[August, 
536 Correspondence. 
seiously biassed, so that in some cases, instead of searching 
impartially as to what is truth, the inquiry has perhaps rather 
been as to what ought to be truth. 
S. Tolver Preston. 
STRANGE PROPENSITY OF CATS. 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science. 
Sir, — Perhaps you, or some one of your correspondents, may 
be able to throw a light on the attraction which the pretty blue- 
flowering annual N emophila insignis seems to exert upon cats. 
They roll on it, nibble it, and in short maltreat it in such a way 
that its cultivation in a suburban garden is, according to my 
experience, impossible. I should like to know whether this cir- 
cumstance has been observed by others, and whether any expe- 
riments have ever been made with a view of explaining the 
matter. — I am, &c., 
Exeter. 
[The fa£t noticed by our correspondent was discussed some 
years ago in “ The Zoologist,” and it has repeatedly come under 
our personal observation and been mentioned to us by friends in 
various parts. We are not aware that the plant has ever been 
chemically examined. — Ed. J. S.] 
INSTINCT AND MIND. 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science. 
Sir,*— At an early opportunity I shall crave your kind permission 
to make a few remarks on Mr. S. Billing’s interesting article, 
which appears in your July number. — I am, &c., 
R. M. M. 
