A

POULTRY.

By "CHANTICLEER."

PIGMY POULTRY. FASCINATING hobby is that of miniature or pigmy poultry, and I have pleasure in recommending the popular and decidedly handsome black rosecomb bantams, which are one of the oldest of our soft-feathered varieties of pigmy fowls.

It is perfectly astonishing the small space required to keep this variety in health and condition, and I have known fanciers whose birds have had a fair amount of success keep their birds in a four and five feet square run, although the number has been limited to under a halfdozen.

Black rosecombs will be appreciated, inasmuch as they are undoubtedly the best layers of all bantams, especially considering the small amount of food they consume, and when the eggs are not required for hatching this is a great consideration and a strong point in their favour, whilst it should also be added they will reward their owners with a good quantity of delicious eggs even in the winter months, always provided they are kept in a wellsheltered run and warm night-house.

Would-be breeders should see that their stock is as hardy as possible, as owing to in-breeding for exhibition purposes, in many strains the black rosecomb's vitality has suffered.

Well-developed birds should be selected which are well set on good legs, having not only a broad back but a full chest and well-rounded wing bows, whilst poultrykeepers should bear in mind that although easy to rear they cannot stand damp in any shape or form; even cold does not affect them if not exposed to a direct draught.

It is always easy to make the run and house for such little birds warm and comfortable, and here I can recommend peat moss litter. The head points are most important, the comb especially, which must be a small, neat, wedge-shaped, with plenty of "work" about it; that is, having a level surface, well filled with numerous short spikes, whilst the pointer of the comb must be of good length and well pointed.

The lobes also occupy an important position, and must be fairly large and round as possible, also of a pure white colour and good quality, as well as quantity, which sets off its bright coral red face in an unmistakeable manner.

Next the shape, style, and plumage must be considered, and rosecomb bantams should have short legs, well apart, set midway of the body, rather forward than otherwise, so as to balance the body nicely, giving the bird a better appearance. The colour of the legs is blue-black.

The breast must be full, back broad but short, allowing a small but deep curve for a large, well-furnished full tail.

I always consider the black rosecomb bantams to be a collection of curves, for wherever we look, in all the beautiful pro

Pleasure.

fusion of rich, glassy feathers, we find all graceful curves, and especially in the sickle feathers, of the tail is this more particularly noticeable.

1

The wings must be of a good length, carried long and drooping, almost touching the ground.

One of the cardinal beauties in connection with this breed is a handsome beetlegreen plumage-purple or black being objected to.

The male bird should only weigh about 18 to 20 oz., and hens about 16 oz.

A little advice on hatching should be given, and here I will give my opinion that the best birds are hatched generally from April to June. It should, however, be stated that many fanciers hatch later in the summer, SO as to prevent their growth, but extra care has to be taken when winter arrives.

The great success in hatching has been experienced by breeders who utilise hens for the first ten days of the incubation, after which they are very carefully tested, and all fertile eggs placed in small incubators and brought up in artificial rearers, as owing to their diminutive size there is less risk attending hatching operations than when the eggs are placed under a hen. In conclusion, my readers will find that bantams are a most interesting and fascinating hobby, worthy of their energies, and it is always advisable to keep only the best strain of birds that one's means can afford to buy, whilst for exhibition purposes high-class black rosecombs are always in demand, and as the carriage to and from shows is very little, and the prize-money given the same as for large poultry, bantam exhibitors are much favoured.

They cost but little to feed, although it is wise to give bantams much nutriment in the smallest space; in fact, multum in parvo is an excellent motto for feeding pigmy poultry.

CATS.

HIS is a busy season with cat fanciers, as kittens are being born and others are reaching the age when homes have to be found for them.

At the recent Richmond Cat Show there was a record entry of thirty-seven in the litter classes, and when we consider that all these families have to be dispersed abroad it means that many kittens will be changing hands within this month.

In spite of the trying season for breeding and rearing Persian kittens, the specimens on show at Richmond were really splendid ones, especially the litters of blue Persians. The illustration given is of a pair from a litter of blues, bred and exhibited by Mr. Turner, the sire being the well-known Blue Boy III.

This fine cat was formerly the property of Lady Marcus Beresford, who used to be a very ardent and enthusiastic cat fancier. One of these pretty kittens has already been claimed by a lady in the north of England. It is very important, when young kittens change hands, that particulars should be given of the way in which they have been fed.

Any sudden change of diet is apt to cause

When fish is given it should be mixed with bread, biscuit, or well-boiled rice, as fish alone is rather too rich for the little ones. It is curious to note the various likes and dislikes in a litter of kittens, and it is advisable to let Nature have her say and feed, if possible, according to the preference of each kitten.

Then, again, perhaps one kitten of the litter will be a shy feeder, and will never get a look in with his bolder brothers and sisters. It is best to give him a separate plate in a quiet

corner.

Sometimes a backward feeder needs to be spoon-fed from time to time. It will be seen, therefore, that no hard and fast rule can be laid down in rearing Persian kittens, for they have their fads and fancies just the same as human beings.

It is by close observation and intelligence on the part of the cat-fancier that a just calculation of the several needs of the little creatures can be satisfactorily arrived at and. the various kittens kept healthy and well.

When kittens are ill and need nursing, then is the time that patience must be exercised, and as a rule cats and kittens, though trying to doctor, yet are wonderfully amenable to the tender loving kindness of their mistress. If sent away to be attended to by a veterinary they will pine away and die, for they miss their home and refuse to be comforted.

If you want to buy or sell Poultry, Dogs, Cats, Birds, Books, etc., try our Sale & Exchange.

Our Private Sale & Exchange.

AGENTS WANTED.

Agents Wanted. To sell "The Country-Side" in districts where it is difficult to obtain. Excellent opportunity for colporteurs, tradesmen, and others who call from house to house to make addition to their incomes.-Write for particulars to C. R., "The Country-Side," 2 & 4, Tudor Street, London, E.C.

BACK NUMBERS.

For Sale, "Country-Side" to date; best offer. Donald Raine, 13, Northenden Road, Sale, Cheshire. Country-Side to date, two missing. What offers-Rainbird, George Road, Milford, Surrey.

BOOKS.

"The Ferns of Great Britain and Their Allies," by Anne Pratt. Fine copy of this standard work, with 41 magnificent coloured plates. Cover somewhat faded, otherwise perfect copy; 10s. 6d., a bargain to fern-lovers. Box 7.

"Science Gossip," vols. 5, 6, 7, and 8, or numbers 56 to 87 wanted. — Blackburne, Chatworth, Hastings.

"Harmsworth Encyclopædia," unbound, new condition; exchange microscope or accept 12s. 6d.Blythe, Cleveland Parade, South Woodford.

"Cassell's New Popular Educator," 8 vols., green cloth, good as new; 10s. post free, or exchange for natural history works. Box 138.

Brighton.-To Let for three or four weeks in August, a well-furnished House; four good bedrooms, double beds, three sitting-rooms, bathroom, kitchen, etc.; gas-cooker, piano, plate, linen. Five minutes' walk to sea, downs, park, rail. Open position. 2 guineas weekly.-Hands, 13, Walpole Terrace.

H 110

Clifton (Durdham Downs).-Furnished House, 8 rooms, studio, bath, etc., £4 week. Folkestone (2 miles from).-Apartments, with or without Board; overlooking warren and sea, opposite the Zig-zag Path; magnificent scenery and country views; dainty teas by appointment.-Mrs. Westley, Minette Broadlands, Cliffe's Estate, Capel, near Folkestone.

Hampstead, London.-Small Furnished Flat; two bedrooms, bath, piano; for August and September. Near Heath, Stations, and Tube. Moderate rent. H 111

Isle of Man.-Comfortable Apartments, with or without board; near sea; terms moderate.-Mrs. Wilcocks, 'Westbourne,' 140, Bucks Road, Douglas.

Land.-Grand Sites for Detached Residences; high, well wooded, good water supply; finest posi tion within 25 miles south of London; one acre and upwards. Apply to Mr. Hodsoll, Land Agent, Farningham, Kent

Lowestoft (Central). Furnished Apartments, facing sea; electric light, bath; splendid views.Mrs. C. Wighton, 5, Waveney Road, Lowestoft. Matlock.-Apartments, with ΟΙ without board; every convenience; terms moderate; splendid view; five minutes from station. H 100

Norfolk Broads.-To Let, fine Pleasure Wherry, 3 separate sleeping cabins, saloon, 6 ft. headroom, piano.-Spashett, Star Buildings. Lowestoft.

West Harting. -Substantial Detached Cottage, comfortably furnished; garden, high ground; charming country (South Downs), between Petersfield and Rogate; two sitting, three good-sized bedrooms, etc. Rent moderate. Near golf links.M., 13, Avonmore Road, West Kensington.

Whitby (Sleight's).-Furnished Villa for August, 5 bedrooms, moderate terms.-Salmon, Saltburn. Wanted, Small Furnished Seaside Cottage, two bedrooms, for four people for month from August roth. per week or less. Quiet place preferred. -H., 199, Adelaide Road, London, N.W. Westcliff-on-Sea.-Furnished Apartments, board if required; near sea, station.-22, Milton Avenue.

Rules for Private Sale and Exchange.

A "box" number will be added to each advertisement when the advertiser does not desire to use his name and address. Name and address must be paid for.

Replies in answer to advertisements must have the "box" rumber plainly quoted on the envelope for the advertiser, and this envelope must be enclosed in another, with a penny stamp, to THE COUNTRY-SIDE Office. No postcards received. For the first 12 words, with "box" number, the charge is fourpence; one halfpenny per word thereafter. The minimum charge is 4d.

Advertisements dealing with furnished and unfurnished houses in town and country apartments, flats, etc., will be inserted at the rate of fourpence for the first twelve words, one halfpenny per word afterwards, and all replies must be accompanied by a penny stamp for the purpose of forwarding. Box numbers will in all cases be appended to these advertisements.

66

seven

or

The Week's Wild Life.-In the description of the ringlet butterfly in the Week's Wild Life, of July 8th, the statement that it has on the underside "eight" perfect little rings on each side should have been eight." There is a rare variety, indeed, in which there are nine rings, the ninth being imperfect, and others in which the rings dwindle or disappear; but the description referred only to the type.

Binding "The Country-Side."

At the request of numerous correspondents we have decided to undertake the binding of "The Country-Side" volumes for our readers.

Readers must send to us, post paid, the 28 numbers of "The Country-Side" composing the volume, together with postal order for 3s. 9d., and we will bind the volume in our special artistic cases and return it post free to the owner. Address parcels toBINDING DEPARTMENT, "THE COUNTRY-SIDE,"

2 and 4, TUDOR STREET, LONDON, E.C.

CAGE BIRDS.

Care of Young Birds.

WE

to

have already devoted a few notes to the young birds which may have been reared, and dealt with them up

the time when they may be safely removed from their parents and left to look after themselves. The next few weeks after reaching this stage is often a critical one for the owner, as the young have a most unfortunate way of dying off rapidly between the time they leave their parents and the commencement of the moult. Much of this loss is due solely to improper treatment on the part of the owner, and might, with judicious management, be wholly prevented. A moment's thought should suffice to convince one that the same dietary which is most suitable for the old birds with young broods to bring up is not necessarily the best for the young who have got well beyond the stage of dependency upon parental care.

A Question of Diet.

To overcome this loss of young is very largely a matter of providing a suitable diet for the young. A good wholesome and nutritious diet is far more necessary than extensive variety. A staple of good, sound, and sweet canary seed is second to none, and if just a little scalded rape seed (always see you get summer rape) is given twice a week, and a little bread scalded with milk and pressed nearly dry about as often, the young birds will thrive much better than when satiated with over-much variety. Indeed, all other foods should be given in strictly limited quantities, and merely as occasional tit-bits. If green food is given let it be in very small quantities, and not too lush and rank in kind. Care must also be taken to avoid giving greenstuff of any kind that is wet or stale, or that has been gathered in a wet, sodden condition. The half-ripened green seed stalks of plaintains are about the best and safest kind of green food for young birds. They are popularly known to country-folk as "rat-tails, and both old and young canaries and most caged seed-eating birds are extremely fond of them. The Present Plague.

moment.

It is a most mischievous pest, which insidiously causes much loss and worry to the bird-keeper that constitutes the plague of the It is the red mite-a wondrously small, bloodthirsty insect which preys upon birds in a similar manner to that adopted by Culex irritans upon its unfortunate host Homo sapiens, and is responsible for really great results affecting the bird's health and condition. Being of nocturnal habits, hiding away by day in any crevice in or about the cage, it often works serious mischief all unsuspectingly. Just now they are apt to increase amazingly. A good test to prove whether they are present is to crumple a bit of white paper or rag and stuff it between the wires at the end of the perch on which the bird roosts. Do this in the evening and remove and carefully examine next morning. If the cage is infested a few mites-tiny dark crimson insects-will almost certainly be found in the folds, whereto they have retired after a night's orgie on the body of the bird, feasting upon its blood. Another infallible sign of their presence is when a white powdery-looking deposit begins to appear on the surface of the cage around the joints A crack or tiny hole will usually be found the centre of such a deposit, and if this is probed with a pin on to a piece of white paper myriads of mites will be brought to light. The best way to deal with the matter, if the size of the cage will allow of it, is to give the occupant a bath in which a little extract of quassia has been mixed, and an hour later quietly transfer it to a perfectly clean cage. See that the wall where it is to hang is quite free from mites, then take the infested cage and place it bodily in a copper of boiling water and boil for a few minutes.

and corners.

Work for the Week.

The Care of Window Boxes.

N common with plants in rooms, these would often be far more satisfactory did they not suffer from their owner's ignorance and neglect. Too often they do not get nearly enough water. The point to remember is that, save for a refreshing sprinkle overhead from a fine rose can, water should not be given until signs of dryness are observed, but that the plants must then be thoroughly soaked.

A dose of liquid manure given once a week will prove very beneficial. It is best to dose the boxes with plain water first, and then water afterwards with the stimulant. Artificial fertilisers which are suitable for applying in this form are procurable in small quantities.

is during July. Cotoneasters, deutzias, dieuvillas, forsythias, heaths, hollies, lilacs, roses, and spiræas, for example, can all readily be increased from cuttings of half-ripened wood if these are treated in the right way.

Cuttings of about four inches long must be firmly inserted in well-washed pots filled with sandy soil. These are to be placed in a close propagating frame, and kept damp and shaded from the sun.

Those mentioned above will be all the better for the greater warmth of a greenhouse, but cuttings of berberises, cytisuses, double gorse, and laurels will be found to do best inserted in beds in a cold frame.

Flowering currants, privets, roses, tamarisks, and some others are readily

HE little group of cacti represented in the picture contains four plants in flower of one of the best of all the of the family, hedgehog-like section of namely Echinopsis eyriesii.

It can be grown in a greenhouse or frame, or even in a window along with fuchsias and geraniums; it even thrives when planted in a sunny border outside, and lifted in October and kept till May in a dry place, out of the reach of frost. This treatment suits it better than potculture in a warm house, the rest and check resulting from the winter treatment being conducive to the development of flowers in June.

The globose stems are from four to six inches high, and they are ridged and furrowed regularly, the ridges being crowned with tufts of sharp spines. The flowers are very beautiful when fully open, but they do not last long.

It is easy to work up a large stock of plants by means of the offsets which are freely borne on the ridges at the base of the stem. A bed on a lawn planted with this and other similar cacti is worth a place in the garden of the plantsman who has a soul above geraniums and begonias.

Bellflowered Foxglove.

THE foxglove now and then astonishes the rambler in country lanes by producing on the top of its flower spike a large bell-shaped flower, totally unlike the flowers on the lower part of the spike.

An ingenious suggestion was made by a correspondent who had found one of these freaks near his garden, that it was the result of a cross between the foxglove and a Can

[R. W. Allars.

TRUFFLES

black

terbury bell which grew on the other side of the fence. But this sort of thing never happens, the explanation being much simpler. The large, bell-shaped, more or less double flower, is the result of the fusion of several flowers into one. It is really a case of fasciation.

Truffles.

are

W. W.

are large, solid, wart-like fungi, externally, grayish and variously marbled inside, and sometimes tinged with pink. They grow beneath the soil, preferably where there is lime, and they are supposed to be most abundant in the neighbourhood of oaks. In Continental countries the truffle industry is an important one. All attempts to cultivate them, as, for instance, mushrooms cultivated, have failed, as they grow only where they like. No one has yet been able to prepare a spawn similar to that of mushrooms, by means of which plantations could be formed. They are found by trained dogs, and it is said that in Continental countries pigs are used for the same purpose. The smell of a truffle is powerful and by no means unpleasant. A single specimen has been known to weigh four pounds. They are a much-esteemed luxury, being used in sauces, gravies, etc., French cooks in particular using them very largely from a belief that the truffle improves all that it touches.

Answers to Correspondents.

Tabby Markings of Kittens.-Self-coloured kittens very frequently show tabby markings, but these generally disappear as they grow older.-(to R. J. Princes, Holloway.)

Robins Killing their Parents. It is not the case that two-year-old robins kill their three-year-old parents; but of course there arrives a time in the life of every robin-who has not previously been killed by some enemy-when failing strength renders him unable to hold his own against younger birds Then he goes under.-(to T. McCabe.)

The Green Woodpecker.-It is absurd to suppose that the green woodpecker is injurious to the fruitgrower's interests. Its food largely consists of mischievous insects, which it picks out of the bark and wood of trees. Thus it does much good.--(to J. Taylor.)

Bell-shaped Foxglove.-Foxgloves with the top blossom shaped like an open bell are a well-known variety grown by florists regularly from seed. The foxgloves recently discussed in the "C.-S." were plants of the ordinary type which-it was allegedbore bell-shaped flowers when grown among or near campanulas. Your plants are evidently of the florists' variety mentioned.-(to M. C. Absolom.)

Butterflies in Scotland.-Neither the Camberwell Beauty nor the Swallowtail need be looked for in Scotland; but there are many handsome butterflies and moths there, all the same.-(R. H., B.E.N.A.)

Bees and Flowers. It is not true that bees take nectar only from one kind of flower on each journey. I have often seen a bee visit different kinds of flowers in succession. That they usually keep to the same kind of flower I attribute to the fact that they are following a particular scent. It has been found lucrative in the first instance, so they go on with it.-(to Alex. Thurburn.)

Missel Thrush's Nest.-It is not unusual for this bird to use scraps of paper, etc., in building its nest. The eggs might have been sucked by squirrels, weasels, rats, jays, or crows, etc.—(to H. Cox.)

Blackbird Mating with Thrush.-Several instances of this have been recorded, and in each case, I think, it has been a hen blackbird mated with a cock thrush. In my garden this year a cock turtle

dove has mated with a tame Barbary dove. They have reared one pair of young, and are now sitting again. In such cases the hybrid young are usually intermediate in plumage between that of parents. (to W. F. Wiemann.)

their

Book of Wild Flowers. For anyone who has a little knowledge of botanical terms-which is easily acquired-I consider Bentham and Hooker to be the best illustrated book on British wild plants at the price. (to Robert Nicholls.)

Strangled Duckling.-The accident of the duckling being strangled through getting some of the foster-mother hen's feathers round its neck is, of course, very rare. It presumably happens through the duckling going under the hen when wet, and the feather sticking to it. Presumably this accident could not happen to a duckling with its mother, whose feathers do not cling when wetted.(to F. E. Leigh, Sarney.)

Owls Drinking.-Tame owls appear able to live without water; but, on the other hand, they drink. I should certainly give it to them.-(to R. Ovenstone.)

Small Bird Using Magpie's Nest.-The bird which laid the small white eggs with reddish spots in the magpie's nest was a tit, probably the great tit.(to T. E. Griffiths.)

"A Dormant Cuckoo."-I am afraid that your gardener's story about the cuckoo that slept through the winter in England is all imagination on the part of somebody. The cuckoo, of course, migrates in the early autumn to Africa.-(to S. L. Mann.)

Sheldrakes and their Young.-When sheldrakes breed at some distance from the sea they lead their young thither on foot. Young ducks will walk and swim a distance of several miles; so will young redshanks. (to John Halliday.)

Rearing Young Bullfinches. I believe that young bullfinches cannot be reared unless the parents have their liberty. Then they can get the right materials for the soft food on which their young nestlings should be fed.-(to S. G. S.)

"Valerian."-The valerian which is recommended as being attractive to butterflies and moths is not really a valerian, although it is almost always called red valerian. Its proper name is centranth. If you want some roots I could put you in communication with a cottager who has plenty and would doubtless gladly sell some.-(to Rev. H. C. B. Field.)

White Sparrow.-Sparrows which are wholly or partially white seem to be too common to be recorded, especially as they do not migrate, and are therefore not suitable for mention as marked birds."-(to J. L. Goodwin.)

Photographing Bird Life. You cannot look for satisfactory results in photographing bird life with any kind of snapshot camera. You must use a focussing stand camera, and you will get much better results with a half-plate than a quarterplate. (to Pahari, from Chota, Simla.)

Wasps' Nest.-You were lucky in digging out the wasps' nest from your garden while it was only the size of a tennis ball. By autumn it might have

grown to the size of a football, containing tens of thousands of wasps. In dealing with wasps' nests the sooner you act the better. Thanks for photo and kind wishes.-(to M. Wheeler.)

Feeding Young Chame.eons.-If your vivarium is made fly-proof (muslin will do) you cannot do better than to sweep some herbage out of doors with a butterfly net until it is full of small flies, etc., and then empty these quickly into the vivarium. In doing this the opened door of the vivarium should be away from the light; otherwise great numbers of the insects will escape during the operation.-(to Ethel F. Chawner.)

Miscellaneous Answers to Correspondents.-A dipper, often called water-ouzel.-(to W. Lang.) The fungus sent was probably thalium septicum. (to H. Cox.) Thanks for copy of poetry, but we only publish_original verses. (to A. G. Philip, B.E.N.A.) Spotted fly-catcher. (to R. Riley.) A common fungus, Xylaria hypoxylon. to D. G., Doncaster.) The purple flower was the purple orchis; a white variety is not very rare. The white flower was a meadow saxifrage.-(to A. Taylor.) The birds were probably white-throats, and the notes you heard were probably uttered by their fledged young, which were sitting among the branches somewhere.-(to G. Owen.). The plant is called the tea tree-the Duke of Argyll's tea tree, to give it its full title. It had escaped from culti vation, as it readily does.-(to Henry J. Hill.) Tway blade.-(to E. J. C.) The falcons were certainly pelegrines; they do not appear larger than rooks in flight. The owls were brown owls.(to R. R. Douglas.) Yes, one of the specimens was the wild bluebell, Hyacinthus nutans, and the other the Spanish bluebell, a cultivated flower with open perianth (to F. Fuller.) Poplar hawk moth. --(to Errand Boy.) Dipper.-(to F. Budget.) Such ribbon growths of marguerites are common this year. (to Daisie Edwards.) We cannot answer puzzles appearing in other papers.-(to W. Page and others.) Give the cat worm-powder.-(to J. J. Towns.) This yellow-flowered garlic is a familiar garden plant.-(to Mrs. D. Little.) See previous answer about foxgloves.-(to D. J. Carpenter.)

Black-headed Bunting.-In spite of the authority of the Rev. C. A. Johns, it is a popular error to confuse the common reed bunting, which has a black head, with the rare black-headed bunting. The latter has a bright yellow collar.-(to Miss M. D. Williams.)

British Breeding Birds.-It is not possible to give the exact number of birds which breed in this country, because so many are doubtful or occasional breeders only. One hundred and seventyseven is about the number of regular breeders.-(to F. Budget.)

Two Caterpillars in One Cocoon.-It is not very unusual for gregarious caterpillars like those of the lackey moth when reared in the confined space of a breeding cage to build a joint cocoon for two. (to R. N. Takelam.)

Natural History Museum
Stereographs.

OUR new stereographs of the Natural History Museum are now ready, and reproductions of some of them have appeared in recent numbers of THE COUNTRY-SIDE. The descriptive letterpress which appears on the backs has been written by Mr. R. Lydekker, the distinguished scientist.

Seen through the stereoscope they take you almost actually to the Museum itself. There are the objects before you, appearing not like photographs, but very real, and stretching beyond are the galleries, so that you fancy that you are in the Museum.

A full list is given below, and any or all of these may be obtained at the rate of

3d. EACH, POST FREE.

List of Subjects.

1, African Elephant; 2, Sperm Wnale; 3, Giant Sloth; 4, Fox and Cubs; 5, Horned Dinosaur; 6, Elephant Seal; 7, Iguanadon; 8, Musk Oxen; 9, Mastodon; 10, Giant Squid; 11, Diplodocus Carnegii; 12, Badgers; 13, Irish Elk; 14, Northern Rorqual; 15, Bustards; 16, Basking Shark; 17, The Hoatzin or Climbing Bird; 18, Elk; 19, White Whale and Narwhal; 20, Giant Armadillo. Address: The Stereoscopic Dept.,

THE COUNTRY-SIDE,

2 & 4, Tudor Street, London, E.C.

B.E.N.A.

Branches, etc.-Will members in Higher Openshaw and district, who are willing to assist in forming a branch of the B.E.N.A. in Higher Openshaw, Manchester, kindly communicate with the Hon. Sec., J. Whitaker, 68, Cheeryble Street, Higher Openshaw, Manchester.

Glasgow Branch.-A successful monthly meeting was held on June 28th. Mr. Peter Fenton read a paper on "The Beginnings of Life," and Mr. Davidson read a prize essay on "The Lapwing." The branch now numbers twenty-five members. There will be no meetings in the month of July in connection with this branch, the next meeting being held on August 30th, and the meeting place will be duly advised by the Secretary through THE COUNTRY-SIDE. Will all members please advise by postcard their name, address, and membership card number, on or before Monday, July 22nd, to Mr. John S. Crawford, 287, Eglington Street, South Side, Glasgow.

Ramble of Dulwich Branch.-The Dulwich B.E.N.A. centre is taking a ramble on July 27th, from Bickley to Roundabout Woods and to St. Paul's Cray, etc. Particulars to be had of the Secretary of the above centre, Mr. C. Acutt, 114, Upland Road, East Dulwich, S.E.

Book for Bird Lovers.-Three years ago 1 brought out a book called "Scribblings of a Hedge-row Naturalist," and you gave a very kindly notice of it in THE COUNTRY-SIDE, saying it was a book all lovers of nature should have. Now, there are many lovers of nature, but many cannot afford 12s. 6d. for a book. I should like to do the members of the B.E.N.A. a kindly turn; the books cost me 5s. 6d. net, but I will let the members have up to 50 copies at 5s. post paid. The book has never been sold under 10s. except to the trade. I cannot promise over 50, and only to the B.E.N.A., for some copies were sold last month at 10s.-J. WHITAKER, Rainworth Lodge, Notts.

Free Offer to Lancashire Teachers.-Mr. W. S. Hanson, Brinscall, Chorley, who is Hon. Secretary for the Chorley District, writes:"If teachers in Lancashire will communicate with me stating their requirements, and enclosing three stamps to cover postage, I shall be pleased to supply free, in season, specimens of pond life suitable for nature lessons, including newts, tadpole-newts, aquatic beetles and larvæ of ditto, boatmen boatflies, dragonfly larvæ, pond skaters, caddis larvæ, aquatic snails, shrimps, etc., etc. If desired, I can also supply, in season, the eggs of newts, as folded under the leaves of aquatic plants.

Wild Flower Seeds. The Wild Flower Seed Association, 31, Rosebery Avenue, London, E.C., is willing to offer specially favourable terms to the B.E...A. where a quantity of wild flower seeds are required. In connection with this, will members kindly see Country-Side Notes" in this issue? Mr. F. C. W. Stevenson, Walton-le-Wolds, Barrow-on-Soar, near Loughborough, will be happy to supply seeds of the MEADOW CRANE'S BILL in season to members who enclose a stamped and addressed envelope.

Mr. Fred Barraclough, 12, Alma Street, Barnsley, Yorks, will not be able to supply ROSE-BAY seeds to his numerous applicants until the autumn. The seeds are not ripe until then; and will members who desire seeds note the change of address?

COUPON.

Answers to readers cannot be guaranteed unless three of these coupons be forwarded with each query or specimen for identification. Available till July 27th, 1907.