20 
NATURE NOTES 
of the Australian animals, Opossums, Wombats, Wallabies, extraordinary, as are 
almost all Australian animals, either for their shape or their fur or their pouch. 
Last, but not least, the Nutria. This most curious animal, which belongs to 
the great family of the Octodontidce, and comes from South America, appears to 
be the only one known to have its teats on the sides of its back, a phenomenon 
explained by the fact that it lives in swamps, and has often to carry its young 
on its back for long swims. Next were shown all the different imitations of the 
above skins which are manufactured from less expensive skins, chief among 
which are the Silver and Black Fox imitations, being Red Fox dyed to these shades ; 
the Sable, imitated by the Russian Kolinski dyed to match ; the Ermine, for which 
the common domestic White Rabbit is employed ; the Chinchilla, imitated in 
Rabbit and Hare skins, and the Seal, for which the most common substitutes are 
Rabbit and Musquash skins sheared and dyed to the right shade. These imitations 
are in some cases so skilfully produced as to be almost identical with the real 
fur in appearance. The remainder of the time was devoted to answering 
questions of the Members, which was gladly and explicitly done, and to a visit 
to the rest of the extensive warehouse. A vote of thanks, proposed by the 
Secretary, Mr. Mark Webb, and seconded by Mr. H. H. Poole, terminated 
the proceedings. 
FORTHCOMING EVENTS. 
Council and Committee Meetings. 
Monday, January 8. — Publication Committee, at 5.30 p.m. 
Tuesday , January 23. — Council Meeting, at 5.30 p.m. 
Winter Meetings of the Society. 
Saturday, January 13. — Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, S.W. 
Meet in the Central Hall at 2.15 for 2.30. Professor Boulger will give a 
demonstration. 
Saturday, January 20. — Visit to Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge, E.C. 
Assemble at 3 p.m. Guide, J. Wrench Towse, Esq., Clerk to the Fishmongers’ 
Company. H. H. Poole, 
Hon. Sec. Excursions Committee. 
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
B. C. M. — The two principal species of Eider Duck, Somateria mollissima 
and S. speclabilis, breed socially in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions and are there 
domesticated, chiefly in Iceland and Norway. The female bird plucks the down 
from her breast and lays her eggs upon it. The first tw T o clutches and their 
down are taken ; but the third, to which the male bird contributes some down, 
is left, lest the birds should desert the nest. Each nest yields about a quarter of 
a pound of clean dowm per annum, that thus taken from the nest being known 
as “live down.” No cruelty whatever is practised. 
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 
10th of the preceding month. 
4. Communications for Nature Notes, books for review, specimens for 
naming, &c., should be addressed to the Editor, Professor Boulger, F.L.S., 
F.G.S., 11, Onslow Road, Richmond, Surrey. 
5. For the supply of the Magazine to others than Members, or for back 
numbers (except in the case of new T Members), address the publishers, with stamps 
at the rate of 2jd. per number, Messrs. John Bale, Sons and Danielsson, 
Ltd., 83-91, Great Titchfield Street, London, W. 
6. Letters connected with the business of the Society, subscriptions, and appli- 
cations for membership, should be sent to the local Honorary Secretary, or to the 
Honorary General Secretary of the Society, Wilfred Mark Webb, F.L.S., at 
20, Hanover Square, London, W. 
