146 
The Ohio Naturalist. 
to be new to science. He also collected several hybrid oaks in- 
Ohio, and some specimens of Crataegus, which Dr. Sargent of the 
Arnold Arboretum pronounces new species. A number of species 
have been added to the published state list of Ohio. 
Professor Mills gave a report of the opening of a prehistoric 
mound in Ross County just outside the town of Chillicothe. A 
number of skeletons and some very valuable material were obtained 
for the collections of the Ohio Archaeological and Historical 
Society. 
Professor Schaffuer spent the summer in Kansas. He talked 
interestingly of a visit he made to the Pottawattamie Indian 
Reservation, and showed a series of photographs procured during 
a short stay among these interesting people. Scientific investi- 
gations were made on several subjects, among which the follow- 
ing may be mentioned : “ The Self-pruning of Trees ; ” “ The 
Distribution of Cacti and Ferns in Kansas;" 11 The Maximum 
Height of Plants," and ‘‘The Timber Conditions of Kansas." 
Professor Landacre gave observations on the coccoon-spinning 
and egg-laying of the common garden spider. 
Mr. Morse mentioned procuring a water snake with thirty-three 
young. Also that the blowing viper, Heterodon platyrhinus, has 
some peculiar habits while in confinement. One specimen if 
teased would go through a series of contortions and eventually 
come to rest lying on its back. If all was quiet then it would soon 
take up its normal attitude, but if touched, or someone made a 
noise it was likely to turn over on its back again. 
Professor Cook spoke regarding the advance of plants in rock- 
quarries. Monocotyls and willows are mostly brought in by 
water, while dicotyls are more often brought in by wind. The 
monocotyls are the first to appear as a usual thing. In the 
particular quarry in mind sycamores and willows were the only 
trees observed. 
Air. Bridwell spent the summer in Kansas, where most of his 
time was spent in collecting plants and insects. The dry weather 
appeared to have its effect, as collecting was not as good as it had 
been in former years. 
Professor Osborn showed several photographs of tracks made 
by various animals on the sand of the lake beach at Sandusky. 
Also other photographs of scientific interest, among which may 
, be mentioned the fine glacial grooves of Kelly’s Island, and the 
nest of a red-bird containing three young. 
A proposition to hold the meetings of the club in Orton Hall 
for the coming } T ear was accepted. 
The November meeting is the annual meeting, at which new 
officers are elected, therefore a committee on nominations was 
appointed. Professors Schaffner, Prosser and Dandacre were 
appointed by the chair. 
James S. Hine, Secretary. 
