NATURE NOTES. 
116 
science by writing such a book as this, as in carrying on the more abstruse investi- 
gations with which one generally associates his name. We cannot more clearly 
express the value we attach to his work than by saying we consider it distinctly 
superior for English children as an introduction to Nature study to the well-known 
First Year of Scientific Knowledge, by M. Paul Bert. 
SELBORNIANA. 
The Selborne Society at Kew and Richmond.— The prophecies 
indulged in more than once in Nature Notes, e.g., p. 39 and 75 of the present 
volume, that the Lower Thames Valley Branch of the Selborne Society would 
this year recover the power and prestige which it lost during its almost total 
eclipse in 1890, have been more than verified. Mr. Edward King has been 
again able to devote his energies to the work of the Branch, and is ably seconded 
by an indefatigable lion. Sec., with the result that the columns of Nature 
Notes cannot contain a complete record of all the work that is being done. 
Last month we chronicled the anti-pollution campaign. In the “ Work of 
Branches,” in the present number, an account may be found of the efforts of this 
Branch for the preservation of one of the best-known beauties of the River 
Thames — the Ait at Kew Bridge — against the inevitable destruction which 
threatens it unless the authorities responsible for its safety bestir themselves. As 
usual, Mr. King is the foremost champion of Selbornian principles by means of 
his newspapers, and to them we must refer those of our readers who are interested 
in these various questions which so nearly affect the continued enjoyment by the 
people in all its beauty of our precious possession, the river (as most Englishmen 
call it) and its banks. As an instance of the able way in which the contest is 
carried on, we may mention that in a recent number of the Richmond Times , 
which has reached us, both the leading articles are devoted to distinctly Sel- 
bornian subjects. The first, entitled “ More Work for Lovers of Nature,” begins 
as follows : — “ It really seems as if there is to be no end to the struggles which 
have to be undertaken for the preservation of the natural charms, and the public 
right to their enjoyment, in the neighbourhood of Richmond. No sooner is one 
battle fought and won — or sometimes, alas ! lost — than another enemy is found 
invading our right to enjoy that which Nature has given so bountifully, and almost 
ere the sword can be sheathed it has to be wielded again.” 
LInfortunately, these words are just as true of scores of other places near 
London as they are of Richmond, and the only difference is that there are not to 
be found in other suburban neighbourhoods such courageous and outspoken 
defenders of the beauties of Nature as the leading member of the Lower Thames 
Valley section of the Selborne Society. The article from which we have quoted 
is directed against the recent encroachments by the Trustees of the Dysart estate 
on public rights, with regard to the footpaths in the neighbourhood of Ham 
House. The other leading article in the same issue bears the title “A Vanishing 
Island,” and is a vigorous protest against the inaction of the Commissioners of 
Woods and Forests in the matter of Kew Ait. The forgetfulness on the part of 
these gentlemen of their obligations as trustees of national property is really 
astonishing. Any one who is anxious to acquire perfection in the art of “ How 
not to do it ” could not find a more precious pattern than the “ answer ” of Mr. 
Jackson to the recent enquiry in the House of Commons. 
In another part of the same paper from which we have quoted there is to be 
found a letter from Mr. F. G. Heath on a matter which is of interest to many of 
our readers — the earlier opening of Kew Gardens. Mr. Heath says he feels sure 
that “ the present able director will not refuse his assent to what is so earnestly 
desired.” If Mr. Heath is correctly informed, we shall recognise in this boon to 
the outside public another instance of that constant desire to do everything that 
is possible in a popular direction, which has been manifested under the present 
Director and Curator of the Gardens. But we earnestly deprecate any attempt 
to force the hands of the Director in this matter. The Royal Gardens at Kew 
stand at present in a higher position than they have ever occupied. In scientific 
rank, in international and commercial importance, in their value as a place of 
