1 6 FIELD AND FOREST. 



bite is poisonous, the Copperhead or moccasin, the Rattlesnake, ( Crota- 

 lus,) and the Water moccasin, (^Toxicophis piscivorus?) 



He also stated that is was very easy to distinguish the venomous 

 snakes of this vicinity, from those which are harmless, by the great 

 constriction of the neck, and dilation of the head, which becomes tri- 

 angular, almost cordate, and by the short and blunt tail. 



The various adders found about here, and commonly feared, are 

 perfectly harmless. 



June 2\st, {\()\st meeting. ; 



Mr. Jouey presented nest and eggs of the Carolina dove, {Zenaidura 

 CaroUnensis .) Dr. Schaeffer exhibited, under the microscope, various 

 inhabitants of the Potomac water, Cyclops being very abundant and 

 active. Other species generally found in stagnant water were present. 

 But more dangerous to health than any of these found, were various 

 confervoid growths, with their possibilities of disease-bearing spores. 

 Altogether, the exhibition was not assuring to patrons of the aqueduct. 



Mr. Shufeldt then gave a very instructive and interesting paper up- 

 on "The Collection and Preservation of Vertebrates." After some 

 preliminary remarks upon the distinction between the true naturalist 

 and the mere collector, with instructions as to outfit, and great em- 

 phasis upon the necessity of full field-notes upon each specimen, he 

 proceeded to demonstrate upon the body of a vertebrate, well known 

 in market as Galltis vermis, the process of preparing a skin for cabinet 

 use. The Club then adjourned to October 4th, 1875. 



Field Record. 



A potato about two inches in diameter was brought to the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, in the centre of which was a small scaly tuber 

 similar to those found on the roots of some Cyperacece. No evidences 

 of connection between the inner tuber and the outside of the potato 

 were visible, they appearing to have been entirely obliterated. 



Mr R. L. Howell of Milleville, New Jersey, informs us that chickens 

 in his neighborhood have learned to eat the Colorado potato beetle, and 

 hunt for them with avidity. Another correspondent makes a similar 

 statement, explaining that corn was first strewn between the rows. 



