126 
NATURE NOTES. 
It would be idle to suppose that such a garden could in any 
sense become a rival to that of Kew, but everyone in London who 
has a desire to learn structural botany, by observation of plants 
while in a growing state, has by no means the time and money 
to be frequently going to Kew, much less into the open country, 
receding as the latter does, further and further from the 
metropolis ever}' year. The principle of localisation, as opposed 
to centralisation, is now happily becoming a leading feature in 
politics, as we see in the establishment of County Councils ; also 
in education, as the University Extension Scheme has most suc- 
cessfully shown. Could not the same principle be applied with 
regard to the study of botany ? If this garden were to be kept 
up for the purpose originally intended, doubtless other gardens 
would be employed for the same useful purpose. The Botanic 
Gardens of Regent’s Park, of Kensington, and of Battersea 
Park (the latter exactly opposite the Chelsea Garden), would 
then become centres of botanical learning, and form valuable 
auxiliaries to Kew. 
To some who might be inclined to suggest the difficulty of 
getting the various kinds of wild plants to flourish, it may be 
answered that it is astonishing to see the number of our wild 
flowers and field plants that do grow and luxuriate in the 
naturalized parts of the Zoological Gardens in Regent’s Park, 
such as the large aviaries formed of recent years. 
Lastly, although in the winter months, when of necessity it 
could not be used much for the purpose here advocated, the 
garden might be employed more generally as a recreation 
ground ; in the spring and summer months there would not 
be the same need, owing to the Embankment with its leafy 
avenue being close at hand, also the far larger expanses of 
Battersea Park, easily accessible on the other side of the water. 
If only secured, and the writer trusts he is echoing the wish of 
every member of the Selborne Society that it may be so, let 
the garden be kept as near as possible to the original purposes 
of its donor — “ for the manifestation of the power and wisdom 
and goodness of God in creation, and that the apprentices 
might learn to distinguish good and useful plants from hurtful 
ones.” 
Archibald L. Clarke. 
SOME BOOKS FOR HOLIDAY-MAKERS. 
Among the thousands of readers of Nature Notes, many are doubtless 
already on their travels for the annual vacation ; others are preparing for flitting, 
or engaged in the selection of a route. It is, therefore, an opportune moment to 
call attention to a number of guide-books, which have been sent to us by different 
publishers. Of these the most important is Ireland , by H. J. B. Baddeley and C. 
S. Ward, in the admirable and well-known “ Thorough Guide Series,” published 
by Dulau and Co., Soho-Square. Ireland as a resort for tourists has been well 
