At present ecology is a science with its facts out of all proportion to their organization or integration. There is thus an immediate need of integration, and this above all requires a clear conception of the scientific method as a tool, and independent thinking as well. The fact that scientific work progresses more rapidly when consciously pursued than otherwise should serve as ample justification for this emphasis.

A word of explanation is desirable to explain certain features of this volume. It is the outcome of coöperative work on the part of the Illinois State Laboratory of Natural History and certain members of the Ecological Survey Committee of the Illinois Academy of Science, Professors E. N. Transeau and T. L. Hankinson. A local ecological study was made, as a piece of coöperative work, and directions for study were to be an introductory section of my part of this report. But as this part grew on my hands, with the permission of Professor S. A. Forbes, Director of the Illinois State Laboratory of Natural History, I decided to publish it separately. This part was written two years and a half ago, and when separate publication was decided upon, additional references to the literature were added to bring it to date. These circumstances explain the emphasis placed upon ecological surveying and also the brevity of treatment of other aspects.

Further, I am indebted to Professor Forbes for reading the manuscript and for valuable criticisms, and likewise, for similar assistance, to my wife, Alice Norton Adams. Skillful help on the proof and index has been given by Miss Marion E. Sparks.

CHARLES C. ADAMS.

Urbana, Ill., U.S.A.,
June 9, 1913.

CONTENTS

CHAPTERPAGE
Preface[v]
I. Aim, Content, and Point of View [1]
II. The Value and Method of Ecological Surveys [23]
III. Field Study [36]
IV. The Collection, Preservation, and Determination of Specimens [49]
V. References to Scientific Technique [55]
1. The Scientific Method [55]
2. Directions for Collecting and Preserving Specimens, Photographing, Surveying, and Other Phases of Technique [57]
3. The Preparation of Papers for Publication and on Proof Reading [65]
VI. References to Important Sources of Information on the Life Histories and Habits of Insects and Allied Invertebrates [70]
VII. The Laws of Environmental Change, or the “Orderly Sequence of External Nature.” (The dynamic or process relations of the environment) [79]
VIII. The Laws of Orderly Sequence of Metabolism, Growth, Development, Physiological Conditions, and Behavior, or “The LivingOrganism and the Changes which Take Place in It.” (The Dynamic or process relations of the animal) [92]
1. General Physiology and Development [95]
2. A Selection of Physiological and Ecological Papers [100]
3. Animal Behavior as a Process [102]
4. A List of Selected Reviews and Bibliographies [107]
5. A Selection of References on Life Histories and Behavior [108]
IX. The Continuous Process of Adjustment between the Environment and the Animal, with Special Reference to Other Organisms. (The Dynamic or process relations of animal associations and aggregations) [122]
1. The Struggle for Existence [123]
2. The Dynamic Relations of Associations and Aggregations, with Special Reference to Animal Associations [130]
a.The Relation of Animals to Pollination and to Plant Galls [141]
b.Subterranean and Cave Associations [143]
c.Selected References on Aggregations and Associations [145]
INDEX [151]
INDEX TO NAMES [179]

LIST OF FIGURES

FIG.
1.An Oyster Habitat on the South Carolina Coast [Frontispiece]
2.Struggle for Existence on a Clam Flat. Overcrowded Condition facing page [7]
3.Struggle for Existence on a Clam Flat. Destruction of Clams by Predaceous Animals ” ” [8]
4.A Small Mountain Stream as an Animal Environment ” ” [86]
5.A Small River as an Animal Environment ” ” [87]
6.An Illinois Prairie Remnant as an Animal Environment ” ” [139]
7.An Illinois Deciduous Forest as an Animal Environment ” ” [146]

RELATION OF ECOLOGY TO BIOLOGY