(Mature IRotes : 
tEbe Selborne Society’s fll>aoa3tne. 
No. 1 66. OCTOBER, 1903. Vol. XIV. 
OBJECTS OF THE SOCIETY. 
To preserve from unnecessary destruction such wild birds, 
animals and plants as are harmless, beautiful, or rare. To 
discourage the wearing and use for ornament of birds and their 
plumage, except when the birds are killed for food or reared 
for their plumage. To protect places and objects of antiquarian 
interest or natural beauty from ill-treatment or destruction. To 
promote the study of natural history. 
SELBORNIAN A. 
Gross Cruelty to a Seal. — We have received the following 
from our Member, Mr. F. Primrose Stevenson, F.Z.S. : — 
“ At Lowestoft Police Court before the Mayor and other 
magistrates, a labourer was charged by the local representative 
of the R.S.P.C.A. with cruelty to a seal, which was being 
exhibited in a square box about four feet by three. The Inspec- 
tor, after detailing the acts of cruelty, said the defendant hired 
the seal, and instead of returning it at 10 p.m. the same evening 
turned it adrift on to some allotments, where it was found at 
5 o clock the next morning. The magistrate imposed a fine of 
Ci , a penalty, I suppose, which would not be considered excessive 
in a case of ordinary' trespass, and further allowed him a month 
in which to pay the money ! In less than forty-eight hours the 
man was again exhibiting this wretched creature in a broiling 
sun. Surely it is about time that such wanton cruelty was 
repressed by sterner methods, so long as the law permits the 
dumb creation — including bears and monkeys— to be dragged 
about in the public streets under conditions which are totally 
foreign to their nature ! ” 
