News Pul}li--f Xatural IJIshiry, Chicago

Vol. 3 JANUARY, 1932 No. 1

NORTH AMERICAN DINOSAURS OF 100,000,000 YEARS AGO RESTORED IN PAINTING

By Elmer S. Riggs A number of animals feeding on the plants head, and the slender hind legs of these Associate Curator of Paleontology in the distance at the left are known as the animals are similar to those of the ostrich. crested dinosaurs. Those in the The fore were smaller and the feet armed A restoration of extinct reptiles in the form foreground legs at the are more common of with claws used in their of a twenty-five foot painting by Charles R. right species seizing prey. They duck-billed dinosaurs. All three animals fed smaller animals. Knight was recently placed on exhibition in upon had four The hind was much the Ernest R. Graham Hall (Hall 38) of Field legs. pair These dinosaurs ranged in size from that and them the animals walked. Museum. This painting represents a scene stronger upon of a large crocodile to that of an elephant. on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains The short-legged animal in the foreground They flourished in North America at a period during the Age of Reptiles, 100,000,000 years is an armored dinosaur. Its back was when the Great Plains area had recently been raised the ago. It is one of the series of twenty-eight covered with a series of bony plates which above sea, when the Rocky Moun- murals presented to the Museum by Ernest served to protect it from attack. From each tains were new, and the whole continent R. Graham. side of the body and the tail projected a row enjoyed a semi-tropical climate. Plenteous

* Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS January, t9SS

Field Museum of Natural History children have been reached by the Museum's NORTH AMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY extra-mural activities conducted the Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 through COLLECTIONS REINSTALLED N. W. Harris I*ubUc School Extension and Rooaerelt Rood and Lake By Paul S. Martin Michigan, CaUcato the James Nelson and Anna Louise Raymond Assistant Curator of North American Archaeolog>' Foundation for Public School and Children's The North American archaeological ex- THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Lectures, while a numerically incalculable hibits of Field Museum have been augmented John Borden William H. MrrcaELL public has been made conscious of the insti- much new material, and have been com- WujjAM i. Chalmers Frederick H. Rawson tution through its publications, reports in by Marshall Field George A. Richardson motion pletely reinstalled in Mary D. Sturges Hall Field Martin A. Ryerson the newspapers, picture newsreels, Stanley 3). The collection features especially Ernest R. Graham Fbbd W. Sargent and radio lectures. (Hall local material representing the prehistoric Albert W. Harris Stephen C. Simms The complete attendance total for 1931, Samuel Insull, Jr. James Simpson Indians of Illinois. Dominating this section and a detailed analysis of the number of William V. Kqxey Solomon A. Smith of the hall is the reproduction of a mound Cyrus H. McCormick Albert A. Spsague people reached by some of the Museum's builder's grave described and pictured in Silas H. Strawn will in the special activities, appear Febniary Field Museum News of 1931. News. September, OFFICERS This group is now supplemented by cases STANifY Field Praident X-RAY STUDIES OF MUMMIES containing various types of archaeological Martin A. Ryerson Pint Vict-Praidtnt specimens representing tribes of this state. Albert A. Spragub Viee-Prendeni Seamd PUBLISHED BY MUSEUM There is also material on exhibition from Jambs Simpson Third Viet-Pretidtnt the famous burial mounds of Ohio. Stephen C. Simms Director and Seeretary A book, unusual both in text and illustra- Hopewell Solomon A. Smith . . . Treaturer and AnutaiU Sterttam The culture areas treated in this collection tions, presenting the results of studies, made include South Atlantic, by means of the X-ray, of mummified re- Mississippi-Ohio, North Great Lakes, FIELD MUSEUM NEWS mains in Field Museum, was published by Atlantic, Iroquoian, Columbia-Fraser, North Pacific Coast and Stephen C. Simms, Director of the Museum Editor Field Museum Press last month. Roent- California. The Southwest is omitted be- genologic Studies of Egyptian and Peruvian CONTRIBUTING EDITORS cause a special hall representing its impor- Mummies is the title, and the author is Dr. tant group of cultures is in preparation. Berthold Lauter Curator of Anthropoloiry Roy L. Moodie, professor of paleodontology B. E. Dahlgren Acting Curator of Botany Fascinating are the examples of the skill in the college of dentistry at the University ' O. C. Farrington Curator of Geology and ingenuity of the North American Indian Wilfred H. Osgood Curator Zoology of Southern California, and paleopathologist of shown in this exhibition. The to the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum Hopewell H. B. Hartb Manating Editor mound include of London. Dr. Moodie was formerly pro- specimens grotesque figures cut from mica; ornaments and tools made fessor of anatomy at the University of Field Museum is of the year during from copper; ceremonial paraphernalia of open every day Illinois, College of Medicine. the hours indicated below: obsidian, imported from what is now Yellow- The book is in size (9' x 12') November, December, January 9 A.M. to 4 :30 PJI. quarto stone National Park; and bear-teeth inlaid March, October 9 AM. to 5:00 P.M. and it contains sixty-six pages of text February, April, with pearls. May, June, July, August, September 9 am. to 6:00 P.H. and made seventy-six photogravure plates Those interested in metal working will Admission is free to Members on all days. Other chiefly from roentgenograms prepared in the adults are admitted free on and find in the collection many arrow and spear Thursdays, Saturdays Division of Roentgenology of Field Museum Stmdays; non-members pay 25 cents on other days. heads, and various tools, skillfully fashioned Children are admitted free on all days. Students and Miss Anna Reginalda Bolan, formerly by from hammered copper by early Wisconsin faculty members of educational institutions are admit- assistant professor of roentgenology and ted free of credentials. Indians. Among the Illinois artifacts are any day upon presentation photography at the University of Illinois. The of the Museum, containing some 92,000 hoes and spades made of stone, which were Library These illustrations are regarded as remark- volumes on natural history subjects, is open for refer- used by the tribes of this region for agricul- ence able for their clarity, and they reveal many daily except Simday. tural purposes. From the burial mounds of schools of hitherto unknown facts about the conditions Traveling exhibits are circulated in the Arkansas and Missouri are cunningly manu- Chicago by the Museum's Department of the N. W. of life and the diseases which prevailed in Harris Public School Extension. factured ornaments of shell and excellent ancient Egypt and Peru. The majority of Lectures for school classrooms and assemblies, and examples of the potter's art. Some of this the pictures are of men, women and special entertainments and lecture tours for children at X-ray pottery is fashioned into animal forms, such the Museum, are provided by the James Nelson and children, but there are also a number show- as frogs and fish, while other pieces are Anna Louise Raymond Foundation for Public School mummified animals. Most of the speci- and ing sculptured human faces resembling death- Children's Lectures. are from the collections at Field mens masks. One known as the "skeleton Announcements of courses of free illustrated lectures Museum. jar, on science and travel for the public, and S[>ecial lectures jar," is decorated with pieces of a human in for Members of the Museum, will appear in Field Professor Moodie's book is published skeleton. Museum News. and it con- an extremely limited edition, There are many examples of so-called There is a cafeteria in the Museum where luncheon stitutes Volume III of the Anthropology is served for visitors. Other rooms are provided for "problematical objects," made of polished Memoirs Series of the Museum. The char- those bringing their lunches. slate, serpentine, and marble. These objects acter of the illustrations and the fine Members are requested to inform the Museum paper have been the subject of endless speculation, of of address. used involved a promptly changes heavy publication expense. for no one knows exactly how or for what be obtained from the Museiun Copies may purposes they were made. Unusually large at $5 each, including postage. thousand MUSEUM ATTENDANCE IN 1931 tobacco pipes of stone, made a REACHES RECORD HEIGHT years ago by Indians of Georgia and Ken- are exhibited. These are elaborately An Expedition to Indo-China tucky, At the time of going to press with this carved. Whalebone tools of the Indians issue of Field Museum News attendance Field Museum is sharing in a zoological of Califomia are another feature of the led at Field Museum of Natural History during expedition to French Indo-China, by exhibition. 1931 had reached within a few thousands of Jean Delacour, well-known French zoologist. of this institution is one and one-half million, with the probability The participation BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS financed Marshall Field. The expedition that that figure would be passed within the by Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History may is now in and will continue col- in or collections. remaining days of the year. Up to and in- operation, be made securities, money, books if take the form of a memorial to total of lecting until May of this year. Little known They may, desired, cluding December 20 the number a or named the For those in the of Laos from Vien- person cause, by giver. desiring visitors was 1,487,427, establishing a record regions province to make bequests, the following form is suggested: to will be and far surpassing any preceding year, and mark- tiane Muong-Ting covered, of birds and FORM OF BEQUEST ing a notable increase over the previous several thousand specimens to result. Paris / do and to Field Muxeum record made in 1930 when 1,332,799 visitors mammals are expected The hereby give bequeath of Natural the State were received. Museimi of Natural History and the British History of City of Chicago, of lUinoia, Museum History) will receive part It is with intense gratification that this (Natural of the collections. constant and rapid increase in Museum attendance is observed, because it reflects the growth of public interest not only in Cash contributions made within the taxable year to Trustee Field Museum not 15 cent of the tax- the institution itself but in the sciences Wrigley Resigns exceeding per payer's net income are allowable as deductions in com- which the Museum's exhibits serve to illus- Due to the press of business, William puting net income under Article 251 of Regulation 69 to the income tax under the Revenue .A.ct of trate. It indicates that the Museum is Wrigley, Jr., has resigned from the Board relating 1926. successfully fulfilling its mission as an of "Trustees of Field Museum. Mr. Wrigley Endowments be made to the Museum with the educational factor in the life of Chicago. continues his connection with the Museum, may provision that an annuity be paid to the patron for life. In addition to those actually visiting the however, as a Corporate Member and a Life These annuities are tax-free and are giiaranteed against Museum, hundreds of thousands of school Member. fluctuation in amount. January, 19S2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Pages

OLD POTTERY FROM BRAZIL people were not even in the stone-age NEW EXHIBIT OF MONKEYS By J. Alden Mason stage of culture, since no stone exists within A new collection of monkeys from various Curator, American Section, Museum of the Uniyersity hundreds of miles of the mouth of the parts of Africa, Asia and the East Indies, of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Amazon, and the only non-perishable including a number of specimens obtained Assisiani Curator Mexican and SoiUh materials which they possessed were made {Formerly of by recent expeditions, has been placed on American Archaeology, Field Museum') of pottery and shell. exhibition in the systematic series of mam- Practically all the pottery is highly orna- The collections of the Department of mals in Hall 15 of the Museum. mented in several techniques—painted, Anthropology of Field Museum were recently Of unusual interest is an excellent speci- incised, and relief. The largest burial urns augmented by fifty-four specimens of ancient men of the rare golden (or snub-nosed) are generally decorated both with relief and Brazilian pottery received in an exchange monkey which was obtained by Colonel with painting in polychrome designs. One of with the Museum of the University of Theodore Roosevelt and Kermit Roosevelt the large specimens in the present collection Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. while leading the William V. Kelley-Roose- measures twenty-six inches across the top These were excavated in 1915 on Marajo velts Expedition to Eastern Asia for Field and is thirty inches in height. The relief Island, Brazil, by the late Dr. William Curtis Museum. This animal is an inhabitant of decoration on the neck portrays very con- the great snowclad mountain ranges in the r ventionalized human faces, while the lower province of Szechwan, China, and is found part is profusely decorated with painted only in forests in the higher altitudes, curvilinear and apparently non-naturalistic according to Dr. Wilfred H. Osgood, Curator designs, mainly in brown with touches of of Zoology. red. Another type of painting is mainly A Himalayan langur, obtained by the in red, frequently with fine lines in angular, Suydam Cutting Expedition to Sikkim, geometric designs. Probably the most ornate India, is another outstanding specimen. type is that in which the entire surface of This animal is found only in the upper red pottery is covered with elaborate designs Himalayas, and is the largest of the langurs, in low carving. which is the general name for a group of It is impossible to determine the age of numerous long-tailed, arboreal, and herbiv- these vessels. No trace of objects of Euro- orous characteristic of south- manufacture was found with them, and monkeys pean eastern Asia. There are also exhibited a they can therefore definitely be ascribed to a specimen of Kolb's guenon brought from period before the conquest. How much Kenya by Captain Harold A. White of older they are is problematical, but most New York, one of the leaders of the Harold probably they can be ascribed to the period White-John Coats African Expedition, and of about A.D. 1200. Of the people who an Abyssinian guereza obtained by the Field made and used them we know practically Museum-Chicago Daily News Abyssinian nothing; they and their descendants have Expedition. The Crane Pacific Expedition, completely disappeared from this region. and led Cornelius Crane aboard In the collection are also a few even more sponsored by his yacht Illyria is represented in the collec- rare and unusual pottery vessels from other tion a maroon secured in Borneo. islands near the mouth of the Amazon; these by langur Other in the collection include are in animal or human form. With some of monkeys specimens of Indian langur, proboscis mon- these were found objects of European manu- key of Borneo, nilgiri langur of India, banded facture of the colonial period, and therefore Mortuary Vessel they probably may be assigned to the six- Example of primitive art from Marajo Island in teenth century. the lower Amazon region, probably dating back to about A.D. 1200. WALNUT WOOD EXHIBIT former Curator of the American Farabee, By Llewelyn Williams Section of the Philadelphia institution. Assistant in Wood Technology Marajo Island is the largest of the many islands which block the mouth of the Amazon The latest additions to the Museum's River. It covers an area about half the exhibits of foreign woods include a series of size of the state of Pennsylvania. It is panels of Circassian, French and English nowhere more than twenty feet above water walnut. Although derived from trees of the level. During half of each year the greater same species, Juglans regia, these three part is converted into an immense morass, varieties have distinctive differences in color, through the rank grass of which canoes and grain and figure. even sailboats are hauled by wading oxen. Circassian walnut is a native of the Along the principal lakes and streams are Caspian Sea region, but its distribution found large mounds sometimes covering extends eastward through the Himalayas to areas of two or three acres and built up to a China, and also across Persia. The present height of fifteen or twenty feet. These were day supplies, however, originate in several doubtless erected by the pre-Columbian southern provinces of Russia. In early days population for the purpose of elevating their its delicious fruits were considered a food homes above flood-level, and it was in these of luxury. It soon gained popularity among mounds that Dr. Farabee excavated and the Greeks and Romans, and was planted secured the pottery vessels contained in this so widely that its range became extended to collection, as well as many others in the almost all European countries. University Museum in Philadelphia. All Combining beauty of color and figure, of the mounds are oval or elliptical in shape strength, durability, ease of working and a with broad flat tops. The pottery generally beautiful finish, few other woods have en- is of large size, but is mostly in fragmentary joyed such favor as walnut. Formerly it was condition. available only to those of wealth and posi- The large pottery vessels were evidently tion. Its popularity followed more or less Golden Monkey used for the advance of the Renaissance in various mortuary purposes. In certain Rare monkey obtained by the Kelley-Roosevelts places, or possibly at a certain period, the countries. Expedition, now on exhibition with other new speci- dead were cremated and the ashes interred mens in Hall 15. in urns. At other times and Giant Puffball Received places immense langur of Malacca, Erxleben's monkey from urns were in which the dead were A member of the mushroom employed giant puffball, Cameroon, Hocheur guenon of West Africa, in a The bones more than six placed sitting position. and family, weighing pounds, and white-collared mangabey, and the Angolan ashes of the deceased had more than a foot in has been entirely disap- diameter, guereza. The specimens were prepared for in the peared damp climate, as well as presented to Field Museum by students of exhibition by Staff Taxidermist Arthur G. whatever other objects were deposited with the Froebel High School in Gary, Indiana. Rueckert. the dead, the sole contents found within any These fungi seldom grow this large, and this of the urns being tangos—convex triangular one is the largest brought to Field Museum The peculiar egg-laying mammals of Aus- objects of pottery, which were worn by the in fifteen years, according to Dr. B. E. tralia are the subject of an exhibit in the women. It must be realized that these Dahlgren, Acting Curator of Botany. Department of Zoology. 19S2 Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS January,

ATMOSPHERIC GASES SEPARATED and in sea and river waters. Due to its IN UNIQUE EXHIBIT lightness and non-inflammability, it has proved ideal for filling airships and balloons. By Ouvbr C. Farbington As it is little soluble in body fluids, it is Curator, Department of Geology mixed with oxygen to supply atmosphere to workers in caissons and diving bells. As it In the mineral exhibit in Hall systematic becomes liquid at -258° C. it has also proved 34 there now be seen in addition to may invaluable in producing extreme cold. the solid and liquid native elements, such In 1903 it was demonstrated Sir dia- by as sulphur, mercury, copper, graphite, William Ramsay that helium was the end and silver, an exhibit of the mond, gold, product of the of radium. which occur as elements in the atmos- disintegration gases This was the first known evidence of the These eight gases are in separate phere. transmutation of elements, and the knowl- tubes, and are made visible by passing glass edge that such a change could take place an electric current through them, thus pro- has had a profound influence on chemical ducing the characteristic spectrum of each. and physical science. Few scientific investi- are shown in the order of their quantity They gations have been more fruitful or epoch- in the atmosphere, beginning with nitrogen, making in their results than those which the most abundant. Oxygen, argon, hydro- began with a study of the density of gen, neon, helium, krypton and xenon atmospheric nitrogen. follow in this order. Previous to 1894 the composition of the earth's atmosphere was thought to be four- BIRD GROUPS IMPROVED fifths nitrogen and one-fifth oxygen, with The hall of bird habitat a small of carbonic acid gas and groups (Hall 20) percentage has been and traces of water vapor, hydrogen and ammo- completely rearranged reopened to the The exhibits have been nia. In 1894, however, two famous English public. relabeled and to the chemists. Lord Rayleigh and Sir William transposed improve Ramsay, experimenting to make new deter- minations of the density of oxygen and nitrogen, discovered that atmospheric nitro- gen was slightly denser than that prepared by chemical means. They concluded that the difference must be caused by a gas in the atmosphere, not previously isolated. Searching to discover what this might be, they succeeded in separating a hitherto unknown gas. They found it to be exceed- ingly inert and gave it the name argon. Seeking other sources of this gas, they recalled that an American chemist, Dr. W. F. Hillebrand of the United States Geological Survey, had reported a few years before that the mineral pitchblende or uraninite con- tained a noticeable quantity of nitrogen. Investigating this so-called nitrogen, they found it to correspond with a gas discovered in the sun in 1868 by spectroscopic examina- tion and given the name helium. This gas the English chemists found also to be a component of the atmosphere. Continuing the study. Sir William, with M. W. Travers, separated from the air three additional new gases. These are called neon, kryp- ton, and xenon. Of these gases, argon constitutes about 1 per cent by volume of the atmosphere. Xenon is the rarest and the heaviest, form- ing only one part in seventeen million of the atmosphere. Krypton constitutes about one part in two million, helium one part in two hundred and fifty thousand and neon about one part in eighty thousand. All these gases resemble argon in inertness and form a separate group. They have different atomic weights but similar chemical properties. Several of these gases have proved to be of much commercial importance. Argon, on account of its inertness, is now used to fill electric light bulbs, replacing nitrogen, which was formerly used. Neon, owing to the brilliancy of its spectrum, is widely used for illuminated signs. It was the first ele- ment to give definite proof of the existence of isotopes, knowledge of which changed the scientific conception of the chemical elements. Studies of helium have also produced results of much scientific and commercial importance. Besides occurring in the atmos- phere, it was found that helium exists in a number of rocks and minerals, forms part of the gases evolved from mineral springs, and occurs in natural gas, in volcanic gases. Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 3 FEBRUARY, 1932 No. 2

NEW GROUP SHOWS A MOUNTAIN LION AND HER KITTENS IN THEIR ROCKY DEN

A habitat group of mountain lions has tropical climes, show considerable variation their mother, will a mountain lion attack been added to the series of American mam- in physiological structure, coating, habits, a man. One of the rare authenticated mal groups in Hall 16 of the Museum. In and other characteristics. In the case of instances of such an attack was experienced the group is shown an adult female at rest, the mountain lion such small variations as by Curator Osgood, while in Venezuela some with her two kittens playing about her fore exist are so slight as to be practically indis- years ago on an expedition for the Museum. paws. No male appears because of the fact cernible except to the keenest observer, and Returning from an afternoon of hunting, he that the males do not associate with their become apparent only after close study. suddenly encountered a mountain lion in mates while the young are dependent on As the Museum's group shows, the young his path, which, sighting him, began an the mother. It is believed they return to are radically different in appearance from unprovoked charge toward him. Raising a the family after the kittens are sufficiently the adults, their coats being darkly spotted rifle loaded only with buckshot. Dr. Osgood grown to care at least partly for themselves. in contrast to the plain tawny color of the shot at the animal, wounding it in the head, The animals are shown in a scene repre- full-grown animals. and stunning it so that it fell to the senting their rocky ground. But while Dr. den, typical of many Osgood was reloading such dwelling-places his rifle to kill the lion, of animals on moun- it regained conscious- tain-sides in the cen- ness, and rising to its tral Rockies. The feet darted out of bleakness of the locale sight. Dr. Osgood is is relieved by ever- convinced that the green trees and brush. only reason for the The mountain lion attack was that the has probably the wid- animal was in a corner est range of any single when he came upon it. species of American The group is the mammal, according to twenty-first in the Dr. Wilfred H.Osgood, series of American Curator of Zoology. It mammals mounted in occurs all the way natural attitudes amid from British Columbia reproductions of to Patagonia in the tip scenes typical of their of South America. It environments. Only is known by many one more group re- other names, such as mains to be done for puma, catamount, the completion of Hall cougar and painter. 16. Because it is found Formerly it was found on both continents, in most parts of the the mountain lion pro- United States, being vides a connecting link common in the early between the North days even in New and South American York, New Jersey and groups, and its location Pennsylvania. Today, in the hall was selected however, it is prac- with this in mind. New Habitat of Mountain Lions Installed in Hall 16 tically extinct east of Group A male specimen may the Rocky Mountains. be seen in Hall 15. West of the mountains it still flourishes, and Many wild and terrifying tales have been The mountain lions in the group were is a serious pest to live-stock raisers. It told of vicious attacks made upon human mounted by L. L. Pray, of the Museum's preys upon cattle, sheep, colts, and other beings by the mountain lion, but few of taxidermy staff, and the background was domestic animals, and also upon deer and them can be substantiated. The fact is prepared by Staff Artist Charles A. Corwin. other small game animals. It is almost that the animal is cowardly and slinks away The Museum is indebted to J. D. Figgins, wholly nocturnal in habits, and little ob- at the sight of a man. Only under the most Director of the Colorado Museum of Natural servation of its life has been possible. unusual circumstances, such as extreme prov- History at Denver, for supplying photo- Most animals which are found over such ocation of a cornered animal, or the im- graphs and accessories necessary in the wide ranges, including cold, temperate, and periling of the kittens in the presence of preparation of the group.

Brazilian Plants Received The collection contained beautifully pre- Complete skeletons of the saber-tooth pared specimens of several varieties of the tiger, and a prehistoric type of wolf are The Companhia Ford Industrial do Brasil Hevea rubber trees that produce nearly all included. Other animals, represented by has established at Boa Vista, Brazil, on the the rubber of commerce. Mr. Standley has partial skeletal remains, are a prehistoric Tapajoz River (a tributary of the Amazon), prepared for publication a list of the trees kind of horse, a ground sloth, a primitive a large plantation for growing Par& rubber. and shrubs represented in the collection. coyote, and bison, condor and eagle. Roy Carr of this company has forwarded to Fossils were first discovered in these tar Field Museum a collection of 135 plants, pits in 1908, and since then scientists have mostly trees, that grow wild on the planta- Fossils from Rancho la Brea unearthed some of tion. These have been determined by Asso- ninety species prehistoric creatures to Elmer S. ciate Curator Paul C. Standley and found A collection of fossil bones of prehistoric there, according Riggs, Curator of to include material of several important animals obtained from the famous Rancho Associate Paleontology. timber trees not represented previously in la Brea asphaltum pits in the city of Los Another addition to the exhibits in this the Museum Herbarium. One, a member Angeles, has been placed on exhibition in hall consists of two skulls of rhinoceroses of the brazilnut family, proved to be a new Ernest R. Graham Hall (Hall 38). These which lived in the Bad Lands of Nebraska species, which has been named for Mr. animals lived during the Pleistocene period, in the Oligocene period, about thirty-five Carr, Eschweilera Carrii. one to one and one-half million years ago. to thirty-nine million years ago. Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS February, 1932

Field Museum of Natural History ance on free days plus the free admissions plete skeletons. Usually these are so greatly on to flattened that as Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 pay days granted Members, children, they appear only impres- teachers, students, etc., amounted to sions or silhouettes on the surface of the Roosevelt Road and Lake Michigan, Chicago 1,389,331, or considerably more than the rough slabs of cannel coal in which they total of free and paid admissions together in are found. Many of these fossils are of THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1930. It is estimated that more than one- small salamander-like animals; others are Sewell L. Avery William H. Mitchell third of the total number of visitors were considerably larger and include elongated John Borden Frederick H. Rawson children. and eel-like forms. Few of the remains William J. Chalmers George A. Richardson The additional children indicate animals a in Marshall Field Martin A. Ryerson 727,000 coming exceeding yard length, Stanley Field Fred W. Sarcbnt under the influence of the Museum's educa- but one of the long-tailed species may have Ernest R. Graham Stephen C. Simms tional work are accounted for as follows: reached a length of nine feet. Albert W. Harris James Simpson The James Nelson and Anna Louise Ray- Fortunately some of these fossils are suffi- Samuel Insull, Jr. Solomon A. Smith •William V. Kelley Albert A. Spbague mond Foundation, in addition to providing ciently complete to give a good idea of the Cyrus H. McCormick Silas H. Strawn programs at the Museum itself for thousands skeletal structure, and a reconstruction of John P. Wilson of children, reached 227,351 school pupils the skeleton of one of them was recently *Deceased OFFICERS through lecturers sent out to address them made in the American Museum of Natural in their classrooms and assembly halls. (The History, New York, under the direction of Stanley Field President total number reached all Dr. William K. It is based Martin A. Ryerson Firet Vice-President by Raymond Gregory. mainly Albert A. Spragub Second Vice-President Foundation activities, including both those on the remains of Diplovertebron, a species James Simpson Third Vice-President inside and outside the Museum was 303,693.) discovered in Scotland, and studied and and Stephen C. Simms Director Secretary In children described the eminent British Solomon A. Smith. ..Treasurer and Assistant Secretary addition, approximately 500,000 originally by were reached over and over again during paleontologist, S. M. Watson. In some the year by means of traveling exhibition particulars this reconstruction is a composite, FIELD MUSEUM NEWS cases displayed in all the public and many since, in so far as Diplovertebron remains are Stephen C. Simms, Director of the Museum Editor other schools (with changes of subjects every incomplete, comparison of other forms has two the of the served to information Never- CONTRIBUTING EDITORS weeks) through Department supply lacking. N. W. Harris Public School Extension. theless, Dr. Gregory's model is undoubtedly Berthold Laufbr Curator of Anthropology Less directly the Museum reached prob- the most satisfactory and important recon- B. E. Dahlgren Curator Acting of Botany millions of other such vari- struction in and the O. C. Farrington Curator of Geology ably persons by existence, perhaps only Wilfred H. Osgood Curator of Zoology ous means as the circulation of its publica- three-dimensional one, of a skeleton of a in the radio Carboniferous The Mu- H. B. Harte Managing Editor tions, reports newspapers, primitive tetrapod. broadcasting, motion picture newsreels, etc. seum was fortunate in acquiring a duplicate The highest attendance for any single day of it at the very time when the question Field Museum is of the open every day year durins 1931 was on 21, when 51,917 was considered of some the hours indicated below: during May being representing visitors were received in the building. 'This example of the early tetrapods to indicate November, December, January 9 A.M. to 4 :30 P.M. was in their in the Carboniferous forest. February, March, April, October 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. exceeded on only two previous days presence May, June, July, August, September 9 A.M. to 6:00 p.m. the Museum's history—June 20, 1926, with On the basis of Dr. Gregory's model of Admission is free to Members on all days. Other 54,024 visitors, and May 24, 1929, with the skeleton it has been possible to restore adults are admitted free on and Thursdays, Saturdays 59,843 visitors. with considerable confidence the external Sundays; non-members pay 25 cents on other days. is the total Children are admitted free on all days. Students and It interesting to note that body form of Diplovertebron. faculty members of educational institutions are admit- attendance for the first ten years of occu- The other amphibian included in the group ted free any day upon presentation of credentials. pancy of the present building (May 2, 1921, is a small long-tailed species of Huxley's The Library of the Museum, containing some 92,000 to May 1, 1931) was 8,597,409, as compared genus Ceraterpeton. The Museum is indebted volumes on natural history subjects, is open for refer- more than to Professor A. S. vertebrate ence daily except Sunday. with a total of 5,839,579 for the Romer, pale- for Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of twenty-five years during which the Museum ontologist of the University of Chicago, Chicago by the Museum's Department of the N. W. was located in its first building in Jackson the necessary data and for a drawing of the Harris Public School Extension, Park. skeleton of this species as restored by him. Lectures for school classrooms and assemblies, and models of both forms have been entertainments and lecture tours for children at Separate special with the fossils of the Carbonif- the Museum, are provided by the James Nelson and TWO NEW TRUSTEES CHOSEN; placed also Anna Louise Raymond Foundation for Public School erous period in Graham Hall, to show the and Children's Lectures. RE-ELECTED ALL OFFICERS probable appearance of some of the earliest Announcements of courses of free illustrated lectures At the Annual of the Board of terrestrial vertebrates. The group to which on science and travel tor the public, and special lectures Meeting these is of for Members of the Museum, will appear in Field Trustees of Field Museum, held January 18, extinct amphibia belong impor- Museum News. John P. Wilson and Sewell L. Avery were tance not only as including the predecessors There is a cafeteria in the Museum where luncheon elected as Trustees to fill the vacancies left on and ancestors of the very different present- is served for visitors. Other rooms are for provided the board the death of R. T. day amphibia, but especially as forming the those bringing their lunches. by Crane, Jr., and the of William Jr. connecting link between the fishes of the Members are requested to inform the Museum resignation Wrigley, of next. promptly of changes of address. For the twenty-fourth time Stanley Field preceding period and the reptiles the was re-elected President of the Museum. To the distinction of being the first back- Mr. Field has held this office since January, boned animals to move on four legs and 2,240,000 REACHED IN 1931 1909. All the other officers who served dur- thus of being the pioneers of vertebrate life BY MUSEUM ACTIVITIES ing 1931 were re-elected for 1932. on land they add that of being the progeni- tors of the early reptiles and through them Final statistics on the activities of Field of the higher vertebrates. Museum in 1931 indicate that more than PRIMITIVE AMPHIBIA 2,240,000 persons benefited directly from By B. E. Dahlgren BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS the work of the institution during the year. Acting Curator, Department of Botany This figure includes the number of visitors Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History may be made in books or collections. to the Museum—1,515,540, a total which In connection with the preparation of the securities, money, They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to far Carboniferous exceeds by any previous year's record recently completed swamp a person or cause, named by the giver. For those desiring in the history of the institution—and also forest group (see Field Museum News, to make bequests, the following form is suggested : restorations were made of more than 727,000 children reached by extra- October, 1931), FORM OF BEQUEST mural activities of the Museum. two of the four-footed animals that appeared / do hereby give and to Field Museum The was the fifth in which the attend- for the first time in the Carboniferous age. bequeath of year Natural History of the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, ance exceeded one million. The increase A well-known impression in Devonian over the 1930 total of 1,332,799 visitors is shale has been interpreted as a footprint 182,741 or approximately 13.5 per cent, and may indicate the existence of terrestrial and compares with a gain of 164,369 made vertebrates in the preceding period, but the in 1930 over 1929. earliest positive remains are of Lower Car- Cash contributions made within the taxable year to Field Museum not exceedmg 15 cent of the tax- While the total attendance increased so boniferous age. The remains are not abun- per payer's net income are allowable as deductions in com- notably, all the gain was in free admissions, dant, but they have been found in various puting net income under Article 251 of Regulation 69 the paid admissions decreasing from 160,924 places in Europe as well as in North America. relating to the income tax under the Revenue Act of 1926. in 1930 to 126,209 in 1931, a development A coal mine in Ohio has yielded more than Endowments may be made to the Museum with the which undoubtedly be largely attributed fifty different species. may provision that an annuity be paid to the patron for life. to the economic conditions which have pre- "The greater part of these consists of frag- These annuities are tax-free and are guaranteed against vailed during the past year. The attend- ments, a lesser part of more or less incom- fluctuation in amount. February, 1932 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Pages

EGYPTIAN HALL COMPLETED The venomous relatives of the scorpion EXHIBIT OF CHINESE PAINTINGS fishes have very sharp and stiff spines on Installation of exhibits in the hall of An exhibit of Chinese paintings, mostly the back. Their poison glands smear the Egyptian archaeology (Hall J) has been com- on silk, and tapestries woven on silk, ranging venom over the spine so that it may be pleted. Much new material has been added in date from the twelfth to the eighteenth carried into a wound. They usually lie in to the exhibits, and all the exhibits have century, has been opened on the second clefts of coral or other rock and depend on been making this collection one floor of the Museum. At the exhibi- improved, their coloration to hide them. Natives of present of the finest of its kind in the country. tion contains twenty-six paintings selected tropical seashores are much afraid of the The installation has been carried out in new from several hundred in the Museum's collec- wounds caused by these spines. types of cases never employed for this pur- tion. Most of these were brought from China Closely related to the scorpion fish is a pose before, and equipped with the most by Dr. Berthold Laufer, Curator of Anthro- group called "poison fishes" or "lionfishes." modern system of museum display lighting. pology, as a result of his work as leader of They are found on the shores of tropical work of the and two the Blackstone and the The revising exhibits, Pacific islands and the East Indies. Their expeditions, bringing the information on the labels accom- Marshall Field Expeditions to China. Others colors are very brilliant, and their large panying them up to date in accordance with are gifts to the Museum, the donors being fins make a great display. Lying quietly in the results of most recent research, has been Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Everett of Chicago, in progress for several years under the super- and the American FViends of China, Chicago. vision of Dr. Berthold Laufer, Curator of Many customs of the Chinese, and much Anthropology, and Dr. T. George Allen, folklore of their country, are depicted in the Assistant Curator of Egyptian Archaeology. paintings. One is a vivid picture of a cock- During the course of this work Dr. Allen fight in which a cheating gambler is attempt- has deciphered hundreds of inscriptions on ing to "fix" the fight. Another shows a ancient tablets of various kinds. school of carp swimming in a pool. A of A large collection of human mummies and portrait depicts a Taoist sage, typical the their coffins is on exhibition. These include Chinese gentleman and scholar. A tapestry mummies of men, women and children, and made by order of the Emperor K'ien-lung they range in date from about 2300 B.C. in 1788 depicts two hungry chickens, with to A.D. 200. Near-by are shown also X-ray a poem by the emperor and his seals woven of his pictures of many of the mummies, made in in the silk in facsimile handwriting. the Museum's Division of Roentgenology. A plea for famine sufferers during an A prehistoric body buried long before mum- ancient "depression" is made by one silk mification was practised is also shown. painting depicting vagrants, mendicants, and There is a large collection, too, of mummified street performers. 'This was made by an animals and birds. artist of the Sung period and sent to the on behalf of the unfortunate. An- Two complete tomb chapels of the Old emperor re-erected for the most other painting tells a story, in three scenes, Kingdom period Poison Fish in which a condemned oflncial's life is saved part with the stones of the originals as they Reproduction of spiny creature of tropical seas, now from the wrath of an emperor. Others show formerly stood in Egypt, make one of the on exhibition in Albert W. Harris Hall CHall 18). "the dance of the largest of the exhibits. Three sarcophagi of happy hermit," sleeping of red granite, black granite, and marble are a crevice of a coral reef they are almost kittens, dragons symbolical sovereignty, and various and also shown. A large wooden boat, almost invisible, so well do their colors blend with landscapes, portraits, bird, animal and flower 4,000 years old, which was found beside the things around them. Their pectoral subjects. the pyramid of King Sesostris II at Dahshur fins are large and end in long streamers that occupies a prominent position in the hall. may reach beyond the end of the tail. The IMPROVED SKELETAL EXHIBIT of the can be Other exhibits include collections of gar- row spines along back raised A decided innovation has been made in ments and ornamental tomb to stand like a fence much than the tapestries, higher the method of installing skeletal material of and statuettes in of the These are sculptures paintings, stone, height body. spines strong, animals exhibited in the hall of osteology bronze and wood, vases and pottery, faience sharp, and stiff, but so slender that they (Hall 19). The first case exemplifying this and Their will glass, jewelry, vanity articles, charms, appear fragile. tips penetrate new method is now on exhibition. This is a and flesh at the slightest touch. Just below beads, tools, weapons, furniture, many case illustrating the skeletal structure of other kinds of objects. the tip of each spine is a poison gland. The typical carnivorous mammals, ranging from is smeared on the as it enters poison spine tiny American weasels to the great tigers of the flesh. India. The skeletons are mounted in the POISON FISHES of lionfishes were secured Specimens by case by an improved method whereby heavy the M. Chancellor-Field Museum By Alfred C. Weed Philip wooden bases are eliminated, adding much to Aitutaki the Assistant Curator of Fishes Expedition Island, northern- to the attractiveness and effectiveness of the most island in the Cook Archipelago. Great those of exhibit. A new style light-colored back- Many fishes, especially tropical care was taken in preserving them so that ground screen, and buff labels, are used in seas, are believed to be poisonous when arrived at the with their colors they Museum the case. used as food. Some are considered danger- as brilliant as have been nearly they would The skeletons shown in this case include ous at all times, others only at certain in life. The forward part of the head and sea seasons. Certain of some are believed those of American otter, otter, grizzly parts some triangles at the bases of the fins were to be while others are bear, black bear, raccoon, weasel, tiger, poisonous, rejected brilliantly yellow. The rest of the body in their Some are considered so hyena, dog, bob-cat, domestic cat, rasse, entirety. was black, very intense forward and tinged bad at certain that laws have been and wolverene. By comparison with other ports with yellowish toward the tail. Every band their often the cases in the hall, this exhibit is intended to passed forbidding sale; yet of black, no matter how small, was com- same kinds are in the markets of illustrate how the carnivores differ from prized pletely edged by a brilliant purple stripe. other towns. herbivorous, insectivorous, and other groups One black with its band, purple edging, of animals. Of the eight families of true Many fishes also are known, and others the The passed directly through eye. rays Carnivora, seven are represented in the case. believed, to be venomous: that is, able to of and ventral fins were dorsal, pectoral The Pinnipedia, including seals and walruses, produce a poison and inject it into a wound. purple. are exhibited in another case. The case is proved in fish as unlike each A celluloid reproduction of this poison fish other as some catfish, a group of toadfish, has been prepared by Taxidermist Arthur G. several Art Research Classes and groups of fishes related to the Rueckert, and is now on exhibition in Albert fish. scorpion Others, including stingrays, W. Harris Hall (Hall 18). Some fifty students of the Art Institute of most catfishes, toadfishes, scorpion fishes, Chicago regularly attend each week special etc., are suspected of having some kind of art research classes conducted at Field Historic Silver poison connected with their sharp spines, Specimens Museum of Natural History. They spe- but this has not been proved. Two bricks of silver, historically as well cialize in pictures and designs based upon The truly venomous toadfishes have a as intrinsically valuable, were recently pre- nature subjects, using Museum exhibits of series of spines on the back, perforated like sented to the Museum by William J. animals, plants and anthropological subjects the fangs of a rattlesnake and provided with Chalmers. One of these was made in 1878 as models. large poison glands at the base. They lie by the first water-jacket furnace at Lead- hidden in the sand near shore, where they ville, Colorado. The other was made from A miniature model of an ancient Maya are likely to be stepped on by bare-footed ore brought from some of the first silver pyramid is on exhibition in the Department waders. mines operated in Montana. of Anthropology. Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS February, 1932

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN With its red-veined foliage, pink flowers, FEBRUARY GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS and bright red pods the arnatto —RAYMOND FOUNDATION prickly Following is the schedule of conducted makes an addition to the number interesting tours of the exhibits of motion during February: Two special programs pictures of useful plants already represented in the Week 1 — 11 for children, commemorating Lincoln's and Hall of Plant Life. The was known beginning Febrtiary Monday: A.M., plant North American Mammals, 3 P.M., Mummies; will be given Tuesday: Washington's birthdays, by to the famous botanist Linnaeus, by whom 11 A.M., Systematic Birds, 3 p.m., Primitive Musical Louise the James Nelson and Anna Ray- it was given its scientific name, Bixa Orellana. Instruments; Wednesday: 11 A.M., Birds of Prey, 3 P.M., Feathers and Their Uses; Thursday: 11 A.M. and mond Foundation for Public School and is a latinized of a Brazilian Bixa corruption 3 General 11 Mound Children's Lectures on 12 and 22 P.M., Tours; Friday: A.M., Builders, February word for shrub, and Orellana is the name of 3 P.M., Fur-bearers. respectively, while later in the month the the first white to travel the of man length Week beginning February 8—Monday: 11 A.M., will its annual series Foundation open spring the Amazon River from its Peruvian trib- Indian Ceremonies, 3 p.m., Minerals; Tuesday: 11 A.M., of ten Saturday morning entertainments. Marine Life, 3 p.m., Roman Archaeology; Wednesday: 11 3 Native All these are in the James a.m., Jewelry, P.M., Philippine Life; programs given Thursday: 11 A.M. and 3 P.M., General Tours; Friday: Simpson Theatre of the Museum. Admis- 11 A.M., Prehistoric Exhibits, 3 P.M., Egypt. sion is and children from all of free, parts Week beginning February 15—Monday: 11 A.M., Chicago and suburbs are invited to attend. Indians of the Desert, 3 P.M., American Trees; Tuesday: 11 3 Each program is given twice, at 10 a.m. and A.M., Interesting Plants, P.M., Jades; Wednesday: 11 A.M., Skeletons, 3 P.M., Chinese Exhibits; Thursday: at 11. 11 A.M. and 3 P.M., General Tours; Friday: 11 a.m., At the Lincoln's Birthday program on Fishes, Past and Present, 3 P.M., Fibers and Their Uses. Friday, February 12, the films to be shown Week beginning February 22—Monday: 11 a.m., Eskimo 3 and represent episodes in the life of Abraham Life, p.m., Snakes Other Reptiles; Tuesday: 11 a.m., African Game Animals, 3 the titles: p.m.. Lincoln, under following "My Crystals and Gems; Wednesday: 11 a.m.. Beads and Mother," "My First Jury," and "Native Their Uses, 3 p.m.. South American Archaeology; State." Thursday: 11 A.M. and 3 P.M., General Tours; Friday: 11 A.M., Bird Habitat Groups, 3 P.M., Borneo, Java, The films of George Washington's life to and Sumatra. be shown on his Febru- birthday, Monday, Monday, February 29— 11 A.M., Asiatic Animals, ary 22, are: "Washington and Christopher 3 P.M., Work of Wind and Water. Gist," "Yorktown," and "President Washington." Persons wishing to participate should at North Entrance. Tours are free The regular spring series will begin on apply and no gratuities are to be proffered. A new Saturday, February 27, with the motion schedule will appear each month in Field picture, "A Vanishing People." Museum News. Guide-lecturers' services Announcement of the other nine programs for tours parties of ten or more in this series will appear in subsequent issues special by are available free of charge of Field Museum News. by arrangement with the Director a week in advance. A THIRD PERSIAN PALACE Arnatto Branch Gifts to the Museum DISCOVERED AT KISH New exhibit in Hall of Plant Lite (Hall 29). Prepared in the Stanley Field Plant Reproduction Following is a list of some of the principal A third Sassanian has been dis- Laboratories. palace gifts received during the last month: covered on the site of the ancient city of utaries to its mouth in quest of the leg- From Dr. Arthur U. Pope—decorated bronze plaque Kish by excavators of the Field Museum- from Pine Lumber endary city of Manoa. The brilliant color- (fragment), Persia; Sugar Company, Oxford University Joint Expedition to Ltd. —4 trunk slabs and a wheel section of sugar pine, matter of arnatto have reminded — Mesopotamia. The discovery has been ing may California; from Russell Fortune, Inc. U panels of Linnaeus of the hallucinations of koa and other Australia and Hawaii; field director golden Oriental, woods, reported by L. C. Watelin, —4 exhibition the early Spanish adventurers, among whom from Sandberg Manufacturing Company of the expedition, which is now in its tenth specimens of Turkish boxwood, Europe; from Dr. C. A. Francisco de Orellana was an outstanding — from H. W. season of operations. Two others of these Purpus 333 herbarium specimens, Mexico; von — 122 herbarium Mexico; from palaces of a dynasty of Persian kings were type. Rozynski specimens, —B.E.D. New York Zoological Society—photograph of Asiatic uncovered last year. wild horse; from Herbert C. Walther—9 chemical — of Mr. Watelin reports that the third palace elements; from William J. Sinclair photograph TRUSTEE KELLEY IS DEAD restoration of from F. J. W. Schmidt—a is quite different in plan from the others. Eohippus; fiying squirrel and a prairie mole, Wisconsin: from An interesting discovery in it is a large The sad news of the death of William V. John G. Shedd Aquarium—skull of Florida manatee; square reservoir in which water was stored Kelley, member of the Museum's Board of from Frank C. Wonder—14 white-footed mice, 2 short- tailed and an North Carolina. and carried away by pipes which have also Trustees, was learned at the very hour of shrews, opossum skull. been found. A series of glazed and unglazed going to press with this issue of Field pottery of the Sassanian period has been Museum News. Mr. Kelley died on Janu- 1,200 Harris Extension Cases recovered, and a good collection of this ary 21. He had been elected to the Board The N. W. Harris Public School Exten- material will be sent to Field Museum. in October, 1929. He was also a Benefactor sion of Field Museum is now circulating There have also been found a number of of the Museum. more than 1,200 traveling exhibits through- human skulls and skeletons, accompanied One of the most notable of Mr. Kelley's out the Chicago school system. by necklaces of amber, paste and glass services to the institution was his financing beads, and by rings and bracelets of bronze. of the William V. Kelley-Roosevelts Expe- Field Museum has fine collections repre- Mr. Watelin also reports resumption of dition to Eastern Asia which was one of the senting the archaeology of Colombia. work upon the Sumerian ruins, the oldest largest and most successful of all the Mu- at Kish. seum's expeditions. A more adequate bio- ARNATTO BRANCH EXHIBITED graphical sketch of Mr. Kelley will appear MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM in the March News. Field Museum has several classes of Members. From material obtained in Para by the Benefactors give or devise $100,000 or more. Contribu- tors or devise to Life Members Marshall Field Botanical Expedition to the NEW MEMBERS give $1,000 $100,000. give $500. Non-Resident (Life) and Associate Members Amazon there has recently been placed on pay $100. Non-Resident Associate Members pay $50. The following were elected to exhibition in the Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29) persons All the above classes are exempt from dues. Sustaining in Field Museum during the Members contribute $25 After six they a reproduction of a flowering and fruiting membership annually. years from December 16 to 15: become Associate Members. Annual Members con- branch of anatto or arnatto. This is a hand- period January tribute $10 annually. Other memberships are Corpo- some tropical shrub or small tree native Life Members' rate, Honorary, Patron, and Correspondmg, additions under these classifications made action to tropical America, but now often found being by special Mrs. C. T. Boynton of the Board of Trustees. in cultivation elsewhere. Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to free is best as the source of Associate Members Arnatto known admission to the Museum for himself, his family and H. K. Mrs. Charles the orange coloring matter commonly em- Charles Bohasseck, DeLemon, house guests, and to two reserved seats for Museum W. Gray, Mrs. Julius W. Loewenthal, Mrs. Francis lectures for Members. to Field ployed for coloring dairy products, especially provided Subscription Ncilson, Mrs. Henry J. Reynolds, Henry B. Ryan, Museum News is included with all The substitutes. memberships. butter and butter Long before Mrs. Thomas G. Sexton. courtesies of every museum of note in the United it was thus used, it was well known to the States and Canada are extended to all Members of Annual Members Field Museum. his card American Indians, who painted their bodies A Member may give personal to non-residents of of Niels Boberg, Ralph W. Davis, Hugo E. Fox, Oliver Chicago, upon presentation and dyed their textiles with it. The color which to the W. Johnson, Oscar G. Mayer, Hoogner Nelson, Pro- they will be admitted Museum without is from the small of Further information about will obtained quantity pulp fessor James Payne, Mrs. Walter F. Piper, Hon. charge. memberships be sent on surrounding the seeds. Franklin J. Stransky, Quincy Wright. request.

PRINTED BY FIELD I USEUM PRESS useiiMiNews Published Monthly by Field Miisemu of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 3 MARCH, 1932 No. 3

LOG OF AN EXPEDITION final arrangements were concluded for per- NAVAHO BLANKETS MAKE ON THE ORINOCO mission to enter Venezuela through the INTERESTING EXHIBIT northwestern delta of the Orinoco. Mention By Lbon Mandel II By Paul S. Mabtin is due here of the cordial and effective Assistant Curator of North American Archaeology (Editor's note: Mr. Mandel has just returned from a assistance to the cooperation and given zoological to Venezuela which he organized Weaving is one of the most important expedition President J. V. of and financed in the interest of Field Museum. The expedition by Gomez industries of the Navaho Indians, and from teas conducted Mr. MandeVs expedition from yacht, Venezuela, and by Dr. Requana, of Caracas. an artistic their woven "Buccaneer." Emmet R. Blake, a zoologist of the Uni- standpoint products The members of the and the Museum silver versity of Pittsburgh, was especially engaged to do the party equal their work. zoological collecting. Mr. Mandel has kirtdly furnished as an institution deeply appreciate these It is by no means certain whether the the following accourU of the expedition.) courtesies. Navaho learned to weave from their near The yacht Buccaneer, 107 feet over all, Two native Venezuelan guides were en- neighbors, the Pueblo Indians, or whether 95 tons net, cleared Miami for Havana gaged at Port of Spain and maps of the it was a native art practised from very December 29 with a early times. In either party consisting of case, their weaving Fred L. Mandel, Jr.; today surpasses any E. R. Blake, repre- COLONEL ROOSEVELT INSPECTS WORK ON GROUP other done by primi- senting Field Museum; tive tribes of North Jack Barnett, Uni- America. Interest- versal News Reel ingly enough, also, the cameraman; a crew of Navaho have been less ten. Captain Hiorth, europeanized in their master ; and the writer. arts, language, or cus- The yacht reached toms than any other Havana December 30 North American tribe, and remained there for a fact which may several days, the party account for the attrac- being joined by Dr. tive quality of their Robert Dwyer of products. Chicago. Before this country The Buccaneer left was discovered by Havana January 2 for Europeans, cotton was Fort de France, the only raw material Martinique, but en- which was spun and countered a severe woven into cloth. But northeaster off Cape after sheep were intro- Maysi on the eastern duced by the Span- tip of Cuba. After a iards, wool became very rough crossing of commonly used even the Windward Pas- by the Indians, sage, during which the although at present it ship was heaved to for is gradually being a period of several replaced by German- hours because of a town yarn because it very high sea, lee was is easier to obtain and found between the requires no cleaning or northern coast of Haiti dyeing. and Isle de Tortue on Aniline or com- January 5. The vessel mercial dyes have was anchored just off gradually replaced the the island, and the native vegetable and mineral party proceeded Photograph courtesy Chicago Daily Tribune dyes which ashore and spent two were formerly com- While In Chlcaflto on his way to the Philippine Islands to assume the post of Governor- days collecting speci- General, Colonel Theodore Roosevelt visited Field Museum to see groups of animals resulting mon, with the result mens and two nights from the William V. Kelley-Roosevelts Expedition to Eastern Asia which he led jointly with that the colors em- his Kermit Roosevelt. listening to the native brother, ployed today are harsh In the above Colonel Roosevelt is seen In the case in which are Installed voodoo drums. A photograph being and unbeautiful, lack- the specimens of water buffalo which he shot in southern French Indo-China. Colonel the soft third and fourth day Roosevelt hunted these beasts under trying and difficult circumstances. Of the part of the ing tones seen during which the expedition's work which he had undertaken to do personally, only the securing of specimens in older blankets. weather remained for the water buffalo group remained. Without defying his response to the call of his then In Hall 6 of the new duties as Governor of Porto Rico, to which office he had just been appointed, he determined six inclement were spent in the few days remaining before sailing to get the buffalo. Museum complete at Port de Paix, Haiti, cases, recently in- where further collect- stalled, contain some ing was done. of the best examples On the fifth day the yacht proceeded on coast of Venezuela were furnished through of Navaho weaving. The blankets exhibited its course, and reached San Juan, Porto the courtesy of Captain C. C. Slayton of the are for the most part fifty to eighty years Rico, on January 10. There the party was United States Hydrographic Ship Hannibal old. Almost every type of weaving and augmented further by Henry Wyzanski. which fortunately happened to be stationed design, as well as most of the commoner The ship was refueled, and cleared on at Port of Spain. vegetable and mineral colors are represented January 11 for Martinique. Martinique The trip across the Gulf of Paria was in this exhibit. was reached on the twelfth, and the yacht made on January 16 and anchorage was One blanket woven about sixty years ago proceeded the following morning to Port found just inside the mouth of the Pedernales in soft greens, browns, and reds has for its of Spain, Trinidad, which was reached River near the town of Pedernales. The main central design a model of a European January 14. party went ashore in the evening and again house. Another modern one woven entirely Through the courtesy of Captain Alfred in the morning before leaving, and was from Germantown aniline-dyed wool is re- O. Demorest, the American Consul, and the successful in securing bird specimens here markable because the designs are primitive Venezuelan Consul General, Dr Dedoy, (Continued on page 3) (Continued on page Jf) Page g FIELD MUSEUM NEWS March, 19SX

Field Museum of Natural History a chance to escape, for a time at least, from financing so generously the William V. their burden of cares. as almost to Eastern Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 And, every- Kelley-Roosevelts Expedition one has learned from experience, such Asia for Field Museum in 1928-29. This Rooserelt Road and Lake Michigan, Chicago temporary relaxations go far toward soften- expedition, one of the greatest and most ing the blows of misfortune, and developing successful undertakings of its kind, obtained THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES new courage. Insurmountable difficulties many specimens of rare animals in little- Sewell L. Avesy Fredekick H. Rawson have a way of seeming not quite so staggering known regions, and its results, exemplified John Borden George A. Richakison once there has been a break of even a few by highly valued additions to the Museum's WnxiAu J. Chalhsbs Martin A. Ryerson hours in the strain of about them. exhibits and and Marshall FmLD Fred W. Sargent worrying study collections, by Stanlei' Field Stephen C. Sums Observations made at the Museum in- publications containing noteworthy con- Ernest R. Graham Jambs Simpson dicate that this opportunity for recreation tributions to the world's store of knowledge, Albert W. Harris Solomon A. Smith is being utilized by many, and that it is make a perpetual Samuel Insull, Jr. Albert A. Sprague Cyrus H. McCormick Silas H. Strawn appreciated. The Museum is performing moniunent to the William H. Mitchell John P. Wilson a new service, not only for those who are memory of Mr. without means, but also for many It was in OFFICERS totally Kelley. others who have been forced to economize recognition of this Stanley Field Pretident by reducing their expenditures for amuse- that the Trustees Martln a. Ryerson Ftr»< Vict-Pretidtnt ments in order to assure themselves the dedicated one of Albert A. Sprague Second Viee-Pmideni Jambs Simpson Third Vice-President necessities. The large attendance increases the Museum halls Stephen C. Simms Director and Secretary at the Museum in the past two years have — William V. Solomon A. Smith . . . Treaxurer and Asaittant Secretary been especially marked by the growth in Kelley Hall. the number of visitors coming on the three "Mr. Kelley's FIELD MUSEUM NEWS free admission days each week. Another life was a splendid indication of the Museiun's service in this example of the rise Stephen C. Simms, Director of the Muteum Editor respect is the fact that most of the free lec- of a man of ability CONTRIBUTING EDITORS tures which have been offered in recent spring and high principles attracted audiences humble Beethold Laufer Curator of AntSropolon and autumn courses have from begin- B. E. Dahlgren Acting Curator of Botany straining the capacity of the James Simpson nings to a position O. C. Farbington Curator of Geology Theatre. of leadership. By WiLFKED H. Osgood Curator of Zoology Experience at the entertainments provided the sheer force of H. B. Habtb Managint Editor Anna Louise and his by the James Nelson and William V. KeUey his talents Raymond Foundation for Public School and fidelity to his work Field Museum is open every day of the year during Children's Lectures points the same way. he carved for himself an influential career the hoars indicated below: Each of the programs of free motion pictures in various industries and in banking. November, December, January 9 aji. to 4 :30 pJl. given by the Foundation (except the summer "Field Museum was one of the principal February, March, April, October 9 aj<. to 5.-00 pjj. is given twice, and in a beneficiaries of the intelligent public-spirited May, June, July, August, September 9 aji. to 6 KX) pJl. series) regularly number of instances it has been necessary interest he manifested in civic affairs. Im- Admission is free to Members on all days. Other adults are admitted free on Thursdays, Saturdays and to present a third showing to accommodate pressed with the work the Museum was Sunda>'s; non-members pay 25 cents on other days. the crowds of children attending. While accomplishing as an educative influence in Children are admitted free on all Students and days. these entertainments are ostensibly for the Mr. became a Life faculty members of educational institutions are admit- community, Kelley in ted free any day upon presentation of credentials. school children, there have been noticed Member. As his interest grew his many The library of the Museum, containing some 92,000 the crowds filling the theatre numbers of gifts to the institution assumed large pro- volumes on natural history subjects, is open for refer- children older than those of the elementary portions, and the Trustees honored him by ence daily except Sunday. grades. It is assumed that some of these adding his name to the list of Benefactors. exhibits are circulated in the schools of Traveling be from schools, but it seems very In further tribute to his valuable ser\'ices, Chicago by the Museum's Department of the N. W. may high Harris Public School Extension. likely also that many of them are children the Trustees elected him an Honorary Lectures for school classrooms and assemblies, and of working age who have been responsible Member, and in October, 1929, chose him njecial entertainments and lecture tours for children at for their own or part of their families' as a fellow Trustee. In this capacity he uie are the James Nelson and Museum, provided by and who are now unemployed. continued to serve with the zeal Anna Louise Raymond Foundation for Public School support, greatest and Children's Lectures. The Museum is thus helping to preserve until the last days of his life. Still further Announcements of courses of free illustrated lectures both adults and children from the ill effects evidence of his deep and genuine interest on science and travel for the public, and special lectures of their own melancholia, and from the in and affection for the Museum was revealed for of the will in Field Members Museum, appear have all Museum News. influence of agitators who now when his will, in which he bequeathed too fertile a field for their propaganda. to the was There is a cafeteria in the Museum where luncheon sowing $50,000 institution, probated. is served for visitors. Other rooms are provided for ThLs is a form of social service fully consistent "Therefore, be it resolved that this expres- those bringing their lunches. with the educational and scientific missions sion of our admiration and esteem for Mr. Members are requested to inform the Museum of the institution. Kelley, and our grief at his passing and the of of address. promptly changes loss of his counsel and companionship, be MUSEUM TRUSTEES PAY HOMAGE permanently preserved on the records of MORALE TO WILLIAM V. KELLEY the Board. "And, be it further resolved that our deep The Board of Trustees of Field Museum, During times like the present something sympathy be conveyed to the members of at its on February 15, adopted the more than mere food, clothing and shelter meeting his family in their bereavement, and that a resolution in honor of the late must be provided for the unfortunate \'ictims following copy of this resolution be sent to his widow." William V. their fellow Trustee, of depression—the impoverished and the Kelley, whose death was in the February unemployed. After the necessities of life reported issue of Field Museum News: BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS have been supplied, there still remains the to Field Museum of Natural very important matter of maintaining "It is with deep sorrow and the sense of Bequests History may be made in securities, money, books or collections. morale. this a loss that the Board of Trustees of Military authorities recognize great They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to as an essential for their men back from the Field Museum of Natural History does here- a person or cause, named by the giver. For those desiring to make the form is front, waiting their next call into action. by record the death, on January 21, 1932, bequests, following suggested: The morale of the armies of industry also of its esteemed member, William V. Kelley, FORM OF BEQUEST must be that be who was a true friend of science and of the maintained, they may / do A«re&y give and bequeath to Field Museum of mentally as well as physically fit to take Museum. Natural History of the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, rare their places again when business conditions "The death of Mr. Kelley, whose improve and they are called back to the personal charm endeared him to all, repre- industrial front. Thus, besides being sents a keenly felt personal loss to the humane, it is sound economic to Trustees. To the institution it means the policy to wholesome entertainment and of one whose deep interest in its Cash contributions made within the taxable year pro\'ide passing Field Museum not exceeding 15 per cent of the tax- led to to it of his mental stimulation for those who are mission him give freely payer's net income are allowable as deductions in com- suffering most severely from hard times. time and his thought, as well as in the form puting net income under Article 251 of Regulation 69 to the income tax under the Revenue Act of Reld and other institutions of of benefactions. relating Museum, many generous 1926. similar are full in "Mr. Kelley will be remembered not only character, taking part Endowments may be made to the Museum with the Field but the scien- this phase of soh-ing present-day problems. at Museum, throughout provision that an aimuity be paid to the patron for life. The Museum offers to those who are invol- tific world, for the increase in zoological These annuities are tax-free and are guaranteed against fluctuation in amount. imtarily idle, or overwhelmed with troubles. knowledge which he made possible by March, 19S2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Pages

TULIP TREE BRANCH EXHIBITED banks, approximately at the junction of the SOME JADE-INLAID TEETH Vagre with the Pedernales. On the third There has been installed in the Hall of OF ANCIENT MAYAS 19, the reached Tucupita, day, January yacht J. Thompson Plant Life (Hall 29) a handsome reproduc- By Eric capital of the territory of the Delta Amacuro. branch of the tree, Assistant Curator of tion of a flowering tulip The Governor of the Province, General The material from Central and South American Archaeology Liriodendron lulipifera. Jesus M. Osorio, had been notified by the collected in Field which the model was made was Venezuelan Minister of the Interior of the The Third Marshall Archaeological the Indiana Dunes. to British Honduras, which expected arrival of the party, and he Expedition which has been excavated ruins in near The tulip tree, designated furnished the first reliable information as to Maya 1931, found, as the state tree of is one of the San Jose in the south of the Walk Indiana, the best hunting and collecting neighbor- Orange of the trees of eastern North some remarkable of most imposing hoods in the district. He also furnished district, examples sometimes attaining a height of The most America, another native guide. aboriginal dentistry. interesting is a set of teeth from the of an Several rivers come together just at the upper jaw ancient the four incisors town of Tucupita. Here the Macarito and Maya, showing and two canines inlaid with and the Pedernales merge, and just below this jade disks, with their edges filed to form a decorative point they are joined by additional affluents The teeth of the lower were of the Orinoco which are known by various pattern. jaw undecorated. The owner was in his names by different natives, and appear early thirties at death, and lived about 1,000 variously on the maps of the territory. The yacht proceeded on its way until the years ago. The disks are set in cavities drilled Yaya Bar was reached at the junction of jade in of the teeth with hollow bone the Macareo River with the Orinoco. Here, the front or bamboo drills and sand, or with the party left the yacht, proceeding by small possibly of or some hard stone. boats to the village of Piacoa, located points jade equally The must have been extremely pain- approximately twenty miles up a small and process and we have no means of knowing if again variously named branch of the Orinoco. ful, anaesthetic was but it is At Piacoa, with three natives from the any employed, possible that one was, for it is known that village, the party went inland and made a the Aztecs thus the of camp approximately fifteen miles from the assuaged sufferings sacrificed fire. On the other river at the base of some small foothills not victims by it be that the drilling was an shown on the large government map of hand, may ordeal Venezuela. The party remained here for cheerfully undergone by young warriors to demonstrate their bravery. nine days, during which time further bird of wealth and rank wore specimens were secured, as well as jaguar, Only persons such for was an article of peccary, aguti, sloth, otter, and monkey. ornaments, jade value the Crocodiles and alligators were procured just rarity and high among Mayas. Second Marshall Field outside the village of Piacoa while on the The Archaeological to British Honduras discovered way in to camp, and again on the return Expedition to the Buccaneer. The country teemed with two teeth decorated with disks of iron which adorned of animal life of many kinds. According to pyrites, probably persons disks were held in the natives, this is one of the two best hunt- less wealth. The place a fine faint traces of which were ing grounds in Venezuela. by cement, in tooth. On leaving Piacoa, the party rejoined the found one Buccaneer and proceeded past Barrancas to Inlaid teeth have been found in various Cuidad Bolivar which was reached at noon parts of the Maya area. Materials employed, the next 30. The party in addition to jade and iron pyrites, are Tulip Tree Branch day, January remained here for several days collecting turquois, obsidian, and hematite. On exhibition in Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29). Pre- Fred L. pared in Stanley Field Plant Reproduction Laboratories. further specimens. Then Mandel, A second upper jaw was found by the Jr., Mr. Wyzanski, and the writer left by expedition at the same ruins of San Jos6. 200 feet and a diameter of ten feet. The airplane for Maracay, while Dr. Dwyer The teeth in this one have no inlay, but and flowers are large, green orange-yellow departed by river steamer for Port of Spain, the incisors and canines have been filed to beautiful. somewhat exceptionally They leaving Messrs. Blake and Barnett on resemble tulips, hence the usual name of board the Buccaneer to return to Trinidad. the tree, which is known also as white- This trip was accomplished as planned and wood and or white Its yellow poplar. soft, Mr. Blake then left the Buccaneer to go on wood is of value and pale great importance, a Creole Oil Company launch inland as far used for house being siding, woodenware, as Maturin whence he planned to speiid and other furniture, many purposes. approximately two months collecting in In Cretaceous and later as indi- times, the Mount Turimquiri district. cated by many fossil leaves, the ancestors of the tulip tree were numerous and widely distributed. At present only one other Museum Honors Scholar in China member of the and it group remains, — grows Dr. Davidson Black, Professor of Anat- in China. P.C.S. omy at Peking Union Medical College LOG OF ORINOCO EXPEDITION (Rockefeller Foundation), Peiping, China, was elected a Corresponding Member of Jade-lnlald Teeth (Continued from page 1 ) Field Museum the Board of Trustees by Teeth of an ancient Maya, inlaid with jade disks and at each of the overnight stops made at its meeting held February 15. This for ornamentation. while proceeding through the various tribu- honor was conferred on Dr. Black in recog- a serrated taries leading to the Orinoco. The second nition of his eminent services to the Museum, points, giving appearance. Ex- of several different of day, the party covered approximately and his noteworthy contributions to anthro- amples types filed teeth have been to Field Museum eighty-five miles through the first of the pological knowledge about the Chinese. brought the Marshall Field uncharted waters. Here it was necessary Dr. Black's research work has been by Archaeological Expedi- British Honduras. to have one of the native guides remain mainly devoted to comparative neurology tions to in the bow with a hand lead and line to and physical anthropology. He has trav- It is certain that the inlays and the filing take soundings constantly throughout the eled extensively in China and Burma and of teeth do not represent surgical dentistry, rest of the trip. Despite this precaution, made anthropological studies of note. Dur- although false teeth have been found in the ship was on sand bars approximately ing the recent visit to China of Miss Maya skulls in two instances. In one case an hour every day. These sand bars are Malvina Hoffman, the sculptor commis- the finder, M. H. Saville, reports that one shifting constantly due to the very swift sioned by Field Museum to make the of the incisors was made of a dark stone. current existent in all the affluents of the bronze studies of various races for Chauncey A thick incrustation of tartar showed that Orinoco at this point, and the few charts Keep Memorial Hall, Dr. Black cooper- it had been inserted in the jaw during the available are most unreliable because of this. ated with her wholeheartedly, placing lifetime of its owner. On the evening of the second day, the excellent facilities for the work at her It is planned to place a number of examples party again went ashore in small boats and disposal, and assisting her in obtaining of decorated teeth on exhibition at Field collected inland as well as along the river living models of the most desired types. Museum in the near future. Page k FIELD MUSEUM NEWS March, 19S2

SPRING LECTURE COURSE March 26—Switzerland in Winter MARCH GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS Switzerland in Summer OPENS MARCH 5 is the Around the World with the Following schedule of conducted tours of the exhibits March: Field Museum's fifty-seventh free lecture Milkman during March 5. course will open on Saturday, The Cougar Hunt Week beginning February 29—Monday: 11 AM., Nine lectures on science and travel, given Asiatic .Animals, 3 pjc.. Work of Wind and Water; April 2—A Chicago Boy Goes to Green- naturalists and scientists of note, will be Tuesday: 11 AJl., WoodlJond Indians, 3 P.U., Skeletons, by land with Captain MacMillan Past and Present; Wednesday: 11 am., Roman Home on successive Saturday afternoons, 3 in A.li. and presented 9—A to the Life, Pji., Life the Seas; Thursday: 11 at 3 P.M., in the James Simpson Theatre of April Trip Tropics 3 FM., General Tours; Friday: 11 am.. Peat and Coal, 3 Chinese Exhibits. the Museum. Both motion pictures and Sanctuary PM., Canoe Trails to Mooseland — stereopticon slides will be used as illustrative Week beginning March 7 Monday: 11 AJf., Asiatic Animals, 3 11 The material. 16—Your P.M., Egypt; Tuesday: A.M., Story April Chicago of the Horae, 3 FM., Blankets and Baskets; Wednesday: the Garden of the East Following is the complete schedule of Java, 11 A.M., Animals of Plains and Deserts, 3 p.ll.. North Marauders of the Sea American .\rchaeology; Thursday: 11 A.M. and 3 FM., and speakers: dates, subjects General Tours; 11 A.1I., and Their Rela- 23—Bird Friday: Apes Hawaii—the Creator's Work- April Neighbors tives, 3 FM., Pewter, Jade and Gems. March 5— The White Owl shop Week beginning March 14—Monday: 11 AJf., George Dewey Douglas, Los Angeles, The Cuckoo's Secret Economic Minerals, 3 P.M., Homes in Many Lands; Califomia Friend Buffalo Tuesday: 11 a.h., Cats and Dogs, 3 P.M., Hall of Plant Life; Wednesday: 11 AJI., Wood Products, 3 PJf., the Trail in Masailand March 12—Hitting April 30—Builders of Dams Lamps; Thursday: 11 AJI. and 3 PJI., General Tours; Colooel Charles Furiong, Wellington Beauties of Desert Places Friday: 11 aji.. Animals of the Past, 3 FM., Musical Boston, Massachusetts Instruments. of Our Spring Flowers March 19—Massa-Magaga (Head Takers Week 21 — 11 Lovely Butterflies beginning March Monday: A.1I., Formosa) Indians of the Northwest Coast, 3 P.M., .\nimal Families; Captain Carl von Hoffman, New Tuesday: 11 a.m.. Life in the Far North, 3 P.M., Looms is at 10 a.m. York City Each program given twice, and Textiles; Wednesday: 11 A.M., Bark and lu Uses, and at 11. Children from all of 3 P.U.. 11 AJi. and 3 Genera] March 26—The Coronation of His Imperial parts Chicago Masks; Thursday: P.M., and suburbs are invited to attend, and no Tours: Friday: 11 AJI., Physical Geography, 3 FM., Majesty, the King of Kings, Spring Birds. of tickets are required for admission. Emperor Abyssinia Week begiiming March 28—Monday: 11 ajl. Andre La New York City Varre, Ancient Burials, 3 PJf., Lizards and Other Reptiles; April 2—The Human Side of the Byrd Tuesday: 11 a.m.. South .\merican Art, 3 PJI., South NAVAHO BLANKETS American 11 of Expedition .\nimals; Wednesday: a.m.. Story Man, 3 P.M., Mexican .\rchaeology; Thursday: 11 AJI. and Chief Yeoman Charies E. Lofgren, {Continued 1) from jiage 3 pji.. General Tours. United States Navy (Retired), Personnel Officer of the Byrd and uninfluenced by the modem materials Persons to should Expedition to the Antarctic wishing participate from which it is woven. at are free 9— Life in Motion Pictures apply North Entrance. Tours April Jimgle One often hears some of the finest and Commander George M. Dyott, New and no gratuities are to be proffered. A new York City oldest Navaho blankets alluded to as schedule will appear each month in Fibxd means that such a April 16—The World's Most Beautiful "bayetas." This simply Museum News. Guide-lecturers' ser^nces is red. Flowers and Trees blanket one in which appears bayeta for special tours by parties of ten or more Fred Payne Clatworthy, Estes Park, Bayeta is a thin woolen stuff or baize of are available free of charge arrangement Colorado by bright scarlet hue which was imported to with the Director a week in advance. — Carls- April 23 Caves and Canyons of the this country originally from Spain through bad Country Mexico. The Indians raveled this cloth and Carl B. Livingston, Carlsbad, New Gifts to the Museum Mexico used only the weft. of the blankets now on were is a list of some of the April 30—Wild Life Adventures Many display Following principal Howard H. Cleaves, Staten Island, presented by the following donors: Mrs. gifts received during the last month: New York Joseph Adams, the late Edward E. Ayer, From J. H. Smith Veneers, Inc.—9 panels of Euro- No tickets are necessary for admission Burridge D. Butler, Miss Evelyn English, pean woods; from C. H. Pearson and Son Hardwood to these lectures. W. T. Hartz, Martin A. Ryerson, Homer E. Company, Inc.—4 planks of foreign woods; from E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and —6 of Sargent, and A. A. Sprague II. Company specimens A section of the Theatre is reserved for "Duco" display material; from .American Dyewood —a of fustic and one of Central Members of the Museum, each of whom is Company log logwood. .America; from H. C. Benke—210 herbarium specimens, entitled to two reserved seats on — request. Tropical Liana Exhibited Illinois; from James Zetek 106 herbarium specimens,— Requests for these seats may be made by Barro Colorado Island; from R. H. Wetmore ^208 exhibit of a liana known as herbarium Barro Colorado Island; from telephone or in writing to the Museum, in An tropical specimens, Professor Rub^n Torres—371 herbarium specimens, seats will then Mucuna rosirata, with large pea-like flowers advance of the lecture, and Costa Rica; from Henry Field, Sharat K. Roy and of brilliant color, has been added — be held in the Member's name until 3 o'clock orange-red Bryan Patterson 269 specimens—of invertebrate fossils, on the of the lecture. Members to the Hall of Plant Life at Field Museum. nimois; from Henry C. Walther 3 specimens of phoe- day may and from Carl Pickhardt— The original was collected on the phortrs, sodium, {wtassinm: also obtain seats in the reserv'ed section by specimen a Wisconsin; from Stafford River the Marshall Field glaciated copper— boulder, presentation of their membership cards to Tapajoz by C. Edwards 4 —sand concretions, California; from the "Theatre attendant before 3 o'clock on Botanical Expedition to the Amazon. Cornelius Crane 14 water color paintings of birds, made on the Crane Pacilic from James even no advance Expedition; the lecture day, though Simpson —2 black-cocks, 2 red grouse and 2 gray reservation has been made. All reserved Dandelions Bloom in Winter partridges (all mounted), Scotland; from Waller Lee seats not claimed 3 o'clock will be opened Mosbacher Corporation—^ tanned frog skins. South by America; from Mre. Elizabeth H. —32 mounted to the Indicating the effects of the mild winter Sturgis general public. hummingbirds and case. South .America. prevailing in the Chicago region. Field RAYMOND FOUNDATION PRESENTS Museum has received from Miss Mary Bremer a dandelion with three open flower MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEim PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN heads, found at Crown Point, Indiana, on Field Museum has several classes of Members Ash 10. Nine more of the annual spring series of Wednesday, February Benefactors give or devise $100,000 or more. Contribu- free motion for children, tors give or devise $1,000 to $100,000. Life Members picture programs NoD-Resident and Associate Membefs the James Nelson and Anna give $500. (life) pro\'ided by NEW MEMBERS pay $100. Non-Resident Associate Members pay $50. Louise Raymond Foundation for PubUc All the above rimwfs are exempt from dues. Sustaining School and Children's Lectures, remain to The following persons were elected to Members cootribate $25 annually. After six years they become Asaooate Members. Annual Members con- be on during in Field Museum during the given Saturday mornings membership tribute $10 annually. Other memberships are Corpo- March and April. The first program, scenes period from January 16 to February 15: rate, Honorary, Patron, and Correspondmg, additions from the play "The Vanishing American," under these clarifications being made by special action Associate Members of the Board of Trustees. was given on February 27. W. E. Babb, Dudley K. French, David F. D. Jenkins, Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to free Following is the schedule of dates, and R. T. Miller, Mrs. Bertha I. Peterson, F. W. Puckey, admission to the Museum for himself, his family and the titles of the films to be shown on each: Elmer Rich, Leonard M. Rieser, George E. Routh, house guests, and to two reserved seats for Museum Jr., Donald M. Ryerson, Mre. Oren E. Taft. lectures provided for Members. Subscription to Field 5—Haunts of the Golden Museum NEn^ is included with all memberships. The March Eagle Members — Annual courtesies of every museum of note in the United March 12 Glimpses of Mexico States and Canada are extended to all Membere of Hubert Beddoes, Mis. Uoyd E. Butler, S. B. Cramer, the Field Museum. A Member his card Battle of Ants Hartley deGerald, Dr. Earl J. Drinkall, Mrs. Alfred may give personal to non-residents of of Builders of an C. Haven, Dr. Scott Turner Petrie, William M. Reay, Chicago, upon presentatioQ Empire which will be admitted to the Museum without Fred H. Scheel, Sidney J. Steele, Miss Charlotte M. they — Further information about will March 19 Rhinos and Bustards Stevens, Mrs. George C. Tumbull, Mrs. Howell N. charge. membershipa be sent on request. Storj' of Vincennes T>'son, Mre. Trigg Waller, Mrs. Gordon Whitney. PMINTCO aV FtCLD MUSEUM PRESS FieldMilsw^News Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol.3 APRIL, 1932 No. 4

GIANT SABLE ANTELOPE continuing to form at a rapid rate. The 1,500- YEAR-OLD SWIMMING POOL —VERNAY EXPEDITION method of formation of these ores is some- DISCOVERED AT KISH what complex but in a general way it may A specimen of the giant sable, stateliest be said that the alumina is dissolved from The discovery of a large swimming pool of all antelopes, has been placed on exhibi- surrounding rocks and deposited as a thick with a practically modern circulatory water tion in Carl E. Akeley Memorial Hall (Hall crust composed of alternating beds of alu- system in a 1,500-year-old royal palace 22). The specimen was presented to the minum, iron and manganese ores by the among the ruins of the ancient city of Kish Museum by Arthur S. Vernay, leader of the ground waters. In the dry season these is described in a report received from Vernay-Lang Kalahari Expedition of Field waters are drawn to the surface by capillary Professor Stephen Langdon, director of the Museum in 1930. It is one of the finest attraction through the pores of the soil and Field Museum-Oxford University Joint examples of this animal ever secured by leave the ore there. Expedition to Mesopotamia. Following are any hunters, being in prime coat, and having The owner of the land at Joachim Alvarez excerpts from Professor Langdon's report: horns 61.5 inches in length, or "One of the two royal palaces close to the record size of 64 of the Sassanian kings dating inches. The animal was shot from the early Persian period by Allan Chapman, a resident (about A.D. 400) has proved to of Angola, Africa, who was be the palace of Bahram Gor, especially engaged by Mr. who is mentioned by Omar Vernay to hunt it. Khayyam. The outstanding The giant sable is now ex- feature of the building is the tremely rare, and probably is great swimming pool in the approaching extermination, courtyard. This is a wonderful according to Dr. Wilfred H. structure completely lined with Osgood, Curator of Zoology. It brick. It is about 45 feet long lives in relatively open country and 36 feet wide, and it had a grown to low scrub and most elaborate system of water scattered grass. These ante- supply. Water was forced in lopes move in small herds of at one end by the ingenious use both sexes, the herds being of a difference in ground levels, dominated by a single old bull. and at the other end was the Giant sables are pugnacious and outflow drain. By careful their horns make them danger- adjustment the water level was ous antagonists. Even when kept at the required height with not wounded they sometimes a gentle flow of water constantly lie down or kneel and defend passing through the pool. The themselves by sweeping their great drains are made of tiles horns from side to side. and joined with cement—again There are three varieties of in the modern manner—and sable antelope: the medium- the whole arrangement denotes sized common sable of central a high degree of engineering and southeastern Africa; the skill. smaller Roosevelt sable of the "In the palace itself we have east African coast; and the found a magnificent collection giant sable of Angola (Portu- of enameled ware—cups and guese West Africa). The giant vases—finished in a fascinating sable is found only in an ex- blue glaze. Some of them are tremely limited area. It is made in the form of animals, regarded by many as the finest and they are excellent examples species of the whole antelope of the craft of the potters of the tribe. period. There are also a lot of The giant sable has an almost terra cotta heads of men and jet black coat upon which are women—probably inhabitants distributed certain areas of of the city—and they will give white. Until us some idea of what these comparatively Monarch of His Kind recently it was unknown, hav- people looked like. Among the Giant sable from Africa, exhibited in Hall. Presented by ing been discovered about antelope Angola, Akeley found are of rock only Arthur S. Vernay. jewelry rings seventeen years ago. Dr. Osgood crystal and carnelian, all set states. It is under protection, and the had a wall built of roughly squared stone with silver, earrings of solid gold, and neck- Museum is deeply indebted to the Portuguese nearly a hundred years ago. The ground laces of precious stones. The expedition has government officials in Angola for granting waters which are drawn to the surface now determined that the Sassanians had a Mr. Vernay permission to seek a specimen. during the dry season have crawled up the great city at Kish, and the ruins which The animal was mounted at the Museum wall and left a layer of aluminum ore more extend over half a mile to the east are all by Staff Taxidermist C. J. Albrecht. than three inches thick over the squared buildings of theirs. stone surface. "Interesting and important as these dis- coveries are, they are comparatively small Ore Formation Is Illustrated of notable Irish Reproductions antiquities, jobs in relation to the main work of the ex- both secular and ecclesiastic A piece of aluminum ore in the collections including art, pedition, which is the excavation of the are in E. Hall. undergoing rearrangement in Frederick J. V. shown Edward Ayer great temple site of the earlier inhabitants Skiff Hall has a interest in of Kish, the Sumerians and others. Two (Hall 37) unique Foundation School Lectures that it is known to have formed in less than a Raymond to three hundred men have been working hundred years. The specimen was collected Lecturers of the James Nelson and Anna there each season for ten years, and the by the Marshall Field Brazilian Expedition Louise Raymond Foundation for Public work involves great engineering difficulties. at Joachim Alvarez near Nova Lima in School and Children's Lectures speak before The whole of the west side of Nebuchad- Minas Geraes, Brazil. This is a region with several hundred Chicago school children nezzar's temple has now been exposed, and large deposits of aluminum ore which are in their classrooms almost every day. one side of the Sumerian temple beneath." Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS April, 1932

Field Museum of Natural History rather than a decrease in the activities of is the work which students do at Field the James Nelson and Anna Louise Museum considered the of the Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 Raymond by faculty Foundation for Public School and Children's institute that the curriculum was recently Rooserelt Road and Lake Michigan, Chicago Lectures; likewise the circulation of traveling revised so as to require all students in exhibits in the schools by the N. W. Harris teachers' training classes to spend at least THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Public School Extension has increased. The one year in research at Field Museum. Sewell L. Avery Frederick H. Rawson Museum Library, and the study collections On art class days dozens of students will John Borden George A. Richardson of material in the various departments, have frequently be found painting or sketching WlLLIAU J. CHAUIERS Martin A. Ryehson been of use to the than in Marshall Field Fred W. Sargent greater public from exhibits in the Museum. Especially Stanley Field Stephen C. Sihus previous years. valuable for their work are the beautiful Ernest R. Grahau JAUBS Simpson In its work for the advancement of science habitat groups of animals and birds. These Albert W. Harris Solomon A. Smith the Museum has continued research into make it for the art students to Sauuel Insull, Jr. Albert A. Sprague possible Cyrus H. McCormick Silas H. Strawn many subjects, and the number of scientific make what amounts to life studies of the William H. Mitchell John P. Wilson publications issued during 1931 exceeded animals, but are much more satisfactory that of The work of OFFICERS any previous year. than actual life studies would be because expeditions was necessarily reduced for of the restlessness of living animals. Exhibits Stanley Field Prendent financial reasons, but even so there were in the of and Martin A. Ryerson Firtt Vice-President Departments Botany Geology Albert A. Sprague Second Viee-Pretident sixteen expeditions in operation, although likewise provide much valuable nature study James Simpson Third Vice-Pretideni most of these were on a smaller scale than material for the art students, while the Stephen C. Simms Director and Secretary those of previous years. Department of Anthropology provides on Solomon A. Smith . . . Tretutirer and Aatiatant Secretary one hand groups of life-size figures of peoples HOW FIELD MUSEUM AIDS of many races for various art works in which FIELD MUSEUM NEWS STUDENTS OF ART human beings may be subjects, and on the other hand an endless of Stephen C. Simms, Director of the Museum Editor variety examples By John Gilbert Wilkins of arts and handicrafts from all over the Instructor in Art the CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Research, assigned by world. These provide excellent material Art Institute of Chicago to classes at Field Museum Berthold Laufer Curator of Anthropology for adaptation in design work. Not only B. E. DAHLGREN Actirtg Curator of Botany For the past ten years, under a cooperative the thousands of anthropological objects O. C. Farrington Curator of Geology arrangement between the Art Institute of themselves, but the decorative motifs of Wilfred H. Osgood Curator of Zoology Chicago and Field Museum, classes from native genius which are found upon many H. B. Harte Managing Editor the institute's school of art have been carry- of them offer inspiration to the art students. ing on research in design, drawing, painting, Aboriginal, as well as highly developed Field Museum is open every day of the year during illustration and sculpture at Field Museum. peoples such as the Orientals, have created the hours indicated below: The Museum exhibits provide a variety of unusual and exotic designs to beautify the November, December, January 9 a.m, to 4:30 p.m. subjects of value in nature study and study products of their handicrafts, and these February, March, April, October 9 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. May, Jime, July, August, September 9 A.u. to 6:00 P.M. of aboriginal arts such as is nowhere else may be used profitably with or without Admission is free to Members on all days. Other available in the middle west. alteration by the artists of the western world. adults are admitted free on Thursdays, Saturdays and On its side, the Art Institute has furnished The writer has compiled some 5,000 Sundays; non-members pay 25 cents on other days. instruction the writer, a member from the work of these classes in Children are admitted free on all days. Students and by assigning designs faculty members of educational institutions are admit- of its faculty, to conduct these classes; a book, Research-Design in Nature, which ted free any day upon presentation of credentials. while Field Museum has provided a large has become a standard text book in many The Library of the Museum, containing some 92,000 art schools and other educational institu- volumes on natural history subjects, is open for refer- and which is used as a reference ence daily except Sunday. tions, ready book interior Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of by many architects, decorators, Chicago by the Museum's Department of the N. W. designers and other artists. Harris Public School Extension. In addition, the Museum itself has Lectures for school classrooms and assemblies, and a Series of now entertainments and lecture tours for children at published Design books, special the Museum, are provided by the James Nelson and including five numbers, in which the decora- Anna Louise Raymond Foundation for Public School tive arts of India, Java, China, and New and Children's Lectures. Guinea are presented with copious illustra- Announcements of courses of free illustrated lectures tions of great value to artists and students. on science and travel for the public, and special lectures for Members of the Museum, will appear in Field These books are available at moderate prices. Museum News. The Art Institute classes are not the only Ther« is a cafeteria in the Museum where luncheon ones taking advantage of the Museum is served for visitors. Other rooms are provided for facilities. from the those bringing their lunches. Every week, public schools of classes of children Busses of the Chicago Motor Coach Company Chicago, large (Jackson Boulevard Line, No. 26) provide service of all ages and grades are brought to the direct to the Museum. Free transfers are available Museum to sketch in charcoal, pencil, crayon, to and from other lines of the company. paints and other mediums. Members are requested to inform the Museum promptly of changes of address. The famous Natural Bridge of Virginia is DIRECTOR'S REPORT PUBLISHED represented by an accurate miniature model in the Department of Geology. The Annual Report of the Director of Field Museum to the Board of Trustees AND ENDOWMENTS for 1931, a book of 287 pages with twenty- BEQUESTS two photogravure plates, has been printed Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History may be made in books or by Field Museum Press. Copies will be securities, money, collections. They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to sent to all of the Members Museum at an Huntsman and Cheetahs a person or cause, named by the giver. For those desiring early date. In the book Director Stephen to make bequests, the following form is suggested: (A poster painted by Tillie Lehnhojf) C. Simms reviews in detail all of the year's of work done students of art research FORM OF BEQUEST activities. Example by classes conducted at Field Museum under cooperative / do hereby give and bequeath to Field Museum of The most impressive fact which a arrangement with the Art Institute of Chicago. With perusal Natural History of the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, of the Report brings out is that despite the natural history specimens to furnish a basis, the world-wide economic which students evolve imaginative creations in various art depression, forms—painting, drawing, design, illustration, sctilpture. naturally has had a serious effect upon the Museum's finances as upon those of similar and attractive class room with excellent institutions, the Museum's services to the light for working, and all needed equipment, Cash contributions made within the taxable year to Field Museum not 15 cent of tne tax- public have been maintained with and has extended cooperation exceeding per practically sympathetic payer's net income are allowable as deductions in com- no curtailment. Installation and reinstalla- to the students and instructor. puting net income under Article 251 of Regulation 69 tion of exhibits to courses relating to the income tax under the Revenue Act of has continued undiminished ; In addition the regular planned 1926. all forms of educational work for both children to fit the needs of students preparing for Endowments may be made to the Museum with the and adults, such as the public lectures, careers in various branches of applied arts, provision that an annuity be paid to the patron for life. guide-lecture tours, etc., have been carried the Art Institute provides a special course These annuities are tax-free and are guaranteed against on as usual; there has been an increase for the training of art teachers. So valuable fluctuation in amount. April, 19S2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Pages

ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTION the family, the larva or grub lives in the CHEMICAL TESTS ON FOSSILS RECEIVED FROM CHINA ground and subsists on decomposed vegetable REVEAL ORGANIC MATTER matter. By Henry W. Nichols In spite of the warlike conditions existing The adult beetle is diurnal in its habits Associate Curator in China, and the ravages of the Yangtze and feeds upon the exuding sap of bushes, of Geology the Marshall Field vines and trees. In southern Cameroon it river floods, Zoological Most people regard fossils as remains of to China has forwarded a collec- to the of the large-leafed Expedition appears prefer sap animals or plants which have been converted tion of 1,200 from veronia bush growing at the edge of the approximately specimens entirely into stone. The fact is that fossils to Field Museum. The collection During the morning these beetles Shanghai jungle. may and often do retain some of the organic arrived at the Museum in March. gather in varying numbers on their food safely matter of the living animal or plant. This but as the advances become The expedition consists of Floyd T. Smith, plant, day they may be detected by chemical means. For of New the leader and more active, and quickly formerly York, only they fly away instance, the great dinosaur skeleton from white man in the and a of when disturbed. Notwithstanding their party, corps Fruita, Colorado, which occupies the center Chinese whom he has trained to collect of Ernest R. Graham Hall (Hall 38) appears and prepare zoological specimens. to be composed wholly of chalcedony. with the utmost has it Only difficulty Nevertheless, a chemical test conducted for the to been possible expedition carry during recent researches of the Department out its mission Menaced successfully. by of Geology revealed the presence of nitrog- in one instance robbed and bandits who enous organic matter which has remained burned their and to camp, subjected long with the skeleton during the ninety-five after arrival in due to the delays Shanghai million years since the animal died. war and extraordinary official requirements Two fossil eggs of nearly as great antiq- in regard to inspection and release of their uity, which may be seen in another part collections, the members of the expedition of the hall, also appear to be wholly con- were able after obstacles to have the many verted into chalcedony, but tests showed material placed aboard an America-bound them to contain readily detected quantities ship which sailed on January 22. Later, of organic nitrogen. These eggs resemble word was received from Mr. Smith that duck eggs, but a long study has failed to seventeen more eases of specimens packing disclose exactly what kind of bird laid them. were on the and these are expected soon. way, A fossil worm which lived about forty Mr. Smith and his men have again plunged million years ago, recently collected for the into the interior for further zoological collect- Museum, has had so much of its original are now believed to be in south ing. They organic matter preserved that the fossil is central China, about 2,000 miles inland from composed of more than 95 per cent coal. Shanghai, and are not expected to return to This is interesting because coal is generally the coast until summer. derived from vegetable instead of animal received at the The shipment Museum matter. includes about 600 small mammals, 300 birds, 200 fishes, and 100 reptilian creatures of various kinds, mainly from the northern Standley on International Committee of Szechwan. part of the province Among Associate Curator Paul C. Standley has are a number of rare these extremely species, been appointed a member of the General H. Curator according to Dr. Wilfred Osgood, Committee of Botanical Nomenclature, of Zoology. There are four specimens of a established by the Fifth International mole of which one other shrew-like only Botanical Congress held at Cambridge, in the Paris Museum of Natural specimen, England, in 1930. He is one of three has ever been collected. For Field History, members representing the republic of the Museum's Department of Botany expedi- Mexico, and was designated as a representa- two tea bushes. Collections tion sent large tive of that country because of his publica- of mammals are stored Giant African Beetle large temporarily tions upon its flora. The purpose of the with an American resident in Shanghai, Illustration is two-thirds actual size of the Goliath committee is adjustment of matters relating their the awaiting drying of the skins before they can beetle. Despite bulk, specimens weigh only to Latin of about one-half ounce. In with the moisture in names plants. be shipped. life, their bodies, they probably weigh double that.

GOLIATH OF THE BEETLES large size, they are adept though noisy flyers. Rare Poisonous Element Exhibited The sound their when By William J. Gerhard produced by wings Due to the interest aroused by a number of flying has been compared to the Associate Curator Insects humming of cases of thallium poisoning recently of the propeller of an airship. different reported. Field Museum has placed a Of the 100,000 and more species As the food habits of either the larva or of thallium on exhibition in its of beetles known from various parts of the the adult insect are not of a destructive or specimen the is the attractive Goliath collection of rare elements in Frederick J. V. world, largest harmful the Goliath beetle is not nature, is which is found in Africa. Skiff Hall (Hall 37). Thallium a rare beetle, equatorial of any economic importance. An excellent series of twenty specimens of element, so poisonous that it is extensively in the to exter- this huge beetle has recently been received employed, especially west, K. P. Schmidt Awarded Fellowship to W. at the Museum as a gift from Mrs. H. A. minate vermin, according Henry Associate Curator of Hoisington, of the Presbyterian Church In recognition of many valuable contribu- Nichols, Geology. Board of Foreign Missions, Olama, Cameroon tions to herpetology resulting from his (French Mandate), West Africa. researches for Field Museum, Karl Patterson Central American Plants Arrive The Goliath beetle is of interest not only Schmidt, Assistant Curator of Reptiles, has on account of its large size, but also because been appointed to a fellowship of the John Field Museum has received a large and of the velvet-like, reddish brown down of Simon Guggenheim Foundation, the first important collection of plants gathered in its anterior wing covers, its blackish brown award from this foundation to a natural Peten, Guatemala, and in British Honduras thorax with white longitudinal stripes, and history museum staff member. The fellow- by Professor H. H. Bartlett of the University its oddly shaped head, all of which make ship carries with it a substantial grant of of Michigan. The collection was made in it a very pretty insect. It is a worthy money with which Mr. Schmidt will travel connection with cooperative exploration of member of the family Cetoniidae, to which for six months in Europe, pursuing his the Maya ruins of the region undertaken belong a number of smaller African beetles studies at principal museums in association by the university and the Carnegie Institu- that rival opals in the brilliancy and trans- with leading foreign herpetologists. The tion. The plants are being determined by lucency of their colors. In North America Museum has granted him a leave of absence Associate Curator Paul C. Standley, and the members of this family of beetles are for this purpose, and he will sail in July. because Peten is almost unknown botani- limited in size and number of species, as well Mr. Schmidt is the discoverer of many new cally, it is expected that many new species as in color, the largest rarely exceeding an species of reptiles, and the author of a will be found among them. Economically inch in length. large number of scientific publications. In the region is of chief interest because it is Little is known about the early stages of 1928-29 he was scientific leader of the the producing center of chicle, which is one the Goliath beetle and its duration of life. Cornelius Crane Pacific Expedition of Field of the principal ingredients in the manu- It is believed that, like most members of Museum. facture of chewing gum. Pagei FIELD MUSEUM NEWS April, 19S2

FIVE MORE TRAVEL LECTURES a member of the two Rawson-MacMillan APRIL GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS Expeditions to the Subarctic, and he will TO BE GIVEN IN APRIL Conducted tours of exhibits, under the relate his in the far north. experiences of staff are made Five lectiires on travel and science remain guidance lectixrers, every is at Each program given twice, 10 A.M. afternoon at 3 P.M., except Satiwdays, to be given on Saturday afternoons diiring and at 11. Children from all parts of Chicago Sundays, and certain holidays. Following April, in the Museum's fifty-seventh free and suburbs are invited to attend, and no is the schedule and dates for lecture course which opened last month. of subjects tickets are required for admission. Both motion pictures and stereopticon slides April: — are used to illustrate these lectures, and the Friday, April 1 Egypt. speakers are naturalists and scientists of SPECIAL NOTICE Week beginning April 4: Monday—Prehistoric — —Native note. Lectxires begin at 3 p.m. and are Life; Tuesday Reptiles: Wednesday Trees; All Members of Field Museum who Thursday—General Tour; Friday—Chinese Art; given in the James Simpson Theatre of the have changed their residences or are Week 11: —American Museum. are the beginning April Monday Following dates, subjects planning to do so are earnestly urged Archaeology: Tuesday—Mines and Ores; Wednesday and — and —General speakers: to notify the Museum at once of Birds Their Homes; Thursday Tour; Friday—Fibers and Their Uses. 2—The Human Side of the their new addresses, so that copies of April Byrd Week April 18: Monday—Primitive all other beginning Expedition FIELD MUSEUM NEWS and Musical Instruments; Tuesday—African Habitat Chief Yeoman Charles E. LofgreD, communications from the Museum — Plant Families; Groups; —Wednesday Interesting United States Navy (Retired), may reach them promptly. Thursday General Tour; Friday—Crystals and Gems. Personnel Officer of the Byrd Members for a Week beginning April 25: Monday—Moon and Expedition to the Antarctic going away period — — during the summer, who desire Meteorites: Tuesday Philippine Hall; Wednesday April 9—Jungle Life in Motion Pictures Peoples of the South Seas; Thursday—General Tour; Conunander George M. Dyott, New Museum matter to be sent to their Friday—.\merican Animals- York City temporary addresses, may have this Persons to should April 16—The World's Most Beautiful service by notifying the Museum of wishing participate Flowers and Trees the summer addresses and the dates apply at North Entrance. Tours are free and no are to be A new Fred Payne Clatworthy, Estes Park, between which they are to be used. gratuities proffered. Colorado schedule will appear each month in Field April 23—Caves and Canyons of the Carls- MusEtJM News. Guide-lecturers' services bad Country Important Willow Collection for special tours by parties of ten or more Carl B. Livingston, Carlsbad, New are available free of Mexico charge by arrangement The Herbarium of Field Museum contains with the Director a week in advance. April 30—Wild Life Adventures one of the most important and valuable Howard H. Cleaves, Staten Island, collections of willows that exist in New York (Salix) America. Its basis is the private herbarium Melanesian Collections tickets are for admission Reinstalling No necessary of M. S. Bebb, one of the foremost students to these lectures. exhibits in of this difficult group of trees and shrubs. Reinstallation of the Joseph N. Field Hall (Hall A) is now under way, A section of the Theatre is reserved for about one-quarter of the work having been Members of the Museum, each of whom is Barro Colorado Plants Listing completed. This hall contains the Museurn's entitled to two reserved seats on request. Associate Curator Paul C. at remarkable collections from Melanesia, Requests for these seats may be made by Standley, the of the Arnold Arboretum, is which are the most comprehensive in the telephone or in writing to the Museum, in request for that institution country. The exhibition cases are to be advance of the lecture, and seats will then preparing publication by a list of the known to provided with the new light-colored back- be held in the Member's name until 3 o'clock complete plants grow on Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake, ground screens and buff labels adopted for on the day of the lecture. Members may beside the Panama Canal. the the Museum generally. also obtain seats in the reserved section by During past few months the Museum has received large presentation of their membership cards to collections from that much-visited the Theatre attendant before 3 o'clock on island, . NEW MEMBERS James Zetek, the custodian of the the lecture day, even though no advance through maintained there. These have reservation has been made. All reserved laboratory The following persons were elected to contained more than 200 of seats not claimed by 3 o'clock will be opened species plants membership in Field Museum during the not previously from the island, to the general public reported period from February 16 to March 15: bringing its total to more than 1,000 species, a remarkable mmiber, even in the tropics, Associate Members RAYMOND FOUNDATION PRESENTS for an area of only six square miles. Mr«. Harry .\nderson, Greeley Baker, E. Chandler CHILDREN Beach, Alvah V. Gruhn, Charles F. Harding, Jr., PROGRAMS FOR "William Holmes, A. H. Noyes, Gilbert Scribner, Mrs. Important American wild flowers are repre- Thomas I. Harold I. Sutton, Mrs. Alden B. of the annual series of Stacey, Five more spring sented in the Museum's Hall of Plant Life. Swift. free motion picture programs for children, Annual Members the James Nelson and Anna provided by T. Edwin C. Mrs. Public Gifts to the Museum Miss Esther Anderson, Austin, Louise Raymond Foundation for Louden L. Bomberger, Mrs. .\nna G. Clayton, Professor School and Children's Lectures, remain to Following is a list of some of the principal Philip Fox, Mrs. J. J. Griffin, William H. Harrison, Dr. Edwin F. R. C. David E. be given on Saturday mornings during received during the last month: Hirsch, Hyatt, Kennedy, gifts David E. King, Nathan H. Lashinsky, James D. April. From Penrod, Jurden and Clark Company—8 Mamane, Mrs. John H. Mcllvaine, Mrs. W^ R. Nelson, M. Mrs. Richard E. Pritchard, Following is the schedule of dates, and pieces of Sapeli veneer, Africa; from Dr. R. H. Wetmore Anthony Patrick, Jr., — Barro Colorado James Donald Richards, Kenneth C. Sears, Mrs. the titles of the films to be shown on each: 21 herbarium specimens, Island; from Ichabod T. Williams and Sons—19 panels of James B. Shell, Miss Irene M. Swain. — foreign woods, Africa, Formosa, Philippines, and South April 2 A Chicago Boy Goes to Green- America: from Craftsman Wood Service Company, —4 of Brazil and land with Captain MacMillan Inc. panels foreign woods, Africa: MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM from S. G. Moyer—trunk section of flowering dogwood, 9—A to the — April Trip Tropics Ohio; from James Zetek 100 herbarium specimens, Field Museum has several classes of Members. William C. —81 Sanctuary Barro Colorado Island; from Meyer Benefactors give or devise $100,000 or more. Contribu- British from Canoe Trails to Mooseland herbarium specimens, Honduras; Jorge tors give or devise »1,000 to $100,000. Life Members —23 herbarium Garcia Salas specimens, Guatemala; give $500. Non-Resident (Life) and Associate Members — — 148 herbarium April 16 Your Chicago from Yale University specimens, pay $100. Non-Resident Associate Members [>ay $50. and British from Ford Java, the Garden of the East Colombia Honduras: Companhia All the above classes are exempt from dues. Sustaining Industrial do Brasil—85 herbarium specimens, Brazil: Members six Marauders of the Sea contribute $25 annually. After years they from Herbert C. Walther—a specimen of fused metallic become Associate Members. Annual Members con- from 23—Bird manganese and a specimen of ferro-cerium; tribute $10 Other are Corpo- April Neighbors —a annually. memberships Central Commercial Company large specimen rate, Honorary, Patron, and Corresponding, additions The White Owl 41 small from Chile and specimens gilsonite, Cuba; under these classifications being made by special action The Cuckoo's Secret Copper Company—2 large fossil cephalopods, Chile; of the Board of Trustees. from Frank von Drasek—2 quartz crystals and 2 speci- Friend Buffalo Each in all classes, is entitled to free mens turquois, Arkansas and New Mexico: from J. Member, admission to the Museum for himself, his and April 30—Builders of Dams Saer d'Heguert —42 insects, Venezuela: from R. Martin family house guests, and to two reserved seats for Museum of Perkins—a Mexican chicken snake; from General Beauties Desert Places lectures provided for Members. Subscription to Field Biological Supply House—a bat, a wateranake, and an Our Flowers MusBtJM News is included with all The Spring axoloti. Iowa, Kansas, and Mexico: from Karl Plath— memberships. courtesies of museum of note in the United Butterflies an orange-cheeked waxbill and a Bohemian waxwing; every Lovely States and Canada are extended to all Members of from James H. Wood—a live copperhead snake, Field Museum. A Member his card On the 2 in addition to Michigan: from Mrs. Edwin C. Loomia—7 Sioux may give personal April program, to non-residents of presentation of Indian ethnological objects. North Dakota: from Chicago, upon the motion pictures, there will be a lectiu* which they will be admitted to the Museum without Byron Knoblock—a flint projectile point of "Folsom" N. son of — charge. Further information about memberships will by Joseph Field, Stanley Field, type, Illinois; from Edward Barrett student's exami- be sent on request. President of the Museum. Joseph Field was nation "crib" on silk, China. PnlNTCD my FIELD MUSCUM eMKSS News Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 3 MAY, 1932 No. 5 EXHIBIT OF WATER BUFFALO OBTAINED BY KELLEY-ROOSEVELTS EXPEDITION

The second large habitat group of animals The specimens were obtained by Colonel northern Ceylon. Domestic varieties derived composed of specimens obtained by the Roosevelt under extremely adverse condi- from it are widely used as draft and milch Kelley-Roosevelts Expedition to Eastern tions. The hunt was conducted during a cattle in its native lands. Large herds are Asia has been installed in William V. Kelley period of terrific heat, in the rainy season, no longer seen and there has been local Hall (Hall 17). and many hardships and the hazard of inter-breeding between wild and domestic The principal figures in the new group tropical fevers had to be faced. stock. One of the best-known domestic are two large specimens, male and female, The wild water buffalo of Asia, sometimes varieties is the carabao of the Philippines. of the Asiatic water buffalo. Near-by are called Indian buffalo, is rapidly becoming On account of its semi-aquatic habits it is seen three small hog deer, male, female and very rare, according to Dr. Wilfred H. very useful for work in the rice fields. The young, and specimens of white "cow heron," Osgood, Curator of Zoology. Like the domesticated animal is used also in Egypt. which habitually follow the water buffalo. African buffalo, it is a very dangerous Typically the water buffalo is of large size, All the specimens were collected by Colonel animal and often charges hunters, some- equaling the African species, but differing Theodore Roosevelt, now Governor General times with fatal results to the men. It is in that it has slender, flattened horns. of the Philippines, who, with his brother. belligerent, vindictive and tenacious by These sometimes exceed five feet in length.

Water Buffalo, Hog Deer and White Heron New habitat group installed in William V. Kelley Hall. The speciniens were obtained by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt.

Kermit Roosevelt, led the expedition. The nature, and even when wounded will fre- They do not meet at the base as do those first group completed as a result of the quently charge madly. Although tigers of the African buffalo. expedition was that of the rare giant panda. frequently attack buffalo, at times the The hog deer, also shown in the group, A scene reproduced in the background, attacker is killed in the encounter. abound in the lowlands, and mingle uncon- representing the natural environment of the The water buffalo is found most often cernedly with the buffalo. The white herons animals in southern Indo-China, has been wading on river bottoms and flood plains, are regular companions of the buffalo, prepared by the Museum's staff artist, wallowing in mud, says Dr. Osgood. It following them in order to feed on the insects Charles A. Corwin. The taxidermy is by formerly ranged the low country along the and other small forms of life disturbed Julius Friesser and Arthur G. Rueckert. Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, and also as the buffalo tramp through the tall grass.

MEXICAN HOUSEHOLD GODS ably they served as household gods—the The heads were sometimes placed on top By J. Eric Thompson Mexican equivalent of the Roman penates. of lumps of maize or amaranth dough, Assistant Curator of The changes in technique which occur which had been modeled in human shape. Central and South American Archaeology make it possible to arrange the figures in These were then sacrificed to agricultural Large numbers of small pottery heads or chronological order. The earliest are crude, deities to assure bountiful harvests. full-length figures are found at archaeological hand-made specimens dating back more Among the figures in the Museum's sites in the valley of Mexico and the sur- than 2,000 years. Later in date are the collection are a mother and child who rounding country. Many of these are beau- beautiful Toltec figures of the Teotihuacan probably represent the earth goddess, tifully executed, revealing a high standard period. These were made in pottery molds, Coatlicue, with her son Huitzilopochtli, the of craftsmanship. Heads are common but and in their elaborate head-dresses and free Aztec war god. A long-nosed individual is complete specimens are rare, and Field treatment of featherwork reach a high level. the wind god, and a seated woman is Museum is fortunate in possessing an excep- Later again are the heads of the Aztec goddess of dancing and flowers. One of the tionally good collection of them, which is period. These were also made in molds, series has been modeled in the shape of a on exhibition in Hall 8. Without question and date back between 500 and 700 years. temple-crowned pyramid, while another these clay figures represent idols, for in They reveal poorer modeling, but are of more shows the wind god perched on top of his many cases the distinctive attributes of general interest since the attributes of recog- pyramid, looking down from the summit of various gods are clearly marked. Prob- nizable gods are more clearly delineated. the great stairway. Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS May, 19S2

Field Museum of Natural History THE PASSENGER PIGEON hind limbs of the African rock python, in the same case with several Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 By Rudyerd Boulton placed types of limbless lizards, makes clear the origin Roosevelt Road and Lake Michigan, Chicago Assistant Curator of Birds of the serpent group from the lizards. Years vast flocks of ago passenger pigeons Among lizards exhibited is the minute visited the on their annual THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chicago region disk-fingered gecko, one of the smallest Their were so migrations. numbers great lizards of the world, which frequently Sewell L. Avery Frederick H. Rawson as to darken the for hours at a time John Borden George A. Richardson sky reaches Chicago accidentally in shipments William J. Chalmers Martin A. Ryerson when the flocks passed to and from their of bananas. It is estimated that the Komodo Marshall Field Fred W. Sargent nesting and feeding grounds. Now these monitor in the Field Stephen C. Simhs lizard, largest species world, Stanley birds are extinct, the last wild one Ernest R. Graham James Simi-son having of which a specimen obtained by the Philip been seen in Albert \V. Harris Solomon A. Smith 1907. The species, however, M. Chancellor-Field Museum Expedition to Jr. Albert A. Sprague existed in Samuel Insull, captivity until 1914 when the the South Pacific is shown in an adjoining Cyrus H. McCormick Silas H. Strawn last died in the Cincinnati William H. Mitchell John P. Wilson specimen case, is 200,000 times larger than the tiny Zoological Garden. gecko. The spiny-tailed iguanas of Central OFFICERS is to The passenger pigeon reported have America are particularly well represented by Stanley Field President nested formerly in northern Illinois. The a male and female from Honduras. Other Martin A. Ryerson First Vice-President main breeding colonies were, however. new exhibits represent the glass Albert A. Sprague Second Vice-President European James Simpson Third Vice-President snake and the large ocellated lizard of Spain. Stephen C. SIMMS Director and Secretary The new amphibian exhibits include those . .Treasurer and Assistant Solomon A. Smith. Secretary of the blind cave salamander of Austria; the spotted and the tiger salamanders of the FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Chicago area; Jordan's salamander with brilliant red cheek patches, which is found C. Director the Museum Editor Stephen Sihhs, of in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee; CONTRIBUTING EDITORS and the brilliant fire salamander of Europe. These exhibits are reproductions of original Berthold Laufer Curator of Anthropology B. E. Dahlgren Acting Curator of Botany specimens, made in cellulose-acetate by Staff Oliver C. Farrington Curator of Geology Taxidermist Leon L. Walters, who originated Wilfred H. Osgood Curator of Zoology a process now extensively used in Field H. B. Harte Managing Editor Museum for exhibits of this nature. By this process it is possible to make more life- Field Museum is open every day of the year during like exhibits of certain animals than can be the hours indicated below: done by mounting the original skins.— K.P.S. November, December, January 9 a.m. to 4:30 P.M. February, March, April, October 9 a.m. to 5:00 P.M. May, June, July, August, September 9 a.m. to 6:00 P.M. Passenger Pigeons Herbarium Specimens Cited in Research is on all Admission free to Members days. Other Part of group of extinct birds on exhibition in free and adults are admitted on Thursdays, Saturdays Stanley Field Hall. Taxidermy by Ashley Hine. During the first quarter of 1932 there non-members 25 cents on other Sundays; pay days. were several Children are admitted free on all Students and published papers citing speci- days. farther in Wisconsin and faculty members of educational institutions are admit- north, Michigan. mens from the Herbarium of Field Museum. ted free any day upon presentation of credentials. One in northern Michigan was twenty miles Dr. Johann Mattfeld of Berlin described and several miles wide. Millions of The Library of the Museum, containing some 92,000 long as new, in Fedde's Repertorium, a handsome volumes on natural is for refer- history subjects, open birds congregated there to rear their young, of the called Astilbe ence daily except Sunday. plant saxifrage family and this concentration during the nesting collected in are circulated in the schools of heteropelala, Szechwan, China, Traveling exhibits season was one cause of their destruction. Chicago by the Museum's Department of the N. W. in 1929 by Herbert Stevens, who accom- The settlers to a certain Harris Public School Extension. early depended panied the Kelley-Roosevelts Expedition to Lectures for school classrooms and assemblies, and extent on these pigeons for food, while Eastern Asia for Field Museum. In the entertainments and lecture tours for children at special thousands were killed by hunters or were same F. E. of Vienna the are the James Nelson and journal Rev. Wimmer Museum, provided by used to fatten After 1882 the flocks Anna Louise Raymond Foundation for Public School hogs. described Burmeistera estrellana, a showy- had been so reduced that it was no and Children's Lectures. longer flowered plant of the lobelia family, the type to hunts or to net the Announcements of courses of free illustrated lectures profitable organize specimen of which was collected in Costa on science and travel for the public, and special lectures birds systematically on a large scale. From Rica and to the Museum for Members of the will in Field presented by Museum, appear this on the of Museum News. period numbers pigeons Professor H. E. Stork of Carleton College. declined. In our times such whole- There is a cafeteria in the Museum where luncheon steadily In the Repertorium Dr. O. C. Schmidt extermination of a is is served for visitors. Other rooms are provided for sale species fortunately of the Berlin Museum has published those their lunches. bringing no longer possible. Aristolochia Williamsii, collected in Peru Busses of the Chicago Motor Coach Field Hall is shown a of Company In Stanley group by Llewelyn Williams, Assistant in Wood (Jackson Boulevard Line, No. 26) provide service of a direct to the Museum. Free transfers are available passenger pigeons, representing part Technology at Field Museum, during a birds in adult and to and from other lines of the company. nesting colony. Eight recent Marshall Field expedition. In the of are shown crowded Members are requested to inform the Museum Juvenal stages plumage Journal of the Washington Academy of promptly of changes of address. together on an oak branch, as was their Sciences E. C. Leonard of the United States In the colonies the habit. nesting weight National Museum has published accounts of birds and nests sometimes caused CARIBOU SPECIMENS ARRIVE large of two new species of Sanchezia, likewise branches to break and fall to the ground collected in Peru by Mr. Williams.—P.C.S. Five excellent specimens of caribou with consequent destruction of the eggs and obtained for Field Museum in the birds. Rainy young AND ENDOWMENTS Pass region of Alaska by hunters sent out A unique feature of this habitat group is BEQUESTS by Alaska Guides, Inc., have been received the nest, which is one of the few original Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History may be made in books or collections. and the work of mounting the skins will examples existing in museum collections. securities, money, They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to will The of also an and soon begin. The animals be used in the egg is, course, original a person or cause, named by the giver. For those desiring preparation of a habitat group which will authentic specimen. Usually only one egg to make bequests, the following form is suggested : there were two. make the final exhibit in the series of North was laid, but occasionally FORM OF BEQUEST American mammals in Hall 16. / do hereby give and bequeath to Field Museum of The Museum is indebted to Bruce Thome ADDITIONS MADE TO EXHIBITS Natural History of the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, of Chicago, vice-president of Alaska Guides, OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS Inc., for his wholehearted cooperation which made possible the acquisition of these A number of especially interesting forms animals. Mr. Thome was one of the leaders of reptiles and amphibians have been added of the Thome-Graves-Field Museum Arctic to the collections in Albert W. Harris Hall Cash contributions made within the taxable year to Field Museum not exceeding 15 per cent of the tax- Expedition in 1929, which obtained the 18). snakes are the poisonous (Hall Among payer's net income are allowable as deductions in com- specimens for the walrus group in Hall N, copperhead and moccasin, and such harmless puting net income under Article 251 of Regulation 69 and much other material. Thanks are due species as the large water-snake of the south- relating to the income tax under the Revenue Act of 1926. also to the United States Biological Survey eastern states, the water pilot, the remark- Endowments may be made to the Museum with the for its cooperation in issuing the ringed king-snake, and the blind necessary ably-colored provision that an annuity be paid to the patron for life. permits to hunt the caribou, which are a burrowing snake of the southwest, Lepto- These annuities are tax-free and are guaranteed against protected species of animal. ty-pklops. A plaque showing the vestigial fluctuation in amount. May, 1932 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Pages

FISH AT JEMDET NASR AND KISH It was a journey of from eight to ten days By Henry Field (depending on weather and road conditions) to reach that The normal Assistant Curator of Physical Anthropology point. freight rate at that time was $8 per cart, but fishhooks have been found at Jem- Copper unscrupulous speculators took advantage of det which lies miles northeast Nasr, eighteen my situation and drove the price up to $18, the Field Uni- of Kish, by Museum-Oxford intimidating the muleteers, who were kept versity Joint Expedition to Mesopotamia. away from me. It took two weeks of nego- fishhooks have well-defined These are large, tiations to break this conspiracy, and little barbs, and undoubtedly were used to catch assistance was received from the local fish in which large the river Euphrates, government, which was powerless against flowed past this city more than fifty-five these racketeers. centuries ago. The turtle therefore had to be reduced The rivers and have Euphrates Tigris in weight to save expenses, not only in shifted their beds and have cut continually transportation on the mule carts, but also new channels from time to time. The present in railroad freight from Honan to Hankow, fish in these rivers run to or up fifty sixty in steamer freight on the Yangtse from in and a hook of similar pounds weight, large Hankow to Shanghai, and finally on the dimensions the ancient ones at Jemdet to ocean steamer from Shanghai to Seattle. is used the Nasr now by modern Arab I hired two stonecutters who for three weeks fisherman. operated on the turtle, pounding on its At both Kish and Jemdet Nasr numerous belly, boring into its interior and hollowing stone have also been found which are weights its entrails out, removing masses of super- to have been net sinkers or presumed weights fluous stone to the extent of 460 pounds. with which to the fishnets below the keep This reducing process resulted in a saving surface of the water. of several hundred dollars in the cost of The methods present primitive employed transporting it to Chicago. the Arabs refiect the arts and crafts of by Although now reduced to 740 pounds, the their racial ancestors, who developed at Kish good turtle has not changed its appearance the first great civilized site in the world. or equanimity. It still is as complete, In one of the small rooms of a building, robust, and steadfast as before. According dated by inscriptions at about 3500 B.C., a stratum containing fossilized fish was dis- covered. This suggested the possibility that the river Euphrates overflowed its banks at this time and carried numbers of small fish into this room. The water quickly receded and left the fish in a fine silt, to be finally buried beneath thirty-two feet of earth E3 formed by the concentrated ruins of two superimposed cities. Specimens from this stratum were shipped to Field Museum and have been studied in detail . Although the fish remains are numer- ous, they represent only three or four genera, conspicuous among which are bones of fishes belonging to the family Cyprinidae, a family with many genera, of which the carp, goldfish and minnows may be mentioned as examples. A MAJOR OPERATION By Bbrthold Laufer Curator, Department of Anthropology In this time of reductions, when the weight of ladies, income, wages, and almost every- thing except taxes is reduced, the following story may merit rescue from oblivion. Although the incident is posted on a label explaining an exhibit at the north end of the East Gallery (George T. and Frances Gaylord Smith Hall), many visitors to the Museum may have missed their chance to read a curious story. The exhibition case in question contains a single large monu- ment—a huge turtle sculptured from stone as the support of a tablet inscribed in Chinese. This turtle has been in existence for exactly 1,190 years. In 1908 when traveling in China and Tibet on behalf of Field Museum, I spent several months at Si-an-fu, the center of the ancient Chinese civilization. One day this turtle was carried into my courtyard by four men of herculean physique. It is carved from a solid block of stone, and it then weighed about 1,200 pounds. Immedi- ately the thought of the cost of its trans- portation to Chicago loomed in my mind and was a source of great concern to me. Five hundred large boxes filled with numerous antiques had already accumulated as the result of my treasure hunts, and were awaiting transportation on mule carts to Honan-fu, the nearest railroad center (present seat of the Chinese government). Page U FIELD MUSEUM NEWS May, 19S2

RUINS MAY BE CAPITAL butternuts). The nuts are bean-shaped MAY GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS edible seeds, covered with tubercles and OF SARGON'S EMPIRE Conducted tours of exhibits, under the imbedded in a yellow pulp. From one to guidance of stafif lectiu-ers, are made every The discovery in Irak of a mound in four of these are contained in each fruit. of a which afternoon at 3 p.m., except Saturdays, which are buried the ruins city The oily kernel of the seeds has a pleasant lost of Sundays, and certain holidays. Following may prove to be part of the capital taste, whence the name butternut. is the schedule of and dates for the ancient of is subjects empire Agade, reported by In northeastern Brazil the oil pressed out Field Joint May: the Museum-Oxford University of the kernels is esteemed for culinary Week 2: —Marine Expedition to Mesopotamia. Word received beginning May Monday Life; — Horses, Past and Present; Wednesday— director Tuesday from Professor Stephen Langdon, North American Indians; Thursday—General Tour; of the expedition, indicates that excavations Friday—South American Exhibits. have been begun on the mound, and pottery Week beginning May 9: Monday—Prehistoric Hall; — —Dwellers in and other objects have already been un- Tuesday Egyptian Art; Wednesday the Far North; Thursday—General Tour; Friday—Borneo, earthed from which clews are being obtained. Java and Sumatra. or Akkad has been called the Agade Week beginning— May 16: Monday—Looms and— "dream city of Mesopotamia," and was the Textiles; Tuesday Asiatic Animal Life; Wednesday Plants of Economic —General home of the Once Value; Thursday Tour; great King Sargon. Friday—Pewter, Jade and Gems. believed to have been a only mythical Week beginning May 23: Monday—Birds of Unusual person, Sargon has been proved actually Interest; Tuesday—Chinese Exhibits; Wednesday— to have existed. Some have identified him Animal Life of the Chicago Region; Thursday— General —Man the with Nimrod, and others with Cain. He is Tour; Friday Through Ages. 30—Memorial no said to have been found when a like Monday, May Day, tour; Tuesday, baby, May 31 —Ancient Burials. Moses, afloat in an ark of bulrushes. Persons wishing to participate should The ruins now believed to be Agade are apply at North Entrance. Tours are free a few miles from ancient Kish, city upon and no are to be A new which the has been gratuities proffered. expedition successfully schedule will appear each month in Field for the ten excavating past years, bringing Museum News. Guide-lecturers* services to light architectural remains and large for special tours by parties of ten or more collections of objects representing what is are available free of charge by arrangement the world's earliest civilization. probably with the Director a week in advance. "The mound now being worked upon marks the site of a Sumerian town which of flourished in the time of the empire of Work on Hall Prehistoric Man Agade, some 4,600 years ago, and it Frederick Blaschke of Cold Spring-on- apparently abounds in inscribed tablets Hudson, New York, the sculptor engaged Souari Nut Branch of Sargon, founder of the empire," states to prepare the eight life-size groups showing western Professor Langdon. "The whole of New exhibit in Hall of Plant Life. Prepared in early races of man and outstanding phases Plant Laboratories. Asia was ruled from this capital, during one Stanley Field Reproduction of their cultural development for the Hall of the most illustrious periods of history of Prehistoric Man, is now working at the purposes. The piquid tree is of economic in the ancient world." Museum on the preliminary installation importance also because it produces one of work. A number of the figures to be used the most important woods of the Amazon Oriental Society Visits Museum have been completed and brought here by Due to its and region. strength durability Mr. Blaschke. However, much remains to The American Oriental Society, one of the wood is valued for frames, floor timbers be done, and the hall will not be completed the oldest learned societies in the country of boats and cross-ties.—L.W. and opened for another year or more. (founded in 1842), held its annual meeting in Chicago, March 29-31. On the morning of all the March 30, eighty-five members of the society Specimens representing principal NEW MEMBERS groups of mammals of the world, arranged made a two-hour tour of the Museum's The following persons were elected to according to their relation- Oriental collections. A special exhibit of systematically membership in Field Museum during the make one of the most interesting and antiquities from Kish and the Sassanian ships, period from March 16 to April 15: palaces discovered there last year had been educational of the various series of zoological Associate Members arranged in honor of the society in the study exhibits. B. room on the third floor. Rowland Rathbun, Mrs. Cyrus Bentley, Wolcott Blqir, Miss Anna Mrs. Ellen D. Mrs. Charles Assistant Professor of the History of Gifts to the Museum Evans, Gillette, Netcher, Mrs. William M. Spencer. Architecture at Armour Institute, who had is a list of some of the Annual Members prepared plans of the palaces after a thorough Following principal received the last month: Mrs. Walter L. Horace B. Chrissinger, study, gave an interesting talk on the gifts during Cherry, subject Fred A. Cuscadin, Clarence W. Farrier, Rowland V. E. —a flint to the visiting members. Luncheon was From W. Wretlind prehistoric spear- Hagen, H. H. Harbecke, Edward R. Hills, Dr. E, W. and a stone served in the Museum cafeteria. head prehistoric perforated— ax, Sweden; Hollingsworth, Otto N. Koeing, Charles A. Liddle, from Miss Barbara Neff 28 pieces Plains Indian Miss Florence Mandel, Mrs. H. A. McConnell, Mrs. beadwork. 38 pieces jewelry from Algeria, 1 piece WilUam S. MUls, Fred H. Moss, Mrs. WilUam A. Zulu from School of Yale PI QUIA BRANCH DISPLAYED beadwork:— Forestry, Uni- Nitze, Meyer M. Pollack, Cassius Poust, William versity 290 herbarium specimens, Brazil, Colombia, Reach, Albert F. Reichmann, Miss Helen F. Smith, Ecuador, and British Honduras; from Dr. R. H. Wood- E. Mrs. Helen R. A reproduction of a fruiting branch of the — Mrs. Elmer Stephenson, Walton, worth 449 herbarium specimens, Barro Colorado B. L. Wilson, Robert P. Wootton. piquid tree (Caryocar brasiliense) has been Island; from The Mengel Company—3 panels of installed in the Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29). Honduras mahogany, Nicaraguan mahogany, and Brazilian from Charles H. —a It was in the Field Plant satinwood; Barnaby prepared Stanley trunk section and 4 pieces of rough lumber of dog- MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM Laboratories of the Museum from William A. — 139 herbarium Reproduction wood, Indiana; Schipp Field Museum has several classes of Members. British Honduras; from Ichabod T. from material collected in 1929 in the specimens, Benefactors give or devise $100,000 or more. Contribu- Williams and Sons—7 of India of Dr. B. E. panels foreign woods, tors give or devise $1,000 to $100,000. Life Members vicinity Para, Brazil, by and Central America: from Craftsman Wood Service give $500. Non-Resident (Life) and Associate Memoera Dahlgren, Acting Curator of Botany, while Inc.—2 of American from Dr. Company, panels holly: pay $100. Non-Resident Associate Members pay $50. Fortunate L. Herrera—73 herbarium specimens, Peru; leading the Marshall Field Botanical Expedi- All the above classes are from dues. Sustaining from Museo de Historia Natural, Universidad Nacional exempt tion to the of cross sec- Members contribute After six Amazon. Models de Tucuman—95 herbarium from $25 annually. years they specimens, Argentina; become Associate Members. Annual Members con- tions of the fruit are now being made in the William J. Chalmers—a specimen of crystallized mime- tribute $10 annually. Other memberships are Corpo- tite, southwest Africa, and a of plant reproduction laboratories, and will be specimen sphalerite rate, and additions from Herbert C. Walther— 17 Honorary, Patron, Corresponding, added to the exhibit. crystal, Colorado; speci- under these classifications made action and 4 rare minerals and being by special mens garnet specimens ores; of the Board of Trustees. The piquid, a tall stately tree which from W. D. Nevel—a specimen crystallized pyrite, Each in all is to free of Colorado: from Henry Glocke—a pyrite concretion, Member, dasses, entitled frequently reaches a height 100 feet, is to Indiana: from General Biological Supply House—20 admission the Museum for himself, his family and native to the forests of the lower Brazilian bouse to two seats for small fishes, Philippine Islands, and a deepwater guests, and reserved Museum lectures for to Fiexd Amazon and is distributed south towards sculpin, Wisconsin: from C. Suydam Cutting—339 provided Members. Subscription Burma and from Dr. Stuart T. Museum News is included with all memberahips. The Sao Paulo. Its fruit, spherical to oblong in insects, Tibet; Danforth— 133 toads, and lizards. courtesies of every museum of note in the Unite-i and from four to six inches specimens frogs, shape ranging West Indies; from F. J. W. Schmidt—20 specimens States and Canada are extended to all Members

Vol. 3 JUNE, 1932 No. 6 LARGEST LAND MAMMALS OF EOCENE PERIOD RESTORED IN KNIGHT PAINTING

By Elmer S. Riggs The animal's legs were long, and its feet on each hind foot. It is known from entire Associate Curator of Paleontology were broad and padded like those of an skeletons and from many skulls, legs and feet. Among the last of the twenty-eight mural elephant. It fed upon leaves of trees and Orohippus would have been rated as small paintings of the prehistoric world by Charles fleshy plants of the lowland, forested regions. game if there had been human hunters in R. Knight, recently installed in Ernest R. The uintatheres are known from fossil its time. It was among the small and timid Graham Hall, is one entitled Uintatherium remains found in the "bad lands" of the animals which lived about the meadows and and Orokippus. These are the scientific Bridger Basin, southwestern Wyoming, and fed upon leaves of low bushes and upon names of two animals of interest which lived from the Uintah Basin of northeastern Utah. the fleshy plants at the water's edge. It was in North America at the middle of the Eocene Remains of this animal are the rarest of all doubtless preyed upon by the more common Period, some 45,000,000 years ago. the large extinct mammals known to have wolf-like and otter-like flesh-eaters of its Uintatherium was a member of a long line lived in North America. One mounted time. Being quick and alert it ran away of animals known to have lived in fertile skeleton and a half dozen skulls constitute at the first sign of danger, though often a basins of the Rocky Mountain region. Its all the specimens known of the genus lagging member of the troop was seized by

Copyrigkl Field Museum of Natural History Uintatherium and Orohippus Mural in Hall 38 showing rhinoceros-like animals and small four-toed horses which lived in Rocky Mountain region about 45,000,000 years ago. One of the series of twenty^eight paintings presented by Ernest R. Graham, Charles R. Knight is the artist. family included the largest land animals— Uintatherium. Three or four entire skulls an enemy which waited in ambush for it. the natural overlords of its time. None but with various broken parts furnish all of the This little horse is of importance as an their own kind approached them in size and available information about the larger and ancestor of the modern horse. It represents strength to dispute for supremacy. more rare genus, Eobasileus. One of the what is believed to be the second stage of One member of the family (Eobasileus) best specimens is exhibited in Field Museum. development of the horse. Its sight and grew larger and stronger than the modern The smaller animal shown in the painting smell were probably keenly developed for use rhinoceros and was armed with three pairs is the little four-toed horse, Orohippus. This as senses of protection. Its teeth were simple of horns on the head. A first short pair animal stood only fourteen inches in height and not suited for eating grass. Its narrow, arose from the nose, a second pair from at the shoulders, and was therefore about tapering hoofs, spreading out into a broad above the eyes, and a third massive pair as large as a red fox. It had a narrow, foot with a pad under the first and second from the back of the head. A stout pair pointed head, a short neck, a rounded back, joints of the toes, were well adapted for of tusks protruded from the upper jaws. four little hoofs on each fore foot and three running over marshy lands.

BLAKE OF MANDEL EXPEDITION balance was expected to arrive shortly after respects from that of the lower Andes. MAKES NOTABLE COLLECTION his return. Very little previous collecting had been In a period of only about six weeks, Mr. done there. Mr. Blake's collection of birds The work of the Mandel-Field Museum Blake made a collection of nearly 900 birds, is one of the largest ever made in so short Zoological Expedition to Venezuela ended a notable achievement for a collector working a time. Included among the specimens are last month with the return of Emmet R. alone in such a short period, and under the numerous examples of rare species, and it is Blake, a zoologist of the University of difficult conditions imposed by the trailless believed that further study will reveal a Pittsburgh, who was the last member of slopes of Mount Turumiquiri, a 9,000-foot number of previously unknown species. the party remaining in the field. Mr. Blake peak, which was the principal locality in Mr. Blake collected also about seventy- spent several days in Chicago at the Museum which he worked. This is the isolated five reptiles and amphibians, and a number following his arrival in this country. Part easternmost projection of the Andes, and of small mammals, which are welcome of his collections had preceded him, and the is a region with a fauna distinctive in some additions to the Department of Zoology. Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS June, 1932

Field Museum of Natural History Kelley-Roosevelts Expedition to Eastern source of revenue to the Spanish crown. Asia For the leaves are mixed Founded by Marehall Field, 1893 (1928-29). chewing, generally Mention of the last-named expedition with wood ashes or a little burned lime, Roosevelt Road and Lake Michigan, Chicago recalls that, through an unfortunate error, the alkali promoting absorption of the drug. the article which appeared in the May The most important property of cocaine, its THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES issue of Field Museum News about the anaesthetic effect, did not become generally new exhibit of Asiatic water buffalo recently known to the medical profession until about Sewell L. Avery Frederick H. Rawson John Borden George A. Richardson installed in William V. Kelley Hall (Hall 17) 350 years later. On account of its habit- William J. Chalmers Martin A. Ryerson failed to mention the important part Mr. forming qualities, cocaine is never used in Marshall Field Fred W. Sargent took in the for Stanley Field Stephen C. Simms Cutting obtaining specimens Ernest R. Graham James Simpson the group. He was with Colonel Roosevelt Albert W. Harris Solomon A. Smith on this hunt, and it was Mr. Cutting who Samuel Insull, Jr. Albert A. Sprague shot the male buffalo and two of the hog Cyrus H. McCormick Silas H. Strawn William H. Mitchell John P. Wilson deer shown in the group. He was also responsible for collecting many of the other OFFICERS animals obtained by this expedition. Stanley Field President Mr. Cutting is represented in the Museum Martin A. Ryerson First Vice-President collections more now Albert A. Sprague Second Vice-President by many specimens, James Simpson Third Vice-President mounted or awaiting preparation for exhibi- Stephen C. Simms Director and Secretary tion, as a result of his work on other expedi- A. Smith . . . Treasurer and Assistant Secretary Solomon tions. In Hall 15 is to be seen a specimen of the Himalayan langur taken on his recent FIELD MUSEUM NEWS expedition to Sikkim. He was responsible for the acquisition of the finest specimen of Stephen C. Simus, Director of the Museum Editor bushbuck brought in by the Field Museum- CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Chicago Daily News Abyssinian Expedition. This is on exhibition in M. Berthold Laufer Curator of Anthropology now George B. E. Dahlgren Acting Curator of Botany Pullman Hall (Hall 13). On the James Oliver C. Farrington Curator of Geology Simpson-Roosevelts Expedition Mr. Cutting Wilfred H. Osgood Curator of Zoology was instrumental in obtaining a large part H. B. Hartb Editor Managing of the collections, including among other things a specimen of an extremely rare Field Museum is open every day of the year during species of Asiatic bear. the hours indicated below: Mr. Cutting's interest in and generosity November, December, 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. January Field have been March, October 9 a.m. to 5:00 P.M. toward Museum exemplified February, April, Branch of Coca Plant May, June, July, August, September 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in many other ways. He purchased and Source of the cocaine. made in Admission is free to Members on all days. Other to the Museum the fine collection drug Reproduction presented Field Plant Laboratories from adults are admitted free on Thursdays, Saturdays and made the Stanley Reproduction of Abyssinian bird paintings by collected in Brazil. On exhibition in Hall Sundays; non-members pay 25 cents on other days. specimen late Louis Fuertes, noted artist, of Plant Lite. Children are admitted free on all days. Students and Agassiz faculty members of educational institutions are admit- who was a member of the Daily News medicine except as a local anaesthetic, and ted free any day upon presentation of credentials. expedition. Following this, Mr. Cutting its illegal sale for other purposes is being The Library of the Museum, containing some 92,000 financed for the Museum the publication of volumes on natural subjects, is for refer- vigorously combated. history open the beautiful of reproductions in ence daily except Sunday. portfolio From a specimen obtained in Brazil by colors of these which is one of Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of paintings, the Marshall Field Botanical Expedition to Chicago by the Museum's Department of the N. W. the most attractive and popular publications the Amazon a branch of the plant with its Harris Public School Extension. ever issued the institution. In addition, by small greenish-white flowers and barberry- Lectures for school classrooms and assemblies, and the Museum is indebted to Mr. Cutting for entertainments and lecture tours for children at like fruits, has been reproduced in the special complete copies of motion picture films he the Museum, are provided by the James Nelson and Stanley Reld Plant Reproduction Labora- Anna Louise Foundation for Public School has made on his various and Raymond expeditions, tories in the be and Children's Lectures. Museum, and may now these are especially valuable as graphic seen in the Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29). Announcements of courses of free illustrated lectures records from regions which can be reached on science and travel for the and lectures public, special and well expeditions. for Members of the Museum, will appear in Field only by large organized Museum News. "The benefactions the Museum has received Brazilian Plants for Herbarium There is a cafeteria in the Museum where luncheon from Mr. Cutting have long been recognized A useful and important addition to Field is served for visitors. Other rooms are for of provided by the Officers and Board of Tnistees the Museum's Herbarium is a collection of those bringing their lunches. institution, and they have expressed their Brazilian received from the Busses of the Motor Coach plants recently Chicago Company at various times the succes- (Jackson Boulevard Line, No. 26) provide service appreciation by University Museum of Copenhagen. The direct to the Museum. Free transfers are available sive elections of Mr. Cutting as a Corporate specimens were collected about a century to and from other lines of the company. Member, a Patron, and an Honorary ago by the Scandinavian naturalists, Eugene Members are requested to inform the Museum Member of the Museum. and Wilhelm Lund. A monument promptly of changes of address. Warming commemorating the meeting in Brazil of COCAINE-PRODUCING PLANT these two famous scientists, who had never FIELD MUSEUM OWES MUCH before seen each is to be unveiled By B. E. Dahlgren other, C. in at Minas Geraes, Brazil. TO SUYDAM CUTTING Acting Curator, Department of Botany July Lagoa-Santa, Word has been received at Field Museum The well known drug cocaine is obtained of the recent return from the Andaman from the leaves of the coca plant, a shrub BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS Islands of C. Suydam Cutting of New York, or small tree native to South America, Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History may be made in books or collections. one of the Museum's staunchest friends, especially Bolivia and Peru. It has long securities, money, They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to who has participated in so of its the Indians the many been used by inhabiting a person or cause, named by the giver. For those desiring and has contributions it expeditions, made of region where it grows, who value as a to make bequests, the following form is suggested : and and of his time to the money material, stimulant enabling them to carry on hard FORM OF BEQUEST interests of the institution. work over long periods with little food— / do hereby give and bequeath to Field Museum of Not long ago Mr. Cutting organized and "a divine gift, that satisfies the hungry, Natural History of the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, wholly financed an expedition for the Mu- strengthens the weak, supplies new vitality seum which made large and valuable zoo- to the exhausted and makes the unhappy logical collections in Sikkim, India, and forget their troubles." along the southern border of Tibet. In In small doses cocaine stimulates nerve 1928 also he organized and conducted at and muscle; in large doses it is a poison which Cash contributions made within the taxable year to Field Museum not exceeding 15 cent of the tax- his own an to Assam. causes death respiration. The per expense expedition by paralyzing payer's net income are allowable as deductions in com- In three other important Museum expedi- Indians are well aware of its dangerous and puting net income under Article 251 of Regulation 69 tions he participated as an active member. habit-forming properties, but the practice relating to the income tax under the Revenue Act of 1926. These were the James Simpson-Roosevelts of chewing the leaves for the stimulating Endowments may be made to the Museum with the Asiatic Expedition (1925-26); the Field effect was so well established in Peru at provision that an annuity be paid to the patron for life. Museum-Chicago Daily News Abyssinian the time of the conquest by Pizarro (1530) These annuities are tax-free and are guaranteed against Expedition (1926-27); and the William V. that a tax on coca became an important fluctuation in amount. June, 19S2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page S

STRANGE PARROTS DISPLAYED example of which is exhibited. The out- FUR-BEARING ANIMALS SHOWN standing beauty in the collection is the A bird which builds its nests in what An exhibit of the principal fur-bearing hyacinthine macaw of South America, might be called apartment house form, animals of the world has been installed in plumed in light purplish blue. The speci- several families occupying a single large Hall 15, devoted to systematic collections mens were mounted by John of the communal nest divided into sections for Moyer of mammals. The animals shown, including Museum's taxidermy staff. each, is included in a new exhibit of parrots various species of martens, sables, weasels, and paroquets installed in Hall 21. The mink, skunks, ferrets, beavers, otters and exhibit comprises forty-nine species repre- Pink Bloodroot Near Chicago their relatives and allies, are of vast economic senting the principal forms from all parts importance as the mainstay of the fur trade. of the tropics. Among them are several In a region so thoroughly explored as the They are of scientific interest, states Dr. species which are extremely rare, and some Chicago area, it would be almost impossible Wilfred H. Osgood, Curator of Zoology, which are extinct or nearly extinct. to discover a new species of plant. Indus- because of the important role they play in The nun parrot of Uruguay, which gets trious botanists, however, often happen maintaining the balance of nature, being its name from a sort of cowl over its head, upon newly introduced weeds never reported highly predacious and destructive carnivores. is the "apartment dwelling bird." Several for Cook County, and it is possible to find In this capacity they are both a nuisance well pairs of these combine their efforts in the marked varieties and forms of interest and a boon to man, and it is hard to deter- building of a communal nest, and then that have escaped earlier workers. mine whether the harm they do outweighs occupy it jointly, each pair having a separate H. C. Benke, local botanist, has sent to their good services, or vice versa. For on compartment in which to lay its eggs and Field Museum flowers of a peculiar phase the one hand they are pests which prey rear its young, according to Rudyerd of the common bloodroot, one of the most seriously upon live stock and poultry, but Boulton, Assistant Curator of Birds. beautiful of spring flowers. Plants of this on the other hand their regular food consists of rabbits other The CaroUna paroquet, the only bird of unique form, discovered near Crystal Lake, rats, mice, and animals this kind ever to have inhabited eastern Illinois, by Earl L. Colby, have vivid rose- which are destructive to grain and other North America, is represented in the exhibit. pink blossoms that look very unlike the crops. This bird was found in the south up to about pure-white flowers of normal bloodroot The animals shown all belong to the family 1906 when it became extinct. Prior to plants. The pink bloodroot is exceptionally Mustelidae. A number of the specimens about 1850 it was seen even as far north as handsome, and well worthy of perpetuation were obtained b"y the Kelley-Roosevelts Illinois. in gardens.— P.C.S. Expedition to Eastern Asia, and the various Marshall Field to South America. The kea of New Zealand, a meat-eating expeditions While most of them are from the northern parrot whose carnivorous habits have made Visit of Brazilian Museum Official countries of Asia and North America, there it a problem to sheepherders, is another are also a number from South Africa, South unusual species shown. There are nine Miss Bertha Lutz, Secretary of the America, and southern Asia. The species of South Sea island lory, which are National Museum of Brazil at Rio de specimens were for exhibition Staff of note for their gaudily colored and varied Janeiro, was a visitor at Field Museum for prepared by Taxidermist Arthur G. Rueckert. plumage in bright reds, yellows, greens and several days last month. Miss Lutz is blues, and half a dozen species of cockatoo making a tour of the United States, studying from Australia and New Guinea. The the methods of American institutions, many Various types of industrial plants and species which can be best trained to talk of which may be found applicable for work mines are represented by models in the is the African gray parrot with red tail, an in the museum she represents. Department of Geology. AMERICAN ALLIGATOR WITH NEST OF EGGS PLACED ON EXHIBITION IN HARRIS HALL

By Karl P. Schmidt The remarkable nest-building habit which The female alligator remains in the neigh- is characteristic of the borhood of the and is said to Assistant Curator of Reptiles American alligator nest, guard is shown in Field Museum's exhibit of this it and to aid the young to escape through The American alligator is found only in species, recently installed in Albert W. Harris the matted vegetation when the eggs hatch. the southeastern United States from North Hall (Hall 18). This exhibit includes a Whether or not this is true, the loud cry of Carolina to Texas. Its former vast abun- cellulose-acetate reproduction of an adult the young can be heard just before hatching. in of dance the strearns, lakes and swamps female alligator with a reconstructed nest The warmth of the nest is entirely the south, combined with the widespread which is broken at one side to show the depended upon for the incubation of the of its skin for use an attractive leather, has large, hard-shelled eggs. eggs. The growth of the alligator is rela- made it one of the most widely known Materials, photographs, notes and speci- tively rapid. When first hatched it is about American reptiles. It is the largest American mens of alligators were obtained for this eight inches long, and some full-grown ones reptile, and its closest relative (the only purpose by Leon L. Walters, Staff Taxi- attain a length of more than twelve feet other true alligator) is found in eastern dermist, with the aid of the well-known by the end of the fifteenth year, studies of China. Other relatives, the crocodiles and naturalist, H. L. Stoddard (formerly a captive specimens have revealed. The sizes gavials, are confined to the tropics. member of the Museum's staff), in southern at maturity vary widely, however, being All of these forms make up a compact Georgia. The largest nest found contained directly dependent upon the amount of group known as the crocodilians. Croco- seventy-five eggs, the record number for a food available. diles are so similar to alligators in structure single nest. The nests are made by the The exhibit was prepared by Taxidermist and outward appearance that the name female alligator by piling together cat-tails, Walters, assisted by Edgar G. Laybourne. alligator is misapplied to many broad- sedge, and other vegetation and debris into Available for comparison is the American snouted crocodiles, while others with slender a mound like the muskrat nests of our crocodile shown in a habitat group which snouts are erroneously known as gavials. northern swamps. occupies an alcove adjacent to Harris Hall. Page 4 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS June, li

TABLET FOUND AT KISH tion because of the wonder they arouse as JUNE GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS to how a primitive people with nothing but HOLDS PART OF EPIC Conducted tours of under the crude tools could produce such elaborate exhibits, inscribed guidance of staff lecturers, are made every A tablet, about 4,000 years old, designs. For years many authorities held lines of the afternoon at 3 p.m., except Saturdays, with some fifty of the missing that it would be impossible for the Indians of oldest adventure Sundays, and certain holidays. Following famous epic Gilgamesh, to manipulate the metal so skillfully, and is the schedule of and dates for narrative in the world and one of the most that such ornaments must have been subjects argued June: important literary products of ancient made in Europe and traded to the American June 1 —.\nimal — Babylon, has been discovered by the Field Wednesday, Families; Thursday General Tour; Friday—Homes in Many Lands. Museum-Oxford University Joint Expedi- Week June 6: — Past to a beginning Monday Reptiles, tion to Mesopotamia, according report and Present; Tuesday—Primitive Musical Instruments; from Professor Stephen Langdon, director Wednesday—Hall of Plant lafe; Thursday—General —Gems and of the expedition. Tour; Friday Jewelry. Week June 13: —Art of the Gilgamesh was the favorite Babylonian beginning Monday Chinese; Tuesday—Plants and Animals of Long Ago; hero. His tells of battles with fearful — — story Wednesday —Woodland Indians; Thursday General monsters, crossing the waters of death, Tour; Friday Blankets and Baskets. — finding and losing again the weeds which Week beginning— June 20: Monday The Story —of make the old grow young, and many other Man; Tuesday Mines and Ores; Wednesday Mummies; Thursday—General Tour; Friday—Coal, marvels. Oil and Peat. of our of this is "Most knowledge epic Mound Builders* Art Week beginning June 27: Monday—Palms and from a set of tablets once in the Cereals; —Birds of Wednesday gained of a strange bird, made of Tuesday Gay Plumage; Representation copper. —Ancient Mexican —General Tour. possession of a king of Assyria who lived From Hopewell mounds in Ohio. Many such artifacts Art; Thursday Professor are exhibited in Mary D. Sturges Hall. about 650 B.C.," states Langdon. Persons wishing to participate should so "Some of these are very fragmentary, apply at North Entrance. Tours are free one-half of the is aborigines. Recent studies, however, have that only about epic and no gratuities are to be proffered. A new found the shown that the Indians not only used native known. The tablet now by schedule will appear each month in Field American but were also of Museum excavators on the site of the ancient copper, capable Museum News. Guide-lecturers' services from a much manufacturing the most elaborate objects of city of Kish is apparently very for special tours by parties of ten or more to clear it with the crude tools and methods available earlier edition and will help up are available free of charge by arrangement to them. Several have made unknown and obscure points in this ancient anthropologists with the Director a week in advance. exact of the mound builders' literary work." copies articles, The has its sea- using native copper and nothing but bone expedition completed Scenes in Pictured son's work at Kish. Its earlier accomplish- and stone tools. Egypt ments have been reported in the February, Moreover, exhaustive chemical analyses A miniature "tour," in colored pictures, to determine whether the April and May issues of Field Museum have been made of the principal ancient ruins to be seen Indians was of American News. metal used by the in Egypt is a new feature of the exhibits origin, or copper produced in Europe and in the hall of Egyptian archaeology (Hall J). results EXHIBIT OF COPPER OBJECTS brought in by traders. The demon- This fits in with and supplements the collec- strated that the ornaments FROM HOPEWELL MOUNDS conclusively tions of antiquities in the hall. in of found mounds undoubted antiquity The pictures, of a size large enough to By Paul S. Martin (that is, those built before the advent of give a clear impression of the scenes, are Assistant Curator of North American Archaeology the white were from man) made exclusively painted in colors on glass, and set in a One of the most interesting and most native American copper. series in one of the walls. They are elec- mysterious of prehistoric American cultures trically illuminated from behind, bringing is that of the mound builders of Ohio and Fossil Bison Bones Shown out to the best advantage the natural the Mississippi Valley. Their artifacts prove colors, and the many details. An exhibit comprising a collection of skulls that they had reached a high state of and other bones of prehistoric bison, and development, but it has been possible to similar specimens of modem bison for con- NEW MEMBERS trace only a few facts concerning them. trast, has been added to Ernest R. Graham were elected to In Mary D. Sturges Hall of North The following persons Hall (Hall 38). the American Archaeology (Hall 3) are exhibits membership in Meld Museum during One of the prehistoric bison skulls was 16 to 16: (Cases 9 and 11) of their products in bone, period from April May excavated from the famous asphaltum pits shell, stone, mica, and copper, which show Associate Members near Los Angeles, and another from the excellent workmanship, and occur in most Mrs. A. G. Becker, Webster H. Burke, Dr. Loyal Pleistocene gravels of Point Barrow, Alaska. surprising shapes and intricate designs. Davis, John A. Manley, Mrs. S. Arthur Walther. These animals lived approximately 1,000,000 These particular objects come from the Non-Resident Associate Members to 1,500,000 years ago, according to Elmer famous Hopewell mounds in Ohio. While Edmund W. Stevens S. Associate Curator of there are some differences between them Riggs, Paleontology. Included in the exhibit is a Annual Members in painting restoring and the artifacts obtained from mounds F. Mrs. the fossil animal as research indicates it Mrs. Henry G. Barkhausen, John Caine, Illinois and elsewhere, there is nevertheless James A. Cathcart, Mrs. Adelbert E. Coleman, Hugo must have appeared when living. a general relationship between the work of Dalmar, John Doctoroff, Dr. Edna M. Forsyth, John Gregg, Howard B. Hare, Edmund G. Johnson, all mound builders. Wyatt Howard B. Jones, Mrs. George I. Keefe, Father S. These remarkable objects arouse much Gifts to the Museum Radniecki, Mrs. Joseph K. Salomon, Dr. Henry J. G. Miss Eloise R. Mrs. Leon Weil, curiosity and speculation as to who were is a list of some of the Schmidt, Tremain, Following principal R. H. E. Wills. artisans fashioned Joseph WUlens, the who them, how long gifts received during the last month: these people lived, and what became of ago From American Friends of China—an archaic them. All that can be said in jade definitely scraper, China; from Mr. and Mrs. Edward Deburgenie MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM this is that the who built the —an ax of Chellean from respect people type, Portugal: George Field Museum has several classes of Members. Harris—2 prehistoric flint scrapers and 4 prehistoric mounds of Ohio, as well as those in other Benefactors give or devise $100,000 or more. Contribu- flint knives, Texas; from Cadwallader-Giteon Com- middle western were Indians whose tors give or devise $1,000 to $100,000. Life Members states, pany, Inc.^1 panels of Philippine woods; from James give $500. Non-Resident (Life) and Associate Members descendants were roaming this Zetek— 115 herbarium specimens. Barro Colorado country pay $100. Non-Resident Associate Members pay $50. Island; from Craftsman Wood Service Company, Inc. when Europeans first arrived. Exactly All the above classes are exempt from dues. Sustaining —a panel of West Indian boxwood; from Dr. Fortunate of Members contribute $25 annually. After six years what tribe or group Indians was respon- L. Herrera— 128 herbarium from J. they specimens, Peru; become Associate Members. Annual Members con- sible for the Hopewell culture it has not been H. Smith Veneers, Inc. —3 panels of foreign woods, tribute $10 annually. Other memberships are Corpo- Italy, England, and Africa; from J. M. Caballero— possible to ascertain. Some anthropologists rate, Honorary, Patron, and Corresponding, additions 6 panels of Mexican woods; from W. E. Bletsch—29 think that must have to the under these classifications being made special action they belonged hand of woods, Chile, by polished samples foreign Cuba, of the Board of Trustees. Siouan linguistic family. Hawaii, and British Honduras; from H. C. Benke— herbarium United from Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to free It is also impossible to state how long ago 778 specimens, States; United Fruit Company—7 panels of foreign woods, Honduras; admission to the Museum for himself, his family and the culture flourished. All that house for Hopewell from Lieutenant-Commander J. H. Keester—3 speci- guests, and to two reserved seats Museum can be surely said is that it had died out mens lava and ash, volcano of Katraai, Alaska; from lectures provided for Members. Subscription to Field — Museum News is included with all The at the time of the discovery of North Dr. Mabel A. King and Miss Bertha F. Gordon 11 memberships. specimens fossil leaves, Illinois; from H. B. Conover— courtesies of every museum of note in the United America. Whether it had existed 500 or 1,000 3 pectoral sandpipers; from the University of Chicago States and Canada are extended to all Members of Field years before that has not been determined. — 12 birds, 279 lizards, 37 fishes, and 91 specimens Museum. A Member may give his personal card from J. to non-residents of Chicago, upon of Of all the artifacts of these people, the snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, etc.; James presentation —2 salamanders and a least which they will be admitted to the Museum without ornaments are the most Mooney weasel, Illinois; copper probably from Alfred C. Weed—34 snakes, Illinois; from P. C. charge. Further information about memberships will interesting, and they attract special atten- Boomer—one polished azurite, Arizona. be sent on request.

pniNTCo av riKLO • LtSCUM PRCSS Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural Histoi~y, Chicago

Vol. 3 JULY, 1932 No. 7

MODERN FASHIONS HAD ORIGIN or what we call Medici collars, evidently MUSEUM MAKING COLLECTION IN ANCIENT TIMES fashionable in China many centuries before OF RARE ELEMENTS the Medicis. Each is provided with two By Berthold Laufeh By Henry W. Nichols jackets, an inner one with tight sleeves and of Associate Curator of Curator, Department Anthropology an outer one with long, drooping sleeves. Geology The former kaiser is not the inventor of Their girdles, artistically tied, consist of The Department of Geology is assembling, the mustache with turned-up tips; the red and green silken cords. The tops of with the cooperation of Herbert C. Walther, Medicis did not invent tiie collar named their shoes are cut out into lotus designs. of Chicago, a collection of the rare elements. for them; the Paris fashion dictators did Women's feet were poetically compared A number of these are already exhibited in not originate the decollete and the high- by the Chinese to lotus flowers. It was Frederick J. V. Skiff Hall (Hall 37), but waisted gown. There is little if any origi- said that lotuses sprout forth from the steps owing to the extreme scarcity of many of nality in modern fashions. Most of these of beautiful women, and this thought may them it may take years to complete the were anticipated by peoples of the Far East have inspired the fashion of shoes with collection. many centuries ago. Spend a half-hour or lotus designs. Until the end of the Manchu The crust of the earth is composed of so studying the exhibit of ancient Chinese dynasty it was customary in Peking to ninety-two known elements. Eight of these clay figures just reinstalled at account for more than 98.5 per Field Museum, and you will be cent of the crust. Only iron and convinced. — aluminum among the heavy metals First, with regard to the kaiser are included in these eight. Of the the upright mustache was anciently other eighty-four elements, only worn in central Asia by equestrian five are present in quantities tribes of Iranian and Turkish greater than one-tenth of one per extraction. It was a privilege of cent. The remaining seventy-nine the military aristocracy, the out- elements together comprise less come of a superiority complex— than one-half of one per cent of the an ornament regarded as accen- mass of the earth's crust. Most of tuating manliness and martial the useful metals such as copper, prowess, and intended to strike zinc, and silver, are included in terror into the hearts of the enemy. this half per cent, and most of them The Chinese were deeply impressed in quantities of less than one one- by these warriors, and modeled hundredth of one per cent. If these statues of them in clay, some of metals remained uniformly distrib- which are now in the Museum. uted they would be so diflScult to They buried these statues with procure that mankind would be their dead as guardians of the deprived of their use. It is only grave. Armed to the teeth and because geological agencies cause enveloped in heavy suits of sheet these useful elements to segregate armor, these valiant knights were in ore bodies that their use becomes supposed to be ready to fight for possible. their dead master. Many of them The quantity of gold present in are bedecked with the mustache a the crust of the earth has been la kaiser, which was foreign to the estimated as one-half of one Chinese, who cultivated a mus- millionth of one per cent, yet gold tache only after reaching the age is not included among the really of forty, and wore it with long, rare elements being assembled in drooping whiskers at the end. this collection. These exist in even The Museum has three unique smaller quantities. Deposits con- clay statuettes noteworthy for their taining them are few and the con- skillful modeling and delicate tent of a rare element in a deposit painted designs. They represent is often low. a princess of the T'ang The rare elements not so long dynasty Ladles of Fashion in Ancient China (A.D. 618-906), seated, with her ago were mere curiosities and of Portrait statuettes of a and hei on exhibition in two ladies-in-waiting standing on princess ladies-in-waiting, scientific interest only. But some George T. and Frances Gaylord Smith Hall, showing how high waistline, Medici either side. These be of them have such remarkable may regarded collar, and modern decollete were anticipated in China hundreds of years before prop- as actual portraits. They show they appeared in Europe. erties that in spite of their rarity silk dresses exquisitely painted in and necessarily high price they dainty colors, with designs on the borders embroider a lotus on shoes worn by the have come into regular use. Radium and indicating embroidery. The princess wears dead at burial. The lotus, being an emblem helium are examples. Some, as for example a high chignon in the form of a snail, held of purity, was intended to convince the tantalum, are used whenever a supply can by a golden hoop. Her wrists are adorned {Continued on page 2) be obtained, in spite of their price, because of with golden bracelets. Her decollete, com- qualities which, while present in lesser degree bined with short sleeves cut off above the in other elements, are so exceptionally Three Noted Scientists Visit Museum elbows, is a noteworthy feature accentuating developed. the modernistic note. She wears a rose- Three distinguished scientists were visitors The present and probable future utiliza- colored silk jacket with collar, the borders of at Field Museum last month. Dr. Alexander tion of these elements is the reason for which are embroidered. The skirt with red Wetmore, Assistant Secretary of the Smith- beginning this collection. Besides the rare border along the lower edge fits over the sonian Institution, in charge of the National elements proper, a number of what may be jacket (high waist-line), and is held by a Museum, was here on June 3. Dr. Thomas called semi-rare elements are included. Also girdle with a very artistic knot in front. Barbour, Director of the Museum of Com- whenever the elemental form, either from Pointed shoes complete her ensemble. The parative Zoology at Harvard University, lack of use or from use restricted to certain figure is 40 J^ inches high. and Chairman of the Executive Committee industries, is likely to be unfamiliar to most The two ladies-in-waiting are alike, each of the Institute for Research in Tropical people, the common elements are displayed. in a firm and graceful pose. Both of these America, came on June 7. Sir Henry Well- statuettes are 48 inches high. The coiffures come, founder of the Wellcome Foundation, The collection of fossil and amber-like of these ladies are arranged in serpent wind- famous research laboratories in London, resins at Field Museum ranks among the ings. They wear very high shoulder capes visited the Museum on June 9. finest of its kind in the world. Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS July, 193g

Field Museum of Natural History schools last month for the summer holidays, land both wanted Labrador. That dispute Field Museum received more than 100 letters was settled about five but mean- Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 years ago, from principals and teachers of Chicago while the herring have come and gone twice. Roosevelt Road and Lake Michl^n, Chicago schools expressing appreciation for the The herring is a fish difficult to prepare services rendered to education by the Harris for museum exhibition. Like so many of the THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Extension and the Raymond Foundation. fishes of the open ocean, it is delicate and The writers that the traveling fragile. Its scales fall off at a touch. It Sewell L. Avery Frederick H. Rawson emphasized John Bobden George A. Richardson exhibition cases of the Harris Extension, shines with a wonderful, silvery and pearly William J. Chalmers Martin A. Ryebson and the lectures and entertainments pro- sheen that is entirely impossible to retain Marshall Field Fred W. Sargent vided the Foundation, and almost to The Stanley Field Stephen C. Simms by Raymond perform impossible reproduce. Ernest R. Graham James Simpson functions of the greatest importance in the celluloid reproduction in Albert W. Harris Albert W. Harris Solomon A. Smith general educational activities, and that they Hall (Hall 18) however, shows well the Samuel Insull, Jr. Albert A. Sprague are a boon to teachers and alike. of the with color and Cyrus H. McCormick Silas H. Strawn pupils appearance scales, William H. Mitchell John P. Wilson Many of the writers remarked their grati- brilliance almost equal to the living fish. fication over the fact that it had been OFFICERS possible for the Museum to maintain these Museum Methods Described Stanley Field President services in spite of the difficulties imposed A. Ryerson First Viee-PreeiderU How Field Museum hardens and preserves Martin economic conditions, and in- Albert A. Sprague Second Vice-President by present fossil bones with their original color and dicated their desire for continuance James Simpson Third Viee-Prtsident strong texture by means of a new method of Stephen C. Simms Director and Secretary of the work when the schools next reopen impregnating them with the material known Solomon A. Smith , . . Treasurer and Assistant Secretary autumn. as bakelite is described in an article by the letters had for the Frequently praise Henry W. Nichols, Associate Curator of and of the Museum FIELD MUSEUM NEWS efficiency courtesy Geology, and P. C. Orr, also of the geological representatives sent to their schools in con- Stephen C. Director the Museum Editor staff, which appeared in the May issue of Simms, of nection with these activities. A number The Museums Journal (London). The cited which their schools CONTRIBUTING EDITORS specific advantages method was first used on fossils by Dr. had derived from the service. Some men- Bbkthold Laufer Curator of Anthropology E. C. Case of the University of Michigan, tioned the children thernselves B. E. Dahlgren Acting Curator of Botany the fact that but certain modifications and innovations OuvBR C. Farrington Curator of Geology had often expressed their appreciation of Wilfred H. Osgood have been introduced at Field Museum Curator of Zoology the exhibits and lectures. which make it more suitable for the special H. B. Harte Managing Editor At the Museum effort is constantly every requirements here. made to improve and expand the value of derived Field Museum is open every day of the year during these services, and the inspiration Origin of Modern Fashions the hours indicated below: these letters will continu- from strengthen (Cort^nzicd /rom page 1) November, December, January 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ance of these efforts. February, March, April, October 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Judge of Purgatory that the wearer was a June, July, 9 a.m. to 6:00 P.M. of moral May, August, September FISH person good standing. Incidentally, Admission is free to Members on all days. Other HERRING ARE QUEER it is interesting to note that although the adults are admitted free on and Thursdays, Saturdays By Alfred C. Weed custom of artificially bound feet, also known Sundays: non-members pay 25 cents on other days. Assistant Curator of Fishes as lotus the Children are admitted free on all days. Students and feet, sprang up during T'ang faculty members of educational institutions all in the are admit- Although quite an ordinary fish in appear- period, women represented clay ted free any day upon presentation of credentials. ance, the herring has attracted fisher-folk figures have naturally proportioned feet. The Library of the Museum, containing some 92,000 from as far back as we have record, The woman credited with the invention volumes on natural history subjects, is open for refer- any of the Medici collar is Catherine de' Medici ence daily except Sunday. and probably as far back as men have gone of Lorenzo de' Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of to sea. It was always an event of importance (1519-89), daughter Medici, the Museum's of the Chicago by Department the N. W. when fish of kind could be easily Duke of Urbino. In 1533 she married Harris Public School Extension. any caught and in numbers. When such fish could Duke of Orleans, who subsequently became Lectures for school classrooms and and large assemblies, Henry II, king of France (1547-59). special entertainments and lecture tours for children at be caught year after year almost as regularly the Museum, are provided by the James Nelson and as the return of the seasons it became the Catherine is said to have brought from .'Vnna Louise Raymond Foundation for Public School occasion for the of a Italy to France the fashion of wearing the and Children's Lectures. founding great industry. Such an has often been founded high- collar still named for her. In. those Announcements of courses of free industry illustrated lectures and earlier, carried on a lively on science and travel for the and on a herring fishery and grown until whole days, Italy public, special lectures trade with the and Marco Polo had for Members of the Museum, will appear in Field communities depended on it for their exist- Orient, Museum News. the wonders of China. It is most ence. Suddenly, for no apparent reason, reported There is a cafeteria in the Museum where luncheon would a when the catch was likely that the impetus to the Medici collar is served for come year visitors. Other rooms are provided for was received in from the Orient long those bringing their lunches. small. Next year, no herring at all. No Italy before the Medicis, and that Catherine by Busses of the Chicago Motor Coach Company one could tell where they had gone. No one it made it fashionable and (Jackson Boulevard Line, No. 26) provide service in the region would see them again for years. wearing merely direct to the Museum. Free transfers are lent it her illustrious name. available The whole fishery would have to be aban- to and from other lines of the company. else the fishermen would have to The reinstallation of the exhibits men- Members are doned, or requested to inform the Museum tioned in this article has been made in new promptly of changes of address. travel far out to distant seas to get the fish cases with concealed lighting and improved for their people to salt, smoke, dry or pickle. their attractive- Such has been the history of herring in labels, greatly enhancing ness. "The exhibits are in T. and PRAISE FROM EDUCATORS Labrador. When first commercially dis- George Frances Gaylord Smith Hall (Hall 24). Too often are the benefits made possible covered, its waters teemed with cod and by philanthropists taken for granted by a herring. The herring were even more valu- public which, if appreciative, at least seldom able than the cod. Their quality was con- BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS expresses its appreciation. A philanthropic sidered the best in the world. They were Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History may be made in books or enterprise which does elicit voluntary com- large and fat, and could be caught easily. securities, money, collections. They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to mendation from a of indi- Fishermen from all of fiocked large number parts Europe a person or cause, named by the giver. For those desiring viduals, therefore, may be regarded as to those waters. Danish, Breton and Basque to make bequests, the following form is suggested : unusually successful in performing the fishermen crossed the Atlantic to dispute the FORM OF BEQUEST service for which it was established. waters with Yankee skippers from the New / do hereby give and to Field Museum For this reason it is very gratifying to England coast, while the governments of bequeath of Natural History of the City of Chicago^ State of Illinois, note the response which has been made to France and England argued and fought over the activities of two separately endowed the ownership of those stony and forbidding units of Field Museum—the Department of shores. Suddenly the herring stopped visit- the N. W. Harris Public School Extension, ing these waters. For a whole generation founded by the late Norman W. Harris and they were not seen there. Then no one Cash contributions made within the taxable year to Field Museum not 15 cent of the tax- further endowed members of wanted the land. It was kicked back and exceeding per by surviving payer's net income are allowable as deductions in com- his family; and the James NeUon and Anna forth like a football between Canada and puting net income under Article 251 of Regulation 69 Louise Raymond Foundation for Public Newfoundland. The cod were not valuable relating to the income tax under the Revenue Act of 1926. School and Children's Lectures, founded by enough to bother with, and the wealth of Endowments be made to the Museum with the Mrs. James Nelson in salmon and trout was not considered. Finally may Raymond memory provision that an annuity be paid to the patron for life. of her late husband. the herring came back and the cod fishery These annuities are tax-free and are guaranteed against Shortly before the closing of Chicago's became important. Canada and Newfound- fluctuation in amount. July, 1932 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Pages MONEY FROM MELANESIA SKELETONS OF MONKEYS, APES AND MAN EXHIBITED By Albert B. Lewis By D. Dwight Davis Assistant Curator of Melanesian Ethnology poid apes is placed beside a human skeleton, Assistant in Osteology so that the marked similarities in structure In Joseph N. Field Hall (Hall A) are many A museum which exhibited mounted are readily seen, and some of the evidence examples of money used by natives of only skins would an upon which is based the theory of evolution Melanesia. These people engage in much present incomplete picture of the relationships existing between animals. is presented. The other side of the screen trading, and so need a medium of exchange, It would also be for fishes, shows representative and lemurs. and standard of value, neither bulky nor misleading, monkeys snakes, birds, and mammals would appear One of the most exhibits in perishable. For this purpose various things interesting to have little in common with each other. this is a skeleton of the were formerly used, such as mats, strings of group "aye-aye," To round out and give depth to the picture a lemur from in which teeth, bands of feathers, and especially shells. peculiar Madagascar it is necessary to exhibit also skeletons. the front teeth have become The shells were usually strung, except the greatly spe- A exhibit of skeletons cialized for and in which the second larger ones, which were made into shell arm- properly organized gnawing, should demonstrate two the funda- on the hand has into a rings. The large rings were very valuable, things: finger developed mental structural which and slender for and used only for important transactions. plan prevails remarkably long appendage the and the wonder- insect larvae from the bark of For ordinary money small, perforated flat throughout vertebrates; extracting ful and infinite variation in this trees. The structure of the teeth in this disks were strung like beads. Value depended flexibility animal is so rodent-like that it was upon the length of the string, and the plan. originally the mice. different kinds of disks used, some being As a nucleus for a hall of comparative classified among rats and much more rare and valuable than others, as in the case of the different metals used for our coins. Sometimes seeds were mixed with the shell disks, thus making a cheaper "alloy"; or the string might be knotted to keep the disks farther apart, and so reduce the value of a particular length. Each district or region had its own money. In each region the size of the disks was fairly uniform. They usually were thin, and about one-eighth of an inch in diameter. In New Caledonia they were more like beads, with a diameter of one-sixteenth of an inch or less; but in eastern New Guinea they might be five-sixteenths of an inch or more in diameter. In making these disks two methods were employed. Some were made from small spiral shells broken or ground off, till only a thin disk or ring remained, the hole being formed by the shell's original cavity. Others were pieces of shell roughly broken into shape with a stone hammer, ground to a thin flat plate, and bored with a stone drill. After stringing the pieces tightly together, the whole roll of disks was ground to a uniform size, smoothed and rounded. These were then re-strung to the proper length. Evolution at a Glance In the Gazelle Peninsula of New Britain Theory Part of exhibit of skeletons in Hall 19 which illustrates structural of man and the From another type of shell money was used, and similarity higher apes. left to right the skeletons shown are man, gorilla, chimpanzee, orang, and gibbon. is still occasionally found. This was made by stringing shells on a strip of rattan. The anatomy, the entire exhibit of vertebrate Important in the exhibit are a skeleton strip could be lengthened indefinitely by skeletons in Hall 19 is being reinstalled. of the gibbon, which is the most primitive overlapping the ends of two pieces an inch A number of important changes have been of the apes, and a skeleton of the curious or two and drawing a few shells tightly over made in the method of display. The black- tarsier, a lemur-like animal. The tarsier the joint to hold the pieces together. Thus lined cases have been replaced by buff- has aroused a great deal of interest among strips several hundred feet in length were colored screens, and brief explanatory labels scientists during the last fifty years because made, and coiled into rolls which looked have been introduced. Two cases have been of its primitive structure, and because of like an automobile tire. Wlien used the completed to date. One is the case of the important part its extinct ancestors are money was measured, the unit being the skeletons of the carnivorous animals which believed to have played in the evolution of distance between the ends of the fingers was described in the February issue of Field man. The specimens of both the gibbon of a man's outstretched arms. Smaller Museum News. The second case is and tarsier were obtained in Borneo by the units used were the length from the end of especially interesting as it contains the Cornelius Crane Pacific Expedition in 1929. the fingers of one arm to the middle of the skeletons of man and his nearest relatives, The exhibit was prepared by Edmond N. chest, to the elbow, and so on. As the shells the apes and monkeys. On one side of this Gueret, Assistant Curator of Vertebrate were tightly wedged on the rattan any case a series of skeletons of the great anthro- Skeletons, assisted by the writer. length could be measured and broken off. For use short were made, ordinary lengths New Peruvian Plants Skulls of Rare Fossil Animal the large rolls being broken only on special occasions. There was often a special treasure In the German botanical journal, Reperto- Skulls of Macrauchenia, a rare species of hut in the village where these rolls were rium Specierum Novarum, Dr. R. Knuth of tall camel-like prehistoric animal of South kept. This might be regarded as the local the Berlin Botanic Garden has published America, have been placed on exhibition in bank, and the owner in charge of the five new species of Dioscorea from Peru, Ernest R. Graham Hall (Hall 38). deposits was usually the most powerful and four of which were collected by the Marshall Although this animal strongly resembles influential man in the village. Rarely was Field Expeditions of Field Museum. These a camel superficially, it is not directly related the trust placed in him betrayed. plants are related to cultivated yams, whose to the modern camel, according to Elmer S. This money served the purpose of a true roots are a staple food in the tropics. Riggs, Associate Curator of Paleontology. currency. Prices of many commodities were It is likewise not related to any modern others varied to Fellowship Winner to Sail fixed; according supply. animal of the entire world, nor to any . Money was frequently loaned, the charge Karl P. Schmidt, Assistant Curator of prehistoric animal known from North or being 10 per cent, the time not being con- Reptiles at Field Museum, who was recently South America, Mr. Riggs says. It thus sidered. If a man refused to repay, however, appointed to a fellowship of the John Simon occupies a unique place in the series of he became a marked man. While there was Guggenheim Foundation in recognition of early animals, and in the study of evolution. no law but custom, there were ways by his herpetological researches, will sail for The specimens were collected in Argentina which such pressure was brought to bear Europe in July to pursue the studies for by the Marshall Field Paleontological that an offender was usually glad to settle. which the fellowship was granted. Expedition which was led by Mr. Riggs. \^6pT'fi'r-^ L.

RAYMOND FOUNDATION OFFERS as roses, with delicate yellow petals, open JULY GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS in late or early June. They are SUMMER ENTERTAINMENTS May Conducted tours of exhibits, under the truly beautiful, and interesting also because of staff lecturers, are made every A summer series of free entertainments of the fact that the stamens bend inward guidance at the afternoon at 3 p.m., except Saturdays, for children will be presented Museum abruptly if the center of the flower is Nelson Sundays, and certain holidays. Following during July and August by the James touched—evidently a special provision for is the schedule of subjects and dates for and Anna Louise Raymond Foundation for fertilization by insects. Public School and Children's Lectures. July: It is only when in flower that the dune Motion pictures of natural history subjects, Friday, July 1 —North American Indians. adventure and travel, and story-hours and Week beginning July 4: Monday—holiday, no tour; —General Horned and tours of exhibits conducted by members of Tuesday Tour; Wednesday^ Hoofed Animals; Thursday—General Tour; Friday— will be the Raymond Foundation staff, Prehistoric Life. will six features of the programs. There be Week beginning July 11: Monday—Interesting entertainments to be given on successive Flowers and Seeds; Tuesday—General Tour: Wednes- — —General Moon on July 7 day Egypt; Thursday Tour; Friday— Thursday mornings, beginning and Meteorites. and concluding on August 11. Following Week beginning July 18: Monday—Woods and is the schedule: Wood Products; Tuesday—General Tour; Wednesday —Marine Life; Thursday—General Tour; Friday— July 7—Motion picture: "Winners of the West," at Chinese Exhibits. 10 A.M. and 11 A.M. Week beginning July 25: Monday—South American July 14—10 A.M., story-hour: "Life in the South Archaeology; Tuesday—^General Tour; Wednesday— Seas" (illustrated with colored pictures!; 11 A.M., tour: Gems and Jewelry; Thursday—General Tour; Friday South Seas Exhibits. —Hall of Plant Life. —Motion "Adventures in the Far July 21 picture: Persons wishing to participate should North," at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. apply at North Entrance. Tours are free — 10 Birds of July 28 a.m., story-hour: "Queer and no are to be A new Other Lands" (illustrated with colored pictures); 11 gratuities proffered. a.m., tour: Bird Exhibits. schedule will appear each month in Field Guide-lecturers' services Aug. 4— 10 A.M., motion picture: "Glimpses of Museum News. South America;" 11 A.M., tour: South American Dune Cactus for special tours by parties of ten or more Exhibits. are available free of Exhibit of interesting plant found on shores of charge by arrangement 11 —Motion "Animals at Rest and Aug. picture: lower LAke Michigan. Prepared in Stanley Field with the Director a week in advance. and 11 A.M. Play," at 10 a.m. Plant Reproduction Laboratories, and displayed in Hall of Plant Life. The motion picture and story-hour pro- Skiff Hall Reinstalled grams will be given in the James Simpson cactus attracts attention. At other seasons Work on the reinstallation of Frederick Theatre of the Museum. On days when it lies inconspicuously in the grass, some- J. V. Skiff Hall 37) is now practically tours also are scheduled the parties will times reminding a passing person all too (Hall This hall contains collections of assemble at the Theatre doors at the con- painfully of its presence by means of its complete. the ores of the heavy metals, building stones, clusion of the motion pictures or story-hours. sharp spines. and part of the non-metallic minerals. The Children from all parts of Chicago and The small, dark purple fruit of this backgrounds of the cases have been changed suburbs are invited to attend. No tickets northern cactus is dry and useless, but some from black to the new light buff color being are necessary for admission. Children may of the Mexican opuntias that attain the generally adopted in the Museum. come alone, or accompanied by their parents size and form of small trees produce large The former general order of arrangement or other adults. Community centers and fruits that are eaten in great quantities, juicy of the collections has been retained, but the other local organizations are invited to either raw or made into preserves, jellies, individual collections have been rearranged large groups of children and bring or various confections. fruits or organize Opuntia and much fresh material has been introduced. them to the Museum. tunas, as they are called in Mexico, fre- More complete and up-to-date descriptive quently reach the Chicago markets, together labels have been and many cases with other fruits such as provided tropical mangoes, now contain small maps showing where the THE DUNE CACTUSmmm papayas, and sapodillas. By I'AUL C. Standley specimens were collected. Associate Curator of the Herbarium Illinois Plants Studied The cactus family is easily one of the NEW MEMBERS The collection of Illinois in most curious and remarkable in the plant large plants The following persons were elected to the herbarium of Field Museum has been world. By atrophy of their leaves and membership in Field Museum during the studied Dr. H. S. adaptation of their bodies for efficient thoroughly by Pepoon period from May 17 to June 15: and E. G. Barrett of the Illinois Natural storage of water these plants are able to in connection the Associate Members in where others find exist- History Survey, with flourish regions Charles T. Mrs. Maude G. Brand, Mrs. preparation of a proposed enumeration of Atkinson, ence almost impossible. Among the bristling John T. Llewellyn, Percy A. Robbins, Fred L. Thomp- the flora of this state. spines protecting their weird stems they son, Lawrence H. Whiting. often produce showy flowers of great beauty, Annual Members in surprising contrast to their otherwise Gifts to the Museum Peter M. Black, Mrs. James A. Culbertaon, Mrs. forbidding appearance. B. A. Eckhart, Harold A. Fowler, Abraham J. Freiler, is a list of some of the Charles S. Knapp, E. Fred Lechler, Mrs. W. B. of Following principal Cacti are an American group plants Mundie, Mrs. John Roberts, Mrs. Charles W. Rock- gifts received during the last month: that have developed most abundantly in hold, H. Leopold Spitalny, Mrs. Ernst Stein, Miss I. Lionel G. Thorsness. the deserts of Mexico and South America. From American Friends of China—figure of goddess Ada Sylvester, of carved from water-buflfalo are essentially tropical in distribution; mercy, Kuan-yin, horn, They China; from Mrs. Freeman S. Hinckley— 15 ethno- therefore it is almost that a paradoxical logical specimens, Fiji, Hawaii, Society Islands; from MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM member of the has Mrs. Ira M. Price—22 ethnological Alaska; single enterprising group specimens, Field Museum has several classes of Members. from Professor J. L. Shellshear—34 small fragments ventured northward even far beyond sub- Benefactors give or devise $100,000 or more. Contribu- of prehistoric pottery and 16 fragmentary flint imple- is able to the tors give or devise $1,000 to $100,000. Life Members tropical regions, and endure ments, China; from Byron Knoblock—6 large and 18 give $500. Non-Resident (Life) and Associate Members severe winters of Lake Farther small stalactites, Kentucky; from Univeraity of Texas Michigan. pay $100. Non-Resident Associate Members pay $50. —338 herbarium specimens, Texas; from Dr. Forrest westward, however, one or two representa- All the above classes are from dues. Sustaining Shreve—38 herbarium specimens, Arizona and Sonora; exempt Membera contribute After six tives of the cactus family range even farther from C. L. Lundell—60 herbarium Cam- $25 annually. years they specimens, become Associate Members. Annual Members con- north. peche; from A. C. Brade—29 herbarium specimens, tribute $10 annually. Other memberships are Corpo- Brazil; from William J. Chalmers—2 specimens petri- The accompanying illustration shows a rate, Honorary, Patron, and Corresponding, additions fied wood, Arizona; from Frank Von Drasek—33 under these classifications made action lifelike reproduction of the dune cactus minerals and Arkansas and New being by special specimens gems, of the Board of Trustees. (Opuntia Rafinesquii), exhibited in Hall 29. Mexico; from Lewis S. Thompson—6 specimens of bonefish and 4 of "Permit" Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to free This cactus, or prickly pear, grows com- specimens fish, Florida; from General Biological Supply House—7 deep-water admission to the Museum for himself, his family and on the dunes about the lower end of monly sculpins, one trout perch, and 5 shells, Michigan and house guests, and to two reserved seats for Museum lectures Lake Michigan. In spring its joints or Florida; from Herbert Lang—62 frogs, one lizard, and provided for Members. Subscription to Field the uninitiated sometimes mis- 100 mammal specimens. South Africa; from John G. Museum News is included with all memberships. The "pads," by courtesies in Shedd Aquarium—one specimen of Wrymouth (fish), of every museum of note the United taken for after lain leaves, having flabby Cryptacanthodes maculatus, Boothbay Harbor, Maine; States and Canada are extended to all Members of and dormant on the sand all winter, become from Bernarol Benesh—7 beetles. United States, Costa Field Museum. A Member may give his personal card and active and send forth from their Rica, and Australia; from Dr. Charles E. Burt— 19 to non-residents of Chicago, upon presentation of turgid and Kansas and from which they will be admitted to the Museum without new on which flower buds snakes, lizards, frogs, Texas; edges joints Miss Miriam Fork—2 milk snakes, Illinois; from charge. Further information about memberships will appear. The handsome blossoms, as large Charles C. Sperry—one lizard, Colorado. be sent on request. PRINTED BV riCLD MUSEUM PRESS u-^'ji'jy- Fiel News Published Manthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 3 AUGUST, 1932 No. 8

AGE-OLD STRUGGLE FOR EXISTENCE VIVIDLY PORTRAYED IN KNIGHT PAINTING

By Elmer S. Riggs blown sands of the Dakotas, Wyoming, was a hunter and a killer. His fore legs Associate Curator of Paleontology Montana, Colorado, New Mexico and the were small and of little use to him but he stalked One of the most striking of the mural western provinces of Canada. They reached about upon his strong hind legs like a size than that of ele- a bird and ran in of paintings of extinct animals by Charles R. greater any living great swiftly pursuit Knight exhibited in Ernest R. Graham Hall phant. The head was armed with a pair prey. His jaws were massive and set with (Hall 38) shows a battle between two great of long tapering horns which arose above long and pointed teeth, with which he seized dinosaurs. The names of these ancient the eyes, while a smaller single horn pointed and killed his prey. Any kind of animal of his land-lizards are Triceralops and Tyranno- the nose. A bony shield extended from the time might easily have fallen victim to his attack. saurus. Each was a champion of his partic- back of the head and protected the neck Even the horned and sturdy ular clan and the struggle represented is from attack. Legs, feet and tail were stout Triceralops could not long stand at bay age-old in the animal world—the fight for and somewhat clumsy. Triceralops was a before him. existence. habitual plant-eater. He fought upon the Tyrannosaurus was likewise a native of The name Triceralops, translated, means defensive when need arose, or rushed his North America. His fossil remains have "three-horned-face." The animal which enemy as a ponderous lancer. A fossil skull been found in the ancient desert sands of

Copyright Field Museum of Natural History The Beftinnlnjl of a Fierce Combat

More than 100,000,000 years ago such encounters as this between the three-horned dinosaur Triceratops (at the left) and the great f1esh.e8ting dinosaur Tyrannosaurus, were frequent on the North American plains. The painting is one of the series of twenty-eight by Charles R. Knight, presented to the Museum by Ernest R. Graham, and now exhibited in Hall 38.

bore it was among the last of his race. He of Triceralops is exhibited in Graham Hall. Wyoming, Montana and Canada. His line belonged to a line of animals which once Tyrannosaurus received his name, mean- apparently died out entirely along with that roamed North America and parts of Asia. ing "tyrant-lizard," from his aggressive and of Triceralops approximately 100,000,000 Their fossil remains are found in the wind- overbearing habits. He fed upon flesh; he years ago.

C. SUYDAM CUTTING PRESENTS of the Irrawaddy River. The series is other attractive plants, seeds of some of COLLECTIONS FROM BURMA eminently welcome and useful, says Paul C. which were taken to England. Captain Standley, Associate Curator of the Her- Ward's skillfully prepared specimens of An important collection of plants for the barium, because it comes from a region not many of these, as well as other plants new Department of Botany, and a collection of represented heretofore in the Museum's or otherwise noteworthy, will be preserved insects for the Department of Zoology, were botanical collections, and but poorly if at in Field Museum's study series, which is received last month by Field Museum as all in any American herbarium. being developed to illustrate the flora of gifts from C. Suydam Cutting of New York. Burma, known to most Americans from the entire world. Mr. Cutting, an Honorary Member, Patron, Kipling's On Ihe Road lo Mandalay, usually The second gift from Mr. Cutting con- Contributor and Corporate Member of the is visioned as a country of steaming tropical sists of 201 insects collected in the Adang Museum, who has participated in a number jungles. An altogether different picture Valley of Upper Burma by Captain Ward of Museum expeditions, and has personally is painted by Captain Ward in a recent and Lord Cranbrook. All of these were sponsored several, visited the Museum on account of his expedition, published in the taken at elevations ranging from 8,000 to July 5 while passing through Chicago. Gardeners' Chronicle of London. He describes 12,000 feet, and they are of much interest The new gifts result from an expedition vividly the magnolias and rhododendrons of in that they illustrate the insect fauna of sponsored by Mr. Cutting, and conducted the temperate rain forest at altitudes of high elevations, as well as due to the fact by Captain F. Kingdon Ward, noted British 6,000 to 8,000 feet, and the coniferous that they are of species new to Field Mu- botanist, into the "unknown triangles" of forests of still higher elevations. He is seum's collections, reports William J. Upper Burma and beyond. most enthusiastic, however, regarding the Gerhard, Associate Curator of Insects. To The plant collection presented to the brilliant flowers of the cold snowy region indicate the various kinds of insects found Museum consists of 635 herbarium speci- at 12,000 to 15,000 feet. Here there were at high elevations it may be mentioned that mens, chiefly from the high mountains of further rhododendrons, lilies, richly colored the collection includes beetles, flies, sawflies, the Burma-Tibet frontier, near the sources gentians and primroses, blue poppies, and ichneumonflies, wasps, bees and bumblebees. Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Augv^t, 1932

Field Museum of Natural History mental backgrounds for such animals as the a pioneer of statecraft and a practical sambur deer, axis deer, sloth It must have taken Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 swamp deer, philosopher. many bear, nilghai or blue bull, blackbuck, and months to make this copy, and, as shown Roosevelt Road and Lake Michigan, Chicago Indian leopard or panther. The Bombay by a collation of several passages with society sent out a special expedition to the original text, it was exactly made, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES gather this material, which was sent in such probably in the K'ang-hi period (1662-1722). quantity as to fill eleven packing cases and Sewell L. Avery Frederick H. Rawson John Bobden George A. Richardson crates. AID SCIENTIST William J. Chalmers Martin A. Ryerson MONKEYS Marshall Field Fred W. Sabgent CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS IN COLLECTING PLANTS Stanley Field Stephen C. Simms Ernest R. Graham Jambs SiMreoN AS HELD IN CHINA By Paul C. Standley Albert W. Harris Solomon A. Smith Associate Curator of the Herbarium Samuel Insull, Jr. Albert A. Sfrague By Berthold Laufer H. Strawn Cyrus H. McCormick Silas Curator, Department of Anthropology Many more or less serious suggestions William H. Mitchell John P. Wilson have been made that it might be possible Up to 1905, toward the end of the Manchu OFFICERS to train monkeys to aid the human race in dynasty, China was the classical land of performing difficult tasks, one being to pick Stanley Field Praident examinations. The country was always Martin A. Ryerson First Vice-President cotton. Botanists collecting plants in the Second Vice-President guided by an aristocracy of intellect, not Albert A. Sprague tropics, where the trees are so tall that it is James Simpson Third Vice-President of birth; in fact, there was no hereditary Director and impossible for a man to reach their branches, Stephen C. Simms Secretary nobility. There was free competition for Solomon A. Smith . . . Treasurer and Assistant Secretary often wish for a trained monkey that would all in obtaining official positions, and a climb trees and bring down samples of leaves but just system of civil service very complex and flowers. FIELD MUSEUM NEWS examinations held by the government one scientist has almost solved recruited the best talent from all ranks Apparently Stephen C. Simms, Director of the Museum Editor this The botanists of Field Mu- of society. problem. seum have named a hundred CONTRIBUTING EDITORS The object of these examinations was just plant specimens sent by Dr. Ray Carpenter of BerthoLD Laufer Curator not, as with us, a test merely of knowledge, of Anthropology Yale who several months B. E. Dahlgren Acting Curator of Botany but a test of culture and literary ability. University, spent Oliver C. Farrington Curator Geology in Panama the black howler of Elegance of style, in conformity with ancient studying Wilfred H. Osgood Curator of Zoology These are the of all recognized models, was the primary con- monkeys. largest H. B. Harte Editor American Dr. com- Managing dition of the essays to be submitted. Per- monkeys. Carpenter mented on the state of some of the fect mastery of literature, a formidable speci- mens of which were edible fruits. Field Museum is open every day of the year during memory and a highly disciplined mind were sent, many hours indicated below: He declared their condition was the necessary, as quotations from the Classics imperfect December, 9 a.m. to 4 -.30 P.M. due to the fact that the November, January had to be with rigid accuracy. Degrees monkeys perched March, October 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. given February, April, the successful can- in the treetops picked the leaves and fruits May, June, July, August, September 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. were conferred upon interven- and threw them down to him. Such intel- Admission is free to Members on all Other didates by the state, without the days. between man and beast adults are admitted free on Thursdays, Saturdays and tion of school or college, and opened the ligent cooperation non-members 25 cents on other in scientific is without Sundays; pay days. way to official rank and service, but were investigation parallel. Children are admitted free on all days. Students and No other monkey-collected plant collection members of educational institutions are admit- bestowed on only a small percentage of those faculty has ever reached Field at least. ted free any day upon presentation of credentials. who competed, the average being 2 or 3 Museum, The Library of the Museum, containing some 92,000 per cent out of a number of 2,000,000 volumes on natural is history subjects, open for refer- candidates who reported during the year. M. Chancellor Visits Museum ence daily except Sunday. Philip Examinations were held in the capitals Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of in in Philip M. Chancellor of Santa Barbara, the Museum's of the N. W. of the provinces once three years, Chicago by Department who and led two Harris Public School Extension. special huge buildings known as examination California, sponsored zoological for Field Museum, Lectures for school classrooms and assemblies, and halls, consisting of many rows of thousands expeditions entertainments and lecture tours for at the Chancellor-Field Museum special children of small cells. Remains of these may still Expedition the Museum, are provided by the James Nelson and to the South Pacific in 1929-30, and the Anna Louise Foundation for be seen at Canton and Nanking. Raymond Public School Chancellor-Field Museum to and Children's Lectures. A rough plank served as a table by day Expedition Aitutaki in was a visitor at the Mu- Announcements of courses of free illustrated lectures and a bed by night. The candidates were 1930, on science and travel for the and lectures seum on June 28. Mr. Chancellor stopped public, special virtually imprisoned in these cells for a for Members of the Museum, will appear in Field in on his home from Museum News. nine-day session, undergoing a great strain Chicago way Germany to where for several months he had been There is a cafeteria in the Museum where luncheon of their physical and mental powers, in studies. He is a Patron and is served for visitors. Other rooms are provided for which older people—there was no restric- engaged those their lunches. Contributor of the Museum. bringing tion as to age—frequently succumbed. It Busses of the Motor Chicago Coach Company has happened that father, son and grandson (Jackson Boulevard Line, No. 26) provide service Dies direct to the Museum. Free transfers are available have appeared at the same time to compete Patron of Museum to and from other lines of the Each candidate took company. for the same prize. Dr. George Frederick Kunz, who was a Members are to inform the Museum into his cell all food he like- requested along required, Patron and a Corporate Member of Field promptly of changes of address. and utensils, wise fuel, candles, cooking Museum, died June 29 in New York. Dr. for no one was allowed to him. accompany Kunz, internationally known as a mineral- The doors of the cells were sealed up and SPLENDID COOPERATION GIVEN ogist and gem expert, was in his seventy- On entering the hall, carefully guarded. sixth year. BY BOMBAY SCIENTISTS everyone was received by four soldiers and searched his wadded robes, pockets, A large shipment of accessory material through AND ENDOWMENTS and shoes for or other BEQUESTS required for the preparation of eight habitat precomposed essays aids that he have been Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History may of Asiatic mammals which it is illegitimate might groups be made in securities, money, books or collections. to smuggle in. Fraud was severely proposed to install in William V. Kelley tempted They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to and he who was caught risked a or named the For those Hall (Hall 17) was received last month from punished, person cause, by giver. desiring dismissal and the loss of all titles and to make bequests, the following form is suggested: the Bombay Natural History Society under degrees previously acquired. a cooperative arrangement between that FORM OF BEQUEST A silk handkerchief tucked in the sleeve do and to Field Museum society and Field Museum. The Museum did not cause / hereby give bequeath of certainly looked harmless and Natural the State is especially indebted to Sir Reginald Spence, History of City of Chicago, of Illinois, suspicion. Such handkerchiefs there- of the Natural any Honorary Secretary Bombay fore became a medium to aid the candidate's and S. H. Curator History Society, Prater, memory. They were inscribed on one side of its museum, for the splendid spirit only. An example of a "crib" or "pony" of and scientific which the taxable to friendship cooperation of this kind was recently presented to the Cash contributions made within year Field Museum not exceeding 15 cent of the tax- they manifested in making possible this Edward Barrett of New York, per Museum by payer's net income are allowable as deductions in com- arrangement. who had obtained it on a recent trip to puting net income under Article 251 of Regulation 69 to the income tax under the Revenue Act of The accessories received consist of trunks China. It is a strip of yellow silk, thirty- relating 1926. of native trees, samples of bark and leaves, five inches long and fourteen inches wide, Endowments may be made to the Museum with the soil, various and flowers written characters rocks, plants containing 24,365 finely provision that an annuity be paid to the patron for life. preserved in fresh state, and other material in 443 lines, copied from the work of Mong- These annuities are tax-free and are guaranteed against fluctuation in amount. needed in reproducing landscapes as environ- tse, the most gifted of Confucius' disciples, August, 1932 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page S

CHARLES F. MILLSPAUGH HALL The visitor to the hall will note that more Laboratories of the Museum, and indicate OF NORTH AMERICAN WOODS than a quarter of the space is occupied by what can be done in this way for improve- conifers, cypresses, redwoods, pines, spruces, ment of the display of North American trees. By B. E. Dahlgrbn and hemlocks. The rest of the collection An inspection of these exhibits would Acting Curator, Department of Botany consists of deciduous trees, of which the suggest that the addition to each case of a Few items of the natural wealth of the greater number belong to north temperate reproduction of a branch of the respective families of such North American continent are of greater flowering trees, including species shown would add immeasurably to common and well-known ones as value than its forest resources. It is true poplars, the interest of the woods, and convert the that iron in various forms has taken the birches, chestnuts, oaks, hickories, elms, already excellent exhibits of Millspaugh Hall and "There are also exhibited place of wood for many purposes, but never- magnolias. into one of the most handsome displays in a few members of the the bean and theless the use of wood is not diminishing rose, the Museum and the finest of their kind other families. in quantity. Acres of it are now required in the world. for one edition of a metropolitan daily paper. Various associations of lumbermen, and numerous firms and individuals have REINSTALLING CHINESE EXHIBITS A large part of America's original forest with the Museum wealth has disappeared, but enough remains, cooperated by making The Chinese collections in George T. and of material. The at least potentially, to make possible its generous gifts specimens Frances Gaylord Smith Hall (East Gallery), thus obtained were secured the donors partial restoration. This very important by obtained by the Blackstone Expedition often at considerable and effort. work is receiving attention from the federal expense (1908-10) and the Marshall Field Expedi- All of them be assured of the Museum's government as well as from many states. may tion (1923) under the leadership of Curator Both for its special educational value and Berthold Laufer, are in process of being as a perpetual reminder of the trees and reorganized and reinstalled in a new type their products as a factor in the economic of case with indirect lighting. About one- life of the nation, the Hall of North Ameri- third of the hall is at present completed. can Woods will always be one of the most The newly installed cases, comprising important in Field Museum. Early in the much material heretofore not shown, contain history of the Museum plans were made archaic bronzes, prehistoric and early archaic for the display of all species of trees known pottery, and bronzes and pottery of the Han to exist in the United States. At intervals period, with special exhibits devoted to farm from 1902 till 1912 intensive field work was life, architecture and kitchen paraphernalia conducted under the direction of the late of that classical epoch of Chinese art. There Curator of the Department of Botany, Dr. is also a display of painted and porcelanous Charles F. Millspaugh. Dr. Millspaugh was pottery, the latter illustrating the incipient thus responsible for the inception and the stages on the long road leading to the pro- gathering of much of the splendid collection duction of true porcelain. of American woods to be seen in the hall Ancient bronze drums testify to a perfect now named in his honor (Hall 26). technique of bronze casting, and a group After it became evident that space for of ancient iron objects represents the earliest only one hall in the present building could extant examples of cast iron in the world. be devoted to North American trees it was The exhibits are attractively arranged after decided that the exhibit would have to be a selection of the best material from many confined chiefly to those which must be hundreds of objects. Each case is provided considered to be of greatest value by reason with a general descriptive label setting forth of abundance or of utility as a source of the essential characteristics of the period in lumber. Many of the more than seven question and its tendencies. In addition, hundred species of trees found north of the each object is interpreted by an individual Rio Grande enter only as a minor element label. "The labels embody the latest results into the various types of mixed forest forma- Pignut Hickory of research. are of little tions and relatively importance An exhibit showing the wood and a fruiting branch. in comparison with such well-known and Typical of the latest installations in Charles F. Mills- Large Tropical Eel Received as paugh Hall of North American Woods. outstanding species oaks, elms, chestnuts, A specimen of the West Indian moray, a and hickories, or the many conifers that heavy-bodied species of eel, was presented form stands. cordial appreciation of the assistance they extensive, practically pure to Field Museum last month by Captain with the lumber have rendered. There should be mentioned No one familiar industry F. G. Saeger of Miami, Florida, who caught of the would have in especially Professor Emanuel Fritz, Asso- country difficulty it off the Florida coast. The specimen is the first few dozen of the most ciate Professor of Wood Technology and choosing four feet seven inches long, and weighs American but after Lumbering at the University of California, important North trees, about fifteen pounds. The maximum length such a the choice of the remainder to whose interest and generosity the Mu- beginning attained by the moray is about seven feet, an intimate of seum owes the acquisition of some of the requires knowledge forestry according to Alfred C. Weed, Assistant forest It was felt that such specimens most difficult to secure. and products. Curator of Fishes. Morays have a greater should be to bear on Each exhibit in this hall includes a section knowledge brought girth than most eels of more northern waters. the of the of the native of the trunk of the tree showing the bark; organization display They live among coral reefs, their bodies trees as well as on that of the collection of a cross section of the trunk; and selected being adapted to sliding in and out of in Hall 27. For this boards which show the appearance of the foreign woods purpose crevices in the rocks. They have strong the Museum was fortunate in the wood and varieties of grains. In most of obtaining sharp teeth, and have been known to bite of Professor Samuel J. the cases these specimens are supplemented cooperation Record, fishermen ferociously. Professor of Forest Products at Yale Uni- by photographs showing foliage, flowers or and the foremost fruit; photographs showing the trees grow- versity, undoubtedly Peruvian Air Plants Studied authority on the woods of this continent. ing under both summer and winter condi- Professor Record accepted an appointment tions; and maps indicating the distribution. Dr. Lyman B. Smith of the Gray Her- as Research Associate in Wood Technology In the labels information is given as to the barium of Harvard University has prepared at Field Museum, and the selection of the principal characteristics and physical prop- for the Museum's forthcoming Flora of Peru eighty-four North American species now erties, and the chief uses for which each an account of the Bromeliaceae or pineapple forming the magnificent display in Charles wood is suitable. family. This group, confined to the Ameri- F. Millspaugh Hall is based on his judgment. The accompanying illustration shows a can tropics, consists chiefly of epiphytic It is believed that this collection represents recent installation in Millspaugh Hall. In plants that grow upon the branches of trees. what is most worth showing among North this exhibit the photograph which is usually Dr. Smith has found that in Peru there are American trees and their woods. It includes included to indicate the nature of the foliage about 175 species of bromeliads. He the principal species which are an important has been replaced by a reproduction of a describes ten new Peruvian species from source of lumber, as well as some that serve branch. The foliage and fruit serve to material in the Museum Herbarium, nine for a limited particular use such as, for identify the tree displayed. They also add of these having been collected by the several instance, dogwood, which is employed color, a suggestion of life, and some of the Marshall Field Expeditions to Peru. mainly for weavers' shuttles. It also includes beauty which we associate with living trees, a few selected for some special reason, such but usually find lacking in a museum A habitat group of American crocodiles is as scarcity or picturesque quality, e.g. specimen. The branches are reproduced in a noteworthy exhibit in the Department of Monterey cypress. the Stanley Field Plant Reproduction Zoology. Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS August, 1932

RAYMOND FOUNDATION long lines with hooks fastened to short pieces AUGUST GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS that are tied to the main line every few feet. PROGRAMS Conducted tours of exhibits, under the A Greenland fisherman may put out eight more of the summer series of of staff lecturers, are made Two pro- to ten miles of trawl at a "set" in water guidance every for children presented by the James afternoon at 3 p.m., except Saturdays, grams not more than 200 feet deep. The fisherman Nelson and Anna Louise Founda- Sundays, and certain holidays. Following Raymond in Queen Charlotte Sound, north of Van- tion for Public School and Children's Lec- is the schedule of subjects and dates for couver, may make one end of his four-mile tures remain to be given during August. August: "set" in water less than 100 feet deep while On August 4, the program will — Thursday, the other end may be almost half a mile Week beginning .August 1: Monday .\nimal Life consist of the motion picture, "Glimpses of of the Deserts; Tuesday—General Tour; Wednesday below the surface. The fisherman who goes — — South America," to be given in the James Pewter, Jade and Gems; Thursday General Tour; out from Seattle may set his long lines in Friday—Fish and Reptiles. Simpson Theatre of the Museum at 10 a.m., water a quarter of a mile deep. Years ago Week beginning August 8: Monday—Unusual Plants and a tour of South American exhibits con- — most of the halibut sold in this country and—Their Flowers; Tuesday General—Tour; Wednes- ducted by Raymond Foundation lecturers, day Looms— and Textiles; Thursday General Tour; which will begin at 11 a.m. Friday Egypt. Week 15: —Birds and On August 11, the motion beginning August Monday Thursday, Their —General "Animals at Rest and will Families; Tuesday Tour; Wednesday picture, Play," —Primitive Costumes; Thursday —General Tour: be given in the James Simpson Theatre. Friday—Plants and Animals of Long .\go. There will be two showings, one at 10 a.m., Week beginning August 22: Monday—Chinese and one at 11. Art; Tuesday—General Tour; Wednesday^—Story of Man; Thursday—General Tour; Friday—Peoples of Children from all of the and parts city the Tropics. suburbs are invited to attend. No tickets Week beginning August 29: Monday—.\frican Birds are necessary for admission. In addition and Mammals; Tuesday—General Tour; Wednesday— to those coming individually or with their Makers of Totem Poles. or other children come parents adults, may Persons wishing to participate should in groups from clubs, community centers, apply at North Entrance. Tours are free and other organizations. and no are to be A new HaUbut gratuities proffered. schedule will appear each month in Fiexd Millions eat this fish, but few have ever seen a whole Museum News. Guide-lecturers' services HALIBUT—WIDELY EATEN, one either dead or alive. The head is never shipped to market. This specimen is on exhibition in .Aloert for special tours by parties of ten or more BUT LITTLE KNOWN W. Harris HaU. are available free of charge by arrangement By Alfred C. Weed with the Director a week in advance. Assistant Curator of Fishes were caught on hand lines, off the coast from Boston northward, at depths of a few one of the most common of Salt Halibut, hundred feet. Plant Grows Through Rock edible fish, remains nevertheless one of the Although most of the halibut that come A of rock salt, four inches thick, fish which the knows little. piece about layman to are of moderate the fish market size, with a desert plant growing through it, is While it is known as one of the largest frequently grows very large. A weight of an exhibit which attracts attention among market fishes of the world, few people living more than 100 pounds is very usual, but visitors to Frederick J. V. Skiff Hall (Hall away from the regions where it is caught the small ones weighing from ten to thirty 37). The specimen was obtained by the are aware even that it is a giant member of pounds, known as "chicken halibut," are Marshall Field Brazilian Expedition a few the flounder family. Sold chiefly in "steaks," preferred and bring a higher price. years ago. It is one of numerous small few inland people have ever seen a whole weeds growing through holes in a layer of halibut, especially since shipments are al- rock salt observed by Associate Curator ways made with the head cut off, a practice Two Museum Staff Men Honored W. Nichols, geologist of the expedi- so in former that it must have Henry unique days while a shallow created much comment. Some market man, Henry W. Nichols, Associate Curator of tion, passing through depres- at Field has been sion in the floor of the Atacama Desert near annoyed at the ceaseless questioning on this Geology Museum, appointed a member of the Mineral Industries Com- Calama in northern Chile. The salt layer point, seems to have made up a story to mittee of the Western of in the region ranges from four to twelve satisfy his customers, and his tale has been Society Engineers. Assistant in inches in thickness, and the plants grow handed down apparently, with additions, Llewelyn Williams, Wood at Field has been through holes barely large enough to accom- and now seems to be generally believed. Technology Museum, awarded the honor of election to member- modate their stems. The living plants in the At least, many people in Chicago are in the International Association of desert, Mr. Nichols says, seemed to be nearly firmly convinced that "the head of this big ship Anatomists. as dry as the Museum's specimen is now. fish is so horrible in appearance that the Wood government will not permit it to be brought to any place where sensitive persons may Petroleum-yielding rocks and sands are NEW MEMBERS see it." included in the economic exhibits. geology The were elected to The truth is that the halibut is not following persons in Field Museum during the especially different in appearance from any membership Chinese in bamboo and vine roots from June 16 to 12: other large-mouthed flounder. A mounted carvings period July form an exhibit in the specimen of this fish, prepared by Staff interesting Depart- Annual Members of Taxidermist Leon L. is now on exhibi- ment Anthropology. Pray, Henry H. Bartow, Alfred E. Buhrke, Miss Kate E. tion in Albert W. Harris Hall (Hall 18). Chislett, Mrs. Chester A. Cook, D. C. Curtis, Henry There are two reasons the heads are Gifts to the Museum L. Gett3, Sr., Joseph J. Rice, John B. Shay, S. J. why Wat not shipped to market. Rrst, the dealers pole. is a list of some of the do not want to pay express charges on Following principal received the last month: many pounds of fish that cannot be sold. gifts during MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM in the fishermen have From Ford Industrial do Brasil —200 Second, many places Companhia Field Museum has several classes of Members. herbarium and 38 wood the right to keep the heads for their own specimens specimens, Brazil; Benefactors give or devise $100,000 or more. Contribu- from H. W. von Rozynski— 115 herbarium use. a that ten speci- tors give or devise $1,000 to $100,000. Life Members On head weighs pounds mens, Mexico: from Dr. Ray Carpenter—64 herbarium give $500. Non-Resident (Life) and Associate Members there will be several of meat specimens, Barro Colorado Island; from Edward Hines pounds good pay $100. Non-Resident Associate Members pay $50. Lumber Company—4 boards of Ponderosa pine, west that could not be saved for marketing with- All the above classes are exempt from dues. Sustaining coast of United States; from Professor Manuel Valerio of Members contribute $25 annually. After six out spoiling the appearance the more —^221 herbarium Costa from Bro. years they specimens, Rica; become Associate Members. Annual Members con- saleable parts of the fish. Paul—183 herbarium specimens, Colombia; from the tribute $10 annually. Other memberships are (Corpo- Red River Lumber Company—4 truck slabs, 4 boards, Halibut is caught in the cold northern rate, Honorar>', Patron, and Corresponding, additions and a wheel section of incense cedar, California; from seas of America and W^hile its under these classifications being made by special action Europe. J. G. Salas—I hand of woods and 24 her- specimens of the Board of Trustees, flesh is fine and delicate in quality, it can barium specimens, Guatemala; from Professor Maxi- Each alt well for mino Martinez—12 herbarium specimens, Mexico; Member, in classes, is entitled to free be so and easily preserved marketing admission to from Mrs. Harry L. Ringer—8 humming bird skins, the Museum for himself, his family and far from the seacoast that it became well South .\merica: from T. E. Musselman—an albino house guests, and to two reserved seats for Museum lectures for to liked inland long before the use of modern immature bronzed grackle, Illinois; from W. C. Page provided Members. Subscription Field Museum News is included with all The methods of fish. —a live New York weasel, Illinois; from O. G. Malde memberships. handling courtesies of of —a hoary bat with 2 young, Illinois; from Jessie C. every museum note in the L^nite-i In northern seas these fish are found in States and to all Stokes—3 young chimney swifts and nest, Illinois; from Canada are extended Members oC rather shallow water, but farther south the John G. Shedd Aquarium—a Florida manatee and a Field Museum. A Member may give his personal card to non-residents of fishermen must put their hooks down to specimen of "lion fish," PUroig rclitans, Samoa; from Chicago, upon presentation of Professor T. D. A.. Cockerell— 18 bees and 11 shells; which they will be admitted to the Museum without much to them. Most Further greater depths get from Captain Fred G. Saeger—a large specimen of charge. information about memberships will be sent on halibut are caught on trawl lines, which are green moray (fish), Florida. request. PMINTCD BY WtULO MUSEUM PRESS News Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 3 SEPTEMBER, 1932 No. 9

ASBESTOS where in this and an adjoining hall excel it in NEW MAYA EXHIBIT these and are where By Henby W. Nichols respects employed By J. Eric Thompson asbestos fail. Its value for insulation Associate Curator of Geology would Assistant Curator of and refractory uses consists in a flexibility Central and South American Archaeology Asbestos cloth is another one of the many which other minerals do not have and a considered modern A collection products usually strictly fireproof nature which organic insulation synoptic illustrating Maya which a little research reveals as having an lacks. art and industry has been placed on exhibi- ancient It has been known for tion in Field Hall. This history. Two materials which may be called arti- Stanley collection hundreds of that the and from of the years longer ficial asbestos are included in the collection. comprises pieces many parts fibers of the mineral asbestos could area. Much of the material was stronger These are mineral wool, which is fiberized Maya be spun into thread and woven into cloth. collected the First, Second, and Third blast furnace slag, and rock wool, which is a by The ancient Romans used it, believing it to Marshall Field fiberized impure limestone. These possess in Archaeological Expeditions be of vegetable origin, just as they believed to British Honduras conducted the a degree some of the qualities of asbestos during silk was a wool which on trees. In several and the rest of the grew and can be substituted for it for certain past years, the Middle Ages asbestos cloth napkins material comes from various purposes, especially for insulation in build- sources, notably were used, eliminating laundering, as they gifts from Allison V. Armour, ings, boilers and refrigerators. by Patron, were thrown into the fire for cleaning. Contributor, and former Trustee of the AlDout A.D. 1250, Marco Polo found in Museum. Tartary asbestos cloth purported to have Dominating the collection is a very been made from the skin of the salamander, forceful stone sculpture representing the thus associating the fabled ability of that Maya Sun God. He is recognizable by his animal to live in the midst of flames with squinting square eyes, a four-petaled leaf the fire-resisting qualities of the asbestos on his forehead, and his peculiar filed teeth. cloth. The head had been attached to the fasade It is an almost universal rule that minerals of a temple by a deep tenon. are brittle. They may be hard or tough, In contrast to this forceful masterpiece but few of them can be bent without break- in stone is a delicately carved piece of shell, ing. When a mineral departs from this showing a seated Maya priest or ruler condition, and is both fireproof and flexible wearing an elaborate headdress. This piece as well, it can serve important purposes in is of peculiar interest, for although it is industry. Thus it is that asbestos with its definitely Maya in style, it was found at flexible fiber, and mica with its flexible Tula in northern central Mexico. It must sheets, have become the two most widely have been carried there in trade, or as the used minerals for certain purposes. Asbestos prized possession of an early Maya traveler. and mica and products made from them are Among the gifts from Mr. Armour in the represented in the collections of nonmetallic COLLARED LIZARDS collection is a necklace of rock crystal beads, minerals in Frederick J. V. Skiff Hall the only one of this material ever found In the of a at the 37). eyes herpetologist, least, in territory. There are also neck- {Hall collared lizards above must be con- Maya pictured and other materials. Asbestos is the fibrous form of either of sidered as ranking amonjl the most beautiful laces of turquoise, two minerals, serpentine and amphibole. of all animals, according to Karl P. Schmidt, Other objects displayed include copper Assistant Curator of Even a Serpentine asbestos is the most used, and Reptiles. person bells, jade beads, and a bowl containing not thus biased in favor of reptilian forms, or of this incense. These were recovered from Canada supplies most country's in fact one of the many to whom snakes, copal requiremente. Serpentine is usually a mas- lizards and all such creatures are naturally the bottom of the sacred well at Chichen would have to admit that the rich sive rock very unlike asbestos, but occa- repulsive, Itza, into which they had been thrown, yellow, green and black coloring in the pattern it fills with flexible with and even sionally veins fine, silky of the skin of these American lizards is attrac- gold plates, idols, young fibers. The other asbestos is the fibrous tive. The photograph shows an exhibit girls as offerings to appease the rain gods. In W. Hall form of amphibole, a common mineral recently installed Albert Harris Various types of filed human teeth and This of lizard is found (Hall 18). species set of teeth with are also occurring as crystals in rock. Some am- from Missouri to New Mexico. Its most a jade inlays phibole shows no fibrous character; some common local name is "mountain boomer." shown, as well as a small series of carved breaks with a splintery fracture; and some The museum exhibit, consisting of repro- and painted pottery vessels. ductions in celluloid-like material, represents can be into brittle separated long splinters. a male and female, and is the creation of Occasionally amphibole is found which Taxidermist Leon L. Walters. and Extinct Plants separates into long flexible fibers and this Modern is the amphibole asbestos. There are A new exhibit of reproductions of the several varieties of it. More Skeletons Reinstalled plants known as horsetails or equisetes, Modern uses of asbestos are numerous with restorations of calamites and spheno- Reinstallation of several more exhibits of and many of them are illustrated in the phylls which have been extinct for many skeletons in the hall of Museum's exhibit. Besides being employed animal osteology millions of years, has been added to the the new method for insulation and for resisting heat it is (Hall 19), by adopted Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29). been Skeletons utilized in numerous things which require an recently, has completed. Models of the modern horsetails or in addition to the ability to resist the destructive action of now reinstalled include, scouring rushes are shown as they appear and the and man superheated steam, hot oil and corrosive carnivores, monkeys, apes in life, and in conjunction with them is a in issues of Field chemicals. It is used for automobile brake mentioned previous model of their spore-bearing cone, and the hooded linings and clutch facings, in plasters and MusEtTM News, following: seal, restorations of related but long extinct cements to prevent cracking, in paints and, northern sea lion, walrus, hippopotamus, calamites with specimens in fossil form for beisa a strictly modern development, in combina- camel, antelope, koodoo, elk, tapir, comparison. The great number of fossils rhinoceros. The of tion with cement under hydraulic pressure zebra, and appearance found indicates that these plants were exhibits has been the as fireproof lumber and shingles. A peculiar these improved by abundant in prehistoric times and occurred elimination of wooden and the use, as shown by a specimen from "Tibet, is heavy bases, in many genera and species. The modem use of floor as medicine. The Museum's collection light-colored screens, coverings, species are relatively few in number, but includes a variety of woven fabric and felted and labels. are found widely dispersed in many parts papers, sheets, blocks and tubes. of the world. The sphenophylls, jointed- Asbestos has a reputation for heat resist- Two ancient Roman bathtubs, of bronze, stem flowerless plants related to the horse- ance and insulation value which it does not from Boscoreale, Italy, are on exhibition in tails, became completely extinct some deserve. Many other minerals shown else- the Museum. 200,000,000 years ago. Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS SepUmber, 19S2

Field Museum of Natural History money and in additions to the collections, affection. Since the return of the expedi- laced his institution's Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 name high on the tions, he had evinced the greatest interest Sst of Contributors, while the deep interest in the work of preparing the at the Roosevelt Road and Lake Michigan, Chicago groups he displayed in every detail of the Museum's Museum, and had hoped and expected to THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES operations, and the eminent services he be present at the time of the opening of rendered to it, resulted in his election in the water hole group when completed. L. Frederick H. Sewell Avbry Rawson 1922 as John Borden George A. Richardson an Honorary Member. He was William J. Chalmers 'Martin A. Rybrson also a Corporate Member from the beginning BUSY SUMMER IS REPORTED Marshall Field Fred W. Sargent of the Museum's existence, and became a Stanley Field Stephen C. Simhs Life 1896. BY RAYMOND FOUNDATION Ernest R. Graham Jambs Simpson Member about Albert W. Harris Solomon A. Smith As an Officer and Trustee of the Museum During the summer just ending, much Samuel Insull, Jr. Albert A. Sprague Mr. Ryerson found time, despite his heavy educational work both for Chicago children, Cyrus H. McCormick Silas H. Strawn burden of for of children William H. Mitchell John P. Wilson widespread and visiting groups from business interests, to outside the city, has been carried on by OFFICERS devote much thought the James Nelson and Anna Louise Raymond Stanley Field Pretident and effort to the Foundation for Public School and Children's Martin A. Ryerson First Vice-PretiderU building up of a Lectures. In addition to the summer series Albert A. Sprague Second Vice-Pretident natural insti- of free entertainments and Jambs Simpson Third Vice-President history during July Stephen C. Simhs Director and Secretary tution of which August, the Foundation staff lecturers have Solomon A. Smith. . . Treasurer and Assistant Secretary Chicago could be conducted many parties of children on tours * Deceased proud. His sage of the museum exhibits. Among the out- advice and many of-town groups have been boys who had FIELD MUSEUM NEWS suggestions were of earned summer trips by securing subscrip- value in the tions for Stephen C. Sihms, Director of the Museum Editor great magazines, groups sponsored by deliberations of the various civic organizations, and railroad and CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Board of Trustees. motor bus excursion parties. There were Berthold Laufer Curator of Anthropology His affection for and also groups of children who had been taking B. E. Dahlgrbn Acting Curator of Botany interest in the Mu- Chica^ Daily News Photo courses in various subjects over the summer Oliver C. Farrington Curator of Geology seum are evidenced A. radio school conducted the Wilfred H. Osgood Curator of Zoology Martin Ryerson by Chicago Daily in countless instances News, who were brought to the Museum H. B. Harte Managing Editor by the work he performed for it, and the to study material correlative with the many valuable gifts he made to it. broadcast lessons. Field Mxiseum is open every day of the year during Mr. Ryerson as a young man attended the hours indicated below : Harvard University where he was graduated AMERICAN FRIENDS OF CHINA November, December, January 9 a.m. to 4:30 P.M. with a degree in law, and in later years February, March, April, October 9 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. MAKE GIFTS TO MUSEUM May, June, July, August, September 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. three honorary degrees were conferred upon Doctor of Admission is free to Members on all days. Other him—Master of Arts by Yale, Two important objects were acquired adults are admitted free on Thursdays, Saturdays and Laws by the University of Chicago and this month from a fund presented to the Sundays; non-members pay 25 cents on other days. Doctor of Laws Kenyon College. He Museum last the American Friends Children are admitted free on all days. Students and by year by of faculty members of educational institutions are admit- became a trustee of the University Chicago of China, Chicago. One is a unique figurine, ted free any day upon presentation of credentials. at the time of its founding in 1890, and for six inches high, of celadon porcelain of the The of the some its Library Museum, containing 92,000 thirty years served as president of board Sung period (a.d. 960-1279), representing volumes on natural history subjects, is open for refer- of trustees. He was active also in the affairs the God of the who is conceived as ence daily except Sunday. North, of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he a warrior clad in a suit of armor. Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of powerful Chicago by the Museum's Department of the N. W. became a trustee in 1890, served as president Seated erect on a rock, he sets his right foot Harris Public School Extension. in 1925-26, and was honorary president on a tortoise held in the grasp of a snake Lectures for school classrooms and assemblies, and from 1926 until his death. He was associated wriggling around the tortoise's body. Both special entertainments and lecture tours for children at also in the work of other civic institu- in a were the Museum, are provided by the James Nelson and many animals, previous incarnation, Anna Louise Raymond Foundation for Public School tions, among them the Rockefeller Founda- mighty demons who were subdued by the and Children's Lectures. tion of Washington, the Chicago Old People's GcS of the North and now accompany him Announcements of courses of free illustrated lectures Home, the Sprague Memorial Institute, and as faithful attendants. This figurine felici- on science and travel for the and public, special lectures the In Grand two other of the for Members of the Museum, will appear in Field Chicago Orphan Asylum. tously supplements images Museum News. Rapids, Michigan, city of his birth, he same god in the Museum's collections, one There is a cafeteria in the Museum where luncheon founded an excellent library. of wood lacquered and gilded, and another is served for visitors. Other rooms are provided for Notably successful in business, Mr. of soft porcelain glazed in two shades of those bringing their lunches. Ryerson was a leader in the managernent blue, both of the Ming period. Busses of the Chicago Motor Coach Company of various industrial organizations The other due to the Friends of China (Jackson Boulevard Line, No. 26) provide service important gift direct to the Museum. Free transfers are available and leading banking institutions. is a beautiful cover of cut velvet, fifty inches to and from other lines of the company. square, made for the palace under the reign Members are requested to inform the Museum of the emperor K'ien-lung (1736-95). The promptly of changes of address. MAJOR JOHN COATS DEAD designs, an elaborate symphony of peonies in of Word of the death August Major and foliage woven in orange red, purple, of two DEATH OF MARTIN A. RYERSON John Coats, co-leader important violet blue, yellowish green and gold, stand Field Museum expeditions, and Patron, out vigorously under the nap. —B.L. GREAT LOSS TO MUSEUM Contributor and Corporate Member of the Martin A. Ryerson, one of the original Museum, has just been received in a letter BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS Incorporators of Field Museum, and actively from George G. Carey, Jr., of Baltimore. associated with the operation of the institu- Major Coats died at his home in Ayrshire, Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History may be made in books or collections. tion as a Trustee and as First Vice-President Scotland. securities, money, They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to A. White of from the Musexun's earliest days, died on With Captain Harold New a person or cause, named by the giver. For those desiring August 11 at his summer home in Lake York, Major Coats jointly financed and to make bequests, the following form is suggested: Geneva, Wisconsin. He was 75 years old. actively participated in the Harold White- FORM OF BEQUEST Mr. Ryerson was one of the Museum's John Coats Abyssinian Expedition of Field / do and to Field Museum staunchest friends and most active workers. in and the Harold White- hereby give bequeath of Museum 1928-29, Natural History of the City of Chicago^ State of Illinois, He participated in the preliminary steps John Coats Central African Expedition in which led to the establishment of the 1930-31. The first of these obtained institution, and was one of the members material for a large group of various animals of the original Board of Trustees, being at a water hole, now in preparation at the elected in 1893 and remaining on the Board Museum, and adso specimens for a habitat Cash contributions made within the taxable year to Field Museum not exceeding 15 per cent of the tax- until his death. In 1894 he was elected of lions and aardvarks. The second group payer's net income are allowable as deductions in com- First Vice-President, and remained in that expedition collected various mammals, in- puting net income imder Article 251 of Regulation 69 the Revenue office also until his death. He served as a cluding a number of excellent specimens of relating to the income tax imder Act of 1926. member of the Executive Committee from the rare bongo. Endowments may be made to the Museum with the 1894 to 1914, and as a member of the Finance Coats's skill in the field commanded Major provision that an annuity be paid to the patron for life. Committee from 1901 to 1932. His many the respect and admiration of his comrades, These annuities are tax-free and are guaranteed against generous gifts to the Museimi, both in while his personality inspired their deep fluctuation in amount. September, 19S2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Pages

BOTANICAL WORK IN EUROPE luster. Over the dusky back there are the desire to rival that of jade. The decora- FOR FIELD MUSEUM flashes of briUiant metallic or pearl greens tions, usually floral patterns, are brought and blues. The face and midside are out in the body of the porcelain, either in Field Museum has received from the broadly suffused with lilac-pearl. The lower relief or intaglio, and covered by the glaze. Botanical Garden and Museum of Berlin side has a broad band of salmon-colored In the Museum collection, censers, dishes, material several boxes containing forwarded gold extending in an arc from in front of jars, bowls, vases, etc., are dominated by by Assistant Curator J. Francis Macbride, the anal fln forward under the pectoral fin a tall and unique funeral urn designed to for three in who has been engaged years and across the gill cover and jaw. The hold cereals for the deceased. obtaining, with the aid of a grant from the belly and throat are gleaming white, while The colored porcelain and pottery of the Rockefeller Foundation, photographs of the fins are grayish, tipped with shaded Ming period, occupying a near-by case, historical plant specimens preserved in the black. At the forward end of the base of represent a period when the potters broke large herbaria of Europe. the anal fin is a mottled spot of cadmium with traditions and developed new processes The present shipment includes 4,000 nega- yellow and black—the only touch of vivid of applying a wealth of colors to the glaze. tives of plants of the Berlin Herbarium, the tropical color upon this otherwise richly An original spirit is shown in the work of total number of such negatives now exceed- but quietly dressed fish. this period. Amazing results were attained ing 20,000. These represent as many species The permit has not been sufficiently by the Ming potters in modeling porcelain of plants, chiefly South American, and com- advertised to be widely sought by anglers. figures representing the principal Buddhist prise one of the most practically useful Those who do go after it and are able to and Taoist deities, of which many are shown collections for the study of the South find it have good sport. They report that in the Museum exhibit. American flora that ever has been brought it is very active and puts up a strong fight. In the other two new cases the work of the together. When prints from all these Colonel Thompson asserts that it is exceed- Ming period bronze founders as well as the photographs have been inserted in the Field ingly shy and will leave a locality entirely Sung period is represented by extremely Museum Herbarium, it will afford facilities at a slight disturbance. interesting collections. Modern ideas are for the of South America in the collection two studying plants Permits are occasionally caught by com- exemplified Ming by such as are possessed by scarcely any other mercial fishermen and may sometimes be large and heavy braziers from the imperial American institution. Duplicates of these seen in the Chicago markets. They are not palace, used for heating in winter, and, by are made available also to other with for rooms in prints generally considered fine food and are filling them ice, cooling botanical institutions at a nominal price. summer. A bed-warmer shown is of great In addition, there were returned by Mr. scientific interest because it embodies the Macbride more than 2,000 sheets of Peruvian mechanical contrivance known as Cardan's plants, mainly those collected by the several suspension, commonly styled gimbals, the Marshall Field Expeditions. These have principal modem use of which is to keep been studied and named at Berlin, and a mariner's compass level regardless of the compared with authentic specimens, thus rolling and pitching of a ship. The collec- affording standards for future study of tion contains a variety of other bronze Peruvian plants. objects, both decorative and utilitarian. material in these four cases Mr. Macbride is now engaged in further Most of the Curator Berthold Laufer study and photographing at the Botanical was collected by as leader of the Blackstone Expedition to Museum of Munich, which owns the largest Permit Fisli series of Brazilian plants collected and China in 1908-10. of tiie this fish studied Martius, and Largest pompanos, provides great by pioneer explorer sport for anglers. The above specimen is on exhibition author of the monumental and still unrivaled in Albert W. Harris Hall (HaU 18). HISTORIC PLANT COLLECTIONS Flora of Brazil. Recently Field Museum returned 800 mainly used for display purposes. A large sheets of tropical American plants that had one in a show window is sure to attract been received for determination from the THE PERMIT FISH, LARGEST attention. University Botanical Museum of Copen- OF THE POMPANOS There is a great difference of opinion in hagen, through its director. Dr. Carl to the value of this fish as food. By Alfred C. Weed regard Christensen, one of the foremost fern The general belief seems to be that it is Assistant Curator of Fishes specialists of the world. The sending con- tough and tasteless. However, some who sisted chiefly of South American plants of Pompanos are foimd in all tropical seas have eaten it call it Others very good. the Rubiaceae or coffee family, which were and are noted in this country because of to the lack of a taste and object fishy say studied and named by Associate Curator the especial excellence of the pompano of both in flavor and texture, it is like that, Paul C. Standley, largely by comparison Florida and the Gulf Coast, one of the most a of fried piece tender, pork. with authentic specimens in the Museum delicious of all fishes. Others of the group Herbarium. There were many specimens are not quite so well liked, perhaps because REINSTALLATIONS collected a hundred years ago by Lund and they are not usually so well prepared for MORE CHINESE Warming, pioneer Danish botanists who the table. All or most of them have a very- Four installed exhibition cases of newly worked in Brazil. Of unusual interest, too, delicate of which the best part is Chinese material have been flavor, archaeological were numerous collections made along the lost when are carried far to market. added to T. and Fi-ances they George Gaylord Amazon about 1850-60 by Richard Spruce. Most of them are of small to medium size, Smith Hall the (East Gallery), bringing "The loan received from Copenhagen a weight of four poimds being above the reinstallation of that hall about to halfway included also a large number of legumes average. The most recent additions are completion. obtained in Mexico seventy-five years ago The of the American pompanos a case of celadon porcelain of various periods, largest by Liebmann, perhaps the most industrious has been the curious name of one of colored and of the given "permit." porcelain pottery collector who ever has worked in that It is much like the common one of bronzes of the Ming very pompano Ming period, country. Many of the plants he discovered in but to a and one of bronze vases of the general appearance grows great periwl, Sung never have been found by later botanists. of or more and The new cases have size, specimens twenty pounds Ming periods. "The Copenhagen museum has generously being not uncommon. One of four speci- concealed lighting which adds to the effec- presented to Field Museum a substantial mens to Field Museum Colonel tiveness of the display, a»d they are given by number of duplicates. Lewis S. Thompson, of Red Bank, New thoroughly equipped with interpretative was thirty-three inches long from labels embodying the most recent knowledge Jersey, New York Scientists Visit Museum the tip of the snout to the end of the middle about the subjects covered. rays of the tail-fin (more than a yard long The case of celadon porcelain consists Professor Henry Fairfield Osbom, Presi- to the tip of the tail) and weighed twenty- chiefly of objects from the Sung period dent of the American Museum of Natural five and one-fourth pounds. It is now on (A.D. 960-1279) but contains also examples History, New York, and Walter Granger, exhibition in Albert W. Harris Hall (Hall 18). of the Ming period (a.d. 136&-1643) and Curator of Fossil Mammals at that institu- Larger ones are occasionally taken, but a the K'ien-lung period (a.d. 1736-95). This tion, were visitors at Field Museum on fish of this size, with its broad side of glitter- ware was manufactured in the district of August 16. They were passing through ing silver with golden reflections, is a prize Limg-ts'uan (Dragon's Well) in the pro- Chicago on their way to join Barnum Brown, worthy of any angler's efforts. vince of Chekiang. Celadon is a porcelain Curator of Fossil Reptiles at the American excavations in The general color of the permit fish, as of white or grayish white body coated with Museum, in paleontological described by Taxidermist L. L. Pray who a thick vitreous translucent glaze varying Montana, after which they were to engage in Nebraska and mounted it, is a pleasing gray tone through from grayish and bluish green to sea-green in further operations which glows a variety of tinted pearly and plant-green. The color originated from Colorado. Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS September, 19SZ

VEGETABLE FIBERS ADDED fossils, but their teeth were bony and SEPTEMBER GUIDE-LECTURETOURS EXHIBITS covered with a strong coat of enamel which TO ECONOMIC Conducted tours of exhibits, under the resisted decay. Thus it has been possible By Llewelyn Wiluams guidance of staff are made to include of the teeth in the lecturers, every Aasistant in Wood Technology specimens afternoon at 3 exhibit. P.M., except Saturdays, Sundays, and certain Among recent additions to the exhibits The teeth of this shark are from three holidays. Following is the schedule of and dates for pertaining to economic botany in Hall 28 to five inches in breadth. Compared with subjects September: is a display of important vegetable fibers the size of teeth of modern sharks, it is various utilized in industrial processes by estimated that the jaws must have been no Thursday, September 1 —General Tour; Friday— nations. less than five feet in breadth and the shark Egyptian Exhibits. exhibit a — Cotton is represented in the by nearly forty feet in length. Week beginning September 5: Monday Labor Day no —General lifelike reproduction of a cotton plant, and Fossil sharks' teeth were known and holiday, tour; Tuesday Tour; Wednesday prized —Woodland Indians; Thursday—General Tour; Fri- of cotton fiber in the raw state, samples by the North American Indians before the day—Crystals and Gems. as well as bleached, neutralized, and scutched Week beginning September 12: Monday—Prehis- cotton. Instructive photographs accompany toric Exhibits; Tuesday—General Tour; Wednesday the exhibit. There are shown also specimens —Plant Life; Thursday—General Tour; Friday— Ores and Mines. illustrating various steps in the production — of cottonseed meal and cottonseed oil. Week beginning September 19: Monday Peoples of the Far North; Tuesday—^neral Tour; Wednesday or china is another Ramie, grass, important —Animal Life of the Seas; Thursday—General Tour; fiber included in the exhibit. This is a Friday—Mexican Exhibita. native of India, and is probably indigenous Week beginning September 26: Monday—Interesting to China and Japan. It is one of the oldest Geological Exhibits; Tuesday—General Tour; Wednes- — of Peat and —General fibers used in Oriental nations, its use day Story Coal; Thursday Tour; Friday—Habitat Groups. antedating written records of both China and India. It is strong, durable, little Persons wishing to participate should affected by moisture, and its filaments can apply at North Entrance. Tours are free be separated almost to the fineness of silk. and no gratuities are to be proffered. A new In China and Japan the fiber is extracted schedule will appear each month in Field by hand labor and woven into one of the Museum News. Guide-lecturers' services finest and most beautiful of fabrics, as well for special tours by parties of ten or more as coarse manufactures. are available free of charge by arrangement Flax, also represented in the exhibit, has with the Director a week in advance. been cultivated from time immemorial, and there is no record of its growth in an original Innovation in Bird Labels wild state. Its prehistoric home was prob- A new method of individual speci- ably in Asia, but it is now cultivated in labeling mens in the collection of birds, nearly all temperate countries. systematic more information The exhibit includes also Indian hemp. designed to give concisely about each species than on the labels The hemp fiber industry has existed in the Model of Giant Shark's Jaws in States since the of the formerly used, has been introduced United founding About fifteen million years ago sharks were about Hall 21. Thus far one case, that containing Plymouth and Virginia colonies. Since forty feet long and had jaws five feet wide. The with the of a modem shark is shown the new exhibit of and 1860, however, the production of hemp has contrast jaws parrots paroquets in the above photograph of an exhibit in Ernest R. from all parts of the tropics, has been seriously decreased, because cotton has taken Hall Graham (HaU 38). with these labels. Each label its place for textile purposes. equipped contains a indicating the geographic Agave fibers, shown in the exhibit, are advent of white men to America. Numbers map distribution of the bird to which it refers, obtained from the fleshy-leaved plants of them have been found in Indian burial and a giving briefly the most belonging to the family of the spider lilies, places from the Gulf states as far northward paragraph salient facts known about the bird. It is growing in Mexico, and Central and South as the Indian mounds of Ohio. This is in due course of time to extend this America. The best fibers are sisal hemp evidence that the teeth became objects of hoped of label to all the exhibits in the hall. and henequen. Other species of agave barter and as such were carried and dis- type in the as tribe to tribe. are of yield fibers known vernacular pita, tributed from They istle, ixtle, lechuguilla, etc. further interest to modern science in showing NEW MEMBERS Raffia fiber is derived from the leaves of that these sharks were abundant in great The following persons were elected to of African and waters of the South Atlantic and several species Madagascar the warm membership in Field Museum during the The thin of fibrous material of the Gulf of Mexico. palms. strips period from July 13 to August 15: pulled from the sides of the young leaves Associate Members are used by the natives as a textile material Somali Wild Ass Group for clothing, plaited goods, hats, mats, and J. Gardner Bennett, Miss Frances Bird, Mrs. James A group of Somali wild ass is on exhibition Minotto. baskets for domestic purposes. There are in Cari E. Akeley Memorial Hall (Hall 22). Annual Members also included in the display a mmiber of These animals, now quite rare and in danger William raffia cloths with woven zigzag designs, and Mrs. Reid M. Bennett, A. C. Bruhnke, of becoming extinct shortly, are of esi>ecial W. KimbaU, Paul W. Klugh, Mrs. William C. Kobin, a sample attractively colored with native R. Townsend interest in connection with the ancestry of Mrs. Henry J. McFarland, Mrs. dyes, made by the Tanala tribe of Mada- McKeever, Hon. Harry Olson, Mrs. W. G. Potts, domestic asses or donkeys. Mrs. Edward gascar. These were obtained by the Marshall Charles RiddeU, Robert B. Shanner, G. VaU. Field Anthropological Expedition to Mada- gascar in 1926-27. Gifts to the Museum MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM Other fibers shown in the exhibit include Following is a list of some of the principal New Zealand flax, banana and plantain gifts received during the last month: Field Museum has several classes of Members. Benefactors give or devise $100,000 or more. Contribu- fibers, sedges, and several obtained from From American Friends of China—a celadon tors give or devise $1,000 to $100,000. Life Members various members of the Sting and a cover of cut velvet, K'ien- grass family. figure. period, give $500. Non-Resident (Life) and Associate Members lung period, China; from School of Forestry, Yale — Amazon pay $100. Non-Resident Associate Members pay $50. University 135 herbarium specimens, Valley AU the above classes are from dues. ANCIENT SHARK HAD JAWS from American exempt Sustaining and Colombia: Bemberg Corporation Members contribute six — and $25 annually. After years they FIVE FEET WIDE 14 specimens of rayon yarn, including chemical become Associate Members. Annual Members con- and finished from William A. ingredients products; tribute $10 annually. Other memberships are Corpo- By Elmeh S. Riggs —94 herbarium specimens, British Honduras; Schipp rate, Honorary, Patron, and Corresponding, additions of from Edward Hines Lumber —4 trunk slabs Associate Curator Paleontology Company under these classifications made action from Dr. Fortrmato L. being by special of Ponderosa pine, Oregon; of the Board of Trustees. The model of a great pair of jaws shown Herrera— 121 herbarium specimens, Peru; from Laboratorio de Botanica, Ministerio de Agricultura Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to free in the accompanying photograph represents admission to the for his and —164 herbarium specimens, Argentina; from Dr. C. T, Museum himself, family those of a of extinct Char- house and to two reserved seats for Museum species shark, Elvey—2 specimens of the Odessa, Texas, meteorite; guests, eharodon, which inhabited the waters off from A. Dunbar Brander—a specimen each of red lectures provided for Members. Subscription to Field MusElTM News is included with all The coast in time. Fossil shank, snipe, and shelduck, Scotland; from Alfred memberships. the Carolina Miocene courtesies of museum of note in the M. Bailey—a gannet skin, Quebec, Canada; from every United teeth of this fish, flat and States and Canada are extended to all Members of great triangular Frank H. Eyman—2 yoimg pickerel, Wisconsin; from Field Museum. Member his card in shape, are found in the phosphate beds C. B. Coursen—5 specimens of nestling birds, Illinois; A may give personal to non-residents of of of Carolina and Florida in from L. R. Wolfe—24 spedmena of nestling Chicago, upon presentation and "shell-rock" Captain which will be admitted to the Museum without birds, Illinois; from Q. Stewart—a timber rattlesnake. they as far west as Texas. Their Further information about will skeletons, West Virginia; from S. Z. Schenck—an adult king charge. memberships be sent on being of cartilage, were not preserved as rail skin, Illinois. request. eillNTEO BY FIELD MUSCUM PRESS News Published Monthly by Field Miiseum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 3 OCTOBER, 1932 No. 10 NORTHWEST COAST INDIAN AND ESKIMO EXHIBITS AUGMENTED AND IMPROVED By Ralph Linton Haida tribes. The Kwakiutl collections are with the face of the Cannibal Spirit or Professor of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin particularly noteworthy, including masks his servant, the Raven. Musicians beat {Formerly AieiMant Curator in Department and other paraphernalia of the secret on drums; suddenly, the initiate appears Field MuMum) o} Anthropology, societies taking part in the spectacular in the mouth of the painting decked in The only exhibit in the United States of Winter Ceremonial, the principal religious hemlock branches. He is supposed to be archaeological material of the old Bering Sea ceremony. in search of a victim to devour. There are and Punuk groups of Eskimos, who preceded Especially striking is a life-size group two dances, both represented at the Mu- the modem Eskimos in the Bering Sea representing the Hamatsa or Cannibal seum by life-size figures in adjoining cases. region, has been placed on view in Hall 10 Dance of the Kwakiutl, shown in the In the first the Hamatsa is supposed to be at Field Museum. This exhibit results accompanying illustration. The men of the looking for human flesh to eat. He moves from collections made by the John Borden- Hamatsa society are under the protection about frenziedly in a squatting position, Field Museum Alaska-Arctic Expedition, of the Great Cannibal Spirit, in the belief arms outstretched, head lifted to seek a and material received by exchange from of these people. When the time for initia- corpse, body trembling violently. His eyes the United States are wide open, his lips National Museum at pushed forward, and Washington, D.C. he utters wild cries. In The earliest sites long leaps he makes known of the Punuk the circuit of the room culture date back threatening to attack about 1,500 years. the spectators. In the The culture persisted second dance he with gradual changes appears wearing the almost until the time mask of a raven. of the first European Snapping the huge bill contact with Eskimos. of the bird, he im- This exhibit is the personates the slave of newest feature in Hall the Cannibal Spirit. 10, devoted to the The Tlingit and ethnology of the In- Haida are the best dians of the North- carvers on the North- west Coast and of the west Coast, and the Eskimos, which has collection of their art recently been com- possesses high merit. pletely reinstalled. Of unique interest The exhibits have been among the Nootka rearranged, installed collections is a "court- on light-colored ing stick" consisting screens, and equipped of a bundle of red with revised labels cedar bark and white embodying the latest feathers attached to a information. Much staff, which was set up new material has been in front of a girl's added. home by her lover to There is displayed convey a sort of "be a notable collection of my Valentine'' Eskimo art, including message. There is fine of also a many examples Cannibal Dance of the Kwakiutl "courting carved bone, ivory mask," representing a In this life-size in Hall 10 the Hamatsa is seen his for the dance which and wood. A new group maicing appearance symbolizes human face with a coil the search for human flesh to devour. feature is found among of rope around it, the Eskimo costumes, which are now shown tion of a new member approaches, the which was worn by a young man in search of on life-size is a clever models with portrait heads repre- candidate disappears into the forest, to a wife. There shown, too, spinning senting accurately physical types of various be with the Great Spirit and learn the fish-lure the Nootka invented, which was localities. songs and mystic rites of the order. At submerged deep in the water with a long The hall contains an exhibit of North- the time of the Winter Ceremonial he pole and then released. The lure would rise west Coast art, and ethnological collections returns dancing, and goes to a room set to the surface with a spinning motion, and representing the Tsimshian, Kwakiutl, Bella apart at the house where the ritual takes the fish would follow it. As they came into Coola, Nootka, Puget Sound, Tlingit, and place. The front of this room is painted sight the Indian fishermen speared them.

Notable Addition to Herbarium but the value of this one is increased many is not equaled at the present time in any States. Field Museum recently received from Dr. times by the fact that the plants all belong other herbarium of the United F. C. Hoehne of the Biological Institute of to three fami'ies with whose study Mr. is the Sao Paulo, Brazil, an extraordinary sending Standley particularly engaged, great Tibetan "Thunderbolts" Shown of Brazilian plants, which Associate Curator majority of them to the Rubiaceae or coffee Paul C. Standley states is the most important family. The study and careful naming of Tibetan "thunderbolts" with which to and valuable sing e plant collection he has the material, which required several weeks, invoke the wrath of heaven are on exhibition ever had the privilege of studying. It con- revealed several species hitherto unknown in Hall 32. These are emblems of the god sists of 1,100 sheets of well prepared and to science, and others not represented previ- Indra, made of bronze in a form symbolizing labeled specimens, about two-thirds of which ously in Field Museum's collections. This lightning strokes. With a bell in their left are for deposit in the Museum Herbarium. remarkable sending of Rubiaceae gives Field hand and one of these thunderbolts in their A miscellaneous plant collection as large Museum a representation of the Brazilian right, the Tibetan lamas call for the destruc- as this wou'd be important and valuable. plants of this vast family such as certainly tion of demons and opponents of Buddhism. Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS October, 19S2

Field Museum of Natural History Worthington of Oak Park brought to Field Moluccan cassowary from the South Sea Museum two luxuriant stalks of the white islands; and the emu from Australia. Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 gentian, one of the rarest of the local These represent the six families of birds Roosevelt Road and Lake Michigan, Chicago species. It is a tall plant, often two feet which form the most primitive of the two high or more. Its flowers, of the closed or into which all birds are THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES groups living "bottle" type, are pure white with shadings divided. They are confined to the southern Sbwbll L. Aveky William H. Mitchell of bright green, and always surprise persons hemisphere, and are remnants of a large John Borden Frederick H. Rawson who have assiuned that all gentians are blue. fauna which flourished in times William J. Chalubrs George A. Richardson prehistoric Marshall Field Fred W. Sargent At least six other gentians grow in the as evidenced by many fossils. Stephen C. Sihms Stanley Field Chicago region. Most celebrated and most With the exception of the South American Ernest R. Graham James Simpson Albert W. Harris Solomon A. Smith richly colored of them all is the fringed tinamous, all of these birds have lost the Samuel Insull, Jr. Albert A. Spragub gentian, which still grows in considerable power of flight. Their wings are much H. Silas H. Strawn Cyrus McCormick abundance in secluded places near Lake reduced in size, and the breastbone which John P, Wilson Michigan. The wide-open flowers have supports them is ill-designed to stand strain. OFFICERS fringed lobes; when picked the flowers close, The ostrich, which is confined to Africa not to so that most of their Stanley Field President open again, and Arabia, is frequently found in associa- of sometimes Ftrs( Vice-Presidency temporarily unfilled beauty is lost. A field them, tion with herds of big game. An ostrich is A. Sprague Second Vice-President Albert a solid sheet of royal blue, is almost breath- given a wide berth even by large animals, Jambs Simpson Third Vice-President in the of its beauty. is conditioned its Stephen C. Snois Director and Secretary taking intensity for the bird's temper by Solomon A. Smith.. .Treasurer and Assistant Secretary The chaste and somewhat frosty blue sense of dignity, and a kick from its powerful and purple of the closed or bottle gentians foot may do considerable damage. An are quite in keeping with the chilly autumn ostrich's nest is merely a hollow scraped in FIELD MUSEUM NEWS mornings and evenings when they bloom. the ground. Fifteen to twenty eggs about Stephen C. Simms, Director of the Museum Editor There are three species of them, two that six inches in diameter are laid. Occasionally in woodlands and in moist unattached females to in an CONTRIBUTING EDITORS grow places attempt lay among the dunes, the other on the prairies. occupied nest, but, generally speaking, Berthold Laufer Curator of Anthropology They form small clumps a foot high or ostriches are monogamous. "The female, B. E. Dahlgren Acting Curator of Botany each stiff stem bearing several which is and incubates day, Oliver C. Farrington Curator of Geology more, wiry gray brown, by Wilfred H. Osgood Curator of Zoology of the handsome blossoms, that seem to be while the black male incubates by night. on the of In October The call of the the H. B. Harte Managing Editor just point opening. ostrich, given only by fine colonies of them may be seen in the male, resembles a lion's roar. Indiana State Park at Tremont; the prairie Rheas are sometimes called South Ameri- Field Museum is of the open every day year during in the Morton Arboretum the hours indicated below: gentian thrives can ostriches, but they are very distinct at Lisle. Their November, December, January 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and belong to a separate family. February, March, April, October 9 A.M. to 6:00 p.m. The two other gentians of the Chicago habits are much the same, however. They 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. May, June, July, August, September region, one a fringed gentian differing little have three toes, like emus and cassowaries, Admission is free to Members on all Other days. from the common one, the other the five- whereas ostriches have only two. Emus are adults are admitted free on Thursdays, Saturdays and small in Australia. resemble Sundays; non-members pay 25 cents on other days. leaved gentian with inconspicuous found only They Children are admitted free on all days. Students and flowers, are of infrequent occurrence. In ostriches more than any of the others. members of educational institutions are admit- faculty spite of the continued encroachment of Cassowaries are restricted to ted free any day upon presentation of credentials. practically cultivation and building operations, it is Guinea. Each has a curious The Library of the Museum, containing some 92,000 New wing volumes on natural history subjects, is open for refer- surprising to see how many gentians may feather without any fluffy barbs, about the ence daily except Sunday. still be found in areas close to Chicago. size and shape of a pen holder. They are exhibits are circulated in schools of as the Traveling the It will be fortunate if in such places strictly forest birds. Chicago by the Museum's Department of the N. W. Forest Preserves and the Indiana State Harris Public School Extension. The strangest of this group is the kiwi, Park be to permit in Lectures for school classrooms and and they may protected or apteryx. Its wings are more reduced assemblies, to see special entertainments and lecture tours for children at future dwellers about Lake Michigan size than those of the others. It has no the are the James Nelson and that Museum, provided by some of the finest of the flowers fonnerly tail and its feathers superficially resemble Anna Louise Foundation for Public School Raymond so in the woods and prairies. and Children's Lectures. grew profusely fur. The nostrils are situated at the very in Announcements of courses of free illustrated lectures tip of its bill. Kiwis occur only New on science and travel for the public, and special lectures Zealand. They formerly had a more exten- for Members of the Museum, will appear in Field SPECIAL NOTICE are found in Australia. Museum News. sive range, for fossils The tinamous of South America are in There is a cafeteria in the Museum where luncheon All Members of Field Museum who of these six is served for visitors. Other rooms are provided for have changed their residences or are many ways the least degenerate those their lunches. birds bringing planning to do so are earnestly urged famiUes. Some of them are forest Busses of the Chicago Motor Coach Company at once of while others live in savannas. Their eggs Boulevard No. to notify the Museum (Jackson Line, 26) provide service are as though direct to the Museum. Free transfers are available their new addresses, so that copies of very curious, being glossy to and from other lines of the company. FIELDMUSEUMNEWSandallother highly polished. They vary from pale Members are requested to inform the Museum communications from the Museum green to dark brown. There is a strange promptly of changes of address. may reach them promptly. reversal of the sexes, for the female is larger than the male, and, after the eggs are laid, and care GENTIANS leaves the business of incubation OSTRICHES AND THEIR ALLIES of the young to her mate. By Paul C. Standley Associate Curator of the Herbarium ADDED TO HALL OF BIRDS BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS Those who enjoy great masses of brilliant By Rudyerd Boulton to Field Museum of Natural color in the landscape find no season equal Assistant Curator of Birds Bequests History may be made in securities, money, books or collections. frosts set in beauty to the autumn. Early if take the form of a to "To hide one's head in the sand like an They may, desired, memorial^ the woods ablaze with crimson and gold of a person or cause, named by the giver. For those desiring ostrich," is a saying in almost universal use, to make the form is foliage that is soon to disappear. No other bequests, following suggested: it has no basis of fact. An ostrich does season provides such gorgeous displays of yet FORM OF BEQUEST it has a far more clever and furnished the hide, but flower color, chiefly by yellow to Field Museum efficient method. The long neck provides / do hereby give and bequeath of of goldenrod, and the blue, pink, purple, Natural History of the City of Chicago, Slate of Illinois, an effective and by standing and white of innumerable asters. periscope behind a bush or small tree, the bird can look Most beloved of autumn flowers, however, over the top without exposing its body. are the gentians, perhaps because their exhibit of ostriches and their allies glorious colors are displayed more modestly. An the bird collections Cash contributions made within the taxable to Gentians will not be with us has just been added to year probably Field Museum not 15 cent of the tax- in Hall 21 at Field Museum. Those included exceeding per indefinitely, for they are unable to with- net income are allowable as deductions in com- kiwi from the South Sea payer's stand cultivation of land, and they are so are Mantell's puting net Income under Article 251 of Regulation 69 Revenue Act of mistreated vandals that even islands which is becoming extremely rare; relating to the income tax under the by thoughtless 1926. those in are the elegant, rufous, and gray-headed tina- growing protected places Endowments may be made to the Museum with the all from South America; the North threatened with extermination. mous, provision that an annuity be paid to the patron for life. In September and October gentians are African and South African ostriches; the These annuities are tax-free and are guaranteed against at their best. Late in August Dr. H. C. southern rhea from South America; the fluctuation in amount. October, 1932 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Pages

WORLD'S LARGEST MOON MODEL "The mean distance of the moon from GIANT FOSSIL MOLLUSK the earth is 237,640 miles, but as it moves MAY BE SEEN AT THE MUSEUM The fossil remains of a giant moUusk in an elliptical orbit it has at one point a which in life, some 500,000,000 years ago, The recent total eclipse of the sun by the remoteness of 253,263 miles, and, opposite to was about ten feet long, are on exhibition moon, and the general interest aroused by this, one of 221,436 miles. The diameter in Ernest R. Graham Hall (Hall 38). the phenomenon, make timely the reminder of the moon is about one-fourth that of the Near-by is a restoration, in one of the that Field Museum has on exhibition in earth, or 2,160 miles, and its volume is large mural paintings by Charles R. Knight, Clarence Buckingham Hall (Hall 35) the one forty-ninth that of the earth. The how this creature of a long extinct largest and most elaborate model of the mass of the moon (volume multiplied by showing must have appeared when living. moon ever made. This model represents density) is one eighty-first and the density species animal is to in a vivid and accurate manner the character three-fifths that of the earth. The period The known paleontologists and appearance of the moon's surface, of the moon's revolution about the earth as Orthoceras, and is a member of the illustrating especially well such features of is 27 days, 7 hours, 43 minutes and llj^ cephalopod family. The Museum's specimen lunar topography as its gray plains or seconds. As its period of rotation on its was found near Troy Grove in LaSalle "seas" (the darker portions as seen with axis is the same, only one side of the moon County, Illinois. The shell is long and the naked eye), its mountains and high- is seen from the earth. Since, however, straight, in contrast to those of most the moon's axis is inclined about 83° to the familiar modern moUusks. It is slightly plane of its orbit, we sometimes see a little conical or tapering, being composed of a distance beyond each of its poles, and, since series of chambers or segments, each slightly the rate of motion of the moon in its orbit larger in diameter than its predecessor in varies slightly, we sometimes see a little the animal's growth. These were connected beyond the eastern and western edges of by an internal siphon or siphuncle. The the hemisphere. The total result of these animal lived in the last and largest chamber, librations is to make four-sevenths of the vacating each chamber in turn as a new moon's surface visible to us. Of the remain- one was formed, according to Dr. Oliver ing three-sevenths nothing is known. C. Farrington, Curator of Geology. "Owing to its slow rotation on its axis, the moon's day has a length of 29J/2 of our of American crocodiles is days. Each portion of its surface is there- A habitat group fore exposed to or shielded from the light a noteworthy exhibit in the Department of of the sun for a fortnight continuously." Zoology.

MORAY, LARGE TROPICAL EEL, IS PLACED ON EXHIBITION By Alfred C. Weed specimen is four feet seven inches long, and Assistant Curator of Fishes weighed about fifteen pounds when caught. "The maximum attained Eels are found in almost all waters of length by morays from about seven to nine feet. the world, from the equator almost into the ranges lives in and around the Model of the Moon Arctic and Antarctic zones, and from small The green moray coral eats small This, the largest and most elaborate model ever streams and wave-washed beaches to the reefs, and anything enough made of the earth's satellite, is to be seen in Clarence to swallow or soft to tear deepest parts of the oceans. The best- enough apart. Buckingham Hall (Hall 35). for habitation known ones are very long and slender; Morays in general prefer coral reefs or other places where they can lands (the bright portions as seen with the others are much thicker in body. Some find hiding places. Even when kept in an naked eye), and its volcanic craters. swim freely at various depths, but most less com- aquarium they do not seem content unless The model, which was presented to the of them hide themselves more or they can conceal at least part of their bodies. Museum by the late Lewis Reese of Chicago, pletely under stones, in crevices of the coral in mud. If an eel six feet long can thread itself was made a number of years ago by Thomas reefs, or in burrows sand and eels which take through a six-inch length of tile or stove- Dickert, Curator of the Natural History Morays are stout-bodied not far pipe it seems to feel safe. Among the coral Museum of Bonn, Germany, and Dr. J. F. shelter among the rocks or coral reefs reefs it seems satisfied if one loop of its Julius Schmidt, Director of the Observatory from shore in all warm seas. All morays is hidden behind a knob of coral. of Greece. It is 19.2 feet in diameter. have large mouths, and are armed with body Athens, hide itself in teeth. One has rounded teeth Often a moray will deeper Except for occasional comets and meteors, strong group with which crush various kinds of crevices and make vigorous attacks upon the moon is the celestial body nearest the they anything that comes into its retreat. West this the most shellfish for food. The other group has long earth, and for reason perhaps Indian fishermen who thrust their hands teeth with sharp edges with which they can universally interesting as well as the one of crawfish tear into holes in the coral in search about which most is known. Some of the hold and living prey. Florida the West are often bitten severely by morays. Hawai- facts about it have been The green moray of and most interesting fishermen fish in a similar fashion is the of the latter ian who Dr. Oliver C. Farrington, Indies one of largest compiled by after diving to depths of ten to twenty feet Curator of as follows: group. An excellent specimen of green Geology, are sometimes held morays moray was recently presented to Field prisoner by "The moon has no atmosphere. Hence, drown. Museum by Captain F. G. Saeger of Miami, until they it can have no diffused light, and nothing as to the food value Florida, at the suggestion of Colonel Lewis There is no agreement can be seen on it except where the sun's In are S. Thompson of Red Bank, New Jersey, of the moray. many places they rays shine directly. If a man could manage be delicious. On who has himself given the Museum a number eaten and considered to to travel to the moon he would instantly are of valued fish specimens. Captain Saeger the other hand in many localities they become invisible every time he stepped into this off the Florida coast, and regarded as poisonous, especially the green of Also because caught moray the shadow a lunar crag. is due to the it has now been mounted by Staff 'Taxi- moray. This, however, prejudice of the lack of an atmosphere no sound, dermist L. L. Pray, and placed on exhibition which causes many other foods green in however loud, can be heard on the moon. in Albert W. Harris Hall (Hall 18). The color to be looked upon with suspicion. Changes of temperature on the moon are rapid and violent. Where the sun's rays strike, a temperature about that of boiling water is believed to be reached, while in unilluminated portions it is thought to go as low as 100° below zero. "The force of gravity upon the surface of the moon is only one-sixth that on the earth. Therefore, a man weighing 150 pounds on the earth would weigh only 25 pounds on the moon, and the same muscular energy by which he could jump six feet on earth would carry him thirty-six feet on the moon. On the earth a body falls sixteen West Indian feet in one second; on the moon only 2.6 Moray feet in the same time. This large eel is now on exhibition in Albert W. Harris Hall (Hall 18). Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS October, 1932

AUTUMN LECTURE COURSE October 22—From Red Ore to Steamship; OCTOBER GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS Nature's Children BEGINS OCTOBER 1 Conducted tours of exhibits, under the October 29—On Wild Life Trails; Daniel guidance of staff lecturers, are made every On Saturday, October 1, Field Museum Boone Goes West; Have a Peanut! afternoon at 3 p.m., except Saturdays, will present the first free lecture in its 5—The Settlement of Sundays, and certain holidays. Following fifty-eighth course. In all there will be November James- is the schedule of subjects and dates for nine lectures on travel and science, to be town; Mining of Soft Coal October: given on successive Saturday afternoons in November 12—The Romance of the Reaper the James Simpson Theatre of the Museum. Week beginning October 3: Monday—Chinese Art; — —Looms and —Trees of will at 3 p.m. will November 19 From Limestone to Side- Tuesday Textiles; Wednesday All lectures begin They —General The Birth of a Three Scouts .the Chicago Area; Thursday Tour; Friday be illustrated with motion pictures and walk; Chick; —Bird Families. on the Moonbeam Trail stereopticon slides. Week beginning October 10: Monday—The Story of — Indian Following is the complete schedule of November 26—Giants of the Grass Family; Man; Tuesday Hopi Exhibits; Wednesday —Cereals; Thursday—General Tour; Friday—Jade dates, subjects and speakers: Down Cape Cod; The Pilgrims and Its Uses. — Week October 17: — 1 — Game with December 3 Around the Year in the Big beginning Monday Egypt; October Hunting Big Tuesday—African Habitat Groups; Wednesday— Thrills and Spills; of Bow and Arrow Woods; Mysteries Eskimo Exhibits; Thursday—General Tour; Friday— (Demomtrated with bow and arrow) Snow; Skiing in Cloudland; A Boy's Stones of Economic and Decorative Value. Art Detroit, Michigan Gifts — Young, Christmas Week beginning October— 24: Monday American October 8—Jungle Experiences in Archaeology; Tuesday Animal Life of South America; Children from all of and — — America parts Chicago Wednesday Fibers and Their Uses; Thursday British Guiana, South suburbs are invited. General Tour; Friday—Horses and Their Relatives. D. Research Professor Harold Fish, Tropical October 31 —Primitive Musical Instru- D.C. Monday, Board, Washington, ments. October 15—Insects, Birds and Move- NEW EXHIBIT SHOWS HOW Persons wishing to participate should ments of Plants BRAZIL NUTS GROW apply at North Entrance. Tours are free Norman McClintock, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania No vegetable product of Brazil is more and no gratuities are to be proffered. A new 22—The of the Moors October Kingdom definitely associated in the public mind schedule will appear each month in Field Captain Carl von Hoffman, New York City with that largest of the South American Museum News. Guide-lecturers' services — Air to Inca Land October 29 By republics than Brazil nuts. The trees from for special tours by parties of ten or more of the Robert Shippee, Leader Shippee-Johnson are available free of charge arrangement to the Peruvian Andes, Red Bank, by Expedition in New Jersey with the Director a week advance. November 5—Adventures in Alaska William L. Finley, Director of Wild Life Conser- Gifts to the Museum vation, State of Oregon, Jennings Lodge, Oregon Following is a list of some of the principal November 12—The Australian Aborigines gifts received during the last month: Dr. A. R. Raddiffe-Brown, Department of — Anthropology, University of Chicago From Harper Kelley 2 flint hand-axes of Upper — Acheulean and Levallois V periods, France; from School November 19—The Dutch East Wonder- of Forestry, Yale University—34 herbarium specimens, lands of the Golden East British Honduras; from the Viscose Company— material for manufacture from H. C. Ostrander, Yonkers, New York rayon exhibit; Colgate- Palmolive-Peet Company—3 samples of oils; from — of a —42 of November 26 The Voyage Submarine Scientific Oil Compounding Company —samples Columbus vegetable oils; from H. W. von Rozynski 386 her- barium specimens, Mexico; from Professor B. C. Brayton Eddy, Providence, Rhode Island — Tharp 208 herbarium specimens, western— Texas; No tickets are necessary for admission from Companhia Ford Industrial do Braail 31 her- barium specimens with 11 specimens of accompanying to these lectures. woods, Brazil; from Rev. Brother Ellas—62 herbarium specimens, Colombia; from Dr. Earl E. Sherff —2,234 A section of the Theatre is reserved for negatives of type and other specimens of Compositae; — one Members of the Museum, each of whom is from Blair W. Stewart 4 specimens of colusite, of tenantite, and one of enargite, Montana; from entitled to two reserved seats on request. Leonard Pryde—a glacial copper boulder, Illinois; Requests for these seats may be made by from Miss Emily A. Clark—one snake and 2 snake A. R. M. telephone or in writing to the Museum, in heads, Africa; from Flight-Lieutenant Rickards—4 bird skins, British Somaliland; from of the and seats will then Branch of Brazil Nut Tree advance lecture, Horace Hoisington—26 insects, Cameroon; from Russell name until 3 — Missouri. be held in the Member's A new exhibit in the Hall of Plant Life (Hall 29) T. Neville 2 cave salamanders, o'clock on the day of the lecture. Members showing the large fruits, each of which contains from also obtain seats in the reserved section ten to sixteen nuts. Prepared in Stanley Field Plant may Reproduction Laboratories. NEW MEMBERS of their membership cards by presentation The were elected to to the Theatre attendant before 3 o'clock following persons which they are obtained are the tallest in in Field Museum during the on the lecture day, even though no advance membership the Amazon valley. from 16 to 13: reservation has been made. All reserved period August September Most of the Brazil nuts that reach the seats not claimed by 3 o'clock will be opened Life Members world's markets come from localities readily to the public. Mrs. Ogden Armour general the waters of the accessible by Amazon and Annual Members its larger tributaries. The annual harvest RAYMOND FOUNDATION PRESENTS H. S. Brown, Adolph H. Easter, Frank S. Kelly, gives occupation to a large part of the J. A. Maclean, Frank H. McCulloch, Mrs. H. L. PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN population of the river banks. In the season, Wallach, Miss A. Albertine Wetter, Chester S. WBliams. which comes early in the year, entire The James Nelson and Anna Louise families set off in their canoes to the Brazil MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM for Public School Raymond Foundation and where their ham- nut grounds, they sling Field Museum has several classes of Members. Children's Lectures will present the first of mocks and establish themselves, often for Benefactors give or devise $100,000 or more. Contribu- its autumn series of ten free motion picture several months. The harvesting is simple. tors give or devise $1,000 to $100,000. Life Members for children on give $500. Non-Resident (Life) and Associate Members programs Saturday morning, The fruits, great bullet-shaped weighing up pay $100. Non-Resident Associate Members pay $50. October 1 . From that date until December 3 to three or four pounds each, have already All the above classes are exempt from dues. Sustaining there will be each programs Saturday. fallen from the trees—otherwise collecting Members contribute $25 annually. After six years they "These will be in the James become Associate Members. Annual Members con- given Simpson would be very unsafe. They have only to Theatre of the Museum, and each will be tribute $10 annually. Other memberships are Corpo- be gathered into piles and split with a great and additions at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. rate, Honorary, Patron, Corresponding, presented twice, saber-like knife. Each thick-walled woody under these classifications being made by special action is the schedule of and of the Board of Trustees. Following dates, fruit yields ten to sixteen nuts, which are the titles of the films to be shown on each: Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to free closely packed inside. admission to the Museum for himself, his family and branch of a Brazil nut tree house to two reserved seats for October 1 —In Lovely Japan; Japanese A fruiting guests, and Museum lectures provided for Members. to Field Cities of and fruits of various related species were Subscription Rice Fields; Silken Japan; An Museum News is included with all The collected in Par4 the Marshall Field memberships. English River; Dangers of Sea Diving by courtesies of every museum of note in the United Botanical Expedition to the Amazon. They States and Canada are extended to all Members of 8— Discovers October Columbus Land; have been installed in the Hall of Plant Life Field Museum. A Member may give his personal card to non-residents of Boro-Bodor and the Bromo The Field Plant Chicago, upon presentation of (Hall 29). Stanley Repro- which they will be admitted to the Museum without October 15—Glimpses of Chinese Life; duction Laboratories of the Museum pre- charge. Further information about memberships will Chinese Children; Dogs as Actors pared them for exhibition. —B.E.D. be sent on request. PniNTKD ¥ FIELD MUSEUM PRESS News Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 3 NOVEMBER, 1932 No. 11

FOSSIL SLOTH AND GLVPTODON A NEW HYBRID OAK MARSHALL FIELD EXPEDITION IN UNIQUE NEW GROUP Natural hybrids between species of plants, RETURNING FROM CHINA or at least forms generally recognized by By Elmer S. Riggs The Marshall Field botanists as such, are not common in the Zoological Expedition Associate Curator of Paleontology to China has its of United States. Among those whose hybrid completed two years in the interior of and its A group of fossil edentates just installed origin is almost unanimously admitted are collecting China, T. in Ernest R. Graham Hall (Hall 38) includes certain abnormal oak trees that are clearly leader, Floyd Smith of New York, was one which has the distinction of being the intermediate in character between well- last reported in Shanghai preparing to send first skeleton of its kind discovered. This marked and closely related oak species. the final shipment of some 5,000 specimens to Field animal, Pronothrotherium, has hitherto been The oak hybrids occur usually as isolated Museum, and return home himself. known from fragments of skull and jaws individuals, only a single tree being known During the past six months work was only. The specimen now exhibited includes for some. A few have been propagated carried on in the western provinces of almost an entire skeleton. It was collected, artificially, and one of them is planted as Szechwan, Kweichow, Honan, and Yunnan. along with the second specimen of this group, a shade tree in Washington, D.C. While many difficulties arose due to the by the Marshall Field Paleontological Ex- O. M. Schantz of Berwyn, Illinois, has political turmoil in China, the expedition pedition to Argentina and Bolivia (1926-27). presented to Field Museum specimens of a obtained a remarkable collection of the The skeleton on the fauna of the country. left in the accompany- Much was contributed ing illustration is that to its success by the of a ground sloth. cooperation extended It is a slender-bodied by the Chinese Acad- species about as large emy of Sciences at as a grizzly bear. The Nanking. name, Pronothro- Among the collec- therium, signifies fore- tions are several fine runner-of-sluggish- specimens of the rare animals. It had a takin, curious goat- small head, long and antelope of the moun- prehensile forelegs tains along the and short, stout hind Tibetan border. The legs. The skeleton is specimens will be mounted in upright mounted at the Mu- position with forefoot seum in a habitat resting against a tree, group. and head reaching for- The collections in- ward. The position clude other large suggests the probable mammals, thousands Fossil Sloth and Glyptodon feeding habit of the of small mammals and The skeleton of the sloth on the left is the one of this discovered to date. This group animal. The only complete gentls birds, and hundreds of forelegs, may now be seen in Ernest R. Graham Hall. armed with claw- fishes and reptiles. bearing feet, were quite capable of pull- new oak hybrid he discovered at Willow Previous shipments of several thousand ing down the branches of small trees Springs. It represents a cross between the specimens contained many rare animals and while the animal fed upon the leaves or bur oak and the white oak. The foliage, some species new to science. fruit. although abnormal, resembles that of the Mr. Smith's party included qualified At the right in the illustration is the former, and the acorns are intermediate Chinese zoologists, and other Chinese whom skeleton of Sclerocalyptus, or hard-coated between those of the two species. This he trained for scientific collecting. Thou- animal. It belongs to the glyptodont family, interesting tree has been named in honor sands of miles were traversed with pack a line of extinct mammals related to the of its discoverer by Dr. William Trelease, animals, afoot, and by river in crude hand- — modern armadillos, but larger. The upper of the University of Illinois. P.C.S. propelled boats. The expedition was fre- part of the body of this animal was covered quently menaced by outlaws, and once its with a shell which served to it from was robbed and burned bandits. protect Coloring Matter Yields Vita mines camp by attack, and which gave a general appearance It made probably the most systematic In this Field Museum somewhat like that of a great tortoise. February year zoological survey ever attempted in China. contained an account of or The head was short and rounded, and pro- News anatto, a of a tected a bony helmet. The tail was arnatto, illustrated by photograph by Indian heavy and likewise encased in a bony sheath. flowering and fruiting branch of this tropical Archaeological Types American shrub or small added The forefoot had four hoofs, the hind foot tree, recently For the guidance of students, and col- to the exhibits in Hall 29. In the five. The animal probably fed upon tubers temperate lectors of North American Indian relics, zone anatto is best known as a source of and upon the roots of herbs and pampas there is in Mary D. Sturges Hall (Hall 3) butter color and is used to the grasses. improve an exhibit indicating the distribution of of butter substitutes. Both of these animals lived in South appearance various types of Indian archaeological to a news item from America in Pliocene time, about seven According emanating objects. An example of each principal the of Medicine of Porto miUion years ago. Their descendants sur- School Tropical type of artifact is shown, each accom- been found to be rich in vived until a much later period and then Rico, anatto has panied by a map showing in red the locality a substitute died out entirely. Some nearly related vitamine D and hence potential in which its counterparts are found. Col- for cod liver oil. It has also been found to ground sloths reached North America and lectors, by comparing their own specimens, contain a of vitamine A. their remains have been preserved in the generous supply may identify the tribes and regions which Its use for and such tar beds of Los Angeles. Species of glypto- flavoring coloring food, they represent. donts are likewise found as fossils in beds as rice and soups, may thus turn out to be of wind-blown sands as far north as Texas of nutritional importance to the poorer great Tapa Cloth from Fiji and Oklahoma. element of a population nourished largely from The specimens in the group were prepared on a rice and bean diet, such as that in A painted tapa cloth Fiji, twenty decorated with and mounted by Phil C. Orr, Sven A. Porto Rico and other tropical countries. by fifteen feet, geometric in Hall F. It was Dorf and James H. Quinn of the paleonto- Attempts are being made to make available designs, is on exhibition logical staff. the extracted vitamine. —B.E.D. presented by Cornelius Crane of Chicago. Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS November, 1932

Field Museum of Natural History SIMPSON-ARMOUR EXPEDITION the flight muscles operate, is solid and Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 BENEFITS FIELD MUSEUM practically incapable of motion. The breast- Roosevelt Road and Lake Michigan, Chicago bone in birds which fly (a few, like the A number of excellent zoological speci- ostriches, cannot) is provided with a ridge mens have been presented to Field Museum THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES or 'keel' to which the flight muscles are by John McLaren Simpson, son of Mr. and Sewell L. Avkry William H. Mitchell attached. The fore limbs, becoming wings, John Borden Mrs. James and A. Watson Armour Frederick H. Rawson Simpson, have been modified more than any other William J. Chalmers George A. Richardson III, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Watson Armour, Marshall Field Fred W. Sargent part, but a study of the bones shows they as the result of their recent Stanley Field Stephen C. Simms hunting trip were developed from the type of foot found in East Ernest R. Graham James Simpson Africa and India. During part of in crocodiles Albert and lizards." W. Harris Solomon A. Smith this hunt Mr. James Simpson joined his Samuel Jr. Albert A. Sprague Mr. Gueret was aided in preparing the Insull, son and Mr. and a of Cyrus H. McCormick Silas H. Strawn Armour, great many exhibit by Dwight Davis, Assistant in John P, Wilson the specimens collected the expedition by Osteology. Each skeleton is accompanied are due to his OFFICERS activity. by a label containing principal facts about to the thus Stanley Field President Definitely assigned Museum, the species, with a sketch of the bird as Firtt Vice-Presidency far, from the collections brought back, temporarily unfilled it appears in life, the sketches being the Albert A. Sprague Seeedition to Eastern rate, Honorary, Patron, and Corresponding, additions each of the very elusive markhor fell to under these classifications Asia for Field Museum, and the Delacour being made by special action the rifles of Mr. James Simpson and Mr. of the Board of Trustees. Expedition to French Indo-China. One of John Simpson. There Mr. James Simpson Each Member, in alt classes, is entitled to free the most important of the new species is a admission to the Museum for his and also shot a tiger, while his son added himself, family large or deer which Dr. house guests, and to two reserved seats for Museum a black-buck and a chinkara or Indian muntjak tropical Osgood lectures provided for Members. to Field has named Muntiacus rooseveltorum in honor Subscription gazelle to the collection. Mr. Armour in Museum News is included with all memberships. The of Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and Kermit courtesies of museum of note in the United India shot two fine specimens of black-buck. every leaders of the which States and Canada are extended to all Members of Roosevelt, expedition Field Museum. A Member may give his personal card obtained it. Another of the more important to non-residents of Chicago, upon presentation of THE RELATIONSHIP OF BIRDS new animals is a handsome black and white which they will be admitted to the Museum without TO REPTILES ILLUSTRATED with a long bushy tail which Dr. charge. Further information about memberships will monkey be sent on request. Osgood has named Delacour's langur in the close relationship of birds lUiistrating honor of Jean Delacour, noted French zool- to reptiles, and demonstrating points in BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS ogist who conducted the other expedition. the theory of evolution, an exhibit of bird Bequests to Field Museum of Natural History may in 19. be made in securities, money, books or collections. skeletons has been installed Hall All Colorado Fossils Collected They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to known orders except three are represented. a or named the person cause, by giver. Not so apparent in comparisons of living Specimens of rare fossil mammals, turtles Cash contributions made within the taxable year birds and or mounted of and crocodiles were obtained for Field not exceeding 15 per cent of the taxpayer's net income reptiles, specimens are allowable as deductions in computing net income their skins, their relationship is made evident Museum recently as the result of a field under Article 251 of Regulation 69 relating to the even to laymen by skeletons. trip into western Colorado conducted by income tax under the Revenue Act of 1926. has, of course, made necessary Patterson, Assistant in Paleontology Endowments may be made to the Museum with the "Flight Bryan Edmond N. in the Museum's of provision that an annuity be paid to the patron for life. many profound changes," says Department Geology. These annuities are tax-free and are guaranteed against Gueret, Assistant Curator of Skeletons. Mr. Patterson was accompanied on the trip fluctuation in amount. "The body skeleton, fulcrum upon which by E. J. Newbill of LaGrange, Illinois. November, 19S2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page S

CIVETS AND MONGOOSES ADDED Many specimens shown result from the enormously, until the tip of each becomes TO MAMMAL EXHIBITS collecting of recent Field Museum expedi- buried. Then the minute ovary in the tip tions, including the Crane Pacific Expedi- begins to grow, and in time forms the fruit The most interesting and important tion, Delacour Indo-Chinese Expedition, or seed pod which we know as the peanut members of the civet and mongoose family William V. Kelley-Roosevelts Asiatic Expe- or ground nut. in a new exhibit in Hall 15. are shown dition, C. Suydam Cutting Expedition to The peanut, now cultivated in most warm Most famous of the animals twenty-one Sikkim, Vernay-Lang Kalahari Expedition, or mild temperate regions, is originally a included is the Indian immor- mongoose, Marshall Field Chinese Expedition, Conover- South American plant existing in its wild talized as and by Kipling "Riki-tiki-tavi," Everard African Expedition, and Chicago state in Brazil. Introduced into Peru, it noted for its activities as a killer of poison- Daily News-F\e\A Museum Abyssinian developed a distinct variety, which was ous snakes. The Museum is specimen Expedition. Taxidermy is by Arthur G. carried to Mexico by the Spaniards, and a mountain represented attacking viper. Rueckert, of the Museum's zoological staff. to Asia by early European navigators of is an relative which Shown also Abyssinian the Pacific. The peanut of the east coast likewise feeds on venomous snakes. A PLANT NEW TO CHICAGO AREA of South America was carried to Africa by Another animal shown is the "toddy-cat," slave traders who found it convenient PUNCTURES AUTOMOBILE TIRES known more formally as the palm civet, provender for their human cargoes. The which remains concealed in treetops during By Paul C. Standley peanuts commonly cultivated in the United the daytime, and comes out to feed at Associate Curator of the Herbarium States were originally obtained from Mexico night, according to Dr. Wilfred H. Osgood, and are thus of the Peruvian Automobile owners of the Chicago region mainly variety. Curator of Zoology. It gets its name from may have to contend with a new problem The "man!" of the peanut vender's song its habit of drinking the contents of buckets in addition to those already confronting appears to be a word of negro derivation which natives fasten to the palm trees to from the Gold Coast and where them. The new menace is a small creeping Angola, collect for a beverage sap from holes they of innocent appearance, which hides "mane" means foreign. It is now in use in bore in the trunks. Less bibulous palm plant beneath its leaves hard burs that in some Cuba and in Central America. The term civets from French Indo-China and the have become a source of "goober" is likewise of African origin. The East Indies are also shown. regions already continued annoyance and expense to drivers. Mexicans called it "cacahuatle," earth cacao, and this under which it intro- FUeld Museum has received from Miss name, was duced in little in Nellie V. Haynie of Oak Park specimens of Europe, persists, altered, French and Spanish. this plant which she discovered recently at of a Clark, Indiana. Native of the Mediter- A reproduction peanut plant prepared in the Field Plant ranean region, this noxious plant was intro- Stanley Reproduction Laboratories of the has been duced some years ago into the western Museum exhibition in Hall 25. United States, where it has made itself placed on thoroughly at home, especially along the edges of roads. In the desert areas of the Southwest it spreads with great rapidity, doubtless by the aid of automobiles and passing animals, to which its burs adhere. These burs, although small, have several Snake Killer projecting spines almost as long and hard as tacks. One of the projects Indian mongoose shown attacking mountain viper. spines always One of the new series of civets and mongooses placed upward when a bur lies on the ground, and on exhibition in Hall 15. it is stiff enough to penetrate tire casings, where it remains and finally punctures the Likewise in the exhibit is the "bear cat" inner tube. The state of California, in the with a whose name provided public which the plant, appropriately called the once popular slang expression. This animal, "puncture vine," is especially abundant, also as the is one of the known binturong, is spending $150,000 a year in a tardy largest species of civet, and is distinguished attempt to exterminate the pest. The by a long prehensile tail with which it can puncture vine thrives best in dry regions, climb almost as agilely as a prehensile- and on that account there is less reason to tailed monkey. fear it will become thoroughly established Several animals shown are rare, notably about Chicago, although the dunes of Lake the cat-like fossa, largest carnivorous mam- Michigan probably afford a favorable place mal of Madagascar. Of interest is the for its growth. slender-tailed meerkat of Bechuanaland, South Africa, as much a sunlight faddist Russian Scientist Is Museum Guest as any human habitue of our beaches, which Dr. N. I. Vavilov, Director of the Institute spends hours sitting on its haunches or of Plant in Leningrad, recently lying on its back to expose its under side Industry a at Field Museum in conference to sun rays. Specimens are shown, too, of spent day with members of the staff of the Depart- the large and small Chinese civets, both ment of He news of great Peanut Plant of which produce from a special gland the Botany. brought in the and told civet secretion used as a base in many scientific activity U.S.S.R., Exhibit in Hall 25 showing how a popular food of Soviet to South America by Field Plant perfumes. Respected by the coconut expeditions product grows. Prepared Stanley for introduction into Russia. Reproduction Laboratories. growers of French Indo-China is the white- seeking plants He also told of a new rubber discovered eared palm civet because it is said to be plant within U.S.S.R. This he DEATH OF OUTRAM BANGS useful in checking the depredations of territory. plant, in a temperate climate, yields squirrels upon the coconuts. says, grows Museum workers, especially ornitholo- a large percentage of usable rubber, and Other animals in the exhibit are the gists, have suffered a severe loss in the death attain commercial importance. small-toothed mongoose and the brown may of Outram Bangs, which occurred September mongoose of Madagascar, the banded civet 22. Mr. Bangs was for many years Curator of the East Indies, the spotted tiger civet HOW PEANUTS GROW SHOWN of Birds at the Museum of Comparative of French Indo-China, and the following IN NEW EXHIBIT Zoology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, where African species: bushy-tailed meerkat, rusty- he had built up what was admittedly the By B. E. Dahlgren spotted genet, banded mongoose, lesser most comprehensive and well-rounded collec- Acting Curator, Department of Botany African mongoose, African slender mongoose, tion of birds in America. His knowledge of two-spotted civet, and water mongoose. The peanut is of interest for its habit of foreign birds was prodigious and his contri- These animals, all related, live on a wide maturing its seeds under ground, a pecu- butions to the subject were many. Owing range of diets as shown by the exhibited liarity also of a few other legumes. Its to his special interest in the birds of Asia, specimens, many of which are seen with small yellow pea-like flowers are produced the collections recently made by the William their favorite foods. Some eat vegetables like most others in the leaf axils, but after V. Kelley-Roosevelts Expedition to Eastern and fruits, some eat fish, some eat small pollination, when the petals are shed, the Asia for Field Museum were submitted to rodents, some eat snakes, and some eat individual flower stalks elongate, turn down- him for study, and reports prepared by him crocodile eggs. ward, and continue to grow, sometimes have been published by Field Museum. Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS November, 19S2

FOUR LECTURES SCHEDULED Indian people to develop a system of writing. NOVEMBER GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS Their been FOR NOVEMBER hieroglyphs have partially Conducted tours of exhibits, under the deciphered by archaeologists. During November the remaining four guidance of staff lecturers, are made every An important achievement of the afternoon at 3 lectures in the fifty-eighth free course pre- Mayas P.M., except Saturdays, was the establishment of an elaborate sented by Field Museum will be given on Sundays, and certain holidays. Following calendar. It has been to correlate Saturday afternoons in the James Simpson possible is the schedule of subjects and dates for this with our calendar and trace historical Theatre. The lectures begin at 3 p.m. November: dates from the on monuments, Motion pictures and stereopticon slides are inscriptions Week beginning October 31: Monday—Primitive tablets, and other objects. The Maya Musical Instruments; Tuesday—North American In- used to illustrate them. Following is the — — calendar was scientifically constructed, based dians; Wednesday Masks and Costumes; Thursday schedule of dates, subjects and speakers: General — and on astronomical observations. Tour; Friday Crystals Gems.— November 5—Adventures in Alaska Week beginning November 7: Monday Prehistoric Life: Tuesday—Chicago Winter Birds; Wednesday—• William L. Director of Wild Lite Conser- Finley, Egypt and Its Art; Thursday—General Tour; Friday vation, State of Oregon, Jennings Lodge, Oregon —Trees and Wood Products. November 12—The Australian Aborigines Week beginning November 14: Monday—Reptiles, — — Dr. A. R. Radcliffe-Brown, Department of Past and Present; Tuesday Fishes;— Wednesday Anthropology, University of Chicago Man Through the Ages; Thursday General Tour; Friday—Ivories and Their Uses. November 19—The Dutch East—Wonder- — Week beginning —November 21: Monday Animal lands of the Golden East Families; Tuesday— Skeletons, Past and —Present; H. C. Ostrander, Yonkers, New York Wednesday Chinese Exhibits; Thursday General Tour; Friday—Peoples of the South Seas. 26—The of a Submarine November Voyage Week beginning November 28: Monday—Marine Columbus Animals; Tuesday—Pewter and Jade; Wednesday— Brayton Eddy, Providence, Rhode Island African Animals. Persons to should No tickets are necessary for admission wishing participate Entrance. Tours are free to these lectures. apply at North and no gratuities are to be proffered. A new A section of the Theatre is reserved for schedule will appear each month in Field Members of the Museum, each of whom is Museum News. Guide-lecturers' services entitled to two reserved seats on request. for special tours by parties of ten or more Requests for these seats may be made by are available free of charge by arrangement telephone or in writing to the Museum, in with the Director a week in advance. advance of the lecture, and seats will then be held in the Member's name until 3 Gifts to the Museum o'clock on the of the lecture. Members day Following is a list of some of the principal also obtain seats in the reserved section may gifts received during the last month: by presentation of their membership cards From Edward E. —a Chinese ice-chest; from the before 3 o'clock Levy to Theatre attendant P. B. Watrous—slate bannerstone; from George L. on the lecture day, even though no advance Fisher—141 herbarium specimens, Texas; from Madera reservation has been made. All reserved Sugar Pine Company—a sugar pine branch with cones, from Ford Industrial do Braail seats not claimed 3 o'clock will be California; Companhia by opened —48 herbarium specimens with accompanying wood to the general public. specimens, Brazil; from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company— 18 specimens of materials used in manufacturing "Duco and "Fabrikoid"; from Stuart PICTURES L. —49 herbarium New Mexico CHILDREN'S MOTION Thompson specimens, — —RAYMOND FOUNDATION and Colorado; from Dr. Fortunate L. Herrera 54 herbarium specimens, Peru; from C. Osten — 113 herbarium from Frank — There are five more free motion picture specimens, Uruguay; Spaak 20 specimens of mica and 7 of miscellaneous minerals, programs for children to be presented at Canada; from Ottawa Silica Company—2 specimens the Museum in the autumn series of the glass sands, Illinois; from Arthur Roat— 14 specimens James Nelson and Anna Louise Raymond mesolit*, Montana; from Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Below, Miss Nan B. Mason, and Bryan Patterson —91 speci- for Public School and Children's Foundation mens fossil plants, Illinois; from Miss Helen Conover Lectures. These will be given on Saturday —a partly melanistic fox squirrel, Illinois; from Philip — 3 an mornings from November 5 to December 3 Maya Monument Hershkovitz 9 bats, 4 armadillos, lizards, eel, and a centipede, Texas; from Henry Field —5 snakes, inclusive, in the James Simpson Theatre 4 a and 5 Reproduction, exhibited in Hall 8, of an ancient 34 lizards, bats, mouse, insects, Arabia; — from of the Museum. Each will be presented stela, the original of which is still standing at Quirigua, from Wallis Huidekoper a buffalo, Montana; Faulk—a diamond-back rattlesnake, Texas; twice, at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Following is Guatemala. Marty from Clement Hull—a hairy-tailed mole, Ohio; from the schedule of dates and the titles of the Dr. A. M. —a blackburnian warbler, Illinois: "The counted only elapsed time," Lewy films to be shown on each: Mayas from J. L. Jensen—a starling, Denmark; from Mrs. J. Eric Assistant Curator — — says Thompson, James B. Keogh 18 ducks and a woodpecker November 5 The Settlement of James- of Central and South American Archaeology. (mounted); from Dr. A. A. Leibold—a large northern with unusual markings, Minnesota; from Mrs. town; Mining of Soft Coal "As we talk of 2:50 p.m., because 3 o'clock pike A. H. Roper—group of staurolite in mica schist. November 12—The Romance of the Reaper has not yet struck, so the Maya would Wisconsin; from Fred Yoder—7 specimens of limonite speak of the first day of the year not as concretions, Indiana. November 19—From Limestone to Side- January 1, but as January 0. Similarly The Birth of a Three Scouts walk; Chick; our January 2 would be to him January 1. NEW MEMBERS on the Moonbeam Trail This may seem singular to us, but it is The following persons were elected to November 26—Giants of the Grass Family; consistent. Our system is inconsistent, membership in Field Museum during the Down Cape Cod; The Pilgrims for we count days, months and years in period from September 14 to October 15: current and minutes and hours in Associate Members December 3—Around the Year in the Big time, elapsed time. Our year 1932 would, to Mrs. Edward S. Clark, Miss Mary Pomcroy Green, Woods; Thrills and Spills; Mysteries of the Mayas, be 1931 until midnight on Mrs. Maud G. Holmes, Mrs. A. H. Loeb, Mrs. Samuel Snow; Skiing in Cloudland; A Boy's E. James F. Oates. December 31, and only then would they Moist, Christmas Gifts Annual Members call it 1932 because only then would the T. Kenneth Mrs. O. H. Brandenburg, Children from all parts of Chicago and be Mrs. Boyd, year complete. W. Buchen, John William Eich, Edward H. Fabrice, suburbs are invited. "The Mayas marked the passing of the Ward Heller, Mrs. Francis Hemington, Mrs. John J. Gordon P. years by means of four systems. In one Jaburg, Miss Josephine Jewett, Kelley, Bruce Parsons, N. H. Pritchard, Arthur E. Rozene, of these the of a was 365 THE MAYA CALENDAR length year days, Balford Q. Shields, Mrs. Walter F. Straub, Frank M. to our It was divided Mrs. Reproductions of monuments of the corresponding year. Whiston, Henry Young. into 18 months of 20 to which a period ancient Mayas are on exhibition in Hall 8. days, of five days, considered extremely unlucky, Fleischmann Visits Museum The originals of these still stand in Guate- Major was added. No avoidable tasks or activities mala, Yucatan and Honduras. Among distinguished visitors received at were undertaken on these days." From such monuments archaeologists have Field Museum last month was Major Max Cali- learned much of the history and achieve- C. Fleischmann of Santa Barbara, ments of these people who established a A special exhibit of ethnological objects fornia, a Trustee, Vice-President and Acting of civilization in America some 2,000 years illustrating the life of the Mohammedan Director of the Santa Barbara Museum ago. The Mayas, with the Aztecs whom population of China is shown at the north Natural History. Major Fleischmann is they antedated, were the only American end of Hall 34. well known as a hunter and explorer.

PRINTED BV riCLD MUSCUM PRC5S News Published Monthly by Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Vol. 3 DECEMBER, 1932 No. 12

AFRICAN WATER-HOLE, MUSEUM'S LARGEST ANIMAL EXHIBIT, IS COMPLETED By Wilfred H. Osgood White-John Coats Abyssinian Expedition of the animals. Nevertheless, the magnitude Curator, Department of Zoology 1929, which was devoted to the one object of the undertaking was such that he has One of the finest habitat groups in Field of securing the material and studies necessary been almost continuously occupied with it Museum was recently completed and opened for it. Besides Captain White and Major for more than two years with the help to the public in Carl E. Akeley Memorial Coats, the expedition was accompanied by of two assistant taxidermists, the coopera- Hall (Hall 22). This group, called the Taxidermist C. J. Albrecht of the Museum's tion of Staff Artist Charles A. Corwin, who "African Water-Hole," is by far the largest stafi and George G. Carey, Jr., of Baltimore. painted the background, and the facilities animal group in the Museum and, so far In preparing the group, therefore, Mr. offered by the Museum's general organization. as known, the largest in the world. Albrecht has had all the numerous advan- The water-hole is a drinking place which It occupies an area 45 feet wide, 22 feet tages of first-hand contact with his subject is the natural result of climatic conditions deep and 22 feet high, that is, a space com- in nature. While still in the field and with producing scarcity of water or intermittence parable in dimensions to the stage of a the collaboration of his associates, he out- of supply. Although not uncommon else- good-sized theater. Its large proportions lined a preliminary design in which such where, it has an especial prominence in forbid the use of a single view-glass, so it matters as the number and size of the animals Africa where animals of large size and great Page 2 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS December, 1932

Field Museum of Natural History UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO "Mr. Ryerson's generosity toward the Founded by Marshall Field, 1893 PRESENTS HERBARIUM Museum was again revealed in his will which Roosevelt Road and Lake Michigan, Chicago specifled that upon the termination of Field Museum one of Recently acquired certain life trusts. Field Museum is to share the ever THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES largest and most valuable additions in his estate. made to its Herbarium. Twenty-five years Sewell L. Avbry William H. Mitchell "Mr. Ryerson bore an enviable reputation the of its John Bobden Frederick H. Rawson ago University Chicago placed both at home and abroad as a connoisseur WnxiAu J. Chalmers George A. Richardson herbarium, of more than 51,000 sheets, on of art, and his collections rank among the Marshall Field Fred W. Sargent deposit in the Museum. recent action Stanley Field Stephen C. Simms By flnest, testifying to his thorough knowledge of the trustees of the this collec- Ernest R. Graham James Simpson university, and excellent judgment—a judgment highly Albert W. Harris Solomon A. Smith tion now becomes the permanent property respected by artists, art critics, and other Samuel Insull, Jr. Albert A. Spragub of Field Museum. Cyrus H. McCormick Silas H. Strawn collectors aUke. John P, Wilson The herbarium is important university "Mr. Ryerson was highly esteemed in and of the value to OFFICERS scientifically, highest business, and was a leader in various students. It was assembled the Stanley Field Pretident chiefly by important industrial and banking enter- Fint Viee-Pretidency unfilled late John M. Coulter, for many years head temj)orarily prises. He was a graduate in law of Harvard Albert A. Sprague Second Vice-President of the imiversity's botanical department. James Simpson Third Vice-President University, and had been signally honored It contains hundreds of type or standard Stephen C. Simms Director and Secretary by other universities. His public spirit Solomon A. . . TVcomuvr and Assistant specimens of new that he described, Smith. Seeretary plants was evidenced not only by his association in the Umbelliferae or particularly parsley with Field Museum, but also by his activity family. It also contains collections made FIELD MUSEUM NEWS in connection with many other civic, educa- the botanists who the by early explored tional, and charitable institutions of Chicago Stephen C. Simms, Director of the Muaeitm Editor western and southwestern besides states, and other cities. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS thousands of rare plants from widely "Therefore, be it resolved that this expres- Berthold Laufer Curator of Anthropology scattered parts of the eastern hemi- sion of our respect and admiration for Mr. B. E. Dahlgren. Acting Curator of Botany sphere. Oliver C. Farrington Curator of Geology Ryerson, and our heartfelt grief at the loss the Wilfred H. Osgood Curator of Zoology With this accession, Museum's organ- of his companionship and counsel, be spread H. B. Harte Managing Editor ized study collection of plants now consists upon the records of the Board: of more than from 656,000 specimens every "And be it further resolved that our deep Field Museum is of the dxiring of the earth. For of the flora open every day year part study sympathy be conveyed to his widow in her the hours indicated below: of South America it is now one of the best bereavement, and that a copy of this November, December, January 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. equipped institutions in the world. her." February, March, April, October 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. resolution be sent to May, June, July, August, September 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free to Members on all days. Other adults are admitted free on Thursdays, Saturdays and TRUSTEES' RESOLUTION HONORS Dr. Earl E. Sherff a Contributor Sundays; non-members pay 25 cents on other days. MARTIN A. RYERSON Children are admitted free on all days. Students and In recognition of his gifts to Field Museum, faculty members of educational institutions are admit- The Board of Trustees of Field Museum, totaUng more than $3,000 in value, Dr. ted free any day upon presentation of credentials. at its meeting held November 21, adopted Earl E. Sherff has been elected to the class The Museum's natural is for history Library open the resolution in of the of Museum membership designated as reference daily except Saturday afternoon and Simday. following memory late Martin A. their fellow Trustee Contributors. Traveling exhibits are circulated in the schools of Ryerson, Chicago by the N. W. Harris Public School Extension and First Vice-President of the Museum: of the Museum. Department "The Trustees of Field Museum of Natural Horned Gopher Fossil Received Lectures for schools, and special entertainments record the death of at the are History sorrowfully and tours for children Museum, provided An extremely rare fossil, the skull of a the James Nelson and Anna Louise Raymond Martin A. Ryerson, a veteran fellow member by horned which lived in Nebraska in Foundation for Public School and Children's Lectures. of the Board, whose great and valuable gopher the later Miocene about seven million Announcements of free illustrated lectures for the services to the institution began at the time age, and lectures for Members of the Museum, has been given to the Museum public, special of its founding and continued throughout years ago, will appear in Field Museum News. Stout and Ed Hartman of the since. Mr. died on by Thompson serves visitors. Rooms years Ryerson A cafeteria in the Museum Lewellen, Nebraska. This is the first speci- are for those bringing their lunches. August 11, 1932, at the age of seventy-flve. provided men of this animal, which bears the name Motor Coach Company No. 26 buses go He was one of the Incorporators of Field Chicago of to reach the Museum, and direct to the Museum. Museum, a Trustee since it was organized Ceratogaulus, four or five have ever been Members are requested to inform the Museum in 1893, and First Vice-President since 1894. only specimens of of address. to Elmer S. Riggs, promptly changes He rendered important services also as a recovered, according Associate Curator of The member of the Executive Committee from Paleontology. MEMBERSHIP IN FIELD MUSEUM is for exhibition 1894 to 1914, and as a member of the specimen being prepared Field Museum has several classes of Members. Finance Committee from 1901 to 1932. In at an early date. Benefactors give or devise $100,000 or more. Contribu- This fossil rodent was much stouter than tors give or devise $1,000 to $100,000. Life Members addition, he was a Corporate Member, and on its head give $500; Non-Resident (Life) and Associate Members became a Life Member about 1896. the modern gophers, and had pay $100; Non-Resident Associate Members pay $50. two hard sharp-pointed conical horns which All the above classes are exempt from dues. Sustaining "Mr. Ryerson was one of the Museum's it used to maintain a grip on the Members contribute $25 annually. After six years they staunchest friends and most ardent workers. probably Members. Annual Members con- while The animal was become Associate The interest and enthusiasm he displayed ground burrowing. tribute $10 annually. Other are Corpo- It had two memberships of the about the size of a groundhog. rate, Honorary, Patron, and Corresponding, additions at the time of the establishment of teeth. under these classifications being made by special action institution never waned during all the sub- pairs large grinding of the Board of Trustees. sequent years. He found time, despite his Each Member, in all classes, is entitled to free business interests, to devote admission to the Museum for himself, his family and widespread Oils and Rayon house guests, and to two reserved seats for Museum much thought and effort to the building up for Members. to Field most lectures provided Subscription of a natural history institution which should A case showing the important vege- Museum News is included with all The memberships. of and of which table oils used for industrial purposes, such courtesies of every museum of note in the United fulfill the needs Chicago, as the of and varnish, States and Canada are extended to all Members of the city could be proud. He was a man making soap, paint his card economic Field Museum. A Member may give personal of remarkable intellect and insight, in whom has been added to the botany to non-residents of Chicago, upon presentation of and abilities were exhibits in Hall 28. A large part of the which they will be admitted to the Museum without extraordinary powers oils which constitute this exhibit was donated charge. Further information about memberships will matched to an exceptional degree by his be sent on for the Dr. Otto Eisenschiml of request. gentleness, kindliness, and personal charm. purpose by He had a natural inborn with the Scientific Oil Compounding Company BEQUESTS AND ENDOWMENTS sympathy the aims of a great public institution of of Chicago. to Field Museum of Natural Bequests History may this and a keen understanding of the Another new exhibit of interest in this be made in securities, money, books or collections. kind, His hall is a half case added to the They may, if desired, take the form of a memorial to best ways of accomplishing them. sage recently a person or cause, named by the giver. advice was of tremendous value in the cellulose products which shows various kinds contributions made within the taxable Cash year deliberations of the Trustees. His gifts, of so-called artificial silk or rayon. The not 15 cent of the net income exceeding per taxpayer's in additions to the exhibit shows the involved and are allowable as deductions in computing net income both in money and principle in the under Article 251 of Regulation 69 relating to the collections, placed his name high on the the various steps taken production Act of income tax under the Revenue 1926. Museum's list of Contributors, while the of rayon from cotton linters and from wood Endowments be made to the Museum with the may eminent services he rendered were pulp. In the same case are shown the steps that an be to the for life. many provision annuity paid patron of Duco or varnish These annuities are tax-free and are guaranteed against given recognition by his election in 1922 in the preparation lacquer fluctuation in amount. as an Honorary Member. from cotton. December, 1932 FIELD MUSEUM NEWS Page S

THE RHINOCEROS OF CHINA boiled together with spices into a gelatinous NEW METEORITE SPECIMENS By Berthold Laufer mass that is regarded as a delicacy and a FROM TEXAS CRATER tonic for feeble persons. Curator^ Department of Anthropology good By Oliver C. Farrington There are many interesting representa- Curator, Department of Geology In 1792 the Earl of Macartney was tions of the rhinoceros preserved in bronze, first of the received as the ambassador clay, and wood-engravings. The Museum Two specimens of a meteorite recently to court of China. Before British king the possesses a gilt bronze fig:urine of a recumbent received through the kindness of Dr. C. T. the audience took place, the ceremonial to two-horned rhinoceros with well modeled Elvey of the Yerkes Observatory are of be observed was discussed by British and head and body. The skin folds especially interest as the first acquired by Field that the Chinese officials, the latter insisting are well brought out. This figurine is on Museum from a "meteor crater" other than earl perform the kotow before the emperor. exhibition in Stanley Field Hall (Case 7) the well-known one at Canyon Diablo, The British envoy declined to suffer this and was presented to the Museum by the Arizona. These specimens came from the humiliation. The Chinese officials were American Friends of China, Chicago, and "crater" at Odessa, Texas. First noted as embarrassed but after deliberation solved Mr. Herbert J. Devine. a "blowout," later observations showed the problem. They explained to the emperor that the area is roughly circular in outline, were not that "the foreign barbarians"— EXTINCT "FOUR-LEGGED FISH" with a diameter of about 500 feet, a depth built like Chinamen that they had no of about eighteen feet, and a rim raised sensational of numbers joints in their legs, and if bowed down to A discovery large two or three feet above the surrounding of fossils of a so-called fish that the ground were unable to rise. The emperor "four-legged plain. As at Meteor Crater, Arizona, the walked ashore" was in was thus persuaded to waive the kotow, as recently reported inner slopes are steep and dip away from he did not desire a casualty or an unseemly the newspapers, on the return to Copen- the center. of Dr. Arctic spectacle. hagen Lauge Koch, explorer, About the "crater," small iron meteorites from an in Greenland. These The officials' stratagem is traceable to an expedition and pieces of "iron shale," a name given old Indian fable concerning the rhinoceros, creatures were identified as belonging to to meteoric masses altered by exposure to the order the earliest four- related by a sea captain who came to China Stegocephali, limonite, are found. Both of these varieties footed vertebrates. in the ninth century. He reported that the are represented in the specimens received Dr. B. E. Curator of rhinoceros has straight legs with no articula- Dahlgren, Acting from Dr. Elvey. at Field calls attention tion, and sleeps by leaning against trees. Botany Museum, No exploration has yet been carried on Hunters of rhinoceroses in India, he declared, at the Texas locality to determine whether erect frail wooden shanties to trap the beasts. a large meteoric mass such as might have The rhinoceros, he said, would lean against made the crater lies buried there. Mean- the decayed timbers of the trap, which while other "meteor craters" have been would collapse, causing the animal to fall. discovered elsewhere. Besides the series Unable to rise, it became an easy prey to found on the Stony Tunguska River in its captors. central Siberia which have as yet yielded No animal has been surrounded with no meteoric material, a group of thirteen more wondrous lore, fabulous notions and craters has been discovered near Henbury bizarre speculations than the rhinoceros. in central AustraUa, and a large one at In ancient times climatic conditions in Wabar in southern Arabia. About Henbury northern China were different from now. many pieces of meteoric iron, "iron shale," Early Amphibian The hills were crowned by dense forests and "silica glass" have been found. Con- Restoration of one of the first of the haunted pachyderms, including four-legged the Arabian the Arabs by huge vertebrates, on exhibition in Ernest R. Graham Hall. cerning locality, rhinoceroses. During the first millennium have a legend that it was once a city which B.C., the rhinoceros was still abundant in cen- to the fact that restorations of an extinct was destroyed by fire from heaven as a tral and southern China. It is mentioned in amphibian of this order are on exhibition punishment for its wickedness. ancient songs and accounts of hunting in the Museum. One of these may be seen expeditions. Its horn was carved into in the reconstruction of a Coal Age forest PARADISE NUTS ornamental drinking cups and used in mak- which occupies the south end of Ernest R. its hide the favorite ing bows, and was Graham Hall (Hall 38). The second restora- Paradise nuts are the seeds of several for armor. As material arrow-proof agri- tion is shown separately in its place among species of large forest trees of South America, the culture gradually advanced, deforesting the chronologically arranged collections in especially of the Amazon region, where they hills the mammals were and plains, large that hall of prehistoric creatures of all ages. are known as sapucaia nuts. They are exterminated or took refuge elsewhere. related to Brazil nuts, and like them are The common notion that the rhinoceros IVORY OBJECTS FROM CHINA produced within large woody fruits. The is ferocious, using its horn as a weapon of Brazil nut fruits, however, drop from the offence (the sharp low tusks are its real Until comparatively recent times phy- trees intact and must be split with a machete weapon) is erroneous. On the contrary, sicians attending women of the upper class or ax, while the sapucaia fruits remain on the animal appears to be of a gentle and in China never saw their patients except the tree and open by a lid which permits harmless disposition, easily tamed and kept for a hand extended from behind a concealing the seeds to drop and scatter. These are in confinement, or transported over long curtain or screen for the taking of the pulse. therefore difficult to obtain in quantity, distances. Numerous Chinese records ex- For the rest of their diagnosis the doctors especially because they are a favorite food tending over many centuries indicate that had to depend upon a proxy in the form of of large native rodents. live rhinoceroses were brought from Indo- a small carved figure of a woman upon which A fruiting branch of a sapucaia tree was China to the Chinese capital as gifts to the patient indicated the location of her obtained in Pard by the Marshall Field emperors. They were housed in animal parks complaint. Botanical Expedition to the Amazon in attached to the palaces, and cared for by One of these figures, carved from ivory, 1929. This branch, its perishable parts officials especially appointed for the purpose. is on exhibition in a collection of various restored, and a section of the fruit, have Some of the greatest poets of China have Chinese ivory objects installed in George T. been added to the exhibits in the Hall of sung the praises of interned rhinoceroses. and Frances Gaylord Smith Hall (Hall 24). Plant Life (Hall 29). The exhibit was Rhinoceros horn was regarded by all The exhibit comprises objects of many prepared by the Stanley Field Plant Repro- oriental nations as a marvel of nature. and various kinds from different parts of duction Laboratories. It was believed to neutralize poison, because China, and covers a wide range of time the animal devours all sorts of with the archaic vegetable beginning period (1122-247 Gift from Viennese Scientist poisons with its food. Another ancient B.C.). fable ascribed to the rhinoceros an arrow- Included in the exhibit are several pairs An exceptionally valuable collection of proof hide that formed an impervious armor of ivory chopsticks; some exquisite fans of type specimens of plants of the family over its body. As a matter of fact, its skin the Manchu court, plaited from ivory threads Nyctaginaceae (the "four o'clocks") has been is quite soft and sensitive, and arrows, and overlaid with colored ivory carvings; presented to Field Museum by Dr. Anton spears, knives and bullets can easily pene- cages for keeping singing and fighting Heimerl, of Vienna, foremost student of trate it. Only when properly prepared and crickets; and a miscellany of fans, tablets, this family. The specimens will be of much dried does the skin assume that iron-like writing-brush holders, figures of goddesses, use to Associate Curator Paul C. Standley hardness which has made it valuable for saints, monks and other revered persons, in his work upon this group of plants, and cuirasses and shields. various kinds of ornamental objects, a desk in conformity with the wishes of Dr. Heimerl In China rhinoceros skin and feet are screen, scent box, foot-measures, girdle they will be preserved permanently in the boiled into a jelly that is a highly esteemed pendants, combs, back scratchers, opium Museum Herbarium where they will be medicine. In Siam the skin is sliced and smokers' equipment, and other material. accessible to students. Page i FIELD MUSEUM NEWS December, 1932

FIELD MUSEUM MEMBERSHIPS The setting includes reproductions of a DECEMBER GUIDE-LECTURE TOURS large wild fig tree and several tall nests of AS CHRISTMAS GIFTS Conducted tours of exhibits, under the termites or "white ants." A tick-bird is 1 ) guidance of staff are made (Continued from page perched on the rhino's back and some guinea lecturers, everj' afternoon at 3 p.m., except whom a membership in a cultural institution fowl at one side add interest and realism. Saturdays, Sundays, and certain holidays. Following would Moreover, it is a gift that The scene is in southern Abyssinia in the appeal. is the schedule of and dates for — it will of Lake Rudolf. subjects will not be forgotten instead, region December: remind the recipient of you many times a — for he will receive monthly his copy Thursday, December 1 General Tour; Fridaj — year, MONKEYS AND PLANT COLLECTING Animals at Home. of Field Museum News, be able to obtain Week beginning December 5: —Africa and seats for the Museum In reference to an article that Monday reserved lectures, appeared Madagascar; Tuesday—Mummies and Burial Customs; in of in the number of Field Museum —Life in — and participate other privileges August Wednesday —the Far North; Thursday Members. Among these may be mentioned News, under the heading "Monkeys Aid General Tour; Friday Skeletons. free admission to the Museum for the Scientist in Collecting Plants," the following Week beginning December 12: Monday—Mines and Ores; Tuesday— — of his and house at statement has been received from Dr. C. R. Jewelry; Wednesday Story Member, family, guests Coal and Peat; Thursday—General Tour; Fri<^y— all times; the right to have out-of-town Carpenter of the Laboratories of Compara- Looms and Textiles. friends admitted free of charge on presenta- tive Psychobiology of Yale University: Week beginning December 19: Monday—Miniature Home — and tion of the Member's personal card, and "For the past year I have been carefully Groups; Tuesday Reptiles Fishes; Wednesday—Feathers and Their Uses; Thursday^ the to obtain certain Museum the life all activities opportunity studying history and General Tour; Friday—Mexican .Archaeology. on when a of the of Barro publications request. Also, howling monkeys Colorado Week beginning December 26: Monday—Christmas Member travels, the courtesies of every Island in the Panama Canal Zone. One holiday, no tour; Tuesday—Plant and Animal Lite — museum of note in the United States and part of this study was to ascertain the kinds of Long Ago; Wednesday—Chinese Halls; Thursday General Tour; Friday—Indians. Canada are extended to him. of foods eaten by this species of primate throughout the period of the field work. Persons wishing to participate should at North free CHILDREN'S MOTION PICTURES The animals are strictly arboreal and it was apply Entrance. Tours are impossible to obtain specimens directly from and no gratuities are to be proffered. A new —RAYMOND FOUNDATION the trees in which they fed. The howler is schedule will appear each month in Field wasteful of food acti- Museum News. Guide-lecturers' services The last of the current series of free very during feeding vities, however, and drops much partially for special tours by parties of ten or more motion picture programs for children pre- eaten fruit and leaves or terminal are available free of sented the James Nelson and Anna many charge by arrangement by to the with the Director a week in advance. Louise Raymond Foundation for Public twigs ground, probably accidentally. The collection of leaves and fruits of School and Children's Lectures will be given tropical trees sent to Field Museum was gathered Gifts to the on Saturday morning, December 3, in the Museum from this waste material imder the trees James Simpson Theatre of the Museum. in which the animals had been or were Following is a list of some of the principal Five films will be shown, as follows: "Around and care was taken to the gifts received during the last month: the Year in the Big Woods," "Thrills and feeding, identify specimen obtained with the leaves or fruit From Mrs. Alexander A. McCormick—2 pale green Spills," "Mjrsteries of Snow," "Skiing in being eaten by the animals. The howlers scarabs, one of King Amenophis III (18th d\-nasty, Cloudland," and "A Boy's Christmas Gifts." 1400 B.C.J, Egypt; from Arthur U. Pope—6 prehistoric were in the wild, untamed and influenced as bronze — There will be two showings of the films, implements, Persia; from Abb^ Henri Breuil little as the observer. 45 China and one at 10 and one at 11 a.m. possible by The archaeological implements, France; beginning A.M., from Harper Kelley—5 notched flints of the Solutrian howUng monkeys did not cooperate, in a Children from all parts of Chicago and period, France; from Dr. .\nton Heimerl—100 true in the collection frag- suburbs are invited to attend. sense, making plant ments of type specimens of Nyctaginaceae; from Miss and it is doubtful if they could be trained Caroline C. Haynes—26 herbarium specimens of United from William A. — to do so; although this may be possible hepatics, States; Schipp 126 herbarium specimens, British Honduras; from WATER-HOLE GROUP with some other species of primates." Companhia Ford Industrial do Brasil —40 herbarium and 30 {Continued from page I) specimens accompanjing wood specimens, Brazil; from James H. Wells —a fruiting branch of in regular quantities, but if it becomes Children Studying Art at Museuni pecan, Florida; from Federacion Nacional de Cafeteroe —20 photographs of coffee industry, Colombia; from exhausted some of the animals make long — In addition to the regular art research Kanekichi Endo —a board of kiri wood, Japan; from treks to more favored spots, others doubtless classes of advanced students which have Mrs. Ynes Mexia 179 herbarium specimens, Brazil; of still others survive in from William Walker—2 prairie rattlesnakes, Michigan; die thirst, and been conducted at Field for Museum a from Karl Plath —a yellow-headed parrot; from John apparent comfort without drinking. — Among number of years in cooperation with the G. Shedd Aquarium a specimen of wrasse (fish); last are — these the oryx and the eland, two Art classes of children from Refior Hardware Company a starling (in the Institute, younger from — of the species in this group, both large, flesh), Illinois; Henry Field 6 European moles, from the Saturday School of the Institute England; from Pierce Brodkorb—2 a animals that are known to exist for rabbits, weasel, heavy are now being brought to the Museum for a chipmunk, and a white-crowned sparrow, Idaho; weeks or even months in absolutely waterless work. from Edward A. Zimmerman—19 specimens of corals special and regions. Doubtless this is accomplished by shells, and a pearl, French Oceania; from Sharat About 130 children are involved in the K. Roy, Henry Field, and Brj-an Patterson—79 physiological processes which conserve the various classes now coming to the Museum specimens of fossil worms, Illinois; from Thompson water within their bodies while sufficient Stout and Ed Hartman—6 fossil on Saturdays. They range from children — specimens, Nebraska; additions are made to it through the rela- from Robert Bresky a specimen of rhyolite, showing about nine years old to high school flow structure, Illinois; from Mr. and Mrs. J. R, small of moisture contained up Below, tively quantities students. Those in the classes of Miss Nan Mason, and Bryan Patterson —25 specimens in their food. younger vegetable children are to the Museum of invertebrate fossils, Illinois; from .\rthur Lees and brought by John Mann—a of an The water-hole offers unusual specimen enlarged crinoid, oppor- their instructors periodically, while the older Indiana. tunities for the close observation and study students alternate on a regular schedule of animals otherwise difficult to approach. between work at the Institute and work at NEW MEMBERS Hence it has been much resorted to by the Museum. A number of the students and The following persons were elected to sportsmen, travelers, especially by are winners of Art Institute scholarships membership in Field Museum during the photographers, who conceal themselves near- awarded for good work in the public schools. period from October 16 to November 15: by and record the actions of the animals At the Museum the efforts of the classes with Contributor comparative ease. are concentrated chiefly on drawing of Twenty-three animals of six different animals, and studies in design work as Dr. Eari E. Sherff species are shown in the Museum's group. exemplified in ethnological collections. Associate Members Many others frequent water-holes, but this Miss Minnie A. Albert, A. Watson Armour III, Glen B. is a typical assemblage. Five giraffes occupy Kersey. Library Receives Gifts Annual Members a commanding position and giraffes, it may Mrs. E. W. William F. Mrs. R. be remembered, are among the largest of The Fisheries Society of Japan has pre- Ankrum, Bohner, M. Davis, Roland P. Dodds, Gordon F. Fowler, Mrs. land exceeded in sented to the of Field Museum a living mammals, being Library M. B. Gleason, John Glover, James M. Hopkins, Jr., weight only by elephants, rhinos, and hippos. copy of Volume 2 of "Illustrations of Mrs. Norman Ibsen. Mrs. Maurice H. Mandelbaum, Miss Even the black rhinoceros, which occupies Japanese Aquatic Plants and Animals." Joseph Michaels, Minnie Nelson, G. F. Oliver, Fred A. Dr. William W. P. the The the Pettersen, Raim, Sidley, water supply while the giraffes look society had given Museum Volume 1 George R. Stewart. wistfully at her, seems dwarfed by them. about a year ago. The books are remarkable for the of The species is the reticulated giraffe, which quality their illustrations. Monotremes, the peculiar egg-laying mam- has very rich color and striking markings. Mrs. James Keogh, of Chicago, has pre- mals of Australia, and the marsupials or Other mammals shown are the eland, oryx. sented to the Library an interesting coUec- pouched mammals, are an interesting feature Grant's gazelle, and Grant's quagga or zebra. tion of sportsmen's books. of the systematic collections in Hall 15.

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