INTRODUCTION 



In 1915 we wrote: "The object of all the Cornell (1909-1914) expeditions 

 was to study and put on record something of the biological conditions in this 

 extensive fresh-water swamp, which still presents in a large measure primitive 

 and interesting conditions of environment, before they should become forever 

 changed by the now rapidly penetrating lumbermen." 



From these private trips we published A Biological Reconnaissance of the 

 Okefinokee Swamp in Georgia. (The Birds by A. H. Wright and Francis 

 Harper, 1913 ; The Turtles, Lizards and AlHgators by A. H. Wright and W. D. 

 Funkhouser, 191 5; The Snakes bj^ A, H. Wright and S. C. Bishop 1915; The 

 Fishes, by E. L. Palmer and A, H. Wright, 1922). Besides these, three more 

 reports were prepared but not published, namely. The History of the Swamp 

 by A. H. Wright, The Amphibia by A. H. Wright and Julia Moesel, and The 

 Reptiles (2nd Report) by S. C. Bishop and A. H. Wright. 



In 1 92 1 the author was given a grant from the Heckscher Foundation for 

 the Advancement of Research established at Cornell University and this was 

 continued for the season of 1922 (see topic Subsequent Explorations, 1914 

 to 1922). This paper therefore includes notes and material from 1909-1922, — 

 the period to 1914 or later in the center of the swamp before lumbering; the 

 period 192 1 with lumbering (Billy's Island the base); and the period 1922 on 

 Chesser Island to have conditions more Hke those of 19 14 and to study the 

 surrounding biota of the swamp. 



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS TO RESIDENTS 

 In 191 5 we held that most valuable services were rendered to this party 

 by the Lee family, (Mrs. Lee, the mother of the first generation, Jackson, 

 David, Bryant, Farley, Harrison, Joseph of the second generation, and 

 Marion and Ely of the third generation), living on Billy's Island, the only 

 human inhabitants of the interior of the swamp, and practically out of touch 

 with the outside world. Their primitive mode of living had adapted them to a 

 marvelous degree to the appreciation of the wild life about them, and their 

 observations and knowledge of natural phenomena proved to be surprisingly 

 accurate. The older men and boys were indispensable as guides while the 

 party was in the swamp, and on the exit of the party a container was left 

 with them to be filled with specimens which might come to their hands later in 

 the year. This container, full of material chosen with evident care and good 

 judgment, was received November 15, 19 12, and the specimens thus secured 

 proved a valuable addition to those previously collected. In December, 19 13, 

 data were obtained on the winter condition of some of the forms here noted. 

 In 1 92 1 Jackson, Harrison and David Lee were in the swamp and rendered in- 

 valuable assistance. From the next generation we also received continued service. 

 These were Henry Harrison and Alarion Lee and their brothers and cousins. 



