64 
NATURE NOTES 
The United Devon Association. — Mr. W. J. Richards, 
of Riversdale, Torquay, writes : — 
“ I cordially agree with Mr. George A. Musgrave’s opinion 
that many of the hotels in Devonshire need improved manage- 
ment. I have, on various occasions, at meetings and in the 
press, called attention to the subject. The public and the pro- 
prietors would equally benefit by a more enlightened manage- 
ment. In this particular, as in the education of the public on 
other matters, sympathisers with the objects of the Selborne 
Society might with advantage co-operate with the U.D.A. For 
instance, in preventing the disfigurement of beauty spots by 
thoughtless picnickers, and the destruction of wild flowers and 
ferns by the tramps employed by dealers in those gifts of Nature. 
Last autumn the Association, at considerable expense, engaged 
a mounted patrol to watch over the country frequented by 
offenders stretching from Drewsteignton to the Dart. The Chief 
Constable of Devon reports that much benefit was secured by 
this arrangement. I enclose a copy of a report on this experi- 
ment. The patrol distributed notices warning offenders ; and, if 
money is forthcoming, similar action will be taken this spring. 
I am confident that the Chairman, Lord Clifford, would readily 
agree that the Association’s agent should distribute any of the 
Selborne Society’s notices bearing on this matter. The U.D.A. 
desires to attract people to the county who have the taste to 
admire the scenery, objects of interest and other attractions 
Nature has so bountifully lavished on this garden of England. 
Especially the ‘ Book of Fair Devon ’ is intended to induce the 
right class to select the county for a residence. I notice in the 
Western Morning News of to-day (March 9), a notice calling atten- 
tion to the value of the work the Selborne Society is doing, and 
asking that Devonians would join a branch in Devon. I cer- 
tainly trust that this appeal will secure hearty response. In 
these days of travelling facilities the public should be warned 
that any damage to the gifts of Nature is a public injury that 
each citizen is interested in preventing. The U.D.A. is a young 
organisation and has much to learn, but its objects are essen- 
tially patriotic and not mercenary.” 
St. Francis D’ Assisi League of Mercy. — We have 
received from Brother Antony, of Hagbourne, Didcot, the 
Report of this League, which he is carrying on. The balance 
sheet shows a deficit of £So. 
Stray Cats. — Miss E. Lecky writes : — 
“ The article by Philselurus has opened the way for a few 
remarks, which I have often wished to make, upon the ‘ London 
Institution for Lost and Starving Cats,’ 38, Ferdinand Street, 
Camden Town, N.W., in case it may not be known to all 
Selbornians. This is an excellent institution and deserves wide 
support, many thousands of poor suffering cats having been 
mercifully destroyed since its commencement five years ago. 
