Removal of Sky Signs.-This subject also has aroused much attention, and several cuttings from newspapers relating to it have been sent to us. From these we select the following received from Miss Agnes Martelli. Luckily we are not called upon to discuss either the ethics or the expediency of boycotting; but it is curious to note with what a light heart the Queen recommends it as a punishment for contumacious sky-signers in England :- "The excitement and indignation aroused by the erection of sky signs has not been expressed too soon. The public have been informed by a well-known writer-Luke Limner-that a soapselling firm had already contemplated disfiguring the beautiful scenery of the glens, mountains and lakes of Scotland with these hideous erections, thus destroying the beauty that attracts and gives pleasure to tens of thousands of tourists, and profit to thousands of residents. Our most beautiful buildings have already been disfigured. St. Paul's was apparently the first of our grand national buildings to suffer; but Messrs. Hudson, with an amount of graceful courtesy which does infinite credit to their good taste, and we have no doubt will do the greatest benefit to their business, have, in deference to the strongly-expressed wishes of the public, ordered the sign to be taken down--a praiseworthy proceeding, which has been followed by Messrs. Carrick and Coles, the well-known outfitters at Uxbridge, whose sign, raised forty feet above the roof, dominated over the town and destroyed its picturesque appearance from every point of view. This, though costing £169 to erect, they have courteously ordered to be removed, candidly stating that its erection was an error in judgment on their part, and that they wish to be in accord with public opinion-a graceful act which, we have no doubt, will be much more to the advantage of their business than the offensive sign, which would have been a perpetual annoyance to the inhabitants of the town and surrounding district. Other tradesmen are neither so courteous nor so wise. A flaring-red sky-sign, marring the beautiful view with its hideous outline, has been erected close to Lincoln Cathedral, and although the supports have been destroyed by some indignant inhabitant, it has been re-erected by the proprietor. To the persons who so persistently outrage public taste by disfiguring the sky and the views which are the common property of all, ordinary arguments are addressed in vain; any appeal to that courteous consideration for the comfort of others, which is the true characteristic of a gentleman, is thrown away on people who have not even the conception of such a character. One argument, however, is infallible--it is that which is addressed to the pocket. If the public persistently refuse to deal with those persons who disfigure all that is beautiful in our cities and our country, the whole of these outrages on good taste will soon be removed. In some instances this has already been done, and the proceeding has been anything but satisfactory to the offenders. It only requires a continuance of the pressure to ensure the removal of these disfigurements. If all those persons whose good taste is outraged will indicate to the offenders that their support and custom will be withdrawn as long as the objectionable signs are employed, the matter is at an end. In the meantime we may announce that Mr. J. B. Hilditch, of 11 and 12, Cheapside, suggests the active co-operation of all interested, and is willing to take charge of any correspondence and receive the names of supporters until some concerted action can be organised to abolish the evil." Devastation at Cheddar Cliffs.-Just as we are going to press we have received a letter calling our attention to this matter from Miss Dangar, Lyndhurst, Ealing. She encloses the following letter from the Globe which had escaped our notice :--"Is there none to preserve the Cheddar Cliffs from the brutal destruction that is going on in their midst? Already a hideous scar has been made by the removal of the beautiful weather-worn grey surface. These cliffs are almost unparalleled in England in sublime grandeur and majesty, and it seems they will be sacrificed merely for the sake of some paltry gain from the possession of the stone for building purposes. Where is our sense for the beautiful and sublime in Nature, that we can calmly sit still, and suffer the grandest gorge in our country to be mutilated in this shameful manner, merely for the sake of filthy lucre? Where is the Selborne Society in this matter? Have they no influence to bring to bear on the author of such an outrage on Nature? Or do they not include the preservation of beautiful scenery among their other efforts? May I appeal, Sir, through your columns for the preservation of the ever famous Cheddar Cliffs from the profane touch of the workman's tool ?—E. W. S.-W." It is much to be wished that E. W. S.-W., and other such persons, instead of (or, at any rate, in addition to) writing to the papers complaining that the Selborne Society does nothing, would themselves write to the Selborne Society and ask it to do something. Every one who knows anything of the work of the Society is aware that the preservation of beautiful scenery is one of the distinctive features of its programme, and has been the subject of several articles in NATURE NOTES. The Selborne Society has often been successful in saving, by timely interposition, beautiful objects from threatened danger. But it is impossible to take cognisance of all the "brutal destruction" that goes on, unless instances of it are brought to the notice of the Society, and particulars given of the outrages complained of. We are much obliged to Miss Dangar for having brought to our knowledge the impassioned, and, we hope, exaggerated, wail of woe uttered by E. W. S.-W. It shall be laid before the Council of the Selborne Society at its next meeting-two or three days from the time of writing-and steps will doubtless be taken to enquire into he nature of the injuries done to the cliffs, and, if possible, to avert further devastation. It Unkindness of Jackdaws to their kind.—On June 14th, 1890, I found on the Freshwater Down, near the Beacon, a young jackdaw, apparently friendless. It could not fly, but fluttered about helplessly. The wind was blowing strongly from the cliff, and it was that, probably, which had carried little Jack so far from his nest. I brought him to the house, and the footman fitted up a box for him, into which I put some raw meat, a snail, and some bread, and adding a cup of water, I said "Goodnight" to little Jack. Early next morning I found that he had eaten nothing, so I opened his beak and fed him with soaked bread and some fish, which I had been advised to try. Poor little Jack looked so miserable that I thought he would be happier on the cliff; I took him back accordingly, putting him down as near to the place where I found him as I could. remember. We then walked about three hundred yards away and watched. was not long before a jackdaw appeared from the cliff, and hopping cautiously close to Jack had a good look at him, and flew back again. Very soon several others appeared-in all fifteen; they formed a circle round the unhappy little bird, but not one of them would approach nearer than ten yards. There was something about his appearance that they evidently did not approve of, and at length they all flew away, leaving their friendless little comrade to his fate. I then carried Jack further, and put him down in another place, but no one came or took notice of him, so I was obliged to take him home. On the 16th we took him once more to the Down to give his relatives one more chance of making friends with him, but they would not go near him, so I decided to try to rear him myself, and yet let him enjoy his freedom almost as much as he would on the Downs. When we went out for a walk little Jack, who was fast becoming tame, perched on my shoulder or wrist, and thence took his view of the world and things in general. I fed him freely with raw beef—too freely, I fear, for one day he became sick and rejected some little bits of meat. I had left him, as usual, in the housekeeper's room after our walk, when the housekeeper cried out that little Jack was in a fit. gave him brandy and water, also a pepper-corn, then applied cold water to his beak, but all in vain. The poor, wise-looking birdie died, and I buried him alone among the flowers, where the jackdaws skim nightly athwart the sky to their home in the cliff. E. DURHAM. We Imitations of the Notes of Birds.- Miss Blanche Pechelé writes from San Souci, Bellagio, Italy:-"I hasten to send you a French verse, which imitates the notes of the lark's song wonderfully. I copied the verse several years.. ago from a review of a book called 'The Letters of a Betrothed' :- "La gentille alouette avec son tire-lire, Tire-lire et lire, et tire-lire et lire ; Vers la voute du ciel, puis son val vers ce lieu Vire ; et desire dire Adieu Dieu! adieu Dieu !'" Tom-Tits. Is it known whether these birds keep to one mate? I cannot help thinking so. I always keep a bone or piece of fat tied close to my window, and the blue-tits and major-tits come constantly to feed there. A short time ago the cock major-tit alighted on the bone and began to eat, then the hen came and sat on the window sill, whereupon the cock pulled pieces of meat off the bone and threw them down to the hen-there was not room for two on the bone. the cock and hen constantly together, winter and summer. I see N. S. W. A Browning Query (p. 28).—Mr. A. J. Western sends us a communication from Mr. E. E. Davies, Hon. Secretary of the Browning Society, on this subject. "The following reply to a similar question is printed in the Browning Society's Papers for 1885 and 1886:- Surely the Polygonum Persicaria, or spotted persicaria, is the plant alluded to. It is a common weed, with purple stains on its rather large leaves; these spots varying in size and vividness of colour according to the nature of the soil where it grows. A legend attaches to the plant, which attributes these stains to the blood of Christ having fallen on its leaves, growing below the cross. [To this suggestion it must be objected that the Persicaria does not grow in woods, and that its leaves are hardly developed so early as May. A better solution is much to be desired.] Bibliography of Gilbert White.-The Rev. Percy Myles is preparing an annotated bibliography of all editions of Gilbert White's works, and of books, reviews, magazine articles, &c., referring to White or to Selborne. He will be much obliged to any members of the Selborne Society who will be kind enough to help in this matter. All communications will be duly acknowledged. OFFICIAL NOTICES, &c. Selborne Society. The objects of the Society are : (a) to preserve from unnecessary destruction such wild birds, animals and plants as are harmless, beautiful or rare. (b) to discourage the wearing and use for ornament of birds and their plumage; except when the birds are killed for food or reared for their plumage. (c) to protect places and objects of natural beauty or antiquarian interest from ill-treatment or destruction. (d) to promote the study of natural history. Patroness. IIER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS CHRISTIAN. President. THE LORD TENNYSON. Trustees. SIR JOHN LUBBOCK, BART., F.R.S., M.P., &c. OFFICIAL NOTICES, &c. Vice-Presidents. The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of C. T. Beresford-Hope, Esq. The Rev. Stopford A. Brooke, M.A. F. Dawtrey Drewitt, Esq., M.D. Professor W. H. Flower, C. B., F.R.S. George Harley, Esq., M.D., F.R.S. James Britten, Esq., F.L.S. Miss H. Hope. Professor F. E. Hulme, F.L.S. The Rev. G. E. Mackie, M.A. 167 Council. ster. A. H. Macpherson, Esq. The Rev. Percy Myles, B.A., F.L.S. J. L. Otter, Esq., Hon. Treas. W. White, Esq., F.S.A. The Rev. Theodore Wood, F.E.S. (With Representatives elected by the Branches.) bon. Treasurer. J. L. OTTER, Esq., 3, Dr. Johnson's Buildings, Temple, E. C. Secretary. A. J. WESTERN, ESQ., 9, Adam Street, Adelphi, W.C. LIST OF BRANCHES, WITH NAMES OF HONORARY Atalanta: Miss K. M. Wyatt, 20, Queen Square, W.C. Bath: W. G. Wheatcroft, Esq., 13, Abbey Chambers, Bath. Bayswater: Miss Isabel Fry, I, Palace Houses, Bayswater, W. Birmingham: Mrs. A. Smith, 78, Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Bolton-le-Moors: Miss Heelis, Markland Hill, Heaton, Bolton-le-Moors. Brighton E. A. Pankhurst, Esq., 12, Clifton Road, Brighton. Clapton R. M. Wattson, Esq., 14, Narford Road, Upper Clapton. Forest Ramblers: Percy Lindley, Esq., York Hill, Loughton, Essex. Kensington Miss M. Hope, 14, Airlie Gardens, Kensington. Lakes: Miss Rawson, Fallbarrow, Windermere. Liverpool: Miss B. Crosfield, 24, Ullett Road, Liverpool. Lower Thames Valley, Richmond Division: Dr. G. Crichton, Twickenham. Neston Mrs. R. Bushell, Hinderton Lodge, Neston, Chester. Northern Heights: Miss A. Martelli, 6, Prince Arthur Road, Hampstead. Rape of Lewes Miss Wyatt, St. Wilfrid's Parsonage, Hayward's Heath. Rother Valley, Chichester: Miss Pigou, The Deanery, Chichester. Midhurst: Miss Richards, Eastbourne, Midhurst, Sussex. Petersfield Division: Mrs. Ticehurst, Petersfield, Hants. Selborne and Liphook: J. M. Peake, Esq., Liphook, Hants. Southampton & Bournemouth : Miss L. G. Bull, The Elms, Shirley, Southampton. Tudor: J. J. Ogle, Esq., Free Library, Bootle-cum-Linacre. Weybridge: Mrs. Lionel Beale, Caenwood Cottage, Weybridge Heath, Surrey. Wimbledon and Putney: Miss Ada Smith, Walcot Lodge, Putney. It was hoped that a full account of the Branches of the Selborne Society might be given in NATURE NOTES with particulars of their officers, number of members, income and work during the year; but although circulars asking for such information were sent out several months ago, some of the Branch Secretaries have not yet sent in returns, and we cannot do more at present than print the above list. With regard to members, the Lower Thames Valley Branch still holds the highest place. It has more than 200 members. Next in order come the Northern Heights, Birmingham, Haslemere, Bath and the Rape of Lewes, all above iço, while Rother Valley, Kensington and Wimbledon very nearly reach that figure. The Council would be very glad to hear from members who would undertake to fill the vacant Honorary Secretaryships for Dublin, Isle of Wight and Kent. The first Scotch and the first Continental Branch have been started during the year. The Forth Branch is already in active operation, and we hope soon to hear similar tidings of that at Rome. It is hoped that before long branches will be started for Birkenhead, Bristol and the important county of Devon, where we have many members, but no local organisation. The only branches which have sent in accounts of meetings or excursions are :: in the Metropolitan district, Lower Thames Valley, Northern Heights and Clapton; in the provinces, Birmingham, Bath, Southampton and Tudor, which last is a recently started and apparently very promising branch. Short notices of this. kind for insertion in NATURE NOTES would always be very welcome, but we should be glad if Hon. Secretaries would bear in mind the excellent advice of Mr. Skrine in our July number (p. 116), and remembering the very limited space in NATURE NOTES, would enlist the sympathy of the local press. We shall be pleased to print a list of local newspapers who are willing to set apart a Selborne column, and we should be still more pleased if local Secretaries would undertake to supply us regularly with such papers, carefully marking the portions of interest to Selbornians. We find that the press does service to us (and we hope to them-selves) in another way, by reprinting articles from NATURE NOTES. The article of Professor Henslow on "Mummy Wheat," for example, was reprinted in several papers, sometimes with, and sometimes (such is even editorial frailty) without acknowledgment. We need hardly say that we prefer the former. On account of the large space occupied by the list of Officers and by the Ladies' Symposium on "Birds and Bonnets," we are obliged this month to enlarge the size of the Magazine, giving four additional pages. In spite of this it has been found necessary to postpone several interesting communications, notably an important article on "Environment," by Professor Henslow. Those contributors whose letters we have not been able to insert, will kindly take this apology. IT is particularly requested that subscriptions and letters bearing on the general business of the Society should not be forwarded to the Editors, but to the Secretary of the Selborne Society, 9, Adam Street, Adelphi. Editorial communications. should be addressed to the Rev. PERCY MYLES, i, Argyle Road, Ealing, W. |