COLLECTION OF PLANTS. 55 



mend to our readers the following hints contained in a 

 letter from Mr. Herbert M. Ellis to the Selborne Society 

 of England. 



"It seems most curious, and yet I think there can be 

 no doubt of the fact, that the chief culprits as regards the 

 destruction of wild flowers and ferns, and birds and 

 insects, are those who in their hearts have most sym- 

 pathy and love for them. One of those benighted beings, 

 though I suppose they form the majority of our fellow- 

 creatures, on whom the quiet beauty and serene loveliness 

 of the country is lost, to whom a growing field in June is 

 but a field of grass, to whom the loveliest dell in Devon- 

 shire is only worthy of notice if he wants a quiet smoke, 

 whose only manner of distinction among birds is "large" 

 or "small," to whom all sea-birds are gulls, all water- 

 birds dab-chicks, and all wild flowers simply as the grass 

 under his feet such a one, though much to be pitied, is 

 quite innocent otf the posies of de.id wi'dflow. rsby the way- 

 side, or the ghastly arrays of ill-stuffed birds and beasts 

 in musty cupboards and on bookshelves at home, or heaps 

 of unfortunate little butterflies which never get as far as 

 the setting-board. No; such sights as these are gener- 

 ally the work of those who love the things of nature not 

 wisely, but too well. Like Mother Eve, they cannot be 

 satisfied with seeing, without wanting to possess more 

 than is necessary for them or good for others. What is 

 it, then, that is needed in our rambles and excursions? 

 Is it not a thoughtful love for these things? I would of- 

 fer the following practical suggestions, which I think can 

 scarcely hinder any one from enjoying the country as 

 much as ever, and at the same time help to carry out the 

 objects which your Society has in view: 



1. When in the country do not ruthlessly pull up 

 and pick every flower you come across when you first set 



