NATURE NOTES - 1950
DATE AUTHOR TITLE
ASTRONOMY
Feb. 50 HOB New Book Has Startling Ideas!  A remarkable new theory will be
presented in a forthcoming book entitled "Worlds in Collision" by
Dr. Immanuel Velikovsky.
BOTANY
Feb. 50 Moore, George E. Winter Miniatures - Mosses, lichens, etc.
May. 50 If you missed the April Botany meeting, you are the loser.  After
an interesting "whatsit" with Art's acorns, Joe Castelli gave an
informative talk on galls.
Jun. 50 Botany Meeting Breakfast, 7 AM, Rockwoods
Jul. 50 Botany Picnic Breakfast, 8 AM, at Rockwoods.  To be followed 
by a children's party at 11 AM.
Aug. 50 Botany Picnic Breakfast, 8 AM, Sunday, Aug. 20, at Rockwoods
Sep. 50 Botany Picnic Breakfast, 8 Am,  Sunday, Sep. 17, at Rockwoods
Oct. 50 Helen Hill has agreed to serve as Botany Chairman for the remain-
der of the year.  Trees will be our main project for the rest of the 
year.  (Presumably she will serve in absentia; see People Section,
May-50)
Oct. 50 Bedell, Beulah Beauty Berry - Description an virtues of the shrub
Nov. 50 Hill, Helen Some Arizona Cacti
Nov. 50 Botany Briefs - Report on Oct. 20 Group meeting, at which Joe
Castelli spoke on "Oaks".
Ded. 50 Castelli, Joseph Oaks - Comprehensive report on this genus.
CONSERVATION
Sep. 50 Comfort, James F. Money Talks - Essay on how hunters/fishermen, who support the 
MDC with their fees, get the lion's share of MDC support.  
Nov.50 A letter from the Florida Audubon Society tells us that the only
block between the voting upon a sanctuary measure (to save
Florida's remaining deer) is the disapproval of Senator Donnell
(from Missouri?).  Members are encouraged to contact the 
senator.
ENTOMOLOGY
Jul. 40 Magner, J. Marshall Garden Pest and Insecticides - Text of a radio talk by Magner
GEOLOGY
Dec. 50 Blackwelder, Betsy Geologists Visit Waterloo District - WGNSS geologists attended 
a field trip sponsored by the Illinois Geological Survey.
LODGE
Nov.50 Members shocked to read reports in metropolitan dailies of the 
Ranken Lodge since it was presented to the Scouts.  A member
who visited the lodge says it has been damaged almost beyond
description.  A spokesman for the Boy Scouts says that the 
boys were not responsible.
ORNITHOLOGY
Jan.50 Comfort, J. Earl 1949 In Review
Jan. 50 Ziervogel, Jim Longspurs Again Visit St. Charles County
Jan. 50 Cone, Ellen Mississippi Kites in the St. Louis Area
Jan. 50 Weldon Springs in December - Rex Conyers was a welcome
addition to the  census taking group at Bush Wildlife in December.
Rex is the leader of an "outdoor" group of young fellows about  15
years old.  We hope that Rex will take this outing more often and
bring his group.
Jan. 50 Comfort, J. Earl 1949's Twenty Best Birds
Feb. 50 Pickens, M. K. Review of book entitled "The Awl Birds" by J. K. Stanford - Des-
cribes the return of avocets to the east coast of England where 
they have been found nesting for the first time in more than a 
hundred years.
Feb. 50 Wesseling, Kurt, Jr. 1949 St. Louis Area Christmas Census - 13 observers in 6 parties.
Total, 62 species, about 3,986 individuals.
Feb. 50 Magner, J.M. Christmas Bird Count, Ranken Tract, St. Louis County - 11 
observers, 10 hours, 11 miles on foot, 22 species seen and 397 
total individuals recorded.
Mar. 50 Comfort, James F. Swainson's Hawk
Mar. 50 Comfort, James Earl Hawks and Scoters
Mar. 50 January Ornithology Meeting - This double feature meeting 
Mar. 50 attracted 39 members.  The talks of Marshall/Ernestine and 
Aphrodite Hofsommer were both excellent.
Mar. 50 Wilhelm, Eugene Night Hunters - All about owls.
Apr. 50 Moore, G. E. Suwanee River - Account of a visit there.
Apr. 50 Pileated Visits North Webster.
Apr. 50 Bill Bremser found the rare Smith's Longspur at Horseshoe Lake, 
Illinois on Sunday, March 19.
Apr. 50 Wilhelm, Eugene Swan Lake Refuge - Comprehensive description of the wildlife 
to be found there.,
Apr. 50 Comfort, James F. Pitfalls in Sight Records
May. 50  Comfort, James Earl Shorebirding
May. 50 Annual Spring Census, in cooperation with the St. Louis Audubon
Society, Sunday, May 7.  Bird in groups or as individuals within a
50 mile radius of St. Louis.  Make your report to Paul Neuhoff, 
Flanders 2013.
Jun. 50 Neuhoff, Paul Spring Census - Sunday, May 7, 1950 was a record day for the
Jun. 50 St. Louis Bird Census.  214 species/subspecies identified within
a 50 mile radius.  Totals for previous years:  187 in 1948; 194 in
1949.  List of areas checked included.  Good weather and a late 
spring may have  contributed to the high total.  Also, some data 
given.  
Jun. 50 May Census at Weldon.
Jun. 50 Comfort, James Earl Hudsonian Godwit - This rare bird sighted while on a birding trip 
with Roger Tory Peterson--in the Taussig Road area in St.Louis
County
Jul. 50 Moore, G. E.  Wandering Voices - About the Chuck-will's-widow, Whip-poor-will,
and the Night Hawk, Pt. 1
Jul. 50 Report on June 11 census at Weldon Springs
Jul. 50 Report on meeting of Ornithology Group at home of Mr. & Mrs.
Jim Comfort, 27 N. Iola Drive, on Friday, June 23.  May O'Byrne
showed pictures taken on a 3600 mile vacation trip by her and
Stuart.
Aug. 50 Comfort, James Earl Chinese Turtle Doves - A new species for the area, like the
European tree sparrow?
Aug. 50 Aphrodite Hofsommer reports a very late date for a magnolia 
warbler in her yard, June 16.  This is two weeks later than we can
find for this bird.
Aug. 50 The shore birds are beginning to reappear, based on July sightings.
Aug. 50 Moore, G. E.  Wandering Voices, Pt. II - More about the whip-poor-will, night-hawk,
etc.
Sep. 50 Moore, G. E. Wandering Voices, Pt. III - More about the whip-poor-will, etc.
Sep. 50 Editor Has anyone identified the "brown spotted heron" mentioned in the
local press. Earl says it is an immature black-crown, and I 
identified it as an American bittern.  Help.
Sep. 50 Wilhelm, Eugene Reports 31 snowy egrets at Horshoe during early August; seems
like a record for that site.  Little blues seem exceptionally common
this summer, being seen in large numbers at all sites
Oct. 50 Madeira Petrel - Found in an exhausted condition near Weldon
Springs on Sept. 2.  A new bird for Missouri and for the interior of
the U.S.
Oct. 50 Jack Van Benthuysen reports two of the better birds of the year
found on Sunday, Sept. 24:  A Yellow Rail and a Sandhill Crane,
the Rail at Little Creve Coeur and the crane at the Taussig Ave.
area.
Nov. 50 State Audubon Meeting - At Camdenton, Lake of the Ozarks, 
Oct. 8th and 9th.  Report on.
Dec. 50 Comfort, J. Earl Western Species Move in
Dec. 50 Christmas Census at Ranken, Sunday, Dec. 31.  Meet at the Lodge
at 8 AM.  Marshall Magner is in charge.
PEOPLE
Mar. 50 Judge John H. Magner - The Society has lost an old friend, one
of the more active participants in the woodcutting bees at Ranken.
The Society extends its deepest sympathy to Marshall and 
Ernestine.  
Mar. 50 February Showers - This happened at the Hoffsommers, to 
celebrate the betrothal of President Ellen Cone to John Dashner.
May. 50 Sterling P. Jones - In Memoriam - Very comprehensive 
biography of Jones, Sixth WGNSS President (1927-29) and one 
its most illustrious members.  He published the first check list of 
Birds issued by the Society and also was a historian of the English
Tree Sparrow.  He also served four consecutive years as editor of
Nature Notes (1964-67).
May. 50 Ellen Cone and John Dashner are to be congraulated on their 
marriage.  (Date not given)
May. 50 The Bob Hills to Move to Arizona - A letter from Helen Hill says
because of her husband's poor health.
Jul. 50 Mrs. William Pickens has a new granddaughter, Eleanor, born to
Katherine Pickens Frein on May 29.
Sep. 50 Ed Hick is the first WGNSS member to be called to service in
the Korean conflict.
Oct. 50 Maude Lodewyks Rau - Died Sept. 20.  She joined in 1933 and
held many positions in the society, including the presidency.  Her
main interest was botany.  A very comprehensive biography 
accompanies this notice.
Oct. 50 Comfort, J. Earl Reminiscing -  Semi-biographical article about how he became 
interested in birds.
Nov. 50 Comfort, James F. Jack Van Benthuysen to honeymoon in Arizona and New Mexico,
taking a copy of the Western Peterson with him.
MISCELLANEOUS
Jan. 50 Moore, G. E. Winter Sleep - Essay on Hibernation in mammals.
Jun. 50 Hill, Helen Palo Duro Canyon - Visit to and description of.
Aug. 50 Stones, Hattie Then and Now - Compares conditions when WGNSS was young and
now.  In at least one respect the Society has not changed; through
all the years comradeship has prevailed.
Nov. 50 Bedell, Beulah Urges members to vote "Yes" for Amendment No. 1 in November.
This makes it possible for  a simple majority to pass school 
legislation rather than the current two-thirds vote required.
Nov. 50 Maull, Gertrude E. A Vacation and Two New Books - Brief mention of two books by
Donald Culross Peattie and description of vacation in the Pacific
Nov. 50 Northwest.
Nov. 50 Wilhelm, Eugene J. A  Summer Vacation - Pt. I - Minnesota
Dec. 50 Wilhelm, Eugene J. A Summer Vacation - Pt. II - The Dakotas
ADMINISTRATIVE
Jan. 50 Editor Contribute An Article in '50 - The past two issues have contained 
articles by comparative newcomers to the Sociey, Nick Short and
Jim Ziervogel.  We hope that others will follow their good example.
Let's resolve to send that article in 1950.
Mar.50 Important Notice - Mr. Warren Fisher, Curator of Properties, has
requested  that all who have property belonging to the Society 
please report to him.
May.50 Annual Meeting - The Nominating Committee (Mae O'Byrne, 
Chairman) report was accepted at the April 6 annual meeting:
     President - Ernestine Magner
     1st V. P. - George E. Moore
     2nd V. P. - Bill Gallagher
     Curator of Properties - Irmgard Schnaedelbach
     Editor - Jim Comfort
May.50 Magner, Ernestine The Nominating Committee has asked Mrs. Armin Hofsommer to
serve as Secretary-Treasurer to replace Helen Hill, who is moving 
to Arizona (see People)
Jun. 50 Magner, Ernestine At the General Meeting on May 12, Mrs. A. Hofsommer was 
Magner, Ernestine elected as Sec.-Treasurer of the Society.
MEETINGS
Jan. 50 Sunday, Jan. 8, 9 AM.  General Field Trip & Census at Weldon
Springs. Botanists and Entomologists are especially needed and
will be especially welcome.
Jan. 50 WGNSS General Meeting, 8 PM, Friday, Jan. 13, at the home of
Frances Pickel, 133 E. Washington Ave., Kirkwood.  Mr. Waldemar
Palm will show pictures taken duing the past summer at the Rocky
Mountain National Park.
Feb. 50 WGNSS General Meeting, 8 PM, Friday, Feb. 10, at the home of 
Dr. & Mrs. Armin C. Hofsommer, 639 Lee Ave.  Dr. Hofsommer will
show pictures taken at Grand Teton N.P., Yellowstone N. P., and 
Red Lodge Highway in Montana.  
Feb. 50 Sunday, Feb. 12, 9 AM - General Field Trip and Census at Weldon
Springs.  Bring lunch and make a day of it.
Mar. 50 WGNSS General Meeting, 8 PM, Friday, March 20, 8:30 PM at
the home of Mr. & Mrs. Waldemar Palm, 354 E. Bodley, Kirkwood.
Mr. Earl Hath will show pictures taken in SE Missouri.  He has an
intriguing picture of a "maybe" Bachman's warbler.
Mar. 50 Sunday, March 12, General Field Trip, 9 AM, Weldon Springs. Early
migrants should be making an appearance.  It is hoped that
entomologists and botanists will greet the return of spring with their
presence.
Apr. 50 Sunday, April 21, 8 AM.  General Field Trip at Weldon Springs for
the April census.  One week early because of Easter.
Apr. 50 March Census at Weldon Springs - The season's worst sleet storm
didn't keep 19 "hardies"  from showing up.  The majority birded 
from their cars.  
Two of last month's meetings, the Ornithology and the General,
Apr. 50 were successful in arousing the exploratory instincts in the minds
of those present.  Beulah Bedell gave an interesting picture of Hawk 
Mountain in her book review and the nearness of southeast 
Missouri lead to discussions of a field trip to look for the very 
rare Bachman's warbler.
Apr. 50 Sunday, April 2, 8 AM, General Field trip and census, Weldon 
Springs.  Let's make it a General field trip; Botanists, Geologists,
and Entomologists, please assist.
Apr. 50 Friday, April 7, Annual Meeting, 8 PM at  the home of Frances 
Pickel, 133 E. Washington, Kirkwood.  Election of 1950 officers and
transaction of other Society business.  George and Polly
Moore will show slides of their February Florida vacation.
Apr. 50 Annual Meeting - Held at the home of Frances Pickel.  Officers were
elected (see Administrative Section).  George and Polly Moore
showed color slides of their trip to Florida.
May. 50 WGNSS General Meeting, Friday, May 12, at home of Mr.& Mrs.
Roland Thro, 1155 Hillard Road, Glendale.  Hattie Ettinger,
Secretary to Mr. George Vierheller of the St. Louis Zoo, will speak
of some of her experiences.
May.50 Sunday, May 14, General Field Trip for monthly census at Weldon
Springs.  Big day for ornithologists. Botanists should attend to list
the spring flowers.  Mr.Dreyer wants all members of the Photo-
graphy Group to be on hand for some outdoor field work.  
Jun. 50 Magner, Ernestine Report on the program by Hattie Ettinger at the May 12 General
meeting.
Jun. 50 Sunday, June 11, 8 AM. Monthly Census of the Busch Area, 
Weldon Springs.  Bring picnic lunch and make a day of it.
Jun. 50 WGNSS General Meeting, 8 PM, June 9, at home of Max D. 
Schwarz, 625 Tuxedo, Webster Groves. Mr. Louis Brenner of the
Gray Summit Division of Shaw's Garden will speak on the Arboretum
Jul. 50 Report on the June General Meeting and the presentation by
Louis Brenner, who spoke on "What to See at the Arboretum".
Jul. 50 Sunday, July 9, 7 AM.  Monthly Census at the Busch Area, Weldon
Springs.  Bring lunch and spend the day.
Jul. 50 Sunday, July 16 - General Field Trip and Picnic Breakfast, 7 AM.
  Botanists and ornithologists should especially try to attend 
because this is a unique area.  
Jul. 50 Friday, July 21, Picnic Supper, 5 PM, sponsored by Mr.& Mrs. 
Jul. 50 John Dashner (Ellen Cone) at 439 Bogey Lane, Kirkwood.  Ellen
and John will furnish coffee; the Society will funish watermelons.
Aug. 50 Report on the picnic supper at the Dashners.  About 30 attended.
Aug.50 General Field Triip, 8 AM, Sunday, Aug. 23 - Monthly census at 
the Busch Area, Weldon Springs.  Shore birds are back; bring a 
lunch and spend the day.
Sep. 50 General Field Trip, 8 AM, Sept. 10.  Monthly census at the Busch
Area.  Bring lunch and enjoy a day in the open.
Sep. 50 WGNSS General Meeting, 8 PM, Friday, Sep. 18, at the home of
Mr.& Mrs. Roland Thro, 1155 Hillard Road, Glendale.  Members 
  who have visited the Great Smokies will show their slides.
Oct. 50 WGNSS General Meeting, 8 PM, Friday, Oct. 8, at Rott School,
in conjunction with the local PTA.  Rott school is at the inter-
section of Rott Rd. and West Watson Rd.  Pictures taken by
members at the Grand Canyon will be shown.
Nov. 50 WGNSS General Meeting and Hobby Show, 8 PM, Friday, Nov. 10, 
at the home of M. and Mrs. Clinton Day, 18 Glenwood Lane, 
Kirkwood.  
Nov. 50 General Field Trip and Monthly Census, 8 AM, Sunday, Nov. 12, 
at the Busch Area, Weldon Spings.  
Dec. 50 General Field Trip, Sunday, Dec. 20, to make the regular monthly
census of the Busch Area at Weldon Springs, 9 AM.