NATURE NOTES. 
1 66 
Tom-Tits. — Is it known whether these birds keep to one mate ? I cannot 
help thinking so. I always keep a bone or piece of fat tied close to my window, 
and the blue-tits and major-tits come constantly to feed there. A short time ago 
the cock major-tit alighted on the bone and began to eat, then the hen came and 
sat on the window sill, whereupon the cock pulled pieces of meat off the bone 
and threw them down to the hen — there was not room for two on the bone. I see 
the cock and hen constantly together, winter and summer. 
N. S. W. 
A Browning Query (p. 28). — Mr. A. J. Western sends us a communica- 
tion from Mr. E. E. Davies, Hon. Secretary of the Browning Society, on this 
subject. “ The following reply to a similar question is printed in the Browning 
Society’s Papers for 1885 and 1S86: — ‘Surely the Polygonum Persicaria, or 
spotted persicaria, is the plant alluded to. It is a common weed, with purple 
stains on its rather large leaves ; these spots varying in size and vividness of 
colour according to the nature of the soil where it grows. A legend attaches to 
the plant, which attributes these stains to the blood of Christ having fallen on its 
leaves, growing below the cross.’ ” [To this suggestion it must be objected that 
the Persicaria does not grow in woods, and that its leaves are hardly developed so 
early as May. A better solution is much to be desired.] 
Bibliography of Gilbert White. — The Rev. Percy Myles is preparing 
an annotated bibliography of all editions of Gilbert White’s works, and of books, 
reviews, magazine articles, &c. , referring to White or to Selborne. He will be 
much obliged to any members of the Selborne Society who will be kind enough to 
help in this matter. All communications will be duly acknowledged. 
OFFICIAL NOTICES, &c. 
Selborne Society 
The objects of the Society are : — 
(a) to preserve from unnecessary destruction such wild birds, animals and 
plants as are harmless, beautiful or rare. 
(/') to discourage the wearing and use for ornament of birds and their 
plumage ; except when the birds are killed for food or reared for 
their plumage. 
(c) to protect places and objects of natural beauty or antiquarian interest 
from ill-treatment or destruction. 
(d) to promote the study of natural history. 
patroness. 
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS CHRISTIAN. 
president. 
THE LORD TENNYSON. 
trustees. 
Sir John Luisbock, Bart., F.R.S., M.P., &c. 
C. A Musgrave, Esq., F.Z.S., F.R.G.S. 
