6o 
NATURE NOTES 
of Paradise. The lecture was fully illustrated by lantern views, and also by 
specimens kindly lent by the authorities of the Manchester Museum. The lecture 
commenced with a brief consideration of the relationships and classification of the 
Paradiseida, and then a considerable number of species was described in order. 
The twelve-wired bird of paradise and its habits in captivity first occupied 
attention. The magnificent accessory plumage of D’Albertis’s bird of paradise 
was next considered. The Rifle Birds comprised several species, of which one, 
the paradise rifle bird, was selected for special description. Among the short- 
billed species the well-known great emerald bird of paradise claimed special 
attention, and the cruel and insane folly of wearing birds in women’s hats was 
strongly condemned. (This was well supported by the audience.) The chief 
ornament of the king bird of paradise was the curious pair of green button-like 
feathers adorning the tail. In Wilson’s bird of paradise the most remarkable 
feature was the bare scalp of a brilliant blue colour. The tail had two strange 
curved feathers of a steely blue, whereas the closely allied golden-winged bird of 
paradise had these tail feathers in the form of two long green wires. The golden 
bird of paradise exhibited a striking difference in the two sexes, the male with 
his brilliant orange mantle being totally unlike his dull-coloured mate. The 
silvery crest, the metallic gorget and six plumes of the six-shafted bird of paradi.se 
and the fan-like crests of the superb bird of paradise were also fully described. 
In the gorget bird of paradise some of the feathers were fiery gold in some lights. 
The claims and objects of the Selborne Society were fully laid before a large and 
appreciative audience, and the Society’s magazines and pamphlets read with 
interest. 
At a meeting held on January 30, it was resolved to hold an exhibition of 
natural history objects at an early date, and then to hold a second meeting during 
the exhibition, with a view to securing a first committee of gentlemen, who would 
sign a petition asking the Society to permit the formation of a branch in the 
district. 
Additions to the Selborne Library. — The Librarian reports that the 
following books have been received from the Editor, and are hereby acknow- 
ledged with thanks : “ The Wanton Mutilation of Animals,” by Dr. George 
Fleming ; “ The Structure and Classification of Birds,” by F. E. Beddard ; 
“ Humane Science Lectures.” 
NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES. 
Clapton. — On January 21, Mr. J. U. Hardy, F.G.S., gave a very- 
instructive paper on “ The Moon ” which he illustrated by diagrams and a 
series of excellent photographs. 
Prof. G. S. Boulger, F.L.S., F.G.S., was the lecturer at the monthly winter 
meeting held on February 18, when the subject! of “London Trees” proved 
of great interest to the members and friends of this suburban branch. 
The annual meeting for the election of officers, &c., will be held at the North 
East London Institute on March 18 at 7.30, being the ordinary meeting. 
NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
1. All communications for Naturh Notks must be authenticated with name 
and address, not necessarily for publication. 
2. The return of an unaccepted contribution can only be guaranteed when it 
is accompanied by a stamped and addressed envelope. We cannot undeitake to 
name specimens privately, to return them, or to reply to questions by letter. 
3. All communications for any number must be in the Editor’s hands by the 
loth of the preceding month. 
4. Communications for Nature Notes, books for review, specimens for 
naming, &c., should be addressed to the Editor, Professor Boui-OER, F. L.S., 
F.G.S., 34, Argyll Mansions, Addison Bridge, London, W. ; letters connected 
with the business of the Society, encpiiries as to the supply of the Magazine, sidr- 
scri[)tions, &c., to the Secretary, A. J. Western, Esrp, 20, Hanover Square, W. 
