though  today’s 
wholesale  prices  are  higher  than  when  the  goods  were  bought. 

In  scores  of  places  throughout  the  store,  our  clearance  prices  are  from  one-quarter 
to  less  than  one-half  of  former  prices. 

Visit  every  department  of  our  store.  There  is  tremendous  economy  to  be  secured 
by  making  every  possible  purchase  RIGHT  NOW — the  largest  variety  and  widest  oppor- 
tunity, of  course,  for  those  who  make  their  selections  first. 

— BESIDES  — 

We  have  new  goods  coming  in  daily — you  should  see  them. 


THE  C.  O.  MILLER  CO. 


Atlantic  Square 


Stamford,  Conn. 


The  LOCKWOOD  & 


PALMER  Co. 

Wholesale  and  Retail 
Dealers  in 

HARDWARE 

AGRICULTURAL 
IMPLEMENTS 
House  Furnishings,  Etc. 


XO  O L S 

OF 

All  Kinds 


92  PARK  PLACE 
(Cor.  Summer  Street) 
STAMFORD,  - CONN. 
Telephone  Connections 


CHAHLES  WILLIAM  ELIOT 

X « T- jdr.  iq  2,2- 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 

SHE  LEADS  IN  BEAUTYAND  INTEREST  £ 

PRO  ^ 

HOMES  TO  NATURE'S  REALMS. 


EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW,  MANAGING  EDITOR! 


IP 

1 

. ' 

’T 

m 

Published  monthly  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 
Subscription,  $1.50  a year  Single  copy,  15  cents 

Entered  as  Second-Class  Matter  June  12,  1909,  at  Sound  Beach  Post  Office,  under  Act  of  March  3,  1897. 
Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special  rate  of  postage  provided  for  in  Section  1103,  Act  of  October  3,  1917, 

authorized  on  June  27,  1918. 

Volume  XIV  FEBRUARY.  1922  Number  9 


The  Beauty  and  Interests  ot  Snow  Crystals. 

BY  W.  A.  BENTLEY,  JERICHO,  VERMONT. 


My  photographic  studies  of  snow 
crystals  and  water  forms  have  been 
pursued  over  a period  of  thirty-five 
years.  The  many  illustrated  articles 
about  them  by  myself  and  others  have 
spread  their  fame  until  their  marvelous 
beauty  has  become  almost  common 
knowledge.  Recently  the  Bray  Studios, 
New  York,  have  made  a lovely  moving 
picture  of  them — Goldwyn  Bray  Picto- 
graph  No.  7001,  entitled  “Mysteries  of 
Snow,”  released  over  the  Goldwyn  cir- 
cuit— and  this  will  enable  millions  of 
people  to  enjoy  them.  All  those  who 
wish  to  see  this  picture  should  request 
the  managers  of  movie  houses  to  get  it. 

Each  winter  during  all  these  thirty- 
five  years  the  compelling  lure  of  the 
beautiful  “snow  stars”  from  cloudland 
has  been  irresistible.  I am  always 
“watching  out”  for  favorable  snowfalls, 
and  when  such  come  business,  pleasure, 
grief,  cold,  hunger,  all  else  are  neg- 
lected or  forgotten  in  the  search  for 
these  marvelous  gems  from  on  high. 
From  one  hundred  to  three  hundred 
and  thirty-five  have  been  photographed 
each  winter  except  during  the  unfavor- 
able one  of  1913-1914,  making  a total 
of  thirty-eight  hundred  and  fifty  to  date 


with  no  two  alike.  The  last  three  win- 
ters have  been  unusually  favorable. 

My  success  in  this  work  is  due  no 
doubt  in  part  to  long  experience  hut 
also  in  no  small  degree  to  favorable 
location  (Northern  Vermont)  near  the 
general  winter  storm  paths.  It  is  quite 
possible  that  the  snows  here  are  un- 
usually rich  in  perfect  and  beautiful 
snowflakes.  Of  course  only  a part  of 
all  snowfalls  furnishes  perfect  forms. 
Snowfalls  from  the  western  segments 
of  general  storms,  or  those  occurring 
between  two  closely  lying  “lows”  (low 
barometer),  contain  the  most  of  the 
beautiful  crystals. 

Snow  crystal  photomicrography  is 
wholly  unlike  any  other  photographic 
work.  A microscope  and  camera 
coupled  together  form  the  main  appa- 
ratus. The  lenses  used  are  microscope 
objectives — three  inch,  three-quarters 
inch  and  one-half  inch — giving  from 
eight  to  sixty  diameters  magnifi- 
cation (sixty-four  to  thirty-six  hundred 
times).  So  rapidly  do  snowflakes  evap- 
orate when  separated,  even  during  in- 
tense cold,  that  it  is  always  a race  be- 
tween the  photographer  and  evapora- 
tion, and  hence  the  utmost  haste  is  im- 


Copyright  1922  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


1 18 


BEAUTIFUL  AND  INTERESTING  FORMS  OF  SNOWFLAKES. 


perative.  The  reader  can  imagine,  once 
an  extra  beautiful  crystal  is  found,  the 
intense  anxiety  of  the  photographer  to 
photograph  it  before  evaporation  gets 
in  its  work.  When  a snow  crystal  evap- 
orates it  is  gone  forever.  Another  just 
like  it  will  never  be  found  for  no  two 
of  the  tabular  forms  are  ever  exactly 
alike.  This  infinite  diversity  gives  in- 
tense fascination  to  the  work,  for  each 
one  looked  at  is  almost  sure  to  picture 
new  features  or  a new  combination  of 
old  features,  and  one  is  always  justi- 
fied in  the  expectation  of  finding  speci- 
mens incomparably  more  beautiful 


than  any  hitherto  found.  There  are 
usually  one  or  two  times  during  a given 
winter  when  the  flakes  are  unusually 
choice.  At  such  times  one  is  torn  with 
mixed  emotions  of  delight  and  despair. 
He  is  thrilled  and  amazed  at  the  mar- 
velous beauty  of  the  flakes  and  in  de- 
spair that  so  few  of  the  countless  snow 
gems,  masterpieces  of  Nature’s  art,  can 
be  preserved  by  a photograph.  The  de- 
sire comes  Oh  for  a thousand  hands,  a 
thousand  cameras,  to  preserve  more  of 
this  exquisite  beauty  so  lavishly  scat- 
tered over  the  earth.  And  yet  there 
should  be  no  despair,  for  this  miracle, 


RECORDS  IN  SNOW 


1 19 


like  unto  the  miracle  of  spring’s  awak- 
ening, will  come  and  come  again  for  all 
time,  either  here  or  somewhere  in  the 
universe,  for  beauty  and  life  and  love 
are  eternal,  the  things  that  make  the 
universe  worth  while  and  justify  its 
existence.  When  perfect  snowflakes 
are  falling,  and  one  glances  over  the 
fields  and  realizes  the  countless  mil- 
lions that  are  falling  on  even  one 
square  acre,  he  thinks  of  infinity.  How 
small  after  all  the  triumph  of  photo- 
graphing a mere  handful  of  the  snow 
gems,  for  my  thirty-eight  hundred  and 
fifty  snowflakes  would  hardly  make  a 
good  snowball  such  as  the  children 
throw  at  one  another.  What  impresses 
us  is  not  our  part  in  photographing  a 
few  of  them,  but  the  marvel,  the  mira- 
cle, wrought  in  the  making  of  them. 
Atoms  and  molecules,  countless  tril- 
lions of  them  in  a drop  of  water,  parti- 
cles of  matter  so  small  as  to  be  utterly 
beyond  the  power  of  microscopes  to  re- 
veal, are  the  makers.  Physicists  pic- 
ture atoms  as  tiny  solar  systems,  a 
larger  positive  electron  forming  the 
nucleus  (or  sun)  and  smaller  negative 
electrons  (planets)  revolving  about  it. 
And  these  wonderful  snow  crystals, 
nay,  all  things  in  Nature,  are  con- 
structed of  such  as  these ! Endowed 
with  attractive  and  repellant  proper- 
ties, these  wonderful  atoms  exert  such 
an  influence,  push  and  pull,  upon  one 
another,  in  response  to  some  mysteri- 
ous overlordship  group  control  exerted 
by  what  we  call  the  life  principle,  or 
crystallic  laws,  that  they  force  one  an- 
other to  assume  certain  alignments, 
thus  forming  crystals  or  organic  forms 
as  the  case  may  be.  It  is  indeed  an  im- 
pressive lesson  that  Nature  works  her 
marvels  through  and  by  the  unseen. 
Atoms,  gravity,  electricity,  heat  waves, 
intelligence,  thought,  etc.,  who  sees 
them?  And  yet  they  are  the  most  im- 
portant things  in  Nature. 

These  thoughts  have  led  us  far  afield 
and  yet  the  structure,  the  life  history, 
of  the  snowflakes  is  linked  up  with 
worlds  and  suns  and  everything  in 
Nature. 


A pair  of  birds,  wagtails,  have  been 
observed  to  work  continuously  at  feed- 
ing their  young  for  sixteen  hours  a day ; 
and  during  this  time  to  make  one  hun- 
dred and  ninety-two  trips  to  their  nest 
with  food. 


Records  in  Snow. 

BY  HERBERT  W.  FAUEKNER,  WASHINGTON, 
CONNECTICUT. 

A ramble  through  the  woods  after  a 
light  snow  reveals  to  us  many  of  the 
doings  of  our  little  wild  neighbors 
whose  records  may  be  read  as  we  saun- 
ter. As  soon  as  the  snowfall  has 
ceased  the  little  creatures  who  are  not 
fast  in  winter’s  sleep  sally  forth  in 
search  of  food  and  drink.  A pool, 
seemingly  as  black  as  ink,  is  the  focus 
from  which  radiate  hundreds  of  little 
footprints  of  squirrels,  rabbits,  musk- 
rats, field  mice,  partridges  and  numer- 
ous small  birds. 

By  these  tracks  we  see  that  the  rab- 
bit uses  his  fore  paws  somewhat  like 
crutches  to  support  his  weight  while 
he  swings  his  hind  paws  ahead  of  them. 
The  field  mouse  drags  his  tail  from  side 
to  side,  tracing  a sinuous  curve.  The 
partridge  walks  with  an  exaggerated 
military  strut,  placing  one  claw  so  ac- 
curately in  front  of  the  other  that  he 
seems  to  have  but  one  foot. 

The  returning  squirrel  tracks  lead  to 
trees,  in  the  upper  crotches  of  which 
is  the  home,  a huge  bunch  of  leaves, 
dry  and  brown,  and  on  the  way  we  see 
that  the  squirrel  paused  to  dig  through 
the  snow  and  brought  up  and  ate  an 
acorn  or  a nut,  scattering  shells  about 
the  hole.  I wonder  if  he  is  so  keen  of 
scent  that  he  finds  his  food  by  smelling 
it  through  the  snowy  blanket.  Once 
squirrel  tracks  led  me  to  a small  tree 
around  which  were  strewn  apple  skins 
and  cores  and  I found  that  the  squirrels 
had  stored  apples  there  by  wedging 
them  into  every  crotch,  even  placing 
one  in  an  abandoned  bird’s  nest.  The 
apples  had  decayed  and  dried,  but  that 
was  of  no  consequence,  as  the  squirrels 
wanted  only  the  seeds. 

Rabbit  tracks  reveal  the  warrens  and 
connect  each  with  every  neighboring 
warren.  They  show  that  the  “bunnies” 
are  of  a social  habit,  for  no  sooner 
is  the  snowfall  over  than  straight  paths 
are  beaten  from  burrow  to  burrow  by 
hundreds  of  little  feet  scampering  to 
and  fro,  doubtless  fetching  and  carry- 
ing the  latest  news  from  home  to  home. 
A network  of  rabbit  paths  fills  the 
copses  where  food  of  buds  and  bark  is 
obtainable.  Woe  to  young  apple  trees 
unprotected  from  the  sharp  teeth  ! The 
native  wild  trees,  however,  seem  to 
have  put  on  a hard  and  rough  bark  im- 


120 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


“A  POOL  ...  IS  THE  FOCUS  FROM  WHICH  RADIATE  HUNDREDS  OF  LITTLE 

FOOTPRINTS.” 


raune  to  attack  of  rabbits,  but  the 
higher  branches  are  not  so  protected, 
as  I discovered  when  I trimmed  some 
and  left  them  upon  the  ground.  The 
next  day  I found  the  rabbits  had 
skinned  them  of  every  vestige  of  bark. 

I follow  my  partridge  to  the  thicket 
where  I see  that  he  has  dined  on  wild 
berries,  dried  like  raisins  on  the  bush, 
and  also  see  that  along  the  edge  of  the 
clearing  the  small  winter  birds  have 
made  a meal  of  weed  seeds,  thus  saving 
me  a lot  of  tiresome  weeding  in  the 
garden  next  summer. 

The  above  is  my  way  of  going  hunt- 
ing, for  I would  rather  see  how  the  wild 


thi  ngs  live  in  contentment  than  to 
make  them  die  in  anguish. 


I don’t  want  to  be  without  The 
Guide  to  Nature.  It  is  inspiring  and 
helpful. — Miss  Nina  Secor,  The  Shel- 
ter, Forest  City,  Iowa. 


I consider  the  science  articles  in 
Tiie  Guide  to  Nature  as  the  best  of 
anything  I know.  Especially  is  this 
true  of  Professor  Barton’s  astronomi- 
cal notes.  — Samuel  L.  Boothroyd, 
Fuertes  Observatory,  Cornell  Univer- 
sity, Ithaca,  New  York. 


The  Heavens  in  February. 

By  Professor  Samuel  G.  Barton  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


THE  appearance  of  the  sky  in  the 
early  evenings  of  February  is  un- 
questionably more  beautiful  than 
that  of  any  other  month  of  the  year. 
This  is  chiefly  due  to  the  presence  of 
Orion,  the  finest  of  all  constellations, 
at  its  best  in  the  southern  sky.  Seven 
of  the  ten  brightest  stars  ever  visible 


at  B,  nearly  directly  overhead.  Scarce- 
ly less  brilliant  are  Rigel  at  C and 
Procyon  at  D.  The  other  of  the  seven 
mentioned  are  Betelgeuse  at  E,  Alde- 
baran  at  F and  Pollux  at  G.  The  three 
not  seen  are  Vega,  Arcturus  and  Altair. 
There  are  forty  stars  brighter  than  the 
2.0  magnitude  in  the  whole  sky,  of 


NORTH 


Figure  1.  The  constellations  at  9 P.  M.,  February  1.  (Hold  the  map  so  that  the 
direction  faced  is  at  the  bottom;  that  is,  if  facing  east  hold  east  at  the  bottom  as 
south  now  is.) 

here  are  now  visible.  Sirius,  easily  the  which  thirty  are  visible  here  at  some 
brightest  of  all  of  the  fixed  stars,  is  at  time.  Twenty-two  of  them  are  now 
A,  Figure  I.  Capella,  a very  close  rival  visible.  Of  these  thirty,  five  are  in  the 
of  Vega  for  the  honor  of  being  the  constellation  of  Orion,  four  in  Canis 
second  brightest  star  visible  here,  lies  Major,  three  in  Gemini  and  two  in 


1 22 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


Taurus.  Thus  Orion  and  the  adjacent 
constellations  contain  half  of  these 
stars.  The  only  other  constellation 
which  contains  more  than  one  is  Ursa 
Major,  which  has  three.  This  constel- 
lation is  also  visible  now.  In  October 
only  ten  of  these  bright  stars  were 
visible.  We  also  have  the  Milky  Way 
•crossing  the  heavens  through  the 
zenith.  Many  of  the  brighter  stars  are 
found  near  the  Milky  Way. 

On  Figure  i have  been  drawn  two 
-circles  of  equal  size.  The  southern 
one  is  redrawn  as  Figure  2.  In  it  are 
contained  as  mentioned  above  fifteen 
stars  brighter  than  the  2.0  magnitude, 
which  is  half  of  all  that  are  ever  seen 
liere.  The  circle  has  a radius  of  about 
thirty  degrees,  and  contains  an  area 
equal  to  nearly  an  eighth  of  that  of  the 
whole  map  and  a tenth  of  the  entire 
sky  ever  visible  here,  or  one-fifteenth 
of  the  area  of  the  entire  celestial 
sphere.  This  means  that  this  circle  is 
more  than  eight  times  as  rich  in  these 
brighter  stars  as  the  rest  of  the  sky. 

In  Figure  2 this  very  important  re- 
gion is  redrawn.  The  numbers  on  the 
stars  indicate  the  order  of  their  bright- 


Figure  2.  Orion  and  his  neighbors — the 
finest  section  of  the  sky. 

ness.  Number  one  is  Sirius,  the  bright- 
est, and  fifteen  to  the  right  of  it  is  Beta 
Canis  Majoris,  which  is  a trifle  brighter 
than  2.0  magnitude.  The  names  of  the 
stars  to  seven  inclusive  are  Sirius, 
Rigel,  Procyon,  Betelgeuse,  Aldebaran, 
Pollux  and  Castor.  Number  nine  is 
Bellatrix.  Individual  names  are  not 
usually  applied  to  the  others. 

The  northern  circle  on  Figure  i is 
of  the  same  radius  and  area  as  the  one 
in  the  south  which  we  have  described. 
It  contains  not  even  one  star  as  bright 


as  2.0  magnitude.  The  north  star  or 
Polaris  is  the  brightest  star  in  the 
circle.  There  is  thus  a very  great  dif- 
ference between  the  brilliance  of  the 
stars  in  the  north  and  those  in  the 
south  at  this  time.  It  is  this  brilliance 
of  the  southern  sky  which  helps  to  give 
the  impression  that  the  stars  shine 
much  more  brilliantly  in  winter  than 
in  summer.  There  are  actually  more 
bright  stars  to  be  seen  without  regard 
to  the  condition  of  the  atmosphere. 

The  Planets. 

Neptune  is  the  only  planet  whose 
position  is  such  that  it  is  within  the 
limits  of  our  map.  This  planet  cannot 
be  seen  with  the  naked  eye.  No  planet 
visible  to  the  naked  eye  could  be  shown 
on  these  maps  since  July  last.  This, 
however,  is  the  last  month  in  which 
this  will  be  true,  for  both  Jupiter  and 
Saturn  are  just  a little  beyond  the 
eastern  horizon.  They  can  be  seen 
before  midnight  now  and  will  be  with- 
in the  limits  of  the  map  next  month. 
From  that  time  we  shall  have  at  least 
one  of  the  brighter  planets  visible  until 
the  end  of  the  year.  Neptune  becomes 
an  evening  star  February  3.  Uranus 
becomes  a morning  star  February  9 
but  remains  close  to  the  sun  for  several 
months.  Jupiter  and  Saturn  are  in  the 
constellation  Virgo  and  Mars  in  Libra. 
At  the  end  of  the  month  Mars  will  be 
just  north  of  Antares,  the  star  whose 
name  means  the  rival  of  Mars. 

^ ^ ^ 

Jupiter’s  Satellites. 

Those  who  have  small  telescopes  and 
Avho  have  been  interested  in  observ- 
ing the  motions  of  the  satellites  of 
Jupiter  will  find  them  interesting  on 
the  mornings  of  February  7 and  Febru- 
ary 23.  On  the  first  date,  the  first  and 
second  satellites  are  eclipsed  at  the 
same  time  from  1 156  to  4 :2i  A.  M. 
Eastern  Standard  Time.  It  is  on  the 
morning  of  February  23,  however,  that 
they  are  most  interesting,  as  many 
things  happen  then.  First  satellite 
three  conies  between  the  sun  and  Jupi- 
ter at  10:32  P.  M.  Eastern  Standard 
Time  February  22  so  that  we  see  its 
shadow  begin  to  cross  the  planet.  At 
11:29  the  shadow  of  satellite  two  be- 
gins to  move  across  the  planet  for  a 
similar  reason.  The  four  brighter  satel- 
lites themselves  are  still  visible.  At 
12:10  A.  M.  satellite  one  enters  the 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


123 


shadow  of  Jupiter  and  becomes  invis- 
ible by  eclipse.  At  12:59  the  shadow 
of  three  completes  its  transit.  At  1:14 
satellite  two  comes  between  us  and 
Tupiter  and  begins  its  transit  across 
the  disc  of  Jupiter.  It  can  be  seen  then 


succession,  one,  two,  three  four  from 
right  to  left.  The  numbers  are  applied 
to  the  satellites  in  order  of  their  real 
distance  from  Jupiter.  Satellite  five, 
however,  discovered  since  these,  is 
closer  to  the  planet  than  one. 


Figure  3.  The  positions  and  motions  of  Jupiter’s  satellites.  Three  disappear  on 
February  23.  The  open  circle  represents  Jupiter. 


with  difficulty  if  at  all  as  it  is  of  nearly 
the  same  color  and  brightness  as  Ju- 
piter itself.  The  shadow  of  two  is  still 
on  the  disc.  It  completes  its  transit 
at  2:05.  At  2:18  satellite  three  begins 
to  cross  the  planet,  leaving  satellite 
four  alone  visible.  This  condition  con- 
tinues until  3:12,  when  satellite  one  re- 
appears. Before  completing  its  eclipse 
the  satellite  passes  behind  the  planet 
as  seen  from  the  earth  and  is  occulted, 
as  this  is  called.  Hence  it  reappears 
after  its  occultation.  At  3 42  the  tran- 
sit of  two  ends  and  at  4:09  the  transit 
of  three  ends  and  all  four  satellites  are 
again  visible.  It  is  not  very  frequently 
that  three  satellites  are  invisible  at  the 
same  time. 

Figure  3 shows  the  positions  of  the 
satellites  at  2:30  A.  M.  February  22, 
February  23  and  February  24,  with 
lines  indicating  the  motions  of  the 
satellites  in  the  interval.  The  posi- 
tions are  as  they  are  seen  in  an  invert- 
ing telescope.  Satellite  one  for  exam- 
ple first  makes  a transit  on  February 
22,  then  is  eclipsed  and  occulted  as 
we  have  described  on  February  23,  and 
then  makes  another  transit  on  Febru- 
ary 24.  Satellite  two  moves  more  slow- 
ly and  only  makes  the  transit  we  have 
described  on  February  24  in  changing 
from  the  right  side  of  the  planet  to  the 
left.  The  same  is  true  of  satellite  three. 
Satellite  four  moves  very  slowly  and 
has  changed  its  position  but  slightly  in 
the  interval.  On  February  22  the  order 
of  the  satellites  left  to  right  is  one,  two, 
three.  On  February  24  the  order  of 
these  three  satellites  is  just  reversed 
and  we  have  them  arranged  in  regular 


How  Much  Silver  Has  Man  Dug  Out 
of  the  Earth? 

BY  CHARLES  NEVERS  HOLMES,  NEWTON, 
MASSACHUSETTS. 

All  of  us  have  heard  and  read  a great 
deal  about  silver,  and  all  of  us  are  well 
aware  that  the  kind  of  silver  which 
most  of  us  possess  does  not  purchase 
as  much  of  the  necessities  and  luxuries 
of  life  as  it  used  to.  For  many  years 
in  our  country  silver  has  not  been  as 
popular  as  gold,  but  it  was  once  a very 
popular  metal  throughout  the  world, 
and  the  “pound  sterling,”  the  British 
monetary  unit,  was  originally  an  actual 
pound’s  weight  of  silver.  It  is  possible, 
inasmuch  as  nature  is  more  lavish  with 
silver  than  with  gold,  that  man  discov- 
ered and  used  the  former  metal  before 
he  discovered  the  latter.  However  that 
may  be,  gold  is  mentioned  first  in  the 
Holy  Bible  in  the  second  chapter  of 
Genesis — “The  whole  land  of  Havilah, 
where  there  is  gold.”  Later,  in  the  thir- 
teenth chapter  of  Genesis,  silver  is 
mentioned,  indicating  that  it  was  val- 
ued highly — “And  Abram  was  very 
rich  in  cattle,  in  silver,  and  in  gold.” 

Some  of  us  possess  more  silver  than 
others  of  us,  and  annually  it  is  an- 
nounced that  each  of  us  should  possess 
a certain  amount  of  silver  coinage.  As 
we  all  know,  silver  is  much  lighter  than 
gold,  gold  being  about  one  and  eight- 
tenths  times  heavier  than  silver,  al- 
though more  pockets  have  holes  worn 
in  them  by  silver  than  by  gold.  Oc- 
casionally a silver  coin  will  tarnish  in 
our  pocket — that  is,  if  it  stays  there 
long  enough  to  tarnish — and  this  tar- 


124 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


nish  is  caused  not  by  pure  air  but  by 
the  presence  of  sulphur,  forming  silver 
sulphide  upon  the  coin’s  surface.  As 
we  also  well  know,  silver  is  hardened 
by  combining  with  it  a small  proportion 
of  copper,  the  half-dollar  containing 
about  nineteen  and  three-tenths  per 
cent  of  alloy,  the  quarter-dollar  nine 
and  six-tenths  per  cent,  and  the  dime 
about  four  per  cent.  The  commercial 
ratio  of  silver  to  gold,  the  comparative 
values  of  these  two  metals,  was  about 
fifteen  to  one  in  1700,  and  this  ratio  re- 
mained fairly  constant  until  1874,  when 
it  became  sixteen  to  one,  the  value  of 
silver  compared  with  gold  decreasing 
thereafter.  In  1792  Congress  passed 
the  first  coinage  act,  the  ratio  between 
silver  and  gold  being  placed  at  fifteen 
parts  of  silver  to  one  part  of  gold,  but 
in  1834  this  was  changed  to  sixteen  to 
one. 

Silver  has  no  doubt  been  known  from 
prehistoric  times,  and  man  has  dug  it 
out  of  the  earth  for  thousands  of  years. 
Of  course  only  small  amounts  were 
obtained  at  first,  but  now  every  year 
millions  and  millions  of  fine  ounces  are 
mined.  In  our  own  country  the  states 
of  Utah,  Montana,  Idaho  and  Nevada 
produce,  respectively,  the  most  silver, 
the  United  States  producing  annually 
about  75,000,000  ounces.  That  is,  the 
United  States  produces  about  forty-six 
per  cent  of  the  total  amount  of  silver 
mined  by  the  world.  Man  has  been 
mining  silver  for  thousands  of  years — 
now,  how  much  in  all  has  he  dug  out  of 
the  earth?  Statistics  have  been  pub- 
lished respecting  the  amount  of  silver 
produced  in  the  world  since  the  year 
1493,  about  the  time  when  Christopher 
Columbus  discovered  America.  These 
statistics  approximate  the  amount  at 
12,400,000.000  fine  ounces.  However,  a 
large  amount  of  silver  must  have  been 
mined  before  the  year  1493,  although 
much  less  than  afterwards,  probably 
about  one-third  as  much.  And,  accord- 
ingly, an  approximation  of  all  the  silver 
which  man  during  his  existence  has 
dug  out  of  the  earth  amounts  to  17,- 
000,000,000  fine  ounces. 


Zoological  Sanctity. 

One  of  our  jocose  contributors  tells 
us  that  he  knew  of  a “certain  fellow” 
who  said  he  would  like  to  do  some  large 
clean  act  before  he  died.  It  was  sug- 
gested that  he  wash  an  elephant. 


Nature  the  Manifestation  of  God. 

The  Reverend  Charles  Morris  Addi- 
son, a I rustee  of  The  Agassiz  Asso- 
ciation and  formerly  rector  of  St. 
John’s  Episcopal  Church  of  Stamford, 
but  now  of  Cambridge,  Massachusetts, 
sends  us  a marked  copy  of  an  English 
magazine,  “St.  Martin-in-the-Fields 
Review,  ’ and  calls  our  attention  to  an 
article  on  “The  Language  of  Nature” 
based  on  the  text.  “We  do  hear  them 
speak  in  our  own  tongues  the  wonder- 
ful works  of  God.”  The  author  de- 
clares that  the  reason  why  so  many 
nowadays  do  not  see  and  know  God  is 
because  of  specialization  : 

“Each  speaks  his  own  peculiar  lan- 
guage, and  shows  but  scant  under- 
standing of  what  his  neighbors  in  other 
walks  of  life  are  trying  to  say.  It  is 
the  great  tragedy  of  our  modern  life 
that  though  our  civilization  has  made 
us  so  universally  dependent  on  each 
other,  we  seem  to  find  it  harder  than 
ever  to  understand  one  another’s 
speech.” 

He  says  the  remedy  is  to  be  found 
by  going  to  nature  : = 

"But  first  we  will  turn  to  an  ancient 
non-human  language  which  neverthe- 
less may  have  a very  modern  message 
—the  language  of  nature,  God’s  revela- 
tion of  Himself  in  the  world  apart 
from  man.” 

After  an  extensive  development  of 
that  aspect  of  the  matter  he  concludes 
with  the  following: 

“Even  the  very  effort  to  rely  on  God 
sometimes  seems  somehow  to  bring 
about  its  own  defeat.  But  nature  can 
help  us  to  recover  our  sense  of  propor- 
tion by  taking  our  thoughts  away  into 
a world  where  human  activity  has  no 
place  at  all.  The  lily,  the  sparrow,  or 
the  sunset  can  give  us  a new  idea  of 
God,  just  because  man  has  nothing 
whatever  to  do  with  their  existence, 
their  beauty  or  their  goodness.  Most 
of  us  can  gain  a new  peace  from  the 
sense  of  our  own  littleness  as  we  gaze 
on  the  stars  on  a clear  night. 


M ISCELLANEOUS 


Now  all  the  heavenly  splendour 
Breaks  forth  in  star-light  tender 
From  myriad  worlds  unknown; 

And  man,  the  marvel  seeing, 

Forgets  his  selfish  being 

For  joy  of  beauty  not  his  own. 

“God  made  the  stars  also.  It  is  from 
reflecting  on  the  non-human  works  of 
God  that  man  can  find  peace  in  the 
recognition  of  his  own  littleness. 

“Therein  lies  the  supreme  need  of 
country  holidays  for  dwellers  in  the 
town.  Our  industrial  civilisation  makes 
faith  difficult,  just  because  it  cuts 
man  off  from  nature  and  fills  his  world 
wholly  with  man’s  works  and  man’s 
affairs.  We  walk  on  man-made  pave- 
ments among  man-made  buildings, 
the  very  heavens  pierced  by  man-made 
chimneys  and  dimmed  by  man-made 
smoke,  and  man’s  business  fills  our 
thoughts.  It  is  city  life  cut  off  from 
material  nature  which  makes  material- 
ists. Country-folk  find  it  easier  to  be- 
lieve in  God,  because  they  are  less 
tempted  to  believe  wholly  in  them- 
selves. The  ugly  philosophy  called 
naturalism  was  born  of  familiarity  with 
men's  machines,  not  with  God’s  nature. 

“The  language  of  nature  speaks  to 
us  in  two  great  parables,  the  parable  of 
natural  growth,  and  the  pajrable  of 
utter  dependence  on  an  environment 
we  did  not  make  and  cannot  alter.  Per- 
haps they  are  the  parables  which  our 
modern  world  most  needs  to  learn 
afresh,  if  it  would  really  understand 
itself.’’ 


“Study  Nature  not  Books.” 

Louis  Agassiz’s  favorite  slogan  that 
in  1873  he  placed  in  conspicuous  posi- 
tion in  his  laboratory  at  the  Island  of 
Penikese  is  in  danger  sometimes  of 
being  misunderstood.  Agassiz  was  a 
lover  of  books  as  well  as  of  nature.  He 
and  his  pupils  used  books  in  their 
studies  and  he  himself  wrote  delightful 
books.  He  was  not  only  an  observing 
scientist  but  a graceful  literary  por- 
trayer of  what  he  had  seen.  What  he 
meant  was  that  the  end  of  scientific 
study  is  to  understand  nature,  and 
books  should  no  more  be  studied  as  an 
end  than  the  microscope  or  the  net  or 
the  rubber  boots  used  in  collecting 
aquatic  objects.  Books  are  right  when 
they  are  a help  in  studying  nature,  but 
the  reader  is  not  an  apiarist  because  he 
has  read  Maeterlinck’s  “The  Life  of 


the  Bee,”  nor  is  he  a chemist  because 
he  drinks  oxygen  and  hydrogen  in  a 
chemical  compound. 

To  some  of  our  enthusiastic  contrib- 
utors the  editor  of  this  magazine  has 
had  frequent  occasion  to  return  articles 
because  they  were  too  bookish ; that 
is,  they  were  evidently  copied  from  a 
book  and  no  personal  observation  had 
been  made.  If  an  original  observation 
is  offered  and  a helpful  reference  made 
to  a book,  that  is  right.  No  matter  how 
much  one  loves  books,  the  more  love 
the  more  reason  for  keeping  them  in 
their  place,  and  a magazine  has  a posi- 
tively distinct  point  of  view.  Now  and 
then  a snappy  quotation  may  be  made 
from  a book  but  only  when  it  is  evi- 
dently an  inspiration  to  the  direct 
study  of  nature.  So  when  you  write  to 
this  magazine  it  should  be  the  outcome 
of  Agassiz’s  saying,  “Study  nature  not 
books.” 


There  is  an  English  church  where  a 
box  hangs  in  the  porch.  It  is  used  for 
communications  for  the  pastor.  Cranks 
put  their  notes  in  it,  but  occasionally 
it  does  fulfil  its  purpose.  Recently  the 
minister  preached,  by  request,  a ser- 
mon on  “Recognition  of  Friends  in 
Heaven,”  and  during  the  week  the  fol- 
lowing note  was  found  in  the  box : 
“Dear  Sir — I should  be  much  obliged 
if  you  could  make  it  convenient  to 
preach  to  your  congregation  on  ‘The 
Recognition  of  Friends  on  Earth,’  as 
I have  been  coming  to  your  church  for 
nearly  six  months,  and  nobody  has 
taken  any  notice  of  me  yet.” — Christian 
Register. 


I would  like  to  have  a little  less,  or 
much  less,  destruction  and  more  re- 
sources for  construction  in  America.  I 
would  like  to  have  less  of  toil  to  main- 
tain armies  and  navies  and  more  of  play 
to  hearten  the  American  people.  1 don’t 
believe  the  best  of  success  comes  out 
of  the  constant  grind.  I would  like 
an  America  where  there  is  some  be- 
coming leisure  and  opportunity  for 
recreation,  not  for  just  a few  people, 
but  for  a fortunate  American  people  in 
which  all  may  participate. — President 
Harding. 

Seed  of  the  trailing  arbutus  can  be 
obtained  by  tying  glass  vials  over  the 
blossoms. 


The  Lovable  Root  Family. 

Human  beings  are  more  interesting 
than  honeybees.  For  me  that  state- 
ment implies  much  because  I am  in- 
tensely interested  in  honeybees. 

With  all  my  affection  for  the  ordi- 
nary things  of  nature  below  mankind 
I have  none  of  the  spirit  of  Henry 
David  Thoreau,  who  would  retire  from 
the  haunts  of  men  and  live  as  a hermit 


they  are  by  far  exceeded  by  the  Root 
family’s  personal  diaries.  I know  that 
some  persons  rather  deplore  the  fact, 
as  they  refer  to  it  somewhat  jocosely, 
that  so  much  of  the  magazine  is  occu- 
pied by  the  Root  family’s  memoirs.  To 
me,  however,  the  department  and  its 
allied  articles  are  the  most  charming, 
heart  touching  and  inspiring  of  the  en- 
tire magazine.  I find  from  my  own  ex- 


MR.  A.  I.  ROOT  AND  WIFE. 
Mrs.  Root  recently  died. 


by  a Walden  Pond.  I know  a student 
of  nature  that  is  fond  of  saying  that 
solitude  is  a most  enjoyable  thing,  if 
you  have  with  you  plenty  of  people  to 
whom  you  may  communicate  those 
joys.  Notwithstanding  my  enthusiasm 
for  nature,  I have  recently  announced 
a lecture  of  which  the  subject  is,  “Girls, 
the  Loveliest  of  All  God’s  Creations.” 
When  I am  asked,  “What  is  the  most 
interesting  thing  you  have  discovered 
about  honeybees?”  I reply,  “The  Root 
family  of  Medina,  Ohio.”  All  our 
apiarists  know  that  Medina  is  the 
world’s  center  for  honeybee  interests, 
and  the  center  of  Medina  is  The  A.  I. 
Root  Company — in  fact  all  the  indus- 
try of  the  town  is  embodied  in  that  cor- 
poration. At  Medina  is  published  a 
magazine  known  as  “Gleanings  in  Bee 
Culture,”  filled  from  cover  to  cover 
with  valuable  information  and  sugges- 
tions rich  in  commercial  possibilities  in 
regard  to  honeybees.  But  excellent  as 
all  the  magazine’s  departments  are, 


perience  that  when  “Gleanings  in  Bee 
Culture”  arrives  I without  hesitation 
turn  to  “Our  Homes”  department  and 
there  read  delightful,  characteristic, 
heartfelt  references  to  little  things  and 
big  things,  to  big  Roots,  ordinary  Roots 
and  little  Rootlets,  that  please  me  bet- 
ter perhaps  than  any  other  part  of  the 
magazine. 

But  perhaps  the  most  touching  of  all 
the  matter  published  in  recent  months 
is  the  affecting  manner  in  which  Mr. 
A.  I.  Root  refers  to  the  death  of  his 
wife.  The  January  number  contains  no 
ordinary  obituary  notice.  It  has  some- 
thing more  than  that.  The  first  is 
eulogy  of  women  in  general  and  then 
Mr.  Root  tells  of  the  first  meeting  with 
Sue,  a girl  of  only  fifteen,  whom  he 
invited  to  become  his  wife,  but  she 
strongly  insisted  that  she  must  com- 
plete her  education. 

Reading  on  a little  further  we  find 
that  the  article  was  written  a few  days 
after  the  death  of  Mrs.  Root,  who  was 


EDITORIAL 


127 


the  Sue  that  had  been  with  him,  shar- 
ing all  his  joys  and  sorrows  for  many, 
many  years. 

In  another  department  we  find, 
“Mother,”  written  by  her  daughter, 
Constance  Root  Boyden.  In  a similar 
charming  way,  beginning  with  the 
“plaything  drawer”  in  mother’s  kitchen, 
we  learn  that  that  mother  is  gone. 

This  portrayal  of  every  detail  of  the 
family  experience  month  after  month 
but  few  families  could  bear  with  credit, 
yet  after  many  years  of  reading  about 
the  smiles  of  the  children,  grandchil- 
dren and  the  great-grandchildren,  of 
the  loving  families,  even  of  the  little 
vexations  and  impatient  words,  the 
reader  becomes  more  and  more  in  love 
with  every  one  of  the  Roots.  They  are 
unique  in  their  family  relations.  They 
are  unique  in  journalism.  In  this  hasty 
reference  it  is  not  possible  to  do  justice 
to  this  particular  number,  but  I believe 
that  every  reader  of  The  Guide  to 
Nature  will  find  it  not  only  interest- 
ing from  the  entomological  aspect,  but 
for  its  human  touches,  if  he  will  send 
for  a copy.  If  the  reader  does  not  be- 
come interested  in  the  most  attractive 
of  all  insects  he  will  learn  to  love  the 
most  attractive  of  all  families  in  public 
life,  the  Roots  and  all  their  branches,  in 
Medina,  Ohio. 


Authors  Rather  Than  Books. 

Mr.  Lewis  R.  Horton  of  Spokane, 
Washington,  is  appealing  to  one  thou- 
sand educated  men  and  women  for  a 
list  of  one  hundred  best  books  that 
“every  American,  between  the  ages  of 
twenty  and  forty-five,  ought  to  read.” 
He  has  a list  of  best  books  prepared 
long  ago  by  various  persons  but  covets 
a list  selected  by  educated  men  of  to- 
day. He  also  tells  us  “that  folks  do  not 
like  to  read  books  in  sets.” 

We  wonder  as  to  the  age  limit — 
twenty  to  forty-five.  The  best  reading 
age  is  before  twenty  and  after  forty- 
five.  The  years  between  should  be 
devoted  to  the  active  business  of  life. 
For  the  one  who  is  not  strictly  a pro- 
fessional user  of  books  there  should 
be  less  reading  between  twenty  and 
forty-five  than  at  any  other  part  of  the 
active  life.  The  years  before  twenty 
are  the  cumulative  years,  and  those 
after  forty-five  are  the  best  meditative 
years. 


If  Mr.  Horton  is  right  in  his  state- 
ment that  folks  do  not  like  to  read 
books  in  sets  then  folks  are  wrong. 
We  rather  question  the  accuracy  of 
the  statement. 

For  example,  along  our  own  line  of 
pursuits,  the  study  of  nature,  the  re- 
quired list  of  a hundred  books  more 
or  less  could  be  selected  from  a much 
smaller  number  of  authors.  It  would 
be,  for  example,  ridiculous  to  select  one 
book  from  Henry  David  Thoreau, 
Richard  Jefferies,  John  Burroughs  and 
William  Hamilton  Gibson  and  assign 
a part  of  the  list  to  the  minor  rehash 
writers.  Those  authors  and  many 
others  are  fountain  heads.  A few  foun- 
tain heads  can  flood  the  territory. 
W hat  shall  we  say  of  one  who  would 
select  Emerson’s  “Nature”  and  advise 
that  the  other  books  of  his  set  should 
not  be  read  ? 

Frequently  we  have  a request  for 
“the  best  book”  on  a particular  subject 
of  nature.  To  the  editor  that  question 
has  little  meaning.  I believe  the  best 
modern  writer  of  bird  books  is  Frank 
M.  Chapman  but  who  will  venture  to 
say  which  of  his  books  is  the  best?  He 
has  different  types  adapted  to  different 
types  of  people,  age  and  uses.  For 
popular,  humanizing  books  on  nature 
I think  that  most  of  us  would  put 
Ernest  Thompson  Seton  at  the  head, 
but  I do  not  believe  that  he  himself 
could  select  his  best.  “Wild  Animals 
I Have  Known”  first  made  his  fame. 
Everything  else  followed  easily.  But 
for  the  technical  naturalist  Mr.  Seton’s 
masterpiece  is  his  large  work  in  two 
volumes,  “Life  Histories  of  Northern 
Animals.”  We  who  make  close  study 
of  the  four-footed  animals  value  that 
as  in  some  respects  better  than  “Wild 
Animals  I Flave  Known.” 

To  go  back  to  some  of  the  earliest 
writers.  Take  Thoreau,  for  example. 
Many  people  point  at  “Walden”  as  his 
best  book.  It  is  and  it  is  not.  For  the 
one  who  can  get  the  most  out  of  “Wal- 
den” then  for  that  person  it  is  the  best, 
but  the  average  naturalist  rather  than 
the  philosopher  gets  far  more  out  of 
“Journals.”  Yet  no  real  lover  of 
Thoreau  would  venture  to  throw  “Wal- 
den”  or  the  “Journals”  ahead.  We 
must  have  both  to  understand  what 
Thoreau  was  teaching. 

“What  is  the  best  book  on  insects?” 
“What  is  the  best  book  on  wild 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


128 


flowers?”  These  questions  and  allied 
ones  are  susceptible  of  many  different 
answers  according  to  the  age,  location, 
temperament  and  attainments  of  the 
one  who  asks  the  question.  Here  in 
our  laboratory  Howard’s  and  Com- 
stock’s and  Vernon  Kellogg’s  books  on 
insects  are  in  constant  use,  but  for  the 
beginner  I doubt  whether  they  are  the 
best,  and  surely  for  a handbook  to  take 
afield  each  of  the  three  is  out  of  place. 

I have  several  times  started  to  make 
for  the  naturalist  a list  of  the  best 
books  but  have  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  if  such  a thing  can  be  done  it  can- 
not be  by  President  Eliot’s  foot  rule 
nor  by  Mr.  Horton’s  specified  number 
of  titles  but  must  be  by  authors.  Even 
so  I should  probably  find  that  I had 
listed  the  books  that  I myself  use  most 
frequently  and  it  takes  only  a moment’s 
thought  to  realize  that  they  are  not  the 
best  for  everybody ; they  are  only  the 
best  for  me  and  my  needs. 

What  a multitude  of  good  books 
there  are  pertaining  to  the  stars.  We 
have  many  of  them  here  at  ArcAdiA, 
but  I would  not  venture  to  point  out 
the  best.  Better  than  any  book  is  our 
department  conducted  every  month  by 
Professor  Barton.  Go  to  the  stars  them- 
selves and  watch  them  or,  as  Agassiz 
would  advise,  “Study  nature.”  But  the 
book  that  did  not  help  me  to  distin- 
guish Orion  from  the  Big  Dipper  but 
did  inspire  me  with  the  wonders  of  the 
subject  is  Flammarion’s  “Popular  As- 
tronomy.” I devoured  that  book  with 
a feeling  of  inspiration  and  elation  that 
comes  but  once  in  a lifetime.  Reading 
it  was  a conversion  from  indifference 
to  the  keenest  kind  of  interest.  In  my 
enthusiasm  I have  talked  with  other 
astronomers  only  to  have  them  casually 
and  coolly  remark,  “Yes,  he  is  right 
from  the  popular  point  of  view.”  So  I 
may  have  needed  popularizing  rather 
than  technicalizing. 

In  the  matter  of  honeybees,  in  view 
of  our  large  apiary  here  at  ArcAdiA, 
we  have  many  inquiries,  “What  is  the 
best  book?”  Of  course  the  best  book 
to  inspire  one  for  life  is  Maeterlinck’s 
“Life  of  the  Bee,”  but  I should  shock 
practical  beekeepers  if  I should  say 
that  to  them.  They  would  select  “The 
ABC  of  Bee  Culture”  published  by 
The  A.  I.  Root  Company,  Medina, 
Ohio,  and  I would  shake  hands  heartily 
with  these  professional  beekeepers  and 


say,  “I  agree  with  you.”  Thus  in  one 
breath  1 say  one  thing,  then  another. 
The  reason  is  that  when  I grasp  the 
professional  beekeeper  by  the  hand  I 
look  at  things  apiarian  from  his  point 
of  view.  But  suppose  a minister  should 
come  here  and  say,  “I  want  an  inspir- 
ing book  to  help  me  in  arousing  my 
people  in  a sermon  on  the  wonders  of 
a honeybee.”  It  would  be  absurd  for 
me  to  recommend  “The  A B C.”  He 
does  not  want  to  know  about  frames 
and  hives  and  supers;  he  wants  to 
know  about  the  life  of  the  living  thing 
with  which  to  inspire  other  living 
creatures. 

Look  at  horticulture  and  agriculture. 
The  subject  is  too  big  even  to  be 
touched.  If  anybody  should  come  into 
my  office  and  wrant  to  know  the  best 
book  on  these  subjects  I should 
want  to  get  that  person’s  complete 
biography.  How  different  would  be  the 
advice  to  a practical  worker  in  the 
greenhouse,  to  a farmer,  to  a school- 
teacher, to  a lawyer.  But  after  all  isn’t 
this  attempted  selection  of  the  best  and 
the  worst  simply  an  ego,  a self-centered 
point?  It  is  about  equivalent  to  my 
calling  up  the  family  physician  and  tell- 
ing him,  “I  want  to  take  a dose  of 
medicine.  What  is  the  best?” 

Mr.  Horton,  you  place  me  in  the  po- 
sition of  that  physician  when  you  write 
to  ask  for  a list  of  best  books.  What 
is  the  matter  with  you?  I must  find 
out  that  before  I can  intelligently  reply. 
I must  know  your  specific  need  before 
I can  write  the  prescription. 


Only  two  chimpanzees  are  known  to 
have  been  born  in  captivity.  The  first 
was  in  Cuba  in  1915,  the  second  in  New 
York  in  the  summer  of  1920.  The  lat- 
ter, at  birth,  was  sixteen  inches  long, 
weighed  three  pounds  and  was  nearly 
hairless.  It  lived  only  a few  days. 


“I  am  sorry,”  said  the  magazine  ed- 
itor courteously,  “but  we  are  not  ac- 
cepting any  short  stories  now.” 

“But  the  scene  of  this  story,”  said  the 
confident  contributor,  “is  laid  in  a place 
that  nobody  ever  heard  of,  and  is  writ- 
ten in  a language  that  no  one  can  un- 
derstand.” 

“Then  why  didn’t  you  say  so  be- 
fore?” exclaimed  the  magazine  editor, 
as  he  grasped  it  eagerly. — Life. 


t-he  ~*^c_2»r 

AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION' 


Established  1875  Incorporated,  Massachusetts,  1892  Incorporated.  Connecticut,  1910 


Additions  to  Our  Membership. 

Corresponding. 

Miss  Irene  Matthews,  Louisville, 
Kentucky. 

Miss  Margaret  Ramsay,  Boston, 
Massachusetts. 

Miss  S.  Crissy  Brown,  Stamford. 

Mr.  D.  C.  Bartley,  Zillah,  Washing- 
ton. 

Sustaining. 

Mr.  Lorenzo  D.  Armstrong,  River- 
side, Connecticut. 

Mr.  Pierre  R.  Bernard,  Nyack,  New 
York. 

Public  School  164,  Brooklyn,  New 
York. 

Mr.  Herman  S.  Piatt,  New  York 
City. 

Miss  Constantine  E.  Johnston, 
Greenwich. 

Mr.  W.  W.  Heroy,  Stamford. 

Mrs.  L.  P.  Yandell,  Greenwich. 

Mrs.  C.  W.  Parsons,  New  York  City. 

Mrs.  John  Walker,  Riverside. 

Mrs.  Benjamin  T.  Brooks,  Sound 
Beach. 

Mrs.  G.  C.  St.  John,  Greenwich. 

Mrs.  Raynal  C.  Bolling,  Greenwich. 

Miss  Mary  E.  Strong,  Orange,  New 
Jersey. 

Sustaining  and  Honorary. 

Mr.  Theodore  H.  Cooper,  Batavia, 
New  York. 


Philanthropic  People,  those  who  care 
for  the  welfare  of  others,  especially  the 
young  folks,  are  cordially  invited. 

What  George  Washington  said  (in 
his  farewell  address)  : 

“Promote,  then,  as  an  object  of  PRI- 
MARY IMPORTANCE,  institutions 
for  the  general  diffusion  of  knowledge.” 


Death  of  a Sustaining  Member. 

Miss  Elizabeth  D.  Ferguson,  South 
Street,  Stamford,  Connecticut,  died  at 
her  home  in  that  city  on  Friday  after- 
noon, December  30.  She  had  been  for 
several  years  a Sustaining  Member  of 
The  Agassiz  Association  and  a liberal 
contributor  to  our  Cause.  We  quote 
the  following  from  “The  Daily  Advo- 
cate” of  Stamford: 

“Miss  Ferguson  has  been  active  in 
the  affairs  of  St.  John’s  Episcopal 
Church  all  her  life  and  has  been  a fre- 
quent and  generous  contributor  to  the 
charities  of  the  church.  She  was  the 
youngest  daughter  of  John  Ferguson 
and  Helen  Grace  Morewood  and  had 
lived  in  the  big  stone  house  on  South 
Street  the  greater  part  of  her  life.  She 
was  the  youngest  of  eight  children. 

“Miss  Ferguson  has  been  closely  as- 
sociated with  all  the  work  of  St.  John’s 
parish  since  her  childhood  and  for  a 
number  of  years  was  most  active  in  the 
affairs  of  the  many  church  societies. 
She  has  been  deeply  interested  in  the 
work  of  the  chapels  of  the  church,  and 
took  an  exceedingly  large  interest  in 
St.  Luke’s  and  St.  John’s  church  house. 

“She  was  a frequent  contributor  to 
the  missionary  work  of  the  church, 
both  domestic  and  foreign.  Miss  Fer- 
guson was  looked  upon  with  venera- 
tion and  affection  by  her  numerous 
younger  relatives,  and  it  was  her  de- 
light to  have  one  or  more  of  them  visit- 
ing her  most  of  the  time  in  her  big 
house.  Her  sister,  with  whom  she  had 
lived,  died  several  years  ago. 

“Miss  Ferguson’s  charitable  work 
was  always  done  in  the  least  ostenta- 
tious way.  One  of  her  recent  gifts  to 
St.  John’s  Parish  was  the  lot  at 
Suburban  Avenue  and  Main  Street. 
She  purchased  the  lot  some  years  ago 
to  protect  the  church  property  from 
business  encroachments  and  deeded  it 
to  the  church  a year  ago.” 


130 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


Reasons  for  Uniting  as  Well  as  for 
Separating. 

Our  laws  require  that  married  people 
seeking  a divorce  must  supply  full  and 
explicit  reasons  that  are  usually  wide- 
ly diffused  through  the  public  press. 
When  this  country  was  divorced  from 
England,  the  reasons  and  the  necessity 
were  plainly  stated  in  the  preamble  to 
the  Declaration  of  Independence : 

“When  in  the  course  of  human 
events,  it  becomes  necessary  for  one 
people  to  dissolve  the  political  bands 
which  have  connected  them  with  an- 
other, and  to  assume  among  the  powers 
of  the  earth,  the  separate  and  equal  sta- 
tion to  which  the  Laws  of  Nature  and 
of  Nature’s  God  entitle  them,  a decent 
respect  to  the  opinion  of  mankind  re- 
quires that  they  should  declare  the 
causes  which  impel  them  to  the  sepa- 
ration.” 

Why  is  a publication  of  these  reasons 
always  a part  of  the  separation?  Why 
not  for  union?  Why  does  not  a young 
woman,  for  example,  tell  us  why  she 
likes  the  groom,  and  the  bridegroom 
tell  why  he  likes  the  bride? 

Our  incorporation,  The  Agassiz  As- 
sociation, is  for  mutual  helpfulness. 
Each  Member  for  the  benefit  of  all  the 
others  tells  what  he  has  seen  in  nature. 
Now  comes  one  of  our  delightful  young 
women,  nineteen  years  of  age,  who  has 
been  a Member  of  The  Agassiz  Asso- 
ciation since  1915  and  has  told  us  many 
of  her  observations  of  nature,  and  who 
now  tells  us  why  she  has  accepted  as 
her  husband  Count  Charles  Phillippe 
de  Bruche. 

For  all  prospective  brides,  and  bride- 
grooms too,  here  is  an  example.  It  will 
save  many  puzzling  questions  on  the 
part  of  friends,  such  as : “I  wonder 
what  she  could  have  seen  in  him.” 

Winifred  Sackville  Stoner,  Jr.,  is 
famed  the  world  over  as  the  youngest 
author  in  The  Authors’  League  of 
America.  When  a bride  introduces  the 
new  custom  of  telling  the  public  why 
she  selected  the  groom,  it  becomes  in- 
teresting to  know  who  she  is.  We 
therefore  gladly  publish  a little  account 
of  this  girl  who  came  to  us  as  a Member 
six  years  ago  after  considerable  corre- 
spondence and  previous  interest. 

Winifred  Sackville  Stoner,  Jr., 
(daughter  of  Colonel  James  B.  Stoner, 
U.  S.  Public  Health  Service,  and  Dr. 


Winifred  Sackville  Stoner,  author  of 
“Natural  Education”  and  other  works 
on  child  training)  is  the  youngest  au- 
thor in  The  Authors’  League  of  Ameri- 
ca. At  the  age  of  nine  she  passed  college 
entrance  examinations.  At  twelve  she 
was  declared  by  Dr.  M.  V.  O’Shea  of 
the  University  of  Wisconsin  to  know 


WINIFRED  SACKVILLE  STONER,  TR..  BECOMES- 
A COUNTESS  AND  TELLS  US  FELLOW  MEM- 
BERS OF  THE  AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION  THE 
“REASONS  FOR  HER  CHOICE.” 

more  than  the  average  college  gradu- 
ate. She  toured  the  world  at  five  years 
of  age,  and  lectured  in  Esperanto.  At 
sixteen  she  appeared  as  a public  lec- 
turer in  the  Lee  Keedick  Lecture  Bu- 
reau, appearing  with  such  men  as  Sir 
Oliver  Lodge  and  John  Drinkwater. 
She  published  books  before  she  was  six 
years  old.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  she 
is  the  author  of  a dozen  books,  many 
magazine  articles,  songs  and  scenarios. 
She  has  won  prizes  for  high  diving,  for 
horsemanship,  for  fencing  and  other 
athletic  sports.  She  was  listed  among 
the  notables  of  America’s  Who’s  Who 
before  she  was  sweet  sixteen,  and  she 
has  been  as  sprightly  in  love  as  in  let- 


THE  AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION 


ters.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  she  became 
the  bride  of  Count  Charles  Philippe  de 
Bruche  of  Paris.  Of  course  he  was  the 
man  of  her  own  choice. 

Hating  the  publicity  which  has  been 
thrust  upon  her  from  babyhood  be- 
cause so  many  educators  were  inter- 
ested in  what  she  accomplished 
through  play  for  a purpose,  she  has 
tried  to  keep  her  marriage  a secret.  She 
and  her  husband  have  been  motoring 
in  the  west,  and  are  now  touring  the 
south,  Winifred  acting  as  chauffeur. 

To  the  many  educators  and  parents 
that  have  been  interested  in  the  career 
of  this  so-called  prodigy,  and  are 
curious  to  learn  what  manner  of  man 
she  has  selected,  she  presents  the  fol- 
lowing reasons  for  her  choice  : 

“i.  I like  people  who  have  travelled 
and  are  not  narrow-minded.  My  hus- 
band has  been  a globe-trotter,  a fact 
that  has  made  him  broad  in  his  views 
of  the  world  and  has  given  him  much 
subject  matter  for  discussion  and  com- 
parison. 

“2.  I have  always  enjoyed  the  com- 
panionship of  boys  and  men  older  than 
myself  because  I believe  that  girls  de- 
velop in  mind  as  well  as  in  body  sooner 
than  boys.  Naturally  any  girl  likes  a 
man  who  is  superior  to  herself  in  physi- 
cal and  in  mental  strength. 

“3.  From  babyhood  I have  admired 
athletes  and  I am  fortunate  in  having 
a husband  that  combines  physical 
strength  with  mental.  He  loves  the 
sports  that  I love — swimming,  rowing, 
horseback  riding,  boxing,  fencing,  ten- 
nis, golf,  skating,  dancing  and  long 
walks  in  the  woods.  He  is  also  an  ex- 
pert at  playing  my  favorite  game  of 
chess.  I am  therefore  supplied  with  a 
playmate  for  indoor  amusement  as  well 
as  for  games  in  the  open. 

“4.  As  a lover  of  books  I am  drawn 
towards  those  that  like  my  book 
friends.  My  husband  and  I both  like 
the  same  poets  and  the  same  writers 
of  history,  biography  and  science.  He 
is  familiar  with  the  literature  of  many 
countries  and  is  able  to  read  and  speak 
a number  of  languages.  As  a great  psy- 
chologist has  said : ‘If  one  grows  weary 
of  thinking  in  one  language,  use  an- 
other to  refresh  the  mind.’  We  need 
not  grow  weary  of  our  thoughts  when 
we  can  talk  together  in  different 
tongues. 


131 

“5.  And  most  important  of  all  I 
love  him.  After  all  what  does  it  mat- 
ter how  rich  or  poor,  how  great  or 
small  a man  may  be  if  he  wins  a girl’s 
love  ?” 

Marriage  has  not  killed  the  love  of 
writing  in  this  young  author.  She  has 
recently  written  a poem  on  “The  Un- 
known Dead”  and  has  finished  a new 
novel  called  “Which.” 


A Few  Misnamed  Trees. 

BY  WILLIAM  H.  HUSE,  MANCHESTER,  N.  H. 
“A  woman,  a dog  and  a walnut  tree; 

The  more  you  beat  them  the  better  they 
be.” 

This  disgraceful  couplet  was  quoted 
to  me  some  years  ago  by  an  English- 
man as  an  old  English  proverb.  I hope 
that  my  ancestors  who  came  from  that 
land  of  “beer,  beef  and  the  Bible”  did 
not  take  its  advice. 

But  it  is  not  my  purpose  to  moralize. 
I only  want  to  prove  that  the  English 
settlers  in  this  land  of  the  free,  where 
every  one  is  as  good  as  every  one  else 
and  usually  thinks  that  he  is  a little 
better,  thought  that  they  knew  a wal- 
nut tree  when  they  saw  it.  There  were 
a few  nut  trees  growing  near  the  New 
England  coast  and  the  settlers,  fearing 
that  Adam  missed  some  of  the  trees 
when  he  named  the  animals,  gave  them 
suitable  appellations.  The  butternut 
did  not  appear  to  belong  to  the  class 
of  trees  that  needed  beating  and  its 
fat  content  suggested  the  name  above. 
A variant  of  this  was  “oil  nut,”  with 
the  uneducated,  “ile  nut.” 

The  trees  that  reminded  them  of 
their  walnuts  were  the  hickories,  and 
shagbark  (or  shellbark)  walnut  and 
pignut  walnut  were  the  names  given 
to  them.  Those  names  still  persist  in 
New  England.  As  a boy  I learned 
them  from  the  previous  generation.  On 
a recent  hike  I picked  up  a few  pig- 
nuts, showed  them  to  the  teacher  of 
botany  in  our  local  high  school  and 
said,  “These  are  pignuts.  What  do  you 
call  the  tree  on  which  they  grew?” 

“Walnut,”  came  the  answer. 

“You  were  brought  up  in  New  Eng- 
land. were  you  not?” 

“Yes.” 

“I  thought  so.” 

A friend,  a native  of  Pennsylvania, 
visited  the  young  lady  who  later  be- 
came his  wife,  at  her  home  in  Connecti- 
cut. She  had  often  told  him  of  the 


132 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


magnificent  walnut  tree  that  stood  in 
her  father’s  yard  and,  after  the  greet- 
ings were  over,  he  looked  about  for 
the  walnut.  Not  seeing  it,  he  asked 
for  its  whereabouts. 

“There  it  is,”  said  the  young  lady, 
pointing  to  a large  tree  near  the  house. 

With  a look  of  superiority  he  said, 
“That  isn’t  a walnut.  It’s  a hickory.” 

We  blue-blooded  (and  cold-blooded) 
New  Englanders  dislike  to  acknowl- 
edge that  any  other  section  of  the  coun- 
try is  in  the  slightest  degree  superior 
to  us,  but  in  this  matter  we  must  re- 
linquish the  front  seat  to  the  rest  of 
our  domain,  where  the  hickories  are 
called  by  their  correct  names. 

The  tupelo  tree,  known  also  as  pep- 
peridge  and  sour  gum  in  some  sections, 
is  called  hornbeam  in  some  parts  of 
New  England,  while  the  true  hornbeam 
is  given  the  name  of  blue  beech. 
Whether  this  error  is  confined  to  our 
northeast  group  of  states  I cannot  say. 
It  may  be  that  we  Yankees  are  not 
the  only  offenders. 


Sililoquy  Suggestions. 

BY  THEODORE  H.  COOPER,  BATAVIA,  N.  Y. 

I wish  that  I could  find  some  one 
here  who  could  understand  the  aes- 
thetic values  of  such  common  things  as 
the  grass  under  our  feet.  Last  summer 
I used  to  lie  under  the  pear  trees  at  the 
back  of  my  house  for  no  other  purpose 
than  to  watch  the  insects  busy  about 
their  affairs  on  the  ground.  I came 
near  visiting  a strange  land  then,  a 
world  totally  unknown  and  unsus- 
pected to  most  persons.  How  unfor- 
tunate ! If  a more  general  interest  in 
natural  things  were  developed  there 
would  be  fewer  economic  and  political 
disturbances. 

^ sjc 

On  my  way  home  one  day  this  fall  I 
was  surprised  to  see  a large  shimmer- 
ing patch  of  green  on  a plowed  field  in 
the  distance.  Upon  investigation,  it 
proved  to  be  made  by  large  green  flies 
so  numerous  as  to  cover  the  ground 
like  a mat  over  the  space  of  about  half 
an  acre.  When  disturbed  they  rose  in 
a cloud,  buzzing  alarmingly. 

>Jc  tfc  ;};  s}c 

When  about  twelve  years  old  I used 
to  spend  considerable  time  in  fishing 
for  rock  bass  and  sunfish  along  the 
rocky  shores  of  Indian  River  in  the 
northern  part  of  this  state.  I some- 
times would  put  my  head  beneath  the 


water  to  look  under  the  shelving  rocks 
where  I saw  the  “rockys”  floating  mo- 
tionless, and  often  marveled  at  the 
sight.  I used  to  wonder  if  water  was 
not  solid  air!  This  experience  has  just 
been  recalled  by  reading  those  lines  of 
Whitman’s : 

“And  the  fish  suspending  themselves  so 
curiously  below  there, 

And  the  beautiful  curious  liquid.” 

¥ ^ 

While  with  Mr.  Mathes  on  a fossil 
hunting  trip  this  summer  I saw  grooves 
in  the  surface  of  a rock  showing  where 
a glacier  had  left  its  footprint,  in  the 
sand  of  time,  as  it  were. 

How  much  has  happened  since  that 
record  was  written,  and  yet  how  little 
has  been  recorded ! 

^ >jc 

Those  who  like  to  speculate  as  to 
what  the  people  on  Mars  look  like  will 
be  interested  to  know  that  I have,  by 
the  aid  of  the  glass,  seen  a most  re- 
markable creature.  A hideous,  six- 
legged monster,  with  jaws  crossing 
each  other  like  a pair  of  shears  or  grass 
sickles. 

Its  eyes  projected  from  the  sides  of 
its  head,  and  its  body  was  covered  with 
a wonderful  suit  of  armor.  I was 
frightened  at  its  appearance.  I have 
never  heard  of  even  a Dinosaur  that 
is  more  repulsive  in  aspect,  and  this 
creature  itself  I have  not  seen  in  any 
book  of  natural  history,  although  I 
have  heard  that  it  belongs  to  a fero- 
cious class  of  insects  called  Cicin- 
delidae. 

j{e  >{c 

On  both  sides  of  Indian  River  (New 
York)  there  are  high  sandstone  ledges 
that  in  many  places  have  long  since 
fallen  and  weathered  back  so  that  there 
is  now  a strip  of  land  of  considerable 
width  between  the  shore  and  foot  of 
the  bluff.  At  other  places  the  rocks 
rise  perpendicularly  out  of  the  water. 
Small  underground  streams  sometimes 
find  an  outlet  on  the  face  of  these  cliffs, 
and  on  especially  cold  days,  when 
everything  else  is  frozen,  these  streams 
continue  to  flow.  The  vapor  rising  from 
them  can  be  seen  in  the  cold  air  like 
that  from  a hot  spring. 


People  who  only  go  out  walking  in 
fine  weather  miss  much  ; the  best  times 
to  walk,  in  my  opinion,  are  in  the  snow, 
the  wet,  and  the  storm. — H.  Rider  Hag- 
gard in  “A  Farmer’s  Year.” 


JULY  AND  AUGUST  CAMPS  FOR  GIRLS 

Enrollment,  Personal  Care  and  Instruction  by  the  Editor  of  this  Magazine — 
known  in  Camps  as  “Daddy  Bigelow.” 

Very  High  Grade  Camps  in  Picturesque,  Healthful  Location  with  Efficient, 

Happy  Management. 

For  particulars  address: 

EDW  ARD  F.  BIGELOW  , ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


IN  THE  MEADOW  BROOK  ON  AN  OUTING  SIX  MILES  FROM  CAMP. 


Columbia  Trust  Company,  358  Fifth 
Avenue,  New  York  City.  J.  Sperry 
Kane,  Vice-President. 

I wish  to  express  in  writing  what  I 
said  to  you  verbally  about  my  daugh- 
ter, Mary,  upon  her  return  from  her 
first  summer  at  Camp. 

It  appears  from  my  observations  that 
aside  from  the  splendid  time  which 
Mary  seems  to  have  had,  the  discipline, 


training,  and  pleasant  surroundings 
and  associations  have  been  very  bene- 
ficial to  her  in  many  ways.  I am  espe- 
cially well  pleased  that  I sent  her  to 
Camp,  which,  as  you  know,  was  mainly 
due  1 to  your  strong  recommendation. 

Permit  me  to  thank  you  personally 
for  the  efficient  and  careful  manner  in 
which  you  arranged  each  small  detail 
for  her  departure  to  Camp,  and  her  re- 
turn from  it  with  your  special  party. 


X 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE. 


This  relieved  me  of  anxiety  and  worry 
as  to  the  safety  of  her  journey. 

With  kind  personal  regards. 


Mrs.  E.  Hayes,  582  Fifth  Avenue,  New 
York  City. 

I am  very  much  pleased  with  the 
treatment  and  care  given  to  Jeannette 
while  in  your  hands  at  Camp  during 
the  past  summer  and  feel  that  the  bene- 
fits she  derived  from  same  will  be  last- 
ing and  have,  I believe,  made  an  in- 
delible impression  on  her.  I will  be 
very  happy  to  answer  any  questions 
that  may  be  asked  of  me  in  connection 
with  your  work  and  methods. 

Thank  you  for  your  many  kindnesses 
in  the  care  of  Jeannette. 


Mrs.  H.  Durant  Cheever,  150  West 

Fifty-ninth  Street,  New  York  City. 

Immediately  upon  Zora’s  return  we 
went  to  the  Adirondacks  for  some  time 
and  I did  not  have  the  opportunity  to 
tell  you  how  pleased  we  were  with  the 
reports  of  her  summer  in  camp.  I feel 
th  is  is  an  ideal  camp  and  one  which 
sets  a very  fine  standard  for  others  to 
follow.  The  discipline  and  high  moral 
tone  of  the  camp  were  so  beneficial  to 
Zora.  To  you,  of  course,  we  owe  the 
opportunity  of  knowing  of  the  camp, 
and  in  letting  Zora  g > we  did  so  be- 
cause of  our  confidence  in  you. 

It  has  been  quite  splendid  to  see  the 
great  affection  these  children  bestowed 
upon  “Daddy”  Bigelow  and  it  must 


warm  your  heart  greatly  to  have  such 
affection  from  so  many  little  girls. 


Mrs.  William  Mitchell,  Richmond  Ter- 
race, Irvington-on-Hudson,  N.  Y. 

Most  decidedly  I wish  to  add  my 
voice  to  the  chorus  of  enthusiastic  ad- 
vocates of  camp,  and  your  individual 
care  of  my  daughter  Margaret.  I am 
delighted  with  her  physical  improve- 
ment, but  particularly  pleased  with  her 
increased  interest  in  sports  in  general, 
and  in  the  added  confidence  and  mental 
poise  which  she  has  gained.  I am  en- 
closing her  application  blank  for  next 
summer,  and  she  is  all  but  counting  the 
hours  until  it  is  time  to  go  back. 


Mrs.  Edward  K.  Cone,  Colonia,  New 
Jersey. 

I wish  to  tell  you  how  very  grateful 
Mr.  Cone  and  I both  are  to  you  for 
having  included  Margaret  among  your 
“daughters”  and  taken  such  good  care 
of  her.  The  Camp  is  all  I had  hoped 
for  and  much  more.  I fell  in  love  with 
it  and  everybody  there  and  my  only 
regret  is  that  I cannot  be  a camper 
myself. 


Mrs.  Charles  W.  Colby,  Hotel  La  Salle, 
New  York  City. 

Regarding  your  care  of  my  daughter 
in  Camp : 

To  my  question,  “What  did  Dr. 
Bigelow  do  for  you  at  camp?”  my 


AX  AMUSEMENT  IN  THE  EARLY  MORNING  AT  THE  FARM. 


'I' 1 1 L OUTDOOR  WORLD 


XI 


daughter  answered,  “He  saw  that  we 
were  happy.”  That  tribute  to  your  kind 
care  is  better  than  anything  I can  say. 

The  Camp  was  most  satisfactory  in 
its  results  and  I thank  you  cordially  for 
bringing  it  to  my  notice. 


Mr.  William  D.  Andrews,  Quintard 

Avenue,  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 

I should  like  to  express  to  you  my 
most  sincere  thanks  for  the  care  and 
attention  you  showed  Susan  and  Polly 
on  their  journey  to  Camp  this  summer, 
whilst  they  were  there,  and  on  their 
return  journey.  Both  of  the  girls  had 
a wonderful  time  and  have  many  times 
told  us  that  you  were  most  largely  re- 
sponsible for  this  happy  state  of  affairs, 
and  Mrs.  Andrews  and  I are  deeply  in- 
debted to  you. 


Mrs.  John  Colby,  Stanstead,  Province 
of  Quebec,  Canada. 

I have  been  promising  myself  for 
some  time  the  pleasure  of  writing  to 
express  my  thanks  and  appreciation  of 
what  you  did  for  my  little  daughter  at 
Camp  last  summer. 

I had  heard  so  much  about  you  be- 
forehand— that  you  possessed  a gift 
with  children  second  only  to  Lewis 
Carroll  ; that  you  bewitched  the  littlest 
campers  out  of  their  first  homesickness 
and  fascinated  big  and  little  girls  alike 
with  your  Nature  talks  and  interesting 
woodland  expeditions — so  much  in  fact 
that  it  would  have  been  difficult  indeed 
not  to  have  been  disappointed  when 
actually  seeing  you,  having  expected 
so  much. 

To  say  that  my  anticipations  were 
more  than  realized  is  paying  you  a high 
compliment.  But  I could  see  that  you 
were  a very  distinctive  part  of  the 
Camp  life.  I saw  also  why  you  were 
called  “Daddy  Bigelow.”  Never  was  a 
bona  fide  daddy  more  besieged  with 
affection  than  you  seemed  to  be,  and 
wherever  you  moved  you  were  sur- 
rounded with  girls,  while  a tactful 
word  here  or  suggestion  there  helped 
to  make  the  camp  machinery  run 
smoothly. 

I am  sure  that  Harriet  will  remem- 
ber the  astronomy  she  learned  from 
you  in  such  an  interesting  way  that  she 
probabl}r  did  not  realize  that  she  was 
learning  anything. 

Dr.  Colby  and  I will  be  pleased  to 
enroll  her  with  vou  for  next  summer. 


Advice  and  Personal  Aid  to  Campers 
and  Their  Parents. 

Camps  for  boys  and  especially  for 
girls  are  comparatively  modern  insti- 
tutions. Most  of  these  are  still  in  the 
chaotic,  formative,  experimental  stage. 
Sometimes  magazine  advertisements 
and  other  announcements  of  the 
crudest  sort  of  camp  convey  the  im- 
pression that  these  are  as  good  and 
attractive  as  the  old  established  and 
famous  centers. 

Camps  have  not  been  in  existence 
long  enough  to  make  their  merits 
known  to  the  general  public ; probably 
Darwin  was  right  in  a broad  generality 
on  the  survival  of  the  fittest  but  one 
must  also  take  into  consideration  his 
further  teaching  about  the  struggle  for 
existence.  It  is  during  that  struggle 
in  the  development  of  anything,  espe- 
cially of  summer  camps,  that  the  inex- 
perienced needs  a friend. 

Mowing  machines  and  sewing  ma- 
chines have  been  in  use  long  enough 
to  become  well  established.  Some  other 
things  are  approaching  that  placid 
stage,  notably  cameras  and  automo- 
biles. But  flying  machines,  dish  wash- 
ing machines,  aeroplanes  and  camps  for 
boys  and  girls  are  still  in  an  unsettled 
condition.  Many  methods  are  on  trial ; 
only  a few  have  yet  justified  their  ex- 
istence. The  experimental  stage  of 
anything  is  painfully  trying.  Many 
discouragements  must  be  mingled  with 
a few  satisfactory  phases. 

Leaving  that  thought,  let  us  consider 
another.  The  camp  proverbially  acts 
as  a melting  pot  and  as  a developer  of 
loyalty.  There  is  in  even  the  most  in- 
ferior camp  an  admirable  military  or 
class  spirit.  In  the  crudest  kind  of 
camp  the  selective  spirit  soon  develops. 

I have  known  campers,  and  indeed 
some  parents  of  campers,  who  have 
cherished  intense  loyalty  for  a camp 
that  embodied  chiefly  the  primitive 
conditions  of  savagery.  Such  camps 
were  devoid  of  all  comforts  and  were 
handicapped  with  every  possible  hard- 
ship. Seemingly  these  hardships,  like 
trouble  and  sorrow  in  a family,  tend 
only  to  make  the  bond  of  sympathy 
tighter  and  stronger.  Loyalty  is  com- 
mendable, but  sometimes  the  object  to 
which  one  is  devoted  is  not  commend- 
able by  the  well-informed.  To  lavish 
affection  on  an  unworthy  object  is  a 
misfortune.  Manv  a woman  in  her  de- 


XII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


THE  FAME  OF  JACOBS  BIRD-HOUSES  IS 
KNOWN  IN  EVERY  LAND 

Beautify  your  grounds  and  help  your  bird  neighbors 
by  using  JACOBS  colony  houses  for  Purple  Mar- 
tins, individual  nest  boxes  for  the  Bluebird,  Wren, 
Chick-a-dee,  Swallow,  Flicker,  Tit-mice,  and  Wood- 
pecker. 

Bird  Baths  and  Drinking  Fountains. 

Feeding  Devices  for  Winter  Birds. 

Sparrow  Traps  and  Bird- 
Banding  Traps 

If  you  mention  The  Guide  to  Nature  we  will  send  a copy  of 
“American  Bird-House  Journal.” 

JACOBS  BIRD  HOUSE  AND  MFG.  CO. 

Waynesburg,  Pennsylvania 


votion  to  an  unworthy  husband  has 
learned  that  to  her  lifelong  sorrow. 

Closely  akin  to  this  experience  is  the 
feeling  of  every  one  who  knows  a good 
camp  and  hears  praiseworthy  loyalty 
and  deplorable  ignorance  enthusiastic- 
ally expressed  for  an  inferior  camp. 
Hardly  five  per  cent  of  campers  make 
a change  by  abandoning  a poor  camp 
for  a better  one.  Once  a camper  always 
a camper  and  generally  in  the  camp 
in  which  one  started,  the  influence  be- 
ing largely  personal  friendship  for  the 
comrades  in  suffering  or  in  joy.  At 
this  point  enters  the  tremendous  im- 
portance of  an  advisory  friend,  one  that 
is  not  financially  interested  in  any  spe- 
cial camp  but  has  surveyed  the  field 
and  is  familiar  with  camping  condi- 
tions. Such  a person  is  able  to  offer 
wise  and  disinterested  advice. 

It  is  strangely  true  that  some  boys 
and  girls  seem  happier  in  a poor  camp 
than  in  a good  one.  This  appears  to 
be  a fundamental  element  of  humanity 
in  all  conditions  of  life.  Never  yet 
have  I been  able  to  understand  why 
some  persons  prefer  to  trade  at  a poor 
store  or  to  eat  at  an  inferior  restaurant 
with  prices  no  lower  than  at  much  bet- 
ter places.  The  person  adapted  to  good 
camps  and  to  association  with  good 
campers  should  be  placed  in  the  best 
camp.  Men  may  be  born  free  and 
equal,  sometimes  and  in  some  things. 
Happiness  is  adaptation  to  environ- 
ment. We  may  see  this  wide  range  of 
adaptation  not  only  in  business  and  in 
society  but  in  recreational,  educational 
and  religious  affairs.  With  a little  play 
upon  words  one  may  well  adapt  Dar- 
win’s survival  of  the  fittest  to  read  the 


happiness  of  the  fitting.  Sometimes  a 
little  help  at  the  beginning  goes  a long 
way  toward  the  fitting  and  the  adapt- 
ing. It  is  then,  in  the  words  of  the 
funny  cartoon,  that  “A  feller  needs  a 
friend.”  Future  success  and  happiness 
depend  upon  a good  start,  which  means, 
first,  to  select  the  proper  camp  and,  sec- 
ond, to  get,  as  soon  as  possible,  into  the 
ways  and  social  regime  of  that  camp. 

I offer  advice  and  personal  aid  to 
those  who  are  seeking  the  best  summer 
camps.  Those  that  like  or  can  afford 
only  cheap,  inferior  places  of  the  kind 
have  no  need  of  an  adviser.  But  parents 
who  can  afford  the  best,  parents  of  dis- 
crimination, refinement  and  good  taste, 
those  that  value  their  sons  and  daugh- 
ters as  the  best  gift  that  God  has  given 
them,  those  boys  and  girls  that  know 
nothing  of  camps  but  wish  to  get 
started  right,  should  address  Edward 
F.  Bigelow,  ArcAdiA  : Sound  Beach, 
Connecticut. 


Interest  in  Pebbles  and  Stones. 

BY  THEODORE  H.  COOPER,  BATAVIA,  N.  Y. 

Probably  mineralogy  would  be  more 
popular  if  stones  were  not  often  seen. 
If  cobblestones  were  as  rare  as  the  eggs 
of  the  great  auk,  they  would  be  more 
interesting  to  a certain  class  of  people. 
Imagine  the  surprise  of  a man  who 
lived  in  a world  where  rocks  were  so 
uncommon  that  if  he  were  digging  a 
well  and  should  come  upon  a boulder, 
it  would  interest  the  entire  community, 
the  local  newspapers  would  make  an 
ado  about  it  and  every  one  would  spec- 
ulate as  to  how  it  got  there,  where  it 
came  from,  etc.  Or  consider  the  ex- 
citement that  would  follow  a shower 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— A OVERT  IS  EM  ENTS 


XIII 


dodhous^ren  A SLIMMER  HOME  ! 

4 compartments,  28  All  song  birds  raise  two,  and 
inches  high,  18  inches  usually  three,  broods  of  young 
in  diameter.  each  year,  selecting  a new  nest- 

ing site  for  each  brood  of  young, 
so  if  your  houses  are  put  out 
now  they  are  sure  to  be  occupied. 

DODSON  HOUSES 

win  the  birds.  Built  by  a bird- 
lover  who  has  spent  a lifetime 
studying  their  habits  and  how  to 
attract  them  to  beautiful  Bird 
Lodge,  his  home  on  the  Kan- 
kakee River. 

Free  Bird  Book  sent  on  re- 
quest, illustrating  Dodson  Line, 
giving  prices;  also  beautiful  col- 
ored bird  picture  free. 

JOSEPH  H DODSON 

Pres.  American  Audubon  Ass'n. 

714  S.  HARRISON  AVE., 
KANKAKEE.  ILL. 

Dodson  Sparrow  Trap  guaranteed  to  rid  your  community 
of  these  quarrelsome  pests.  Price  $8.00. 

Girl  Scouts  camp,  hike  and  live  close  to 
Nature.  Read  about  their  good  times  in 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 

A Magazine  for  Girl  Scouts  and  Girls 
who  love  Scouting. 

The  American  Girl  will  bring  you  suggestions 

for  parties — stories  and  other  things  besides. 

Send  for  sample  copy  to 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 

189  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City. 

$1.50  a year  — Single  copy  15c 

of  rocks,  some  containing  shells,  bones, 
etc.  The  specimens  would  receive 
careful  study  and  every  one  would  be 
talking  about  them.  It  is  all  too  true 
that  familiarity  breeds  contempt,  and 
if  the  only  stones  on  the  earth  were 
those  which  came  out  of  the  sky  like 
meteorites,  geology  would  be  much 
more  popular. 

“The  Strange  Adventures  of  a 
Pebble”  would  then  be  a highly  in- 
teresting subject.  I was  disappointed 
to  find  that  the  book  under  this  title 
does  not  treat  of  the  history  of  a pebble, 
but  rather  of  the  earth.  Somewhere  I 
have  read  the  story  of  a lead  pencil, 
how  the  graphite  was  taken  from  the 
mine  and  made  into  a pencil.  The  title 
of  this  book  led  me  to  think  that  the 
author  had  written  a similar  story  of  a 
pebble,  how  it  had  been  worn  out  of 
the  strata  and  perhaps  transported  by 
a glacier  or  otherwise  to  its  present 
position.  I imagine  that  some  green 
and  red  sandstone  pebbles  which  I 
picked  up  as  I passed  a railroad  track 
while  out  “naturalizing”  the  other  day 
could  tell  a remarkable  story  of  their 
adventures  since  they  were  cut  out  of 
nature’s  warehouse  of  rock. 


What  will  the 
negative  slow? 

There’s  density  and  definition;  detail  in 
high  lights  and  shadows;  correctness  of 
perspective;  color  value — consider  all 
these.  For  the  negative  can  show  only 
what  the  lens  throws  upon  it.  And  any 
picture  worth  taking  at  all  is  worth  tak- 
ing as  well  as  it  can  be  taken.  In  other 
words,  take  it  with  one  of  the 

BAUSCH  & LOMB 
PHOTOGRAPHIC  LENSES 

In  poor  light — cloudy  or  rainy  outdoors, 
on  porches  or  indoors — good  snapshots 
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Tessar  Anastigmats  (Ic,  f:4.5  or  lib 
f:6.3).  And  in  bright  sunlight  they  stop 
the  fastest  action  blurlessly. 

Ask  your  dealer  to  put  Tessar 
Anasitigmat  on  your  camera. 
Then  you  will  see  how  pleasur- 
able photography  can  be. 

Bausch  & Lomb  Optical  (5. 

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Magnifiers  and  Other  High  Grade  Optical 
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XIV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


MODEL  BEEKEEPING  OUTFITS 


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the  guide  to  nature— advertisements 


XV 


P-, 

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A large,  comprehensive,  handsomely  illustrated 
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of  the  varieties  offered,  and  giving  cultural  direc- 
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The  EIGHTY-FOURTH  edition  of  DREER’S 
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Write  today  for  a copy  which  will  be  mailed 
free  if  you  mention  this  publication 


HENRY  A.  DREER 

714-716  Chestnut  St.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 


BIRD-LORE 

A Bi-Monthly  Magazine 

EDITED  BY  FRANK  M.  CHAPMAN 

500  Pages,  6 Colored  Plates 
150  Photographs 

Price  Yearly,  one  dollar  and  a half. 

It  will  tell  you  how  to  study  birds,  how 
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a specimen  copy  on  request. 

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TiiL  BKVULOG1ST — The  only  magazine  in  the  Eng- 
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Mosses,  Hepatics,  and  Lichens.  Of  interest  to  be- 
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of  the  life  in  nature’s  streams  and  in  your  home 
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•study  its  manv  forms  of  life.  A journal  of  popu- 
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azine.  Specimen  copy  free  on  request.  Subscrip- 
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XV] 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BOBBINK  & ATKINS 


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OF  ANY  MAGNITUDE 

Nurserymen  and  Florists 

’HERFORD,  NEW  JERS 

Established  1868 


Mrs.  Dow’s  School,  Briarcliff  Manor, 
New  York. 

November  5,  1921. 
Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow, 

Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 

My  dear  Dr.  Bigelow: 

In  your  visits  of  the  last  three  years 
to  Briarcliff  I feel  that  you  have  done 
much  through  your  excursions  with  the 
girls,  your  walks  and  your  lectures 
with  the  lantern  slides  to  develop  in 
them  a love  of  nature  and  the  wonders 
of  outdoor  life,  but  your  lecture  last 
week  with  the  microscope  projections 
quite  transcended  anything  which  you 
have  done  for  us  heretofore.  In  fact  it 
seems  to  me  one  of  the  most  important 
scientific  achievements  that  has  come 
under  my  notice. 

If  you  can  reveal  the  secrets  of  the 
microscope  to  large  audiences  of  young 
people  as  you  did  for  us  you  will  cer- 
tainly be  making  a great  contribution 
to  scientific  teaching.  I wish  you  all 
success  in  developing  your  work  along 
this  line ! 

Yours  very  sincerely, 

(Signed)  Edith  Cooper  Hartman. 


WYNNE’S  INFALLIBLE 
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The  Wynne’s  Infallible  Hunter  Meter 
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BRUNSWICK  SCHOOL 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

A Preparatory  Day  School  for  Boys 
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For  catalogue,  or  special  information, 
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Telephones: 

Office,  Greenwich  318 
Home,  Greenwich  553 


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The  Milk  Food  of 
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PUPPILAC  h as  a wide  range  of  uses; 
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Factory  also  in  London,  Eng. 


SUGGESTIONS  FOR  NATURE-LOVERS 

“Handbook  of  Birds  of  Eastern  North  America,”  by  Frank  M.  Chapman.  Describes 
plumage  of  every  bird  found  in  Eastern  North  America.  “The  bird  bible  of  the 
bird-student.”  Price  $4.15  postpaid. 

“Burgess  Bird  Book  for  Children.”  A book  for  very  youthful  readers.  Price  $3.15 
postpaid. 

“Tales  from  Birdland,”  by  T.  Gilbert  Pearson.  Illustrated  by  Charles  Livingston  Bull. 
Experiences  with  birds  in  the  open  woven  together  with  human-interest  stories. 
Price  80  cents  postpaid. 

“Our  Winter  Birds,”  by  Frank  M.  Chapman.  Interesting  for  beginners  and  advanced 
students.  Price  80  cents  postpaid. 

“Portraits  and  Habits  of  Our  Birds.”  Contains  100  splendid  colored  plates  of  birds. 
Two  volumes.  Sold  at  cost,  $8  postpaid. 

“Bird-Lore.”  Beautifully  illustrated  bi-monthly  magazine.  Has  the  greatest  circulation 
of  any  bird  magazine  in  the  world.  Subscription  price  $1.50. 

Audubon  Field  Glass  for  bird-study.  Complete  with  case  and  strap,  $7.50. 

Lemaire  Opera  Glass.  Unsurpassed  for  field  work.  With  case  $12. 

NATIONAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  AUDUBON  SOCIETIES 

1974  Broadway,  New  York  City 


HIGH  CLASS  CAMPS  FOR  JULY  AND  AUGUST 

FOR  GIRLS 
FOR  BOYS 


Full  Particulars  by  the  Editor  of  This  Magazine 
Please  write  or  telephone 

EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW 


Telephone:  Sound  Beach  55 


ArcAdiA : 

Sound  Beach,  Connecticut 


Voi.  xiv  March,  1922  No.  10 


EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW 


Managing  Editor 


Published  Monthly  by  THE  AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION 
AroAmA:  SOUND  BEACH,  CONN. 


Subscription,  $1.50  a Year 


HARVARD  COLLEGE  LI  UK  ARY 
GIFT  OF 


JUN  l 


FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 

AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 

^esOe-F-  Smith 

REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 
Stamford,  Connecticut. 

Phones  2916  and  2917,  Stamford 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 

has  good  transportation  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

I have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates,  Shore  and  Inlaod 
Residences,  Farms,  Acreage,  Cottages  and 
Butldtng  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selected 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Rent 
in  all  locations. 

Would  be  pleased  to  have  j on  call  or  vrlts. 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  Ceos, 


SOUND  BEACH 

WANTED 

50  Minutes  From  New  York 

FURNISHED  HOUSES 

We  have  a good  Golf  and  Country  Club, 
also  bathing,  boating  and  fishing.  This 

FOR  | 

is  the  coolest  place  in  summer,  with 
water  on  three  sides  of  the  town.  Beach 

SUMMER  SEASON 

near  Station. 

We  rent  only  to  the  best  class  of 

1922 

people. 

Have  a large  number  of  clients  looking 

Could  I interest  you  or  your  friends  to 
buy  a place  or  rent  one  for  this  coming 

for  High  Class  Furnished  Houses.  List 

summer? 

yours  early  and  get  the  highest  rentals. 

FARMS  OF  ALL  KINDS 

FOR  SALE 

G.  HARRY  ABBOTT 

E.  BENJ.  LOCKWOOD 

REALTOR 

Notary  Public 

Real  Estate  and  Insurance 

Stamford  Savings  Bank  Building 

Telephones  216,  200 

Stamford,  Connecticut. 

No  Trouble  to  Show  Property. 

Property  in  Shippan  Point,  Stamford, 

Telephone  201 

Sound  Beach  and  Riverside. 

THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


I 


The  Walter  Stewart  Co. 

The  Leading  Grocers 
CHOICE  GROCERIES. 

FLOUR  AND  FEED. 
SIX  STORES 

Sound  Beach,  New  Canaan, 

Darien  and  Springdale 

Telephone  Connection 

SOUND  BEACH  PHARMACY 

Kodak  Supplies  Developing  and  Printing 


C.  C.  CLARK’S 

TAXI  SERVICE 

SOUND  BEACH  CONNECTICUT 

TAXI  CABS— BAGGAGE  TRANSFER 

PROMPT  SERVICE  OUR  MOTTO 
Telephone 

271  SOUND  BEACH 


D.  MAtlbR  SONS 

LEHIGH  COAL,  HYGE1A  ICE 

BUILDING  MATERIAL,  LIME,  LATH, 
BRICK,  SAND,  CEDENT,  DRAIN  PIPE 

Tel.  130  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


HARDWARE 


STATIONERY 
Sound  Beach,  Connecticut 
E.  S.  Donovan  Phone  Sound  Beach  19 

MCARDLE’S  SEED  STORE 

Florist  and  Seedsman 

SEEDS,  PLANTS,  BULBS,  INSECTICIDES  AND 
FERTILIZERS 

BIRD  HOUSES,  FEEDING  DEVICES  AND  BIRD 
FOODS 

Telephone  317  Merritt  Building 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

EVERYTHING 

ELECTRICAL 

FOR  THE  HOME 

From  Garret  to  Cellar 

Electric  Heaters,  Sewing 
Machines,  Irons,  Vacuum 
Cleaners,  Washing  Ma- 
chines, Percolators, 
Toasters,  etc.,  etc., 

— at — 

THE  STAMFORD  ELEC- 
TRICAL CONTRACTOR 

INCORPORATED 

22i  Atlantic  Street 


LAURENCE  TAYLOR 

PAINTS  OIL  WINDOW  GLASS 

HOUSEHOLD  UTENSILS 

Boles  Block,  Next  to  Post  Office  Phone  95 
Sound  Beach 

LA  BELLE  BAKERY 

297  Atlantic  Street 
STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 


S.  G.  JUDD  STORE 

HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 

Telephone  352 

White  and  Gray  Enamel 
Ware 

Galvanized  and  Tin  Ware 
Aluminum,  Crockery  and 
Glass  Ware 

Baskets,  Cutlery 

43  BANK  STREET 
Stamford,  _ _ Connecticut 


II 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Stamford  Business  Directory 


Telephone,  270  Uptown  Office:  STARK  BROS 

271  40  PARE  ROW 


CHAS.  F.  WATERBURY 
David  Waterbury  & Son 

COAL  DRAIN  PIPE  WOOD 

Crushed  Stone  for  Walks  and  Drives 
YARDS:  Canal  Dock.  STAMFORD.  CONN. 


Telephone  169  Insurance  Appraisals  Made 

WM.  T.  FINNEY,  INC. 

ANTIQUES,  SECONDHAND 

FURNITURE,  STORAGE. 

Office  and  Auction  Rooms 

35  Atlantic  Street,  Stamford,  Conn 

Corsets  Fitted  Free  by  Expert  Corsetiere 

Phone  989 

LA  SARETTE  CORSET  SHOF 

STAMFORD  THEATRE  BUILDING 
Stamford  Connecticut 


BORG  BROTHERS 

Chemical  and  Analytical  Laboratories 
for  Special  Research  Work 

539  MAIN  ST. 

STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

JOHN  PHILLIPS 

Dealer  in 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES 

463  Main  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

FOR  FINE  MILLINERY 
NEWSTAD’S 

3 BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

FRANK  M.  WEST 
HARDWARE 

Paints,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Etc.  House  Furnishings 

18  PARK  ROW  Tel.  Con. 

R.  F.  VOSKA  & SO  INI 

TAILORS 

444  Atlantic  St.  Stamlord,  Conn. 

DR.  W.  H.  POMEROY 

DENTIST 
The  Gurley  Building 

324  Main  Street,  Opposite  City  Hall 

Stamford,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


III 


MOTORS 

FIXTURES 

APPLIANCES 


MODERN  LABOR  SAVING  MACHINES  FOR 
THE  HOUSEHOLD 

The  Downes-Smith  Co. 

Electrical  Contractors 

Stamford,  Conn. 


79  ATLANTIC  STREET 


THE  GRUBER 
COMPANY 


STAMFORD’S  EXCLUSIVE 
WOMAN’S  SHOP 


298  Main  Street 
Stamford 


Telephone  2294 


Phillips’  Gift  Simp 

Gifts  for  All  Occasions 

Diamonds,  Watches, 
Jewelry,  Silver- 
ware.  Cut  Glass, 
f'10  - ~ Clocks,  Sterling 
V +.J  AND  Ivoroid  Toilet 

NjlGs 1 Jr  and  Manicure  Sets, 
Novelties,  Etc. 

Usual  Amount  of  Engraving  Free. 

A Small  Deposit  Reserves  Any  Article 
Selected. 

Exclusive  Agency  Gorham 
Silverware. 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 

232  Atlantic  St.,  Stamford,  Conn.  B 
Established,  1897 

THE  HALLMARK  STORE 


IV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATU RE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Like  Getting  Back  Home  Again 


Sprin 

Clothes 


cr 


$20  to  $50 


What  a comfortable  feeling-  it  is  to  have  our  feet  planted 
firmly  on  solid  ground  of  normalcy!  It’s  like  getting- 
back  home  again  after  a rough  voyage  over  uncharted 
seas.  Readjustment  in  the  Clothing  business  has  taken 
place.  The  days  of  abnormal  prices  are  past.  If  you 
want  to  appreciate  the  value  of  the  word  “ value,”  come 
here ! 

THE  HARTWELL -DELAP  COMPANY 


48  PARK  ROW 


STAMFORD,  CONN. 


GOOD  HEALTH’S  BEST  FRIEND  IS  WHOLESOME  FOOD 


THE  BEST  INGREDIENTS  make  the  BEST  BREAD! 

Beech  Nut  Bread  is  made  of  Pure  Granulated  Sugar,  Pure  Leaf  Lard,  Pure 
Malt  Extract,  Pure  Fleischmann’s  Yeast,  Pure  Milk  and  Plenty  Of  It,  and 
Pure  Wheat  Flour — and  each  of  these  wholesome,  healthful  ingredients  is  the 
finest  quality  that  money  can  buy. 

NATURALLY— BEECH  NUT  BREAD  IS  MORE  NOURISHING,  AS  WELL 
AS  MORE  DELICIOUS! 

Baked  Solely  by  the  Marsh  Bakeries,  Inc. 


THE  G U1 DE  TO  NA  T l 'R E — AD  TER  TISEMEN  TS 


V 


Influence  of  the  Weather. 

Mrs.  M.  had  arrived  at  the  little  sta- 
tion in  \ errnont  on  a cold,  stormy  eve- 
ning' and  had  hired  an  old  man  to  drive 
her  to  her  friend's  farm  up  among 
the  hills.  The  roads  were  in  bad  con- 
dition from  the  storm,  and  the  ride 
was  altogether  a very  uncomfortable 
one.  ‘‘How  much  do  I owe  you?”  she 
asked  on  arriving  at  her  destination. 
"V  ell,  ma’am,”  said  the  old  man,  “my 
reg’lar  price  is  a dollar,  but  seein’  as 
it's  sech  a bad  night  and  the  goin  so 
terrible,  I’ll  call  it  seventy-five  cents.” 
— The  Christian  Register  (Boston). 


Available  Ornithology. 

In  the  spring  when  the  naturalist 
finds  his  fancy  turning  lightly  to  the 
things  of  the  bird  world,  he  should  not 
look  aloft  to  the  tree  tops  but  down  to 
the  flufify  little  chickens. 

In  order  to  know  the  best  kind, 
glance  at  the  advertisement  of  the 
Rosemont  Poultry  Farms  and  Hatch- 
ery’s day  old  chicks. 


Improvement  on  Nature. 

Visitor — “How  much  milk  does  the 
old  cow  give  ?” 

Farm-hand — “About  eight  quarts  a 
day,  mum.” 

A isitor — “And  how  much  of  that  do 
you  sell  ?” 

Farm-hand — “About  twelve,  mum  !” 
—The  Passing  Show  (London). 


Ornitho — logical?  ? 

Freshman  — “Where  do  jailbirds 
come  from?” 

Soph — “They  are  raised  from  larks, 
bats,  and  swallows.” — The  Drexerd. 


For  afternoon  and  evening  dress, 
you  will  find  here  models  of  distinc- 
tive good  taste,  at  prices  that  con- 
firm this  store’s  reputation  for  un- 
usual values. 


C . Spolko  $ Son 

Shoos  Si  hosiery 
419  Main  Sired 

btnnrocD  Cotit* 


The  Gift  Establishment 

DIAMONDS 

ENGAGEMENT,  WEDDING  AND  BIRTHDAY  GIFTS 
Large  Assortment  of 

GORHAM  SILVER 

GEORGE  GRUNBERGER,  THE  JEWELER 

599  MAIN  STREET  QUINTARD  BLOCK 

I plant  to  live,  while  others  plant  to  die; 

The  longer  I live,  the  better  I’ll  plant, 

And  the  more  I plant,  the  better  I’ll  live. 

T.mre  Nature  as  T Da 

ELMER  E.  MARSHALL 

GARDENER 

All  Kinds  of  Pruning  and  Grading  Done  on  Short  Notice 

Riverside,  Conn.  Telephone. 


447  Atlantic  St. 
Stamford, 
Conn. 


64 


Purchase  St. 
Rye,  N.  Y. 


SEEDS 


BULBS 


PL A NTS 


and  everything  for  the 


GARDEN  AND  LAWN 

SEND  FOR  OUR  GARDEN  GUIDE 
IT’S  FREE 


VI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


SILK  HOSIERY  IN  ALL  SHADES 


There  is  no  hint  of  the  commonplace  about  the  hosiery  you  purchase  here. 

Woven  of  the  finest 

THE  LACE  AND  TRIMMING  STORE  silken  threads  into 

the  sheerest  fabrics, 
its  durability,  beau- 
ty and  color  are 
guaranteed. 


'll!  Atlantic  St. 


ST  A 


“A  Pleasant  Place  to  Shop,  with  Always  Something  New.” 


Established  1853 

THE  QETMAN&  JUDD  CO. 

Lumber  and  Timber  of  all  Kinds 

SPECIALTY:  High  Grade  HARDWOOD  FLOORING 

thoroughly  Kiln  Dried  and  stored  in  Steam  heated  build- 
cng  until  delivered  to  our  customers.  Our  steadily  in- 
creasing trade  in  this  specialty  proves  the  fact  that 
the  country  home  is  not  complete  until  fitted  out  with 
thin  beautiful  and  sanitary  furnishing.  Old  Residences 
■*•7  ke  greatly  improved  by  laying  thin  floors  over  the 
eld  ones. 

CANAL  DOCKS,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone  2180. 


Homes  Near  to  Nature 

Should  he  so  constructed  as  to  give  lasting  satisfaction. 
Our  method  of  manufacturing  dependable  Interior  and 
Exterior  house  trim  from  thoroughly  kiln  dried  material 
by  skilled  mechanics  insures  such  satisfaction. 

THE  ST.  JOHN  WOOD  WORKING  CO. 

Canal  Docks  Stamford  Conn. 

Telephone  781 
DIRECTORS 

WALTON  FERGUSON,  Pres.  W.  W.  HERO V 
W.  D.  DASKAM,  Vice  Pres.  Dr.  F.  H.  GETMAN 

W.  H.  JUDD,  Sec.  and  Treas.  F.  W.  BOGARDUS 
J.  G.  WIGG,  General  Manager. 


SEE  US  AND 

SEE  BETTER 


Protect  your  eyes  from  the  daily 
strain  and  sun’s  rays. 


CAMERAS  and  SUPPLIES 
Developing,  Printing 
and  Mounting  .... 

W.  A.  MCCLELLAND,  Inc„  Optometrists-Opticians 

Stamford  345  Atlantic  St.,  Connecticut 


STAMFORD  STEAM  LAUNDRY,  Inc. 

Deliveries  to  Sound  Beach  and  Shippan. 
OFFICE  10-12  SUMMER  PLACE 
Telephone,  249.  Stamford,  Conn. 


THE  GAMBLE  MILL  WORK  CO. 


SASH,  DOORS,  BLINDS,  TRIM, 
ETC. 

520  Steamboat  Road 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

THE  GREENWICH  CAB  CO.,  INC. 

Garage,  Taxi  Service,  Tires  and 
Supplies. 

81  Railroad  Ave.,  Greenwich,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


VII 


An  Inspiration. 

It  is  a real  joy  to  see  Dreer’s  Garden 
Book  on  our  desk.  It  gives  one  a feel- 
ing that  spring  and  summer  are  not  far 
off.  The  catalogue,  though  issued 
largely  for  commercial  purposes,  has 
real  nature  study  value.  The  illustra- 
tions are  as  beautiful  as  those  that  may 
be  found  in  any  elaborate  textbook  of 
botany.  The  color  plates  not  only  in- 
spire love  for  the  vegetables  or  flowers 
portrayed,  but  are  in  themselves  works 


of  art.  It  would  seem  as  if  every  lover  of 
the  great  outdoors — and  who  is  there 
that  does  not  belong  in  that  class? — 
would  be  glad  to  accept  the  invitation 
to  send  for  a free  copy.  When  our 
readers  and  friends  do  that,  will  they 
not  kindly  mention  The  Guide  to  Na- 
ture? In  giving  this  notice  we  have  a 
kindly  disposition  towards  the  Dreer 
house  and  toward  every  one  of  our 
readers.  All  we  ask  in  return  is  that 
you  will  reciprocate  and  speak  kindly 
of  us. 


Merrill  Business  College 

Our  Secretarial  Course  prepares  both  Young 
Men  and  Young  Women  to  hold  resoonsible 
positions. 

Bookkeeping,  Shorthand,  Dictaphone, 

Typewriting  and  English  Branches 

SOUTH  NORWALK  STAMFORD  PORT  CHESTER 


Alien 


like  these  beckon,  there’s  bound 
to  be  a wave  of  customers. 
Nature  herself  doesn’t  blend 
colors  any  prettier,  or  richer,  or 
as  lasting. 

And  it’s  only  natural  that  early 
choosing  should  yield  greatest 
reward. 

$1.50  $2.50  $3.00 

THE 

COMES-NORTHROP  CO. 

445  MAIN  STREET 
STAMFORD.  CONN. 


Phone  953-5  H.  Eichenbaum,  Prop. 

THE  ATLANTIC  TRUNK  AND 
UMBRELLA  SHOP 

Stamford’s  Umbrella  Hospital 

285  Atlantic  Street 
(Opposite  Catholic  Church) 

Near  Worth  Street  Stamford,  Conn. 


RQSEMONT 
BABY  CHICKS 


Beautiful,  hardy,  pure-bred  chicks  of  11  popu- 
lar money-making  breeds.  Direct  from  our  great 
incubators  to  you.  Shipped  prepaid  and  delivery 
in  perfect  condition  guaranteed.  Prices  moderate. 

Whether  you  wish  25  chicks  for  pets  or  the 
home  flock  of  poultry,  or  thousands  for  a com- 
mercial farm,  you  should  get  our  big,  illustrated 
catalog.  Mailed  FREE.  Write  for  it  today. 

Rosemont  Poultry  Farms  and  Hatchery 

DRAWER  7,  ROSEMONT,  NEW  JERSEY. 


The  stormy  winds  of  March  swept  through 
Bare  boughs  on  every  hand. 

Where  now  the  magic  of  the  May 
Has  brought  us  fairyland. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


VIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


The  Trading  Place  of  Over  Half  a Century 

THE  C.  0.  MILLER  CO. 

THE  WHOLE  WORLD  TAKES  ON  NEW  LIFE  AS 
SPRING  APPROACHES 


Cr  The  birds  begin  to  think  about  their  nests  that  will  be  built  in  a few  weeks,  and 

hundreds  of  home  makers  are  keenly  enthusiastic  about  their  many  plans  for  Spring. 

Now  is  the  best  time  to  start  the  work.  The  New  Cretonnes  provide  one  of  the 
most  popular  attractions,  also  the  new  laces,  nets,  scrims,  madras  and  other  hangings. 
The  new  rugs  and  floor  coverings  are  also  on  sale. 

It  will  be  such  a comfort,  later  on,  to  realize  that  these  things  are  all  taken  care  of. 
We  can  furnish  ideas  and  do  the  work  if  you  wish. 

Come  and  see  the  displays  of  these  and  other  new  things,  whether  ready  to  make 
your  decisions  or  not. 

THE  C.  O.  MILLER  CO. 

Est.  54  Years 


Atlantic  Square 


Stamford,  Conn. 


.i^****  i 


PALMER  Co. 

Wholesale  and  Retail 
Dealers  in 

HARDWARE 

AGRICULTURAL 
IMPLEMENTS 
House  Furnishings,  Etc. 

XO  OL  S 

OF 

All  Kinds 


92  PARK  PLACE 
(Cor.  Summer  Street) 
STAMFORD,  - CONN. 
Telephone  Connections 


The  LOCKWOOD  & 


Published  monthly  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Connecticui 
Subscription,  $1.50  a year  Single  copy,  15  cents 

Entered  as  Second-Class  Matter  June  12,  1909,  at  Sound  Beach  Post  Office,  under  Act  of  March  3,  1897. 
Acceptance  for  mailing  at  special  rate  of  postage  provided  for  in  Section  1103,  Act  of  October  3,  1917, 

authorized  on  June  27,  1918. 


Volume  XIV  MARCH,  1922  Number  10 

THE  COLONY  AT  SOUND  BEACH,  CONNECTICUT,  WHERE  DR. 
EDWARD  F.  BIGELOW  DISPENSES  HOSPITALITY 
AND  KNOWLEDGE. 

From  a page  illustrated  article  by  Winthrop  Packard,  in  The  Boston 
Transcript,  January  7,  1922. 


WHO  shall  find  Arcadia,  the  place 
where  ideal  rustic  simplicity  and 
contentment  prevail?  Long  ago 
the  poets  of  the  Peloponnesus  sang  of 
its  joys.  The  songs  remain,  but  the 
Arcadia  of  ancient  Greece  has  gone 
with  the  Greek  poets,  never  to  return. 
Yet  we  have  a new  cult  every  few  min- 
utes and  one  of  the  latest  of  these  is 
the  cult  of  nature  worshippers.  The 
novitiate  in  this  requires  some  knowl- 
edge of  the  birds,  the  flowers,  the  stars, 
the  tiny  creatures  that  sing  in  the  grass 
and  the  marshy  pool,  and  surely  the 
novice  must  go  back  to  Arcady  for 
these.  Hence  we  have  the  byways  of 
the  country  spattered  with  bird  watch- 
ers and  flower  finders  and  at  night  we 
stumble  over  the  star  gazers  when  we 
ourselves  wander  in  the  dusk,  per- 
chance following  some  star. 

A little  of  the  Arcadia  that  these  seek 
may  be  anywhere — in  a city  back-yard, 
a park  or  along  a country  lane.  I myself 
found  an  epitome  of  Arcadia  tucked  in 
beside  the  railroad  down  in  Connecti- 
cut not  more  than  forty  miles  from 


New  York.  Sound  Beach  is  a neat  little 
village,  a mile  from  the  picturesque 
shore  of  Long  Island  Sound,  a street  of 
shops  that  cater  to  the  surrounding 
commuters’  homes  and  the  summer 
cottages  alongshore. 

GETTING  INTO  THE  ATMOSPHERE. 

You  get  off  the  train  at  a little  station, 
tread  a perilous  path  down  a railroad 
embankment,  enter  a grove,  and  you 
are  in  ArcAdiA,  spelled  with  three  cap- 
ital “A’s”  by  those  who  know  it  best. 
Plere  are  nature  and  all  the  appliances 
of  nature  study,  buildings,  instruments, 
teachers,  grouped  in  a shaded  five-acre 
lot,  and  because  it  is  ArcAdiA  it  is  free 
to  all  and  because  it  is  free  to  all  it  is 
Arcadia.  There  is  a marshy  meadow 
wTith  a tiny  pond  where  creatures  of  the 
marsh, — frogs,  salamanders,  yea  snakes 
and  water  scorpions,  may  be  found  and 
studied  along  with  marsh  insects  and 
plants.  This  is  Nymphalia,  the  abode 
of  nymphs,  butterfly  nymphs  in  the 
air,  dragon-fly  nymphs  in  the  pools  and 
wood  nymphs  in  mjodern  dry-goods 


Copyright  1922  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


134 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


store  garb  when  the  classes  gather.  For 
hither  come  people  old  and  young  to 
revel  in  Arcadia  for  a time,  to  learn  to 
love  and  know  nature. 

That  these  may  find  rest  and  refresh- 
ment, “Little  Japan”  is  a part  of 
ArcAdiA.  This  is  a shaded,  commo- 
dious, open-air  rest  platform  with  seats 
and  opportunities  for  lunching  parties, 
a building  for  shelter  in  time  of  storm 
and  a chance  for  young  people  to  dance 
to  Edison  phonograph  music  on  the 
platform  if  their  teachers  allow  between 
classes.  Little  Japan  is  beautified  with 
Japanese  decorations. 

The  abode  of  nymphs  and  the  Japa- 
nese cozy  corner  are  a fitting  introduc- 
tion to  more  serious  or  more  ad- 
venturous opportunities.  In  all  you 
may  visit  a dozen  buildings,  dedicated 
each  to  some  phase  of  the  work.  There 
is  the  observatory,  for  instance,  con- 
taining a six-inch  Clark  telescope. 
Through  this  real  astronomical  re- 
search may  be  conducted.  Galileo  had 
nothing  so  good.  The  classes  from  the 
schools  which  come  to  study  the  stars 
may  get  a peep  through  this,  but  most 
of  their  work  is  field  work.  Often  you 
may  find  them  grouped  in  the  field  at 
dusk,  stretched  out  on  the  grass  so  that 
they  may  take  in  the  uttermost  limits 
of  the  sky  at  a glance,  while  the  in- 
structor stands  in  their  midst  pointing 
out  the  glories  of  the  heavens  in  detail. 

FUN  AMONG  THE  BEES. 

Of  a sunny  afternoon  you  may  find 
them  among  the  beehives.  Perhaps  a 
group  of  kindergarten  children,  stand- 
ing with  faces  unprotected  by  netting 
and  bare  hands  that  hold  frames 
swarming  with  bees,  while  the  in- 
structor teaches  them  to  handle  the 
winged  stingers  without  harm  to  them- 
selves or  the  bees.  It  is  rather  note- 
worthy and  speaks  well  of  the  value  of 
the  instruction  that  boys  and  girls  of 
tender  years  learn  thus  to  handle  the 
bees,  not  only  without  harm  to  either 
but  seemingly  with  enjoyment.  Astron- 
omy is  a serious  enough  pursuit,  bee 
handling  is  not  only  sober  nature  study 
but  exciting  .adventure  as  well. 

Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow  is  the  head 
of  ArcAdiA.  The  place  is  his  home 
and  his  unique  plan  for  interesting  the 
world  in  a study  of  nature.  He  is  at 
once  prophet,  instructor  and  guide. 
Schools,  private  and  public,  anywhere 
within  fifty  miles  have  come  to  lean 


on  him  and  a visit  to  his  place  is  a first 
step  toward  interesting  children  in  the 
serious  study  of  nature  which  he  be- 
lieves to  be  the  foundation  of  all  real 
knowledge.  One  of  the  popular  build- 
ings at  ArcAdiA  is  the  Welcome  Re- 
ception Room.  Here  is  a cavernous 
stone  fireplace  which  dispenses  warmth 
and  cheer.  A long  reading  table,  well 
furnished  wth  instructive  and  enter- 
taining nature  books  and  projection  ap- 
paratus capable  of  throwing  on  the 
screen  not  only  the  ordinary  lantern 
slide  pictures,  but  the  secrets  revealed 
by  high  power  microscopes  of  which 
there  are  several  in  the  laboratory, 
which  is  another  building. 

HEADQUARTERS  OF  NATURE  STUDY. 

In  this  building  Dr.  Bigelow  not  only 
does  his  research  work,  but  gives  first 
aid  to  injured  amateur  naturalists  who 
have  become  wrecked  on  something, 
they  don’t  know  what.  Personally  con- 
ducted or  by  mail  or  express  the  speci- 
mens come  and  the  doctor  cheerfully 
investigates,  names  or  admires  and 
notes  the  rarity,  as  the  case  may  seem 
to  require.  Often  the  details  concern- 
ing these  things  are  published  in  the 
little  monthly  magazine  which  item- 
izes the  work  of  the  place  from  month 
to  month.  This  makes  ArcAdiA  the 
headquarters  of  information  which 
reaches  much  farther  than  the  personal 
touch  can. 

There  is  much  more  to  ArcAdiA.  I 
have  touched  on  only  a few  of  its  salient 
points.  As  an  institution  it  is  unique 
and  centers  about  a unique  and  kindly 
personality,  a man  who  has  been  him- 
self all  his  life  an  enthusiastic  nature 
student  and  is  possessed  with  the  idea 
that  all  the  world  should  follow  along 
the  same  path.  Very  likely  it  should; 
at  any  rate  yearly  more  and  more  pil- 
grims seeking  Arcadia  with  staff  and 
scrip  stop  off  at  Sound  Beach  to  learn 
a little  about  the  universe  we  live  in 
and  find  contentment  and  ideal  rustic 
simplicity  blossoming  in  the  midst  of  a 
hustling  and  rather  materialistic  world. 

Kind  Words  from  the  Sound  Beach 

Correspondent  of  The  Greenwich 
Press. 

ArcAdiA  and  Dr.  Bigelow,  both  well 
known  and  well  loved  by  all  Sound 
Beach,  were  splendidly  spoken  of  in  the 
Boston  Transcript  of  January  7. 


THE  GREEN-GILLED  OYSTER  APPEARS 


135 


Among  other  things  it  says,  “Schools, 
private  and  public,  anywhere  within 
fifty  miles  have  come  to  lean  on  him 
and  a visit  to  his  place  is  a first  step 
toward  interesting  children  in  the  seri- 
ous study  of  nature,  which  he  believes 
to  he  the  foundation  of  all  real  knowl- 
edge.” 

This  should  he  a thought  to  be  fos- 
tered in  the  hearts  of  the  parents  of 
our  school  children.  Advantage  should 
be  taken  of  the  splendid  opportunities 
for  nature  study  within  our  boundaries. 


The  Green-Gilled  Oyster  Appears. 

The  oyster-lovers  of  Washington, 
Philadelphia,  and  other  coast  cities 
have  been  enjoying  during  the  past  few 
weeks  a delicacy  of  which  few  house- 
wives have  been  entirely  aware.  This 
is  the  green-gilled  oyster,  widely  famed 
in  France  as  the  delicately  flavored 
Marennes  oyster.  There  the  bivalve  is 
cultivated  in  special  “claires”  or  small 
artificial  tide-water  ponds  in  which  the 
oysters’  gills  become  bright  green  in 
color.  There  is  a great  demand  for  such 
green-gills  at  Marennes  and  at  many 
of  the  famous  French  watering  places 
because  of  their  fine  flavor  and  unusual 
“fatness.”  And  the  price  paid  for  green- 
gilled  oysters  is  considerably  higher 
than  that  paid  for  normal  “white” 
oysters. 

While  the  oyster  farmer  of  Marennes 
goes  to  some  trouble  to  obtain  the 
green  coloration  of  the  gills,  the  Ameri- 
can oyster  farmers  of  certain  parts  of 
the  Chesapeaks  Bay  and  North  Carolina 
Sound  regions  have  occasionally  been 
granted  by  nature  the  privilege,  gen- 
erally much  against  their  wills,  of  rear- 
ing green-gilled  oysters  when  they 
would  have  been  better  satisfied  with 
the  ordinary  American  “white”  oyster. 
The  only  objections  the  American 
oyster  culturists  have,  however,  to  the 
emerald-edged  bivalve  are  the  facts 
that  the  American  public  does  not 
know  its  qualities  and  that  nature  does 
not  bring  about  conditions  each  year 
for  its  regular  natural  production. 

The  greening  of  the  breathing  appa- 
ratus of  the  oyster  is  caused  by  a 
vegetable  pigment  characteristic  ap- 
parently of  a single  microscopic  plant, 
a diatom.  The  rate  of  growth  and  re- 
production of  this  particular  diatom  is 
governed  by  very  delicate  changes  in 
the  chemical  constitution  of  the  sea 


water  in  which  it  lives.  The  oyster 
ingests  a large  number  of  diatoms  of 
many  different  species  in  its  normal 
feeding  process,  having  no  special 
choice  of  the  kinds  it  eats.  So  when 
the  particular  diatom  whose  pigment 
causes  the  greening  is  very  abundant  it 
naturally  feeds  freely  on  that  also. — 
New  York  Evening  Post. 

Greening  of  Oysters. 

BY  J.  S.  GUTSELL,  BUREAU  OF  FISHERIES, 
WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

This  pigment,  absorbed  by  the  blood, 
is  conveyed  to  the  gills,  where  certain 
wandering  secretory  cells  reabsorb  it, 
take  on  a greenish  tint  and  so  color  the 
gills. 

It  is  supposed  that  these  cells  ulti- 
mately disintegrate  with  the  production 
of  mucus  which  is  discharged  on  the 
surface  of  the  gills.  Doubtless,  also, 
following  the  disintegration,  the  pig- 
ment finds  its  way  out  of  the  gills, 
which  in  this  case  would  function  in 
the  discharge  of  a waste  substance,  in 
addition  to  serving,  like  the  lungs  of 
higher  animals,  for  the  interchange  of 
respiratory  gases. 

Unarmed  and  Unafraid. 

A Hymn  of  Peace. 

BY  DAVID  STARR  JORDAN,  STANFORD  UNIVERSITY, 
CALIF. 

O thou  blest  land.  America ! 

I look  adown  thy  country  side, 

And  in  the  dawning  glow  of  Peace, 

I see  thy  landscape  glorified. 

Thy  forests  loftier  rear  their  crests, 

Thine  eager  rivers  swifter  flow, 

While  from  thy  hills  of  Hope  and  Faith, 

Thy  cleansing  winds  of  Freedom  blow. 

The  Future  beckons — May  it  be ! 

The  land  where  every  dream  comes  true 
The  land  in  which  each  humblest  child 
Shall  breathe  as  free  as  I or  you. 

The  favored  land  of  noble  youth 
The  land  where  Hatred  dies  away 
The  land  where  each  may  know  the  truth, 

The  chosen  land  of  Liberty. 

Erect,  unarmed  and  unafraid 
Its  children  of  the  future  stand 
With  Peace,  her  sheltering  pinions  spread 
North,  South,  East,  West,  above  our  lands. 

O speed  the  day  when  blood  of  man 
No  more  incarnadines  the  sod, 

When  men  in  brotherhood  shall  stand 
With  every  child  a son  of  God. 

When  Peace  with  velvet-sandalled  feet 
Shall  tread  the  land  from  shore  to  shore, 
And  peoples  in  the  bond  of  love 
Shall  never  learn  war  any  more. 


An  Original  Design  in  Bird  Nest 
Architecture. 

BY  EDWIN  A.  FIELD,  SPRINGFIELD,  MASS. 

The  average  man  or  woman  looks 
for  little  originality  among  the  birds. 
Feathered  life  is  commonly  supposed 
to  be  a cut-and-dried  affair,  guided  by 
instinct  along  a fated  path  that  leaves 
little  room  for  intelligence  or  original- 
ity. Even  the  most  casual  observer  of 
birds,  however,  must  be  impressed  by 
the  fact  that  the  accompanying  illus- 


REMARKABLY  “ORIGINAL”  NEST, 
tration  gives  some  rather  striking  evi- 
dence of  talents  akin  to  genius. 

Here  is  a nest  that  was  discovered 
this  fall  by  Albert  F.  Sickma  of  Hol- 
yoke, Massachusetts,  near  the  top  of  Mt. 
Tom,  one  of  the  famous  members  of 
the  picturesque  Holyoke  range.  While 
the  nest  is  constructed  along  the  cus- 
tomary lines  in  its  final  processes,  its 
foundation  is  remarkable  for  its  origi- 
nality. We  find  it  difficult  to  believe 
that  this  originality  was  without  de- 
liberate design. 

As  discovered  by  Mr.  Sickma,  the 
nest  was  securely  lodged,  about  twelve 


feet  above  the  ground,  in  a four- 
pronged fork  of  a small  tree,  where  it 
rested  upon  a soft  mattress  of  inter- 
twined strips  of  paper  napkins  and 
waxed  paper,  the  long  ends  of  which 
hung  down  a foot  and  a half  below  the 
nest  and  fluttered  in  the  wind  like 
white  festoons.  Some  of  this  paper  has 
been  woven  into  the  body  of  the  nest 
itself  along  with  other  fantastic  ma- 
terials like  paper  lace  from  candy  boxes 
and  even  soda  water  straws,  the  pro- 
truding ends  of  which  may  be  plainly 
seen. 

Whether  used  by  the  builders  as 
decorations,  as  camouflage  or  as  a 
means  of  frightening  away  their  ene- 
mies, these  paper  trimmings  are  plain- 
ly the  remains  of  numerous  basket  pic- 
nics. The  summit  of  Mt.  Tom,  near 
which  the  nest  was  found,  is  a popu- 
lar place  for  summer  outings.  The 
birds  who  invented  this  new  type  of 
nest,  therefore,  had  plenty  of  material 
at  hand  with  which  to  experiment. 

The  designers  had  apparently  gone 
south  for  the  winter  when  their  handi- 
work was  discovered  and  it  was,  of 
course,  impossible  to  interview  them 
as  to  their  motives  in  building  such  an 
unusual  home.  Perhaps  they  had  no 
motive  other  than  to  build  a nest  in 
which  to  rear  their  young.  They  may 
have  used  the  paper  foundation  by 
chance  because  it  happened  to  be 
handy.  The  manner  in  which  this  paper 
was  utilized,  however,  is  so  unique  as 
to  make  a strong  appeal  to  the  imagina- 
tion. It  seems  to  indicate  that  the 
feathered  builders  responsible  for  this 
ingenious  piece  of  work  really  did  have 
ideas  of  their  own. 

In  order  to  preserve  the  nest  in  its 
entirety,  Mr.  Sickma  was  permitted  to 
cut  away  the  whole  branch  containing 
the  festooned  structure,  and  he  has 
presented  the  curiosity  to  the  Spring- 
field  Museum  of  Natural  History.  He 
said  he  believed  the  nest  had  belonged 
to  an  aristocratic  wood  thrush  family. 


ORNITHOLOGY 


07 


Shrikes  Attempt  to  Get  Canaries. 

BY  PAUL  R.  MANN,  HEAD  OF  BIOLOGY  DE- 
PARTMENT, EVANDER  CHILDS  HIGH 
SCHOOL,  NEW  YORK  CITY. 

While  I was  visiting  in  Brewster, 
Massachusetts,  recently,  one  of  my 
friends,  Miss  Edith  Capen,  reported  to 
me  within  an  hour  of  its  occurrence  a 
curious  incident  of  biological  interest. 

About  eight  o’clock  on  the  morning 
of  November  25,  1921,  her  two  canaries 
hanging  in  the  sunshine,  one  in  each  of 
two  south  windows,  suddenly  became 
greatly  agitated  and  alarmed.  Her  at- 
tention was  attracted  by  the  noise  of 
their  fluttering  and  as  she  ran  to  the 
windows  she  saw  the  cause  of  the 
alarm.  Some  larger  birds,  later  identi- 
fied as  loggerhead  shrikes,  were  doing 
their  utmost  to  get  through  the  pro- 
tecting glass  of  the  windows,  evidently 
determined  to  obtain  the  canaries.  The 
food  of  shrikes,  as  most  people  know, 
consists  of  insects,  mice  and  small 
birds,  and  these  bright  colored  pets 
must  have  seemed  tempting  indeed  on 
a November  morning,  when  most  ani- 
mal life  had  either  migrated  or  begun 
to  hibernate.  In  the  case  of  these 
shrikes  emotions  were  apparently 
stronger  than  their  normal  fear  of  man, 
for  they  alternately  clung  to  the  win- 
dow sash  and  dashed  away  a few  feet 
to  get  a fresh  start.  There  were  sev- 
eral shrikes  flying  about  the  windows, 
but  two  in  particular  were  so  furious 
when  balked  by  the  glass  that  they 
spread  their  tails  out  like  great  fans 
and  were  not  frightened  off  even  when 
the  canaries  were  being  removed  from 
the  windows.  Reluctant  to  give  up, 
they  flew  to  a rosebush  about  four  feet 
away  from  the  house  and  perched  there 
for  some  time  directly  in  front  of  the 
windows. 

The  shrikes  were  apparently  travel- 
ling in  a flock,  for  at  least  eight  were 
counted  later  in  the  garden  where  they 
had  scattered  among  the  bushes  and 
trees. 


In  the  article,  “Bird  Notes  around 
Stamford,  Conn.,”  by  Mr.  Paul  G. 
Howes  of  that  city  in  our  January  num- 
ber, the  word  “gulls”  should  have  read 
“terns.”  Mr.  Howes  states  that  no 
gulls  breed  here.  The  mistake  was  a 
slip  of  the  pen  and  mind  when  he  wrote 
the  article. 


The  Song  of  the  Woodcock. 

New  York  City. 

To  the  Editor : 

Several  of  my  friends  have  spoken 
of  my  reference  to  the  song  of  the 
woodcock  on  page  214  of  “A  Surgeon’s 
Philosophy”  and  commonly  with  some 
question  if  the  woodcock  really  sings 
sweetly.  On  a Sunday  evening  in 
March,  I was  at  Merribrooke,  Stam- 
ford, Connecticut,  and  went  out  as 
usual  to  listen  to  the  different  kinds  of 
music  in  the  air  at  that  time  of  day. 
If  you  know  of  some  doubter  on  the 
woodcock  song  question  take  him  up 
to  my  place  now.  Singing  begins  a 
few  minutes  on  either  side  of  6:30  ac- 
cordingly as  the  evening  is  cloudy  or 
bright. 

Take  a stand  in  the  road  about  fifty 
yards  inside  of  my  entrance  gate  and 
keep  quiet.  The  bleating  of  three  male 
birds  will  soon  be  heard  as  they  call 
while  resting  on  the  ground,  the  bleat 
sounding  much  like  the  call  note  of  a 
nighthawk.  One  after  another  of  these 
woodcock  will  then  mount  to  about  one 
hundred  yards  in  a spiral  flight  with  a 
loud  twittering  of  wings.  The  wing 
note  then  becomes  broken  and  is  suc- 
ceeded by  the  <sweet  warble,  in  timbre 
like  the  voice  of  the  bluebird,  continued 
while  the  bird  descends  in  a spiral  vol- 
plane. 

Farther  in  on  my  driveway  to  the 
right  of  the  house  you  will  see  two  tall 
elm  trees.  Take  a stand  under  these 
trees  and  you  can  watch  three  more 
male  woodcock  going  through  their 
rivalries  in  singing.  How  much  better 
it  would  be  if  men  conducted  their 
rivalries  in  this  way  instead  of  by  fight- 
ing! If  you  care  to  hear  still  more 
woodcock  singing  you  will  hear  them 
at  the  top  of  the  hill  just  after  crossing 
my  bridge  behind  the  barn,  and  another 
good  place  for  listening  to  them  is  at 
the  northeast  end  of  my  big  lot  along 
the  river  about  half  a mile  from  the 
house. 

You  will  perhaps  see  a deer  or  a 
fox  while  standing  quietly  listening  to 
the  woodcock.  One  evening  a raccoon 
came  within  a few  yards  of  where  I was 
standing. 

Robert  T.  Morris. 


Trees  are  rooted  men  and  men  are 
walking  trees. — John  Burroughs  in 
“Under  the  Maples.” 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


138 


The  Most  Beautiful  and  Lovable  Bird. 

Queer,  isn't  it,  how  we  like  to  sepa- 
rate beauty  from  utility?  Theoretically 
the  most  useful  thing  should  be  the 
most  beautiful,  but  practically  it  isn’t. 
From  the  naturalist’s  point  of  view 
what  is  the  most  beautiful  and  at  the 


never  has  a pupil  selected  any  of  our 
common  domesticated  birds,  with  the 
exception  possibly  of  the  well-known 
caged  pets,  canary,  flinches,  etc.  Even 
a thought  of  such  birds  seems  to  be 
rather  rare.  Ask  a school  what  is  the 
most  lovable  bird,  the  most  beautiful. 


NOW  ISN’T  THAT  A BEAUTIFUL  BIRD?” 


same  time  the  most  lovable  bird? 
Opinions  might  vary  even  after  the 
question  had  been  gravely  considered, 
but  it  has  been  interesting  to  me  to 
ask  the  question  in  the  various  schools 
that  I have  visited,  and  to  note  that 


and  thought  almost  always  turns  to  the 
wild  bird,  scarlet  tanager,  blue  jay, 
robin,  etc.  But  it  takes  only  a mo- 
ment’s thought  to  realize  that  the  most 
lovable  of  all  birds  is  the  little  chicken. 
It  is  hugable,  squeezable,  lovable  and 


ORNITHOLOGY 


09 


endears  itself  to  us  as  does  no  other 
member  of  the  bird  world.  Young 
chickens  are  so  lovable  that  we  put 
them  in  a class  by  themselves,  and 
never  compare  them  with  other  birds. 
But  this  mental  twist,  so  applicable  to 
school  children,  does  not  apply  to  the 
commercial  poultry  man.  Visit  any  of 
the  large  shows  and  the  expert  will 
hold  np  admiringly  a hen  and  say, 
“Isn’t  she  a beautiful  bird?”  Seldom 
if  ever  will  he  refer  to  her  or  to  the 
cocks  and  cockerels  as  anything  but 
birds.  “What  will  you  take  for  your 
bird?”  “What  prize  did  your  bird 
win  ?” 

But  considering  the  beauty  of  the 
domesticated  bird,  it  is  the  writer’s 
personal  opinion  that  the  most  beauti- 
ful is  the  turkey,  especially  the  male 
commonly  known  as  the  gobbler.  In 
no  other  is  there  such  grandeur,  so  iri- 
descent a sheen  of  feathers,  so  noble  a 
bearing  of  the  head  and  a position  of 
the  body  so  royal.  A strutting  tom 
turkey,  as  country  people  would  style 
it,  is  indeed  the  grandest  thing  in  the 
bird  world.  There  is  something  lost, 
especially  in  youth,  if  it  has  not  been 
associated  with  this  farmyard  lovable- 
ness and  beauty. 

I am  aware  that  I am  here  on  de- 
batable ground.  Some  one  will  say 
that  the  peacock  is  the  more  beautiful. 
You  may  know  peacocks  but  you  don’t 
know  turkeys.  You  have  not  lived 
with  turkeys.  You  do  not  possess  the 
hallowed  associations  of  the  past. 
Some  of  the  most  impressive  beauty  of 
the  turkey  you  can  see  when  you  close 
your  eyes,  but  you  must  keep  them 
wide  open  for  the  peacock. 

I think  that  Mr.  A.  H.  Beardsley  of 
the  “Photo-Era  Magazine”  must  have 
been  a farmer  boy ; but  however  that 
may  be,  he  is  a good  photographer  and 
an  accomplished  judge  of  the  fine  points 
in  a high-class  photograph.  I com- 
mend his  judgment  since  he  has  put 
the  accompanying  cut  of  the  turkey  on 
the  front  cover  of  his  magazine, 
“Photo-Era,”  and  I have  equal  admira- 
tion for  this  unusual  cut  of  the  com- 
monplace turkey  by  a remarkably 
skilled  photographer  with  a rather 
commonplace  name — Mr.  John  Smith. 
I liked  it  so  well  that  I have  borrowed 
it  to  give  the  reader  pleasure. 

But  speaking  of  turkeys  that  reminds 
me.  Of  all  the  astonishing,  I felt  al- 


most like  saying  incredible,  stories  of 
the  turkey  is  that  by  the  skilled  biolo- 
gist and  master  of  the  English  lan- 
guage, Mr.  Dallas  Lore  Sharp.  In  his 
book,  “Winter,”  published  by  Hough- 
ton Mifflin  Company,  his  story  called 
“The  Turkey  Drive,”  for  novelty,  in- 
terest, clear-cut  expression  and  know’ 
edge  of  the  bird,  should  take  the  first 
premium.  It  is  as  pleasing  as  the  au- 
thor’s well-known  classic,  “Turtle 
Eggs  to  Agassiz.”  Two  college  boys 
in  New  Brunswick,  to  earn  a little 
money  to  help  in  their  college  ex- 
penses, went  among  the  farmers  and 
bought  some  five  hundred  turkeys,  and 
started  to  drive  them  several  days’ 
journey.  They  were  not  allowed  to 
roost  at  night.  They  must  keep  a- 
going.  They  must  not  fly  to  the  trees 
or  they  could  never  get  started  again 
in  the  morning.  But  on  the  the  third 
day  came  a snowstorm  and  the  tur- 
keys insisted  upon  roosting  on  a rail- 
road track.  I quote  from  the  author : 

“They  were  going  to  roost  upon  the 
track ! The  railroad  bank  shelved 
down  to  the  woods  on  each  side,  and 
along  its  whitened  peak  lay  the  two 
black  rails  like  ridge-poles  along  the 
length  of  a long  roof.  In  the  thick 
half-light  of  the  whirling  snow,  the 
turkeys  seemed  suddenly  to  find  them- 
selves at  home,  and  as  close  together 
as  they  could  crowd,  with  their  breasts 
all  to  the  storm,  they  arranged  them- 
selves in  two  long  lines  upon  the  steel 
rails. 

“And  nothing  could  move  them  ! As 
fast  as  one  was  tossed  down  the  bank, 
up  he  came.  Starting  down  the  lines, 
the  boys  pushed  and  shoved  to  clear 
the  track ; but  the  lines  re-formed  be- 
hind them  quickly,  evenly,  and  almost 
without  a sound.  As  well  try  to  sweep 
back  the  waves  of  the  sea ! They 
worked  together  to  collect  a small  band 
of  the  birds  and  drive  them  into  the 
edge  of  the  woods ; but  every  time  the 
band  dwindled  to  a single  turkey  that 
dodged  between  their  legs  toward  its 
place  on  the  roost.  The  two  boys  could 
have  kept  two  turkeys  off  the  rails,  but 
not  five  hundred.” 

Then  follow  excitable  features.  They 
might  serve  as  a thriller  movie.  The 
fast  express  that  the  boys  supposed 
the  approaching  train  to  be  proved  to 
be  a freight.  It  was  somewhat  of  a 
task  to  throw  five  hundred  turkeys 


140 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


from  the  track  and  to  throw  them  back 
when  the  train  had  passed.  Some  of 
the  birds,  apparently  mistaking  the  box 
cars  for  farmyard  buildings  in  slow 
motion,  boarded  the  train  and  were 
thus  taken  to  town.  We  quote  from 
the  extended  account  of  this  episode. 

“Instantly  came  a chorus  of  answer- 
ing gobbles  as  every  turkey  along  the 
track  saw,  in  the  failing  light,  that  real 
buildings — farmyard  buildings  — were 
here  to  roost  on ! And  into  the  air 
they  went,  helped  all  along  the  train 
by  the  two  boys,  who  were  tossing 
them  into  the  cars,  or  upon  the  loads 
of  lumber,  as  fast  as  they  could  pass 
from  car  to  car. 

“Luckily,  the  rails  were  sleety,  and 
the  mighty  driving-wheels,  spinning  on 
the  ice  with  their  long  load,  which 
seemed  to  freeze  continually  to  the 
track,  made  headway  so  slowly  that  the 
whole  flock  had  come  to  roost  upon  the 
cars  before  the  train  was  fairly 
moving.” 

In  that  story  the  high-water  mark 
of  turkey  episodes  has  been  reached. 
No  one  else  will  ever  try  to  excel  it. 


Hens  Immune  From  Strychnine. 

In  John  Burroughs’s  last  book, 
“Under  the  Maples,”  he  makes  on  page 
196  this  astonishing  statement:  “You 
cannot  poison  a hen  with  strychnine.” 
This  was  referred  to  Dr.  A.  K.  Fisher, 
in  charge  of  the  Economic  Investiga- 
tions, Bureau  of  Biological  Survey, 
Washington,  D.  C.  He  replies  as 
follows : 

“The  statement  by  Mr.  Burroughs  in 
his  book,  ‘Under  the  Maples,’  regard- 
ing the  effect  of  strychnine  on  domesti- 
cated fowls  is  correct.  Chickens  and 
the  wild  gallinaceous  birds  seem  to  be 
practically  immune  from  the  effects  of 
strychnine.  Just  why  they  have  this 
immunity  is  a point  to  be  learned.  Ex- 
tensive field  operations  and  operations 
carried  on  in  the  laboratory  by  the 
Canadian  Government,  the  Biological 
Survey,  and  the  Public  Health  Service 
show  that  a quail  weighing  not  oyer 
five  or  six  ounces  will  eat  with  im- 
punity enough  strychnine  poisoned 
grain' to  kill  squirrels  weighing  in  the 
aggregate  twenty  pounds.  In  our  ex- 
tensive operations  in  the  western 
States  against  injurious  rodents,  we 
have  distributed  over  5-000  t°ns  (165 
carloads)  of  poisoned  grain.  Although 


the  assistants  carrying  on  this  work 
are  skilled  in  finding  dead  animals,  up 
to  the  present  time  we  have  been  un- 
able to  find  one  single  game  bird  de- 
stroyed by  our  operations. 

“It  may  be  of  interest  to  you  to  know 
that  we  have  further  safeguarded  the 
birds  by  using  barley  and  oats  instead 
of  wheat  as  a vehicle.  At  the  present 
time  this  grain  is  rescreened  so  as  to 
remove  all  weed  seeds  which,  when 
poisoned,  might  be  taken  by  shore 
larks,  longspurs,  and  other  small  seed- 
eaters.” 

This  is  indeed  an  astonishing  situa- 
tion and  it  opens  up  interesting  sug- 
gestions and  great  possibilities.  Why 
not  get  rid  of  rats  around  poultry  yards 
by  using  strychnine?  Rodents  are 
susceptible  to  strychnine,  and  as  the 
hens  are  immune  we  shall  escape  the 
danger  that  most  of  us  have  feared  if 
the  hen  by  chance  should  eat  the  poi- 
soned grain.  We  wonder  if  anybody 
has  experimented  along  those  lines.  If 
so,  we  should  be  glad  to  receive  re- 
ports. 


As  welcome  as  the  sunshine 
After  spell  o’  rain. 

So  welcome  is  the  springtime 
After  winter’s  reign. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


Red  Dead  Nettle. 

BY  ROBERT  SPARKS  WALKER,  CHATTANOOGA,  TENN. 

T hen  cold  December’s  winds  begin  to  blow, 
And  when  the  earth  is  wrapped  in  ice  and  snow, 
Along  the  road  and  out  in  open  space, 

There  a red  dead  nettle  shows  its  greenish  face. 

Its  stem  so  square,  six  inches  high,  you  see, 

At  once  is  marked  for  the  mint  family, 

“Ah,”  it  says,  “I’m  right  glad  for  you  to  know. 
The  many  shaped  green  leaves  that  I can  grow : 

At  top,  my  leaves  are  flower-circled  crowned ; 

In  middle,  heart-shaped  ones  are  always  found, 
With  greenish  leaves  long-stemmed  and  small 
at  base, 

A living  Chinese  pagoda-looking  vase  ! 

Some  early  day  when  comes  the  bright  Xew 
Year, 

My  flower  buds  like  drops  of  blood  appear, 
And  if  the  cold  should  freeze  me  tight, 

I grow  and  blossom  on  with  all  my  might. 

My  bell-shaped  flower's  tiny  upper  lip 
Has  beard,  the  lower  spotted  near  the  tip : 

My  flow’r  magenta  grows  in  winter’s  breeze, 
A landing  place  it  has  for  little  bees. 

I float  my  flowers  until  the  month  of  June, 

And  then  my  lovers  say  I quit  too  soon ; 

Now  you  may  think  it  quite  a funny  thing, 
That  I’m  called  ‘dead’  because  I do  not  sting.” 


The  Heavens  in  March. 


By  Professor  Samuel  G.  Barton  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


MARCH  is  the  first  of  the  spring 
months.  The  Milky  Way,  car- 
rying with  it  and  ahead  of  it  the 
brilliant  winter  constellations,  now  ap- 
proaches the  western  horizon  in  the 
early  evening  to  remain  in  an  incon- 
spicuous position  near  the  horizon  for 
several  months.  The  Pleiades  and 


southwestern  quarter  of  the  sky.  There 
are  twice  as  many  bright  stars  in  this 
quarter  as  in  the  remainder  of  the  sky. 
It  may  be  noted  that  there  is  a long 
strip  of  the  sky  extending  from  south 
to  north  just  east  of  the  Milky  Way  in 
which  very  few  stars  are  seen. 

:jc  jJc  ;fc 


NOKITH 


Figure  1.  The  constellations  at  9 P.  M.  March  1.  Hold  the  map  so  that  the 
direction  faced  is  at  the  bottom;  that  is,  if  facing  east  hold  east  at  the  bottom  as  south 
now  is. 


Hyades  are  low  in  the  west.  Their  dis- 
appearance in  the  sun’s  rays  marks  the 
beginning  of  spring,  and  their  appear- 
ance in  the  early  evening  in  the  east 
indicates  the  autumn  season.  Most  of 
the  bright  stars  are  concentrated  in  the 


Double  Stars. 

The  three  very  bright  stars — Sirius 
at  A,  Procyon  at  B and  Castor  at  C — 
are  interesting  double  stars.  The  first 
to  be  discovered  was  Castor,  about 
1750.  This  was  among  the  earliest  dis- 


142 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


coveries  of  double  stars.  The  first  was 
Mizar,  at  D in  Ursa  Major,  discovered 
in  1650;  the  second  was  Gamma.  Arie- 
tis,  at  E,  in  1665,  and  the  third  was 
Alpha  Centauri,  in  1689.  Alpha  Cen- 
tauri  is  a star  which  is  not  visible  here. 
It  is  the  star  nearest  to  the  sun,  so  far 
as  we  know.  It  is  the  finest  of  double 
stars  with  respect  to  the  brightness  of 
the  stars,  as  one  is  of  the  first  and  the 
other  of  the  second  magnitude.  One 
star  moves  about  the  other  in  a revolu- 
tion of  eighty-one  years.  It  has  been 
observed  to  make  nearly  three  com- 
plete revolutions  since  its  discovery. 
About  1750  Bradley  noted  that  Castor 
was  double,  also  Gamma  Virginis,  at 
F,  61  Cygni  and  Beta  Cygni.  The 
stars  in  Cygnus  are  not  now  visible. 
Any  of  these  stars  can  be  seen  double 
with  small  telescopes. 

Castor  is  the  finest  double  star  to  be 
seen  here,  if  only  the  brightness  of  the 
components  is  considered.  The  stars 
are  of  second  and  third  magnitudes.  It 
was  the  first  double  star  in  which  one 
star  was  found  to  be  moving  about  the 
other.  This  was  noticed  in  1803.  How- 
ever, in  spite  of  the  long  period  dur- 
ing which  it  has  been  observed,  we 
know  little  about  the  period  required 
for  a complete  revolution  except  that 
it  is  between  two  hundred  and  one 
thousand  years. 

Although  both  Sirius  and  Procyon 
are  very  bright  stars  and  carefully  ob- 
served by  many  observers,  they  were 
not  seen  to  be  double  stars  until  recent 
years.  In  1834  variations  in  the  mo- 
tion of  Sirius  were  detected,  and  in  1840 
a similar  variation  was  noticed  in 
Procyon.  These  variations  were  as- 
serted to  be  due  to  the  presence  of  un- 
seen companions.  A discussion  of  the 
variation  enabled  astronomers  to  pre- 
dict the  position  in  which  the  compan- 
ions must  be  seen,  the  path,  mass  and 
period  of  the  stars.  The  companion 
to  Sirius  was  found  in  1862  with  a new 
telescope  larger  than  those  existing  be- 
fore. It  has  now  made  a little  more 
than  one  revolution.  The  companion  of 
Procyon  was  not  found  until  1896,  with 
the  great  telescope  of  the  Lick  Observa- 
tory. It  is  extremely  difficult  to  see. 
This  companion  revolves  in  about  forty 
years.  It  is  a remarkable  fact  that  the 
bright  component  of  Sirius  is  twice  as 
massive  as  the  fainter  but  gives  out 
more  than  five  thousand  times  as  much 


light.  The  mass  of  the  companion  of 
Procyon  is  about  one-fourth  of  that  of 
the  sun,  which  means  that  it  is  among 
the  stars  of  the  smallest  mass  known. 
Both  Sirius  and  Procyon  are  among 
the  stars  nearest  to  you.  Sirius  is 
forty-eight  times  as  bright  as  the  sun 
and  Procyon  ten  times  as  bright. 

5}C  Jjc  ifC 

The  Planets. 

The  positions  of  the  bright  planets 
Jupiter  and  Saturn  are  now  such  that 
they  can  be  shown  on  our  map.  The 
planets  are  not  far  apart  in  the  constel- 
lation Virgo.  The  satellites  of  Jupiter 
and  the  rings  of  Saturn  make  them  the 
most  interesting  planets.  Saturn  be- 
comes an  evening  star  March  25.  After 
that  time  it  will  be  less  than  180  de- 
grees east  of  the  sun.  Observers 
should  recall  that  this  is  the  time  when 
the  zodiacal  light  is  seen  best.  This  is 
a column  of  faint  light  extending  up- 
ward along  the  ecliptic  toward  the 
Pleiades  from  the  western  horizon.  It 
must  be  observed  on  a clear,  dark  night 
just  after  twilight. 

^ ^ ^ ^ 

Eclipse  of  the  Sun. 

An  annular  eclipse  of  the  sun  occurs 
on  March  28.  The  path  in  which  the 
eclipse  is  seen  as  an  annular  eclipse 
crosses  South  America  and  Africa.  The 
eclipse  can  be  seen  as  a partial  eclipse 
over  these  continents  and  also  over 
Europe.  A very  minute  portion  of  the 
eclipse  can  be  seen  under  poor  condi- 
tions from  Florida.  Elsewhere  in  the 
United  States  no  part  of  the  eclipse 
will  be  seen.  The  eclipse  has  little 
scientific  value. 

This  is  the  time  of  the  year  when  we 
might  expect  an  eclipse  of  the  moon, 


but  none  occurs.  The  sun  appears  to 
move  over  the  sky  in  a path  which  we 
call  the  ecliptic.  The  ecliptic  is  marked 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


on  Figure  I.  The  moon  appears  to 
move  over  the  sky  in  a circular  path 
which  lies  near  the  ecliptic  and  which 
crosses  it  in  two  points.  These  paths 
are  shown  in  Figure  2.  I hey  cross  at 
A and  B.  Since  the  moon  moves  around 
the  earth  in  a month  it  passes  the  point 
A once  a month.  The  sun  appears  to 
move  around  its  path  once  a year  so 
that  it  passes  the  point  A only  once  a 
year,  lienee  there  are  but  two  times  in 
the  year  that  the  earth,  sun,  and  moon 
are  nearly  in  line — that  is,  when  the 
sun  and  moon  are  both  near  A or  B. 
The  eclipse  of  the  sun  on  March  28 
occurs  by  reason  of  the  fact  that  the  sun 
is  near  the  direction  of  the  point  A and 
the  moon  in  passing  the  point  A comes 
between  us  and  the  sun.  When  the 
sun  is  in  the  direction  of  A the  earth’s 
shadow  lies  in  the  direction  of  the  op- 
posite point  B.  The  moon  passed  this 
place  two  weeks  earlier,  March  14,  and 
passes  it  again  April  10.  On  March  14 
the  moon  passes  the  shadow  a little 
bit  too  far  to  the  right  of  B to  have  an 
eclipse  as  the  moon  is  a little  above  the 
shadow.  By  April  10,  when  the  moon 
again  passes  B,  the  earth’s  shadow  is 
to  the  left  of  B so  far  that  the  moon 
when  it  passes  it  lies  below  the  shadow 
and  no  eclipse  occurs.  Thus  the  moon 
escapes  eclipse  at  B and  there  is  no 
chance  of  an  eclipse  until  the  sun 
reaches  B and  the  shadow  is  near  A in 
six  months  later. 

The  sun  crosses  the  equator,  marking 
the  beginning  of  spring,  March  21,  4:59 
A.  M.  Eastern  Standard  time. 


Morning  From  My  Balcony. 

Resplendent  in  the  East, 

The  morning  red  of  sky; 

Above  the  tulip  trees, 

The  crescent  moon  on  high. 

Late  lingering  in  the  West, 

One  faintly  gleaming  star, 

Belated  wanderer, 

Of  myriad  worlds  afar: 

And  rhythmic  in  the  air, 

In  softly  whispering  breeze, 

The  little  new-born  leaves, 

A-flutter  on  the  trees. 

This  temple  of  the  morn 
Hath  choir  all  of  birds, 

Their  ecstasy  of  joy, 

To  deep  for  uttered  words. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


143 

Discontinuance  of  “The  Conserva- 
tonist.’’ 

“The  Conservationist,”  published  at 
Albany,  New  York,  by  the  New  York 
State  Conservation  Commission,  an- 
nounces in  its  number  for  December, 
1921,  recently  received,  that  the  publi- 
cation is  to  be  discontinued.  It  is  evi- 
dent from  the  announcement  that  there 
is  an  unconscious  compliment  paid  to 
all  other  organizations  that  save  the 
expense  of  conservation  laws  and  their 
enforcement  by  arousing  a genuine  in- 
terest in  the  wild  things  of  nature.  The 
longest  lived,  the  most  effective  and 
most  comprehensive  of  all  organiza- 
tions in  the  interests  of  wild  nature  is 
The  Agassiz  Association  that  points 
with  pride  to  its  forty-six  years  of  ef- 
fective work. 

“The  Conservationist”  in  its  dying 
swan  song  pays  an  unconscious  tribute 
to  us  in  our  work  and  of  course  to  the 
efforts  of  others  of  a similar  nature.  It 
says : 

“Theoretically  speaking,  were  the 
people  really  educated  in  conservation, 
if  they  knew  conditions  as  they  are,  if 
they  were  familiar  with  actual  facts 
concerning  our  wild  life,  our  forests  or 
our  waters,  there  would  be  no  need  for 
a Conservation  Law.  But  such  a situa- 
tion is  of  course  millenial ; and  in  the 
meantime  we  can  merely  do  our  best  in 
conservation  education,  the  kind  of 
education  that  reaches  children  in  the 
schools,  teachers,  guides,  sportsmen 
and  the  public  in  general.  Once  a gen- 
uine interest  in  the  wild  things  of  Na- 
ture is  arouse,  the  battle  is  half  won. 
This  can  be  accomplished  through 
magazines,  newspapers,  lectures,  mo- 
tion pictures,  lantern  slides  and  field 
trips.” 


Pennsylvania,  under  the  direction  of 
Gifford  Pinchot,  the  new  commissioner 
of  forestry,  leads  all  states  in  forest 
activities.  The  biennial  appropriation 
passed  by  the  legislature  and  approved 
by  the  governor  carried  $1,870,000,  an 
increase  of  $863,300  over  the  appropria- 
tion of  1919;  $1,000,000  of  the  total  is 
for  fire  protection.  The  legislature  also 
passed  an  act  empowering  the  federal 
government  to  acquire  lands  on  the 
watersheds  of  navigable  streams  within 
the  state,  by  purchase  or  condemnation, 
and  to  control  and  regulate  such  re- 
serves.— Science. 


What  Graceful  Plant  is  This? 

BY  HERBERT  W.  FAULKNER.  WASHINGTON, 
CONNECTICUT. 

Many  of  us  have  seen  the  flowerlike 
snow  crystals,  but  who  has  ever  found 
a specimen  of  this  strange  and  beauti- 
ful plant  discovered  in  the  wintertime? 

My  nephew  brought  it  in  to  me  from 
a winter’s  walk  along  the  railway,  and 


I at  first  mistook  it  for  seaweed  dried 
under  pressure,  and  was  much  sur- 
prised to  discover  that  the  beautiful 
and  delicate  spray  is  made  of  steel. 

My  nephew  found  many  of  these 


“ plants  ” on  the  snow  close  beside  the 
rails,  where  the  wheels  of  heavy  loco- 
motives had  shaved  off  thin  scales  of 
steel  which  had  curved  and  twisted 
into  exquisite  forms  strangely  imitat- 
ing mosses  or  seaweeds  with  all  their 
beauty  and  charm.  Of  course  these 
steel  shavings  are  frequently  forming 
unobserved  and  soon  dissolve  in  rust, 
but  in  winter  they  are  easily  seen  upon 
the  white  snow. 


The  chalice  of  the  early  spring, 

Is  full  to  running  o’er ; 

Of  color,  beauty,  fragrance,  song. 

It  holds  a precious  store : 

And  when  ’tis  lifted  to  our  lips, 

All  parched  with  winter’s  dearth, 

We  take  deep  draughts  of  pure  delight, 
And  bless  our  Mother  Earth. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


I find  that  one  has  only  to  overcome 
a little  of  his  obtuseness  and  indiffer- 
ence and  look  a little  more  closely  upon 
the  play  of  wild  life  about  him  to 
realize  how  much  interesting  natural 
history  is  being  enacted  every  day 
before  his  very  eyes — in  his  own  gar- 
den and  dooryard  and  apple-orchard 
and  vineyard.  If  one’s  mind  were  only 
alert  and  sensitive  enough  to  take  it 
all  in  ! Whether  one  rides  or  walks  or 
sits  under  the  trees,  or  loiters  about 
the  fields  or  woods,  the  play  of  wild 
life  is  going  on  about  him,  and,  if  he 
happens  to  be  blessed  with  the  seeing 
eye  and  the  hearing  ear,  is  available 
for  his  instruction  and  entertainment. 
On  every  farm  in  the  land  a volume 
of  live  natural  history  goes  to  waste 
every  year  because  there  is  no  his- 
torian to  note  the  happenings. — John 
Burroughs  in  “Under  the  Maples.” 

When  one  of  our  poets  writes,  “wild 
carrot  blooms  nod  around  his  quiet 
bed,”  he  makes  better  use  of  this  weed 
than  the  farmers  can. — John  Bur- 
roughs in  “Under  the  Maples.” 


THE  FUN  OF  SEEING  THINGS 


'45 


A Friendly  Snake. 

BY  ALFRED  O.  PHILIPP,  CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS. 

All  snakes  are  not  poisonous.  In 
fact  the  great  majority  of  our  North 
American  forms  are  not  only  nonven- 
omous  but  are  actually  beneficial  to 
the  farmer  inasmuch  as  they  annually 
destroy  innumerable  agricultural  pests. 
The  specimen  in  this  picture  is  a 


THE  FUN  OF  REALLY  SEEING  AN  INTEREST- 
ING PET. 


large  indigo  snake  ( Spilotcs  corals), 
commonly  called  the  “blue  bull.”  A 
little  girl  is  holding  him  to  be  photo- 
graphed with  as  little  fear  as  she  would 
have  in  handling  a kitten.  This  snake 
is  but  one  of  my  many  pets,  and  al- 
though he  has  his  own  nest  in  an  old 
suit  case  he  roams  about  my  house  at 
will.  He  is  friendly  and  apparently 
enjoys  being  picked  up  and  fondled, 
but  he  frequently  shows  an  aversion 
towards  certain  persons  and  quickly 
squirms  away  from  them.  In  all  my 
years  of  experience  with  reptiles  I have 
never  known  one  of  these  snakes  to 
attempt  to  bite  a human  being.  To  see 
a full-grown  adult  rush  frantically  on 
a small  harmless  snake  and  crush  him 
into  pulp  with  a club  is  not  only  a 


ridiculous  spectacle  but  a decidedly 
cowardly  act. 

Rattlesnakes,  cottonmouth  mocca- 
sins, copperheads  and  coral  snakes  are 
absolutely  the  only  venomous  snakes 
you  will  ever  find  in  the  United  States. 
There  is  seldom  an  intelligent  excuse 
for  killing  any  of  the  harmless  species. 
Live  and  let  live.  Even  the  deadly 
rattlesnake  strikes  only  upon  provoca- 
tion and  merely  asks  to  be  left  in  peace. 


Walking  With  Eyes  and  Ears. 

We  all  walk  with  our  feet,  and  some 
of  us  walk  with  our  eyes  and  ears. 
Mere  walking  with  the  feet  is  a splen- 
did exhilaration.  “Give  me  health  and 
a day  and  I will  make  the  pomp  of 
emperors  ridiculous.”  Ten  long  miles 
over  hill  and  valley,  with  the  wild 
brush  of  an  autumn  wind,  make  the 
cheeks  and  the  spirit  glow  until  the 
whole  of  life  seem  an  ample  region  of 
contentment. 

But  the  exhilaration  of  walking  with 
eyes  and  ears  is  far  beyond  the  pleas- 
ure of  walking  with  the  muscles  alone. 
What  a rich  and  pregnant  sentence  is 
that  of  Theophile  Gautier:  “I  am  a 

man  for  whom  the  visible  world 
exists.”  How  fully  it  suggests  a man 
whose  eyes  and  thoughts  are  open  to 
the  quick  succession  of  images  and 
impressions,  who  find  endless  pleasure 
in  the  shifting  spectacle  of  animate  and 
inanimate  nature,  and  who  can  never 
be  bored  or  wearied  so  long  as  he  can 
forget  himself  in  the  quivering  intens- 
ity of  diversion  with  which  the  visible 
world  provides  him. 

Take  the  walk  in  city  streets.  Some 
persons  pass  hastily,  as  if  their  eyes 
were  shut  and  their  souls  fastened  to  a 
tormenting  or  enchanting  vision  with- 
in. Some  unthread  most  curious  mat- 
ter from  the  Babel  of  sounds.  Others 
are  enraptured  with  the  bright,  con- 
trasted stream  of  color  that  flows 
round  them.  Others  are  alive  every 
moment  to  the  faces — faces  quite  un- 
known, yet  revealing  brief,  fascinating 
visions  of  laughter  or  despair,  of  love 
or  hate,  of  stupidity  or  cruelty  or  un- 
achieved aspiration  or  illuminating 
hope. 

And  the  walk  in  the  fields ! It  is 
merry  and  restful  to  tired  nerves.  But 
how  full  of  revelation  and  wonder  it  is 
to  those  who  have  learned  to  walk 


146 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


with  their  eyes  and  ears.  Walk  with 
a painter,  and  he  will  teach  you  secrets 
of  light  and  shadow  that  will  trans- 
fuse your  spirit  with  a mysterious  and 
far-reaching  beauty  such  as  you  never 
imagined  before.  Walk  with  a natu- 
ralist, and  flowers  and  birds,  which 
were  mere  blotches  of  color  and 
snatches  of  song,  will  assume  a signifi- 
cance, a charm,  a life  that  will  make 
you  seem  to  have  walked  right  into 
an  undiscovered  country. 

Walk  with  your  feet  by  all  means, 
even  if  you  have  to  neglect  your  auto- 
mobile to  do  it.  But  at  the  same  time 
open  your  eyes  and  ears,  direct  them, 
use  them,  and  they  will  lead  you  into 
new  worlds  of  inexhaustible  delight. — 
The  Youth’s  Companion. 


A Natural  Shark  Trap. 

BY  DAVID  STARR  JORDAN,  STANFORD  UNI- 
VERSITY, CALIFORNIA. 

In  Southeastern  Alaska  is  a curious 
natural  shark  trap,  ultimately  to  be 
fitted  with  the  teeth  of  these  creatures, 
and  which  may  help  to  explain  certain 
deposits  found  in  California  and  else- 
where in  rocks  of  Miocene  Age. 

The  north  end  of  Wrangel  Island  is 
indented  by  a peculiar  little  flask- 
shaped bay  flooded  deep  at  high  tide 
but  otherwise  a mass  of  soft  white  mud, 
for  it  receives  the  glacial  detritus  (very 
fine  clay)  brought  down  by  the  iarge 
and  swift  Stikin  River.  Not  far  away 
stands  a cannery  from  which  tons  of 
salmon  heads  and  entrails  are  thrown 
into  the  sea.  This  offal  attracts  large 
numbers  of  the  great  sleeper  shark, 
Somniosus  microcephalus,  a twenty-foot 
long,  sluggish,  greedy  fish  which 
gorges  itself  to  repletion  and  then  re- 
treats at  high  water  to  rest  in  the  ad- 
jacent bay.  Ebb  tide  leaves  it  helpless 
in  the  mud ; and  during  the  course  of 
a summer  great  numbers  of  sleepers 
and  other  sharks  are  thus  destroyed. 
In  the  end,  of  course,  the  flesh  decays, 
but  teeth  and  occasional  fin  spines  are 
preserved  as  fossils,  so  that  when — 
centuries  hence — the  bay  fills  up  and 
dries  out,  it  should  form  a very  inter- 
esting ground  for  collectors. 

In  Kern  County,  California,  a similar 
fine  clay  sediment  scattered  along  the 
plains  at  the  foot  of  the  once  glaciated 
Sierra  carries  enormous  numbers  of 
sharks’  teeth,  especially  of  an  extinct 
mackerel  shark,  Isurus  hastalis,  which 


must  have  been  fifty  feet  long.  With 
these  appear  occasionally  the  teeth  of 
a still  greater  white  shark,  Carcharodon 
megalodon,  much  more  than  a hundred 
feet  long — a veritable  “man-eater,”  al- 
though in  those  days  there  were  no  men 
for  it  to  eat.  Multitudes  of  teeth  of 
smaller  sharks  and  of  sting  rays  also 
occur  in  these  deposits  which,  I am  in- 
clined to  think,  were  probably  laid 
down  under  conditions  similar  to  those 
now  observable  at  Wrangel. 


Starting  Fern  Spores. 

Fern  spores,  as  everybody  knows, 
are  produced  in  great  abundance,  and 
yet  new  fern  plants  are  not  usually  nu- 
merous. There  are  many  vicissitudes 
in  the  life  of  a sporeling  and  few  come 
to  maturity.  The  spores  are  so  exceed- 
ingly minute  and  the  conditions  for 
growth  are  necessarily  so  exacting  that 
young  plants  are  easily  discouraged. 

Those  who  grow  ferns  from  spores 
find  that  great  care  must  be  taken  in 
preparing  the  soil.  Usually  it  is  steril- 
ized by  baking  and  even  then  other  low 
forms  of  life  may  overrun  the  young 
plants  before  they  fairly  get  started  in 
the  world.  Often  the  spores  are  sown 
on  a block  of  peat  which  is  kept  moist 
and  sheltered  from  the  sun  and  wind. 
Noticing  how  frequently  sporelings  are 
found  on  the  outside  of  the  flowerpots 
in  the  greenhouse,  some  growers  stop 
up  the  hole  in  the  bottom  of  a pot,  fill 
the  pot  with  water  and  sow  the  spores 
on  the  outside.  The  water  seeps 
through  just  fast  enough  to  give  the 
proper  amount  of  moisture. 

An  improvement  on  this  method  is  to 
hollow  out  one  side  of  a soft  brick  and 
fill  the  hollow  with  sterile  soil  upon 
which  the  spores  are  sown.  The  brick 
is  then  placed  in  a saucer  of  water  and 
“kept  close,”  as  the  grower  phrases  it. 
This  method  of  growing  plants  may 
also  be  followed  in  the  case  of  minute 
seeds  which  are  difficult  to  start  in  or- 
dinary seed  pans  or  flats. — “The  Amer- 
ican Botanist.” 


There  are  now  in  Florida  eleven  bird 
sanctuaries  established  by  the  Federal 
government,  mostly  islands.  In  addi- 
tion there  are  many  others,  private  and 
municipal.  The  Federal  sanctuaries  in 
the  entire  United  States  now  number 
seventy-three. 


(£  1 “***•«•••.•*"*  5 1 I 1 L.  i * • | 

AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION 


Established  1875  Incorporated.  Massachusetts,  1892  Incorporated.  Connecticut,  1910 


Allen  Samuel  Williams. 

BY  CAYNE  T.  K.  NORTON,  NEW  YORK  CITY. 

Nature  lovers  will  be  sorry  to  learn 
of  the  death  of  Allen  Samuel  Williams, 
director  of  the  Reptile  Study  Society  of 
America,  author,  lecturer  and  one  of 
the  best  known  authorities  on  reptiles. 
Founder  of  the  Camp  Directors’  Asso- 
ciation, and  frequent  lecturer  and  vis- 
itor at  boys’  camps,  American  boyhood 
has  suffered  a severe  loss  in  the  passing 
of  this  well-known  and  deeply  loved 
naturalist. 

For  many  years  Mr.  Williams  has 
made  his  home  in  New  York  City.  He 
was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  old  Wil- 
liamsburg Athletic  Club.  For  years  he 
was  one  of  the  managers  of  the  Sports- 
men’s Show  in  Madison  Square  Gar- 
den. In  company  with  his  wife,  he  has 
explored  South  American  jungles  and 
taken  many  valuable  reptile  specimens. 
His  last  illness  developed  followng  a 
lecture  at  a Boy  Scout  camp.  He  suc- 
cumbed on  February  5,  in  the  sixty- 
fourth  year  of  his  life.  He  is  survived 
by  a wife  and  a sister. 

Son  of  the  Reverend  Samuel  Wil- 
liams, Allen  Williams  was  horn  and 
educated  in  Akron,  Ohio.  For  a num- 
ber of  years  he  was  a reporter  on  “The 
New  York  Times,”  and  later  he  was 
associate  editor  of  “Truth”  and  editor 
of  “The  St.  Louis  Chronicle.” 

Thirty  years  ago  he  wrote  “The 
Demon  of  the  Orient,”  a hook  that 
caused  a profound  sensation,  describ- 
ing the  opium  habit.  This  book  caused 
an  agitation  that  resulted  in  the  pas- 
sage of  stringent  laws  in  regard  to  the 
use  of  opium.  Prior  to  writing  the 
book  Mr.  Williams  spent  many  months 
in  Chinese  quarters  in  several  cities 
where  he  investigated  the  opium  habit 
thoroughly. 

For  the  last  twenty  years  Mr.  Wil- 
liams has  devoted  most  of  his  time  to 
lecturing  on  natural  history  subjects 


and  the  American  Indian  Last  sum- 
mer he  lectured  to  more  than  30,000 
boys.  He  has  given  much  time  to  de- 
veloping the  Reptile  Study  Society  of 
America,  an  activity  very  close  to  his 
heart,  which  under  his  competent  direc- 
tion grew  to  a membership  of  nearly 
six  hundred.  At  the  time  of  his  death 
he  was  perfecting  a national  organiza- 
tion and  putting  the  weight  of  the  so- 
ciety behind  protective  legislation. 

The  Reverend  Franklin  D.  Elmer,  of 
Colgate  College,  read  a beautiful  fu- 
neral service  that  was  a loving  tribute 
to  Mr.  Williams.  Raymond  L.  Dit- 
mars,  Curator  of  Reptiles,  New  York 
Zoological  Society,  and  T.  Gilbert 
Pearson,  President  Audubon  Societies, 
spoke  as  comrades  and  friends  before 
Dr.  Elmer  delivered  the  committal 
service. 


Reading  the  Eternities  Instead  of  the 
Times. 

Henry  David  Thoreau  speaking  of 
the  greater  value  obtainable  in  reading 
nature  than  in  reading  the  frivolities, 
crimes  and  petty  doings  of  mankind 
thus  laconically  expressed  his  thought : 
“Read  not  the  Times  but  the  eterni- 
ties.” 

A similar  remark  was  recently  made 
to  me  by  a prominent  New  York  busi- 
ness man  who  appreciates  our  educa- 
tional work.  He  said,  “Do  you  know 
it  really  pains  me,  as  I go  down  on  the 
subway,  to  see  everybody  reading  a 
newspaper,  and  I think  what,  after  all. 
does  it  amount  to.  How  much  more  of 
real  good  material  could  be  obtained 
from  The  Guide  to  Nature.” 

Personally  the  editor  of  this  maga- 
zine is  inclined  to  accept  that  as  over- 
praise, and  I think  further  that 
Thoreau’s  advice  was  not  well  consid- 
ered. We  have  never  advised  any  one 
to  be  a recluse  and  to  avoid  contact 
with  mankind.  We  believe  in  living 


148 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


fully  up  to  every  current  interest  in  the 
actions  of  people.  The  value  of  nature 
study,  as  we  view  it,  is  its  general  effect 
upon  the  observers.  It  is  a good  thing 
not  only  to  observe  the  rounds  of  the 
months  and  the  seasons,  but  also  to 
observe  the  progress  of  human  affairs 
as  expressed  in  the  reputable  daily 
papers. 

To  say  that  nature  study  should  be 
the  object  of  life,  and  that  we  should 
not  take  an  interest  in  the  doings  of 
mankind,  frequently  reaches  us  from 
one  who  is  overenthusiastic.  We  ad- 
vise reading  a well  made  selection  from 
good  literature,  including  the  best 
newspapers.  Mere  novel  reading  or 
mere  newspaper  reading  or  mere  na- 
ture study  reading  is  not  the  only  privi- 
lege possessed  by  an  intelligent  per- 
son. As  we  often  say  in  science,  “It 
is  well  to  be  a specialist,  but  bad  to  be 
nothing  but  a specialist.”  One  should 
know  one’s  own  pursuits,  but  there 
should  be  a sympathetic  interest  and 
an  inquiring  spirit  in  all  the  actions  of 
humanity. 

One  touch,  or  several  touches  of  na- 
ture should  make  the  whole  world  kin. 
That  nature  study  which  withdraws 
the  naturalist  from  sympathetic  in- 
terest with  his  fellow  beings  has  to 
that  extent  gone  amiss. 


Power  in  Common  Things. 

BY  THEODORE  H.  COOPER,  BATAVIA,  N.  Y. 

A significant  example  showing  the 
latent  force  in  common  things  came  to 
my  notice  a short  time  ago.  A young 
friend  of  mine,  Donald  Mayled,  is  in- 
terested in  electrochemistry  and  seems 
superior  to  the  average  boy  of  his  age 
in  that  he  has  developed  an  interest  in 
something  worth  while.  It  is  truly  re- 
freshing to  find  a boy  like  this  among 
so  many  others  who  are  frivolous  and 
empty  minded. 

Some  time  ago  we  had  occasion  to 
recharge  carbon  cells  and  as  there  was 
no  sal  ammoniac  at  hand  we  tried  com- 
mon salt.  Both  of  these  compounds 
are  chlorides  and  one  seems  to  work  as 
well  as  the  other  for  experimental  pur- 
poses, and  as  the  one  is  so  much 
cheaper  than  the  other  it  is  an  advan- 
tage to  know  this. 

Even  a slight  knowledge  of  chemis- 
try is  often  found  to  be  valuable  in 
practical  affairs.  Aside  from  this,  how- 
ever, there  is  the  intellectual  satisfac- 
tion of  knowing  the  meaning  of  certain 


things.  This  has  always  been  more  to 
me  than  the  application  of  knowledge 
to  practical  ends. 

The  main  purpose  of  this  article  is 
to  impress  upon  the  reader  the  fact  that 
there  are  unknown  sources  of  power  in 
common  everyday  things.  That  “fact 
is  stranger  than  fiction”  is  demon- 
strated when  we  find  that  salt  can  be 
turned  to  light. 

So  many  remarkable  deeds  are  being 
accomplished  in  these  days  that  the 
significance  is  likely  to  be  underesti- 
mated, but  think  what  a remarkable 
fact  it  is  that  an  electric  current  can  be 
set  up  by  a simple  chemical  reaction. 
The  number  of  new  facts  that  may  be 
discovered  by  making  simple  experi- 
ments in  electricity  and  chemistry  is 
by  no  means  exhausted.  It  is  really 
the  simple  experiments  which,  when  in- 
telligently made,  may  reveal  secrets, 
and  the  beginner’s  mind  is  not  fogged 
with  heavy  technical  matters  and  so  is 
susceptible  to  anything  new  which  may 
result  from  an  experiment. 


An  Overgreedy  Bullfrog. 

Dr.  Robert  T.  Morris  of  New  York 
City  reports  the  following  observation 
by  his  friend,  Mr.  H.  A.  C.,  of  Rumson, 
New  Jersey: 

Mr.  C.  has  a lake  on  his  estate  and 
one  day  observed  that  an  old  bullfrog 
that  inhabited  a certain  patch  of  lily 
pads  was  missing.  On  further  search 
he  found  the  bullfrog  dead  and  the  feet 
of  a young  robin  protruding  from  its 
mouth.  When  he  pulled  this  robin  out 
the  bullfrog  still  seemed  to  be  portly 
and  he  removed  from  its  stomach  an- 
other young  robin  partly  digested.  We 
know  that  bullfrogs  get  out  into  the 
fields  at  night  and  occasionally  catch 
mice  or  young  snakes  or  small  birds, 
but  two  young  robins  at  a single  meal 
seemed  to  have  led  this  particular  bull- 
frog to  the  fate  of  a Roman  Emperor. 


Spring  is  On  the  Way. 

Spring  is  on  the  way ; 

However  dark  the  day, 

With  rain  and  sleet  and  snow. 

And  winds  that  fiercely  blow  ; 

With  canopy  of  cloud, 

The  winter’s  stormy  shroud, 

And  nights  severely  dark, 

Without  a starry  spark; 

With  nature  brown  and  sear, 

And  everything  so  drear 
We  yet  have  faith  to  say 
That  spring  is  on  the  way. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


Painstaking  Care  in  Camp  Better  Than 

Parental  Oversight  for  a Daughter. 

The  words  seem  to  jar.  They  do  on 
me,  1 know ; perhaps  they  do  on  you. 
We  parents  think  that  we  are  all  -in  all 
to  our  offspring.  But  it  needs  only  a 
second  thought  to  suggest  that  along 
many  lines  others  are  more  influential 
than  we  are.  We  recognize  the  fact 
when  we  employ  a doctor  or  a music 
teacher  or  any  other  instructor.  But 
when  we  consider  personal  care  we 
like  to  think  that  we  are  the  most  im- 
portant persons  in  the  world. 

This  feeling  is  one  of  the  greatest 
factors  with  parents,  especially  with 
mothers,  when  a vacation  in  a camp  is 
suggested  for  their  daughter.  Camp- 
ing and  camps  are  new  things.  The 
proposition  is  so  novel  that  the  mother 
is  doubtful,  although  she  may  feel  that 
she  should  send  her  daughter.  Many 
mothers  have  said  to  me : “I  feel  that 
my  daughter  is  not  yet  old  enough  to 
be  away  from  my  personal  care.  No- 
body could  give  her  the  care  that  I can 
give.”  That  is  a mistake.  You  can 
care  for  your  daughter  when  her  life  is 
uneventful  and  as  usual,  but  when 
something  new  and  important  appears 
then  we  need  a special  set  of  workers 
trained  to  manage  that  particular  in- 
fluence. Not  a father  nor  a mother 
would  think  that  they  are  able  to  re- 
move adenoids  or  to  vaccinate  but 
when  it  is  a question  of  general  physi- 
cal training  and  development  then  con- 
siderable thinking  is  necessary  before 
we  can  arrive  at  a correct  decision.  It 
is  for  such  parents  that  this  article  is 
intended. 

Last  summer  when  I was  in  a camp 
to  which  I had  taken  a dozen  girls,  the 
mother  of  one  of  the  girls  came  to  visit 
us.  She  said,  “Daddy  Bigelow,  I have 


something  to  tell  you  that  will  tickle 
your  ears.”  (1  quote  her  exact  words.) 
“You  are  the  first  person  to  take  my 
daughter  away  from  me.  When  the 
train  rolled  out  of  the  Grand  Central 
Station  I gave  pretty  liberal  indications 
of  my  sorrow  to  the  parents  of  the  girls 

that  went  with  you.  Mr. ” (the 

father  of  one  going  on  a second  year’s 
trip)  said,  ‘Stop  your  crying.  Daddy 
Bigelow  will  take  better  care  of  your 
daughter  than  you  can.’  ” 

I recognized  the  fact  that  he  was 
using  the  personal  term  only  figura- 
tively. He  meant  that  I was  taking 
that  daughter  to  an  institution  where 
the  combined  efforts  of  several  skilled 
workers  would  accomplish  far  better 
residts  than  the  care  that  could  be 
given  by  parents  at  home.  He  knew 
that  in  case  of  sickness  trained  nurses 
and  able  assistants  would  give  far  bet- 
ter care ; he  knew  that  the  physical 
training  in  swimming,  diving,  setting 
up  drill,  the  personal  supervision  of 
games  by  experts,  the  horseback  riding 
in  charge  of  a skilled  man  with  a hun- 
dred other  things  would  each  be  su- 
perior to  anything  the  parent  could  do. 
He  knew  that  the  table  fare  would 
every  day  be  as  good  as  that  in  the 
home  or  in  the  best  hotel  in  New  York. 
In  some  respects  it  would  be  better  be- 
cause the  location  is  in  farming  terri- 
tory where  really  fresh  vegetables, 
milk  and  eggs  are  available  and  the 
menu  is  especially  adapted  to  growing 
girls. 

But  aside  from  these  details  of  fare 
and  care  the  father  probably  had  in 
mind  the  pleasing  camp  environment 
with  hale,  hearty  girls  as  companions, 
and  the  clear  atmosphere  of  Maine,  pro- 
verbially the  vacation  ground  of  the 
country.  Are  not  these  conditions  more 
agreeable  to  think  about  than  the  mul- 


X 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


titudinous  gases  in  the  city  air  around 
even  her  beautiful  suburban  home? 

Take  better  care  of  your  daughter 
than  you  can?  Certainly,  and  better 
too  than  the  school  can ; that  is,  better 
if  we  consider  the  girl’s  healthful  en- 
joyment. The  moral  is  evident.  Mothers 
and  fathers  who  really  love  their 
daughters  and  wish  to  place  them  in 
the  best  possible  care  will  bear  the 
great  sacrifice  of  sending  them  away 
or,  rather  I should  say,  permit  them  to 
go  to  this  great  playground  where  the 
conditions  and  the  environment  are 
one  hundred  per  cent  perfect.  Do  not 
accompany  your  daughter  to  camp. 
Avoid  doing  that  if  possible.  She  needs 
to  be  self-reliant,  to  act  untrammeled 
by  the  usual  parental  oversight.  She 
wants  the  joy  of  telling  you  of  the 
camp  when  about  two  weeks  later  you 
arrive  for  that  visit.  She  wants  to  be- 
come familiar  with  the  other  girls  and 
with  the  attractions  of  the  camp,  the 
things  to  which  she  can  point  with 
pride.  She  longs  for  one  moment  in 
her  life  in  which  she  may  tell  you  some- 
thing you  do  not  know  and  in  which 
she  may  feel  that  she  can  give  you 
points  on  many  phases  of  camp  life  that 
you  have  never  dreamed  of.  She  wants 
to  feel  superior,  as  she  really  is  when 
her  outdoor  activities  are  noted.  When 
she  has  become  versed  in  camp  lore 
she  will  chuckle  quietly  as  you  ask  your 
innocent  questions.  Deep  in  her  affec- 
tionate heart  she  says:  “I  never..  Did 
any  one  ever  see  a mother  as  green  as 
that?  She  is  even  ignorant  of  the  first 
thing  about  Cross  Paddles  and  Water 
Witches,  what  we  do  on  our  tramps 
and  mountain  climbing  and  on  the 
farms.” 

It  will  be  a joy  to  her  to  give  you 
kindergarten  instruction  and  details  of 
many  things  that  any  young  girl  is  sup- 
posed to  know.  You,  a grown-up  per- 
son, sit  meekly  with  your  little  daugh- 
ter and  fondly  receive  her  instructions, 
which  she  will  give  in  a dignified, 
“don't-vou-know”  manner.  “Every  girl 
in  camp  knows  that.”  Yes,  conditions 
are  reversed.  Your  daughter  then  can 
take  good  care  of  her  parents,  and  her 
parents  would  not  exchange  her  for  any 
other  instructor.  She  will  even  give 
you  “fine  points”  on  the  singing  of 
camp  songs,  and  will  lament  the  fact 
that  your  musical  training  has  been  so 
long  neglected,  and  you  will  sit  there 


in  Pow-wow  and  say,  “Well!  I never 
supposed  my  daughter  could  sing  like 
that.” 

If  you  desire  to  learn  more  in  detail 
of  this  care  that  is  better  than  yours, 
telephone  or  write  for  personal  call, 
Edward  F.  Bigelow,  ArcAdiA:  Sound 
Beach,  Connecticut. 


Mrs.  A.  B.  Hull,  Top  o’  Kent,  Colonia, 
New  Jersey. 

I do  want  you  to  know  what  a pleas- 
ure it  has  been  to  us  all  to  look  back 
on  Betty’s  lovely  summer  spent  at 
Kineowatha.  We  especially  thank  you 
for  the  special  care  you  gave  her  on  the 
trip  there  and  the  interest  in  things 
that  you  imparted  to  her.  She  speaks 
so  often  of  the  barn  trips,  such  unusual 
fun  she  had  there,  she  loves  to  live  it 
all  over.  We  hope  she  can  return  for 
another  season. 


Illustrated  Lectures  on  Nature. 

It  is  with  much  pleasure  that  we  call 
attention  to  the  illustrated  lectures  by 
Manley  Bacon  Townsend,  188  County 
Street.  Attleboro,  Massachusetts.  The 
editor  of  this  magazine  is  personally 
acquainted  with  the  lecturer  and  knows 
that  he  has  the  spirit  of  the  real  nat- 
uralist with  an  effective  power  of  dic- 
tion and  elocution  that  enables  him  to 
interest  and  instruct  an  audience.  He 
has  secured  a large  amount  of  good 
material  and  has  prepared  some  of  the 
most  effective  lantern  slides  in  the  pos- 
session of  any  other  lecturer  in  this 
country.  We  cordially  recommend  him 
to  churches,  societies  and  other  similar 
institutions. 

Mounted  Animals  for  the  Bruce 
Museum. 

We  are  hoping  that  we  have  among 
our  Members  and  friends  a naturalist 
with  a private  collection  of  common 
mammals  or  of  birds,  that  he  will  con- 
tribute to  the  Bruce  Museum.  We  are 
especially  in  need  of  a raccoon,  an 
opossum  and  some  other  of  our  smaller 
mammals.  Will  any  one  who  has  a 
collection  in  good  condition  and 
adapted  to  modern  museum  standards, 
please  correspond?  Edward  F.  Bige- 
low, Curator  of  the  Bruce  Museum, 
Post  Office  address,  Sound  Beach, 
Connecticut. 


What  Our  Visiting  Parties  Do. 

ArcAdiA,  the  Home  of  The  Agassiz 
Association,  has  been  as  definitely 
planned  and  equipped  to  carry  on  the 
work  of  that  Organization  as  is  a fac- 
tory to  produce  a certain  class  of  goods. 
The  purposes  of  The  Agassiz  Associa- 
tion as  set  forth  in  the  Charter  of  In- 
corporation may  be  summed  up  as  “the 
general  diffusion  of  knowledge”  of  na- 
ture. That  work  is  carried  on  not  only 
in  the  spirit  of  education  but  also  of 
recreation  permeated  by  a spiritual  and 
a poetical  point  of  view.  We  welcome 
all  creeds  or  no  creed.  All  phases  and 
all  ages  of  humanity  we  meet  on  the 
common  ground  of  loving  appreciation 
of  Mother  Nature. 

The  program  of  the  day  is  as  follows  : 

Parties  arrive  at  11:00  A.  M.  (or  a 
little  after  that  if  they  come  by  train 
from  New  York). 

1.  The  address  of  welcome  at  Hick- 
ory Home  on  the  Pavilion  of  Little 
Japan. 

2.  Disposal  of  wraps,  packages, 
lunch  boxes,  etc. 

3.  Committees  set  the  tables  on  the 
Pavilion,  make  coffee,  cook  bacon  and 
eggs,  etc.,  on  the  grills.  Members  of 
the  party  not  thus  occupied  spend  their 
time  in  social  conversation,  examina- 
tion of  the  books  in  the  Rest  Cottage, 
playing  the  piano,  singing,  etc. 

4.  Lunch  is  served  on  the  Pavilion. 
This  usually  occupies  about  an  hour 
completed  by  the  restoring  of  tables, 
dishes,  etc.,  to  their  perfect  order  ready 
for  inspection  about  1 :oo  P.  M. 

5.  A walk  through  Nymphalia  with 
explanations  and  inspirations  pertain- 
ing to  wild  nature.  This  is  really  a 
communion  with  nature  in  her  most 
primitive. form  as  it  would  be  difficult 
to  find  in  all  the  state  a wilder  tract  of 
swamp  land. 

6.  Demonstrations  with  the  honey- 
bees in  our  Educational  Apiary. 

7.  Visiting  the  Astronomical  Observ- 


atory and  learning  the  fundamental 
principles  of  popular  astronomy. 

8.  Visiting  the  Office,  Laboratory 
and  the  formal  garden,  where  are 
pointed  out,  in  sharp  contrast  to  the 
wild  of  Nymphalia,  the  beauties  of 
formality  in  ideally  balanced  landscape 
architecture  on  small  premises.  This 
is  to  show  the  possibilities  of  really 
good  arrangement  in  a small  yard. 

9.  Chair  of  Natural  History — a five 
minute  talk  in  the  Welcome  Reception 
Room. 

10.  Phonographic  Optical  Projec- 
tion of  Welcome. 

11.  A lantern  slide  talk  on  the  pur- 
pose of  ArcAdiA  and  of  The  Agassiz 
Association  concluding  with  projection 
microscope  exhibition  not  equalled  any- 
where else. 

12.  Brief  visit  to  Little  Japan  for 
social  greetings  and  talking  over  the 
affairs  of  the  day. 

Parties  arriving  at  4:00  P.  M.  usually 
remain  until  10:00  or  10:30  P.  M.,  hav- 
ing practically  the  same  program  with 
the  exception  that  the  honeybee  demon- 
strations come  immediately  after  the 
introductory  talk. 

Rules  of  ArcAdiA. 

1.  Parties  must  keep  together  while 
on  the  grounds.  They  are  permitted  to 
divide  only  in  going  down  to  the  stores 
at  the  end  of  Arcadia  Road.  This  point 
is  absolutely  insisted  upon.  At  no  time 
are  visitors  permitted  on  the  grounds  of 
ArcAdiA  without  a guide  from  the  Of- 
fice, and  parties  may  be  divided  only 
when  each  section  has  obtained  such  a 
guide.  This  is  seldom  if  ever  necessary. 

2.  Nothing  is  to  be  picked  in 
ArcAdiA — not  even  a leaf. 

3.  Parties  conducted  around  the 
premises  must  go  single  file  because 
walks  are  narrow  and  there  must  be  no 
stepping  out  of  the  path.  We  keep  wild 
nature  clear  up  to  the  walks  and  every- 
thing must  be  untrampled  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  ground  of  the  apiary 


XII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Over  39  years  continuous  in- 
dorsement by  the  birds 


THE  FAME  OF  JACOBS  BIRD-HOUSES  IS 
KNOWN  IN  EVERY  LAND 

Beautify  your  grounds  and  help  your  bird  neighbors 
by  using  JACOBS  colony  houses  for  Purple  Mar- 
tins, individual  nest  boxes  for  the  Bluebird,  Wren, 
Chick-a-dee,  Swallow,  Flicker,  Tit-mice,  and  Wood- 
pecker. 

Bird  Baths  and  Drinking  Fountains. 

Feeding  Devices  for  Winter  Birds. 

Sparrow  Traps  and  Bird- 
Banding  Traps 

Beautifully  Illustrated  Catalogue  FREE. 

If  you  mention  The  Guide  to  Nature  we  will  send  a copy  of 
“American  Bird-House  Journal.” 

JACOBS  BIRD  HOUSE  AND  MFG.  CO. 

Waynesburg,  Pennsylvania 


where  it  is  impossible  for  those  who 
participate  in  the  demonstrations  to 
keep  on  the  walks. 

4-  Reading  newspapers  is  not  per- 
mitted except  by  those  who  remain 
overnight.  ( )ur  facilities,  contributed 
by  our  Members  and  friends,  must  be 
used  to  best  possible  advantage.  For 
those  who  desire  to  read  there  are 
about  a thousand  nature  books  on  the 
premises.  A book  on  almost  any  phase 
of  nature  "will  be  supplied  on  reejuest. 

a-  Dishes  and  other  conveniences 
must  be  left  in  the  same  good  condition 
in  which  they  are  found,  ready  for  fur- 
ther use. 


Cheer  up!  Spring  begins  in  two 
weeks.  Remember  the  philosophy  of 
the  old  observer  who  remarked  that  he 
never  knew  it  to  fail,  that  if  he  lived 
through  the  month  of  March  he  always 
lived  through  the  rest  of  the  year.'— 
“Greenwich  News  and  Graphic  ” 
March  4. 


CAMERA 

CRAFT 

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A monthly  magazine  cover- 
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Its  advertising  Pages  heeP  you 
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$1.50  a year.  Sample 
Cofty  on  request 


Camera  Craft  Publishing  Co. 

Claus  Spreckels  Building  San  Francisco,  Calif. 


Blue  Lace  Flower 

Clusters  of  delicate  light  blue  blossoms,  in  size  and 
color  like  the  Forget-me-not,  borne  on  long  slender 
stems.  Texture  resembles  Q ueen  Anne  Lace. 
Exquisite  with  cut  flowers. 

Chinese  Wool  Flower, flower  clusters,  mas- 
sive feathery  balls  of  brilliant  crimson,  blooming 
till  frost. 

Aster  Novelty  Hybrids,  will  produce  many 
new  types  and  colors  never  offered. 

ALSO  2 FAMOUS  VEGETABLES 

Matchless  Lettuce,  remarkable  for  crispness 
and  juicy  texture.  Grows  somewhat  like  Romaine. 

Sweet  Corn,  60-day  Makegood.  Earliest  of 
all,  large,  sweet  and  tender. 

All  Five  Packers  lor  25c 

All  tested  novelties  and  easy  to  grow.  Send  for 
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berries  and  special  novelties.  Values  exceptional. 

John  Lewis  Childs. Inc., Floral  Park,N'.Y. 


SONG  AND  TALKING  BIRDS 
For  Easter  Gifts 


G.  D.  TILLEY,  Naturalist 


Darien  Phone  96  Connecticut 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XIII 


DODSON  WREN 
HOUSE 

4 compartments,  28 
inches  high,  18  inches 
in  diameter. 


A SIJMIVIFR  HOME  ! 

All  song  birds  raise  two,  and 
usually  three,  broods  of  young 
each  year,  selecting  a new  nest- 
ing site  for  each  brood  of  young, 
so  if  your  houses  are  put  out 
now  they  are  sure  to  be  occupied. 

DODSON  HOUSES 

win  the  birds.  Built  by  a bird- 
lover  who  has  spent  a lifetime 
studying  their  habits  and  how  to 
attract  them  to  beautiful  Bird 
1 odge,  his  home  on  the  Kan- 
kakee River. 

Free  Bird  Book  sent  on  re- 
quest. illustrating  Dodson  Line, 
giving  prices;  also  beautiful  col- 
ored bird  picture  free. 

JOSEPH  H DODSON 

Pres.  American  Audubon  Ass’n, 

714  S.  HARRISON  AVE., 
KANKAKEE.  ILL. 


Dodson  Sparrow  Trap  guaranteed  to  rid  your  community 
of  these  quarrelsome  pests.  Price  $8.00. 


Girl  Scouts  camp,  hike  and  live  close  to 
Nature.  Read  about  their  good  times  in 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 

A Magazine  for  Girl  Scouts  and  Girls 
who  love  Scouting. 

The  American  Girl  will  bring  you  suggestions 
for  parties — stories  and  other  things  besides. 
Send  for  sample  copy  to 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 
189  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City. 

$1.50  a year  — Single  copy  15c 


It  yields  comfortably  to  the  shape  of 
the  body,  is  soft  yet  firm,  and  induces 
perfect  relaxation  and  rest.  The  Oster- 
moor  Mattress  is  scientifically  built,  not 
stuffed  like  horsehair;  it  cannot  get  out 
of  shape  and  is  sanitary.  Replace  with 
Ostermoor  as  your  old  mattresses  become 
uncomfortable. 


At  your  dealer’s,  or  we  will  ship  direct; 
express  prepaid.  Write  for  144-page  Cat- 
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Ostermoor  & Co.,  114  Elizabeth  St., 
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Canadian  Agency: 

Alaska  Bedding  of  Montreal,  Ltd.,  Montreal 


BAUSCH&LOMB 

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Every  out-door  activity  becomes  of 
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XIV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


MODEL  BEEKEEPING  OUTFITS 


Write  for  free  booklet,  “Bees  for  Pleasure  and  Profit.” 

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the  guide  to  nature— advertisements 


XV 


KrayolA 

An  Artists'  Drawing  Crayon 

The  box  pictured  contains 
24  crayons  of  the  very  best 
quality.  For  artists  and 
Students  of  Nature,  to  be 
used  for 
sketching  and 
general  color 
work. 

“Crayola”  is 
put  up  in  all  de- 
sirable styles 
of  packing,  6 
to  24  colors  in 
a box. 

Color  chart 1 and 
catalog  on  request. 

E IN  NET  <x 
SMITH  CO., 

81  Fulton  St., 
New  York. 


DREER5 

GARDEN 

BOOK 
1922 


Tins  been  enlarged 
and  improved  and 
special  care  taken 
to  make  it  the  best 
we  have  ever  is- 
sued. Especially  designed  to 
help  the  amateur  as  well  as  the 
professional  gardener,  whether 
his  specialty  be  Vegetables  or  Flowers. 

A large,  comprehensive,  handsomely  illustrated 
book,  showing  in  colors  and  photo-engravings  many 
of  the  varieties  offered,  and  giving  cultural  direc- 
tions which  assure  a successful  garden. 

The  EIGHTY-FOURTH  edition  of  DREER’S 
GARDEN  TOOK  contains  224  pages,  eight  color 
plates,  besides  numerous  photographic  reproduc- 
tions. It  offers  the  best  Vegetable  and  Flower 
Seeds:  Lawn  Grass  and  Agricultural  Seeds;  Gar- 
den Requisites:  Plants  of  all  kinds,  including  the 
newest  Roses,  Dahlias,  Hardy  Perennials,  etc. 

Write  today  for  a copy  which  will  be  mailed 
free  if  you  mention  this  publication 


HENRY  A.  DREER 

714-716  Chestnut  St.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 


BIRD-LORE 

A Bi-Monthly  Magazine 

EDITED  BY  FRANK  M.  CHAPMAN 

500  Pages,  6 Colored  Plates 
150  Photographs 

Price  yearly,  one  dollar  and  a half. 

It  will  tell  you  how  to  study  birds,  how 
to  form  and  conduct  bird  clubs,  how  to 
make  nesting  boxes,  feeding  stands  and 
bird  baths.  You  may  consult  its  Advisory 
Council,  take  part  in  its  bird  censuses  and, 
in  short,  become  one  of  the  great  frater- 
nity who  finds  in  birds  “the  most  elo- 
quent expression  of  nature’s  beauty,  joy 
and  freedom.” 

We  will  be  glad  to  mail  you 
a specimen  copy  on  request. 

D.  APPLETON  & CO. 

Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania 


TLili  Ul<  ^ <JLUUJ  1 — 1 he  only  magazine  111  the 

h.sh  language  devoted  wholly  to  articles*  dealing  witi 
.\los>s»cs»,  Hepattcs*,  and  Lichens.  Of  interest  to  be- 
ginners and  advanced  students  alike.  Bimonthly,  pub- 
lished by  the  Sullivant  Mos9  Society,  an  orgamzatios 
for  mutual  help  in  moss  study.  Special  curators  Ui 
assist  beginners.  Membership  fee,  $1.50  per  year,  in- 
cluding the  Bryologist,  subscription  alone,  $1.25;  Cana- 
dian postage  10  cents  extra.  Address  Edward  B.  Cham- 
berlain. 18  West  89tb  Street,  New  York  City. 


AQUATIC  LIFE  monthly  magazine  will 

^ increase  your  enjoyment 

of  the  life  in  nature’s  streams  and  in  your  home 
aquarium.  Written  by  scientists  to  entertain  all 
nature  lovers  who  like  to  paddle  in  water  and 
4tudy  its  manv  forms  of  life.  A iournal  of  popu- 
lar aquatic  biology,  not  merely  a fish  fanciers’  mag- 
azine. Specimen  copy  free  on  request.  Subscrip- 
tion, $1.25  per  year.  Joseph  E.  Bausman,  Pub- 
lisher, 542  East  Girard  Avenue,  Philadelphia. 


G.  D.  TILLEY, 

Naturalist 

“Everything  in  the  Bird 
Line  from  a Canary  to  an 
Ostrich” 

Birds  for  the  House  and 
Porch 

Birds  for  the  Ornamental  Waterway 
Birds  for  the  Garden,  Pool  and  Aviary 
Birds  for  the  Game  Preserve  and  Park 

SPECIAL  BIRD  FEEDS 

I am  the  oldest  established  and  largest  exclusive  dealer 
in  land  and  water  birds  in  America  ard  have  on  hand  the 
most  extensive  stock  in  the  LTnited  States. 

G.  D.  TILLEY,  Naturalist,  Darien,  Conn. 


XVI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BOBBINK  & ATKINS 


Visit 

Nursery 


Ask  for 
Catalogs 


ROSES 

EVERGREENS 
RHODODENDRONS 
TREES  AND  SHRUBS 
ROCK  GARDEN  PLANTS 
OLD-FASHIONED  FLOWERS 
FRUIT  TREES  AND  BUSHES 
WE  GROW  NURSERY  PRODUCTS  TO  COMPLETE  PLANTINGS 
OF  ANY  MAGNITUDE 

Nurserymen  and  Florists 


RUTHERFORD 


Established  1868 


NEW  JERSEY 


Mrs.  Dow’s  School,  Briarcliff  Manor, 
New  York. 

November  5,  1921. 
Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow, 

Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 

My  dear  Dr.  Bigelow: 

In  your  visits  of  the  last  three  years 
to  Briarcliff  I feel  that  you  have  done 
much  through  your  excursions  with  the 
girls,  your  walks  and  your  lectures 
with  the  lantern  slides  to  develop  in 
them  a love  of  nature  and  the  wonders 
of  outdoor  life,  but  your  lecture  last 
week  with  the  microscope  projections 
quite  transcended  anything  which  you 
have  done  for  us  heretofore.  In  fact  it 
seems  to  me  one  of  the  most  important 
scientific  achievements  that  has  come 
under  my  notice. 

If  you  can  reveal  the  secrets  of  the 
microscope  to  large  audiences  of  young 
people  as  you  did  for  us  you  will  cer- 
tainly be  making  a great  contribution 
to  scientific  teaching.  I wish  you  all 
success  in  developing  your  work  along 
this  line ! 

Yours  very  sincerely, 

(Signed)  Edith  Cooper  Hartman. 


WYNNE’S  INFALLIBLE 
HUNTER  METER 

The  Wynne’s  Infallible  Hunter  Meter 
has  been  specially  designed  to  attain  the 
\ maximum  of  simplicity,  convenience  and 
efficiency,  with  a minimum  of  diameter, 
and  thickness  of  case — the  case  being 
only  one-quarter  of  an  inch  in  thickness. 
It  is  beautifully  made  in  the  best  Solid 
Nickel  and  opens  automatically  by  pres- 
sure of  the  small  knob  on  the  pendant. 


When  ordering,  please  specify  which 
style  of  scale  is  desired. 

Hunter  Meter  - - - $3.50 

Autochrome  Scale  and  Instruction 

Book  -----  .50 

American  Agents: 

GEORGE  MURPHY,  Inc. 

57  EAST  NINTH  STREET,  NEW  YORK 

Manufacturers,  Importers  and  Dealers  in  Photog- 
raphers’ Materials  of  Every  Description 


Open  an  Account 
with 

THE  GREENWICH 
TRUST  CO. 

Courteous  and  Efficient 
Service 

COMMERCIAL  — SAVINGS  — 
TRUST  — SAFE  DEPOSIT 
— STORAGE  DEPART- 
MENT 

A Greenwich  Bank  for 
Greenwich  People 

GREENWICH 

Connecticut 


Telephone  179 

THE  BARTLETT  WAY 

is 

"Ife  Bardett  Wkv  THE 

T RECOGNIZED 
STANDARD 

TREE 

SURGERY 

Our  work  is  not  local  in  scope  but  is 
available  to  all  tree  owners  within  a 
large  radius. 

The  F.  A.  Bartlett 
Tree  Expert  Co. 

“Tree  Specialists” 

STAMFORD.  CONNECTICUT 

Westbury  - --  --  --  - L.  I. 

Morristown  - --  --  --  N.  J. 

Chestnut  Hill Pa- 


BRUNSWICK  SCHOOL 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

A Preparatory  Day  School  for  Boys 
in  Stamford,  Greenwich  and 
Port  Chester 

Calls  the  attention  of  possible  patrons 
to  the  fact  that  the  enrolment  for  the 
coming  year  is  complete  in  respect  to  the 
primary  and  lower  school  departments. 
In  these  sections,  further  applications 
can  receive  favorable  attention  only  in 
case  of  unexpected  withdrawals.  There 
are  still  some  vacancies  in  the  Upper 
School. 

Primary  School,  for  boys  6 to  11 
Lower  School,  for  boys  10  to  14 
Upper  School,  for  boys  13  to  19 

For  catalogue , or  special  information, 
address 

GEORGE  E.  CARMICHAEL, 

Head-master. 

Telephones: 

Office,  Greenwich  318 
Home,  Greenwich  553 


SPRATT’S  PUPPILAC 

The  Milk  Food  of 
Many  Uses 

PUPPILAC  has  a wide  range  of  uses; 
it  fulfills  each  one  of  them  with  unvarying 
certainty. 

It  has  no  equal  as  a rearing  food  for 
orphan  puppies,  as  a substitute  food  at 
weaning  time,  as  a staminal  and  milk  in- 
ducing food  for  the  brood  bitch,  as  a 
strengthening  food  for  the  adult  dog  in 
sickness  and  convalescence,  or  as  a nor- 
mal milk  diet  for  cats  and  kittens. 

PUPPILAC  is  milk  powder  so 
treated  that  there  is  no  possible  danger 
of  rancidity. 

Spratt's  Patent  Limited 

Newark,  New  Jersey 

San  Francisco  St.  Louis  Montreal 
Factory  also  in  London,  Eng. 


SUGGESTIONS  FOR  NATURE-LOVERS 

"Handbook  of  Birds  of  Eastern  North  America,”  by  Frank  M.  Chapman.  Describes 
plumage  of  every  bird  found  in  Eastern  North  America.  “The  bird  bible  of  the 
bird-student.”  Price  $4.15  postpaid. 

“Burgess  Bird  Book  for  Children.”  A book  for  very  youthful  readers.  Price  $3.15 
postpaid. 

"Tales  from  Birdland,”  by  T.  Gilbert  Pearson.  Illustrated  by  Charles  Livingston  Bull. 
Experiences  with  birds  in  the  open  woven  together  with  human-interest  stories. 
Price  80  cents  postpaid. 

“Our  Winter  Birds,”  by  Frank  M.  Chapman.  Interesting  for  beginners  and  advanced 
students.  Price  80  cents  postpaid. 

“Portraits  and  Habits  of  Our  Birds.”  Contains  100  splendid  colored  plates  of  birds. 
Two  volumes.  Sold  at  cost,  $8  postpaid. 

“Bird-Lore.”  Beautifully  illustrated  bi-monthly  magazine.  Has  the  greatest  circulation 
of  any  bird  magazine  in  the  world.  Subscription  price  $1.50. 

Audubon  Field  Glass  for  bird-study.  Complete  with  case  and  strap,  $7.50. 

Lemaire  Opera  Glass.  Unsurpassed  for  field  work.  With  case  $12. 

NATIONAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  AUDUBON  SOCIETIES 

1974  Broadway,  New  York  City 


EVERY  paper  in  The  Lindenmeyr  Lines  is  a good  paper  because 
it  comes  from  a good  mill,  because  it  has  passed  all  the  tests 
of  our  experts  and  because  it  sells  at  a fair  price. 

The  Lindenmeyr  Lines  include  Warren’s  Standard  Printing 
Papers,  Strathmore  Expressive  Papers,  Buckeye  Covers,  Old  Hamp- 
shire Bond,  Brookdale  Linen  Bond,  Princess  Covers,  Neapolitan 
Covers,  Wonderfold  Enameled  and  other  well  liked  papers. 

H enry  Lindenmeyr  & Sons 

ESTABLISHED  1859 

32-34-36  Bleecker  Street,  NEW  YORK. 

80-84  Clinton  St.  16-18  Beekman  St.  58-60  Allyn  St. 

NEWARK,  N.  J.  NEW  YORK.  HARTFORD,  CONN. 


GIFT  OF 


FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 

AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 

jFsIiFF  Smith 

REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 

Stamford.  Connecticut 

Phones  2916  and  2917,  Stamford 


3Z2 


SOUND  BEACH 

50  Minutes  From  New  York 

We  have  a good  Golf  and  Country  Club, 
also  bathing,  boating  and  fishing.  This 
is  the  coolest  place  in  summer,  with 
water  on  three  sides  of  the  town.  Beach 
near  Station. 

We  rent  only  to  the  best  class  of 
people. 

Could  I interest  you  or  your  friends  to 
buy  a place  or  rent  one  for  this  coming 
summer? 

FARMS  OF  ALL  KINDS 
FOR  SALE 

E.  BENJ.  LOCKWOOD 

Notary  Public 
Real  Estate  and  Insurance 
Telephones  216,  200 

No  Trouble  to  Show  Property. 

Property  in  Shippan  Point,  Stamford, 
Sound  Beach  and  Riverside. 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 

has  good  transportation  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

1 have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates,  Shore  and  Inland 
Residences,  Farms,  Acreage,  Cottages  and 
Building  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selected 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Rent 
in  all  locations. 

Would  be  pleased  to  have  you  call  or  write. 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  C«bm. 


WANTED 

FURNISHED  HOUSES 

FOR 

SUMMER  SEASON 

1922 

Have  a large  number  of  clients  looking 
for  High  Class  Furnished  Houses.  List 
yours  early  and  get  the  highest  rentals. 

G.  HARRY  ABBOTT 

REALTOR 

Stamford  Savings  Bank  Building 
Stamford,  Connecticut. 

Telephone  201 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


I 


The  Waller  Slewart  Co. 

The  Leading  Grocers 

CHOICE  GROCERIES. 

FLOUR  AND  FEED. 
SIX  STORES 

Sound  Beach,  New  Canaan, 

Darien  and  Springdale 

Telephone  Connection 

SOUND  BEACH  PHARMACY 

Kodak  Supplies  Developing  and  Printing 

STATIONERY 
Sound  Beach,  Connecticut 
E.  S.  Donovan  Phone  Sound  Beach  19 

MCARDLE’S  SEED  STORE 

Florist  and  Seedsman 

SEEDS,  PLANTS,  BULBS,  INSECTICIDES  AND 
FERTILIZERS 

BIRD  HOUSES,  FEEDING  DEVICES  AND  BIRD 
FOODS 

Telephone  317  Merritt  Building 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

EVERYTHING 

ELECTRICAL 

FOR  THE  HOME 

From  Garret  to  Cellar 

Electric  Heaters,  Sewing 
Machines,  Irons,  Vacuum 
Cleaners,  Washing  Ma- 
chines, Percolators, 
Toasters,  etc.,  etc., 

— at — 

THE  STAMFORD  ELEC- 
TRICAL CONTRACTOR 

INCORPORATED 

221  Atlantic  Street 


C.  C.  CLARK’S 

TAXI  SERVICE 

SOUND  BEACH  CONNECTICUT 

TAXI  CABS— BAGGAGE  TRANSFER 
PROMPT  SERVICE  OUR  MOTTO 

Telephone 

271  SOUND  BEACH 

D.  MAHER  SONS 

LEHIGH  COAL,  HYGEIA  ICE 

BUILDING  MATERIAL,  LIME,  LATH, 
BRICK,  SAND,  CEDENT,  DRAIN  PIPE 

Tel.  130  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

HARDWARE 

LAURENCE  TAYLOR 

PAINTS  OIL  WINDOW  GLASS 

HOUSEHOLD  UTENSILS 

Boles  Block,  Next  to  Post  Office  Phone  95 
Sound  Beach 

LA  BELLE  BAKERY 

297  Atlantic  Street 
STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 


S.  G.  JUDD  STORE 

HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 

Telephone  352 

White  and  Gray  Enamel 
Ware 

Galvanized  and  Tin  Ware 
Aluminum,  Crockery  and 
Glass  Ware 

Baskets,  Cutlery 

43  BANK  STREET 
Stamford,  _ _ Connecticut 


II 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Stamford  Business  Directory 


HOTEL  DAVENPORT 

H.  S.  MOREHOUSE  HOTEL  CO. 
STAMFORD,  CONN. 


EVERYTHING  FOR  LADIES'  WEAR 

GALL  ON 

Moltasch,  Ladies’  Outfitter 

210  ATLANTIC  ST.,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 


felcpkoae,  270 

271 


Uptown  Ofpice:  STARK  BROS 
40  PARK  ROW 


CHAS.  F.  WATERBURY 
David  Waterbury  & Son 
COAL  DRAIN  PIPE  WOOD 

Crushed  Stone  for  Walks  and  Drives 
YARDS:  Canal  Dock.  STAMFORD.  CONN. 


Telephone  169  Insurance  Appraisals  Made 

WM.  T.  FINNEY,  INC. 

ANTIQUES,  SECONDHAND 

FURNITURE,  STORAGE. 

Office  and  Auction  Rooms 
35  Atlantic  Street,  Stamford,  Conn 

Corsets  Fitted  Free  by  Expert  Corsetiere 

Phone  989 

LA  SARETTE  CORSET  SHOP 

STAMFORD  THEATRE  BUILDING 
Stamford  Connecticut 


BORG  BROTHERS 

Chemical  and  Analytical  Laboratories 
for  Special  Research  Work 

539  MAIN  ST. 

STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

JOHN  PHILLIPS 

Dealer  in 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES 

463  Main  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

FOR  FINE  MILLINERY 
NEWSTAD’S 

3 BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

FRANK  M.  WEST 
HARDWARE 

Paints,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Etc.  House  Furnishings 

18  PARK  ROW  Tel.  Con. 

R.  F.  VOSKA  & SON 

TAILORS 


444  Atlantic  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

DR.  W.  H.  POMEROY 


DENTIST 

The  Gurley  Building 

324  Main  Street,  Opposite  City  Hall 

Stamford,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


III 


MOTORS 

FIXTURES 

APPLIANCES 

MODERN  LJLBOR  SAVING  MACHINES  FOR 
THE  HOUSEHOLD 

The 

Downes-Smith  Co. 

Electrical  Contractors 

Stamford,  Conn. 

79  ATLANTIC  STREET 

THE  GRUBER 
COMPANY 


STAMFORD’S  EXCLUSIVE 
WOMAN’S  SHOP 


298  Main  Street 
Stamford 


Telephone  2294 


Phillips’  Gift  Slop 

Gifts  for  All  Occasions 

Diamonds,  Watches, 
Jewelry,  Silver- 
ware,  Cut  G l ass, 
f ,°  — z\  Clocks,  Sterling 
\ k '***\+-J  AND  Ivoroid  Toilet 
''v&f 9 %Jr  and  Manicure  Sets, 
Novelties,  Etc. 

Usual  Amount  of  Engraving  Free. 

A Small  Deposit  Reserves  Any  Article 
Selected. 

Exclusive  Agency  Gorham 
Silverware. 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 

New  Store,  209  Atlantic  Street 
Established,  1897 

THE  HALLMARK  STORE 


IV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NA  TURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


Like  Getting  Hack  Home  Again 


Spr'ing 

Clothes 


$20  to  $50 


What  a comfortable  feeling'  it  is  to  have  our  feet  planted 
firmly  on  solid  ground  of  normalcy!  It’s  like  getting 
back  home  again  after  a rough  voyage  over  uncharted 
seas.  Readjustment  in  the  Clothing  business  has  taken 
place.  The  days  of  abnormal  prices  are  past.  If  you 
want  to  appreciate  the  value  of  the  word  “ value,”  come 
here ! 


THE  HARTWELL -DELAP  COMPANY 


48  PARK  ROW 


STAMFORD,  CONN. 


GOOD  HEALTH’S  BEST  FRIEND  IS  WHOLESOME  FOOD 


THE  BEST  INGREDIENTS  make  the  BEST  BREAD! 

Beech  Nut  Bread  is  made  of  Pure  Granulated  Sugar,  Pure  Leaf  Lard,  Pure 
Malt  Extract,  Pure  Fleischmann’s  Yeast,  Pure  Milk  and  Plenty  Of  It,  and 
Pure  Wheat  Flour — and  each  of  these  wholesome,  healthful  ingredients  is  the 
finest  quality  that  money  can  buy. 

NATURALLY— BEECH  NUT  BREAD  IS  MORE  NOURISHING.  AS  WELL 
AS  MORE  DELICIOUS! 

Baked  Solely  by  the  Marsh  Bakeries,  Inc. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


V 


THE  PRISCILLA  SHOPPE 

CONFECTIONERY  BAKERY  PRODUCTS 
SODA 

BOLES  BLOCK  ARCADIA  ROAD 

Telephone 

THE  HARRY  BELL 

INSURANCE  AGENCY,  Inc. 

318  MAIN  STREET  STAMFORD,  CONN. 
Telephones  3636,  3637 

The  Gift  Establishment 

DIAMONDS 

ENGAGEMENT,  WEDDING  AND  BIRTHDAY  GIFTS 
Large  Assortment  of 

GORHAM  SILVER 

GEORGE  GRUNBERGER,  THE  JEWELER 

199  MAIN  STREET  QUINTARD  BLOCK 

I plant  to  live,1  while  others  plant  to  die; 

The  longer  I live,  the  better  I’ll  plant, 

And  the  more  I plant,  the  better  I’ll  live. 

T.nne  Nature  as  T Da 

ELMER  E.  MARSHALL 

gardener 

All  Kinds  of  Pruning  and  Grading  Done  on  Short  Notice 

Riverside.  Conn.  Telephone 


When  spring  comes,  and  leaves  bud,  and  the 
grass  grows  green,  and  the  air  turns  soft  and 
warm  and  fragrant,  aren’t  you  going  to  feel  a lot 
younger?  Of  course  you  are.  Winter  is  old  age. 
Siiring  is  youth. 

Prepare  for  it  now.  Start  now  to  feel  young. 
Buy  flexible,  comfortable  shoes.  Nothing  in  your 
wardrobe  can  hurt  you  more  than  the  wrong  kind 
of  shoes. 

For  appearance,  you  will  like  Cantilever  Shoes, 
with  their  graceful,  sensible  lines,  their  modish 
low  and  medium  heels,  their  Hne  materials  and  fine 
workmanship. 


For  comfort,  and  the  avoidance  of  foot  troubles 
which  so  many  women  needlessly  experience,  Can- 
tilever Shoes  are  in  a class  of  their  own,  famous 
and  praised  the  country  over.  They  are  made  with 
flexible  arches — not  the  rigid  shanks  you  get  in 
ordinary  shoes.  This  flexibility  of  the  Cantilever 
Shoe,  permitting  free  circulation  and  strengthen- 
ing action  of  the  foot  muscles,  enhances  the  grace 
and  youth  of  your  walk. 

C . $p«lke  St  Son 

Shoos  Si  hosiery 

419  Iflam  Street 

SinnroBD  Comn 


Merrill  Business  College 

Our  Secretarial  Course  prepares  both  Young 
Men  and  Young  Women  to  hold  responsible 
positions. 

Bookkeeping,  Shorthand,  Dictaphone, 

Typewriting  and  English  Branches 

SOUTH  NORWALK  STAMFORD  PORT  CHESTER 


447  Atlantic  St. 
Stamford, 
Conn. 

SEEDS 


fl  o/t/srs 


BULBS 

and  everything  for  the 


164  Purchase  St. 
Rye,  N.  Y. 

PLANTS 


GARDEN  AND  LAWN 

SEND  FOR  OUR  GARDEN  GUIDE 
IT’S  FREE 


VI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATU RE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


SILK  HOSIERY  IN  ALL  SHADES 


There  is  no  hint  of  the  commonplace  about  the  hosiery  you  purchase  here. 

Woven  of  the  finest 

THE  LACE  AND  trimming  store  silken  threads  into 

the  sheerest  fabrics, 
its  durability,  beau- 
ty and  color  are 
guaranteed. 


J m r uitii  • • CO/V/V  . 


'in  Atlantic  St. 


“A  Pleasant  Place  to  Shop,  with  Always  Something  New.’ 


Established  1853 

THE  QETMAN&  JUDD  CO. 

Lumber  and  Timber  of  all  Kinds 

SPECIALTY:  High  Grade  HARDWOOD  FLOORING 

Aoroughly  Kiln  Dried  and  stored  in  Steam  heated  build- 
lag  until  delivered  to  our  customers.  Our  steadily  in- 
creasing trade  in  this  specialty  proves  the  fact  that 
Iks  country  home  is  not  complete  until  fitted  out  with 
this  beautiful  and  sanitary  furnishing.  Old  Residences 
Bay  he  greatly  improved  by  laying  thin  floors  over  the 
•M  oaes. 

CANAL  DOCKS,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

Telephone  2180. 


SEE  US  AND 

SEE  BETTER 

Protect  your  eyes  from  the  daily 
strain  and  sun’s  rays. 


CAMERAS  and  SUPPLIES 
Developing,  Printing 
and  Mounting  .... 

W.  A.  McClelland,  Inc^  Optomstrlsts-Opticians 
Stamford  345  Atlantic  St.,  Connecticut 


Homes  Near  to  Nature 

Should  he  so  constructed  as  to  give  lasting  satisfaction. 
Our  method  of  manufacturing  dependable  Interior  and 
Exterior  house  trim  from  thoroughly  kiln  dried  material 
by  skilled  mechanics  insures  such  satisfaction. 

THE  ST.  JOHN  WOOD  WORKING  CO. 

Canal  docks,  Stamford  Conn. 

Telephone  781 
DIRECTORS 

WALTON  FERGUSON.  Pres.  W.  W.  HERO* 

W.  D.  DASKAM,  Vice  Pres.  Dr.  F.  H.  GETMAN 

W.  H.  JUDD,  Sec.  and  Treas.  F.  W.  BOGARDUS 
J.  G.  WIGG,  General  Manager. 


STAMFORD  STEAM  LAUNDRY,  Inc. 

Deliveries  to  Sound  Beach  and  Shippan. 
OFFICE  10-12  SUMMER  PLACE 
Telephone,  249.  Stamford,  Coon. 


THE  GAMBLE  MILL  WORK  CO. 


DEALERS  IN 

SASH,  DOORS,  BLINDS,  TRIM, 
ETC. 

520  Steamboat  Road 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

THE  GREENWICH  CAB  CO.,  INC. 

Garage,  Taxi  Service,  Tires  and 
Supplies. 

81  Railroad  Ave.,  Greenwich,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


VII 


Offers  you  something  new — a superior  Laundry  Service — and  your  clothes 
washed  INDIVIDUALLY. 

You  cannot  do  it  as  good  in  your  own  home,  and  it  means  SAVING  to 
your  pocketbook  and  your  clothes. 

Inquire  of  our  service — ask  us  TODAY ; or  still  better,  send  us  that 
next  bundle  for  a trial,  and  sure  enough  you  will  always 

SEND  IT  TO  THE  INDIVIDUAL 

THE  INDIVIDUAL  LAUNDRY  SERVICE  CO. 

29  Worth  Street,  Stamford,  Conn.  Phone  3838 


Phone  953-5  H.  Eichenbaum,  Prop. 

THE  ATLANTIC  TRUNK  AND 
UMBRELLA  SHOP 

Stamford’s  Umbrella  Hospital 

286  Atlantic  Street 

(Opposite  Catholic  Church) 

Near  Worth  Street  Stamford,  Conn. 


ROSEMONT 
BABY  CHICKS 

Beautiful,  hardy,  pure-bred  chicks  of  1 1 popu- 
lar money-making  breeds.  Direct  from  our  great 
incubators  to  vou.  Shipped  prepaid  and  delivery 
in  perfect  condition  guaranteed.  Prices  moderate. 

Whether  you  wish  25  chicks  for  pets  or  the 
home  flock  of  poultry,  or  thousands  for  a com- 
mercial farm,  you  should  get  our  big,  illustrated 
catalog.  Mailed  FREE.  Write  for  it  today. 

Rosemont  Poultry  Farms  and  Hatchery 

DRAWER  7,  ROSEMONT,  NEW  JERSEY. 


Different  Methods  of  Growth. 

In  California,  fruit  stands  on  the 
ground;  in  New  York,  fruit  stands  on 
the  corners. 


When 

SHIRT  VALUES 

like  these  beckon,  there’s  bound 
to  be  a wave  of  customers. 
Nature  herself  doesn’t  blend 
colors  any  prettier,  or  richer,  or 
as  lasting. 

And  it’s  only  natural  that  early 
choosing  should  yield  greatest 
reward. 

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VIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


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gather  it  all  here. 

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it  all  for  the  first  time  than  it  can  possibly  be  to  us  who  have  brought  it  here  and  spent 
days  working  among  it  to  place  it  before  you  in  the  most  interesting  manner. 

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authorized  on  June  27,  1918. 


Volume  XIV 


APRIL,  1922 


Number  n 


“EDUCATED  FLEAS”  OF  FIFTY  YEARS  AGO. 

By  Dr.  W.  H.  Dali,  Honorary  Curator  of  the  Division  of  Mollusks  at  the 

United  States  Museum. 

This  article  was  published  by  Dr.  Dali  in  the  “American  Naturalist”  for  1877.  His 
address  is  Smithsonian  Institution,  Washington,  D.  C. 

“Educated  Fleas”  describes  a remarkable  form  of  entertainment  in  vogue  some  half 
century  ago.  There  was  apparently  considerable  genuineness  in  the  exhibition.  How 
this  was  accomplished  Dr.  Dali  has  endeavored  to  tell  us. 


IN  old-fashioned  “annuals”  and  espe- 
cially in  obsolete  works  on  instinct 
and  intelligence  among  the  lower 
animals,  accounts  of  the  so-called 
“Educated  Fleas”  will  doubtless  be  re- 
membered by  my  adult  readers.  The 
story  of  their  marvelous  performances 
had  for  my  boyhood  a peculiar  interest 
not  unmixed  with  incredulity.  In  later 
years  I had  begun  half-unconsciously 
to  class  them  with  the  spurious  marvels 
of  the  “automatic  chess  player”  and  the 
generation  of  Acari  by  the  action  of 
electricity  on  chemicals.  So  far  as  my 
mind  was  occupied  with  the  subject  at 
all,  it  had  concluded  on  general  prin- 
ciples that  intelligent  action,  of  the 
kind  described  in  the  old  works  referred 
to,  could  he  attributed  to  fleas  with 
very  little  probability ; and  that,  what- 
ever the  innate  mental  ability  possessed 
by  them,  it  was  in  the  highest  degree 
unlikely  that  it  was  susceptible  of 
training. 


Some  weeks  ago,  when  passing 
through  Broadway,  New  York,  not  far 
from  Union  Square,  an  accidental 
glance  caught  the  sign  over  a doorway, 
“Exhibition  of  Educated  Fleas.”  Past 
memories  and  present  curiosity  deter- 
mined me  to  make  an  inspection  at 
once.  Half  an  hour  later  I had  seen 
all  there  was  to  see,  purchased  a lively 
little  pamphlet  by — shall  I say  the 
inventor  of  the  educated  fleas?  and  de- 
cided that  the  small  fee  exacted  was 
well  expended.  As  it  does  not  appear 
that  the  modus  operand i of  this  exhibi- 
tion has  ever  been  explained,  an  at- 
tempt in  that  direction  may  not  be  un- 
interesting to  the  readers  of  the  Nat- 
uralist. 

To  make  the  explanation  intelligible 
it  will  be  necessary  to  begin  with  the 
conclusion,  or  in  other  words  to  first 
state  the  essential  part  of  the  explana- 
tion. 

First,  the  fleas  are  not  educated. 


Copyright  1922  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


15° 

Second,  all  the  performances  which 
make  up  the  exhibition  may  be  traced 
directly  to  the  desire  and  earnest  efforts 
of  the  insects  to  escape.  The  means 
employed  to  give  an  appearance  of 
intelligent  action  to  these  struggles  are 
sufficiently  ingenious. 

In  the  first  place,  each  flea  is  attached 
to  some  object  in  such  a manner  that 
it  cannot  free  itself,  while  the  move- 
ments of  its  legs  and  feet  are  not  hin- 
dered or  embarrassed. 

This  was  explained  by  the  proprietor. 
The  surface  of  the  insect  is  so  polished 
that  no  cement  will  adhere  to  it  when 
dry,  and  should  a soft  or  waxy  sub- 
stance be  used  the  insect  dies  very 
soon.  (A  probable  cause  of  this  might 
be  the  obstruction  of  the  stigmata.)  He 
stated  that  by  tying  a single  silk  fibre 
around  the  flea  and  knotting  it  on  the 
dorsal  side,  a bristle,  fine  wire,  or  what 
not,  may  be  cemented  to  the  knot.  I 
was  not  able  to  observe  exactly  where 
the  fibre  encircled  the  insect.  This  part 
of  the  process  is  the  most  delicate  and 
difficult  to  perform. 

The  proprietor  states  that  female 
fleas  are  solely  employed  by  him,  since 
the  males  are  “excessively  mulish  and 
altogether  disinclined  to  work.”  The 
fact  that  they  are  much  smaller  and 
weaker  than  the  other  sex  is  probably 
another  and  more  important  reason, 
and  they  are  said  to  die  in  a few  days 
when  closely  confined. 

The  first  preparation  for  their  task-is 
stated  to  be  as  follows:  the  wild  flea  is 
put  into  a small  pill-box  with  a glass 
top  and  bottom,  revolving  on  an  axis 
like  a lottery  wheel  and  forming  a min- 
iature treadmill.  After  a few  days’  con- 
finement herein,  the  flea,  which  in  a 
state  of  nature  is,  as  we  know,  exces- 
sively inclined  to  jump,  becomes 
broken  of  the  habit.  It  is  said  that  the 
constant  raps  which  it  receives,  when 
attempting  to  jump  and  thereby  hitting 
the  sides  of  its  prison,  incline  it  to  walk. 
If  this  be  true,  and  it  might  readily  be 
tested  by  experiment,  the  flea’s  educa- 
tion is  entirely  comprised  in  it,  and,  so 
far  as  it  goes,  it  is  a species  of  training. 
I am  not  yet  convinced  of  the  accuracy 
of  the  statement.  A “wild”  flea  was 
shown,  attached  by  one  foot  to  a minute 
ball  and  chain,  and  certainly  jumped 
continually.  If  a “tame”  or  educated 
specimen  had  been  similarly  weighted, 
and  had  showed  no  desire  to  jump,  it 
would  have  indicated  the  truth  of  the 


theory,  provided  its  legs  were  found  to 
be  sound.  This,  however,  was  not  done, 
and  all  the  “tame”  ones,  having  some- 
thing on  their  backs,  might  thereby  be 
affected  differently  from  one  confined 
only  by  one  “foot.” 

The  performances  may  be  divided 
into  two  classes : first,  by  fleas  attached 
to  a movable  object;  and  second,  by 
fleas  attached  to  an  immovable  object. 
The  former  (with  one  exception)  are 
employed  in  pulling,  pushing,  or  carry- 
ing some  object  about.  This  portion  of 
the  exhibition  is  a genuine  exposition 
of  the  very  extraordinary  strength  in 
proportion  to  its  size,  which  is  pos- 
sessed by  this  little  insect.  Small  and 
beautifully  executed  models  of  horse- 
cars,  vessels,  coaches,  a wheelbarrow, 
butterfly,  etc.,  are  pulled  about,  each  by 
a single  flea  attached  firmly  to  a minute 
pole  or  wire,  extending  from  or  under 
the  object.  Small  bits  of  silk,  tissue 
paper  or  other  light  material  are  at- 
tached to  the  knot  on  the  flea’s  back, 
and  by  courtesy  are  termed  dresses,  or 
equestrians  as  the  case  may  be. 

The  proprietor  states  that  the  weight 
of  a flea  is  about  0.05  of  a grain,  or,  if 
well  fed,  0.1  grain.  He  states  that  the 
model  of  the  street  car  exhibited  weighs 
one  hundred  and  twenty  grains,  or 
about  twelve  hundred  times  the  weight 
of  the  flea  which  drags  it.  Whether 
these  figures  be  precisely  accurate  or 
not.  it  is  a very  remarkable  effort  for 
so  small  a creature.  Vigorous  speci- 
mens are  said  to  occur  which  are  able 
to  pull  even  a considerably  larger 
weight. 

The  fleas  from  dogs  are  less  strong 
than  the  human  parasite,  and  require 
more  frequent  feeding.  The  ordinary 
flea  will  remain  four  days,  it  is  said, 
without  injury  for  want  of  nourish- 
ment, and  will  live  for  weeks,  though 
diminishing  in  weight.  They  are  said 
to  live  about  a year ; the  performers 
average  eight  months,  but  one  is  re- 
corded by  the  proprietor  as  having 
lived  twenty-three  months  in  his  pos- 
session, the  last  two  of  which  were 
passed  in  a state  of  great  weakness. 

It  was  noticeable  that  the  surface 
over  which  the  fleas  dragged  their  bur- 
dens was  composed  of  compact  blotting 
paper  on  which  their  hooklets  took 
good  hold,  and  that  whenever  the  per- 
formance of  any  one  individual  was  not 
going  on,  the  particular  object  to  which 
it  was  attached  was  laid  on  its  side,  or 


EDUCATED  FLEAS 


so  that  the  insect  was  left,  feet  in  air, 
where  it  could  not  exhaust  itself  by 
unnecessary  efforts.  I think  that  the 
absence  of  any  proof  of  education  in 
the  above  cases  is  quite  plain. 

In  the  second  class  of  cases  the  ef- 
forts made  by  the  flea  to  escape  are 
precisely  the  same,  but,  being  fixed  it- 
self, it  must  necessarily  show  its  power 
by  traction  upon  some  movable  object 
or  by  aimless  gesticulations  in  the  air. 

Generally  the  insect  is  attached  to  a 
sort  of  style  or  wire  in  a perpendicular 
position  with  the  head  uppermost  and 
the  limbs  extended  horizontally.  Usu- 
ally it  will  remain  quiet,  but  if  dis- 
turbed by  the  vibration  of  its  wire,  as 
produced  by  knocking  on  the  table,  it 
will  work  its  limbs  about,  seeking 
something  to  take  hold  of.  If,  then, 
segments  of  finest  wire,  fans  of  tissue 
paper,  or  other  representations  of  ob- 
jects in  miniature  are  attached  to  its 
fore  “feet,”  we  shall  have  it  apparently 
brandishing  a stick  or  sword,  fanning, 
performing-  on  a musical  instrument, 
etc.,  all  of  which  is  much  more  clearly 
seen  with  the  aid  of  a lively  imagina- 
tion. 

Two  fleas  furnished  with  segments 
of  finest  wire  on  their  fore  “feet,”  and 
placed  with  their  ventral  sides  so  near 
that  the  mimic  swords  can  touch,  but 
not  the  insects’  feet,  give  a representa- 
tion of  a duel  not  much  worse  than  that 
usual  in  most  theatres.  In  their  strug- 
gles to  reach  the  adjacent  object,  it 
would  be  strange  if  the  little  wires  did 
not  clash  occasionally. 

“Madame  Lenormand,”  “Rebekah  at 
the  Well,”  and  a flea  turning  a minia- 
ture windmill  are  brought,  each  on  its 
perch,  so  near  an  endless  chain  of  in- 
geniously minute  workmanship,  that 
their  booklets  catch  in  the  links,  and 
they  eagerly  seize  the  opportunity  of 
pulling  themselves,  as  they  suppose, 
away  from  their  bonds.  The  only  re- 
sult is  that  a little  pointer  turns  to  a 
number  on  a dial,  a little  bucket  comes 
out  of  a well-curb,  or  the  mill  goes 
round.  A similar  but  horizontally  ap- 
plied motion  propels  a little  merry-go- 
round. 

The  most  amusing  and,  at  first,  most 
incomprehensible  of  the  various  per- 
formances, is  that  of  the  dancing  fleas. 
The  orchestra  are  placed  above  a little 
music-box,  whose  vibrations  cause 
them  to  gesticulate  violently  for  a few 
moments,  fastened  as  they  are  to  their 


151 

posts.  Below  them  several  pairs  of 
fleas  (fastened  by  a little  bar  to 
each  other  in  pairs,  those  of  each  couple 
just  so  far  apart  that  they  cannot  touch 
each  other)  are  apparently  waltzing; 
an  inspection  shows  that  the  two  com- 
posing each  pair  are  pointed  in  opposite 
ways ; each  tries  to  run  away,  the 
“parallelogram  of  forces”  is  produced  ; 
the  forward  intention,  converted  to  a 
rotary  motion,  ludicrously  imitating 
the  habits  of  certain  higher  vertebrates. 

I have  sketched  the  plan  of  the  per- 
formance, and  it  will  be  noticed  that 
there  is  nothing  in  it  which  cannot  be 
explained  on  the  hypothesis  with  which 
we  set  out,  namely,  that  all  the  effects 
produced  may  be  the  result  of  the  nat- 
ural efforts  of  the  insect  to  escape,  the 
burden  of  proof  being  with  those  in- 
clined to  a contrary  opinion.  Whatever 
the  result  to  our  opinion  of  the  flea’s 
mental  powers,  one  can  hardly  avoid 
admiring  the  ingenuity  with  which  the 
“stage  property”  has  been  fitted  to  its 
purpose,  and  the  beauty  of  the  models 
and  apparatus. 

The  exhibitor  claims  to  feed  his 
swarm  on  his  own  arm,  which  exhibited 
a sufficiency  of  punctures.  His  whole 
company  may  be  packed  into  a shaving- 
box  and  put  in  his  coat-tail  pocket.  lie 
claims  to  have  originated  the  exhibition 
forty  years  ago.  Some  of  the  anecdotes 
in  his  little  pamphlet  are  amusing 
enough,  and  we  find  the  following  con- 
tributions to  the  Natural  History  of 
the  Flea. 

“The  flea  may  be  easily  dissected  in 
a drop  of  water,  and  by  this  means  the 
stomach  and  bowels  may  be  plainly 
discovered,  with  the  veins  and  arteries” 
( !)  Their  “amazing  motion  is  per- 
formed by  means  of  the  great  elasticity 
of  their  feet,  the  articulation  of  which 
are  so  many  springs,  in  accordance  with 
the  exalted  and  lofty  aspirations  of  the 
insect.”  And  finally,  “Take  a well  fed 
— ( Ci/nex ) and  a starved  flea,  and  place 
them  under  a glass  together,  and  you 
will  be  afforded  an  amusing  spectacle. 
The  flea  as  soon  as  he  perceives  the 
pursy  condition  of  the  bug  will  hop 
upon  its  back,  and  in  spite  of  the  latter’s 
struggles  to  throw  him  off.  will  suc- 
ceed in  extracting  the  blood  from  the 
fed  bug’s  body,  leaving  it  in  quite  a 
lean  condition,  while  the  flea  becomes 
round,  plump,  and  happy,  after  its  bene- 
ficial ride.” 


i52 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


“Fleeced”  by  Fallacious  Fleas. 

Through  the  kindness  of  H.  E.  Zim- 
merman of  Kansas  City,  Missouri,  we 
were  favored  a few  weeks  ago  with 
what  he  regarded  as  a microscopical 
curiosity — that  is,  fleas  in  skirts  and 
trousers.  From  time  to  time  informa- 
tion has  reached  this  office  of  some  one 
who  has  been  “fleeced”  by  fallacious 
fleas.  It  appears  that  many  of  our 
friends  think  that  somebody  in  Mexico 
or  elsewhere  has  acquired  remarkable 
manipulative  skill  in  putting  skirts  and 
trousers  on  fleas  so  that  they  may  look 
like  bride  and  groom.  Other  charac- 
ters are  also  imitated. 

The  facts  are  that  fleas  are  not  thus 
clothed.  A little  black  material  is  se- 
lected for  the  groom  and  a little  whitish 
material,  somewhat  similar  to  pith,  for 
a bride  attired  in  white,  and  an  entire 
flea  is  cemented  on  to  represent  the 
head.  It  requires  only  a casual  exam- 
ination, even  with  the  low  power 
pocket  lens,  to  detect  the  fraud. 

And  as  to  skill,  there  isn’t  any.  Any 
one  who  can  use  a pocket  lens  and  a 
pair  of  pocket  pliers  could  pidl  out  ma- 
terial of  almost  any  kind  and  arrange 
it  in  this  way.  At  the  very  best,  even 
if  the  fleas  were  thus  clothed,  the  re- 
sult would  be  crude  in  comparison  with 
the  delicate  work  that  nricroscopists 
are  accustomed  to  perform  and  con- 
sider as  only  ordinary  operations.  Mi- 
croscopic objects,  although  beautifully 
prepared,  are  not  sensational  enough  to 
attract  the  average  person’s  attention, 
but  to  them  a flea  in  skirt  or  trousers 
is  a wonderful  thing,  as  it  surely  would 
be! 


Were  ever  five  letters  compact  into 
another  word  as  sweet  as  April?  The 
very  syllables  seem  to  drip  with  fresh- 
ening showers ; to  glisten  with  sudden, 
relenting  shafts  of  sunlight,  and  to 
glow  and  pale  with  the  rainbows  which 
span  the  drifting,  purple  clouds.  The 
songs  of  mating  birds  are  in  them  ; the 
scents  of  the  quickening  earth ; the 
taste  of  spiced  buds ; the  touch  of  light 
breezes;  the  sights  of  the  infinite 
awakenings  and  unfoldings  of  the 
world  about  us.  For  every  sense  its 
own  delights ; for  every  letter  a thou- 
sand new  sensations ; for  every  day  a 
new  heaven  and  a new  earth. — “A 
W hite  Paper  Garden,”  Shafer. 


Sawfish  Mother  and  Young. 

National  Geographic  Magazine, 
Washington,  D.  C. 

To  the  Editor ; 

Our  aquarium  endeavored  to  secure 
in  a big  net  a porpoise  to  see  if  it  could 
be  kept  alive  in  an  outdoor  tank,  and 
when  hauling  it  in  we  were  surprised 
to  find  that  a sawfish  had  become  en- 
tangled. A successful  effort  was  made 
to  bring  this  specimen  in  alive,  and  it 
was  placed  in  the  thirty-six  foot  tank 
inside  of  the  aquarium,  in  which  were 
several  barracudas  and  groupers. 

We  tempted  the  sawfish  with  dif- 
ferent varieties  of  its  natural  food  but 
it  would  not  eat  or  move  around  in  the 
tank,  excepting  perhaps  once  in  twenty- 
four  hours  it  would  move  a few  feet 
but  always  along  the  bottom.  Four 
days  after  it  was  placed  in  the  tank  we 
were  surprised  to  find  that  it  had  given 
birth  to  nine  young,  each  about  one 
foot  long,  six  inches  of  which  was  saw, 
and  nature  had  provided  that  each  little 
saw  was  enclosed  in  a glutinous  veil, 
thus  protecting  the  mother  and  the 
other  offspring  from  the  saws. 

At  the  end  of  three  weeks  the  mother 
died,  either  from  starvation  or  a broken 
heart,  but  the  little  fellows,  knowing 
nothing  else,  began  to  eat  what  was 
offered,  little  shreds  of  spiny  lobster 
and  cut  up  mullets,  thriving  and  grow- 
ing very  nicely,  not  being  interfered 
with  by  the  other  fish,  and  taking  a 
good  deal  of  exercise  swimming  the 
length  of  the  tank,  generally  near  the 
floor.  After  three  months,  during 
which  time  they  had  grown  to  a little 
more  than  two  feet  in  length,  they  were 
attacked  by  some  sort  of  parasite  and 
one  by  one  died  in  spite  of  all  we  could 
do  in  the  matter  of  change  of  water 
and  change  of  tanks. 

That  is  the  brief  story  of  our  expe- 
rience with  the  family  of  sawfish. 

It  is  also  interesting  to  note  that 
other  fish,  namely,  five  barracudas,  the 
most  vicious  fish  to  be  found  in  the 
Gulf  Stream,  become  so  tame  in  cap- 
tivity that  while  cleaning  out  the  tank 
they  do  not  object  in  any  way  to  the 
attendants  rubbing  their  backs  with  a 
long  handled  brush  and  will  even  now 
and  then  come  up  and  take  food  almost 
from  the  hand.  As  you  are  aware,  the 
barracuda  is  known  as  “The  Tiger  of 
the  Sea”  and  will  strike  at  anything 


SAWFISH  MOTHER  AND  YOUNG 


'53 


THE  SAWFISH. 


Courtesy  of  American  Museum  of  Natural  History. 


moving  in  the  water,  large  or  small ; 
indeed,  I have  had  them  dash  up  and 
in  one  mouthful  take  all  but  the  head 
of  a ten  pound  Spanish  mackerel  which 
I was  just  hauling  in  over  the  stern  of 
the  boat. 

Our  marine  station  at  Miami  Beach, 
which  is  a private  enterprise  developed 
to  study  the  fish  of  the  Gulf  Stream, 
was  opened  for  the  first  time  on  Janu- 
ary i,  1921,  and  because  of  its  location 


and  equipment  gives  promise  of  devel 
oping  into  one  of  the  great  aquariums 
of  the  world  within  a short  tme. 

With  best  wishes  for  the  continued 
success  of  your  charge, 

John  Oliver  La  Gorce. 

Birch  saplings  are  wrapped  in  wonderful  tints, 
That  art  might  emulate  in  vain : 

And  yet  they’re  but  products  of  Mother  Earth, 
Of  sunshine  and  of  rain. 


- — Emma  Peirce. 


The  Heavens  in  April. 

By  Professor  Samuel  G.  Barton  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


URSA  MAJOR  (the  big  bear)  now 
lies  in  its  best  position  nearly 
overhead.  The  constellation  will 
be  seen  to  consist  of  quite  a few  stars 
other  than  the  seven  forming  the  fa- 
miliar big  dipper  by  means  of  which 
the  constellation  is  usually  identified. 
There  is  a group  of  stars  west  of  the 


at  B is  another  pair  in  Ursa  Major, 
south  of  which  lies  the  faint  constella- 
tion Leo  Minor.  Still  farther  east  is 
another  pair  in  Ursa  Major  at  C.  These 
three  similar  pairs  mark  three  of  the 
paws  of  the  bear. 

The  ancients  recognized  two  kinds 
of  stars,  the  fixed  stars  and  the  moving 


NORTH 


Figure  1.  The  constellations  at  9 P.  M.  April  1.  Hold  the  map  so  that  the  direction 
faced  is  at  the  bottom;  that  is,  if  facing  east  hold  east  at  the  bottom  as  south  now  is. 


bowl  arranged  roughly  in  the  form  of 
a semicircle  ending  in  a pair  of  stars  at 
A at  the  southern  end.  Just  south  of 
this  pair  and  nearly  overhead  is  the 
faint  constellation  Lynx.  Farther  east 


stars,  called  by  the  Greeks  planets, 
which  in  their  language  meant  wan- 
derers. To  them  it  seemed  that  the 
fixed  stars  always  remained  in  the  same 
positions  with  respect  to  each  other,  or 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


J55 


in  other  words  that  a configuration 
such  as  the  big  dipper  would  always 
remain  a dipper  of  exactly  the  same 
shape.  Bruno  about  1600  seems  to 
have  been  the  first  to  question  the  cor- 
rectness of  this  view  and  to  suggest 
that  this  might  not  be  so.  Halley  in 
1718  was  the  first  actually  to  prove  that 
any  of  the  so-called  fixed  stars  move. 
Since  then  many  have  been  found  to 
move,  and  astronomers  feel  sure  that 
all  are  moving.  The  motions  of  the  stars 
in  the  big  dipper  are  particularly  in- 
teresting. In  1869  Proctor  called  at- 
tention to  the  very  peculiar  fact  that 


now  the  big  dipper  after  50,000  years, 
the  figure  being  that  found  by  joining 
the  points  of  the  arrows  in  the  upper 
figure.  There  is  then  no  longer  a close 
resemblance  to  a dipper,  but  then  by 
that  time  the  shape  of  dippers  may  also' 
have  undergone  changes. 

Other  moving  clusters  have  since 
been  found  until  now  there  are  about 
seven  such  groups  known,  including 
the  Hyades  and  the  Pleiades.  None, 
however,  seems  as  remarkable  as  the 
Ursa  Major  group.  We  have  not  fin- 
ished the  story.  A still  further  aston- 
ishing fact  was  pointed  out  by  Hertz- 


five  of  the  seven  stars  forming  the  dip- 
per moved  slowly  in  parallel  directions 
at  the  same  rate.  The  other  two  moved 
in  a direction  nearly  opposite,  the  mo- 
tions of  these  two  being  quite  similar. 
The  facts  indicated  pretty  conclusively 
that  the  five  stars  constituted  a system 
moving  together  through  space  under 
some  common  influence.  The  stars  are 
so  far  apart  that  no  one  would  have 
suspected  any  relationship  between 
them.  The  stars  at  the  end  of  the 
handle  and  the  northernmost  star 
of  the  two  on  the  farther  side  of  the 
bowl  do  not  belong  to  the  system. 

Figure  2 shows  what  is  occurring. 
The  dots  show  the  present  positions  of 
the  seven  stars  (1900).  The  arrows  in- 
dicate the  direction  and  amount  of  the 
star's  motions  in  50,000  years.  The 
lower  figure  shows  the  shape  of  what  is 


sprung  in  1909  when  he  announced 
that  there  were  eight  more  stars  mov- 
ing in  just  the  same  direction  as  the 
five  of  the  big  dipper  and  therefore  be- 
longing to  the  system.  Other  stars  have 
since  been  added,  Bottlinger  in  1914  in- 
cluding seventeen  in  the  group,  with 
some  others  which  may  perhaps  belong 
also.  The  star  next  to  the  end  of  the 
handle  of  the  dipper  (Mizar)  is  a 
double  star  and  close  beside  it  is  the 
star  Alcor,  which  belongs  to  the  sys- 
tem, as  does  a faint  star  in  the  position 
marked  D,  making  eight  in  all  in  Ursa 
Major.  The  other  nine  are  scattered  at 
E in  Auriga,  at  F in  Corona,  at  G in 
Serpens,  faint  ones  at  H in  Bootes,  at 
I in  Virgo  and  at  J in  Eridanus  on  the 
western  horizon,  one  in  Cygnus  not 
visible  to  the  naked  eye  and  not  marked 
very  close  to  the  northern  horizon,  and 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


156 

one  in  Cetus  below  the  southwestern 
horizon.  Lastly  the  most  notable  mem- 
ber of  the  system  is  the  brightest  of 
all  the  stars,  Sirius  at  K in  Canis  Major. 

We  thus  find  that  all  of  these  seven- 
teen stars  but  one  are  above  our 
horizon  now,  but  scattered  over  the 
whole  visible  hemisphere.  Each  of  them 
is  moving  slowly  away  from  the  point 
in  Lynx  marked  R.  This  shows  that 
the  stars  are  moving  in  parallel  lines. 
The  motions  appear  to  radiate  from  a 
point  because  of  perspective  for  the 
same  reason  that  meteors  of  a meteoric 
shower  appear  to  move  in  all  directions 
from  a point. 

With  the  spectroscope  astronomers 
can  determine  the  velocity  with  which 
the  brighter  stars  are  moving  toward 
us  or  away  from  us.  As  soon  as  this 
velocity  is  known  for  a single  member 
of  the  system  it  is  a simple  matter  to 
compute  the  velocity  with  which  the 
stars  of  the  system  are  moving  through 
space  and  the  distance  and  brightness 
of  each  star.  In  this  way  the  system  of 
stars  is  found  to  be  moving  with  a ve- 
locity of  1 1.4  miles  per  second  relative 
to  the  sun,  but  really  with  a velocity  of 
18.2  miles.  The  nearest  star  is  Sirius,  8.8 
light  years  away.  Next  nearest  are 
the  stars  of  Ursa  Major,  which  range 
from  69  to  80  light  years  away.  The 
most  remote  of  the  group  is  the  one  in 
Cygnus,  251  light  years  distant.  The 
brightness  varies  from  3.4  times  that 
of  the  sun  in  the  case  of  the  star  at  D 
to  180  times  that  of  the  sun  in  the  case 
of  the  stars  at  E. 

The  stars  form  a cluster  which  is  flat- 
tened in  the  direction  of  its  motion 
through  space.  The  distances  between 
some  of  the  stars  in  the  cluster  are 
measured  in  hundreds  of  light  years. 
We  are  nearer  to  Sirius  than  any  of  the 
stars  in  the  system.  No  one  has  been 
able  to  tell  why  these  stars  are  asso- 
ciated in  their  motions  through  space. 
It  can  only  be  accepted  as  a very  re- 
markable fact.  The  stars  in  the  other 
moving  clusters  are  not  so  widely  dis- 
tributed. Many  of  the  stars  in  these 
clusters  are  so  distant  that  we  would 
be  unable  to  determine  their  distances 
accurately  by  the  ordinary  methods. 
When  determined  they  give  us  a basis 
for  determining  or  at  least  estimating 
the  distances  of  the  much  more  remote 
clusters  of  stars.  Star  clusters  are  found 
which  are  believed  to  be  as  far  as  220,- 
000  light  years  from  us. 


The  Planets. 

Jupiter  and  Saturn  are  in  Virgo  in 
the  positions  marked  on  the  map.  Jupi- 
ter is  easily  identified  by  reason  of  the 
fact  that  it  is  very  bright — much 
brighter  than  any  other  object  in  the 
sky  except  Sirius  in  the  southwest. 
Jupiter  is  brighter  than  Sirius  but  not 
much  brighter.  Saturn  is  fainter  but  is 
a bright  object  not  far  to  the  west  of 
Jupiter.  Just  east  of  Jupiter  is  the 
fixed  star  Spica.  Mars  is  just  below 
the  horizon  in  the  southeast.  It  is  in 
Ophiuchus.  This  is  not  one  of  the 
twelve  constellations  of  the  zodiac  but 
a part  of  it  lies  in  the  zodiac  even  south 
of  the  ecliptic.  This  planet  can  be  seen 
rising  about  midnight  in  the  southeast. 
During  the  month  its  brightness  in- 
creases nearly  a whole  magnitude,  from 
-0. 1 to  -1 .0  by  reason  of  the  fact  that 
its  distance  from  us  has  decreased  from 
82,000,000  miles  to  59,000,000  miles. 
Venus  can  be  seen  low  in  the  west  in 
the  evening  twili  ght. 


Art. 

BY  GEORGE  0.  SCHOONIIOVEN,  BROOKLYN, 
NEW  YORK. 

When  Nature  stretches  a canvas 
In  the  glorious  outdoor  air, 

Then  levies  on  mountains  and  hillsides 
Each  to  contribute  a share; 

When  she  places  the  trees  in  their  grandeur 
To  soften  the  lines  of  the  scene 
And  calls  on  that  master,  the  autumn, 

To  brighten  their  sombre  green, 

There  is  naught  in  the  world  that  can 
touch  it, 

No  art  in  the  world  to  compare 
With  that  God-given  stretch  of  beauty 
That  floats  in  the  hazy  air. 


Spring  Beauty. 

BY  ROBERT  SPARKS  WALKER,  CHATTA- 
NOOGA, TENNESSEE. 

Spring  Beauty 

On  duty  from  March  until  May; 

From  my  base  rake  the  soil  away, 

A pretty  round  bulb  you’ll  expose, — - 
It's  from  this  humble  cot  I ’rose! 

In  Spring 

I spring  six  to  ten  inches  high, 

On  open  woods  soil  I rely; 

My  leaves  are  linear  and  deep  green; 
Flowers  palest  pink  you’ve  ever  seen, 
With  tiny  veins  of  deeper  pink. 

You’ll  much  admire,  I really  think. 

My  sepals  two  and  petals  five, 

Are  very,  very  much  alive, 

With  buzzing  bees  and  butterflies, 
Who  nectar  seek  beneath  my  eyes! 


Uplifting  Thoughts  Suggested  by 
Observing  Nature. 

Last  summer  I heard  a sermon  by 
the  Reverend  Frederick  Newport,  re- 
tired Congregational  Minister,  on  the 
thoughts  suggested  by  an  empty  bird’s 
nest.  I was  spending  several  weeks  in 
Camp  Kineowatha  of  Wilton,  Maine, 
and  as  is  my  custom,  I accompanied 
several  girls  to  church  on  Sunday.  We 
can  give  only  a few  extracts  from  the 
address,  as  we  have  not  room  to  pub- 
lish the  entire  sermon,  which  the  min- 
ister had  especially  typewritten  and  at 
my  request  sent  to  me.  The  text  is 
“The  birds  of  the  air  have  nests,”  Mat- 
thew 8,  20.  He  told  us  that  God  re- 
veals himself  in  the  commonplace,  cit- 
ing several  examples,  and  then  spoke 
as  follows : 

“In  the  world  of  thought,  we  are  very 
likely  to  find  what  we  are  looking  for ; 
and  so,  if  among  the  commonplace 
things  and  experiences  of  life,  we  are 
constantly  looking  for  some  revelation, 
or  manifestation  of  the  nature  and  the 
thought  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  we 
are  sure  to  be  often  rewarded  by  find- 
ing it. 

“One  day,  in  one  of  my  vacations,  I 
looked  for  some  shady  nook,  where  na- 
ture was  at  its  loveliest  and  best.  I 
found  it  at  a point  where  the  little 
brook  which  crossed  the  pasture  en- 
tered the  woods.  Tall  trees  partly 
shaded  the  spot.  On  either  side  of  the 
brook  were  green  grasses,  ferns  and 
mosses.  The  rippling  water  of  the 
stream  made  sweet,  gentle  music.  Busy 
insects  seemed  to  regard  it  as  a para- 
dise. In  the  earlier  part  of  the  season 
the  robins  had  evidently  been  drawn 
thither  by  its  quiet  and  seclusion,  for, 
in  a little  spruce  tree  a few  feet  from 
the  brook,  where  the  branches  grew  out 
from  the  trunk  not  far  from  the  ground, 
there  was  a nest,  well  built  and  well 
preserved,  but  it  was  empty.  The  bird 
family  that  had  built  it,  and  used  it  for 
a home,  had  gone  and  left  it,  simply  as 
a common,  ordinary  thing,  as  a remi- 


niscence of  bygone  days,  or  as  a means 
of  revealing  the  God  of  the  birds ; ac- 
cording to  the  human  being  who  might 
happen  to  discover  it.  I regarded  not 
only  that  beautiful  little  spot,  that  nat- 
ural summer  retreat,  with  its  varied 
forms  of  summer  life  and  activity,  as 
a sample  of  the  work  the  God  of  na- 
ture can  do,  but  particularly  that  empty 
nest,  which  I took  from  its  place  in  the 
tree,  in  order  to  examine  it  carefully; 
that  spoke  to  me  specially  of  God,  and 
brought  to  my  mind  some  facts,  some 
truths  pertaining  to  the  life  of  us  hu- 
mans as  well  as  that  of  the  birds.  I 
ask  you  to  consider  with  me  some  of 
the  simple  suggestions  of  that  little 
object  in  nature.” 

lie  vividly  portrayed  the  nest  that 
he  had  taken  from  a spruce  tree  one 
August  afternoon  as  a thoroughly  built 
nest  of  good  carpentry  and  masonry, 
and  spoke  in  regard  to  instinct,  con- 
cluding as  follows: 

“No,  we  can  say,  it  is  not  imitation, 
it  is  not  education,  it  is  not  reason,  of 
the  kind  which  man  possesses.  It  is  a 
divine  endowment,  just  such  as  the 
lower  order  of  beings  need,  in  order 
that  they  may  care  for  themselves  and 
their  offspring,  and  perpetuate  their 
species.” 

From  the  impressive  and  instructive 
lessons  that  he  taught  his  audience  we 
can  find  room  to  publish  only  short 
sentences : 

“If  God  did  everything  for  human 
beings  in  the  line  of  food,  clothing  and 
places  of  shelter,  what  kind  of  crea- 
tures should  we  be?  Nothing  better 
than  the  apes.  Instead  of  providing  the 
home-nest  all  complete  for  us,  instead 
of  having  all  our  necessaries  and  lux- 
uries ready-made,  He  endows  us  with 
mental  and  physical  power,  and  then 
He  says  to  us,  ‘Here  is  the  world  of 
nature;  subdue  it,  direct  it,  adapt  it  to 
your  various  uses,  and  find  yourselves 
infinitely  the  better  and  nobler  for 
having  had  a share  in  thus  satisfying 
your  needs.’  ” 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


15^ 

Ele  pointed  out  examples  of  human 
parents  doing  too  much  for  their  chil- 
dren and  not  making  them  self-reliant. 
He  showed  that  God  provides  material 
but  we  are  to  utilize  it. 

“How  suggestive  is  the  empty  nest 
of  the  old,  forsaken,  and  decaying  hu- 
man habitations  which  we  sometimes 
see.  For  me  there  is  nothing  so  kin- 
dles the  emotions  and  awakens  the  im- 
agination as  an  old-time  house,  that 
has  been  left  as  a prey  to  the  elements, 
and  a symbol  of  the  ravages  of  time. 
To  look  upon  those  leaning  walls,  that 
bending  roof,  those  gaping  windows, 
and  that  broken  door,  is  to  be  reminded 
that  the  once  proud  and  prosperous 
occupants  are  now  no  more.  Their  chil- 
dren, from  the  first  to  the  third  or 
fourth  generation,  have  gone  to  live  in 
homes  elsewhere.  Here  was  once  the 
abode  of  happiness  and  prosperity. 
This  house  was  once  the  object  of  great 
interest  and  care.  Here  was  once  the 
scene  of  parental  labor  and  sacrifice, 
the  playground  of  the  highest  human 
affections,  the  home  joys  and  sorrows, 
the  joyful  home-comings,  and  the  sor- 
rowful leave  takings.  Boys  and  girls 
were  born  and  reared  here  who  were 
to  fill  a large  place  in  the  community 
or  the  world.  But  it  is  now  forsaken 
and  desolate,  awakening  deep  sym- 
pathy, and  kindling  the  fires  of  the 
poetic  imagination.  We  are  not  sur- 
prised that  our  poet  Whittier,  in  view 
of  such  a scene,  should  have  written 
that  expressive  poem,  ‘The  Home- 
stead.’ ” 

“In  bird  life  it  is  first  the  nest,  then 
the  egg,  then  the  nestling,  then  the 
fledgling,  and  then  the  full-grown  bird 
of  song.  Jesus  expressed  it  by  the  use 
of  another  example:  ‘First  the  blade, 
then  the  ear,  afterwards  the  full  corn 
in  the  ear.’  The  empty  bird’s  nest 
teaches  us  to  be  ever  aiming  and  tend- 
ing toward  the  higher  life  and  higher 
things.” 

We  often  wonder  why,  since  the 
Master  drew  His  lessons  for  His  dis- 
ciples so  often  from  nature,  that  so  few 
sermons  are  preached  on  topics  sug- 
gested by  nature.  Most  sermons  are 
too  bookish,  and  with  too  little  of  the 
spirit  of  God’s  great  out-of-doors.  I 
recognize  that  the  few  quotations  from 
the  sermon  referred  to  do  it  scant  jus- 
tice as  a whole,  but  enough  has  been 
said  to  show  that  there  are  thoughts, 
morally  uplifting  thoughts,  to  be  de- 
duced from  the  commonplace. 


Foolish  Fiction  Fancies. 

“The  Amercan  News  Trade  Journal” 
for  January,  1922,  contains  an  interest- 
ing article  in  reference  to  the  sale  of 
popular  magazines.  It  is  entitled,  “Can 
Sam  McClure  Make  McClure’s  Maga- 
zine Come  Back?”  According  to  the 
essay  it  appears  that  “McClure’s  Maga- 
zine” has  in  recent  years  been  having 
ups  and  downs — mostly  downs.  Mr. 
McClure  has  not  been  connected  with 
the  periodical  for  the  past  six  years.  In 
the  first  quarter  century  or  so  of  its 
existence  he  made  it  successful  because 
he  published  entertaining  articles  on 
the  serious  questions  of  the  times.  The 
writer  then  says  that  he  has  been  talk- 
ing with  the  circulation  manager  of  an- 
other periodical  in  regard  to  the  Mc- 
Clure position.  The  circulation  man- 
ager said,  “Nobody  denies  that  twenty 
years  ago  when  Mr.  McClure  was  at 
his  best  he  put  out  a magazine  that 
made  all  the  others  sit  up  and  take  no- 
tice. But  at  that  time  people  were  more 
interested  in  magazines  which  dis- 
cussed serious  questions.  Today  about 
all  that  folks  care  anything  about  is 
light  fiction.  They  want  stories  and 
pictures  and,  with  all  due  respect  for 
the  abilities  of  Mr.  McClure — and  no 
one  has  greater  respect  for  his  abilities 
than  I — yet  I believe  that  for  one  of 
his  peculiar  talents,  he  is  coming  back 
into  the  field  at  the  wrong  time.” 

Can  it  be  possible  that  only  a few 
persons  are  now  interested  in  serious 
questions.  Do  the  others  care  to  read 
only  fiction’s  foolish  fancies?  Perhaps 
that  is  the  situation  and  perhaps  it  ex- 
plains why  The  Guide  to  Nature  has 
not  yet  obtained  a million  subscribers. 
Perhaps  it  is  not  the  fault  of  the  maga- 
zine but  of  the  magazine  readers. 

But  the  article  referred  to  in  “The 
American  News  Trade  Journal”  op- 
timistically predicts  that  Editor  Mc- 
Clure can  handle  interesting,  up-to-date 
questions  in  a manner  to  make  them 
popular,  but  we  suggest  that  Editor 
McClure  shall  keep  his  eyes  steadily 
fixed  on  The  Guide  to  Nature.  We 
believe  him  to  be  not  only  a good  editor 
but  a lover  of  the  outdoor  world. 


Burgeoning  in  summer, 

In  blossoms  manifold, 

Gilding  all  the  landscape 
With  its  fragrant  gold. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


EDITORIAL 


'59 


“Workers  or  Shirkers.” 

Under  this  heading  Mr.  Emil  Medi- 
cus,  Asheville,  North  Carolina,  pub- 
lishes a stirring  editorial  in  “The 
Flutist”  addressed  to  those  flute  play- 
ers that  have  and  have  not  assisted  him 
in  making  successful  the  magazine 
started  two  years  ago.  He  laments  the 
fact  that  his  colleagues  throughout  the 
country  have  left  so  much  of  the  bur- 
den of  finance  and  of  time  to  fall  on 
him.  He  asserts  that  the  magazine  is 
not  receiving  the  financial  support  to 
which  it  is  entitled.  He  calls  attention 
to  the  increased  interest  in  the  flute 
sales,  and  expresses  astonishment  be- 
cause so  many  of  his  musical  friends, 
and  of  those  who  have  a commercial 
interest  in  the  promotion  of  the  instru- 
ment, should  have  failed  him.  Again 
and  again  in  his  editorial  he  expresses 
surprise  at  the  situation. 

Mr.  Medicus  is  learning  what  many 
enthusiasts  in  every  line  must  learn. 
It  is  astonishing  that  there  are  so  many 
shirkers  in  comparison  with  the  work- 
ers. Take  it  locally.  Start  any  kind 
of  organization  for  civic  improvement, 
to  conduct  a local  library,  to  get  people 
interested  in  church,  men’s  club,  lodge, 
women’s  sewing  society,  in  fact,  almost 
any  good  work,  and  only  a few  will 
take  hold  of  it. 

Many  a naturalist  has  painfully 
learned  the  awful  lesson  of  the  agree- 
ment between  the  workers  and  the 
shirkers.  The  workers  seem  perfectly 
willing  to  do  an  immense  amount  of 
work  and  the  shirkers  perfectly  willing 
that  they  should.  We  have  learned  that 
in  the  upbuilding  of  ArcAdiA,  in  the 
promotion  of  the  work  of  The  Agassiz 
Association  and  in  the  conduct  of  The 
Guide  to  Nature. 

There  are  business  houses  dealing 
with  supplies  needed  by  a naturalist 
that  are  not  advertisers  with  us,  yet 
their  business  has  been  built  up  largely 
by  the  sentiment  in  which  The  AA  has 
been  an  important  factor  for  forty- 
seven  years.  There  are  naturalists  who 
deplore  the  lack  of  interest  in  nature 
on  the  part  of  everybody,  and  yet  we 
could  mention  a few  who  have  not  even 
taken  a yearly  subscription  to  this  mag- 
azine, and  others  who  never  have  done 
a particle  of  missionary  work  for  it, 
nor  written  an  article,  nor,  so  far  as  we 
know,  spoken  a kind  word  in  way  of  in- 


ducing others  to  take  hold  and  make 
the  thing  successful. 

It  is  astonishing  the  number  of  peo- 
ple who  are  willing  to  see  some  one  sac- 
rifice his  life  and  his  finances  and  not 
give  a helping  hand.  Perhaps  the  most 
surprising  are  the  so-called  philan- 
thropic, the  local  educational  people, 
some  of  whom  have  never  given  a dol- 
lar to  the  upbuild  of  The  Agassiz  As- 
sociation or  its  work.  This  is  not  lim- 
ited to  those  who  hold  aloof  but  in- 
cludes many  who  have  apparently 
taken  especial  personal  pride  in  this  as 
our  local  educational  institution. 

But  on  the  other  hand  what  bright 
and  shining  examples  are  those  who 
have  put  their  shoulder  to  the  wheel 
and  helped  forward  the  good  work.  It 
seems  ever  thus  that  there  should  be 
struggle  on  the  part  of  the  enthusiasts 
and  standing  aloof  on  the  part  of  the 
indifferent  and  even  obstructing  on  the 
part  of  the  shirkers. 

The  more,  my  dear  Mr.  Medicus,  one 
considers  your  expression  of  astonish- 
ment the  more  one  realizes  that  you 
are  beginning  to  learn  what  every  en- 
thusiastic worker  along  every  line  of 
human  occupation  has  to  learn. 

Some  one  of  the  shirkers  may  say, 
“We  cannot  do  everything.  We  are 
limiting  our  efforts  along  other  lines.” 
This  cannot  be  true  of  the  flute  players. 
Many  of  the  professionals  evidently 
have  not  come  to  the  assistance  of  “The 
Flutist.”  It  cannot  be  true  even  of 
some  of  our  professional  naturalists 
whose  livelihood  depends  upon  a pub- 
lic sentiment  that  incites  interest  in 
their  purposes  and  orders  for  their  lec- 
tures or  articles.  It  cannot  be  true  of 
some  who  profit  by  the  sale  of  their 
goods  as  the  result  of  our  disinterested 
activities. 

This  article  is  offered  in  no  spirit  of 
pessimism.  It  does  not  censure  the 
shirkers.  It  is  a lamentation  because 
they  are  losing  some  of  the  joys  of  life. 
I cannot  imagine  any  one  who  has  a 
hearty  interest  in  any  phase  of  music, 
literature,  nature  study,  education,  re- 
ligion, golf,  baseball,  or  any  human  vo- 
cation or  avocation  who  is  not  willing 
to  do  something  for  the  good  of  the 
cause  as  a whole.  Why  leave  your 
club,  your  lodge,  your  church  to  remain 
solely  in  the  hands  of  a few  workers? 
Life,  as  Longfellow  tells  us,  is  real,  is 
earnest.  Let  us  find  what  we  like,  what 


i6o 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


we  believe  in  and  with  energy  work  for 
that  cause.  There  is  no  greater  joy  in 
life  than  to  work  actively  in  behalf  of 
what  one  believes  in. 


Studying  the  Real  Thing. 

“‘Where  have  you  been?’  asks  the 
prim  and  severe  tutor  of  her  youthful 
charge.  ‘Out  in  the  garden  watching 
a rose  unfold,’  replies  the  child.  ‘Well, 
don’t  you  know  you  ought  to  have  been 
in  here  studying  your  botany  lesson  ?’ 
inquires  the  conscientious  but  purblind 
teacher.” 

If  this  sounds  like  an  imaginary  tale 
it  is  a good  fable  with  a much  needed 
moral. 

I should  have  thought  even  more  that 
it  is  a fabrication  if  I had  not  just  had 
a similar  experience  with  what  wras  de- 
signed to  be  not  a censure  but  a com- 
pliment. I recently  delivered  in  a 
church  my  lecture,  “Travels  in  a 
Swamp.”  I spent  some  time  at  the  rec- 
tory and  inquired  if  the  children  were 
going  to  the  lecture.  The  older  daugh- 
ter said  she  would  have  to  be  excused 
because  she  had  become  so  interested 
in  her  biology  class  at  school  that  she 
wanted  to  stay  at  home  and  study 
biology. 

Inasmuch  as  my  lecture,  “Travels  in 
a Swamp,”  is  packed  full  of  biology 
and  illustrated  by  the  best  possible 
slides  that  I could  obtain  after  a quarter 
century  of  collecting  and  selecting,  the 
reader,  especially  if  a naturalist,  will 
understand  how  I felt  in  the  matter, 
although  the  remark  was  intended  to 
please  me  as  a naturalist  and  to  show 
how  attractive  biology  is. 

But  why  single  out  this  prim  tutor 
who  did  not  wish  the  child  to  watch 
the  unfolding  of  a rose,  or  why  men- 
tion the  daughter  who  was  devoted  to 
her  school  biology? 

Many  schools  and  many  teachers  of 
biology  occupy  just  that  point  of  view. 
Rather  than  go  to  the  real  worker  in 
biology,  whether  it  be  the  all-round 
naturalist  or  the  specialist,  they  con- 
fine their  attention  to  the  book  with 
the  ignoring  of  the  biological  outdoors. 

A Good  Place  in  Which  to  Study 
Nature. 

It  is  with  delight  that  we  receive  the 
annual  announcement  of  the  Marine 
Biological  Laboratory  of  Woods  Hole, 


Massachusetts.  This  institution  is  not 
only  of  the  highest  possible  grade  for 
technical  research  but  it  has  a kindly 
feeling  for  the  beginner  and  the  ama- 
teur. It  is  a delightful  place  in  which 
to  study  all  forms  of  marine  life.  Any 
one  of  our  readers  interested  should 
send  to  the  Marine  Biological  Labora- 
tory, Woods  Hole,  Massachusetts,  for 
further  particulars. 


“Natureland,”  an  English  Magazine. 

We  have  received  advance  announce- 
ment of  “Natureland,”  a new  magazine 
to  be  published  by  Dr.  Graham  Ren- 
shaw,  Manchester,  England.  The  pros- 
pectus offers  interesting  articles,  nat- 
ural history  photographs,  notes  and 
book  reviews.  In  many  respects  it  will 
appeal  to  all.  It  will  resemble  The 
Guide  to  Nature  and,  like  it,  will  con- 
tain no  dull  pages.  We  extend  cordial 
good  wishes. 

Appreciation  of  the  Woodcraft  Article. 

As  a Woodcrafter  I want  to  thank 
you  for  your  article  and  its  apprecia- 
tion and  for  the  very  timely  handling 
of  the  Boy  Scout  situation.  The  gener- 
ous spirit  which  is  characteristic  of  the 
Woodcraft  management  will  carry  it 
a long  way  and  is  one  of  its  biggest 
assets. — From  a Woodcrafter. 


All  Hail,  New  Year! 

BY  MALLALIEU  MCCULLAGH  WICKHAM,  DURANT, 
OKLAHOMA. 

Let’s  drink  a New  Year’s  health, 

And  greet  the  gladsome  days  to  come: 

Each  seek  his  priceless  wealth, 

In  friends  and  lofty  aims,  to  sum. 

Let’s  drink  that  finer  wine, 

Which  Time,  alone,  from  Life  distills; 

In  passion,  fast  entwine 
The  Nobler  Vision,  whilst  it  thrills! 

Let’s  bless  the  glad  New  Year, 

And  speed  to  Fortune's  Neo-land ; 

For  hearts,  with  all  good  cheer, 

Shall  boast  a realm  and  give  command ! 

I think  I once  said  that  in  all  my  life 
I had  never  read  a page  from  a printed 
book  out  of  doors.  Nor  ever  will! 
Books  are  for  winter — for  nights,  for 
stormy  days,  and  for  times  of  ailing 
health.  Why  spend  time  in  reading, 
when  we  might  be  seeing?  And  are 
not  our  eyes  to  be  trusted  as  well  as 
another’s? — “A  White  Paper  Garden,” 
Shafer. 


3g^*"  T^W  P 

£ ***••«•••••••**’  ; ^ *-^  £ s 

AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION1 


A Large  Gift  for  Wild  Life  Protection. 

It  will  be  a source  of  pleasure  and 
gratification  to  the  friends  of  wild  life 
generally  to  learn  that  on  March  i, 
1922,  the  National  Association  of  Au- 
dubon Societies  of  New  York  City  re- 
ceived a gift  of  $200,000.  This  splen- 
did donation  was  made  by  a friend  of 
the  birds  and  children  who  for  many 
years  past  has  contributed  so  gener- 
ously to  the  Association’s  efforts  in 
working  with  young  people.  The  de- 
velopment of  the  Junior  Audubon  Club 
idea  on  a large  scale  has  been  made  pos- 
sible only  because  of  the  generous  sup- 
port thus  received. 

All  gifts  from  this  friend  of  wild  life 
have  been  made  with  the  distinct  un- 
derstanding that  the  name  of  the  donor 
be  withheld,  and  it  is  with  regret  that 
in  making  the  present  announcement 
we  are  not  at  liberty  to  divulge  his 
name. 

The  present  contribution  is  intended 
as  a partial  endowment  of  the  $20,000 
annual  contribution  which  for  a num- 
ber of  years  he  has  been  making  to  the 
Audubon  work.  Accompanying  the 
check  was  the  stipulation  that  the 
money  should  be  held  and  known  as 
the  “Permanent  Fund  of  1922.”  Only 
the  interest  is  to  be  used  from  time  to 
time  for  current  expenses  and  by  the 
conditions  of  the  gift  it  is  to  be  ex- 
pended as  follows : 

1.  For  the  education  of  the  general 
public  in  the  knowledge  and  value  of 
useful,  beautiful  and  interesting  forms 
of  wild  life,  especially  birds. 

2.  For  the  actual  protection  and  per- 
petuation of  such  forms  of  wild  life  on 
suitable  breeding  and  other  reserva- 
tions. 

3.  For  protecting  and  maintaining 
adequate  protection  for  such  forms  of 
wild  life  in  all  parts  of  the  Western 
Hemisphere. 

4.  Or  for  any  one  of  these  purposes. 

In  making  this  announcement  Mr.  T. 

Gilbert  Pearson,  President  of  the  As- 


sociation, stated  that  this  brings  the 
permanent  Endowment  Fund  of  the 
Audubon  Society  up  to  $675,000. 


A Nature  Study. 

BY  ANNA  PETRUNKEVITCH,  NEW  HAVEN, 
CONNECTICUT. 

White-breasted  nuthatches  are  such 
cheerful,  cocky  little  birds  that  it  is  al- 
ways a pleasure  to  have  them  about. 
Somehow  they  always  seem  to  be 
happy,  no  matter  what  the  weather. 
So  to  help  them  out  during  the  months 
when  everything  is  frozen  and  it  is  dif- 
ficult for  them  to  find  food,  we  have 
constructed  a shelf  outside  the  window 
of  our  sleeping-porch.  This  we  always 
keep  supplied  with  sunflower  seeds, 
and  sometimes  other  visitors  beside  the 
nuthatches  are  attracted  to  it.  Almost 
all  of  these  are  welcome,  but  a few,  the 
bushy-tailed  grey  squirrels  especially, 
are  not  at  all  desirable.  They  try  to 
drive  away  the  nuthatches,  and  take 
what  does  not  belong  to  them.  Indeed, 
when  the  nuthatches  have  struggled 
hard  for  five  minutes  to  secrete  seeds  in 
the  cracks  in  the  bark  of  our  oak  tree, 
the  squirrels  rush  down  the  trunk  after 
them,  and  feast  themselves  upon  the 
property  of  others. 

In  order  to  prevent  the  crafty  little 
thieves  from  stealing  the  seeds  from 
the  shelf,  made  like  a very  shallow  box, 
we  covered  this  with  a wire  netting 
standing  just  high  enough  so  that  the 
nuthatches  could  feed  easily  through 
the  meshes,  which  are  too  small  for  the 
paws  of  the  squirrel  to  get  through. 

This  seemed  to  solve  our  problem  in 
an  ideal  way,  but  what  was  our  sur- 
prise one  day  to  behold  a furry  image 
seated  on  the  shelf,  busily  engaged  in 
getting  dinner ! And  he  was  not  using 
his  paws!  With  a superb  unconcern 
for  the  difficulty  we  had  thrown  in  his 
way,  he  inserted  his  long  red  tongue 
between  the  meshes  of  the  wire  and 
licked  up  the  seeds  ! 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


162 


We  raised  the  netting  as  much  as 
we  could,  but  it  made  not  the  slightest 
difference  whatsoever  to  the  little 
black-  eyed  villain,  who  still  managed 
to  get  his  meals  by  use  of  that  lizard- 
like instrument  of  his.  We  have  been 
forced  to  let  the  little  wretch  have  his 
own  way,  and  although  we  keep  nuts 
and  seeds  on  another  shelf  for  him, 
he  prefers  the  other.  I imagine  that  he 
feels  that  he  has  put  one  over  on  us. 
At  any  rate  there  is  always  a trace  of 
bravado  upon  his  wicked  little  coun- 
tenance whenever  he  sees  that  we  are 
watching  him  ! 


Temple  Israel  of  New  Rochelle, 

36  Banks  Street 
New  Rochelle,  N.  Y. 

March  1,  1922. 
My  dear  Mr.  Bigelow : 

I want  you  to  know  how  deeply  I 
appreciate  your  trouble  on  our  account 
last  Saturday  afternoon.  After  we  left 
ArcAdiA,  almost  every  child  spoke  to 
me  of  the  wonderful  time  that  it  had 
had,  and  how  much  interested  it  had 
been  in  your  work.  I think  that  you 
did  a great  deal  to  inspire  them  with  a 
love  for  nature  study.  As  for  myself. 
I was  both  delighted  and  charmed,  and 
I want  to  thank  you  and  your  daugh- 
ters for  one  of  the  pleasantest  after- 


noons that  I have  ever  spent.  I hope 
that  you  will  permit  me  to  take  advan- 
tage of  your  kind  offer  to  visit  you 
again  later  in  the  season. 

Very  sincerely, 
Richard  M.  Stern,  Rabbi. 


A Parental  Rooster. 

BY  DON  C.  SEITZ,  COS  COB,  CONN. 

The  lord  of  my  chicken  yard  at  Cos 
Cob  is  a magnificent  Rhode  Island  Red 
rooster,  standing  full  twenty-six  inches 
in  height  and  built  accordingly.  In 
last  year’s  crop  of  mail  order  young- 
sters under  his  jurisdiction,  are  a num- 
ber of  vigorous  white  Wyandotte  cock- 
erels. The  other  day  a pair  of  these 
took  umbrage  at  each  other  and  en- 
gaged in  fierce  combat.  The  lordly 
Red  walked  over  to  the  scene,  leaped 
between  the  fighting  pair,  swept  them 
apart  with  his  wings  and  sternly  or- 
dered them  to  desist.  I never  saw  such 
an  action  before  on  the  part  of  bird  or 
animal. 


April’s  like  a rainbow 
After  storm  and  blow, 

The  perfect  ending  to  a time  of  stress : 
For  after  winter’s  hold 
Of  ice  and  sleet  and  cold. 

Her  gentle  zephyrs  come  as  a caress. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


SONG. 


By  William  Watson. 

April,  April, 

Laugh  thy  girlish  laughter  ; 
Then,  the  moment  after, 
Weep  thy  girlish  tears! 
April,  that  mine  ears 
Like  a lover  greetest. 

If  I tell  thee,  sweetest, 

All  my  hopes  and  fears, 
April,  April, 

Laugh  thy  golden  laughter, 
But,  the  moment  after, 
Weep  thy  golden  tears! 


New  York  World. 


Come  to  think  of  it,  a bullfrog  isn’t  a bad  emblem  of  wisdom — better,  perhaps, 
than  the  proverbial  owl.  Rana  looks  as  if  he  has  a lot  of  good  philosophy. 


How  the  Polly  Wog  Became  a Frog. 

VERSES  BY  DR.  W.  H.  POMEROY,  STAMFORD, 
CONNECTICUT. 

WRITTEN  TO  AMUSE  A I.ITTLE  GIRL. 

There  was  a little  frog, 

And  he  sat  upon  a log, 

And  he  piped  a little  song 
About  the  water. 

And  underneath  the  log, 

A little  Polly  Wog  — 

You’d  scarce  believe  it  was — 

The  froggie’s  little  daughter. 

Xow  little  Polly  Wog 
Saw  her  daddy  on  the  log. 

And  she  wanted  to  get  up 
And  sit  there  too: 

But  all  without  avail, 

She  wagged  her  little  tail. 

And  cried,  “I  can’t  climb  up, 

Boo  hoo,  boo  hoo!” 

Now  while  Polly  was  at  play, 

A fairy  came  that  way, 

All  dressed  in  gorgeous  robes 
So  fine  and  neat. 

And  said  to  little  Polly, 

’'Would  you  rather  have  a dolly, — 

Or  would  you  rather  have 
Some  legs  and  feet?” 

"O  lovely  sprite  so  airy. 

Oh  please,  my  dear  good  fairy, 

If  I might  ask  of  one 
So  good  and  sweet, 

O please,”  said  little  Polly, 

’‘I  do  not  want  a dolly, — 

But  give  me,  please,  some 
Legs  and  arms  and  feet.” 

While  the  fairy  waved  her  wand, 

Polly  wiggled  in  the  sand, 

Then  she  felt  a thrill  of 
Ecstasy  complete. 

As  she  hopped  upon  the  log, 

By  the  side  of  daddy  frog, 

With  the  cutest  little 
Arms  and  legs  and  feet. 


Shrill  March  winds  awake  the  spring, 
’Till  now  so  sweetly  sleeping; 

And  soon  to  mortals  she  will  bring 
The  treasures  in  her  keeping. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


A Lawyer  a Good  Nature  Student 

I like  to  meet  Judge  H.  Stanley 
Finch  of  Stamford,  Connecticut.  He 
always  has  a good  story  to  tell  and 
knows  how  to  adapt  his  stories  to  his 
audience.  With  me  he  seems  to  treas- 
ure up  some  observation  regarding  na- 
ture and  take  especial  delight  in  show- 
ing the  keenness  of  the  idea.  Recently 
almost  a block  away  1 saw  his 
face  aglow  with  anticipation  of  telling 
me  something  that  1 would  appreciate. 
And  quite  right  he  was.  He  accurately 
described  the  habits  of  the  earthworm 
in  working  over  the  soil  and  told  me 
what  a good  friend  of  the  farmer  it  is 
with  as  much  enthusiasm  as  if  he  were 
the  first  one  who  had  ever  noticed  the 
wonderful  creature.  It  is  a well- 
known  fact  that  even  a hackneyed  sub- 
ject may  have  all  the  charm  of  original 
discovery  to  a real  enthusiast,  and  the 
judge  was  quite  surprised  and  almost 
disappointed  when  I stated  that  I knew 
his  observations  to  be  correct  because 
so  many  others  had  told  me  of  seeing 
the  same  things  and  because  the  story 
is  told  with  elaborate  detail  in  “Vege- 
table Mould  and  Earth-Worms”  by  no 
less  an  author  than  Charles  Darwin, 
who  published  his  observations  some 
thirty  years  ago. 

There  is  one  phase  of  the  worms, 
however,  that  Judge  Finch  had  not  seen 
and  which  I find  is  overlooked  by  many 
other  observers,  and  that  is  the  way  in 
which  straw  and  leaves  are  pulled  down 
into  the  burrows.  This  is  delightfully 
described  by  Darwin,  who  tells  also  of 
their  piling  up  pebbles.  He  gives  us 
the  astonishing  story  as  follows : 

“When  worms  cannot  obtain  leaves, 
petioles,  sticks,  etc.,  with  which  to  plug 
up  the  mouths  of  their  burrows,  they 
often  protect  them  by  little  heaps  of 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


164 


stones ; and  such  heaps  of  smooth 
rounded  pebbles  may  frequently  be 
seen  on  gravel-walks.  Here  there  can 
be  no  question  about  food.  A lady, 
who  was  interested  in  the  habits  of 
worms,  removed  the  little  heaps  of 
stones  from  the  mouths  of  several  bur- 
rows and  cleared  the  surface  of  the 
ground  for  some  inches  all  round.  She 
went  out  on  the  following  night  with  a 
lantern,  and  saw  the  worms  with  their 
tails  fixed  in  their  burrows,  dragging 
the  stones  inwards  by  the  aid  of  their 
mouths,  no  doubt  by  suction.  ‘After 
two  nights  some  of  the  holes  had  eight 
or  nine  small  stones  over  them  ; after 
four  nights  one  had  about  thirty,  and 
another  thirty-four  stones.’  One  stone 
which  had  been  dragged  over  the 
gravel  walk  to  the  mouth  of  a burrow 
weighed  two  ounces ; and  this  proves 
how  strong  worms  are.  But  they  show 
greater  strength  in  sometimes  displac- 
ing stones  in  a well-trodden  gravel- 
walk  ; that  they  do  so,  may  be  inferred 
from  the  cavities  left  by  the  displaced 
stones  being  exactly  filled  by  those 
lying  over  the  mouths  of  adjoining 
burrows,  as  I have  myself  observed. 

“Work  of  this  kind  is  usually  per- 
formed during  the  night ; but  I have 
occasionally  known  objects  to  be  drawn 
into  the  burrows  during  the  day.  What 
advantage  the  worms  derive  from  plug- 
ging up  the  mouths  of  their  burrows 
with  leaves,  etc.,  or  from  piling  stones 
over  them,  is  doubtful.” 

I hope  that  our  readers  will  come  to 
the  assistance  of  Charles  Darwin, 
Judge  Finch  and  others  in  trying  to  find 
out  the  reasons  for  this  curious  plug- 
ging up  of  the  burrows. 


Lectures  on  Landscape  Architecture. 

It  is  with  much  pleasure  that  we  call 
attention  to  a series  of  informal  talks, 
with  lantern  slides  in  color,  by  our  good 
friend,  Mr.  Ernest  F.  Coe,  of  New 
Haven,  Connecticut.  Mr.  Coe  has  ar- 
ranged a delightful  list  of  subjects,  in- 
cluding the  laying  out  of  landscape  and 
garden  favorites,  gardens  everywhere. 
I do  not  know  anybody  better 
adapted  to  present  these  subjects  than 
Mr.  Coe.  He  has  a genial,  good- 
hearted,  pleasing  manner  that  wins 
good  will  everywhere.  He  knows  his 
subject  as  the  outcome  of  long  experi- 
ence, and  possesses  the  spirit  of  the 
artist  and  the  naturalist. 


The  Funny  Man’s  Fun. 

Solemn  looking  Editor  Rodemeyer  of 
the  “Greenwich  News  and  Graphic”  is 
generally  regarded  as  the  funniest  man 
in  Fairfield  County.  The  funniest  thing 
about  him  is  his  delusion  that  he  is 
bald-headed  and  entitled  to  be  so  con- 
sidered. He  never  misses  an  oppor- 
tunity to  “pick  on”  editors  that  excite 
his  envy  and  admiration  along  that 
line.  So  he  jumped  with  delight  at  the 
brief  announcement  that  the  editor  of 
this  magazine  had  been  elected  First 
Vice-President  of  The  New  York  Flute 
Club,  and  he  rolled  in  ecstatic  delirium 
as  follows : 

“Thus  it  goes;  every  little  while  an 
unsuspected  talent  is  revealed  in  the 
versatile  Doctor,  until  the  entire  300 
pounds  of  him  seems  to  be  all  talent. 
But  the  disclosure  that  he  is  a flute 
player  is  hardly  more  startling  than  the 
incongruity  in  the  whimsical  trick  of 
the  sprite  that  determines  our  selec- 
tions, in  making  a flute  player  of  a man 
whose  anatomical  architecture  plainly 
and  admirably  fits  him  for  the  double- 
bass  horn  or  the  big  bass  drum.” 


The  Wrong  Color. 

Senator  Henry  Cabot  Lodge,  who 
sat  with  the  American  delegation  at  the 
Conference  for  the  Limitation  of  Arma- 
ment, went  down  into  the  Senate  lunch 
room  one  day  and  found  that  his  cus- 
tomary place  at  the  table  was  occupied. 
He  took  a chair  in  another  corner  and 
this  gave  him  a waiter  who  was  unac- 
customed to  his  order. 

“Bring  me  a piece  of  Washington 
pie  and  a glass  of  milk,”  said  the  Sen- 
ator, this  being  his  invariable  luncheon 
diet. 

In  a few  minutes  the  waiter  returned 
bearing  the  milk  and  a piece  of  choco- 
late pie.  The  Senator  pushed  the  pie 
aside. 

“I  meant  George  Washington,  not 
Booker,”  he  said. 


Needed  an  Aquarium. 

Wrecked  Motorist  (phoning) — “Send 
assistance  at  once.  I’ve  turned  tur- 
tle.” 

Voice  (from  the  other  end) — “My 
dear  sir,  this  is  a garage.  What  you 
want  is  an  aquarium.” — Burr. 


__  _ ' 


LITERAK 


°“««©sa®<5®' 


NOTICES 


Outdoor  .Men  and  Minds.  By  William  L.  Stid- 
ger.  New  York  City:  The  Abingdon 

Press. 

In  his  own  inimitable  way  the  author  inter- 
prets the  nature  teachings  of  the  Bible,  beauti- 
fully describing  the  physical  and  spiritual 
meanings  of  the  meadows,  mountains,  trees, 
birds  and  seas  of  the  Sacred  Book. 


Our  Backdoor  Neighbors.  By  Frank  C.  Pel 
lett.  New  York  City:  The  Abingdon 
Press. 

We  have  previously  called  attention  to  this 
book  by  a real  naturalist.  Air.  Pellett,  through 
pen  and  camera,  has  delightfully  portrayed  a 
variety  of  interesting  things  near  his  home. 
We  never  tire  of  looking  over  his  illustrations 
and  of  noting  throughout  all  the  book  the 
author’s  delightful  spirit  of  the  naturalist. 


The  American  Annual  of  Photography  1922. 
George  Murphy,  Inc.,  Sole  Sales  Agents, 
New  York  City. 

The  1922  edition  is  fully  up  to  the  usual 
high  standard  of  excellence  and  contains  as 
usual  many  interesting  articles  and  illustrations. 
The  book  is  a delight  to  every  one  that  uses  a 
camera.  It  offers  so  many  good  things  that  we 
cannot  spare  the  space  even  to  mention  them. 
We  cordially  advise  our  camerists  to  consult 
the  publishers  for  particulars. 


A Year  of  Recreation.  By  Ethel  Owen.  New 
A ork  City : The  Methodist  Book  Concern. 

The  book  contains  many  good  suggestions 
for  socials,  outdoor  trips,  for  each  month  of 
the  year,  witches’  night  for  October.  Thanks- 
giving day  party  for  November,  Christmas 
party  for  December,  and  similar  events.  The 
author’s  suggestions  for  the  outdoor  trips  in 
July  and  August  are  not  extensive,  but  they  are 
commendable  so  far  as  they  go. 


Her  Father’s  Daughter.  By  Gene  Stratton- 
Porter.  Garden  City,  Long  Island,  New 
York:  Doubleday  Page  & Company. 

We  can  bring  this  interesting  book  to  the 
attention  of  our  readers  in  no  better  manner 
than  by  repeating  the  publisher’s  announce- 
ment. 

Transfer  “A  Girl  of  the  Limberlost”  to  the 
richer  setting  of  California.  In  that  luxuriant 
field  for  such  a worker  with  nature — such 
a healthy,  level-headed,  balanced  young 
woman  that  it’s  a delightful  experience  to 
know  her — you  have  this  new  story,  “Her 
Father’s  Daughter.” 

The  rightness  of  her  life;  the  earnestness 
of  her  effort:  the  invincibility  of  character 


combined  with  ability;  the  charm  and  help- 
fulness of  her  friendship;  the  sacredness  and 
beauty  of  her  love — when  at  last  she  gives  it 
— make  the  appeal  of  Mrs.  Porter’s  strongest 
and  most  absorbing  story. 

"It  is  better  than  either  ‘A  Girl  of  the 
Limberlost’  or  ‘The  Harvester,’  ” comments 
one  reader.  This  is  cheering  news  when  we 
recall  that  the  sale  of  these  two  books  in 
America  and  England  has  exceeded  three 
million  copies. 


Wild  Brother,  Strangest  of  True  Stories 
from  the  North  Woods.  By  William  Ly- 
man Underwood.  Boston,  Massachusetts : 
The  Atlantic  Monthly  Press. 

Unusual  material  came  by  chance  into  un- 
usually good  hands  when  it  came  to  the  author 
of  this  book.  Mr.  Underwood  is  a naturalist,  a 
photographer  of  uncommon  skill,  a litterateur 


WILD  BROTHER. 


of  ability  and,  as  is  said  in  journalism,  he  has 
a “nose  for  news.”  While  waiting  one  evening 
in  midwinter  at  the  railroad  station  of  a little 
village  in  the  northern  part  of  Maine  he  was 
told  by  the  agent  that  the  wife  of  a woodchop- 
per  was  nursing  a young  bear  along  with  her 
own  baby.  Mr.  Underwood  felt  that  this  was 


X 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


good  material  and  he  followed  the  evolution  of 
that  bear  until  it  weighed  more  than  four  hun- 
dred pounds,  his  observation  covering  a period 
of  fourteen  years,  which  he  says  is  nearly  the 
length  of  the  black  bear’s  natural  life.  The 
author  in  closing  the  story  of  the  bear’s  devel- 
opment says,  as  a sort  of  benediction,  "Our 
bear  had  gone,  but  the  memory  of  him  was 
destined  to  live  for  many  years  to  come.”  And 
he  might  well  have  added  that  the  delightful 
story  will  live  for  all  time.  It  is  plain  fact, 
plain  truth  with  not  the  slightest  appeal  to  the 
imagination. 


The  British  Photographic  Almanac.  Lon- 
don : Henry  Greenwood  & Company,  Ltd. 

This  is  a collection  of  photographic  recipes, 
advertisements  and  guides  to  photography.  It 
is  edited  by  George  E.  Brown,  New  York  City. 
George  Murphy,  Inc.,  57  East  Ninth  Street, 
New  York  City,  is  the  sole  sales  agent  for  the 
United  States.  The  book  is  a voluminous  one 
of  eight  hundred  and  twenty  pages.  It  con- 
tains an  immense  amount  of  interesting  photo- 
graphic announcements  and  miscellaneous 
working  material  of  especial  interest  to  the 
technical  photographer. 


Leadership  of  Girls’  Activities.  By  Mary  E. 
Moxcey.  New  York  City:  The  Methodist 
Book  Concern. 

The  author  of  “Girlhood  and  Character,”  re- 
cently published,  has  here  made  a further  refer- 
ence to  some  of  the  important  subjects  in  that 
book.  She  has  produced  a readable  little 
manual.  Similar  handbooks  have  been  prepared 
by  the  same  author,  entitled  “Physical  Health 
and  Recreation  for  Girls,”  and  “Good  Times 
for  Girls.”  We  are  glad  to  have  these  books 
and  glad  to  commend  them. 


Girlhood  and  Character.  By  Mary  E.  Mox- 
cey. New  York  City:  The  Methodist 

Book  Concern. 

Here  is  a helpful,  clean  and  effective  book  on 
girlhood.  It  handles  the  educational,  social  and 
adolescence  problems  on  a high  plane  of 
thought  in  a practical  and  a popular  way,  with- 
out sacrificing  scientific  accuracy.  The  book  is 
interesting,  plain  and  sensible.  It  does  not  ex- 
ploit foolish  notions  about  the  “sacredness  of 
sex.”  It  lays  no  stress  on  the  girl  that  is  either 
overbrilliant  or  very  dull,  the  abnormal  girl,  but 
offers  practical  advice  on  the  natural  specimen. 
The  problems  of  expression,  mental  culture  and 
physical  development,  educational  and  social 
relations  are  treated  in  a manner  that  is  thor- 
ough and  convincing. 


Leaders  of  Girls.  By  Clara  Ewing  Espey. 
New  York  City:  The  Methodist  Book 

Concern. 

Leaders  of  girls  will  hail  with  delight  this 
pleasing  book  that  lists  much  literature  on 
social  and  religious  work  for  girls  in  their 
teens.  More  and  more  are  educators  convinced 
that  some  special  preparation  for  a life  of  ser- 
vice should  be  available  for  girls.  That  fact 
tends  to  explain  the  increasing  number  of  girls’ 
schools,  camps,  clubs  and  similar  organizations. 
The  author  knows  girls,  all  kinds  of  girls, 


knows  them  through  and  through.  She  knows 
their  needs  and  how  these  needs  may  be  met. 
She  knows  how  to  help  girls  and  how  to  help 
them  to  help  themselves.  We  cordially  com- 
mend the  book. 


The  Life  of  The  Weevil.  By  J.  Henri  Fabre. 
New  York  City:  Dodd,  Mead  & Com- 
pany. 

Our  readers  undoubtedly  know  of  the  won- 
derful entomological  writings  by  the  late  J. 
Henri  Fabre,  who  died  October,  1915,  in  his 
modest  home  in  the  south  of  France,  at  the 
advanced  age  of  ninety-two.  His  enthusias- 
tic devotion  to  the  study  of  insects  is  in- 
spiring. Book  after  book  of  extracts  from 
his  “Souvenirs  entomologique”  has  been 
published,  of  which  the  present  volume  is 
not  the  least  interesting.  His  statements 
are  authoritative  and  trustworthy. 


Down  the  Year.  By  C.  DuFay  Robertson. 
New  York  City:  The  Methodist  Book 

Concern. 

A year  may  be  a collection  of  commonplace 
days  or  the  most  wonderful.  It  depends  upon 
the  point  of  view.  When  one  thinks  of  “twelve 
months  of  doing — working  and  delving  into  ma- 
terial things — twelve  months  of  enduring  life 
in  the  ordinary  ways,”  it  is  suggestive  of  drudg- 
ery, but  the  author  truly  says  : 

“It  is  wonderful  when  it  means  twelve 
months  of  being — growing  up  into  big  things, 
seeing  beautiful  things — twelve  months  of  liv- 
ing. And  the  difference  between  the  common- 
place and  the  wonderful  is  measured  by  the 
angle  of  vision  between  eyes  that  are 
turned  down  and  in  and  eyes  turned  up  and 
out ; and  an  angle  is  a point.  So  the  passage 
from  the  commonplace  to  the  wonderful  is  just 
the  turning  of  the  eye  upon  its  axis.  You  do 
not  need  feet  or  wings  to  make  the  journey; 
it  is  a journey  of  an  angle,  a point.” 


Our  Wonder  World.  A Library  of  Knowl- 
edge. Supplementary  Volume — The  Won- 
der of  Life.  By  Marion  Florence  Lansing. 
Boston  : George  L.  Shuman  & Company. 

This  is  a magnificent  work.  The  supplemen- 
tary volume  is  of  especial  interest  to  natural- 
ists. It  is  packed  so  full  of  good  things  that 
it  is  difficult  to  specify  any  special  ones.  The 
author  says,  “Since  living  is  everybody’s  busi- 
ness, life  must  be  everybody’s  interest.  The 
more  we  know  about  it,  the  better  we  shall  be 
able  to  understand  it.  The  aim  of  this  book  is 
to  make  life  more  interesting.” 

The  spirit  of  the  book  emphasizes  that.  We 
heartily  congratulate  Miss  Lansing  on  the  ex- 
cellent manner  in  which  she  has  done  her  work. 
The  book  should  have  a large  sale.  It  is  one 
of  the  most  inspiring  that  have  ever  come  to 
our  desk.  To  gaze  on  the  attractive  pages  so 
beautifully  printed  and  so  well  illustrated,  is  a 
delight. 

The  paper  is  of  high  grade,  the  printing  all 
that  can  be  desired  and  the  illustrations  many 
and  clear.  A large  number  of  the  photographs 
are  by  the  editor  of  this  magazine.  There  are 
many  others,  all  by  well-known  naturalists 
skilled  in  photography. 


LITERARY  NOTES 


XI 


The  Old  Home.  By  Charles  Coke  W oods. 

New  York  City:  The  Methodist  Book 

Concern. 

The  particular  old  home  cited  in  this  book  is 
the  old-time  country  farm  home.  The  author 
tells  us  of  the  home  and  its  inmates  from  the 
wedding  day  to  the  golden  wedding.  Perhaps 
the  most  beautiful  illustration  in  the  book  is 
that  of  the  old  couple  standing  on  the  house 
steps  surrounded  by  the  vines  they  had  long 
ago  planted.  An  acceptable  superclimax  occurs 
later  on  in  the  full  page  illustration  of  the  dear 
old  lady  seated  in  her  rocking-chair  before  the 
fireplace,  where  she  is  dreaming  of  long  ago. 
It  is  not  a big  book  but  the  author  has  skill- 
fully and  delicately  touched  events  in  the 
course  of  a long  life.  The  young  folks  will 
find  much  of  interest  in  the  poem,  “Playmates,” 
and  its  full  page  illustrations,  as  well  as  in  the 
great  variety  of  childhood  activities  so  pleas- 
ingly noted. 


The  Book  of  a Naturalist.  By  W.  H.  Hud- 
son. New  York  City:  George  H.  Doran 
Company. 

Hudson’s  mastery  of  the  English  lan- 
guage, his  well  developed  power  of  observa- 
tion, together  with  his  rather  remarkable 
philosophy  of  nature,  are  here  exemplified 
in  an  attractive  and  effective  book.  The 
essays  are  readable.  They  hold  the  atten- 
tion. The  topics  have  a sufficiently  wide 
range  to  satisfy  any  reader.  They  include 
bats,  hints  to  adder-seekers,  beauty  of  the 
fox,  the  toad  as  a traveller,  Mary’s  little 
lamb,  a friendly  rat  and  many  other  good 
things,  perhaps  not  the  least  being  the 
eulogy  of  the  author’s  friend,  the  pig.  He 
says  the  pig  is  lovable  in  life,  more  so  in- 
deed than  when  converted  into  bacon  or 
ham.  He  thinks  the  pig  should  be  included 
in  the  list  of  man’s  friends.  It  is  probable 
that  most  men  would  assert  that  they  have 
such  a friend,  but  perhaps  not  with  four 
legs.  The  book  does  not  appeal  exclusively 
to  the  skilled  naturalist  in  the  broad  sense 
of  the  term,  but  is  popular  and  entertaining. 
We  hope  it  is  one  of  the  “best  sellers.” 


The  Life  of  Christ.  By  R.  J.  Campbell,  D.D. 

New  York  City:  D.  Appleton  & Company. 

We  are  glad  that  the  author  points  out  the 
self-evident  yet  often  forgotten  fact  that  Christ 
was  first  of  all  an  out-of-doors  man,  and  that 
he  drew  His  lessons  from  nature.  The  author 
says : 

“He  took  hold  of  the  commonest  everyday 
incidents  and  turned  them  into  sweet  illustra- 
tions of  spiritual  truth — the  shepherd  walking 
along  the  hills  in  advance  of  his  flock,  the  fish- 
erman casting  his  net  into  the  sea,  the  sower 
going  forth  to  sow.  He  had  an  eye  for  natural 
beauty,  which  St.  Paul  never  had.  It  has  been 
remarked  that  the  apostle  on  his  missionary 
journeys  passed  through  some  of  the  most  glor- 
ious scenery  in  the  world  and  never  gives  a 
hint  of  it  in  his  discourses.  How  different  with 
Jesus ! The  birds  of  the  air,  the  lilies  of  the 
field,  the  splendor  of  sunset  and  sunrise  are  all 
present  to  His  observation  and  interest.  He 
has  time  to  think  of  the  sparrow  falling  to  the 
ground,  of  the  ravens  that  God  feeds,  and  of 


the  ox  or  sheep  that  falls  into  a pit  and  needs 
to  be  helped  out  on  the  Sabbath  day  as  on  any 
other  day.  No  wonder  the  common  people 
heard  Him  gladly.” 

From  the  religious  point  of  view  it  may  justly 
be  added  that  this  is  a book  of  modern  scholar- 
ship written  by  a world-famous  preacher,  who 
has  come  to  the  task  after  years  of  study,  with 
striking  felicity  of  style  and  a deep  understand- 
ing of  the  expression  of  a great  religious  philos- 
ophy exemplified  in  an  actual  life.  The  book 
is  readable,  well  printed  and  attractively  ar- 
ranged. We  cordially  commend  it  to  all 
readers. 


Under  the  Maples.  By  John  Burroughs.  Bos- 
ton, Massachusetts:  Houghton  Mifflin 

Company. 

These  essays  were  written  during  the  last 
two  years  of  the  author’s  life.  They  have 
been  published  since  his  death.  Dr.  Clara 
Barrus  says  that  while  Mr.  Burroughs  was  in 
California  in  1921,  as  he  pictured  the  river  ice 
breaking  up  in  the  crystalline  March  days,  the 
return  of  the  birds,  the  first  hepaticas,  he  longed 
to  be  again  in  his  home,  he  was  there  in  spirit, 
gazing  on  the  river  from  the  summer-house,  or 
from  the  veranda  of  the  Nest,  or  seated  at  his 
table  in  the  chestnut-bark  Study,  or  busy  with 
his  sap-gathering  and  sugar-making.  It  was 
in  these  March  days  with  the  memory  of  the 
maples  of  his  boyhood  that  he  suddenly  ex- 
claimed that  the  new  book  would  be  called 
“Under  the  Maples!” 

In  many  respects  this  is  one  of  his  most  in- 
teresting volumes  and,  if  comparison  were  to 
be  made,  it  is  more  like  the  real  Burroughs 
than  his  more  or  less  disastrous  attempts  at 
philosophy  in  some  of  his  recent  books.  Our 
nature  students  will  read  this  with  real  joy  and 
profit. 


The  Apple  Tree. 

BY  MAUD  ALICE  NEWCOMB,  NEW  YORK  CITY. 

The  slender  young  birches 
Shone  silvery  white. 

The  tall,  slim  firs  were  evergreen ; 

They  laughed  at  the  apple  tree — - 
“Such  a sight ! 

’Tis  the  ugliest  tree  we  have  seen.” 

The  apple  tree  shivered 
And  sobbed  a bit, 

For  its  limbs  were  bare  and  cold ; 

But  strong  in  its  breast 

Beat  the  heart  of  it, 

Though  its  body  was  bent  and  old. 

Then  the  South  Wind  spoke — 

And  with  joyous  mien 

Came  Spring  from'  her  sunny  bowers ; 

She  robed  the  limbs  of  the  apple  tree 
In  tenderest  green. 

And  heaped  its  arms  with  fragrant  flowers. 

The  slender  young  birches 
In  silvery  white, 

And  the  tall  firs  in  dark  evergreen, 

Stared  at  the  apple  tree — 

“Such  a sight ! 

’Tis  the  loveliest  tree  we  have  seen.” 


XII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  N ATU RE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


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Feeding  Devices  for  Winter  Birds. 

Sparrow  Traps  and  Bird- 
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If  you  mention  The  Guide  to  Nature  we  will  send  a copy  of 
“American  Bird-House  Journal.” 

JACOBS  BIRD  HOUSE  AND  MFG.  CO. 

Waynesburg,  Pennsylvania 


What  the  Animal  Does. 

An  applicant  for  a place  as  teacher  in 
one  of  the  colored  schools  of  Louisville 
was  being  examined  touching  fitness 
for  the  position.  “What  is  your  defini- 
tion of  the  word  ‘jeopardized’?”  asked 
the  examiner.  The  candidate’s  brow 
wrinkled.  “Which?”  he  inquired. 
“What  do  you  understand  the  word 
‘jeopardize’  to  mean?”  For  just  one- 
half  minute  he  hesitated.  Then  he  an- 
swered sonorously,  “In  reply  to  vo’ 
question  I would  state  that  would  refer 
to  any  act  committed  by  a jeopard.” 

Fine  Points  in  English. 

The  man  had  just  informed  the  Pull- 
man agent  that  he  wanted  a Pullman 
berth. 

“Upper  or  lower?”  asked  the  agent. 

“What’s  the  difference?”  asked  the 
man. 

“A  difference  of  fifty  cents  in  this 
case,”  replied  the  agent.  “The  lower 
is  higher  than  the  upper.  The  higher 
price  is  for  the  lower.  If  you  want  it 
lower  you'll  have  to  go  higher.  We  sell 
the  upper  lower  than  the  lower.  In 
other  words,  the  higher  the  lower.  Most 
people  don’t  like  the  upper,  although  it 
is  lower  on  account  of  its  being  higher. 
When  you  occupy  an  upper  you  have 
to  get  up  to  go  to  bed  and  get  down 
when  you  get  up.  You  can  have  the 
lower  if  you  pay  higher.  The  upper  is 
lower  than  the  lower  because  it  is 
higher.  If  you  are  willing  to  go  higher, 
it  will  be  lower.” 

But  the  poor  man  had  fainted ! 

— The  Epworth  Herald. 


Bine  Lace  Flower 

Clusters  of  delicate  light  blue  blossoms,  in  size  and 
color  like  the  Forget-me-not,  borne  on  long  slender 
stems.  Texture  resembles  Queen  Anne  Lace. 
Exquisite  with  cut  flowers. 

Chinese  Wool  Flower,  flower  clusters,  mas- 
sive feathery  balls  of  brilliant  crimson,  blooming 
till  frost. 

Aster  Novelty  Hybrids,  will  produce  many 
new  types  and  colors  never  offered. 

ALSO  2 FAMOUS  VEGETABLES 

IVlatctiless  Lettuce,  remarkable  for  crispness 
and  juicy  texture.  Grows  somewhat  likeRomaine. 

Sweet  Corn,  60 -day  Makegood.  Earliest  of 
all,  large,  sweet  and  tender. 

All  Five  Packets  for  25c 

All  tested  novelties  and  easy  to  grow.  Send  for 
big  colorplate  catalog  tree.  Complete  stocks  of 
seeds,  bulbs,  window  plants,  perennials,  fruits, 
berries  and  special  novelties.  Values  exceptional. 

John  Lewis  Childs,  Inc.,  Floral  Park,N.Y. 


SONG  AND  TALKING  BIRDS 
For  Easter  Gifts 


G.  D.  TILLEY,  Naturalist 
Darien  Phone  96  Connecticut 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XIII 


DODHouSrEN  \ SUIVIIV1ER  HOME  ! 


4 compartments,  28 
inches  high,  18  inches 
in  diameter. 


All  song  birds  raise  two,  and 
usually  three,  broods  of  young 
each  year,  selecting  a new  nest- 
ing site  for  each  brood  of  young, 
so  if  your  houses  are  put  out 
now  they  are  sure  to  be  occupied. 

DODSON  HOUSES 

win  the  birds.  Built  by  a bird- 
lover  who  has  spent  a lifetime 
studying  their  habits  and  how  to 
attract  them  to  beautiful  Bird 
Lodge,  his  home  on  the  Kan- 
kakee River. 

Free  Bird  Book  sent  on  re- 
quest, illustrating  Dodson  Line, 
giving  prices;  also  beautiful  col- 
ored bird  picture  free. 

JOSEPH  H.  DODSON 

Pres.  American  Audubon  Ass’n. 

714  S.  HARRISON  AVE., 
KANKAKEE.  ILL. 


Dodson  Sparrow  Trap  guaranteed  to  rid  your  community 
of  these  quarrelsome  pests.  Price  $8.00. 


Girl  Scouts  camp,  hike  and  live  close  to 
Nature.  Read  about  their  good  times  in 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 

A Magazine  for  Girl  Scouts  and  Girls 
who  love  Scouting. 

The  American  Girl  will  bring  you  suggestions 
for  parties — stories  and  other  things  besides. 
Send  for  sample  copy  to 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 
189  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City. 

$1.50  a year  — Single  copy  15c 


It  yields  comfortably  to  the  shape  of 
the  body,  is  soft  yet  firm,  and  induces 
perfect  relaxation  and  rest.  The  Oster- 
moor  Mattress  is  scientifically  built,  not 
stuffed  like  horsehair;  it  cannot  get  out 
of  shape  and  is  sanitary.  Replace  with 
Ostermoor  as  yOur  old  mattresses  become 
uncomfortable. 

At  your  dealer’s,  or  we  will  ship  direct; 
express  prepaid.  Write  for  144-page  Cat- 
alog— mailed  free. 

Ostermoor  & Co.,  114  Elizabeth  St., 
New  York. 

Canadian  Agency: 

Alaska  Bedding  of  Montreal,  Ltd.,  Montreal 


BAUSCH&LOMB 

BINOCULARS 


Every  out-door  activity  becomes  of 
greater  interest  if  you  own  a good  field 
glass  to  extend  your  vision,  bringing  into 
apparent  proximity  objects  that  other- 
wise would  be  barely  visible. 

T he  new  Rausch  & Lomb  Stereo-Prism 
Binoculars  the  same  type  as  used  by 
the  Army  and  Navy— are  unexcelled  by 
any  ever  offered  on  the  market.  Due  to 
their  stereo-prism  design  they  are  very 
light  and  compact,  and  also  give  a pro- 
nounced stereoscopic  effect.  Their  optical 
properties  and  mechanical  adjustments 
are  of  the  greatest  accuracy  and  dura- 
bility. 

If  your  dealer  cannot  supply  you,  write 
us  for  our  illustrated,  descriptive  folder 
with  prices. 


Bausch  & Lomb  Optical  (5. 

NEW  YORK  WASHINGTON  SAN  FRANCISCO 

CHICAGO  ROCHESTER.  N.  Y.  London 


Leading  American  Makers  of  Photo- 
graphic Lenses,  Microscopes,  Projection 
Apparatus  (Balopticons),  Ophthalmic 
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Gun  Sights  for  Army  and  Navy,  Search- 
light Reflectors,  Stereo-Prism  B’inoculars 
Magnifiers  and  Other  High  Grade  Optical 
Products. 


XIV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


MODEL  BEEKEEPING  OUTFITS 


Write  for  free  booklet,  “Bees  for  Pleasure  and  Profit.” 

THE  A.  I.  ROOT  COMPANY 


230  W.  Huron  Street  West  Side  Station  23  Leonard  Street 


CHICAGO,  ILL.  MEDINA,  OHIO  NEW  YORK,  N.  Y. 


SPECIAL  SALE 

of  the  popular 

NO.  3 

VEST  POCKET 

ANSCO 
SPEEDEX 
CAMERAS 
OUR  PRICE  $13.89 

FORMER  LIST  PRICE  $32.40 

F:7.5  Modico  Anastigmat  Lens.  New 
Model  Grammax  Shutter.  Pictures 

254  x 354 

( Not  listed  in  Catalog  by  Mfr.) 

Charles  G.  Willoughby,  Inc. 

New  York 


110  West  32nd  Street 


the  guide  to  nature— advertisements 


XV 


m 

; "gypENig”  \ 

f i 

ill 

-f  \ I ! 

© 

Ill 

GraYO l A t 

artist^*  1 

ss^SSsstESil 

CrayolA 

An  Artists'  Drawing  Crayon 

The  box  pictured  contains 
24  crayons  of  the  very  best 
quality.  For  artists  and 
Students  of  Nature,  to  be 
used  for 
sketching  and 
general  color 
work. 

“Crayola”  is 
put  up  in  all  de- 
sirable styles 
of  packing,  6 
to  24  colors  in 
a box. 

Color  charts  and 
catalog  on  request. 


<x 

SMITH  CO., 

81  Fulton  St., 
New  York. 


DREEES 

GARDEN  / 

BOOK  / -- 

1922  kfZL 


Has  been  enlarged 
and  improved  and 
special  care  taken 
to  make  it  the  best 
we  have  ever  is- 
sued. Especially  designed  to 
help  the  amateur  as  well  as  the 
professional  gardener,  whether 
his  specialty  be  Vegetables  or  Flowers. 

A large,  comprehensive,  handsomely  illustrated 
book,  showing  in  colors  and  photo-engravings  many 
of  the  varieties  offered,  and  giving  cultural  direc- 
tions which  assure  a successful  garden. 

The  EIGHTY-FOURTH  edition  of  DREER’S 
GARDEN  ROOK  contains  224  pages,  eight  color 
plates,  besides  numerous  photographic  reproduc- 
tions. Tt  offers  the  best  Vegetable  and  Flower 
Seeds:  Lawn  Grass  and  Agricultural  Seeds;  Gar- 
den Requisites:  Plants  of  all  kinds,  including  the 
newest  Roses,  Dahlias,  Hardy  Perennials,  etc. 

Write  today  for  a copy  which  will  be  mailed 
free  if  you  mention  this  publication 

HENRY  A.  DREER 
714-716  Chestnut  St.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 


BIRD-LORE 

A Bi-Monthly  Magazine 

EDITED  BY  FRANK  M.  CHAPMAN 

500  Pages,  6 Colored  Plates 
150  Photographs 

Price  yearly , one  dollar  and  a half. 

It  will  tell  you  how  to  study  birds,  how 
to  form  and  conduct  bird  clubs,  how  to 
make  nesting  boxes,  feeding  stands  and 
bird  baths.  You  may  consult  its  Advisory 
Council,  take  part  in  its  bird  censuses  and, 
in  short,  become  one  of  the  great  frater- 
nity who  finds  in  birds  “the  most  elo- 
quent expression  of  nature’s  beauty,  joy 
and  freedom.” 

We  will  be  glad  to  mail  you 
a specimen  copy  on  request. 

D.  APPLETON  & CO. 

Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania 


Trih.  BKAOLOG1ST — The  only  magazine  111  the 

lish  language  devoted  wholly  to  articles  dealing  with 
Mosses,  Hepatics,  and  Lichens.  Of  interest  to  be 
ginners  and  advanced  students  alike.  Bimonthly,  pub 
lished  by  the  Sullivant  Moss  Society,  an  organization 
for  mutual  help  in  moss  study.  Special  curators  to 
assist  beginners.  Membership  fee,  $1.50  per  year,  tm- 
eluding  the  Bryologist;  subscription  alone,  $1.25;  Cana- 
dian postage  10  cents  extra.  Address  Edward  B.  Cham 
berlain.  18  West  89tb  Street,  New  York  City. 


AQUATIC  LIFE  monthly  magazine  will 

^ increase  your  enjoyment 

of  the  life  in  nature’s  streams  and  in  your  home 
aquarium.  Written  by  scientists  to  entertain  all 
nature  lovers  who  like  to  paddle  in  water  and 
>tudy  its  manv  forms  of  life.  A iournal  of  popu- 
lar aquatic  biology,  not  merely  a fish  fanciers’  mag 
azine.  Specimen  copy  free  on  request.  Subscrip- 
tion, $1.25  per  vear.  Joseph  E.  Rausman,  Pub- 
lisher, 542  East  Girard  Avenue,  Philadelphia. 


G.  D.  TILLEY, 

Naturalist 

“Everything  in  the  Bird 
Line  from  a Canary  to  an 
Ostrich” 

Birds  for  the  House  and 
Porch 

Birds  for  the  Ornamental  Waterway 
Birds  for  the  Garden,  Pool  and  Aviary 
Birds  for  the  Game  Preserve  and  Park 

SPECIAL  BIRD  FEEDS 

I am  the  oldest  established  and  largest  exclusive  dealer 
in  land  and  water  birds  in  America  and  have  on  hand  the 
most  extensive  stock  in  the  United  States. 

G.  D.  TILLEY,  Naturalist,  Darien,  Conn. 


XVI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


BOBBINK  & ATKINS 


Visit 

Nursery 


Ask  for 
Catalogs 


ROSES 

EVERGREENS 
RHODODENDRONS 
TREES  AND  SHRUBS 
ROCK  GARDEN  PLANTS 
OLD-FASHIONED  FLOWERS 
FRUIT  TREES  AND  BUSHES 
WE  GROW  NURSERY  PRODUCTS  TO  COMPLETE  PLANTINGS 
OF  ANY  MAGNITUDE 

Nurserymen  and  Florists 

RUTHERFORD,  NEW  JERSEY 

Established  1868 


Mrs.  Dow’s  School,  Briarcliff  Manor, 
New  York. 

November  5,  1921. 
Dr.  Edward  F.  Bigelow, 

Sound  Beach,  Connecticut. 

My  dear  Dr.  Bigelow: 

In  your  visits  of  the  last  three  years 
to  Briarcliff  I feel  that  you  have  done 
much  through  your  excursions  with  the 
girls,  your  walks  and  your  lectures 
with  the  lantern  slides  to  develop  in 
them  a love  of  nature  and  the  wonders 
of  outdoor  life,  but  your  lecture  last 
week  with  the  microscope  projections 
quite  transcended  anything  which  you 
have  done  for  us  heretofore.  In  fact  it 
seems  to  me  one  of  the  most  important 
scientific  achievements  that  has  come 
under  my  notice. 

If  you  can  reveal  the  secrets  of  the 
microscope  to  large  audiences  of  young 
people  as  you  did  for  us  you  will  cer- 
tainly be  making  a great  contribution 
to  scientific  teaching.  I wish  you  all 
success  in  developing  your  work  along 
this  line ! 

Yours  very  sincerely, 

(Signed)  Edith  Cooper  Hartman. 


A Penitential  Week. 

The  week  had  gloomily  begun 
For  Willie  Weeks,  a poor  man’s 

Sun. 

He  was  beset  with  bill  and  dun, 

And  he  had  very  little 

Mon. 

“This  cash,”  said  he,  “won’t  pay  my 
dues, 

I’ve  nothing  here  but  ones  and 

Tues.” 

A bright  thought  struck  him  and  he 
said : 

“The  rich  Miss  Goldlocks  I will 

Wed.” 

But  when  he  paid  his  court  to  her, 
She  lisped,  but  firmly  said,  “No 

Thur.” 

“Alas,”  said  he,  “then  I must  die  ! 
Although  hereafter  I may 

Fri.” 

They  found  his  gloves,  his  coat  and 
hat ; 

The  Coroner  upon  them 

Sat. 

— Carolyn  Wells. 


Open  an  Account 
with 

THE  GREENWICH 
TRUST  CO. 

Courteous  and  Efficient 
Service 

COMMERCIAL  — SAVINGS  — 
TRUST  — SAFE  DEPOSIT 
— STORAGE  DEPART- 
MENT 

A Greenwich  Bank  for 
Greenwich  People 

GREENWICH 

Connecticut 


BRUNSWICK  SCHOOL 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

A Preparatory  Day  School  for  Boys 
in  Stamford,  Greenwich  and 
Port  Chester 

Calls  the  attention  of  possible  patrons 
to  the  fact  that  the  enrolment  for  the 
coming  year  is  complete  in  respect  to  the 
primary  and  lower  school  departments 
In  these  sections,  further  applications 
can  receive  favorable  attention  only  in 
case  of  unexpected  withdrawals.  There 
are  still  some  vacancies  in  the  Upper 
School. 

Primary  School,  for  boys  6 to  11 
Lower  School,  for  boys  10  to  14 
Upper  School,  for  boys  13  to  19 

For  catalogue,  or  special  information 
address 

GEORGE  E.  CARMICHAEL, 

Head-master. 

Telephones: 

Office,  Greenwich  318 
Home,  Greenwich  553 


Telephone  179 

THE  BARTLETT  WAY 

is 

Tfc  Bartlett  Wfov  THE 

T RECOGNIZED 
STANDARD 

TREE 

SURGERY 

Our  work  is  not  local  in  scope  but  is 
available  to  all  tree  owners  within  a 
large  radius. 

The  F.  A.  Bartlett 
Tree  Expert  Co. 

“Tree  Specialists” 

STAMFORD,  CONNECTICUT 

Westbury  L.  I. 

Morristown  - --  --  --  N.J 

Chestnut  Hill Pa- 


SPRATT’S  PUPPILAC 

The  Milk  Food  of 
Many  Uses 

PUPPILAC  has  a wide  range  of  uses; 
it  fulfills  each  one  of  them  with  unvarying 
certainty. 

It  has  no  equal  as  a rearing  food  for 
orphan  puppies,  as  a substitute  food  at 
weaning  time,  as  a staminal  and  milk  in- 
ducing food  for  the  brood  bitch,  as  a 
strengthening  food  for  the  adult  dog  in 
sickness  and  convalescence,  or  as  a nor- 
mal milk  diet  for  cats  and  kittens. 

PUPPILAC  is  milk  powder  so 
treated  that  there  is  no  possible  danger 
of  rancidity. 

Spratt's  Patent  Limited 

Newark,  New  Jersey 

San  Francisco  St.  Louis  Montreal 
Factory  also  in  London,  Eng. 


harvard -college  library;' 
GIFT  OF 

ill! 

FOR 

HOMES  NEAR 

TO  NATURE 

AND 

EVERYWHERE  ELSE 

CONSULT 

JesUITF-  Smith 

REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE 

442  Atlantic  Street,  Opposite  P.  O. 

Stamford,  Connecticut 

Phones  2916  and  2917,  Stamford 


SOUND  BEACH 

WANTED 

50  Minutes  From  New  York 

FURNISHED  HOUSES 

We  have  a good  Golf  and  Country  Club, 

FOR 

also  bathing,  boating  and  fishing.  This 

is  the  coolest  place  in  summer,  with 

water  on  three  sides  of  the  town.  Beach 

SUMMER  SEASON 

near  Station. 

We  rent  only  to  the  best  class  of 

1922 

people. 

Have  a large  number  of  clients  looking 

Could  I interest  you  or  your  friends  to 

buy  a place  or  rent  one  for  this  coming 

for  High  Class  Furnished  Houses.  List 

summer? 

yours  early  and  get  the  highest  rentals. 

FARMS  OF  ALL  KINDS 

FOR  SALE 

G.  HARRY  ABBOTT 

E.  BENJ.  LOCKWOOD 

REALTOR 

Notary  Public 

Real  Estate  and  Insurance 

Stamford  Savings  Bank  Building 

Telephones  216,  200 

Stamford,  Connecticut. 

No  Trouble  to  Show  Property. 

Property  in  Shippan  Point,  Stamford, 

Telephone  201 

Sound  Beach  and  Riverside. 

\ 1922 


GREENWICH,  CONNECTICUT 

has  good  transportation  facilities  to 
New  York.  You  can  buy  or  rent  to 
good  advantage  and  enjoy  living  by 
the  water  or  among  the  hills  to  the 
utmost  satisfaction. 

I have  for  Sale 

Elegant  Country  Estates,  Shore  and  Inland 
Residences,  Farms,  Acreage,  Cottages  and 
Building  Sites.  Also  a number  of  selected 
Furnished  Residences  and  Cottages  to  Rent 
In  all  locations. 

Would  be  pleased  to  have  /ou  call  or  write. 

Laurence  Timmons 

Tel.  456  Opp.  Depot  Greenwich,  Conn, 


the  guide  to  nature— advertisements 


1 


The  Walter  Stewart  Co. 

The  Leading  Grocers 

CHOICE  GROCERIES. 

FLOUR  AND  FEED. 
SIX  STORES 

Sound  Beach,  New  Canaan, 

Darien  and  Springdale 

Telephone  Connection 

SOUND  BEACH  PHARMACY 

Kodak  Supplies  Developing  and  Printing 

STATIONERY 
Sound  Beach,  Connecticut 
E.  S.  Donovan  Phone  Sound  Beach  19 

MCARDLE’S  SEED  STORE 

Florist  and  Seedsman 

SEEDS,  PLANTS,  BULBS,  INSECTICIDES  AND 
FERTILIZERS 

BIRD  HOUSES,  FEEDING  DEVICES  AND  BIRD 
FOODS 

Telephone  317  Merritt  Building 

Greenwich,  Conn. 

EVERYTHING 

ELECTRICAL 

FOR  THE  HOME 

From  Garret  to  Cellar 

Electric  Heaters,  Sewing 
Machines,  Irons,  Vacuum 
Cleaners,  Washing  Ma- 
chines, Percolators, 
Toasters,  etc.,  etc., 

— at — 

THE  STAMFORD  ELEC- 
TRICAL CONTRACTOR 

INCORPORATED 

22i  Atlantic  Street 


C.  C.  CLARK’S 

TAXI  SERVICE 

SOUND  BEACH  CONNECTICUT 

TAXI  CABS— BAGGAGE  TRANSFER 
PROMPT  SERVICE  OUR  MOTTO 
Telephone 
271  SOUND  BEACH 

U.  MAHER  SUNS 

LEHIGH  COAL,  HYGEIA  ICE 

BUILDING  MATERIAL,  LIME,  LATH, 
BRICK,  SAND,  CEDENT,  DRAIN  PIPE 

Tel.  130  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 

HARDWARE 

LAURENCE  TAYLOR 

PAINTS  OIL  WINDOW  GLASS 

HOUSEHOLD  UTENSILS 

Boles  Block,  Next  to  Post  Office  Phone  95 
Sound  Beach 

LA  BELLE  BAKERY 

297  Atlantic  Street 
STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 


S.  G.  JUDD  STORE 

HOUSE  FURNISHINGS 

Telephone  352 

White  and  Gray  Enamel 
Ware 

Galvanized  and  Tin  Ware 
Aluminum,  Crockery  and 
Glass  Ware 

Baskets,  Cutlery 

43  BANK  STREET 
Stamford,  _ _ Connecticut 


II 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE-ADVERTISEMENTS 


Stamford  Business  Directory 


Telepkomc,  270  Uptown  Office:  STARK  BKv> 

271  40  PARK  ROW 


GHAS.  F.  WATER  BURY 
David  Waterbury  & Son 

COAL  DRAIN  PIPE  WOui 

Crushed  Stone  for  Walks  and  f >rires 
YARDS:  Canal  Dock.  STAMFORD.  CONN 


Telephone  169  Insurance  Appraisals  Made 

WM.  T.  FINNEY,  INC. 

ANTIQUES,  SECONDHAND 

FURNITURE,  STORAGE 

Office  and  A action  Rooms 
35  Atlantic  Street,  Stamford,  Conn 

Corsets  Fitted  Free  by  Expert  Corsetiere 

Phone  989 

LA  SARETTE  CORSET  SHOP 

STAMFORD  THEATRE  BUILDING 
Stamford.  Connecticut 


BORG  BROTHERS 

Chemical  and  Analytical  Laboratories 
for  Special  Research  Work 

539  MAIN  ST. 

STAMFORD  CONNECTICUT 

JOHN  PHILLIPS 

Dealer  in 

HOOTS  AND  SHOES 

463  Main  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

forTTine  millinery 

NEWSTAD’S 

3 BANK  STREET,  STAMFORD,  CONN. 

FRANK  M.  WEST 
HARDWARE 

Paints,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Etc.  House  Furnishings 

18  PARK  ROW  Tel.  Con. 

R.  F.  VOSKA  & SOM 

TAILORS 

444  Atlantic  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 

DR.  W.  H.  POMEROY 

DENTIST 
The  Gurley  Building 

324  Main  Street,  Opposite  City  Hall 

Stamford,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


III 


MOTORS 

FIXTURES 

APPLIANCES 

MODERN  LABOR  SAVING  MACHINES  FOR 
THE  HOUSEHOLD 

The 

Downes-Smith  Co. 

Electrical  Contractors 

Stamford,  Conn. 

79  ATLANTIC  STREET 

THE  GRUBER 
COMPANY 


STAMFORD’S  EXCLUSIVE 
WOMAN’S  SHOP 


298  Main  Street 
Stamford 


Telephone  2294 


Gifts  for  Alt  Occasions 


jgi  Diamonds,  Watches, 

Jewelry,  Silver- 
ware.  Cut  Glass, 
(' 10  ~ \ Clocks,  Sterling 

\^Vi|ANU  Ivoroid  Toilet 
v.  and  Manicure  Sets, 

Novelties,  Etc. 

Usual  Amount  of  Engraving  Free. 

A Small  Deposit  Reserves  Any  Article 
Selected. 

Exclusive  Agency  Gorham 
Silverware. 

SAMUEL  PHILLIPS 

New  Store,  209  Atlantic  Street 
Established,  1897 

THE  HALLMARK  STORE 


IV 


THE  CHIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


GOOD  HEALTH’S  BEST  FRIEND  IS  WHOLESOME  FOOD 

THE  BEST  INGREDIENTS  make  the  BEST  BREAD! 

Beech  Nut  Bread  is  made  of  Pure  Granulated  Sugar,  Pure  Leaf  Lard,  Pure 
Malt  Extract,  Pure  Fleischmann’s  Yeast,  Pure  Milk  and  Plenty  Of  it,  and 
Pure  Wheat  Flour — and  each  of  these  wholesome,  healthful  ingredients  is  the 
finest  quality  that  money  can  buy. 

NATURALLY— BEECH  NUT  BREAD  IS  MORE  NOURISHING.  AS  WELL 
AS  MORE  DELICIOUS! 


Baked  Solely  by  the  Marsh  Bakeries,  Inc. 


FIRST  AID  KIT 

Should  be  carried  on  every  hike, 
hike. 


THE  A.  J.  ANGEVINE  CO 
Furniture,  Carpets,  Linoleum,  Oil  Cloth, 
Rugs,  Curtains,  Stoves,  Etc. 


FITS  THE  POCKET 

5V2  x 3%  x 1 14 

CONTAINS 

Bandages,  Adhesive  Plaster,  Iodine  Ap- 
plicator, Etc.,  and  First  Aid  Chart  and 
Guide. 

PRICE  $1.00  POSTPAID 
if  price  accompanies  order 

A.  L EMBREE 

Druggist  and  Pharmacist 
313  Atlantic  St.  Stamford,  Conn. 


450-452  Atlantic  St.  Tel.  3041 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


V 


THE  PRISCILLA  SHOPPE 

CONFECTIONERY  BAKERY  PRODUCTS 
SODA 

BOLES  BLOCK  ARCADIA  ROAD 

Telephone 

THE  HARRY  BELL 

INSURANCE  AGENCY,  Inc. 

318  MAIN  STREET  STAMFORD,  CONN. 
Telephones  3636,  3637 

The  Gift  Establishment 

DIAMONDS 

ENGAGEMENT,  WEDDING  AND  BIRTHDAY  GIFTS 
Large  Assortment  of 

GORHAM  SILVER 

GEORGE  GRUNBERGER,  THE  JEWELER 

199  MAIN  STREET  QUINTARD  BLOCK 

I plant  to  live,  while  others  plant  to  die; 

The  longer  I live,  the  better  I’ll  plant, 

And  the  more  I plant,  the  better  I’ll  live. 

J .our  Nature  as  J Do 

ELMER  E.  MARSHALL 

GARDENER 

All  Kinds  of  Pruning  and  Grading  Done  on  Short  Notice 

Riverside,  Conn. Telephone 


ARE  YOUR  SHOES  FLEXI- 
BLE AND  GOOD-LOOKING? 

If  not  both  flexible  and  good-looking,  your 
shoes  would  perhaps  please  you  more  if  they  were 
Cantilever  Shoes,  which  combine  flexibility  with 
modish  shoe  designing. 

Cantilevers  are  so  well  proportioned  that  they 
fit  your  foot  like  an  easy  glove — and  look  as 
dressy.  Their  arches  are  flexible,  concealing  no 
metal  like  ordinary  shoes.  This  flexibility  of  the 
Cantilever  arch  corresponds  to  the  flexibility  of 
your  foot  arch,  which  nature  designed  to  flex  as 
you  walk. 


Come  and  see  the  trim  lines  of  Cantilever  ox- 
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well,  they  harmonize  so  delightfully  with  the  nat- 
ural “action”  of  your  foot,  that  in  Cantilever 
Shoes  you  can  get  the  most  fun  out  of  walking 
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Our  Secretarial  Course  prepares  both  Young 
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VI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


LACE  AMD  TRIMMING 


With  just  a little  more  cleverness  than  usual  in  styles  and  trimmings, 
Spring  Undermuslins  also  have  a durable  tailoring  that  commends  them  to  you. 

~ The  finely  selected 

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chemise  are  in  lace 
trimmed  styles  that 
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STORE. 


THE 


III  MTLANTK.  OF- 


“A  Pleasant  Place  to  Shop,  with  Always  Something  New  ” 


Established  1853 

THE  GETMAN&  JUDD  CO. 

Lumber  and  Timber  of  all  Kinds 

SPECIALTY:  High  Grade  HARDWOOD  FLOORING 

thoroughly  Kiln  Dried  and  stored  in  Steam  heated  build- 
until  delivered  to  our  customers.  Our  steadily  in- 
creasing trade  in  this  specialty  proves  the  fact  that 
t&e  country  home  is  not  complete  until  fitted  out  with 
this  beautiful  and  sanitary  furnishing.  Old  Residences 
»aay  he  greatly  improved  by  laying  thin  floors  over  the 
eld  ones. 

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Telephone  2180 


Homes  Near  to  Nature 

Should  be  so  constructed  as  to  give  lasting  satisfaction 
Our  method  of  manufacturing  dependable  Interior  and 
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by  skilled  mechanics  insures  such  satisfaction. 

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Telephone  781 
DIRECTORS 

WALTON  FERGUSON.  Pres.  W.  W.  HERO* 

W.  D.  DASKAM,  Vice  Pres.  Dr.  F.  H.  GETM  AN 

W.  H.  JUDD,  Sec.  and  Treas.  F.  W.  BOGARDUS 
J.  G.  WIGG,  General  Manager. 


SEE  US  AND 

SEE  BETTER 

Protect  your  eyes  from  the  daily 
strain  and  sun’s  rays. 


CAMERAS  and  SUPPLIES 
Developing,  Printing 
and  Mounting  .... 


W.  A.  MCCLELLAND,  inc.,  Optometrlsts-Opticisns 
Slain  lord  345  Atlantic  St.,  Connecticut 


STAMFORD  STEAM  LAUNDRY,  Inc. 

Deliveries  to  Sound  Beach  and  Shippan. 
OFFICE  10-12  SUMMER  PLACE 
Telephone,  249.  Stamford,  Conn 


THE  GAMBLE  MILL  WORK  CO. 


SASH,  DOORS,  BLINDS,  TRIM, 
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520  Steamboat  Road 

Telephone  1713  Greenwich,  Conn. 

THE  GREENWICH  CAB  CO.,  INC. 

Garage,  Taxi  Service,  Tires  and 
Supplies. 

81  Railroad  Ave.,  Greenwich,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


VII 


Offers  you  something  new — a superior  Laundry  Service — and  your  clothes 
washed  INDIVIDUALLY. 

You  cannot  do  it  as  good  in  your  own  home,  and  it  means  SAVING  to 
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Inquire  of  our  service — ask  us  TODAY  ; or  still  better,  send  us  that 
next  bundle  for  a trial,  and  sure  enough  you  will  always 

SEND  IT  TO  THE  INDIVIDUAL 

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THE  BEST  TO  BE 
SAB D OF  A HAT 


THE 

COMES-NORTHROP  CO 

445  MAIN  STREET 
STAMFORD.  CONN. 


Different  Methods  of  Growth. 


In  California,  fruit  stands  on  the 
ground;  in  New  York,  fruit  stands  on 
the  corners. 


VIII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


The  Trading  Place  of  Over  Half  a Century 

THE  C.  0.  MILLER  CO. 

WE  WONDER  IF  OUR  CUSTOMERS  ARE  AS  MUCH 
DELIGHTED  WITH  THE  LOWER  PRICES 
AS  WE  ARE? 


It  is  with  a feeling  of  tremendous  satisfaction  that  we  go  among  the  NEW  MER- 
CHANDISE and  see  how  fair  all  the  prices  now  are  and  how  extraordinarily  low  so 
many  of  them  are,  THIS  SPRING,  when  compared  to  what  they  have  been. 

That  is  why  it  is  vastly  more  pleasant  to  “KEEP  STORE”  this  year  than  it  has 
been  for  some  years  past. 

And,  the  unusual  combination  includes  with  complete  success  desirable  style,  end- 
less variety,  novelty,  dependability  and  moderate  pricing  in  every  Department,  which 
make  the  supremacy  of  this  store  as  a Value-giving  Institution. 

THE  C.  O.  MILLER  CO. 

Est.  54  Years 


Atlantic  Square 


Stamford,  Conn. 


i 


The  LOCKWOOD  & PALMER  Co. 


Wholesale  and  Retail 
Dealers  in 

HARDWARE 

AGRICULTURAL 
IMPLEMENTS 
House  Furnishings,  Etc. 


XO  O L S 

OF 

All  Kinds 


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(Cor.  Summer  Street) 
STAMFORD,  - CONN. 
Telephone  Connections 


Published  monthly  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut 
Subscription,  S 1 .50  a year  Single  copy,  15  cents 

Entered  as  Second-Class  Matter  June  12,  1909,  at  Sound  Beach  Post  Office,  under  Act  of  March  3,  1897. 
\cceptance  for  mailing  at  special  rate  of  postage  provided  for  in  Section  1103,  Act  of  October  3,  1917 

authorized  on  June  27,  1918. 


Volume  XI Y 


MAY,  1922 


Number  12 


The  Grass  Feeding  Froghopper  or  Spittle  Bug. 

By  Philip  Garman,  New  Haven,  Connecticut. 


Every  one  is  familiar  with  the  spittle 
balls  which  we  encounter  when  walk- 
ing through  forest  or  meadow.  They 
wet  our  feet  when  there  is  no  dew,  or 
they  make  travelling  disagreeable  in 
small  brush  when  we  are  intent  on  see- 
ing an  elusive  red  bird.  Though  we 
may  call  them  “snake  spit”  or  “cuckoo 
spit”  and  accompany  the  words  by 
profanity,  those  who  know  recognize 
them  as  the  product  of  one  of  the 
hordes  of  insect  enemies  of  agriculture. 

The  grass  feeding  froghopper  or 
spittle  bug  of  the  meadows,  to  which 
this  article  refers,  is  a true  bug  with 
an  odd  mode  of  existence.  It  “spits” 
only  in  spring,  not  because  there  is 
plenty  of  moisture  at  that  time  but  be- 
cause it  is  young.  It  hides  and  pro- 
tects itself  in  infancy  with  its  spittle 
elaborated  from  the  juice  of  the  grass 
plant.  So  completely  is  this  accom- 
plished that  to  date  not  a single  insect 
parasite  is  known.  Immersed  in  the 
spittle,  the  bug  grows,  molts  and 
breathes.  The  air  for  breathing  is 
drawn  beneath  the  body,  where  it  en- 


ters the  air  tubes  through  spiracles,  and 
is  forced  in  by  a sort  of  pump  at  the 
tip  of  the  abdomen.  If  it  desires  to 
make  the  spittle  more  opaque,  it  forces 
some  of  the  air  into  the  ball  and  the 
sticky  mass  holds  each  bubble  firmly. 
It  feeds  while  still  within  the  spittle  by 
inserting  a sharp  beak  into  the  plant. 
There  is  no  chance  of  being  surprised 
in  the  hunt  for  food. 

But  now  observe  the  spittle  itself, 
a viscous,  slimy  substance  partly  in- 
soluble in  water,  and  still  allowing  the 
insect  the  necessary  freedom  of  move- 
ment. Its  insolubility  affords  a protec- 
tion from  rains  which  work  sucb  great 
harm  to  their  near  relatives,  the  aphids. 
The  substance  is  secreted  from  glands 
near  the  tip  of  the  abdomen  and  is  filled 
with  air  by  means  of  the  pump  already 
mentioned. 

Four  stages  are  passed  within  the 
spittle  and  the  adult  bug  also  develops 
there.  The  adult  makes  no  spittle,  being 
better  able  to  avoid  enemies, but  it  feeds 
much  as  the  young  by  inserting  the 
beak  and  extracting  the  sap  of  plants. 


Copyright  1922  by  The  Agassiz  Association,  ArcAdiA:  Sound  Beach,  Conn. 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


1 66 


Where  the  nymph  or  young  lives  a 
month,  the  adult  lives  two  months  or 
more.  Thus  we  progress  to  the  egg, 
the  most  completely  protected  of  all, 
in  which  the  insect  spends  nearly  two- 


the  following  April  or  May,  when  it 
hatches  and  the  cycle  goes  merrily  on. 
That  an  egg  laid  in  July  should  not 
hatch  until  the  following  May  is  in  it- 
self of  interest,  since  there  are  few  simi- 


A.  SPITTLE  BALLS  ON  GRASS.  ABOUT  NATURAL  SIZE.  PHOTO  BY  WALDEN. 

lar  examples  in  the  insect  world.  But 
this  is  just  another  one  of  the  protec- 
tive measures  which  enable  the  spittle 
bug  to  continue  its  odd  family  history. 

Such  is  the  life  of  our  common  grass 
feeding  spittle  bug  ( Philaenus  lineatus 
Linn).  The  accompanying  illustrations, 
from  Bulletin  230  of  the  Connecticut 
Agricultural  Experiment  Station,  show 
the  spittle  masses,  adult  bug  and  eggs 
of  the  insect. 


thirds  of  its  natural  existence.  Laid  in 
the  sheath  of  the  grass  leaf  durin  g July, 
August  or  September,  it  remains  until 


B.  ADULT  BUG.  SIX  TIMES  NATURAL  SIZE. 


C.  EGGS  ON  GRASS.  EIGHT  TIMES  NATURAL  SIZE.  PHOTO  BY  WALDEN. 


MAMMOTH  ROOTS  OBSTRUCT  FLOW  OF  WATEI 


167 


Mammoth  Roots  Obstruct  Flow  of 
Water. 

BY  WM.  H.  CLARK,  SUPERINTENDENT  AVON 
WATER  WORKS,  AVON,  NEW  YORK. 

Early  in  the  fall  of  1918  it  was  no- 
ticed that  the  water  pressure  of  the 
Avon  Water  Works  was  gradually 
diminishing.  The  system  is  a gravity 
system  and  parallels  the  outlet  of 
Conesus  Lake,  from  which  the  source 
is  derived.  In  the  first  two  miles  of 


The  root  was  removed  by  sawing 
only  one  bevel  piece,  about  eight  by 
ten  inches,  on  the  top  of  the  pipe  where 
the  root  entered.  A small  rope  was 
fastened  around  the  head  of  the  root, 
and  three  men  pulled  it  out. 

This  was  removed  in  July,  1919,  and 
since  that  time  several  other  roots  have 
been  taken  out  of  a vitrified  tile  con- 
duit on  the  same  line,  the  largest  being 
thirty  feet  in  length.  In  the  fall  of 


EXHIBITION  OF  ROOTS  THAT  STOPPED  AVON  WATER  SUPPLY. 


the  conduit  the  fall  is  only  about  two 
feet  to  the  mile,  and  it  was  in  this  sec- 
tion that  the  trouble  was  located.  After 
repeated  tests  it  was  found  that  the 
trouble  was  a willow  root,  twenty-four 
feet  long,  in  a ten  inch  water  main.  It 
was  fed  from  a small  root  about  the 
size  of  a lead  pencil,  which  came  from 
a willow  tree,  three  feet  in  diameter, 
growing  near  the  line. 

The  root  entered  the  conduit  through 
a wooden  plug,  which  had  been  driven 
into  the  pipe  about  twenty  years  ago, 
and  it  is  thought  that  a very  small  ten- 
dril of  the  root  was  driven  in  with  the 
plug  at  that  time. 


1921  this  tile  conduit  was  replaced  by 
a twelve  inch  wood  line,  and  no  further 
trouble  is  anticipated. 

From  winds  that  fiercely  blow, 

To  those  that  softness  bring: 

From  realms  of  ice  and  snow, 

To  fairyland  of  spring: — 

This,  earth’s  awakening ; 

Ourselves  it  now  behooves, 

To  do  the  obvious  thing, 

And  shun  old  winter’s  grooves. 

— Emma  Peirce. 

Our  bodies  don’t  have  to  die  to  make 
us  realize  the  unimportance  of  the  mass 
of  earthy  things  that  threaten  to  swamp 
real  life. — Reverend  Gerald  A.  Cun- 
ningham, Stamford,  Connecticut. 


1 68 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


From  Wild  Grass  to  Indian  Corn. 

Nature  is  sometimes  slow,  but  al- 
ways sure.  Nature,  aided  in  America 
by  the  crude  cultural  methods  of  the 
Indians,  needed  we  do  not  know  how 
many  centuries  to  produce  our  maize 
from  the  wild  grass,  teosinte.  On  the 
other  hand,  that  magician  of  plants, 
Mr.  Luther  Burbank,  has  produced 
from  it  perfect  ears  of  corn  in  eighteen 
years. 

1 he  Indians  found  teosinte  covering 
our  plains.  It  bore  grains  or  small  ker- 
nels something  like  small  wheat  grains 
not  connected  together  but  loose  in  a 
tiny  husk.  The  ears  were  from  two  to 
four  inches  long,  thinner  than  a lead 
pencil,  with  each  grain  incased  in  a 
separate  steel-like  covering  or  sheath. 
Discovering  that  the  kernels  were 
good  to  eat,  the  Indians  began  to  cul- 
tivate the  plant.  Since  they  always 
saved  the  best  kernels  for  seed,  the 
teosinte  ears  gradually  became  longer 
and  bigger  round  so  as  to  take  care 
of  extra  rows  of  kernels.  In  time  the 
chitinous  sheaths  disappeared. 

Such,  the  botanists  believed,  was 
the  history  of  our  maize.  Mr.  Bur- 
bank made  his  experiment  in  order  to 
test  the  theory.  Starting  in  1903,  he 
gradually  developed  the  teosinte  plant 
with  its  miniature  kernels  into  a much 
larger  plant  with  a round  cob  and  sev- 
eral rows  of  large,  fat  kernels.  At  the 
end  of  a few  years  he  found  an  occa- 
sional kernel  that  had  emerged  from  its 
sheath.  He  bred  only  those  kernels,  and 


FROM  LEFT  TO  RIGHT  ARE  SHOWN  FIVE 
STAGES  IN  THE  DEVELOPMENT  OF 
THE  TEOSINTE  EAR. 


in  a few  years  more  the  sheaths  had 
entirely  disappeared.  At  the  end  of 
the  eighteenth  year  he  had  produced 
ears  of  Indian  corn.  Though  the  ears 
do  not  equal  the  superior  varieties  now 


grown  in  America,  they  compare  fa- 
vorably in  every  way  with  those  that 
the  first  white  settlers  found  the  In- 
dians cultivating. — The  Youth’s  Com- 
panion. 


AN  EAR  OF  INDIAN  CORN  PRODUCED  IN 
EIGHTEEN  YEARS. 


The  above  article  from  “ 1 he  Youth’s 
Companion”  was  submitted  to  Mr.  Bur- 
bank. He  returned  it  with  a few  slight 
corrections  which  have  been  inserted, 
and  stated  that  the  transition  from  the 
grass  to  corn  has  been  exhibited  at  the 
Panama-Pacific  Exposition  and  is  now 
in  the  County  Courthouse  of  Santa 
Rosa. 


Trailing  Arbutus. 

BY  ROBERT  SPARKS  WALKER.  CHATTA- 
NOOGA, TENNESSEE. 

I’m  a creeping  fairy  of  long  winter  days, 

Set  in  rocky  woods,  I witness  frost  affrays; 

My  brown,  shrubby  stems  a-sleeping  close  to 
earth, 

Hiding  under  fallen  leaves,  their  buds  give 
birth, 

To  my  five-lobed  flow’rs  a-bearing  frosty 
sheen, 

White  and  pink,  with  nectar  sweet  that  in- 
sects glean. 

My  dull,  olive  green,  old  rusty  spotted  leaves, 

That’s  found  evergreen,  yet  no  one  scarce 
believes, 

I11  the  month  of  June  are  promptly  made 
anew, 

And  so  tough  they  stand  the  winter’s  frozen 
dew! 

When  some  winter  day  you  think  I m fast 
asleep, 

Rake  away  the  crispy  leaves  and  take  a peep! 

When  I come  a-blooming  with  my  nectar 
sweet, 

You  may  wonder  whom  on  earth  I hope  to 
meet! 

While  the  nipping  frost  is  still  within  the 
breeze, 

Listen  to  the  buzzing  of  queen  bumblebees! 

Here’s  a secret  handed  me  by  Father  Time. 

I’m  the  Mayflow’r  of  New  England  s dreary 
clime ! 


Imagination  rioting 

O’er  what  the  year  will  bring, 

In  its  highest  flights  could  not  surpass 
The  marvels  of  the  spring. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


M ISCELLANEOUS 


169 


A Modern  Lorelei. 

BY  DR.  EDWARD  ]■',  BIGELOW. 

With  this  title  the 
“Photo-Era  Magazine” 
labels  the  cut  made  from 
a photograph  taken  at 
Camp  Mystic,  Mystic, 
Connecticut,  by  the  editor 
of  tli is  magazine.  As  the 
editor  observed  one  of  the 
councilors  standing  at  the 
fissure  in  a rock,  with  her 
hair  streaming  freely,  the 
thought  occurred  to  him 
that  the  effect  would  be 
good,  if  he  could  photo- 
graph her  so  as  to  show 
her  face  in  the  mirror,  ”0 
get  the  glass  at  the  right 
angle  required  care,  but 
the  result  is  worth  the  ef- 
fort. The  picture  is  justly 
labelled  “A  Modern  Lo- 
relei.” 


Gdl-over-the- Ground. 

Gill-over-the-ground  is  accounted  a weed, 
Yet  beauty  and  grace  are  its  dower; 

A mantle  it  weaves  of  its  beaut  ful  leaves, 
Embroidered  with  purple  flower. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


Spring  at  last  is  here,  as  Nature  planned, 
After  fitful  gleams  through  nature’s  bars; 
Holding  in  the  hollow  of  her  hand, 

All  we  love  best ; while  trying  to  understand 
Her  mysteries,  e’en  to  the  farthest  stars. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


Cut  by  courtesy  of 
“Our  Dumb  Animals, ” 
Boston,  Massachusetts. 


LOIS  WILMA  Cl. ARK,  BRIDGEPORT.  CONN.,  MAKING  AN  EARLY 
ACQUAINTANCE. 


i ;o 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


Wearing  Away  a Continent. 

BY  WILLIAM  H.  HUSK,  MANCHESTER,  N.  H. 

Some  one  has  said  that  ever  since 
the  mountains  were  created  they  have 
been  on  their  way  to  the  sea  and  it  is 
equally  true  that  ever  since  the  conti- 
nents were  raised  above  sea  level  they 
have  had  to  endure  the  assaults  of  the 
ocean  that  slowly,  very  slowly,  eats 


in  the  cut.  The  larger  ones  in  the 
foreground  show  by  their  seaweed 
mantles  that  they  are  seldom,  if  ever, 
moved.  Nothing  but  the  strongest 
storm  waves  can  start  them.  The 
smaller  rocks  are  rolled  about  more 
frequently  and,  in  their  rolling,  act  like 
grindstones  on  the  ledge  above.  The 
wearing  is  mutual ; the  rocks  are  re- 
duced in  size  and  the  concave  ledge  is 


THE  WATER  AND  THE  ROCKS. 


into  the  shore  line  except  where,  by 
rising  slowly,  it  pushes  back  the  waves 
and  builds  up  a coastal  plain. 

With  tremendous  force  the  storm 
waves  beat  upon  the  rocky  shore  and 
break  off  fragments  that  in  any  way 
give  them  a leverage.  Rocks  decay, 
crevices  form,  and  water,  freezing  in 
the  cracks,  forces  away  a piece.  This 
is  eventually  washed  into  the  deep,  per- 
haps to  rest,  perhaps  to  be  rolled  about 
and  dashed  against  its  parent  ledge, 
breaking  off  other  fragments  to  help  it 
in  its  work.  The  angular  piece  becomes 
rounded,  is  slowly  ground  smaller,  in 
time  becomes  a pebble  and  eventually 
sand  or  clay. 

Occasionally  rock  fragments  are 
washed  on  to  a ledge  like  that  shown 


made  more  concave.  It  is  a slow  proc- 
ess— much  slower  than  weathering  and 
disintegration — but  it  is  a part  of  the 
work  of  wearing  away  a continent.  This 
particular  ledge  is  located  on  the  end 
of  Cape  Neddick  in  York,  Maine. 


Old  winter's  bars  are  lowered, 

And  now  come  bursting  through, 

The  eager  hosts  of  Springtime, 

To  our  delightful  view. 

A big,  invading  army, 

They  make  the  earth  their  own, 

And  bring  to  swift  fruition, 

What  other  years  have  sown. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


Like  sunrise  clouds  caught  in  the  trees, 
The  maples  aglow  in  sun  and  breeze. 

— Emma  Peirce. 


The  Heavens  in  April. 

By  Professor  Samuel  G.  Barton  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


THE  planets  will  be  particularly 
interesting  during  the  next  few 
months.  This  month  our  interest 
will  be  centered  in  the  two  planets 
which  are  closer  to  the  sun  than  the 
earth  and  for  that  reason  called  inferior 
planets,  Mercury  and  V enus.  These 
planets  are  never  seen  far  from  the  sun 


are  near  their  greatest  distances  from 
the  sun  we  can  see  them  in  the  evening 
or  morning  twilight.  Mercury,  being 
nearer  to  the  sun  and  less  brilliant  than 
Venus,  is  seen  less  frequently.  There 
are  many  who  have  never  seen  it  to 
know  it.  The  present  month  provides 
very  favorable  opportunity  for  those 


NOf£TH 


Figure  1.  The  constellatiors  at  9 P.  M.,  May  1.  Hold  the  map  so  that  the  direction 
faced  is  at  the  bottom;  that  is,  if  facing  east,  hold  east  at  the  bottom  as  south  now  is. 


in  the  sky,  Venus  not  more  than  forty- 
seven  degrees  from  the  sun,  and  Mer- 
cury not  more  than  twenty-eight  de- 
grees away.  They  are  usually  so  close 
to  the  sun  that  we  cannot  see  them  be- 
cause of  the  sun’s  glare.  When  they 


who  wish  to  know  this  bashful  planet. 
It  is  at  its  greatest  distance  east  of  the 
sun  on  May  23.  Its  position  at  that 
time  is  marked  on  Figure  1.  The  map 
represents  the  appearance  of  the  sky 
about  7 :30  on  May  23.  If  one  looks  at 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


172 

this  time  Mercury  can  be  seen  very 
easily  in  the  position  indicated.  But 
there  need  be  no  uncertainty,  for  just 
above  Mercury  lies  Venus,  the  bright- 
est of  all  heavenly  bodies  except  the 
sun  and  moon.  This  planet  cannot  be 
mistaken.  As  indicated,  Mercury  is 
just  below  it.  Mercury  is  brighter  than 
any  other  object  in  that  part  of  the  sky 
except  Capella,  at  A,  which  is  but  little 
brighter.  I here  is  no  difficulty  in  see- 
ing the  planet  if  one  looks  in  the  right 
place  at  the  right  time. 

Both  Mercury  and  Venus  change 
their  positions  rapidly.  One  need  not 
wait  until  May  23  to  see  these  planets. 
Venus  can  be  seen  at  any  time  during 
the  month  and  Mercury  for  a while  be- 
fore May  23  and  a few  days  after  that 
time.  Many  will  be  interested  in  see- 
ing Mercury  early  and  following  it  in 
its  motions.  In  Figure  2 I have  repre- 
sented the  motions  of  the  sun  and  these 
planets  and  the  positions  of  a few  of 
the  bright  stars.  Capella,  as  stated,  is 
the  star  marked  A in  Figure  1 ; the 
twins  Castor  and  Pollux  are  marked  B 
and  C ; Procyon  is  at  D and  Betelgeuse 
at  E.  Mercury  passed  the  sun  and  be- 
came an  evening  star  April  24.  The 
positions  marked  1,  2,  3,  etc.,  apply  for 
the  dates  May  1,  5,  10,  15,  20,  23,  25,  31, 
June  5,  10,  13,  18.  The  sun  and  Venus 
move  eastward  at  a nearly  uniform  rate, 
but  Venus  moves  faster  and  each  day 
is  a little  farther  from  the  sun.  At  first 
Mercury  moves  rapidly  and  is  farther 
from  the  sun  each  day  until  position  6, 
May  23,  when  it  is  farthest  east  of  the 
sun  or  at  its  greatest  eastern  elonga- 
tion, as  astronomers  call  it.  Mercury 
then  continues  to  move  eastward,  but 
not  as  fast  as  the  sun,  until  June  5, 
position  9,  when  it  ceases  its  “direct” 
or  eastward  motion  and  begins  its 
westward  or  “retrograde”  motion.  At 
this  time,  June  5,  Mercury  is  said  to  be 
“stationary.”  With  the  sun  moving 
eastward  and  Mercury  moving  west- 
ward they  soon  pass  in  position  12  on 
June  18.  This  is  called  inferior  con- 
junction. After  that  time  Mercury  is 
west  of  the  sun  and  is  a morning  star. 
The  diagram  shows  why  we  see  a 
planet  much  longer  before  its  greatest 
elongation  than  after.  At  first  Mercury 
gains  rapidly  on  Venus,  but  it  does  not 
quite  overtake  it.  The  closest  approach 
is  on  May  20,  when  it  is  a little  over 
three  degrees  from  Venus,  position  5. 


They  remain  near  each  other  for  a 
while  and  then  separate  rapidly.  Venus 
continues  its  eastward  motion  until 
November  4,  at  which  time  it  will  be 
south  of  Antares  in  Scorpio,  a little 
beyond  the  southeastern  boundary  of 
higure  1.  In  the  interval  it  moves  half- 
way around  the  sky. 

What  is  the  law  or  principle  under- 
lying these  curious  motions?  This 
question  was  asked  as  soon  as  such  mo- 
tions were  observed.  A careful  record 
of  the  facts  of  observation  was  neces- 
sary before  the  explanation  was  pos- 
sible. The  cause  is  thoroughly  under- 
stood. This  cause  is  explained  in  Fig- 
ure 3.  Mercury  moves  around  the  sun 
in  an  orbit  which  is  nearly  circular, 
but  with  the  sun  out  of  the  center. 
Venus  and  the  earth  move  in  nearly 
circular  paths  with  the  sun  at  the  cen- 
ter. It  is  the  fact  that  we  make  our 
observations  from  the  moving  earth 
that  complicates  the  apparent  motions. 
The  real  motions  are  rather  simple. 
Each  planet  is  in  the  position  shown  by 


Figure  2.  Apparent  motions  of  the  Sun, 
Mercury  and  Venus  during  May  ard  June. 


corresponding  figures,  the  dates  and 
figures  corresponding  with  those  used 
in  Figure  2.  On  April  24,  at  O,  Mer- 
cury was  at  superior  conjunction  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  sun  from  the 
earth.  By  May  1 it  has  moved  to  posi- 
tion 1 to  the  east  of  the  sun,  but  the 
earth  has  also  moved.  The  diagram 
shows  the  relative  positions.  Mercury 
appears  farther  from  the  sun  in  the 
successive  positions  until  position  6,  in 
which  the  line  from  the  earth  to  Mer- 
cury is  tangent  to  the  orbit  of  Mercury. 


TO  KNOW  THE  STARRY  HEAVENS 


'73 


In  this  position  we  have  the  line  to 
Mercury  making  the  greatest  angle 
with  the  line  from  the  earth  to  the  sun  ; 
that  is,  we  see  Mercury  as  far  from 
the  sun  in  the  sky  as  possible.  After 
this  time  it  draws  closer  to  the  sun 
until  it  is  in  the  same  direction  as  the 


Figure  3.  The  real  motions  of  the  planets. 


sun  at  inferior  conjunction  in  position 
12,  on  June  18. 

I have  also  shown  the  motion  of 
Mercury  with  respect  to  Venus.  The 
direction  of  Mercury  approaches  that 
of  Venus  until  May  20,  position  5,  after 
which  the  planets  separate.  The  figure 
also  shows  the  motion  relative  to  one 
of  the  fixed  stars,  Pollux.  The  stars 
are  so  far  away  that  they  appear  in  the 
same — that  is,  in  parallel — directions 
wherever  the  earth  may  be.  At  first 
both  planets  are  in  directions  very  dif- 
ferent from  that  of  Pollux.  Their  east- 
ward motions  carry  them  closer  to  it. 
On  June  5,  position  9,  Mercury  is 
closest  to  Pollux.  Venus  continues  to 
approach  Pollux.  On  June  13,  position 
11,  it  lies  in  the  same  direction  as  Pol- 
lux and  passes  it.  They  are  not  quite 
in  the  same  position  as  shown  in  Fig- 
ure 2,  as  neither  Pollux  nor  Venus  lies 
exactly  in  the  plane  of  the  earth’s  orbit. 
For  a similar  reason  Mercury  does  not 
move  westward  in  quite  the  same  ap- 
parent path  as  it  moved  eastward, 
Figure  2. 

The  positions  of  the  planets  in  Sep- 
tember are  also  shown.  On  September 
15  Venus  has  reached  its  greatest  east- 
ern elongation  and  a few  days  later 
Mercury  is  also  at  its  greatest  eastern 
elongation,  after  having  made  a com- 
plete revolution  in  its  orbit  and  back  to 


the  given  position.  It  is  unusual  to 
have  the  two  planets  near  their  elonga- 
tions at  the  same  time.  The  time  of  the 
year,  however,  is  unfavorable. 

We  have  described  these  planetary 
motions  in  detail.  The  value  and  in- 
terest in  the  discussion  will  depend 
upon  the  faithfulness  with  which  the 
Actual  motions  in  the  sky  are  followed. 
To  understand  Figure  3,  remember 
that  you  are  on  the  earth.  Therefore 
hold  the  eye  at  the  point  on  the  figure 
'where  the  earth  is  at  the  time  and  hold 
the  line  to  the  sun  in  such  a position 
that  it  will  point  to  the  actual  sun. 
Then  with  the  plane  of  the  paper  in 
the  plane  of  the  ecliptic  the  planets’ 
positions  will  be  indicated.  One  could 
scarcely  have  a better  opportunity  for 
this  study. 

The  planets  Jupiter  and  Saturn  are  in 
good  positions,  as  shown  on  Figure  1. 
Excepting  Venus,  Jupiter  is  the  bright- 
est object  on  the  map.  Mars  is  just  be- 
low the  horizon  in  the  southeast.  It 
can  be  seen  later  in  the  evening.  Dur- 
ing the  month  its  distance  from  the 
earth  decreases  from  59,000,000  miles 
to  45,000,000  miles.  Its  brightness  in- 
creases from  — 1 .0  to  — 1.9.  At  the  end 
of  the  month  it  will  be  as  bright  as 
Jupiter.  It  will  be  nearest  to  the  earth 
and  brightest  next  month.  A fuller  dis- 
cussion will  be  given  then. 


Telescopic  View  of  Shooting  Star. 

BY  THEODORE  H.  COOPER,  BATAVIA,  N.  Y. 

On  November  25  at  about  six  o’clock, 
I saw  a “shooting  star”  through  my 
telescope.  I had  several  times  tried  to 
get  a glimpse  of  such  a star  but  had 
hitherto  been  unsuccessful. 

I had  just  left  the  region  of  the 
Pleiades,  had  been  trying  to  count  the 
stars  in  that  group  visible  with  my  in- 
strument, and  was  examining  one  by 
one  the  stars  in  the  Big  Dipper.  As 
when  using  the  microscope,  I always 
keep  both  eyes  open.  When  this  star 
passed  directly  beneath  Ursa  Major  I 
was  fortunately  quick  enough  to  see  it 
as  it  flashed  through  the  field  of  view. 


Long  Distance  Shooting. 

The  new  night-watchman  at  the 
observatory  was  watching  some  one 
using  the  big  telescope.  Just  then  a 
star  fell.  “Begorra,”  he  said  to  himself, 
“that  felly  sure  is  a crack  shot.” — 
Toronto  Goblin. 


i/4 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


The  Rock  of  Ages. 

Is  there  any  hymn  sung  by  Chris- 
tians that  is  more  beloved  than  Rock 
of  Ages?  Probably  not.  A good  many 
of  those  who  sing  it  know  that  it  was 
written  some  hundred  and  fifty  years 
ago  by  an  English  clergyman,  the  Rev. 
Augustus  Toplady,  but  fewer  persons 
know  that  the  hymn  was  the  result  of 
an  actual  experience  of  the  author’s 
while  he  was  curate  in  charge  of  the 


THE  GREAT  ROCK  IN  SOMERSETSHIRE,  ENG- 
LAND, THAT  INSPIRED  THE  WORDS,  “ROCK 
OF  AGES,  CLEFT  FOR  ME.” 


parish  of  Blagdon,  near  Bristol.  Air. 
Toplady  was  walking  through  the 
rough  and  hilly  country  of  Somerset- 
shire not  far  from  his  parish  when,  in 
passing  through  the  defile  known  as 
Burrington  Combe,  he  was  overtaken 
by  a violent  rainstorm.  He  found 
refuge  from  the  weather  in  a deep  cleft 
in  the  rocky  side  of  the  combe,  and 
while  he  sheltered  himself  there  the 
idea  of  the  hymn  entered  his  mind.  It 
is  not  unusual  for  church  people  who 
love  the  hymn  to  make  pilgrimages  to 
the  spot  where  it  was  composed.  Our 


picture  shows  a group  of  pilgrims 
gathered  at  the  foot  of  the  riven  rock. — 
t he  Youth’s  Companion. 


A Case  of  Ingratitude  and  Lack  of 
Appreciation. 

A superlative  Architect  and  Builder 
of  pleasing  surroundings  permitted  a 
family  to  occupy  a wonderfully  beauti- 
ful home  and  grounds  for  a period  of 
time.  The  home  was  well  equipped 
with  innumerable  attractions  and  beau- 
ties, and  offered  possibilities  of  inex- 
haustible enjoyment.  Father,  mother 
and  the  children  were  given  full  access 
to  the  beautiful  grounds  and  to  every 
room  in  this  wonderful  house.  A rumor 
of  remarkable  ingratitude  we  have 
personally  investigated  and  have  found 
to  be  true.  The  man  never  even 
thought  of  the  Owner  nor  of  any  of 
the  beauties  of  the  premises.  He  de- 
voted all  his  attention  to  piling  up 
wealth  in  a near-by  bank  and  what  time 
was  left  he  passed  with  his  fellow  asso- 
ciates in  talking  about  foolish  things  of 
trivial  importance.  The  woman  met 
others  of  her  set  and  devoted  her  time 
to  shuffling  colored  bits  of  paper  and  in 
talking  about  the  neighbors.  They 
called  it  having  a social  time.  The 
children  were  never  encouraged  to  ap- 
preciate the  grounds  nor  the  home  but 
ran  with  their  mates  here,  there  and 
everywhere  in  a thoughtless  manner, 
neglecting  all  the  wonderful  entertain- 
ment that  might  have  been  secured  in 
home  and  community  by  observing  the 
varied  environment.  They  devoted 
most  of  their  time  outside  of  some  per- 
functory school  work  to  children’s 
parties  and  lovesick  stories  of  the 
movies. 

Where  was  this  astonishing  family 
and  where  was  there  such  a beautiful 
home?  Perhaps  it  is  yours.  And  who 
was  the  kind  Architect  that  provided 
it?  You  know  Him.  They  talk  about 
Him  a little  on  Sundays  and  occasion- 
ally at  a funeral.  Ministers  preach 
about  Him  and  when  they  find  some- 
body that  really  appreciates  His  beauti- 
ful home  and  the  surroundings  that  He 
has  provided  for  man,  they  think  that 
some  one  is  a little  queer,  but  in  fact 
everybody  rvho  does  not  appreciate  this 
home  of  Mother  Nature  and  its  sur- 
roundings is  queerer  still. 


nrw  p 

g'  • ****•••••••••'*  S 1 i 1 1 — * • *■• »•••*'''  « 

AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION' 


Additions  to  Our  Membership. 

Corresponding. 

Mr.  A.  I..  Graffam,  East  Lynn, 
Massachusetts. 

Mrs.  Gayer  G.  Dominick,  Stamford, 
Connecticut. 

Sustaining. 

Mr.  Gayne  T.  K.  Norton,  New  York 
City. 

Mr.  Thornton  W.  Burgess,  Spring- 
field,  Massachusetts. 

Mrs.  Josiah  Hatch  Quincy,  Boston, 
Massachusetts. 

Mrs.  Thomas  Hastings,  Old  West- 
bury,  New  York. 

Mr.  A.  McEwen,  New  York  City. 

Helen  and  Willard  Parsons,  White 
Plains,  New  York. 

Mr.  Julius  Prince,  New  Rochelle, 
New  York. 

Mr.  Edwin  W.  Humphreys,  New 
Rochelle,  New  York. 

Mr.  J.  M.  Heiser,  Houston,  Texas. 


Contributions. 

Mr.  Walter  B.  Dodge,  Sound 

Beach $5.00 

Telephone:  “Come  in  and  see 

me.”  25.00 

Mr.  George  W.  Haynes,  New 

York  City 5.00 

G.  B.  Affleck,  A.  B.,  Springfield, 

Mass.  5.00 

Mr.  Hugh  M.  Anderson,  New 

York  City 15.00 

John  Waite  Avery,  M.  D.,  Stam- 
ford   1 .00 

Mr.  C.  D.  Romig,  Audenried, 

Penn.  2.00 

Professor  M.  A.  Bigelow,  New 

York  City 5.00 

Mrs.  C.  O.  Miller,  Stamford 10.00 

Mr.  Arthur  A.  Carey,  Waltham, 

Mass.  3.00 

Mr.  Frank  J.  Myers,  Ventnor, 

N.  J. 1 1 8.00 

The  Lend  a Hand  Club,  Sound 

Beach 5°° 


Helen  and  Willard  Parsons, 

White  Plains,  N.  Y 1.00 

Mr.  Armstrong  Perry,  New  York 

City  Go0 

King’s  Daughters  of  Sound 

Beach 10.00 

Mrs.  Charles  E.  H.  Phillips, 
Glenbrook,  Conn. 10.00 


Miscellaneous  Contributions. 

Mrs.  Newton,  Sound  Beach:  Shells 
and  fancywork  showing  how  shells  are 
crocheted  into  curtains,  portieres  and 
lambrequins. 

M iss  Susan  Lockwood,  Sound 
Beach  : Wounded  red-shouldered  hawk 
found  in  the  road. 

Mr.  J.  \\  arren  Jacobs,  Waynesburg, 
Penn  . : Jacobs  Food  Shelter  for  Win- 
ter Birds. 

1 homas  A.  Edison,  Inc.,  Orange,  N. 
J. : Record  for  Edison  Diamond  Disc 
Phonograph  presented  to  The  Agassiz 
Association  by  Mr.  Thomas  A.  Edison 
in  1916. 

Mr.  E.  M.  Ayres,  Stamford:  Liberal 
supply  of  postal  card  folders  from 
Florida. 

Mr.  B.  Wilson,  Stamford:  Copy  of 
“Vox  Stellarum.  A Loyal  Almanac  for 
the  Year  of  Human  Redemption  1922.” 

Mrs.  George  Ferris  Peck,  Sound 
Beach  : Specimen  of  flax  grown  in  1833 
by  Captain  George  Ferris  on  his  farm 
on  Greenwich  Cove.  The  part  of  the 
farm  on  which  the  flax  was  grown  is 
now  known  as  Frost’s  Beach,  Sound 
Beach. 


Philanthropic  People,  those  who  care 
for  the  welfare  of  others,  especially  the 
young  folks,  are  cordially  invited. 

What  George  Washington  said  (in 
his  farewell  address)  : 

“Promote,  then,  as  an  object  of  PRI- 
MARY IMPORTANCE,  institutions 
for  the  general  diffusion  of  knowledge.” 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE 


176 


Congratulations  to  The  Audubon 
Societies. 

It  is  encouraging  to  note  as  an- 
nounced in  our  last  number  that  the 
National  Association  of  Audubon  So- 
cieties is  coming  into  its  own  some- 
where near  the  deserved  status  of  a 
natural  history  association.  The  re- 
cently announced  endowment  of  $200,- 
000  brings  the  amount  up  to  $675,000. 
That  gives  a fairly  good  working  basis 
but  more  could  be  used  to  advantage. 

It  is,  however,  a puzzle  to  know  why 
The  Agassiz  Association  in  its  forty- 
seven  years  of  existence  has  not  had  a 
dollar  of  endowment  although  we  cover 
all  nature,  including  a general  natural 
history  interest  in  birds.  It  is  true 
that  we  have  inculcated  the  law  of  love 
rather  than  the  love  of  law,  and  have 
not  tried  to  obtain  legislative  protec- 
tion for  birds  or  for  any  other  phase 
of  nature.  We  believe  in  the  student 
point  of  view  and  aim  at  the  human 
being  rather  than  at  the  birds,  plants 
or  quadrupeds.  In  some  respects  this 
point  of  view  is  good  and  in  some  it  is 
evidently  bad.  It  surely  does  not  ap- 
peal to  the  wealthy  contributor  as 
much  as  does  lawmaking,  reservations, 
etc.  But  after  all  we  in  our  field  have 
perhaps  been  instrumental  in  bringing 
about  this  fairly  good  endowment  to 
the  Audubons  because  of  the  sentiment 
which  we  have  steadily  inculcated  for 
about  a half  century.  We  have  tried  to 
do  our  part  in  making  a popular  de- 
mand for  laws  for  protection.  It  seems 
to  us  as  if  our  point  of  view  is  the  best 
but  that  is  probably  what  everybody 
thinks  of  his  own  outlook.  It  would 
seem  as  if  there  were  no  need  of  laws 
for  protection,  preservation  or  kind- 
ness, but  so  long  as  human  nature  is  as 
it  is,  laws  are  necessary.  It  is  a good 
and  encouraging  thing  to  learn  that 
financiers  are  willing  strongly  to  back 
up  societies  that  say,  “Thou  shalt  not.” 
But  then  there  is  another  phase  of 
the  Audubon  Societies — they  as  well  as 
ours  are  educational.  They  have  done 
an  immense  amount  of  work  in  chang- 
ingpublie  sentiment.  We  congratulate 
them  UDon  having  the  ways  and  means 
to  carry  on  their  good  work.  Let  some 
financier  come  to  the  aid  of  The  Agas- 
siz Association  and  other  organiza- 
tions dealing  largely  with  the  educa- 


tional aspects  of  nature.  But  over  on 
the  extreme  we  find  such  well  endowed 
organizations  as  the  Carnegie  Institu- 
tion dealing  with  technical  science.  It 
seems  to  me  as  if  both  ends  of  the  line, 
“Thou  shalt  not”  to  the  wrong  doers 
and  “Thou  shalt  know  more”  also  to 
the  extreme,  are  well  endowed,  but  in 
the  middle  ground  occupied  by  The  AA 
there  is  need  of  more  money  and  more 
workers.  The  extremes  are  so  well 
provided  for  that  the  next  duty  is  to 
bring  the  great  masses  of  humanity 
into  a proper  appreciation,  a proper 
amount  of  protection  and  a proper 
amount  of  knowledge — in  other  words, 
let  us  popularize  the  study  of  nature. 


In  Union  Is  Strength. 

The  ideal  union  for  all  local  organ- 
izations of  nature  study  is  The  Agassiz 
Association,  because  of  the  fundamen- 
tal principles  back  of  this  organization 
that  have  been  demonstrated  to  be 
practical  for  its  almost  half  century  of 
existence.  A local  company  is  known 
as  a Chapter  and  is  essentially  free  to 
carry  on  its  work  on  its  own  way.  It 
is,  however,  better  to  be  a part  of  a 
large  federation  of  nature  Chapters 
rather  than  to  be  an  isolated  local  club 
or  society.  In  The  Agassiz  Associa- 
tion there  has  always  been  a spirit  of 
camaraderie  and  helpfulness.  By  its 
clearing  house,  ArcAdiA,  at  Sound 
Beach,  Connecticut,  it  is  able  to  inter- 
change observations  and  give  informa- 
tion on  every  question  that  may  arise  in 
nature  study. 

This  is  a day  of  doing  things  in  a col- 
lective manner.  No  longer  is  the  labor- 
er any  more  isolated  from  his  fellows 
than  is  the  capitalist.  Organizations 
of  women,  men  and  the  young  folks  are 
coming  into  touch  with  one  another. 
Woodcrafters,  Boy  Scouts  and  Camp 
Fire  Girls  have  found  it  of  advantage 
to  be  working  throughout  the  country 
in  one  harmonious  whole.  AVe  there- 
fore strongly  advise  every  isolated  club 
and  society  of  nature  study  to  become 
affiliated  with  the  larger  organizations. 
Those  who  are  limited  to  bird  study 
naturally  take  the  Audubons;  those 
who  are  interested  in  kindness  to  ani- 
mals take  the  Humane  Societies,  but 
when  it  comes  to  a general  interest  in 


THE  AGASSIZ  ASSOCIATION 


1 77 


nature  from  old  to  young  permeated  by 
a social  spirit  then  we  believe  The 
Agassiz  Association  has  demonstrated 
in  its  existence  that  it  is  the  best.  In 
fact  we  do  not  know  of  any  other  gen- 
eral popularizing  federation  of  nature 
interests  of  a scope  so  wide  and  prin- 
ciples so  effective.  It  is  not  primarily 
for  the  specialist  so  far  as  the  specialty 
is  concerned,  but  it  is  for  the  specialist 
so  far  as  he  is  quickened  by  the  mis- 
sionary spirit  of  helpfulness  to  others. 
If  your  local  company  of  nature  stu- 
dents wishes  to  become  a Chapter  of 
The  Agassiz  Association  correspond- 
ence is  cordially  invited. 


Report  From  the  Greenville  College 
Chapter. 

An  interesting  report  has  been  re- 
ceived from  S.  Howard  Bartley,  Sec- 
retary and  Treasurer  of  our  Greenville 
College  Chapter,  Greenville,  Illinois. 
The  President  is  Miss  Beulah  Brown- 
ing Burnett;  the  Vice-President,  Miss 
Ruth  Fish  ; the  Curator  of  Collections, 
Howard  Earl  Updyke — all  students  in 
the  college.  From  Mr.  Bartley’s  per- 
sonal letter  we  quote  the  following: 

“During  the  year  1920-21  of  the  col- 
lege considerable  interest  was  mani- 
fested in  the  Chapter.  Hikes  and  trips 
in  the  fall  and  winter  were  taken  for 
the  purpose  of  seeing  the  forms  of  life 
that  could  be  found  at  that  time  of  the 
year.  We  took  early  morning  hikes  in 
the  spring  for  the  observation  and 
study  of  the  birds.  Many  kinds  are 
found  in  this  section  of  the  countiy. 
Cardinals  and  blue  jays  are  two  of  the 
most  numerous  inhabitants  of  our 
woods. 

“In  May,  1921,  a naturalist,  Caldwell, 
from  Massachusetts,  was  obtained.  He 
gave  us  an  illustrated  lecture  for  the 
public.  It  furthered  the  interests  of 
the  Chapter  in  a lasting  wav. 

“Our  college  yearbook.  “The  Vista,” 
is  a publication  of  much  importance. 
In  this  we  were  duly  represented.  We 
had  a page,  consisting  of  a cut  of  the 
Chapter  in  action  and  a sketch  of  our 
purposes  and  activities. 

“This  year  f 1921-22)  it  was  deemed 
wise  to  group  the  members  of  the 
Chapter  into  three  departments,  so  that 
there  could  be  more  specialization  and 
thoroughness  in  the  work  done.  There 


is  a department  for  the  study  of  birds, 
one  for  plant  life  and  the  other  for  the 
study  of  insects. 

“We  are  endeavoring  to  raise  funds 
to  buy  a collection  case  for  the  Biology 
Department  of  the  College.  This  may 
be  done  by  a program. 

“Our  aim  is  to  establish  and  perpet- 
uate in  this  place  a study  of  nature 
which  shall  be  first-hand  and  not  super- 
ficial. In  this  our  President  is  a noble 
and  untiring  leader.” 


Observations  from  Our  New  York 
Nature  Chapter. 

REPORTED  BY  THE  SECRETARY,  MISS 
HELEN  SMITH. 

Last  summer  one  of  our  members 
noticed,  during  July  and  August,  a 
pretty  natural  phenomenon.  In  the 
quiet  coves  and  inlets  of  the  St.  Law- 
rence River  she  saw  about  seven  o’clock 
every  evening  bright,  silvery  sparkles 
appear  and  disappear  above  the  water. 
As  she  approached  the  sparkles  they 
were  extinguished.  They  were  larger 
than  fireflies  but  suggested  fireflies  of 
silver.  By  approaching  a cove  silently, 
she  discovered  that  the  sparkles  were 
caused  by  tiny  minnows  leaping  out  of 
the  water  and  displaying  their  silvery 
sides  as  they  leaped.  For  what  reason 
these  fish  thus  leaped  we  have  been 
unable  to  discover.  They  may  have 
been  feeding  on  minute  flying  insects. 
It  was  an  unique  sight.  The  members 
who  noticed  this  phenomenon  says  that 
although  she  has  been  spending  many 
of  her  summers  at  the  St.  Lawrence, 
she  had  never  previously  observed  the 
tiny  “water  sparkles.” 

One  other  observation  was  that 
many  trees,  bushes  and  plants  in  a part 
of  the  country  are,  during  the  summer, 
covered  with  a thick,  glossy,  varnish- 
like substance,  which  makes  them  shine 
unnaturally.  This  was  finally  found  to 
be  the  excretion  dropped  by  aphids  liv- 
ing in  trees. 

What  Agassiz  Really  Said. 

Stanford  University,  California. 

To  the  Editor: 

“Study  Nature,  not  Books,”  is  often 
quoted  from  Agassiz.  What  he  really 
said,  as  I took  it  down  at  the  time, 
was:  “If  you  study  Nature  in  Books, 
when  you  go  outdoors  you  will  not 
find  her.” 

David  Starr  Jordan. 


Ornamental  Plants  for  Personal  Enter- 
tainment and  Friendship. 

Preparations  for  the  extensive  horti- 
cultural experiments  in  ArcAdiA  in- 
clude a rustic  hardy  garden  made  from 
the  branches  of  the  huge  oak  limb 
blown  off  in  a severe  storm  last  year 
and  causing  considerable  damage  to 
the  apiary  by  crushing  and  upsetting 
some  of  the  hives.  This  calamity  has 
as  much  as  possible  been  turned  into  a 
benefit,  and  what  is  a loss  to  the  pic- 
turesqueness of  the  apiary  will  be  an 
addition  in  horticultural  lines. 

The  experiments  are  in  harmony 
with  the  entire  spirit  of  ArcAdiA — that 
is,  we  do  not  expect  to  produce  any 
new  or  better  varieties  nor  to  especially 
develop  the  beauty  of  flowers.  That 
work  is  well  done  by  the  expert  horti- 
culturist in  elaborate  greenhouses  and 
gardens.  However,  there  is  more  in 
plants  than  mere  beauty  or  utility. 
There  is  a real  nature  interest  that  may 
be  used  in  developing  personality  in 
the  same  sense  that  other  realms  of 
nature  have  been  used  very  success- 
fully in  this  Institution. 

There  are  at  least  three  main  points 
of  view  of  plants  and  flowers.  The  first 
may  be  called  the  generally  useful, 
whether  for  the  beauty  or  for  food.  The 
second  is  limited  to  the  botanist  and  is 
taught  in  biology  classes  in  schools  and 
colleges.  The  third  point  is  almost 
totally  neglected  and  is  what  might  be 
called  personal  friendship  and  interest 
as  a matter  of  expression  and  develop- 
ment of  human  beings.  This  phase  is 
more  difficult  to  get  at  and  perhaps 
more  difficult  to  popularize  than  the 
others.  But  that  has  also  been  the  ex- 
perience with  various  phases  of  nature. 
For  example,  the  ordinary  vegetable 
garden  is  well-known  to  everybody 
from  the  utility  point  of  view,  but  com- 
paratively few  get  from  it  the  benefit 


of  the  real  uplift  in  thought.  That  same 
uplift  may  be  developed  through  orna- 
mental plants,  for  after  all,  plants  are 
living  and  growing  things  with  their 
own  identity  to  be  cultivated  as  a mat- 
ter of  personal  companionship  and 
friendship. 

There  will  also  be  suggestions  for 
bringing  into  more  general  apprecia- 
tion some  of  the  most  beautiful  yet 
generally  unknown  ornamental  plants. 

Young  Foxes  for  Pets. 

The  daughters  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Her- 
bert Madison,  Sound  Beach,  Connecti- 
cut, saw  some  little  animals  playing  in 
the  field  and  captured  them  with  the 
assistance  of  their  parents,  Mr.  J.  T. 
Denning  and  Edward  Thinck  on  Thurs- 
day afternoon  about  six  o’clock.  Not 
knowing  what  the  little  fellows  were 
they  at  once  telephoned  Dr.  Bigelow  at 
ArcAdiA,  asking  if  they  might  bring 
them  down  and  find  out.  They  reached 
there  in  a few  minutes  and  all  hands, 
including  the  Bigelow  family,  greatly 
enjoyed  the  four  young  foxes. 

Although  they  were  captured  from 
the  wild  not  half  an  hour  before  they 
were  as  readily  handled  and  apprecia- 
tive of  the  petting  as  if  they  had  been 
tamed  for  a long  time.  They  seemed 
especially  fond  of  getting  under  one’s 
coat  anparentlv  for  hiding  and  for  the 
warmth.  Both  families  were  so  enter- 
tained supper  was  forgotten.  It  might 
also  be  said  that  the  uleasure  included 
the  foxes.  Dr.  Bigelow  says  that  no 
nature  discovery  that  has  been  brought 
to  Arc  \bi\  has  proved  more  interest- 
ing. The  little  fellows  soon  learned  to 
eat  readily  and  are  a great  source  of 
delisrht  to  the  Madison  household  and 
their  friends. 

On  Saturday  afternoon  Dr.  Bigelow 
nfiotogranhed  the  foxes  and  was  in- 
formed that  subject  to  the  instructions 


ARCADIA 


179 


of  the  Game  Warden  they  are  to  be 
turned  over  to  the  State  Farm  or  other- 
wise disposed  of. 

Old-time  Flax  Donated  to  ArcAdiA. 

Mrs.  George  Ferris  Peck  of  Keof- 
feram  Park,  Sound  Beach,  Connecticut, 
has  donated  to  ArcAdiA  a specimen  of 
flax  grown  a long  time  ago  in  Sound 
Beach.  This  very  interesting  relic  of 
our  earliest  days  will  be  placed  in  the 
Bruce  Museum.  The  information  ac- 
companying the  flax  states  that  it  was 
grown  in  1833  by  Captain  George  Fer- 
ris (father  of  Mrs.  Maria  Keeler  and 
grandfather  of  George  Ferris  Peck  and 
Mrs.  Joel  Anderson)  on  his  farm  on 
Greenwich  Cove,  now  known  as  Koef- 
feram  Park,  which  name  was  derived 
from  that  of  the  Indian  Chief,  Koef- 
feram,  from  whom  Joeffrey  Ferris 
bought  the  tract  of  land.  The  part  of 
the  farm  on  which  the  flax  was  grown 
is  now  known  as  Frost’s  Beach. 


Howard  Gwynne  Dyer  of  Newington 
Junction,  Connecticut,  is  student  and 
assistant  at  ArcAdiA. 


Words  of  Appreciation. 

For  some  time  I have  been  intending 
to  drop  you  a line  of  greeting  and  ap- 
preciation for  your  interesting-  little 
magazine  and  the  good  work  you  are 
carrying  on.  To  me  it  is  the  wonderful 
spirit  of  the  whole  thing  that  appeals 
most  strongly.  Among  nature  lovers 
there  seems  to  be  a more  tolerant  and 
sympathetic  attitude  towards  human- 
ity in  general,  a more  sincere  apprecia- 
tion of  the  wonderful  gifts  which  God 
has  bestowed  upon  us,  and  a kindlier 
feeling  towards  the  other  creatures  of 
the  earth,  than  among  those  who  have 
not  felt  the  gentle  touch  of  Mother 
Nature  in  their  hearts.  This  is  the  feel- 
ing that  comes  over  us  when  we 
breathe  in  the  pure,  fresh  air  of  the 
fields  and  woods,  when  we  hear  the  roar 
of  the  sea  or  the  songs  of  birds,  when 
we  see  the  beauty  of  the  midnight  sky 
on  a clear  summer  night,  and  when  we 
begin  to  understand  the  workings  of 
the  wonderful  plan  in  which  every  crea- 
ture, great  and  small,  has  its  part  to 
fill.  I want  to  express  the  wish  that 
your  work  will  meet  with  ever  increas- 


ing success  in  bringing  the  kindness 
and  joy  of  nature  to  folks  everywhere, 
and  I hope  that  I may  some  day  be  able 
to  help  the  cause  along. 

The  Guide  to  Nature  has  offered  me 
the  opportunity  of  forming  many  pleas- 
ant friendships  with  nature  lovers  in 
other  parts  of  the  country.  I have  cor- 
responded with  several  persons  who 
were  particularly  interested  in  birds, 
and  enjoyed  comparing  notes  with 
them,  but  I believe  my  most  interesting 
correspondence  has  been  with  reptile 
enthusiasts,  and  I have  become  a mem- 
ber of  the  Reptile  Study  Society 
through  my  acquaintance  with  other 
members  whose  names  I saw  in  The 
Guide  to  Nature. — J.  M.  Fleiser,  Jr., 
Houston,  Texas. 


The  members  of  our  household  look 
forward  with  keen  interest  to  the 
arrival  of  The  Guide  to  Nature  each 
month.  It  is  always  not  only  brimful 
of  information  intensely  interesting  to 
nature  lovers,  but  also  in  the  uplifting 
spirit  of  a personal  broad-minded  en- 
thusiasm which  can  only  be  the  result 
of  the  personal  unselfish  devotion  of 
those  who  have  brought  into  being  and 
maintain  your  publication. — Ernest  F. 
Coe,  New  Haven,  Conn. 


We  realize  the  good  work  which  you 
are  doing  for  horticulture.  We  all 
profit  by  your  love  of  plants  and  flow- 
ers and  we  certainly  will  do  our  part 
to  help  you  whenever  we  possibly  can. 
— Bobbink  & Atkins,  Rutherford,  New 
Jersey. 


The  blessed  new  birth  of  imagina- 
tion and  hope,  which  comes  to  the  na- 
ture-lover in  the  youth  of  the  year, 
makes  all  things  seem  possible. — “The 
Practical  Flower  Garden,”  Ely. 


In  Early  March. 

The  exquisite  green  of  the  willow  fringes 
Floating  upon  the  breeze ; 

The  bronze  and  gold  of  the  blossoming  elms 
Crowning  the  graceful  trees  : 

The  tasseled  poplars  burgeoning 
In  many  varied  shades  : 

And  best  of  all,  the  maples’  red, 

In  all  the  forest  glades. 


— Emma  Peirce. 


Come  to  think  of  it,  a bullfrog  isn’t  a bad  emblem  of  wisdom — better,  perhaps, 
than  the  proverbial  owl.  Rana  looks  as  if  he  has  a lot  of  good  philosophy. 


Samuel  Scoville  Lectured  in  Stamford. 

Samuel  Scoville,  Jr.,  a lawyer,  writer 
and  naturalist,  of  Philadelphia,  Penn- 
sylvania, well-known  everywhere,  lec- 
tured in  Stamford,  his  native  home,  on 
Thursday,  March  15.  Mr.  Scoville’s 
mother  was  the  daughter  of  Henry 
Ward  Beecher  and  his  father  was  for  a 
long  time  pastor  of  the  Congregational 
Church  of  Stamford.  Harriet  Beecher 
Stowe  was  his  great  aunt.  From  such 
an  oratorical  and  literary  family  we 
naturally  expect  skill  along  those  lines. 

Mr.  Scoville  is  not  an  elaborate 
speaker  but  goes  directly  to  his  subject 
with  a simple  and  pleasing  manner 
without  any  oratorical  flourishes  in 
either  gesture  or  voice.  His  treatment 
of  the  subject  is  pervaded  by  a delicate 
humor  which  does  not  bring  forth 
hearty  laughter  but  a gentle  ripple  of 
appreciation. 

He  is  certainly  a naturalist.  He  has 
studied  things  at  first  hand  and  delights 
in  nature.  He  imitated  birds,  told  in- 
terestingly of  various  flowers  and  of 
four-footed  animals.  His  treatment  of 
the  subject  is  not  that  of  a specialist 
but  of  the  so-called  old-time  all-round 
naturalist.  It  was  pleasing  to  learn 
that  the  species  is  not  extinct. 


The  New  York  Philharmonic  Society. 

During  its  eightieth  season  the 
Philharmonic  Society  of  New  York  has 
given  sixty-eight  subscription  concerts 
in  Greater  New  York.  Stransky  con- 
ducted thirty  of  these,  Hadley  one, 
Mengelberg  thirty  and  Bodansky  five, 
and  one  other  concert  was  divided  in 
direction  between  Mengelberg  and 
Bodansky.  Henry  Hadley  also  con- 
ducted his  own  compositions  at  several 


of  the  Stransky  concerts.  Stransky 
also  conducted  Philharmonic  concerts 
at  Princeton,  Yale,  Smith  College,  and 
in  Worcester,  Holyoke,  Springfield  and 
New  London,  while  Mengelberg  direct- 
ed performances  in  Boston  and  at  Yale. 
Four  concerts  were  given  under  Stran- 
sky and  Hadley  in  Brooklyn  at  the 
Commercial  High  School,  under  the 
auspices  of  the  People’s  Institute.  In 
addition  to  these  Philharmonic  concerts 
the  orchestra  played  three  times  in 
New  York  under  Richard  Strauss  and 
twice  under  Van  Hoogstraten,  once  for 
Madame  Ducarp  under  Stransky,  and 
forty  men  of  the  orchestra  played  at 
Father  Finn’s  concert  in  Carnegie  Hall. 

In  commemoration  of  the  conclusion 
of  its  eightieth  season  the  Society  gave 
two  special  performances  of  Bee- 
thoven’s Ninth  Symphony,  with  quar- 
tette and  chorus,  one  at  Carnegie  Hall 
on  Wednesday  evening,  April  26,  and 
the  other  at  the  Metropolitan  Opera 
House  on  Sunday  evening,  April  30. 
Florence  Hinkle,  Merle  Alcock,  Lam- 
bert Murphy  and  Royal  Dadmun  con- 
stituted the  quartette  and  the  chorus 
included  the  full  strength  of  the  Ora- 
torio Society  of  New  York.  Mengel- 
berg conducted. 

There  will  be  very  few  changes  in  the 
Philharmonic  personnel  next  season, 
contracts  with  most  of  the  present 
members  of  the  orchestra  having  been 
renewed.  Soloists  engaged  for  the  first 
half  of  the  season  so  far.  include  Josef 
Hofmann.  Heifetz,  Schelling  and 
Casals. 


FtHodvino-  resurrection. 

Through  sunshine  and  through  showers, 
The  most  elociuent  of  sermons 
Are  in  the  Easter  flowers 

— Emma  Peirce. 


Another  Hardy  Garden  Book.  By  Helena 
Rutherfurcl  Ely.  New  York  City:  The 
Macmillan  Company. 

This  is  an  acceptable  supplement  and  pleas- 
ing companion  to  the  author’s  first  book,  “A 
Woman’s  Hardy  Garden.”  It  contains  much 
of  the  same  enthusiasm.  It  is  especially  read- 
able at  this  time  of  the  year,  and  every  lover 
of  garden  plants  will  here  find  useful  knowl- 
edge and  pleasurable  inspiration.  The  illustra- 
tions are  delightful. 


Songs  of  the  Nation.  Compiled  and  Edited 
by  Charles  W.  Johnson.  New  York  City: 
Silver,  Burdett  and  Company. 

Patriotism  is  love  of  country,  isn't  it,  and  love 
of  country  is  exactly  what  we  are  trying  to 
inculcate  and  increase?  Then  certainly  patriotic 
songs  of  a nation  come  within  the  scope  of  our 
efforts.  We  are  grateful  to  the  publishers  for 
favoring  us  with  a copy  of  this  interesting 
music  book  for  schools.  It  is  not  only  adapted 
to  schools  but  for  community  singing.  The 
selections  are  well  made. 


Gardening  With  Brains.  By  Henry  T.  Finck. 

New  York  City:  Harper  and  Brothers. 

A book  on  gardening  not  only  for  reference 
but  for  reading.  It  contains  many  important 
facts  but  pleasingly  flavored  with  wise  and 
witty  remarks  and  spiced  with  anecdotes  that 
will  appeal  to  the  garden  maniac.  Such  a 
book  would  seem  out  of  place  at  gardening 
time.  It  is  too  literary.  It  savors  too  much 
of  the  winter  fireplace  even  in  its  appearance. 
It  is  hardly  sedate  enough  to  be  a gardening 
manual.  Yet  it  gives  some  of  the  most  practical 
suggestions  that  I have  seen  although  its  spirit 
is  that  of  gardening  in  the  library  and  the 
easy-chair  rather  than  with  the  fertilizing 
pail  and  the  hoe. 


Down  the  Columbia.  By  Lewis  R.  Freeman. 
New  York  City : Dodd,  Mead  & Com- 
pany. 

The  author,  who  has  tried  nearly  every 
known  form  of  adventure  in  nearly  every 
country  of  the  world,  for  years  had  an  am- 
bition to  voyage  down  the  Columbia  River 
from  its  source  to  its  mouth.  Curiously 
enough,  although  the  Columbia  is  one  of  the 
world’s  great  rivers,  and  perhaps  the  grand- 
est, scenically,  of  any,  there  is  no  record 
that  any  man  has  ever  made  the  complete 
journey  from  the  glacial  sources  to  tide- 
water. The  Columbia  runs  through  moun- 
tains nearly  its  full  length,  and  there  is  no 
slack  of  water  on  the  entire  course  where 
rapids  are  sometimes  twenty  miles  long.  For 
rocks,  current,  speed,  volume  of  water  and 


for  scenery,  there  is  no  river  like  it.  Mr. 
Freeman’s  book  describes  his  journey  and 
his  adventures,  of  which  there  were  more 
than  enough  for  an  average  man,  and  illus- 
trates his  trip  with  many  wonderful  photo- 
graphs along  the  way/ — Mrs.  N.  E.  Britton, 
New  York  Botanical  Garden. 


A Woman’s  Hardy  Garden.  By  Helena 
Rutherfurd  Ely.  New  York  City:  The 
Macmillan  Company. 

Published  several  years  ago  and  many  times 
read  by  the  reviewer  this  book  seems  to  im- 
prove on  every  reading  as  the  reader’s  knowl- 
edge of  its  contents  becomes  more  complete.  It 
is  packed  with  inspiring  text  and  vivid  illus- 
trations. The  author  died  several  years  ago,  a 
keenly  regretted  fact.  It  would  have  been  a 
delight  to  know  her,  to  visit  her  garden  and 
to  share  some  of  her  enthusiasm.  In  view  of 
her  death  soon  after  the  book  was  written 
the  final  paragraph  has  especial  significance : 
“As  a rule,  young  peofile  do  not  care  for 
gardening.  They  lack  the  necessary  patience 
and  perseverance.  But  in  the  years  of  middle 
life,  when  one’s  sun  is  slowly  setting  and 
interest  in  the  world  and  society  relaxes,  the 
garden,  with  its  changing  bloom,  grows  ever 
dearer.” 


Trailmakers  of  the  Northwest.  By  Paul 
Leland  Haworth.  New  York  City:  Har- 
court  Brace  & Company. 

This  is  a book  to  be  loved  by  all  boys  and 
girls  and  enjoyed  by  many  adults.  It  is  full  of 
life  and  adventure.  It  is  a story  of  the  hero- 
ism and  of  the  exploits  which  opened  up  our 
country.  The  demand  for  fur  led  to  great 
discoveries.  Accounts  of  the  exploration  of 
Radisson,  Mackenzie’s  journeys  to  the  Arctic 
and  the  Pacific,  the  discovery  of  Hudson  Bay 
and  the  Great  Lakes,  the  discovery  of  the 
Northwest  Passage  are  here;  accounts  of  the 
habits  of  beavers,  buffaloes  and  other  animals 
the  explorers  hunted,  and  stories  of  the  In- 
dians with  whom  they  lived.  The  profusely 
illustrated  pages  breathe  of  courage,  the  exi- 
gencies of  adventure  and  of  primitive  life.  The 
final  chapter  tells  about  trappers  in  the  North- 
west today,  their  methods  of  trapping,  and  how 
the  love  of  adventure  and  of  the  wilderness 
persists  in  them  and  how  they  too  are  trail- 
makers. — E.  G.  Britton,  New  York  Botanical 
Garden. 


Watched  by  Wild  Animals.  By  Enos  A. 
Mills.  Garden  City,  New  York:  Double- 
day, Page  and  Company. 

This  book  is  fully  up  to  the  author’s  usual 
high  standard  and  acute  observation.  He  is 


X 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


THE  FAME  OF  JACOBS  BIRD-HOUSES  IS 
KNOWN  IN  EVERY  LAND 


Over  39  years  continuous  in- 
dorsement by  the  birds 


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Feeding  Devices  for  Winter  Birds. 

Sparrow  Traps  and  Bird- 
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Beautifully  Illustrated  Catalogue  FREE. 

If  you  mention  The  Guide  to  Nature  we  will  send  a copy  of 

“American  Bird-House  Journal.” 

JACOBS  BIRD  HOUSE  AND  MFG.  CO. 

Waynesburg,  Pennsylvania 


Our  New  England  Representative  is  CHESTER  S.  DAY,  Room  311,  No.  27  School  Street,  Boston,  Mass. 


always  interesting.  He  is  familiar  with  the 
wilds.  He  says  : 

“Although  the  animals  did  not  know  I was 
coming,  generally  they  were  watching  for  me 
and  observed  me  without  showing  themselves. 

“As  I sat  on  a log  watching  two  black  bears 
playing  in  a woods  opening,  a faint  crack  of 
a stick  caused  me  to  look  behind.  A flock  of 
mountain  sheep  were  watching  me  only  a few 
steps  distant.  A little  farther  away  a wildcat 
sat  on  a log,  also  watching  me.  There  prob- 
ably were  other  watchers  that  I did  not  see.” 

He  further  tells  us  that  animals  use  instinct 
and  reason  and  have  much  curiosity — the  desire 
to  know.  His  experiences  with  the  beaver,  the 
skunk  and  the  wolf  are  especially  entertaining. 
His  observations  of  animals  in  the  winter  not 
only  interest  and  instruct  but  set  us  to  thinking 
more  deeply  than  ever. 

Toes  in  Poetical  Feet. 

A tree  toad  loved  a she  toad 
That  lived  in  a tree ; 

She  was  a 3-toed  tree  toad. 

But  a 2-toed  tree  toad  was  he. 

The  2-toed  tree  toad  tried  to  win 
The  she  toad’s  friendly  nod  ; 

For  the  2-toed  tree  toad  loved  the 
ground 

That  the  3-toed  tree  toad  trod  ; 

But  vainly  the  2-toed  tree  toad  tried — - 
He  couldn’t  please  her  whim  ; 

In  her  tree  toad  bower,  with  her  V-toe 
power, 

The  she  toad  vetoed  him. 

— The  Van  Raalte  Vanguard. 


He  Knew  the  Tree! 

An  art's+  from  New  York  was  visit- 
ing an  old  Southern  family  in  Alabama. 
One  day  while  they  were  riding  in  their 
automobile,  which  their  former  coach- 
man, an  old  negro,  was  driving,  the 
hostess  pointed  out  a majestic  tree  that 
stood  alone  in  a meadow.  The  artist 


SONG  AND  TALKING  BIRDS 
FOR  GIFTS 


G.  D.  TILLEY,  Naturalist 
Darien  Phone  96  Connecticut 

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went  into  raptures  over  it  and  with 
hands  clasped  turned  to  her  hostess. 

“Oh,  isn’t  it  superb  !”  she  breathed. 
“A  perfect  example  of  a Corot !” 

“Scuse  me,  mistis,”  said  the  privi- 
leged old  servant.  “Dat  ain’t  no  Corot. 
Hit’s  jest  one  of  dese  hyuh  sugarberry 
trees.” — The  Youth’s  Companion. 


Where  They’re  Needed. 

A large  number  of  snakes  have 
reached  London  from  the  New  York 
Zoo.  Now  that  the  country  is  settling 
down  to  Prohibition.  Americans  can  no 
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don). 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XI 


A Happy  Offer  to 
“Outdoor”  Enthusiasts 


Springy  is  in  full  swing!  Are  you  thrilled?  Are*™ 2.  The  Bird  Guide,  3.  The  Butterfly  Guide,  4.  The 
you  an  “outdoors”  man  or  an  “outdoors”  woman  ?®  , Flower  Guide.  The  only  pocket  set  on  Nature  with 


Everybody  who  is  anybody  loves  this  time  of  year, 
because  Nature  is  so  alluring.  Nature  is  the  most' 
fascinating  subject  in  the  world,  ft  touches  us  all.! 

Ton  know  the  feeling,  whether  you  live  in  town  or! 
country;  whether  you  are  lured  by  the  warm1 
breezes  of  spring,  a patch  of  May  flowers,  the  trees! 
of  a park,  or  the  animals  and  birds.  V. 

Think  of  the  satisfaction  and  pleasure  to  you  if'A  ...  , , . , , 

you  know  some  of  Nature’s  secrets.  Think  of  whatT  j*  T,lls  ls  tllc  m<),1,h  for  the  gardener!  vet  now  little 
it  would  mean  to  your  children,  or  your  friends  tol ’ j most  people  really  know  about  flower  gardens.  It  is 
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trees  and  flowers, 
got  time”? 

Warren  G.  Harding  Harvey  S.  Firestone  | 

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four  great  men.  They  are  men  of  large  affairs,  and' 
they  are  very  busy.  WHY  DO  THEY  GO  BACK! 
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and  a knowledge  of  it  makes  life  richer.  You  can 
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A treasure  for  the  Nature  lover.  Known  wherever:* 
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ibrary  is  four  volumes  of  handsome  little  flexible- 
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p They  love  Nature.  And  they  will  be  fascinated 

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□ Both  series,  with  BOTH  NAMERS  FREE. 


Address 


XII 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


A Naturalist  in 

# 

The  Great  Lakes  Region 

By  Elliott  R.  Downing 

This  new  book  gives  an  interesting  description  of  the  flora  and 
fauna  of  the  Great  Lakes  region  and  traces  the  development  of  the 
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out-of-doors. 

“A  most  engaging-  sort  of  pocket  teacher.” 

“It  is  not  a book  to  be  left  at  home  and  referred  to  after  a 
hike.  The  author  and  publishers  obviously  had  the  nature- 
lover  in  mind  when  they  made  it  small  and  thin  and  bound  it 
in  a limp  cover.  There  is  no  excuse  now  for  not  being  able  to 
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THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XIII 


BAUSCH&LOMB 

BINOCULARS 


Every  out-door  activity  becomes  of 
greater  interest  if  you  own  a good  field 
glass  to  extend  your  vision,  bringing  into 
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wise would  be  barely  visible. 

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A Final  Argument. 

A customer  of  a big  New  York  bank 
had  renewed  a note  twice,  and  upon 
the  last  occasion  had  promised  the 
banker  positively  that  he  would  pay  it 
when  the  term  expired.  However, 
when  the  day  of  payment  was  drawing 
near,  the  customer  came  in  and  asked 
that  it  be  renewed  again.  The  banker 
told  him  it  was  impossible  to  grant  his 
request  and  reminded  him  of  his  prom- 
ise to  pay. 

“For  how  long  is  it  you  hef  been  in 
the  banking  beeznass?”  inquired  the 
borrower. 

“I  have  been  a banker  for  over 
twenty  years,”  replied  the  president. 

“Sure ; but  before  that  you  was  in 
some  utter  beeznass,  yes?” 

“I  have  never  been  in  any  other  bus- 
iness,” said  the  banker  with  dignity. 

“Veil,”  observed  the  applicant  for  a 
renewal,  “ef  you  kennot  renew  dot  note 
you  vill  be  tomorrow  morning  in 
der  retail  clothing  beeznass.” — The 
Youth’s  Companion. 


THE  COMPLETE  GARDEN 

By  ALBERT  D.  TAYLOR 

Fellow,  American  Society  of  Landscape 
Architects ; Non-resident  Professor  of 
Landscape  Architecture  in  Ohio  State 
University. 

— will  answer  any  question  about  the  gar- 
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DO  YOU  WANT  TO  KNOW— 

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Everything  worth  while  that  has  been 
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Bibliography. 

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Gentlemen : Please  send  me  “The  Complete  Gar- 
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for  free  examination.  If  after  five  days  I decide 
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Name  

Address  


XIV 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BEGINNERS  IN  BEEKEEPING 

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THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


XV 


TRADE. 

CrayolA 

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150  Photographs 

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Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania 


QUEERS 

GARDEN 

BOOK 

1922 


Has  been  enlarged 
ard  . improved  and 

Special  re  taken 
to  make  it  the  be^t 
we  have  ever  is- 
sued. Especially  depiened  to 
help  the  amateur  as  well  as  the 
professional  gardener,  whether 
his  specialty  be  Vegetables  or  Flowers. 

1 , co,]1Prehe"sivc.  handsomely  illustrated 

book,  showing  in  colors  and  photo-engravings  many 
Of  the  varieties  offered,  and  giving  cultural  direc- 
tm^s  which  assure  a successful  garden. 

edition  of  DREER’S 
.T‘,OOK  contains  224  pages,  eight  color 
plates,  besides  numerous  photographic  reproduc- 
ed,' Tt  offers  the  best  Vegetable  and  Flower 
cieeds : I awn  Grass  and  Agricultural  Seeds;  Gar- 
den Renuisites;  Plants  of  all  kinds,  including  the 
newest  Roses,  Dahlias,  Hardy  Perennials,  etc. 

II  rite  today  for  a copy  which  will  be  mailed 
free  if  you  mention  this  publication 

HENRY  A.  DREER 

714-716  Chestnut  St.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 


U‘lly  in  the  L...u 

1 ‘‘sh  lai'guage  devoted  wholly  to  articles  dealing 

Mosses  Hepatic*  and  Lichens.  ot  , merest  to  1* 
g-ners  and  advanced  students  alike.  Bimonthly,  „ub 

‘shed  by  the  Sullivant  Moss  Society,  an  oigamzauoa 
10.  mutual  help  in  moss  study.  Special  curators  to 
beginners.  Membership  tee,  $1.5u  per  year 
eluding  the  Bryologist,  subscription  alone,  $1.2d-  uii 
dian  postage  10  cents  extra.  Address  Edward  B.  Cham- 
berlam,  18  West  89th  Street,  New  York  City. 


AQUATIC  LIFE  monthly  magazine  will 

( ,,  ...  . , increase  your  enjoyment 

the  ,lfe  m natures  streams  and  in  your  home 
aquarium.  Written  by  scientists  to  entertain  ad 
nature  lovers  who  like  to  paddle  in  water  and 
’ >dv  its  manv  forms  of  life.  A iournal  of  popu- 
' r aquatic  biology,  not  merely  a fish  fanciers’  mag 
7me'  *,SLecimen  copy  free  on  request.  Subscrip, 
non,  $125  per  year.  Joseph  E.  Bausman,  P„b- 
her.  542  East  Girard  Avenue,  Philadelphia 


G.  D.  TILLEY, 

Naturalist 

“Everything  in  the  Bird 
Line  from  a Canary  to  an 
Ostrich” 

B rds  for  the  House  and 
Porch 

Birds  for  the  Ornamental  Waterway 
Birds  for  the  Garden,  Pool  and  Aviary 
Birds  for  the  Game  Preserve  and  Park 

SPECIAL  BIRD  FEEDS 

I am  the  oldest  established  ard  largest  exclusive  dealer 
in  land  ard  water  birds  in  America  ard  have  on  hand  the 
most  extensive  stock  in  the  United  States. 

G.  D.  TILLEY,  Naturalist,  Darien,  Conn. 


XVI 


THE  GUIDE  TO  NATURE— ADVERTISEMENTS 


BOBBINK  & ATKINS 


Visit 

Nursery 


Ask  for 
Catalogs 


ROSES 

EVERGREENS 
RHODODENDRONS 
TREES  AND  SHRUBS 
ROCK  GARDEN  PLANTS 
OLD-FASHIONED  FLOWERS 
FRUIT  TREES  AND  BUSHES 
WE  GROW  NURSERY  PRODUCTS  TO  COMPLETE  PLANTINGS 
OF  ANY  MAGNITUDE 

Nurserymen  and  Florists 


SPECIAL  SALE 

of  the  popular 

NO.  3 

VEST  POCKET 

ANSCO 
SPEEDEX 
CAMERAS 
OUR  PRICE  $13.89 

FORMER  LIST  PRICE  $32.40 

F:7.5  Modico  Anastigmat  Lens.  New 
Model  Grammax  Shutter.  Pictures 

2'A  x 3 y4. 

( Not  listed  in  Catalog  by  Mfr.) 

Charles  G.  Willoughby,  Inc. 

110  West  32nd  Street  New  York 


DODSH0oNusrEN  A SIMMER  HOME  ! 

4 compartments,  28  All  song  birds  raise  two,  and 
inches  high,  18  inches  usually  three,  broods  of  young 
in  diameter.  each  year,  selecting  a new  nest- 

ing site  for  each  brood  of  young, 
so  if  your  houses  are  put  out 
now  they  are  sure  to  be  occupied. 

DODSON  HOUSES 

win  the  birds.  Built  by  a bird- 
lover  who  has  spent  a lifetime 
studying  their  habits  and  how  to 
attract  them  to  beautiful  Bird 
Lodge,  his  home  on  the  Kan- 
kakee River. 

Free  Bird  Book  sent  on  re- 
quest. illustrating  Dodson  Line, 
giving  prices;  also  beautiful  col- 
ored bird  picture  free. 

JOSEPH  H.  DODSON 

Pres.  American  Audubon  Assn. 
714  S.  HARRISON  AVE.. 
KANKAKEE.  ILL. 

Dodson  Sparrow  Trap  guaranteed  to  rid  your  community 
of  these  quarrelsome  pests.  Price  $8.00. 

Girl  Scouts  camp,  hike  and  live  close  to 
Nature.  Read  about  their  good  times  in 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 

A Magazine  for  Girl  Scouts  and  Girls 
who  love  Scouting. 

The  American  Girl  will  bring  you  suggestions 
for  parties — stories  and  other  things  besides. 
Send  for  sample  copy  to 

THE  AMERICAN  GIRL 
189  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City. 

$1.50  a year  — Single  copy  15c