LORQUINIA 
45 
FIELD TRIP TO THE LITTLE TEJUNGA CANYON 
Sunday, December 10, 1916, was spent by a party from the Lor- 
qnin Natural History Club, in exploring the vicinity of the junction 
of Gold Creek and Little Tejunga Canyons. 
Seventeen enthusiastic hikers, constituting a group which included 
specialists in several branches of natural history, visited the ranch of 
Mr. Sparkuhle, an old German settler and miner, who exhibited a num- 
ber of specimens of local minerals collected by him. 
From Sparkuhle 's Ranch the route led the party up Gold Creek 
Canyon to a hat under some live oaks, where lunch was eaten. After 
some of the members continued up the canyon further, the entire 
party returned by crossing over the divide which separates the can- 
yon from the Little Tejunga, and following the latter down to the 
starting point. 
Biologically the trip could not be called very successful, because 
it was unfavorable for the observation of many forms of life that 
were dormant at that time. 
Of great interest to all was Dr. Hillman's explanation of the 
formation and history of oak galls, many of which were found all 
day long. Beneath the branches of a large oak, the party gathered 
about him as he explained and dissected a large oak gall, in which 
was found a tiny but fully matured hymenopteran which had devel- 
oped within. 
Raoul M. May collected some insects. Some plants were gath- 
ered by members of the party, and one Alligator Lizard, GerrJwnotns, 
was observed abroad. F. Grinnell. Jr., contributed to the plant 
knowledge of some of the members, while E. E. Hadley engaged with 
others in knotty problems concerning the geological formations. 
Golden California poppies in bloom, and the buds of wild peonies, 
served with other plants to indicate an abnormally premature seasonal 
development of plant life due to early rains followed by sunshine and 
mildness. 
As a picnic the trip was thoroughly enjoyed and is being planned 
among others for the next spring when collecting is at its best. 
Members possessing old numbers of Lorquina, especially Number 
1, will confer a favor upon the Club by donating to the Publication 
Committee any old copies they would otherwise throw away or de- 
stroy. Geo. L. Moxley, Chairman. 
