36 



acquire the habit of using old bird's nests ; and when they 

 cannot be found, attempt a forced entry into an occupied 

 nest, wherein to deposit its eggs, and thus acquire the idle: 

 habits of the Cowbird. 



In conclusion, I would say that, without doubt, many more 

 changes in the habits of our birds, and the introduction of new 

 species, will take place around us during the coming fifty 

 years. The results following the opening of the Pacific Rail, 

 Road will not be confined to commerce and trade, for we see- 

 that plants invariably follow the track of these roads, and- 

 birds as surely follow vegetation. It is well known that rivers^, 

 mountains and coast lines, are used by birds to direct and 

 assist them in their migrations, and why may not railroads. 

 The voluminous Pacific Rail Road Reports themselves have 

 brought to our notice many new birds, which we cannot fail, 

 to recognize when they arrive among us. 



George D. Phippen, of Salem, had come to the meeting 

 by that pleasant drive which leads through Manchester- 

 Woods. Here Flora was found to be in excellent circum- 

 stances, and beautiful plants in great variety were to be had 

 for the picking. He exhibited Pyrolas, Cornels, etc. with 

 the Beach Pea (^Lathyrus maritimus') the Tufted Loosestrife 

 (^Naumhnrgia thyrsiflord) and the beautiful Willow-her!> 

 (JEpilohkimJ) In answer to a question, Mr. P. sketched the- 

 outlines of the natural family to which the Sumac be- 

 longs, and noticed the various species of Rhus that grow 

 among us, including the Poison Dogwood, (iJ. venenatay 

 and the Poison Ivy. (J?, toxicodendron.') 



Dr. R. H. Wheatland, of Salem, responded to some inqui- 

 ries by detailing the principal features in the development 

 of the common Toad. The Toad deposits its eggs in the 

 water in the latter part of April. They soon hatch, and the 

 small pools may be seen almost black with the multitudes of' 

 spawn. These, in about seven weeks, go through all their- 

 changes and hop out on dry land as miniature toads, 

 and in numbers almost without number ; from whence they^ 



