204 BKiriSH BIRDS. [vol. x. 



that only last summer (1916), when invalided home from 

 East Africa, he brought back a notable collection, all captured 

 during the brief interval of midday rest when all, save he. 

 were seeking relief from incessant hard work and the appalling 

 heat of an equatorial sun. 



By merest chance I to-day came across a letter written 

 from Scotland in the autumn of 1913, wherein occurs this 

 sentence : — " A collecting trip that includes birds, beasts, 

 insects, etc., is infinitely more interesting than any merely 

 shooting trip. Here, during the long waits between grouse- 

 drives, I was always wishing myself back in the forests under 

 Mount Kenia, collecting butterflies, for there every moment 

 was fuU of excitement.'" 



At the January meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club, 

 it was resolved to initiate, in co-operation with other learned 

 societies of which Selous was a member, a fitting memorial 

 to our gallant friend. A Committee under the Chairmanship 

 of Mr. H. J. Elwes, F.R.S., was appointed and that assured 

 success awaits the proposal can confidently be foretold. 



Upon those who enjoyed it, Selous's friendship exerted a 

 magnetic influence — strengthening, stimulating, straightening. 

 Beneath that modest and gentle exterior — devoid of self- 

 assertion, disdainful of pride or pretence — none but realized 

 the forcefulness of the soul within, whole-hearted, true, and 

 of single purpose — to "make good." His very death — 

 " killed in action " at 65— epitomizes his whole career. Maybe 

 it formed an appropriate climax, but alas ! that never again 

 shall we look into those straight blue eyes. 



Abel Chapman. 



