274 TRANSACTIONS OF THE KANKAKEE 



Cyclamen. The}' grow in the toughest prairie sod, and if you wish 

 to dig any be sure and have a good spade. 



Once, unthinkingly, I sent to to D. M. Ferry for Eiipatorium 

 Puiyiireuni. It is found in abundance, especially on low grounds of 

 unbroken pasture. Fortunately not a seed germinated, and I was 

 saved the anxiety of watching the seed develop into purple honeset. 

 A little ])otanical knowledge is sometimes very useful. 



I wish those who notice any prairie flower growing scarce Avould 

 make an effort to save roots or seeds. It is my intention to preserve 

 every genus and variety possessing the least merit, and as this will be 

 a matter of time, cooperative effort will lighten the labor. 



In the study of ornamental plants is a wide field of pleasure. 

 You have only to plant and to begin to attend to them to discover 

 that they are worth your attention, and will pay. They are not trash. 

 Grod never made any trash. What we called a vile weed once, now 

 gives us the strongest fibers. Ragweed itself may contain the 

 panacea to quiet your pain and restore health. 



At its conclusion Mrs. Izetta Dole was called for, but as the day 

 was stormy, and she lived some distance, she had not arrived, but had 

 kindly sent her paper, which was read by the Secretary. 



OUR BIRDS OF SONG. 



BY MRS. IZETTA DOLE. 



It is almost the season for the birds to again charm us with 

 their beautifiil songs. Already a few have ventured from their sun- 

 ny southern homes, reminding us that it is not always winter: al- 

 though even in winter, when everything outside is cold and dreary, 

 we can make it seem like summer by having flowers and birds in our 

 houses. The bluejay and the little snowbird stay with us all winter, 

 and though the plumage of the bluejay is beautiful, his notes are 

 harsh and disagreeable. 



The first birds to come back in the spring are the blackbirds and 

 robins. The blackbirds congregate on the tops of the highest trees 

 and hold grand concerts, making the whole air ring with their me- 

 lodious notes. I know they are not generally considered as fine 

 singers, but underlying their louder harsh notes is a sweet melody, 

 that sounds like the waters of a little brook rippling over pebbles. 



I have heard that some of the members begrudge the fruit that 

 the robins eat; but I would willingly give them the few berries they 

 want for the sake of their company, for when I am out picking fruit, 

 especially cherries, they often dispute my right to the property, and 

 are so cunning and saucy one cannot. help admiring their impudence. 



