CORRESPONDENCE. 
55 
similarly destructive to parts where they are more numerous, but 
the climate prevents increase in numbers sufficient to materially 
affect crops or make it difficult to keep them in reasonable numbers. 
Alford, Aberdee?i, Wm, Wilson. 
CATS AND DOGS. 
At Chapel-cum-Mumby, Lines., a farmers wife had two kittens 
given to her. As they were delivered unexpectedly, they were 
put in a box near a dog kennel in which a large dog and her pup 
were living. They were left some time and when next seen the 
kittens and the pup were being suckled by the bitch. In form, 
colour, and size the kittens and pup were as much unlike each 
other as possible, and yet all three youngsters were reared by the 
same mother. At Hogsthorpe, Lines., an old lady has a cat 
which will ‘‘shake hands’'" with either “ right ” or “ left” paw (as 
requested) and can open any door in the house, by hanging on 
the handle with one paw, and lifting the latch with the other, the 
door fasteners being the old fashioned “snecks.” 
Frank Altoft. 
TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
We are pleased to say that our announcement as to the 
answering of Queries (see “ Notices,”) is evidently appreciated 
by our readers; but we must ask correspondents to write the 
queries relating to each different branch of Natural History upon 
a separate piece of paper, and enclose a separate stamped enve¬ 
lope for same. 
H. H., Penge. —The term “Odonata” is derived from the 
Greek odontos, a tooth. 
F. A., Hogsthorpe. —We shall probably be able to give an 
article on“ Wasps” later on, with illustrations ; we have too much 
other matter on hand just now. 
W. G. C., Thetford. —Thanks for your letter; no doubt the 
greater part of our readers agree with your remark that this maga¬ 
zine is “ now by far the most interesting journal of its kind, 
especially to young or working men naturalists.” 
B. R. H., Highgate. —Shall appear next month. 
Canvey Island (reply to Dosh). —Canvey Island, in the 
Thames, yields but little of interest to the oologist. The peewit 
or lapwing breeds abundantly on the island, and the redshank’s 
nest is often met with in the breeding season. The greenfinch 
nests in large numbers in the hedges. In severe weather the 
island contains many rare birds, but at other times it is rarely 
anything out of the common is seen. Canvey Island is noted for 
its hares which give good account ol themselves at coursing 
times. —A. F. Gates. 
