198 
NATURE NOTES 
upper surface of the leaves in the form of gas, or in the form of solid or liquid 
matter ? 1 take it that it is in the form of gas, and that there is an attraction in 
the plant that draws the gas in through the pores of the leaves, and that the 
skin and innutritions part of the fly is then cast off. 
PkTER 1 1 ASTI e. 
[Darwin’s experiments seem almost conclusive in favour of the absorption 
taking place in a liquid form. The glands excrete a proteolytic liquid, so that 
peptonisation takes place on the exterior of the leaves ; and the rapid effects, 
such as aggregation of protoplasm, produced by the application of artificial 
nitrogenous solutions, point to the peptones being absorbed by the glands of the 
tentacles and the papillae and hairs on the blade of the leaf in a state of liquid 
solution. I have suggested that if the epithem tissue of the gland terminating 
the tentacle does thus act in an absorptive as well as in an excretive manner it 
is an important instance of reversal of function, — a phenomenon which physiolo- 
gists are now beginning to recognise elsewhere. The indigestible chitinous 
portions of the insects may be easily seen lying on the re-expanded leaf ; they 
are blown away by the wind, the leaf being at that time dry. — G. S. Boulger.] 
63. Stone Pine. — Captain Norman, of Cheviot House, Berwick-on-Tweed, 
writes ; “ I am very anxious to obtain evidence of the northern limit in England 
of adult specimens of the Stone Pine, Finns Finea, and shall be obliged for 
communications from northern counties. 
[Loudon records a tree twenty-six years planted (in 1838) at Trentham, 
Staffordshire, as then 16 feet high ; one at Finbornugh Hall, .Suffolk, sixteen years 
planted and 18 feet high ; and one at St. Mary’s Isle, Kirkcudbright, fourteen 
years planted and 8 feet high. On the other hand, in Ireland, a specimen thirty- 
three years planted, at Glasnevin, was 20 feet high, and one sixty years planted 
in CO. Down 45 feet high. — Ed. N.N.'\ 
SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES. 
[Note. — All Announcements vvrrti regard to Future Meetini# of 
THE Central Society or Branches win. he 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: (l) 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 . — John Henry Crow, Esq., Nolting 
Hill; Josiah Oldfield, Esq., D.C.L., M.R.C.S., Bromley; Alexander Paris, 
Esq., Brockenhurst. 
Croydon Branch . — Miss E. Flint, Croydon. 
Subscriptions. — The Council has great pleasure in acknowledging sub- 
scriptions of greater value than 5s. from the following Members : Samuel 
Gardner, Esq.. £\ is. ; J. W. Treutler, Esq., M.D., los. 6d. ; Mrs. J. \V. 
Treutler, los. 6d. ; Mrs. Phillips, los. 6d. ; J. II. Barber, Estp, ys. 6d. ; C. 11 . 
Crawley, Esq., 6s. 
Prizes for Junior Members. — The Council has decided to offer a juize 
of half a guinea each month, lor the time being, to be competed for by members 
of Junior Branches (Associates of the Selborne .Societv) and young Members. 
As most schools had broken up for the holidays before the August number 
appeared, the Council has decided to extend the titue for sending in essays 
until November 20. Details are repealed below. 
Regulations for the First Competition . — A prize of half a guinea, offered by 
