24 THE entomologist's RECORD. 



man, he had studied the habits of the British birds, recognising most 

 of them by their song, note, or flight. Some 70 or 80 cases of stuffed 

 specimens, many shot by himself, attest not only his interest, but also 

 his skill, for he added to his many occupations that of a skilful taxi- 

 dermist. Beetles, British birds' eggs and shells, with various other 

 Natural History objects, all came within the circle of his devoted 

 attention. He also loved his books, and, on Natural History subjects, 

 his modern library was fairly complete. 



For several years Mr. Clark had known the critical state of his 

 health. Some years since he had sustained a cowardly attack from 

 would-be pick-pockets when walking in Bethnal Green, being brutally 

 and deliberately struck repeatedly over the region of the heart. Such 

 an assault could not have taken place in Hackney or Haggerston, 

 where he was universally known and respected. Whether this had any 

 connection with his fatal malady, may be a question. He succumbed 

 to an attack of angina pectoris, after four days' illness. There can 

 be little doubt, however, that the recent sudden deaths of his son-in- 

 law and little grand-daughter, depressed him greatly, and predisposed 

 him to the final, fatal attack. 



Mr. Clark was laid to rest at Chingford Mount, on Saturday, 

 December 19th. All London entomologists, at least, will feel that 

 they have lost a friend, and will join with the writers in offering their 

 sincere condolences to Mr. Clark's widow and daughters in their sad 

 series of bereavements. — J.S.S. and C.R.N.B. 



CHRISTMAS MDCCCCYIII. 



(Printed By kind permission). 



[Learned Aurelians call a. lovely little Moth, that appears in February, 

 sitting on or flitting round the leafless oak-trees, by the beautiful name, Hybernia 

 Leucophaearia : and simpler folk call it by the yet more beaiUiful name of The 

 Spring Usher. It is amongst the first of all moths to appear, as the Winter 

 begins yielding to iSpring.'] 



Leucophaea, Ashen-gray ! Just an Insect, nothing more ! 



So the Learned, Pretty One, Born to-day, to-morrow dead ! 



Name you : sleeping in the sun Is it all that may be said. 



This short February day. Watching how you pause or soar ? 



Nestled closely to your oak, You and I, my Little One, 

 Hardly from itself discerned ; You and I alert with life : 



Gentle Flutterer, all but turned Whence and whither? Nature rife 



In your dun-barred quaker cloak With energy, as seasons run, 



To semblance of the aged tree, Brings to birth or you or me. 

 That its hoary mottled side Each a riddle none may read : 



Lends you, safely to abide Hath She some mysterious need 



Till day dies, and dusk shall be : You and I awhile should be ? 



Sweet Spring Usher, named aright Atoms both, what can we count 

 In our homely English phrase. In her universal plan. 



You, who brave these wintry days. You a moth, or I a Man, 



Harbinger of Spring's delight : As aeons upon aeons mount? 



Comes the evening, and you liit Ah ! as you, if I could bring 



Gently round the barren boughs, Hope to some, that there shall rise 



Seeking where to hear your vows Days serener, bluer skies. 



She, your destined Mate, may sit. Promise of approaching Spring ! 



Selwyn Image. 

 With my best Christmas and New Year's wislies, 1908-1909. 



20, Fitzroy Street, W. 



