140 
NATURE NOTES. 
ent popularity of the geological lectures recently given in this city, thought it 
desirable to afford those who cared to follow up their studies, standard works on 
subjects so intimately associated with geology as palaeontology and zoology. The 
Committee think that those outside the Society can scarcely be aware of the 
valuable collection of books on most of the subjects connected with natural 
science and history this branch now possesses, otherwise they would avail them- 
selves to a larger extent than they have hitherto done of the opportunities for study 
and amusement which the Selborne Library affords. A pleasant room at the 
Royal Literary and Scientific Institution is available for the use of those members 
who wish to study or consult the works of reference. The balance in the hands 
of the Treasurer is ^12 7s. ii.Jd. The President concluded his remarks by saying 
that each member should take some individual interest in the proceedings of 
the .Society, and endeavour to increase its numbers and influence for the protec- 
tion of rare birds and plants, and the preservation of pleasant places for the 
public, as well as the promotion of natural history. He asked the members 
to make more use than they did of the works in the Society’s library, to make 
notes of rare birds and plants when seen, and above all not to dig up the latter 
by the roots. Water-colour paintings of the specimens of fungi collected by Mr. 
Baker, and illustrated, after being magnified by Mr. \Mieeler, of Clevedon, were 
handed round. 
On June 15th, the members of the Low'er Thames Valley Branch met on the 
Surrey side of the Thames by Twickenham Ferry for a ramble to Teddington Lock, 
with the object of studying the wild flowers. Upwards of seventy species (ex- 
cluding sedges and grasses) were noted, and an extremely pleasant evening was spent 
in this way. A full account of the ramble appears in the Thames Valley Times 
for Tune 23rd. It is proposed to hold the next field meeting at Barnes Common 
on Wednesday, the 6th July. The start will be from the Common Station as 
nearly as trains permit to six p.m. On Wednesday, the 20th July, it is proposed 
to meet at the same hour at Brentford Ferry Gate of the Royal Gardens, Kew, 
and walk thence to Richmond. 
A new Branch is about to be formed for the Croydon district. Intending 
members are asked to send their names to Mr. Edward A. Martin, Ravenswood, 
Carew Road, Thornton Heath, who has for the present undertaken the Honorary 
Secretaryship. A meeting will be held at an early date to decide whether the 
formation of the Branch is to be in any way specially inaugurated. 
We are compelled to hold over until our next number the report of the verj- 
important Drawing-room Meeting held at i. Palace Houses, Bayswater, at Lady 
Fry’s kind invitation, on the 22nd ult. 
NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
Contributions for any number should reach the Editor, James Britten’, 
F.L.S., 18, West Square, London, S.E., not later than the 15th of the month. 
When it is particularly requested, MS.S. not accepted will be returned, if 
stamps sufficient to pay the postage are sent for that purpose. 
Queries on any points connected with Botany or Zoology will be answered if 
possible, and advice will be given as to the best books for students in any depart- 
ment of Natural Science ; but all questions must be accompanied by the names 
and addresses of the writers, not for publication, if this is not desired. 
Specimens sent for identification will be named, if sent carefully packed and 
in good condition, and if sent to the Editoj', but we cannot undertake to return 
any specimens. 
We shall be glad to notice any books be.aring upon natural history in any of 
its branches, and to direct attention to magazine articles of the same kind, if 
these are sent to us. Publishers will confer a favour upon our readers if they will 
always state the p-ice 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. 
It is particularly requested that subscriptions and letters connected with busi- 
ness should not be forwarded to the Editor, but to the .Secretary of the Selborne 
Society, 9, Adam Street, Adelphi. Editorial communications, specimens, and 
books for review should be addressed to Mr. Britten, as above. 
