NATURAL HISTORY NOTES 
65 
is organising an exhibition and sale at the Botanic Gardens, 
Regent’s Park, on July 17 and following days. There 
will be an exhibit of Nature Study which will take a 
rather original form. There is no doubt that much observa- 
tional work has at present to be carried on in-doors and instead 
of the exhibition of pupils’ work the idea is to show “ a model 
room or laboratory for the teaching of Nature Study.” We 
have no doubt but that teachers, who are naturally more 
interested in what is, than in what ought to be, will welcome 
this practical step. 
Nature Study Course for Women. — A Nature Study 
Course will be held at the Horticultural College, Swanley, from 
July 27 until August 10. It will be of a similar character to 
those which have been so well carried out in former years. 
Ailsa Crag. — We are very sorry to hear the announcement 
that Ailsa Crag has been leased for quarrying purposes and 
sincerely hope that the danger may be averted. 
Small Holdings. — The Board of Agriculture has circu- 
larised the County Councils with a view to finding out what the 
various Small Holdings Committees in the country have been 
doing. 
“ Bird Life of the Borders.” — Mr. Abel Chapman's well- 
known work on the “ Bird Life of the Borders,” has been out of 
print for some years, and copies have been eagerly sought after. 
The appearance of a new edition which Messrs. Gurney and 
Jackson will publish during the month will be looked forward 
10 with interest by a wide circle of naturalists all over the 
country. 
The Editor. — Professor Boulger has safely returned from 
Peru, and will at once resume his duties. 
NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. 
480. Gadwall. — This duck, which is rare in most parts of the British Isles, 
is of special interest in connection with this spot. Some years ago a pair of 
Gadwall were caught in South-acre decoy. These were pinioned and turned 
down on Narford lake, three miles distant, where they bred freely, attracted 
others, and spread over a great part of East Anglia. The decrease of all kinds 
of duck in these parts during the last few years has been very marked, and though 
Narford Lake is a sanctuary for wild fowl, there are but few there now. The 
reason for the Gadwall’s desertion of its original haunt is quite a puzzle. 
Soulh-acre, ^wnffham. Edmund Thos. Daubeny. 
481. Bower Birds’ Nests. — May I point out that the “ bower ” which 
these birds build is in no sense whatever a nest, but simply a run or garden used 
for courtship, varying in design according to the species of Bower Bird by which 
it is built ? The eggs are laid elsewhere as Mr. Blair says on page 49. A full 
account of these birds will be found in Gould’s “ Birds of Australia ” (1848). 
Hale End, Chingford. C. Nicholson. 
