spectively. The field trips have been very successful, especially 

 that of February 22nd to Medway plantation, made possible by 

 the courtesy of two honorary members who provided launches. 

 The membership of the Society has increased from 55 to 75, indi- 

 cating that its work arouses public interest, although very little 

 independent study seems to be stimulated. 



Informal lectures were given before the Natural History So- 

 ciety as follows; January 7, Skeleton of Birds, by Prof. Rea; 

 February 4, Food of Birds, March 4, Beaks and Bills of Birds, 

 and April 11, Digestion of Birds, by Mrs. Paul M. Rea; Novem- 

 ber 4 and 11, Autumn Foliage, by Prof Rea, and Common Oaks, 

 by Miss Laura M. Bragg; December 2 and 16, The Rail Family, 

 by Mr. Francis M. Weston, Jr. and Common Oaks and Pines, by 

 Miss Bragg. Public lectures were given by Prof. Rea November 

 15, on Meteorological Instruments, and Nov. 29, on Weather 

 Forecasting. As installation of exhibits proceeds more lectures 

 will be given both to school children and to the general public. 



Paul M. Rea, Director. 



LOCAL FAUNA 



The Hummingbird in December 



A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird was taken on Caro- 

 lina street in Charleston on December 18, by Master Edward 

 Hyer, who gave the specimen to Messrs. Burnham and Rhett 

 Chamberlain for preservation as a skin. This is a most remark- 

 able record, for the species is a summer resident, usually arriv- 

 ing late in March or early in April and departing by the middle 

 of October. The specimen now described showed much worn 

 plumage but whether it was prevented from migrating by some 



injury is not known. 



P. M. Rea. 



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