156 
NATURE NOTES 
of an inch beyond the tops of the tubes. This excessive length gave the umbel of 
flowers a disiinct appearance. 
BrightOfl, April 21 , 1904. J. L. OTTER. 
[Found in a wood in Sussex, this was probably not the oxlip (Primula elalior), 
but a caulescent primrose. It would be interesting to know whether more than 
one plant exhibited the modification described, or all the flowers of one plant, 
and what was the exact length of the styles. — E d., N. jV.] 
138. “ Honey-in-the-comb.” — Scientific writers on plant-nomenclature 
and folk-lore frequently protest against “ mere book-names,” such as “ Wayside 
Mouse-ear Chickweed,” caring only for names actually in use among the people. 
Many of these latter, however, had once undoubtedly a learned, if not a literary, 
origin, as, for example, “ Elecampane”; nor is it obvious why a botanist may 
not suggest a new vernacular name, if appropriate, as fitly as any country yokel. 
With this preamble we beg to suggest the above as a name for Hermhtiu/n 
Alonorchis. According to Messrs. Britten and Holland’s Dictionary, the book- 
name “ Musk Orchis” has no popular currency, nor does it seem to our olfactory 
nerves to be very appropriate. Other flowers smell strongly of honey, as, for 
example, Galium Cruciata; but in this species there is also a distinct smell of 
bee’s-wax. The name is no longer than “ Love-in-a-misI,” upon which it may 
be said to be modelled ; and there is no necessity to add the ugly ordinal name 
“Orchis.” G. S. Boulger. 
NATURAL HISTORY QUERIES. 
23. New Forest. — Has any cause been assigned for the absence of bird-life 
in the New Forest, which I am told is so remarkable there? A few birds, it is 
said, are found in the vicinity of houses in that district, but in the remote parts 
of the forest not a sound or sight of a bird is perceived. Is this so at all seasons 
of the year ? A. R. P. 
24. Swallows and Flies. — May I ask if it is generally noticed that many 
fewer swallows come to England than formerly ? I certainly think so. And may 
this not help to account for the unusual swarms of flies which everybody has 
observed, and which have caused many victims to be observed this spring? 
Hillingdon, Middlesex. C. J. Maurice. 
25. Pears.— I send you some pears from a tree in this village. When grow- 
ing they look in good health, and there is a large crop. Every one, however, that 
I have opened is tenanted by forty or fifty small grubs, which have destroyed the 
centre of the fruit. Can you tell me what the insect is ? Is there any remedy ? 
.Short of picking and burning them I can think of none. 
Edmund Tiios. Daureny. 
[The grubs were determined at the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horti- 
cultural Society as those of Diplosis pirifera, one of the Cecidomyiidte, and it is 
recommended to put kainit on the ground under the trees, as it kills them when 
they fall to pupate. — Ed., N.N.^ 
26. Copper Beech. — A young copper beech tree in my garden has three or 
four of the lowest twigs covered with green leaves. Could you tell me if this is 
common or unusual, and the reason ? 
[Most colour-variations show such a tendency to revert to the normal colour 
of the species, especially when growth is luxuriant. — Ed., N.N.^ 
SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES. 
Council Meetings. — At the Council Meeting held on June 8, permission 
was given to Mr. C. M. Hall to form a Junior Branch at Wood Green and South- 
gate, to be called theNoith Middlesex Junior Branch; and to Mr. G. F. Pollard, 
to form one at Totnes, to be called the King Edward \'l. School (Nat. Hist. 
Soc.) Junior Branch. 
The usual monthly meeting of the Council will be held at 20 , Hanover 
