1909 . " Proceedings of his h Societies. 51 



NATURALISTS IN ULSTER. 



Ulster Nature Notes (Series 1). Edited by Robert PaTTKRSON. 

 F.L.S., M.R.I.A. Pp. 96 + iv. Belfast : W. Miillan and Son, 1908. 

 Price 25. 6d. 



In this readable little book the editor and his colleagues— including 

 D. C. Campbell, N. H. Foster, H. L. Orr, W. H. Phillips, Rev. W. S. Smith 

 R. Welch, and others known to readers of the Irish Naturalist — have 

 reprinted notes and comments extending over five years in the columns 

 of the Northern Whig. One correspondent starts a subject, another takes 

 it up, and in glancing through the pages one seems to be overhearing 

 the cheerful talk of a party of Northern naturalists. Discussions on birds 

 occupy most of the space. That depredator of orchards, the Bullfinch 

 is strongly attacked by " \V. S. S.," but finds redoubtable defenders in 

 " R. P." and " N. H. F." There are many interesting notes on migration, 

 including several records of exceptionall}' hibernating Corncrakes. 

 Varied remarks on nesting habits are illustrated by several good photo- 

 graphs. An observation by " W. S. S." suggests that the slimy secretion 

 of Frogs is a very imperfect protection against the attacks of Ducks ; the 

 same writer is not sure that Frogs do not eat, or at least damage,, straw- 

 berries. *' R, W." contributes several interesting notes on Mollusca, but 

 why does he apply the name " Arion " to the common Cellar Slug {Liniax 

 flavus) ? 



Could not a similar " Nature Notes " column be established in one of 

 our Dublin daily papers ? If good for Ulster why not for Leinster also .' 



G. H. C. 

 SELBORNIANA. 



Saint Gilbert : the Story of Gilbert White and Selborne, 



with eight illustrations. By J. C. Wright. Pp. 90. London: 

 Elliot Stock. Price 2s. 6d. 



This pleasantly written appreciation of Gilbert White contains little 

 that is original, but need not on that account be condemned as a super- 

 fluous publication. It was never more true of anj'one than it is of 

 Gilbert White, that to know him, as he deserves to be known, one must 

 have a knowledge of his environment. Mr. Wright's little book, and its 

 eight illustrations, show us as much of Selborne as of the man who has 

 made that " out-of-the-way Hampshire village " consecrated ground for 

 all time to lovers of the study of nature. There is room for a larger and 

 fuller book on similar lines ; but in the meantime Mr. Wright's modest 

 contribution is not unwelcome. . V: *.\.-. Jc £.1: ... 



- '" '^ "c. R'lvir 



