OUR SONG BIRDS 165 
Linn. Several species have not been reported from elsewhere 
among these Persicaria lonchophylia Greene, a very remarkable 
amphibious Smartweed, because there is such a notable dif- 
ference between the short aquatic and the very long narrow ter- 
restrial leaves. 
The Arbor-vitae trees are not in the best of condition as it is 
evident that the tamaracks are getting the better of them, and, 
moreover, there is a drainage ditch a few hundred yards from the 
edge of the growth of trees. 
The whole swamp mentioned above will of course soon succumb 
to the active attempts, at rescuing land for farming purposes. 
Dozens of plants are now extinct in our region never to return, 
because their peculiar habitats are gradually disappearing. I have 
not found Cypripedium candidum since 1896, and there are 
now only two places where Cypripedium acaule, the stemless 
Lady’s slipper is found within forty miles of South Bend north 
and south and some farther west. Both these localities are 
being drained also. I have not found Oxycoccus, the Cranberry in 
St. Joseph county. Drosera rotundifolia, the Sundew, too is ex- 
tinct here and it is only a» question of a few years until 
Sarracenia purpurea, the Pitcher Plant, will have disappeared 
entirely. It would seem that some effort ought to be made on 
the part of our local nature students to save such interesting and 
beautiful examples of plant life as those mentioned, and of Cypri- 
dium Reginae the Showy Lady’s Slipper, and Calopogon pulchellus, 
the Grass Pink. I know only a few places where even these are 
found in Northwestern Indiana and Southern Michigan. The 
disappearance of the Passenger Pigeon once so plentiful, together 
with the futile attempts at finding it again ought to teach the lesson 
that it is too late to close the cage when the bird is gone. 
OUR SONG BIRDS.—IV. 
By BroTHER ALPHONSUS, C. S. C. 
KILLDEER. 
Aegialitis voctifera. 
One of the earliest notes in spring, the Killdeer’s call is heard 
until late in autumn. There are few sounds in nature more pleasing 
