202 
NATURE NOTES 
October 13 has an article on the subject, excellent in intention, 
but written entirely from the point of view of the literary 
pilgrim, thus ignoring the plea on behalf of the local residents 
of limited means which has been brought prominentl}' forward 
by the advocates of the scheme. If any such demand for 
facilities of locomotion exists, it would, in our opinion, be amply 
met by a service of omnibuses, or an ordinary tram line on 
the existing roads ; whilst, if the high gradients arouse a humane 
feeling against horse traction, a steam tramway would not 
necessitate the unsightly posts and wires of an electric system. 
Ditchling Beacon. — Mr. E. A. Martin writes: — “ In your 
review of Mr. W. H. Hudson’s book, “ Nature in Downland,” 
you reprint an illustration of the South Downs as seen from 
Ditchling Hill. The picture shows well the eyesore, or rather 
series of eyesores, caused by the carrying of telegraph wires 
up the hill and over Ditchling Beacon. The double posts con- 
tinue at intervals right up the escarpment, and as one stands 
in the pretty village of Ditchling, one sees a pair of these 
objectionable posts projected against the sky-line at the very 
top of the road that leads up to the Beacon. Some hesitation 
might surely have been shown before creating the break in the 
sky-line which these disfigurements produce.” 
“ A Norfolk Rectory.” — We have received further corre- 
spondence on this article, for which we have not space. One 
correspondent points out that Gilbert White himself speaks of 
“ amusing ” himself “ with a gun,” but then he was denied the 
knowledge of the joy of a telescopic camera. Another w'riter 
thinks that Mr. Salt’s criticisms can be met by the suggestion 
that rabbits are suitable for food, while missionaries are not 
usually considered to be so, thus ignoring that gentleman’s 
vegetarian standpoint. 
The Royal Buckhounds. — The Prime Minister has con- 
sented to receive a deputation on the subject of the Royal 
Buckhounds, but is as yet unable to fix a date for so doing. 
The Catholic Humane League. — We have received from 
the Hon. Secretary, ^Ir. R. E. O’Callaghan, 17A, Mandalay 
Road, Clapham Common, S.W., a prospectus of an association 
which has been established under this title, with the patronage 
of the Bishop of Nottingham, the Dowager Lady Knill, and 
Dr. E. P. S. Counsel, Q.C. The objects of the League are 
described as “ the extension of humane principles among 
Catholics, in accordance with Catholic instincts and the teach- 
ing of the Church ; its methods, as “ the holding of meetings, 
. giving of lectures, . . . circulation of literature, 
. . . and especially the giving of illustrated addresses to 
the children attending Catholic schools.” The minimum sub- 
scription is IS. per annum. We need hardly say that we wish 
