SELBORNIANA. 
17 
Several other books stand over for notice. Publishers will confer a favour 
upon our readers if they will always state the price of any volumes they may send, 
in order that it may be quoted in the notice. This addition is much appreciated 
by our readers, and is desirable in the interest of the volumes themselves. 
SELBORNIANA. 
A Substitute for Ivory. — I trust the letter of M. V. M. in Nature 
Notes for October may receive the attention it deserves. It is appalling to read 
in the boastful advertisements of billiard ball makers of the wholesale destruction 
of elephants for the manufacture of billiard balls alone ; and the suggestion that 
Selbornians, at least, should keep their consciences clear in the matter bv abstain- 
ing from the purchase of ivory is one that I hope many will act on. As, however, 
it is always well to have an idea of what to do, as well as of what not to do, will 
you allow me to say that for most purposes xylonite offers an admirable substitute 
for ivory? The British .Kylonite Company, 124, High Street, Homerton, N.E., 
besides having a large choice of articles usually made in ivory, are always ready 
to make to order any article required in a material which, in tint, texture, 
elasticity and translucency, is hardly to be distinguished from ivory. It answers 
well for carving, and I have seen a lovely portrait medallion carved in this sub- 
stance. A paper-knife which inhabits a pocket also tenanted by scissors, keys, 
knife, &c. , &c. , remains as little spoiled or scratched as an ivory one would do. 
The effect that would be produced on the slave trade by a diminution in the 
demand for ivory is too large a subject for me to touch on. E. H. 
Hackney Downs. — The Hon. .Secretary of the Clapton Branch has 
received the following from the clerk of the London County Council : — “Referring 
to your letter of the 4th ultimo, suggesting that the shrubs on Hackney Downs 
should not be so closely pruned this season, and that brambles and lield roses 
should be planted in the shrubberies, 1 have to inform you that the Parks and 
Open Spaces Committee has decided to adopt your suggestion.’’ 
“ Spreading tbe Light.” — No doubt Mr. \V. J. Franklin is doing his 
best to promote the interests of the .Selborne Society, but posting notices “ on gate 
posts, telegraph poles, outhouses, or any convenient place ” is, to me, very objec- 
tionable. The whole beauty of a hedgerow may be spoiled because a gate in its 
midst is plastered over with advertisements — it matters little if they be of our 
Society or of a new soap ; the appearance is the same. 1 would recommend .Mr. 
Franklin to confine his bill-sticking to the neighbourhood of railway stations, or 
have neatly mounted notices as issued by the Clapton Branch for hanging in public 
rooms, schools, &c. R. M. \V. 
[We entirely agree with R. M. W. ’s remarks. — E d., W. At.] 
“Too much Duty.” — The Secretary of the Clapton Branch writes: — 
“You recommend in the December number the half-crown series of Aalnral 
History Rambles published by the S.P. C.K., and mention that the illustrations 
“ have done much duty.” I have one of the series. Lakes ami Rivers, in which 
the figures do too miic/i duty, standing for one bird in this and lor another in 
Johns’ British Birds in their Haunts. 
NATURAL HISTORY NOTES AND QUERIES. 
Late Swallows. — Your readers may be interested to know that swallows 
were seen on Novemiier 15th at Shoitlaiids, near Bromley, Kent. The latest 
date mentioned in White’s Selborne is November 7th. 
M. Horace Smith. 
Walking on the cliffs to the east of Brighton, on November 21st, I was sur- 
prised to see several martins flying about close to the ebfif edge. The latest date 
which Bewick mentions for these birds having been seen is November 6th. It 
would be interesting to know whether this year they have been noticed in other 
parts of England also as late as this, or whether my observation of them is a 
