234 NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [14:6— Sept., 1918 



this is what is so striking. We have here on a magnificent scale 

 what the florist tries to get ; such a combination of color and green 

 as will be both artistic and delightful. The Azolla with its sur- 

 roundings, however, rivals the florist's combinations. Beside 

 there is the light and shade, the sunshine and shadow which the 

 florist cannot get and the artist cannot copy. 



These features came surprisingly to view one summer morning in 

 late August of 1916. The Azolla of that year covered luxuriantly 

 the ponds in the river bottoms of Minnesota opposite La Crosse, 

 Wisconsin. Passing along the causeway which runs through the 

 swamp I saw what was perhaps the prettiest piece of scenery I 

 have ever seen. It was about seven-thirty in the morning and the 

 slanting rays of the sun gave the right kind of light for the view. 

 In the foreground was the Azolla, covering the pond with its 

 brilliant red. On the further side of this pond, which was quite a 

 large one, the Arrow Leaf gave the green contrast. Above and 

 back of these stood the Cattails with a darker shade of green. As 

 a background to all this stood the willows with their shades of 

 green. The blue sky above, the different greens and the red, 

 lighted by the morning sunlight made a combination of color and 

 form I have not seen equalled. It was at once both exquisitely 

 beautiful and magnificent. The Azolla has its beauty but the 

 Azolla in its setting has the more beauty. 



The ferns are always loved for their beauty. The water ferns 

 when looked for may also minister to our tastes. 



Notice 



As a part of certain investigations now being carried on by the 

 Department of Biology of the Western Illinois State Normal 

 School at Macomb, Illinois, two hundred fifty young birds were 

 marked during the past summer. A small white celluloid ring was 

 placed upon the right leg of each bird. Most of the birds are robins 

 but several other migratory species are included in the list. All 

 were reared upon, or within one block, of the campus. It is hoped 

 that some data concerning the movements and habits of the young 

 birds after leaving the nest and during next year may be obtained. 

 If anyone who observes a bird marked as indicated above will let 

 us know, it will be very helpful to us. Address any communica- 

 tions to C. W. Hudelson, Macomb, Illinois. 



