50 Years Ago

Some species of Diptera utilize freshly dropped cattle dung (cow pats) not only as an oviposition site and larval habitat but also as a male aggression site where mating occurs. The present investigation shows that males of some of these species protect their mates, thus preventing the mating activity of the preponderant and aggressive unpaired males from interfering in oviposition. Such co-operative behaviour is most striking in the cosmopolitan yellow dung fly, Scatophaga stercoraria ... unpaired males often attack couples, attempting to copulate with preoccupied females. The paired male responds to this aggression with one or both of two distinct actions: (a) one middle leg is thrust out in the direction of the aggressor, or (b) both forelegs are extended ... throwing the aggressor off ... It seems evident, then, that the male Scatophaga performs a vital role in assuring the deposition of eggs by the female.

From Nature 3 June 1967

100 Years Ago

While we are glad to know that it has been decided to establish a National War Museum, we are not a little alarmed at the many impracticable and sometimes fatuous suggestions as to the nature of the objects which should find a place there. We do not, for example, consider that ornaments made of chewed bread, even though they were made by prisoners of war in internment camps, are worthy of a permanent place in such a collection. As well might we add a lump of mud from the wheel of a limber in Flanders! ... By all means let us have this museum, but let a little judgment be exercised in its formation.

From Nature 31 May 1917 Footnote 1