CORRESPONDENCE. 
53 
scales were next shown on the board, one form, from an Austra¬ 
lian skipper butterfly, having been first described by the lecturer 
himself. Finally, the microscopic examination of hairs was 
touched on. They should first be viewed as opaque objects, so 
that external markings might be observed, and then mounted in 
Canada balsam to show their internal structure. But most beau¬ 
tiful of all was a hair viewed by polarised light, when the display 
of prismatic hues presented to the eye was indescribably lovely. 
This was especially the case with white horsehair, an exceedingly 
clever painting of which, when viewed as just described, conclud¬ 
ed the series of diagrams exhibited. 
The next lecture will be delivered at the Club’s Rooms, St. 
Mary Newington Schools, Newington Butts, s.e., on October 2nd, 
at eight p.m., the subject being, “A Talk about Toadstools,” and 
the lecturer, Mr. Edward Step, who will exhibit his beautiful 
photographs of edible and poisonous fungi by means of the lan¬ 
tern. 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
(The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondents.) 
NOTES FROM ROYSTON 
August 18th, A day to be remembered, 87° in the shade. 
From noon on the 17th, to noon on the 18th, will probably 
prove to be the hottest twenty-four hours on record. August 
21 st, A slow worm ( Anguis fragilis ) with six young 
ones were brought to me. I believe they derive the name 
Atiguis fragilis from their becoming so rigid and brittle, when 
alarmed, that their tails may be broken like a piece of glass. The 
young ones very much resemble small eels. August 20th, The 
swifts took their departure to-day. August 28th, Exceedingly 
bright Mock Suns this afternoon from 5.30 to 6.30, they were 
followed by two beautiful warm days. August 30th, A great 
snipe ( Gallinago major') was shot near here. It is the first I 
have ever known killed in this locality. Sept. 1st, Fine day for 
shooting, the birds are strong and well grown, which is more 
than can be said of the turnips and other green crops. Land 
rails appear to be plentiful, but Quail, have not been seen in any 
numbers. Sept, 2nd, Short eared owls (Asio brachyotus ) arrived. 
Sept. 4th, Dotterel ( Eudromias morinellus ) used at one time to 
be constant visitors to this locality but of late years they have 
become quite rare birds, how T ever four were killed near here to¬ 
day. Sept. 9th, I picked some ripe strawberries, out of doors, 
this morning. The modern way of cutting corn by machine is 
