SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES 
59 
Miss J. Brand, los. ; Miss Brinkley, los. ; Mrs. Travers Buxton, los. ; Mrs. 
Eden, los. ; J. Ray Eddy, Esq., los. ; II. J. Evelegh, Esq., los. ; Miss Agnes 
Fry, 105 .; Lady Fry, los. ; ^irs. Anstey Greet, los. ; S. G. Huntley, Esq., 
los. ; Mrs. McKay, los. ; E. V. Squarey, los. ; Miss Stevenson, los. ; Samuel 
Willson, Esq., lOs. ; Mrs. Cornish Bowden, ys. 6d. ; Ernest Leete, Esq., 
73. 6d. 
Library. — -The Honorary Librarian will attend at 20, Hanover Square, 
from 6 p.m. to 6.30 p.m., on the evening of March 16, for the purpose of 
issuing books to members. 
The Honorary Librarian has pleasure in announcing the following addition 
to the Library: Natural History of Selborne, Buckland’s edition, 1876, 2vols., 
4to, purchased by the Society. 
NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES. 
Birmingham and Midland Branch. — The Annual Meeting was held on 
January 30 at the Council House, the I^ord Mayor of Birmingham in the 
Chair. There was a good attendance of members and friends. 
The Lord Mayor, in proposing the adoption of the Reports, spoke of the 
necessity of recreation of some sort, and said he considered there was no more 
inspiring, elevating and instructive hobby than the study of Natural History. 
Professor Alfred Hughes, M.A., Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Birmingham 
University, seconded the resolution, and said he thought Birmingham was rich 
in societies such as the Selborne Society, and that they might in many ways 
help one another. 
In supporting the adoption of the Reports, Mrs. Percy Adams mentioned 
a scheme — which she hoped the Society would take up — to give school children 
an opportunity of planting wild flowers in some of the parks. It would have 
to be begun on a small scale, and under the supervision of the teachers of the 
schools. 
The resolution was passed unanimously. 
Mrs. Lomax proposed, and the Rev. G. H. Moore seconded, a resolution 
of thanks to the Officers and Committee for their past services, and that they 
be re-elected. This was carried, and the meeting concluded with a hearty vote 
of thanks to the Lord Mayor for presiding, which was carried by acclamation. 
EXCURSIONS. 
Saturday, January 25. — Owing to the ungenial weather only ten members 
gathered at the Bethnal Green Museum. The party proceeded to view the 
economic (food and animal products) collections, under the guidance of Mr. T. 
A. Lehfeldt, Assistant Keeper in Charge, whose lucid explanations, and kindness 
in replying to the various questions put to him by members, resulted in a most 
interesting and instructive afternoon. The objects of his demonstration covered 
a wide field, ranging as they did from the chemical analysis of the human body 
and its food, to the final exhibits of a modern top hat and boots in process of 
making. 
The exhibits of specimens of food, both vegetable and animal, which illus- 
trated the various stages of preparation for commerce of wheat, rice, lentils, 
tea, coffee, &c., are admirably arranged and would amply repay members for 
the trouble of a second visit for closer study than was possible on this occasion. 
Specimen cases of various prison dietaries, as well as others, showing chemical 
adulteration of food and sweetmeats, attracted a good deal of attention. Wool, 
skins of animals, silk, feathers, pearl oysters, &c. , were also shown, both in their 
crude state, and as applied in various arts and crafts. Silken embroideries were 
seen, of which the most beautiful specimens were the Chinese. Leather trappings, 
shoes (of different nations) and jewellery were also displayed. A curious exhibit 
in this section is a cable 700 ft. long, made in Japan and composed entirely of 
human hair. 
The end of the gallery is occupied by some fine specimens of elephant and 
narwhal tusks, hippopotamus ivories, with which are exhibited buck and antelope 
horns. 
All present were unanimous in their expressions of ap[?reciation of Mr. 
Lehfeldt’s most interesting demonstration. 
