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We compare environmental changes recorded in stalagmites and alluvium from the mountainous Buckeye Creek basin of West Virginia, USA to a nearby, independent archaeological record of Native American presences in the forested watershed. A climatic record constructed from stable isotopic (δ18Ocalc and δ13Ccalc) and trace metal (Sr/Ca) ratios in stalagmitic calcite is consistent with regional palynology during much of the Holocene. The stalagmite δ13Ccalc and Sr/Ca values track aridity associated with North Atlantic Ocean (NAO) ice-rafting events during solar minima. However, the δ13Ccalc record diverges sharply from the Sr/Ca record at ∼2100 (calendar) years BP, which maintains the same relationship with ice rafting in the NAO. A dramatic and sustained enrichment in δ13Ccalc values (>1‰) without a corresponding shift in Sr/Ca values, suggests a systemic change in above-cave vegetation and soil carbon. This hypothesis is corroborated by a record of the stable isotopic composition of bulk organic carbon (δ13Corg) in alluvial silts. Cultural artefacts record Native American presences in the watershed during the late Holocene and archaeologists place peak Native American presence as having occurred between 750 and 550 years BP, nearly contemporaneous with peaks in δ13Ccalc, δ13Corg, and relative charcoal abundances documented herein. Notably, values of the three environmental proxies decrease after Native Americans abandoned the watershed. The available evidence is consistent with Native Americans having made significant changes to the area's ecosystem and soils prior to the arrival of Euro-colonial peoples at ~225 years BP. Our findings highlight the active roles native peoples had in shaping the North American "wilderness" described prior to its destruction by early European settlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of distilled spirits for public consumption by the individual drink is taken for granted in Western Europe and most of the United States. However, little is known about the contribution of liquor-by-the-drink (LBD) to overall consumption. A 1978 change in the state lava in North Carolina (U.S.A.) permitting LBD for the first time since Prohibition provided an opportunity for a natural experiment. A quasi-experimental study was undertaken to estimate the impact of LBD on apparent consumption of distilled spirits in North Carolina. Time series analysis for the period from January 1973 through December 1982 found that LBD resulted in statistically significant increases of from 6 to 7.4% in total distilled spirits sales in two groups of counties implementing LBD. No change in sales was found for a comparison group of non-LBD counties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A report is presented on the planning of a comprehensive program to deal with alcoholism in a region of North Carolina. A systems approach was used, and the results including an evaluation are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents updates on various chapters of the Alpha Kappa Delta worldwide as of October 1, 1935. A garden party was held for the members of the Alpha of Nebraska at the Municipal University of Omaha, which was sponsored by Doctor T. E. Sullenger. Meanwhile, a meeting of the Alpha of North Carolina at the University of North Carolina will focus on social security, which will be addressed by President Frank B. Graham, chairman of the Social Security Committee. Lastly, the Wisconsin Alpha Chapter at the University of Wisconsin is rounding out the plans for this year's programs, which includes the arrangement for an off-campus speaker for the fall initiation banquet address.