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Alfred M. Bailey, director of ‘The Chicago Academy of Sciences, re- 
ported testing the effect of the mineral spray on the feathers of water birds. 
These feathers, when dipped into clear water completely shed that water 
when they were taken out. Into the same water were then poured a few drops 
of mineral oil, a sample of that used in the mosquito eradication work, and 
feathers then dipped into the solution came out wet. ‘he mineral seemed 
to dissolve out and destroy the natural oil which waterproofs the feathers. 
This shows that the plumage of water fowl venturing into oil-covered 
pools would become water soaked and the safety of the birds endangered. 
Whether birds attempt to drink from the pools that have been sprayed and 
are thereby poisoned, is still to be investigated. 
‘The conference satisfied the representatives of the Audubon Society 
that the work of mosquito eradication in the Chicago area is now under 
most intelligent direction and that if close inspection of the work in the 
field can be maintained, danger to wild life will be greatly minimized. 
Wide observation and study of field conditions is still of great importance. 
As a practical outcome of the conference the president of the Des Plaines 
Valley district announced that a large woodland pool, chosen by Alfred M. 
Bailey, situated on the west side of Salt Creek, one-quarter mile south of 
31st Street, near the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Park Road, 1s 
to be developed and stocked with minnows next spring. During mosquito 
breeding season it will be inspected for mosquito production at least twice 
a month. The Audubon Society has been invited to designate a repre- 
sentative to make regular observations as to bird life there and check the 
record of mosquito production. It is possible that joint observation trips 
can be arranged. 
Fs 
HORNED LARK Photo by A. M. Bailey 
