248 RIVERSIDE LETTERS xxxi 



On swallows, p. 35. 



" It is not quite correct to say that swallows 

 are allied to humming birds swifts are 



C5 



and have been removed from the Hirundines 

 in consequence." 



On snails, p. 56. 



" Snails, &c., eating decaying plants. Is 

 not that exactly what we do ? and hang our 

 meat for the purpose ? Ripe fruit is really 

 fruit beginning to decay. The Persians eat 

 the peach green'' 



On the Crown Imperial, p. 74. 



" ' Like a mace.' It is so, but it gets 

 its name from the top of the seed-vessel 

 being the exact representation of the old 

 Imperial Crown of the Eastern and other 

 kings." 



On leaves and raindrops, p. 78. 



" I believe you will find almost a con- 

 sensus of botanists that no leaf can imbibe 

 moisture. It gives out moisture, but gets 

 all it wants ab intra and not ab extra just 

 like moist skin." 



