n8 



THE GUIDE TO NATURE. 



fore I had always been of the opinion 

 that blackbirds built in evergreens but 

 this colony, ignoring the few firs and 

 cedars about them, preferred to pro- 

 tect their nests and nestlings in hol- 

 low beeches. While I watched them 

 as they were busily engaged in their 

 home-making, my attention was at- 

 tracted by one of their number who 

 resembled his fellows in every respect 

 with the exception of one wing which 

 was pure white. I often saw this 

 particular bird during the summer and 

 in the hazy autumnal days. When 

 our colony collected for their south- 

 ward flight, he was among the number, 

 and in the congregation there were 

 two whose tails were adorned with 

 white feathers. This spring the 

 bird is with us again, as is also 

 one of the white tailed variety and I 

 await with interest the advent of the 

 young brood. 



A few years ago a neighbor spoke 

 of having seen a small white bird on 

 his premises. Investigation proved 

 this white bird to be a perfect albino 



English sparrow. Only a sparrow it 

 was, but withal a thing of beauty, and 

 it seemed that had all members of its 

 kind possessed such beauty surely 

 they would be viewed in a kindlier 

 light by mankind. 



And now, dear Mr. Editor, will you 

 give us some reasons for such excep- 

 tions to Nature's unchangeable laws? 

 Fraternally, 

 George W. Lancaster. 



I recently sent an almost spherical 

 nubbin of corn to an experienced agri- 

 culturist, asking him why it took such 

 a form. His answer contains volumes, 

 of wisdom. Ponder it well. 



"I haven't got so far as the irregular 

 ear. I've been studying corn for many 

 years and do not yet know why it 

 grows long in usual form." 



Then think a little of variation. No 

 two individuals alike, not even twa 

 snow-flakes, blades of grass, leaves or 

 human beings. Curious, isn't it, that 

 we ever think of "unchangeable 

 laws ?" — Editor. 



i *-•...... — " • 1 Tl C ; w . — • : 



AGASSIZ ASSOCIATION 



W&<&<&&^ 



Good Suggestions for Family Chapter 

 By-Laws. 



BY-LAWS OF MELLEX CHAPTER OE THE 

 A. A. NO. IOIQ. 



Article I. 

 Title and Object. 



Section i. The name of this 

 Chapter shall be 



MELLEN CHAPTER OF THE 

 A. A. No. ioiq. 



Section 2- The object of this 

 Chapter is to participate in the ad- 

 vantages of membership in The 

 Agassiz Association for the advance- 

 ment of its members in the search 

 for knowledge, wisdom and truth 

 through the observation and study of 

 natural objects, the natural sciences 

 and philosophy. 



Article II. 

 Members. 



Section i. Membership in this 

 Chapter shall consist of regular, as- 

 sociate and corresponding members. 



Section 2. Any member of the 

 family of Edwin D. Mellen of Cam- 

 bridge, Massachusetts, their near 

 relatives and descendants of good 

 character may become regular mem- 

 bers upon payment of the current dues 

 to the Recording Secretary. 



Section 3. Any person of good 

 character may be proposed for asso- 

 ciate membership at a meeting of the 

 Chapter. 



Election shall be by ballot ; and, un- 

 less there be two or more ballots in 

 the negative, a person so voted upon 



