NATURE STUDY IN SCHOOLS. 193 



over the land to such an extent as to destroy the foliage. 

 Mr. Maynard then remarked that if v/e wished to keep 

 our birds,' we must leave them suitable places in which 

 to build their nests in summer and into which they could 

 retreat at other times. Thickets, such as are found in 

 abandoned gravel pits and fence corners, form just the plac- 

 es which birds like, and it is well to preserve these as far 

 as possible. . 



Upon motion of Mr. Davis, it was voted that the pres- 

 ident appoint a committee of three to inquire into this 

 matter and report to the chapter next meeting. Mr. 

 and Mrs. W. E. Davis and Mr. Fitzpatrick were named. 



The communications of the evening were by Mr. May- 

 nard on the anatomical structure of the Pied-billed Grebe, 

 snowing its adaptability to the environment. A peculiar 

 development of the upper end of the tibia was shown 

 and with the articulation of the bone, compared to a row 

 lock and oar of a boat. The wing was shown to be an ad- 

 ditional paddle which the bird used when moving under 

 water. 



Systematic Zoology was then taken up, and an account 

 of the life history of the flexible corals, or gorgonias, given, 

 illustrated by specimens. 



In calling attention to the city authorities to the protec- 

 tion of our birds, according to the requests of the Maynard 

 Chapter of the Newton Natural History Society, and in pre- 

 senting the above recorded facts, I wish to add that as a 

 result of the shots fired by the boys in the bird roost last 

 week, I find upon investigation that the event which I feared 

 has occurred, and that of all the thousands of Robins- and 

 Grackles which resorted to this place every night not one, 

 as far as I can see, now comes there. I say mainly as a result 



