232 
NATURE NOTES 
Insects and the Atmosphere. — A member writes expressing doubt as 
to Mr. Coleman’s statement (p. 21 1), that “ heavier atmosphere forces insects to 
lower strata of air,” alleging that it is when the air is light that the insects fly 
low. 
Fungi on Water Plants. — Have any of our botanical friends noticed 
the prevalence of a black fungus, like smut, on various water plants, especially on 
Typha latifolia and Sparganium ramosum ? It appears to destroy the leaves. I 
fancy the fungus is a species of Uredo ? 
Cranbrook. A. W. HUDSON. 
SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES. 
Selborne Winter Lectures. — The second lecture will take place at 
the Royal Zoological Society’s room, at 3, Hanover Square, on Friday, December 
15, at 8.30 p.m. The subject will be “ Wonders and Romance of Insect Life,” by 
Mr. Fred Enoch, F.L.S., F.E.S., illustrated by his own lantern slides. Admission, 
IS., or on application to the Secretary beforehand, 6d. ; reserved seats, 2s. On 
Tuesday, January 16, “ Man’s First Contact with Nature,” by Professor G. S. 
Boulger, F.L.S., F.G.S. The February lecture will, it is hoped, be the one 
promised some months ago by the Hon. J. Scott Montagu, M.P., on “South 
African Fauna and Flora,” and the March Lecture by Dr. Lubbock. 
Selborne Saturday Afternoons 
Salurday, December 9. — Visit Westminster Abbey. Meet at the Great 
Cloisters, 2 p.m. sharp. Guide, Mr. Stanley Austen. 
•Saturday., January 13, 1900. — Natural History .Vluseum : Birds ; 2 to 4, meet 
in Central Hall. Guide, Dr. Bowdler Sharpe, F.R.S. 
Saturday, February 10. — Lambeth Palace. Further particulars later. Guide, 
Mr. W. S. Durrant. 
Saturday, March 10. — Kew Gardens. Guide, Prof. G. S. Boulger. 
Field Club Meetings to recommence in April. 
Council Meetings. — The next Council meetings will be held on 
December 5 and 19. 
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
C. S. R. — Fairly typical Carduns arvensis, Iloffm. 
D. N. D. — So far as I am aware there is no cruelty involved in the slaughter 
of Astrakhan sheep. “ Baby lamb,” however, is obtained by unspeakable 
atrocities. 
F. Grant. — Now that “ospreys” have been abolished, I am not aware 
that any birds are specially slaughtered for the uniforms of the British Army. 
NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
1. All communications for Nature Notes 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 undertake 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, Proeessor Boulger, F.L.S., 
F.G.S. , 34, Argyll .Mansions, Addison Bridge, London, W. ; letters connected 
with the busine.ss of the .Society, enquiries as to the supply of the Magazine, 
subscriptions, &c., to the Secretary, A. J. Western, Esq., 20, Hanover 
Square, W. 
