314 Scientific News. [May, 
one of the family Sabellide, and finds that it passes through a true “ gas- 
trula” condition. This is the first time that this stage of development 
has been traced in the higher worms. In studying these embryos he 
used carmine and hematoxylin as staining agents, the embryo being 
rendered transparent by glycerine. - 
— Prof. E. Ray Lankester, in his abstract of Haeckel’s article on the 
Gastrea theory, actually includes the Ascidians in the Vertebrates, adding 
in a foot-note that “ Professor Haeckel is not responsible for the classifi- 
cation here adopted of the Tunicata under the great group of Verte- 
brata.” 
— To elicit facts as to the migration of birds, Forest and Stream pro- 
poses to each one of its readers the plan of noting down, in reference to 
the birds of his district, observations upon some or all of the following 
ints : — 
(1.) Whether each species is resident throughout the year, is a sum- 
mer or winter visitor, or only passes through in spring and fall. 
(2.) With reference to each species in his locality, whether it is 
“abundant,” “ somewhat common,” or “ rare.” 
(3.) What species breed, and whether more than once in a season. 
(4.) Dates of arrival, greatest abundance, nest-building, laying €88% 
hatching of young, and beginning of departure of each species, and when 
it is last seen in the fall. 
(5.) What effect, if any, upon the relative} abundance of particular 
birds, in retarding their arrival or hastening their departure, sudden 
changes of the weather, storms, and “ late” and “early ” seasons appear 
to have. ; 
(6.) Similar notes upon the appearance and movements of the quad- 
rupeds, reptiles, and fishes of the region; and upon the times of flower- 
ing of trees and plants. 
(7.) Other occurrences considered noteworthy. 
Among the birds most likely to be reported upon, and which are the 
best exponents of the laws of migration, are the following, and to them 
especial attention is asked: cat-bird, blue-bird, summer yellow-bird pr 
yellow warbler, golden-crowned thrush, redstart, barn swallow, goldfinch 
or thistle-bird, song sparrow, chewink or towhee-finch, bobolink, red- 
winged blackbird, meadow lark, Baltimore oriole or hang-nest, phæbe- 
bird or bridge pewee, chimney swift or swallow, kingfisher, red-headed 
woodpecker, woodcock, killdeer plover, Wilson’s snipe, white 
wood duck, wild geese. ao 
If every naturalist or beginner in science would commence this spring 
to record such facts as these, it would induce him to observe much more 
closely and systematically than he might otherwise. 
— It may interest our botanical readers to learn that Mr. A. w. 
nett, of London, has been for some time engaged on a tran 
Thomé’s Lehrbuch der Botanik. It will be published in the course 
present year by Messrs. Longmans, with all the original illustrations: 
. 
Sen f ERN uii TAES 
LO a A in Ane pee ar E NANE a e CaA Po IE ELEN, 
BE e 
