Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 3 (1899).djvu/67

Rh tion, supported by the Royal Society, and led by Mr. J.E.S. Moore, a Committee has been formed, consisting of Sir John Kirk, Dr. P.L. Sclater, Mr. Thiselton-Dyer, Prof. Ray Lankester, and Mr. G.A. Boulenger, for the purpose of organizing another expedition to the same regions, to thoroughly survey the basin not only of Lake Tanganyika, but also the unknown portions of the northern extension of the great series of valleys in which Tanganyika, together with Lakes Kivu and the Albert Nyanza, lie; to collect specimens of the aquatic fauna and flora, and to study the geological history of this part of Africa. The latter object of the investigation should be of especial interest, for it was shown by Mr. Moore that almost without exception the shells of the singular series of whelk-like molluscs, captured by him in Tanganyika, are indistinguishable from those now found fossilized in Europe among the remains of old Jurassic seas. It would thus appear that at some remote period of time the great valley of Tanganyika was in connection with the sea, and that the strangely isolated marine fauna which still inhabits its slightly brackish waters has remained there ever since.—Nature.

effect of approaching storms upon song birds is the subject of an interesting contribution by Mr. C.E. Linney to the 'U.S. Monthly Weather Review.' It appears that during the night of Aug. 15-16th very severe electrical, wind, and rain storms prevailed over the northern district of Illinois. An observer in Henry County, Mr. W.W. Warner, noticed that for forty-eight hours before the storm not a sound was heard from the numerous song birds in the district. This observation was so full of interest that Mr. Linney wrote for additional information, with the result that he received numerous letters, some confirming it, others stating that birds sing louder and more persistently before a great storm, and nearly all agreeing that they are more restless than usual at such a time. Mr. Linney has found the following weather proverbs referring to song birds and storm:—When birds cease to sing, rain and thunder will probably occur. If birds in general pick their feathers, wash themselves, and fly to their nests, expect rain. Parrots and Canaries dress their feathers and are wakeful the evening before a storm. If the Peacock cries when he goes to roost, and indeed much at any time, it is a sign of rain. Long and loud singing of Robins in the morning denotes rain. Robins will perch on the topmost branches of trees and whistle when a storm is approaching. The restlessness of domestic animals and barn-yard fowls before an approaching storm is well known, and many of their peculiarities have been noted; but the actions of song birds do not appear to have previously received particular attention.—Nature.