NATURE NOTES - 1940
DATE AUTHOR TITLE
ASTRONOMY
Jan. 40 O'Byrne, Stuart Rare Opportunity This Month to See Every Planet in the Evening 
Sky
Feb. 40 Mr. Lewis Dougan, Principal of Bates School, will talk on 
"Star Names and Their Meaning", 8 PM, Friday, Feb. 9, aat
the Hill Home, 6438 Scanlan Ave.
Jul. 40 O'Byrne, Stuart June Skies - Account of the June 14 Group meeting above the
Meramec Quarry for star-gazing.  
BOTANY
Jan. 40 Miss Clara Heising will talk on the History of Paper at the
Botany Group meeting at the Schnaedelbachs, 653 E. Adams,
Kirkwood
May. 40 Dreyer, A. W. The Mystery of False Dew - Photographs illustrating this 
phenomenon will be shown at the next Botany meeting.
May. 40 Mr. Julian Steyermark's book of Missouri flora has finally been 
published at $5 per copy.
Jun. 40 M. D. H. Beautiful Trees (seen in Missouri).
Sep. 40 Lowewyks, Maude C. White Rose Pink - A white version of this normally rose pink 
flower was found at Ranken by Mrs. Pickens during the last 
week of August.
Dec. 40 Dreyer, A. W. Dittany Blooms Again - It's all over the Ranken tract, and will 
produce frost flowers as usual.  See Nature Notes, Dec. 1939 
issue, for more on this subject.
CONSERVATION
Nov. 40 About That McCawley Bill - WGNSS members are urged to join
with the Audubon Society of Missouri and the St. Louis Bird Club in
defeating this bill (Prop. 5 on the November election ballot).  
This bill seeks the repeal of the constitutional amendment which
established a non-partisan Missouri Wildlife Conservation 
Commission.
ENTOMOLOGY
Feb. 40 A Symposium on Insectivorous Plants will be conducted by
Harold O'Byrne, Mrs. Harold O'Byrne, Marshall Magner, Hugo
Press and Dave Hill at Lodewyks, 616 Lilac Ave., Webster 
Groves, Friday the 16th.
Mar. 40  O'Byrne, Harold Notes on Butterfly Migration, II (Bull. Brooklyn Ent. Soc., vol. 34,
pp. 252-54, Dec. 1939.  Adds some new records to those published
pp. 252-54, Dec. 1939). Adds some new records to those published
in 1932 (same journal, vol. 27, pp. 185-188).
May. 40 H. E. P. War!  Man Versus Insects!  War!  - Historical account of the war
between man and insects and how how the insects affect man.
Extensive and scholarly.
May. 40 Rau, Phil The Life History of the Wood Roach, Parcoblatta pennsylvanica 
(Ent. News, vol. 51, pp. 4-9, Feb.-Mar., 1939)
May. 40   Rau, Phil The Nesting Habits of Several Species of Mexican Social Wasps
(Ann. Ent. Soc. Of Amer., vol. 39, pp. 81-93, Mar. 1940)
Jun. 40 H. P. The Flit-Gun Entomolgist - The "Bomb" fly, Order:  Diptera;
Family, Oestridae.  A comprehensive article about this pest,
which is a serious pest for cattle.
Jul. 40 O'Byrne, Harold Some Insects at Pere Marquette State Park, seen on field trip
on June 2.
Jul. 40 For some time we've been aware of Phil Rau's interest in cock-
roaches.  He's published on the oriental roach, Blatta orientalis, 
in 1924, and on the wood roach, Parcoblatta pennsylvanica, in Jan.
and Feb. 1940.  Now his new work on the American cockroach,
Periplaneta americana, has begun to appear serially in the 
Entomological News.
Aug. 40 Braden, Fern Termites - Comprehensive
Aug. 40  Lodewyks, Maude C. Katydid or Katydidn't--or Did She?  - I heard Amblycorypha
oblongifolia (Katydid to you and you and you) on the evening of
July 16, 1940 for the first time this year.  When did you first hear
it?  Send me a penny post card with date.  The Museum exhibit
for August will feature sound producing insects.
Sep. 40 O'Byrne, Haold Insects - A recommended book for non-technical readers is
"The World of Insects" by Carl D. Duncan and Gayle Pickwell, 
McGraw-Hill, 1939.  Provides outline of book's contents.  Pickwell
is an active member of the American Nature Society.
Oct. 40 Rau, Phil Auditory Perception in Insects, with Special Reference to the
Cockroach (Quarterly Review of Biology, vol. 15, pp. 121-155, 
June 1940.
Nov. 40 A Butter-Fly Picture Book.  Mr. Harold O'Byrne displayed his new
book at the October meeting of the Enomology Group.  It 
consists of 48 plates, containing 114 figures and 179 specimens
belonging to 91 species.  This book is an album of photographs of
all the specimens in his collection.  It is intended to afford an easy
means of identifying butterflies in the St. Louis region.
Dec. 40 O'Byrne, Harold Eery Lights in the Woods (near the Lodge).  Source appeared to 
be earthworms.  Historical review of similar occurrences given.  
if someone sees glowworms in the future, obtain specimens for 
further examination and write an article for Nature Notes about the
findings.  (Note:  Have seen glowing worms several times after dark
at water's edge while on canoe floats. - JFA)
Dec. 40 Pfeffer, Magdalen Insect Notes - Feedback from a lecture by Father Link at a
meeting of the Pere Marquette Nature Study Group.
Dec. 40 Rau, Phil Some Mud-daubing Wasps of Mexico and Their Parasites (Annals
Ent. Soc. Amer., vol. xxxiii, pp. 590-595, Sept. 1940)
GEOLOGY
Mar. 40 The Geology Group will resume meetings on Wednesday, March 
6, at the Hill home at 6438 Scanlan Ave.
JUNIORS
Feb. 40 Jones, Sterling P. Junior Academy of Science.  Juniors of the Academy of Science
will report on the action in a rose-breasted grosbeak nest within
three blocks of Webster Groves Junior High School.
Mar. 40 Jones, Sterling P., Editor Young Bird Lovers Write Interesting Observations of Grosbeak Pair.
Mar. 40 Boy Ornithologists Help Prepare Webster Bird Sanctuary for the
Birds.  The 1/4 acre Sanctuary is where the Plant residence 
once stood and was donated to the City by the late Mrs. Fred 
Plant.
LODGE
Jan. 40 Stones, Victor L. New Stove at Lodge.  The year can now be a year-round
institution that all members can enjoy, not just the hardy.
Jan. 40 Hill, Robert The Librarian thanks Mrs. Krebs for donating back issues of 
Nature Notes
Mar. 40 Dreyer, Adolph How to Make Tree Rings Visible - Use shoe Polish and sandpaper
on stumps.  Since tree rings and sunspots are a correlated 
phenomenon, the availability of stumps close to the Lodge makes
this an appropriate study.  (Woodsmen are now cutting out the 
largest trees at the Ranken ract, many close to the Lodge.)
Apr. 40 Hubricht, Leslie The Fauna of the Ranken  Caves
Apr. 40 Annual Meeting!  All members should make an effort to attend
the annual meeting this year, because at that time the plan
whereby the Society will take over the Lodge is to be voted on,
and the necessary changes in the constitution are to be approved.
(See Administrative Section, Mar. 40)
May. 40 O'Byrne, Stuart L. The Ranken Nature Museum!  …..The apathy of the members
toward the museum is almost unbelievable…..The policy of 
limiting the building of collections and other work to a few 
members…..seems to have had a malefic effect….what should be
done, and what goals should the museum have….?  Please 
send your thoughts to me, the Director.
Jun. 40 Stones, Victor L. WGNSS has taken over the Lodge for the use of its members.
Chmn. Lodge Board A statement of general rules that will govern its use by members.
Jun. 40 O'Byrne, Stuart L., June at the Lodge.  Description of June exhibits.
Dir., Museum Board
Jun. 40 From this time forth everyone must carry his membership card
when tramping over the Ranken Tract out at the Museum
Oct. 40 Lodge Keys - Keys from the Lodge may be obtained from Mrs.
Pickens
Nov. 40 Pfeffer, Magdalen Our Lodge - it isn't used as much as it should be.  It's surrounded
by a 5,000 acre tract of land over which we may roam at will and
enjoy its beauty.  Other nature study societies would consider it
of great value.  The Lodge has a new wood stove and the lodge is
usable in winter as well as in warmer weaather.  Tells how to get a
key and some of the rules of use.
Dec. 40 Jones, Sterling P. The Legende of the Lodge - Disparages the widely held perception
(Ex-Member of the Unit) that the Lodge was built by "selfish gnomes" who called them-
selves "The Unit".  Expresses the hope that the "new regime" may
bring back the old time members but will also attract newer ones
who will make more use of the splendid opportunities to wander
through Nature's delightful byways.  
MUSIC
Feb.40 The Most Popular Symphony according to a poll is 
Tchaikowsky's No. 6.  Society members may hear this at the
Music Group meeting on Feb. 4.  And there will be a surprise
offering for Valentine's Day.
Apr. 40 Music meeting at 8 PM at the home of Mr. Roth, 332 Central
Place, Kirkwood.  The program will feature Bach's Toccata and
Fugue in D Minor, Bach's Concerto for Violin, Mendelssohn's 
Concerto in A Minor, and Mozart's Symphony in G Minor.  (WOW)
(This announcement given here to indicate the type of programs and
the apparent vitality of the group.)
ORNITHOLOGY
Jan. 40 Link, Father George Construction Halted at Pere Marquette Park to Let Birds Finish
Nesting
Feb. 40 Hill, David D. Observation of Baltimore Oriole's Courtship, Nesting, and 
Family Raising
Feb. 40 Christmas Bird Census, at Ranken:  44 species; 1727 individuals.
Feb. 40 Jones, Sterling P. Audubon Spring Meeting at Warrensburg, Mo., on April 19, 20, and
21st
Apr. 40 Hill, Margaret Birding on the Mississippi (above the Alton dam); thousands of
remigrating red-headed woodpeckers seen.
Apr. 40 Comfort, W. B. 160 Species Seen in Vicinity of Glendale and Webster Groves by
Members
Apr. 40 Hill, Ludlow Albino Robin Seen on Bird Census in January.
Apr. 40 Important Announcement - Members of WGNSS are invited 
by the St. Louis Bird Club to a lecture by Professor A. A. Allen
of Cornell Universigty on April 18 at Soldan High School.  Dr. 
Allen's lecture will be "Stalking Birds with a Color Camera".
Apr. 40 Short, Wayne On April 1 the Bird Club will have Mr. Frederick C. Lincoln of the
Bureau of Biological Survey, Washington, to give a lecture at the 
Apr. 40 Jefferson Memorial. His subject will be:  "Management of Migra-
tory Waterfowl Resources."
May. 40 Ornith. Group Reporter Hold June 3 Open.  Young ornithologist Roger Tory Peterson will
be passing through St. Louis and will speak at the St. Louis Bird
Club.
May. 40 H. E. P. The Ring-Billed Gull at Horseshoe Lake, Ill.  Also lots of coots.
Jun. 40 Opportunities for Birders Ahead:
     A.  George E. Moore, Sec. of the Mo. Audubon Society, has
     been appointed State Naturalist at Meramec State Park.
     B.  Rev. George Link is State Naturalist at Pere Marquette 
     State Park.
     C.  Roger Tory Peterson, author of Peterson's Field Guide to
     the Birds, will stop over in St. Louis on the evening of June 3.
     D.  There are seventeen opening for members to visit the 
     Cobb Island bird retreat just off the coast of Virginia.  Contact
     the National Assn. of Audubon Societies.
Jun. 40 List of pending legislation involving birds about which members are
urged to write their representatives in Congress.
Jun. 40   Disposition of the case involving the Bald Eagle killed in St. Louis
County last February.
Jun. 40 S. P. Jay A map of the Oak Hill Cemetery is available.  The superintendent
says that any of our members who wish to visit the spot for bird
says that any of our members who wish to visit the spot for birding
are welcome at any time.
Jun.40 We are invited by the St. Louis Bird Club to hear Roger Tory
Peterson at 8 PM at Mary Institute.
Jul. 40 Pickens, Mary K. Charm of Pere Marquette Park Captivates All.  About 30 members
went to Pere Marquette Park on June 2.  Father Link was very
hospitable.  For those who could only sit and wait, it seemed 
that the birds would come and sit down beside them.
Aug. 40 Bird Group Reporter At Oak Hill Cemetery - Visit by 36 bird "inspecors on Sunday
At Oak Hill Cemetery - Visit by 36 bird "inspectors" on Sunday
morning, June 3.
Sep. 40   Wayne Short to Lecture on Birds - Short, President of the St.
Louis Bird Club, will teach a course called "Popular Ornithology"
at Washington University during the fall months.
Sep. 40 Dreyer, A. W. American Goldfinch - A description from the Diary of John
Burroughs, Aug. 30, 1883.
PEOPLE
Feb. 40 Patricia Hill is a new arrival at the Ludlow Hill home, 634 Scanlan 
Ave.  She was born Dec. 28, 1939
Feb. 40 Mr. & Mrs. Harold O'Byrne, who have been living in Urbana, Ill. and 
New York for several years have returned to Webster Groves.
Feb. 40 Satterthwaits give Scholarship - At the A.N.N.S. convention 
last month it was announced that Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Satterthwait
Feb. 40 had given a scholarship to the Association to be named for Miss
Nellie Matlock of St.Louis
Apr. 40 Jones, Sterling P. Herman Schwarz - "When I die I want to die in a Scout uniform--at 
a Scout meeting", he once said.  And he did die at a Scout Court
of Honor:  he collapsed while making Court of Honor awards to a 
group of Eagle Scouts.   His career as an avid naturalist also
presented.
May. 40 Mr.Julian Steyermark's book of Missouri flora has finally been 
published.  For those new to the Society, we can say that Julian
has long een a very active member of WGNSS, serving once as
has long been a very activd member of WGNSS, serving once as 
chairman of the Botany group.  
May. 40 Sunny Lee Pfeiffer - We are happy to announce that on March 
27 a baby girl by the name of Sunny Lee was born to Mr. & Mrs.
Fred Pfeiffer.
Aug. 40 Pfeffer, Magdalen Nature Magazine, in its June-July issue, quotes from Mr. Dreyer's
article about using shoe polish to make tree rings more visible
(and photographable).  I think it's great for our members to 
use shoe polish on something; it's conspicuous by its absence on
our boots.
Aug. 40 Lodewyks, Maude C. Father Link has gone to Mayo Brothers (Clinic) for an operation.
He plans to be back about Aug. 1
Aug. 40 Former Member of WNSS Dead - Prof. J. Andrew Drushel died
about the middle of July.  He was formerly teacher of mathematics
at Harris Teachers College.  His herbarium of 7000 plants has
been bequeathed to the Missouri Botanical Garden
Nov. 40 Prominent Member - Stuart O'Byrne appeared on the Adult
Education Program of KSD last September and spoke on 
amateur astronomy.  He was introduced as the most outstanding
astronomer in the St. Louis area.
Nov. 40 Announcement of the marriage of Mr. William Gallagher and 
Miss Mary Cowgill on Dec. 14 and Mr. Victor L. Stones and Miss
Catherine Hill on Dec. 5
MISCELLANEOUS
Jan. 40 Stones, Victor L. How Standard Time is Calculated
Sep. 40 Gallagher, William A Trip to the (Selway Bitterroot Primitive Area) Wilderness (in 
Idaho) - Lengthy, interesting; made by five WGNSS hikers.
Oct. 40 Pfeffer, Magdalen Natural Science in Honduras - Letter from a missionary friend in
Honduras
Oct. 40 O'Byrne, Harold About Mammals - I recommended a book about insects in the 
September issue.  An equally good book on mammals has recently
appeared, which I recommend:  American Mammals, Their Lives,
Habits, and Economic Relations, by W. J. Hamilton, Jr., 
McGraw-Hill, 1940, price $3.75.  Gives chapter headings.
Nov. 40 Krautter, Betty The San Isabel National Forest (Southwest of Pueblo, Colo.) - A
hike there.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Jan. 40 New Members (6)
Feb.40 The Keeper of the Mansion Orchids to Nature Notes; Compliments the Nov. 39 issue.
Mar. 40 New Members (10)
Mar. 40 Proposed Amendments to the Constiution To Be Voted On At The
Annual Meeting on April 5, 1940 - Numerous changes, all 
involving the Nature Study Lodge, some quite significant.
(See Lodge Section, Apr. 40)
May. 40 Rau, Edna, 1st V. P. A Membership Drive. Let me know the name and addres of any one
you know who is a membership prospect.  We want new members!
Jun. 40 Officers of the Society elected at the Annual Meeting on April 5 
are as follows:
     President - Mrs. Wm. Pickens
     1st. V. P. - Miss Edna Rau
     2nd V. P. - Miss Sally Cowgill
     Secy.-Treas. - Miss Magdalen Pfeffer
     Museum Director - Mr. Stuart O'Byrne
     Lodge Director - Mr. Victor L. Stones
     Curator of Properties - Mr. A. D. DeVilbiss
     Editor - Miss Margaret Hill
Group Reporters
Astronomy - Stuart L. O'Byrne
Botany - Hugh Preis
Entomology - Sally Cowgill
Ornithology -  S. P. Jones
Photography - A. W. Dreyer
The Museum Board
     Director - Stuart L. O'Byrne
     President of the Society (ex. Officio) - Mrs. Wm. Pickens
     Director of the Lodge (ex. Officio) - Victor L. Stones
     Curator of Anthropology - Betsy Blackwelder
     Curator of Geology - Magdalen Pfeffer
     Curator of Botany - Maude C. Lodewyks
     Curator of Zoology - Hugo Preis
     Librarian - Robert Hill
The Museum Staff
Director - Stuat L. O'Byrne
Dept. of Anthropology
     Curator - Betsy Blackwelder
Dept. of Geology
     Curator - Magdalene Pfeffer
     Assistant in Paleontology and Astronomy - Stuart L. O'Byrne
Dept. of Botany
     Curator - Maude C. Lodewyks
     Assistant in Botany - David Hill
Dept. of Zoology 
     Curator - Hugh Preis
     Assistant in Ornithology - R. Ludlow Hill
     Associate in Entomology - Harold I. O'Byrne
     Associate in Invertebrate Zoology - Leslie Hubricht
Librarian - Robert Hill
     Assistant Librarian - Jennevieve Herman
Secretary to the Museum - Fern Braden
Jun. 40 Letter to Miss Sally Cowgill, Editor of Nature Notes - Invitation from 
Chief Naturalist, State Park Board, for WGNSS members to visit
Meramec State Park.
Jul. 40 New Members (2)
Aug. 40   New Members (5)
Sep. 40   New Members (3)
Oct. 40 New Members (2)
Oct. 40 Dues to be Paid Now!  The society is very much in need of 
finance, necessaary for Nature Notes and other iems of expense.
We make the plea that all who have not yet paid please do so a
once.
Nov. 40 Executive Board Notice to Group Chairmen:  One of the most important functions
of the monthly executive meetings is to arrange the schedule of
meetings, thereby avoiding conflicts.  Frequent absences of 
chairmen from these meetings in the past has prevented the
attainment of full coordination.  The Executive Board has 
decreed that any announcement sent to the Editor after the 
the Board meeting that conflicts with another duly scheduled event
will be omitted from the monthly list of announcements.  The Editor
is given no discretion in this matter.  Chairmen are reminded that 
they may send a substitute to the Executive Board meeting if 
unable to attend.
Nov. 40 WGNSS Benefit Party, Nov. 9, at 8 PM.  Bring your friends and
adquaintances.
MEETINGS
Feb. 40 WGNSS General Meeting, 8 PM, Friday, Feb. 2, at the home of
Mr. William Pickens, 72 Marshall Place, Webster Groves.  A 
representative of the Missouri Conservation Commission will tell
us of its nature study work through the schools as well as how our
society can help in the state's program.
Mar. 40 WGNSS General Meeting, 8 PM, Friday, Mar. 1, at the home of
Mr. Max Schwarz, 625 Tuxedo, Webster Groves.  Subject:  To
be annnounced.
Apr. 40 WGNSS Annual Meeting, 8 PM, Friday, April  5, at the home of 
Mr. Wm. Pickens, 72 Marshall Place, Webster Groves.  Mr.
Frank Evans, Director of Wilderness Trips, will give an illustrated
lecture.  Miss Edna Rau, who represented us at the annual 
meeting of  the American Nature Study Society, will report on 
that meeting.  We will elect officers for the coming year and 
vote on proposed constitutional changes.
Jun. 40 General Field Trip to Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois.  Bring
lunch; fireplaces and drinking water are available.  The field trip
will begin at 9:00 AM at the Museum.
Jul. 40 O'Byrne, Stuart L. Visit Meramec State Park on Sat.-Sun. July 6-7 for what 
seems will be a very fine outing for our Society.  It's 65 miles from
Webster Groves.
Jul. 40 General Field Trip to Meramec State Park, Sat.-Sun., July 6-7.
Meet in dining lodge Saturday evening for colored lantern slides.  
Meet at Campground Sunday morning for special nature walk.
Aug. 40 Lodewyks, Maude C. Highlights of the Trip to Meramec State Park - Extensive.
Sep. 40 General Field Trip to Wm. Wingfield'sFarm, near Cottlesville, 
Sunday, Sept. 29.  Starts at 8 A.M.  Bring lunch
Nov. 40  O'Byrne, Stuart L. Highlights from Meramec State Park - Attendance was better than
usual for such a junket, twenty-four.  The campfire meeting on
Saturday evening was a great inspiration.  Sunday morning was 
devoted to bird walks, followed by a demonstration of falconry.
After lunch some visited the museum, where we obtained a good
idea of the splendid work of Mr. George E. Moore, Sate
Naturalist in this park.
BANQUETS AND SOCIAL EVENTS
Nov. 40 WGNSS Party, 8 PM, Friday, Nov 8, at the home of Mr. Max
Schwarz, 625 Tuxedo, Webster Groves.  The party is for a two-fold
purpose:  to make money and to meet old friends.  There will be
prizes and things to eat.  The cost is 50 cents per person.
Dec. 40 Pfeffer, Magdalen WGNSS Benefit Party Was a Cat and Dog Affair - Why was the
party given?  When the Society took over the lodge, it incurred an
obligation to pay $50 annual rent for the Lodge.  It was decided to 
have an annual benefit party to raise the money.  Games were 
played and there was dancing.   Marshall Magner distributed the 
attendance prizes.  President Pickens presented greetings from 
Dr. Julian Steyermark and his regrets that he couldn't be with us.
It was announced (a surprise), that Mr. Victor Stones and Miss 
Catherine Hill would soon be leaving for California (as Mr. & Mrs.
Stones).  Regrets expressed at losing such active members.
The affair was a financial success, and the Executive Board  thanks
all who contributed to this good result.