SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES 
219 
this year, as the dilapidated state of our apple and other fruit trees testifies. If 
next year there is a comparative dearth of them, as is quite possible, may we not 
thank the wasp for a share in the good work of killing them down ? I am not 
one of those lovers of nature who would leave all animals alone, and let them 
size themselves ; but from long observation have learned to see good in many 
creatures which most persons condemn without a trial ; and I should like some 
naturalist of weight to give us the pros and cons about wasps. I quite agree in 
thinking with Mr. Hiam that bullfinches are destructive birds, and admire his 
pluck in telling Selbornians that he often kills them. 
Market Weston, Thetford. Edmund Taos. DAUBENY. 
SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES. 
Tile Special General Meeting to consider the proposal to increase 
the amount of the Branch subscriptions from 10 per cent, of the gross receipts 
to 20 per cent, of all subscriptions over 5s. was held, as advertised, on October 18, 
at the Society’s Rooms. The subject was thoroughly discussed, and communications 
were read from the various Branches bearing upon it. It was finally decided that 
the benefit which the Society would gain, were the proposal carried into effect, 
would be so small as not to be worth prosecuting at the time, especially in view of 
the decided opposition of some of the working Branches. The proposition was 
therefore withdrawn. At the same time a hope was expressed that, as far as 
possible, Branches would remit something more than the bare 10 per cent. 
Donation towards Reduction of the Deficit. — The Council acknow- 
ledge with thanks the receipt of the following donation : F. W. A., £1 is. 
Additions to the Selborne Library.- -The Librarian reports that the 
following books have been received from the Editor, and are hereby acknowledged 
with thanks : “ Skertchly’s Geology,” 9th edition; revised by Jas. Monckman, 
D.Sc.Lond. “The Flora of the County Donegal,” by Henry C. Hart, B. A., 
F.L.S. I also from the author, “ Crowborough Hill,” by C. Leeson Prince, M.D. 
Field Club. — The very interesting historical account of Cheshunt, given by 
Mr. Gerish at the meeting of the Field Club, on October 1, is printed in extenso 
in the Hoddesdon Observer for October 7. 
Council and Committee Meetings. — The next meetings of the Council 
will be held on Tuesdays, November 1, and December 6, at 5.30; and of the 
Magazine and Leaflet Committee on Tuesdays, November 15 and December 20, 
at 5.30. 
Selborne Society Badges : — The attention of members is called to the 
recognised badge of the Society, which was designed by Mr. John Fullwood, and 
can be had of the Secretary, as follows. Prices : Brooch, 3s. ; solitaire, is. 9d. ; 
pin, is. 6d. ; pendant, is. 6d. They are tastefully designed in pale blue and 
silver, the outlines being as shown in the accompanying illustration. Councillor’s 
badges have a crimson centre. They are especially useful as a means of identifi- 
cation between Selbornians at branch meetings, or at country Field Club Rambles. 
