6o 
NATURE NOTES 
the Skinners’ Hall on Dowgate Hill. In ancient times these two companies 
were belligerents, but as a result of the arbitration by the Lord Mayor, to whom 
the dispute was submitted, the two companies dine together twice a year. Here 
the party had the advantage of the great knowledge and courtesy of Mr. Draper. 
By his direction, and after an inspection of the Hall, and a few words on the past 
history of the Company, the party divided, and while half were able to leisurely 
inspect the magnificent display of plate specially laid out for the occasion, the rest 
admired the fine cedar-panelled drawing room and the oak parlour upstairs. The 
plate comprised the five famous Cockayne Cups, dated l6l0, fashioned in the form 
of a cock, used on Election day (the Feast of Corpus Christi), various flagons and 
tankards, bowls, rose-water dishes, loving cups, two silver snuff-boxes, the one 
in the form of a wolf, the other in that of a leopard, dated l68o, and a varied form 
of the crest of the company, candelabra, and many other interesting articles. On 
a side table were the old watermen’s caps, worn when the Company had its 
barge on the Thames. A welcome tea provided by the hospitality of the Com- 
pany added greatly to the enjoyment of the party. Mr. Draper’s kindness under 
the running fire of questions, and his active interest in the large gathering, were 
then warmly acknowledged. Both companies, it was stated, devote the major 
part of their income to the cause of education, the Merchant Taylors having their 
well-known school in Charterhouse Square, while that of the .Skinners is at 
Tonbridge. Both also support other schools and many charities in different 
parts of the United Kingdom. 
FORTHCOMING SELBORNE SATURDAY AFTERNOONS. 
March 12. — Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road. Mr. L. Fletcher, 
F.R.S., Keeper of the Department of Minerals, will kindly give a Demonstration 
on Minerals. Assemble in the Central Hall at 2.30 p.m. 
March 26. — Lincoln’s Inn (in conjunction with the Archreological Cycling 
Club). Selbornians to assemble outside Hall at 2.30 (Lincoln’s Inn is situated 
just behind the New Law Courts). Mr. \Vm. Paley Baildon, F.S..-\., has kindly 
undertaken to act as guide. 
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
Kenelm. — (i) “ Pond-life,” by E. A. Butler, price is. (Swan .Sonnenschein) ; 
“ Life in Ponds and Streams,” by VV. Furneaux, price 6s. (Longmans) ; “ Ponds 
and Ditches,” by M. C. Cooke, price 2s. fid. (S.P.C. K.). (2) “ Book of Aquaria,” 
by Bateman and Bennett, price 5s. fid. (Upcott Gill). (3) Dr. Dallinger’s edition 
of Carpenter’s “ Microscope,” somewhat expensive; “A Thousand Objects for 
the Microscope,” by M. C. Cooke, price 2s. fid. (Warne). 
J. Town. — Johns’ “Forest Trees,” price 5s. (S.P.C.K.), somewhat out of 
date, more especially in its illustrations. The next work in price is Boulger’s 
“ Familiar Trees,” 2 vols. (Cassell and Co.), at present out of print. 
NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
1. All communications for Naturb Noi'ks 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 (juestions 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 Boui.ger, F.L..S., 
P'.G.S., II, Onslow Road, Richmond, Surrey. 
5. P'or the supply of the Magazine to others than members, or for back 
numbers (except in the case of new members), address the publishers, with stamjrs 
at the rate of 2jd. per number, Messrs. John Bale, Sons and Daniei.sson, 
Ltd., 83-89, Great Titchfield .Street, London, W. 
6. Letters connected with the business of the Society, subscriptions, &c. , should 
be addressed to the local Secretary, or the .Secretary to the .Society, Mr. R. 
Marsiiman WaitsON, 20, Hanover Square, W. 
