wheeler] mountain LAUREL 61 



and heroes, and this might well be an argument for having it as 

 our national flower; besides it possesses beauty, strength and 

 thriftiness, is adapted to sudden changes of American climate, 

 and will thrive mid the most adverse surroundings. 



In 1790 fatal cases occurred in this country from eating wild 

 honey, which was traced to A', laitfolia by an inquiry instituted 

 by the government. Most cattle will leave it alone but it is said 

 some become victims every year, as do the grouse and partridge 

 when hard pressed for food. One of the swallow-tail butterflies 

 deposits its eggs upon the laurel leaves, and the larvae feed with 

 no ill effects. Dr. Barker says that Indians drink a tea made from 

 Kalmia leaves when they wish to commit suicide. 



The wood is very hard, fine grained and solid, taking a fine 

 polish. It is in good demand, weighing 44 pounds to the cubic 

 foot. One of its uses is indicated by the name "spoonwood." 



The Newark Museum 



The museimi as an educational factor is coming more and more 

 into prominence. If anyone has an interest in the subject let 

 him send at once for the pamphlet, "The Educational Value of 

 Museums," published by the Newark, N. J. Museum Association. 

 This brochure discusses the subject to right and left, front side 

 and hind side, top side and bottom side, with a vital verve that 

 sets the reader tingling to create museums or get in touch with 

 live ones. It gives cogent reasons for establishing museimis and 

 for continuing them and best of all discusses their possibilities as 

 agencies for educating a city. The pamphlet is written by Louise 

 Connolly, with an introduction by J. C. Dana. Miss Connolly 

 came over to the nature-study meeting at New York and gave an 

 address, as delightful as it was pungent and true, on the nature- 

 study propaganda, the manuscript of which arrived too late for 

 this issue of the Review but will appear in the March number. 

 Miss Connolly is doing sincere and important work in nature- 

 study in the Newark Museum. She was a most successful teacher 

 before she was connected with musetim work and every step she 

 takes is in the right direction to make for true education. 



