TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
263 
been, I saw merely a small vacant place, and in that hole the spider settled 
herself. My impression as I watched was that she ate her little tufts and the big 
tuft too, and that they were merely of temporary use as guiding marks ; just as the 
first thin concentric lines were merely the first mapping out of the finished web. 
E. Hokhard. 
TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
Our readers will notice that the present number is enlarged to twenty-four 
pages, exclusive of the index. In spite of this enlargement, however, we are 
still compelled to hold over numerous contributions, while there are several 
books on our shelves which ought to have been noticed ere this. We must ask 
our friends, especially those whose contributions have been definitely accepted 
although they have not yet appeared, to exercise patience. The increasing 
popularity of Nature Notes is very gratifying, but it must be confessed that it 
is accompanied by certain drawbacks, for which we must ask the indulgence of 
our friends, while at the same time thanking them for their help. 
0. H. C. E. — We have already printed Mr. Joseph Collinson’s letter on the 
seal butchery (see N. N., 1896, p. 170). 
W. C., E. A. M., and B. W. S. — We have no space for reprints from local 
papers, save when they are of exceptional interest. 
B. H. J. — We do not understand your note. Contributors to N. N. 
are not paid, so that no “agreement” to that effect can have been entered into ; 
nor do we find any communication from your pen in our August issue. 
W. J. G. — (l) Graphis elegans. (2) Verrucaria nitida. Lindsay’s 
History of British Lichens ; it is out of print, but second-hand copies may be 
picked 
R. F. — The description would apply to the caterpillars of several hawk-moths; 
but if feeding on privet or lilac, it was probably the privet hawk-moth (Sphinx 
ligustri). 
M. C. B. — It is an admirable description, like all Tennyson’s references to 
nature, and depicts the distribution of the pollen of the yew. 
1. B. S. — It is certainly not a fact. 
Mongooses may be obtained at Wliiteley’s. 
B. Bryant. — We will print your letter, but will you kindly read Rule 3 ? 
T. W. P. — We hope to name your plants shortly, but so far we have not 
been able to identify them satisfactorily. The specimens were very good, but it 
was not possible to examine them when in a fresh state. 
L. A. L. — .As to ostrich feathers, see N. N. for 1890, pp. 39-42. 
M. S. D.— See Rule 3. 
1. All communications for Nature Notes must be authenticated with name 
and address, not necessarily for publication. 
2. The return of an unaccepted contribution can only be guaranteed when it is 
accompanied by a stamped and addressed envelope. We cannot undertake to 
name specimens privately, or to return them. 
3. All communications for any number must be in the Editor’s hands by the 
15th of the preceding month. 
4. Communications for Nature Notes should be addressed to the Editor, 
James Britten, F.L.S., 126, Kennington Park Road, London, S.E., as should 
specimens for naming, books for review, &c. The Editor cannot undertake to 
reply privately to questions. 
5. Letters connected with the Selborne Society, as well as all enquiries as 
to the supply of Nature Notes, and subscriptions, should be addressed to the 
Secretary of the Selborne Society, A. J. Western, Esq., 20, Hanover Square, W. 
6. The Editor is not responsible for the contents of the last page of each 
number : communications respecting this page must be addressed to Mr. Western, 
as above. 
