156 
NATURE NOTES. 
They intervened successfully under the Wild Birds’ Protection Act in the case of 
the unnecessary destruction of the gannels on Lundy Island. He referred to the 
wholesale destruction of ferns and wild flowers by collectors and excursionists, 
which it was the object of this Society to prevent. Its third object was to pro- 
mote the study of Natural History, which they did by means of their magazine. 
They must all appreciate the manner in which that magazine was conducted, 
(applause). 
Professor W. H. Flower, Director of the Natural History Museum, said he 
came there without the slightest intention of making a speech, but he wished to 
show his sympathy with the Society and its objects, and had therefore very great 
pleasure in seconding the resolution. Another reason for his attendance was to 
show his respect for their chairman, with whom ever since the year 1849 
been in competition as a naturalist. In that year they both went in for honours 
in zoology, and Sir Edward came out first, whereas he (Prof. Flower) only got a 
second, and for this he had owed Sir Edward a grudge ever since (laughter). He 
must own to being the head of a rather large school of collectors of stuffed birds, 
and felt some qualms when the last speaker condemned the practice. However, 
what they did in that way was so infinitesimally small that he thought the object 
with which they worked would absolve them even in the eyes of the .Society. A 
lady in the Museum once spoke to him on the subject of the humming-birds in 
their cases ; but he drew her attention to the head-dresses of the ladies, and told 
her she could see catalogues of thousands of these birds to be sold in the City for 
those purposes. He would take the opportunity of disabusing people’s minds of the 
idea that the Museum required a kingfisher’s nest. Ever since Mr. Kingsley made 
a statement to that effect they had had a number sent every season ; they had 
one, and did not require any more. The propensity to destruction was a remnant 
of those days when man depended for his living on the chase. It was curious that 
it was possessed only by boys. It had been said that if a number of children were 
all dressed alike you could divide the boys from the girls by turning a mouse 
loose amongst them ; the boys would at once start in chase of it, and the girls 
would run away, and mount on chairs in fear of it (laughter). Societies like this, 
by influencing public opinion and influencing children might do much in saving 
pain to animals, and in saving them for their legitimate purpose of contributing to 
our enjoyment and happiness. 
Mrs. Brightwen, who next addressed the meeting, pleaded as her apology 
for speaking, her love for nature ever since childhood, and the happiness the study 
and observation of natural objects had afforded her throughout a long life. She 
was very glad to belong to the Society because it promoted these objects. She 
had been struck by the ignorance which prevailed on these matters, even amongst 
people who lived in the country. Mrs. Brightwen related some anecdotes in 
connection with her “ pet spider,” and of insects she had observed around her 
own house, and then referred to the destruction of birds of plumage. She made 
a pathetic appeal on behalf of the exquisite little white heron from which the 
“egrets” were obtained, and gave a touching description of the cruel manner in 
which the plumage is torn from the living female bird whilst sitting on her nest.- 
.She appealed to those who had gamekeepers to urge them to discrimination 
in the destruction of so-called birds of prey, and especially in regard to the kestrel, 
a most harmless bird, which lives almost entirely on mice, and the wholesale 
destruction of which, and of the jays, no doubt accounted for the plagues of mice 
from which many localities had recently suffered. 
The Rev. H. D. Gordon gave particulars of the work done by the Society, 
and instanced lectures delivered to the cab-bo}'S at Brighton, which had been 
attended with good results. He trusted they would be able to count upon the 
able editorship of Mr. Britten for some time to come, and that they might also 
depend upon the efforts of Each individual member to further the interests of the 
Society. Mr. Gordon spoke at some length on the approaching centenary of 
Gilbert White of Selborne, and thought something should be done to raise a fitting 
memorial to the memory of the great naturalist. 
The Earl of Stamford said he spoke as a representative of Gilbert White, 
several of whose great-nieces and great-nephews he saw in the room. As 
.soon as the work of the Society was put before him he felt bound to support 
it. We found ourselves in this beautiful world surrounded by so many charming 
