Our Gilbert White Page 107 



any hole or depression on the ground, or in a bank; it is 

 covered over at the top, and is entered at the side. The 

 increase of the species which such a numerous progeny would 

 be calculated to produce is counterbalanced not only by the 

 destruction which takes place amongst them through the 

 agency of other animals, as Moles, Weasles, and Owls, but by 

 a very general mortality which prevails early in autumn, 

 the cause of which does not appear to be understood. It is 

 common at that season to find numbers of them lying dead in 

 the fields and hedgerows, without any apparent external 

 injury." 



Later writers have remarked that this singular mortality 

 remains without satisfactory explanation. Can our readers 

 assist in solving the mystery ? Dead shrews were observed 

 by the roadsides around Haslemere yesterday (June 23). 

 They bore not the slightest trace of external injury, and 

 were well nourished. 



The Eschscholtzia and its Hood. 



Everyone is familiar with the hood which the Eschscholtzia 

 flower carries on the top of its growing petals. Children 

 call it a nightcap, Professor Lindley, a hutkin. It serves to 

 protect them from heat, wind and wet, until they are well 

 grown. When strong enough they lift it off. It consists of 

 the calyx of the flower, of which the sepals have cohered 

 at their sides and afterwards suffered detachment at their 

 bases. Once detached it is no longer capable of growth, and 

 as the petals within continue to grow they lift it higher and 

 higher, whilst it still retains sufficient power to keep their 

 delicate tips folded up, and completely covered. Various other 

 plants enjoy somewhat similar arrangements for the protec- 

 tion of their buds or growing points. In most of the cone- 

 bearing or fir tribe, the points of the spring shoots carry 

 a bee-hive like cap of brown bracts which protects their 

 youngest and most delicate needles. The lower leaves are 



