News Published Monthly by Field Miiseum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 10 JANUARY, 1939 No. 1

THE DODO, EXTINCT SINCE THE YEAR 1681, IS RESTORED IN LIFE-SIZE MODEL RUDYERD BOULTON By of the seventeenth century. In order to one of the living specimens that was brought Curator of Birda judge the accuracy of this information, it to Europe during his life time. The com- Perhaps no bird is so universally known, is profitable to examine the life and career positions in his paintings are fanciful, as by name at least, as the dodo, symbol to of the artist, Roelant Savery, who painted may be judged from the titles of some of the modern world of obsolescence and the dodo several times. He was born in them: "Orpheus charming the beasts," grotesqueness. Few people, however, realize Courtrai (now in Belgium), in 1576, of an "Fable of the stags and cattle," "Slaughter that the dodo is anything but fictitious, and artistic family, his father and brother having of the Turks," "The Garden of Eden," fewer still know that there were two species also been painters. The two boys were and "Noah's Ark." of dodos, and also a dodo-like bird, the pupils of Hans Bol, genre painter, con- The figures of the birds and animals, solitaire, which flourished in a limited way temporary and colleague of Pieter Brueghel, however, are far from fanciful. They are in the seventeenth century. definitely literal, executed A restoration of the Mau- with the finesse and atten- ritius dodo has been com- tion to detail that is so char- pleted by the writer and acteristic of the Flemish recently was installed in Hall school. Among the birds 21. Mr. Frank Gino has ably that he painted are faithful modeled and constructed the figures of turkeys, pelicans, restoration, and Miss Laura swans, ostriches, casso- Brey has executed drawings waries, bitterns, herons, and paintings to supplement storks, crested cranes, pea- the exhibit. cocks, macaws, cockatoos There are no complete and geese. In the small re- specimens of dodos in exis- productions of Savery's tence. In addition to one or paintings available for ex- two incomplete skeletons amination the smaller birds and miscellaneous bones in are naturally unidentifiable, European museums, there is but they undoubtedly could a head in the Copenhagen be identified in the originals. Museum, a foot in the Brit- Several of his pencil draw- ish Museum, and a head and ings of monkeys would do a foot in the Ashmolean Mu- credit to our best modern seum at Oxford. The reason animal portrayors from the for the lack of specimens is point of view of literalness not hard to find since, during and accuracy, while Savery's the seventeenth century and figures of domestic animals even the first part of the are the equal of Bonheur's. eighteenth, there were no Roelant Savery, then, was museums as we know them an artist with an accurate, meticulous and today. No Myth, as Many Have Thought, the Dodo Looked Like This careful At least two dodos are Restoration, now on exhibition in Hall 21, of tiie extinct bird whose name has become a brush, and it is from his data [)art of our language as a of obsolescence. In many ways the most famous bird that ever known to have been symbol that the restoration of the brought lived, no complete specimen of the dodo, or even of its skeleton, remains in existence. alive to Europe, and one of dodo in Field Museum has them was shown in London in 1638. The the Elder, who was the most illustrious been made. To the Ryerson Library of the remnants of this bird, a head and a foot Flemish painter of the sixteenth century. Art Institute of Chicago, and especially to only, are undoubtedly those preserved at In the early part of Roelant Savery's career Mr. Daniel Catton Rich, Director of Fine Oxford, having first been exhibited in he traveled in the Tyrol and painted for Arts, and to Miss Dorothy Odenheimer, I Tradescant's Museum in 1656. The speci- some time at the courts of Rodolphe II am deeply indebted for assistance in examin- men has suffered grievously from the ravages and of Mathias, emperors of the German ing data relating to Savery's work. of time, a misfortune that will scarcely Empire, in Prague and Vienna. In 1619 he The dodos belonged to an extinct family happen to objects now preserved in present- returned to Holland and settled in Utrecht of birds related to the pigeons, constitut- day museums with their modern techniques. where, until his death in 1639, he painted ing with them the order Columbiformes. Our knowledge of dodos comes to us in landscapes with animals principally, and There were two genera—the dodos proper a most interesting way. Descriptions of became one of the outstanding animal and the solitaires. They were all large their habits and appearance are contained painters of the Flemish school. About 187 birds, about the size of turkeys, and they in the journals of navigators who sailed paintings and 90 drawings by Savery are were found only on three of the Mascarene the Indian Ocean in the sixteenth century. extant, most of them in European collections. Islands, southeast of Madagascar. The The most accurate information, however, At least eight paintings attributed to gray dodo lived on Mauritius, the white comes through the school of Flemish paint- Savery contain figures of dodos, and it is dodo on Reunion (or Bourbon as it is some- ing that reached its peak in the early part highly probable that he had as a model times called), and the solitaire, which was 19S9 Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS January,

of Palms direction of the wind, but the pits are not more slenderly built, inhabited Rodriguez. Economic Importance as deep nor are the rims as high as they All three were flightless, their wings being In tropical countries, palms furnish many have been had they fallen on muddy no longer functional. Their ancestors, of of the necessaries of life—food, clothing, might sediments instead of on sands. Mud, due course, were undoubtedly capable of flight. construction material for dwellings, home to its greater cohesiveness and because it The date of their extinction was about 1681. furnishings, etc. An extensive display of can be more easily squeezed, retains the This group of birds illustrates perfectly palms and their economic products is to be formed on it better than sand, the fact that insular isolation and freedom seen in Hall 25. impressions which tends to roll and spread. from predatory enemies bring about flight- M. Pullman Hall 13) is Another but somewhat per- lessness through mutation pressure and the George (Hall interesting devoted to horned and hoofed feature of the Field Museum speci- absence of the need for adaptation. Origi- entirely plexing animals from all of the world. men is that it does not contain as numerous nally there were no predatory mammals parts as be expected, indicating in this group of islands, but pigs and imprints might the wind either blew hard and that monkeys were introduced by the early FIELD MUSEUM NEWS that the rainfall was or that the impressions explorers. Within a hundred years the IN "NEW DRESS" light, the were caused by hail stones, which are pigs and monkeys completely destroyed better and to To provide legibility, than rain dodos and their kin. This illustrates the usually fewer numerically drops, increase and improve its service to of the introduction of and which, when accompanied by high danger promiscuous Members of the Museum, FIELD also descend at a slant and produce animals foreign to a natural environment. NEWS with winds, MUSEUM inaugurates similar and elevated rims. There is an interesting contemporary ac- elliptical pits this issue a more easily read style of from the No convincing proof that the impressions count of dodos published in 1601, and an in- typographical "dress," were made hail stones has been pen of the Dutch Admiral Neck, who by yet crease in size to eight pages. studied. wrested the island of Mauritius from the found, but the specimen is still being It is believed that all readers If conclusive evidence that the Portuguese. Another, that appeared in impressions will the increase two welcome by are hail is will be, to 1625, "There is a store of great fowle imprints found, they says: as terminolo- "points," printers' the of the writer, the first of of the bignesse of a Turkie, very fat, and knowledge of white gy expresses it, the space their kind ever to so short winged that they can not fly, brought light. between the lines of type. This rain and in a manner tame; and so Preservation or "fossilization" of drop being white, into brings the NEWS conformity or hail like those of mud cracks be all other fowles as having not been imprints, with the typographical practice of nor feared with shot." and foot prints of animals, is simple in its troubled and news- most modern periodicals nature if conditions are favorable. Rain Of the Rodriguez solitaire, F. Legaut wrote papers. on but not fluid in 1708: "They are taller than turkeys, drops falling soft, muddy The increase in the size of this or left after the reces- the eye black and lively and the head with- sandy flats, exposed monthly bulletin will make possible sion of leave their imprints. out comb on cop {sic). They never fly, their floodwaters, a more complete coverage of the for a time to sun and air desiccates wings are too little to support their bodies, Exposure activities of the Museum. hardens the flats and with them the they serve only to beat themselves and and CLIFFORD C. Director later be covered with flutter when they call on one another. GREGG, imprints. These may silt and once thus From March to September they are very wind-blown sand or destruction fat and taste covered they are protected from admirably well, especially RAINSTORM 250,000,000 YEARS AGO further inundation of the mud flats. By while they are young; some of the males RECORDED IN FOSSIL IMPRINTS by 45 The females are wonder- continued deposition on the top, the im- weigh pounds. By Sharat K. Roy are buried and deeper. Later, fully beautiful and no one feather is strag- Curator of Geology prints deeper hardened the other all over their bodies. after the sediments have become gling from Fossil of rain in sedi- imprints drops the The feathers on their craws are whiter by pressure and cementation into rock, mentary rocks (shale or sandstone) made there than the which beds of shale or sandstone, depending on rest, livelily represents by ordinary brief showers are not of un- the fine neck of a beautiful woman." the nature of the deposits, may be exposed common occurrence, but such imprints re- by erosion, revealing a secret of the past sulting from rain accompanied by winds of Visitors as in this case. Distinguished high velocity are rare. A specimen believed Among distinguished visitors recently to be of the latter type was found by the Birds of Yucatan Presented welcomed at Field Museum are the Countess writer last summer while conducting the by Melvin A. Traylor, Jr. Gisele de Diesbach, Attach^e to the Louvre, Sewell L. Avery Geological Expedition, and Representatives of more than eighty Paris, as head of the lecture department; is now on exhibition among the physical species of birds, native to the Yucatan Mr. A. S. Arguelles, Director, Bureau of geology collections in Clarence Buckingham peninsula of Mexico, have been presented Science, Manila, Philippine Islands; Dr. Hall (Hall 35). It was found, about four to Field Museum by Mr. Melvin A. Traylor, Alexander Wetmore, Director, United States and one-half miles northwest of Boulder, Jr., of Chicago, who collected them last National Museum and Assistant Secretary Colorado, in a fine-grained sandstone (Lyon's summer during a sojourn of several weeks of the Smithsonian Institution, Wash- sandstone) of the Pennsylvanian age, esti- in that region. ington, D.C.; Dr. C. L. Lundell, of the mated to be 250,000,000 years old. Mr. Traylor at present is also contributing Herbarium of the University of Michi- Rain drops not accompanied by high his services to the Museum, as a volunteer gan, Ann Arbor; Dr. Leon J. Cole, Professor winds produce circular pits margined by worker in the Division of Birds, where he of Zoology, University of Wisconsin, Madi- elevated rings, whereas, when driven by is engaged in classifying and studying the son; Mr. Stewart H. Perry, of Adrian, strong winds, they make elliptical pits with specimens in collaboration with Mr. Rudyerd Michigan, an authority on meteorites; greater depths and higher margins on the Boulton, Curator of Birds. Included in the Mr. Bertrand Schultz, Assistant Director, sides toward which the rain drops and wind collection, which is notable for the varieties Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln, and Dr. are directed. This is because the velocity represented, are a number of important Gerald W. Prescott, Associate Professor in of the wind drives the rain drops at a slant species of hawks which will make a valuable the department of botany, Albion College, and with greater force. The Field Museum addition to the extensive series of birds of Albion, Michigan, who is a well-known specimen shows these characteristic ellip- prey inaugurated by the late Mr. Leslie student of algae. tical pits and rims elevated toward the Wheeler, former Trustee of the Museum. January, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 3

stone slabs carved with the prayer formula ANOTHER GIFT OF $4,000 RECEIVED mani THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED "om padme hum") and thus have FROM MRS. J. N. RAYMOND prayers said for him. The extreme develop- To further the co-ordination of educa- Tibetan Wheels ment of this seems to be the mani walls, Prayer tional activities of Field Museum with those sometimes three-quarters of a mile long The wheel goes round and round, and of the schools of Chicago, Mrs. James Nelson with a chorten at each end, and with hundreds each time it spins represents a repetition of Raymond last month made an additional of flat rocks along the top of the wall, each a to the prayer written on paper attached gift of $4,000 to the Museum. This, with carved with a prayer or charm words. In — is in it that the idea of the Tibetans previous gifts, makes a total of more than passing these to the left the prayers ac- designing the revolving aids to devotions $63,000 received from Mrs. Raymond to crue to the traveler's benefit. But if he goes known as prayer wheels, of which a collec- supplement the $500,000 endowment she pro- on the right of the wall, the prayers are tion is exhibited in Hall 32 (Case 3). vided in 1925 wherewith the James Nelson "deducted." Tibetan horses automatically But not content even with the efficacy and Anna Louise Foundation walk to the left of such walls. A combina- Raymond of this lazy way of saying prayers, they for Public School and Children's Lectures tion of the wheel and wall method of pray- have developed a method which they believe was established. ing is found in Likiang, in the borderland increases its effectiveness a thousandfold. The year 1938 was one of the most This is done the a thou- by printing prayer active in the history of the Foundation, and sand times on long strips of paper which the staff has been increased from five to six resemble the used in stock market tape lecturers to meet the increasing demands for and these into a tickers, inserting strips its services. Attendance at the free pro- hollow in the wheel. each cylinder Then, grams of motion pictures for children pre- time it spins, the effect is regarded as sented in the James Simpson Theatre has to the a thousand equivalent saying prayer been larger, and several new types of times. As most Lama and priests many activity have been carried on, such as the have these and laymen instruments, keep preparation of special exhibits, and the them almost perpetually in motion during development of informational conferences are thus enabled their waking hours, they for groups of children in connection with a to say their prayers millions of times in a new series of radio programs broadcast under a feat that would be im- day, physically the auspices of the Chicago Board of Educa- possible to the most fervent suppliant who tion. More work has been undertaken also confined himself to oral utterance. to supply natural history counsel for those Shown in the illustration accompanying in charge of children's camps, boys' and is a wheel included in the typical prayer girls' clubs, and church organizations. Field Museum collection. A further refine- Approximately 1,200 groups, aggregating ment of these wheels—one hand-propelled tens of thousands of children, have been with a tin to be equipped — propeller spun provided with guide services on visits to the by the wind is exemplified by one of the Museum. Two new series of stories for "Mass Production" of Prayers specimens in the exhibit. Temples and children have been and Tibetans believe they accomplish the effect of prepared, thousands often have a times with each twirl of one of villages community prayer praying thousand of copies distributed. Extension lecturers these odd wheels containing a long strip of paper on fifteen to feet in wheels, twenty diameter, which supplication may be printed a thousand times. sent out into the schools have addressed Mr. C. Martin Wilbur, Curator of Chinese Archae- operated by water power or windmills. The children in their ology and Ethnology, holds a complete instnunent approximately 185,000 because of their are a roll of the table is a disassem- larger ones, size, usually and prayer tape. On classrooms and assembly halls. bled wheel into which roll is called barrels." showing opened cylinder "prayer inserted. The metal weight attached to cylinder by a Mr. Schuyler Cammann, who recently chain causes it to revolve when a swinging motion is applied to the handle by the person offering prayers. Museum Lecture Tours Attended returned from Tibet, and visited Field Museum to study its Tibetan collections, between Tibet and southwestern China. A by 1,585 "4-H" Boys and Girls adds the following information from his monk walks clockwise around the wall of Groups of American farm boys and girls personal observation: his temple, into which have been fixed from forty-four states, Canada, and Hawaii, There are other Tibetan devices to aid leather-bound prayer wheels. As he walks were brought to Field Museum during the A traveler walk clockwise along he brushes the wheels with his praying. may International Live Stock Exposition held around a chorten monument shoulder, setting them to spinning prayers (a containing in Chicago in December. There were 1,585 ashes of saints) or a mani pile (made of for him. of them—626 girls, and 959 boys—several hundred more than were in the groups of the came under the FIELD WORK IN MISSISSIPPI In the space of five days, some sixty previous year. They were recorded. were auspices of the National Four-H Club Con- Collections of birds from the state of species Specimens obtained of about that will gress. The entire staff of the James Nelson are few and far and thirty species Mississippi between, and Anna Louise Foundation was greatly aid in the solution of problems of Raymond as a result the avifauna of that part of the in birds of the Gulf Coast area. assigned to conducting them on guide- South is little known. This speciation relatively lecture tours of Museum exhibits. In addi- the interesting birds found were lack of is because Among knowledge important tion to these the Museum received Brewer's black-birds which occurred in large groups, lies in the area where birds typ- Mississippi hundreds of other individual both flocks. It was not previously realized that visitors, ical of Florida and Texas come together. this western wintered so far to the adults and youths, in Chicago because of the cordial of Mr. species Through co-operation live show. east. the stock James Leavell and Mr. Carl Birdsall, of The field was so Chicago, Mr. Rudyerd Boulton, Curator of work, though brief, successful that were aroused for a Birds, and Mr. Stephen S. Gregory, Jr., hopes Noteworthy fresco paintings of the first of Winnetka, had the opportunity recently more extensive program of further work in century A. D., excavated from the village of of making a brief reconnaisance of the bird this zoologically neglected area of the Boscoreale near Pompeii, are exhibited in life of Jackson County. south. —R.B. Edward E. and Emma B. Ayer Hall (Hall 2). Page U FIELD MUSEUM NEWS January, 193 d

MONUMENTS NOW MARK SITES WHERE FIELD MUSEUM EXPEDITION FOUND DINOSAURS

Through the interest of the Chamber of become a headquarters for amateur col- near our site. We began our search for Commerce of Grand Junction, Colorado, lectors. In answer to my letter, he described surface indications much like men in search as well as several service clubs of that city, fossils that had been found in the Grand of gold—we traced leads, dug dozens of pros- ^ and Mr. Al Look, an executive of the Grand River Valley, and offered aid and informa- pecting holes, and then abandoned most of Junction Daily Sentinel, bronze plaques have tion to any exploratory party Field Museum them as worthless. been placed on monuments constructed might send. Vertebrae, ribs, and the shoulder blade from native rock at sites where important Early in June, 1900, Mr. H. W. Menke, of a medium size dinosaur, Camarasaurus, fossil dinosaur skeletons were excavated by my colleague at Field Museum, Victor were finally located and dug out. As weeks a Field Museum Expedition during 1900 Barnett, a young assistant, and I, arrived passed and summer heat came on, the sands and 1901. at Grand Junction and called at Dr. Brad- drifted, and "dust-devils" danced down the Mr. Look, long an enthusiastic friend of bury's office where we examined his speci- valley. On the Fourth of July, Menke the Museum's, who has assisted its expedi- mens. Among them were large vertebrae took his pick and canteen, and went pros- tions in many ways, and has contributed and a leg bone of a brownish color. pecting alone. At dusk he returned, an- many fine fossil specimens to the collections "They are from dinosaurs all right," said nouncing he had found "the biggest thing of the institution, reports that a movement Menke as we recognized a caudal vertebra yet!" It proved to be the skeleton of is also under way to have these sites pre- of Diplodocus. Brachiosaurus, indeed, and by far, "the served as public parks under perpetual largest known dinosaur." protection. The news spread to the town, and many Both sites are on isolated buttes in the parties were organized to visit our camp. valley of the Colorado River, one west of Captain Lemon, Superintendent of the In- Grand Junction, the other across the river dian School, ran an appraising eye over the from Fruita. The expedition commemo- huge pelvis lying upside down, and remarked, rated was conducted under the leadership "He's broader across the back than a $200 of Mr. Elmer S. Riggs, Curator of Paleon- mule!" At sunset people were still coming tology. At one site the expedition obtained on horseback and bicycle. Members of the huge skeleton of Avalosanrus (also our party stood by to explain the nature of known as one of the Brontosaurus) , largest the animal, and to make sure that no damage forms of dinosaur, which now occupies a was done by the groups of enthusiastic central position in Ernest R. Graham Hall sightseers. (Hall 38). At the second site the expedition The skeleton of Brachiosaurus was em- unearthed a genus of dinosaur previously bedded in a layer of clay-sand cropping out unknown to science, almost giraffe-like in of the side of a butte capped with a heavy form, to which was given the name Brachio- ledge of Dakota sandstone. When found, saurus. As the first example of this animal it was being slowly washed out by rain and Field Museum Expedition Commemorated discovered, this is a type specimen, of im- water from snows. The sacrum and One of two monuments erected by citizens of Grand melting for portance to scientists as a criterion Junction, Colorado, to mark sites where paleontologists one side of the pelvis were exposed. As the excavated dinosaur skeletons now on exhibition of further which huge comparison any specimens in Ernest R. Graham Hall. Efforts are being made to hard clay was removed from the upper side, have the as a may be found. Various parts of this crea- locality designated public park, to be a series of vertebrae were disclosed. A preserved perpetually in its natural state. of cases in ture are exhibited in a series great femur, nearly seven feet long, lay Graham Hall. "Can you take us to the place where these crosswise underneath. Beside the vertebrae fossils came from?" I asked. lay great flat bones shaped like ribs, some DINOSAUR HUNTING "Get saddle horses for tomorrow," was as much as eight inches in width, or nearly IN COLORADO Dr. Bradbury's answer, "and I'll take where By Elmer S. Riggs you you Curator of Paleontology can see fossils in the rock." the Grand River (Mr. Riggs presents reminiscences of Crossing the Field Museum Expedition -which and the Gunnison next has been the just commemorated by morning, we sighted the first erection of monuments in Colorado.) "pay-dirt" in two buttes In the late '90's and early 1900's, the near the mouth of the No- Rocky Mountain region was the scene of thoroughfare Canyon. There intense dinosaur hunting activity. Dis- Dr. Bradbury showed us covery in 1877 by Professor O. C. Marsh fragments of dinosaur bones (Yale) of the first of these gigantic reptiles scattered on the surface and, to be found on this continent, fired public higher up, pieces in undis- imagination, and every museum wanted a turbed clay. dinosaur. The eastern slope of the Rockies Convinced that the region and adjacent plains were scoured by a would be fruitful, we chose score of expeditions, and the search was a camp site. Riding back carried northward into Canada. through the Gunnison Valley Skeleton of Apatosaurus The western slope of the mountains, how- we saw a fossil turtle locked This specimen, 32 feet long, provides an impressive representation of a was still The in a boulder that ever, virgin territory. writer, quartzite prehistoric giant despite the lack of head and extremity of tail which gave it in life, to a total of 65 to 70 feet. The site where it after studying maps of western Colorado must have weighed a ton, according estimates, length was excavated in Colorado is one of those now marked by monuments. and eastern Utah, communicated with Dr. and returned to town filled S. M. Bradbury, who was President of the with anticipation of a successful "dig." twice as wide as any ever seen before. As Western Colorado Academy of Science. The That evening wagons unloaded our tents the rock was cleared away, and five, six, dental office of this pioneer scientist had and camp equipment at the Goat Ranch, seven, eight and finally nine feet of these January, ld39 PlELD MUSEUM NEWS Page S great ribs were revealed, our amazement of soft sand. The big prize was a series of blasting was required in this operation. The increased in proportion. vertebrae with ribs attached, and pelvis bones were taken out in blocks of matrix, Further along appeared a great flat bone, and leg bones in position. These were bound up with plaster of paris and burlap, broad at one end, and tapering away to a found on a steep slope in a little gulch and thus made ready for shipment. rounded shaft which was jagged and broken. which enters the river near Fruita. The Packed in this way, the skeleton of More than four feet of it lay intact. It prospect was an excellent one, but there Apatosaurus weighed ten tons. It was was too long for any dinosaur humerus was no opportunity of doing more that year. conveyed by wagon to the ferry and across known at that time from America. Soon Next April our party returned to Grand the river. There, boxes were made and the we began picking up fragments scattered Junction. Permission was secured to util- bones were more securely packed for ship- along the slope and fitting them together. ize an old cable, once used for operating ment to Field Museum. Within half an hour, we had a second great a ferry-boat, which would give access to Arrival at the Museum marked only the bone quite as long as the thigh bone, but the railroad and supplies, and solve the beginning of work on the skeleton. A year of different shape. Scarcely believing our problem of transporting the specimen. A and a half was required for four men to

Photograph copyright Field Museum of Natural History Apatosaurus as It Is Believed to Have Appeared in Life Restoration of the huge Colorado dinosaur, as conceived from skeletons and the results of scientific research. This large mural by Mr. Charles R. Knight is on exhibition in Earnest R. Graham Hall with twenty-seven other paintings of scenes showing prehistoric animals and plants beginning with the earliest known forms.

senses, the conclusion was forced upon us large scow was constructed at Grand Junc- chisel away the stone from the fossil bones that this bone was from an upper fore-leg— tion, and camp equipment, including food and cement the pieces together. Another a humerus. That conclusion was revolu- supplies for men and horses, was loaded six months were needed to set the bones up tionary to our knowledge of dinosaurs. They aboard. The boat, christened Mary Ann, on a steel frame as an assembled skeleton. had been known only as animals with short was floated down the river and installed It remains today one of the outstanding fore-legs and long hind legs. Here was a as a ferry-boat on the old cable. exhibits in Ernest R. Graham Hall (Hall 38). beast whose shoulders must have been carried The task of digging out this big skeleton The tablets now set up at the sites of the much higher than the hips—a veritable involved quarrying methods. Rock was two principal excavations will be a constant giraffe in the dinosaur kingdom! stripped off from above to reach the speci- reminder to residents of the region, and to At the end of the summer of 1900, a men. But as the series of vertebrae led fur- travelers, that before the Rocky Mountains further search for dinosaurs was made lower ther into the hill, the bank became too high were uplifted, before the sagebrush and the down in the Grand (now called Colorado) for such operations, so a tunnel was driven sand existed, all this district was a vast River Valley. Separate bones were seen in in, and thus the animal was followed past swamp, inhabited by gigantic creatures ledges of sandstone. A complete fore-leg, its pelvis to the middle of its tail where totally different in habits and structure with shoulder blade, was found in a layer the series of vertebrae was broken. Much from any which live on the earth today.

STAFF NOTES visited museums in Kansas City, St. Louis, 1938 excavations of the Field Museum Director Clifford C. Gregg was among Milwaukee and Minneapolis to inspect and Archaeological Expedition to Southwestern re- before the of the the speakers on a program marking the study important Oriental collections Colorado, meeting Ameri- opening of a new wing in the Museum of cently received in those cities. can Anthropological Association held in December 27-31. Science of the St. Paul Institute, December New York, Mr. Field 1. His topic was "The Place of the Local Rudyerd Boulton, Museum's Curator of was honored Museum in Its Community." During his Birds, recently by Dr. Henry Field, Curator of Physical election Treasurer of the Orni- visit to St. Paul, Mr. Gregg was a guest as American Anthropology, gave an illustrated lecture speaker also at a luncheon of the Minnesota thologists' Union, and Business Manager of on "Ancient and Modern Inhabitants of its The Auk. Club. quarterly journal. Southwestern Asia," before the joint meeting of the American Historical Association and Mr. C. Martin Wilbur, Curator of Chinese Dr. Paul S. Martin, Chief Curator of the American Oriental Society held in Archaeology and Ethnology, last month Anthropology, presented a report on the Chicago, December 30. Page 6 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Janvary, 19S9

Field Museum of Natural History In the Museum's Department of Geology, Mr. Glynn was largely responsible for Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 Mr. Chalmers founded a noteworthy series supervising the gigantic task of moving Roosevelt Road and Field Drive, Chicago of exhibits which his fellow Trustees desig- the Museum's exhibits, study collections, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES nated as the William J. Chalmers Crystal and other possessions from the building Sewsix L. Avery Charles A. McCuixocb Collection. By means of carefully selected originally occupied in Jackson Park, and Leopold E. Block Willlam H. Mitchell this collection illustrates in the WiLLiAii J. Chalmers* George A. Richardson mineral specimens, reinstalling them present building Albert B. Jr. Theodore Roosevelt Dick, the which minerals crystallize, which was opened to the public in 1921. Joseph N. Field Fred W. Sargent systems by Marshall Field James Simpson and the varying development of crystal This immense moving operation, including Stanley Field Solomon A. Smith Albert W. Harris Albert A. Sfragub form in each system, thus providing an hundreds of thousands of items, many of Jr. Silas H. Strawn Samuel Insull, educational feature of immense value, them extremely fragile, was conducted with John P. Wilson which has been practically no losses or *Deceased December 10, 19S8 damage. OFFICERS much used by stu- Mr. Glynn designed many of the best Stanley Field Pretident dents and teachers. types of cases used in the Museum, including Albert A. Sfrague Fini Vice-President after the built-in cases which are James Simpson Second Vice-President Year year, architecturally Albert W. Harris Third Vice-PreeidenI Mr. Chalmers made integrated with the interior of the building Clifford C. Gregg Director and Secretary Solomon A. Smith . . . Treasurer and Assistant Secretary further contribu- itself, and which are used for the installation tions to expand and of habitat groups and other dioramas. He FIELD MUSEUM NEWS improve this collec- also made other improvements in methods Clifford C. Gregg, Director of the Museum Editor tion. Many types of installation of exhibits, lighting, etc. A CONTRIBUTING EDITORS of twin crystals and notable accomplishment was his recon- Paul S. Martin Chief Curator of Anthropology other struction in the Hall of Archae- B. E. Dahlgren . Chief Curator of Botony crystal group- Egyptian Henry W. Nichols. Chief Curator of Geology ings are illustrated, ology (Hall J) of two mastaba Wilfred H. Osgood Chief Curator of Zoology complete H. B. Harte Managing Editor as well as various tomb chapels of Egypt's Old Kingdom features of These were assembled crystal William J. Chalmers period. using chiefly Field Museum is open every day of the year (except growth, such as original stone blocks brought from Egypt. Christmas and New Year's Day) during the hours Indicated below: zone structure, inclusions and phantoms. November, December, January, February 9 a.m. to 4 P.M. Among the crystals are many of gem quality, Stone Age Hall Sculptor March, September, October 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. April, cut for May, June, July, August 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. which would have been gems had they Dies in Accident not been preserved in natural form for this Admission is free to Members on all days. Other News of the death of Mr. Frederick adults are admitted free on Thursdays, Saturdays and collection. Especially noteworthy is a noted came as a Sundays; non-members pay 25 cents on other days. Blaschke, sculptor, pro- series of tourmalines an extra- Children are admitted free on all days. Students and exhibiting found shock to members of the scientific members of educational institutions are admit- faculty ordinary variety of colors and forms. He ted free any day upon presentation of credentials. and administrative staff of Field Museum, notable contributions also to the col- The Musexim's natural history Library is open for made with whom he had been associated for a reference daily except Saturday afternoon and Sunday. lections of gems and of invertebrate fossils. of Mr. Blaschke was the Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of number years. Mr. a native of was Chicago by the N. W. Harris Public School Extension Chalmers, Chicago, creator of the restorations of various types Department of the Museum. 1852. rose to born on July 10, He a of men and animals in Field Lectures for schools, and special entertainments prehistoric and tours for children at the Museum, are provided prominent place in the city's business life, Museum's Hall of the Stone of the Old the James Nelson and Age by Anna Louise Raymond but in recent had retired from active Foundation for Public School and Children's Lectures. years World, and Ernest R. Graham Hall. This Announcements of free illustrated lectures for the direction of the enterprises with which he work ranked his most and among important public, special lectures for Members of the Museum, was associated. He was a director of the will appear in Field Museum News. accomplishments, and won him great acclaim World's of A cafeteria in the Museum serves visitors. Rooms Columbian Exposition 1893, and for its excellence. are provided for those bringing their lunches. a member of the Chicago school board Mr. Blaschke died December due to Chicago Motor Coach Company No. 26 buses go 4, direct to the Museum. under Washburne. He also served Mayor injuries suffered in an accidental fall in Members are requested to inform the Museum on the track elevation commission which promptly of changes of address. his home at Cold Spring-on-Hudson, New made the elevation of the Illinois possible York. He was 57 years old. Central railroad in 1892. WILLIAM J. CHALMERS Because of his extensive interests as a July 10, 1852—December 10, 1938 BASIC KNOWLEDGE— manufacturer of mining machinery, Mr. Architecture the Field Museum suffered an acute loss by Chalmers traveled widely, and had visited of Universe, by A. the death, on December 10, of Mr. William J. practically every important area where Reginald Daly. Chalmers, who had ably served as a member mining is carried on. During the world war, "This book, by a recognized author- of its Board of Trustees since 1894, shortly he directed campaigns to obtain relief funds ity, explains in non-technical language after the founding of the institution. Mr. for Belgian children, contributing lavishly and in a most interesting manner the Chalmers, noted in Chicago also for his from his own pocket. Later he was decorated structure of the earth," states Mr. many other civic interests and philan- by the Belgian government in recognition Henry W. Nichols, Chief Curator of thropies, was in his eighty-sixth year. of this work. Geology at Field Museum. "It de- Concurrently with his election as a Trustee scribes the structure and composition of the Mr. Chalmers was chosen both of the interior of the earth and Museum, JOHN E. GLYNN as a member of the Building Committee, of its crust, and tells why there are October 13, 1869-December 14, 1938 and for many years he served as Chairman continents and oceans, mountains and of that important committee, and also as a Mr. John E. Glynn, a veteran member of plains. Much of its content is based member of the Executive Committee. For the staff of Field Museum, died December 14, on discoveries of recent years, and will his eminent services to science, Mr. Chalmers after a protracted period of illness. Mr. be new to those whose studies in was elected an Honorary Member of the Glynn, who was 69 years old, had been an geology terminated more than a few Museum, while his generous gifts to the employe of the Museum since 1894, when he years ago." institution placed his name high on the roll joined the staff as Assistant Superintendent. At the BOOK SHOP of FIELD of the Museum's Contributors. He was also Since 1920 he had been Superintendent of MUSEUM—$3. a Corporate Member and a Life Member. Maintenance. January, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 7

MUSEUM STAFF APPOINTMENTS a guard, and since January, 1930, has been lector. Felling a small tree loaded with on one of the night shifts. he cuts the The following appointments, effective Acting Sergeant promising plants, through base Mr. David Conwill—Sergeant of the of each plant with the and then January 1, 1939, are announced by the machete, a Director: Guard. Mr. Conwill became Museum removes the leaves one by one. Earth- guard April 1, 1931, immediately after his worms and nematodes are abundant in the Mr. William H. Corning—Superintendent retirement from the United States Army. moist detritus in the outer the of Maintenance. Mr. Corning joined the leaves; aquatic larvae of damsel flies are almost staff of Field Museum late in 1920 as Chief invariably LIFE IN AIR PLANTS present; flattened bugs and beetles inhabit Engineer, and has served in that capacity ANIMAL the leaves above the water and various since that time. By Karl P. Schmidt level; Curator of Amphibians and Reptiles arachnids are foitnd in the drier of the Mr. William E. Lake—Chief Engineer. tops plants. Mr. Lake came to the Museum July 1, 1922, The environment in which animals are In addition to the salamanders as an engineer, becoming Assistant Chief found is referred to as their "habitat." (of which there be two or Engineer in 1926. Within the more general types of habitat, may even three species in Mr. Arthur G. Rueckert—Staff Artist. such as hardwood forest, we distinguish a single plant) the bromeliad niche is a favorite for Mr. Rueckert joined the staff in November, restrictions to special environments as refuge tree frogs of the genus The use of 1923, as a taxidermist. In addition to a "niches." The red-backed salamander, for Hyla. hylas frequently make the water at the bases of the leaves general experience in taxidermy and the example, is found in the fallen-log niche in standing for making of accessories for exhibits, Mr. a forest habitat. When whole assemblages egg-laying, and frequently exhibit great Rueckert assisted the late Charles Abel of animals are found in such a habitat niche, modification from the normal body form and It is Corwin in the painting of many of his more their inter-relations, extent and mode of dentition. evident that long- recent backgrounds, and has carried on this dependence on their special environment, as continued evolution has given rise to special work since Mr. Corwin's death. well as their mode of dispersal, and the adjustments of the tadpole stage to the Mr. Robert L. Yule—a Preparator, in the correlation of their geographic distribution conditions of life in the bromeliad environ- Department of Anthropology, where he has with that of their habitat, become problems ment. been employed in various capacities since of more than usual interest to the naturalist. Systematic search of these plants in the of February 1, 1932. One the most remarkable of such cloud-forest zone in the mountains of Hon- Mr. W. E. Eigsti—a Taxidermist. Mr. habitat niches in the American tropics is duras and Guatemala has yielded a surpris- Eigsti came to Field Museum in February, that afforded by the "bromeliads," the ing number of new species of salamanders 1931, as an assistant taxidermist, since epiphytic plants of the pineapple family and hylas, described in technical papers which time he has mounted many splendid Bromeleaceae, which perch upon the limbs embodying results of the Marshall Field specimens for the Museum collections. and trunks of trees, and together with Central American Expedition of 1923, and Mr. Robert E. Bruce—Purchasing Agent. orchids and other air-plants, form a charac- of the Mandel Guatemalan Expedition of Mr. Bruce joined the staff in October, 1927, teristic feature of the tropical forest. The 1933-34. This environmental complex af- and served in various clerical capacities bromeliads have their leaves arranged in fords a little worked and fascinating problem until August, 1938, when he became Acting whorls, and in the rainy season retain water for ecological study. Purchasing Agent. at the bases of these leaf- Mr. Noble Stephens—Manager of the whorls. In the cloud-forests Book Shop. Mr. Stephens has been on the above 4,000 feet on tropical THE CANNON BALL TREE staff of the Museum during the past year mountains, this water may and has been in charge of the Book Shop be essentially permanent, since it was opened in April. He is largely and as there is little standing responsible for the splendid showing made water on steep slopes, by this new venture. animals dependent on mois- Mr. Warren E. Raymond—Assistant ture are attracted to this Registrar. Mr. Raymond joined the staff situation. October 1, 1938, as a clerk, and is now The salamanders, whose appointed to a new position created because soft skins require a constant of the increasing volume of business in the moist atmosphere, are repre- Registrar's office. sented in Central America Mr. Joseph D. Todd—Carpenter Fore- only by the genus Oedipus, man. Mr. Todd came to the Museum as a which has undergone evo- carpenter in November, 1927, after a wide lution into a remarkable experience in both exterior and interior con- number of species. These struction, and in his new position will be of salamanders are found under great value to the Superintendent of Main- logs, within rotten logs, of in of tenance. under stones, in the coiled One the outstanding exhibits the Hall Plant Life (Hall 29) is this cannon ball tree of the forest regions Mr. E. S. —Captain of the Guard. leaves of many plants, under Abbey of northern South America, as reproduced from nature in the force in the leaf sheaths of banana Mr. Abbey joined guard 1905, full flower and fruit, in the laboratories of the Department and became Sergeant in May, 1924. A plants, and most notably in of Botany. The original material upon which the repro- duction is based was collected the Field Botanical reorganization of the guard force at the the whorls of leaves of the by Stanley Expedition to British Guiana. The cannon ball tree is a beginning of 1939 retains Mr. Abbey as the bromeliads. The bromeliad showy large tree of the monkey pot or Brazil nut family habitat is charac- senior member of the organization with the especially and derives its common name from its large, round, dark new title of Captain. teristic in the cloud-forest brown fruits, which are seen in the above picture. Mr. Patrick Walsh—Sergeant of the zone where the constant Field Museum is unique among institutions of its kind for Guard. Mr. Walsh came to Field Museum moisture is ideal for the extent of its exhibits illustrating various phases of the plant world. Five large exhibition halls are devoted to in February, 1894, in the Maintenance amphibians. botany, in both its scientific and economic phases. The main Division. is one of the oldest in The bromeliads a He employes yield divisions are plant life, food plants, palms, plant raw mate- point of service. In August, 1905, he became veritable harvest to the col- rials and products, North American woods, and foreign woods. Page 8 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS January, 19S9

RACES OF MAN FORM SUBJECT Peoria, 111.—12 specimens of "glacial gems," JANUARY GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS from Paul Colo.— OF JANUARY SUNDAY TOURS Illinois; Weiss, Denver, Conducted tours of exhibits, under the a polished specimen of fossil wood and one around the guidance of staff lecturers, are made every An imaginary trip world, of red chalcedony, Colorado; from William afternoon at 3 o'clock except Saturdays, visiting the principal races of mankind, is F. Menzel, Chicago—23 geological and Sundajrs, and certain holidays. Following the offering of Mr. Paul G. Dallwig, the mineral specimens. United States; from is the schedule of and dates for Layman Lecturer of Field Museum, for Benedict Gresky, Chicago—38 economic subjects four Sunday afternoons in January (January geology specimens; from Lloyd B. Curtis, January: Lander, Wyo.—11 specimens of sapphire Week 2: — 8, 15, 22 and 29—the Museum vnll be closed beginning January Monday with damourite and 3 of nephrite jade, New Year's no tour; — for the New Year's holiday on Sunday, Holiday, Tuesday Wyoming. Horned and Hoofed Animals; Wednesday— January 1). Native Life in the — Department of Zoology : Philippines; Thursday The tour, presented under the title General Tour; Friday—Native American of the will be devoted to From Chicago Zoological Society, Brook- "Parade Races," Fruits and 111.—62 from Vegetables. studies of the extensive series of racial field, zoological specimens; Bryan Patterson, Chicago—65 sets of birds' Week beginning January 9: Monday— sculptures by Malvina Hoffman in Chauncey eggs, England; from Mrs. Charles Corwin, Egypt and Its Art; Tuesday—Plant and Keep Memorial Hall. Mr. Dallwig, in the Chicago—15 sets of birds' eggs, Hawaii; Animal Life of Long Ago; Wednesday— dramatic which characterizes popular style from James Baley, Chicago—a rattlesnake, Races of Mankind; Thursday—General the bronze his lectures, will imbue figures Indiana; from W. Frank Blair, Ann Arbor, Tour; Friday—Su-Lin and Her Neighbors. with life his exposition of human interest Mich.—3 white New Mexico; from by mice. Week beginning January 16: Monday with each of the races. Mrs. B. J. —a "angles" associated Thorp, Chicago ruby-crowned —North American Indians; Tuesday— Illinois; from H. E. Woodcock, Because of increasing public demands, kinglet, Fibers and Their Uses by Primitive Peoples; —28 butterflies and a the limit on the number of persons accom- Chicago moth, France; Wednesday—Moon, Meteorites and Min- from Boulton, Chicago— 18 bird modated on each Sunday lecture tour has Rudyerd erals; Thursday—General Tour; Friday— skins, Mississippi; from United States Na- been raised from 100 to 125. Despite this, Ancient Burial Customs. tional Museum, Washington, D. C.—410 it is still essential to make reservations in Week beginning January 25; fish specimens, Panama and Canal Zone. Monday advance by mail or telephone (Wabash —Systematic and Habitat Bird Exhibits; The Library: — —Gems and 9410). Parties are restricted to adults. Tuesday Clothing; Wednesday From Dr. Albert B. Lewis, Chicago— —General — The Sunday lectures begin promptly at Jewelry; Thursday Tour; Friday 10 valuable books. Peoples of the South Seas. 2 P.M., and end at 4:30. Midway there is — a half-hour intermission during which mem- Monday, January 30 African Animals; —The Cavemen and Their Arts. bers of the party may obtain refreshments An Artistic Calendar for 1939 Tuesday in the Cafeteria, where they may smoke. Published by the Museum Persons wishing to participate should are reserved for the at North Entrance. Tours are free Special tables group. Field Museum has published an at- apply and no are to be A tractive calendar for the New Year, gratuities proffered. new schedule will each month in GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM containing a natural color picture of appear Field Museum News. Guide-lecturers' Following is a list of some of the principal the Quetzal group. The photograph was made Mr. Clarence B. services for special tours by parties of ten gifts received during the last month: by Mitchell, Research Associate in of more are available free of charge by Department of Anthropology: Photography. The calendars are to stand arrangement with the Director a week in From Mrs. E. B. Simonson, Franklin Park, designed on a desk or or to on a advance. 111.—a birchbark covered basket, with dresser, hang of porcupine quill decorations, Illinois. wall. On sale at The BOOK SHOP Most of the principal varieties of crude FIELD 10 cents. Department of Botany : MUSEUM— rubber are displayed in Hall 28. From Dr. John R. Johnston, Chimal- tenango, Guatemala—90 herbarium speci- NEW MEMBERS MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM mens, Guatemala; from Museo Argentino Field Museum has several de Ciencias Buenos Aires—11 classes of Members. Naturales, The following persons were elected to Benefactors give or devise $100,000 or more. Contribu- from tors or devise to Life algal specimens, Argentina; Philip W. membership in Field Museum during the give $1,000 $100,000. Members give $500; Non-Resident Life and Associate Members WoUe, Princess Anne, Maryland—27 algal period from November 16 to December 15: pay $100; Non-Resident Associate Members pay $50. specimens, Maryland; from Evan R. Guest, All the above classes are exempt from dues. Sustaining Members Kuala Federated States— Associate Members contribute $25 annually. After six years they Lumpur, Malay become Associate Members. Annual Members con- formalin-preserved material of durian and David Arthur Lee, Edwin J. Ward. tribute $10 annually. Other memberships are Corpo- rate, Honorar>*, Patron, and additions cloves. Federated Malay States; from B. A. Corresponding, Annual Members under these classifications being made by special action New York —131 herbarium of the Board of Trustees. Krukoff, City Mrs. G. Clarence Lloyd Albert, Avildsen, Each all specimens, Puerto Rico; from Bernardo Member, in classes, is entitled to free Lewis I. Birdsall, Miss Agnes Colby, John admission to the Museum for himself, his family and —35 her- Rosengurtt, Montevideo, Uruguay A. house guests, and to two reserved seats for Museum W. Denison, George Johnson, Joseph lectures for Members. barium specimens, Uruguay. provided Subscription to Field M. Johnson, Thomas E. Maddock, Mrs. E. MusBUM News is included with all memberships. The of courtesies of every museum of note in the United Department Geology: M. McDonnell, Mrs. E. L. Millard, Charles — States and Canada are extended to all Members of FVom Elmer S. Riggs, Chicago 11 skulls H. Newman, William C. Reavis, M. A. Field Museum. A Member may give his personal card to non-residents of presentation of and an incomplete skeleton of modem ani- S. Alfred Chicago, upon Rosenthal, Harry Sandberg, Smart, which they will be admitted to the Museum without mals, western Kansas, Wyoming, and Colo- Dr. Milton L. Smith, Eugene V. Zahringer. charge. Further information about memberships will be Bent on rado;—from Alfred A. Look, Grand Junction, request. Colo. a fossil vertebrate specimen and 2 BEQUESTS AND ENDOWME.VTS fossil teeth, Colorado; from C. W. Intriguing Names McLeod, Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History may — be made in Michigan City, Ind. 30 clay concretions, are such names as Homalodo- securities, money, books or collections. Intriguing They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to Indiana; from Standard Oil Company a or therium, Eosclaerocalyptus, Scelidodon, Lep- person cause, named by the giver. —14 of (Indiana), Chicago sjsecimens petro- and Contributions made within the taxable year not leum from William B. tomeryx, Elasmosaurus, Bathyopsoides. exceeding 15 per cent of the taxpayer's net income are products; Ktts, allowable as deductions in The prehistoric animals to which they are computing net income for Sunnyvale, Calif.—42 specimens of orbicular federal income tax purposes. were as as their names. To Endowments be jasper, California; from H. V. Schiefer, applied strange may made to the Mtiseum with the provision that an be to the for — visit Ernest R. Graham annuity paid patron life. Cleveland Heights, Ohio a specimen of satisfy your curiosity, These annuities are guaranteed against fluctuation in jasper, Ohio; from William C. McKinley, Hall and see fossil specimens of them. amount, and may reduce federal income taxes.

raiNTKS BT FIKLD HUSEUli PKSBS Reld^K News Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 10 FEBRUARY, 1939 No. 2

ILLINOIS METEORITE THAT RECENTLY DAMAGED GARAGE AND CAR IS EXHIBITED By Henry W. Nichols Wilson and Preucil, acting as agents for owner, was pumping water in her yard, but Chief Curator, Department of Geology the Museum, not only obtained this material, was at a greater distance from the garage Illinois has been singularly immune from but made a very thorough investigation, than Mrs. Crum. She also heard the roar falls of meteorites. There are records of collecting unusually complete and competent but, accustomed to hearing and seeing pass- only two having fallen within this state, records of the fall, and making numerous ing mail airplanes, thought nothing of it. although there have been numbers of falls photographs of all important features A few other neighbors, indoors, heard the recorded in adjoining states. Not only has pertinent to the data. sounds less sharply. Illinois lacked meteorites which observers From the reports made by Messrs. Wilson Mr. McCain, working at the town's coal have actually seen falling, but until recently and Preucil, and published in the periodical mine, did not know that anything had no specimen has ever been found that has Popular Astronomy, it is learned that when happened until he returned home late in upon investigation the afternoon and proved to be a mete- went to the garage orite. In other states, to take the car out. however, meteorites At first he noticed actually seen falling only the large hole in are few in comparison the seat cushion, and with the number later thought it was due to found in the ground rats until he observed and recognized as such the holes also in car by their physical fea- top and garage roof. tures and chemical The meteorite is composition. roughly rectangular in Field Museum is shape. It measures therefore extremely about 4 3^ by 31^ by fortunate in having 3 J^ inches, and weighs acquired, through the some four pounds. It co-operation of Messrs. is a stony meteorite, Ben Hur Wilson and gray in color, crusted

Frank M. Preucil, Jr., with a black fused of the Joliet Astronom- coating which it ac- ical Society, the com- quired by heat from plete specimen of the the friction of passing second recorded mete- through the atmos- orite to fall in Illinois. phere of the earth. This good fortune is It is of interest to augmented by the trace the changes this fact that Illinois Stone from the Sky meteorite probably Mr. Henry W. Nichols, Chief Curator of Geology, and Miss Caroline Ryder, examine the Benld meteorite, is underwent its Meteorite No. 2 which fell in September, 1938, and is only the second such visitor from outer space on record in Illinois. It is now during on exhibition at the Museum, as shown above, together with section of a garage roof, automobile top and seat one of only eleven (out journey towards the cushion which it penetrated. Of approximately 1,300 recorded meteorites the world over, only ten others are of a total of approxi- known to have hit buildings, and this is the first authenticated instance in which one has struck a vehicle. earth through mil- mately 1,300 recorded lions of miles of out- meteorites) to strike and damage buildings the Benld meteorite struck Mr. McCain's er space. Hurtling through the sky, it was or other property. garage last September, Mrs. Carl C. Crum, a light gray body, of unknown shape, lacking This meteorite fell in the little mining a neighbor, was working in her yard, across the dark crust it now has. No doubt it was town of Benld (Macoupin County), near an alley from the McCain place, at a point larger, but wastage during its passage Carlinville, Illinois, on September 29, 1938, about 50 feet from the garage. While through the earth's atmosphere accounts at about 9 o'clock in the morning. It neither she nor anyone else witnessed its for loss of volume. Its velocity of approach crashed through the roof of a garage owned passage through the air, Mrs. Crum was was enormously greater than the speed with by Mr. Ed McCain, penetrated the top of startled by the celestial visitor's great roar, which it struck the garage. Meteorites his automobile, and passed through the seat which she described as sounding like an which reach the earth during the morning cushion and floor board, striking and denting airplane going into a power dive. This hours, as did the Benld meteorite, are the muffler, whence it rebounded into the was followed by a sharp cracking sound as moving in a direction opposed to that of cushion and finally came to rest entangled the meteorite broke through the boards of the earth in its orbit, and collide with this in the springs. the wooden garage roof and crashed into planet head-on. Therefore, the speed of The meteorite is now on exhibition in the automobile. Mrs. Crum was surprised this meteorite relative to the earth was the Hall 34 of Field Museum, together with the subsequently to find no smashed-up airplane, sum of the speeds of the meteorite and the damaged sections of garage roof and car top, and not even a plane in sight in the sky. earth in their orbits—a velocity which is the perforated cushion, and muffler. Messrs. Mrs. McCain, wife of the garage and car computed at about 44 miles per second. But, Pages FIELD MUSEUM NEWS February, 19S9

1858—Aussun, France. Curator of Geology at Field Museum, and 1863—Pillistfer, Latvia (then one of the world's leading authorities on Russia).— this subject, wrote in his book Meteorites: 1911 Kilbourn, Wisconsin. "No meteorite fall has ever positively 1916—Baxter, Missouri. been known to have been destructive to 1930—Kurumi, Japan. human life. Accounts purporting to describe 1936—Yurtuk, Ukraine, such catastrophes prove on investigation to U.S.S.R. have come either from times or countries so remote be Fragments from seven of that they cannot verified .... these are included in the No well authenticated occurrence of the Field Museum collection, sort is known. Perhaps the most narrow which, in point of number of escape which has ever been experienced was falls represented, is the larg- that of three children in Braunau at the est meteorite assemblage in time of the fall of that meteorite in 1847. the world, containing speci- This meteorite, an iron weighing nearly 40 mens from approximately pounds, fell in a room where these children two-thirds of all recorded were sleeping and covered them with debris, falls. (The Museum collection but they suffered no serious injury. Other Where the Meteorite Struck* includes a board penetrated meteorites have fallen near human beings Mr. Ben Hur Wilson is seen here holding the Benld meteorite beside the hole it made in the roof of garage. The superimposed arrow shows the by the Kilbourn, Wisconsin, but never have struck them so far as credible direction at which the meteorite came to earth. meteorite which, in its fall on information goes. That personal injury or at this staggering speed, a body passing June 16, 1911, struck a barn, penetrated death might be caused by the fall of a meteo- through even the extremely attenuated three thicknesses of shingles, a hemlock roof rite is entirely possible, in fact is likely to upper atmosphere of the earth devel- occur at some time. It is remarkable ops enormous friction. This so rap- that some falls, such for instance as idly moderates its speed that, be- the showers in Iowa which occurred fore it strikes, it is falling only as in fairly thickly settled communities, fast as would a similar body drop- should not have caused serious injury ping from a height of only a few miles to the inhabitants." is the dan- under the influence of gravity alone. How exceedingly slight of meteorites is shown The Benld meteorite was not picked ger injury by in a calculation made by Dr. H. H. up until several hours after it fell, so is well-known for his there is no direct evidence of how hot Nininger, who work on meteorites and who lectured it was beyond the fact that the cotton at Field Museum last October. In the filling of the upholstered car cushion 125 in when his was not charred. As the passage of years ending 1923, calculations were there were the meteorite through the air was made, 287 falls recorded in twelve only a matter of a few seconds, there European and American countries in which there was not time enough for the heat to exist reliable records. As penetrate far into its cold interior, so fairly many of these 287 falls were and it should not be a matter of surprise multiple, The Meteorite's Course some of showers of hundreds that it was not hot to burn consisted enough Diagram showing path of the Benld meteorite through the roof of garage, of small it is estimated that in the cushion. Except in four or five and top, seat and floor-board of automobile to muffler. From there it bounced stones, back into the cushion and came to rest, entangled in the wire springs. these falls more than stones instances, the numerous meteorites 12,000 which have been handled within a few board, and a plank floor in minutes of their fall were found to be only the hay loft. It then glanced • lukewarm. against the side of a manger As two points in the passage of the meteo- and finally buried itself two rite—the places of penetration of the garage and a half inches deep in the roof, and of the seat covering—were accur- clay floor of the barn. Also ately known, Mr. Wilson was able, by the exhibited is the damaged sec- use of surveying instruments, to determine tion of a tree branch which the direction and inclination of the meteo- was struck by a meteorite rite's path with far more accuracy than has which fell at Andover, ever been possible of attainment in the case Maine, on August, 5, 1898. of any other meteorite. A fragment of the meteorite

The other ten meteorite falls which are is shown with it.) known certainly to have penetrated or struck Although some danger of buildings, fell in the following years, and at damage from meteorite falls the places indicated below: exists, as is apparent from 1790—Barbotan, France. the few known instances, 1798—Benares, India. perils from this source are so 1803—Massing, Germany {Bavaria). small as to be negligible. 1847—Braunau, now Germany (then Bo- There is not a single authen- hemia, and recently Czechoslovakia) ticated record of a meteorite or a ^Illustrations marked with asterisk are published striking injuring by courtesy of the Editors of Popular Astronomy, and human being. The late Dr. Messrs. Ben Hur Wilson and Frank M. Preual, Jr. Mr. Preucil was the photographer. Oliver C. Farrington, former February, 19S9 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Pages

become one meteorite to each FOOD FOR THOUGHT 5J^ square miles of territory IN METEORITES in the 125 years. When it is "Three reasons may be assigned considered how small a part for ascribing peculiar interest to of the earth's surface is cov- the study of meteorites: ered by living human beings, "First. They are our only tangi- it is not strange that no one ble sources of knowledge regarding has yet been injured. The us. the universe beyond area covered by buildings is, "Second. They are portions of of course, much larger, yet extra-terrestrial bodies. even here the proportion is so "Third. They are a part of the small that the wonder is not economy of Nature. No survey of how few but how many build- Nature can be considered complete ings have been damaged. include an account which does not As has been pointed out, of them." the Benld meteorite is only From the book MeteoriUB by the late Dr. Oliver the second one recorded in C. Farrington, former Curator of Geology at Field Illinois. The first was a mete- Museum, who was one of the foremost authorities on the subject. orite that fell July 13, 1927, near Tilden, about 40 miles southeast of St. Louis. It included. From these and were numbers, imbedded itself in the ground. the areas of the countries Dr. considered, The larger part of Illinois has estimated that one meteorite Nininger Meteorite No. 1 is preserved fell during the 125 years for each 55}4 in the Illinois State Museum, 8i miles. It is not known how ^iffiMiWffll square many Springfield. A fragment of it, but View of Benld Meteorite* meteorites have fallen unobserved, presented by that institution, Close-up The size of the celestial stone may be gauged from the scale furnished arbitrarily that ten may have is on exhibition in Field assuming by section of foot-rule. This photograph shows the black fused coating fallen for each observed one, the figures Museum's collection. caused by friction during passage through the earth's atmosphere.

FIELD MUSEUM EXHIBITS that today of superintendent of an extensive As full credit will be given Field Museum AT TWO EXPOSITIONS agricultural or ranching enterprise. As at in the exhibits at both expositions, many this time the in the had who later be visitors to Field Museum will be represented in priests temples persons, may to that of the will thus become with exhibits at two great expositions this year— political power superior king, Chicago, acquainted the farm-estate was similar to a of of this institution. the Golden Gate International Exposition probably phases the work San and the New York state-controlled industry. Harwa probably at Francisco, A Historic Collection of had of fruits Algae World's Fair. charge granaries, and vege- stocks of wool other animal Mr. Philip W. Wolle of Princess Anne, The material loaned to the San Francisco tables, and has file products, and wine cellars. No doubt, he Maryland, placed on in the Her- exposition consists of a collection of ethno- had an army of subordinates and slaves at barium of Field Museum a considerable logical objects from Borneo, Java, New his command. portion of the algal herbarium of his late Guinea, Sumatra, Cook Islands, Celebes, grandfather, the Rev. Francis Wolle. Some and other south Pacific islands. These Pathological study of the mummy by 2,000 specimens of algae, including most of objects will be displayed in an exhibit means of the X-ray indicates that Harwa the material received by the Rev. Mr. Wolle illustrating the cultures of the Pacific, and was probably about 40 years old at the time in his exchanges with European workers will be located in the exposition's Depart- of his death. It is interesting to note that during the years 1875-92, are thus being ment of Fine Arts. he had a most uncommon name—Egyptian made available for study at the Museum. To the New York Fair the Museum is archaeologists have never before encountered The remainder of Rev. WoUe's collection is sending an Egyptian mummy which will be the name Harwa. The inscriptions on the in the Herbarium of the University of used in the exhibit of the General Electric coffin lid reveal very little about Harwa Pennsylvania.—F. D. X-ray Corporation to demonstrate the appli- other than his name and occupation. The rest of the with which it is cation of the fluoroscope in scientific research. hieroglyphics Complicated Curry An elaborate installation has been arranged covered constitute a common form of in- Curry powders, used so extensively in the visitors will be enabled cantation or prayer for the welfare of the whereby alternately East Indies for seasoning rice and various to view the exterior and then, deceased in the after liter mummy's other foods, are made of a combination of through the fluoroscope, its interior. This Field Museum was invited to participate spices. There are approximately forty will be a central feature of the X-ray Corpo- because of the pioneer work conducted at recipes for preparing curry powder, all of ration's exhibit. this institution, over a period of several which contain at least the following ingre- The to be used is that of a man years beginning in 1925, in developing, and mummy dients: fenugreek, garlic, ginger, peppers, who lived about 900 before the begin- a for years successfully applying, technique x-ray tumeric, coconut, and nutmeg. One form, of the Christian Era. In Egyptian photography on mummies and other ning types popular in Ceylon and parts of India, con- history, the period was that of the Twenty- of specimens not previously studied in this tains as many as forty different spices, and first From on the manner. The results of these Dynasty. inscriptions experiments specimens of these are to be seen in the coffin it is learned that the man's name are in the lid, reported book. Roentgenologic section devoted to exhibits of food products was and that he was the Overseer Studies and Peruvian "Harwa," of Egyptian Mummies, in Hall 25.—L. W. of the Magazine (or storage houses) on the by Professor Roy L. Moodie, Paleopa- great farming estate of one of the temples thologist to the Wellcome Historical Mu- Feather masks, fourteen and nineteen of Amon, chief god of the empire. This seum, London (Field Museum Anthropo- feet tall, from New Guinea, are displayed was an important position, comparable to logical Memoirs Series, Vol. Ill, 1931). on life-size figures in Stanley Field Hall. PageJt FIELD MUSEUM NEWS February, 19S9

EXPEDITION LEADER TELLS STORY OF EXPLORATION IN THE JUNGLES OF BRITISH GUIANA

(Editor's Note:—The December issue of and negro boatmen, he awaited the writer's minary trip to Oronoque Base Camp with Field Museum News carried a brief arrival at King Frederick William IV Falls. gasoline and supplies, while Rasool and I story of the unfortunate accident at King remained at Frederick William IV On August 12 the writer disembarked at King William Rapids in British Guiana which Falls nine obtain a of British with days to representative resulted in the loss a boat and Georgetown, capitol Guiana, of many of lowland collection for six hundred of selected comparative purposes. the specimens of the Seu>ell Avery Zoological pounds carefully and field Mr. Habib Expedition. Recently Mr. Blake, the leader, collecting equipment. collecting by day and night returned to Chicago vnth more than 60 per cent Rasool, a capable young East Indian native Subsequent similar relays transferred all of his collection, which in itself is sufficient collector trained by the 1937 Stanley Field to the head of boat to enable the Museum to pronounce the British Guiana Expedition, was signed on necessary supplies a success. The his on Itabu a of expedition salvaging of as taxidermist and did notable work through- navigation Creek, tributary collections was accomplished under extremely the New River. There a base out. A small hydroplane, owned and piloted upper camp difficult circumstances, which might easily was established and all by Mr. Arthur Williams, an American expedition personnel, have dissuaded one of less experience and of the boat aviator the with the exception captain and determination. Mr. Blake's own formerly employed by Boundary story in dugout canoes to the Commission, was chartered, and on August bowman, proceeded follows.) headwaters. Canoes were abandoned at 15 the party was flown into the interior. By EuuET R. Blake this point, and the expedition proceeded The route of our flight first led almost due Assistant Curator of Birds overland some ten miles by tortuous trail the erratic course south, following closely to the watershed which marked the inter- inaccessible as well as One of the most of the Demerara River for about 100 miles, national boundary, our objective. A camp scientifically little-known areas in all South then southeastward over the unbroken was established at the highest source of is the Brazilian frontier of British America jungle to the desolate Berbice savannahs water, and collecting began September 20, Guiana, recently visited and explored by and on to the Courantyne itself. The well- approximately five weeks after joining the the Sewell Avery Zoological Expedition of ordered coastal rice and sugar plantations boat crew at King Frederick William IV Field Museum. It is a region of rugged to second bush quickly gave way growth Falls. and inviolate mountains, rushing streams, and finally to a primeval forest which With three collecting guns in daily use, solitude. A trackless and almost impene- extended without a break as far as the eye blankets thousands of extensive trap lines set for small mammals trable jungle many could reach in every direction. During several the much of it and each night, and men scouring square miles, unexplored the course of our cross-country flight, a forests for of all the col- avoided even by aboriginal Indians. rainstorm was encountered which forced the specimens kinds, lections grew very rapidly. The camp was Access to most of the area can be gained plane low, and for many miles the tiny always astir at dawn, and rarely were the the Couran- seaplane skimmed the tree-tops. only by ascending rapid-strewn lanterns dimmed in the taxidermy tent tyne River, which forms the boundary be- "white water" ahead before midnight. Among the notable birds tween Dutch and British Guiana, and its collected were two specimens of the famed brief for at turbulent tributary, the New River. This is A pause refueling was made harpy eagle, later unfortunately destroyed a small boat of Wonatobo Falls, 150 miles up the Couran- dangerous journey approxi- due to disaster on the river. A number of River. native boat the mately 600 miles. The mechanical diffi- tyne A single crew, specimens of cock-of-the-rock, a brilliant culties of river are so formidable last of the Boundary Commission force transport as one of the love- in on to orange species regarded that no scientific expedition had ever remaining the interior, was hand liest birds in tropical America, were also assist. more in the air and succeeded in penetrating to the frontier, Once speeding taken. Many other birds not previously and thus a area remained southward, I saw that the river was becom- large entirely in the Field Museum collections turbulent. hun- represented unknown to biologists. ing increasingly Literally Guiana specimens were collected, and dreds of islands studded its course. White by With the advent of the recent Brazilian- several species appear to be additions to water indicated the presence of countless British Guiana boundary survey, however, the fauna of the colony. rapids which had to be run later by boat the frontier became temporarily accessible when the river was at a lower and more Approximately 500 insects, and a repre- to properly organized independent organiza- sentation of vertebrates more than dangerous stage. totaling tions. The discovery of mountains on the of The from Wonatobo to 2,000 specimens birds, mammals, reptiles than in flight King boundary, greater any yet mapped and fish, were collected by the expedition Frederick William IV Falls, where the this region, and the realization that the before the was evacuated. boat crew awaited boundary camp hinterland would become inaccessible expedition us, required again By the middle of October the expedition was forty-five minutes, but saved three weeks with the withdrawal of the Boundary Com- in danger of becoming stranded of travel river. We landed on the river momentary of the Field by mission, led to the organization in the hinterland, because Itabu Creek was half a mile above the falls and were soon Museum expedition which accomplished the with the advancement of the dry installed in a bush on falling first reconnaisance of the comfortably camp zoological region. season. Collecting ceased, and the boundary the Dutch shore. With the departure of The undertaking was made possible by the camp was abandoned October 19. The party the plane at noon, our last means of com- generosity and interest of Mr. Sewell Avery, the arduous journey to the coast with munication or assistance from the outside began a Trustee of the who in 1938 Museum, its collections. Surplus stores and equip- world was irrevocably lost until we reached sponsored this and three other expeditions. ment were discarded to facilitate transport the coast more than three months later. over the portages which we faced. BY AIRPLANE TO THE INTERIOR In order to reach the frontier and maintain SHOALS presage DANGER Preliminary arrangements were made by the expedition there, supplies and equipment four cable for the deposit of supplies, boats and sufficient for fifteen men for possibly Creeks and rivers had dropped approxi- to be the river. equipment at strategic points along the months had relayed up The mately fifteen feet during the month of our river by attaches of the Boundary Com- expedition's 32-foot boat, Oronogue, was sojourn in the mountains. Portions of the mission as they descended to the coast. Mr. of "greenheart" plank construction, with a streams which were relatively placid during Richard Baldwin, an experienced Commis- capacity of 4,000 pounds. She was propelled our ascent were now boiling whirlpools and sion aide, was retained as assistant for the by an outboard motor, supplemented by seething rapids. Channels which had been Museum expedition, and with twelve Indian native paddlers. The crew made a preli- diflBcult before were now death traps which February, 19S9 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 5

required extreme care in navigation, or serviceable canvas canoe from an old tar- PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN had to be avoided by strenuous portages. paulin. We also had prepared considerable TO BEGIN THIS MONTH Day by day sudden disaster was an immi- dried fish for provisions on the journey out. The James Nelson and Anna Louise nent possibility as the boats were run or Although we now had four craft, they Raymond Foundation will present two free "streaked" through interminable rapids. proved inadequate for men and specimens, programs of motion pictures for children King Frederick William IV Falls is im- so bark was stripped from a large "purple- during February. The first, a special pro- at all seasons. Boats and heart" tree and an Indian "woodskin" passable supplies gram in commemoration of George Washing- must be overland of a was prepared. transported by way ton's birthday, will be given on Wednesday, mile long portage. Our dug-out canoes were Three below William Rapids days King February 22. The films will portray the life abandoned above the falls and all hands we reached the head of Wonatobo Falls, of Washington as a boy and as a man. labored for three days with block and which necessitated a three-mile portage. On February 25, a week earlier than usual, tackle, hardwood skids, rollers and levers The woodskin fell apart there, but finally the Raymond Foundation will begin its spring series of Saturday morning programs. Four films will be shown on this initial pro- gram, as follows: "The Grasshopper and the Ant" (musical cartoon in colors, by Walt Disney), "Cartoonland Mystery," "The Plow That Broke the Plain," and "Neptune's Mysteries." Nine other programs, upon which will be included thirty-seven other films, are to be given on Saturdays during March and April. The complete schedule of these will appear in the March issue of Field Museum News. All programs, including the special one for Washington's birthday, will be given in the James Simpson Theatre, with two showings of each, one beginning at 10 A.M., and one at 11. Children from all parts of Chicago and suburbs are invited, and no tickets are required for admission. The Museum is prepared to receive large groups from schools and other centers, as well as individual children coming either alone or accompanied by parents or other adults. Teachers are urged to bring their classes.

Botanical in ' Project Europe Museum Explorers In Small Boat Brave Rapids in a Li>^i WurU" Makes Notable Progress Photograph made in wilds of British Guiana by Mr. Emmet R. Blake, leader of the Sewell Avery Zoological the of dense and the turbulent water of the which the Expedition, showing type jungle, Courantyne River, expedition Mr. J. Francis Macbride, Associate had to combat. At one point an expedition boat capsized on a rock in an uncharted channel through the rapids, but all lives were saved, and even the larger part of the collection of specimens was salvaged. Curator of the Herbarium, who has been in Europe since 1929 obtaining photographs to inch the heavy Oronoque over the hilly a bateau was made with planks obtained of type specimens of plants in herbaria of terrain. Another day was required to repair, from an abandoned Boundary Commission various countries, has returned to his head- caulk and launch her. camp. Several days and nights of paddling quarters at the Paris Jardin des Plantes, us to La a Dutch after several months of work in Geneva DISASTER—AND ESCAPE brought Tropica, police outpost and farthest interior point of civiliza- and Florence. The Museum recently received On November 1 the Oronoque, loaded with tion on the river. Arrangements were made from him about 1,500 additional negatives, specimens, equipment, fifteen men, and with police officials to tow our canoes to bringing the total to date in this important supplies for three weeks, once more got under the coast, some eighty miles distant, and on collection to 36,000. Prints from these are way. About the middle of the afternoon the November 20 the expedition returned to made available, at cost, to botanists and boat struck a submerged rock while running Georgetown. There the salvaged specimens institutions all over the world, and have King William Rapids, and capsized. All of were packed for shipment to Chicago, and proved to be of immense value in connection the personnel were miraculously saved by the expedition personnel was disbanded. with various scientific problems. swimming to a rock island in mid-river, but most of the equipment and supplies, and almost half of the specimens were lost. Two days were spent attempting to find EXCITING AS A NOVEL— and the salvage boat and stores, but without is Animals Without Backbones (An Introduction to the Invertebrates), by Dr. Ralph success. Finally nine men were chosen and Buchsbaum, of the Department of Zoology at the University of Chicago. sent up river through the jungle to obtain Dr. Fritz Haas, Curator of Lower Invertebrates at Field Museum, regards this as the canoes abandoned above King Frederick the best general book on this subject yet published. He says: "Although it may be used William IV Falls. They returned a week as a text book, it can be read for entertainment too, and will prove as enthralling as a later with three dug-outs. Meanwhile, the story by a master novelist. The illustrations are exceptionally numerous and well marooned which included Mr. Bald- party, chosen." At the SHOP of FIELD win and the writer, had dried the specimens BOOK MUSEUM—$5. salvaged from the rapids, and fabricated a Page 6 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS February, 19S9

Field Museum of Natural History frustrated. Mr. FHeld maintains an ofl5ce logical Society of America recently held at Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 in the Museum building, and is there nearly New York. Roosevelt Road and Field Drive, Chicago every day when he is in the city, which is THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES during the greater part of the year. He is The staff of the James Nelson and Anna Sbwell L. Avbby William H. Mitchell keenly interested in every proposal which Louise Foundation entertained the Leopold E. Block George A. Richardson Raymond has for its the Albert B. Dick, Jr. Theodore Roosevelt object personnel of the Museum as a whole at a Joseph N. Field Fred W. Sargent advancement of the Marshall Field James Simpson Christmas tea and reception in the Founda- Stanley Field Solomon A. Smith Museum's interests tion offices. Albert W. Harris Albert A. Spbagub in or Samuel Insull, Jr. Silas H. Strawn any way, the Charles A. McCulloch John P. Wilson betterment of its ser- Mr. Emmet R. Blake, Assistant Curator OFFICERS vices to the or public of and leader of the Sewell Stanley Field President Birds, Avery to science. His gen- Albert A. Sprague First Vice-President Zoological Expedition to British Guiana, James Simpson Second Vice-President erosity has been Albert W. Harris Third Vice-President was guest speaker on the Blue Network Clifford C. Gregg Director and without stint. He has Secretary (60 stations coast to coast) of the National Solomon A. Smith. . .Treasurer and Assistant Secretary paid large sums to Broadcasting Company, Friday evening, meet requirements of FIELD MUSEUM NEWS January 13, a few days after his return from the deficit Clifford C. Gregg, Director of the Museum .... Editor building South America. The Chicago outlet was fund. He has "kept CONTRIBUTING EDITORS station WLS. Mr. Don McNeill, of the Paul S. Martin Chief Curator of Anthropology the wolf from the NBC staff, interviewed Mr. Blake. On Jan- B. E. Dahlgren Chief Curator of Botany door" in many a year Henry W. Nichols Chiejf Curator of Geology uary 21, Mr. Blake spoke on the Mont- Wilfred H. Osgood Curator when the Museum Chief of Zoology president Stanley Field pamasse program over station WIND. H. B. Harte Managing Editor has ended with a Re-elected for the tWrty- 1ni.rT^ A^f^^;*- rt*. ;+,, first time. In the three large deficit on its decades of his administra- Members are requested to inform the Museum Operating expenses, tion the institution has risen Visitors of of address. from a Distinguished promptly changes , J . , comparatively small He has made notable to a beginning place among visitors ^i(*-^ «f f,,i^A^ +« the world's foremost mu- Among distinguished recently gifts of funds to seums. His leadership has received at Field Museum are: Mr. Russell finance b«en ™aiof factor '" 'ts FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK— expeditions, ? Director of the Institute of , , ... growth and development. Plimpton, Art, to make im- physical Minneapolis; Mr. Paul Frank, of the in the and to obtain provements building, National Park staff at Zion Na- Mr. Field 30th Year Service Stanley Completes outstanding desiderata for the the exhibits, tional Park, Utah; Dr. Philip Drucker, De- as President of Museum collections and the study Library. partment of Anthropology, University of On January 11, Mr. Stanley Field com- —Clifford C. Gregg, Director. California, who spent three days studying pleted his thirtieth year as President of the Museum's Northwest Coast ethnology Field Museum, an office which he has held collection; Mr. Michael Lerner, sportsman All Museum Officers Re-elected continuously since 1909. of New York City; Dr. Paul Ganz, a pro- In addition to the re-election of President On January 16, at the Annual Meeting of fessor at the University of Basel in Switzer- Field, all other Officers of the Museum who the Board of Trustees, Mr. Field was again land, and President of the International served in 1938 were re-elected for 1939. accorded the complete confidence of his col- Commission on the History of Art; and Dr. The others are: Colonel Albert A. Sprague, leagues by re-election for his thirty-first William K. Gregory and Mr. Harry C. Raven, term as President. First Vice-President; Mr. James Simpson, both of the American Museum of Natural Second Vice-President; Mr. Albert W. New York. When Mr. Field first took the presidential History, Harris, Third Vice-President; Mr. ClifiFord helm on January 11, 1909, the Museum was C. Gregg, Director and Secretary, and Mr. still in its original home (the Fine Arts A FEW FACTS ABOUT FIELD MUSEUM Solomon A. Smith, Treasurer and Assistant Building, now Museum of Science and Field Museum is open every day of the year Secretary. Christmas and New Year's in (except Day) during Industry) Jackson Park. His uncle, the the hours indicated below; first Marshall Field, had died some three November, December, Staff Notes January, February 9 A.M. to 4 p.m. years previously, leaving to the institution March, April, and the large bequest which was to enable it to Mr. Paul C. Standley, leader of the Sewell September, October 9 a.m. to 5 P.M. May, June, July, August. . . .9 a.m. to 6 P.M. undertake the construction of a new and Avery Botanical Expedition to Guatemala, Admission is free to Members on all days. adequate edifice, and which provided a basic currently in the field, reports to the Museum Other adults are admitted free on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays; non-members pay 25 endowment to extend its activities. that he has collected more than The 2,500 plants cents on other days. Children are admitted free major expansion has all occurred during to date. When heard from last month he on all days. Students and faculty members of educational institutions are admitted free any the years of President Field's leadership, was working in the Guatemalan highlands, day upon presentation of credentials. bringing the Museum to its present position at altitudes ranging from five to ten thou- The Museum's Library is open for reference daily except Saturday afternoon and Sunday. among the world's four or five greatest in sand feet, in the vicinity of Antigua. Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools natural science. of Chicago by the N. W. Harris Public School Extension Department of the Museum. Few institutions of this kind are privileged Dr. Francis Drouet, Curator of Crypto- Lectures at schools, and special entertain- ments and tours for children at the Museum, are to have a president so and gamic Botany, attended the meeting of the intimately by the James Nelson and Anna Louise directly connected with their activities and American Association for the Advancement Srovided;aymond Foundation for Public School and Children's Lectures. progress from day to day. Few have a of Science recently held at Richmond, Vir- Free courses of lectures for adults are presented president who can or would personally ginia. He presented a paper describing his in the .lames Simpson Theatre on Saturday after- noons (at 2:30 o'clock) in March, April, October, devote so much of his time, effort, and studies of the specimens of blue-green algae and November. enthusiasm to working right along with the treated by the Rev. Francis WoUe (1817-93), A Cafeteria serves visitors. Rooms are avail- able also for those bringing their lunches. members of the staflf—encouraging them, one of the first great American algologists. Chicago Motor Coach Company No. 26 busses offering suggestions which are notable for provide direct transportation to the Museum. Ser- vice is offered also by Surface Lines, Tran- their Rapid keenness and practicability, and fre- Mr. Sharat K. Roy, Curator of Geology, sit Lines (the "L"), interurban electric lines, and Illinois Central trains. There is free quently providing the means for carrying and Mr. Paul McGrew, Assistant in Paleon- ample park- ing space for automobiles at the Museum. out plans which would otherwise be tology, attended the meetings of the Geo- February, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 7

A REVIEW OF 1938 for lay readers. The technical publications expeditions, one to Guatemala, and one circulate internationally among scientists, to Nova Scotia. Mr. Presi- {Editor's Note:—At an early date Field Stanley Field, and libraries and other institutions. dent of the Museum, as usual, unit publish in book form among Museum, made available funds the Director's Annual Report. Meanwhile, The membership of the Museum at De- for continuation of the work, begun eight Field Museum News presents this brief cember 31 numbered 4,122, as compared years ago, of archaeological excavations of summary of some of the outstanding activities with 4,266 on the same date of 1937. It is extensive scope and importance in south- of 1938.) hoped that the small loss may be more western Colorado. Dr. Wilfred H. Osgood, The story that science has to tell of the than recovered in 1939. A word of apprecia- Chief Curator of Zoology, personally financed world in which we live was brought directly tion is due to all who have continued their and conducted an expedition concerned with to more than 2,000,000 Chicagoans, and support by retaining their memberships. biological research in New Mexico. All of the Museum made visitors to the city, by Field Museum dur- Departments WPA PROJECT ing 1938. Indirectly—through publication, important additions to their exhibits in The project conducted at Field Museum radio, and other such media—additional 1938. These have been described, at the by the federal Works Progress Administra- numbers, which cannot be estimated, have time of installation, in Field Museum tion was continued throughout the year, been reached. From the standpoint of News. giving employment to 218 men and women. service to the public, the year was one of expeditions These workers aggregated 337,756 hours, the most active and successful in the history In view of the fact that in 1938, as in other and the government paid them wages total- of the institution. recent years since depression has severely ing $211,548. They displayed a variety of ATTENDANCE curtailed its budgets, it has been impossible skills and talents, and were employed for the Museum to make the of the tasks to which The number of visitors received at the appropriations accordingly, range for expeditions from its own funds, the they were assigned embracing scientific Museum was 1,391,580. This is an increase institution was singularly fortunate in being research, preparation of exhibits, clerical of 101,557 over the 1937 attendance, which enabled to carry out an important expedi- work, and general labor. Work done by totaled 1,290,023 and was likewise more tionary program with contributions from WPA employes is of a character that could than 100,000 in excess of that in 1936. public-spirited Chicagoans. Mr. Sewell not be undertaken by the Museum's regular The balance of the more than 2,000,000 Avery, a Trustee, sponsored four—a zoo- staff because of the pressure of more urgent brought directly within the sphere of the logical expedition to British Guiana, a tasks. The regular employes on the Mu- Museum's influence in 1938 consists of some geological expedition in western and eastern seum's own payroll continued with their 500,000 Chicago school children repeatedly parts of the United States, and two botanical usual duties. —C. C. G. reached by the 1,200 traveling natural history exhibits circulated by the N. W. Harris Public School Extension, and 182,608 In the illustration is shown a reproduction children reached through lecturers sent into THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED from nature, made at the Museum on the the schools by the James Nelson and Anna basis of a collected in Guatemala. Louise Raymond Foundation. specimen The Swan Flower It is exhibited in the Hall of Plant Life Of the 1938 attendance, more than 93 The swan flower {Aristolochia grandiflora) (Hall 29). per cent were admitted free of charge, com- is the largest member of the Dutchman's ing on the free days (Thursdays, Saturdays pipe family, and also the largest flower of and Sundays), or belonging to classifications the western hemisphere. Unfortunately such as children, teachers, students, and this remarkable native of Central America Members of the Museum, who are admitted and the West Indies is one of the most free on all days. The 25-cent admission fee malodorous of tropical plants. The un- charged on other days was paid by less than pleasant scent of its great flowers has been 7 per cent. described as resembling that of decaying The regular spring and autumn courses tobacco. This odor, and possibly also the of illustrated lectures on science and travel blotched colors, attracts insects, particularly for adults, and the Raymond Foundation flies, which act as pollinating agents. series (spring, summer and autumn) of free The plant often is also called pelican or motion pictures for children, were presented flower. In Jamaica it has been in the James Simpson Theatre before goose given the name "poison hog-meat," and the well- audiences aggregating more than 50,000 known botanist, John Lunan, in "an account persons. In addition, parties totaling more of its virulent nature," wrote: "The plant is than 48,000 children and adults were con- so abominably fetid that it is detested and ducted on guide-lecture tours of the exhibits. shunned by most animals, yet when hogs Several thousand other persons participated venture, through necessity, to eat of it, it in the Sunday afternoon lecture tours con- destroys them." One report tells of a whole ducted by Mr. Paul G. Dallwig, the Layman herd of swine perishing from eating the roots Lecturer. The books and pamphlets on the and young stems. In some localities native shelves of the Museum's increased Library children are said to adorn their heads with to and were used the 114,000 extensively by the flowers in lieu of hats. public as well as by students and scientists. The flowers, like those of other plants in A new service was inaugurated during the this family, are typically tubular. In the the of The Book year by opening Shop, swan flower the tube is S-shaped, and its which in books on science specializes popular free is In margin enormously expanded. Largest Flower of Western Hemisphere that have been approved by qualified the throat of the tube is a diaphragm with Reproduction of the swan flower of Central America and the West on exhibition in the Hall of Plant scientists on the Museum staff. an opening which makes the flower an effec- Indies, Life. One of the flowers is shown in profile, revealing, Field Museum Press issued thirty technical tive insect trap, luring many small creatures when picture is turned with left side down, the resem- blance to certain birds from which the plant gets such scientific publications, and seven leaflets of the air to their deaths. names as "swan," "goose," and "pelican flower." Pages FIELD MUSEUM NEWS February, 19S9

SUNDAY TOURS IN FEBRUARY Department of Zoology: FEBRUARY GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS From of Coral FEATURE GEMS AND JEWELS University Miami, Gables, FOR WEEK-DAY VISITORS Florida—a turtle, Bahamas; from Chicago Illinois—a With reservations being made several Zoological Society, Brookfield, Conducted tours of exhibits, under the rat kangaroo and 4 birds; from Mrs. Clara weeks in advance, the popular Sunday after- guidance of staff lecturers, are made every K. Walton, Highland Park, Illinois—5 birds, noon lecture tours conducted by Mr. Paul G. afternoon at 3 o'clock except Saturdays, Illinois; from Phil C. Orr, Santa Barbara, the Lecturer of Field Mu- and certain Dallwig, Layman California—a cleaned domestic fowl skele- Sundays, holidays. Following seum, will continue through May. "Gems, from Miss Claire — is the schedule of subjects and dates for " ton; Nemec, Chicago Jewels and 'Junk,' is the new subject for a specimen of moUusk, Texas; from— H. W. February: the four Sundays in February. This lecture Lix, Hot Springs, Arkansas a snake, Wednesday, February 1 —Races of Man- includes tours of H. N. Higinbotham Hall, Arkansas; from Luis Mille, S. J., Bahia de kind; Thursday—General Tour; Friday— —6 devoted especially to gems and jewels, Caraquez, Ecuador sponges and corals, South American Animal Life. in other halls in the Ecuador; from Michael Lerner, New York and also of exhibits Week beginning February 6: Monday— City—a mounted specimen of a North Department of Geology pertaining to precious Coal and Oils; Tuesday—Plants with Atlantic broadbill swordfish, Nova Scotia, and semi-precious gem stones and the sources Curious Habits; Wednesday—Burial Cus- and a large photograph of it; from John M. from which are obtained. Mr. Dallwig toms; Thursday—General Tour; Friday— they Schmidt, Homewood, Illinois—a Florida Animal Families. describes the processes of mining, cutting, opossum. and polishing gems, and relates many human Week beginning February IS: Monday— interest stories about the most famous NEW MEMBERS Indians of North, Central and South —Prehistoric diamonds in the world. He also gives his America; Tuesday and Modern The were elected to Mammals; Wednesday— of Flax and hearers an insight into the workings of the following persons Story Cotton; Thursday—General Tour; Friday— international jewel markets. membership in Field Museum during the Birds at Home. period from December 16 to January 15: In March the subject of Sunday tours will Week beginning February 20: Monday— Associate Members be "Nature's 'March of Time,'" dealing Life in the Far East; Tuesday—Rocks and with prehistoric animals. Adam Gabriel, Otto Madlener, Oscar G. Their Formation; Wednesday—The Cave- D. Sarkis H. men; —General — Each Sunday lecture tour is limited to a Mayer, Joseph Murphy, Thursday Tour; Friday Horses and Their Relatives. of 125 Reservations must Nahigian. party persons. Annual Members — be made in advance by mail or telephone Monday, February 27 Plant Ecology; Samuel Adams, Amos G. Allen, Mrs. Tuesday—Ancient Mexico. (Wabash 9410). Parties are restricted to H. S. Austrian, John S. Burchmore, Frank adults. Persons wishing to participate should Osborne Elliott, Dr. Gordon B. Fauley, Mrs. at North Entrance. Tours are The lectures begin promptly at 2 p.m., and William Edward Graham, J. C. Hauser, apply free. A new schedule will each month in end at 4:30. Members of the parties may Mrs. Henry T. Heald, Benjamin G. Kaplan, appear H. A. Frank Mrs. Johannes Field Museum News. Guide-lecturers' obtain refreshments in the Cafeteria, and Kern, Kotrba, Krawetz, Adolph Kroch, Arthur Kruggel, services for special tours by parties of ten smoke, during a half-hour intermission mid- O. W. Lehmann, Mrs. Kenneth Llewellyn, or more are available free of in the tours. tables are reserved charge by way Special Mrs. John F. Samuel Nast, O'Toole, Henry arrangement with the Director a week in for the groups. R. Richardson, Miss Lavinia Ritter, Meyer advance. Schuman, John M. Simpson, Howard M. Sims, A. E. Thiffault, Casimir R. Wachow- Examples of the traveling natural GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM ski. history exhibits circulated among Chicago's schools by the N. W. Harris Public School Extension Following is a list of some of the principal SEASICK FISH are shown in Stanley Field Hall. gifts received during the last month: Page Mr. Ripley of "believe it or not" Department of Anthropology : fame. This is a fish story, avowedly, but MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD From Alvan T. MUSEUM Marston, London, Eng- a true one it makes severe demands — although Field Museum has several classes of Members. land 16 flint implements and a molar Benefactors or devise or on one's credulity. give $100,000 more. Contribu- tooth of an elephant, England; from Miss tors give or devise $1,000 to $100,000. Life Members give Non-Resident Life and Associate Members Helen M. —a Bundu mask, While in a power boat, with the sea $500; Dart, Chicago pay $100; Non-Resident Associate Members pay $50. West Africa. running high, during a Museum expedition All the above classes are exempt from dues. Sustaining Members contribute $25 annually. After six years they off the coast of Maine, Mr. Alfred C. Weed, become Associate Members. Annual Members con- of Botany : Department tribute Other Curator of Fishes, and Staflf Taxidermist $10 annually. memberships are Corpo- From Irving Knobloch, San Juanito, rate, Honorary. Patron, and Corresponding, additions Leon L. Pray, made a curious observation— under these classifications being made by special action Mexico—130 herbarium specimens, Mexico; of the Board of Trustees. that fish, of all creatures, are subject to from R. A. Dyer, Pretoria, South Africa— Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to free mal de mer. The Museum men had made admission to the Museum for himself, his family and 10 palm fruit specimens. South Africa; house guests, and to two reserved seats for Museum a catch of live which lectures for from Dr. Herbert M. Evans, Berkeley, good specimens, they provided Members. Subscription to Field Museum News is included with all The in a "live-car" the boat. As memberships. California—1,650 herbarium specimens, Cali- kept alongside courtesies of every museum of note in the United States and Canada are extended to all Members of fornia, Montana, and Oregon; from Dr. the intensity of the waves increased, the Field Museum. A Member may give his personal card William R. Taylor, Ann Arbor, Michigan— water washed over the live-car in such a to non-residents of Chicago, upon presentation of which they will be admitted to the Museum without 10 of algae, Arctic America. as to means of specimens way provide potential escape charge. Further information about memberships will be sent on for the captives. But the fish, actually and request. Department of Geology : visibly seasick from the swaying motion of BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS From The Chicago Tribune—a relief map the container, remained miserably at the Bequests to Field Museum of Natural of North from Dr. H. C. History may America; Dake, be made in securities, money, books or collections. bottom of their floating prison-tank, with Portland, Oregon—23 almandite crystals, They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to no apparent interest in swimming out to a person or cause, named by the giver. Idaho; from Donald C. Boardman, Fillmore, Contributions made within the freedom that beckoned. Later the taxable year not California—2 specimens of lava and tuff they exceeding 15 per cent of the taxpayer's net income are allowable as were transferred to tubs on board the boat, deductions in computing net income for inter-stratified, California; from Miss Bertha federal income tax purposes. but continued to suffer from the F. Gordon, Porterville, California—6 photo- pitching Endowments may be made to the Museum with the provision that an annuity be paid to the for life. of and rolling motion of the vessel until patron graphs Death Valley and vicinity, Cali- port These annuities are guaranteed against fluctuation in fornia. was reached. amount, and may reduce federal income taxes.

PRINTKD BY FIEVD MUSBUM PRE** News Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 10 MARCH, 1939 No. 3 LARGE RELIEF MODEL OF NORTH AMERICA PRESENTED BY CHICAGO TRIBUNE

By L. BRYANT MATHER, JR. larger, and the Antarctic mass much smaller. dicated is the lowest part of the continent ASSISTANT CURATOR OF MINERALOGY The Museum exhibit, being a model in re- that is not dry land—the deepest point in From The Chicago Tribune the Museum lief, illustrates graphically that the average Lake Huron, which is approximately 500 feet recently received, as a gift, an unusually height of the land of North America above below sea level. large model in relief of the continent of sea level is only 2,100 feet, yet its highest At present the oceans overlap the edges North America. This model, 10 feet wide point. Mount McKinley in Alaska, rises to an of the continent to some extent. It has and 15 feet long, has been been estimated that since repainted, and mounted on the beginning of melting the west wall of Hall 36 in of the ancient ice sheet that the Department of Geology. once covered large parts of There are many different North America, the level ways in which a model such of the oceans has been raised as this can be used to show, 258 feet by the water that far more clearly than could has been returned to them, many pages of writing, vari- and that when the ice that ous interesting features of the still remains has all finally continent on which we live. melted, the level of the sea However, its most effective will rise another 150 feet. and valuable use in the The relief model in the Museum seems to be as an Museum shows graphically exhibit illustrating basic that should this condition physical facts about North occur, only the tops of the America: its shape, the eleva- highest buildings in cities tion of the land, and the such as New York and major physical divisions into Boston would remain above which it may be divided. the sea. Chicago would The actual height of the remain on quite dry land, land above sea level is shown but would be some 300 modeled to scale. Lower miles nearer to the Gulf of areas are colored green, in- Mexico, due to the sub- creases in depth of shading mergence of the lower indicating lower land. Higher Mississippi Valley. areas are bufif to brown, the The shape of continents color darkening to corre- is due to the location of spond with rises in the level their mountain ranges. of the land. Conforming to North America owes conventional usage, areas its triangular shape to the covered by water are colored spreading apart in the blue, and those covered for north of its two great the greater part of the year mountain chains. The by snow are colored white. principal irregularities in This relief model recalls to continental outlines—pen- mind a number of facts that insulas, bays and islands— the average person seldom arise either from the thinks about once his school- influence of these mountain days are a few years behind chains or from sinking of him. For example, do you low portions of the connect- remember that the continent The North American Continent In Relief ing plain. of North America contains Mii Elizabeth Hambleton (center), guide-lecturer on the staff of the James Nelson and In addition to the new Anna of Louise Raymond Foundation, points out to a group school girls and boy scouts interesting The approximately 8,300,000 features on large relief model (10 by 15 feet) presented to Field Museum by The Chicago Tribune. model presented by square miles or just a little Tribune, there are other more than half of the land area of the entire elevation of 20,310 feet. Higher mountains models in relief of parts of North America. New World of North and South America are found only in South America and Asia. These are on display in the west end of together? The American continental mass Also the map makes clear the location of Clarence Buckingham Hall (Hall 35) and in is intermediate in size between the earth's the lowest dry land on the continent, which the corridors between Halls 34, 35, and 36. two other continental masses, the Eurasian- lies in Death Valley in southern California, Included are some devoted to the topogra- African-Australian group being a great deal some 280 feet below sea level. Likewise in- phy of Illinois and the Chicago region. Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS March, 19S9

A GREAT GAME FISH— THE OLDEST KNOWN TEXTILES, THE WHITE MARLIN THIS MONTH AT THE MUSEUM MADE IN NEOLITHIC AGE By ALFRED C. WEED From various schedules which By HENRY FIELD CintATOB OF FISHES will be found in this issue of FIELD CURATOR OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOUXJY it will be seen that Fashions in game fishing usually change MUSEUM NEWS, The average person probably does not there are events scheduled rather slowly. Some of the South Sea fisher- special associate the gentle arts of crocheting and for the entertainment and instruc- men not only use the methods employed by embroidering with the sturdy woman of pre- tion of Museum visitors many generations of their grandfathers but every day historic times. Nor is there evidence that March and On Satur- probably, in some cases, the same actual during April. any form of textile making was known to the in the there will be hooks and lines. Salmon fishing methods days, morning people of the Old Stone Age. But five or the Foundation motion in England do not differ greatly from those Raymond six thousand years ago some Neolithic lady for and that were in use when Izaak Walton wrote picture programs children, (or was it her husband?) left a wooden in the afternoon the illustrated lec- The Compleai Angler. On the other hand, crochet needle, and another some embroid- tures on science and travel for we have in recent years seen many changes ered cloth for twentieth century excavators both in the James in American styles of fishing, both in tackle adults, presented to find in prehistoric lake dwellings in Theatre. On and in the kinds of fishes sought. These Simpson Sunday Switzerland. have been more notable in the afternoons there will be the lectures changes Evidences of the high development of marine fishes than in those of the rivers and and tours conducted by Mr. Paul G. various forms of textile art have come to lakes. as a is Dallwig, the Layman Lecturer. Tarpon fishing sport only light there. Spindle whorls and loom from to inclu- weights about fifty old. Daily Monday Friday years of stone and clay, bundles of raw flax fiber, sive there will be presented guide- Perhaps the most spectacular change in specimens of knitted and netted and lecture tours conducted by members fabrics, the sportsmen's ideas about game fishes has loom-woven cloth of wool and of linen in of the Museum staff. been the recent great rise in popularity of forms as complicated as twill were found. various members of the swordfish group. From these and other discoveries we know "Broadbill," the real swordfish, has been and it is not yet known whether to class that this primitive people learned, possibly caught by anglers for many years at Cata- them all as one, or to make two or more through accidental experience, that animal lina Island, California, but it is only a species of them. All the others have and vegetable fibers could be twisted to form short time since attention began to be paid pointed bony spikes in place of the sword. long, strong threads; that from these threads to sailfish and marlin in the waters around They are often called spearfishes to dis- they wove cloth; and that they decorated Florida and the West Indies. The search tinguish them from the swordfishes. These their cloth with rich borders, chain and plait for sailfish was well established before our may be divided into two groups by the fringes, and embroidery. They even wove anglers began to try to take marlin. Two shape of the fin on the back. In the sail- designs by combining threads of different species of these magnificent fishes are fairly fishes this fin is more than twice very large, textures. common in waters that can be reached as high as the body of the rather slender Fleecy, textiles were used easily from Miami, Florida, or from Bimini, creature. There are several species in this hairy-surfaced for rugs and capes; coarse were some- Bahama Islands. The larger and less group. bags times made of braided bast known of these is the blue marlin. This STREAMLINED FOR SPEED and rushes; and baskets were coiled and twined. fish may reach a length well over ten feet The marlins are larger and somewhat a of several hundred and weight pounds. heavier for their length than the sailfishes, Contemporary knowledge of weaving in Such a fish makes a splendid trophy and but still much more slender than the sword- ancient Egypt is indicated by the figure of a may force the angler to work hard for some fishes. Their dorsal fins are smaller, quite horizontal loom decorating a Badarian bowl hours before it can be brought into the boat. high in front, and lower behind. All these recently found and attributed to about SPECTACULAR LEAPS fishes are streamlined for high speed. Be- 4000 B.C. cause the fins would add much resistance The white marlin is considerably smaller, In the Hall of the Stone Age of the Old they can be enclosed in grooves in the body not much larger than a sailfish, and rarely World (Hall C), Case 13 contains spindle of the fish so that they are entirely hidden reaches a weight of more than one hundred whorls and loom weights, as well as woven much of the time. The number of species pounds. However, this is not all the story. fabrics and a reconstruction drawing of a of marlins is not known. Various authors An active fish, weighing eighty to a hundred loom. In Case 14 are samples of nets and estimate it from two or three to about pounds, on moderately light tackle can give twisted fibers which had been charred and twenty. the angler plenty of thrills, and it seems were therefore well In a new Hall of in preserved, although from accounts that is Fishes, currently published this just buried for several thousand in the bed the Museum to have years what the white marlin does. If one can preparation, expects of Lake NeuchStel. The diorama on exhibition some fine of the large believe the stories in books and specimens magazines, these cases larger fishes. The most recent addi- opposite (No. vill) represents there are few, if fishes that a game any, put up an scene beside tion to this series is a beautiful specimen of early morning Lake Neu- more spectacular battle against the angler. white marlin caught Colonel Warren R. chatel. In the foreground two fishermen are While most fishes seek deep water when by Roberts in the Gulf Stream off Miami, hauling in their seine. At the entrance to they feel the restraint of the line, the white Florida. This fish was mounted by Mr. Al one of the thatched dwellings of their village marlin goes into the air, making spectacular Pflueger, of Miami, and presented by stands a large loom, awaiting the attention leaps in such rapid succession that it seems Colonel Roberts. of the woman of the house. to be dancing on the water. The swordfishes of the world have not been well studied by scientists. There are ADVENTURES IN BOTANY three main divisions of the The group. are told in The World Was My Garden, by David Fairchild, well-known plant explorer. true swordfishes on the front of the carry "This book contains a fascinating account of a lifetime of work and travels in all parts head a structure long, flat, bony resembling of the world in pursuit of exotic plants, fruits, and vegetables for introduction into the in the blade of a broad-sword. Fishes shape United States," states Dr. B. E. Dahlgren, Chief Curator of Botany. of this are found in most and type warm On sale at the BOOK SHOP of FIELD MUSEUM—$3.75. temperate seas. They look very much alike, March, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page S

A GROUP OF TOUCANS COLLECTED BY MANDEL EXPEDITION the basic similarity of the feeding habits of these unrelated and one concludes By emmet R. BLAKE species, interesting family may be found in forested . , that the of structure ASSISTANT CURATOR OF BIRDS , , , , . ,... similarity has, through regions from sea level upward to altitudes evolutionary channels, been the natural The feeding habits, migrations, con- of seven or thousand feet. eight result. vergent adaptation, protective coloration, factors are involved in the forma- Many Also included in the exhibit is a northern and various other elements in the intricate tion of natural associations of bird-life. wood thrush, representative of a large num- life patterns of certain birds are revealed in Similarity of nesting or of feeding habits ber of species which nest in North America the Guatemala forest habitat group recently frequently attracts birds of widely separated but retire to the tropics each winter. Some, opened to the public in Hall 20. families. Tropical fruit trees, such as the like the wood thrush, pause in Central one in the habitat Data, and specimens and accessories for reproduced present group, America. Many others continue southward the elaborate group, were collected in the are particularly important focal points for to South America or even fly directly across the season of dense tropical rain-forest of eastern Guate- many species during fruitage. the Caribbean. Most of our insect-eaters mala. A and Birds in their search for food, special expedition, organized which, are highly migratory, even the smaller species Mr. Leon of are scattered in the vast sponsored by Mandel, Chicago, ordinarily widely performing amazing journeys twice each six months in the field on this mission. become concentrated in and about spent forests, year. Unfortunately, all of our song- The collected also material for these occasional sources of abundant food. expedition sters, of which the wood thrush is one of the finest, become relatively silent in winter. The tropical forest never resounds with the songs of North American birds. The birds in the group, as well as the painted background, were prepared by Staff Artist Arthur G. Rueckert, and the acces- sories were made under the supervision of Preparator Frank H. Letl.

BOTANIST EMPLOYS MONKEYS TO COLLECT SPECIMENS Stories of monkeys as botanical collectors always seem fantastic and incredible. Some time ago Field Museum News printed such a story and aroused critical comments from the incredulous. Here is another more detailed and documented one from a British source:

The Kew Bulletin, No. 7, 1938, quotes from the Annual Report of the Director of Gardens, Straits Settlements, an account of the use made of berok monkeys (Macacus Toucans and Their Habitat nemestrina), widely used in the East by the Photograph shows detail of one section of a group in Hall 20. The specimens were collected by the Leon Malays for gathering coconuts, to collect Mandel-Field Museum Zoological Expedition to Guatemala, of which Assistant Curator Blake was a member. botanical specimens from tall trees. Two young beroks, Jambul and Putch, are at two Other habitat groups, one of the exotic Bishop grosbeaks compete actively and present employed; they understand twelve quetzal, national bird of Guatemala, and successfully, as shown, with the larger and words of Kelantanese and can thus be the other of a nesting colony of oropendulas. more voracious toucans. Tree-tops which instructed to pick specific twigs, and drop These groups, exhibited in adjoining cases, ordinarily shelter only occasional accidental them to the ground. Mr. E. J. H. Corner, were pictured and described in the Septem- bird visitors, suddenly become alive with Acting Director of the Gardens, who ob- ber and December (1938) issues of Field avian activity. tained the team from Kelantan, states, "A Museum News. Something of the intense competition berok upon the shoulder can be likened, in Puerto Barrios, the Caribbean port of existing within the ranks of every related effect, to a falcon on the wrist; and its Guatemala, familiar to many travelers in group of animals is suggested by the attack employment is recommended both to Central American waters, was chosen as the of a short-keeled toucan upon two smaller amateurs for its charm and cheapness, and ideal locale to be reproduced. The humid collared aracari which were monopolizing a to keepers of reserves where it is desirable forests, luxuriant vegetation, and abundance berry-laden branch. Not until the tree is to collect specimens repeatedly from the of parasitic plants, so ably portrayed in this denuded of berries does the entirely ripe same trees without damage to them. Jam- Guatemala forest group, are typical of the of birds scatter to forage else- assemblage bul and Putch are the first beroks to enter vast lowlands of eastern Central where. " tropical the government service. America. The very important biological principle Featured in the group are two species of of convergent evolution is illustrated in the of Visits Museum toucan, or "billbirds." More than fifty group by a western barred wood-hewer and Group Geologists species of this fruit-eating family are known a chestnut-collared woodpecker. Although Fifty members of the Marquette Geolo- to science. All are characterized by enor- members of entirely different orders or major gists Association visited Field Museum in a mous beaks which are of light, cellular struc- groups of birds, wood-hewers, as well as body last month. They were conducted ture internally. The colors of the beaks are woodpeckers, are equipped with stiffened through the exhibits of the Department of generally brilliant and follow characteristic tail feathers which serve as a necessary Geology by Chief Curator Henry W. patterns. Toucans are restricted to the Amer- support while the birds are perched in a Nichols and Assistant Curator L. Bryant ican tropics, but representatives of this vertical position. Field observations reveal Mather, Jr. Page ^ FIELD MUSEUM NEWS March, 19S9 BROKEN DISHES REVEAL HISTORY OF PREHISTORIC DWELLERS IN SOUTHWEST

By PAUL S. MARTIN terized by a peculiar combination of cultural phases of one root and those of others. Early CHIEF CURATOR, DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY traits. The Cliff Dwellers were recognized as Acoma was contemporaneous in time alone In the Southwest a revival of pottery a phase due to their distinctive custom of with the abandoned Hopi village of Sikyatki. making has resulted in refuse piles around building pueblos in caves, and because they Their methods of making pottery were en- modern Indian pueblos similar to the dumps made a characteristic classical pottery known tirely unassociated, and dependent upon of abandoned prehistoric towns. The Hopis as "Mesa Verde ware." cultural trends from widely separated areas. are making "classical" pottery again—more The typological differentiation of phases The reconstruction of cultural history for important, they often break it. The pieces has been corroborated by excavations reveal- the Southwest has been given a definite of a broken bowl or pot, called sherds, are ing sherds scattered all over the surface of form. We know that each of the peoples of Acoma, of Zuni, and of the Hopi mesas boasts a separate ancestry. In latter days the rigorous, inexorable qualities of quantita- tive technique have been employed in archaeological research. Earlier it had been noted that "natural" levels of deposition, outlined by strata of ash or sterile soil, were not to be trusted. In one incident, it was found that upon dividing a "natural" level vertically at an arbitrary point the sherds on one side were 100 per cent of one phase, and the sherds on the other were 100 per cent of another phase. It was dis- covered also that, quite generally, all of the pottery types of all of the different phases present in a particular site would be found present through all of the fill. Quantitative technique counteracted this discrepancy. If a refuse mound is divided into squares, and the refuse removed in blocks of a depth, a chronology of Reconstructing Pottery and History given for each and its Dr. Paul S. Martin, Chief Curator of the Department of Anthropology, and Miss Marjorie Kelly, studying pottery types square rebuilt from fragments collected in Colorado by last ^summer's Field Museum to jars Archaeological Expedition respective blocks is established. These the Southwest. At right is Mr. Tokumatsu Ito, Ceramic Restorer of the Department, whose special skill is reassembling as many as a hundred or more tiny bits of an ancient vessel so as to restore its original form. squares can later be compared and a single chronology for the entire site created. This of extreme importance to the archaeologist. a ruin, and refuse mounds saturated with does away with the contradictions of Sedentary people have lived in the South- broken bits of pottery from top to bottom. "natural" levels. west for at least 2,000 years, and the As early as 19H remarkable differences PROSPECTS FOR FUTURE STUDY correlation between agrarian habits and were noted between sherds found in a top Also, although unassociated pottery types pottery production is high. Not only the "cut" and those in the bottom. This are often found from the top to the bottom Hopis, but the Indians at Santa Clara, San differentiation, recognized as a natural of a mound, it has been noted that the types Ildefonso, Tesuque, Zuni, Jemez, Acoma and phenomenon, is called stratigraphy. definitely "out of place" are present in a other villages, are now making pottery. A common sense principle is founded upon much smaller proportion than the bona fide The ancient the Cliff Dwellers a or a Hohokam, stratigraphy: given dump heap room wares of any particular level. Therefore, at Mesa Verde, and the Basket Maker filled there has artificially and, providing by making an arbitrary ruling that no Indians at White Cave likewise all made Dog been no disturbance of the fill (in either pottery type under 10 per cent of the total pottery. Inevitably a large amount was historic or prehistoric times), the bottom number of sherds for a particular block broken, providing sherds. Archaeologists must be older than the an layer top, and may be considered as characteristic, it has have discovered that, fortunately, a fair recent overlying deposition must be more been possible to remove this aberration of sized sherd with the elements design present than any underlying it. It is safe to assume, natural mixing of unassociated sherds. is a substitute for a whole jar until there is to satisfactory evidence negate it, that the This new technique lends itself to the or bowl. Examination of a number of strata that were contiguous and the changes recognition of subtle, transitional stages sherds from one site affords a comprehensive in ways of making pottery, as shown by between phases that might contain the same of activities. the sherds from one stratum to the picture pottery-making next, pottery types, qualitatively, but with a DIFFERENTIATING CULTimAL PHASES were natural, transitional steps. wide variation in proportions. It is im- Originally it was fascinating enough to Principally upon sherd evidence, the possible to say how much more will be make a qualitative study of the sherds. Southwest (from Chihuahua to Colorado, accomplished with such new evidence. There were gross differences between speci- and from Texas to southern California) came From the pessimistic viewpoint, it should mens from the pueblo of Acoma in New to be viewed as an archaeological area in be mentioned that no one will ever fill in Mexico and those from the Oraibi pueblo which the vicissitudes of a single, funda- the gaps in the Southwestern chronology to in Arizona. Around these places one could mental cultural pattern could be observed. the point where there will be nothing more discover site after site loaded with sherds Four original variations on the fundamental to learn. Possibly it would be best to similar to those produced in the present pattern were conjectured: a Yuman, a predict the unpredictable and to say that towns. It was possible to associate par- Hohokam, a Caddoan, and a Basket Maker. one day there may be an entirely new school ticular pottery-making habits with particular Each of these "roots" was composed of a of thought that will examine the findings house types, and thus phases were recognized myriad of phases differentiated from each of Southwestern archaeologists for the and differentiated. A phase is an arbitrary other in time position. Yet there was an promulgation of natural laws of the ways point or period in cultural change, charac- asymmetrical relationship between the and habits of mankind. March, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 5

TOXICOLOGIST COMPLETES STUDY limb, and is swept by dizziness. When this sciousness. Finally, upon recovering, there OF PERU'S "DEATH VINE" stage has passed he announces that he sees is a feeling of heavy drowsiness and headache charming landscapes, trees laden with fruits, which lasts for several days. The collections of the Marshall Field birds of gorgeous plumage and other beauti- The ayahuasca concoction is drunk also Peruvian Expedition (1929-30) included ful things. Then, suddenly, the vision by the medicine-man himself, to produce a some stems, branches, and roots, and a changes. Unable longer to support himself, trance supposed to enable him to do such quantity of a native decoction from a he has hallucinations of persons appearing things as settle a dispute or quarrel, discover twining shrub or woody climber known as to ridicule him, of tigers, serpents and super- robbers, tell if strangers are approaching, Caapi. This plant is the source of a power- natural creatures preparing to attack him, give proper answer to an envoy from another ful narcotic, used in rites and divinations, and other fearsome things. He howls and tribe, discover the plans of an enemy, dis- by medicine men of the Indians in the groans mournfully, screams incoherent unin- cover if wives are unfaithful, or, in the case Peruvian Montaiia region. The physiologi- telligible words. All of this, the medicine- of a sick man, to tell who bewitched him. cal effects of Caapi—excitation and visions, man explains later, is due to some particular followed by depression—have been described individual—usually an enemy of the family repeatedly and are well known. The active Hours March 1 —for whom a poisonous concoction should Visiting Change principle of the drug was made the object of be prepared. Beginning March 1, spring visiting hours, various investigations, but no definite When the Indian awakes from his trance 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., will replace the winter results were obtained. It was therefore he must be held down by force to prevent schedule of 9 to 4. The new hours will deemed advisable to offer the material to a him from seizing his weapons and attacking continue in effect until April 30, after which competent toxicologist for study, and it was the first person he encounters. This stage the Museum will be open from 9 a.m. to accordingly placed at the disposal of Dr. is followed by lethargy, lapsing into uncon- 6 P.M. until September 4 (Labor Day). K. K. Chen, of the Research Laboratories of Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, in 1931. A on his has now report investigation THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED—DYAK HUNTER OF BORNEO been published, after the lapse of these several years, in the Quarterly Journal of The Dyaks of Borneo are world-famed for their prowess in hunting. In Hall G of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, a British the Museum is a life-size figure representing a typical Siang-Dyak hunter with his technical periodical. weapons. Dr. Chen found the active principle of The chief weapon, both in hunting and warfare, is the blowgun, an example of which Caapi or ayahuasca to be harmine, an is shown in the exhibit. Reeds are sometimes used for the making of blowguns, but alkaloid already known from another plant more typical are those made from a straight- source. The many different terms which grained stick of hard wood. This is cut to the have been applied by various authors to the desired length, and the blowpipe is bored with toxic principle of Caapi—e.g., telepathine, a long iron rod having a chisel-like end. When yajeine, banisterine, etc.—now may all be it has been smoothed and finished, a spear discarded. In the words of Dr. Chen, "the blade is lashed to the end, so that it can be mystery of the action of Caapi is thus used not only as a blowgun, but in hand-to-hand resolved." combat with a human or animal foe. Thus it In his experiments with harmine on mice parallels the idea and effect of the rifle with and rabbits, Dr. Chen found that the effects bayonet attached as used in the armies of the of the drug were neutralized to a large extent world. by injections of certain barbituric acid In its use as a gun, the missiles employed derivatives which appear to offer a possible are tiny darts. These are fitted at one end means of treatment of Caapi poisoning. with a cone of pith, and the other end is pointed. The use of Caapi or ayahuasca by Peruvian To increase their deadliness, the points are aboriginals was described by Mr. Llewelyn smeared with a powerful alkaloid poison. Plac- Williams, Curator of Economic Botany, and ing a dart in the tube, the Dyak raises it to leader of the expedition, in the August, 1931, his lips and blows mightily—a man with good issue of Field Museum News. The fol- lungs can direct the dart with sufficient force lowing reprinted excerpts are of interest in to kill his quarry at a distance of several yards. connection with Dr. Chen's report: Speed of death is hastened by the poison, but The name ayahuasca derives from the the meat of an animal slain in this way is not Quechua dialect words aya, meaning death, damaged for consumption as food. The darts

' and kuasca, meaning vine. The 'death vine" are carried in a quiver on the belt, as shown in belongs to the tropical family Malpighiaceae. the exhibit. Among the Indians the leaves of this vine A Dyak hunter carries also a shield for are boiled in water for several hours, and warding off poison arrows which enemies may the resulting infusion is drunk copiously at direct against him, and for parrying spears or ceremonial feasts to eliminate fear and to knife thrusts. A long fighting knife is another stimulate reckless bravery in warfare. The customary item of equipment. The young narcotic element in the drink has a rapid men are exceptionally skillful fencers and Blowgun Marksman and violent effect on the nervous system. spend many hours practising with these knives. Fully eqtiipped Dyak hunter aa represented It is habit The data for the Museum's figure of a strongly forming. Dyak in Museum exhibit. The blowgun, with spear were assembled Dr. is During a tribal gathering the medicine- by Fay-Cooper Cole, now blade like a bayonet, seen in right band. of the man acts as cup bearer. He serves the University of Chicago faculty, in con- nection ayahuasca drink in a small calabash con- with the Arthur B. Jones Expedition to Malaysia of which he was the leader. This extensive for the in 1922. taining about a cupful. In about two expedition made collections Museum Dr. Cole was then a member of the staff of Field minutes its effect begins to be apparent. Museum's Department of Anthropology. The drinker turns pale, trembles in every Page 6 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS March, 19S9

Field Museum of Natural History growing generation in Nature and Science tion devoted to the conservation of natural Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 is one of the greatest factors in the institu- resources. Road and Field Roosevelt Drive, Chicago tion's success as an educational force. Mrs. Dr. Steyermark gave an illustrated lecture THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Raymond's Foundation is one that is work- before the Chicago Aquarium Society, Sewell U Avery Wiluam H. Mitchell ing in a field where the most good can be February 15, on "Aquarium Plants and Block George A. Richardson Leopold E. the Their Flowers." Albert B. Dick, Jr. Theodore Roosevelt accomplished, young generation, upon Fred W. Sargent Joseph N. Field which all our hopes must rely for the build- Marshall Field James Simpson Stanley Field Solomon A. Smith ing of a better society, conscious of the needs Staff Taxidermist C. J. Albrecht recently W. Harris Albert A. Sprague Albert and of mankind. A lectured on the life of the Alaska fur Samuel Insull, Jr. Silas H. Strawn rights contemporary history Chables A. McCulloch John P. Wilson sincere appreciation of Nature is a potent seal before an audience at the Carnegie OFFICERS force toward an improved civilization and a Museum of Pittsburgh. Field President Stanley higher type of citizenship. The Albert A. Sprague First Vice-President Raymond James Simpson Second Vice-President Foundation is developing this appreciation. Albert W. Harris Third Vice-President NEW MEMBERS Clifford C. Gregg Director and Secretary It is a great and good work, the importance

. . . Treasurer and Assistant The were elected to Solomon A. Smith Secretary of which cannot be over-emphasized. following persons membership in Field Museum during the FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Clifford C. Gregg, Director. period from January 16 to February 15: Clifford C. Gregg, Director of the Museum .... Editor CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Distinguished Visitors Contributors Paul S. Martin Chief Curator of Anthropology visitors Wallace W. Lufkin, Clarence B. Mitchell B. E. Dahlgren Chief Curator of Botany Among distinguished recently Henry W. Nichols Chief Curator of Geology received at Field Museum were the follow- Associate Members Wilfred H. Osgood Chief Curator of Zoology ing: Colonel Richard Meinertzhagan, noted Mrs. Frances S. Otto H. B. Harte Managing Editor Cummings, Gressens, British ornithologist; Professor E. N. Tran- George W. Lennon, Albert E. M. Louer, Head of the of Frederic G. Pick. Members are requested to Inform the Museum seau. Department Botany, promptly of changes of address. Ohio State University, and Dr. Osvald Siren, .\nnual Members Curator of Oriental Art at the National Dr. Margaret Howard Austin, Mrs. Her- Museum in Stockholm, Sweden. man A. Behrens, H. L. Bloom, Sidney Weil FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK— Professor Malcolm F. Farley, of the Bloom, Clayton B. Burch, Richard W. FHikien Christian University at Foochow, Canman, James F. Clancy, Harry Dinkel- Miss N. B. A Great Friend of Chicago's Children China, is spending six months at the Mu- man, George W. Dixon, Jr., Mrs. Cora F. seum on a research project in connection Durbin, Carl Ed, Henri Elman, A Benefactor of Field Museum, whose Mrs. Earle B. with Chinese ceramics and related Engel, Nick Fennema, to the of subjects. widespread generosity people Fowler, Thomas B. Gallaher, Herbert F. Chicago is perhaps not fully known and Geisler, Roger F. Howe, Mrs. R. M. Kimball, appreciated, is Mrs. James Nelson Raymond. STAFF NOTES Mrs. Michael L. Mason, Mrs. George A. B. Mrs. Her gifts created the James Nelson and Anna Mr. L. Bryant Mather, Jr. has been McKinlock, John Metzenberg, Mrs. H. Louise Raymond appointed to the staff of the Department of Arthur O. Olsen, George Parkinson, S. Mrs. John B. Foundation for Geology as Assistant Curator of Mineralogy. Dwight Parmelee, Rodgers, J. C. Schmidtbauer, J. A. Schram, Calvin F. Public School and Mr. Mather studied at the Johns Hopkins Selfridge, Mrs. J. Harry Selz, Walter H. Children's Lectures, University under some of the outstanding Siegfried, Sidney Stackler, W. L. Stensgaard, which the authorities of the world. He through mineralogical Albert J. Tarrson, Mrs. S. E. Thomason, lessons of plant and has been engaged in mineralogical work for Louis A. Weiss, E. L. Wilson. animal life, the com- the United States Geological Survey and position and struc- the National Park Service, and served for a ture of the earth, time as Curator of Mineralogy in the A FEW FACTS ABOUT FIELD MUSEUM and the strange lives Museum of the Natural History Society of Field Museum is open every day of the year (except Christmas and New Year's Day) during of primitive peoples Maryland, at Baltimore. the hours indicated below: of the world are November, December, January, February 9 a.m. to 4 P.M. to the made known Mrs. James N. Raymond Mr. James R. Shouba has been appointed March, April, and October 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. school children of Founder of the Raymond to the Museum staff to assist Superintendent September, Foundation. her May, June, July, August 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addi- Through Chicago. benefactions, lessons in W. H. Corning. Admission is free to Memt>ers on all days. tion to her Founda- natural history are brought Other adults are admitted free on Thursdays, Field Museum to and non-members 25 T-«- 1 1 »« ^y ap- Saturdays, Sundays; pay tion at Field Mu- proximately a quarter of a Mr. Karl P. Schmidt, Curator of Amphibi- cents on other days. Children are admitted free '"""'"' '•''"'*""' ^'=^ all Students and members of >"^"- ans and his "A on days. faculty seum, Mrs. Ray- Reptiles, presented lecture, educational institutions are admitted free any mond has established a similar project in Naturalist in the South Seas," relating the day upon presentation of credentials. The Museum's Library is open for reference the Art Institute of to a story of the Cornelius Crane Pacific Expe- Chicago promote daily except Saturday afternoon and Sunday. consciousness of art among school children, dition of Field Museum, before the Cornell Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools the N. W. Harris Public School and she has and Club of last month. of Chicago by provided scholarships Chicago Extension Department of the Museum. benefits for students in other educational Lectures at schools, and special entertain- ments and tours for children at the Museum, are institutions. Staff Taxidermist John W. Moyer pre- provided by the James Nelson and Anna Louise and The contributions of Mrs. Raymond for sented a lecture, "Behind the Scenes at Raymond Foundation for Public School Children's Lectures. the of work children Field before a audience of conducting among by Museum," large Free courses of lectures for adults are presented Field Museum now amount to more than guests of the Stevens Hotel on February 6. in the James Simpson Theatre on Saturday after- noons (at 2:30 o'clock) in March, April, October, $565,000. A gift of $2,000 was received He also recently lectured before members and November. from her in February, following by only a of the Medinah Club. A Cafeteria serves visitors. Rooms are avail- able also for those bringing their lunches. few weeks the gift of $4,000 announced in Chicago Motor Coach Company No. 26 busses the January issue of Field Museum News. Dr. Julian A. Steyermark, Assistant Cu- provide direct transportation to the Museum. Ser- vice is offered also by Surface Lines, Rapid Tran- The continuous and enthusiastic support rator of the Herbarium, has been appointed sit Lines (the "L"), interurban electric lines, and Illinois Central trains. There is ample free park- which Mrs. Raymond gives the Museum in representative of Field Museum to the Con- ing space for automobiles at the Museum. its efforts to stimulate the interest of the servation Council of Chicago, an organiza- March, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 7

" "NATURE'S 'MARCH OF TIME' Osgood, Chicago—28 small mammals and MARCH GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS ON SUNDAY TOURS a mammal skeleton, Mississippi; from FOR WEEK-DAY VISITORS General Biological Supply House, Chicago with its tours of The prehistoric world, many —23 specimens of snakes, lizards, and fresh Conducted exhibits, under the strange forms of animals and plants which water snails, and a mass of eggs of the guidance of staff lecturers, are made every have been extinct for millions of years, will leopard frog, artificially produced, Florida, afternoon at 3 o'clock except Saturdays, from John G. be brought to life for those who attend the Panama, and the laboratory; Sundays, and certain holidays. Following Shedd —one Sunday afternoon lecture tours conducted Aquarium, Chicago Japanese is the schedule of subjects and dates for giant salamander, and 8 fish specimens from during March by Mr. Paul G. Dallwig, March: Fiji, South America, Florida Keys, and the Lecturer of Field Museum. Layman March 1 — " Bahama Islands; from Chicago Zoological Wednesday, Meteorites, Moon "Nature's 'March of Time' is the title — and —General Society, Brookfield, Illinois 13 birds and Minerals;— Thursday Tour; ofTered by Mr. Dallwig for each of the four 2 snakes. Friday Carl Akeley and His Work. this month. The will tour Sundays parties Week beginning March 6: Monday—Uses The Library: Ernest R. Graham Hall of Historical of Plant Liquids and Fibers; Tuesday— Geology, where Mr. Dallwig will relate the Valuable books from L. Bryant Mather, The—Eskimos and Their Cultures; Wednes-— most interesting facts about the various Jr., Dr. Henry Field, and C. Martin Wilbur, day Birds, Past and Present;— Thursday fossil specimens, as well as the restorations all of Chicago, and from Museo Arquologia General Tour; Friday The Story of e Historia de Yucatan. in which the creatures of the past are shown Yucatan, Merida, Crystals. as science indicates must have Week March IS: — they appeared The Raymond Foundation: beginning Monday of Ancient and Modern in life. — Reptiles Times; From Dr. Henry Field, Chicago 5 large —The Door in and Art; Each lecture tour is limited to a Tuesday History Sunday colored of transparencies Egyptian subjects. Wednesday—The Hall of Plant Life; Thurs- party of 125 adults. Reservations must be day—General Tour; Friday—China and made in advance by mail or telephone Tibet. (Wabash 9410). A BOOK THAT IS DIFFERENT— Week beginning March 20: Monday— The lectures begin at 2 p.m. and promptly Animals of Cold Regions; Tuesday—Trees end at of the "You will enjoy reading Sculpture, 4:30. Members parties may and Their Uses; Wednesday—Man Through Inside and Out, by Malvina Hoffman," obtain refreshments in the Cafeteria, and the Ages; Thursday—General Tour; Friday Dr. of smoke, during a half-hour intermission mid- says Henry Field, Curator Physi- —Field Museum Bronzes. in the tours. tables are reserved cal Anthropology. "The little known way Special Week beginning March 27: Monday— of the where the artist's for the groups. story foundry The Earth and Its Crust; Tuesday—Paints is immortalized in bronze is told — In April Mr. Dallwig's Sunday tours will clay and Dyes; Wednesday Beavers and Other vividly and eloquently, simply yet dra- —General be on the subject "Digging Up the Cave- — —Gnawers; Thursday Tour; Friday man's Past." matically, by a master-craftsman the African Cultures. creator of the figures illustrating the Persons wishing to participate should Races of Mankind in Field Museum." apply at North Entrance. Tours are free. GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM Lavishly illustrated. Price $3.75. A new schedule will appear each month in is a list of some of the Deluxe autographed edition $7.50. Following principal Field Museum News. Guide-lecturers' gifts received during the last month: Publication date about March 25. services for special tours by parties of ten Advance orders now being taken by Department of Anthropology: or more are available free of charge by BOOK SHOP of FIELD MUSEUM From Dr. Henry Field, Chicago—3 glass arrangement with the Director a week in and 4 pottery lachrymas and 3 glass brace- advance. lets, Italy; from William J. Town, Detroit, Michigan—a skull, from C. J. Michigan; A Hambleton, Chicago—a Tibetan prayer FAMOUS GROUP—THE RARE MARCO POLO SHEEP wheel of silver, inlaid with and turquoise Marco Polo's sheep {Ovis poli), named for inches long. Although horns exceeding coral. the famous Venetian traveler who first seventy inches in length are known, none

of : Department Botany reported it, is generally regarded as the approaching this size have been taken for From R. C. Monteiro da Costa, Para, finest of all wild sheep. Its long, gracefully many years, according to the records. Brazil—13 specimens of fibers and woods, sweeping horns are among Brazil; from Dr. Harold C. Bold, Nashville, the most highly prized Tennessee—20 of North specimens algae. trophies of the hunt. Carolina and from Tennessee; University The habitat of these of California, Berkeley, California—91 her- sheep is in the Pamir barium specimens. South America, Mexico, of western Turke- and California; from Dr. F. Raymond ranges the main Fosberg, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—45 stan, beyond herbarium specimens, Hawaii. Himalayas, where travel is very arduous. Department of Geology : The specimens in Field From A. J. and Ray Schneider, Portland, Museum's group, on exhibi- Oregon—one rough and 7 cut and polished tion in William V. Kelley thunder eggs, Oregon; from Frank M. Hall were shot Preucil, Joliet, Illinois— 6 meteorite photo- (Hall 17), graphs; from Glen C. Wolf, Chicago—110 by Colonel Theodore concretions, Montana; from Grahame Roosevelt and Mr. Kermit Horton, Glencullen, Oregon—a specimen Roosevelt, leaders of the of polished natrolite, Oregon. James Simpson-Roosevelts Department of Zoology: Asiatic Expedition. They From Habib Rasool, Buxton, British are good average examples The Ovls Poli Guiana—69 specimens of miscellaneous of the species, with horns Group of Marco Polo's sheep in William V. Kelley Hall. The specimens were collected by an expedition sponsored by Mr. James Simpson, and led birds, British Guiana; from Dr. Wilfred H. slightly more than fifty by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and Mr. Kermit Kooseveit, of New York. mSSUSt

Pages FIELD MUSEUM NEWS March, 19S9

SPRING LECTURES FOR ADULTS is reserved for Members of the Museum, Cartoon); Living Jewels of the Surf; WILL BEGIN MARCH 4 each of whom is entitled to two reserved Sponge Divers of Tarpon; Jungle Play- The seventy-first free course of illustrated seats on request. Requests for these seats mates; Old Sea Chanties. on science travel to be be made or in to lectures and presented may by telephone writing March 18—Mr. and Mrs. Goldfinch; Cheeka by Field Museum will open March 4. the Museum, in advance of the lecture, the Indian Lad:—Cheeka's Home; well-known natural- and seats will be held in Lectures by scientists, the Member's Cheeka's Canoe; Cheeka and the Caribou; ists, and explorers, together with motion name until 2:30 o'clock on the day of the The Proud Seminoles. pictures and stereopticon slides, will be lecture. All reserved seats not claimed by March 25—Pioneer Days (Disney Cartoon); given each Saturday afternoon throughout 2:30 o'clock will be made available to the The Strange Duck-billed Platypus; Thrills March and April. These will be presented general public. of Bali.

April 1 —The Declaration of Independence; Elephants of Today.

April 8—Busy Beavers (Disney Cartoon); In Faraway Manchukuo; We're on Our Way; The Life of a Plant; Spotted Wings. April 15—Bill and Bob Trap a Mountain Lion; Our Four-footed Helpers; The Trumpeter; Majorca the Picturesque; Wild Life on the Amazon.

April 22—Birds in the Spring (Disney Cartoon); Chumming with Chipmunks; Leaping Through Life; Pottery Makers of the Southwest; Nature's Armor.

April 29—In Nature's Workshop; Let's Save a Life; The Heart of the Sierras; Our Zoo Acquaintances.

An iron meteorite weighing 3,275 pounds, and remarkable for its large size and sym- metrical form, is on exhibition in Case 10 of Stanley Field Hall. It was found near Tonopah, Nevada. The James Simpson Theatre Field Museum's auditorium in which are presented the Saturday afternoon lectures for adulU, and the Raymond Foundation entertainments for children on Saturday mornings. The adult course begins on March 4. The children's programs began in February. Both series will continue until MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM the end of The built April. Theatre was with funds provided by Mr. James Simpson, who is both Field Museum has several classes of Members. a Trustee and a Vice-President of the Museum. It is for the of both equipped presentation sound Annual Members contribute $10 annually. As- and silent motion as well pictures, as stereopticon slides. Seating capacity exceeds 1,100. sociate Members pay $100 and are exempt from dues. Sustaining Members contribute $25 annu- ally for six consecutive years, after which they in the James Simpson Theatre of the Mu- RAYMOND FOUNDATION OFFERS become Associate Members and are exempt from all further dues. Life Members and seum, and all will begin at 2:30 o'clock. give $500 MORE CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS are exempt from dues. Non-Resident Life Mem- Admission is restricted to adults. bers pay $100, and Non-Resident Associate Nine more free programs of motion pic- Members $50; both of these classes are also Following is the complete schedule of exempt from dues. The Non-Resident member- tures for children remain to be given on and ships are available only to persons residing fifty dates, subjects speakers: miles or more from Those who or Saturday mornings during March and April Chicago. give March 4—Where Falls the Yellowstone devise to the Museum $1,000 to $100,000 are in the spring series begun last month by designated as Contributors, and those who give Mr. Alfred M. Bailey, Colorado Museum of or devise $100,000 or more become Benefactors. Natural the James Nelson and Anna Louise History Raymond Other memberships are Honorary, Patron, and additions under March 11—Rainbow River Foundation. The programs include films Corresponding Corporate, these classifications being made by special action Mr. Martin K. Bovey, Concord, Massachusetts with talking and other sound effects, musical of the Board of Trustees. animated cartoons Walt and a Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to free March 18—Tropical Brazil by Disney, admission to the Museum for himself, his family and and two seats for Mr. James C. Sawders, Nutley, New Jersey great variety of educational subjects. There house guests, to reserved Museum lectures provided for Members. Sub- will be two of the on each March 25—Africa Speaks Again showings pictures scription to Field Museum News is included with all memberships. The courtesies of every Dr. Paul C. Los California one at 10 and one Hoefler, Angeles, program, beginning a.m., museum of note in the United States and Canada at 11. Children from all of are extended to all Members of Field Museum. April 1 —The Basket Maker Indians in parts Chicago A Member may give his personal card to non- Eighth Century Colorado and suburbs are invited, and no tickets are residents of Chicago, upon presentation of which will be admitted to the Museum without Dr. Paul S. Martin, Field Museum required for admission. The Museum is they charge. Further information about member- April 8—Life Among the Alaskan prepared to receive large groups from schools ships will be sent on request. Eskimos and other centers, as well as individual BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS Mr. £lder C. Anderson, Minnesota Minneapolis, children coming alone or accompanied by Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History be made in books or April 15—Colorful Caribbean Shores may securities, money, parents or adults. Teachers are urged to collections. They may, if desired, take the form Mr. William B. Holmes, Evanston, Illinois of a memorial to a person or cause, named by the bring their classes. 22— Kinabalu giver. April Mysterious The following schedule shows the titles Contributions made within the taxable year not Mr. Harold J. Coolidge, Jr., Museum of Com- exceeding 16 per cent of the taxpayer's net in- of the films to be on each parative Zoology, Cambridge, Massachuisetts presented day: come are allowable as deductions in computing net income for federal income tax purposes. April 29—Western Wild Flowers March 4—How to Know Our Spring Birds; Endowments may be made to the Museum Mr. John Claire Monteith, Hollywood, California Where Bananas Rainbow Natural with the provision that an annuity be paid to Ripen; the patron for life. These annuities are guaran- teed fluctuation in and No tickets are for admission Bridge; The Cutter Northland in Alaska. against amount, may necessary reduce federal income taxes. to these lectures. A section of the Theatre March 11—Father Noah's Ark (Disney

PRINTED HT FIELD MUSEUM PRE&8 Reldj^^KtoNews Published Monthly by Field Mitseum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 10 APRIL, 1939 No. 4

THE GOLDEN EAGLE AND THE AMERICAN (OR BALD) EAGLE—HOW THEY DIFFER

By RUDYERD BOULTON recognized, based on slight differences in two or three nests which they use in alter- curator op birds size and color. The American race is one nate years. The nests, when first built, are All peoples of all times have been im- of the largest and darkest, and the golden no more than three or four feet in diameter, pressed with the power and spirit of large sheen from which the species gets its name but as they are used for many years and are birds of prey, and the many species of is largely confined to the lanceolate hackle continually repaired and added to, they of the eagles that exist in all countries of the feathers neck. become huge structures six or eight feet in world have been a focus for this interest. Unlike the white-headed bird used as the diameter and as many feet thick. Countless legends and traditions attest to national emblem of the United States, the Almost invariably the nest is perched on the high regard, and even perhaps to a little golden eagle is partial to mountainous a ledge in a canyon or on a rocky crag from of the awe, in which these splendid birds regions and arid barren wastes. It is there- which a wide view can be obtained. Rarely, have been held from a huge tree is used. earliest antiquity to The eggs are two in the present day. The number, occasionally "thunder bird" of the three, and are white, Indians of the south- attractively shaded western United States and blotched with was probably pat- pinkish brown. It not terned after a huge infrequently happens condor known only that one egg is infer- from fossil remains. tile and fails to hatch. The coats-of-arms of If both eggs hatch, many nations include one of the youngsters an eagle on the device, is invariably larger and eagles could only than the other because be flown by royalty the eggs are laid at an when falconry was at interval of about a its hey-day in medie- week and the first- val Europe. born gets a start on its In North America nest mate. And thus there are two species it happens that often that occur commonly only one young bird is and have wide distri- brought to maturity, bution. Magnificent for the elder and specimens of both are stronger youngster shown in Field Mu- may tear its weaker seum: the bald eagle brother to bits in in Hall 21, and a habi- the sheer exuberance tat group of the golden The Golden Eagle of living. Habitat of an outstanding bird of as exhibited in the Hail of Birds (Hall 20). not new eagle in Hall 20. The group prey, Although Eaglets are clothed to the Museum's exhibits, this group has been recently reinstalled and improved by Taxidermist John W. Moyer. group was prepared in thick, soft white by Taxidermist Julius Friesser, with painted fore much more common in the western states down when they hatch. They wear this background by the late Staff Artist Charles than in the east, where it occurs only as coat for about three weeks. Then comes a A. Corwin, and has just been reinstalled by a migrant. The nesting places of the eagles period of about two weeks while their Taxidermist John W. Moyer. The two ea- that yearly fly down the length of the AUe- feathers are growing, during which time glets are the gift of Mr. Alfred M. Bailey, ghenies are unknown, but the flights are of they are ragged, pathetic looking creatures. formerly a member of Field Museum's staff, regular occurrence, and the birds can gener- They remain in the nest for another three and now Director of the Colorado Museum ally be seen in mid-October drifting past weeks—two months in all—while they gain of Natural History in Denver. Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania. Even in strength and confidence to venture into the Golden eagles are holarctic in distribution the Chicago region hardly a year passes exciting and strenuous world. of his —that is, they are circumpolar, and inhabit without the visit a straggler from A reliable eye witness in California states, all north temperate regions. In this regard chosen mountain terrain. Yet golden eagles in describing his observations of an eagle they resemble a great many birds, mammals, are not now known to nest east of the teaching its youngster to fly: "The mother and other vertebrates that have taken Rockies. started from the nest in the crags and, advantage of the proximity of Alaska to Eagle's nests, often poetically called roughly handling the young one, she allowed Siberia and have extended their domain to eyries, are large affairs made of sticks and him to drop about ninety feet. Then she include all habitats suitable to them. About branches with a finer lining of leaves and would swoop down under him, wings spread, six or seven geographic races have been lichens. Often a pair of eagles will have and he would alight on her back. She would Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS April, 19S9 soar to the top of the range with him and on June 20, 1782. The habits and bearing AN ODDITY AMONG MINERALS repeat the process. The farthest she let of the white-headed bird do not compare, By L. BRYANT MATHER, JR. him fall was about 150 feet." however, with the noble, fearless design for ASSISTANT CimATOR OF MINERALOGY the characteristic of • There is nothing particularly spectacular living golden eagle. It looks like lard—it feels like butter— or bizarre about the courtship of eagles, but The bald eagle is rarely found far from it cuts like cheese—yet it is a mineral that their complete mastery of the air makes water, for its food consists almost entirely can't be melted! the sight very impressive. The two birds of fiish and water birds, although mammals The material possessing these striking circle in intertwining, ever rising spirals, that occur in marshes and along shores are properties was received at Field Museum sometimes brushing wings as they pass each taken. This eagle obtains its food when- as a gift from Mr. Ben Hur Wilson of Joliet, other. Then the male will execute a series ever possible by strategy rather than by Illinois. Mr. Wilson reports that it came of "power dives" with half-closed wings, sheer power and speed. It is perfectly able from a locality near Agate on the Union shrieking musically his joie de vivre. Eagles to catch a full winged duck in the air. Pacific Railroad, fifty miles from Barstow, However, it is more likely to tire a duck by California, where it is being worked for forcing it to dive repeatedly until the duck use in the ceramics industry. The mineral is exhausted and becomes an easy victim. has locally been called "Eyrite," derived In its behavior towards the osprey or fish from the name of its discoverer, but pre- hawk, it is one of the most famous of pirates. liminary study in the Museum laboratory The osprey, slightly smaller than the eagle, indicates that it is sufficiently similar to is an expert fisherman and expert he must Saponite (Dana No. 488) to be classified be, for he often feeds both himself and the as a variety of that species. Chemically eagle. Waiting in majestic pose on the bare it is a hydrous silicate of magnesium with top of a dead tree, the eagle spies a heavily about 20 per cent water, and small amounts laden osprey returning to his nest. The of lime, fluorine and alumina. When the marauder gives chase and though the osprey, mineral is heated, the water is given off if unburdened, might escape, he is eventu- and the lard-like appearance of the speci- ally forced to drop the fish which the eagle men is changed to a chalk-like one. It often retrieves in full flight before it reaches is distinguished from its distant relative the water. Sepiolite (better known as "Meerschaum") from which fine pipes are carved, and which TULIP TIME RECALLS A MANIA is likewise a hydrous magnesium silicate, by OF SEVENTEENTH CENTURY several tests. The most striking of these is By SOPHIA PRIOR its failure to display that characteristic prop- erty of Sepiolite of adhering to the tongue. The tulip probably is the most popular of all spring garden flowers. It is a native EARLIEST SPRING FLOWERS of China, Japan, Siberia, Asia Minor, Among garden plants the earliest to bloom Turkey, the Mediterranean countries, and in the spring are the snowdrop (Galanthus central Asia. Its early history and origin The American Eagle with white and the are obscure. records show nivalis), usually flowers, Also known aa the bald eagle. Many people confuse very However, squill (Scilla sibirica and Seilla bifolia), this species, which is used as a national emblem of that it was first introduced into Europe the United States, with the golden eagle shown in the usually with blue flowers. These are dainty illustration on page 1. The above specimen is in Field from Turkey in 1554, at which time seeds Museum's systematic collection of birds in Hall 21. low-growing herbs only a few inches in were brought to Vienna by the Austrian height. Both the snowdrop and the squill ambassador to Turkey, and soon tulips mate for but of probably life, when one a are natives of the cooler parts of Europe and spread rapidly over Europe. Clusius, a is the other soon finds another couple killed, Asia Minor, the Siberian squill inhabiting Dutch botanist and horticulturist, developed partner and brings it to its established Russia and Asia Minor, while the snowdrop on a large scale new varieties which he sold. nesting territory. is a native of Europe from the Pyrenees to The red and yellow tulip with the narrow Golden eagles feed largely on mammals— the Caucasus Mountains. They were in- pointed segments, a favorite of the Turks, cottontail rabbits, ground squirrels, domes- troduced into cultivation in the United was developed into broad, rounded, petaled tic and mountain lambs, and even on States the New settlers. sheep forms of unusual colors. by early England antelope and deer occasionally. Strangely In the Chicago region they usually bloom This anxiety for new varieties culminated enough, they are also fond of rattlesnakes. in March and early April. in the year 1634 in the historic craze There is an authentic instance of a fox The crocus also flowers very early, as do designated as "tulipomania," and during attacking an eagle that was feeding on a the daffodils and jonquils, but these come several subsequent years many Dutch rabbit that it had killed. After a fierce into bloom somewhat later than the snow- fortunes were invested in bulbs and their struggle, the eagle managed to rise into the drop and the squill. —J. A. S. culture, and vast sums were lost through air although the fox climg to its breast with speculation. Fabulous prices were paid for clamped jaws. The eagle rose higher and bulbs, as much as $1,000 to $4,000 each, until higher and the fox, with nothing but thin Sculpture, Inside and Out the government interfered. Holland never- air to brace himself against, was at a —by Malvina Hofifman theless continued developing varieties for disadvantage. Eventually he released his commercial purposes, and its tulips reached This, the latest book by the creator hold and was dashed to death on the ground. such a degree of perfection that to this day of the Races of Mankind sculptures The eagle escaped, exhausted and weak. the Dutch bulbs are prized among gardeners. in Field Museum, will be published 3. The book is illus- THE BALD EAGLE, OXHl NATIONAL BIRD Of interest to Chicagoans is the tulip April copiously trated. edition De The bald eagle, which nests from Florida festival held each spring at Holland, Michi- Regular $3.75. luxe edition On to Alaska, is a strictly American bird unlike gan, a short drive from the city. This autographed $7.50. sale at the of FIELD its widespread golden cousin. It is there- Michigan town was founded by Nether- BOOK SHOP fore appropriate that it should have been landers and to this day has preserved much MUSEUM. chosen as our national symbol by Congress characteristic atmosphere of their homeland. April, 19S9 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Pages

AVERY BOTANICAL EXPEDITION period (about 400,000,000 years ago). Then, CURATOR C. C. SANBORN RETURNS REPORTS SUCCESSFUL WORK as the glaciers slowly advanced and receded, FROM EUROPEAN RESEARCH this and with it a of the limestone Letters received recently from Curator soil, layer Mr. Colin Campbell Sanborn, Curator of itself, was scraped off, as if a Paul C. Standley, in charge of the Sewell by giant Mammals, who was appointed a Fellow of carpenter's plane, not however Avery Botanical Expedition to Guatemala, destroying the John Simon Guggenheim • Foundation the ruggedness of the topography. As the report exceptional success in field work in last spring, returned from Europe on March ice melted and the receded for the many widely separated areas of that country. glacier 1. Through this fellowship he has spent the last time, these valleys and hills were filled During the past three months 10,000 speci- last seven months, chiefly in London at the and covered by sands and gravels that we mens of plants have been collected, at alti- British Museum (Natural History), working call "till"—material that the had tudes varying from sea level to more than glacier on a taxonomic revision of the horseshoe picked up on its journey, some from 12,000 feet. While vegetation is not so luxu- coming bats. In connection with this work he also as far away as the northern part of Canada. riant during the dry winter months as during visited museums in Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Thus it was that the glaciers that bared the wet summer season, at all times there Leiden and Paris. the limestone bed-rock were also the agents is a great abundance of flowers to be found About twenty-five type skulls of bats, that buried it again, but this time under its in favorable areas, Mr. Standley states. representing genera not in Field Museum, present mantle of glacial drift. Some of the richest regions for plants were photographed and measured so that There was a time, soon after the retreat that Mr. Standley has visited have been these genera can be more accurately identi- of the ice, when Lake Michigan stretched the slopes of the volcanoes, which form fied here, should the need arise. An exchange considerably to the south and west of its such a conspicuous element of the magnifi- was arranged with the British Museum for present shoreline, covering most of the area cent Guatemalan scenery. He has collected 125 specimens, including five genera and on which the city is now built. During this plants on the slopes of the volcanoes of many species new to the collection in this time there was deposited over the till a Pacaya, Agua, Fuego, Acatenango, and institution. relatively thin layer of lake mud which Zunil, and on March 6, with an Indian Mr. Sanborn spent two weeks in Scotland comprises the top soil layer of much of guide, he ascended on foot to the summit collecting red grouse for a proposed habitat Chicago today. Erosion, since the glacier of the volcano of Santa Maria (12,560 feet), group. Besides a dozen birds, he collected and later the lake retreated leaving the near Quezaltenango in western Guatemala. heather, bracken, and grass for accessories, country to assume its present topographic Santa Maria, one of the most celebrated and made photographs to be used for guid- form, has in some places removed the till volcanoes of Central America and perhaps ance in preparing the background. A few and exposed the limestone at the surface. the most symmetric and majestic of them Scotch mammals were also collected. Elsewhere, especially in those places where all, has been almost unknown botanically, In order to study two species of horseshoe before the glacier came there were valleys, and is visited rarely by foreigners. bats in life, Mr. Sanborn made a trip to the the limestone is buried by as much as 200 Mr. Standley reports that the work of Cheddar caves in Somerset, as the guest of feet of till. the Guatemalan expedition has been greatly Mr. J. L. Chaworth-Musters. Here, with These are the conditions interpreted as facilitated through the courtesy of Dr. the help of the Spelaeological Society of bringing about the situation represented in J. R. Johnston, Director of the National Bristol University, a number of caves were the model. They explain why in the Chicago School of Agriculture of Chimaltenango, visited, and about fifteen specimens of bats Don Mariano Pacheco, Director of the were obtained. Department of Agriculture, Guatemala, and The British Museum has entrusted Mr. Professor Ulises Rojas, Director of the Sanborn with the identification of some 800 Botanic Garden of Guatemala. bats collected in Haiti, Trinidad, and Dutch Guiana by Mr. Ivan T. Sanderson, author of THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED Animal Treasure. The collection has been shipped to Field Museum for this study. Mr. Sanborn was in London during the Relation of Soil to Rock international crisis last September, and had in the Chicago Area to suspend his work to help pack type and With the approach of spring, interest in other valuable specimens in the British the soil rises to its annual high point. As Museum mammal collection for removal to a the first shoots of green come up through safer place in case of emergency. the it be ground surface, may interesting The remainder of Mr. Sanborn's fellow- to recall some of the unusual and character- ship will probably be spent in the field, istic features of the soils of the area Chicago studying the life histories of bats, and and their relation to the rock surface photographing and collecting specimens. beneath. In Hall 36 of the Department of Geology there is a model on which these relations are strikingly shown. It might FORESTS WITHIN A BOOK— be expected that in digging deeper the soil Underneath "Ghica^oland" Model in the Department of Geology showing the See Ellen would become increasingly rocky until quite The Tree Book, by Julia relation of soil to rock in the Chicago area, and how gradually it would grade into the unweath- this was affected by presence of glaciers in this region Rogers. during the Silurian period, some 400,000,000 years ago. ered rock, and quite likely this would be "An interesting, well illustrated the case had Chicago not been visited by volume," says Dr. B. E. Dahlgren, area, as in all regions over which the glacier the great glaciers of the Ice Age. Chief Curator of at Field Mu- moved, there is a sharp break between the Botany If we could back to the time before the seum. "A to the trees go soil and the bed-rock below, and why the popular guide ice we would find the of North America in nature and in culti- came, Chicago region rugged rock surface is overlain by compara- a of rather hills and vation, with and serviceable country steep valleys tively level terrain. —L.B.M., Jr. simple covered by a soil derived from the under- keys as an aid to their identification." bed a limestone of Enormous as much as lying rock, great age palm leaves, forty At the MUSEUM BOOK SHOP—$5. formed in the Niagara stage of the Silurian feet long, are shown in Hall 25. Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS April, 1939

THE CRYPTOGAMS OR NON-FLOWERING PLANTS—WHAT THEY ARE, AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

By FRANCIS DROUET microscopic forms. The plant bodies con- plants or animals, or from other organic CURATOR OF CRYPTOOAMIC BOTANY sist of single or many cells; they all contain matter. They are responsible for certain (Editor's Note:—The Cryptogams, or non- the green coloring matter (chlorophyll) human ailments, especially those of the are immense flowering plants, of importance which enables them to manufacture food skin, and for the majority of diseases of in the economy of Nature, and comprise from inorganic substances. The largest crop plants, which entail yearly losses of thirteen out of fourteen major dirisions of the are the some of which millions of dollars to the farmer. Plant Kingdom. Large collections of them algae seaweeds, The molds have in the course of years accumulated in the exceed all other plants in length. Most and the fleshy fungi, along with the bacteria, and some Herbarium of Field Museum, of of these are colored red or brown and grow bring about the decay of dead bodies of them are represented in the botanical exhibits, in greatest abundance in shallow marine animals and of other plants. Mushrooms but it is only recently, with the addition of Dr. waters shores. are the and certain other are Francis Drouet to the Museum staff, that it along rocky They fleshy fungi annually has been possible to give them anything world's chief source of iodine and an im- assuming more and more importance in the attention which approaching scientific they portant one of agricultural fertilizers. Some American cookery. Still other fleshy fungi demand. —B.E.D.) are used as food by many people, especially are deadly poisonous when eaten. The Perhaps many more than half the species in the Orient. In both fresh and salt water yeasts are unicellular fungi upon whose included in the Plant Kingdom are those there occur the diatoms, flagellates, and life processes the baking and brewing which bear no flowers or seeds; most of them other microscopic algae. The federal and industries are founded. The yeast plants have no leaves, stems, or roots. Such state bureaus of fisheries expend much change sugar to alcohol and carbon dioxide plants as a group are often spoken of as money and time in the study of these uni- gas, and, according to species and ingredients, the Cryptogams. Familiar to us are the cellular plants, which are the basic source are agents in manufacturing beer, wine, ferns, the mosses, the fleshy whiskey, etc. Gas from yeast fungi, the molds, the lichens, makes bread dough rise. the seaweeds, and the pond- The lichens are composite scums, most of them large plants, made up of fungi and enough to be recognized with algae living together. They the naked eye. Less familiar, grow on rocks, trees, and soil. but of far greater economic All are large enough to be importance, are the thou- seen with the naked eye. sands of species of bacteria, They often develop best upon fungi, and algae, which may poor, barren soils, especially be seen and recognized only in arctic regions, where they under the microscope. constitute the only food of The bacteria comprise herbivorous animals. many hundred species of ex- EROSION PREVENTIVE tremely small, single-celled, and mostly colorless plants The mosses and liverworts which have little distinguish- are small green plants, never able internal structure. microscopic, many with They all are parasites on stems and distinct leaves. other living things, or secure They grow on soil, rocks, their food from dead or other and trees, and .in water. organic matter. Many are Those in the water are re- useful to man; others are sponsible for the formation harmful. Certain species of bogs. By gradually filling live within the bodies of Collecting Crypto^ms lakes and ponds with their human beings and other ani- Curator Francis Drouet is seen in search of algae in a pool in the bed of the Rio Pacoty, own remains they bring Cear&, Brazil. The plants are gathered in the vasculum or collecting pan which is strapped over the mals, and some of these pro- explorer's shoulder, and brought back to camp for sorting, study, and packing for shipment home. about the ultimate disap- duce poisons which cause pearance of these bodies of such diseases as tuberculosis and pneumonia. of food for all animals of the sea and of water. The mosses, lichens, and soil algae Other species live in the bodies of larger fresh water. The diatoms, the blue-green cover bare soils, and are important in pre- plants. The amount of damage which they algae (Myxophyceae), and the green algae venting erosion in deforested areas. do to the leaves and fruits of trees and herbs (Chlorophyceae) grow not only in water The most familiar green cryptogams are is of vast importance to the agriculturist. but also on soil and moist rocks. With the ferns and their "allies," all rather Nitrifying bacteria live in the soil and in the mosses and. lichens, they are suspected similar in structure to the flowering plants. the roots of leguminous plants; they convert of being responsible for the rehabilitation The ferns comprise many species, most of nitrogen of the air into nitrates, which are of poor and worn-out soils. The microscopic which live in the tropics, a few in temperate absorbed by green plants. Certain bacteria algae, and especially the Myxophyceae and regions. Thousands of years ago these are responsible for the souring of milk, the flagellates, may develop in such abundance plants, with the horsetails, clubmosses, and spoiling of foods, the production of vinegar, as "water-blooms" in reservoirs that serious extinct seed ferns, were a far more important and the decay of organic matter of all sorts. damage may be done to city water supplies. component of the flora than they now are. The bacteria are of such unparalleled eco- Deposits of shells of diatoms which grew Some grew to enormous sizes, as may be nomic importance to medical science, agri- in the sea thousands of years ago, known seen in the Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29), culture, and various industries that the now as diatomaceous earth, are used as and in the reconstruction of the flora of the highly specialized science of bacteriology polishing and insulating agents in industry. Carboniferous period in Ernest R. Graham has been developed. The fungi are jjerhaps the largest group Hall (Hall 38). Various species now living THE CHIEF SOURCE OF IODINE of cryptogams. They have single- or have economic uses. The algae are an even more extensive multi-celled bodies which contain no chloro- Representative types of all these groups group of species, comprising both large and phyll. Their food is derived from living of cryptogams are on display in Hall 29. April, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 5

STAFF NOTES Columbia Broadcasting System's Science NEW MEMBERS Service series. Dr. Field also lectured before Mr. Llewelyn Williams, Curator of The following persons were elected to the Friday Club, and at the Art Institute Economic Botany, on leave in Venezuela membership in Field Museum during the before the Chicago Chapter of the Archaeo- to aid the government botanist, Dr. Henry period from February 16 to March 15: logical Institute of America, on anthropo- Pittier, in botanical exploration of that Associate Members logical and archaeological subjects. country, recently made a trip from Caracas W. C. Banes, Mrs. Sidney M. Bloss, across the Venezuelan Guiana, by way of GROUP SHOWS HOW POWHATANS W. H. Dangel, Edmund K. Eichengreen, Ciudad Bolivar and La Paragua. He was Joseph M. Johnson, Rudolph J. Olson, Mrs. MADE STONE IMPLEMENTS Ira M. Pink. accompanied by Captain Felix Cardona, of the Venezuelan Frontier Commission. They One of the most important industries of Sustaining Members journeyed in canoes up the Caroni River to North American Indians was the manufac- Sydney Stein, Jr. little ture of stone A race of hunters regions very explored botanically. implements. Annual Members and warriors required stone knives, spear- William J. Alexander, E. M. Antrim, A paper "Chemistry in Field Museum," by heads, arrow-heads, and scrapers in vast Walter Bachrach, Charles Bass, Mrs. R. B. Chief Curator Henry W. Nichols, Depart- numbers. Quarries of flint and other varie- Carter, Fred J. Clifford, Jr., Harry Cohen, ties of were in ment of Geology, appears in the March Chem- workable stone opened many Dr. C. A. Cummings, Miss Ellen T. Daniel- of and extensive traces ical Bulletin (American Chemical Society). sections the country, son, Mrs. H. G. Davies, Arthur G. Davis, of pitting and manufacture are found by Robert J. Eitel, Mrs. Albert W. Engel, Dr. Samuel J. Record, Research Associate investigators today. Charles E. Fawkes, J. W. Floto, Charles W. FoUett, John V. Frankenthal, Fred M. in Wood Technology on the staff of Field The group of figures shown in the accom- Friedlob, Ralph L. Goodman, Clinton B. Museum, and Professor of Forest Products panying illustration is a life-size exhibit in King, Byron W. Knoblock, Simon P. Larson, at Yale University, has been appointed Hall B demonstrating how the work was Edward N. Lee, Mrs. Frank G. Logan, Dean of the School of carried on Powhatan Indians in an exten- University's Forestry. by F. B. McConnell, Oscar F. Meredith, Mrs. the sive quarry on the site now occupied by E. W. Nardi, Herbert U. Nelson, Harvey Staff Taxidermist John W. Moyer is the city of Washington. The costumes are Pardee, Ernest B. Price, Clarence E. Ridley, author and publisher of a book, Lessons in restored from drawings left by John White Earle L. Ross, Walter L. Rubens, Mrs. Museum Taxidermy, which appeared re- and John Smith, historians of the Virginian Philip Spiegel, Miss Charlotte M. Stevens, Theodore Dr. E. E. James cently. It is intended as an aid both to the colonies. Tieken, Ulvestad, Weber, R. T. Welch, William W. Welsh, amateur who wishes to mount birds, mam- The Indian at the left is in engaged prying Mrs. Frank A. Windes. etc. as a to mals, fishes, hobby, and persons up the quartzite boulders, the best material who wish to train themselves in taxidermy as a profession. Distinguished Visitors — — Among distinguished visitors recently Twins a boy and a girl joined the received at Field Museum are: Dr. R. A. of Mr. Robert E. family Bruce, Purchasing Falla, Director of the Canterbury Museum, of the on March 12. Agent Museum, Christchurch, New Zealand, who was in this country making a study of museum Miss Elizabeth Peitzsch, Secretary to the methods and techniques; Dr. Watson Davis, Director of the Museum, became the bride Managing Director of Science Service; Mr. of Mr. William E. Diez, on March 31. Lorenz Hagenbeck, one of the owners of the of Hagenbeck Tierpark, Stillengen, Germany ; Dr. Fritz Haas, Curator of Lower In- Dr. Norman C. Fassett, Curator of the Herbarium of the of vertebrates, presented a series of ten lectures University Wisconsin; Mr. T. A. Director of the under the general title "The Biologist Looks Monmayeda, New who came to at Human Life," before the Jewish People's Japan Institute, York, consult about Field Museum's for Institute during January, February and plans and Mr. Taneo March. Mr. John R. Millar, Curator of the Japanese collections, Taketa, N. W. Harris Public School Extension, Manager of the New York office of the South Manchurian recently lectured on "Field Museum and Its Railway. Work," before the Biology Round Table. Dr. Julian Steyermark, Assistant Curator of the Herbarium, spoke before the Chicago FOR BIRD LOVERS— Conservation Council, and before the Chi- A Field Guide to the Birds, by Roger cago Cactus Society, on botanical subjects. Indian Toilers Tory Peterson. Mr. Emmet R. Blake, Assistant Curator of Life-size group showing implement makers of the Powhatan tribe, on exhibition in Hall B of the Museum. "Peterson's revised and enlarged Birds, lectured before the Chicago Orni- edition with four colored and thirty- thological Society, and the Kennicott Club, found in the region. The middle one is six black and white plates of birds, on the work of the Sewell Avery Zoological breaking up the larger masses as a first designed primarily to aid in field Expedition to British Guiana, which he led. step in shaping. The sitting Indian at the identification, is an improvement on Mr. Karl P. Schmidt, Curator of Amphibians right is flaking out rude blades, a number of an already splendid book," says and Reptiles, lectured on animal geography which are heaped at his side. These blades Rudyerd Boulton, Curator of Birds to a class at the University of Chicago, and were carried away from the quarry to be at Field Museum. "Absolutely in- before the Illinois Committee of the Chicago worked into various specialized implements valuable to any one interested in field Association of Commerce. Dr. Henry Field, as occasion demanded. study of living birds." Curator of Physical Anthropology, broad- At the BOOK SHOP of FIELD cast a lecture "Recent A exhibit of the skeletons on Archaeolog- comparative MUSEUM— ical Discoveries Throughout the World" of the higher apes and man may be seen in $2.75. over a nation-wide radio network, in the the Hall of Osteology (Hall 19). Page 6 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS April, 19S9

Field Museum of Natural History Harris came to the support of his father's from Chicago— Zoological Society, Brook- Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 endowment, adding to it so that it might field, Illinois 3 mammals; from Colonel Road and Field Richard Roosevelt DiiTe, Chicago perform adequately the full service for which Meinertzhagen, London, England —4 mammals, northern Afghanistan; from THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES it had been founded. H. Loewenstamm, Chicago—16 lots of land Sewell L. Avery Wiluah H. Mitchell When a new truck was needed, and money Leopold E. Block George A. RicHARoeoN and fresh-water shells, representing 15 was not available, Mr. Harris quickly saw Albert B. Dick, Jr. Theodore Roosevelt species, Palestine; from H. B. Conover, Joseph N. Field Fred W. Sargent that the need was filled. When the Marshall Field Jambs Simpson vagaries Chicago—3 birds, Paraguay. Stanley Field Solomon A. Smith of the earnings of securities and declining Albert W. Harris Albert A. Sprague The Library: Jr. H. Strawn interest rates caused income to fall below Samuel Insull, Silas Valuable books from Biblioteca A. McCulloch John P. Wilson Municipal, Charles the amount required for proper operation, Guayaquil, Ecuador; from Lyman Bradford OFFICERS Mr. Harris came to the rescue. His again Smith, Cambridge, Massachusetts; from Stanley Field President to Field Museum now amount to more Albert A. Sprague First Viee-Presideni gifts Carnegie Institution, Washington, D.C. and Second Vice-President James Simpson than $250,000. Mr. Harris has not felt from Dr. Field, Clifford C. Gregg, Albert W. Harris Third Vice-President Henry Clifford C. Gregg Director and Secretary content to satisfy his interest in FMeld and C. Martin Wilbur, all of Chicago.

Solomon A. Smith . . . Treasurer and Assistant Secretary Museum with money alone, but has given FIELD MUSEUM NEWS unselfishly of his time, his advice, and his Exhibit of Corwin Paintings counsel. Clifford C. Gregg, Director of the Museum. . . .Editor An exhibit of paintings by the late His interest in the manifested CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Museum, Charles Abel Corwin, former Stafif Artist of Paul S. Martin Curator of not in his but his keen Chief Anthropology only gifts by apprecia- Field was held last month at the B. E. Dahlgren Chief Curator of Botany Museum, tion of those actually carrying on the work, Henry W. Nichoi^ Chief Curator of Geology Newcomb-Macklin Galleries, Chicago. Wilfred H. Osgood Curator of has been an incentive which has helped to Chief Zoology Shown were landscapes and other works H. B. Hartb Managing Editor keep up the high standard of the work done which Mr. Corwin painted prior to and dur- not in the Harris Extension but only his of association with the Meinl>ers are requested to inform the Museum ing many years throughout Field Museum. promptly of changes of address. — Museum. While his work in this institution Clifford C. Gregg, Director. was confined to backgrounds for habitat groups, and to a series of murals in the De- of he maintained a FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK— GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM partment Botany, private studio in which he continued other painting. Following is a list of some of the principal The pictures shown covered a wide gifts received during the last month: Another Benefactor of Education variety of subjects, including many of the Department of Anthropology: old West with its Indians and cowboys. The brief article which appeared in this From Dr. Henry Field, Chicago—3 stamp There were also landscapes of scenes in the column last month in tribute to a Benefactor seals, Iraq; from Miss S. W. Peabody, scenes from the of neld Museum such favorable Chicago region, Chicago brought —6 Siam. Chicago ethnological specimens, World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, comment that I am moved to tell of another Department of Botany: and scenes of Hawaii where Mr. good friend of the institution whose works seascapes, From Dr. Eari E. 65 Corwin lived in his should be known to Sherff, Chicago— youth. herbarium specimens; from Southwest State its Members. I Missouri— Teachers College, Springfield, Grotesque totem poles and grave posts refer to Mr. Albert from 90 herbarium specimens, Missouri; from tribes of the northwest coast of America W. Harris, for many Dr. G. W. Albion, 31 Prescott, Michigan— are exhibited in Hall 10. years a Trustee of specimens of algae, Wisconsin; from Uni- the Museum, and versity of Chicago—73 specimens of Brazil- now one of its Vice- ian woods; from S. C. Johnson and Son, Inc., Presidents and the Racine, Wisconsin—2 specimens of wax; A FEW facts ABOUT FIELD MUSEUM C. is of the Chairman of its Fi- from Dr. H. Bold, Nashville, Tennessee Field Museum open every day year Christmas and New Year's —14 of Tennessee; from (except Day) during nance Committee. specimens algae, the hours indicated below: Senor S. A. Guarrera, Buenos Aires, Argen- For many years November, December, tina—11 specimens of algae, Argentina. January, February 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. school children in March. April, and Albert W. Harris October 9 A.M. to 5 p.m. Chicago have been Department of Geology : September, Mr. Harris, a Trustee May, June, July, August 9 A.M. to S P.M. and Vice-President of the From George Byrland, Marion, Iowa— privileged to study, Admission is free to Members on all Museum for days. many years, a hollow hematite concretion, Iowa; from Other adults are admitted free on in their own school has carried Thursdays, enthusiastically and non-members pay 25 on the benefactions of his R. E. Prison, Ten Sleep, Wyoming—8 gastro- Saturdays, Sundays: exhibits cents on other days. Children are admitted free buildings, father, the late Norman liths, Wyoming; from George Artamonoff, on all Students and members of Wait Founder of the days. faculty which were brought Harris. institutions are admitted free N. W. Harris Public School Chicago—a specimen of sand. Canal Zone; educational any to them day upon presentation of credentials. by repre- Extension Department. from A. D. Carter, East Los Angeles, The Museum's is for reference sentatives of the Library open California—26 minerals, California; from daily except Saturday afternoon and Sunday. N. W. Harris Public School Extension of Ben Hur Wilson, Joliet, Illinois—a specimen Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of by the N. W. Harris Public School Field Museum. This service was of California; from Benedict Chicago splendid saponite, Extension Department of the Museum. —6 of boron foitnded by Mr. Norman Wait Harris, father Gresky, Chicago specimens Lectures at schools, and special entertain- ments and tours for children at the Museum, are of Albert in 1912. Mr. C. carbide. Harris, Stephen provided by the James Nelson and Anna Louise and Simms, late Director of Field Museum, was Department of Zoology: Raymond Foxmdation for Public School Children's Lectures. the first Curator of the Harris Extension. From John M. Schmidt, Homewood, Free courses of lectxires for adults are presented As the value of the Harris Extension Illinois—3 bats, Texas; from John R. in the James Simpson Theatre on Saturday after- — noons (at 2:30 o'clock) in March, April, October, became known in the schools of Chicago, Schmidt, Lakeland, Florida a limbless and November. lizard, Florida; from Mrs. Robb Cafeteria serves visitors. Rooms are avail- demands and opportunities for its service White, A —3 Geor- able also for those bringing their lunches. came to the Museum in such numbers that Thomasville, Georgia salamanders, from Mrs. Chicago Motor Coach Company No. 26 busses gia; George Artamanoff, Chicago direct to the Mxlseum. Ser- the income from the special endowment was provide transportation —5 fish, Guatemala, and 15 specimens of vice is offered also by Surface Lines, Rapid Tran- consumed sit Lines "L"), mterurban electric Unee, and entirely by operating expenses, lower invertebrates, near Canal from (the Zone; Illinois Central trains. There is ample free park- and the for could requirements expansion D. S. Bullock, Goodrich, Michigan—64 ing space for automobiles at the Museum. not be met. Then it was that Mr. Albert frogs, toads, lizards, and snakes, Chile; April, 193d FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 1 FIELD MUSEUM MUMMY TO FLY TO NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR FOR X-RAY EXHIBIT

By RICHARD A. MARTIN Amon, Harwa now becomes the first adult- amber floodlights, shifts a full-length fluoro- CUBATOR OF NEAR EASTERN ARCHAEOLOGY sized person to be publicly fluoroscoped. scopic screen in front of the mummy, and A mummy named Harwa, from Field Visitors to the General Electric X-Ray turns on 125,000 volts for the x-rays which Museum's Egyptian collection, will leave Corporation's exhibit at the Fair will only then pass through the dried flesh and the Chicago April 5 on a United Air Lines have to press a button to see a fluoroscopic layers of wrappings and create a full-sized image of his skeleton. image on the viewing screen. The mummy, with Standard medical x-ray apparatus is used the coffin-lid nearby, in conjunction with a specially built fluoro- will be displayed, as scopic screen made to these unusual speci- shown in the accom- fications by the Patterson Screen Company, panying illustra- of Towanda, Pennsylvania. Lead glass will tions, against a back- protect visitors from any harm by the rays.

Illustrations by courtesy of General Electric X-ray Corporation Harwa as He Will Appear at New York World's Fair Egyptian mummy and coffin lid loaned by Field Museum for the exhibit of the General Electric X-Ray Corporation. The young lady is pushing a "magic button" which dims the lights, energizes a mechanism that moves a large sliding fluoroscopic screen in front of the mummy, and starts a 125,000-volt x-ray machine into action.

sleeper plane for New York, to attend the ground of black World's Fair which opens there April 30. velour. Pressing the Harwa's Skeleton Revealed by Fluoroscope hundred after button a and Twenty-eight years ending energizes The x-rays pass through mummy wrapping and dried flesh, a_ fluoroscopic of the skeleton is on the screen. This remains for half a a useful life as an official for one mechanism which image mummy's projected agricultural minute, after which the screen automatically slides back, again showing the mummy of the temples dedicated to the ancient god dims the golden- as it appears in the picture at the left, until another visitor pushes the "magic button."

BROADBILL SWORDFISH CAUGHT reported to be the first swordfish ever thus tion to New Zealand and Australia for the BY MRS. MICHAEL LERNER taken by a woman angler in Canadian American Museum of Natural History, waters. The fish weighed 295 pounds, and New York, and stated before leaving that An excellent mounted specimen of At- it required nearly three hours of skillful they would make efforts to collect some lantic broadbill swordfish was recently work to bring it into the boat after it had material also for Field Museum. presented to the Museum by Mr. Michael been hooked. It will be included among About a year ago Mr. Lerner presented to Lerner, well-known sportsman, of New exhibits in a new Hall of Fishes, upon which this institution a record-size swordfish of York. fish was on reel is in will not The caught rod and work now progress but which the blue marlin species, weighing 537 pounds, by Mrs. Lerner, off the coast of Nova Scotia, be ready to open for several months. which he caught near the Bahama Islands. near Louisburg, Cape Breton, and it is Mr. and Mrs. Lerner are now on an expedi- It will also be displayed in the new hall. Pages FIELD MUSEUM NEWS April, 19S9

SATURDAY AFTERNOON LECTURES they may also smoke. Special tables are APRIL GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS CONTINUE ANOTHER MONTH reserved for the groups. FOR WEEK-DAY VISITORS In the of tours will F^ve illustrated lectures on science and May subject Sunday Conducted tours of exhibits, under the be "The Parade of the in connection travel in the spring course for adults remain Races," guidance of staff lecturers, are made every with which Mr. will conduct his to be given on Saturday afternoons during Dallwig afternoon at 3 o'clock except Saturdays, hearers on tours of the Hall of the Races of April. All lectures begin at 2:30 p.m., and Sundays, and certain holidays. Following Mankind the famous series of are presented in the James Simpson Theatre containing is the schedule of subjects and dates for Malvina Hoffman. of the Museum. The speakers engaged for sculptures by April: the series are well-known scientists, natura- Week beginning April 3: Monday—Ores lists and photographers. Motion pictures and Metals; Tuesday—Native American or stereopticon slides accompany each SPECIAL NOTICE Fruits and Vegetables; Wednesday—Animal Life of the — lecture. Because of the heavy demand for Members of the Museum who Chicago Region; Thursday General Tour; Friday—American Archae- seats, children are not admitted; for them, have changed residences or plan James Nelson and Anna Louise ology. the Ray- to do so are urged to notify the Week beginning April 10: Monday— mond Foundation presents free programs of Museum of their new addresses, Building Materials; Tuesday—Cats and motion pictures on the mornings of the same so that FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Their Relatives; Wednesday—Races of days. and other communications may Mankind; Thursday—General Tour; Fri- Following are the dates, subjects and reach them promptly. A post day—The Art of Ancient Egypt. for the remaining lectures: card for this is enclosed speakers purpose Week beginning April 17: Monday—Our with this issue. Spring Birds; Tuesday—Palms and Cereals; April 1 —The Basket Maker Indians in the — Builders; Thurs- Eighth Century Colorado Members going away during Wednesday Totem-pole —General — and Dr. Paul S. Martin, Field Museum summer, who desire Museum day Tour; Friday Pottery — matter sent to their Porcelain. April 8 Life Among the Alaskan temporary — Eskimos addresses, may have this service Week beginning April 2i: Monday Apes and —Plants of Mr. Elder C Anderson, Minneapolis, Minnesota by notifying the Museum. Monkeys; Tuesday Tropical Lands; —Glimpses of Melanesian April 15—Colorful Caribbean Shores Wednesday —General — Mr. William B. Holmes, Evanston, Illinois Life; Thursday Tour; Friday Jades and Their Uses. April 22—Mysterious Kinabalu FIVE PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN to should Mr. Harold J. Coolidge, Jr., Museum of Com- Persons wishing participate Massachusetts parative Zoology, Cambridge, ARE OFFERED THIS MONTH apply at North Entrance. Tours are free. April 29—Western Wild Flowers The James Nelson and Anna Louise A new schedule will appear each month in Mr. John Claire Monteith, Hollywood, California Raymond Foundation will present in April Field Museum News. Guide-lecturers' five more in its series for services for tours parties of ten No tickets are necessary for admission programs spring special by are on or more are available with to these lectures. A section of the Theatre children. These programs given by arrangement in the James the Director a week in advance. is reserved for Members of the Museum, Saturday mornings Simpson Theatre of the Museum. Admission is free. each of whom is entitled to two reserved films on each will be shown seats on for these seats The program request. Requests MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM twice, at 10 a.m., and at 11, in order to may be made by telephone or in writing to Field Museum has several classes of Members. accommodate maximum audiences. In- Annual contribute As- the in advance of the Members $10 annually. Museum, lecture, sociate Members $100 and are exempt from cluded are pictures with talking and sound pay and seats will be held in the Member's dues. Sustaining Members contribute $25 annu- which efifects, musical animated cartoons by Walt ally for six consecutive years, after they name until 2:30 o'clock on the day of the become Associate Members and are exempt from Disney, and educational subjects in great all further dues. Life Members give $500 and lecture. All reserved seats not claimed by are exempt from dues. Non-Resident Life Mem- variety. Children from all parts of Chicago 2:30 o'clock will be made available to the bers pay $100, and Non-Resident Associate and suburbs are invited. No tickets are Members $50; both of these classes are also general public. exempt from dues. The Non-Resident member- is to receive needed. The Museum prepared ships are available only to persons residing fifty miles or more from Those who or from schools and other centers, Chicago. give large groups devise to the Museum $1,000 to $100,000 are APRIL SUNDAY TOURS PRESENT as well as individual children coming alone designated as Contributors, and those who give or devise $100,000 or more become Benefactors. STORY OF PREHISTORIC MAN or accompanied by parents or other adults. Other memberships are Honorary, Patron, and additions under Teachers are urged to bring their classes. Corresponding Corporate, "Digging Up the Cave Man's Past" is the these classifications being made by special action The schedule shows the titles of the Board of Trustees. title of the lecture-tours to be on following presented Each Member, in alt classes, is entitled to tree of the films to be presented on each program. admission to the Museum for his Sunday afternoons during April by Mr. Paul himself, family and house guests, and to two reserved seats for G. Dallwig, the Layman Lecturer of Field April 1 —The Declaration of Independence; Museum lectures provided for Members. Sub- to Field Museum News is included will his of scription Museum. Mr. Dallwig conduct Elephants Today. with all memberships. The courtesies of every and Canada listeners on tours of the Hall of the Stone Age — museum of note in the United States April 8 Busy Beavers (Disney Cartoon); are extended to all Members of Field Museum. of the Old World, lecturing on the series of In Faraway Manchukuo; We're on Our A Member may give his personal card to non- residents of Chicago, upon presentation of which dioramas life-size restorations of containing Way; The Life of a Plant; Spotted Wings. they will be admitted to the Museum without Further information about member- various types of prehistoric men, and on the charge. April 15—Bill and Bob Trap a Mountain ships will be sent on request. extensive accompanying exhibits of artifacts Lion; Our Four-footed Helpers; The BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS in displayed near-by cases. Field Museum of Natural Majorca the Picturesque; Bequests to History Trumpeter; be made in securities, money, books or As each Sunday tour is necessarily limited may Wild Life on the Amazon. collections. They may, if desired, take the form in size to 125 adults (children cannot be of a memorial to a person or cause, named by the 22—Birds in the giver. it is to April Spring (Disney accommodated), necessary make res- Contributions made within the taxable year not with ervations in advance by mail or telephone Cartoon); Chumming Chipmunks; exceeding 15 per cent of the taxpayer's net in- come are allowable as deductions in computing Through Life; Pottery Makers (Wabash 9410). Lectures begin promptly Leaping net income for federal income tax purposes. of the Southwest; Nature's Armor. Endowments be made to the Museum at 2 P.M., and end at 4:30. During a half- may with the provision that an annuity be paid to hour intermission midway in the tours, April 29—In Nature's Workshop; Let's the patron tor life. These annuities are guaran- teed against fluctuation in amount, and may members of the parties wishing to do so may Save a Life; The Heart of the Sierras; reduce federal income taxes. obtain refreshments in the Cafeteria, where Our Zoo Acquaintances. PRINTED BY FIELD MUSEUM PRESS News Pvblished Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 10 MAY, 1939 No. 5

FANTASTIC INVERTEBRATE CREATURES OF THE SEA ARE SHOWN IN A NEW HALL BY FRITZ HAAS but that they may prove to be fertile material in the Museum for several months to CURATOR OF LOWER INVERTEBRATES to stimulate the fancy of artists and designers determine to what extent the lighting was are so fascinat- The lower animals, which because of the many surprising suggestions improved, and also to ascertain whether because of ing to the human imagination they offer as inspiration for compositions in the lights would cause fading or other and al- their bizarre shapes, bright colors, color and form. damage to exhibited objects. The lamps are the most unbelievable patterns, subject Outstanding in interest are life-size repro- passed the tests on all points. A check on series of exhibits of an extensive occupying ductions of a large octopus and a giant squid the amount of current consumed indicates a hall on the floor of new (Hall M ground which are hung from the ceiling in this hall. an average saving of 71 per cent in wattage the which was last month. Museum), opened The exhibits in this hall are equipped as compared with the old type of lights. While it is planned later to make additions throughout with a new type of "daylight" Certain other exhibits are already being to these exhibits, the equipped with the cases already avail- new lights, and plans able contain a choice are under considera- collection. Many tion for gradually in- shells of clams and stalling them in many snails illustrate the other exhibits, and thousands of varia- also in the Library, tions of which these in offices and labora- animals are capable. tories, and elsewhere. Varieties so tiny as NEW LIGHTING USED to be hardly visible IN BIRD HALL ALSO contrast with giant Shortly after the clams ranging from completion of the to three feet in two new Hall of Lower and diameter, weigh- Invertebrates, in- as as 155 ing much stallation of the new Included pounds. type of lighting used also are both marine there was completed and fresh-water pearl- also in Hall 21, de- with ex- mussels, voted to the system- amples of the products atic collections of obtained from them birds. Here, as in which various upon Hall M, the new lights industries are based. were found to have Land snails of many distinct advantages highly colored vari- in showing exhibits eties, and many gro- in their true colors. tesque shapes, form One of the Exhibits in the New Hall of Lower Invertebrates An application of another interesting Many other cases, like this one, are filled with specimens of some of the strangest denizens of the sea depths. the new lights in The of bizarre creatures are made all the more a new and effective type of lighting. section of the exhibits. displays striking by extremely illumination of In this particular group are shown some of the varieties of corals which resemble trees and shrubs in appearance. a Well represented habitat group has also are the corals, which make up a vast army lighting which reveals the true colors of the been successfully made in the new Hall composed of varieties ranging in color from specimens, bringing out rich tones as well as of Fishes (Hall 0), currently in preparation. white through all the hues of the spectrum, somber shades, and all the delicate varia- Exhibits in Hall O, however, will not be and of different forms which give them such tions, in a manner that has never before available to the public until construction names as "brain-like," "fan-like," and "tree- been possible with ordinary illumination. and installation work is completed, which like" corals. Other odd creatures selected The hall is the first in Field Museum, and will require several more months. from the populations of seas and sea-shores probably the first in any museum, to be for display in this hall are the sea-urchins, thus completely equipped. The light is A Gift of Navaho Textiles the star-fishes, and a host of other animals furnished by a new type of tubular fluores- from Homer E. Sargent of strange appearance and remarkable cent lamp, recently developed by the General habits. Electric Company. As used in the Museum, Augmenting his many previous gifts These exhibits fill a gap which has long these lamps are concealed in specially con- over a long period of years, Mr. Homer E. existed in the Museum's Department of structed light boxes at the tops of the Sargent, of Pasadena, California (formerly Zoology. It is expected that they will not exhibition cases. Before deciding to adopt of Chicago), recently presented an additional only attract the attention of lovers of nature, this innovation, exhaustive tests were made collection of notable Navaho textiles. Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS May, 19S9

EXPEDITION WILL COLLECT Two informal meetings for groups of chil- The olm is not difficult to transport and FLORIDA MARINE ANIMALS dren were held in the Lecture Hall of the may occasionally be seen alive in aquaria in Museum. The subject was "The of this In of the consider- An expedition to collect specimens of Age country. spite very Trees." fine showing able numbers of for marine animals, and study the invertebrate Many specimens specimens captured annual rings were loaned by the Department sale to aquarists and to the re- life of the shores along both the Atlantic scientists, of Each child who attended had olm in caves and Gulf coasts of the Florida peninsula, Botany. maining population happily an to observe different types does not seem to have declined. will leave Chicago about May 10. Mem- opportunity of woods and to study the formations of the There are bers of the expedition are Dr. Fritz Haas, two cave salamanders, also annual as well as to ask the Museum's Curator of Lower Inverte- rings, questions. white and with eyes covered over with skin, The discussions were followed by conducted in the United States. occurs in brates, and Mr. Leon L. Walters, of the One the tours to Museum halls containing wood caves of the stafif of taxidermists. Ozark region of Missouri and exhibits, and to Hall 7 for the exhibit and the other lives in the under- Specimens will be sought by Dr. Haas for Arkansas, explaining tree ring dating and its use in waters of a limited area in the addition to the collection in the recently ground vicinity archaeology. One hundred sixty-nine pupils of San Texas. opened Hall of Lower Invertebrates (Hall Marcos, from eighth grade classes were the guests of The M). He will also make studies and collect European cave salamander is shown the Museum for these programs. Similar in Albert Harris Hall. — material for possible use in habitat groups W. K.P.S. programs given in preceding months treated planned for the future. Mr. Walters will the subjects of birch trees, coal, and assist Dr. Haas, and will make special at- -and the Editors Missed! meteorites. —M.M.C. Things tempts to obtain certain important species of turtles— and sea large loggerheads green A Correction turtles. From the specimens collected he THINOS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED In the caption for the illustration accom- will make plaster casts for use in preparing panying the You Have Missed reproductions at the Museum later. Things May The European Cave Salamander article on page 3 of the April Field Museum The expedition is sponsored by the The waters of caves in the News there occurred an error involving President of the Museum, Mr. Stanley Field. underground Carinthian and Balkan limestone region some 399,982,000 years, more or less. This harbor one of the strangest of living crea- caption placed glaciers in the Chicago region FOSSIL MAMMALS OF WEST tures—a white, blind, and eel-like salaman- "during the Silurian period, some 400,000,000 SOUGHT BY EXPEDITION der. It is known in German as "01m," and years ago." The period of glaciation referred in English sometimes as the proteus (from to was the Pleistocene, and it ended about A Field Museum expedition left Chicago its scientific name, Proteus anguineus). Its 18,000 years ago. The Silurian period was on April 17 to collect skeletal material repre- bright red tufts of gills on each side of the the time of formation of the underlying senting various species of extinct mammals neck mark it as a larval form^one of those rock of which the upper layer was planed in the Oligocene, Miocene and Pliocene fossil salamanders which even breed as aquatic off by the glaciers. beds of northwestern Nebraska and eastern larvae and have lost the adult Wyoming. Mr. Paul O. McGrew, Assistant altogether land stage into which we may presume their DR. P. S. MARTIN TO EXCAVATE in Paleontology, is the leader. He is accom- ancestors transformed. The olm is further RUINS IN panied by Mr. John M. Schmidt, of Home- NEW MEXICO remarkable among salamanders for produc- wood, Illinois, and Mr. Orville Gilpin, of During the summer of 1939, Field Museum ing living young, numbering only two at Chicago. The party drove to the region of will again sponsor an archaeological expedi- birth. operations in a motor truck, which will be tion to the Southwest under the leadership used also for transport of the specimens of Dr. Paul S. Martin, Chief Curator of the excavated. Department of Anthropology. Resumption The expedition will seek prehistoric mam- of this important work has been made possi- mals of species not yet represented in the ble by a gift from Mr. Stanley Field, Presi- Museum's large collections. Previous sur- dent of the Museum. veys of the territory to be worked indicate Dr. Martin, who in recent years has com- that among the specimens which may be pleted eight seasons of field work in south- found are camels and rhinoceroses which western Colorado, will this season turn his once inhabited the American plains, small attention to excavating some early ruins three-toed horses, and various rodents, near Glenwood, New Mexico. He and his carnivores, and insectivores. Some of the associates will leave Chicago about June 1, species to be sought lived as far back as and will continue field operations until forty million years ago. autumn. Plans call for the continuance of the work Dr. Martin has concluded investigation of until some time in July. The expedition is all of the various known manifestations in sponsored by Mr. Stanley Field, President southwestern Colorado of Anasazi culture

of the Museum. (i.e., the Modified Basket Maker Period,

and Pueblo Periods I, II, and III). Two reports on his researches have already RAYMOND FOUNDATION AIDS been issued by Field Museum Press, and SCHOOL RADIO PROGRAMS another is in press now for release within a On April 13 the James Nelson and Anna few months. Louise Raymond Foundation for Public The ruins Dr. Martin will investigate in School and Children's Lectures presented New Mexico this season belong to what is the fourth in its series of "Radio Followup" known as the MogoUon culture. It is barely programs of the present school year, in possible that a cultural connection exists White, Blind, and Eel-like co-ordination with the science broadcasts of between the early MogoUon and the Basket The cave salamander (or "Olm"), as the Public School European Broadcasting Council. it is represented in an exhibit in Albert W. Harris Hall. Maker cultures, Dr. Martin states. May, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 3

EGGS OF ODD SHAPES, SIZES, have been prepared by Mr. James H. Quinn, A GEOLOGICAL COLLECTION AND COLORS, EXHIBITED Assistant in the Museum's paleontological OF HISTORIC INTEREST laboratories. The of modern A temporary exhibit of a selection of largest eggs The Department of Geology has received, birds are those of the which some of the world's most interesting birds' ostrich, average as a gift from Dr. Henry Field, Curator of about five and one-half inches in eggs has been installed in Stanley Field Hall. length by Physical Anthropology, a large and valuable five inches in diameter. Originally placed on view as a special Cubically measured, collection of minerals and fossils numbering one about six ostrich feature for the Easter week-end, it proved Aepyornis egg equals more than 1,500 specimens. The collection and about ten dozen hens' so popular among Museum visitors that it eggs, eggs. derives much of its interest and significance was decided not to withdraw it for several Aepyornis is probably the inspiration of from the fact that the specimens contained weeks. Ultimately, it is planned to sub- the many legends about the mythical "roc" in it were collected or acquired more than stitute a more extensive permanent exhibit (or "ruhk") which figured in the Arabian 120 years ago by the Misses Salisbury of of eggs. Nights. Rocs were supposed to feed their Baggrave Hall, Leicestershire, England. EVEN "triangular" EGGS! young on full-grown elephants which they Before their death in the 1820's, these carried to their nests, and to drop heavy remarkable women had collected minerals In the present exhibit are included eggs boulders on the ships of early traders and and fossils from many of the now "classical" of various shapes, sizes and colors—eggs of sink them. It was in such an "air raid" that localities both in Great Britain and on the long extinct birds, the smallest known birds' Sindbad the Sailor was wrecked, according continent, and had acquired mineral speci- eggs, and a replica of the largest egg known. to the story. mens from as distant as In addition to those of the familiar oval points California, Siberia, and the East Indies. shape, there are approximately triangular FOUND FLOATING AT SEA Eight hundred of the specimens are in- eggs of shore birds, laid in groups of four Nests of the Aepyornis were made in the vertebrate fossils, including assemblages of which fit together in a nest like the pieces sand dunes of southwestern Madagascar. forms from the famous English localities of of a cut pie; tapered conical eggs of murres, Eggs from these were often washed out by Wenlock, Lyme Regis, and the chalk cliffs, and the round eggs of owls which are almost wave action, and then found floating at as well as from deposits of many other ages as spherical as billiard balls. The conical sea by Arab and Indian mariners. The sailors and the mineral murre's eggs represent an example of places. Among specimens, of which there are more than are Nature's provisions for "safety first." These 600, repre- sentative of the varied in eggs are not laid in nests, but directly on examples and, some rare minerals of the rocks on high cliffs in the Arctic wilder- cases, Cornwall, Devon, Cumberland and as nesses they inhabit, where high winds blow. Derbyshire, well as fine collections from Nor- The conical shape causes them to roll in Arendal, and the Vesuvius in a circle when blown by the wind, instead way, region Italy. In addition to a deal of of rolling off the cliffs to disaster. providing great material for some of it from localities The eggs in this special exhibit are selected study, in which such can no be from the Museum's vast study collection specimens longer this collection will enhance the which comprises more than 60,000 speci- obtained, and will some material for mens. The greater part of these were collect- exhibits, provide educational use the N. W. Harris Public ed and presented by the Hon. R. Magoon by School Extension. A of Cumber- Barnes, of Lacon, Illinois, Curator of Birds' specimen land fluorite from this collection has been Eggs. This collection is one of the largest added to the fluorescence between and most important in America. display Halls 34 and 35. —L. B. Jr. Among the eggs shown are those of the M., South American tinamous, remarkable for their pastel colors and a characteristic glaze Tiny Nest of Hummingbird, and Eggs Higinbotham Portrait Received that makes them as Illustration is about actual size. Dimensions of appear though they the nest are: IJi inches in length, IH inches in width, A painting of the late Harlow N. Higin- 1 inches in outside and inch were made of glass; and eggs of the mound- K depth, ^ in inside depth. botham, who was the second President of which have a builder birds bisque-like Field Museum, serving in that capacity texture The mound- were naturally led to speculate as to what resembling pottery. from 1898 to 1908, has been presented to the sort of bird could have laid such builders' eggs are laid in mounds and large eggs Museum by Mrs. Richard T. Crane. and thus the roc to abandoned by their parents. Incubation is legends arose, according Curator Boulton. accomplished by rotting vegetation, and the young birds when thus hatched out are HIGHLY INSTRUCTIVE— able to shift for themselves from the start, Rare Books From Colonel Roosevelt "Handicraft, by Lester Griswold, states Mr. Curator of Rudyerd Boulton, is an instruc- Two beautiful illuminated religious manu- exceptionally complete Birds. tion book of arts that answers scripts from Tibet, written on parchment in applied A NINE-QUART EGG more than one would the ornate Tibetan script, and bound in questions expect The tiniest shown are those of hum- from a book of its states Dr. eggs elaborate wooden covers, were recently size," — of small coffee of ming birds scarcely the size presented to the Library of Field Museum by Paul S. Martin, Chief Curator beans. The largest egg is that of the extinct Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, of New York, Anthropology at Field Museum. Aepyornis, one of the three largest birds a Trustee of the institution. "Scout leaders and other students of that ever lived. This bird attained statures Indian crafts will find especially useful exceeding eleven feet in height. Its eggs the chapters on leather working, weav- for Glass were as much as fifteen inches long, and $1,250,000 ing, pottery-making, stone-working, had a capacity of about one and three- The plate glass required for the protection and other primitive arts." quarters gallons. The specimen exhibited of exhibits in Field Museum runs into Craft Edition (flexible cover) $2.50; is a replica, cast from a mold made over notable figures. The total amount used in Library Edition (cloth cover) $3.50. an original specimen in the possession of all Museum cases is approximately 2,100,000 On sale at the BOOK SHOP of the Museum (the original is too rare to square feet, and represents a value of more FIELD MUSEUM. risk in an exhibit). Several of these replicas than $1,250,000. Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS May, 1939

AFRICAN BOYS PROVE FORTITUDE AS MARRIAGE ESSENTIAL came a transfer of roles. The sufferer to dress and take the By WILFRID D. HAMBLY Ward and removed his tunic so that he was proceeded leisurely CURATOR OF AFRICAN ETHNOLOGY whip, while the boy who had wielded it be- naked from ths waist upward. From the fore now prepared to play a less happy part. When traveling through hilly country in circle of spectators rushed an elderly woman, Again an attempt was made at rescue, by east central Nigeria some years ago (while the mother of the lad, who threw her arms the mother, but she was thrust back into conducting the Frederick H. Rawson-Field about him, and in this protective manner the ring of spectators. The lad who had Museum Ethnological Expedition to West sought to draw him back to the crowd. received three blows undertook his new task Africa), my attention was attracted by a This, however, she was not permitted to with relish, dancing slowly and threatening group of people arranged in a circle from do, and after a brief scuffle the boy stood his victim repeatedly before actually deliver- the center of which came sounds of drum- holding a sword above his head. ing a blow. ming and dancing. One could see at a glance Another boy of the same age came for- AT that an important ceremony was in progress, ward, testing the suppleness of a stout WIVES CHOSEN ONCE as a dignified chief was in charge, while two pliable stick that he swished through the The second victim emerged as trium- "janitors" were enlarging the arena by a air with great satisfaction as evidenced by phantly as the first, and both were sur- liberal and impartial use of their long whips. his broad smile. The boy holding the sword rounded by admiring girls from whom the All the people were of the Fulani tribe, appeared to take a less cheerful outlook, lads quickly selected their mates. The who might almost be described as a race, but despite the punishment he was about ceremony, though forbidden by the colonial so clearly distinguished are they from other to receive he stood still and held the sword government, is still considered by the Fulani Africans in appearance and language. There firmly. The music was accelerated, and in as a necessary prelude to marriage. One is a mixture of Negro blood in the Fulani, time to the rhythm the boy with the switch cannot but wonder whether there are any boys who prefer to enjoy a painless bachelor- hood.

In Sennar, far away from this site, I have seen men flog each other with rhinoceros hide whips as part of a wedding entertain- ment. Each man gave and received three blows, and all concerned appeared gratified with this crude exhibition of fortitude.

Additions to Mammal Exhibits

Recent additions to the systematic collec- tion of mammals in Hall 15 include a screen on one side of which are displayed several species of hyena, and on the other side specimens of the varied assortment of in- teresting animals comprising the raccoon family. To the exhibit of monkeys has been added a specimen of the strikingly marked Indo-Chinese species known as the douc langur.

Hopewell Flint Discs

The largest single cache ever found in America of flint discs fashioned by prehis- How African Boys Prove Their Manhood toric men is on exhibition in the Hall of The flogging ceremony, a part of the initiation of the youths of the Fulani tribe in Nigeria. Note the marks on North American Archaeology (Hall B). the of the who is the sword. The was made Wilfrid body boy holding up photograph by Curator D. Hambly, who They come from the famous Hopewell was permitted to witness the ritual while in Africa conducting the Rawson-Field Museum Ethnological Expedition. Mounds of Ohio, and have been installed as nearly as possible in the same position but the light brown skin color and refined danced round his victim, pausing now and in which they were left by the early Indian features betoken basic traits of another then to raise his weapon as if about to inhabitants of that region. race. Many of the Fulani are nomadic deliver a blow, then once more resuming cattle keepers who wander over wide areas his gyrations. The boy who held the sword of west Africa, and without design I had stood still with downcast eyes, giving no the good fortune to arrive at the beginning indication of emotion when the blow threat- WILD FLOWER LEAFLETS— of a rite of initiation into manhood. This ened. His exhibition of stoicism drew ap- Of special interest and usefulness to pain test is an indispensable prelude to plause from the onlookers. those interested in recognizing the marriage, for no girl among those standing At last the blow descended with a sick- wild flowers appearing at this season around would accept a coward. ening thud, leaving a conspicuous welt. The are illustrated leaflets. Spring Wild MATERNAL INSTINCT THWARTED sufferer bent double for a and an second, Flowers, and Spring and Early Sum- man ran forward and rubbed him. The chief secured for me a place near the elderly mer Wild Flowers, published by Field Then the victim made a few orchestra whose principal instruments were rhythmical Museum. J. Francis Macbride, Asso- and rather at the crowd slender drums one of which was held under steps smiled, faintly, ciate Curator of the Herbarium, is the the arm of each player. Louder grew the which was vociferous with applause. The author. The booklets are on sale at music, and more energetic were the efforts actions of the victim were intended to the BOOK SHOP of the Museum— of the janitors with their whips, but when indicate his contempt for pain. Three 25 cents each. at last a space was dear a boy stepped for- times the performance was repeated. Then May, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 5

IRISH MOSS in barns where the mass is finally picked the construction of beautiful white nests, By LLEWELYN WILLIAMS over and packed in 100-pound barrels. about the size of goose-eggs, as thin as a CURATOR OF ECONOMIC BOTANY The Chinese birds'-nest soup is the silver spoon. When dry they are brittle Chinese gastronomes are famous for their product of a small, red seaweed which and weigh about half an ounce. The gather- of for is often strange dishes, prominent among which are abounds along the coast of China and some ing them food hazardous work. ancient eggs and birds '-nest soup. islands of the Indian Archipelago, and forms, Before being used they are carefully cleaned. with its small the After they have been freed of foreign matter The secret of the palatability of the vener- entangled organisms, source of food of a of they are stewed with pigeons' eggs, spices able eggs seems to be that they are pickled principal species swallow. The bird feeds the seaweed and other ingredients. The cooked article in a lime solution which preserves them upon and macerates the material in its crop. suggests chicken broth. almost indefinitely. They are sliced and substance is of served cold as in a salad. The partly digested algal Specimens both the Irish moss, and regurgitated and drawn out in gelatinous the type of weed which forms the basis of The birds'-nest soup is made of material fiber which the birds attach with their bills. birds'-nest soup, are on exhibition in the similar to the so-called Irish moss which is The silky adhesive matter lends itself to Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29). popular for puddings and desserts in the New England states, particularly Massa- chusetts and New Hampshire. The use of HARWA, FIRST MUMMY TO FLY, GOES TO FAIR IN NEW YORK this small seaweed for food is not confined, When Harwa, a 2,800-year-old was the of Lowell however, to the United States. Its gelatin- Egyptian, Egyptian collection, guest once the agricultural overseer for a Thomas and a of the ous properties and serviceability for the temple personal representative of the was aboard a Consul-General at a luncheon of preparation of desserts have long been god Amon, placed Egyptian United Airlines' plane for New York on the Club in New York on known in Europe and Great Britain, where Advertising April he was well on his toward 13. he was taken to one of the plant grows in abundance in many April 12, way Following that, establishing a list of "firsts" for the the New York World's Fair where places off the coast, especially that of south- country's buildings museum It is believed he is the he is to be in the ern and western Ireland. A similar sea- populace. displayed General Electric weed obtained from the Red Sea and first mummy to travel on a plane, and he is X-Ray Corporation's exhibit. There, when the first adult-size to be a visitor to the booth a an Indian Ocean is used in Persia. person publicly pushes button, fluoroscoped. x-ray machine will create a full-length image USED IN COIFFURES, HATS, BEVERAGES Harwa, a mummy from Field Museum's of Harwa's skeleton on a fiuoroscopic screen. Prior to 1835 the small quantity of this seaweed imported from Europe was sold in this country at $1 to $2 per pound. When it was found to be abundant also on this side of the Atlantic the price soon fell, and by 1880 it had been reduced to about 3 cents a pound. Besides serving as food, this marine plant has a variety of other uses, such as in making bandoline for stiffening milady's coiffure, for clarifying alcoholic beverages, and as sizing in the manufacture of calico and hats.

Irish moss, or carrageen, is one of the red algae, and as such is related to agar, or agar- agar, which yields a similar vegetable "gelatine." Its native habitat is the sea and it grows at low-water mark as well as at greater depths, but flourishes best on rocks constantly washed by strong waves. The harvest season extends from May to September. The plant is obtained in two ways—by hand-picking at low tides, and by means of long-handled rakes used from boats. Men go out in sailboats or dories at half tide, and return at half flood to scrape the "moss" off the rocks. EXTENDED CtmiNG PROCESS For curing, fair weather with abundant sunshine is necessary. On being brought ashore the clumps of much branched moss- like algae are red and are spread out on the high beach to be bleached by repeated wetting and drying in the sun. The material is then placed in hogsheads, in which it is re-saturated with salt water by rolling the barrels in the marshes, after which the material is again spread out and further Illustration by courtesy of General Electric X-Ray Corporation bleached. This alternate treatment is re- Mummy from Field Museum Boards Plane for New York Fair peated four or five times until the product Harwa, 2,800-year-old Egyptian, is shown leaving Chicago to appear in fluoroscopic exhibit of General Electric X-Ray Corporation. At left is Mr. A. J. Kizaur, General Electric engineer who designed the exhibit. At right is is yellowish-white. The final drying is done Mr. Richard A. Martin, Curator of Near Eastern Archaeology at Field Museum, who served as historical advisor. Page 6 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS May, 1939

Field Museum of Natural History transferred it to another, reducing ground his collections and his large knowledge Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 water levels and making deserts out of former freely at the disposal of the Museum. His Road and Field Roosevelt Drive, Chicago prairies. Industrial wastes in our streams most important collections were made THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES have poisoned the fish and made the waters chiefly in Illinois, for the Illinois State Geo- Sgwell L. Avery WniiAM H. Mitchell uninhabitable for the new crop of fish from logical Survey, and in Iowa, Kentucky, E. Block George A. Richardson Leopold the hatcheries. have been drained Russia. In order to Albert B. Dick, Jr. Theodore Roosevelt Sloughs Texas, Mexico, and Joseph N. Field Fred W. Sargent to add to the area of marginal farm lands, gain some first-hand knowledge of the flora Marshall Field James Simpson Stanley Field Solomon A. Smith resulting in the reduction of wild fowl by of the tropics for comparison with fossils, he Albert W. Harris Albert A. Spraoue the elimination of their All a season in at the Barro Samuel Insull, Jr. Silas H. Strawn nesting-sites. spent Panama, Charles A. McCulloch John P. Wilson these and many more abuses against the Colorado Island laboratory. OFFICERS balance of nature have done far more harm Scion of an old aristocratic family of Stanley Field President even than the fisherman or hunter who does French and Austrian Albert A. Sprague First Vice-President origin long tradition, ixtsss Simpson Second Vice-President not limit himself to a fair day's catch. Professor No6 was born in Graz, and Albert W. Harris Third Vice-President Clifford C. Gregg Director and Secretary served in his youth as an officer in an Solomon A. Smith . . . Treasurer and Assistant Secretary Austrian Hussar regiment. He was an FIELD MUSEUM NEWS enthusiastic horseman, fencer and marks- Clifford C. Gregg, Director of the Museum .... Editor man. His first experience in his chosen CONTRIBUTING EDITORS science of paleobotany was as a demon- Paul S. Martini Chief Curator of Anthro-pology strator at the University of Graz. In 1899 B. E. Dahlgren Chief Curator of Botany he came to the United States, studied at Henry W. Nichols Chief Curator of Geology Wilfred H. Osgood Chief Curator of Zoology the University of Chicago, and there H. B. Harte Managing Editor obtained his A.B. degree, and later his Ph.D. degree. In later years he was awarded hono- Members are requested to Inform the Museum the of Graz and promptly of changes of address. rary degrees by University the University of Innsbruck. He was well- known as a scholar in the field of German FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK— literature as well as in science. Extinct Passenger Pigeons His publications include Fossil Flora of A lesson in conservation. These birds are believed to have been exterminated by excessive shooting for Northern Illinois, and Ferns, Fossils, and Conservation food for humans liut for (not only fattening hogs). Fuel. After his in the Allen The last wild one was seen in 1907; the last captive participation the past month the local news- During died in 1914 in the' Cincinnati Zoological Garden. and Garcia Commission for the study of the have carried some information Shown above is part of a group in Stanley Field Hall. papers coal beds of Russia in 1927 he wrote Golden regarding conservation. Conservation Weelc In the belief that our natural resources Days of Soviet Russia. was from 9 to officially proclaimed April staff the loss are wasted more because of The Museum regrets keenly 15 in the State of Illinois the being ignorance April by Acting of a valued friend and associate. than because of greed, Field Museum takes Governor. It is fitting that we should turn its place among the conservationists in an our attention from time to time to the prob- effort to acquaint people with the lem of conservation and all that it means. problem. The evolution of the horse from a small An appreciation of wild life, whether flowers, Unfortunately the term is rather generally four-toed animal to a large one-toed animal trees, or animals, is the first element misunderstood. To some it means the perhaps is interestingly illustrated in Case 22 of in creating the desire to retain them for abolition of the privilege of hunting and Stanley Field Hall. posterity. An understanding of the sur- fishing at any time. To others it means the roundings which make wild life establishment of game preserves and the possible, and an appreciation of the inter-relation- restoration of wild life. Still others regard A FEW FACTS ABOUT FIELD MUSEUM ships of the various forms of wild life are conservation as the preservation of all Field Museum is open every day of the year basic factors in solving the problem. It (except Christmas and New Year's Day) during natural things as we find them. the hours indicated below: seems then that every intelligent person Conservation actually does not mean pro- November, December, who understands these matters and who January, February 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. use of natural hibiting the our resources, but March, April, and desires to pass on the beauties of nature to October 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. it does imply that we must use them with September, . a.m. to 6 p.m. posterity must become in one way or another May, June, July, August. . .9 intelligent understanding so that they will an ardent conservationist. Admission is free to Members on all days. not diminish or be lost to the world, but Other adults are admitted free on Thursdays, —Clifford C. Gregg, Director Saturdays, and Sundays; non-members pay 25 may be passed on substantially as we find cents on other days. Children are admitted free all and members of them to This on days. Students faculty succeeding generations. educational institutions are admitted free any implies more than building fish hatcheries day upon presentation of credentials. ADOLF CARL NOE The Museum's Library is open for reference to restock our streams, and closing seasons daily except Saturday afternoon and Sunday. October 28, 1939 for a year or two on the hunting of birds and 1873-April 10, Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of the N. W. Harris Public School animals. Not the hunter, but the Dr. Adolf Carl Professor of Paleo- Chicago by only Noe, Extension Department of the Museum. farmer, the lumberman, the miner, the botany of the University of Chicago, died Lectures at schools, and special entertain- ments and tours for children at the Museum, are industrialist, and almost all of the rest of us April 10, 1939, after a short illness. He had provided by the James Nelson and Anna Louise at some time, by our carelessness or lack of been associated with Field Museum for many Raymond Foundation for Public School and Children's Lectures. tend to the natural and had been a member of the staff of knowledge, destroy years, Free courses of lectures for adlilts are presented things that cannot be replaced. In short, the Department of Botany as Research Assoc- in the James Simpson Theatre on Saturday after- noons (at 2:30 o'clock) in March, April, October, what must be learned is that it is dangerous iate in Paleobotany since 1933, having and November. to destroy the balance of nature. become interested especially in the Depart- A Cafeteria serves visitors. Rooms are avail- able also for those bringing their lunches. Elimination of predatory birds and beasts ment's reconstruction of the coal forest Chicago Motor Coach Company No. 26 busses direct to the Museum. Ser- has sometimes permitted rodents and grass- vegetation. provide transportation vice is offered also by Surface Lines, Rapid Tran- hoppers to overrun the grain fields of the Dr. No6's researches and publications in sit Lines (the "L"), interurban electric lines, and Illinois Central trains. There is ample free park- farmers. Ill-advised have coal formations coal balls are well irrigation projects and ing space for automobiles at the Museum. taken the water from one watershed and known to scientists. He placed the use of A 7^^^ ^Wahd^ ^\ji^*f^

STAFF NOTES DETAILED STUDY REVEALS SU-LIN WAS A MALE GIANT PANDA

Mr. Alfred C. Weed, Curator of Fishes, Now it can be told—the late Su-Lin, external indication that would lead to the has been in Englewood on the west coast of most famous of giant pandas, was a deceiver. suspicion that the animal was anything Florida for several weeks, and has collected Known to its many admirers during life at other than a female as had generally been a number of fishes and specimens of other the Chicago Zoological Park, Brookfield, as supposed," states Dr. Wilfred H. Osgood, forms of marine life. Valuable co-operation "she," this animal actually should have Chief Curator of the Department of Zoology. was extended to him by the Bass Biological been referred to as "he." This was an- "This is not so surprising as it might at first Laboratories. nounced recently by Mr. Edward H. Bean, seem to a layman—there are various other Director of the Dr. Wilfred H. Osgood, Chief Curator Zoo, upon re- a re- of the Department of Zoology, recently ceipt of returned from a sojourn of several weeks in port from Field Museum Florida, principally at Captiva Island, where in whose labo- he made surveys in preparation for a forth- for coming Field Museum expedition, and did a ratories, more than a limited amount of collecting. year since the panda's death Mr. Paul C. Standley, Associate Curator (on April 1, of the Herbarium, at present in Guatemala 1938), meticu- on Mr. a botanical expedition sponsored by lous detailed Sewell a Trustee of the in Avery, Museum, dissection has his last indicated that he had com- report been in pro- pleted plant collecting in the western region gress for pur- of the He was at that country. planning poses of re- time to transfer his activities to the Cobdn search. The district, rated as having the richest vegeta- skin was tion in Guatemala. mounted and placed on ex- Mr. L. Bryant Mather, Jr., Assistant hibition at the Curator of Mineralogy, will participate in Museum with- an expedition under the leadership of Dr. in a few weeks Joseph T. Singewald, Jr., Professor of after Su-Lin's Economic Geology at The Johns Hopkins death, but the University, between May 1 and 15. The soft anatomy, expedition will visit eighteen important preserved by mineral and mining localities in Pennsyl- chemical in- vania, New Jersey, and New York. Material jections, was will be collected for Field Museum's mineral turned over to Su-Lin Fooled the World and physical geology collections. Mr. D. Dwight The famous giant panda, always known as "she" during^ life at the Brookfield Zoo, Davis, Assist- was actually a male, it has been revealed by the detailed dissection in progress in the labora- tories of Field Museum. The animal is shown above as it has appeared as a mounted specimen ant Curator of at the Museum since after death in 1938. The exhibit is in Field Hall. Mr. D. Dwight Davis, Assistant Curator shortly April, Stanley Anatomy and of Anatomy and Osteology, presented a for the first thorough study of animals in which the evidences of sex are so scientific paper before the meeting of the Osteology, the species which has ever been possible to concealed that it is difficult to distinguish American Society of Mammalogists at scientists. males from females by external examination Baton Rouge, Louisiana, April 4. Mr. Davis's research, which is not yet only. It is particularly difficult with ani- completed, has just recently reached the mals that are not fully mature, as was the Staff Taxidermist C. J. Albrecht lectured stage where it has been discovered that, case with Su-Lin. Most of the supposed recently before an audience at the American owing to peculiarities of the little known relatives of the giant panda are fairly Museum of Natural New York, on History, species, Su-Lin, while outwardly appearing normal, so it was natural to assume that fur his on a Field seals, telling experiences to be a female, was actually a male. Su-Lin was a female until dissection revealed Museum to the Pribilof Islands. expedition "While Su-Lin was alive there was no facts to the contrary." While in the east he also made studies of the collections in several other leading museums. Distinguished Visitors Chilean specimens to the Museum, who conferred with Chief Curator Osgood and Among distinguished visitors recently Mr. C. Martin Curator of Chinese Sanborn on of Chilean Wilbur, received at Field Museum are: Dr. Paul H. Curator problems Archaeology and Ethnology, lectured on Count Benedict of Nesbitt, of Beloit College, who came to zoology; Tyszkiewicz Chinese on 26 before the Mr. Harold J. jades April Society study the Museum's Southwestern archaeo- Poland; Coolidge, Jr., of Fine Arts and History of Evansville, Assistant Curator of Mammals at the logical collections; Mr. L. D. Bestall, Indiana. Museum of Zoology, Cam- Director of the Hawkes Bay Art Gallery Comparative Massachusetts, who several and Museum, Napier, New Zealand; Mrs. bridge, spent in conference with members of the Dr. Paul S. Martin, Chief Curator of the Nicholas (Alice Roosevelt) Longworth, days Field Dr. C. R. of Department of Anthropology, lectured on widow of the late Speaker of the House of staff of Museum; Ball, an on the work of his expeditions in the Southwest Representatives of the United States, and Washington, D.C., authority willows; before an audience of members of the P. E. O. her daughter; the Duke and Duchess of and Mrs. M. Quennell, Hon. A.R.I. B.A., Club in the lecture hall of the Museum on Sutherland, of London; Mr. Dillman S. who is the Director of the Geffrye Historical April 20. Bullock of Angol, Chile, donor of many Museum, in London, England. Page 8 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS May, 19S9

MAY GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS Arkansas—8 photographs of region where "PARADE OF THE RACES" OFFERED FOR WEEK-DAY VISITORS Joe Wright Mountain meteorite was found; ON SUNDAY TOURS IN MAY from Geringer Brothers, Oak Park, Illinois Conducted tours of exhibits, under the May is the final month in the current —2 specimens of scheelite, California; from of staff lecturers, are made season of afternoon lecture-tours guidance every Mrs. George Artamonoff, Chicago— 17 speci- Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, except Saturdays, mens of volcanic products, Guatemala and given at Field Museum by Mr. Paul G. Sundays, and certain holidays. Following El Salvador; from Dr. M. J. Groesbeck, Dallwig, the Layman Lecturer. On each is the schedule of subjects and dates for May: Porterville, California—2 specimens of min- Sunday in this month Mr. Dallwig will erals, Nevada and California. "The Parade of the which Week beginning May 1: Monday—Sea present Races," in the has Invertebrates (new hall); Tuesday—Plants Department of Zoology: past proved to be one of his — most Those of Plains and Deserts; Wednesday— Peoples From Dr. W. C. Hobgood, Monticello, popular subjects. partici- of the South Seas; Thursday General Tour; Arkansas—a frog and 3 salamanders, pating will tour the Hall of the Races of —Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Friday Arkansas; from Instituto de La Salle, Mankind (Chauncey Keep Memorial Hall) Animals. — Bogota, Colombia 8 bats and 4 rodents, with Mr. Dallwig, where they will view the from H. St. John Week beginning May 8: Monday—Amphib- Colombia; Philby, Jidda, extensive series of sculptures by Malvina — Arabia—6 36 and 7 ians and Fish; Tuesday Plants That Trap toads, lizards, snakes, Hoffman, and hear the lecturer's dramatic — Arabia; from Eugen G. J. Falck, — Insects; Wednesday Crystals and Gems; Chicago but factual stories about each of the races —General Tour; Friday—Indians 13 crayfish and 105 land and fresh water Thursday represented. of North, Central, and South America. shells, Illinois; from Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago—an anaconda, South America; Attendance at Sunday afternoon lecture- Week beginning May 15: Monday— from John White, Thomasville, Georgia—a tours is restricted to those who have made Animals at Home; Tuesday—Our Native scorpion, Georgia; from Chicago Zoological advance reservations, because parties are Trees; Wednesday—From Chellean to Swiss Society, Brookfield, Illinois—a lemur, a limited in size. demands Lake Dweller; Thursday—General Tour; necessarily Heavy kinkajou, and a new-bom sea lion; from have resulted in the Friday—The Benld and Other Meteorites. filling of quotas for each Michael Blackmore, London, England—6 — of the remaining Sundays of this season and Week beginning May 22: Monday Hall bats, England; from J. L. Chaworth-Musters, Birds no further reservations are available. of Plant Life; Tuesday— That Nest London, England— 15 bats, England; from in —Miner- Mr. next season of the Chicago Region; Wednesday James Little, Naperville, Illinois—a sala- Dallwig's Sunday —General — lecture tours will November als; Thursday Tour; Friday mander, 8 snakes, and 7 frogs and toads, begin 5, and Chinese Art. Wisconsin; from John M. Schmidt, Home- continue until the last Sunday in May, 1940. Week beginning May 29: Monday— wood, Illinois—4 garter snakes, Illinois; Lacquers, Turpentine, and Rubber; Tuesday from FVank Bagot, Miami Beach, Florida Museum Hours Extended — —a from Memorial Day holiday, no tour; Wednes- beetle,— Florida; Henry Dybas, for Summer Period day—Carl Akeley Exhibits and Processes. Chicago 3 land shells, Colombia; from Summer visiting hours, 9 a.m. to 6 P.M. John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago—a turtle, and will Persons wishing to participate should Bahama Islands; from Mrs. Robb White, daily, including Sundays holidays, apply at North Entrance. Tours are free. Thomasville, Georgia—a short-headed hog- go into effect at Field Museum on May 1, A new schedule will appear each month in nosed snake, Georgia; from Mrs. George and continue throughout the period up to Field Museum News. Guide-lecturers' Artamonoff, Chicago—6 fish and 625 speci- and including September 4 (Labor Day). mens of shells and other lower services for special tours by parties of ten invertebrates. Central America and Mexico. or more are available by arrangement with MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM the Director a week in advance. The Library: Field Museum has several classes of Members. Valuable books from Americana Corpora- Annual Members contribute $10 annually. As- sociate Members $100 and are from tion, New York from Professor pay exempt City; dues. Sustaining Members contribute $25 annu- GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM Norman C. Basset, Madison, Wisconsin; ally for six consecutive years, after which they become .\ssociate Members and are from from Mme. L. Lion, Paris, France; from exempt Following is a list of some of the principal all further dues. Life Members give $500 and Carnegie Institution, Washington, D.C.; are exempt from dues. Non-Resident Life Mem- gifts received during the last month: from William L. bers pay $100. and Non-Resident .\ssociate Steam, London, England; Members $50; both of these classes are also of Anthropology : Department and from Miss Margaret Ennis, W. J. exempt from dues. The Non-Resident member- are available to From Dr. Henry Field, Chicago—68 Gerhard, Dr. Albert B. Lewis, and John W. ships only persons residing fifty miles or more from Chicago. Those who give or ethnological specimens, Italy, England, and Moyer, all of Chicago. devise to the Museum $1,000 to $100,000 are Near East; from Thomas E. Donnelley, designated as Contributors, and those who give or devise $100,000 or more become Benefactors. —44 of bronze and wooden Chicago pieces NEW MEMBERS Other memberships are Honorar>% Patron, movable type, Korea. Corresponding and Corporate, additions under these dassifications being made by special action The were elected Department of Botany: following persons to of the Board of Trustees. membership in Field Museum during the Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to free From Dr. Delzie Demaree, Monticello, admission to the Museum for himself, his family Arkansas—92 herbarium specimens, Arkan- period from March 16 to April 15: and bouse guests, and to two reserved seats for Musetun lectures pro\'ided for Members. Sub- Associate sas; from Richard A. Schneider, Kankakee, Members scription to Field Musbuu News is included Illinois—190 herbarium specimens, Mexico; Mrs. Laura T. C. Alford, Miss Aurelia with all memberships. The courtesies of every — museum of note in the United States and Canada from Hermann C. Benke, Chicago 257 Bertol, Mrs. W. W. Sherman. are extended to all Members of Field Museum. herbarium specimens, Wisconsin and Illinois; A Member may give his personal card to non- Annual Members of which from Mrs. — residents of Chicago, upon presentation George Artamonoff, Chicago Edwin D. Allen, Claude A. Benjamin, they will be admitted to the Museum without Further information about member- 150 herbarium specimens, Mexico and Cen- William Willard F. charge. George Cariisle, Clark, ships will be sent on request. tral America; from Dr. J. A. Steyermark, John H. Drummond, Dr. William P. Finney, — herbarium Mis- BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS Chicago 5,107 specimens, Mrs. R. H. John R. J. E. Fogler, Fugard, to Field Museum of Natural History souri; from Jardim Botanico de Belo Bequests Fuller, Mrs. Steve Gavin, Mrs. Thomas D. may be made in securities, money, books or Minas Brazil— collections. if take the form Horizonte, Geraes, 1,772 Chester S. Lewis J. They may, desired, Heed, Hendry, Isaacs, of a memorial to a or cause, named by the herbarium specimens, Brazil. person Dr. M. J. Kostrzewski, Edward Marshall, giver. Contributions made within the taxable not Department of Geolo^ : Wallace Meyer, Walter D. Monroe, R. L. year exceeding 15 per cent of the taxpayer's net in- From George W. De Muth, Chicago— Nafziger, Dr. Harry A. Oberhelman, L. A. come are allowable as deductions in computing income for federal income tax 187 specimens of minerals; from Dr. Henry Phillips, Albert C. Pobloske, Mrs. Lewis J. net purposes. Endowments may be made to the Mtlseum —a collection of J. Rockefeller Victor Field, Chicago 1,543 speci- Pollock, Prentice, W. with the provision that an annuity be paid to mens of minerals and fossils, England and Purcey, Rex Rathbun, Robert S. Smith, the patron for life. These annuities are giiaran- teed against fluctuation in amount, and may Europe, and a specimen of marl, Moravia; Dr. Max Thorek, Rudolph E. Vogel, reduce federal income taxes. from William G. Rinehart, Batesville, Eugene Whitmore.

PRINTED BY FICLP MUSCUM PUCSS News Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 10 JUNE, 1939 No. 6 NEW EXHIBIT OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIAL FROM THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST

Bv PAUL S. MARTIN containers for prepared food and beverages. matting, and wooden materials, have long CHIEF CURATOR, DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY The plain gray pottery, which comes in since rotted away. This is unfortunate, After months of study and work, the various shapes and sizes, was what may be because the archaeologist is confronted with Basket Maker Indian materials recovered called the utilitarian ware. Some of it was the difficult task of reconstructing the history by the 1938 Field Museum Archaeological used for cooking food and boiling water. of these Indians from only three classes Expedition to Southwestern Colorado have The large narrow-necked jars were undoubt- of objects: pottery, bone, and stone. Im- been placed on exhibition in Hall 7 of the edly used as water containers. One very agine how trying it would be for any Department of Anthropology. large, plain gray jar had been smeared all archaeologist of the future to have to piece Included in this exhibit are several classes over with a red-ocher paint. together a complete story of our complex of objects which should be of great interest In addition to the pottery, there are dis- civilization from only broken dishes, rusty to all who are inter- tools (the uses of ested in southwestern which he did not prehistory. For exam- know), and tin cans! ple, attention should In spite of this dif- be called to the skill- ficulty, however, we fully restored pottery. have managed to re- All of this was in construct a reasonably fragments when clear history of the found, having been Basket Maker Indians smashed by the weight of southwestern Colo- of tons of earth which rado. This story, writ- have lain upon these ten in non-technical fragile objects for more language, has been in- than ten centuries. cluded in a report cov- Some red-on-orange ering in detail the ex- pots are the most pedition's work, and fascinating because the research conduct- they represent a very ed on the material rare type of pottery brought to the Mu- —a type which was seum. This report, practically unknown richly illustrated, will up to a few years ago. be released by Field This very beautifully Museum Press some- made ware, which time during the sum- dates from about a.d. mer, and it may then 700 (or possibly be purchased at the earlier), is a source Museum. of some mystery, be- One of the special cause at present no one features of the exhibi- of Basket Maker About A.D. 860 knows where it was Villa&e Indians, tion recently opened Restoration, by Staflf Artist Arthur G. Rueckert, of an ancient site excavated by Field Museum Archaeolo- first made. to the is a Further, gical Expeditions to the Southwest, as the researches of Chief Curator Paul S. Martin indicate it must have public the use of designs in appeared when occupied by prehistoric inhabitants. Circular structure at left is the largest known great kiva or sketch showing how a ceremonial chamber. At right is a smaller kiva, close to the barracks-like rows of surface houses. The small red on an orange back- circular structures from which smoke issues are pit-houses. Both house types were probably used as dwellings. Basket Maker village ground is not in the actually looked. This accepted tradition of Basket Maker ceramics. played other objects which were used in the reconstruction is very accurate, as it was Usually, Basket Maker pottery is plain gray daily lives of the Basket Maker Indians. based on all the data collected by the expe- or is marked with black designs of a simple These include: bone awls for piercing holes dition. A reproduction of the sketch is nature on a plain gray background. There- in buckskin; bone needles; bone scrapers; published with this article. fore, Field Museum is proud to be able to stone hoes, axes, and mauls; and manos or This village was built on a narrow prom- display this rare kind of pottery which has the upper portion of corn-grinding mills. ontory which juts out into Cahone Canyon, never before been exhibited in Chicago. Included also are some of the ornaments Colorado. The Indians built two types of One of these red-on-orange pots merits with which these Indians decorated them- houses: pit houses and surface houses. The special notice, because the shape is unique. selves. pit houses (in the middle-ground) look like This particular pot is provided with a Since the ancient villages which were big ant hills; the surface dwellings are the basket-handle made of baked clay and excavated by the Museum expedition had long low structures. At the extreme left decorated with a zig-zag design. been exposed to the rains and snows of more of the picture, and also toward the right, The painted pottery was never used for than a thousand years, all the perishable may be seen examples of circular struc- cooking purposes, but served rather as objects, such as basketry, cloth, sandals. tures called "great kivas." A kiva is a Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS June, 1939 place for holding ceremonies. These "great and the twigs may also be blown to the ephemeral one, which is the reason why the kivas" were probably used for celebrating ground by strong winds. While the females Greeks of Aristotle's day called them Ephem- large communal ceremonies. The larger of are fulfilling their mission in life, the males eron, they are in fact rather long-lived these two great kivas measured 83 feet in are busy producing their familiar, prolonged, insects. Their development from the egg diameter, and is the largest structure of this buzzing sound. And in from four to six to the adult or winged stage actually re- type yet found. The lesser great kiva weeks their adult life is ended. quires from one to three years. But except measured 43 feet in diameter. Neither of for a few hours or days they live as wingless MAY FLIES TO APPEAR AGAIN these structures was roofed. njmiphs in lakes, ponds and streams, where Within a month or more countless num- In all, the writer and associated archae- they feed mainly on low forms of plant life. bers of insects known as flies ologists have spent eight summers in the fragile May Many of the nymphs in turn are eaten by will their in excavation of Basket Maker sites in Colo- also again make appearance the fish. In some waters it has been found that area and elsewhere on or near the rado. About the first of June the ninth Chicago nearly a fifth of the food of fish consisted shores of the Great Lakes. will expedition, sponsored by Mr. Stanley Field, They annoy of May fly nymphs. housewives because of their fondness for President of the Museum, will resume this When the nymphs are full-grown, they artificial swarms of them work, but a new field will be entered this light. Every year come to the surface of the water, and from descend this and its suburbs. year. The 1939 operations will concentrate upon city a slit or fissure that appears in their backs upon the excavation of some ruins near These four-winged creatures, with their the winged adults emerge. After finding a Glenwood, New Mexico. The new sites two or three hair-like caudal appendages, convenient resting place like a wall, tree, are of interest on account of their brief belong to what is known as the Mogollon — or blade of grass, the adults shed their old culture, and investigations will be con- adult life, which may last only a few hours skin, including that of the wings, the skins ducted to determine whether or not there rarely more than two days. Unlike other remaining attached to the objects upon was a cultural connection between the early insects they molt or shed their old skin after which they were shed. Unable to eat any- their are The name Mogollon and Basket Maker cultures. wings fully developed. thing during their short adult life, they "May fly" is not a misnomer, for some nevertheless are now ready for mating. The species appear during May in certain places. females lay their eggs on or in the water— 1939 IS YEAR FOR APPEARANCE Although the adult life of May flies is an hundreds to several thousands of them. OF THE 17- YEAR CICADA

By WILLIAM J. GERHARD CURATOR OF INSECTS DANISH AND NORWEGIAN ROYALTY VISIT FIELD MUSEUM In many of the forest preserves in Cook Twice Field has County last month the ground under the recently Museum been Baumann, the Danish Consul, and Prince host to Consul of trees was perforated with numerous open- European royalty. On April 25, Olav by Mr. Sigurd Maseng, Their Crown Prince Each of the was ings or vertical burrows, some topped with Royal Highnesses, Norway. royal parties and Princess of of capped mud chimneys. These burrows in- Frederik Ingrid, Denmark, conducted on a tour outstanding exhibits dicated that the compact brood XIII of the were guests of the institution. On May 4, by the Museum Director, Mr. Clifford C. His Crown Prince All of the indicated seventeen-year or periodical cicada—some- Royal Highness, Olav, Gregg. royal guests of was a visitor to the Museum. interest in and of the times incorrectly called the "seventeen-year Norway, especial appreciation Prince Frederik and Princess were of Malvina locust"—would again make its appearance Ingrid Races Mankind sculptures, by escorted to the Museum Mr. Reimund in Memorial Hall. in large numbers in woodland tracts of by HoflFman, Chauncey Keep northern Illinois, eastern Missouri, southern Wisconsin and Michigan, and northern Indiana, during the spring of 1939. A few inches below the burrow openings lay the waiting pupae that represent the third stage in the life-history of this cicada. For seventeen years (in the northern states) the young or larvae, which the pupae closely resemble, have lived in the ground, where they sucked the juices of roots and rootlets. During some night, possibly in the latter part of May before this publication, or at least in the early part of June, the pupae were due to leave their burrows almost simultaneously and crawl up on some nearby object. When this occurs, a longitudinal slit appears in the skin of their backs, and therefrom emerge the flabby, white adults with little wrinkled wing pads. Within a few hours the soft wings expand, harden, and become nearly transparent, while at the same time the body hardens and assumes its characteristic color. On the day following their emergence from the pupal stage the adults are ready to mate, and the females begin to lay their eggs

in the terminal twigs and branches of trees photograph by courtesy of Chicago Daily Times by means of their sword-shaped ovipositor. Royal Personages at Field Museum As a result of this egg-laying habit the leaves Their Royal Highnesses, Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Ingrid, of Denmark, on tour of Chauncey Keep Memorial Hall during their visit to Chicago. They were extremely interested in the Races of Mankind sculptures of many terminal twigs soon turn yellow by Malvina Hoffman. Left to right: the Princess, Mr. Clifford C. Gregg, Director of the Museum, and the Prince. June, 19S9 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page S

STRAW HATS melted and sand were collected vaporized THINGS Mr. and sent to the British Mu- YOU MAY HAVE MISSED In Europe the history of what is known by Philby seum in where have been as the "straw hat" dates back to the early London, they studied. The Least Weasel seventeenth century when hats were made thoroughly Wabar is in such an inaccessible of from wheat straw in Bedfordshire, England. region Ounce for ounce, with the possible excep- the desert that it was not again visited until In Italy the "Leghorn hat" was a well-known tion of the shrews, the tiny least weasel is when a of the California article of manufacture in Tuscany about 1937, geologist the most ferocious and bloodthirsty animal Arabian succeeded in the the middle of the same century. In addition company reaching of the mammalian class. Only a fraction He collected there the meteorite to types of wheat straw hats, there is on place. over six inches in length, and weighing on an and silica which now display in Hall 28 of the Department of specimens glass appear average about one-third of a pound, it is in Field Museum's exhibit. Botany at Field Museum an exhibit showing distinguished from the other weasels by its The meteorite resemble other steps in the manufacture of the so-called specimens extremely small size and almost total lack iron meteorites of like and the silica Panama hat (actually made principally in size, of the characteristic black tip to the tail. as be from its Ecuador), and also some distinctive hats glass, might expected origin, With its long flattened head, wide jaws, and has the general appearance of a furnace from Alaska, Brazil, the Philippine Islands, peculiar looping gait when scenting a trail, or of rock which has been melted China, and India, made from materials, slag, any it gives a definite impression of resemblance and suddenly cooled. Its unique nature is such as split palm leaves, rushes or grasses, to a reptile. There is a tense readiness on the closest inspection, and stems of reeds. perceived only about it, comparable to a coiled spring held and its most remarkable feature can be precariously in leash. seen under the The only microscope. stony The least weasel is reddish-brown above, semi-opaque glass is filled with a multitude and white beneath. In common with other of minute of a thou- bright globules iron, weasels, it possesses the ability to change sandth of an inch and less in diameter. This to a white coat in winter, which must give mean that the heat can only generated by it an enormous advantage over the mice the of the meteorite was so impact great and birds upon which it preys. In fact, it that of the iron meteorite boiled oflf as part is only in the light of the almost unbelievable iron and with the vapor mingled vapor given fertility of its victims that one can conceive off silica from the while the by boiling sand, of their continued existence, for all weasels silica vapor, shielding the iron, prevented are known to attack out of mere lust for its As the mixed cooled burning. vapors killing. However, this is apparently part condensed into a rain or mist of iron they of Nature's scheme of checks and balances, and silica which formed the silica glass. and the conduct of weasels should not be judged by human moral standards. On the FIELD MUSEUM'S QUETZAL GROUP credit side are an enormous number of APPEARS IN BRITISH WEEKLY insects and rodent pests destroyed by this A beautiful full-page reproduction, in small predator, thus making it decidedly colors, of Field Museum's habitat group of beneficial to man's interests. The First in a Panama Hat— Step Making the quetzal, national bird of Guatemala, The four North American subspecies of — is to grow a Panama hat palm (Carludovica palmata). in the 25 issue of this successful little carnivore This plant is native to Central America and northern appeared March The highly range South America, especially Ecuador and certain parts Illustrated London News, one of Great from Alaska to Hudson Bay, and southward of Peru. The reproduction shown above is on exhibi- tion in Field Museum's Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29). Britain's most important periodicals. The to Montana, Minnesota, Indiana, and Penn- illustration was made from a natural-color sylvania; but in addition the species has been shown to be ARABIAN METEORITE CONVERTED photograph taken by Mr. Clarence B. recently represented by Research Associate in Old World races, making it circumpolar in DESERT SANDS INTO GLASS Mitchell, Photography on the Museum staff. range. Nevertheless, despite this wide radia- By henry W. NICHOLS Publication of a picture in these dimen- tion, it is rarely taken in traps and little CHIEF CUBATOR, DEPARTMENT OP GEOLOGY sions, and in full colors, by a magazine is known of its habits. The nest, usually Of more than interest are two ordinary exercising the superior type of editorial grass-lined, is in a hole in a bank. Four small meteorite specimens and a large piece discrimination characteristic of The Illus- to six young are born in a litter. of silica glass recently added to Field Mu- trated London News, can be accepted as a A specimen of least weasel is shown among seum's meteorite collection in Hall 34. This tribute to the skill and artistry both of the the fur-bearing animals in the systematic material was Mr. William presented by photographer, and of the taxidermist and collection of mammals (Hall 15).—W.J.B. of the California Arabian Standard Lenahan, artists responsible for the preparation of Oil Company, Jidda, Arabia, and represents the group—Mr. John W. Moyer, who an meteorite fall. unusually spectacular mounted the birds, Mr. Arthur G. Rueckert In Mr. H. St. John February, 1932, Philby, who painted the background, and Mr. noted British discovered at explorer, Wabar, Frank Letl who prepared the plant acces- which is in the heart of the Arabian (or sories for the foreground. The birds in the Rub'al Khali) Desert, a group of craters group were collected by Assistant Curator formed the by impact of an enormous Emmet R. Blake as a member of an expedi- meteorite. This been so impact had violent tion sponsored by Mr. Leon Mandel. that it intense heat which melted generated A small reproduction, in colors, of this and even vaporized part of the sand upon group appeared in the December, 1938 issue which it struck. were so Vapors generated of Field Museum News. Colored post and in such that severe suddenly quantity cards of it are available at The Book Shop explosions were produced blowing out five of the Museum. craters, the largest about one hundred yards Tiny Killer in diameter. Specimens of the meteorite The making of flour is illustrated by a The least weasel, which many zoologists describe as, ounce for ounce, "the most bloodthirsty of mammals." and of the silica glass formed from the miniature mill on exhibition in Hall 25. The illustration is approximately one-quarter life size. Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS June, 19S9

ARTIFICIALLY DEFORMING THE HUMAN HEAD FOR 'BEAUTY' the skull are painful, and that the brain is By henry field inevitably injured, comparative examination continent except Australia, from curator of physical anthropology very early of numerous deformed and undeformed to modern times. skulls that cranial is There is a saying that "beauty is only skin has shown capacity The Indians of Peru had deformed long not affected. The head in judging from the age-old ideals of merely grows deep,"but their children's heads before the Spanish unrestricted but abnormal directions. Proof certain groups of people scattered through- conquerors arrived during the sixteenth is also lacking of in mental out the world, it would seem that Samuel any change century and issued decrees against the ability. Johnson's broader interpretation of that practice. Two hundred years later, Lewis desirable is more accurate. Johnson Thus, the results of intentional deforma- quality and Clark reported that the Chinook tribes tion of the head seem to be merely the defined beauty as "that assemblage of graces, of our Northwest Coast had their heads satisfaction of vanity, on the one hand, and or proportion of parts, which pleases the flattened "in a most disgusting manner." on the other, the confusion of anthropologists eye." It is that "proportion of parts" From China comes the story that during in their search for accurate indications of which is the chief concern of those people the massacre at Nanking the final test race. Head shape is one of the most con- who practise artificial deformation of the of identity of a Manchu was the shape of stant of physical traits, and by means of head as an aesthetic measure. his head. Any soldier found with a head measurements which determine the relative Some heads that are flattened in flattened in the back was promptly executed. prefer length and breadth of a head, the cephalic front and towards the Deformation has been practised throughout abnormally elongated index (dolichocephals are long heads; back. Others favor Europe, especially in south Russia, at various brachycephals, short heads), we are able the domed periods, and is still current in certain parts variety, to trace certain racial affinities more posi- flattened at the back of France and Holland. I was told in tively than in any other way. But the and Marken, Netherlands, that the grandmother growing upwards, "sugar-loaf" skull of an ancient Peruvian into generally molds the infant's head by sometimes an or the streamlined head of a Nofretiti actual There massage and that a tight cap is also used, peak. baffles the best anthropologist, and scientific are variations the object in this instance being to make many accuracy must bow to the supremacy of of these two extremes the head rounder. Among the Mangbetu beauty. and many methods in central Africa, children's heads are still with bark the According to E. J. Dingwall, author of a by which they are bound, cloth, string, fibre, or text-book on this subject, some of the finest achieved. hair of the giraffe. examples of artificially deformed skulls are Molding or mas- MENTAL ABILITY UNIMPAIRED those from Peru and the Northwest Coast on of infant's saging an In southwestern Asia the "Armenian" in to Photo copyright Field Ulueum - . exhibition the section devoted physical head, and applica- cradleboard is used in of Ana- in the Hall of the Races of Mangbetu parts Syria, anthropology ^.j^^^ ^j bandages.w ' Woman of Aincan tribe tolia, Iraq, Iran, and the Caucasus. The Mankind (Hall 3) at Field Museum. with head de- Or even peculiarly boards, pads. head is deformed, generally without inten- formed for aesthetic reasons. ^* „4.«« „«„ „««,„ ol are some A bronze sculpture by Mai- stones, tion, as a result of the hard pad upon which Vina Hoffman, in the Hall of the measures taken the child's head rests. The child remains New Data on Orbicular of the Races of Mankind. , Jasper in attempting to force fastened in the cradle for the first two years "A Study of Orbicular Jasper," by Dr. the head to grow into the desired shape. of its life, or even longer, the only respite Albert J. Walcott, appeared in the February Another familiar method is the use of the being the occasion of the weekly bath. The issue of The Mineralogist. Dr. Walcott, cradle-board. reason usually advanced for this confine- basing his thorough study on material in ELONGATION MARKED NOBILITY ment is that the child keeps in better health Field Museum's collections, has determined than and that it can never be The peculiar custom of artificial cranial otherwise, that this unique stone, highly prized by deformation dates back several thousand stifled by being carried around in its mother's lapidarists, is not a jasper but another form arms. years, at least to the Late Minoan III of quartz. there are that some of period in Crete and a contemporary age Although reports Dr. Walcott recently lectured on asterism the more severe methods of in Egypt. Ikhnaton's skull is an outstand- misshaping at the convention of the American Gem ing example, and many people believe that Society at the Stevens Hotel. A party of his wife, the beautiful Nofretiti, and their sixty-one delegates from the convention daughters also had deformed heads. Others was conducted on a tour of the Museum's are of the opinion, however, that the ap- geological exhibits. parent abnormality of the heads of the queen and princesses was nothing more than a built-up coiffure. DESERTS Hippocrates, who died about 350 B.C., —by Gayle Pickwell stated that there were in the peoples living "A volume notable for its fine illus- Caucasus who elongated their heads arti- trations of the physical, botanical, and he added that a head so de- ficially, and zoological features of the deserts formed was a mark of There nobility. of the southwestern United States," is abundant evidence—in India, China, says Mr. Karl P. Schmidt, Curator Celebes, and to cite a Madagascar, only of Amphibians and Reptiles at Field few localities—that the practise originated Museum. "Sixty-four full-page illus- persons of rank. It has been among high trations, with the colored frontis- suggested that the desire to simulate the piece, give the reader landscapes, majesty and wisdom of Ikhnaton started and plant and animal portraits, of the custom in that it Egypt, and spread distinction." Cradle-board for Head Flattening great to other parts of the world. This theory Method of deforming child practised by Chinook On sale at THE BOOK SHOP of loses weight, however, when one considers Indian tribes of the Northwest Coast {iUuttration after The mother's head shows how the FIELD MUSEUM—$3.50. that the custom has CaUin), changed been practised on every shape—considered "beautif

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMS Entertainment is still a great function but having a basic relation to research) to new (A Review of Recent Developments) the tendency is to combine it with service. quarters. It is not unlikely that the future BY WILFRED H. OSGOOD This is seen not only in organized work with will see the research of museums conducted CHIEF CURATOR, DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY schools, colleges, and other cohesive groups, in the quiet and relative safety of the but also in didactic exhibits and in while the of them (Editor's Note:—The follotving article, general country exhibits, many relations from docent services and the education will written by Dr. Osgood at the request of the public ranging replicas, popular to national radio broadcasts. The modern remain in the Editors of the 1939 britannica book of the city. demand is for exhibits that are YEAR, is reprinted here by special permission thought- WORLD-WIDE EXPEDITIONS or instructive as well the —Encyclopaedia Britannica, provoking definitely of publishers Museum expeditions during the year have as those that inspire wonder and admiration. Inc. It concisely tells the principal develop- been numerous and but The habitat which has been world-wide, mostly ments of the past year in the museums of the group, especially financed through private sources since developed in America, continues to be world.) museums, like other endowed for its colorful art its institutions, indicat- popular both and Evidence continues to accumulate find their income from fixed endowment are subtle didacticism. During 1938, six large ing that natural history museums chang- curtailed low interest rates. habitat were the by prevailing their There have been museums groups completed by ing ways. In number and importance of expeditions, American Museum of Natural History in or collections of natural objects for centuries, the American Museum of New York New York. In at Field easily but it is in the last few decades that Chicago, Museum, only stands first with parties working in New seven new groups of large size also were they have attained a new status and changed South In museums with smaller Guinea, Venezuela, Burma, Africa, more than in all their In opened. resources, previous history. and many parts of North America. Field some large groups are still being made, municipalities, states, and nations their im- Museum of worked in British the small which serves Chicago almost to but diorama, many portance, amounting indispensa- Guiana, Guatemala, Canada and the United In of the same purposes, is receiving much bility, is everywhere being recognized. States. The of attention. Philadelphia Academy 1938 the British Commission on Standing Sciences reports no less than eighteen expedi- and Galleries made In the United States, many museums have Museums sweeping tions of varying importance. been stimulated to their houses in order recommendations for new museums and put (Copyright, 1939, in the United States of America by Encyclopaedia and to undertake Britannica, Inc.; copyright in all countries subscribing to the Berne extensive additions to existing ones in the long postponed projects Convention by Encyclopaedia Britannica Company, Ltd. ) assistance received from South Kensington district in London. Sig- through personnel the federal relief nificant, also, was the establishment in supplied by unemployment In this in services Raymond Foundation "Followup" Argentina by executive decree of a national agencies. way, 1937, to School Radio "Commission on Museums and Historic from a total of 2,774 additional employees Program were obtained museums the The Museum's last "radio Sites." Such commissions already exist in by throughout followup" In the number was of the school many other countries. country. 1938, slightly meeting present year was given increased and much valuable work was in the Lecture Hall by the James Nelson MANY NEW MUSEUMS OPENED accomplished. and Anna Louise Raymond Foundation on of small and in with The multiplication municipal The movement for the training of museum May 4, conjunction a science has continued. In the United park museums workers to meet the requirements of modern program of the Public School Broadcasting States there are now museums in Council. The was Wild forty-five specialization is gaining headway both in subject "Spring national parks, representing an investment the United States and Great Britain. The Flowers." Colored slides of flowers both of and visitors and rare in the $1,300,000 serving 1,500,000 Buffalo Museum has regular organized common Chicago region Louisiana "to establish attention called annually. proposes courses for students intending to pursue were shown, and special was or natural an appropriate historical history museum work and a system of "internes" to those protected by state laws. After the museum within each state Other herbarium from the park." closely comparable to that so well estab- talk, sheets, Depart- states have already gone far in the same lished in medical education. Several other ment of Botany, were exhibited, and the direction. A new in the in and specialization museums provide similar service, and the steps necessary collecting, cutting, field is a museum were The meet- museum psychology National Museum of Wales accepts students mounting plants explained. in This so-called "museum was attended 129 opened Chicago. on a three-year basis for work in special ing by representatives movement" is practically world-wide. In branches of science. The British Museums chosen by eighth grade science classes. the British Isles it is stated that new mu- Association, through its Education Com- seums have been at the rate of one opened mittee, offers a diploma for students of three weeks for the ten Reported Nest of Fossil Eggs every past years. museology, which is thus becoming an One museum methods Found to Be Not Genuine student, investigating organized profession. The Carnegie United in visited no less than 300 museums Fossil are known from various 1938, Kingdom Trustees continued their policy eggs the British Isles. In of various kinds in of promoting inter-museum travel. During localities, but up to the present no genuine the United in addition to the fossil birds' have been recovered in States, large the year seven grants were made, each eggs endowed there are to Mr. Elmer S. privately institutions, essentially a traveling fellowship. Illinois, according Riggs, now twenty-three independent state mu- Curator of Paleontology. A recent news- MEASURES FOR SAFETY IN WAR seums. In Canada there are thirty-six paper report of the discovery of a nest of museums with full-time staffs. Even in The violent "war scare" in 1938 was of fossil eggs in DeKalb County, Illinois, was newly organized Manchuria there are at considerable concern to museums, especially investigated by Mr. Riggs and Assistant least six museums of some importance, and in England. Hasty preparations were made Curator Bryan Patterson, who visited the Soviet Russia has more than seven hundred for the removal of special museum treasures locality on May 17 and examined eleven of all classes. from the large cities to places in the country of the supposed egg specimens. Three of In Russia, the aim of many govern- offering comparative safety. Not much these were brought back to Field Museum mentally supervised museums is plainly could be done in the limited time available and subjected to microscopic examination adult education for the masses. Exhibits and it was obvious that immediate bombing and to chemical tests. It was found that are shown without glass fronts, and visitors might have produced much irreparable the "eggs" were artificial, some of them are encouraged to handle many of the destruction. The result has been the forma- being composed of lime and sand cast in a objects. The same aim is the fundamental tion of more definite plans for the permanent mold, and others composed of Portland one in nearly all museums elsewhere. removal of much material (especially that cement and sand. Page 6 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS June, 1939

Field Museum of Natural History On his return he may have an intimate view children's division of the Story Paper by Founded Marshall Field, 1893 of the big one that got away! Editors' Conference on the subject: "The Roosevelt Road and Field Drive, Chicago For all wilderness travelers the wild life Development of Museum Stories for Chil- dren." Mrs. Leota also THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES groups and the systematic mammal, bird, fish G. Thomas, of the Sewell L. Avery William H. Mitchell and reptile collections hold the to Raymond Foundation, addressed members Leopold E. Block George A. Richardson key greater Albert B. Dick, Jr. Theodore Roosevelt pleasure in introducing them to the denizens of the Prairie Club on natural history of Joseph N. Field Fred W. Sargent the Marshall Field James Simpson of our forests, fields, and streams. To see Chicago region. Stanley Field Solomon A. Smith and animals in their native habitats Albert W. Harris Albert A. Spragub identify Samuel Insull, Jr. Silas H. Strawn brings far greater pleasure than merely to Distinguished Visitors Charles A. McCulloch John P. Wilson see them and wonder what they are. visitors OFFICERS Among distinguished recently Those so fortunate as to extensive received at Field are Stanley Field President make Museum Mr. William Albert A. Sprague First Vice-President trips around the world will find at Field J. Morden, well-known traveler and ex- James Simpson Second Vice-President Albert W. Harris Third Vice-President Museum vast stores of interesting informa- plorer, and Associate of the Department of Clifford C. Gregg Director and Secretary tion not only on the animal and bird life Mammals in the American Museum of Solomon A. Smith. . .Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of foreign countries, but on the life and Natural History, New York; Lieutenant FIELD MUSEUM NEWS customs of primitive peoples in all parts of Colonel J. H. Patterson, of the British Army Clifford C. Gregg, Director the Museum Editor of the globe. (retired), who shot the man-eating lions of CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Tsavo now exhibited in Field For visitors from other states and nations, Museum, and Paul S. Martin Chief Curator of Anthropology is author of an book about these B. E. Dahlgren Chief Curator of Botany Field Museum is an end in itself. A casual interesting Henry W. Nichols Curator famous Dr. Chief of Geology inspection of the parking lot at the Museum marauders; Robert Allen Cooley, Wilfred H. Osgood Chief Curator of Zoology at time the summer months well-known entomologist specializing in H. B. Harte Managing Editor any during reveals a horde of automobile licenses from ticks at the Rocky Mountain Laboratory, Mr. A. H. of Members are requested to Inform the Museum other states, from Mexico, and from Canada. Hamilton, Montana; Kierney of of address. the Bureau of Plant promptly changes These cars bring in visitors from near and Industry, United States of Mr. far who have heard the story of Field Mu- Department Agriculture; J. B. of seum and who pause in their travel to see Kinlock, the Department of Forestry FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK— for themselves a collection of exhibits which of British Honduras; Dr. Margaret Mead, has few rivals. Assistant Curator of Ethnology at the American Museum of Natural History, Field Museum Ready to Help You At vacation time, Field Museum offers New York, who is the author of well-known Your Summer Vacation opportunities galore for those who would Enjoy books on island peoples of the South Pacific; come and see. With the coming of summer, plans for Mr. Charles R. Knight, of New York, the —Clifford C. Gregg, Director vacation trips will be made in many homes artist who painted the series of prehistoric the area. Information life murals in Ernest R. Graham Hall of throughout Chicago STAFF NOTES is being gleaned from travel bureaus, from Field Museum; Mr. Newton B. Drury, so-called vacation states, and from summer Dr. Paul S. Martin, Chief Curator of the Secretary of the Save-the-Redwoods League, hotels, in an effort to gain the greatest Department of Anthropology, has been of California; and Dr. Hu Chao-chun, Di- amount of enjoyment and benefit from the elected First Vice-President of the American rector, City Museum of Greater Shanghai, proposed trip. It is generally agreed that Anthropological Society (Central Section). China, who is investigating American mu- advance preparation for a vacation trip The election took place at a meeting held seum administration and technique. greatly enhances its value and enjoyment in May at Ann Arbor, Michigan. and gives understanding and appreciation Mr. C. Martin Curator of Chinese of the scenes viewed and the places visited. Wilbur, A FEW FACTS ABOUT FIELD MUSEUM Archaeology and Ethnology, conducted a For almost any trip which leads to woods Field Museum is open every day of the year seminar on "Museum Work as a Career," (except Christmas and New Year's Day) during or open waters, to scenic regions, or to the hours indicated below; at Grinnell College in Iowa last month. foreign countries. Field Museum has a great November, December, 9 a.m. to 4 P.M. store of information to To become January, February impart. March, and Dr. Julian A. Steyermark, Assistant April, familiar with a typical scene and afterwards September, October 9 a.m. to 6 P.M. Curator of the Herbarium, and Mr. Loren May, June, July, August. . . .9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to experience it in its original beauty and P. Woods, of the Raymond Foundation Admission is free to Members on all days. splendor must add to vacation pleasure. Other adults are admitted free on Thursdays. staff, made a collection of plants, fishes, Saturdays, and Sundays; non-members pay 25 Those who intend to visit the cents on other Children are admitted free Rocky and for the days. reptiles, mammals Museum on all Students and members of Mountains will be interested in the group days. faculty recently, in the Black River watershed in educational institutions are admitted free any life in the zone of the day upon presentation of credentials. showing plant alpine the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. The Museum's Library is open for reference the Rocky Mountains, at approximately daily except Saturday afternoon and Sunday. twelve-thousand foot level. Mr. L. Assistant Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools Bryant Mather, Jr., of Chicago by the N. W. Harris Public School Perhaps your vacation travel may take Curator of Mineralogy, has returned from Extension Department of the Museum. Lectures at and entertain- to the southwest or to the north an under the direction of Dr. schools, special you woods, expedition ments and tours for children at the Museum, are Nelson and Anna Louise in each of which places you may be in Joseph T. Singewald, Professor of Economic provided by the James Raymond Foundation for Public School and proximity with the American Indian. An Geology at the Johns Hopkins University. Children's Lectures. extensive collection of Indian artifacts so The party included fourteen geologists. Free courses of lectures for adults are presented in the James Simpson Theatre on Saturday after- Localities in New and displayed as to give one some appreciation Pennsylvania, Jersey, noons (at 2:30 o'clock) in March, April, October, and November. New York were visited. Eighty-seven of the Indians' mode of living and their A Cafeteria serves visitors. Rooms are avail- _ mineral species were collected for Field able also for those their lunches. ingenuity in the struggle for existence will bringing Museum. Chicago Motor Coach Company No. 26 busses be found in several halls at the Museum. provide direct transportation to the Museum. Ser- vice is offered also by Surface Lines, Rapid Tran- The fisherman has ample opportunity at Miss Margaret M. Cornell, Chief of the sit Lines (the "L"), mterurban electric lines, and Illinois Central trains. There is free Field Museum to see and to learn to ample park- identify James Nelson and Anna Louise Raymond ing space for automobiles at the Museum. the species of fish which he hopes to catch. Foundation staff, recently spoke before the June, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 7 HASELTINE SCULPTURES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS WIN HIGH PRAISE FROM ART EXPERT

"Of great significance artistically is the The Haseltine series, a gift to the Museum courses, but they typify the physical charac- permanent exhibition of sculptures of cham- from Mr. Marshall Field, a Trustee of the teristics of various outstanding breeds. In pion domestic animals by Herbert Haseltine, institution, immortalizes in bronze and most cases, stones of various hues and British sculptor, which occupies a special stone some of the finest animals in the textures, suitable for representing the colors hall at Field Museum of Natural History," service of man. Each represents a life study and characteristics of the animals, have been wrote Mrs. Katherine Kuh, of the Kuh of animals which won honors as the best used. Also employed, with the utmost Galleries, after a recent visit to the Museum. examples of live stock bred in Great Britain success, are such materials as plated gold Mrs. Kuh was so enthusiastic about the —horses (draft, racing and polo), bulls, cows, and bronze, ornamented in some cases with Haseltine works that she immediately got sheep, and hogs. The series comprises nine- lapis lazuli, ivory, or onyx. The statues are in touch with members of the staff of the teen sculptures, all scaled to one-quarter beautifully mounted and lighted. Before Department of Zoology, urging that this life-size. They not only represent the actual coming to Chicago for their permanent collection, in Hall 12, be brought to the winners of contests, whose mettle has been home, the sculptures were exhibited in Paris, attention of a wider public. proved in the stock shows and on the race London, and New York.

Draft Horse, by Herbert Haseltine Hereford Bull, by Herbert Haseltine Race Horse in Bronze, by Herbert Haseltine The animal is Sudbourne Premier, a Suffolk Punch Bronze partially plated with gold. The animal repre- It represents Polymelus, a British thoroughbred, stallion. The sculpture is in bronze, plated with gold. sented was known in England as Twyford Fairy Boy. winner of many races, and a champion sire for years.

PARTS OF OLD AUTOMOBILE never been seen alive, or even as a carcass, or alert, has been checked and found correct, AID PALEONTOLOGIST by any human eye. screws and lock-nuts are tightened down and the from remote By ELMER S. RIGGS Mr. James Quinn, a Field Museum col- specimen some period CURATOR OF PALEONTOLOGY lector and preparator of fossil mammals, may be trusted to stand. Then permanent less than those of a fossil animal can become an recently solved the difficulty of assembling supports, conspicuous , Before the temporary device, are shaped and fitted exhibit in a glass case, with possibly a back- troublesome fossil skeletons by enlisting for certain discarded of a to the skeleton, and the steering-gear frame- ground and habitat accessories, it must the purpose parts work is detached and laid aside until required first be an object of careful and painstaking small car. A pair of lifting-jack screws, again in a different set-up adapted to a pose work in a laboratory. mounted upon two upright standards, furnish adjustable supports for the body for some other animal of the long ago. In fact, the museum worker usually first bones of the animal. Flat rods, with ad- makes its acquaintance in the field as a mere justable knees attached to every vertebra, Notable Study Collection tantalizing prospect in a ledge of rock or a make the vertebral column almost as mutable A notable collection of some 800 ceramic bank of clay, and thence follows it through as the flexible arm of an electric fixture. objects of Chinese and Siamese origin, found a variety of stages, all laborious. Only after in the Philippine Islands, has been placed arduous toil is the specimen separated from Sliding jointed braces make it equally in the for Mr. E. D. the terrain as a block of "matrix" in which possible to raise and lower the head. The Museum, study, by Hester, of Manila, Economic Adviser to the the bones still remain imbedded. Shipped ball and socket joints of a steering gear, High Commissioner of the home, this block next appears mounted on joined by varying lengths of tie-bar and Philippines. These ceramics range in date from about the a chipping block in the laboratory where it piping with slip joint, form an adjustable thirteenth to the seventeenth century. is attacked, but gently and carefully to leg support capable of universal adjustment avoid damage to the bones, with chisels and at hip, knee and hock. In short, by using hammer. At long last the preparator finds his all the movable parts of a half-dozen steer- specimen laid out on a laboratory table as ing gears and other pieces from the scrap- POISON IVY— an assemblage of mended and sorted bones. heap, a fossil skeleton, in the hands of Mr. —Now is the time to beware of this Then, to obtain a satisfactory pose for Quinn, resourceful adaptor and manipulator, pestiferous plant, which can do so almost a "robot" of exhibition, a temporary mount is necessary. becomes movement. much to spoil a summer vacation. the device was used to the — This last step often taxes the ingenuity Recently support An illustrated leaflet No. 12 in skeleton of a fossil thus a of the preparator more than any other. horse, presenting Field Museum's Botanical Series— combination of features of the horse Far different from a plastic material to be by-gone tells how to identify the plant, how and with that of the motor car. molded in a modeler's hands, the skeletal buggy age poisoning takes place, the nature of parts must be set up, posed, and almost But pose, not action, is the object being the poison and the disease it causes, interminably readjusted. Distorted parts seriously sought here. When all of the and the remedies for ivy poisoning. have to be reshaped until they finally form adjustments of body, head, legs and feet have On sale at the BOOK SHOP of a consistent whole correctly interpreting the been made, and the pose, whether represent- FIELD MUSEUM—15 cents. physical structure of an animal which has ing an animal as walking or standing, idling Page 8 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS June, 19S9

SUNDAY LECTURE-TOURS END; Department of Zoolo^: JUNE GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS TO RESUME IN NOVEMBER From Dr. L. C. Buckley, Trang, Siam— FOR WEEK-DAY VISITORS 15 bats, Siam; from Chicago Zoological The Sunday afternoon lecture tours con- Society, Brookfield, Illinois—45 birds, 6 Conducted tours of exhibits, under the a a ducted by Mr. Paul G. Dallwig, the Layman ticks, mangabey monkey, and kinkajou; guidance of staff lecturers, are made every from Herman C. Benke, Chicago—33 speci- Lecturer, ended for the season on May 28. afternoon at 3 o'clock, except Saturdays, mens of marine shells, east coast of the Since Mr. has conducted Sundays, and certain holidays. October 2, Dallwig United States; from General Biological Following 33 parties, with an aggregate attendance of Supply House, Chicago—a giant earth- is the schedule of subjects and dates for from Julius approximately 2,800, or an average of 84 worm, Peru; Friesser, Chicago June: —4 mountain lion skulls and a lynx skull, each Sunday. This was an increase over Thursday, June 1 —General Tour; Friday Arizona; from John Werler, Seaside, Oregon — the 1937-38 season, despite the fact that — The Octopus and Other Sea Animals. 9 garter snakes, —Oregon; from Boardman — the number of Sundays was two less in the Conover, Chicago 2 red-eyed pochards, Week beginning June 5: Monday— North 1938-39 season. The audiences included, Africa; from Carl Bartell, Blue Island, American Archaeology; Tuesday General Illinois—a barn owl, Illinois; from H. St. Tour; —Malvina Hoffman besides Chicagoans, visitors from many Wednesday John Philby, Jidda, Arabia— 12 bats and Bronzes; Thursday—General Tour; Friday sections of the United Canada and States, 3 hedgehogs, Arabia; from Clark Sanderson, —Native American Plants. —men and women engaged in a wide —6 of the terrestrial Europe Chicago specimens Week beginning June 12: Monday—Pre- saw from H. E. variety of professions, businesses, and other bug, Illinois; Woodcock, historic Life; Tuesday—General Tour; Wed- —7 New Mexico; from activities. Reluctantly, Field Museum has Chicago butterflies, nesday—Snakes and Their Cousins; Thurs- Loren P. Woods, Evanston, Illinois—2,056 — — to day General Tour; Friday Eskimos and been forced disappoint approximately fish 17 of specimens, specimens frogs, Their Neighbors. 1,500 persons whose applications for reser- lizards, snakes, tadpoles, and a turtle, Week beginning June 19: —Jades vations were received too late, but this was Missouri; from Henry Barthman, Useppa Monday of —General Island, Florida—a tarpon, Florida; from Many Lands; Tuesday Tour; necessary in order to limit the groups to a —Su-Lin and Other Rare Ani- John R. Millar, Chicago—2 turtles and 2 Wednesday size for —General — practicable handling. snakes, Indiana; from Fred Rittschof, mals; Thursday Tour; Friday Skeletons of Man and Beast. Mr. Dallwig will resume his activity as Urbana, Illinois—a fence lizard, Illinois; from Brother Niceforo Week June 26: — Layman Lecturer on the first Sunday in Maria, Bogota, beginning Monday Colombia—22 birds, Colombia; from Mrs. Egyptian Hall; Tuesday—General Tour; November will be accepted (reservations Charles A. Corwin, Chicago—4 oil paintings Wednesday—Moon and Meteorites; Thurs- beginning October 1). In the 1939-40 of Laysan Island birds; from Frederick W. day—General Tour; Friday—Wild Flowers season he plans to present some additional Hill, Chicago—2 humming birds, Costa Rica; of the Chicago Region. as well as those which from John M. Schmidt, Homewood, Illinois subjects, repeating Persons wishing to participate should — 14 of snakes, South Dakota have so with the specimens proved popular public and Nebraska. apply at North Entrance. Tours are free. Mr. during the past two seasons. Dallwig A new schedule will appear each month The Library: renders this service as a contribution to the in Field Museum News. Guide-lecturers' Museum. In his lectures this season he Valuable books from Carnegie Institution, services for special tours by parties of ten Washington, D.C., and from J. Francis covered prehistoric animals, prehistoric man, or more are available by arrangement with Macbride, Chicago. the living races of mankind, and precious the Director a week in advance. and semi-precious gem stones.

Boy Safety Leaders Visit Museum GIFTS TO THE MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM MUSEUM More than 300 safety patrol boys, selected Field Museum has several classes of Members. Following is a list of some of the principal for merit from schools in many communities Annual Members contribute $10 annually. As- sociate Members $100 and are exempt from received Field the of Illinois and were to pay gifts by Museum during Indiana, brought dues. Sustaining Members contribute $25 annu- last month: Field Museum on May 11 under the auspices ally for six consecutive years, after which they become Associate Members and are exempt from of the Chicago Motor Club. They were all further dues. Life Members give $500 and Department of Anthropolo^ : are exempt from dues. N on-Resident Life Mem- conducted on tours of the exhibits by guide- From A. Leslie Armstrong, Stockton bers pay $100, and Non-Resident Associate —3 deer antler lecturers of the James Nelson and Anna Members $50; both of these classes are also Heath, Warrington, England exempt from dues. The Non-Resident member- J. picks, England; from Mandement, Louise Raymond Foundation. ships are available only to persons residing fifty Ussat-les-Bains, Ariege, FYance—6 archaeo- miles or more from Chicago. Those who give or devise to the Museum $1,000 to $100,000 are logical objects, France; from Dr. W. C. designated as Contributors, and those who give Pei, Peiping, China—115 artifacts, and casts or devise $100,000 or more become Benefactors. of implements from Choukoutien, 2 plaster NEW MEMBERS Other memberships are Honorary, Patron, and additions under busts of the restoration of Sinanthropus Corresponding Corporate, The following persons were elected to these classifications being made by special action pekinensis by Lucille Swan, and a set of of the Board of Trustees. colored plaster casts of teeth, China; from membership in Field Museum during the Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to free — admission to the Museum for himself, his family Arthur W. Joseph, Chicago a Dakota Sioux 16 to 15: period from April May and house guests, and to two reserved seats for cradle from S. hood; Robert Carson, New Museum lectures provided for Members. Sub- York—13 pottery fragments of typical black Associate Meml>ers scription to FiBa.D MusBim News is included and gray ware, China. with all memberships. The courtesies of every Hugo Dalmar, Jr., Mitchel Goldsmith, museum of note in the United States and Canada are extended to all Members of Field Museum. of Madeline Magerstadt, E. F. McDonald, Jr., Department Botany; A Member ma^ give his personal card to non- Paul C. H. Dr. residents of of which From Dr. Delzie Demaree, Monticello, Smith, Henry Straus, Chicago, upon presentation — Austin H. Thurber. they will be admitted to the Museum without Arkansas 276 herbarium specimens, Ark- charge. Further information about member- from William A. will be sent on request. ansas; — Daily, Indianapolis, Annuai Meml>ers ships Indiana 49 specimens of algae, Minnesota, BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS and from L. E. Bernstein, Mrs. M. W. K. Ohio, Indiana; George Fisher, George Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History Houston, Texas—165 herbarium specimens. Byrne, Reuben W. Cohen, Mrs. Jessie B. may be made in secuirities, money, books or collections. if take the form New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico; from Pro- Condon, George O. Consoer, Mrs. Albert J. They may, desired, of a memorial to a person or cause, named by the fessor J. Peru—169 her- Soukup, Puno, Deniston, Jr., Charles N. Granville, Jr., giver. barium Peru. specimens, Mrs. Arthur B. Hitchcock, Frank Contributions made within the taxable year not Katzin, 15 cent of the net in- John A. Thomas exceeding per taxpayer's Department of Geology: Lapp, W. Merritt, Fred W. come are allowable as deductions in computing Nash, Austin H. Parker, Mrs. Grace M. net income for federal income tax purposes. From William Lenahan, Jidda, Arabia— Endowments may be made to the Museum Pebbles, George L. Pollock, Miss Irene K. to 2 meteorites and a specimen of silica glass, with the provision that an annuity be paid Reiser, Richard W. Simmons, C. the patron for life. These annuities are guaran- Arabia; from Miss Bertha Gordon, Porter- Joseph and — Fred teed against fluctuation in amount, may ville, California 14 specimens of minerals, Sindelar, Stearns, Herbert J. Taylor, reduce federal income taxes. California. Mrs. Edward C. Waller.

PRINTED BT FICLD MUSEUM PRESS lUrNews Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 10 JULY, 1939 No. 7

EXPEDITION DEPARTS TO COLLECT FAUNA OF SOUTH AMERICA'S FARTHEST AREA

A Field Museum expedition, to be known hundred years," Dr. Osgood asserts. "In great part of our knowledge of the natural as the "Magellanic Expedition," will begin 1834, Darwin collected in parts of it, during history of southern South America is based operations in July. It will work largely the famous cruise of the Beagle. Since that on them. Therefore, the special student in the lower reaches time it has been neglected. Although whose problems en- of South America Darwin made some collections of the fauna, ter this field has where continental which are still preserved in the British been obliged to go land extends farther Museum, there are many gaps which remain to London to exam- than anywhere else to be filled in available knowledge of the ine them. This was in the world. One natural history of the region. The Darwin not always conven- of its prime objec- collections are not satisfactory from today's ient and would not tives will be the col- standards because, naturally, facilities and be necessary if dup- lection of specimens techniques for the collecting and preserva- licate specimens and data to supple- tion of specimens had not been developed were in American ment the work of in his time to the point since achieved. On museums." Charles Darwin in the Field Museum expedition it is expected Although the ex- that territory. The that data will be obtained which will make pedition will be con- expedition is spon- possible the completion and revision of cerned primarily sored by Mr. present knowledge based on the Darwin with assembling Stanley Field, Presi- collections. It may be confidently expected thousands of speci- Blackstone photo dent of the Museum. further that we shall obtain examples of mens for the Mu- Hoffett photo Dr. Wilfred H. Osftood Karl P. Schmidt of animals still unknown or hitherto seum's extensive re- Chief Curator of Mr. Karl P. species Zoology Curator of Amphibians Schmidt, Curator of unrepresented in any collections. search collections, and Reptiles and and his son, Mr. specimens will be Amphibians Reptiles, "This region is far beyond the Equator, to the ex- John Schmidt, field assistant, will leave sought also for addition public in the south temperate zone, where the be obtained for Chicago July 1. Mr. Colin C. Sanborn, hibits, and material may climate is much like our own, and there Curator of Mammals, will leave July 5. a few habitat groups of important animals. are no dangerous tropical diseases, no poison- All three will sail 7 from New York July ous snakes, and no blood-thirsty lions or aboard the S. S. Santa Rita for Lima, Peru. tigers. The animals that do live there are HISTORIC FOSSIL TURTLE These men are the first contingent of the not known and the number of widely species Mention was made in the May issue of expedition. Later, about October, is not but them are some of probably large, among Field Museum News of a collection of they will be joined by Dr. Wilfred H. Osgood, and much interest. great peculiarity European fossils and minerals recently pre- Chief Curator of the Department of Zoology. "Darwin was only 23 years old when he sented by Dr. Henry Field. The collection The will to complete expedition attempt started on this great journey, and in the was assembled by the Misses Diana and the now of the fauna fragmentary knowledge five years of continuous field work which Otteline Salisbury of Leicestershire, England, of the southern half of South America. All followed, he laid the foundation for much about 120 years ago. Certain fossil verte- classes of animals will be — sought mammals, of his later study. brates included in this gift have recently marine in- birds, reptiles, fishes, insects, He not only proved been catalogued. Among these were a vertebrates, etc. himself to be a won- number of fragments of a turtle shell from Upon arrival in Lima, Mr. Schmidt and derfully accurate England which seemed sufficiently numerous his companions will proceed through south- observer and a pro- to warrant an attempt to fit them together. ern Peru to Arequipa and Lake Titicaca, found thinker, but This has been done by Messrs. James H. where collecting will begin. Crossing the also an energetic Quinn and Orville Gilpin in the Museum's lake by steamer, they will enter Bolivia, collector of natural paleontological laboratories, with the result and make collections in various localities. history specimens. that a nearly complete carapace or upper Their further penetration into the interior His collections in all shield has been obtained. of South America will be made variously branches of natural The turtle thus resurrected proved to soft- by airplane, rail, boat, pack animals, and history subsequent- belong to the genus Trionyx, one of the afoot. After the arrival of Dr. Osgood ly furnished the shelled turtles. A closely related species the expedition will push onward through basis for numerous lives today in the Chicago area. The Chile down to the southernmost tip of the scientific studies not fossil was found in Eocene deposits and is old. The fact continent. It is in the region along the shores only by himself but hence some 40,000,000 years of the Straits of Magellan, and on the remote various that so little change has taken place in such by special- C^lin C. Sanborn island of Tierra del one of the wind- a an idea of the conservatism Fuego, ists, including many Curator of Mammals period gives belat- iest places in the world, that the most im- of the greatest zool- of the turtle group. This specimen, well over one hundred portant research will be conducted. ogists, botanists and geologists of that time. edly assembled years after its is one of the finest of its "But little zoological exploration in this Darwin's specimens, in this way, became finding, a kind ever collected in — B.P. region has been done for more than one standards of comparison, and even now England. Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS July, 1939

AVERY BOTANICAL EXPEDITION Altos or uplands. At many places above Volcano of Zunil, at 8,000 to 9,000 feet, RETURNS FROM GUATEMALA 7,500 feet frost is common, ice often is the tropical rain forest is exceedingly rich By PAUL C. STANDLEY formed, and scant snow falls occasionally. in species. The northern slopes of Santa CURATOR OF THE HERBARIUM Guatemala lies well inside the tropics, but Maria, on the other hand, proved disappoint- neither climate nor flora is wholly tropical. ing because of their relative dryness. The botanical expedition to Guatemala in Indeed a great part of the vegetation of RESIDENTS CONTRIBUTE AID 1938-39, sponsored by Mr. Sewell Avery central and western Guatemala is clearly and conducted by the writer, had for its As on the writer's previous visits to temperate or, at very high elevations, alpine. purpose the collection of data and specimens Central America (this was the fifth), work The commonest trees over most of the of plants to be used in preparation of a de- was aided materially by local botanists and country are oaks and pines. Near Cob&n scriptive flora of that country. Six months, by other persons who took a sympathetic the sweet gum or liquidambar abounds, from November 19 to 13, were spent interest in the exploration. Many officials May with box-elder, willows, alders, poison sumac, of in the field, and more than 15,000 numbers the Guatemalan government gave the red cedar, magnolia, and yellow jessamine. of plants, represented by perhaps twice as most courteous assistance and advice. Don In the highest regions are magnificent forests many herbarium specimens, were collected, Mariano Pacheco, Director-General of Agri- of cypress (Cupressus) and fir. 80 that the work may be regarded as highly culture, was particularly generous in his successful. All except two of the country's FLOWERS IN PROFUSION help and interest. His private garden of twenty-two departments were visited. For three months the writer made head- Guatemalan and exotic plants would delight visitor to see the of It must not be inferred that the country quarters in the picturesque and beautiful any wishing high lights Central American ornamental Pro- was thoroughly explored, despite the many city of Antigua, twenty-five miles from plants. fessor Ulises Director of the Jardin well-built highways that make almost every Guatemala City. Excursions were made to Rojas, was a on settled region of Guatemala easily accessible many localities of the high central region, Botinico, delightful companion in the by automobile. The area of the republic is to the dry Oriente bordering Salvador, and collecting trips Occidente, generous with his rich fund of of the about 42,000 square miles, approximately to the Pacific coast. Collections were made knowledge Guatemalan flora. To Mr. and Mrs. B. B. that of the state of Kentucky, but the on forested slopes of the three great central of Guatemala Mr. and Mrs. similarity in area is misleading. The moun- volcanoes, Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango, Lewis, City, L. of Finca tainous nature of the country makes its and also on the low but destructive volcano Lind Petersen, Zapote, and Mr. B. of the United Fruit exploration several times as difficult as that of Pacaya. In late November, at the end George Austin, at Puerto the writer is of one of our central states of equal extent. of the rainy season, this central upland Company Barrios, indebted for and assist- Because of the large and varied area to affords a lavish display of brilliant flowers— deeply hospitality ance in his work. Mr. Petersen be covered and the brief time available, pink and white tree dahlias, begonias, sun- presented to Field Museum a fine of the Pacific intensive collecting was possible in only a flowers, salvias, and dozens of others in plank coast to the Museum's few localities, and many large regions were every color. By late April the great displays mahogany, complete exhibit. merely viewed from a distance, in hurried of blossoms have passed, although it is mahogany Special acknowledg- ment must be made to Dr. J. R. passage along the roads. It was thus possible to find quantities of flowers at Johnston, Director of the Escuela Nacional de possible to gain a good idea of the general every season. Orchids are none too plentiful Agri- who appearance and composition of the vegeta- in the highlands, or at least not conspicuous. cultura, Chimaltenango, accompanied the writer on and contrib- tion of the greater part of the country, Many of the trees are loaded with bromeliads many excursions, uted with his intimate know- but a full knowledge of all the species of or "air plants" showier than most orchids. very largely, of and plants composing the vegetation will require For a month the writer had headquarters ledge Guatemalan geography vegeta- to the success of the many more months or years of field work. in the Occidente, in Quezaltenango, at tion, expedition. MANY VOLCANOES almost 8,000 feet. At this elevation in March the landscape is strangely reminiscent Lighting of Jades Improved Much collecting has been done previously of that of Illinois at the same season—the The recent introduction of the latest in Guatemala by other botanists, and seven- same fields of corn stalks and wheat stubble, the Hall teen the writer a short time illuminating technique throughout years ago spent clothed rough-coated cattle, heavily people, of Chinese Jades has there. The plants of a few limited regions (Hall 30) greatly and low houses from which gray smoke the exhibition of these ancient were already rather well known. Some of improved rises. the are In late March mountains of art. The former these localities were revisited during the specimens lapidary beautifully green with the unfolding leaves distorted certain past winter, and excursions were made to yellow lights colors, espe- of alders and oaks. that of the subtle blue jades which is many places where no collecting had been cially beautiful. That has done previously. LITTLE EXPLORED REGION particularly problem now been and details of The geography and climate of Guatemala From Quezaltenango excursions were solved, many decorative are likewise better re- are extremely varied. The western and made to the summit of the Sierra de los carving vealed. This is a valuable improvement in southern parts of the republic contain many Cuchumatanes, above Huehuetenango, the the cases small carvings of the volcanoes, some of them more or less active, white sand mountains of San Marcos, the showing and Chou which extended and other mountains, the highest peaks summit of the Volcano of Santa Maria, Shang periods from 1400 to 250 B.C. During this rising to 14,000 feet. The northern region Ayutla on the border of Chiapas, and the roughly earliest stage ornamentation of the surface is formed of non-volcanic rocks, chiefly Pacific port of Champerico. Visits were of with line design was at its peak of limestone, and supports a conspicuously made to the bocacosta lying at middle eleva- jade With the new lights this decora- different flora. Some areas are arid, with tions between the uplands and the Pacific. perfection. tion is now more clearly visible. —C.M.W. varied displays of giant cacti and typically Here, at 2,000 to 5,000 feet, where there is desert plants. Others, especially near the plenty of rain throughout the year, is found Fluorescence of Petroleum Atlantic coast, have a heavy rainfall and probably the most luxuriant and diversified support a luxuriant rain forest. The central vegetation of Guatemala. Moreover, it has The brilliant fluorescence shown by petro- and western regions have generally six been little explored by botanists, and the leum and many of its products is illustrated months of rain and six months of rainless brief trips made there were tantalizing be- by a specimen of crude oil and two of its weather. Temperature varies from the cause it was clear that only a small number products recently placed in the fluorescence sometimes oppressive heat of the coasts of the amazingly diversified plants could exhibit in the Department of Geology to the almost equally excessive cold of the be collected. High upon the slopes of the (corridor between Halls 34 and 35). July, 19S9 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page S

SIX PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN July 20—Frolicking Fish (Disney cartoon); A GIFT TO THE LIBRARY IN JULY AND AUGUST Footprints and Bicycles; Water Fun; A modern man practising an ancient art Adventures of a A summer series of six programs of talk- Mongrel Pup. of prehistoric man was the late Fred Snare, ing motion pictures for children will be pre- July 27—The Gang (Boy Scout life). flint-knapper, of Brandon, Suflfolk, England. sented at Field Museum on Thursday morn- August 3—The Busy Beavers (Disney car- Of historic interest, therefore, is a collection ings, from July 6 to August 10 inclusive, toon); The Lovely Taj Mahal; The of his correspondence, received by the Li- by the James Nelson and Anna Louise Navajo Demon; Babes in the Woods. brary of Field Museum, as a gift from Dr. Foundation for Public School and Curator of Anthro- Raymond August 10—The Wedding of Palo (A Story Henry Field, Physical Children's Lectures. Animated cartoons by In the of of Eskimo Life in Greenland). pology. Department Anthropology Walt Disney will be included on three of are a collection of Snare's flint-knapping the programs, and several other novel tools, and samples of his work. feature pictures will be presented. The "As a Snare was Fly Whisks craftsman. unsurpassed," programs will begin at 10 a.m., and will asserts Dr. Field. "He alone was able to be in the James Theatre of In Tibet the bushy tails of yaks are used given Simpson make small flint rings. He was the last of the Admission is and children to make whisks. In India the Museum. free, fly fly a family line of flint-knappers which dates from all of and suburbs are whisk is included the of parts Chicago among insignia back at least to the year 1066, for in Domes- invited. Following are the titles of the films royalty. Warriors of nomadic tribes in day Book one of his ancestors was ordered to be on each presented program: Central Asia attach fly whisks to the by William the Conqueror to repair a flint July 6—The Musical Farmer (Disney Car- trappings of their horses as standards, and church wall. At the time of his death Snare toon); "Cimarron" (acted by chimpan- Chinese deities of Buddhistic origin fre- was making gun flints on orders from Africa." zees); Hungarian Gypsy Dances; Grass quently carry them in their hands as Dr. Field made Snare's acquaintance — of Persia. A Story emblems of dignity. Some interesting speci- while conducting archaeological expeditions July 13—William Tell—A Story of Switzer- mens, collected in Tibet, are exhibited in in Europe. Snare bequeathed his correspond- land. Hall 32, Case 17. ence to Dr. Field.

SKELETON OF MOROPUS, STRANGE FOSSIL MAMMAL WITH CLAWED FEET, IS EXHIBITED

By ELMER S. RIGGS the face, and the teeth were more like those Moropus was a plant-eating animal. Its CURATOR OF PALEONTOLOGY of a rhinoceros. The neck was rather long, teeth were fitted for feeding upon leaves, A fossil skeleton of Moropus, a strange the body moderately heavy, the shoulders twigs, and other vegetable matter. The great mammal related to the horse and the extinct massive, and the leg bones heavy. The ani- claws on the feet may have served to give Titanothere, but having claws on the feet mal's unique feature is the structure of the the animal a firmer footing on sandy ground, in place of hoofs, has recently been placed foot. While related to such hoof-bearing ani- but they were probably used also in digging on exhibition in Ernest R. Graham Hall mals as the horse and the extinct Titano- in the ground for the roots and tubers which (Hall 38). theres, Moropus walked upon heavy pads un- undoubtedly constituted a large part of the This specimen was found in Nebraska der the first joints of the toes, and was armed creature's food. where it had been preserved in a sandstone with stout claws similar to those of the great While Moropus is a member of the family formation characteristic of the Great Plains ground sloths. In fact, the first bones of this Cholicotheridae which was widely distributed region. The animal lived in the Miocene animal, found in 1877, were those of the foot through Europe, Asia, and Africa in periods Age (about 20,000,000 years ago). and claw, and for this reason they were mis- ranging from the Eocene to Pleistocene, our Moropus was as tall as a draft horse, but taken for bones of the ground sloth. In 1905 present knowledge would indicate that they of a heavier and more massive build. Its some specimens of jaws and vertebrae were lived only a short time in North America, head was about as large as that of a horse, found among a great accumulation of bones and that they probably came to this conti- but the eye was placed farther forward on at the fossil quarries of Agate, Nebraska. nent as immigrants from Asia.

f^^

Moropus, and Contemporary Miocene Animals as science indicates it must The two animals at extreme right represent the strange fossil mammal with clawed feet which lived in Nebraska some 20,000,000 years ago, in this mural Charles R. have appeared in life. An articulated skeleton has been added to the exhibits in Ernest R. Graham Hall. The other creatures shown painting by Knight, of a three-toed horse; and Dinohyus, the giant pig. in the same hall, are (left to right) : Oxydactylm or prehistoric camel; Diceratherium, a small species rhinoceros; Parahippiis, tiny Page i. FIELD MUSEUM NEWS July, 19S9

THE TRAVELS OF A BOTANIST "racionales" as they call themselves), seven them, and fight the heat, rain, and malaria. IN VENEZUELAN INTERIOR Macuchies (Indians from the Grand Sabafia But we came through without serious By LLEWELYN WILLIAMS to the south), a Carib, a Jindus, and sixteen mishap, bringing "a collection of thousands CURATOR OF ECONOMIC BOTANY Maquiritares (also called Mayongkongs). of herbarium specimens, about 400 samples of woods, and textile fibers, gums, resins, {Editor's Note:—Mr. Williams, currently Two days before we arrived at the Salto to and hundreds of This on leave of absence from the Museum de Para, it began to thunder and our oars- oils, photographs. assist Dr. Pittier, government botanist collection is the first of its kind so far made Henry men, the Macuchies Indians, told us this of Venezuela, in extensive exploration of that meant that "the Indians the in the vast Venezuelan Guayana, although country, has sent the following account of his (meaning some famed botanists have visited parts of it. recent experiences.) Mayongkongs) were coming." The follow- ing morning as we moved up river, the The region is a botanist's paradise, whose I have returned to Caracas after a four Macuchies shouted, "Here come the Indians." variety of plant-life is amazing, ranging months' expedition to the Venezuelan We, racionales, could not spot the Maqui- from tiny orchids with exquisite flowers Guayana, principally in the upper and lower ritares, but our forest-bred friends have a to giant trees, often reaching 140 feet in reaches of the River Caura. This was the highly developed sense of sight and smell. height. Some of the trees have straight, most difficult and dangerous trip I have yet The Macuchies were excited and one of cylindrical trunks, up to six feet in diameter undertaken, but was well worth the effort. them blew his shell. This was a sign of and clear of branches up to about eighty was sent overland Collecting equipment friendship and the Maquiritares, recognizing feet. One of the most interesting of these to Ciudad and I followed two weeks Bolivar, the call, advanced from their hiding places trees is the cajiman, also called vacuno, or over later, partly by road, chiefly by flying behind a large rock some 500 yards away. palo de vaca. Inci- They advanced rapidly towards us in three sions in the bark of canoes, led by their caciques (chieftains), this "cow tree" yield Cardier, and Chauran. Cardier and his a sweet latex. It is a men decided immediately to return with us, common practice but Chauran and his group insisted on con- among those who tinuing down river. However, when we travel through these reached the Salto de Para, Chauran arrived forests to drink this simultaneously. Asked why he had changed milk. I have now his mind he replied in one word: "Canaima." done so myself and In Indian lore this means the devil in the can vouch for its ex- form of revenge, and Chauran and his cellence. The best followers had feared we would attack during way to use it is to add the night to punish them for not returning five parts of water to with us. one part of the latex, and boil slowly until CUSTOMS OF THE INDIANS a scum is produced. Except for a narrow loin cloth, dyed red This can be added to with "achote," these Indians live in the coffee or tea without nude. Both men and women bob their fear of any ill-effects. hair in a fashion since time practised If there is no imme- immemorial. Another beautifying process, diate need of using it both is the practised by sexes, plucking eye- in coffee, it forms an lashes and eyebrows. The Mayongkongs admirable material for are expert hunters, fishermen, and builders caulking canoes. of canoes. Their is the principal weapon When the latex is k bow and arrow, but in late years have they boiled, without the Cow Tree in Museum for defence. adopted firearms, principally addition of water, it A trunk of the Guate- Tapping a Cow Tree They have two great fears—the Salto de malan species, presented This photograph, made on an expedition to Costa coagulates readily, is to Field Museum by the Rica several shows a botanist Para and the Shirishana United Fruit years ago, obtaining waterfall, Indians, pliable and can be Company, "milk" from a tree similar of a different and exhibited in Hall of (though species) their bitter enemies who inhabit the to that encountered by Curator Williams in Venezuela. region kneaded into any de- Foreign Woods(Hall 27). the Brazilian frontier. Almost along every sired shape. The pulp the "llanos" It takes the these Shiri- (extensive plains). year, during dry season, of the fruit provides an exceedingly sweet three but one can traverse shanas attack the burn their days by road, Maquiritares, and savory food relished by man, as well as the distance air in two hours. In Ciudad and off Cases have by huts, carry prisoners. by birds and quadrupeds. "Cow trees" were Bolivar I was Felix been of of Shirishanas led joined by Captain reported groups first discovered by Alexander von Humboldt, of the Venezuelan Frontier Com- an old woman more ferocious and Cardona, by and described by him 140 years ago. mission. Because of the heavy load of cruel than any known male cacique. The equipment and provisions, we hired a sail Maquiritares believe that the Salto de Para boat. the Orinoco for three is inhabited a form of devil. Sailing up by "Makoi," FOR AMATEUR COLLECTORS— days we reached the estuary of the Caura, For this reason, while we were below the then followed the latter for three more days Salto they kept aloof and spoke little, but The BOOK SHOP of FIELD MU- to Las Trincheras, the last sizable village. once they arrived above the falls they SEUM has added to the books, and There our cargo was transferred to "curiaras" became congenial. Money has no value to other merchandise such as animal (large canoes), and in these we then ascended them, and all business is done by barter, models, map-globes, paper weights, the Caura, notorious for its many dangerous a hunting dog being traded for a canoe, for etc., available at its counters, speci- rapids, for two more weeks until we arrived example. mens of rocks and minerals approved the at the Salto de Para, a large waterfall, where For about three months I lived alone with by the Department of Geology for Cardona and I use of the amateur collector and separated. the natives in the forest, cut off from the are ornamental. At one time our party included thirty- outside world. We had to shoot rapids, lapidary. Many two individuals—seven Venezuelans (or which is far more dangerous than ascending July, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 5

EXHIBIT TRACES DEVELOPMENT At the time of sending their reports, PALEONTOLOGICAL EXPEDITION OF SOUTHWEST POTTERY Messrs. Haas and Walters indicated that REPORTS NOTABLE SUCCESS By PAUL S. MARTIN they had completed work in the vicinity remarkable for their size and CHIEF CURATOR, DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY Collections, of Englewood, Florida, ahead of schedule, variety, have been made by the paleon- The Story Behind Southwestern Pottery— and were about to proceed to Sanibel tological expedition which has been working so reads the label on an exhibit of a new Island for further collecting and research. since April in Oligocene, Miocene, and type recently installed in the Southwestern Pliocene fossil beds of South Dakota. Mr. Indian Hall (Hall 7). This exhibit is Another Contribution $2,000 Paul O. McGrew, Assistant in Paleontology, designed to show, in graphic form, the from Mrs. J. N. Raymond who is leader of the party, reports that relationships existing among the varied For the second time since the beginning excavations in the vicinity of Big Spring pottery types in this rich archaeological of this year, Mrs. James Nelson Raymond Canyon have thus far yielded skulls, skele- field. recently contributed $2,000 toward the tons, and partial skeletons of extinct Horizontal lines on the exhibition screen, support of the James Nelson and Anna rhinoceroses, camels, three-toed horses, representing dates ranging from a.d. 500 Louise Raymond Foundation for Public antelopes, dogs, a peccary, a horned rodent, to A.D. 1700, give chronological data on School and Children's Lectures, which she a beaver, a sabertooth cat, and other crea- the which are arranged also on specimens established in 1925 with an endowment of tures that inhabited the American west in vertical lines in accordance with their family $500,000. Her previous 1939 gift, of the prehistoric times, some as far back as forty or culture branches. The dated sequence same amount, was made in February. The million years ago. The country being indicates the changes and developments in supplementary contributions of this type explored is close to a Pine Ridge Indian the prehistoric cultures of the peoples who which Mrs. Raymond has frequently made reservation. Early work of the expedition made these wares. Branches are divided in the years since her original foundation was hampered by snow, and recently severe into time phases, each of which includes gift now total more than $67,000. rainstorms have caused difficulties, but work several types of pottery, both plain and The work of the Raymond Foundation, has progressed satisfactorily despite these painted. In most instances, each phase is so valuable to the school children of Chicago, obstacles. here represented only by its most typical is continuously being augmented and im- When work has been at the ware. completed In addition to its proved. regular functions, South Dakota sites, the plans to This exhibit is on the basis of a party planned the and Foundation during July August transfer operations to a site near Agate, classification developed at Gila system will a summer series of free present special Nebraska. Mr. McGrew is accompanied Pueblo, Globe, Arizona, but it is unique motion for of picture programs children, by Mr. Orville Gilpin, of Chicago, and Mr. because it uses many whole pieces of pottery, which details will be found elsewhere in John of Illinois. instead of sherds alone. Schmidt, Homewood, this issue of Field Museum News. Pottery, in its earliest form, was probably sun-dried. to bake the Learning pottery Mammals of the Chicago area are ex- The so-called double coconut of the Sey- in a fire constituted the first advance in hibited in an alcove south of the east chelles Islands, which has the largest seed in the art. This fired pottery was potter's entrance to Hall 17. the plant kingdom, is shown in Hall 25. plain and unpainted, and although it has modified and manufactured for utili- been FAMOUS FORGE FROM PHILIPPINES EXHIBITED AT MUSEUM tarian purposes up to the present day, it is shown in this exhibit only where it is the The people of the Saltan River valley are holds it on the anvil while his helper wields sole type known at any given date. The the most skillful iron workers in northern the heavy stone hammer. After the initial final development was the addition of Luzon (Philippine Islands), and their prod- shaping, the smith himself completes the painted decoration, with which this exhibit ucts are widespread throughout the region. work with the smaller iron hammer. Tem- is mainly concerned. Perhaps the most famous forge was that of pering is done by cooling the heated iron The two great peoples represented by Balbalasang, which was secured by a Field in the small bamboo trough of water. The specimens in the exhibit are the Hohokam, Museum expedition and is and the Basket Maker-Pueblo Indians. shown here, as it is Yrom the beginnings they made, there were exhibited in Hall H, to- developed the pottery types associated with gether with faithful repre- such modern tribes as the Hopi, Acoma, sentations of the people at Zuni, Puma, and Papago. their work. The people are of mixed blood, chiefly Kalinga, with some Igorot FLORIDA EXPEDITION COLLECTS and Tinguian. MORE THAN 800 SPECIMENS The smithies are small Approximately 800 specimens of land, structures, with grass roofs fresh-water, and marine animals were col- and no sides. At one end lected by Dr. Fritz Haas, Curator of Lower is the bellows, consisting Invertebrates, and Staff Taxidermist Leon L. of two upright wooden cyl- Walters, during the first month of their inders in which pistons of current expedition in southern Florida, ac- wood packed with chicken Philippine Forge Group cording to reports they have made to the feathers and corn husks are Exhibit illustrating methods of skillful iron workers on the island of Luzon. Director. Included in the collections is worked alternately up and material for use in proposed exhibits of down. Bamboo tubes lead out from the woman is represented as having just brought certain kinds of crustaceans. Mr. Walters wooden block in which the cylinders stand, water to the forge for this purpose. has made plaster molds of some of these in and come close together in a tube of fire The weapons, completed and under con- the field, so that when reproductions are clay which runs into the charcoal fire. struction, which are shown in the exhibit, eventually made they will have the advan- Nearby is a stone anvil. The white hot were in the smithy at the time of its acquisi- tage of being modeled from the equivalent metal, as it comes from the fire, is handled tion, and are the last objects that were made of fresh specimens. with iron pincers by the real smith, who in it prior to its removal to Chicago. Page 6 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS July, 1939

Field Museum of Natural History In many halls Field Museum exhibits the James P. Chapin, Curator of Old World Founded by Marshall Fibld, 1893 ethnology of primitive peoples of today. Birds of the American Museum of Natural RooseTelt Road and Field DiiTc, Chicago Here the visitor may see the actual weapons History, New York; Mrs. Gertrude Bass THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES of their warfare, the tools of their handicraft, Warner, Director, and Mrs. Louis Colfax, of Sewell L. Avery Charles A. McCulloch samples of their art and their weaving, and the University of Oregon Museum of Fine Leopold E. Block Whjjam H. Mitchell most of the other so Albert B. Dick, Jr. George A. Richardson primitive objects Arts, Eugene, Oregon. Joseph N. Field Theodore Roosevelt essential to their daily lives. Many of these Marshall Field James Simpson Stanley Field Solomon A. Smith collections could not be bought at any price Albert W. Harris Albert A. Sprague as the life of these Trustees Vote Honors to Two Samuel Insull, Jr. Silas H. Strawn today, they represent John P. Wilson primitive peoples before the influence of Mr. Michael Lerner, well-known sports- OFFICERS European civilization came upon them. man of New York City has been elected by Stanley Field Praidmi Primitive men today in most of the remote Albert A. SPRAGirai Firtl Viee-Premdent the Board of Trustees to the Field Museum James Simpson Second Vice-President comers of the earth are using to some degree Albert W. Harris Third Vice-President membership classification designated as articles imported from Europe, America, or Clifford C. Gregg Director and Secretary Contributors, and Dr. Henri Humbert, Solomon A. Smith. . .Treasurer and Assistant Secretary the industrial nations of Asia. noted French scientist, has been elected a fishes and FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Mammals and birds, reptiles, Corresponding Member. The election of trees and flowers, and minerals have Clifford C. Gregg, Director of the Mitseum .... Editor gems Mr. Lerner is in recognition of notable gifts been far near— CONTRIBUTING EDITORS gathered from and identified, he has made to the Museum, especially to Paul S. Martin Chief Curator of Anthropology labeled, and presented for your inspection. the collections of the Division of Fishes. B. E. Dahlgren Chief Curator of Botany The association of natural things with their Professor Humbert is Director of the Labo- Henry W. Nicboi^ Chiejf Curator of Geology natural has been out Wilfred H. Osgood Chief Curator of Zoology surroundings brought ratory of Phanerogams at the Museum H. B. Harte Managing Editor clearly in many splendid habitat groups. National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris. He The collection of meteorites at Field Mu- has accorded extremely valuable co-opera- Members are requested to Inform the Museum seum is in the number of falls tion to Field Museum in connection with promptly of changes of address. unique repre- sented. The appeal of these occasional this institution's project for photographing arrivals from distant unknown places out- type —specimens of plants in European her- FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK— side the earth needs no comment. Then, baria a project which is proving to be of too, there are collections of gems and gem- immense benefit to botanists throughout stones, cut and uncut, together with typical the world. A Permanent World's Fair jewelry from all parts of the world. A At this time the interest of separate hall contains Chinese jades of many people through- Oil Palm Specimen out the country turns coastwise, east or dynasties. Even for those unacquainted of the American oil west, to the world's fairs at New York and with the values represented, these halls are A fruiting spadix palm, San Francisco. At either fair one may a delight because of the sheer beauty of the collected in Panama by the late Professor A. C. who was Research Associate in expect to see marvelous exhibits featuring specimens themselves. Noe, for Field has been new discoveries, new inventions, new archi- Is it any wonder that Field Museum may Paleobotany Museum, on exhibition in Hall in tecture, and a general cross-section of things be looked upon as a permanent world's fair, placed 25, conjunction with its more rela- that interest man all over the world. housing as it does priceless collections of economically important tive, the African oil palm. Oil from the latter A few years ago a great world's fair was world-wide origin? is widely used in the manufacture of soap. held in Chicago, and interest was so great — Clifford C. Gregg, Director that it was continued for a second year. At the same time a large proportion of out-of- visitors came to Field Museum. The town Distinguished Visitors A FEW FACTS ABOUT FIELD MUSEUM comments heard from them were in all cases Field Mllseum ia open every day of the year visitors Among distinguished recently Christmas and New Year's Day) during complimentary. It might be of interest to (except received at Field Museum are: Mr. Herbert the hours indicated below: see those people who were interested November, December, why Director of the Public N. Hale, Museum January. February 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. in the world's fair were amazed and delighted Library, Museum, and Art Gallery of South March, April, and with Field Museum. September, October 9 A.M. to 5 F.M. Australia, at Adelaide, who eight spent days May, June, July, August. . . .9 a.m. to 6 P.M. Field Museum presents, not on rare inspecting Field Museum's building and Admission is free to Members on all days. admitted free on occasions, but at all times, the finest display and the educational Other adults are Thursdays, equipment, observing Saturdays, and Sundays; non-members pay 25 of the results of scientific in investigation methods employed here; Mr. Chauncey J. cents on other days. Children are admitted free on all Students and members of the field of natural science. Field days. faculty Museum, Hamlin, President of the Buffalo Museum educational institutions are admitted free any has from the far cor- day upon presentation of credentials. too, gathered together of Science; Mr. Victor Fisher, Eth- Museum's is for reference ners of the earth the choicest and rarest The Library open nologist of the Auckland (New Zealand) daily except Saturday afternoon and Sunday. and has them for exhi- specimens prepared Museum; Dr. Herbert Friedmann, Curator Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of the N. W. Harris Public School bition in a that will educate and delight Chicago by way of Birds at the United States National Extension Department of the Museum. the visitor. F^eld Museum's exhibits are Museum, and President of the American Lectures at schools, and special entertain- ments and tours for children at the Museum, are not prepared for a few days or for a single Ornithologists' Union; Mr. A. J. van provided by the James Nelson and Anna Louise Foundation for Public School and season, but rather to last as long as the of the California Raymond Rossem, Ornithologist Children's Lectures. material itself is of interest. Institute of Technology, at Pasadena; Dr. Free courses of lectures for adults are presented in the James Theatre on Saturday after- In its Hall of the Races of Mankind, Field D. Rubin de la Borbolla, Director, Escuela Simpson noons (at 2:30 o'clock) in March, April, October, Museum has gathered together typical Nacional de Ciencias Biologicas, Mexico; and November. A Cafeteria serves visitors. Rooms are avail- examples of throughout the Dr. T. H. Professor of humanity Goodspeed, Botany able also for those bringing their lunches. earth done in bronze at the of Dr. Frank today, enduring University California; Chicago Motor Coach Company No. 26 busses direct to the Museum. Ser- through the talent of an eminent sculptor. D. Kern, of Pennsylvania State College, who provide transportation vice is offered also by Surface Lines, Rapid Tran- This hall might be termed a permanent is one of the foremost specialists on fungi; sit Lines (the "L"), mterurban electric Qnes, and Illinois Central trains. There is ample free park- assembly of the representative peoples of Professor Harry W. Norris, of the zoological ing space for automobiles at the Museum. the world. department, Grinnell College, Iowa; Dr. July, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 7

EXHIBIT ILLUSTRATES LIFE resemble the Old World sunbirds by which FIELD MUSEUM CO-OPERATES OF CHINESE CHILDREN they are rivaled in iridescence. The former, IN RECREATION PROGRAM By C. martin WILBUR however, are restricted to the Americas, CURATOR OF CHINESE ARCHAEOLOGY AND ETHNOLOGY Field Museum participated in a con- being most abundant in the Andes of ference on industrial recreation, sponsored What does a Chinese school child look Colombia and Ecuador. Only nineteen does he by University College of Northwestern like, and what study today? varieties occur north of Mexico, and of these To answer these University, with the co-operation of the questions, particularly only one, the ruby-throated hummingbird, when asked school Adult Education Council and numerous by Chicago children. is found east of the Mississippi River. other organizations interested in the better Field Museum recently placed a new ex- Twelve North American hummingbirds, hibit in Hall 32 To assure that use of leisure time, held at the Hotel Sher- (Case 38). including the colorful Anna's hummingbird the material would be man, Chicago, June 14 and 15. The con- exhibition authentic, of California shown in the accompanying in the Museum asked Mrs. Elizabeth S. ference was organized three main divi- Stelle, illustration, may be seen in Hall 21 where sions: and social activities who has lived for fifty years in intimate more than one thousand North American sports athletics, contact with the Chinese near to and hobbies, and cultural activities. Peiping, birds are on display. —E.R.B. secure complete outfits of used clothes, Under the division of cultural activities, textbooks, and toys, together with class in a section devoted to museums. Field Mu- work and photographs, of two Chinese seum was represented by a display of photo- school children from middle-class families. graphs and printed material designed to Everything was in actual use when obtained. outline briefly the story told by its exhibits, The central characters of the new exhibit and to suggest that in this institution there are Shih-pin Wu, a sixth-grade boy, and exist resources and facilities for recreation studies in arts Chih-ping Wen, a fourth-grade girl. Both and fascinating the and are natives of T'ung hsien, a typical old sciences. Chinese town about ten miles east of Peiping. Mr. Loren P. Woods, of the Museum Their art work—typically Chinese in its staff, was in attendance during the period viewpoint—is shown in the back of the case. of the conference to answer questions and Small manikins are dressed with their distribute information about the Museum. clothes, while their illustrated school books, exercises, and native writing materials are IN all displayed. In the sixth grade Shih-pin EGYPTIAN BOAT MUSEUM Wu studies history, geography, reading in AMONG FIVE OLDEST the Chinese nature classics, writing, study, Some of the fine points of marine architec- and art. The Chinese in fourth girl grade ture and shipbuilding, used to this day in concentrates on to read and write learning the construction of yachts, were known and the difficult Chinese but also characters, used by the ancient Egyptians 4,000 years studies hygiene, arithmetic, nature study, ago. This is revealed by inspection of an and art. hsien is in T'ung Japanese-occupied ancient Egyptian boat on exhibition in the territory, yet it is entirely characteristic Hall of Egyptian Archaeology (Hall J) at that the education of Chinese children Field Museum. continues as it has always continued in So far as is known, this boat is one of the China during periods of economic and five oldest now in existence. It was built political stress. Photographs accompany- during the Twelfth Dynasty, and was ing the exhibit show the children in their used in an important mortuary ceremony. class rooms. Tiny Birds Cedar, still considered one of the finest of and nest as in Field Mu- Hummingbirds displayed woods for the building of small craft, was seum's systematic ornitliological collection in Hall 21. THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED used in its construction, and its preservation through all these years is considered largely Staff Notes Hummingbirds due to the selection of this timber. The Hummingbirds have long held popular Mr. Henry Herpers has been appointed boat is just a few inches under 32 feet in appeal as the jewels of the bird world. Few Assistant Curator of Geology, and will as- length, and it has a beam of 8 feet, birds equal them in brilliance of color and sume his duties in July. He is a graduate of and draft of 4 feet. These proportions are variety of form. Their minute size, dazzling the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, close to popular average sizes of modern in hues, speed of flight, and courage in the and specializes chemistry. motor cruisers and sailing yachts. In defense of their nests all combine to increase design of underwater body, midship section, their fascination. Dr. Henry Field, Curator of Physical and rake of the stern, the Egyptian vessel More than six hundred species and races Anthropology, presented a paper on "Ancient resembles closely many modern racers. of hummingbirds are known to science. and Modern Inhabitants of Iran" before the The boat was excavated near the Dahshur of the These range in size from the delicate vervain meeting of the Anthropology Section pyramid of Sesostris III, about twenty hummingbird of Jamaica, smallest of all American Association for the Advancement miles above Cairo, and several miles from birds, whose total length is just over two of Science, at Milwaukee, on June 21. the Nile. It had been buried after use in inches, to the giant hummingbird of the the mortuary ceremony. southern Andes, which attains eight and Mr. L. Bryant Mather, Jr., Assistant one-half inches. All are characterized by Curator of Mineralogy, presented a paper slender mandibles, weak feet, and rapidity before the convention of the Rocks and Mr. Rudyerd Boulton, Curator of Birds, of wing movement in flight which gives rise Minerals Association held at Peekskill, New last month attended the annual meeting of to the buzzing noise from which their name York, on June 17. Recently Mr. Mather the American Ornithologists' Union, held in is derived. was elected a junior member of the American Berkeley, California. Mr. Boulton is Hummingbirds are most closely related Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Treasurer of the organization, and Business anatomically to the swifts, but superficially Engineers. manager of its quarterly journal, The Auk, Page 8 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS July, 19S9

GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM British Columbia; from Mrs. Robb White, GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS Thomasville, Ga.—a black snake, Georgia; Following is a list of some of the principal During July and August conducted tours from Phyllis Laybourne, Homewood, 111. — gifts received by Field Museum during the of the exhibits, under the guidance of staff two snakes, Michigan; from Ray Niles, Lake last month: lecturers, will be given on a special schedule, Geneva, Wis.— a large trout skull, Wiscon- as follows: Department of Anthropology : sin; from Chicago Zoological Society, Brook- B. 11 Plant Life From the Estate of Murray Augur, field, 111. — 18 specimens of mammals, birds, Mondays: a.m.. Exhibits; — 3 General Tour of Exhibition Halls. Chicago 38 specimens of Plains Indian and reptiles; from Miss N. B. Mason, P.M., ethnological material, Kansas, Nebraska, Davenport, Iowa—a great plains garter Tuesdays: 11 a.m.. Halls of Primitive and Civilized 3 General Tour of Oklahoma, and Arizona. snake, Iowa; from Dr. Henry Field, Chicago Peoples; p.m., Exhibition Halls. Department of Botany: —24 bats, Iraq. Wednesdays: 11 a.m.. Animal Groups; From E. J. Stanton and Son, Inc., Los The Library: 3 P.M., General Tour of Exhibition Halls. Angeles, Calif. —a plank of mahogany, Valuable books from Dr. Albert B. Lewis Thursdays: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., General Guatemala; from Dr. Stillman Wright, and Dr. Henry Field, of Chicago. Tours of Exhibition Halls. Logan, Utah— 113 specimens of algae, Utah Fridays: 11 a.m.. Minerals and Prehistoric and Montana; from William A. Daily, PRINCIPAL WHEAT VARIETIES Life; 3 p.m., General Tour of Exhibition Indianapolis, Ind.—27 specimens of algae, Halls. Indiana; from L. Lind Petersen, Escuintla, More than one hundred varieties of wheat There are no tours given on Saturdays, Guatemala—a mahogany board. Pacific are grown in the United States. An exhibit Sundays, or on July Fourth. coast of Guatemala; from Museo Nacional, in Hall 25 (Economic Botany) shows wild Costa Rica— 136 herbarium San Persons wishing to participate in the tours specimens, grasses related to the wheats, the primitive Jose, Costa Rica; from Dr. Earl E. Sherff, — should apply at the North Entrance. The — forms of cultivated wheat spelt, einkorn Chicago 90 herbarium specimens, Hawaii; tours are free, and no gratuities are to be and emmer—together with a display of the from Don Mariano Pacheco H., Guatemala proffered. Guide-lecturer's services for — principal varieties of soft and hard wheats City, Guatemala a specimen of black tours of ten or more are of most kinds: special by parties wheat, Guatemala; from Professor A. O. the important common available free of charge by arrangement Garrett, Salt Lake City, Utah—140 herba- wheats, durums, and club wheats. The with the Director a week in advance. rium specimens, Utah. term "club wheat" refers to the shape of

Department of Geolo^ : the heads. The common wheats are soft From Lead Ark.—5 used in either alone Henry Elsinga, Hill, varieties, breadmaking, 800 Books Added to Library geological specimens, Arkansas; from Struc- or mixed with flour of hard wheat. Of the tural Slate Pan Pa.—2 An addition of some 800 volumes has Company, Argyl, latter, durum is the most widely known the of Field as a specimens of fabricated slate, Pennsylvania; accrued to Library Museum and is grown in the northwestern States. from W. A. Blomstran, Lyon Mountain, result of the bequest to the Museum of the It gives a flour of the high gluten content N. Y.—a specimen of bisolite. New York; late Mrs. Carrie Ryerson. The books are required for the making of spaghetti and from T. E. Courthope, Retsof, N. Y.—a largely botanical and zoological in subject of from Peter macaroni. specimen halite; Zodac, matter, but include also works on travel and Peekskill, N. Y.—a mineral specimen, Displayed with these grain samples are more general subjects. Pennsylvania; from —Frank C. Hooper, specimens of wheat from ancient times. North Creek, N. Y. 2 specimens of ser- Some grains from the city of Jemdet Nasr, from T. F. endibite. New York; Myners, excavated in Iraq by the Field Museum- N. Y.—2 of MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD Mineville, specimens martite, Oxford University Joint Expedition to MUSEUM New York; from Katherine S. Kniskern, Field Museum has several classes of Membera. Mesopotamia, are estimated to be 5,500 contribute As- Md.— 4 mineral New Annual Members $10 annually. Baltimore, specimens. sociate Members $100 and are from years old, and probably the most ancient pay exempt York; from R. D. Butler, Bethlehem, Pa.— dues. Sustaining Members c

Vol. 10 AUGUST, 1939 No. 8

'WHAT'S IN A NAME?"—COMMON TERMS FOR ANIMALS ARE OFTEN MISLEADING

By H. B. HARTE The bird commonly called a robin is not The wood ibis of Florida is not an ibis, public relations counsel a robin, but a thrush. A real robin is a but a stork. There are also true ibises in is is a is a rose."—Gertrude Stein. "A rose a rose rose small British bird, one-third the size of Florida, but they with customary contrari- ness are But a robin's not a robin not a robin not a robin, our so-called robin, and only distantly called, instead, white curlews, which A not a not a sparrow not a sparrow likewise are not. sparrow's sparrow related although superficially alike in having they really And et cetera's not et cetera not etc. not etc. — a red breast. Also in Florida they have a turtle which So, if things are not what they are, which they aren't call a Mr. Karl P. what are they? The real partridge is European, and has they gopher, says Schmidt, Curator of and been introduced in some places in America Amphibians Reptiles. They Truly, things are not what they seem, or have a little mammal that we where it is often called the from gopher (the at least what they're called, in the Animal "hunky" call gopher in the north) and they call that The nomenclature of birds and its proper name, Hungarian partridge. Our Kingdom. a salamander. They have a true salamander beasts is so confused that residents of bob-white is called partridge in the south, and they call that a "Congo eel." They and the ruffed grouse is called partridge in Canada. In the middle west the bob-white often is called a quail, which is confusing because the true quail is a European bird that migrates to Africa. Just to make things a little more complicated, our ruffed grouse is sometimes called pheasant in the east—a term that is properly applied to the long-tailed "ringneck" introduced from Asia. What we call a warbler does not belong to the true warbler family at all. The true warblers are Old World birds. America has only one native species of warbler, but it is called a blue-gray gnat-catcher instead of a warbler. Called a Gopher In Illinois— A True Gopher—the Pocket Gopher —but properly it should be called a thirteen-lined Our so-called oriole is really a blackbird, In Florida, however, they call it a salamander, and It is common in the area. call the true salamander a ground squirrel. quite Chicago unrelated to the true orioles which are an amphibian "Congo eel." different regions of this country use the Old World family unrepresented in the have real eels and—believe it or not!—they same names for entirely unlike creatures. western hemisphere. Likewise, our meadow- actually call them eels. Zoologists at Field Museum, when consulted lark actually is a blackbird. However, MAMMALS ALSO IN CONFUSION by laymen, must frequently disregard the America's only true lark—is, for a change, Mr. Colin C. Sanborn, Curator of Mam- names their visitors or correspondents use, called prairie horned lark someone slipped mals, contributes the note that what is and try to establish identifications from and failed to give it a wrong name. called a prairie dog in the west is a ground other information cited. Even that common little street gamin, squirrel, and in Illinois we call a ground Who is to blame for this chaotic condition the English (or house) sparrow is not a squirrel a gopher, but out west again they in naming the creatures of the earth and sparrow by any means—it is a species of have a real gopher that they call a gopher, sky? The pioneers!—the hardy pioneers, weaver-bird, an immigrant first brought of all things, and a ground squirrel that worthy in so many respects, are the culprits. from Europe in 1850. they call a ground squirrel. What we call In settling America they encoun- a ground-hog is no relative of the tered many new birds and animals, pig, but is also a ground squirrel or and carelessly gave them the names woodchuck. Then, of course, there of other creatures they had known is the classic misnomer pointed out at home. The wrong names ad- to every school child—the Ameri- hered, and are now so well estab- can buffalo which is not a buffalo lished that they are actually more but a bison, very distinctive from right, in a utilitarian sense, than the true buffaloes of Africa and the correct names. In fact, con- Asia. Most confusing is the case fusion twice confounded would of the moose and the elk, adds Dr. result from any serious attempt Wilfred H. Osgood, Chief Curator now to give the right names to all of Zoology, for the moose is closely the wrongly named animals. related to the Old World elk and PARADOXES IN BIRD NAMES our so-called elk is not an elk at all Here are some of the paradoxes but a true round-horned deer re- This Turtle Is a Gopher, Too— in bird names, pointed out by Mr. lated to the European red deer and — in the common zoological nomenclature generally employed by natives of Rudyerd Boulton, Curator of Birds: Florida, who call the mammalian gopher a salamander, and the real salamander an eel. Asiatic deer. It should be called Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS August, 19S9 wapiti—a name given to it by the Indians. A modified type of the sculpture technique PALEONTOLOGICAL EXPEDITION For the devotees of Izaak Walton, there is decoration in relief. Two libation cups LEAVES FOR COLORADO have in full round over are also many and curious anomalies, says dragons clambering The Paleontological Expedition to West- sides. these came Mr. Alfred C. Weed, Curator of Fishes. the That dragons through ern Colorado left Chicago on July 17 for a the inferno of the kiln without com- The wall-eyed pike of Wisconsin and wilting three and a half months' stay in the field. mands admiration. In lower relief is the Michigan waters is called a salmon and a The personnel consists of Mr. Bryan Patter- ornamentation of a small brush-holder trout in the Susquehanna region down east, son, Assistant Curator of Paleontology, and like a of bamboo. On its sides in a pickerel in Canada, and in Florida, where shaped joint Mr. James H. Quinn, Assistant Paleon- is a scene of a man in a bamboo they always seem to go to extremes, the charming tology. Volunteers are expected to join the over an book—as he same fish is a "snook." The black bass is grove, sleeping open party for short periods. Previous expedi- sits astride a water buffalo! This is a sunfish, not a true bass, and the big- specimen tions from the Museum have operated in signed by a famous nineteenth century this region during 1932, 1933, and 1937, so potter named Wang Ping-jung. The sides of the present party will be continuing a another brush-holder show a lily pond with well established program. Important col- swimming ducks. In this, the decoration lections have already resulted from this itself forms the body of the container, and work, and notable additions to knowledge the spaces between lily pads are left open, have been made. which makes it seem as one were though The field of operations lies in Mesa, Gar- actually looking down into a pond on which field, and Gunnison Counties, where an leaves are What Do You CaU This Fish? floating. extensive series of formations belonging to In Wisconsin and Michigan it is known as the wall- various periods and eras in the earth's his- eyed pike, but it is known both as a salmon and a trout SPECIAL LIGHTING AIDS STUDY down east in the Susquehanna— region, while— it is called tory is exposed. The work will be carried on a pickerel in Canada, and in Florida a "snook." This open work treatment leads to an- mainly in late Paleocene and early Eocene other technique shown in two beautiful mouthed variety of bass is called a trout deposits (the opening epochs of the Age of bowls at the back of the case. A floral in the south. The sea trout is a charr in Mammals), with some attention also being design was pierced through the biscuit Labrador, and a croaker along the coast paid to the late Cretaceous formations (the before the bowls were glazed. After glazing from New Jersey to the Gulf of Mexico. closing period of the Age of Reptiles). The and firing, the pierced design became trans- main objective of the expedition is to collect as the filled the cut-out floral lucent, glaze fossil mammals from the Paleocene and EXHIBIT REVEALS PERFECTION design like glass in a window. Finally, Eocene. Specimens from these early hori- OF CHINESE POTTERS another bowl displays translucent and relief zons are of great interest to students of By C. martin WILBUR decoration combined. A for special light mammalian evolution. The dinosaurs and CUKATOR OF CHINESE ARCHAEOLOGY AND ETHNOLOGY this piece may be turned on and off by the other reptiles that had previously dominated The best ceramic products of Chinese visitor, thus permitting him to study the the earth were but a short time extinct (geo- potters of the seventeenth and eighteenth bowl either under normal light or by a light logically speaking), and the mammals were centuries have no rival anywhere in the concentrated inside it. The technique of just getting well under way. Many groups world if we judge artistic beauty or this bowl is very interesting. It by making that no longer survive were flourishing, and technical Their ac- was first on the wheel and perfection. surprising shaped potter's several of the dominant mammalian types were due to at least two allowed to dry out naturally to a leathery complishments of the present time were represented by factors: experience and specializa- toughness. Then an expert carefully ground important exceedingly primitive ancestors. Thus, for tion. was the culmination it down to thinness on a lathe to Ch'ing porcelain paper example, the horses of the early Eocene were of centuries of accidental and make it translucent. Next an artist used experimental small creatures no larger than foxes, and and accumulated tradition and a white of paste-like consistency, to discoveries, slip, they possessed four toes in contrast to the skill. was because two on the sides of the Superb technique possible paint spirited dragons modern horse's one. of intense specialization in which every pro- bowl. Finally it was dipped in glaze and In addition to the work on vertebrates, cess—from the mixing of the clay to the final fired. Thus, although the bowl is translu- attention will be paid to geological observa- firing—was in the hands of a different cent, the dragons between the biscuit and tions, and to the collecting of fossil plants. expert. The imperial kiln-city of Ching-te the glaze are opaque. They seem to soar It is that by means of the latter it Chen resembled in many ways a modem like shadows against a cloud, which is indeed hoped will be to make somewhat more factory in which each small process is in the the proper occupation of dragons. possible determinations and correlations hands of especially trained men. precise age of the late Cretaceous formations than has Fig Tree Sheltered Rome's Founders EXHIBIT IN HALL 24 hitherto been done. The a native of western Asia, was Through a bequest of Mrs. George T. fig tree, probably introduced into Italy by Greek (Frances Gaylord) Smith, Field Museum colonists. Romulus and Remus are said acquired a collection of white porcelain SUMMER FLOWERS— to have been suckled by the she-wolf under which confirms the above comments. The to the Ficus ruminalis. Of special interest and usefulness collection is exhibited in George T. and those interested in recognizing the Frances Gaylord Smith Hall (Hall 24), in Giant Sea Bean wild flowers appearing at this season case 32. The eleven small pieces, though is an illustrated leaflet. Summer Wild not all of the finest quality produced at A huge sea bean, so large that it might Flowers, published by Field Museum. imperial kilns, illustrate a variety of decora- have come from the beanstalk of Jack the J. Francis Macbride, Associate Curator tive techniques which make no use of color. Giant Killer's giant, is exhibited in the Hall of the Herbarium, is the author. This Three Buddhist figures, of the type of porce- of Plant Life (Hall 29, Case 857), Depart- booklet, like many others which are lain known as bUinc de chine, show the ment of Botany. This type of bean, which valuable to nature lovers at this time sculptural possibilities of ceramics. This is grows to a length of four feet, is the of is on sale at the BOOK SHOP especially true of the larger figure of Bodhid- fruit of a large woody climber, and is native year, of 25 cents. harma sitting in serene meditation with his to many tropical regions. Its seeds are FIELD MUSEUM— robes gathered around him. often transported by the Gulf Stream. August, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page S

flooded, washing the entire village, and all TWO PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN THINOS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED its inhabitants into the sea. The tribesmen TO BE GIVEN IN AUGUST were had becoming menacing. Something The James Nelson and Anna Louise Ray- to be done to calm them. I called to the A Rain God mond Foundation will present the final two elders, and before them I addressed the To an enlightened person it seems ridicu- gods programs of motion pictures in its summer in the tribal I told the wooden lous to believe that an idol carved from a language. series for children at Field Museum during idols that were mistaken as to tree trunk could influence rainfall or other they my August. The programs are as follows: motives—I to coinci- was merely moving them the natural phenomena. But when the Thursday, August 3, 10 a.m.—The island of Hawaii, regarded as a sort of dences surrounding the acquisition of a Busy Beavers (cartoon by Walt Disney); Olympus of all native gods, where they wooden rain god from a South Pacific island, The Lovely Taj Mahal; The Navajo Demon; would be more comfortable. But, I threat- now on exhibition at Field Museum (Poly- Babes in the Woods. ened, if the rain continued much longer, I nesian collection, Hall F) are considered, it 10 a.m.—The would tie them to coconut where Thursday, August 10, is to see similar coincidences would trees, they easy how of Palo of Eskimo would be and This Wedding (A Story Life to the minds of tribesmen impotent unhappy gods. appear primitive in Greenland). speech the excited as cause and effect. In the same way the placated tribesmen, and. The programs will be given in the James common superstitions of our own people, Simpson Theatre of the Museum. Admission such as those associated with the number is free, and children from all parts of Chicago "13," black cats, broken mirrors, and and suburbs are invited. They may come rabbits' feet, persist because coincidences alone, accompanied by adults, or in groups sometimes seem to confirm their validity. from clubs, community centers, etc. Field Museum's rain god is one of four which were preserved in a sacred place in IVY IN the valley of Atuona, on the island of Hi- POISON CENTRAL AMERICA vaoa, one of the French-owned Marquesas While conducting the recent Sewell Avery group. Dr. Ralph Linton (formerly Assistant Botanical Expedition to Guatemala, the Curator of Oceanic and Malayan Ethnology writer was assured by Mr. and Mrs. B. B. at Field Museum, now Professor of Anthro- Lewis, of Guatemala City, that poison ivy pology at Columbia University), learned of (Rhus Toxicodendron) grew in the central the idols during an expedition. He found them mountains of that country. Since, in North surrounded by the bones of about twenty- America, poison ivy has not been reliably five tribesmen who had been offered as reported south of the Mexican state of human sacrifices. A problem confronted Oaxaca, it seemed quite safe to deny its the explorer in seeking to acquire and re- possible existence anywhere in Central move the revered objects in the face of America. Facetious comment regarding the certain opposition from the Atuona tribe. ease with which Central American plants be confused the amateur with However, opportunity was presented by a might by similar ones of the United dispute between two natives over ownership only remotely was a of state- of the land on which the gods were located. States met by repetition the Thinking that Dr. Linton could not take ment. Mrs. an enthusiastic and critical them away, and believing that a paper from Lewis, student and collector of Guatemalan a white man would help in court (both as a orchids, has now forwarded to Field Museum a legal document and by its supposed magical of with the informa- power), each native secretly offered the gods specimen poison ivy, tion that after in of to the anthropologist if he would give a collecting it, spite every she exhibited the receipt. Each thought this would indicate precaution, customary effects of contact with the The that Dr. Linton believed him to be the right- plant. Marquesan Rainmaker was obtained near San Juan ful owner. Dr. Linton gave each a receipt, specimen This carved wooden idol was believed tribesmen by not far from Guatemala and thus acquired clear title whichever way of the island of Hivaoa in the South Pacific to control Sacatepequez, City, or lack of of rain. It is now on exhibition the case be decided. Dr. Linton then the fall, fall, and represents an extension of range far might in the collection in Hall F at Field Museum. Polynesian southeastward from that known. sought to remove the four heavy idols by previously Once a botanist is embarrassed employing porters from another island— again by strangely enough, half an hour later the rain members of a tribe whose gods were dif- too confident generalization regarding plant stopped, and the river subsided. Thus the based ferent, and who were therefore not subject range, although upon apparently quite native faith was sustained. safe The Central American to the Hivaoa lahus. In the dead of night presumption. these men carried the idols to Dr. Linton's "I managed to get the idols loaded on a flora continues to furnish so many surprises that it deserves a tribute like that to camp. But the Hivaoa people learned what schooner and sailed away. Three are now paid Africa —that new had happened, and a native boy warned in a museum at Honolulu. The fourth by Pliny something always could be from that con- Dr. Linton of impending trouble. arrived in Chicago at a time when the city expected — mysterious and all the middle west had had a tinent. Paul C. Standley Telling about his experiences later. Dr. drought Linton said: for weeks. The day the god was uncrated at Field Museum, rainstorms started, Additions to Fluorescent Minerals "Half an hour after the gods arrived there lasting several The of this rain reached was a downpour of rain that became heavier days. story The display of fluorescent minerals located districts which had not had and heavier, lasting about twenty-four farming yet in the corridor between Halls 34 and 35 in relief. a farmer in Iowa hours. The river on the island rose rapidly, Immediately the Department of Geology has been im- loan of the to and the natives were badly frightened. It requested a god bring rain and proved by the installation of new specimens. was all due, they insisted, to the wrath of save his crops. Similar requests followed. Many of these glow under the ultra-violet the disturbed gods. They said the gods Needless to say, however, the Museum light with colors more varied and brilliant would continue the rain until the river never granted the loan." than any hitherto exhibited there. Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS August, 1939

AMERICAN LOTUS, FAMED PLANT OF GRASS LAKE, ILLINOIS, IS ERRATIC IN DISTRIBUTION

By PAUL C. STANDLEY This erratic distribution is believed to are known to have traveled on foot for CURATOR OF THE HERBARIUM have arisen from the fact that the plant great distances, and a journey from Texas In a collection of plants sent recently to was a food staple of the Indians, who ate or Oklahoma to Mexico and Honduras is Field Museum by Brother Elias of Barran- the seeds and also the very thick and quite within reason. How the plant reached quilla, Colombia, is the first specimen of the succulent rootstocks. Doubtless on their the Magdalena Valley is less easily ex- American lotus (Nelumbo pentapetala) that travels they carried the small, hard seeds, plained. the writer has ever seen from South America. which, if they are like those of their Asiatic PLANT SPECIMENS ENDURE CENTURIES It comes from the lower valley of the Mag- relatives, have greater longevity than any The lotus brings to mind another inter- dalena River, from which the plant had, other seeds known, from one place to esting subject. Botanists often are asked however, been reported previously. another, to plant them for food. Except by how long a pressed and dried herbarium The American lotus, a plant quite dif- human intervention, the seeds probably are specimen will last. A herbarium, appropri- ferent from the classic lotus of the Nile, not easily diffused, and it thus happens ately called in early botanical literature a although of the same family, is of exceptional that in one region, lotus plants are found hortus siccus—dry garden—is a rather recent interest from the standpoint of distribution. now in a single lake or pond, although device; but well preserved specimens three In the Chicago region it is rare, and it is many others equally suitable for growth hundred years old, and probably some that widely believed that it is known only from may be near-by. are considerably older, exist. More than the celebrated locality of Grass Lake, north- The American lotus is not confined, in- that, I have seen dried garlands taken from west of Chicago. Egyptian tombs Every August, many about 4,000 years thousands of people old. These garlands visit that lake to see had been moderately this showy plant in pressed, whether blossom. Each sea- during their long son Field Museum storage or after their receives inquiries re- removal in modern garding the plant times, I do not know. and its distribution, At any rate, the lotus for it has often been leaves and flowers in stated by the unin- them, while discol- formed that Grass ored and faded, as Lake is the only are most very old known locality for herbarium speci- the lotus, or that it mens, preserved per- is the only American fectly their form and locality at which the texture, and were Egyptian lotus is not inferior in pre- found. Both of these servation to ordi- statements must be nary herbarium spe- labeled altogether cimens ten years old. erroneous. Despite the fact As a matter of that they had been fact, the American Part of Lotus Beds at Grass Lake stored in sealed These are at their best in when thousands of visit this celebrated which lotus has a wide dis- showy plants August, persons locality, tombs, they must is easily reached from Chicago by automobile or other means of transportation. The round trip may be made in a day. tribution in North nevertheless have America, west to Nebraska, Missouri, and deed, to the United States, but its occurrence been accessible to ordinary atmospheric Texas, and eastward to Florida and the elsewhere is so strange as to cause further changes. It therefore is evident that no Atlantic coast. However, its occurrence is speculation. It is known from Cuba and limit can be placed on the time for which a so erratic as to arouse speculation. Even in the Dominican Republic, and from Mexico, herbarium specimen, moderately well pro- the vicinity of Chicago it probably is not both in the Tampico region and far away tected, may be preserved. There is no ma- confined to Grass Lake. Indeed, I have in the State of Sinaloa. Far south of there terial reason why the specimens now in the been told by an old settler that formerly it it abounds in Lake Yojoa in central Hon- Herbarium of Field Museum should not be was extremely abundant in the Calumet duras. Its next jump is to the lower part still in existence and useful for study three River and its marshes, but has been de- of the Magdalena Valley in distant Colom- thousand years from now. stroyed, apparently by industrial operations. bia. Of course, it is not improbable that It is generally common in certain extensive it might be found in intervening areas, but Research on Asterism regions such as along the flood plain of the so far, if one may depend upon records, it Studies of the cause of asterism (the Missouri and Mississippi rivers in Missouri, has not, and it is a large and conspicuous appearance of a luminous star) in gems, where there are miles of plant not overlooked. many swampland easily carried out by Dr. Albert J. Walcott in the crowded with it. It seems that It is probable dangerous to venture theories re- Department of Geology at Field Museum, the be a native of the distribution. At these plant may primarily garding plant best, are attracting much favorable attention In the eastern are matters of The lotus is so Mississippi Valley. states, speculation. from those interested in gemmology. Fine as well as in some of the central abundant in the that one regions Mississippi Valley examples of these stars appear in sapphire, the is as localized as in would that to be its center of ones, plant quite suppose garnet, and crystal in the gem room (H. N. the region. I recall that near the It well be that the colonies Chicago city dispersal. may Higinbotham Hall—Hall 31). of Washington, D.C., it is known in only one in Mexico and Honduras descended from locality, but there it is plentiful. The same seeds carried thither by Indian merchants The principal commercial woods of the is true in many other eastern regions. hundreds of years ago. Such merchants Amazon Valley are displayed in Hall 27. August, 19S9 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 5

THREE LARGE COLLECTIONS when first brought from the mine except 6,000 INVERTEBRATE SPECIMENS OF REPTILES RECEIVED for small polished sections showing their COLLECTED IN FLORIDA adaptability to ornamental uses. Most The Field A collection of more than 1,500 specimens Museum expedition which has popular is green malachite, which is a basic been marine animals of lizards of the genus Sceloporus has been collecting and other carbonate of copper. Another basic car- received in the Department of Zoology from invertebrates along the Atlantic and Gulf bonate is azurite, characterized by its rich Dr. Hobart M. Smith, Fellow of the National coasts of Florida since early in May, has blue color. Azurite is used less for carving its work. Dr. Fritz Research Council. This acquisition results completed Haas, Curator because it is more difficult to obtain suitable of Lower from an arrangement whereby Field Museum Invertebrates, and Staff Taxi- pieces. The green silicate of copper, chryso- dermist Leon L. Press will publish Dr. Smith's monographic Walters, who conducted colla, is also used for ornamental purposes revision of the lizards of this genus in the the expedition, have returned to the Mu- although not so frequently as malachite. seum. More than Zoological Series of the publications of this 6,000 specimens, repre- The exhibit includes also a basic institution. The Museum accession com- sulphate senting the most important features of the of copper known as brochantite, which is invertebrate life forms native to the prises about one-half of the collection upon region, shown as an example of copper ores which were collected. Sanibel which Dr. Smith's research is primarily On Island, Dr. are highly attractive in color but unfor- Haas conducted notable based, and includes nine type specimens and researches on the tunately are not durable enough for such use. between the 125paratypes. relationships various types of fauna and the environmental The lizards in question form a North conditions in which are found. He also American group in which active evolution of MUSEUM GUARDS' UNIFORMS they investigated the role of molluscan life in land species and subspecies seems to be in prog- ARE NOTABLY IMPROVED building up the accumulation of shells. ress. The has consequently offered through genus and a better Comfort, coolness, appear- One of the main of the problems of especial difficulty to the taxono- objectives expedi- ance are emphasized in the new uniforms mist. Dr. Smith's successful treatment of tion was the collecting of material and data currently being worn by the guards at Field these problems rests on one hand on an for a proposed habitat exhibit of the logger- head turtle. This material exceptionally comprehensive and detailed was collected on Sanibel examination of all known specimens in Island, and plaster molds were made which will form the basis for American museums, and on the other is due lifelike Mr. to his extensive field studies during four reproductions. Walters was fortunate in able to observe the successive expeditions to Mexico, which being entire nesting —the have carried him into nearly every state of procedure turtle leaving the water, the its that country. Dr. Smith is now in Mexico digging hole, laying eggs, and covering them with sand. The entire re- for renewed studies of reptiles and amphib- process minutes. ians under a grant of the Walter Rathbone quired only fifty-five Bacon Scholarship of the Smithsonian The expedition was extended the utmost Institution. co-operation by the Bass Biological Labora- The interest of Field Museum's Division tories of Englewood, Florida, and by other and individuals as well. of Reptiles in Mexican problems is still agencies further stimulated by the receipt of several hundred specimens of reptiles from Mr. Food from Orchid Tubers Ernest G. Marsh, Jr., of the University of Salep is a farinaceous meal obtained from Texas, who is conducting a survey of the the tubers of several terrestrial orchids, vertebrate animals of the state of Coahuila. of European and Asiatic species. The meal His collection has been deposited in the is separated by macerating the bulbs in Museum for determination and study, a water. It contains a substance called share of it to remain permanently in the bassorine, which is said to contain more reference collection here. nutritive matter than any other vegetable A third considerable addition to the product, one ounce per diem being sufficient Museum's reference collections of reptiles to sustain a man. Large quantities of salep and amphibians from Mexico resulted from are prepared in Macedonia and Greece, but the recent purchase of more than 600 speci- the finest comes from Turkey. In the Hima- mens collected by Mr. Harry Hoogstraal, a The New and the Old laya and Cashmere many species of bulbous- student at the University of Illinois. His Captain E. S. Abbey of the Museum guards, on the left, in the new blue uniform with gold braid, and rooted orchids yield salep, which is used specimens come from Cerro Potosi, in white summer and David Conwill in cap; Sergeant as food the natives. the uniform which has used for . by Nuevo Leon, a high point in the eastern been many years past escarpment of the Mexican Plateau, about Museum. The high military collar, which midway between the United States border was a feature of every uniform worn since and the high mountains near Mexico City. OF the founding of the Museum, has been dis- WORLD HORSES They afford important new information on carded in favor of the open lapel collar. —edited by W. E. Lyons and G. H. S. distribution of Mexican forms. —K. P. S. The color has been changed from the Dixon. severe military olive drab to blues of har- "Probably the finest and most varied Ornamental Copper Ore monizing shades for coat and trousers. collection of pictures of horses in action ever Dr. Wilfred Some varieties of copper ore are of such Gold buttons and gold braid complete the published," says H. ensemble. for summer wear is Chief Curator of the a beautiful blue or green color that the more The cap Osgood, Depart- in white. ment of "Here horses are not perfect pieces are often used as ornamental topped Zoology. classified breeds but what stones and carved in the shape of vases, by by they can do." ink wells, table tops, and other articles. A Crystal balls, and carvings of rock crystal, sale at the of special case in Frederick J. V. Skiff Hall some of them interesting from a historical On BOOK SHOP FIELD (Hall 37) is devoted to a display of speci- standpoint, are included in the gem room MUSEUM—$5. mens of these types of ore, as they appear (H. N. Higinbotham Hall—Hall 31). Page 6 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS August, 1939

Field Museum of Natural History utilization of its knowledge, but to be ever DISTINGUISHED VISITORS Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 to the basic facts which indus- ready supply Among distinguished visitors recently Roosevelt Road and Field Drive, Chicago try may use. received at Field Museum are: Mr. Edward The of the museum is to out THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES purpose give P. Henderson, Curator of Applied Geology Sewell L. Avery Charles A. McCulloch knowledge for knowledge's own sake. at the United States National Leopold E. Block William H. Mitchell Museum, Whether its collections are used for the Albert B. Dick, Jr. George A. Richardson study Washington, D. C; Professor V. Gordon Joseph N. Field Theodore Roosevelt of industrial scientists who seek to make a Marshall Field James Simpson Childe, noted anthropologist of the Uni- A. scholars seek to solve Stanley Field Solomon Smith profit, by who some of Mr. William Albert W. Harris Albert A. Spragub versity Edinburgh, Scotland; of or casual visitors Samuel Insull, Jr. Silas H. Strawn problem research, by H. Phelps, ornithologist, of Caracas, Venez- John P. W11.SON who seek recreation and is not enjoyment uela; Mr. W. A. Daily, a specialist in cryp- OFFICERS of concern to a museum. The primary only togams, Department of Botany, Stanley Field President University real concern is that the collections be avail- Albert A. Sprague First Vice-President of Cincinnati; Mr. William Gilbert, a worker James Simpson Second Vice-President able and that they be used. To measure ALBERT W. Harris Third Vice-President on algae, connected with the Department the value of an would be Clifford C. Gregg Director and Secretary expedition equiva- of Botany, University of Michigan, as well A. Smith . . . Treasurer and Assistant Solomon Secretary lent to the value of measuring education, as the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods culture, and scientific knowledge. FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Hole, Massachusetts; Dr. G. T. Velasquez, The privations of leaders Clifford C. Gregg, Director of the Museum .... Editor expeditionary Professor of Botany, University of the Philip- have been a of CONTRIBUTING EDITORS matter great interest and pines, Manila; Dr. R. N. Webster, Professor concern to the entire world. Some Paul S. Martin Chief Curator of Anthropology expedi- of Botany, Middlebury College, Middlebury, B. E. Dahlgren Chief Curator of Botany tions have gone forth to discover new lands Vermont; Dr. R. T. of Ohio Henry W. Nichols Chief Curator of Geology Wareham, to make nations Some have Wilfred H. Osgood Chief Curator of Zoology great. gone State University, Columbus; and Mr. Lloyd H. B. Harte Editor forth to beliefs. Managing spread religious Some have Weaver, of the Marine Biological Laboratory, gone forth to locate raw materials which Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and the De- Members are to Inform the Museum requested may be used in industry to build private partment of Botany, Columbia promptly of changes of address. University, fortunes of industrial communities. But New York. The six last named have been the museum expedition goes forth for a studying collections in Field Museum's different —a which is identi- FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK- purpose purpose cryptogamic herbarium. cal with the purpose of the museum itself— to discover facts which will add to the sum A Correction Expeditions total of human knowledge and understanding. Professor Samuel J. Record, Dean of the From time to time Field Museum and —Clifford C. Gregg, Director School of at Yale other museums, as well as leading univer- Forestry University (and Research Associate in sities throughout the world, announce expe- Wood Technology for STAFF NOTES Field out that the ditions to some remote country, stating Museum), points caption a under the their objectives, their hopes, and to some The paleontological expedition to the accompanying picture heading a Cow Tree" on 4 of the extent, their plans. Many thoughtful fossil beds of South Dakota, led by Mr. "Tapping page Field in- people look beyond the announcement and Paul O. McGrew, Assistant in Paleontology, July Museum News, incorrectly dicated that this tree of the Costa question in their own minds what values recently completed its work and returned to was Rican The was made may come forth to justify the expenditure the Museum with a large collection of fossil species. photograph on an to not Costa of time, money, and effort, and the possible mammal specimens. expedition Guatemala, Professor Record states. endangering of lives in such projects. It is Rica, certainly true that unless the ultimate Mr. Rudyerd Boulton, Curator of Birds, values are greater than the expenditures, will leave for New York about August 1 to A FEW FACTS ABOUT FIELD all expeditionary work should be discon- spend several weeks in special research on MUSEUM Field Museum is open every day of the year tinued. the collections of birds from (Portu- Angola (except Christmas and New Year's Day) during The purpose of an expedition, like the guese West Africa) at the American Museum the hours indicated below: of a research museum or of Natural November, December, purpose university, History. January, February 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. is to advance knowledge. The great value of March, April, and September, October 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. lies not in the materials Mr. C. Martin Wilbur, Curator of Chinese expeditions only May, June, July, August 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. brought back but in the lessons learned or Archaeology and Ethnology, has been Admission is free to Members on all days. Other adults are admitted free on in the lessons that be learned by care- elected Secretary of the American Friends Thursdays, may Saturdays, and Sundays; non-members pay 25 ful subsequent study and classification of of China. The late Dr. Berthold Laufer, cents on other days. Children are admitted free on all days. Students and faculty members of the specimens obtained. former Curator of Anthropology, was the educational institutions are admitted free any of credentials. Darwin's celebrated cruise on the Beagle first Secretary of the society and held that day upon presentation The Museum's Library is open for reference in office for until brought back very little the way of mate- many years his death. daily except Saturday afternoon and Sunday. rial values, but contributed largely to the Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of Chicago by the N. W. Harris Public School formation of ideas which have had a tre- Dr. Julian A. Steyermark, Assistant Cura- Extension Department of the Museum. mendous and revolutionizing effect on man's tor of the Herbarium, returned recently Lectures at schools, and special entertain- ments and tours for children at the Museum, are of his in a understanding own place natural from a two weeks collecting trip in Missouri. provided by the James Nelson and Anna Louise Foundation for Public School and world. He obtained about 800 of Raymond specimens plants Children's Lectures. A museum expedition is not primarily for the Museum Herbarium. Dr. for are Recently Free courses of lectures adults presented in the James Theatre on after- concerned with material values, as the pur- lectured on the flora of Missouri Simpson Saturday Steyermark noons (at 2:30 o'clock) in March, April, October, pose of the museum is to discover, to classify, before the Garden Club of Barrington, and November. A Cafeteria serves visitors. Rooms are avail- and to give to a civilized world the results Illinois. able also for those bringing their lunches. of its study. There is often a lapse of many Chicago Motor Coach Company No. 26 busses direct to the Museum. Ser- years between the discovery of new trees, Mr. Emmet R. Blake, Assistant Curator provide transportation vice is offered also hy Surface Lines, Rapid Tran- new herbs, new resins or gums, and their of Birds, has been honored by election to sit Lines (the "L"), interurban electric fines, and Illinois Central trains. There is ample free park- ultimate utilization in It is full in the industry. not membership American Orni- ing space for automobiles at the Museum. the purpose of the museum to point to the thologists' Union. August, 19S9 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 7

AFRICAN FISHING CUSTOMS Perhaps the most successful of these is THE OLDEST HANDLE By WILFRID D. HAMBLY the liquid rubber technique, recently de- By henry field curator of physical anthropology CURATOR OF AFRICAN ETHNOLOGY veloped by Assistant Curator Bryan Patter- son and Assistant James of Field A craftsman who lived in A Negro of the Ovimbundu tribe of Portu- Quinn Cro-Magnon Museum's Division of The southwestern France some thousand guese West Africa has a great advantage Paleontology. thirty rubber is into the invented what is to be over the modern fisherman in highly civilized liquid poured cavity, years ago thought rolled about and drained. After the first the first handled tool. countries. If the (ish are not biting well, coat has dried, another is added, and then a From the Middle levels at the latter tries another kind of expensive fly, Aurignacian third or fourth application. When in the Haute-Garonne district of makes another cast, but without much hope. thorough- Tarte, ly dry, the flexibility of the rubber permits France, Mr. Jean Cazedessus, well-known The Negro approaches his problem with it to be pulled from the cavity intact with French archaeologist of that region, ex- all the optimism that magic can give. His very little risk of damage to the skull. This cavated a small horn handle in which a flint primitive equipment consists only of a line cast is then filled with plaster to retain its blade had apparently been inserted. This of thin bark at the end of which is a sharp shape while a mold is being made as a pre- object, the oldest horn handle in the world, stalk of grass on which a fat grub is impaled. liminary to the permanent plaster casts. is on exhibition in Case 4 in the Hall of the But with this meager outfit he never doubts These molds give very accurate casts with Stone Age of the Old World (Hall C). success, for he softly sings his spell: "0 minute detail, sometimes even showing No doubt Cro-Magnon artisans had tried fish, come and take your good thing. Do details of the cranial circulation. wooden handles, only to find that they split not send the little fish to spoil the good bait. The casts obtained are used in the research after being exposed to water, ice, and snow. Better you come and take the good thing work that is carried on in the Museum's We can even imagine their going through with all your strength." Among the Ovim- laboratories. They are of the greatest the childish experiment of tying handles to bundu, fishing with the line is practiced only importance as an aid in determining the their flint blades, with fibers or leather by men. Women push baskets against the relationships of many puzzling types of thongs. But the puny instrument created stream, or use poison which is scattered on extinct mammals. such efforts would have been no match the surface of the water. by for the tough skin of the reindeer or the In order to make fish-poison, the tuberous great cave bear, and yet those skins were an roots of a wild plant are soaked in water Hemp Comes from a Species of Banana important protection against an icy Aurig- until scum rises to the top. The solid part Manila fiber, usually known as manila nacian winter. So necessity mothered one of the poison is not given, because it would hemp, and used in rope-making, is derived of her earliest inventions. The strong horn sink and the fish which had eaten it would from a species of banana plant, not of the of a reindeer's antler was made into a handle remain at the bottom of the river. There- edible species, but another of the same genus, which has borne the test of centuries. Ask fore, only the scum of this poisonous infu- Musa textilis, of the Philippine Islands. The any backwoodsman today to show you sion is thrown in the water. The stupefied fiber is obtained from the stalk and leaf his hunting knife. It will almost certainly and gasping fish remain at the surface, bases, by heating, tearing, boiling, and have a horn handle. whereupon they are seized by women who combing the material. The innermost part The oldest handle exhibited in Hall C is transfer them to gourds or baskets worn of the flower stalk is employed for fine much shorter than that of a modern knife, around their necks. Usually poison is used fabrics, shawls, and the beautiful "drawn but it also carried a stubbier blade—a blade only in the dry season when the rivers are work" of the Filipinos. of flint instead of tempered steel. shallow. chipped

Sometimes there is fishing by means of a weir which has an opening in the middle. THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT—A PICTURESQUE AMERICAN MAMMAL A basket or is this trap placed opposite gap Mountain goats are found on the higher, In the group shown in the accompanying in the weir in order to catch the fish as they almost inaccessible slopes of the mountains illustration are three males and two females, come the of through aperture. Spearing of northwestern North America, but they of the northern variety, which were collected them with and fish, shooting bow arrow, and are most numerous in British Columbia. by the Marshall Field Expedition to British to attract the fish to fishing by torchlight They are remarkably sure-footed and Columbia. This exhibit is in the Hall of the are all methods known surface, among fearless in traversing high precipitous North American Mammals (Hall 16). The African varies Negroes. The method accord- slopes above timberline, ing to the tribe, the season, and the sex of where they feed on brush the In Hall Case is a angler. D, 6, model grass, lichens, moss, and of a bark canoe such as is used by fishermen stunted vegetation. of the Vachokwe tribe in eastern Angola. Despite their goat-like appearance, they are not true but are some- RUBBER TECHNIQUE DEVELOPED goats, what related in structure FOR BRAIN CASTS to the antelopes. Between Getting inside the skull of a fossil animal the males and females dead some millions of years to find out what there is no prominent kind of a brain it had is a difficult problem. difference. Although keen- Occasionally, weathering of the surface sighted and difficult to bones of a skull may expose a natural cast approach, they are some- of the brain, formed by sand or silt sifting what stupid animals. into the cranial cavity and hardening there. Living in high, nearly inac- Such casts reproduce with fidelity the shape cessible places that can be of the brain cavity as it existed in the living reached only by the most Sure-footed Climbers Rocky Mountain goata—a habitat group in Hall 16. They are not true animal. These are rare finds, however, they intrepid sportsman, goats, being somewhat related to the antelopes in structural characteristics. and often difficult of identification. Various are thus so well protected methods, therefore, of producing artificial by Nature that they are not rapidly decreas- scene represented is typical of the beautiful casts have been tried. ing in number like some other animals. Kootenay District in British Columbia. 1939 Page 8 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Augiist,

FISH SKELETONS to identify some of the bones composing it. GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS BY D. DWIGHT DAVIS The skeletons of fishes demonstrate During August conducted tours of the ASSISTANT CURATOR OF ANATOMY AND OSTEOLOGY strikingly that evolution from a "lower" exhibits, under the guidance of staff lec- not mean an Among the osteological exhibits in Hall 19 to a "higher" form does always turers, will be given on a special schedule, cod- is a screen, recently installed, on which are increase in mechanical complexity. A as follows: of fish which is relatively low in the vertebrate displayed many types skeletons, fish, Mondays: 11 a.m.. Plant Life Exhibits; has bones in its worthy of study because they reveal such scale, sixty-eight skull, 3 P.M., General Tour of Exhibition Halls. marked variations from the general form of while man, at the top of the scale, has only Tuesdays: 11 A.M., Halls of Primitive and General Tour of vertebrate skeletons. These variations are twenty-two. Mechanical perfection often Civilized Peoples; 3 p.m.. Exhibition Halls. due to the fact that swimming involves may be brought about by simplification of 11 Animal as is in the Wednesdays: A.M., Groups; mechanical principles quite different from a structure, shown frequently 3 P.M., General Tour of Exhibition Halls. those which govern walking and running. development of human inventions as well Thursdays: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.. General Useless In most fishes the whole body undergoes, as in biological development. Tours of Exhibition Halls. movements are eliminated, and more perfect while swimming, wave-like "parts" Fridays: 11 a.m.. Minerals and Prehistoric which are strongest in the tail. These re- design produces a simpler but more efficient Life; 3 p.m.. General Tour of Exhibition fishes are well Halls. quire a long, flexible backbone, and a strong, machine. Although adapted of life and their smooth immovable skull to receive the thrust from to the sort they live, There are no tours given on Saturdays or bodies are often cited the backbone. Important as accessory carefully streamlined Sundays. are the fins. The fins as examples of nature's mechanical adapt- propellors pectoral Persons wishing to participate in the tours to the arms of a human ability, many improvements and refinements correspond being, should apply at the North Entrance. The fins have been introduced in other animals that the pelvic to the legs. tours are free. Guide-lecturer's services for of the fish's system have evolved later. Adaptation respiratory special tours by parties of ten or more are conditions has resulted in a In attempts to reconstruct the long pedi- to under-water available free of charge by arrangement is also better that leads to the human body in its complex gill structure, which gree with the Director a week in advance. most understood by studying the bony framework present form, the sharks are among the of all animals. have by which it is suspended from the skull. noteworthy They Builders Ate Onions Fishes have developed an astonishing retained a remarkable number of features Pyramid number of forms. Many of them are so that were found in the early ancestors of In ancient Egypt onions and garlic were are therefore often curiously shaped that they are scarcely vertebrates. Sharks established articles of food. During the and their struc- recognizable as fishes at first glance. Among referred to as "living fossils," building of the great pyramid of Cheops, such may be mentioned the sea horses, the ture, has been studied in great detail. says Herodotus, 1,600 talents of silver were fish skeletons on exhibition were for rays, and the bat fishes. Naturally, these The spent on radishes, onions, and garlic modifications of the body have strongly prepared and mounted by Mr. Edmond N. the workmen, as may be read from inscrip- affected the skeleton, and it is often difficult Gueret, Curator of Anatomy and Osteology. tions in Egyptian characters on the pyramid itself.

GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM Columbus, Ohio—a beetle (paratype), Min- nesota; from William D. Field, Lawrence, is a list of some of the Following principal Kan.—2 butterflies (paratypes), Kansas; MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM gifts received during the last month: from W. J. Beecher, Chicago—11 small Field Museum has several classes of Members. skins and from Department of Anthropology: mammal skulls, Tennessee; Annual Members contribute $10 annually. As- John M. Schmidt, Homewood, 111.—29 sociate Members pay $100 and are exempt from From Frank Watkins, Chicago—complete from Dr. C. L. dues. Sustaining Members contribute $25 annu- of 14 rodents. South Dakota; suit of Japanese armor, composed — ally for six consecutive years, after which they Turner, Evanston, 111. 87 tadpoles, Mex- and are from separate parts; from Dr. Henry Field, become Associate Members exempt — ico; from Mrs. Robb White, 'Thomasville, all further dues. Life Members give $500 and Chicago 3 human skulls, Iraq. from dues. Non-Resident Life Mem- Ga.—a garter snake, Georgia; from Messrs. are exempt bers pay $100, and Non-Resident Associate Department of Botany: and 111.—26 Burton Kurfess, Hinsdale, Meml^rs $50; both of these classes are also From Professor L. A. Kenoyer, Kalama- reptiles and amphibians, Illinois; from exempt from dues. The Non-Resident member- zoo, Mich.—620 herbarium specimens, Mex- E. Gustav J. Falck, Chicago—39 reptiles ships are available only to persons residing fifty miles or more from Those who or from Harde Tex.—600 southeastern Chicago. give ico; LeSueur, Austin, and amphibians, Missouri; devise to the Museum $1,000 to $100,000 are herbarium specimens, Mexico; from Servicio from Dr. Henry Field, Chicago—441 speci- designated as Contributors, and those who give become Benefactors. Botinico, Caracas, Venezuela— 161 herbar- mens of snails and shells, 50 fishes, and 151 or devise $100,000 or more Other are Patron, ium Venezuela; from Professor from memberships Honorary, specimens, insects, Iraq; Chicago Zoological Corresponding and Corporate, additions under C. L. Wilson, Hanover, N.H.—255 her- Society, Brookfield, 111.—an alligator, a these dasaifications being made by special action barium specimens, Guatemala; from James snake, 2 black bear cubs, and 19 specimens of the Board of Trustees. Each in all is entitled to free Zetek, Balboa, Canal Zone—35 herbarium of birds and small mammals. Member, classes, admission to the Museum for himself, his family Delzie specimens, Panama; from Dr. Dema- and house guests, and to two reserved seats for ree, Monticello, Ark.—228 herbarium speci- Museum lectures provided for Members. Sub- NEW MEMBERS to Field Museum News is included mens, Arkansas; from Estate of Mrs. scription with all The courtesies of every — to memberships. George A. Butler, Chicago 256 bryophytes The following persons were elected museum of note in the United States and Canada and lichens, Japan, New Hampshire, and in Field Museum the are extended to all Members of Field Museum. membership during card to non- northwest United States; from Don A Member may give his personal Ignacio of which — period from June 16 to July 14: residents of Chicago, upon presentation J. Aguilar G., Guatemala City, Guatemala they will be admitted to the Museum without Associate Members 355 herbarium specimens. charge. Further information about member- Mrs. A. M. Barrett, Mrs. Hugo Dalmar, ships will be sent on request. Department of Geolofiy : David W. Davidson, H. S. Demaree, AND ENDOWMENTS From Howell Taylor, Lebanon, Syria— BEQUESTS Gaylord Donnelley. to Field Museum of Natural History 5 minerals and 3 invertebrate Bequests fossils, Syria; Annual Members may be made in securities, money, books or from John R. Winterbotham, Chicago— collections. They may, if desired, take the form Paul H. Bonfield, David Borowitz, Mrs. a specimen of fossil fish and one of silicified of a memorial to a person or cause, named by the Robert H. Cabell, Mrs. Joseph J. Cavanagh, wood, Wyoming and Connecticut; from giver. J. A. Cobbey, Archie T. Coburn, Ralph W. Contributions made within the taxable year riot D. P. Swett, Mina, Nev.—a specimen of 15 cent of the net m- Condee, Dr. John F. Delph, Joseph Foard exceeding per taxpayer's gold, silver, lead, and zinc ore, Nevada. come are allowable as deductions in computing Gettrust, Mrs. G. S. Grochowski, Albert G. net income for federal income tax purposes. Department of Zoology: Joseph, Dr. Jarold Kemp, Karl E. Lofquist, Endowments may be made to the Museum From E. N. Gueret, Chicago—4 mammal Bruce Parsons, John H. Porter, Theodore with the provision that an annuity be paid to life. These annuities are New from John G. Shedd Harold A. Barnard the patron for guaran- skeletons, York; W. Robinson, Jr., Smith, teed against fluctuation in amount, and may Aquarium, Chicago—61 fish specimens, S. Solar, Mrs. Samuel A. Stein, Mrs. Hannah reduce federal income taxes. Hawaii and Samoa; from H. H. Dodge, Sternath, Thomas J. Thomas, John O. Todd. PRINTED BV FIILD MUSEUM PRESS FieldeMil News Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 10 SEPTEMBER, 1939 No. 9

RHEA, LARGEST BIRD OF WESTERN HEMISPHERE, DISPLAYED IN ITS HABITAT By emmet R. BLAKE collections at the Fazenda Capao Bonita, a sweltering journey. Insofar as my travel ASSISTANT CURATOR OF BIRDS company ranch more than a thousand miles experience goes, the only square railway most characteristic of all the Largest and west of Rio de Janeiro. It was a happy wheel in regular use was the one which birds which inhabit the vast of pampas choice, for nowhere in Matto Grosso are supported the car beneath my bunk; a southern Brazil is the and Argentina rhea, rheas more numerous than in this attrac- novelty which not only thwarted sleep, but or so-called American ostrich. True South tive country which is known locally as also added zest to the orderly consumption ostriches have never existed in the western the "Beautiful Copse." of soup. this hemisphere, being represented there by Most of my journey into the interior Campo Grande, sprawling capital of smaller but somewhat similar bird, flightless was made by rail from Sao Paulo, a large Matto Grosso, was reached three days which exceeds in size all other birds of and prosperous city sometimes called the after entraining at Sao Paulo. Several days or America. either North South Chicago of South America because of its were occupied there with the reorganization An opportunity to collect rheas and suit- extensive meat packing industry and varied of expedition equipment for the final stage able accessories for a of the trip. As a mili- habitat group was tary outpost, a market, presented in 1937 by and the capital of an the Stanley Field immense cattle king- Zoological Expedition dom, Campo Grande to British Guiana and is of considerable im- Brazil, under the portance and interest. leadership of the Traditions and cus- writer. After com- .^j)^ toms of the unfenced, pleting work in lawless range linger Guiana, I sailed direct even though modern to Trinidad, British progress is now in full West Indies. There swing. Swarthy, be- I obtained additional spurred campanheiros, supplies and equip- hard-bitten and fresh ment deposited in ad- from the ranches, vance for my use in supplied the expected Brazil, and proceeded frontier atmosphere, by steamer to Rio de and each evening the Janeiro, whence I populace turned out went inland. en masse to promenade Rheas an the in occupy Latest Addition to Hall of Birds village square extensive range in The rhea, sometimes (but improperly) called "the South American ostrich/ as shown in habitat exhibit approved Latin- installed in Hall 20. Either male or female attends the nest on the but only one bird remains on central and southern recently ground, American style. In- watch at a time. Observe the two young rheas just hatching from eggs. As many as 60 eggs occur in one nest. South America. The congruous, however, two species and six varieties known are manufactures. Leaving Sao Paulo and the were the blaring radios, the honking trucks, distributed over most of the grasslands south rugged hills of the coastal range behind, the and flaming posters extravagantly proclaim- of the Amazon River, being restricted train bears westward through a picturesque ing the cuteness of Shirley Temple! primarily by forests. They are particularly undulating country covered with coffee A truck ride of about seventy-five miles abundant on the campo of Matto Grosso plantations. The berry-laden trees extend over the plains south of Campo Grande in southwestern Brazil, a region bearing a in orderly rows mile on mile as far as the brought me to the Fazenda Capao Bonita, striking resemblance to portions of our eye can reach, with only an occasional objective of the expedition. There I was middle-west, and like them devoted pri- hacienda and drying compound to relieve greeted by Senhor Carlos Buytendorp, the marily to cattle raising. The rolling plains, the monotony. genial and efficient manager, whose interest studded with col- island-like woodlands, appear An antiquated narrow-gauge railway, and enthusiastic participation in my limitless and extend southward their many having its terminus on the Bolivian frontier, lecting activities assured success. hundreds of miles. in conveys one across the far-flung reaches of Headquarters were established Senhor The preparation of specimens and field Matto Grosso. For the most part the right Buytendorp's home where every facility was for comfort and studies for a major natural habitat group of way passes through a drab and desolate thoughtfully provided my is tedious and complicated at best, but country, sun-baked and sparsely wooded. convenience. work on the rhea was greatly facilitated The crude conveniences aboard the train Capao Bonita occupies a grassy plateau by officials of the Brazil Land, Cattle and afforded variety, but scarcely lessened the drained by the headwaters of the Vaccaria Packing Company. Through the courtesy tedium of the trip. Bunks were built River, a tributary of the Rio Parana. of Messrs. W. Andrews and J. D. Fleming, solidly into the cars, and one was reduced Although several hundred square miles are I was permitted to make the necessary to lounging in them for the duration of the included in the ranch, I was surprised to Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS September, 1939

find that it is considered only moderately upon the ground on the open campo. As FOSSIL BISON AGAIN EXHIBITED as Brazilian ranches go. Today as sixty have been recorded in large many eggs A skeleton of a large male bison of the much of the cattle in Matto Grosso a single nest, but the usual number is range twenty extinct species Bison antiguus from the is enclosed in fences, but these scarcely mar or Males as well as females take thirty. asphaltum pools of Los Angeles, California, in a where a in the but one bird the landscape country single part incubation, only has been returned to exhibition in Ernest be ten miles wide. attends the nest at a time. When not on pasture may R. Graham Hall (Hall 38). This specimen, are sentiment duty, the others range widely while feeding Rheas protected by popular and three others, were exhibited in the open in Matto Grosso and to be on herbs and berries, or occasional reptiles, proved very some years ago, but suffered so much from at Bonita. None were but carefully avoid the nesting site. abundant Capao Young thoughtless handling by the public that they birds the flock soon after nesting when I arrived early in September, join hatching. had to be removed. The bison skeleton is small flocks could be observed The birds collected the but each day by expedition now protected in an individual case. across the in search of edible are now exhibited in a natural habitat stalking campo Bison aniiquus is an extinct species which herbs and berries. The flocks generally group in Hall 20. They were mounted by was common in the western United States a male and several some- Staff Taxidermist John W. and the included females, Moyer, during the Glacial Period. Fossils of it are times a few of was Staff Artist accompanied by juveniles background painted by found most abundantly in the tar pools of Arthur G. Rueckert. the previous year. Rancho La Brea near Los Angeles. There, first weeks of visit were The my spent crude asphaltum, seeping up through the collections and in making general zoological rocks of Miocene age, accumulated in pools of the numerous CULTIVATED BLUEBERRIES preserving some flowering at the surface. This formed a death trap, By PAUL C. ST.\NDLEY plants for use in the rhea exhibit . September CURATOR OF THE HERBARIUM concealed by surface water during the rainy below the is and at equator early spring season, or by blown sand and dust during Luscious blueberries from wild bushes that season the campo becomes a veritable the dry season. Bison and other animals With so much material have long been a favorite fruit in the garden. interesting entering these pools, either in quest of water one's chief is in United States. They are almost exclusively available, difficulty deciding — or unwarily for other causes, were caught in what to eliminate rather than what to American the European blueberries, if the mass of tarry asphaltum, and perished collect. Several hundred miles were covered such the European species of Vaceinium there. Later, their bones became saturated truck and horseback in the may be called, have quite different and by studying with the asphaltum and so were preserved. rheas and their most characteristic habitat generally inferior fruits. It is only in very As the gas from the asphaltum evaporated recent years that cultivated blueberries have for reproduction in Field Museum. and the latter became solid and covered over reached the Chicago market, and in 1939 RUNNING BIRDS LASSOED with earth, large masses of bones were have been far more plentiful than ever they 100 of extinct of was the preserved. Nearly species Most strenuous all, however, before. The cultivated plants are mostly animals and birds of all sizes and habits have actual collecting of the adult rheas. Al- descendants of strains established by Miss — tame when been found in these old tar pools. E. S. R. though flightless, and fairly Elizabeth White, of New Jersey, through unmolested, they are amazingly fleet of selection of wild bushes with exceptionally foot Several methods were when pursued. large berries. Tree Snails from Florida but use of a automobile tried, the light the of the writer and Assistant At end July Field Museum has just received, as a gift truck proved most effective. On several Curator Julian A. Steyermark visited the from Mr. G. J. Kessen, of Sanibel Island, occasions the racing birds were clocked at region of South Haven, Michigan, an im- Florida, several specimens of the beautiful better than miles an hour. Rheas forty center of culture. The portant blueberry Sandy Key tree snails. Originally Sanibel are no respecters of trails or motor trucks, handsome cellophane-covered boxes of care- Island had no tree snails. The stock from and when pursued they always seek the fully graded Michigan fruit, twice as large which these snails descended was collected roughest terrain. Only the steady nerves as that of wild plants, have formed a tempt- on Sandy Key on the east coast of Florida and practiced hand of Don Carlos, who ing display this summer in most of the by Mr. Kessen and transferred to Sanibel favors the brakeless car, avoided disaster Chicago food shops. Island on the west coast in 1921. Since then on the mad dashes across miles of prairie The field visited consisted of seventy-two the original Sandy Key snails have been pitted with armadillo holes and studded acres, and there are many other large destroyed, probably by the 1929 hurricane. with countless termite nests. A native plantings in the vicinity of South Haven. Firmly established on Sanibel Island, it cowboy accompanying us rode the radiator The bushes, all of the "high bush" (yac- is pleasant to contemplate that such an and lassoed several of the birds, but I relied cinium corymbosum) type, are four to five interesting form of life has been preserved on my shotgun. feet high, planted in hilled rows in sand from extinction and may ultimately be again Bird-life on the campo is surprisingly that often is covered with water. The transplanted to its original home.—L.L.W. varied and abundant. less spec- Scarcely abundance of fruit was astonishing to one tacular than the rhea is the a cariama, familiar with wild bushes. The branches long-legged bird which bears a superficial were loaded with large, dense masses of resemblance to the secretary-bird of Africa. LEAFLET ON blue fruits suggesting bunches of grapes. Of great interest anatomically, cariamas AUTUMN FLOWERS Many native American fruits long ago are the nearest living relatives of the pre- became economically important, among With the arrival of September, historic Phororhacos, an enormous bird for flower enthusiasts them strawberries, some of the cultivated timely reading which lived in the same region more than is offered in the Field Leaflet plums, raspberries, dewberries, and all the Museum 8,000,000 years ago. Tinamous, burrowing Flowers and Fruits. This little grapes grown in the eastern states. It was Autumn owls, caracaras and many lesser birds con- with of scarcely to be expected that at this late book, thirty pages text, tribute to the ornithological interest of the date another native fruit would become illustrated with a color plate, two grasslands. and commercially important, but the blueberry collotype plates, twenty-eight MANT IN is J. Francis EGGS NESTS already has established itself. It is note- half-tones, by Macbride, Associate Curator of the The first rhea nest, containing thirty worthy that Michigan berries are being Museum Herbarium. At the Shop of spotless white eggs, was found and collected shipped to the Atlantic coast, where they Book Field —25 cents. early in October. Each flock prepares and originated, because they are in season after Museum deposits its eggs in a single crude nest built the eastern crop has been exhausted. September, 19S9 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Pages

EXPEDITION FINDS NEW RUINS ON AN OLD SPANISH TRAIL been placed in them for support of the roof. By PAUL s. MARTIN It is believed that this large pit structure ologist is the presence of small pieces of CHIEF CURATOR, DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY was used only for ceremonies because it is 1^,^^^^^^^ p^^^^^.^ [yj^^g scattered OH the larger than most pit houses, and too large About four hundred years ago the Spanish ground. These pottery fragments, about the for one family. Furthermore, there were explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, size of a man's thumbnail, are brown and very few ashes in the firepit—a fact which journeyed through the Mogollon and San look exactly like the natural gravelly pebbles bespeaks few fires and therefore little Francisco mountains in western New Mexico of the terrain. It took more than a week for cooking. Also no tools or household objects, such as on his famous march to find the fabulous the writer and his assistants, Messrs. Joe cooking and water-storage vessels, were "Seven Cities of Cibola" whose streets were Weckler and Hugh Pigg, to locate these anywhere in evidence. supposed to have been exclusively occupied particular ruins, and even the local pot LITTLE-KNOWN CULTURE by gold and silversmiths. Coronado failed hunters were surprised for they did not The which is now to find the treasures for which he had know of the existence of this very ancient Mogollon culture, being investigated by the Field Museum expedi- traveled so far; but he unwittingly passed and primitive village. But the Museum tion, is one of the three main archaeological within a few hundred feet of some ancient party knew, from archaeological experience, divisions of the Southwestern area, the Indian villages which had been lying silent that where there are pottery fragments. other two being the Pueblo and the Hoho- kam. Nothing is known about the earliest phases of this Mogollon culture, and it is because of this great archaeological gap that the Museum undertook this necessary research. Thus far the expedition personnel have found several very precious clues concerning the age and development of the Mogollon culture. However, as the facts thus far accumulated have not yet been digested, it is too early to make any positive statements.

MESSRS. TRAYLOR AND ANDREWS TO COLLECT IN MEXICO

Resuming the zoological collecting under- taken for Field Museum in 1938, Mr. Melvin Traylor, Jr., of Chicago, and Mr. Wyllys Andrews, of Washington, D.C., returned to Mexico early in August for five months of field work on the Yucatan Peninsula. Mr. Traylor is concerned pri- marily with the collecting of birds and small mammals, while Mr. Andrews will divide his time between reptile collecting and archaeological research. After several weeks of preparation in Mexico City, Messrs. Traylor and Andrews plan to fly to Chichen Itza, Yucatan, the Ancient Pit-House scene of last year's activities and the locale One of the sites of ancient Indian habitation being excavated in the Mogollon Mountains of New Mexico by of important archaeological discoveries by the Field Museum Archaeological Expedition to the Southwest. This structure, 34 feet in diameter, is the largest of its type known in this area. Features are a tunneled entry, and a fire pit. While the date of the pit-house has the Carnegie Institute. Later the party not yet been determined, Dr. Paul S. Martin, leader of the believes it was built to a.d. 750. expedition, prior will proceed overland into the interior of Campeche where a general collection of and deserted even then for more than seven there are almost sure to be houses, even vertebrates will be made. hundred These are now cannot be seen. years. villages though they Although Field Museum possesses exten- the Field Museum Ar- A few the correctness being explored by days' digging proved sive zoological collections from various parts to the of this for soon the walls and chaeological Expedition Southwest, hypothesis, of Central America, Mexico itself is rela- under the direction of the writer. floor of a were discovered. A large pit-house tively poorly represented. It is expected is what the term —a MEAGER TRACES OF SITE pit-house just implies that the field work now under way will go in the and used as a pit dug ground dwelling far towards filling important gaps in the Even if Coronado and his men had or as a place for celebrating ceremonies. Museum's research collections. marched directly over the spot where these When this pit-house was completely dug early villages lie buried, it is doubtful out—an arduous task which required about whether he or any of his men would have Change in Visiting Hours ten days' work because the clay fill was known it. The reason for this is that only Begins September 5 extremely tough—it was found to be thirty- the most minute traces of human occupation four feet in diameter, one of the largest Field Museum visiting hours, which have remain. There are no ruined walls to see ever excavated in this region. The features been 9 a.m. to 6 P.M. daily during the because the Indians of did not build long ago within this structure are few—a firepit, summer months, will change to the autumn houses above are — — ground. There no large three pits apparently used for storage, a schedule 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, mounds of accumulated rubbish, ashes, and short tunnel which served as an entryway, September 5, the day after Labor Day. broken dishes because these villages were and five troughed depressions near the walls. These hours will continue until October 31. lived in for only a short time and then The purpose of these depressions is un- On November 1 the winter hours, 9 A.M. abandoned. The only clue for the archae- known, but it is thought that logs may have to 4 P.M., will go into effect. Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS September, 19S9

FIELD MUSEUM OBTAINS FIRST IRON METEORITE EVER REPORTED FROM STATE OF IOWA By SHARAT K. ROY integrate very rapidly. The source of certain octahedral figures, called Widman- CURATOR OF GEOLOGY chlorine is the mineral lawrencite, a com- statten figures, after their discoverer. These A new siderite, or iron meteorite, to be pound of iron and chlorine which is present are made up of thin plates or lamellae called the Mapleton meteorite, was in small quantities in many iron meteorites. parallel to the faces of an octahedron, such the Museum from recently purchased by Apparently the meteorite does not repre- as might be formed by putting two Egyptian Iowa. Mr. Harvey Meevers, of Mapleton, sent the original mass. It appears to have pyramids base to base. The lamellae are is first iron meteorite to be This the reported been broken, but the disruption must have composed of two different nickel-iron alloys, from that state. taken place at a considerable altitude while named respectively kamacite and taenite. Previous to the discovery of this iron, it still had high velocity. This is evidenced Angular interstices called fields, between four other meteorites were known from by the presence of elongated furrow-like intersecting lamellae, may be filled with a Iowa, three of which were aerolites or stone depressions or pittings on the broken side third kind of nickel-iron alloy known as meteorites, and one a meso-siderite (or which could not have been formed under plessite. Meteorites made up of nickel-iron variety of iron-stone meteorite). reduced velocity. In its present state, the which exhibit these three alloys are known meteorite, which prob- as octahedral meteorites or simply octa- ably does not represent hedrites. The octahedrites are subdivided much more than one-half into three main groups, fine—medium, or of the original mass, coarse—depending on the thickness of the weighs 49 kilograms (108 lamellae, which vary from a fraction of one pounds). Its greatest to several millimeters. The Mapleton length, breadth, and meteorite contains all three alloys mentioned height are 1734 inches, above and exhibits medium-sized lamellae. 9% inches, and 6 J^ inches It is, therefore, a medium octahedrite. respectively. The The information given here is the result general shape, as pre- of preliminary examination only. served, is difficult to de- for it does not scribe, CHINESE MONEY BELTS conform to any of the characteristic forms of A collection of Chinese money belts, meteorites. Roughly, it beautifully embroidered with glass beads of has a sub-semicircular various colors in intricate designs, mounted outline and may be said on leather, is on exhibition in Hall 32 (Case to have the appearance No. 30). The beads are of cut glass, and of a low conoid cut verti- each is sewed on separately. The belts thus cally near the center. exemplify not only fine artistry, but the One side of it is plano- exercise of extreme patience in delicate convex, the other a very hand work. The designs are all characteris- low truncated cone with tically Chinese, consisting of flowers, birds, the apex slightly away dear, bats, goldfish, carp, and butterflies. from the center. In a few there are human figures. The a bird of omen to the The point of this re- magpie, lucky Chinese, Ornamental forms of duced cone is not present appears frequently. and presumably was the character "shou," Chinese symbol of The Mapleton (Iowa) Meteorite are broken off longevity, conspicuous, indicating the Mr. Sharat K. Roy, Curator of Geology, inspecting recent addition to Field during disrup- Museum's universal desire the Chinese to attain meteorite collection (which in number of falls represented is the world's tion of the mass, for it among moat This celestial comprehensive). visitor, despite its comparatively small mass, long life. weighs 108 pounds, due to its composition of iron (stone meteorites are much does not show the usual bulkier in proportion to weight). Inset shows an section of a The belts are with silver buckles enlarged fragment, smooth surface, but is provided etched with acid in the laboratory to bring out Widmanstatten figures proving it is of — which have embossed of lions and extra-terrestrial origin the earth's iron does not react the same way. pitted. The slopes of the figures cone are unequal and dragons, and sometimes a gold-plated cen- tral the of the The meteorite just acquired was acci- considerably damaged and deformed. The panel. On inside belts are found their reason for — for the safe dentally by Mr. Meevers on June 17, pittings of the plano-convex side, some of being pockets of Most of the 1939, in his cornfield. It was said to have which are merged into one another, are carrying money. specimens been his were made the last hundred struck by cultivator. The location larger and more circular, but shallower than during years, of the is and come from the south of China. find in Cooper Township, Monona those of the opposite side. This is to be The collection contains also orna- County, Iowa, on the east side of a rather expected, for the plano-convex side is the spectacle cases, steep hill, a little less than four miles east- rear of the meteorite and was thus less ments for beds, and slippers, all of which northeast of Mapleton. exposed to heat and friction of the atmos- are ornamented with the same type of bead The conical side or the front of work. This material was acquired by the The date and time of the fall of the mete- phere. the mass has more or Museum in a gift from the late Mrs. George orite are not known. However, it is well to many elongated pittings, less on the and T. Smith, of Chicago. point out here that the meteorite, although radially arranged slopes of the it has suffered oxidation which has consider- edges cone, evidence of the passing of air currents from the of the cone ably altered and destroyed the fusion crust, apex A single crystal of beryl which weighs a its the is remarkably well preserved, and because during passage through atmosphere. thousand pounds is displayed in Stanley of this excellent state of preservation it STRUCTURE IS STUDIED Field Hall (Case 18). may be assumed that the fall took place in The structure of the meteorite was recent decades. Ordinarily, iron meteorites, brought to view by etching the polished Diamonds, specimens of the rocks in particularly those rich in chlorine, when surface of a small fragment of the mass. In which they are found, and minerals associ- to exposed the atmosphere, oxidize and dis- most iron meteorites etching brings out ated with them, form an exhibit in Hall 36. September, 19S9 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 5

MEDICINE MEN OF THE INDIANS lie beds of dark brown peat and partially SILENT TRADE PRESCRIBED WITCH HAZEL decomposed vegetation which grows in the By WILFRID D. HAMBLY CURATOR OF AFRICAN ETHNOLOGY lake. The light-colored bed near the center Witch hazel extract, long accepted in of the model is "marl," a substance medical and domestic practice as a reputable limy In these days of keen competition, in formed the of carbonate of sedative for the relief of pain and inflamma- by deposition which bargaining may sometimes be none lime from solution in the water around the tion, and as a mild antiseptic, had its origin too scrupulous, it is interesting to look back stems of certain the life of as a remedy in the magic of the medicine algae, processes to the period some 2,500 years ago when which bring about this deposition. Beds men of North American Indians, according the "silent trade" took place on the north- of shell marl—limy deposits formed from to Dr. Julian A. Steyermark, Assistant west coast of Africa, as described by the the accumulations of shells on the bottom Curator of the Herbarium at Field Museum. Greek historian Herodotus. of such lakes—do not appear in this model, In the Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29) is a Merchants from the ancient Phoenician as the conditions in the lake represented do branch of the witch hazel shrub in full city of Carthage, on the north African coast, sailed the Strait of Gibral- flower and leaf, reproduced from nature, regularly through and a model of a flower of the plant enlarged tar, then known as the Pillars of Hercules. to illustrate its characteristics. Also shewn They unloaded their wares, and having dis- in fashion are specimens of its bark and leaves, and posed them an orderly along the to of allied plants. beach, returned their ships where they raised a dense smoke as a to tribes The Indians were the first to use the bark signal ashore. The natives of that of the Afri- and leaves of the witch hazel plant to part can coast to the and dis- alleviate pain, under the direction of their responded signal, to laid a tribal medicine men who accompanied treat- daining any temptation dishonesty, of near the The na- ment with magical incantations, Dr. Steyer- quantity gold goods. tives withdrew to a safe distance. mark says. The white invaders of the thereupon Then the would come American continent learned of their efficacy Carthaginians and the If it was from the Indians, and today millions of ashore, appraise gold. not a satisfactory payment, they would households always have on hand a bottle Model of Peat Boe return to their ships. The natives would of extract obtained from the bark and Down to the line representing the surface of the leaves modern manu- lake water it shows the scene a traveler would see: then advance again, and if they thought by pharmaceutical below this line it in the represents, cross-section, the were worth more would add facturing methods. underwater conditions which cause formation of peat. goods they a small quantity of gold dust to the pile The name "witch hazel" has its origin not favor the formation of such deposits. already offered. in superstition. The shrub has unusual In some lakes marl deposits are often Again the Carthaginians would land, and living habits, as it blooms in the autumn, entirely absent. if the amount of gold was satisfactory, they often after frosts have come, and ripens The vegetation from which the peat is would take it away. The natives would its fruit in the spring. This phenomenon, derived grows in the lake in well-defined then advance and collect the merchandise. contrary to the behavior of most plants, zones. The more important of these zones Herodotus "Neither deals un- gave rise to an idea that the plant was says: party are: (1) a zone of algae; (2) a zone of floating the other; for the supernatural, and caused it to be invested, fairly by Carthaginians weeds, such as bladderwort; (3) a zone of never touch the gold till it comes to the in the minds of the superstitious, with many up floating bog which is a mat of sedges and worth of their nor do the natives ever peculiar powers—hence the name, "witch goods, rushes with clear water below; (4) a zone off the until the is taken hazel," a plant regarded as capable of the carry goods gold of grasses, sedges, and shrubs the sorceries of a witch. There are several occupying away." inner part of the filled-in edge of the lake; species of witch hazel trees and shrubs, (5) a zone of tamaracks and spruces. At each with a number of varieties, growing THE HEIGHT OF PRECAUTION— the of the area is a the northern zones edge swamp depression throughout temperate —is one animal al- which is wetter than the tamarack and most exemplified by which of the Old and World. New enters its home backwards. This of the sedge zones. The depression marks ways which fears to take its the original shore line of the lake and is suspicious creature, from the direction of called a "fosse." The chief sources of peat eyes possible approach of enemies as it into its is THINGS YOU MA Y HA VE MISSED in these local lakes and bogs are sedges and goes burrow, the African of which a is rushes. In many parts of the world peat is warthog, group on exhibition in Carl E. Memorial formed largely from the swamp moss Akeley Formation of Peat known as sphagnum. Hall (Hall 22). The specimens were col- Shown in Model lected in Somaliland. A model representing a small lake of The warthog is about as far removed from Source of glacial origin which is filled with peat Digitalis beauty as a creature can be. One writer formed from the swamps and pond vegeta- The foxglove, a member of the figwort has described it as "more like the incarnation tion growing in it is on exhibition in Hall 36 family, is a biennial plant which during its of some hideous dream than any other in the Department of Geology. Such lakes, first year produces a rosette of leaves at extant animal." It is a cousin of the in all stages of filling, and the marshes and the ground, and in its second season develops domestic pig, and gets its name from warty even fairly dry meadows which indicate a stem two to four feet high with large protuberances on its face. These are especi- their former sites, are numerous in the Chi- leaves and conspicuous purple bell-shaped ally marked in the male. Both sexes have cago region and also in the lake country flowers. The leaves are used in preparing tusks, those of the male being larger. of northwestern Illinois, Michigan, Wis- digitalis, a drug used as a cardiac tonic in Zoologists state that warthogs are not consin, and Minnesota. some forms of heart disease. A native of ferocious unless wounded or hard pressed, The original lake bottom composed of northern Europe, the plant is widely cul- when they may slash viciously with their stony glacial clay, or "till," may be seen tivated. It is found in old-fashioned gardens tusks. The neck of a warthog is so short in the model. The till is covered with a in the United States and has become natural- that the animal cannot turn its head very thick bed of other clay deposited from the ized in certain sections of this country. A far, and when it wants to look back quickly muddy water of the lake. Above this clay specimen is exhibited in Hall 29. it raises its snout straight up in the air. Page 6 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS September, 19S9

Field Museum of Natural History study of specimens but the study of printed gamic herbarium; Mr. Theodore Sizer, Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 records as well, are necessary in the produc- Associate Director, Gallery of Fine Arts, Roosevelt Road and Field Drive, Chicago tion of a very few Museum labels. That is Yale University; Professor C. N. Gould, of THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES necessary because Field Museum labels Santa Fe, New Mexico, head of the South- Lester Armour Samuel Insull, Jr. must carry correct information—it would west Division of the United States National Sbwell U Avery Charles A. McCulloch — William McCormick Blair William H. Mitchell be highly improper for a leading educational Park Service; Mrs. V. Goschen de Watte- Leopold E. Block George A. Richardson institution to disseminate information which ville, of Berne, Switzerland, who with her Walter J. Cummings Theodore Roosevelt Albert B. Dick, Jr. James Simpson was not accurate in every detail so far as it father conducted an expedition to Central Joseph N. Field Solomon A. Smith Marshall Field Albert A. Spragub is possible to determine. Africa which resulted in extremely important H. Strawn Stanley Field Silas It should be emphasized that Field Mu- zoological collections for the Natural History Albert W. Harris Albert H. Wetten John P. Wilson seum Library is available not only to the Museum of Berne; Miss Martha Van Bom- OFFICERS advanced scientist. It is, in fact, consulted berghen of Brussels, member of the Conseil Stanley Field President from time to time by people from all walks de Direction of the Institut Beige des Albert A. Spragub First Vice-President James Simpson Second Vice-President of life, by those engaged in many businesses, Hautes Etudes Chinoises, Secretary of the Albert W. Harris Third Vice-President or A woman come Societe d'Etudes and Clifford C. Gregg Director and Secretary trades, professions. may Beige Orientales, Solomon A. Smith. . .Treasurer and Assistant Secretary to Field Museum for information to include Editor of Melanges Chinoises et Bouddiques; in a talk she to at the next Dr. E. J. well-known anthro- FIELD MUSEUM NEWS expects give Lindgren, Tuesday afternoon session of her neighbor- pologist of Cambridge University, and Clifford C. Gregg, Director of the Museum .... Editor CONTRIBUTING EDITORS hood club. A child comes to the Library Honorary Editor of Man. in his Paul S. Martin Chief Curator of Anthropology asking about a bird he saw back yard, B. E. Dahlgren Chief Curator of Botany or a caterpillar taken from a plant in his Henry W. NiCHOia Chiejf Curator of Geology mother's A man his Staff Notes Wilfred H. Osgood Chief Curator of Zoology garden. planning H. B. Harte Managing Editor vacation comes to Field Museum Library Dr. Henry Field, Curator of Physical to ask about the geological formations of Anthropology, is spending several weeks at Members are requested to Inform the Museum the he to visit. A Harvard where he is in promptly of changes of address. countryside expects high University engaged school student wants special information to special research in connection with data improve the term paper he is preparing. required for a forthcoming publication on PROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK— To all of these people, and to all others the physical anthropology of Iraq. One of who want the information which anthro- his consultants is Dr. Ernest Hooton. The Museum Library pologists and natural scientists have re- corded in books and Field Mu- Even to the most regular of our Field pamphlets, Mr. Sharat K. Roy, Curator of Geology, seum Library extends its welcome. Museum visitors one of the greatest educa- gave a radio lecture on Meteorites over —Clifford C. Gregg, Director tional facilities of the Museum is practically Station WCFL on August 18. unknown. The vast collections on display Four New Trustees Elected are familiar to all visitors who care to come Staff Taxidermist C. J. Albrecht At a recent of the Board of recently and see. Many of them appreciate that the meeting has lectured on Field Museum expeditions collections not on exhibition must be Trustees of Field Museum, four prominent study before audiences at the of civic leaders were elected to mem- University even greater in extent than those selected for Chicago Minnesota, and three state teachers' col- do not that bership on the Board. They are: Mr. Lester display. Many know, however, on several radio Mr. William leges. He has also spoken Field Museum has among its assets an Armour, McCormick Blair, broadcasts devoted to Museum topics. J. Mr. Albert excellent collection of literature covering Mr. Walter Cummings, and H. Wetten. fill vacancies caused anthropology and natural history, which They by deaths and which have occurred makes possible the careful study of speci- resignations a of more than two A FEW FACTS ABOUT FIELD MUSEUM mens, and which is available not only to the during period years past, Field is of the and the Museum now has for the first time Museum open every day year institution's own staff but to any serious (except Christinas and New Year's Day) during in months a full of the hours indicated below; minded person. many membership twenty- one Trustees, which is the maximum number November, December, A librarian could tell you that Chicago January, February 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. contains many splendid collections of books provided by the By-laws of the institution. March, April, and September, October 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. in There are P.M. highly specialized groupings. May, June, July, August. . . .9 A.M. to 6 law libraries, medical libraries, libraries con- Distinguished Visitors Admission is free to Members on all days. Other adults are admitted free on Thursdays, cerned with with with visitors only architecture, art, Among distinguished recently Saturdays, and Sundays; non-members pay 25 on Children are admitted free music, with science. One of these libraries, received at Field Museum are: Mrs. Oscar cents other days. on all days. Students and faculty members of outstanding in its field, is housed at the Straus, of New York, who sponsored the educational institutions are admitted free any day upon presentation of credentials. Museum. Perhaps it might be more accur- Straus West African Expedition of Field The Museum's Library is open for reference ate to state that four of these libraries are at Museum in 1934, which resulted in large and daily except Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Field Museum, for there are comprehensive important collections for the Department of Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of Chicago by the N. W. Harris Public School libraries on anthropology, botany, geology, Zoology, including outstanding material Extension Department of the Museum. and zoology. Each year almost 3,000 vol- used in the preparation of several beautiful Lectures at schools, and special entertain- ments and tours for children at the Museum, are umes are added to the shelves of the Library habitat groups in the Hall of Birds; Miss provided by the James Nelson and Anna Louise Foundation for Public School and —volumes from all of the world Florence who accom- Raymond coming parts Guggenheim Straus, Children's Lectures. where scientific research on lines within the panied Mrs. Straus; Mr. Stewart Springer, Free courses of lectures for adults are presented in the James Theatre on Saturday after- scope of Field Museum is carried on. of the Bass Laboratories, Engle- Simpson Any Biological noons (at 2:30 o'clock) in March, April, October, library, to be of most value, must be kept wood, Florida, who has frequently made the and November. A Cafeteria serves visitors. Rooms are avail- to date. Research in natural facilities of his available to up history may organization able also for those bringing their lunches. be greatly aided by the study of books a Field Museum collectors; Dr. Ruth Patrick, Chicago Motor Coach Company No. 26 busses provide direct transportation to the Museum. Ser- century old, but conclusions can properly of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila- Tran- vice is offered also l>y Surface Lines, Rapid be reached only with a study of the latest delphia, and Professor Charles Hodge, of sit Lines (the "L"), mterurban electric lines, and Illinois Central trains. There is ample free park- findings by contemporary scientists. Often Temple University, both of whom have been ing space for automobiles at the Museum. days of research, including not only the making studies in Field Museum's crypto- September, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 7

ZOOLOGIST EDMUND HELLER quantity of mucilage and starch. In some A PROJECT TO IMPROVE DIES ON WEST COAST parts of Europe it is prepared by pounding, BIRD COLLECTIONS washing, and then mixing it with meal to of Mr. Edmund Heller, formerly a member The magnificent systematic series make bread in time of With the of Field Museum's staff and active in the scarcity. mounted North American birds exhibited introduction of corn and potatoes, however, in Hall 21 is still further conduct of various zoological expeditions being amplified this practice is becoming discarded. the inclusion of for this institution, died in San Francisco and improved by freshly collected and natural habitat acces- July 18, at the age of 64. Mr. Heller had a nesting sories which more lifelike results. long and distinguished career as a naturalist PLANTS FROM ANCIENT SEEDS give and traveler. When quite a young man, he IN FULL FLOWER Numbering more than a thousand speci- was employed by the Museum as zoological mens arranged systematically to reveal In the May, 1938, issue of Field Museum collector and was in the field continuously family relationships, the exhibit includes News there appeared an account of the from 1901 to 1905, working in the western most of the species and better known germination, in the Department of Botany United States and Mexico. In the fall of geographical races of birds occurring north at Field Museum, of some seeds of pink lotus 1905 he went with Carl Akeley to British of Mexico. Discarding, as unimaginative of the Orient (Nelumbium Nelumbo) esti- East Africa (now Kenya Colony) and made and obsolete, the well-known "T" type mated to be 300 to 500 years old. Within a an collection of the small mam- of perch often used museums, important few weeks one of these ancient seeds devel- by every mals of the region, including the types of specimen is mounted upon a branch, rock, oped a shoot seven and a half inches in many new species and a number of rare tussock, or other natural element sugges- length, at which time it was transferred to animals not previously represented in Ameri- tive of the birds' environment. the Garfield Park Conservatory for growing. can museums. There, in the care of Mr. August Koch, The additions now being made carry the In 1909 he was selected as one of the Chief Horticulturist of the Conservatory, the illusion still further and when complete will to former President include actual nests and of com- naturalists accompany lotus plant continued to grow and last year eggs many on his Planned as a Theodore Roosevelt famous expedition within a few months of its germination it mon species. long-time pro- to Africa for the Smithsonian Institution. which continue several produced a number of small floating leaves. ject may seasons, successful the actual of On this trip he was conspicuously After passing the winter in storage its collecting specimens and is under in a series of week- and, on returning, devoted considerable growth was resumed in the spring of this accessories way to the of his which end field Mr. Frank H. Pre- time preparation share, year. Floating leaves were again produced. trips by Letl, was a large one, of the great two-volume Then there appeared the erect leaves charac- parator of Accessories, and Mr. Emmet R. Histories Ani- Assistant Curator of Birds. work. Life of African Game teristic of the lotus, and, in the middle of Blake, Roosevelt and Heller. This was mals, by summer, several of the large pink flowers of his numerous most important publication; the species followed in close succession. shorter also under T. Collector, is Dead papers, however, appeared The plant, believed to represent the Floyd Smith, his capable authorship. longest duration of delayed germination on Members of the Museum's Department At various times he was connected with record, is now on public view at the Con- of Zoology were saddened by news of the the United States Biological Survey, the servatory of Garfield Park where it forms a recent death of Mr. Floyd T. Smith, of Smithsonian Institution, the American Mu- unique exhibit. New York, noted Asiatic explorer. Mr. seum of Natural History, and the Museum Smith was leader of the Marshall Field of Vertebrate Zoology of the University of Zoological Expedition to China for Field California. During the war, he accompanied Museum in 1931, and at various times con- Mr. Paul Rainey to Asia on work connected ducted other important field work for this with the federal Intelligence Service. In institution. The 1931 expedition in par- 1921, he again joined the staff of Field ticular was highly successful, resulting in Museum and, in 1922-23, conducted a the acquisition of several thousand speci- lengthy expedition in Peru. In 1924-26, he mens of mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles, worked in central Africa for the Museum and amphibians. The beautiful habitat and, in 1927, he left to become Director of group of the rare Asiatic takin in William V. the Washington Park Zoo at Milwaukee. Kelley Hall (Hall 17) is composed of speci- Some years later he went to San Francisco mens collected by Mr. Smith. as Director of the Fleishhacker Zoo in Golden Gate Park, the position he held at the time of his death. THE PLEASURES OF ISOLATION In number of specimens collected, and in are recounted in / Know an the breadth and variety of the field covered. Island, a book R. M. noted Heller must be ranked as one of the greatest by Lockley, Plant from Centuries-old Seed British naturalist. zoological collectors of all time. Of mam- Pink lotus of the Orient, in full bloom at Garfield of mals alone, nearly 9,000 of his specimens are Park Conservatory a little more than a year after its "A charmingly written account in the botanical laboratories at Field all germination the seasonal and ebb of bird life in Field Museum, and practically other Museum from seeds estimated to be three to five surge large American institutions also have large hundred years old. It is believed to represent the on a primitive island off the coast of longest instance on record of such delayed flowering. numbers. —W. H. O. England," says Mr. Emmet R. Blake, Assistant Curator of Birds at Field "It will to Flax is Oldest Textile Plant Museum. appeal layman Ferns Used as Food and ornithologist alike, both as an Common flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), is authoritative record of birdlore, and Ferns, which are generally considered first on the list of textile plants, as the one as a philosophical discourse on the only as ornamental plants, are important as of which we have the oldest historic record. " pleasures of 'the simple life.' food producing plants in some countries, It formed both the garments and grave On sale at the BOOK SHOP of particularly in New Zealand, Australia, and clothes of the inhabitants of ancient Egypt. FIELD islands of the Pacific. The underground The cere-cloth which envelops Egyptian MUSEUM~$3. stem, or rhizome, of the bracken contains a mummies consists of fiber of flax. 1939 Page 8 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS September,

GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM and 3 moths, PVance; from Chicago Zoologi- SEPTEMBER LECTURE TOURS cal Society, Brookfield, 111.—12 birds and tours of under the Following is a list of some of the principal Conducted exhibits, 2 lizards; from George A. Larrissey, Chicago received the last month: guidance of staff lecturers, are made every gifts during —a from John M. Schmidt, snake, Illinois; afternoon at 3 o'clock except Saturdays, of : Department Anthropology Homewood, 111. —42 snakes, turtles, lizards, —3 Sundays, and certain holidays. Following From Thome Donnelley, Chicago frogs, and toads. South Dakota; from Bass from Loran D. — is the schedule of subjects and dates for drums, —Haiti; Gayton, Biological Laboratory, Englewood, Fla. 2 Chicago 2 human skulls and a femur, shark specimens, near South Carolina; from September: A. Illinois; from Mrs. George Carpenter, Mrs. Rob White, Thomasville, Ga.—5 Friday, September 1 —Animal Habitat — Bizen more than Chicago pottery jar, ware, insects, Georgia; from H. H. Hagey, Madi- Groups. 100 — years old, Japan. son, Wis. a bird, Wisconsin; from H. B. Week beginning September 4: Monday—

: — Illinois — Department of Botany Conover, Chicago 4 birds, and Labor Day holiday, no tour; Tuesday From Garfield Park Conservatory, Chi- Colombia; from Eugene G. J. Falck, Chicago General Tour; Wednesday—Hall of Races cago— 109herbariumspecimens; from Jardim —77 fresh-water moUusks and 30 fresh- of Man; Thursday—General Tour; Friday— Botanico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—26 speci- water clams, Missouri and Illinois; from Mummies and Other Ancient Burials. of from de John Southern N. C.— 15 — mens plants, Brazil; Service Boyd, Pines, Week beginning September 1 1 : Monday Botanica e Agronomia, Sao Paulo, Brazil— butterflies, Virginia; from C. M. Barber, Dinosaurs and Their Cousins; Tuesday— herbarium from Bill Hot Ark.—a domestic skeleton, — 43 specimens, Brazil;— Springs, goat General Tour; Wednesday Men of the Old Bauer, Webster Groves, Mo. 40 herbarium Arkansas. Stone Age; Thursday—General Tour; F>iday specimens, Missouri; from William L. —The Story of Plants. Tex.— 104 herbarium McCart, Denton, Week beginning September 18: Monday— from Dr. specimens, Texas; Ralph Voris, The Octopus and Other Sea Animals; Tues- Mo.— 13 herbarium SPECIAL NOTICE Springfield, specimens day—General Tour; Wednesday—Asia, Its and one wood from C. specimen, Missouri; M All Members of Field Museum who Peoples and Cultures; Thursday—General Ind.—7 of Palmer, Indianapolis, specimens have changed their residence, or are Tour; Friday—The Moon and the Meteo- algae, California, Indiana, and North planning to do so, are earnestly urged rites. Carolina; from William A. Daily, Indian- — to notify the Museum at once of their Week beginning September 25: Monday apolis, Ind.—4 specimens of algae, Indiana; — new so that of Field Native American Plants; Tuesday General from Servicio Ministerio de addresses, copies Botanico, Agri- Tour; Wednesday—Indians of South and cultura Venezuela—199 Museum News and all other com- y Cria, Caracas, Central America; Thursday—General Tour; herbarium Venezuela; from Dr. munications from the Museum may specimens, Friday—Birds, Past and Present. Delzie Demaree, Monticello, Ark.—32 speci- reach them promptly. Persons to should mens of Compositae, chiefly California and wishing participate Oregon; from Centro Nacional de Agri- apply at North Entrance. Tours are free. cultura, San Pedro Montes de Oca, Costa A new schedule will appear each month in Rica—65 herbarium specimens, Costa Rica; Plants That Die in Flowering Field Museum News. Guide-lecturers' from Miss Charlotte C. Ellis, Mancos, Colo. services for special tours by parties of ten or — There are in the plant kingdom various 34 herbarium specimens, Colorado; from more are available by arrangement with the Professor R. N. H.— groups of plants which live for many years W. Hatch, Hanover, a in advance. the Director week 135 herbarium specimens, Costa Rica; from before flowering, and die subsequent to Gordon Pearsall, River Forest, 111.— 1,154 first production of fruit and seed. Most herbarium specimens, Illinois, Indiana, striking examples of this kind are century MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM Wisconsin, Colorado, and Massachusetts; plants, bamboos, and Corypha palms. The Field Museum has several classe3 of Members. Annual Members contribute $10 As- from Dr. Earl E. Sherff, Chicago—146 whole of the extensive bamboo annually. jungle sociate Members and are from herbarium Hawaii. pay $100 exempt specimens, flowers at the same time, and it is recorded dues. Sustaining Members contribute $25 annu- ally for six consecutive years, after which they of : Department Geology that in India the quantity of seed has at become Associate Members and are exempt from — Life Members and From Hermann C. Benke, Chicago one famines. the all further dues. give $500 times prevented However, are from dues. Non-Resident Life Mem- mineral and 2 rock specimens, Iowa and exempt dying of the stems causes a scarcity of wood bers pay $100, and Non-Resident Associate Ontario; from Edward Grabill, Chicago—5 Members $50; both of these classes are also for house building. exempt from dues. The Non-Resident member- sandstone and 6 porphyry specimens, ships are available only to persons residing fifty Wyoming; from Frank Von Drasek, Cicero, miles or more from Chicago. Those who give or devise to the Museum $1,000 to $100,000 are 111.—29 specimens of minerals, Arkansas; NEW MEMBERS designated as Contributors, and those who give from F. C. Worth, Chicago—one ore and 2 or devise $100,000 or more become Benefactors. mineral Wisconsin and Penn- The following persons were elected to Other memberships are Honorary, Patron, specimens, Corresponding and Corporate, additions under sylvania; from Charles C. Merrill, Buhl, membership in Field Museum during the these dassifications being made by special action of the Board of Trustees. Idaho—a specimen of chalcedony geode, period from July 15 to August 15: — Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to free Idaho; from John Winterbotham, Chicago Corporate Members admission to the Museum for himself, his family and house and to two reserved seats for a of coral sand, Bermuda; frcm guests, specimen Lester Armour, William McCormick Blair, Museum lectures provided for Members. Sub- —5 invertebrate to Field Museum News is included Stanley Field, Chicago Walter J. Cummings, Albert H. Wetten. scription with idl memberships. The courtesies of every fossils, Florida; from Henry Herpers, Chi- Associate Members museum of note in the United States and Canada cago—4 invertebrate fossils, Wisconsin; are extended to all Members of Field Museum. Harold M. Mrs. Frank W. his card to non- from L. —22 Florsheim, A Member may give personal Bryant Mather, Jr., Chicago of which Howes, Peter F. McNamee. residents of Chicago, upon presentation invertebrate fossils, Wisconsin; from Clar- they will be admitted to the Museum without Further information about member- ence Bachelor, Chicago—a fossil coral, Non-Resident Associate Members charge. ships will be sent on request. Michigan; from Harry Changnon, Chicago— Harvey Meevers BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS 10 invertebrate fossils; from Miss Anne H. Annual Members Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History Wis.—4 invertebrate books or Snyder, Kenosha, Ross J. Beatty, Jr., Matthew G. Becker, may be made in securities, money, collections. They may, if desired, take the form fossils, Wisconsin; from Don Eldredge, Dr. R. Miss Irving Berman, Merrick Breck, of a memorial to a person or cause, named by the —5 invertebrate Wisconsin. Chicago fossils, Marion Clark, Miss Anita de Mars, Thomas giver. Contributions made within the taxable year not Department of Zoology: C. Jr., Elmer E. Frodin, Dr. Dennehy, exceeding 15 per cent of the taxpayer's net in- From Robert A. Burton, Evanston, 111.— Norris J. Heckel, J. A. Hiller, H. H. James, come are allowable as deductions in computing net income for federal income tax purposes. 15 frogs, toads, and snakes, Illinois and G. Kemper, Miss Alice E. Mad- Hathaway Endowments may be made to the Museum Indiana; from Loren P. Woods, Evanston, dock, Mrs. Samuel K. Markman, Alfred H. with the provision that an annuity be paid to life. These annuities are 111.— 1,001 fish specimens and 202 specimens Oelkers, Nate H. Sherman, Clinton F. the patron for guaran- teed against fluctuation in amount, and may of lower invertebrates, South Carolina; from Smith, James A. Thomas and Horace O. reduce federal income taxes. H. E. Woodcock, Chicago—20 butterflies Wetmore. PRINTED By FIELD MUSEUM News Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 10 OCTOBER, 1939 No. 10

LECTURES FOR ADULTS, AND PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN, TO BEGIN OCTOBER 7

Noted Speakers Will Appear the length of Africa. Armed only with Motion Pictures are Offered on Saturday Afternoons his cameras and a penknife, he traveled by Raymond Foundation the lion the haunts of Field Museum's seventy-second free course through country, The James Nelson and Anna Louise of illustrated lectures on science and travel the Pygmies as well as the domain of a Raymond Foundation for Public School for adults will begin October 7. Well- tribe characterized as the world's tallest and Children's Lectures will present a series known scientists, naturalists, and explorers people, the various habitats of giant goril- of eight free programs of motion pictures have been engaged to tell of their achieve- las, and many other fascinating regions. for children on Saturday mornings during ments. All except October and Novem- one of the lectures will ber. Included on the be illustrated with *fe'< programs are films motion pictures, and, relating to natural in the case of the ex- history, travel, and ception, stereopticon American history. On slides will be used. two programs ani- The lectures will be mated cartoons will given each Saturday ^ also be shown. A afternoon throughout special program to be October and Novem- given on October 28, ber, in the James "Fun With Don Simpson Theatre of Heaton in the Wild the Museum. All will West," will feature a begin at 2:30 o'clock. lecture by Mr. Heaton Admission is restricted who will appear in to adults. person. Most of the Following is the films will have talking complete schedule of and other sound dates, subjects and effects. speakers: There will be two October 7—A Natu- showings of the pic- ralist's Diary. tures on each program, Karl Maslowski, North American one at 10 Otters — beginning Cincinnati, Ohio. Their life story will be told, in lecture and motion pictures, by Mr. C. J. Albrecht on October 21 the third lec- A.M., and one at 11. ture in Field Museum's Autumn Course. These animals are among the most difficult of wild creatures to photo- Mr. Maslowski will graph, and they are rapidly becoming rare. They make excellent pets, and can be used as hunters and retnevers. Children from all parts present a remarkable of Chicago and sub- motion picture film in natural colors, giving His films record the life of flamingoes, urbs are invited, and no tickets are required intimate views of plant life, and bird and hippos, elephants, the rare okapi, croco- for admission. The Museum is prepared animal activities throughout the year. diles, and many other animals. to receive large groups from schools and Courtship, feeding, incubation, flight and October 21 —The Life Story of the Otter. other organizations, as well as individual care of the are a few of the children alone or young many C. J. Albrecht, Chicago. coming accompanied by subjects illustrated by the films. Mr. parents or adults. Mr. Albrecht, a staff taxidermist at Maslowski, Curator of Birds of formerly Field Museum, who has been a member of The following schedule shows the titles the Cincinnati of Society Natural History, of the films to be on each : many of this institution's expeditions, has presented program and well-known as a college instructor, made a unique motion picture film of the October 7—Jolly Little Elves (cartoon); lecturer, writer, and photographer, is well otter's life. He shows all phases of this The 17-year Locust; Humming Birds at qualified to explain in an interesting manner interesting little animal's existence, having Home; Plants and Animals Prepare for the actions and habits of the creatures photographed it even from underwater in Winter. shown in his films. a submarine diving bell. Other scenes in October 14— Gathering of the Clan; Box- October 14—Through Africa Unarmed. his film show this amazing animal in all ing with Kangaroos; Columbus: a. At Lewis N. Cotlow, New York. seasons and all characteristic activities. the Court of Isabella; 6. Landing on Mr. Cotlow is the winner of the 1938 Well qualified as a naturalist, Mr. Albrecht's American Shores. gold medal awarded by the Adventurers' observations, as well as his pictures, provide October 21 —Animal Aristocracy; The Club of New York for the year's outstanding an interesting story about the otter's life, "Father of Waters"; Romantic Mexico. adventure. His lecture, and the accompany- which has probably never been so completely October 28—Fun with Don Heaton in the ing films, tell the story of a one man expedi- studied before. Wild West (Mr. Heaton in person). tion up the Nile, across the Sudan, and down {Continued on page 2, column 1 ) (Continued on page 2, column 3) Paget FIELD MUSEUM NEWS October, 19S9

MAMMOTH FOUND WITH ELK November 11 —What IS Biblical Archae- long existed in the Museum's collection. AT WESTERN SPRINGS, ILL. ology AND Why? Now rare in the Alps, the chamois is still Dr. Nelson Glueck, Director of American common in other high mountains of Europe. A repMDrt reached Field Museum recently School Oriental Jerusalem. The topi, an antelope from Molo, Kenya that extensive excavations by WPA workers of Research, is the East African Dr. Glueck last the work of Colony, representative at Western Springs, Illinois, had uncovered year began of the brighter colored korrigum anteloi>e a number of fossil bones. Mr. Paul O. uncovering King Solomon's seaport at the of Africa. north end of the Sea. a West Hunter's antelope, from McGrew, of the Museum's paleontology Red With knowledge the is rare of Palestinian few Tana Valley, Kenya Colony, a staff, accompanied by Dr. E. C. Olson, of history approached by allied to the and other he is to establish species, topi, resembling the University of Chicago, after a trip to scholars, qualified the hartebeests. The Museum's specimen the site of the excavation, identified the relationships between new archaeological was collected several years ago by the bones as a rib and a foot bone of Parelephas finds and historical records. The lecture African will be illustrated with slides White-Coats Expedition. jeffersoni, the species of mammoth common stereopticon Dr. Glueck's recent excavations. All three animals were prepared for ex- to the Mississippi valley region immediately showing hibition by Staff Taxidermist Julius Friesser. after the final retreat of the ice sheet which November 18—The Tundra Speaks. covered all of this part of North America Dr. Arthur C. Twomey, Carnegie Museum. Pleistocene time. CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS OFFERED during Dr. Twomey recently returned from a BY RAYMOND FOUNDATION Other bones uncovered were those of an nine months' expedition to the interior of 1 (Continued from page , column 3) elk, possibly of a modern species. Positive Ungava and the Bellcher Islands of Hudson November 4—Land of the Sea identification must wait for more complete Bay. In colored motion pictures he records Giants; Thrills on the Wander material, but if these bones are those of a a trip by airplane to the Great Whale River, Going Bird; Oriental Methods of modern elk it would indicate that Parelephas and by dogteam and other modes of travel Traveling; Glimpses of Old China. jeffersoni ranged into relatively recent to the Arctic. He shows pictures of the November 11 —Armistice times. The date of extinction of elephants striking flowers and nesting migratory birds Day Program: Famous Dixie Land The in North America has always been of interest of the far north, as well as seals, white Spirituals; Land at The because of the fact that certain Indian whales, and walrus. Polar bear hunts by Pilgrims Plymouth; Signing mounds are built in a conventionalized the Eskimos are another feature. of the Declaration of Independence; and this The Moon and Its Features. elephant outline, was taken by November 25—Stratosphere Explora- to November 18— Musk Ox with the some investigators indicate that Indians tion. Hunting and elephants were, at least for a brief Polar Eskimos; Eskimo Life in Southern Major Chester L. Fordney, (rreat Lakes, Greenland; Nanook and His Family; period, contemporaneous. Illinois. In the Land of the Reindeer. Major Fordney has been farther away November 25—Winter (cartoon); Learn- AUTUMN LECTURES FOR ADULTS from the earth than almost any other man, ing to Ski; Sonja Henie, the Champion TO OPEN OCTOBER 7 having accompanied Lieutenant-Comman- Skater; International Ice Patrol; The der Settle of the United States on the (Continued from page 1, column 2) Navy Nass River Indians. flight made from Akron, October 28—Wings from the North. stratosphere Ohio, on November 20, 1933, when a new world's Martin K. Bovey, Concord, Massachusetts. BOTANICAL EXPEDITION LEAVES altitude record of 61,237 feet was established. FOR GUATEMALAN FIELD Three to the wilderness trips region of The was made in the marshes of the landing months' Hudson Bay, and six weeks of color A six expedition to make a photog- southern part of New Jersey. As a United collection of the raphy, were required to make the comprehensive plants of thrilling States Marine Corps ofHcer, Major Fordney motion shown in Mr. films. Guatemala for Field Museum is being pictures Bovey's has had an adventurous career in many During the course of this work Mr. and undertaken by Dr. Julian A. Steyermark, parts of the world, but his journey into the Mrs. lived with five Indian families. Assistant Curator of the Herbarium, who Bovey unknown of the stratosphere, which he will the features of the film are sailed September 27 on the steamship Vltui Among striking relate in his lecture and illustrate with from Orleans. great flocks of ducks and geese on New dropping motion picture films, exceeds in thrills all set wings toward the mud of the The expedition is sponsored by Mr. decoys of his other experiences. Indian hunters, and Cree women Stanley F^eld, President of the Museum. plucking No tickets are for admission necessary the is the geese and smoking them for their winter Among regions where exploration to these lectures. A section of the Theatre is food. Mr. Bovey, a former instructor at contemplated is the little known Oriente reserved Members the each for of Museum, in Harvard University, once served with the area the departments of Chiquimula, of whom is entitled to two reserved seats on Biological Survey in the Arizona deserts. Jutiapa, and Jalapa. The desert area request. Requests for these seats may be In recent years he has made around Zacapa will be worked in the rainy profound made in advance by telephone (Wabash and Dr. to find studies of the natural history of various season, Steyermark expects 9410) or in writing, and seats will be held regions of Canada. a number of unusual species of plants. The in the Member's name until 2:30 o'clock — expedition then plans to move into the November 4 Wonders of Plant Life. on the day of the lecture. All reserved seats Sierra Madre region of western Guatemala, Arthur C. not claimed 2:30 o'clock will be made Pillsbury, Berkeley, California. by in the departments of San Marcos and Hue- available to the general public. Mr. Pillsbury, by means of highly devel- huetenango. Particular attention will be oped special equipment for the taking of devoted to the flora of the Tajumulco to "lapse time pictures" of plant life, in natural Three Additions Made Exhibit volcano, and collecting is also planned in color, shows his audience in a few minutes' of Horned and Hoofed Mammals the district around Mazatenango. imreeling of his films everything that Three excellent mounted mammals have The work of this expedition will supple- happens in the life of a plant during the been added to the systematic series of ment that undertaken last year by Curator course of several days. Thus one is able horned and hoofed animals in George M. Paul C. Standley, leader of the Sewell Avery to see the step by step development from Pullman Hall (Hall 13). They are a cham- Botanical Expedition of Field Museum. bud to full flowering. Further refinements ois, a topi, and a specimen of Hunter's In addition to collecting specimens, data in his equipment enable him to show living antelope. The chamois comes from Yugo- will be obtained for inclusion in the flora cells and cell division in various forms of slavia, and is a gift from Dr. Sholar Wencel, of Guatemala which Mr. Standley and Dr. microscopic life. of Peru, Illinois. It fills a gap which has Steyermark are preparing for publication. October, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page S

THE GIRAFFE IN HISTORY Sometimes it signifies a respectable or a MAGELLANIC PARTY REPORTS; beautiful or the of DR. TO SAIL Lorenzo de Medici had a giraffe in his woman, receipt strange OSGOOD direction from menagerie at Florence in the fifteenth cen- news to come from the Reports from the advance party of Field which the animal is seen. There tury. The animal was the subject of much is, however, Museum's Magellanic Expedition, which no in the news. a curiosity at the royal good When giraffe appears began operations in July, indicate good in a to enter a or no court, and it aroused dream country town, success in southern Peru where Curators the envy of Anne de gain is to be obtained from it, for it augurs Colin C. Sanborn and Karl P. Schmidt have Beaujeu, daughter of a calamity to your property; there is no been working at very high altitudes in the for the of a Louis XI of France. guaranty safety a. friend, spouse, region southwest of Lake Titicaca. They to take She had dreams of or a wife whom you may want have secured series of mammals, birds, and homestead. A in a owning a giraffe of her through your giraffe amphibians belonging to species not found own, and finally dream may be interpreted to mean a wife elsewhere in South America and wholly who is not faithful to her husband." fMMwm '-«>' alleged that Lorenzo unrepresented in the collections of American By the Chinese, on the other hand, the are a number of i0. (Hdl had promised her his. museums. Among them I mftWSS In a letter addressed giraffe was regarded as an auspicious omen, handsome, long-haired, and particolored the indicates. to him on April 14, book rodents which have become especially 1489, she wrote: Many curious theories held in various adapted to life on the chilly windswept "You know that countries as to the giraffe's origin are re- punas of the mountain tops. In this region you advised me in counted. It was ascribed variously as a mammalian life appears to thrive at greater writing that you hybrid of a panther and a camel—or a camel altitudes than anywhere else in the world. would send me the giraffe, and although mare and a male hyena whose mongrel Dr. Wilfred H. Osgood, Chief Curator of cow and I am sure you will keep your promise, I offspring mated with a wild —pro- the Department of Zoology, expects to sail beg you nevertheless to deliver the animal duced in the third generation a giraffe and from New York October 6 aboard the steam- to me and send it this way, so that you to other such queer matings. From these ship Santa Lucia. He will join the party "camelo- may understand the affection I have for it; beliefs various forms of the word in southern Peru, and proceed thence via for this is the beast of the world that I pard" were derived to describe it. central Chile to the Straits of Magellan for have the greatest desire to see. And if Dr. Laufer shows further: that part of extensive work which will continue through there is anything on this side I can do for the tribute of war paid to King Tutenkha- the southern summer season. you, I shall apply myself to it with all mon by the Nubians consisted of giraffes; my heart. God be with you and guard you. that Chinese emperors of the fifteenth cen- EXTINCT MOOSE FROM ANTIOCH "Anne de France." tury treasured live giraffes presented to However, the Medicean was deaf to this them as gifts; that Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. Varigus bones of the skeleton of an extinct plea, and kept his giraffe. "Breach of proudly displayed Rome's first giraffe in a moose, Cervalces, have been received at promise suits were not yet instituted at that triumphal procession; that Ethiopian women Field Museum from Antioch, Illinois. time," is the comment of the late Dr. wore giraffe hair and tails as ornaments; and Mr. Charles N. Ackerman, a Member of Berthold Laufer, former Curator of Anthro- that the first live giraffe to arrive in France, the Museum, who is engaged in dredging pology at Field Museum, in relating this in 1826, had a marked effect on fashions, operations in the peat beds bordering on story in Tfw Giraffe in History and Art, an was glorified in poems and paintings, and Grass Lake, found these bones in the dump illustrated leaflet in the Museum's Anthro- even became a political symbol. heap brought up by his dredge. The dredg- pological Series Many other strange and ing operations extend to a depth of eighteen The Giraffe in History and Art, by Berthold laufer. it is interesting anecdotes about giraffes, brought (Field Museum Anthropology Leaflet 27.) 100 pages, feet below the water level, and probable 9 1 vignette, 23 text-figures. $.60 to light by Dr. Laufer's researches, are collotype plates, that the bones were preserved in the lower included in this book which is one of the layers of the peat bog. Other species of most fascinating and delightful of the extinct animals have been encountered author's many contributions to literature. from time to time at this place. The leaflet traces the history of the Cervalces is an extinct moose somewhat relation of giraffes to the life of men from larger than the Alaskan moose and decidedly the earliest recorded times. One chapter is larger than the Canadian moose which devoted to a zoological discussion of the ranged about the lake region. The animal animal. Others tell of the impressions the is distinguished from the living moose by giraffe made on the peoples of ancient its antlers which are intermediate in struc- Egypt, primitive Africa, Arabia, Persia, ture between those of a moose and the China, India, ancient Rome, Constantinople, wapiti. This animal is best known from a and Europe during the Middle Ages, the skeleton found in New Jersey, but other Renaissance, and the nineteenth century. evidences of its presence have been recorded The costliness of giraffes is one of the from a bog spring at Minooka, Illinois, from many interesting facts revealed in the book. from Beecher and Alton, Illinois, Before the 1914-18 World War, one of Oakland City, Indiana, and Big Bone Lick, that these gentle beasts could be purchased for Kentucky. These occurrences show the comparatively reasonable price of $1,500 this extinct moose had a wide distribution to $2,000, but after that war the price range through the Great Lakes Region and Tutenkhamon's Giraffe rose to between $5,000 and $7,500 or more. through the central states after the retreat Tribute, in form of animal, for presentation to The transportation difficulties presented by ancient ruler of Egyptians. (Sketch, from Dr. of the Great Glacier.—E. S. R. Laufer's book, after Nina de Garvis Davies.) the long neck of a giraffe are a large factor in causing the high price. are As as 500 extension lectures are Among the Arabs, the book reveals, many Specimens of European red deer many Hall in the schools of a superstitions arose about the giraffe. An exhibited in George M. Pullman given Chicago during lecturers of the James Nelson and Arab diviner is quoted as writing: "A giraffe (Hall 13). This deer is the famed stag of year by Foundation. seen in a dream indicates a financial calamity. early European history. Anna Louise Raymond Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS October, 1939 ANCIENT CHINESE BRONZE TYPE REVEALS SOME OF THE HISTORY OF PRINTING By C. martin WILBUR about a century; the new technique de- mold in Europe, and about half a million CURATOR or CHINBSS ARCHAEOLOGY AND ETHNOUMY velop)ed and spread rapidly to scores of type had been produced. In fact so many Eleven old pieces of movable type, cast cities; block printing quickly went out of fonts are recorded as having been made in in bronze in Korea, but made to print use. In China the process was otherwise. Korea during the fifteenth and succeeding Chinese characters, have recently been pre- There the Chinese were extensively printing centuries, with several recastings from some sented to Field Museum by Mr. Thomas E. charms, calendars, and religious and secular of the famous sets of molds, that it is im- Donnelley, of a well-known printing and books in the eighth and ninth centuries. possible to determine the date of a specimen publishing firm in Chicago. They have a Experiments with movable wooden or baked without a close check between the type and particular interest at this time because they clay types did not quickly produce a general printed books of which the date of printing are almost as old as the European invention shift to metal type cast in molds. And and specific font are known. This informa- of metal type cast in molds. The five even after the development and wide use tion is available only in Seoul, the former of that technique, which royal capital of Korea. Our attribution seems more advanced comes from the collector, Dr. James S. and logical from our Gale, who lived for forty years in Korea, point of view, block and was one of the greatest missionary- printing continued to be scholars. He carefully studied the whole used in China side by problem of early Korean movable type. side with movable type WORDS, NOT LETTERS, REPRESENTED printing down to our It is significant that our type was cast day. under imperial patronage for the specific Why did the two cul- purpose of extensive printing of all sorts tures treat the inven- of books. From the molds of 1455 more tion in entirely different than 150,000 type were cast, and nearly ways? Perhaps an an- two tons of bronze must have been used, swer can be found in the not counting waste. Now 150,000 type is specimens of Korean- not a large number for hand-set book made Chinese type now printing, though it would undoubtedly have on exhibition in Field been counted large in Europe at the time. Museum (Hall 32, A very small font of Chinese characters in Case 27). F^eld Museum contains about 120,000 type. These types seem to But this figure covers approximately 3,000 be about the same age different kinds of type, all of the same point as the ones used by size, with no upper or lower case, and only Gutenberg for the fam- about ten punctuation marks. Each of the ous Vulgate Bible of three thousand different kinds of type repre- 1456. They are thought sents a separate word, as opposed to separate to come from Korean letters in Western fonts. For Chinese is fonts dating 1452 and not an alphabetic language. Herein lies a 1455. Of two sizes, they tremendous difference, and herein may prob- measure respectively a ably be found one explanation for the fact little more and a little that movable type failed to drive out block less than half an inch printing in China. Chinese Printers square at the shoulder, Three thousand words represent only a Setting type by hand in the Chinese imperial printing office, about 1773. i.e., just below the print- Three men at the back of the room are finding characters filed in drawers. The small vocabulary. To publish its most men in foreground are engaged in examining pages of type and reading proof. ing face, and the body recent book using only a little Chinese type is about J^ of an inch it was necessary for Keld Museum to hundredth anniversary of that important high, which is about one-third as high as borrow a number of words not among the invention is to be celebrated by the printing modern type. The larger ones average 10.2 3,000 in its font. The standard Chinese- industry in 1940. The Chinese could grams in weight. They are hollowed on the English dictionary contains 14,000 words. celebrate an anniversary for the same bottom to give a firmer attachment to the To set it the printers had to have that many invention at least half a century earlier, melted wax in which they fitted in the different type available. Any Chinese book and could further point to their invention bottom of the chase when set. Two styles on history, literature, or philosophy would of movable type made of wood, or baked of calligraphy are represented. All of the draw on a vocabulary even larger. in clay, several centuries previously. type have become green from age, and some compositor's task a hard one Two interesting facts stand out: are badly corroded or so clogged with ancient The Chinese invention of metal type cast ink that the characters cannot be deciphered. With a font of ten to fifteen thousand in molds, though chronologically earlier, had Others could still be used in printing today. different words in a single point size, and no known influence on the European in- Apparently it was not long after the having an adequate number of duplicates vention. A common knowledge of certain process of casting type was developed in of the most common words, the typesetter preliminary essentials for type printing, such China that it spread to Korea where it was is faced with a serious problem to find the as paper and block printing, together with enthusiastically adopted. Under royal en- desired words for a single page of text. It similar needs in the two cultures, seem couragement the official casting of type has been estimated that in order to hand-— to have produced similar results thousands and the printing of books therefrom began set a single page of a Chinese newspaper of miles apart within the same century. about 1400—the earliest official date being in which the vocabulary is purposely limited Secondly, the same invention had radically 1403. Several hundred thousand type were and the type are scientifically arranged on different developments in the two areas. cast from the first molds. Three different the basis of frequency of occurrence—a In Europe the transition from block printing royal fonts are recorded before 1440, the typesetter has to walk three miles between to printing from type cast in molds covered accepted date for the invention of the type his cases. No really adequate type-setting October, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 5 machine for Chinese has been produced tion, taken from a Chinese book describing seum did have a collection which is ex- despite years of experimentation. the imperial printing office of 1773—a book tensive enough to be regarded as important. This situation, then, helps to explain why recently acquired by the Library of Field Addition of this new collection fills a large wood-block printing held certain advantages Museum—shows how type was set by hand gap in the Division of Ornithology, and over movable type printing in China, and and makes clear what a laborious process gives the institution one of the most com- why the Chinese did not follow the same this must have been. A modern Chinese prehensive North American bird collections path as European printers. In the wood- typesetter with his banks of type around either in this country or abroad. It is block method a page of text is written by him, has only the advantage of scientific estimated by Dr. Osgood that the collection hand on thin paper which is then pasted arrangement of the characters to lessen the had cost its former owner nearly $100,000, face down on a prepared board. The drudgery of his chores. and it is doubtful if it could be reproduced writing shows through the paper in reverse, at this time for twice that figure. and a carver simply cuts away the wood The acquisition of the Bishop collection about an eighth of an inch wherever there MUSEUM ACQUIRES COLLECTION is of tremendous importance to scientists is no writing. From this point on the OF 50,000 AMERICAN BIRDS and to students of zoology, because of the of was the same unusual research it affords. process printing exactly Field Museum recently acquired the well- opportunities as the with movable It was a For this it is valuable process type. known Bishop collection of more than purpose especially hand without a which the Chinese because the birds of North America have job press, 50,000 North American birds, one of the failed to invent. Indeed the wood-block been more studied than those largest and most important collections ever intensively had certain the could not of other of the and a detailed advantages: type assembled, and the last of its kind which, any part world, come as in the crude Chinese of them is fundamental to all loose, type had not passed to a public institution. knowledge chase; there was less of research in varia- possibility typo- The negotiations to obtain this collection ornithological evolution, error; and new editions could be and all theoretical fields of graphical were recently completed by Dr. Wilfred H. tion, biology. over and over from the old blocks printed Osgood, Chief Curator of the Department Dr. Bishop is one of the few surviving till were worn out or lost. they of Zoology, on a visit to Dr. Louis B. Bishop American ornithologists who began studies WOODEN TYPE ALSO RECEIVED at Pasadena, California. Dr. Osgood is an of American birds in the very active period of the "nineties" and formed collec- Since most Chinese printing establish- old friend of Dr. Bishop's, and in 1899 they private tions in size and those ments in the past were small and were not conducted an expedition together to the rivalling importance of institutions. Other famous collec- printing a wide range of books, an invest- Yukon and Alaska. public tions include that of William ment in a huge font of type was either Field Museum has already obtained Brewster, which is now in the Museum of prohibitive or unnecessary. It would be possession of the major part of the collection Comparative and wrong to create the impression, however, which had been housed at New Haven, Zoology, Cambridge, Massachusetts; that of Jonathan which is now in that the Chinese neglected movable type. Connecticut. A further part will remain Dwight, the American Museum of Natural For the printing of imperial editions of in Los Angeles where, during the rest of his History in New York. important books the imperial printing office life. Dr. Bishop will continue research upon Dr. was born in used extensive fonts of cast metal type as it, and further work towards its improve- Bishop New Haven, well as carved wooden type of which ment. Connecticut where he graduated from Yale and continued studies in medicine hundreds of thousands were cut by hand! The Bishop collection includes repre- in the field of which he In Mr. Donnelley's gift there were also sentatives of nearly all known forms of special pediatrics to follow His thirty small hand-cut wooden type, of recent birds found in every section of North expected professionally. Korean make. The accompanying illustra- America north of Mexico. Formation of passion for ornithology, however, led him to this collection represents forty years of relinquish other interests and devote his constant and intensive effort, both on the part entire life to collecting and studying birds. of Dr. Bishop and numerous professional In his early years he made numerous trips ornithologists who have been associated to North Dakota and the Middle West, to with him at various times. According eastern Canada and, in 1899, to the Yukon to Mr. Rudyerd Boulton, Curator of Birds, River and Alaska. In 1917 he removed to who has made a careful inspection of the Pasadena, California, and continued his collection, the specimens are distinctly interests there. An important collection superior to the average in quality of prepara- of birds' nests and eggs, assembled by him, tion. An important item is the inclusion of is now in the Peabody Museum of Yale thirty type-specimens. "Type-specimen" University. is the scientific term for the original repre- is for sentative of a species to be collected, which Death the Penalty Seeing thus forms a basis for the description of New Guinea Masked Man that species to which all other specimens Each family of Tami in the Huon Gulf, are referred for identification. Included New Guinea, has the right to use one or also are specimens of various birds which more masks of a type known as tago. Each are now extinct, such as the Carolina tago has a special name, and is distinguished parakeet, the Guadalupe flicker and petrel, by certain definite characteristics. The heath hen, Eskimo curlew, and passenger masks represent spirits which are supposed pigeon. Many others are of species which to visit the village at the time the masked have become very scarce and difficult to figures appear. The man wearing the mask obtain. is completely covered by a sago leaf dress, efforts and under no circumstances he be seen Ancient Type To date. Field Museum's principal may Nine specimens of bronze movable type made in in ornithological research have been devoted or recognized by any woman, child, or un- Korea during the fifteenth century to print Chinese books. The type have been photographed lying on to the birds of Central and South America, initiated person. Should this happen by a wood block cut to a whole which is an print page, Africa, and other foreign localities. The accident, the observer is killed. Examples alternative method. The three top specimens are face up: the half-size type in the middle is for printing North American field had been left largely of tago are on exhibition in Joseph N. Field footnotes; the five type on back or sides show groove in bottom for attachment to wax in bottom of chase. to other institutions, although Field Mu- Hall (Hall A), on the Museum's ground floor. Page 6 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS October, 19S9

Field Museum of Natural History ages unless the Board of Trustees requests known as Barylamhda. The present speci- Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 that the employee continue longer in service, men, Mr. Patterson states, may constitute Roosevelt Road and Field Drive, Chicago which invitation he may accept or decline. a new genus. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES It is impossible under any circumstances Other specimens collected by the present Lester Armour Samijel Insull, Jr. for an employee or his estate to receive from expedition include multituberculates (a Sbwell L. Avery Charles A. McCulloch William McCormick Blair William H. Mitchell the Plan less than he has put into it. Upon group of small rodent-like animals charac- E. Block A. Leopold George Richardson leaving the Museum prior to retirement, terized by many cone-like prominences on Walter J. Cummings Theodore Roosevelt Albert B. Dick, Jr. Jahbs Simpson the employee is entitled to the return of his their teeth), and prehistoric turtles. Work Joseph N. Field Solomon A. Smith Marshall Field Albert A. Sprague money with interest compounded annually at has been begun on the excavation of a fossil Stanley Field Silas H. Strawn the rate of 2J4%. In the event of the death crocodile, and a large collection of small Albert W. Harris Albert H. Wetten John P. Wilson of an employee either prior to or subsequent fossil animals has been made. OFFICERS to retirement, his estate is entitled to his Stanley Field Prendent entire contribution with interest com- Albert A. Spragub Firtt Vice-President Staff Notes James Simpson Second Vice-President pounded annually. Albert W. Harris Third Vice-President Another the interest Dr. Julian A. Steyermark, Assistant Clifford C. Gregg Director and Secretary provision protecting Curator of the and Mr. Loren Solomon A. Smith. . .Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of the employee who leaves the institution Herbarium, P. of the Foundation after more than ten years of membership Woods, Raymond FIELD MUSEUM NEWS made a short to collect in the Pension Plan, is the so-called "vested staff, recently trip Clifford C. Gregg, Director of the Museum Editor plants and fishes in a number of Missouri CONTRIBUTING EDITORS interest" provision. This provides that an of springs. Mr. Woods brought back 4,000 Paul S. Martin Chief Curator of Anthropology employee after ten years membership is of which are to be added B. E. DahlGren Chief Curator of Botany entitled to receive at retirement age the full specimens fishes, Henry W. Nichols Chief Curator of Geology to benefits of the thus far the Museum's collection. Dr. Steyermark Wilfred H. Osgood Chief Curator of Zoology pension purchased collected several hundred of plants. H. B. Harte Managirtg Editor for him by both his own and the Museum's specimens contributions. Among the plants is one new to Missouri, Members are requested to Inform the Museum found several hundred miles north of its promptly of changes of address. The wide-spread approval of the em- known in the United States. ployees is indicated by unanimous accept- previously range ance on the part of those eligible. Both FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK— the management and the employees rejoice Assistant Taxidermist Edgar G. Lay- in the assurance that a lifetime of faithful bourne has resigned to accept a position in Field Museum Pension Plan service at the Museum may be followed by Hawaii. leisure and freedom from financial worries For many years it has been the desire of in the later years of life. the management of Field Museum to Mr. J. Francis Macbride, Associate Cura- —Clifford C. Director establish a pension plan which might insure Gregg, tor of the Herbarium, who has been con- a regular retirement income for faithful ducting a botanical project for Field Museum after their of active service in Europe since 1929, is currently at work employees period Fish and Reptile Experts had been As as Mr. in Geneva, Switzerland, and is completed. early 1916, Meet at Museum believed^to Stanley Field, President of the Museum, be safe from war hazards in that neutral Field Museum was one of three Chicago established a Museum Employees' Pension country. During most of the past year his scientific institutions which acted as hosts Fund, the proceeds of which gave to the activities have centered in Paris. to delegates attending the annual meeting employees the benefit of insurance protec- of the American Society of Ichthyologists tion for their dependents. While this and Herpetologists, September 13-16. At benefit was greatly prized at the Museum, A FEW FACTS ABOUT FIELD MUSEUM the opening meeting an address of welcome it was still felt by those responsible for the Field Mxiseum is open every day of tile year was made by Director Clifford C. Gregg. (except Cliristmas and New Year's Day) during of the institution that the em- operation tile tiours indicated below : Meetings on succeeding days were held at ployee himself was entitled to protection the John G. Novemlier, Decemljer, Shedd Aquarium and the ... .9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and leisure in his declining years, as well as January, February Chicago Academy of Sciences, with a ban- Marcli, April, and some security for his dependents. September, October ... 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. at the Medinah Athletic Club. Several quet 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Recently Mr. Marshall Field, a Trustee May, June, July, August. reels of motion pictures made by Mr. Walter Admission is free to Members on all of the Museum who always has been deeply days. H. Chute, Director of the Shedd Aquarium, Otlier adults are admitted free on Tiiursdays, interested in the welfare of the employees, Saturdays, and Sundays; non-members pay 25 were shown. Open house was held at Locy cents on other days. Children are admitted free provided the means by which such a pension on all Students and members of Hall, Northwestern This was days. faculty University. educational institutions are admitted free any plan might be established, and on July 1, the first meeting of the society held in day upon presentation of credentials. the instituted a 1939, Plan was through The Museum's is for reference Chicago since 1922. Special exhibits for the Library open contract with the Metropolitan Life In- daily except Saturday afternoon and Sunday. visitors were arranged at Field Museum and in the surance Company. Under the Plan each Traveling exhibits are circulated the other host institutions. schools of Chicago by the N. W. Harris Public employee pays approximately 4% of his School Extension Department of the Museum. Lectures at and entertain- salary to the Pension Fund. The Museum schools, special ments and tours for children at the Museum, are Fossil contributes a much larger sum, and with Important Collections provided by the James Nelson and Anna Louise Expedition Raymond Foundation for Public School and the combined contributions purchases an- Reported by Children's Lectures. nuities amounting to 134% of the employee's A number of important fossil finds by Free courses of lectures for adults are pre- sented in the James Theatre on Satur- for each of his in the Field Museum Simpson salary year membership Paleontological Expedi- day afternoons (at 2:30 o'clock) in March, the Plan. Annuities for past service, tion to Western Colorado were recently April, October, and November. A Cafeteria serves visitors. Rooms are avail- amounting to of the current salary for reported its leader, Mr. Patterson, 1% by Bryan able also for those bringing their lunches. each year of service prior to the beginning Assistant Curator of Paleontology. Out- Chicago Motor Coach Company No. 26 busses direct to the of the Plan, will be purchased by the standing is the skeleton of a prehistoric provide transportation Museum. Service is offered also by Surface Museum without employee contribution. animal of the family Taeniodontia. This is Lines, Rapid Transit Lines (the "L"), inter- urban electric and Illinois Central trains. Normal retirement have been set at a small of hoofed mammals— lines, ages group early There is ample free parking space for auto- 65 years for men and 60 years for women. forerunners of a similar but larger creature mobiles at the Museum. Retirement will automatically occur at those excavated by Mr. Patterson in 1933 and October, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 1

THE HUMBOLDT CURRENT Chilean and Peruvian desert coast, which inexhaustible food supply, the microscopic By KARL P. SCHMIDT contrasts as remarkably with the jungles plants of the open ocean flourish in incon- CURATOR OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES and rain forests proper to the tropics as ceivable numbers, and the stalked algae does to size. (Editor's Note: Mr. Schmidt at present is the temperature at sea with the along the coast grow an unparalleled in South America as a member of the Magel- familiar connotation of the word tropical. As on land, the plant life of the sea in its lanic of Field Museum. The turn forms the basic food supply of animals. Expedition The biological effects of the upwelling virilten aboard ship en route Microscopic animals feed on the myriad following article, oceanic waters are of even greater impor- to has been received from him.) diatoms, to be eaten in turn by large though Lima, just tance than the effect on the adjacent land. en- still minute crustaceans and other floating The sudden change of temperature Every living surface creature in this part of the Gulf of animals. These are fed upon by the smaller countered as one's ship passes the vast Pacific must die, and sinking slowly the fishes, which become the food of the larger Guayaquil and rounds Cape Blanco, to the bottom, must slowly decay and leave fishes and other marine creatures. Myriads westernmost point of Peru, is one of the the simple chemical compounds so vital to the of sea birds are attracted by the never-failing surprises of a voyage to western South growth of plant life. But since plants in food supply, and sharks, sea lions, and America from the north. The oppressive general require sunlight, and since sunlight whales end this greatest of all "food chains." heat of the Canal Zone and of the Colombian penetrates only a few hundred feet of the We may even add man, with his fisheries, to port of Buenaventura is only a little relieved upper stratum of the ocean, this vast store this series; and it must be remembered that at sea, where the daily temperature range of accumulating plant food is withdrawn New England sailors frequented these is from about 82° to 90°. As the ship from the normal plant-animal-plant circu- waters for generations in search of whales. enters Peruvian waters the temperature lation. drops more than ten degrees, to a daily range Climate, plant life, animal life, and human THE WEB OF LIFE REVEALED of 70° to 76°. Coats and sweaters make relations to the environment are all inter- their appearance on deck, and covers are In the strip of upwelling water along the related and dependent in last analysis on the of the earth the required at night. We find ourselves in the South American coast, this stored-up revolution (which produces climate dominated by the cold Humboldt nitrogen and phosphorus is brought into the winds and ocean currents), and the earth's it is in a few Current, the major oceanographic feature lighted zone, where it becomes available to intake of sunlight. But only of the southeastern Pacific. plants, while the coldness of the water, with regions like the Peruvian coast that the its increased for carbon dioxide outlines of the vast web of Alexander von Humboldt, first of the great capacity major complex and is an additional factor to both life are so simplified that we can trace cause scientific travelers, described the geographic oxygen and animals. With a basic and and effect backward to the sources. effects of the vast current of cold water plants physical named for him. The Humboldt Current to be a different turns out phenomenon very air in and heat out. The sphere is composed from the more familiar river-like ocean THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED of halves which may be fastened together like our Atlantic Gulf Stream. On currents, for use, or separated for loading. Utilizing the western borders of the continents, in A Rolling Stove the same principle upon which a ship's the trade winds the middle latitudes, steady is on so that in A of taking a coal or charcoal fire compass suspended gimbals drive the surface waters of the ocean before way whatever direction the ship pitch or to bed with one on chilly nights, with- may is right them, and the water thus removed replaced roll the face comes to normal out either oneself or the bed- compass always waters from the endangering by vertically upwelling is on was devised an Chinese level, a round brass bowl suspended The slow of clothes, by ingenious depths of the ocean. creep two inside the one hoop hundreds of years ago. It was done by hoops sphere, the glacial waters from the poles maintains within and to the other. The means of a cleverly contrived bed-warmer, perpendicular of all oceans at the bottom waters tempera- is to two be described as a stove. outer hoop riveted lugs, projecting current which might rolling tures near freezing, and an upwelling from the inside of the lower and An from the seventeenth hemisphere, draws on this source of cold. example dating accordingly the inner loop moves on a pivot which century is to be seen in the Chinese collec- TO DESERT connects it with the outer hoop. The bowl, JUNGLE CHANGES tions in George T. and Frances Gaylord which holds the burning coal or charcoal, is The upwelling strip of cold water along Smith Hall (Hall 24, Case 24). encircled by the inner loop. the coast of Chile and southern Peru is The device consists of a hollow sphere of After the halves of the are fastened about forty miles wide, and as it accumu- sphere brass, cut out in rosette-like designs to let it be rolled or kicked about at lates it flows away northward, becoming together, may and the fire-laden bowl river-like as it is deflected westward by the will, swings freely the trend of the Peruvian coast to wash the and independently of sphere's motion, never down. The Chinese shores of the equatorial Galapagos Islands turning upside the device before it is swamped by the warm waters styled "brazier-reclining-on-the- mattress" and "brazier-in-the-bed-clothes." of the tropics. Its original invention is believed to go back The effect of the Humboldt Current on to a clever mechanician who lived in the first the adjacent tropical coasts is profound. century of our era. Instead of the forest and jungle of Panama late Dr. Berthold former and the Colombian coast, which one The Laufer, Curator of the of naturally associates with the tropics, the Department Anthropology, the Peruvian coast is a desert of barren cliffs pointed out that suspension principle known as "Cardan's and hills, often so extremely arid that not used, suspension" the erroneous attribution of its a spear of vegetation is to be seen for miles. through The cool winds coming in from the Pacific invention to Girolamo Cardano, scientific dilettante who lived in are warmed as they reach the heated land, and philosophical was and since this increase in temperature in- Italy from 1501 to 1576, thus actually for no rain known hundreds of years before him. Not creases their capacity moisture, Chinese Bedwarmer —winds from the east only the ancient Chinese used it, but it was falls near the coast The tops of the brazier, and of the gimbal-sup- fire have been removed to show the mechanicians have had to drop their moisture in crossing ported bowl, known to the earlier Hellenic ingenious construction of this device for safely taking a of the Alexandrian the Andean ranges. The result is the coal or charcoal fire to bed where it can be rolled around. epoch. Page 8 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS October, 19S9

GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM 111. —7 birds; from John Kurfess, Hinsdale, OCTOBER GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS 111.—a common shrew, Illinois; from Mrs. Following is a list of some of the principal Conducted tours of exhibits, under the Mabel Bowers, Chicago—a red bat, Illinois; received the last month: guidance of staff lecturers, are made gifts during from G. J. Kessen, Sanibel Island, Fla.— every afternoon at 3 o'clock except Saturdays, Department of Anthropology : 10 shells, Florida; from Dr. Henry neld, — and certain From George Commons, Oak Park, 111. — Chicago 100 shells, 43 crabs, and a sponge, Sundays, holidays. Following a human skeleton from gravel mound, Maine. is the schedule for October:

the late Mrs. A. I. : — Illinois; from — Ludlow, The Library Week beginning October 2: Monday— Cleveland, Ohio 112 ethnological speci- Valuable books from Carnegie Institution, Horned and Hoofed Mammals; Tuesday— mens, Korea; from Charles B. Harbaugh, Washington, D. C; Hallwyl Museum, Ores and—Minerals; Wednesday— Mexico; Jr., Chicago—a pair of Sioux sandals, a Stockholm, Sweden; South African Depart- Thursday General Tour; Friday Carl Ak- hippo tusk, and a small knife. United States ment of Native Affairs, Pretoria; and Dr. eley and His Work. and Africa. Henry Field, Dr. Albert B. Lewis, Elmer S. Week beginning October 9: Monday— Horses—Past and — Department of Botany: Riggs, and A. B. Wolcott, all of Chicago. Present; Tuesday Trees and Their Uses; —African Cul- F>om George Moore, Lebanon, Mo.— Wednesday tures and Art; Thursday—General Tour; 38 herbarium specimens, Missouri; from Distinguished Visitors Friday—Birds as Friends to Man. Dr. Cesar Vargas C, Cuzco, Peru—95 Week October 16: — herbarium specimens, Peru; from Rev. Among distinguished visitors recently beginning Monday and —China and Brother Apolinar-Maria, Bogota, Colombia received at Field Museum are Mr. A. R. Crystals Gems; Tuesday Tibet; Wednesday—Su-Lin and Other Asi- —145 herbarium specimens, Colombia; Penfold, Curator and Economic Chemist atic Animals; "Thursday—General Tour; from Bill Bauer, Webster Grove, Mo.—220 of the Sydney Technological Museum in —Textiles and Fibers. Dr. Friday herbarium specimens, Missouri; from Mr. S. of Australia; Koperberg, Secretary Week October 23: — George H. Fuller, Springfield, 111.—133 beginning Monday the Java Institute for Promoting Javanese India and Its —Rocks herbarium specimens, Illinois; from Centro Neighbors; Tuesday Art and Culture, Director of the Museum and Their Formation; —Plants Nacional de Agricultura, San Pedro Montes Wednesday Sono Boedojo, and Secretary of the School with Curious Habits; Thursday—General de Oca, Costa Rica—34 herbarium speci- for Javanese Arts and Mr. James T. Tour; PYiday—Animals at Home. mens, Costa Rica; from Professor J. Soukup, Crafts; October 30: — Puno, Peru—28 herbarium specimens, Peru; Dye, of the staff of the New York Museum Week beginning Monday Indians; —Jades and from Rev. Brother H. Daniel, Medellin, of Science and Industry; Dr. Herman Totem-pole Tuesday Their Uses. Colombia—35 herbarium specimens, Col- Johannes Lam, Director of the National ombia; from W. A. Daily, Indianapolis, Herbarium, Leyden, Netherlands; Mr. David Persons wishing to participate should Ind.—20 of from specimens algae, Indiana; Lack, of London, a recognized authority apply at North Entrance. Tours are free. Mrs. Cloyd B. Stiffler, Chicago— 14 speci- on bird ecology and population; Dr. Ernst Guide-lecturers' services for special tours by mens of mosses and algae, Michigan, Penn- Mayr, Associate Curator of Birds at the parties of ten or more may be arranged for sylvania, and Illinois; from Dr. Harold C. American Museum of Natural History, with the Director a week in advance. Bold, New York—218 specimens of algae. New Dr. Levi W. Director North and South Carolina, Georgia, and York; Mengel, Tennessee; from Dr. O. L. Inman, Yellow Emeritus of the Public Museum and Art Springs, Ohio—10 specimens of algae, Cali- Gallery of Reading, Pennsylvania; Dr. F. M. ME.VIBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM fornia and Nevada; from Miss Cora Shoop, Pagan, head of the Department of Botany, Field Museum has several classes of Mem- Chicago—74 specimens of cryptogams, Mis- of Puerto Dr. Louis C. bers. Annual Members contrioute $10 annu- University Rico; Associate Members and are from Donald —25 ally. pay $100 souri; Richards, Chicago Wheeler, Department of Botany, University exempt from dues. Sustaining Members con- of and mosses. tribute $25 annually for six consecutive years, specimens algae of Professor Maximino Missouri; Martinez, after which they become .Associate Members of Department Geolo{^: noted botanist of Mexico City, formerly on and are exempt from all further dues. Life Mem- bers and are from dues. Non- From Nolan R. Best, Chicago—2 speci- give $500 exempt the staff of the National Museum of Mexico; Resident Life Members pay $100, and Non- mens nepheline, Canada; from Loren P. Resident .Associate Members both of these Dr. Edgar Anderson, of the Missouri Botani- $50; Woods, Evanston, 111.—5 specimens miner- classes are also exempt from dues. The Non- cal Garden; Dr. F. A. of the Resident memberships are available only to from R. J. —8 Barkley, als; Vintrup, Chicago speci- persons residing fifty miles or more from Chi- of and Dr. C. L. mens minerals. South Dakota; from Charles University Montana, cago. Those who give or devise to the Museum of $1,000 to $100,000 are designated as Contribu- N. Ackerman, Antioch, 111.—vertebra and Wilson, Dartmouth College. tors, and those who give or devise $100,000 or bones of fore and hind legs and feet of Cer- more become Benefactors. Other memberships are Honorary, Patron, Corresponding and Cor- valees, Illinois; from Oscar U. Zerk, Kenosha, — NEW MEMBERS porate, additions under these classifications Wis. 7 polished slices of agates, Arizona, being made by special action of the Board of Oregon, and Montana. The following persons were elected to Trustees. Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to of membership in Field Museum during the Department Zoology: free admission to the Museum for himself, his from 16 to 15: and house and to two reserved FVom Ben Cascard, Chicago—2 birdskins, period August September family guests; seats for Museum lectures for Mem- from Colonel Richard provided Indiana; Meinertz- Non-Resident Life Members bers. Subscription to FiEa-D MusEVtM News is — included with all The courtesies hagen, London, England 14 miscellaneous Miss Louise Clas memberships. Mary of every museum of note in the United States African birds; from Loren P. Woods, Evans- are to .\S80ciate Members and Canada extended all Members of ton, 111.—23 preserved sjjecimens of em- Field Museum. A Member may give his E. W. Mrs. John L. personal card to non-residents of Chicago, upon bryonic domestic chicks, small mammals, Burbott, Gardiner, Theodore Leavens. presentation of which they will be admitted to etc.; from Schwab Brothers, Muscatine, the Museum without charge. Further informa- — tion about memberships will be sent on request. Iowa a bamboo partridge,— Iowa; from Annual Members Seymour Levy, Chicago a lesser yellow- Mrs. Freeman K. Blake, Robert C. BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS legs, Illinois; from Karl Plath, —a Denis P. Miss Rose Chicago Brown, Jr., Carey, A. Bequests to Field Museum of Natiu-al His- purple Guiana parrot; from The Charleston Clark, Mrs. Cecile Coverley, George H. tory may be made in sectuities, money, books or — collections. They may, if desired, take the form Museum, Charleston, S. C. 11 small fishes; Dovenmuehle, Norman Eaton, Mrs. I. H. — of a memorial to a person or cause, named by from David W. Owens, Flossmoor, 111. 11 Freund, William A. Fuller, Albert B. Fulton, the giver. amphibians and a snake, Illinois; from Mrs. Edward F. Fox, Lee J. Gary, Mrs. Contributions made within the taxable year, not exceeding 15 per cent of the taxpayer's net R. R. Robertson, Chicago—a skin, Nathan S. Ferris E. platypus Goldstein, Hurd, income, are allowable as deductions in computing Australia or Tasmania; from Mrs. Robb George P. Jensen, Dr. Joseph C. Kaczkow- net income for federal income tax purposes. White, Thomasville, Ga.—5 snakes and 6 ski. Miss Anne L. Milburn, Miss Theresa J. Endowments may be made to the Museum with the provision that an annuity be paid to insects, Georgia; from Eugene G. J. Falck, O'Brien, Grier D. Patterson, Mrs. Charles — the patron for life. These_ annuities are guaran- Chicago 737 shells, 57 crayfish, 156 frogs, S. Pillsbury, Mrs. George W. Powers, Mrs. teed against fluctuation in amount, and may reduce federal income taxes. 4 toads, a turtle, and a salamander, Missouri; Sidney L. Schwarz, Joseph J. Tumpeer, from Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, George Wolosh. PHINTCO BT FIELD MUSCUM PRESS News Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 10 NOVEMBER, 1939 No. 11

WILD TURKEY, LARGEST GAME BIRD, DRIVEN FROM MOST OF ITS RANGE BY MAN By rudyerd boulton Turkeys, wild turkeys at any rate, just teresting to note that this first published CURATOR OF BIRDS "can't take it!" They require a large range, account refers to a domesticated bird— When America was young—before ex- adequate forests, and freedom from dis- not to the wild bird, which never ranged so press highways quartered the country, before turbance by the ways of man which are so far south. Thus it is seen that some Indians millions of hunters roamed the fields and annoying from the turkeys' point of view. as readily recognized the economic value of woods, before the forests were cut down, And so, although they were exceedingly this largest of all game birds as did the before distance was eliminated by new abundant once throughout the eastern states, European invaders. The first wild turkeys methods of in what is now transporta- the United tion, in other States were words, before reported by modern civili- the Coronada zation took Expedition in over the plan- 1540 from ning and order- Taos, New ing and des- Mexico. This tiny of all exploring forms of life— party found the country the Pueblo In- was populated dians using with a rich turkey feath- and teeming ers extensively fauna that can in ceremonials be likened and in making only to that prayer stick popularly con- offerings. c e i V e d in Champlain Africa's plains in 1604 was and forests. the first to re- Finely balanc- port our east- ed in their re- ern turkeys, lationship to and shortly each other, thereafter the the birds and Pilgrims used animals, large them as the Wild Turkeys and small, oc- piece de resis- On such birds as these the Pilgrim fathers feasted in inaugxirating the Thanksgiving custom. Wild—turkeys formerly flourished cupied almost in the Chicago area, and in forty states from the Atlantic to the Dakotas, and from Maine to Mexico only the extreme western lance of the states lacked them. But as human population has spread and increased, they have rapidly vanished from all but a few retreats to the satura- first Thanks- in the more southern and western portions of their former range. This habitat group, in Hall 20, a gift from Mr. Stanley Field, President of the a scene in Louisiana forests which afford one of the of the bird. The illustra- tion point the Museum, represents present refuges giving feast. tion is reproduced from a natural color photograph made by Mr. Clarence B. Mitchell, Research Associate in Photography at Field ecological Museum. The Museum plans to publish a book containing forty or, more similar color pictures of outstanding exhibits in all So important Departments of the institution, all products of Mr. Mitchell's camera artistry, and to be printed from plates contributed by him. niches that has this holi- had existed from time immemorial. These they now occur east of the Mississippi only day and ceremony become to the American changed so slowly that the innate adapt- in the forested mountains from Pennsylvania people, and so firmly rooted in tradition, ability of the creatures was able to keep to North Carolina, and in the cypress that a great schism has arisen in the country pace with the change. Many of these swamps, cane brakes and pine woods of this year, and two Thanksgivings —may "ecological niches," which abstract term the deep south. In the southwestern states, be celebrated in some communities one is used to indicate the relationship between where man has not yet become such a by those who follow the customary last an organism and its environment—physical, dominant feature of the environment, Thursday of November, and one by those biological, and social—have been displaced turkeys range more nearly as they originally who follow the date set one week earlier by civilization only slightly in time and did. Before the advent of the white man, for 1939 by the President's proclamation. space. The life in them goes merrily on. turkeys occurred commonly from southern About six varieties or subspecies of the Some of the niches are all but destroyed Maine to Florida, and from the Dakotas wild turkey are recognized in addition to and with them have gone, are going, or are south along the eastern Rockies to the the distinctive ocellated turkey of the drastically reduced in numbers, the bison and tableland of central Mexico. In 1517 Yucatan peninsula. The principal dif- pronghorns, the passenger pigeons and Francisco Fernandez encountered turkeys ferences among these races are in size, Carolina paroquets,' the heath hens and domesticated by the natives in large numbers barring of the wing quills and, most im- Eskimo curlews, the condors and turkeys. on the north coast of Yucatan. It is in- portant, in the color of the tips of the Pages FIELD MUSEUM NEWS November, 19S9

feathers of the rump and lower back. The SATURDAY LECTURES FOR ADULTS the definite article al) seems to have been eastern varieties have deep rich chestnut CONTINUE THROUGH NOVEMBER in 1623 by Minsheu, who wrote: "Alcohol is feathers. farther a called colored tips to the The Four more lectures in Field Museum's drug, sometimes antimonium, used the these Francis in south and west one goes, lighter free Autumn Course for adults remain to to color the eyebrows." Bacon become until are almost white in 1626 wrote: "The Turkes have a Black they be given on Saturday afternoons during this character one can be called Mexico. From November. All are to be illustrated with Powder, made from a Mineral Alco- sure that our domesticated are with a fine turkeys motion pictures or stereopticon slides. The hole, which, long pencil they derived from the Mexican birds under the as a mineral wholly lectures are given in the James Simpson lay Eyelids." Thus, that were taken to the con- the word "alcohol" was introduced Europe by Theatre of the Museum, and all begin at name, The darker and wild into quistadores. larger 2:30 P.M. Admission is restricted to adults. Europe. of the eastern states was not much Before the science of and turkey Following are dates, subjects and speakers: mineralogy, involved in the development of the various its nomenclature, became systematized, November 4—Wonders of Plant Life kinds of domesticated turkeys. The most the word had changed in meaning and, in Arthur C. Pillsburj', Berkeley, California common variety is the bronze turkey. Buff, — effect, the mineral had lost its name. Alco- black, white, and steel gray varieties are November 11 What is Biblical Archae- hol became a general term for all sublimed also propagated. ology and Why? powders and later for all distillates. In Dr. Nelson Director of American School On the average, none of the domesticated Glueck, these stages of the evolution of the word of Oriental Research, Jerusalem varieties are as large as the eastern wild we find phrases such as "alcohol of sulphur" November 18—The Tundra Speaks turkey. An old gobbler of the latter form and "alcohol of wine" being used for sub- Dr. Arthur C. Twomey, Carnegie Museum frequently weighs as much as thirty pounds. — limates and distillates. In the last century It might be expected that such heavy birds November 25 Stratosphere Exploration the use of the word has again been restricted Chester L. Great Illinois would not be strong fliers. Yet, of their Major Fordney, Lakes, by chemists, not to a mineral species, but own free will, they always roost in trees No tickets are necessary for admission to a class of organic compounds containing to which, of course, they must fly. When to these lectures. A section of the Theatre is the hydroxyl group (OH). The best known alarmed, a turkey's first method of escape reserved for Members of the Museum, each of these are methyl (wood) alcohol is by running, but when closely pressed of whom is entitled to two reserved seats on CH3OH, and ethyl (grain) alcohol C.HsOH. and really frightened it readily takes to request. Requests for these seats may be What then, we may ask, happened to the wing and flies across wide rivers and made in advance by telephone (Wabash the mineral after its name had been lost mountain valleys with ease. 9410) or in writing, and seats will be held through these devious changes? Among Few birds are more alert and wary than in the Member's name until 2:30 o'clock the Greeks there seem to have been other a wild turkey. Their sight and hearing of the lecture day. Seats not claimed by names that were applied both to the mineral are especially keen, and at the slightest 2:30 will be made available to the public. and to the metal antimony extracted from suspicion of danger they take themselves it. These names were srirfi (stibi) and safer For this if for no The Latin language took to places. reason, "ALCOHOL" WAS ONCE THE NAME sTiM*" (stimmi). over sTi/3i and made it stibium, as a name other, turkey hunting probably requires OF A SOLID MINERAL more skill and woodcraft than any other for the metal antimony, from which term By L. BRYANT JR. kind of hunting in North America. Turkeys MATHER, we derive the present chemical symbol of ASSISTANT CUKATOR OF UINBRALORY are sometimes shot at dusk or dawn while the element—Sb. Thus when F. S. Beudant, they are roosting. That, of course, can To say that the name alcohol was once the French mineralogist, in 1832, was look- hardly be called hunting in the true sense properly used only for a mineral species ing for a new name for the mineral he decided of the word. Any hunter who successfully may sound very strange—indeed, some to call it stibine. The English name stibnite stalks a wild turkey, or who knows enough question may be raised as to the writer's was given by J. D. Dana, the American "turkey talk" to succeed in having one personal familiarity with the substance mineralogist, in 1854, as a modification of respond to his call, must be regarded as that has now usurped that name. Yet, Beudant's name. an especially qualified woodsman. when the word came to Europe in the six- The voice of a turkey, aside from the teenth century, from the Arabic, it was as "gobble" of the cocks during the strutting a mineral name. The mineral thus desig- THIS MONTH AT THE MUSEUM season, is quite disproportionate to its nated is now known as stibnite, and fine From various schedules which size and noble bearing. It is quite a plain- specimens of it are to be seen at Field will be found in this issue of FIELD in Hall 34 7 tive "peeping" that can be readily imitated Museum (Cases and 11). MUSEUM NEWS, it will be seen that of slate a a This has been used by a piece on hardwood box, mineral, long known, there are special events scheduled whistle made from a turkey's hollow wing as a cosmetic since ancient times. Stone for the entertainment and instruc- bone, or even by a blade of grass. The receptacles and bronze applicators for this tion of Museum visitors every nuances of tone, inflection and timing are substance were used by the Egyptians day during November. On Satur- as the as obvious to the turkey's ear various (2000 B.C.—300 A. D.). Examples of these days, in the morning there will be American dialects are to our ears. The objects, known as kohl jars and kchl sticks, the Raymond Foundation motion slightest false note gives the deception may be seen in Hall J (Archaeology of picture programs for children, and away and the turkey stealthily vanishes. Egypt, Case 32). Among the Greeks it was in the afternoon the illustrated lec- The habitat group of wild turkeys in known as xXoruo<^9aX^oi' from rXarvs mean- tures on science and travel for Hall 20 was prepared by Staff Taxidermist ing wide and o9a\fios meaning eye, since adults, both presented in the James Julius Friesser, and has a background the powdered mineral was used to increase Simpson Theatre. On Sunday painted by the late Charles A. Corwin, the apparent size of the eye. Among the afternoons there will be the lectures former Staff Artist. Field Museum's Arabs it was known as kohl, from kahala, and tours conducted by Mr. Paul G. to color or to stain. In the theat- Zoological Leaflet No. 6, The Wild Turkey, meaning Dallwig, the Layman Lecturer. by Mr. John T. Zimmer, formerly Assistant rical profession the black powder used for Daily from Monday to Friday inclu- Curator of Birds, gives many interesting blackening the eyelids is still called kohl, sive there will be presented guide- details of turkey history, turkey lore, and perhaps the only vestige in contemporary lecture tours conducted by members turkey habits that limited space prevents language of the original Arabic usage. The of the Museum stafl. discussing here. earliest use of the word al-kohl (kohl with November, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Pages

A "MIRACULOUS" METEORITE Paris, where most of it now rests in the Change In Visiting Hours OF ARAB LEGEND National Museum. Effective November 1, and continuing until By HENRY W. NICHOLS Field Museum's Complementing speci- February 29, winter visiting hours—9 A.M. CHIEF CURATOR, DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOfiY men the Tamentit meteorite representing to 4 P.M.—will be observed on weekdays at as the first iron meteorite ever seen to fall A slice of a meteorite which, according Field Museum; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. and afterwards to be the institu- to an ancient Arabian legend, was a block preserved, tion also has a of the Ensisheim of gold when it fell to earth, and was twice piece meteorite which was the first transactions and changed by God—once to silver, and finally (Alsace) Proceedings, publica- to iron—as a punishment to tribes who stone meteorite ever preserved after being tions of learned societies and universities seen to fall. The Ensisheim stone fell in the world are the books quarreled over its possession, was recently throughout among or about one hundred after the available to the for reference in the acquired by Field Museum. It is now on exhi- 1492, years public bition in Hall 34 which contains the world's Tamentit iron arrived on the earth. Library of Field Museum. most comprehensive meteorite collection. The true history of this meteorite, known inhabitants, especially the Aztecs of Mexico as the Tamentit iron, although not as THINQS YOU MAY MISSED HAVE and the Incas of Peru. Cortez made the strange as the Arabian Nights type of first acquaintance with chocolate and vanilla tales told about it by the natives of the Something to Think About at the court of Montezuma. region where it fell, is nevertheless also on Thanksgiving Day "Early settlers in North and South extraordinary. It arrived on the earth Whether celebrate on America soon learned to use of the hundreds of years ago near the Tamentit you Thanksgiving many the traditional last of the vegetable foods of the Indians, such as corn, oasis in the Touat, Sahara Desert, and it is Thursday month, or in accordance with and pumpkins, squashes, and cassava. Certain the oldest iron meteorite, actually seen presidential gubernatorial proclamations which vary of the newly discovered food plants spread while falling, which has been preserved, from that it is of interest to reflect over most of the world. This was according to the records. date, rapidly how purely American this holiday is. Even true of the peanut, which was carried to THE LEGENDARY STORY the foods used in a typical Thanksgiving Africa from the east coast of South America, For hundreds of this meteorite has years feast are practically all native to this and to the Orient from the west coast, early been the mascot of the of the Ta- people country, and were unknown in Europe prior in the history of world-wide navigation. mentit and if we could believe oasis, only to the opening of the New World—the Some American food plants, such as pota- all that is told of it in an undated old, plant foods, as well as the turkey (regarding toes, were first carried to Europe and Arabian it would be the most manuscript the latter, see page 1). developed in cultivation there before coming in Field Museum or extraordinary object The important part the discovery of into general use among the new population other museum. to this any According America played in augmenting the world's in the land of their origin. Others, such called El a block of manuscript, Bassit, variety of foodstuffs is impressively illus- as tomatoes, were very slow in becoming fell between Noum in Nas and El Tittaf gold trated in an exhibit of food plants of New adopted. in the Sahara the time when the during World Origin in Hall 25 of the Department "The tomato was grown in Europe for Oulad the Oulad and Nesslem, Yacoub, of Botany. By means of this display a several centuries as a curiosity and orna- the Oulad Daoud Tamentit. occupied visitor is enabled to see at a glance which mental plant known as 'pomme d'amour' Each of these to take it peoples prepared of the numerous vegetables and fruits in or 'love apple,' before it became, rather but each encountered the home, opposition common use originated on this continent. recently, the important food that it is today, of the others. arose, and God Quarrels A large proportion of these are to be found with its juice also a popular beverage." the to silver. As the changed gold quarrels at almost any Thanks- God next the silver continued, changed giving dinner-table. to the iron of which the meteorite is now Dr. B. E. Dahlgren, composed. Chief Curator of the THE AUTHENTIC HISTORY Department of Botany, Digging into its authentic history, we writes: find that the Tamentit iron fell toward "On his first voyage the close of the fourteenth century—the to the New World, Col- exact year is not known. Sometime between umbus found the in- 1392 and 1413 it was brought by order of habitants using vege- the Sheik Amr' to Tamentit. Here it lay tables that were strange in the street in front of the mosque, project- to him, especially some ing sixteen inches above the ground in starchy tubers, prob- which it was partly buried from about 1400 ably sweet potatoes and Food Plants of New World Orlein to 1827, when it was moved to France. cassava. He carried An exhibit in Hali 25 which enables a visitor to comprehend at a glance Because the Arabs believed it to be a mascot these back to Spain and America's vegetable and fruit contributions to the world's diet. All of these plant foods were unknown in Europe prior to Columbus's voyages. Many will appear of great virtue and had presented them to importance they on typical Thanksgiving dinner tables throughout the United States this month. constantly avoided touching it as far as Queen Isabella, to- possible, and tried to prevent animals also gether with other products of the newly Included among the products on display from touching it. Before the French could found land. The incident marked the first are maize or Indian corn, potatoes, sweet obtain the consent of the natives to take introduction of American food plants into potatoes, tomatoes, pimentoes, Jerusalem it away, they found it necessary to conduct the Old World, an event of considerable artichokes (which are the roots of a western long and difficult negotiations, lasting more significance to the world's dietary, which sunflower), pumpkins, squashes, lima and than two years. After consent was obtained has America to thank for many important kidney beans, cassava (which in the United difficulties were encountered in transporting contributions. States is best known in the form of tapioca), it from the desert over 1,000 kilometers "After Columbus, the early explorers and peanuts, cranberries, persimmons, papaws, to the coast. However, these were over- conquistadores found other food plants in papayas, avocado, pineapple, cacao, and come and in 1827 the meteorite reached use and cultivation among the New World vanilla. Uncommon products are omitted. Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS November, 1939

SOUTHWEST EXPEDITION TRACES at about 3000 B.C., 1500 B.C., and 500 B.C. Nothing can be deduced about the cults "LOST PERIOD" CULTURE The stage of 500 B.C. yields the first pottery, and ceremonies of these people. However, and in the form of corn one observation hold (Editor's Note:—The Field Museum Ar- evidence, remains, anthropological may chaeological Expedition to the Southwest, of the beginning of agriculture. The stone here: that the more primitive the material Mr. President sponsored by Stanley Field, artifacts are plainly developed from earlier culture of a people may be, the more the Museum, recently concluded its opera- of types, while the pottery is of a very primi- elaborate are their cults and ceremonials. tions for the 19S9 season. Excavations and tive derived left researches were conducted for about five sort, from the stone objects. But these particular people have nothing months on sites of habitations of prehistoric Between the appearance of the first primitive behind that the archaeologist may regard and San Francisco Indians in the Mogollon pottery in 500 B.C. and the advanced forms as a clue indicating more than that they, Mountains in southwestern New Mexico. of painted pottery and highly developed like their earlier brothers, were hunters, This is the ninth expedition to the Southwest in a.d. all trace of these a and and under the leadership of Dr. Paul S. Martin, villages 1000, probably poor peaceable people, Chief Curator of the Department of Anthro- people has been lacking. that they had to contend with the exigencies is a which outlines pology. Following report Problems facing the archaeologists were: of stern elements for food and shelter. some the expedition's principal accom- of What sort of growth took place in these plishments this year, and indicates the re- 1,500 years? What were the of lation of its discoveries to the whole sequence stages LARGE SCALE FUR TRAPPING of the region's archaeology.) development from the primitive to the REPORTED IN ILLINOIS as a sophisticated? The answers have been Evidence has at last been found, Not is the fact that hidden this of with generally recognized in 1939 the Field by gap 1,500 years result of operations by Illinois ranks fairly high the states as to contribute to among to the nothing yet uncovered Museum Archaeological Expedition most important in supplying animal furs which our knowledge of the period. Southwest, for commercial use. That this is so, how- Field of 1939 lead to the The Museum expedition may ever, is revealed in a recent publication of (ninth season of operations), working in bridging of a 1,500 the Bureau of of the southwestern Mexico Biological Survey in our New some eighteen year gap United States Department of Agriculture, miles from the Arizona has uncovered of the line, knowledge under the title A Survey of the Annual Fur of an evidence of a culture that may lie in the culture Catch of the United States (Wildlife Research who early part of the gap period. Pit houses of ancient people and Management Leaflet BS-140). Accord- Arizona a former village, excavated by the expedi- lived in ing to this survey, during the last year Mexico. tion, represent a very ancient type of and New for which statistics are available (1937), dwelling brought over from the Old World To obtain the the numbers of various fur animals taken where it was very common. Such houses proper background in Illinois were as follows: are found in northern across for consideration of Europe, Siberia, Fox, red and gray 3,926 in and the idea for this this and and China, type Mink 21,593 Dr. Paul S. Martin evidence, of construction may have been brought Muskrat 323,895 Chief Curator, Depart- an appreciation of Opossum 25,519 of and to the World from Raccoon 6,281 ment Anthropology, its in the re- New anywhere 40,000 leader of nine Field Museum place Skunk, common large 30,426 to A house consists Archaeological Expeditions construction of cul- 10,000 years ago. pit to Southwest Indian sites. of walls sunk two to three feet below the Total 411,640 tural history, it is ground level, roofed over by boughs and The state reporting the largest take of of value to review briefly what is known of hide supported by six-foot posts. The pelts is Louisiana with 2,546,820. Second periods preceding the gap. Some 18,000 floors are smooth hard-packed dirt, and the comes Ohio with 2,530,800. Information, years ago the last Pleistocene ice sheet in entrance is a low in cases not as or Canada was so reduced that an ice-free generally passage opening many regarded complete to the east. This is also characteristic of the Bureau of corridor formed at the eastern foot of the satisfactory by Biological the Old World houses and have was states Rocky Mountains. Through this corridor pit may Survey, supplied by forty-one been in accordance with the dictates of a and Alaska. Excerpts from the leaflet follow: some of the Asiatic peoples shortly found cult or merely for warmth. "The conservation of fur animals in the their way into territory now occupied by pottery fragments were found United States is as much a matter of public parts of the United States. Enough by the expedition to piece together two jars concern as is the conservation of any other 10,000-YEAR-OLD RECORDS and a bowl. Hundreds of unrelated sherds of the natural resources of the country. Evidence of is early immigrants present were also collected. The scarcity of com- The administration of fishes and game may in southeastern and has been Arizona, plete pottery is probably due to the fact rest with either the state or federal govern- studied of the Gila Pueblo by archaeologists that working in clay was still a new technique ment, but fur animals are generally recog- Institution of Globe, and Archaeological to the people inhabiting this region during nized as the property of the individual the Institution of Carnegie Washington. this period. The shapes are simple and states. The maintenance of fur supplies, The records occur in beds the exposed by entirely without decoration. The technique therefore, must be brought about through modern erosion. include hand- arroyo They used is clay spirals without benefit of the the enactment and enforcement of state stones, milling stones, stone axes, and potter's wheel. The color throughout is laws. . . .The states are entitled, therefore, knives, which occur in association with dark brown-red. to know how much of their natural wealth bones of extinct horses, bison, camels, dire SHELL BRACELETS ON SKELETON in the form of fur is taken every year. . . . In of wolves and mammoths. the hearths Burials found by the expedition are related One of the most important features of the of these is found dwellings people in type to previously known cultures desig- present-day legislation" (which the leaflet charcoal of which is of part hickory logs, nated by archaeologists as Cultures IV and indicates has not yet been adopted in many trees of this kind now no although grow V. Skeletons were found in flexed position, states) "is that requiring trappers to make closer than some 700 miles to the east. The one to a pit, individuals being buried in the annual reports on the number of each ancient on the flood people camped sandy houses in which they had lived. The careful species taken. . . .The data to be obtained stream the plain of a permanent during placement indicates a high regard for the from these reports would provide the Pluvial period which came to a close some dead. On the arm of one skeleton was material for a factual survey of the annual 10,000 years ago. found a series of four marine shell bracelets. kill and of its relation to the breeding In beds overlying the oldest human re- This would indicate that at this period supply, or capital stock, as it may be con- cords there are artifacts belonging to cul- there must have been at least indirect sidered. It is on such surveys that pro- tural stages dated by researchers tentatively trade with the people of the Pacific coast. tective measures should be based." November, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 5

TO COLLECT PLANTS IN MEXICO long, and will stand between three and four SUNDAY "LAYMAN LECTURES" AND U. S. SOUTHWEST feet high. The animal was very powerfully TO FEATURE GEMS built with a small head and massive limbs. Dr. Francis Drouet, Curator of Crypto- The third annual season of Sunday after- Like all its relatives it was a gamic Botany at Field Museum, and Mr. vegetarian. noon lecture tours at Field Museum, con- The method of this find Donald Richards, of the Hull Botanical excavating ducted by Mr. Paul G. Dallwig, the Layman differed somewhat from the usual Laboratory, University of Chicago, left collecting Lecturer, will begin on November 5. On procedure. The bones were discovered Chicago October 7 on an expedition into the four Sundays in November Mr. Dallwig's out one side of a small the southwestern United States and north- cropping along clay topic will be some feet and western Mexico. The aim of the ridge sixty long twenty-five "Gems, Jewels primary " feet high. This ridge was capped by six expedition is to make an investigation of and 'Junk.' feet of hard sandstone, the specimens the algae and bryophytes (mosses) of the In connection occurring at the junction of the sandstone this lecture region, with special reference to that type with and the clay. The latter softer than of flora along the Gulf of California. Collec- being he will take his the former, it was found easier to mine tions of all other groups of plants will be hearers through under the sandstone than to cut taken also. A week will be spent at Las through the gem exhibits it. The clay was blasted out with Vegas, New Mexico, for study of the flora dyna- in H. N. Higin- mite. Then with the roof supported of hot springs in the vicinity. Another by botham Hall, timbers, members of the were enabled week will be devoted to collecting in the party and in other to sit in the cool of their "mine" and com- area about Tucson, Arizona. The itinerary halls of the Department of Geology. He chisel the bones out of the roof. will then continue into the Mexican state fortably will trace for his audience the progress of Other specimens collected the ex- of Sonora, with stops at points between by precious and semi-precious gem-stones from pedition include two partial skeletons in mother-rocks to Nogales and Hermosillo, and between Her- their original home the of a skeleton of a mosillo and Guaymas. With the two latter Barylambda, partial their ultimate resting place in a jewelry taeniodont, and fragmentary remains of or a cities as bases, short trips will be undertaken store, milady's personal jewel chest, the smaller animals of the time. Of par- will the rise of along the coast and into the mountains and museum. He explain supersti- ticular interest among the latter are some tions that led to the customs of desert. If time permits, the lakes of northern wearing jaws of members of the Lower California will also be visited. Dr. early primates, gems as charms to avert evil and illness, order to which man belongs. to further the Drouet and Mr. Richards are expected to to induce good luck, and The personnel of the consisted of return to Chicago in January, 1940. The party cause of love. He will also describe the Mr. Bryan Patterson, Assistant Curator methods of imitation and expedition is sponsored by President Stanley producing syn- of Mr. James H. Field. Paleontology, Quinn, thetic gems, and give instructions on how Assistant in Paleontology, Messrs. Robert gems may be tested to prove their genuine- G. and Paul of COLORADO EXPEDITION RETURNS Schmidt, Clark, Homewood, ness or artificiality. Illinois, and Messrs. Leonard C. Bessom WITH NOTABLE COLLECTION As each Sunday tour is necessarily limited and Harold Pearson, of Chicago. to 100 adults {children cannot be accom- The Field Museum Ex- Paleontological modated), it is necessary to make reserva- to Colorado returned to the Mu- pedition Raymond Foundation Co-operates tions in advance by mail or telephone seum last month with a collection of large in School Radio Work (Wabash 9410). Lectures begin promptly fossil vertebrates from the western part The James Nelson and Anna Louise at 2 P.M., and end at 4:30. During a of that state. The greater part of the season in the Raymond Foundation for Public School half-hour intermission midway tours, in the was spent working Plateau Valley members of the to do so and Children's Lectures is again co-operat- parties wishing a late Paleocene formation which has beds, obtain refreshments in the Cafeteria, ing, as in 1938 and the spring of this year, may been the scene of where also smoke. tables with the Public School Broadcasting Council. they may Special Field Museum op- are reserved for the Special programs are presented at the Mu- groups. erations at various seum as "follow-ups" to the Council's On Sundays in December Mr. Dallwig's times since 1932. science radio Two such radio will be "The Parade of the Races," The most im- programs. subject follow-ups were given last month— "Grasses on which the tour will cover the famous portant discovery and Forage Plants" on October 4, and Races of Mankind sculptures by Malvina made by the ex- "Famous Trees" on October 25. Informal Hoffman. In January the subject will be pedition was a were held in the Lecture Hall of "Romance of Diamonds from Mine to Man," rather extensive meetings the Museum for representative pupils select- and in February, "Prehistoric Monsters in deposit of bones " ed from the upper grades of many schools. Nature's 'March of Time.' Other changes representing a new More than 200 attended the first program. of subjects will be announced for each genus of the order Mimeographed sheets containing text and succeeding month up to and including next Pantodonta, suffi- Bryan Patterson drawings pertaining to the subjects under May. cient, it is hoped, Assistant Curator of Pa- leontology, and leader of discussion were distributed to the children. to permit the fossil hunting expeditions After the the children were con- of a skel- to the American west in meetings New Guinea House Ornaments mounting and 1939 several other years. ducted on tours of the halls containing re- eton. This group A collection of New Guinea house orna- lated exhibits. of ungulates, or hoofed animals, was the ments is on exhibition in Joseph N. Field first among the mammals to achieve large Hall (Hall A). Each family has certain size in the era that followed the disappear- Balsa designs, more or less elaborate, with which ance of the dinosaurs. The new animal Balsa wood, light and soft like cork, is they decorate not only their houses, but is a relative of Barylambda, skeletons of obtained from various species of ochroma. their implements, canoes, and other objects, which were obtained by the expeditions This tree grows in the lowlands of Central large and small. The designs are inherited, of 1932 and 1933. From an examination and South America and the West Indies, and no one else has the right to use them of the material as collected in the field it and is used by the natives to make unsink- unless such a right is purchased—thus they may be tentatively estimated that the able rafts. An exhibit of balsa may be seen might be said to be protected by a primitive skeleton will be between six and seven feet in Case 870, Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29). form of patent, like a registered trademark. Pages FIELD MUSEUM NEWS November, 1939

Field Museum of Natural History When the new series of lectures became presented by Mrs. Leota G. Thomas; "The Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 known, they soon achieved such popularity Story of the Earth" was given by Miss and Field Roosevelt Road Drive, Chicago that a limitation had to be placed on the Marie B. Pabst; Miss Miriam Wood spoke size of the Reservations were on "Native American Food THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES groups. Plants"; Mr. in Lester Armour Samuel Insull, Jr. required advance, and still the demand Loren P. Woods on "Life Stories of Snakes"; L. Charles A. McCulloch Sewell Avery exceeded the approved size of group-lecture Miss Elizabeth McM. Hambleton on William McCobmick Blair William H. Mitchell Leopold E. Block George A. Richardson parties to the extent that many persons "Hunters, Herders and Farmers," and Miss Walter J. Cummings Theodore Roosevelt were unable to obtain Chief of Albert B. Dick, Jr. James Simpson reservations, although Margaret M. Cornell, the Founda- Field Solomon A. Smith Joseph N. Mr. Dallwig spoke to groups averaging 84 tion, concluded the series with Marshall Field Albert A. Spragub "Expeditions Stanley Field Silas H. Strawn in attendance during the entire past season. and Their Value to Chicagoans." Harris Albert H. Wetten Albert W. reasons John P. Wilson The for this phenomenal showing Officials of the Zenith corporation ex- well be worked into a success themselves as with OFFICERS might typical pressed highly pleased Stanley Field Pretidmt story. First of all, Mr. Dallwig carries into the Museum's contributions to this new Albert A. Sprague First Vice-President his work an enthusiasm and a desire for type of educational venture. The success Jambs Simpson Second Vice-President Albert W. Harris Third Vice-President accurate information which would do credit of the undertaking indicates a broad field Clifford C. Gregg Director and Secretary to a true professional scientist. His research for this work in the future when television Solomon A. Smith. . .Treasurer and Assistant Secretary among his chosen subjects includes the facilities are further developed. FIELD MUSEUM NEWS facilities of his own splendid library, the Clifford C. Gregg, Director of the Museum .... Editor library and collections of Field Museum, Staff Notes CONTRIBUTING EDITORS and frequent interviews with members of Mr. Sharat K. Roy, Curator of Geology, S. Martin Curator Paul Chief of Anthropology the Museum staff. He spares neither time has been on a trip through the east during B. E. Dahlgren Chief Curator of Botany nor effort in the preparation of his scripts, which he visited various Henry W. Nichois Chief Curator of Geology important museums Wilfred H. Osgood Chief Curator of Zoology and he weaves into them material of great and universities to check the results of his H. B. Harte Editor Managing "human interest." His objective is to research on the paleontology of Baffin Land disseminate accurate scientific information with the work of other Mr. Members are requested to inform the Museum paleontologists. promptly of changes of address. in a non-technical manner and in terms Roy's studies in this field were undertaken readily understood and appreciated by his through his participation in the Second audience. Rawson-MacMillan Subarctic Expedition. FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK- Mr. Dallwig believes that a good title is

an asset in any lecture series. Certainly Mr. L. Bryant Mather, Jr., Assistant the interest shown seems to bear out his Curator of at Field The Layman Lecturer Mineralogy Museum, contention. "Digging up the Caveman's has been given an honorary appointment, For the seasons Field Museum past two Past" is more alluring than "The Life of as Associate Curator of the Department of has offered a series of afternoon Sunday Prehistoric Man," and "Nature's 'March Mineralogy of the Natural History Society lecture tours "The Lec- " given by Layman of Time' seems more intriguing than of Maryland, at Baltimore. turer." The membership of the Museum "Prehistoric Life as Revealed by Fossils." should be fully informed about these lec- His fascinating story on precious stones Staff Taxidermist John W. Moyer recently and " in tures, particu- bears the title, "Gems, Jewels and 'Junk.' lectured on "Behind the Scenes a Mu- larly about the lec- His scripts are prepared in a similarly in- seum" before the Cincinnati Art Club. turer. teresting and non-pedantic style. The Layman Lec- I would feel that I had not properly com- ture Tours actually pleted this story if I did not emphasize A FEW FACTS ABOUT FIELD MUSEUM began as a personal the fact that Mr. Dallwig's activities for Field Museum is open every day of tiie year Christmas and New Year's Prior to the Field Museum are unselfish. He (except Day) during hobby. wholly tile iloura indicated below: fall of 1937 Mr. receives no compensation, direct or indirect, November, December, Paul G. Dallwig had from either the Museum or his audience. January, Feoruary ... .9 A.M. to 4 p.m. March, April, and developed the habit, He is making a truly notable contribution September, October ... 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. born of his interest in public service and in the dissemination May, June, July, August. 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Admission is free to Members on all days. in Field Museum, of of scientifically correct information. Other adults are admitted free on Thursdays, bringing in groups of —Clifford C. Gregg, Director Saturdays, and Sundays; non-members pay 25 cents on other Children are admitted free friends on days. personal on all days. Students and faculty members of Sunday afternoons. educational institutions are admitted free any day upon presentation of credentials. Da^crre Studio. Ctiicago When these Field Museum Participates repeated The Museum's Library is open for reference Paul G. Dallwig, visits were in Television Programs Saturday afternoon and Sunday. the Layman Lecturer brought daily except exhibits are circulated in the to notice, I sent In recent weeks Field Museum has Traveling my partici- schools of Chicago by the N. W. Harris Public an invitation to Mr. Dallwig to call upon pated in a series of experimental programs School Extension Department of the Museum. at and entertain- me and tell me of his work. As a result of an educational nature over the television Lectures schools, sf>ecial ments and tours for children at the Mtiseum, are of this interview I persuaded Mr. Dallwig station (W9XZV) of the Zenith Radio provided by the James Nelson and Anna Louise Foundation for Public School and to in his Raymond include informal groups not only Corporation. Children's Lectures. his own friends but a much larger group of The staff lecturers of the James Nelson Free courses of lectures for adults are pre- sented in the James Theatre on Satur- friends of Field Museum. It was felt that and Anna Louise Foundation for Simpson Raymond day afternoons (at 2:30 o'clock) in March, Mr. Dallwig, being closely associated with Public School and Children's Lectures were April, October, and November. A Cafeteria serves visitors. Rooms are avail- men in the business and professional life speakers on these programs. were They able also for those bringing their lunches. of Chicago, might have a different point of televised while giving their talks, as were Chicago Motor Coach Company No. 26 busses direct to the view in the presentation of the wealth of also the stereopticon slides, exhibition ob- provide transportation Museum. Service is offered also by Surface scientific information available at Field jects, living animals, and motion pictures Lines, Rapid Transit Lines (the "L"), inter- urban electric and Illinois Central trains. Museum. The now two used to illustrate their The lines, experiment, years they subjects. There is ample free parking space for auto- old, has amply indicated the correctness of first program, "Introduction to Field Mu- mobiles at the Museum. this belief. seum, Its Exhibits and Activities," was November, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 7

SPECIAL EXHIBIT OF BIRDS and it is considered by many ornithologists TWINS IN AFRICA FROM BISHOP COLLECTION to be the most beautiful of all North Ameri- By WILFRID D. HAMBLY CURATOR OF AFRICAN ETHNOLOGY can birds. The colors with which it is As reported in the October Field Mu- many In Hall Case is a small wooden seum News, the famous Bishop Collection resplendent, and the intense quality of these D, 9, make it a of the figure of a type carried a Negro mother of some 50,000 North American birds was colors, superlative example by of Nature. when one of her twins has died. She gives recently acquired for addition to the study artistry the that the collections of the Department of Zoology. SEASONAL CHANGES IN COLOR explanation remaining twin, feeling lonely, might also die. If the surviv- Last month a special exhibit of unusually Seasonal variations in the color of the ing twin nevertheless dies later, the wooden interesting birds, selected from this collec- scarlet tanager are demonstrated by a companion is buried with him. tion, was placed in Stanley Field Hall, series of specimens showing three nestling Among the Ovimbundu tribe, of Portu- where it will remain until November 30. stages of this bird from the egg to juvenal guese West Africa, twins are not unwelcome, Aside from the inherent interest of the plumage, followed by the male's first winter but they are somewhat feared. The medi- birds chosen for display, this exhibit is plumage stage, the first prenuptial stage cine-man carries out rites for purifying the designed to demonstrate to the layman the of the following spring, the first male nuptial mother of twins, and he gives her protection various purposes and values, from the plumage, the male adult winter plumage, against evil influences by providing a small ornithologist's viewpoint, of assembling and the adult breeding plumage. A specimen horn which she hangs around her neck. such huge and comprehensive study collec- illustrates also the female's adult plumage This she has to blow when crossing a river, tions, and to indicate some of the results which, although the feathers change just when meeting a group of people, or if she obtained from researches conducted as a as often as the male's, shows practically sees a hawk flying overhead. There is a result of their availability. no variation in color. Most birds do not good deal of good-natured joking with the GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN A SPECIES develop differences as striking as those of mother of and an concerning the scarlet but there are twins, inquiry One section of the exhibit illustrates the tanager, significant the "litter" is met with loud laughter. To in all of Mr. Boulton declares. variation which occurs in changes them, geographical all this she replies jokingly and with a shake These be to a of feathers the of a bird. This may due change various parts of range of a rattle which she substitutes for and of the feather special is one of the most for (molting), fading, wearing important purposes the oral greetings. In the case of the scarlet ordinary collections with tips. tanager, forming large complete The regard of the Ovimbundu for twins is is the cause. data the known of each molting recording history not a true indication of the general Negro HYBRIDIZATION ILLUSTRATED specimen. In the exhibit the song sparrow attitude. African customs have been modi- has been chosen to illustrate the Another section of the exhibit illustrates phenomenon fied under European administration, but in the shown hybridization in the genus Vermivora. of variation, species including former days the birth of twins was often the Aleutian from the Aleutian Shown are two hybrids of the golden-winged song sparrow followed by their execution, and that of the Islands near the Yakutat warbler and the blue-winged warbler. The Alaska; song mother also. In some tribes only the twins of southeastern Alaska; the Dakota Bishop Collection contains what is probably sparrow were killed; sometimes one of them was per- of southeastern Saskatch- the finest representation of this group in song sparrow mitted to live. Customs varied locally. ewan to northeastern North Dakota; the world. In some tribes a special form of burial is the rusty song sparrow, which is found LARGEST AND SMALLEST BIRDS given if both twins die. They are buried at from British Columbia to Oregon; Samuel's A feature of the exhibit is the striking cross-paths, which is a form of interment song sparrow of west-central California; contrast in size afforded of by comparison given also to suicides and to people who the eastern song sparrow, found from North America's largest bird, the Cali- have been killed by lightning, Manitoba and Quebec to Georgia; the fornia condor, with the continent's smallest A wide survey of tribes south of the river mountain sparrow, ranging from Montana bird, the calliope hummingbird. It would Zambezi indicates that only a few tribes to New Mexico, and the desert song sparrow, take approximately 5,000 of the latter to regard the birth of twins as fortunate for which inhabits the regions from southern equal the condor in weight and bulk. the family. Nevada to southwestern Arizona. These RARE AND EXTINCT BIRDS birds demonstrate the of the plasticity a section of the exhibit is devoted Finally, Fossil Horse on Exhibition and the changes which occur accord- species to some of the rare and extinct birds repre- to the nature of their habitats. Thus, A mounted skeleton of the fossil horse ing sented in the Bishop Collection. Most the desert form of the song sparrow is very Plesippus, from the Pliocene formation of specimens of such birds in museums today while those subspecies inhabiting Idaho, has recently been placed on exhibition pale, were collected when the various species humid are dark. There is also a in Ernest R. Graham Hall (Hall 38). Most regions very were common—now they can only be to one many species to develop of the skeleton, as mounted, belongs tendency among obtained through the acquisition of old size in which animal. A few parts of other animals from increased northerly habitats, collections such as this one as- private been used to is well illustrated by the Aleutian the same locality have supply especially sembled by Dr. Louis B. Bishop, of Pasa- To compare this form with missing bones. song sparrow. dena, California. The extermination of a the desert race might lead one to think Plesippus is one of the native stock of species often involves many complex factors, they are entirely different species, but that North American horses. The animal would but in many cases it can be attributed to this is not so is their have been about fourteen hands high, or proved by intergrada- Man and his ruthless destruction of wild tion with forms geographically intermediate. as large as a small saddle pony. It had life, says Mr. Boulton. Included in this most of the horse-like characteristics com- SPECIATION, AND BEAUTY section of the exhibit are specimens of the mon to living species of wild horses in Asia. The phenomenon of speciation is illus- heath hen, passenger pigeon, Carolina The head is proportionately larger, the legs trated by several small birds of the genus paroquet, Eskimo curlew, ivory-billed wood- more slender, and the feet smaller than those Passerina. In no other closely related group pecker, and Guadalupe petrel. It is only of our better-bred domestic horses. of North American birds is there so much through the preservation in museums of variation in color as in these, states Curator the few existing specimens of extinct birds of modern as Boulton. The species shown are the indigo that future generations can really know The five main types corn, — such as was bunting, lazuli bunting, beautiful bunting, what they were like birds that once existed well as ancient maize grown by and and painted bunting. The last named in hordes and that have succumbed to Man's the Mound Builders, Cliff Dwellers, in Hall thoroughly merits the designation "painted," thoughtlessness and greed. early Peruvians, are shown 25. Pages FIELD MUSEUM NEWS November, 1939

RAYMOND FOUNDATION OFFERS algae, Ohio and Michigan; from Preston NOVEMBER GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS Smith, Oberlin, Ohio—52 of MORE CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS specimens algae, Conducted tours of exhibits, under the Ohio; from Dr. G. T. Velasquez, Manila, The autumn series of free motion picture guidance of staff lecturers, are made every P. I. —35 specimens of algae. District of for the afternoon at 3 oj clock except Saturdays, programs children, presented by Columbia, New York, and Ontario; from Nelson and Anna Louise and certain James Raymond Dr. Henry Field, Chicago—42 specimens of Sundays, holidays. Following for and Children's is the schedule for November: Foundation Public School algae, Maine; from Rev.— Brother H. Daniel, — Lectures, will continue through November. Medellin, Colombia 45 herbarium speci- Wednssday, November 1 —South America, Programs are presented each Saturday morn- mens, Colombia; from Professor J. Soukup, Past and Present; Thursday General Tour; Peru—32 herbarium Peru. —Amphibians and Reptiles. ing in the James Simpson Theatre of the Puno, specimens, Friday — Museum. There are two showings of each, Department of Geology : Week beginning November 6: Monday Dr. J. Hall of Plant Life in the one beginning at 10 a.m., and one at 11. From M. Groesbeck, Porterville, Life; Tuesday— Cal.— 11 California; Old Stone —Marine Life; Most of the films have talking and other geological specimens, Age; Wednesday from Miss Bertha Gordon, Porterville, Cal. Thursday—General Tour; Friday—Egypt sound effects. Following are the dates and —a garnet crystal, California; from Dr. and Its Art. the titles of the films on each: — Henry Field, Chicago 2 flint nodules, Week beginning November 13: Monday November 4—Land of the Giants; Seago- England; from William E. Menzel, Chicago —Prehistoric Plants and Animals; Tuesday —a mineral Mexico. — — ing Thrills on the Wander Bird; Oriental specimen, Valuable Fur-bearers; Wednesday— Amer- Methods of Traveling; Glimpses of Old Department of Zoology: ican Archaeology;— Thursday General Tour; China. From Loren P. Woods, Evanston, 111. — Friday Dwellers of the Far North. 3,441 fish specimens, southeastern Missouri; Week November 20: November 11—Armistice Day Program: beginning Monday from Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, — Cats and Their Relatives; Tuesday— Famous Dixie Land Spirituals; The Pil- 111. —5 mammal specimens. Plant Ecology; Wednesday—The Earth and grims Land at Plymouth; The Signing of The Library: Its Crust; Thursday—Thanksgiving holiday, the Declaration of Independence; The Valuable books from L. C. Page and no tour; Friday—Hall of Races of Mankind. Moon and Its Features. — — Company, Boston, Mass.; Golden Gate Week beginning November 27: Monday November 18 Hunting Musk Ox with the International Exposition, San Francisco, The Story of Coal; Tuesday—Plants of Polar Eskimos; Eskimo Life in Southern Cal.; George J. Wallace, Boston, Mass.; Plains and Deserts; Wednesday—Animal Greenland; Nanook and His Family; In and Dr. Henry Field and Elmer S. Riggs, Families; Thursday—General Tour. both of Chicago. the Land of the Reindeer. Persons wishing to participate should — Entrance. Tours are free. November 25 Winter (cartoon) ; Learning apply at North Visitors to Ski; Sonja Henie, the Champion Distinguished Guide-lecturers' services for special tours Skater; International Ice Patrol; the Nass Among distinguished visitors recently by parties of ten or more may be arranged River Indians. received at Field Museum are Dr. Ralph for with the Director a week in advance. Linton, formerly on the staff of this institu- Children from all parts of Chicago and tion's Department of Anthropology, now suburbs are invited. No tickets are required chairman of the Department of Anthro- MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM for admission. The Museum is prepared to pology at Columbia University; Mr. Ells- Field Museum has several classes of Mem- receive large groups from schools and other annu- worth P. Associate Curator of the bers. Annual Members contribute $10 Killip, and are organizations, as well as individual children ally. Associate Members pay $100 National Herbarium, Washington, D.C.; exempt from dues. Sustaining Members con- coming alone or accompanied by parents tribute $25 annually for six consecutive year^, Dr. T. H. Kearney, of the Department of after Associate Members or other adults. which they become all further dues. Life Mem- Agriculture, Washington, and Dr. Hermon and are exempt from bers give $500 and are exempt from dues. Non- C. Bumpus, noted zoologist, former Director Resident Life Members pay $100, and Non- Resident Associate Members both of these GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM of the American Museum of Natural His- $50; classes are also exempt from dues. The Non- Following is a list of some of the principal tory, New York, and now Chairman of Resident memberships are available only to miles or more from Chi- received the last month: the Educational National persons residing fifty gifts during Advisory Board, cago. Those who give or devise to the Museum $1,000 to $100,000 are designated as Contribu- Department of Anthropology : Parks Service. tors, and those who give or devise $100,000 or From Dr. S. M. Lambert, Utica, N. Y.— more become Benefactors. Other memberships are and Cor- 265 ethnological specimens. New Guinea NEW MEMBERS Honorary, Patron, Corresponding porate, additions under these classifications and Pacific Islands; from Mrs. Alonzo being made by special action of the Board of The following persons were elected to Newton Benn, Chicago—a serape, northern Trustees. in Field Museum the Each in all is entitled to from Miss Nina Burdick, — membership during Member, classes, Mexico; Chicago free admission to the Museum for himself, his period from September 16 to October 16: a Makah Indian basket, Vancouver Island; family and house guests: and to two reserved seats for Museum lectures for Mem- from Mrs. Mildred Anderson, Chicago— Associate Members provided bers. Subscription to FIELD MUSEUM News is a jungle belt, French West Africa; from Mrs. Harold A. Bachmann, Mrs. Maurice included with all memberships. The courtesies Ralph Chait, New York—2 bronze halberd Berkson, William McCormick Blair, Frank of every museum of note in the United States and Canada are extended to all Members of butts, with light green "water patina," B. Calmeyn, Arthur W. Carlson, Mrs. W. W. Field Museum. A Member may give his third century B.C., China. Forrester, Mrs. Guy H. Giles. personal card to non-residents of Chicago, upon presentation of which they will be admitted to Department of Botany: Annual Members the Museum without charge. Further informa- tion about memberships will be sent on request. From Miss Charlotte C. Ellis, Mancos, Mrs. J. J. AUin, Harry P. Baumann, Mrs. —75 herbarium Corabel K. Mrs. Frank A. Colo. specimens, Colorado; Brown, Carlton, BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS from Mrs. B. B. Lewis, Guatemala City, Miss Bonnie Colvin, Robert S. Cushman, — Bequests to Field Museum of Natural His- Guatemala 10 herbarium specimens, Guat- Mrs. Abel Davis, Ellis H. Denney, Walter tory may be made in securities, money, books or emala; from Dr. J. R. Johnston, Chimalte- W. Drew, Leo H. Elkan, Walter A. Gerwig, collections. They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to a person or cause, named by — Irene nango, Guatemala 80 herbarium speci- Fred M. Heller, Mrs. Huck, Mrs. the giver. mens, Guatemala; from Rev. Brother Martha F. Jackson, Mrs. Alfred B. Johnston, Contributions made within the taxable year, 15 cent of the net Apolinar-Marla, Bogota, Colombia— 59 her- Mrs. Jacob G. Joseph, Leslie H. Kerr, not exceeding per taxpayer's income, are allowable as deductions in computing barium specimens, Colombia; from Museo John A. Obermaier, Harry M. Reser, Mrs. net income for federal income tax purposes. Nacional, San Jose, Costa Rica—43 her- W. D. Richardson, Dr. I. I. Ritter, Stuart Endowments may be made to the Museum with the that an annuity be paid to barium specimens, Costa Rica; from Illinois Busby Smithson, Milton J. Spitz, A. L. provision the patron for life. These annuities are guaran- State Museum, Springfield, 111.— 133 her- Starshak, Mrs. Dana R. Treat, Charles teed against fluctuation in amount, and may federal income taxes. barium specimens, Illinois; from William A. Velvel, E. A. Wagonseller, Charles T. reduce Daily, Cincinnati, Ohio—31 specimens of Wegner, Jr. News Published Monthly by Field Miiseum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 10 DECEMBER, 1939 No. 12

EXHIBIT TRACES HISTORY OF CAMEL, ORIGINALLY A NATIVE OF NORTH AMERICA By PAUL O. McGREW thirty-five million years or so the camels specialized teeth which would permit feed- ASSISTANT IN PALEONTOLOGY have undergone profound structural changes. ing upon the hard prairie grasses. The research the last Paleontological during They have evolved from little creatures progressive steps through which the camels hundred has a deal of years yielded great hardly larger than rabbits to the large evolved coincided with changes in the the knowledge concerning evolutionary domesticated animals used in Asia as beasts character of the western terrain, the open of mammals. Several history families, of burden. The limbs in the early ancestors country adaptations following closely upon in be traced back fact, may accurately were short, but in the modern descendants the appearance of the grass land areas in the in through geologic past great detail, they are long. Of the original four meta- what is now the Great Plains. the that of the horse. classic example being podial bones in the foot, two have been Some may wonder why, if the camel not so used as a text- Although widely lost, and the remaining two a^e solidly developed in, and was restricted to. North book of example evolutionary develop- fused to form a single "cannon bone." The America in the past, it is now absent from the of the camel is as ment, history interest- toes, of which there were once four on each this continent and present in two others: and almost as well documented as that ing foot, are now reduced to two. The teeth Asia and South America. To account for of the horse. Certain are important pages also have been reduced in number. Of the this it may be pointed out that in Pliocene from our book of of missing knowledge forty-four teeth in the Eocene camels only times a land connection is known to have camel but these are not numerous history, thirty-two are present in the llamas, and extended across what is now the Bering to interfere with the enough seriously story. thirty-four in the Asiatic camels of today. Strait, permitting the camel, along with The living members of the camel family The molar teeth, which were originally other mammals, to migrate to Asia. Al- are now limited to Asia, Africa, and South poorly equipped grinders with low, rounded though it would be impossible for a grazing America. For some million — thirty years, cusps, are now long, complex, efficient animal to make such a journey at the however— from late Eocene to late Pliocene grinding mechanisms. The first two upper present time, because of the severe climatic time camels were restricted to North incisors were lost in the later camels, while conditions in the north polar region and America. This means that America was the third took over the form and function the consequent lack of suitable food, climate the stage upon which most of the evolution of a canine tooth. The front premolars did not form such a barrier in the past. of the camels took place. There is ample moved forward from their usual position There is good evidence that throughout evidence to support our reconstruction of and they also became caniniform. the greater part of the earth's history the the major steps in the development of the All of these changes may be regarded climatic zones were not so sharply dif- camel, for, in the successive strata of Ter- as modifications for life in open plains ferentiated as they are today. Likewise, tiary sediments, bones of the ancestral country where the two major requirements migration to South America was made forms are abundant. for survival of grazing animals were speed possible by the elevation of the Central These fossils show us that in the last to escape from carnivorous enemies, and American isthmus late in the Pliocene,

A Modern Descendant of Ancient North American C^aniels Habitat group of guanacos, on exhibition in Hall 16. These animals, now common in southern Argentina, are descended from ancestors which once lived in North America. Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS December, 1939 reuniting North and South America which animals were unable to survive. It has of Pliauchenia will be mounted for display. had been separated almost from the begin- also been conjectured that some deadly On exhibition in Hall 16 of the Depart- ning of the Age of Mammals. disease may have spread through susceptible ment of Zoology is an excellent habitat The camels which invaded the Old World species and brought about their extinction. group of guanacos, the modern South were of a different group from those that Many other possible causes have been American species of camel which in appear- migrated to South America. The large postulated, but none yet seems to offer a ance closely resembles the form which fossil humped camels that went to Eurasia belong satisfactory or conclusive explanation. skeletons indicate for certain extinct species. The modern bactrian and dromedary camels of Asia are considered too thoroughly domesticated to warrant their inclusion among the zoological exhibits. They were used as beasts of burden thousands of years ago, in ancient Egypt, Babylonia, Central Asia, northern China, and else- where. It may be of interest to note at this Christmas season that paintings repre- senting the Three Wise Men usually portray them as traveling to Bethlehem by camel.

LARGEST CHRYSOBERYL CRYSTAL RECEIVED AT MUSEUM By L. BRYANT MATHER, JR. ASSISTANT CURATOR OF MINERALOGY

What is probably the largest chrysoberyl crystal in the world has been placed on exhibition in Field Museum's mineral col- lection (Hall 34, Department of Geology). This, and another large specimen, were recently obtained from their discoverer, Mr. Richard V. Gaines, of the Colorado Exhibit Traces Evolution of the Camel School of Mines, who found them in the A new addition to Hall means of skulls and footbones of extinct species, the development of 38, showing, by course of field work conducted the animal from a tiny creature in Eocene time (55,000,000 years ago) to the recent camels of Asia and South America. mineralogical during March, 1938, near Golden, Colorado. to the genus Camelus, comprising both In the ancient sediments of the western The specimens occurred among several the bactrian camel and the dromedary. United States are found several kinds of hundred crystals, of which a number were Even the earliest known camels from Asia fossil camels which were offshoots from larger than had ever before been found (Pleistocene) belong to this same genus. the main line of camel development. Steno- on this continent, or probably anywhere The guanacos and llamas that went to mylus, for example, from the lower Miocene in the world. They were in a small granite South America, however, were smaller and of Nebraska, was very small and had pegmatite dike, only eighteen feet wide. without humps. extremely long delicate limbs and a long The larger of the two crystals at the of ' All of this does not mean that camels slender neck. Dozens of skeletons this Museum measures 5 x 5 x 1 2 inches and simply evacuated North America. A gazelle-like camel have been collected from weighs 40 ounces. This is 6^ ounces llama-like form, Tanupolama, continued a single quarry. Another striking form more than the second largest of all the to live on this continent through most was Alticamelus from the lower Pliocene. crystals found. In comparison, not one of Pleistocene time, and a large distinct This animal had extremely long legs and of the twenty-five specimens of this mineral group, Camelops, lived on almost until neck, and was the terminal member of a that were in the Museum collection before historic times. Some authorities believe line of "giraffe-camels" that had its origin this acquisition measured more than 2'^ that certain Camelops remains found in in the early Miocene. Probably the most inches in its longest dimension. The second the United States can be hardly more than spectacular of these side branches is one of the newly obtained specimens is a well a thousand years old. This view is sup- represented by Gigantocam^lus which, as developed twinned crystal 3x3x1 inches ported by a specimen found in a Utah cave its name implies, was an enormous animal weighing 11 ' 2 ounces. which was so fresh that some dried muscle with a head some three feet in length. Chrysoberyl is a rare accessory mineral remained on the bone. Those camels An exhibit has recently been installed in granite pegmatites and is characterized which did remain in North America, how- in Ernest R. Graham Hall (Hall 38) show- by its extreme hardness (8.5) being exceeded ever, were destined to complete extinction, ing each important step in camel evolu- only by corundum and diamond. Chemi- for at some time before the arrival of the tion, as demonstrated by changes in skulls, cally it is the aluminate of beryllium. white man the last North American camel jaws and feet. The fossil specimens dis- Certain varieties are cut as gem stones, died. Not only camels, but also mastodons, played were collected over a period of especially alexandrite, cymophane or cat's- mammoths, ground sloths, horses, and thirty-five years by various Field Museum eye, and Oriental chrysolite. other animals which abounded in this expeditions. The first camel specimens country during the Pleistocene, became obtained, those oiOxydactylus, were collected extinct at about the same time. The in the lower Miocene beds of Wyoming MUSEUM TO CLOSE CHRISTMAS causes of this mass extinction are not by an expedition in 1906; the last, those AND NEW YEAR'S DAY known. Some students believe that early of Pliauchenia, were found in lower Pliocene In order to permit as many man killed the animals off in much the deposits of South Dakota by an expedition employes as possible to spend same manner as modern hunters have of the current year. In addition to the Christmas and New Year's Day exterminated certain birds and mammals. evolutionary series, a skeleton of Oxydac- with their families, Field Museum On the other hand, the Ice Age may have tylus is now on exhibition, and it is e.xpected will be closed on those days. brought such a cold climate that these that during the present winter a skeleton December, 1939 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page S

JAMES SIMPSON committees of the Board of Trustees—the War he directed Red Cross work in the Pension, Finance, and Executive Chicago area. As head of the Chicago January 26, 1874-November 25, 1939 Auditing, Committees. The loss of his wise counsel Plan Commission he actively pushed a The death on November 25 of Mr. James and pleasant companionship will be deeply progressive program for the development of one of its Simpson deprived Chicago felt by his fellow Trustees. of Chicago's industry, and for the beautifi- greatest civic benefactors and business Mr. Simpson's civic interests embraced cation of the city. and Field Museum of one of its leaders, many other Chicago institutions. He was most earnest and active Trustees and Prehistoric Stone a trustee of the Chicago Zoological Society, Carving Officers. the John G. Shedd Aquarium, the Sunday A prehistoric stone head, found in the For many years Evening Club, and the Otto S. Sprague interior of New Guinea north of Cape Ar- Mr. had Simpson Institute, and was active in the affairs of kona, is on exhibition in Joseph N. Field a keen displayed the Chicago Community Trust, the Chil- Hall (Hall A). Its use is unknown. Pos- interest in Field dren's Memorial Hospital, the Scottish sibly it was the top of a stone pestle, as a and its Museum Old People's Home, and various other number of these have been found in the work for science charitable organizations. During the World mountains of New Guinea. and education. This interest was orange bloom at Christmas time, it is in char- expressed THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED known as the Australian Christmas tree." acteristically vital In the Museum exhibit a species of manner, by acts Mistletoes mistletoe is shown on a horse- which advanced growing If you have missed the mistletoe perhaps radish tree. As a result of the penetration the realization of you have missed certain opportunities for of the mistletoe roots into the tissues of the institution's James Simpson life's full charm. Field Museum enjoying the host plant, a gall-like thickening as aims. He gave is the in where probably only place Chicago large as a turnip has been produced around lavishly of his time and his funds to so associated with Yule- this plant, closely the point of attachment of the parasite. the causes the promote represented by tide, is accessible every day of the year Museum. was his generous Outstanding (except, ironically, on Christmas and New contribution of for the construc- $138,000 Year's days, the only days out of 365 when tion in Field Museum of the theatre which the Museum is not open to the public). the Trustees in his the "James named, honor, The Museum exhibit of mistletoes, in- Theatre." This benefaction has Simpson cluding a number of varieties not ordinarily been of the utmost in importance enabling seen, occupies half of an exhibition case the Museum to series of lectures present in the Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29). on science and travel for and of adults, "The mistletoes (Loranthaceae) compose instructive motion for children pictures a rather small group of shrubby plants the James Nelson and Anna Louise through living mostly as semi-parasites on trees Foundation. Since the Raymond comple- of various kinds," states Dr. B. E. Dahlgren, tion of the Theatre in and opening 1922, Chief Curator of the Department of Botany. audiences hundreds of thou- aggregating "Their fruits, usually small soft berries, sands of adults and children have enjoyed contain a glutinous substance which renders the in it. In programs presented recogni- the seed sticky. Birds feeding on the fruit tion of this notable the Board benefaction, carry the sticky seeds to the branches of of Trustees elected Mr. a Patron Simpson trees where germination takes place, and of the Museum on and January 12, 1920, the seedlings establish themselves by send- elected him to a on December 17 Mistletoe of the Tropics Trusteeship ing rootlike suckers through the bark of The common North American mistletoe will be of the same year. For eminent service mistletoes the host plant. In general the very much in evidence during the coming Christmas to Mr. was elected an so a of it here would be superfluous: Science, Simpson do not live entirely at the expense of their season, picture but the variety illustrated above, which comes from Member in 1922. seen Honorary host. Those that have green leaves can Brazil, and is very different from ours, is seldom in this country. Both species are shown in Hall 29. In 1925, Mr. Simpson again made an manufacture a part of their own food. A contribution to the outstanding Museum few of them grow on the ground as shrubs Likewise shown is a mistletoe on an ebony by his sponsorship of the James Simpson- or trees. More than 800 species are known branch. The common mistletoe of the Roosevelts Asiatic one of the Expedition, from all continents. They are most num- United States, and a South American mistle- and most successful are largest enterprises erous in the tropics. Many important toe, conspicuous for its large, brightly colored for the of ever under- others on collecting specimens pests on broad-leaved trees, flowers, are among the other specimens taken this institution. This was led by by conifers producing the so-called witches'- included in the display. Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and Mr. brooms. One well-known species is a very Kermit Roosevelt, and among its results serious pest on cacao plantations. New Leaflet on Mistletoe are some of the finest habitat groups now "Thanks to an old English custom, — rare for this on exhibition for example, the Marco deriving apparently from the ancient Roman Scheduled publication Press is a Polo sheep {Ovis poll), Asiatic ibex, and festival of Saturn, everyone is familiar month by Field Museum in the Botanical Series— Indian rhinoceros. To make this expedi- with mistletoe which, like holly, is used new leaflet Miss tion possible, Mr. Simpson provided funds at Christmas as a special festive decoration Mistletoe and Holly, by Sophia on sale at the totaling more than $45,000. for the house. The mistle employed for Prior. This will be the season. Mr. Simpson was elected Third Vice- this purpose in Europe differs from any Museum during holiday in form the President of the Museum in 1929, and American species but is sufficiently similar It presents interesting botanical information as Second Vice-President in 1933. Keenly in general appearance to be instantly recog- principal of these two alert to the Museum's needs in every direc- nized as mistletoe. An Australian species well as the folk-lore Christmas tion, he rendered extremely valuable serv- grows as a tree reaching thirty feet or more plants. of ices as a member of various important in height. Flowering with a profusion Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS December, 1939

SCIENTISTS SPEND CHRISTMAS IN MANY STRANGE PLACES from home, together with local wild cran- A Symposium of Reminiscences by Men Who Explore for Field Museum berries (lingonberries) gathered in Labrador, and canned plum pudding burning in brandy, Somewhere, far south of the equator, in Carl E. Akeley Memorial Hall. How- provided a thoroughly home-like Christmas down near the bottom of the long narrow ever, in the evening we really did celebrate dinner. In the evening motion pictures strip of land which Chile forms on the Christmas, even to the extent of having were shown—the first the Eskimos and west coast of South America, the members an appropriately freezing temperature on Indians had ever seen in their lives. For a of Field Museum's "Magellanic Expedi- the icy African mountain top where we New Year's Eve celebration several mem- tion" will celebrate Christmas this year. were camped. We had a portable phono- bers of the expedition "dressed up"—this According to the last reports received graph and a record of 'Holy Night' which consisted of shaving off the several months' from Dr. Wilfred H. Osgood, the Mu- made things just like home musically. We accumulation of beard that had been allowed seum's Chief Curator of Zoology and leader feasted on one of the rarest of birds—the to grow. of the expedition, they will probably be blue goose—of which the first specimens in camp at that time along— the shores of to reach the United States were obtained ON A TOSSING SCHOONER the Straits of Magellan possibly on the by this expedition. I was able to act as Mr. Sharat K. Roy, Curator of Geology, Island of Tierra del Fuego, which is swept Santa Claus by giving my only warm suit also a member of the MacMillan Expedi- of the winds known in of woolens to a native by some strongest poor shivering helper tion, was separated from the main party the world, and is to be the scene of much attached to our party who previously had due to assignment on field work in a different of the expedition's most important re- seemed in danger of freezing to death." area. He found himself on Christmas Day search. Dr. are Accompanying Osgood FRIED ANTS AS A DELICACY IN BRAZIL sailing through a cold white-capped sea Mr. Colin C. Curator of Sanborn, Mam- Mr. Emmet R. Blake, Assistant Curator on a frail thirty-five foot fishing schooner field assistant. mals, and Mr. John Schmidt, of Birds, and his associates on an expedition bound from Straits of Belle Isle to Notre Karl P. Curator of Mr. Schmidt, Amphib- to the upper Rio Negro in northern Brazil, Dame Bay, Newfoundland. As the small has his work ians and Reptiles, completed had a Christmas ruined by the intended boat pitched and tossed on this hazardous is home in December. and expected kindness of native Indians. He and his crossing, Christmas dinner was served in To the three men remaining in the field, fellows were in the midst of a special roast the galley, and consisted of "fish and whose interest in science has led them to chicken feast when a family of natives brewis." The brewis—hardtack soaked in this remote end of the earth, Christmas approached offering a bowl of their own pork grease overnight and fried with salt will probably be "just another day." The choicest delicacy—inch-long sauba ants cod— is a specialty of the "greasy jackets," experience of other expedition men in- which had been fried in grease. The as sealers and fishermen are locally known. dicates that will go on and in they probably right etiquette diplomacy required dealing UNDER PROTECTION OF MACHINE GUNS with their collecting. Museum scientists with natives made it essential for Mr. A sixty-mile ride at 4 o'clock Christmas often find themselves in strange places, Blake and his companions to accept and morning to attend services at a small mon- among strange wild peoples, on this day eat the ants, pulling off wings and legs in astery in the mountains, traveling in a car which most men spend with their families. the manner locally practised. After endur- equipped with sub-machine guns and The exploring scientist's typical sensa- ing the strong taste of formic acid charac- manned by alert French officers on the tions on this day may be illustrated with terizing this piece de resistance, the explorers lookout for possible attack by native bandits, the remarks of Dr. Fritz Haas, Field Mu- left their other dishes untouched. However, was the experience of Mr. Richard A. seum's Curator of Lower Invertebrates, they made up for this on New Year's Day Martin, Curator of Near Eastern Ar- who has often found himself in the depths of with a dinner of wild cat which, Mr. Blake chaeology, during an expedition in Syria. African jungles and other far places during says, was really not bad. For further troopers had been the holidays while conducting expeditions safety, patrol CHRISTMAS IN THE FAR NORTH of the route. for various institutions. stationed in each mile On Most like home in many respects was Christmas Eve the had presented WORK DISPELS NOSTALGIA expedition the Christmas Mr. Alfred C. enjoyed by goats as Christmas gifts to the Armenian "You wake up, scramble out of your Curator of Taxi- Weed, Fishes, and Staff children in a near-by village. and realize that this is mosquito netting, dermist Arthur G. Rueckert, who were AN EGYPTIAN PERFECT HOST Christmas morning," says Dr. Haas. "As members of the Second Rawson-MacMillan native cook serves your your breakfast, Subarctic Expedition. This expedition "I found myself one Christmas at an are aware of a sense of nos- you strong spent an entire winter in the northern part archaeological camp in the Sudan, about of talgia, thinking home, family, friends, of Labrador. However, they had built 200 miles south of Khartum," says Dr. and the usual Yuletide festivities. Then substantial wooden buildings which served Wilfrid D. Hambly, Curator of African reflect are here in the — you upon why you as scientific headquarters and dwelling place. Ethnology. "It was like any other day field, and resolve that the work must with day's A large number of Naskapi Indians and blazing hot, about 130° in the sun, a on— it is easier to lose the go nostalgia by Eskimos of the region were guests. cloudless sky. The workmen's shovels raised working than by lazily a of dust as usual. A ar- taking holiday. A Christmas tree was cut from among the clouds messenger Soon the homesickness is lost as you be- rived with an invitation to dine with the native pines, and erected in the expedition come immersed in your work—although local station-master about six miles living room. It was decorated with baubles railway it usually returns when darkness falls, and from So saw our little and tinsel which someone had thoughtfully camp. evening work must cease. Then, finally, if you cavalcade on a curious assortment of provided in preparing the expedition's stores have really toiled hard enough to be good mounts— mules— before sailing in June. Christmas toys and camels, donkeys, loping and tired, Morpheus comes to your rescue." the narrow the bush. candy were distributed among the delighted along path through Mr. C. J. Albrecht, a staff taxidermist, host was an and at dinner Eskimo children. The men of the expedi- Our Egyptian, spent one Christmas in Ethiopia as a the of the East was ob- tion and their guests shot at targets, and etiquette strictly member of the Harold White-John Coats raced on skis across the ice to where the served. Courtesy compelled us to swoop Expedition. our coffee with the loud noise that Bowdoin, flagship of the expedition, was sucking keen SANTA CLAUS IN AFRICA frozen in. There were also snowshoe races, is supposed to express appreciation. morsels of "We went right on with our hunting," dogteam races, tumbling contests, and The station-master selected says Mr. Albrecht, "and that day bagged other games. meat with his fingers and passed them to us. one of the nyalas now mounted in a group Several canned whole turkeys brought His attentiveness to his guests was carried December, 19S9 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 5

to such extremes that he even rolled, "CHRISTMAS ANIMALS" AMONG FIELD MUSEUM EXHIBITS moistened with his lips, and lit cigarettes The Christmas season is a good one during the American caribou are really reindeer for us. Divertissement was provided by which to bring young children on a visit is not generally known, states Dr. Wilfred H. two colored dancing girls who constantly to Field Museum. Here they may see some Osgood, Chief Curator of the Department swayed and pirouetted around the table. of the most famous of "Christmas animals" of Zoology, but, he says, they are in fact so On the way back to camp, confusion was —the reindeer, associated for so many years closely related to the Old World species produced when the donkeys and mules scented hyenas. My donkey put his heels high and his head low suddenly, and I sailed over his ears." SWIMMING ON A SUMMER CHRISTMAS DAY

Mr. Elmer S. Riggs, Curator of Paleon- tology, arrived one Christmas morning in southern Argentina, to collect fossil animals. At that latitude the heat of summer was just coming on, and he and his companions spent part of Christmas Day swimming in the sea—it seemed like the Fourth of July. Christmas dinner was enjoyed in an adobe building operated by an Italian as a holstelry. Wild goose was served on a table decorated with spring flowers. The host used a large fossil bone as a center-piece in honor of the paleontologists. The prying eyes of small native boys crowded the windows to watch the "gringos" celebrate. EXCAVATING A CITY OF 3000 B.C. " 'Sitta sa'a wa nuss, Sahib, mai harr North American Reindeer (Six-thirty A.M. sir, your hot water)'— That the caribou of Alaska, shown in the above photograph of a habitat group in Hall 16 of the Museum, these were the first I remember of things are really reindeer is not generally recognized. In fact, however, they are so closely related to the Old World Christmas morning, 1927, as an Arab species, whence domestic reindeer were derived, that early zoological works did not classify them separately. servant shuffled into my small mud hut with the Santa Claus legend; and also the from which the domestic variety was derived, at Kish, Iraq," reminisces Dr. Henry Field, nearest approximation in nature to the that in early zoological classifications they Curator of Physical Anthropology. "Break- perennially popular "Teddy bear." The were regarded as the same species. fast at seven in the cold and damp under- "Teddy bear" is a strange anomaly. In- The animals in the habitat group were ground dining room, and a cold drive alone spired by the grizzly-bear hunting exploits collected by the Thorne-Graves- Field Mu- in an open touring car across the wind- of the late President Theodore Roosevelt, seum Arctic Expedition. swept desert to the great temple complex and named for him, the toy as usually The koala is one of the marsupials or dedicated to the Earth Goddess— Har- produced actually resembles the strange pouched mammals, all of which are now sagkalemma. Two hundred and fifty local and charming little mammal of Australia confined to Australasia and America. Arab workmen were awaiting starting my known as the koala much more than it signal—both hands raised above my head. does any kind of real bear. The "Teddy All day long walls and rooms of buildings bear" has remained to the present day one 5,000 years old were unearthed. Two human of the most beloved of all types of toys skeletons, and simple grave furniture were given to small children. At the Museum, recovered. At sunset a horseman galloped children may see the koala to which it up bearing cabled greetings from President bears such a striking resemblance, and also Stanley Field of the Museum in Chicago, the grizzly bear which may be regarded as and from Professor Stephen Langdon, its real "ancestor," as well as many other Director of the Field Museum-Oxford Uni- kinds of bears. versity Joint Mesopotamian Expedition, In recent years, due to the great publicity who was in England. After a special dinner achieved by giant pandas, toy representa- in which the Armenian cook, excelled Shemu, tions of that animal have come to rival the himself, we drank a toast to absent friends, "Teddy bear." Children visiting Field and soon retired to our mud huts. Museum may see the first giant panda "Overhead Miazan, the great Dipper, specimens ever to reach America—those looked close. Jackals barked in the very collected by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt distance. Our armed sentries paced the and Mr. Kermit Roosevelt, sons of the camp with an occasional challenge of President who inspired the "Teddy bear" 'Menu hadhal (Who goes there?).' A rifle vogue—in a habitat group in William V. shot rang out—a jackal, perhaps, had ven- Kelley Hall (Hall 17), and also the famed tured too close to camp. I fell asleep." Su-Lin, late of the Brookfield Zoo, now NIGHT IN TROPICS AN ICY THE occupying a conspicuous place in Stanley One Christmas was made memorable to Field Hall. Nature's **Teddy Bear" Mr. Paul C. Standley, Curator of the The reindeer is represented at Field The koala, of Australia, which in appearance more resembles the Christmas Herbarium, during a botanical expedition Museum a habitat of Alaskan closely perennially popular by group toy than any bear or other animal. When very young in Honduras, by the presence of a chained cajibou in the Hall of North American the koala's offspring are carried in a pouch, like those of a kangaroo or opossum; a little later they ride their (Continued on page 7, column 1) Mammal Habitat Groups (Hall 16). That mother's back, as shown in the above exhibit in Hall 15. Page 6 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS December, 193 9

Field Museum of Natural History Normally, perhaps, men who govern children and teachers, and increase its Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 sovereign states live amicably with their effectiveness year by year. A heavy pro- RooscTelt Road and Field Drive, Chicago neighbors. Neighboring sovereignties carry gram of activities both in the Museum on commerce with mutual and we itself and in the schools is now THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES profit, being carried, are at a of Lester Armour Samuel Insull, Jr. say they peace with one another. and number innovations have recently L. Charles A. McCulloch Sbwell Avery Too often, however, interests, and ideas been made. WuxiAH McCoRMicK Blair Williah H. Mitchell Leopold E. Block George A. Richardson come into conflict, and the rulers of nations, Walter J. Cummings Theodore Roosevelt not truths but Albert B. Dick, Jr. Jambs Simpson* seeking special advantages Bequest from Cyrus H. McCormick Joseph N. Field Solomon A. Smith for themselves, their own nations, or their Marshall Field Albert A. Sprague A bequest of $10,000 from the late Cyrus Stanley Field Silas H. Strawn groups, sever diplomatic relations and their Albert W. Harris Albert H. Wetten H. who was a Trustee of Field countries are at war. National McCormick, John P. Wilson boundaries Museum from 1894 until his death in 1936, are closed; free communication of ideas OFFICERS was paid to the Museum last month is is by Stanley Field President prohibited; co-operation forbidden; his estate. The money has been added to Albert A. Sprague Pint Vice-President constructive research is hampered, and the James Simpson* Second Viee-President the endowment funds of the Museum. Albert W. Harris Third Vice-President God-given energies of millions of people CUFFORD C. Gregg Director and Hecrelary are turned toward mutual destruction. Solomon A. Smith . . . Treasurer and Assistant Secretary November 19*9 In times like *Deceased 25, these, thinking people may Distinguished Visitors well consider the different methods employed FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Among distinguished visitors recently in research science and in political govern- CUPPORD C. Gregg, Director of the Museum. . . . Editor received at Field Museum are Dr. D. C. ment. One seeks to establish truths and CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Graham, well-known archaeologist and eth- to to the that all Paul S. Martin Curator give knowledge world, Chief of Anthropology nologist, and a professor at the West China B. E. Dahlgren Chief Curator of Botany may use it. The other frequently sup- Henry W. Nichols Curator Union University, Cheng-tu, Szechwan; Chief of Geology presses truth, substitutes propaganda, and Wilfred H. Osgood Chief Curator of Zoology Professor Owen Lattimore of Johns withholds material or Hopkins H. B. Harte Managing Editor knowledge of special University, Baltimore, who is editor of value for limited use by favored individuals, Members are to Inform the Pacific Affairs; Mr. James Roosevelt, of requested Museum with the inevitable result that life continues of of address. promptly changes Hollywood, California; Dr. Gordon L. on a lower rather than a higher plane. Walls, of the ophthalmic research laboratory Unfortunately there is no quick and easy at Wayne University College of Medicine, FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK— remedy for the difficult situation called Detroit; Mr. Roger Conant, Curator of war. Science is devoted to the search for Reptiles of the Philadelphia Zoological truth, and scientists sacrifice their own ideas, Scientific Museums and Wars Society; Dr. V. Wolfgang von Hagen, noted their own theories, whenever the prepon- ethnologist, explorer, and author, of Berke- For many years the great research in- derant weight of evidence indicates that ley, California; Mrs. Paul Armand Scherer, stitutions of the world have been working they are wrong. By contrast, war makers chairman of activities of the Junior Recrea- harmoniously together for the purpose obscure the truth and substitute propa- tional Museum of San Francisco, and Mr. of adding to the sum total of human knowl- ganda, to reinforce their claims when they A. S. Coggeshall, Director of the Santa edge and understanding; thus they have find that they are in error. Science by Barbara (California) Museum of Natu- benefited mankind as a whole. Whether international co-operation has accomplished ral History. the subject of research be the origin and much for the benefit of mankind. Let us early history of man, the evolution of hope that rulers of nations will some day animal or plant forms, the discovery of rise above personal prejudice and partisan natural laws, or any one of hundreds of advantage and will so govern their coun- A FEW FACTS ABOUT FIELD MUSEUM other problems, the research scientist has tries in the light of truth that there will be Field Museum is open every day of the year Christmas and Year's cherished the that he on all sides toward a common (except New Day) during knowledge might co-operation the hours indicated below: look for to other of harmonious help men studying the goal living. November, December, ... 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. same or similar problems, wherever they —Clifford C. Gregg, Director January, February March, April, and might be. There is a constant interchange September, October .9 a.m. to 5 P.M. Henceforth the editorials appearing under of correspondence and ideas scien- May, June, July, August. 9 a.m. to 6 P.M. among the "From the Director's Desk," will heading is free to Members on all tists and scientific institutions. Geo- Admission days. not be published regularly every month, but Other adults are admitted free on Thtxrsdays, graphical distances, political barriers, and will appear from time to time. Saturdays, and Sundays: non-members pay 25 cents on other Children are admitted free different are no barriers to days. languages on all days- Students and faculty members of unity of effort. Science speaks a universal educational institutions are admitted free any Museum Receives Another $2,000 Gift day upon presentation of credentials. language. The Museum's is for reference from Mrs. James Nelson Library open Year after year Field Museum publishes Raymond daily except Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Traveling exhibits are circulated in the the results of its research and distributes A gift of $2,000 was received by Field schools of Chicago by the N. W. Harris Public its publications to other institutions through- Museum last month from Mrs. James School Extension Department of the Museum. out the world. Year after Field Mu- Nelson Raymond. The money is for the Lecttires at schools, and special entertain- year ments and tours for children at the Museum, are seum receives from other institutions the support of the activities conducted by the provided by the James Nelson and .\nna Louise Foundation for Public School and results of their in James Nelson and Anna Louise Raymond studies, printed various Raymond Children's Lectures. languages. A study being conducted in Foundation for Public School and Children's Free courses of lectures for adults are pre- sented in the James Theatre on Satur- London be based materials Lectures, and is the third such contribution Simpson may upon day afternoons (at 2:30 o'clock) in March, gathered together from the United States, made by Mrs. Raymond during 1939. .April, October, and November. A Cafeteria serves visitors. Rooms are avail- Russia, Siam, the jungles of Africa, and With the total of $6,000 given this year, able also for those bringing their limches. the has received a total of the wind-swept Arctic regions. Facts are Museum now Chicago Motor Coach Company No. 26 to the valid wherever they are discovered. True $569,422 from this generous benefactor. busses provide direct transportation Museum. Service is offered also by Surface research seeks to find only the truth. Scien- Mrs. Raymond's continuing and kindly Lines, Rapid Transit Lines (the "L"), inter- urban electric lines, and Illinois Central trains. tific institutions and scientific men of interest in the work of the Foundation There is ample free parking space for auto- repute co-operate generously toward a has made it possible for that division of mol>iles at the Museum. common end. the Museum to improve its services to 1939 December, FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page 7

SUNDAY TOURS IN DECEMBER men who were traveling with a large and STAFF NOTES TO STUDY RACIAL TYPES very fat hog that had been so affected by Dr. Louis B. Bishop, of Pasadena, Cali- "The Parade of the Races" is the the cold and high altitude it had been subject fornia, well-known ornithologist, has been unable to the before." of the lecture tours to be conducted by Mr. proceed day given an honorary appointment on the Paul G. Dallwig, the Layman Lecturer, on Christmas in the field once became a staff of Field Mu- the five Sunday afternoons during December. commonplace to Dr. Albert B. Lewis seum as Research In this lecture, Curator of Melanesian Ethnology. He Associate in the was in far-off in which has proved places on that day four Division of Birds. ^^^ in previous seasons successive years while conducting expedi- Dr. Bishop was re- ^^H ^| one of the most tions for Field Museum. The first time sponsible for as- was on the island of Britain in popular of Mr. New the sembling the great Dallwig's sub- South Pacific, where the natives, employed collection of more on and there- jects, he takes his European-owned plantations than 50,000 North ^^^^ hearers fore a celebrated with a on an im- given holiday, American birds re- ^^^^H . h i and aginary trip around "sing-sing" exotic dancing. The next cently acquired by Dr. Lewis the world, visiting year attended a similar celebra- Field Museum, the inhabitants of tion in the Solomon Islands; the third and known as "the Hewlett photo jungle forests, Christmas was spent in Australia, and the Bishop Collection." Dr. Louis B. Bishop great princes of the fourth aboard ship en route to New Guinea. He will continue East in their research Manftbetu Woman HOW THE MAYAS CELEBRATE upon these birds, to which he has One of the sculptures by palaces, and many devoted a major part of his time during the Malvina dis- Hoflfman, strata of The most hilarious Christmas was that ctissed by Mr. Dallwig in human past forty years. the Indians of Central "The Parade of the Races." society in between. among Maya described in 1929 Mr. J. Eric Mr. Dallwig en- America, by Dr. Julian A. Steyermark, Assistant Thompson, formerly Curator of Central deavors to clarify the basic physical charac- Curator of the Herbarium, now leading a and South American at Field teristics that differentiate the races of man- Archaeology botanical expedition to Guatemala, reports Museum on the staff of the kind, and to promote a deeper and more (now Carnegie exceptional success during his first month Institution of D. In a sympathetic understanding of the principal Washington, C). in the field, with more than a thousand on the of the Second Marshall peoples of the earth. report progress numbers collected. His headquarters have Field to British As each Sunday tour is necessarily limited Archaeological Expedition been at the town of Zacapa, in the heart Honduras, Mr. wrote: to 100 adults {children cannot be accommo- Thompson of the Motagua Valley desert region of the "I arrived at San Antonio Hon- dated), it is necessary to make reservations (British Atlantic watershed. He also made a trip before Christmas. in advance by mail or telephone (Wabash duras) just The Mayas of several days to the summit of the Sierra here are nominal but retain 9410). Lectures begin promptly at 2 p.m., Christians, de las Minas, which rises above the Motagua much of the old and seize and end at 4:30. During a half-hour inter- paganism, eagerly River, a region probably never visited before excuse for a so Christmas was mission midway in the tours, members of any feast, by any botanist. the parties wishing to do so may obtain the occasion for a four-day siesta. The married men are banded in of Dr. Francis refreshments in the Cafeteria, where they guilds thirteen Drouet, Curator of Crypto- the may also smoke. Special tables are reserved. men each, and on senior man of each gamic Botany, leading a botanical expedition In January Mr. Dallwig will introduce a guild successively falls the honor, but also to the southwestern United States and north- the cost and of host western new lecture subject with his first presenta- responsibility, being Mexico, has forwarded to the Mu- tion of "Romance of Diamonds." to the whole village for a festival. seum a collection of 1,200 algae and other "The Christmas fiesta was in a large hut. plants from the general region of Las Vegas, On the mud floor the women and New where he several weeks SCIENTISTS SPEND CHRISTMAS squatted Mexico, spent their numerous children. At one end was the flora of the IN MANY STRANGE PLACES exploring particularly algal the orchestra, consisting of a queer harp numerous hot springs which abound there. (Continued from page 5) with a wide hollow base, and a crude home- In October he engaged in similar exploration made violin. The a in southern and in Hindu maniac who a few days before, music was crude Arizona, early November had attempted to murder a British overseer barbaric rhythm such as probably accom- left for Mexico. When last heard from he rites of sacrifice was at work in northern Sonora. is in the vicinity. This charming guest was panied human fifteen cen- He present at the dinner. Mr. Standley recalls turies ago. accompanied by Mr. Donald Richards of the of also a New Year's Eve spent in a tiny log "The center of the hut was occupied by University Chicago. cabin at an altitude of 10,000 feet on Cerro dancing couples. The men wore moccasins de Las Vueltas in Costa Rica. It was or boots, while the women were barefoot, Professor Samuel J. Record, Dean of the freezing cold—a sheet of ice covered pools as an outward visible symbol of male School of Forestry at Yale University, among the spagnum. A gale was blowing superiority, a tradition that remains un- during a recent visit to Chicago conferred and it was raining. The hut had open shaken here. Most of the men were under with members of Field Museum's Depart- gables so that wind, fog, and rain swept the influence of the native-made fiery white ment of Botany. He is a member of the through the interior. The only light was rum, and as the night wore on the scene Department staff, as Research Associate in the flame of a small candle. became more animated with the shouts in Wood Technology. "I went to bed before dark, to keep warm, the Maya tongue becoming wilder and bundled in layer upon layer of heavy wilder. At last, yielding to the potent Mr. Paul G. Dallwig, the Layman Lec- clothes, but in spite of all it was the coldest, liquor, the men fell one by one, headlong turer currently conducting Sunday afternoon most uncomfortable night I ever spent in to the ground, often amidst the dancers. lecture-tours at Field Museum, was guest my life— in the midst of the tropics!" says "In the days when ancient Maya culture speaker on November 25 before the Spring- Mr. Standley. "I was lying on a shelf-like flourished, only the old people had the field (Illinois) Women's Club. He gave " tabanco, usual bed of the country people, privilege of getting drunk, and they did it a version of "Gems, Jewels and 'Junk' but slept very little. Nearly all night I was only on special occasions as a form of which, when presented at the Museum, entertained by the tales of three young ceremonial sacrifice to the gods." is illustrated with gem exhibits. Page 8 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS December, 1939

GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM Guide-Lecture Hour Changed DECEMBER GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS Conducted tours of exhibits, under the Following is list of some of the principal Beginning December 1, the guide-lecture of staff are made gifts received during the last month: tours offered daily from Monday to Friday guidance lecturers, every afternoon at 2 o'clock except Saturdays, Department of Anthropology: inclusive for the general public at Field and certain From Estate of Mrs. Anne Fisher—38 Museum will begin at 2 p.m., instead of at Sundays, holidays. Following is for December: negatives and 100 prints of scenes in Iraq. 3 P.M. as heretofore. It is believed the new the schedule will suit — Department of Botany : hour better the convenience of a Friday, December 1 Etruscan and Ro- From Miss Marjorie Brown, Bennington, larger number of persons desiring to partici- man Exhibits. Vt.— 135 herbarium — specimens, —Panama; pate in these tours. Week beginning December 4: Monday from University of Texas, Austin 48 her- Moon, Meteorites and Minerals; Tuesday barium Texas; from Donovan S. — specimens, — Carl Akeley and His Work; Wednesday Correll, Cambridge, Mass. 76 specimens NEW MEMBERS —Masks and Their Uses; Thursday— of orchids, southeastern United States; from General Tour; Friday—Rocks and Their The following persons were elected to Museo del Institute de la Salle, Bogota, Formation. Colombia— 131 herbarium specimens, membership in Field Museum during the Week beginning December 11: Monday— Colombia. period from October 16 to November 15: Native American Fruits and Vegetables; Department of Geology: Associate Members Tuesday—Deer and Antelope; Wednesday— From A. — — Ludwig Koelnau, Minneapolis, Reid M. Bennett, Mrs. Warren Buckley, China and Tibet; Thursday General Tour; Minn. a chatoyant quartz specimen, Min- Donovan Y. Erickson, Max Gerber, Miss Friday—Dinosaurs and Other Early Rep- nesota; from Miss Ann Trevett, Casper, Ruth G. Mason, Mrs. H. Foster Straw, tiles. — of Wyo. 5 specimens cordierite, Wyoming; Otto Vogl. Week beginning December 18: Monday Mrs. M. J. —a sardo- from Hubeny, Chicago Annual Members —Su-Lin and His Neighbors; Tuesday— nyx boulder, Oregon. of the — Hall Benjamin S. Adamowski, Miss Minnie J. Mammals World; Wednesday of Zoology: — General Department Arthur, Miss Mildred Berleman, Miss of Plant Life; Thursday Tour; From Brook- — Chicago Zoological Society, Josephine Blalock, Carleton Blunt, Mrs. Friday Egypt. 111.— 17 birds and a from field, mammal; Ralph E. Burkhardt, Paul W. Cook, Miss Week beginning December 25: Monday— Loren P. 111.— lower Woods, Evanston, 1,177 Winnie Coxe, William Dwight Darrow, Christmas holiday. Museum closed; Tues- and from invertebrates, Washington Indiana; Countess Mira Edgerly, William Eismann, day— Animals at Home; Wednesday—In- G. J. Sanibel Fla.—2 live Kessen, Island, Winston Elting, Mrs. M. G. Fessenden, dians of Plains and Deserts; Thursday— snakes, Florida; from W. J. Beecher, Chicago — — John D. Filson, Miss Gertrude Gane, General Tour; Friday The Story of Man. 22 small mammals, Illinois; from Schwab L. Mrs. William O. Good- — Joseph Gidwitz, Persons wishing to participate should Brothers, Muscatine, Iowa a barred owl Dr. Earle M. man, Gray, Harry Hall, Henry Tours are free. and a Iowa; from apply at North Entrance. quail, Carnegie Museum, Huxley, Mathew Keck, EUman Koolish, Pa.—a West Vir- Guide-lecturers' services for special tours Pittsburgh, salamander. George E. Kuh, Paul Moore, Rev. Walter K. from Dr. Field, — by parties of ten or more may be arranged ginia; Henry Chicago Morley, Harry C. Phibbs, Mrs. W. G. Potts, 86 fish Maine. for with the Director a week in advance. specimens, John T. Riddell, David P. Scobie, Harry The Library : Seidenberg, Mrs. James U. Snydacker, Valuable books from G. C. Vaillant, Frank M. Wallace, R. A. Walsh, Lew H. Fine embroideries made in western India New York City; T. Cabot, Boston, Mass.; Webb, Edward Wray. are exhibited in Stanley Field Hall. E. P. Dieseldorff, Coban, Guatemala; Harold V. Smith, New York City; and Henry W. Nichols, Dr. Henry Field, Elmer S. Riggs, W. J. Gerhard, Earl E. SherfF, CHRISTMAS SHOPPING MADE EASY BY FIELD MUSEUM and M. Garkowski, all of Chicago. Members of Field Museum are offered services whereby they may, while sitting at their own do at least a of their Christmas thus Belladonna desks, large part shopping, avoiding the crowds that fill the streets and stores during the rush season. Further, they can Belladonna, a member of the nightshade obtain relief from the task of wrapping Christmas parcels, and save themselves from family, is a coarse, much branched herb, standing in long lines at post offices to have their packages weighed, stamped and three to five feet with ovate leaves. tall, large insured. The small flowers are bell-shaped, and of a The Museum offers its assistance in two forms: greenish color. The large and thick roots 1. Christmas in the Museum. With this issue of Field Museum are used, as well as the leaves, in preparing Gift Memberships there are enclosed Christmas Gift and atropine, the "drops" employed by oph- News Membership application forms, postage- All need to do is the name of thalmologists to relax the muscles of the iris prepaid envelopes for returning them. you designate the wish elected to and send the form in with check. before testing the eyes for glasses. The person you membership, your will handle all the attractive Christmas cards name belladonna, meaning "beautiful lady," The Museum details, sending recipients elected of this institution is derived from the practice of Italian notifying them that they have been Members through your the card will be sent information about their as women who employed an extract of the plant courtesy. With privileges Members, cards Certificates in the case of Life and Asso- to brighten their eyes. Leaves of the plant as well as the regular Membership (and ciate are shown in the Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29). Members). 2. Services of the Book Shop of Field Museum. The Book Shop is prepared Field Museum Now a Member to furnish books, endorsed for scientific authenticity by members of the Museum of Radio Council staff, for both adults and children. Also, the Book Shop has in stock a wide selection of other gifts, such as book ends, illuminated globe-maps of the world, Field Museum has become a member of appropriate and animal models suitable for use as library decorations or as toys for children. You the University Broadcasting Council which are invited to browse in the Book Shop during part of your next visit to the Museum. is responsible for many of the better types Where desired, the Book Shop will handle mail and telephone orders, and will undertake of educational and cultural programs pre- all details in connection with the wrapping, and dispatching of gift purchases to the sented on the radio. Among other institu- designated recipients, together with such forms of greeting as the purchaser may tions which are members of this organiza- specify. Purchasers may also specify the date upon which delivery is to be made. tion are: Northwestern University, De Paul University, and the Art Institute. PRINTED BY FtCLO MUSEUM PRESS