62 
NATURE NOTES 
be entirely negatived. As is explained by Professor W. P. Ker, 
in a letter to the Times of March 17, the scheme “ will not make 
it easier to get from other parts of the country to Beddgelert or 
Bettws,” whilst most of the scenery in those valleys is on a 
small scale, so that such a line would destroy some of the 
favourite short walks out of Bettws. A memorial to the Board 
of Trade against the scheme has already been signed by over 
250 persons, including the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford, the Dean 
of Christ Church, the Right Hon. James Bryce, Principal Reichel, 
of Bangor, Principal Roberts of Aberystwith, Mr. Douglas 
Freshfield, Sir Martin Conway, B. W. Leader, R.A., and Alfred 
East, A.R.A. Copies may be had for signature from Professor 
Ker, of 95, Gower Street, W.C. 
PuRLEY Beeches. — We are glad to hear that a two-years’ 
lease of the land occupied by these picturesque trees, of which 
an illustration appeared in our February number, has been 
obtained, and it is hoped that within this time-limit the sum 
necessary to purchase and so secure the spot may be raised. 
A Lost Opportunity. — We are very sorry to hear that lack 
of the small financial support needed has compelled Mr. Cochrane 
to close the interesting little Wild-Flower Garden which he had 
established at Perry Hill. His was an excellent idea, tending at 
once to render our beautiful wild flowers better known, and to 
protect them from extermination. Mr. Cochrane devoted him- 
self ungrudgingly to his self-imposed task ; and if the scheme is 
finally abandoned for the want of a few pounds per annum, it 
will be the loss of a unique opportunity. 
Liverpool Kyrle Society, Flower Branch. — From a 
report which we have received it appears that this very practical 
branch of a truly philanthropic society continues to do excellent 
work in providing poor town schools with flowers for Nature 
lessons. A box is sent once a fortnight — except, of course, 
during holiday times. The number of schools on the Society’s 
book is, however, in excess of the number of regular country 
contributors of flowers, so that the Secretary, Miss Jessie Bird, 
4, Riversdale Road, Aigburth, Liverpool, will be glad to hear 
from additional volunteers. 
Anti-Bearing Rein Association. — A brief report has just 
been issued clironicling the work done during the six months 
ending December 31, 1903, and giving other information about 
the Association. It should be useful for distribution, in order to 
make the Association better known, and a copy will be sent free 
to anyone on application to the Hon. Sec., Animals' Friend, 6, 
York Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C. 
Wild Birds Protixtion Orders. — An Order has been 
issued from the Home Office for the County Borough of Hastings, 
replacing that of I'ebruary 24, 1903; protecting all birds on 
