182 
NAT URE NOTES 
of the last hippopotamus in Natal was recently announced in 
the papers as a sort of triumph in the world of sport. 
An Inadequate Penalty. — Captain George F. Whitmore, 
of Cambridge, as we learn from the Yarmouth Mercury, was 
recently summoned for shooting four gulls from his yacht, during 
the close season. The defendant did not trouble to appear in 
person but, through his solicitor, pleaded ignorance of the exten- 
sion of the close time. The magistrates, admitting this plea, 
fined him 2 s. 6d. for each bird shot, and costs. This fine of a 
sovereign, for the wanton destruction of beautiful birds for 
destruction’s sake, is obviously no real punishment to an offender 
in Captain Whitmore’s position. 
Murderous Millinery. — We are glad to see Figaro speaking 
out on this question. In its issue for September i it denounces 
“ the cruel obstinacy with which fashionable ladies cling to the 
decoration of their hats with feathers,” illustrating its remarks 
with a cartoon, entitled, “ Guilty ! ” in which a woman much 
be-feathered is condemned by a whole “ Parliament of Birds.” 
The white heron appears as prosecuting counsel ; but, rather 
inappropriately, the ostrich is represented as prison warder. 
Portmadoc Light Railway Scheme. — It is satisfactory to 
learn that the Cyclists’ Touring Club have decided to use their 
powerful organisation in opposing this proposed piece of van- 
dalism. 
Chelsea Botanical Garden. — A little while ago this inter- 
esting and historical oasis was seriously threatened by the ever- 
advancing desert of bricks and mortar. It has now, we are glad 
to learn, been decided that the Society of Apothecaries are to 
transfer their trust to the London Parochial Charities Trustees, 
who are to maintain the garden in accordance with Sir Hans 
Sloane’s bequest. Our contemporary, Science Gossip, makes the 
very sensible proposal that the garden should be made the 
centre of a National School of Botany, pointing out that the 
capital fund for such a purpose need not be large. A similar 
proposal was laid before the Royal Botanic Society a short time 
ago by Mr. Martindale, and such a scheme seems to promise a 
successful enterprise to any band of enthusiasts who will take 
it up. 
Golder’s Hill. — We are pleased to be able to publish 
in Nature Notes the two annexed views of this charming 
additional open space on the Northern Heights of London. All 
the money requisite for its redemption has not yet been secured, 
so our readers have still an opportunity of contributing further 
to this useful object. 
