404, _Baraboo, Wis._ We are still working, and our collection is steadily growing. One of our boys caught a common painted turtle, I put it into a tub with another of the same kind. They soon became so tame that they took food from my hand quite readily. One day I fed them as usual, but before they finished their meal I emptied the water from the tub, when one of them that had a worm in its mouth began to choke and could not swallow. I gave the other one, too, but he only took the end of it in his mouth. But as soon as I put water enough in for them to cover their heads, they swallowed as easily as ever. I tried this several times with the same result. We gave an entertainment and cleared $25.--Marie McKennan, Sec. 409, _Sag Harbor, N. Y._ This year has been marked by greater progress than any other since our organization. In April, 1885, a valuable addition was made to our cabinet by the finding of a shrew--_genus sorex_. This little animal, the least of the mammals, measured not quite two inches in length, excluding the tail. During May and June we organized for summer work, on a new plan,--the President appointing committees to collect in special departments. In July and August we spent numerous "field-days" in the woods and on the shore. We found a rare specimen of trap-rock. The skeleton of a bottle-fish excited a great deal of curiosity. One of our members who had caught a live one identified it. In November, we commenced a series of discussions: "Which is of more value to mankind--cotton or wool?" (Decided in favor of wool.) "What is the most useful mammal?" (Four members voted for cow and four for sheep.) "What insect is most valuable in promoting human happiness?" (Decided for honey-bee.) "What is the most valuable fish?" (Cod.) Many other questions were debated. We have received many curious specimens: sea-horse, porcupine-fish, key-hole shells, etc. We intend to collect sea-weed and mosses this summer.--Cornelius R. Sleight, Sec. 423, _Perth Amboy, N. J._ Our thirty members have manifested great interest in collecting and examining specimens from the different divisions of the animal kingdom. Much attention has been given to articulates, including insects of the sea. At present we are engaged in a very interesting course of observation in mineralogy. We have the highest appreciation of the assistance we have derived from the A. A., in learning to observe and love nature.--Bertha M. Mitchell, Cor. Sec. 424, _Decorah, Iowa._ Several of our lady members are teachers, and highly value our meetings. We shall try to have public lectures in geology. We are connecting with these subjects that of humane work, proposing to organize as the Agassiz Band of Mercy. So we have two harmonious lines of good work begun, and hope to make both of them permanent.--M. R. Steele, Sec.