(Rature IRotes : 
Ubc Sdborne Society’s ^IDagasine 
No. 169. JANUARY, 1904. Vol. XV. 
EDITORIAL. 
HE scope of the work of the Selborne Society is so wide, 
the space at our disposal in this magazine so limited, 
that there is a danger lest important directions for our 
efforts be overlooked. It may, therefore, be useful at 
the beginning of a new year to briefly enumerate some of the 
tasks which lie before us. 
To promote the study of natural history we hope not only 
to continue the visits to museums during the winter and the 
country rambles of the Field Club in the summer, but also to 
assist in the organisation of future Kature-Study exhibitions, 
being convinced of the great value of those held during the last 
two years. 
For the protection of wild animals we must keep a careful 
watch for opportunities to assist in legislative measures as to 
“ big game,” birds, or “ unsizable ” fish : it may be necessary to 
do something to protect some insects from reckless collectors ; 
and we shall certainly welcome the establishment of any 
“ earthly paradise ” in which Nature may be permitted to 
maintain her own balance. Unfortunately, there can be no 
doubt that in pursuit of this object we shall still have to raise 
our voices in protest against the barbarities inflicted in the 
names of fashion and so-called “ sport,” and in the needless 
destruction of some much valued species for food. Here, again, 
many legislative proposals may be made which may demand our 
consideration, our support, or our opposition. In the pursuit of 
these and other objects our vigilance must not be limited to our 
own islands, or even to the British Empire ; whilst we have the 
satisfaction of knowing that in none of our efforts shall we 
struggle alone. Not only have we in general the co-operation 
in this country of the Royal Society for the Prevention of 
Cruelty to Animals, of the Humanitarian League, and of the 
