Notes and Comments. 131 
completely failed. ‘So 7 propose to drop the word mammal... 
and to use the word ‘‘animal” instead.’ But, though Mr. 
Robinson may consider he has thus decided the future use 
of the word in scientific and popular literature, he condescends 
to ask to receive the opinions of ‘naturalist friends’ on the 
* proposed zznovation ;’ hence these words. But we can assure 
Mr. Robinson that his ‘proposed innovation’ is merely a 
childish and unpardonable error, which, until recently, was 
made by most very small boys and girls, and also by illiterate 
‘grown-ups.’ But we are thankful to say that in many of our 
schools to-day, the average intelligent child would be able to 
say that a whale was not a fish, and that animals were not 
necessarily all ‘four-limbed, hot-blooded, and with hair.’ 
Possibly, however, we are taking too seriously the nature 
of Country Side, but at present we have certainly the impres- 
sion that it is intended to appeal to nature lovers, who, of all 
people, ought to be able to express themselves correctly. 
NATURALIST ASSOCIATIONS. 
In connection with the journal just referred to, is a ‘ British 
Empire Naturalist Association,’ the aim of which would hardly 
seem to be to encourage an interest in nature study, so much 
as to encourage the sale of the journal. An application for 
particulars of the ‘B.E.N.A.’ means that one becomes a 
member of this association, willy-nilly, and a ‘card of member- 
ship’ is sent, which allows the holder ‘and all members of the 
same household’ to have ‘all the benefits’ of the association. 
One of these is that one may write ‘ B.E.N.A.’ after his name, 
but not M.B.E.N.A., as the ‘use of ‘‘ M.” to signify ‘‘ Member,” 
is only necessary in the case of societies which have separate 
grades, as ‘‘ Fellows,” ‘‘ Members,” and ‘‘ Associates.” In the 
B.E.N.A. we are all equal.’ Lest the owner of this pennyworth 
of title should not be recognised, he can wear a badge, presum- 
ably to be obtained in due course, on receipt of stamp. One 
of these B.E.N.A. ‘nature lovers’ has just distributed 400 
butterflies, and 430 birds’ eggs, and wants further specimens. 
Strangely enough, one of the objects of the association is to 
secure protection for wild life |‘animal,’ bird, and insect pre- 
sumably], wild plants, and interesting antiquities, conszsently 
weth the legitimate interests of the sportsman and collector! 
After perusing the ‘objects’ on the slip of paper sent, one 
gets an idea of another ‘object’ of the association, when 
turning the leaflet over, one is greeted with a recommendation 
1go7 April 1. 
