I 34 
NATURE STUDY. 
It is the latest to have been acquired, and is therefore the 
least definitely fixed. While a peculiar feature distin¬ 
guishes a species, the variation of that feature helps to 
mark individuality. As the writer says : “ They keep the 
same general style, but diffei in detail with each individ¬ 
ual, so that the birds can recognize each other personally, 
just as we do our friends, by peculiarity of feature.” 
This good bit of humor appeared in November Torreya : 
The following statement, printed on a postal card, was 
received last month by members of the Linnsean Fern 
Chapter of the Agassiz Association. The appeal is self- 
explanatory, and as Torreya is not “in politics” just at 
present, we republish without comment: 
Fellow Members: 
Vote for Mr. Gilbert. There is no comparison between 
the two candidates for the presidency. Mr. Gilbert is a 
scientist, has a wide acquaintance with the members and 
the duties of the office. He lives near the center of fern 
lore. I am only a collector, have never attended a meet¬ 
ing and am a worldly business man. I have a daily news¬ 
paper to attend, and I am a politician. In truth, I am one 
of the possibilities for the Presidency of the United States 
upon the Populist ticket in 1904 against Theodore Roose¬ 
velt. It will give me all I can do to get the nomination 
for the office. I am much pleased for the honor so far and 
would be greatly pleased to make the Joliet park the head¬ 
quarters for the American fern, but association should be 
continued along its present prosperous lines and its affairs 
should be considered far above the pleasure of any one in¬ 
dividual. If possible I will attend the next meeting and 
if you like my looks I will stand for the race some other 
time. If any have already voted for me write quickly and 
have the vote changed. Jas. S. Ferriss, 
October 17, 1901. Joliet, Ill. 
