THE BIRD SANCTUARY AS A MEMORIAL.
[To THE Enrroa or Tim " Serorkroa."1
Sin,—Sunday, July 18th, is the two-hundredthanniversary of the birth of Gilbert White, of Selborne, who did more than any other of our countrymen to create an interest in birds : the moment is therefore ripe for an appeal upon their behalf, and for suggesting how a very fitting memorial to him may be established. The work which the Selborne Society has done in the Brent Valley Bird Sanctuary, in the way of preserving birds and testing nesting boxes for use elsewhere, is well known and has some considerable value. The owners of the freehold wish now to develop their estate, and if the money necessary to buy the property is not forthcoming the Sanctuary will go. Matters have been made as easy as possible for us, and we have been asked only 24,500 for twenty-two acres of building land which comes into the London postal district. May I, as Chair- man of the Bird Sanctuary Committee, invite the help more par- ticularly of those who are fond of birds and of open spaces to save the wood? Those who have been immediately interested In the work have subscribed 300 guineas to start the fund. As Gilbert White left to the English speaking races a highly prized classic, many literary as well as scientific people and Nature lovers might also like to subscribe. I should be very glad to give further information as regards the Bird Sanctuary, and about the way in which it is proposed to celebrate the Gilbert White bi-centenary.—I am, Sir, &c.,
The Hermitage, Hanwell, W. 7. WILFRED MARK Wass.
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