ZOOIXKiKAI, SOCIETY BULLETIN 



1217 



MANATEF. f MANATVS LATIROSTRIS' KROM TORTO RICO 



ed witli the cooiioiiiic phases 

 of the subject is found in 

 the Michigan Geological 

 • uid Biological Survey, 1912. 

 This pajier. The Amphibi- 

 ans of Michigan, by Crystal 

 and Helen Thompson, deals 

 with the eighteen species of 

 ■iniphibians inhabiting JNIich- 

 iiian, and discusses the hab- 

 its, habitat, and other mat- 

 ters of interest. 



R. C. O. 



of the Pennsylvania Department of Agricul- 

 ture, ]\ray-July, 1913, Dr. H. A. Surface has 

 collected a large number of observations on 

 the food and habits of the thirty species of 

 amphibians known to inhabit that State. The 

 pamphlet also contains descriptions and nu- 

 merous illustrations, but is especially devoted to 

 the study of the useful qualities of these ani- 

 mals. The data on the food were collected 

 from the examinations of the stomach contents 

 and in the more common species large numbers 

 were examined. 



As was to be expected all tlie species are 

 largely insectivorous, but many of them also eat 

 earthworms, a few are cannibals, and some of 

 the larger species such as the hellbender and 

 the bullfrog may devour fishes, crayfishes and 

 other larger animals. The bullfrog especially 

 has a wide range of diet and will apparently 

 eat anything that it can swallow — mice, birds, 

 crayfish, fish and small turtles are devoured, as 

 well as other amphibians and larger numbers 

 of all sorts of insects. 



Attention is called to the 

 fact that none of the am- 

 phibia are poisonous in any 

 way, that any of them that 

 are large enough are good 

 to eat. and that all are ben- 

 eficial to a greater or less 

 extent 



The pa))er is written in 

 a very popular style for dis- 

 tribution among the people 

 of the State; but this does 

 not detract from its value 

 to the scientist, who will 

 find it of interest on ae 

 count of the notes on food, 

 enemies, habits, reproduc- 

 tion and distribution. 



Another somewhat similar 

 paper, though less concern- 



lieception at the Aquarium. — The reception 

 held at the Aquarium last May was so well 

 attended that the Executive Committee has se- 

 lected the first Monday in May as the date 

 for a recejjtion to be held there annually. More 

 than 600 members of tiie Zoological .Society 

 were present to enjoy the occasion. There 

 were floral decorations, motion pictures, refresh- 

 ments and music, in addition to the regular 

 exhibits of the place. Indeed some of the 

 younger people were dancing before the eve- 

 ning was over. They said the floor was perfect. 



For the coming reception on May 3, special 

 efl'orts will be made to add to the attractiveness 

 of the exhibits and to provide a program that 

 will exceed that of last year in interest. 



The attendance at the Aquarium has fallen 

 off to some extent since the commencement of 

 the war in Europe. It is reported that other 

 museums of the City have also had fewer 

 visitors. 



OLR OLD SI-.A l,h 



