NATURE NOTES 
I 2 
Marlborough Downs, and Ludshott Common and Waggoners 
Wells, Hindhead. It is deplorable to read that want of means 
compels the Trust from time to time to decline the guardianship 
of important ancient monuments. 
Our Hedgerows.- — Our attention has been called to the 
proposal that a deputation of motorists shall wait on the Govern- 
ment to suggest the general cutting down of hedgerows in order 
that it may be possible to see anything coming along a side-road 
towards a crossing or turning. Naturally Devonshire people are 
up in arms, though, considering that their lanes are generally 
bounded by high banks as well as hedgerows, we doubt if they 
have much to fear. How will the Kentish hop-growers relish 
the proposal to abolish their wind-screens ? We doubt if local 
authorities can at present compel the cutting down of hedge- 
rows, as distinguished from the clearing them back if they over- 
hang the roadway ; and we doubt still more whether such a 
deputation as is suggested could secure special legislation for 
this purpose, but it is well for us to be prepared to resist any 
such vandalism. 
Journalistic Hypocrisy. — Another correspondent writes as 
to the advertisements of birds’ eggs and skins which appear in 
The Country-side, while in the same number of that journal the 
editor recommends that the Wild Birds’ Protection Acts 
“ should be made operative against dealers, taxidermists, and 
collectors.” 
Wild Herbs. — The suggestion reaches us that, as some 
pot-herbs, such as Marjoram, Thyme, Mint, &c., are somewhat 
difficult to cultivate in or near smoky towns, their wild allies, 
which sometimes flourish at no great distance, should be sub- 
stituted for them. Our correspondent enquires as to any culinary 
experiments in this direction. 
No Aigrettes for the Kaiserin. — We were glad to read, 
in the account of the recent purchase of bonnets for his wife 
by our visitor the Emperor William, that none were selected 
which were adorned by “ aigrettes.” 
Bird-Protection Orders. — We have received from the 
Home Office a Protection Order, dated December 7, 1907, for 
Cambridgeshire, repealing that of May 18 last, adding the 
Great Bustard to the Schedule, protecting it, the Bittern, the 
Goldfinch, the Kinghsher and the Owls throughout the "year, 
and prohibiting the taking of any eggs in Wicken Sedge Fen 
for three years. W'e have also received an Order dated Decem- 
ber 9, for the County Borough of Bath, adding a number of 
species to the Schedule, protecting others during the whole year, 
and prohibiting the killing or capture of wild birds on Sundays. 
Nature on the Stage. — We are continually having the 
beauties of Nature put before us in picture galleries and in 
