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imagine just how it might once have been held in an Algonquin 

 squaw's coppery fingers. At the north end of the swamp two 

 kinds of salamander eggs were noted. In stagnant pools there 

 were several masses belonging to Spotted Salamanders. It is 

 said to be exceptionally late to find the eggs of this species. 

 Near an old rotted plank there was a cluster of eggs covered 

 with leaves which may be something rare. A few have been col- 

 lected for identification. 



As an example of early and late blossoms, Arbutus still had 

 flowers, while not far away Pink Azalea was almost out. Both 

 the Yellow and Pink Lady's Slippers were in bloom, the former 

 is relatively rare except in a restricted area. Both Red and 

 Painted Trilliums were noted. Many violets were seen, includ- 

 ing one clump of Viola rostrata. Showy Orchis and Polygala 

 paucifolia were in prime condition. Crinkleroot and False Gen- 

 tian were seen in bloom in Rhododendron Swamp, but Clintonia 

 and Goldthread were not yet in flower. Hobble-bush was fully 

 out. The Dogwood (florida) was at its best and made a particu- 

 larly fine display because of the great size of the bracts or 

 "petals." Near some of the abandoned farms were a few apple 

 trees, gone wild. In the natural setting their beauty was par- 

 ticularly impressive. 



A total of 40 different species of birds were identified; the 

 following are probably most worthy of note: Turkey Vulture, 

 Ruffed Grouse (drumming), Mourning Dove in dense woods, 

 drilling of the Pileated Woodpecker, Winter Wren in song. 

 Hermit and Wood thrushes singing at the same time, Black- 

 burnian Warbler abundant and singing. Myrtle Warbler (mi- 

 gration late), Magnolia Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush sing- 

 ing, Ovenbird flight song. White-throated Sparrows and Juncos. 



Daniel Smiley, Jr. 



Trip of May 19 to 21 to Branchville, New Jersey 



On this fifteenth nature conference at the Pines, eighty-two 

 members and friends of the club, including members of the 

 Newark Museum Nature Club, had a delightful weekend. The 

 evening programs included illustrated talks by Dr. Kummel on 

 Flowers of Florida and by Dr. Curran on Insects We Eat, and 

 the showing of colored moving pictures of the Pine Barrens by 

 Dr. Small and of California by Mr. Hastings. 



