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MEMBERSHIP DUES. The secretary-treasurer thanks those members who have already sent in their membership dues for 1980. Early payment saves an incredible amount of extra work. Besides, notwithstanding the reminders

in the "Newsletter", plus an additional Special reminder, there are always a few persons who do not respond, and it is with regret that their names must be removed from the mailing list. It would be ideal if all membership dues were paid not later than February each year. Memberships are available at the meetings, or from Margaret Mallett, 53 Fitzroy St., Ch'town. CIA 1R4.

WATER SHREWS IN NATIONAL PARK. In September of this year four American water shrews were captured at Long

Pond as part of a study of park mammals.. Identification was confirmed by the Can— adian Wildlife Service in Sackville, N.B. The shrews were travelling from the out— let into the pond at the time of their capture. All were taken within a few days of each other. Being a secretive animal water shrews are relatively poorly known and only a few records exist for this province.

As shrews go the American water shrew is quite large - about 15 cm long including the tail. The hind feet are large, partially webbed, and fringed with a row of stiff hairs. These features, together with the dense velvety pile of the fur

and the long tail give the water shrew an amazing buoyancy. Air bubbles can be trapped beneath the feet and the species has been observed scampering over the surface of a pool as if literally walking on water.

The water shrew’s usual habitat is along a swift-flowing Stream with overhanging

banks. Here the diet consists primarily of insects supplemented by other aquatic invertebrates and small fish.

TEEW BOOK RELEASED. Medicinal and Poisonous Plants on Prince AEdward Island is the title of a new publication by J. Frank Gaudet. The booklet includes sketches, factual, and anecdotal information for a large variety of Island plants which are of interest to man for their value as home remedies or for their potential harm if ingested. The booklet is available free of charge from the Forestry Branch, Dept. of Agriculture

and Forestry, Charlottetown.