78 
NATURE NOTES 
to him. He was able to assure his hearers, from a personal examination of the 
tusks that come into the market, that only a very small proportion are taken from 
freshly killed elephants. The others are those which are found lying on the sur- 
face of the ground and come from animals which have departed this life in times 
gone by, or are brought out of stores where they have been hoarded by natives 
for generations. At the end of the afternoon a cordial vote of thanks was given 
to Mr. Van Noorden for his courtesy and kindness. It was proposed by the 
Honorary Secretary, Mr. Wilfred Mark Webb — at whose request Mr. Van 
Noorden had been so good as to arrange for the visit — seconded by the Honorary 
Librarian, Mr. H. H. Poole, who is also the Secretary of the Excursions 
Committee, and was suitably acknowledged by the recipient. 
NEWS FROM BRANCHES AND AFFILIATED SOCIETIES. 
Birmingham and Midland Branch. — On March 6, Prof. Bridge, 
F.R.S., Professor of Zoology at the Birmingham University, gave a lecture to 
the members and friends of the Selborne Society, on “ The Simplest Forms of 
Animal Life.” The Lecturer remarked that great progress had been made in 
the investigation of these simple forms of life during the last quarter of a century. 
This was chiefly owing to the improvement in microscopic appliances, and in the 
microscope itself. He spoke of the great variety and beauty that is found in the 
lowest forms of animal and plant life, and exhibited some of these by means of 
lantern slides. The forms are very varied, some being simple, while others are 
much more elaborate and show great beauty of design. 
In speaking of the amoeba, the lecturer explained, that though only a simple 
particle of jelly-like protoplasm, it was capable of exhibiting all the phenomena 
of life. An animal like this was face to face with the origin and nature of life. 
That was a problem, however, that the lecturer did not intend to discuss, for, so 
far, no definite explanation, or no theory worth the having, had been given to 
explain the nature and origin of life. 
The lecture was of great interest throughout, and at the close a hearty vote 
of thanks to Prof. Bridge was proposed by Mr. J. Udall, F.G.S., and carried by 
acclamation. 
East Riding. — On Thursday, February 8, the Rev. W. D. Wood Rees, 
the Honorary Secretary, gave a most interesting Lecture, entitled “ Arachnida 
Filosa, or the Wonders of Spider Life,” at Barmby Moor. A good audience 
was present and listened with marked attention and interest. The lecture was 
illustrated by means of an oxy-hydrogen lantern, kindly lent and worked by 
Mr. J. C. Boyden. The lecturer, on behalf of the Selborne Society, offered a 
prize to each standard in the school for the best account of the lecture. Twenty- 
seven have competed, and the result will be made known shortly. Votes of 
thanks were proposed by Mr. Seth Wilkinson, seconded by Mr. John Pock- 
lington. The lecture was repeated at Market Weighton on February 14. 
North Wilts Field and Camera Club. — A most interesting lecture on 
“ The Wiltshire Dialect ” was given on the 10th inst. at the monthly meeting of 
the Club, by G. Avenell, Esq., Vice-President. The lecturer treated his subject, 
with which he was thoroughly at home, in a most happy style, sketching briefly 
the history of the English language, and giving examples of special Wiltshire 
words, illustrating many by short humorous anecdotes, given in Wiltshire dialect. 
The Wiltshire literature was briefly outlined, many selections being read, to 
the delight and amusement of the audience. Richard Jefferies stands first, J. 
Aubrey and J. Britton are well-known Wiltshire writers ; and with a reference 
to George Herbert’s writings, the lecturer concluded a most interesting address. 
A hearty vote of thanks was proposed by the Chairman, Mr. T. C. Davison. 
FORTHCOMING EVENTS. 
Counctl and Committee Meetings. 
Monday , April 23. — Publications Committee at 5.30 p.m. 
Tuesday, May 22. — Council Meeting at 5.30 p.m. 
