species, Stiorhynchus sulcatus, one of the weevils, and forthwith depositing it within as food for the larvæ to be born from the eggs of the cerceris. On opening a burrow, moreover, there was a cluster of twenty or more beetles, neatly packed, each beetle being paralysed by the sting of the cerceris, and, while thus prevented from moving, still alive, so as to afford fresh food for the larvæ, as and when required. Again, in August, I met with numbers of Odynerus spinipes busy at a colony they had formed on the face of a cliff at Swanage, each female frequently arriving with a small green lepidopterous larva, with which it clambered up the curved mud funnel, forming the entrance to the cell, adding it to the heap of similar larvæ which were found on opening a nest. Altogether the habits of this group of insects are very interesting, and are well worth investigation.— H. Ramsden.

ORNITHOLOGICAL VORACITY.-On the 28th of November, Mr. Thomas Whitfield had the peculiar luck to find a dead kingfisher on the banks of the stream in Weasdale. Strange to say, it had apparently been choked in the action of swallowing a bull-head, the latter part of whose body was hanging out of its mandibles.-Thos. Hewetson, The Lane, Weasdale, Ravenstonedale, Westmoreland.

ALBINO ROOK.-This bird was shot at Newport, Monmouthshire, it being pure white or cream colour. -William Shakespeare, Naturalist, Cardiff.

BEES AND LIME-TREES.-Your correspondent on this subject in last month's issue of SCIENCE-Gossip is quite correct in thinking that the juices contained in the flowers of the lime-tree (Tilia Europea) are possessed of poisonous properties, which prove fatal to bees that frequent this tree when in bloom. Hivebees, humble-bees, and even wasps provide innumerable victims to the intoxicating poison which they so eagerly imbibe from the flowers of the lime, and the numbers of dead insects which strew the ground underneath the trees testify to the fatal nature of the nectar which they imbibe. Some of them, after falling to the ground in an intoxicated manner, may escape the utmost consequences of their death-dealing repast, but to the great majority of them a short carouse amongst the blossoms proves fatal. I have not noticed that the thorax of the poisoned insect has been scooped out, but I have often found the head, thorax, and part of the body-one part of the body being gone, and the other part having the inside apparently scooped out. This I set down as being due to the dead insects having been blown about by the wind, the body, which soon gets to be stiff and dry, being easily broken at one of the joints. Then the spiders and earwigs take possession of the cavity. -J. Bowman, Havelock House, Sunderland.

NAMES OF FISHES.-Could any one tell me what is the correct name of a fish, of the carp species, having an arched back like a bream, but the true carp dorsal fin and plumpness of body; the back a darkish colour, and the sides a beautiful gold, and a silvery gold lower, but when not catching the light, of a bronzy colour? Could this be the fish mentioned in Shirley Hibberd's "Fresh-Water Aquarium," as the Crucian or German Carp (Cyprinus carrassius), of which he says, it is easily distinguished from its compeers by its bream-shaped back, which rises from the nape into a high arch along the line of the dorsal fin. It is found in the Thames between Hammersmith and Windsor," etc.

And also what is the name of another carp, back dark, slightly tinged with dark red, and two reddish marks on the head, and the sides of a very brilliant gold bronze, and preserving the true carp outline and fins? Also of one exactly like the last, but without any red tinge; and another the same as that but having the dorsal fin on the centre of the back, like a tench's ?—A. G. Whishaw.

CONVOLVULUS HAWK MOTH.-On August 31st last, I had a very fine specimen of the convolvulus hawk moth brought to me alive; the wings were slightly rubbed. It is the first living specimen I have met with, but some years ago a woman showed me a chrysalis, which, from the projecting proboscis, something like the handle of a pitcher, and its large size, I believe was the chrysalis of this moth.C. F. George.

CUCKOO. In answer to Mr. Wallis's question in November "GOSSIP," whether I really saw the bird, I can assure him it was even as I stated in my previous note. I saw the bird, and saw the movement of the throat during the utterance of the sounds, and the bird flew away still crying cuckoo-koo. I have frequently heard the bird since in the same locality uttering the same three syllables.-F. J. George, Chorley, Lanc.

CUCKOO'S-MATE.-Mr. W. E. Windus says (page 259) of the wry-neck (Yunx Torquilla): "It is, I should think, of insectivorous habits." I find that Gilbert White, of Selborne, says of it in his "Observations on Birds: " "These birds appear on the grass plots and walks. They walk a little as well as hop, and thrust their bills into the turf, in quest, I conclude, of ants, which are their food. While they hold their bills in the grass, they draw out their prey with their tongues, which are so long as to be coiled round their heads."-Thomas Winder, C.E., Sheffield.

FEEDING FROGS AND NEWTS.-In "Notes and Queries for October, a correspondent asks for information respecting the feeding of the above. During the summer months, I give my little batrachians a plentiful supply of small insects, caterpillars, house and meat-flies and their larvæ, and small garden worms. For winter's use, I always keep a number of the latter in earth in flower-pots or boxes, so as to be able to feed my pets when hungry, and when food outside is not easy to obtain. It is a common mistake to keep newts continually in water as if they were fish and not amphibians. I have a number of newts, salamanders, and green-tree frogs in a large fern-case, with a small earthenware pan for water, to be used as a bath. By paying attention to their habits, and giving them a constant supply of food, I have been able to keep some of my newts in captivity for four and five years. My warty newts are very partial to raw beef cut into small shreds, but the smaller species and the frogs will seldom touch it. The latter are especially fond of small earth-worms (and the warty newts also), and it is very amusing to watch the antics of froggie busily engaged in swallowing a worm, in which proceeding he is greatly assisted by his fore-feet, which are used to brush away the superfluous earth, and to stow the ends of the worm quickly and snugly into his mouth.-A. J. Jenkins, New Cross.

such a collection as he names (S.-G. p. 253) for the Agricultural Department at S. Kensington. I have also fitted up collections on somewhat different lines for the Royal Gardens, Kew; Liverpool Free Museum, and other places, and am now appointed by the S. Kensington authorities to fit up collections for any institution receiving government support, that may require them.-S. L. Mosley, Beaumont Park Museum, Huddersfield.

SPHINX CONVOLVULI.-This fine species seems to have been not uncommon in the neighbourhood of Birmingham last season. I have heard of three captures, one in Moseley, and the others in adjoining parishes.-K. D., Cofton.

TEMMINCK'S STINT.--During the autumn migra tion a specimen of this bird was shot on the edge of a large piece of water in this part of Worcestershire. --K. D., Cofton.

THE IVY.-It appears to me that Mr. Williams has wandered a little from the point in his reply (p. 257) to C. C.'s remarks (p. 236), the case of the flower-stem which he quotes not being quite a parallel one. The stem of the flower is the channel through which it receives its main nourishment, and is equivalent to the main stem of the ivy, whereas the rootlet of the ivy is evidently not the main channel of its nourishment, but only at best a minor one, if even that. It does not follow that C. C. is correct, however. Cut through the main groundroot of the ivy, and the plant dies, as he remarks; but this does not at all prove that the rootlet conveys no nourishment or moisture whatever to the plant. I take it the chief function of the rootlet is similar to that filled by the tendril of the pea, viz. to cling. Most walls are more or less damp externally, and that being so, why should not the rootlet in course of time evolve some process by which it could absorb this ready-to-hand moisture, and so aid the main stem in its work of sustaining the plant? Ivied walls have had the reputation of being damp, and the question seems to be whether the damp attracts the ivy, or the ivy attracts the damp. It ought not to be difficult to ascertain whether ivied walls really are damp or not.—F. M.

FLIES AND ANTS.-I shall feel much obliged if any of your readers can give me a clue as to what was going on in the incident detailed at foot hereof. I was staying at Sandown, I. W., last summer, and one Sunday afternoon (7th August), about four 'clock in the afternoon, I observed an enormous number of black ants running about all over a concrete path, up some short iron railings, and over the bed and grass adjacent to their nest. Besides the ants were a great number of a peculiar-looking fly, which I do not remember having noticed before. They were about in. long, dark sepia bodies (almost black), with the segments distinctly marked, moniliform antennæ, short plump abdomens, which did not extend to the end of the wings when the

latter were folded on their backs. Their movements were slow and deliberate. The number of their wings was four, consisting of a thin transparent substance like the house-flies'. Query name? Besides those of the above-mentioned size, there were about an equal number of smaller ones, not much more than half the size of the others; but I think of the same species. Both flies and ants were running about in a distracted sort of way, and to all appearance having no object in their movements. The larger of the flies were collected at the tops of the railings, over whose rounded summits they moved in much the same manner as a bee over a ball-shaped flower. Neither flies nor ants attacked one another, but rather the reverse, for when they met both seemed to try and get out of the way of the other, and went off in different directions.-Amator Naturæ.

VANESSA C-ALBUM.-During September last year, this butterfly was common along the west side of the Malvern Hills. I caught several specimens during the month, but only one in August, on the 9th, which seemed as if it might be a lingering specimen of a July brood. Is it certain whether C-album has two distinct broods or not? I find in Newman's "British Butterflies":"An idea seems prevalent that there are two broods in the year. . . I think this is a mistake; I have been able to obtain no satisfactory evidence of any caterpillars prior to those so abundant in the autumn months about the season of hop-picking." Now the butterfly I caught on August 9th (and Newman admits he has seen it in June, July, and August), certainly cannot have been a hibernated specimen, or the imago of a caterpillar feeding "about the season of hop-picking.” C-album's favourite flower seems to be bramble; indeed I tried a long while on the 20th of September after three or four which were settling on a clump of brambles. Every time I struck at one or other of them my net got caught and torn, while the butterfly took a few turns in the air and then re-settled. I noticed that when a cloud passed over the sun, they would fly into a high tree near, and close their wings till the cloud had passed. Another flower these butterflies seem attached to is Scabiosa succisa; indeed these two were the only flowers I saw them on. Although usually a comparatively shy insect, I saw several flying about the high road on two warm sunshiny days, September 19th and 20th. Is it known whether the curious and beautiful variation of the underside is merely individual? I caught several specimens with the dull brown underside, and several others of the variegated, green, and different shades of brown variety. I should be very interested to get information on these points.A. G. T.

YEW-TREE POISONING CATTLE.-The question of cattle being poisoned by eating the leaves, etc., of the common yew-tree (Taxus baccata), was discussed at some length in SCIENCE-GOSSIP for the years 1879 and 1880. Many instances were brought forward in proof of the poisonous nature of the plant. Yet at the very close of the correspondence on the subject, a writer hailing from the co. Tyrone, asserted that cattle could feed with impunity on the yew, and cited a case he had met with. Now for the satisfaction of those who consider the yew to be poisonous eating for cattle, and for the conviction of those who do not, I ask room to record a case that occurred on the 16th of November, 1887, in the demesne of the Earl of Caledon, co. Tyrone. A number of cattle were taken violently ill, and eight bullocks and one sheep died with every sign of having been poisoned.

A veterinary surgeon, Mr. Moir, of the city of Armagh, was sent for, and he made a post-mortem examination of the dead beasts, and found in all their paunches a quantity of yew-leaves, and to them and nothing else could be attributed their death. The cases have been reported at full length in the Belfast newspapers of the 17th of November, 1887. -H. W. Lett, M.A.

CATS AND VIOLATA.-In our garden, we had a good many roots of Viola semperflorens which seemed to be eaten by snails and caterpillars. But one day, to our surprise, we found a cat contentedly munching the leaves. This happpened more than once afterwards. The cat never seemed to suffer in the least from the effects of its curious meal. Can any reader account for this extraordinary feast ?-A. Verinder.

POPULAR SCIENCE.-A SUGGESTION.-One prominent feature in SCIENCE GOSSIP, rendering it a welcome visitor to the homes of many English naturalists, doubtless is that it is constantly endeavouring to foster a love of nature in those with whom it comes in contact, and most especially in those just entering upon mature life. The facilities its pages offer for recording facts of interest; the excellent medium, it is so well recognised as being, whereby specimens may be exchanged, or mutual sympathy and help secured, each combine to render it a great promoter of those pure pleasures the observation of nature so invariably gives to those who practise it. There are many who, with sympathies keen as our own to appreciate the beautiful in things around them, yet pass through life apparently unconscious of much in their surroundings which excites the admiration of, and affords pleasure to, their fellow-men. Let us take as an instance the case of young men engaged in business in our large towns. How many of them are there who know practically nothing of the wonderful facts revealed by the microscope! A chance paper here or there, or an occasional peep through its secret-revealing tube, bounds their knowledge, and, alas! also their interest in the great world of little things. For these persons of little opportunity let me bespeak the sympathy of 66 our readers," and ask each one having the opportunity to seek to increase and extend the knowledge to others their training and experience has rendered so pleasurable to themselves. Particularly available is this suggestion to persons united with associations formed for the purpose of mutual culture and improvement; such as are to be met with in most of our large towns and in not a few of our villages. An experiment to this end has recently been made by the writer of this article, with most encouraging results. Our course of proceeding was simplicity itself. We first secured the aid of a few friends by asking them to place their microscopes at our disposal for an evening. We (that is my friend Mr. Wooller and myself) then gave two short addresses, announcing as a principal feature that the objects chiefly referred to in our remarks would be exhibited for inspection, and further that we were willing to give all information in our power to reasonable querists. Choosing as my subject the past influences of minute organisms, such as foraminifers, diatoms, &c., in building up the hills and rocks around us; and also referring to their unobtrusive but important functions still going forward, I emphasised my remarks by exhibiting a series of slides under the microscopes, illustrative of the subject. After a short interval for general conversation and refreshment, Mr. Wooller spoke upon the revelations

of the microscope regarding our immediate surroundings, referring particularly to the light it has thrown upon the germ-origin of disease, and also upon the question of spontaneous generation. After which a number of living diatoms and other minute forms of vegetable and animal life were introduced for inspection. I have frequently given my services as an exhibitor of microscopic objects to the promoters of social evenings and similar gatherings, but nothing approaching the interest evidenced at the meeting referred to have I before witnessed. And this fact I attribute entirely to the circumstance that, by reason of our explanatory remarks, the friends present were able to understand somewhat the nature of the objects at which they were invited to gaze. Feeling there must be many readers of SCIENCE-GOSSIP acquainted with these societies and similar associations, I make bold to plead that an experiment, so satisfactory to its promoters, should be repeated by those located in other districts who possess kindred sympathies and like opportunities. The numerous queries, as to the cost and amplifying powers of the various microscopes employed, point hopefully forward to a time when some whose interest was thus cursorily aroused may adopt a more permanent pursuit after the knowledge of those beauties and marvels of nature so lavishly distributed around them.-T. Corlidge.

POND DREDGING AND COLLECTING.-Will some reader be good enough to give a few hints on collecting Infusoria, Rotifera, Polyzoa, &c., stating best description of net to use and how to use it? The information would, no doubt, be interesting to others besides myself.-L.

YEW-TREES, THEIR SIZE AND AGE.-With reference to your correspondent P. J.'s query, the late Mr. Edwin Lees, in his "Botany of Malvern" (p. 100), says: "The two finest yews in the Malvern country are in Cradley churchyard-the largest is 26 feet in circumference at a yard from the ground. These may be calculated at about 800 years old." Now taking as 34, 26 feet circumference gives 8 feet diameter, and about 50 inches radius. if the tree is 800 years old, it has added a ring of the breadth of of an inch each year. Surely P. J. is wrong in calculating the age of the tree by the length of the diameter.—A. G. Tansley.

And

YEW-TREES, THEIR SIZE AND AGE.-In the interesting note by P. J., p. 21 of the current number of SCIENCE-GOSSIP, there appears to be an omission of one item in making the calculation. Instead of the whole diameter, should it not be the half of it, and hence the age reduced in the same proportion? By the method adopted each annual ring is reckoned twice over, that is, on the opposite sides of the centre. In the case quoted, the circumference of 33 feet would give a diameter of about 11 feet, and a radius of 5 feet. Then, taking a line as the average thickness of a year's growth, we have 5×12X12 = 792 years, which is probably nearer the truth. We have a few yew-trees in churchyards in South Beds, and hope to have opportunities to measure them, when the results will be forwarded. — J. Saunders, Luton.

YELLOW (OR RAY'S) WAGTAIL.-The note under this heading, page 22, is rather vague. S. M. C. does not give the date when the wagtails were seen, nor does he say how near his garden is to the town of Weymouth. If they were observed later than September, it is not likely they were Ray's wagtail

but more probably the Gray Wagtail (M. boarula), which has some bright yellow about it, though it is unusual to see so many as ten together. There is nothing improbable in Ray's wagtail dropping into a garden near a town when on passage. In Sussex Ray's wagtail is seldom seen after the middle of September.-William Jeffery.

V. ATALANTA IN DUNDEE.-During the past season, insects have been in abundance in this district; it has been one of the best, during the last four years to my knowledge. As regards V. atalanta, I may say it has been scarce. I spent a good deal of time searching for the larvae, and got about two dozen; three of them as late as the end of October, when the last of them emerged from pupa as late as December 8th. They have been very scarce here the last three years. During the autumn of 1884 they were in hundreds, scarcely a plot of nettles escaped them.-Peter Kirk.

ANCIENT YEWS.-Through the courtesy of the Rector, the Rev. H. Hawkins, I am enabled to give P. J., Emsworth, particulars of a yew-tree, growing in Crowhurst Churchyard, Battle, Sussex. It measures thirty-three feet in circumference, and is supposed to be about 800 years old. A seedling yew has rooted itself in a crevice of the church tower. It is now a small bush about 70 years old, and, apparently, neither increases nor diminishes in size. If P. J., Emsworth, will send me address, I shall be pleased to forward for his acceptance a photo of the tree.-W. E. Windus.

A NOTE ON PHILODINA CITRINA.-In SCIENCEGOSSIP for March, 1887, appeared a short note of mine on a variety of this species, which I found in the summer of 1886, in a stream near Cheadle, Staffordshire. This variety is very abundant on the moss covering some stones over which the water falls. More recently-namely in the summer, autumn, and winter of 1887-I have found a few other races which certainly approach the variety very closely, though, perhaps, none of them differs quite so remarkably from the recognised form of the species. The most numerous of these lately found colonies is in a very similar situation to that in which the variety flourishes, the main difference being that the waterfall in this case is at the foot of a large pond. There is a more luxuriant growth of moss here than in the stream. The particular form of the species which I found here differs from the variety described last year in its smaller size and in the greater conspicuousness of the eyes, which, however, are still very small. The brown colour also is less marked, though it seems almost constant in the larger specimens. This race, however, has that uniform slenderness which Mr. Gosse found to be characteristic of the variety. the whole, it may be said to be considerably less abnormal than the latter, but at the same time to differ markedly from the type of the species which must be familiar to students of the class from Mr. Gosse's figure in Hudson and Gosse's "Rotifera" (plate ix. fig. 6). The strongly social manners which Mr. Gosse, in a letter to me, ascribed to my variety seem equally characteristic of this race. I have seen a piece of moss in the live-box completely fringed with the protruded heads and necks of these Philodine. Up to the present time, unfortunately, I have not been able to keep many specimens from this locality alive for more than a day or two. A few specimens generally maintained a lethargic existence amid the corpses of their fellows. The race which I propose to mention next, lives in close proximity to

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what I call the variety; that is, the form briefly described in SCIENCE-GOSSIP for March last year. The variety itself flourishes in a small waterfall; this other race I have found in water dipped from immediately above the fall. It departs less widely than the form last described from the ordinary type of the species, for it has not the brown colour, and the colour is in this form, as in the ordinary type, confined to the central parts of the animal. But this also has the slenderness of the variety, and there is no abrupt transition from the body to the foot. There is here a tinge of green in the yellow colouring of the trunk. All the specimens of this race that I have seen are very much smaller than the variety, which indeed is one of the largest of the Rotifera with which I am acquainted. I have found quite recently in a small spring, the sides of which are covered with moss, a number of examples of P. citrina scarcely distinguishable from the variety, except by the fact that the eyes are less inconspicuous. These organs have here the oblong shape characteristic of the species; but they are placed very far back, almost behind the mastax, even when the animal is fully extended. They are exceedingly small. I have also met with a race, on moss growing near the outlet of a large pond, which is not easily distinguished from the variety, though the brown hue seems less decided; but I have hardly seen this often enough to be able to say much about it. The foregoing remarks seem to show that this pretty and interesting species is very variable. Mr. Gosse has stated, in Hudson and Gosse's "Rotifera," that the colour varies; but it will be seen that the form of the animal and the distribution of the colour also vary considerably. My experience also goes to show that the species is much commoner than has been supposed; but it may be that it is common only in certain districts. It would be interesting to know whether other observers have found P. citrina in abundance on moss, especially in waterfalls; and, if so, whether they have found the species to depart in any marked degree under such circumstances from the normal type. I have found examples agreeing well with Mr. Gosse's descriptions and figures (in "Rotifera" and in "Tenby") in several places near Cheadle, but never in any great abundance. In conclusion, I should like to express my great obligations to Mr. Gosse, who has most kindly answered letters of mine from time to time, and identified several species for me.-7. W. Blagg, F.R.M.S.

RUDIMENTS AND VESTIGES.-I fear the authority quoted a little depreciates Doctor Darwin as an expounder of Divine Providence, and considers the phusis kerata taurois somewhat unsound. It will, however, be palpable that the reasoning requires the "image of God" in man should be mental, neither can the distinct theological proposition of a physical "ideal form" be established in regard to the most helpless of animals, without a consideration of his surroundings, where we see adaptation as a portion of the operation. The difficulty as regards the theistical aspect of this question is the danger of making over to society perhaps, what was intended for philosophy. Preoccupied with such ideas, I put my elbow through a well-ordered case of beetles in a continental museum. Madame hastened to the scene in consternation. I offered to pay the damage. Madame must ask Monsieur. Madame suggested a franc, the sworded concierge demanded three-three were paid. A little after, Madame and a friend were observed to issue from a crockeryware shop, each with a basket in hand containing about a franc's worth of household requisites.-A. H. Swinton.

THE FLORA OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR. -I am engaged in investigating the subject of the flora of Newfoundland and Labrador, of which very little is known, especially here in the country itself. For our knowledge we are mainly indebted to those few naturalists who from time to time have visited Newfoundland. I am now compiling a complete list of our flora, as far as it is known, and this appears at intervals in our St. John's "Colonist." I am also preparing for that paper, and ultimately for separate publication, articles on and our "Wild Fruits Berries." I should feel much obliged for help in the matter, especially in following heads :

I. In what books or magazines (English or American) can I find information as to our flora?

2. To what societies or institutions (Linnæan), and to what papers could I apply for help, and which will feel an interest in my work?

3. What magazines and papers would afford me most help as to botanical matters?

4. Where could I obtain good coloured engravings of wild flowers and fruits?

5. What books are available on the subjects of wild fruits, especially of England and North America?

6. What are the cheapest and best books (with coloured plates) on North American and British ferns, mosses, lichens and seaweeds?

I send you some local papers containing some of my articles, and, if you care for a complete set, will gladly send them; they may be worth a notice in your magazine. I shall be glad to send, by parcel post, roots of some of our Newfoundland ferns and flowers, which are unknown or rare in England, in return for useful books and articles on botany.— Arthur C. Waghorne.

PROLIFIC POND.-Since the foregoing (SCIENCEGOSSIP, No. 272, Aug. 1887, page 185) was written, I have been fortunate in finding the following, which being added to the previous list brings up the number of species to forty-four, and so making my pond equal to the best recorded instance-1. Dinocharis tetractis; 2. Notommata aurita; 3. Furcularia ensifera; 4. F. melandricus; 5. Monostyla bulla; 6. Diglena grandis. Nos. 4 and 6 are Mr. Gosse's identification, from a tube I sent him. No. 4 I do not know, but presume it is one of the new species which has to appear in the "Journal of the Royal Microscopical Society."-7. E. L.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

To CORRESPONDENTS AND EXCHANGERS.-As we now publish SCIENCE-GOSSIP earlier than formerly, we cannot undertake to insert in the following number any communications which reach us later than the 8th of the previous month.

To ANONYMOUS QUERISTS.-We must adhere to our rule of not noticing queries which do not bear the writers' names.

TO DEALERS AND OTHERS.-We are always glad to treat dealers in natural history objects on the same fair and general ground as amateurs, in so far as the "exchanges" offered are fair exchanges. But it is evident that, when their offers are simply disguised advertisements, for the purpose of evading the cost of advertising, an advantage is taken of our gratuitous insertion of "exchanges" which cannot be tolerated.

We request that all exchanges may be signed with name (or initials) and full address at the end.

C. T. H.-One good method of mounting the smaller fossils of the Bartar clay is on black paper within glass-topped boxes.

R. P., jun. (Airdrie).-The flat zoophyte is Membranipora membranacea, the other Sertularia falcuta. The little round objects are the cases of a marine worm (Spirorbis). The objects from Macassar Straits are a species of the larger tropical foraminifera.

C. C. DALLAS.-Judging from your rough sketch and description, we believe cup-shaped object attached to a twig is the empty pupa case of one of the saw-flies

J. H.-See Maund's "Botanic Garden." Capital illustrations of the tea-plant may be seen and studied at Kew, where all information might be obtained.

MISS W.-There is no doubt your shell is a cowrie (Cyprea caurica or C. lynx, but it is impossible to be certain from a verbal description only.

A. R. T. WINCHLEY.-"Up the River from Westminster to Windsor " was published by Hardwicke and Bogue in 1876. Apply for information concerning it to Messrs. W. H. Allen and Co., Waterloo Place, London.

C. D.-Your lichen is Cladonia cornucopioides. Get the "Young Collector" series on "Lichens and Mosses," price is. (Swan Sonnenschein and Co.); afterwards Lindsay's "British Lichens," price 10s. 6d., coloured plates.

F. LANNON.-Get Coleman's "Our Woodlands, Heaths and Hedges," illustrated, price 3s. 6d. Mount your sections of woods in Canada balsam.

I. BOWMAN.-We shall be very pleased to receive your ornithological papers.

T. B. G.-Your mineral is a crystal of selenite from the London clay.

X. R.-You will find a full description of fossil encrinites (with illustrations) in Taylor's "Common British Fossils, and where to find them," price 7s. 6d. (Chatto and Windus).

EXCHANGES.

WANTED, skins of British mammals, particularly pole-cat, water-shrew, badger, otter, martins and chiroptera. Many valuable works on natural history offered in exchange. List on application.-W. Harcourt Bath, Ladywood, B rmingham.

WANTED, Star-fishes and sex-urchins; must be in good condition. Books and specimens of natural history offered in exchange.-W. Harcourt Bath, Ladywood, Birmingham.

WANTED, stalk-eyed crustacea (British). Good return made. -W. Harcourt Bath, Ladywood, Birmingham.

WANTED, Small serviceable microscope; will give in exchange a solid silver verge hunter -A. G. H., 10 St. John's Hill, New Wandsworth, S.W.

WILL give a small collection of mounted seaweeds, 2 vols. "Family Friend," several numbers of "Cassell's Popular Recreator," in cover with leather backs, few fossils, &c., for "Dana's Mineralogy," or Lyell's "Geology."-A. G. H., 10 St. John's Hill, S.W.

OFFERED, British coleoptera, for insects of other orders to illustrate mimicry, or pairs in which the sexes show great difference of form or colour.-C. H. Goodman, 9 Doricote Road, Wandsworth Common.

WANTED, copies of Schuckard's "British Bees," and of Newman's" Butterflies and Moths."-R. B. Postans, 14 Enys Road, Eastbourne.

SHOULD be obliged if conchologists would send L. peregra and vars. from any localities. Good exchange.-F. R. Fitzgerald, Harrogate.

WANTED, British and foreign clausilia. Good exchange.Fitzgerald, Harrogate.

LYELL'S "Travels in North America," 2 vols., and "Second Visit to the States," 2 vols. What offers ?-C. L. Lord, 34 Burlington Crescent, Goole.

WANTED, some common frogs (preferably in their winter torpor). Good exchange in books, etc.-J. Eyre, 4 Kender Street, New Cross Road, London, S.E.

WANTED, in exchange for fossils, flint or bone implements, from any locality.-A. T. Tichborne, Lodge, Oakfield Park, Croydon.

WANTED, Annals and Magazine of Natural History; books on spiders, sponges, gorgonias, etc., or material. In exchange I will give other books, very superior microscopical slides, etc. -Rev. J. E. Vize, Forden Vicarage, Welshpool.

FULL-GROWN frog wanted. Will give micro-slide in exchange or pay postage.-J. M. Bain, 11 Bothwell Street, Glasgow. LANTERN views only once used; about 2 dozen fine Scotch views in exchange for apparatus or books.-J. M. Bain, 11 Bothwell Street, Glasgow.