

1891.] Proceedings of Scientific Societies. 851 
Mr. Arthur Hollick read by title a list of 35 fungi collected at 
Tottenville, October 4th, 1890, and determined by Chas H. Peck, 
State Botanist. This will be published as a ‘‘special’’ at some future 
ate. 
Mr. Hollick presented a specimen of Spirophyton caudagaili, found 
on the shore of Tottenville,—an addition to the local list of paleozoic 
fossils found in the Drift. 
Mr. L. P. Gratacap showed specimens of Lymnea palustris, and read 
the following memorandum: The Zymnæa palustris, which was found 
last autumn by Mr. Davis in the brook that courses along Washington 
Avenue, and which was identified by Mr. Sanderson Smith, has been 
kept in confinement by me during the winter. The tank in which the 
individuals were placed was kept in a very cold room and partook of 
of the changes in the winter weather. Two only survived the experi- 
ence, and these have not hibernated, but maintained a sluggish life all 
winter. This spring seven gelatinous capsules exuded, each containing 
about twenty-five embryos. Amongst the authorities the opinion 
seems entertained that adults do not generally live over the winter, and 
that maturity is reached in one year. This opinion seems very 
questionable. he species may repay some attention, On this conti- 
nent it ranges as far north as Great Bear Lake in Canada, and in the 
' United States extends from New England through Pennsylvania and 
Kansas to California and Oregon. Abroad it ranges from Siberia to 
Algeria and Sicily. About five varieties are recorded by writers. The 
black patches of Lymnea upon the cement blocks just under the 
overflow from the new pond recently made in the Snug Harbor 
clearings, south of Castleton Avenue, may also prove to be this species. 
Mr. Davis noted the Carolina wren, as an addition to the 
list of birds known to breed on the island, and read the following note : 
On the 26th of last April I discovered a family of Carolina wrens 
(Thryothorus ludovicianus) on Richmond Hill near the old British fort. 
One of the parent birds was perched on top of a small Ailanthus tree 
calling vociferously, while the other accompanied the young, which 
were hidden in athick growth of low briers, grass, etc., in and out of 
which they crept. They were just able to fly,—indeed, one of them 
could only do so for a yard or two, and much preferred climbing about 
the briers. Later in the day the little birds had congregated under a 
small cedar, whose lower branches touched the ground, but they quickly 
sought the protection of the briers again when approached. It is hoped 
that they will not be molested, but continue to abide on Staten Island, 
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