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NATURE 'NOTES 
that is evident in it, is an effect that could hardly have been produced by an 
extraneous substance that has dropped on the leaves, unless after some time. 
The theory that aphides ever voluntarily part with the nutritious juices of their 
bodies is difficult to believe. 
Hampstead, Peter Hastie. 
August 4, 1905. 
NATURAL HISTORY QUERIES. 
59. Rooks. — It is said about here that rooks roost on the ground in the 
open fields in the height of summer, and especially in July. Is this a general 
habit ? 
Southacre Rectory, Edmund Thos. Daubeny. 
Swaffham, Norfolk, 
July 19, 1905. 
60 . Shamrock. — I should be glad if some one could explain a phenomenon 
which takes place in a certain shamrock which I possess. I have had it for a 
few years in a pot in the house, but until this summer it has never flowered. It 
dies down two or three times a year, and at the same time produces a number of 
little green seed-vessels, each containing one seed, but there has been no apparent 
flower. Are these really seeds, or is it a vegetative form of reproduction ? They 
eventually produce new plants which spring up fresh and green in the pot. 
Now this year one of the seeds, if such they be, sowed itself in the garden, 
and the plant which it has produced has borne a white flower rather larger than 
wood-sorrel and very like it. 
Constance M. Lacy. 
[The plant, which has but small claim to the name “ Shamrock,” is a Wood- 
sorrel, or species of Oxalis. In the absence of a flower it is difficult to say 
whether it is not the British species, 0 . Acetosella. In this genus cleistogene 
flowers, i.e., bud-like flowers which never open and are self-pollinating, are con- 
stantly produced and set seed abundantly. We have a Wood Violet (Viola 
silvestris) which for two years has done the same. The conditions which deter- 
mine the production of these or of the chasmogamous flowers are not known. — 
Ed. N. N] 
SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES. 
[Note. — Ali. Announcements with regard to Future Meetings ok 
THE Central Society or Branches will be found together at the 
end of these Notices.] 
Objects of the Society. — To promote the study of Natural History. To 
preserve from needless destruction such wild animals and plants as are harmless, 
beautiful, or rare. To discourage the wearing and use for ornament of; (i) The 
skins and furs of such animals as are in danger of being exterminated; (2) the 
skins and plumage of such birds as are not domesticated. To protect places 
and objects of natural beauty or antiquarian interest from ill-treatment or 
destruction. To afford facilities for combined effort in promoting any of the 
above or kindred objects. 
New Members. — Central Society. — Miss G. M. Grint, Bowes Park; Mrs. 
McKay, Regent’s Park ; David Morphew, Esq., Slreatham ; J. C. Wright Esip, 
Eastbourne. 
Subscriptions. — The Council has great pleasure in acknowledging sub- 
scriptions of greater value than 5s. from the following Members : E. S. Morphew, 
Estj., f2 2s. ; Colonel Bevington, V. D., J.P., £i is. ; Capt. James Cundy, 
£1 IS.; David Morphew, Esq., £i is. ; Andrew Pears, Esq., J.P., £i is.; 
