SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES 
119 
Park, Rickniansworlh, including; eighteen members of the Hertfordshire Natural 
History Society. By the courtesy of Lord and Lady Kbury the famous gardens 
of Moor Park were thrown open. This is not the Moor Park of Temple and 
Swift, which is situated near Farnham, Surrey. By permission of the noble 
owners the Selbornians made the round of the apartments on the ground tloor. 
Possibly a little reminiscent of Bowood is what is known as the Italian Garden, 
on the Watford side of the mansion. At present the beds are bright with 
variously coloured wallflowers. Irresistible in its charm is another spot in the 
park, on rising ground towards Batch worth Heath, where are to be seen some 
remarkable conifers — cedars, yews and pines. Here one giant spruce, which 
seems to have ceased growing in its central stem, is surrounded with nearly a 
ring of small trees springing, as it were from its own re-rooted branches. 
Saturday, May 13. -On the afternoon of .May 13 twenty-seven member-, 
assembled at Leatherhead, and were conducted by Mr. A. B. Wilkinson through 
Norbury Park to Mickleham and back. In a pond near the starting-point, niate’s- 
tail (Hipfuris) was found growing in great profusion. Leeches and stimps (fresh- 
water Planarians) were discovered in abundance under stones beneath the water, 
while the many swans and the coots upon their nests also attracted attention. 
The country traversed was particularly pretty, and after tea — which wtus taken 
at Mickleham — a special vole of thanks was passed to Mr. Wilkinson, on the 
motion of Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Miihlberg. 
NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES. 
Kensington. — Miss Tickell, the Honorary Secretary of the Branch, has 
removed from 20, Cromwell Crescent, to 6, Cromwell Crescent, W. 
North Middlesex (Junior). — On March 17, Mr. C. .\I. Hall, M.M.S., 
gave a demonstration on “Freshwater Molluscs.” He prefaced his address by 
a brief description of Mollusca in general, and regretted that there were prac- 
tically no popular names for his many exhibits. Beautiful specimens of fossil 
shells, principally of the Eocene period, were on view, and also living specimens 
of a great many species referred to in the lecture. Mr. Hall also laid before 
his audience for their inspection his collection of British freshwater shells. 
Amongst the latter was an interesting variety of Paludina vivipara, which, 
instead of being of the typical colours, was unicolour throughout, a pale green. 
Mr. Hall said our freshwater mollusca were of very great importance in the 
economy of Nature, as they were her scavengers in the water, their food being 
almost entirely decaying animal and vegetable matter, which they were con- 
tinually clearing away. Without this, our lakes, ditches and ponds would very 
soon become like open cesspools. Humble and practically unknown to the 
general public, their unnoticed duties were of great value in preventing the 
evolution of noxious gases from stagnant water. 
A children’s section of this Branch was opened on April 29 by Mr. C. M. 
Hall, M.M.S. A good number of children attended and were admitted. Mr. 
Hall exhibited a typical collection of British beetles, butterflies, moths and shells, 
and the proceedings were of a most encouraging nature. On Saturday, May 6, 
a second meeting was held. Miss E. M. Grint (Associate) gave a demonstra- 
tion on Freshwater Insects, and exhibited Dytisci, Phryganea and Limnophila. 
Mr. Hall afterwards attended and gave a short address to the children, encouraging 
them to study Nature, and to practise kindness to animals. 
The number of members of the new Section is now twenty-six. Its success- 
ful organisaiion is due to the efforts of the lady Associates of the Branch, 
especially Miss E. M. Grint, who has been appointed Secretary of the Section. 
FORTHCOMING EVENTS. 
Central Society. 
Business Meeting's. — The next meeting of the Council will be held on 
Tuesday, June 27, at 5.30 p.m. 
Field Club Rambles. 
Saturday, June 3. — Chenies District. Book to Chalfont Road. Baker 
Street (Metropolitan), 2.20 ; Swiss Cottage, 2.18 ; Finchley Road, 2.20. Special 
cheap tickets, 2s. return, obtainable at Baker Street Station only. 
Guide, Mr. James E. Whiting. 
