206 



SCIENCE. 



[N. S. Vol. XX. Xo. 502. 



Lake, the forests ad.iacent and the moun- 

 tains in the vicinity. 



This station was started in 1899 as an 

 experiment, in a state as large as Ohio, 

 Pennsylvania and Michigan combined, with 

 less than two inhabitants per square mile, 

 and with biological study at a low ebb in 

 the schools of the state. It was intended 

 to fill the double mission of affording a 

 place where a few might find suitable place 

 for carrying on study in a field compara- 

 tively unknown, and to supply a stimulus 

 for the teachers and young naturalists, few 

 of the latter having at that time yet ap- 

 peared. 



It is practically impossible for Montana 

 people to attend eastern summer schools. 

 One reason is on account of railroad ex- 

 pense. At present writing rates are ad- 

 vertised from Chicago to San Francisco 

 and return by a different route at iden- 

 tically the same price as from Missoula to 

 San Francisco and return, and at the same 

 price as one way fare from Missoula to Chi- 

 cago. For a few days in June one may get 

 out of the state at a low fare. But Chicago 

 students may visit Flathead Lake with little 

 more expense for the return trip than re- 

 turn trip from Lewistown, Mont., by taking 

 advantage of reduced rates. Moreover, the 

 summer is the pleasant time for one to be 

 in the mountains, and most people wish to 

 stay during the pleasant season. Owing to 

 the fact that railroads grant tew privileges 

 to Montana people, and Montana people 

 wish to stay at home during the most 

 pleasant portion of the year, it seemed 

 advisable to look toward preparing a place 

 at home where advantage could be tdken 

 of beautiful scenery, healthful recreation 

 and balmy mountain air, in a locality 

 where 'unknown' is written on half the 

 objects that greet the eye. 



The station has accomplished more than 

 was anticipated at its inception five years 



ago. The small summer laboratory has 

 long since ceased to accommodate the work 

 of those in attendance. But, owing to the 

 delightful weather prevailing at this sea- 

 son, it mattei's little whether -the work be 

 carried on indoors or not, unless table 

 room and apparatus are needed. Students 

 from twelve states have been present at 

 different times, in addition to the many 

 that have come from Montana. Already 

 the schools of the state are feeling the 

 eifect in the work in zoology and botany, 

 not only throtigh the attendance of high 

 school and grade teachers, but through the 

 material which is collected and the printed 

 matter prepared for distribution. '' 



The printed matter thus far issued by 

 the University of Montana, emanating 

 from the work at Flathead Lake, covers 

 360 printed pages of close type, with 65 

 plates and 40 other illustrations, all from 

 original photographs or drawings. In ad- 

 dition to this, numerous papers have ap- 

 peared in various publications, greatly 

 increasing the scope of the work. 



The study of the birds of the Flathead 

 Lake country has been carried on by P. 

 M. Silloway, the well-known ornithologist. 

 The first publication included 128 birds. 

 This study has been carried on continu- 

 ously for four seasons, usually from June 

 until September. A second contribution 

 increased the list to 137, which includes the 

 summer residents and a few early fall mi- 

 grants. This careful systematic work is 

 especially valuable in making a good begin- 

 ning in the study of the birds in a region 

 not well kno^\^l. The careful oologieal 

 notes are full of interesting observations. 

 Frequent references are made to calamities 

 befalling old birds or their young. It is 

 shown that birds occupy unfinished nests, 

 which contain eggs. This may be due to 

 the laziness or shiftlessness on the part of 

 the mother, or to her inexperience, which 



