SELB0RN1ANA. 
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Home Reading Union. — This Society seems to be one which would be 
most suitable to many Selbomians who are anxious to carry on their studies of 
Natural History in a systematic manner and with the co-operation of others. 
It has been formed for the purpose of developing a taste for recreative and 
instructive reading among all classes of the community, and directing home 
study to definite ends, so as on the one hand to check the spread of pernicious 
literature among the young, and on the other to remedy the waste of energy and 
lack of purpose so often found among those who have time and opportunity for a 
considerable amount of reading. Its objects are (i.) To draw up and publish courses 
of reading adapted to the tastes and requirements of different classes of readers, 
especially (a) young people, (h) artisans, (c) general readers. (2.) To publish 
for each class of readers a cheap monthly Magazine giving introduction to the pre- 
scribed books, answers to questions, and other helps. The readers will be or- 
ganised, as far as possible, into local circles under suitable leaders ; certificates will 
be issued to those who have completed regular courses of study ; and such further 
assistance as experience shows to be practicable will be rendered. (3.) To organise 
summer assemblies at convenient centres, when lectures will be delivered by ex- 
perienced teachers, social gatherings held, and excursions arranged. Among the 
works which are selected for reading in the Junior Science Course we find Kirby’s 
Butterflies, Moths, and Beetles ; Paul Bert’s First Year of Scientific Knowledge ; 
Bower’s Science of Eveiy-Day Life; and Humphrey’s Insect Ways on Summer 
Days. In the Senior Course, among others recommended, are Darwin’s Voyage 
of the Beagle, Huxley’s Crayfish, and Grant Allen’s Evolutionist at Large ; a selec- 
tion which shows that those who made it belong to an “ advanced ” School of 
Biology. Mrs. Haweis warmly recommends this Society, which is, she says, an 
admirable one, growing fast and promising much greater things in the days that 
are to come than it can show at present. 
Birds Singing as they Fly. — Looking over some past volumes of the 
Spectator newspaper to-day, I came across a review of a poem called “ Mano : a 
poetical history,” by Mr. [now Canon] Richard Watson Dixon, in which occurs 
the following line, addressed to a lark : — 
“ Thou only bird that singest as thou flyest.” 
Is not this a — possibly pardonable — mistake? The cuckoo, about whose claim to 
be a singing-bird there may be two opinions, certainly “sings as he flies.” And 
the other day I saw a blackbird fly off in the middle of his song, and continue 
singing as he flew to another perch, there being a curious want of harmony between 
the movement of his wings and the rhythms of his song. I think I have seen a 
missel thrush do the same. Perhaps some of your readers may be able to support 
these instances by others. The subject is rather interesting, as it marks the 
great difference between the breathing powers of birds and human beings. 
F. W. B. 
A Singing Mouse. — Some weeks ago a singing mouse was heard and seen 
every evening in the kitchen of this house. The animal, a very small one, was 
audible behind the stove, the warbling became more and more clear, and then 
the songster would come out on the hearth, still continuing to utter the curious 
sounds, which somewhat resembled the notes of a linnet or wren, only of course 
they were less powerful. This mouse became very tame, picking up crumbs 
which were thrown to it, and then resuming its song. Great care was taken to 
avoid frightening it, but in a month or so its visits became rarer, and finally 
ceased. Lately the servants have heard two songs at the same time, but the 
singers have not shown themselves. No doubt some of your correspondents can 
relate similar experiences. I shall be interested in any information on the subject. 
Is the phenomenon rare or of frequent occurrence ? E. E. P. 
[At a recent meeting of the Linnean Society Mr. J. E. Harting exhibited alive 
a so-called “ singing mouse,” which had been captured at Maidenhead a week 
previously, and which uttered sounds like the subdued warbling of a linnet. He 
desired to be informed whether the cause usually assigned for the phenomenon 
was correct — namely, some obstruction or malformation of the trachea. Professor 
Stewart stated that he had observed alive, and dissected when dead, a similar 
specimen, and had found no trace of any organic disease, or malformation.] 
