The April meeting of the Natural History Society will be held 

 at the Museum on Thursday, May 6, at 5 P. M. This will be 

 the last formal meeting of the season. Officers for the ensuing 

 term will be elected. On account of th© warm weather no 

 further excursions will be organized though it is hoped that 

 members will find opportunity for field work. 



Dr. Ezra Brainerd, who studied the violets in the Elliott 

 Herbarium two years ago, recently visited the Museum on his 

 way south. 



The Museum has taken steps to promote the enforcement of 

 the City ordinances against the shooting of sHngs or guns of 

 any description, and appeals for the support of the community 

 at large in its efforts to prevent the wanton destruction of the 

 bird life of our city. 



The collection of living snakes has been increased by a fine 

 Copperhead or Highland Moccasin (Ancistrodon contortrix), cap- 

 tured April 24, at the Navy Yard, by Mr. F. W. Wamsley. A 

 King Snake {Ophiholus getulus) was taken at the same locality 

 by Mr. F. M. Weston, Jr., on April 22. With the return of warm 

 weather, visitors are invited to bring live mice for the snakes, 

 who show natural symptoms of hunger after their long winter 

 fast. A few rats are also desired for the large rattlesnakes. 



The Junco was reported by Mr. F. M. Weston, Jr., on March 

 29, which is the latest record known for this winter visitant. 

 Unfortunately, this observation was received too late to be in- 

 corporated in the account of the Junco in the March Bulletin. 

 Other winter visitants reported later this year than the dates 

 given in the "Preliminary Survey" include the Loon, Apr. 12; 

 Killdeer, Apr. 5; Marsh Hawk, Apr. 11; and Vesper Sparrow, 

 Apr. 12. Earlier records for summer residents include the 

 Egret, Mar. 28; Snowy Heron, Apr. 24; Kingbird, Apr. 3; and 

 Summer Tanager, Apr. 10. The Black Skimmer was seen about 

 April 1, and was abundant on April 12. 



40 



