24 THE WILSON BULLETIN— March, 1921 



fined areas, altlK)iii.»h no one of them is resti'icted to any 

 particular section of tlie i)on(l. They together cover its 

 entire area witli the exception of a tew open spaces of deep 

 water in the center. As tliis is neared the vegetation les- 

 sens in density, and willows, none over ten feet in height, 

 and seemingly insecurely rooted in the soft ooze, make 

 their appearance. In summer tliese frail trees are ta^ed 

 to their limit to support a hurden of nests of six species of 

 herons. The surface of all areas of open water is covered 

 with a species of pond weed pea green in color. At first 

 glance this greenish growth appears to be that which col- 

 lects upon the surface of stagnant water, but such is not 

 the case. An examination failed to disclose any outlet to 

 this pond. The fact that the water is clear and nowhere 

 stagnant would seem to indicate that there is an outlet 

 which we overlooked ; indeed, Avhen it is understood that 

 a large volume of water from the well dail}' flows into the 

 pond, it can readily be seen that it is necessary that there be 

 an outflow, since the water retains some of its original 

 purity. Immediately surrounding the pond are narrow 

 fringes of stunted oaks of several species, and a few rods 

 further back begin coniferous and deciduous forests that 

 extend for several miles in all directions. 



Our first exploration of this pond was made afoot on 

 May 11, the day after our arrival on the island, in a heavy 

 downpour that continued throughout the day and night 

 and well into the following day. We had as companions, 

 in addition to the birds, swarms of Cotton-mouthed Moc- 

 casins and a number of alligators, the latter mostly of 

 small size. We encountered no water over four feet in 

 depth, and wading in the open pools, while extremely un- 

 pleasant in the continual downjiour, was not attended by 

 great difficulty or danger. Our progress through the dense 

 masses of vegetation, however, was slow and difficult, for 

 in their recesses lurked many ])oisonous moccasins for 

 wliicli it was necessary that we be ever on tlie alert. On 

 the 14th, througli the courtesy of Mr. Sasser, the overseer 

 of the island, we were enabled to avoid a second exploration 

 on foot. Mr. Sasser kindlv allowed us the use of his horse 



