284 Aspect of our District during Historic Times. 



are not leaves at all, but flattened stems) throwing an even spray 

 ■which cannot be produced by other means. 



In respect to the fauna, and more especially the birds, I do 

 not feel myself qualified to speak ; perhaps some member better 

 versed than myself can give us some information regarding their 

 introduction or extinction. 



There is one rather curious fact I have noticed, that is, that 

 when a neighbourhood of villa residences has attained some age, 

 and the trees and shrubs in the gardens are fairly grown, the 

 number of species and individuals of birds and animals seems to 

 be much greater than in a similar area of country. For example, 

 in our garden at Kenley we have gained during the last ten 

 years two species, the squirrel and the wood-pigeon ; there are 

 many more thrushes, black birds, and starlings, but we have lost 

 the nightingales. No doubt there is greater protection from 

 predatory wild animals, such as stoats, polecats, hawks, and owls, 

 which counterbalances the risk of distui'bance, besides possibly 

 a better food supply than in the open. 



In conclusion, I should be very pleased if these rambling 

 notes could be supplemented by any information as to any known 

 changes in our fauna during recent times, which I have no doubt 

 some of our members will be able to give us. 



