Nov. 11.—We live and learn....and here is an example of what an enquiring mind must endure in its search for the truth. Recently in Weihaiwei a small Heron-like bird was seen on the shore being pursued by a Hawk: the small heron took cover in the trees from which it emitted several raucous cries and finally escaped its pursuer: its appearance was striking, particularly as to its neck which was said to be "yellowish"—a colour scheme easily mistaken for grey with a greenish sheen. An American friend of mine who- witnessed the incident said the bird was a "Shike-poke," and when his audience laughed at this ridiculous name I was asked to arbitrate. Now, I know that our American cousins have given some queer names to their familiar birds, but this was
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.