104 THE NATURE-STUDY REVIEW |6:4-Apr., i9ia 



a pair of bluejays had been building a nest. Who knows but 

 that this jubilee was to celebrate their wedding? 



To me this experience was something new, and I have nev- 

 er read of anything like it, even among birds more noted for 

 their musical abilities, and so I knew that if this was something 

 musical you, too, would be interested in hearing about it. 



Sincerely yours, 



Nina L. Sweetland, 

 Junk 8, 1908 Saline, Mich. 



Editor Review: 



The account which you enclose is certainly an interesting 

 one. I have little doubt that the observations recorded were 

 correct. With reference to the music, it is not an uncommon 

 occurrence to find occasionally a few individuals of even the 

 most unmusical species developing considerable musical ability. 

 I recall at one time that I heard even a kingbird give quite a 

 respectable musical performance. 



As regards the "dancing'', birds do occasionally perform 

 rhythmical movements. They have developed to some extent 

 what may be called a play instinct, which is sometimes closely 

 connected with the mating instinct. Or this may have been 

 connected with the performances which the male birds often 

 make before the female in the mating season. 



Flocks of birds on the wing are known to perform regular 

 movements. An observer from Germany informs me that the 

 starlings have been seen to go through a sort of drill with 

 great regularity and precision. 



(Signed) G. H. Trafton 



Members of the A. N.-S. S., who are interested in Fresh 

 Water {Jar) Cultures, will be pleased to learn that material 

 of this character, especially Nitella, may be obtained from Mr. A. 

 B. Seymour, 26 University Museum, Cambridge, Mass. Mr. Sey- 

 mour's interest in nature-study leads him to offer this material 

 without expense other than the payment of postage. As is well 

 known, the living Nitella is of special interest for demonstration 

 of protoplasmic movement. 



