BOOKS OF FEATHERS. 
i 
a 5 
“These fears are unhappily not chimerical ; they are founded on facts. 
Several species of rare, interesting, or beautiful plants have disappeared from 
Swiss territory, either in consequence of the ravages caused by collectors and 
hawkers, or as a result of breaking up the land for cultivation, or by amateurs or 
horticulturists who introduce these plants into their gardens. The Association 
for the Protection of Plants has undertaken to protect the threatened species and 
recommends : 1st, To botanists and tourists not to devastate the habitats of rare 
plants, and to limit themselves in the event of their desiring to obtain specimens 
for their herbaria, to the plant without its root, and to take as few specimens as 
possible. 2nd, To amateurs to raise rare and choice plants by means of seeds, or 
to buy them of horticulturists who raise them by that means. 3rd, To public 
authorities, professors, and cultured people generally to see that a habitat of rare 
plants be not surrendered to cultivation without compensation having been given 
to Nature by replanting the threatened species in the neighbourhood, if possible, 
in a place safe from future clearings. It recommends also the forming and the 
support of protective gardens in threatened territories. 4th, To all persons 
generally the Association recommends the adhesion to this society, of which any 
person may become a member by the annual payment of two francs. The 
“ Bulletin ” of the Association is sent gratis to all persons whom the subject may 
interest. 
“For all information apply to M. H. Correvon, President of the Association 
for the Protection of Plants in Geneva, or to M. Alex. Claparede, Secretary, in 
the same city.” 
BOOKS OF FEATHERS. 
HAVE often thought that lovers of nature would like 
to be told of the great interest there is in making a 
collection of birds’ feathers grouped artistically on the 
pages of a large album. Possibly such books have often 
been made, but I have never seen any except my own, and they 
seem always to give pleasure to young and old, and form a use- 
ful resource on wet days or at odd times when friends are need- 
ing something to chat about for half an hour. I will therefore 
describe how simply they are made, in the hope that others will 
share my pleasure and learn, as I have done, many most 
interesting facts about the lovely plumage of birds. 
The book should be a blank album of about fifty pages, 
eleven inches wide by sixteen, so as to make an upright page 
which will take in long tail feathers. Cartridge paper of various 
pale tints is best, as one can choose the ground that will best set 
off the colours of the feathers. Every other page may be white, 
and about three black sheets will be useful for swan, albatross 
and other white-plumaged birds. 
The only working tools required are sharp scissors and a 
razor, some very thick strong gum arabic, a little water and a 
duster in case of fingers becoming sticky. One needs a clear 
space on a large table which will not have to be disturbed, as we 
shall see presently the feathers must be carefully sorted if the 
group is to have a good effect. 
Each page is to receive the feathers of only one bird ; then 
they are sure to harmonize, however you may combine them. 
